My dear Nieces, you have many do watch for your souls, to devour them; but I doubt too few, except my self, do watch for your Souls, to save them: therefore I look upon my self, who am now upon the matter your only Monitor, to be the more concerned to awaken my self to your help, and to look after you, and to watch for you, left by any means you should miscarry by the deceits and temptations wherewith you are encompassed. I would not have you over-careful for the things of this life, though I commend your laudable care and diligence, that you may not be burdensome to any man; but I commend to you a better a•d more necessary care, and that is that which the Apostle speaks of, the Virgins care; The unmarried (saith he) careth ⟨p. 138⟩for the things of the Lord. Ah, let this be your ear; seek first the Kingdom of God, and the Righteousness thereof, and then all these things shall be added; you have Gods sure promise for it: If the Lord give me to live and prosper, you shall see and know, that I am not a friend only in words to you; but however that shall be, see that you embrace the Counsels of God from me. Oh make sure of Heaven betimes, walk humbly with God, beware of a proud heart and a lofty spirit; abhor your selves, else God will not be pleased with you; condemn your selves, that God may acquit you. The leaven of pride will sour the whole lump, and mar all your Profession and Religion, and render your Persons, and Prayers, and all, an abomination to the Lord, if it prevail in you. Oh therefore be not high minded, but fear; and by prayer and watchfulness restrain and root up this wretched corruption of pride, which is a sin so natural to you, that you had need to use an infinite care and caution to keep it under.
My dear Neeces, you have many do watch for your souls, to devoor them; but I doubt too few, except my self, do watch for your Souls, to save them: therefore I look upon my self, who am now upon the matter your only Monitor, to be the more concerned to awaken my self to your help, and to look after you, and to watch for you, left by any means you should miscarry by the deceits and temptations wherewith you are encompassed. I would not have you over-careful for the things of this lise, though I commend your laudable care and diligence, that you may not be burdensome to any man; but I commend to you a better a•d more necessary care, and that is that which the Apos•le speaks of, the Virgins care; The unmarried (saith he) careth ⟨p. 138⟩for the things of the Lord. Ah, let this be your eare; seek first the Kingdom of God, and the Righteousness thereof, and then all these things shall be added; you have Gods sure promise for it: If the Lord give me to live and prosper, you shall see and know, that I am not a friend only in words to you; but however that shall be, see that you embrace the Counsels of God from me. Oh make sure of Heaven betimes, walk humbly with God, beware of a proud heart and a lofty spirit; abhor your selves, else God will not be pleased with you; condemn your selves, that God may acquit you. The leven of pride will sowre the whole lump, and mar all your Profession and Religion, and render your Persons, and Prayers, and all, an abomination to the Lord, if it prevail in you. Oh therefore be not high minded, but fear; and by prayer and watchfulness restrain and root up this wretched corruption of pride, which is a sin so natural to you, that you had need to use an infinite care and caution to keep it under.
