demonstrate_v in_o prayer_n do_v thirst_n to_o hear_v some_o apposite_a lecture_n upon_o that_o office_n and_o to_o free_v the_o road_n from_o all_o obstacle_n which_o may_v defeat_v the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o he_o propound_v that_o the_o object_n of_o true_a prayer_n may_v be_v plain_o make_v know_v and_o the_o objection_n arise_v hereupon_o entire_o vanquish_v for_o unless_o this_o be_v do_v by_o a_o true_a recognition_n of_o the_o true_a god_n when_o we_o pray_v we_o shall_v have_v as_o little_a success_n hereby_o as_o if_o we_o pray_v to_o neptune_n or_o aeolus_n for_o help_v against_o a_o ocean_n of_o storm_n and_o peril_n or_o as_o those_o priest_n of_o baal_n have_v who_o pray_v to_o he_o to_o vindicate_v his_o power_n and_o sovereignty_n against_o the_o only_a omnipotent_a and_o saint_n sebagius_n one_o who_o pray_v to_o saint_n eternal_a be_v beside_o this_o desire_n be_v increase_v because_o of_o sebagius_n who_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v a_o erroneous_a if_o not_o a_o worse_o religionist_n that_o he_o may_v receive_v a_o like_a conviction_n from_o such_o a_o lecture_n which_o himself_o have_v from_o the_o former_a hereupon_o theosebius_n a_o person_n worthy_a only_o theosebius_n one_o who_o pray_v to_o god_n only_o of_o praise_n for_o his_o worthy_a devotion_n which_o no_o battology_n or_o impertinency_n can_v infect_v be_v by_o glycon_n request_v to_o speak_v upon_o that_o subject_a theosebius_n a_o humble_a meek_a and_o zealous_a man_n and_o therefore_o right_o qualify_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o that_o duty_n who_o object_n he_o be_v solicit_v to_o discourse_v upon_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o answer_v this_o desire_n but_o tell_v glycon_n more_o by_o his_o countenance_n than_o tongue_n that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o decline_v it_o but_o glycon_n by_o some_o sweet_a and_o passionate_a expression_n which_o be_v familiar_a with_o he_o beseech_v he_o to_o declare_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o denial_n and_o be_v herein_o comply_v with_o for_o theosebius_n tell_v he_o that_o he_o soresaw_v that_o he_o shall_v meet_v with_o many_o rub_n in_o his_o progress_n by_o many_o obsolete_a and_o threadbare_a opposition_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v so_o current_a in_o that_o undertake_n as_o their_o expectation_n may_v require_v sebagius_n do_v perceive_v a_o warm_a reflection_n to_o be_v cast_v upon_o he_o and_o that_o this_o remora_n to_o theosebius_n enterprise_n do_v look_v a_o squint_a upon_o his_o private_a sentiment_n and_o therefore_o say_v with_o a_o lip_n smooth_a than_o be_v usual_a with_o many_o of_o his_o persuasion_n that_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v deliver_v contrary_a to_o his_o judgement_n he_o will_v make_v it_o know_v in_o as_o short_a parenthesis_n to_o his_o design_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o can_v bear_v and_o that_o he_o will_v promise_v that_o sincere_a conversion_n shall_v tread_v in_o the_o heel_n of_o theosebius_n solid_a conviction_n and_o that_o he_o will_v ask_v no_o question_n for_o contradiction_n but_o resolution_n sake_n upon_o these_o condition_n theosebius_n deny_v himself_o some_o ease_n to_o give_v his_o friend_n they_o by_o yield_v to_o their_o wish_n and_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n chief_o upon_o prayer_n chap._n ix_o theosebius_n discourse_n of_o the_o object_n of_o prayer_n i_o shall_v not_o say_v he_o only_a answer_n glycon_n 〈◊〉_d theosebius_n a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o he_o your_o request_n in_o speak_v to_o the_o right_n and_o only_a object_n of_o prayer_n but_o as_o a_o preparative_n thereto_o crave_v leave_n of_o luperus_n to_o enlarge_v upon_o that_o duty_n as_o a_o proper_a mean_n to_o change_v sorrow_n and_o affliction_n into_o joy_n and_o comfort_n as_o well_o as_o those_o other_o which_o he_o have_v late_o make_v use_n of_o to_o finish_v that_o task_n and_o in_o order_n hereto_o i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o make_v conclus_fw-la two_o conclus_fw-la good_a these_o two_o conclusion_n namely_o 1._o that_o to_o pray_v to_o almighty_a god_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o efficacious_a receipt_n against_o any_o present_a comfortless_a sorrow_n and_o now_o concern_v the_o first_o of_o these_o conclusion_n theosebius_n begin_v thus_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o you_o have_v read_v or_o hear_v as_o i_o have_v that_o the_o sorrowful_a and_o distress_a people_n among_o the_o grecian_n be_v will_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o aesculapius_n and_o apollo_n that_o they_o may_v there_o dream_v of_o those_o prescription_n which_o may_v render_v they_o 〈◊〉_d and_o sound_n semblable_o it_o will_v be_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o christian_n 〈◊〉_d repair_v to_o god_n house_n of_o prayer_n and_o therein_o beseech_v he_o that_o their_o night_n may_v be_v turn_v into_o day_n and_o that_o after_o they_o have_v plough_v in_o darkness_n they_o may_v reap_v that_o light_n which_o be_v by_o he_o sow_v for_o the_o righteous_a that_o be_v that_o god_n chastisement_n which_o for_o the_o present_n be_v not_o joyous_a but_o grievous_a may_v afterward_o 11._o heb._n 12._o 11._o yield_v the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n to_o they_o the_o royal_a prophet_n frequent_o call_v upon_o god_n to_o comfort_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o sorrowful_a servant_n and_o this_o he_o learn_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n and_o we_o all_o know_v that_o the_o whole_a confidence_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o deject_a and_o sorrowful_a publican_n lie_v in_o this_o petition_n god_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n if_o we_o have_v improve_v meletus_n first_o lecture_n so_o far_o as_o right_o 〈◊〉_d meditate_v and_o consider_v we_o can_v but_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o divine_a prayer_n in_o the_o case_n we_o be_v upon_o for_o herein_o we_o go_v to_o god_n who_o mercy_n be_v large_a and_o many_o and_o so_o proportion_v to_o all_o our_o evil_n and_o want_n among_o the_o herd_n of_o mankind_n some_o be_v useful_a one_o way_n and_o some_o another_o one_o may_v help_v when_o we_o be_v lame_a another_o when_o we_o be_v under_o sorrowful_a loss_n another_o when_o we_o be_v in_o prison_n or_o banish_v our_o country_n but_o we_o can_v meet_v with_o none_o who_o can_v relieve_v we_o in_o all_o calamity_n but_o now_o god_n have_v a_o plaster_n for_o every_o sore_a and_o a_o remedy_n for_o every_o extremity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v o_o god_n 13._o psal._n 69._o 13._o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o mercy_n hear_v i_o and_o he_o not_o only_o multiply_v they_o as_o some_o have_v do_v their_o riches_n and_o yet_o none_o be_v the_o better_a for_o they_o but_o he_o do_v keep_v 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o his_o recreation_n and_o delight_n to_o show_v they_o for_o he_o retain_v not_o his_o anger_n for_o ever_o because_o he_o 18._o mic._n 7._o 18._o delight_v in_o mercy_n and_o his_o merciful_a love_a kindness_n be_v not_o only_o great_a but_o 2._o psal_n 117._o 2._o great_a towards_o we_o moreover_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o depth_n of_o our_o sorrow_n as_o jonas_n do_v in_o that_o of_o the_o sea_n be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o engage_v god_n to_o help_v we_o for_o he_o never_o fail_v those_o who_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o because_o david_n do_v so_o therefore_o do_v his_o heart_n rejoice_v and_o faith_n the_o prophet_n thou_o will_v 3._o esay_n 26._o 3._o keep_v he_o in_o perfect_a peace_n who_o mind_n be_v stay_v on_o thou_o because_o he_o trust_v in_o thou_o and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v pray_v and_o do_v so_o with_o pious_a confidence_n for_o grace_n and_o help_v in_o sorrow_n 10._o heb._n 10._o then_o shall_v we_o find_v mercy_n and_o grace_n in_o time_n of_o need_n and_o indeed_o we_o can_v find_v apt_a redress_n against_o all_o our_o afflictive_a sorrow_n not_o where_o else_o and_o by_o no_o other_o mean_n for_o we_o can_v of_o ourselves_o deserve_v and_o purchase_v it_o if_o the_o most_o just_a god_n shall_v give_v we_o our_o desert_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v free_v from_o calamity_n but_o pass_v on_o from_o one_o to_o another_o and_o when_o we_o have_v suffer_v much_o here_o we_o may_v suffer_v more_o hereafter_o and_o therefore_o our_o only_a way_n be_v to_o beg_v god_n mercy_n in_o prayer_n if_o any_o other_o way_n can_v have_v be_v find_v out_o who_o more_o likely_a to_o find_v it_o then_o king_n david_n a_o man_n of_o courage_n conduct_v and_o resolution_n and_o not_o so_o absolute_o forsake_v as_o to_o be_v abandon_v of_o all_o his_o subject_n but_o amid_o his_o sorrow_n his_o swell_a sorrow_n he_o fly_v not_o to_o his_o shift_n he_o trust_v not_o to_o the_o loyalty_n of_o some_o of_o his_o stout_a officer_n he_o put_v no_o confidence_n in_o his_o son_n want_n of_o experience_n and_o in_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o new_a government_n and_o in_o the_o want_n
plain_o tread_v way_n namely_o to_o declare_v what_o meditation_n be_v and_o what_o we_o shall_v exercise_v it_o about_o and_o the_o cause_n which_o may_v move_v we_o hereto_o and_o then_o the_o manner_n how_o we_o shall_v put_v it_o in_o practice_n as_o to_o the_o first_o note_v that_o meditation_n in_o the_o general_n description_n of_o it_o be_v to_o fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o any_o thing_n or_o it_o be_v a_o orderly_a right_n and_o serious_a management_n of_o our_o thought_n it_o be_v as_o the_o captain_n set_v his_o company_n in_o rank_n and_o file_n or_o the_o accomptant_n distinct_a place_v his_o numeral_a counter_n or_o the_o physician_n skilful_a put_v together_o his_o ingredient_n now_o in_o this_o large_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n meditation_n the_o vile_a of_o man_n may_v and_o have_v perform_v it_o for_o they_o can_v search_v 6._o psa._n 64._o v._o 6._o out_o iniquity_n and_o the_o inward_a thought_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o their_o heart_n be_v deep_a and_o frequent_o they_o omit_v nothing_o which_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o most_o exact_a and_o punctual_a inquiry_n and_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o craft_n and_o policy_n which_o can_v be_v find_v in_o all_o mankind_n be_v many_o time_n gather_v together_o and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o they_o to_o perfect_v the_o wicked_a and_o cruel_a design_n which_o they_o have_v think_v upon_o beside_o they_o meditate_v deceit_n all_o the_o 12._o psa._n 38_o 12._o day_n long_o and_o out_o of_o the_o heart_n proceed_v evil_a 19_o s._n mat._n 15._o 19_o thought_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o praise_n worthy_a only_o to_o think_v or_o to_o meditate_v for_o as_o alexander_n see_v a_o certain_a youth_n who_o bear_v his_o name_n but_o will_v not_o fight_v say_v to_o he_o either_o change_n this_o disposition_n or_o thy_o name_n so_o may_v we_o to_o that_o man_n who_o will_v not_o think_v and_o meditate_v for_o his_o soul_n which_o give_v he_o his_o name_n man_n be_v a_o busy_a body_n and_o so_o indispensible_o in_o motion_n that_o it_o will_v be_v do_v something_o though_o it_o may_v come_v to_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o there_o need_v no_o argument_n or_o rhetoric_n to_o convince_v a_o man_n that_o he_o must_v think_v and_o meditate_v but_o to_o perform_v this_o office_n be_v to_o set_v about_o it_o orderly_o and_o regular_o that_o be_v to_o be_v intent_n upon_o the_o best_a thing_n and_o fix_v 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o produce_v real_a profit_n and_o such_o meditation_n will_v upon_o future_a proof_n much_o further_o a_o pious_a conversation_n from_o which_o harvest_n we_o shall_v reap_v the_o best_a advantage_n now_o that_o we_o may_v so_o sow_v and_o gather_v in_o we_o must_v according_a to_o our_o prescribe_a method_n show_v in_o the_o next_o place_n meditatton_n the_o object_n of_o meditatton_n upon_o what_o we_o must_v fix_v and_o settle_v our_o thought_n now_o that_o must_v be_v upon_o god_n and_o our_o ourselves_o god_n and_o ourselves_o self_n upon_o what_o god_n have_v say_v and_o do_v and_o upon_o what_o we_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v and_o for_o our_o guide_n herein_o we_o must_v meditate_v on_o god_n holy_a word_n and_o therein_o upon_o his_o will_n and_o command_n these_o must_v be_v know_v before_o they_o can_v be_v do_v a_o good_a expositor_n have_v tell_v we_o concern_v psal._n calv._n in_o proem_n ad_fw-la psal._n one_o holy_a book_n namely_o that_o of_o the_o psalm_n that_o he_o 〈◊〉_d call_v it_o the_o anatomy_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o no_o man_n can_v perceive_v any_o affection_n in_o he_o who_o image_n do_v not_o clear_o shine_v forth_o in_o that_o glass_n nay_o the_o holy_a ghost_n represent_v there_o unto_o the_o life_n the_o trouble_n sorrow_n fear_n doubt_n hope_n care_n and_o all_o the_o turbulent_a motion_n with_o which_o man_n mind_n be_v usual_o disturb_v now_o if_o god_n word_n abound_v so_o in_o one_o part_n what_o will_v it_o do_v in_o the_o whole_a if_o a_o parcel_n be_v so_o gainful_a what_o riches_n will_v the_o whole_a cargo_n import_n this_o may_v be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o psalmist_n be_v frequent_a in_o meditate_v on_o 〈◊〉_d object_n for_o 15._o ps._n 1._o 15._o he_o do_v meditate_v in_o god_n law_n day_n and_o night_n and_o he_o say_v he_o will_v meditate_v in_o 15._o ps._n 119._o 15._o 97._o v._o 97._o his_o precept_n and_o o_o how_o i_o love_v thy_o law_n 17._o v._o 17._o it_o be_v my_o meditation_n all_o the_o day_n and_o he_o do_v not_o forget_v his_o commandment_n and_o he_o do_v it_o frequent_o for_o his_o eye_n do_v prevent_v the_o night_n watch_v that_o he_o may_v meditate_v 148._o v._o 148._o in_o god_n word_n now_o in_o our_o reflection_n upon_o god_n holy_a word_n we_o must_v especial_o inquire_v out_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n which_o be_v there_o treasure_v up_o his_o promise_n to_o comfort_v we_o his_o threaten_n to_o awe_v we_o upon_o his_o promise_n as_o cordial_n to_o revive_v our_o droop_a soul_n upon_o his_o threaten_n as_o purge_n and_o vomit_n to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o our_o filthy_a lust_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v persuade_v to_o part_v with_o our_o filthy_a corruption_n when_o we_o can_v say_v with_o david_n my_o flesh_n tremble_v for_o fear_n of_o thou_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judgement_n 120._o ps._n 119._o v._n 120._o and_o as_o for_o god_n promise_n his_o thought_n be_v firm_o fix_v upon_o they_o 55._o v._o 55._o for_o he_o say_v i_o have_v remember_v thy_o name_n o_o lord_n in_o the_o night_n and_o have_v keep_v thy_o law_n thy_o name_n that_o be_v thy_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o love_n in_o thy_o promise_n and_o in_o thy_o experience_a 〈◊〉_d and_o assistance_n in_o the_o night_n that_o be_v when_o care_n and_o trouble_n have_v possess_v my_o mind_n or_o when_o wicked_a man_n short_a and_o be_v secure_a and_o on_o their_o bed_n meditate_v villainy_n then_o have_v i_o comfort_v myself_o in_o the_o promise_n of_o thy_o word_n such_o meditation_n shall_v we_o have_v and_o though_o all_o god_n word_n deserve_v our_o serious_a meditation_n yet_o most_o especial_o those_o part_n which_o afford_v we_o much_o comfort_n and_o benefit_n true_a joy_n and_o real_a profit_n as_o david_n acknowledge_v god_n promise_n do_v to_o he_o 130._o ps._n 119._o 130._o say_v how_o sweet_a be_v thy_o promise_n to_o my_o mouth_n and_o here_o it_o be_v worth_a our_o meditation_n d._n w._n d._n and_o a_o very_a fit_a object_n for_o it_o how_o that_o good_a thing_n be_v purpose_v by_o god_n towards_o man_n before_o all_o time_n promise_v in_o time_n and_o shall_v be_v perform_v in_o the_o end_n and_o after_o and_o beyond_o all_o time_n so_o god_n promise_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o love_n of_o old_a in_o elect_v we_o his_o truth_n now_o in_o assure_v we_o his_o power_n hereafter_o in_o do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v both_o purpose_v and_o promise_v and_o though_o god_n ibid._n ibid._n law_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o condition_n annex_v of_o perfect_a fulfil_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o free_a promise_n of_o life_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o abolish_v and_o take_v away_o the_o promise_n of_o grace_n but_o serve_v as_o a_o helper_n thereto_o for_o by_o discover_v the_o fatal_a danger_n by_o sin_n it_o drive_v afflict_a sinner_n to_o christ_n who_o be_v their_o only_a remedy_n and_o in_o who_o alone_a abraham_n and_o his_o spiritual_a posterity_n find_v righteousness_n and_o life_n eternal_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n promise_v moreover_o god_n promise_n be_v insallible_a cure_n for_o our_o break_a bone_n or_o afflict_a conscience_n and_o we_o shall_v apply_v they_o to_o those_o rupture_n by_o a_o discussive_a meditation_n and_o thereby_o we_o shall_v awaken_v our_o heart_n and_o incite_v our_o will_n to_o close_v with_o god_n and_o christ_n in_o the_o mercy_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o promise_n such_o promise_n as_o be_v found_v upon_o christ_n as_o mediator_n and_o in_o he_o upon_o god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o love_n now_o as_o we_o must_v meditate_v upon_o what_o god_n have_v say_v so_o must_v we_o also_o upon_o what_o he_o have_v do_v we_o must_v by_o meditation_n have_v all_o god_n work_n in_o remembrance_n his_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n for_o when_o our_o thought_n be_v right_o fix_v upon_o these_o work_n we_o shall_v admire_v god_n in_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n his_o power_n in_o make_v such_o excellent_a thing_n which_o we_o see_v in_o the_o heaven_n earth_n and_o sea_n out_o of_o nothing_o his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o they_o in_o so_o glorious_a a_o manner_n his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n in_o contrive_v and_o preserve_v all_o thing_n in_o that_o order_n and_o decency_n which_o we_o find_v they_o thus_o in_o general_a and_o if_o
in_o a_o particular_a manner_n we_o will_v meditate_v upon_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v in_o beast_n we_o may_v thence_o not_o only_o take_v good_a instruction_n for_o the_o better_a preservation_n and_o sustenance_n of_o our_o body_n but_o lesson_n also_o to_o frame_v and_o perfect_v our_o manner_n as_o for_o instance_n meditate_v on_o the_o camel_n which_o then_o stoop_v and_o kneel_v when_o he_o shall_v be_v charge_v and_o thence_o learn_v the_o lesson_n of_o humility_n meditate_v on_o the_o cock_n which_o give_v out_o of_o his_o own_o mouth_n meat_n to_o his_o hen_n and_o expose_v himself_o to_o any_o danger_n to_o keep_v they_o safe_a and_o thence_o learn_v the_o lesson_n of_o liberality_n and_o care_v over_o our_o family_n meditate_v on_o the_o bee_n which_o get_v honey_n out_o of_o the_o flower_n without_o any_o damage_n or_o injury_n do_v to_o they_o and_o thence_o learn_v to_o gain_v by_o the_o use_n of_o another_o good_n without_o his_o hurt_n or_o prejudice_n meditate_v on_o the_o one_o eye_a fish_n call_v animal_n vid._n fran._n the_o animal_n ura_n noscopos_n who_o eye_n so_o stand_v that_o it_o always_o look_v upward_o and_o thence_o learn_v to_o fix_v your_o heart_n upon_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o or_o upon_o the_o goat_n which_o continual_o climb_v up_o to_o high_a and_o eminent_a place_n and_o thence_o learn_v the_o same_o lesson_n more_o perfect_o from_o meditation_n on_o such_o and_o the_o like_a work_n of_o god_n good_a and_o learned_a person_n have_v much_o improve_v themselves_o and_o other_o by_o way_n of_o application_n of_o they_o for_o orator_n have_v use_v they_o to_o persuade_v and_o other_o also_o who_o have_v write_v well_o and_o elegant_o and_o god_n and_o holy_a man_n frequent_o instruct_v we_o by_o the_o manner_n and_o condition_n of_o beast_n and_o lead_v we_o thereby_o to_o perfection_n and_o uprightness_n of_o life_n for_o they_o advise_v we_o to_o be_v prudent_a as_o serpent_n and_o innocent_a as_o dove_n and_o meek_a and_o gentle_a as_o the_o lamb_n and_o strong_a and_o constant_a as_o the_o lyon_n now_o to_o many_o other_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o shall_v leave_v you_o to_o your_o own_o thought_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o large_a field_n of_o meditation_n all_o mankind_n have_v from_o what_o they_o see_v god_n have_v do_v in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o must_v not_o bind_v our_o meditation_n meditate_v on_o what_o christian_n shall_v meditate_v here_o but_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o thereupon_o proceed_v in_o this_o duty_n with_o care_n and_o circumspection_n for_o because_o we_o be_v thus_o call_v it_o behoove_v we_o to_o fix_v our_o thought_n chief_o on_o god_n gracious_a work_n in_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o redeem_v those_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n death_n and_o misery_n that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o 16._o io._n 3_o 16._o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n be_v such_o a_o glad_a tide_n which_o shall_v never_o slip_v out_o of_o our_o memory_n certain_o there_o be_v much_o benefit_n get_v by_o reflect_v upon_o such_o love_a work_n of_o god_n for_o as_o the_o flint_n be_v break_v upon_o the_o cushion_n so_o our_o heart_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o stony_a by_o customary_a sin_v will_v hereby_o through_o god_n grace_n be_v break_v and_o make_v tender_a and_o pliable_a to_o the_o observance_n of_o god_n law_n meditate_v upon_o divinity_n clothe_v in_o humanity_n upon_o life_n suffer_v death_n upon_o glory_n endure_v shame_n upon_o the_o belove_a cast_v out_o to_o misery_n upon_o heaven_n descend_v into_o hell_n and_o then_o be_v silent_a if_o you_o can_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a forbear_v to_o cry_v out_o who_o can_v resist_v such_o love_n what_o freeze_a heart_n can_v be_v thaw_v with_o such_o heat_n who_o will_v not_o fear_v such_o a_o lord_n and_o who_o will_v not_o be_v obedient_a to_o such_o a_o father_n these_o be_v the_o admirable_a effect_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o meditation_n on_o such_o a_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o to_o fix_v our_o thought_n frequent_o upon_o this_o object_n be_v not_o only_o the_o special_a duty_n but_o the_o excellent_a privilege_n of_o we_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n and_o here_o meletus_n that_o he_o may_v not_o surfeit_v his_o hearer_n patience_n and_o hereby_o put_v the_o medicine_n he_o use_v for_o their_o diligence_n in_o the_o prescribe_v office_n in_o need_n of_o a_o medicine_n itself_o he_o adjourn_v they_o to_o another_o time_n to_o hear_v the_o report_n he_o be_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o next_o object_n of_o meditation_n chap._n iii_o meletus_n second_a discourse_n of_o meditation_n in_o the_o next_o congress_n he_o proceed_v to_o declare_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v upon_o ourselves_o that_o be_v say_v he_o we_o must_v think_v upon_o our_o condition_n what_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o be_v like_a to_o be_v whether_o we_o be_v what_o we_o profess_v christian_n in_o reality_n and_o whether_o we_o declare_v ourselves_o to_o be_v so_o by_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n now_o if_o by_o meditation_n we_o discover_v what_o we_o be_v we_o shall_v soon_o know_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v if_o we_o so_o continue_v for_o misery_n and_o happiness_n everlasting_a will_v be_v the_o consequent_a of_o our_o wicked_a or_o pious_a conversation_n as_o we_o live_v so_o shall_v we_o die_v and_o as_o we_o die_v so_o shall_v we_o be_v reward_v we_o must_v either_o be_v goat_n or_o sheep_n receive_v our_o blessing_n or_o our_o curse_n either_o be_v throw_v down_o into_o outer_a darkness_n or_o else_o enter_v into_o our_o master_n joy._n now_o the_o first_o meditation_n in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o shall_v be_v to_o know_v what_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v for_o that_o be_v the_o special_a gift_n which_o god_n request_v of_o we_o and_o 23._o prov._n 23._o since_o we_o shall_v not_o give_v he_o we_o know_v not_o what_o something_o at_o adventure_n and_o not_o what_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v he_o will_v kind_o accept_v and_o careful_o preserve_v and_o plentiful_o reward_n we_o must_v fix_v our_o thought_n so_o as_o to_o examine_v what_o our_o heart_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v know_v what_o ourselves_o be_v and_o what_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o now_o as_o no_o member_n of_o the_o body_n perform_v any_o action_n of_o spiritual_a life_n wherein_o a_o pulse_n from_o the_o heart_n do_v not_o beat._n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o 4._o see_v mede_n on_o prov._n the_o 4._o spiritual_a man_n and_o the_o action_n of_o grace_n that_o live_v not_o which_o some_o gracious_a 23._o v._o 23._o motion_n from_o the_o heart_n do_v not_o quicken_v and_o therefore_o know_v by_o trial_n and_o examination_n what_o that_o be_v now_o according_a to_o scripture_n phrase_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o principal_n inward_a part_n of_o all_o life_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o motion_n and_o native_a heat_n but_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o original_a of_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o of_o all_o the_o 〈◊〉_d because_o of_o this_o full_a description_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o greek_n inter_fw-la preter_n give_v it_o many_o name_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d animal_n and_o vital_a operation_n the_o seat_n of_o the_o understanding_n fancy_n memory_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v the_o spring_n from_o whence_o the_o thought_n discourse_n imagination_n passion_n and_o motion_n which_o be_v in_o man_n flow_v and_o stream_n forth_o beside_o it_o be_v the_o treasury_n of_o virtue_n and_o sink_v of_o vice_n and_o the_o place_n of_o all_o habit_n so_o that_o the_o heart_n signify_v a_o sincere_a assent_n of_o mind_n a_o serious_a purpose_n of_o will_n a_o great_a force_n of_o affection_n a_o large_a endeavour_n of_o strength_n and_o integrity_n and_o perfection_n of_o mind_n now_o when_o upon_o meditation_n we_o thus_o know_v what_o our_o heart_n be_v and_o how_o they_o be_v difference_v from_o double_a or_o rather_o half_a heart_n then_o we_o shall_v understand_v what_o that_o duty_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n be_v which_o be_v hearty_a or_o perform_v with_o the_o whole_a heart_n and_o which_o will_v be_v well_o please_v to_o he_o for_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o it_o must_v be_v true_a and_o sincere_a not_o feign_v and_o hypocritical_a serious_a and_o solid_a and_o not_o in_o jest_n light_n and_o superficial_a diligent_a and_o efficacious_a not_o weak_a remiss_a and_o slothful_a whole_a and_o full_a not_o concise_a lame_a and_o imperfect_a now_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o only_o worth_a the_o obtain_n but_o absolute_o
beneficial_a to_o we_o than_o the_o right_n and_o constant_a management_n of_o this_o office_n for_o hereby_o god_n holy_a word_n will_v be_v fruitful_a to_o we_o a_o meditate_a heart_n be_v a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o such_o be_v very_o fruitful_a under_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n if_o we_o will_v step_v aside_o and_o take_v time_n to_o fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o what_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v in_o god_n word_n and_o from_o his_o messenger_n we_o shall_v be_v very_o extravagant_o conceit_v to_o imagine_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v ever_o the_o better_a for_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o by_o meditation_n we_o may_v prepare_v our_o soul_n for_o all_o holy_a performance_n as_o for_o prayer_n and_o read_v holy_a writ_n and_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n and_o forgive_a and_o forget_v injury_n and_o all_o other_o duty_n of_o mercy_n and_o charity_n this_o exercise_n will_v compose_v our_o mind_n and_o fetch_v they_o in_o when_o they_o have_v be_v abroad_o upon_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a we_o make_v ourselves_o comely_a and_o orderly_o by_o this_o act_n of_o meditation_n before_o we_o approach_v to_o wait_v upon_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o rush_v all_o of_o a_o sudden_a upon_o any_o holy_a duty_n but_o to_o consider_v 4._o eccles._n 5._o 4._o of_o it_o and_o prepare_v for_o it_o now_o meditation_n put_v we_o into_o this_o way_n it_o cause_v we_o to_o wash_v and_o trim_v up_o our_o soul_n with_o sincerity_n and_o a_o awful_a reverence_n that_o so_o we_o may_v enter_v into_o god_n presence_n with_o that_o decency_n and_o order_n which_o become_v his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o dutiful_a child_n 3._o meditation_n will_v prove_v a_o excellent_a 3._o reason_n 3._o mean_n against_o all_o our_o tempt_a lust_n and_o corruption_n and_o also_o a_o strong_a bulwark_n for_o our_o virtue_n and_o grace_n for_o he_o who_o frequent_o fix_v his_o mind_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n may_v through_o god_n grace_n be_v soon_o persuade_v to_o hate_n and_o abhor_v it_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v evil_a in_o itself_o and_o dangerous_a to_o the_o soul_n which_o harbour_v it_o now_o as_o a_o landlord_n will_v by_o no_o proffer_n of_o advantage_n entertain_v a_o guest_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v a_o egregious_a robber_n and_o will_v plunder_n he_o of_o his_o substance_n and_o fire_v his_o house_n no_o more_o will_v the_o soul_n admit_v of_o sin_n when_o it_o consider_v that_o it_o will_v deprive_v he_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o inflame_v he_o with_o his_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n if_o man_n will_v in_o their_o serious_a meditation_n set_v the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o sin_n on_o one_o side_n and_o the_o loathsomeness_n and_o danger_n of_o it_o on_o the_o other_o do_v they_o view_v her_o portion_n and_o dowry_n with_o one_o eye_n and_o her_o deformity_n and_o vicious_a quality_n with_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v a_o admirable_a way_n to_o make_v they_o defist_n from_o court_v she_o and_o to_o avoid_v she_o with_o the_o great_a abhorrency_n if_o they_o will_v in_o their_o meditation_n 9_o rev._n 9_o compare_v sin_n as_o they_o apt_o may_v to_o the_o locust_n mention_v in_o sacred_a writ_n which_o though_o they_o have_v crown_n like_o gold_n on_o their_o head_n and_o the_o face_n of_o man_n and_o their_o hair_n like_o woman_n yet_o withal_o have_v tooth_n like_o lion_n and_o tail_n like_v to_o scorpion_n that_o be_v do_v they_o but_o think_v what_o shame_n and_o death_n will_v follow_v their_o sinful_a delight_n and_o honour_n what_o bitterness_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o sin_n cup_n questionless_a such_o a_o thought_n will_v make_v they_o crucify_v it_o to_o death_n in_o its_o most_o rich_a and_o please_a attire_n now_o as_o pious_a meditation_n will_v after_o this_o manner_n ruin_n sin_n so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o save_v and_o secure_a grace_n for_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o loveliness_n hereof_o will_v put_v courage_n into_o we_o to_o engage_v for_o it_o against_o all_o its_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o it_o will_v invite_v we_o to_o quicken_v it_o with_o our_o warm_a affection_n and_o hereupon_o we_o shall_v place_v it_o in_o the_o garrison_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o keep_v those_o garrison_n with_o our_o great_a watchfulness_n moreover_o meditation_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v our_o grace_n for_o this_o duty_n will_v bring_v supply_n of_o grace_n and_o by_o it_o we_o shall_v know_v what_o armoury_n to_o go_v to_o that_o be_v where_o to_o be_v relieve_v and_o beside_o all_o this_o it_o will_v employ_v they_o and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o perish_v by_o ease_n and_o idleness_n it_o will_v rouse_v up_o our_o faith_n and_o kindle_v our_o charity_n and_o fortify_v our_o hope_n and_o enliven_v our_o desire_n and_o multiply_v our_o spiritual_a joy_n it_o will_v also_o loosen_v our_o affection_n from_o earthly_a thing_n and_o give_v we_o a_o foretaste_n of_o eternal_a glory_n by_o meditation_n we_o enjoy_v god_n here_o and_o reason_n 4._o reason_n see_v heaven_n upon_o earth_n this_o be_v the_o soul_n perspective_n glass_n through_o which_o it_o may_v view_v thing_n a_o far_o off_o by_o it_o we_o take_v a_o turn_n in_o heaven_n and_o view_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n by_o it_o we_o make_v a_o visit_n to_o god_n himself_o and_o enjoy_v the_o ravish_a delight_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o by_o it_o we_o invite_v and_o bring_v he_o even_o into_o our_o own_o house_n for_o when_o we_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o he_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o we_o and_o hereby_o we_o humble_o and_o reverent_o and_o submissive_o confer_v with_o he_o and_o speak_v to_o he_o and_o have_v as_o much_o of_o he_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v bear_v believe_v it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o intercourse_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n without_o meditation_n but_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o there_o may_v and_o this_o will_v bring_v a_o large_a harvest_n of_o spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_n into_o our_o soul_n for_o true_a meditate_a christian_n be_v usual_o most_v acquaint_v with_o god_n and_o this_o acquaintance_n will_v procure_v the_o best_a peace_n and_o the_o most_o real_a comfort_n and_o here_o meletus_n have_v cruise_v thus_o far_o in_o this_o ocean_n of_o matter_n make_v into_o the_o next_o port_n and_o furl_v up_o his_o sail_n think_v it_o proper_a to_o give_v himself_o and_o his_o friend_n a_o opportunity_n of_o unbending_a their_o bow_n or_o some_o relaxation_n of_o their_o strict_a attention_n that_o it_o may_v not_o slacken_v by_o too_o much_o use_v and_o also_o a_o occasion_n of_o fix_v their_o mind_n upon_o what_o he_o have_v deliver_v and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o will_v launch_v out_o a_o few_o more_o league_n on_o this_o subject_n at_o their_o next_o meeting_n and_o upon_o their_o break_n up_o at_o that_o time_n he_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n that_o though_o delay_n seem_v ill_o favour_v yet_o for_o the_o reason_n beforemention_v it_o may_v prove_v the_o mother_n of_o beautiful_a wisdom_n chap._n iu._n meletus_n three_o discourse_n of_o meditation_n the_o next_o meeting_n be_v come_v and_o glycon_n have_v put_v the_o assembly_n in_o mind_n of_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o and_o then_o make_v some_o sign_n to_o meletus_n to_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o path_n and_o with_o the_o same_o foot_n he_o have_v begin_v he_o free_o embrace_v the_o motion_n and_o break_v silence_n after_o this_o follow_a manner_n it_o be_v write_v say_v meletus_n of_o the_o bird_n 8._o vid._n causin_n de_fw-fr symbol_n egypt_n sapient_a p._n 8._o call_v phatalia_n that_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o fill_v itself_o with_o shellfish_n and_o to_o vomit_v they_o up_o when_o he_o have_v concoct_v they_o by_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o stomach_n and_o then_o choose_v out_o of_o they_o those_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o be_v eat_v i_o will_v persuade_v myself_o that_o in_o like_a manner_n you_o have_v by_o meditation_n put_v in_o good_a order_n what_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v and_o choose_v out_o some_o peculiar_a observation_n whereby_o you_o have_v be_v make_v more_o strong_a in_o christian_a virtue_n than_o you_o be_v before_o and_o that_o you_o may_v have_v fresh_a supply_n to_o add_v to_o your_o increase_n herein_o for_o christian_n must_v like_v the_o crocodile_n be_v grow_v as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v i_o shall_v now_o show_v you_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n must_v be_v exercise_v and_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o you_o be_v inform_v hereof_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v any_o good_a action_n be_v the_o main_a thing_n which_o render_v it_o acceptable_a in_o god_n sight_n and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o will_v require_v direction_n for_o its_o performance_n in_o
our_o practice_n 1._o now_o the_o first_o direction_n in_o order_n hereto_o be_v to_o choose_v out_o some_o fit_a time_n to_o meditate_v this_o will_v much_o further_o our_o design_n and_o prove_v helpful_a to_o we_o we_o find_v that_o our_o great_a master_n choose_v the_o early_a morning_n for_o then_o rise_v up_o before_o day_n he_o go_v out_o 25._o s._n mark_v 1._o 25._o and_o depart_v into_o a_o solitary_a place_n and_o pray_v and_o the_o patriarch_n isaac_n use_v this_o exercise_n in_o the_o field_n at_o the_o evening_n 69._o gen_n 24._o 69._o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o pitch_v just_a upon_o such_o a_o certain_a time_n and_o no_o other_o and_o if_o that_o be_v past_a or_o busy_v other_o way_n then_o to_o lay_v it_o aside_o but_o we_o shall_v as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v pitch_v on_o such_o a_o time_n wherein_o we_o be_v most_o free_a from_o our_o worldly_a occasion_n nor_o be_v it_o requisite_a that_o all_o person_n observe_v the_o very_a same_o time_n for_o all_o have_v not_o the_o same_o business_n or_o occasion_n and_o therefore_o divers_a hour_n may_v be_v most_o proper_a in_o this_o present_a case_n but_o some_o peculiar_a time_n of_o the_o day_n or_o as_o oft_o as_o we_o can_v we_o shall_v sequester_v ourselves_o for_o pious_a meditation_n and_o very_o that_o part_n of_o the_o day_n which_o be_v so_o use_v may_v procure_v a_o blessing_n for_o all_o the_o other_o part_n for_o god_n do_v not_o forget_v those_o who_o do_v not_o forget_v he_o 2_o we_o shall_v find_v out_o a_o proper_a place_n direct_v 2._o direct_v for_o this_o office_n such_o a_o circumstance_n may_v much_o further_a this_o necessary_a employ_v solomon_n assure_v we_o that_o through_o desire_v a_o man_n 1._o prov._n 18._o 1._o have_v separate_v himself_o seek_v and_o meddle_v with_o all_o wisdom_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v soon_o disturb_v with_o sight_n and_o noise_n and_o those_o matter_n which_o hinder_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o meditation_n and_o therefore_o convenient_a place_n conduce_v much_o to_o the_o right_a performance_n of_o it_o the_o devil_n will_v fain_o burden_n our_o ear_n and_o employ_v they_o too_o much_o that_o so_o we_o be_v intent_n upon_o the_o lesser_a may_v neglect_v our_o great_a concern_v he_o will_v entertain_v and_o 〈◊〉_d our_o ear_n with_o pleasant_a tale_n and_o fable_n that_o so_o we_o may_v take_v no_o notice_n whether_o we_o be_v travel_v to_o heaven_n or_o hell_n it_o be_v his_o sorrow_n and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o joy_n to_o go_v into_o our_o private_a apartment_n and_o there_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o our_o present_n and_o future_a condition_n 3_o in_o order_n to_o due_a 〈◊〉_d meditation_n direct_v 3._o direct_v we_o must_v get_v our_o heart_n into_o a_o right_a frame_n for_o it_o when_o we_o have_v resolve_v upon_o the_o time_n and_o the_o place_n than_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o careful_a to_o order_v our_o heart_n well_o and_o in_o good_a earnest_n this_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a business_n for_o our_o heart_n will_v require_v some_o pain_n and_o study_n before_o we_o can_v bring_v they_o into_o a_o meditatimg_n temper_n they_o be_v deceitful_a and_o so_o may_v persuade_v we_o that_o we_o be_v when_o indeed_o we_o be_v not_o so_o well_o qualify_v for_o this_o duty_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v to_o meditate_v be_v to_o be_v very_a intent_n and_o serious_a and_o such_o a_o disposition_n be_v neither_o quick_o or_o easy_o procure_v and_o yet_o this_o frame_n we_o must_v get_v or_o we_o can_v herein_o perform_v our_o duty_n now_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o be_v thus_o qualify_v be_v to_o keep_v our_o heart_n with_o 23._o mede_n on_o prov._n 4._o 23._o all_o diligence_n that_o be_v to_o watch_v they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o admit_v such_o vain_a and_o foolish_a thing_n into_o they_o that_o may_v put_v aside_o this_o office_n of_o holy_a meditation_n and_o if_o we_o can_v at_o one_o time_n we_o must_v strive_v at_o another_o to_o fix_v and_o compose_v our_o mind_n we_o must_v take_v some_o pain_n in_o this_o business_n and_o the_o gain_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v show_v will_n more_o than_o sufficient_o recompense_v the_o hardness_n of_o the_o task_n if_o we_o can_v meditate_v to_o day_n or_o to_o night_n we_o must_v try_v to_o do_v it_o tomorrow_o or_o some_o other_o time_n and_o follow_v the_o business_n to_o purpose_n till_o we_o have_v through_o god_n grace_n bring_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o meditate_a frame_n and_o when_o we_o be_v in_o tune_n for_o the_o duty_n we_o shall_v perform_v it_o with_o comfort_n you_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o man_n ignorance_n herein_o spoil_v all_o they_o suppose_v that_o a_o short_a time_n and_o little_a labour_n will_v serve_v for_o the_o duty_n but_o when_o they_o go_v about_o it_o and_o find_v many_o worldly_a care_n and_o this_o and_o that_o and_o the_o other_o trifle_n put_v they_o by_o and_o take_v they_o off_o and_o oblige_v their_o thought_n to_o fix_v on_o they_o soon_o than_o upon_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a matter_n than_o they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o to_o meditate_v be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o task_n as_o they_o imagine_v and_o then_o as_o the_o suppose_a easiness_n of_o it_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o for_o some_o time_n so_o now_o the_o real_a difficulty_n of_o it_o will_v hinder_v they_o from_o any_o performance_n of_o it_o now_o this_o may_v be_v prevent_v and_o the_o real_a knowledge_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n may_v be_v obtain_v if_o we_o study_v to_o keep_v our_o heart_n in_o a_o due_a frame_n and_o disposition_n and_o to_o do_v thus_o we_o shall_v not_o surfeit_v our_o mind_n with_o inferior_a thing_n nor_o disorder_v our_o body_n by_o intemperance_n for_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dic_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d free_v our_o soul_n from_o vexatious_a trouble_n and_o preserve_v they_o safe_a and_o sound_a nor_o shall_v we_o burden_n our_o memory_n with_o many_o curiosity_n nor_o be_v always_o in_o much_o though_o perhaps_o not_o bad_a company_n but_o we_o shall_v be_v orderly_o and_o watchful_a and_o careful_a and_o sober_a and_o serious_a and_o solitary_a and_o hereby_o we_o shall_v keep_v our_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n and_o put_v they_o into_o a_o fit_a posture_n for_o meditation_n and_o so_o exercise_v the_o office_n with_o much_o delight_n and_o benefit_n 4thly_a when_o we_o will_v right_o meditate_v direct_v 4._o direct_v we_o must_v preface_n that_o office_n with_o prayer_n now_o prayer_n be_v a_o ascension_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heart_n to_o god_n and_o when_o it_o be_v present_v to_o he_o with_o a_o entire_a and_o warm_a affection_n the_o tongue_n do_v not_o forerun_v the_o wit_n that_o be_v we_o do_v not_o speak_v what_o we_o do_v not_o forethink_a for_o god_n grace_n be_v not_o obtain_v by_o a_o unaccomptable_a multiplication_n of_o cipher_n or_o insignificant_a expression_n but_o the_o pious_a heart_n shoot_v forth_o its_o affection_n as_o so_o many_o keen_a arrow_n which_o pierce_v into_o heaven_n upon_o examination_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o religious_a duty_n which_o can_v be_v right_o perform_v unless_o it_o be_v begin_v with_o prayer_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o to_o do_v as_o we_o ought_v in_o religious_a matter_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n now_o every_o 17._o s._n jam._n 1._o 17._o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n come_v from_o above_o and_o god_n will_v not_o let_v it_o drop_v down_o upon_o we_o unless_o we_o first_o raise_v up_o our_o heart_n by_o prayer_n to_o he_o now_o there_o be_v no_o gift_n of_o great_a benefit_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v than_o that_o of_o due_a meditation_n and_o therefore_o this_o shall_v be_v beg_v and_o earnest_o beg_v of_o god_n in_o our_o daily_a devotion_n the_o difficulty_n of_o that_o duty_n shall_v drive_v we_o to_o this_o for_o if_o we_o find_v that_o we_o can_v do_v a_o business_n ourselves_o we_o pray_v help_v and_o assistance_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o comply_v with_o our_o petition_n when_o we_o do_v pray_v our_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v weak_a and_o infirm_a and_o infect_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o plague_n of_o sin_n now_o prayer_n be_v the_o best_a and_o only_a medicine_n to_o make_v they_o sound_v and_o so_o fit_a to_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o meditation_n and_o the_o reason_n may_v be_v because_o if_o in_o prayer_n we_o humble_o and_o submissive_o acknowledge_v our_o own_o weakness_n and_o declare_v that_o we_o can_v of_o ourselves_o meditate_v right_o and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o overcome_v