78. When we see God blasphemed, or the like, let us think, how would Christ stand affected if he were here ? When he was here upon earth, how
AND HOLY CONTEMPLATIONS. 193
zealous was lie against profaneness, and shall I be so cold ? When he saw the multitude wander as sheep without a shepherd, his bowels yearned ; and shall we see so many poor souls live in darkness, and our bowels not yearn ? Mat. ix. 36.
79. We must look upon Christ, not only for healing, but as a perfect pattern to imitate ; for wherefoi'e else did he live so long upon earth, but to shew us an example. And let us know that wo shall be countable* for those good examples which we have from others. There is not an example of an humble, holy, and industrious life, but shall be laid to our charge ; for God doth purposely let them shine in our eyes, that we might take example by them.
80. As the spirits in the arteries quickens the blood iu the veins, so the Spirit of God goes along with the word, and makes it work. St Paul speaks to Lydia, but the Spirit speaks to her heart. As it was with Christ himself, so it is with his members. He was conceived by the Spirit, anointed by the Spirit, sealed by the Spirit. He was led into the wilder- ness by the Spirit. He offered up himself by the Spirit, and by the Spirit he was raised from the dead. Even so the members of Christ do answer unto Christ himself. All is by the Spirit : we are conceived by the Spirit. The same Spirit that sanctified him sanctifies us ; but first we receive the Spirit by way of union, and then unction follows after. When we are knit to Christ by the Spirit, then it works the same in us as it did in him.
81. When a proud wit and supernatural trutlis meet together, such a man will have something of his own. Therefore in reading and studying of heavenly truths, especially the gospel, we must come to God for his Spirit, and not venture upon conceits of our own parts ; for God will curse such proud attempts.
82. Many men think that the knowledge of divine truths will make them divine, whereas it is the Holy Ghost only that gives a taste and relish, for without the Spirit their hearts will rise when the word comes to them in particular, and tells them you must deny yourself, and venture your life for his truth.
83. When men understand the Scriptures, and yet are proud and mali- cious, we must not take scandalf at it, for their hearts were never subdued. They understand supernatural things by human reason, and not by divine light.
84. Those that measure lands are very exact in everything, but the poor man whose it is knows the use of the ground better, and delights in it more, because it is his own. So it is with those ministers that can exactly speak of heavenly truths, yet have no share in them; but the poor soul that hears them rejoiceth, and saith, These things are mine.
85. This life is a life of faith; for God will try the truth of our faith, that the world may see that God hath such servants as will depend upon his bare word. It were nothing to be a Christian if we should see all here. But God will have his children to live by faith, and take the promises upon his word.
86. The nature of hope is to expect that which faith believes. What could the joys of heaven avail us if it were not for our hope? It is the anchor of the soul, which being cast into heaven, it stills the soul in all troubles, combustions, and confusions that we daily meet withal.
87. It is too much curiosity to search into particulars, as what shall be the glory of the soul, and what shall be the glory of the body, Kather
* That is, ' accountable.' — G-.
t That is, must not make it a ' stumbling-block.' — G. VOL. VII. N
194 DIVINE MEDITATIONS
study to make a gi'acious use of them, and in humility say, * Lord, what is sinful man, that thou shouldst so advance him?' Ps. viii. 4. The con- sideration of this should make us ahase ourselves, and in humility give thanks aforehand, as Peter did, 1 Peter i. 1. When he thought of an inheritance immortal and undefiled, and that fadeth not, he gives thanks, ' Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Nvhioh, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten us,' &c.
88. "When we see men look big and swell with the things of this life, let us in a holy kind of state think of our happiness in heaven, and carry our- selves accordingly. If we see anything in this world, let us say to our souls. This is not that I look for; or when we hear of anything that is good, let us say, I can hear this, and therefore this is not that I look for ; or when we understand anything here below, this is not the thing I look for : ' But for things that eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor that ever entered into the heart of man,' 1 Cor. ii. 9.