account of others is by far the more troublesome and the more uncertain; for we are never well except others will think us to be so. But, O my Soul, why dost thou cumber thyself with so many things; even with things that have no existence but in thine and other men's fancy? One thing is necessary; love GOD, and seek His heavenly kingdom, and thou art rich and happy to the full.

Let thy thoughts wait one while on the most. prosperous sinners in the world, how empty is their soul! how distracted their mind! how restless their conscience! Do they not live in a storm and hurry? and at last sink into the grave, with the greatest regret and bitterness? and what would they not give in the day of vengeance that they might pass from the left to the right hand of their Judge? Consider and tremble, with what amazement and impotent rage they will struggle to change their place, that they might change their doom! But now turn and follow the just. See their inward peace and their secret joy! what comfort they have in their afflictions! what hope in their lives! what undaunted assurance in their death! but who

can express those endless pleasures, those ravishing joys wherein they enter, when they come to enjoy and see Him face to Face, Whom here they loved and sought after? O my deluded heart, be not deceived by vain appearances; that is certainly true which shall be true at last, and shall remain unchangeable to eternity!

If it be so, that indeed thou must die, and one of those two states must be thy portion for ever, then put on now those affections which thou shalt certainly entertain when thou shalt be near to expire; look upon things now as thou shalt at last, and it will make thee wise, and make thee see the truth naked; for that is certainly true which is true at last; and all other appearances are but varnish and illusion.

Dwell seriously upon this consideration, and it will make thee clearly see that true wisdom is to love and fear GOD; and the greatest happiness to live under His protection; to be in His favour, Whose "lovingkindess is better than the life itself."

That one consideration well weighed will make thee understand that there is no great worth or pleasures in those lusts and vanities

thou didst renounce when thou becamest a Christian; that thy vow was only the renouncing of thy greatest misery. Twill make thee understand that it was no great hardship thou didst undertake when thou promisedst to serve GOD, and be a soldier of JESUS under the banner of the cross; that 'twas only the obliging thyself to be truly happy, and to enjoy perfect freedom.

And now, my Soul, considering that of necessity thou must either serve the Devil, and destroy thyself; or by virtue and piety serve GOD, and gain eternal bliss; what shouldst thou do but entirely devote thyself to thy blessed, thy best Master? breathing out heavenward such ejaculations as these ;

"My dearest LORD, I was once brought and presented to Thee, when through the waters of Baptism I passed into Thy family and became Thy servant. LORD, I do here repeat the same oblation, and now again yield myself to be Thine. Here I do from my heart disown and bewail all those acts of mine whereby at any time I have disowned or displeased Thee; could the shedding of my blood recall or expiate them, I could freely pour it out and die.

"Whereinsoever I have behaved myself as if I were not Thine, I here, what I can, retract it with regret and sorrow. LORD, pity my weakness and pardon my folly, and let me be received again into the number of Thy servants. I am ready to do or suffer anything Thou shalt please, so I may still belong to Thee. O let our first contract, my Baptismal engagement, stand, notwithstanding my breach of it. I resolve now to mind and observe it better; assist me, sweet JESUS, and let me ever live to Thee.

"LORD, now I as heartily yield up myself to Thee, that I may love and obey Thee, as I shall when I die, that Thou mayst save me. I had rather serve Thee than be the greatest prince on earth. I had rather obey Thee, than command all mankind. I prefer Thy favours to all the riches of this world. I had rather suffer, and even die for Thee, than without Thee to have all the pleasure, and the joys of this life. LORD, I will love and serve Thee for ever."

R

CHAPTER VI.

That CHRIST having bought us, hath now a just title to our Love and Service.

L

OVE regards not so much what is com

manded, as who it is that commands it; if it be the Beloved requires anything, love doth it cheerfully without reluctancy; another with earnest begging should not have that granted which the least word of a friend should obtain. The commands of Christianity are easy and more rational; in keeping of them consisteth our present and future happiness. Yet the true lover of JESUS looks further; he considers that it is his LORD and SAVIOUR Who would have him obey; He to Whom he belongs, to Whom he owes himself and infinitely more: for every Christian owes JESUS to JESUS, Who gave Himself for him. The old saying was "Buy your slaves; buy those that will be commanded by you;" none of us can say so to the GOD