and_o cunning_a adversary_n come_v to_o ensnare_v he_o in_o his_o word_n so_o that_o they_o think_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o say_v i_o or_o no_o to_o their_o question_n without_o extraordinary_a prejudice_n to_o himself_o yet_o he_o answer_v with_o such_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o innocence_n that_o they_o go_v away_o ashamed_a of_o their_o folly_n nay_o when_o satan_n himself_o come_v and_o set_v upon_o he_o with_o his_o subtle_a temptation_n that_o he_o can_v possible_o find_v out_o yet_o our_o saviour_n without_o deliberation_n and_o study_n immediate_o answer_v he_o so_o full_o that_o he_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o reply_v but_o be_v fain_o to_o fly_v to_o another_o temptation_n and_o no_o marvel_n for_o he_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n 3._o consider_v the_o wonderful_a and_o exceed_a holiness_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o height_n of_o all_o his_o agony_n and_o suffering_n he_o abate_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o his_o love_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n for_o his_o suffering_n do_v not_o make_v he_o forget_v or_o diminish_v any_o thing_n no_o not_o in_o the_o least_o circumstance_n of_o his_o grace_n or_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o law_n require_v at_o his_o hand_n to_o be_v so_o free_o willing_a to_o have_v that_o agony_n continue_v which_o be_v unspeakable_a and_o as_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n if_o his_o father_n please_v be_v more_o than_o if_o those_o in_o hell_n shall_v free_o submit_v to_o endure_v the_o torment_n they_o suffer_v the_o holiness_n of_o those_o in_o heaven_n be_v not_o comparable_o so_o much_o great_a than_o the_o weak_a saint_n on_o earth_n as_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ_n be_v great_a while_o he_o live_v on_o earth_n then_o that_o of_o those_o in_o heaven_n nay_o all_o the_o saint_n on_o earth_n be_v fill_v from_o his_o fullness_n for_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n that_o convey_v to_o his_o saint_n as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v the_o infinite_a ocean_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o godhead_n no_o marvel_v that_o the_o angel_n when_o they_o see_v his_o glory_n cry_v out_o holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n of_o sabbath_n 4_o consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o infinite_a excellency_n in_o christ_n he_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o father_n yet_o how_o exceed_o do_v he_o humble_v himself_o and_o how_o gracious_a be_v he_o the_o poor_a man_n or_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o the_o great_a sinner_n that_o true_o repent_v with_o what_o love_n do_v he_o receive_v they_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n from_o who_o the_o angel_n receive_v their_o glory_n and_o yet_o he_o disdain_v not_o to_o shine_v upon_o such_o dunghill_n as_o we_o be_v it_o be_v strange_a o_o my_o soul_n to_o consider_v how_o willing_a christ_n be_v to_o please_v every_o one_o only_o provide_v it_o be_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o for_o their_o hurt_n that_o desire_v they_o many_o time_n nay_o most_o time_n when_o other_o be_v with_o he_o when_o he_o in_o respect_n of_o himself_o only_o will_v have_v do_v otherwise_o yet_o he_o do_v as_o their_o desire_n require_v rom._n 15.3_o the_o apostle_n say_v even_o christ_n please_v not_o himself_o many_o time_n when_o he_o be_v hungry_a if_o any_o come_v to_o he_o that_o need_v instruction_n or_o if_o he_o be_v sleepy_a and_o any_o come_v to_o he_o that_o need_v consolation_n he_o will_v abstain_v from_o meat_n and_o sleep_n that_o he_o may_v do_v they_o good_a it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o great_a man_n but_o it_o be_v so_o with_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o great_a god_n affection_n and_o resolution_n 1._o admire_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n o_o bless_a saviour_n thou_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o thou_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a thou_o have_v a_o name_n above_o all_o name_n that_o at_o thy_o name_n every_o knee_n shall_v bow_v thou_o lord_n be_v set_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o heavenly_a place_n far_o above_o all_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o might_n and_o dominion_n and_o every_o name_n that_o be_v name_v not_o only_o in_o this_o world_n but_o also_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v thou_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o thy_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n consider_v o_o my_o soul_n what_o can_v these_o word_n mean_v sure_o if_o god_n command_v all_o the_o angel_n to_o worship_v he_o when_o he_o bring_v he_o into_o the_o world_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v we_o for_o who_o he_o have_v do_v much_o more_o admire_v and_o adore_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n be_v confound_v and_o ashamed_a that_o thou_o be_v not_o more_o affect_v with_o these_o thing_n doubtless_o o_o my_o soul_n it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o excellency_n in_o christ_n for_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n but_o for_o want_v of_o a_o clear_a faith_n in_o thou_o to_o behold_v his_o excellency_n if_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o speak_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o christ_n as_o it_o do_v how_o can_v thy_o thought_n have_v be_v low_a of_o he_o then_o they_o be_v how_o can_v thy_o heart_n be_v more_o senseless_a it_o be_v a_o shame_n that_o every_o vanity_n shall_v steal_v away_o our_o heart_n from_o christ_n much_o more_o abominable_a be_v it_o that_o our_o very_a sin_n that_o murder_v he_o shall_v ever_o prevail_v with_o we_o in_o the_o least_o pray_v bless_a god_n it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n by_o all_o his_o wisdom_n and_o industry_n to_o know_v or_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o reveal_v they_o if_o i_o have_v a_o thousand_o world_n they_o be_v too_o small_a a_o price_n for_o so_o great_a a_o mercy_n o_o show_v i_o thyself_o and_o thy_o son_n and_o it_o suffice_v and_o now_o o_o my_o soul_n be_v the_o excellency_n of_o christ_n nothing_o unto_o we_o do_v we_o indeed_o admire_v they_o sure_o all_o be_v but_o mere_a word_n and_o vain_a thought_n if_o we_o do_v not_o strive_v as_o far_o as_o we_o may_v to_o imitate_v he_o in_o those_o excellency_n for_o which_o we_o pretend_v to_o admire_v he_o be_v we_o patient_a as_o he_o be_v meek_a humble_a holy_a who_o when_o he_o be_v revile_v revile_v not_o again_o etc._n etc._n we_o do_v but_o deceive_v our_o own_o soul_n in_o give_v glorious_a title_n and_o speak_v high_a thing_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o not_o endeavour_v to_o transform_v into_o his_o image_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v love_v he_o for_o his_o patience_n and_o holiness_n and_o not_o love_v patience_n and_o holiness_n not_o yet_o never_o care_v to_o practice_v and_o get_v they_o therefore_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v the_o example_n whereby_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o frame_v i_o and_o that_o i_o may_v the_o better_a do_v so_o i_o will_v read_v over_o especial_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o observe_v in_o every_o particular_a what_o christ_n do_v how_o he_o speak_v to_o his_o friend_n to_o his_o enemy_n how_o he_o demean_v himself_o in_o every_o action_n whether_o civil_a or_o natural_a or_o religious_a how_o in_o all_o his_o relation_n and_o when_o i_o have_v write_v they_o down_o i_o shall_v often_o peruse_v they_o and_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o every_o action_n that_o i_o do_v and_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v to_o remember_v if_o i_o can_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o parallel_a instance_n in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n if_o there_o be_v i_o shall_v make_v that_o my_o pattern_n and_o do_v likewise_o but_o if_o there_o be_v none_o that_o i_o can_v think_v of_o than_o i_o will_v do_v that_o which_o in_o my_o conscience_n i_o think_v christ_n will_v have_v do_v in_o like_a case_n for_o the_o conclusion_n i_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o direction_n and_o instance_n of_o former_a meditation_n the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n in_o write_v this_o small_a treatise_n of_o meditation_n not_o in_o the_o doctrinal_a or_o directory_a part_n because_o christian_a experience_n and_o study_n be_v thing_n by_o which_o that_o party_n be_v manage_v but_o in_o the_o set_n down_o of_o instance_n and_o example_n therein_o i_o find_v the_o difficulty_n to_o lie_v for_o meditation_n be_v a_o hard_a work_n then_o to_o give_v direction_n thereunto_o and_o i_o have_v general_o find_v it_o easy_a to_o study_v a_o day_n then_o to_o meditate_v a_o hour_n but_o of_o all_o the_o kind_n of_o meditation_n whereof_o instance_n be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o book_n i_o find_v the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o those_o of_o solemn_a occasional_a meditation_n they_o consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o prayer_n which_o the_o devout_a soul_n when_o it_o have_v end_v
a_o method_n and_o instruction_n for_o the_o art_n of_o divine_a meditation_n with_o instance_n of_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o solemn_a meditation_n by_o thomas_n white_a minister_n of_o god_n word_n in_o london_n may_v 28._o 1655._o imprimatur_fw-la edm._n calamy_n london_n print_v by_o a._n m._n for_o joseph_n cranford_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st_n paul_n church_n yard_n near_o the_o little_a north._n do_v it_o 1655._o to_o the_o reverend_n and_o my_o much_o honour_a brethren_n &_o father_n the_o presbyterian_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n within_o the_o province_n of_o london_n brethren_n and_o father_n i_o have_v long_o since_o serious_o consider_v since_o the_o church_n have_v be_v so_o much_o divide_v among_o we_o with_o who_o to_o close_v and_o where_o to_o fix_v and_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o observe_v both_o the_o public_a and_o private_a action_n the_o tenant_n and_o conversation_n of_o those_o minister_n that_o be_v of_o divers_a judgement_n and_o i_o do_v public_o profess_v that_o those_o minister_n which_o have_v and_o still_o do_v own_o provincial_a assembly_n be_v for_o their_o piety_n orthodoxness_n christian_a simplicity_n for_o their_o powerful_a spiritual_a frequent_a practical_a preach_a eminent_a these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o long_o ago_o have_v make_v i_o cordial_o to_o honour_v you_o though_o since_o my_o intimate_a acquaintance_n with_o many_o of_o you_o have_v much_o increase_v and_o confirm_v my_o high_a thought_n of_o you_o and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v confident_o say_v that_o under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n there_o be_v not_o any_o city_n or_o nation_n to_o be_v find_v that_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o london_n and_o england_n for_o powerful_a spiritual_a practical_a preach_a and_o i_o may_v say_v that_o the_o ministry_n of_o england_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o london_n be_v the_o paradise_n of_o england_n yet_o though_o i_o have_v long_o honour_v you_o i_o have_v not_o have_v any_o opportunity_n to_o testify_v it_o therefore_o i_o think_v good_a have_v this_o small_a treatise_n to_o publish_v with_o it_o to_o publish_v how_o much_o i_o honour_v you_o though_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a how_o little_a my_o judgement_n can_v add_v to_o the_o just_a esteem_n that_o the_o people_n of_o god_n have_v of_o you_o my_o desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v that_o as_o to_o your_o enemy_n you_o may_v be_v as_o john_n baptist_n that_o though_o they_o love_v you_o not_o they_o may_v fear_v and_o reverence_v you_o be_v awe_v by_o the_o image_n of_o god_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o majesty_n and_o power_n of_o your_o preach_v and_o in_o the_o holiness_n of_o your_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o that_o all_o the_o people_n of_o god_n may_v more_o and_o more_o high_o esteem_v you_o in_o love_n for_o your_o work_n sake_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o you_o preach_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v be_v deliver_v with_o such_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o the_o mouth_n of_o gainsayers_a may_v be_v stop_v and_o that_o your_o life_n and_o conversation_n may_v more_o and_o more_o abound_v with_o such_o sincerity_n simplicity_n meekness_n gravity_n humility_n and_o christian_a prudence_n that_o the_o face_n of_o those_o may_v be_v cover_v with_o shame_n that_o speak_v evil_a of_o you_o these_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o he_o who_o be_v your_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n thomas_n white_a a_o method_n or_o instruction_n for_o the_o art_n of_o divine_a meditation_n chap._n i._n what_o meditation_n be_v first_o it_o differ_v from_o occasional_a meditation_n such_o as_o these_o if_o one_o hear_v the_o clock_n strike_v to_o think_v with_o one_o self_n how_o many_o thought_n have_v i_o have_v of_o god_n this_o hour_n 2._o i_o be_o one_o hour_n near_o my_o grave_n and_o the_o lord_n only_o know_v whether_o i_o may_v have_v another_o hour_n to_o live_v or_o no._n 1._o these_o be_v far_o short_a like_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n which_o though_o they_o be_v as_o parenthesise_n in_o our_o worldly_a employment_n yet_o they_o signify_v more_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o business_n we_o be_v employ_v in_o but_o meditation_n be_v general_o of_o long_a duration_n then_o ordinary_a solemn_a prayer_n 2._o such_o occasional_a meditation_n be_v thing_n that_o we_o have_v in_o transitu_fw-la and_o this_o that_o i_o speak_v of_o be_v a_o solemn_a set_a duty_n 3._o the_o subject_a from_o which_o occasional_a meditation_n arise_v be_v very_o frequent_o thing_n artificial_a civil_a or_o natural_a indeed_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o see_v or_o hear_v but_o the_o subject_n of_o meditation_n be_v only_o spiritual_a second_o it_o differ_v from_o study_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o subject_a wicked_a man_n study_v and_o it_o may_v be_v more_o than_o godly_a man_n wicked_a man_n study_v and_o godly_a man_n meditate_v nay_o it_o be_v the_o very_a distinguish_a sign_n between_o saint_n and_o other_o psa_n 1.2_o and_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n far_o more_o rare_a for_o a_o meditate_a christian_a to_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n then_o for_o a_o christian_n that_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o prayer_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v public_a 2._o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o prayer_n and_o study_n they_o be_v very_o different_a 1._o study_n be_v of_o all_o manner_n of_o thing_n whether_o natural_a civil_a mathematical_a etc._n etc._n but_o meditation_n be_v only_o of_o matter_n that_o concern_v our_o eternal_a welfare_n 2._o the_o matter_n that_o we_o most_o study_n be_v those_o truth_n that_o be_v most_o knotty_a and_o difficult_a and_o general_o such_o as_o afford_v little_a spiritual_a nourishment_n as_o criticism_n chronology_n controversy_n etc._n etc._n but_o the_o matter_n of_o meditation_n be_v plain_a and_o of_o great_a spiritual_a advantage_n 3._o the_o end_n of_o study_n be_v knowledge_n the_o end_n of_o meditation_n be_v holiness_n if_o one_o see_v a_o learned_a man_n one_o may_v conclude_v that_o that_o man_n have_v study_v much_o if_o one_o see_v a_o devout_a holy_a man_n one_o may_v conclude_v that_o that_o man_n have_v meditate_a much_o three_o it_o differ_v from_o contemplation_n 1._o contemplation_n be_v more_o like_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n which_o they_o have_v of_o god_n in_o heaven_n like_o the_o angel_n behold_v of_o the_o face_n of_o god_n meditation_n be_v like_o the_o kindle_v of_o fire_n and_o contemplation_n more_o like_o the_o flame_a of_o it_o when_o full_o kindle_v the_o one_o be_v like_o the_o spouse_n seek_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o other_o like_o the_o spouse_n enjoy_v of_o christ_n 2._o contemplation_n be_v one_o effect_n and_o end_n of_o meditation_n 3._o meditation_n be_v like_o the_o bee_n fly_v to_o several_a flower_n or_o one_o smell_v to_o flower_n particular_o or_o several_o and_o contemplation_n be_v like_o the_o smell_a of_o they_o all_o in_o a_o nosegay_n or_o like_o the_o water_n that_o be_v distil_v from_o they_o all_o the_o spouse_n in_o her_o description_n of_o christ_n be_v like_a to_o meditation_n her_o conclude_a that_o he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a be_v like_a to_o contemplation_n therefore_o to_o conclude_v meditation_n be_v a_o serious_a solemn_a think_v and_o consider_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n to_o the_o end_n we_o may_v understand_v how_o much_o they_o concern_v we_o and_o that_o our_o heart_n thereby_o may_v be_v raise_v to_o some_o holy_a affection_n and_o resolution_n now_o there_o be_v four_o kind_n of_o solemn_a meditation_n according_a to_o the_o four_o several_a subject_n of_o it_o 1._o some_o solemn_a meditation_n be_v on_o sermon_n that_o we_o hear_v which_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a and_o necessary_a practice_n for_o christian_n and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o hear_v one_o sermon_n only_o and_o meditate_v on_o it_o then_o to_o hear_v two_o and_o meditate_v of_o neither_o but_o for_o set_v down_o a_o method_n for_o meditate_v on_o sermon_n be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o possible_a since_o the_o method_n of_o sermon_n be_v various_a and_o they_o be_v to_o observe_v in_o their_o meditation_n the_o method_n of_o the_o sermon_n they_o meditate_v upon_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v therefore_o in_o this_o particular_a be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o end_n of_o such_o meditation_n be_v neither_o only_a nor_o chief_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o fix_v the_o substance_n and_o head_n of_o the_o sermon_n in_o our_o memory_n nor_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v and_o full_a be_v instruct_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o point_n that_o be_v preach_v upon_o but_o especial_o to_o work_v those_o truth_n advice_n and_o motive_n etc._n etc._n upon_o our_o affection_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o in_o the_o sermon_n 2._o the_o second_o kind_n of_o solemn_a meditation_n be_v when_o upon_o some_o providentiall_a occasion_n or_o upon_o
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
out_o on_o other_o i_o be_o not_o move_v nay_o those_o very_a story_n and_o say_n which_o have_v former_o inflame_v i_o now_o be_v as_o spark_n fall_v into_o the_o sea_n warm_v not_o at_o all_o alas_o when_o i_o shall_v meet_v thou_o at_o the_o last_o day_n thy_o mercy_n they_o shall_v testify_v against_o i_o when_o they_o shall_v witness_v my_o slieghting_n of_o they_o my_o fruitlessness_n under_o they_o and_o unthankfulness_n for_o they_o what_o can_v i_o say_v alas_o my_o poor_a soul_n we_o be_v undo_v but_o that_o day_n be_v not_o come_v yet_o one_o hour_n more_o the_o lord_n it_o may_v be_v will_v give_v i_o come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o come_v into_o my_o poor_a soul_n for_o i_o be_o afraid_a to_o meet_v thou_o at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o thy_o judgement_n if_o thou_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n methinks_v i_o can_v go_v with_o confidence_n to_o thou_o that_o thou_o will_v hear_v i_o but_o now_o thou_o be_v in_o heaven_n i_o can_v bless_v be_v they_o who_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o believe_v lord_n i_o have_v receive_v double_a for_o all_o my_o sin_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n i_o have_v have_v by_o they_o i_o have_v have_v full_a measure_n press_v down_o and_o run_v over_o but_o alas_o my_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n be_v more_o gall_n than_o all_o the_o pleasure_n that_o i_o have_v have_v that_o have_v be_v worldly_a the_o loss_n and_o want_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o thy_o love_n can_v be_v recompense_v with_o all_o that_o the_o world_n have_v thy_o love_n be_v better_a than_o wine_n indeed_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o offence_n to_o thou_o every_o prayer_n deserve_v hell_n meditat._n xlv_o lord_n i_o be_o as_o afraid_a of_o comfort_n as_o of_o terror_n for_o when_o i_o have_v comfort_n i_o be_o subject_a to_o pride_n myself_o in_o they_o and_o in_o stead_n of_o have_v sweet_a thought_n of_o thou_o have_v high_a thought_n of_o myself_o affliction_n breed_v sorrow_n and_o comfort_n pride_n sorrow_n be_v better_a than_o pride_n my_o preach_n be_v my_o temptation_n and_o my_o accuser_n if_o i_o preach_v not_o the_o strict_a way_n of_o god_n my_o negligence_n condemn_v i_o and_o if_o i_o do_v my_o sermon_n condemn_v i_o for_o my_o life_n be_v hell_n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o publish_v something_o i_o have_v by_o the_o help_n of_o thy_o spirit_n write_v lest_o my_o life_n shall_v do_v more_o harm_n by_o scandal_n than_o the_o writing_n shall_v do_v good_a by_o direct_v to_o holiness_n and_o yet_o sometime_o i_o think_v that_o if_o i_o publish_v and_o own_v such_o writing_n they_o will_v be_v a_o strong_a engagement_n to_o live_v more_o holy_o but_o i_o have_v something_o against_o that_o also_o for_o that_o motive_n will_v in_o short_a time_n lose_v its_o strength_n such_o waxen_a wing_n will_v melt_v and_o let_v i_o fall_v to_o my_o former_a way_n and_o that_o holiness_n which_o be_v bear_v up_o with_o such_o carnal_a motive_n be_v a_o poor_a thing_n lord_n how_o be_o i_o distract_v and_o tear_v in_o piece_n with_o these_o thought_n nay_o lord_n if_o thou_o will_v have_v i_o go_v with_o these_o burden_n on_o my_o soul_n do_v whatever_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o eye_n if_o i_o may_v but_o drudge_n in_o thy_o house_n though_o i_o lie_v among_o the_o pot_n yet_o to_o be_v a_o scullion_n in_o thy_o house_n be_v better_a than_o to_o sit_v at_o the_o table_n of_o prince_n lord_n i_o be_o undo_v except_o thou_o work_v a_o miracle_n of_o mercy_n yet_o if_o i_o be_o undo_v it_o may_v before_o thou_o give_v i_o over_o and_o discover_v i_o to_o the_o world_n thou_o will_v let_v i_o do_v something_o more_o that_o may_v glorify_v thou_o and_o edify_v the_o people_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v thou_o may_v suffer_v i_o as_o long_o as_o i_o live_v to_o do_v much_o of_o which_o thou_o may_v have_v glory_n lord_n if_o my_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_o yet_o o_o that_o my_o action_n and_o my_o preach_n may_v be_v such_o that_o man_n see_v and_o hear_v they_o may_v be_v stir_v up_o to_o glorify_v thou_o by_o do_v those_o thing_n sincere_o which_o ay_o it_o may_v be_v do_v out_o of_o hypocrisy_n i_o be_o sure_a too_o much_o hypocrisy_n lord_n i_o have_v beg_v for_o such_o a_o heart_n as_o may_v not_o deceive_v i_o nor_o dishonour_v thou_o o_o my_o god_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v nay_o lord_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v i_o be_o undo_v unless_o thou_o do_v work_v mighty_o above_o all_o i_o can_v speak_v or_o think_v according_a to_o that_o mighty_a power_n wherewith_o thou_o do_v raise_v the_o lord_n from_o the_o dead_a o_o that_o i_o may_v be_v so_o raise_v that_o i_o may_v return_v no_o more_o to_o corruption_n meditat._n xlvi_o by_o this_o i_o know_v and_o be_o sensible_a it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o man_n to_o live_v by_o his_o own_o strength_n by_o my_o know_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o recover_v without_o thou_o if_o a_o live_a man_n can_v speak_v how_o can_v a_o condemn_a man_n live_v without_o thou_o if_o live_v bone_n can_v move_v how_o can_v dry_a bone_n live_v lord_n thou_o meet_v i_o not_o at_o duty_n thou_o speak_v not_o to_o i_o there_o thou_o speak_v to_o i_o in_o mercy_n and_o i_o answer_v not_o in_o judgement_n and_o i_o carry_v myself_o as_o a_o sleepy_a man_n that_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v awake_v what_o will_v thou_o do_v with_o i_o lord_n when_o i_o will_v neither_o speak_v to_o thou_o nor_o answer_v thou_o when_o thou_o speak_v o_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o grace_n and_o the_o power_n of_o thy_o mercy_n those_o sin_n i_o have_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o commit_v thou_o have_v take_v from_o i_o the_o opportunity_n to_o commit_v it_o be_v a_o comfort_n to_o i_o that_o i_o have_v not_o opportunity_n but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a comfort_n not_o to_o have_v a_o mind_n a_o instance_n according_a to_o the_o rule_v give_v for_o meditate_v on_o the_o scripture_n a_o meditation_n on_o these_o word_n isa._n 66.2_o but_o to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v even_o to_o he_o that_o be_v poor_a and_o of_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n 1._o let_v we_o serious_o consider_v o_o my_o soul_n that_o if_o a_o angel_n or_o god_n himself_o from_o heaven_n have_v speak_v these_o word_n in_o our_o hear_n as_o once_o christ_n do_v to_o paul_n when_o he_o be_v go_v to_o damascus_n sure_o i_o think_v they_o will_v have_v very_o much_o affect_v we_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n less_o his_o word_n because_o it_o be_v write_v i_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n 2_o pet._n 1.17_o 18_o 19_o speak_v of_o a_o voice_n that_o he_o himself_o hear_v from_o heaven_n say_v that_o he_o have_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n that_o be_v as_o i_o conceive_v that_o he_o be_v no_o less_o sure_a that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n than_o those_o that_o he_o hear_v with_o his_o ear_n then_o let_v we_o not_o be_v less_o affect_v with_o these_o word_n then_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v hear_v god_n himself_o speak_v they_o 2._o nor_o let_v we_o think_v that_o they_o less_o concern_v we_o then_o if_o we_o have_v earnest_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o tell_v we_o what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v and_o do_v and_o as_o a_o answer_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o have_v hear_v he_o speak_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n in_o particular_a to_o this_o man_n will_v i_o look_v that_o be_v of_o a_o poor_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o tremble_v at_o my_o word_n for_o doubtless_o god_n have_v not_o cause_v his_o word_n to_o be_v write_v in_o vain_a at_o a_o venture_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v read_v it_o but_o know_v not_o who_o they_o be_v shall_v read_v it_o but_o he_o know_v every_o particular_a person_n to_o who_o hand_n his_o word_n shall_v come_v and_o know_v his_o word_n shall_v come_v to_o my_o hand_n and_o i_o shall_v read_v these_o very_a word_n and_o therefore_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v write_v in_o particular_a for_o my_o sake_n though_o not_o exclusive_o christ_n die_v for_o all_o his_o people_n yet_o paul_n say_v that_o he_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o and_o christ_n do_v think_v particular_o of_o paul_n and_o so_o of_o every_o one_o else_o for_o who_o he_o die_v and_o give_v himself_o up_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o ransom_n particular_o think_v on_o and_o intend_v every_o one_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o his_o death_n if_o a_o minister_n shall_v go_v to_o one_o that_o be_v give_v to_o swear_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o that_o sin_n and_o lay_v it_o home_o to_o his_o conscience_n in_o private_a it_o general_o do_v affect_v he_o
more_o than_o to_o hear_v the_o same_o sin_n reprove_v in_o public_a yet_o he_o shall_v as_o particular_o apply_v it_o then_o though_o he_o have_v not_o in_o this_o respect_n so_o much_o reason_n to_o apply_v it_o as_o i_o have_v to_o apply_v these_o word_n to_o my_o own_o soul_n for_o the_o minister_n do_v not_o nor_o can_v actual_o and_o particular_o intend_v every_o one_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n he_o reprove_v for_o he_o know_v not_o every_o particular_a person_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o sin_n he_o reprove_v as_o god_n do_v every_o one_o that_o read_v his_o word_n therefore_o let_v we_o take_v this_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o as_o if_o god_n have_v send_v these_o word_n write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o i_o in_o particular_a when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v for_o our_o learning_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 15.4_o i_o conceive_v the_o meaning_n be_v not_o only_o by_o way_n of_o sufficiency_n but_o by_o way_n of_o intention_n efficacy_n and_o decree_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o people_n that_o be_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a matter_n in_o scripture_n to_o instruct_v we_o but_o that_o god_n do_v intend_v and_o decree_n that_o this_o place_n of_o scripture_n shall_v instruct_v every_o particular_a one_o of_o his_o people_n that_o be_v instruct_v by_o it_o 3._o and_o indeed_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o i_o now_o read_v these_o word_n and_o do_v now_o intend_v to_o meditate_v on_o they_o be_v it_o not_o or_o certain_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o i_o shall_v try_v whether_o i_o be_o such_o and_o whether_o i_o have_v such_o a_o heart_n and_o spirit_n as_o these_o word_n signify_v and_o if_o i_o be_o not_o so_o much_o as_o i_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o i_o shall_v humble_v myself_o and_o be_v as_o true_o sensible_a and_o as_o much_o affect_v and_o much_o more_o than_o i_o be_o with_o those_o bodily_a infirmity_n that_o lie_v upon_o i_o and_o if_o so_o be_v there_o be_v a_o receipt_n give_v i_o which_o i_o have_v a_o long_a time_n seek_v for_o and_o endeavour_v to_o get_v be_v assure_v that_o if_o i_o have_v it_o it_o will_v cure_v i_o sure_o i_o shall_v not_o only_o read_v it_o because_o i_o may_v be_v able_a to_o tell_v other_o what_o will_v cure_v such_o a_o disease_n or_o to_o enable_v myself_o to_o discourse_n of_o that_o matter_n but_o i_o shall_v read_v it_o with_o abundance_n of_o joy_n and_o unquestionable_a resolution_n to_o take_v it_o alas_o lord_n why_o do_v i_o not_o read_v thy_o word_n so_o also_o where_o the_o unquestionable_a remedy_n of_o all_o spiritual_a disease_n be_v set_v down_o sure_o it_o be_v my_o seaselesnesse_n of_o the_o mischief_n of_o these_o spiritual_a distemper_n that_o make_v i_o so_o little_o affect_v with_o grief_n for_o they_o and_o with_o joy_n that_o i_o have_v find_v out_o the_o remedy_n for_o they_o 4._o bless_a god_n it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o my_o power_n to_o know_v thou_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o own_o ability_n if_o thou_o do_v not_o menife_v thyself_o and_o thy_o truth_n unto_o i_o than_o it_o be_v for_o i_o to_o see_v the_o sun_n without_o the_o sun_n therefore_o lord_n do_v thou_o take_v off_o the_o veil_n that_o be_v upon_o my_o heart_n and_o understanding_n and_o that_o which_o be_v upon_o thy_o truth_n i_o read_v in_o thy_o word_n that_o my_o bless_a saviour_n do_v rejoice_v in_o spirit_n and_o give_v thou_o thanks_o because_o thou_o do_v hide_v thy_o truth_n from_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n o_o that_o i_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o babe_n to_o who_o thou_o will_v reveal_v thy_o truth_n lord_n give_v i_o a_o powerful_a spiritual_a experimental_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v include_v in_o these_o word_n 5._o and_o holy_a and_o bless_a father_n if_o thou_o will_v be_v please_v to_o let_v i_o know_v thy_o mind_n in_o thy_o word_n though_o thy_o command_n shall_v be_v never_o so_o cross_a to_o my_o corruption_n my_o base_a corruption_n which_o have_v hinder_v i_o from_o a_o world_n of_o joy_n grace_n and_o communion_n with_o thou_o which_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v for_o they_o i_o may_v have_v long_a ago_o i_o will_v do_v it_o by_o the_o power_n of_o thy_o might_n lordforbid_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o wicked_a as_o to_o inquire_v of_o thou_o the_o lord_n which_o i_o do_v or_o shall_v do_v as_o often_o as_o i_o read_v the_o scripture_n as_o we_o read_v the_o jew_n do_v desire_v the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n to_o inquire_v of_o thou_o for_o they_o though_o they_o be_v resolve_v beforehand_o what_o to_o do_v yet_o they_o say_v they_o will_v do_v whatever_o thou_o shall_v command_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n oh_o that_o i_o have_v at_o least_o a_o heart_n to_o resolve_v to_o serve_v thou_o if_o i_o must_v want_v let_v i_o want_v riches_n health_n liberty_n rather_o than_o grace_v rather_o let_v i_o want_v strength_n then_o want_v a_o will_v to_o serve_v thou_o i_o have_v as_o good_a sin_n unwilling_o as_o to_o do_v what_o thou_o command_v unwilling_o lord_n give_v i_o truth_n in_o the_o inward_a part_n 6._o those_o thing_n that_o lie_v plain_a in_o these_o word_n be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o poor_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n that_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v high_o esteem_v of_o he_o so_o that_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n and_o contrition_n of_o spirit_n and_o tremble_v at_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o three_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o so_o high_o commend_v and_o prize_v by_o god_n 7._o but_o now_o let_v we_o serious_o consider_v whether_o we_o be_v thus_o qualify_v be_o i_o poor_a in_o spirit_n those_o that_o be_v so_o have_v low_a thought_n of_o themselves_o and_o be_v not_o trouble_v that_o other_o have_v low_a thought_n of_o they_o too_o they_o like_v reproof_n better_o than_o praise_n they_o do_v not_o murmur_v under_o affliction_n but_o rather_o wonder_v they_o be_v no_o more_o afflict_v be_v it_o thus_o with_o we_o 8._o lord_n if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o poverty_n of_o spirit_n in_o i_o if_o i_o take_v reproof_n well_o or_o affliction_n in_o any_o measure_n patient_o certain_a it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o from_o myself_o i_o be_v bear_v with_o as_o proud_a a_o heart_n as_o any_o and_o certain_a i_o be_o that_o i_o do_v not_o change_v my_o own_o heart_n thou_o take_v away_o the_o stony_a heart_n we_o do_v not_o give_v thou_o it_o 9_o but_o alas_o lord_n i_o be_o far_o from_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n in_o any_o measure_n according_a to_o that_o which_o thou_o in_o thy_o word_n require_v my_o passion_n and_o the_o boiling_n of_o my_o heart_n my_o love_a to_o be_v call_v rabbi_n and_o to_o be_v esteem_v by_o other_o and_o many_o other_o distemper_n and_o corruption_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o i_o have_v daily_a to_o struggle_v withal_o evident_o prove_v the_o pride_n of_o my_o heart_n nay_o and_o the_o affliction_n that_o thou_o lay_v upon_o i_o plain_o show_v what_o the_o corruption_n be_v that_o thou_o intend_v especial_o to_o cure_v by_o the_o medicine_n ofttimes_o one_o may_v know_v what_o the_o disease_n be_v and_o lord_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o end_n in_o it_o then_o to_o manifest_v my_o distemper_n to_o thou_o for_o i_o to_o confess_v the_o secret_a pride_n of_o my_o heart_n the_o strange_a wind_n turn_n depth_n and_o strange_a and_o new_a monster_n of_o pride_n and_o hypocrisy_n that_o i_o may_v daily_o discover_v in_o myself_o alas_o lord_n thou_o know_v these_o altogether_o and_o since_o thou_o do_v so_o what_o cause_n have_v i_o to_o wonder_v that_o thou_o shall_v shine_v upon_o such_o a_o dunghill_n as_o i_o be_o but_o lord_n thou_o that_o only_o can_v cure_v i_o of_o this_o pride_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o heart_n for_o my_o prayer_n can_v nay_o though_o i_o consider_v and_o be_o convince_v of_o the_o desperate_a wickedness_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n the_o vileness_n of_o my_o nature_n the_o abomination_n of_o my_o life_n yet_o these_o can_v work_v without_o thou_o as_o a_o plaster_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o excellent_a lay_v on_o the_o wound_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n it_o draw_v not_o it_o heal_v not_o so_o be_v all_o consideration_n and_o conviction_n to_o a_o dead_a heart_n 2._o but_o alas_o what_o be_v there_o in_o i_o whereof_o i_o shall_v in_o any_o measure_n pride_n myself_o for_o other_o to_o have_v good_a thought_n of_o i_o be_v no_o very_o strange_a thing_n for_o so_o they_o have_v of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n but_o for_o one_o that_o know_v the_o baseness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n the_o carnal_a ground_n
manner_n and_o end_n of_o his_o action_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o distemper_n and_o corruption_n for_o such_o a_o one_o to_o have_v high_a thought_n of_o himself_o be_v one_o will_v think_v impossible_a but_o that_o as_o to_o god_n nothing_o be_v impossible_a that_o argue_v power_n so_o to_o such_o a_o heart_n as_o every_o one_o have_v by_o nature_n nothing_o be_v impossible_a that_o argue_v sin_n and_o we_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o wonder_v that_o we_o have_v not_o commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n then_o that_o we_o have_v do_v the_o evil_n that_o we_o have_v for_o certain_o have_v god_n but_o give_v we_o up_o to_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o own_o corruption_n and_o to_o satan_n subtlety_n and_o malice_n to_o improve_v they_o we_o have_v commit_v that_o sin_n long_o ago_o and_o alas_o what_o good_a do_v the_o high_a esteem_n of_o other_o do_v we_o be_v we_o ever_o a_o whit_n the_o more_o holy_a because_o they_o think_v we_o so_o nay_o have_v it_o not_o prove_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o more_o sinful_a god_n have_v abundant_o declare_v his_o wrath_n against_o this_o sin_n by_o that_o vengeance_n which_o he_o have_v pour_v out_o upon_o satan_n for_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o how_o many_o severe_a threaten_n be_v there_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n against_o pride_n and_o how_o many_o precious_a promise_n to_o those_o that_o be_v humble_a the_o lord_n behold_v the_o proud_a afar_o off_o but_o to_o this_o man_n will_v he_o look_v that_o be_v of_o a_o poor_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n and_o tremble_v at_o his_o word_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o cause_v thou_o to_o pride_n thyself_o be_v they_o thy_o gift_n either_o of_o edification_n or_o sanctification_n consider_v that_o 1._o they_o be_v very_o mean_v scarce_o any_o of_o thy_o call_n have_v weak_a gift_n of_o edification_n and_o no_o saint_n under_o heaven_n have_v weaket_n gift_n of_o sanctification_n 2._o suppose_v thy_o gift_n be_v great_a o_o what_o a_o heavy_a account_n must_v there_o be_v for_o mispend_v such_o talent_n what_o way_n can_v thou_o worse_o misspend_v they_o then_o by_o pride_v thyself_o in_o they_o do_v man_n praise_v thou_o alas_o thou_o may_v go_v to_o hell_n with_o their_o praise_n for_o so_o do_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o thou_o and_o do_v thou_o pride_n thyself_o and_o rejoice_v in_o that_o fear_v and_o tremble_v at_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v woe_n unto_o you_o when_o all_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o you_o for_o so_o do_v their_o father_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n 3._o consider_v how_o unkind_o thou_o deal_v with_o god_n thou_o do_v as_o a_o woman_n that_o shall_v deck_v herself_o with_o the_o jewel_n that_o her_o husband_n have_v give_v she_o nay_o that_o she_o shall_v give_v away_o these_o jewel_n to_o those_o with_o who_o she_o play_v the_o harlot_n the_o more_o to_o entice_v they_o be_v not_o this_o the_o act_n of_o a_o imperious_a whorish_a woman_n as_o god_n himself_o do_v phrase_n it_o ezek._n 16.30_o and_o do_v but_o read_v that_o chapter_n and_o you_o shall_v see_v whether_o you_o have_v not_o abuse_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n more_o than_o they_o do_v they_o spend_v they_o in_o honour_n to_o and_o in_o worship_v of_o idol_n and_o can_v one_o make_v a_o base_a idol_n in_o the_o world_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v it_o then_o one_o self_n 4._o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o remedy_n of_o this_o sin_n 1._o consider_v how_o much_o hell_n there_o be_v in_o thy_o heart_n what_o a_o base_a and_o vile_a wretched_a nature_n thou_o have_v consider_v what_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o man_n in_o their_o natural_a condition_n and_o be_v sure_a the_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o do_v as_o those_o vain_a man_n do_v who_o when_o they_o praise_v or_o dispraise_v care_v not_o whether_o their_o expression_n be_v true_a or_o false_a so_o they_o be_v high_a enough_o and_o they_o rather_o strive_v to_o speak_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v then_o as_o much_o as_o they_o ought_v sure_o whatsoever_o the_o scripture_n have_v speak_v be_v make_v good_a to_o the_o utmost_a by_o those_o that_o be_v in_o hell_n and_o will_v by_o every_o man_n on_o earth_n do_v god_n withdraw_v his_o restrain_v sanctify_a grace_n and_o be_v those_o spark_n of_o hellfire_n that_o be_v in_o every_o one_o by_o nature_n blow_v up_o to_o a_o flame_n and_o heighten_v by_o those_o suffering_n that_o be_v there_o inflict_v 2._o consider_v how_o little_a good_a and_o how_o much_o corruption_n there_o be_v in_o our_o best_a action_n from_o what_o carnal_a principle_n upon_o what_o carnal_a ground_n and_o for_o what_o carnal_a end_n we_o perform_v our_o holy_a duty_n sure_o there_o be_v more_o sin_n in_o our_o best_a action_n than_o ever_o yet_o we_o have_v discover_v in_o our_o great_a abomination_n do_v but_o meditate_v upon_o those_o several_a consideration_n set_v down_o in_o the_o meditation_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a preservative_n and_o remedy_n against_o pride_n last_o resolve_v with_o thyself_o never_o unless_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n may_v thereby_o be_v advance_v to_o speak_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v cause_v other_o to_o have_v high_a thought_n of_o thou_o or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o that_o end_n whatever_o good_a duty_n thou_o do_v whether_o of_o prayer_n or_o alm_n etc._n etc._n as_o secret_o as_o may_v be_v let_v not_o thy_o left_a hand_n know_v what_o thy_o right_a hand_n do_v though_o thou_o be_v exceed_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o thy_o sin_n because_o they_o offend_v and_o dishonour_n god_n and_o scandalize_v religion_n yet_o let_v not_o this_o at_o all_o trouble_n thou_o that_o thereby_o the_o esteem_n that_o man_n have_v of_o thou_o be_v much_o abate_v to_o conclude_v pray_v earnest_o as_o if_o thou_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o thy_o life_n for_o it_o be_v thy_o life_n that_o god_n will_v humble_v thou_o desire_n god_n to_o afflict_v thou_o or_o use_v any_o mean_n that_o he_o will_v sanctify_v to_o that_o end_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v finish_v thy_o meditation_n consider_v what_o passage_n have_v most_o affect_v thou_o and_o keep_v it_o in_o thy_o thought_n that_o by_o often_o think_v of_o it_o thou_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o make_v to_o be_v of_o a_o poor_a and_o a_o contrite_a spirit_n that_o god_n may_v delight_v in_o thou_o and_o that_o thou_o may_v delight_v in_o he_o now_o to_o the_o king_n eternal_a the_o immortal_a invisible_a and_o only_o wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n meditat_fw-la i._o of_o the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v create_v preparation_n 1._o be_v convince_v of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n 2._o desire_v of_o god_n to_o assist_v thou_o with_o his_o spirit_n consideration_n 1._o consider_v god_n do_v not_o create_v thou_o for_o any_o need_n he_o have_v of_o thou_o for_o though_o thou_o shall_v do_v all_o that_o he_o command_v thou_o thou_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a servant_n to_o he_o and_o thou_o come_v wonderful_o short_a of_o do_v what_o god_n command_v but_o only_a to_o declare_v and_o exercise_v his_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n to_o thou_o in_o bestow_v upon_o thou_o his_o grace_n in_o this_o life_n and_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o as_o it_o be_v in_o deuteronomy_n plain_o set_v down_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o all_o thy_o strength_n and_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o have_v enrich_v thou_o with_o understanding_n to_o know_v he_o remembrance_n to_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o will_z to_o love_v he_o imagination_n to_o represent_v his_o benefit_n to_o thy_o thought_n eye_n to_o behold_v the_o wonder_n of_o his_o work_n and_o a_o tongue_n to_o praise_v he_o etc._n etc._n 1._o thou_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o this_o thou_o will_v plain_o see_v that_o it_o evident_o follow_v which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o consider_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o end_n that_o hinder_v thou_o in_o or_o from_o know_v love_a serve_a and_o enjoy_v of_o god_n must_v be_v avoid_v and_o abhor_v as_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o can_v befall_v thou_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n 2._o the_o second_o thing_n that_o plain_o follow_v from_o this_o be_v that_o thou_o shall_v be_v little_a or_o nothing_o trouble_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o though_o thou_o lose_v thou_o may_v notwithstanding_o serve_v god_n thou_o may_v lose_v thy_o riches_n and_o yet_o thou_o may_v be_v holy_a therefore_o thou_o must_v not_o mourn_v nor_o grieve_v for_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n of_o health_n etc._n etc._n 3._o nor_o
thought_n of_o they_o have_v thou_o such_o a_o full_a assurance_n or_o be_v thy_o life_n such_o that_o thou_o need_v not_o fear_v be_v not_o moses_n and_o john_n as_o holy_a as_o thou_o be_v not_o john_n the_o belove_a disciple_n and_o moses_n one_o with_o who_o god_n speak_v face_n to_o face_n and_o yet_o they_o tremble_v o_o my_o soul_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o it_o be_v ignorance_n and_o infidelity_n not_o a_o gospel-assurance_n that_o make_v thou_o so_o senseless_a nay_o it_o be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o whosoever_o live_v wicked_o and_o tremble_v not_o at_o the_o thought_n of_o judgement_n it_o proceed_v from_o a_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n 2._o admire_v and_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o all_o those_o that_o live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n such_o be_v all_o they_o that_o repent_v not_o and_o believe_v not_o the_o gospel_n 3._o examine_v and_o try_v thyself_o o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o judge_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v not_o judge_v we_o may_v easy_o know_v what_o question_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o we_o that_o day_n we_o must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n then_o let_v we_o judge_v ourselves_o by_o it_o now_o do_v we_o indeed_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n may_v that_o which_o we_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v true_o call_v strive_v or_o not_o can_v a_o saint_n prayer_n be_v call_v strive_v or_o not_o when_o every_o temptation_n at_o the_o first_o assault_n overcome_v thou_o and_o thou_o fight_v not_o a_o stroke_n be_v this_o strive_n be_v this_o to_o fight_v a_o good_a fight_n and_o resist_n unto_o blood_n do_v we_o think_v that_o god_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v avouch_v this_o strive_n nay_o can_v our_o own_o conscience_n think_v it_o so_o now_o be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v 4._o pray_v o_o bless_a god_n thou_o that_o be_v the_o great_a and_o just_a judge_n of_o all_o man_n be_v please_v to_o fit_v and_o prepare_v i_o for_o that_o that_o that_o day_n may_v not_o come_v so_o as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n as_o to_o rob_v i_o of_o all_o my_o comfort_n deal_v with_o i_o how_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o eye_n afflict_v i_o chastise_v i_o only_o let_v i_o be_v save_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n 5._o o_o my_o soul_n let_v we_o true_o consider_v what_o we_o be_v to_o do_v and_o how_o we_o be_v to_o live_v that_o when_o other_o at_o that_o day_n shall_v call_v to_o the_o hill_n and_o to_o the_o mountain_n to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o hide_v they_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n we_o may_v lift_v up_o our_o head_n because_o our_o salvation_n draw_v near_o well_o o_o my_o soul_n i_o read_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o the_o neglect_v to_o judge_v ourselves_o and_o the_o judge_n of_o other_o be_v two_o sin_n that_o will_v cause_v all_o those_o to_o be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v that_o live_v in_o they_o therefore_o i_o be_o resolve_v by_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v never_o to_o censure_v or_o judge_v any_o one_o as_o i_o have_v do_v and_o frequent_o to_o examine_v myself_o and_o as_o frequent_o and_o severe_o to_o judge_v myself_o as_o former_o i_o have_v use_v to_o censure_n and_o judge_v other_o and_o to_o use_v as_o much_o lenity_n mildness_n in_o judge_v and_o censure_v other_o as_o ever_o i_o do_v in_o censure_v my_o own_o way_n and_o if_o i_o do_v speak_v ill_a of_o any_o one_o i_o will_v if_o i_o remember_v it_o when_o i_o be_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n not_o only_o beg_v pardon_n of_o my_o sin_n in_o rash_a judge_n but_o as_o much_o as_o in_o i_o lie_v make_v he_o some_o restitution_n by_o put_v up_o as_o many_o prayer_n for_o he_o as_o i_o have_v speak_v evil_a thing_n of_o he_o and_o let_v we_o further_o resolve_v of_o my_o soul_n and_o by_o thy_o bless_a assistance_n o_o god_n i_o be_o resolve_v and_o do_v promise_n before_o thou_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v frequent_o and_o i_o beseech_v thou_o that_o i_o may_v always_o do_v it_o before_o i_o do_v or_o speak_v any_o thing_n consider_v whether_o i_o dare_v own_o that_o action_n or_o that_o word_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o if_o i_o dare_v not_o own_v it_o i_o will_v not_o dare_v to_o do_v or_o speak_v it_o and_o when_o at_o any_o time_n i_o think_v of_o omit_v of_o any_o holy_a duty_n and_o think_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o excuse_n will_v serve_v i_o will_v bring_v it_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o god_n by_o serious_o consider_v with_o myself_o whether_o in_o my_o conscience_n i_o think_v that_o god_n will_v take_v that_o for_o a_o sufficient_a excuse_n at_o that_o great_a day_n for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o exercise_n i_o refer_v you_o to_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o former_a meditation_n for_o i_o be_o loath_a that_o this_o manual_a shall_v swell_v too_o much_o meditat_fw-la vi_o of_o hell_n be_v convince_v of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n consideration_n 1._o consider_v o_o my_o soul_n the_o greatness_n of_o these_o torment_n certain_o if_o god_n so_o heavy_o afflict_v his_o own_o people_n as_o he_o do_v job_n heman_n and_o divers_a of_o his_o people_n who_o have_v be_v in_o dissertion_n many_o year_n how_o sad_a be_v the_o expression_n of_o david_n he_o say_v he_o roar_v for_o the_o disquietness_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o how_o many_o sad_a expression_n have_v job_n that_o he_o have_v not_o time_n to_o swallow_v his_o spittle_n and_o how_o that_o he_o choose_v rather_o a_o strangle_a then_o life_n and_o many_o other_o exceed_v sad_a expression_n which_o can_v never_o have_v proceed_v from_o a_o holy_a man_n who_o be_v set_v before_o we_o as_o a_o pattern_n of_o patience_n if_o his_o affliction_n have_v not_o be_v very_o great_a and_o heman_n say_v that_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o be_v almost_o distract_v with_o they_o and_o so_o from_o his_o youth_n up_o until_o that_o time_n that_o he_o write_v that_o psalm_n psal_n 88_o if_o this_o be_v do_v to_o the_o green_a tree_n what_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o the_o dry_a and_o if_o god_n chastise_v his_o people_n with_o such_o rod_n what_o scorpion_n shall_v the_o damn_a be_v scourge_v with_o and_o if_o the_o righteous_a have_v be_v thus_o afflict_v toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v where_o shall_v the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a appear_v what_o shall_v the_o portion_n of_o their_o cup_n be_v even_o the_o dregs_o of_o the_o vial_n of_o god_n wrath_n for_o upon_o the_o wicked_a he_o shall_v rain_v snare_n fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o a_o horrible_a tempest_n 2._o consider_v what_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v if_o we_o do_v true_o and_o serious_o consider_v how_o much_o those_o word_n signify_v when_o our_o saviour_n say_v my_o soul_n be_v heavy_a to_o the_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v help_v to_o understand_v what_o our_o saviour_n sorrow_n be_v if_o the_o wise_a holy_a and_o patient_a man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v not_o oppress_v or_o distemper_v at_o all_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o bodily_a distemper_n of_o melancholy_n i_o say_v if_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o a_o intimate_a bosom_n friend_n and_o with_o a_o sad_a countenance_n shall_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v even_o ready_a to_o die_v because_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o grief_n and_o sadness_n that_o lie_v upon_o his_o spirit_n will_v not_o this_o argue_v that_o his_o sorrow_n be_v exceed_o great_a especial_o when_o his_o friend_n never_o hear_v he_o to_o complain_v in_o all_o his_o life_n though_o the_o injury_n and_o suffering_n have_v be_v very_o great_a all_o along_o if_o he_o shall_v further_o say_v unto_o his_o friend_n i_o beseech_v you_o to_o watch_v with_o i_o sure_o it_o will_v argue_v a_o heart_n overwhelm_v with_o grief_n now_o i_o say_v for_o our_o saviour_n to_o say_v so_o to_o his_o disciple_n and_o afterward_o to_o sweat_v blood_n o_o what_o unknown_a sorrow_n do_v our_o saviour_n feel_v how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o wicked_a to_o escape_v when_o god_n spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n though_o he_o be_v but_o a_o surety_n and_o those_o sorrow_n that_o make_v he_o groan_v will_v crush_v thou_o to_o piece_n woe_n be_v to_o that_o man_n that_o be_v to_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o own_o person_n 3._o consider_v o_o my_o soul_n the_o sad_a aggravate_v concommitant_n of_o these_o torment_n every_o member_n and_o faculty_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n shall_v be_v torment_v here_o if_o our_o head_n ache_v may_v be_v our_o heart_n
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
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
what_o we_o shall_v do_v to_o overcome_v these_o enemy_n and_o send_v many_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o bring_v into_o our_o soul_n grace_v to_o strengthen_v we_o we_o will_v not_o do_v what_o he_o advise_v we_o to_o do_v nay_o but_o we_o take_v part_n with_o our_o corruption_n and_o resist_v and_o fight_v against_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v oh_o thy_o patience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v i_o be_o weary_a to_o think_v before_o i_o go_v to_o prayer_n how_o little_a fruit_n i_o expect_v from_o they_o i_o pray_v and_o pray_v and_o weep_v and_o read_v and_o hear_v and_o sigh_v and_o confess_v these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o of_o my_o sin_n and_o yet_o as_o a_o ship_n in_o the_o sea_n they_o do_v divide_v my_o corruption_n for_o the_o present_a but_o they_o present_o return_v to_o their_o former_a course_n lord_n do_v not_o the_o bowel_n of_o thy_o compassion_n yern_v within_o thou_o to_o see_v i_o thy_o poor_a servant_n in_o such_o a_o miserable_a condition_n as_o i_o be_o in_o do_v thou_o not_o see_v how_o sin_n and_o corruption_n do_v as_o it_o be_v lie_v gnaw_v upon_o i_o and_o eat_v up_o my_o very_a flesh_n and_o destroy_v my_o soul_n and_o i_o have_v neither_o hand_n nor_o foot_n to_o move_v against_o they_o lord_n who_o be_v it_o that_o must_v make_v i_o hate_v corruption_n be_v it_o not_o thy_o spirit_n who_o must_v overcome_v my_o resist_n of_o thy_o spirit_n be_v it_o not_o thy_o spirit_n lord_n i_o do_v not_o know_v in_o the_o world_n what_o to_o do_v to_o leave_v off_o strive_v be_v not_o only_o to_o despair_v of_o thy_o goodness_n because_o thou_o do_v not_o help_v as_o much_o and_o when_o i_o will_v and_o beside_o if_o i_o can_v get_v ground_n nay_o though_o notwithstanding_o i_o lose_v ground_n yet_o doubtless_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v so_o swift_o down_o stream_n as_o if_o i_o strive_v not_o at_o all_o if_o i_o must_v be_v forsake_v by_o thou_o to_o all_o eternity_n yet_o lord_n let_v i_o not_o while_o i_o live_v so_o fall_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n alas_o be_v it_o come_v to_o this_o o_o my_o soul_n that_o i_o must_v say_v if_o god_n will_v forsake_v i_o for_o ever_o meditat._n vi._n in_o the_o most_o serious_a address_n of_o my_o soul_n to_o take_v hold_n upon_o god_n i_o find_v a_o unhappy_a frozennesse_n benumb_v the_o best_a of_o my_o devotion_n and_o thereby_o i_o show_v either_o that_o i_o be_o extreme_o ignorant_a of_o thou_o lord_n or_o what_o be_v worse_o senseless_a of_o thou_o the_o truth_n be_v i_o may_v just_o tremble_v when_o i_o come_v to_o keep_v any_o day_n of_o humiliation_n in_o thy_o sight_n not_o only_o because_o of_o the_o desperate_a sin_n i_o be_o gulity_n of_o but_o special_o because_o such_o duty_n do_v work_v little_a or_o nothing_o upon_o i_o and_o this_o be_v sure_a enough_o that_o those_o ordinance_n that_o do_v not_o foften_v do_v harden_v i_o be_o in_o a_o great_a straight_o my_o conscience_n drive_v i_o upon_o duty_n and_o i_o dare_v not_o omit_v they_o and_o yet_o my_o heart_n be_v so_o hard_a and_o filthy_a that_o they_o do_v not_o purify_v i_o so_o i_o be_o more_o defile_v then_o before_o ah_o my_o god_n thou_o know_v what_o affliction_n be_v bitter_a and_o strong_a enough_o to_o purge_v these_o corruption_n lord_n send_v they_o and_o though_o i_o be_o so_o vile_a that_o i_o do_v not_o now_o fervent_o and_o earnest_o enough_o desire_n to_o be_v cure_v but_o yet_o lord_n i_o know_v my_o want_n of_o desire_n of_o reformation_n be_v one_o of_o my_o great_a corruption_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v cure_v of_o that_o or_o at_o least_o lord_n thy_o fatherly_a goodness_n i_o hope_v will_v take_v care_n to_o cure_v i_o of_o that_o and_o lord_n this_o i_o know_v that_o when_o thou_o shall_v send_v any_o such_o affliction_n upon_o i_o i_o shall_v it_o be_v too_o likely_a murmur_n and_o be_v weary_a of_o the_o chastisement_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o may_v be_v i_o shall_v pray_v for_o the_o take_n off_o of_o that_o corrasive_n before_o it_o have_v eat_v away_o that_o deadness_n of_o heart_n and_o other_o corruption_n that_o now_o lie_v upon_o i_o yet_o lord_n do_v not_o yield_v to_o such_o prayer_n go_v on_o with_o thy_o cure_n and_o if_o i_o be_v impatient_a cure_n that_o corruption_n also_o and_o every_o other_o corruption_n that_o shall_v appear_v in_o the_o time_n of_o cure_n of_o any_o corruption_n we_o shall_v bless_v thou_o one_o day_n for_o not_o hear_v and_o not_o grant_v such_o prayer_n as_o shall_v be_v for_o our_o spiritual_a harm_n lord_n death_n be_v very_o bitter_a unto_o i_o sure_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o bitter_a if_o there_o be_v no_o root_n of_o bitterness_n in_o i_o if_o i_o keep_v a_o strict_a communion_n with_o thou_o in_o this_o world_n i_o shall_v long_o for_o a_o full_a communion_n with_o thou_o in_o heaven_n for_o ever_o meditat._n vii_o since_o our_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n have_v love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o oh_o that_o my_o heart_n be_v ravish_v with_o his_o love_n oh_o that_o he_o be_v the_o belove_a of_o my_o soul_n and_o that_o i_o be_v sick_a of_o his_o love_n who_o die_v for_o the_o love_n of_o i_o oh_o that_o i_o can_v not_o be_v stay_v but_o with_o his_o flagon_n this_o my_o jesus_n the_o chief_a of_o ten_o thousand_o have_v tell_v i_o that_o he_o that_o see_v thou_o see_v the_o father_n whereby_o i_o understand_v that_o thou_o be_v just_a as_o he_o be_v as_o pitiful_a as_o gracious_a as_o willing_a to_o forgive_v as_o sweet_a and_o as_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v as_o my_o good_a saviour_n and_o in_o all_o the_o thing_n and_o passage_n that_o thy_o word_n have_v make_v know_v to_o we_o of_o he_o i_o read_v not_o of_o one_o of_o all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o not_o one_o poor_a soul_n that_o ever_o beg_v any_o grace_n or_o any_o pardon_n nor_o never_o do_v any_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v of_o any_o bodily_a disease_n in_o vain_a lord_n thou_o be_v as_o he_o be_v lord_n jesus_n thou_o be_v as_o thou_o be_v thy_o be_v in_o heaven_n make_v thou_o not_o less_o like_o thy_o father_n or_o thyself_o bless_v god_n i_o do_v beseech_v thou_o i_o do_v beseech_v thou_o to_o give_v i_o to_o give_v i_o thy_o poor_a hard-hearted_a servant_n a_o soft_a heart_n lord_n jesus_n i_o beseech_v thou_o thou_o see_v my_o hard_a my_o poor_a heart_n desire_v as_o imperfect_o as_o cold_o to_o make_v intercession_n for_o i_o i_o for_o who_o thou_o have_v pay_v a_o dear_a price_n as_o one_o that_o have_v be_v so_o long_o from_o his_o friend_n that_o he_o can_v hardly_o call_v to_o remembrance_n what_o countenance_n he_o have_v so_o i_o poor_a i_o that_o can_v choose_v but_o pity_v the_o sad_a condition_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o incessant_o and_o importunate_o desire_v grace_n as_o it_o shall_v yet_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o see_v it_o in_o such_o a_o careless_a temper_n i_o be_o such_o a_o stranger_n to_o thou_o that_o i_o have_v much_o a_o do_v to_o make_v one_o thought_n of_o thy_o sweet_a love_n and_o excellency_n that_o may_v affect_v my_o heart_n and_o bring_v the_o sweet_a apprehension_n of_o thou_o to_o remembrance_n thy_o tender_a mercy_n and_o former_a relish_v of_o thy_o goodness_n be_v to_o i_o like_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n they_o be_v as_o christ_n walk_v upon_o the_o water_n they_o terrify_v i_o lord_n let_v i_o weep_v thou_o to_o i_o again_o oh_o my_o god_n i_o be_o undo_v undo_v undo_v a_o poor_a undo_v creature_n those_o in_o desertion_n be_v in_o a_o thousand_o time_n better_a condition_n than_o i_o be_o they_o want_v the_o comfort_n but_o then_o indeed_o they_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o be_v not_o my_o poor_a soul_n that_o want_v both_o in_o a_o sad_a condition_n that_o can_v sit_v down_o and_o fall_v asleep_a when_o i_o shall_v seek_v my_o saviour_n i_o have_v a_o soul_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o make_v i_o wonder_v at_o myself_o as_o in_o the_o spring_n and_o sometime_o there_o will_v come_v a_o cloud_n that_o will_v seem_v to_o overspread_v the_o heaven_n and_o yet_o on_o the_o sudden_a all_o will_v be_v blow_v over_o and_o the_o day_n so_o fair_a that_o there_o will_v not_o be_v a_o cloud_n to_o be_v see_v so_o be_o i_o sometime_o my_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o sorrow_n and_o my_o eye_n full_a of_o tear_n and_o yet_o upon_o the_o sudden_a my_o heart_n lose_v that_o sweet_a sad_a temper_n and_o all_o be_v blow_v over_o and_o not_o a_o cloud_n appear_v and_o these_o cloud_n of_o grief_n be_v not_o disperse_v with_o the_o comfort_n and_o joy_n of_o thy_o