he_o live_v to_o rest_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n in_o who_o bosom_n he_o have_v often_o be_v by_o holy_a meditation_n when_o he_o be_v alive_a 3._o you_o must_v be_v often_o and_o frequent_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n by_o often_o use_v it_o to_o make_v it_o more_o easy_a there_o be_v great_a complaint_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o have_v be_v often_o say_v to_o i_o sir_n there_o be_v no_o duty_n in_o the_o world_n so_o hard_o as_o divine_a meditation_n and_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o keep_v the_o heart_n close_o in_o meditation_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v accustom_v yourselves_o to_o this_o duty_n and_o use_n will_v make_v perfectness_n usus_fw-la promptos_fw-la facit_fw-la by_o often_o do_v it_o at_o last_o through_o grace_n it_o will_v become_v easy_a when_o a_o young_a youth_n be_v bind_v apprentice_n to_o a_o manual_a trade_n at_o first_o it_o seem_v very_o hard_a to_o learn_v his_o 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this_o slight_a way_n of_o meditation_n joh._n 6._o you_o shall_v read_v of_o certain_a man_n that_o when_o christ_n be_v preach_v have_v a_o very_a good_a ejaculation_n ver_fw-la 34._o lord_n say_v they_o evermore_o give_v we_o of_o this_o bread_n it_o be_v a_o sweet_a meditation_n but_o it_o be_v but_o a_o short_a a_o slight_a and_o formal_a one_o for_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n these_o man_n forsake_v christ_n it_o be_v not_o a_o solemn_a and_o serious_a meditation_n joh._n 18._o 38._o you_o read_v of_o pilate_n pilate_n say_v unto_o he_o what_o be_v truth_n here_o be_v a_o good_a question_n that_o arise_v from_o some_o inward_a thought_n that_o he_o have_v and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o go_v out_o again_o he_o never_o think_v of_o it_o more_o he_o never_o tarry_v to_o hear_v a_o answer_n but_o now_o our_o care_n must_v be_v to_o be_v very_o solemn_a and_o serious_a in_o this_o work_n of_o divine_a meditation_n let_v i_o give_v you_o a_o example_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a a_o heathen_a man_n be_v offer_v sacrifice_n to_o his_o god_n the_o priest_n that_o hold_v the_o censor_n the_o chafing-dish_n wherein_o the_o incense_n be_v there_o be_v a_o spark_n of_o fire_n fall_v upon_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o be_v so_o intent_n and_o unwilling_a to_o hinder_v the_o sacrifice_n that_o he_o suffer_v his_o hand_n rather_o to_o be_v burn_v than_o he_o will_v intermit_v the_o sacrifice_n this_o show_v how_o devout_a and_o intent_n this_o priest_n be_v even_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o heathenish_a god_n and_o chrysostome_n tell_v a_o story_n of_o a_o lady_n that_o be_v to_o make_v a_o precious_a ointment_n she_o call_v in_o all_o her_o handmaid_n to_o help_v she_o so_o say_v he_o when_o we_o converse_v with_o god_n in_o any_o holy_a duty_n we_o must_v call_v in_o all_o our_o handmaid_n all_o our_o affection_n when_o we_o be_v make_v any_o holy_a ointment_n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o when_o you_o be_v converse_v with_o god_n by_o 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not_o tarry_v there_o but_o 2._o it_o must_v get_v into_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o for_o the_o understanding_n must_v be_v as_o a_o divine_a pair_n of_o bellows_o to_o kindle_v a_o divine_a fire_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o inflame_v and_o raise_v they_o up_o as_o david_n say_v psal._n 39_o while_o i_o be_v muse_v the_o fire_n burn_v we_o must_v so_o muse_v upon_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o our_o affection_n may_v as_o it_o be_v burn_v within_o we_o as_o the_o disciple_n heart_n burn_v within_o they_o while_o christ_n be_v speak_v 3._o it_o must_v get_v into_o the_o door_n of_o the_o conversation_n that_o be_v we_o must_v so_o meditate_v of_o christ_n as_o to_o live_v according_a to_o
god_n and_o christ_n and_o heaven_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o a_o good_a stock_n of_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o promise_n can_v never_o continue_v long_o to_o meditate_v upon_o christ_n or_o the_o promise_n if_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v a_o good_a practitioner_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n you_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v instruct_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o phrase_n be_v mat._n 13._o 42._o every_o scribe_n which_o be_v instruct_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n which_o be_v a_o householder_n that_o bring_v out_o of_o his_o treasure_n thing_n old_a and_o new_a you_o must_v be_v acquaint_v with_o thing_n both_o new_a and_o old_a and_o instruct_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o you_o must_v be_v man_n in_o understanding_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 20._o brethren_n be_v not_o child_n in_o understanding_n howbeit_o in_o malice_n be_v you_o child_n but_o in_o understanding_n be_v man_n a_o babe_n in_o understanding_n can_v be_v long_o in_o meditation_n but_o you_o must_v be_v babe_n in_o malice_n but_o in_o understand_a man_n of_o ripe_a age_n you_o have_v need_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o knowledge_n that_o will_v be_v practitioner_n to_o purpose_n of_o this_o excellent_a duty_n of_o divine_a meditatiou_n you_o must_v grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n 5._o if_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v a_o good_a practitioner_n in_o the_o school_n of_o divine_a meditation_n you_o must_v labour_v to_o get_v a_o serious_a spirit_n for_o a_o slight-headed_n christian_n can_v never_o be_v a_o good_a meditate_v christian_a a_o slight-headed_n and_o a_o slight-hearted_n christian_n that_o can_v dwell_v upon_o thing_n but_o rove_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o can_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a pardon_v my_o word_n i_o speak_v they_o upon_o much_o deliberation_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o serious_a matter_n it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o it_o require_v a_o serious_a christian_a and_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v practice_v this_o duty_n that_o i_o be_o preach_v of_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v go_v up_o to_o the_o mount_n of_o meditation_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n there_o you_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n as_o those_o be_v luk._n 1._o 66._o and_o all_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o lay_v it_o up_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o do_v not_o slight_a what_o they_o hear_v but_o lay_v it_o up_o in_o their_o heart_n luk._n 2._o 19_o but_o mary_n keep_v all_o these_o say_n and_o ponder_v they_o in_o her_o heart_n luk._n 2._o 51._o but_o his_o mother_n keep_v all_o these_o say_n in_o her_o heart_n a_o good_a christian_n be_v a_o ponder_a a_o serious_a christian._n there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a frame_n of_o spirit_n that_o can_v stand_v with_o true_a christianity_n nor_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o i_o be_o preach_v of_o and_o the_o lord_n help_v you_o 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man_n to_o be_v serious_a in_o trifle_n and_o to_o trifle_v in_o serious_a thing_n i_o can_v tell_v which_o be_v the_o worst_a though_o i_o think_v rather_o the_o second_o be_v the_o worst_a that_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o sabbath_n and_o sacrament_n and_o minister_n and_o ministry_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n as_o trifle_n such_o a_o one_o be_v gallio_n when_o he_o see_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o religion_n he_o care_v for_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o trifle_n a_o trifle_a frame_n of_o spirit_n can_v consist_v with_o true_a christianity_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o watery_a frame_n of_o spirit_n there_o be_v some_o man_n tell_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o they_o will_v yield_v to_o you_o and_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o promise_v amendment_n and_o there_o be_v many_o while_o they_o be_v at_o a_o sermon_n the_o sermon_n take_v impression_n upon_o they_o but_o they_o be_v of_o a_o watery_a spirit_n nothing_o will_v abide_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o man_n that_o fling_v a_o stone_n into_o the_o water_n it_o will_v make_v one_o circle_n and_o another_o circle_n and_o another_o circle_n a_o great_a many_o circle_n but_o there_o be_v no_o abide_n of_o they_o they_o be_v quick_o go_v so_o there_o be_v some_o man_n their_o heart_n will_v melt_v at_o a_o sermon_n or_o a_o sacrament_n but_o they_o be_v of_o a_o watery_a spirit_n nothing_o will_v abide_v upon_o they_o take_v a_o stone_n and_o fling_v it_o at_o a_o featherbed_n the_o stone_n will_v make_v a_o great_a dint_n in_o it_o but_o this_o dint_n will_v not_o abide_v though_o the_o featherbed_n yield_v to_o the_o stone_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o remain_v of_o the_o impression_n so_o many_o a_o man_n be_v of_o a_o yield_a spirit_n that_o nothing_o will_v fix_v 4._o a_o rash_a inconsiderate_a frame_n of_o spirit_n can_v stand_v with_o true_a christianity_n when_o a_o man_n rush_v upon_o good_a duty_n and_o upon_o office_n church-office_n and_o state-office_n without_o any_o deliberation_n meditation_n or_o preparation_n when_o a_o man_n pray_v rash_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n rash_o heady_o hand_n over_o head_n as_o we_o say_v this_o man_n be_v a_o spiritual_a fool_n and_o all_o his_o holy_a duty_n be_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n eccles._n 5._o 1._o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil_a be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n a_o rash_a spirit_a man_n that_o pray_v heady_o and_o come_v to_o holy_a duty_n heady_o and_o inconsiderate_o this_o man_n catch_v many_o a_o fall_n as_o a_o man_n that_o run_v hasty_o will_v quick_o stumble_v so_o a_o man_n that_o be_v spiritual_o rash_a will_v run_v into_o many_o spiritual_a evil_n as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v rash_a in_o his_o call_n will_v quick_o outrun_v himself_o so_o he_o that_o be_v rash_a in_o holy_a duty_n will_v quick_o run_v into_o a_o thousand_o mischief_n as_o peter_n be_v so_o rash_a when_o he_o say_v to_o christ_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i._o he_o be_v over_o rash_a but_o it_o cost_v he_o dear_a so_o it_o be_v a_o rash_a act_n of_o david_n when_o he_o go_v to_o kill_v nabal_n and_o if_o abigail_n have_v not_o hinder_v he_o he_o have_v murder_v he_o and_o when_o he_o give_v the_o land_n to_o mephibosheth_n servant_n it_o be_v a_o rash_a act_n consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o these_o four_o particular_n these_o frame_n of_o spirit_n will_v never_o make_v you_o good_a christian_n never_o fit_v you_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o rare_a duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n but_o you_o must_v pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v you_o a_o solemn_a and_o serious_a spirit_n if_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v right_o qualify_v to_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mount_n of_o divine_a meditation_n the_o six_o rule_n be_v this_o labour_v for_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o reason_n why_o people_n find_v it_o so_o difficult_a to_o meditate_v upon_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v for_o want_v of_o love_n to_o they_o for_o if_o you_o do_v love_n christ_n i_o need_v not_o persuade_v you_o to_o meditate_v of_o god_n i_o need_v not_o persuade_v a_o covetous_a man_n to_o meditate_v of_o his_o money_n a_o man_n that_o love_v the_o world_n you_o need_v not_o persuade_v he_o to_o meditate_v of_o the_o world_n or_o a_o man_n that_o be_v voluptuous_a to_o meditate_v upon_o his_o pleasure_n his_o love_n to_o his_o pleasure_n will_v force_v he_o to_o think_v of_o they_o
be_v so_o excellent_a difficilia_fw-la quae_fw-la pulchra_fw-la the_o more_o excellent_a any_o duty_n be_v the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v and_o another_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a be_v because_o it_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o corrupt_v nature_n now_o the_o more_o contrary_a any_o duty_n be_v to_o corrupt_v nature_n the_o more_o excellent_a it_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o duty_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o discourage_v we_o as_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o duty_n shall_v quicken_v we_o now_o that_o i_o may_v help_v you_o against_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o three_o sort_n of_o rule_n 1._o rule_n for_o the_o right_a qualify_a of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o meditate_v 2._o rule_n for_o the_o right_n order_v the_o subject_n upon_o which_o he_o be_v to_o meditate_v 3._o rule_n for_o the_o right_a meditation_n upon_o these_o subject_n i._o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o right_a qualify_a and_o order_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o practice_v this_o divine_a duty_n of_o meditation_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o in_o these_o rule_n 1._o convince_v thy_o soul_n of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o divine_a meditation_n i_o have_v show_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n express_o command_v by_o god_n a_o duty_n require_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n of_o king_n of_o general_n of_o army_n of_o young_a gentleman_n of_o woman_n of_o minister_n david_n joshua_n young_a isaac_n in_o my_o text_n practise_v this_o duty_n and_o many_o woman_n and_o many_o holy_a man_n let_v i_o add_v that_o this_o very_a duty_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o christianity_n you_o be_v but_o carcase_n of_o christian_n if_o you_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o it_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o live_v without_o a_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_n without_o divine_a meditation_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v nourish_v by_o meat_n if_o he_o want_v digestion_n and_o concoction_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v nourish_v in_o grace_n if_o he_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n for_o divine_a meditation_n be_v the_o spiritual_a concoction_n and_o digestion_n of_o all_o holy_a thing_n and_o all_o holy_a duty_n as_o a_o man_n without_o concoction_n i_o mean_v without_o a_o faculty_n of_o digestion_n and_o concoction_n so_o be_v a_o christian_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a meditation_n 2._o convince_v your_o soul_n and_o the_o lord_n convince_v you_o of_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n that_o be_v obtain_v by_o a_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o divine_a meditation_n as_o i_o have_v show_v divine_a meditation_n be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o the_o beget_n grace_n and_o increase_a grace_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o the_o beget_n repentance_n as_o david_n say_v psal._n 119._o 59_o i_o consider_v my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n it_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n that_o make_v david_n turn_v his_o foot_n to_o god_n testimony_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o peter_n mark_v 14._o 72._o when_o he_o think_v thereon_o he_o weep_v what_o make_v peter_n repent_v the_o meditation_n of_o the_o unkindness_n of_o the_o sin_n he_o commit_v against_o christ._n and_o what_o make_v the_o prodigal_a child_n come_v home_o to_o his_o father_n luk._n 15._o 17._o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o he_o consider_v and_o say_v how_o many_o hire_a servant_n of_o my_o father_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v and_o i_o perish_v with_o hunger_n it_o be_v consideration_n that_o make_v the_o prodigal_a child_n come_v home_o to_o his_o father_n he_o consider_v how_o much_o bread_n there_o be_v in_o his_o father_n house_n and_o he_o ready_a to_o starve_v 2._o divine_a meditation_n be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o to_o a_o inconsiderate_a christian_a god_n be_v as_o a_o picture_n with_o a_o curtain_n draw_v over_o it_o but_o consideration_n take_v away_o the_o curtain_n unveil_v god_n to_o a_o man_n and_o show_v he_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n that_o be_v in_o god_n and_o it_o be_v like_o a_o fiery_a furnace_n to_o kindle_v a_o divine_a fire_n of_o love_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o christian._n 3._o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o beget_v in_o we_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n oh_o do_v you_o meditate_v much_o of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o forgiveness_n that_o be_v in_o god_n oh_o you_o will_v fear_v god_n for_o his_o goodness_n and_o for_o his_o greatness_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o love_v god_n no_o more_o be_v because_o we_o think_v of_o god_n no_o more_o study_n god_n no_o more_o 4._o it_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n jesus_n to_o a_o unmeditate_v christian_n be_v like_o a_o book_n that_o be_v seal_v like_o a_o treasure_n that_o be_v lock_v up_o but_o meditation_n open_v this_o book_n unlock_v this_o treasure_n and_o that_o man_n that_o solemn_o meditate_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n can_v but_o love_v christ._n 5._o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o world_n be_v like_o gild_a copper_n there_o be_v a_o glitter_a excellency_n in_o it_o but_o meditation_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n will_v wash_v off_o all_o the_o gilt_n the_o whorish_a paint_n the_o glitter_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n a_o man_n that_o look_v upon_o the_o world_n a_o far_o off_o see_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o excellency_n but_o when_o you_o come_v to_o meditate_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o worldly_a thing_n meditation_n will_v make_v you_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o all_o worldly_a thing_n 3._o consider_v the_o unconceivable_a and_o unexpressible_a mischief_n that_o come_v upon_o a_o christian_n for_o want_v of_o divine_a meditation_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o man_n go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o meditation_n jer._n 8._o 6._o no_o man_n repent_v because_o no_o man_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v no_o more_o impression_n upon_o your_o heart_n and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o good_a do_v by_o preach_v it_o be_v because_o you_o do_v not_o meditate_v upon_o what_o you_o hear_v as_o a_o plaster_n that_o be_v put_v to_o a_o wound_n if_o it_o be_v pluck_v off_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v put_v on_o it_o will_v never_o do_v you_o good_a so_o if_o a_o sermon_n be_v forget_v as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o will_v never_o profit_v you_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v no_o more_o good_a that_o man_n be_v no_o more_o thankful_a for_o mercy_n and_o no_o more_o fruitful_a under_o mercy_n because_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v their_o mercy_n come_v from_o god_n hos._n 2._o 8._o she_o do_v not_o know_v that_o be_v she_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o i_o give_v her_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o multiply_v her_o silver_n and_o gold_n which_o they_o prepare_v for_o baal_n they_o will_v not_o have_v prepare_v their_o silver_n and_o gold_n for_o baal_n have_v they_o consider_v that_o god_n give_v it_o but_o they_o will_v have_v serve_v god_n with_o it_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o you_o be_v so_o proud_a of_o your_o mercy_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n with_o your_o mercy_n because_o you_o do_v not_o meditate_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v you_o all_o the_o mercy_n you_o have_v and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n man_n get_v no_o more_o good_a by_o affliction_n because_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v why_o god_n afflict_v they_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o god_n rod_n and_o how_o they_o may_v get_v their_o affliction_n sanctify_v the_o want_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a meditation_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o punishment_n as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o sin_n jer._n 12._o 11._o all_o the_o whole_a land_n be_v make_v desolute_a because_o no_o man_n lay_v it_o to_o heart_n 4._o if_o you_o will_v be_v right_o qualify_v for_o divine_a meditation_n labour_v to_o get_v a_o sufficient_a furniture_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o difficult_a and_o why_o man_n can_v continue_v long_o at_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a matter_n to_o meditate_v upon_o for_o as_o i_o show_v you_o meditation_n be_v a_o dwell_n a_o muse_n a_o abide_n upon_o the_o thing_n we_o know_v of_o god_n or_o christ_n or_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v a_o unlock_v of_o the_o treasure_n of_o knowledge_n concern_v
the_o art_n of_o divine_a meditation_n or_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n necessity_n and_o excellency_n thereof_o with_o motive_n to_o and_o rule_n for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o that_o most_o important_a christian_a duty_n in_o several_a sermon_n on_o gen._n 24._o 63._o and_o isaac_n go_v out_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o field_n at_o the_o eventide_n by_o edmund_n calamy_n b._n d._n late_a minister_n of_o aldermanburic_n london_n london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n near_o mercer_n chapel_n and_o by_o i_o collier_n at_o the_o bible_n on_o londonbridg_n under_o the_o gate_n 1680._o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n if_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n plutarch_n can_v say_v meditation_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o recovery_n of_o decay_a knowledge_n because_o as_o forgetfulness_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o egress_n of_o knowledge_n meditation_n do_v restore_v a_o new_a memory_n instead_o of_o that_o which_o pass_v away_o and_o so_o preserve_v knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o in_o that_o notwithstanding_o mutation_n it_o leave_v something_o new_a and_o like_o itself_o resemble_v that_o which_o be_v divine_a how_o may_v a_o christian_a endow_v with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n say_v with_o the_o psalmist_n in_o the_o revival_n of_o it_o psal._n 104._o 34._o my_o meditation_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v sweet_a when_o he_o be_v alone_o and_o have_v no_o other_o companion_n to_o refresh_v himself_o with_o than_o he_o may_v as_o bishop_n hall_n who_o pen_v a_o part_n of_o his_o meditation_n under_o the_o solitary_a hill_n of_o ardenna_n from_o a_o renew_a mind_n send_v forth_o his_o active_a thought_n those_o immediate_a ray_n of_o that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n within_o he_o to_o contemplate_v upon_o his_o maker_n saviour_n and_o sanctifier_n and_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o who_o be_v to_o survive_v the_o visible_a creation_n and_o so_o raise_v himself_o into_o a_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n relish_v such_o sweetness_n as_o the_o carnal_a mind_n and_o sensual_a heart_n immerse_v in_o dreggy_a matter_n and_o be-dulled_a therewith_o be_v never_o so_o happy_a as_o to_o attain_v the_o author_n of_o this_o little_a treatise_n who_o great_a and_o pious_a soul_n be_v notable_o heavenlize_v by_o the_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o holy_a meditation_n the_o very_a same_o who_o pen_v the_o godly_a man_n ark_n which_o have_v be_v often_o print_v for_o the_o support_n of_o droop_a christian_n among_o other_o excellent_a discourse_n upon_o various_a subject_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o ministry_n with_o great_a success_n do_v from_o his_o own_o experience_n recommend_v this_o of_o meditation_n whether_o ejaculatory_a and_o occasional_a or_o solemn_a and_o deliberate_a i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o many_o other_o eminent_a divine_n person_n of_o great_a worth_n and_o honour_n have_v already_o notable_o display_v the_o excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o this_o way_n of_o think_v yet_o perhaps_o this_o grave_n and_o famous_a preacher_n in_o his_o day_n have_v in_o a_o more_o easy_a method_n and_o plain_a way_n by_o his_o familiar_a expression_n and_o resemblance_n suit_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n here_o help_v the_o real_a christian_a who_o will_v most_o delight_v in_o the_o duty_n to_o put_v meditation_n in_o practice_n than_o any_o who_o have_v go_v before_o he_o no_o doubt_n have_v this_o excellent_a person_n himself_o publish_v this_o discourse_n here_o present_v to_o your_o view_n you_o will_v have_v have_v it_o every_o way_n more_o accurate_a by_o the_o lop_n off_o some_o superfluity_n and_o amend_v of_o phrase_n etc._n etc._n more_o proper_a for_o a_o writer_n than_o these_o of_o a_o preacher_n to_o a_o popular_a auditory_a yet_o such_o as_o it_o be_v consider_v the_o author_n in_o the_o pulpit_n you_o will_v find_v when_o you_o have_v read_v it_o through_o it_o do_v full_o as_o much_o resemble_v mr._n calamy_n in_o his_o preach_n at_o aldermanburic_n to_o your_o mind_n as_o the_o engraver_n on_o the_o frontispiece_n have_v represent_v his_o face_n to_o your_o eye_n i_o dare_v say_v any_o of_o you_o who_o be_v his_o auditor_n will_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v though_o this_o piece_n be_v posthumou_n yet_o it_o be_v genuine_a and_o see_v there_o be_v joy_n in_o heaven_n over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v more_o than_o over_o ninety_o nine_o just_a person_n which_o need_v no_o repentance_n luk._n 15._o 7._o if_o these_o practical_a sermon_n take_v by_o the_o swift_a pen_n of_o a_o ready_a writer_n have_v such_o a_o influence_n upon_o any_o as_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o frequent_a and_o beneficial_a practice_n of_o meditation_n which_o the_o preacher_n of_o they_o hold_v necessary_a none_n who_o prefer_v thing_n before_o word_n and_o esteem_v real_a knowledge_n above_o elegancy_n of_o speech_n as_o the_o general_a good_a of_o mankind_n beyond_o that_o of_o any_o particular_a country_n can_v just_o think_v the_o author_n wrong_v but_o rather_o that_o with_o dr._n preston_n mr._n fenner_n mr._n hooker_n etc._n etc._n some_o of_o who_o work_n popular_o deliver_v with_o plainness_n suit_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o their_o hearer_n and_o take_v but_o rude_o from_o their_o mouth_n do_v more_o benefit_n reader_n of_o mean_a ability_n than_o those_o which_o while_o alive_a they_o themselves_o publish_v with_o great_a exactness_n he_o be_v renown_v when_o he_o have_v by_o this_o more_o diffusive_a good-work_n be_v any_o way_n instrumental_a to_o have_v god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n where_o he_o now_o reside_v more_o delightful_o think_v upon_o as_o judicious_a calvin_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o king_n of_o swetheland_n prefix_v to_o his_o commentary_n on_o the_o minor_a prophet_n say_v he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o morose_v a_o censor_n of_o manner_n as_o to_o obstruct_v the_o publish_n of_o that_o commentary_n deliver_v in_o a_o extemporal_a kind_n of_o speak_v when_o design_v only_o for_o his_o own_o private_a oratory_n not_o otherwise_o to_o have_v come_v abroad_o only_o as_o it_o be_v pen_v from_o his_o mouth_n by_o budaeus_fw-la crispin_n and_o jonvil_n because_o he_o say_v he_o have_v long_o before_o learn_v not_o to_o serve_v the_o theatre_n of_o the_o world_n else_o he_o do_v afterward_o tell_v the_o reader_n that_o if_o in_o his_o other_o work_n which_o he_o have_v write_v deliberate_o and_o succinct_o with_o much_o more_o pain_n he_o have_v meet_v with_o envious_a malignant_n who_o do_v carp_n at_o and_o quarrel_v they_o he_o may_v well_o endeavour_v to_o suppress_v that_o work_n take_v by_o the_o aforesaid_a writer_n after_o he_o as_o it_o be_v free_o utter_v to_o his_o own_o hearer_n for_o present_a use_n yet_o when_o other_o assure_v he_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o loss_n yea_o injurious_a to_o the_o church_n if_o not_o print_v as_o it_o be_v take_v rather_o than_o not_o at_o all_o he_o thereupon_o have_v not_o time_n nor_o strength_n to_o transcribe_v or_o amend_v it_o ready_o permit_v it_o to_o go_v to_o the_o press_n and_o the_o reform_a church_n have_v since_o rejoice_v in_o the_o benefit_n of_o have_v it_o as_o it_o be_v publish_v yea_o and_o to_o this_o day_n divine_v who_o have_v make_v great_a use_n of_o it_o since_o in_o their_o commentary_n as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o find_v the_o true_a true_a meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a writ_n have_v hearty_o bless_v god_n for_o it_o yet_o as_o bishop_n wilkins_n have_v observe_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o real_a character_n foreigner_n in_o shortwriting_a come_v far_o behind_o we_o here_o in_o england_n though_o it_o have_v be_v now_o seventy_o year_n invent_v where_o they_o admire_v the_o skill_n of_o our_o writer_n and_o whither_o the_o divine_n of_o other_o nation_n frequent_o come_v and_o learn_v our_o language_n chief_o to_o understand_v our_o practical_a sermon_n many_o of_o which_o have_v be_v only_o preserve_v in_o this_o way_n you_o have_v this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v very_o useful_a piece_n take_v well_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o mr._n edmund_n calamy_n the_o analysis_n or_o method_n of_o the_o content_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n page_n the_o introduction_n 1_o text_n divide_v 2_o 1._o the_o person_n speak_v of_o isaac_n ibid._n 2._o what_o be_v relate_v of_o he_o he_o go_v out_o to_o meditate_v ibid._n 3._o the_o place_n he_o choose_v in_o the_o field_n ibid._n 4._o the_o time_n at_o the_o eventide_n ibid._n explicat_fw-la there_o be_v a_o twofold_a meditation_n 1._o sinful_a and_o wicked_a that_o be_v not_o isaac_n ibid._n 2._o holy_a and_o godly_a this_o isaac_n practise_v 3_o obseru._n the_o meditation_n of_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v a_o work_n that_o god_n require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o people_n 4_o viz._n of_o 1._o young_a gentleman_n ibid._n 2._o king_n nobles_z and_o great_a person_n ibid._n 3._o
case_n be_v thy_o soul_n now_o that_o be_v on_o the_o sea_n of_o this_o world_n and_o then_o to_o go_v to_o the_o ensuring-office_n you_o know_v you_o have_v your_o ensuring-office_n wherein_o you_o ensure_v your_o ship_n at_o sea_n to_o get_v your_o soul_n insure_v by_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o by_o true_a faith_n manifest_v by_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n to_o get_v your_o soul_n assure_v that_o they_o may_v come_v safe_a to_o the_o haven_n of_o happiness_n in_o a_o clear_a bright_a frosty_a winter-night_n when_o thou_o go_v out_o and_o behold_v the_o bespangle_a heaven_n multitude_n of_o bright_a star_n what_o a_o rare_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o meditate_v this_o glorious_a bespangle_a firmament_n be_v but_o the_o stable_n as_o it_o be_v but_o the_o outhouse_n of_o that_o heaven_n where_o i_o be_o to_o go_v it_o be_v but_o the_o outward_a court_n but_o the_o washhouse_n as_o i_o may_v say_v and_o if_o the_o stable_a and_o outhouse_n be_v so_o glorious_a oh_o what_o be_v the_o inward_a palace_n above_o the_o spangle_a heaven_n be_v my_o father_n house_n where_o i_o hope_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o with_o god_n and_o there_o my_o christ_n be_v now_o intercede_v for_o i_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n shall_v i_o be_v bring_v one_o day_n to_o that_o house_n oh_o when_o will_v that_o time_n come_v when_o will_v my_o soul_n mount_v through_o these_o heaven_n into_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n now_o be_v not_o this_o comely_a for_o a_o christian_a will_v not_o this_o heavenlize_v you_o and_o spiritualise_v you_o and_o then_o when_o you_o go_v to_o bed_n at_o night_n to_o remember_v i_o have_v one_o day_n more_o to_o answer_v for_o to_o remember_v there_o will_v a_o last_o night_n come_v after_o which_o there_o will_v be_v no_o day_n but_o the_o resurrection_n of_o all_o remember_v thy_o last_o night_n thy_o conclude_a night_n the_o end_n of_o thy_o life_n but_o i_o have_v be_v overlong_a in_o this_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o i_o think_v but_o i_o do_v it_o because_o here_o i_o shall_v put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o discourse_n of_o occasional_a meditation_n there_o be_v a_o second_o sort_n of_o meditation_n and_o that_o be_v that_o that_o i_o call_v set_v solemn_a and_o deliberate_a when_o a_o man_n set_v apart_o a_o hour_n a_o day_n it_o may_v be_v set_v a_o part_n some_o time_n and_o go_v into_o a_o private_a closet_n or_o a_o private_a walk_n and_o there_o do_v solemn_o and_o deliberate_o meditate_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n now_o concern_v this_o meditation_n i_o shall_v handle_v by_o god_n assistance_n these_o two_o particular_n 1._o i_o will_v show_v you_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o 2._o i_o will_v show_v you_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o nature_n of_o this_o duty_n what_o this_o meditation_n be_v that_o i_o will_v press_v you_o to_o i_o will_v describe_v it_o in_o two_o particular_n 1._o this_o holy_a meditation_n be_v a_o dwell_n and_o abide_v upon_o thing_n that_o be_v holy_a it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o know_v of_o god_n and_o a_o know_v of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v a_o dwell_n upon_o the_o thing_n we_o know_v as_o the_o bee_n that_o dwell_v and_o abide_v upon_o the_o flower_n to_o suck_v out_o all_o the_o sweetness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o flower_n so_o to_o meditate_v upon_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v to_o dwell_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o sacrament_n to_o suck_v out_o all_o the_o sweetness_n we_o can_v in_o the_o thing_n we_o meditate_v upon_o as_o we_o read_v of_o anna_n luk._n 2._o 37._o she_o continue_v in_o the_o temple_n pray_v and_o fast_v day_n and_o night_n to_o meditate_v be_v to_o continue_v and_o fix_v ourselves_o and_o our_o heart_n upon_o the_o thing_n we_o know_v this_o meditation_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o holy_a muse_n psal._n 39_o 3._o my_o heart_n be_v hot_a within_o i_o while_o i_o be_v muse_v to_o meditate_v be_v to_o muse_v or_o else_o it_o be_v to_o commune_v with_o our_o own_o heart_n psal._n 4._o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o sin_n not_o commune_v with_o your_o own_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n and_o be_v still_o it_o be_v a_o commune_n a_o consult_v with_o our_o own_o heart_n or_o if_o you_o will_v it_o be_v a_o bethink_v ourselves_o so_o it_o be_v express_v 1_o king_n 8._o 47._o if_o they_o shall_v bethink_v themselves_o in_o the_o land_n whither_o they_o be_v carry_v captive_a and_o repent_v the_o hebrew_a word_n be_v if_o they_o shall_v bring_v back_o to_o their_o heart_n if_o they_o shall_v reflect_v upon_o themselves_o for_o meditation_n be_v a_o reflect_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v carry_v back_o to_o itself_o and_o consider_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o it_o know_v meditation_n be_v a_o inward_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o spiritual_a act_n whereby_o the_o soul_n do_v recoil_v upon_o itself_o and_o look_v back_o upon_o itself_o and_o consider_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v its_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v it_o be_v rare_o typify_v under_o the_o law_n two_o manner_n of_o way_n 1._o by_o those_o beast_n that_o do_v chew_v the_o cud_n you_o shall_v read_v leu._n 11._o of_o the_o clean_a beast_n and_o the_o unclean_a beast_n now_o the_o clean_a beast_n be_v such_o as_o do_v chew_v the_o cud_n of_o those_o they_o be_v to_o eat_v now_o the_o unclean_a beast_n be_v those_o that_o do_v not_o chew_v the_o cud_n a_o meditate_v christian_n be_v one_o that_o chew_n the_o cud_n that_o chew_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v good_a thing_n but_o when_o he_o have_v hear_v they_o chew_n they_o over_o ruminate_v upon_o they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o digestion_n and_o concoction_n and_o spiritual_a improvement_n a_o unclean_a christian_a be_v one_o that_o do_v not_o chew_v the_o cud_n that_o do_v not_o ruminate_v and_o ponder_v and_o bethink_v himself_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n 2._o another_o type_n of_o this_o rare_a grace_n of_o meditation_n be_v that_o of_o the_o beast_n ezek._n 1._o that_o ezekiel_n see_v that_o have_v eye_n within_o and_o without_o vers._n 18._o their_o wing_n be_v full_a of_o eye_n round_o about_o they_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o beast_n rev_n 4._o 6._o round_o about_o the_o throne_n be_v four_o beast_n full_a of_o eye_n before_o and_o behind_o a_o notable_a and_o a_o rare_a type_n of_o meditation_n for_o meditation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o look_v thorough_o into_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n a_o look_v before_o and_o behind_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v a_o meditate_a christian_n be_v a_o man_n full_a of_o eye_n that_o do_v not_o only_o know_v god_n but_o see_v much_o of_o god_n there_o be_v another_o metaphor_n to_o express_v it_o psal._n 119_o 59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n the_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n be_v take_v from_o chapman_n that_o when_o they_o buy_v a_o commodity_n they_o turn_v it_o over_o and_o over_o and_o over_o again_o they_o look_v all_o about_o it_o into_o every_o part_n of_o it_o meditation_n be_v a_o thorough_a contemplation_n and_o a_o thorough_a consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n a_o meditate_a christian_n be_v full_a of_o eye_n full_a of_o heavenly_a understanding_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o head_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n divine_a but_o a_o practical_a knowledge_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o the_o intellect_n and_o understanding_n but_o of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v a_o affective_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o a_o intellective_a grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n she_o ponder_v all_o these_o say_n in_o her_o heart_n she_o do_v not_o only_o think_v of_o they_o with_o her_o head_n but_o she_o ponder_v on_o they_o with_o her_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v read_v deut._n 4._o 39_o know_v therefore_o this_o day_n and_o consider_v it_o in_o thy_o heart_n a_o true_a meditation_n be_v when_o a_o man_n do_v so_o meditate_v of_o christ_n as_o to_o get_v his_o heart_n inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n so_o meditate_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o to_o be_v transform_v into_o they_o and_o so_o meditate_v of_o sin_n as_o to_o get_v his_o heart_n to_o hate_v sin_n when_o it_o be_v such_o a_o muse_n of_o god_n as_o kindle_v a_o fire_n in_o the_o whole_a soul_n as_o david_n do_v express_v it_o psal._n 39_o 3._o while_o i_o be_v muse_v the_o fire_n burn_v when_o a_o man_n do_v so_o contemplate_v on_o god_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v all_o on_o fire_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n
cure_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o peter_n take_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o lift_v he_o up_o immediate_o his_o foot_n and_o ankle-bone_n receive_v strength_n and_o he_o leap_v up_o stand_v and_o walk_v and_o enter_v with_o he_o into_o the_o temple_n the_o poor_a man_n never_o walk_v in_o all_o his_o life_n he_o be_v lame_a from_o his_o mother_n womb_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o find_v his_o leg_n he_o fall_v a_o leap_v present_o he_o do_v not_o leap_v afterward_o but_o walk_v ordinary_o as_o other_o man_n but_o he_o be_v so_o overjoy_v that_o he_o force_v himself_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o leap_v so_o there_o be_v many_o christian_n that_o when_o they_o first_o set_v upon_o this_o duty_n because_o they_o find_v their_o heart_n very_o dead_a and_o dull_a therefore_o they_o will_v offer_v violence_n to_o their_o affection_n and_o force_v themselves_o to_o tear_n or_o joy_n but_o you_o must_v not_o do_v this_o the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o wait_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o meditation_n for_o the_o come_n down_o of_o god_n to_o wait_v for_o the_o consolation_n of_o israel_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o simeon_n luk._n 2._o 25._o there_o be_v one_o simeon_n a_o man_n in_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v just_a and_o devout_a wait_v for_o the_o consolation_n of_o israel_n so_o must_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o bless_a duty_n wait_v upon_o god_n for_o divine_a comfort_n and_o while_o we_o be_v wait_v god_n will_v come_v in_o isa._n 30._o 18._o bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la ult_n they_o that_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n they_o shall_v mount_v up_o with_o wing_n as_o eagle_n you_o must_v continue_v wait_v and_o be_v assure_v the_o lord_n who_o you_o seek_v will_v come_v in_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v your_o heart_n melt_v if_o you_o go_v on_o in_o a_o calm_a quiet_a wait_a posture_n as_o bernard_n who_o be_v a_o man_n much_o accustom_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o meditation_n when_o he_o go_v to_o meditate_v and_o pray_v he_o find_v his_o heart_n at_o first_o very_o dull_a at_o last_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o almighty_a come_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o feel_v his_o heart_n warm_a he_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o soul_n that_o he_o cry_v out_o rara_fw-mi hora_fw-la brevis_fw-la mora_fw-la it_o come_v but_o seldom_o but_o sometime_o it_o come_v bless_a be_v god_n it_o tarry_v too_o short_a a_o while_n oh_o that_o it_o will_v continue_v wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a meditation_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o elapse_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o visitation_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o your_o soul_n and_o fill_v you_o full_a of_o heavenly_a comfort_n 6._o and_o last_o this_o divine_a meditation_n must_v be_v persevere_v you_o must_v persevere_v in_o this_o duty_n though_o you_o can_v at_o first_o find_v the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n that_o you_o expect_v there_o be_v many_o christian_n that_o have_v set_v upon_o this_o work_n of_o meditation_n and_o find_v it_o too_o hard_a and_o difficult_a and_o meet_v with_o so_o much_o opposition_n in_o their_o heart_n wander_a thought_n and_o abundance_n of_o spiritual_a distemper_n they_o have_v be_v discourage_v and_o lay_v it_o aside_o which_o certain_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v i_o have_v read_v of_o the_o leopard_n when_o it_o look_v after_o his_o prey_n when_o it_o look_v after_o his_o prey_n when_o it_o have_v a_o beast_n in_o view_n that_o it_o will_v prey_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o hunt_n be_v to_o take_v three_o or_o four_o great_a skip_n and_o if_o it_o can_v take_v the_o beast_n in_o three_o or_o four_o skip_n than_o it_o leave_v it_o it_o be_v so_o furious_a and_o hasty_a so_o there_o be_v many_o a_o poor_a christian_a skip_v into_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n as_o it_o be_v by_o take_v three_o or_o four_o leap_n and_o see_v he_o can_v compass_v it_o he_o can_v find_v the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n he_o will_v and_o therefore_o he_o lay_v it_o aside_o this_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n you_o must_v wait_v upon_o god_n as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o former_a you_o must_v continue_v and_o persevere_v and_o go_v on_o in_o this_o duty_n and_o i_o have_v four_o argument_n to_o persuade_v you_o to_o persevere_v in_o this_o duty_n 1._o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n absolute_o necessary_a as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n prayer_n will_v do_v you_o no_o good_a unless_o it_o be_v join_v with_o meditation_n oratio_fw-la sine_fw-la meditatione_n est_fw-la arida_fw-la say_v bernard_n prayer_n without_o meditation_n be_v dry_a and_o luke_o warm_a and_o cold_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o prayer_n be_v like_o so_o many_o dead_a carcase_n of_o prayer_n be_v because_o we_o do_v not_o join_v meditation_n with_o prayer_n sermon_n do_v we_o no_o good_a without_o meditation_n meditation_n be_v the_o life_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o put_v life_n into_o all_o other_o duty_n it_o be_v of_o great_a necessity_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v not_o be_v weary_a of_o well-doing_n you_o must_v persevere_v for_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n crown_v without_o perseverance_n 2._o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n transmigration_n to_o heaven_n the_o soul_n transfiguration_n the_o soul_n go_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o eternity_n it_o be_v a_o rare_a duty_n as_o necessary_a as_o your_o daily_a bread_n and_o certain_o god_n convey_v much_o of_o himself_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o mount_n be_v transfigure_v and_o his_o face_n shine_v like_o the_o sun_n so_o certain_o you_o that_o be_v much_o in_o the_o mount_n of_o meditation_n you_o that_o often_o go_v up_o to_o meditate_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o heaven_n and_o sin_n your_o face_n will_v shine_v you_o will_v be_v tall_a than_o other_o christian_n in_o grace_n by_o the_o head_n 3._o study_v the_o mischief_n that_o come_v by_o the_o want_n of_o practise_v this_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o eat_v meat_n that_o nourish_v you_o but_o the_o digest_v of_o it_o meat_n may_v be_v set_v before_o a_o man_n and_o he_o may_v eat_v a_o great_a deal_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o digest_v it_o he_o will_v never_o be_v nourish_v meditation_n be_v a_o digest_v of_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o the_o hear_n a_o sermon_n do_v you_o good_a but_o the_o meditate_v on_o what_o you_o hear_v if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o plaster_n and_o lay_v it_o to_o his_o sore_n and_o take_v it_o off_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v lay_v it_o on_o it_o will_v do_v no_o good_a at_o all_o so_o when_o you_o hear_v a_o sermon_n if_o you_o forget_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o you_o have_v hear_v it_o if_o you_o do_v not_o chew_v meditate_v and_o ponder_v upon_o what_o you_o hear_v you_o will_v never_o get_v any_o good_a as_o the_o 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christ_n be_v like_o a_o picture_n that_o have_v a_o curtain_n draw_v over_o it_o now_o a_o man_n will_v never_o judge_v of_o the_o picture_n till_o the_o curtain_n be_v withdraw_v meditation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o take_n aside_o the_o curtain_n and_o view_v of_o god_n to_o a_o unmeditate_a christian_a god_n be_v like_o the_o sun_n in_o a_o cloud_n to_o a_o unconsider_v christian_n christ_n be_v like_o a_o jewel_n in_o a_o leathern_a purse_n now_o meditation_n open_v the_o purse_n and_o take_v out_o the_o jewel_n and_o look_n upon_o it_o meditation_n draw_v aside_o the_o curtain_n and_o view_v god_n and_o behold_v the_o glorious_a thing_n of_o god_n
how_o thou_o behave_v thyself_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o thy_o neighbour_n meditate_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o length_n of_o eternity_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1._o meditate_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n sin_n be_v the_o great_a evil_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n than_o banishment_n than_o death_n than_o hell_n itself_o meditate_v of_o the_o intrinsical_a and_o extrinsical_a evil_a of_o sin_n 2._o meditate_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n all_o earthly_a thing_n be_v vain_a they_o be_v vanity_n of_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v all_o unsatisfy_n and_o unprofitable_a what_o will_v all_o the_o world_n do_v you_o good_a when_o you_o be_v sick_a when_o you_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v 3._o meditate_v of_o the_o length_n of_o eternity_n oh_o eternity_n eternity_n that_o we_o study_v thou_o more_o that_o we_o think_v more_o of_o thou_o study_v the_o 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be_v four_o ordinance_n that_o you_o must_v meditate_v of_o 1._o you_o must_v meditate_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o prayer_n you_o must_v study_v the_o excellency_n of_o prayer_n the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n you_o must_v study_v to_o get_v the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n to_o get_v the_o grace_n of_o prayer_n study_v how_o to_o pray_v in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n how_o to_o pray_v with_o faith_n with_o fervency_n with_o repentance_n 2._o you_o must_v meditate_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o read_v the_o word_n that_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o you_o must_v study_v to_o read_v the_o word_n with_o reverence_n and_o godly_a fear_n to_o read_v the_o word_n as_o god_n word_n to_o read_v the_o word_n in_o a_o different_a way_n than_o you_o read_v any_o other_o book_n whatsoever_o 3._o you_o must_v meditate_v of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n study_v the_o right_a art_n of_o hear_v the_o word_n so_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n as_o to_o be_v transform_v into_o what_o you_o 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thy_o work_n o_o christian_n to_o study_v the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n what_o to_o do_v to_o get_v antidote_n and_o preservative_n against_o anabaptism_n against_o socinianism_n against_o anti-sabbatarianism_a against_o anti-scripturism_a against_o those_o that_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o get_v spiritual_a armour_n to_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v all_o the_o error_n of_o these_o time_n it_o be_v a_o great_a shame_n and_o oh_o that_o you_o will_v be_v humble_v for_o it_o that_o one_o erroneous_a person_n can_v speak_v more_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o error_n than_o twenty_o orthodox_n christian_n be_v able_a to_o speak_v for_o the_o truth_n for_o want_v of_o study_v antidote_n and_o preservative_n against_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n 2._o study_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o have_v be_v for_o these_o many_o year_n upon_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v go_v out_o against_o these_o three_o nation_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v lay_v we_o desolate_a and_o the_o sword_n have_v drink_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o blood_n and_o no_o man_n lay_v it_o to_o heart_n now_o let_v we_o meditate_v of_o god_n great_a judgement_n upon_o this_o land_n that_o we_o may_v know_v the_o meaning_n of_o god_n rod_n and_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o get_v all_o these_o judgement_n sanctify_v unto_o we_o 3._o meditate_v of_o the_o great_a change_n that_o god_n have_v make_v in_o this_o nation_n we_o have_v be_v toss_v from_o one_o condition_n to_o another_o from_o one_o way_n of_o government_n to_o another_o study_v all_o the_o change_n and_o alteration_n that_o god_n have_v make_v by_o his_o permitting-providence_n oh_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v meditate_v no_o more_o of_o god_n way_n and_o deal_n to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o god_n in_o all_o these_o alteration_n and_o change_n and_o what_o the_o language_n of_o god_n be_v and_o what_o use_n we_o shall_v make_v of_o they_o and_o how_o we_o shall_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o keep_v close_o to_o our_o principle_n and_o how_o we_o shall_v honour_v god_n under_o all_o our_o change_n 4._o you_o must_v meditate_v of_o the_o several_a passage_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o we_o there_o be_v no_o man_n or_o woman_n here_o but_o have_v have_v rare_a experience_n of_o god_n providence_n either_o in_o the_o place_n of_o thy_o dwell_n that_o god_n shall_v pitch_v thy_o dwell_n under_o such_o a_o minister_n or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o thy_o marriage_n or_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n at_o such_o a_o time_n under_o such_o a_o sickness_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o raise_v thou_o up_o a_o friend_n in_o help_v thou_o at_o such_o a_o time_n for_o want_v of_o meditation_n we_o lose_v all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o passage_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o god_n lose_v all_o his_o glory_n 5._o you_o must_v meditate_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n of_o national_a mercy_n family_n mercy_n personal_a mercy_n mercy_n to_o thy_o soul_n mercy_n to_o thy_o body_n prevent_v mercy_n follow_v mercy_n what_o a_o catalogue_n will_v here_o be_v if_o you_o will_v keep_v a_o daily_a account_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o six_o thing_n be_v to_o lay_v down_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o better_a practise_v of_o this_o most_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o he_o will_v confess_v it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a duty_n to_o dwell_v upon_o the_o thought_n of_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n divine_a meditation_n be_v a_o up-hill_n duty_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a be_v because_o it_o
sick_a like_a to_o lose_v thy_o husband_n or_o thy_o own_o own_o life_n then_o pick_v out_o seasonable_a meditation_n seasonable_a subject_n go_v and_o meditate_v of_o death_n meditate_v how_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n meditate_v how_o death_n be_v a_o gate_n to_o let_v we_o into_o everlasting_a life_n how_o death_n be_v a_o outlet_a to_o all_o misery_n and_o a_o inlet_n to_o all_o happiness_n that_o death_n be_v the_o best_a friend_n that_o thou_o have_v next_o to_o jesus_n christ._n 5._o suppose_v thou_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n what_o must_v thou_o do_v a_o little_a before_o thou_o receive_v it_o i_o will_v have_v you_o every_o month_n before_o you_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n spend_v one_o hour_n or_o two_o in_o meditate_v of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o come_v meditate_v whether_o thou_o be_v a_o worthy_a receiver_n and_o what_o thou_o must_v do_v that_o thou_o may_v be_v a_o worthy_a receiver_n meditate_v of_o thy_o sin_n thy_o grace_n thy_o spiritual_a want_n let_v i_o commend_v this_o to_o you_o every_o sacrament_n and_o never_o forget_v it_o meditate_v to_o find_v out_o thy_o sin_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o meditate_v to_o know_v whether_o thou_o have_v any_o grace_n in_o truth_n and_o to_o get_v it_o increase_v and_o meditate_v of_o thy_o spiritual_a want_n what_o they_o be_v to_o get_v they_o supply_v what_o a_o rare_a deal_n of_o matter_n be_v here_o contain_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n to_o find_v out_o thy_o sin_n by_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o law_n by_o take_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o examine_v thy_o life_n and_o the_o law_n together_o that_o will_v cost_v thou_o many_o a_o hour_n and_o then_o to_o get_v thy_o heart_n humble_v for_o these_o sin_n and_o to_o confess_v they_o and_o to_o have_v grace_n to_o forsake_v they_o and_o then_o to_o examine_v thy_o grace_n whether_o thou_o have_v truth_n of_o grace_n whether_o thy_o grace_n be_v 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shall_v husband_n his_o time_n we_o have_v all_o time_n enough_o on_o the_o lordsday_n to_o busy_v ourselves_o with_o the_o work_n of_o meditation_n it_o be_v a_o sabbath-day_n work_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v 3._o you_o must_v be_v sure_a of_o a_o fit_a subject_n you_o must_v not_o have_v your_o subject_n to_o seek_v when_o you_o begin_v to_o meditate_v meditate_v of_o a_o soul-awakening_a a_o soul-refreshing_a subject_n 4._o when_o you_o have_v your_o place_n and_o your_o time_n and_o your_o subject_n these_o three_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o work_n than_o i_o will_v advise_v you_o to_o set_v yourselves_o as_o in_o god_n presence_n though_o no_o eye_n see_v you_o yet_o consider_v the_o great_a god_n see_v you_o and_o especial_o when_o you_o be_v meditate_v of_o divine_a thing_n for_o you_o must_v know_v that_o meditation_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v a_o converse_v with_o god_n when_o you_o meditate_v of_o heaven_n you_o converse_v with_o heaven_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n transmigration_n to_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n transfiguration_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v have_v you_o set_v yourselves_o as_o in_o god_n presence_n and_o this_o will_v overawe_v you_o and_o make_v you_o serious_a the_o consideration_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n will_v prepare_v you_o for_o every_o holy_a duty_n &_o so_o consequent_o for_o this_o holy_a duty_n it_o be_v a_o rare_a preservative_n against_o all_o sin_n as_o joseph_n say_v to_o his_o mistress_n how_o can_v i_o do_v this_o evil_a and_o sin_n against_o my_o god_n though_o no_o body_n see_v he_o yet_o he_o know_v god_n see_v he_o gen._n 39_o 10._o and_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a encouragement_n to_o all_o godliness_n psal._n 119._o 168._o i_o have_v keep_v thy_o precept_n and_o thy_o testimony_n why_o so_o for_o all_o my_o way_n be_v before_o thou_o therefore_o whensoever_o you_o go_v into_o your_o orchard_n or_o garden_n or_o your_o closet_n to_o set_v apart_o a_o hour_n in_o divine_a meditation_n i_o will_v have_v you_o do_v as_o david_n do_v psal._n 16._o 8._o i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o 5._o i_o will_v have_v you_o always_o begin_v with_o prayer_n now_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o begin_v with_o a_o solemn_a set_v long_a prayer_n but_o i_o will_v have_v you_o begin_v with_o a_o short_a ejaculation_n i_o will_v have_v you_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o enlighten_v your_o understanding_n to_o quicken_v your_o devotion_n to_o warm_v your_o affection_n and_o so_o to_o bless_v that_o hour_n unto_o you_o that_o by_o the_o meditation_n of_o holy_a thing_n you_o may_v be_v make_v more_o holy_a you_o may_v have_v your_o lust_n more_o mortify_v and_o your_o grace_n more_o increase_v you_o may_v be_v the_o more_o mortify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o it_o and_o lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o hebrew_n the_o same_a word_n that_o signify_v to_o meditate_v signify_v to_o pray_v and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o my_o text_n isaac_n go_v out_o to_o meditate_v you_o shall_v find_v it_o in_o the_o margin_n isaac_n go_v out_o to_o pray_v meditation_n must_v always_o be_v join_v with_o prayer_n isaac_n go_v out_o to_o pray_v and_o meditate_v to_o meditate_v and_o pray_v say_v bernard_n meditation_n without_o prayer_n be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a therefore_o i_o i_o will_v have_v you_o begin_v with_o a_o short_a prayer_n 6._o i_o will_v have_v you_o keep_v your_o heart_n with_o all_o keep_n prov._n 4._o 23._o have_v a_o care_n in_o the_o entrance_n of_o thy_o heart_n pray_v unto_o god_n to_o keep_v out_o inward_a company_n you_o know_v i_o tell_v you_o of_o a_o twofold_a company_n of_o a_o outward_a company_n and_o inward_a company_n pray_v unto_o god_n not_o only_o to_o keep_v out_o outward_a company_n but_o inward_a company_n that_o be_v to_o keep_v out_o vain_a and_o worldly_a and_o distract_n thought_n a_o man_n may_v easy_o drive_v out_o outward_a company_n he_o may_v easy_o be_v alone_o but_o it_o it_o a_o hard_a matter_n to_o drive_v away_o inward_a company_n thy_o vain_a worldly_a and_o distract_n thought_n i_o will_v have_v you_o say_v to_o the_o world_n when_o you_o go_v up_o to_o meditate_v of_o heaven_n or_o of_o grace_n or_o of_o god_n as_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n mat._n 26._o 36._o sit_v you_o here_o while_o i_o go_v yonder_o and_o pray_v so_o i_o will_v have_v you_o say_v to_o the_o world_n and_o all_o worldly_a thought_n tarry_v you_o here_o while_o i_o go_v into_o my_o closet_n to_o meditate_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o heaven_n to_o meet_v with_o god_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v have_v you_o say_v as_o abraham_n