our_o bed_n the_o manuary_a trade_n and_o horsekeeper_n and_o merchant_n can_v witness_v as_o much_o unto_o we_o rise_v thou_o at_o midnight_n as_o do_v the_o church_n mark_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o star_n the_o deep_a silence_n of_o all_o thing_n then_o be_v their_o rest_n they_o then_o enjoy_v and_o admire_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n above_o then_o be_v thy_o soul_n more_o pure_a more_o light_a and_o subtle_a more_o lofty_a and_o quick_a the_o very_a darkness_n itself_o and_o that_o great_a silence_n may_v induce_v thou_o to_o much_o contemplation_n and_o say_v he_o further_o look_v towards_o the_o city_n and_o thou_o shall_v hear_v no_o noise_n at_o all_o cast_v thy_o eye_n on_o thy_o house_n and_o all_o thy_o family_n shall_v seem_v as_o if_o they_o lie_v in_o their_o grave_n or_o sepulcher_n all_o this_o may_v stir_v thou_o up_o to_o high_a and_o heavenly_a meditation_n and_o say_v the_o same_o father_n elsewhere_o 30._o chrysost_n in_o gen._n hom._n 30._o in_o the_o night_n no_o body_n be_v troublesome_a to_o we_o then_o have_v we_o a_o great_a tranquillity_n of_o our_o thought_n when_o our_o business_n be_v not_o troublesome_a when_o there_o be_v none_o that_o can_v hinder_v we_o from_o have_v access_n to_o god_n when_o our_o mind_n knit_v itself_o together_o be_v able_a diligent_o to_o makâ—_n reference_n of_o all_o to_o the_o physician_n of_o soul_n i_o shall_v not_o prescribe_v which_o of_o these_o be_v the_o fit_a time_n for_o meditation_n but_o to_o i_o the_o morning_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o fit_a but_o no_o time_n come_v amiss_o to_o a_o prepare_a heart_n chap._n 10._o a_o exhortation_n to_o meditation_n show_v also_o the_o necessity_n thereof_o let_v i_o now_o exhort_v you_o to_o set_v about_o and_o to_o be_v frequent_a in_o this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o meditation_n be_v often_o retire_v yourselves_o to_o god_n and_o breathe_v after_o he_o question_v he_o daily_o about_o thy_o salvation_n give_v he_o thy_o heart_n lift_v up_o thy_o soul_n to_o god_n cast_v thy_o inward_a eye_n on_o his_o mercy_n give_v he_o thy_o hand_n as_o a_o little_a child_n do_v to_o his_o father_n that_o he_o may_v lead_v thou_o and_o guide_v thou_o plant_v he_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n may_v be_v in_o all_o thy_o thought_n make_v many_o motion_n in_o thy_o soul_n after_o he_o from_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v present_v many_o pious_a meditation_n and_o profitable_a discourse_n unhappy_a be_v they_o that_o use_n â—he_v creature_n in_o turn_v they_o to_o sin_n and_o happy_a they_o that_o turn_v they_o to_o the_o meditation_n of_o god_n and_o his_o goodness_n this_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n be_v very_o necessary_a 1._o because_o much_o of_o the_o work_n of_o holy_a devotion_n consist_v in_o it_o it_o be_v that_o which_o may_v stand_v in_o stead_n of_o many_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o lack_n of_o this_o can_v hardly_o be_v supply_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n for_o without_o this_o rest_n be_v but_o idleness_n pain_n take_v but_o vexation_n 2._o meditation_n be_v necessary_a to_o beat_v down_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o sensual_a appetite_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v a_o great_a mischief_n say_v austin_n to_o enjoy_v those_o thing_n we_o shall_v but_o use_v and_o but_o use_v those_o thing_n we_o shall_v enjoy_v we_o shall_v enjoy_v spiritual_a thing_n and_o but_o use_v corporal_a which_o when_o the_o use_n be_v turn_v into_o enjoy_v our_o reasonable_a soul_n be_v turn_v into_o a_o brutish_a and_o beastlike_a soul_n bern._n animae_fw-la viaticum_fw-la est_fw-la meditatio_fw-la bern._n 3._o meditation_n be_v necessary_a to_o concoct_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v some_o that_o feel_v some_o tenderness_n of_o spirit_n that_o will_v weep_v at_o a_o sermon_n that_o one_o will_v think_v their_o heart_n full_a of_o devotion_n but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n we_o find_v that_o as_o the_o sudden_a shower_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o summer_n fall_v in_o great_a drop_n enter_v not_o but_o bring_v forth_o toadstool_n or_o mushromp_n so_o these_o tear_n fall_v on_o a_o vicious_a heart_n a_o heart_n not_o mollify_v by_o constant_a meditation_n the_o word_n work_v not_o upon_o it_o but_o become_v unprofitable_a meditation_n soften_v the_o heart_n and_o fit_v it_o for_o any_o holy_a impression_n this_o make_v david_n cry_v out_o o_o lord_n how_o sweet_a be_v thy_o word_n unto_o my_o taste_n they_o be_v sweet_a than_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n and_o certain_o the_o least_o comfort_n of_o the_o word_n wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o holy_a meditation_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o the_o most_o please_a recreation_n in_o the_o world_n they_o that_o have_v taste_v of_o they_o hold_v all_o other_o consolation_n to_o be_v but_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n in_o comparison_n of_o they_o oh_o that_o now_o i_o can_v persuade_v man_n to_o this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o meditation_n withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o your_o worldly_a affair_n at_o least_o once_o a_o day_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n o_o holy_a soul_n say_v bernard_n bern._n o_o sancta_fw-la anima_fw-la fuge_fw-la publicum_fw-la fuge_fw-la domesticos_fw-la a_o nescis_fw-la te_fw-la verecundum_fw-la habere_fw-la sponsum_fw-la etc._n etc._n bern._n shun_v public_a place_n and_o the_o company_n of_o those_o of_o thy_o household_n know_v thou_o not_o that_o jesus_n christ_n thy_o husband_n be_v bashful_a and_o will_v not_o be_v familiar_a in_o company_n come_v my_o belove_a let_v we_o go_v forth_o into_o the_o field_n there_o will_v i_o give_v thou_o my_o love_n cant._n 7.11_o chap._n 11._o objection_n against_o set_v about_o the_o practice_n of_o meditation_n answer_v object_n 1_o but_o here_o some_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v we_o be_v convince_v that_o meditation_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n but_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n strange_a to_o we_o and_o that_o with_o which_o we_o be_v altogether_o unacquainted_a resp_n resp_n the_o light_n though_o fair_a and_o pleasant_a to_o the_o eye_n yet_o dim_a then_o after_o one_o have_v be_v long_o in_o the_o dark_a before_o one_o come_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o any_o country_n they_o will_v seem_v strange_a at_o first_o be_v they_o never_o so_o courteous_a so_o upon_o the_o change_n of_o thy_o life_n thou_o shall_v find_v some_o inward_a alreration_n and_o in_o this_o general_a adieu_o thou_o shall_v give_v to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o all_o thy_o sin_n and_o foolish_a toy_n thou_o shall_v have_v some_o touch_n of_o grief_n and_o discontent_n but_o have_v but_o a_o little_a patience_n it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a astonishment_n the_o novelty_n bring_v thou_o pass_v that_o by_o and_o thou_o shall_v receive_v many_o comfort_n and_o cordial_a delight_n so_o please_v and_o content_v that_o thou_o will_v esteem_v all_o other_o as_o nothing_o to_o they_o he_o that_o have_v thorough_o taste_v of_o this_o heavenly_a manna_n can_v relish_v any_o worldly_a pleasure_n nor_o set_v his_o affection_n upon_o they_o the_o delight_n of_o holy_a meditation_n be_v the_o foreta_v of_o those_o immortal_a delight_n that_o god_n give_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o oh_o but_o say_v the_o soul_n this_o mountain_n object_n 2_o of_o meditation_n be_v very_o high_a and_o the_o work_n be_v difficult_a how_o shall_v i_o be_v able_a to_o climb_v up_o this_o holy_a hill_n i_o be_o weak_a and_o unable_a for_o so_o high_a a_o exercise_n the_o work_n indeed_o seem_v harsh_a and_o difficult_a at_o first_o resp._n resp._n but_o when_o we_o be_v exercise_v therein_o it_o will_v be_v familiar_a with_o we_o the_o young_a bee_n at_o first_o be_v call_v nymph_n and_o live_v on_o the_o honey_n that_o be_v in_o their_o hive_n but_o when_o once_o their_o wing_n be_v grow_v out_o they_o fly_v abroad_o and_o gather_v honey_n for_o themselves_o on_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n and_o on_o the_o mountain_n it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v all_o nymph_n and_o worm_n in_o devotion_n at_o first_o not_o able_a to_o ascend_v this_o hill_n of_o meditation_n but_o when_o once_o we_o be_v form_v in_o our_o desire_n and_o resolution_n we_o then_o put_v fortâ—_n and_o so_o may_v hope_v to_o become_v spiritual_a bee_n and_o then_o to_o fly_v high_a and_o high_o in_o our_o meditation_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o feed_v on_o the_o honey_n of_o god_n word_n and_o of_o holy_a instruction_n pray_v to_o god_n to_o give_v we_o the_o wing_n of_o a_o dove_n that_o we_o may_v swift_o and_o speedy_o fly_v unto_o he_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v in_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o this_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n it_o be_v as_o one_o say_v godliness_n io._n downham_n guide_n to_o godliness_n so_o harsh_a to_o corrupt_v nature_n and_o so_o cross_a to_o carnal_a principle_n but_o the_o
and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o communion_n that_o be_v between_o body_n and_o soul_n be_v together_o it_o be_v as_o one_o observe_v of_o great_a force_n to_o work_v diverse_o within_o the_o man_n that_o imagine_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o papist_n and_o superstitious_a person_n be_v full_a of_o cruelty_n because_o superstitious_a device_n be_v the_o brat_n of_o man_n imagination_n like_o nebuchadnezzar_n golden_a image_n conflict_n dr_n sib_n soul_n conflict_n wherein_o he_o please_v himself_o so_o that_o to_o have_v uniformity_n in_o adore_v the_o same_o he_o compel_v all_o under_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o therefore_o that_o our_o imagination_n may_v do_v we_o no_o injury_n we_o must_v propound_v and_o present_v real_a and_o substantial_a thing_n unto_o they_o as_o the_o true_a excellency_n and_o abasement_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o true_a and_o false_a riches_n the_o true_a happiness_n and_o real_a misery_n of_o the_o soul_n if_o false_a object_n be_v present_v to_o they_o false_a conceit_n will_v arise_v therefrom_o and_o false_a meditation_n and_o discourse_n will_v arise_v within_o we_o as_o the_o take_n in_o wholesome_a food_n expel_v flatuous_a distemper_n out_o of_o our_o body_n so_o when_o serious_a object_n be_v present_v to_o the_o soul_n when_o the_o mind_n feed_v on_o nourish_a truth_n it_o be_v a_o way_n to_o expel_v windy_a fancy_n and_o vain_a imagination_n if_o thou_o will_v meditate_v of_o christ_n on_o the_o cross_n imagine_v thyself_o to_o be_v on_o mount_n calvary_n and_o to_o see_v all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o say_v in_o his_o passion_n and_o suffering_n in_o that_o manner_n that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v set_v down_o for_o by_o such_o imagination_n we_o enclose_v our_o spirit_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o mystery_n whereon_o we_o meditate_v and_o keep_v they_o from_o rove_a excursion_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o wander_v as_o imagination_n it_o be_v like_a to_o theramenez_fw-fr shoe_n fit_a for_o all_o foot_n it_o be_v as_o the_o matter_n be_v that_o be_v present_v to_o it_o philo_z the_o jew_n say_v jud._n philo_n jud._n the_o usual_a practice_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o live_v in_o alexandria_n and_o make_v their_o most_o holy_a meditation_n on_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o they_o tie_v themselves_o to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o hebrew_n alphabet_n and_o so_o pass_v into_o the_o most_o spiritual_a sense_n there_o to_o see_v and_o understand_v the_o verity_n which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n veil_v ital_n ogni_fw-la medaglia_fw-it ha_o il_fw-fr svo_fw-la riverscio_fw-la ital_n every_o outside_n have_v his_o inside_n say_v the_o italian_a proverb_n meditation_n thus_o form_v do_v pour_v good_a motion_n into_o the_o will_n and_o holy_a affection_n into_o the_o soul_n as_o the_o love_n of_o goâ—_n and_o our_o brethren_n long_v after_o heaven_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o imitation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n rejoice_v in_o god_n and_o his_o mercy_n a_o admiration_n of_o his_o wonderful_a work_n a_o fear_n of_o offend_a god_n the_o consideration_n oâ—_n heaven_n and_o hell_n the_o last_o judgement_n a_o hatred_n of_o all_o sin_n a_o confidence_n in_o god_n goodness_n a_o confusion_n at_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o misspend_v life_n in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a our_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v dilate_v and_o pour_v forth_o as_o much_o as_o maâ—_n be_v chap._n 6._o of_o the_o kind_n of_o meditation_n anâ—_n first_o of_o rapt_a meditation_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o kind_n oâ—_n meditation_n quintil._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d repentè_fw-fr inuenta_fw-la comparatque_fw-la compositio_fw-la budaeus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d confidentèr_fw-la animum_fw-la ad_fw-la aliquam_fw-la rem_fw-la appellere_fw-la cum_fw-la re_fw-la praesenti_fw-la deliberare_fw-la quintil._n meditation_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o there_o be_v a_o rapt_a meditation_n which_o be_v both_o sudden_a and_o occasional_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o sudden_a invention_n no_o compose_v by_o study_n whereby_o a_o minâ—_n both_o pious_a and_o ingenious_a spiritualizeâ—_n every_o object_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a or_o meet_v withal_o thus_o do_v ouâ—_n saviour_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n when_o he_o call_v his_o disciple_n from_o the_o net_n he_o apply_v that_o vocation_n to_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n follow_v i_o and_o i_o will_v make_v you_o f_o sher_n of_o man_n they_o shall_v not_o alter_v their_o trade_n but_o only_o change_v some_o circumstance_n of_o it_o as_o they_o be_v fisher_n before_o so_o they_o shall_v be_v still_o but_o whereas_o before_o they_o catch_v unreasonable_a now_o they_o shall_v catch_v reasonable_a fish_n as_o before_o with_o hook_n and_o net_n they_o catch_v fish_n for_o themselves_o so_o now_o by_o the_o net_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o shall_v catch_v man_n for_o god_n as_o david_n that_o be_v a_o shepherd_n be_v take_v from_o the_o sheep-fold_n and_o from_o follow_v the_o ewe_n great_a with_o young_a be_v bring_v to_o feed_v jacob_n god_n people_n and_o israel_n his_o inheritance_n and_o though_o call_v to_o be_v a_o king_n be_v a_o shepherd_n still_o psal_n 78.70_o 71._o so_o they_o call_v to_o be_v apostle_n be_v fisher_n still_o when_o the_o multitude_n follow_v christ_n for_o the_o loaf_n he_o make_v a_o spiritual_a use_v of_o it_o exhort_v they_o not_o to_o labour_v for_o the_o meat_n that_o perish_v 6.27_o joh._n 6.27_o but_o that_o which_o endure_v to_o everlasting_a life_n how_o often_o do_v our_o saviour_n upon_o a_o sudden_a teach_v his_o hearer_n by_o similitude_n and_o parable_n and_o what_o be_v his_o parable_n but_o simile_n compare_v of_o thing_n and_o explain_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n so_o christ_n compare_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o leaven_n to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n to_o a_o merchantman_n to_o ten_o virgin_n to_o a_o net_n cast_v into_o the_o sea_n mart._n pet._n mart._n a_o parable_n say_v a_o good_a divine_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o similitude_n or_o example_n take_v from_o other_o thing_n to_o illustrate_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n it_o be_v very_o ordinary_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n to_o use_v parable_n i_o will_v open_v my_o mouth_n in_o a_o parable_n psal_n 78.2_o hieron_n mr_n hieron_n the_o learned_a say_v that_o in_o a_o parable_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n cortex_fw-la radix_fw-la fructus_fw-la 1._o cortex_fw-la the_o rind_n or_o bark_n that_o be_v the_o word_n and_o term_n wherein_o it_o be_v deliver_v 2._o radix_fw-la the_o root_n which_o be_v the_o scope_n to_o which_o it_o drive_v 3._o fructus_fw-la the_o fruit_n which_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v from_o it_o when_o the_o bark_n or_o rind_n be_v well_o puâ—_n aside_o and_o the_o root_n discover_v it_o wilâ—_n soon_o be_v see_v what_o the_o fruit_n be_v that_o growâ—_n thereon_o 1._o this_o way_n of_o teach_v and_o illustration_n be_v very_o profitable_a it_o be_v a_o greaâ—_n help_v to_o the_o sense_n and_o from_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o know_v we_o proceed_v to_o thing_n that_o be_v less_o know_v say_v aristotle_n aristot_n aristot_n 2._o it_o be_v profitable_a likewise_o to_o the_o memory_n help_v we_o to_o remember_v manything_n that_o otherwise_o will_v be_v forget_v 3._o it_o make_v thing_n delightful_a and_o pleasant_a it_o be_v the_o best_a way_n whereby_o the_o ignorant_a be_v make_v to_o understand_v for_o it_o be_v the_o easy_a ready_a and_o plain_a manner_n of_o instruct_v 4._o it_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n it_o work_v much_o upon_o the_o affection_n for_o what_o can_v quicken_v the_o heart_n of_o people_n more_o than_o to_o hear_v and_o see_v then_o may_v we_o say_v with_o david_n 48.8_o psal_n 48.8_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v so_o have_v we_o see_v we_o hear_v by_o doctrine_n we_o see_v by_o similitude_n and_o example_n some_o have_v speak_v against_o this_o manner_n of_o meditation_n and_o instruction_n say_v that_o herein_o we_o let_v out_o our_o thought_n upon_o every_o base_a creature_n but_o i_o say_v unless_o a_o man_n will_v be_v wilful_o blind_a this_o way_n he_o will_v he_o make_v to_o understand_v and_o god_n will_v not_o that_o we_o shall_v look_v on_o earthly_a thing_n without_o a_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a application_n here_o each_o man_n in_o his_o trade_n may_v learn_v something_o for_o his_o salvation_n be_v thou_o a_o ploughman_n meditate_v on_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sour_a mat._n 13._o when_o thou_o be_v plough_v up_o thy_o ground_n and_o turn_v up_o the_o furrow_n of_o the_o earth_n this_o shall_v put_v thou_o in_o mind_n of_o plough_v up_o the_o fallow_a ground_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o when_o thou_o be_v break_v the_o clod_n of_o the_o earth_n remember_v that_o god_n call_v for_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heart_n when_o thou_o put_v thy_o hand_n to_o the_o plough_n take_v heed_n of_o backslide_v remember_v that_o
5._o nemo_fw-la ad_fw-la meditationem_fw-la pervenit_fw-la occupatus_fw-la senec._n 1._o a_o retirement_n from_o the_o world_n star_n which_o have_v least_o circuit_n be_v near_o to_o the_o pole_n and_o man_n who_o least_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o worldly_a business_n be_v near_o to_o god_n devout_a bernard_n confess_v he_o learn_v much_o of_o his_o divinity_n under_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o wood_n when_o elijah_n be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n far_o from_o his_o own_o habitation_n and_o the_o company_n of_o man_n than_o the_o angel_n speak_v unto_o he_o when_o we_o be_v alone_o sequester_v from_o worldly_a care_n and_o distraction_n than_o god_n open_v his_o mind_n unto_o we_o and_o reveal_v many_o thing_n to_o we_o which_o he_o will_v not_o do_v when_o he_o find_v our_o heart_n take_v up_o with_o the_o care_n and_o trouble_n of_o worldly_a business_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o converse_v with_o he_o he_o require_v not_o only_o a_o bodily_a but_o also_o a_o spiritual_a retirement_n thus_o god_n callâ—_n ezekiel_n 3.22_o ezek._n 3.22_o into_o the_o plain_a that_o he_o may_v there_o talk_v with_o he_o and_o allure_v the_o church_n into_o the_o wilderness_n that_o he_o may_v speak_v unto_o her_o heart_n privacy_n as_o one_o observe_v be_v the_o seat_n of_o contemplation_n gent._n brathwait_n engl._n gent._n though_o sometime_o make_v the_o recluse_n of_o temptation_n from_o which_o the_o cell_n be_v no_o more_o exempt_v than_o the_o court_n but_o to_o a_o pious_a heart_n privacy_n be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o meditation_n mundi_fw-la mihi_fw-la oppidum_fw-la carcer_fw-la solitudo_fw-la paradisus_fw-la hier._n epist_n ad_fw-la rustic_n erasm_n tom._n 5._o the_o contempt_n mundi_fw-la the_o city_n to_o i_o say_v jerom_o be_v a_o prison_n and_o solitariness_n be_v a_o paradise_n erasmus_n have_v write_v much_o concern_v the_o liberty_n tranquillity_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o retire_a life_n and_o the_o psalmist_n bid_v we_o to_o commune_v with_o our_o own_o heart_n upon_o our_o bed_n or_o within_o our_o chamber_n as_o some_o translate_v and_o be_v still_o psal_n 4.4_o be_v still_o from_o the_o world_n yet_o then_o must_v the_o heart_n be_v stir_v towards_o god_n they_o that_o sail_v at_o sea_n to_o the_o end_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o land_n they_o look_v more_o up_o to_o the_o heaven_n than_o down_o to_o the_o sea_n carnal_a man_n be_v drown_v in_o fleshly_a delight_n and_o worldly_a care_n their_o heart_n be_v not_o purge_v or_o elevate_v to_o converse_v with_o god_n 2._o a_o retire_n from_o our_o own_o passion_n the_o heart_n must_v be_v settle_v and_o well_o compose_v before_o it_o ascend_v the_o hill_n of_o meditation_n god_n require_v a_o spirit_n settle_v for_o so_o high_a a_o work_n in_o quietness_n and_o confidence_n shall_v be_v your_o strength_n 38._o if_o a_o man_n do_v not_o first_o discharge_v both_o himself_o and_o his_o mind_n from_o the_o burden_n that_o press_v she_o remove_v from_o place_n to_o place_n will_v press_v she_o the_o more_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v sequester_v himself_o from_o the_o concourse_n of_o the_o people_n a_o man_n must_v sequester_v and_o recover_v himself_o from_o himself_o montaign_n essay_n l._n 1._o c._n 38._o isa_n 30.15_o be_o still_o and_o know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n psal_n 46.10_o we_o can_v never_o saving_o know_v he_o till_o our_o heart_n be_v free_a from_o these_o perturbation_n therefore_o when_o we_o come_v to_o meditate_v we_o must_v as_o well_o retire_v from_o the_o perturbation_n of_o our_o heart_n as_o from_o the_o world_n wasp_n and_o drone_n make_v more_o noise_n than_o the_o bee_n but_o make_v no_o honey_n but_o wax_v only_o so_o they_o who_o heart_n be_v trouble_v and_o perplex_v be_v very_o unfit_a for_o so_o high_a a_o exercise_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o shower_n that_o fall_v gentle_o make_v corn_n and_o grass_n abound_v but_o fall_v violent_o much_o endanger_v the_o corn_n and_o meadow_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o we_o be_v separate_v from_o man_n if_o we_o be_v entangle_v with_o our_o own_o passion_n and_o indeed_o herein_o consist_v one_o of_o the_o most_o assure_a mean_n of_o our_o spiritual_a improvement_n therefore_o he_o that_o will_v meditate_v on_o holy_a object_n must_v call_v back_o his_o spirit_n very_o frequent_o into_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o consider_v what_o god_n do_v and_o what_o himself_o be_v do_v cry_v out_o to_o god_n o_o lord_n why_o do_v i_o not_o always_o look_v towards_o thou_o why_o do_v thou_o think_v on_o i_o so_o often_o and_o i_o on_o thou_o so_o seldom_o our_o proper_a place_n be_v to_o be_v with_o thou_o thrice_o happy_a be_v that_o soul_n that_o can_v lift_v up_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o can_v true_o say_v lord_z thou_o be_v my_o dwell_a place_n my_o refuge_n my_o shadow_n against_o all_o temptation_n it_o be_v good_a for_o christian_n to_o retire_v frequent_o into_o the_o loneness_n of_o their_o heart_n yea_o when_o they_o be_v in_o company_n with_o other_o for_o then_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v alone_o with_o god_n so_o say_v david_n i_o be_o continual_o with_o thou_o psal_n 73.23_o i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o my_o eye_n psal_n 16.8_o 2._o 4.23_o actus_fw-la religionis_fw-la seu_fw-la exercitium_fw-la spiritual_fw-la jer._n turner_n serm._n in_o prov._n 4.23_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o meditation_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o fix_a exercise_n of_o the_o heart_n upon_o spiritual_a object_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o the_o heart_n 2._o a_o fix_a exercise_n it_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o the_o heart_n therefore_o one_o define_v it_o to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o religion_n or_o spiritual_a exercise_n it_o be_v a_o heart-imployment_n therefore_o may_v well_o be_v call_v a_o spiritual_a exercise_n not_o only_o because_o the_o matter_n of_o meditation_n be_v always_o some_o spiritual_a thing_n but_o also_o because_o the_o act_n of_o meditation_n be_v a_o mere_a spiritual_a act_n proceed_v from_o the_o spiritual_a part_n of_o man_n as_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o heart_n other_o part_n of_o man_n be_v take_v up_o in_o other_o thing_n the_o eye_n in_o see_v the_o ear_n in_o hear_v the_o hand_n in_o touch_v and_o work_v the_o tongue_n in_o speak_v the_o heart_n be_v only_o exercise_v in_o meditation_n therefore_o david_n meditation_n be_v call_v the_o meditation_n of_o his_o heart_n psal_n 19_o ult_n my_o heart_n say_v he_o be_v indite_v of_o a_o good_a matter_n psal_n 45.1_o meditation_n be_v the_o heart_n of_o devotion_n the_o soul_n of_o piety_n by_o which_o we_o sound_v the_o depth_n of_o divine_a love_n whereby_o we_o apply_v ourselves_o real_o to_o god_n and_o communicate_v much_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o comfort_n it_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o sweet_a odour_n and_o spiritual_a refresh_n that_o it_o resemble_v a_o pillar_n of_o smoke_n from_o aromatical_a wood_n kindle_v with_o myrrh_n and_o all_o the_o sweet_a powder_n of_o the_o heavenly_a perfumer_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o fix_a exercise_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o heart_n must_v be_v fix_v on_o god_n that_o will_v meditate_v upon_o he_o psal_n 57.1_o therefore_o when_o we_o begin_v this_o exercise_n we_o must_v then_o resolve_v that_o our_o mind_n shall_v not_o wander_v from_o he_o we_o must_v lift_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n in_o the_o heaven_n lam._n 3â—_n psal_n 25.1_o christ_n be_v transfigure_v on_o a_o mountain_n and_o often_o withdraw_v himself_o into_o a_o mountain_n to_o pray_v and_o meditate_v not_o only_o for_o privacy_n but_o to_o note_v unto_o we_o that_o a_o man_n that_o will_v meet_v with_o god_n must_v ascend_v high_a in_o his_o spirit_n god_n be_v at_o the_o top_n of_o jacob_n ladder_n where_o angel_n be_v ascend_v and_o descend_v to_o this_o purpose_n ambrose_n say_v no_o man_n can_v see_v jesus_n while_o he_o stand_v upon_o the_o earth_n zacheus_n can_v not_o see_v jesus_n till_o he_o climb_v up_o a_o sycamore-tree_n ambros_n nemo_fw-la potest_fw-la videre_fw-la jesum_fw-la constitutus_fw-la in_o terra_fw-la ambros_n the_o composition_n of_o our_o body_n be_v such_o as_o a_o man_n can_v look_v up_o to_o heaven_n with_o one_o eye_n and_o down_o to_o the_o earth_n with_o the_o other_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n fix_o with_o both_o pliny_n 3._o plin._n nat._n hist_o l._n 8._o c._n 3._o report_v strange_a thing_n of_o bruit_n beast_n he_o say_v there_o be_v a_o elephant_n not_o so_o capacious_a of_o instruction_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o fellow_n to_o learn_v what_o be_v teach_v he_o by_o his_o keeper_n whereupon_o be_v oftentimes_o beat_v for_o that_o stupidity_n of_o he_o he_o be_v find_v in_o the_o night_n after_o his_o manner_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v cunning_a and_o study_v those_o feat_n which_o he_o have_v be_v teach_v in_o the_o day_n and_o plutarch_n
superior_a to_o other_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o person_n or_o chastity_n or_o good_a name_n of_o other_o though_o it_o be_v but_o in_o secret_a corruption_n or_o secret_a work_n of_o heart_n still_o the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v oppose_v it_o in_o every_o thing_n the_o pharisee_n forbid_v the_o outward_a act_n of_o uncleanness_n but_o the_o law_n of_o god_n forbid_v the_o impurity_n of_o the_o thought_n they_o make_v the_o law_n like_o john_n baptist_n who_o have_v a_o leathern_a girdle_n about_o his_o loin_n but_o the_o gospel_n represent_v christ_n to_o have_v a_o golden_a girdle_n about_o his_o pap_n they_o represent_v only_o the_o first_o rise_n and_o motion_n of_o sin_n this_o make_v the_o saint_n mourn_v for_o the_o first_o conception_n of_o sin_n though_o they_o prove_v abortive_a say_v chrysostome_n chrysost_n chrysost_n make_v they_o to_o pray_v with_o david_n to_o be_v purge_v and_o free_v from_o secret_a sin_n and_o sinful_a cogitation_n 4._o meditate_v upon_o the_o operativenesse_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v not_o a_o dead_a letter_n but_o have_v a_o quick_a power_n in_o it_o to_o work_v upon_o the_o heart_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n accompany_v it_o make_v it_o active_a and_o mighty_a in_o operation_n as_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o a_o man_n body_n under_o every_o vein_n there_o run_v a_o artery_n full_a of_o spirit_n so_o under_o every_o vein_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n there_o be_v a_o artery_n of_o spirit_n quicken_a search_a cut_a discover_v condemn_v what_o be_v the_o reason_n most_o man_n spirit_n rise_v up_o against_o the_o word_n it_o be_v because_o as_o the_o elephant_n trouble_v the_o water_n before_o he_o drink_v that_o he_o may_v not_o see_v his_o ugly_a visage_n so_o the_o word_n of_o god_n trouble_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o sinner_n it_o terrify_v his_o conscience_n make_v his_o sin_n appear_v very_o sinful_a to_o he_o it_o make_v a_o man_n a_o burden_n to_o himself_o these_o spectacle_n be_v too_o true_a for_o the_o sinner_n false_a eye_n ahab_n can_v endure_v to_o talk_v with_o michajah_n nor_o meet_v with_o elijah_n man_n can_v endure_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o word_n well_o enough_o but_o when_o it_o come_v near_o they_o touch_v their_o copyhold_n corrupt_a heart_n run_v away_o from_o it_o because_o for_o want_v of_o serious_a meditation_n they_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n oh_o study_n i_o pray_v thou_o moral_a gregor_n moral_a say_v gregory_n and_o daily_o meditate_v on_o the_o word_n of_o thy_o creator_n and_o learn_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n that_o thou_o may_v look_v up_o to_o eternal_a thing_n for_o so_o much_o shall_v thy_o rest_n be_v the_o great_a in_o heaven_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o it_o have_v be_v even_o now_o from_o the_o love_n of_o thy_o creator_n here_o on_o earth_n sect._n 3_o of_o meditate_v on_o man_n privilege_n the_o three_o subject_n of_o meditation_n be_v man_n his_o creation_n his_o body_n his_o soul_n his_o privilege_n his_o creation_n his_o body_n his_o soul_n his_o privilege_n man_n come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o a_o fit_a subject_n for_o our_o meditation_n and_o consideration_n man_n be_v the_o last_o of_o god_n creature_n as_o the_o end_n of_o his_o creation_n all_o make_v for_o he_o and_o all_o represent_v in_o he_o the_o rest_n by_o his_o word_n command_v whereas_o his_o body_n by_o his_o hand-working_a and_o his_o soul_n by_o his_o breath-quickning_a become_v alive_a and_o here_o let_v we_o meditate_v first_o on_o man_n creation_n who_o be_v as_o plato_n say_v plato_n plato_n the_o miracle_n of_o all_o miracle_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o this_o world_n and_o you_o will_v see_v how_o every_o circumstance_n show_v the_o creators_n goodness_n and_o man_n be_v many_o obligation_n let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o meditation_n of_o man_n body_n which_o be_v as_o one_o say_v demonstrat_fw-la more_o be_v demonstrat_fw-la the_o pattern_n of_o the_o universal_a world_n 1._o meditate_v on_o the_o provision_n god_n make_v for_o man_n before_o he_o make_v he_o god_n set_v up_o a_o house_n and_o furnish_v it_o then_o put_v man_n into_o this_o house_n ready_o furnish_v to_o his_o hand_n other_o thing_n be_v but_o as_o essay_n of_o god_n power_n man_n the_o perfection_n adam_n the_o last_o of_o all_o god_n work_n and_o the_o lord_n and_o sovereign_a over_o they_o under_o his_o sovereign_a lord_n heaven_n will_v have_v nothing_o want_v to_o man_n that_o he_o may_v whole_o mind_v the_o thing_n of_o heaven_n 2._o meditate_v on_o god_n proceed_n hereunto_o the_o father_n as_o it_o be_v call_v a_o council_n god_n deliberate_v upon_o the_o enterprise_n of_o this_o work_n and_o the_o council_n be_v hold_v in_o the_o conclave_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a trinity_n let_v we_o make_v man_n gen._n 1.26_o adam_n be_v business_n for_o the_o whole_a trinity_n all_o be_v employ_v about_o this_o creature_n to_o the_o end_n that_o be_v create_v he_o may_v be_v whole_o employ_v about_o the_o service_n of_o god_n 3._o meditate_v on_o the_o form_n of_o man_n body_n god_n have_v neither_o make_v we_o to_o lie_v along_o on_o the_o earth_n as_o beast_n 2._o â—truth_o obserâ—at_fw-la 36._o cent._n 2._o or_o stick_v on_o it_o as_o tree_n but_o by_o upright_a stature_n set_v our_o head_n to_o heaven_n and_o our_o foot_n to_o the_o earth_n as_o one_o observe_v os_fw-la homini_fw-la sublime_a dedit_fw-la coelumque_fw-la videre_fw-la ovid._n ovid._n jussit_fw-la &_o erectos_fw-la ad_fw-la sidera_fw-la tollere_fw-la vultus_fw-la god_n with_o a_o lofty_a look_n do_v man_n endew_o and_o make_v he_o heaven_n transcendent_a glory_n view_v god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o upright_a stature_n not_o like_o other_o creature_n that_o look_v downward_o to_o the_o earth_n to_o teach_v we_o to_o look_v up_o to_o heaven_n by_o holy_a meditation_n and_o to_o look_v up_o to_o the_o hill_n whence_o our_o salvation_n come_v our_o face_n be_v towards_o heaven_n to_o teach_v we_o that_o our_o heart_n shall_v not_o be_v nuzzel_v in_o the_o earth_n man_n have_v one_o muscle_n in_o his_o eye_n more_o than_o any_o other_o creature_n which_o may_v teach_v he_o still_o to_o look_v up_o towards_o heaven_n 4._o meditate_v on_o the_o matter_n of_o man_n creation_n genes_n ad_fw-la coelestia_fw-la magis_fw-la rapiatur_fw-la ad_fw-la terrestria_fw-la minùs_fw-la capiatur_fw-la columella_n l._n 5._o c._n 9_o ecce_fw-la pulchrum_fw-la lapidem_fw-la putre_fw-fr cadaver_n tegentem_fw-la gasp._n in_o heraclito_n homo_fw-la bis_fw-la creatus_fw-la 1._o seminaliter_fw-la seu_fw-la causaliter_fw-la 2._o formaliter_fw-la seu_fw-la visibiliter_fw-la aug._n de_fw-fr genes_n he_o be_v make_v of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n so_o as_o howsoever_o we_o appear_v beautiful_a and_o amiable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n which_o be_v fix_v only_o on_o the_o external_a part_n yet_o when_o the_o oil_n of_o our_o lamp_n be_v consume_v and_o we_o reduce_v again_o to_o our_o first_o original_a matter_n there_o will_v be_v leave_v we_o no_o better_a epitaph_n than_o this_o behold_v here_o a_o spetious_a shrine_n cover_v a_o stink_a corpse_n man_n be_v twice_o create_v say_v st_n augustine_n seminally_n or_o causal_o formal_o or_o visible_o the_o first_o according_a to_o his_o soul_n the_o second_o according_a to_o his_o body_n man_n body_n of_o earth_n do_v represent_v whatsoever_o be_v between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n yea_o the_o very_a heaven_n themselves_o be_v figure_v all_o natural_a cause_n contain_v and_o their_o several_a effect_n produce_v therein_o the_o three_o heaven_n be_v resemble_v by_o the_o body_n of_o man_n the_o low_a serve_v for_o generation_n and_o nutriment_n be_v like_o the_o low_a heaven_n within_o the_o compass_n whereof_o the_o element_n be_v find_v for_o as_o from_o they_o all_o beast_n plant_n tree_n and_o other_o thing_n have_v be_v receive_v nourishment_n growth_n motion_n and_o sense_n so_o of_o four_o humour_n there_o engender_v all_o the_o member_n be_v make_v feed_v move_v and_o augment_v the_o same_o agree_v in_o nature_n and_o number_n with_o the_o element_n and_o produce_v effect_n in_o all_o answerable_a to_o they_o the_o upper_a part_n which_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o the_o heart_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o the_o middle_a heaven_n the_o eight_o sphere_n wherein_o the_o star_n be_v fix_v which_o hold_v one_o even_o and_o constant_a motion_n give_v light_a and_o life_n to_o the_o world_n beneath_o through_o its_o ray_n and_o comfortable_a influence_n so_o the_o heart_n be_v still_o in_o motion_n preserve_v the_o whole_a body_n in_o life_n and_o health_n by_o send_v forth_o the_o vital_a spirit_n disperse_v themselves_o into_o all_o the_o part_n by_o vein_n and_o artery_n last_o the_o head_n the_o high_a part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o noble_a seat_n of_o the_o soul_n where_o she_o act_v
heaven_n virâ_fw-la activa_fw-la vira_fw-la habet_fw-la solicitum_fw-la cursum_fw-la contemplativa_fw-la gaudium_fw-la sempiternum_fw-la prosper_n l._n 1_o de_fw-fr contempl_a virâ_fw-la meditation_n clear_v up_o the_o promise_n to_o he_o that_o he_o never_o see_v before_o he_o see_v they_o before_o as_o by_o candle-light_n by_o common_a light_n and_o reason_n but_o now_o he_o see_v they_o in_o another_o complexion_n meditation_n clear_v up_o their_o interest_n in_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o this_o be_v great_a matter_n of_o rejoice_v meditation_n work_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o frame_n of_o heart_n suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n what_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o when_o meditation_n work_v thorough_o upon_o the_o heart_n it_o yield_v comfort_n suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v good_a for_o christian_n to_o meditate_v much_o in_o god_n promise_n which_o do_v convey_v much_o joy_n into_o the_o heart_n then_o do_v thou_o improve_v the_o promise_n when_o thou_o do_v so_o relish_v they_o as_o to_o rejoice_v in_o they_o according_a to_o that_o sweetness_n that_o be_v reveal_v and_o contain_v in_o they_o 4._o 151._o quae_fw-la alii_fw-la diâ—_n pariendo_fw-la levia_fw-la faciunt_fw-la sapiens_fw-la levia_fw-la facit_fw-la diù_fw-fr cogitando_fw-la charron_n de_fw-fr sapient_a psal_n 119.150_o 151._o holy_a meditation_n be_v a_o great_a support_n to_o the_o soul_n under_o affliction_n when_o trouble_n be_v near_o it_o represent_v god_n as_o near_o or_o near_o than_o any_o trouble_n can_v be_v suppose_v it_o be_v trouble_v of_o spirit_n that_o be_v very_o near_o indeed_o for_o that_o be_v in_o the_o vital_n it_o be_v a_o soul-sicknesse_n but_o meditation_n show_v they_o though_o satan_n may_v draw_v near_o to_o they_o to_o devour_v they_o yet_o god_n be_v near_a to_o they_o a_o god_n near_o to_o save_v than_o any_o michievous_a enemy_n to_o destroy_v meditation_n labour_v to_o affect_v the_o heart_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n continual_a presence_n with_o it_o this_o be_v indeed_o our_o great_a weakness_n and_o our_o great_a unthankfulness_n that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o muse_v more_o upon_o god_n afflict_v of_o we_o than_o of_o god_n perpetual_a presence_n with_o we_o there_o be_v a_o savour_n in_o the_o ointment_n of_o the_o lord_n christ_n sufficient_a to_o perfume_v any_o soul_n that_o come_v near_o he_o 5._o frequent_a meditation_n on_o god_n make_v a_o man_n more_o holy_a more_o like_a unto_o he_o it_o see_v so_o much_o beauty_n and_o goodness_n in_o he_o that_o it_o make_v a_o man_n cast_v away_o every_o unsavoury_a lust_n and_o all_o those_o affection_n that_o have_v a_o strong_a send_v of_o the_o flesh_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v like_o to_o god_n in_o holiness_n those_o flower_n that_o grow_v in_o the_o sun_n be_v far_o more_o beautiful_a and_o fragrant_a and_o pleasant_a than_o those_o that_o grow_v in_o the_o shade_n but_o if_o we_o suffer_v our_o soul_n to_o be_v over-shadowed_n with_o carnal_a thought_n and_o affection_n these_o dark_a body_n will_v interpose_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o hinder_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o love_n upon_o we_o if_o the_o needle_n that_o be_v but_o touch_v with_o the_o loadstone_n stand_v northward_o then_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v touch_v with_o god_n will_v stand_v heaven-ward_n and_o labour_n to_o be_v conform_v more_o to_o he_o in_o holiness_n 6._o meditation_n be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o perseverance_n in_o well-doing_n the_o serious_a and_o frequent_a meditation_n of_o this_o promise_n 14._o psal_n 94.12_o 14._o that_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o cast_v off_o his_o people_n nor_o forsake_v his_o inheritance_n make_v they_o to_o cleave_v fast_o unto_o he_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o people_n blessedness_n that_o god_n will_v not_o forsake_v they_o when_o he_o do_v most_o sharp_o correct_v they_o that_o the_o same_o privilege_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a church_n belong_v to_o every_o member_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o god_n to_o cast_v off_o his_o people_n and_o his_o whole_a inheritance_n as_o to_o cast_v off_o any_o one_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o for_o for_o god_n to_o cast_v off_o his_o people_n be_v to_o disinherit_v himself_o god_n will_v have_v his_o people_n to_o meditate_v hereof_o thus_o say_v god_n to_o jeremy_n 26._o jer._n 33.24_o 25_o 26._o consider_v thou_o not_o what_o this_o people_n have_v speak_v say_v the_o two_o family_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v choose_v he_o have_v cast_v they_o off_o but_o in_o the_o word_n follow_v see_v how_o god_n do_v assert_v his_o unchangeable_a covenant_n against_o this_o false_a assertion_n if_o my_o covenant_n be_v not_o with_o day_n and_o night_n and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o appoint_v the_o ordinance_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n then_o will_v i_o cast_v away_o the_o seed_n of_o jacob_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o ever_o you_o know_v a_o day_n that_o have_v not_o a_o night_n succeed_v it_o and_o a_o winter_n without_o a_o summer_n and_o ever_o find_v the_o law_n of_o heaven_n abrogate_a then_o may_v you_o give_v way_n to_o your_o unbelief_n and_o think_v that_o i_o will_v cast_v off_o my_o people_n but_o if_o you_o see_v a_o perpetual_a interchange_n of_o day_n and_o night_n though_o some_o day_n be_v more_o bright_a than_o other_o then_o will_v i_o never_o cast_v off_o any_o people_n that_o i_o have_v take_v for_o my_o own_o the_o meditation_n hereof_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o keep_v we_o close_o to_o god_n even_o then_o when_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v shake_v 4.30_o meditate_v serious_o on_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v serve_v actual_o to_o convince_v thou_o of_o the_o unfitnesse_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o thy_o yield_v to_o the_o sin_n to_o which_o thou_o be_v tempt_v and_o of_o the_o mischief_n that_o may_v come_v by_o yield_v when_o we_o muster_v up_o such_o thought_n we_o levy_v store_n of_o good_a soldier_n which_o will_v fight_v with_o we_o and_o for_o we_o and_o do_v we_o good_a service_n while_o we_o be_v under_o temptation_n by_o this_o mean_n alone_o with_o god_n grace_n accompany_v have_v many_o servant_n of_o god_n hold_v their_o own_o when_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v kill_v they_o hoord_n serm._n in_o ephes_n 4.30_o 7._o meditation_n be_v a_o strong_a barricado_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n the_o soul_n find_v so_o much_o sweetness_n in_o god_n that_o it_o strong_o guard_v the_o heart_n will_n and_o affection_n against_o temptation_n to_o sin_n it_o find_v such_o delight_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o god_n that_o it_o loathe_v the_o sweet_a sin_n he_o that_o be_v use_v to_o choice_a meat_n and_o drink_n can_v very_o ill_o brook_v unsavoury_a thing_n so_o a_o man_n that_o be_v heavenly_a mind_v be_v bring_v to_o disrelish_v those_o sin_n that_o other_o drink_v down_o like_o water_n with_o greediness_n meditation_n make_v the_o heart_n very_o tender_a and_o sensible_a of_o lesser_a sin_n and_o stir_n of_o corruption_n in_o a_o still_o silent_a clear_a night_n a_o little_a sound_n will_v be_v easy_o hear_v which_o will_v not_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o day_n time_n when_o there_o be_v much_o business_n in_o hand_n so_o when_o christ_n and_o the_o soul_n do_v rest_n and_o converse_v together_o the_o soul_n be_v very_o quick_a of_o hear_v if_o the_o old_a serpent_n do_v but_o hiss_n never_o so_o little_a satan_n then_o find_v the_o soul_n upon_o its_o guard_n and_o that_o it_o have_v a_o wakeful_a enemy_n a_o soul_n that_o be_v constant_a in_o the_o meditation_n of_o god_n be_v like_o a_o bright_a clear_a shiny_a day_n when_o any_o little_a cloud_n will_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o at_o the_o first_o rise_v and_o like_o a_o calm_a sea_n where_o a_o little_a stir_v of_o the_o water_n will_v be_v discern_v when_o the_o water_n first_o arise_v chap._n 14._o the_o motive_n to_o meditation_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o lay_v down_o divers_a motive_n to_o meditation_n meditation_n be_v delightful_a to_o god_n motive_n 1_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o a_o heathen_a if_o god_n take_v delight_n in_o any_o felicity_n it_o be_v in_o contemplation_n god_n delight_v in_o holy_a meditation_n because_o in_o they_o we_o come_v near_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o god_n in_o nothing_o do_v we_o more_o converse_n with_o he_o than_o in_o our_o pure_a and_o active_a meditation_n by_o these_o when_o we_o be_v as_o it_o be_v absent_a in_o body_n we_o be_v present_a with_o he_o for_o when_o the_o body_n lie_v upon_o its_o bed_n and_o take_v its_o rest_n the_o devout_a soul_n solace_v itself_o with_o god_n 2._o this_o exercise_n of_o meditation_n may_v be_v do_v when_o other_o duty_n can_v when_o we_o want_v a_o opportunity_n to_o hear_v the_o word_n to_o read_v to_o