FOR

HIMSELF.

KEEP thy heart with all dili

gence; for out of it are the

issues of life.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue.

Entertain not a sensual imagination for a moment.

Never expect any thing from the world; and when it offers thee any thing that is good for thee, receive it; but catch not at it greedily.

H

Be

Be always mindful what thou mayest do for thine own and others salvation, in every instance, and upon every occasion.

Die daily.

In arguing with another, watch against every inordinate heat of passion, loud speaking, and every

rash word.

Any matter of trial to thee, reckon among thy gains.

Take no delight of sense, but in a manifest and direct subserviency to spiritual ends; and use not that delight to irritate, but to allay sensuality..

When a sensual imagination or passion breaks in, then excite the taste of the powers of the world to come; and delay not to recover the divine frame.

What

What thou doubtest, do not.

In thy actions, consider not only what is lawful, but what is best in the present circumstances; and do that.

When thou art in company, where the talk is but vain, watch to put in a word, that may be to edification.

Make it a rule never to speak to the disadvantage of others, unless it should turn out so, when duty calls upon you to speak the whole truth (*).

If any despise thee, do not bear a grudge against him for it. And be not offended with any, merely because they do not honour thee.

When thou art framing excuses, take heed of speaking an untruth, or approaching near to it: lest in avoiding

H 2

avoiding the offence of man, thou make too bold with God. Take heed of this also, when thou wouldest speak pleasingly, and avoid offence in speaking.

Use no recreations or delight of sense, but what thou canst at that very time desire of God, that it may be sanctified to spiritual ends.

When thou hearest that another hath spoken any thing to thy injury or disparagement, beware of a transport of anger, that thou speak not harshly or unadvisedly against him, or too passionately for self, or as too much concerned for self.

Take your eye off from others, and turn it inward upon yourself; this will render you less sensible of their failings, and more observant of your own, both which consequences are desirable (*).

Watch