134 Directionsforgetting andkeeping would not have fuch troubled confciences told of their fins for fear of increafing their diftrefs, are un.. skilfull comforters; &will continue the trouble while the thorn is in. As ever you would have peace then, refolve againfl fin to the utmoll ofyour power: Ne- ver excufe it, or cherifh it, or favour it snore. Con fefs it freely. Thank thofc that reprove you for it. Defire thole about you to watch over you, and to tell youof it : yea to tell youofall fu fpitious figns that they fee ()fit, though it be not evident. And if you do not fee fo much Pride, Worldlinefs,Unoeace- ablenefs or other fins in your felff, as your friends think they fee in you, yet let their judgement make you jealous ofyour heart ; feeing felf-love doth oft fo blind us that we cannot fie that evil in our (elves, which others fee in us nay'which all the Town may take notice of.. And be fure to engage your friends that they fhalFnot Booth over your faults, or mince them, and tell you of them inextenuating language, which maq hinder Conviftion and Repentance; much lefs filence them, for fear ofdifplealing you : but that they will deal freely and faithfullywith you. And fee that you diftaft them not, and Jdifcounte- nance not their plain dealing, kftf you difcourage them , and deprive your foul of fo great a gene nt. Think heft of thole as your greatef friends, who are leaft friends to your fin, and do molt for your recovery from ir. If you fay , I am not able to mortifie my fins : It is not in my pab r. I anfwer. 1. I fpeak not of a = perfea ronquel : nor of a freedom from every paílicn or Infirmity. 2. Takeheed ofpretending disability when is is unwillingnefs, If 'von were I eArtily w1,1- ling
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