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duty_n better_a divine_a great_a 88 3 2.0866 3 false
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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

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the_o art_n of_o divine_a meditation_n or_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n necessity_n and_o excellency_n thereof_o with_o motive_n to_o and_o rule_n for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o that_o most_o important_a christian_a duty_n in_o several_a sermon_n on_o gen._n 24._o 63._o and_o isaac_n go_v out_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o field_n at_o the_o eventide_n by_o edmund_n calamy_n b._n d._n late_a minister_n of_o aldermanburic_n london_n london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v at_o his_o shop_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n near_o mercer_n chapel_n and_o by_o i_o collier_n at_o the_o bible_n on_o londonbridg_n under_o the_o gate_n 1680._o to_o the_o christian_a reader_n if_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n plutarch_n can_v say_v meditation_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o recovery_n of_o decay_a knowledge_n because_o as_o forgetfulness_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o egress_n of_o knowledge_n meditation_n do_v restore_v a_o new_a 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only_o preserve_v in_o this_o way_n you_o have_v this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v very_o useful_a piece_n take_v well_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o mr._n edmund_n calamy_n the_o analysis_n or_o method_n of_o the_o content_n of_o the_o whole_a book_n page_n the_o introduction_n 1_o text_n divide_v 2_o 1._o the_o person_n speak_v of_o isaac_n ibid._n 2._o what_o be_v relate_v of_o he_o he_o go_v out_o to_o meditate_v ibid._n 3._o the_o place_n he_o choose_v in_o the_o field_n ibid._n 4._o the_o time_n at_o the_o eventide_n ibid._n explicat_fw-la there_o be_v a_o twofold_a meditation_n 1._o sinful_a and_o wicked_a that_o be_v not_o isaac_n ibid._n 2._o holy_a and_o godly_a this_o isaac_n practise_v 3_o obseru._n the_o meditation_n of_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v a_o work_n that_o god_n require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o people_n 4_o viz._n of_o 1._o young_a gentleman_n ibid._n 2._o king_n nobles_z and_o great_a person_n ibid._n 3._o
a_o mighty_a mean_n to_o arm_n and_o defend_v we_o against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o against_o all_o his_o fiery_a dart_n it_o be_v armour_n of_o proof_n against_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o temptation_n what_o make_v moses_n refuse_v the_o pleasure_n treasure_n and_o honour_n of_o egypt_n for_o moses_n when_o he_o be_v of_o age_n a_o young_a man_n and_o fit_a to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o egypt_n he_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n he_o refuse_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o pharoah_n daughter_n what_o make_v he_o do_v all_o this_o because_o he_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o he_o behold_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a he_o meditate_a upon_o the_o reward_n he_o shall_v have_v in_o heaven_n he_o know_v the_o pleasure_n of_o heaven_n be_v better_a than_o the_o pleasure_n of_o pharoah_n court_n and_o he_o know_v the_o treasure_n he_o shall_v have_v in_o heaven_n be_v better_a than_o the_o treasure_n he_o shall_v have_v in_o egyyt_n and_o therefore_o he_o choose_v rather_o to_o suffer_v affliction_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n he_o know_v he_o can_v not_o enjoy_v both_o and_o he_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n he_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a and_o this_o make_v he_o do_v all_o this_o he_o can_v never_o have_v do_v this_o without_o this_o divine_a grace_n of_o meditation_n and_o what_o make_v joseph_n refuse_v to_o lie_v with_o his_o mistress_n when_o he_o may_v have_v be_v prefer_v by_o lie_v with_o she_o and_o have_v secrecy_n and_o security_n why_o he_o meditate_a how_o can_v i_o do_v this_o and_o sin_n against_o god_n he_o think_v of_o god_n and_o he_o will_v not_o do_v it_o it_o be_v meditation_n that_o make_v he_o refuse_v it_o what_o make_v the_o saint_n of_o old_a receive_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n heb._n 10._o 34._o they_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v in_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o better_a and_o a_o endure_a substance_n because_o they_o know_v that_o be_v they_o consider_v that_o they_o have_v in_o heaven_n a_o endure_a substance_n a_o eternal_a reward_n they_o shall_v have_v better_a riches_n there_o they_o consider_v that_o and_o that_o make_v they_o lose_v their_o outward_a estate_n they_o look_v for_o a_o better_a estate_n in_o heaven_n bishop_n hooper_n when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o martyrdom_n over_o night_n he_o discourse_v and_o reason_v with_o himself_o say_v he_o when_o i_o think_v of_o the_o fire_n i_o begin_v to_o be_v afraid_a for_o i_o fear_v that_o fire_n will_v burn_v but_o when_o i_o think_v of_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a fire_n make_v i_o willing_a to_o endure_v a_o temporary_a fire_n say_v he_o again_o when_o i_o think_v of_o the_o loss_n of_o life_n i_o begin_v to_o be_v afraid_a i_o 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that_o receive_v mercy_n from_o god_n but_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o the_o mercy_n they_o do_v receive_v for_o want_v of_o meditation_n that_o do_v not_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n let_v we_o fear_v that_o god_n that_o do_v give_v we_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a rain_n as_o it_o be_v jer._n 5._o 23._o it_o reprove_v those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o many_o sin_n but_o do_v not_o repent_v for_o want_v of_o consideration_n because_o they_o do_v not_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n what_o have_v i_o do_v it_o reprove_v those_o that_o meet_v with_o many_o loss_n and_o cross_n in_o the_o world_n but_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o their_o affliction_n because_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v 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 that_o read_v the_o bless_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o taste_v not_o the_o sweetness_n of_o they_o for_o want_n of_o meditation_n for_o want_v of_o chew_v they_o in_o a_o word_n that_o hear_v many_o sermon_n but_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o the_o sermon_n they_o hear_v and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o this_o divine_a meditation_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o affliction_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sermon_n we_o hear_v be_v like_a unto_o a_o sovereign_a plaster_n which_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o good_a if_o it_o be_v take_v off_o the_o wound_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o it_o will_v never_o cure_v the_o wound_n it_o be_v the_o abide_n of_o the_o plaster_n upon_o the_o wound_n that_o cure_v it_o so_o it_o be_v the_o dwell_n upon_o the_o mercy_n we_o receive_v the_o chew_v upon_o the_o promise_n the_o meditate_v upon_o the_o sermon_n we_o hear_v will_v do_v we_o good_a that_o man_n that_o hear_v a_o sermon_n and_o forget_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v hear_v it_o will_v get_v no_o good_a by_o it_o it_o be_v with_o sermon_n and_o mercy_n as_o it_o be_v with_o meat_n a_o man_n may_v eat_v 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have_v be_v these_o eleven_o or_o twelve_o year_n in_o the_o fire_n of_o affliction_n we_o have_v meet_v with_o unexpected_a change_n and_o alteration_n but_o where_o be_v the_o man_n that_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n where_o be_v the_o man_n that_o study_v what_o god_n be_v do_v with_o this_o nation_n and_o how_o to_o get_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n sanctify_v we_o may_v say_v of_o most_o of_o the_o nation_n as_o it_o be_v in_o jer._n 12._o 11._o the_o whole_a land_n be_v make_v desolate_a because_o no_o man_n lay_v it_o to_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o man_n consider_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o god_n providence_n the_o variety_n and_o strangeness_n and_o wonderfulness_n of_o they_o we_o be_v like_a unto_o those_o isa._n 42._o 24_o 25._o who_o give_v israel_n to_o the_o spoil_n and_o israel_n to_o the_o robber_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n he_o against_o who_o we_o have_v sin_v for_o they_o will_v not_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n neither_o be_v they_o 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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
so_o must_v you_o when_o these_o rove_a thought_n come_v upon_o you_o when_o you_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n or_o the_o mount_n of_o meditation_n you_o must_v thrust_v they_o out_o that_o be_v you_o must_v use_v all_o your_o spiritual_a strength_n to_o thrust_v they_o out_o and_o you_o must_v pray_v unto_o god_n as_o moses_n pray_v exod._n 8._o that_o god_n will_v take_v away_o this_o plague_n of_o fly_n and_o do_v as_o pharaoh_n do_v he_o send_v for_o moses_n oh_o pray_v pray_v unto_o god_n for_o i_o that_o this_o swarm_n of_o fly_n may_v depart_v out_o of_o the_o land_n speak_v to_o thy_o godly_a minister_n thy_o godly_a friend_n to_o pray_v for_o thou_o and_o do_v thou_o pray_v for_o thyself_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v deliver_v thou_o from_o these_o noisome_a imagination_n and_o fancy_n and_o rove_a thought_n that_o do_v disturb_v you_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n so_o much_o for_o the_o place_n where_o we_o be_v to_o meditate_v the_o second_o thing_n to_o speak_v to_o be_v the_o time_n when_o we_o be_v to_o meditate_v it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o text_n and_o isaac_n go_v out_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o eventide_n it_o seem_v isaac_n find_v the_o evening_n to_o be_v the_o fit_a time_n for_o meditation_n dr._n hall_n in_o his_o excellent_a tract_n of_o meditation_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o his_o own_o experience_n that_o he_o find_v the_o evening-time_n to_o be_v the_o fit_a time_n for_o meditation_n and_o there_o be_v a_o learned_a minister_n in_o that_o excellent_a book_n of_o the_o saint_n everlasting_a rest_n do_v likewise_o from_o his_o own_o experience_n commend_v the_o eventide_n for_o the_o best_a and_o suitabl_a time_n for_o meditation_n and_o he_o say_v from_o the_o sunsetting_a to_o the_o twilight_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o night_n when_o it_o be_v warm_a and_o clear_a i_o will_v not_o lay_v clog_n upon_o any_o man_n conscience_n that_o which_o be_v seasonable_a for_o one_o be_v unseasonable_a for_o another_o some_o man_n temper_n be_v fit_a to_o meditate_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o some_o man_n temper_n be_v fit_a to_o meditate_v in_o the_o evening_n now_o there_o be_v four_o proposition_n four_o rule_n of_o direction_n concern_v the_o time_n when_o i_o will_v have_v you_o to_o meditate_v 1._o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v not_o hinder_v by_o necessary_a business_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o set_v apart_o some_o time_n every_o day_n for_o meditation_n whether_o it_o be_v morning_n afternoon_n or_o night_n for_o meditation_n be_v the_o life_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o christianity_n it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v you_o improve_v all_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n you_o be_v but_o the_o skeleton_n of_o christian_n without_o meditation_n it_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o your_o daily_a bread_n and_o as_o you_o feed_v your_o body_n every_o day_n so_o you_o ought_v to_o feed_v your_o soul_n every_o day_n with_o meditate_v on_o your_o sin_n or_o your_o evidence_n for_o heaven_n or_o the_o everlasting_a burn_n of_o hell_n or_o of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n the_o great_a account_n you_o be_v to_o give_v at_o that_o day_n or_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n or_o of_o the_o promise_n etc._n etc._n we_o be_v every_o day_n assault_v with_o the_o devil_n therefore_o we_o shall_v every_o day_n put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o divine_a meditation_n to_o consider_v how_o to_o resist_v the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n we_o be_v every_o day_n subject_a to_o death_n we_o be_v every_o day_n subject_a to_o sin_n therefore_o we_o shall_v every_o day_n consider_v how_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o death_n and_o every_o day_n consider_v how_o to_o resist_v sin_n meditation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o converse_v with_o god_n the_o soul_n colloquie_n with_o god_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o shall_v every_o day_n walk_v with_o god_n divine_a meditation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o soul_n transmigration_n into_o heaven_n the_o soul_n ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n now_o it_o be_v fit_a every_o day_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n david_n when_o he_o describe_v the_o bless_a man_n psal._n 1._o 2._o say_v he_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 will_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n and_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o though_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o have_v many_o worldly_a business_n the_o affair_n of_o his_o kingdom_n to_o hinder_v he_o yet_o he_o say_v psal._n 119._o 97._o oh_o how_o do_v i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n v_o 148._o my_o eye_n prevent_v the_o night-watche_n that_o i_o may_v meditate_v on_o thy_o word_n there_o be_v the_o morning-time_n for_o meditation_n i_o prevent_v the_o dawn_n of_o the_o morning_n that_o i_o may_v meditate_v in_o thy_o word_n v_o 15._o i_o will_v delight_v myself_o in_o thy_o statute_n and_o i_o will_v meditate_v in_o thy_o precept_n and_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o thy_o way_n and_o joshua_n that_o great_a general_n of_o the_o army_n though_o he_o be_v a_o man_n sure_o of_o great_a employment_n yet_o god_n do_v lay_v a_o injunction_n upon_o he_o josh._n 1._o 7_o 8._o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v therein_o day_n &_o night_n 2._o i_o will_v go_v high_o yet_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o set_v a_o sufficient_a proportion_n of_o time_n apart_o every_o day_n oh_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o get_v our_o heart_n in_o tune_n for_o this_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o musician_n he_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n to_o string_n and_o to_o tune_v his_o instrument_n before_o he_o can_v play_v the_o best_a christian_n be_v like_o a_o instrument_n unstring_v and_o untuned_a he_o have_v need_n take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n to_o get_v his_o heart_n in_o tune_n for_o divine_a meditation_n the_o best_a christian_n be_v like_o wet_a wood_n which_o will_v not_o burn_v you_o know_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o blow_v he_o have_v need_n to_o take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n to_o kindle_v a_o holy_a zeal_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o god_n to_o blow_v up_o the_o spark_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o he_o if_o a_o man_n will_v fill_v a_o chest_n that_o be_v full_a of_o dirt_n full_a of_o gold_n he_o must_v take_v time_n to_o empty_a the_o chest_n before_o he_o can_v fill_v it_o by_o nature_n we_o be_v all_o full_a of_o the_o world_n full_a of_o the_o dirt_n of_o the_o world_n full_a of_o vanity_n full_a of_o carnal_a creature-pleasure_n now_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n first_o to_o take_v pain_n to_o empty_a the_o chest_n before_o we_o can_v fill_v it_o full_a of_o heaven_n full_a of_o god_n and_o christ._n now_o i_o propound_v this_o to_o you_o that_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o spare_a time_n especial_o you_o that_o spend_v whole_a afternoon_n in_o idle_a visit_n and_o vain_a recreation_n oh_o that_o i_o can_v persuade_v you_o to_o give_v god_n a_o visit_n every_o day_n and_o to_o meditate_v of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o yourselves_o and_o the_o recreation_n of_o the_o other_o world_n let_v i_o persuade_v you_o that_o count_v it_o your_o happiness_n to_o live_v vain_o that_o you_o have_v not_o so_o much_o work_v to_o do_v as_o other_o man_n have_v to_o set_v some_o time_n apart_o to_o go_v up_o into_o the_o mount_n of_o god_n to_o meditate_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o that_o i_o may_v provoke_v you_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o thus_o much_o it_o be_v the_o great_a curse_n under_o heaven_n for_o god_n to_o give_v a_o man_n over_o to_o live_v a_o idle_a life_n to_o trifle_v away_o his_o day_n in_o vanity_n and_o so_o it_o be_v reckon_v psal._n 78._o 33._o therefore_o their_o day_n do_v he_o consume_v in_o vanity_n therefore_o it_o be_v speak_v as_o a_o curse_n harken_v to_o this_o you_o that_o idle_a away_o your_o time_n there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a curse_n of_o god_n upon_o you_o than_o to_o suffer_v you_o to_o idle_a away_o your_o time_n herein_o you_o idle_a away_o your_o salvation_n this_o direction_n belong_v to_o you_o that_o be_v rich_a man_n rich_a merchant_n that_o have_v whole_a exchange_n full_a of_o business_n in_o your_o head_n to_o beseech_v you_o that_o you_o will_v contract_v your_o worldly_a affair_n into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n that_o you_o may_v have_v time_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o rare_a duty_n of_o meditation_n which_o be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o soul_n of_o all_o duty_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o you_o be_v so_o lean_a and_o poor_a in_o grace_n be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o
do_n of_o the_o duty_n that_o god_n look_v after_o as_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o do_v the_o duty_n it_o be_v not_o the_o hear_n the_o word_n will_v please_v god_n unless_o we_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n aright_o therefore_o christ_n say_v take_v heed_n how_o you_o hear_v it_o be_v not_o prayer_n that_o will_v prevail_v with_o god_n unless_o we_o pray_v after_o a_o right_a manner_n unless_o we_o pray_v in_o faith_n with_o fervency_n and_o humility_n so_o it_o be_v not_o the_o meditation_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n will_v do_v we_o any_o good_a unless_o we_o meditate_v after_o the_o right_a manner_n that_o god_n will_v have_v we_o to_o meditate_v now_o i_o shall_v acquiant_fw-la you_o with_o six_o property_n of_o divine_a meditation_n for_o the_o right_a manner_n of_o perform_v it_o 1._o divine_a meditation_n must_v be_v often_o and_o frequent_v deut._n 6._o 7._o there_o god_n command_v thou_o shall_v teach_v the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n diligent_o unto_o thy_o child_n thou_o shall_v talk_v of_o they_o when_o thou_o sit_v in_o thy_o house_n and_o when_o thou_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n and_o when_o thou_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o thou_o rise_v up_o josh._n 1._o 8._o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n though_o he_o be_v a_o great_a commander_n and_o have_v affair_n of_o great_a concernment_n yet_o god_n command_v he_o to_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o david_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o godly_a man_n psal._n 1._o 2._o that_o he_o will_v delight_v himself_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o in_o his_o law_n will_v he_o meditate_v day_n and_o night_n psal._n 119._o 97_o 98_o 99_o david_n profess_v of_o himself_o though_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o have_v many_o diversion_n yet_o say_v he_o oh_o how_o do_v i_o love_v thy_o law_n it_o be_v my_o meditation_n day_n and_o night_n thou_o through_o thy_o 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time_n be_v to_o set_v some_o solemn_a time_n some_o solemn_a part_n of_o the_o day_n for_o meditation_n but_o all_o of_o we_o be_v to_o have_v ejaculatory_a meditation_n though_o it_o be_v in_o our_o worldly_a business_n there_o be_v three_o reason_n to_o persuade_v you_o to_o frequent_a meditation_n 1._o because_o the_o often_o you_o meditate_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o heaven_n the_o more_o you_o will_v know_v of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o heaven_n and_o the_o more_o you_o will_v love_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o more_o earnest_o you_o will_v seek_v after_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n for_o you_o must_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n be_v like_o a_o beautiful_a picture_n the_o more_o you_o view_v they_o the_o more_o will_v you_o admire_v they_o and_o seek_v after_o they_o to_o enjoy_v they_o i_o have_v read_v a_o story_n of_o necrasophus_fw-la who_o be_v a_o excellent_a painter_n that_o view_v wist_o a_o picture_n there_o come_v a_o countryman_n by_o and_o see_v 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when_o he_o lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n and_o be_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o consider_v i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o a_o god_n that_o i_o be_o acquaint_v withal_o that_o i_o be_o not_o a_o stranger_n to_o i_o be_o go_v to_o heaven_n where_o i_o have_v be_v often_o in_o my_o meditation_n it_o be_v report_v of_o dr._n preston_n when_o he_o be_v die_v he_o use_v these_o word_n bless_a be_v god_n though_o i_o change_v my_o place_n yet_o i_o shall_v not_o change_v my_o company_n for_o i_o have_v walk_v with_o god_n while_o i_o live_v and_o now_o i_o go_v to_o rest_v with_o god_n a_o man_n that_o be_v often_o in_o meditation_n be_v often_o in_o heaven_n often_o walk_v with_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o promise_n and_o when_o he_o die_v he_o go_v to_o enjoy_v the_o promise_n and_o to_o be_v and_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o with_o this_o christ._n it_o be_v a_o sad_a and_o a_o disconsolate_a thing_n for_o a_o man_n when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v to_o think_v of_o god_n as_o a_o 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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 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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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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
how_o thou_o behave_v thyself_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o thy_o neighbour_n meditate_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n the_o length_n of_o eternity_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n 1._o meditate_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n sin_n be_v the_o great_a evil_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n than_o banishment_n than_o death_n than_o hell_n itself_o meditate_v of_o the_o intrinsical_a and_o extrinsical_a evil_a of_o sin_n 2._o meditate_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o creature_n all_o earthly_a thing_n be_v vain_a they_o be_v vanity_n of_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v all_o unsatisfy_n and_o unprofitable_a what_o will_v all_o the_o world_n do_v you_o good_a when_o you_o be_v sick_a when_o you_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v 3._o meditate_v of_o the_o length_n of_o eternity_n oh_o eternity_n eternity_n that_o we_o study_v thou_o more_o that_o we_o think_v more_o of_o thou_o study_v the_o 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thy_o work_n o_o christian_n to_o study_v the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n what_o to_o do_v to_o get_v antidote_n and_o preservative_n against_o anabaptism_n against_o socinianism_n against_o anti-sabbatarianism_a against_o anti-scripturism_a against_o those_o that_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o get_v spiritual_a armour_n to_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v all_o the_o error_n of_o these_o time_n it_o be_v a_o great_a shame_n and_o oh_o that_o you_o will_v be_v humble_v for_o it_o that_o one_o erroneous_a person_n can_v speak_v more_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o error_n than_o twenty_o orthodox_n christian_n be_v able_a to_o speak_v for_o the_o truth_n for_o want_v of_o study_v antidote_n and_o preservative_n against_o the_o error_n of_o the_o time_n 2._o study_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o have_v be_v for_o these_o many_o year_n upon_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v go_v out_o 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shall_v make_v of_o they_o and_o how_o we_o shall_v keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o keep_v close_o to_o our_o principle_n and_o how_o we_o shall_v honour_v god_n under_o all_o our_o change_n 4._o you_o must_v meditate_v of_o the_o several_a passage_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o we_o there_o be_v no_o man_n or_o woman_n here_o but_o have_v have_v rare_a experience_n of_o god_n providence_n either_o in_o the_o place_n of_o thy_o dwell_n that_o god_n shall_v pitch_v thy_o dwell_n under_o such_o a_o minister_n or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o thy_o marriage_n or_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n at_o such_o a_o time_n under_o such_o a_o sickness_n it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o raise_v thou_o up_o a_o friend_n in_o help_v thou_o at_o such_o a_o time_n for_o want_v of_o meditation_n we_o lose_v all_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o passage_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o god_n lose_v all_o his_o glory_n 5._o you_o must_v meditate_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n of_o national_a mercy_n family_n mercy_n personal_a mercy_n mercy_n to_o thy_o soul_n mercy_n to_o thy_o body_n prevent_v mercy_n follow_v mercy_n what_o a_o catalogue_n will_v here_o be_v if_o you_o will_v keep_v a_o daily_a account_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o six_o thing_n be_v to_o lay_v down_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o better_a practise_v of_o this_o most_o excellent_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o divine_a meditation_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o he_o will_v confess_v it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a duty_n to_o dwell_v upon_o the_o thought_n of_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n divine_a meditation_n be_v a_o up-hill_n duty_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o difficult_a be_v because_o it_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 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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
soldier_n general_n and_o captains_z 5_o 4._o learned_a men._n ib._n 5._o woman_n ib._n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o meditation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n 1._o sudden_a short_a occasional_a 6_o 2._o solemn_z set_z deliberate_a ibid._n 1._o of_o occasional_a meditation_n three_o thing_n viz._n the_o excellency_n example_n and_o practise_v ibid._n 1._o the_o excellency_n of_o occasional_a extemporary_a sudden_a and_o ejaculatory_a meditation_n from_o scripture_n and_o humane_a testimony_n 7_o 8_o 2._o the_o example_n from_o scripture_n and_o humane_a testimony_n 9_o 3._o motive_n to_o persuade_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o viz._n 13_o 1._o it_o may_v be_v perform_v at_o all_o time_n ibid._n 2._o practise_a in_o all_o place_n and_o company_n 14_o 3_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o spiritualise_v one_o ibid._n 4._o it_o be_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_n to_o spiritualise_v natural_a thing_n herein_o exceed_v a_o bruit_n 15_o all_o wicked_a man_n ibid._n 5._o it_o be_v the_o great_a affront_n we_o can_v give_v to_o god_n not_o to_o make_v a_o spiritual_a use_n of_o his_o creature_n 17_o 6._o it_o be_v a_o soul-destroying_a sin_n not_o to_o observe_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o 18_o ii_o of_o solemn_a meditation_n the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n 22_o 1._o the_o nature_n of_o solemn_a meditation_n in_o two_o particular_n 23_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o dwelling_n and_o abide_n upon_o thing_n that_o be_v holy_a be_v typify_v two_o way_n by_o the_o beast_n that_o do_v chew_v the_o cud_n 24_o that_o have_v eye_n within_o and_o without_o 25_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o the_o head_n ib._n it_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o door_n of_o the_o understanding_n heart_n and_o conversation_n 28_o 2._o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o evince_v from_o the_o mischief_n of_o neglect_v this_o duty_n 29_o advantage_n of_o practise_v this_o duty_n 29_o 1._o the_o mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o neglect_v this_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n and_o punishment_n 30_o 1._o the_o want_n of_o practise_v this_o duty_n cause_v sin_n as_o particular_o ibid._n 1._o it_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o hardheartedness_n ibid._n 2._o unprofitableness_n of_o hear_v sermon_n 31_o 3._o not_o relish_v of_o sweet_a promise_n 33_o 4._o no_o impression_n from_o threaten_n 34_o 5._o no_o better_n by_o mercy_n ibid._n 6._o no_o amend_v by_o affliction_n 36_o 7._o no_o heart_n soften_a by_o providence_n ib._n 8._o reason_n of_o distrustfulness_n of_o god_n providence_n 37_o 9_o censoriousness_n of_o other_o not_o of_o ourselves_o ibid._n 10._o offer_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n in_o worship_n 38_o 2._o the_o want_n of_o practise_v this_o duty_n cause_v punishment_n 40_o 2._o the_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n by_o a_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o beget_v and_o increase_v of_o grace_n and_o arm_v against_o temptation_n 42_o 1._o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a help_n to_o the_o beget_n and_o work_v of_o grace_n in_o 9_o particular_n ibid._n 1._o to_o work_v repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o life_n 43._o to_o 55._o 2._o a_o love_n to_o god_n 43._o to_o 55._o 3._o a_o fear_n of_o god_n 43._o to_o 55._o 4._o a_o love_n to_o jesus_n christ._n 43._o to_o 55._o 5._o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n 43._o to_o 55._o 1._o in_o his_o providence_n in_o all_o outward_a straits_n 2._o promise_n in_o all_o spiritual_a trouble_n 6._o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n and_o worldly_a thing_n 43._o to_o 55._o 7._o thankfulness_n for_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n 43._o to_o 55._o 8._o a_o preference_n of_o god_n house_n to_o our_o own_o 43._o to_o 55._o 9_o a_o keep_v of_o all_o god_n commandment_n 43._o to_o 55._o 2._o it_o be_v helpful_a to_o preserve_v and_o increase_v grace_n 55_o 3._o it_o be_v helpful_a to_o arm_v and_o defend_v against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n 56_o the_o application_n of_o this_o doctrine_n concern_v this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o meditation_n may_v be_v for_o 1._o the_o reproof_n of_o those_o christian_n that_o be_v utter_o unaccustomed_a to_o and_o unacquainted_a with_o this_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v of_o four_o sort_n viz._n 1._o the_o ignorant_a christian_a that_o know_v not_o how_o to_o set_v about_o the_o work_n 58._o 2._o forgetful_a christian_a that_o remember_v not_o god_fw-we 61_o 3._o rash-headed_n christian_n that_o act_n without_o consideration_n where_o be_v four_o evil_n viz._n 63_o 1._o such_o be_v a_o spiritual_a fool_n in_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o god_n 64_o 2_o often_o speak_v that_o he_o will_v wish_v he_o have_v not_o 65_o 3._o quick_o run_v into_o error_n and_o by-path_n 66_o 4_o will_v never_o persevere_v and_o hold_v out_o to_o the_o end_n 67_o 4._o a_o slight-headed_n christian_n that_o can_v dwell_v long_o upon_o any_o thing_n which_o argue_v a_o slight_a christian._n 68_o q._n be_v then_o all_o who_o have_v slight_a head_n hypocrite_n ibid._n a._n there_o be_v a_o double_a slightness_n of_o head_n viz._n 69_o 1._o that_o which_o be_v a_o natural_a disease_n when_o a_o child_n of_o god_n of_o a_o weak_a head_n can_v think_v long_o of_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o ibid._n 2._o that_o which_o be_v sinful_a when_o a_o man_n can_v be_v serious_a and_o dwell_v long_o upon_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n not_o on_o the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n this_o be_v reprove_v ibid._n 2._o the_o reproof_n of_o those_o who_o meditate_v upon_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o wicked_a 70_o 1._o such_o as_o design_n and_o do_v evil_a 2._o such_o as_o delight_v in_o the_o evil_n they_o have_v do_v 71_o 3._o a_o exhortation_n to_o all_o to_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n viz._n to_o 1._o minister_n 2._o noble_n 3._o soldier_n 4._o young_a gentleman_n 5._o merchant_n 6._o woman_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o exhortation_n six_o particular_n propose_v viz._n 1._o place_n 2._o time_n 3._o property_n 4._o companion_n 5._o material_n 6._o help_n 72_o 73_o 74_o 1._o concern_v the_o place_n to_o choose_v one_o convenient_a which_o be_v free_a from_o distraction_n 76_o 2._o time_n which_o prove_v seasonable_a in_o due_a circumstance_n here_o four_o rule_n be_v suggest_v 81_o 1._o it_o behoove_v all_o not_o hinder_v to_o endeavour_v the_o set_n apart_o of_o some_o time_n every_o day_n morning_n afternoon_n or_o night_n 82_o 2._o to_o set_v a_o sufficient_a proportion_n of_o time_n apart_o every_o day_n 84_o 3._o the_o sabbath-day_n especial_o all_o shall_v busy_v themselves_o in_o this_o duty_n 86_o 4._o a_o sacrament-day_n more_o especial_o 87_o here_o 12_o thing_n suggest_v as_o instance_n of_o sacramental_a meditation_n viz._n 88_o 1._o the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a love_n of_o god_n the_o father_n in_o the_o give_n of_o christ._n ibid._n 2._o love_n of_o christ_n in_o give_v himself_o 89_o 3._o heinousness_n of_o sin_n 90_o 4._o excellency_n of_o the_o sacramental_a feast_n ibid._n 5._o our_o own_o unworthiness_n 91_o 6._o our_o spiritual_a want_n and_o necessity_n ibid._n 7._o the_o curse_a condition_n of_o a_o unworthy_a receiver_n ib._n 8._o the_o happy_a condition_n of_o those_o that_o come_v worthy_o 92_o 9_o the_o sacramental_a element_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n ib._n 10._o the_o sacramental_a action_n 93_o 11._o sacramental_a promise_n ib._n 12._o what_o retribution_n to_o make_v to_o christ._n 94_o 3._o property_n ingredient_n and_o quality_n of_o meditation_n viz._n 1._o divine_a meditation_n must_v be_v often_o because_o 96_o 1._o we_o shall_v know_v more_o of_o the_o best_a thing_n 97_o 2._o have_v more_o near_o and_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o they_o 99_o 3._o heavenly_a duty_n will_v become_v more_o easy_a to_o we_o 2._o it_o must_v be_v solemn_a and_o serious_a not_o only_o formal_a 101_o 102_o 3._o not_o only_o notional_a and_o speculative_a but_o practical_a and_o reflective_a it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o understanding_n heart_n and_o affection_n yea_o and_o the_o conversation_n 105_o 4._o it_o must_v be_v particular_a and_o applicative_a 108_o 5._o it_o must_v be_v calm_a and_o quiet_a 110_o 6._o it_o must_v be_v persevere_v 112_o there_o be_v four_o argument_n to_o persevere_v viz._n from_o the_o 1._o necessity_n 2._o excellency_n of_o it_o 113_o 3._o mischief_n by_o not_o practise_v of_o it_o ibid._n 4._o easiness_n attainable_a by_o persevere_v in_o it_o 116_o 4._o companion_n of_o meditation_n which_o be_v two_o 117_o 1._o pray_v must_v be_v join_v with_o meditation_n ibid._n 2._o reading_n will_v do_v well_o to_o accompany_v in_o weak_a christian_n with_o two_o caution_n viz._n 118_o 1._o not_o to_o read_v much_o lest_o it_o hinder_v 120_o 2._o not_o to_o read_v at_o the_o sacrament_n ibid._n 5._o material_n of_o meditation_n 121_o the_o four_o last_o thing_n death_n judgement_n heaven_n hell_n 1._o death_n 1._o the_o certainty_n 2._o
field_n at_o eventide_n introduction_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a unto_o you_o i_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n require_v by_o god_n of_o all_o those_o that_o will_v receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o sacrament_n the_o one_o be_v preparation_n before_o they_o come_v and_o the_o other_o be_v meditation_n when_o they_o be_v come_v i_o have_v make_v many_o and_o many_o a_o sermon_n of_o preparation_n but_o i_o have_v make_v very_o few_o of_o meditation_n now_o the_o sacrament_n be_v a_o meditate_a ordinance_n as_o i_o may_v so_o express_v myself_o it_o be_v a_o ordinance_n for_o meditation_n and_o the_o great_a work_n that_o we_o have_v to_o do_v at_o the_o sacrament_n be_v to_o meditate_v upon_o christ_n crucify_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o make_v you_o a_o few_o sermon_n concern_v this_o rare_a and_o excellent_a doctrine_n of_o meditation_n and_o for_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v choose_v this_o text_n wherein_o we_o have_v four_o particular_n 1._o we_o have_v the_o person_n that_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o be_v isaac_n the_o godly_a child_n of_o godly_a abraham_n 2._o what_o be_v here_o relate_v of_o this_o person_n he_o go_v out_o to_o meditate_v 3._o the_o place_n that_o he_o choose_v for_o his_o meditation_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o field_n he_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v 4._o the_o time_n that_o he_o choose_v to_o meditate_v in_o and_o that_o be_v the_o evening_n and_o isaac_n go_v out_o to_o meditate_v in_o the_o field_n at_o the_o eventide_n the_o great_a question_n for_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o text_n will_v be_v what_o the_o subject_n of_o isaac_n meditation_n be_v what_o do_v isaac_n go_v out_o to_o meditate_v upon_o now_o for_o this_o you_o must_v know_v there_o be_v a_o double_a meditation_n there_o be_v a_o meditation_n that_o be_v sinful_a and_o wicked_a and_o there_o be_v a_o meditation_n that_o be_v holy_a and_o godly_a 1._o there_o be_v a_o meditation_n that_o be_v sinful_a and_o wicked_a and_o that_o be_v when_o we_o meditate_v upon_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a of_o this_o you_o shall_v read_v psal._n 36._o 4._o he_o devise_v mischief_n upon_o his_o bed_n and_o psal._n 7._o 14._o behold_v he_o travel_v with_o iniquity_n and_o have_v conceive_v mischief_n there_o be_v wicked_a meditation_n as_o well_o as_o wicked_a conversation_n and_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o hell_n for_o plot_v wicked_a thing_n as_o well_o as_o for_o practise_v wicked_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v prov._n 12._o 2._o a_o man_n of_o wicked_a device_n will_v god_n condemn_v not_o only_o a_o man_n of_o wicked_a practice_n but_o a_o man_n of_o wicked_a device_n will_v he_o condemn_v there_o be_v a_o contemplative_a wickedness_n as_o well_o as_o a_o actual_a wickedness_n and_o a_o man_n may_v go_v to_o hell_n for_o contemplative_a wickedness_n as_o for_o example_n there_o be_v a_o contemplative_a murder_n when_o a_o man_n do_v delight_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o murder_a his_o brother_n when_o the_o thought_n of_o revenge_n be_v please_v and_o there_o be_v a_o contemplative_a adultery_n when_o a_o man_n do_v plot_n how_o to_o commit_v adultery_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o adultery_n now_o isaac_n meditation_n certain_o be_v not_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a he_o do_v not_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v upon_o vile_a and_o wicked_a thing_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o meditation_n that_o be_v holy_a and_o godly_a and_o that_o be_v when_o we_o meditate_v upon_o thing_n that_o be_v holy_a and_o heavenly_a and_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o meditation_n of_o isaac_n he_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v on_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o blessing_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o heavenly_a canaan_n and_o upon_o his_o sin_n and_o this_o appear_v because_o the_o hebrew_n word_n that_o be_v here_o use_v for_o meditation_n that_o be_v here_o translate_a meditation_n do_v also_o signify_v to_o pray_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v in_o your_o margin_n and_o isaac_n go_v out_o to_o pray_v at_o eventide_n it_o be_v a_o religious_a work_n that_o isaac_n go_v out_o about_o and_o you_o must_v know_v that_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n be_v very_o well_o join_v together_o meditation_n be_v a_o preparation_n to_o prayer_n and_o prayer_n be_v a_o fit_a close_a for_o meditation_n and_o isaac_n go_v out_o to_o meditate_v to_o pray_v and_o to_o meditate_v and_o to_o meditate_v and_o pray_v this_o meditation_n be_v a_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a act_n of_o isaac_n so_o then_o the_o observation_n i_o shall_v gather_v be_v this_o obseru._n that_o the_o meditation_n of_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v a_o work_n that_o god_n require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o people_n that_o god_n that_o require_v you_o to_o pray_v require_v you_o to_o meditate_v as_o well_o as_o pray_v there_o be_v few_o christian_n believe_v this_o doctrine_n that_o god_n that_o require_v you_o to_o hear_v sermon_n require_v you_o to_o meditate_v on_o the_o sermon_n you_o hear_v 1._o god_n require_v this_o of_o you_o that_o be_v young_a gentleman_n and_o therefore_o here_o you_o read_v of_o isaac_n that_o he_o go_v out_o to_o meditate_v now_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o isaac_n at_o this_o time_n be_v forty_o year_n old_a yet_o in_o those_o day_n to_o be_v of_o forty_o year_n be_v to_o be_v but_o a_o young_a man_n for_o isaac_n live_v a_o hundred_o and_o fourscore_o year_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o notable_a pattern_n for_o young_a gentleman_n to_o employ_v their_o time_n in_o godly_a and_o holy_a meditation_n 2._o this_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v of_o king_n of_o noble_n and_o of_o great_a person_n and_o therefore_o david_n though_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o work_n and_o business_n yet_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o psal._n 119._o 15._o i_o will_v meditate_v in_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 v_o 48._o i_o will_v meditate_v in_o thy_o statute_n 3._o this_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o soldier_n and_o general_n and_o captain_n josh._n 1._o 8._o there_o god_n speak_v unto_o joshua_n this_o book_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v not_o depart_v out_o of_o thy_o mouth_n but_o thou_o shall_v meditate_v therein_o day_n and_o night_n that_o thou_o may_v observe_v to_o do_v according_a to_o all_o that_o be_v write_v therein_o for_o than_o thou_o shall_v make_v thy_o way_n prosperous_a and_o then_o thou_o shall_v have_v good_a success_n 4._o it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v of_o all_o learned_a man_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v scholar_n 1_o tim._n 4._o 15._o give_v attendance_n to_o read_v and_o exhortation_n and_o meditate_v upon_o these_o thing_n give_v thyself_o whole_o unto_o they_o 5._o this_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v of_o woman_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o mary_n luk._n 2._o 19_o she_o keep_v all_o these_o say_n and_o ponder_v they_o in_o her_o heart_n v_o 51._o but_o his_o mother_n keep_v all_o these_o say_n in_o her_o heart_n that_o be_v she_o meditate_a upon_o they_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v of_o all_o that_o look_v for_o blessedness_n psal._n 1._o 1._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a 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 now_o you_o must_v know_v there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o divine_a meditation_n there_o be_v a_o sudden_a short_a occasional_a meditation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o there_o be_v a_o solemn_a set_v deliberate_a meditation_n i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o speak_v something_o concern_v the_o first_o sort_n of_o 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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
know_v thy_o interest_n in_o they_o thou_o will_v often_o think_v of_o they_o or_o if_o thou_o do_v love_v they_o thou_o will_v often_o think_v of_o they_o or_o if_o thou_o have_v a_o heavenly_a heart_n thou_o will_v often_o think_v of_o they_o oh_o therefore_o go_v to_o christ_n and_o whatsoever_o you_o ask_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n it_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o you_o 2._o i_o be_o to_o set_v down_o rule_n for_o the_o right_n order_v the_o material_n the_o subject_n that_o we_o be_v to_o meditate_v upon_o and_o here_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o in_o these_o four_o rule_n i._o be_v sure_a that_o in_o the_o beginning_n till_o you_o come_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o duty_n you_o pick_v out_o easy_a subject_n to_o meditate_v upon_o there_o be_v some_o subject_n that_o be_v very_o abstruse_a and_o sublime_a and_o difficult_a it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o a_o weak_a christian_a to_o spend_v a_o hour_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o ineffable_a and_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n or_o in_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o hypostatical_a union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n of_o christ_n in_o one_o person_n or_o in_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o mystical_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o a_o christian._n and_o therefore_o my_o advice_n be_v that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o rare_a duty_n you_o will_v pick_v out_o easy_a subject_n to_o meditate_v upon_o as_o for_o example_n i_o shall_v think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o spend_v a_o hour_n in_o meditate_v upon_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n to_o meditate_v of_o god_n omnipotence_n and_o god_n omniscience_n and_o god_n omnipresence_n and_o the_o all-sufficiency_n of_o god_n the_o everlastingness_n of_o god_n the_o eternity_n of_o god_n the_o perfection_n that_o be_v in_o god_n and_o so_o to_o meditate_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o god_n the_o work_n of_o creation_n to_o meditate_v what_o god_n make_v the_o first_o second_o three_o four_o five_o six_o day_n to_o meditate_v on_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o create_v the_o great_a fabric_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o to_o meditate_v of_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n to_o meditate_v of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ._n i_o shall_v conceive_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n especial_o to_o you_o that_o love_n christ_n to_o spend_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n in_o meditation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v christ_n to_o become_v man_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n the_o misery_n of_o love_n the_o miracle_n of_o love_n in_o god_n become_v man_n and_o to_o meditate_v of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n what_o christ_n suffer_v in_o the_o garden_n when_o he_o sweat_v drop_n of_o blood_n and_o what_o he_o suffer_v upon_o the_o cross_n when_o he_o cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n that_o die_v for_o we_o and_o of_o the_o person_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v for_o we_o when_o we_o be_v sinner_n and_o of_o the_o patience_n and_o humility_n of_o christ_n whilst_o he_o be_v die_v for_o we_o and_o to_o meditate_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o office_n of_o christ_n the_o kingly_a priestly_a and_o prophetical_a office_n and_o to_o meditate_v of_o our_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o how_o we_o shall_v do_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o christ._n i_o conceive_v there_o be_v few_o that_o true_o fear_v god_n that_o be_v so_o little_o furnish_v with_o spiritual_a knowledge_n but_o be_v able_a to_o spend_v a_o hour_n in_o meditate_v upon_o these_o thing_n i_o may_v add_v another_o meditation_n and_o that_o be_v the_o meditation_n of_o heaven_n who_o be_v there_o that_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o heaven_n in_o he_o that_o can_v spend_v a_o hour_n in_o meditate_v 1._o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n in_o general_n it_o be_v a_o place_n where_o we_o shall_v have_v such_o joy_n that_o eye_n never_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v it_o be_v a_o place_n where_o we_o shall_v be_v crown_v with_o three_o crown_n a_o crown_n of_o life_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n it_o be_v a_o inheritance_n that_o have_v three_o property_n which_o any_o understanding_n christian_n may_v spend_v many_o year_n in_o think_v of_o a_o inheritance_n immortal_a undefiled_a and_o that_o never_o fade_v away_o 2._o to_o meditate_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n in_o particular_a as_o for_o example_n who_o be_v there_o of_o such_o a_o low_a form_n of_o grace_n that_o can_v spend_v time_n to_o meditate_v of_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n what_o a_o happiness_n it_o will_v be_v in_o heaven_n to_o see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n for_o god_n be_v a_o universal_a good_a all_o good_a be_v in_o god_n god_n be_v all_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o be_v admit_v to_o see_v god_n see_v all_o happiness_n in_o god_n and_o then_o to_o meditate_v of_o the_o sight_n of_o christ_n what_o a_o rare_a thing_n will_v it_o be_v for_o a_o poor_a soul_n to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n with_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o behold_v his_o face_n to_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n christ_n and_o then_o to_o meditate_v of_o the_o company_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v in_o heaven_n to_o be_v present_a with_o angel_n and_o archangel_n with_o all_o the_o patriarch_n and_o with_o all_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o then_o to_o meditate_v of_o the_o place_n itself_o heaven_n be_v the_o paradise_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o first_o building_n the_o high_a building_n the_o large_a building_n the_o best_a building_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o god_n and_o then_o to_o meditate_v of_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o those_o joy_n who_o can_v spend_v a_o little_a time_n in_o meditate_v of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n not_o only_o the_o perfection_n but_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o they_o and_o then_o to_o meditate_v of_o thy_o interest_n in_o these_o joy_n whether_o thou_o be_v a_o person_n qualify_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n and_o then_o to_o meditate_v how_o thou_o may_v do_v to_o get_v to_o be_v qualify_v to_o go_v to_o that_o holy_a place_n in_o which_o no_o unclean_a person_n shall_v ever_o enter_v that_o be_v the_o first_o rule_n 2._o i_o will_v have_v you_o use_v variety_n in_o your_o meditation_n i_o will_v not_o have_v you_o always_o dwell_v upon_o one_o subject_n the_o strong_a stomach_n will_v loathe_v to_o eat_v always_o of_o one_o dish_n and_o therefore_o i_o give_v you_o in_o several_a particular_n to_o meditate_v upon_o i_o give_v you_o a_o large_a field_n to_o walk_v in_o and_o i_o do_v this_o the_o rather_o that_o so_o you_o may_v have_v matter_n enough_o you_o may_v not_o be_v draw_v dry_a for_o want_n of_o subject_n that_o you_o may_v sometime_o pick_v one_o flower_n and_o then_o another_o flower_n and_o then_o another_o flower_n variety_n will_v much_o delight_v a_o christian._n and_o true_o i_o will_v fain_o have_v this_o duty_n not_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o any_o but_o a_o delight_n to_o all_o sometime_o i_o will_v have_v you_o meditate_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o sometime_o of_o death_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o death_n and_o how_o to_o be_v fit_a for_o death_n sometime_o i_o will_v have_v you_o meditate_v of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n sometime_o of_o hell_n sometime_o of_o heaven_n sometime_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n sometime_o of_o the_o love_n of_o christ._n so_o i_o will_v have_v you_o walk_v in_o the_o garden_n of_o divine_a meditation_n from_o flower_n to_o flower_n that_o you_o may_v take_v the_o more_o delight_n and_o content_v in_o it_o the_o three_o rule_n be_v this_o be_v sure_a to_o pick_v out_o such_o subject_n to_o meditate_v upon_o especial_o which_o do_v most_o of_o all_o work_n compunction_n in_o the_o heart_n that_o do_v most_o of_o all_o stir_v up_o holiness_n and_o provoke_v you_o to_o godliness_n and_o piety_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o meditation_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o meditation_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v a_o meditation_n if_o the_o lord_n bless_v it_o that_o will_v mighty_o provoke_v you_o to_o holiness_n and_o to_o piety_n and_o to_o thankfulness_n so_o the_o meditation_n of_o death_n be_v a_o sin-mortifying_a meditation_n and_o so_o the_o meditation_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n these_o be_v soul-sanctifying_a meditation_n so_o likewise_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_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
i_o can_v mourn_v that_o i_o have_v not_o power_n i_o can_v do_v nothing_o without_o power_n derive_v from_o jesus_n christ._n 5._o i_o will_v go_v to_o supplication_n after_o confession_n and_o i_o will_v petition_v to_o god_n for_o strength_n and_o i_o will_v say_v oh_o lord_n thou_o that_o have_v promise_v to_o take_v away_o my_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v i_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n have_v thou_o not_o promise_v to_o work_v all_o my_o work_n in_o i_o and_o for_o i_o have_v thou_o not_o promise_v to_o subdue_v my_o iniquity_n micah_n 7._o 19_o haste_n thou_o not_o promise_v that_o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o i_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n rom._n 6._o now_o lord_n thou_o have_v promise_v these_o thing_n i_o beseech_v thou_o perform_v these_o promise_n thou_o god_n of_o truth_n make_v good_a thy_o word_n take_v away_o my_o heart_n of_o stone_n and_o give_v i_o to_o mourn_v for_o my_o great_a abomination_n and_o work_v this_o work_n in_o i_o and_o for_o i_o and_o subdue_v my_o iniquity_n and_o let_v not_o sin_n have_v dominion_n over_o i_o rather_o give_v i_o over_o to_o the_o dominion_n of_o man_n though_o i_o will_v not_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o man_n yet_o i_o have_v rather_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n yea_o a_o slave_n to_o the_o turk_n than_o a_o slave_n to_o the_o devil_n rather_o be_v a_o galleyslave_n than_o a_o devils-slave_n of_o all_o slavery_n lord_n deliver_v i_o from_o soul-slavery_n and_o thus_o i_o will_v supplicate_v and_o petition_v and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v all_o this_o 6._o i_o will_v encourage_v myself_o by_o faith_n in_o a_o confident_a hope_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v my_o prayer_n and_o give_v i_o strength_n against_o my_o corruption_n and_o supply_v i_o with_o help_n in_o all_o my_o necessity_n and_o i_o will_v say_v thus_o oh_o lord_n thou_o have_v promise_v that_o whatsoever_o i_o ask_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v grant_v unto_o i_o bless_a god_n i_o ask_v this_o day_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o power_n against_o sin_n and_o a_o break_a heart_n for_o sin_n and_o from_o sin_n i_o ask_v repentance_n unto_o salvation_n thou_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v it_o i_o believe_v thou_o will_v give_v it_o i_o believe_v lord_n help_v my_o unbelief_n and_o then_o i_o will_v say_v to_o my_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v oh_o my_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o why_o be_v thou_o trouble_v still_o trust_v in_o god_n depend_v upon_o god_n he_o be_v my_o help_n he_o be_v my_o joy_n in_o he_o will_v i_o put_v my_o trust_n thus_o i_o have_v go_v over_o these_o six_o head_n i_o have_v give_v you_o one_o instance_n now_o i_o will_v have_v you_o know_v whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v of_o sin_n i_o can_v go_v over_o of_o any_o subject_n whatsoever_o suppose_v i_o will_v meditate_v of_o heaven_n after_o i_o have_v meditate_a of_o the_o joy_n and_o excellency_n of_o heaven_n and_o all_o those_o particular_n in_o the_o intellectual_a part_n then_o to_o work_v upon_o my_o affection_n i_o will_v labour_v to_o get_v my_o heart_n affect_v with_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o then_o i_o will_v complain_v that_o i_o be_o no_o more_o affect_v with_o those_o joy_n and_o with_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n and_o the_o rare_a company_n that_o i_o shall_v there_o enjoy_v and_o then_o i_o will_v passionate_o wish_v oh_o that_o my_o heart_n be_v more_o heavenly_a oh_o that_o i_o can_v taste_v more_o of_o those_o everlasting_a joy_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v down_o and_o heavenlize_v i_o and_o then_o i_o will_v confess_v my_o inability_n of_o myself_o and_o i_o will_v supplicate_v for_o help_v and_o i_o will_v confident_o believe_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v send_v down_o heaven_n into_o my_o heart_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o it_o before_o i_o come_v thither_o that_o which_o i_o say_v of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o sin_n you_o may_v make_v use_n of_o in_o all_o other_o subject_n that_o you_o meditate_v upon_o so_o much_o for_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o better_a help_v you_o to_o proceed_v and_o go_v on_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n 3._o now_o there_o remain_v only_o some_o rule_n for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o when_o thou_o have_v begin_v and_o enter_v upon_o this_o duty_n and_o make_v a_o progress_n in_o it_o when_o thou_o come_v to_o make_v a_o conclusion_n shut_v up_o thy_o meditation_n of_o divine_a thing_n with_o thankfulness_n with_o resolution_n and_o with_o recommendation_n of_o thy_o soul_n to_o god_n 1._o i_o say_v conclude_v with_o thankfulness_n lift_v up_o thy_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o bless_v his_o name_n that_o have_v enlarge_v thy_o soul_n and_o enable_v thou_o to_o spend_v a_o hour_n in_o meditation_n of_o holy_a thing_n especial_o if_o you_o find_v your_o heart_n affect_v with_o what_o you_o meditate_v upon_o if_o you_o have_v get_v from_o the_o intellectual_a part_n into_o the_o affectionative_n if_o you_o have_v get_v your_o soul_n raise_v up_o as_o for_o example_n if_o you_o have_v be_v meditate_v of_o heaven_n and_o you_o find_v a_o heavenly_a frame_n wrought_v in_o you_o you_o find_v a_o desire_n to_o be_v with_o the_o lord_n and_o you_o find_v some_o assurance_n that_o your_o name_n be_v write_v there_o and_o some_o manifestation_n of_o god_n to_o your_o soul_n oh_o then_o close_o up_o all_o with_o a_o haleluia_o bless_a be_v the_o lord_n for_o the_o assistance_n of_o this_o hour_n so_o likewise_o have_v you_o be_v meditate_v of_o sin_n and_o find_v at_o the_o conclusion_n that_o thy_o heart_n be_v somewhat_o soft_a and_o do_v begin_v to_o mourn_v for_o thy_o sin_n and_o thou_o be_v trouble_v that_o thou_o have_v offend_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v in_o thou_o some_o confidence_n some_o spiritual_a assurance_n that_o thy_o sin_n shall_v be_v mortify_v and_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v keep_v thou_o that_o thy_o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o thou_o then_o conclude_v with_o a_o haleluia_o lift_v up_o thy_o heart_n and_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o assistance_n i_o may_v likewise_o add_v when_o thou_o have_v be_v meditate_v on_o the_o promise_n or_o of_o death_n whatsoever_o the_o subject_a thou_o be_v meditate_v upon_o be_v if_o the_o lord_n have_v wrought_v thou_o to_o have_v a_o heart_n above_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n by_o meditate_v of_o death_n and_o thou_o have_v learned_a to_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o die_v oh_o bless_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o assistance_n 2._o i_o will_v have_v you_o close_o with_o a_o resolution_n of_o heart_n to_o spend_v thy_o life_n as_o become_v one_o that_o have_v be_v meditate_v of_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n as_o for_o example_n i_o have_v be_v meditate_v of_o the_o promise_n i_o will_v shut_v up_o my_o meditation_n with_o resolution_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o live_v more_o upon_o the_o promise_n than_o ever_o i_o have_v do_v i_o have_v live_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o creature_n but_o now_o i_o will_v live_v more_o upon_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n i_o will_v close_v up_o with_o a_o resolution_n by_o the_o power_n of_o my_o god_n to_o study_v my_o interest_n in_o the_o promise_v more_o and_o suck_v out_o the_o sweetness_n of_o they_o more_o and_o to_o be_v more_o acquaint_v with_o the_o freeness_n and_o the_o fullness_n and_o riches_n and_o preciousness_n of_o they_o and_o so_o will_v you_o meditate_v of_o heaven_n i_o will_v conclude_v with_o a_o resolution_n that_o i_o will_v labour_v to_o live_v more_o heavenly_a and_o walk_v as_o become_v one_o that_o look_v to_o live_v with_o christ_n for_o ever_o in_o heaven_n you_o must_v know_v these_o spiritual_a resolution_n be_v spiritualia_fw-la vincula_fw-la obedientiae_fw-la they_o be_v spiritual_a bond_n to_o tie_v the_o soul_n fast_o to_o god_n as_o the_o beast_n be_v tie_v to_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o altar_n in_o the_o old_a law_n that_o be_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v so_o these_o bless_a vow_n and_o resolution_n be_v heavenly_a cord_n to_o tie_v the_o soul_n fast_o to_o god_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n every_o why_o sacrament_n we_o renew_v our_o vow_n and_o resolution_n as_o god_n renew_v his_o engagement_n to_o we_o so_o do_v we_o renew_v our_o engagement_n to_o god_n every_o sacrament_n now_o i_o will_v have_v you_o close_o up_o your_o meditation_n by_o bind_v your_o soul_n fast_o to_o god_n in_o a_o holy_a resolution_n divine_a resolution_n be_v the_o spiritual_a hedge_n of_o the_o soul_n say_v one_o to_o keep_v the_o soul_n from_o break_v out_o into_o ungodly_a course_n 3._o shut_v up_o all_o with_o a_o short_a commendation_n of_o thyself_o thy_o body_n thy_o soul_n thy_o wife_n