Preserving Spiritual Wakefulness (1)

To preserve the soul, especially in these drowsy times:
(1) Propose to our souls, wakeful considerations. What causes our sleep but want of matters of more serious observation? None will sleep when a thing is presented of excellency. We never fall to sleep in earthly and carnal delights, till the soul lets its hold go of the best things and ceases to think of them. Make the heart think of the shortness and vanity of this life, with the uncertainty of the time of our death; and of what wondrous consequence it is to be in the state of grace before we die. Stir up our hearts to consider the terror of the Lord; to think that before long we will all be drawn to an exact account, before a strict, precise judge. Will our eyes then be sleeping and careless? These and such considerations out of spiritual wisdom we should propose to ourselves, that so we might have waking souls, and preserve them in a right temper.
(2) Keep faith awake. Now it is the nature of faith to make things powerfully present to the soul (Heb. 11:1). Faith is an awakening grace. Keep faith awake, and it will keep all other graces awake. When a man believes that all these things will be on fire before long; that heaven and earth will fall in pieces; that we will be called to give an account; when faith apprehends, and sets this to the eye of the soul, it affects the same marvellously. Let faith set before the soul some present thoughts according to its temper. Sometimes terrible things to awaken it out of its dullness; sometimes glorious things, promises and mercies, to waken it out of its sadness. When we are in a prosperous state let faith make present all the sins and temptations that usually accompany such a state, as pride, security, self-applause, and the like. If in adversity, think also of what sins may beset us there. This will awaken up such graces in us, as are suitable to such a state, and so keep our hearts in 'exercise to godliness' (1 Tim. 47).

Devotional Readings taken from Puritan Richard Sibbes 'Refreshment for the Soul.'
The Love of Christ (Bowels Opened), pp. 85-87
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