Answ. If formerly thou hast been a stranger to this exercise, now learn it, begin to practise it, entertain not conceits, as though it were needless, unprofitable, impossible, burdensome; for a Christian life cannot stand without it; Thou shalt find it exceeding beneficial, delightsome, easy, when thou art entered into it; it is tedious only to corruption, to the heart renewed, ⟨p. 50⟩it is most sweet and comfortable: The neglect of this duty is the very cause why many Christians enjoy not the tenth part of those privileges that God hath provided for them in this their pilgrimage: why they are kept under their strong corruptions, and break forth offensively in their dealings in the world: Moreover, how should a man be assured of Gods love, if knowing this to be a duty required, he never address himself unto it in good earnest. It is not sufficient to praise that which is good, speak well of the children of God, keep our selves pure from the gross stains of the time, but we must hate iniquity, and love righteousness, which they do not, who harbour such thoughts as are displeasing to his Majesty: How can a purified ⟨p. 51⟩mind take pleasure in those filthy waters that flow from the stinking puddle of original corruption? It is for swine to wallow in the mire, and corrupt fountains to send forth muddy streams. If the treasure be in Heaven, the heart must be there; If the soul be of an heavenly disposition, nothing is more delightful than to walk, and commune with God. By thy thoughts thou mayest know thy self; as evil thoughts will argue an evil heart, so good thoughts will argue a good heart: for these cannot be subject to hypocrisy, as words, and deeds are, which sometimes come more from respect of the creature, than of the Creator. It is the will of God that we should not only seek the Kingdom of Heaven, but, mind it, set our ⟨p. 52⟩thoughts upon it, and turn the bent of our desires wholly that way. aThe Lord hath given to us the great things of his Law, bcaused the Scriptures to be written for our learning, and sent his Prophets to declare unto us his mind, and pleasure; Christ Jesus (the great Dr. of the Church) hath revealed the glory of God, as it were in open face, and fully, and clearly made known the last will of his heavenly Father touching mans salvation, than which, nothing can be more wonderful, excellent, delightful, comfortable:
Answ. If formerly thou hast been a stranger to this exercise, now learn it, begin to practise it, entertain not conceits, as though it were needless, unprofitable, impossible, burdensome; for a Christian life cannot stand without it; Thou shalt finde it exceeding beneficial, delightsome, easie, when thou art entred into it; it is tedious onely to corruption, to the heart renewed, ⟨p. 50⟩it is most sweet and comfortable: The neglect of this duty is the very cause why many Christians injoy not the tenth part of those priviledges that God hath provided for them in this their pilgrimage: why they are kept under their strong corruptions, and break forth offensively in their dealings in the world: Moreover, how should a man bee assured of Gods love, if knowing this to bee a duty required, hee never address himself unto it in good earnest. It is not sufficient to praise that which is good, speak well of the children of God, keep our selves pure from the gross stains of the time, but we must hate iniquity, and love righteousness, which they do not, who harbour such thoughts as are displeasing to his Majesty: How can a purified ⟨p. 51⟩mind take pleasure in those filthy waters that flow from the stinking puddle of original corruption? It is for swine to wallow in the mire, and corrupt fountains to send forth muddy streams. If the treasure bee in Heaven, the heart must be there; If the soul bee of an heavenly disposition, nothing is more delightful than to walk, and commune with God. By thy thoughts thou mayest know thy self; as evil thoughts will argue an evil heart, so good thoughts will argue a good heart: for these cannot bee subject to hypocrisie, as words, and deeds are, which sometimes come more from respect of the creature, than of the Creator. It is the will of God that wee should not onely seek the Kingdome of Heaven, but, minde it, set our ⟨p. 52⟩thoughts upon it, and turn the bent of our desires wholly that way. aThe Lord hath given to us the great things of his Law, bcaused the Scriptures to bee written for our learning, and sent his Prophets to declare unto us his mind, and pleasure; Christ Jesus (the great Dr. of the Church) hath revealed the glory of God, as it were in open face, and fully, and clearly made known the last will of his heavenly Father touching mans salvation, than which, nothing can bee more wonderful, excellent, delightful, comfortable:
- aMat. 6.19 Col. 3.1
- bHos. 8.12
