Selected quad for the lemma: duty_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n action_n evil_a good_a 1,020 5 3.4395 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

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

There are 9 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

imputation_n but_o of_o original_a sin_n by_o propagation_n thou_o be_v conceive_v in_o sin_n and_o thou_o be_v bear_v in_o iniquity_n thou_o have_v a_o nature_n which_o thou_o carry_v about_o with_o thou_o which_o make_v thou_o prone_a to_o all_o sin_n and_o indispose_v to_o all_o good_a thou_o have_v a_o nature_n that_o defile_v all_o thy_o holy_a duty_n and_o thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o actual_a transgression_n of_o heart-sin_n of_o lip-sin_n of_o life-sin_n of_o sin_n of_o omission_n how_o many_o good_a duty_n have_v i_o omit_v of_o sin_n of_o commission_n how_o many_o evil_a action_n have_v i_o commit_v and_o thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n and_o sin_n against_o the_o gospel_n than_o will_v i_o reckon_v up_o som_n sin_n and_o then_o thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o fleshly_a and_o outward_a and_o visible_a sin_n and_o thou_o be_v especial_o oh_o my_o soul_n guilty_a of_o inward_a spiritual_a and_o invisible_a sin_n of_o heart-adultery_n though_o not_o outward_a adultery_n of_o heart-murder_n of_o heart-idolatry_n of_o pride_n vainglory_n hypocrisy_n self-seeking_a there_o be_v the_o second_o head_n the_o division_n of_o sin_n 3._o i_o will_v come_v to_o the_o three_o head_n and_o consider_v the_o original_n and_o cause_n of_o sin_n and_o i_o will_v say_v thus_o oh_o my_o soul_n sure_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o all_o these_o sin_n that_o i_o be_o guilty_a of_o it_o be_v the_o great_a blasphemy_n in_o the_o world_n to_o charge_n god_n with_o our_o sin_n god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o punisher_n judas_n do_v not_o betray_v christ_n because_o it_o be_v determine_v he_o shall_v do_v it_o but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o covetousness_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o judah_n do_v not_o fell_a joseph_n because_o it_o be_v decree_v they_o shall_v do_v it_o but_o out_o of_o envy_n oh_o it_o be_v my_o wicked_a heart_n that_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o my_o sin_n it_o be_v not_o the_o devil_n that_o be_v the_o original_n of_o my_o sin_n for_o the_o devil_n can_v force_v i_o to_o sin_n the_o devil_n persuade_v i_o to_o sin_n tempt_v i_o to_o sin_n but_o he_o can_v compel_v i_o to_o sin_n sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n by_o adam_n disobedience_n rom._n 5._o 12._o by_o one_o man_n sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o my_o wicked_a heart_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o my_o sin_n oh_o my_o soul_n why_o shall_v not_o thou_o abhor_v thyself_o because_o of_o thy_o sin_n 4._o i_o will_v have_v you_o consider_v the_o curse_a fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o sin_n and_o i_o will_v say_v thus_o oh_o my_o soul_n be_v thou_o humble_v for_o thy_o sin_n oh_o lie_v in_o the_o dust_n because_o of_o thy_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v sin_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o evil_a both_o temporal_a spiritual_a and_o eternal_a sin_n bring_v spiritual_a temporal_a and_o eternal_a curse_n it_o be_v sin_n put_v devilishness_n into_o the_o angel_n and_o make_v the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n to_o become_v devil_n in_o hell_n it_o be_v sin_n that_o bring_v the_o flood_n upon_o the_o old_a world_n it_o be_v sin_n that_o turn_v heaven_n into_o hell_n and_o make_v god_n rain_v down_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorah_n it_o be_v sin_n that_o kindle_v the_o fire_n in_o hell_n the_o fire_n of_o hell_n will_v go_v out_o be_v it_o not_o for_o sin_n sin_n be_v worse_a than_o hell_n because_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o hell_n and_o i_o will_v meditate_v thus_o sure_o sin_n be_v more_o opposite_a to_o god_n than_o hell_n for_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o hell_n god_n make_v hell_n for_o sinner_n but_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o oh_o my_o soul_n do_v thou_o hate_v sin_n more_o than_o affliction_n nay_o more_o than_o hell_n itself_o 5._o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o adjunct_n and_o property_n of_o sin_n in_o general_a and_o of_o my_o sin_n in_o particular_a and_o i_o will_v thus_o meditate_v upon_o this_o common-place_n head_n oh_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v work_v in_o my_o heart_n a_o further_a abhorrency_n of_o all_o sin_n oh_o that_o sin_n may_v be_v more_o loathe_a for_o sin_n be_v of_o a_o defile_n nature_n of_o a_o destructive_a nature_n sin_n be_v of_o a_o defile_n nature_n it_o defile_v my_o person_n it_o defile_v my_o sacrament_n my_o prayer_n the_o sermon_n i_o hear_v it_o make_v i_o like_o a_o dog_n like_o a_o swine_n nay_o it_o make_v i_o like_o a_o devil_n i_o have_v choose_v twelve_o and_o one_o of_o you_o be_v a_o devil_n sin_n make_v you_o nasty_a and_o loathsome_a in_o god_n sight_n sin_n defile_v your_o civil_a action_n the_o plough_v of_o a_o wicked_a man_n be_v sin_n sin_n defile_v the_o land_n in_o which_o you_o live_v ezek._n 14._o the_o land_n be_v defile_v by_o your_o idolatry_n sin_n defile_v the_o whole_a creation_n oh_o my_o soul_n will_v thou_o make_v a_o sport_n of_o that_o which_o defile_v the_o whole_a creation_n and_o then_o i_o will_v say_v sin_n be_v of_o a_o destructive_a nature_n it_o destroy_v the_o body_n it_o destroy_v the_o soul_n for_o evermore_o and_o then_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o property_n of_o my_o sin_n in_o particular_a i_o will_v say_v thus_o oh_o my_o soul_n how_o great_a be_v thy_o guilt_n i_o have_v sin_v not_o only_o against_o god_n but_o against_o light_n my_o sin_n have_v bloody_a aggravation_n i_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o heart-blood-mercy_n of_o jesus_n christ._n i_o have_v sin_v against_o many_o sacrament-vow_n that_o i_o have_v make_v i_o have_v sin_v against_o knowledge_n against_o conscience_n 6._o i_o will_v consider_v the_o opposite_n to_o the_o thing_n i_o meditate_v on_o what_o be_v opposite_a to_o sin_n why_o grace_n then_o i_o will_v meditate_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o grace_n and_o i_o will_v say_v oh_o my_o soul_n how_o beautiful_a be_v that_o soul_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o grace_n sin_o make_v i_o like_o a_o devil_n sin_n stamp_v the_o devil_n image_n upon_o my_o soul_n but_o grace_n make_v i_o god_n picture_n grace_n be_v the_o portraiture_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n grace_n ennoble_v the_o soul_n it_o legitimate_v the_o soul_n it_o elevate_v the_o soul._n oh_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o soul_n enrich_v with_o grace_n oh_o the_o heavenly_a excellency_n of_o a_o gracious_a soul_n now_o by_o how_o much_o grace_n be_v more_o excellent_a by_o so_o much_o be_v sin_n more_o odious_a for_o sin_n destroy_v grace_n 7._o i_o will_v consider_v the_o comparison_n to_o which_o sin_n be_v compare_v and_o i_o will_v say_v thus_o oh_o my_o soul_n will_v thou_o not_o abhor_v sin_n sin_o be_v compare_v to_o bruise_n sore_n putrefaction_n a_o leprosy_n a_o plague_n the_o excrement_n of_o a_o man_n and_o it_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o abominable_a thing_n it_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o filth_n under_o a_o man_n nail_n and_o to_o the_o putrefaction_n of_o sore_n and_o the_o dung_n the_o excrement_n of_o man_n and_o will_v thou_o love_v that_o which_o be_v loathsome_a to_o god_n shall_v sin_n be_v so_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v so_o in_o my_o sight_n 8._o i_o will_v consider_v the_o title_n that_o be_v give_v to_o sin_n and_o i_o will_v say_v thus_o sin_n be_v call_v a_o rob_n of_o god_n mal._n 3._o shall_v i_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n by_o my_o sin_n oh_o god_n forbid_v sin_n be_v call_v a_o injury_n to_o god_n shall_v i_o injure_v my_o saviour_n by_o my_o sin_n it_o be_v call_v a_o strike_n through_o the_o name_n of_o god_n so_o the_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v which_o we_o translate_v to_o swear_v it_o be_v a_o deicidium_fw-la the_o kill_a the_o murder_a of_o god_n and_o oh_o my_o soul_n will_v thou_o do_v as_o much_o as_o in_o thou_o lie_v to_o murder_v thy_o saviour_n to_o crucify_v christ_n afresh_o by_o thy_o sin_n 9_o i_o will_v consider_v all_o that_o the_o scripture_n say_v concern_v sin_n i_o will_v consider_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n i_o will_v consider_v all_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o especial_o i_o will_v study_v what_o christ_n suffer_v to_o free_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o i_o will_v behold_v the_o odiousness_n of_o sin_n upon_o christ_n cross_n sin_n make_v christ_n sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n and_o shall_v it_o not_o make_v i_o shed_v tear_n sin_n make_v christ_n cry_v my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o and_o shall_v it_o not_o make_v i_o cry_v out_o oh_o miserable_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o this_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o then_o i_o will_v consider_v what_o hope_n there_o be_v of_o pardon_n through_o christ_n and_o what_o promise_v there_o be_v make_v
for_o his_o sinful_a plotting_n and_o sinful_a contrivance_n though_o they_o never_o come_v to_o light_v isa._n 29._o 5._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o seek_v deep_a to_o hide_v their_o counsel_n from_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o work_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o they_o say_v who_o see_v we_o and_o who_o know_v we_o the_o lord_n will_v send_v we_o to_o hell_n for_o all_o our_o sinful_a contrivance_n and_o vain_a project_n though_o they_o prove_v abortive_a 2._o there_o be_v some_o that_o meditate_v upon_o the_o evil_n they_o have_v do_v as_o a_o old_a adulterer_n will_v with_o delight_n tell_v story_n of_o his_o youthful_a wantonness_n and_o a_o old_a wicked_a man_n will_v delight_v to_o tell_v tale_n of_o the_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v former_o commit_v this_o be_v to_o act_v over_o your_o sin_n again_o in_o god_n account_n this_o be_v to_o lick_v up_o the_o old_a vomit_n this_o be_v to_o sin_n anew_o i_o will_v to_o god_n you_o will_v consider_v of_o it_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o hell_n for_o contemplative_a wickedness_n for_o spiritual_a wickedness_n for_o heart-adultery_n and_o heart-murder_n as_o well_o as_o for_o actual_a wickedness_n a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o hell_n for_o think_v evil_a as_o well_o as_o for_o speak_v evil_a and_o do_v evil_n for_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o he_o look_v into_o the_o frame_n of_o your_o spirit_n and_o he_o will_v send_v you_o to_o hell_n for_o the_o inward_a lust_n of_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o act_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o man_n that_o repeat_v over_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o youth_n with_o delight_n this_o man_n act_v they_o over_o again_o in_o god_n account_n but_o i_o will_v not_o spend_v more_o time_n in_o the_o use_n of_o reprehension_n but_o i_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o especial_o aim_v at_o a_o use_n of_o exhortation_n to_o beseech_v you_o all_o that_o you_o will_v subscribe_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o this_o text_n that_o you_o will_v conform_v yourselves_o to_o this_o text_n that_o you_o will_v accustom_v yourselves_o to_o his_o most_o necessary_a and_o excellent_a and_o long_o neglect_v duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n let_v i_o with_o all_o earnestness_n commend_v unto_o you_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n because_o it_o be_v a_o universal_a remedy_n against_o all_o sin_n it_o be_v a_o help_n to_o all_o goodness_n it_o be_v a_o preservative_n of_o all_o godliness_n it_o be_v armour_n of_o proof_n against_o all_o the_o devil_n temptation_n and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o iniquity_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v let_v i_o commend_v this_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o christian_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o you_o to_o reform_v your_o life_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o you_o to_o meditate_v for_o what_o say_v david_n i_o consider_v my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n what_o make_v peter_n when_o he_o have_v deny_v christ_n repent_v and_o weep_v bitter_o for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v the_o text_n say_v when_o he_o meditate_a upon_o what_o he_o have_v do_v he_o go_v out_o and_o weep_v bitter_o it_o be_v the_o meditation_n of_o his_o sin_n make_v he_o do_v so_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o man_n repent_v no_o more_o of_o their_o sin_n because_o they_o do_v not_o meditate_v of_o the_o bitterness_n of_o they_o jer._n 8._o 6._o no_o man_n repent_v because_o no_o man_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v if_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o you_o to_o love_n god_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n to_o contemn_v the_o world_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o you_o to_o practice_v this_o duty_n of_o meditation_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n all_o the_o sermon_n you_o hear_v do_v you_o no_o more_o good_a it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o meditation_n we_o do_v not_o meditate_v upon_o what_o we_o hear_v let_v i_o commend_v this_o duty_n of_o meditation_n 1._o unto_o all_o minister_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n say_v luther_n make_v a_o minister_n read_v pray_v temptation_n and_o meditation_n it_o be_v not_o read_v make_v a_o scholar_n without_o prayer_n nor_o read_v and_o prayer_n without_o temptation_n how_o can_v he_o comfort_v other_o that_o be_v never_o tempt_v himself_o and_o then_o meditation_n and_o therefore_o paul_n persuade_v timothy_n to_o be_v much_o in_o meditation_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 15._o 2._o let_v i_o commend_v this_o to_o great_a person_n to_o lord_n and_o earl_n and_o king_n david_n profess_v of_o himself_o psal._n 119._o 148._o my_o eye_n prevent_v the_o night-watching_n that_o i_o may_v meditate_v on_o thy_o word_n v_o 15._o i_o will_v meditate_v on_o thy_o precept_n v_o 23._o prince_n also_o do_v sit_v and_o speak_v against_o i_o but_o thy_o servant_n do_v meditate_v in_o thy_o statute_n 3._o let_v i_o commend_v this_o to_o you_o that_o be_v captain_n and_o soldier_n and_o man_n that_o belong_v unto_o the_o c&_n c&_n joshua_n the_o great_a captain-general_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v command_v by_o god_n to_o meditate_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n day_n and_o night_n josh._n 1._o 8._o 4._o let_v i_o commend_v this_o to_o young_a gentleman_n from_o the_o example_n of_o isaac_n in_o the_o text_n that_o go_v out_o as_o his_o custom_n be_v to_o meditate_v of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n isaac_n be_v heir_n to_o abraham_n who_o be_v a_o very_a rich_a man_n he_o be_v very_o rich_a in_o cattle_n and_o very_o rich_a in_o silver_n and_o gold_n and_o isaac_n be_v the_o heir_n of_o all_o he_o have_v and_o at_o eventide_n he_o go_v out_o and_o walk_v in_o the_o field_n and_o meditate_a upon_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n meditate_a upon_o the_o work_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n 5._o let_v i_o commend_v this_o to_o you_o that_o be_v merchant_n to_o you_o that_o be_v tradesman_n that_o you_o will_v spare_v some_o time_n for_o meditation_n 6._o let_v i_o commend_v this_o to_o all_o woman_n according_a to_o the_o example_n of_o hanna_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n she_o keep_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o ponder_v they_o in_o her_o heart_n luk._n 2._o 19_o 51._o but_o his_o mother_n keep_v all_o these_o say_n in_o her_o heart_n oh_o let_v i_o commend_v this_o to_o young_a maid_n when_o they_o be_v at_o their_o work_n that_o they_o will_v have_v some_o heavenly_a ejaculation_n and_o meditation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n i_o remember_v i_o have_v read_v of_o solon_n who_o be_v a_o great_a lawgiver_n say_v he_o there_o be_v many_o good_a law_n make_v but_o there_o want_v one_o law_n to_o teach_v people_n how_o to_o practice_v all_o the_o other_o law_n such_o a_o law_n be_v worth_a make_n so_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v many_o excellent_a sermon_n preach_v in_o this_o nation_n in_o this_o city_n never_o better_o preach_v i_o dare_v say_v in_o london_n but_o there_o be_v one_o sermon_n yet_o to_o preach_v and_o that_o be_v to_o teach_v you_o to_o practice_v all_o the_o other_o sermon_n now_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v this_o sermon_n will_v help_v you_o to_o practice_v all_o the_o sermon_n you_o ever_o hear_v for_o meditation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o concoct_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n a_o digest_v of_o the_o promise_n and_o the_o sermon_n we_o hear_v it_o be_v a_o sermon_n to_o teach_v you_o to_o digest_v all_o the_o sermon_n that_o ever_o you_o have_v hear_v some_o man_n have_v a_o great_a appetite_n but_o have_v no_o digestion_n i_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o you_o that_o be_v greedy_a to_o hear_v sermon_n but_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o if_o you_o have_v not_o a_o good_a digestion_n your_o sermon_n will_v do_v no_o good_a that_o which_o a_o man_n be_v eat_v half_o a_o hour_n require_v six_o or_o seven_o hour_n to_o digest_v i_o have_v hear_v of_o many_o man_n that_o eat_v too_o much_o but_o i_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o that_o digest_v too_o much_o you_o that_o eat_v much_o and_o do_v not_o digest_v it_o that_o which_o you_o eat_v will_v turn_v to_o bad_a nourishment_n therefore_o let_v i_o commend_v this_o duty_n to_o you_o as_o one_o of_o the_o choice_a duty_n of_o a_o christian._n now_o because_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v desire_v to_o speak_v to_o six_o particular_n about_o this_o doctrine_n of_o meditation_n 1._o the_o place_n where_o we_o be_v to_o meditate_v 2._o the_o time_n when_o we_o be_v to_o meditate_v 3._o the_o ingredient_n and_o property_n of_o divine_a meditation_n 4._o the_o companion_n of_o it_o 5._o the_o material_n of_o it_o 6._o some_o help_n to_o help_v we_o to_o the_o better_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n 1._o concern_v the_o place_n where_o we_o be_v to_o exercise_v this_o duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n it_o be_v say_v of_o isaac_n in_o
he_o live_v to_o rest_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n in_o who_o bosom_n he_o have_v often_o be_v by_o holy_a meditation_n when_o he_o be_v alive_a 3._o you_o must_v be_v often_o and_o frequent_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n by_o often_o use_v it_o to_o make_v it_o more_o easy_a there_o be_v great_a complaint_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o have_v be_v often_o say_v to_o i_o sir_n there_o be_v no_o duty_n in_o the_o world_n so_o hard_o as_o divine_a meditation_n and_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o keep_v the_o heart_n close_o in_o meditation_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v accustom_v yourselves_o to_o this_o duty_n and_o use_n will_v make_v perfectness_n usus_fw-la promptos_fw-la facit_fw-la by_o often_o do_v it_o at_o last_o through_o grace_n it_o will_v become_v easy_a when_o a_o young_a youth_n be_v bind_v apprentice_n to_o a_o manual_a trade_n at_o first_o it_o seem_v very_o hard_a to_o learn_v his_o trade_n but_o by_o long_a custom_n at_o last_o he_o be_v very_o expert_a in_o it_o a_o man_n that_o be_v to_o go_v up_o a_o hill_n every_o morning_n at_o first_o he_o pant_v and_o breathe_v and_o can_v get_v up_o the_o hill_n within_o a_o little_a while_o he_o can_v get_v up_o with_o ease_n so_o this_o duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n though_o it_o be_v exceed_o difficult_a because_o it_o be_v exceed_o spiritual_a yet_o by_o often_o and_o frequent_v practise_v of_o it_o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n it_o will_v become_v at_o last_o very_o easy_a whereas_o the_o seldomness_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n make_v it_o difficult_a and_o intermission_n of_o any_o thing_n make_v it_o very_o hard_a a_o man_n that_o learn_v the_o greek_a or_o hebrew_n tongue_n or_o learn_v to_o speak_v french_a if_o he_o intermit_v the_o speak_v eleven_o or_o twelve_o year_n he_o will_v quick_o forget_v to_o speak_v it_o so_o long_a omission_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a will_v you_o but_o resolve_v to_o practice_v it_o for_o one_o twelve_o month_n you_o will_v find_v it_o at_o the_o twelve_o month_n end_n a_o easy_a duty_n through_o the_o help_n of_o god_n the_o second_o property_n be_v this_o divine_a meditation_n must_v be_v solemn_a and_o serious_a though_o we_o must_v accustom_v ourselves_o to_o this_o duty_n yet_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o customariness_n and_o formality_n in_o the_o duty_n formality_n in_o good_a duty_n be_v the_o dead_a fly_n that_o spoil_v the_o box_n of_o precious_a ointment_n god_n hate_v a_o formal_a christian_a he_o hate_v a_o formal_a prayer_n a_o formal_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n formality_n in_o god_n service_n be_v like_o the_o plague_n of_o locust_n of_o which_o you_o read_v exod._n 10._o that_o do_v eat_v up_o all_o the_o green_a thing_n in_o the_o land_n formality_n in_o good_a duty_n eat_v up_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n of_o a_o good_a duty_n there_o be_v nothing_o god_n hate_v more_o than_o formality_n in_o his_o service_n therefore_o you_o must_v take_v heed_n above_o all_o thing_n of_o be_v formal_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o meditation_n it_o must_v be_v solemn_a and_o serious_a and_o you_o must_v be_v very_a intent_n about_o it_o slight_a thought_n of_o god_n will_v make_v but_o a_o slight_a impression_n upon_o the_o affection_n and_o he_o that_o think_v slight_o of_o god_n will_v serve_v he_o slight_o and_o love_v he_o slight_o he_o that_o think_v slight_o of_o sin_n will_v slight_v sin_n he_o that_o think_v slight_o of_o god_n god_n will_v slight_v he_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o serve_v god_n with_o so_o little_a affection_n and_o so_o little_a devotion_n and_o reverence_n be_v because_o we_o meditate_v slight_o of_o god_n for_o slight_a thought_n of_o god_n work_n but_o a_o slight_a heart_n and_o a_o slight_a conversation_n i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o instance_n or_o two_o of_o this_o slight_a way_n of_o meditation_n joh._n 6._o you_o shall_v read_v of_o certain_a man_n that_o when_o christ_n be_v preach_v have_v a_o very_a good_a ejaculation_n ver_fw-la 34._o lord_n say_v they_o evermore_o give_v we_o of_o this_o bread_n it_o be_v a_o sweet_a meditation_n but_o it_o be_v but_o a_o short_a a_o slight_a and_o formal_a one_o for_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n these_o man_n forsake_v christ_n it_o be_v not_o a_o solemn_a and_o serious_a meditation_n joh._n 18._o 38._o you_o read_v of_o pilate_n pilate_n say_v unto_o he_o what_o be_v truth_n here_o be_v a_o good_a question_n that_o arise_v from_o some_o inward_a thought_n that_o he_o have_v and_o when_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o go_v out_o again_o he_o never_o think_v of_o it_o more_o he_o never_o tarry_v to_o hear_v a_o answer_n but_o now_o our_o care_n must_v be_v to_o be_v very_o solemn_a and_o serious_a in_o this_o work_n of_o divine_a meditation_n let_v i_o give_v you_o a_o example_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a a_o heathen_a man_n be_v offer_v sacrifice_n to_o his_o god_n the_o priest_n that_o hold_v the_o censor_n the_o chafing-dish_n wherein_o the_o incense_n be_v there_o be_v a_o spark_n of_o fire_n fall_v upon_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o be_v so_o intent_n and_o unwilling_a to_o hinder_v the_o sacrifice_n that_o he_o suffer_v his_o hand_n rather_o to_o be_v burn_v than_o he_o will_v intermit_v the_o sacrifice_n this_o show_v how_o devout_a and_o intent_n this_o priest_n be_v even_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o heathenish_a god_n and_o chrysostome_n tell_v a_o story_n of_o a_o lady_n that_o be_v to_o make_v a_o precious_a ointment_n she_o call_v in_o all_o her_o handmaid_n to_o help_v she_o so_o say_v he_o when_o we_o converse_v with_o god_n in_o any_o holy_a duty_n we_o must_v call_v in_o all_o our_o handmaid_n all_o our_o affection_n when_o we_o be_v make_v any_o holy_a ointment_n the_o meaning_n be_v this_o when_o you_o be_v converse_v with_o god_n by_o meditation_n or_o converse_v with_o christ_n or_o the_o promise_n you_o must_v call_v in_o all_o your_o affection_n to_o assist_v you_o you_o must_v be_v very_o solemn_a and_o serious_a and_o intent_n upon_o this_o work_n and_o yet_o i_o must_v give_v you_o one_o caution_n here_o you_o must_v take_v heed_n you_o be_v not_o over-intent_n though_o you_o must_v be_v serious_a you_o must_v not_o be_v over-serious_a i_o have_v hear_v a_o story_n of_o a_o godly_a minister_n mr._n welsh_n that_o be_v one_o day_n meditate_v of_o eternity_n and_o he_o be_v so_o serious_a in_o the_o thought_n of_o eternity_n that_o he_o fall_v into_o a_o trance_n into_o a_o swoon_n that_o they_o can_v hardly_o ever_o recover_v life_n in_o he_o again_o he_o be_v so_o swallow_v up_o in_o that_o meditation_n he_o be_v too_o serious_a we_o must_v be_v serious_a but_o not_o over-serious_a we_o must_v do_v as_o good_a traveller_n do_v that_o will_v be_v careful_a not_o to_o over-ride_a their_o horse_n lest_o they_o tire_v they_o will_v ride_v moderate_o that_o so_o they_o may_v hold_v out_o to_o their_o journey_n end_n so_o must_v we_o be_v serious_a but_o we_o must_v be_v moderate_a not_o over-serious_a we_o must_v remember_v we_o have_v a_o body_n of_o flesh_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v overmuch_o seriousness_n in_o these_o weighty_a meditation_n of_o eternity_n and_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o heaven_n 3._o divine_a meditation_n must_v not_o only_o be_v notional_a and_o speculative_a but_o practical_a and_o affectionate_a therefore_o consideration_n and_o meditation_n be_v not_o only_a act_n of_o the_o head_n but_o act_n of_o the_o heart_n deut._n 4._o 39_o know_v therefore_o this_o day_n and_o consider_v it_o in_o thy_o heart_n there_o be_v three_o door_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v that_o meditation_n must_v get_v into_o or_o else_o it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n 1._o it_o must_v get_v into_o the_o understanding_n that_o must_v ponder_v the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n but_o it_o must_v not_o tarry_v there_o but_o 2._o it_o must_v get_v into_o the_o door_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o stir_v they_o up_o for_o the_o understanding_n must_v be_v as_o a_o divine_a pair_n of_o bellows_o to_o kindle_v a_o divine_a fire_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o inflame_v and_o raise_v they_o up_o as_o david_n say_v psal._n 39_o while_o i_o be_v muse_v the_o fire_n burn_v we_o must_v so_o muse_v upon_o god_n and_o christ_n that_o our_o affection_n may_v as_o it_o be_v burn_v within_o we_o as_o the_o disciple_n heart_n burn_v within_o they_o while_o christ_n be_v speak_v 3._o it_o must_v get_v into_o the_o door_n of_o the_o conversation_n that_o be_v we_o must_v so_o meditate_v of_o christ_n as_o to_o live_v according_a to_o
the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o to_o meditate_v of_o god_n as_o to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o unless_o your_o meditation_n get_v into_o these_o three_o door_n it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n the_o understanding_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n be_v like_o the_o nurse_n to_o the_o child_n you_o know_v the_o office_n of_o the_o nurse_n be_v to_o prepare_v meat_n for_o the_o child_n to_o chew_v and_o cut_v it_o that_o the_o child_n may_v eat_v it_o so_o the_o work_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o prepare_v divine_a truth_n for_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n that_o the_o heart_n may_v close_v with_o they_o and_o eat_v and_o digest_v they_o but_o if_o the_o nurse_n shall_v eat_v the_o meat_n she_o chew_n and_o give_v nothing_o to_o the_o child_n the_o child_n may_v starve_v for_o all_o the_o nurse_n so_o though_o the_o understanding_n do_v chew_v never_o such_o glorious_a truth_n if_o it_o do_v not_o convey_v they_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v of_o no_o use_n there_o be_v many_o a_o man_n spend_v his_o time_n in_o meditation_n as_o a_o butterfly_n feed_v upon_o the_o flower_n suck_v the_o flower_n not_o to_o be_v fruitful_a and_o useful_a but_o mere_o to_o paint_v her_o wing_n so_o he_o study_v and_o ponder_v of_o divine_a thing_n mere_o to_o paint_v his_o wing_n to_o get_v curious_a language_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o curious_a notion_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o promise_n but_o because_o he_o do_v not_o convey_v they_o into_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n he_o be_v never_o the_o holy_a never_o the_o better_a for_o his_o meditation_n but_o true_a meditation_n be_v this_o when_o we_o so_o meditate_v of_o christ_n as_o to_o find_v virtue_n come_v out_o of_o christ_n to_o cure_v the_o bloody_a issue_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o meditate_v of_o he_o so_o as_o to_o be_v transform_v into_o he_o when_o we_o so_o meditate_v of_o god_n as_o to_o love_n god_n and_o desire_v after_o god_n and_o rejoice_v in_o god_n and_o live_v according_a to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n when_o we_o so_o meditate_v of_o sin_n as_o to_o hate_v and_o abhor_v it_o and_o turn_v from_o it_o so_o meditate_v of_o the_o promise_n as_o to_o close_v with_o they_o when_o by_o frequent_a muse_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o holy_a fire_n of_o divine_a love_n kindle_v towards_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o psal._n 104._o 34._o my_o meditation_n of_o he_o shall_v be_v sweet_a when_o we_o so_o meditate_v on_o god_n as_o it_o get_v into_o our_o affection_n to_o sweeten_v the_o thought_n of_o god_n unto_o our_o soul_n than_o the_o meditation_n of_o god_n be_v sweet_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o many_o time_n a_o honest_a plainhearted_a christian_n find_v more_o benefit_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o divine_a meditation_n than_o a_o great_a scholar_n for_o a_o great_a scholar_n will_v meditate_v to_o find_v out_o some_o glorious_a expression_n some_o curious_a notion_n as_o a_o man_n that_o read_v a_o book_n mere_o for_o the_o fine_a language_n and_o a_o man_n that_o hear_v a_o sermon_n mere_o to_o feast_v his_o ear_n because_o of_o the_o eloquence_n of_o the_o sermon_n and_o go_v home_n never_o the_o holy_a never_o the_o better_a but_o now_o the_o honest_a plainhearted_a christian_n meditate_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o may_v be_v make_v the_o more_o heavenly_a he_o meditate_v of_o god_n that_o he_o may_v love_v and_o fear_v he_o more_o he_o meditate_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v prize_v he_o more_o he_o meditate_v of_o sin_n that_o he_o may_v hate_v it_o more_o and_o of_o the_o promise_n that_o he_o may_v love_v they_o more_o though_o he_o can_v find_v out_o these_o curious_a notion_n that_o a_o scholar_n do_v yet_o his_o heart_n be_v more_o affect_v many_o time_n than_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o great_a scholar_n if_o he_o be_v not_o godly_a divine_a meditation_n be_v of_o no_o use_n unless_o it_o be_v practical_a and_o affectionative_n 4._o property_n be_v this_o divine_a meditation_n must_v be_v particular_a and_o applicative_a for_o general_n will_v not_o work_v at_o all_o the_o philosopher_n say_v that_o fire_n in_o general_n do_v not_o burn_v it_o be_v this_o fire_n that_o burn_v a_o sword_n in_o general_n do_v not_o cut_v it_o be_v this_o sword_n cut_v so_o confuse_a meditation_n of_o heaven_n god_n and_o christ_n will_v do_v you_o little_a good_a but_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v get_v good_a by_o the_o practice_n of_o meditation_n you_o must_v come_v down_o to_o particular_n and_o you_o must_v so_o meditate_v of_o christ_n as_o to_o apply_v christ_n to_o thy_o soul_n and_o so_o meditate_v of_o heaven_n as_o to_o apply_v heaven_n to_o thy_o soul_n this_o be_v i_o this_o be_v my_o portion_n christ_n be_v my_o portion_n he_o be_v jehovah_n my_o righteousness_n nam_fw-la quid_fw-la est_fw-la deus_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la meus_fw-la what_o be_o i_o the_o better_a for_o heaven_n or_o for_o christ_n if_o they_o be_v not_o i_o what_o comfort_n can_v i_o have_v to_o meditate_v of_o christ_n if_o i_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o he_o if_o i_o can_v apply_v he_o what_o comfort_n can_v i_o have_v to_o meditate_v of_o heaven_n if_o i_o have_v no_o right_n to_o heaven_n i_o meditate_v of_o a_o place_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o i_o therefore_o the_o great_a part_n of_o meditation_n be_v application_n you_o must_v apply_v the_o thing_n you_o meditate_v of_o to_o your_o own_o particular_a and_o that_o man_n that_o in_o his_o meditation_n of_o christ_n can_v say_v with_o thomas_n my_o god_n and_o my_o lord_n be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o happy_a blessed_a be_v that_o man_n that_o can_v say_v my_o god_n and_o my_o lord_n there_o be_v four_o thing_n that_o work_v mighty_o upon_o the_o heart_n necessity_n and_o excellency_n propriety_n and_o perpetuity_n the_o heart_n be_v much_o take_v with_o thing_n that_o be_v excellent_a especial_o when_o they_o be_v necessary_a especial_o if_o i_o have_v a_o propriety_n in_o they_o and_o this_o propriety_n be_v perpetual_a and_o thrice_o happy_a be_v that_o man_n that_o can_v say_v all_o these_o four_o concern_v god_n and_o christ_n that_o when_o he_o meditate_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o heaven_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o enjoy_v they_o when_o he_o can_v add_v a_o propriety_n all_o these_o be_v i_o god_n be_v my_o god_n christ_n be_v my_o righteousness_n and_o heaven_n be_v my_o inheritance_n and_o my_o inheritance_n for_o ever_o oh_o this_o man_n be_v in_o heaven_n already_o that_o can_v make_v this_o application_n upon_o scripture-ground_n and_o therefore_o be_v sure_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n your_o meditation_n be_v applicative_a though_o a_o medicine_n be_v never_o so_o sovereign_a it_o do_v you_o no_o good_a unless_o you_o apply_v it_o the_o water_n in_o the_o fountain_n will_v never_o do_v you_o good_a unless_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o you_o by_o a_o cistern_n convey_v to_o you_o some_o way_n or_o other_o so_o the_o meditation_n of_o god_n christ_n and_o heaven_n will_v little_o avail_v unless_o you_o make_v application_n and_o this_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v use_v at_o the_o sacrament_n the_o work_n you_o be_v to_o do_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v meditation_n and_o in_o all_o sacramental_a meditation_n you_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o join_v application_n when_o you_o meditate_v of_o the_o break_n of_o the_o bread_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v break_v for_o you_o you_o must_v apply_v it_o it_o be_v break_v for_o i_o and_o when_o you_o see_v the_o wine_n pour_v out_o you_o must_v meditate_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v pour_v out_o upon_o the_o cross_n you_o must_v make_v application_n by_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o great_a act_n of_o faith_n this_o blood_n be_v pour_v out_o for_o i_o this_o body_n be_v break_v for_o i_o and_o now_o god_n offer_v christ_n god_n give_v christ_n to_o i_o there_o be_v the_o sweetness_n in_o the_o sacrament_n the_o five_o property_n divine_a meditation_n must_v be_v calm_a and_o quiet_a there_o be_v many_o well_o affect_a christian_n that_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n will_v force_v themselves_o too_o much_o this_o be_v proper_a to_o young_a beginner_n that_o when_o they_o meditate_v of_o their_o sin_n will_v force_v themselves_o into_o tear_n and_o when_o they_o meditate_v of_o christ_n will_v force_v themselves_o into_o joy_n it_o be_v ordinary_a when_o young_a christian_n meditate_v because_o they_o can_v find_v their_o affection_n wrought_v upon_o they_o will_v use_v violence_n to_o their_o affection_n and_o force_v out_o tear_n or_o joy_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o meditate_v upon_o just_o like_o the_o man_n act._n 3._o 7_o 8._o the_o lame_a man_n that_o be_v
cure_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o peter_n take_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o lift_v he_o up_o immediate_o his_o foot_n and_o ankle-bone_n receive_v strength_n and_o he_o leap_v up_o stand_v and_o walk_v and_o enter_v with_o he_o into_o the_o temple_n the_o poor_a man_n never_o walk_v in_o all_o his_o life_n he_o be_v lame_a from_o his_o mother_n womb_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o find_v his_o leg_n he_o fall_v a_o leap_v present_o he_o do_v not_o leap_v afterward_o but_o walk_v ordinary_o as_o other_o man_n but_o he_o be_v so_o overjoy_v that_o he_o force_v himself_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o leap_v so_o there_o be_v many_o christian_n that_o when_o they_o first_o set_v upon_o this_o duty_n because_o they_o find_v their_o heart_n very_o dead_a and_o dull_a therefore_o they_o will_v offer_v violence_n to_o their_o affection_n and_o force_v themselves_o to_o tear_n or_o joy_n but_o you_o must_v not_o do_v this_o the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o wait_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o meditation_n for_o the_o come_n down_o of_o god_n to_o wait_v for_o the_o consolation_n of_o israel_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o simeon_n luk._n 2._o 25._o there_o be_v one_o simeon_n a_o man_n in_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v just_a and_o devout_a wait_v for_o the_o consolation_n of_o israel_n so_o must_v we_o in_o the_o use_n of_o this_o bless_a duty_n wait_v upon_o god_n for_o divine_a comfort_n and_o while_o we_o be_v wait_v god_n will_v come_v in_o isa._n 30._o 18._o bless_a be_v all_o they_o that_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la ult_n they_o that_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n shall_v renew_v their_o strength_n they_o shall_v mount_v up_o with_o wing_n as_o eagle_n you_o must_v continue_v wait_v and_o be_v assure_v the_o lord_n who_o you_o seek_v will_v come_v in_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v your_o heart_n melt_v if_o you_o go_v on_o in_o a_o calm_a quiet_a wait_a posture_n as_o bernard_n who_o be_v a_o man_n much_o accustom_v to_o this_o duty_n of_o meditation_n when_o he_o go_v to_o meditate_v and_o pray_v he_o find_v his_o heart_n at_o first_o very_o dull_a at_o last_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o almighty_a come_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o feel_v his_o heart_n warm_a he_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o his_o soul_n that_o he_o cry_v out_o rara_fw-mi hora_fw-la brevis_fw-la mora_fw-la it_o come_v but_o seldom_o but_o sometime_o it_o come_v bless_a be_v god_n it_o tarry_v too_o short_a a_o while_n oh_o that_o it_o will_v continue_v wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a meditation_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o elapse_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o visitation_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o your_o soul_n and_o fill_v you_o full_a of_o heavenly_a comfort_n 6._o and_o last_o this_o divine_a meditation_n must_v be_v persevere_v you_o must_v persevere_v in_o this_o duty_n though_o you_o can_v at_o first_o find_v the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n that_o you_o expect_v there_o be_v many_o christian_n that_o have_v set_v upon_o this_o work_n of_o meditation_n and_o find_v it_o too_o hard_a and_o difficult_a and_o meet_v with_o so_o much_o opposition_n in_o their_o heart_n wander_a thought_n and_o abundance_n of_o spiritual_a distemper_n they_o have_v be_v discourage_v and_o lay_v it_o aside_o which_o certain_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v i_o have_v read_v of_o the_o leopard_n when_o it_o look_v after_o his_o prey_n when_o it_o look_v after_o his_o prey_n when_o it_o have_v a_o beast_n in_o view_n that_o it_o will_v prey_v upon_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o hunt_n be_v to_o take_v three_o or_o four_o great_a skip_n and_o if_o it_o can_v take_v the_o beast_n in_o three_o or_o four_o skip_n than_o it_o leave_v it_o it_o be_v so_o furious_a and_o hasty_a so_o there_o be_v many_o a_o poor_a christian_a skip_v into_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n as_o it_o be_v by_o take_v three_o or_o four_o leap_n and_o see_v he_o can_v compass_v it_o he_o can_v find_v the_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n he_o will_v and_o therefore_o he_o lay_v it_o aside_o this_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n you_o must_v wait_v upon_o god_n as_o i_o say_v in_o the_o former_a you_o must_v continue_v and_o persevere_v and_o go_v on_o in_o this_o duty_n and_o i_o have_v four_o argument_n to_o persuade_v you_o to_o persevere_v in_o this_o duty_n 1._o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n absolute_o necessary_a as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o it_o be_v the_o life_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n prayer_n will_v do_v you_o no_o good_a unless_o it_o be_v join_v with_o meditation_n oratio_fw-la sine_fw-la meditatione_n est_fw-la arida_fw-la say_v bernard_n prayer_n without_o meditation_n be_v dry_a and_o luke_o warm_a and_o cold_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o our_o prayer_n be_v like_o so_o many_o dead_a carcase_n of_o prayer_n be_v because_o we_o do_v not_o join_v meditation_n with_o prayer_n sermon_n do_v we_o no_o good_a without_o meditation_n meditation_n be_v the_o life_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o put_v life_n into_o all_o other_o duty_n it_o be_v of_o great_a necessity_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v not_o be_v weary_a of_o well-doing_n you_o must_v persevere_v for_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n crown_v without_o perseverance_n 2._o consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n transmigration_n to_o heaven_n the_o soul_n transfiguration_n the_o soul_n go_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o eternity_n it_o be_v a_o rare_a duty_n as_o necessary_a as_o your_o daily_a bread_n and_o certain_o god_n convey_v much_o of_o himself_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n as_o jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o mount_n be_v transfigure_v and_o his_o face_n shine_v like_o the_o sun_n so_o certain_o you_o that_o be_v much_o in_o the_o mount_n of_o meditation_n you_o that_o often_o go_v up_o to_o meditate_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o heaven_n and_o sin_n your_o face_n will_v shine_v you_o will_v be_v tall_a than_o other_o christian_n in_o grace_n by_o the_o head_n 3._o study_v the_o mischief_n that_o come_v by_o the_o want_n of_o practise_v this_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o eat_v meat_n that_o nourish_v you_o but_o the_o digest_v of_o it_o meat_n may_v be_v set_v before_o a_o man_n and_o he_o may_v eat_v a_o great_a deal_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o digest_v it_o he_o will_v never_o be_v nourish_v meditation_n be_v a_o digest_v of_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o the_o hear_n a_o sermon_n do_v you_o good_a but_o the_o meditate_v on_o what_o you_o hear_v if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o plaster_n and_o lay_v it_o to_o his_o sore_n and_o take_v it_o off_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v lay_v it_o on_o it_o will_v do_v no_o good_a at_o all_o so_o when_o you_o hear_v a_o sermon_n if_o you_o forget_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o you_o have_v hear_v it_o if_o you_o do_v not_o chew_v meditate_v and_o ponder_v upon_o what_o you_o hear_v you_o will_v never_o get_v any_o good_a as_o the_o beast_n that_o chew_v not_o the_o cud_n be_v a_o unclean_a beast_n so_o the_o unmeditate_a christian_n be_v a_o unclean_a christian._n the_o reason_n why_o we_o have_v so_o many_o lean_a cow_n pardon_v my_o expression_n that_o devour_v the_o fat_a and_o be_v never_o the_o fat_a i_o mean_v so_o many_o lean_a christian_n that_o devour_v hundred_o of_o sermon_n that_o will_v hear_v three_o or_o four_o a_o day_n and_o be_v never_o the_o beet_a never_o the_o fat_a what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o because_o it_o come_v in_o at_o one_o ear_n and_o go_v out_o at_o the_o other_o one_o sermon_n justle_v out_o another_o but_o they_o never_o meditate_v ponder_v and_o consider_v what_o they_o hear_v that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o you_o be_v so_o lean_a in_o grace_n you_o know_v there_o be_v many_o hour_n require_v to_o digest_v a_o little_a meat_n eat_v in_o a_o little_a while_n so_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v many_o hour_n digest_v a_o sermon_n that_o he_o hear_v in_o one_o hour_n god_n and_o christ_n be_v like_o a_o picture_n that_o have_v a_o curtain_n draw_v over_o it_o now_o a_o man_n will_v never_o judge_v of_o the_o picture_n till_o the_o curtain_n be_v withdraw_v meditation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o take_n aside_o the_o curtain_n and_o view_v of_o god_n to_o a_o unmeditate_a christian_a god_n be_v like_o the_o sun_n in_o a_o cloud_n to_o a_o unconsider_v christian_n christ_n be_v like_o a_o jewel_n in_o a_o leathern_a purse_n now_o meditation_n open_v the_o purse_n and_o take_v out_o the_o jewel_n and_o look_n upon_o it_o meditation_n draw_v aside_o the_o curtain_n and_o view_v god_n and_o behold_v the_o glorious_a thing_n of_o god_n
you_o must_v meditate_v of_o the_o fourfold_a state_n of_o man_n man_n may_v be_v consider_v in_o a_o fourfold_a state_n 1._o either_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocency_n as_o he_o be_v before_o the_o fall_n a_o spotless_a picture_n of_o god_n that_o be_v a_o rare_a meditation_n study_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n before_o he_o fall_v when_o he_o be_v make_v after_o god_n own_o image_n 2._o the_o state_n of_o man_n when_o fall_v when_o corrupt_v study_v the_o curse_a condition_n of_o man_n in_o his_o natural_a condition_n 3._o the_o estate_n of_o man_n when_o restore_v by_o christ_n when_o regenerate_v when_o renew_v when_o make_v a_o picture_n of_o god_n 4._o the_o estate_n of_o man_n in_o heaven_n 1._o what_o thou_o be_v in_o adam_n 2._o what_o thou_o be_v when_o fall_v 3._o what_o thou_o be_v in_o christ._n 4._o what_o thou_o shall_v be_v in_o heaven_n you_o must_v meditate_v of_o your_o sin_n of_o your_o good_a duty_n of_o your_o evidence_n and_o of_o your_o comfort_n 1._o you_o must_v meditate_v of_o your_o sin_n that_o be_v a_o large_a field_n to_o walk_v in_o you_o must_v meditate_v of_o the_o sin_n you_o have_v commit_v against_o god_n of_o your_o sin_n of_o omission_n of_o your_o sin_n of_o commission_n your_o sin_n against_o the_o law_n your_o sin_n against_o the_o gospel_n your_o sermon-sin_n your_o sacrament-sin_n your_o spiritual_a sin_n your_o fleshly_a sin_n you_o must_v meditate_v of_o sin_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o it_o that_o be_v a_o rare_a meditation_n to_o fit_v you_o for_o the_o sacrament_n and_o oh_o that_o we_o have_v heart_n serious_o to_o meditate_v of_o our_o sin_n 2._o you_o must_v meditate_v of_o your_o good_a duty_n that_o be_v how_o many_o good_a duty_n we_o omit_v how_o many_o good_a duty_n we_o sinful_o perform_v whether_o we_o perform_v duty_n so_o as_o to_o please_v god_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o 3._o you_o must_v meditate_v of_o your_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n whether_o they_o be_v right_a or_o no_o whether_o you_o have_v get_v tribunal-proof_n assurance_n for_o heaven_n whether_o thy_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n be_v death-enduring_a whether_o they_o will_v hold_v out_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 4._o you_o must_v meditate_v of_o your_o comfort_n whether_o those_o comfort_n that_o you_o have_v be_v the_o consolation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o delusion_n of_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v many_o man_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o they_o have_v comfort_n but_o their_o comfort_n be_v diabolical_a delusion_n not_o divine_a consolation_n you_o must_v meditate_v of_o the_o frailty_n of_o your_o body_n the_o immortality_n of_o your_o soul_n the_o dependence_n you_o have_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o advantage_n god_n have_v you_o at_o 1._o the_o frailty_n of_o your_o body_n the_o body_n of_o man_n be_v make_v of_o dust_n and_o will_v quick_o crumble_v to_o dust_n it_o be_v a_o earthly_a tabernacle_n that_o be_v easy_o dissolve_v what_o a_o rare_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v to_o take_v the_o scripture_n and_o study_v all_o the_o comparison_n to_o which_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v compare_v to_o set_v out_o the_o shortness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v compare_v to_o grass_n to_o hay_n to_o stubble_n to_o dry_a stubble_n to_o a_o dry_a leaf_n to_o a_o swift_a post_n to_o a_o vapour_n to_o a_o hands-breadth_n meditate_v of_o the_o frailty_n of_o thy_o vile_a body_n that_o will_v quick_o go_v down_o to_o the_o house_n of_o rottenness_n 2._o meditate_v of_o the_o immortality_n of_o thy_o soul_n thy_o precious_a soul_n which_o be_v a_o picture_n of_o god_n make_v by_o god_n and_o make_v for_o god_n there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o have_v a_o heavenly_a taper_n within_o he_o which_o can_v never_o be_v blow_v out_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o he_o have_v that_o within_o he_o that_o he_o can_v kill_v himself_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o he_o have_v that_o within_o he_o that_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o as_o bless_v as_o a_o angel_n or_o as_o curse_a as_o a_o devil_n meditate_v upon_o the_o dependence_n you_o have_v upon_o god_n oh_o this_o will_v keep_v thou_o humble_a and_o make_v thou_o comply_v with_o god_n will_n thou_o depende_v upon_o god_n for_o thy_o be_v thy_o well-being_n thy_o eternal_a be_v thou_o depende_v upon_o god_n every_o minute_n thou_o live_v by_o god_n uphold_v thou_o study_v the_o dependence_n thou_o have_v upon_o god_n for_o thy_o soul_n thy_o body_n thy_o wise_n thy_o child_n thy_o all_o 4._o meditate_v of_o the_o advantage_n god_n have_v thou_o at_o god_n have_v all_o the_o world_n between_o his_o hand_n as_o the_o prophet_n say_v and_o he_o can_v easy_o crush_v we_o as_o we_o do_v a_o moth_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n he_o can_v annihilate_v we_o if_o he_o please_v and_o as_o we_o be_v sinner_n he_o can_v throw_v we_o into_o hell_n if_o he_o please_v study_v the_o relation_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v thou_o study_v thy_o call_n thy_o company_n thy_o heart_n 1._o study_v thy_o relation_n in_o which_o god_n have_v place_v thou_o there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o all_o but_o we_o be_v under_o many_o relation_n be_v thou_o a_o minister_n be_v thou_o a_o magistrate_n be_v thou_o a_o father_n be_v thou_o a_o master_n study_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o relation_n study_v how_o to_o honour_v god_n in_o every_o relation_n study_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o every_o relation_n 2._o study_v thy_o call_n how_o to_o honour_n god_n in_o thy_o call_n how_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o thy_o call_n how_o to_o keep_v thyself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o call_n for_o there_o be_v no_o call_v but_o have_v some_o sin_n or_o other_o attend_v it_o oh_o meditate_v that_o thy_o shop_n do_v not_o destroy_v thy_o soul_n meditate_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o thy_o shop_n that_o thou_o do_v not_o lose_v in_o thy_o own_o house_n what_o thou_o gain_v in_o god_n house_n 3._o study_v thy_o company_n what_o company_n to_o keep_v that_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n for_o i_o know_v a_o man_n by_o his_o company_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o company_n he_o use_v to_o keep_v study_v to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n in_o all_o company_n study_v to_o keep_v thyself_o from_o the_o sin_n of_o thy_o company_n 4._o study_v thy_o heart_n meditate_v often_o of_o thy_o own_o heart_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o thy_o heart_n the_o heart_n be_v deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o great_a cheater_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v thousand_o who_o heart_n do_v cozen_v they_o into_o hell_n thy_o heart_n will_v tell_v thou_o thou_o love_v god_n when_o thou_o do_v not_o love_v he_o at_o all_o that_o thou_o be_v upright_o when_o thou_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n study_v thy_o thought_n thy_o affection_n thy_o word_n and_o thy_o action_n 1._o meditate_v of_o thy_o thought_n the_o vanity_n of_o thy_o thought_n the_o vileness_n of_o thy_o thought_n the_o hell_n shall_v i_o say_v that_o be_v in_o thy_o thought_n if_o all_o the_o thought_n that_o we_o think_v be_v write_v upon_o our_o forehead_n how_o will_v we_o be_v ashamed_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v see_v we_o oh_o meditate_v of_o thy_o covetous_a thought_n of_o thy_o lustful_a thought_n thy_o vile_a and_o vain_a thought_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o 2._o meditate_v of_o thy_o affection_n god_n do_v especial_o look_v to_o our_o affection_n he_o hate_v any_o service_n that_o be_v not_o mix_v with_o affection_n there_o be_v several_a affection_n meditate_v of_o thy_o love_n whether_o thou_o love_v god_n or_o the_o world_n most_o meditate_v where_o thy_o love_n be_v whether_o thou_o serve_v god_n out_o of_o love_n whether_o the_o world_n do_v not_o lie_v near_o thy_o heart_n than_o christ_n meditate_v of_o thy_o desire_n whether_o thou_o have_v large_a desire_n after_o the_o creature_n than_o after_o god_n meditate_v of_o thy_o joy_n whether_o thou_o do_v not_o delight_v more_o in_o vanity_n than_o in_o christ_n jesus_n and_o meditate_v of_o thy_o sorrow_n whether_o thou_o do_v not_o mourn_v more_o for_o outward_a loss_n than_o for_o thy_o sin_n meditate_v of_o thy_o anger_n whether_o thy_o anger_n be_v right_o place_v and_o meditate_v of_o thy_o trust_n and_o hope_n whether_o thou_o do_v trust_v in_o god_n at_o all_o time_n 3._o you_o must_v meditate_v of_o your_o word_n oh_o what_o a_o world_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o our_o tongue_n and_o if_o we_o will_v meditate_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o tongue_n oh_o what_o a_o black_a catalogue_n will_v there_o be_v the_o tongue_n be_v a_o world_n of_o iniquity_n set_v on_o fire_n of_o hell_n say_v the_o apostle_n james._n 4._o meditate_v of_o thy_o action_n whether_o thy_o action_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o no_o
be_v so_o excellent_a difficilia_fw-la quae_fw-la pulchra_fw-la the_o more_o excellent_a any_o duty_n be_v the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v and_o another_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a be_v because_o it_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o corrupt_v nature_n now_o the_o more_o contrary_a any_o duty_n be_v to_o corrupt_v nature_n the_o more_o excellent_a it_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o duty_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o discourage_v we_o as_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o duty_n shall_v quicken_v we_o now_o that_o i_o may_v help_v you_o against_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o duty_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o three_o sort_n of_o rule_n 1._o rule_n for_o the_o right_a qualify_a of_o the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o meditate_v 2._o rule_n for_o the_o right_n order_v the_o subject_n upon_o which_o he_o be_v to_o meditate_v 3._o rule_n for_o the_o right_a meditation_n upon_o these_o subject_n i._o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o right_a qualify_a and_o order_v the_o person_n that_o be_v to_o practice_v this_o divine_a duty_n of_o meditation_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n i_o shall_v give_v you_o in_o these_o rule_n 1._o convince_v thy_o soul_n of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o divine_a meditation_n i_o have_v show_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n express_o command_v by_o god_n a_o duty_n require_v of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n of_o king_n of_o general_n of_o army_n of_o young_a gentleman_n of_o woman_n of_o minister_n david_n joshua_n young_a isaac_n in_o my_o text_n practise_v this_o duty_n and_o many_o woman_n and_o many_o holy_a man_n let_v i_o add_v that_o this_o very_a duty_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o christianity_n you_o be_v but_o carcase_n of_o christian_n if_o you_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o it_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o live_v without_o a_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_n without_o divine_a meditation_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v nourish_v by_o meat_n if_o he_o want_v digestion_n and_o concoction_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v nourish_v in_o grace_n if_o he_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n for_o divine_a meditation_n be_v the_o spiritual_a concoction_n and_o digestion_n of_o all_o holy_a thing_n and_o all_o holy_a duty_n as_o a_o man_n without_o concoction_n i_o mean_v without_o a_o faculty_n of_o digestion_n and_o concoction_n so_o be_v a_o christian_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a meditation_n 2._o convince_v your_o soul_n and_o the_o lord_n convince_v you_o of_o the_o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n that_o be_v obtain_v by_o a_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o divine_a meditation_n as_o i_o have_v show_v divine_a meditation_n be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o the_o beget_n grace_n and_o increase_a grace_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o the_o beget_n repentance_n as_o david_n say_v psal._n 119._o 59_o i_o consider_v my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n it_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o his_o way_n that_o make_v david_n turn_v his_o foot_n to_o god_n testimony_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o peter_n mark_v 14._o 72._o when_o he_o think_v thereon_o he_o weep_v what_o make_v peter_n repent_v the_o meditation_n of_o the_o unkindness_n of_o the_o sin_n he_o commit_v against_o christ._n and_o what_o make_v the_o prodigal_a child_n come_v home_o to_o his_o father_n luk._n 15._o 17._o when_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o he_o consider_v and_o say_v how_o many_o hire_a servant_n of_o my_o father_n have_v bread_n enough_o and_o to_o spare_v and_o i_o perish_v with_o hunger_n it_o be_v consideration_n that_o make_v the_o prodigal_a child_n come_v home_o to_o his_o father_n he_o consider_v how_o much_o bread_n there_o be_v in_o his_o father_n house_n and_o he_o ready_a to_o starve_v 2._o divine_a meditation_n be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n for_o to_o a_o inconsiderate_a christian_a god_n be_v as_o a_o picture_n with_o a_o curtain_n draw_v over_o it_o but_o consideration_n take_v away_o the_o curtain_n unveil_v god_n to_o a_o man_n and_o show_v he_o all_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n that_o be_v in_o god_n and_o it_o be_v like_o a_o fiery_a furnace_n to_o kindle_v a_o divine_a fire_n of_o love_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o christian._n 3._o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o beget_v in_o we_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n oh_o do_v you_o meditate_v much_o of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o forgiveness_n that_o be_v in_o god_n oh_o you_o will_v fear_v god_n for_o his_o goodness_n and_o for_o his_o greatness_n the_o reason_n why_o we_o love_v god_n no_o more_o be_v because_o we_o think_v of_o god_n no_o more_o study_n god_n no_o more_o 4._o it_o will_v be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n for_o christ_n jesus_n to_o a_o unmeditate_v christian_n be_v like_o a_o book_n that_o be_v seal_v like_o a_o treasure_n that_o be_v lock_v up_o but_o meditation_n open_v this_o book_n unlock_v this_o treasure_n and_o that_o man_n that_o solemn_o meditate_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o love_n of_o christ_n can_v but_o love_v christ._n 5._o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o world_n be_v like_o gild_a copper_n there_o be_v a_o glitter_a excellency_n in_o it_o but_o meditation_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n will_v wash_v off_o all_o the_o gilt_n the_o whorish_a paint_n the_o glitter_a excellency_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n a_o man_n that_o look_v upon_o the_o world_n a_o far_o off_o see_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o excellency_n but_o when_o you_o come_v to_o meditate_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o worldly_a thing_n meditation_n will_v make_v you_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o all_o worldly_a thing_n 3._o consider_v the_o unconceivable_a and_o unexpressible_a mischief_n that_o come_v upon_o a_o christian_n for_o want_v of_o divine_a meditation_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o man_n go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n without_o repentance_n it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o meditation_n jer._n 8._o 6._o no_o man_n repent_v because_o no_o man_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n the_o word_n of_o god_n take_v no_o more_o impression_n upon_o your_o heart_n and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o good_a do_v by_o preach_v it_o be_v because_o you_o do_v not_o meditate_v upon_o what_o you_o hear_v as_o a_o plaster_n that_o be_v put_v to_o a_o wound_n if_o it_o be_v pluck_v off_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v put_v on_o it_o will_v never_o do_v you_o good_a so_o if_o a_o sermon_n be_v forget_v as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v hear_v it_o will_v never_o profit_v you_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v no_o more_o good_a that_o man_n be_v no_o more_o thankful_a for_o mercy_n and_o no_o more_o fruitful_a under_o mercy_n because_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v their_o mercy_n come_v from_o god_n hos._n 2._o 8._o she_o do_v not_o know_v that_o be_v she_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o i_o give_v her_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o multiply_v her_o silver_n and_o gold_n which_o they_o prepare_v for_o baal_n they_o will_v not_o have_v prepare_v their_o silver_n and_o gold_n for_o baal_n have_v they_o consider_v that_o god_n give_v it_o but_o they_o will_v have_v serve_v god_n with_o it_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o you_o be_v so_o proud_a of_o your_o mercy_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n with_o your_o mercy_n because_o you_o do_v not_o meditate_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v you_o all_o the_o mercy_n you_o have_v and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n man_n get_v no_o more_o good_a by_o affliction_n because_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v why_o god_n afflict_v they_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o god_n rod_n and_o how_o they_o may_v get_v their_o affliction_n sanctify_v the_o want_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a meditation_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o punishment_n as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o sin_n jer._n 12._o 11._o all_o the_o whole_a land_n be_v make_v desolute_a because_o no_o man_n lay_v it_o to_o heart_n 4._o if_o you_o will_v be_v right_o qualify_v for_o divine_a meditation_n labour_v to_o get_v a_o sufficient_a furniture_n of_o spiritual_a knowledge_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o duty_n be_v so_o difficult_a and_o why_o man_n can_v continue_v long_o at_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a matter_n to_o meditate_v upon_o for_o as_o i_o show_v you_o meditation_n be_v a_o dwell_n a_o muse_n a_o abide_n upon_o the_o thing_n we_o know_v of_o god_n or_o christ_n or_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v a_o unlock_v of_o the_o treasure_n of_o knowledge_n concern_v
god_n and_o christ_n and_o heaven_n and_o he_o that_o have_v not_o a_o good_a stock_n of_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o promise_n can_v never_o continue_v long_o to_o meditate_v upon_o christ_n or_o the_o promise_n if_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v a_o good_a practitioner_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n you_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v instruct_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o phrase_n be_v mat._n 13._o 42._o every_o scribe_n which_o be_v instruct_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_a unto_o a_o man_n which_o be_v a_o householder_n that_o bring_v out_o of_o his_o treasure_n thing_n old_a and_o new_a you_o must_v be_v acquaint_v with_o thing_n both_o new_a and_o old_a and_o instruct_v in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o you_o must_v be_v man_n in_o understanding_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 20._o brethren_n be_v not_o child_n in_o understanding_n howbeit_o in_o malice_n be_v you_o child_n but_o in_o understanding_n be_v man_n a_o babe_n in_o understanding_n can_v be_v long_o in_o meditation_n but_o you_o must_v be_v babe_n in_o malice_n but_o in_o understand_a man_n of_o ripe_a age_n you_o have_v need_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o knowledge_n that_o will_v be_v practitioner_n to_o purpose_n of_o this_o excellent_a duty_n of_o divine_a meditatiou_n you_o must_v grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n 5._o if_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v a_o good_a practitioner_n in_o the_o school_n of_o divine_a meditation_n you_o must_v labour_v to_o get_v a_o serious_a spirit_n for_o a_o slight-headed_n christian_n can_v never_o be_v a_o good_a meditate_v christian_a a_o slight-headed_n and_o a_o slight-hearted_n christian_n that_o can_v dwell_v upon_o thing_n but_o rove_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o can_v be_v a_o good_a christian_a pardon_v my_o word_n i_o speak_v they_o upon_o much_o deliberation_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o serious_a matter_n it_o be_v a_o business_n of_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o it_o require_v a_o serious_a christian_a and_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v practice_v this_o duty_n that_o i_o be_o preach_v of_o if_o ever_o you_o will_v go_v up_o to_o the_o mount_n of_o meditation_n to_o converse_v with_o god_n there_o you_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v of_o a_o serious_a spirit_n as_o those_o be_v luk._n 1._o 66._o and_o all_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o lay_v it_o up_o in_o their_o heart_n they_o do_v not_o slight_a what_o they_o hear_v but_o lay_v it_o up_o in_o their_o heart_n luk._n 2._o 19_o but_o mary_n keep_v all_o these_o say_n and_o ponder_v they_o in_o her_o heart_n luk._n 2._o 51._o but_o his_o mother_n keep_v all_o these_o say_n in_o her_o heart_n a_o good_a christian_n be_v a_o ponder_a a_o serious_a christian._n there_o be_v a_o fourfold_a frame_n of_o spirit_n that_o can_v stand_v with_o true_a christianity_n nor_o with_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n that_o i_o be_o preach_v of_o and_o the_o lord_n help_v you_o against_o they_o 1._o a_o slight_a frame_n of_o spirit_n that_o man_n that_o think_v slight_o of_o god_n will_v love_v he_o but_o slight_o and_o serve_v he_o but_o slight_o slight_a thought_n of_o god_n will_v make_v but_o slight_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o slight_a impression_n upon_o the_o life_n 'slight_o thought_n of_o god_n will_v have_v but_o slight_a affection_n to_o god_n for_o if_o my_o apprehension_n be_v slight_a my_o affection_n and_o my_o action_n will_v be_v slight_a for_o my_o affection_n and_o action_n follow_v my_o apprehension_n therefore_o a_o slight_a frame_n of_o spirit_n be_v a_o very_a sad_a frame_n of_o spirit_n 2._o as_o there_o be_v a_o slight_a so_o there_o be_v a_o trifle_a frame_n of_o spirit_n when_o a_o man_n think_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n as_o trifle_n when_o a_o man_n trifle_n way_n a_o sacrament_n trifle_n away_o a_o sermon_n trifle_n away_o a_o prayer_n as_o thousand_o of_o you_o do_v oh_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v serious_a in_o trifle_n and_o to_o trifle_v in_o serious_a thing_n i_o can_v tell_v which_o be_v the_o worst_a though_o i_o think_v rather_o the_o second_o be_v the_o worst_a that_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o sabbath_n and_o sacrament_n and_o minister_n and_o ministry_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n as_o trifle_n such_o a_o one_o be_v gallio_n when_o he_o see_v it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o religion_n he_o care_v for_o none_o of_o these_o thing_n he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o trifle_n a_o trifle_a frame_n of_o spirit_n can_v consist_v with_o true_a christianity_n 3._o there_o be_v a_o watery_a frame_n of_o spirit_n there_o be_v some_o man_n tell_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o they_o will_v yield_v to_o you_o and_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o promise_v amendment_n and_o there_o be_v many_o while_o they_o be_v at_o a_o sermon_n the_o sermon_n take_v impression_n upon_o they_o but_o they_o be_v of_o a_o watery_a spirit_n nothing_o will_v abide_v upon_o they_o as_o a_o man_n that_o fling_v a_o stone_n into_o the_o water_n it_o will_v make_v one_o circle_n and_o another_o circle_n and_o another_o circle_n a_o great_a many_o circle_n but_o there_o be_v no_o abide_n of_o they_o they_o be_v quick_o go_v so_o there_o be_v some_o man_n their_o heart_n will_v melt_v at_o a_o sermon_n or_o a_o sacrament_n but_o they_o be_v of_o a_o watery_a spirit_n nothing_o will_v abide_v upon_o they_o take_v a_o stone_n and_o fling_v it_o at_o a_o featherbed_n the_o stone_n will_v make_v a_o great_a dint_n in_o it_o but_o this_o dint_n will_v not_o abide_v though_o the_o featherbed_n yield_v to_o the_o stone_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o remain_v of_o the_o impression_n so_o many_o a_o man_n be_v of_o a_o yield_a spirit_n that_o nothing_o will_v fix_v 4._o a_o rash_a inconsiderate_a frame_n of_o spirit_n can_v stand_v with_o true_a christianity_n when_o a_o man_n rush_v upon_o good_a duty_n and_o upon_o office_n church-office_n and_o state-office_n without_o any_o deliberation_n meditation_n or_o preparation_n when_o a_o man_n pray_v rash_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n rash_o heady_o hand_n over_o head_n as_o we_o say_v this_o man_n be_v a_o spiritual_a fool_n and_o all_o his_o holy_a duty_n be_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n eccles._n 5._o 1._o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o to_o give_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n for_o they_o consider_v not_o that_o they_o do_v evil_a be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n a_o rash_a spirit_a man_n that_o pray_v heady_o and_o come_v to_o holy_a duty_n heady_o and_o inconsiderate_o this_o man_n catch_v many_o a_o fall_n as_o a_o man_n that_o run_v hasty_o will_v quick_o stumble_v so_o a_o man_n that_o be_v spiritual_o rash_a will_v run_v into_o many_o spiritual_a evil_n as_o a_o man_n that_o be_v rash_a in_o his_o call_n will_v quick_o outrun_v himself_o so_o he_o that_o be_v rash_a in_o holy_a duty_n will_v quick_o run_v into_o a_o thousand_o mischief_n as_o peter_n be_v so_o rash_a when_o he_o say_v to_o christ_n though_o all_o man_n forsake_v thou_o yet_o will_v not_o i._o he_o be_v over_o rash_a but_o it_o cost_v he_o dear_a so_o it_o be_v a_o rash_a act_n of_o david_n when_o he_o go_v to_o kill_v nabal_n and_o if_o abigail_n have_v not_o hinder_v he_o he_o have_v murder_v he_o and_o when_o he_o give_v the_o land_n to_o mephibosheth_n servant_n it_o be_v a_o rash_a act_n consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o these_o four_o particular_n these_o frame_n of_o spirit_n will_v never_o make_v you_o good_a christian_n never_o fit_v you_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o rare_a duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n but_o you_o must_v pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v you_o a_o solemn_a and_o serious_a spirit_n if_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v right_o qualify_v to_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mount_n of_o divine_a meditation_n the_o six_o rule_n be_v this_o labour_v for_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o reason_n why_o people_n find_v it_o so_o difficult_a to_o meditate_v upon_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v for_o want_v of_o love_n to_o they_o for_o if_o you_o do_v love_n christ_n i_o need_v not_o persuade_v you_o to_o meditate_v of_o god_n i_o need_v not_o persuade_v a_o covetous_a man_n to_o meditate_v of_o his_o money_n a_o man_n that_o love_v the_o world_n you_o need_v not_o persuade_v he_o to_o meditate_v of_o the_o world_n or_o a_o man_n that_o be_v voluptuous_a to_o meditate_v upon_o his_o pleasure_n his_o love_n to_o his_o pleasure_n will_v force_v he_o to_o think_v of_o they_o
a_o man_n that_o be_v ambitious_a you_o need_v not_o persuade_v he_o to_o think_v of_o honour_n and_o preferment_n but_o the_o love_n that_o he_o have_v to_o preferment_n will_v force_v he_o to_o think_v of_o it_o so_o do_v you_o love_v god_n christ_n heavenly_a thing_n you_o will_v be_v much_o in_o the_o meditation_n of_o they_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o meditate_v no_o more_o of_o they_o be_v because_o you_o love_v they_o no_o more_o psal._n 119._o 97._o oh_o how_o do_v i_o love_v thy_o law_n what_o then_o it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n what_o make_v david_n meditate_v all_o the_o day_n upon_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o he_o love_v it_o psal._n 1._o 7._o but_o his_o delight_n be_v in_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o law_n do_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n a_o man_n that_o be_v deep_a in_o love_n with_o a_o woman_n you_o need_v not_o bid_v he_o think_v of_o that_o woman_n where_o the_o love_n be_v there_o the_o soul_n be_v oh_o do_v you_o delight_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n i_o need_v not_o lay_v down_o rule_v to_o persuade_v you_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o very_a love_n will_v be_v a_o loadstone_n love_n be_v a_o loadstone_n of_o meditation_n and_o he_o that_o love_v good_a thing_n will_v think_v of_o they_o cogitation_n crebra_fw-la cogitation_n long_fw-mi cogitation_n profunda_fw-la that_o be_v very_o often_o very_o long_o and_o very_o deep_a a_o man_n that_o be_v deep_a in_o love_n be_v deep_a in_o meditation_n of_o the_o party_n he_o love_v the_o seven_o rule_n labour_v to_o get_v a_o interest_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n labour_n by_o scripture-evidence_n to_o make_v out_o thy_o interest_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n what_o comfort_n can_v that_o man_n have_v of_o meditate_v of_o heaven_n that_o do_v not_o know_v he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o heaven_n what_o comfort_n can_v that_o man_n have_v of_o meditate_v of_o christ_n that_o do_v not_o know_v that_o christ_n be_v his_o what_o comfort_n can_v that_o man_n have_v in_o meditation_n of_o god_n that_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o his_o enemy_n it_o be_v interest_n that_o will_v facilitate_v divine_a meditation_n a_o man_n that_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o a_o inheritance_n will_v often_o think_v of_o it_o if_o he_o have_v a_o thousand_o pound_n a_o year_n that_o be_v his_o own_o he_o be_v often_o think_v how_o to_o improve_v it_o and_o enjoy_v it_o but_o if_o he_o have_v no_o title_n or_o right_a to_o it_o alas_o he_o will_v not_o think_v of_o it_o what_o do_v he_o care_n for_o it_o it_o be_v your_o interest_n in_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n that_o will_v raise_v your_o meditation_n of_o they_o and_o as_o long_o as_o you_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o a_o title_n to_o heaven_n you_o will_v never_o hearty_o meditate_v of_o it_o you_o may_v know_v it_o by_o rote_n and_o by_o form_n but_o you_o will_v never_o hearty_o meditate_v of_o it_o till_o you_o know_v it_o to_o be_v your_o inheritance_n and_o you_o will_v never_o hearty_o meditate_v of_o the_o promise_n till_o you_o know_v you_o have_v a_o title_n to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v promise_v make_v to_o you_o the_o eight_o rule_n be_v this_o labour_v to_o get_v a_o heart_n disengage_v and_o disintangle_v from_o the_o world_n a_o man_n that_o be_v dead_a and_o bury_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o persuade_v he_o to_o go_v up_o the_o mount_n of_o meditation_n a_o bird_n that_o be_v in_o a_o lime-twig_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o bid_v that_o bird_n fly_v alas_o poor_a bird_n she_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o lime-twig_n a_o man_n that_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o lime-twig_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o bid_v this_o man_n mount_v up_o in_o meditation_n the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v like_o the_o plague_n of_o fly_n that_o pharaoh_n have_v in_o egypt_n he_o can_v not_o eat_v a_o bit_n of_o meat_n but_o the_o fly_v get_v into_o his_o meat_n and_o get_v into_o his_o drink_n so_o a_o man_n that_o be_v up_o to_o the_o ear_n in_o the_o world_n can_v pray_v can_v hear_v a_o sermon_n and_o can_v receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o this_o plague_n of_o fly_n come_v there_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o world_n be_v at_o the_o sacrament_n with_o he_o in_o prayer_n with_o he_o on_o the_o sabbath-day_n with_o he_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n pray_v pardon_v i_o in_o this_o expression_n be_v just_a like_o a_o familiar_a spirit_n for_o indeed_o i_o can_v speak_v too_o much_o against_o it_o a_o witch_n that_o have_v a_o familiar_a spirit_n it_o will_v go_v along_o with_o she_o wheresoever_o she_o go_v when_o she_o have_v once_o entertain_v it_o she_o can_v never_o be_v rid_v of_o it_o but_o the_o devil_n will_v haunt_v she_o so_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o invisible_a devil_n and_o will_v haunt_v you_o wheresoever_o you_o go_v if_o you_o go_v to_o the_o sacrament_n there_o the_o devil_n will_v haunt_v you_o if_o you_o go_v to_o the_o mount_n of_o meditation_n the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n will_v be_v there_o if_o you_o go_v to_o pray_v there_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v and_o you_o that_o be_v in_o these_o lime-twig_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o preach_v to_o you_o the_o doctrine_n of_o divine_a meditation_n and_o therefore_o let_v i_o speak_v to_o you_o as_o god_n do_v to_o moses_n put_v the_o shoe_n off_o thy_o foot_n for_o the_o place_n whereon_o thou_o stand_v be_v holy_a ground_n so_o do_v i_o say_v if_o ever_o you_o will_v be_v qualify_v for_o this_o duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n put_v the_o shoe_n off_o your_o foot_n you_o must_v labour_v to_o be_v mortify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a thing_n you_o must_v labour_v to_o get_v a_o heavenly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o persuade_v a_o worldly_a man_n to_o meditate_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n i_o do_v but_o beat_v the_o air_n for_o such_o as_o the_o heart_n be_v such_o will_v the_o man_n be_v if_o the_o heart_n be_v lustful_a the_o man_n will_v meditate_v of_o lustful_a thing_n and_o act_v lustful_a thing_n if_o the_o heart_n be_v worldly_a the_o man_n will_v be_v worldly_a such_o as_o thy_o heart_n be_v such_o be_v thy_o thought_n such_o be_v thy_o affection_n such_o be_v thy_o action_n and_o till_o thy_o heart_n be_v heavenly_a thou_o can_v never_o be_v a_o fit_a practitioner_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o therefore_o labour_v for_o a_o heavenly_a heart_n the_o nine_o rule_n be_v this_o be_v not_o discourage_v though_o you_o find_v a_o difficulty_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o practise_v this_o duty_n but_o accustom_v thyself_o to_o it_o custom_n will_v make_v perfectness_n usus_fw-la promptus_fw-la facit_fw-la custom_n will_v make_v it_o a_o easy_a thing_n as_o a_o apprentice_n that_o be_v new_o bind_v to_o his_o master_n find_v his_o trade_n very_o hard_o at_o first_o but_o afterward_o by_o custom_n when_o he_o have_v be_v a_o year_n or_o two_o at_o it_o than_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a so_o at_o the_o first_o you_o will_v find_v it_o very_o hard_a to_o meditate_v of_o christ_n to_o abide_v and_o dwell_v long_o at_o it_o but_o let_v i_o assure_v you_o accustom_v yourselves_o to_o it_o and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o very_o easy_a through_o god_n mercy_n have_v you_o not_o know_v many_o a_o man_n and_o woman_n that_o have_v be_v by_o the_o physician_n prescribe_v to_o walk_v up_o a_o hill_n every_o day_n at_o the_o first_o he_o find_v it_o very_o hard_a he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o but_o within_o a_o month_n or_o two_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v easy_a and_o they_o that_o before_o can_v not_o go_v up_o the_o hill_n without_o rest_v almost_o twenty_o time_n now_o they_o can_v go_v up_o without_o rest_v at_o all_o oh_o the_o hill_n of_o meditation_n be_v hard_a for_o we_o to_o climb_v that_o be_v so_o full_a of_o the_o world_n so_o full_a of_o vanity_n and_o folly_n but_o if_o you_o do_v accustom_v yourselves_o to_o climb_v up_o this_o hill_n by_o often_o do_v of_o it_o you_o will_v find_v it_o very_o easy_a the_o ten_o and_o last_o rule_n be_v this_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n by_o power_n derive_v from_o jesus_n christ_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o it_o be_v in_o your_o power_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n but_o i_o know_v there_o be_v power_n in_o christ_n and_o christ_n will_v give_v you_o power_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v phil._n 4._o 13._o i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o go_v to_o christ_n for_o a_o heavenly_a heart_n for_o a_o serious_a spirit_n to_o kindle_v in_o thou_o a_o love_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n to_o show_v thou_o thy_o interest_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n for_o if_o thou_o do_v