Bolton - Houston-Packer Collection BX9339.B65 A2 1641

64 Ge,erafl dsrecIiox sfor a nances, then in all his outward benefits, and favours of this life. For as the belt ofthere abufed, will molt certainely at the Barre ofGod, turne fcourges and Scorpions to the world, hatariceipurn, lings confcience; and in the meane time, there is no man fo affured of his honour, of his riches , health, or life ; but that hee may bee deprived of either, or all, the very next houre, or day to come ; fo the other will proove unto the Chril ian , having beene confcionably and conlantly exer- cifed in them, as a rich focke, tobring in comfort, patience, and inwardpeace, inhis mofl need and greateft extremitie. 4. As fooneas thou difcovereft any fpirituall weakenefle or decay, any extraordinary affault, temptation, deadnef e, &c. complainebetirre, cry mightily untoGod, give him norefs; neither give over feeking, until]. he return&unto thy foule, with power, and life againe. If ordinary meanes will not prevaile,preffe upon him with extraordinary : ifthen heedoe not revive thee with wonted quickning vigour, waite with a patient wakeful! longingof all the powers of thy foule; and then all this while thy foule is Bill in its true fpirituall . temper, and a molt bleffed fate. See If4. 30. 18. S . Decline watchfully all occafions offalling from thy firlt love,ferven cie, and heavenly- mindedneffe : as fpirituall pride, knowne hypocrifie, delire tobe rich,difcontinuanceofthine intimate- nefle withthe godly , neglect ofthy particular Calling , or daily watch over thyheart ; ungodly company, forme in re- ligious duties, coldneffe and cufomarinefle in the ufe ofthe meanes, &c. 6. Suffer not thine affecions to bee chained downe , and fet toomuch upon thofe things which the com- mon fort and greateft part of men feeke after infatiably, and flavilhly finke under ; praife, profit, credit, accepta- tion withthe world , favour of great Ones ; mirth, plea- fuses, eafe, feare, furrow, earthly contentment, prefer- ment, wealth, long life, or any worldly thing : but debafe, and dif-rfteemeall other delights in refpeft of doing Gods will which fhould'ever beeunto thee meate and drinke, thy .ehiefeft and'choifeft recreation, and onely paradife upon earth._ X. Let

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