The saints everlasting rest

CHAP. V. A Description of heavenly Contemplation.

THE main thing intended is yet behind, and that which I aimed at when I set upon this work. All that I have said is but the preparation to this. I once more entreat thee therefore, as thou art a man that makest conscience of a revealed duty, and that darest not wilfully resist the Spirit, as thou valuest the high delights of a saint, and as thou art faithful to the peace and prosperity of thine own soul, that thou diligently study the directions following; and that thou speedily and faithfully put them in practice: I pray thee therefore, resolve before thou readest any further, and promise here as before the LORD, that if the following advice be wholesome to thy soul, thou wilt seriously set thyself to the work, and that no laziness of spirit shall take thee off, nor lesser business interrupt thy course, but that thou wilt approve thyself a doer of this word, and not an idle hearer only. Is this thy promise, and wilt thou stand to it? Resolve, man, and then I shall be encouraged to give ⟨p. 320⟩thee my advice; only try it throughly, and then judge: if in the faithful following of this course thou dost not find an increase of all thy graces, and art not made more serviceable in thy place; if thy soul enjoy not more fellowship with GOD, and thy life be not fuller of pleasure, and thou have not comfort readier by thee at a dying hour, and when thou hast greatest need; then throw these directions back in my face, and exclaim against me as a deceiver for-ever: except GOD should leave thee uncomfortable for a little season, for the more glorious manifestation of his attributes, and thy integrity; and single thee out as he did Job, for an example of constancy and patience, which would be but a preparative for thy fuller comfort. Certainly GOD will not forsake this his own ordinance, but will be found of those that thus diligently seek him. GOD hath, as it were, appointed to meet thee in this way: do not thou fail to give him the meeting, and thou shalt find by experience that he will not fail.