Difference between revisions of "Meditation LXIX."
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Latest revision as of 00:07, 7 January 2020
Meditation LXIX.
THE EARTH, A GLOBE.
Under sail, Mediterranean, March 13, 1759.
Wherever I sail, the earth is still beneath my feet, and the heaven is still above my head. This shows the madness of man's desire—which has no limits—though its object is everywhere limited. It is not for a kingdom exalted above the hills, that the contending nations now are at war—it is but for a 'breadth of dust'—that tribes are slaughtered, and nations are undone.
Were there nothing better than this poor earth, no wonder if we sought to extend our possession in the earth. It would be excusable for avarice to seek to possess the ends of the world, if there the 'golden mountains' arched above our heads with all their sparkling veins. But still this gold—this 'idol of mankind' lies buried in ore, and deep in the midst of the earth, that it may not affect our ambitious eye. And still the heavens bend above us, to attract the soaring principle essential to the human soul.
But as man despises what he should esteem, and doats on what he should abhor—seeking the creature more than the Creator, who is himself blessed forever, and makes all who seek him blessed; God, in a way of judgment, "has set the world in the hearts of men." Hence their whole chase, study, and endeavor, is for the world—which, though in great abundance obtained, cannot satisfy us. Yet, believing that an addition to what we already have, will afford that satisfaction which we are conscious we need, our chase is perpetuated—and we are still disappointed. But how poor a heart-full have we who embrace our sepulcher, and hug our very tomb!
For we must shortly lie buried among the earth we so much admire—and rot in the dust which we so regard. What is an empire—to an immortal soul? What is the enjoyment of the whole universe for a few years—to one whose existence must measure with endless eternity? Then, as the earth is under my feet, and the heavens above my head, wherever I wander, let my affections trample this world with just disdain. But let my soul, on the wings of holy desire, soar to the regions of eternal day!
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