Heaven upon earth in the serene tranquillity and calm composure, in the sweet peace…

but when he reflects, it being impossible (as we have said) to look on every step of his way, and to examine it according to the Rule, he looks upon the series of it; on the matter, manner, and end of his walk, in the tract of his life; and in this respect, he sayeth, Psal. 18. 21. I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God. As Job Chap. 23. also doth, My soot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. 4ly. Believers would not only look to their way; but there are some actions, and steps of their way, at some special times, that they would be more particular in the examination of, then at other times, and of every action, though they would not designedly seclude any, as God in providence calleth them to it, and points it out to be their duty; but there are (I say) some particular actions, that they are called to examine more then others: And for further clearing of this, I shall instance it in a few things, As 1. There are some things or actions and duties that more eminently concern a Believers peace, or disquietness; his peace if rightly gone about, and his disquietness if otherwise; Some things whereby God is in an especial manner honoured, and the Believer himself comforted, if he carry rightly; and God highly dishonoured, and the Believers Conscience greatly wounded, if he miscarry; we may instance it in these solemn Ordinances of the Lords Supper, of times of Humiliation with Fasting, of public, or secret personal Covenanting with the Lord▪ and the like; as here Paul reflects particularly on his Ministry among the Corinthians, and on his way in it, as being of great moment, and says, that it was more abundantly to them ward: thus it is in hearing the Word; in Prayer in our Families, ⟨p. 256⟩and in secret; in conferring to edification on Sermons, after we have heard them, or to any spiritual purpose; in sanctifying the Lords Day, and such others; For in these Duties the rule binds some, nay more strictly; God being in them in a more especial manner honoured or dishonoured; and there is readier access to a challenge, if the person be wrong; and to peace and comfort, if right in these. 2ly. There are some things that are more tickle and difficult in respect either of the nature of them, or in respect of our particular inclination to miscarry in them;

but when he reflects, it being impossible (as we have said) to look on every step of his way, and to examine it according to the Rule, he looks upon the series of it; on the matter, manner, and end of his walk, in the tract of his life; and in this respect, he sayeth,