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

1. To habituate themselves, both as to their thoughts and discourses, more throughly than ever unto Holiness. Brethren, I would teach you the Lesson that I resolve to learn with you, That your minds and tongues may as naturally run on the things of Heaven, as others on the things of this World. Why should it not be thus? I am sure God and heaven do as well deserve to be thought on, and talked of by us, as froth and vanity can deserve of the World. There are many that have in a great measure learnt this Lesson, and why should not we be some of them? What if it be hard at first? Every thing is so to a beginner. Besides, is not ours a Religion of self denial? Further, if we do but force our selves a while to holy Thoughts, and Heavenly Discourse, it will •row habitual to us, and then it will be most natural, familiar, and Heavenly sweet. Oh what gainers will you be, if you do but learn this Lesson?

1. To habituate themselves, both as to their thoughts and discourses, more throughly than ever unto Holiness. Brethren, I wou'd teach you the Lesson that I resolve to learn with you, That your minds and tongues may as naturally run on the things of Heaven, as others on the things of this World. Why should it not be thus? I am sure God and heaven do as well deserve to be thought on, and talked of by us, as fro•h and vanity can deserve of the World. There are many that have in a great measure learnt this Lesson, and why should not we be some of them? What if it be hard at first? Every thing is so to a beginner. Besides, is not ours a Religion of self denial? Further, if we do but force our selves a while to holy Thoughts, and Heavenly Discourse, it will •row habitual to us, and then it will be most natural, familiar, and Heavenly sweet. Oh what gainers will you be, if you do but learn this Lesson?

Verily, 'tis the shame of Religion, that Christians are so unlike themselves, unless upon their knees. Sirs, our lives and language should tell the world what we are, and whether we are going. Christians, let little things content you in the world, but aspire after great things in the grace of God. Many real Christians do little think what high frames of holiness they might grow up to, even in this life, with pains and diligence. Sirs, be you men of great designs: think it not enough if you have wherewith to bear your charges to Heaven; but aspire with an holy ambition to be great in the Court of Heaven, favourites of the most High, of tall growth, great experience, singular communion, that you may burn and shine in your place, and convince the world; that you may savour of Heaven where ever you come, and that there may be an even-spun thread of Holiness running through your whole course. 'Tis the disgrace of Profession, that there is so little difference to be seen in the ordinary conversation of Believers from other men: It is not a shame, that when we are in company with others, this should be all the difference that is to be seen, only that we will not curse and swear, as do the worst of men? Christians, if you will honour the Gospel, bring forth your Religion out of your Closets (the world can't see what you do there) into your Shops, Trades, Visits, &c and exemplify the rules of Religion in the management of all your Relations, and in your ordinary converse. Let there be no place or company that you come into, in which you do not drop something of God: this will be the glory of Religion, and we shall never convince the world till we come to this. May you come my Brethren, out of your Prisons with your faces shining, having your minds seasoned, and your tongues tipped with holiness: may your mouths be as a Well of Life, from whence may flow the holy Streams of edifying discourse: may you ever remember, as you are sitting in your houses, going by the way, lying down, rising up, what the Lord doth then require of you,