A discourse concerning meekness and quietness of spirit to which is added, A sermon…

But seeing Briars and Thorns are with us, and we dwell among Scorpions (so the Prophet, Ezek. 2. 6.) and it must needs be, that Offences will come, let us be so much the more careful, as we are when we go with a Candle among Barrels of Gunpowder, and exercise our selves to have Consciences void of Offence, not apt to offend ⟨p. 145⟩others, nor to resent the Offences of others. When we are at any time engaged in Business or Company, where we foresee Provocation, we must double our Watch, and be more than ordinary circumspect. I will keep my Mouth with a Bridle, (saith David) i. e. with a particular actual care and diligence, while the Wicked is before me, and frequent Acts will confirm the good Disposition, and bring it to a Habit. Plutarch adviseth, To set some time to our selves for special strictness: So many Days or Weeks in which, whatever Provocations do occur, we will not suffer our selves to be disturbed by them. And thus he supposeth, by degrees, the Habit of vicious Anger, may be conquered and subdued. But after all, the Grace of Faith hath the surest influence upon the Establishment and Quietness of the Spirit: Faith acted upon the Mercy of God, the Meekness of Christ, the Love of the Spirit, the Commands of the Word, the Promises of the Covenant, and the Peace and Quietness of the upper World; this is the approved Shield, with which we may be able to quench all the fiery Darts of the Wicked one, and all his wicked Instruments.

But seeing Briars and Thorns are with us, and we dwell among Scorpions (so the Prophet, Ezek. 2. 6.) and it must needs be, that Offences will come, let us be so much the more careful, as we are when we go with a Candle among Barrels of Gunpowder, and exercise our selves to have Consciences void of Offence, not apt to offend ⟨p. 145⟩others, nor to resent the Offences of others. When we are at any time engaged in Business or Company, where we foresee Provocation, we must double our Watch, and be more than ordinary circumspect. I will keep my Mouth with a Bridle, (saith David) i. e. with a particular actual care and diligence, while the Wicked is before me, and frequent Acts will confirm the good Disposition, and bring it to a Habit. Plutarch adviseth, To set some time to our selves for special strictness: So many Days or Weeks in which, whatever Provocations do occur, we will not suffer our selves to be disturbed by them. And thus he supposeth, by degrees, the Habit of vicious Anger, may be conquer'd and subdued. But after all, the Grace of Faith hath the surest influence upon the Establishment and Quietness of the Spirit: Faith acted upon the Mercy of God, the Meekness of Christ, the Love of the Spirit, the Commands of the Word, the Promises of the Covenant, and the Peace and Quietness of the upper World; this is the approved Shield, with which we may be able to quench all the fiery Darts of the Wicked one, and all his wicked Instruments.