Genesis 24:63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. I. THE GREATNESS OF ITS OBJECTS. 1. It unfolds the volume of nature. 2. It discloses the principles and ends of the Divine govermnent. 3. It reveals the dispensations of grace. 4. It draws aside the veil of mortality, and directs our view into a future and eternal state. II. ITS MORAL ADVANTAGES. 1. By meditation we shall acquire a competent knowledge of our own hearts. 2. It will enable us to form a just estimate of the world. 3. Meditation promotes holiness. As the architect, before he can erect an extensive edifice, must, in private, first prepare his plan; and as the philosopher, before he can enlighten the world with his discoveries by study, must first digest and arrange his system; so, before we can come forth into life as patterns of holiness, and skilful champions of the truth, we must, by meditation, have imbibed the principles of religion, and submitted our hearts to its influence. It is a practice that will produce repentance, by setting " our sins before us, our secret sins in the light of our countenance." It will humble the mind, and destroy its love to sin. It will produce fear and love towards God, and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It places the soul under the Influences of the Divine Spirit, who transforms and renews it in the image of Christ. Thus changed, we shall come from retirement, as Moses from the mount, shining with the lustre of spiritual " glory and beauty." 4. Meditation leads to a union with God. "I will dwell in them, and walk in them. I and My Father will come in to him, and abide with him." But when are these words verified? Particularly in the hour of religious retirement. 5. Meditation prepares us for heaven. (R. Watson.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming. |
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