218 AUXILIARIES OF [Chap. 14. frompresent sufferings andenjoyments, from hell andheaven ! Every thing offers itself to promote our joy, and consideration is the hand to draw themall out ; itadds one reason to another, till the scales turn : this it does when persuading to joy, till it has silenced all our distrust, and sorrows, and our cause for re- joicing lies plain before us. Ifanother's reasoning is powerful with us, thoughwe are not certain whether he intends to in- formor deceive us, howmuch more should our own reasoning prevail with us, whenwe are sowell acquainted with our own intentions ! Nay, how much more should God's reasoning work upon us; which we are sure cannot deceive, or be de- ceived! Now, consideration is but the reading over, and re- peating God's reasons to ourhearts. As the prodigal had many and strong reasons to plead with himself, why he should return to his father's house, sohave we to plead with our affections, to persuade them to our Father's everlastingmansions. 4. Consideration exalts reason to its just authority. It helps to deliver it from its captivity to the senses, and sets it again on the throne of the soul. When reason is silent, it is usually subject; for when it is asleep, the senses domineer. But consideration awakens our reason, till, like Samson, it rouses up itself, and breaks the bonds of sensuality, and bears down the delusions of the flesh. What strength can the lion exert while asleep? What is a king, whendethroned, more than another man? Spiritual reason, excited bymedi- tation, and not fancy or fleshly sense, must judge of hea- venly joys. Consideration exalts the objects of faith, and comparatively disgraces the objects of sense. The most in- considerate men are most sensual. It is too easy and com- mon to sin against knowledge ; but against sober, strong, persevering consideration, men seldom offend. 5. Consideration makes reason strong and active. Be- fore, it was a standing water, but now as a stream, which violently bears down all before it. Before, it was as the stones in the brook, but now like that out of David's sling, which smites the Goliath of our unbelief in the forehead. As wicked men continue wicked, because they bring not reason into action and exercise ; so godly men are uncomfortable, because they let their reason and faith lie asleep, and do not stir them up to action by this work of meditation. What fears, sorrows, and joys will our very dreams excite! How mud.) more, then, would serious meditation affect us !
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