A Golden Chain

Therefore considering, grace unless it be confirmed and exercised, is indeed no grace; I will here add certain rules of direction that we may the more easily put in practise the spiritual exercises of invocation, faith, and repentance: and thereby also quicken and revive the seeds and beginnings of grace.

Therefore considering, grace vnlesse it be confirmed and exercised, is indeede no grace; I will here adde certaine rules of direction that we may the more easily put in practise the spirituall exercises of inuocation, faith, and repentance: and thereby also quicken and reuiue the seedes and beginnings of grace.

1 In what place soever thou art, whether alone or abroad, by day or by night, and whatsoever thou art doing, set thy self in the presence of God, let this persuasion always take place in thy heart, that thou art before the living ⟨p. 1055⟩God, and do thy endeavour that this persuasion may smite thy heart with awe and reverence, and make thee afraid to sin. This counsel the Lord gave Abraham, Gen. 17.1. Walk before me and be upright. This thing also was practised by Enoch, who for this cause is said to walk before God. 2 Esteem of every present day as of the day of thy death: and therefore live as though thou were dying; and do those good duties every day, that thou wouldest do if thou wert dying. This is Christian watchfulness and remember it. 3 Make catalogues and bills of thine own sins, specially of those sins that have most dishonoured God, and wounded thine own conscience: set them before thee often, specially then when thou hast any particular occasion of renewing thy repentance, that thy heart by this doleful sight, may be further humbled. This was Davids practise when he considered his ways and turned his feet to Gods commandments, Psal. 119.57 and when he confessed the sins of his youth,