SOLITARINESS IMPROVED, In occasional MEDITATIONS upon several Subjects. By D. L. LONDON, Printed for John Rothwell. 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, I received. It might seem to have been as easy to have kept him In who was In, as to place me In who was Out. But who dare dislike, what the high Court and Parliament of Heaven hath pleased to enact. Thou art as 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▪ than only Abraham to b● our Father: that covenant o● Circumcision must be crown● by that of Faith. If I hav● his seat in the Church given to me, who was, and i● as yet excommunicate for no● coming there, Who ca● or dare accuse the Lord o● 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 hearty 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 h●… Hands. SEe now this Roman Deputy seems to affect innocence, He will appear to be● though he will not be a sincere judge, While he washe● his hands, He pollutes hi● heart; What a vain foll● was it to dip in water, t● swim in blood? What ● strange delusion was this▪ to seem the cleaner, to b● the fowler. Outward pretences may, and are ofte● void of sincerity. Man● Roman Pharisees do ofte● 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 an Angel of Light. We are not to rely upon appearances, I desire not to ●ash with him, I had rather have a clean Heart and foul Hands, than clean Hands and a fou●… Heart. Praestat esse quam v●deri. MEDITATION. 3. Upon the sight of a Toad. Which of us two a●… of the Ancient●… House? the Earth is our m●ther. This creature ma● pled antiquity of nature, of ●… sin. My original Pollution makes this so loathso●… to the sight. I am beholde● to it, for bearing so patien●… some part of my burden. B●… nature I am as full of poys●… 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 william. 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, let's the whole creature suffer under vanity. Rom. 8. MEDITATION. 4. Upon hearing a Woman 〈◊〉 die in childbed. THE unlawful desire 〈◊〉 taste fruit, made her 〈◊〉 in bearing fruit. Eves s●… procured her suffering. The opening her womb is a p●…parative to her grave. It ma● well be called a Trava●… when the Mother takes he● journey out of the World▪ I see truly what a dangerous thing it is to conceiv● and breed sin. St. Iam●… spoke true, That sin whe●… it is conceived brings for●… death. Children (I think) have good cause to love their Parents who are willing to part with life themselves to give it these. How aught we than (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 thi● deepe-learnd Pharisee with such Eagernes an● Zeal? did Gamaliel his Tutor ever read such a Lectur● of bloody persecution t● him? where found he thi● Axiom in the whole Law t● persecute the Gospel? wher● learned he ever to make Mose● fight against Christ? Coul● he so deeply love the Servant and yet kill the Master. Al● knowledge and Religion i● any professor is but zeal blinded without Christ. It may seem strange that the Professors of Divinity should have such jars and so deeply vied. Behold! the great goodness of God. In the depth of darkness Saul is caught and compassed with the great light of a glorious Saviour. We are not masters of our own Thoughts, It was a true speech of joseph, ye thought evil but God brought it to Good. When we think many times to do most, we than cannot do any thing. I see it's vain fight against the Church of Christ. God does well know how to catch a Sinner at advantage. Even all things persecution itself works for the good of God's Saints. He began his journey a Saul. But ends it a Paul So if I be asked where Saul is, I may safely answer. Is not Saul now among the Prophets and Apostles blessed for Ever. MEDITATION. 6. Upon DAVID'S Adultery. IS it not pity such a Rose should have such a Canker? so fair a face such a Blemish? But what Saint is privileged with the state of Perfection here? This fall (as it proved) was but for his surer standing, better heed taking. The greatest Benefit (I see) that God lends to recover Him, is a good Sermon preached, and Well applied by a Worthy and well learned Prophet. sand (O God) such always (upon need) in the Courts of earthly Princes. They deserve there places with reverence, with respect. No Member of Christ can expect a Freedom from tentation. Our head had his trials, and those sharp ones too, by that wicked One. the fairest Sun sometimes meets with Clouds. So the purest lights of the Church want not their blemishes (O God) let not me so much sorrow that he fell, as rejoice that he did in time recover. Let me look well to myself. For I may be sure, that if Satan durst invade such a religious Crown. He will not spare the weaker subject. The best course to keep out Satan is to avoid idleness. MEDITATION. 7. Upon CAINS murdering his brother ABEL. What? but two brethrens in a whole World? and they together by the ears. What's the quarrel? for wealth? or honour? the one was not known, the other not affected. Was it religion? this would have taught Cain love, not revenge. This was an early persecution, the devil began War betimes; goodness can not sooner be begun, but it shall meet with opposition. We must not lose our religion, though we bleed for it by our own brethrens; All in a family are not the children of the same father, Grace is not tied to the firstborn. God may choose the youngest, leave the eldest. Cain scorns to hate under bloodshedding. The devil is a murderer from th● beginning. brethren's divisions especially in matte●… of Religion are hardly recon●led, But though this on● dies, God knows how t● bring up another, goodne●… shall be sure of Enemy▪ but it cannot be utterly rooted out. Abel hath ha● abundance of brethrens, Ca●… did not so much kill Ab●… as himself. It is a tru● Maxim that Sanguis mart●rum semen Ecclesiae. S. Pa●shall conclude it in thi● saying. That he that wa● borne after the flesh persecuted him that was borne after the Spirit. MEDITATION. ●. ●pon the good Samaritan and the wounded Man. ●Ee how we poor wretches are beset with dan●…rs, our life is but a continu●… passage through robbers & ●…ee-booters. It's the safest 〈◊〉 keep ourselves at home. ●hen we go forth; we ●…pose ourselves to haz●…ds. It's not every Man's ●…ppines to have such a unpassionate Passenger. That ●…n life's safe whose minde ●epes within. A retired ●…e hath the lesser incon●…niences. This Man found most good at the hands 〈◊〉 a stranger. A friend is m●… Near than a brother. It 〈◊〉 grace not nature, affecti●… not affinity that are 〈◊〉 sensible and sympathizi●… of distresses. I see plaine●… that those jewish ceremonies are not so Helpful▪ 〈◊〉 the mercies of God in Ie●… Christ, It's not the Eye 〈◊〉 the passenger but the he●… which does good to miseri●…▪ I do desire to keep ho●… but if thou (O God ● shall be pleased to impl●… in public, either prote●… me from these spiritu●… murderers, or sand 〈◊〉 speedily such a comfortab●… 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 than in that Spiritual warfare? if blows would daunt him? did he suppose th●… present world the safer or th● s●eeter? why than did he s● Hypocritically join to tha● Heavenly Doctor in Divinity▪ what made he in this College if he did not intent t● proceed? His non Proficiency 〈◊〉 an Argument of weakness▪ And the leaving of thi● society, argues enough t● 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 may. 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 O Saviour in my soul, so I shall know thee truly, and rai●… with thee eternally. MEDITATION. 11. Of a Dog in a Chain THe malice of this Cr●…ture is great, but it 〈◊〉 wisely limited. His power, a●… his will are not proportionable; though being chain●… he cannot by't with his te●… yet his barking shows wh●… he would do at liberty. Admirable is that divine Pow● of God limiting, permitti●… that great Dog of H●… when he persecutes by bond●… imprisonment, and captivit●… than 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 eat him. Sennacherib was a whelp of this litter, let lose, but suddenly pulled In again; he may be to warn me, not to worry me: He shall speed never the better though God us●… him. I do not much grie●… that there is such a Dog●… nor do I much fear h●… breaking lose, being 〈◊〉 strongly chained by such ● wise master. My prayer 〈◊〉 God shall be, to tie him 〈◊〉 shorter, and I could wish 〈◊〉 were always muzzled, b●… Gods will be done. MEDITATION. 12. Upon a beautiful and pu●… Virgin. Who would thinks that corrupted Nature could sand forth su●… ● 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 ●nd richly covered, while ●…any others either want ●his resplendancy, nor sergeant it by impostures, and paintings, give me that ●…all not adulterate; native, ●ot artificial beauty, No Ague, Aches, diseases, have as yet seized upon, or impaired her Perfections: Any ingenious and well qualified Spirit desires such a ●…ate. How lively an em●…ame is this of our souls, ●…fore either corruptions, or imperfections have tayn●… them. But she doth plain●… describe that mystical Virg●… the Church tryumpha●… which shall be presented 〈◊〉 her Husband undefiled, wi●… out any blemishes, sp●… or wrinkles, all her Pa●… keep harmony, and decency; she shall be gloriou●… moulded in immortality, a●… incorruption; Her coveri●… shall than be the glorio●… Robes of her Husban●… righteousness. The Church●… Hypocrites, though now 〈◊〉 show, and appearance bea●tifull, shall than prove b●… a strumpet; (O God) Haste● 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 not otherwise (O God) with thy Law and thy Iusti●… by all transgressed, we bro●… our Bonds, and our Co●…nants, and so fell into 〈◊〉 danger of that great jayle● Satan did pled for a 〈◊〉 and an execution at 〈◊〉 Bar of thy justice, 〈◊〉 being sealed turned Serie●… and arrested us. We 〈◊〉 wanted sufficient Bay●… and were not able to g●… Satisfaction. This gra●… executioner seized upon 〈◊〉▪ But (O Eternal Savio●…▪ we are for ever bound 〈◊〉 love thee who of thine o●… mercy and free love didd●… rescue us from our Cre●…tors hands, by thy mer●… paiedst the Debt and 〈◊〉 us wholly free, how Careful aught we to be to shun all sins, which make us all such desperate Debtors. O let me ever be paying thee with thankss, who to set me free didst willingly go to Prison thyself. MEDITATION. 14. Upon the sight of an Hive of Bees. Do not a little wonder ●…at this Commonwealth ●f Flies. Every one by his ●…oper diligence in particu●…r, advances the richeses of ●he state in general. There are 4. things remarkable i● this little busybody. 1. The make no strangers Denizens▪ 2. They bring home store o● wealth but transport little▪ 3. They harbour no sluggish drones. 4. They go fort● well furnished with wing, an● sting, for defence, or offence. ● good pattern for Nation● and societies of men, happ● Republics where store ● 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 upon all lawful occasions, either fly, or fight, well stored wit● Ammunition. It's not otherwise with the soul of a faithful Christian. It must not admit of strange Gods, or strange worship. It must fetch in grace by spiritual labour and diligence. It must hate idleness as the ruin of its welfare, and when it goes out in her spiritual war, must be furnished with the whole Armour of God. I do beseech thee (O God) to make me a subject of this nature, and a Bee in this Hive. MEDITATION. 15. Upon a Man's shadow. See not this mourning Seruiteur attend my corpse in a Cloudy day, nor in ● dark night, Nor when I s●… still in a close study. It i● only my attendant in th● Sunshine, or in the Moonlight, or else in such place● as are capacious of bo●… these Celestial Candles. 〈◊〉 plainly see that flatte●… most follows a prospero●… state. Parasites hid the●… heads in dangerous occa●…ons. A reserved life v●…tuously employed admits 〈◊〉 such Hung bees. Men wh●… lives, and actions are publi●… and courteous, are peste●… most with such vermin, the● do me this favour, that the● make the world believe th●… I am a substance, or else ha●… It. And this is the state of the soul. What is the world? the Flesh? Wealth? Honour? but mere shadows, which in 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 is no trust in such Reeds; for 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 years 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 faith, summons my Repentance, and doth strengthen my obedience. Lord thou art willing to teach us by all means, Thou art so mindful in this, and in all other thy promises, that we may safely take them for performances. O than I pray thee quickly to show that sign of thy Son coming to 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 warm houses, good , 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 a Night, but joy cometh in the Morning, these Mystical floods may be great, and rage horribly, but they shall pass over me. This pit of death may be deep, but it cannot shut his mouth upon me: under I may be, above I 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 his Righteousness to adorn me, thy Spirit to heat my affections; 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 it not take me unprovided. Conturbatus mundus, Caelum serenum 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 of 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 aught the Magistrates of the Church, and Commonwealth to have of Inferiors. Such glorious lights aught to be much and highly honoured; Our safety 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 ar● the eye and heart of the bod● politic. All inferior members receive comfort fro● their wisdom. Learn 〈◊〉 (O God) a quiet subordination and a conscionable su●mission to these wor●… lights. I see the Sun gi●… heat to all. God's blessin●… are not to be impropriat. H●… that gives to others sh●… not have the less virtue 〈◊〉 Himself. It is usual for 〈◊〉 Candle to light up anoth●… Bonum quò communius, eò me●… 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 I neither see good furniture within, nor proportionable means without to maintain 〈◊〉. It hath nothing but a ●…re prospect to move envy, ●…d high Turrets to show the Pride of the owner, and to expose it to storms, and winds, when as yonder little Cottage close 〈◊〉 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 no● a general argument of inward goodness. The Caske● may be fair, and gilded▪ yet have poison in stead o● pearls within it. Natura●… parts at the best are bu● mere blemishes without Grace. All is not to be truste● that is fair in show, prid● and ostentation may please the passengers eye. But give me that little low grace of Humility, I had rather not seem, and be rich, than 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 fai●…d and sergeant seem, ●…e one are but high clouds without water, the other Wells full of lively springs. Give me an humble heart full o● grace, so I shall be satisfie● when they shall be empty▪ and shall have a sure cornerstone, when they shall moulder to rottenness. Respicit Deus Humiles, reij●… Superbos. MEDITATION. 20. Upon the sight of a Butche● killing a Lamb. I Cannot but think 〈◊〉 that saying of St. Pa●… The creature doth groan u●der the bondage of corrup●…on. How meekly, and patien●… It submits to the Knife. At sight of this, I may say, Ecoe 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 ●…ernall life, and they hunted ●ith bloody wills to take a●ay life from thee. I see al●… the lot & share of all thy holy ones, They are Tanquam oves, and Agnelli. They are but counted as sheep for the slaughter: O Butcherly an● bloody world! will not th● blood of that One satisfy th● madness? must thou need● swim in the blood of h●… poor members also? persecution even to death is the p●…tion of God's children. Th● head hath suffered, and 〈◊〉 must all look to follow: 〈◊〉 that will live godly in Ies●… Christ must suffer persecution: (O God) learn m●… courage, and cheerfulness in 〈◊〉 trials, for thy name sake, f●… I know this, if I suffer wi●… thee here, I shall rejoice wi●… thee hereafter. Per Crucem Itur ad gloriam▪ MEDITATION. 21. Upon a Door, turning upon his Hinges. THis is contented with its own motion. It turns backwards, and forwards constantly: sometime forwant of Oil it skreikes, and makes an unpleasant noise; but it will not be gotten of from that motion without violence. In this see the sinner Habituated and accustomed unto ●…ill courses, can the Black●ore change his colour; or ●…e Leopard his spots? than ●ay he that is accustomed to ●ill, do well. How he winds himself from one sin to another, but ends in the same Centre. Sometimes wear● with the motion in one wickedness, he turns to another▪ but his whole life is nothing else but a gally-mophrey of a●… sins, he moves as in a circle, from ill desires to cov●tousnes, so to usury, so on t● oppression, than to exaction▪ than to grinding the faces o● the poor, and at last eats up God's people, as if he would eat bread. His removeals a●… but from one evil to a worse▪ and dies in the highest strain● of all impiety. But perhaps his conscience now and the● galls him with horror. The● Satan oils him with som● new pleasure or profit, an● so keeps him either as fast bound or faster than before. There is little or no hopes of his ceasing, unless it be by the strong Hammer of God's Word preached home to his conscience. Let me (O God) hate and leave all sin, lest I be too soon accustomed in any. I pray hearty that none may bind themselves Apprentices to that unlawful Trade. Consuetudo altera Natura. MEDITATION. 26. Upon the sight of a Sword. THis defends our persons, and offends our Enemies, use makes it bright. Vpo● some occasions the scabbard is either the best, or worst plac● for it; It's terrible in th● hand of an expert Warrior▪ Many should use it, who ye● for fear, or favour, or both, le● it rust. Three sorts of me● aught to use it discreetly, th● public Magistrate, the Soldier, and the Traveller. It also shows me the nature o● that spiritual word of truth▪ which is the safest Buckler, and shield for our souls, and bodies, in all conflicts and combats, destroys all the power, and Armadas of that Prince of darkness; the oftener it is used, the more excellent it is. The mouth of a diligent prophet shows the Energy of it. They do ill that debar the use of this weapon to God's people. It's ill 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 (O my Saviour) in my calling and this weapon. So I need not fear the malice, or multitude, faces, not 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 insufficiency of the Instrument's. Diabolus Hostis, Scutum Christus. Verbum est Gladius. MEDITATION. 23. Upon a virtuous Wife, havi●… many Children. IT's not Every man's happiness to enjoy such a blessing without fruit, how well is 〈◊〉 with him that hath g●… administered to him in suc● plentiful, and rare Models▪ ● am persuaded that her husband's fears God: For she 〈◊〉 promised a portion only 〈◊〉 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 ● as one of her youngest sons do cry and pray to see my Father's presence▪ Come Lord jesus, come quickly. Ecclesi●… ut Spousa, Christus Sponsus. Math. 23.5. 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 their Lord commands. God hath 4. Regiments of such forceable destmiers, the Locust, the Palmer worm, 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 weapo●… are they able to manage? as●… all Egypt, and it will tell yo● with amazement. It's good to keep in pe●… with God, lest he arm 〈◊〉 Creatures against us. G●… can, and doth bring great A●tions to pass by small, a●… weak Instruments. All h●… force enough when He i●ploies them. The Fly, a●… Worm are as able as the Ly●…I▪ It's not so much to que●…on with what a man is pu●…shed, as to learn from wh●… and whence it cometh, I w●… (O God) acknowledge t●… power in all thy creatures, 〈◊〉 thou makest me an Example of thy justice by the lest, for despising their seeming impotencies. Non in quantitate, sed qualitate virtus. MEDITATION. 25. Upon the sight of a dead Man. TEach us (O Lord) so to Number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom, for so soon pass we away, and are gone, All flesh (I see) is Grass, and all the beauty of it is as the flower of the field, Thou (O God) hast determined the 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 dye for sin, but keep me from dying in sin, since I must dye, let me end in grace, not in nature. I descry the natural man's unfitness for any spiritual exercise, what can he perform without Christ? And as the body is dead without the soul, so both soul and body without grace, O 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 peccato, vivus Christ. 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 thousand to one if any good man gets any good by i●▪ from it, or in it. See what ● throng is here, Every ma● strives to be first to cheat▪ and deceive himself. I do● see places of more profit, an● pleasure stand empty. The world hath mo●… Clients than the Church, w●… cannot conclude the great●… company to be the be●… Goodness cannot be just●… numbered by the Pole. The●… is more Earth for the Pott●… than for the Goldsmith. I●… not safe argument to follow the multitude. Every o●… that draws hopes for a pri●… but he that hopes to be ● Winner in this world, shall 〈◊〉 a Loser. The folly of the worldly man's wisdom is here easily seen. Here he will willingly cast away Pounds upon uncertain hopes: but in God's Lottery the Church, he will grudge his farthings, nay his presence; Yet here he gains time, and saves his estate, there he loses both. (O Lord) I beseech thee to give me grace to come to thy Storehouse, where I may furnish myself with rich commodities at a low rate. I need not fear to adventure, for all that comes from thee advantageous. MEDITATION. 27. Upon a great Candle in a fa●… Candle stick. HOw comfortable, ho● comely is this? a● how wisely is it placed. It's pity but such ● Candle should have such ● seat, and such a Candlesticks deserves such a Light. The●… is not any but affects it, if h●… be well disposed. How easily do I in th●… see a good, and painful Preacher, well, and wisely placed i● a good Pulpit. His Doctri●… is not less comfortable, the● convincing. My Prayer sha●… be that every such light may have such an Eminent Preferment. Those whose lives, and Doctrine are both holy, and sanctified are indeed burning, and shining Lamps, and do grace the Temple, and Gospel of Christ. Let me (O Lord) be but even a little Candle in thy Temple thus qualified, and I cannot dislike my place, nor doubt of Acceptance, and Approbation with thy Saints. MEDITATION. 28. Upon a dead Coal. Why this sooner extinguished than another? or why at all? Ca● that heat, so suddenly, an● totally vanish from the subject? or being dead is it not 〈◊〉 be revived? It's manifest tha● remoteness, and solitarine●… makes it die. But joined 〈◊〉 the whole Company ho●… soon recovers it the form●… virtue. It's not otherwise with t●… Elect Children, want of go●… exercises, and Company ma● abate, and lessen their hea●… of zeal, but thou wilt n●… suffer it to be extinguish●…▪ Satan by policy may cau●… some remissness, but he sh●… not procure absolute dea●…nes. Graces in the Act are n●… always so sensibly operati●… yet the habit may remain firm. The Sun may be hid with clouds, but we know It doth than 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 (O 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 other● that are heavier, and greate● than it, with a few drops o● Rain only, are mollified, receive impression; are square●… and fitted for many excelle●… employments. I cannot but behold (O● God) the several condition of sinful men, some are s● desperate, and accustomed i● wickedness, that neither th●… often showering down o● mercy, nor judgement w●… work any thing upon the●▪ such Pharaohs are they i● self-will, perverseness, customs▪ These are settled upon the●… Lees. Others though heavier, a●… more loaden in sin, yet wi●… 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 Reckon. MEDITATION. 31. Upon the ill, and neglige●… Servant, Mat. 25.27. HE aught to have put his Master's money to the Exchangers, but did not. 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 fo● himself. It's dangerous sinning by example, or patterns of others, but this man sinned against precept, and without pattern: and I fear hath folly made himself a Pattern, and Example to others to sin by. It is bad to follow wickedness, but it's damnable Impiety to lead others. That seems to be one aggravation of jeroboams wickedness, That he made Israel sin, what excuse can this idle soul make? will he pled ignorance? or impotency? not so: His conscience galls him there, what than? was it a suspicious fear of losing? he know this way of managing it, was the only warrantable, and advantageous course, this was one principal end why he had it bestowed on him, out see how impudent he is in a lie to his master's fa●… I knew thou wast an ha●… man, etc. While he 〈◊〉 ashamed to father his fa●… himself, he villainously see●… to disgrace his Lord. I see thus much that ma●… a wicked and ungodly wre●… may be under a good maste●▪ Withal that many ● wicked man hath had fa●… means of salvation lent hi●▪ The only way to be cro●… hereafter, is to be Dilig●… here: It is not the enioy●… of the means, but the 〈◊〉 employing them that gi●… Happiness. I may read 〈◊〉 Lecture to myself, and 〈◊〉 other Ministers, and One 〈◊〉 God's people. That the ri●… and constant excercising my calling is best in the Royal Exchange, The Church. That those which are Gods Factors for souls must employ themselves in this place. And for the people, that the only thing that will give content to their conscience, and that will be approved of GOD, is to turn there Talon of Hearing into Doing. MEDITATION. 32. Upon 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 sh●… themselves. The first f●…lish in their Command●… the second Corrupters, a●… base by bribes of money, 〈◊〉 third careless, & suborned 〈◊〉 on so high a point of ●…uice. What a folly was 〈◊〉 to watch him, who did wa●… them? see how greedy t●… were of monies, these m●… spoke words against the●… own lives, what? Watch-m●… and sleep? and upon the●… guard? at any time is pu●…shable by death; much mo●… upon such a case as this wa●…▪ Yet further, All of them, 〈◊〉 well there Commaundeire●… the Soldiers? and yet mo●… 〈◊〉 this for to colour other men's ●…ults. Nulla sides, pietasque●…qui castra sequuntur. But will they say it was a 〈◊〉 Sum, It Enriched them 〈◊〉▪ The base they were that ●…ve it, and they only the ●…her liars, gains cannot sup●…nt a heart resolved upon ●…eth. ill do those become 〈◊〉 chair who would ●…er the virtue of Christ's ●…rrection. What they will urge yet, 〈◊〉 ●hey were Soldiers? and 〈◊〉 but an Idiot would re●… such an offered Prize? 〈◊〉 had they been such ●…d, they would have dis●… unfaithfulness, and 〈◊〉 the receiving of gains It may be the easier ad●…ted, if it neither doth ●…iudice faith, truth, consci●… nor the life of any, but t●… receiving is liable to 〈◊〉▪ It's a part of judas to 〈◊〉 all these for money: 〈◊〉 what effected this there ●…orned untruth? did it 〈◊〉 or overthrew the fame of 〈◊〉 Saviour's Resurrection, 〈◊〉 Noah! the Sepulchre, 〈◊〉 great stone, the Seal 〈◊〉 the Watch could hold him 〈◊〉 minute beyond his 〈◊〉 the third day shall 〈◊〉 him glorious, maugre all 〈◊〉 malice, God will ge● 〈◊〉 glory, even by the a●… wicked men. But how many ha●… 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 than, when God's glory, and truth must be declared. Yet seldom hath it been ●…owne that wicked men ●…ve wanted Assistants for ●…ere worst intentions. Liars 〈◊〉 well furnished for the ●…st part with Excuses. Sup●…ters of truth as they are ●…lyticians, so they are well ●…red with Instruments. Re●…lion seldom marches with●…t Complices. The Execra●…st murders as they have had their Plotters, so they have found Undertakers fo● the Execution. Lord I beseech the● keep me from withholding the truth in a ly●▪ Let not any gain sedu●… or draw me to concea●… what I am bound to mak● known. Let me learn t● prize truth, more than wea●… and to speak truth though I should lose by it. Th●… man pays dear for gold, wh● sells himself to damnati●… to purchase It. MEDITATION. 33. Upon the Aethiopian Eunuch converted by Philip. THis noble Courtier took good pains to take so long a journey to go to Church, and it did please God to reward him well go●…g Home-wards. The Church 〈◊〉 the most likely place to be ●…essed in. He made the rea●…ng of the Scriptures as a pleasant History, though the virtue, and the mystical meaning was as yet hid from him. He was neither idle, ●…r ill-imployed in his journey. Reading is commendable, especially of such things, as may make for the bettering of us. Upon this see how God salutes Him with an Occasional ●…ing'd Preacher. God knows the Opportunities to work upon us. Philip must join to him, th●… he may be joined to God. I read not that this Grea● Lord Treasurer in his Coa●… disliked this Preachers coming, nor yet the seemi●… bold question that he propounded. I see in this Religiously ●…fected Nobleman good D●sires an good Motions t● know, and also God seconding his pious Endeavours a●… works his happy conversion. It's no small blessing to enjoy the company of a faithful Preacher. We cannot suppose what great Things God may bring to pass by these too much despised Ambassadors. It's not every one that can expound Scripture aright. But here was one that rightly divided and applied the word of Truth, and see the operation of one Sermon preached effectually. God sand every true Beleiver 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 a●… doubts light upon such a● Expositor, and be store● with such a Commentary. MEDITATION. 34. Upon seeing a Bird caught 〈◊〉 a Snare. HOw Agile, swee●… framed, beautiful, a●… Pleasant, was th●… pretty Quirrister, before 〈◊〉 was thus captived; now, h●… heavy, mourning, and disco●…late is it: having not on●… lost her freedom, but ●…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 being enthralled by that too too cunning Fowler, by the snares, and traps of sinful pleasure; How heavy, how irksome, and how loathsome is it, even to itself? Sin makes us lose all our spiritual mirth, and liberty, and exposes us to manifest perdition. (O 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. Columba est Anima, Auceps e●… Diabolus. MEDITATION. 35. Upon the sight of a Thorn Tree, full of Blossoms. What makes thi● growing, and flourishing in so good a piece of Ground? It do●h deserve a fire 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, (O God) even towards these vessels of wrath. It's thy will, and wisdom to place them here. Who dare than 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 i● our desires. We should revenge either too hastily, o● two deeply in our own, o● our friends wrongs. Thy L●…ly was troubled, and th● own Israel was molested by these, yet both by thy Permission. (I believe they sha●… have a hot day of it when 〈◊〉 comes. I envy not the felicity o● the wicked, but patiently wait to see thy wisedo●… manifested. We are bu● foolish Logicians, if we conclude happiness from temp●rall blessings, the wicke● may surfeit with them, an● thy Elect want them. Le● them grow where, and 〈◊〉 long thou pleasest, I believe thy 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 as an honest poor man may lie long enough under a tedious sickness, and have no such Visitants. They come for his Goods, rather than to do him any good. much like greedy Gleaners when the Corn is cutting down. He makes his wil● 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 Servants. The World, and wealth are but poor Bail upo● deaths Arrests. All meane● are nothing when God strike● us. The wisdom of the worl● is but an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for Heaven. The Rich are unwilling t● dye because they know no● a better life, and want fai●… to believe it. Wealth, and richeses often are but Percullisses let down to stop the passage through the Gate to salvation. Rich worldlings have God's Word in lest, and last consideration. So let God order me, that in all estates I may be ready to part with All to enjoy Him. But it is truly spoken, Oh! How bitter is the Remembrance of death to a man in his full possessions. MEDITATION. 37. Upon Hearing a fair Ship come home Richly laden. What dangers thi● Poor Vessel hat● passed? what Rocks, Pirat●…▪ Sands, Waves, and Winde● hath it encountered with▪ What hunger, cold, heat, an● blows hath she endured▪ What a green, tedious unknown, movable way hat● she flown over? What ● world of water hath she plo●…ed through? With wh●… strange Nations hath she● traded? And yet what mor● is, how often hath she been● reputed and given for lost▪ Yet safely at length arrived with Drums beating, Trumpets sounding, Colours displayed, and rich Prizes in Herald GOD'S Name be praised. Every son of man comes into, and goes out of this world as a Ship to Sea. What miseries, afflictions, calamities, poverty, disgrace do encounter them? Happy is he that keeps the Vessel of his soul by Patience to the End. Many split, and sink, some are taken Prisoners, others die with hunger. All are liable to Combats, and fiery Trials. Moore specially I think of, and pray for that Royal Ship of thine (o Saviour) called the All-saints, o● the Church militant. Whic● hath beeee long forth, hat● endured Heavy things, ye● (as I hope) shall ere lon● put happily into her safe Harbour of rest, and repose. What rejoicing, an● gladness shall there be a●… Her approach, which come● laden with so many thousands of pure Souls to be● put into that Royal Exchange. Fetch home thy Syo● (O Lord) and thy Redeemed one with much people▪ Let me be any Prize i● her, and I shall be rich enough▪ Ecclesia Navis est, Animae piorum sunt Mercat●… MEDITATION. 38. Upon the sight of an Infant fed with Milk. IF it were not for this kind of food the poor Infant might starve. See how God proportions to all Nourishment sitting there Age. How quietly you may see him receive it? How kindly the Nurse giving it? How 〈◊〉 agrees with his tender Con●…ution, and digested, fits him 〈◊〉 stronger diet. How doth (O God) thy Heavenly Wisdom appear, in giving us sincere Milk out of thy Heavenly word. While we are babes in Christ, how meekly doth the thriving Child in Grac● receive it, which is able to save his soul. How lovingly do thy faithful Ministers feed him with it; an● being rightly received, make● him grow up unto the perfect stature of a Man i● Christ. God is careful to provide food for man's soul●▪ The Preacher aught to be d●ligent in the distribution 〈◊〉 it, and the hearer aught 〈◊〉 be constant in the receipt 〈◊〉 it. Children that will not receive Milk, either sicken, die, or else prove Dwarf●… Seeing (Lord) it is uncomely, unnatural, always to be a Child, ever learning, but never coming to perfection. Let me so receive thy Word that I. may grow from strength, to strength, and from virtue, to virtue. They are unnatural, and unfiting 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 se●…nd are superstitious, and ●…olatrous false Teachers, who presumptuously mix their human Traditions to God's Word, hindering the growth and increase o● God's Church. God's Word admits no mixture; it's desperate boldness either to withhold it, o● to add to it, being first, so necessary: secondly, so perfect in its nature: Both wi●… undergo that heavy cur●… 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 revolution of a few days, how is the beautiful light of it 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 Externall dependences. Those Princes are counted weak, whose Forces are borrowed from their Neighbours. Miserable is that man who●… His necessary imploymen●… must have a Leg from o●… a Hand from another, a●… an Eye from a third. Th●… party dares not diso●… him, by whose power h●… Head stands on his Sho●…ders. Seldom do they accomplish any great Actio●… whose Materials are oth●… men's Beneplacits: To bor●… another man's faith to g● to Heaven, would seem b● the Errand of a beggar Christian. The body of the Mo●… Increases, and Decreases, 〈◊〉 our sense, it is as subj●… to change, as it is to 〈◊〉 motion, If Philosophy will serve for an Argument. Man's mutable state of his body sympathizes, or else is caused from it. But how soever it is no such marvel if men be unconstant, faulty, and fading, since those more Celestial, and Superior creatures stood not all steadfast, The Angels kept not their first Integrity. Worthy Cal●… hath it, Si peccare norunt ●…arentes in paradiso, quid mi●…um si Nos in sterquilinio? It is (O Saviour) with 〈◊〉 souls, as with the Moon, ●…ee hath light only from 〈◊〉 Sun. The light, and ●…re we have in our souls is thy comeliness and bea●ty. We are darkness, but th●… hast made us light in 〈◊〉 Lord. Let me (O Lord▪ cast away now the work●… of darkness, and put vp●… my soul the Armour●… of Light. Lux mea a Te. MEDITATION. 40. Upon the falling of 〈◊〉 in Autumn. What a strange a●…ration is here in t●… Tree? The last quarter h●… flourishing? how repl●…shed? and decked with th●… sands of Attendants in green, promising much to the satisfying of the beholders, but this was in Summer. How many such seeming Parasites are there, which will spread Sail with us in a 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 〈◊〉 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 fit of a fever, or one frown of a Prince hath lopped 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 Summe● 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 Esau, could not the Equal Testament of a father so inspired be admitted for just, in 〈◊〉 many Generations, Without malice, or revenge. This had been a fair opportunity for Reuben to ha●… gained that honour in the fie●… which he lost in an unlawful Bed. Was it because D●borah a Woman was than th● General in the Field? An● so Reubens Regiment scorne● to be led up in Arms b● so weak an instrument? bu● certainly he was than th●… more culpable, being 〈◊〉 potent a Tribe, and abse●…▪ Will he put the fault 〈◊〉 jordan because he could n●… Pass over his high su●… Waves? O no! A willi●… mind slights such poore ●…cuses, and will affronted 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 the 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 seen 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 brethrens, and more than that, It would have caused a great fear in the Army of the Adversaries, to have heard his Drums beating to secure his Brethrens: The union of Brethrens 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 salt to slip opportunites in doing good, especially to our selves, and brethrens, how long could he think to have enjoyed his flocks at home, if his Enemies had got the Field from his Brethrens. 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 a cessation of all labour, motion, action. With excess i● brings poverty, shame, disgrace, sicknesses, diseases▪ He that is given to sleep● shall not be rich. It stupefies, besots the best senses and faculties of the soul● and makes them unfit fo● 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● the only poor man. He that lies down in the sleep of sin, shall rise in shame. No such diseased person as the spiritual sluggard. His poverty, and shame may come slowly, but violently as an Armed man. I beseech thee (O Lord) to waken me from slumbering, or sleeping in sin. So I may work powerfully, and ●…erefully while the time, and 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, ●nd stand up, and Christ shall ●…e thee light. ●…omnus animae periculosus. MEDITATION. 43. Upon the sight of a fair Garden. I Question not the Ga●…ners skill, nor his diligent▪ neither doubt I the good●…▪ either of the Ground, 〈◊〉 of the Seed sown in 〈◊〉▪ Yet I see more Weeds, th●… Herbs, or Roots, wh●… base usurping, intrud●… Hinderers are these of b●…ter things. Pull them 〈◊〉 what make they growing 〈◊〉 so choice a Piece, to 〈◊〉 disturbance of those who●…some, and medicina●… Herbs and Flowers, 〈◊〉 the patiented 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 〈◊〉 good, and pure, thy Mi●isters, which are the true ●…bourers, are watchful, ●…d careful over it, Yet 〈◊〉 purest Congregation is ●…erlac't, and mixed with Hypocrites. It was not tha● Heavenly jury of Apostles that was free from a judas. I pray God, I may truel● and faithfully discharge m● duty. And leave the success●… and end to the wise will o● my Lord, and Master. God's Congregation is n● more to be forsaken f●… Hypocrites being in it, the● a wedge of fine Gold is, f●… having two, or three grains 〈◊〉 dross in it. MEDITATION. 44. Upon Fire. THere are five special gifts that make this In●…ment admirable. Heat, Light, Purity, his nature of ●…cending, and Consuming. If ●…e come too near it, it ●…l prejudice us, if we ●…nd too fare from it, it will ●…t benefit us. A wise Mediocrity is the profitablest ●…ation. I do lively (O God) in ●…is see, and acknowledge ●…y heavenly spirit of truth, ●…s that good Spirit that ●nlightens our understandings, that by his power, and Energy I eats our Affections▪ who by his only Purity, an● Sanctity cleanses our Soule● and Bodies, making the● fit Temples for Himself, an● Peculiar Vessels for his ow●… use, who by his worth teaches us to set our Affection's and Souls not on Things below, Temporary, Worldly and such as are subject 〈◊〉 sense, and corruption, but 〈◊〉 mount Higher, and to se●… those Things which are ●boue, who doth expel, a●… drive out of our Souls 〈◊〉 sinful lusts, and rebelli●… corruptions. Learn me (O Go●▪ Humility, not with 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 〈◊〉 the first is forbidden rash●…, so the other is forbidden ●…th, and negligence. Lord let me always have ● Coale of this Fire, in the ●…use of my soul, to warm 〈◊〉 by, in the coldest day of ●…fliction, and let me ever ●…e a vigilant care that I ●…fer it not to be quenched, 〈◊〉 extinguished. Ignis hic Fovendus. MEDITATION. 45. Upon the sight of a poor ma● Begging. He makes the High 〈◊〉 the place of his gaine● his Rags and Soars, th● Orators of his necessity, an● the induction for men's charity. Oftentimes Petitionates some Nobleman, b● relation of his long suit in Law, or of his losses by th● casualty of Fire, or Wate● or that he is destitute 〈◊〉 Friends, and Means, an● so finds Relief, Compassion, Clothing. What a goo● Policy is this for our poo●… 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, our wounded and broken Spirits ●…e the Sores and ulcers, ●hich move us to beg, ●…d cry out for mercy: which ●…so are the only and best ●eanes to get thy Pity, favour, compassion. Prayers ●…e our Petitions to turn ●…ay the Rigour of thy ●aw, and the Fire of thy ●ustice. Show thy mercy (O Lord ●nd Saviour) or we are wretched. Not Friends, or means but thy Self, Merits, Pardons, Indulgences, Purgatory, Pilgrimage, Supererogations have no force, o● virtue. Lend us thy Roab●… of Righteousness to adorn● us, Thyself to cherish us▪ so our Persons, and Praye●… shall be accepted, otherwise thou mayst go by us, an● we never the better. Lord, make us commo● and earnest Beggars at th● Door of Mercy, so we● need not be ashamed of th● Gifts, nor of this Profession. MEDITATION. 46. Upon the sight of a Frontiere Garrison. What care, provision policy, and guarding is in this place. What Walls, Moats, Halfe-moons, Horn works, Draw●…idges, Ramparts, and Palli●…does do I behold, to secure ●…emselues within, from the ●…olence of a threatening foe without. How fitly doth this object learn me to Barricadoe my soul from all the entrances, and approaches of my bloody, and spiritual Adversaries, those Outguards, and forlorn Sconces of my Eyes, Ears, Words, and Actions are to be well looked too; and that privy passage of my thoughts must be warily kept, for usually the Enemy will be Undermining that Place, or else closely in the Night of ignorance will enter that too too weak Passage. So I must look that my will judgement, Memory, affections, and understanding b● always ready pressed for th● Holy performance of sanctifi●… duties. Be thou always (O Lord) the Commandeire, wal●… thou the Round, and gi●… Orders to me, how I sh●… watch, so I need not fear any Surprisal, nor Onslaught, if thou who never sleepest takest upon Thee to be the Governor in the little City of my soul, and except thou thou dost keep it, all my ●atching will be in vain. MEDITATION. 47. Upon a King, and Traitors. THe Law apprehends, Arraigns, Convicts, and Condemns these Malefac●…rs, They not only loose ●…eir own lives, and honours, ●…t disgrace and overthrew ●…eir Children, the King may of mercy, power, free love, and his princely Prerogative save, or execute, Some, All, or None. Yet the Offenders in themselves without Plea, Excuse, or Merit. It's just the case of A●… by Nature, God by his Law, justice, Severity may; or could condemn us: we are Unable, undeseruing, without excuse. It's therefore (O Heavenly Father) thy mercy, and free love to save Any o● All, when as thou justly mightest have destroyed All▪ (good God) grant me a Pardon royal for all my Rebellions, and seal it I beseech The with the Blood o● jesus Christ. MEDITATION. 48. Upon the Angels. THese Creatures are agile, Powerful, All perfect, and good by Creation, different by sin. Their Nature, Number, Employment, show the Mercy, justice, Power, and Wisdom of their Creator. Their employment shows the Just wages of Obedience, & Pride, their number what a Large, and Royal Court Heaven is, and what a vast prison Hell is. Their Office proves that the Righteous are always well guarded with Servants, and Defenders: and that the wicked are always vexed with tormenting Executioners. Let me (O God) beware of sin, which made Angels, Devils. Thou didst punish it in these severely, wilt not Allow it in any. My Calling gives me● the same Name, let me be●●ound faithful in it, jest ● lose Honour, and life. They and Men are the chief o● thy works for Mercy, an● justice. They both are the bes● and the worst of all thy Creatures. I may learn fro● these, what I had been, wha● I must not be, and what ● shall be. Corruptio Optimi pessima. MEDITATION. 49. Of a Physician. GOD hath made him a fit Instrument for Health. experience, Knowledge, and ●…ithfulnes warrant, and commend him. The dis●…sed must receive his Pre●…riptions with Preparation, Approbation, Thanksgiving: ●here's little hope of any ●…fe without him. These ●…ree add Efficacy to his Medicines. Some neglect the ●…st, others the second, some All. So they justly groan, and grieve under a continued sickness. It's not otherwise with God, and our Souls. He hath sent jesus Christ the Author of our Spiritual Health▪ his Knowledge, Experience, and faithfulness are wonderful▪ His Prescriptions are all warrantable, and Sovereign▪ Many have Ulcerated Consciences, and souls deep in a Spiritual Consumption▪ because they will not receive this only Restorative I hold it best to subscribe to thy Directions for Purge●…●otion, or diet, my Recovery is not to be doubted▪ if I follow thy Advice, H● only Remedies all shaking Agues of wavering Consciences. Burning Fevers o● sinful Lust. All Consumptions of Faith, and zeal, and All the swell and rising of the Lights to Pride, or vain Ambition (O good Samaritan) devil in the little House of my soul, so I shall be purged, Cured, and Comforted at all times, ● All diseases. MEDITATION. 50. Upon a Soldier. See in these Professors a dangerous Mixture, some 〈◊〉 march in the same Army ●…ose Hearts are with their ●…ethrens Enemies, And as Opportunity serves, Run ●… way, mutineer, or tu●… absolute Cowards upon Pu●… of Pike, or any great service▪ Yet some there are, w●… deserve Commendations 〈◊〉 their qualification of O●…dience, Courage, Patience, ●…fulnes, and Constancy. It hath been always 〈◊〉 (O Lord) in the Spiri●… all Army, some Israeli●… have their Hearts with 〈◊〉 Lords of the Philistines, f●… daily Run away f●… God's Garrison, the Ch●…▪ They go out from us, ●… cause they were not of u●… ●…thers turn Rebels to 〈◊〉 Christ his Kingdom, wi●… Nolumus Hunc Regnare, 〈◊〉 thousands are faint-hearted, and white liverd, though the cause 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 than 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 Blows 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 not 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 (O 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, 〈◊〉 beholding these deep Points, Let me put out the Eye of Reason, and open the Eye of faith. O 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 Instrum●… is for motion, when 〈◊〉 great Houses are Burthen●… and are of that nature th●… they cannot be our C●…panions 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) Richeses, and this worldly Pomp have the greater Inconveniences. He that hath least of this worldly Goods, hath the lesser fears. Feriunt Sum●…os fulmina Montes, Give ●…e a poor Life with safety, rather than Richeses with such hazards. Let me never look for a long stay of certainty here, but always so live, as expecting every moment 〈◊〉 removeall from hence. Militia est vita hominis sup●… terram. MEDITATION. 53. Upon the covetous Rich Ma●▪ Luk. 12.16,17,18,19,20. HOw full of care was this Earthworm? yet how secure? how foolish? What a base sin is tha● which makes men so greedy, and so restless in getting wealth, and being gotten, d●… the Master of the R●… or of any good Use 〈…〉 while he will not part with his moneys, he must part with his Soul. And when he thinks to gain the World, he must lose 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 up that, which he should have distributed, what fair Opportunities doth a rich Covetous man lose. Many may, and sha●… smart for having so mu●… lent to them, and they no● lending any, to any. The possession gives no● the master happiness, so much as the distribution. The only way to gain Eternals, is to pass away Temporals. 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 Spendthrifts, 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, or 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 Brethrens: 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 H●…, both. It was deplored, when Ephraim was against Manasseh, and M●…nasseh against him, yet bo●… against judah. Peace no●… only makes a State flourish▪ but also establishes, and confirms it. The goodness of the Creature lies not in the grea●nes▪ Wisdom goes not always by strength. Many ●ther Creatures read Moral● to man, this little great Student reads Morality, and Divinity. I would be loathe th●… little Harvestman shou●… condemn me. Let me g●ther food for my soul whi●… I have the Sun of the Gospel▪ So in the days of scarce●… 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 Electione 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 Court makes me 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 devil 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 thither betimes. The firmness of it keeps me from despair. I may the surer find ●t, because the Court never ●emoves. Thy Court (O God) ●s full of Favourites. Let me, ● entreat thee be enroled among the rest, for One. The ●…ay is narrow, yet to be ●…und. If I seek it, as I may, ●…s I aught, or as thousands ●ave done before me. (O Lord) whom have I in Hea●en but Thee? and who do 〈◊〉 desire on Earth, in compa●…son of Thee? Glorious things are spoken ●f Thee, thou City of God. MEDITATION. 56. Upon the Fish in the Sea. HOw long have these creatures spaciated themselves in this watery World▪ yet come forth not infecte● with the saltness of the place their Bodies are capable of it, they lodge, and liv● in it, feed in it, and sp●… in it. Behold an Admirab●… Patrerne for us from the●… Seafaring Inhabitants. ● godly man will keep his ●…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 than that will Conform themselves to all s●…nes, of all places. Drunkenness with the Dutch, Lust with French, Infidelity with the Italian, Ambition, and cruelty with the Spaniard, Treachery with the Moor, Witchcraft with the Laplander, Covetousness with the jew, Malice with the Turk, and Hypocrisy at home. A Wise Man keeps himself free from the sins of the Times, persons, and places. It is not the place that makes Good, or Bad. A Man may be Good in the Camp, and bad in the Church. I beseich thee (O 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 piry him with Govetousnes: 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. The Pity is Execrable that hinders Heaven's 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, it's no safe practice to put in Exceptions. God's Edicts need not human 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. Sauls 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 Hecatombis. 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. ● cannot conceive that such ●n Operative Organ as the ●oule can want work. It may ●s well be thought to cease ●o Bee, as not to be labouring. She is mistress in such ● foul House, she had need ●…wayes be cleansing, she lodges ●o 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 th● Thoughts of Man ar● Many, so they are different, All are not good, no● all bad. There is not any thing is ●lest with such a Library, as ●he soul of Man is, Every Object within, and without ●eades 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 ●er Servants, which she ●ntertaines, or discharges as ●hey please, or dislike her. I could wish that my thought would be tied upon the Quatuor Novissima. ●o they would never be ill ●mployed. I pray thee (O God) ●o set a watch over all my thought, 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 pa●terne, than it's a great blessing to stir up others to goo● Endeavours. I must confes●… I had not laboured but by His advice: his Fire made my Coal burn. It is as necessary a way for a Christi●n, as I know any, and as Beneficial, and pleasant to the ●oule. It's Lawful to Imitate any ●…od Action in any One, we ●ight else cashier Exam●…es, and only entertain precepts, but that Magis ●…cimur Exemplis quam Prae●…tis, the virtues of our ●…edecessors had died before ●…is time, had they not ●…ne maintained by wor●… Imitators. It is Blockish ●…piditie than to be senseless 〈◊〉 embracing such offered ●…efits. 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.