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
method_n fright_v the_o ignorant_a 1._o this_o be_v the_o very_a method_n of_o those_o meditation_n by_o which_o every_o one_o that_o be_v bring_v home_o to_o god_n be_v convert_v for_o the_o first_o thing_n in_o conversion_n be_v our_o be_v convince_v of_o some_o truth_n which_o conviction_n raise_v affection_n for_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n end_n in_o conviction_n and_o go_v no_o further_o nay_o if_o they_o end_v in_o affection_n only_o and_o never_o come_v to_o resolution_n of_o shun_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a conversion_n can_v never_o be_v perfect_v as_o for_o example_n one_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o be_v a_o miserable_a undo_v wretch_n by_o reason_n of_o original_n and_o actual_a abomination_n upon_o this_o conviction_n fear_n and_o sorrow_n be_v raise_v yet_o if_o these_o do_v not_o work_v in_o we_o a_o firm_a resolution_n of_o leave_v those_o sin_n we_o be_v yet_o in_o our_o sin_n and_o unconvert_v 3._o there_o be_v several_a thing_n for_o the_o conclude_a of_o meditation_n as_o shall_v appear_v chap._n v._o direction_n for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o and_o affectedwith_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n 1._o for_o be_v convince_v of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n it_o may_v thus_o be_v wrought_v 1._o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v present_a every_o where_o as_o true_o real_o and_o essential_o as_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o god_n do_v not_o create_v heaven_n to_o confine_v he_o but_o to_o manifest_v his_o presence_n for_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n be_v not_o able_a to_o contain_v he_o for_o god_n be_v neither_o include_v by_o nor_o exclude_v from_o any_o place_n and_o though_o jacob_n say_v sure_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o know_v it_o not_o gen._n 28.16_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o imagine_v that_o jacob_n be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o truth_n but_o do_v not_o actual_o consider_v it_o but_o david_n in_o the_o 139._o psalm_n be_v clear_a in_o explain_v and_o clear_v up_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n 2._o we_o must_v consider_v that_o god_n do_v more_o peculiarly_a observe_v his_o people_n while_o they_o be_v perform_v of_o heavenly_a duty_n whether_o it_o be_v while_o they_o be_v speak_v unto_o he_o or_o he_o speak_v unto_o they_o he_o do_v then_o more_o especial_o observe_v the_o motion_n and_o frame_n of_o their_o heart_n as_o when_o we_o be_v in_o any_o company_n we_o do_v more_o especial_o look_v upon_o and_o observe_v those_o to_o who_o we_o speak_v or_o who_o speak_v to_o we_o yet_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o as_o if_o god_n do_v observe_v we_o more_o at_o one_o time_n then_o another_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n knowledge_n itself_o but_o thus_o that_o god_n be_v much_o more_o offend_v with_o we_o if_o our_o carriage_n and_o frame_n of_o heart_n be_v more_o irreverent_a and_o unholy_a in_o the_o time_n of_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n then_o at_o such_o time_n as_o we_o be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o our_o particular_a call_n 3._o we_o may_v consider_v with_o ourselves_o that_o christ_n do_v actual_o behold_v we_o especial_o in_o these_o duty_n of_o holiness_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o distance_n of_o place_n that_o do_v hin-christs_n knowledge_n and_o exact_a observe_v of_o we_o little_o do_v nathanael_n think_v that_o christ_n see_v he_o under_o the_o figtree_n nathanael_n do_v not_o see_v christ_n nor_o be_v he_o corporal_o present_v then_o yet_o christ_n behold_v nathanael_n when_o he_o pray_v so_o christ_n behold_v steven_n before_o the_o heaven_n be_v open_v and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o heaven_n be_v not_o that_o thereby_o christ_n may_v be_v enable_v the_o better_a to_o behold_v steven_n but_o that_o steven_n may_v thereby_o be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o see_v that_o christ_n look_v on_o he_o without_o all_o controversy_n god_n know_v and_o observe_v with_o what_o reverence_n faith_n love_n etc._n etc._n we_o pray_v for_o else_o our_o prayer_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o our_o faith_n also_o vain_a for_o how_o can_v he_o give_v we_o according_a to_o our_o faith_n if_o he_o know_v not_o how_o much_o our_o faith_n be_v if_o the_o inward_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v not_o observe_v by_o he_o than_o a_o hypocrite_n that_o have_v better_a expression_n shall_v get_v more_o by_o his_o prayer_n than_o a_o true_a nathanael_n that_o have_v a_o better_a heart_n 4._o suppose_v that_o thou_o have_v live_v in_o christ_n time_n or_o suppose_v that_o christ_n be_v now_o in_o england_n consider_v with_o what_o joy_n reverence_n and_o confidence_n thou_o will_v go_v to_o he_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o thy_o sin_n or_o for_o any_o other_o mercy_n thou_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o thou_o may_v go_v so_o to_o he_o now_o his_o distance_n from_o thou_o in_o respect_n of_o corporal_a presence_n do_v not_o make_v he_o less_o able_a to_o know_v thy_o want_n or_o hear_v thy_o prayer_n nor_o his_o be_v now_o glorify_v make_v he_o less_o willing_a to_o grant_v they_o then_o if_o he_o be_v bodily_a present_n in_o the_o room_n with_o thou_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n as_o he_o be_v once_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o glory_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o hinder_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n for_o chtist_n be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n and_o god_n attribute_n do_v not_o hinder_v one_o another_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n do_v not_o set_v bound_n unto_o his_o goodness_n and_o make_v that_o finite_a nor_o do_v his_o goodness_n make_v his_o majesty_n less_o glorious_a his_o goodness_n make_v his_o majesty_n more_o amiable_a and_o his_o majesty_n make_v his_o goodness_n more_o wonderful_a so_o neither_o do_v the_o exaltation_n of_o christ_n cause_v he_o to_o abate_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o goodness_n unto_o his_o people_n but_o if_o any_o way_n his_o love_n be_v alter_v it_o be_v by_o be_v make_v more_o than_o it_o be_v and_o when_o christ_n be_v upon_o earth_n you_o must_v have_v come_v to_o he_o by_o faith_n or_o you_o can_v obtain_v no_o mercy_n from_o he_o and_o by_o faith_n though_o he_o be_v in_o heaven_n you_o may_v obtain_v any_o mercy_n now_o you_o may_v consider_v any_o one_o or_o two_o or_o more_o of_o these_o consideration_n until_o your_o heart_n be_v so_o convince_v of_o and_o affect_v with_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v thereby_o be_v the_o better_o fit_v for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n more_o effectual_o chap._n vi_o concern_v the_o preparatory_a prayer_n that_o be_v to_o be_v use_v before_o meditation_n the_o next_o preparatory_a consideration_n be_v prayer_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v in_o these_o word_n or_o to_o like_a purpose_n lord_n my_o design_n in_o this_o duty_n of_o meditation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o hour_n sequester_v from_o worldly_a employment_n for_o that_o be_v to_o be_v idle_a a_o hour_n and_o to_o increase_v my_o sin_n not_o my_o grace_n but_o my_o business_n at_o this_o time_n be_v to_o be_v so_o convince_v and_o affect_v with_o those_o spiritual_a truth_n reveal_v in_o thy_o word_n that_o i_o may_v full_o resolve_v by_o thy_o strength_n and_o power_n to_o reform_v my_o life_n because_o i_o can_v neither_o understand_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o my_o peace_n nor_o understand_v they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o certainty_n and_o truth_n of_o they_o nay_o lord_n though_o my_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v yet_o without_o thou_o my_o affection_n can_v be_v inflame_v i_o can_v neither_o know_v resolve_v nor_o perrform_v what_o be_v good_a without_o thou_o for_o from_o thou_o come_v both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n of_o thy_o good_a pleasure_n i_o beseech_v thou_o lord_n that_o thou_o will_v give_v i_o thy_o grace_n to_o make_v conscience_n of_o perform_v this_o duty_n with_o my_o whole_a strength_n and_o not_o careless_o and_o perfunctory_o and_o lord_n do_v thou_o enlighten_v i_o with_o and_o convince_v i_o of_o thy_o truth_n and_o so_o affect_v my_o heart_n with_o the_o love_n of_o holiness_n and_o hatred_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n that_o i_o may_v thereby_o be_v enable_v full_o firm_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o the_o flesh_n world_n or_o devil_n can_v make_v to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n with_o joy_n and_o with_o speed_n and_o when_o thou_o have_v wrought_v in_o i_o the_o will_v so_o to_o do_v give_v i_o also_o the_o deed_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o trust_v to_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o resolution_n but_o to_o the_o continual_a gracious_a assistance_n of_o thy_o spirit_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o through_o thou_o i_o shall_v resolve_v to_o do_v holy_a and_o bless_a god_n christ_n have_v send_v i_o wish_v i_o to_o come_v to_o thou_o in_o his_o name_n for_o any_o mercy_n
this_o dulness_n and_o deadness_n of_o heart_n that_o be_v the_o just_a reason_n why_o i_o shed_v they_o and_o if_o thou_o shall_v once_o purify_v and_o inflame_v my_o heart_n by_o faith_n and_o love_n i_o shall_v shed_v more_o tear_n for_o my_o wander_a thought_n in_o prayer_n than_o now_o i_o do_v for_o all_o the_o abomination_n i_o be_o guilty_a of_o alas_o lord_n the_o ordinary_a day_n of_o thy_o saint_n be_v far_o more_o holy_a than_o the_o day_n i_o set_v apart_o for_o special_a service_n of_o thou_o and_o their_o thought_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o worldly_a business_n be_v more_o devout_a and_o zealous_a than_o my_o thought_n in_o my_o prayer_n be_v always_o with_o thou_o i_o scarce_o do_v any_o thing_n though_o almost_o of_o never_o so_o small_a moment_n but_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o do_v it_o this_o or_o that_o way_n be_v because_o it_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o more_o for_o thy_o glory_n lord_n it_o be_v not_o thy_o fault_n for_o thou_o do_v wait_v to_o show_v mercy_n whether_o my_o wretched_a heart_n will_v consent_v to_o it_o or_o no_o this_o i_o do_v set_v down_o as_o a_o infallible_a truth_n and_o let_v all_o the_o world_n give_v thou_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o all_z thy_o way_n be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a and_o thou_o do_v stretch_v out_o thy_o arm_n to_o embrace_v we_o it_o be_v our_o fault_n that_o we_o do_v not_o run_v into_o thy_o bosom_n the_o infidelity_n and_o other_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o our_o bosom_n make_v we_o think_v that_o thou_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o receive_v we_o and_o so_o we_o not_o come_v we_o want_v that_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o thou_o that_o will_v if_o we_o have_v it_o make_v we_o not_o so_o timorous_a of_o comng_v to_o thou_o as_o we_o be_v meditat._n xxi_o before_o i_o begin_v to_o write_v i_o know_v i_o have_v more_o cause_n to_o write_v in_o blood_n or_o tear_n then_o in_o ink_n can_v a_o mother_n forget_v her_o child_n it_o be_v not_o can_v a_o child_n forget_v the_o mother_n nor_o be_v it_o can_v a_o mother_n her_o child_n if_o the_o child_n forget_v she_o or_o can_v there_o be_v any_o case_n wherein_o the_o mother_n can_v forget_v her_o child_n lord_n do_v thoo_n awaken_v my_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v asleep_a lord_n do_v thou_o raise_v my_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v dead_a do_v thou_o thaw_v my_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v freeze_v lord_n thou_o be_v that_o celestial_a fire_n that_o inflame_v all_o thy_o angel_n with_o love_n i_o have_v no_o way_n but_o to_o come_v before_o thy_o presence_n in_o hope_n that_o at_o the_o last_o i_o shall_v be_v thaw_v if_o not_o inflame_v thou_o will_v not_o put_v out_o the_o smoke_a snuff_n of_o a_o candle_n i_o be_o such_o a_o one_o enlighten_v and_o inflame_v though_o now_o i_o send_v forth_o nothing_o but_o a_o unsavoury_a staunch_a what_o shall_v i_o stand_v imperfect_a as_o i_o be_o thus_o speak_v what_o i_o may_v and_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o my_o god_n lord_n thou_o have_v command_v in_o thy_o word_n that_o if_o a_o adulterer_n defile_v a_o woman_n and_o she_o cry_v not_o out_o than_o she_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n lord_n infidelity_n hypocrisy_n and_o vainglory_n be_v come_v to_o undo_v i_o to_o defile_v my_o soul_n and_o they_o have_v almost_o persuade_v my_o soul_n not_o to_o cry_v out_o to_o be_v ravish_v be_v a_o great_a affliction_n but_o to_o embrace_v the_o adulterer_n be_v a_o abomination_n if_o i_o cry_v to_o man_n for_o succour_n if_o i_o go_v to_o ordinance_n alas_o the_o adulterer_n be_v a_o strong_a man_n he_o have_v lock_v the_o door_n of_o my_o soul_n and_o none_o can_v break_v they_o open_v but_o thou_o only_o lord_n do_v not_o stand_v knock_v at_o the_o door_n of_o my_o heart_n for_o the_o strong_a man_n will_v not_o and_o i_o be_o keep_v so_o fast_o by_o my_o corruption_n i_o can_v come_v to_o let_v thou_o in_o lord_n break_v open_a the_o door_n and_o come_v in_o to_o help_v i_o before_o i_o be_o utter_o undo_v as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o levite_n concubine_n so_o will_v it_o be_v with_o my_o poor_a soul_n corruption_n and_o corruption_n and_o sin_n after_o sin_n will_v so_o abuse_v she_o that_o she_o will_v be_v at_o last_o dead_a alas_o methinks_v i_o look_v upon_o my_o poor_a soul_n as_o one_o look_n upon_o a_o ship_n toss_v among_o rock_n in_o the_o sea_n one_o see_v it_o and_o pity_v it_o but_o know_v not_o how_o to_o help_v it_o there_o come_v a_o wave_n and_o carry_v it_o with_o violence_n among_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o rock_n and_o make_v it_o reel_v and_o stagger_v like_o a_o drunken_a man_n and_o then_o all_o in_o the_o ship_n be_v fain_o to_o pump_v and_o toil_n to_o save_v their_o life_n at_o last_o it_o be_v dash_v in_o piece_n and_o all_o fain_a to_o get_v upon_o break_v piece_n of_o the_o ship_n to_o swim_v to_o the_o shore_n if_o it_o may_v be_v my_o soul_n be_v even_o labour_v for_o life_n lord_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v will_v thou_o be_v as_o a_o man_n astonish_v and_o as_o a_o mighty_a man_n that_o can_v help_v then_o i_o be_o undo_v than_o i_o may_v say_v if_o thou_o will_v not_o then_o farewell_n all_o my_o duty_n farewell_n all_o my_o grace_n and_o all_o my_o comfort_n which_o i_o have_v have_v in_o the_o dear_a embrace_n of_o my_o god_n ah_o must_v i_o not_o pray_v but_o with_o my_o tongue_n must_v i_o have_v no_o more_o comfort_n but_o what_o poor_a creature_n can_v give_v i_o lord_n if_o i_o must_v perish_v let_v i_o perish_v in_o thy_o way_n let_v i_o convert_v many_o unto_o thou_o though_o i_o know_v my_o damnation_n shall_v be_v great_a if_o i_o perish_v for_o live_v so_o contrary_a to_o i_o own_o doctrine_n lord_n i_o be_o a_o poor_a miserable_a man_n and_o a_o more_o miserable_a christian_a thou_o be_v i_o can_v possible_o imagine_v what_o but_o i_o hope_v lord_n i_o shall_v know_v these_o day_n of_o ignorance_n and_o sin_n will_v not_o always_o last_o when_o my_o change_n come_v i_o shall_v no_o more_o sin_n and_o repent_v and_o repent_v and_o sin_n as_o i_o do_v now_o oh_o my_o corruption_n i_o hope_v one_o day_n i_o shall_v leave_v you_o all_o in_o the_o grave_n behind_o i_o the_o day_n be_v come_v when_o while_o i_o be_o praise_v god_n you_o shall_v not_o come_v and_o lie_v as_o a_o talon_n of_o lead_n upon_o my_o soul_n and_o hinder_v my_o flight_n come_v lord_n jesus_n come_v quick_o come_v while_o my_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o joy_n to_o think_v of_o thy_o come_n o_o my_o god_n thou_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o enough_o enough_o my_o soul_n can_v hold_v no_o more_o lord_n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o the_o joy_n sometime_o i_o have_v to_o think_v of_o thou_o tear_n for_o my_o sin_n be_v fit_a for_o i_o then_o tear_n of_o joy_n yet_o i_o dare_v not_o refuse_v they_o nay_o i_o can_v if_o i_o will_v they_o be_v so_o sweet_a so_o sweet_a heaven_n be_v but_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o they_o lord_n thou_o be_v enough_o enough_o for_o they_o that_o love_v thou_o meditat._v xxii_o to_o see_v a_o dead_a man_n array_v with_o all_o the_o rich_a clothes_n still_o there_o be_v more_o horror_n to_o behold_v he_o then_o delight_n so_o my_o poor_a soul_n look_v ghastly_a in_o all_o the_o duty_n i_o perform_v i_o have_v a_o cold_a and_o dead_a soul_n for_o all_o they_o and_o more_o terror_n there_o be_v in_o the_o deadness_n then_o there_o be_v comfort_n in_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o this_o i_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o one_o look_n upon_o hell_n upon_o whatsoever_o one_o look_n but_o up-christ_n yet_o christ_n be_v not_o sweet_a unto_o i_o my_o dear_a saviour_n to_o who_o i_o be_v so_o dear_a lord_n jesus_n give_v i_o a_o heart_n that_o may_v feel_v thy_o sweetness_n i_o be_o convince_v that_o thou_o be_v so_o but_o my_o poor_a heart_n have_v not_o enough_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v dross_n and_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o christ_n lord_n here_o be_v my_o estate_n my_o health_n my_o life_n my_o liberty_n and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v and_o have_v i_o more_o i_o will_v free_o give_v all_o give_v but_o such_o a_o heart_n as_o i_o desire_v and_o the_o same_o will_v i_o consecrate_v unto_o thou_o in_o spiritual_a affection_n all_o my_o day_n now_o i_o think_v thus_o with_o myself_o when_o i_o be_v most_o desirous_a of_o and_o addict_v to_o humane_a learning_n it_o be_v wonderful_a delightful_a to_o i_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o some_o new_a truth_n or_o to_o have_v some_o difficult_a question_n clear_o resolve_v to_o read_v the_o mathematics_n be_v wonderful_a delightful_a because_o they_o prove_v such_o strange_a thing_n
than_o i_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o that_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n be_v hide_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o his_o gospel_n then_o further_o i_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o paul_n who_o be_v a_o learned_a man_n yet_o account_v all_o thing_n as_o dross_n and_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o christ_n i_o have_v also_o recourse_n to_o the_o experience_n of_o several_a godly_a person_n i_o know_v of_o the_o abundant_a sweetness_n in_o christ_n i_o have_v recourse_n to_o that_o small_a experience_n i_o have_v have_v of_o the_o sweetness_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n therefore_o lord_n though_o i_o have_v not_o at_o this_o present_a the_o powerful_a and_o ravish_a feeling_n of_o christ_n excellency_n yet_o assure_v myself_o all_o these_o way_n whereby_o i_o full_o do_v assent_v to_o that_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o and_o jesus_n christ_n i_o do_v beseech_v thou_o o_o lord_n to_o give_v i_o a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o thou_o in_o christ_n i_o beseech_v thou_o i_o beseech_v thou_o let_v not_o my_o undervalue_v of_o this_o knowledge_n cause_v thou_o to_o deny_v it_o i_o shall_v more_o value_v it_o if_o i_o have_v more_o of_o it_o lord_n i_o know_v if_o thou_o shall_v look_v in_o i_o and_o my_o life_n to_o see_v what_o thou_o can_v find_v to_o hinder_v the_o grant_n of_o this_o request_n thou_o may_v find_v enough_o nay_o i_o that_o know_v myself_o not_o so_o well_o as_o thou_o do_v know_v enough_o and_o enough_o nay_o i_o know_v nothing_o to_o move_v thou_o in_o myself_o except_o something_o i_o have_v have_v from_o thou_o those_o thing_n i_o have_v so_o abuse_v that_o i_o know_v they_o may_v be_v swift_a witness_n against_o i_o bâ—t_a lord_n if_o thou_o shall_v give_v i_o this_o knowledge_n of_o they_o i_o may_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o thou_o lord_n hear_v i_o alas_o lord_n my_o desire_n to_o know_v christ_n do_v even_o die_v while_o i_o be_o pray_v to_o know_v he_o alas_o lord_n such_o a_o heart_n as_o i_o have_v be_v fit_a for_o none_o but_o thou_o for_o none_o in_o the_o world_n can_v tell_v what_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o thou_o only_o it_o be_v past_o the_o skill_n of_o all_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n but_o thou_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o ordinance_n and_o duty_n if_o thou_o shall_v not_o set_v in_o i_o will_v pity_v the_o soul_n of_o my_o great_a enemy_n if_o i_o shall_v see_v it_o in_o such_o continual_a storm_n and_o trouble_v as_o be_v in_o i_o there_o be_v new_a corruption_n appear_v such_o as_o i_o may_v term_v they_o nothing_o so_o fit_o as_o spark_n of_o the_o fire_n of_o hell_n to_o have_v one_o heart_n rise_v against_o god_n when_o the_o continual_a desire_n of_o one_o soul_n and_o prayer_n be_v that_o one_o may_v be_v inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n lord_n while_o i_o be_o work_v my_o heart_n to_o a_o serious_a thought_n of_o thou_o endeavour_v to_o have_v my_o heart_n full_a of_o admiration_n of_o thou_o and_o affiance_n in_o thou_o before_o i_o pray_v unto_o thou_o that_o if_o it_o may_v be_v my_o prayer_n may_v be_v as_o a_o arrow-drawn_a up_o to_o the_o head_n but_o when_o i_o go_v about_o to_o pray_v and_o send_v up_o my_o petition_n my_o thought_n of_o thy_o glory_n and_o goodness_n slack_v and_o it_o fare_v with_o i_o oh_o my_o soul_n as_o sometime_o it_o do_v with_o one_o that_o be_v tie_v knot_n when_o one_o have_v pull_v the_o first_o very_o hard_o yet_o it_o slack_v before_o one_o can_v tie_v the_o second_o if_o i_o keep_v but_o a_o strict_a communion_n with_o thou_o and_o do_v as_o thou_o desire_v lord_n why_o shall_v thou_o desire_v we_o always_o to_o be_v with_o thou_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o thou_o far_o more_o than_o we_o be_v and_o if_o we_o know_v thou_o more_o how_o shall_v we_o love_v thou_o more_o and_o if_o we_o love_v thou_o more_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v thou_o more_o for_o thou_o reveale_v thyself_o to_o they_o that_o love_v thou_o alas_o o_o my_o soul_n why_o shall_v not_o we_o always_o be_v with_o god_n since_o he_o give_v we_o leave_v how_o gracious_a be_v thou_o to_o invite_v such_o sinner_n as_o we_o be_v to_o come_v to_o thou_o for_o thou_o to_o wash_v our_o soul_n clean_o with_o the_o immaculate_a blood_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n alas_o lord_n i_o be_o i_o own_o enemy_n nay_o i_o see_v it_o and_o know_v it_o and_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o lord_n i_o be_o so_o tire_v out_o with_o my_o corruption_n that_o i_o be_o even_o weary_a of_o my_o life_n and_o almost_o weary_a of_o my_o duty_n lord_n even_o at_o this_o present_a how_o when_o my_o soul_n be_v so_o trouble_v that_o my_o eye_n be_v ready_a to_o weep_v there_o come_v a_o thought_n of_o a_o poor_a worldly_a business_n into_o my_o soul_n and_o my_o thought_n and_o sorrow_n for_o heavenly_a matter_n be_v go_v meditat._v xxiii_o o_o my_o god_n how_o cold_o without_o love_n how_o doubt_o without_o faith_n do_v i_o call_v thou_o my_o god_n lord_n how_o careless_a be_o i_o in_o thy_o service_n how_o very_o careless_a how_o long_a lord_n holy_a and_o true_a shall_v i_o be_v thus_o lade_v with_o corruption_n nay_o which_o be_v my_o great_a misery_n i_o be_o not_o but_o very_o little_a sensible_a of_o my_o own_o vileness_n that_o make_v i_o that_o i_o do_v not_o hunger_n after_o righteousness_n bless_a lord_n i_o do_v humble_o prostrate_v my_o soul_n before_o thou_o and_o do_v with_o all_o the_o weak_a power_n of_o my_o soul_n importune_v thou_o by_o all_o the_o merit_n of_o my_o dear_a saviour_n pray_v thou_o to_o look_v upon_o i_o in_o mercy_n when_o the_o poor_a wound_a man_n that_o go_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o jeriche_n lay_v half_a dead_a and_o speechless_a in_o the_o way_n though_o he_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o misery_n yet_o the_o good_a samaritan_n be_v though_o his_o tongue_n do_v not_o can_v not_o call_v for_o pity_n yet_o his_o wound_n open_v their_o mouth_n wide_a and_o speak_v aloud_o to_o the_o samaritan_n though_o his_o eye_n shed_v no_o tear_n yet_o his_o very_a heart_n weep_v blood_n at_o his_o wound_n and_o move_v compassion_n like_o to_o that_o poor_a wound_a man_n be_o i_o so_o weak_a so_o sick_a that_o i_o be_o scarce_o sensible_a of_o my_o own_o desperate_a condition_n lord_n though_o my_o heart_n be_v not_o full_a of_o love_n it_o be_v full_a of_o wound_n lord_n thou_o know_v my_o misery_n i_o humble_o beseech_v thou_o to_o pity_v i_o not_o according_a to_o my_o prayer_n but_o according_a to_o my_o want_n lord_n that_o i_o do_v not_o desire_v to_o serve_v thou_o that_o i_o do_v not_o hunger_n nor_o thirst_n after_o righteousness_n it_o be_v the_o great_a misery_n that_o i_o have_v meditat._v xxiv_o oh_o how_o terrible_a be_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n to_o i_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o want_v of_o faith_n as_o holiness_n and_o indeed_o i_o find_v that_o i_o can_v never_o with_o comfort_n think_v on_o death_n but_o when_o i_o have_v live_v very_o holy_o before_o for_o what_o will_v faith_n in_o that_o case_n help_v i_o without_o holiness_n for_o faith_n without_o holiness_n be_v not_o faith_n but_o presumption_n oh_o how_o sweet_a how_o dear_a how_o excellent_a a_o thing_n be_v holiness_n oh_o how_o full_a of_o peace_n and_o joy_n be_v my_o soul_n when_o i_o be_o full_a of_o that_o and_o yet_o lord_n how_o careless_a be_o i_o of_o thy_o service_n how_o many_o time_n in_o the_o day_n when_o i_o may_v think_v of_o thou_o without_o any_o hindrance_n of_o my_o study_n do_v i_o choose_v rather_o to_o think_v of_o vanity_n o_o wean_v my_o soul_n o_o god_n from_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o thou_o fill_v my_o heart_n with_o thyself_o dwell_v in_o i_o my_o dear_a god_n why_o do_v i_o call_v thou_o dear_a when_o i_o prefer_v every_o trifle_n before_o thou_o o_o most_o glorious_a lord_n god_n who_o ten_o thousand_o world_n can_v sufficient_o praise_v nor_o love_v which_o be_v thyself_o and_o can_v not_o be_v more_o nor_o can_v be_v less_o how_o easy_a lord_n be_v it_o for_o thou_o to_o change_v my_o heart_n my_o heart_n of_o stone_n for_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n lord_n as_o long_o as_o i_o have_v this_o heart_n of_o stone_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n that_o i_o shall_v serve_v thou_o with_o any_o cheerfulness_n or_o any_o constancy_n lord_n hear_v my_o prayer_n meditat._v xxv_o o_o bless_a god_n if_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o providence_n be_v such_o that_o thou_o will_v
be_v well_o now_o be_v nothing_o that_o thou_o be_v young_a and_o strong_a now_o be_v nothing_o for_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o have_v be_v strong_a and_o well_o and_o as_o young_a as_o thou_o within_o a_o very_a few_o day_n after_o have_v be_v in_o their_o grave_n that_o thou_o must_v die_v be_v certain_a when_o where_o how_o none_o know_v but_o he_o that_o make_v thou_o only_o this_o be_v true_a that_o general_o man_n die_v soon_o than_o they_o expect_v 2._o consider_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o thou_o thou_o must_v leave_v riches_n friend_n wife_n child_n house_n land_n and_o thy_o own_o body_n also_o thy_o friend_n may_v stand_v weep_v by_o but_o they_o can_v prolong_v thy_o life_n one_o minute_n 3._o consider_v that_o when_o thou_o come_v to_o die_v it_o will_v certain_o not_o repent_v thou_o that_o thou_o have_v spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o prayer_n so_o much_o in_o meditation_n so_o much_o in_o holy_a duty_n it_o be_v never_o know_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v that_o any_o one_o do_v then_o say_v o_o that_o i_o have_v pray_v less_o though_o these_o holy_a duty_n now_o seem_v irksome_a and_o troublesome_a to_o thou_o doubtless_o than_o they_o shall_v bring_v more_o comfort_n to_o thou_o than_o all_o those_o riches_n and_o vanity_n in_o which_o thou_o have_v spend_v so_o much_o time_n and_o take_v so_o much_o delight_n in_o these_o thing_n be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a our_o understanding_n can_v o_o that_o our_o life_n do_v not_o deny_v they_o consider_v how_o that_o the_o dear_a friend_n thou_o have_v in_o the_o world_n will_v hasten_v thy_o filthy_a carcase_n out_o of_o the_o door_n they_o will_v scarce_o dare_v to_o stay_v with_o it_o alone_o but_o say_v as_o abraham_n do_v let_v i_o bury_v my_o dead_a out_o of_o my_o sight_n and_o then_o how_o seldom_o will_v they_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o thou_o or_o if_o they_o do_v what_o good_a will_v it_o do_v thou_o 5._o consider_v alas_o poor_a man_n whether_o will_v thy_o soul_n go_v then_o to_o hell_n or_o to_o heaven_n do_v thou_o know_v to_o which_o do_v thou_o not_o think_v thou_o shall_v go_v that_o way_n which_o thou_o have_v go_v all_o thy_o life_n long_o if_o thou_o have_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o hell_n how_o can_v thou_o imagine_v that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o that_o journey_n thou_o shall_v arrive_v at_o heaven_n 6._o consider_v what_o good_a will_v all_o thy_o wealth_n all_o thy_o pleasure_n all_o thy_o vanity_n do_v thou_o at_o that_o day_n they_o will_v all_o vanish_v as_o do_v the_o morning_n dew_n alas_o who_o know_v not_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o a_o thousand_o consider_v and_o lay_v they_o to_o heart_n and_o to_o know_v these_o truth_n and_o live_v unsuitable_o to_o they_o do_v but_o add_v to_o our_o folly_n and_o madness_n o_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a say_v god_n that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n these_o serious_a consideration_n of_o our_o death_n and_o preparation_n for_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n 7._o consider_v if_o thou_o miscarry_v in_o this_o great_a work_n of_o concernment_n viz._n thy_o death_n thou_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o if_o thou_o may_v live_v again_o and_o mend_v that_o error_n which_o thou_o commit_v in_o thy_o die_a ill_a than_o there_o be_v some_o hope_n but_o it_o be_v appoint_v for_o all_o man_n once_o to_o die_v and_o but_o once_o affection_n 1._o abhor_v sin_n it_o be_v you_o and_o you_o only_o that_o can_v make_v that_o hour_n miserable_a unto_o i_o alas_o o_o my_o soul_n though_o we_o now_o have_v slight_a thought_n of_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n through_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o satan_n and_o our_o own_o heart_n yet_o at_o that_o hour_n if_o we_o have_v a_o thousand_o world_n we_o will_v give_v they_o all_o for_o that_o which_o we_o have_v so_o little_o regard_v while_o we_o live_v viz._n that_o we_o have_v keep_v a_o strict_a communion_n with_o god_n and_o watch_v over_o our_o own_o heart_n 2._o despise_v the_o world_n o_o you_o vanity_n and_o foolery_n of_o the_o world_n why_o shall_v i_o spend_v my_o time_n and_o strength_n in_o follow_v after_o you_o what_o have_v you_o do_v for_o i_o or_o what_o can_v you_o do_v when_o i_o shall_v stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o comfort_n you_o will_v not_o only_o prove_v vanity_n but_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n solomon_n have_v try_v you_o and_o he_o have_v from_o his_o own_o experience_n and_o from_o the_o teach_n of_o the_o spirit_n have_v tell_v i_o that_o you_o be_v but_o vanity_n and_o all_o man_n when_o they_o come_v to_o die_v set_v their_o seal_n to_o this_o truth_n shall_v i_o to_o my_o own_o destruction_n yield_v to_o your_o enticement_n why_o shall_v i_o not_o have_v the_o same_o opinion_n of_o you_o now_o as_o i_o certain_o shall_v have_v when_o i_o come_v to_o die_v 3._o humble_a thyself_o before_o god_n and_o cast_v thyself_o into_o his_o arm_n of_o love_n beg_v wisdom_n of_o he_o every_o night_n i_o be_o a_o day_n near_o my_o grave_n then_o in_o the_o morning_n i_o be_o near_a to_o it_o but_o lord_n make_v i_o fit_a for_o my_o grave_n and_o when_o that_o hour_n shall_v come_v let_v it_o not_o come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n to_o rob_v i_o of_o all_o my_o comfort_n and_o rather_o than_o that_o hour_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o happy_a hour_n let_v my_o whole_a life_n be_v nothing_o but_o affliction_n and_o misery_n alas_o lord_n if_o thou_o deny_v i_o this_o petition_v what_o will_v thou_o give_v i_o thou_o have_v say_v o_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a that_o they_o will_v consider_v their_o latter_a end_n and_o i_o say_v lord_n teach_v i_o so_o to_o number_v my_o day_n that_o i_o may_v apply_v my_o heart_n to_o wisdom_n resolution_n o_o my_o soul_n since_o thing_n be_v thus_o let_v we_o not_o resist_v know_v truth_n shall_v we_o neglect_v these_o truth_n because_o they_o be_v plain_a if_o they_o be_v abstruse_a than_o we_o doubt_v they_o if_o they_o be_v plain_a shall_v we_o despise_v they_o do_v thou_o not_o know_v how_o soon_o thou_o shall_v die_v then_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v that_o must_v be_v do_v before_o we_o die_v do_v it_o with_o all_o thy_o might_n for_o the_o night_n come_v wherein_n no_o man_n work_v my_o child_n be_v not_o yet_o sufficient_o instruct_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n i_o will_v set_v apart_o half_a a_o hour_n in_o a_o day_n to_o instruct_v they_o for_o this_o month_n or_o give_v so_o much_o to_o the_o poor_a every_o time_n i_o miss_v there_o be_v such_o a_o neighbour_n or_o acquaintance_n who_o go_v on_o in_o wicked_a way_n and_o my_o word_n have_v so_o much_o power_n with_o he_o that_o i_o be_o confident_a if_o i_o do_v earnest_o beg_v of_o god_n to_o bless_v i_o in_o the_o work_n and_o take_v he_o private_o and_o lay_v before_o he_o his_o danger_n and_o press_v he_o to_o holiness_n he_o may_v be_v wrought_v upon_o i_o have_v omit_v it_o hitherto_o but_o i_o be_o resolve_v sometime_o within_o a_o week_n to_o take_v some_o opportunity_n to_o speak_v serious_o and_o home_o unto_o he_o or_o give_v so_o much_o to_o the_o poor_a and_o so_o every_o week_n give_v so_o much_o to_o the_o poor_a until_o i_o have_v speak_v with_o he_o etc._n etc._n and_o since_o it_o so_o much_o concern_v i_o to_o be_v prepare_v for_o death_n i_o will_v every_o day_n make_v it_o one_o special_a clause_n of_o my_o prayer_n to_o beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v fit_v i_o for_o that_o hour_n and_o i_o will_v lay_v up_o treasury_n in_o heaven_n by_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o make_v myself_o friend_n of_o this_o unrighteous_a mammon_n that_o when_o i_o fail_v they_o may_v receive_v i_o into_o their_o habitation_n conclusion_n 1._o pray_v beg_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v increase_v in_o thou_o strong_a spiritual_a apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o that_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n may_v embitter_v every_o unlawful_a pleasure_n to_o thou_o say_v unto_o god_n lord_n how_o few_o day_n be_v between_o i_o and_o eternity_n whether_o of_o horror_n or_o of_o glory_n i_o be_o not_o yet_o full_o satisfy_v it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n that_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n i_o shall_v be_v uncertain_a of_o o_o bless_a god_n let_v this_o meditation_n so_o work_v upon_o i_o that_o i_o may_v not_o cease_v to_o pray_v unto_o thou_o and_o to_o examine_v myself_o and_o use_v all_o holy_a mean_n for_o the_o make_n of_o my_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a for_o very_o short_o i_o shall_v be_v pass_v pray_v past_o examine_v for_o when_o thou_o shall_v summon_v i_o out_o of_o this_o life_n than_o
spiritual_a distemper_n or_o temptation_n or_o almost_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n we_o retire_v ourselves_o and_o power_n out_o our_o soul_n in_o prayer_n soliloquy_n etc._n etc._n which_o may_v not_o but_o in_o a_o very_a large_a sense_n be_v call_v prayer_n be_v mix_v of_o such_o various_a and_o different_a part_n sometime_o speak_v to_o god_n and_o tell_v he_o how_o we_o stand_v affect_v to_o he_o and_o his_o ordinance_n sometime_o speak_v to_o our_o own_o soul_n chide_v encourage_v or_o instruct_v of_o it_o sometime_o speak_v to_o ourselves_o what_o we_o resolve_v to_o do_v what_o we_o intend_v to_o say_v to_o god_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o you_o may_v find_v in_o psa_n 42._o and_o many_o more_o of_o that_o nature_n both_o in_o that_o and_o other_o psalm_n which_o may_v not_o proper_o be_v call_v prayer_n but_o solemn_a occasional_a meditation_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o those_o meditation_n be_v set_v down_o ofttimes_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o psalm_n and_o they_o differ_v from_o those_o occasional_a meditation_n of_o which_o i_o speak_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n only_o in_o their_o duration_n and_o solemnity_n as_o solemn_a prayer_n do_v from_o ejaculatory_a prayer_n and_o to_o set_v down_o any_o method_n for_o these_o be_v not_o convenient_a because_o they_o observe_v no_o method_n and_o differ_v very_o little_a in_o any_o thing_n else_o from_o that_o kind_n of_o meditation_n for_o which_o in_o this_o treatise_n direction_n and_o instance_n be_v large_o set_v down_o yet_o i_o think_v good_a to_o set_v down_o several_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o meditation_n have_v they_o by_o i_o be_v take_v from_o one_o who_o i_o suppose_v little_a thought_n that_o any_o beside_o god_n and_o himself_o know_v what_o he_o say_v 3._o the_o three_o kind_n of_o solemn_a meditation_n be_v those_o that_o be_v upon_o scripture_n the_o direction_n for_o that_o kind_n of_o meditation_n i_o have_v particular_o set_v down_o in_o a_o little_a manual_a entitle_v a_o directory_n to_o christian_a perfection_n and_o have_v pursue_v those_o direction_n in_o one_o instance_n set_v down_o in_o this_o treatise_n and_o will_v have_v set_v down_o more_o but_o that_o i_o be_v not_o willing_a it_o shall_v swell_v above_o the_o bigness_n of_o a_o small_a manual_a 4._o the_o four_o and_o last_o kind_n of_o meditation_n be_v upon_o some_o practical_a truth_n of_o religion_n many_o direction_n for_o which_o and_o many_o instance_n of_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o treatise_n chap._n ii_o that_o meditation_n be_v a_o duty_n that_o this_o be_v a_o duty_n be_v evident_a 1._o from_o the_o practice_n of_o god_n people_n gen._n 24.63_o that_o this_o be_v a_o solemn_a meditation_n be_v evident_a because_o he_o go_v out_o into_o the_o field_n to_o perform_v it_o and_o have_v no_o other_o business_n there_o but_o this_o it_o be_v not_o say_v when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o field_n he_o meditate_a as_o if_o it_o be_v occasional_a but_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o set_a duty_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o go_v out_o to_o meditate_v 2._o it_o be_v command_v josh_n 1.8_o and_o this_o duty_n of_o meditation_n be_v set_v down_o as_o a_o chief_a mean_n sanctify_v of_o god_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o law_n 3._o it_o be_v as_o a_o characteristical_a difference_n between_o a_o wicked_a man_n and_o a_o saint_n 4._o to_o consider_v in_o scripture_n and_o to_o meditate_v be_v synonima_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o appear_v in_o this_o because_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o want_n of_o consideration_n and_o not_o want_v of_o knowledge_n isa_n 1.3_o and_o it_o be_v not_o much_o for_o we_o to_o hear_v sermon_n nay_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o attentive_a it_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n psa_n 45.10_o it_o be_v more_o than_o to_o know_v for_o who_o be_v there_o almost_o in_o the_o world_n that_o know_v not_o that_o he_o must_v die_v but_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o consider_v it_o deu._n 32.29_o 5._o the_o necessity_n of_o meditation_n appear_v in_o this_o that_o no_o man_n be_v convert_v without_o meditation_n for_o every_o one_o that_o be_v convert_v the_o method_n be_v this_o 1._o he_o hear_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n 2._o he_o be_v convince_v of_o they_o 3._o he_o consider_v and_o meditate_v upon_o they_o and_o see_v how_o much_o they_o concern_v he_o 4._o he_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o 5._o be_v thus_o affect_v it_o raise_v holy_a resolution_n of_o better_a obedience_n but_o it_o will_v be_v object_v alas_o i_o be_o not_o book-learned_n how_o shall_v i_o perform_v this_o duty_n of_o meditation_n this_o be_v rather_o for_o minister_n etc._n etc._n ans_fw-fr i_o may_v say_v of_o meditation_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o mathematics_n he_o that_o be_v a_o rational_a man_n and_o do_v but_o improve_v his_o reason_n though_o he_o have_v neither_o tongue_n nor_o art_n to_o help_v he_o may_v understand_v and_o grow_v to_o a_o extraordinary_a excellency_n in_o those_o art_n so_o he_o that_o have_v grace_n if_o he_o do_v but_o exercise_v and_o improve_v it_o though_o he_o have_v not_o learning_n will_v excel_v the_o learnede_a man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v not_o grace_n in_o the_o duty_n of_o meditation_n it_o be_v not_o learning_n but_o devotion_n that_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o this_o duty_n 2._o can_v a_o man_n be_v a_o bless_a man_n without_o learning_n then_o he_o may_v meditate_v without_o it_o psa_n 1.2_o ob._n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a duty_n ans_fw-fr 1._o that_o show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o excellent_a duty_n for_o the_o hard_a any_o duty_n be_v the_o more_o excellent_a the_o hardness_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o our_o corruption_n and_o the_o more_o contrary_a any_o thing_n be_v to_o that_o which_o be_v bad_a it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o better_o 2._o can_v you_o expect_v any_o duty_n shall_v be_v easy_a at_o first_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n so_o of_o temporal_a thing_n which_o be_v of_o any_o excellency_n as_o write_v play_v on_o the_o lute_n &_o c_o 3._o because_o it_o be_v so_o powerful_a to_o mortify_v corruption_n sweet_a thing_n nourish_v and_o bitter_a thing_n purge_v therefore_o if_o you_o will_v only_o perform_v those_o duty_n that_o be_v delightful_a they_o will_v nourish_v not_o purge_v out_o corruption_n 4._o get_v but_o your_o heart_n inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n than_o this_o duty_n will_v not_o only_o be_v easy_a and_o delightful_a but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o duty_n that_o you_o can_v tell_v almost_o how_o to_o avoid_v for_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a not_o to_o think_v of_o what_o one_o love_n as_o to_o think_v of_o what_o one_o hate_n bid_v the_o covetous_a man_n not_o think_v of_o his_o money_n or_o bid_v he_o think_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n and_o he_o will_v find_v a_o equal_a difficulty_n in_o both_o indeed_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o desire_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v get_v by_o meditation_n but_o when_o once_o our_o heart_n be_v inflame_v by_o meditation_n than_o our_o meditation_n be_v inflame_v by_o love_n as_o a_o oven_n be_v first_o heat_v by_o fuel_n and_o then_o it_o set_v the_o sewell_n on_o fire_n and_o as_o with_o the_o fuel_n you_o must_v put_v in_o fire_n and_o blow_v it_o but_o afterward_o it_o kindle_v of_o itself_o so_o the_o difficulty_n of_o meditation_n be_v at_o first_o when_o there_o be_v but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o spark_n of_o love_n in_o the_o heart_n it_o will_v cost_v he_o some_o pain_n by_o meditation_n to_o blow_v it_o up_o to_o a_o flame_n but_o afterward_o the_o heart_n will_v be_v so_o heat_v with_o these_o flame_n of_o love_n that_o it_o will_v so_o inflame_v all_o the_o thought_n that_o it_o will_v make_v we_o not_o only_o easy_o but_o necessary_o to_o meditate_v on_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n 5._o the_o people_n of_o god_n general_o have_v find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n in_o pray_v without_o a_o form_n at_o first_o many_o godly_a minister_n use_v a_o set_a form_n form_n of_o prayer_n before_o their_o sermon_n not_o many_o year_n since_o and_o when_o they_o and_o private_a christian_n come_v to_o pray_v at_o first_o without_o a_o form_n they_o find_v a_o strangeness_n and_o a_o unreadiness_n thereunto_o so_o it_o be_v in_o meditation_n christian_n be_v not_o use_v to_o it_o it_o will_v seem_v a_o strange_a and_o difficult_a work_n unto_o they_o but_o i_o may_v say_v of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n grave_a cùm_fw-la tollis_fw-la suauè_fw-la cùm_fw-la tuleris_fw-la thou_o will_v find_v it_o very_o delightful_a or_o at_o least_o very_a profitable_a ob._n but_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o necessary_a duty_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o it_o have_v be_v
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
not_o give_v so_o much_o grace_n as_o to_o make_v i_o through_o the_o abundance_n of_o it_o almost_o whether_o i_o will_v or_o no_o to_o serve_v thou_o yet_o to_o who_o thou_o do_v give_v so_o much_o grace_n as_o to_o desire_v more_o grace_n o_o let_v not_o this_o desire_n which_o be_v of_o thy_o own_o infuse_v be_v in_o vain_a if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o i_o desire_v more_o than_o thy_o grace_n then_o let_v i_o want_v grace_n to_o desire_v it_o any_o more_o lord_n if_o the_o reason_n why_o thou_o deny_v my_o prayer_n be_v because_o i_o do_v not_o desire_v as_o i_o ought_v i_o humble_o beseech_v thou_o to_o grant_v that_o i_o may_v ask_v aright_o alas_o my_o affliction_n lie_v heavy_a on_o i_o then_o ever_o they_o do_v and_o i_o be_o more_o wicked_a or_o at_o least_o less_o holy_a than_o ever_o since_o my_o conversion_n i_o be_v how_o little_a be_o i_o affect_v with_o any_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o thy_o service_n nor_o yet_o do_v it_o affect_v i_o that_o i_o be_o not_o affect_v lord_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n that_o can_v help_v i_o beside_o thou_o then_o consider_v my_o manifold_a sin_n i_o shall_v i_o but_o lord_n i_o will_v not_o thy_o mercy_n be_v so_o great_a go_v to_o any_o other_o now_o lord_n now_o be_v the_o time_n to_o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o i_o be_o like_o the_o man_n that_o go_v from_o jerusalem_n to_o jericho_n wound_v naked_a and_o half_a dead_a i_o can_v call_v for_o help_v o_o let_v my_o wound_n move_v thou_o to_o compassion_n if_o i_o can_v bewail_v my_o sinful_a misery_n with_o tear_n of_o repentance_n i_o know_v thou_o will_v deliver_v i_o but_o i_o can_v weep_v nay_o hardly_o mourn_v oh_o faint_a faint_a be_v my_o grief_n and_o cold_a be_v my_o love_n what_o will_v thou_o do_v lord_n with_o one_o that_o scarce_o from_o his_o heart_n desire_v to_o serve_v thou_o alas_o what_o can_v thou_o do_v for_o i_o more_o or_o less_o than_o to_o make_v i_o desire_v to_o serve_v thou_o accept_v i_o must_v or_o for_o ever_o be_v lose_v what_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o goodness_n be_o i_o come_v unto_o a_o soul_n full_a of_o sadness_n and_o empty_a of_o goodness_n to_o morrow_n lord_n i_o be_o to_o receive_v thou_o into_o my_o soul_n thou_o my_o bless_a saviour_n lord_n thou_o know_v i_o do_v not_o use_v to_o have_v a_o heart_n so_o empty_a of_o goodness_n when_o i_o expect_v thou_o to_o come_v next_o day_n meditat._n xxvi_o lord_n now_o i_o do_v resolve_v to_o serve_v thou_o and_o in_o this_o particular_a especial_o i_o will_v not_o speak_v evil_a of_o any_o man_n what_o injury_n soever_o he_o both_v i_o now_o i_o will_v so_o watch_v over_o my_o word_n that_o i_o will_v not_o offend_v with_o my_o tongue_n and_o that_o by_o degree_n i_o may_v attain_v some_o perfection_n herein_o i_o here_o vow_v every_o week_n between_o this_o and_o the_o next_o communion_n to_o keep_v one_o day_n so_o strict_o that_o i_o will_v not_o during_o that_o day_n speak_v so_o much_o as_o one_o idle_a word_n that_o day_n if_o i_o do_v i_o will_v give_v to_o the_o poor_a lord_n how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o service_n so_o pure_a so_o sweet_a o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o i_o that_o i_o may_v for_o ever_o serve_v thou_o meditat._v xxvii_o when_o i_o read_v the_o story_n of_o the_o martyr_n i_o do_v wish_v that_o i_o have_v live_v in_o those_o day_n that_o i_o may_v also_o die_v as_o they_o do_v or_o methinks_v i_o can_v now_o willing_o lay_v down_o my_o life_n rather_o than_o yield_v to_o the_o abominable_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o rome_n but_o when_o i_o search_v and_o try_v my_o heart_n i_o much_o fear_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o my_o desire_n be_v because_o i_o think_v it_o easy_a to_o lay_v down_o my_o life_n for_o christ_n sake_n then_o for_o his_o sake_n to_o overcome_v my_o corruption_n for_o it_o be_v but_o one_o act_n though_o it_o have_v more_o pain_n yet_o be_v but_o of_o small_a continuance_n it_o be_v less_o trouble_n than_o all_o my_o life_n long_o to_o fight_v against_o sin_n and_o thus_o i_o do_v ill_a even_o in_o my_o best_a wish_n in_o divers_a respect_n for_o i_o choose_v martyrdom_n not_o because_o thereby_o i_o may_v more_o honour_n god_n but_o that_o i_o may_v the_o soon_o and_o easy_o come_v to_o heaven_n and_o again_o that_o i_o think_v i_o may_v content_v myself_o though_o i_o do_v not_o so_o much_o hate_v corruption_n if_o i_o die_v a_o martyr_n all_o will_v be_v well_o whereas_o though_o i_o give_v my_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o have_v not_o charity_n it_o will_v profit_v i_o nothing_o and_o to_o love_n god_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o that_o do_v not_o hate_v sin_n and_o fight_v against_o his_o corruption_n alas_o o_o my_o soul_n how_o weary_a be_v we_o of_o our_o spiritual_a fight_n and_o we_o will_v fain_o find_v some_o other_o way_n to_o heaven_n then_o by_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o o_o that_o i_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o world_n and_o live_v to_o god_n how_o vain_a be_v the_o world_n yet_o while_o we_o know_v something_o better_a we_o shall_v not_o think_v so_o we_o talk_v much_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n but_o who_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n or_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o truth_n or_o if_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o sometime_o affect_v with_o it_o yet_o it_o soon_o vanish_v and_o we_o do_v not_o live_v according_o how_o much_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o speak_v like_o a_o angel_n then_o live_v like_o a_o saint_n meditat._n xxviii_o lord_n that_o thou_o will_v do_v it_o for_o i_o take_v my_o soul_n and_o my_o body_n what_o shall_v i_o do_v with_o they_o any_o long_o i_o govern_v they_o so_o ill_o and_o indeed_o be_o so_o unable_a to_o govern_v they_o that_o they_o govern_v i_o lord_n if_o thou_o shall_v condemn_v i_o at_o the_o last_o day_n i_o do_v now_o justify_v thou_o and_o testify_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o thou_o be_v just_a though_o then_o if_o such_o a_o time_n shall_v come_v i_o shall_v blaspheme_v thou_o my_o dear_a god_n i_o have_v yet_o a_o spark_n of_o thy_o love_n i_o will_v not_o leave_v that_o small_a hold_n of_o thou_o for_o ten_o thousand_o world_n i_o know_v lord_n there_o be_v no_o dally_v with_o thou_o what_o if_o i_o speak_v with_o the_o tongue_n and_o write_v with_o the_o pen_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n it_o be_v nothing_o lord_n take_v a_o poor_a soul_n at_o his_o word_n lord_n i_o be_o thou_o and_o do_v now_o give_v myself_o and_o ten_o thousand_o world_n if_o i_o have_v they_o to_o thou_o yet_o when_o thou_o do_v take_v from_o i_o some_o poor_a part_n of_o my_o estate_n i_o murmur_v alas_o i_o have_v a_o poor_a weak_a heart_n meditat._v xxix_o lord_n my_o knowledge_n of_o thou_o be_v but_o small_a and_o that_o which_o be_v be_v but_o little_a spiritual_a or_o experimental_a to_o know_v thou_o by_o what_o other_o write_v and_o say_v of_o thou_o be_v sweet_a to_o they_o that_o can_v set_v their_o seal_n to_o it_o from_o their_o own_o experience_n lord_n what_o be_v it_o that_o have_v keep_v i_o so_o long_o from_o thou_o or_o keep_v thou_o so_o long_o from_o i_o i_o know_v i_o have_v be_v want_v to_o thou_o and_o to_o myself_o lord_n take_v my_o heart_n i_o have_v too_o much_o love_n for_o any_o beside_o thou_o though_o i_o have_v too_o little_a for_o thou_o oh_o how_o sweet_a be_v the_o thought_n of_o thou_o and_o will_v be_v sweet_a if_o i_o think_v often_o and_o long_o and_o more_o attentive_o of_o thou_o alas_o i_o be_o almost_o grow_v out_o of_o acquaintance_n with_o thou_o i_o do_v not_o perceive_v my_o corruption_n in_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o in_o this_o that_o though_o to_o think_v of_o thou_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o easy_a and_o so_o profitable_a yet_o i_o think_v so_o seldom_o my_o dear_a god_n deliver_v i_o from_o the_o business_n of_o the_o world_n suit_n of_o law_n and_o such_o thing_n they_o undo_v i_o they_o take_v up_o my_o thought_n that_o i_o can_v be_v rid_v of_o they_o i_o feel_v upon_o i_o the_o curse_n which_o thou_o threaten_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n if_o they_o will_v not_o serve_v thou_o with_o joy_n they_o shall_v serve_v stranger_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o hardship_n i_o be_v well_o while_o i_o be_v with_o thou_o than_o i_o have_v my_o song_n in_o the_o night_n now_o my_o day_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n lord_n draw_v i_o draw_v i_o make_v the_o cord_n of_o thy_o love_n strong_a or_o rather_o than_o
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