"And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at eventide." GENESIS XXIv. 68. London: J. NISBET & Co., 21, BERNERS STREET, W. 1860. 138. L. 289. ADVERTISEMENT. TO THE READER. IT may be thought perhaps, by some persons, that there is an abundance of practical, and too little of doctrinal statement in these pages; but if so, the Author can only reply, that her personal teaching through a long and deep experience in the ways of God, has been so continuously of a spiritual and practical kind, that she could only follow it as her guide in attempting to influence other minds. If she ventures to add, that she believes there is too much attention in the present day given to doctrine, and too little to practice in the religious world, she cannot but think she will be well understood, and sympathized with, by many of its members. I. My meditation of him shall be sweet; I will be glad in the Lord. Psalm civ. 34. There is an outward world of bustle and activity where things lie upon the surface to be judged of by the senses; and there is an inner world where things are shrouded in silence and invisibility, to be considered by the spirit. We belong to both worlds; but our real being is lived out in the secret and silent one. There, like the trees and plants, our root is fixed; and from it, we, like them develope fruits, flowers, or profitless weeds. "If the root be holy so are the branches." But care must be taken to water this root, or it will produce only the sour, crude vintage of wild grapes. Reading and prayer are right means of culture; but meditation must be united to them, or they will be nearly useless. Any time that affords due leisure and tranquillity for such an exercise may be chosen ; but it seems to be especially desirable at the close of day. With serene hope of good, let us then draw near in these pages to the Father of Spirits, and may He meet us with His blessing, and rendering our meditations of Him sweet, cause us to be glad in the Lord! B |