We are free in Christ. I think this is why I love the old writers. They bring a new perspective to things. They say things that wouldn't sell today in our churches. It is good to learn from the past.
Meditation is largely a lost practice in our busy, image driven culture.
As Christians I fear we have become people who rarely pray. But these three, prayer, meditation and reading are so vital to our Christian communion, that we must not let it be so with us. Some may not wish to call them duties, but the are at least our responsibilities. Lastly these duties for Port were done in the closet. If you are unfamiliar with that term it signifies the private nature of these duties.