Christian letters full of spiritual instructions tending to the promoting of the power of…

LETTER. XXXV. [The Concernments of our Souls especially to be regarded.]

Dear Cousin,

You may think you are forgotten with me, because you have not heard so long a time from me; but this may let you know, That though God hath taken away your Father; and suffered your Mother to be helpless to you; Yet you have one friend on earth that careth for you. The welfare of your immortal soul is dear to me, and is the matter of my solicitous care and prayer. Dear Cousin, methinks I feel a Godly jealousy of you within my heart, lest you should lose your soul amongst a crowd of worldly cares and business. O remember the story of him in the Book of the Kings, who relates that he had a Soldier committed to his keeping, upon condition that he should lose his life if he did let him go: But while thy servant went hither and thither, the man escaped. But the King replies presently, Even so shall thy judgement be; thy life shall go for his life. Ah Cousin, take earnest heed, lest while you are going hither and thither, minding many things, […] in a hurry of worldly affairs, the enemy run not away with your soul. Oh beware that the World doth not secretly steal away your heart. Consider, that whatever your business be, you must and will have an eating time, and a sleeping time. Oh be as solicitous every day to keep your praying times, which are a thousand times more necessary than a time to eat in, or sleep. Be sure that there doth not a morning or evening pass over your head, in which you have not perfumed your Closer with solemn and fervent prayer. And take heed, it you love your salvation, lest Saran beguile you with the bare outward performance of duties a•d outward acts of Religion. See to it, that you do not rest in a Worldly Religion; to give God your knee, while the World carries away your heart. You may pra, hear, and read, and all to no purpose, except your very Soul be employed and engaged in these duties; and