Holy Meditation

by Thomas Manton

True meditation is not emptying the mind, but filling it. And everyone meditates on something.

The Puritans viewed meditation as essential for spiritual growth and effectiveness in spiritual duties—a crucial link between hearing, believing, and living God’s Word. Proper meditation cultivates discernment, deepens repentance, and fosters devotion.

Instructing us in occasional meditation and set meditation, this modernized version of Thomas Manton's work on a crucial spiritual discipline helps believers discover the transformative effect of biblical meditation on the mind and heart.

Contents

Preface
Introduction

Kinds of Meditation A Definition A Neglected Practice Chief Among Duties Profitable for the Mind Profitable for the Affections Profitable for Life Helpful Part 1 Helpful Part 2 Love of Ease Love of Pleasure A Dull Heart An Unruly Mind Spiritual Barrenness Contemplation The Time of Meditation The Object of Meditation The Method of Meditation The Chief End of Man Enjoying and Glorifying God Eternal Delight The Sinfulness of Sin The Nature of Sin in Relation to God The Nature of Sin in Relation to Man The Effect of Sin The Aggravation of Sin God’s Wisdom in the Gospel The Beauty of the Gospel God’s Glory in the Gospel Man’s Comfort in the Gospel The Mystery of Providence The Grounds of Providence The Acts of Providence Providential Care and Comfort
Conclusion

Genres: Spirituality, Theology

178 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2026

About the author

1620-1677

Reviews

[Joshua Chatman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible!

[Zach Scheller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a surprise, reminding me (in form) of works like Thomas Brooks’ “Precious Remedies.” Yet the focus of Manton’s work is both what and how we should meditate on God’s word, which he takes to a very practical level. The section in the middle of the book focuses on how we should meditate when in a spiritual drought, which I found particularly insightful. While it’s probably something that wouldn’t be as widely known, I am thankful it landed in my hands.

[James B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really easy to read Puritan book. Enjoyed it a lot. Like most puritan books, I probably need to come back later.

[Ben Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I knew how to meditate, then I read this marvelous and edifying little book!

[Laurette · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, challenging read that will undoubtedly press me closer to Christ. By far, the richest chapters were that final ten - even though Manton addressed topics that are foundational to the church. In this section I felt like the richness and wisdom of his teaching was a fresh wind and allowed me to once again consider my salvation “with fear and trembling”.

[Michael Burchfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent, practical, and accessible guide to Christian meditation. If the principles Manton teaches are applied the result will surely be a deepening understanding of God and scripture.