The application of redemption

we are loth to bear it, Satan and the wicked are loth to suffer it in us, to ⟨p. 271⟩have the rod daily shaked over us, the filth and guilt and plagues due unto our sins continually presented and pressed upon our consciences, it's exceeding tedious and irksome unto our natures: Flesh and blood is very loth to bear it, Satan and the world are unwilling we should continue in such a course, because they know it's the next way to make us weary of our lives, and of our sins; therefore our corrupt hearts are willing to shake off such considerations, and they are as restless to pluck our hearts from under the power of such an Ordinance. It will be our comfort, let it be our care to have daily meditation keep us company in our daily course, it will keep the heart in an awful and under temper. Therefore the Apostle joins both together, 1 Tim. 4. 15. Meditate on these things, and be in them, under the power and prevailing virtue of them. As it's sure of all, so of this Truth also, John, 8. 31, 32. Continue in the Truth, and it shall make you free. It's not enough for an old cankered sore to make it open, but we must keep it open; not only lance it, but tent […]: to force a Truth by Meditation lanceth the sore, attention to the same Truth in Meditation, is the tenting of the sore, and that brings, though a slow, yet a perfect Cure. Dog the heart with the daily consideration of the discovery of sin formerly set on, it will tire a man out of his distemper, force the soul either to leave his Meditation or his corruption. It was that which caused the venom of Gods vengeance, and the poison of his own abominations to enter into his bones. Psal. 51. 4. My sin is ever before me. And this is the peculiar work of Meditation to keep things in present view, and fresh apprehension, it keeps sin ever before mens eyes. The sinner is forced to walk and talk with it, to wake and sleep with it, to eat and drink his sins, and curses due to him for the same, they are […] out to him in every cutting, and […] before him in every […] that is set at the Table; Psal. 119. 98. It was Meditation that drew out the marrow […] ⟨p. 272⟩