4 1, 508 AN EXAMPLE OF and quiet harbour where there are none of these storms, waves, and dangers, when I shall never more-have a weary restless night or day ? Then my life will not be such a mixture of hope and fear, of joy and sorrow ; nor shall flesh and spirit be combating within me; nor faith and unbelief, humility and pride, maintain a continual conflict. O when shall I be past these, soul- tormenting fears, and cares, and griefs ? When shall I be out of this soul-contradicting, insnaring, deceit- ful flesh ; this corruptible body, this vain vexatious world? Alas, that I must stand and see the church and cause of Christ' tossed about in contention, and made subservient to private interests, or deluded fancies! there is none of this disorder in the heavenly Jerusa- lem; there I shall find a harmonious concert of per- fected spirits, in obeying and praising their everlasting King, O how much better to be a door-keeper there, than the commander of this tumultuous world ! Why am I no more weary of this weariness? Why do I so forget my resting place? Up then, O my soul, in thy most raised and fervent desires ? Stay not till this flesh can desire with thee; expect not that sense should ap- prehend thy blessed object, and tell thee when and what to desire. Both not the dulness of thy desires after rest, accuse thee of most detestable ingratitude and folly ? Must thy Lord procure thee a rest at so dear a rate, and dost thou no more value it ? Must he go be- fore to prepare so glorious a mansion for such a wretch, and art thou loth to go and possess it ? Shall the Lord of glory be desirous of thy company, and thou not de- sirous of his.? Must earth become a very hell to thee, before thou art willing to be with God ? Behold the most lovely creature, or the most desirable state, and tell me, where wouldst thou be, if not with God ? Po- verty is a burden ; riches a snare ; sickness unpleasing; health unsafe ; the frowning world bruises thy heel ; the smiling world stings thee to the heart: so much as the world is loved and delighted in, it hurts and endangers the lover ; and if it may not be loved, why should it be desired ? If thou art applauded, it proves the most contagious breath ; if thou art vilified, or unkindly
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