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

2. Let it be considered, that it is not the distinct resolution of these cases that will be of final advantage to any person, unless there be added to the former an impartial soul-searching examination of themselves; and to the latter, (as the case shall require) a conscientious practice; The resolutions given to cases of conscience about the right performance of duties, being nothing else, but the bare providing the food or physic; And again, the discoveries of mens states thereby, being but the presenting looking-glasses to them; neither of which are effectual, or do any good, but to such as faithfully use them.

2. Let it be considered, that it is not the distinct resolution of these cases that will be of final advantage to any person, unless there be added to the former an impartial soul-searching examination of themselves; and to the latter, (as the case shall require) a conscientious practice; The resolutions given to cases of conscience about the right performance of duties, being nothing else, but the bare providing the food or physick; And again, the discoveries of mens states thereby, being but the presenting looking-glasses to them; neither of which are effectual, or do any good, but to such as faithfully use them.

3. Let me humbly mind you, that the more uncertainty you are at, touching your estates, when you have examined them by the Characters, the more diligence you are concerned to use in the practice of the Directions. And let me add this, That where you cannot undeniably, and demonstratively conclude, the sincerity of your love (which I think few in comparison, on this side of Heaven can) there you must never lay by the advice about the last case; no not although your probabilities should be great, it being at the worst but an easy and sweet trouble to be still doing this great work over again, whereas it's irrecoverably dangerous and desperate upon presumption, that we have done it already, to leave it wholly neglected: And I beseech you, remember this useful Rule, That in all Trials, which Christians make about Grace, It is safer to want credulity, than to be over hasty therein.