do_v to_o his_o servant_n gen._n 22._o 5._o he_o say_v unto_o the_o young_a man_n abide_v you_o here_o with_o the_o ass_n and_o i_o and_o the_o lad_n will_v go_v yonder_o and_o worship_n tarry_v you_o here_o below_o while_o i_o go_v up_o to_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n now_o i_o know_v this_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a of_o it_o to_o drive_v away_o this_o plague_n of_o fly_n that_o pester_v our_o best_a duty_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v do_v as_o the_o priest_n do_v to_o king_n vzziah_n he_o will_v needs_o offer_v incense_n and_o the_o priest_n hinder_v he_o and_o the_o lord_n plague_v vzziah_n and_o the_o leprosy_n appear_v in_o his_o forehead_n and_o the_o priest_n come_v and_o thrust_v he_o out_o of_o the_o temple_n so_o i_o will_v have_v you_o do_v when_o you_o go_v to_o your_o closet_n to_o meditate_v your_o vain_a thought_n will_v crowd_n into_o the_o temple_n of_o your_o heart_n i_o will_v have_v you_o do_v as_o these_o priest_n do_v thrust_v out_o these_o vain_a thought_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n of_o your_o heart_n or_o rather_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o do_v it_o for_o alas_o it_o be_v above_o our_o power_n to_o get_v free_a from_o distract_n thought_n in_o this_o duty_n pray_v unto_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v the_o heart-maker_n that_o he_o will_v be_v the_o heart-prepare_a for_o when_o you_o go_v to_o meditate_v god_n look_v especial_o at_o your_o heart_n and_o if_o your_o heart_n be_v full_o fraught_v with_o lustful_a vain_a worldly_a carnal_a covetous_a thought_n he_o scorn_v all_o your_o service_n now_o do_v not_o mistake_v i_o i_o mean_v if_o you_o willing_o yield_v to_o this_o if_o you_o strive_v against_o it_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o it_o let_v it_o be_v thy_o work_n that_o be_v my_o rule_n to_o keep_v thy_o heart_n with_o all_o keep_n when_o thou_o begin_v this_o work_n and_o labour_v to_o get_v thy_o heart_n disengage_v and_o disintangle_v from_o worldly_a thing_n so_o much_o for_o the_o beginning_n and_o of_o the_o six_o rule_n to_o direct_v you_o in_o the_o entrance_n upon_o this_o work_n 2._o i_o will_v lay_v down_o rule_n for_o the_o better_a proceed_n in_o this_o work_n for_o this_o you_o must_v know_v there_o be_v two_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o must_v always_o be_v set_v on_o work_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o divine_a meditation_n the_o one_o be_v the_o understanding_n the_o other_o be_v the_o heart_n and_o affection_n for_o divine_a meditation_n be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o the_o head_n but_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o true_a meditation_n must_v not_o only_o be_v intellectual_a and_o notional_a but_o practical_a and_o affectionative_n the_o work_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o blow_v up_o and_o increase_v to_o kindle_v and_o inflame_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o heart_n the_o understanding_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n must_v be_v as_o the_o nurse_n to_o the_o child_n as_o the_o nurse_n cut_v the_o meat_n and_o many_o time_n chew_n it_o and_o prepare_v it_o for_o the_o child_n to_o eat_v so_o do_v the_o understanding_n by_o divine_a truth_n it_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o affection_n and_o the_o heart_n to_o close_v with_o they_o to_o eat_v they_o and_o digest_v they_o and_o to_o turn_v they_o into_o a_o holy_a conversation_n these_o be_v the_o two_o faculty_n we_o must_v set_v on_o work_n and_o you_o never_o meditate_v aright_o unless_o the_o affection_n be_v raise_v as_o well_o as_o the_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o both_o heart_n and_o head_n be_v the_o part_n that_o must_v be_v exercise_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n now_o the_o work_n of_o the_o head_n or_o understanding_n be_v serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o come_v to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v increase_v of_o devotion_n and_o holiness_n by_o these_o meditation_n now_o i_o will_v speak_v to_o both_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rule_v to_o help_v the_o intellectual_a part_n your_o contemplation_n of_o divine_a thing_n and_o rule_n to_o help_v the_o affectionative_n part_n 1._o i_o will_v give_v you_o rule_n for_o the_o help_a the_o understanding_n to_o chew_v and_o prepare_v the_o thing_n you_o meditate_v upon_o for_o the_o heart_n and_o affection_n now_o here_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o i_o shall_v be_v somewhat_o difficult_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v this_o be_v the_o knotty_a and_o difficult_a part_n of_o meditation_n and_o therefore_o learned_a man_n that_o write_v of_o this_o subject_n that_o labour_n to_o teach_v the_o art_n of_o divine_a meditation_n do_v give_v in_o nine_o common-place-head_n as_o so_o many_o several_a way_n of_o the_o enlarge_n the_o understanding_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o meditate_v upon_o 1._o they_o will_v have_v you_o describe_v the_o thing_n you_o meditate_v upon_o 2._o they_o will_v have_v you_o divide_v and_o distribute_v the_o thing_n you_o meditate_v upon_o 3._o they_o will_v have_v you_o consider_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o thing_n you_o meditate_v upon_o 4._o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n 5._o the_o adjunct_n quality_n and_o property_n 6._o the_o opposite_n and_o the_o contrary_n to_o it_o 7._o the_o comparison_n to_o which_o it_o be_v compare_v 8._o the_o title_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o which_o you_o meditate_v 9_o all_o the_o scripture-testimony_n that_o may_v be_v bring_v concern_v the_o thing_n you_o be_v to_o meditate_v upon_o now_o there_o be_v nine_o common-place-head_n and_o these_o i_o fear_v be_v very_o difficult_a but_o that_o i_o may_v help_v you_o a_o little_a i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o example_n i_o will_v go_v over_o these_o logical_a head_n only_o i_o will_v preface_n thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o intent_n of_o these_o learned_a man_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v overcurious_a in_o prosecute_a all_o these_o logical_a head_n for_o the_o end_n of_o meditation_n be_v not_o to_o practice_v logic_n but_o to_o kindle_v devotion_n and_o there_o be_v many_o subject_n that_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o all_o these_o nine_o when_o i_o meditate_v of_o god_n i_o can_v show_v any_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o i_o can_v make_v any_o comparison_n to_o compare_v god_n to_o but_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o learned_a man_n be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o rack_v and_o torture_v our_o understanding_n to_o pursue_v all_o these_o head_n of_o reason_n but_o we_o shall_v pick_v out_o so_o many_o of_o they_o as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o subject_n we_o be_v meditate_v upon_o as_o for_o example_n suppose_v i_o will_v go_v into_o my_o closet_n and_o meditate_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n than_o i_o will_v go_v over_o all_o these_o nine_o head_n and_o by_o go_v over_o they_o you_o will_v understand_v the_o use_n of_o they_o i_o will_v meditate_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n that_o so_o i_o may_v get_v my_o heart_n to_o hate_v it_o more_o that_o so_o i_o may_v study_v to_o be_v more_o mortify_v to_o it_o to_o mourn_v for_o it_o now_o for_o this_o purpose_n that_o i_o may_v enlarge_v my_o intellectual_a part_n of_o consideration_n 1._o i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o description_n of_o sin_n and_o i_o will_v say_v thus_o to_o my_o soul_n when_o i_o be_o alone_o oh_o my_o soul_n why_o shall_v not_o thou_o hate_v and_o abhor_v sin_n be_v not_o sin_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n and_o do_v it_o not_o therefore_o deserve_v eternal_a damnation_n be_v not_o sin_v a_o walk_a contrary_n unto_o god_n and_o certain_o that_o man_n that_o walk_v contrary_a to_o god_n walk_v contrary_a to_o heaven_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o happiness_n be_v not_o sin_n most_o opposite_a to_o the_o great_a good_a and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o why_o then_o shall_v not_o sin_n have_v the_o great_a sorrow_n why_o shall_v not_o i_o hate_v sin_n above_o all_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v the_o great_a evil_n 2._o i_o will_v proceed_v to_o the_o distribution_n of_o sin_n and_o thus_o i_o will_v say_v to_o my_o soul_n oh_o my_o soul_n how_o be_v thou_o be-lepered_a with_o sin_n how_o be_v thou_o all_o over_o bespread_v with_o iniquity_n thou_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o first_o sin_n that_o ever_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n of_o adam_n eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n that_o sin_n be_v jusdy_o thou_o by_o imputation_n for_o in_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o all_o sin_v rom._n 5._o 12._o and_o thou_o will_v never_o be_v free_a from_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o adam_n sin_n till_o thou_o be_v by_o faith_n make_v partaker_n of_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n thou_o be_v guilty_a oh_o my_o soul_n not_o only_o of_o adam_n sin_n by_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
case_n be_v thy_o soul_n now_o that_o be_v on_o the_o sea_n of_o this_o world_n and_o then_o to_o go_v to_o the_o ensuring-office_n you_o know_v you_o have_v your_o ensuring-office_n wherein_o you_o ensure_v your_o ship_n at_o sea_n to_o get_v your_o soul_n insure_v by_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o by_o true_a faith_n manifest_v by_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n to_o get_v your_o soul_n assure_v that_o they_o may_v come_v safe_a to_o the_o haven_n of_o happiness_n in_o a_o clear_a bright_a frosty_a winter-night_n when_o thou_o go_v out_o and_o behold_v the_o bespangle_a heaven_n multitude_n of_o bright_a star_n what_o a_o rare_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o meditate_v this_o glorious_a bespangle_a firmament_n be_v but_o the_o stable_n as_o it_o be_v but_o the_o outhouse_n of_o that_o heaven_n where_o i_o be_o to_o go_v it_o be_v but_o the_o outward_a court_n but_o the_o washhouse_n as_o i_o may_v say_v and_o if_o the_o stable_a and_o outhouse_n be_v so_o glorious_a oh_o what_o be_v the_o inward_a palace_n above_o the_o spangle_a heaven_n be_v my_o father_n house_n where_o i_o hope_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o with_o god_n and_o there_o my_o christ_n be_v now_o intercede_v for_o i_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n shall_v i_o be_v bring_v one_o day_n to_o that_o house_n oh_o when_o will_v that_o time_n come_v when_o will_v my_o soul_n mount_v through_o these_o heaven_n into_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n now_o be_v not_o this_o comely_a for_o a_o christian_a will_v not_o this_o heavenlize_v you_o and_o spiritualise_v you_o and_o then_o when_o you_o go_v to_o bed_n at_o night_n to_o remember_v i_o have_v one_o day_n more_o to_o answer_v for_o to_o remember_v there_o will_v a_o last_o night_n come_v after_o which_o there_o will_v be_v no_o day_n but_o the_o resurrection_n of_o all_o remember_v thy_o last_o night_n thy_o conclude_a night_n the_o end_n of_o thy_o life_n but_o i_o have_v be_v overlong_a in_o this_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o i_o think_v but_o i_o do_v it_o because_o here_o i_o shall_v put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o discourse_n of_o occasional_a meditation_n there_o be_v a_o second_o sort_n of_o meditation_n and_o that_o be_v that_o that_o i_o call_v set_v solemn_a and_o deliberate_a when_o a_o man_n set_v apart_o a_o hour_n a_o day_n it_o may_v be_v set_v a_o part_n some_o time_n and_o go_v into_o a_o private_a closet_n or_o a_o private_a walk_n and_o there_o do_v solemn_o and_o deliberate_o meditate_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n now_o concern_v this_o meditation_n i_o shall_v handle_v by_o god_n assistance_n these_o two_o particular_n 1._o i_o will_v show_v you_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o 2._o i_o will_v show_v you_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o nature_n of_o this_o duty_n what_o this_o meditation_n be_v that_o i_o will_v press_v you_o to_o i_o will_v describe_v it_o in_o two_o particular_n 1._o this_o holy_a meditation_n be_v a_o dwell_n and_o abide_v upon_o thing_n that_o be_v holy_a it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o know_v of_o god_n and_o a_o know_v of_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v a_o dwell_n upon_o the_o thing_n we_o know_v as_o the_o bee_n that_o dwell_v and_o abide_v upon_o the_o flower_n to_o suck_v out_o all_o the_o sweetness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o flower_n so_o to_o meditate_v upon_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o sacrament_n it_o be_v to_o dwell_v upon_o god_n and_o the_o sacrament_n to_o suck_v out_o all_o the_o sweetness_n we_o can_v in_o the_o thing_n we_o meditate_v upon_o as_o we_o read_v of_o anna_n luk._n 2._o 37._o she_o continue_v in_o the_o temple_n pray_v and_o fast_v day_n and_o night_n to_o meditate_v be_v to_o continue_v and_o fix_v ourselves_o and_o our_o heart_n upon_o the_o thing_n we_o know_v this_o meditation_n in_o scripture_n be_v call_v a_o holy_a muse_n psal._n 39_o 3._o my_o heart_n be_v hot_a within_o i_o while_o i_o be_v muse_v to_o meditate_v be_v to_o muse_v or_o else_o it_o be_v to_o commune_v with_o our_o own_o heart_n psal._n 4._o stand_v in_o awe_n and_o sin_n not_o commune_v with_o your_o own_o heart_n upon_o your_o bed_n and_o be_v still_o it_o be_v a_o commune_n a_o consult_v with_o our_o own_o heart_n or_o if_o you_o will_v it_o be_v a_o bethink_v ourselves_o so_o it_o be_v express_v 1_o king_n 8._o 47._o if_o they_o shall_v bethink_v themselves_o in_o the_o land_n whither_o they_o be_v carry_v captive_a and_o repent_v the_o hebrew_a word_n be_v if_o they_o shall_v bring_v back_o to_o their_o heart_n if_o they_o shall_v reflect_v upon_o themselves_o for_o meditation_n be_v a_o reflect_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v carry_v back_o to_o itself_o and_o consider_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o it_o know_v meditation_n be_v a_o inward_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n a_o spiritual_a act_n whereby_o the_o soul_n do_v recoil_v upon_o itself_o and_o look_v back_o upon_o itself_o and_o consider_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o concern_v its_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o if_o i_o be_v not_o mistake_v it_o be_v rare_o typify_v under_o the_o law_n two_o manner_n of_o way_n 1._o by_o those_o beast_n that_o do_v chew_v the_o cud_n you_o shall_v read_v leu._n 11._o of_o the_o clean_a beast_n and_o the_o unclean_a beast_n now_o the_o clean_a beast_n be_v such_o as_o do_v chew_v the_o cud_n of_o those_o they_o be_v to_o eat_v now_o the_o unclean_a beast_n be_v those_o that_o do_v not_o chew_v the_o cud_n a_o meditate_v christian_n be_v one_o that_o chew_n the_o cud_n that_o chew_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o do_v not_o only_o hear_v good_a thing_n but_o when_o he_o have_v hear_v they_o chew_n they_o over_o ruminate_v upon_o they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v fit_a for_o digestion_n and_o concoction_n and_o spiritual_a improvement_n a_o unclean_a christian_a be_v one_o that_o do_v not_o chew_v the_o cud_n that_o do_v not_o ruminate_v and_o ponder_v and_o bethink_v himself_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n 2._o another_o type_n of_o this_o rare_a grace_n of_o meditation_n be_v that_o of_o the_o beast_n ezek._n 1._o that_o ezekiel_n see_v that_o have_v eye_n within_o and_o without_o vers._n 18._o their_o wing_n be_v full_a of_o eye_n round_o about_o they_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o beast_n rev_n 4._o 6._o round_o about_o the_o throne_n be_v four_o beast_n full_a of_o eye_n before_o and_o behind_o a_o notable_a and_o a_o rare_a type_n of_o meditation_n for_o meditation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o look_v thorough_o into_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n a_o look_v before_o and_o behind_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v a_o meditate_a christian_n be_v a_o man_n full_a of_o eye_n that_o do_v not_o only_o know_v god_n but_o see_v much_o of_o god_n there_o be_v another_o metaphor_n to_o express_v it_o psal._n 119_o 59_o i_o think_v on_o my_o way_n and_o turn_v my_o foot_n unto_o thy_o testimony_n the_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n be_v take_v from_o chapman_n that_o when_o they_o buy_v a_o commodity_n they_o turn_v it_o over_o and_o over_o and_o over_o again_o they_o look_v all_o about_o it_o into_o every_o part_n of_o it_o meditation_n be_v a_o thorough_a contemplation_n and_o a_o thorough_a consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n a_o meditate_a christian_n be_v full_a of_o eye_n full_a of_o heavenly_a understanding_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o head_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n divine_a but_o a_o practical_a knowledge_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o the_o intellect_n and_o understanding_n but_o of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v a_o affective_a grace_n as_o well_o as_o a_o intellective_a grace_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n mary_n she_o ponder_v all_o these_o say_n in_o her_o heart_n she_o do_v not_o only_o think_v of_o they_o with_o her_o head_n but_o she_o ponder_v on_o they_o with_o her_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v read_v 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 a_o true_a meditation_n be_v when_o a_o man_n do_v so_o meditate_v of_o christ_n as_o to_o get_v his_o heart_n inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n so_o meditate_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o to_o be_v transform_v into_o they_o and_o so_o meditate_v of_o sin_n as_o to_o get_v his_o heart_n to_o hate_v sin_n when_o it_o be_v such_o a_o muse_n of_o god_n as_o kindle_v a_o fire_n in_o the_o whole_a soul_n as_o david_n do_v express_v it_o psal._n 39_o 3._o while_o i_o be_v muse_v the_o fire_n burn_v when_o a_o man_n do_v so_o contemplate_v on_o god_n that_o his_o heart_n be_v all_o on_o fire_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n
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 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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
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 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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
sick_a like_a to_o lose_v thy_o husband_n or_o thy_o own_o own_o life_n then_o pick_v out_o seasonable_a meditation_n seasonable_a subject_n go_v and_o meditate_v of_o death_n meditate_v how_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n meditate_v how_o death_n be_v a_o gate_n to_o let_v we_o into_o everlasting_a life_n how_o death_n be_v a_o outlet_a to_o all_o misery_n and_o a_o inlet_n to_o all_o happiness_n that_o death_n be_v the_o best_a friend_n that_o thou_o have_v next_o to_o jesus_n christ._n 5._o suppose_v thou_o be_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n what_o must_v thou_o do_v a_o little_a before_o thou_o receive_v it_o i_o will_v have_v you_o every_o month_n before_o you_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n spend_v one_o hour_n or_o two_o in_o meditate_v of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o come_v meditate_v whether_o thou_o be_v a_o worthy_a receiver_n and_o what_o thou_o must_v do_v that_o thou_o may_v be_v a_o worthy_a receiver_n meditate_v of_o thy_o sin_n thy_o grace_n thy_o spiritual_a want_n let_v i_o commend_v this_o to_o you_o every_o sacrament_n and_o never_o forget_v it_o meditate_v to_o find_v out_o thy_o sin_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o they_o meditate_v to_o know_v whether_o thou_o have_v any_o grace_n in_o truth_n and_o to_o get_v it_o increase_v and_o meditate_v of_o thy_o spiritual_a want_n what_o they_o be_v to_o get_v they_o supply_v what_o a_o rare_a deal_n of_o matter_n be_v here_o contain_v in_o these_o three_o particular_n to_o find_v out_o thy_o sin_n by_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o law_n by_o take_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o examine_v thy_o life_n and_o the_o law_n together_o that_o will_v cost_v thou_o many_o a_o hour_n and_o then_o to_o get_v thy_o heart_n humble_v for_o these_o sin_n and_o to_o confess_v they_o and_o to_o have_v grace_n to_o forsake_v they_o and_o then_o to_o examine_v thy_o grace_n whether_o thou_o have_v truth_n of_o grace_n whether_o thy_o grace_n be_v mere_o counterfeit_a and_o a_o shadow_n of_o grace_n and_o if_o thou_o have_v truth_n of_o grace_n how_o to_o get_v it_o increase_v by_o the_o sacrament_n and_o then_o to_o meditate_v what_o thou_o want_v and_o what_o thou_o will_v have_v from_o christ_n and_o to_o get_v that_o supply_v the_o three_o thing_n be_v to_o set_v down_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o right_a order_n of_o our_o meditation_n upon_o these_o subject_n and_o here_o i_o will_v lay_v you_o down_o rule_v to_o direct_v you_o how_o to_o meditate_v rule_v to_o help_v you_o how_o to_o begin_v and_o then_o how_o to_o go_v on_o and_o proceed_v to_o hold_v out_o a_o hour_n in_o meditation_n for_o the_o better_a progress_n in_o it_o and_o then_o rule_v how_o you_o shall_v finish_v and_o conclude_v this_o excellent_a duty_n of_o meditation_n 1._o rule_v to_o teach_v you_o how_o to_o begin_v and_o enter_v upon_o this_o excellent_a work_n of_o meditation_n and_o here_o i_o will_v lay_v down_o six_o rule_n for_o your_o first_o entrance_n 1._o be_v sure_a that_o you_o pick_v out_o a_o fit_a place_n to_o meditate_v in_o you_o know_v isaac_n go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v and_o i_o have_v show_v you_o that_o this_o example_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o always_o to_o go_v into_o the_o field_n but_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o retire_v to_o some_o secret_a place_n whether_o it_o be_v thy_o close_a or_o the_o field_n 2._o when_o thou_o interest_n upon_o this_o work_n be_v sure_a to_o get_v a_o fit_a time_n pick_v out_o a_o seasonable_a time_n isaac_n pick_v out_o the_o evening_n and_o thou_o may_v pick_v out_o the_o morning_n if_o thou_o please_v thou_o be_v not_o oblige_v punctual_o to_o this_o example_n or_o thou_o may_v pick_v out_o the_o afternoon_n but_o thou_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o pick_v out_o that_o time_n that_o be_v the_o fit_a time_n you_o that_o be_v great_a person_n have_v time_n enough_o you_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v wealth_n i_o show_v the_o poor_a man_n how_o he_o shall_v husband_n his_o time_n we_o have_v all_o time_n enough_o on_o the_o lordsday_n to_o busy_v ourselves_o with_o the_o work_n of_o meditation_n it_o be_v a_o sabbath-day_n work_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v 3._o you_o must_v be_v sure_a of_o a_o fit_a subject_n you_o must_v not_o have_v your_o subject_n to_o seek_v when_o you_o begin_v to_o meditate_v meditate_v of_o a_o soul-awakening_a a_o soul-refreshing_a subject_n 4._o when_o you_o have_v your_o place_n and_o your_o time_n and_o your_o subject_n these_o three_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o work_n than_o i_o will_v advise_v you_o to_o set_v yourselves_o as_o in_o god_n presence_n though_o no_o eye_n see_v you_o yet_o consider_v the_o great_a god_n see_v you_o and_o especial_o when_o you_o be_v meditate_v of_o divine_a thing_n for_o you_o must_v know_v that_o meditation_n of_o divine_a thing_n be_v a_o converse_v with_o god_n when_o you_o meditate_v of_o heaven_n you_o converse_v with_o heaven_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n transmigration_n to_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o soul_n transfiguration_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v have_v you_o set_v yourselves_o as_o in_o god_n presence_n and_o this_o will_v overawe_v you_o and_o make_v you_o serious_a the_o consideration_n of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n will_v prepare_v you_o for_o every_o holy_a duty_n &_o so_o consequent_o for_o this_o holy_a duty_n it_o be_v a_o rare_a preservative_n against_o all_o sin_n as_o joseph_n say_v to_o his_o mistress_n how_o can_v i_o do_v this_o evil_a and_o sin_n against_o my_o god_n though_o no_o body_n see_v he_o yet_o he_o know_v god_n see_v he_o gen._n 39_o 10._o and_o it_o be_v a_o rare_a encouragement_n to_o all_o godliness_n psal._n 119._o 168._o i_o have_v keep_v thy_o precept_n and_o thy_o testimony_n why_o so_o for_o all_o my_o way_n be_v before_o thou_o therefore_o whensoever_o you_o go_v into_o your_o orchard_n or_o garden_n or_o your_o closet_n to_o set_v apart_o a_o hour_n in_o divine_a meditation_n i_o will_v have_v you_o do_v as_o david_n do_v psal._n 16._o 8._o i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o 5._o i_o will_v have_v you_o always_o begin_v with_o prayer_n now_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o begin_v with_o a_o solemn_a set_v long_a prayer_n but_o i_o will_v have_v you_o begin_v with_o a_o short_a ejaculation_n i_o will_v have_v you_o pray_v unto_o god_n to_o enlighten_v your_o understanding_n to_o quicken_v your_o devotion_n to_o warm_v your_o affection_n and_o so_o to_o bless_v that_o hour_n unto_o you_o that_o by_o the_o meditation_n of_o holy_a thing_n you_o may_v be_v make_v more_o holy_a you_o may_v have_v your_o lust_n more_o mortify_v and_o your_o grace_n more_o increase_v you_o may_v be_v the_o more_o mortify_v to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o it_o and_o lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o hebrew_n the_o same_a word_n that_o signify_v to_o meditate_v signify_v to_o pray_v and_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o my_o text_n isaac_n go_v out_o to_o meditate_v you_o shall_v find_v it_o in_o the_o margin_n isaac_n go_v out_o to_o pray_v meditation_n must_v always_o be_v join_v with_o prayer_n isaac_n go_v out_o to_o pray_v and_o meditate_v to_o meditate_v and_o pray_v say_v bernard_n meditation_n without_o prayer_n be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a therefore_o i_o i_o will_v have_v you_o begin_v with_o a_o short_a prayer_n 6._o i_o will_v have_v you_o keep_v your_o heart_n with_o all_o keep_n prov._n 4._o 23._o have_v a_o care_n in_o the_o entrance_n of_o thy_o heart_n pray_v unto_o god_n to_o keep_v out_o inward_a company_n you_o know_v i_o tell_v you_o of_o a_o twofold_a company_n of_o a_o outward_a company_n and_o inward_a company_n pray_v unto_o god_n not_o only_o to_o keep_v out_o outward_a company_n but_o inward_a company_n that_o be_v to_o keep_v out_o vain_a and_o worldly_a and_o distract_n thought_n a_o man_n may_v easy_o drive_v out_o outward_a company_n he_o may_v easy_o be_v alone_o but_o it_o it_o a_o hard_a matter_n to_o drive_v away_o inward_a company_n thy_o vain_a worldly_a and_o distract_n thought_n i_o will_v have_v you_o say_v to_o the_o world_n when_o you_o go_v up_o to_o meditate_v of_o heaven_n or_o of_o grace_n or_o of_o god_n as_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n mat._n 26._o 36._o sit_v you_o here_o while_o i_o go_v yonder_o and_o pray_v so_o i_o will_v have_v you_o say_v to_o the_o world_n and_o all_o worldly_a thought_n tarry_v you_o here_o while_o i_o go_v into_o my_o closet_n to_o meditate_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o heaven_n to_o meet_v with_o god_n in_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o i_o will_v have_v you_o say_v as_o abraham_n