( 22 )
ſpirit will turn a profane ſpirit, and will ſin and pray too. Slightneſs is the bane of profeſſion, if it be not rooted out of the heart, by conſtant and ſerious dealings with, and beholdings of Chriſt in duties; it will grow more ſtrong and more deadly, by being under church ordinances. Meaſure not thy grace by others attainments, but by ſcripture trials. Be ſerious and exact in duty, having the weight of it upon the heart; but be as much afraid of taking comfort from duties, as from ſins. Comfort from any hand but Chrift is deadly. Be much in prayer, or you will never keep up much communion with God. As you are in cloſet-prayer, ſo you will be in all other ordinances.
Reckon not duties by high expreſſions, but by low frames, and the beholdings of
Chriſt. Tremble at duties Mid gifts. It was the ſaying of a great ſaint. He was more afraid of his duties than his ſins; the one often made him proud, the other always made him humble. Treaſure up manifeſtations of Chriſt's love, they make the heart low for Chriſt, too high for ſin. Slight not the loweſt, meaneſt evidences of grace: God may put thee to make uſe of the loweſt as thou thinks; even that 1 John iii. 14. that may be worth a thouſand worlds to thee.
