Things worth thinking on, or, Helps to piety being remains of some meditations, experiences,…

28 Some men who seem free enough to confess their sin, are yet very impatient at the reproof of it; the reason seems to be, because Confession is but like an arrow shot from them, and the danger is going off, but Reproof is like an arrow shot to them, and the danger is still approaching: beside, Confession is their own act, but Reproof is another mans, and all our own acts on our selves are more gentle and favourable, than others acts upon us; as a man that pincheth or strikes himself feels it less (or at least regrets it less) than if another did it. I need not add, that men reckon reproofs to be nothing but, or to differ very little from reproaches, Prov. 9.7, 8. and 12.1. and 15.10.

29 It is the great work of a Christian, while he lives in the body, to be crucifying the body of death, Rom. 7.24. 1 Cor. 9.27. Rom. 6. throughout.

30 They who use to think well often, cannot but do well sometimes; ⟨p. 49⟩and they that think of evil, are like to do evil: for vain imaginations produce vain conversations,