Directions for weak distempered Christians, to grow up to a confirmed state of grace…

XXI. 1. For all this it followeth that A Christian indeed hath with himself devoted all that he hath to God; and so all that he hath is sanctified: he is only in doubt oft times in particular cases, what God would have him do with himself, and his estate; but never in doubt whether they are to be wholly employed for God, in obedience to his will, so far as he can know it: and therefore doth estimate every creature and condition, purely as it relateth unto God and life eternal. HOLINESS TO THE LORD is written upon all that he hath and doth: he taketh it as sent from God; and useth it as his Masters goods and talents, not chiefly for himself, but for his Masters ends and will: God appeareth to him in the creature; and is the life, and sweetness, and glory of the creature to him: his first question in every business he undertaketh, or every place or condition that he chooseth is, how it conduceth to the Pleasing of God, and to his spiritual ends: Whether he eateth or drinketh or what ever he doth, he doth all to the glory of God. 1 Cor. 10.31. The posy engraven on his heart is the name of GOD, with [OF HIM, and THROUGH HIM, and TO HIM ARE ALL THINGS, TO HIM BE GLORY FOR EVER, AMEN.] Rom. 11.36. ⟨p. 57⟩He liveth as a steward, that useth not his own, though yet he have a sufficient reward for his fidelity: and he keepeth accounts both of his receivings and layings out; and reckoneth all to be worse than lost, which he findeth not expended on his Lords account. For himself he asketh not that which is sweetest to the flesh, but that which is fittest to his end and work. And therefore desireth not Riches (for himself) but his daily bread, and food convenient for him; and having food and raiment is therewith content, having taken godliness for his gain: he asketh not for superfluity, nor any thing to consume it on his lusts, nor to become provision for his flesh, to satisfy the wills thereof: But as a runner in his race, desireth not any provisions which may hinder him: and therefore forgetting the things which are behind (the world which he hath turned his back upon) he reacheth forth to the things which are before (the crown of glory) and presseth toward the mark, for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus: not turning an eye to any thing that would stop him in his course.