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Of Religious Exercises.

of them are of importance to our progress in godliness.

4. If thou canst not continually recollect thyself, yet do it sometimes, at least in the morning and at night.

In the morning fix thy good purpose; and at night examine thyself what thou hast done, how thou hast behaved thyself in word, deed, and thought; for in these perhaps thou hast oftentimes offended both God and thy neighbour.

Gird up thy loins like a man against the vile assaults of the devil; bridle thy riotous appetite, and thou shalt be the better able to keep under the unruly motions of the flesh.

Never be entirely idle; but either read, or write, or pray, or meditate, or endeavour to do something for the public good.

As for bodily exercises they must be used with discretion, neither are they to be practised of all men alike.

5. Devotions which belong not to the community ought not to be exposed to public view; for private devotions are practised most safely at home.

Nevertheless thou must beware thou neglect not those which are public, being more ready for what is private. But having fully accomplished all which thou art bound to do, if thou hast spare time, betake thee to thyself and thy devotions.

All cannot use one kind of spiritual exercise, one is useful for this person, another for that.

According to seasonableness also, divers exercises are fitting; some suit better on working days, others on holy days.