Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

4 Private Christians should labour, to maintain, and discover an even, and undisturbed frame of Spirit, under various revolutions of Providence: neither over-joying their Comforts, nor Over-grieving their Crosses. 1 Cor. vii. 29, 30, 31. But this I say, Brethren, the time is short. It remaineth, that both they that have wives, be as though they had none: And they that weep as though they wept not, and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not: and they that buy, as though they possessed not: And they that use this world, as not abusing it.—What a convincing ⟨image 136⟩Argument must this needs be, to one who is acted by no higher a Principle, than Flesh, or Nature, to behold a Christian, to live above the Gaieties of the world, as having more pure, spiritual, and heavenly Enjoyments to entertain his Soul withal? And to observe, That Crosses, and Afflictions, do not abate his Love to God, his Reverence, which he hath for God, or his Joy in him.

5 Private Christians should make themselves remarkable, and considerable in the faithful discharge of Relative Duties. With these, they are frequently, and earnestly charged; and that upon this particular account, because the Honour, and Interest of the Gospel, is so much concerned in them, 1 Tim. vi. 1. Let as many Servants as are under the yoke, count their own Masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God, and his doctrine be not blasphemed. It is evident, that Heathen-Morality was greatly defective, in the regulating of Domestic Offices; and therefore, the Rules, and Directions given in the Gospel concerning them, must highly advance it, in the esteem, and judgment of all considering persons.

5 Private Christians should make themselves remarkable, and considerable in the faithful discharge of Relative Duties. With these, they are frequently, and earnestly charged; and that upon this particular account, because the Honour, and Interest of the Gospel, is so much concerned in them,