by William Gearing
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
William Gearing's The Sacred Diary: Select Meditations for Every Part of the Day is a rich devotional guide designed to lead the Christian into deeper communion with God throughout the rhythms of daily life. This book is a spiritual companion for believers who desire to live each moment in conscious awareness of God’s presence, from the first waking thought to the final prayer before sleep.
Structured as a series of meditations and practical reflections, The Sacred Diary walks through the different parts of the day, offering Scripture-infused encouragement for everything from rising in the morning, beginning the day in prayer, performing daily work, to evening reflections and preparation for rest. Gearing approaches the Christian life with a deep pastoral heart, reminding believers that every moment—whether mundane or momentous—belongs to the Lord. Through the discipline of structured devotion and meditation, he encourages readers to redeem their time, dedicate their actions to God, and cultivate holiness in all aspects of life.
One of the most compelling elements of this book is its rich theological grounding in the sovereignty of God and the necessity of grace. Gearing does not present Christian devotion as mere routine but as an ongoing response to the mercies of Christ. His meditations are practical and deeply reflective, urging believers to examine their hearts, guard their tongues, and strive for godliness in their thoughts and actions. Whether it is an encouragement for morning prayer, guidance on controlling speech, or reflections on the brevity of life, Gearing’s wisdom is both convicting and uplifting.
For those who struggle with maintaining a structured devotional life, The Sacred Diary offers a roadmap to cultivate a heart set upon God from dawn until dusk. Its structured format makes it an excellent tool for personal reflection, family worship, or group study. This book is a treasure trove of Puritan piety, saturated with Scripture, and a powerful call to live with eternity in view.
If you long to walk more closely with Christ, to see every moment as an opportunity for worship, and to be continually renewed in your faith, The Sacred Diary will be an invaluable companion. Let its meditations guide your thoughts, refine your heart, and lead you into a life of greater devotion and joy in the Lord.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREF. I. The Epistle Dedicatory.
PREF. II. To the Reader.
1. SECT. I. The Introduction to this Work.
2. SECT. II. A Soliloquy at Waking.
3. SECT. III. Directions how to begin the Day.
4. SECT. IV. At the Dawning of the Day, and Rising of the Day-Star.
5. SECT. V. At the Breaking forth of the Light.
6. SECT. VI. At the springing of the Day, or rising of the Sun.
7. SECT. VII. Whilst thou art yet lying in thy Bed.
8. SECT. VIII. When thou risest out of thy Bed in the Morning.
9. SECT. IX. When thou art sluggish, and loath to rise out of thy Bed in the Morning.
10. SECT. X. When thou art putting on thy Clothes.
11. SECT. XI. When you are going to dress Yourselves.
12. SECT. XII. When you are beholding your Faces in a Glass, and Dressing yourselves by it.
13. SECT. XIII. Of our Dedicating the Morning unto God.
14. SECT. XIV. Of retiring ourselves in the Morning to Pray, and to give Thanks.
15. SECT. XV. Of Thanksgiving.
16. SECT. XVI. Of Preparation to Prayer.
17. SECT. XVII. Of Reading the holy Scriptures.
18. SECT. XVIII. Of Meditation, and the fittest Season for it.
19. SECT. XIX. Of Petition.
20. SECT. XX. Of Offering ourselves to God.
21. SECT. XXI. Of Contrition.
22. SECT. XXII. Of Family-Worship.
23. SECT. XXIII. A Calling, and Business, of what Importance.
24. SECT. XXIV. Considerations for those that have the Preeminence above others in the Body Politic.
25. SECT. XXV. Of the Government of a Family.
26. SECT. XXVI. Rules about Eating and Drinking.
27. SECT. XXVII. Of Recreations, and how to use them.
28. SECT. XXVIII. Of the Conversation of Parents and Elders.
29. SECT. XXIX. Of the Carriage of Children, Servants, and Inferiors.
30. SECT. XXX. How everyone is every day to embrace all Opportunities of doing Good.
31. SECT. XXXI. Of the Improvement of all Means, Gifts, and Abilities, inward and outward bestowed upon us.
32. SECT. XXXII. Of Holy Watchfulness against Temptations.
33. SECT. XXXIII. Of Mortification, and the daily Exercising ourselves therein.
34. SECT. XXXIV. Of growing in the Knowledge of Christ, and in Grace.
35. SECT. XXXV. Of the Government of your Tongues.
36. SECT. XXXVI. A Meditation on the Miseries of this Life.
37. SECT. XXXVII. Of returning to Family-worship in the Evening.
38. SECT. XXXVIII. Of a Man’s taking a review in the Evening of the Actions and Mercies of the Day past.
39. SECT. XXXIX. Of providing in the Evening for the Day to come.
40. SECT. XL. A Meditation in putting off our Clothes to go to Bed.
41. SECT. XLI. When you lie down in your Beds at Night.
42. SECT. XLII. When you compose yourselves to Sleep.