mortality: use all lawfull instruments, but expect nothing from them above their natu∣rall or ordinary efficacy, and in the use of them from God expect a blessing. A hope that is easie and credulous is an arm of flesh, an ill supporter without a bone.
3. Let your hope be without vanity, or garishness of spirit, but sober, grave and si∣lent, fixed in the heart, not born upon the lip, apt to support our spirits within, but not to provoke envy abroad.
4. Let your hope be of things possible, safe and useful. He that hopes for an opportuni∣ty of acting his revenge, or lust, or rapine, watches to doe himself a mischief. All evils of our selves or brethren are objects of our fear, not hope: and when it is truly under∣stood, things uselesse and unsafe can no more be wished for, then things impossible can be obtained.
5. Let your Hope be patient, without tedi∣ousness of spirit, or hastiness of prefixing time. Make no limits or prescriptions to God, but let your prayers and endeavours go on still with a constant attendance on the pe∣riods of Gods providence. The men of Be∣thulia resolved to wait upon God but five daies longer. But deliverance stayed seven daies, and yet came at last: and take not every accident for an argument of despair▪ but go on still in hoping, and begin again to work if any ill accident have interrupted you.