PREFACE. THE book of the Revelation appears to be peculiarly adapted for Sabbath meditation. By it we are admitted into heaven itself, and may learn something of the spirit, employments, and glories of that blessed place. We are favoured therein with many glimpses of the happiness that awaits us; and, no doubt, the Holy Spirit of God will bless the humble believer when meditating on those things that are revealed, and when seeking thereby to have his faith increased and his hope strengthened. The Sabbath evening seems to be a most fit time for this sacred employment. The holy duties of the day are nearly over; and the soul, no doubt, has been holding communion with its God and Saviour; worldly cares have been, for a time, suspended, tranquillity reigns without and within, and everything invites to meditation on heaven. The following thoughts, it is hoped, may sometimes suggest to the believer a subject on which to dwell more fully in the hour of retirement. Some of these meditations have already been published, and having proved a comfort to some sick and dying persops, it has been requested that this third edition. should be enlarged, and contain meditations for every Sunday in the year. It may be a consolatory thought to the Christian, that others of his fellowpilgrims are meditating on the same passage, and enjoying on that Sabbath evening the same glimpse of their common home above. And may the Holy Spirit enable his people greatly to rejoice in the hope of "an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away." Kimberworth, Dec. 5, 1856. [1ST SUNDAY. "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein."-REV. i. 3. IT has been said that this is the only book in the Bible to the reading of which an especial blessing is promised. Let us, then, while we meditate upon it expect this special blessing from a faithful, promise-keeping God. Let us expect that these glimpses of heaven will render us more heavenly in our affections and desires-more heavenly in our lives and conversation. What is it we are about to meditate upon, and what glimpse is about to be displayed to our mind's eye? It is to read and hear of heaven that we are invited. It is to see by faith the glories of the new Jerusalem, through reading and hearing the words of this prophecy, that we are encouraged. And can we do so without deriving benefit? Surely not. The natural effect of looking at things which are unseen and eternal must be to cast a shade over things that are seen and temporal. What comparison can that which is to last but for a time have with that which is to last for ever? But, more than this, if the thing set before us is beautiful in itself, valuable to us, worthy of our choice, and to be our own, and our own for ever, must it not be most worthy of our regard and attention now; must it not lead to a depreciation of everything else in comparison with it? And this is the subject on which we are encouraged to meditate. It is a subject in which we have a deep personal interest. Inheritors of the kingdom of heaven! shall we not read with eagerness the description of our inheritance; shall we not rejoice in our privilege and prospects, and look with longing eyes and glowing hearts towards the opening light which gives us, in the blessed book of the Revelation, even a glimpse of our glorious |