MEDITATION XV.
MEDITATION XV.
BALLAST.
Spithead, May 8, 1756.
Notwithstanding all this needed apparatus, and royal provision made for the vessel designed for foreign climates, there is one thing absolutely necessary for her safety in the main ocean, among roaring winds, and that is a due weight of ballast. To see such a quantity of gravel, sand, stones, pegs of iron, etc. thrown into the ship's hold, would make an ignorant person apt to conclude, that it must sink the ship, and not conduce to her safety.
But, if the vessel were not sunk to a proper depth, she would buoy up on the surface of the water, and be overset by every gale that blows. In like manner, a pressure of affliction is absolutely necessary for the saint in his passage heavenward. If everything went prosperously on, spiritual pride might buoy up the soul, and expose her to be overset by every wind of temptation; and such winds the people of God may expect below. Indeed, there are manifold needs for humility—even in the best of Christians. Before God allows his saints to be exalted above measure, even through the manifestation of the divine favor, he will let loose the messenger of Satan to buffet them, as he dealt with Paul of old.
As the ship sails more safely thus ballasted, though it has a greater depth of water to cut through; so it is safer for the soul to be kept in a due poise of humility and lowness of mind, than to float on the surface, and catch every gale.
Again, it may be necessary sometimes to shift the ballast, to keep the ship upright in her position. Even so, according to our necessity, our afflictions may be removed from one thing, and laid upon another that is dear to us. We may suffer in our estate, or good name; trouble, disease, or death, may be laid on our children, or the wife of our bosom; and we may be afflicted in our bodies, or in our minds, as Infinite Wisdom sees fit—which should silence us under all.
Again, the food and the water are part of the ballast, and keeps us deep in the water. Just so, our best comforts, at least what we thought best, are often made bitter with some cross. Thus, have not some husbands sharp sorrow from her that lies in their bosom? Have not some parents much vexation from those whom they have swaddled, and brought up? Therefore, to expect little from the creature, and all from God, is the way never to be disappointed—but always at rest.
Finally, here is the crowning comfort, that, as the ballast is turned out, when the ship goes into dock, so, when I arrive at my much-desired haven, affliction shall no more have place in me; then shall I obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall forever flee away!