Selected quad for the lemma: book_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
book_n find_v great_a read_v 2,892 5 5.5522 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A31893 The art of divine meditation, or, A discourse of the nature, necessity, and excellency thereof with motives to, and rules for the better performance of that most important Christian duty : in several sermons on Gen. 24:63 / by Edmund Calamy ... Calamy, Edmund, 1600-1666. 1680 (1680) Wing C227; ESTC R952 107,034 224

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o to_o meditate_v of_o god_n as_o to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o unless_o your_o meditation_n get_v into_o these_o three_o door_n it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n the_o understanding_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v like_o the_o nurse_n to_o the_o child_n you_o know_v the_o office_n of_o the_o nurse_n be_v to_o prepare_v meat_n for_o the_o child_n to_o chew_v and_o cut_v it_o that_o the_o child_n may_v eat_v it_o so_o the_o work_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o prepare_v divine_a truth_n for_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n that_o the_o heart_n may_v close_v with_o they_o and_o eat_v and_o digest_v they_o but_o if_o the_o nurse_n shall_v eat_v the_o meat_n she_o chew_n and_o give_v nothing_o to_o the_o child_n the_o child_n may_v starve_v for_o all_o the_o nurse_n so_o though_o the_o understanding_n do_v chew_v never_o such_o glorious_a truth_n if_o it_o do_v not_o convey_v they_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n there_o be_v many_o a_o man_n spend_v his_o time_n in_o meditation_n as_o a_o butterfly_n feed_v upon_o the_o flower_n suck_v the_o flower_n not_o to_o be_v fruitful_a and_o useful_a but_o mere_o to_o paint_v her_o wing_n so_o he_o study_v and_o ponder_v of_o divine_a thing_n mere_o to_o paint_v his_o wing_n to_o get_v curious_a language_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o curious_a notion_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o promise_n but_o because_o he_o do_v not_o convey_v they_o into_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n he_o be_v never_o the_o holy_a never_o the_o better_a for_o his_o meditation_n but_o true_a meditation_n be_v this_o when_o we_o so_o meditate_v of_o christ_n as_o to_o find_v virtue_n come_v out_o of_o christ_n to_o cure_v the_o bloody_a issue_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o meditate_v of_o he_o so_o as_o to_o be_v transform_v into_o he_o when_o we_o so_o meditate_v of_o god_n as_o to_o love_n god_n and_o desire_v after_o god_n and_o rejoice_v in_o god_n and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n when_o we_o so_o meditate_v of_o sin_n as_o to_o hate_v and_o abhor_v it_o and_o turn_v from_o it_o so_o meditate_v of_o the_o promise_n as_o to_o close_v with_o they_o when_o by_o frequent_a muse_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o holy_a fire_n of_o divine_a love_n kindle_v towards_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o psal._n 104._o 34._o my_o meditation_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v sweet_a when_o we_o so_o meditate_v on_o god_n as_o it_o get_v into_o our_o affection_n to_o sweeten_v the_o thought_n of_o god_n unto_o our_o soul_n than_o the_o meditation_n of_o god_n be_v sweet_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o time_n a_o honest_a plainhearted_a christian_n find_v more_o benefit_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o divine_a meditation_n than_o a_o great_a scholar_n for_o a_o great_a scholar_n will_v meditate_v to_o find_v out_o some_o glorious_a expression_n some_o curious_a notion_n as_o a_o man_n that_o read_v a_o book_n mere_o for_o the_o fine_a language_n and_o a_o man_n that_o hear_v a_o sermon_n mere_o to_o feast_v his_o ear_n because_o of_o the_o eloquence_n of_o the_o sermon_n and_o go_v home_n never_o the_o holy_a never_o the_o better_a but_o now_o the_o honest_a plainhearted_a christian_n meditate_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v be_v make_v the_o more_o heavenly_a he_o meditate_v of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v love_v and_o fear_v he_o more_o he_o meditate_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v prize_v he_o more_o he_o meditate_v of_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v hate_v it_o more_o and_o of_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o may_v love_v they_o more_o though_o he_o can_v find_v out_o these_o curious_a notion_n that_o a_o scholar_n do_v yet_o his_o heart_n be_v more_o affect_v many_o time_n than_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o great_a scholar_n if_o he_o be_v not_o godly_a divine_a meditation_n be_v of_o no_o use_n unless_o it_o be_v practical_a and_o affectionative_n 4._o property_n be_v this_o divine_a meditation_n must_v be_v particular_a and_o applicative_a for_o general_n will_v not_o work_v at_o all_o the_o philosopher_n say_v that_o fire_n in_o general_n do_v not_o burn_v it_o be_v this_o fire_n that_o burn_v a_o sword_n in_o general_n do_v not_o cut_v it_o be_v this_o sword_n cut_v so_o confuse_a meditation_n of_o heaven_n god_n and_o christ_n will_v do_v you_o little_a good_a but_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v get_v good_a by_o the_o practice_n of_o meditation_n you_o must_v come_v down_o to_o particular_n and_o you_o must_v so_o meditate_v of_o christ_n as_o to_o apply_v christ_n to_o thy_o soul_n and_o so_o meditate_v of_o heaven_n as_o to_o apply_v heaven_n to_o thy_o soul_n this_o be_v i_o this_o be_v my_o portion_n christ_n be_v my_o portion_n he_o be_v jehovah_n my_o righteousness_n nam_fw-la quid_fw-la est_fw-la deus_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la meus_fw-la what_o be_o i_o the_o better_a for_o heaven_n or_o for_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v not_o i_o what_o comfort_n can_v i_o have_v to_o meditate_v of_o christ_n if_o i_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o he_o if_o i_o can_v apply_v he_o what_o comfort_n can_v i_o have_v to_o meditate_v of_o heaven_n if_o i_o have_v no_o right_n to_o heaven_n i_o meditate_v of_o a_o place_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o i_o therefore_o the_o great_a part_n of_o meditation_n be_v application_n you_o must_v apply_v the_o thing_n you_o meditate_v of_o to_o your_o own_o particular_a and_o that_o man_n that_o in_o his_o meditation_n of_o christ_n can_v say_v with_o thomas_n my_o god_n and_o my_o lord_n be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o happy_a blessed_a be_v that_o man_n that_o can_v say_v my_o god_n and_o my_o lord_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n that_o work_v mighty_o upon_o the_o heart_n necessity_n and_o excellency_n propriety_n and_o perpetuity_n the_o heart_n be_v much_o take_v with_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a especial_o when_o they_o be_v necessary_a especial_o if_o i_o have_v a_o propriety_n in_o they_o and_o this_o propriety_n be_v perpetual_a and_o thrice_o happy_a be_v that_o man_n that_o can_v say_v all_o these_o four_o concern_v god_n and_o christ_n that_o when_o he_o meditate_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o heaven_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o enjoy_v they_o when_o he_o can_v add_v a_o propriety_n all_o these_o be_v i_o god_n be_v my_o god_n christ_n be_v my_o righteousness_n and_o heaven_n be_v my_o inheritance_n and_o my_o inheritance_n for_o ever_o oh_o this_o man_n be_v in_o heaven_n already_o that_o can_v make_v this_o application_n upon_o scripture-ground_n and_o therefore_o be_v sure_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n your_o meditation_n be_v applicative_a though_o a_o medicine_n be_v never_o so_o sovereign_a it_o do_v you_o no_o good_a unless_o you_o apply_v it_o the_o water_n in_o the_o fountain_n will_v never_o do_v you_o good_a unless_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o you_o by_o a_o cistern_n convey_v to_o you_o some_o way_n or_o other_o so_o the_o meditation_n of_o god_n christ_n and_o heaven_n will_v little_o avail_v unless_o you_o make_v application_n and_o this_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o sacrament_n the_o work_n you_o be_v to_o do_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v meditation_n and_o in_o all_o sacramental_a meditation_n you_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o join_v application_n when_o you_o meditate_v of_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v break_v for_o you_o you_o must_v apply_v it_o it_o be_v break_v for_o i_o and_o when_o you_o see_v the_o wine_n pour_v out_o you_o must_v meditate_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o cross_n you_o must_v make_v application_n by_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o great_a act_n of_o faith_n this_o blood_n be_v pour_v out_o for_o i_o this_o body_n be_v break_v for_o i_o and_o now_o god_n offer_v christ_n god_n give_v christ_n to_o i_o there_o be_v the_o sweetness_n in_o the_o sacrament_n the_o five_o property_n divine_a meditation_n must_v be_v calm_a and_o quiet_a there_o be_v many_o well_o affect_a christian_n that_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n will_v force_v themselves_o too_o much_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o young_a beginner_n that_o when_o they_o meditate_v of_o their_o sin_n will_v force_v themselves_o into_o tear_n and_o when_o they_o meditate_v of_o christ_n will_v force_v themselves_o into_o joy_n it_o be_v ordinary_a when_o young_a christian_n meditate_v because_o they_o can_v find_v their_o affection_n wrought_v upon_o they_o will_v use_v violence_n to_o their_o affection_n and_o force_v out_o tear_n or_o joy_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o meditate_v upon_o just_o like_o the_o man_n act._n 3._o 7_o 8._o the_o lame_a man_n that_o be_v
of_o pardon_n thus_o i_o have_v cut_v out_o a_o pattern_n and_o go_v over_o these_o nine_o head_n and_o you_o will_v say_v here_o be_v work_v for_o many_o hour_n to_o that_o christian_n that_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n that_o be_v able_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o go_v over_o these_o here_o you_o see_v what_o a_o rich_a furniture_n you_o have_v by_o go_v over_o these_o logical_a help_n and_o as_o i_o have_v do_v concern_v sin_n so_o may_v you_o do_v concern_v the_o sacrament_n and_o when_o you_o meditate_v of_o heaven_n you_o may_v go_v over_o these_o head_n and_o consider_v the_o description_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o distribution_n of_o it_o and_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n and_o the_o opposite_n and_o the_o comparison_n and_o this_o will_v furnish_v you_o with_o intellectual_a matter_n now_o because_o these_o logical_a head_n be_v somewhat_o difficult_a i_o will_v give_v you_o some_o plain_a rule_n for_o help_v ordinary_a christian_n those_o that_o be_v babe_n in_o the_o school_n of_o grace_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o enlarge_v their_o thought_n upon_o any_o subject_n i_o will_v give_v you_o brief_o five_o easy_a rule_n to_o help_v you_o to_o enlarge_v your_o thought_n upon_o what_o subject_n you_o choose_v to_o meditate_v on_o 1._o you_o must_v consider_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o the_o subject_n you_o will_v spend_v a_o hour_n in_o meditation_n about_o as_o for_o example_n will_v you_o meditate_v of_o the_o promise_n do_v you_o want_v matter_n to_o furnish_v you_o take_v the_o bible_n and_o consider_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v concern_v the_o preciousness_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o freeness_n the_o riches_n the_o infallibleness_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o universality_n of_o the_o tender_a of_o the_o promise_n the_o variety_n of_o the_o promise_n consider_v what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o promise_n to_o grace_n and_o promise_n of_o grace_n consider_v all_o the_o many_o rare_a and_o admirable_a promise_n that_o be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o pick_v out_o some_o choice_n of_o they_o to_o meditate_v on_o so_o likewise_o will_v you_o meditate_v of_o the_o sacrament_n take_v your_o bible_n and_o consider_v what_o you_o have_v read_v concern_v the_o sacrament_n the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o feast_n and_o the_o end_n why_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o you_o may_v come_v to_o be_v prepare_v and_o make_v fit_a to_o be_v worthy_a receiver_n and_o consider_v the_o danger_n of_o come_v unworthy_o and_o the_o happiness_n of_o come_v worthy_o but_o if_o this_o be_v too_o hard_a i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o easy_a help_n 2._o consider_v what_o sermon_n you_o have_v hear_v of_o that_o subject_n you_o will_v meditate_v upon_o and_o labour_n to_o recollect_v the_o head_n of_o any_o sermon_n you_o have_v hear_v and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o help_v you_o to_o enlarge_v your_o thought_n in_o meditation_n as_o for_o example_n i_o have_v make_v many_o sermon_n of_o late_a upon_o the_o promise_n any_o of_o those_o sermon_n will_v furnish_v you_o with_o matter_n enough_o for_o meditation_n upon_o the_o promise_n i_o have_v make_v many_o sermon_n upon_o the_o weekday_n to_o set_v out_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n and_o many_o sermon_n i_o have_v preach_v late_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o rare_a subject_n to_o meditate_v upon_o if_o you_o will_v meditate_v of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n you_o must_v labour_v to_o recollect_v what_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o this_o subject_n and_o that_o will_v furnish_v you_o with_o matter_n so_o will_v you_o meditate_v of_o heaven_n or_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o you_o find_v too_o hard_o to_o enlarge_v yourselves_o about_o take_v the_o help_n of_o sermon_n that_o you_o have_v hear_v or_o if_o that_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o you_o let_v i_o propound_v a_o three_o the_o three_o way_n that_o be_v easy_a than_o both_o these_o take_v a_o book_n that_o treat_v of_o the_o subject_n you_o will_v meditate_v upon_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a subject_n but_o there_o be_v some_o book_n or_o other_o that_o do_v treat_v of_o it_o there_o be_v many_o book_n that_o treat_v of_o the_o four_o last_o thing_n which_o be_v four_o rare_a material_n of_o meditation_n the_o quatuor_fw-la novissima_fw-la death_n and_o hell_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o heaven_n and_o there_o be_v many_o book_n that_o treat_v of_o the_o preciousness_n of_o the_o promise_n the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o sacrament_n now_o if_o thou_o find_v thou_o be_v barren_a in_o meditation_n and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o spend_v a_o hour_n in_o meditate_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o subject_n take_v one_o of_o these_o book_n before_o thou_o now_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v you_o shall_v read_v these_o book_n but_o only_o pick_v out_o some_o choice_a thing_n and_o then_o muse_v and_o meditate_v what_o these_o book_n will_v suggest_v unto_o you_o 4._o let_v i_o add_v another_o rule_n be_v sure_a always_o in_o your_o meditation_n to_o join_v application_n be_v sure_a to_o join_v examination_n and_o application_n and_o contemplation_n and_o consideration_n this_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o weak_a of_o christian_n as_o for_o example_n will_v you_o meditate_v of_o sin_n of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n be_v sure_o to_o draw_v down_o your_o meditation_n to_o application_n make_v application_n to_o thy_o own_o soul_n and_o consider_v whether_o thy_o sin_n be_v pardon_v not_o only_o consider_v the_o grievousness_n of_o sin_n in_o general_a for_o general_a contemplation_n of_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o excellent_a will_v not_o work_v upon_o the_o soul_n i_o hardly_o ever_o hear_v of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v convert_v by_o general_n it_o be_v the_o particular_a application_n that_o work_v upon_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n nathan_n as_o long_o as_o he_o tell_v david_n of_o his_o sin_n in_o a_o parabolical_a way_n david_n be_v not_o wrought_v upon_o he_o be_v fain_o at_o last_o to_o tell_v he_o thou_o be_v the_o man_n then_o david_n confess_v his_o sin_n you_o shall_v seldom_o hear_v a_o general_a sermon_n do_v good_a it_o be_v the_o particular_a application_n that_o work_v upon_o people_n heart_n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o your_o exercise_n of_o divine_a meditation_n be_v sure_a to_o draw_v down_o thing_n to_o particular_n as_o for_o example_n will_v thou_o meditate_v of_o heaven_n apply_v it_o to_o thy_o soul_n and_o ask_v thy_o soul_n be_o i_o fit_a and_o meet_v to_o go_v to_o that_o place_n have_v i_o a_o heavenly_a disposition_n have_v i_o heavenly_a qualification_n be_o i_o one_o of_o those_o who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n be_v that_o my_o inheritance_n be_v that_o my_o house_n this_o will_n exceed_o affect_v you_o it_o will_v make_v your_o meditation_n to_o be_v very_o useful_a and_o very_o powerful_a and_o so_o when_o you_o meditate_v of_o death_n still_o draw_v down_o to_o examination_n be_o i_o fit_a for_o death_n will_v death_n be_v a_o happy_a hour_n to_o i_o be_o i_o one_o of_o those_o that_o shall_v enjoy_v god_n after_o death_n the_o five_o rule_n be_v this_o be_v sure_a always_o in_o your_o meditation_n to_o consider_v the_o mean_n how_o to_o obtain_v what_o you_o meditate_v upon_o if_o it_o be_v good_a and_o the_o mean_n to_o shun_v it_o if_o it_o be_v evil_a the_o mean_n to_o get_v what_o you_o meditate_v upon_o if_o it_o be_v good_a if_o you_o meditate_v of_o heaven_n then_o consider_v the_o mean_n how_o to_o enjoy_v that_o bless_a inheritance_n and_o if_o you_o meditate_v of_o the_o promise_n consider_v how_o you_o shall_v do_v that_o by_o which_o you_o may_v be_v heir_n of_o all_o these_o promise_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o you_o meditate_v of_o evil_a thing_n what_o mean_v there_o be_v to_o be_v use_v to_o shun_v these_o evil_a thing_n if_o you_o will_v meditate_v of_o sin_n what_o must_v i_o do_v to_o avoid_v sin_n that_o i_o may_v be_v unpoluted_a and_o undefiled_a that_o i_o may_v get_v my_o sin_n pardon_v and_o my_o soul_n purge_v and_o when_o you_o meditate_v of_o hell_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v to_o escape_v those_o everlasting_a burn_n these_o be_v the_o five_o help_n to_o weak_a christian_n 6._o you_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v understanding_n i_o will_v have_v you_o fly_v to_o those_o nine_o common-place-head_n if_o you_o be_v able_a study_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o thing_n you_o meditate_v upon_o the_o effect_n and_o the_o property_n and_o the_o distribution_n and_o description_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v furnish_v you_o with_o rare_a matter_n with_o abundance_n of_o material_n of_o meditation_n that_o man_n that_o be_v
he_o taste_v of_o when_o he_o take_v a_o occasion_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sensitive_a to_o raise_v up_o his_o thought_n to_o heavenly_a meditation_n or_o take_v it_o thus_o occasional_a meditation_n be_v when_o a_o man_n make_v use_v of_o the_o creature_n as_o a_o footstool_n to_o raise_v he_o up_o to_o god_n as_o a_o ladder_n to_o heaven_n when_o a_o man_n upon_o the_o sudden_a make_v use_v of_o what_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n or_o hear_v with_o his_o ear_n as_o a_o ladder_n to_o climb_v to_o heaven_n withal_o you_o have_v a_o pattern_n of_o this_o psal._n 8._o 3_o 4._o when_o i_o consider_v thy_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o thy_o singer_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o thou_o have_v ordain_v mark_v what_o be_v his_o meditation_n of_o this_o what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o lord_n what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o shall_v make_v the_o heaven_n the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n for_o his_o sake_n you_o must_v know_v that_o all_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v a_o picture_n of_o god_n it_o be_v god_n looking-glass_n wherein_o you_o may_v behold_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n there_o be_v no_o creature_n but_o it_o have_v the_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o spice_n of_o grace_n but_o you_o that_o be_v spiritual_a may_v read_v god_n in_o it_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o a_o heathen_a every_o herb_n that_o you_o have_v in_o your_o garden_n do_v represent_v the_o divinity_n or_o nature_n of_o god_n there_o be_v two_o book_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o christian_n to_o know_v he_o by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o creature_n now_o though_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o better_a book_n of_o the_o two_o and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v teach_v we_o more_o of_o god_n than_o the_o book_n of_o the_o creature_n for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o creature_n can_v teach_v we_o god_n in_o christ_n can_v teach_v we_o the_o mystery_n of_o redemption_n nor_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n yet_o the_o book_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v a_o rare_a book_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v learn_v excellent_a thing_n concern_v heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n excellent_a instruction_n i_o remember_v a_o story_n of_o a_o godly_a man_n antony_z that_o be_v drive_v into_o the_o wilderness_n for_o religion_n sake_n and_o have_v no_o book_n at_o all_o in_o the_o wilderness_n he_o be_v ask_v how_o he_o can_v spend_v his_o time_n say_v he_o i_o have_v one_o book_n and_o that_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o as_o long_o as_o i_o have_v this_o book_n i_o want_v no_o other_o book_n speak_v how_o much_o he_o can_v behold_v god_n in_o that_o book_n and_o it_o be_v a_o good_a say_n of_o tertullian_n the_o same_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o god_n of_o grace_n and_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o receive_v instruction_n and_o spiritual_a benefit_n from_o natural_a thing_n as_o well_o as_o from_o gracious_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n because_o there_o be_v the_o same_o god_n of_o nature_n as_o of_o grace_n the_o creature_n of_o god_n be_v a_o divine_a book_n in_o which_o we_o may_v read_v the_o power_n of_o god_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o mercy_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n rom._n 1._o 20._o that_o that_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n may_v be_v read_v in_o the_o creature_n now_o the_o creature_n be_v but_o spectacle_n by_o which_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o read_v these_o thing_n concern_v god_n i_o have_v read_v a_o story_n of_o a_o painter_n hermogenes_n he_o be_v a_o rare_a man_n for_o that_o art_n and_o come_v into_o a_o painter_n shop_n he_o see_v a_o line_n draw_v so_o curious_o that_o he_o cry_v out_o sure_o apelles_n have_v be_v here_o none_o but_o apelles_n can_v draw_v such_o a_o curious_a line_n and_o as_o the_o story_n say_v he_o go_v out_o of_o theshop_n and_o never_o leave_v till_o he_o have_v founb_v out_o this_o apelles_n that_o so_o he_o may_v come_v to_o the_o acquaintance_n of_o that_o man_n that_o have_v so_o much_o skill_n the_o application_n of_o this_o be_v most_o excellent_a when_o you_o look_v upon_o this_o creature_n of_o god_n and_o that_o creature_n of_o god_n you_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o none_o but_o a_o god_n can_v make_v such_o a_o glorious_a world_n digitus_fw-la dei_fw-la est_fw-la hic_fw-la here_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o if_o you_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o you_o will_v make_v you_o to_o seek_v out_o after_o this_o god_n and_o to_o love_v this_o god_n and_o honour_v this_o god_n 2._o i_o will_v give_v you_o some_o example_n of_o this_o occasional_a sudden_a extemporary_a meditation_n of_o divine_a thing_n first_o i_o will_v give_v you_o scripture_n example_n prov._n 6._o 6._o there_o the_o wise_a man_n send_v the_o sluggard_n to_o the_o pismire_n go_v to_o the_o ant_n thou_o sluggard_n consider_v her_o way_n and_o be_v wise_a which_o have_v no_o guide_n overseer_n or_o ruler_n provide_v her_o meat_n in_o the_o summer_n here_o you_o see_v what_o a_o rare_a meditation_n a_o man_n may_v have_v from_o the_o little_a pismire_n and_o how_o the_o sluggard_n be_v send_v to_o behold_v the_o pismire_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o his_o sluggishness_n let_v the_o sight_n of_o that_o put_v thou_o in_o mind_n of_o thy_o laziness_n jer._n 8._o 7._o there_o god_n send_v the_o unthankful_a israelite_n to_o the_o stork_n and_o the_o turtle_n and_o the_o crane_n and_o the_o swallow_n the_o stork_n in_o the_o heaven_n know_v her_o appoint_a time_n and_o the_o turtle_n and_o the_o crane_n and_o the_o swallow_v observe_v the_o time_n of_o their_o come_n here_o you_o have_v a_o sudden_a and_o occasional_a meditation_n from_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n the_o turtle_n the_o crane_n the_o swallow_n observe_v the_o time_n of_o their_o come_n the_o stork_n at_o such_o a_o time_n of_o the_o year_n go_v out_o of_o the_o land_n and_o at_o such_o a_o time_n of_o the_o year_n come_v into_o the_o land_n but_o my_o people_n there_o be_v the_o meditation_n know_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o thus_o christ_n send_v the_o distrustful_a christian_a to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o to_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n mat._n 6._o 26._o behold_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n for_o they_o sow_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o reap_v nor_o gather_v into_o barn_n yet_o your_o heavenly_a father_n feed_v they_o here_o be_v a_o occasional_a meditation_n be_v you_o not_o better_o than_o many_o sparrow_n and_o why_o take_v you_o think_v for_o raiment_n consider_v the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n how_o they_o grow_v they_o toil_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o spin_v and_o yet_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o even_o solomon_n in_o all_o his_o glory_n be_v not_o array_v like_o one_o of_o these_o you_o have_v another_o example_n joh._n 4._o where_o christ_n discourse_v with_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n and_o entreat_v some_o water_n from_o the_o woman_n take_v a_o occasion_n from_o the_o water_n of_o the_o well_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o water_n of_o life_n and_o joh._n 6._o from_o the_o loaf_n christ_n feed_v the_o people_n withal_o he_o take_v a_o occasion_n to_o discourse_n of_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n you_o follow_v i_o for_o the_o loaf_n say_v christ_n but_o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n that_o perish_v but_o labour_n for_o the_o meat_n that_o endure_v for_o ever_o i_o be_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n christ_n take_v occasion_n from_o the_o natural_a bread_n to_o meditate_v on_o the_o bread_n of_o life_n the_o bread_n of_o heaven_n to_o give_v you_o some_o other_o example_n i_o read_v in_o st._n austin_n that_o he_o have_v a_o watercourse_n near_o his_o lodging_n a_o great_a flow_a down_o of_o water_n and_o observe_v how_o sometime_o the_o water_n go_v down_o silent_o sometime_o make_v a_o great_a noise_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o different_a stream_a of_o the_o water_n he_o make_v a_o rare_a discourse_n of_o the_o order_n of_o providence_n the_o manner_n how_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n in_o order_n there_o be_v a_o minister_n mr._n deering_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n day_n a_o man_n of_o famous_a memory_n in_o who_o life_n it_o be_v report_v that_o just_a when_o he_o be_v a_o die_a the_o sun_n shine_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o take_v occasion_n from_o that_o most_o excellent_o to_o discourse_v of_o that_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n of_o the_o happiness_n he_o be_v go_v
comfort_v you_o who_o be_v thou_o that_o thou_o shall_v be_v afraid_a of_o a_o man_n that_o shall_v die_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v as_o grass_n and_o forget_v the_o lord_n thy_o maker_n that_o have_v stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v if_o thou_o do_v remember_v and_o think_v on_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n who_o make_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o his_o hand_n thou_o will_v not_o fear_v a_o man_n that_o shall_v die_v etc._n etc._n jer._n 10._o 6_o 7._o first_o the_o prophet_n break_v out_o into_o a_o admiration_n of_o god_n forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v none_o like_o unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n thou_o be_v great_a and_o thy_o name_n be_v great_a in_o might_n who_o will_v not_o fear_v thou_o o_o king_n of_o nation_n for_o to_o thou_o do_v it_o appertain_v forasmuch_o as_o among_o all_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o in_o all_o their_o kingdom_n there_o be_v none_o like_o unto_o thou_o the_o meditation_n of_o god_n stir_v up_o the_o prophet_n to_o fear_n god_n jer._n 5._o 22._o fear_v you_o not_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n will_v you_o not_o tremble_v at_o my_o presence_n which_o have_v place_v the_o sand_n for_o the_o bind_v of_o the_o sea_n by_o a_o perpetual_a decree_n that_o it_o can_v pass_v though_o the_o wave_n thereof_o toss_v themselves_o yet_o can_v they_o not_o prevail_v though_o they_o roar_v yet_o can_v they_o pass_v over_o it_o do_v we_o meditate_v much_o upon_o the_o power_n of_o god_n we_o will_v fear_v he_o and_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o he_o 4._o this_o divine_a meditation_n be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ_n for_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o fountain_n seal_v a_o spring_n shut_v up_o a_o garden_n enclose_v now_o you_o know_v no_o man_n be_v the_o better_a for_o a_o book_n seal_v up_o or_o a_o treasure_n lock_v up_o to_o a_o careless_a christian_a christ_n be_v a_o fountain_n seal_v a_o treasure_n lock_v up_o but_o meditation_n be_v the_o key_n that_o unlock_v the_o treasury_n of_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n and_o open_v the_o book_n to_o let_v we_o read_v all_o the_o excellency_n that_o be_v in_o christ._n meditation_n do_v as_o it_o be_v open_v the_o fountain_n and_o do_v we_o study_v what_o christ_n be_v that_o he_o be_v the_o choice_a of_o ten_o thousand_o altogether_o excellent_a the_o brightness_n of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o do_v we_o study_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o poor_a sinner_n the_o height_n the_o depth_n the_o length_n the_o breadth_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o do_v we_o study_v how_o christ_n become_v poor_a to_o make_v we_o rich_a how_o he_o become_v a_o curse_n to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o curse_n how_o he_o be_v make_v sin_n that_o we_o may_v be_v make_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n through_o he_o do_v we_o bury_v ourselves_o in_o this_o meditation_n do_v you_o take_v half_a a_o hour_n in_o a_o day_n to_o meditate_v on_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n do_v you_o when_o you_o walk_v in_o the_o field_n meditate_v on_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n i_o be_o confident_a it_o will_v beget_v in_o you_o a_o love_n to_o christ._n 5._o divine_a meditation_n be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o trust_v in_o god_n to_o trust_n 1._o in_o his_o providence_n in_o all_o outward_a straits_n 2._o in_o his_o promise_n in_o all_o spiritual_a trouble_n 1._o it_o will_v help_v you_o to_o trust_v in_o his_o providence_n when_o you_o be_v in_o any_o straits_n when_o all_o creature-helps_a fail_n and_o you_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v than_o meditation_n will_v raise_v your_o faith_n and_o help_v you_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n providence_n for_o outward_a provision_n mat._n 6._o 25_o etc._n etc._n i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v christ_n take_v no_o thought_n for_o your_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v or_o what_o you_o shall_v drink_v nor_o yet_o for_o your_o body_n what_o you_o shall_v put_v on_o be_v not_o solicitous_a for_o your_o outward_a provision_n but_o how_o do_v christ_n argue_v what_o way_n shall_v we_o take_v that_o we_o may_v not_o distrust_v god_n say_v he_o meditate_v upon_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n behold_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n for_o they_o sow_v not_o v_o 28._o why_o take_v you_o think_v for_o raiment_n consider_v the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n how_o they_o grow_v they_o toil_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o spin_v and_o yet_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o even_o solomon_n in_o all_o his_o glory_n be_v not_o array_v like_o one_o of_o these_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o lily_n and_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o help_v we_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o straits_n 2._o it_o will_v enable_v you_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o promise_n for_o the_o good_a of_o your_o soul_n do_v you_o when_o you_o read_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o bible_n chew_v they_o how_o sweet_a will_v they_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o promise_n be_v not_o sweet_a to_o you_o be_v because_o you_o read_v they_o but_o you_o do_v not_o chew_v they_o by_o meditate_v upon_o they_o if_o you_o do_v meditate_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v be_v sweet_a than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n especial_o if_o you_o do_v join_v application_n with_o meditation_n abraham_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o he_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n and_o what_o make_v he_o strong_a in_o faith_n because_o he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n now_o dead_a neither_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarah_n womb_n but_o he_o consider_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n rom._n 4._o 19_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v so_o void_a of_o comfort_n and_o hang_v down_o their_o head_n and_o walk_v so_o disconsolate_o be_v because_o they_o consider_v the_o deadness_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n they_o consider_v their_o imperfection_n but_o they_o do_v not_o meditate_v upon_o the_o promise_n the_o freeness_n and_o the_o riches_n of_o they_o mat._n 16._o 8._o which_o when_o jesus_n perceive_v he_o say_v to_o they_o oh_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n why_o reason_v you_o among_o yourselves_o because_o you_o have_v bring_v no_o bread_n here_o christ_n reprove_v they_o for_o want_v of_o faith_n but_o how_o come_v they_o to_o want_v faith_n do_v you_o not_o understand_v neither_o remember_v the_o five_o loaf_n of_o the_o five_o thousand_o and_o how_o many_o basket_n you_o take_v up_o and_o do_v you_o not_o remember_v the_o seven_o loaf_n of_o the_o four_o thousand_o and_o how_o many_o basket_n you_o take_v up_o as_o if_o christ_n shall_v have_v say_v if_o you_o have_v meditate_a on_o my_o former_a miracle_n you_o will_v never_o have_v doubt_v this_o miracle_n but_o because_o you_o do_v not_o remember_v what_o i_o have_v former_o do_v therefore_o it_o be_v that_o you_o be_v so_o full_a of_o unbelief_n now_o the_o way_n to_o fill_v your_o soul_n with_o comfort_n be_v to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n 6._o divine_a meditation_n be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o worldly_a thing_n for_o the_o world_n be_v like_a unto_o gild_a copper_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n for_o a_o man_n to_o mistake_v gild_a copper_n for_o true_a gold_n unless_o he_o consider_v what_o he_o take_v for_o if_o a_o man_n take_v gold_n without_o consideration_n he_o may_v quick_o be_v cozen_v there_o be_v a_o glitter_a excellency_n in_o the_o world_n the_o wealth_n and_o riches_n of_o it_o be_v glorious_a thing_n to_o a_o carnal_a eye_n but_o meditation_n of_o the_o world_n will_v wash_v away_o all_o the_o paint_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o world_n the_o study_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o nothingness_n of_o all_o earthly_a thing_n the_o unsatisfiableness_n of_o they_o and_o the_o perish_a nature_n of_o they_o this_o will_v take_v away_o the_o glitter_a excellency_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o certain_o you_o will_v never_o be_v so_o covetous_a and_o so_o worldly_a and_o dote_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o world_n do_v you_o meditate_v upon_o the_o vanity_n of_o it_o as_o you_o shall_v do_v this_o be_v the_o course_n solomon_n take_v the_o book_n of_o eccles_n be_v call_v the_o book_n of_o the_o preacher_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o it_o be_v to_o wean_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n but_o what_o course_n do_v solomon_n take_v eccles._n 1._o 3._o i_o give_v my_o heart_n to_o seek_v and_o search_v out_o by_o wisdom_n concern_v all_o thing_n do_v under_o
so_o must_v you_o when_o these_o rove_a thought_n come_v upon_o you_o when_o you_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n or_o the_o mount_n of_o meditation_n you_o must_v thrust_v they_o out_o that_o be_v you_o must_v use_v all_o your_o spiritual_a strength_n to_o thrust_v they_o out_o and_o you_o must_v pray_v unto_o god_n as_o moses_n pray_v exod._n 8._o that_o god_n will_v take_v away_o this_o plague_n of_o fly_n and_o do_v as_o pharaoh_n do_v he_o send_v for_o moses_n oh_o pray_v pray_v unto_o god_n for_o i_o that_o this_o swarm_n of_o fly_n may_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o land_n speak_v to_o thy_o godly_a minister_n thy_o godly_a friend_n to_o pray_v for_o thou_o and_o do_v thou_o pray_v for_o thyself_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v thou_o from_o these_o noisome_a imagination_n and_o fancy_n and_o rove_a thought_n that_o do_v disturb_v you_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n so_o much_o for_o the_o place_n where_o we_o be_v to_o meditate_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o speak_v to_o be_v the_o time_n when_o we_o be_v to_o meditate_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o text_n and_o isaac_n go_v out_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o eventide_n it_o seem_v isaac_n find_v the_o evening_n to_o be_v the_o fit_a time_n for_o meditation_n dr._n hall_n in_o his_o excellent_a tract_n of_o meditation_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o his_o own_o experience_n that_o he_o find_v the_o evening-time_n to_o be_v the_o fit_a time_n for_o meditation_n and_o there_o be_v a_o learned_a minister_n in_o that_o excellent_a book_n of_o the_o saint_n everlasting_a rest_n do_v likewise_o from_o his_o own_o experience_n commend_v the_o eventide_n for_o the_o best_a and_o suitabl_a time_n for_o meditation_n and_o he_o say_v from_o the_o sunsetting_a to_o the_o twilight_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o night_n when_o it_o be_v warm_a and_o clear_a i_o will_v not_o lay_v clog_n upon_o any_o man_n conscience_n that_o which_o be_v seasonable_a for_o one_o be_v unseasonable_a for_o another_o some_o man_n temper_n be_v fit_a to_o meditate_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o some_o man_n temper_n be_v fit_a to_o meditate_v in_o the_o evening_n now_o there_o be_v four_o proposition_n four_o rule_n of_o direction_n concern_v the_o time_n when_o i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o meditate_v 1._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v not_o hinder_v by_o necessary_a business_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o set_v apart_o some_o time_n every_o day_n for_o meditation_n whether_o it_o be_v morning_n afternoon_n or_o night_n for_o meditation_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o christianity_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v you_o improve_v all_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n you_o be_v but_o the_o skeleton_n of_o christian_n without_o meditation_n it_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o your_o daily_a bread_n and_o as_o you_o feed_v your_o body_n every_o day_n so_o you_o ought_v to_o feed_v your_o soul_n every_o day_n with_o meditate_v on_o your_o sin_n or_o your_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n or_o the_o everlasting_a burn_n of_o hell_n or_o of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n the_o great_a account_n you_o be_v to_o give_v at_o that_o day_n or_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n or_o of_o the_o promise_n etc._n etc._n we_o be_v every_o day_n assault_v with_o the_o devil_n therefore_o we_o shall_v every_o day_n put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o divine_a meditation_n to_o consider_v how_o to_o resist_v the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n we_o be_v every_o day_n subject_a to_o death_n we_o be_v every_o day_n subject_a to_o sin_n therefore_o we_o shall_v every_o day_n consider_v how_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o death_n and_o every_o day_n consider_v how_o to_o resist_v sin_n meditation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o converse_v with_o god_n the_o soul_n colloquie_n with_o god_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v every_o day_n walk_v with_o god_n divine_a meditation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o soul_n transmigration_n into_o heaven_n the_o soul_n ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n now_o it_o be_v fit_a every_o day_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n david_n when_o he_o describe_v the_o bless_a man_n psal._n 1._o 2._o say_v he_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o law_n will_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n and_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o though_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o have_v many_o worldly_a business_n the_o affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o hinder_v he_o yet_o he_o say_v psal._n 119._o 97._o oh_o how_o do_v i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n v_o 148._o my_o eye_n prevent_v the_o night-watche_n that_o i_o may_v meditate_v on_o thy_o word_n there_o be_v the_o morning-time_n for_o meditation_n i_o prevent_v the_o dawn_n of_o the_o morning_n that_o i_o may_v meditate_v in_o thy_o word_n v_o 15._o i_o will_v delight_v myself_o in_o thy_o statute_n and_o i_o will_v meditate_v in_o thy_o precept_n and_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o way_n and_o joshua_n that_o great_a general_n of_o the_o army_n though_o he_o be_v a_o man_n sure_o of_o great_a employment_n yet_o god_n do_v lay_v a_o injunction_n upon_o he_o josh._n 1._o 7_o 8._o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v therein_o day_n &_o night_n 2._o i_o will_v go_v high_o yet_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o set_v a_o sufficient_a proportion_n of_o time_n apart_o every_o day_n oh_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o get_v our_o heart_n in_o tune_n for_o this_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o musician_n he_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n to_o string_n and_o to_o tune_v his_o instrument_n before_o he_o can_v play_v the_o best_a christian_n be_v like_o a_o instrument_n unstring_v and_o untuned_a he_o have_v need_n take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n to_o get_v his_o heart_n in_o tune_n for_o divine_a meditation_n the_o best_a christian_n be_v like_o wet_a wood_n which_o will_v not_o burn_v you_o know_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o blow_v he_o have_v need_n to_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n to_o kindle_v a_o holy_a zeal_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n to_o blow_v up_o the_o spark_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o he_o if_o a_o man_n will_v fill_v a_o chest_n that_o be_v full_a of_o dirt_n full_a of_o gold_n he_o must_v take_v time_n to_o empty_a the_o chest_n before_o he_o can_v fill_v it_o by_o nature_n we_o be_v all_o full_a of_o the_o world_n full_a of_o the_o dirt_n of_o the_o world_n full_a of_o vanity_n full_a of_o carnal_a creature-pleasure_n now_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n first_o to_o take_v pain_n to_o empty_a the_o chest_n before_o we_o can_v fill_v it_o full_a of_o heaven_n full_a of_o god_n and_o christ._n now_o i_o propound_v this_o to_o you_o that_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o spare_a time_n especial_o you_o that_o spend_v whole_a afternoon_n in_o idle_a visit_n and_o vain_a recreation_n oh_o that_o i_o can_v persuade_v you_o to_o give_v god_n a_o visit_n every_o day_n and_o to_o meditate_v of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o yourselves_o and_o the_o recreation_n of_o the_o other_o world_n let_v i_o persuade_v you_o that_o count_v it_o your_o happiness_n to_o live_v vain_o that_o you_o have_v not_o so_o much_o work_v to_o do_v as_o other_o man_n have_v to_o set_v some_o time_n apart_o to_o go_v up_o into_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n to_o meditate_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o that_o i_o may_v provoke_v you_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o thus_o much_o it_o be_v the_o great_a curse_n under_o heaven_n for_o god_n to_o give_v a_o man_n over_o to_o live_v a_o idle_a life_n to_o trifle_v away_o his_o day_n in_o vanity_n and_o so_o it_o be_v reckon_v psal._n 78._o 33._o therefore_o their_o day_n do_v he_o consume_v in_o vanity_n therefore_o it_o be_v speak_v as_o a_o curse_n harken_v to_o this_o you_o that_o idle_a away_o your_o time_n there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a curse_n of_o god_n upon_o you_o than_o to_o suffer_v you_o to_o idle_a away_o your_o time_n herein_o you_o idle_a away_o your_o salvation_n this_o direction_n belong_v to_o you_o that_o be_v rich_a man_n rich_a merchant_n that_o have_v whole_a exchange_n full_a of_o business_n in_o your_o head_n to_o beseech_v you_o that_o you_o will_v contract_v your_o worldly_a affair_n into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n that_o you_o may_v have_v time_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o rare_a duty_n of_o meditation_n which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o duty_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o be_v so_o lean_a and_o poor_a in_o grace_n be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o
4._o consider_v that_o by_o persevere_v in_o this_o duty_n it_o will_v at_o last_o grow_v easy_a it_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o very_a up-hill_n duty_n a_o very_a spiritual_a heavenly_a duty_n but_o as_o a_o man_n that_o every_o day_n go_v up_o a_o hill_n though_o at_o first_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a he_o blow_v and_o pant_v as_o if_o his_o soul_n will_v go_v out_o of_o he_o but_o by_o persevere_v in_o it_o he_o can_v go_v up_o the_o hill_n without_o pain_n or_o weariness_n so_o though_o it_o be_v a_o up-hill_n a_o hard_a duty_n yet_o if_o you_o that_o have_v time_n as_o many_o of_o you_o have_v will_v but_o set_v about_o this_o work_n and_o persevere_v in_o it_o and_o labour_n that_o your_o meditation_n be_v applicative_a and_o affectionative_n let_v i_o assure_v you_o you_o will_v quick_o conquer_v the_o difficulty_n by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n let_v a_o man_n be_v to_o kindle_v a_o fire_n if_o the_o wood_n be_v wet_a he_o must_v blow_v and_o continue_v blow_v and_o at_o last_o he_o will_v conquer_v it_o if_o he_o fling_v away_o the_o bellows_o he_o will_v never_o make_v the_o fire_n burn_v but_o he_o must_v continue_v blow_v till_o he_o have_v extract_v the_o moisture_n and_o conquer_v the_o wood_n so_o when_o you_o go_v to_o meditate_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n of_o your_o sin_n though_o you_o find_v your_o heart_n dead_a and_o dull_a and_o full_a of_o vain_a rove_a thought_n and_o you_o be_v mighty_o out_o of_o tune_n and_o much_o discourage_v you_o must_v go_v on_o blow_v still_o you_o must_v blow_v and_o blow_n and_o blow_n and_o at_o last_o the_o fire_n will_v kindle_v the_o great_a god_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v come_v in_o and_o help_v you_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o particular_a the_o property_n of_o divine_a meditation_n 4._o i_o must_v speak_v to_o the_o companion_n of_o meditation_n there_o be_v two_o companion_n you_o must_v always_o join_v with_o it_o or_o at_o least_o ordinary_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o one_o you_o must_v always_o join_v one_o be_v read_v the_o other_o be_v pray_v 1._o you_o must_v join_v prayer_n with_o your_o meditation_n and_o therefore_o here_o in_o my_o text_n the_o same_o word_n that_o signify_v to_o meditate_v in_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v to_o pray_v and_o isaac_n go_v out_o to_o meditate_v the_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n be_v he_o go_v out_o to_o pray_v or_o to_o meditate_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o margin_n it_o be_v put_v and_o isaac_n go_v out_o to_o pray_v and_o in_o the_o old_a translation_n it_o be_v and_o isaac_n go_v out_o to_o pray_v and_o in_o the_o new_a translation_n it_o be_v he_o go_v out_o to_o meditate_v the_o same_o hebrew_n word_n that_o signify_v to_o meditate_v signify_v to_o pray_v to_o teach_v we_o that_o we_o must_v always_o join_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n together_o as_o for_o example_n when_o you_o meditate_v of_o your_o sin_n you_o must_v put_v up_o a_o prayer_n to_o god_n that_o you_o may_v so_o meditate_v of_o your_o sin_n as_o to_o get_v your_o heart_n humble_v for_o they_o and_o when_o you_o meditate_v of_o heaven_n you_o must_v join_v prayer_n with_o your_o meditation_n and_o lift_v up_o a_o prayer_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v help_v you_o so_o to_o meditate_v of_o heaven_n as_o to_o make_v you_o fit_a for_o heaven_n when_o i_o say_v prayer_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v a_o set_v formal_a prayer_n but_o a_o short_a prayer_n when_o you_o go_v up_o the_o hill_n of_o meditation_n you_o must_v not_o set_v yourselves_o at_o prayer_n but_o only_o join_v short_a prayer_n beseech_v god_n that_o he_o will_v bless_v it_o unto_o you_o luk._n 9_o 29._o when_o christ_n go_v up_o to_o prayer_n while_o he_o be_v pray_v his_o countenance_n be_v change_v he_o be_v transfigure_v and_o cornelius_n while_o he_o be_v a_o pray_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n appear_v unto_o he_o he_o have_v glorious_a appearance_n while_o he_o be_v pray_v act._n 10._o when_o we_o go_v up_o to_o the_o hill_n to_o meditate_v and_o to_o pray_v to_o pray_v and_o meditate_v we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o apparition_n from_o god_n with_o glorious_a transfiguration_n it_o be_v a_o rare_a say_n of_o bernard_n meditation_n without_o prayer_n be_v infertilis_fw-la barren_a and_o lukewarm_a prayer_n without_o meditation_n be_v arida_fw-la dry_a and_o as_o one_o say_v very_o well_o write_v of_o meditation_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o prayer_n of_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n be_v but_o carcase_n of_o prayer_n be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o join_v meditation_n and_o prayer_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o their_o meditation_n be_v no_o more_o powerful_a be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o join_v prayer_n with_o their_o meditation_n for_o meditation_n without_o prayer_n be_v altogether_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a you_o must_v not_o meditate_v in_o your_o own_o strength_n 2._o you_o must_v join_v read_v with_o your_o meditation_n understand_v i_o aright_o i_o propound_v this_o to_o weak_a christian_n that_o want_v a_o stock_n of_o knowledge_n there_o be_v some_o christian_n that_o be_v a_o walking-library_n they_o be_v book_n themselves_o they_o need_v not_o a_o book_n to_o help_v they_o to_o meditate_v but_o you_o that_o be_v weak_a christian_n my_o advice_n be_v this_o that_o you_o will_v join_v read_v with_o your_o meditation_n as_o for_o example_n will_v you_o meditate_v of_o christ_n go_v and_o take_v the_o bible_n and_o read_v the_o history_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o when_o thou_o read_v any_o thing_n remarkable_a lay_v thy_o book_n aside_o and_o meditate_v serious_o of_o that_o passage_n as_o for_o example_n when_o thou_o come_v to_o read_v of_o christ_n sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n that_o christ_n in_o a_o cold_a winter_n night_n upon_o the_o cold_a ground_n for_o thy_o sake_n shall_v shed_v drop_n of_o blood_n lay_v thy_o book_n aside_o and_o meditate_v of_o these_o drop_n of_o blood_n oh_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n that_o he_o then_o suffer_v and_o so_o when_o thou_o come_v to_o read_v what_o christ_n suffer_v upon_o the_o cross_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o lie_v aside_o thy_o book_n and_o meditate_v of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v forsake_v for_o thy_o sake_n in_o regard_n of_o outward_a comfort_n i_o mean_v not_o in_o regard_n of_o union_n he_o be_v forsake_v that_o thou_o may_v not_o be_v forsake_v so_o likewise_o will_v thou_o meditate_v on_o the_o promise_n if_o thou_o be_v a_o weak_a christian_a take_v a_o book_n that_o treat_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o when_o thou_o read_v any_o promise_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o thou_o lay_v the_o book_n aside_o and_o meditate_v of_o that_o promise_n till_o thy_o heart_n be_v affect_v with_o it_o and_o labour_n that_o it_o may_v take_v impression_n upon_o thy_o soul._n say_v bernard_n long_o read_v without_o meditation_n never_o make_v a_o good_a scholar_n it_o be_v always_o barren_a and_o meditation_n without_o read_v lead_v many_o a_o weak_a christian_n over_o to_o error_n and_o therefore_o when_o you_o set_v a_o time_n apart_o for_o meditation_n join_v prayer_n and_o read_n with_o your_o meditation_n now_o here_o i_o must_v give_v you_o two_o caution_n 1._o you_o must_v not_o read_v much_o lest_o it_o hinder_v you_o meditation_n as_o you_o must_v not_o be_v large_a in_o prayer_n that_o it_o may_v not_o hinder_v your_o meditation_n so_o you_o must_v not_o be_v large_a in_o read_v when_o you_o go_v to_o meditate_v for_o prayer_n and_o read_n be_v in_o order_n to_o meditation_n 2._o when_o you_o be_v at_o the_o sacrament_n you_o must_v lay_v aside_o all_o read_n you_o must_v meditate_v at_o the_o sacrament_n without_o read_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o christ_n at_o the_o sacrament_n preach_v to_o the_o eye_n and_o our_o sacramental_a element_n be_v our_o sacramental_a bible_n every_o action_n of_o the_o minister_n be_v mystical_a and_o spiritual_a the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o wine_n be_v spiritual_a christ_n jesus_n be_v represent_v in_o all_o that_o be_v do_v at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o therefore_o when_o you_o begin_v to_o be_v draw_v dry_a as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v and_o you_o know_v not_o what_o to_o meditate_v on_o you_o must_v instead_o of_o read_v look_v upon_o the_o element_n it_o be_v a_o sanctify_a way_n to_o quicken_v you_o to_o holiness_n and_o you_o must_v look_v upon_o they_o with_o a_o spiritual_a eye_n with_o a_o understand_a eye_n as_o know_v what_o those_o element_n signify_v and_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o element_n will_v suggest_v matter_n of_o meditation_n this_o i_o speak_v because_o i_o see_v many_o weak_a christian_n and_o i_o believe_v they_o do_v it_o upon_o honest_a