Heaven taken

We must on this day rest from all the ⟨p. 66⟩¹works of our calling. As Abraham when he went to Sacrifice, left his Servant and Ass at the bottom of the hill, Gen. 22. 5. So when we are to worship God this day, we must leave all secular business behind. And as Joseph when he would speak with his Brethren, thrust out the Egyptians: so, when we would have converse with God this day, we must thrust out all earthly employments. Though works of necessity may be done, and works of charity, (for God will have mercy, and not sacrifice); yet in other cases we must cease from all worldly negotiations. It is observable concerning Mary Magdalen, that she refused to anoint Christ's dead body on the Sabbath day, Luke 23. 56. She had before prepared her ointment, but came not to the Sepulchre till the Sabbath was past. She rested that day from civil work, though it were a commendable and glorious work (the anointing of Christ's dead body).

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When this blessed day approacheth, ¹we must lift up our hearts in thankfulness to God, that he hath put another price into our hands for the gaining of heavenly wisdom. These are our spiritual ⟨p. 67⟩harvest-days; now the wind of God's Spirit blows upon the sails of our affections, and we may be much furthered on in our heavenly voyage. Christian, lift up thy heart to God in thankfulness, that he hath given thee another golden season, and be sure thou improve it; it may be thy last. Seasons of grace are not like the Tide; if a man misseth one tide, he may have another.