A27009:367
The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32…
The right method for a settled peace of conscience, and spiritual comfort in 32 directions : written for the use of a troubled friend / and now published by Richard Baxter ...
London: printed for T. Underhil, 1653
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
as able to make a full and deep impression on mans soul as any in the world: and if they work not, it is not through any imperfection in them, but because they be not well applied, and by Consideration held upon the heart that they may work. Perhaps you will say, that Meditation is too hard a work for you; and that your memory is so weak that you want matter to meditate upon; or if you do meditate on these, yet you feel no great motion or alteration on your heart. To this I answer: If you want matter, take the help of some book that will afford you matter; and if you want life in Meditation, peruse the most quickening writings you can get. If you have not better at hand, read over (and seriously consider as you ⟨p. 241⟩read it) those passages in the end of my Book of Rest, which direct you in the exercise of these graces, and give you some matter for your Meditation to work upon. And remember that if you can increase the resolved choice of your will, you increase your Love, though you feel not those Affectionate workings that you desire.
as able to make a full and deep impression on mans soul as any in the world: and if they work not, it is not through any imperfection in them, but because they be not well applied, and by Consideration held upon the heart that they may work. Perhaps you will say, that Meditation is too hard a work for you; and that your memory is so weak that you want matter to meditate upon; or if you do meditate on these, yet you feel no great motion or alteration on your heart. To this I answer: If you want matter, take the help of some book that will afford you matter; and if you want life in Meditation, peruse the most quickning writings you can get. If you have not better at hand, read over (and seriously consider as you ⟨p. 241⟩read it) those passages in the end of my Book of Rest, which direct you in the exercise of these graces, and give you some matter for your Meditation to work upon. And remember that if you can increase the resolved choice of your will, you increase your Love, though you feel not those Affectionate workings that you desire.