Difference between revisions of "Meditation LXVII."
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Latest revision as of 00:05, 7 January 2020
Meditation LXVII.
ON REACHING A PORT AFTER BEING LONG AT SEA.
Gibraltar Bay, Feb. 21, 1759.
Now we have reached the desired haven, when our patience was almost worn out, and we had been long contesting with by the unfavorable gale. Among the baffling winds we spent at least thrice the time that might have brought us hither; but now, when safely moored, the dark reflections fly, and the disagreeableness of our voyage decreases, through joy that we have come so safe to an anchor.
The very difficulties that overtook us on the ocean make our coming to harbor afford us greater pleasure, than if a favorable wind in a few days had wafted us hither.
Even so, when the saints of God reach the happy shore, it shall, as it were, heighten the joys of their eternal home—that they once dwelt so long in the house of mourning.
It shall soften their rest—that they once were tossed on a stormy ocean. It shall brighten the heavenly vision—that they once have seen scenes of affliction. It shall swell their happiness and delight—that their life was once full of disappointment and pain. It shall sweeten these rivers of pleasures—that they once have drank the bitter waters of Mara.
Here the troubled sailor in a storm is afraid of shipwreck every moment. But the saint may be assured, (why then, O saints! so much doubting?) that he shall safely arrive at Immanuel's coast, in spite of all the storms which attack him, and tempests which attend him along the way.
Courage, then, my soul, and weather out the squalls, and endure the bitterest blasts that can blow against you, triumphing in this one consideration—that the eternal God is engaged for your security. The storms that now beset you are but transient, and also bounded. But the rest and peace, the felicity and joys, that are reserved for you—are eternal, immense, and passing all understanding!
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