MEDITATION V.
MEDITATION V.
ON ARRIVING AT A STRANGE CITY.
London.
Thousands and ten thousands are the inhabitants of this place, and yet I know none of them. How soon is man a stranger among his fellow-creatures! He may be acquainted with the people where he was born and brought up, or where he dwelt. But a few days journey convinces him, even among the multitude of men, that he is a stranger on this earth; for where he is acquainted with one, he is unacquainted with thousands. This admonishes me to account the world a foreign country, and myself as only passing through it to my native country; and therefore to fix my affections on the things that are above, where I am hastening.
My next reflection leads me to admire your omniscience with astonishment. Not a person among these many thousands but you know their business, their actions, and their way of life, yes more, their words and very thoughts. You also rule and govern them in all their various actions, numbers of whom have never known you. Nor does the conduct of your providence only extend to this circle of men—but to every individual through the extensive universe. O wisdom to be adored! O power to be depended on! And shall not I, who am but one, trust in you who orders all the world so well! Not only the peaceful village in its ordinary round of human life—but the hostile plain in all the tumult and confusion of war, confesses your scepter. Then, if all have an interest in your common providence, shall not I have an interest in your special care?
My next reflection is on the almost incredible numbers of my fellow-creatures who inhabit here; and if I throw my thought through the world, what greater numbers, what nations are held in life! what then must the general assembly at the great assize be, if, according to some, every thirty or forty years sweeps the world of all its inhabitants? By the same great God, who now governs with wisdom, shall all this mighty assembly be judged with equity, who will render to everyone according to his works. While thousands hang their head for shame, may I be among those who shall lift up their face with joy before the great congregation.