II%ILIARIES OF [Chap. 14. should appoint to meet thee, at the same time and place of thy contemplations, with what dread wouldst thou be filled? Consider, then, with what a spirit thou shouldst meet the Lord, and withwhat seriousness and awe thou shouldst daily converse with him. Consider, also, the blessed issue of the work, if it succeed ; it will be thy admission into the pre- sence of God, and the beginning of thy eternal glory on earth ; a means to make thee live above the rate of other men, and fix thee in the next room to the angels themselves, that thou mayst both live and die joyfully. The prize being so great, thy preparations should be answerable. There is none on earth live such a life of joy and blessedness, as those that are acquainted with this heavenly conversation. The joys of all other men are but like a child's playthin, a fool's laughter, or a sick man's dream of health. He that trades for heaven is the only gainer, and he that neglects it is the only loser. How seriously,therefore, should this work be done ! CHAPTER XIV. 79HAT USE HEAVENLY CONTEMPLATION MARES OF CONSIDERATION, AFFECTIONS, SOLILOQUY, AND PRAYER. I. The use of consideration, and its great influence over the heart. IL Contemplation is promoted by the affections; particularly, 1. By love, $. Desire, 3. Hope, 4. Courage, or boldness, 5. Joy. III. The usefulnessof soliloquy andprayer, in heavenly contemplation. HAVING set thy heart in tune, we now come to the music Itself. Having got an appetite, now approach to the feast, and delight thy soul as with marrow and fatness. Come, for all things are now ready. Heaven and Christ, and the ex- ceeding weight of glory, are before you. Do not make light of this invitation, nor begin to make excuses; whatever thou art, rich or poor, though in alms-houses or hospitals, though in high-ways and hedges, my commission is, if possible, to compel you to come in ; and blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God ! The manna lieth about your tents ; walk out, gather it up, take it home, and feed upon it. In order to this, I am only to direct youhow to use your consideration and affections your soliloquy and prayer.
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