be_v so_o well_o dispose_v for_o such_o a_o heavenly_a duty_n or_o else_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v unto_o he_o evil_a thought_n or_o to_o bring_v into_o his_o remembrance_n some_o of_o his_o former_a sin_n to_o disquiet_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o conscience_n to_o trouble_v the_o tranquillity_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o so_o to_o interrupt_v his_o thought_n that_o his_o meditation_n may_v not_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o fruitful_a and_o profitable_a to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o he_o must_v crave_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o prayer_n rule_n of_o direction_n for_o our_o holy_a meditation_n wherefore_o now_o that_o our_o meditation_n may_v be_v holy_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o that_o we_o may_v find_v sweetness_n and_o comfort_n in_o they_o we_o must_v careful_o observe_v these_o few_o direction_n follow_v the_o first_o be_v to_o fix_v our_o meditation_n upon_o holy_a thing_n and_o not_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v vain_a and_o unprofitable_a for_o they_o do_v most_o conduce_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o soul_n this_o be_v paul_n counsel_n 2_o counsel_n col._n 3._o 1_o 2_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n whereby_o we_o shall_v give_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o we_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n from_o the_o death_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n as_o our_o affection_n be_v carry_v so_o be_v our_o meditation_n if_o they_o be_v carry_v to_o worldly_a vanity_n our_o mind_n will_v be_v so_o encumber_a that_o we_o can_v free_o meditate_v upon_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n neither_o will_v our_o meditation_n be_v for_o god_n glory_n or_o for_o our_o eternal_a good_a but_o if_o our_o affection_n be_v carry_v towards_o heavenly_a thing_n than_o our_o meditation_n will_v be_v spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o our_o action_n will_v be_v tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n 3._o god_n 1_o chron._n 29._o 3._o david_n set_v his_o affection_n to_o the_o house_n of_o his_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o prepare_v abundant_o of_o his_o own_o proper_a good_a of_o gold_n and_o silver_n which_o he_o give_v to_o the_o build_n of_o it_o wherefore_o it_o concern_v we_o very_o much_o to_o keep_v our_o heart_n close_o unto_o god_n that_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v raise_v up_o to_o he_o in_o our_o heavenly_a contemplation_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v glorify_v in_o all_o our_o action_n the_o second_o direction_n be_v that_o our_o meditation_n must_v be_v of_o the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o brain_n otherwise_o this_o duty_n be_v not_o so_o perform_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v it_o it_o be_v the_o heart_n which_o god_n respect_v in_o all_o our_o service_n to_o he_o without_o which_o our_o best_a duty_n be_v not_o regard_v 19_o regard_v luk._n 2._o 19_o the_o bless_a virgin_n keep_v all_o the_o say_n of_o the_o shepherd_n and_o other_o concern_v christ_n and_o ponder_v they_o in_o her_o heart_n oh_o how_o acceptable_a be_v that_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o god_n with_o a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a heart_n how_o effectual_a be_v that_o prayer_n which_o be_v present_v unto_o he_o with_o a_o true_a and_o faithful_a heart_n how_o please_a be_v those_o alm_n to_o god_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a with_o a_o willing_a heart_n and_o how_o comfortable_a be_v those_o meditation_n which_o proceed_v from_o a_o upright_a heart_n the_o brain_n may_v work_v and_o the_o cogitation_n of_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v set_v upon_o holy_a object_n and_o all_o to_o little_a purpose_n if_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v want_v three_o the_o end_n of_o our_o meditation_n must_v crown_v the_o work_n with_o gracious_a acceptance_n and_o this_o must_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n we_o do_v great_o honour_v god_n in_o our_o meditation_n when_o we_o ruminate_v upon_o his_o incomprehensible_a essence_n how_o infinite_a he_o be_v in_o all_o his_o divine_a attribute_n and_o how_o wonderful_a in_o all_o his_o work_n also_o when_o we_o meditate_v upon_o his_o law_n and_o upon_o his_o gracious_a promise_n to_o we_o in_o christ_n if_o hereby_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o reverence_n and_o adore_v his_o sacred_a majesty_n to_o love_v he_o for_o his_o goodness_n and_o to_o yield_v due_a obedience_n unto_o his_o command_n and_o if_o we_o can_v rest_v upon_o his_o promise_n and_o discern_v his_o wisdom_n and_o glory_n by_o his_o work_n this_o must_v be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o our_o meditation_n and_o if_o we_o do_v serious_o meditate_v upon_o the_o holy_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o a_o holy_a end_n than_o god_n will_v accept_v they_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v edify_v by_o they_o but_o if_o we_o propound_v any_o other_o end_n to_o ourselves_o whether_o it_o be_v for_o discourse_n or_o vainglory_n or_o the_o like_a we_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n herein_o but_o we_o delude_v ourselves_o and_o defraud_v our_o soul_n of_o that_o heavenly_a comfort_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v have_v four_o our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n must_v be_v purify_v and_o cleanse_v from_o dead_a work_n by_o faith_n and_o true_a repentance_n that_o a_o holy_a zeal_n may_v be_v kindle_v in_o our_o affection_n and_o that_o our_o soul_n may_v feel_v the_o comfort_n of_o a_o spiritual_a warmth_n by_o our_o holy_a meditation_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o guilt_n of_o sin_n that_o cleave_v fast_o to_o our_o conscience_n because_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n by_o repentance_n that_o it_o be_v wash_v away_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n it_o will_v cool_v the_o zeal_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o god_n assist_v grace_n so_o that_o our_o meditation_n can_v make_v no_o holy_a impression_n in_o our_o heart_n no_o print_n of_o piety_n in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n neither_o can_v they_o send_v forth_o any_o beam_n of_o true_a consolation_n to_o our_o soul_n wherefore_o if_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o sanctify_v and_o season_v with_o grace_n our_o meditation_n can_v be_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o our_o own_o spiritual_a good_a neither_o can_v we_o say_v as_o the_o psalmist_n do_v 34._o do_v psal_n 104_o 34._o my_o meditation_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v sweet_a i_o will_v be_v glad_a in_o the_o lord_n this_o will_v move_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n and_o will_v put_v a_o spiritual_a life_n into_o our_o meditation_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o we_o can_v free_o meditate_v upon_o the_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o we_o this_o we_o may_v do_v if_o faith_n go_v along_o in_o all_o our_o holy_a meditation_n five_o we_o must_v have_v some_o spiritual_a understanding_n in_o those_o thing_n whereon_o we_o desire_v to_o meditate_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v guide_v we_o in_o our_o meditation_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n and_o comfort_v our_o soul_n thereby_o otherwise_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n will_v wander_v and_o go_v far_o astray_o from_o the_o matter_n whereupon_o they_o shall_v be_v fix_v and_o we_o may_v easy_o lose_v ourselves_o in_o the_o dark_a if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o give_v we_o some_o spiritual_a light_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o therein_o and_o we_o can_v receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o this_o holy_a service_n if_o it_o be_v not_o perform_v with_o a_o understand_a heart_n the_o more_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o what_o we_o intend_v to_o meditate_v the_o more_o will_v our_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v for_o it_o and_o the_o deep_a impression_n will_v our_o meditation_n make_v in_o our_o affection_n and_o the_o great_a will_v be_v the_o comfort_n of_o our_o soul_n this_o be_v the_o say_n of_o the_o psalmist_n 3._o psalmist_n psal_n 49._o 3._o the_o meditation_n of_o my_o heart_n shall_v be_v of_o understanding_n thus_o say_v paul_n 15_o paul_n 1_o cor._n 14_o 15_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o i_o will_v sing_v with_o thâ—_n spirit_n and_o i_o will_v sing_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o so_o likewise_o we_o must_v meditate_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o with_o the_o understanding_n also_o how_o can_v we_o learn_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o how_o can_v we_o keep_v his_o law_n if_o the_o lord_n do_v not_o give_v we_o understanding_n in_o they_o by_o his_o spirit_n this_o heavenly_a wisdom_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n which_o we_o must_v with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n labour_v for_o according_a to_o this_o of_o solomon_n 7._o solomon_n prov._n 4._o 7._o wisdom_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v wisdom_n and_o with_o all_o
affection_n with_o holy_a desire_n to_o embrace_v he_o 7_o he_o psal_n 24._o 7_o and_o to_o set_v open_a the_o gate_n and_o door_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o this_o king_n of_o glory_n may_v come_v in_o and_o dwell_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o if_o we_o do_v sincere_o from_o the_o heart_n desire_v such_o a_o glorious_a king_n and_o such_o a_o bountiful_a inhabitant_n to_o make_v his_o perpetual_a abode_n with_o we_o than_o we_o must_v press_v hard_a upon_o he_o and_o importune_v he_o earnest_o with_o our_o frequent_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o abide_v and_o dwell_v with_o we_o 3._o we_o gen._n 19_o 2_o 3._o the_o two_o angel_n that_o come_v to_o sodom_n refuse_v to_o tarry_v all_o night_n with_o lot_n upon_o his_o first_o entreaty_n but_o when_o he_o press_v great_o upon_o they_o they_o turn_v in_o unto_o he_o and_o enter_v into_o his_o house_n and_o he_o make_v they_o a_o feast_n and_o they_o do_v eat_v and_o then_o they_o preserve_v he_o from_o the_o burn_a but_o behold_v 20_o behold_v revel_v 3._o 20_o christ_n stand_v at_o the_o door_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o knock_n if_o we_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o open_v the_o door_n he_o will_v come_v in_o to_o we_o and_o will_v sup_v with_o we_o we_o shall_v sup_v with_o he_o o_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o soul_n that_o do_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o call_v and_o do_v open_v his_o heart_n unto_o he_o when_o he_o knock_v either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n by_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n by_o affliction_n trouble_n cross_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n whatsoever_o but_o if_o we_o will_v entertain_v christ_n we_o must_v have_v no_o corrival_n with_o he_o for_o god_n and_o mammon_n christ_n and_o belial_n can_v dwell_v together_o thus_o say_v christ_n 13_o christ_n luk._n 26_o 13_o you_o can_v serve_v god_n and_o mammon_n for_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n also_o thus_o say_v paul_n 15_o paul_n 2_o cor._n 6._o 14_o 15_o what_o communion_n have_v light_a with_o darkness_n and_o what_o concord_n have_v christ_n with_o belial_n 37._o belial_n mat._n 10_o 37._o if_o we_o love_v father_n or_o mother_n son_n or_o daughtor_n more_o than_o christ_n we_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o if_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v carry_v after_o the_o riches_n preferment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n or_o after_o any_o darling_n sin_n then_o christ_n will_v not_o dwell_v there_o and_o we_o lose_v the_o comfortable_a and_o bless_a presence_n of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o fullness_n of_o all_o his_o excellency_n and_o rich_a endowment_n for_o that_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n wherefore_o now_o we_o may_v meditate_v comfortable_o on_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o saviour_n for_o the_o terriblenesse_n of_o his_o majesty_n be_v cloud_v with_o the_o vail_n of_o his_o goodness_n the_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v sweeten_v with_o his_o mercy_n and_o tender_a compassion_n christ_n have_v take_v our_o soul_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o have_v put_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o mercy_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v keep_v for_o true_a blessedness_n to_o all_o eternity_n if_o his_o greatness_n do_v affright_v we_o his_o goodness_n will_v allure_v we_o if_o his_o justice_n do_v drive_v we_o from_o he_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n will_v draw_v we_o to_o he_o for_o by_o christ_n we_o have_v a_o near_a relation_n to_o god_n himself_o either_o as_o his_o servant_n by_o grace_n or_o as_o his_o child_n by_o adoption_n in_o both_o which_o respect_v our_o meditation_n of_o he_o will_v be_v exceed_o delightful_a to_o we_o so_o likewise_o if_o we_o fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o christ_n though_o his_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n be_v far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o humane_a capacity_n yet_o by_o faith_n we_o do_v apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v our_o redeemer_n and_o our_o advocate_n now_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n his_o father_n in_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o therefore_o our_o meditation_n of_o he_o can_v but_o ravish_v our_o soul_n with_o heavenly_a joy_n and_o spiritual_a consolation_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o of_o our_o atonement_n with_o god_n and_o also_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o to_o be_v heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v for_o we_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n how_o to_o meditate_v on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o holy_a geost_fw-la be_v the_o same_o spiritual_a essence_n and_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o with_o the_o son_n coequal_a and_o coeternall_a with_o they_o both_o but_o as_o the_o deity_n be_v distinguish_v into_o three_o person_n the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o from_o the_o son_n and_o he_o be_v the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n christ_n do_v prove_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o father_n in_o these_o word_n 26_o word_n john_n 15_o 26_o but_o when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o that_o he_o proceed_v from_o the_o son_n be_v manifest_a by_o this_o of_o paul_n 6_o paul_n gal._n 4._o 6_o and_o because_o you_o be_v son_n god_n have_v send_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o son_n into_o your_o heart_n cry_v abba_n father_n john_n also_o the_o belove_a disciple_n of_o christ_n make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n by_o these_o word_n 7_o word_n 2_o joh_n 5._o 7_o there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o aâ—e_n one._n the_o prophet_n call_v he_o 2_o he_o isa_n 11._o 2_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n and_o strength_n the_o spirit_n of_o knowledge_n and_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n 14_o lord_n heb._n 9_o 14_o he_o be_v the_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o god_n from_o who_o nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v according_a to_o this_o of_o david_n 7_o david_n psal_n 139_o 7_o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o sptrit_a or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n christ_n call_v he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n 7._o truth_n joh_n 14._o 16_o 7._o and_o i_o will_v pray_v the_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v give_v you_o another_o comforter_n that_o he_o may_v abide_v with_o you_o forever_o even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n who_o the_o world_n can_v receive_v john_n call_v he_o 11_o he_o rev._n 11._o 11_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n because_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n the_o do_v quicken_v our_o heart_n and_o revive_v we_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o our_o trespass_n and_o sin_n paul_n do_v also_o call_v he_o 16_o he_o rom._n 8._o 15_o 16_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n to_o witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n if_o we_o fix_v our_o meditation_n on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o divine_a essence_n and_o be_v or_o as_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n we_o shall_v be_v confound_v in_o these_o deep_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n but_o if_o we_o meditate_v upon_o he_o according_a to_o his_o proper_a office_n as_o he_o be_v a_o comforter_n or_o according_a to_o his_o several_a operation_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v then_o find_v much_o comfortable_a matter_n for_o our_o heart_n to_o meditate_v upon_o which_o will_v minister_v heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a consolation_n to_o our_o poor_a soul_n first_o therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o proper_a office_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o be_v a_o comforter_n to_o we_o in_o all_o our_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n for_o we_o be_v daily_o expose_v to_o many_o tribulation_n and_o calamity_n either_o for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o grace_n or_o for_o our_o correction_n when_o we_o lie_v in_o sin_n without_o repentance_n which_o will_v easy_o swallow_v we_o up_o if_o we_o have_v not_o some_o true_a comforter_n to_o support_v and_o comfort_v we_o in_o they_o 1_o they_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 1â—_n 1_o there_o be_v also_o a_o host_n of_o sinful_a lust_n in_o we_o that_o war_n against_o our_o soul_n which_o do_v daily_o assault_v we_o with_o strong_a temptation_n and_o we_o be_v round_o beset_v with_o peril_n danger_n and_o spiritual_a enemy_n which_o continual_o threaten_v our_o downfall_n and_o ruin_n and_o do_v seek_v to_o hinder_v our_o salvation_n but_o above_o all_o we_o be_v sometime_o wound_v in_o our_o
the_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n lay_v down_o by_o way_n of_o meditation_n upon_o some_o head_n of_o christian_a religion_n very_o profitable_a for_o every_o true_a christian_a compose_v and_o write_v by_o john_n anthony_n of_o london_n doctor_n of_o physic_n psal_n 19_o ver_fw-la 14._o let_v the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o the_o meditation_n of_o my_o heart_n be_v always_o acceptable_a in_o thy_o sight_n o_o lord_n my_o strength_n and_o my_o redeemer_n london_n print_v for_o g._n dawson_n and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o john_n montague_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o white-dragon_n in_o ducklane_n 1654._o i_o have_v peruse_v these_o divine_a meditation_n entitle_v the_o comfort_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o do_v find_v they_o to_o be_v so_o orthodox_n and_o solid_a pious_a and_o profitable_a that_o i_o do_v approve_v they_o well_o worthy_a to_o be_v print_v and_o publish_v john_n downame_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a dame_n elizabeth_n dygby_n baronesse_n of_o geshal_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o ireland_n grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n from_o god_n the_o father_n and_o from_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v nothing_o of_o i_o own_o that_o be_v worthy_a your_o acceptance_n to_o express_v my_o cordial_a respect_n and_o thankfulness_n for_o those_o many_o favour_n which_o i_o have_v receive_v from_o you_o i_o have_v take_v some_o spiritual_a receipt_n out_o of_o god_n sacred_a dispensatory_a which_o i_o be_o bold_a to_o present_v or_o dedicate_v to_o your_o honour_n because_o they_o be_v special_a cordial_n for_o the_o spirit_n and_o precious_a antidote_n against_o the_o evil_a of_o sad_a time_n wherein_o also_o you_o will_v find_v some_o balm_n of_o gilead_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o all_o spiritual_a disease_n if_o it_o be_v apply_v close_o to_o the_o part_n that_o be_v ill_o affect_v with_o the_o hand_n of_o faith_n if_o these_o thing_n do_v relish_v well_o with_o your_o spiritual_a palate_n than_o i_o be_o confident_a you_o will_v take_v sometime_o to_o ruminate_v hereupon_o for_o i_o know_v it_o have_v be_v your_o constant_a course_n to_o meditate_v something_o daily_o of_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o do_v strong_o induce_v i_o to_o present_v these_o unripe_a fruit_n of_o my_o labour_n to_o you_o which_o i_o gather_v in_o my_o old_a age_n for_o my_o own_o use_n according_a to_o my_o first_o intention_n though_o i_o have_v thus_o labour_v out_o of_o my_o call_v as_o i_o be_o a_o physician_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o out_o of_o my_o profession_n as_o i_o be_o a_o christian_n now_o see_v this_o work_n be_v come_v to_o public_a view_n i_o do_v humble_o desire_v your_o favourable_a construction_n of_o the_o frailty_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o that_o you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o vindicate_v it_o from_o carp_a spirit_n for_o i_o do_v not_o write_v it_o to_o please_v their_o curiosity_n but_o to_o refresh_v and_o comfort_v those_o that_o do_v any_o way_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o spiritual_a consolation_n if_o any_o thing_n herein_o can_v give_v you_o any_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n let_v god_n have_v the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o work_n and_o i_o shall_v great_o rejoice_v therein_o and_o shall_v still_o remain_v your_o much_o oblige_a servant_n john_n anthony_n to_o the_o reader_n courteous_a reader_n if_o thou_o do_v live_v under_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o these_o sad_a time_n or_o if_o god_n visitation_n be_v upon_o thou_o which_o make_v thou_o to_o sigh_v and_o groan_v under_o the_o burden_n and_o pressure_n of_o thy_o sorrow_n so_o that_o thy_o soul_n desire_v comfort_n and_o thy_o spirit_n want_v spiritual_a refresh_n and_o heavenly_a consolation_n then_o i_o have_v write_v this_o treatise_n for_o thou_o which_o i_o present_v to_o thy_o view_n wherein_o thou_o shall_v find_v the_o true_a way_n how_o to_o demean_v thyself_o under_o god_n visitation_n how_o to_o bear_v thy_o cross_n with_o a_o content_a patience_n how_o to_o make_v the_o burden_n of_o thy_o sorrow_n more_o easy_a or_o how_o to_o be_v deliver_v out_o of_o they_o if_o god_n see_v it_o to_o be_v most_o for_o his_o glory_n and_o best_a for_o thy_o good_a also_o how_o to_o refresh_v thy_o spirit_n and_o comfort_v thy_o soul_n in_o what_o kind_n soever_o it_o be_v afflict_v here_o also_o thou_o shall_v find_v that_o many_o of_o god_n dear_a servant_n have_v suffer_v as_o great_a affliction_n as_o thou_o can_v and_o yet_o god_n do_v send_v they_o comfort_v and_o deliverance_n but_o special_o what_o christ_n thy_o saviour_n have_v suffer_v for_o thou_o and_o what_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n thou_o may_v have_v by_o it_o if_o thou_o can_v draw_v it_o to_o thyself_o and_o make_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o it_o to_o thy_o own_o sorrowful_a condition_n without_o which_o it_o will_v yield_v thou_o but_o small_a consolation_n in_o thy_o misery_n if_o thou_o do_v meet_v with_o any_o thing_n here_o that_o will_v fit_v thy_o present_a condition_n either_o for_o edification_n or_o for_o comfort_n thou_o must_v ruminate_v well_o upon_o it_o to_o suck_v out_o the_o spiritual_a juiâ—e_n to_o imprint_v it_o in_o thy_o mind_n and_o to_o bring_v it_o close_o home_o to_o thy_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v comfort_v thy_o soul_n and_o cure_v thy_o wound_a spirit_n david_n find_v great_a comfort_n when_o he_o do_v meditate_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n my_o soul_n say_v he_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v as_o with_o marrow_n and_o fatness_n and_o my_o mouth_n shall_v praise_v thou_o with_o joyful_a 6_o psal_n 63._o 5_o 6_o lip_n when_o i_o remember_v thou_o upon_o my_o bed_n and_o meditate_v on_o thou_o in_o the_o night_n watch_v and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v and_o he_o take_v special_a notice_n of_o those_o that_o do_v practice_n it_o to_o pour_v down_o his_o blessing_n upon_o they_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o isaac_n who_o go_v out_o daily_o into_o the_o field_n to_o meditate_v 64._o gen._n 24._o 63_o 64._o upon_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n and_o then_o at_o that_o very_a time_n god_n send_v he_o a_o virtuous_a wife_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n go_v along_o with_o thou_o in_o thy_o holy_a meditation_n they_o can_v but_o be_v comfortable_a to_o thy_o soul_n thou_o will_v then_o conceive_v aright_o of_o the_o secret_a and_o hide_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o thou_o will_v see_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o creature_n his_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n to_o thou_o in_o they_o and_o a_o glimpse_n of_o the_o majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n god_n almighty_n his_o holy_a spirit_n will_v also_o open_v thy_o heart_n to_o let_v in_o whatsoever_o spiritual_a good_a thou_o reape_v by_o thy_o pious_a meditation_n for_o if_o thou_o look_v upon_o the_o creature_n and_o do_v not_o meditate_v something_o of_o god_n in_o it_o thou_o do_v look_v upon_o it_o in_o vain_a and_o if_o thou_o read_v or_o hear_v his_o word_n preach_v and_o do_v not_o settle_v it_o upon_o thy_o affection_n by_o ruminate_v upon_o it_o thou_o can_v not_o edify_v thy_o heart_n nor_o comfort_v thy_o soul_n thereby_o so_o likewise_o if_o thou_o do_v read_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o treatise_n that_o be_v comfortable_a to_o poor_a deject_a spirit_n it_o will_v not_o comfort_v thou_o if_o it_o be_v not_o well_o digest_v in_o thy_o heart_n and_o apply_v to_o thy_o own_o soul_n if_o thou_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o this_o holy_a duty_n i_o have_v give_v thou_o some_o direction_n how_o to_o perform_v it_o and_o if_o thou_o do_v first_o practice_n it_o upon_o thyself_o to_o meditate_v upon_o thy_o own_o condition_n what_o thou_o be_v by_o nature_n and_o what_o by_o grace_n and_o consider_v serious_o in_o thy_o thought_n what_o way_n thou_o walk_v what_o step_v thou_o tread_v and_o to_o what_o end_n thy_o way_n do_v tend_v thou_o will_v not_o only_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thyself_o but_o thou_o will_v also_o learn_v how_o to_o meditate_v profitable_o and_o comfortable_o upon_o god_n thy_o creator_n upon_o jesus_n christ_n thy_o redeemer_n and_o upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n thy_o sanctifier_n and_o comforter_n i_o conclude_v with_o this_o say_n of_o a_o ancient_a father_n nothing_o be_v find_v more_o sweet_a in_o this_o life_n nothing_o be_v conceive_v more_o comfortable_a nothing_o do_v so_o separate_v the_o affection_n from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n nothing_o do_v so_o fortify_v the_o mind_n against_o temptation_n nothing_o do_v so_o stir_v up_o man_n and_o further_o he_o to_o every_o good_a work_n and_o duty_n as_o the_o grace_n and_o benefit_n of_o divine_a meditation_n and_o heavenly_a contemplation_n thou_o in_o the_o lord_n christ_n john_n anthony_n a_o table_n of_o these_o several_a head_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n meditation_n be_v a_o duty_n
conscience_n with_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o burden_n heavy_a than_o we_o can_v bear_v thus_o say_v the_o wise_a man_n 14_o man_n prov._n 18._o 14_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v we_o can_v have_v no_o true_a comfort_n in_o these_o or_o the_o like_a affliction_n but_o what_o come_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o no_o hope_n of_o succour_n or_o relief_n in_o our_o distress_n without_o he_o if_o our_o spirit_n be_v wound_v he_o only_o can_v apply_v the_o true_a balm_n of_o gilead_n to_o cure_v they_o this_o balm_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v a_o universal_a remedy_n to_o cure_v all_o the_o spiritual_a disease_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o none_o but_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v apply_v it_o to_o our_o heart_n by_o faith_n also_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o refresh_v we_o with_o the_o comfort_n of_o grace_n and_o with_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o sink_v under_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o our_o calamity_n and_o misery_n but_o we_o may_v draw_v comfort_n enough_o from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o what_o sad_a condition_n soever_o we_o be_v for_o he_o will_v sweeten_v the_o bitterness_n of_o all_o our_o suffering_n with_o true_a peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n he_o will_v sanctify_v all_o our_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n with_o save_a grace_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v for_o our_o good_a and_o will_v witness_v to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n also_o he_o will_v give_v we_o strength_n and_o courage_n to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o christ_n and_o for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o likewise_o heavenly_a wisdom_n right_o to_o use_v every_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n to_o defend_v ourselves_o from_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n and_o to_o beat_v back_o or_o quench_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o his_o temptation_n and_o evil_a suggestion_n may_v not_o wound_v our_o soul_n to_o the_o death_n last_o he_o will_v perfect_v all_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o perseverance_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v fast_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n and_o we_o shall_v have_v assure_v hope_n of_o conquest_n and_o victory_n in_o all_o our_o conflict_n and_o combat_n here_o and_o to_o be_v crown_v with_o immortal_a glory_n hereafter_o now_o let_v this_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o meditation_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o draw_v comfort_n from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o be_v afflict_v trouble_a or_o any_o way_n perplex_v with_o grief_n of_o heart_n sorrow_n of_o spirit_n or_o anguish_n of_o soul_n which_o we_o may_v do_v if_o we_o know_v that_o no_o outward_a comfort_n can_v support_v we_o without_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o rest_v and_o rely_v upon_o they_o but_o do_v seek_v to_o the_o true_a comforter_n by_o earnest_n and_o faithful_a prayer_n in_o all_o our_o necessity_n which_o be_v a_o sure_a mean_n to_o draw_v comfort_n from_o he_o when_o we_o want_v it_o also_o if_o we_o be_v true_o sensible_a that_o we_o do_v want_v his_o gracious_a assistance_n to_o carry_v we_o on_o cheerful_o through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n that_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n upon_o our_o humble_a supplication_n to_o he_o he_o will_v return_v we_o a_o comfortable_a answer_n as_o shall_v be_v best_a for_o we_o so_o likewise_o if_o the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n do_v stick_v close_o unto_o we_o or_o if_o we_o possess_v our_o former_a iniquity_n by_o a_o sinful_a remembrance_n of_o they_o so_o that_o we_o be_v true_o humble_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o they_o and_o that_o our_o heart_n be_v touch_v with_o a_o godly_a sorrow_n for_o they_o the_o holy_a ghost_n will_v then_o come_v with_o spiritual_a consolation_n to_o comfort_v our_o poor_a soul_n with_o a_o holy_a assurance_n that_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v wash_v away_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n by_o faith_n last_o we_o may_v draw_v comfort_n from_o this_o spiritual_a fountain_n by_o our_o pious_a and_o devout_a meditation_n of_o he_o for_o than_o he_o will_v give_v we_o a_o sweet_a taste_n of_o his_o heavenly_a grace_n to_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o he_o will_v give_v we_o spiritual_a joy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o our_o affliction_n also_o he_o will_v unite_v we_o unto_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o will_v seal_v our_o redemption_n to_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n whereby_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v eternal_a felicity_n for_o ever_o o_o what_o sweet_a meditation_n may_v we_o draw_v from_o this_o heavenly_a comforter_n in_o all_o the_o sadness_n of_o our_o heart_n thus_o we_o may_v meditate_v on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o he_o be_v the_o true_a comforter_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v of_o his_o divine_a operation_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v also_o draw_v much_o profitable_a and_o comfortable_a matter_n for_o our_o holy_a meditation_n and_o for_o our_o better_a understanding_n herein_o this_o eternal_a spirit_n of_o life_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o several_a resemblance_n to_o show_v in_o what_o manner_n and_o how_o various_o he_o work_v in_o our_o heart_n that_o our_o meditation_n may_v be_v order_v according_o first_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v resemble_v to_o a_o dove_n for_o when_o christ_n be_v baptize_v 16_o baptize_v mat._n 3._o 16_o he_o descend_v in_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o dove_n and_o rest_v upon_o he_o which_o be_v to_o show_v his_o spiritual_a anoint_v to_o his_o office_n of_o mediatorship_n and_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o christ_n how_o humble_a and_o and_o meek_a he_o be_v how_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a how_o love_v and_o how_o ready_a and_o willing_a he_o be_v to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o these_o dovelike_a quality_n be_v pour_v upon_o christ_n above_o measure_n that_o we_o his_o member_n may_v receive_v the_o same_o in_o some_o measure_n from_o he_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o will_v put_v all_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n all_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o body_n into_o a_o new_a frame_n he_o will_v change_v the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n into_o a_o holy_a temper_n of_o proud_a and_o haughty_a mind_v he_o will_v make_v we_o lowly_a and_o meek_a of_o hateful_a and_o malicious_a he_o will_v make_v we_o love_v and_o courteous_a to_o all_o he_o will_v so_o season_v we_o with_o sanctify_a grace_n throughout_o that_o our_o evil_a disposition_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o a_o gracious_a condition_n this_o spirit_n of_o truth_n will_v bring_v we_o a_o olive_n leaf_n 11_o leaf_n gen._n 8._o 11_o like_o noah_n dove_n to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o though_o we_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o trouble_n danger_n or_o distress_n yet_o we_o shall_v be_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v and_o though_o we_o be_v trouble_v disquiet_v or_o perplex_v in_o our_o mind_n yet_o at_o the_o last_o we_o shall_v have_v peace_n tranquillity_n spiritual_a joy_n and_o comfort_v now_o by_o this_o resemblance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o may_v examine_v ourselves_o what_o purity_n and_o holiness_n he_o have_v wrought_v in_o we_o what_o meekness_n of_o spirit_n what_o patience_n under_o the_o cross_n what_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o neighbour_n and_o how_o far_o we_o be_v sanctify_v in_o all_o the_o affection_n of_o our_o heart_n &_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o body_n also_o how_o much_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v weaken_v in_o we_o and_o how_o far_o we_o be_v change_v from_o that_o which_o be_v sinful_a to_o newness_n of_o life_n if_o we_o can_v find_v these_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o we_o they_o will_v afford_v we_o profitable_a matter_n for_o our_o heart_n to_o meditate_v upon_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n second_o some_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v set_v forth_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o resemblance_n of_o that_o 21_o that_o exod._n 13_o 21_o pillar_n of_o a_o cloud_n which_o go_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n by_o day_n when_o they_o march_v out_o of_o egypt_n to_o guide_v they_o the_o right_a way_n that_o god_n will_v have_v they_o go_v towards_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n this_o pillar_n do_v also_o protect_v and_o defend_v they_o from_o their_o enemy_n it_o keep_v the_o scorch_a heat_n of_o the_o sun_n from_o they_o and_o it_o cool_v and_o moisten_v the_o earth_n with_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a dew_n which_o be_v a_o great_a refresh_n
to_o meditate_v upon_o his_o almighty_a power_n his_o divine_a wisdom_n his_o glorious_a majesty_n and_o his_o admirable_a goodness_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n 20_o man_n rom._n 1._o 20_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o be_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n be_v see_v by_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v to_o the_o intent_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v without_o excuse_n thus_o say_v the_o prophet_n 12_o prophet_n jer._n 10._o 12_o he_o have_v make_v the_o earth_n by_o his_o power_n he_o have_v establish_v the_o world_n by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o have_v stretch_v out_o the_o heaven_n by_o his_o discretion_n and_o thus_o say_v the_o psalmist_n 7._o psalmist_n psal_n 111._o 6_o 7._o he_o have_v show_v his_o people_n the_o power_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o may_v give_v they_o the_o heritage_n of_o the_o heathen_a the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n be_v verity_n and_o judgement_n 25._o judgement_n psal_n 104._o 24_o 25._o o_o lord_n how_o manifold_a be_v thy_o work_n in_o wisdom_n have_v thou_o make_v they_o all_o the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o thy_o riches_n so_o be_v this_o great_a and_o wide_a sea_n wherein_o be_v thing_n creep_v innumerable_a both_o small_a and_o great_a beast_n also_o david_n say_v thus_o 1._o thus_o psal_n 19_o 1._o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handy_a work_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o his_o work_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o end_n thereof_o 6_o thereof_o exod_n 34._o 6_o he_o be_v abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n 5_o truth_n psal_n 33_o 5_o the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o lord_n psal_n 52._o 2_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n endure_v continual_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o contemptible_a but_o it_o find_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o moment_n of_o time_n but_o we_o have_v experience_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n to_o we_o behold_v and_o see_v the_o beauty_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o of_o all_o the_o sarre_n admire_v their_o gloririous_a body_n and_o what_o lustre_n they_o cast_v down_o upon_o the_o earth_n how_o they_o rejoice_v to_o run_v their_o course_n in_o their_o several_a orb_n wherein_o god_n have_v place_v they_o and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o cross_v or_o hinder_v each_o other_o in_o their_o motion_n also_o how_o god_n do_v by_o they_o measure_v out_o time_n how_o he_o govern_v the_o day_n by_o the_o sun_n and_o how_o he_o rule_v the_o night_n by_o the_o moon_n and_o star_n consider_v also_o how_o useful_a and_o comfortable_a these_o glorious_a creature_n be_v to_o we_o and_o how_o god_n divide_v the_o year_n by_o they_o into_o winter_n and_o summer_n springtime_n and_o harvest_n and_o have_v continue_v these_o several_a season_n even_o to_o this_o day_n as_o he_o say_v to_o noah_n present_o after_o the_o flood_n 22_o flood_n gen._n 8._o 22_o while_o the_o earth_n remain_v seed_n time_n and_o harvest_n cold_a and_o heat_n summer_n and_o winter_n and_o day_n and_o night_n shall_v not_o ceâ—se_v all_o these_o do_v clear_o set_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o wisdom_n the_o power_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v now_o to_o ourselves_o shall_v these_o irrational_a creature_n keep_v their_o appoint_a station_n and_o shall_v we_o go_v astray_o from_o god_n shall_v they_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o rebel_v against_o he_o shall_v they_o run_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o delight_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o be_v backward_o in_o a_o religious_a and_o pious_a course_n of_o life_n contrary_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v we_o have_v no_o heavenly_a thought_n no_o holy_a desire_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o no_o sincere_a devotion_n in_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o our_o god_n oh_o let_v the_o comfortable_a presence_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o the_o brightness_n of_o every_o star_n move_v we_o day_n and_o night_n to_o raise_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o to_o set_v our_o meditation_n upon_o god_n their_o maker_n who_o glory_n do_v infinite_o surpass_v the_o brightness_n of_o they_o all_o and_o let_v we_o study_v to_o praise_n and_o magnify_v he_o for_o his_o goodness_n and_o for_o his_o wonderful_a work_n that_o he_o have_v wrought_v for_o the_o son_n of_o man_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o bird_n and_o â—ouls_n of_o the_o air_n or_o upon_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o consider_v how_o god_n provide_v food_n and_o raiment_n and_o weapon_n of_o defence_n for_o they_o all_o how_o he_o preserve_v they_o in_o their_o kind_n and_o what_o great_a increase_n they_o bring_v forth_o through_o his_o blessing_n we_o may_v see_v a_o glimpse_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n even_o in_o they_o his_o care_n in_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o his_o great_a wisdom_n in_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o kind_n 39_o kind_n job_n 39_o what_o goodly_a wing_n and_o feather_n have_v god_n give_v to_o the_o peacock_n and_o to_o the_o ostrich_n what_o strength_n to_o the_o horse_n what_o swiftness_n to_o the_o eagle_n how_o terrible_a be_v the_o leviathan_n none_o be_v so_o 19_o â—_o job_n 41._o 19_o fierce_a that_o dare_v stir_v he_o up_o who_o then_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o god_n 27_o god_n luk_n 12._o 27_o how_o have_v god_n clothe_v the_o lily_n solomon_n in_o all_o his_o glory_n be_v not_o array_v like_o one_o of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n so_o base_a and_o contemptible_a in_o our_o eye_n but_o that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o print_n of_o god_n finger_n upon_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o plant_n that_o grow_v in_o the_o earth_n but_o be_v full_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o useful_a to_o man_n the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o 148._o we_o psal_n 148._o that_o both_o the_o senseless_a and_o sensible_a creature_n have_v a_o voice_n to_o praise_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n how_o can_v we_o then_o be_v silent_a consider_v the_o lark_n to_o imitate_v she_o for_o the_o high_a she_o mount_v the_o more_o cheerful_o she_o sing_v so_o likewise_o the_o high_a we_o raise_v up_o our_o affection_n towards_o heaven_n in_o sing_v praise_n unto_o god_n the_o sweet_a will_v our_o melody_n be_v in_o his_o ear_n if_o our_o spirit_n mount_v up_o to_o heaven_n in_o our_o contemplation_n upon_o the_o work_v of_o god_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n what_o excellent_a workmanship_n and_o wisdom_n he_o have_v show_v even_o in_o the_o least_o of_o they_o and_o how_o wonderful_a good_a and_o gracious_a he_o have_v be_v to_o we_o because_o he_o have_v make_v they_o all_o for_o our_o good_a that_o we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o they_o but_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o creature_n with_o a_o superficial_a eye_n and_o if_o we_o have_v the_o daily_a use_n and_o service_n of_o they_o and_o can_v find_v no_o matter_n to_o ruminate_v upon_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n 4_o god_n deu._n 29._o 4_o than_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v we_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v and_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o ear_n to_o hear_v what_o great_a thing_n god_n have_v do_v for_o we_o and_o what_o blessing_n he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o to_o this_o day_n consider_v further_o how_o plentiful_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o man_n he_o have_v give_v he_o some_o creature_n for_o nutriment_n some_o for_o clothing_n other_o for_o ornament_n some_o be_v for_o his_o delight_n and_o lawful_a pleasure_n and_o other_o be_v for_o his_o necessary_a occasion_n so_o likewise_o 22_o likewise_o luk._n 12._o 22_o god_n do_v feed_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o every_o live_a creature_n and_o he_o do_v clothe_v the_o very_a grass_n of_o the_o field_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n unto_o job_n 41_o job_n job_n 38._o 41_o who_o provide_v for_o the_o raven_n his_o food_n when_o his_o young_a one_o cry_v unto_o god_n they_o wander_v for_o lack_v of_o â—eat_n this_o be_v to_o strengthen_v jâ—bs_n confidence_n in_o god_n for_o though_o he_o be_v now_o bring_v down_o from_o great_a plenty_n to_o the_o great_a want_n and_o penury_n from_o the_o high_a honour_n to_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o ignominy_n and_o reproach_n yet_o god_n have_v still_o a_o care_n of_o he_o and_o be_v all_o sufficient_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o again_o to_o honour_v and_o to_o provide_v what_o be_v needful_a for_o he_o also_o though_o he_o be_v now_o in_o the_o furnace_n of_o affliction_n and_o upon_o the_o test_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o
to_o mortify_v and_o kill_v the_o power_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o and_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o resurrection_n will_v quicken_v we_o up_o to_o newness_n of_o life_n and_o his_o righteousness_n will_v restore_v we_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n than_o we_o have_v in_o our_o first_o creation_n 27._o creation_n gal._n 3._o 27._o for_o by_o faith_n we_o be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n and_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n 30._o christ_n eph._n 5._o 30._o and_o we_o be_v now_o member_n of_o his_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o of_o his_o bone_n and_o we_o be_v confirm_v in_o this_o bless_a condition_n by_o his_o free_a spirit_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o depart_v from_o he_o if_o christ_n have_v not_o be_v crucify_v and_o his_o blood_n pour_v out_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o by_o that_o kind_n of_o death_n then_o god_n decree_n have_v not_o be_v fulfil_v the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n have_v not_o be_v finish_v we_o have_v be_v still_o under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n have_v still_o rest_v upon_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o the_o prophecy_n of_o he_o have_v not_o be_v fulfil_v also_o we_o can_v not_o have_v have_v all_o those_o great_a benefit_n by_o his_o death_n and_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o blood_n 8._o blood_n phil._n 2._o 8._o but_o christ_n do_v humble_v himself_o to_o the_o curse_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o there_o his_o heart_n blood_n be_v pour_v out_o which_o make_v his_o sacrifice_n complete_a and_o perfect_a this_o make_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o penitent_a thief_n so_o famous_a because_o he_o do_v embrace_v christ_n for_o his_o saviour_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o the_o cross_n 4._o cross_n 1_o cor._n 2_o 2_o 4._o this_o make_v paul_n to_o prefer_v the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v before_o all_o humane_a wisdom_n because_o thereby_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v make_v his_o preach_v powerful_a and_o effectual_a 14_o effectual_a gal._n 6._o 14_o and_o this_o make_v he_o glory_n so_o much_o in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n wherefore_o we_o need_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o christ_n because_o he_o be_v crucify_v and_o we_o need_v not_o refuse_v to_o bear_v his_o cross_n after_o he_o because_o it_o be_v the_o great_a honour_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a and_o that_o which_o bring_v the_o great_a comfort_n to_o our_o soul_n to_o be_v make_v conformable_a to_o christ_n in_o his_o suffering_n now_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v what_o admirable_a gentleness_n what_o great_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n christ_n do_v show_v to_o his_o persecutor_n and_o torment_n he_o do_v practice_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v his_o disciple_n in_o the_o mount_n 44._o mount_n mat._n 5._o 44._o love_v your_o enemy_n bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o for_o he_o give_v they_o not_o a_o bitter_a word_n but_o do_v patient_o and_o meek_o suffer_v all_o their_o barbarous_a usage_n and_o cruelty_n against_o he_o and_o when_o their_o heart_n be_v inflame_v with_o malice_n and_o their_o hand_n labour_v to_o crucify_v he_o and_o when_o the_o pang_n of_o death_n be_v upon_o he_o his_o tender_a heart_n be_v move_v with_o compassion_n towards_o they_o and_o the_o fountain_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v open_v that_o the_o sweet_a stream_n of_o his_o blessing_n may_v flow_v upon_o they_o for_o even_o then_o he_o do_v pray_v his_o heavenly_a father_n to_o remit_v and_o and_o forgive_v their_o great_a sin_n 34._o sin_n luk._n 23._o 34._o father_n say_v he_o forgive_v they_o for_o they_o know_v not_o what_o they_o do_v for_o they_o be_v spiritual_o blind_a and_o can_v not_o see_v who_o he_o be_v and_o their_o heart_n be_v harden_v that_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v nor_o believe_v from_o whence_o he_o come_v and_o wherefore_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o put_v he_o to_o such_o a_o shameful_a and_o cruel_a death_n if_o our_o dear_a saviour_n be_v so_o merciful_a to_o those_o that_o brew_v their_o hand_n in_o his_o blood_n what_o heart_n can_v then_o conceive_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n to_o his_o own_o servant_n that_o love_v serve_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o truth_n and_o with_o upright_a heart_n for_o mercy_n and_o tender_a love_n be_v essential_o and_o natural_o inherent_a in_o he_o and_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v long_o unto_o he_o his_o mercy_n to_o they_o go_v along_o in_o all_o his_o work_n for_o if_o he_o do_v correct_v they_o it_o be_v in_o mercy_n for_o their_o good_a he_o will_v not_o let_v the_o rod_n go_v out_o of_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o some_o he_o do_v but_o shake_v the_o rod_n other_o feel_v but_o few_o stripe_n and_o though_o some_o have_v many_o stripe_n 2._o stripe_n jer._n 10._o 2._o yet_o it_o shall_v be_v with_o judgement_n not_o in_o his_o anger_n he_o will_v not_o deal_v with_o they_o according_a to_o their_o sin_n nor_o reward_v they_o according_a to_o their_o iniquity_n but_o his_o mercy_n will_v prevail_v though_o his_o justice_n be_v provoke_v wherefore_o let_v no_o poor_a afflict_a soul_n that_o be_v under_o his_o rod_n forbear_v come_v unto_o christ_n for_o he_o can_v take_v off_o his_o visitation_n when_o he_o please_v and_o he_o will_v pity_v he_o as_o a_o father_n pity_v his_o child_n also_o let_v no_o poor_a sinner_n that_o be_v true_o humble_v for_o his_o sin_n be_v afraid_a to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o his_o redeemer_n for_o he_o pray_v for_o such_o to_o procure_v their_o pardon_n and_o to_o bring_v salvation_n to_o their_o soul_n all_o the_o riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n that_o the_o world_n afford_v can_v give_v a_o sinful_a soul_n no_o true_a consolation_n if_o he_o be_v trouble_v and_o perplex_v for_o his_o sin_n they_o be_v all_o miserable_a comforter_n when_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n lie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n true_a comfort_n and_o fullness_n of_o joy_n be_v to_o be_v find_v only_o in_o christ_n and_o in_o he_o crucify_v for_o he_o will_v take_v away_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o sin_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o molest_v or_o trouble_v his_o conscience_n he_o will_v help_v he_o bear_v his_o sorrow_n with_o a_o content_a patience_n he_o will_v stand_v by_o he_o and_o intercede_v for_o he_o that_o in_o his_o temptation_n and_o trial_n his_o faith_n may_v not_o fail_v he_o 8._o rev._n 7._o 17_o isa_n 25._o 8._o and_o at_o last_o he_o will_v wipe_v away_o all_o tear_n from_o his_o eye_n all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o christ_n will_v do_v for_o we_o for_o he_o will_v also_o stand_v for_o we_o against_o all_o the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v they_o true_a or_o false_a if_o they_o be_v true_a he_o will_v present_v his_o own_o merit_n to_o his_o father_n in_o satisfaction_n for_o we_o if_o they_o be_v false_a he_o will_v give_v the_o devil_n a_o shameful_a repulse_n and_o will_v curb_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o hurt_v we_o 12._o we_o 1_o john_n 2._o 12._o for_o christ_n jesus_n the_o righteous_a be_v our_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o christ_n do_v now_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n for_o the_o type_n and_o shadow_n do_v cease_v when_o he_o be_v slay_v because_o he_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o those_o ceremony_n and_o sacrifice_n this_o be_v the_o last_o ceremony_n which_o be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v 12._o fulfil_v heb._n 13._o 11_o 12._o that_o the_o body_n of_o those_o beast_n who_o blood_n be_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o sanctuary_n by_o the_o high_a priest_n for_o sin_n be_v burn_v without_o the_o camp_n this_o ceremony_n christ_n fulfil_v when_o he_o shed_v his_o blood_n without_o the_o gate_n that_o he_o may_v sanctify_v the_o people_n with_o his_o own_o blood_n for_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n be_v now_o gather_v together_o at_o mount_n calvary_n where_o christ_n die_v that_o the_o people_n of_o all_o nation_n may_v be_v sanctify_v with_o his_o blood_n if_o they_o come_v unto_o he_o by_o faith_n to_o be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o purify_v from_o their_o pollution_n with_o his_o sanctify_a grace_n wherefore_o now_o though_o we_o be_v alien_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n yet_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o we_o may_v go_v forth_o bold_o unto_o he_o who_o finish_v our_o redemption_n by_o his_o death_n without_o the_o gate_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v sanctify_v the_o gentile_n with_o his_o blood_n as_o he_o do_v the_o
bless_a saviour_n to_o we_o that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o give_v we_o the_o shield_n of_o faith_n for_o our_o defence_n against_o these_o spiritual_a enemy_n 6._o enemy_n eph._n 6._o but_o have_v also_o furnish_v we_o with_o the_o whole_a armour_n of_o god_n which_o we_o must_v put_v on_o and_o buckle_v close_o to_o we_o with_o the_o girdle_n of_o verity_n apprehend_v by_o faith_n that_o we_o may_v be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n and_o be_v able_a to_o stand_v against_o the_o wile_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o we_o wrestle_v not_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o against_o principality_n and_o power_n against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n and_o against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n also_o christ_n have_v give_v we_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o spirit_n so_o to_o use_v every_o piece_n of_o this_o spiritual_a armour_n that_o neither_o by_o force_n nor_o by_o fraud_n the_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o hurt_v we_o or_o to_o hinder_v the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o christ_n know_v how_o violent_o we_o shall_v be_v assault_v and_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o own_o strength_n to_o resist_v and_o how_o cunning_o our_o enemy_n will_v plot_v to_o undermine_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v need_v this_o spiritual_a armour_n to_o defend_v ourselves_o and_o to_o offend_v our_o adversary_n and_o likewise_o his_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o use_v that_o armour_n as_o we_o ought_v five_o faith_n do_v much_o support_n and_o comfort_v we_o in_o all_o the_o sorrow_n and_o trouble_n of_o this_o life_n for_o so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v in_o the_o flesh_n we_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o tribulation_n and_o extremity_n which_o we_o can_v patient_o bear_v without_o the_o help_n of_o faith_n prince_n have_v their_o care_n the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o free_a from_o trouble_n there_o be_v no_o condition_n of_o life_n that_o can_v challenge_v a_o privilege_n from_o worldly_a encumbrance_n and_o misery_n against_o all_o which_o faith_n do_v comfort_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n to_o uphold_v they_o from_o sink_v under_o their_o affliction_n by_o that_o virtue_n and_o power_n which_o they_o draw_v thereby_o from_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n wherefore_o if_o we_o do_v confide_v in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o rest_n upom_v they_o by_o faith_n as_o make_v unto_o we_o so_o that_o we_o can_v wait_v without_o murmur_a god_n own_o time_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o they_o will_v then_o sweeten_v our_o sorrow_n ease_v we_o in_o our_o trouble_n comfort_v we_o in_o the_o affliction_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o give_v we_o a_o assure_a hope_n of_o deliverance_n out_o of_o our_o distress_n the_o good_a king_n of_o juda_n and_o the_o valiant_a man_n of_o israel_n obtain_v many_o great_a victory_n beyond_o humane_a expectation_n because_o they_o believe_v and_o rest_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n which_o they_o have_v from_o the_o lord_n 8._o lord_n josh_n 11._o 6_o 8._o when_o joshua_n see_v divers_a king_n come_v against_o he_o he_o be_v afraid_a but_o god_n do_v strengthen_v he_o with_o the_o promise_n of_o victory_n which_o he_o rest_v upon_o and_o god_n make_v his_o word_n good_a unto_o he_o 7._o he_o judg._n 4._o 7._o baruch_n have_v the_o like_a promise_n against_o sisera_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v faithful_o perform_v 20_o perform_v 1_o king_n 20_o ahab_n have_v two_o great_a victory_n over_o the_o syrian_n though_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a king_n because_o he_o rest_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n 10._o god_n 1_o chron._n 14._o 10._o david_n overcome_v the_o philistines_n because_o he_o believe_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 8._o god_n 1_o sam._n 30._o 8._o also_o he_o recover_v all_o the_o spoil_n that_o the_o amalekite_n have_v take_v out_o of_o ziglag_n because_o he_o trust_v to_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n which_o he_o have_v from_o god_n david_n do_v find_v by_o manifold_a experience_n how_o faithful_a god_n be_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n which_o make_v he_o so_o much_o delight_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o often_o to_o meditate_v on_o his_o promise_n which_o do_v exceed_o strengthen_v he_o in_o all_o his_o affliction_n and_o trouble_n 19_o trouble_n psa_fw-la 34._o 19_o many_o be_v the_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o the_o lord_n deliver_v he_o out_o of_o they_o all_o 15_o all_o psa_fw-la 50._o 15_o call_v upon_o i_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trouble_n i_o will_v deliver_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v glorify_v i_o 11_o i_o psa_fw-la 42._o 11_o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n thus_o may_v a_o poor_a soul_n cheer_v up_o his_o droop_a spirit_n when_o his_o mind_n be_v perplex_v or_o when_o trouble_n and_o sorrow_n compass_v he_o about_o on_o every_o side_n if_o he_o have_v a_o word_n of_o promise_n from_o god_n to_o rest_v upon_o when_o god_n do_v visit_v we_o with_o affliction_n he_o have_v then_o some_o work_n to_o do_v in_o we_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o for_o our_o good_a and_o we_o must_v then_o make_v use_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o will_v help_v we_o much_o to_o join_v with_o he_o in_o his_o own_o work_n because_o he_o intend_v our_o good_a thereby_o and_o then_o he_o will_v the_o soon_o remove_v his_o rod_n of_o correction_n from_o we_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o god_n purpose_n be_v when_o his_o rod_n be_v upon_o we_o if_o we_o mark_v and_o observe_v in_o what_o manner_n he_o do_v visit_v we_o and_o also_o if_o we_o do_v true_o examine_v our_o step_n how_o we_o walk_v before_o god_n from_o day_n to_o day_n for_o than_o we_o shall_v discover_v what_o good_a we_o have_v omit_v and_o what_o evil_a we_o have_v commit_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v some_o sweet_a motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o direct_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v for_o the_o more_o speedy_a effect_n of_o his_o work_n in_o we_o if_o our_o conscience_n do_v tell_v we_o of_o some_o particular_a sin_n that_o have_v provoke_v god_n against_o we_o than_o he_o will_v punish_v we_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o sin_n if_o we_o be_v too_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o world_n he_o will_v visit_v we_o with_o cross_n loss_n and_o trouble_n in_o our_o estate_n if_o we_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n he_o will_v pull_v we_o down_o with_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n or_o send_v a_o messenger_n of_o satan_n to_o buffet_v we_o 7._o we_o 2_o cor._n 1â—_n 7._o as_o he_o do_v paul_n if_o we_o be_v too_o fond_a and_o indulgent_a to_o our_o child_n he_o will_v either_o take_v they_o away_o or_o visit_v we_o with_o sorrow_n and_o grief_n of_o heart_n in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v with_o david_n if_o we_o have_v any_o darling_n sin_n as_o samson_n have_v his_o dalilah_n god_n will_v make_v that_o very_a sin_n to_o be_v bitterness_n to_o we_o in_o the_o end_n if_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n we_o have_v not_o a_o sweet_a taste_n of_o the_o love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o if_o god_n see_v we_o secure_v or_o presume_v upon_o our_o own_o strength_n he_o will_v withdraw_v his_o assist_a grace_n and_o suffer_v we_o to_o fall_v into_o many_o temptation_n and_o into_o gross_a sin_n as_o he_o do_v peter_n to_o make_v we_o more_o watchful_a over_o our_o way_n and_o to_o depend_v more_o upon_o he_o thus_o we_o may_v find_v what_o god_n intend_v when_o we_o be_v under_o his_o visitation_n for_o then_o god_n call_v for_o true_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n for_o that_o very_a sin_n which_o he_o have_v discover_v to_o we_o and_o a_o true_a turn_n from_o it_o unto_o god_n with_o a_o faithful_a endeavour_n to_o better_a obedience_n and_o then_o he_o will_v forgive_v our_o sin_n and_o heal_v our_o disease_n by_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n but_o if_o our_o conscience_n do_v clear_v we_o and_o yet_o god_n visitation_n be_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v then_o to_o exercise_v we_o under_o the_o cross_n to_o be_v make_v conformable_a unto_o christ_n our_o head_n in_o his_o suffering_n or_o to_o try_v our_o faith_n our_o patience_n our_o hope_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n and_o what_o constancy_n we_o have_v to_o continue_v faithful_a to_o the_o end_n though_o god_n shall_v delay_v to_o remove_v the_o cross_n from_o we_o all_o which_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o our_o own_o good_a 3_o good_a john_n 9_o 3_o the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v blind_a from_o his_o birth_n and_o yet_o neither_o he_o
david_n delight_n to_o meditate_v on_o the_o law_n of_o god_n because_o he_o find_v great_a sweetness_n in_o it_o 163._o it_o psal_n 119._o 163._o how_o sweet_a say_v he_o be_v thy_o word_n unto_o my_o taste_n yea_o sweet_a than_o honey_n to_o my_o mouth_n if_o we_o have_v david_n spiritual_a palate_n 13._o palate_n isa_n 58._o 13._o we_o shall_v delight_v in_o the_o lord_n sabbath_n as_o he_o say_v by_o his_o prophet_n we_o shall_v delight_v to_o hear_v his_o word_n to_o come_v to_o his_o holy_a table_n to_o meditate_v on_o his_o law_n and_o to_o practice_v all_o holy_a duty_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o name_n also_o if_o we_o do_v set_v ourselves_o to_o meditate_v on_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o his_o grace_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o faith_n will_v give_v we_o sufficient_a power_n against_o all_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n hope_n will_v uphold_v our_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v weak_a patience_n will_v make_v we_o bear_v our_o affliction_n and_o trial_n with_o a_o willing_a mind_n holy_a zeal_n will_v make_v our_o prayer_n effectual_a to_o prevail_v with_o god_n to_o grant_v what_o we_o desire_v or_o what_o be_v better_o for_o we_o and_o constancy_n will_v make_v we_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n unto_o the_o end_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v that_o recompense_n of_o reward_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n have_v promise_v as_o faith_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o other_o spiritual_a grace_n so_o it_o will_v always_o go_v along_o with_o every_o particular_a grace_n to_o make_v it_o the_o more_o effectual_a and_o powerful_a to_o help_v we_o in_o time_n of_o need_n now_o we_o know_v the_o quickness_n of_o our_o spiritual_a taste_n by_o our_o delight_n in_o holy_a duty_n and_o in_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o we_o may_v know_v the_o strength_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o particular_a grace_n also_o the_o truth_n of_o every_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o we_o will_v appear_v and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o faith_n if_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n go_v along_o with_o it_o how_o to_o increase_v faith_n every_o man_n have_v not_o alike_o measure_v of_o faith_n he_o that_o iâ—_n weak_a in_o faith_n may_v be_v make_v strong_a and_o he_o that_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n may_v yet_o have_v more_o for_o it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a grace_n which_o will_v grow_v and_o increase_v if_o it_o be_v spiritual_o water_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n christ_n do_v find_v a_o great_a faith_n in_o the_o woman_n of_o canaan_n and_o in_o some_o other_o 28._o other_o mat._n 15._o 28._o o_o woman_n say_v he_o to_o she_o great_a be_v thy_o faith_n but_o he_o do_v often_o reprove_v his_o disciple_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o thus_o he_o say_v in_o particular_a unto_o peter_n 31_o peter_n mat._n 14._o 31_o o_o thou_o of_o little_a faith_n wherefoer_n do_v thou_o doubt_v peter_n doubt_v make_v he_o ready_a to_o sink_v as_o he_o walk_v upon_o the_o water_n unto_o christ_n and_o it_o do_v discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o christ_n as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o give_v he_o power_n to_o walk_v upon_o the_o water_n as_o he_o do_v this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o many_o of_o god_n dear_a servant_n that_o when_o they_o see_v peril_n and_o danger_n ready_a to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o no_o mean_n either_o to_o escape_v they_o or_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o they_o then_o fear_n and_o doubt_n will_v rise_v in_o their_o mind_n to_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o to_o make_v they_o distrust_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o doubt_v of_o his_o fatherly_a care_n of_o they_o and_o of_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o save_v they_o for_o sometime_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v so_o weak_a that_o it_o can_v mount_v above_o their_o humane_a capacity_n &_o they_o can_v see_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n to_o be_v far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n when_o god_n see_v such_o weakness_n in_o our_o faith_n he_o will_v tender_o visit_v we_o and_o will_v give_v we_o hope_v by_o some_o manifest_a sign_n to_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n against_o all_o our_o fear_n and_o doubt_n though_o our_o faith_n be_v weak_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v save_v it_o be_v grow_v and_o it_o be_v last_v faith_n be_v save_v because_o it_o do_v unite_v we_o unto_o christ_n with_o a_o unseparable_a union_n who_o be_v the_o rock_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o by_o who_o only_o we_o must_v be_v save_v 12._o save_v act._n 4._o 11_o 12._o christ_n be_v that_o stone_n which_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o of_o the_o bvilder_n which_o be_v becâ—me_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o for_o there_o be_v none_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v also_o we_o may_v grow_v in_o faith_n first_o 2._o first_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 2._o if_o we_o desire_v the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n as_o new_o bear_v babe_n desire_v the_o milk_n of_o the_o breast_n that_o we_o may_v thereby_o grow_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n if_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v pure_o preach_v without_o the_o mixture_n of_o erroneous_a doctrine_n it_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n sow_v in_o our_o heart_n by_o his_o minister_n and_o he_o will_v water_v it_o with_o his_o spirit_n to_o make_v it_o increase_v and_o fructify_v that_o we_o may_v grow_v in_o grace_n until_o we_o come_v to_o a_o full_a stature_n in_o christ_n if_o we_o do_v hear_v iâ—_n with_o sanctify_a heart_n and_o pure_a affection_n second_o we_o may_v great_o increase_v our_o faith_n in_o christ_n if_o we_o do_v spiritual_o feed_v upon_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o lord_n table_n which_o be_v the_o true_a food_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o heavenly_a nourishment_n of_o that_o spiritual_a life_n which_o we_o have_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o often_o we_o do_v thus_o feed_v at_o the_o lord_n table_n the_o more_o we_o cherish_v this_o spiritual_a life_n and_o the_o more_o we_o increase_v our_o faith_n and_o make_v all_o other_o save_v grace_n the_o strong_a in_o we_o three_o prayer_n be_v a_o special_a mean_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o we_o have_v the_o beginning_n of_o faith_n from_o god_n the_o increase_n of_o it_o also_o and_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o we_o must_v beg_v it_o of_o he_o by_o our_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n or_o else_o we_o can_v obtain_v it_o thus_o say_v the_o apostle_n unto_o christ_n 5._o christ_n lu._n 17._o 5._o lord_n increase_v our_o faith_n also_o thus_o say_v the_o father_n of_o the_o dumb_a child_n unto_o christ_n 24_o christ_n mar._n 9_o 24_o lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o unbelief_n god_n be_v ready_a to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o his_o servant_n but_o special_o when_o they_o make_v such_o petition_n as_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o grant_v which_o be_v such_o as_o do_v make_v most_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o nothing_o can_v advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n more_o than_o when_o they_o crave_v the_o increase_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o which_o they_o can_v glorify_v god_n in_o no_o service_n which_o they_o perform_v unto_o he_o for_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o honour_v he_o in_o any_o holy_a duty_n which_o he_o command_v four_o faith_n will_v grow_v and_o increase_v by_o our_o daily_a meditation_n on_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n how_o faithful_o he_o have_v perform_v all_o his_o promise_n how_o ready_a and_o how_o able_a he_o be_v still_o to_o perform_v they_o if_o we_o can_v rest_v and_o depend_v upon_o they_o by_o faith_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v immutable_a and_o omnipotent_a in_o his_o own_o essence_n that_o he_o be_v truth_n itself_o that_o he_o will_v not_o alter_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v decree_v in_o his_o secret_a counsel_n and_o that_o he_o will_v perform_v all_o that_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o word_n it_o will_v great_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o uphold_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n when_o any_o difficulty_n or_o danger_n press_v hard_a upon_o we_o which_o otherwise_o will_v shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n five_o the_o daily_a experience_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o in_o all_o condition_n of_o life_n whether_o we_o be_v in_o prosperity_n or_o in_o adversity_n in_o health_n or_o in_o
thy_o get_n get_v understanding_n this_o be_v a_o special_a mean_n to_o come_v to_o the_o true_a way_n of_o holy_a and_o devout_a meditation_n six_o we_o must_v daily_o practise_v this_o religious_a duty_n and_o if_o we_o learn_v to_o meditate_v upon_o ourselves_o what_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o nature_n or_o of_o grace_n it_o will_v bring_v we_o to_o the_o meditation_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n though_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n for_o a_o true_a child_n of_o god_n to_o meditate_v upon_o heavenly_a thing_n for_o his_o own_o benefit_n and_o comfort_n yet_o by_o use_n and_o exercise_n we_o may_v attain_v unto_o it_o and_o the_o sweetness_n that_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o it_o will_v by_o degree_n bring_v we_o to_o delight_v in_o this_o pious_a duty_n â—0_n duty_n phil._n 3._o â—0_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o shall_v have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n though_o we_o live_v upon_o earth_n and_o we_o shall_v enjoy_v heaven_n and_o heavenly_a happiness_n in_o some_o part_n while_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n for_o if_o we_o be_v frequent_a in_o our_o meditation_n on_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n 12_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n will_v make_v our_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n the_o seven_o direction_n be_v to_o choose_v such_o time_n and_o such_o place_n as_o be_v most_o fit_v and_o most_o convenienient_a for_o this_o holy_a duty_n that_o we_o be_v not_o interrupt_v by_o any_o occurrence_n of_o worldly_a occasion_n but_o that_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o heart_n may_v agree_v and_o go_v together_o in_o our_o meditation_n the_o fit_a time_n for_o this_o religious_a service_n be_v when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v a_o inclination_n of_o will_n and_o to_o move_v our_o heart_n thereunto_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n which_o time_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o let_v slip_n nor_o to_o lose_v this_o opportunity_n which_o he_o tender_v to_o we_o because_o it_o be_v the_o time_n for_o grace_n of_o his_o own_o choose_n and_o the_o time_n which_o he_o will_v accept_v if_o we_o take_v this_o time_n and_o set_v it_o apart_o to_o employ_v ourselves_o in_o this_o holy_a service_n he_o will_v then_o enlarge_v our_o heart_n for_o it_o he_o will_v direct_v we_o in_o it_o and_o he_o will_v gracious_o assist_v we_o with_o his_o spirit_n to_o conceive_v aright_o of_o those_o thing_n whereon_o we_o do_v intend_v to_o meditate_v as_o we_o must_v be_v free_a at_o that_o time_n from_o all_o incumberance_n by_o our_o affair_n so_o we_o must_v retire_v to_o such_o a_o place_n where_o we_o may_v be_v solitary_a and_o private_a that_o our_o heart_n may_v whole_o intend_v our_o meditation_n a_o solitary_a field_n be_v a_o fit_a place_n to_o ruminate_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o god_n 6._o god_n mat._n 6._o 6._o our_o closet_n be_v most_o convenient_a to_o meditate_v on_o the_o law_n of_o god_n if_o we_o choose_v such_o time_n and_o place_n we_o may_v free_o delight_v ourselves_o with_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a contemplation_n last_o we_o must_v prepare_v our_o heart_n for_o this_o pious_a duty_n by_o faithful_a prayer_n that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o aid_v and_o assist_v we_o herein_o with_o his_o bless_a spirit_n to_o raise_v up_o our_o affection_n to_o enlighten_v our_o understanding_n and_o to_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v our_o heart_n from_o all_o sinful_a thought_n worldly_a care_n and_o from_o every_o evil_a concupiscence_n that_o we_o may_v full_o devote_v ourselves_o to_o the_o meditation_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n that_o this_o holy_a service_n may_v be_v perform_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o spiritual_a knowledge_n to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n &_o to_o carry_v we_o on_o cheerful_o through_o all_o the_o troublesome_a chance_n and_o change_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o this_o life_n for_o our_o holy_a meditation_n will_v lift_v up_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n above_o all_o worldly_a care_n and_o above_o all_o the_o cross_n and_o sorrow_n that_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o here_o upon_o earth_n holy_a meditation_n be_v the_o prerogative_n only_o of_o a_o true_a christian_a among_o many_o prerogative_n that_o a_o true_a believe_a christian_n have_v above_o all_o other_o man_n this_o be_v not_o the_o least_o that_o he_o can_v raise_v up_o the_o affection_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o heavenly_a contemplation_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v in_o he_o whereas_o unregenerate_a man_n can_v attain_v to_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o true_a christianity_n by_o all_o the_o mean_v that_o art_n or_o nature_n can_v afford_v they_o for_o their_o meditation_n reach_v but_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o be_v practise_v only_o by_o the_o outward_a man_n which_o can_v yield_v they_o no_o spiritual_a consolation_n because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n to_o move_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o heart_n to_o heavenly_a thing_n which_o only_o can_v minister_v sweetness_n &_o true_a consolation_n to_o a_o afflict_a soul_n and_o to_o a_o trouble_a conscience_n to_o give_v they_o good_a hope_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n carnal_a man_n set_v their_o mind_n and_o affection_n upon_o carnal_a delight_n voluptuous_a man_n do_v daily_o study_v how_o to_o satisfy_v their_o soul_n with_o unprofitable_a pleasure_n and_o worldly_a mind_a man_n set_v their_o heart_n upon_o covetousness_n and_o upon_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o present_a world_n these_o and_o the_o like_a kind_n of_o man_n be_v so_o press_v down_o with_o the_o burden_n of_o sin_n and_o they_o be_v so_o encumber_v with_o worldly_a care_n and_o sinful_a delight_n that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o mount_v up_o towards_o heaven_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o no_o heart_n fit_a for_o divine_a contemplation_n because_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v have_v no_o spiritual_a light_n to_o discern_v aright_o of_o heavenly_a thing_n but_o a_o true_a believe_a christian_n have_v the_o light_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o give_v he_o spiritual_a understanding_n he_o have_v strength_n of_o grace_n to_o withstand_v all_o spiritual_a let_n and_o hindrance_n and_o to_o raise_v up_o his_o affection_n above_o all_o earthly_a thing_n &_o with_o the_o wing_n of_o faith_n he_o can_v mount_v up_o above_o all_o the_o block_n and_o impediment_n that_o the_o devil_n or_o wicked_a man_n can_v cast_v in_o his_o way_n to_o depress_v his_o spirit_n and_o to_o keep_v down_o the_o cogitation_n of_o his_o heart_n from_o pious_a and_o devout_a meditation_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o dear_a of_o god_n servant_n can_v sometime_o perform_v this_o religious_a duty_n as_o they_o shall_v because_o they_o do_v often_o find_v the_o flesh_n to_o war_n against_o the_o spirit_n 23._o spirit_n rom._n 7._o 21_o 23._o as_o paul_n do_v and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o yoke_v with_o their_o unregenerate_a part_n that_o when_o they_o will_v do_v good_a either_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o for_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n evil_a be_v present_a with_o they_o which_o do_v disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o their_o conscience_n the_o quiet_a of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o do_v also_o stop_v the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o comfort_n that_o shall_v come_v to_o their_o soul_n but_o especial_o they_o be_v hinder_v in_o their_o meditation_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n mere_o spiritual_a and_o can_v be_v perform_v but_o by_o the_o spirit_n yet_o through_o christ_n they_o get_v the_o victory_n and_o they_o will_v break_v through_o all_o opposition_n because_o 22._o because_o rom._n 7._o 22._o they_o delight_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o in_o heavenly_a contemplation_n after_o the_o inward_a man_n and_o their_o mind_n will_v be_v set_v at_o liberty_n to_o serve_v he_o 25._o he_o rom._n 7._o 25._o though_o with_o the_o flesh_n they_o do_v sometime_o serve_v the_o law_n of_o sin_n if_o we_o have_v give_v up_o our_o name_n unto_o christ_n and_o be_v list_v in_o his_o roll_n to_o fight_v under_o his_o banner_n we_o must_v look_v for_o continual_a conflict_n and_o combat_n with_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n which_o daily_o seek_v to_o ruin_v our_o soul_n by_o hinder_v we_o in_o our_o religious_a duty_n but_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v comfort_n in_o christ_n and_o power_n from_o he_o to_o prevail_v against_o they_o and_o to_o get_v the_o conquest_n over_o they_o all_o if_o we_o can_v raise_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o contemplate_v his_o omnipotent_a power_n his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o his_o wonderful_a care_n of_o we_o sometime_o