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

4. When our selves, our time, and all that we have, are taken to be Gods, and not our own, and are entirely, and unreservedly resigned to him, and used for him; When we study our duty, and trust him for our reward: When we live as those that have much more to do for Heaven than for earth, and with God than with Man or any Creature: When our Consciences ⟨p. 15⟩are absolutely subjected to the Authority and Laws of God; and bow not to Competitors: When we are habitually disposed as his Servants to be constantly employed in his Works, and make it our Calling and business in the world; as judging that we have nothing to do on earth, but with God, or for God: When we keep not up any secret desires and hopes of a Worldly felicity; nor purvey for the pleasure of the Flesh, under the cloak of Faith and Piety; but subdue the Flesh as our most dangerous enemy; and can easily deny its appetite and concupiscence: When we guard all our senses, and keep our passions, thoughts, and tongues, in obedience to the holy Law: When we do not inordinately set up our selves in our esteem or desire, above or against our Neighbour and his welfare; but love him as our selves, and seek his good, and resist his hurt as heartily as our own, and love the godly with a love of Complacence, and the ungodly with a love of Benevolence, though they be our enemies: When we are faithful in all our Relations, and have judgment to discern our duty, that we run not into extremes; and skill and readiness and pleasure in performing it, and patience under all our sufferings; this is the Life of a confirmed Christian (in various degrees, as their strength is various).

4. When our selves, our time, and all that we have, are taken to be Gods, and not our own, and are entirely, and unreservedly resigned to him, and used for him; When we study our duty, and trust him for our reward: When we live as those that have much more to do for Heaven than for earth, and with God than with Man or any Creature: When our Consciences ⟨p. 15⟩are absolutely subjected to the Authority and Laws of God; and bow not to Competitors: When we are habitually disposed as his Servants to be constantly imployed in his Works, and make it our Calling and business in the world; as judging that we have nothing to do on earth, but with God, or for God: When we keep not up any secret desires and hopes of a Worldly felicity; nor purvey for the pleasure of the Flesh, under the cloak of Faith and Piety; but subdue the Flesh as our most dangerous enemy; and can easily deny its appetite and concupiscence: When we guard all our senses, and keep our passions, thoughts, and tongues, in obedience to the holy Law: When we do not inordinately set up our selves in our esteem or desire, above or against our Neighbour and his welfare; but love him as our selves, and seek his good, and resist his hurt as heartily as our own, and love the godly with a love of Complacence, and the ungodly with a love of Benevolence, though they be our enemies: When we are faithful in all our Relations, and have judgment to discern our duty, that we run not into extreams; and skill and readiness and pleasure in performing it, and patience under all our sufferings; this is the Life of a confirmed Christian (in various degrees, as their strength is various).