The Practice of Piety

1 Of the inward insight of sin▪ and sense of misery.

1 Of the inward insight of sinne▪ and sense of miserie.

This sense and insight will be effected in thee. First, by considering thy sins, especially thy gross sins, according to the circumstances of the time when, place where, manner how, and person with whom it was committed. Secondly, the Majesty of God ⟨p. 863⟩against whom it was done: and the rather because thou diddest such things against him, since he became a Father unto thee, and bestowed so many sweet blessings in bountiful manner upon thee. Thirdly, in considering the curses which GOD hath threatened for thy sin: how grievously GOD hath plagued others for the same faults; and how that no mea•es in heaven or earth, could deliver thee from being eternally damned for them; had not the Son of God, so lovingly dyed for thee. Lastly, that if GOD loves thee, he must chasten thee ere it be long with some grievous affliction, unless thou doest prevent him by ⟨p. 639⟩speedy and unfeigned repentance. Let these and the like considerations, so prick thy heart with sorrow: that melting for remorse within thee: it may be dissolved into a fountain of tears, trickling down thy mournful cheeks. This mourning is the beginning of true fasting: and therefore oft times, ^*put for fasting; the first and principal part, for the whole action.

This sense and insight will be effected in thee. First, by considering thy sinnes, especially thy grosse sinnes, according to the circumstances of the time when, place where, manner how, and person with whom it was committed. Secondly, the Maiesty of God