some vital truth, or for its persuasion to the formation of some holy resolution. The chief end of all such reflection, must be the bringing the soul into communion with God; but this cannot be effected by the intellect alone. Man is not united to God through the mind only, but chiefly through the heart; the " Consideration " must pass onwards into an "Affection? which forms another leading division of mental prayer; where the action of the former ends, that of the latter begins.
Let us apply these " Considerations " to one or two of the subjects which are treated of in the present Treatise.
At the first thought of Death, we are all naturally inclined to fear it, but the "Consideration" upon death (c. viii.) tends to remove this fear, since it brings death before us, Firstly, as " the end of our labours;" of that toil by which we are prepared for our eternal rest. Secondly, as the " consummation of our victory" over sin and weakness; the struggle has been a sore one; the battle has been hardly fought, but it has been won at last. Thirdly, as the "gate of life;" therefore the death of the Saints is called a birthday, a day in which they are born to that other and blessed life which can never end. These are the three " Points " in the " Consideration " upon Death which disarms it of its terrors.
