Page:The Life and Works of Christopher Dock.djvu/227

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SPIRITUAL MAGAZINE NO. 41
215

5. — But being convinced that thou hast not broken thy covenant consciously and intentionally, yet that thou hast occasionally been slow and careless in thy Christian duties, and hast frequently failed here and there, then seek also with repentant and believing heart to wash in the blood of Jesus and henceforth to be more earnest in following him.

6. — But do not consider that thou canst do all this of thine own power. Pray God daily to strengthen thy good intent and to preserve thee sinless.

7. — Beside such daily prayers, watch constantly over thyself. Do not trust thy heart too much, for it is very deceiving. Be careful which way thy thoughts and desires tend, and keep eyes, ears and tongue in good control.

8. — Take particular care that the sin to which thou art most prone shall not conquer thee. Flee every opportunity of committing it, and seek by the help of God to weaken it constantly.

9. — Never lie down at night before thou hast examined thy conscience and reconciled thyself with God for thy errors, through Jesus Christ.

10. — Be diligent to fear God uprightly; not from slavish fear of future punishment, but from filial love that avoids doing anything to displease the beloved.

11. — But to love God aright, thou must know Him, and for this Holy Script is thy guide.

12. — Let not a day pass without reading and considering some part of Scripture, as thou wouldst not go a day without food or drink.