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
be_v mix_v of_o such_o variety_n as_o sometime_o speak_v to_o the_o great_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o humble_o acknowledge_v how_o we_o stand_v affect_v to_o he_o and_o his_o ordinance_n sometime_o we_o examine_v our_o soul_n chide_v encourage_v or_o instruct_v it_o sometime_o we_o reason_n with_o ourselves_o what_o holy_a resolution_n we_o design_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n and_o what_o we_o intend_v to_o supplicate_v the_o almighty_a many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n you_o may_v find_v in_o psal._n 42._o and_o other_o psalm_n which_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v prayer_n but_o solemn_a meditation_n vii_o the_o three_o kind_n of_o solemn_a meditation_n be_v those_o that_o be_v upon_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n be_v pure_a even_o as_o the_o silver_n try_v seven_o time_n in_o the_o fire_n psal._n 12._o 6._o our_o saviour_n precept_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v search_v the_o scripture_n joh._n 5._o 39_o and_o st._n paul_n bid_v we_o prove_v all_o thing_n 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o and_o if_o we_o meditate_v on_o god_n word_n which_o be_v the_o golden_a rule_n of_o all_o our_o devotion_n we_o shall_v acquire_v that_o peace_n to_o our_o soul_n which_o the_o world_n can_v give_v nor_o none_o upon_o earth_n can_v take_v from_o we_o for_o all_o his_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o 2_o cor._n 1._o 20._o viii_o the_o last_o kind_n of_o meditation_n be_v upon_o some_o practical_a truth_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o plant_n and_o nourish_v of_o all_o true_a virtue_n among_o man_n to_o grow_v in_o grace_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 18._o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n both_o of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 1._o and_o endeavour_v to_o take_v hold_n of_o st._n paul_n press_a argument_n to_o his_o corinthian_n to_o be_v steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n then_o this_o assurance_n will_v infallible_o appertain_v to_o we_o that_o our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 58._o sect_n ii_o that_o meditation_n be_v a_o duty_n that_o isaac_n do_v not_o neglect_v solemn_a meditation_n be_v evident_a by_o reason_n he_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o set-duty_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o go_v on_o it_o to_o meditate_v and_o god_n command_v joshua_n to_o perform_v this_o duty_n as_o a_o chief_a mean_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o law_n josh._n 1._o 18._o and_o indeed_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o forget_v so_o important_a a_o exercise_n for_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o want_n of_o consideration_n and_o not_o want_v of_o knowledge_n isa._n 1._o 3_o for_o who_o be_v there_o almost_o in_o the_o world_n that_o know_v not_o but_o that_o he_o must_v die_v but_o how_o few_o be_v they_o that_o consider_v it_o deut._n 32._o 29._o ii_o next_o the_o necessity_n of_o meditation_n be_v very_o material_a for_o none_o can_v enter_v into_o a_o state_n of_o conversion_n who_o think_v it_o insignificant_a to_o confirm_v which_o we_o have_v it_o record_v in_o scripture_n the_o story_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n who_o list_v himself_o in_o harlot_n company_n but_o upon_o his_o submissive_a return_n be_v receive_v again_o into_o his_o father_n favour_n now_o this_o be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o convert_v first_o he_o hear_v the_o sacred_a truth_n of_o god_n word_n and_o be_v convince_v by_o it_o second_o he_o consider_v and_o meditate_v upon_o it_o and_o see_v how_o much_o it_o concern_v himself_o three_o he_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o and_o be_v thus_o affect_v it_o raise_v holy_a resolution_n of_o better_a obedience_n iii_o but_o some_o will_v object_v and_o say_v i_o be_o illiterate_a and_o can_v attain_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o must_v relinquish_v it_o and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o learned_a who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o perform_v a_o duty_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v as_o in_o the_o mathematical_a science_n he_o that_o be_v a_o rational_a man_n and_o do_v but_o improve_v his_o reason_n though_o he_o have_v neither_o tongue_n nor_o art_n to_o assist_v he_o may_v understand_v and_o grow_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a excellency_n in_o any_o art_n if_o he_o have_v god_n assistance_n and_o do_v but_o exercise_n and_o improve_v it_o he_o may_v reap_v the_o benefit_n and_o fruit_n of_o meditation_n iv._o other_o will_v object_v and_o declare_v it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a duty_n to_o which_o my_o replication_n be_v this_o that_o the_o hard_a any_o thing_n seem_v it_o be_v the_o more_o excellent_a when_o it_o be_v attain_v but_o the_o obstacle_n be_v apparent_a and_o infer_v it_o not_o to_o be_v consonant_n to_o our_o perverse_a will_n and_o affection_n and_o the_o more_o dissonant_n any_o thing_n be_v to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a the_o more_o congruous_a it_o be_v to_o sublime_a action_n for_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v that_o any_o duty_n shall_v be_v perform_v at_o the_o first_o with_o much_o facility_n for_o example_n the_o seven_o liberal_a science_n which_o be_v of_o great_a excellency_n in_o temporal_a enjoyment_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o attain_v without_o solicitation_n and_o sedulity_n v._o now_o the_o reason_n be_v evident_a for_o this_o duty_n be_v powerful_a in_o mortify_v corruption_n dulcify_v thing_n nourish_v and_o pamper_v the_o body_n and_o bitter_a thing_n give_v a_o purgation_n therefore_o if_o you_o will_v only_o perform_v those_o duty_n that_o be_v pleasant_a and_o delectable_a they_o will_v only_o nourish_v not_o purge_v out_o corruption_n therefore_o implore_v the_o almighty_a to_o inflame_v your_o heart_n with_o his_o divine_a love_n and_o then_o this_o duty_n will_v not_o only_o be_v facile_a and_o delightful_a but_o will_v so_o affect_v the_o undertaker_n that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o avoid_v a_o duty_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n for_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o difficulty_n to_o take_v our_o affection_n off_o from_o what_o we_o admire_v as_o it_o be_v to_o place_v they_o upon_o what_o we_o abhor_v for_o bid_v the_o covetous_a person_n forsake_v his_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o bid_v he_o entertain_v the_o thought_n of_o thing_n celestial_a and_o he_o will_v find_v a_o equal_a difficulty_n in_o both_o vi_o indeed_o the_o love_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o desire_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v acquire_v by_o meditation_n and_o when_o once_o our_o heart_n be_v inflame_v by_o that_o exercise_n than_o our_o meditation_n be_v inflame_v by_o love_n for_o as_o spark_n of_o fire_n 〈◊〉_d be_v first_o blow_v up_o before_o the_o flame_n increase_v so_o the_o difficulty_n of_o meditation_n appear_v at_o the_o beginning_n when_o there_o be_v but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o spark_n of_o divine_a love_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o will_v require_v some_o pain_n by_o meditation_n to_o blow_v it_o up_o to_o a_o flame_n but_o afterward_o the_o heart_n will_v be_v so_o fervent_a with_o these_o conflagrate_v of_o love_n that_o it_o will_v so_o inflame_v all_o the_o thought_n and_o create_v in_o we_o not_o only_a facility_n but_o a_o necessity_n to_o meditate_v on_o thing_n spiritual_a vii_o now_o some_o will_v object_v if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n so_o necessary_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o geeeral_o neglect_v by_o most_o christian_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o many_o in_o ancient_a time_n and_o by_o many_o modern_a christian_n the_o sacred_a scripture_n inform_v we_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o psalm_n of_o the_o royal_a prophet_n be_v frequent_o digest_v into_o meditation_n but_o this_o be_v a_o private_a closet-duty_n the_o omission_n nor_o performance_n of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o and_o so_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o can_v not_o be_v reprehend_v nor_o performance_n observe_v last_o the_o direction_n and_o instruction_n for_o meditation_n have_v be_v general_o very_o abstruse_a and_o intricate_a sect_n iii_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o meditation_n as_o to_o the_o place_n that_o must_v be_v apart_o remote_a from_o society_n and_o disturbance_n the_o patriarch_n isaac_n go_v into_o the_o field_n our_o bless_a saviour_n into_o a_o garden_n and_o the_o prophet_n david_n advise_v we_o to_o enter_v into_o our_o chamber_n and_o be_v still_o psal._n 4._o 4._o and_o christ_n command_v we_o to_o enter_v into_o our_o closet_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o privacy_n be_v this_o that_o we_o may_v receive_v no_o interruption_n or_o any_o distraction_n nor_o be_v force_v to_o break_v off_o abrupt_o before_o the_o duty_n be_v end_v next_o that_o we_o may_v be_v recluse_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o all_o mortal_n that_o we_o may_v neither_o be_v hear_v nor_o see_v for_o there_o be_v
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