The blessedness of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /The blessednesse of the righteous discoursed from Psal. 17, 15 /

But (which is more directly considerable as to our present purpose) the neglect and consequent decay, of any gracious principle, infers a languor, a consumption, and enfeeblement of all. Any such perverse disposition ⟨p. 334⟩doth not affect that part only; is not only an impairment to the contrary gracious principle, but (as a Cancer in some exterior part of the body) it gradually creeps up till it invade vitals. Can the love of God live and grow in an unquiet, angry, uncharitable breast? Consider Jam. 1. 26. 1 John 3. 17.

But (which is more directly considerable as to our present purpose) the neglect and consequent decay, of any gracious principle, infers a languor, a consumption, and enfeeblement of all. Any such perverse disposition ⟨p. 334⟩doth not affect that part only; is not onely an impairment to the contrary gracious principle, but (as a Cancer in some exteriour part of the body) it gradually creeps up till it invade vitals. Can the love of God live and grow in an unquiet, angry, uncharitable breast? Consider Jam. 1. 26. 1 John 3. 17.

2. Be constantly intent upon this business of spiritual growth. Mind it as a design, make a solemn purposed business of it, your great daily business; you do not till your ground by chance, as a casual thing; but you do it industriously, and of set purpose. The Apostle speaking of his own method of pursuing conformity to Christ,¹