Contemplation.

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Bernard sweetly compares Contemplation to the eagle; for as the eagle is still fixing her eye upon the radiant beams of the beautiful sun, so Contemplation is still viewing the glorious beams of the Sun of righteousness; it is still conversant with the high and profitable things of salvation.

Or, I may compare meditation to those birds of which David speaks, which build their nests by the altar of God. Meditation is that celestial bird, that builds her nest around the throne of glory! Contemplation is that bee which flies into the sweetest gardens—and sucks honey from every flower of paradise!

By meditation I can . . .
converse with God,
solace myself on the bosom of my Beloved,
bathe myself in rivers of pleasures,
with delight tread the paths leading to my rest,
and anticipate the eternal mansions of glory!

Why do you loiter therefore, O my soul, in this valley of tears? Arise, ascend the mount—and view the land of promise! Why do you loiter in this wilderness of trouble?

Arise, O my soul, be on the wing, and take your flight to heaven! Let your thoughts be where your happiness is—and your heart where your thoughts are! "My meditation of Him shall be sweet!" Psalm 104:34