Chap. 14.] HEAVENLY CONTEMPLATION. 229 goods ?' And shall not I take joyfully suc,a full reparation of all my losses ? Was it a celebrated ' daywherein the Jews rested from their enemies,' because it ' was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day?' What a day, then, will that be to my soul, whose rest and change will be inconceivably greater ! ' When the wise men saw the star' that led to Christ, ' they rejoiced with exceed- ing great joy;' but I shall shortly see him, who is himself 'the bright and morning Star.' If the disciples ' departed from the sepulchrewith great joy,' when theyhad but heard that their Lord ' was risen from the dead ;' what will be my joy, when I shall see him reigning in glory, and myself raised to a blessed communion with him ! Then shall I in- deedhave ' beauty for ashes, the oil of joy formourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; and Sion shall be made an eternal excellency, a joy of many genera- tions.' Why, then, do I not arise from the dust, and cease my complaints? Why do I not trample on vain delights, and feed on the foreseen delights of glory? Why is not my life a continual joy, and the savor of heaven perpetually upon my spirit ?" Let me here observe, that there is no necessity to exer- cise these affections, either exactly in this order, or all at one time. Sometimes one of thy affections may need more ex- citing, or may be more lively than the rest ; or, if thy time be short, one may be exercised one day, and another upon the next ; all which must be left to thy prudence to deter- mine. Thou hast also an opportunity, if inclined to make use of it, to exercise opposite and more mixed affections; such as hatred of sin, which would deprive thysoul of these immortal joys; godly fear, lest thou shouldst abuse thymer- cy ; godly shame and grief, for having abused it; unfeigned repentance ; self-indignation ; jealousy over thy heart; and pity for thosewho are in danger of losing these immortal joys. Thirdly. We are also to take notice how heavenly con- templation is promoted by soliloquy and prayer. Though consideration be the chief instrument in this work, yet, by itself, it is not so likely to affect the heart. In this respect, contemplation is like preaching, where the mere explaining of truths and duties is seldom attendedwith such success, as the lively application of them to the conscience ; and espo-
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