(22)
A few things we would name, that we would look to for preparing of us.
1. We would ſtudy to have our ſhip as light of all unneceſſary burdens, as we can; I mean, all things of a preſent world, all things beſide God, and our precious ſouls; we would have as little weight of theſe things on our ſpirits as we may, for they will ſink our ſhip in a ſtorm.
2. We would be careful to make friendſhip with Jeſus Chriſt that bleſſed pilot, that we may get him in the ſhip with us, for we are not able to ſteer our ſhip in a ſtorm.
3. We would be careful to keep a low ſail, to have our ſpirits humble and low before the Lord, for the humble ſoul is most like to hold out, when the wind and ſtorm blow.
4. We would be careful to get the knowledge of the cauſe that we proſeſs; for indeed a dark night is ill to ſail in, when the wind blows, and when there are quick ſands before us.
And Laſtly, We would be careful to have our ſhip well ballaſted with the faith and patience of the ſaints.
Uſe 4. We would conſider what grounds of conſolation we ſhall have for ſtrengthening of our hearts, if we bide faſt by the cauſe of Jeſus Chriſt, for the bideing out of a ſtorm, if ſo be God be pleaſed to bring it on us.
We might name many, only at this time take theſe few. The firſt ground of encouragement, is, that you have a good cauſe, I mean the cauſe of God, and the intereſt of Jeſus Chriſt, ſpeak againſt it who will, forſake it who will, reproach it who will, doubtleſs, good is the cauſe, the cauſe is worth the contending for, worth the ſuffering any thing that can come for it.
2. Another thing to be a ground of comfort to us, is, as we have a good cauſe to we have a good captain
