224 AUXILIARIES OF [Chap. 14. that hear my word, and do it, are my mother and my brethren." 3. Another affection to be exercised in heavenly contem- plation, is hope. This helps to support the soul under suf- ferings, animates it to the greatest difficulties, gives it firmness in the most shaking trials, enlivens it in duties, and is the very spring that sets all the wheels a-going. Who would believe or strive for heaven, if it were not for the hope that he hath to obtain it ? Who would pray, but for the hope to prevail with God ? If your hope dies, your duties die, your endeavors die, your joys die, and your soul dies. And if your hope be not in exercise, but asleep, it is next to dead. Therefore, Christian reader, when thou art winding up thy affections to heaven, forget not to give one lift to thy hope. Think thus, and reason thus'with thy own heart : "Why should I not confidently and comfortably hope, when my soul is in the hands of so compassionate a Savior, and when the kingdom is at the disposal of so bountiful a God? Did he ever discover the least backwardness to my good, or incli- nation to my ruin ? Hath he not sworn, that " he delights not in the death of him that dieth, but rather that he should -repu t and live Z" Have not all his dealings witnessed the same ? Did he not mind me of my danger when I never feared it, because he would have me escape it ?- Did he not mind me of my happiness when I had no thoughts of it, because he would have m' enjoy it? How often hath he drawn me to himself, and his Christ, when 1 have drawn backward ! How hath his Spirit incessantly solicited my heart ! And would he have done all this, if he had been willing that I should perish? Should I not hope, if an honest man had promised me something in his power ? And shall I not hope, when I have the covenant and oath of God? It is true, the glory is out of sight ; we have not beheld the mansions of the saints ; but is not the promise of God more certain than our sight? We must not be saved by sight, but " by hope ; and hope that is seen, is not hope ; for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for it ? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it." I have been ashamed of my hope in an arm of flesh, but hope in the promise of God " maketh not ashamed." Inmy greatest sufferings I will say, " The Lord is my por- tion ; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=