Page:Thinkwellonit.pdf/109

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2. In order to enable thyself to keep this resolution, be diligent in flying all dangerous occasions, such as bad company, lewd or profane books, immodest plays, &c. "For he that loves the danger, shall perish in it." Eccl. 3. v. 27.

3. Watch all the motions of thy heart, and resist the first impressions of evil; keep a guard on thy senses and thy imagination, that the enemy may not surprise thy soul through these avenues. Contemn not small faults, lest by degrees, you fall into greater.

4. Fly an idle life, as the source of all mischief; and take it for a certain truth, that an idle life will never bring a Christian to heaven.

5. Never omit, upon any account, thy morning and evening prayers. In the morning, remember always to present to God the first fruits of the day, by giving him thy first thoughts. Make him an offering of all the actions of the day, and renew this oblation at the beginning of every thing thou dost. "Whether you eat or drink," says St. Paul, (1 Cor. x. v. 3.) " or whatsoever else you do, do all for the glory of God.

6. At thy evening prayers, make a daily examination of thy conscience, calling thyself to an account how thou hast past the day; and whatever sins thou discoverest, labour to wash away by penitential tears, before lying down to sleep. Who knows but that night will be thy last? In going to bed, think on the grave; compose thyself to sleep in peace with thy God: and if thou awakest in the night, raise thy thoughts to him who is always watching over thee.

7. Besides morning and evening devotions, set aside some time in the day for prayer, more particularly mental, by an interior conversation of thy soul with God, her only true and sovereign good. In the midst of all thy employments, keep thyself