Propositions

74 Sin in such a canker, that it spreadeth ⟨image 21⟩secretly, and there is such a chain of untruth that yields to one, and it draweth on another; grant a little one, and a great one will follow: wherefore as it is good wisdom, not only to avoid the plague, but to eschew every little rag that may seem to carry the plague; so it is heavenly wisdom, not only to avoid gross sins, but all such shows of sins, as may draw on the other: and as we count it policy, not to go as near the rivers bank as we can, lest suddenly or at unawares we should slip in; so it is spiritual policy, not to go toe near sin, lest we be overtaken of it before we be aware of it.

74 Sin in such a canker, that it spredeth ⟨image 21⟩secretly, and there is such a chaine of vntrueth that yeelds to one, and it draweth on another; grant a little one, and a great one wil followe: wherefore as it is good wisdome, not only to avoide the plague, but to eschue every litle ragge that may seeme to carry the plague; so it is heavenlie wisdome, not onely to avoide grosse sinnes, but all such shewes of sins, as may drawe on the other: and as wee count it pollicie, not to go as neer the rivers bank as wee can, lest suddenly or at vnawares wee should slip in; so it is spirituall pollicie, not to go toe neere sinne, lest wee be overtaken of it before wee bee aware of it.

75 It is good to take up the opportunity of the morning for the worship of God: for first, who so will see the Image of his heart, he shall by observing his first thoughts in the morning come to some light of it: Again, of all times it is most fit to do any thing in, and we by reason of the alacrity which cometh upon us after our rest, are most fit to do any thing in it: Besides, ⟨image 22⟩if we be seriously minded on good things in the morning, other vile thoughts shall the more feebly fasten on us all the day after: and again, delay the morning, with suffering worldly thoughts to seize on us; our mind will be so forestalled, and preoccupated with them, that we cannot easily and roundly gather up our affections afterwards to Gods worship: for this is a sure note, that he which consecrateth the first fruits of the day in trueth to the Lord, and shutteth up the day with sacrificing to him; if he have any sin falling on him on the day time, he is checked, either with his first morning sacrifice, because he hath not done as he prayed, & promised unto the Lord; or he is controlled by the latter and Evening sacrifice, in that fear and shame of his sin makes him appalled to come in the presence of God.