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(6.) It is necessary that you be skilful in this first part of meditation, for hereby you find out, who is to be adored, who not; what is to be done, what not; what you should be, what not. But the life of meditation lies in the reflex acts of the soul, whereby that knowledge which was gotten by the former act of meditation, doth reflect and return upon the heart, 2 Chron. vi. 37; causing you to apply to yourself what was proposed; whence also you are induced to endeavour to form your heart and life according to that which you have learned it ought to be.

This, though it be most profitable, yet, because it is tedious to the flesh, is most neglected. Wherefore it concerns you who are instructed in the points of faith and holiness, to be most conversant in this when you are alone, whether it be when you are engaged in the common business of life, or retirement for solemn worship.

(7.) You should therefore be well read in the book of your conscience, as well as in the Bible, 1 Cor. xi. 28, 31. 2 Cor. xiii. 5. Commune often with it, and it will fully acquaint you with yourself, and with your estate, through the light of God's Holy Spirit. It will tell you what you were and what you now are; what you most delighted in, in former times, and what now. It will tell you what straits and fears you have been in, and how graciously God delivered you; what temptations you have had, and how it came to pass, that sometimes you were overcome by them; and how, and by what means you overcame them. It will show what conflicts you have had between flesh and Spirit, and what was the issue thereof, Psa. lxxvii. 1 - 13; whether you were grieved and humbled when sin got the better, and whether you rejoiced and were thankful when God's grace restrained you, or gave you the victory. Your conscience being set on work, will call to remembrance your oversights; and the advantages which you gave to Satan and to the lusts of your flesh, that you may not do the like again. It will remember you by what helps and means, through God's grace, you prevailed and got a conquest over