§. Sect. 1 That we must meditate vpon that which we haue heard.
ANd these are the publike duties of Gods seruice, which wee are to performe on his Holy-day. The priuate duties are di∣uers. The first is, that at our comming home we meditate vpon those things which we haue heard, and not onely care∣fully recall them to our remembrance, that they may be im∣printed in our memories, but also apply them vnto our owne vse, for the sanctifying of our hearts and affections, and the reforming of our liues and conuersations, purposing with a full resolution, that wee will put in practice whatsoeuer we haue learned, both in the forsaking of those vices and sinnes which we haue heard condemned, and the imbracing and per∣forming of those vertues and Christian duties which haue beene commen∣ded vnto vs. For if we doe not thus make it our owne, and (as it were) couer this holy seede of Gods Word in the furrowes of our hearts, the deuill will steale it away, as the birds doe the seede that falleth by the high way, and make it altogether vnfruitfull, so that after much hearing we shall still remaine children in knowledge, and in the spirituall growth of grace and godlinesse, and like riuen and leaking vessels, retaine little or nothing of this precious liquor, because it runneth out as fast as it com∣meth in. Secondly, with this Meditation we are to loyne feruent and ef∣fectuall prayer, desiring Gods blessing vpon that which we haue heard, whereby it may be made effectuall for his glory and our owne saluation; and the gracious assistance of his holy Spirit, to bring home not onely to our memories, but also to our hearts & consciences, those things which we haue heard and learned, that we may, as occasion serueth, fruitfully practise them in the whole course of our liues; concluding these our prayers with praise and thanksgiuing vnto God for this gracious liberty, in inioying his Sabbaths, and in them the exercises of Religion & meanes of our saluation.