Manuscript description

[On the front pastedown are three notes in pencil: ""v + 372 pp."", ""Vol 9"", and ""Vol. XVII in Appendix to Life"". At the bottom of the pastedown is the MS number in red ink (""MS. 6498"").]

Meditation on the significance of 21 May 1649 and why she has chosen to meditate on Moses and Samuel

Monday 21 of May 1688

Having so often mentioned the advantage I have found by fixing my morning thoughts upon some pious meditation: I need not insist further upon that. Only reflect upon the reason I had to make this day the date for beginning this book

...

I beg assistance to perform what may bring glory to thee and endless consolation to my own soul whose desire above all things is to be acceptable in thy sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer

[

There is a marginal biblical reference beside the final lines to Psalm 19:14.

Halkett remembers 21 May 1649 as the day she was under the greatest trial she ever experienced. She writes, ""The particulars and the person that occasioned it I desire ever to conceal"", but this must refer to Colonel Joseph Bampfield, the man who tried to trick her into marriage (see her autobiography, ed. Loftis for more details). Halkett intends to continue to thank God every Monday for her deliverance, which she remembers as if it were yesterday. Since she has found personal examples in scripture useful to meditate upon she will make Moses and Samuel the subject of this treatise.

Meditation on Moses

[In this section Halkett meditates on Moses from several different books of the Bible.]

Meditation on Moses from the book of Exodus

Jeremiah 15 verse first

My design in making choice of this text is not to insist upon the sin for which the Lord rejected the Jews but to consider what is recorded in the holy scripture of these two excellent men who the Lord himself names as the two that if any might prevail to stand in the gap and make up the breach it would be them

...

And this ends the book of Exodus wherein is mentioned many excellent relations of the infinite power wisdom and goodness of God that whoever reads and seriously considers may glorify the God of our salvation

[Halkett opens the meditation with the text of the first two thirds of Jeremiah 15:1; i.e. ""Then said the Lord unto me though Moses and Samuel stood before me yet my mind could not be towards this people"". In this meditation Halkett comments on selected verses from the book of Exodus, noting new chapters in headings: i.e. Exodus 1 (p.2), 2 (pp.2-10), 3 (pp.10-28), 4 (pp.29-40), 5 (pp.41-44), 6 (pp.45-48), 7 (pp.49-54), 8 (pp.54-59), 9 (pp.60-64), 10 (pp.65-77), 11 (pp.77-81), 12 (pp.81-98), 13 (pp.99-104), 14 (pp.105-115), 15 (pp.116-129), 16 (pp.130-135), 17 (pp.136-143), 18 (pp.143-151), 19 (pp.151-157), 20 (pp.157-168), 21 (pp.168-172), 22 (pp.172-178), 23 (pp.178-194), 24 (pp.195-203), 25 (pp.204-214), 28 (pp.215-219), 29 (pp.220-221), 30 (pp.222-223), 31 (pp.223-230), 32 (pp.230-254), 33 (pp.254-269), 34 (pp.269-279), 40 (pp.280-281).]

Justification for passing over the book of Leviticus and part of Numbers in her meditation on Moses

The Book of Leviticus contains the whole Oconimy [economy?] under the Levitical law which in all its ceremonies was typical and held some relation to him that was the lamb slain from the beginning of the world by whom only sin is purged and our atonement made

...

To pass over the fire at Taborah which by Moses' prayer was quenched I shall come to the next chapter where the Lord appeared terrible in the behalf of his servant Moses

[Above the final lines is a heading referring to the biblical verse in question: Numbers 11:2.]

Meditation on Moses from the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy

Numbers 12 1 etc

It was true here what our Lord said a man's foes are they of his own house Would any have thought that Miriam and Aaron should speak against Moses his own brother and sister

...

Therefore perfect what concerns me and take the glory of all to thy blessed self who with thy son and holy spirit be eternally praised world without end

Amen

[The text of Numbers 12:1 opens the meditation. There is a marginal biblical reference beside the final lines to Psalm 138:8. Halkett comments on selected chapters from the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy, noting new chapters in headings; i.e. Numbers 12 (pp.283-289), 13 (pp.289-290), 14 (pp.290-291), 16 (pp.291-297), 17 (pp.297-298), 20 (pp.298-301), 26 (p.301), 27 (pp.301-305), 33 (p.305), Deuteronomy, assorted verses (pp.305-308).]

Meditation on Samuel

Wednesday November 27 1689

Now in pursuance of the first design I had in beginning these meditations having made an end (as I could) with observations of Moses so now I will consider what is recorded in the holy scriptures of the prophet Samuel. For since by the Lord himself Moses and Samuel are mentioned together as they that were most prevalent with him in obtaining mercy for others in the place forementioned (Jeremiah 15 1 verse)

...

And where I fail in this or in any other commanded duty let the blood of Jesus Christ which cleanseth from all sin be unto me wisdom and righteousness and sanctification and redemption

Amen

[There are marginal biblical references beside the final lines to 1 John 1:7 and 1 Corinthians 1:30. Halkett comments on selected chapters from 1 Samuel, noting new chapters in headings; i.e. 1 Samuel 1 (p.309), 2 (pp.309-311), 3 (pp.311-318), 7 (pp.319-325), 8 (pp.326-335), 9 (pp.336-345), 10 (pp.345-353), 11 (pp.353-356), 12 (pp.356-362), 13 (pp.363-365), 15 (pp.365-369), 16 (pp.369-371), 28 (pp.371-372).]

ended March 17 1689/90

[Page v is the back pastedown.]