out of Obedience to God, and to serve him; and not only forbear doing, what he forbids me.

So in reference to himself, I am so far from doing any thing to dishonour, or blaspheme God,. that I every way, that I am able, seek to glorify, praise, and serve him,

In reference to my Neighbour, I not only forbear wronging him, but I do him all the good, by good Advice, by speaking well of him, by aiding and assisting him in any case, that I am able.

And as to myself, I think it not enough to lie on my Bed, and avoid the sins of Intemperance, &c; but that, by all the Diligence that I am able, I study to Improve my Mind, get a Conquest over my Passions, and every way work up my self to a better temper and practice.

I am so far from doing the World harm, or making it worse, that I endeavour to leave it, better than I found it. Hence I not only prac-. tise Piety constantly my self, but I do what I can to Promote, and Encourage it in others; which, if I am in a Publick Station and Employment, I can indeed do more effectually; and I am sure I shall be called to an account, why I do it not. And if I am in the most Private Capacity that can be, yet by my silent, and constant Example, I shall do some good; by my Advice to my Friends I may do more; and by occasional Discourse, or making use of such opportunities as

will

will often present themselves, I may be an Instrument to a great deal of good, and all this, without being Conceited, or Pragmatical; without intrenching on other Mens business, going out of my own place, or disturbing the World.

my

I own a good and wise Providence watching over the World, and not only over Publick, but even extending to the most Private Affairs and Persons; and accordingly I daily commit my self, and all my Concerns to the Government and over ruling of that good God, that I am sure loves me, and knows Case and Wants better than I do my self. But though I thus own a Providence, yet I take a Religious Care not to tempt God, by running my self into Evil, and then to expect God to keep me out, and deliver me. Just as though I know God's Grace to be All sufficient for me, yet I dare not expect it to keep me from sin, if I wilfully, and with my eyes open, run into it.

For God's Grace and Protection is promised, and to be expected only in such cases, as in which I have done all that was in me for my self, and then, I am allowed to hope for help from God; or in such cases as into which I am unwittingly and unwillingly led, or in which I am innocently and honestly engaged; and here, I am sure of suitable aid and support, if I humbly and ear

nestly

nestly make my Request, but not where I wil fully expose my self to Sin and Evil.

And on this Principle, I do not Expose myself to Temptations, either as to Estate, by Gaming, or as to Life by Duels, or as to Religion, and a good Conscience, by aiming only at the lowest degree of what is Virtuous or Commendable, or taking all the Advantages against Religion and my duty that I think, I possibly may; or by going to Mass, or any other Irregular way of Worship, though perhaps out of vanity only, and Curiosity, tempt God, and my self. For I know not but God may leave me when I thus dally with him. And the wise Son of Syrac says, He that loves danger, shall fall into it. And our Saviour, that we must not thus Tempt the Lord our God. For in all cases, in which the Interest of my Soul is concerned, I do nothing by Fancy or Humour ; but with all the Judgment and Reason that I have, I consider seriously the Fitness, or Lawfulness of it, as knowing that it is here, as in War, where one Error is Fatal; and if I be taken off in a sinful Practice, there is no Rescuing me, or Retrieving me for ever.

As to a share of the things of this life, I keep my self in a great indifferency; for I am sure that life it self is not always Good, or a Blessing; and then, much less are any of these things very desirable, that serve only for the

Con

Conveniencies of Life. And seeing I never pray to God for my own, or my Friends longer Life, only as far forth as it shall be for the Glory of God, and good of Religion, and the World, or in order to our being the better fitted and prepared for Heaven; much less am I solicitous for more Estate, or make That, the subject of my Prayers. For I am sure that every one cannot have a great Estate; few men can bear or manage a great Estate as they ought; and no man needs it. And in the Lord's own

prayer we are taught, and allowed only to pray for Bread, or what is necessary, and That, only from hand to mouth, this day our daily bread.

I am therefore well content with the little that I have, as thinking that God knows my strength and ability best, and what is properest for me, and as knowing that if I should get more, though by the most lawful means, and by the most moderate endeavours, it will be proportionably expected that I should do the more good, be the more useful in the world, and I shall have more Talents to answer for the Re ceipt of; as on the other hand, the less I have, the less Temptations I am liable to at present, the less tied I shall be to this world, and the less will be my account at the last day. And I am very sensible that when a Man comes to die, he will wish he had enjoyed less of this

World;

World; there being at least some danger of receiving our good things here. And therefore though a great Estate may afford more ease and delight here, yet a mean fortune seems to afford more security, in order to hereafter. And hence I pray for such a Portion as is fittest for me, and with which I shall do most good; that God would suit my Condition to my Desires, or my Desires to my Condition, that I may serve him chearfully, and without Distraction. And I think not that I am out of the favour of God, or even of good men, because I have less than others; but do much condemn the unjust Measure of the world, of slighting a Man, because he is poor, or of valuing him for his Outside, rather than for his Inside. For Virtue and Prudence, Integrity and an earnest desire to do good are more true Accomplishments, than Beauty, Riches, Honours, &c. And He is the most considerable Man in the world, not that enjoys most of this world, but that doth most good in it; For him the world will most miss, for him good Mens Prayers are most, over him the Providence of God will watch in a more peculiar manner; and therefore, he is every way, the most valuable and considerable Person.

I am taught to pray at home in private always, and in my own Family too, constantly, especially if I have not the advantage of going

with