not_o give_v so_o much_o grace_n as_o to_o make_v i_o through_o the_o abundance_n of_o it_o almost_o whether_o i_o will_v or_o no_o to_o serve_v thou_o yet_o to_o who_o thou_o do_v give_v so_o much_o grace_n as_o to_o desire_v more_o grace_n o_o let_v not_o this_o desire_n which_o be_v of_o thy_o own_o infuse_v be_v in_o vain_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o i_o desire_v more_o than_o thy_o grace_n then_o let_v i_o want_v grace_n to_o desire_v it_o any_o more_o lord_n if_o the_o reason_n why_o thou_o deny_v my_o prayer_n be_v because_o i_o do_v not_o desire_v as_o i_o ought_v i_o humble_o beseech_v thou_o to_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v ask_v aright_o alas_o my_o affliction_n lie_v heavy_a on_o i_o then_o ever_o they_o do_v and_o i_o be_o more_o wicked_a or_o at_o least_o less_o holy_a than_o ever_o since_o my_o conversion_n i_o be_v how_o little_a be_o i_o affect_v with_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o thy_o service_n nor_o yet_o do_v it_o affect_v i_o that_o i_o be_o not_o affect_v lord_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n that_o can_v help_v i_o beside_o thou_o then_o consider_v my_o manifold_a sin_n i_o shall_v i_o but_o lord_n i_o will_v not_o thy_o mercy_n be_v so_o great_a go_v to_o any_o other_o now_o lord_n now_o be_v the_o time_n to_o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o i_o be_o like_o the_o man_n that_o go_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o jericho_n wound_v naked_a and_o half_a dead_a i_o can_v call_v for_o help_v o_o let_v my_o wound_n move_v thou_o to_o compassion_n if_o i_o can_v bewail_v my_o sinful_a misery_n with_o tear_n of_o repentance_n i_o know_v thou_o will_v deliver_v i_o but_o i_o can_v weep_v nay_o hardly_o mourn_v oh_o faint_a faint_a be_v my_o grief_n and_o cold_a be_v my_o love_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v lord_n with_o one_o that_o scarce_o from_o his_o heart_n desire_v to_o serve_v thou_o alas_o what_o can_v thou_o do_v for_o i_o more_o or_o less_o than_o to_o make_v i_o desire_v to_o serve_v thou_o accept_v i_o must_v or_o for_o ever_o be_v lose_v what_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o goodness_n be_o i_o come_v unto_o a_o soul_n full_a of_o sadness_n and_o empty_a of_o goodness_n to_o morrow_n lord_n i_o be_o to_o receive_v thou_o into_o my_o soul_n thou_o my_o bless_a saviour_n lord_n thou_o know_v i_o do_v not_o use_v to_o have_v a_o heart_n so_o empty_a of_o goodness_n when_o i_o expect_v thou_o to_o come_v next_o day_n meditat._n xxvi_o lord_n now_o i_o do_v resolve_v to_o serve_v thou_o and_o in_o this_o particular_a especial_o i_o will_v not_o speak_v evil_a of_o any_o man_n what_o injury_n soever_o he_o both_v i_o now_o i_o will_v so_o watch_v over_o my_o word_n that_o i_o will_v not_o offend_v with_o my_o tongue_n and_o that_o by_o degree_n i_o may_v attain_v some_o perfection_n herein_o i_o here_o vow_v every_o week_n between_o this_o and_o the_o next_o communion_n to_o keep_v one_o day_n so_o strict_o that_o i_o will_v not_o during_o that_o day_n speak_v so_o much_o as_o one_o 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trouble_n than_o all_o my_o life_n long_o to_o fight_v against_o sin_n and_o thus_o i_o do_v ill_a even_o in_o my_o best_a wish_n in_o divers_a respect_n for_o i_o choose_v martyrdom_n not_o because_o thereby_o i_o may_v more_o honour_n god_n but_o that_o i_o may_v the_o soon_o and_o easy_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o again_o that_o i_o think_v i_o may_v content_v myself_o though_o i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o hate_v corruption_n if_o i_o die_v a_o martyr_n all_o will_v be_v well_o whereas_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o will_v profit_v i_o nothing_o and_o to_o love_n god_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o that_o do_v not_o hate_v sin_n and_o fight_v against_o his_o corruption_n alas_o o_o my_o soul_n how_o weary_a be_v we_o of_o our_o spiritual_a fight_n and_o we_o will_v fain_o find_v some_o other_o way_n to_o heaven_n then_o by_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o o_o that_o i_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o world_n and_o live_v to_o god_n 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such_o a_o time_n shall_v come_v i_o shall_v blaspheme_v thou_o my_o dear_a god_n i_o have_v yet_o a_o spark_n of_o thy_o love_n i_o will_v not_o leave_v that_o small_a hold_n of_o thou_o for_o ten_o thousand_o world_n i_o know_v lord_n there_o be_v no_o dally_v with_o thou_o what_o if_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n and_o write_v with_o the_o pen_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n it_o be_v nothing_o lord_n take_v a_o poor_a soul_n at_o his_o word_n lord_n i_o be_o thou_o and_o do_v now_o give_v myself_o and_o ten_o thousand_o world_n if_o i_o have_v they_o to_o thou_o yet_o when_o thou_o do_v take_v from_o i_o some_o poor_a part_n of_o my_o estate_n i_o murmur_v alas_o i_o have_v a_o poor_a weak_a heart_n meditat._v xxix_o lord_n my_o knowledge_n of_o thou_o be_v but_o small_a and_o that_o which_o be_v be_v but_o little_a spiritual_a or_o experimental_a to_o know_v thou_o by_o what_o other_o write_v and_o say_v of_o thou_o be_v sweet_a to_o they_o that_o can_v set_v their_o seal_n to_o it_o from_o their_o own_o experience_n lord_n what_o be_v it_o that_o have_v keep_v i_o so_o long_o from_o thou_o or_o keep_v thou_o so_o long_o from_o i_o i_o know_v i_o have_v be_v want_v to_o thou_o and_o to_o myself_o lord_n take_v my_o heart_n i_o have_v too_o much_o love_n for_o any_o beside_o thou_o though_o i_o have_v too_o little_a for_o thou_o oh_o how_o sweet_a be_v the_o thought_n of_o thou_o and_o will_v be_v sweet_a if_o i_o think_v often_o and_o long_o and_o more_o attentive_o of_o thou_o alas_o i_o be_o almost_o grow_v out_o of_o acquaintance_n with_o thou_o i_o do_v not_o perceive_v my_o corruption_n in_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o in_o this_o that_o though_o to_o think_v of_o thou_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o easy_a and_o so_o profitable_a yet_o i_o think_v so_o seldom_o my_o dear_a god_n deliver_v i_o from_o the_o business_n of_o the_o world_n suit_n of_o law_n and_o such_o thing_n they_o undo_v i_o they_o take_v up_o my_o thought_n that_o i_o can_v be_v rid_v of_o they_o i_o feel_v upon_o i_o the_o curse_n which_o thou_o threaten_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n if_o they_o will_v not_o serve_v thou_o with_o joy_n they_o shall_v serve_v stranger_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o hardship_n i_o be_v well_o while_o i_o be_v with_o thou_o than_o i_o have_v my_o song_n in_o the_o night_n now_o my_o day_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n lord_n draw_v i_o draw_v i_o make_v the_o cord_n of_o thy_o love_n strong_a or_o rather_o than_o
a_o method_n and_o instruction_n for_o the_o art_n of_o divine_a meditation_n with_o instance_n of_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o solemn_a meditation_n by_o thomas_n white_a minister_n of_o god_n word_n in_o london_n may_v 28._o 1655._o imprimatur_fw-la edm._n calamy_n london_n print_v by_o a._n m._n for_o joseph_n cranford_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st_n paul_n church_n yard_n near_o the_o little_a north._n do_v it_o 1655._o to_o the_o reverend_n and_o my_o much_o honour_a brethren_n &_o father_n the_o presbyterian_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n within_o the_o province_n of_o london_n brethren_n and_o father_n i_o have_v long_o since_o serious_o consider_v since_o the_o church_n have_v be_v so_o much_o divide_v among_o we_o with_o who_o to_o close_v and_o where_o to_o fix_v and_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o observe_v both_o the_o public_a and_o private_a action_n the_o tenant_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o minister_n that_o be_v of_o divers_a judgement_n and_o i_o do_v public_o profess_v that_o those_o minister_n which_o have_v and_o still_o do_v own_o provincial_a assembly_n be_v for_o their_o piety_n orthodoxness_n christian_a simplicity_n for_o their_o powerful_a spiritual_a frequent_a practical_a preach_a eminent_a these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o long_o ago_o have_v make_v i_o cordial_o to_o honour_v you_o though_o since_o my_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o many_o of_o you_o have_v much_o increase_v and_o confirm_v my_o high_a thought_n of_o you_o and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v confident_o say_v that_o under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n there_o be_v not_o any_o city_n or_o nation_n to_o be_v find_v that_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o london_n and_o england_n for_o powerful_a spiritual_a practical_a preach_a and_o i_o may_v say_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o england_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o london_n be_v the_o paradise_n of_o england_n yet_o though_o i_o have_v long_o honour_v you_o i_o have_v not_o have_v any_o opportunity_n to_o testify_v it_o therefore_o i_o think_v good_a have_v this_o small_a treatise_n to_o publish_v with_o it_o to_o publish_v how_o much_o i_o honour_v you_o though_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a how_o little_a my_o judgement_n can_v add_v to_o the_o just_a esteem_n that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v of_o you_o my_o desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v that_o as_o to_o your_o enemy_n you_o may_v be_v as_o john_n baptist_n that_o though_o they_o love_v you_o not_o they_o may_v fear_v and_o reverence_v you_o be_v awe_v by_o the_o image_n of_o god_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o majesty_n and_o power_n of_o your_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o holiness_n of_o your_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v more_o and_o more_o high_o esteem_v you_o in_o love_n for_o your_o work_n sake_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o preach_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v deliver_v with_o such_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a may_v be_v stop_v and_o that_o your_o life_n and_o conversation_n may_v more_o and_o more_o abound_v with_o such_o sincerity_n simplicity_n meekness_n gravity_n humility_n and_o christian_a prudence_n that_o the_o face_n of_o those_o may_v be_v cover_v with_o shame_n that_o speak_v evil_a of_o you_o these_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o he_o who_o be_v your_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n thomas_n white_a a_o method_n or_o instruction_n for_o the_o art_n of_o divine_a meditation_n chap._n i._n what_o meditation_n be_v first_o it_o differ_v from_o occasional_a meditation_n such_o as_o these_o if_o one_o hear_v the_o clock_n strike_v to_o think_v with_o one_o self_n how_o many_o thought_n have_v i_o have_v of_o god_n this_o hour_n 2._o i_o be_o one_o hour_n near_o my_o grave_n and_o the_o lord_n only_o know_v whether_o i_o may_v have_v another_o hour_n to_o live_v or_o no._n 1._o these_o be_v far_o short_a like_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n which_o though_o they_o be_v as_o parenthesise_n in_o our_o worldly_a employment_n yet_o they_o signify_v more_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o business_n we_o be_v employ_v in_o but_o meditation_n be_v general_o of_o long_a duration_n then_o ordinary_a solemn_a prayer_n 2._o such_o occasional_a meditation_n be_v thing_n that_o we_o have_v in_o transitu_fw-la and_o this_o that_o i_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o solemn_a set_a duty_n 3._o the_o subject_a from_o which_o occasional_a meditation_n arise_v be_v very_o frequent_o thing_n artificial_a civil_a or_o natural_a indeed_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o see_v or_o hear_v but_o the_o subject_n of_o meditation_n be_v only_o spiritual_a second_o it_o differ_v from_o study_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_a wicked_a man_n study_v and_o it_o may_v be_v more_o than_o godly_a man_n wicked_a man_n study_v and_o godly_a man_n meditate_v nay_o it_o be_v the_o very_a distinguish_a sign_n between_o saint_n and_o other_o psa_n 1.2_o and_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n far_o more_o rare_a for_o a_o meditate_a christian_a to_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n then_o for_o a_o christian_n that_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o prayer_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v public_a 2._o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o study_n they_o be_v very_o different_a 1._o study_n be_v of_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n whether_o natural_a civil_a mathematical_a etc._n etc._n but_o meditation_n be_v only_o of_o matter_n that_o concern_v our_o eternal_a welfare_n 2._o the_o matter_n that_o we_o most_o study_n be_v those_o truth_n that_o be_v most_o knotty_a and_o difficult_a and_o general_o such_o as_o afford_v little_a spiritual_a nourishment_n as_o criticism_n chronology_n controversy_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o matter_n of_o meditation_n be_v plain_a and_o of_o great_a spiritual_a advantage_n 3._o the_o end_n of_o study_n be_v knowledge_n the_o end_n of_o meditation_n be_v holiness_n if_o one_o see_v a_o learned_a man_n one_o may_v conclude_v that_o that_o man_n have_v study_v much_o if_o one_o see_v a_o devout_a holy_a man_n one_o may_v conclude_v that_o that_o man_n have_v meditate_a much_o three_o it_o differ_v from_o contemplation_n 1._o contemplation_n be_v more_o like_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n which_o they_o have_v of_o god_n in_o heaven_n like_o the_o angel_n behold_v of_o the_o face_n of_o god_n meditation_n be_v like_o the_o kindle_v of_o fire_n and_o contemplation_n more_o like_o the_o flame_a of_o it_o when_o full_o kindle_v the_o one_o be_v like_o the_o spouse_n seek_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o other_o like_o the_o spouse_n enjoy_v of_o christ_n 2._o contemplation_n be_v one_o effect_n and_o end_n of_o meditation_n 3._o meditation_n be_v like_o the_o bee_n fly_v to_o several_a flower_n or_o one_o smell_v to_o flower_n particular_o or_o several_o and_o contemplation_n be_v like_o the_o smell_a of_o they_o all_o in_o a_o nosegay_n or_o like_o the_o water_n that_o be_v distil_v from_o they_o all_o the_o spouse_n in_o her_o description_n of_o christ_n be_v like_a to_o meditation_n her_o conclude_a that_o he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a be_v like_a to_o contemplation_n therefore_o to_o conclude_v meditation_n be_v a_o serious_a solemn_a think_v and_o consider_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v understand_v how_o much_o they_o concern_v we_o and_o that_o our_o heart_n thereby_o may_v be_v raise_v to_o some_o holy_a affection_n and_o resolution_n now_o there_o be_v four_o kind_n of_o solemn_a meditation_n according_a to_o the_o four_o several_a subject_n of_o it_o 1._o some_o solemn_a meditation_n be_v on_o sermon_n that_o we_o hear_v which_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a and_o necessary_a practice_n for_o christian_n and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o hear_v one_o sermon_n only_o and_o meditate_v on_o it_o then_o to_o hear_v two_o and_o meditate_v of_o neither_o but_o for_o set_v down_o a_o method_n for_o meditate_v on_o sermon_n be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o possible_a since_o the_o method_n of_o sermon_n be_v various_a and_o they_o be_v to_o observe_v in_o their_o meditation_n the_o method_n of_o the_o sermon_n they_o meditate_v upon_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v therefore_o in_o this_o particular_a be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o end_n of_o such_o meditation_n be_v neither_o only_a nor_o chief_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o fix_v the_o substance_n and_o head_n of_o the_o sermon_n in_o our_o memory_n nor_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v and_o full_a be_v instruct_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o point_n that_o be_v preach_v upon_o but_o especial_o to_o work_v those_o truth_n advice_n and_o motive_n etc._n etc._n upon_o our_o affection_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o in_o the_o sermon_n 2._o the_o second_o kind_n of_o solemn_a meditation_n be_v when_o upon_o some_o providentiall_a occasion_n or_o upon_o
manner_n and_o end_n of_o his_o action_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o distemper_n and_o corruption_n for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o have_v high_a thought_n of_o himself_o be_v one_o will_v think_v impossible_a but_o that_o as_o to_o god_n nothing_o be_v impossible_a that_o argue_v power_n so_o to_o such_o a_o heart_n as_o every_o one_o have_v by_o nature_n nothing_o be_v impossible_a that_o argue_v sin_n and_o we_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o wonder_v that_o we_o have_v not_o commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o that_o we_o have_v do_v the_o evil_n that_o we_o have_v for_o certain_o have_v god_n but_o give_v we_o up_o to_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o corruption_n and_o to_o satan_n subtlety_n and_o malice_n to_o improve_v they_o we_o have_v commit_v that_o sin_n long_o ago_o and_o alas_o what_o good_a do_v the_o high_a esteem_n of_o other_o do_v we_o be_v we_o ever_o a_o whit_n the_o more_o holy_a because_o they_o think_v we_o so_o nay_o have_v it_o not_o prove_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o more_o sinful_a god_n have_v abundant_o declare_v his_o wrath_n against_o this_o sin_n by_o that_o vengeance_n which_o he_o have_v pour_v out_o upon_o satan_n for_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o how_o many_o severe_a threaten_n be_v there_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o pride_n and_o how_o many_o precious_a promise_n to_o those_o that_o be_v humble_a the_o lord_n behold_v the_o proud_a afar_o off_o but_o to_o this_o man_n will_v he_o look_v that_o be_v of_o a_o poor_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o tremble_v at_o his_o word_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o cause_v thou_o to_o pride_n thyself_o be_v they_o thy_o gift_n either_o of_o edification_n or_o sanctification_n consider_v that_o 1._o they_o be_v very_o mean_v scarce_o any_o of_o thy_o call_n have_v weak_a gift_n of_o edification_n and_o no_o saint_n under_o heaven_n have_v weaket_n gift_n of_o sanctification_n 2._o suppose_v thy_o gift_n be_v great_a o_o what_o a_o heavy_a account_n must_v there_o be_v for_o mispend_v such_o talent_n what_o way_n can_v thou_o worse_o misspend_v they_o then_o by_o pride_v thyself_o in_o they_o do_v man_n praise_v thou_o alas_o thou_o may_v go_v to_o hell_n with_o their_o praise_n for_o so_o do_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o thou_o and_o do_v thou_o pride_n thyself_o and_o rejoice_v in_o that_o fear_v and_o tremble_v at_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v woe_n unto_o you_o when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o you_o for_o so_o do_v their_o father_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n 3._o consider_v how_o unkind_o thou_o deal_v with_o god_n thou_o do_v as_o a_o woman_n that_o shall_v deck_v herself_o with_o the_o jewel_n that_o her_o husband_n have_v give_v she_o nay_o that_o she_o shall_v give_v away_o these_o jewel_n to_o those_o with_o who_o she_o play_v the_o harlot_n the_o more_o to_o entice_v they_o be_v not_o this_o the_o act_n of_o a_o imperious_a whorish_a woman_n as_o god_n himself_o do_v phrase_n it_o ezek._n 16.30_o and_o do_v but_o read_v that_o chapter_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v whether_o you_o have_v not_o abuse_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n more_o than_o they_o do_v they_o spend_v they_o in_o honour_n to_o and_o in_o worship_v of_o idol_n and_o can_v one_o make_v a_o base_a idol_n in_o the_o world_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v it_o then_o one_o self_n 4._o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o remedy_n of_o this_o sin_n 1._o consider_v how_o much_o hell_n there_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n what_o a_o base_a and_o vile_a wretched_a nature_n thou_o have_v consider_v what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o man_n in_o their_o natural_a condition_n and_o be_v sure_a the_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o do_v as_o those_o vain_a man_n do_v who_o when_o they_o praise_v or_o dispraise_v care_v not_o whether_o their_o expression_n be_v true_a or_o false_a so_o they_o be_v high_a enough_o and_o they_o rather_o strive_v to_o speak_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v then_o as_o much_o as_o they_o ought_v sure_o whatsoever_o the_o scripture_n have_v speak_v be_v make_v good_a to_o the_o utmost_a by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o hell_n and_o will_v by_o every_o man_n on_o earth_n do_v god_n withdraw_v his_o restrain_v sanctify_a grace_n and_o be_v those_o spark_n of_o hellfire_n that_o be_v in_o every_o one_o by_o nature_n blow_v up_o to_o a_o flame_n and_o heighten_v by_o those_o suffering_n that_o be_v there_o inflict_v 2._o consider_v how_o little_a good_a and_o how_o much_o corruption_n there_o be_v in_o our_o best_a action_n from_o what_o carnal_a principle_n upon_o what_o carnal_a ground_n and_o for_o what_o carnal_a end_n we_o perform_v our_o holy_a duty_n sure_o there_o be_v more_o sin_n in_o our_o best_a action_n than_o ever_o yet_o we_o have_v discover_v in_o our_o great_a abomination_n do_v but_o meditate_v upon_o those_o several_a consideration_n set_v down_o in_o the_o meditation_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a preservative_n and_o remedy_n against_o pride_n last_o resolve_v with_o thyself_o never_o unless_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n may_v thereby_o be_v advance_v to_o speak_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v cause_v other_o to_o have_v high_a thought_n of_o thou_o or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o that_o end_n whatever_o good_a duty_n thou_o do_v whether_o of_o prayer_n or_o alm_n etc._n etc._n as_o secret_o as_o may_v be_v let_v not_o thy_o left_a hand_n know_v what_o thy_o right_a hand_n do_v though_o thou_o be_v exceed_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o thy_o sin_n because_o they_o offend_v and_o dishonour_n god_n and_o scandalize_v religion_n yet_o let_v not_o this_o at_o all_o trouble_n thou_o that_o thereby_o the_o esteem_n that_o man_n have_v of_o thou_o be_v much_o abate_v to_o conclude_v pray_v earnest_o as_o if_o thou_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o thy_o life_n for_o it_o be_v thy_o life_n that_o god_n will_v humble_v thou_o desire_n god_n to_o afflict_v thou_o or_o use_v any_o mean_n that_o he_o will_v sanctify_v to_o that_o end_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v finish_v thy_o meditation_n consider_v what_o passage_n have_v most_o affect_v thou_o and_o keep_v it_o in_o thy_o thought_n that_o by_o often_o think_v of_o it_o thou_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o make_v to_o be_v of_o a_o poor_a and_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n that_o god_n may_v delight_v in_o thou_o and_o that_o thou_o may_v delight_v in_o he_o now_o to_o the_o king_n eternal_a the_o immortal_a invisible_a and_o only_o wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n meditat_fw-la i._o of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v create_v preparation_n 1._o be_v convince_v of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n 2._o desire_v of_o god_n to_o assist_v thou_o with_o his_o spirit_n consideration_n 1._o consider_v god_n do_v not_o create_v thou_o for_o any_o need_n he_o have_v of_o thou_o for_o though_o thou_o shall_v do_v all_o that_o he_o command_v thou_o thou_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a servant_n to_o he_o and_o thou_o come_v wonderful_o short_a of_o do_v what_o god_n command_v but_o only_a to_o declare_v and_o exercise_v his_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n to_o thou_o in_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o his_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n and_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o deuteronomy_n plain_o set_v down_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o all_o thy_o strength_n and_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o have_v enrich_v thou_o with_o understanding_n to_o know_v he_o remembrance_n to_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o will_z to_o love_v he_o imagination_n to_o represent_v his_o benefit_n to_o thy_o thought_n eye_n to_o behold_v the_o wonder_n of_o his_o work_n and_o a_o tongue_n to_o praise_v he_o etc._n etc._n 1._o thou_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o this_o thou_o will_v plain_o see_v that_o it_o evident_o follow_v which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o consider_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o end_n that_o hinder_v thou_o in_o or_o from_o know_v love_a serve_a and_o enjoy_v of_o god_n must_v be_v avoid_v and_o abhor_v as_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o can_v befall_v thou_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n 2._o the_o second_o thing_n that_o plain_o follow_v from_o this_o be_v that_o thou_o shall_v be_v little_a or_o nothing_o trouble_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o though_o thou_o lose_v thou_o may_v notwithstanding_o serve_v god_n thou_o may_v lose_v thy_o riches_n and_o yet_o thou_o may_v be_v holy_a therefore_o thou_o must_v not_o mourn_v nor_o grieve_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n of_o health_n etc._n etc._n 3._o nor_o
the_o tongue_n of_o man_n can_v express_v or_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n conceive_v there_o be_v nothing_o that_o thou_o see_v with_o thy_o eye_n or_o hear_v with_o thy_o ear_n or_o feel_v with_o thy_o hand_n be_v more_o certain_o true_a than_o this_o but_o alas_o because_o thou_o have_v hear_v it_o so_o often_o and_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o patience_n have_v not_o make_v thou_o yet_o to_o feel_v the_o stroke_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o the_o misery_n due_a to_o sin_n thou_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o though_o his_o threaten_n be_v never_o so_o clear_o set_v down_o and_o with_o much_o earnestness_n 5._o consider_v against_o what_o precious_a mercy_n what_o sweet_a love_n what_o bless_a experience_n holy_a inspiration_n what_o abundance_n of_o mean_n strong_a resolution_n precious_a promise_n clear_a light_n etc._n etc._n thou_o have_v sin_v affection_n 1._o pray_v to_o god_n to_o help_v to_o a_o further_a sense_n of_o the_o sinfullness_n of_o sin_n bless_a god_n must_v all_o these_o consideration_n pass_v as_o a_o serpent_n on_o a_o stone_n without_o make_v any_o impression_n upon_o my_o soul_n lord_n give_v i_o a_o affect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o sinfullness_n of_o sin_n and_o not_o have_v such_o slight_a thought_n of_o sin_n as_o i_o have_v have_v but_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v esteem_v of_o sin_n as_o thou_o esteem_v it_o 2._o talk_v with_o thy_o own_o soul_n about_o this_o matter_n o_o my_o soul_n be_v these_o consideration_n true_a or_o false_a if_o thou_o think_v they_o false_a bring_v thy_o objection_n show_v wherein_o the_o error_n lie_v which_o thou_o can_v never_o do_v but_o if_o they_o be_v true_a as_o certain_o they_o be_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o have_v make_v nothing_o of_o sin_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o we_o to_o put_v off_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o sin_n until_o it_o be_v too_o late_o 3._o be_v confound_v and_o ashamed_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n alas_o o_o lord_n my_o god_n as_o a_o thief_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o be_v take_v or_o as_o a_o woman_n be_v ashamed_a when_o her_o adultery_n be_v find_v out_o by_o her_o love_a husband_n so_o and_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v confound_v and_o ashamed_a in_o thy_o presence_n when_o i_o consider_v how_o abominable_a my_o life_n have_v be_v and_o how_o that_o i_o have_v commit_v my_o abomination_n even_o in_o thy_o sight_n and_o provoke_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n and_o have_v not_o thy_o patience_n and_o mercy_n be_v infinite_a thou_o can_v never_o have_v stand_v out_o against_o so_o many_o provocation_n i_o have_v be_v in_o hell_n roar_v and_o blaspheme_v long_o before_o this_o day_n and_o then_o i_o have_v be_v past_o prayer_n and_o past_a mercy_n and_o past_a pardon_n what_o shall_v isay_n unto_o thou_o o_o thou_o preserver_n of_o man_n to_o excuse_v my_o sin_n i_o can_v i_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o tender_a compassion_n and_o thy_o free_a grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o fly_v unto_o lord_n lay_v my_o sin_n home_o to_o i_o to_o humble_v i_o and_o to_o break_v my_o stony_a heart_n but_o lay_v they_o not_o to_o my_o charge_n to_o condemn_v i_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o in_o thy_o word_n promise_v forgiveness_n to_o sinner_n through_o jesus_n christ_n i_o can_v no_o more_o hope_n to_o obtain_v pardon_n than_o even_o the_o devil_n themselves_o resolution_n it_o be_v enough_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o too_o too_o much_o that_o we_o have_v be_v undo_v ourselves_o and_o provoke_v god_n thus_o long_o that_o we_o have_v as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o our_o power_n pull_v down_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v kindle_v his_o wrath_n against_o we_o but_o he_o have_v not_o suffer_v his_o whole_a displeasure_n to_o arise_v nor_o suffer_v we_o to_o perish_v though_o we_o will_v bless_v be_v his_o name_n that_o we_o have_v not_o commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o we_o certain_o have_v do_v have_v he_o give_v we_o up_o to_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o corruption_n and_o to_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o satan_n to_o improve_v they_o to_o our_o destruction_n be_v it_o true_a indeed_o that_o god_n say_v yet_o return_v and_o i_o will_v save_v thou_o do_v he_o stand_v with_o stretch_v out_o arm_n do_v he_o indeed_o stand_v with_o stretch_v out_o arm_n to_o embrace_v we_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v be_v so_o gracious_a to_o forgive_v such_o and_o so_o many_o sin_n and_o of_o such_o long_a continuance_n well_o bless_a be_v god_n we_o will_v go_v unto_o he_o and_o never_o offend_v he_o more_o we_o will_v hereafter_o whensoever_o we_o be_v tempt_v unto_o sin_n say_v what_o sin_n against_o such_o love_n such_o mercy_n such_o experience_n offend_v that_o god_n that_o have_v pardon_v we_o that_o have_v do_v such_o thing_n for_o we_o and_o be_v not_o content_a with_o that_o but_o have_v promise_v to_o do_v more_o i_o will_v not_o hereafter_o stand_v parly_v with_o temptation_n but_o i_o will_v cry_v out_o unto_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n help_v i_o for_o i_o suffer_v violence_n and_o in_o particular_a i_o be_o in_o some_o measure_n sensible_a that_o i_o pray_v not_o with_o that_o fervency_n and_o reverence_n as_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o shall_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n mend_v that_o i_o be_o too_o passionate_a well_o since_o god_n have_v be_v so_o gracious_a as_o to_o forgive_v so_o many_o so_o great_a so_o grievous_a sin_n that_o my_o own_o heart_n be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v their_o vileness_n or_o number_n i_o will_v not_o hereafter_o be_v trouble_v when_o i_o hear_v my_o neighbour_n or_o underling_n or_o when_o i_o hear_v my_o fellow_n n._n use_v such_o or_o such_o taunt_a word_n against_o i_o i_o will_v not_o be_v provoke_v by_o this_o or_o that_o despite_n or_o contemptuous_a trick_n that_o he_o or_o she_o do_v use_v against_o i_o but_o rather_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o say_v or_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o gain_v his_o good_a will_n and_o to_o pacify_v his_o anger_n conceive_v against_o i_o for_o certain_o his_o injury_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o my_o sin_n and_o yet_o god_n forgive_v i_o they_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o i._o n._n and_o i_o i_o be_o resolve_v i_o will_v go_v to_o he_o and_o be_v reconcile_v this_o very_a day_n or_o if_o i_o can_v i_o will_v pray_v for_o he_o and_o speak_v well_o of_o he_o this_o very_a day_n if_o i_o have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o he_o at_o all_o howsoever_o i_o will_v pray_v for_o he_o now_o conclusion_n 1._o pray_v desire_v god_n that_o he_o will_v increase_v thy_o detestation_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o thou_o may_v as_o well_o hate_v sin_n as_o leave_v sin_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o let_v any_o spark_n that_o have_v be_v kindle_v by_o his_o own_o spirit_n go_v out_o in_o thou_o say_v unto_o he_o lord_n i_o do_v not_o beg_v riches_n i_o can_v go_v to_o heaven_n without_o they_o please_v thou_o without_o they_o but_o i_o beg_v of_o thou_o grace_n and_o strength_n against_o corruption_n pardon_v of_o sin_n if_o thou_o deny_v i_o these_o i_o be_o undo_v 2._o praise_v god_n bless_a be_v thy_o name_n that_o my_o heart_n have_v be_v in_o any_o measure_n affect_v with_o the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n that_o i_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n know_v and_o consider_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o my_o peace_n thou_o may_v have_v suffer_v i_o to_o drop_v into_o hell_n and_o never_o to_o have_v think_v of_o it_o before_o i_o have_v be_v there_o but_o thou_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o i_o 3._o acknowledge_v thy_o own_o unworthiness_n of_o so_o great_a patience_n as_o god_n have_v exercise_v towards_o thou_o thy_o inability_n to_o think_v any_o of_o those_o good_a thought_n that_o thou_o have_v have_v etc._n etc._n as_o be_v in_o the_o first_o meditation_n after_o all_o think_v what_o passage_n most_o affect_v thou_o 2._o write_v down_o thy_o resolution_n etc._n etc._n 3._o go_v unwilling_o from_o the_o duty_n meditat_fw-la iv_o of_o death_n 1._o be_v convince_v of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n 2._o pray_v for_o his_o assistance_n consideration_n 1._o can_v thou_o not_o remember_v that_o thou_o be_v by_o such_o a_o one_o when_o he_o die_v do_v thou_o not_o see_v how_o his_o countenance_n fail_v his_o eyestring_n break_v how_o he_o grow_v weak_a and_o weak_a at_o last_o grow_v speechless_a how_o he_o throttle_v in_o the_o throat_n how_o his_o tooth_n grate_v how_o he_o sweat_v and_o struggle_v for_o life_n and_o at_o last_o gasp_v and_o die_v consider_v that_o thus_o thou_o must_v do_v likewise_o how_o soon_o the_o lord_n only_o know_v that_o thou_o
we_o yet_o worthy_a of_o thou_o that_o delight_v to_o magnify_v thy_o goodness_n that_o rejoic_a over_o thy_o people_n as_o the_o bridegroom_n rejoice_v over_o his_o bride_n despise_v the_o world_n what_o be_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n o_o my_o soul_n what_o be_v there_o here_o to_o be_v desire_v but_o sin_n and_o misery_n snare_n and_o temptation_n vanity_n of_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n one_o hour_n communion_n with_o god_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o have_v give_v to_o his_o people_n in_o this_o world_n be_v worth_n more_o than_o the_o world_n can_v know_v of_o why_o do_v we_o spend_v our_o strength_n and_o money_n for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o bread_n and_o our_o labour_n for_o that_o which_o do_v not_o satisfy_v o_o vain_a world_n god_n have_v outbid_v thou_o thou_o offer_v trifle_n he_o offer_v i_o heaven_n for_o my_o love_n and_o service_n though_o my_o love_n be_v unworthy_a too_o little_a for_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o much_o too_o good_a for_o thou_o 3._o long_o for_o and_o breathe_v after_o heaven_n as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water-brook_n so_o pant_v my_o soul_n after_o thou_o o_o god_n my_o soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n for_o the_o live_a god_n when_o shall_v i_o come_v and_o appear_v before_o god_n when_o shall_v i_o be_v deliver_v from_o my_o absence_n from_o thou_o and_o from_o my_o ignorance_n of_o thou_o make_v haste_n o_o my_o belove_a and_o be_v thou_o like_o a_o roe_n or_o a_o young_a hart_n upon_o the_o mountain_n of_o spice_n the_o spirit_n say_v come_v and_o the_o bride_n say_v come_v and_o the_o bridegroom_n say_v sure_o i_o come_v quick_o even_o so_o come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o 4._o encourage_v and_o stir_v up_o thyself_o to_o the_o love_n and_o service_n of_o god_n come_v o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o not_o be_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v nor_o of_o the_o labour_n of_o love_n for_o we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o we_o have_v know_v and_o in_o some_o measure_n endeavour_v to_o serve_v god_n thus_o many_o year_n be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a thing_n for_o the_o want_n of_o continue_v one_o year_n one_o month_n it_o may_v be_v but_o one_o week_n or_o one_o day_n more_o i_o shall_v lose_v all_o my_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o glory_n god_n forbid_v o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o encourage_v ourselves_o in_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v not_o keep_v by_o our_o own_o but_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n to_o salvation_n and_o be_v thou_o assure_v of_o this_o that_o the_o first_o minute_n thou_o be_v in_o heaven_n thou_o shall_v have_v such_o full_a measure_n prese_v down_o heap_v up_o and_o run_v over_o that_o thou_o shall_v break_v forth_o in_o the_o song_n of_o joy_n and_o praise_n to_o all_o eternity_n magnify_v admire_v and_o adore_v god_n that_o ever_o he_o give_v thou_o leave_v and_o grace_n to_o serve_v he_o then_o shall_v thou_o see_v and_o so_o thy_o experience_n shall_v make_v thou_o confess_v with_o joy_n and_o wonder_n that_o the_o light_a affliction_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n that_o thou_o endure_v in_o this_o life_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o joy_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o thou_o when_o at_o any_o time_n thou_o begin_v to_o be_v weary_a look_n to_o the_o price_n of_o thy_o high_a call_n and_o when_o thou_o come_v to_o heaven_n thou_o shall_v admire_v when_o thou_o see_v how_o abundant_o thou_o be_v over-recompensed_n and_o thou_o will_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o say_v lord_n what_o be_v this_o that_o thou_o have_v do_v for_o i_o alas_o what_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o either_o do_v or_o suffer_v in_o thy_o service_n what_o be_v my_o filthy_a rag_n that_o thou_o shall_v give_v i_o such_o a_o robe_n and_o crown_n of_o glory_n o_o my_o soul_n what_o if_o we_o do_v weep_v now_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n when_o god_n will_v wipe_v all_o tear_n from_o our_o eye_n o_o my_o soul_n these_o thing_n can_v be_v believe_v and_o slight_v and_o understand_v and_o neglect_v if_o thou_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n be_v they_o too_o glorious_a thing_n for_o god_n to_o bestow_v upon_o such_o wretched_a sinner_n why_o do_v thou_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o say_v hitherto_o thou_o shall_v go_v and_o no_o further_o nay_o doubtless_o since_o god_n have_v say_v that_o he_o will_v do_v that_o which_o shall_v glorify_v his_o goodness_n to_o his_o people_n the_o incredibility_n of_o it_o make_v it_o more_o credible_a but_o if_o thou_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n why_o be_v thou_o not_o affect_v with_o the_o excellency_n of_o these_o joy_n do_v thou_o not_o relish_v they_o well_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o will_v meditate_v more_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o will_v by_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a lie_v up_o my_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n i_o will_v part_v with_o such_o and_o such_o vain_a delight_n for_o it_o i_o will_v spend_v more_o time_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o praise_v admire_a and_o adore_v of_o he_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a by_o frequent_a perform_v of_o these_o duty_n i_o may_v at_o last_o taste_n and_o relish_v the_o incomprehensible_a sweetness_n of_o they_o that_o i_o may_v be_v enamour_v more_o of_o heaven_n and_o because_o all_o my_o endeavour_n be_v in_o vain_a if_o the_o lord_n reveal_v not_o these_o thing_n unto_o i_o therefore_o i_o will_v beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v discover_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o i_o i_o have_v not_o be_v careful_a enough_o nor_o sensible_a enough_o of_o sin_n of_o omission_n when_o i_o have_v have_v no_o just_a thing_n to_o take_v up_o my_o thought_n yet_o i_o have_v not_o think_v of_o thou_o henceforth_o when_o my_o heart_n be_v affect_v with_o thy_o excellency_n thy_o love_n thy_o mercy_n i_o will_v praise_v thou_o when_o it_o be_v not_o i_o will_v pray_v to_o thou_o that_o it_o may_v and_o for_o my_o master-sinne_n my_o iniquity_n i_o will_v be_v most_o frequent_a in_o those_o duty_n that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o it_o i_o will_v especial_o in_o my_o read_n of_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o and_o write_v down_o those_o place_n and_o those_o example_n that_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o cure_n i_o will_v speak_v against_o my_o iniquity_n that_o if_o it_o may_v be_v i_o may_v thereby_o the_o more_o engage_v myself_o to_o leave_v it_o meditat_fw-la vii_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n 1._o be_v convince_v of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n 2._o desire_v of_o he_o who_o only_o can_v to_o manifest_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n unto_o thou_o considration_n 1._o consider_v that_o if_o the_o holy_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v live_v near_o thou_o what_o high_a expectation_n will_v thou_o have_v of_o his_o carriage_n and_o conference_n when_o thou_o see_v his_o zeal_n and_o patience_n etc._n etc._n but_o no_o man_n live_v ever_o without_o sin_n therefore_o suppose_v a_o angel_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o humane_a nature_n and_o live_v among_o we_o with_o what_o inflame_a expression_n and_o affection_n will_v he_o speak_v of_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_a but_o alas_o his_o carriage_n his_o holiness_n his_o wisdom_n be_v as_o nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o christ_n for_o there_o be_v not_o any_o word_n or_o action_n that_o ever_o christ_n speak_v or_o do_v that_o if_o all_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n have_v study_v and_o set_v down_o how_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v do_v or_o they_o themselves_o shall_v have_v be_v to_o have_v do_v it_o they_o can_v not_o have_v equal_v it_o nay_o even_o god_n the_o father_n have_v he_o take_v our_o nature_n he_o will_v not_o have_v speak_v or_o do_v any_o word_n or_o thing_n which_o shall_v have_v have_v in_o respect_n of_o itself_o or_o any_o circumstance_n more_o holiness_n or_o wisdom_n than_o christ_n word_n and_o action_n have_v so_o that_o certain_o in_o this_o respect_n he_o that_o see_v christ_n see_v the_o father_n as_o he_o himself_o say_v 2._o consider_v the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n of_o christ_n certtain_o he_o be_v great_a than_o solomon_n for_o though_o he_o be_v the_o humble_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v yet_o he_o himself_o say_v so_o nor_o do_v it_o any_o more_o argue_v pride_n in_o christ_n to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v wise_a than_o solomon_n than_o it_o will_v have_v argue_v in_o solomon_n that_o he_o know_v more_o than_o a_o newborn_a babe_n when_o his_o most_o most_o malicious_a
forget_v so_o that_o if_o one_o may_v gain_v a_o world_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v overwhelm_v with_o grief_n or_o inflame_v with_o love_n or_o ravish_v with_o joy_n one_o can_v not_o remember_v the_o powring_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n in_o such_o case_n one_o may_v say_v of_o such_o meditation_n as_o st_n paul_n speak_v of_o those_o glorious_a thing_n which_o he_o see_v when_o he_o be_v wrap_v into_o the_o three_o heaven_n they_o be_v neither_o lawful_a nor_o possible_a to_o be_v utter_v many_o time_n the_o secret_n in_o our_o communion_n with_o god_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a by_o reason_n of_o that_o scardal_n nor_o possible_a to_o utter_v because_o the_o affection_n be_v so_o intense_o employ_v invention_n memory_n and_o intellectual_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n during_o that_o time_n do_v almost_o quite_o cease_v and_o indeed_o whosoever_o go_v about_o to_o invent_v instance_n of_o meditation_n if_o it_o be_v only_o a_o learned_a man_n and_o not_o holy_a his_o study_n may_v exceed_v his_o act_n that_o way_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a experience_a christian_a as_o his_o inward_a thought_n of_o love_n joy_n grief_n and_o admiring_n of_o god_n be_v above_o all_o that_o his_o tongue_n do_v or_o can_v utter_v so_o those_o secret_a expression_n which_o he_o use_v between_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n when_o his_o thought_n be_v full_a of_o heaven_n and_o of_o god_n be_v much_o beyond_o what_o he_o can_v invent_v or_o by_o stndy_n express_v therefore_o since_o those_o meditation_n that_o be_v full_a of_o devotion_n can_v be_v remember_v to_o set_v down_o instance_n of_o meditation_n except_o one_o shall_v take_v they_o from_o some_o saint_n as_o he_o be_v pour_v out_o his_o soul_n before_o god_n in_o secret_a one_o can_v never_o set_v they_o full_o down_o in_o secret_a i_o say_v for_o the_o soul_n be_v never_o so_o free_a nor_o may_v be_v before_o other_o as_o with_o god_n alone_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o i_o have_v not_o have_v these_o instance_n of_o solemn_a meditation_n by_o i_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v hardly_o have_v set_v down_o any_o of_o that_o kind_n i_o shall_v only_o have_v refer_v he_o to_o the_o psalm_n it_o be_v so_o that_o i_o write_v these_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o one_o to_o who_o though_o unseen_a i_o be_v oft_o time_n so_o near_o that_o i_o can_v hear_v his_o secret_a devotion_n if_o utter_v though_o but_o with_o a_o ordinary_a voice_n i_o be_o very_o confident_a for_o his_o part_n he_o think_v that_o none_o but_o god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n be_v privy_a to_o his_o prayer_n i_o have_v sometime_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o case_n of_o conscience_n whether_o it_o be_v lawful_a by_o stealth_n to_o hear_v and_o afterward_o to_o publish_v the_o private_a meditation_n of_o other_o but_o consider_v how_o much_o advantage_n it_o may_v bring_v to_o other_o and_o how_o the_o party_n himself_o can_v suffer_v nothing_o in_o it_o his_o name_n be_v conceal_v by_o i_o i_o resolve_v to_o publish_v 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intend_v this_o treatise_n with_o too_o great_a a_o number_n of_o particular_n 2._o i_o will_v not_o have_v this_o swell_v above_o the_o bigness_n of_o a_o manual_a for_o i_o have_v often_o observe_v that_o when_o one_o have_v persuade_v some_o to_o buy_v some_o book_n and_o tell_v they_o it_o have_v be_v but_o a_o small_a price_n it_o have_v be_v almost_o as_o strong_a a_o motive_n the_o smallness_n of_o the_o price_n as_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o book_n and_o i_o will_v not_o be_v willing_a that_o both_o these_o motive_n shall_v be_v want_v to_o the_o buy_v of_o this_o book_n as_o for_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o style_n or_o matter_n i_o shall_v thus_o excuse_v it_o if_o it_o oughto_o be_v excuse_v i_o write_v this_o for_o the_o mean_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o christian_n that_o they_o may_v buy_v and_o understand_v it_o that_o they_o may_v buy_v it_o i_o have_v make_v it_o a_o manual_a that_o they_o may_v understand_v it_o i_o have_v make_v it_o plain_a and_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o to_o the_o learned_a i_o say_v if_o any_o such_o shall_v read_v this_o treatise_n indocti_fw-la repiunt_fw-la coelum_fw-la and_o though_o i_o high_o prize_v learning_n yet_o i_o know_v that_o as_o to_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o all_o other_o act_n of_o devotion_n wherein_o we_o keep_v a_o strict_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o watch_v over_o our_o own_o soul_n a_o experimental_a knowledge_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o and_o inflame_v affection_n towards_o god_n will_v more_o avail_v we_o then_o all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n and_o doubtless_o it_o be_v not_o general_o ignorance_n in_o those_o that_o live_v under_o ordinance_n but_o the_o non-improvement_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o know_v that_o will_v undo_v we_o if_o we_o do_v but_o improve_v these_o plain_a truth_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n that_o we_o must_v die_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o 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