OBIECTORUM REDUCTIO: OR, Daily Employment for the Soul.  
In Occasional Meditations upon several Subjects.  
By Donald Lupton.  1 Tim. 4. 14. Despise not the gift that is in thee. 
LONDON, Printed by JOHN NORTON, for JOHN ROTHWELI, at the sign of the Sun, in Paul's Churchyard, 1634.   

TO THE RIGHT Honourable LORD, George Earl of Rutland, Baron Roos of Hamelake, Belvoir, and Trusbutt, Increase of Honour, and Happiness, temporal, and eternal.  
My LORD,  
REligious, and Real goodness establish Greatness: ●●thout these Supporters, Mole ruit sua. Let Virtue keep Court within and Honour will atten● the outward Man.  
Clouds cannot long obscure that Sun which moves directly. As Good●nes make all men Honou●rable, so it makes the● Conspicuous. Thos● whose Actions are pi●●ous, will be Eminent i● Place, and Person. Th● firmest Basis for Honour to mount upon, is Practi●call Virtue. Indirect and Oblique Ascen● may be more speedy, and early, but they are subject to sudden, and certain Praecipices, those which are Raised upon Virtue are durable, and permanent. Others may shine sooner, but these surer, & longer. Those are as blazing Meteors, these as fixed Stars.  
I know (my Lord) your Intendments this way to be Methodical. So that your Actions are warrantable directions to others, and I in avouching your Honour to be truly Noble, cannot justly b● censured for a Parasite.  
The knowledge of this, and the Experience of your Honours Candid disposition, gives me Encouragement to present my Work to your Tuition. I know your Honour's delight is to be a Lord Protector of Virtuous Endeavours. Comfort it may be to you, disparagement it cannot be. It shows your Affection to Learning, and Religion, truly preserves your Memory sacred to Posterity, and gives courage to the Heart of the Labourer, even to future undertake.  
That Reverend 
* L. Bb. of Exon.  Father in our Church, first began to enter this Path, and sent his Labours to the World for a pattern, under the Protection of a Right Honourable Patron. His Exhortation was my Incitation, I am beholden to him for Method, but the Matter was mine own. What is thus mine by right of Compo●sing, I entreat your Honour to make yours by way of Patronage and Protection.  
Thus your Honour, One of the Worthies of Israel, in our Salomon's Court, shall have the Prayers of him, who desires to be, and is,  
Your Honour's Servant, Donald Lupton.   

The Table.  

Upon the sight of a jew, p. 1  
Upon Pilate, washing his hands, p. 4  
Upon the sight of a Toad, p. 6  
Upon hearing a Woman to die in Childbed, p. 8  
Upon Saul's going from Jerusalem, to Damascus, p. 10  
Upon David's Adultery, p. 12  
Upon cain's murdering his Brother, p 14  
Upon the wounded man, and the good Samaritan, p. 17  
Upon Demas leaving S. Paul, p. 19  
Upon the 2 Disciples, going from Jerusalem to Emaus, p. 21  
Upon a Dog tied up in a Chain, p. 24  
Upon a beautiful, and fair Virgin, p. 26  
Upon seeing a man Arrested, and carried to Prison, p. 29  
Upon the sight of an Hive of Bees, p. 32  
Upon a Man's shadow, p. 34  
Upon the sight of the Rainbow p. 36  
Upon a Winter-day, p. 38  
Upon the Sun, p. 40  
Upon the sight of a brave new House, without Means belonging to it, p. 43  
Upon sight of a Butcher killing a Lamb, p. 46  
Upon a Door turning upon his Hinges, p. 49  
Upon the sight of a Sword, p. 51  
Upon a virtuous Wife, having many Children, p. 54  
Upon the sight of a Grasshopper. p. 59  
Upon the sight of a dead Man. p. 59  
Upon the sight of a Lottery, p. 61  
Upon a great Candle, in a fair Candlestick. p 64  
Upon a dead Coal, p. 65  
Upon seeing the Sun setting, p. 67  
Upon a Stone in a River. p. 69  
Upon the ill, and idle Servant, Mat. 25. 27. p. 72  
Upon the Watchmen of our Saviour's Sepulchre. p. 75  
Upon the Ethiopian Eunuch, converted by S. Philip. p. 81  
Upon seeing a Bird caught in a Snare, p. 84  
Upon the sight of a Thorne-tree, full of Blossoms, p. 86  
Upon visiting a rich man in his sickness, p. 89  
Upon hearing of a fair Ship come home richly loaden, p. 92  
Upon the sight of an Infant fed with Milk, p. 95  
Upon sight of the Moon, p. 99  
Upon the falling of leaves from a Tree, p. 102  
Upon Reubens' Divisions, judg. 5. 15, 16. p. 105  
Upon Sleep, p. 110  
Upon the sight of a fair Garden p. 11●  
Upon Fire, p. 115  
Upon the sight of a Beggar, p. 118  
Upon the sight of a Frontier Garrison, p. 121  
Upon a King, and Traitors p. 12●  
Upon the Angels, p. 12●  
Upon a Physician, p. 12●  
Upon a Soldier. p. 12●  
Upon seeing a Man looking up●● the Sun with his eyes Immediately, p. 1ST  
Upon seeing a Tent pitched up, and suddenly removed, p. 134  
Upon a covetous Rich man, Luk. 12. 19 p. 136  
Upon the sight of a Pismire, p. 139  
Upon Heaven, p. 143  
Upon Fish, in the sea, p. 146  
Upon Saul's sparing Agag, and the richest Booty. p. 149  
Upon his own thoughts, by way of conclusion. p. 153  
Upon his reading Dr. Hall's Occasional Meditations, p. 156    

Maij 2. 1634.  
PErlegi hunc Librum, Donald Lupton (cui Titulus) Dail● employment for the Soul, Qu● continet folia 80. aut circiter, in qui●bus nihil reperio sanae doctrinae, aut● bonis moribus contrarium, quo minus cum utilitate publica imprimatur ita tamen ut si non intra 5 menses proxime sequentes typis mandetur● haec licentia sit omnino irrita.  Guilielmus Haywood  

DAILY Employment for the Soul.  

MEDITATION. 1.  
Upon the sight of a JEW.  
WHat have I, or this Man, in Us? that He should be rejected, received. It might seem ●o have been as easy to have kept him In who was In, as to place me In who was Out. But who dare disalike, what the high Court and Parliament of Heaven hat● pleased to enact. Thou are a good (O God) in thy Iusti● as in thy mercy. If his fa● be my rising, the number o● thy Elect is still certain. ● see it is more necessary t● have jesus Christ our Brother then only Abraham to b● our Father: that covenants Circumcision must be crown by that of Faith. If I ha●● his seat in the Church g●●ven to me, who was, and as yet excommunicate for 〈◊〉 coming there; Who 〈◊〉 or dare accuse the Lord that Court for unjust: I desire heartily of God to make him my Pewfellow, let him see his error, and be joined to the glorious Assembly of the Saints. God excluded none who first did not exclude themselves, We all are bound and I do heartily pray, that all Israel may come In. My perfection and theirs shall be together, hasten both (O Lord,) and make the Children of Abraham and Christ all one in the unity of the same Spirit, and the same Faith.   

MEDITATION. 2.  
Upon PILATE, washing his Hands.  
SEe how this Roman Deputy seems to affect innocence, He will appear to be though he will not be a sincere judge, While he washes his hands, He pollutes his heart. What a vain folly was it to dip in water, to swim in blood? What a strange delusion was this? to seem the cleaner, to be the fo●ler. Outward pretences may, and are often void of sincerity. Many Roman Pharisees do often sprinkle themselves in Holy water, yet under this wallow in the blood of Princes, and Gods weaker members, and so many Hypocrites amongst us under the form of sanctity commit the deepest and desperatest impieties. The worst complexions, and sordidst natures are deepliest painted. The grosser villainies have the fairer excuse. That great Imposter when He means worst, appears as ●n Angel of Light. We ●●e not to rely upon appearances, I desire not to ●ash with him, I had ra●her have a clean Heart ●nd foul Hands, then clean. Hands and a soul Heart. Praestat esse●quam ●ideri.   

MEDITATION. 3.  
Upon the sight of a Toad.  
Which of us tiro are of the Ancienter House? the Earth is our mother. This creature may plead antiquity of nature, I of sin. My original Pollution makes this so loathsome to the sight. I am beholden to it, for▪ bearing so patiently some part of my burden. By nature I am as full of poison as It. Every sin is not only venomous, but mortal. In my corrupted nature, I do appear in the Eyes of God as ugly as this deformed beast. It would perhaps be better if it could; I may be, if I will. This creatures deformity comes from me; mine from myself and Satan. How am I beholden to that God, that did not, though he justly might have made me so. How am I bound to praise Him, who to make me comely, le's the whole creature suffer under vanity. Rom. 8.   

MEDITATION. 4.  
Upon hearing a Woman to die in childbed.  
THE unlawful desire to taste fruit, made her di● in bearing fruit. Eves sin procured her suffering. The opening her womb is a preparative to her grave. It may well be called a Travail when the Mother takes her journey out of the World. I see truly what a dangerous thing it is to conceive and breed sin. St. james spoke true, That sin when it is conceived brings fort●death. Children (I think) have good cause to love their Parents who are willing to part with life themselves to give it these. How ought ●ve then (O Saviour) to love thee, who to give us eternal life was so willing to lay down thine own life in the grave. And in the case of regeneration, so must every Child of God do. His body must die wholly to sin, that soul and body may live wholly unto righteousness, unto glory. The only way to live hereafter, is to die here.   

MEDITATION. 5.  
Upon SAULS' going from Heirusalem to Damascus.  
Whither posts this deepe-learnd Pharisee with such Eagernes and Zeal? did Gamaliel his T●tor ever read such a Lecture of bloody persecution to him? where found he this Axiom in the whole Law to persecute the Gospel? where learned he ever to make Mose fight against Christ? Could he so deeply love the Servant and yet kill the Master. Al● knowledge and Religion in ●●y professor is but zeal blin●d without Christ. It may ●eme strange that the Professors of Divinity should ●ave such ●arres and so deep●● vied. Behold! the great ●oodnes of God. In the depth of darkness▪ Saul is caught ●nd compassed with the great ●●ght of a glorious Saviour. We ●re not masters of our Own thought, It was a true speech of joseph, ye thought ●ill but God brought it to Good. When we think many times to do most, ●ee than cannot do any ●hing. I see it's vain fight against the Church of Christ. God does well know ●ow to catch a Sinner at advantage. Even all thing persecution itself work for the good of God's Saint He began his journey Saul. But ends it a Paul. 〈◊〉 if I be asked where Saul 〈◊〉 I may safely answer. Is 〈◊〉 Saul now among the Prophet and Apostles blessed for Ever.   

MEDITATION. 6.  
Upon DAVID'S Adultery.  
IS it not pity such a Ros● should have such a Canker? so fair a face such a Blemish? But what Saint is privileged with the state ●f Perfection here? This ●●ll (as it proved) was but for is surer standing, better ●eed taking. The greatest ●●enesit (I see) that God ●nds to recover Him, is a ●od Sermon preached, and Well applied by a Worthy and well ●arned Prophet. send (O God) such always (upon ●eed) in the Courts of earthly Princes. They deserve there places with reverence, with ●espect. No Member of Christ can expect a Freedom from tentation▪ Our head ●ad his trials, and those ●harpe ones too, by that wick●d One. the fairest Sun sometimes meets with Clouds. So the purest lights of the Church want 〈◊〉 their blemishes (O God● let not me so much 〈◊〉 that he fell, as rejoice 〈◊〉 he did in time recover. 〈◊〉 me look well to myself For I may be sure, that if S●tan durst invade such a religious Crown. He will not 〈◊〉 the weaker subject. The be● course to keep out Satan to avoid idleness.   

MEDITATION. 7.  
Upon cain's murther● his brother A●●L.  
What? but two ●●thr●n in a who● World? and they together 〈◊〉 the ears. What's the quarrel? for wealth? or ho●●o●? the one was not known, ●he other not affected. Was 〈◊〉 religion? this would have ●aught Cain love, not revenge. This was an early persecution, ●he devil began War betimes; goodness can no soother be begun, but it shall ●●eete with opposition. We must not lose our religion, though we bleed for it by our 〈◊〉 brethren; All in a family 〈◊〉 not the children of the 〈◊〉 father, Grace is not tied 〈◊〉 the firstborn. God may ●hoose the youngest, leave the ●ldest. Cain scorns to hate ●nder bloodshedding. The devil is a murderer from the beginning. brethren's divisions especially in matters of Religion are hardly reconciled, But though this one dies, God knows how to bring up another, goodness shall be sure of Enemies but it cannot be utterly rooted out. Abel hath had abundance of brethren, Cai● did not so much kill Abeas himself. It is a true Maxim that Sanguis m●●rti●rum semen Ecclesiae. S. 〈◊〉 shall conclude it in thi● saying. That he that 〈◊〉 borne after the flesh persec●●ted him that was borne after the Spirit.   

MEDITATION. 3.  
Upon the good Samaritan and the wounded Man.  
SEe how we poor wretches are beset with dangers, our life is but a continued passage through robbers & Free booters. It's the safest to keep ourselves at home. When we go forth; we expose ourselves to hazards. It's not every Man's happiness to have such a compassionate Passenger. That man lives safe whose mind keeps within. A retired life hath the fewer inconveniences. This Man found most good at the hands o● a stranger. A friend is more near than a brother. It is grace not nature, affection not affinity that are most sensible and sympathising of distresses. I see plainly that those jewish ceremo●nies are not so Helpful, as the mercies of God in jesus Christ, It's not the Eye 〈◊〉 the passenger but the heart which does good to miseries. I do desire to keep home, but if thou (O God) shall be pleased to employ in public, either protect▪ me from these spiritual murderers, or send me speedily such a comfortable Physician.   

MEDITATION. 9  
Upon Demas leaving Saint Paul.  
What a poor conditioned truant was this having such a good master. It was a miserable sequel of instruction Apostolical to forsake God and go to the Devil, upon what warrant, did he ground himself to be so suddenly besotted with the lust of so base a strumpet? Where had he this posture to turn temporiser? Was it fear of any Persecution? What made he then in that Spiritual warfarer if blows would daunt him? did he suppose this present world the safer or the sweeter? why then did he so Hypocritically join to tha● Heavenly Doctor in Divinity● what made he in this College if he did not intend to proceed? His non Proficiency is an Argument of weakness. And the leaving of this society, argues enough to prove him an idiot. And such is every one that leaves Heaven for Earth. How many have been, and are sick of this malady: The natural man's faith, is his sense, and his Present Possessions are his Heaven. He prefers the things that are seen before those that are not, for want of faith. I would he had been the first and the last of this nature; I pray thee (O God) to wean my heart from covetousness. And since thou hast pleased to admit me into the school of grace, let me so order my affections that I always may be a Student of that society.   

MEDITATION. 10.  
Upon the two Disciples going from Jerusalem to Emaus.  
SEe what may fall out by the way. I do verily suppose when these two began there journey, they little thought to have had such a good Companion to have gone along with them. But God takes his advantageous opportunities. There discourse is political, yet fearful; commendable from the subject, they talked on; relishing of distrust, from the party they spoke too. It's not safe opening the Closet of our hearts to every Traveller, we may lend our ears and our tongues to many whom we will not trust with our hearts. (O God) I do entreat thee in all places let my words be such as relish of sanctification. In the high way upon my journeying; as well as at other times, good society makes tedious things seem pleasant, and is a Whetstone to give an edge to a doubting soul. Thou dost (O Saviour) allow us wisdom with the Serpent, as well as innocence with the Dove: we may safely discourse of thee, but we must not deny thee: our policy must not exclude our faith. I do entreat thee to take that advantage of every one that doubts of that high point of thy resurrection, or his own, as to catch him and confirm his wavering heart in that point of faith. Lodge thou Oh Saviour in my soul, so I shall know thee truly, and reign with thee eternally.   

MEDITATION. 11.  
Of a Dog in a Chain.  
THe malice of this Crea●ture is great, but it 〈◊〉 wisely limited. His poner, and his will are not proportionable; though being chain●● he cannot bite with his teeth yet his barking shows what he would do at liberty. Admirable is that divine Powe● of God limiting, permitting that great Dog of Hell● when he persecutes by bonds imprisonment, and captivity▪ then he bites sore: when he slanders, reviles, and envies, than he snarls, and barks only. If God should not permit this Cur, few would fear his justice: if he should not limit him, many would question his mercy. It shall be my comfort to know that my greatest Enemy is at my Father's disposing: if I be barked at, or sorely bitten, I know it is his malice, and Gods permissive Will, I will not fear him, though I will endeavour to shun him. Sennacherib was a whelp of this litter, let loose, but suddenly pulled In again; he may be to warn me, not to worry me: He shall speed never the better though God 〈◊〉 him. I do not much griev● that there is such a Dog nor do I much fear hi● breaking loose, being s● strongly chained by such a wise master. My prayer to God shall be, to tie him up shorter, and I could wish h● were always muzzled, but Gods will be done.   

MEDITATION. 12.  
Upon a beautiful and pure Virgin.  
Who would think that corrupted Nature could send forth such ● rich jewel to the world. How seemly and decently is very Part proportioned; ●hat a curious Tabernacle, ●s here wrought by the will ●f Heaven, how gloriously And richly covered, while many others either want this resplendancy, nor counterfeit it by impostures, and paintings, give me that ●●all not adulterate; native, not artificial beauty, No Ague, Aches, diseases, have as yet seized upon, or impaired her Perfections: Any ●●genious and well qualified Spirit desires such a Mate. How lively an emblem is this of our souls, before either corruptions, or imperfections have taints them. But she doth plain describe that mystical Virg●● the Church triumphant which shall be presented t● her Husband undefiled, with out any blemishes, spots or wrinkles, all her Part keep harmony, and decen●cy; she shall be gloriously moulded in immortality, and incorruption; Her covering shall then be the glorious Robes of her Husband's righteousness. The Church of Hypocrites, though now in show, and appearance beautiful, shall then prove but a strumpet; (O God) Hasten that day of happy union, and let me be but in the remotest and extremest part of that mystical Body, I shall be sure to taste joy and Comfort enough.   

MEDITATION. 13.  
Upon seeing a Man arrested, and carried to Prison.  
SEe the power of Law and justice transgressed! That Party broke his ●bond, wants Bail, and is fallen into the paws of a merciless Creditor. What can be expected but a full satisfaction, or else a Perpetual imprisonment. It was no otherwise (O God) with thy Law and thy Iusti●● by all transgressed, we bro●● our Bonds, and our Covenants, and so fell into th● danger of that great jailer Satan did plead for a writ● and an execution at th● Bar of thy justice, and being sealed turned Sergeant and arrested us. We all wanted sufficient Bail, and were not able to give Satisfaction. This grand executioner seized upon all. But (Oh Eternal Saviour) we are for ever bound to love thee who of thine owns mercy and free love didst rescue us from our Creditors hands, by thy merits paiedst the Debt and set us wholly free, how Careful ●ught we to be to shun 〈◊〉 sins, which make us ●ll such desperate Debtors. Oh let me ever be paying ●hee with thanks, who to ●et me free didst willingly ●oe to Prison thyself.   

MEDITATION. 14.  
Upon the sight of an Hive of Bees.  
I Do not a little wonder at this Commonwealth of Flies. Every one by his proper diligence in particular, advances the riches of the state in general. There are 4. things remarkable 〈◊〉 this little busybody. 1. The make no strangers Deniz i● 2. They bring home store 〈◊〉 wealth but transport littl● 3. They harbour no sluggish drones. 4. They go fort● well furnished with wing, an● sting, for defence, or offence. A good pattern for Nation and societies of men, happy Republics where store o● wealth flows in, but littl● goes out: where All are kep● from idleness, and are well employed, and where ships go● forth like Bees, that can up on all lawful occasions, either fly, or fight, well stored with Ammunition. It's no otherwise with the soul of a faithful Christian. It must not ●●mit of strange Gods, or ●range worship. It must fetch 〈◊〉 grace by spiritual labour and diligence. It must hate ●dlenes as the ruin of its welfare, and when it goes out in ●er spiritual war, must ●e furnished with the whole Armour of God. I do ●eseech thee (O Go●) to ●ake me a subject of this nature, and a Bee in this Hive.   

MEDITATION. 15.  
Upon a Man's shadow.  
I See not this mourning Seruiteur attend my corpse in a Cloudy day, nor in dark night, Nor when I 〈◊〉 still in a close study. It 〈◊〉 only my attendant in th● Sunshine, or in the Moonlight, or else in such plac● as are capacious of bo● these Celestial Candles. 〈◊〉 plainly see that flatte● most follows a prosper● state. Parasites hide th●e● heads in dangerous occasions. A reserved life unctuously employed admits 〈◊〉 such Hangs-by. Men who lives, and actions are public and courteous, are pester most with such vermin, th● do me this favour, that th● make the world believe th● I am a substance, or else ha● ●t. And this is the state of ●he soul. What is the world? ●he ●lesh? Wealth? Honour? ●ut mee●e shadows, which ●n perilous times either appear not, or to no good purpose. He shall be my friend that will be my companion in a storm. Prosperity gets followers, but Adversity makes the true distinction of them. There ●s no trust in such Reeds; ●or he sung truly.  
Quem Dies vidit veniens Superbum,  
Hunc Dies vidit fugiens jacentem.   

MEDITATION. 16.  
Upon the sight of the Rainbow.  
THis Bow is bended bu● without an Arrow, bu● God hath abundance in hi● Quiver. He forbears to punish, not for want of instruments, but because he i● patiently merciful. I do● admire the Maker of it, an● the faithfulness of his promise, I may well belee● him, who hath kept hi● word these five thousand yeer●● and upwards. It is usually seen before and after Rain● when I see it before, I may expect a shower, not fear a deluge: when I see it after Rain, it doth confirm my ●aith, summons my Repentance, and doth strengthen ●y obedience. Lord thou ●rt willing to teach us by ●ll means, Thou art so mindful in this, and in all other thy promises, that we may safely take them for ●erformances. Oh than I pray ●hee quickly to show that ●igne of thy Son coming ●o judgement.   

MEDITATION. 7.  
Upon a Winter day.  
HOw cold and dark is this season? and how uncomfortable? it's well it is contracted, and so long a night succeeds, with the hopes of a joyful Springtide, how diligent is every one to provide werme houses, good clothes, restorative diet, sufficient fuel for the house. How easily in this do I see that Winters-day of sickness, persecution, and death: withal, I take comfort, because they are limited; violent they may be, long they cannot be. Sorrow may endure for Night, but joy cometh in ●●e Morning, these Mysticall ●oods may be great, and ●ge horribly, but they shall ●sse over me. This pit of ●eath may be deep, but it cannot shut his mouth upon ●●e: under I may be, above 〈◊〉 shall be. Howsoever my grave shall put a Period to the greatest of these outward, and temporary sufferings. I know▪ I shall sleep in rest, until the joyful day of the ●resurrection, as a glorious Springtime doth advance me, (Lord) I pray thee give me wisdom to provide that Habitation, and Tabernacle which is eternal, the warm Robes of jesus Christ hi● Righteousness to adorn me thy Spirit to heat my affection; So I shall be sure that though it be bitter with me here, it shall be sweet to me hereafter, and since this Winter day shall come, let i● not take me unprovided. Conturbatus mundus, Caelum● se●enum est.   

MEDITATION. 18.  
Upon the Sun.  
THis heavenly Candle is comfortable For his light and heat, admirable for his beauty and motion; necessary to all the inhabitants 〈◊〉 the world. He is wisely, and worthily placed, and he keeps his station, and honourably performs the will of his Master, he moves not obliquely, but directly in his course. It is a great blessing when good men are advanced to preferment. When Moses, and Aaron-rule the ship of the Church, and Commonwealth, it than goes safely, stands firm, and fears not winds, or waves. What respect, and reverence ought the Magistrates of the Church, and Commonwealth to have of Inferiors. Such glorious lights ought to be much and highly honoured; Our ●afety and well-being comes from them, These keep all the Heavens in an order, and comely motion. It is a manifest symptom of a diseased Commonwealth, when these are not esteemed: These are the eye and heart of the body politic. All inferior members receive comfort from their wisdom. Learn me (Oh God) a quiet subordination and a conscionable submission to these worthy lights. I see the Sun gives heat to all. God's blessings are not to be impropriat. He that gives to others shall not have the less virtue in Himself. It is usual for one Candle to light up another. Bonum quò commu●ius, eò meli●▪   

MEDITATION. 19  
Upon the sight of a Brave new House without Land or Means to it.  
I Suppose that stately edifice was situated there for pleasure, and health, But 〈◊〉 neither see good furniture within, nor proportionable means without to maintain ●t, It hath nothing but a fair prospect to move envy, and high Turrets to show the Pride of the owner, and to expose it to flormes, and winds, when as yonder little Cottage close by, seems poor and base without, yet is admirably well furnished with Olive branches within, to comfort the two aged Parents.  
How plainly do I describe beauty, and outward comeliness, without any endowment of the mind, always the fairest face hath not the soundest heart, outward perfections are not a general argument of inward goodness. The Caske● may be fair, and gilded, yet have poison in stead of pearls within it. Natural parts at the best are but mere blemishes without Grace.  
All is not to be trusted that is fair in show, pride and o●●en●ation may please the passengers eye. But give me that little low grace of Humility, I had rather not seem, and be rich, then to seem, and not be so. The one is close retiredness with content, and safety. The other is only empty formality with inward vexation.  
How many Pharisaical professors are fair, and pleasing to the eye, yet rotten at the soul. May I ever profess the power of godliness, & not strive only to hold the form of it. Real performances of good duties are that which God looks for, not feigned and counterfeit seem, the one are but high clouds without water, the other Wel● full of lively springs. Give● me an humble heart full of grace, so I shall be satisfie● when they shall be emptie● and shall have a sure cornerstone, when they shall moulder to rottenness.  Respicit Deus Humiles, reijci● Superbos.  

MEDITATION. 20.  
Upon the sight of a Butcher, killing a Lamb.  
I Cannot but think o● that saying of St. Paul● The creature doth groan under the bondage of corruption. How meekly, and patiently It submits to the Knife. At sight of this, I may say, Ec●e Agnus Dei, who so quietly suffered all the injuries offered him, & as a sheep before the shearer, so opened he not his mouth: His adversaries were not so violent, and eager in their thirsting for his life, as he was ready, and willing to lay it down, and whereas they thought to conquer him by malice, he did conquer them by meekness, and mercy. How different was thy desire from theirs, Thou (O Saviour) camest to give them all eternal life, and they hunted with bloody wills to take away life from thee. I see also the lot & share of all thy holy ones, They are Tanquam oves, and Agnelli. They are but counted as sheep for the slaughter: Oh Butcherly and bloody world! will not the blood of that One satisfy thy madness? must thou needs swim in the blood of his poor members also? persecution even to death is the portion of God's children. The head hath suffered, and 〈◊〉 must all look to follow: all that will live godly in jesus Christ must suffer persecution: (Oh God) learn me courage, and cheerfulness in all trials, for thy name sake, for I know this, if I suffer with thee here, I shall rejoice with thee hereafter.  Per Crucem Itur ad gloriam.  

MEDITATION. 21.  
●pon a Door, turning upon his Hinges.  
THis is contented with its own motion. It turns backward, and forwards constantly: sometime for want of Oil it skreikes, and makes ●n unpleasant noise; but it will not be gotten of from ●hat motion without violence. In this see the sinner Habituated and accustomed unto evil courses, can the Black●ore change his colour; or the Leopard his spots? then may he that is accustomed to evil, do well. How he winds himself from one sin to another, but ends in the sa●● Centre. Sometimes wea●● with the motion in one wic●kednes, he turns to another but his whole life is nothing else but a gally-mophrey of 〈◊〉 sins, he moves as in a circle, from ill desires to covetousness, so to usury, so on to oppression, then to exaction● then to grinding the faces of the poor, and at last eats up God's people, as if he would eat bread. His removeals are but from one evil to a worse, and dies in the highest strain of all impiety. But perhaps his conscience now and then galls him with horror. Then Satan oils him with some new pleasure or profit, and 〈◊〉 keeps him either as fast ●ound or faster than before. ●here is little or no hopes 〈◊〉 his ceasing, unless it be 〈◊〉 the strong Hammer of ●ods Word preached home 〈◊〉 his conscience. Let me (Oh ●od) hate and leave all sin, ●ast I be too soon accustomed 〈◊〉 any. I pray heartily that ●ne may bind themselves Apprentices to that unlawfull ●rade.  Consuet●do altera Natura.  

MEDITATION. 26.  
●pon the sight of a Sword:  
THis defends our persons, 〈◊〉 and offends our Enemies, use makes it bright. Vp●● some occasions the scabbed is either the best, or worst pla●● for it; It's terrible in 〈◊〉 hand of an expert Warrious Many should use it, who 〈◊〉 for fear, or favour, or both, 〈◊〉 it rust. Three sorts of 〈◊〉 ought to use it discreetly, 〈◊〉 public Magistrate, the S●●dier, and the Traveller. It ●●so shows me the nature● that spiritual word of tru●● which is the safest Buck●● and shield for our souls, 〈◊〉 bodies, in all conflicts 〈◊〉 combats, destroys all 〈◊〉 power, and Armadas of th● Prince of darkness; the ●●ner it is used, the more exc●●lent it is. The mouth of diligent Prophet shows the Energy of it. They do ill ●hat debar the use of this weapon to God's people. It's ●ll when 40000. Israelites can scarce have it, or use it rightly, but it's worse when the Magistrate will not, and when the Prophet cannot handle it.  
Lend me courage (Oh my Saviour) in my calling and this weapon. So I need not fear the malice, or multitude, faces, nor forces of those presumptuous Philistines. Teach thou my Hands to War, and my Fingers to fight, than I need not question the conquest. If I perish, it's mine own weakness and cowardice, not the insu●●ficiency of the Instrument's  
Diabolus Hostis.  
Scutum Christus,  
Verbum est Gladius.   

MEDITATION. 23.  
Upon a virtuous Wife, having many Children.  
IT's not Every man's happiness to enjoy such a blessing without fruit, how well is it with him that hath good administered to him in such plentiful, and rare Models. I am persuaded that her husband fears God: For she is promised a portion only to men of that qualification. He need not fear his Enemies, because his Quiver is full of these Arrows. It's well when goodness multiplies, such Seed cannot be sown too soon, nor spring up too fast. Sterility is fittest when the womb is not holy. God threatens to give dry breasts, and barren wombs as a curse to sinful, and disobedient Husbands.  
Thy Church (O Saviour) is as this virtuous Matron well stored with Daughters, and Olive branches to adorn the Courts of that new Jerusalem, in her Husband's Absence how she mourns, how lovingly and patiently she desires, expects, and prays for his coming, how prudently she governs her family? and how carefully doth she provide for there diet, and sustenance? And just so it is with thy Zion, Thy long absence makes her seem as a Widow, and how earnestly, and often hath, and doth she pray for thy second coming; and I as one of her youngest sons do cry and pray to see my Father's presence. Come Lord jesus, come quickly.  
Ecclesia ut Sponsa,  
Christus Sponsus.  Math. 25. 5.  

MEDITATION. 24.  
Upon the sight of a Grasshopper.  
WHere doth this Summer singing Soldier, take up his quarter in Winter time? No man can know from whence he marches, nor whither he retreats. Thus much we may learn, to be obedient to God, for here is an Army of potent Soldiers ready furnished to punish where there Lord commands. God hath 4. Regiments of such forceable destroyers, the Locust, the Palmerworm, the Canker, and the Grasshopper; These have been always found able and willing to execute judgement having had their Commission. But what strength or pow●● can reside in these poor little Worms? or what weapon are they able to manage? as● all Egypt, and it will tell yo● with amazement.  
It's good to keep in peac● with, God, lest he arm hi● Creatures against us. Go● can, and doth bring great Additions to pass by small, an● weak Instruments. All ha●● force enough when He im●ploies them. The Fly, an● Worm are as able as the Ly●●  
It's not so much to quest●●on with what a man is punished, as to learn from who● and whence it cometh, I 〈◊〉 (Oh God) acknowledge th● power in all thy creatures, 〈◊〉 thou makest me an Example of thy justice by the least, for despising their seeming impotencies.  Non in quantitat●, sed qualitate virtus.  

MEDITATION. 25.  
Upon the sight of a dead Man.  
TEach us (Oh Lord) so to Number our days, ●hat we may apply our hearts ●nto wisdom, for so soone ●asse we away, and are gone, All flesh (I see) is Grass, ●nd all the beauty of it is as ●he flower of the field, Thou ●Oh God) hast determined ●he number of our days which we cannot pass. See what follows the separation of the soul, and body. As long as this Tabernacle lodged the soul, It was sensible, active, could hear, see, speak, or move, now that guest is driven forth by the Maker, there is nothing in it, but breeds loathsomeness.  
I plainly see that all confidence in man is vain, and deceitful, we must all dy● for sin, but keep me from dying in sin, since I mus● dye, let me end in grace, no● in nature. I descry the nat●●rall man's unfitness for an● spiritual exercise, what 〈◊〉 he perform without Christ And as the body is dea● without the soul, so both soul and body without grace, Oh let me always be as a dead man unto sin, so this death shall end in life, and this dissolution shall be the only means to have both happily, and gloriously united.  Mortuus pec●ato, vivus Christo.  

MEDITATION. 26.  
Upon the sight of a Lottery.  
HOw cunning the world is to deceive the world? here are a thousand Blanks for one Prize. The World deals all upon cheating, It's a thousand to one if any good man gets any good by it, from it, or in it. See what a throng is here, Every man strives to be first to cheat, and deceive himself. I do see places of more profit, and pleasure stand empty.  
The world hath more Clients than the Church, we cannot conclude the greatest company to be the best. Goodness cannot be justly numbered by the Pole. There is more Earth for the Potter, then for the Goldsmith. It's no safe argument to follow the multitude. Every one that draws hopes for a prize. but he that hopes to be a Winner in this world, shall be a Loser.  
The folly of the worldly ●ans wisdom is here easily e'en. Here he will willingly ●●st away Pounds upon uncertain hopes: but in God's ●ottery the Church, he will ●udge his farthings, nay his ●esence: Yet here he gaines ●me, and saves his estate, ●ere he loses both. (Oh ●ord) I beseech thee to give 〈◊〉 grace to come to thy storehouse, where I may fur●ish myself with rich commodities at a low rate. I ●eed not fear to adventure, ●or all that comes from thee 〈◊〉 advantageous.   

MEDITATION. 27.  
Upon a great Candle in a fai● Candlestick.  
HOw comfortable, ho● comely is this? an● how wisely is it pla●ced. It's pity but such 〈◊〉 Candle should have such 〈◊〉 seat, and such a Candlesticks deserves such a Light. Ther● is not any but affects it, if h● well disposed.  
How easily do I in thi● see a good, and painful Preacher, well, and wisely placed i● a good Pulpit. His Doctri● is no less comfortable, the● convincing. My Prayer shal● 〈◊〉 that every such light may ●ave such an Eminent Preferment. Those whose lives, and Doctrine are both holy, and ●anctifiedare indeed burning, ●nd shining Lamps, and do ●race the Temple, and Gospell ●f Christ. Let me (Oh Lord) ●e but even a little Candle ●n thy Temple thus qualified, ●nd I cannot dislike my ●lace, nor doubt of Acceptance, and Approbation with ●hy Saints.   

MEDITATION. 28.  
Upon a dead Coal.  
Why this sooner extinguished then another? or why at all? 〈◊〉 that heat, so suddenly, an● totally vanish from the subject? or being dead is it not 〈◊〉 be revived? It's manifest th● remoteness, and solitariness makes it die. But joined 〈◊〉 the whole Company ho● soon recovers it the form● virtue.  
It's no otherwise with th● Elect Children, want of go●● exercises, and Company ma● abate, and lessen their hea● of zeal, but thou wilt 〈◊〉 suffer it to be extinguishe● Satan by policy may cau● some remissness, but he sha● not procure absolute dead●nes. Graces in the Act are no● always so sensibly operativ● yet the habit may remain firm. The Sun may be ●hid with clouds, but we know It doth then move in his Orb. It's not a mean blessing to enjoy the company of God's Saints, who are not only warm in Grace themselves, but also make others so to be.   

MEDITATION: 29.  
Upon seeing the Sun setting.  
HOw glorious, comfortable, and pleasant was his light, this last hour? now how dark and disconsolate is the Heaven, and what a sable Mantle spreads over our heads, and how are the Earthly Inhabitants Canopied in Darkness.  
How doth it shadow out, the uncertain condition, and frail estate of the greatest Monarches, & the mutability of all worldly lustre. Sceptres have their periods, and the greatest honours, and preferments their appointed dates. Nothing under the Sun but is subject to setting.  
Just such is the case of the body without the soul, and such is the state of the soul, without Christ, miserable, uncomfortable. I entreat thee (Oh Saviour) never to deprive my soul of thy presence, but let me always be comforted with the light of thy countenance, so I need not fear the darkness of the Grave, nor that of Hell, being always in thy presence, who art that Light, and that Sun which never sets, or changes.   

MEDITATION. 30.  
Upon a Stone in a River.  
HOw unmoveable, obdurate is this, though the waters are about it, above it continually. It changes not the form, seldom the place, and is absolutely unfit for any building, or necessary Employment, when as others that are heavier, and greater than it, with a few drop● of Rain only, are mollisied, receive impression; are squared, and fitted for many excellent employments.  
I cannot but behold (Oh God) the several conditions of sinful men, some are so desperate, and accustomed in wickedness, that neither the often showering down of mercy, nor judgement will work any thing upon them, such Pha●aohs are they in self-will, perverseness, custom These are settled upon their Lees.  
Others though heavier, and more loaden in sin, yet with one drop of mercy, or at the first shower of punishment, relent, mollify, and so, are sensible of their miserable condition, and are often fitted by the Goodness of God, and the Ministry of a diligent Preacher, for excellent uses in his Church. Keep me (Lord) from hardness of heart, and insensibleness in sin, let my soul be mollified by thy mercy, and terrified by thy judgements, that thou mayest employ it in some service for the glory of thy Name, the example of others, and the comfort of it, at that great day of Reckonings.   

MEDITATION. 31.  
Upon the ill, and negligent Servant, Mat. 2●. 27.  
HE ought to have put his Master's money to the Exchangers, but 〈…〉 Why not he labouring as well as his two other fellow servants? Where was he privileged to be idle, while the others were working? why not he performing his duty though others were careless? he shall answer for himself. It's dangerous sinning by example, or pattern of others, but this man sinned against precept, and without pattern: and I fear hath ●olly made himself a Pattern, and Example to others ●o sin by. It is bad to follow● ●ickednes, but it's damnable Impiety to lead others. That seems to be one aggravation of jeroboam's wickedness, That he made Israel sin, ●hat excuse can this idle ●oule make? will he plead ●●norance? or impotency? not 〈◊〉: His conscience galls him ●ere, what then? was it a ●spitious fear of losing? he ●ew this way of managing 〈◊〉 was the only warrantable, 〈◊〉 advantageous course, this as one principal end why 〈◊〉 had it bestowed on him, 〈◊〉 see how impudent he is in a lie to his master's face, I knew thou wast an hard man, etc. While he is ashamed to father his 〈◊〉 himself, he villainously seeks to disgrace his Lord.  
I see thus much that many a wicked and ungodly wretch may be under a good master.  
Withal that many 〈◊〉 wicked man hath had fair● means of salvation lent him● The only way to be crow●● hereafter, is to be Diligent here: It is not the enjoying of the means, but the righ● employing them that giust Happiness. I may read o● Lecture to myself, and 〈◊〉 other Ministers, and One 〈◊〉 God's people. That the rig●● ●nd constant excercising my ●alling is best in the Royal Exchange, The Church. That those which are Gods factor's for souls must imploy ●hemselues in this place. And for the people, that ●he only thing that will give content to their conscience, ●nd that will be approved ●f GOD, is to turn there Talon of Hearing into ●oing.   

MEDITATION. 32.  
●pon the Soldiers that watched the Sepulchre of our Saviour.  
What a stir is here on all sides? The Priests, the elders, and S●●diers all plotting to sha●● themselves. The first fo●●lish in their Commande● the second Corrupters, 〈◊〉 base by bribes of money, 〈◊〉 third careless, & suborned u●●on so high a point of s●●uice. What a folly was 〈◊〉 to watch him, who did 〈◊〉 them? see how greedy th●● were of monies, these 〈◊〉 spoke words against the●● own lives, what? Watch-m●● and sleep? and upon the●● guard? at any time is punishable by death; much m●● upon such a case as this wa● Yet further, All of them, well there Commaundeire the Soldiers? and yet mo● ●his for to colour other men's ●●lts. Nulla sides, pictasque●is qui castra sequuntur.  
But will they say it was a ●ge Sum, It Enriched them 〈◊〉 The base they were that 〈◊〉 it, and they only the ●her liars, gains cannot sup●nt a heart resolved upon ●euth. ill do those become ●oses chair who would ●nder the virtue of Christ's ●●surrection.  
What they will urge yet, ●●at they were Soldiers? and 〈◊〉 but an Idiot would re●●se such an offered Prize? 〈◊〉 had they been such ●●deed, they would have dis●ined unfaithfulness, and 〈◊〉 for the receiving of gains It may be the easier admitted, if it neither doth prejudice faith, truth, conscient nor the life of any, but th● receiving is liable to 〈◊〉 It's a part of judas to 〈◊〉 all these for money: 〈◊〉 what effected this there ●●orned untruth? did it wea●● or overthrow the fame of 〈◊〉 Saviour's Resurrection, no● Noah! the Sepulchre, T●● great stone, the Seal, 〈◊〉 the Watch could hold him●● minute beyond his tim● the third day shall 〈◊〉 him glorious, maugre all 〈◊〉 malice, God will get 〈◊〉 glory, even by the action wicked men.  
But how many hath wages of unrighteousness corrupted, and spurred on to bad services? Bribes make wise men purblind, shipwreck Conscience, and truth. It's a clear case for the Conscience, that Rewards are not to be taken ●hen, when God's glory, and ●ruth must be declared.  
Yet seldom hath it been known that wicked men have wanted Assistants for ●here worst intentions. Liars ●re well furnished for the ●ost part with Excuses. Sup●lanters of truth as they are politicians, so they are well stored with Instruments. Rebellion seldom marches without Complices. The Execra●lest murders as they have had their Plotters, so they have found Undertakers fo● the Execution.  
Lord I beseech the●● keep me from withhol●ding the truth in a lye● Let not any gain seduc● or draw me to conceal what I am bound to mak● known. Let me learn 〈◊〉 prize truth, more than wealth and to speak truth though I should lose by it. Th●● man pays dear for gold, wh●● sells himself to damnation to purchase It.   

MEDITATION. 33.  
●●on the Aethiopian Eunuch converted by Philip.  
THis noble Courtier took good pains to take so ●ng a journey to go to church, and it did please God to reward him well going Home-wards. The Church ●s the most likely place to be ●lessed in. He made the rea●ing of the Scriptures as a pleasant History, though ●he virtue, and the mystical meaning was as yet hid from him. He was neither idle, ●or ill-imployed in his Iour●ney. Reading is commendable, especially of such things as may make for the bett●●ring of us. Upon this 〈◊〉 how God salutes Him wit● an Occasional winged pre●●cher.  
God knows the Opportu●●nities to work upon us. Philip must join to him, tha● he may be joined to God.  
I read not that this Great Lord Treasurer in his Coac● disliked this Preachers coming, nor yet the seeming bold question that he propounded.  
I see in this Religiously affected Nobleman good Desires and good Motions to know, and also God seconding his pious Endeavours and corks his happy conversion. It's no small blessing to ●●joy the company of a faith●●ll Preacher. We cannot ●●ppose what great Things God may bring to pass by ●hese too much despised Ambassadors.  
It's not every one that can expound Scripture aright. But ●●ere was one that rightly divided and applied the word of Truth, and see the operation of one Sermon preached ●ffectually.  
God send every true Be●eiver such a man to meet him, and bid him deliver his Heart to God: these two met well, and parted better. Their salutation ended in salvation. Let me upon 〈◊〉 doubts light upon such 〈◊〉 Expositor, and be store● with such a Commentary.   

MEDITATION. 34.  
Upon seeing a Bird caught i● a Snare.  
HOw Agile, sweetly framed, beautiful, an● Pleasant, was thi● pretty Quirrister, before 〈◊〉 was thus captived; now, ho● heavy, mourning, and discon●late is it: having not onel● lost her freedom, but e●●pos'd herself to open ●●struction.  
The use of liberty without wantoness is a pleasant blessing: but aiming at some unlawful pleasure, or profit, proves dangerous to the Enjoyer. (O Lord) it was the soul of Man that was thus beautiful, pleasant, pure, and active in the state of Innocence. What a spacious liberty had it either for Exercise, or Recreation? but ●eing enthralled by that too ●oo cunning Fowler, by ●he snares, and traps of sinful pleasure; How heavy, ●ow irksome, and how loathsome is it, even to it ●elfe?  
Sin makes us lose all ●ur spiritual mirth, and liberty, and exposes us to manifest perdition. (Oh God) since there are so many snares, and politic fowlers. Let my Soul, keep Above, and not settle here Below, so I shall escape their devises, and preserve my own liberty.  Columbaest Anima, Aucepse● Diabolus.  

MEDITATION. 35.  
〈◊〉 the sight of a Thorn Tree, full of Blossoms.  
What makes 〈◊〉 growing, and flouri●shing in so good a piece of Ground? It doth deserve a ●ire rather, than such an happy Situation being naught in it self, and choking the good Seed. It's well when wickedness is barren, better when it's quite rooted up, (may some say.)  
But I admire thy patience, and thy wisdom, (Oh God) even towards these vessels of wrath. It's thy will, and wisdom to place them here. Who dare then question thy Action for unjust? it stands here either for an open conversion, conviction, or confusion.  
We must not be our own sharers in our Petitions. All is not best that seems so in our desires. We should revenge either too hastily, o● two deeply in our own, or our friends wrongs. Thy Lily was troubled, and thy own Israel was molested by these, yet both by thy Permission. (I believe they shall have a hot day of it when it comes.  
I envy not the felicity of the wicked, but patiently wait to see thy wisdom manifested. We are but foolish Logicians, if we conclude happiness from temporal blessings, the wicked may surfeit with them, and thy Elect want them. Let them grow where, and how long thou pleasest, I believe ●hy words, That the wicked shall be rooted out at the last.   

MEDITATION. 36.  
Upon visiting a Rich man, in time of his sickness.  
What resorting to His house, by kindred, friends, and Neighbours? He wants not their company, Council, or help: when ●s an honest poor man may lie long enough under 〈◊〉 tedious sickness, and have ●o such Visitants. They ●ome for his Goods, rather ●hen to do him any good. much like greedy Gleaner● when the Corn is cutting down. He makes his wi●● against his will, settles his state, assures all for the World At last sends for a Preacher who finds him unfitting fo● God, or the World.  
Sickness, and death (I see●● are bold and impartial Ser●●nts. The World, and weal●● are but poor Bail upo● deaths Arrests. All mean● are nothing when God stri●● us. The wisdom of the wo●● is but an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for Heaven.  
The Rich are unwillingly dye because they know n● a better life, and want 〈◊〉 to believe it.  
Wealth, and riches often ●re but Percullisses let down ●o stop the passage through ●he Gate to salvation. Rich worldling's have Gods Word ●n least, and last consideration.  
So let God order me, ●hat in all estates I may be ●eady to part with All to ●nioy Him. But it is truly spoken, Oh! How bitterns ●s the Remembrance of death ●o a man in his full possessions.   

MEDITATION. 37.  
Upon Hearing a fair Shipp● come home Richly laden.  
What dangers 〈◊〉 Poor Vessel hath passed? what Rocks, Pirate Sands, Waves, and Winde● hath it encountered with 〈◊〉 What hunger, cold, heat, an● blows hath she endured 〈◊〉 What a green, tedious ●●●knowne, movable way hath she flown over? What 〈◊〉 world of water hath she pl●●●ed through? With wh●● strange Nations hath sh●● traded? And yet what mo●● is, how often hath she been● reputed and given for 〈◊〉 ●et safely at length arrived ●ith Drums beating, Trum●ts sounding, Colours dis●ayed, and rich Prizes in ●er. GOD'S Name be praised.  
Every son of man comes to, and goes out of this world 〈◊〉 a Ship to Sea. What ●●iseries, afflictions, cala●●ityes, poverty, disgrace ●oe encounter them? Happy 〈◊〉 he that keeps the Vessel ●f his soul by Patience to ●he End. Many split, and sink, ●●me are taken Prisoners, ●hers die with hunger. All are ●able to Combats, and fiery trials.  
More specially I think ●f, and pray for that Royal Ship of thine (oh Saviour's called the All-saints, 〈◊〉 the Church militant. Which hath beeee long forth, hat● endured Heavy things, 〈◊〉 (as I hope) shall ere 〈◊〉 put happily into her safe H●●●bor of rest, and repose.  
What rejoicing, an● gladness shall there be 〈◊〉 Her approach, which com● laden with so many ●●●●●sands of pure Souls to 〈◊〉 put into that Royal 〈◊〉 change. Fetch home thy 〈◊〉 (Oh Lord) and thy redeemed one with much people Let me be any Prize 〈◊〉 her, and I shall be rich en●●●●.  
Ecclesia Navis est,  
Animae piorum sunt Merca●●   

MEDITATION. 38.  
●n the sight of an Infant fed with Milk.  
it were not for this ●inde of food the poor ●ant might starve. See how 〈◊〉 proportions to all Nourishment sitting there Age. 〈◊〉 quietly you may see 〈◊〉 receive it? How kind●● 〈◊〉 Nurse giving it? How ●grees with his tender Con●●ution, and digested, fits him 〈◊〉 stronger diet.  
How doth (Oh God) 〈◊〉 Heavenly Wisdom ●peare, in giving us sincere ●●ilke out of thy Heavenly word. While we are 〈◊〉 in Christ, how meekly 〈◊〉 the thriving Child in 〈◊〉 receive it, which is able 〈◊〉 save his soul. How lovingly do thy faithful Mi●●sters feed him with it; 〈◊〉 being rightly received, mak●●● him grow up unto the p●●fect stature of a Man 〈◊〉 Christ.  
God is careful to provide food for man's 〈◊〉 The Preacher ought to be negligent in the distribution 〈◊〉 it, and the hearer ought 〈◊〉 be constant in the receipt 〈◊〉 it.  
Children that will not ●●●ceive Milk, either sicke●, 〈◊〉 die, or else prove Dwarf●● Seeing (Lord) it is uncomely, unnatural, always to be 〈◊〉 Child, ever learning, but ●ever coming to perfection. Let me so receive thy Word that I may grow from strength, to strength, ●nd from virtue, to virtue.  
They are unnatural, and ●●nfiting Nurses, who either do not give Children Milk at all, or else adulterated, and sophisticated with many dangerous Ingredients to hinder their growth.  
The first are careless, and unlearned Ministers: the second are superstitious, and idolatrous false Teachers, who presumptuously mix●● their humane Traditions t● God's Word, hindering th● growth and increase 〈◊〉 God's Church.  
God's Word admits 〈◊〉 mixture; it's desperate boldness either to withhold it, 〈◊〉 to add to it, being first, 〈◊〉 necessary: secondly, so perfect in its nature: Both wil● undergo that heavy curse of God, the one for Substraction, the other for Addition.   

MEDITATION. 39  
Upon the sight of the Moon.  
THis Creature is now in the full lustre, in the re●olution of a few days, how is the beautiful light of ●t diminished, because it is not of, or from itself, but borrowed from the Sun.  
That is absolutely perfect whose subsistence is in it self. That body is but imperfect whose Fundamentals are external dependences. Those Princes are counted weak, whose Forces are borrowed from their Neighbours. Miserable is that man who in● His necessary employments must have a Leg from one, a Hand from another, and an Eye from a third▪ That party dares not disobey him, by whose power his Head stands on his Shoulders.  
Seldom do they accomplish any great Actions, whose Materials are other men's Beneplacits: To borrow another man's faith to go to Heaven, would seem but the Errand of a beggarly Christian.  
The body of the Moon Increases, and Decreases, to our sense, it is as subject to change, as it is to mo●motion, If Philosophy will serve for an Argument. Man's ●mutable state of his body sympathizes, or else is caused from it.  
But howsoever it is no such marvel if men be unconstant, faulty, and falding, since those more Celestial, and Superior creatures stood not all steadfast, The Angels kept not their first Integrity. Worthy Calvin hath it, Si peccare norunt Parentes in paradiso, quid mirum si Nos in sterquilinio?  
It is (Oh Saviour) with our souls, as with the Moon, she hath light only from the Sun. The light, and lustre we have in our souls is thy comeliness and beauty. We are darkness▪ but thou hast made us light in the ●ord. Let me (O Lord) cast away now the works of darkness, and put upon my soul the Armour of of Light.  Lux mea a Te.  

MEDITATION. 40.  
Upon the falling of Leaves in Autumn.  
What a strange alteration is here in this Tree? The last quarter how flourishing? how replenished? and decked with thousands of Attendants in green, promising much to the satisfying of the beholders, but ●his was in Summer.  
How many such seeming Parasites are there, which will spread Sail with us in 〈◊〉 fair gale of Wind, or in a prosperous term, promising fidelity, but in the tempests, and violent storms of adversity, or affliction are suddenly gone with a Non Novimus. Few men make haste to that Market where there is nothing to be bought but blows.  
It shows also to us the frail condition of the body, and worldly preferments, how beautiful, and comely hath this man been, and how honourable this day, when suddenly but one ●it of a fever, or one frown of a Prince hath ●opt both in a moment. Suddenly have such Meteors, and Comets been extinguished. God make me so resolute in perseverance, that I may hold my first love. So neither the heat in Summer shall make me too proud, nor the frosts in Winter affright, or displace me.   

MEDITATION. 41.  
Upon Reubens' divisions. judg. 5. 15. 16.  
I wonder much, and grieve more at this unmatchable separation. Can those hearts which should always be united, in so small a distance be divided? was it any discontent that this Tribe harboured because it lost the privilege of the first borne? Indeed lawful Heirs seldom part with their Prerogatives, but threaten revenge, or intent it to the present possessors with Esa●, could not the Equal Testament of a father so inspired be admitted for just, in so many Generations, Without malice, or revenge.  
This had been a fair opportunity for Reuben to have gained that honour in the field which he lost in an unlawful Bed. Was it because Deborah a Woman was then the General in the Field? And so Reubens' Regiment scorned to be led up in Arms by ●o weak an instrument? but certainly he was then the more culpable, being so potent a Tribe, and absent. Will he put the fault in jordan because he could not Pass over his high swelled Waves? Oh no! A willing mind slights such poor excuses, and will affront the greatest perils.  
Was it the force of the Enemy's Army that affrighted him, or did he think he should come too late? For ●he first, he could not have hazarded his life in a fairer quarrel, nor amongst nearer friends, and if he had come, though after the Battle, no question but Deborah, and all the Lords would have been glad to have ●eene his Colours in the Field to triumph, though not to Fight. It would have showed a readiness, and propensity of mind, and would have made an Apology for his whole Tribe.  
Howsoever he should have renewed his old familiarity with his brethren and more than that, I● would have caused a great fear in the Army of the Adversaries, to have heard his Drummes ●eating to succou● his Brethren: The union of Brethren is terrible, but their divisions are always spurs to their Adversaries, and great advantages.  
But briefly to lay him forth, he was busy about his private Commodities, his Flocks, and his Herds, worked more with him, than God's cause. It is a great fault to slip opportunites in doing good, especially to our selves, and brethren, how ●ong could he think to have ●njoyd his flocks at home, ●f his Enemies had got the ●eild from his Brethren. Our private gains must not be preferred before our Countries.  
And such, and no other are worldly men, when I am assaulted by the power of Satan, or tentations. What comfort will these afford my soul? No: they will neither lend me Comfort, Council, or Prayer. So his fault was in respect of the Cause, the Time, his Person, his Friends, Adversaries, and Example.  
Concordiâ Res parvae Crescunt,  
Discordiâ evertuntur Maximae.   

MEDITATION. 42.  
Upon Sleep.  
THe natural sleep is 〈◊〉 cessation of all labour, mo●tion, action. With excess i● brings poverty, shame, dis●grace, sicknesses, diseases ● He that is given to sleep● shall not be rich. It stupe●fies, besots the best sences● and faculties of the sou●● and makes them unfit so any good employment, o● virtuous action. It is th● Rust of the whole man.  
Nature cannot move t● Grace in its own condition The spiritual sluggard i● ●he only poor man. He ●●at lies down in the sleep ●f sin, shall rise in shame.  
No such diseased person ●s the spiritual sluggard. ●is poverty, and shame may ●ome slowly, but violently as ●n Armed man.  
I beseech thee (O Lord) ●o waken me from slumbering, or sleeping in sin. So may work powerfully, and ●h●erefully while the time, ●nd day of grace doth shine: ●he night of death will come, ●hen no man can work. I ●ould wish that all would ●ake St. Paul's counsel, Awake thou that sleepest, arise, ●ud stand up, and Christ shall ●ive thee light.  Somnus animae periculosus.  

MEDITATION. 43.  
Upon the sight of a fair Garden.  
I Question not the Gardeners skill, nor his diligenc● neither doubt I the goodness either of the Ground, 〈◊〉 of the Seed sown in i● Yet I see more Weeds, the● Herbs, or Roots, wha● base usurping, intruding Hinderers are these of better things. Pull them up what make they growing 〈◊〉 so choice a Piece, to th● disturbance of those whole some, and medicinable Herbs and Flowers, se● the patient Wisdom of the Master. They must grow, for that place is not privileged here. This Mixture is tolerable as long as the Master permits it. The best Wheat may be fanned, but yet there will some Chaff be amongst it.  
(O Lord) thy skill, and diligence, is admirable in the Managing of that of spiritual Garden the Church. Thy Word which is the seed is good, and pure, thy Ministers, which are the true Labourers, are watchful, and careful over it, Yet the purest Congregation is interlaced, and mixed with Hypocrites. It was not that Heavenly jury of Apostles that was free from a judas.  
I pray God, I may truly, and faithfully discharge my duty. And leave the success, and end to the wise will of my Lord, and Master.  
God's Congregation is no more to be forsaken for Hypocrites being in it, than a wedge of fine Gold is, for having two, or three grains of dross in it.   

MEDITATION. 44.  
Upon Fire.  
THere are five special gifts that make this Instrument admirable. Heat, Light, Purity, his nature of Ascending, and Consuming. If we come too near it, it will prejudice us, if we stand too far from it, it will not benefit us. A wise Mediocrity is the profitablest station.  
I do lively (Oh God) in this see, and acknowledge thy heavenly spirit of truth, it is that good Spirit that enlightens our understandings, that by his power, and Energy ●eats our Affections, who by his only Purity, and Sanctity cleanses our Souls, and Bodies, making them fit Temples for Himself, and Peculiar Vessels for his own use, who by his worth teaches us to set our Affections, and Souls not on Things below, Temporary, Worldly, and such as are subject to sense, and corruption, but to mount Higher, and to seek those Things which are Above, who doth expel, and drive out of our Souls all sinful lusts, and rebellious corruptions.  
Learn me (O God) Humility, not with too too bold a Presumption to pry into thy Closet of Divine, and reserved Secrets, and withal, give me that care, and wisdom to frequent those spiritual exercises, for as the first is forbidden rashness, so the other is forbidden sloth, and negligence.  
Lord let me always have a Coal of this Fire, in the House of my soul, to warm me by, in the coldest day of Affliction, and let me ever have a vigilant care that I suffer it not to be quenched, or extinguished.  Ignis hic Fovendus.  

MEDITATION. 45.  
Upon the sight of a poor man Begging.  
He makes the High way the place of his gains, his Rags and Soars, the Orators of his necessity, and the induction for men's charity. Oftentimes Petitionates some Nobleman, by relation of his long suits in Law, or of his losses by the casualty of Fire, or Water, or that he is destitute of Friends, and Means, and so finds Relief, Compassion, Clothing. What a good Policy is this for our poor, and miserable souls, jesus Christ in his Word, in his Sacraments, and Church, is the road way of our gains. Our sick, and distressed Souls, and Consciences, ou● wounded and broken Spirits are the Sores and ulcers, which move us to beg, and cry out for mercy: which also are the only and best means to get thy Pity, favour, compassion. Prayers are our Petitions to turn away the Rigour of thy Law, and the Fire of thy justice..  
Show thy mercy (Oh Lord and Saviour) or we are wretched. No Friends, or means but thy Self, Merits, Pardons, Indulgences, Purgatory, Pilgrimage, Supererrogations have no force, or virtue. Lend us thy Robes of Righteousness to adorn us, Thyself to cherish us, so our Persons, and Prayers shall be accepted, otherwise thou mayst go by us, and we never the better.  
Lord, make us common, and ●arnest Beggars at thy Door of Mercy, so we need not be ashamed of thy Gifts, nor of this Profession.   

MEDITATION. 46.  
●pon the sight of a Frontiere Garrison.  
What care, provision, policy, and guarding is in this place. What ●alles, Moats, Halfe●oons, Horn works, Draw●idges, Ramparts, and Palli●does do I behold, to secure ●emselues within, from the dolence of a threatening foe without.  
How fitly doth this obiect ●arne me to Barricadoe my ●ule from all the entrances, ●●d approaches of my bloody, ●●d spiritual Adversaries, those Outguards, and for● lost Sconces of my Eye● Ears, Words, and Action are to be well looked too and that privy passage of m● thoughts must be warily kep● for usually the Enemy wi● be Undermining that Plac● or else closely in the Night of ignorance will enter th● too too weak Passage. S● I must look that my wil● judgement, Memory, affection's, and understanding b● always ready pressed for th● Holy performance of sanctify duties.  
Be thou always (〈◊〉 Lord) the Commandeire, wa● thou the Round, and g● Orders to me, how I sh● ●atch, so I need not fear ●y Surprisal, nor Onslaught, 〈◊〉 thou who never sleepest ●kest upon Thee to be the governor in the little Citty ●f my soul, and except thou ●ou dost keep it, all my ●atching will be in vain.   

MEDITATION. 47.  
●pon a King, and Traitors.  
●He Law apprehends, Arraigns, Convicts, and condemns these Malefac●rs, They not only loose ●eir own lives, and honours, ●t disgrace and overthrow ●eir Children, the King may of mercy, power, free lo● and his princely Prerogat● save, or execute, Some, 〈◊〉 or None. Yet the Offendors● themselves without Plea, E●cuse, or Merit.  
It's just the case of 〈◊〉 by Nature, God by his La● justice, Severity may; 〈◊〉 could condemn us: we a● Unable, undeseruing, without excuse. It's therefore (O● Heavenly Father) thy merc● and free lov● to save Any o● All, when as thou Ius● mightest have destroyed 〈◊〉 (good God) grant me Pardon royal for all my Re●bellions, and seal it I beseech The with the Blood 〈◊〉 jesus Christ.   

MEDITATION. 48.  
Upon the Angels.  
●Hese Creatures are agile, Powerful, All perfect, ●d good by Creation, dif●ent by sin. Their Nature, ●umber, Employment, show ●e Mercy, justice, Power, ●●d Wisdom of their ●reator. Their employment ●owes the Just wages of O●dience, & Pride, their numer, what a Large, and Royal ●ourt Heaven is, and what a ●st prison Hell is. Their Of●e proves that the Righteous ●e always well guarded with servants, and Defenders: and ●at the wicked are always vexed with tormenting Exe●●tioners.  
Let me (Oh God) ●●ware of sin, which ma● Angels, Devils. Thou didst punish it in these severely, wilt not Allow it any. My Calling gives 〈◊〉 the same Name, let me 〈◊〉 found faithful in it, lest loose Honour, and life. 〈◊〉 and Men are the chief 〈◊〉 thy works for Mercy, 〈◊〉 justice.. They both are the 〈◊〉 and the worst of all thy Cr●●tures. I may learn 〈◊〉 these, what I had been, 〈◊〉 I must not be, and what shall be.  Corruptio Optimi p●ssima.  

MEDITATION. 49.  
Of a Physician.  
GOD hath made him a fit Instrument for Health. experience, Knowledge, and ●●thfulnes warrant, and commend him. The dished must receive his Pre●iptions with Preparation, Approbation, Thanksgiving: here's little hope of any 〈◊〉 without him. These 〈◊〉 add Efficacy to his Medicines. Some neglect the 〈◊〉, others the second, some All. So they justly groan, ●nd grieve under a continu●● sickness.  
It's no otherwise with 〈◊〉 and our Souls. He 〈◊〉 sent jesus Christ the Auth●● of our Spiritual Health his Knowledge, Experience, 〈◊〉 faithfulness are wonderful His Prescriptions are all warrantable, and Soueraig●● Many have Ulcerated Co●●sciences, and souls deep 〈◊〉 a Spiritual Consumption because they will not resceive this only Restorati●● I hold it best to subscribe to thy Directions for Purg● Potion, or diet, my R●●covery is not to be doubte● if I follow thy Advice, H●●ouely Remedies all shaking Agues of wavering Consci●ences. Burning Fevers 〈◊〉 ●●nfull Lust. All Consumptions of Faith, and zeal, and All the swellings and rising ●f the Lights to Pride, or ●aine Ambition (Oh good samaritan) dwell in the ●ttle House of my soul, 〈◊〉 I shall be purged, Cured, ●nd Comforted at all times, 〈◊〉 All diseases.   

MEDITATION. 50.  
Upon a Soldier.  
See in these Professors a dangerous Mixture, some 〈◊〉 march in the same Army whose Hearts are with their brother's Enemies, And as Opportunity serves, Run ●●way, mutineer, or 〈◊〉 absolute Cowards upon 〈◊〉 of Pike, or any great service Yet some there are, 〈◊〉 deserve Commendations 〈◊〉 their qualification of Obedience, Courage, Patience, watchfulness, and Constancy.  
It hath been always 〈◊〉 (Oh Lord) in the Spirit●●all Army, some Israeli●● have their Hearts with 〈◊〉 Lords of the Philistines, 〈◊〉 ●ayly Run away fro● God's Garrison, the Church They go out from us, b●●cause they were not of us. O●thers turn Rebels to Ies●● Christ his Kingdom, with Nolumus Hunc Regnare, an● ●housands are faint-hearted, ●nd white livered, though the ●ause be good, and God hath promised to defend it.  
They are thy Faithful, and Elect (O God) that undergo the Heat of the day. I beseech Thee qualify me with parts Requisite, and then I fear not the faces, nor forces of those Goliah●like, Enemies. I am sure I shall have some true Comrades to go with me, and some to follow me. The Lord General is marched before with a strong Regiment, He hath, and will for ever Triumph. I doubt not to have a share of Comfort with him, as well as of Brows for him.   

MEDITATION. 40.  
Upon seeing a Man looking upon the Sun with his Eyes Immediately.  
THis man's judgement is Erroneous, because his Perspective deceives him, he Concludes the Sun to be no greater than it doth Appear to his Eye. He may as well conclude that it doth not move, because he perceives It not. The Height of it from the Earth, the weakness of his Sense, and the Greatness of Its Light makes this confusion in his judgement.  
It's no otherwise in the spiritual Vision, the Natural Man perceives not the Greatness, and Glory of that Sun of Righteousness, The state of Glory is not to be seen with the Eye of Sense, or Reason. Spiritual Objects must be Spiritually discerned.  
He that will Rightly, and Effectually behold Thee (Oh Saviour) must have the Prospective of Faith. The Mystery of thy Conception, Incarnation, Resurrection, and Ascension are so high above Nature, That Flesh, and Blood cannot attain unto them. Such Knowledge is too deep for the mere Naturalist, In beholding these deep Points, Let me put out the Eye of Reason, and open the Eye of faith. Oh Lord give me such an Instrument, so I shall neither fail in my Expectation, nor be falsified about the Object. For Faith draws firm Conclusions.   

MEDITATION. 52.  
Upon seeing a Tent Pitched up, and suddenly Removed.  
HOw fit this Instrument is for motion, when as great Houses are Burdenous, and are of that nature they they cannot be our Companions in any sudden extremities. This I see is of that ease, and yet convenient enough for a Covering, That a man may carry it all day at his back, like a Snail.  
In cases of sudden necessity the Tent is the better house. I had rather have a Tent, and escape the danger of a Pursuing Enemy, than a fair great House, and my life taken away in it.  
(Believe it) Riches, and this worldly Pomp have the greater Inconveniences. He that hath least of this worldly Goods, hath the fewer fears. Feriunt Summos fulmina Montes, Give me a poor Life with safety, rather than Riches with such hazards. Let me never look for a long stay of certainty here, but always so live, as expecting every moment a removeall from hence. Militia est vita hominis super terram.   

MEDITATION. 53.  
Upon the covetous Rich M●n, Luk. 12. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20.  
HOw full of care was this Earthworm? yet how secure? how foolish?  
What a base sin is that which makes men so greedy, and so restless in getting wealth, and being gotten, debars the Master of the Right, or of any good Use of it: while he will not part with his 〈◊〉, he must part with his 〈◊〉. And when he thinks to gain the World, he must 〈◊〉 it. While he is making ●his Resolutions, he is forced to his Dissolution: before he can Build, or Enlarge his Barns, he must pass to his Grave.  
He basely seeks to hoard ●p that, which he should have distributed, what fair Opportunities doth a rich Covetous man lose.  
Many may, and shall smart for having so 〈◊〉 lent to them, and they no● lending any, to any.  
The possession gives not the master happiness, so much as the distribution.  
The one●y way to gain Eternal, is to pass away Tem●●●ls.  
The certainty of death, and the uncertainty of the time, is, and aught to be a great Motive to wean us all from covetousness.   

MEDITATION. 54.  
Upon the sight of a Pismire.  
I See greater Creatures that may learn of this, to get their own living, some reasonable Ones scarce get it so diligently, and honestly, as this contemptible Worm. It labours while a fair opportunity is offered, Her work is not to prejudice others by Oppression, or Extortion, merely for sustentation against harder times, and for the well being of herself, and her necessary Family.  
A necessary direction for all Sluggards, and Spend thrifts, who may go to her, and hear Lectures of Diligence, and Providence wisely discoursed of. The first, she teaches to get his own Bread, and not to live by unlawful means. The second, she tutors to provide for his Wife, and Children, and to have something reserved for a rainy Day of Sickness, of Adversity, or both.  
As I see providence in this Creature, so I observe a society with Order. There are no Private or Domestic quarrels practised amongst them. Nature hath settled peace, and concord in their Confines. Private Contentions are a continual dropping to a Family, which may prove an unhappy overflowing tempest to the Republic. Abraham's advice is worth Imitation. Let there be no contention between thee, and me, or thy Shepherds, and mine, For we are Brethren: Unity crownes Fraternity. Divisions are the bane of the strongest Societies: civil wars made potent Rome a Cripple, an house divided against itself is, as when the Head wounds the Heart, or the Hand, both. It was deplored, when Ephraim was against Manasseh, and Manasseh against him, yet both against judah. Peace not only makes a State flourish, but also establishes, and con●firmes it.  
The goodness of the Creature lies not in the greatness. Wisdom goes not always by strength. Many other Creatures read Morality to man, this little great Student reads Morality, and Divinity. I would be loath this little Harvestman should condemn me. Let me gather food for my soul while I have the Sun of the Gospel. So in the days of scarceness, I shall have enough.   

MEDITATION. 55.  
Of HEAVEN.  
IT's Beautiful, Large, High, and Firm, God made it a Court for Himself, Angels, and good men. There have been many in it, who shall never come into it again. They cast out themselves Ejection firma, It is full of beauty, Majesty, yet the poorest Peasant may be a privileged Courtier.  
It's large, to give spacious liberty to the Inhabitants. It's High, yet made for the Lowly, and Humble, firm to consummate the bliss of the godly.  
The beauty of thy Cou●● makes●mee think what an infinite Majesty the Maker of it is of. Secondly, it puts me in mind of the necessity of my sanctification, for no unclean thing shall come in there. Thirdly, the glorious happiness of thy Elect vessels, that shall dwell in it for ever.  
The largnes of it shows that this Earth, and my Body, are the Prisons of my soul, so that I desire to enjoy that spacious liberty.  
The Height, and distance of it from the Earth, warns me to begin my journey ●●ither betimes. The firmness 〈◊〉 it keeps me from des●ire. I may the surer find 〈◊〉 because the Court never 〈◊〉 moves. Thy Court (O God) 〈◊〉 full of Favourites. Let me, ●entreat thee be enroled a●ong the rest, for One. The ●ay is narrow, yet to be 〈◊〉. If I seek it, as I may, 〈◊〉 I ought, or as thousands 〈◊〉 done before me. (Oh ●ord) whom have I in Hea●en but Thee? and who do 〈◊〉 desire on Earth, in compa●●son of Thee?  
Glorious things are spoken 〈◊〉 Thee, thou City of God.   

MEDITATION. 56.  
Upon the Fish in the Sea.  
HOw long have these crea●tures spaciated themselves in this watery World yet come forth not infecte● with the saltness of the plac● their Bodies are capable of it, they lodge, and 〈◊〉 in it, feed in it, and 〈◊〉 in it.  
Behold an Admirab●● Pattern for us from the Seafaring Inhabitants. 〈◊〉 godly man will keep his I●●tegrity at all times, and 〈◊〉 all places. Though it be great Blessing to have our Lot, and Habitation in Zion, yet if it be in Sodom, goodness is not there to be left.  
I shall never approve of his Actions, who changes his mind with the places he passes through: to be for the Cowl in Rome, and Rheims, in Geneva a Praecisian, A Lutheran in Dantzick, A Protestant in London, and an Heathen in Barbary.  
He is not a good man who follows this Mutability, These Creatures shall Condemn those then that will Conform themselves to all sins, of all places. Drunkenness with the Dutch, Lust with French, Infidelity wit● the Italian, Ambition, an● cruelty with the Spaniard Treachery with the Moor Witchcraft with the Lap●lander, Covetousness with the jew, Malice with the Turk and Hypocrisy at home.  
A Wise Man keeps himself free from the sinne● of the Times, persons, and places. It is not the plac● that makes Good, or Bad. A Man may be Good in the Camp, and bad in the Church. I beseich thee (Oh Lord) to give me Circumspection over my Ways, so in all places I may retain goodness, and keep Piety.   

MEDITATION. 57  
Upon Saul sparing Agag, and the rich, and best of the Booty 1 Sam. 15.  
HEaven would punish Amaleck with the sword, But Earth will pity him with Covetousness: God intends justice, Saul aims at Profit. He looks not so much upon his Commission to obey it, as he seeks Evasions to transgress it.  
The greatest Princes may fail in their designs, when such Generals are put upon the Execution.  
Actions of the greatest Consequence laid upon the performance of unjust stewards come short of the first intendments.  
Covetousness is as Bad a fault in a Commander as Cowardice. The one dare not fulfil his Injunction, the other will not.  
That Pity is Execrable that hinders Heaven justice.. The Sword is sometimes to be used rather than the Sceptre. There may be time when the General in the Field must be as a judge, not regarding the beauty, wealth, or quality of the person, but must proceed with justice.. If God commands the Rule to be General, ●t's no safe practice to put in Exceptions. God's Edicts need not humane helps to perfect them. The fittest Gloss upon them is Obedience to them. This conclusion is firm. Heaven commands this, or that, therefore it's good. being good, It is to be performed.  
Saul's proceeding in this kind is much like to a Partial Minister. God Commands him to destroy all those spiritual Amalekites, sins. But he only beats down the sins of poor Men, but spares, and connives at great men's faults, holding them Prisoners in his heart, not willing to Incur perhaps their Disfavour.  
And all those Men which only root out small Corruptions, and lesser sins from Their souls, but let great Ones reign still, either for Profit, or Pleasure, or both, do falsify with God, as Saul did here.  
Lord I pray thee give me grace to perform what thou Commandest. For Obedience is at all times, in all things pleasing to Thee.  Obedientia praestantior He●atombis.  

MEDITATION. 45.  
Upon his own Thoughts by way of conclusion.  
IT's harder I think than to be well Employed, not to be employed at all. It is as Toilsome to be ill Occupied, as it is to be Idle. I cannot conceive that such an Operative Organ as the soul can want work. It may as well be thought to cease to Be, as not to be labouring. She is mistress in such a foul House, she had need always be cleansing, she lodges so many guests, that it is a continual work to place all in Convenient Rooms. Many Thoughts are such Quick Guests they will be gone, and steal away some good from her, unless she be wary.  
They are all like Curreirs carrying out, and bringing in news from her, to the World, and from the World, to her.  
They are always in Travail, the soul abounds with them, as the Sun with Moats. We are borne to Labour, and we must perform our Task. As the Thoughts of Man are Many, so they are different, All are not good, nor all bad.  
There is not any thing is blessed with such a Library, as the soul of Man is, Every Object within, and without reads to her observations of Morality, and Piety. She cannot complain for want of Variety, for the whole Universe is her study.  
Her thoughts are but her Servants, which she Entertains, or discharges as they please, or dislike her.  
I could wish that my thoughts would be tied upon the Quatuor Novissima. So they would never be ill Employed.  
I pray thee (O God) to set a watch over all my thoughts, That they may be such only as may Glorify Thee, Benefit myself, and Better others, and this is my Thought.  
Come Lord jesus, come Quickly.   

MEDITATION. 59  
Upon his reading the Occasional Meditations of the Reverend Doctor Hals Composition.  
IT's good to have a pattern, then it's a great blessing to stir up others to good Endeavours. I must confess I had not laboured but by His advice: his Fire made my Coal burn. It is as necessary a way for a Christian, as I know any, and as Beneficial, and pleasant to the soul.  
It's Lawful to Imitate any good Action in any One, we might else cashier Examples, and only entertain Precepts, but that Magis ducimur Exemplis quam Praeceptis, the virtues of our Predecessors had died before this time, had they not been maintained by worthy Imitators. It is Blockish stupidity then to be senseless of embracing such offered benefits.  
It is the easier for the soul to collect something out of every thing. We are all beholding to the Pens that hath writ before us. I cannot see how a wise Christian, can let any thing pass him, without some benefit by it. For a good Scholar in Christ's Church will reduce most things to Application.  
FINIS.