so_o general_o neglect_v by_o the_o peo-ple_a of_o god_n ans_fw-fr it_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o the_o people_n of_o god_n both_o in_o scripture_n as_o be_v prove_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o psalm_n of_o david_n be_v frequent_o nothing_o but_o meditation_n though_o not_o in_o this_o method_n and_o by_o many_o in_o our_o day_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o private_a closet-duty_n the_o omission_n nor_o performance_n of_o it_o can_v 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 reprove_v nor_o performance_n observe_v 3._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 chap._n iii_o preparatory_a direction_n concern_v some_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o meditation_n 1._o for_o the_o place_n that_o must_v be_v private_a remote_a from_o company_n and_o noise_n isaac_n go_v into_o the_o field_n our_o saviour_n into_o a_o garden_n and_o david_n wish_v we_o to_o enter_v into_o our_o chamber_n and_o be_v still_o psa_fw-la 4.4_o and_o our_o saviour_n bid_v we_o enter_v into_o our_o closet_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n the_o place_n must_v be_v such_o as_o must_v be_v remote_a from_o noise_n and_o company_n or_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v distract_v we_o in_o the_o duty_n and_o such_o a_o place_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v interrupt_v or_o force_v to_o break_v off_o before_o the_o duty_n be_v end_v it_o must_v be_v also_o private_a and_o remote_a from_o the_o observation_n of_o other_o so_o that_o we_o may_v neither_o be_v hear_v nor_o see_v because_o there_o be_v divers_a gesture_n and_o expression_n which_o be_v not_o convenient_a for_o any_o one_o but_o god_n and_o once_o own_o soul_n to_o be_v privy_a to_o which_o of_o those_o place_n you_o find_v to_o be_v most_o advantageous_a to_o you_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o meditation_n you_o may_v choose_v 2._o for_o the_o time_n when_o the_o best_a be_v in_o the_o morning_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v the_o first-fruit_n of_o the_o day_n and_o the_o first-fruit_n be_v holy_a all_o the_o rest_n be_v sanctify_v 2._o because_o our_o thought_n be_v then_o not_o soil_v with_o worldly_a business_n will_v not_o be_v so_o subject_a to_o be_v distract_v 3._o because_o the_o body_n itself_o be_v more_o serene_a then_o after_o meal_n and_o this_o duty_n need_v a_o empty_a stomach_n not_o only_o because_o the_o head_n will_v be_v more_o clear_a and_o fit_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 intention_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 4._o because_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o morning_n will_v have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a day_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o universal_a rule_n for_o we_o read_v that_o isaac_n go_v forth_o in_o the_o evening_n to_o meditate_v gen._n 24.63_o and_o in_o case_n the_o subject_n of_o your_o meditation_n be_v a_o sermon_n then_o if_o it_o may_v be_v the_o best_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 2._o for_o the_o how_o long_o consider_v the_o part_n of_o meditation_n be_v so_o many_o viz._n preparation_n consideration_n affection_n resolution_n etc._n etc._n and_o none_o of_o they_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 as_o soon_o as_o ever_o it_o begin_v to_o flame_n until_o it_o be_v well_o kindle_v half_o a_o hour_n may_v be_v think_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 verse_v in_o this_o duty_n but_o there_o be_v two_o rule_n in_o this_o particular_a especial_o to_o be_v observe_v 1._o that_o as_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o leave_v off_o our_o prayer_n before_o that_o temper_n and_o frame_v of_o heart_n be_v wrought_v which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n viz._n we_o shall_v not_o leave_v off_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n till_o our_o heart_n be_v make_v sensible_a of_o and_o humble_a for_o our_o sin_n nor_o shall_v we_o leave_v off_o our_o praise_n until_o our_o heart_n be_v fill_v with_o holy_a admiring_n and_o adore_n of_o god_n and_o inflame_v with_o his_o love_n so_o the_o end_n of_o meditation_n be_v affection_n and_o resolution_n we_o shall_v not_o leave_v off_o until_o those_o be_v wrought_v 2._o as_o in_o private_a prayer_n so_o long_o as_o we_o find_v our_o heart_n enlarge_v by_o the_o pouring_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o supplication_n upon_o we_o we_o be_v not_o to_o leave_v off_o unless_o by_o our_o continuance_n in_o that_o duty_n we_o must_v omit_v another_o duty_n to_o which_o we_o be_v more_o particular_o oblige_v at_o that_o time_n so_o in_o meditation_n as_o long_o as_o we_o find_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 give_v that_o in_o such_o enlargement_n we_o must_v not_o continue_v they_o long_o general_o than_o while_o they_o come_v free_o and_o without_o much_o strain_n and_o compulsion_n for_o that_o honey_n that_o come_v free_o of_o itself_o from_o the_o comb_n be_v pure_a but_o that_o which_o be_v force_v by_o heat_n and_o pressure_n be_v not_o so_o well_o rellish_v but_o this_o caution_n be_v for_o extraordinary_a enlargement_n for_o if_o the_o heart_n be_v dead_a we_o must_v use_v all_o mean_n to_o awaken_v it_o but_o as_o fire_n must_v be_v blow_v till_o it_o be_v well_o kindle_v but_o afterward_o blow_v hinder_v the_o boil_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v set_v over_o it_o so_o when_o once_o our_o heart_n be_v inflame_v and_o enlarge_v with_o holy_a affection_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n it_o be_v but_o a_o hindrance_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 chap._n iu_o rule_n for_o the_o subject_a the_o division_n of_o and_o reason_n for_o this_o method_n of_o meditation_n 1._o by_o no_o mean_n let_v it_o be_v controversy_n for_o that_o will_v turn_v meditation_n into_o study_n 2._o nor_o nice_a speculation_n for_o they_o be_v sapless_a without_o nourishment_n beside_o be_v so_o light_v they_o float_v in_o the_o brain_n have_v no_o weight_n to_o sink_v they_o down_o into_o the_o heart_n and_o indeed_o be_v they_o there_o they_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o to_o affect_v the_o heart_n withal_o 3._o let_v the_o subject_a of_o meditation_n be_v the_o plain_a powerful_a and_o useful_a truth_n of_o god_n as_o death_n hell_n heaven_n judgement_n mercy_n of_o god_n our_o own_o sin_n the_o love_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n 4._o let_v the_o subject_a of_o your_o meditation_n be_v that_o that_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 etc._n etc._n rule_n for_o meditation_n itself_o they_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n 1._o preparatory_a 2._o for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o duty_n 3._o for_o the_o conclusion_n two_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o preparation_n beside_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o subject_a the_o first_o be_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o and_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n the_o second_o be_v prayer_n for_o assistance_n from_o god_n 2._o for_o the_o body_n of_o meditation_n itself_o it_o consist_v of_o three_o part_n the_o first_o i_o call_v consideration_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o convince_a our_o heart_n of_o several_a truth_n that_o belong_v to_o that_o subject_a whereof_o we_o meditate_v as_o as_o if_o the_o subject_n of_o our_o meditation_n be_v death_n the_o consideration_n may_v go_v thus_o alas_o o_o my_o soul_n how_o and_o when_o and_o where_o we_o shall_v die_v we_o know_v not_o general_o man_n die_v soon_o than_o they_o expect_v and_o certain_a it_o be_v whensoever_o that_o hour_n come_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 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 or_o christ_n or_o spiritual_a thing_n despise_v of_o the_o world_n admire_v of_o god_n or_o any_o other_o spiritual_a affection_n the_o three_o part_n be_v resolution_n to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o or_o leave_v this_o or_o that_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 appear_v by_o this_o 1._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 direction_n be_v which_o wish_v we_o to_o consider_v the_o efficient_a final_a formal_a material_a cause_n of_o death_n the_o adjunct_n concomitant_n etc._n etc._n which_o though_o they_o may_v somewhat_o help_v the_o learned_a yet_o such_o hard_a word_n and_o artificial_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 they_o beside_o i_o very_o well_o know_v as_o i_o say_v before_o that_o the_o spiritual_a expression_n between_o god_n and_o once_o own_o soul_n in_o secret_a be_v forget_v almost_o as_o soon_o as_o end_v it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a that_o any_o shall_v remember_v they_o ten_o year_n after_o as_o the_o most_o of_o these_o be_v i_o think_v good_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o matter_n lest_o i_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o have_v that_o holy_a frame_n of_o heart_n which_o many_o of_o the_o expression_n in_o these_o meditation_n argue_v that_o he_o have_v that_o use_v they_o and_o arrogate_v to_o myself_o that_o which_o be_v far_o from_o i_o if_o any_o shall_v be_v offend_v at_o the_o brevity_n and_o shortness_n of_o my_o direction_n for_o this_o great_a and_o weighty_a business_n of_o meditation_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v thus_o much_o as_o to_o that_o 1._o that_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o overcharge_v or_o affright_v new_a beginner_n for_o for_o such_o i_o do_v very_o much_o 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 heart_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n with_o all_o our_o mind_n with_o all_o our_o strength_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v to_o i_o say_v if_o we_o do_v but_o improve_v these_o into_o practice_n we_o shall_v attain_v to_o more_o holiness_n then_o if_o we_o know_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o and_o leave_v those_o truth_n as_o general_o man_n do_v by_o they_o as_o thing_n forget_v i_o do_v very_o much_o think_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v spin_v into_o too_o fine_a a_o thread_n of_o late_a day_n and_o some_o have_v observe_v that_o few_o have_v be_v convert_v of_o late_a year_n then_o former_o when_o fundamental_o have_v be_v plain_o powerful_o and_o practical_o press_v upon_o the_o conscience_n it_o be_v a_o error_n to_o think_v that_o notion_n so_o they_o be_v spiritual_a can_v be_v too_o acute_a or_o speculative_a i_o have_v one_o thing_n to_o entreat_v of_o the_o christian_a reader_n and_o it_o be_v one_o end_n of_o publish_v this_o treatise_n that_o i_o may_v with_o it_o publish_v these_o my_o desire_n the_o thing_n that_o i_o be_o to_o request_v of_o you_o will_v neither_o be_v charge_n nor_o trouble_n it_o be_v your_o frequent_a serious_a fervent_a prayer_n that_o i_o desire_v of_o you_o i_o know_v it_o be_v use_v too_o much_o as_o a_o compliment_n among_o christian_n to_o desire_v prayer_n of_o their_o christian_a friend_n and_o they_o be_v too_o often_o superficial_o promise_v and_o too_o seldom_o conscientious_o perform_v nor_o will_v i_o have_v thou_o whosoever_o thou_o be_v that_o fear_v god_n account_v this_o my_o request_n as_o a_o thing_n of_o course_n and_o that_o it_o be_v at_o thy_o liberty_n to_o grant_v it_o or_o no_o for_o suppose_v a_o poor_a distress_a man_n overwhelm_v and_o almost_o swallow_v up_o with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o want_n shall_v with_o tear_n and_o strong_a importunity_n beg_v relief_n of_o thou_o do_v thou_o think_v it_o be_v a_o arbitrary_a thing_n when_o it_o be_v in_o thy_o power_n to_o relieve_v he_o or_o not_o may_v thou_o not_o just_o expect_v that_o the_o the_o next_o time_n thou_o go_v to_o pour_v out_o thy_o soul_n before_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v keep_v by_o he_o the_o denial_n that_o thou_o give_v that_o poor_a man_n and_o give_v it_o thou_o when_o thou_o in_o the_o distress_a thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n make_v thy_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o do_v thou_o think_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v hold_v thou_o guiltless_a when_o one_o who_o affliction_n be_v many_o corruption_n strong_a temptation_n to_o ______o shall_v in_o the_o anguish_n and_o bitterness_n of_o his_o spirit_n desire_v thy_o prayer_n and_o thou_o refuse_v or_o neglect_v consider_v whether_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n thou_o will_v have_v any_o sufficient_a excuse_n to_o plead_v i_o have_v sometime_o think_v that_o the_o bill_n that_o have_v public_o be_v put_v up_o for_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o congregation_n have_v be_v too_o little_o regard_v it_o may_v be_v they_o have_v be_v too_o customary_o and_o formal_o put_v up_o it_o may_v be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v not_o good_a for_o we_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o evil_a thought_n little_o do_v we_o know_v what_o terrout_n and_o fear_n and_o anguish_v of_o spirit_n overwhelm_v they_o while_o they_o be_v so_o little_o regard_v by_o we_o o_o that_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o other_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n whether_o spiritual_a or_o temporal_a as_o they_o themselves_o be_v and_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v of_o we_o be_v our_o soul_n in_o their_o soul_n stead_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v so_o by_o his_o providence_n order_v it_o as_o to_o bring_v we_o into_o those_o strait_n which_o we_o see_v our_o brother_n in_o and_o will_v not_o afford_v he_o so_o much_o as_o our_o prayer_n may_v we_o not_o just_o expect_v that_o the_o next_o time_n that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v in_o strait_n our_o conscience_n shall_v take_v up_o a_o parable_n and_o taunt_a proverb_n against_o we_o and_o say_v as_o joseph_n brethren_n do_v we_o be_v very_o guilty_a concern_v our_o brother_n in_o that_o we_o see_v the_o anguish_n of_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o beseech_v we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o hear_v therefore_o be_v all_o this_o distress_n come_v upon_o we_o and_o that_o which_o i_o will_v desire_v thou_o to_o beg_v of_o god_n for_o i_o be_v that_o he_o will_v give_v i_o sincere_o to_o aim_v at_o his_o glory_n in_o all_o my_o action_n but_o especial_o those_o that_o belong_v to_o my_o ministry_n that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v as_o a_o break_a vessel_n and_o that_o he_o will_v give_v i_o great_a discovery_n of_o and_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o will_v give_v i_o gift_n and_o strength_n and_o wisdom_n opportunity_n and_o a_o heart_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o mercy_n suitable_a to_o my_o want_n that_o my_o affliction_n may_v be_v sanctify_v my_o temptation_n conquer_v and_o my_o corruption_n mortify_v one_o thing_n more_o i_o be_o to_o request_v of_o thou_o that_o be_v to_o do_v what_o i_o know_v too_o much_o neglect_v by_o myself_o and_o i_o fear_v by_o other_o thou_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o thyself_o when_o thou_o read_v this_o treatise_n and_o that_o god_n will_v make_v it_o a_o blessing_n unto_o other_o also_o into_o who_o hand_n it_o shall_v come_v ay_o desite_fw-la you_o that_o you_o will_v help_v i_o with_o your_o prayer_n in_o this_o particular_a when_o we_o do_v but_o take_v our_o ordinary_a daily_a bread_n we_o crave_v a_o blessing_n how_o much_o more_o when_o we_o do_v thing_n that_o concern_v our_o eternal_a good_a when_o we_o take_v a_o book_n to_o that_o end_n spiritual_o to_o benefit_n by_o it_o do_v we_o think_v that_o it_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n or_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o treatise_n that_o we_o read_v without_o god_n assistance_n to_o do_v we_o good_a nay_o the_o word_n of_o god_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n if_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v absent_a when_o we_o hear_v or_o read_v it_o but_o that_o thou_o shall_v desire_v a_o blessing_n upon_o thyself_o in_o read_v of_o this_o book_n be_v not_o all_o i_o request_v of_o thou_o but_o that_o thou_o will_v also_o extend_v thy_o prayer_n further_o even_o for_o other_o that_o it_o may_v be_v also_o for_o their_o edification_n whosoever_o shall_v read_v it_o for_o as_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v that_o every_o sermon_n we_o hear_v may_v be_v for_o the_o spiritual_a advantage_n of_o other_o as_o well_o as_o of_o ourselves_o it_o hold_v also_o in_o read_v of_o treatise_n of_o devotion_n finis_fw-la
for_o one_o that_o be_v very_o poor_a to_o give_v the_o next_o rule_n be_v let_v this_o penalty_n be_v always_o of_o something_o that_o be_v material_o good_a as_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a spend_v some_o time_n in_o read_v of_o scripture_n for_o as_o for_o popish_a penance_n as_o whip_v pilgrimage_n and_o such_o like_a they_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o ridiculous_a the_o next_o rule_n be_v let_v this_o penalty_n be_v always_o some_o holy_a duty_n that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o thy_o master_n sin_n as_o if_o thy_o master_n sin_n be_v covetousness_n let_v it_o be_v alm_n if_o it_o be_v voluptuousness_n let_v it_o be_v fast_v with_o prayer_n or_o abstain_v whole_o for_o a_o time_n from_o that_o wherein_o thou_o most_o delight_v etc._n etc._n the_o next_o rule_n be_v let_v your_o vow_n be_v rather_o against_o the_o outward_a than_o the_o inward_a act_n of_o sin_n rather_o against_o speak_v angry_o then_o be_v angry_a for_o though_o inward_a act_n of_o sin_n be_v worse_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o in_o our_o power_n the_o next_o rule_n be_v if_o your_o vow_n be_v concern_v do_v holy_a duty_n it_o be_v better_a to_o vow_v to_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o read_v holy_a scripture_n or_o such_o like_a then_o to_o vow_v to_o read_v so_o many_o chapter_n for_o thou_o will_v be_v tempt_v to_o read_v they_o over_o too_o fast_o that_o thou_o may_v have_v end_v whereas_o if_o it_o be_v so_o much_o time_n that_o thou_o have_v resolve_v to_o spend_v thou_o will_v not_o be_v so_o subject_a to_o this_o temptation_n chap._n xi_o rule_n for_o the_o conclude_a of_o meditation_n 1._o thou_o be_v earnest_o to_o beg_v of_o god_n strength_n to_o perform_v whatever_o thou_o have_v resolve_v to_o do_v in_o his_o service_n this_o must_v be_v do_v fervent_o though_o brief_o and_o humble_o proceed_v from_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o do_v what_o thou_o have_v promise_v and_o resolve_v and_o also_o from_o a_o humble_a sense_n of_o thy_o inability_n to_o perform_v it_o 2._o the_o second_o duty_n be_v thanksgiving_n if_o thou_o shall_v perceive_v any_o heavenly_a warmth_n of_o love_n or_o spiritual_a hatred_n of_o sin_n or_o any_o other_o spiritual_a effect_n wrought_v in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o be_v to_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n and_o not_o to_o rejoice_v in_o thy_o self_n but_o in_o the_o lord_n but_o thou_o be_v to_o rejoice_v with_o tremble_a know_v that_o if_o thou_o be_v puff_v up_o though_o thou_o have_v the_o will_n to_o do_v good_a wrought_v in_o thou_o yet_o if_o thou_o provoke_v he_o he_o can_v stop_v it_o that_o thou_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v what_o thou_o resolve_v to_o do_v the_o first_o be_v a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o fail_n in_o the_o perform_n of_o this_o duty_n for_o if_o we_o be_v not_o geeen_n wood_n that_o love_n which_o be_v now_o but_o a_o spark_n will_v have_v be_v a_o flame_n god_n be_v not_o want_v unto_o we_o but_o we_o be_v want_v to_o ourselves_o and_o he_o after_o these_o be_v perform_v there_o remain_v three_o duty_n more_o 1._o we_o be_v to_o remember_v what_o vow_n and_o promise_v we_o have_v make_v and_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a to_o write_v down_o all_o thy_o vow_n as_o thou_o make_v they_o in_o a_o book_n because_o that_o we_o shall_v else_o be_v subject_a to_o forget_v the_o vow_n or_o the_o time_n or_o condition_n upon_o which_o we_o make_v it_o and_o it_o be_v good_a to_o have_v a_o book_n to_o keep_v a_o register_n of_o thing_n in_o it_o beside_o a_o diary_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v of_o and_o give_v rule_n for_o in_o a_o manual_a entitle_v a_o directory_n to_o christian_a perfection_n 1._o let_v one_o head_n be_v for_o which_o you_o be_v to_o leave_v some_o leaf_n for_o vow_n under_o which_o you_o must_v write_v all_o your_o vow_n or_o resolution_n as_o you_o make_v they_o or_o spiritual_a promise_n for_o christian_n and_o such_o like_a the_o second_o must_v be_v for_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n eminent_a deliverance_n and_o also_o answer_v of_o prayer_n these_o be_v to_o be_v set_v down_o with_o all_o pertinent_a circumstance_n that_o may_v any_o way_n increase_v the_o mercy_n the_o three_o head_n shall_v be_v for_o grosser_n fail_n which_o be_v good_a to_o be_v write_v down_o not_o in_o letter_n at_o length_n that_o every_o one_o may_v read_v they_o but_o in_o character_n know_v only_o to_o ourselves_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o because_o i_o do_v not_o now_o speak_v purposely_o of_o that_o business_n i_o omit_v the_o second_o thing_n after_o meditation_n be_v end_v be_v to_o remember_v what_o passage_n in_o our_o meditation_n do_v most_o affect_v we_o and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v they_o up_o in_o our_o thought_n that_o frequent_o we_o may_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n think_v of_o they_o as_o when_o we_o walk_v in_o a_o garden_n we_o content_v not_o ourselves_o with_o enjoy_v the_o fragrancy_n of_o the_o flower_n while_o we_o be_v there_o but_o if_o we_o may_v have_v leave_n we_o often_o gather_v a_o nosegay_n to_o smell_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o day_n in_o this_o business_n of_o meditation_n do_v thou_o likewise_o the_o three_o duty_n after_o meditation_n be_v by_o degree_n wary_o and_o unwilling_o to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o worldly_a employment_n do_v not_o go_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o a_o bird_n out_o of_o the_o snare_n with_o joy_n and_o with_o speed_n and_o thou_o must_v go_v also_o watchful_o and_o wary_o from_o such_o employment_n as_o one_o that_o carry_v some_o precious_a liquor_n in_o a_o shallow_a broad_a brittle_a dish_n he_o look_v to_o his_o way_n to_o the_o dish_n and_o liquor_n that_o be_v in_o it_o lest_o by_o hold_v of_o it_o awry_o by_o fall_n or_o stumbling_n he_o shall_v spill_v the_o one_o or_o break_v the_o other_o so_o must_v thou_o be_v watchful_a over_o thy_o way_n else_o the_o grace_n that_o god_n have_v pour_v into_o thy_o heart_n in_o this_o duty_n will_v be_v spill_v to_o rush_v into_o holy_a duty_n or_o out_o of_o they_o argue_v too_o great_a undervalue_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n instance_n of_o solemn_a occasional_a meditation_n meditation_n 1_o alas_o my_o god_n i_o be_o in_o a_o sad_a condition_n my_o affliction_n grow_v daily_o upon_o i_o and_o that_o which_o be_v my_o unsupportable_a misery_n my_o corruption_n grow_v fast_o upon_o i_o than_o my_o affliction_n what_o before_o make_v i_o weep_v will_v not_o now_o make_v i_o sigh_v the_o heavy_a burden_n of_o a_o great_a abomination_n do_v not_o lie_v upon_o i_o so_o much_o as_o before_o i_o be_v oppress_v with_o a_o vain_a thought_n in_o my_o prayer_n alas_o lord_n alas_o i_o be_o undo_v alas_o my_o corruption_n have_v almost_o make_v i_o love_v they_o and_o make_v i_o weary_a of_o duty_n and_o careless_a of_o grace_n my_o joy_n be_v go_v and_o my_o sorrow_n be_v go_v that_o be_v suitable_a to_o thy_o word_n and_o now_o my_o joy_n be_v but_o the_o laughter_n of_o fool_n and_o my_o sorrow_n be_v carnal_a sensual_a and_o more_o of_o hell_n in_o they_o then_o of_o heaven_n and_o as_o now_o i_o can_v scarce_o tell_v my_o sorrow_n so_o have_v i_o scarce_o any_o sorrow_n to_o tell_v i_o have_v sit_v down_o and_o weep_v to_o consider_v the_o great_a decay_n of_o holiness_n in_o i_o but_o now_o i_o can_v see_v my_o god_n go_v from_o i_o and_o whenas_o now_o he_o be_v even_o out_o of_o sight_n my_o eye_n be_v as_o dry_a as_o my_o heart_n be_v hard_a alas_o lord_n if_o thou_o will_v not_o return_v thou_o will_v lose_v a_o poor_a soul_n that_o have_v love_v thou_o and_o be_v somewhat_o trouble_v now_o poor_a sad_a soul_n that_o it_o be_v so_o wicked_a as_o it_o be_v meditat._n ii_o lord_n thou_o see_v the_o strange_a distemper_a temper_n of_o my_o heart_n and_o spirit_n ah_o bless_a god_n i_o shall_v take_v more_o comfort_n if_o i_o shall_v see_v my_o heartblood_n run_v forth_o before_o my_o eye_n then_o to_o see_v my_o eye_n so_o dry_a and_o my_o heart_n so_o hard_o i_o have_v wear_v out_o almost_o all_o motive_n to_o holiness_n they_o now_o take_v no_o impression_n in_o i_o which_o before_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o i_o to_o bear_v they_o ravish_v i_o which_o now_o do_v not_o move_v i_o i_o scarce_o ever_o go_v to_o prayer_n but_o i_o have_v enough_o and_o too_o many_o spiritual_a complaint_n to_o employ_v it_o to_o express_v if_o every_o day_n i_o have_v not_o just_a cause_n to_o bewail_v a_o continue_a decay_n of_o grace_n i_o may_v have_v some_o respite_n of_o my_o grief_n but_o what_o shall_v i_o now_o do_v when_o every_o day_n shall_v bear_v witness_n against_o i_o and_o every_o night_n my_o sin_n shall_v go_v to_o bed_n with_o
i_o and_o lie_v in_o my_o bosom_n and_o rise_v in_o the_o morning_n more_o strong_a then_o at_o night_n ah_o when_o my_o former_a holy_a life_n shall_v be_v more_o terrible_a than_o other_o wicked_a life_n when_o my_o former_a prayer_n shall_v be_v like_o the_o gall_n of_o asp_n unto_o i_o when_o those_o duty_n which_o shall_v be_v my_o comfort_n be_v my_o terror_n alas_o what_o can_v my_o poor_a soul_n do_v when_o my_o present_a sin_n and_o my_o past_a duty_n which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o heavy_a burden_n unto_o i_o i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v when_o i_o consider_v these_o thing_n than_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o affliction_n that_o lie_v upon_o i_o make_v i_o weep_v a_o tear_n or_o two_o and_o my_o vain_a heart_n my_o deceitful_a heart_n will_v persuade_v i_o that_o i_o weep_v for_o my_o sin_n those_o in_o desertion_n be_v in_o a_o bless_a condition_n to_o i_o they_o be_v sad_a and_o i_o be_o miserable_a i_o be_o guilty_a of_o that_o which_o their_o conscience_n do_v but_o accuse_v they_o of_o alas_o have_v i_o lose_v my_o communion_n with_o god_n my_o sweet_a communion_n and_o the_o power_n i_o have_v to_o prevail_v with_o he_o for_o any_o mercy_n almost_o that_o i_o pray_v for_o now_o i_o can_v pray_v and_o pray_v and_o pray_v and_o go_v away_o without_o a_o blessing_n i_o can_v almost_o be_v content_a to_o be_v wicked_a thou_o know_v my_o heart_n or_o else_o my_o tear_n will_v deceive_v thou_o as_o well_o as_o i_o if_o they_o be_v worldly_a thought_n that_o have_v estrange_v i_o from_o thou_o thou_o know_v how_o to_o cure_v i_o if_o my_o utter_a impoverishing_n will_v cure_v i_o let_v i_o be_v as_o poor_a as_o job_n if_o thou_o be_v not_o such_o a_o physician_n as_o thou_o be_v i_o be_v past_o thy_o cure_n meditat._n iii_o lord_n i_o be_o come_v now_o to_o pour_v out_o my_o soul_n before_o thou_o and_o my_o tear_n into_o thy_o bosom_n to_o tell_v thou_o the_o sad_a thought_n and_o sorrow_n of_o my_o heart_n ah_o my_o god_n in_o this_o bitterness_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o with_o tear_n in_o my_o eye_n and_o pride_n in_o my_o heart_n and_o sencelesnesse_n upon_o my_o spirit_n i_o speak_v these_o thing_n ah_o lord_n thou_o have_v scourge_v i_o with_o scorpion_n for_o my_o sin_n do_v increase_v as_o well_o as_o my_o affliction_n these_o affliction_n to_o i_o be_v scorpion_n to_o i_o they_o have_v poison_n in_o they_o and_o at_o once_o i_o be_o scourge_v and_o sting_v with_o they_o a_o sad_a ease_n it_o be_v when_o my_o punishment_n be_v heavy_a than_o i_o can_v bear_v and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o i_o go_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n too_o and_o that_o more_o and_o more_o my_o tear_n dry_v up_o in_o my_o eye_n and_o my_o love_n go_v out_o of_o my_o heart_n as_o soon_o as_o kindle_v when_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v upon_o my_o tabernacle_n in_o my_o first_o conversion_n when_o the_o fire_n of_o thy_o love_n be_v kindle_v in_o my_o heart_n i_o have_v have_v some_o discourse_n of_o devotion_n that_o i_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v the_o ravishment_n that_o the_o remembrance_n and_o meditation_n of_o they_o bring_v to_o my_o soul_n now_o almost_o as_o full_a of_o sadness_n as_o then_o of_o joy_n after_o those_o time_n as_o those_o after_o the_o flood_n my_o joy_n and_o the_o act_n and_o working_n of_o my_o grace_n grow_v very_o short-lived_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o they_o be_v before_o then_o they_o be_v methusalems_n for_o age_n and_o sampson_n for_o strength_n to_o what_o they_o be_v now_o before_o though_o i_o fall_v spiritual_o sick_a and_o my_o strength_n and_o comfort_n be_v go_v yet_o i_o be_v sensible_a of_o my_o weakness_n it_o be_v a_o pain_n and_o a_o grief_n unto_o i_o that_o i_o can_v not_o walk_v into_o the_o delightful_a garden_n of_o the_o spouse_n and_o to_o the_o sweet_a bed_n of_o his_o spice_n i_o can_v weep_v for_o want_v of_o tear_n if_o not_o i_o can_v mourn_v for_o want_v of_o sorrow_n but_o now_o like_o a_o man_n that_o have_v groan_v and_o struggle_v so_o long_o that_o he_o can_v struggle_v no_o long_o but_o grow_v senseless_a can_v hardly_o be_v perceive_v to_o breathe_v or_o live_v if_o the_o sweet_a music_n shall_v be_v play_v by_o he_o or_o the_o dear_a friend_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v come_v and_o ask_v he_o with_o tear_n in_o his_o eye_n dear_a husband_n or_o dear_a wife_n how_o do_v you_o the_o poor_a sick_a one_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o open_v the_o eye_n to_o see_v who_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v or_o if_o open_v they_o they_o be_v present_o heavy_a with_o death_n fall_v down_o again_o and_o he_o die_v so_o be_v it_o with_o my_o poor_a soul_n sometime_o i_o can_v hear_v my_o saviour_n as_o it_o be_v say_v unto_o i_o for_o sometime_o methinks_v i_o see_v he_o about_o my_o sick_a soul_n ah_o poor_a soul_n how_o do_v thou_o do_v be_v my_o joseph_n yet_o live_v but_o alas_o lord_n thou_o know_v i_o have_v scarce_o strength_n or_o life_n to_o lift_v up_o my_o eye_n to_o thou_o lord_n can_v these_o bone_n live_v can_v these_o dry_a eye_n weep_v can_v this_o freeze_a heart_n be_v inflame_v meditat._n iu._n lord_n i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o consider_v what_o i_o know_v of_o thou_o when_o i_o think_v what_o i_o do_v for_o thou_o ah_o my_o god_n the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n lie_v heavy_a upon_o i_o resolution_n though_o never_o so_o strong_a be_v too_o weak_a to_o overcome_v my_o corruption_n alas_o i_o can_v scarce_o say_v any_o more_o than_o i_o have_v say_v in_o the_o confess_v and_o bewail_v my_o sad_a spiritual_a condition_n though_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o to_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v have_v i_o not_o tell_v thou_o lord_n with_o tear_n in_o my_o eye_n and_o with_o a_o sad_a heart_n that_o i_o find_v my_o corruption_n get_v ground_n of_o i_o my_o prayer_n my_o tear_n my_o resolution_n and_o some_o endeavour_n do_v resist_v but_o can_v overcome_v they_o these_o keep_v they_o from_o prevail_v so_o soon_o but_o not_o from_o prevail_v i_o humble_o confess_v or_o desire_v so_o to_o do_v that_o i_o may_v complain_v to_o thou_o but_o i_o shall_v add_v to_o my_o abomination_n exceed_o if_o i_o shall_v complain_v of_o thou_o my_o heart_n do_v almost_o tempt_v i_o to_o it_o when_o i_o consider_v what_o i_o be_v and_o what_o i_o be_o it_o be_v as_o a_o talon_n of_o lead_n upon_o my_o soul_n yet_o since_o by_o my_o preach_n thou_o be_v glorify_v and_o thy_o people_n edify_v more_o than_o if_o i_o shall_v spend_v all_o my_o time_n in_o private_a meditation_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o submit_v only_o i_o do_v humble_o beseech_v thou_o with_o tear_n in_o my_o eye_n that_o though_o i_o have_v less_o time_n to_o spend_v in_o such_o private_a duty_n yet_o that_o my_o poor_a soul_n may_v not_o lose_v her_o love_n to_o they_o and_o though_o i_o perform_v few_o duty_n i_o may_v not_o perform_v they_o worse_o than_o i_o do_v when_o i_o perform_v more_o meditat._n v._n i_o do_v much_o wonder_n at_o myself_o and_o at_o many_o nay_o somewhat_o at_o all_o christian_n upon_o day_n of_o humiliation_n but_o most_o at_o myself_o to_o hear_v the_o tongue_n of_o a_o poor_a christian_a confess_v and_o his_o eye_n weep_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o speak_v of_o they_o with_o such_o expression_n and_o such_o sigh_n that_o one_o will_v think_v sure_o this_o christian_n keep_v a_o strict_a communion_n with_o god_n sure_o he_o will_v not_o sin_v for_o a_o world_n sure_o god_n be_v in_o all_o this_o man_n thought_n and_o yet_o stay_v but_o while_o he_o have_v do_v his_o prayer_n and_o you_o find_v in_o he_o such_o strong_a thought_n word_n and_o action_n that_o be_v almost_o incredible_a loose_a and_o idle_a word_n and_o vain_a thought_n i_o but_o too_o often_o experience_n make_v it_o even_o past_a hope_n it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o with_o i_o if_o any_o town_n that_o be_v strait_o besiege_v with_o cruel_a enemy_n shall_v send_v for_o aid_n to_o such_o or_o such_o and_o when_o they_o come_v they_o shall_v send_v out_o most_o of_o the_o town_n to_o join_v with_o the_o enemy_n against_o those_o that_o come_v to_o help_v they_o what_o we_o will_v say_v of_o such_o people_n lord_n just_o thus_o be_v we_o we_o have_v a_o world_n of_o corruption_n and_o temptation_n sin_n and_o hell_n and_o satan_n all_o beset_v we_o all_o beset_v we_o and_o violent_o assault_v we_o we_o pray_v for_o the_o help_n of_o god_n against_o they_o day_n after_o day_n we_o send_v our_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n for_o assistance_n well_o god_n do_v send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o help_v this_o poor_a soul_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n tell_v we_o
carnal_a tear_n and_o one_o great_a cause_n of_o my_o grief_n and_o part_n of_o my_o misery_n be_v that_o i_o can_v weep_v no_o more_o sometime_o indeed_o tear_n stand_v in_o my_o eye_n when_o i_o consider_v these_o thing_n lord_n give_v i_o faith_n o_o give_v i_o faith_n i_o feel_v a_o deal_n of_o atheism_n in_o my_o heart_n my_o heart_n be_v so_o full_a of_o corruption_n of_o all_o kind_n and_o all_o degree_n that_o i_o can_v feel_v no_o bottom_n of_o this_o stink_a ditch_n my_o imagination_n be_v divers_a time_n a_o thoroughfare_a for_o satan_n blasphemous_a thought_n which_o my_o soul_n abhor_v i_o may_v even_o sit_v down_o and_o spend_v the_o remainder_n of_o my_o wicked_a life_n in_o weep_v and_o wail_v and_o wring_v of_o my_o hand_n and_o tear_v off_o the_o hair_n of_o my_o head_n my_o sad_a soul_n may_v say_v to_o my_o god_n be_v thou_o quite_o go_v from_o i_o have_v all_o my_o hope_n of_o thou_o be_v as_o dream_n and_o empty_a shadow_n unto_o i_o and_o have_v thou_o show_v i_o so_o much_o of_o heaven_n and_o will_v thou_o make_v hell_n more_o terrible_a and_o bitter_a to_o i_o shall_v thy_o sweet_a mercy_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o gall_n of_o asp_n to_o i_o not_o only_o to_o be_v bitter_a but_o deadly_a i_o have_v cause_n i_o have_v cause_n lord_n to_o mingle_v my_o drink_n with_o my_o tear_n to_o water_v my_o couch_n with_o weep_v thou_o be_v too_o great_a a_o god_n to_o be_v dally_v withal_o and_o what_o do_v i_o else_o as_o our_o dear_a friend_n though_o we_o never_o so_o much_o delight_v in_o their_o company_n while_o they_o be_v live_v yet_o we_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v alone_o with_o they_o they_o be_v a_o terronr_n to_o we_o after_o the_o soul_n have_v leave_v their_o earthly_a tabernacle_n so_o my_o prayer_n while_o they_o be_v live_v prayer_n be_v a_o great_a comfort_n to_o my_o poor_a soul_n but_o now_o my_o prayer_n be_v without_o life_n and_o my_o supplication_n be_v dead_a they_o be_v a_o terror_n to_o i_o they_o look_v ghastly_a upon_o i_o and_o i_o upon_o they_o meditat._v xii_o my_o dear_a god_n thovart_n not_o move_v with_o word_n if_o we_o have_v the_o tongue_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n if_o we_o can_v speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v if_o our_o heart_n mean_v no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v what_o will_v our_o vain_a word_n do_v i_o be_o ever_o weary_a of_o my_o life_n because_o of_o my_o corruption_n i_o can_v go_v no_o where_o nor_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o my_o corruption_n follow_v i_o and_o tire_v i_o even_o out_o of_o my_o patience_n o_o that_o i_o can_v weep_v over_o my_o soul_n and_o weep_v over_o my_o prayer_n to_o see_v how_o dead_a they_o be_v which_o way_n to_o turn_v i_o know_v not_o i_o have_v pray_v a_o thousand_o time_n for_o another_o heart_n and_o yet_o my_o heart_n be_v as_o hard_a as_o a_o stone_n and_o so_o full_a of_o hypocrisy_n that_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o hypocrisy_n in_o my_o confession_n of_o hypocrisy_n lord_n shall_v i_o cast_v away_o my_o confidence_n and_o lay_v down_o my_o weapon_n and_o put_v off_o my_o armour_n because_o my_o corruption_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o impetuous_a and_o deaden_a my_o very_a soul_n but_o alas_o what_o be_o i_o weary_a of_o not_o of_o my_o sin_n but_o of_o the_o accusation_n of_o my_o conscience_n that_o will_v not_o let_v i_o alone_o bless_v be_v thy_o name_n that_o i_o be_o trouble_v that_o i_o do_v not_o live_v holy_o and_o yet_o i_o will_v strive_v to_o live_v holy_o lord_n my_o heart_n be_v ertangle_v in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o world_n bless_a saviour_n thou_o which_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n deliver_v i_o from_o the_o care_n and_o love_n of_o the_o world_n alas_o what_o good_a do_v my_o tear_n do_v i_o do_v thou_o bottle_n up_o such_o tear_n such_o puddle_n water_n in_o thy_o bottle_n let_v the_o bowel_n of_o thy_o compassion_n yern_v within_o the_o towards_o my_o poor_a soul_n it_o be_v full_a of_o sin_n but_o my_o sin_n be_v my_o sorrow_n though_o my_o sorrow_n itself_o be_v sinful_a if_o thou_o stand_v as_o a_o stranger_n to_o i_o i_o must_v give_v over_o myself_o for_o lose_v than_o i_o may_v say_v farewell_n prayer_n better_a to_o say_v farewell_n then_o to_o add_v to_o my_o former_a sin_n a_o great_a guilt_n by_o defile_v my_o prayer_n that_o be_v as_o the_o chariot_n to_o carry_v out_o my_o soul_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o god_n what_o be_o i_o to_o stand_v against_o corruption_n or_o temptation_n i_o be_o no_o more_o able_a to_o overcome_v nay_o to_o resist_v they_o then_o to_o remove_v mountain_n i_o have_v sin_v away_o my_o comfort_n and_o sin_v away_o my_o joy_n and_o sin_v away_o my_o hope_n and_o even_o my_o god_n if_o thy_o mercy_n be_v not_o great_a and_o what_o remain_v for_o my_o poor_a soul_n to_o do_v but_o to_o sit_v down_o in_o sorrow_n and_o even_o to_o mourn_v until_o my_o soul_n be_v heavy_a unto_o death_n it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v not_o be_v one_o to_o show_v the_o way_n to_o other_o nay_o but_o oh_o my_o god_n that_o be_v best_a for_o i_o that_o thou_o have_v do_v for_o i_o bless_a god_n do_v but_o make_v i_o thy_o meditat._n xiii_o alas_o oh_o my_o soul_n may_v not_o i_o just_o spend_v the_o remainder_n of_o my_o day_n in_o sigh_v to_o perceive_v my_o good_a god_n from_o who_o sweet_a presence_n i_o have_v in_o former_a time_n have_v so_o much_o grace_n and_o comfort_n to_o be_v such_o a_o stranger_n now_o to_o man_n and_o what_o be_v worse_o my_o heart_n so_o senseless_a of_o his_o absence_n the_o time_n have_v be_v when_o myheart_n have_v almost_o bleed_v within_o i_o to_o think_v what_o a_o miserable_a condition_n i_o shall_v be_v in_o if_o ever_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o lord_n why_o do_v thou_o absent_v thyself_o from_o my_o poor_a soul_n if_o i_o be_v in_o a_o desertion_n of_o comfort_n i_o be_v in_o a_o far_o better_a condition_n but_o to_o be_v in_o a_o desertion_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o to_o be_v trouble_v be_v a_o sad_a condition_n me_n think_v i_o see_v my_o stock_n of_o grace_n grow_v weak_a and_o weak_a and_o more_o and_o more_o to_o languish_v as_o one_o that_o be_v die_v the_o pulse_n grow_v weak_a and_o weak_a until_o at_o last_o it_o be_v not_o moee_v o_o lord_n what_o to_o say_v i_o do_v not_o know_v alas_o i_o can_v but_o call_v and_o cry_v and_o pray_v lord_n if_o ever_o thou_o will_v take_v pity_n upon_o a_o poor_a miserable_a speechless_a sinner_n lord_n if_o thou_o will_v that_o i_o may_v overcome_v lord_n i_o can_v get_v my_o heart_n to_o be_v content_a to_o be_v damn_v and_o indeed_o since_o then_o i_o must_v eternal_o be_v separate_v from_o thou_o i_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o get_v my_o heart_n to_o be_v content_a but_o to_o struggle_v against_o it_o as_o long_o as_o i_o be_o able_a meditat._n fourteen_o to_o have_v satan_n and_o corruption_n come_v and_o beset_v i_o as_o soon_o as_o i_o awake_v and_o to_o follow_v i_o all_o the_o day_n long_o and_o to_o go_v to_o bed_n with_o i_o and_o to_o keep_v i_o wake_v to_o have_v no_o respite_n be_v a_o sad_a condition_n when_o i_o shall_v awake_v with_o my_o god_n my_o good_a god_n who_o keep_v i_o and_o watch_v over_o i_o whilst_o i_o sleep_v to_o have_v satan_n stand_v ready_a and_o hold_v his_o temptation_n before_o my_o eye_n which_o way_n soever_o i_o look_v and_o to_o prevail_v so_o far_o with_o i_o as_o at_o last_o to_o make_v i_o scarce_o to_o hate_v the_o sin_n he_o tempt_v i_o to_o i_o feel_v in_o my_o spiritual_a part_n a_o utter_a abhor_v of_o the_o sin_n i_o will_v give_v ten_o thousand_o world_n rather_o than_o commit_v the_o sin_n and_o yet_o i_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o refrain_v alas_o can_v my_o secure_a soul_n live_v meditat._n xv._o i_o be_o in_o such_o a_o wretched_a temper_n as_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o offend_v my_o god_n and_o when_o i_o go_v about_o to_o grieve_v sorrow_n be_v far_o from_o i_o nay_o the_o grief_n which_o sometime_o i_o feel_v be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o conquer_v the_o temptation_n when_o tear_n stand_v in_o my_o eye_n to_o consider_v the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o my_o soul_n in_o be_v so_o prone_a to_o sin_n the_o temptation_n increase_v to_o hear_v one_o of_o thy_o servant_n groan_v under_o thy_o hand_n and_o then_o to_o stand_v parly_v with_o temptation_n and_o not_o rather_o be_v afraid_a that_o the_o same_o affliction_n etc._n etc._n lord_n i_o be_o in_o thy_o hand_n for_o affliction_n lie_v what_o thou_o will_v upon_o i_o i_o must_v bear_v it_o and_o i_o will_v bear_v it_o patient_o
this_o dulness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o just_a reason_n why_o i_o shed_v they_o and_o if_o thou_o shall_v once_o purify_v and_o inflame_v my_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n i_o shall_v shed_v more_o tear_n for_o my_o wander_a thought_n in_o prayer_n than_o now_o i_o do_v for_o all_o the_o abomination_n i_o be_o guilty_a of_o alas_o lord_n the_o ordinary_a day_n of_o thy_o saint_n be_v far_o more_o holy_a than_o the_o day_n i_o set_v apart_o for_o special_a service_n of_o thou_o and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o worldly_a business_n be_v more_o devout_a and_o zealous_a than_o my_o thought_n in_o my_o prayer_n be_v always_o with_o thou_o i_o scarce_o do_v any_o thing_n though_o almost_o of_o never_o so_o small_a moment_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o do_v it_o this_o or_o that_o way_n be_v because_o it_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o more_o for_o thy_o glory_n lord_n it_o be_v not_o thy_o fault_n for_o thou_o do_v wait_v to_o show_v mercy_n whether_o my_o wretched_a heart_n will_v consent_v to_o it_o or_o no_o this_o i_o do_v set_v down_o as_o a_o infallible_a truth_n and_o let_v all_o the_o world_n give_v thou_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o all_z thy_o way_n be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a and_o thou_o do_v stretch_v out_o thy_o arm_n to_o embrace_v we_o it_o be_v our_o fault_n that_o we_o do_v not_o run_v into_o thy_o bosom_n the_o infidelity_n and_o other_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o our_o bosom_n make_v we_o think_v that_o thou_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o receive_v we_o and_o so_o we_o not_o come_v we_o want_v that_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o thou_o that_o will_v if_o we_o have_v it_o make_v we_o not_o so_o timorous_a of_o comng_v to_o thou_o as_o we_o be_v meditat._n xxi_o before_o i_o begin_v to_o write_v i_o know_v i_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o write_v in_o blood_n or_o tear_n then_o in_o ink_n can_v a_o mother_n forget_v her_o child_n it_o be_v not_o can_v a_o child_n forget_v the_o mother_n nor_o be_v it_o can_v a_o mother_n her_o child_n if_o the_o child_n forget_v she_o or_o can_v there_o be_v any_o case_n wherein_o the_o mother_n can_v forget_v her_o child_n lord_n do_v thoo_n awaken_v my_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v asleep_a lord_n do_v thou_o raise_v my_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v dead_a do_v thou_o thaw_v my_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v freeze_v lord_n thou_o be_v that_o celestial_a fire_n that_o inflame_v all_o thy_o angel_n with_o love_n i_o have_v no_o way_n but_o to_o come_v before_o thy_o presence_n in_o hope_n that_o at_o the_o last_o i_o shall_v be_v thaw_v if_o not_o inflame_v thou_o will_v not_o put_v out_o the_o smoke_a snuff_n of_o a_o candle_n i_o be_o such_o a_o one_o enlighten_v and_o inflame_v though_o now_o i_o send_v forth_o nothing_o but_o a_o unsavoury_a staunch_a what_o shall_v i_o stand_v imperfect_a as_o i_o be_o thus_o speak_v what_o i_o may_v and_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o god_n lord_n thou_o have_v command_v in_o thy_o word_n that_o if_o a_o adulterer_n defile_v a_o woman_n and_o she_o cry_v not_o out_o than_o she_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n lord_n infidelity_n hypocrisy_n and_o vainglory_n be_v come_v to_o undo_v i_o to_o defile_v my_o soul_n and_o they_o have_v almost_o persuade_v my_o soul_n not_o to_o cry_v out_o to_o be_v ravish_v be_v a_o great_a affliction_n but_o to_o embrace_v the_o adulterer_n be_v a_o abomination_n if_o i_o cry_v to_o man_n for_o succour_n if_o i_o go_v to_o ordinance_n alas_o the_o adulterer_n be_v a_o strong_a man_n he_o have_v lock_v the_o door_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o none_o can_v break_v they_o open_v but_o thou_o only_o lord_n do_v not_o stand_v knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o my_o heart_n for_o the_o strong_a man_n will_v not_o and_o i_o be_o keep_v so_o fast_o by_o my_o corruption_n i_o can_v come_v to_o let_v thou_o in_o lord_n break_v open_a the_o door_n and_o come_v in_o to_o help_v i_o before_o i_o be_o utter_o undo_v as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o levite_n concubine_n so_o will_v it_o be_v with_o my_o poor_a soul_n corruption_n and_o corruption_n and_o sin_n after_o sin_n will_v so_o abuse_v she_o that_o she_o will_v be_v at_o last_o dead_a alas_o methinks_v i_o look_v upon_o my_o poor_a soul_n as_o one_o look_n upon_o a_o ship_n toss_v among_o rock_n in_o the_o sea_n one_o see_v it_o and_o pity_v it_o but_o know_v not_o how_o to_o help_v it_o there_o come_v a_o wave_n and_o carry_v it_o with_o violence_n among_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o rock_n and_o make_v it_o reel_v and_o stagger_v like_o a_o drunken_a man_n and_o then_o all_o in_o the_o ship_n be_v fain_o to_o pump_v and_o toil_n to_o save_v their_o life_n at_o last_o it_o be_v dash_v in_o piece_n and_o all_o fain_a to_o get_v upon_o break_v piece_n of_o the_o ship_n to_o swim_v to_o the_o shore_n if_o it_o may_v be_v my_o soul_n be_v even_o labour_v for_o life_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v will_v thou_o be_v as_o a_o man_n astonish_v and_o as_o a_o mighty_a man_n that_o can_v help_v then_o i_o be_o undo_v than_o i_o may_v say_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o then_o farewell_n all_o my_o duty_n farewell_n all_o my_o grace_n and_o all_o my_o comfort_n which_o i_o have_v have_v in_o the_o dear_a embrace_n of_o my_o god_n ah_o must_v i_o not_o pray_v but_o with_o my_o tongue_n must_v i_o have_v no_o more_o comfort_n but_o what_o poor_a creature_n can_v give_v i_o lord_n if_o i_o must_v perish_v let_v i_o perish_v in_o thy_o way_n let_v i_o convert_v many_o unto_o thou_o though_o i_o know_v my_o damnation_n shall_v be_v great_a if_o i_o perish_v for_o live_v so_o contrary_a to_o i_o own_o doctrine_n lord_n i_o be_o a_o poor_a miserable_a man_n and_o a_o more_o miserable_a christian_a thou_o be_v i_o can_v possible_o imagine_v what_o but_o i_o hope_v lord_n i_o shall_v know_v these_o day_n of_o ignorance_n and_o sin_n will_v not_o always_o last_o when_o my_o change_n come_v i_o shall_v no_o more_o sin_n and_o repent_v and_o repent_v and_o sin_n as_o i_o do_v now_o oh_o my_o corruption_n i_o hope_v one_o day_n i_o shall_v leave_v you_o all_o in_o the_o grave_n behind_o i_o the_o day_n be_v come_v when_o while_o i_o be_o praise_v god_n you_o shall_v not_o come_v and_o lie_v as_o a_o talon_n of_o lead_n upon_o my_o soul_n and_o hinder_v my_o flight_n come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o come_v while_o my_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n to_o think_v of_o thy_o come_n o_o my_o god_n thou_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o enough_o enough_o my_o soul_n can_v hold_v no_o more_o lord_n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o the_o joy_n sometime_o i_o have_v to_o think_v of_o thou_o tear_n for_o my_o sin_n be_v fit_a for_o i_o then_o tear_n of_o joy_n yet_o i_o dare_v not_o refuse_v they_o nay_o i_o can_v if_o i_o will_v they_o be_v so_o sweet_a so_o sweet_a heaven_n be_v but_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o they_o lord_n thou_o be_v enough_o enough_o for_o they_o that_o love_v thou_o meditat._v xxii_o to_o see_v a_o dead_a man_n array_v with_o all_o the_o rich_a clothes_n still_o there_o be_v more_o horror_n to_o behold_v he_o then_o delight_n so_o my_o poor_a soul_n look_v ghastly_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n i_o perform_v i_o have_v a_o cold_a and_o dead_a soul_n for_o all_o they_o and_o more_o terror_n there_o be_v in_o the_o deadness_n then_o there_o be_v comfort_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o this_o i_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o one_o look_n upon_o hell_n upon_o whatsoever_o one_o look_n but_o up-christ_n yet_o christ_n be_v not_o sweet_a unto_o i_o my_o dear_a saviour_n to_o who_o i_o be_v so_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n give_v i_o a_o heart_n that_o may_v feel_v thy_o sweetness_n i_o be_o convince_v that_o thou_o be_v so_o but_o my_o poor_a heart_n have_v not_o enough_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v dross_n and_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o christ_n lord_n here_o be_v my_o estate_n my_o health_n my_o life_n my_o liberty_n and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v and_o have_v i_o more_o i_o will_v free_o give_v all_o give_v but_o such_o a_o heart_n as_o i_o desire_v and_o the_o same_o will_v i_o consecrate_v unto_o thou_o in_o spiritual_a affection_n all_o my_o day_n now_o i_o think_v thus_o with_o myself_o when_o i_o be_v most_o desirous_a of_o and_o addict_v to_o humane_a learning_n it_o be_v wonderful_a delightful_a to_o i_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o some_o new_a truth_n or_o to_o have_v some_o difficult_a question_n clear_o resolve_v to_o read_v the_o mathematics_n be_v wonderful_a delightful_a because_o they_o prove_v such_o strange_a thing_n
soon_o out_o it_o have_v not_o substance_n enough_o to_o nourish_v and_o maintain_v what_o it_o beget_v for_o creature-excellency_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o keep_v up_o the_o delight_n we_o take_v in_o they_o but_o thou_o lord_n be_v love_v and_o thou_o be_v such_o a_o treasure_n of_o excellency_n that_o the_o poor_a soul_n make_v new_a discovery_n of_o those_o treasure_n every_o day_n to_o all_o eternity_n thou_o be_v enough_o to_o keep_v alive_a and_o in_o full_a strength_n all_o the_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o praise_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n lord_n thou_o be_v enough_o to_o answer_v thy_o own_o love_n but_o what_o be_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o thou_o thou_o be_v so_o glorious_a that_o i_o be_o afraid_a to_o speak_v of_o thou_o meditat._n xxxiv_o lord_n i_o call_v and_o thou_o do_v not_o answer_v i_o be_o even_o tire_v out_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o support_v i_o sink_v under_o the_o burden_n i_o long_o and_o look_v to_o see_v thy_o beauty_n but_o i_o can_v behold_v nor_o perceive_v one_o glimpse_n that_o thou_o be_v excellent_a i_o see_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n but_o thy_o excellency_n do_v not_o affect_v i_o all_o my_o prayer_n be_v turn_v into_o this_o lord_n show_v i_o christ_n and_o show_v i_o he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v for_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o and_o the_o fame_n of_o his_o excellency_n have_v come_v unto_o i_o yet_o my_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v he_o i_o think_v with_o myself_o sure_o christ_n manifest_v himself_o and_o to_o be_v fill_v with_o all_o the_o fullness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o have_v a_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n must_v needs_o signify_v more_o than_o ever_o i_o have_v experience_v in_o myself_o for_o such_o poor_a thing_n as_o i_o have_v find_v wrought_v in_o my_o soul_n can_v fill_v up_o those_o expression_n then_o i_o hear_v of_o those_o who_o life_n be_v spiritual_a and_o christ-like_a not_o glorious_a in_o outward_a mortification_n thou_o be_v blameless_a that_o way_n speak_v of_o such_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v for_o they_o and_o in_o they_o which_o i_o have_v not_o find_v but_o be_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o my_o view_n and_o i_o follow_v after_o to_o attain_v but_o can_v then_o from_o their_o relation_n of_o the_o lord_n deal_n with_o they_o i_o perceive_v that_o god_n do_v humble_v they_o more_o before_o he_o do_v discover_v himself_o unto_o they_o then_o ever_o he_o have_v as_o yet_o humble_v i_o so_o that_o i_o find_v no_o rest_n day_n nor_o night_n in_o my_o spirit_n and_o yet_o though_o i_o be_o thus_o restless_a in_o seek_v after_o something_o which_o i_o can_v know_v what_o it_o be_v i_o seek_v for_o i_o can_v discern_v any_o true_a sincere_a constant_a love_n to_o christ_n he_o neither_o let_v i_o know_v that_o he_o love_v i_o nor_o that_o i_o love_v he_o so_o that_o i_o stand_v amaze_v and_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v and_o still_o by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n i_o will_v not_o cease_v to_o cry_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o who_o my_o soul_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o will_v love_v if_o he_o discover_v his_o beauty_n and_o love_n unto_o i_o and_o work_v they_o on_o my_o heart_n i_o seek_v for_o one_o who_o i_o can_v tell_v who_o he_o be_v before_o i_o find_v he_o than_o i_o shall_v know_v and_o shall_v tell_v to_o all_o who_o he_o be_v and_o set_v forth_o his_o excellency_n though_o they_o shall_v as_o little_o understand_v i_o as_o i_o do_v they_o who_o declare_v the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v wrought_v for_o they_o meditat._v xxxv_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o one_o in_o the_o world_n as_o i_o be_o that_o i_o know_v publican_n and_o harlot_n i_o justify_v they_o i_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o mean_n of_o ordinance_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o flame_n of_o love_n nay_o when_o thou_o lay_v on_o i_o that_o affliction_n that_o be_v now_o fresh_a bleed_v in_o my_o eye_n or_o rather_o despise_v and_o forget_v i_o shall_v have_v learn_v obedience_n by_o thing_n i_o suffer_v and_o i_o have_v do_v as_o if_o i_o be_v to_o learn_v to_o sin_n by_o they_o thou_o have_v chastise_v i_o with_o rod_n and_o i_o have_v put_v the_o sting_n of_o sin_n into_o they_o and_o have_v make_v they_o scorpion_n thou_o send_v they_o for_o antidote_n and_o i_o have_v turn_v they_o into_o poison_n lord_n teach_v i_o what_o it_o be_v wherein_o thou_o be_v so_o offend_v to_o leave_v i_o thus_o lord_n i_o believe_v thou_o have_v pardon_v i_o but_o small_a be_v my_o comfort_n when_o thou_o pardone_v sin_n but_o subdue_v it_o not_o meditat._n xxxvi_o lord_n i_o do_v so_o evident_o find_v myself_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o truth_n or_o to_o resist_v temptation_n that_o i_o almost_o nay_o altogether_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o temptation_n and_o to_o be_v carry_v about_o with_o the_o wind_n of_o every_o vain_a doctrine_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o stand_v by_o i_o what_o shall_v i_o tell_v thou_o the_o secret_a puddle_n of_o my_o heart_n i_o be_o weary_a of_o the_o stench_n and_o filthiness_n of_o it_o there_o be_v not_o a_o prayer_n but_o they_o meet_v i_o at_o it_o and_o lie_v as_o a_o talon_n of_o lead_n upon_o i_o if_o my_o heart_n be_v all_o on_o fire_n with_o thy_o love_n these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v i_o sometime_o have_v thought_n rise_v in_o my_o heart_n that_o be_v wicked_a proud_a and_o foolish_a thought_n i_o begin_v to_o be_v offend_v that_o i_o beg_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o thy_o love_n yet_o have_v they_o not_o but_o those_o thought_n no_o soon_o begin_v to_o arise_v but_o i_o consider_v what_o be_o i_o that_o thou_o shall_v give_v i_o thy_o love_n and_o how_o can_v i_o expect_v the_o manifestation_n of_o thy_o love_n when_o i_o will_v not_o give_v thou_o my_o love_n but_o let_v they_o run_v waste_n upon_o the_o creature_n how_o many_o time_n do_v i_o choose_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o spend_v my_o time_n in_o meditation_n and_o prayer_n nay_o to_o do_v nothing_o and_o be_v idle_a for_o although_o thou_o love_v we_o first_o yet_o thou_o do_v not_o usual_o discover_v thy_o thought_n of_o love_n to_o a_o soul_n before_o she_o have_v make_v over_o her_o love_n and_o her_o self_n unto_o thou_o then_o i_o think_v thou_o can_v by_o the_o power_n of_o thy_o spirit_n bring_v in_o my_o heart_n my_o soul_n and_o my_o love_n and_o that_o usual_o ere_o thou_o do_v ravish_v the_o soul_n with_o the_o discovery_n of_o thy_o love_n this_o i_o know_v and_o let_v all_o the_o world_n know_v it_o that_o whatsoever_o wicked_a thought_n arise_v in_o my_o weak_a heart_n which_o i_o can_v answer_v i_o know_v that_o all_o thy_o way_n be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a lord_n what_o shall_v i_o give_v for_o the_o shedding_n abroad_o of_o love_n in_o my_o heart_n that_o which_o shall_v be_v give_v for_o it_o be_v it_o at_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o world_n i_o can_v fetch_v it_o thence_o but_o lord_n the_o price_n of_o it_o be_v already_o pay_v it_o be_v near_o unto_o thou_o even_o at_o thy_o right_a hand_n o_o thou_o most_o high_a he_o have_v pay_v for_o this_o mercy_n by_o his_o blood_n long_o ago_o and_o my_o prayer_n thou_o require_v not_o as_o a_o price_n lord_n fill_v i_o with_o these_o spiritual_a supplication_n that_o i_o may_v give_v thou_o no_o rest_n nor_o take_v any_o rest_n myself_o until_o i_o have_v find_v he_o who_o my_o soul_n love_v come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o meditat._n xxxvii_o o_o lord_n beat_v i_o and_o drive_v i_o with_o storm_n and_o tempest_n i_o be_o come_v unto_o thou_o like_o the_o prodigal_a son_n for_o all_o but_o that_o which_o most_o of_o all_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o spiritual_a sorrow_n ragged_a and_o totter_a and_o undo_v my_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v like_o he_o not_o my_o sorrow_n for_o i_o to_o see_v myself_o languish_v my_o grace_n daily_o grow_v weak_a my_o love_n cold_o and_o even_o almost_o to_o be_v speechless_a in_o prayer_n alas_o the_o sorrow_n that_o i_o have_v be_v rather_o bewail_v my_o misery_n then_o my_o sin_n i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o be_v lord_n but_o thou_o do_v sure_a i_o be_o my_o condition_n be_v sad_a and_o i_o be_o sad_a and_o my_o sadness_n be_v all_o the_o poor_a remain_v of_o comfort_n that_o i_o have_v and_o yet_o i_o no_o soon_o begin_v to_o take_v any_o comfort_n in_o my_o grief_n but_o i_o perceive_v so_o much_o hypocrisy_n in_o my_o grief_n that_o the_o poor_a spark_n of_o comfort_n that_o i_o have_v be_v put_v out_o alas_o tear_n of_o blood_n be_v fit_a for_o i_o then_o dry_a eye_n o_o lord_n must_v every_o trifle_n steal_v away_o my_o heart_n from_o thou_o
must_v thou_o much_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v for_o those_o thing_n which_o no_o way_n further_o thou_o in_o this_o great_a business_n of_o know_v serve_a and_o follow_v god_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v superfluous_a and_o frivolous_a 2._o consider_v the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o those_o who_o live_v no_o otherwise_o then_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v create_v for_o no_o other_o end_n then_o to_o drink_v and_o eat_v and_o sleep_v and_o dance_v and_o game_n or_o to_o get_v riches_n and_o such_o like_a foolery_n certain_o if_o these_o people_n be_v ask_v whether_o they_o do_v in_o their_o conscience_n think_v that_o god_n create_v they_o that_o they_o may_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o dance_v etc._n etc._n they_o can_v not_o say_v yes_o none_o can_v imagine_v that_o have_v any_o understanding_n that_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n god_n will_v ask_v they_o why_o they_o do_v not_o dance_v more_o and_o game_n more_o and_o gain_v more_o riches_n 3._o consider_v serious_o with_o thyself_o whether_o thou_o live_v suitable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o thy_o creation_n think_v with_o thyself_o that_o when_o that_o time_n which_o thou_o spend_v in_o eat_v drink_v sleep_a recreation_n visit_n vanity_n be_v take_v from_o thy_o life_n what_o a_o small_a pittance_n be_v leave_v for_o god_n and_o for_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o particular_a call_n nay_o thy_o sleep_a eat_a drink_v recreation_n shall_v all_o be_v do_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o enable_v and_o fit_v thou_o the_o better_a for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o alas_o how_o seldom_o be_v it_o that_o thou_o have_v think_v of_o fit_v thyself_o for_o god_n service_n by_o eat_v drink_v etc._n etc._n nay_o how_o many_o time_n have_v thou_o make_v thyself_o unfit_a for_o god_n service_n by_o such_o thing_n now_o before_o thou_o go_v any_o further_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o these_o truth_n and_o if_o any_o scruple_n shall_v remain_v which_o can_v tho_o a_o man_n be_v but_o true_o rational_a argue_v and_o pray_v they_o away_o for_o though_o it_o may_v be_v some_o objection_n may_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o thy_o argument_n which_o notwithstanding_o seldom_o come_v to_o pass_v since_o thy_o consideration_n must_v be_v of_o truth_n so_o plain_a evident_a and_o obvious_a which_o all_o grant_n yet_o not_o scruple_n will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o thy_o prayer_n affectione_n 1._o be_v ashamed_a and_o confound_v within_o thyself_o that_o thou_o have_v live_v so_o contrary_a to_o thou_o own_o principle_n and_o that_o thou_o have_v mind_v that_o little_a or_o nothing_o in_o do_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n by_o the_o bye_n which_o now_o thou_o do_v but_o serious_o think_v of_o it_o thou_o plain_o see_v to_o be_v the_o main_a business_n of_o thy_o life_n say_v thus_o alas_o o_o my_o god_n what_o do_v i_o think_v of_o when_o i_o think_v not_o of_o thou_o what_o be_v i_o mindful_a of_o when_o i_o forget_v thou_o alas_o o_o my_o soul_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o think_v of_o these_o thing_n no_o soon_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o our_o heart_n and_o the_o world_n shall_v so_o far_o deceive_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v prefer_v eveny_v trifle_a thing_n before_o that_o which_o concern_v we_o more_o than_o ten_o thousand_o world_n we_o have_v serve_v the_o world_n which_o be_v not_o make_v but_o to_o serve_v we_o 2._o abhor_v thy_o life_n past_a well_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o leave_v you_o you_o vain_a and_o sinful_a pleasure_n i_o will_v no_o long_o dote_v upon_o you_o you_o have_v but_o too_o long_o bewitch_v my_o soul_n i_o may_v have_v have_v a_o thousand_o holy_a thought_n and_o prayer_n and_o treasure_n of_o alm_n lay_v up_o for_o eternity_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v not_o have_v repent_v of_o when_o i_o come_v to_o die_v and_o you_o vanity_n have_v take_v up_o my_o time_n and_o steal_v away_o my_o heart_n and_o thought_n from_o these_o thing_n well_o i_o have_v enough_o of_o you_o i_o have_v do_v with_o you_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o strength_n and_o day_n i_o will_v give_v unto_o my_o god_n 3._o turn_v thyself_o to_o god_n and_o say_v bless_a god_n will_v thou_o accept_v of_o the_o service_n of_o a_o poor_a wretch_n that_o have_v spend_v so_o much_o of_o his_o time_n and_o strength_n upon_o base_a lust_n and_o vanity_n nay_o sure_o lord_n if_o thou_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o a_o wretch_n as_o i_o be_o such_o a_o heart_n such_o love_n such_o service_n as_o i_o have_v i_o will_v give_v to_o thou_o and_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v thou_o shall_v be_v the_o very_a joy_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o the_o deliciousness_n of_o my_o thought_n and_o do_v thou_o indeed_o entreat_v and_o importune_v i_o to_o be_v reconcile_v how_o wonderful_a be_v thy_o mercy_n that_o notwithstanding_o i_o provoke_v thou_o hitherto_o daily_o to_o thy_o face_n yet_o that_o thou_o shall_v follow_v after_o i_o to_o embrace_v i_o whereas_o what_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o that_o thou_o shall_v pursue_v i_o to_o destroy_v i_o resolution_n well_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n i_o be_o resolve_v that_o though_o heretofore_o i_o have_v spend_v whole_a day_n in_o such_o and_o such_o like_a recreation_n which_o at_o best_o be_v but_o vanity_n for_o this_o month_n i_o will_v either_o not_o use_v such_o and_o such_o recreation_n at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o spend_v no_o more_o time_n any_o day_n in_o they_o then_o i_o do_v in_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n and_o i_o hope_v one_o day_n the_o lord_n will_v work_v in_o i_o such_o a_o heavenly_a frame_n of_o spirit_n that_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n shall_v be_v in_o stead_n of_o a_o thousand_o recreation_n david_n be_v of_o that_o temper_n for_o he_o say_v that_o he_o will_v go_v to_o god_n his_o exceed_a joy_n and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v dear_a to_o he_o then_o thousand_o of_o gold_n or_o silver_n and_o that_o his_o heart_n be_v ready_a to_o break_v for_o the_o very_a desire_n and_o long_n that_o he_o have_v after_o god_n o_o my_o soul_n that_o will_v be_v a_o rare_a time_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o with_o we_o why_o shall_v david_n love_v god_n more_o than_o we_o he_o forgive_v david_n much_o but_o he_o have_v forgive_v we_o more_o well_o o_o my_o soul_n if_o thou_o will_v pray_v hard_a and_o follow_v hard_a after_o god_n thou_o little_o know_v what_o he_o will_v do_v for_o thou_o and_o the_o joy_n that_o he_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o even_o in_o this_o world_n be_v unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a conclusion_n 1._o pray_v lord_n thou_o know_v the_o decitfulnesse_n of_o my_o heart_n the_o strength_n of_o my_o corruption_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o snare_n and_o temptation_n which_o encompass_v i_o on_o every_o side_n especal_o when_o i_o be_o in_o worldly_a employment_n in_o company_n thou_o know_v how_o subject_a holy_a flame_n be_v to_o go_v out_o therefore_o be_v thou_o please_v by_o the_o holy_a breathe_n of_o thy_o spirit_n to_o keep_v these_o holy_a fervour_n of_o love_n from_o be_v quench_v it_o be_v not_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o resolution_n that_o can_v enable_v i_o to_o resist_v temptation_n if_o i_o be_o not_o keep_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o thou_o my_o god_n i_o be_o lose_v 2._o praise_v god_n bless_a be_v thou_o o_o god_n for_o any_o heavenly_a motion_n or_o desire_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v in_o i_o thou_o may_v have_v suffer_v i_o as_o thou_o do_v thousand_o i_o have_v provoke_v thou_o as_o much_o as_o they_o never_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o or_o affect_v with_o these_o truth_n it_o be_v thy_o wonderful_a mercy_n that_o thou_o do_v make_v i_o for_o such_o a_o bless_a end_n as_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o thyself_o and_o much_o great_a mercy_n that_o thou_o have_v let_v i_o know_v so_o much_o but_o most_o of_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v give_v i_o a_o heart_n to_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v after_o it_o bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n 3._o acknowledge_v thy_o fail_n alas_o lord_n whatsoever_o be_v wrought_v in_o i_o that_o be_v good_a have_v be_v far_o great_a but_o that_o i_o be_o green_a wood_n to_o the_o spark_n of_o thy_o love_n lord_n pardon_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o holy_a service_n my_o high_a and_o most_o inflame_a thought_n of_o thou_o be_v unworthy_a of_o thou_o it_o be_v well_o that_o i_o have_v thou_o to_o love_n who_o i_o need_v not_o fear_v love_v too_o much_o after_o the_o meditation_n be_v end_v 1._o think_v with_o thyself_o which_o of_o these_o truth_n or_o what_o passage_n of_o this_o meditation_n do_v most_o warm_a thy_o heart_n and_o affect_v thou_o and_o fix_v it_o and_o treasure_n it_o up_o in_o thy_o thought_n keep_v it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o nosegay_n in_o
method_n fright_v the_o ignorant_a 1._o this_o be_v the_o very_a method_n of_o those_o meditation_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 for_o the_o first_o thing_n in_o conversion_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 truth_n of_o god_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 affection_n only_o and_o never_o come_v to_o resolution_n of_o shun_v evil_a and_o do_v 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_n and_o actual_a abomination_n upon_o this_o conviction_n fear_n and_o sorrow_n be_v raise_v yet_o if_o these_o do_v not_o work_v in_o we_o a_o firm_a resolution_n of_o leave_v those_o sin_n we_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o sin_n and_o unconvert_v 3._o there_o be_v several_a thing_n for_o the_o conclude_a of_o meditation_n as_o shall_v appear_v chap._n v._o direction_n for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o and_o affectedwith_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n 1._o for_o be_v convince_v of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n it_o may_v thus_o be_v wrought_v 1._o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v present_a every_o where_o as_o true_o real_o and_o essential_o as_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o god_n do_v not_o create_v heaven_n to_o confine_v he_o but_o to_o manifest_v his_o presence_n for_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o able_a to_o contain_v he_o for_o god_n be_v neither_o 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 28.16_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o jacob_n be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o truth_n but_o do_v not_o actual_o consider_v it_o but_o david_n in_o the_o 139._o psalm_n be_v clear_a in_o explain_v and_o clear_v up_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n 2._o we_o must_v consider_v that_o god_n do_v more_o peculiarly_a observe_v his_o people_n while_o they_o be_v perform_v of_o heavenly_a duty_n whether_o it_o be_v while_o they_o be_v speak_v unto_o he_o or_o he_o speak_v unto_o they_o he_o do_v then_o more_o especial_o observe_v the_o motion_n and_o frame_n of_o their_o heart_n as_o when_o we_o be_v in_o any_o company_n we_o do_v more_o especial_o look_v upon_o and_o observe_v those_o to_o who_o we_o speak_v or_o who_o speak_v to_o we_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o as_o if_o god_n do_v observe_v we_o more_o at_o one_o time_n then_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n knowledge_n itself_o but_o thus_o that_o god_n be_v much_o more_o offend_v with_o we_o if_o our_o carriage_n and_o frame_n of_o heart_n be_v more_o irreverent_a and_o unholy_a in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n then_o at_o such_o time_n as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o particular_a call_n 3._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 holiness_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o distance_n of_o place_n that_o do_v hin-christs_n knowledge_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 see_v christ_n nor_o be_v he_o corporal_o present_v then_o yet_o christ_n behold_v nathanael_n when_o he_o pray_v so_o christ_n behold_v steven_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 steven_n but_o that_o steven_n may_v thereby_o be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o see_v that_o christ_n look_v on_o he_o without_o all_o controversy_n god_n know_v and_o observe_v with_o what_o reverence_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n we_o pray_v for_o else_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o our_o faith_n also_o vain_a for_o how_o can_v he_o give_v we_o according_a to_o our_o faith_n if_o he_o know_v not_o how_o much_o our_o faith_n be_v if_o the_o inward_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o observe_v by_o he_o than_o a_o hypocrite_n that_o have_v better_a expression_n shall_v get_v more_o by_o his_o prayer_n than_o a_o true_a nathanael_n that_o have_v a_o better_a heart_n 4._o suppose_v that_o thou_o have_v live_v in_o christ_n time_n or_o suppose_v that_o christ_n be_v now_o in_o england_n consider_v with_o what_o joy_n reverence_n and_o confidence_n thou_o will_v go_v 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 thou_o may_v go_v so_o to_o he_o now_o his_o distance_n from_o thou_o in_o respect_n of_o corporal_a presence_n do_v not_o make_v he_o less_o able_a to_o know_v thy_o want_n or_o hear_v thy_o prayer_n nor_o his_o be_v now_o glorify_v make_v he_o less_o willing_a to_o grant_v they_o then_o if_o he_o be_v bodily_a present_n 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 the_o glory_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o hinder_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n for_o chtist_n be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n and_o god_n attribute_n do_v not_o hinder_v one_o another_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n do_v not_o set_v bound_n unto_o his_o goodness_n and_o make_v that_o finite_a nor_o do_v his_o goodness_n make_v his_o majesty_n less_o glorious_a his_o goodness_n make_v his_o majesty_n more_o amiable_a and_o his_o majesty_n make_v his_o goodness_n more_o wonderful_a so_o neither_o do_v the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n cause_v he_o to_o abate_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o goodness_n unto_o his_o people_n but_o if_o any_o way_n his_o love_n be_v alter_v it_o be_v by_o be_v make_v more_o than_o it_o be_v and_o when_o christ_n be_v upon_o earth_n you_o must_v have_v come_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n or_o you_o can_v obtain_v no_o mercy_n from_o he_o and_o by_o faith_n though_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n you_o may_v obtain_v any_o mercy_n now_o you_o may_v consider_v any_o one_o or_o two_o or_o more_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 may_v thereby_o 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 chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o preparatory_a prayer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v use_v before_o meditation_n the_o next_o preparatory_a consideration_n be_v prayer_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o these_o word_n or_o to_o like_a purpose_n lord_n my_o design_n in_o this_o duty_n of_o meditation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o hour_n sequester_v from_o worldly_a employment_n for_o that_o be_v to_o be_v idle_a a_o hour_n and_o to_o increase_v my_o sin_n not_o my_o grace_n but_o my_o business_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 truth_n reveal_v in_o thy_o 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 because_o i_o can_v neither_o understand_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o my_o peace_n nor_o understand_v they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o they_o nay_o lord_n though_o my_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_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 perrform_v what_o be_v good_a without_o thou_o for_o from_o thou_o come_v both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n of_o thy_o good_a pleasure_n i_o beseech_v thou_o lord_n that_o thou_o will_v give_v i_o thy_o grace_n to_o make_v conscience_n of_o perform_v this_o duty_n with_o my_o whole_a strength_n and_o not_o careless_o and_o perfunctory_o and_o lord_n do_v thou_o enlighten_v i_o with_o and_o convince_v i_o of_o thy_o truth_n and_o so_o affect_v my_o heart_n with_o the_o love_n of_o holiness_n and_o hatred_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v full_o firm_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o the_o flesh_n world_n or_o devil_n can_v make_v to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n with_o joy_n and_o with_o speed_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v wrought_v in_o i_o the_o will_v so_o to_o do_v give_v i_o also_o the_o deed_n and_o that_o i_o may_v 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 spirit_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o through_o thou_o i_o shall_v resolve_v to_o do_v holy_a and_o bless_a god_n christ_n have_v send_v i_o wish_v i_o to_o come_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 grant_v these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v beg_v for_o the_o lord_n jesus_n sake_n amen_n this_o or_o a_o prayer_n to_o the_o like_a purpose_n thou_o be_v to_o put_v up_o unto_o god_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v with_o thy_o whole_a heart_n for_o thou_o must_v know_v that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o strength_n which_o thou_o shall_v get_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 profit_v he_o that_o begin_v a_o holy_a duty_n without_o god_n will_v end_v it_o without_o god_n also_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o think_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 god_n further_a assistance_n perform_v any_o thing_n that_o can_v please_v god_n or_o edify_v our_o own_o sonl_n for_o though_o our_o mountain_n be_v make_v strong_a yet_o if_o he_o shall_v hide_v his_o face_n there_o will_v be_v trouble_n we_o may_v with_o much_o more_o sense_n say_v now_o the_o sun_n shine_v so_o bright_a and_o the_o air_n be_v so_o clear_a that_o now_o we_o can_v do_v well_o enough_o for_o a_o while_n though_o the_o sun_n be_v eclipse_v then_o to_o say_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 god_n now_o we_o be_v so_o fill_v and_o inflame_v by_o his_o love_n we_o shall_v do_v well_o enough_o by_o our_o own_o strength_n for_o the_o present_a we_o need_v not_o god_n further_a assistance_n give_v we_o but_o fuel_n matter_n to_o meditate_v of_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o continue_v and_o increase_v our_o flame_n do_v not_o account_v it_o a_o burden_n but_o a_o mercy_n and_o privilege_n that_o god_n have_v necessitate_v and_o command_v thou_o always_o to_o draw_v strength_n from_o he_o chap._n vii_o of_o consideration_n 1._o they_o must_v be_v plain_a consideration_n not_o intricate_a and_o abstruse_a for_o the_o main_a end_n of_o meditation_n be_v the_o affect_v of_o our_o heart_n and_o reform_v of_o our_o life_n and_o not_o inform_v of_o our_o understanding_n our_o consideration_n shall_v be_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o may_v be_v without_o difficulty_n understand_v 2._o it_o must_v be_v certain_a and_o evident_a not_o controversal_a and_o doubtful_a for_o the_o end_n of_o meditation_n be_v not_o proper_o to_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n but_o to_o improve_v our_o knowledge_n 3._o much_o less_o shall_v our_o consideration_n be_v curious_a and_o nice_a speculation_n or_o if_o we_o choose_v any_o book_n by_o read_v whereof_o to_o help_v our_o meditation_n we_o must_v not_o choose_v such_o as_o be_v fill_v with_o flourish_n and_o rhetoric_n for_o let_v a_o truth_n be_v dress_v never_o so_o curious_o the_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n wherewith_o the_o truth_n be_v clothe_v leave_v the_o truth_n before_o it_o come_v to_o the_o heart_n as_o some_o meat_n that_o be_v make_v in_o curious_a work_n be_v spoil_v of_o all_o those_o curiosity_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o stomach_n and_o the_o bee_n light_v not_o upon_o the_o rose_n which_o have_v the_o fresh_a colour_n and_o the_o sweet_a smell_n but_o upon_o the_o thyme_n that_o be_v a_o herb_n of_o little_a beauty_n beside_o eloquence_n to_o they_o that_o meditate_v be_v much_o like_a picture_n in_o book_n to_o child_n they_o neglect_v their_o lesson_n to_o look_v on_o their_o picture_n they_o will_v be_v look_v on_o the_o picture_n while_o they_o shall_v be_v get_v their_o lesson_n so_o the_o fancy_n will_v be_v play_v with_o the_o eloquence_n when_o the_o heart_n shall_v be_v feed_v on_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o truth_n we_o read_v the_o less_o time_n the_o truth_n stay_v in_o the_o understanding_n the_o better_a for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o understanding_n in_o this_o business_n be_v not_o to_o retain_v but_o to_o convey_v the_o truth_n to_o the_o heart_n as_o physician_n use_v when_o they_o be_v to_o give_v medicine_n to_o cure_v any_o disease_n in_o the_o bladder_n they_o give_v such_o as_o may_v soon_o come_v to_o the_o part_n affect_v for_o if_o they_o stay_v by_o the_o way_n they_o lose_v their_o virtue_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o part_n which_o they_o shall_v cure_v so_o if_o the_o understanding_n shall_v stay_v dally_v with_o the_o eloquence_n or_o search_v out_o the_o meaning_n or_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n it_o consider_v any_o long_a while_n the_o heart_n will_v lie_v cold_a and_o unaffected_a all_o that_o while_n it_o be_v somewhat_o like_o that_o story_n concern_v musician_n that_o be_v to_o play_v before_o the_o emperor_n of_o the_o turk_n who_o be_v so_o long_o tune_v their_o instrument_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v before_o that_o he_o will_v not_o stay_v to_o hear_v their_o music_n therefore_o let_v the_o truth_n you_o consider_v of_o to_o raise_v affection_n be_v plain_a certain_a nourish_v 4._o the_o 4_o rule_n be_v that_o in_o case_n any_o doubt_n arise_v upon_o a_o plain_a know_a truth_n for_o satan_n will_v be_v subject_a to_o cast_v in_o doubt_n against_o the_o most_o evident_a truth_n then_o do_v as_o the_o archangel_n do_v with_o satan_n you_o may_v enter_v the_o list_n with_o satan_n and_o it_o may_v be_v when_o you_o have_v a_o little_a consider_v and_o dispute_v the_o matter_n the_o mist_n may_v vanish_v and_o the_o sun_n shine_v clear_a and_o satan_n be_v resist_v will_v present_o fly_v but_o if_o satan_n shall_v still_o wrangle_v and_o your_o blasphemous_a doubt_n shall_v not_o be_v remove_v then_o dispute_v no_o more_o but_o say_v as_o the_o archangel_n do_v the_o lord_n rebuke_v thou_o satan_n as_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v attempt_v to_o be_v ravish_v will_v strive_v and_o struggle_v a_o while_n and_o if_o she_o find_v that_o she_o can_v quick_o get_v loose_a she_o fly_v but_o otherwise_o she_o cry_v out_o for_o help_v the_o archangel_n first_o dispute_v but_o when_o that_o will_v not_o speedy_o prevail_v appeal_v unto_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v exceed_o well_o ground_v in_o truth_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o that_o be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o by_o which_o our_o saviour_n silence_v satan_n in_o all_o his_o temptation_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o dispute_v with_o satan_n by_o humane_a reason_n we_o must_v put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o god_n if_o we_o will_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v in_o the_o evil_a day_n of_o temptation_n and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v to_o stand_v 5._o the_o five_o rule_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o over-multip_o our_o consideration_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o by_o consider_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n we_o find_v our_o heart_n strong_o affect_v than_o we_o be_v to_o pass_v over_o that_o part_n but_o this_o caution_n must_v be_v observe_v that_o we_o must_v not_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o find_v our_o heart_n never_o so_o little_o affect_v leave_v off_o our_o consideration_n the_o bee_n will_v not_o go_v from_o the_o flower_n as_o long_o as_o any_o honey_n be_v easy_o draw_v out_o of_o it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o temptation_n which_o the_o people_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o satan_n be_v subject_a to_o make_v one_o pass_v over_o duty_n before_o we_o have_v draw_v half_a the_o strength_n of_o they_o as_o for_o example_n when_o we_o be_v confess_v of_o our_o sin_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o our_o heart_n begin_v in_o the_o least_o measure_n to_o be_v humble_v he_o fill_v they_o with_o joy_n such_o joy_n may_v general_o be_v suspect_v to_o be_v from_o satan_n or_o our_o own_o naughty_a heart_n not_o from_o god_n corn_n when_o it_o spring_v up_o too_o fast_o and_o grow_v rank_a husbandman_n cut_v it_o down_o a_o corrasive_n that_o be_v lay_v on_o to_o eat_v dead_a flesh_n must_v not_o be_v take_v off_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o begin_v to_o smart_v the_o wheat_n in_o the_o stony_a ground_n do_v soon_o spring_v up_o we_o shall_v let_v our_o consideration_n take_v deep_a root_n and_o not_o pass_v over_o to_o affection_n and_o resolution_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o take_v hold_v of_o our_o heart_n but_o it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v remember_v that_o in_o case_n our_o affection_n be_v very_o much_o inflame_v as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o begin_v our_o consideration_n we_o be_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o inspiration_n of_o god_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o lead_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o this_o method_n that_o be_v set_v down_o be_v not_o to_o bind_v up_o and_o limit_v the_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v only_o a_o little_a move_v we_o must_v do_v as_o i_o have_v say_v not_o leave_v blow_v the_o