Seri, 26. the life of Religion n'ithaut ptiblick ordiasances ? of fpirituall life in the foul , gets no hero gth by zealous and hot di- ,,using, what and which is the true Religion, and which be true and proper acts of Religion , but by humble practice of what we know to be Religion ; not but that it is both lawful' land commendable be able to underhand and defend the grounds principles of our Rtting , and all the in un£ruitfull only h the letting that lap run out fruit -bearing branches. 6. Be the more carefull to obferve and chofe with the inward air - rigs of Gods Spirit in your hearts , moving you to prayer, medita- tion, &c. When you are in 4valley of vifion, you will have many calls and motions from without CO hear the Word , and pray, and receive the Sacrament , but when you ar abroad only l friend ,, by refs , God mull not only be your be , your bis Spirit to jog and flit you up to holy duties ; and therefore it doth more than ordinarily concern us , at a fuch time , not to fetid away Gods Spirit grieved with our backwardnefs to that which is our own concernment. 7. Obferve and keep a regifler or diary of Gods mercies and your own fins . that you may be often minded what God hat`.i been thou- to you , and what you have been to a t with thoufand fand kindneffes he bath ob.iged you, fins you have difobliged him; When we enjoy publick Ordinances we may there be often minded both of Gods goodnefs to us and our finfulnefs againft him ; and fo may have our hearts flirted up to have very good thoughts of God , and very low thoughts of our felves : but when we want publick Ordinances we should labour to fupply that want, by a more flria obfervation and recording, both the one and the other ls that fu ably, either to praifegtherLord , or abafe en- abled tcaffeaou our felves. 8. Lay a charge upon your felves to flecp and awake with the thoughts ofGod and eternity upoi your fouls; and indeed though this is exceeding ufefull for all men yet molt of all for thofe who are deprived of Ordinances. ' [is lure that the fame truths which at fire work upon the foul to the bgttir- g grace , are of force af- terwards to quicken grace,_ and make it lively and vigorous in the foul ;' and certainly the belief of what God is in himfelf and CO US, and the thoughts of eternity,have a great force to perfwade carelef5 !inners ro fober and ferious confide tion, the ncceff:ry inftrumebnt 597
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