The Practice of Piety

3 Desire not to fulfil thy ⟨p. 357⟩mind in all things: but learn to deny thy self those desires (though never so pleasing to thy nature) which being attained; will draw either, scandal on thy Religion, or hatred to thy Person. Consider in every thing the end, before thou attempt the Action.

3 Desire not to fulfill thy ⟨p. 357⟩minde in all things: but learne to deny thy selfe those desires (though neuer so pleasing to thy nature) which being attained; will draw either, scandall on thy Religion, or hatred to thy Person. Consider in euery thing the ende, before thou attempt the Action.

4 Labour daily more and more to see thine own misery, through unbelief, self-love, and wilful breaches of Gods law: and the necessity of Gods mercy through the merits of Christs passion, to be such: that if thou wert demanded, What is the vilest creature upon the earth? thy Conscience may answer; mine own self, by reason of my great sins: And that if ⟨p. 358⟩on the other side thou wert asked, What thou esteemest to be the most precious thing in the world? Thy heart might answer, One drop of Christs blood, to wash away my sins. And as thou tenderest the salvation of thy soul, live not in any wilful filthiness. For true faith and the purpose of sinning can never stand together.

4 Labour daily more and more to see thine owne misery, through vnbeleefe, selfe-loue, and wilfull breaches of Gods law: and the necessity of Gods mercy through the merits of Christs passion, to be such: that if thou wert demanded, What is the vilest creature vpon the earth? thy Conscience may answere; mine owne selfe, by reason of my great sinnes: And that if ⟨p. 358⟩