The saints everlasting rest

Thus I have directed you in this work of heavenly contemplation, and led you into the path where you may walk with GOD. But because I would bring it down to the capacity of the meanest, and help their memories who are apt to let slip the former particulars, I shall he e contract the whole, and lay it before you in a narrower compass. But still I wish thee to remember, it is the practice of a duty that I am directing thee in, and therefore if thou wilt not practise it, do not read it.

The sum is this, as thou makest conscience of praying daily, so do thou of meditation; and more especially on the joys of heaven. To this end, set apart one hour or half hour every day, wherein thou mayst lay aside all worldly thoughts, and with all possible seriousness and reverence, as if thou wert to speak with GOD himself, or to have a sight of Christ, or of that blessed place; so withdraw thyself into some ⟨p. 374⟩secret place, and set thyself wholly to the following work: if thou canst, take Isaac's time and place, who went forth into the field in the evening to meditate: but if thou be a servant or poor man that cannot have that leisure, take the fittest time and place that thou canst, though it be when thou art private about thy labours.

When thou settest to the work •••ok up toward heaven, let thine eye lead thee as near as it can; remember that there is thine everlasting rest; study its excellency, study its reality, till thy unbelief be silenced, and thy faith prevail: if thy judgment be not yet drawn to admiration, use those sensible helps and advantages which were even now laid down. Compare thy heavenly joys with the choicest on earth, and so rise up from sense to faith; if this mere consideration prevail not, then plead the case with thy hearts preach upon this text of heaven to thyself; convince, inform, confute, instruct, reprove, examine, admonish, encourage, and comfort thy own soul from this celestial doctrine; draw forth those several considerations of thy rest, on which thy several affections may work, especially that affection or grace which thou intendest to act. If it be love which thou wouldst act, show it the loveliness of heaven, and how suitable it is to thy condition: if it be desire, consider thy absence from this lovely object: if it be hope, consider the possibility and probability of obtaining it: if it be courage, consider the singular assistance and encouragements which thou mayst receive from GOD, the weakness of the enemy, and the necessity of prevailing: if it be joy, consider its excellent, ravishing glory, thy interest in it, and its certainty, and the nearness of the time when thou mayest possess it. Urge these considerations home to thy heart; whet them with all possible seriousness upon each affection: if thy heart draw back, force it to the work;