A41327:91
Meditations upon Mr. Baxter's review of his treatise of the duty of heavenly meditation…
Meditations upon Mr. Baxter's review of his treatise of the duty of heavenly meditation in answer to the exceptions of Giles Firmin, against some things in that treatise concerning meditation : published for the satisfaction of many sincere Christians troubled at their inability to perform that duty as the said author (and some others with him) have described it and charged it / by Giles Firmin.
London : s.n., Printed in the year 1672
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.
And now Reverend Sir, [whose graces and gifts I do highly honour] I have given you as clearly as I can, an account of those heads, in which our apprehensions seemed to differ; but if that be All which you desire as to this Meditation, viz. to understand and practise these two Texts Mat. 6.21. Phillip. 3.20. As you tell me, p. 30. I assure you I am fully agreed with you: and never shall there be one line more written by me in opposition to you. I am sure we are All bound to have our conversation in Heaven, where our treasure is there will our hearts be, without any limitations to Ability and opportunity, the Duty bind All.
Let me but have a few words to the serious, and sincere Christians, who are much troubled about this Duty, and I have done; what is the reason of your trouble, and discouragement from this Duty more then ⟨p. 17⟩any other, is it because you cannot Meditate? are you not mistaken? Do you not in this Duty, as you do about Prayer, when you hear another pray one hour or two together, fluent in expression, various in mat••, warm in affections, you cannot pray, no not you, when your Prayers may be as acceptable to God as his, though you cannot pray half ••hour, is it not the same in Meditation? I grant Meditation is not a rock for Hypocrites, no more then secret Prayer. I speak of Prayer, indeed: such as call upon God in truth. 145. Psal. 18. Such secret ••yer will either beat the mans Lust out, or his Lust will beat […] secret Prayer. So it will be with Meditation, if a man meditates indeed.
Let me but have a few words to the serious, and sincere Christians, who are much troubled about this Duty, and I have done; what is the reason of your trouble, and discouragement from this Duty more then ⟨p. 17⟩