THE GhtAWFGLNEtx§ Òt`.SELF-MURDER. (( He bath cast off the thing that is good ; the enemy shall pur- sue him. Some have left off prayer in their families ; left off their attendance on sermons; left off godly exercises which they have been used to perform. Therefore the enemy of their souls is let loose opon them ; and he pursues them even to self - destruction." IV. Advice. Suffer nut yourself to dwell too much alone. Do not indulge solitude and retirement beyond the time that is actually employed in devotion : Nor let your appointed seasons of retired devótion he long. In such a case short and frequent worship is best. Lonesome hours and melancholy solitudes, if they are too much indulged, do not only allow the devil an op- portunity to pursue his temptations with vigour, but furnish the bewildered soul with means and instruments of death. Whenso- ever therefore you are alone, you should be with God. Ì'or the same reason should a person under this temptation avoid all Waters, precipices, dangerous places, the use of weap- ons, &c. And remove every thing as far as may be from his sight that may supply hire with the means of self-destruction. V. Advice. As far as possible endeavour to be always em- ployed; that the powers of your nature, both soul and body, mayhe engaged in some proper business. Be always doing something, if it be but a mere amusement, a diversion for the thoughts: This is far preferable to idleness. When the hand and the mind have nothing to do, the devil seizes such an op- portunity tb employ them both for his own wicked purposes. Do not make the alehouse or the tavern a refuge from your sorrows; but rather drive out your uneasy thoughts by some proper business that may employ them. A sober glass or two may be used to refresh animal nature, and revive a sinking spirit at some particular seasons ; but if you once begin to make strong liquors your daily and constant relief, you will be led hereby into a train of mischiefs. When you have drunk a little too freely and your.thoughts grow a little confused, you stand then most dreadfully exposed to all the evil impressions of the tempter. Those who may have vanquished huge temptations, while they have been temperate and sober, have been fatally betrayed into the deadly snare by wine and strong drink. A loose, intempe- rate and unguarded hour lias become a hour of blood and death. VI. Advice. Keep not the devil's counsel, but discover his temptations. It is by no means proper indeed to publish them to the world, but let them be made known to some faithful mi- nister, or to some wise and judicious christian. This will go rt great way to break the snare. Entreat the assistance, the advice and prayers of one or two intimate religious friends for you : This Method, I am persuaded, has been effectual to prevent the execution of such horrid purposes. Dr. Mather informs- us that
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