The Morning exercise [at] Cri[ppleg]ate, or, Several cases of conscience practically resolved

I. Consult duty not events. There's nothing in the world for us to do, but to mind our duty. Curious speculations^c that tend not to holiness, may be reckoned among your superfluities: but mis-giving predictions of what may or will befall you in the discharge of your duty, may be ⟨p. 24⟩reckoned among your grosser iniquities: and to venture upon sin to avoid danger, is to sink the Ship for fear of Pirates, and must be reckoned amongst your greatest follies, your worst of sins. Is not their reason (questionless their Conscience is) dangerously distempered, that practically argue, this way of duty may probably procure mans displeasure, and therefore to prevent that, I'll take the course which will certainly procure Gods displeasure. Besides by-ways will not lead you to the place you aim at^d, but on the contrary, keep your Consciences from being violated, and you cannot be miserable. O how calm and quiet, as well as holy and heavenly would our lives be, had we learnt but this single Lesson; to be careful for nothing but to know, and do our duty, and to leave all effects, consequents and events to God. The truth is, 'tis a daring boldness for silly dust to prescribe to infinite wisdom, and to let go our work, to meddle with Gods: he hath managed the concernments of the world, and of every individual person in it, without giving occasion to any one to complain, for above this five thousand years, and doth he now need your counsel? Therefore let it be your only business to mind duty. Aye, but how shall I know my duty? take a second memorial.

I. Consult duty not events. There's nothing in the world for us to do, but to mind our duty. Curious speculations^c that tend not to holiness, may be reckoned among your superfluities: but mis-giving predictions of what may or will befall you in the discharge of your duty, may be ⟨p. 24⟩reckoned among your grosser iniquities: and to venture upon sin to avoid danger, is to sinke the Ship for fear of Pirats, and must be reckoned amongst your greatest follies, your worst of sins. Is not their reason (questionless their Conscience is) dangerously distempered, that practically argue, this way of duty may probably procure mans displeasure, and therefore to prevent that, I'le take the course which will certainly procure Gods displeasure. Besides by-wayes will not lead you to the place you aime at