MEDITATION (tned't-ta'shiln), is an act by which we consider anything closely, or wherein the soul is employed in the search or consideration of any truth. In religion it is used to signify the serious exercise of the understanding, whereby our thoughts are fixed on the observation of spirit ual things.
Mystic divines make a great difference be tween meditation and contemplation; the former consists in discursive acts of the soul, consider ing methodically and with attention the mysteries of faith and the precepts of morality; and is per formed by reflections and reasonings which leave behind them manifest impressions on the brain. The pure contemplative, they say, has no need of meditation, as seeing all things in God at a glance, and without any reflection.
(1) A Duty. Meditation is a duty which ought to be attended to by all who wish well to their spiritual interests. It ought to be deliberate, close, and perpetual (Ps. cxix:g7; Ps. i:2-6).
(2) Subjects Of. The subjects which ought more especially to engage the Christian mind are the works of creation (Ps.xix) ; the perfections of God (Deut.xxxii:4) ;theexcellencies,offices,char acters, and works of Christ (Heb. xii:2, 3); the offices and operations of the Holy Spirit (John xv and xvi); the various dispensations of Provi dence (Ps. xcvii :1, 2) ; the precepts, declarations,
promises, etc., of God's word (Ps. cxix) ; the value, powers, and immortality of the soul (Mark viii :36) ; the noble, beautiful, and benevolent plan of the gospel (I Tim. 1); the necessity of our personal interest in and experience of its power (John iii :3) ; the depravity of our nature, and the freedom of Divine grace in choosing, adopting, justifying, and sanctifying us (1 Cor. i) ; the shortness, worth, and swiftness of time (James iv:14); the certainty of death (Heb. ix:27); the resurrection and judgment to come (i Cor. xv: 5o), etc., and the future state of eternal rewards and punishments (Alan. xxv; Rev. xix:7-g.) (3) Should Be with Prayer. To perform this duty aright, we should be much in prayer (Luke xviii:r) ; avoid a worldly spirit (1 John ii:15) ; beware of sloth (Heb. vi :It) ; take heed of sensual pleasures (James iv:4); watch against the devices of Satan (I Pet. v:8); be often in re tirement (Ps. iv:4) ; embrace the most favorable opportunities, the calmness of the morning (Ps. v:1, 3), the solemnity of the evening (Gen. xxiv: 63), Sabbath days (Ps. cxviii :24), sacramental occasions, etc. Cor. xi:28).