A Golden Chain

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, Psal. 25. This was Jobs practise, when he said he was not able to answer one of a thousand of his sins unto God, Job 9.1. 4 When thou first openest thine eyes in a morning pray to God, and give thanks heartily: God then shall have his honour, and thy heart shall be the better for it the whole day following. For we see in experience, that vessels keep long that taste of that liquor wherewith they are first seasoned. And when thou liest down let that be the last also: for thou knowest not, whether fallen asleep, thou shall ever rise again alive. Good therefore it is that thou shouldest give up thy self into the hands of God, whilst thou art waking. 5 Labour to see and feel thy spiritual poverty, that is, to see the want of grace in thy self, specially those inward corruptions, of unbelief, pride, self-love, &c. Labour to be displeased with thy self: and labour to feel, that by reason of them thou standest in need of every drop of the blood of Christ, to heal and cleanse thee from these wants: and let this practise take such place with thee, that if thou be demanded, what in thy estimation is the vilest of the creatures upon earth?