A Treatise of Divine Meditation, Text (1 of 3)
A TREATISE OF Divine Meditation,
Queſt.
WHat doth the word Meditation ſignifie?
Anſw. Thoſe two words in the Original, which our Tranſlators render, to Meditate; ſignifie,
Primarily to meditate, commune, or diſcourſe with ones ſelf, or which is the ſame, to imagine, ſtudy, conſider or muſe in mind or heart. Pſal. 1.2. In his Law doth hee meditate aforeignday and night; & 77.6. I commune bforeignwith mine own heart, and my ſpirit made diligent ſearch. Iſa. 33.18. Thine heart ſhall meditate terrour; & 59.13. conceiving cforeignand uttering from the heart words of falſhood.
And ſecondarily, To pray or expreſs that with the mouth, which the heart mindeth; either
1 Articulately, Gen. 24.63. Iſaac went out to meditate dforeign meditari, & meditata eloqui.in the field, i. e. to meditate his evening prayers, and pray over his meditations. Pſal. 55.17. Evening and morning, and at noon will I pray eforeign; & 105.2. Talk yee fforeign colloquimini.of all his wondrous works. Or,
2 Inarticulately, Iſa. 8.19. And when they ſhall ſay unto you, ſeek unto them that have familiar ſpirits, and unto Wizards, that peep, and that mutter gforeign qui muſſitant.: ſhould not a people ſeek unto their God? & 38.14. I did mourn hWhere are words uſed coming from the ſame Hebrew root.as a Dove; & 31.4. Like as the Lion, and the young Lion roaring iWhere are words uſed coming from the ſame Hebrew root.on his prey. The former of theſe two ſignifications being the Principal.
Queſt. How is Meditation to bee defined, as it is taken in the former ſenſe?
Anſw. Meditation is a ſerious, earneſt and purpoſed muſing upon ſome point of Chriſtian inſtruction, tending to lead us forward toward the Kingdome of Heaven, Pſal. 119.23, 48.and ſerving for our daily ſtrengthening againſt the fleſh, the world, and the Devil.
Or it is a ſtedfaſt and earneſt bending of the mind upon ſome ſpiritual and heavenly matter, diſcourſing thereof with our ſelves, till wee bring the ſame to ſome profitable iſſue, both for the ſetling of our judgements, and bettering of our hearts and lives.
Queſt. How do Prayer and Meditation differ?
Anſw. They are often confounded in name, but inſeparably linked in nature, going hand in hand together; and can no more bee ſevered, than two Twins, who live and dye together; only in Prayer wee confer and commune more directly with God by Petition and Thankſgiving; Pſa. 42.11.in Meditation wee talk and confer more directly and properly with our ſelves, and with our own ſouls.
Queſt. What reaſons may ſhew the neceſsity of this duty?
Anſw. Firſt, It is commanded by God, who hath ſupream Authority to command what hee pleaſeth; is infinite in Wiſdome, to judge what is moſt profitable for us, and moſt acceptable to himſelf; is of great Power to puniſh our contempt, and abundant in Goodneſs to reward our obedience. It is his good pleaſure that wee ſhould purpoſely ſeparate our ſelves from other matters, to think ſeriouſly upon ſome good and holy obſervation, that our underſtandings might bee bettered, and our affections ſtirred to hate evil, and love good.
Secondly, How neceſſary this heavenly exerciſe is, may eaſily be conceived, for that the hearts even of good Chriſtians are too much peſtered with unſavoury thoughts, deſires and delights of folly, vanity, and much other naughtineſs, that they think it utterly impoſſible to bring them to any better point; and no wonder if they neglect this duty of Meditation, the underſtanding of the beſt ſetled Chriſtian is dim, his memory feeble, his affections ſo overlaid with ſin, that without much ſtriving hee cannot mount aloft, nor run ſwiftly in the way of Gods Commandments. So ponderous is the fleſh that preſſeth down, that unleſs wee labour the thing with our hearts, the word will not ſtick faſt, nor work kindly, nor our affections riſe to any good purpoſes: would wee thrive in grace, and raiſe our deſires and delight in heavenly things? wee muſt breathe our ſelves well in Meditation.
Thirdly, Would you have examples for the warrant of this neceſſary practice? Naturally wee deſire not to go alone nor travel in a way which none hath trodden before us; wee may truly affirm, all godly men have meditated, and the moſt holy have moſt abounded in Meditation: This the Holy Ghoſt reporteth of Iſaac the Patriarch, aGen. 24.63.That hee went out into the field towards the evening to meditate, which had not been ſo commendable, if hee had not uſed ſo to do (being ſuch holy duties ſhould bee often uſed) herein following his Father Abraham, who was the friend of God, and very familiar with him. bGen. 5.22.Enoch in his whole life walked with God, and had much talk and communion with him. David promiſed to cPſa. 119.48. Pſal. 119.148.meditate on the ſtatutes of the Lord. And what hee vowed, that hee did perform, Mine eyes prevent the morning watch, to meditate on thy word. His life was a life of ſorrow; before hee came to the Kingdome, Saul hunted him like a Partridge; after hee was incumbred with wars abroad, and the diſobedience and rebellion of his ſons at home, what time could hee take to commune with God? how could hee quiet his heart, or bring it into order? when others ſlept, his eyes were waking, and his heart was muſing upon God, his word and works; his reins did teach him in the night ſeaſon. What point of divinity can bee learned without Meditation? not one; for, as none can ſay that it is his own work, which his own hands hath not made: So, none can count any point of divinity his own, which he hath not wrought by the Meditation of his own heart.
Amongſt Chriſtians, who have excelled? ſuch as have been moſt frequent and earneſt in this exerciſe of holy Soliloquies, preſſing their hearts to the love of God, and ſolacing themſelves in the remembrance of his love: Even as much odds as is betwixt a young ſcholar that can onelyonly ſay his part, and patter over his rules by rote, and a learned School-maſter that by long practice and experience hath the uſe thereof; or as there is between a cunning Artificer that can make his own work, and an ignorant Shopkeeper that only ſells the ſame; ſuch or more is the difference between the Chriſtian that meditates, Pſal. 119.97, 98, 99.and him that meditateth not; David attained to more wiſdome, than the Antient, his teachers, his enemies, it was by meditation of the Law of God.
Fourthly, The Lord by his Prophet complaineth of the neglect of this duty, Jer. 8.6.None ſaith what have I done?
Fifthly, Meditation putteth life and ſtrength into all other duties, and parts of Gods worſhip. When Nehemiah heard of the affliction of his brethren, and the ruine of Jeruſalem, hee entred into a deep and earneſt conſideration of Gods judgements, and of the cauſes thereof, which were the ſins of the people; that thereby hee might bee the more fit to humble himſelf by prayer and faſting before the Lord aNeh. 1.2,—7.. When Peter came to himſelf, and knew where hee was, and from what hee was delivered, and by whom; then hee began with all thankfulneſs, to muſe on the great danger hee had eſcaped, and of the author and inſtrument of his deliverance bAct. 12.11.. Paul beholding the ſuperſtition of the Athenians, and finding an Altar which was dedicated to the unknown God, began to pity the blindneſs and ignorance of the people, and to meditate how hee might take occaſion from the inſcription to win them to God cAct. 17.23..
Queſt. Who are bound to uſe this exerciſe?
Anſw. This exerciſe doth appertain to all perſons, profeſſing Chriſtianity dDeut. 6.6, 8.; and howſoever all men have not equal education, learning, ſtrength of memory, ſtayedneſs of mind, ſharpneſs of wit, and invention, variety of reading, opportunity of time and place, &c. yet is no man to bee freed from it.
There is none ſo ſimple, or buſie, of ſo high place, or baſe condition, of ſo ſhort memory, or quick capacity, ſuch a babe in Chriſt, or ſo ſtrong a Chriſtian, that can exempt himſelf from this duty, unleſs hee purpoſe to live unprofitably to others, uncomfortably in himſelf, and diſobedient againſt God.
eJoſh. 1.8.Joſhua was a valiant Captain, a mighty Governour, one alwaies buſied in the wars of God, yet muſt hee meditate in the Law aPſa. 119.15, 48, 72.. Who ſhall pluck out his neck, when ſuch a man muſt bear the yoak? what muſt an holy man, a King, a Warrier, notwithſtanding his holineſs, dignity, troubles, have the word of God to dwell in him, and bee his Counſellour? what ſhift canſt thou finde to excuſe thy ſelf in the neglect of it, when neither worldly honour, nor weight of buſineſs, nor ſtrength of body, nor courage of mind, nor variety of incumbrances, nor multitude of diſtractions, ſhall be held as plea ſufficient? art thou a Father of many children, and ſo pleadeſt the great charge that lieth upon thy hand? hear what the Lord ſaith, Deut. 6.6. & 11.18. And theſe words which I command thee, ſhall bee in thy heart; The more thou haſt to care for, the more need haſt thou to acquaint thy ſelf with the Law of God, that thou mayeſt teach and pray for them that depend upon thee.
Thou art Young, and luſty, it is good for thee to bee wiſe aforehand, and to remember the Lord, for thou muſt give account how thou haſt ſpent thy daies, thou muſt anſwer for the ſins of youth bEccl. 12.1.. Call to mind what counſel a good Father gives to his Son, a Father that adviſed in love, a godly Father, (who by experience knew that his admonition was wholeſome, a Father moved by divine inſpiration in that which hee ſpake:) My Son, forget not thy Fathers inſtructions: Binde them continually upon thine heart cProv. 6.20, 21.. What better treaſure canſt thou lay up in thy breaſt? what ſafer direction canſt thou follow? The word of life is a precious and ſweet liquor, fit to ſeaſon the green veſſel, a ſure guide to lead us in the darkneſs of this world.
Wilt thou pretend poverty to excuſe omiſſion of this duty? Oh fool and blind; doſt thou not conſider, and if thou bee oppreſſed with want, thou haſt the more need to ſtrive for grace, peace with God, and joy in the Holy Ghoſt? Thou haſt nothing in this world, provide ſpiritual treaſure, and learn what legacies the Lord hath bequeathed unto thee in his holy word.
Wee need not urge reaſons to perſwade old men, who have accuſtomed themſelves to the practice of godlineſs, and by long cuſtome have made that eaſie to them, which to another ſeems difficult (if not impoſſible) to continue the uſe of this exerciſe: for by experience they know the ſingular benefit and comfort of it; They have taſted many times how ſweet a thing it is to commune with the Lord, how profitable to incite, and call upon their ſouls: and though the natural ſtomach be decayed, the ſpiritual appetite ſtill encreaſeth in them aPſa. 92.13, 14.. There is none ſo employed, or tied by any ſervice or duty to man, but hee may finde ſome time, either by day or night, to call upon God, to confer and talk with God, and with his own ſoul in the preſence of God, eſpecially upon the Sabbath day, wherein the pooreſt Artificer, and moſt painful Plough-man, Priſoner, and Galliſlave, muſt put apart ſome time, if not to hear and pray publickly (from which hee is reſtrained) yet to behold, muſe and meditate with himſelf, both of the word, and works of God. Canſt thou finde time to eat, drink, ſleep bPſa. 16.7? redeem ſome portion of time from worldly buſineſs to refreſh thy ſelf with ſweet Meditation. cPſa. 119.55.148.Is it not better to want thy full ſleep, than to deprive thy ſoul of communion with God? It were a buſie day when thou wouldeſt not a little attend to ſalute a kind friend, who is come a far journey to viſit thee in love: Let no day paſs without ſome conference with God and thine own heart.
Many hear the Word of God, praiſe the Preacher, wonder at the doctrine delivered, are affected with joy or ſorrow; but the godly man treaſureth up the Word in his heart, not as a Talent in a Napkin, but as proviſion in a ſtore-houſe, which hee bringeth forth in due ſeaſon. aLuk. 2.19.Mary kept all thoſe ſayings, and pondered them in her heart, when as others heard them as well as ſhee. bGen. 37.11.Jacob obſerved Joſeph's dream, the brethren heard it, but the Father kept it in mind.
Queſt. What ought to bee the matter or ſubject of our Meditation?
Anſw. Some good or profitable obſervation gathered out of the Word, or raiſed from the Works of God, as the Titles and Properties of God, cPſa. 1.2. & 119.54by which hee ſheweth what hee is to his Church and People; his Power, Wiſdome, Juſtice and Mercy; alſo the works of the Moſt High, as his Decree, Creation, Providence, the fall of man, our Redemption by Chriſt, Vocation, Juſtification, Sanctification and Glorification; likewiſe our own vileneſs and ſinfulneſs, both in general and particular, alſo our manifold wants, and infirmities; our mortality, and daily dangers, with the mutability of all things in the world; the great and ſundry priviledges which wee injoy daily through the ineſtimable kindneſs of God in Chriſt Jeſus; the ſundry afflictions and troubles of this life; and how wee may beſt bear them, and go thorow with them, to the glory of God, and our own ſpiritual good.
It is good to obſerve further, and think upon the vanity of all earthly things, the vain confidence of worldly men, the deſtruction of the wicked, the aſſaults that are made againſt the Church, and how the Lord doth ſtill protect her with his right hand.
In brief, the Word of God is a rich ſtore-houſe of good matter; and the world a ſtage furniſhed with great variety; every day bringeth forth manifold occaſions of Meditation, and a godly mind may make good uſe of every Word or Work of God, of every thing it ſeeth or heareth (whether it bee good or evil.)
Queſt. What bee the fruits, effects, and benefits of Meditation?
Anſw. They are manifold; for it calls our minds out of the world to aPſa. 42.4. & 39.3.mourning, or mirth; to complaint, prayer, rejoycing, and thankſgiving in the preſence of God. It drieth fleſhly and bad humours of worldlineſs, and earthly-mindedneſs; it quickens and awakens the dull and drowſie heart, that is ready to bee ſleeping in ſin; there is no private help ſo available, to gave, and ſift, weed and purge, and (as it were) to hunt and ferrit out of our hearts, ſwarms of wicked and unſavoury thoughts and luſts, which otherwiſe will not onelyonly lodge and dwell, but rule and reign in them, and to entertain and hold faſt heavenly thoughts, which otherwiſe will run out of our riven heads, as liquor out of a rotten veſſel. It is an ointment to ſoften our hard hearts, and to ſweeten the bitterneſs of our lives in all inward and outward troubles: It is a ſoveraign preſervative againſt the ſugered baits of worldly pleaſures and commodities that they become not poiſon unto us. Meditation is the ſearcher of the heart, the manure of the ſoul, the foſterer of zeal, the key of paradiſe, the ladder of Heaven, the remedy of ſecurity, the paſtime of Saints, the improvement of Chriſtianity. It enters us into the firſt degrees of heavenly joyes, exalteth our minds and thoughts above the higheſt pitch of worldly things, and imparteth unto us ſome firſt beginnings of the viſion of God; it is as watering to plants, as blowing to fire, as oyl to aking joynts, as Phyſick to the ſick; It urgeth to repentance, it quickneth to prayer, confirmeth faith, kindleth love, digeſteth the word, encourageth in well doing, and refreſheth with heavenly conſolations.
More Particularly.
Firſt, Meditation diſcovers corruption, and acquaints us with the rebellion of our hearts and lives, with our blindneſs, ſecurity, earthly-mindedneſs, and infinite other loathſome filthineſſes, which neither wee our ſelves would take knowledge of, while wee carry our ſelves in many things as good Chriſtians amongſt men; neither any other would ever think that ſo much poiſon could bee incloſed in ſo narrow a room, as within the compaſs of one ſilly man or woman; The vanity of mind, & frowardneſs of will, will ſhew themſelves ſooner in this duty, than in any other. By the hearing of the Law comes the knowledge of ſin, but never ſo clear and diſtinct, as when wee conſtantly ſet our ſelves to walk with God; Let us obſerve what unfaithfulneſs, injuſtice, worldlineſs, impatience, breaketh forth in our callings; what wearineſs, coldneſs, deadneſs, diſtruſt poſſeſſeth the heart in prayer; how full of wandrings, forgetful, irreverent, how ſoon tyred wee bee in hearing the Word, how ſenſeleſs, froward, and hardhearted under the Rod, and wee ſhall bee forced to acknowledge that wee are very ſtubborn, and rebellious, prone to evil, and averſe to that which is good.
But ſet thy ſelf to think upon ſome inſtruction that hath been taught, or thou haſt obſerved, do it ſeriouſly, conſcionably, religiouſly, conſtantly, as one who deſireth to ſpend all time well, and then corruption of nature will ſhew it ſelf; Thou ſhalt ſoon perceive that thou art vain, ignorant, impotent, proud, worldly, ſelf-conceited, fickle, envious, impatient, unprofitable, an harbourer of filthy luſts, a ſtiff oppoſer of ſound holineſs, paſſionate, unſound, and what not? Begin to meditate when opportunity is offered, thou art barren, and canſt finde nothing fit to bee matter of muſing, canſt make uſe of nothing which thou haſt heard or ſeen; haſt thou found matter? thou art dull, and ſenſleſs, not able to faſten one thought upon it, as is meer, ſo hard-hearted, that nothing can pierce or enter; Thou ſetteſt forward, but art quickly turned out of the way, that thou mayeſt well wonder to ſee how far thou art ſtrayed before that thou couldeſt diſcern that thou haſt ſtepped aſide; ſome idle toy, earthly buſineſs, vain pleaſure, needleſs fear, delightful remembrance of ſin hath drawn thy thoughts another way. Do not theſe things diſplay the poiſon of our evil and corrupt nature?
Moreover, by Meditation wee look into every dark, filthy corner of our naughty hearts, and rake into that ſtinking chanel, which is ſeldome ſtirred: So that when wee ſet about it, wee ſhall bee compelled to ſay, I heard of corruption by the hearing of the ear, but now I ſee it with mine eye; I feel it to the great diſturbance of my ſoul. And thus wee are drawn to deny our ſelves, humble our ſouls, and ſeek to Chriſt for ſuccour and relief.
Secondly, It is a ſpiritual means to purge out ſin, and to cleanſe the ground of our heart from thoſe noiſome, and hurtful weeds that grow in them. No means more available to rince and purifie them, to break the bed of ſins, and hunt away the litter of prophane luſts, none comparable to this. Note.For though by the Word wee know them, by conference wee revive the remembrance of them, and by reading wee do both, aHeb. 2.1.yet all theſe run out of our riven heads, and abide meanly with us to ſuppreſs our corruption, and to tame our hearts, until wee bring our ſelves to often and much muſing, and debating of the good things, which wee hear and read, that ſo wee may digeſt them; and of the evils, which by occaſion wee fall into, that wee abandon them: Even as worldly men ponder deeply their affairs, which are weighty. Meditation makes known the hainouſnefs of ſin, inflames the heart with love of holineſs, cheriſheth the graces of Gods Spirit (which are as fire to conſume the droſs of ſin) and rouſeth to earneſtneſs in prayer, to bee ſet at liberty from that cruel bondage.
Moreover, the conſcionable performance of this duty of Application of the Word, with Examination, and Prayer, which is done by Meditation, is, through the bleſſing of God very effectual, to kill, and crucifie the luſts of the fleſh: The ſpecial ſins prevented by this exerciſe. Are,
1. Idle roavings, unprofitable wandrings, unſavoury thoughts, wiſhes and deſires of heart; who groans not under this burden? who is not much hindered by them? They diſtract in prayer, reading, hearing, and cool our zeal, dead our hearts, waſte much precious time, ſteal away comfort, defile the ſoul, and bring forth much dangerous fruit.
The ſpecial medicine to cure this malady is Meditation, it either keeps, or thruſts out frivolous, and idle thoughts and motions, either it prevents them, or keeps them under. The Word hid in the heart preſerves from ſinning. *Pſa. 119.11.When the door is open, and the houſe empty, it is an eaſie matter for the theef to enter; but if the heart be occupied in goodneſs, evil cannot finde room, and harbour; The foul ſpirit being caſt out of a man, ſeeketh to return with ſeven ſpirits worſe than himſelf, bMat. 12.42, 43.but is not able to re-gain poſſeſſion, till hee finde the houſe empty, ſwept, and garniſhed: when wee do nothing, and withall labour to get no good matter into our minds, wee are ſure to be peſtred with evil cogitations, ariſing from natural corruption, or caſt in by Satan; but if the heart bee imployed continually in that which is profitable, holy, and excellent, corruption ſhall not have that ſtrength to moleſt, nor ſtir, nor Satan that opportunity to ſuggeſt. Hath vanity taken root? To remove it, no means more profitable than oft and deep conſideration of the ſwarms of evil cogitations that ariſe in the mind, to bring them into vile account, to bee weary and aſhamed of them, and to endeavour to entertain and harbour better motions and deſires in their room. What Chriſtian can endure to have his heart taken up as a lodge, or ſty, for froth, filth; vanity, idleneſs, or folly, that ſeeth the loathſomeneſs of it, and knows how, and where to furniſh himſelf with heavenly and comfortable matter? Hee will judge himſelf, watch, and make earneſt requeſts, never ceaſing till the number of idle imaginations bee abated.
2. Earthly-mindedneſſe, and the inordinate love of things temporal, are bad weeds that cover much ground, bitter roots that ſtick faſt in our nature, ſins that ſet open the heart for Satan to take poſſeſſion, and dwell therein, that make the Word unprofitable, becauſe it cannot have right and ſound plantation, that are attended with multitude of other ſins, and never go alone.
The only means to dig them out of the heart, is Meditation: Look into the vanity, deceitfulneſs, uncertainty, vexation that outward things bring with them, and thou wilt never ſet thy heart upon them. Pſa. 49.11Why do many men lay up for themſelves treaſure on Earth? They know not the glory and dignity of Gods Saints; they conceive not the neceſſity and excellency of ſaving Grace; they never taſted the comforts of a godly life; ſee not the Crown and joy that is prepared in Heaven for them that love and fear the Lord. It may bee they know there is a life to come, an Heaven, an Hell, but their knowledge is dim, uncertain, confuſed, idle; earneſtly, often, adviſedly, deeply, they conſider not of it: It is impoſſible that hee ſhould covet great things in this world, or highly prize what is baſe, and tranſitory, that hath an eye to the recompence of reward. What wee are in Meditation, may eaſily bee gueſſed by our affection to the things that are periſhing: Hee that admireth the fading bravery of what is under his feet, hath taken but ſleight view of heavenly glory.
Thirdly, By nature wee are very ſluggiſh, like unto the Oxe that will not draw, unleſs hee bee driven, or pricked with a goad.
Meditation is a ſpur to quicken us. aEccleſ. 12.11.The words of the wiſe are as goads, if the Word read or preached bee of great force, it muſt needs work effectually, if wee joyn Meditation. Upon the firſt hearing, the practice of good works may ſeem difficult, and unpleaſant; our ſlothful nature will object many things againſt it; A Lion is in the way; a Lion is in the ſtreet; it is hard to bee tied ſo narrowly, dangerous to follow ſuch courſes: But if wee conſider the matter more attentively, wee ſhall ſee great cauſe, good incouragement to ſet upon that work with diligence, joy, and chearfulneſs; as the mercies of God, the love of Chriſt, the comforts of grace, the bond of Creation, preſervation, redemption, the promiſe of divine aſſiſtance, and gracious acceptance, the peace of conſcience, and lively hope of an Inheritance in the higheſt Heavens. When theſe and ſuch like conſiderations are duly weighed, wee ſhall finde many, and more effectual provocations to incite to holineſs, than poſſiblely can bee to incite unto ſin, or to diſhearten in any good enterprize.
Fourthly, In company wee are apt to forget our ſelves, and take offenſive liberty; to bee idle, looſe, vain in ſpeeches, pettiſh in behaviour.
The reaſon is, becauſe wee are not ſtored with good matter, wee have not ſeen into the manifold imperfections of our hearts, nor tried in ſecret how wee can maſter and overcome corruptions. Whereby the neceſſity of Meditation is manifeſt, that gaging the heart thorowly, and fighting againſt ſin at home, wee might bee more watchful in company, leſt wee ſhould bee overtaken, and better enabled to reſiſt; for as hee who goeth to war, is firſt trained, and made fit to uſe his weapon at home, and the ſcholar tryeth maſteries privately, before hee come forth to diſpute openly; ſo muſt a good Chriſtian try what hee can do againſt his affections, & luſts, alone by himſelf, in his ſolitary Meditation, and reſolve againſt them (accordingly as hee ſeeth the difficulty to require) before hee can in his common dealings with all ſorts and companies, bee ſtrengthened againſt temptations, and falls, and free from offence-giving in his words and deeds.
5 Unbeleef, and hardneſs of heart, are evils no leſs dangerous than common, to the godly that feel them, to the ungodly that are inſenſible, a curſe, a judgement, that cannot ſufficiently be lamented.
The ſpecial remedy is earneſt communication with our ſelves, and with the Lord in ſecret. How doth the heart relent when wee ſet our ſelves in the preſence of God, to record our diſobedience with ſhame, and ſorrow; and when wee call to remembrance our mortality, the day of death, the coming of Chriſt to judgement, the favours of God, the love of Chriſt, his moſt bitter death and paſſion? Hardneſs of heart cometh from want of due conſideration. aMark 6.52. & 8.17, 18, 19, 20, 21.Tenderneſs follows Meditation, as contraries are cured by their contraries. To chide the heart for ſin, and force it by ſtrong reaſons preſſed again and again upon the conſcience, is effectual to break and rent it, as hard ſtroaks with beetle and wedges are to cleave the knotty Oak. They that look up to Chriſt, will mourn over him. To ſtock up infidelity, and to plant the word of promiſe, what means to Meditation? aPſa. 77.9, 10, 11, 12.when wee conſider the power, goodneſs, unchangeableneſs of the Lord, his free grace, rich mercy, and conſtant truth, how hee dealt with his ſervants in former times, and hath holpen us in the day of our calamity, doth not the heart riſe in indignation againſt diſtruſt? To check and reprove dejectedneſs of ſpirit, and to ſtir up our ſelves to wait and truſt in the Lord, is a ready way to get freedome from diſtracting thoughts that overwhelm and oppreſs the ſoul?
Thirdly, Meditation may be called the beginning of all ſound Reformation; when will men turn from their ſins with an holy reſolution to cleave unto the Lord in all things? Never till they come to their right mind, and bethink themſelves. bHoſ. 7.2. Jer. 5.24. Luk. 14.28. & 15.17. Mark 14.72. Pſal. 4.4.They may promiſe fair in ſickneſs, conceive ſome purpoſes of amendment upon the ſight or hearing of judgement denounced againſt their boſome ſin; but all this abides meanly with them to break the heart, or change it from thoſe ſinful delights wherewith it was bewitched. They muſt remember, and weigh what they have done, before they can riſe out of the miry-puddle into which they are fallen cJer. 8.6. Rev. 2.5..
Fourthly, Hereby wellgrounded and working knowledge is attained, encreaſed; without underſtanding wee cannot begin this exerciſe, but wiſdome is begotten and confirmed by it. dPſa. 119.92, 93, 99.They that hear often, read much; but live not in the exerciſe of Meditation, and digeſt not what is brought to their minds by outward means, they continue ſtill in darkneſs, or hang upon the credit of their teachers; at the beſt, their knowledge is leſs profitable to themſelves and others, as that which ſwimeth in the brain, but is not kindly rooted in the heart. In earthly occaſions, wherein wee are ſharper ſighted than in ſpiritual, wee conceive not a matter at the firſt hearing; the more we think upon it, the better wee come to know it. In ſpiritual things often reviewing the ſame thing is moſt requiſite. It is Meditation that ſettleth the truth in the judgement, aſſureth it to the conſcience, and firmly groundeth it in the heart, that it becometh a behooveful word, ready in the time of need, and ruling over the whole man, with an univerſal, milde, and gentle ſoveraignty. It may bee added, that if wee meditate of what we hear, wee ſhall ſee more into the truth, uſe, and benefit of what is taught, than hee that preacheth. Surely there is no doctrine ſo plain, or work ſo ſmall, but great good might bee gathered, much learned out of it, by ſtudy and diligence.
Fifthly, What an help this is to ſtrengthen memory, all men know by continual practice. Doth not the light of reaſon teach us, to call that oft to mind which wee would not have to overſlip us. Pſal. 119.15, 16.I will meditate on thy ſtatutes, and will not forget thy Word. The Saints of God know it is needful to grow in wiſdome, and to retain what they have learned: but look how neceſſary it is to bee filled with wiſdome, and to hold aHeb. 2.1, 2.faſt what wee have received; ſo needful it is to repeat again and again, and to bethink our ſelves of what hath been commanded and commited to our cuſtody: Defect of memory is beſt ſupplied by Meditation.
Sixthly, *Quo magis aliquid per contemplatione nobis innoteſcit, eo magis in illius amorem erar deſcimus & quo magis aliquid amamus, eô frequentius de ipſo cogitamus.Meditation enlargeth delight in goodneſs: much blowing will make the fire to burn under green wood. Our nature deſires liberty, and goodneſs is burdenſome to the fleſh, but if wee accuſtome our ſelves to minde, and muſe, and think upon the word, until it be made our own, it will be pleaſant to our taſte, Pſa. 119.23, 24.ſweeter than hony, or the hony comb. Familiarity is the beſt Nurſe of Friendſhip, better than good turns: Even as looking breedeth loving: ſo when by the thought of mind wee look upon good matters, there is a love of them bred in us; for affections kindle on a thought, as tinder doth when a ſpark lighteth on it. The moſt vehement love doth wax cold for want of communication; and the coldeſt affections are inflamed by converſings, Note.and intercourſe of ſpeech.
Seventhly, Meditation is a gracious means to eaſe and refreſh the mind (wearied in worldly buſineſſes.) It ſeaſoneth our meat, ſleep, labours. Pſal. 139.17, 18.Oh how ſweet and pleaſant a thing it is to come into the preſence of God, to record his mercies, to ſolace our ſouls in the remembrance of his love! This is the place of reſt after a toilſome journey; the cool ſhade to the weary labourer; the waterbrooks to the panting Hart: Pſal. 42.1.No mirth, no melody is to bee matched to it: The joy and comfort of the Spouſe in the preſence of Chriſt is a matter incredible to the carnal heart, Pſal. 63.52 6.who never taſted of the refined Wines, and fat things in the houſe of God.
Eighthly, Take away Meditation, and the duties of Religion loſe their life and vigour; Prayer is cold, reading unprofitable; Think daily with thy ſelf what great honour it is to bee the Son of God, what unſpeakable joy to poſſeſs aſſurance that our ſins are pardoned, how unvaluable a prerogative to lay open thy cares into the boſome of the Lord; perſwade thy ſelf of his readineſs to hear, mercies to forgive, and compaſſions to relieve them that ask in his Sons name. Theſe things will ſtir up intention and fervency in prayer; with what ſighs and groans will hee confeſs and bewail his iniquity, who with a ſingle eye doth behold the filthineſs of ſin, and look into his own eſtate? But lay aſide Meditation, and all is turned into form, comes to bee of little uſe; For the appetite will decay, if it be not ſharpened, deſire will cool if it bee not quickened. Meat received into the mouth, and ſpit forth again preſently, nouriſheth not; Seed muſt bee covered, as well as caſt into the ground. Reading benefits little without Meditation (which is to the Word what chewing and digeſtion is to meat that ſhould feed the body.)1 Tim. 4.15.
Ninthly, Frequent and daily repetition, and regard of heavenly things, brings us to better and more inward acquaintance with God, moſt comfortable fellowſhip and communion with him. The more wee ſpeak and converſe with a man, the better wee know him, the further wee ſee into his worth, faithfulneſs, and excellency. So doth communing with God lead us to the ſound and comfortable knowledge of his Majeſty. This is the fruit of holy muſing, than which, what can give more joy and comfort? what knowledge ſo delightful to the mind, as the knowledge of God in the face of Chriſt, in whom the Father hath revealed the treaſures of his wiſdome, the riches of his grace, long-ſuffering, and mercy? Nothing can revive the ſoul ſo much as the feeling of his love, and the aſſurance of his fatherly care over us. Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us, & we ſhal be ſafe.
Tenthly, To call to remembrance the Lords mercies of old, and his free promiſes that never fail, is a ſingular eaſe and refreſhing in the time of temptation; when Satan doth ſift and winnow us with temptations, Pſa. 77.5, 6, 11, 12. Pſa. 145.5. Pſal. 119.52. Pſal. 119.93.and terrours within, and troubles without. I remembred thy judgements, O Lord, and was comforted: I will never forget thy precepts, for by them thou haſt quickened mee.
Eleventhly, As the mind is, ſuch is the life; for that is the fountain of actions (whether good or evil) if the mind bee pure, the life is holy, if the mind bee defiled, the actions cannot bee upright; Wouldeſt thou live a Chriſtian life, and injoy thoſe great liberties which God affords to his children in this life? then thou muſt ſcatter the bed of diſordered cogitations, and nouriſh godly deſires, and motions in their room; meditating on the Law of God, doth bring on the doing of it, even as evil thoughts do bring on evil actions; for the thought is as the ſeed, and conception of all our actions: Now look as after conception there is a travel to bring forth, and a birth in due ſeaſon: ſo when the ſoul by thought hath conceived, preſently the affections are tickled, and excited, the will inclined, and ſtirred, which commandeth the inferiour powers to execute what the thought ſuggeſted.
Twelfthly, Meditation fitteth for conference; hee that hath digeſted good matter by ſerious cogitation, ſtudy, and care, is able to bring it forth, and utter it (as occaſion requireth) As they that have treaſured up much gold and ſilver, can eaſily lay it out, when it may bee to their advantage; whereas others that after long ſtudy can ſpeak excellently, being put to it upon the ſudden, can ſay little for lack of Meditation; herein like unto them, that having laid up nothing in ſtore, are compelled to borrow of the Uſurers, before they can make their purchaſe.
Thirteenthly and laſtly; The Word of God appears excellent, his works great, Pſa. 8.3.his favour unſpeakable, when wee ponder them in our hearts. By it in our ſolitarineſs wee enjoy God, and our ſelves, and by converſing with him wee are fitted for, and made more profitable in all good company.
Queſt. What uſe is to bee made of this point?
Anſw. If formerly thou haſt been a ſtranger to this exerciſe, now learn it, begin to practiſe it, entertain not conceits, as though it were needleſs, unprofitable, impoſſible, burdenſome; for a Chriſtian life cannot ſtand without it; Thou ſhalt finde it exceeding beneficial, delightſome, eaſie, when thou art entred into it; it is tedious onelyonly to corruption, to the heart renewed, it is moſt ſweet and comfortable: The neglect of this duty is the very cauſe why many Chriſtians injoy not the tenth part of thoſe priviledges that God hath provided for them in this their pilgrimage: why they are kept under their ſtrong corruptions, and break forth offenſively in their dealings in the world: Moreover, how ſhould a man bee aſſured of Gods love, if knowing this to bee a duty required, hee never addreſs himſelf unto it in good earneſt. It is not ſufficient to praiſe that which is good, ſpeak well of the children of God, keep our ſelves pure from the groſs ſtains of the time, but we muſt hate iniquity, and love righteouſneſs, which they do not, who harbour ſuch thoughts as are diſpleaſing to his Majeſty: How can a purified mind take pleaſure in thoſe filthy waters that flow from the ſtinking puddle of original corruption? It is for ſwine to wallow in the mire, and corrupt fountains to ſend forth muddy ſtreams. If the treaſure bee in Heaven, the heart muſt be there; If the ſoul bee of an heavenly diſpoſition, nothing is more delightful than to walk, and commune with God. By thy thoughts thou mayeſt know thy ſelf; as evil thoughts will argue an evil heart, ſo good thoughts will argue a good heart: for theſe cannot bee ſubject to hypocriſie, as words, and deeds are, which ſometimes come more from reſpect of the creature, than of the Creator. It is the will of God that wee ſhould not onelyonly ſeek the Kingdome of Heaven, but, minde it, ſet our thoughts upon it, and turn the bent of our deſires wholly that way. aMat. 6.19 Col. 3.1The Lord hath given to us the great things of his Law, bHoſ. 8.12cauſed the Scriptures to bee written for our learning, and ſent his Prophets to declare unto us his mind, and pleaſure; Chriſt Jeſus (the great Dr. of the Church) hath revealed the glory of God, as it were in open face, and fully, and clearly made known the laſt will of his heavenly Father touching mans ſalvation, than which, nothing can bee more wonderful, excellent, delightful, comfortable: Now for us to paſs by theſe things as ſtrange, and now and then only to caſt an eye towards them, is it not an offence intollerable? How ſhould the heart be framed after the image of God, but by a ſerious Meditation of heavenly things, whereby their likeneſs is ſtamped upon the ſoul; as by Application, the ſeal leaves the impreſſion upon the wax? Wee are ſtrangers in this world, who have no abiding City on earth, nor may place our hearts, delights, and felicity here, but Heaven is our home, and our chiefeſt comfort muſt bee to have daily communion with God, Phil. 3.20and to have our converſation in Heaven with him, which cannot bee enjoyed ordinarily without Meditation. If it bee tedious at firſt, uſe will make it eaſie, and the ſweetneſs which at length wee ſhall taſte in contemplation, will make it delightful.
Queſt. What ſay you of ſuperficial, and careleſs thinking upon ſome points of Doctrine by fits, ſeldome in a good mood?
Anſw. The chief praiſe of this duty, is, that wee be much in its uſe, Pſal. 119.97. & 1.2.from time to time, through the whole courſe of our life, and every day thereof, that by recording holy and divine things, eſpecially thoſe which tend to ſoundneſs in the matter of ſalvation a little time more or leſs (as opportunity is offered, and occaſions will permit) may be beſtowed of us, to dry up fleſhly, and bad humours of earthly-mindedneſs, and worldlyneſs, &c. and to quicken our dull hearts, leſt after ſleep in ſin, the Devil draw us to deep forgetfulneſs and ſecurity. Neither can any thing if it be weighed, bee leſs tollerable in the ſight of God Almighty, than whereas hee hath given us his Scriptures, which tell us his mind, and teach us how we may commune with his Majeſty, and for our behoof hath given us an earneſt charge to ponder them in our heart, to have them in our minde, to make them the matter of our cogitation, talk, delight, and practice; yet that Chriſtians ſhould not bee better acquainted with this heavenly courſe, nor bee occupied thus, unleſs it bee ſeldome (as it were) upon high daies, and that very coldly: as if God had been earneſt with us about a trifle, or as if hee had offered us great injury to move us thereunto.
Nor is this work ſleightly to bee gone about, wee muſt ſet our hearts to the cogitation of heavenly things, thorowly debating, and reaſoning them with our ſelves, ſo far as wee are able, that wee might bee inabled to order our lives, as well in one ſtate, as another, and ſtrengthened againſt the aſſaults of Satan, and allurements of this preſent evil world: Meditation is a weighty matter, and great pity that works of greateſt importance ſhould finde the moſt ſleight regard. It is the work of the Lord, wherein remiſs dealing is condemned as injurious to God, hurtful to our ſelves. aJer. 48.10The fruit of Meditation ſtands in fervency; hee that is not ſerious ſhall reap no profit: How ſhould the Word ſink into our ſtony hearts, if it bee not minded? how ſhould mercy, or judgement affect, if wee dwell not upon the thought of them? The heart muſt bee preſſed, before it will relent, and fixed upon things above, before it will rejoyce in them. Meditation is one part of a Chriſtian mans treaſure, that is ever in his hand, can never bee taken from him: Many duties muſt wait their ſeaſons, but all eſtates, conditions, companies, actions, miniſter occaſion of Meditation: nor can this liberty bee taken from us by the rage of Satan, or cruelty of perſecuting Tyrants; for ſo long as wee bee with our ſelves, wee may commune with our ſelves, and with the Lord. Now, the more excellent our treaſure is, the more careful muſt wee bee to preſerve and employ it.
Queſt. Seeing this duty is ſo neceſſary, profitable, divine, and comfortable, what doth keep ſo many from the practice of it?
Anſw. The main impediment and hinderance of this (as of all other duties) is the nouriſhing of ſome one ſin, or more, unrepented of, which dimmeth the eye of the mind, that it cannot behold ſpiritual things any more than the Owl can behold the light, and cloyeth the appetite that it cannot reliſh heavenly dainties, any more than a full ſtomach doth hunger after ſweet meats: As a black cloth can take no other dye; ſo an impenitent heart is uncapable of Divine Meditation.
Queſt. How is this impediment to bee removed?
Anſw. This bar can never bee removed, till our hearts bee purged, by humble, and unfeigned repentance, hearty ſorrow, free confeſſion, and well adviſed purpoſe of reformation. Wherefore as they that intend to keep any precious liquor, will ſee that their veſſels bee clean: So they that will entertain holy thoughts and deſires, muſt give all diligence to keep their hearts pure, and undefiled.
Queſt. What are the ſpecial lets that hinder the performance of this duty?
Anſw. They bee diverſe; whereof ſome do keep men that they do not uſe this exerciſe at all; others drive them to uſe it without any fruit, or ſound profit, performing it ſleightly, and negligently, making it an idle Ceremony, or a matter of courſe or cuſtome.
Queſt. What bee theſe lets?
Anſw. One is a deadly cuſtome of ranging after fond, and deceiveable thoughts, delights, and dreams of things either impertinent, or unprofitable, and oftentimes impoſſible, being ſuch as never were, nor are, nor ever ſhall bee: or elſe flatly wicked, hurtful, and pernicious. For the heart of man is exceeding deceitful, ſlippery, fickle, wandring, and wicked, infinite waies: Beſides that, the ſubtil and malicious fowler, even Satan that old Serpent, doth ſet his ſnares ſo thick in our waies, that it is very hard for us to paſs thorow them without being intangled. To this head may bee referred worldly cares and pleaſures, which clog the ſoul that it cannot mount aloft. For as a bird (whoſe wings are limed) is not able to take her flight on high: So the man, whoſe mind is intangled with worldly cares, and earthly delights, is not able by holy Meditation to ſoar aloft up to Heaven: When the mind is carried after other deſires, it is unfit for heavenly Meditation, ſlow, and unwilling to bee occupied in cogitation, and conſideration of any holy matters; hee that knows it ſhould bee performed, is ſometimes grieved for the omitting of it, but if the mind bee impotent, as having loſt her former ſtrength, and conſtancy in good things, for the time it is conſtrained to omit and let paſs the ſame.
Queſt. How is this to bee remedied?
Anſw. The remedy to ſuch a one (as through an unſettled heart, cannot meditate of any parts of Chriſtianity, and godlineſs, having otherwiſe knowledge) is to meditate of his preſent unfitneſs, looſeneſs of heart, and earthly-mindedneſs, to account it as an heavy burden; to accuſe his heart; and to bring it to kindly relenting, by conſidering how far it is off preſently from that mildneſs, humbleneſs, and heavenlineſs, and readineſs unto duty, which ought to bee in him continually, and hath been in him at ſome other time: Let him bring his mind to theſe conſiderations, and ſay with himſelf; I have received a mind to *Heb. 13.18. Col. 1.10.pleaſe God, to be teachable, and ready to any duty; I have oppoſed my ſelf againſt mine own will, and the Devils ſecret, and malicious counſel (though ſweet to the fleſh) aRom. 8.12.I am not a debtor unto it, how can I then yeeld to the untowardneſs of my heart, and to ſin againſt my God I have taſted the fatneſs and marrow in the houſe of God, and ſhall I return to feed upon the husks of the world? where are the manifold and comfortable priviledges which he hath given mee, that I might bee faithful unto him? Am I weary of my own peace, and do I haſte after my own ſorrow? what pleaſure can I finde in vanity and vexation? what taſte in the white of an egg? Lord bring back this ranging heart of mine from the deceitful dreams and fears that it hath been ſnared in, and reſtore it to the liberty that it was wont to injoy, that is, to ſolace it ſelf in thy favour and communion with thee. And this gift being decayed, through my own fault, and Satans cruelty and ſubtilty forgive my cold and weak love of thee, who have provoked thy Majeſty (if thou wouldeſt bee provoked) to frown, and look amiably on mee no more: Thou Lord chargeſt mee thus to ſeek thy face, and ſweet preſence, which I have gone from, and for a time been blinded, as having no ability to muſe of any good thing, and have not ſeen that I was ſeduced, till I perceived that I had loſt this ſweet liborty. Now therefore, O Lord, ſhew thy loving kindneſs in my diſtreſs and weakneſs, and reſtore to mee this liberty of my heart, which many of thy children do finde and enjoy. Thus fall into conſideration with thy ſelf, and bee not diſcouraged when thou ſeeſt thy infirmities, who haſt learned to uſe all thy wants to humble thee, and to bring thee nearer to God, rather than to go further from him: but let no man give any liberty in any ſort to his evil heart (when it is turned away from chearfulneſs and willingneſs in any part of Gods ſervice) to go forward therein, for that were to bring himſelf into utter bondage.
Queſt. What is a ſecond Impediment or Let?
Anſw. Inconſtancy; when wee begin to ſet upon this duty, but are drawn aſide by the love of vanity, or diſcouraged by the difficulty of the exerciſe, and ſo give over, and never ſet about it in good earneſt.
Queſt. What is the Remedy of this Impediment?
Anſw. Labour to be conſtant, and if it bee poſſible, let no day paſs without ſome line of Meditation, though many blocks be caſt into the way. Impediments will multiply, as wee give way unto them; indiſpoſition and unfitneſs get ſtrength through omiſſion, and delay; but conſtancy and courage (our breaking thorow all oppoſition) with careful watchfulneſs to tye up our thoughts, will make this exerciſe in time, not onelyonly poſſible, but eaſie, and pleaſant. It is grievous for children at the firſt to go to ſchool, but after they have taſted the ſweetneſs of ſtudy, and tried the fruit, they are contented to leave country and kindred for love of learning: So the entrance into this exerciſe is hard and tedious, but the progreſs full of heavenly delight and contentation; nay, it is grievous to bee peſtered with vain, wicked, idle thoughts, whereby communion and fellowſhip with Chriſt is interrupted. In the world it is accounted a hard thing to bee bound with cords and chains of Iron, to bee vexed with Tyranny an inſupportable burthen, what is it then to bee bound with chains of our corruption, to live under the power of luſt, to bee toſſed to and fro with the temptations of Satan? let us therefore ſet apart the fitteſt time for this exerciſe, eſpecially on the Sabbath (when ſpiritual idleneſs is as bad, or worſe than bodily labour) and to keep it conſtantly, not giving over (when wee have once begun) till wee finde that it hath done our hearts ſome good: For what will it avail us to knock at the door of our hearts, if wee depart before wee have an anſwer?
Queſt. May not a man ſpend too much time in private Meditation?
Anſw. Yes, no doubt, and many do, who are ſo addicted to their own private devotions, that they neglect other duties of Chriſtianity, and of their particular callings, the neglect of which, beſides that it is a ſeparating of thoſe things which God hath joyned together, doth not inlighten and quicken the mind, but rather (by the juſt judgement of God) blinde and dull it. Hence it proceeded, that the antient Monks mingling bodily labour with Meditation, proved excellent, whereas the Popiſh Monks, mured up in their Cloyſters, and exempted from bodily labour, proved the moſt noiſome Caterpillers in the world. Wherefore wee muſt ſo chuſe our times for the performance of this exerciſe, that God bee not diſhonoured, nor our brethren wronged, by the neglect of others. The object of this exerciſe being ſpiritual, is far too excellent for the weak ſight of man to bee gazing on continually.
Queſt. What is the third Impediment?
Anſw. Many are hindered and kept back from this duty, for want of matter. Notwithſtanding the great variety of matter, which the word, and works of God, and the due conſideration of their own eſtate might miniſter unto them, yet their hearts are ſo barren, and their heads ſo empty, that they are utterly to ſeek about what to beſtow their time, and their cogitations.
Queſt. What is the Remedy againſt this Let?
Anſw. The help is to bewail and lament the barrenneſs of their hearts, and to enforce themſelves to read, and hear the Word, and to mark, and obſerve the works of God with greater care, conſcience, diligence, and attention, than they have done in former times. How a Chriſtian is to furniſh himſelf with good matter, wee ſhall ſhew hereafter more fully. But for the preſent, every man that is deſirous to ſet upon this exerciſe, may propound theſe things to bee thought upon.
Firſt, His vileneſs, unworthineſs, and other his ſeveral corruptions and ſins.
Secondly, The ſufferings of Chriſt, and the wrath of God due unto us for ſin.
Thirdly, The love of God in giving Chriſt to dye for us, and the greatneſs of his bounty, and riches of his grace, and conſtancy of his love, in forgiving ſo many tranſgreſſions, and ſubduing daily more and more the dominion of ſin and Satan.
Fourthly, Hee is to think how hee may bee guided, thorow that preſent day, after the rules of his daily direction, eſpecially thoſe that ſeem hardeſt to bee followed, both the well-ordering of his heart, and framing of his life ſo far as ſtands with Gods Word.
Fifthly, Let him meditate on the ſeveral parts of the Chriſtian Armor, and how God hath appointed to ſtrengthen him thereby for his better going forward in a godly life.
Laſtly, Let him conſider of the outward bleſſings that God vouchſafeth unto him, his conſtant care, and fatherly protection over him, in his going out, and coming in, providing him meat, drink, and apparel, and other neceſſaries.
Queſt. What is the fourth Let?
Anſw. Want of leiſure and opportunity, by reaſon of neceſſary buſineſs taking up the time.
Queſt. How is this to bee remedied?
Anſw. Men muſt know, that the ordinary works of their calling, are not to put this duty out of place, for if they do, it is by the unskilfulneſs, or untowardneſs of them, who commit this fault; but the one of them is appointed of God to go with the other, and both of them to ſtand together to the upholding of one another. If any through neceſſary occaſion and hinderances, ſhall be conſtrained to let paſs this duty of Meditation, when otherwiſe hee would have ſet upon it, hereby let it appear to have been neceſſarily paſſed by, and without his fault: if hee ſupply the want of this duty after his neceſſary labour ended, and take heed that in no wiſe it bee omitted altogether, unleſs hee can bee aſſured with peace, that God in the omitting of it hath been remembred anſwerably ſome other way.
Queſt. What ſhould move us to bee careful to take time for this duty?
Anſw. Becauſe wee are earneſtly exhorted by the Apoſtle to redeem the time, that is, to take the opportunity, and lay hold on all occaſions whereby wee may glorifie God, or do good to others, and to our own ſouls. And the ſpecial ſpur to provoke us to make choice of, and conſtantly to keep ſome time to the performance of this duty, and to break thorow the manifold lets and impediments, which ſtand in our way, is the due conſideration of the fruits, and effects of this duty carefully performed, which have been mentioned before, and come to bee named hereafter.
Queſt. What things do hinder the fruitful performance of this duty?
Anſw. Two principally, which may bee called abuſes of Meditation.
Firſt, Sleightneſs; when wee make a ceremony of it, not ſo much looking how our hearts are affected in and by it, as that wee may not juſtly bee charged for omitting it.
Secondly, Trifling fantaſies, and worldly cares, which fill the head, that wee cannot minde heavenly things; hence followeth wearineſs of it, and an haſtening to more liberty, that our hearts may range where they liſt.
Queſt. How are theſe abuſes to bee remedied?
A. Firſt, We muſt remember, that it is a duty of great weight, earneſtly called for at our hands, of ſingular fruit, and comfort, worthy to bee delighted in, and exerciſed with greateſt diligence. The men of the world are exact in trifles, is it not a ſhame to the children of God, if they be ſleighty in matters of ſo great importance? Labour ſpent in the duties of Religion is loſt, and the fruit periſheth, if wee ſtrive not to perform them with life and power.
Secondly, To obtain, that we may bee fit to perform this duty, and not to bee carried at that time after wandring, wee muſt tye up our looſe hearts throughout the day from the deadly cuſtome of ranging after vain, fond, and deceiveable thoughts, dreams, and delights; wee muſt weigh how little worth this is to ſuffer our cogitations to bee faſtened on things tranſitory with delight, much leſs about thoſe that are filthy, and evil, but rather bring them to bee taken up in thoſe which are heavenly: This wee are called unto, and until wee learn, how weighty ſoever our dealings be, to count this the chiefeſt, to keep peace with God, and ever fear to offend him, it will bee an hard matter to bring our ſelves to meditate with chearfulneſs, and fruit.
Thirdly, When thou ſetteſt upon this duty, take heed of ſelf-confidence, leſt thou provoke God to give thee up to be buffeted of Satan, to teach thee humility, and lowlineſs. How ſhould wee hope to proſper in any good work, ſo long as wee truſt in our own ſtrength? Succeſs joyned with ſelf-preſumption, is perillous; for it tendeth to ſpiritual fulneſs, and ſurfeiting, two main and great diſeaſes of the ſoul.
Queſt. What bee the ſorts and kinds of Divine Meditation?
Anſw. It is fitly divided into two ſorts.
Firſt, Extemporary, occaſional, or ſudden, which may bee done at all times, and in all employments.
Secondly, Set, deliberate, or ſolemn: both theſe have their uſe, and in both theſe, ſeriouſneſs is required.
Queſt. What is occaſional Meditation?
Anſw. It is a ſerious bending of the mind, to think upon ſome good and profitable ſubject, being occaſioned thereunto by ſuch things as (by the providence of God) do offer themſelves to our ſenſes, Pſal. 8.8. Joh. 4.10. Prov. 6.6. Mat. 6.26.eyes, and ears, as wee go about the duties of our calling, or bee exerciſed in ſome honeſt, and lawful Recreation, for the continuance of our health, and comfort of our life.
Queſt. What Rules are to bee noted touching this extemporary Meditation?
Anſw. Firſt, Extemporary Meditation, as Ejaculatory Prayers, have no ornament but fervency, no motive but love, no other eloquence but affection, and their clauſes, no contexture but neceſſity.
Secondly, No employment can hinder us from this duty, they rather miniſter occaſion thereof unto us: The cold of Winter, the heat of Summer, the ſweetneſs of the Spring, the fruitfulneſs of the Harveſt, do *Pſa. 19.1. & 69.34. & 89.5. Pſa. 8.3, 4.praiſe the Lord, that is, do miniſter plentiful occaſion to us to praiſe God: No month in the year, nor week in the month, nor day in the week, nor hour in the day, which doth not afford us ſome profitable matter to meditate upon.
Thirdly, The fitteſt day in the week, is the Lords day, which wee are to conſecrate wholly to him: but as no perſon is exempted from this duty, ſo no time but may fitly ſerve for the performance thereof.
Fourthly, As wee muſt not lightly let ſlip ſuch matters of good uſe, as will bee often offered unto us, and defraud our ſelves, and others of the benefit thereof; ſo wee muſt not fix our minds too earneſtly upon them, leſt wee offend others, and neglect ſome neceſſary duty of our own.
Fifthly, The more natural and lively the occaſion of external Meditation is, the better it doth affect at the firſt ſalutation, as ſoon as wee take a taſte of it, which muſt bee regarded and laboured after, becauſe the buſineſs of this life will not ſuffer us largely to diſcourſe upon them.
Sixthly, Variety of matter is very profitable, for often iteration of the ſame thing, breeds heartleſneſs. It is with Meditation, as with medicines, which with over ordinary uſe loſe their ſoveraignty, and kill in ſtead of purging.
Queſt. What are the benefits of Extemporary Meditation?
Anſw. 1 It fits for ſetled Meditation, as it furniſheth with matter, and prepareth the heart to commune with God: as oft ſalutations makes way to familiar conference. Hee that obſerveth the Lord in all his dealings, and makes ſpiritual uſe of earthly things, ſhall with more eaſe finde and faſten his heart upon ſome good matter, and have it at command, to attend upon the Lord in moſt ſerious Communication.
Secondly, It kindles the graces of the Spirit, which might otherwiſe bee damped with the foggy miſts of earthly cares, and vain delights. As the fire gathers that which cauſeth it to burn faſter: ſo the Spirit raiſeth holy thoughts upon outward occaſions, which do revive the grace wee have received.
Thirdly, Since the greateſt part of our life is ſpent in worldly affairs, unleſs wee lift up our hearts to God upon occaſions offered in our callings, journies, and ſuch like, wee ſhall deprive our ſouls for the moſt part of ſweet fellowſhip, and communion, and company with the Lord.
Fourthly, If God walk along with us in the labours of our callings, is it not an offence in us to take no notice, or obſervation of his preſence?
Fifthly, Occaſional Meditation is a ſharp ſpur, and ſtrong provocation, to prayer and praiſe: Hee cannot want matter of thanksgiving or ſupplication, that conſcionably obſerveth and conſidereth the goodneſs of the Lord towards him in the things of this life, and infirmities of the creature, and his own inability of himſelf to effect, or bring any thing to paſs.
Sixthly, It furthers much to bring us to the knowledge of our ſelves, and to encreaſe humility: ſelf-ignorance is a diſeaſe moſt dangerous, the daughter of corruption, infidelity, forgetfulneſs, pride, preſumption, earthly-mindedneſs, flattery, bad company, ill examples, and cuſtome in ſin. One ſpecial Remedy of this over-ſpreading malady is oft and diligent Meditation of the things that ſhall happen, fall out, or be preſented to us in our daily vocations.
Seventhly, The thoughts of this nature are not onelyonly lawful, but ſo behooveful, that wee cannot omit them without neglect of God, his creatures, our ſelves; the creatures are half loſt, if wee onelyonly imploy them, not learn ſomething of them, God is wronged, if his creatures bee unregarded; our ſelves moſt of all, if wee read this great volume of the creatures, and take out no leſſon for our inſtruction.
Queſt. How ſhould a man fit himſelf for extemporary Meditation?
Anſw. Firſt, Hee muſt get an heart deſirous to reap profit by every thing that doth befall him. Love of wealth draws the covetous to ſtudy how he might turn all things to his advantage, and love of grace will produce the ſame effects in her kind.
Secondly, Hee muſt learn to read the power, goodneſs, bounty, and wiſdome of the Lord written in fair characters in the large volume of the creatures, and in every leaf, and line thereof. The fire, hail, ſnow, rain, dew, froſt, yea, herbs, plants, fiſh, and fowl, praiſe the Lord, that is, give occaſion to man to magnifie the name of God, Pſal. 8.1, 2, 3.who is great and excellent.
Thirdly, Let him make ſpiritual uſe of earthly things, and mark how the one is reſembled and ſhadowed forth in the other: And to this end it is good to obſerve the parables, and ſimilitudes, and borrowed phraſes in Scripture, whereby a Chriſtian may ſoon furniſh himſelf in this point.
Fourthly, It muſt bee remembred, that in every thing the wiſe, juſt, powerful, and good providence of God doth over-rule: this perſwaſion rooted in the heart, draws a man to acknowledge the hand of God in whatſoever happeneth, great or ſmall.
Queſt. What is ſolemn, or ſettled Meditation?
Anſw. It is a purpoſed and adviſed bending of the mind, to conſider, and muſe on ſome good and wholeſome matter, with reſolution to work the heart into an holy temper, to which end wee ſeparate our ſelves from all companies and occaſions that might diſtract us.
Queſt. What Motives ſhould perſwade Chriſtians to ſet upon this duty?
Anſw. Beſides the benefits before mentioned, which principally belong to ſolemn Meditation, theſe conſiderations may bee of force to quicken us.
Firſt, Wee muſt exerciſe our ſelves in the Word of God with care, and diligence, that it may ſink into us, abide with us, quicken, and conform, and ſtrengthen us. Wee are commanded to treaſure up, and feed upon the Word of Life; Pſal. 119.11. Iſa. 8.16. Luke 11.28. Rev. 1.3.Binde up the Testimony, ſeal up the Law, among my Diſciples. Bleſſed are they that hear the Word of God and keep it. Bleſſed are they who read, and they who hear the words of this Prophecy, and keep thoſe things that are written therein. James 1.21.Receive with meekneſs the ingrafted Word, which is ſo called, becauſe it ſhould abide in our hearts like a Siens in a ſtock, and never bee removed, but there grow and fructifie unto eternal life. But the Word cannot take root, bee remembred, digeſted, wee cannot feed upon it without Meditation: Mat. 24.15Let him that readeth, conſider and underſtand.
Secondly, The Scriptures were written to bring us to happineſs, to fellowſhip, and communion with God, to everlaſting life. They ſet forth the way to bleſſedneſs, and direct how wee may bee partakers of glory. Rev. 1.3. Joh. 20.31 1 Joh. 1.3And if wee be not careleſs of the ſalvation of our ſouls, wee muſt ſearch into this Mine as well by Meditation, as reading, or hearing.
Queſt. What things must bee looked unto, that this exerciſe might bee taken in hand with good ſucceſs?
Anſw. Choice of good matter, fit place, due time, holy entrance, orderly proceeding, and ſeaſonable, meet concluſion.
Queſt. What rules are to bee obſerved touching the choice of matter?
Anſw. The matter of Meditation muſt be ſome good and profitable thing: as God himſelf, his attributes, titles, properties, works of mercy, and judgement, creation and providence, his Word, Threatnings, Promiſes, Commandements; our own unworthineſs, mortality, the afflictions and manifold changes of this life, and how we may go thorow them with comfort.
But out of this variety, make choice of ſome one to bee the ſubject of thy diſcourſe, for hee that is every where, is no where: Nothing is more hurtful to the body, than many medicines. The ſore, to which ſundry kinds of plaiſters are applied, is hardly brought to a ſcar. Nihil tam utile eſt quod in tranſitu profit. Senec.Think upon one thing until thy affections be wrought upon. Nothing is ſo profitable, that it can benefit much in paſſing by; hee that comes by the fire may feel a glympſe of heat, hee onelyonly is warmed that tarrieth at it: It is the property of a weak ſtomach to taſte many things, to hold and digeſt nothing. Many matters thruſt upon us at once, weaken and diſtract the powers of the ſoul. To ſcatter the thoughts upon many things, is to attend nothing as it ought: when the mind is diſtracted betwixt divers things, the one is a hinderance to the other, and we receive benefit by neither, nor bring our thoughts to any good iſſue.
Secondly, Out of this variety of matter, ſeeing thou muſt take but ſome one, play the part of a wiſe man, and chuſe that whereof thou haſt ſpecial need: As ſalves are not for every ſore, nor all meats agreeable to every conſtitution; every part of the Word is holy, pure, and good; but times, occaſions, conditions of men make a difference: There is a time to mourn, and a time to bee merry; to put on ſackcloth, and to ſing for joy; and there is matter to bee found in Scripture which doth ſuit with each diſpoſition, and will ſerve to ſtir up either affection. The occaſions, diſeaſes, comforts of Chriſtians are not the ſame, nor alike at all times: out of the treaſury of the Word wee may gather inſtructions which will fit every occaſion, ſeaſon, and eſtate: Fitneſs of matter is required, as in ſpeaking, ſo in muſing. *Iſa. 35.3, 4. & 40.28 Job 8.8. Deut. 4.32. & 32.7 Lam. 3.56 Pſal. 77.11, 12.Art thou afflicted in conſcience for ſin? ſpeak with thy heart of the promiſes of pardon and forgiveneſs, that are freely made in Jeſus Chriſt: enquire diligently into Gods mercies of old, commune with thy ſelf what former experiences of love and favour thou haſt felt; call to remembrance how tenderly the Lord hath dealt with others upon their humble ſubmiſſion. If thou wouldeſt ſtir up thy heart to love or reverence the Lord, think of his majeſty, power, goodneſs, free-grace, and undeſerved mercy.
Thirdly, It is neither unlawful nor unmeet to meditate on our ſins paſt, that we might be humbled; & frailties preſent, that we might prevent them: but a diſcreet courſe muſt bee held that wee defile not our ſelves with delightful remembrance of ſin; Ezek. 16.63. & 36, 31.nor by thoughts ſtir up the corruption which wee deſire to ſubdue, nor caſt our ſelves into deſpair and horrour for what hath been done amiſs, nor give place to doubting of perſeverance in reſpect of the time to come, for humiliation muſt bee joyned with confidence in God, and watchfulneſs that wee fall not into ſin again.
Queſt. What if the heart bee ſo barren, that wee cannot call to minde any thing that hath been taught, nor remember any mercy wee have received?
Anſw. Theſe may bee obſerved as matters meet to have good room in our thoughts, our own vileneſs, unworthineſs, emptineſs of grace, the goodneſs of God in ſparing our lives, beſtowing outward bleſſings, forgiving multitude of ſins, and ſubduing them more and more; the ſufferings of Chriſt in the Garden, and upon the Croſs; the Chriſtian armour that muſt bee put on, and kept about us; how wee might carry our ſelves uprightly in all eſtates, and affairs, that our hearts bee not diſordered, nor our lives blemiſhed. It is not amiſs to propound to our ſelves the mercies of the day, our ſpecial wants of grace, and the chaſtiſements that are laid upon us as matters to bee muſed on: that wee might bee quickened to prayer and thankſgiving.
Firſt, More particularly, Hee that deſireth to have help by Meditation, muſt weigh how ſlippery, bad, fickle, and wandring his heart is, infinite waies to his exceeding hurt, Jer. 17.9.and that hee muſt of neceſſity appoint ſome aPſa. 55.17ſet time to check, reclaim, and wean it from the ſame.
Secondly, Hee muſt watch over his heart (having been ſo often deceived by it) throughout his whole life, and have it in ſuſpition, that ſo it may be more fit to bee drawn to ſuch heavenly exerciſe, Prov. 4.21and be ſtayed therein, and attend upon the ſame.
Thirdly, This being obſerved, let him draw matter of Meditation and Prayer from his own wants, and infirmities, from Gods benefits, from the change and mortality of this life. Alſo it is good to meditate on the Glory of Gods Kingdome, the ſweet comfort of a peaceable conſcience; love of humility, meekneſs, but ſpecially that which for the preſent ſhall bee moſt ſuitable to his ſtate.
Fourthly, If hee cannot thus do, let him read ſome portion of the holy Scripture, ſome part of the Pſalms, ſome of the Epiſtles of the Apoſtles, Chriſts Sermons, or ſome good book fit to furniſh him with good matter, and ſeaſon, and affect his mind, that ſo hee may learn how to perform this duty, and quicken up himſelf to it oft, and from time to time, when hee once knoweth how. If hee cannot read, hee muſt deſire more help of others, and for want of help, hee muſt needs look to go the more ſlowly, forward, either in the right and kinde uſe of Meditation, or in any part of ſound godlineſs, and Chriſtianity, ſeeing wee cannot bee ignorant of this, that the old ſubtil fowler ſets his ſnares, and nets, ſo thick in our way, that wee have no ſhift but to fall into them, and light upon them, except with the wings of Meditation and Prayer, wee mount up on high above them, and fly over them, which to them that cannot read will for the moſt part bee found more hard and difficult.