Hagio-mimesis The imitation of the saints

But that which was eminent in her converse, was her profitable improvement of it; she was not one of those professors, that with the holy, could show her self holy; and with the profane, could show her self profane; that could talk religiously in one company, and vainly and frothily with others: She was not one of them that could shape themselves into any form and garb of the present Company; but she was gracious and uniform in every Company, which providence cast her upon, spending the time in Christian and profitable Communication; always either doing good or receiving good, (as opportunity served.) But if the Company were such as admitted neither; her silence should argue her dissent, and her withdrawment (as far as might consist with civility) should at once ease •hem and her self of a burden.

But that vvhich vvas eminent in her converse, vvas her profitable improvement of it; she was not one of those professors, that with the holy, could shew her self holy; and with the prophane, could shew her self prophane; that could talk religiously in one company, and vainely and frothily with others: She was not one of them that could shape themselves into any form and garb of the present Company; but she was gracious and uniform in every Company, which providence cast her upon, spending the time in Christian and profitable Communication; alwayes either doing good or receiving good, (as opportunity served.) But if the Company were such as admitted neither; her silence should argue her dissent, and her withdrawment (as far as might consist with civility) should at once ease •hem and her self of a burden.

Christians, Oh that every one would herein become her followers: Oh what a deal of precious time is wasted in idle alk, and foolish jestings, which are not convenient! how many precious hours are pent in vain and unprofitable compliments? Yea in carnal mirth, foolish talk•g and jesting; which might be improved ⟨p. 50⟩to spiritual, soul-edifying conferences; as if Christians had forgotten there were such a word in the Bible, Let your speech be always with grce, seasoned with salt,