32 - /
It tells him, that although this world can do no more for him, than satisfy these wants of the body, yet that there is a much greater good prepared for man, than eating, drinking, and dressing; that it is yet invisible to his eyes, being too glorious for the apprehension of flesh and blood; but reserved for him to enter upon, as soon as this short life is over; where, in a new body, formed to an angelic likeness, he shall dwell in the light and glory of God to all eternity.
33 - /
This is the state of all creatures, whether men, or angels; as a Devout and Holy Life. they make not themselves, so they enjoy nothing from themselves, if they are great, it must be only as great receivers of the gifts of God; their power can only be so much of the divine power acting in them; their wisdom can be only so much of the divine Wisdom shining within them; and their light and glory, only so much of the light and glory of God shining upon them.
35 - /
It is for fear of losing some of this happiness, that she dares not meditate on the immortality of her soul, consider her relation to God, or turn her thoughts towards those joys, which make Saints and Angels infinitely happy in the presence and glory of God.
36 - /
To meditate upon the perfection of the divine attributes, to contemplate the glories of Heaven, to consider the joys of Saints and Angels, living for ever in the brightness and glory of the divine presence; these are the meditations of souls advanced in piety, and not so suited to every capacity.
37 - /
Let us but intend to see and hear, and then the whole world becomes a book of wisdom and instruction to us all; all that isregular in the order of nature, all that is accidental in the course of things, all the mistakes and disappointments that happen to ourselves, all the miseries and errors that we see in other people; become so many plain lessons of advice to us; teaching us with as much assurance as an Angel from Heaven, that we can no ways raise ourselves to any true happiness, but by turning all our thoughts, our wishes, and endeavours, after the happiness of another life.
38 - /
For if the temper and state of our souls be our whole state; if the only end of life be to die as free from sin, and as exalted invirtue as we can; if naked as we came, so naked are we to return, and to stand a trial before Christ, and his holy angels, for everlasting happiness or misery; what can it possibly signify what a man had, or had not, in this world? What can it signify what you call those things which a man has left behind him; whether you call them his or anyone’s else; whether you call themtrees, or fields, or birds and feathers; whether you call them an hundred thousand pounds, or an hundred thousand pair of boots and spurs? I say, call them; for the things signify no more to him than the names.
40 - /
Begin therefore in words like these: ‘O Being of all beings, Fountain of all light and glory, gracious Father of men and angels, whose universal Spirit is everywhere present, giving life, and light, and joy, to all angels in heaven, and all creatures upon earth,’ &c.
43 - /
Shall a creature in such a condition, that he could not support himself under the shame of being known to the world in his real state; shall such a creature, because his shame is only known to God, to holy Angels, and his own conscience; shall he, in the A Serious Call to sight of God and holy angels, dare to be vain and proud of himself?
45 - /
Thus do the impressions which we have received from living in the world enslave our minds, that we dare not attempt to beeminent in the sight of God, and holy Angels, for fear of being little in the eyes of the world.