and_o gladness_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n med_n x._o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n act._n xxiv_o 16._o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o ged_a and_o towards_o man_n whatever_o thou_o undertake_v consult_v thy_o conscience_n and_o if_o satan_n excite_v thou_o to_o any_o evil_n stand_v in_o awe_n of_o the_o check_n within_o thou_o for_o the_o internal_a testimony_n be_v of_o more_o efficacy_n than_o the_o external_n thy_o conscience_n that_o angel-guardian_n which_o divine_a omnipotence_n have_v fix_v within_o thou_o shall_v be_v register_v in_o those_o book_n which_o will_v be_v open_v at_o the_o great_a day_n as_o be_v testify_v by_o st._n john_n rev._n 20._o 22._o ii_o the_o first_o be_v the_o book_n of_o god_n omniscience_n wherein_o thy_o thought_n word_n and_o action_n shall_v be_v demonstrate_v the_o second_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n rev._n 13._o 8._o wherein_o those_o that_o be_v find_v write_v by_o verity_n and_o faith_n shall_v be_v safe_o conduct_v by_o the_o angel_n into_o heaven_n imperial_a court_n the_o three_o be_v the_o book_n of_o holy_a writ_n according_a to_o which_o golden_a rule_n our_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n shall_v be_v measure_v the_o four_o contain_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o indigent_a who_o we_o have_v defraud_v or_o relieve_v the_o last_o book_n contain_v the_o internal_a testimony_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n wherein_o all_o offence_n be_v note_v and_o indeed_o the_o volume_n must_v be_v large_a and_o exact_o write_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o truth_n iii_o sinner_n in_o that_o day_n will_v be_v full_o convince_v by_o the_o terror_n within_o they_o and_o they_o can_v no_o way_n shun_v so_o just_a a_o accusation_n a_o mind_n undefiled_a be_v the_o crystal-glass_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v so_o transparent_a that_o she_o evident_o by_o the_o optic_n of_o faith_n behold_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o almighty_a for_o a_o sordid_a eye_n can_v view_v the_o splendour_n of_o a_o true_a luminary_n as_o a_o well_o complexioned_a and_o good_a feature_v countenance_n be_v esteem_v in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n so_o a_o unspotted_a conscience_n be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o almighty_a but_o that_o conscience_n which_o abound_v with_o putrefaction_n generate_v that_o worm_n which_o continual_o vulture_n like_a corrode_v but_o never_o die_v iu._n o_o than_o let_v we_o while_o it_o be_v day_n with_o a_o true_a remorse_n have_v a_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o this_o never-dying_a worm_n and_o diligent_o labour_v to_o use_v all_o art_n to_o destroy_v it_o and_o let_v we_o not_o indulge_v it_o by_o any_o mean_n lest_o it_o abide_v with_o we_o to_o all_o eternity_n what_o can_v it_o advantage_v thou_o if_o thou_o be_v it_o a_o proficient_a in_o all_o the_o art_n and_o science_n in_o this_o microcosm_n nay_o though_o thy_o skill_n do_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o number_v the_o star_n and_o to_o trace_v out_o the_o way_n of_o the_o planet_n and_o do_v enjoy_v no_o peace_n within_o to_o comfort_v thou_o let_v it_o be_v thy_o care_n to_o square_v the_o action_n of_o thy_o life_n according_a to_o that_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o the_o holy_a jesus_n let_v purity_n reign_v in_o the_o centre_n of_o thy_o heart_n verity_n possess_v thy_o tongue_n and_o embrace_v justice_n that_o it_o may_v attend_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o proceed_n all_o which_o will_v evident_o demonstrate_v whether_o thy_o life_n be_v good_a or_o evil._n v._o all_z the_o applause_n and_o breath_n of_o the_o world_n be_v insignificant_a if_o thy_o bosom_n friend_n thy_o conscience_n accuse_v thou_o and_o what_o can_v all_o their_o detraction_n prejudice_v thou_o if_o she_o defend_v thou_o this_o potent_a â—udge_n thou_o carry_v about_o thou_o be_v sufficient_a to_o accuse_v testify_v and_o to_o condemn_v thou_o this_o justice_n hold_v the_o balance_n even_o and_o will_v not_o be_v bribe_v with_o unjust_a reward_n never_o will_v she_o be_v mollify_v with_o fruitless_a prayer_n but_o she_o indefatigable_o follow_v thou_o whithersoever_o thou_o go_v and_o will_v attend_v thou_o wherever_o thou_o be_v carry_v about_o her_o that_o charge_n which_o thou_o have_v commit_v to_o her_o custody_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil_a vi_o and_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o thy_o conscience_n evidence_n against_o thou_o such_o judgement_n must_v thou_o expect_v from_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o men._n sinner_n themselves_o at_o last_o shall_v become_v their_o own_o accuser_n though_o no_o other_o testimony_n appear_v against_o they_o for_o instance_n the_o drunkard_n when_o he_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o wine_n or_o strong-drink_a have_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o prejudice_n he_o have_v receive_v by_o his_o intemperance_n but_o have_v sleep_v away_o his_o drunkenness_n the_o charm_n of_o sensuality_n be_v fracture_v and_o he_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o his_o own_o imbecility_n vii_o so_o sin_n that_o diabolical_a treasure_n while_o it_o be_v agitate_v darken_v the_o mind_n and_o like_o a_o condense_a cloud_n obscure_v the_o lustre_n of_o perspicuous_a judgement_n but_o at_o length_n the_o voice_n within_o be_v rouse_v up_o like_o a_o lion_n and_o rend_v more_o vehement_o than_o any_o other_o accuser_n oh_o let_v we_o all_o betimes_o mortify_v this_o worm_n by_o the_o fervour_n of_o our_o devotion_n that_o it_o may_v not_o gnaw_v upon_o we_o to_o our_o destruction_n and_o lead_v we_o to_o eternal_a horror_n extinguish_v this_o internal_a fire_n by_o thy_o prayer_n and_o tear_n that_o so_o thou_o may_v enjoy_v heaven_n in_o the_o cool_a of_o the_o day_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n grant_v that_o we_o may_v attain_v by_o fight_v a_o good_a fight_n finish_v our_o course_n and_o keep_v the_o faith_n 2_o tim_n 47._o med_n xi_o of_o a_o wound_a spirit_n prov._n xviii_o 14._o but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v none_o on_o this_o side_n eternity_n not_o the_o vast_a heap_n the_o universe_n itself_o that_o theatre_n of_o humane_a frailty_n can_v for_o it_o groan_v and_o travel_n in_o pain_n itself_o to_o be_v deliver_v celestial_a mansion_n be_v no_o long_o a_o residence_n for_o those_o ambitious_a rebellious_a spirit_n who_o forfeit_v their_o glory_n for_o those_o infernal_a flame_n which_o torment_n be_v not_o equivolent_a to_o that_o infinite_a despair_n which_o for_o ever_o seclude_v and_o interdict_v they_o from_o it_o it_o be_v no_o surprise_v wonder_n that_o many_o imagine_v there_o be_v no_o infernal_a place_n like_o this_o for_o its_o torment_n be_v not_o to_o be_v parallel_v ii_o fiery_a furnace_n stake_n gridiron_n or_o phalarus_n bull_n be_v but_o trifle_n to_o this_o greedy_a vulture_n torture_n of_o the_o moderne_a invention_n be_v delightful_a penalty_n compare_v to_o this_o cruelty_n those_o inhuman_a die_a misery_n do_v but_o enrage_v and_o stupefy_v sense_n while_o this_o vital_a death_n this_o destroy_a life_n exercise_v its_o malice_n on_o a_o more_o celestial_a object_n and_o contend_v to_o demolish_v and_o ruin_v a_o immortal_a part_n make_v death_n itself_o a_o principal_a and_o gentle_a murderer_n to_o it_o iii_o croak_v of_o raven_n shriek_n of_o owl_n and_o houl_n of_o wolf_n that_o add_v obscurity_n to_o the_o dismal_a night_n groan_n of_o depart_a soul_n that_o invade_v the_o ear_n and_o fill_v the_o apartment_n with_o tremble_a epitaph_n transcribe_v in_o character_n mournful_a as_o the_o grave_a and_o silence_n be_v well-tuned_a harmony_n to_o the_o die_a elegiack_n of_o a_o wound_a spirit_n that_o vent_v nothing_o but_o bloody_a satyr_n against_o itself_o behold_v how_o with_o the_o disconsolate_a psalmist_n it_o go_v mourn_v all_o the_o day_n and_o night_n environ_v with_o sorrow_n and_o surround_v with_o dismal_a and_o fatal_a idea_n and_o invert_v his_o bed_n into_o a_o bath_n which_o those_o weep_a fountain_n of_o tear_n his_o eye_n have_v distil_v and_o instead_o of_o splendid_a and_o gentle_a air_n evaporate_v nothing_o but_o dark_a and_o tremble_a accent_n which_o busy_a satan_n labour_v to_o retort_v in_o doleful_a and_o despair_a echo_n iv._o how_o contrite_o do_v it_o expostulate_v with_o heaven_n my_o dear_a redeemer_n be_v that_o amiable_a attribute_n of_o thy_o mercy_n lose_v be_v the_o fountain_n of_o it_o dry_v up_o from_o a_o poor_a and_o wretched_a sinner_n and_o will_v thou_o be_v a_o jesus_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o whole_a universe_n and_o become_v none_o to_o i_o oh_o let_v i_o descend_v from_o the_o lofty_a precipice_n and_o for_o ever_o dwell_v in_o noisome_a dungeon_n inhabit_v by_o none_o but_o loathsome_a toad_n snake_n and_o serpent_n beyond_o the_o reach_n and_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o world_n so_o i_o may_v but_o enjoy_v the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n let_v i_o live_v more_o poor_a and_o despicable_a than_o patient_a job_n upon_o his_o dunghill_n perplex_v
divers_a gesture_n and_o expression_n which_o be_v not_o requisite_a or_o necessary_a for_o any_o but_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v privy_a to_o now_o what_o place_v soever_o you_o find_v to_o be_v necessary_a for_o this_o important_a duty_n be_v solicitous_a to_o make_v choiee_n of_o ii_o as_o for_o the_o time_n the_o best_a opportunity_n be_v in_o the_o morning_n for_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o day_n be_v holy_a all_o the_o rest_n be_v sanctify_v moreover_o our_o thought_n be_v then_o not_o pollute_v with_o worldly_a affair_n they_o be_v not_o so_o liable_a to_o distraction_n and_o the_o body_n itself_o be_v more_o serene_a than_o after_o meal_n and_o this_o duty_n require_v a_o vacuity_n in_o the_o stomach_n not_o only_o because_o the_o head_n will_v be_v more_o perspicuous_a and_o apt_a for_o meditation_n but_o also_o because_o many_o passage_n of_o meditation_n require_v so_o much_o attention_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o fervency_n of_o affection_n that_o they_o do_v hinder_v digestion_n and_o this_o duty_n be_v perform_v in_o the_o morning_n it_o will_v have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a day_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v not_o universal_a for_o we_o read_v that_o isaac_n go_v forth_o in_o the_o evening_n to_o medirate_n gen._n 24._o 63._o and_o if_o the_o subject_a of_o your_o meditation_n be_v a_o sermon_n than_o perhaps_o the_o proper_a time_n be_v immediate_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o before_o your_o affection_n cool_v or_o your_o memory_n fail_v you_o iii_o for_o the_o duration_n consider_v the_o part_n of_o meditation_n be_v so_o many_o as_o preparation_n consideration_n affection_n resolution_n and_o the_o like_a and_o not_o one_o of_o these_o be_v to_o be_v pass_v slight_o over_o for_o affection_n be_v not_o quick_o raise_v nor_o be_v we_o to_o cease_v blow_v the_o fire_n if_o it_o flame_n until_o it_o be_v well_o kindle_v half_o a_o hour_n may_v be_v reckon_v to_o be_v the_o least_o for_o beginner_n and_o a_o hour_n for_o those_o that_o be_v proficient_n in_o this_o duty_n iu._n but_o in_o this_o particular_a there_o be_v two_o rule_n especial_o to_o be_v observe_v first_o that_o as_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o desist_v from_o our_o prayer_n before_o that_o temper_n and_o frame_v or_o heart_n be_v wrought_v which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o request_n of_o our_o petition_n so_o we_o shall_v not_o desist_v in_o our_o confession_n of_o sin_n till_o our_o heart_n be_v true_o sensible_a and_o humble_v for_o sin_n neither_o shall_v we_o slacken_v our_o praise_n until_o our_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o holy_a admiring_n and_o inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o almighty_a now_o the_o end_n of_o meditation_n be_v affection_n and_o resolution_n therefore_o we_o shall_v not_o desist_v till_o those_o be_v effect_v v._o so_o in_o private_a prayer_n when_o we_o find_v our_o heart_n enlarge_v by_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n upon_o we_o we_o be_v not_o to_o desist_v unless_o by_o our_o persist_v in_o that_o duty_n we_o omit_v another_o to_o which_o we_o be_v more_o particular_o oblige_v at_o that_o juncture_n so_o in_o meditation_n when_o we_o perceive_v the_o heart_n affect_v we_o be_v to_o continue_v it_o but_o this_o caution_n must_v be_v observe_v that_o in_o our_o enlargement_n we_o must_v not_o continue_v they_o long_o than_o while_o they_o flow_v free_o without_o much_o strain_v and_o compulsion_n for_o honey_n which_o come_v free_o from_o the_o comb_n be_v pure_a but_o force_v by_o heat_n and_o pressure_n be_v not_o so_o well_o relish_v now_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v dead_a we_o must_v use_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o awaken_v it_o and_o when_o once_o our_o heart_n be_v inflame_v and_o enlarge_v by_o holy_a affection_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n it_o be_v but_o a_o impediment_n to_o our_o affection_n to_o return_v to_o the_o meditation_n of_o those_o point_n that_o raise_v they_o sect_n iv._o of_o the_o subject_a and_o method_n of_o meditation_n first_o avoid_v controversy_n for_o that_o will_v convert_v meditation_n into_o study_n and_o nice_a speculation_n for_o they_o be_v sapless_a without_o nutriment_n beside_o be_v so_o light_a they_o fluctuate_v in_o the_o brain_n and_o want_v ponderosity_n to_o sink_v they_o down_o into_o the_o heart_n and_o inddeed_o be_v they_o admit_v they_o be_v so_o insignificant_a as_o the_o heart_n by_o its_o reception_n can_v acquire_v no_o affectation_n but_o let_v the_o subject_a of_o your_o meditation_n be_v the_o plain_a powerful_a and_o useful_a verity_n of_o the_o almighty_a as_o death_n judgement_n hell_n and_o heaven_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n our_o own_o sin_n and_o the_o love_n and_o suffering_n of_o a_o crucify_a saviour_n contemplate_v on_o that_o which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o your_o spiritual_a want_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o desertion_n meditate_v most_o of_o the_o love_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o thy_o own_o unworthiness_n etc._n etc._n ii_o now_o the_o rule_n for_o meditation_n be_v these_o three_o one_a preparatory_a 2_o for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o three_o the_o conclusion_n in_o our_o duty_n of_o preparation_n beside_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o subject_a we_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v and_o affect_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o to_o use_v fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o divine_a assistance_n second_o for_o the_o body_n of_o meditation_n it_o consist_v of_o three_o part_n the_o first_o be_v consideration_n which_o be_v the_o convince_a our_o heart_n of_o several_a verity_n appertain_v to_o that_o subject_a whereof_o we_o meditate_v iii_o if_o the_o subject_a of_o our_o meditation_n be_v death_n the_o consideration_n may_v run_v thus_o alas_o o_o my_o immmortal_a soul_n the_o manner_n time_n and_o place_n where_o we_o shall_v expire_v we_o be_v ignoraut_v of_o general_o man_n life_n come_v to_o a_o period_n soon_o than_o they_o expect_v and_o certain_a it_o be_v whensoever_o that_o hour_n or_o minute_n approach_v we_o must_v bid_v adieu_o to_o honour_n pleasure_n riches_n friend_n and_o at_o last_o our_o own_o frail_a body_n etc._n etc._n the_o second_o part_n be_v affection_n whether_o it_o be_v love_n of_o god_n christ_n or_o spiritual_a thing_n despise_v of_o the_o world_n admire_v of_o the_o omnipotency_n or_o any_o other_o spiritual_a affection_n the_o three_o part_n be_v resolution_n to_o perform_v that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n command_n and_o to_o desist_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o evil._n iv._o now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o genuine_a way_n of_o meditation_n evident_o appear_v first_o because_o it_o be_v not_o artificial_a and_o such_o as_o require_v learning_n as_o those_o instruction_n be_v which_o advise_v we_o to_o consider_v the_o efficient_a final_a formal_a material_a cause_n of_o defunction_n with_o the_o adjunct_n concomitant_n and_o concatenation_n etc._n etc._n which_o though_o they_o perhaps_o may_v please_v the_o learned_a yet_o such_o difficult_a word_n astonish_v the_o ignorant_a now_o this_o be_v the_o method_n by_o which_o every_o one_o that_o be_v bring_v home_o to_o god_n be_v convert_v v._o and_o the_o first_o thing_n in_o coversion_n be_v our_o be_v convince_v of_o some_o truth_n which_o conviction_n raise_v affection_n for_o if_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n end_n in_o conviction_n and_o go_v no_o further_o nay_o if_o they_o end_v in_o aflection_n only_o and_o never_o arrive_v to_o resolution_n of_o shun_v evil_a and_o perform_v of_o good_a conversion_n can_v never_o be_v perfect_v as_o for_o example_n one_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o be_v a_o miserable_a undo_v wretch_n by_o reason_n of_o original_a and_o actual_a abomination_n upon_o this_o conviction_n fear_v and_o sorrow_n be_v excite_v yet_o if_o these_o do_v not_o operate_v in_o we_o a_o fix_a resolution_n of_o forsake_v those_o sin_n we_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o sin_n and_o unconvert_v three_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n for_o the_o conclude_a of_o meditation_n which_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o in_o its_o proper_a order_n sect_n v._o of_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o divine_a presence_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v god_n be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n as_o real_o and_o essential_o as_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o omnipotency_n do_v not_o create_v heaven_n for_o his_o confinement_n but_o to_o manifest_v his_o glory_n for_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o able_a to_o contain_v he_o neither_o be_v the_o almighty_a include_v by_o nor_o exclude_v from_o any_o place_n and_o though_o jacob_n say_v sure_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o know_v it_o not_o gen._n 28._o 16._o yet_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o jacob_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o verity_n of_o it_o but_o do_v not_o actual_o consider_v it_o but_o the_o the_o psalmist_n in_o the_o 139th_o psalm_n be_v perspicuous_a in_o explain_v and_o
clear_v up_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o the_o almighty_a ii_o next_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o almighty_a do_v more_o peculiarly_a observe_v his_o servant_n while_o they_o be_v perform_v of_o heavenly_a duty_n yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o as_o if_o god_n observe_v we_o more_o at_o one_o time_n than_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o omnisciency_n but_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o god_n be_v much_o more_o offend_v with_o we_o if_o our_o deportment_n and_o frame_n of_o heart_n be_v more_o irreverent_a and_o unholy_a in_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n than_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o particular_a call_v iii_o we_o may_v consider_v with_o ourselves_o that_o christ_n do_v actual_o behold_v we_o especial_o in_o these_o duty_n of_o sanctity_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o remoteness_n of_o place_n that_o do_v obstruct_v christ_n omnisciency_n and_o exact_a observe_v of_o we_o little_o do_v nathanael_n think_v that_o christ_n see_v he_o under_o the_o figtree_n nathanael_n do_v not_o perceive_v christ_n neither_o then_o be_v he_o corporal_o present_a yet_o christ_n behold_v nathanael_n when_o he_o pray_v so_o christ_n behold_v st._n stephen_n before_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_v and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o heaven_n be_v not_o that_o thereby_o christ_n may_v be_v enable_v the_o better_a to_o behold_v st._n stephen_n but_o that_o this_o holy_a proto-martyr_n may_v thereby_o be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o discern_v that_o christ_n look_v on_o he_o iu._n and_o without_o all_o controversy_n the_o almighty_a observe_n and_o know_v with_o what_o reverence_n faith_n and_o love_n we_o address_v ourselves_o to_o he_o for_o else_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v fruitless_a and_o our_o faith_n ineffectual_a for_o how_o can_v he_o distribute_v to_o we_o according_a to_o our_o faith_n if_o he_o know_v not_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o if_o the_o inferior_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o observe_v by_o omnipotency_n we_o may_v then_o infer_v that_o a_o hypocrite_n which_o can_v utter_v extraordinary_a expression_n shall_v acquire_v more_o by_o his_o address_n to_o the_o almighty_a than_o a_o true_a nathanael_n in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o guile_n v._o suppose_v that_o thou_o have_v live_v in_o that_o age_n when_o christ_n be_v upon_o earth_n or_o that_o he_o be_v corpotal_o present_a now_o near_o thy_o habitation_n consider_v with_o what_o joy_n reverence_n alacrity_n and_o assurance_n thou_o will_v address_v thyself_o to_o he_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o thy_o sin_n or_o for_o any_o other_o mercy_n thou_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n thou_o may_v now_o address_v thyself_o his_o remoteness_n from_o thou_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o corporal_a presence_n do_v not_o diminish_v his_o power_n to_o discern_v thy_o want_n or_o give_v a_o audit_n to_o thy_o petition_n nor_o his_o be_v now_o glorify_v do_v not_o derogate_v his_o benevolence_n to_o grant_v thy_o request_n than_o if_o he_o be_v corporal_o present_a in_o the_o room_n with_o thou_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n as_o he_o be_v once_o at_o jerusalem_n vi_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o slacken_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n for_o christ_n be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n and_o god_n attribute_n be_v all_o consonant_n the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n do_v not_o set_v limit_n unto_o his_o goodness_n and_o make_v that_o finite_a nor_o do_v his_o bounty_n make_v his_o omnipotency_n less_o glorious_a his_o goodness_n make_v his_o deity_n more_o amiable_a and_o his_o omnisciency_n make_v his_o mercy_n more_o wonderful_a so_o neither_o do_v the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n excite_v he_o to_o abate_v or_o diminish_v his_o goodness_n to_o any_o that_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o his_o divine_a precept_n vii_o but_o if_o in_o any_o method_n his_o love_n be_v mutable_a it_o be_v by_o a_o augmentation_n for_o when_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v in_o the_o flesh_n you_o must_v have_v approach_v he_o by_o faith_n or_o expect_v no_o mercy_n and_o by_o faith_n though_o he_o be_v enthrone_v in_o heaven_n you_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n in_o time_n of_o need_n thus_o you_o may_v ponder_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o consideration_n until_o your_o heart_n be_v so_o convince_v of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o you_o thereby_o may_v be_v the_o better_o fit_v for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n more_o effectual_o sect_n vi_o of_o preparatory_a prayer_n before_o meditation_n the_o next_o preparatory_a consideration_n be_v prayer_n which_o thou_o may_v perform_v to_o this_o or_o the_o like_a purpose_n lord_n my_o design_n at_o this_o time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v sequester_v a_o hour_n from_o worldly_a enjoyment_n for_o that_o be_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o cessation_n and_o to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o my_o sin_n not_o my_o grace_n but_o my_o solicitation_n at_o this_o time_n be_v to_o be_v so_o convince_v and_o affect_v with_o those_o spiritual_a verity_n reveal_v in_o thy_o sacred_a word_n that_o i_o may_v full_o resolve_v by_o thy_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o reform_v my_o life_n for_o i_o can_v neither_o understand_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o my_o peace_n not_o understand_v they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o certainty_n and_o verity_n of_o they_o ii_o nay_o lord_n though_o my_o understanding_n be_v illuminate_v yet_o without_o thou_o my_o affection_n can_v be_v inflame_v i_o can_v neither_o know_v resolve_v nor_o perform_v any_o good_a without_o thou_o for_o from_o thou_o proceed_v both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o thy_o good_a pleasure_n lord_n i_o humble_o implore_v 〈◊〉_d to_o replenish_v i_o with_o thy_o grace_n that_o i_o may_v be_v conscientious_a in_o perform_v this_o duty_n with_o my_o whole_a strength_n and_o not_o negligent_o and_o inconsiderate_o and_o lord_n do_v thou_o illuminate_v i_o and_o convince_v i_o with_o thy_o sacred_a truth_n and_o so_o affect_v my_o heart_n with_o the_o love_n of_o sanctity_n and_o a_o detestation_n of_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o be_v full_o and_o firm_o resolve_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o the_o flesh_n the_o world_n or_o the_o devil_n can_v procure_v to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n with_o joy_n and_o celerity_n iii_o and_o lord_n grant_v that_o when_o thou_o have_v operate_v in_o i_o the_o will_v so_o to_o perform_v give_v i_o also_o the_o benefit_n and_o let_v i_o not_o trust_v to_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o resolution_n but_o to_o the_o continual_a gracious_a assistance_n of_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n that_o through_o thou_o i_o shall_v resolve_v to_o pursue_v grant_v this_o o_o holy_a and_o bless_a father_n even_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o thy_o dear_a son_n who_o have_v command_v i_o to_o approach_v to_o thou_o in_o his_o name_n for_o any_o mercy_n i_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o o_o let_v these_o my_o petition_n reach_v thy_o merciful_a ear_n even_o for_o his_o sake_n who_o be_v my_o only_a lord_n and_o saviour_n amen_n iv._o this_o or_o the_o like_a prayer_n thou_o be_v to_o send_v up_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n but_o this_o must_v be_v do_v with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n for_o thou_o must_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o strength_n which_o thou_o shall_v acquire_v from_o god_n by_o prayer_n whereby_o thou_o shall_v be_v enable_v to_o perform_v this_o or_o any_o other_o duty_n profitable_o for_o it_o be_v he_o that_o teach_v we_o to_o be_v proficient_n now_o he_o that_o begin_v a_o holy_a duty_n without_o god_n will_v end_v it_o without_o he_o also_o it_o be_v a_o pernicious_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o we_o can_v by_o our_o natural_a part_n learning_n or_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o grace_n already_o receive_v without_o the_o almighty_n further_o assistance_n perform_v any_o thing_n that_o can_v please_v he_o or_o edify_v our_o own_o soul_n for_o though_o our_o mountain_n be_v make_v strong_a yet_o if_o he_o withdraw_v the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n we_o be_v in_o obscurity_n v._o we_o may_v with_o much_o more_o reason_n declare_v now_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o his_o full_a meridian_n and_o the_o air_n be_v so_o serene_a that_o now_o we_o can_v transact_v well_o enough_o for_o a_o space_n though_o that_o solar_a luminary_n be_v eclipse_v than_o to_o testify_v though_o our_o heart_n be_v never_o so_o much_o inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o the_o almighty_a now_o we_o be_v so_o supply_v and_o inflame_v with_o his_o divine_a love_n we_o can_v subsist_v by_o our_o own_o strength_n and_o for_o the_o present_a we_o want_v not_o god_n further_a assistance_n afford_v we_o but_o subject_a matter_n to_o meditate_v of_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v of_o ability_n to_o continue_v and_o increase_v our_o flame_n do_v not_o possess_v thyself_o
profession_n only_o but_o our_o daily_a practice_n too_o that_o must_v proclaim_v we_o herald_n of_o this_o faith_n v._o although_o our_o merit_n can_v never_o reach_v heaven_n yet_o our_o pious_a endeavour_n may_v if_o they_o be_v sincere_a because_o there_o be_v a_o mercy_n hang_v over_o our_o head_n that_o will_v pardon_v our_o deficiency_n all_o the_o blossom_n and_o bud_n of_o our_o piety_n spring_v forth_o from_o this_o stem_n and_o he_o that_o either_o believe_v or_o love_v his_o saviour_n that_o die_v for_o he_o can_v imagine_v he_o be_v too_o much_o industrious_a to_o live_v well_o this_o be_v the_o female_a sex_n faith_n here_o and_o she_o have_v scarce_o effuse_v it_o out_o with_o flood_n of_o tear_n when_o the_o infernal_a fiend_n in_o a_o consternation_n forsake_v his_o hold_n unable_a to_o endure_v the_o echo_n of_o that_o sound_n which_o be_v repeat_v by_o the_o divine_a accent_n of_o our_o redeemer_n lip_n and_o this_o faith_n must_v be_v a_o preservative_n against_o sin_n and_o by_o its_o divine_a charm_n chase_n satan_n to_o his_o chain_n of_o darkness_n it_o be_v this_o that_o prepare_v heaven_n for_o we_o that_o make_v we_o survive_v our_o monument_n become_v immortal_a in_o our_o grave_n and_o promise_n eternity_n to_o our_o dust_n and_o ash_n it_o be_v this_o that_o consummate_v our_o happiness_n and_o will_v safe_o arrive_v we_o where_o the_o bless_a jesus_n shall_v receive_v we_o into_o his_o glory_n vi_o o_o most_o divine_a omnipotence_n thou_o send_v thy_o son_n christ_n jesus_n to_o die_v for_o we_o that_o by_o believe_v in_o he_o we_o may_v attain_v to_o everlasting_a life_n he_o under_o who_o thou_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n in_o subjection_n be_v please_v to_o condescend_v to_o level_v himself_o with_o they_o and_o dethrone_v himself_o to_o undergo_v a_o crucifixion_n for_o our_o soul_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o his_o glory_n oh_o let_v not_o those_o misery_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n which_o petition_v thy_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n make_v we_o uncapable_a of_o it_o let_v not_o those_o that_o plead_v ignorance_n of_o thou_o but_o by_o thy_o miracle_n be_v more_o ardous_a in_o acknowledge_v thy_o abundant_a goodness_n than_o we_o who_o by_o the_o manifestation_n of_o thy_o love_n claim_v a_o interest_n in_o thy_o precious_a blood_n vii_o but_o grant_v o_o lord_n that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a thanksgiving_n to_o thy_o merit_n who_o come_v down_v from_o the_o bosom_n of_o thy_o father_n to_o purchase_v and_o save_v our_o immortal_a soul_n to_o this_o end_n do_v thou_o inspire_v into_o we_o that_o faith_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v please_v thou_o and_o with_o which_o thou_o annex_v all_o other_o grace_n teach_v we_o so_o to_o rely_v on_o thy_o mercy_n that_o we_o may_v not_o neglect_v the_o mean_n or_o imagine_v that_o a_o dead_a faith_n will_v conduct_v we_o to_o that_o life_n which_o thou_o have_v promise_v to_o none_o but_o they_o as_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_v med_n xvii_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n 2_o pet._n i_o 7._o and_o to_o brotherly-kindness_n charity_n true_a and_o sincere_a love_n be_v a_o inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o pious_a person_n no_o christian_a can_v subsist_v without_o faith_n and_o where_o that_o virtue_n be_v charity_n be_v not_o want_v where_o the_o lustre_n of_o charity_n be_v extinguish_v the_o heat_n of_o faith_n must_v consequent_o be_v quench_v thou_o may_v as_o well_o rob_v the_o bright_a luminary_n the_o sun_n of_o his_o light_n as_o deprive_v faith_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o charity_n charity_n be_v the_o external_n act_n of_o the_o internal_a life_n of_o a_o christian._n the_o body_n be_v dead_a without_o the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n be_v dead_a without_o charity_n jam._n 2._o 26._o he_o be_v not_o a_o member_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v not_o inspire_v with_o his_o spirit_n and_o he_o be_v not_o endue_v with_o his_o holy_a spirit_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o gift_n of_o charity_n ii_o this_o theological_a virtue_n be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5._o 22._o and_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o fruit_n the_o tree_n be_v demonstrate_v charity_n be_v the_o bond_n of_o christian_a perfection_n say_v the_o apostle_n col._n 3._o 14._o as_o the_o bodily_a member_n be_v unite_v together_o by_o the_o spirit_n so_o the_o true_a member_n of_o the_o mystical_a body_n be_v unite_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n solomon_n temple_n be_v all_o cover_v with_o gold_n within_o and_o without_o 1_o king_n 6._o 21._o so_o our_o body_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o almighty_n spiritual_a temple_n aught_o in_o like_a manner_n both_o within_o and_o without_o to_o be_v beautify_v with_o love_n and_o charity_n let_v this_o regent_n virtue_n exercise_v its_o efficacy_n in_o move_v thy_o heart_n to_o compassion_n and_o thy_o hand_n to_o contribution_n for_o one_o without_o the_o other_o be_v not_o effectual_a iii_o faith_n receive_v all_o from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o from_o that_o stream_n charity_n as_o a_o channel_n convey_v it_o to_o her_o neighbour_n by_o faith_n we_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n who_o be_v love_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 8._o therefore_o where_o charity_n manifest_v not_o external_o faith_n internal_o do_v not_o inhabit_v no_o man_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n which_o do_v not_o express_a affection_n of_o love_n to_o he_o and_o none_o can_v fulsil_n that_o new_a commandment_n except_o he_o love_v his_o neighbour_n none_o can_v real_o apprehend_v the_o benefit_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o heart_n unfeigned_a which_o have_v not_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n to_o the_o distress_a iv._o charity_n be_v the_o seminary_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v of_o good_a growth_n which_o proceed_v not_o from_o that_o root_n and_o this_o virtue_n true_o delineate_v be_v the_o soul_n be_v spiritual_a relish_n for_o unto_o it_o alone_o be_v all_o thing_n dulcify_v all_o adversity_n pain_n anguish_n trouble_v nay_o even_o death_n itself_o and_o and_o the_o wise_a man_n confirm_v this_o that_o love_n be_v as_o strong_a as_o death_n cant._n 8._o 6._o and_o indeed_o i_o think_v i_o may_v invert_v the_o wise_a man_n text_n and_o with_o assurance_n proclaim_v that_o love_n be_v strong_a than_o death_n for_o love_n bring_v down_o a_o saviour_n to_o die_v for_o we_o sinner_n that_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n may_v be_v remove_v from_o we_o he_o when_o he_o have_v overcome_v the_o sharpness_n of_o death_n do_v open_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n to_o all_o believer_n oh_o let_v we_o then_o embrace_v this_o love_n and_o die_v unto_o sin_n daily_o that_o we_o may_v live_v unto_o righteousness_n v._o all_z the_o work_n of_o the_o most_o high_a proceed_v from_o this_o lovely_a attribute_n even_o punishment_n denunciation_n and_o judgement_n the_o two_o great_a luminary_n and_o the_o constellation_n of_o heaven_n illuminate_v not_o themselves_o but_o we_o wretched_a creature_n fire_n air_n earth_n and_o water_n be_v create_v for_o our_o necessity_n the_o beast_n herb_n plant_n tree_n bird_n fish_n and_o fowl_n be_v all_o for_o our_o use._n and_o as_o god_n have_v be_v so_o gracious_a to_o give_v thou_o plenty_n of_o these_o blessing_n so_o do_v thou_o distribute_v to_o thy_o neighbour_n according_a to_o their_o necessity_n and_o this_o must_v be_v do_v free_o with_o true_a amity_n affection_n and_o compassion_n else_o all_o our_o charity_n be_v nothing_o worth_a but_o will_v prove_v like_o sound_a brass_n or_o a_o tinkle_a symbal_n vi_o charity_n be_v patient_a 1_o cor._n 13._o 4._o for_o no_o man_n be_v easy_o enrage_v with_o those_o who_o he_o true_o affect_v charity_n likewise_o be_v bountiful_a and_o he_o who_o have_v be_v so_o liberal_a as_o to_o resign_v his_o heart_n to_o his_o friend_n will_n without_o all_o question_n not_o withhold_v from_o he_o any_o temporal_a enjoyment_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o his_o necessity_n charity_n envy_v not_o it_o think_v no_o evil_a be_v not_o puff_v up_o and_o behave_v not_o itself_o undecent_o next_o she_o seek_v not_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v she_o own_o neither_o be_v she_o provoke_v to_o anger_n she_o imagine_v no_o mischief_n nor_o rejoice_v not_o in_o iniquity_n but_o she_o bear_v all_o thing_n believe_v hope_v and_o endure_v all_o thing_n she_o refuse_v not_o to_o do_v unto_o other_o as_o she_o desire_v they_o to_o perform_v unto_o she_o tongue_n and_o prophecy_n shall_v cease_v and_o art_n and_o science_n be_v destroy_v but_o charity_n shall_v never_o be_v extinguish_v vii_o let_v we_o then_o study_v this_o lesson_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n and_o howsoever_o thy_o friend_n or_o neighbour_n be_v qualify_v towards_o thou_o yet_o remember_v