Sacramental meditations upon divers select places of scripture

First: Be more diligent in preparation for your duties, if you would meet with ¹less interruption in your duties. The very light of nature teacheth solemn preparation to all important and weighty ⟨p. 54⟩business, and is there more solemn and concerning business in all the world, than that which thou transactest with God in duties? Angels approach not this God with whom thou hast to do, without profound respects to his immense greatness & awful holiness, Esa. 6. 3. When you stretch forth your hands, it is required that you first prepare your hearts, Job 11. 13.

1. 11. Rule.

Secondly: Realize the presence of ¹God in all your duties, and awe your hearts all that you are able by that consideration. O, think what a piercing holy eye beholds thy heart, and tries thy reins. Wouldst thou not be really ashamed; if thy thoughts were but vocal to men, and the workings and wanderings of thy heart visible to those that join with thee in the same duty? O, if the presence of God were more realized, certainly your hearts would be better secured against the incursions of your Corruptions!

Secondly: Realize the presence of ¹God in all your duties, and awe your hearts all that you are able by that consideration. O, think what a piercing holy eye beholds thy heart, and tries thy reins. Wouldst thou not be really ashamed; if thy thoughts were but vocal to men, and the workings and wandrings of thy heart visible to those that joyn with thee in the same duty? O, if the presence of God were more realized, certainly your hearts would be better secured against the incursions of your Corruptions!