Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

And well observe as far as may be mens Tempers, Interests, Ends, and Intimates, that you may hereby, charm them, win and govern them. And if you would know men throughly, mind them strictly in their Trusts, their Passions, Interests, Companions, Surprises and Necessities, and let each other have serious thoughts herein. 4. And overlook no good in others to lessen it, despise it, disgrace it, or neglect it, but think distinctly upon all you see.

And well observe as far as may be mens Tempers, Interests, Ends, and Intimates, that you may hereby, charm them, win and govern them. And if you would know men throughly, mind them strictly in their Trusts, their Passions, Interests, Companions, Surprizes and Necessities, and let each other have serious thoughts herein. 4. And overlook no good in others to lessen it, despise it, disgrace it, or neglect it, but think distinctly upon all you see.

3. The End and Scope of all must be this provocation to love and to Good works, Eph. iv. 29, 15, 16. i Thes. v. 11. the tongue of the wise, useth knowledge aright, Prov. xv. 2. Therefore the mind and heart must be intent upon right ends, Rom. xiv. 19. Not to let others know the reaches of our thoughts, the furniture of our minds, the nimbleness of our Tongues, the neatness of our words or the briskness of our parts or fancies, nor to spy faults, or weaknesses, for our discursive entertainments: As the manner of some is. Much less to make them proselytes to our opinions, parties or persuasions in lower matters, or votaries to our particular interests, or humours, Phil. i. 27. ii. 19-21. I wish Professors, Ministers and others, would read these Texts, and well consider them. We must inspect, observe and well consider one another; that where we observe warm hearts, and fruitful lives, we might by our Commendations provoke them unto perseverance and proficiency therein; that where we discern a mixture of things Commendable, and blame-worthy, what is divine may not be overlooked, because of what is culpable, nor what is faulty, imitated and Commended, because of what is there praise-worthy. And that where we find our brethren overtaken with their infirmities and defects, they may be dealt with in the Spirit of meekness, and so recovered from their declensions and defects: And so return to their first love. And that we our selves may be provoked to and by their excellencies, and grow more effectually careful to avoid all that did assuage their holy Warmth and Vigour. He that considers others, to glory over their defections and neglects, to aggravate their slips and falls, more to expose their persons to rage and scorn, doth what the Devil would advise him to, were he consulted with. The truths of God and Soul concerns are fixed things, and fervent hearts, and fruitful lives, are the Souls grand affair. And he that minds his brother in the neglect hereof, hath a corrupted and cold heart to purpose. To make each other all light about