think_v that_o it_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n or_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o treatise_n that_o we_o read_v without_o god_n assistance_n to_o do_v we_o good_a nay_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v absent_a when_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v it_o but_o that_o thou_o shall_v desire_v a_o blessing_n upon_o thyself_o in_o read_v of_o this_o book_n be_v not_o all_o i_o request_v of_o thou_o but_o that_o thou_o will_v also_o extend_v thy_o prayer_n further_o even_o for_o other_o that_o it_o may_v be_v also_o for_o their_o edification_n whosoever_o shall_v read_v it_o for_o as_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v that_o every_o sermon_n we_o hear_v may_v be_v for_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o of_o ourselves_o it_o hold_v also_o in_o read_v of_o treatise_n of_o devotion_n finis_fw-la book_n to_o be_v sell_v by_o thomas_n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n near_o mercer_n chapel_n a_o commentary_n on_o the_o hebrew_n by_o john_n owen_n d._n d._n fol._n a_o exposition_n of_o temptation_n on_o mat._n 4_o verse_n 1._o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o eleven_o by_o dr._n though_o tailor_n fol._n a_o practical_a exposition_n on_o the_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o episile_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n with_o the_o godly_a man_n choice_n on_o psal._n 4._o vers_fw-la 6_o 7_o 8._o by_o anthony_n burgess_n fol._n the_o view_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o hugh_n broughton_n fol._n christianographia_fw-la oâ—_n a_o description_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o sundry_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n not_o subject_a to_o the_o pope_n by_o eph._n pagit_n these_o six_o treatise_n next_o follow_v be_v write_v by_o mr._n george_n swinnock_n 1._o the_o christian_a man_n call_v or_o a_o treatise_n of_o make_v religion_n one_o business_n in_o religious_a duty_n natural_a action_n his_o particular_a vocation_n his_o family_n direction_n and_o his_o own_o recreation_n the_o first_o part_n 2._o likewise_o a_o second_o part_n wherein_o christian_n be_v direct_v to_o perform_v their_o duty_n as_o husband_n and_o wife_n parent_n and_o child_n master_n and_o servant_n in_o the_o condition_n of_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n 3._o the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a man_n call_v wherein_o the_o christian_a be_v direct_v how_o to_o make_v religion_n his_o business_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o all_o man_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o companion_n in_o his_o carriage_n in_o good_a and_o bad_a company_n in_o solitariness_n on_o a_o week_n day_n from_o morning_n to_o night_n in_o visit_v the_o sick_a on_o a_o die_a bed_n 4._o the_o door_n of_o salvation_n open_v by_o the_o key_n of_o regeneration_n 5._o heaven_n and_o hell_n epitomise_v and_o the_o true_a christian_a characterise_a 6._o the_o fade_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o flourish_a of_o faith_n or_o one_o cast_v for_o eternity_n with_o the_o only_a way_n to_o throw_v it_o well_o all_o these_o by_o george_n swinnock_n 4_o to_o a_o exposition_n on_o the_o five_o first_o chapter_n of_o ezekiel_n with_o useful_a observation_n thereupon_o by_o will._n greenhill_n 4_o to_z the_o gospel_n covenant_n or_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n open_v preach_v in_o new_a england_n by_o peter_n bulkely_a 4_o to_o a_o antidote_n against_o quakerisin_n by_o stephen_n scandret_n god_n holy_a mind_n touch_v matter_n moral_a which_o himself_o utter_v in_o ten_o word_n or_o ten_o commandment_n also_o a_o exposition_n on_o the_o lord_n prayer_n by_o edward_n elton_n b._n d._n 410._o fiery_a jesuit_n or_o a_o historical_a collection_n of_o the_o rise_n increase_v doctrine_n and_o deed_n of_o the_o jesuit_n expose_v to_o the_o view_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o london_n 410._o horologiographia_fw-la optica_fw-la dialling_a universal_a and_o particular_a speculative_a and_o practical_a together_o with_o the_o description_n of_o the_o court_n of_o art_n by_o a_o new_a method_n by_o silvanus_n morgan_n 410._o heart-treasure_n or_o a_o treatise_n tend_v to_o fill_v and_o furnish_v the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o every_o christian_a with_o soul-inriching_a treasury_n of_o truth_n grace_n experience_n and_o comfort_n octavo_fw-la 1_o part_n sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o heart-treasure_n closet_n prayer_n a_o christian_n duty_n all_o three_o by_o oliver_n heywood_n a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o prayer_n by_o though_o cobbet_n of_o quench_v the_o spirit_n the_o evil_a of_o it_o in_o respect_n both_o of_o its_o cause_n and_o effect_n discover_v by_o theophilus_n polwheile_n the_o re-building_n of_o london_n encourage_v and_o improve_v in_o several_a meditation_n by_o samuel_n roll_n the_o sure_a way_n to_o salvation_n or_o a_o treatise_n of_o the_o saint_n mystical_a union_n with_o christ._n antidote_n against_o infection_n of_o a_o multitude_n these_o two_o by_o rowland_n stedman_n m_o a._n the_o great_a loss_n upon_o matth._n 16._o 26._o by_o james_n livesâ—y_n octavo_fw-la a._n defence_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o zach._n crofton_n god_n sovereignty_n display_v by_o will._n jeer_a the_o godly_a man_n ark_n or_o city_n of_o refuge_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o distress_n in_o five_o sermon_n with_o mris._n moor_n evidence_n for_o heaven_n by_o edm._n calamy_n the_o almost_o christian_n discover_v or_o the_o false_a professor_n try_v and_o cast_v by_o mr._n mead._n spiritual_a wisdom_n improve_v against_o temptation_n by_o mr._n mead._n 1._o heaven_n take_v by_o storm_n 2._o the_o holy_a eucharist_n or_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n brief_o open_v these_o two_o by_o mr_n tho._n watson_n nonconformity_n without_o contravercy_n by_o ben._n baxter_n the_o parable_n of_o the_o great_a supper_n by_o john_n crump_n late_o of_o maidstone_n finis_fw-la mr._n holland_n
soul_n love_v yet_o to_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o hear_v one_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d saint_n in_o the_o world_n in_o their_o sâ—â—ret_a address_n unto_o god_n be_v not_o less_o desirable_a than_o the_o former_a when_o saint_n pray_v with_o other_o they_o refrain_v from_o several_a expression_n for_o fear_v of_o scandal_n either_o of_o pride_n or_o hypocrisy_n there_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o liberty_n of_o speech_n in_o secret_a which_o be_v not_o lawful_a if_o possible_a to_o be_v utter_v except_o by_o a_o soul_n in_o secret_a when_o no_o one_o hear_v but_o god_n alone_o to_o hear_v a_o poor_a soul_n in_o desertion_n bemoan_v itself_o like_o ephraim_n to_o hear_v it_o fetch_v such_o sigh_n and_o groan_n for_o one_o glimpse_n of_o god_n smile_a countenance_n such_o sigh_n and_o groan_v i_o say_v as_o never_o any_o one_o yet_o hear_v the_o sorrowfull_a in_o the_o world_n fetch_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o die_a or_o new_a dead_a friend_n or_o child_n or_o husband_n nay_o such_o groan_n as_o never_o any_o in_o the_o agony_n of_o death_n or_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o great_a torment_n ever_o fetch_v o_o how_o you_o will_v be_v affect_v to_o hear_v such_o sigh_n and_o such_o groan_n as_o some_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n fetch_v and_o such_o sigh_n they_o have_v rom._n 8._o 26._o they_o may_v and_o be_v actual_o express_v if_o indulgent_a parent_n have_v they_o when_o they_o die_v or_o man_n in_o torment_n have_v any_o equal_a to_o they_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v that_o he_o help_v the_o infirmity_n of_o his_o people_n with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n that_o can_v be_v express_v to_o hear_v a_o man_n sigh_v as_o if_o his_o heart_n will_v break_v because_o he_o can_v not_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n oh_o how_o will_v it_o make_v one_o say_v alas_o alas_o i_o be_v never_o thus_o affect_v because_o i_o can_v not_o enjoy_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n 1._o oh_o how_o will_v it_o have_v affect_v you_o can_v you_o have_v hear_v david_n in_o his_o secret_a address_n unto_o god_n see_v how_o affectionate_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o 119._o psalm_n and_o the_o 20_o verse_n my_o soul_n break_v for_o the_o longing_n that_o it_o have_v unto_o thy_o judgement_n at_o all_o time_n this_o be_v no_o strain_n of_o rhetoric_n david_n will_v not_o lie_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o tell_v god_n his_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o break_v if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o he_o well_o know_v god_n know_v his_o heart_n nay_o for_o this_o to_o be_v constant_a when_o ever_o he_o think_v of_o such_o thing_n then_o for_o his_o very_a soul_n to_o break_v give_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v assert_v doubtless_o hypocrite_n can_v in_o their_o act_n of_o love_n or_o joy_n come_v up_o to_o the_o real_a affection_n of_o some_o of_o god_n people_n i_o say_v therefore_o to_o hear_v the_o expression_n of_o god_n people_n in_o their_o secret_a address_n unto_o god_n their_o love-sick_a pang_n in_o their_o ecstasy_n of_o joy_n be_v worth_a our_o hear_n for_o they_o will_v wonderful_o affect_v this_o very_a thing_n be_v do_v in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n where_o we_o have_v david_n write_v his_o secret_a devotion_n for_o abundance_n of_o the_o psalm_n be_v david_n secret_a address_n unto_o god_n upon_o several_a occasion_n as_o by_o the_o title_n of_o several_a of_o his_o psalm_n do_v appear_v chap._n 2._o a_o short_a explanation_n of_o the_o word_n together_o with_o some_o short_a observation_n upon_o the_o same_o because_o the_o first_o verse_n be_v part_n of_o the_o description_n of_o the_o bless_a man_n and_o a_o introductory_n also_o to_o the_o follow_a word_n i_o shall_v speak_v something_o to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o the_o first_o verse_n be_v far_o more_o emphatical_a than_o they_o be_v render_v in_o our_o english_a translarion_n for_o indeed_o our_o english_a dialect_n will_v not_o bear_v to_o be_v translate_v exact_o according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n but_o as_o near_o as_o it_o can_v be_v take_v it_o thus_o o_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n or_o he_o man_n i._n e._n whoever_o he_o be_v rich_a or_o poor_a noble_a or_o ignoble_a that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornfu_n but_o his_o will_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o of_o jehovah_n and_o in_o his_o law_n he_o do_v meditate_v in_o the_o day_n and_o by_o the_o night_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o gather_v up_o the_o pearl_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o the_o text._n let_v i_o a_o little_a consider_v the_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o righteous_a man_n blessedness_n he_o be_v bless_v 2._o he_o be_v blessedness_n make_v up_o of_o blessedness_n bless_v in_o his_o body_n bless_v in_o his_o soul_n bless_v in_o health_n bless_v in_o sickness_n bless_v in_o every_o state_n and_o condition_n 3._o he_o be_v blessedness_n bless_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n for_o the_o plural_a number_n be_v sometime_o put_v for_o the_o superlative_a or_o else_o blessedness_n signify_v all_o manner_n of_o blessedness_n temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a if_o riches_n be_v a_o blessing_n he_o shall_v have_v they_o if_o poverty_n be_v a_o blessing_n he_o shall_v have_v that_o for_o sometime_o poverty_n be_v a_o blessing_n sometime_o riches_n whatsoever_o be_v a_o blessing_n he_o shall_v have_v 4._o a_o saint_n be_v not_o only_o bless_v bless_a even_o to_o admiration_n it_o be_v bring_v in_o here_o with_o a_o interjection_n or_o note_n of_o admiration_n o_o blessedness_n be_v the_o man_n 5._o saint_n admire_v the_o saint_n blessedness_n and_o it_o be_v no_o small_a matter_n will_v make_v the_o saint_n admire_v the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n they_o despise_v which_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n admire_v at_o and_o they_o despise_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o saint_n 6._o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n he_o give_v the_o saint_n happiness_n beyond_o their_o understanding_n f_o god_n shall_v send_v the_o saint_n a_o book_n as_o large_a as_o heaven_n and_o bid_v we_o write_v down_o what_o we_o will_v have_v we_o shall_v be_v loser_n by_o the_o bargain_n for_o the_o happiness_n and_o blessedness_n of_o saint_n put_v the_o saint_n to_o a_o stand_n and_o make_v they_o silent_a for_o admiration_n be_v silentium_fw-la intellectus_fw-la when_o the_o understanding_n perceive_v that_o there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o object_n than_o it_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v it_o leave_v off_o make_v notion_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o than_o fall_v to_o admire_v of_o it_o the_o platonist_n say_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d visibile_fw-la invisible_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o excellency_n and_o abundance_n of_o light_n god_n may_v be_v praise_v well_o by_o many_o word_n but_o better_a by_o few_o and_o best_a of_o all_o by_o none_o but_o by_o silence_n admiration_n and_o ecstasy_n of_o love_n and_o indefatigable_a desire_n after_o everlasting_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o so_o i_o say_v of_o the_o blessedness_n of_o saint_n sure_o as_o adam_n in_o his_o best_a estate_n be_v altogether_o vanity_n psal._n 39_o so_o the_o saint_n the_o man_n whosoever_o he_o be_v be_v in_o his_o low_a condition_n altogether_o bless_v i_o shall_v pass_v by_o the_o gradation_n of_o the_o word_n as_o walk_v stand_v sit_z counsel_n way_n seat_z wicked_a sinner_n scornful_a though_o one_o may_v observe_v by_o the_o way_n one_o grow_v wicked_a by_o degree_n but_o i_o forbear_v yet_o this_o i_o shall_v observe_v from_o the_o coherence_n of_o these_o word_n with_o the_o former_a viz._n that_o negative_a divinity_n damn_v thousand_o be_v be_v luther_n expression_n though_o we_o must_v first_o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a before_o we_o can_v do_v good_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o so_o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a but_o we_o must_v also_o do_v good_a for_o as_o sin_n of_o commission_n poison_v the_o soul_n so_o sin_n of_o omission_n starve_v the_o soul._n from_o that_o his_o will_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o jehovah_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o will_n of_o our_o own_o the_o law_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v our_o will_n if_o you_o will_v know_v the_o will_n of_o a_o saint_n you_o may_v find_v it_o in_o god_n law_n saint_n will_v be_v the_o transcript_n of_o the_o law_n write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n jer._n 31._o 33._o i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n say_v god_n and_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n if_o any_o will_v know_v what_o a_o saint_n will_v do_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o case_n you_o need_v not_o go_v to_o ask_v he_o but_o see_v what_o god_n command_v he_o will_v nothing_o but_o what_o
24._o 63._o that_o this_o be_v a_o solemn_a meditation_n be_v evident_a because_o he_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o have_v no_o other_o business_n there_o but_o this_o it_o be_v not_o say_v when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o field_n he_o meditate_a as_o if_o it_o be_v occasiona_fw-mi but_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o set_a duty_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o go_v out_o to_o meditate_v 2._o it_o be_v command_v josh._n 1._o 8_o and_o this_o duty_n of_o meditation_n be_v set_v down_o as_o a_o chief_a mean_n to_o be_v sanctify_v of_o god_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o law_n 3._o it_o be_v as_o a_o characteristical_a difference_n between_o a_o wicked_a man_n and_o a_o saint_n 4._o to_o consider_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o meditate_v be_v synonima_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o appear_v in_o this_o because_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o want_n of_o consideration_n and_o not_o want_v of_o knowledge_n isa._n 1._o 3._o and_o it_o be_v not_o much_o for_o we_o to_o hear_v sermon_n nay_o though_o we_o be_v neverso_fw-it attentive_a it_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n psal._n 41._o 12._o it_o be_v more_o than_o to_o know_v for_o who_o be_v there_o almost_o in_o the_o world_n that_o know_v not_o that_o he_o must_v die_v but_o few_o be_v there_o that_o consider_v it_o deut._n 32._o 29._o 5._o the_o necessity_n of_o meditation_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o no_o man_n be_v convert_v without_o meditation_n for_o every_o one_o that_o be_v convert_v the_o method_n be_v this_o 1._o he_o hear_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n 2._o he_o be_v convince_v of_o they_o 3._o he_o consider_v and_o meditate_v upon_o they_o and_o see_v how_o much_o they_o concern_v he_o 4._o he_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o 5._o be_v thus_o affect_v it_o raise_v holy_a resolution_n of_o better_a obedience_n but_o it_o will_v be_v object_v alas_o i_o be_o not_o book_n learned_a how_o shall_v i_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o meditation_n this_o be_v rather_o for_o minister_n &c_n &c_n ans._n 1._o i_o may_v say_v of_o meditation_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o mathematics_n he_o that_o be_v a_o rational_a man_n and_o do_v but_o improve_v his_o reason_n though_o he_o have_v neither_o tongue_n nor_o art_n to_o help_v he_o may_v understand_v &_o grow_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a excellency_n in_o those_o art_n so_o he_o that_o have_v grace_n if_o he_o do_v but_o exercise_v and_o improve_v it_o though_o he_o have_v not_o learning_n will_v excel_v the_o learnede_a man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o grace_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n it_o be_v not_o learning_n but_o devotion_n that_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o this_o duty_n 2._o can_v a_o man_n be_v a_o bless_a man_n without_o learning_n then_o he_o may_v meditate_v without_o it_o psal._n 12._o obs._n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a duty_n ans._n 1._o that_o show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o excellent_a duty_n for_o the_o hard_a any_o duty_n be_v the_o more_o excellent_a the_o hardness_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o corruption_n and_o the_o more_o contrary_a any_o thing_n be_v to_o that_o which_o be_v bad_a it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o better_o 2._o can_v you_o expect_v any_o duty_n shall_v be_v easy_a at_o first_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n so_o of_o temporal_a thing_n which_o be_v of_o any_o excellency_n as_o write_v play_v on_o a_o lute_n etc._n etc._n 3._o because_o it_o be_v so_o powerful_a to_o mortify_v corruption_n sweet_a thing_n nourish_v and_o bitter_a thing_n purge_v therefore_o if_o you_o will_v only_o perform_v those_o duty_n that_o be_v delightful_a they_o will_v nourish_v not_o purge_v out_o corruption_n 4._o get_v but_o your_o heart_n inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n than_o this_o duty_n will_v not_o only_o be_v easy_a and_o delightful_a but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o duty_n that_o you_o can_v tell_v almost_o how_o to_o avoid_v for_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a not_o to_o think_v of_o what_o one_o love_n as_o to_o think_v of_o what_o one_o hate_n bid_v the_o covetous_a man_n not_o think_v of_o his_o money_n or_o bid_v he_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o he_o will_v find_v a_o equal_a difficulty_n in_o both_o indeed_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o desire_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v get_v by_o meditation_n but_o when_o once_o our_o heart_n be_v inflame_v by_o meditation_n then_o our_o mediattion_n be_v inflame_v by_o love_n as_o a_o oven_n be_v first_o heat_v by_o fuel_n and_o then_o it_o set_v the_o fuel_n on_o fire_n and_o as_o with_o the_o fuel_n you_o must_v put_v in_o fire_n and_o blow_v it_o but_o afterward_o it_o kindle_v of_o itself_o so_o the_o difficulty_n of_o meditation_n be_v at_o first_o when_o there_o be_v but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o spark_n of_o love_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o will_v cost_v he_o some_o pain_n by_o meditation_n to_o blow_v it_o up_o to_o a_o flame_n but_o afterward_o the_o heart_n will_v be_v so_o heat_v with_o these_o flame_n of_o love_n that_o it_o will_v so_o inflame_v all_o the_o thought_n that_o it_o will_v make_v we_o not_o only_o easy_o but_o necessary_o to_o meditate_v on_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n 5._o the_o people_n of_o god_n general_o have_v find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n in_o pray_v without_o a_o form_n at_o first_o many_o godly_a minister_n use_v a_o set_a form_n of_o prayer_n before_o their_o sermon_n not_o many_o year_n since_o and_o when_o they_o and_o privaâ—â—_n christian_n come_v to_o pray_v at_o first_o without_o a_o form_n they_o find_v a_o strangeness_n and_o a_o unreadiness_n thereunto_o so_o it_o be_v in_o meditation_n christian_n be_v not_o use_v to_o it_o it_o will_v seem_v a_o strange_a and_o difficult_a work_n unto_o they_o but_o i_o may_v say_v of_o it_o as_o be_v say_v of_o the_o yoke_n christ_n grauè_fw-la cum_fw-la tollis_fw-la suave_fw-la cum_fw-la tuleris_fw-la thou_o will_v find_v it_o very_o delightful_a or_o at_o least_o very_a profitable_a ob._n but_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o necessary_a duty_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o general_o neglect_v by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n ans._n it_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n both_o in_o scripture_n as_o be_v prove_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n be_v frequent_o nothing_o but_o meditation_n though_o not_o in_o this_o method_n and_o by_o many_o in_o our_o day_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o private_a closet-duty_n the_o omission_n nor_o performance_n of_o it_o can_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o so_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v reprove_v nor_o performance_n observe_v 3._o the_o direction_n and_o instruction_n for_o meditation_n have_v be_v general_o very_o abstruse_a and_o intricate_a chap._n v._o preparatory_a direction_n for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o solemn_a meditation_n 1._o for_o the_o place_n that_o must_v be_v private_a remote_a from_o company_n and_o noise_n isaac_n go_v into_o the_o field_n our_o saviour_n into_o a_o garden_n and_o david_n wish_v we_o to_o enter_v into_o our_o chamber_n and_o be_v still_o psal._n 4._o 4._o and_o our_o saviour_n bid_v we_o enter_v into_o our_o closet_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n the_o place_n must_v be_v such_o as_o must_v be_v remote_a from_o noise_n and_o company_n or_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v distract_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n and_o such_o a_o place_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v interrupt_v or_o force_v to_o break_v off_o before_o the_o duty_n be_v end_v it_o must_v be_v also_o private_a and_o remote_a from_o the_o observation_n of_o other_o so_o that_o we_o may_v neither_o be_v he_o hear_v nor_o see_v because_o there_o be_v divers_a gesture_n and_o expression_n which_o be_v not_o convenient_a for_o any_o one_o but_o god_n and_o one_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v privy_a to_o which_o of_o those_o place_n you_o find_v to_o be_v most_o advantageous_a to_o you_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o meditation_n you_o may_v choose_v 2._o for_o the_o time_n when_o the_o best_a be_v in_o the_o morning_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o day_n and_o the_o first-fruit_n be_v holy_a all_o the_o rest_n be_v fanctify_v 2._o because_o our_o thought_n be_v then_o not_o soil_v with_o worldly_a business_n will_v not_o be_v so_o subject_a to_o be_v distract_v 3._o because_o the_o body_n itself_o be_v more_o serene_a then_o after_o meal_n and_o this_o duty_n need_v a_o empty_a stomach_n not_o only_o because_o the_o head_n will_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o fit_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 intention_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 4._o because_o that_o
ourselves_o of_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o word_n that_o so_o we_o may_v the_o more_o full_o understand_v their_o drift_n and_o aim_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o let_v the_o truth_n pass_v until_o we_o have_v by_o effection_n examination_n or_o resolution_n some_o way_n advantage_v ourselves_o in_o the_o most_o holy_a faith_n or_o some_o way_n else_o benefit_v our_o soul_n by_o a_o general_a view_n take_v of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n we_o may_v see_v the_o abundant_a sweetness_n and_o fragrancy_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o we_o do_v the_o odour_n of_o flower_n by_o scent_v they_o now_o meditation_n draw_v forth_o the_o honey_n of_o the_o flower_n into_o our_o bowel_n and_o nourish_v we_o thereby_o the_o beauty_n and_o odour_n of_o flower_n be_v very_o delightful_a but_o they_o nourish_v not_o so_o bare_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n themselves_o do_v rather_o delight_v then_o profit_v we_o and_o if_o we_o go_v no_o further_o it_o be_v but_o so_o much_o on_o in_o order_n to_o solemn_a divine_a meditation_n i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o england_n that_o the_o read_n studying_z and_o meditate_v upon_o scripture_n be_v so_o much_o neglect_v hence_o people_n grow_v not_o in_o knowledge_n i_o have_v write_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o my_o law_n and_o they_o be_v strange_a thing_n unto_o you_o say_v god_n hos._n 8._o 12._o do_v any_o man_n let_v the_o letter_n of_o his_o friend_n lie_v by_o he_o and_o never_o read_v they_o if_o lawver_n shall_v never_o read_v law_n book_n but_o have_v they_o in_o their_o study_n it_o will_v be_v very_o absurd_a how_o wonderful_a will_v they_o be_v to_o seek_v in_o the_o resolve_v of_o case_n if_o upon_o the_o thousand_o part_n so_o good_a ground_n as_o we_o have_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v hear_v of_o some_o prophecy_n from_o god_n set_v down_o what_o will_v be_v the_o doom_n of_o england_n and_o all_o these_o public_a transaction_n will_v not_o every_o one_o be_v industruous_a to_o get_v it_o and_o read_v it_o we_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n and_o that_o which_o teach_v of_o matter_n of_o far_o great_a concernment_n than_o the_o temporal_a welfare_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o yet_o it_o lie_v by_o we_o as_o a_o thing_n forget_v the_o rule_n for_o meditate_v upon_o the_o scripture_n be_v either_o those_o which_o high_o concern_v the_o matter_n of_o meditation_n or_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o they_o for_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o our_o meditation_n let_v it_o be_v with_o all_o reverence_n and_o humility_n and_o sense_n of_o god_n majesty_n upon_o our_o spirit_n and_o how_o utter_o unable_a we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n if_o any_o one_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o heart_n shall_v think_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o gift_n and_o part_n save_o to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n he_o will_v find_v himself_o quite_o mistake_v for_o as_o god_n send_v the_o rich_a empty_a away_o so_o he_o will_v send_v the_o wise_a and_o the_o prudent_a ignorant_a away_o it_o seem_v a_o strange_a carriage_n in_o christ_n to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o spirit_n that_o god_n have_v hide_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a it_o be_v wonderful_a arrogance_n for_o any_o one_o to_o think_v he_o can_v know_v god_n without_o his_o leave_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o or_o think_v to_o see_v god_n by_o any_o light_n but_o by_o his_o own_o he_o may_v as_o well_o see_v the_o sun_n without_o the_o sun_n one_o put_v a_o question_n why_o christ_n come_v not_o as_o moses_n or_o as_o a_o prince_n but_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n nor_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n in_o a_o outward_a austear_n way_n but_o come_v eat_v and_o drink_v he_o be_v answer_v among_o many_o other_o thing_n especial_o for_o this_o that_o he_o may_v deceive_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n for_o have_v he_o come_v in_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o a_o prince_n then_o humane_a reason_n may_v have_v something_o to_o build_v upon_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n outward_a mortification_n be_v in_o high_a esteem_n with_o the_o world_n but_o inward_a mortification_n and_o to_o be_v inward_o holy_a without_o proclamation_n be_v most_o sincere_a the_o second_o thing_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o your_o meditation_n if_o you_o will_v meditate_v aright_o be_v to_o come_v with_o a_o indifferent_a mind_n and_o take_v heed_n of_o bring_v the_o creature_n to_o your_o mind_n but_o bring_v your_o mind_n to_o the_o scripture_n and_o hear_v what_o the_o lord_n will_v say_v unto_o you_o three_o let_v your_o meditation_n upon_o scripture_n be_v very_o serious_a we_o be_v to_o know_v god_n as_o well_o as_o to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n &_o strength_n we_o may_v do_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n well_o enough_o and_o yet_o mingle_v many_o thought_n of_o god_n with_o our_o worldly_a employment_n but_o we_o can_v mingle_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o world_n together_o four_o let_v the_o end_n of_o your_o meditation_n be_v to_o raise_v holy_a affection_n and_o to_o have_v strong_a resolution_n for_o god_n then_o ever_o you_o have_v before_o not_o only_o to_o know_v more_o of_o but_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o great_a love_n to_o god_n or_o else_o it_o be_v not_o meditation_n but_o study_n chap._n xv._n several_a rule_n for_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o spiritual_a meditation_n 1._o the_o first_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o subject_a for_o your_o meditation_n be_v this_o viz_o to_o choose_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o meditate_v upon_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o your_o master_n sin_n as_o if_o your_o master_n sin_n be_v pride_n choose_v those_o scripture_n to_o meditate_v upon_o which_o be_v most_o in_o speak_v against_o pride_n and_o set_v down_o god_n hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o it_o or_o his_o severe_a judgement_n execute_v upon_o it_o and_o all_o his_o threaten_n against_o it_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o several_a place_n that_o set_v down_o the_o evil_a nature_n or_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o so_o of_o any_o other_o sin_n that_o be_v not_o thy_o master_n sin_n for_o it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n and_o a_o sure_a sign_n of_o sincerity_n to_o keep_v ourselves_o from_o our_o own_o iniquity_n thus_o you_o find_v david_n speak_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o keep_v himself_o from_o his_o own_o iniquity_n psal._n 18_o 23._o 2._o meditate_v upon_o those_o scripture_n which_o you_o find_v suitable_a to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n providence_n as_o when_o the_o church_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o persecution_n then_o meditate_v upon_o those_o scripture_n which_o either_o command_n you_o to_o have_v or_o do_v commend_v the_o saint_n of_o god_n for_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o the_o saint_n suffering_n upon_o their_o spirit_n set_v down_o the_o place_n that_o make_v promise_n to_o those_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o also_o those_o place_n that_o do_v set_v out_o god_n love_n to_o his_o people_n and_o promise_n of_o support_n and_o deliverance_n to_o they_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o adversity_n meditate_v also_o upon_o the_o history_n of_o god_n deliverance_n of_o his_o people_n in_o their_o great_a straits_n and_o also_o of_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o his_o deliverance_n of_o those_o prayer_n also_o that_o prevail_v with_o god_n for_o their_o deliverance_n in_o such_o case_n 3._o meditate_v upon_o those_o scripture_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o man_n personal_a providence_n as_o if_o thou_o be_v rich_a then_o meditate_v upon_o those_o scripture_n that_o set_v down_o the_o danger_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o rich_a if_o thou_o be_v afflict_v with_o sickness_n poverty_n or_o disgrace_n imprisonment_n meditate_v upon_o those_o place_n which_o set_v down_o thy_o duty_n in_o those_o condition_n and_o those_o promise_n that_o set_v down_o comfort_n for_o thou_o in_o those_o condition_n meditate_v upon_o those_o scripture_n which_o set_v down_o the_o carriage_n of_o saint_n in_o thy_o condition_n and_o how_o god_n support_v they_o and_o at_o last_o deliver_v they_o 4._o let_v your_o meditation_n be_v upon_o scripture_n suitable_a to_o your_o temptation_n as_o if_o you_o be_v tempt_v to_o uncleanness_n as_o joseph_n be_v then_o meditate_v upon_o those_o scripture_n which_o speak_v against_o uncleanness_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o meditate_v of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n in_o such_o case_n and_o not_o of_o those_o scripture_n that_o may_v increase_v your_o temptation_n but_o of_o those_o that_o may_v remove_v they_o as_o a_o person_n under_o desertion_n be_v not_o to_o meditate_v of_o those_o scripture_n
beside_o i_o very_o well_o know_v as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o the_o spiritual_a expression_n between_o god_n and_o one_o own_o soul_n in_o secret_a be_v forget_v almost_o as_o soon_o as_o end_v it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o any_o shall_v remember_v then_o ten_o year_n after_o as_o the_o most_o of_o these_o be_v i_o think_v good_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o matter_n lest_o i_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v that_o holy_a frame_n of_o heart_n which_o many_o of_o the_o expression_n in_o these_o meditation_n argue_v that_o he_o have_v that_o use_v they_o and_o arrogate_v to_o myself_o that_o which_o be_v far_o from_o i_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v offend_v at_o the_o brevity_n and_o shortness_n of_o my_o direction_n of_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a business_n of_o meditation_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v thus_o much_o as_o to_o that_o 1._o that_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o overcharge_v or_o affright_v new_a beginner_n for_o for_o such_o i_o do_v very_o much_o intend_v this_o treatise_n with_o too_o great_a a_o number_n of_o particular_n 2._o i_o will_v not_o have_v this_o swell_v above_o the_o bigness_n of_o a_o manual_a for_o i_o have_v often_o observe_v that_o when_o one_o have_v persuade_v some_o to_o buy_v some_o book_n and_o tell_v they_o it_o have_v be_v but_o a_o small_a price_n it_o have_v be_v almost_o as_o strong_a a_o motive_n the_o smallness_n of_o the_o price_n as_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o book_n and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v willing_a that_o both_o these_o motive_n shall_v be_v want_v to_o the_o buy_n of_o this_o book_n as_o for_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o sâ—ile_n or_o matter_n i_o shall_v thus_o excuse_v it_o if_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v excuse_v i_o write_v this_o for_o the_o mean_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o christian_n that_o they_o may_v buy_v and_o understand_v it_o that_o they_o may_v buy_v it_o i_o have_v make_v it_o a_o manaul_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v it_o i_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a and_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o to_o the_o learned_a i_o say_v if_o any_o such_o shall_v read_v this_o treatise_n indocti_fw-la rapiunt_fw-la coelum_fw-la and_o though_o i_o high_o prize_v learning_n yet_o i_o know_v that_o as_o to_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o all_o other_o act_n of_o devotion_n wherein_o we_o keep_v a_o strict_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o watch_v over_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o experimental_a knowledge_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o and_o inflame_v affection_n towards_o god_n will_v more_o avail_v we_o then_o all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v not_o general_o ignorance_n in_o those_o that_o live_v under_o ordinance_n but_o the_o non-improvement_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o know_v that_o will_v undo_v we_o if_o we_o do_v but_o improve_v these_o plain_a truth_n viz_o that_o god_n be_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o we_o must_v die_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n with_o all_o our_o mind_n with_o all_o our_o strength_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v to_o i_o say_v if_o we_o do_v but_o improve_v these_o into_o practice_n we_o shall_v attain_v to_o more_o holiness_n then_o if_o we_o know_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o and_o leave_v those_o truth_n as_o general_o man_n do_v by_o they_o as_o thing_n forget_v i_o do_v very_o much_o think_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v spin_v into_o too_o fine_a a_o thread_n of_o late_a day_n and_o some_o have_v observe_v that_o few_o have_v be_v convert_v of_o late_a year_n then_o former_o when_o fundamental_o have_v be_v plain_o powerful_o and_o practical_o press_v upon_o the_o conscience_n it_o be_v a_o error_n to_o think_v that_o notion_n so_o they_o be_v spiritual_a can_v be_v two_o acute_a or_o speculative_a i_o have_v one_o thing_n to_o entreat_v of_o the_o christian_a reader_n and_o it_o be_v one_o end_n of_o puble_v this_o treatise_n that_o i_o may_v with_o it_o publish_v thâ—se_a my_o desire_n the_o thing_n that_o i_o be_o to_o request_v of_o you_o will_v neither_o be_v charge_n nor_o trouble_n it_o be_v your_o frequent_a serious_a servant_n prayer_n that_o i_o desire_v of_o you_o i_o know_v it_o be_v use_v too_o much_o as_o a_o compliment_n among_o christian_n to_o desire_v prayer_n of_o their_o christian_a friend_n and_o they_o be_v too_o often_o superficial_o promise_v and_o too_o seldom_o conscientious_o perform_v nor_o will_v i_o have_v thou_o whosoever_o thou_o be_v that_o fear_v god_n account_v this_o my_o request_n a_o thing_n of_o course_n and_o that_o it_o be_v at_o thy_o liberty_n to_o grant_v it_o or_o no_o for_o suppose_v a_o poor_a distress_a man_n overwhelm_v &_o almost_o swallow_v up_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o want_n shall_v with_o tear_n and_o strong_a importunity_n beg_v relief_n of_o thou_o do_v thou_o think_v it_o be_v a_o arbitrary_a thing_n when_o it_o be_v in_o thy_o power_n to_o relieve_v he_o or_o not_o may_v thou_o not_o just_o expect_v that_o the_o next_o time_n thou_o wente_v to_o pour_v out_o thy_o soul_n before_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v keep_v by_o he_o the_o denial_n that_o thou_o give_v that_o poor_a man_n and_o give_v it_o thou_o when_o thou_o in_o the_o distress_a thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n make_v thy_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o do_v thou_o think_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v hold_v thou_o guiltless_a when_o one_o who_o affliction_n be_v many_o corruption_n strong_a temptation_n to_o undergo_v shall_v in_o the_o anguish_n and_o bitterness_n of_o his_o spirit_n desire_v thy_o prayer_n and_o thou_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v consider_v whether_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n thou_o will_v have_v any_o sufficient_a excuse_n to_o plead_v i_o have_v sometime_o think_v that_o the_o bill_n that_o have_v public_o be_v put_v up_o for_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n have_v be_v too_o little_o regard_v it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v be_v too_o customary_o and_o formal_o put_v up_o it_o may_v be_v â—o_o but_o it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o we_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o evil_a thought_n little_o do_v we_o know_v what_o terror_n and_o fear_n and_o anguish_v of_o spirit_n overwhelm_v they_o while_o they_o be_v so_o little_o regard_v by_o we_o o_o that_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o other_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n whether_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a as_o they_o themselves_o be_v and_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v of_o we_o be_v our_o soul_n in_o their_o soul_n stead_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v so_o by_o his_o providence_n order_v it_o as_o to_o bring_v we_o into_o those_o strait_n which_o we_o see_v our_o brother_n in_o and_o will_v not_o afford_v he_o so_o much_o as_o our_o prayer_n may_v we_o not_o just_o expect_v that_o the_o next_o time_n that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o straits_n our_o conscience_n shall_v take_v up_o a_o parable_n and_o taunt_a proverb_n against_o we_o and_o say_v as_o joseph_n brethren_n do_v we_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n in_o that_o we_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o beseech_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v therefore_o be_v all_o this_o distress_n come_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o which_o i_o will_v desire_v thou_o to_o beg_v of_o god_n for_o i_o be_v that_o he_o will_v give_v i_o sincere_o to_o aim_v at_o his_o glory_n in_o all_o my_o action_n but_o especial_o those_o that_o belong_v to_o my_o ministry_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v as_o a_o break_a vessel_n and_o that_o he_o will_v give_v i_o great_a discovery_n of_o and_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o will_v give_v i_o gift_n and_o strength_n and_o wisdom_n opportunity_n and_o a_o heart_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o mercy_n suitable_a to_o my_o want_n that_o my_o affliction_n may_v be_v sanctify_v my_o temptation_n conquer_v and_o my_o corruption_n mortify_v one_o thing_n more_o i_o be_o to_o request_v of_o thou_o that_o be_v to_o do_v what_o i_o know_v be_v too_o much_o neglect_v by_o myself_o and_o i_o fear_v by_o other_o thou_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o thyself_o when_o thou_o read_v this_o treatise_n and_o that_o god_n will_v make_v it_o a_o blessing_n unto_o other_o also_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o shall_v come_v i_o desire_v you_o that_o you_o will_v help_v i_o with_o your_o prayer_n in_o this_o particular_a when_o we_o do_v but_o take_v our_o ordinary_a daily_a bread_n we_o crave_v a_o blessing_n how_o much_o more_o when_o we_o do_v thing_n that_o concern_v our_o eternal_a good_a when_o we_o take_v a_o book_n to_o that_o end_n spiritual_o to_o benefit_n by_o it_o do_v we_o