on heavenly things, that, after
having been necessarily employed about our worldly affairs, our thoughts
will voluntarily revert back to spiritual things, as to their proper
element. Their tendency should be upward. Speaking of the godly man,
David says, "in his law doth he meditate, _day and night_." "O how love
I thy law," says the Psalmist; "it is my meditation _all the day_." You
may, perhaps, find it profitable to select a subject every morning for
meditation during the day; and whenever your thoughts are not
necessarily occupied with your ordinary employments, turn them to that
subject. Labor after clear and practical views of the truth; and see
that your _heart_ is affected by it. One of the most difficult points of
Christian experience is, to keep the mind habitually upon heavenly
things, while engaged in worldly employments, or surrounded by objects
which affect the senses. Satan will be continually seeking to divert
your mind; but do not be discouraged by his assaults. The Bible saints
were _fervent_ in spirit, even while engaged in business; and we have
accounts of pious persons in every age, who have been like them. A
heavenly mind is worth the labor of years. Do not rest till you obtain
it. Meditation should also be mixed with the reading of God's word. It
requires the closest meditation to understand the Holy Scriptures, and
apply them to our hearts.

But, it is also necessary to set apart particular seasons of retirement
for fixed and holy meditation. This position is warranted by Scripture.
Holy men of old embraced the most favorable opportunities for this
devout exercise. Isaac went out into the field to meditate in the
stillness and solemnity of the evening. David sometimes chose the
calmness of the morning. At other times, he fixed his thoughts in holy
meditation, during the wakeful hours of the night. "I remember thee
_upon my bed_, and meditate on thee in the night-watches." "Mine eyes
prevent the _night-watches_, that I might meditate in thy word." But,
lest the adversary should get the advantage of you, fix upon _regular
seasons_ for this sacred employment. Select some subject, and think upon
it deeply, systematically, practically, and devoutly. System is a great
assistance in everything. We can never obtain clear views of any complex
object, without separately viewing the various parts of which it is
composed. We cannot see the beautiful mechanism of a watch, nor
understand the principles which