the_o whole_a duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n describe_v in_o all_o its_o various_a part_n and_o branch_n with_o meditation_n on_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man._n psal._n cxix_o 16._o i_o will_v meditate_v on_o thy_o precept_n and_o have_v respect_n unto_o thy_o way_n london_n print_v for_o john_n back_o at_o the_o black-boy_n on_o the_o middle_a of_o london-bridge_n 1694._o license_v decemb._n 20._o 1693._o the_o preface_n the_o whole_a duty_n of_o prayer_n have_v meet_v with_o so_o good_a a_o reception_n in_o the_o world_n i_o have_v at_o the_o request_n and_o importunity_n of_o some_o friend_n recommend_v to_o the_o press_n this_o remain_a tract_n bear_v the_o title_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o meditation_n by_o that_o reverend_n and_o worthy_a author_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man._n the_o subject_a i_o need_v not_o commend_v for_o it_o carry_v its_o worth_n along_o with_o it_o and_o to_o every_o christian_a will_v appear_v both_o pleasant_a and_o profitable_a for_o by_o meditation_n the_o true_o religious_a may_v converse_v with_o the_o almighty_a and_o from_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n find_v helpe_n and_o comfort_n in_o time_n of_o need_n to_o those_o which_o be_v airy_a and_o be_v the_o darling_n of_o the_o world_n this_o gift_n may_v procure_v a_o well-composed_a mind_n for_o if_o he_o who_o by_o often_o look_v on_o a_o ring_n with_o a_o death_n head_n at_o last_o grow_v sober_a who_o know_v but_o by_o often_o meditate_v their_o heart_n may_v be_v bring_v into_o a_o more_o serious_a and_o heavenly_a frame_n the_o royal_a prophet_n style_v meditation_n the_o food_n of_o the_o soul_n psal._n 63._o 4._o my_o soul_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n while_o i_o meditate_v on_o thou_o the_o heart_n never_o willing_o fix_v upon_o heaven_n till_o the_o almighty_a be_v the_o treasure_n of_o it_o for_o where_o any_o man_n treasure_n be_v there_o will_v his_o heart_n be_v also_o now_o it_o can_v easy_o meditate_v but_o where_o it_o do_v delight_n psal._n 119._o 97._o love_n be_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o ready_o move_v to_o its_o belove_a object_n marry_o will_v not_o depart_v from_o the_o sepulchre_n where_o christ_n have_v lie_v before_o she_o have_v make_v enquiry_n where_o she_o may_v see_v he_o who_o her_o soul_n love_v it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o good_a christian_a to_o observe_v the_o prophet_n david_n rule_n psal._n 16._o 8._o to_o set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o his_o fear_n all_o the_o day_n long_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unsteadfast_a than_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v so_o well_o compose_v it_o as_o true_a sanctity_n which_o bring_v such_o great_a advantage_n that_o with_o holy_a job_n it_o make_v the_o soul_n both_o serious_a and_o willing_a to_o acquaint_v itself_o with_o god_n that_o it_o may_v be_v at_o peace_n job_n 22._o 21._o he_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o more_o it_o know_v of_o he_o the_o more_o desirous_a it_o be_v to_o reside_v with_o he_o that_o it_o may_v know_v more_o the_o more_o it_o taste_v of_o his_o favour_n the_o more_o it_o long_v after_o his_o glory_n as_o moses_n do_v exod._n 33._o 17_o 18._o what_o the_o philosopher_n say_v of_o all_o knowledge_n be_v true_a only_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v quies_n intellectus_fw-la and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n call_v it_o eternal_a life_n john_n 17._o 3._o in_o which_o alone_a the_o soul_n do_v rest_n now_o one_o excellent_a mean_n of_o fix_v the_o heart_n on_o god_n be_v meditation_n whereby_o the_o high_o pious_a summons_n together_o all_o that_o be_v within_o they_o to_o bless_v his_o name_n psal._n 103._o meditation_n be_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o carry_v the_o affection_n thereof_o to_o thing_n above_o by_o this_o with_o moses_n it_o go_v up_o to_o the_o top_n of_o mount_n pisgah_n to_o take_v a_o prospect_n of_o the_o promise_v land_n it_o be_v as_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n say_v of_o prayer_n a_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o as_o st._n chrysostome_n say_v of_o faith_n so_o may_v we_o of_o meditation_n it_o make_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o precept_n and_o promise_n we_o by_o give_v we_o a_o full_a possession_n of_o they_o hereby_o we_o hold_v fast_o what_o we_o have_v learn_v we_o awaken_v our_o faith_n inflame_v our_o love_n strengthen_v our_o hope_n revive_v our_o desire_n increase_v our_o joy_n in_o god_n we_o furnish_v our_o heart_n and_o fill_v our_o mouth_n with_o material_n of_o prayer_n we_o slacken_v our_o affection_n from_o the_o world_n we_o pre-acquaint_v ourselves_o with_o those_o glory_n which_o we_o yet_o but_o hope_n for_o and_o get_v some_o knowledge_n of_o that_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n the_o necessity_n excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o this_o christian_a duty_n the_o reverend_a author_n of_o this_o tract_n have_v elegant_o describe_v which_o be_v therefore_o worthy_a perusal_n of_o such_o as_o desire_v to_o acquaint_v and_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o so_o excellent_a a_o part_n of_o christian_a skill_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o be_v always_o able_a continual_o to_o say_v my_o heart_n be_v fix_v o_o god_n my_o heart_n be_v fix_v i_o will_v sing_v and_o give_v praise_n g._n b._n advertisement_n there_o be_v late_o publish_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o prayer_n contain_v devotion_n for_o every_o day_n in_o the_o week_n and_o for_o several_a occasion_n ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man._n necessary_a for_o all_o family_n the_o three_o edition_n print_a for_o john_n back_o at_o the_o black-boy_n on_o the_o middle_a of_o london-bridge_n the_o whole_a duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n sect_n i._o what_o meditation_n be_v first_o divine_a meditation_n differ_v from_o occasional_a by_o these_o example_n when_o you_o hear_v the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n or_o night_n think_v with_o thyself_o what_o thought_n o_o my_o god_n have_v i_o have_v of_o thou_o this_o hour_n i_o be_o now_o near_o the_o silent_a grave_n and_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o i_o may_v be_v arrest_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o death_n these_o be_v like_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n which_o though_o they_o be_v as_o parenthesis_n in_o our_o worldly_a employment_n yet_o they_o signify_v more_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o business_n we_o be_v employ_v in_o but_o meditation_n be_v of_o long_a duration_n than_o solemn_a prayer_n upon_o ordinary_a occasion_n ii_o second_o it_o differ_v from_o study_n for_o study_n consist_v of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o knotty_a and_o difficult_a and_o general_o such_o as_o afford_v little_a spiritual_a nourishment_n but_o the_o subject_a of_o divine_a meditation_n concern_v our_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o end_n of_o study_n be_v knowledge_n but_o the_o end_n of_o meditation_n be_v sanctity_n iii_o three_o it_o differ_v from_o contemplation_n for_o contemplation_n be_v applicable_a to_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n where_o the_o angel_n behold_v the_o face_n of_o the_o almighty_a now_o meditation_n be_v like_a fire_n kindle_v and_o contemplation_n the_o flame_a of_o it_o when_o full_o kindle_v the_o one_o be_v like_o the_o spouse_n seek_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o other_o like_o her_o enjoy_v of_o he_o iu._n four_o to_o conclude_v meditation_n be_v a_o a_o serious_a and_o solemn_a consider_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v understand_v how_o much_o it_o concern_v we_o and_o that_o our_o heart_n thereby_o may_v be_v raise_v to_o some_o holy_a affection_n and_o resolution_n now_o there_o be_v four_o kind_n of_o solemn_a meditation_n according_a to_o their_o several_a subject_n v._o first_o some_z solemn_z meditation_n be_v upon_o the_o hear_n of_o sermon_n which_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a and_o necessary_a practice_n among_o christian_n and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o hear_v one_o sermon_n and_o meditate_v on_o it_o than_o to_o hear_v two_o and_o meditate_v of_o neither_o now_o to_o prescribe_v a_o method_n for_o meditate_v on_o sermon_n be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o possible_a since_o the_o method_n of_o sermon_n be_v various_a therefore_o the_o mediator_n be_v to_o observe_v the_o method_n of_o the_o sermon_n they_o meditate_v upon_o and_o the_o fruit_n of_o such_o meditation_n be_v to_o work_v those_o truth_n advice_n and_o motive_n etc._n etc._n upon_o our_o affection_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o in_o the_o sermon_n vi_o the_o second_o kind_n of_o solemn_a meditation_n be_v when_o upon_o some_o providential_a occasion_n spiritual_a distemper_n or_o temptation_n we_o retire_v and_o pour_v out_o our_o soul_n in_o prayer_n soliloquy_n etc._n etc._n which_o can_v but_o in_o a_o very_a large_a sense_n be_v style_v prayer_n
that_o vice_n he_o advise_v he_o not_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o wine_n for_o as_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o prostitute_a harlot_n so_o the_o colour_n of_o wine_n will_v inflame_v our_o desire_n after_o it_o prov._n 23._o 31._o after_o this_o method_n job_n resolve_v i_o have_v make_v a_o covenant_n with_o my_o eye_n why_o then_o shall_v i_o look_v upon_o a_o maid_n job_n 31._o 1._o vi_o next_o you_o must_v observe_v this_o caution_n if_o you_o find_v your_o heart_n never_o so_o much_o resolve_v against_o and_o detest_a of_o any_o sin_n yet_o be_v very_o circumspect_a that_o you_o confide_v not_o upon_o the_o strength_n of_o resolution_n but_o earnest_o deprecate_v the_o almighty_a that_o he_o will_v enable_v you_o by_o his_o divine_a power_n and_o that_o as_o he_o have_v give_v you_o the_o will_n so_o he_o will_v give_v you_o his_o grace_n to_o perform_v it_o sect_n ix_o of_o vow_n as_o your_o resolutios_n be_v so_o let_v your_o vow_n be_v rather_o against_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n than_o against_o sin_n itself_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a beware_v of_o make_v any_o perpetual_a vow_n but_o rather_o let_v it_o be_v conditional_a as_o first_o that_o you_o will_v abstain_v from_o such_o a_o thing_n or_o perform_v what_o you_o design_v unless_o you_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o advise_v by_o some_o discreet_a sober_a person_n second_o add_v this_o caution_n if_o thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o drink_v viz._n if_o i_o think_v of_o it_o i_o will_v not_o drink_v wine_n this_o month._n now_o if_o a_o breach_n of_o this_o vow_n be_v make_v though_o you_o do_v not_o think_v of_o it_o you_o sin_n if_o your_o vow_n be_v absolute_a ii_o the_o next_o caution_n concern_v thing_n indifferent_a be_v this_o add_v a_o penalty_n upon_o the_o breach_n oâ—_n your_o vow_n which_o may_v be_v to_o this_o purpose_n i_o resolve_v to_o set_v apart_o one_o hour_n in_o the_o day_n in_o prayer_n for_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o this_o month_n or_o else_o give_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o we_o perform_v either_o we_o sin_v not_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o penalty_n be_v because_o some_o inconvenience_n may_v arise_v which_o may_v prove_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o we_o and_o then_o we_o have_v liberty_n to_o take_v the_o other_o part_n of_o our_o vow_n viz._n to_o give_v so_o much_o to_o the_o poor_a iii_o now_o this_o penalty_n we_o inflict_v upon_o ourselves_o must_v not_o be_v too_o light_a and_o trivial_a but_o of_o such_o consequence_n as_o may_v be_v obligatory_a yet_o not_o of_o that_o ponderosity_n to_o be_v prejudicial_a for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o vow_n he_o will_v bestow_v a_o small_a matter_n on_o the_o poor_a be_v inconsiderable_a yet_o perhaps_o by_o a_o poor_a man_n the_o same_o value_n may_v be_v of_o too_o large_a a_o extent_n but_o let_v your_o penalty_n be_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o opposite_a to_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v most_o prevalent_a in_o thou_o for_o example_n if_o covetousness_n reign_v in_o thou_o exercise_v thy_o penalty_n in_o alm_n if_o voluptuousness_n prayer_n and_o fast_v or_o abstain_v whole_o for_o a_o time_n from_o thy_o great_a delight_n and_o recreation_n iu._n last_o let_v your_o vow_n be_v rather_o against_o the_o external_n than_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o sin_n rather_o against_o speak_v angry_o than_o be_v angry_a for_o though_o external_n act_v of_o sin_n be_v worse_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o so_o much_o dominion_n over_o they_o if_o your_o vow_n extend_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o holy_a duty_n let_v it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o time_n not_o the_o quantity_n for_o example_n shall_v thou_o bind_v thyself_o to_o read_v such_o a_o number_n of_o chapter_n perhaps_o thou_o be_v tempt_v to_o read_v they_o too_o hasty_o over_o whereas_o if_o thou_o do_v allot_v thyself_o so_o much_o time_n thou_o be_v not_o so_o liable_a to_o this_o temptation_n sect_n x._o how_o to_o conclude_v your_o meditation_n first_o thou_o must_v earnest_o beseech_v the_o almighty_a to_o give_v thou_o strength_n to_o perform_v whatever_o thou_o have_v resolve_v to_o act_v in_o his_o service_n this_o must_v be_v perform_v fervent_o though_o brief_o and_o humble_o from_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o act_v what_o thou_o have_v promise_v and_o resolve_v and_o also_o from_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o thy_o inability_n in_o the_o performance_n next_o express_v thy_o thankfulness_n and_o when_o thou_o find_v any_o alteration_n wrought_v in_o thy_o hearr_n to_o detest_v sin_n give_v god_n the_o glory_n and_o rejoice_v not_o in_o thyself_o except_o it_o be_v with_o tremble_v at_o thy_o own_o pride_n and_o arrogancy_n ii_o next_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v what_o part_n of_o our_o medtation_n do_v most_o affect_v we_o and_o lay_v they_o up_o so_o in_o our_o thought_n that_o frequent_o we_o may_v ponder_v on_o '_o they_o last_o when_o thy_o meditation_n be_v end_v depart_v not_o hasty_o to_o thy_o temporal_a employment_n go_v not_o from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o almighty_a as_o a_o bird_n out_o of_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o fowler_n with_o alacrity_n and_o speed_n but_o go_v vigilant_o and_o wary_o from_o holy_a duty_n the_o collect_v to_o be_v say_v before_o or_o after_o meditation_n o_o lord_n from_o who_o all_o good_a thing_n do_v come_v grant_v to_o i_o thy_o humble_a servant_n that_o by_o thy_o holy_a inspiration_n i_o may_v think_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o by_o thy_o merciful_a guide_n may_v perform_v the_o same_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n amen_n grant_v to_o i_o lord_n i_o beseech_v thou_o the_o spirit_n to_o think_v and_o do_v always_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v rightful_a that_o i_o who_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a without_o thou_o may_v by_o thou_o be_v enable_v to_o live_v according_a to_o thy_o will_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_n i_o beseech_v thou_o almighty_a god_n look_v upon_o the_o hearty_a desire_n of_o i_o the_o humble_a of_o thy_o servant_n and_o send_v forth_o the_o right-hand_a of_o thy_o majesty_n to_o be_v my_o defence_n against_o all_o my_o enemy_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n amen_n med_n i._o confession_n of_o sin_n 1_o john_n i_o 9_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o unrighteousness_n omnipotent_a god_n my_o sin_n ever_o appear_v in_o my_o sight_n and_o be_v a_o torment_n unto_o my_o mind_n every_o day_n i_o think_v of_o thy_o judgement_n because_o death_n threaten_v i_o every_o hour_n and_o when_o i_o remember_v i_o must_v appear_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 10._o then_o i_o exaamine_v my_o whole_a life_n and_o find_v it_o be_v altogether_o vanity_n my_o action_n be_v vain_a my_o word_n profane_a and_o my_o thought_n unprofitable_a if_o the_o shadow_n of_o some_o virtue_n appear_v it_o be_v imperfect_a because_o original_a sin_n and_o my_o vitiate_a nature_n have_v pollute_v it_o ii_o if_o all_o our_o righteousness_n be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n isa._n 64._o 6._o what_o can_v we_o expect_v our_o unrighteousness_n shall_v be_v our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o when_o you_o shall_v have_v do_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v you_o say_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n luk._n 17._o 10._o and_o if_o we_o be_v so_o unprofitable_a in_o our_o act_n of_o obedience_n certain_o we_o be_v abominable_a in_o our_o transgression_n st._n gregory_n in_o his_o moral_n tell_v we_o a_o diminutive_a light_n may_v shine_v in_o obscurity_n but_o be_v set_v in_o the_o sun_n be_v darken_v wood_n not_o measure_v may_v appear_v straight_o but_o apply_v to_o the_o rule_n be_v find_v oblique_a the_o impress_n of_o a_o seal_n may_v appear_v perfect_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o spectator_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o imperfect_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o artificer_n so_o that_o which_o glitter_v in_o the_o estimation_n of_o the_o performer_n be_v oftentime_o sordid_a in_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o judger_n for_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v different_a from_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n isa._n 55._o 8._o iii_o the_o memory_n of_o many_o sin_n affright_v i_o and_o yet_o there_o be_v divers_a i_o be_o ignorant_a of_o who_o can_v tell_v how_o oft_o he_o offend_v o_o cleanse_v thou_o i_o from_o my_o secret_a fault_n psal._n 19_o 12._o i_o dare_v not_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n because_o i_o have_v offend_v he_o which_o inhabit_v there_o in_o earth_n i_o enjoy_v no_o refuge_n expect_v nothing_o from_o the_o creature_n because_o i_o have_v offend_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o universe_n my_o adversary_n the_o devil_n accuse_v i_o to_o the_o almighty_a and_o desire_v he_o the_o most_o just_a judge_n to_o condemn_v i_o to_o chain_n of_o
divers_a gesture_n and_o expression_n which_o be_v not_o requisite_a or_o necessary_a for_o any_o but_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v privy_a to_o now_o what_o place_v soever_o you_o find_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o this_o important_a duty_n be_v solicitous_a to_o make_v choiee_n of_o ii_o as_o for_o the_o time_n the_o best_a opportunity_n be_v in_o the_o morning_n for_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o day_n be_v holy_a all_o the_o rest_n be_v sanctify_v moreover_o our_o thought_n be_v then_o not_o pollute_v with_o worldly_a affair_n they_o be_v not_o so_o liable_a to_o distraction_n and_o the_o body_n itself_o be_v more_o serene_a than_o after_o meal_n and_o this_o duty_n require_v a_o vacuity_n in_o the_o stomach_n not_o only_o because_o the_o head_n will_v be_v more_o perspicuous_a and_o apt_a for_o meditation_n but_o also_o because_o many_o passage_n of_o meditation_n require_v so_o much_o attention_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o fervency_n of_o affection_n that_o they_o do_v hinder_v digestion_n and_o this_o duty_n be_v perform_v in_o the_o morning_n it_o will_v have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a day_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v not_o universal_a for_o we_o read_v that_o isaac_n go_v forth_o in_o the_o evening_n to_o medirate_n gen._n 24._o 63._o and_o if_o the_o subject_a of_o your_o meditation_n be_v a_o sermon_n than_o perhaps_o the_o proper_a time_n be_v immediate_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o before_o your_o affection_n cool_v or_o your_o memory_n fail_v you_o iii_o for_o the_o duration_n consider_v the_o part_n of_o meditation_n be_v so_o many_o as_o preparation_n consideration_n affection_n resolution_n and_o the_o like_a and_o not_o one_o of_o these_o be_v to_o be_v pass_v slight_o over_o for_o affection_n be_v not_o quick_o raise_v nor_o be_v we_o to_o cease_v blow_v the_o fire_n if_o it_o flame_n until_o it_o be_v well_o kindle_v half_o a_o hour_n may_v be_v reckon_v to_o be_v the_o least_o for_o beginner_n and_o a_o hour_n for_o those_o that_o be_v proficient_n in_o this_o duty_n iu._n but_o in_o this_o particular_a there_o be_v two_o rule_n especial_o to_o be_v observe_v first_o that_o as_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o desist_v from_o our_o prayer_n before_o that_o temper_n and_o frame_v or_o heart_n be_v wrought_v which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o request_n of_o our_o petition_n so_o we_o shall_v not_o desist_v in_o our_o confession_n of_o sin_n till_o our_o heart_n be_v true_o sensible_a and_o humble_v for_o sin_n neither_o shall_v we_o slacken_v our_o praise_n until_o our_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o holy_a admiring_n and_o inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o almighty_a now_o the_o end_n of_o meditation_n be_v affection_n and_o resolution_n therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o desist_v till_o those_o be_v effect_v v._o so_o in_o private_a prayer_n when_o we_o find_v our_o heart_n enlarge_v by_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n upon_o we_o we_o be_v not_o to_o desist_v unless_o by_o our_o persist_v in_o that_o duty_n we_o omit_v another_o to_o which_o we_o be_v more_o particular_o oblige_v at_o that_o juncture_n so_o in_o meditation_n when_o we_o perceive_v the_o heart_n affect_v we_o be_v to_o continue_v it_o but_o this_o caution_n must_v be_v observe_v that_o in_o our_o enlargement_n we_o must_v not_o continue_v they_o long_o than_o while_o they_o flow_v free_o without_o much_o strain_v and_o compulsion_n for_o honey_n which_o come_v free_o from_o the_o comb_n be_v pure_a but_o force_v by_o heat_n and_o pressure_n be_v not_o so_o well_o relish_v now_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v dead_a we_o must_v use_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o awaken_v it_o and_o when_o once_o our_o heart_n be_v inflame_v and_o enlarge_v by_o holy_a affection_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n it_o be_v but_o a_o impediment_n to_o our_o affection_n to_o return_v to_o the_o meditation_n of_o those_o point_n that_o raise_v they_o sect_n iv._o of_o the_o subject_a and_o method_n of_o meditation_n first_o avoid_v controversy_n for_o that_o will_v convert_v meditation_n into_o study_n and_o nice_a speculation_n for_o they_o be_v sapless_a without_o nutriment_n beside_o be_v so_o light_a they_o fluctuate_v in_o the_o brain_n and_o want_v ponderosity_n to_o sink_v they_o down_o into_o the_o heart_n and_o inddeed_o be_v they_o admit_v they_o be_v so_o insignificant_a as_o the_o heart_n by_o its_o reception_n can_v acquire_v no_o affectation_n but_o let_v the_o subject_a of_o your_o meditation_n be_v the_o plain_a powerful_a and_o useful_a verity_n of_o the_o almighty_a as_o death_n judgement_n hell_n and_o heaven_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n our_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o love_n and_o suffering_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n contemplate_v on_o that_o which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o your_o spiritual_a want_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o desertion_n meditate_v most_o of_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o thy_o own_o unworthiness_n etc._n etc._n ii_o now_o the_o rule_n for_o meditation_n be_v these_o three_o one_a preparatory_a 2_o for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o three_o the_o conclusion_n in_o our_o duty_n of_o preparation_n beside_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o subject_a we_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v and_o affect_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o to_o use_v fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o divine_a assistance_n second_o for_o the_o body_n of_o meditation_n it_o consist_v of_o three_o part_n the_o first_o be_v consideration_n which_o be_v the_o convince_a our_o heart_n of_o several_a verity_n appertain_v to_o that_o subject_a whereof_o we_o meditate_v iii_o if_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o meditation_n be_v death_n the_o consideration_n may_v run_v thus_o alas_o o_o my_o immmortal_a soul_n the_o manner_n time_n and_o place_n where_o we_o shall_v expire_v we_o be_v ignoraut_v of_o general_o man_n life_n come_v to_o a_o period_n soon_o than_o they_o expect_v and_o certain_a it_o be_v whensoever_o that_o hour_n or_o minute_n approach_v we_o must_v bid_v adieu_o to_o honour_n pleasure_n riches_n friend_n and_o at_o last_o our_o own_o frail_a body_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part_n be_v affection_n whether_o it_o be_v love_n of_o god_n christ_n or_o spiritual_a thing_n despise_v of_o the_o world_n admire_v of_o the_o omnipotency_n or_o any_o other_o spiritual_a affection_n the_o three_o part_n be_v resolution_n to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n command_n and_o to_o desist_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o evil._n iv._o now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o genuine_a way_n of_o meditation_n evident_o appear_v first_o because_o it_o be_v not_o artificial_a and_o such_o as_o require_v learning_n as_o those_o instruction_n be_v which_o advise_v we_o to_o consider_v the_o efficient_a final_a formal_a material_a cause_n of_o defunction_n with_o the_o adjunct_n concomitant_n and_o concatenation_n etc._n etc._n which_o though_o they_o perhaps_o may_v please_v the_o learned_a yet_o such_o difficult_a word_n astonish_v the_o ignorant_a now_o this_o be_v the_o method_n by_o which_o every_o one_o that_o be_v bring_v home_o to_o god_n be_v convert_v v._o and_o the_o first_o thing_n in_o coversion_n be_v our_o be_v convince_v of_o some_o truth_n which_o conviction_n raise_v affection_n for_o if_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n end_n in_o conviction_n and_o go_v no_o further_o nay_o if_o they_o end_v in_o aflection_n only_o and_o never_o arrive_v to_o resolution_n of_o shun_v evil_a and_o perform_v of_o good_a conversion_n can_v never_o be_v perfect_v as_o for_o example_n one_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o be_v a_o miserable_a undo_v wretch_n by_o reason_n of_o original_a and_o actual_a abomination_n upon_o this_o conviction_n fear_v and_o sorrow_n be_v excite_v yet_o if_o these_o do_v not_o operate_v in_o we_o a_o fix_a resolution_n of_o forsake_v those_o sin_n we_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o sin_n and_o unconvert_v three_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n for_o the_o conclude_a of_o meditation_n which_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o in_o its_o proper_a order_n sect_n v._o of_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o divine_a presence_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v god_n be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n as_o real_o and_o essential_o as_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o omnipotency_n do_v not_o create_v heaven_n for_o his_o confinement_n but_o to_o manifest_v his_o glory_n for_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o able_a to_o contain_v he_o neither_o be_v the_o almighty_a include_v by_o nor_o exclude_v from_o any_o place_n and_o though_o jacob_n say_v sure_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o know_v it_o not_o gen._n 28._o 16._o yet_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o jacob_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o verity_n of_o it_o but_o do_v not_o actual_o consider_v it_o but_o the_o the_o psalmist_n in_o the_o 139th_o psalm_n be_v perspicuous_a in_o explain_v and_o
clear_v up_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o the_o almighty_a ii_o next_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o almighty_a do_v more_o peculiarly_a observe_v his_o servant_n while_o they_o be_v perform_v of_o heavenly_a duty_n yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o as_o if_o god_n observe_v we_o more_o at_o one_o time_n than_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o omnisciency_n but_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o god_n be_v much_o more_o offend_v with_o we_o if_o our_o deportment_n and_o frame_n of_o heart_n be_v more_o irreverent_a and_o unholy_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n than_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a call_v iii_o we_o may_v consider_v with_o ourselves_o that_o christ_n do_v actual_o behold_v we_o especial_o in_o these_o duty_n of_o sanctity_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o remoteness_n of_o place_n that_o do_v obstruct_v christ_n omnisciency_n and_o exact_a observe_v of_o we_o little_o do_v nathanael_n think_v that_o christ_n see_v he_o under_o the_o figtree_n nathanael_n do_v not_o perceive_v christ_n neither_o then_o be_v he_o corporal_o present_a yet_o christ_n behold_v nathanael_n when_o he_o pray_v so_o christ_n behold_v st._n stephen_n before_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_v and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o heaven_n be_v not_o that_o thereby_o christ_n may_v be_v enable_v the_o better_a to_o behold_v st._n stephen_n but_o that_o this_o holy_a proto-martyr_n may_v thereby_o be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o discern_v that_o christ_n look_v on_o he_o iu._n and_o without_o all_o controversy_n the_o almighty_a observe_n and_o know_v with_o what_o reverence_n faith_n and_o love_n we_o address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o for_o else_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v fruitless_a and_o our_o faith_n ineffectual_a for_o how_o can_v he_o distribute_v to_o we_o according_a to_o our_o faith_n if_o he_o know_v not_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o if_o the_o inferior_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o observe_v by_o omnipotency_n we_o may_v then_o infer_v that_o a_o hypocrite_n which_o can_v utter_v extraordinary_a expression_n shall_v acquire_v more_o by_o his_o address_n to_o the_o almighty_a than_o a_o true_a nathanael_n in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o guile_n v._o suppose_v that_o thou_o have_v live_v in_o that_o age_n when_o christ_n be_v upon_o earth_n or_o that_o he_o be_v corpotal_o present_a now_o near_o thy_o habitation_n consider_v with_o what_o joy_n reverence_n alacrity_n and_o assurance_n thou_o will_v address_v thyself_o to_o he_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o thy_o sin_n or_o for_o any_o other_o mercy_n thou_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n thou_o may_v now_o address_v thyself_o his_o remoteness_n from_o thou_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o corporal_a presence_n do_v not_o diminish_v his_o power_n to_o discern_v thy_o want_n or_o give_v a_o audit_n to_o thy_o petition_n nor_o his_o be_v now_o glorify_v do_v not_o derogate_v his_o benevolence_n to_o grant_v thy_o request_n than_o if_o he_o be_v corporal_o present_a in_o the_o room_n with_o thou_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n as_o he_o be_v once_o at_o jerusalem_n vi_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o slacken_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n and_o god_n attribute_n be_v all_o consonant_n the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n do_v not_o set_v limit_n unto_o his_o goodness_n and_o make_v that_o finite_a nor_o do_v his_o bounty_n make_v his_o omnipotency_n less_o glorious_a his_o goodness_n make_v his_o deity_n more_o amiable_a and_o his_o omnisciency_n make_v his_o mercy_n more_o wonderful_a so_o neither_o do_v the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n excite_v he_o to_o abate_v or_o diminish_v his_o goodness_n to_o any_o that_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o his_o divine_a precept_n vii_o but_o if_o in_o any_o method_n his_o love_n be_v mutable_a it_o be_v by_o a_o augmentation_n for_o when_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v in_o the_o flesh_n you_o must_v have_v approach_v he_o by_o faith_n or_o expect_v no_o mercy_n and_o by_o faith_n though_o he_o be_v enthrone_v in_o heaven_n you_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n in_o time_n of_o need_n thus_o you_o may_v ponder_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o consideration_n until_o your_o heart_n be_v so_o convince_v of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o you_o thereby_o may_v be_v the_o better_o fit_v for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n more_o effectual_o sect_n vi_o of_o preparatory_a prayer_n before_o meditation_n the_o next_o preparatory_a consideration_n be_v prayer_n which_o thou_o may_v perform_v to_o this_o or_o the_o like_a purpose_n lord_n my_o design_n at_o this_o time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v sequester_v a_o hour_n from_o worldly_a enjoyment_n for_o that_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o cessation_n and_o to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o my_o sin_n not_o my_o grace_n but_o my_o solicitation_n at_o this_o time_n be_v to_o be_v so_o convince_v and_o affect_v with_o those_o spiritual_a verity_n reveal_v in_o thy_o sacred_a word_n that_o i_o may_v full_o resolve_v by_o thy_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o reform_v my_o life_n for_o i_o can_v neither_o understand_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o my_o peace_n not_o understand_v they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o certainty_n and_o verity_n of_o they_o ii_o nay_o lord_n though_o my_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v yet_o without_o thou_o my_o affection_n can_v be_v inflame_v i_o can_v neither_o know_v resolve_v nor_o perform_v any_o good_a without_o thou_o for_o from_o thou_o proceed_v both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o thy_o good_a pleasure_n lord_n i_o humble_o implore_v 〈◊〉_d to_o replenish_v i_o with_o thy_o grace_n that_o i_o may_v be_v conscientious_a in_o perform_v this_o duty_n with_o my_o whole_a strength_n and_o not_o negligent_o and_o inconsiderate_o and_o lord_n do_v thou_o illuminate_v i_o and_o convince_v i_o with_o thy_o sacred_a truth_n and_o so_o affect_v my_o heart_n with_o the_o love_n of_o sanctity_n and_o a_o detestation_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o be_v full_o and_o firm_o resolve_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o the_o flesh_n the_o world_n or_o the_o devil_n can_v procure_v to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n with_o joy_n and_o celerity_n iii_o and_o lord_n grant_v that_o when_o thou_o have_v operate_v in_o i_o the_o will_v so_o to_o perform_v give_v i_o also_o the_o benefit_n and_o let_v i_o not_o trust_v to_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o resolution_n but_o to_o the_o continual_a gracious_a assistance_n of_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n that_o through_o thou_o i_o shall_v resolve_v to_o pursue_v grant_v this_o o_o holy_a and_o bless_a father_n even_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o thy_o dear_a son_n who_o have_v command_v i_o to_o approach_v to_o thou_o in_o his_o name_n for_o any_o mercy_n i_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o o_o let_v these_o my_o petition_n reach_v thy_o merciful_a ear_n even_o for_o his_o sake_n who_o be_v my_o only_a lord_n and_o saviour_n amen_n iv._o this_o or_o the_o like_a prayer_n thou_o be_v to_o send_v up_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n but_o this_o must_v be_v do_v with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n for_o thou_o must_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o strength_n which_o thou_o shall_v acquire_v from_o god_n by_o prayer_n whereby_o thou_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v this_o or_o any_o other_o duty_n profitable_o for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v proficient_n now_o he_o that_o begin_v a_o holy_a duty_n without_o god_n will_v end_v it_o without_o he_o also_o it_o be_v a_o pernicious_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o we_o can_v by_o our_o natural_a part_n learning_n or_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n already_o receive_v without_o the_o almighty_n further_o assistance_n perform_v any_o thing_n that_o can_v please_v he_o or_o edify_v our_o own_o soul_n for_o though_o our_o mountain_n be_v make_v strong_a yet_o if_o he_o withdraw_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n we_o be_v in_o obscurity_n v._o we_o may_v with_o much_o more_o reason_n declare_v now_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o his_o full_a meridian_n and_o the_o air_n be_v so_o serene_a that_o now_o we_o can_v transact_v well_o enough_o for_o a_o space_n though_o that_o solar_a luminary_n be_v eclipse_v than_o to_o testify_v though_o our_o heart_n be_v never_o so_o much_o inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o almighty_a now_o we_o be_v so_o supply_v and_o inflame_v with_o his_o divine_a love_n we_o can_v subsist_v by_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o for_o the_o present_a we_o want_v not_o god_n further_a assistance_n afford_v we_o but_o subject_a matter_n to_o meditate_v of_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v of_o ability_n to_o continue_v and_o increase_v our_o flame_n do_v not_o possess_v thyself_o