Some general directions for a comfortable walking with God delivered in the lecture at…Some generall directions for a comfortable walking with God deliuered in the lecture at…

yet time hath worn out, and wiped away thy tears, and made thee weary of weeping: but notwithstanding, thy vain mind will not suffer that grief, which even length of time hath buried long ago, to lie quietly in the grave, but draws into consideration, and remembers for the nonce, its speeches, favour, pretty behaviour, and other lovely circumstances, to make thy heart bleed afresh, and wring from thine eyes new torrents of tears, &c. Sovereign therefore against these Harpies and devourers of the heart, is that counsel of Christ, which I have commended unto you from his own mouth; seconded also by the Apostle, Philip. 4. 6. Be ^acareful for nothing: That is, with tearing and torturing the heart, with carking, thoughtfulness, anxiety, fretting, impatience. Do not waste and weaken thy mind, immoderately, unseasonably, imaginarily, untimelily, with distrustful anguish, pensiveness, and base prostitution of the flower and sinew of thine immortal spirit, to fruitless and endless impertinences and mis-employments. For by the way, we must take notice and acknowledge, notwithstanding what hath been said against carking, and other needless distractions² and exorbitancies of vain minds; that a moderate, Christian, provident care and fore-cast, is both convenient, and commanded; both for provision of things necessary, ⟨p. 111⟩and prevention of dangers. But this is not distressful, but delightful, because enjoined by God: See 1. Timoth. 5. 8. (For ^aperformance of Gods Commandment, and the very act of Obedience with sincerity, should beget much spiritual sweetness, delight, and joy in the heart.) And a fair, easy, unangry providence for things needful and time to come, sweetened with the life of Faith, and a patient reliance upon Gods wise and merciful disposing all our affairs, and their success, is one thing: and a restless carking, and pursuit after things unnecessary, imaginary, and sometimes impossible, embittered with many slavish fears of feigned or future evils, is another. It is profitable also to gather matter from time past, by contemplation of youthful pollutions, crosses, and corrections for sinful courses, companions in iniquity, or any other aggravating circumstance, for the increase of godly sorrow, and hatred of sin. But this is joyful, and easeth the heart: