February 16
The Advantages of Meditation
The Christian's Daily Treasury"Meditate upon these things." — 1 Timothy 4:15.
MAN is a complication of wonders; this fact is proved in the very curious formation of the corporeal, and the mysterious constitution of the mental part of his system; and in the intimate connection that subsists between two such opposites as mind and matter. If there is much to admire in the texture and workmanship of the casket, how much more in the exquisite nature and imperishable properties of the jewel it contains! Man is a thoughtful and reflecting being; and while his sinful nature draws his contemplations down to earth, God calls on him to let his thoughts and reflections bear on the objects of an unseen world. The world sketches out to our view a pleasing landscape of all that is beautiful to the eye, charming to the senses, and gratifying to the feelings, and says, Here fix your thoughts; while religion takes us near to it, and shows us that it is not a reality, but an ignis fatuus of the mind, which eludes our grasp; and leading us to the enjoyment of solid pleasures, presents before us a fair and bright prospect of a celestial paradise, a crystallized river, and fields of living green; and says, "Meditate on these things." Meditation may be considered in
THE VARIETY OF ITS SUBJECTS. They are so rich, we can never exhaust them; and so delightful that we can never be weary of them. Let us meditate on the character and government of God, on the glories and excellences of Jesus, and on the grace of the Holy Spirit; the vastness of our privileges, the nature of our duties, and the brightness of our prospects.
THE EXTENT OF ITS ADVANTAGES. Consider it more particularly with regard to religious ordinances.
It prepares us for the observance of them. Meditation is like the gentle shower that softens the ground, and prepares it for the seed. It is the soul's retiring to dress itself to meet the king in his palace.
It helps us in the performance of them. It is the spiritual digestion of the mind. That which falls on the ear should occupy the thoughts in the sanctuary.
It refreshes us on the review of them. Thus in the sweet exercise of Christian meditation, you shall be satisfied with the goodness of God's house after you have left it.
It feasts us in the absence of them. There are seasons when we cannot visit the temple; it is well if we have a store-house within. My soul, if there be any virtue, or if there be any praise, think on these things.