XIX. One word more and I have done. Think with yourself, what a happiness it is, that you have it in your power to secure a share in the glories of heaven, and make yourself one of those blessed beings that are to live with God for ever. Reflect upon the glories of bright angels, that shine about the throne of heaven. Think upon that fulness of joy, which is the state of Christ at the right hand of God; and remember that it is this same state of glory and joy that lies open for you. You are less, it may be, in worldly distinctions than many others; but as to your relation to God, you have no superior upon earth. Let your condition be what it will, let your life be ever so mean, you may make the end of it the beginning of eternal glory. Be often therefore in these reflections, that they may fill you with a wise ambition of all that glory which God in Christ hath called you to. For it is impossible to understand and feel any thing of this, without feeling your heart affected with strong desires after it. There are many things in human life which it would be in vain for you to aspire after; but the happiness of the next, the sum of all happiness, is secure and safe to you against all accidents. Here no chances or misfortunes can prevent your success; neither can the treachery of friends, nor the malice of enemies disappoint you; it is only your own false heart that can rob you of this happiness. Be but your own true friend, and then you have nothing to fear from your enemies. Do but you sincerely labour in the Lord, and then neither heighth nor depth, neither life nor death, neither men or devils, can make your labour vain. An Extract from Mr. LAW’s SERIOUS CALL TO A HOLY LIFE. CHAP. I. _Concerning the nature and extent of Christian devotion._ 1. DEVOTION is neither _private_ nor _public_ prayer; but prayers, whether private or public, are particular parts or instances of devotion. Devotion signifies a life _devoted_ to God. He therefore is the _devout_ man, who lives no longer to his own _will_, or the _way_ and _spirit_ of the world, but to the sole will of God; who considers God in every thing, who serves God in every thing, who makes all the parts of his _common_ life, parts of piety, by doing every thing in the name of God, and under such rules as are conformable to his glory. 2. *We readily acknowledge, that God alone is to be the rule and measure of our _prayers_; that in them we are to look _wholly_ unto him, and act _wholly_ for him; that we are only to pray in _such a manner_, for _such things_, and _such ends_, as are suitable to his glory.