The excellency of holy courage in evil times by Jeremiah Burroughs

Secondly, Observe which way the strength of your spirit is let out, and labour to recall your hearts from that; as thus: If the strength of a mans spirit be not for God, it is let out to somewhat else, it is always working some way or other; if it be not let out to some one particular object, it is scattered and divided into divers objects. Now if your strength be not let out for God, call your hearts to an account, where is the strength of my heart? which way runs it? If it can be discerned which way the strength of your heart is let out, whether to any creature, or any lust, that should be your care to get it off.

Secondly, Observe which way the strength of your spirit is let out, and labor to recal your hearts from that; as thus: If the strength of a mans spirit be not for God, it is let out to somwhat else, it is alwaies working some way or other; if it be not let out to some one particular object, it is scattered and divided into divers objects. Now if your strength be not let out for God, call your hearts to an account, where is the strength of my heart? which way runs it? If it can be discerned which way the strength of your heart is let out, whether to any creature, or any lust, that should be your care to get it off.

Thirdly, When you come to present your selves before God in his Ordinances, come with hearts panting after strength: as when you come to the Word, Prayer, or Sacraments, bethink your selves beforehand, I come before the Lord that I may get this dull heart of mine quickened in such and such a particular, I find my heart unserviceable in such a particular. Now my heart presents it self before God, and pants after God to be fitted for service in such a particular; it is much may be done when we come to the presence of God panting for help from God in such particulars.

Thirdly, When you come to present your selves before God in his Ordinances, come with hearts panting after strength: as when you come to the Word, Prayer, or Sacraments, bethink your selves beforehand, I come before the Lord that I may get this dull heart of mine quickned in such and such a particular, I find my heart unserviceable in such a particular. Now my heart presents it self before God, and pants after God to be fitted for service in such a particular; it is much may be done when we come to the presence of God panting for help from God in such particulars.