CHAPTER XVI. EIGHTH MEDITATION.

On Paradise.

Preparation.

1. PLACE yourself in the Presence of God.2. Invoke His Aid.

Considerations.

1. Represent to yourself a lovely calm night, when the heavens are
bright with innumerable stars: add to the beauty of such a night the
utmost beauty of a glorious summer’s day,–the sun’s brightness not
hindering the clear shining of moon or stars, and then be sure that it
all falls immeasurably short of the glory of Paradise. O bright and
blessed country, O sweet and precious place!

2. Consider the beauty and perfection of the countless inhabitants of
that blessed country;–the millions and millions of angels, Cherubim
and Seraphim; the glorious company of Apostles, martyrs, confessors,
virgins, and saints. O blessed company, any one single member of which
surpasses all the glory of this world, what will it be to behold them
all, to sing with them the sweet Song of the Lamb? They rejoice with a
perpetual joy, they share a bliss unspeakable, and unchangeable
delights.

3. Consider how they enjoy the Presence of God, Who fills them with the
richness of His Vision, which is a perfect ocean of delight; the joy of
being for ever united to their Head. They are like happy birds,
hovering and singing for ever within the atmosphere of divinity, which
fills them with inconceivable pleasures. There each one vies without
jealousy in singing the praises of the Creator. “Blessed art Thou for
ever, O Dear and Precious Lord and Redeemer, Who dost so freely give us
of Thine Own Glory,” they cry; and He in His turn pours out His
ceaseless Blessing on His Saints. “Blessed are ye,–Mine own for ever,
who have served Me faithfully, and with a good courage.”

Affections and Resolutions.

1. Admire and rejoice in the Heavenly Country; the glorious and blessed
New Jerusalem.

2. Reprove the coldness of your own heart for having hitherto so little
sought after that glorious abode. Why have I so long lingered
indifferent to the eternal happiness set before me? Woe is me that, for
the sake of poor savourless earthly things, I have so often forgotten
those heavenly delights. How could I neglect such real treasures for
mere vain and contemptible earthly matters?

3. Aspire earnestly after that blessed abode. Forasmuch, O Dear Lord,
as Thou hast been pleased to turn my feet into Thy ways, never will I
again look back. Go forth, my soul, towards thy promised rest, journey
unweariedly to that hoped-for land; wherefore shouldest thou tarry in
Egypt?

4. Resolve to give up such and such things, which hinder you on the
way, and to do such others as will help you thitherwards.

Give thanks, offer, pray.
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