A1sc. viii.1 A SOUL PREPARED FOR NEAVEls% 471 Of how great moment and importance is it then for each of us to examine ourselves with watchful diligence and sincerity, whether we are in any measure fitted for the blessedness above : And to this end we may run over in our enquiries all the former steps of preparation. Let us enquire of our souls then, am I so fully per- suaded of this state of future happiness, as to resolve, this shall be my aim, this-my everlasting pursuit ? Have we seen this blessedness in the various representations of it in the word of God, as the most amiable and desir- able thing, and have we set our faces to travel thither with an holy purpose and determination, through grace, never to tire or grow weary till we arrive at the enjoyment of it ? Have we fixed our hope and expectation upon the blessed promises in the word, and are we by these pro- mises endeavouring daily to cleanse ourselves from all defilements of flesh and spirit, andtto perfect holiness in the fear of God ? Do we obtain any victories over our spiritual enemies, and maintain onr pious conflicts against all the oppositions which we meet with in our way ? Do we labour to suppressevery rising ferment of envy, pride, wrath, sensuality, and those corrupt appe- tites and passions which render us unfit for that holy and heavenly world? Are our hearts daily more mortified to the things of this world, the enjoyments of flesh and sense, which are not to be found in heaven ? Are our hearts more weaned from the sensual satisfactions and intemperate delights of the animal life ? Are we dead to the temptations -of gold and silver, the grandeurs and the gaieties, and splendors of this present low Iife of flesh and blood, which are no part nor portion of the heavenly felicity ? Do we view the tempting things of this world with a holy indifference, and possess and use them with affections só calm and so cool, as becomes a rank of beings that have a nobler, a richer, and a more exalted hope? Have we found the labours and burdens, the sor- rows and afflictions of the present state, happy instru- ments to prepare us for the blessedness above, bycuring all our vain and carnal desires ? Are we in any measure imitators of those who have gone before.us through faith and patience, and are made possessors of the promised. joy ?" Hcb. vi. 12. « Are we followers of God as dear children ?".12pb. v. 1. Have we the image of our heavenly'
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