solitude_n improve_v by_o divine_a meditation_n or_o a_o treatise_n prove_v the_o duty_n and_o demonstrate_v the_o necessity_n excellency_n usefulness_n nature_n kind_n and_o requisite_n of_o divine_a meditation_n first_o intend_v for_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n and_o now_o publish_v for_o general_a use_n by_o nathanael_n ranew_v sometime_o minister_n of_o felsted_n in_o essex_n london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o nathanael_n ranew_v and_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o kings-arm_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n mdclxx_o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n pvrpose_v some_o improvement_n of_o solitude_n in_o the_o late_a mournful_a year_n when_o death_n be_v so_o large_o commission_v to_o destroy_v by_o that_o dreadful_a pestilence_n i_o make_v choice_n of_o this_o excellent_a subject_n of_o divine_a meditation_n the_o best_a way_n of_o think_v and_o mind-employing_a be_v this_o meditation_n the_o right_a art_n and_o skill_n of_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a attainment_n the_o due_a practice_n 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of_o heavenly_a grace_n it_o help_v they_o to_o root_v deep_o shoot_v high_o and_o grow_v strong_a such_o christian_n as_o meditate_v most_o will_v grow_v most_o be_v grow_v to_o the_o end_n what_o in_o all_o christianity_n be_v there_o that_o meditation_n be_v not_o a_o furtherance_n to_o that_o say_v be_v excellent_a worthy_a of_o duest_n weigh_v intellectus_fw-la cogitabundus_fw-la est_fw-la principium_fw-la omnis_fw-la boni_fw-la the_o meditate_a mind_n be_v the_o beginner_n of_o all_o goodness_n on_o a_o sinner_n part_v it_o be_v the_o rise_n of_o his_o initial_a return_v to_o god_n of_o his_o first_o convert_v ezek._n 18.28_o in_o the_o saint_n and_o person_n convert_v it_o be_v their_o way_n to_o progressive_a convert_n and_o renew_a repentance_n psal_n 119.59_o i_o consider_v my_o way_n and_o turn_v etc._n etc._n the_o more_o consideration_n the_o more_o conversion_n the_o great_a inlet_n of_o man_n first_o apostasy_n beside_o infidelity_n and_o pride_n be_v his_o incogitancy_n 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as_o job_n david_n solomon_n
the_o true_a and_o sound_a cure_n must_v be_v well_o study_v although_o such_o as_o be_v christ_n have_v crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n gal._n 5.24_o quoad_fw-la animi_fw-la propositum_fw-la &_o cordis_fw-la purificati_fw-la principium_fw-la as_o to_o the_o inward_a live_a principle_n and_o the_o real_a heart-purpose_n initial_o and_o gradual_o in_o little_a degree_n for_o that_o which_o be_v in_o no_o degree_n begin_v be_v not_o a_o grain_n of_o mustard_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o though_o those_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n have_v crucify_v as_o we_o say_v their_o carnal_a affection_n in_o some_o degree_n come_v in_o of_o christ_n and_o grace_n into_o the_o heart_n give_v the_o carnal_a affection_n a_o deadly_a dash_n like_o the_o take_n of_o some_o incurable_a poison_n give_v to_o kill_v gradual_o the_o first_o take_v give_v the_o advantage_n for_o death_n seize_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o as_o experience_n sad_o show_v there_o must_v be_v a_o study_v and_o great_a ponder_v how_o to_o rule_v the_o daily_o discover_v unruliness_n of_o the_o affection_n and_o how_o to_o cure_v they_o which_o be_v not_o the_o philosopher_n way_n nor_o the_o wise_a moral_a man_n way_n which_o be_v to_o curb_v and_o moderate_v they_o but_o the_o scripture_n direct_v and_o command_v way_n and_o therefore_o the_o christian_n way_n that_o he_o must_v use_v and_o that_o be_v to_o crucify_v and_o mortify_v they_o col._n 3.5_o mortify_v your_o affection_n that_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n the_o art_n and_o sure_a way_n for_o carnal_a affection_n as_o so_o and_o then_o to_o study_v to_o order_v these_o affection_n which_o be_v noble_a natural_a plant_n and_o disposition_n of_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v act_v by_o grace_n principle_n on_o and_o for_o thing_n heavenly_a with_o a_o real_a warmth_n and_o a_o grow_a fervency_n 3._o strong_o thou_o must_v resolve_v and_o most_o exquisite_o endeavour_v to_o study_v and_o meditate_v for_o the_o government_n of_o thy_o will_n the_o will_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o rank_n be_v a_o most_o noble_a faculty_n the_o empress_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o spring_n of_o action_n the_o weight_n and_o bias_n for_o motion_n the_o door_n that_o open_v and_o admit_v in_o choose_v or_o shut_v out_o in_o refuse_v that_o which_o set_v up_o the_o mark_n and_o aim_n every_o end_n and_o interest_n and_o likewise_o make_v choice_n or_o rejection_n of_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o end_n in_o its_o corrupt_a and_o carnal_a state_n it_o be_v the_o wicked_a piece_n in_o every_o person_n it_o set_v up_o the_o great_a idol_n in_o the_o world_n self_n in_o the_o throne_n above_o god_n nothing_o in_o scripture_n have_v so_o great_a frequent_a and_o high_a complaint_n and_o charge_n bring_v in_o by_o god_n against_o it_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o hellish_a and_o devilish_a piece_n in_o its_o repugnancy_n contrariety_n stoutness_n and_o stubbornness_n against_o god_n and_o whatever_o be_v holy_a and_o the_o hellish_a holdfast_n of_o evil_n chief_o when_o it_o receive_v the_o grain-colour_n and_o scarlet-tincture_n of_o habit_n by_o customary_a sin_v in_o heart_n change_v by_o grace_n it_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n still_o carnal_a and_o according_o in_o part_n have_v all_o the_o forementioned_a wickedness_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o act_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o better_o watch_v and_o order_v continual_o be_v then_o in_o the_o best_a man_n so_o evil_a it_o need_v the_o best_a study_n the_o most_o serious_a and_o constant_a meditation_n to_o find_v the_o best_a way_n for_o it_o to_o rule_v this_o unruly_a will_n 1._o especial_o as_o to_o base_a self-aims_a in_o which_o it_o be_v the_o most_o slippery_a and_o soon_o sway_v hasty_o bury_v and_o entangle_v 2._o and_o as_o to_o the_o curse_a contrariety_n and_o hellishness_n against_o the_o law_n will_n way_n of_o god_n and_o god_n himself_o the_o art_n of_o rule_v this_o ruler_n in_o chief_a be_v well_o worth_a thy_o chief_a meditation_n the_o wretchedness_n of_o it_o will_v disquiet_v the_o pliantness_n and_o obedience_n holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o its_o aim_n choice_n and_o refusal_n will_v comfort_v most_o as_o carry_v high_a evidence_n of_o thy_o sincerity_n 4._o meditation_n have_v great_a need_n to_o act_v its_o part_n industrious_o and_o accurate_o as_o to_o know_v how_o to_o govern_v the_o tongue_n that_o rare_a instrument_n call_v by_o david_n psal_n 188.1_o his_o glory_n but_o by_o sin_n call_v by_o the_o apostle_n jam._n 3.8_o a_o unruly_a member_n full_a of_o deadly_a poison_n that_o set_v on_o fire_n the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell_n vers_fw-la 6._o david_n pray_v for_o a_o watch_n before_o his_o mouth_n psal_n 39.1_o i_o say_v i_o will_v take_v heed_n that_o i_o sin_v not_o with_o my_o tongue_n and_o keep_v his_o mouth_n with_o a_o bridle_n to_o refrain_v evil_a word_n require_v care_n to_o refrain_v vain_a and_o idle_a word_n require_v a_o curiosity_n and_o exactness_n study_v this_o art_n not_o as_o pythagoras_n the_o philosopher_n scholar_n that_o have_v their_o quinquennium_fw-la silentium_fw-la first_o spend_v five_o year_n in_o his_o school_n to_o learn_v silence_n but_o all_o a_o man_n life_n be_v too_o little_a but_o there_o be_v more_o to_o be_v learn_v than_o just_a silence_n and_o that_o be_v savouriness_n of_o speak_v prov._n 10.20_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o just_a be_v as_o choice_a silver_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v little_a worth_n then_o and_o therefore_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v little_a worth_n because_o the_o heart_n out_o of_o who_o abundance_n the_o mouth_n speak_v be_v little_a worth_n study_v the_o art_n of_o savoury_a speak_n by_o get_v three_o thing_n 1._o a_o good_a treasure_n in_o thy_o heart_n 2._o a_o wisdom_n to_o discern_v time_n of_o speak_v 3._o a_o true_a godly_a humble_a boldness_n to_o speak_v and_o not_o be_v ashamed_a psal_n 119.46_o i_o will_v speak_v of_o thy_o testimony_n before_o king_n and_o will_v not_o be_v ashamed_a meditate_v for_o the_o true_a scripture-way_n for_o speak_v 5._o meditate_v how_o as_o to_o fill_v up_o with_o heart-beauty_n of_o grace_n within_o knowledge_n wisdom_n holiness_n and_o every_o particular_a grace_n so_o to_o have_v a_o fruitful_a shine_a exemplary_a conversation_n suitable_a to_o thy_o rank_n and_o station_n in_o christianity_n how_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n to_o all_o well-pleasing_a col._n 1.11_o to_o all_o fruitfulness_n in_o every_o good_a work_n in_o all_o condition_n and_o in_o all_o relative_a duty_n as_o husband_n or_o wife_n parent_n or_o child_n master_n or_o servant_n and_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v good_a indeed_o hard_o to_o be_v grow_v better_a hard_o to_o become_v and_o suit_v a_o change_n in_o condition_n never_o under_o before_o hard_o to_o come_v up_o to_o relative_a duty_n and_o be_v christian_n in_o they_o and_o so_o good_a as_o a_o well-grown_a christian_n shall_v be_v some_o be_v very_o heedless_a here_o they_o too_o little_a mind_n a_o proportionate_a growth_n herein_o as_o in_o other_o part_n of_o godliness_n but_o this_o must_v be_v mind_v meditate_v universal_a grow_v how_o to_o honour_v thy_o long_a stand_v in_o godliness_n by_o shoot_v up_o and_o spread_v out_o more_o 6._o last_o make_v it_o thy_o great_a study_n how_o to_o have_v suitable_o to_o thy_o rank_n in_o godliness_n a_o rich_a treasury_n and_o stock_n of_o experience_n useful_a and_o rare_a experience_n for_o thy_o own_o and_o other_o advantage_n make_v meditation_n a_o great_a observer_n a_o diligent_a gatherer_n a_o careful_a layer_n up_o of_o experience_n choice_n and_o precious_a to_o have_v a_o large_a treasury_n to_o bring_v out_o of_o it_o new_a and_o old_a chap._n xxi_o direction_n to_o christian_n of_o the_o uppermost_a rank_n 3._o for_o such_o as_o be_v christian_n of_o the_o high_a form_n in_o christ_n school_n such_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o 1_o joh._n 2.13_o call_v father_n not_o for_o their_o long_o live_v here_o or_o be_v long_a christian_n visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n as_o for_o great_a growth_n and_o improvement_n in_o real_a godliness_n much_o knowledge_n wisdom_n experience_n faith_n love_n and_o eminency_n of_o christianity_n their_o meditation_n like_o the_o high_a artist_n must_v be_v act_v high_a 1._o the_o meditation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v father_n shall_v carry_v high_o in_o all_o the_o way_n and_o concern_v all_o the_o several_a point_n and_o particular_n former_o express_v and_o relate_v to_o all_o person_n in_o general_a in_o all_o the_o sort_n of_o meditation_n 1._o in_o the_o daily_a meditation_n to_o be_v more_o eminent_o exercise_v and_o constant_a in_o draw_v out_o a_o thread_n of_o far_a exacter_n evenness_n and_o equality_n without_o such_o frequent_a break_n off_o and_o inconstancy_n that_o young_a christian_n more_o unprincipled_a and_o
and_o qualification_n of_o heavenly_a grace_n that_o be_v cold_a dead_a and_o altogether_o sinful_a and_o draw_v the_o glorious_a image_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o soul_n he_o enlivens_fw-la establish_v enlarge_n and_o encourage_v and_o fill_v the_o spirit_n with_o peace_n and_o joy_n unspeakable_a we_o act_n from_o his_o blowing_n on_o the_o garden_n of_o our_o heart_n than_o the_o spice_n of_o grace_n flow_v cant._n 4.16_o the_o wheel_n ezek._n 10.17_o move_v from_o the_o spirit_n in_o they_o so_o a_o christian_n move_v or_o not_o as_o the_o spirit_n move_v or_o not_o every_o day_n and_o for_o every_o duty_n in_o the_o day_n there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o new_a blow_v of_o the_o spirit_n that_o the_o spice_n may_v flow_v new_a move_a that_o the_o wheel_n may_v move_v we_o we_o must_v neither_o grieve_v quench_v or_o resist_v the_o holy_a spirit_n eph._n 4.30_o 1_o thes_n 5.19_o act._n 7.51_o the_o spirit_n who_o be_v our_o helper_n and_o applyer_n far_o of_o christ_n and_o receive_v of_o his_o fullness_n if_o we_o will_v act_v wise_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o meditation_n must_v daily_o be_v ponder_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n influence_n stir_n up_o strengthening_n and_o enlargement_n when_o we_o neglect_v and_o slight_a the_o spirit_n and_o so_o want_v just_o his_o help_n we_o must_v needs_o drive_v on_o heavy_o but_o when_o we_o mind_v he_o and_o have_v his_o assistance_n this_o wing_n the_o soul_n and_o make_v it_o to_o move_v strong_o and_o nimble_o to_o the_o main_a mark_n if_o the_o question_n be_v ask_v what_o be_v the_o high_a thought_n the_o mind_n can_v possible_o think_v they_o will_v be_v such_o as_o these_o three_o follow_v 1._o that_o think_v of_o the_o so_o infinite_a and_o all_o admire_a love_n of_o god_n the_o father_n in_o give_v free_o his_o son_n for_o sinner_n 2._o that_o think_v of_o that_o infinite_a and_o all_o amaze_a love_n of_o god_n the_o son_n in_o give_v so_o free_o himself_o for_o his_o father_n enemy_n 3._o that_o think_v of_o god_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v infinite_a love_n astonish_a love_n in_o so_o free_o give_v himself_o into_o such_o dunghill_n hellish_a heart_n to_o make_v they_o his_o glorious_a habitation_n his_o palace_n and_o solace_n to_o be_v the_o mighty_a heart-helper_n and_o comforter_n this_o spirit_n than_o must_v not_o be_v grieve_v by_o the_o least_o neglect_n but_o high_o and_o constant_o both_o honour_a and_o cherish_v with_o our_o utmost_a thought-preciousness_a and_o earnestness_n that_o so_o think_n may_v work_v up_o to_o lively_a looking_n for_o he_o looking_n to_o listening_n for_o his_o knock_v be_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n listening_n for_o ready_a let_n of_o he_o in_o and_o be_v let_v in_o we_o may_v give_v he_o the_o high_a and_o free_a entertainment_n with_o yield_n of_o the_o full_a obedience_n unto_o he_o it_o be_v report_v that_o former_o sometime_o traveller_n sail_v by_o the_o coast_n of_o arabia_n the_o happy_a have_v have_v by_o the_o wind_n blow_v off_o the_o land_n such_o rare_a rich_a smell_n and_o perfume_n of_o the_o precious_a spice_n that_o without_o the_o experience_n of_o it_o it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a sometime_o the_o holy_a spirit_n so_o blow_v on_o the_o garden_n of_o a_o christian_n heart_n that_o the_o spice_n in_o such_o sort_n perfume_v it_o with_o ravishment_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n that_o be_v inexpressible_a and_o then_o it_o run_v apace_o to_o the_o main_a mark_n ah_o than_o it_o must_v be_v best_a to_o enter_v on_o the_o work_n of_o the_o day_n by_o a_o early_a and_o earnest_a eye_v of_o this_o glorious_a helper_n the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o be_v soon_o ready_a to_o lend_v we_o his_o help_a hand_n than_o we_o be_v ready_a for_o it_o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o next_o particular_n the_o incumbent_a duty_n of_o the_o day_n 3._o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o next_o general_a thing_n meditation_n may_v fix_v on_o the_o ordinance_n be_v our_o way_n of_o communion_n with_o god_n the_o way_n whereby_o god_n convey_v himself_o to_o we_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n highway_n of_o spiritual_a commerce_n and_o trade_n the_o road_n and_o path_n wherein_o the_o holy_a spirit_n walk_v and_o come_v to_o apply_v himself_o to_o we_o and_o our_o way_n in_o which_o we_o be_v to_o go_v forth_o and_o meet_v he_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o he_o fix_v a_o heavenly_a intercourse_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o he_o the_o wind_n blow_v from_o all_o the_o quarter_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n breath_n and_o blow_n from_o all_o his_o heavenly_a ordinance_n we_o may_v therein_o look_v for_o the_o breathe_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o we_o must_v not_o look_v for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n out_o of_o his_o own_o way_n the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v not_o to_o be_v absolute_o tie_v to_o ordinance_n but_o our_o liberty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v loose_v from_o they_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o way_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v our_o warrantable_a way_n for_o communion_n and_o wait_v his_o spirit_n come_n and_o assisting_n the_o eye_n of_o meditation_n shall_v act_v daily_o in_o such_o fresh_a and_o vigorous_a looking_n on_o the_o ordinance_n as_o may_v more_o high_o commeid_v they_o raise_v their_o price_n represent_v they_o more_o lovely_a reduce_v we_o to_o more_o evenness_n in_o performance_n by_o find_v they_o more_o easy_a and_o sweet_a in_o continue_a use_n and_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o they_o and_o induce_v still_o high_a admiration_n by_o experience_v their_o help_n and_o efficacy_n the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n have_v their_o high_a ratification_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n the_o saint_n in_o all_o age_n have_v give_v their_o great_a confirmation_n set_v their_o probatum_fw-la est_fw-la to_o every_o of_o they_o by_o million_o of_o encourage_v experience_n when_o that_o ordinance_n be_v more_o precious_a they_o be_v the_o more_o efficacious_a o_o let_v our_o meditation_n daily_a scope_n be_v to_o make_v they_o more_o precious_a that_o they_o may_v prove_v more_o efficacious_a like_o that_o eminent_a pattern_n that_o great_a meditater_n david_n that_o high_a progress_n he_o make_v in_o meditate_v of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n set_v the_o price_n high_o make_v his_o heart_n warm_a he_o meditate_a and_o he_o value_v more_o admire_v more_o and_o he_o act_v more_o eminent_o and_o arrive_v at_o last_o at_o that_o pitch_n which_o have_v leave_v he_o on_o record_n in_o the_o high_a rank_n of_o saint_n that_o ever_o live_v the_o ordinance_n therefore_o be_v most_o worthy_a our_o daily_a muse_v on_o as_o for_o their_o own_o excellency_n as_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n high_a institution_n so_o as_o the_o holy_a spirit_n walk_n wherein_o he_o come_v to_o meet_v we_o and_o have_v communion_n with_o we_o and_o apply_v christ_n more_o unto_o we_o chap._n viii_o of_o meditation_n on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n whereby_o the_o spirit_n first_o be_v give_v and_o after_o work_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v that_o sure_a wisdom_n reveal_v unto_o we_o by_o god_n to_o lead_v we_o by_o his_o counsel_n to_o glory_n that_o only_o infallible_a rule_n give_v we_o to_o walk_v by_o it_o be_v the_o golden_a sceptre_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o subject_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o come_v and_o touch_v the_o top_n of_o the_o dear_a purchase_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o his_o redeem_a the_o breathe_n and_o dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o high_a product_n and_o that_o clear_a shine_v forth_o of_o the_o bright_a beam_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n truth_n holiness_n righteousness_n mercy_n freegrace_n love_n power_n and_o all_o glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o author_n for_o the_o bless_a end_n it_o be_v bestow_v it_o be_v the_o excellent_a instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o spirit_n whereby_o he_o effect_n his_o great_a soulsaving_a work_n whereby_o he_o bring_v about_o that_o work_n of_o wonder_n the_o apply_v of_o lose_a sinner_n to_o a_o all-sufficient_a saviour_n first_o by_o effectual_a call_n and_o then_o apply_v christ_n more_o and_o more_o build_v they_o up_o more_o in_o he_o unto_o perfection_n if_o i_o look_v for_o the_o spirit_n operation_n i_o must_v look_v for_o and_o apply_v myself_o to_o the_o help_n of_o that_o rare_a tool_n and_o instrument_n he_o operate_v by_o think_v what_o a_o engine_n it_o be_v what_o most_o admire_a glorious_a work_n he_o have_v effect_v by_o it_o upon_o million_o of_o blind_a eye_n hard_a heart_n person_n impotent_a cripple_a in_o their_o soul_n dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n at_o the_o dreadful_a distance_n from_o god_n of_o hater_n and_o enemy_n of_o he_o and_o all_o thing_n lead_v to_o he_o enlighten_v they_o heal_v they_o and_o reconcile_a they_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o
particular_n 1._o meditation_n on_o some_o passage_n or_o portion_n of_o scripture_n 2._o or_o go_v over_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o religion_n in_o order_n 3._o meditate_v of_o some_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n 4._o or_o something_o of_o my_o own_o spiritual_a state_n to_o make_v i_o more_o wise_a or_o warm_a or_o active_a for_o god_n 5._o or_o how_o the_o case_n of_o my_o soul_n stand_v 6._o or_o of_o my_o own_o evil_a heart_n deceitfulness_n 7._o of_o my_o enemy_n satan_n and_o the_o world_n 8._o of_o my_o want_n and_o weakness_n of_o graoe_n 9_o of_o the_o swift_a pass_v of_o time_n and_o opportunity_n 10._o of_o the_o shortness_n of_o my_o life_n 11._o of_o death_n of_o the_o body_n 12._o of_o judgement_n after_o death_n and_o of_o the_o last_o judgement_n 13._o of_o death_n eternal_a and_o hell_n 14._o of_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n these_o be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o first_o branch_n chap._n xxiii_o meditation_n on_o some_o thing_n providential_a there_o be_v but_o this_o one_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v brief_o dispatch_v remain_v yet_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o then_o i_o come_v to_o the_o last_o sort_n of_o meditation_n that_o be_v by_o a_o short_a and_o more_o sudden_a way_n ejaculatory_a meditation_n i_o say_v there_o shall_v be_v meditation_n on_o something_o providential_a a_o matter_n the_o hand_n of_o providence_n act_n or_o order_n hold_v forth_o and_o offer_v to_o our_o view_n and_o serious_a think_n the_o great_a god_n as_o he_o always_o be_v guide_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n in_o all_o place_n in_o heaven_n earth_n and_o water_n and_o among_o all_o creature_n especial_o the_o reasonable_a and_o chief_o above_o all_o in_o his_o church_n and_o for_o his_o saint_n against_o his_o and_o their_o enemy_n as_o he_o be_v guide_v with_o his_o hand_n all_o the_o concern_v of_o particular_a person_n to_o the_o supreme_a end_n his_o own_o glory_n and_o likewise_o infallible_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o redeem_a so_o there_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o something_o observable_a particular_o providential_a something_o which_o as_o the_o hand_n of_o providence_n hold_v forth_o so_o the_o heart_n of_o prudence_n and_o godly_a wisdom_n will_v take_v up_o that_o purposely_o it_o will_v set_v itself_o to_o see_v search_n and_o improve_v as_o it_o may_v be_v something_o sometime_o of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n abroad_o or_o something_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n at_o home_n or_o in_o the_o place_n particular_o we_o live_v in_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o dispensation_n to_o some_o of_o our_o relation_n or_o friend_n or_o some_o matter_n fall_v out_o in_o our_o family_n or_o yet_o near_o on_o our_o person_n and_o personal_a concern_v there_o be_v seldom_o any_o space_n of_o time_n but_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n be_v do_v some_o remarkable_a thing_n it_o may_v be_v some_o admirable_a and_o glorious_a it_o may_v be_v some_o amaze_a and_o stupendous_a it_o may_v be_v some_o terrible_a and_o very_a dreadful_a work_n if_o we_o have_v our_o eye_n in_o exercise_n and_o will_v observe_v indeed_o god_n go_n sometime_o psal_n 77.19_o his_o footstep_n can_v be_v see_v but_o be_v very_o secret_a and_o unsearchable_a and_o there_o be_v other_o of_o his_o working_n which_o be_v more_o easy_a for_o all_o to_o behold_v and_o understand_v there_o be_v variety_n of_o providence_n successive_o follow_v each_o other_o which_o we_o shall_v wait_v and_o watch_v for_o which_o we_o shall_v take_v as_o they_o come_v fresh_a and_o warm_a out_o of_o the_o lord_n hand_n and_o apply_v they_o warm_v to_o our_o heart_n for_o a_o more_o kindly_a operation_n meditate_v we_o shall_v upon_o providence_n while_o they_o be_v just_o new_a and_o fresh_a so_o we_o shall_v give_v they_o or_o rather_o ourselves_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o more_o ready_a and_o affectionate_a ponder_v a_o more_o profitable_a mind_v if_o i_o can_v still_o improve_v in_o meditation_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o in_o a_o wise_a warm_a lively_o also_o meditate_v of_o providence_n in_o the_o one_o see_v better_a daily_o the_o riches_n of_o free_a grace_n in_o the_o other_o the_o glorious_a governing_n of_o a_o god_n in_o wisdom_n righteousness_n and_o goodness_n how_o will_v my_o spirit_n under_o the_o dew_n of_o this_o fruitful_a meditation_n be_v shoot_v up_o how_o will_v it_o prosper_v they_o be_v the_o high_a form_n christian_n that_o be_v arrive_v here_o at_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o work_n and_o great_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n in_o 1_o john_n 2.13_o he_o write_v to_o some_o he_o call_v father_n other_o young_a man_n other_o child_n some_o by_o child_n understand_v such_o as_o be_v as_o to_o meditation_n take_v up_o with_o the_o promise_n and_o matter_n of_o justification_n pardon_n and_o peace_n young_a man_n be_v such_o who_o be_v get_v far_o and_o exercise_v about_o sanctification_n and_o conquer_a strong_a corruption_n father_n that_o beyond_o both_o be_v take_v up_o and_o arrive_v at_o pondering_n and_o contemplation_n of_o the_o work_n and_o way_n of_o god_n and_o his_o great_a act_n in_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v sometime_o needful_a to_o meditate_v on_o the_o providence_n that_o be_v more_o oblige_v and_o engage_v more_o awaken_n and_o incite_v such_o as_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o special_a hand_n of_o the_o lord_n touch_v we_o take_v bold_a of_o we_o frame_v and_o order_v thing_n for_o we_o and_o here_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n our_o meditation_n shall_v be_v more_o serious_a and_o curious_a as_o wherein_o we_o may_v see_v god_n so_o particular_a go_n and_o working_n towards_o we_o and_o for_o we_o psal_n 18._o all_o that_o excellent_a psalm_n over_o david_n there_o enumerate_v and_o record_v all_o god_n go_n towards_o he_o o_o then_o with_o the_o psalmist_n let_v my_o soul_n meditate_v on_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n listen_v and_o file_v up_o up_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o observable_a providence_n towards_o other_o and_o myself_o meditate_v on_o his_o so_o merciful_a preserve_n directing_n prospering_n and_o all_o other_o sort_n and_o way_n of_o providence_n that_o i_o may_v admire_v and_o exalt_v he_o depend_v and_o trust_v and_o wait_v upon_o he_o and_o walk_v so_o before_o he_o that_o his_o way_n may_v ever_o be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n towards_o i_o i_o have_v now_o dispatch_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o meditation_n on_o particular_a providence_n and_o thereby_o the_o second_o general_a kind_n of_o meditation_n which_o be_v set_v and_o occasional_a meditation_n at_o particular_a time_n of_o leisure_n the_o last_o sort_n of_o meditation_n come_v now_o to_o be_v handle_v chap._n xxiv_o of_o more_o short_a and_o ejaculatory_a meditation_n beside_o solemn_a and_o set_a meditation_n there_o be_v also_o that_o which_o be_v sudden_a and_o short_a wherein_o the_o soul_n act_n as_o one_o break_v out_o of_o a_o throng_n or_o crowd_n go_v aside_o from_o disturbance_n and_o diversion_n or_o break_v off_o from_o some_o present_a and_o too_o press_a business_n to_o take_v breath_n and_o respite_n itself_o whereby_o it_o make_v a_o stand_n of_o thought_n turn_v the_o stream_n of_o former_a thought_n and_o like_o a_o bird_n that_o be_v sit_v on_o the_o ground_n rises_z and_o mount_v up_o aloft_o to_o sing_v and_o sport_v itself_o even_o so_o a_o holy_a heart_n in_o heavenly_a mindedness_n will_v get_v out_o of_o the_o throng_n of_o care_n and_o business_n will_v be_v often_o break_v off_o the_o thread_n of_o earthly_a thought_n and_o interpose_v some_o heavenly_a dart_v up_o to_o heaven_n make_v a_o short_a visit_n thither_o refresh_v itself_o with_o some_o heavenly_a dainty_a take_v and_o taste_v of_o the_o manna_n above_o look_v up_o to_o god_n to_o christ_n his_o spirit_n his_o grace_n his_o promise_n his_o providence_n and_o gracious_a ordering_n have_v a_o run_a banquet_n of_o heavenly_a sweetmeat_n when_o it_o can_v sit_v down_o and_o feed_v at_o large_a by_o a_o full_a set_v meditation_n as_o there_o be_v ejaculatory_a prayer_n and_o wish_n when_o there_o be_v not_o opportunity_n for_o more_o solemn_a enlargement_n there_o shall_v be_v also_o sudden_a and_o short_a meditating_n quick_a interposing_n of_o good_a and_o holy_a thought_n then_o when_o the_o urgency_n of_o affair_n encumbrance_n diversion_n and_o interruption_n by_o company_n hindrance_n in_o any_o kind_n will_v not_o admit_v the_o opportunity_n of_o a_o abode_n of_o serious_a thought_n then_o sudden_a darting_n up_o the_o soul_n to_o heaven_n may_v be_v have_v be_v a_o refreshment_n as_o jonathans_n taste_v the_o honey_n with_o the_o top_n of_o his_o rod_n when_o be_v in_o pursuit_n of_o the_o philistine_n he_o can_v not_o take_v a_o full_a meal_n david_n that_o meditate_a so_o much_o must_v needs_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o great_a occasion_n civil_a and_o military_a and_o domestic_a
now_o can_v have_v i_o be_o now_o next_o to_o come_v to_o the_o cogency_n and_o strength_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v for_o the_o far_o evidence_n and_o support_v of_o this_o so_o important_a duty_n of_o holy_a meditation_n chap._n xxv_o of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o so_o necessary_a duty_n of_o meditation_n so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o duty_n must_v have_v its_o support_n of_o strong_a reason_n to_o conclude_v it_o and_o help_v to_o bear_v up_o the_o spirit_n better_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o divine_a and_o infinite_a wisdom_n must_v needs_o impose_v and_o require_v nothing_o without_o great_a and_o sufficient_a reason_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o propose_v sundry_a of_o they_o in_o their_o clearness_n and_o strength_n as_o i_o can_v in_o this_o short_a intend_a piece_n the_o ground_n and_o far_a demonstration_n of_o this_o meditation_n i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o head_n 1._o first_o from_o the_o natural_a order_n and_o dependency_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o the_o several_a principle_n of_o grace_n give_v into_o those_o faculty_n to_o enable_v the_o soul_n right_o to_o exercise_v itself_o to_o godliness_n 2._o from_o the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o divine_a matter_n which_o must_v have_v their_o due_a and_o full_a minding_n 3._o from_o the_o use_n and_o several_a end_n of_o divine_a meditation_n 4._o from_o either_o the_o great_a accrue_a advantage_n or_o the_o prejudice_n upon_o the_o due_a performance_n or_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o this_o require_a meditation_n 1._o ground_n from_o the_o natural_a order_n and_o dependency_n of_o the_o soul_n faculty_n and_o the_o grace_n lay_v into_o these_o faculty_n for_o enable_v a_o christian_n right_o to_o exercise_v godliness_n god_n as_o he_o make_v man_n a_o excellent_a creature_n for_o excellent_a end_n and_o operation_n so_o he_o have_v make_v the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n to_o be_v the_o soul_n eye_n guide_n and_o director_n the_o first_o great_a wheel_n the_o first_o mover_n direct_v and_o set_v the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n in_o go_v and_o do_v their_o several_a office_n and_o because_o man_n nature_n be_v corrupt_v and_o disable_v of_o itself_o alone_o to_o perform_v thing_n spiritual_a and_o holy_a in_o a_o due_a manner_n without_o a_o new_a heart_n a_o new_a mind_n will_n and_o affection_n all_o sanctify_a by_o new_a principle_n give_v in_o to_o they_o therefore_o he_o must_v have_v a_o new_a light_n and_o knowledge_n for_o his_o natural_a darkness_n ignorance_n and_o error_n a_o new_a wisdom_n for_o his_o natural_a folly_n a_o new_a power_n and_o goodness_n of_o will_n for_o the_o natural_a depravity_n a_o new_a stamp_n of_o order_n power_n and_o life_n in_o the_o affection_n and_o holiness_n in_o all_o the_o heart_n for_o the_o disorder_n and_o unruliness_n the_o order_n in_o both_o nature_n and_o grace_n be_v to_o act_v from_o the_o purpose_n intention_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o will_n and_o heat_n of_o affection_n but_o first_o the_o will_n act_n from_o the_o understanding_n that_o be_v the_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o hold_v the_o light_n and_o be_v the_o spring_n that_o bring_v all_o motion_n about_o that_o set_v all_o the_o wheel_n of_o the_o soul_n on_o go_v we_o first_o must_v see_v and_o have_v our_o guide_n before_o we_o choose_v affect_v or_o act_n the_o will_v as_o they_o say_v in_o philosophy_n be_v potentia_fw-la coeca_fw-la a_o blind_a faculty_n therefore_o the_o understanding_n must_v guide_v at_o first_o therefore_o it_o must_v first_o act_n by_o think_v see_v and_o show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o all_o rational_a act_n think_v must_v be_v first_o and_o to_o come_v near_o to_o our_o purpose_n in_o all_o work_n of_o wisdom_n the_o understanding_n must_v act_v not_o hasty_o but_o with_o heed_n not_o with_o precipitation_n but_o ponder_v all_o heed_n and_o ponder_a require_v time_n for_o the_o mind_n bend_v itself_o to_o a_o thing_n search_v into_o it_o stay_v upon_o it_o by_o muse_v and_o meditate_v after_o due_a consideration_n come_v the_o conclusive_a dictate_v of_o the_o understanding_n that_o this_o or_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o before_o it_o be_v do_v the_o will_v first_o spontaneous_o choose_v it_o and_o then_o do_v follow_n upon_o determine_v now_o as_o thing_n do_v rational_o and_o right_o shall_v have_v not_o bare_a sudden_a transient_a thought_n but_o pondering_n by_o time_n take_v prov._n 4.26_o a_o fit_a proportion_n of_o time_n nothing_o of_o moment_n shall_v be_v do_v on_o a_o bare_a present_a apprehension_n unless_o it_o have_v former_o pass_v under_o the_o test_n of_o deliberation_n so_o wise_a person_n act_v still_o true_a it_o be_v we_o do_v many_o thing_n in_o haste_v and_o hurry_v but_o this_o be_v more_o like_a brute_n creature_n than_o man_n it_o be_v the_o order_n god_n have_v set_v in_o nature_n first_o of_o all_o to_o consider_v then_o to_o act_v all_o wise_a do_n be_v with_o a_o first_o weigh_v otherwise_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o vanity_n without_o comeliness_n without_o profit_n as_o in_o nature_n god_n have_v set_v this_o order_n the_o mind_n must_v first_o move_v and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o mind_n will_v first_o ponder_v and_o weigh_v not_o act_n on_o slight_a but_o precedent_n serious_a think_n so_o in_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o we_o be_v to_o perform_v first_o there_o must_v be_v mind_v none_o must_v ever_o in_o religion_n say_v i_o mind_v not_o what_o i_o do_v the_o understanding_n in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n must_v ponder_v and_o consider_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o the_o will_v then_o must_v choose_v and_o the_o affection_n move_v by_o the_o grace_n in_o they_o orderly_o and_o then_o the_o executive_a power_n must_v act_v in_o subordination_n to_o the_o mind_n guide_v and_o the_o will_n choose_v and_o intend_v as_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n be_v as_o the_o several_a natural_a link_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o consideration_n the_o so_o noble_a act_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o breed_v and_o ground_n the_o choice_n and_o intent_n of_o that_o queen_n regent_n the_o will_n and_o the_o orderly_a motion_n of_o her_o handmaid_n the_o several_a affection_n and_o then_o must_v follow_v prosecute_n and_o do_v that_o be_v purpose_v by_o the_o will_n and_o ponder_v by_o the_o understanding_n as_o consideration_n in_o thing_n natural_a be_v fundamental_a and_o necessary_a to_o due_a choose_n and_o do_v of_o all_o thing_n so_o divine_a meditation_n be_v fundamental_a and_o necessary_a in_o some_o degree_n to_o the_o spiritual_a act_n of_o the_o will_n moving_n right_o of_o the_o affection_n and_o a_o religious_a regular_a perform_v what_o be_v pious_o purpose_v and_o pious_o first_o ponder_v and_o meditate_a upon_o all_o the_o grace_n that_o make_v up_o the_o golden_a chain_n the_o grace_n that_o be_v the_o supernatural_a soul_n enoblement_n that_o be_v plant_v and_o reside_v in_o a_o renew_a heart_n by_o way_n of_o principle_n and_o habit_n be_v plant_v and_o lay_v into_o the_o several_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o their_o relief_n and_o help_n to_o sanctify_v they_o and_o empower_v they_o some_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o other_o in_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n these_o faculty_n have_v all_o their_o several_a golden_a link_n of_o the_o chain_n of_o grace_n asperse_v among_o they_o and_o lay_v into_o they_o but_o as_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v all_o guide_v draw_v and_o move_v by_o the_o first_o mover_n the_o understanding_n and_o the_o act_n of_o consider_v so_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o soul_n all_o the_o golden_a link_n of_o the_o whole_a chain_n of_o grace_n must_v move_v by_o the_o first_o link_n of_o the_o chain_n the_o light_n spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o act_n of_o it_o by_o this_o divine_a meditation_n this_o link_n must_v draw_v first_o spiritual_a wisdom_n exercise_v in_o this_o holy_a way_n of_o meditation_n must_v be_v a_o constant_a foundation_n and_o rise_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o godliness_n this_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o a_o still_a quickener_n to_o all_o praying_n reading_n hear_n and_o the_o rest_n nothing_o be_v well_o do_v that_o be_v not_o first_o well_n think_v on_o although_o the_o duty_n of_o godliness_n be_v reciprocal_o helpful_a mutual_o lend_v a_o hand_n each_o to_o other_o as_o read_v hear_v pray_v be_v to_o meditate_v and_o meditate_v be_v to_o they_o in_o different_a respect_n yet_o meditation_n shall_v and_o must_v help_v to_o make_v we_o our_o firm_a even_o foot_v and_o lively_o walk_v in_o christ_n way_n all_o thing_n from_o first_o to_o last_o in_o our_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o walk_v by_o that_o rule_n have_v their_o due_a guidance_n and_o managing_n by_o this_o helm_n and_o hand_n of_o meditation_n god_n every_o where_o in_o scripture_n
can_v do_v little_a but_o bungle_v because_o they_o study_v and_o muse_v no_o more_o to_o know_v their_o own_o way_n many_o christian_n be_v but_o bungler_n to_o what_o they_o may_v be_v make_v a_o large_a disproportion_n between_o their_o profession_n and_o their_o proficiency_n their_o practice_n and_o their_o profit_n because_o they_o meditate_v no_o more_o to_o understand_v their_o way_n 2._o the_o great_a not_o only_a ignorance_n but_o dead-heartedness_n and_o spiritual_a chillness_n with_o the_o brokenness_n and_o unevenness_n of_o christian_n in_o their_o walking_n arise_v much_o from_o a_o negligence_n in_o this_o meditation_n either_o negligence_n of_o not_o do_v it_o but_o cease_v sometime_o or_o negligence_n of_o slackness_n and_o slothfulness_n in_o cease_v fervency_n and_o industry_n for_o the_o manner_n david_n manner_n of_o meditation_n in_o the_o fervency_n and_o the_o constancy_n of_o it_o will_v keep_v up_o david_n affection_n fervent_a and_o flame_a affection_n and_o david_n constancy_n and_o evenness_n of_o conversation_n 3._o little_o meditate_v make_v lean_a christian_n of_o little_a life_n little_a strength_n little_a growth_n and_o of_o little_a usefulness_n to_o other_o heb._n 12.12_o there_o be_v mention_n of_o feeble_a knee_n which_o also_o occasion_n the_o go_v with_o no_o steadiness_n and_o the_o not_o make_v of_o straight_a step_n as_o it_o be_v oft_o in_o the_o body_n thus_o from_o a_o fail_n in_o the_o head_n obstruction_n of_o the_o fountain_n and_o feeder_n of_o sense_n and_o motion_n so_o this_o among_o other_o this_o fail_v in_o meditation_n be_v a_o great_a occasion_n though_o there_o be_v divers_a other_o cause_n a_o great_a ground_n of_o christian_n weak_a foot_n and_o go_v no_o strong_a and_o steady_a meditation_n that_o shall_v influence_n stir_v up_o strength_n and_o motion_n be_v obstruct_v disuse_v and_o neglect_v meditation_n must_v still_o lend_v a_o hand_n of_o help_n to_o every_o spiritual_a undertake_n first_o ponder_v then_o proceed_v we_o can_v perform_v nothing_o well_o in_o worldly_a affair_n without_o well_o consider_v so_o in_o spiritual_a matter_n what_o duty_n can_v be_v well_o perform_v what_o grace_n right_o exercise_v what_o in_o all_o religion_n that_o can_v be_v name_v can_v be_v right_o order_v if_o you_o mind_v not_o serious_o consider_v not_o before_o the_o do_v it_o as_o well_o as_o mind_n and_o attend_v it_o in_o the_o do_v serious_n think_v be_v fundamental_a to_o all_o right_n do_v o_o what_o be_v the_o innumerable_a advantage_n that_o thy_o constancy_n in_o this_o course_n will_v still_o bring_v in_o and_o what_o have_v be_v thy_o loss_n by_o neglect_n and_o will_v daily_o increase_v upon_o thou_o by_o it_o ah_o therefore_o consider_v be_v awaken_v and_o strive_v to_o be_v humble_v for_o all_o thy_o fail_n and_o neglect_n especial_o thy_o fall_n off_o from_o and_o disusing_n of_o this_o so_o necessary_a and_o excellent_a duty_n look_v to_o thy_o first_o beginning_n in_o it_o and_o thy_o make_n no_o better_o entrance_n into_o it_o first_o undertake_n if_o not_o so_o well_o and_o through_o prove_v great_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o not_o look_v after_o and_o amend_v may_v occasion_v a_o less_o seriousness_n and_o care_n ever_o after_o but_o however_o they_o require_v a_o make_n up_o and_o better_v that_o which_o serve_v a_o young_a weak_a and_o unexperienced_a christian_a must_v not_o serve_v a_o grow_v christian_a one_o old_a in_o his_o way_n o_o but_o be_v humble_v for_o thy_o improve_n no_o more_o in_o this_o art_n of_o meditation_n for_o be_v no_o better_a artist_n for_o have_v so_o little_a of_o this_o heavenly_a habit_n and_o heart-readiness_n from_o thy_o frequency_n and_o constancy_n of_o not_o only_a act_n but_o earnest_n and_o vigorous_a strive_n which_o intend_v and_o strengthen_v improve_v and_o increase_v the_o habit_n be_v humble_v for_o no_o high_a attainment_n in_o this_o happy_a way_n which_o we_o shall_v be_v most_o perfect_a in_o &_o ready_a for_o in_o which_o we_o shall_v still_o have_v a_o increase_a and_o heighten_v complacency_n and_o pleasure_n to_o perform_v with_o a_o strive_v to_o do_v it_o better_o as_o to_o heart-readiness_n better_o as_o to_o heart-power_n and_o purpose_n resolvedness_n against_o opposition_n and_o hindrance_n ah_o then_o look_v mournful_o look_v we_o and_o with_o shame_n and_o self-abasings_a on_o all_o and_o for_o all_o our_o fail_n and_o for_o all_o our_o guilt_n contract_v for_o this_o duty_n neglect_v 1._o that_o our_o progress_n and_o improvement_n have_v be_v so_o small_a 2._o our_o inequality_n and_o unevenness_n so_o many_o 3._o our_o fall_n off_o and_o desisting_n and_o lying_n so_o long_a or_o any_o space_n of_o time_n before_o return_v and_o recover_v and_o by_o our_o dis-using_a contract_v a_o unwillingness_n a_o spiritual_a lothness_n a_o do_v with_o more_o difficulty_n or_o by_o refusal_n and_o deny_v of_o do_v this_o duty_n to_o thereby_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n therefore_o i_o say_v for_o all_o these_o admit_v and_o add_v let_v we_o be_v deep_o humble_v before_o god_n and_o mourn_v over_o so_o many_o and_o great_a neglect_v he_o have_v observe_v in_o we_o ah_o therefore_o say_v i_o have_v sin_v great_o in_o what_o i_o have_v do_v 2_o sam._n 24.10_o say_v i_o will_v do_v so_o no_o more_o job_n 34.32_o ah_o so_o to_o slight_v to_o forget_v the_o concern_v of_o god_n and_o my_o soul_n to_o let_v my_o eye_n be_v in_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o let_v my_o soul_n lose_v so_o its_o looking_n by_o eye_v vanity_n to_o imbezel_n my_o precious_a thought_n upon_o the_o by_o and_o overlook_v the_o main_a may_v not_o my_o god_n come_v and_o challenge_v i_o for_o great_a unkindness_n unworthiness_n and_o folly_n what_o thou_o my_o child_n to_o be_v so_o vain_a and_o unwise_a when_o thou_o have_v to_o contemplate_v thy_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a all-sufficiency_n thy_o saviour_n in_o all_o his_o matchless_a beauty_n and_o fullness_n thy_o sanctifier_n in_o all_o his_o operation_n and_o consolation_n thy_o perfect_a rule_n the_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o heavenly_a truth_n in_o they_o and_o when_o thou_o have_v all_o the_o excellent_a and_o admire_a work_n and_o way_n of_o a_o god_n the_o condition_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n thy_o own_o soul_n state_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n together_o with_o all_o such_o thing_n that_o continual_o stand_v full_a in_o thy_o view_n ah_o to_o have_v so_o many_o path_n for_o the_o foot_n of_o thy_o spirit_n to_o walk_v in_o by_o meditation_n so_o many_o rare_a object_n for_o thy_o eye_n entertainment_n and_o employment_n and_o to_o thy_o sweet_a solace_n large_a satisfaction_n and_o yet_o in_o any_o degree_n to_o miscarry_v the_o golden_a season_n of_o this_o so_o heart-enriching_a meditation_n ah_o may_v not_o my_o grieve_a god_n and_o his_o grieve_a spirit_n grieve_v and_o sadden_fw-mi my_o herein_o so_o sin_v spirit_n may_v not_o my_o neglect_n of_o meditation_n not_o serious_o and_o frequent_o think_v of_o he_o and_o such_o thing_n that_o near_o high_o concern_v he_o just_o occasion_n my_o god_n neglect_v of_o i_o neglect_v i_o by_o withdraw_v his_o hand_n from_o his_o bless_a impulse_n infusing_n of_o heavenly_a thought_n judge_v it_o not_o meet_v to_o give_v down_o good_a and_o holy_a thought_n into_o a_o spirit_n distemper_v divert_a by_o too_o usual_a admittance_n of_o earthly_a evil_a and_o carnal_a thought_n and_o disuse_n of_o holy_a meditation_n who_o will_v plant_v the_o most_o precious_a flower_n among_o heap_n of_o poisonous_a weed_n who_o will_v mix_v their_o rich_a pure_a wine_n with_o puddle_n dirty_a water_n or_o their_o gold_n and_o diamond_n among_o dirt_n and_o dung_n ah_o this_o be_v the_o way_n for_o my_o god_n not_o only_o to_o withdraw_v himself_o but_o to_o let_v satan_n the_o foul_a spirit_n loose_v upon_o i_o to_o trouble_v i_o to_o haunt_v i_o to_o follow_v i_o with_o all_o manner_n of_o disquiet_v and_o discourage_v thought_n with_o temptation_n of_o injury_n and_o steal_v revenge_n and_o cruelty_n uncleanness_n and_o filthiness_n and_o sinful_a sensuality_n and_o such_o like_a evil_a thought_n against_o other_o ah_o may_v not_o this_o neglect_n of_o good_a thought_n and_o due_a meditation_n be_v just_o meet_v with_o and_o expose_v i_o to_o the_o black_a and_o most_o horrid_a thought_n and_o temptation_n such_o as_o those_o of_o blasphemy_n thought_n as_o thick_a as_o hail_v and_o that_o daily_o haunt_v i_o dart_v horror_n and_o hell_n into_o my_o spirit_n make_v my_o heart_n to_o tremble_v and_o my_o hair_n to_o stand_v upright_o on_o my_o head_n ah_o may_v i_o not_o if_o i_o amend_v not_o the_o soon_o not_o come_v to_o that_o so_o sad_a and_o dreadful_a temptation_n so_o contrary_a to_o nature_n the_o temptation_n of_o self-destroying_a think_v it_o may_v be_v best_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o my_o trouble_n though_o it_o be_v so_o
care_v they_o strive_v to_o come_v in_o business_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o affair_n sudden_a emergency_n and_o sundry_a thing_n that_o may_v attempt_v to_o interpose_v and_o these_o if_o our_o watch_n and_o guard_n be_v not_o the_o strong_a and_o strict_a will_v miscarry_v the_o duty_n yea_o sometime_o one_o duty_n may_v drive_v out_o another_o often_o we_o let_v holy_a duty_n interfere_v and_o cross_v each_o other_o hear_v pray_v and_o the_o rest_n sometime_o there_o be_v hasten_a from_o one_o to_o another_o sometime_o let_v one_o detain_v we_o so_o long_o that_o other_o be_v cut_v short_a and_o so_o help_n be_v turn_v in_o part_n into_o hindrance_n opportunity_n for_o some_o duty_n into_o obstruction_n to_o other_o when_o godly_a prudence_n allow_v every_o thing_n its_o season_n and_o due_a proportion_n of_o time_n the_o external_a hindrance_n to_o meditation_n be_v many_o from_o common_a business_n and_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o we_o often_o create_v our_o own_o hindrance_n by_o our_o sloth_n and_o imprudence_n not_o careful_o redeem_v and_o wise_o order_v our_o time_n and_o opportunity_n ah_o than_o my_o soul_n if_o meditation_n be_v so_o high_a so_o hard_o as_o to_o its_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o have_v withal_o such_o enemy_n and_o opposition_n look_v to_o it_o then_o i_o must_v the_o more_o cautious_o but_o not_o less_o resolute_o perform_v it_o the_o moralist_n say_v that_o difficulty_n be_v choose_fw-la virtutis_fw-la the_o incentive_a and_o heightener_o of_o magnanimity_n to_o a_o great_a and_o heroic_a spirit_n nothing_o must_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o outlook_v it_o and_o discourage_v it_o the_o great_a and_o brave_a fish_n swim_v against_o the_o stream_n the_o noble_a christian_a by_o difficulty_n and_o opposition_n be_v caution_v but_o not_o cow_v out_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o set_v against_o and_o weigh_v with_o the_o former_a caution_n and_o argument_n from_o enemy_n and_o opposition_n if_o no_o high_a inducement_n and_o advantageous_a argument_n to_o put_v into_o the_o scale_n of_o persuasion_n to_o weigh_v against_o such_o as_o fill_v the_o scale_n of_o dissuasion_n it_o than_o may_v the_o more_o reverse_a and_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o thy_o courage_n yet_o argument_n from_o evil_a and_o mischief_n in_o many_o case_n be_v sufficient_a alone_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o arm_a enemy_n approach_v as_o in_o jacob_n case_n the_o danger_n of_o deadly_a poison_n prepare_v for_o thou_o or_o infection_n come_v very_o nigh_o thou_o be_v enough_o but_o we_o have_v encouragement_n and_o those_o in_o full_a measure_n press_v down_o and_o run_v over_o as_o elisha_n to_o his_o servant_n discourage_v when_o encompass_v in_o dothan_n we_o have_v more_o with_o we_o than_o against_o we_o what_o if_o there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o flesh_n that_o make_v opposition_n yet_o thy_o principle_n of_o spirit_n and_o grace_n be_v a_o real_a ground_n of_o hope_n and_o help_v if_o thy_o grace_n christian_n be_v true_a though_o but_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n it_o will_v live_v and_o hold_v and_o act_n and_o grow_v act_n into_o endeavour_n and_o strive_v till_o it_o overcome_v a_o principle_n will_v help_v thou_o 1._o consider_v a_o principle_n introduce_v a_o inclination_n a_o bent_n and_o tendency_n of_o heart_n against_o the_o inclination_n and_o contrary_a tendency_n of_o corruption_n psal_n 119.112_o and_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n must_v live_v and_o the_o contrary_a carnal_a principle_n must_v die_v rom._n 6.11_o reckon_v yourselves_o dead_a unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o god_n sin_n as_o to_o the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n be_v dead_a in_o the_o saint_n total_o and_o it_o be_v dead_a in_o the_o habit_n and_o root_n initial_o and_o in_o part_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o communicate_v and_o inherent_a grace_n of_o christ_n which_o upon_o union_n with_o christ_n begin_v the_o death_n of_o sin_n in_o mortification_n rom._n 6._o 2._o a_o principle_n beside_o inclination_n and_o tendency_n introduce_v power_n and_o ability_n as_o the_o flesh_n have_v its_o power_n so_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n have_v its_o contrary_a power_n 3._o a_o principle_n introduce_v facility_n though_o the_o flesh_n make_v duty_n hard_a yet_o the_o spirit_n be_v ready_a and_o make_v godliness_n easy_a 4._o a_o principle_n introduce_v delight_n and_o complacency_n the_o flesh_n act_v reluctancy_n the_o spirit_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n psal_n 119.47_o 5._o a_o principle_n work_v hold_v on_o and_o constancy_n gal._n 5._o as_o the_o flesh_n lust_n against_o the_o spirit_n so_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n psal_n 119.12_o last_o part_n of_o the_o verse_n not_o only_o begin_v but_o hold_v on_o a_o principle_n will_v help_v you_o to_o hold_v on_o for_o god_n will_v hold_v that_o on_o phil._n 1.6_o he_o that_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o you_o will_v finish_v it_o to_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n 6._o a_o principle_n be_v blessed_v by_o the_o use_n of_o it_o with_o progress_n and_o growth_n the_o flesh_n that_o shall_v decrease_v and_o waste_v but_o the_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n shall_v grow_v to_o a_o great_a tree_n math._n 13.32_o 7._o a_o principle_n shall_v be_v crown_v by_o contend_v and_o strive_v with_o glorious_a conquest_n and_o victory_n the_o spirit_n war_n against_o the_o flesh_n and_o it_o conquer_v in_o the_o issue_n by_o its_o still_o war_a judgement_n be_v bring_v forth_o to_o victory_n rom._n 8.37_o ah_o never_o be_v discourage_v for_o any_o thing_n within_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o sin_n within_o and_o the_o stir_n of_o it_o but_o sink_v not_o under_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o take_v thou_o encouragement_n christian_n to_o fight_v it_o and_o to_o subdue_v it_o if_o thy_o heart_n badness_n appear_v its_o backwardness_n and_o crossness_n to_o any_o duty_n know_v you_o can_v get_v nothing_o by_o give_v way_n but_o by_o go_v on_o and_o strive_v and_o use_v this_o herein_o as_o thy_o rule_n wear_v out_o thy_o own_o backwardness_n to_o and_o weariness_n in_o a_o duty_n by_o do_v it_o in_o a_o resolve_a constancy_n wear_v out_o the_o indisposition_n to_o duty_n by_o do_v that_o duty_n and_o do_v it_o fervent_o 2._o what_o if_o satan_n be_v such_o a_o enemy_n yet_o have_v we_o not_o more_o and_o strong_a with_o we_o than_o he_o we_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o help_v to_o pray_v and_o he_o will_v help_v we_o to_o meditate_v if_o he_o see_v we_o be_v labour_v to_o get_v up_o the_o mount_n in_o meditation_n he_o will_v give_v we_o his_o hand_n to_o help_v we_o up_o if_o satan_n and_o all_o hell_n be_v against_o we_o in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o duty_n he_o will_v be_v for_o we_o yea_o father_n son_n and_o spirit_n be_v and_o will_v be_v all_o assistant_n to_o we_o do_v we_o not_o use_v to_o say_v god_n come_v in_o at_o such_o a_o time_n in_o such_o a_o duty_n he_o delight_v to_o see_v how_o the_o pulse_n of_o thy_o spirit_n beat_v heavenward_o how_o the_o eye_n of_o thy_o soul_n look_v upward_o how_o it_o fix_v its_o look_n of_o heavenly_a love_n upon_o he_o he_o delight_v to_o help_v up_o thy_o heart_n in_o its_o holy_a meditation_n to_o help_v it_o tower_n up_o to_o heaven_n to_o taste_v of_o those_o surmount_a glorious_a delicacy_n prepare_v for_o his_o belove_n entertainment_n and_o high_a solace_n what_o other_o in_o their_o exemplary_a carelessness_n hold_v forth_o what_o their_o mindlesness_n be_v they_o use_v must_v not_o have_v any_o impression_n of_o discouragement_n or_o prove_v to_o we_o any_o impediment_n it_o be_v no_o stay_v till_o we_o can_v take_v every_o one_o along_o with_o we_o in_o our_o journey_n to_o heaven_n neither_o must_v the_o example_n of_o any_o the_o high_a the_o great_a the_o rich_a the_o wise_a and_o learnede_a the_o near_a relate_v the_o dear_a affect_v nor_o any_o under_o any_o consideration_n whatever_o have_v that_o ill_a influence_n upon_o we_o either_o to_o discourage_v or_o divert_v we_o weaken_v our_o hand_n or_o hinder_v our_o make_n straight_o step_n in_o this_o bless_a path_n of_o meditate_v diligent_o upon_o heavenly_a thing_n neither_o let_v the_o care_n and_o pleasure_n business_n and_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n hinder_v this_o soul_n great_a affair_n of_o serious_a meditation_n in_o the_o season_n of_o it_o the_o saint_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n have_v find_v a_o way_n to_o this_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o that_o through_o the_o throng_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o crowd_v and_o justle_a occasion_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o our_o lord_n christ_n in_o luk._n 4.30_o when_o they_o of_o nazareth_n angry_a with_o he_o thrust_v he_o out_o of_o the_o city_n and_o will_v have_v cast_v he_o down_o headlong_o he_o pass_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o go_v his_o way_n the_o saint_n of_o christ_n have_v make_v their_o way_n pass_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o business_n and_o emergency_n