The Nature of heavenly Contemplation; with the Time, Place, and Temper fittest for it.
§ 1. The duty of heavenly contemplation is recommended to the reader; § 2. And defined § 3-6. (I.) The definition is illustrated: § 7. (II.) The time fittest for it is represented, as, § 8. (1.) Stated; § 9-12. (2.) Frequent; § 13. and (3.) Seasonable, every day, and particularly every Lord's day; § 14-17. But more especially, when our hearts are warmed with a sense of Divine things; or when we are afflicted or tempted; or when we are near death: § 18. (III.) The fittest place for it, is the most retired; § 19. (IV.) And the fittest temper for it, is, § 20. (1.) When our minds are most clear of the world; § 21. (2.) And most solemn and serious.
§ 1. Once more I entreat thee, reader, as thou makest conscience of a revealed duty, and darest not wilfully resist the Spirit; as thou valuest the high delights of a saint, and the soul-ravishing exercise of heavenly contemplation; that thou diligently study, and speedily and faithfully practise, the following directions. If, by this means, thou dost not find an increase of all thy graces, and dost not grow beyond the stature of common Christians, and art not made more serviceable in thy place, and more precious in the eyes of all discerning persons, if thy soul enjoy not more communion with God, and thy life be not fuller of comfort, and hast it not readier by thee at a dying hour; then cast away these directions, and exclaim against me for ever as a deceiver.
§ 2. The duty which I press upon thee so earnestly, and in the practice of which I am now to direct thee, is, "The set and solemn acting of all the powers of thy soul in meditation upon thy everlasting rest." More fully to explain the nature of this duty, I will here—illustrate a little the description itself,—then point out the fittest time,—place,—and temper of mind for it.
§ 3. (I.) It is not improper to illustrate a little the manner in which we have described this duty of meditation, or the considering and contemplating of spiritual things. It is confessed to be a duty by all, but practically denied by most. Many that make conscience of other duties, easily neglect this; they are troubled if they omit a sermon, a fast, or a prayer in public or private; yet were never troubled that they have omitted meditation perhaps all their lifetime to this very day; though it be that duty, by which all other duties are improved, and by which the soul digesteth truths for its nourishment and comfort. It was God's command to Joshua, _This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein_.[348] As digestion turns food into chyle and blood, for vigorous health; so meditation turns the truths received and remembered into warm affection, firm resolution, and holy conversation.
[Footnote 348] Joshua i, 8.