Selected quad for the lemma: ground_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
ground_n	will_n	wisdom_n	work_v	45	3	6.7438	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A58047	Solitude improved by divine meditation, or, A treatise proving the duty and demonstrating the necessity, excellency, usefulness, natures, kinds and requisites of divine meditation first intended for a person of honour, and now published for general use by Nathanael Ranew.	Ranew, Nathanael, 1602?-1678.	1670 (1670)	Wing R248; ESTC R30539	209,120	405

thing_n without_o exception_n this_o purpose_n also_o must_v be_v often_o renew_v have_v its_o reiteration_n for_o corroboration_n there_o must_v be_v also_o derivative_a and_o subservient_fw-fr purpose_n particular_a purpose_n in_o reference_n to_o advance_v the_o main_a purpose_n and_o the_o soul_n chief_a end_n and_o intendment_n purpose_n for_o particular_a soul-concerns_a particular_a duty_n either_o respect_v mortification_n of_o particular_a corruption_n and_o particular_a self-denial_n or_o that_o respect_n particular_a grace_n and_o duty_n in_o the_o season_v require_v for_o they_o every_o particular_a duty_n and_o soul_n concern_v must_v have_v the_o hand_n of_o a_o peculiar_a purpose_n lend_v it_o to_o assist_v it_o right_o undertake_v as_o it_o must_v have_v the_o mind_n act_v in_o wisdom_n to_o direct_v it_o so_o it_o must_v have_v the_o will_v act_v in_o purpose_n deliberate_a purpose_n to_o effect_v or_o endeavour_v it_o grace_n in_o the_o will_n must_v work_v it_o into_o a_o due_a purpose_v for_o the_o particular_a occasion_n of_o every_o particular_a incumbent_a duty_n purpose_v of_o heart_n to_o ground_n performance_n the_o scripture_n give_v frequent_a instance_n of_o both_o general_a and_o particular_a purpose_n this_o way_n practise_v first_o of_o the_o general_a and_o grand_a purpose_n thus_o david_n very_o often_o in_o the_o psalm_n declare_v so_o psal_n 119.8_o i_o will_v keep_v thy_o statute_n there_o be_v a_o general_a purpose_n superad_v to_o the_o first_o purpose_n that_o he_o do_v when_o he_o first_o give_v up_o his_o heart_n in_o conversion_n to_o his_o god_n thus_o in_o the_o 69._o verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n i_o will_v keep_v thy_o precept_n with_o my_o whole_a heart_n there_o be_v another_o general_a purpose_n and_o psal_n 116.9_o i_o will_v walk_v before_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o live_n there_o be_v another_o of_o his_o add_v general_a purpose_n for_o serve_v god_n psal_n 119.57_o thou_o be_v my_o portion_n o_o lord_n i_o have_v say_v i_o will_v keep_v thy_o word_n there_o he_o tell_v you_o what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o time_n past_a he_o have_v say_v as_o in_o the_o former_a he_o say_v what_o he_o will_v do_v for_o the_o future_a so_o in_o the_o 106._o verse_n he_o tell_v you_o what_o a_o purpose_n he_o have_v take_v such_o as_o have_v a_o confirmation_n of_o a_o oath_n or_o as_o some_o express_a it_o have_v quasi_fw-la vim_o juramenti_fw-la as_o it_o be_v the_o strength_n or_o force_n of_o a_o oath_n yea_o here_o tell_v you_o what_o he_o do_v in_o time_n past_a and_o what_o he_o will_v do_v for_o the_o future_a i_o have_v swear_v there_o be_v the_o time_n past_a and_o will_v perform_v there_o be_v purpose_n for_o the_o future_a a_o recall_v of_o his_o old_a purpose_n and_o a_o renew_n of_o a_o fresh_a purpose_n to_o back_o the_o old_a so_o other_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v to_o accustom_v themselves_o frequent_o to_o strengthen_v the_o first_o general_a purpose_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o frequent_a follow_a purpose_n as_o jos_n 24._o so_o for_o particular_a purpose_n for_o particular_a come_v occasion_n we_o have_v frequent_a instance_n of_o holy_a man_n practice_n in_o reference_n to_o avoid_v sin_n psal_n 101.3_o i_o will_v set_v no_o evil_a thing_n before_o my_o eye_n in_o reference_n to_o take_v heed_n to_o our_o way_n and_o word_n psal_n 39.1_o i_o say_v i_o will_v take_v heed_n to_o my_o way_n that_o i_o sin_v not_o with_o my_o tongue_n in_o reference_n to_o trust_v on_o god_n in_o difficulty_n wait_v upon_o god_n worship_v god_n pray_v praise_v and_o all_o sort_n of_o duty_n and_o grace_n love_n joy_n hope_v courage_n constancy_n and_o the_o like_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n general_a and_o particular_a and_o the_o frequent_a use_n of_o they_o link_a purpose_n to_o purpose_n strong_a purpose_n be_v still_o necessary_a for_o every_o christian_a that_o will_v work_v out_o salvation_n yet_o all_o must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o christ_n else_o they_o will_v not_o hold_v but_o wear_v out_o and_o snap_v asunder_o now_o meditation_n be_v rare_o instrumental_a herein_o 1._o instrumental_a to_o make_v our_o purpose_n wise_a we_o must_v ponder_v and_o consider_v before_o we_o purpose_v rash_a purpose_n and_o more_o sudden_a without_o due_a bottome_v in_o a_o previous_a meditate_v will_v prove_v but_o miscarrying_n and_o abortion_n they_o be_v like_o foolish_a build_n on_o the_o sand_n they_o soon_o fail_v a_o purpose_n the_o more_o deliberate_a the_o more_o durable_a 2._o meditation_n help_v to_o make_v purpose_n strong_a and_o firm_a we_o have_v need_n of_o strong_a purpose_n for_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o eternal_a life_n we_o have_v strong_a opposition_n from_o corruption_n within_o and_o temptation_n without_o meditation_n help_v mighty_o to_o strengthen_v resolution_n 1._o by_o repair_v to_o your_o spiritual_a magazine_n and_o thence_o fetch_v forth_o strong_a spiritual_a argument_n to_o raise_v strong_a resolution_n and_o purpose_n argument_n out_o of_o the_o rich_a store_n of_o scripture_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o nature_n to_o relieve_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o will_n in_o purpose_v meditation_n act_v a_o divine_a reason_n dispute_v you_o into_o a_o purpose_v when_o it_o show_v you_o have_v so_o much_o for_o it_o and_o nothing_o at_o all_o against_o it_o 2._o meditation_n select_v and_o sharpen_v argument_n set_v home_n and_o improve_v they_o upon_o the_o conscience_n that_o you_o must_v yield_v must_v resolve_v and_o firm_o strong_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o none_o can_v be_v high_o o_o how_o many_o strong_a and_o unanswerable_a argument_n can_v meditation_n come_v furnish_v with_o to_o dispute_v against_o carnal_a unresolvedness_n to_o plead_v for_o your_o act_n strong_a resolution_n for_o any_o part_n of_o a_o enjoin_v duty_n what_o weight_n can_v it_o put_v into_o the_o balance_n to_o cast_v the_o scale_n for_o god_n and_o your_o soul_n interest_n i_o need_v not_o name_v the_o head_n of_o argument_n such_o as_o the_o indispensible_a necessity_n of_o the_o precept_n and_o mean_n the_o great_a sinfulness_n of_o unwillingness_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o thing_n with_o the_o sweetness_n comfort_n confidence_n and_o advantage_n attend_v it_o but_o this_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o excellency_n of_o a_o christian_a lie_v chief_o in_o his_o will_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o will_n be_v in_o the_o height_n of_o its_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n free_a purpose_n and_o choice_n firm_a resolution_n and_o determination_n for_o the_o work_n he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o do_v and_o the_o great_a assistant_n on_o our_o part_n of_o holy_a resolution_n be_v holy_a meditation_n apply_v fit_a reason_n to_o stir_v up_o resolution_n and_o instigate_a to_o all_o those_o way_n that_o breed_v and_o cherish_v it_o and_o this_o latter_a be_v another_o particular_a whereby_o meditation_n be_v a_o relief_n and_o fortifier_n of_o good_a resolution_n and_o purpose_n 2._o meditation_n i_o say_v be_v a_o great_a strengthener_n and_o stablisher_n of_o holy_a purpose_n both_o as_o it_o be_v a_o directive_n and_o instigative_n as_o teach_v we_o what_o be_v the_o way_n to_o help_v we_o in_o purpose_v and_o as_o instigate_a and_o provoke_v to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o mean_n that_o will_v water_v the_o plant_n of_o holy_a purpose_n make_v they_o root_v deep_a and_o shoot_v up_o high_a flourish_n and_o bear_v fruit_n if_o our_o purpose_n be_v weak_a if_o our_o heart_n in_o purposing_n be_v apt_a to_o slip_v out_o of_o joint_n no_o soon_o set_v but_o as_o soon_o slip_v or_o ready_a to_o dislocate_v and_o be_v out_o of_o joint_n what_o remedy_n then_o have_v we_o but_o consideration_n or_o fall_v to_o meditate_v to_o make_v a_o true_a inquiry_n first_o of_o the_o right_n and_o proportionate_a way_n of_o heal_v this_o will-malady_n this_o heart-infirmity_n 2._o and_o then_o meditation_n instigate_v to_o a_o due_a use_n of_o discover_v help_n of_o infirm_a and_o inconstant_a resolution_n draw_v you_o to_o and_o through_o the_o whole_a circle_n of_o mean_n provoke_v you_o to_o try_v every_o remedy_n to_o cure_v these_o abortive_a purpose_n it_o direct_v and_o lead_v you_o to_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o help_n to_o the_o promise_n that_o make_v over_o help_n to_o a_o christ_n and_o all_o his_o fullness_n of_o help_n to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o his_o apply_v effectual_o of_o help_n to_o stir_v up_o faith_n to_o act_v recumbency_n and_o resting_n on_o christ_n in_o the_o promise_n to_o stir_v up_o ourselves_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o for_o our_o fail_n in_o our_o purpose_n and_o to_o strive_v against_o they_o watch_v our_o heart_n slipperiness_n and_o to_o labour_v keep_v our_o resolution_n and_o purpose_n better_o in_o nature_n order_n do_v be_v upon_o resolve_v resolve_v upon_o consider_v so_o in_o grace_n perform_v be_v upon_o purpose_v purpose_v arise_v from_o

now_o can_v have_v i_o be_o now_o next_o to_o come_v to_o the_o cogency_n and_o strength_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v for_o the_o far_o evidence_n and_o support_v of_o this_o so_o important_a duty_n of_o holy_a meditation_n chap._n xxv_o of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o so_o necessary_a duty_n of_o meditation_n so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o duty_n must_v have_v its_o support_n of_o strong_a reason_n to_o conclude_v it_o and_o help_v to_o bear_v up_o the_o spirit_n better_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o divine_a and_o infinite_a wisdom_n must_v needs_o impose_v and_o require_v nothing_o without_o great_a and_o sufficient_a reason_n i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v to_o propose_v sundry_a of_o they_o in_o their_o clearness_n and_o strength_n as_o i_o can_v in_o this_o short_a intend_a piece_n the_o ground_n and_o far_a demonstration_n of_o this_o meditation_n i_o shall_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o head_n 1._o first_o from_o the_o natural_a order_n and_o dependency_n of_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o the_o several_a principle_n of_o grace_n give_v into_o those_o faculty_n to_o enable_v the_o soul_n right_o to_o exercise_v itself_o to_o godliness_n 2._o from_o the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o divine_a matter_n which_o must_v have_v their_o due_a and_o full_a minding_n 3._o from_o the_o use_n and_o several_a end_n of_o divine_a meditation_n 4._o from_o either_o the_o great_a accrue_a advantage_n or_o the_o prejudice_n upon_o the_o due_a performance_n or_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o this_o require_a meditation_n 1._o ground_n from_o the_o natural_a order_n and_o dependency_n of_o the_o soul_n faculty_n and_o the_o grace_n lay_v into_o these_o faculty_n for_o enable_v a_o christian_n right_o to_o exercise_v godliness_n god_n as_o he_o make_v man_n a_o excellent_a creature_n for_o excellent_a end_n and_o operation_n so_o he_o have_v make_v the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n to_o be_v the_o soul_n eye_n guide_n and_o director_n the_o first_o great_a wheel_n the_o first_o mover_n direct_v and_o set_v the_o other_o faculty_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n in_o go_v and_o do_v their_o several_a office_n and_o because_o man_n nature_n be_v corrupt_v and_o disable_v of_o itself_o alone_o to_o perform_v thing_n spiritual_a and_o holy_a in_o a_o due_a manner_n without_o a_o new_a heart_n a_o new_a mind_n will_n and_o affection_n all_o sanctify_a by_o new_a principle_n give_v in_o to_o they_o therefore_o he_o must_v have_v a_o new_a light_n and_o knowledge_n for_o his_o natural_a darkness_n ignorance_n and_o error_n a_o new_a wisdom_n for_o his_o natural_a folly_n a_o new_a power_n and_o goodness_n of_o will_n for_o the_o natural_a depravity_n a_o new_a stamp_n of_o order_n power_n and_o life_n in_o the_o affection_n and_o holiness_n in_o all_o the_o heart_n for_o the_o disorder_n and_o unruliness_n the_o order_n in_o both_o nature_n and_o grace_n be_v to_o act_v from_o the_o purpose_n intention_n and_o choice_n of_o the_o will_n and_o heat_n of_o affection_n but_o first_o the_o will_n act_n from_o the_o understanding_n that_o be_v the_o golden_a candlestick_n which_o hold_v the_o light_n and_o be_v the_o spring_n that_o bring_v all_o motion_n about_o that_o set_v all_o the_o wheel_n of_o the_o soul_n on_o go_v we_o first_o must_v see_v and_o have_v our_o guide_n before_o we_o choose_v affect_v or_o act_n the_o will_v as_o they_o say_v in_o philosophy_n be_v potentia_fw-la coeca_fw-la a_o blind_a faculty_n therefore_o the_o understanding_n must_v guide_v at_o first_o therefore_o it_o must_v first_o act_n by_o think_v see_v and_o show_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o all_o rational_a act_n think_v must_v be_v first_o and_o to_o come_v near_o to_o our_o purpose_n in_o all_o work_n of_o wisdom_n the_o understanding_n must_v act_v not_o hasty_o but_o with_o heed_n not_o with_o precipitation_n but_o ponder_v all_o heed_n and_o ponder_a require_v time_n for_o the_o mind_n bend_v itself_o to_o a_o thing_n search_v into_o it_o stay_v upon_o it_o by_o muse_v and_o meditate_v after_o due_a consideration_n come_v the_o conclusive_a dictate_v of_o the_o understanding_n that_o this_o or_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o before_o it_o be_v do_v the_o will_v first_o spontaneous_o choose_v it_o and_o then_o do_v follow_n upon_o determine_v now_o as_o thing_n do_v rational_o and_o right_o shall_v have_v not_o bare_a sudden_a transient_a thought_n but_o pondering_n by_o time_n take_v prov._n 4.26_o a_o fit_a proportion_n of_o time_n nothing_o of_o moment_n shall_v be_v do_v on_o a_o bare_a present_a apprehension_n unless_o it_o have_v former_o pass_v under_o the_o test_n of_o deliberation_n so_o wise_a person_n act_v still_o true_a it_o be_v we_o do_v many_o thing_n in_o haste_v and_o hurry_v but_o this_o be_v more_o like_a brute_n creature_n than_o man_n it_o be_v the_o order_n god_n have_v set_v in_o nature_n first_o of_o all_o to_o consider_v then_o to_o act_v all_o wise_a do_n be_v with_o a_o first_o weigh_v otherwise_o it_o be_v folly_n and_o vanity_n without_o comeliness_n without_o profit_n as_o in_o nature_n god_n have_v set_v this_o order_n the_o mind_n must_v first_o move_v and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o mind_n will_v first_o ponder_v and_o weigh_v not_o act_n on_o slight_a but_o precedent_n serious_a think_n so_o in_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o we_o be_v to_o perform_v first_o there_o must_v be_v mind_v none_o must_v ever_o in_o religion_n say_v i_o mind_v not_o what_o i_o do_v the_o understanding_n in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n must_v ponder_v and_o consider_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v and_o the_o will_v then_o must_v choose_v and_o the_o affection_n move_v by_o the_o grace_n in_o they_o orderly_o and_o then_o the_o executive_a power_n must_v act_v in_o subordination_n to_o the_o mind_n guide_v and_o the_o will_n choose_v and_o intend_v as_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o affection_n be_v as_o the_o several_a natural_a link_n of_o the_o soul_n so_o consideration_n the_o so_o noble_a act_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v to_o breed_v and_o ground_n the_o choice_n and_o intent_n of_o that_o queen_n regent_n the_o will_n and_o the_o orderly_a motion_n of_o her_o handmaid_n the_o several_a affection_n and_o then_o must_v follow_v prosecute_n and_o do_v that_o be_v purpose_v by_o the_o will_n and_o ponder_v by_o the_o understanding_n as_o consideration_n in_o thing_n natural_a be_v fundamental_a and_o necessary_a to_o due_a choose_n and_o do_v of_o all_o thing_n so_o divine_a meditation_n be_v fundamental_a and_o necessary_a in_o some_o degree_n to_o the_o spiritual_a act_n of_o the_o will_n moving_n right_o of_o the_o affection_n and_o a_o religious_a regular_a perform_v what_o be_v pious_o purpose_v and_o pious_o first_o ponder_v and_o meditate_a upon_o all_o the_o grace_n that_o make_v up_o the_o golden_a chain_n the_o grace_n that_o be_v the_o supernatural_a soul_n enoblement_n that_o be_v plant_v and_o reside_v in_o a_o renew_a heart_n by_o way_n of_o principle_n and_o habit_n be_v plant_v and_o lay_v into_o the_o several_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o their_o relief_n and_o help_n to_o sanctify_v they_o and_o empower_v they_o some_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o other_o in_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n these_o faculty_n have_v all_o their_o several_a golden_a link_n of_o the_o chain_n of_o grace_n asperse_v among_o they_o and_o lay_v into_o they_o but_o as_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v all_o guide_v draw_v and_o move_v by_o the_o first_o mover_n the_o understanding_n and_o the_o act_n of_o consider_v so_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o soul_n all_o the_o golden_a link_n of_o the_o whole_a chain_n of_o grace_n must_v move_v by_o the_o first_o link_n of_o the_o chain_n the_o light_n spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o act_n of_o it_o by_o this_o divine_a meditation_n this_o link_n must_v draw_v first_o spiritual_a wisdom_n exercise_v in_o this_o holy_a way_n of_o meditation_n must_v be_v a_o constant_a foundation_n and_o rise_v to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o godliness_n this_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o a_o still_a quickener_n to_o all_o praying_n reading_n hear_n and_o the_o rest_n nothing_o be_v well_o do_v that_o be_v not_o first_o well_n think_v on_o although_o the_o duty_n of_o godliness_n be_v reciprocal_o helpful_a mutual_o lend_v a_o hand_n each_o to_o other_o as_o read_v hear_v pray_v be_v to_o meditate_v and_o meditate_v be_v to_o they_o in_o different_a respect_n yet_o meditation_n shall_v and_o must_v help_v to_o make_v we_o our_o firm_a even_o foot_v and_o lively_o walk_v in_o christ_n way_n all_o thing_n from_o first_o to_o last_o in_o our_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o walk_v by_o that_o rule_n have_v their_o due_a guidance_n and_o managing_n by_o this_o helm_n and_o hand_n of_o meditation_n god_n every_o where_o in_o scripture_n

end_n and_o be_v perform_v in_o another_o sort_n than_o a_o only_o wise_a or_o a_o learned_a man_n yea_o then_o any_o formal_a christian_a can_v act_v or_o compass_v of_o himself_o and_o for_o the_o character_n of_o a_o right_n holy_a meditation_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n to_o fetch_v any_o other_o light_n of_o discovery_n but_o only_o to_o take_v up_o and_o hold_v those_o to_o this_o intendment_n which_o be_v open_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a meditation_n 1._o as_o make_v it_o our_o real_a and_o high_a obedience_n to_o god_n the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o golden_a sceptre_n of_o his_o word_n in_o that_o express_a law_n of_o he_o lay_v upon_o the_o think_a power_n and_o ground_v upon_o the_o high_a and_o infinite_a obligation_n he_o have_v on_o we_o to_o impose_v this_o thought-tribute_n and_o homage_n a_o pure_a obedience_n to_o he_o and_o do_v his_o will_n herein_o he_o that_o meditate_v aright_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o learn_v to_o obey_v god_n to_o yield_v it_o to_o he_o as_o his_o due_n i_o be_o under_o my_o god_n say_v the_o right_a christian_a and_o infinite_o oblige_v to_o all_o which_o he_o command_v i_o this_o among_o other_o be_v one_o of_o his_o righteous_a and_o holy_a law_n one_o great_a signification_n of_o his_o royal_a will_n i_o must_v not_o will_v not_o deny_v it_o dispute_v it_o or_o put_v it_o from_o i_o but_o comply_v free_o with_o it_o and_o this_o come_v from_o that_o spring_n that_o root_n which_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o supereminent_a love_n to_o god_n the_o holy_a heart_n chief_a good_a and_o the_o great_a ground_n of_o all_o right_a obedience_n rom._n 13.10_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o be_v it_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o particular_a law_n of_o holy_a meditation_n love_v to_o god_n so_o infinite_o excellent_a in_o himself_o and_o who_o have_v so_o unspeakable_o love_v the_o holy_a soul_n therefore_o if_o it_o be_v the_o right_n and_o genuine_a obedience_n it_o have_v this_o high_a this_o warm_a spring_n of_o love_n run_v in_o this_o channel_n this_o of_o meditation_n a_o overpower_v constrain_a love_n that_o breed_v this_o think_n this_o look_v of_o the_o soul_n in_o meditation_n o_o therefore_o try_v if_o this_o heavenly_a love_n have_v first_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o soil_n of_o thy_o heart_n if_o from_o a_o new_a heart_n circumcise_v to_o love_v the_o lord_n above_o all_o that_o thence_o thou_o come_v to_o love_v meditation_n because_o thou_o love_v the_o lawgiver_n first_o who_o write_v his_o law_n and_o write_v this_o particular_a law_n in_o thy_o heart_n by_o love_n to_o it_o by_o make_v thou_o a_o lover_n of_o meditation_n 2._o if_o meditation_n be_v genuine_a and_o right_a then_o be_v it_o from_o a_o choice_n of_o will_n wrought_v up_o by_o the_o power_n of_o holy_a love_n subdue_a and_o mortify_v carnal_a and_o former_o predominant_a unwillingness_n and_o stubbornness_n reluctancy_n and_o refusal_n of_o this_o work_n and_o frame_v it_o to_o willingness_n freeness_n and_o fixedness_n of_o purpose_n to_o do_v it_o and_o hold_v it_o psal_n 119.48_o i_o will_v meditate_v say_v the_o holy_a psalmist_n meditation_n arise_v from_o resolution_n from_o a_o will_n fix_v and_o that_o arise_v from_o love_n act_v and_o work_v the_o will_n to_o resolution_n therefore_o in_o the_o 97._o verse_n of_o this_o psalm_n he_o speak_v it_o to_o god_n himself_o o_o how_o love_v i_o thy_o law_n and_o what_o fruit_n do_v this_o noble_a root_n of_o love_n put_v forth_o it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n meditation_n of_o the_o law_n proceed_v from_o love_n to_o the_o law_n love_n lay_v at_o the_o bottom_n and_o that_o engage_v the_o will_n into_o a_o firm_a resolution_n to_o meditate_v never_o be_v the_o will_v free_a and_o its_o purpose_n firm_a than_o when_o love_n incline_v and_o engage_v it_o the_o high_a and_o strong_a resolution_n that_o ever_o be_v take_v up_o by_o any_o holy_a heart_n be_v the_o rare_a product_n and_o sweet_a fruit_n of_o heavenly_a love_n love_v efficacious_o exciting_a the_o will_n wind_v it_o up_o to_o the_o top_n and_o then_o fix_v it_o fast_o 3._o where_o the_o work_n of_o meditation_n be_v right_a the_o aim_n and_o end_n of_o it_o be_v pure_a spiritual_a and_o holy_a it_o be_v carry_v beyond_o and_o above_o self_n it_o be_v a_o act_n with_o self-denying_a self_n be_v neither_o the_o total_a nor_o the_o predominant_a ingredient_n in_o this_o undertake_n that_o which_o christ_n call_v for_o of_o deny_v a_o man_n self_n mark_v 8.34_o in_o the_o extent_n of_o all_o christianity_n must_v particular_o be_v perform_v in_o this_o duty_n self_n seek_v must_v not_o be_v uppermost_a not_o the_o main_a intent_n or_o inducement_n for_o this_o be_v the_o sphere_n a_o unsound_a heart_n move_v ever_o in_o the_o aim_n and_o end_n in_o the_o best_a natural_a man_n be_v never_o high_a than_o self_n and_o no_o other_o real_o than_o self_n and_o that_o because_o he_o chief_o love_v himself_o but_o a_o right_a work_n must_v be_v aim_v and_o act_v above_o all_o to_o the_o live_a god_n therefore_o zec._n 7.5_o god_n tell_v they_o their_o fast_n be_v not_o right_a because_o they_o do_v it_o not_o to_o god_n so_o be_v meditation_n or_o any_o other_o duty_n not_o right_a if_o it_o be_v not_o to_o he_o aim_v above_o all_o at_o his_o glory_n in_o this_o respect_n therefore_o religion_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v godliness_n because_o it_o be_v a_o frame_n of_o spirit_n act_v above_o all_o self-end_n and_o inferior_a respect_n unto_o the_o live_a god_n above_o all_o so_o heb._n 9.14_o to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n work_v not_o do_v to_o the_o live_a god_n be_v dead_a work_n a_o live_a work_n be_v aim_v and_o level_v to_o the_o live_a god_n the_o end_n more_o particular_o must_v be_v the_o glorify_v god_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n if_o eat_v drink_v and_o such_o inferior_a thing_n then_o much_o more_o holy_a duty_n must_v be_v do_v to_o god_n glory_n there_o must_v be_v a_o inward_a powerful_a principle_n that_o can_v aim_v so_o high_o real_o and_o a_o act_n of_o that_o principle_n that_o god_n be_v actual_o glorify_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v we_o do_v as_o many_o er_o affirm_v they_o aim_v their_o duty_n when_o they_o never_o have_v first_o that_o right_a principle_n of_o holiness_n wrought_v in_o their_o heart_n without_o the_o principle_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v holy_a aiming_n holy_a end_n it_o be_v impossible_a without_o a_o eye_n to_o see_v to_o level_v at_o a_o mark_n wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o right_a do_v there_o be_v a_o potent_a elevate_a principle_n that_o set_v the_o spirit_n above_o the_o predominancy_n of_o self-seeking_a and_o act_v it_o into_o a_o reality_n of_o god-exalting_a above_o all_o that_o kindle_v and_o inflame_v the_o soul_n into_o a_o ardency_n of_o desire_n love_n delight_n of_o glorify_v god_n in_o every_o undertake_n this_o be_v unspeakable_o sweet_a and_o heart-gladding_a nothing_o please_v a_o holy_a heart_n more_o than_o when_o the_o heart_n below_o can_v run_v in_o some_o degree_n parallel_n with_o the_o heart_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n above_o in_o hallow_v and_o advance_v the_o high_a god_n and_o his_o name_n try_v we_o therefore_o if_o our_o meditate_v be_v a_o real_a act_n up_o to_o the_o grand_a scope_n and_o high_a end_n the_o exalt_v of_o god_n if_o his_o honour_n be_v indeed_o the_o preponderate_a inducement_n and_o great_a soul-aim_n 2._o happiness_n and_o our_o own_o salvation_n be_v the_o next_o aim_n former_o mention_v happiness_n propound_v and_o declare_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o no_o other_o to_o this_o next_o subordinate_a end_n must_v all_o the_o golden_a line_n of_o holy_a duty_n tend_v here_o they_o must_v centre_n every_o right_a duty_n must_v be_v a_o real_a level_v at_o gospel-happiness_n that_o which_o god_n proffer_v and_o christ_n have_v purchase_v if_o meditation_n be_v right_a it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o true_a wisdom_n for_o ourselves_o prov._n 9.12_o wisdom_n to_o salvation_n as_o real_o aim_v at_o it_o as_o any_o marksman_n aim_v at_o his_o mark_n god_n next_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o glory_n allow_v and_o require_v to_o look_v and_o seek_v labour_n and_o strive_v for_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o all_o our_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o his_o glory_n so_o our_o own_o happiness_n be_v complicate_v and_o wrap_v up_o in_o it_o yet_o not_o above_o it_o or_o equal_a with_o it_o but_o next_o under_o it_o according_o therefore_o in_o this_o duty_n as_o in_o all_o other_o our_o aim_n at_o happiness_n must_v not_o be_v a_o mere_a self-seeking_a it_o must_v not_o terminate_v

christian_n be_v a_o person_n of_o great_a excellency_n it_o be_v very_o high_o extol_v in_o the_o scripture_n this_o david_n though_o not_o present_o yet_o attain_v in_o time_n as_o psal_n 119.99_o 100_o i_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o all_o my_o teacher_n i_o have_v more_o wisdom_n than_o the_o ancient_n 3._o to_o have_v the_o rich_a treasury_n of_o heavenly_a truth_n the_o full_a store_n of_o precious_a experience_n meditation_n be_v the_o great_a gatherer_n of_o they_o and_o the_o improver_n of_o they_o on_o all_o occasion_n it_o become_v not_o a_o christian_a of_o long_o stand_v to_o be_v poor_a and_o unfurnished_a of_o holy_a experience_n the_o psalmist_n we_o may_v see_v draw_v forth_o his_o experience_n and_o tell_v they_o to_o other_o psal_n 3.4_o 5._o i_o cry_v and_o he_o hear_v psal_n 18._o almost_o all_o the_o psalm_n he_o put_v all_o the_o pearl_n of_o deliverance_n experience_n that_o way_n on_o one_o silken_a thread_n of_o this_o one_o psalm_n together_o so_o asaph_n psal_n 77.6_o i_o call_v to_o remembrance_n my_o song_n in_o the_o night_n what_o joy_n he_o former_o feel_v though_o now_o he_o want_v it_o thus_o oft_o the_o saint_n in_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 1.10_o who_o have_v deliver_v and_o do_v he_o have_v his_o experience_n ready_a 4._o more_o peculiarly_a your_o great_a exercise_n which_o other_o can_v so_o well_o reach_v be_v to_o be_v much_o imply_v in_o the_o deep_a mystery_n the_o high_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o hard_a matter_n of_o practice_n i_o mean_v not_o so_o much_o such_o sort_n of_o difficulty_n in_o divinity_n those_o which_o great_a skill_n in_o the_o tongue_n and_o art_n will_v require_v and_o that_o must_v have_v long_a time_n much_o study_n which_o the_o necessary_a occasion_n of_o very_a many_o can_v admit_v and_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o every_o man_n to_o understand_v but_o such_o high_a matter_n of_o godliness_n as_o may_v more_o judas_n 20._o edify_v you_o in_o your_o holy_a faith_n increase_v your_o obedience_n to_o a_o more_o fruitful_a and_o exact_a walk_n eph._n 5.15_o see_v you_o walk_v circumspect_o accurate_o or_o exact_o the_o word_n be_v thus_o the_o high_a contemplation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n his_o attribute_n and_o title_n the_o work_n of_o god_n creation_n and_o providence_n his_o wise_n righteous_a and_o holy_a administration_n and_o government_n 1._o government_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o particular_a in_o it_o to_o the_o least_o circumstance_n the_o fall_n of_o a_o hair_n from_o the_o head_n 2._o government_n and_o that_o so_o rare_a and_o admirable_a towards_o the_o rational_a creature_n but_o most_o observable_a astonish_n towards_o his_o church_n and_o his_o dear_a saint_n this_o as_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n say_v of_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o matter_n in_o it_o be_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a meditation_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n call_v father_n who_o have_v obtain_v former_o much_o acquaintance_n with_o other_o truth_n of_o more_o necessary_a use_n for_o their_o then_o rank_a and_o stand_a now_o be_v to_o busy_v themselves_o in_o these_o high_a mystery_n for_o further_a faith_n and_o godliness_n the_o mystery_n in_o the_o two_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o nature_n be_v the_o two_o tropic_n or_o line_n between_o which_o thy_o meditation_n shall_v move_v and_o bound_v run_v its_o course_n and_o keep_v within_o this_o compass_n which_o be_v useful_a and_o safe_a in_o sum_n let_v thy_o meditation_n be_v improve_v all_o thou_o can_v for_o the_o set_n up_o of_o the_o main_a mark_n for_o the_o full_a aim_v at_o it_o the_o hard_a press_v towards_o it_o with_o all_o contending_n for_o a_o excellency_n of_o wisdom_n eminency_n of_o holiness_n exemplariness_n of_o conversation_n and_o exact_a walk_n together_o with_o all_o industriousness_n after_o that_o peace_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n joy_v unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n the_o establishing_n and_o heighten_v of_o they_o with_o long_n and_o hastning_n after_o that_o appear_a of_o the_o lord_n and_o cry_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o conclusion_n now_o this_o so_o high_o important_a duty_n of_o holy_a meditation_n have_v be_v as_o to_o the_o nature_n kind_n necessity_n and_o excellency_n so_o full_o discover_v and_o demonstrate_v the_o great_a sinfulness_n of_o neglect_v it_o evince_v the_o danger_n follow_v the_o neglect_n manifest_v the_o practice_n with_o such_o high_a inducement_n and_o powerful_a scripture-argument_n urge_v home_o and_o the_o way_n respect_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o so_o many_o rule_n and_o direction_n clear_v application_n general_a then_o all_o who_o know_v these_o thing_n be_v utter_o inexcusable_a that_o know_v these_o so_o great_o necessary_a thing_n and_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o careful_a practice_n of_o they_o ah_o therefore_o let_v every_o one_o most_o earnest_o beg_v it_o of_o god_n to_o write_v this_o his_o law_n of_o holy_a meditation_n in_o his_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o right_a wisdom_n to_o understand_v the_o way_n of_o it_o the_o firm_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n constant_o to_o perform_v it_o yea_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o with_o sweet_a solace_n and_o high_a delight_n let_v i_o say_v to_o my_o soul_n necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o i_o it_o be_v a_o imperial_a law_n of_o the_o great_a king_n of_o heaven_n if_o i_o do_v it_o not_o great_a guilt_n will_v be_v contract_v great_a wrath_n of_o a_o god_n will_v be_v kindle_v my_o soul_n will_v deep_o be_v wrong_v if_o i_o have_v not_o act_n not_o good_a thought_n my_o heart_n will_v act_v evil_a thought_n will_v fill_v with_o evil_a thought_n will_v fix_v and_o habit_n itself_o in_o they_o be_v quite_o overrun_v with_o they_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o spirit_n stain_v deep_o dye_v into_o habitual_a vanity_n of_o mind_n yea_o i_o may_v be_v give_v up_o to_o judicial_a penal_a vanity_n of_o thought_n it_o may_v be_v to_o terrify_v and_o most_o affright_a thought_n that_o i_o which_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o think_v of_o the_o threaten_n of_o a_o just_a god_n and_o his_o terrible_a curse_n that_o will_v not_o meditate_v of_o that_o great_a of_o evil_n sin_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o life-sin_n shall_v have_v all_o my_o sin_n set_v in_o order_n before_o i_o hold_v and_o keep_v stare_v i_o continual_o in_o the_o face_n that_o i_o who_o will_v not_o meditate_v of_o the_o most_o bless_a god_n his_o christ_n fullness_n his_o spirit_n sweetness_n his_o heaven_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n shall_v now_o have_v represent_v to_o my_o thought_n and_o be_v make_v to_o see_v satan_n hell_n and_o eternal_a death_n continual_o before_o i_o yea_o to_o be_v under_o such_o amazement_n and_o terror_n to_o be_v so_o haunt_v and_o follow_v that_o at_o last_o it_o may_v be_v insupportable_a and_o quite_o overwhelm_v i_o o_o therefore_o let_v i_o not_o so_o sin_n against_o my_o own_o soul_n and_o for_o ever_o undo_v myself_o by_o wilful_a or_o heedless_a neglect_v this_o duty_n which_o lie_v so_o indispensible_o upon_o i_o and_o may_v be_v so_o advantageous_a to_o i_o o_o how_o many_o be_v continual_o guilty_a of_o self-destroying_a for_o want_v of_o a_o timely_a self-bethinking_a by_o a_o slight_a think_n for_o want_v of_o serious_a think_n by_o a_o too_o short_a think_n for_o want_v of_o the_o necessary_a allowance_n of_o time_n and_o space_n for_o think_v by_o a_o too_o seldom_o think_v and_o not_o use_v due_a frequency_n of_o think_v by_o act_v mere_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o not_o wise_a consideration_n adam_n first_o state_n be_v good_a yet_o mutable_a but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sin_n or_o imperfection_n to_o be_v mutable_a and_o though_o this_o mutability_n of_o his_o will_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o his_o fall_n yet_o it_o be_v his_o incogitancy_n be_v the_o first_o blamable_a cause_n he_o fall_v by_o act_v sudden_a too_o hasty_a imagination_n and_o not_o due_a consideration_n he_o consider_v not_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v thus_o ever_o since_o the_o fall_v of_o sinner_n be_v general_o more_o by_o incogitancy_n haste_n and_o hurry_v of_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n want_v of_o consideration_n though_o there_o be_v sin_n also_o of_o deliberation_n not_o precipitation_n but_o presumption_n when_o god_n reduce_v a_o sinner_n he_o bring_v he_o from_o sway_v fancy_n and_o carelessness_n to_o considerateness_n ezek._n 18.28_o because_o he_o consider_v and_o turn_v he_o break_v the_o reeden_fw-mi sceptre_n of_o fancy_n and_o inconsideration_n and_o bring_v in_o and_o set_v up_o the_o golden_a sceptre_n of_o wise_a consideration_n so_o act_v 2._o man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act_n 16.30_o sir_n what_o must_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v but_o o_o what_o pity_n be_v it_o that_o any_o soul_n shall_v perish_v for_o want_v of_o