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SECT. V.

MEditation is a carefull consideration or a de∣uout calling to mind, and ex∣amination both of our spiri∣tuall, and temporall estate, by a serious contemplation of Gods goodnes towards vs, what dutie he requireth of vs towards him, and for his sake to our neighbour, and how wee haue perfor∣med the same, what reward remaineth for the godly, and punishment for the wicked, that wee haue an account to render not onely of euery mis-spent day, but of euery idle word, in what estate, ei∣ther spirituall or temporall, we stand for the present.

This holy Meditation stirreth vs vp to a thankful∣nesse for Gods goodnes, to sorrow, and repentance, for our by-past offences, and to a setled resolution of amend∣ment of our liues in time to come.g Meditatiō is the most soueraigne cure of the soule: in it keepe this course, retyre your self euery day (at some fit time) to yourh chamber, Studie, Field, or some secret place, and hauing prayed to God for a recollected minde, enter into a consideration of your sinfull estate,i examine your self, take notice of your passions, disposition and in∣clination, whereby you may come to the knowledge of your selfe; and by calling for helpe from God, resolue

k to conquer your selfe as a walled Citie.

Call to minde, if any vn∣kindnesse hath passed be∣twixt you andl your neigh∣bour, or any other; and if you remember any rem∣nant, or the least cole of En∣uie or Malice, (lurking vnder the Ashes of your peruerse nature) wipe away and ex∣tinguish them, by notm let∣ting the Sunne goe downe vpon your wrath: for he that craueth pardon, and will not forgiue, is like vnto him that breaketh downe a Bridge, that he must passe ouer him∣selfe.

In your Meditation, in∣quire diligentlyn after the day of your death, by setting it before your eyes, by exa∣mining

your selfe whether you bee prepared, ando rea∣dy, and by incouraging your cowardly soule, to looke Death in the face, flying e∣uer in this poynt, to thy Sa∣uiour for helpe.

Conclude thy meditati∣on, by thinking vpon thy worldly estate: if it prosper, lay vp humility in thy heart. If poore,p pray for supply, and thinke vpon some law∣full and honest meanes.

Notes

• g

  Psal 49.3. Contemplante animo, nihil al∣tius sublimiusue esse potest, Ciel. Rhod. l. 25. c. 12
• h

  Mat. 6.6.
• i

  1. Cor. 11.28.
• k

  Fortior est qui se, quàm qui fortissima vincit moenia, Amb.
• l

  Rom. 3.10. Mat. 5.22.
• m

  Ephes. 4.26. Mat. 6.14, 15.
• n

  Non potest praesentem diem rectè viuere, qui se non eum quasi vltimum victu∣rum esse cogitat, Aug. de Mort.
• o

  1. Cor. 15.54
• p

  Psalme 119.