Hagio-mimesis The imitation of the saints

It is a matter of great labour and diligence to be a follower of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the rest of the Heroes •od Worthies of God, in their faith, and patience, and other Graces: A delicate short spirited professor will never carry on this spiritual and blessed trade to any purpose; therefore says the Apostle (he•e) We desire that every one of you do show the same diligence, &c. All the strength and industry you have, will be little enough to lay out in this arduous and excellent design.

It is a mattet of great labour and diligence to be a follower of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the rest of the Heroes •od Worthies of God, in their faith, and patience, and other Graces: A delicate short spirited professour will never carry on this spiritual and blessed trade to any purpose; therefore sayes the Apostle (he•e) We desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence, &c. All the strength and industry you have, will be little enough to lay out in this arduous and excellent design.

Assure your selves, it will afford you no time for security, and the indulging of the flesh.

It cost the Saints much holy contention, to write and leave these excellent Copies to the succeeding world; and it will cost you no less industry to write exactly after them. You must not think to make to your selves a religion of your own, or ⟨p. 27⟩[…] take up this imitation, and lay it down •gain when you please. Therefore,