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I. THE NATURE OF THIS RELIGIOUS EXERCISE. Meditation seems to be of a higher nature than consideration. This latter is an operation of the mind in order to conversion and reformation of life; but the former is the continued work of those that are already changed in their hearts and lives, and have attained to some improvements in religion and godliness. Meditation includes in it consideration, but it is something more, yea, much more. They agree in this, that they are both of them a serious reflecting and animadverting on those matters relating to religion that axe set before us, to the end that we may receive advantage by fixing our thoughts on them, and thereby become more pious and holy. Consider the proper objects of meditation. These are ourselves; God; His Word; His works; men's actions; those solemn entertainments of our thoughts, which are commonly called the "four last things."

II. THE WORTH AND EXCELLENCY, THE VAST USEFULNESS AND ADVANTAGE OF MEDITATION.

1. It is the proper employment of rational minds.

2. This exercise well ordered, will banish idleness and vain diversions.

3. It mightily improves the faculties of the soul. Knowledge, reason, judgment, and a right apprehension of things, with composedness and consistency of mind, are the fruits of it.

4. It wonderfully promotes all the parts of devotion and religion.

(1) It fixes the mind, and thereby is useful to preserve in us a constant sense of God in our souls, and to keep up a steady disposition in our minds towards goodness and holiness.

(2) It begets heavenly-mindedness.

(3) It promotes prayer, which is the very key of devotion, and the chief office of our religion.

(4) It helps all the duties of religion and the exertment of all the graces of the Holy Spirit, by seasoning the heart with savoury and pious thoughts.

(5) It not only promotes religion, but also the comforts and solaces which attend it.

III. THE MISCHIEF OF INCONSIDERATION; or the neglect of this excellent duty of meditation. This is the fault of Christian men, and that by which they generally miscarry, — they will not reflect on their ways. The complaint is, "My people doth not consider." Men seldom sin out of ignorance. Want of consideration is the great spring of all their disasters.

IV. DIRECTIONS FOR THE RIGHT MANAGING OF OUR MEDITATIONS.

1. You are not to give yourselves up to immoderation in this exercise, but to use prudence and discretion.

2. When we meditate on Divine things we should keep ourselves within due bounds. Many are too inquisitive and curious in their contemplations. They would be "wise above that which is written."

3. Some fit place for meditation should be chosen: some retreat from the noise and bustle of the world.

4. When thus alone, you must be very busy; for privacy and solitude are not commendable unless well employed.

5. Some appropriate time must be set apart. The close of the day is very suitable. The Lord's day is arranged to provide opportunity. After reading or hearing God's Word a time of meditation is useful. At the Lord's Supper. In time of trouble or distress. And in times of great mercy and deliverance. The proper qualifications of this duty are the following. Prayer must always accompany meditation. It must be accompanied with the affections, or else it is a very dry and useless exercise. And resolution should follow meditation. Meditation must not only produce resolution, but also action. Devout thoughts minister to religious endeavours and enterprise.

(John Edwards.)

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KJV: Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.

WEB: Now therefore this is what Yahweh of Armies says: Consider your ways.