Sept. 2.
I had not in the morning time enough for solemn Meditation: Great deadness and dullness was in my Heart, as to Spiritual Thoughts afterwards; the Reason was, because I did not perform my solemn Meditation as I should.
I had now apprehensions that I must undergo sore Trials, and Conflicts, and great Afflictions.
Wherefore it did highly become me to get as great a measure of Grace, as the opportunities which I enjoy may afford, and therefore I purpose to be more serious in my Meditations, not omitting other Duties therewithal.
I see my Resolutions must every day be renewed, as to great diligence in my serving God.
And since I must expect great Afflictions, I must make it my daily work by solemn Meditation to go over the whole ⟨p. 52⟩Body of Christianity, and particularly to have daily Thoughts on the Condescension of Jesus Christ: I must also endeavour to get a large measure of sanctified knowledge; wherefore,
First, There is need of Earnest Prayer; and
Secondly, Of very holy walking.
Thirdly, Of entertaining the Truth with greatest Affection; and
Fourthly, Looking on it as it is in Jesus; and
Fifthly, Solemn Meditation; and
Sixthly, Much Reading; and
Seventhly, Living upon the Truths which I know, and Thankfulness for the Knowledge which I have already.
And at another time there was this written in his Diary.
This Morning I meditated about a part of Self-denial; Namely, the denial of Bodily Health, and of ease from Torment.
My Resolution was, that it was better to part herewithall, than to sin. I hope there is a thorough purpose in my ⟨p. 53⟩Heart to perform accordingly, when I shall be called thereunto.
I do feel the stirrings of self in my self this day: It would fain be in the Throne of God within me; but I am resolved Christ shall be my King.
Sept. 2.
I had not in the morning time enough for solemn Meditation: Great deadness and dulness was in my Heart, as to Spiritual Thoughts afterwards; the Reason was, because I did not perform my solemn Meditation as I should.
I had now apprehensions that I must undergo sore Tryals, and Conflicts, and great Afflictions.
Wherefore it did highly become me to get as great a measure of Grace, as the opportunities which I enjoy may afford, and therefore I purpose to be more serious in my Meditations, not omitting other Duties therewithal.
I see my Resolutions must every day be renew'd, as to great diligence in my serving God.
And since I must expect great Afflictions, I must make it my daily work by solemn Meditation to go over the whole ⟨p. 52⟩Body of Christianity, and particularly to have daily Thoughts on the Condescention of Jesus Christ: I must also endeavour to get a large measure of sanctified knowledge; wherefore,
First, There is need of Earnest Prayer; and
Secondly, Of very holy walking.
Thirdly, Of entertaining the Truth with greatest Affection; and
Fourthly, Looking on it as it is in Jesus; and
Fifthly, Solemn Meditation; and
Sixthly, Much Reading; and
Seventhly, Living upon the Truths which I know, and Thankfulness for the Knowledge which I have already.
And at another time there was this written in his Diary.
This Morning I meditated about a part of Self-denial; Namely, the denyal of Bodily Health, and of ease from Torment.
My Resolution was, that it was better to part herewithall, than to sin. I hope there is a thorough purpose in my ⟨p. 53⟩Heart to perform accordingly, when I shall be call'd thereunto.
I do feel the stirrings of self in my self this day: It would fain be in the Throne of God within me; but I am resolved Christ shall be my King.
