again_o but_o range_v every_o field_n and_o and_o pursue_v every_o game_n that_o come_v in_o the_o interim_n in_o their_o way_n or_o like_o some_o restless_a bird_n they_o no_o soon_o light_v upon_o one_o object_n than_o they_o present_o take_v wing_n and_o fly_v off_o to_o another_o by_o which_o mean_v there_o happen_v many_o time_n so_o quick_a a_o succession_n or_o rather_o indeed_o such_o a_o tumultuary_a jumble_v of_o idea_n in_o our_o head_n that_o we_o lose_v ourselves_o as_o in_o a_o maze_n get_v into_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o our_o own_o make_n and_o can_v hardly_o remember_v the_o goal_n from_o which_o our_o thought_n first_o start_v so_o that_o if_o we_o look_v they_o over_o again_o and_o can_v but_o trace_v they_o in_o their_o ramble_n and_o excursion_n from_o one_o object_n to_o another_o we_o shall_v find_v they_o many_o time_n no_o more_o coherent_a than_o our_o dream_n or_o the_o roving_n and_o extravagant_a apprehension_n of_o madman_n and_o perhaps_o the_o main_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o madman_n in_o bedlam_n and_o the_o other_o muse_v in_o his_o study_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o one_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o utter_v his_o conception_n as_o they_o throng_v into_o his_o head_n and_o the_o other_o so_o wise_a as_o to_o conceal_v they_o now_o there_o may_v be_v several_a cause_n of_o this_o imperfection_n if_o we_o will_v trace_v it_o up_o to_o its_o spring_n head_n we_o must_v go_v as_o far_o back_o as_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n for_o it_o when_o the_o mind_n leave_v the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o supreme_a good_a about_o which_o it_o regular_o move_v as_o about_o its_o proper_a centre_n and_o propose_v to_o itself_o the_o acquest_n of_o infinite_a other_o false_a and_o fictitious_a good_n in_o its_o stead_n it_o become_v like_o a_o wander_a star_n planetary_a and_o erratic_a in_o its_o motion_n again_o we_o may_v find_v another_o cause_n of_o this_o in_o our_o own_o composition_n we_o be_v all_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o make_v up_o of_o two_o very_a difficult_a part_n soul_n and_o body_n and_o yet_o so_o that_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o the_o temperament_n of_o the_o body_n now_o the_o great_a instrument_n in_o our_o rational_a as_o well_o as_o animal_n operation_n be_v those_o subtle_a part_n of_o the_o blood_n call_v spirit_n which_o in_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o some_o person_n those_o especial_o of_o a_o sanguine_a complexion_n be_v of_o a_o fine_a and_o light_a contexture_n do_v necessary_o cause_v a_o like_a levity_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o think_v for_o we_o can_v possible_o help_v apprehend_v after_o their_o motion_n and_o impression_n and_o as_o this_o volatility_n of_o mind_n be_v natural_a to_o some_o constitution_n so_o may_v several_a accident_n produce_v it_o in_o other_o a_o blow_n upon_o the_o head_n a_o distemper_n in_o the_o brain_n or_o intemperance_n may_v put_v the_o blood_n into_o such_o a_o preternatural_a fermentation_n and_o so_o agitate_v and_o confuse_v the_o spirit_n that_o there_o will_v necessary_o ensue_v a_o like_a levity_n and_o confusedness_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o think_v but_o that_o which_o carry_v the_o most_o general_a and_o principal_a stroke_n in_o this_o affair_n be_v certain_o the_o wantonness_n of_o our_o imagination_n which_o be_v often_o present_v our_o understanding_n with_o fine_a picture_n and_o image_n of_o thing_n which_o inveigle_v our_o mind_n to_o run_v a_o gad_v after_o they_o set_v the_o spirit_n agog_o divert_v the_o main_a stream_n of_o our_o thought_n from_o their_o primary_n channel_n and_o let_v they_o run_v out_o like_o water_n spill_v upon_o the_o ground_n upon_o foreign_a and_o improper_a object_n so_o that_o even_o the_o most_o thoughtful_a man_n many_o time_n be_v not_o able_a to_o direct_v one_o line_n of_o thought_n straight_o on_o but_o lose_v sight_n of_o the_o subject_n they_o at_o first_o begin_v with_o for_o imagination_n be_v a_o busy_a restless_a sort_n of_o power_n that_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o idle_a but_o most_o of_o all_o exert_n its_o activity_n when_o the_o understanding_n be_v lazy_a and_o out_o of_o employment_n no_o soon_o do_v the_o tempt_a object_n from_o without_o honour_n or_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n make_v its_o way_n through_o the_o door_n of_o our_o sense_n to_o our_o understanding_n but_o this_o faculty_n like_o a_o master_n of_o the_o ceremony_n usher_v it_o in_o harangue_n upon_o its_o excellency_n and_o desire_v it_o may_v have_v audience_n if_o a_o man_n hanker_n after_o honour_n and_o his_o temper_n be_v ambitious_a the_o imagination_n present_o lift_v he_o up_o to_o one_o of_o the_o high_a pinnacle_n of_o the_o court_n show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o greatness_n together_o with_o follower_n dependent_n attendant_n retinue_n and_o the_o other_o glory_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o man_n thought_n be_v always_o mount_v make_v ladder_n as_o it_o be_v to_o himself_o and_o contrive_v how_o to_o climb_v high_o so_o again_o if_o a_o object_n of_o profit_n have_v possess_v the_o mind_n the_o fancy_n present_o begin_v to_o survey_v the_o land_n to_o set_v off_o the_o value_n and_o conveniency_n of_o good_n lay_v up_o for_o many_o year_n and_o fall_v a_o tell_n over_o the_o money_n as_o it_o be_v before_o your_o eye_n to_o engage_v you_o in_o its_o pursuit_n and_o make_v your_o thought_n in_o the_o prophet_n language_n go_v after_o your_o covetousness_n so_o again_o if_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o pleasurable_a object_n have_v steal_v in_o at_o your_o eye_n the_o same_o faculty_n present_v you_o with_o more_o charm_n than_o any_o one_o else_o can_v see_v in_o it_o summon_v all_o the_o sense_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o several_a gratification_n it_o afford_v they_o and_o recommend_v the_o object_n so_o long_o till_o your_o delude_a thought_n play_v the_o adulterer_n and_o commit_v folly_n with_o it_o and_o in_o all_o these_o case_n like_o a_o flatter_a painter_n draw_v the_o picture_n of_o the_o object_n far_o more_o beautiful_a and_o exact_a than_o ever_o the_o original_n can_v pretend_v to_o and_o by_o these_o mean_n break_v off_o the_o connexion_n of_o our_o thought_n cut_v they_o short_a of_o the_o object_n they_o shall_v pursue_v and_o render_v they_o light_a and_o desultory_n now_o this_o defect_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v pure_o casual_a or_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a owe_v to_o our_o complexed_a constitution_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n can_v be_v criminal_a but_o then_o come_v certain_o under_o that_o denomination_n and_o be_v sin_n to_o we_o where_o the_o natural_a infirmity_n be_v countenance_v and_o indulge_v especial_o in_o divine_a worship_n or_o the_o defect_n be_v voluntary_o acquire_v by_o intemperance_n or_o the_o like_a and_o now_o that_o we_o be_v upon_o this_o head_n it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a here_o to_o subjoin_v other_o vanity_n of_o our_o thought_n that_o be_v principal_o owe_v to_o the_o same_o cause_n of_o a_o wanton_a and_o ludicrous_a imagination_n for_o indeed_o this_o power_n carry_v a_o mighty_a stroke_n with_o we_o influence_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n their_o determination_n of_o the_o judgement_n the_o choice_n of_o the_o will_n the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o in_o consequence_n of_o all_o these_o the_o execution_n of_o our_o bodily_a power_n sect_n 2._o and_o here_o i_o shall_v first_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o error_n of_o thought_n it_o occasion_n in_o we_o when_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a substance_n for_o be_v use_v to_o think_v by_o the_o intervention_n of_o idea_n from_o our_o sense_n which_o be_v conversant_a only_o about_o material_a object_n the_o imagination_n which_o receive_v these_o impression_n from_o our_o sense_n be_v apt_a to_o draw_v the_o same_o gross_a image_n of_o immaterial_a being_n as_o of_o spirit_n angel_n and_o of_o god_n himself_o and_o we_o be_v use_v to_o view_v the_o object_n we_o think_v of_o as_o they_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o look_a glass_n of_o fancy_n be_v apt_a foolish_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o original_n resemble_v those_o picture_n of_o they_o and_o so_o make_v no_o distinction_n in_o our_o conception_n betwixt_o material_a and_o immaterial_a object_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o conceive_v angel_n to_o be_v like_o young_a boy_n and_o the_o great_a god_n like_o a_o grave_n old_a man_n that_o very_a vanity_n of_o imagination_n as_o the_o apostle_n term_v it_o of_o which_o the_o gentil_n world_n stand_v guilty_a in_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n 23._o rom._n 1._o 21_o 23._o into_o a_o image_n make_v like_o corruptible_a man_n etc._n etc._n ii_o we_o shall_v consider_v that_o vanity_n which_o fancy_n impart_v to_o our_o thought_n in_o relation_n to_o sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a object_n for_o hereby_o man_n
sleep_n be_v take_v away_o unless_o they_o cause_v some_o to_o fall_v so_o intent_n be_v man_n thought_n so_o close_o do_v they_o fasten_v upon_o these_o earthly_a sensual_a and_o many_o time_n devilish_a concernment_n whilst_o they_o be_v present_o weary_a and_o frisk_v off_o from_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a and_o sober_a and_o serious_a now_o this_o wander_a in_o prayer_n and_o other_o holy_a duty_n be_v resolvable_a into_o several_a cause_n as_o i._o into_o our_o complexed_a constitution_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n whilst_o our_o soul_n be_v lodge_v in_o these_o pitiful_a tenement_n of_o clay_n they_o can_v help_v be_v affect_v with_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o their_o habitation_n they_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o use_n of_o bodily_a spirit_n in_o their_o most_o abstract_a operation_n and_o every_o considerable_a disorder_n in_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n do_v therefore_o of_o necessity_n produce_v a_o proportionable_a disorder_n in_o the_o soul_n in_o think_v and_o be_v surround_v with_o such_o variety_n of_o object_n and_o business_n whilst_o we_o live_v in_o this_o material_a world_n which_o through_o the_o intervention_n of_o our_o sense_n leave_v their_o idea_n in_o the_o head_n behind_o they_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n can_v no_o more_o help_n look_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v jog_v and_o throw_v in_o its_o way_n than_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o body_n can_v help_v see_v when_o they_o be_v open_a or_o our_o ear_n hear_v the_o sound_n that_o strike_v they_o all_o this_o be_v natural_a and_o necessary_a as_o the_o unavoidable_a result_n of_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o most_o spiritual_a operation_n upon_o the_o frame_n and_o contexture_n of_o our_o body_n during_o their_o conjunction_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o think_v of_o cease_v to_o be_v what_o we_o be_v and_o of_o cast_v the_o man_n in_o a_o new_a mould_n as_o of_o a_o total_a prevention_n of_o this_o infirmity_n of_o our_o constitution_n and_o this_o be_v so_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o it_o in_o our_o prayer_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o business_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v in_o heaven_n alone_o where_o the_o faculty_n of_o both_o soul_n and_o body_n shall_v be_v enlarge_v and_o refine_a and_o we_o shall_v have_v but_o one_o object_n of_o our_o thought_n god_n who_o shall_v be_v all_o in_o all_o that_o our_o soul_n shall_v cleave_v inseparable_o to_o he_o without_o the_o least_o avocation_n all_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o qualify_v by_o the_o by_o the_o seruple_n and_o vexation_n incident_a to_o some_o tender_a mind_n who_o be_v apt_a perhaps_o to_o entertain_v too_o hard_a thought_n of_o themselves_o because_o they_o can_v so_o manage_v their_o thought_n that_o they_o shall_v regular_o attend_v upon_o god_n service_n without_o break_v and_o chasm_n in_o they_o without_o fall_v off_o now_o and_o then_o and_o stray_v from_o their_o present_a business_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o thing_n our_o composition_n total_o to_o prevent_v the_o first_o beginning_n or_o sally_n of_o the_o mind_n towards_o wander_v for_o the_o spirit_n by_o who_o intervention_n we_o perform_v these_o mental_a operation_n will_v not_o bear_v so_o rigid_a a_o fixation_n all_o we_o can_v do_v in_o the_o case_n and_o that_o we_o must_v do_v be_v to_o keep_v a_o strict_a eye_n upon_o our_o thought_n to_o drive_v away_o the_o fowl_n that_o light_n upon_o our_o sacrifice_n to_o endeavour_v continual_o to_o check_v and_o control_v and_o stop_v they_o in_o their_o career_n to_o other_o object_n and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o have_v give_v we_o the_o slip_n to_o call_v they_o upon_o the_o first_o discovery_n home_o again_o to_o their_o business_n and_o regret_n our_o weakness_n and_o if_o we_o thus_o both_o bewail_v and_o labour_n to_o remedy_v those_o exursion_n of_o our_o thought_n which_o we_o can_v total_o hinder_v they_o be_v not_o our_o sin_n but_o infirmity_n which_o will_v never_o affect_v our_o main_a state_n ii_o distract_n thought_n in_o prayer_n be_v very_o much_o owe_v to_o that_o natural_a aversion_n we_o observe_v in_o we_o to_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o divine_a for_o such_o employment_n of_o our_o thought_n be_v therefore_o a_o sort_n of_o preternatural_a force_n upon_o they_o the_o spring_n that_o bend_v they_o heaven-ward_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o relax_v and_o give_v way_n to_o the_o contrary_a tendency_n of_o our_o mind_n downward_o so_o that_o leave_v those_o unwelcome_a object_n they_o present_o fall_v back_o again_o into_o the_o company_n of_o the_o old_a familiar_n of_o their_o thought_n iii_o our_o distraction_n proceed_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o a_o overactive_a and_o ungoverned_a imagination_n it_o be_v the_o quicksilver_n part_n in_o our_o metal_n that_o run_v glib_o up_o and_o down_o and_o shoot_v as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n like_o meteor_n in_o the_o air_n traverse_v our_o devotion_n with_o ten_o thousand_o frivolous_a and_o foolish_a conceit_n present_v we_o with_o those_o fine_a scheme_n and_o image_n of_o thing_n riches_n honour_n or_o the_o like_a till_o the_o distract_a wander_a man_n instead_o of_o his_o maker_n worship_v all_o the_o while_n perhaps_o the_o idol_n of_o his_o own_o and_o the_o devil_n make_v but_o we_o have_v discourse_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o this_o faculty_n before_o iu_o distraction_n in_o prayer_n proceed_v frequent_o from_o a_o intemperate_a love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o care_n that_o attend_v its_o enjoyment_n which_o so_o often_o engross_v our_o heart_n that_o we_o no_o soon_o set_v about_o holy_a duty_n than_o they_o justle_v the_o one_o thing_n needful_a out_o of_o our_o mind_n and_o make_v mary_n good_a part_n stand_v by_o and_o 42_o luk._n 10._o 42_o give_v way_n to_o martha_n concern_n for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o family_n it_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o ridiculous_a and_o yet_o most_o general_a frailty_n incident_a to_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n to_o use_v this_o world_n as_o if_o neither_o we_o nor_o the_o fashion_n of_o it_o be_v to_o pass_v away_o which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o traveller_n with_o business_n of_o infinite_a importance_n on_o his_o hand_n shall_v loiter_v and_o take_v up_o with_o his_o inn_n on_o the_o road_n without_o ever_o far_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o his_o journey_n and_o possible_o most_o of_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n be_v fair_o resolvable_a into_o a_o too_o passionate_a fondness_n for_o it_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n be_v a_o say_n that_o carry_v a_o great_a force_n of_o truth_n in_o it_o than_o possible_o must_v man_n be_v aware_a of_o for_o their_o principle_n of_o action_n be_v opposite_a their_o interest_n be_v opposite_a and_o they_o require_v a_o quite_o different_a frame_n of_o mind_n in_o their_o respective_a votary_n and_o we_o know_v who_o have_v tell_v we_o no_o less_o true_o than_o roundly_o that_o if_o any_o man_n love_v the_o world_n the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o he_o for_o it_o tie_v down_o our_o apprehension_n to_o thing_n mean_v and_o trivial_a and_o base_a and_o stifle_n and_o choke_v our_o desire_n of_o such_o as_o be_v spiritual_a and_o divine_a it_o extinguish_v all_o holy_a fervour_n of_o spirit_n estrange_n from_o god_n and_o put_v out_o that_o sacred_a flame_n of_o love_n for_o he_o which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o our_o devotion_n to_o he_o it_o crowd_n into_o the_o church_n and_o closet_n with_o we_o and_o like_o the_o son_n of_o zerviah_n be_v too_o hard_a for_o david_n so_o that_o many_o time_n with_o demas_n we_o forsake_v the_o lord_n in_o our_o thought_n even_o whilst_o we_o pretend_v to_o do_v he_o homage_n have_v love_v this_o present_a world_n who_o thorn_n i._n e._n its_o care_n and_o riches_n choke_v the_o seed_n in_o our_o saviour_n 14._o luk._n 8._o 7._o 14._o estimate_n of_o all_o the_o good_a that_o be_v sow_o among_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o when_o god_n require_v the_o male_a child_n of_o the_o jew_n thrice_o a_o year_n to_o attend_v upon_o his_o service_n at_o jerusalem_n he_o promise_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v desire_v their_o land_n when_o they_o 24._o ex._n 34._o 24._o shall_v go_v up_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n their_o god_n thrice_o in_o the_o year_n for_o the_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n that_o may_v otherwise_o have_v seize_v they_o will_v have_v divide_v their_o heart_n betwixt_o god_n and_o their_o family_n at_o home_n and_o so_o have_v blast_v the_o fruit_n of_o so_o laborious_a and_o universal_a a_o journey_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_v it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n advise_v single_a person_n that_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v it_o to_o continue_v rather_o in_o that_o state_n in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o distress_n that_o they_o may_v
or_o any_o other_o prayer_n by_o the_o bare_a tell_v over_o as_o the_o manner_n of_o some_o be_v and_o string_v up_o their_o petition_n we_o dare_v not_o thus_o mock_v our_o prince_n to_o his_o face_n we_o will_v hardly_o do_v it_o to_o our_o equal_n and_o whence_o then_o be_v it_o but_o through_o want_n of_o prepare_v our_o heart_n with_o due_a conception_n of_o his_o awful_a and_o majestic_a presence_n in_o his_o own_o house_n that_o we_o make_v thus_o bold_a with_o our_o maker_n 3._o it_o may_v be_v a_o proper_a preparatory_a reflection_n to_o consider_v the_o fruit_n and_o consequence_n of_o approach_a god_n in_o so_o careless_a and_o so_o incogitant_fw-la a_o manner_n i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o show_v at_o large_a how_o severe_a god_n have_v former_o be_v upon_o all_o disorder_n and_o irregularity_n commit_v about_o holy_a thing_n and_o duty_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o aaron_n son_n of_o vzzah_n of_o 6._o leu._n 10._o 2._o 2_o sam._n 6._o 6._o the_o bethshemite_n and_o of_o the_o church_n 30._o 1_o sam._n 6._o 19_o 1_o câ—r_n 11._o 30._o of_o corinth_n nor_o how_o he_o threaten_v that_o for_o this_o very_a thing_n because_o his_o people_n draw_v near_o to_o he_o with_o their_o lip_n but_o have_v remove_v their_o heart_n far_o from_o he_o he_o will_v therefore_o 14._o isa_n 29._o 13_o 14._o proceed_v to_o do_v a_o marvellous_a work_n among_o they_o even_o a_o marvellous_a work_n and_o a_o wonder_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o confound_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a man_n among_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o i_o say_v insist_v on_o these_o consideration_n now_o because_o it_o have_v seem_v good_a to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o infliction_n and_o for_o neglect_n of_o this_o kind_n especial_o to_o change_v they_o from_o temporal_a into_o spiritual_a which_o though_o they_o do_v not_o so_o immediate_o affect_v the_o body_n as_o the_o other_o do_v yet_o endanger_v the_o soul_n and_o take_v away_o the_o spiritual_a life_n of_o a_o christian_n for_o though_o he_o do_v not_o now_o smite_v man_n with_o death_n for_o their_o unsanctified_a approach_n to_o he_o yet_o he_o smite_v they_o with_o deadness_n with_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n suffer_v they_o to_o grow_v listless_a reasty_a and_o awkard_n at_o their_o devotion_n and_o ten_o to_o one_o to_o lapse_v at_o long_o run_v into_o open_a atheism_n and_o profaneness_n for_o we_o certain_o lose_v ground_n by_o every_o spiritless_a prayer_n we_o advance_v grow_v from_o bad_a to_o worse_o from_o worse_a to_o stark_o nought_o and_o past_a feel_n for_o every_o such_o formal_a performance_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n clog_v the_o conscience_n harden_v the_o heart_n and_o give_v the_o devil_n a_o occasion_n to_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o our_o neutrality_n and_o to_o make_v we_o at_o last_o declare_v for_o his_o party_n whence_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o when_o we_o have_v once_o contract_v such_o a_o vicious_a habit_n and_o crasis_n of_o soul_n in_o devotion_n he_o himself_o many_o time_n send_v we_o to_o our_o prayer_n add_v that_o he_o may_v add_v to_o our_o disease_n and_o turn_v the_o best_a antidote_n we_o have_v against_o he_o into_o so_o much_o strong_a poison_n to_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o we_o will_v do_v well_o to_o season_n and_o prepare_v our_o heart_n beforehand_o with_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n that_o by_o a_o just_a reslection_n upon_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o duty_n the_o supreme_a majesty_n to_o who_o we_o pay_v it_o and_o the_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o a_o perfunctory_a performance_n of_o it_o we_o may_v attend_v upon_o the_o lord_n without_o distraction_n iii_o another_z proper_a mean_n to_o fix_v our_o thought_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n with_o all_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o our_o soul_n do_v we_o delight_n to_o have_v our_o conversation_n with_o he_o our_o heart_n will_v keep_v our_o mind_n close_o to_o their_o work_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o loiter_v or_o to_o ramble_v for_o our_o affection_n have_v a_o immediate_a influence_n upon_o our_o thought_n and_o our_o heart_n general_o set_v our_o mind_n the_o theme_n of_o its_o contemplation_n love_v particular_o be_v a_o command_a and_o imperial_a passion_n that_o bid_v we_o go_v and_z and_z we_o go_v come_v and_o we_o come_v do_v this_o and_o we_o do_v it_o a_o passion_n that_o ingross_v all_o our_o power_n bind_v we_o fast_o to_o and_o run_v our_o thought_n so_o deep_a into_o its_o object_n that_o we_o have_v neither_o leisure_n nor_o patience_n hardly_o power_n to_o attend_v to_o any_o other_o o_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n say_v holy_a david_n and_o then_o it_o follow_v both_o in_o he_o and_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o 97._o ps_n 119._o 97._o day_n and_o the_o first_o part_n of_o his_o character_n of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v that_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o second_o be_v the_o natural_a result_n of_o the_o first_o that_o in_o his_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n 2._o ps_n 1._o 2._o for_o a_o man_n can_v but_o pore_v and_o muse_v on_o the_o thing_n he_o delight_v in_o and_o therefore_o be_v our_o heart_n ravish_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n from_o just_a and_o retire_a reflection_n upon_o the_o benefit_n of_o creation_n preservation_n redemption_n and_o the_o glory_n that_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v reveal_v do_v we_o but_o kindle_v this_o holy_a flame_n in_o we_o by_o frequent_a consideration_n of_o his_o patience_n forgiveness_n forbearance_n the_o abyss_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o great_a depth_n of_o his_o infinite_a beneficence_n thing_n that_o must_v needs_o render_v the_o deity_n amiable_a and_o lovely_a to_o we_o in_o our_o conception_n of_o he_o all_o our_o motion_n will_v tend_v heaven_n ward_n when_o once_o invigorate_v with_o impression_n from_o that_o celestial_a fire_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o admit_v any_o rival_n of_o god_n in_o our_o thought_n and_o to_o attend_v to_o those_o little_a idle_a toy_n and_o fancy_n that_o have_v the_o impudence_n to_o step_v into_o our_o closet_n and_o distract_v we_o iv_o meditation_n be_v another_o proper_a remedy_n of_o the_o wander_a of_o our_o thought_n in_o prayer_n the_o hill_n of_o meditation_n be_v indeed_o of_o difficult_a but_o yet_o of_o noble_a ascent_n that_o lift_v we_o up_o so_o far_o above_o our_o natural_a level_n that_o we_o look_v down_o upon_o the_o world_n and_o all_o its_o enjoyment_n which_o so_o frequent_o interrupt_v our_o devotion_n as_o a_o very_a little_a thing_n it_o be_v a_o heroic_a and_o abstract_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o let_v we_o into_o the_o very_a secret_n of_o the_o object_n we_o contemplate_v that_o make_v every_o day_n fresh_a discovery_n and_o give_v we_o both_o deep_a and_o diffuse_a prospect_n of_o thing_n otherwise_o invisible_a the_o telescope_n of_o the_o mind_n whereby_o we_o descry_v new_a world_n a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n the_o terra_fw-la incognita_fw-la of_o nature_n and_o grace_n and_o see_v thing_n at_o a_o immense_a distance_n from_o we_o it_o open_v to_o we_o the_o scene_n of_o paradise_n itself_o make_v a_o sort_n of_o indistance_n betwixt_o god_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n take_v we_o out_o or_o at_o least_o make_v we_o forget_v that_o we_o be_v flesh_n fill_v our_o head_n with_o those_o elevate_a conception_n and_o warm_v our_o heart_n with_o those_o ravishment_n of_o joy_n that_o we_o can_v feel_v indeed_o but_o can_v utter_v or_o express_v they_o and_o he_o who_o have_v never_o yet_o be_v experimental_o sensible_a of_o this_o truth_n never_o yet_o right_o enjoy_v either_o god_n or_o himself_o have_v the_o most_o exquisite_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n yet_o to_o come_v and_o want_v the_o preparatory_a foretaste_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o other_o meditation_n in_o a_o word_n i_o mean_v where_o god_n be_v the_o object_n both_o quicken_v and_o fix_v our_o devotion_n which_o embrace_v not_o its_o object_n but_o in_o proportion_n as_o meditation_n give_v it_o entrance_n v._o and_o last_o solitude_n give_v a_o mighty_a fixation_n of_o thought_n in_o private_a and_o religious_a assembly_n in_o public_a devotion_n for_o a_o retreat_n natural_o tend_v to_o recollection_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n it_o help_v to_o centre_n all_o the_o emanation_n of_o our_o soul_n upon_o he_o and_o give_v we_o more_o pure_a and_o perfect_a prospect_n and_o therefore_o when_o thou_o pray_v say_v he_o who_o teach_v we_o to_o pray_v enter_v into_o thy_o closet_n not_o only_o to_o avoid_v that_o vain_a pomp_n and_o
his_o finger_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o he_o have_v ordain_v those_o immense_a fire_n work_v who_o motion_n be_v as_o regular_a 3._o ps_n 8._o 3._o as_o rapid_a and_o be_v but_o as_o the_o twilight_n of_o the_o everlasting_a day_n and_o of_o that_o light_n which_o be_v inaccessible_a read_v he_o further_o yet_o in_o the_o amaze_a instance_n of_o his_o grace_n when_o he_o reconcile_v the_o world_n to_o himself_o in_o christ_n let_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v ever_o present_a to_o thy_o mind_n god_n manifest_a in_o 16._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n but_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o i_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o those_o innumerous_a object_n that_o afford_v proper_a matter_n for_o the_o contemplation_n and_o improvement_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o therefore_o the_o succinct_a advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n will_v apposite_o take_v place_n here_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n be_v a_o active_a restless_a principle_n of_o internal_a motion_n that_o will_v not_o be_v whole_o idle_a but_o will_v be_v do_v though_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n rather_o than_o do_v just_a nothing_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o unless_o you_o furnish_v it_o with_o good_a stuff_n to_o work_v upon_o it_o will_v take_v up_o with_o that_o which_o be_v next_o at_o hand_n at_o all_o adventure_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v bring_v forth_o good_a thing_n in_o our_o saviour_n language_n we_o must_v with_o his_o good_a man_n have_v a_o good_a treasure_n in_o our_o heart_n how_o precious_a be_v thy_o thought_n to_o i_o o_o god_n say_v holy_a david_n how_o great_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o they_o not_o 17._o ps_n 139._o 17._o a_o small_a inconsiderable_a stock_n of_o piety_n and_o knowledge_n but_o a_o treasure_n a_o good_a fond_a or_o bank_n for_o our_o thought_n to_o trade_n with_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n king_n solomon_n require_v we_o to_o bind_v the_o divine_a law_n continual_o upon_o our_o heart_n add_v that_o when_o we_o go_v it_o shall_v lead_v we_o when_o we_o sleep_v 22._o prov._n 6._o 22._o it_o shall_v keep_v we_o and_o when_o we_o awake_v it_o shall_v talk_v with_o we_o i_o e._n it_o will_v entertain_v our_o thought_n and_o bear_v they_o company_n when_o we_o be_v alone_o or_o as_o it_o be_v say_v upon_o the_o same_o occasion_n when_o we_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n 7._o deut._n 6._o 7._o when_o we_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o we_o rise_v up_o time_n general_o of_o the_o great_a retirement_n but_o now_o without_o this_o good_a society_n at_o home_n our_o thought_n will_v certain_o seek_v out_o for_o new_a acquaintance_n gad_n abroad_o for_o fellowship_n with_o some_o other_o object_n and_o ten_o to_o one_o in_o their_o jant_n fall_v into_o bad_a company_n associate_n with_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n or_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n and_o get_v those_o ill_a haunt_n that_o our_o mind_n perhaps_o may_v never_o after_o have_v the_o power_n to_o abandon_v but_o because_o neither_o nature_n nor_o education_n have_v furnish_v all_o man_n with_o equal_a matter_n for_o their_o thought_n and_o there_o be_v different_a size_n in_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o in_o stature_n therefore_o vii_o one_o will_v advise_v to_o a_o more_o comprehensive_a expedient_a for_o the_o government_n of_o thought_n which_o every_o one_o be_v capable_a of_o use_v and_o that_o be_v for_o man_n to_o be_v diligent_a and_o industrious_a in_o that_o call_v or_o station_n wherein_o providence_n have_v place_v they_o to_o do_v as_o the_o wise_a king_n advise_v with_o all_o their_o might_n what_o their_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v for_o this_o confine_n the_o stream_n of_o our_o thought_n to_o their_o proper_a channel_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o overflow_a their_o bank_n this_o hedge_n in_o the_o rambler_n and_o keep_v they_o to_o their_o own_o enclosure_n who_o if_o leave_v unconfined_a will_v like_o jeremy_n wild_a ass_n snuff_v up_o the_o wind_n and_o observe_v no_o measure_n god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n know_v that_o he_o have_v make_v they_o active_a restless_a thing_n and_o therefore_o to_o employ_v and_o find_v they_o work_v to_o keep_v they_o do_v as_o they_o ought_v when_o they_o be_v not_o immediate_o engage_v in_o his_o service_n he_o design_v man_n their_o respective_a calling_n and_o profession_n and_o six_o part_n of_o time_n in_o seven_o for_o they_o to_o take_v up_o their_o thought_n and_o employ_v they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o thus_o engage_v about_o their_o own_o business_n it_o be_v odds_o but_o that_o like_a st._n paul_n busy_a body_n they_o wander_v from_o house_n to_o house_n mind_n other_o man_n and_o meddle_v with_o many_o matter_n which_o may_v in_o time_n cause_n as_o great_a combustion_n without_o as_o they_o do_v disorder_v the_o head_n within_o let_v our_o thought_n then_o keep_v within_o their_o own_o line_n and_o make_v no_o encroachment_n hitherto_o within_o the_o circle_n of_o our_o own_o proper_a business_n and_o station_n let_v their_o proud_a wave_n go_v and_o no_o far_o let_v his_o thought_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o the_o ministry_n wait_v on_o his_o minister_a his_o who_o be_v to_o teach_v on_o teach_v etc._n etc._n viii_o it_o be_v advisable_v for_o man_n better_a order_n their_o thought_n to_o make_v choice_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v of_o such_o employment_n and_o course_n of_o life_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o genius_n and_o ability_n of_o mind_n for_o that_o always_o sit_v the_o easy_a on_o they_o and_o their_o thought_n more_o natural_o fall_v in_o with_o their_o business_n and_o abide_v by_o it_o whereas_o if_o man_n employ_v lie_v cross_v the_o grain_n of_o their_o inclination_n their_o thought_n will_v be_v perpetual_o run_v after_o something_o else_o at_o which_o they_o be_v not_o so_o awkard_n or_o if_o they_o aspire_v at_o thing_n to_o which_o their_o strength_n bear_v no_o proportion_n matter_n too_o high_a for_o they_o and_o above_o the_o sphere_n of_o their_o activity_n the_o weight_n of_o the_o burden_n will_v render_v they_o painful_a and_o uneasy_a make_v they_o stagger_v too_o and_o fro_o like_o a_o drunken_a man_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o their_o wit_n end_n beside_o the_o damage_n they_o may_v occasion_v to_o the_o public_a as_o phaeton_n endeavour_v to_o mount_v his_o father_n chariot_n the_o management_n whereof_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v be_v thereby_o throw_v out_o of_o heaven_n and_o have_v like_a to_o have_v set_v the_o world_n on_o fire_n ix_o next_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o subjoin_v the_o advice_n of_o endeavour_v to_o contract_n rather_o than_o enlarge_v our_o secular_a affair_n instead_o of_o spread_v they_o wide_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o as_o tight_a and_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o we_o can_v that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o attend_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n a_o acquisition_n infinite_o beyond_o the_o most_o pompous_a temporal_a attainment_n for_o what_o be_v honour_n riches_n pleasure_n all_o the_o world_n to_o a_o brave_a refine_a and_o accomplish_a mind_n now_o multiplicity_n of_o business_n be_v a_o mighty_a obstruction_n to_o this_o mental_a improvement_n he_o that_o think_v of_o many_o thing_n think_v of_o nothing_o as_o he_o that_o will_v go_v several_a way_n stand_v still_o it_o distract_v and_o divide_v our_o thought_n like_o water_n mix_v with_o wine_n debilitates_fw-la and_o dilute_v they_o that_o river_n will_v neither_o be_v so_o deep_a nor_o so_o serviceable_a for_o trade_n that_o be_v divide_v into_o a_o great_a many_o little_a channel_n as_o that_o which_o flow_v altogether_o in_o its_o own_o natural_a bed_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o our_o thought_n if_o we_o let_v they_o out_o at_o every_o little_a chink_n which_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o world_n make_v in_o they_o they_o will_v be_v but_o shallow_a thought_n and_o mar_v the_o improvement_n of_o our_o mind_n a_o ray_n collect_v into_o a_o point_n be_v far_o more_o intense_a than_o one_o various_o refract_v as_o god_n do_v not_o love_v idle_a so_o neither_o over_o busy_a people_n martha_n fault_n be_v not_o that_o she_o be_v employ_v in_o ill_o but_o in_o many_o thing_n which_o justle_v for_o that_o time_n the_o good_a part_n out_o of_o