Motives to holy living, or, Heads for meditation divided into consideratins, counsels, duties : together with some forms of devotion in litanies, collects, doxologies, &c.

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Title
Motives to holy living, or, Heads for meditation divided into consideratins, counsels, duties : together with some forms of devotion in litanies, collects, doxologies, &c.
Author
R. H., 1609-1678.
Publication
Oxford :: [s.n.],
1688.
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Subject terms
Christian life -- Early works to 1800.
Link to this Item
http://name.umdl.umich.edu/A66967.0001.001
Cite this Item
"Motives to holy living, or, Heads for meditation divided into consideratins, counsels, duties : together with some forms of devotion in litanies, collects, doxologies, &c." In the digital collection Early English Books Online 2. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/A66967.0001.001. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed June 7, 2024.

Pages

§. 29.

15. Cherish∣ing all good motions in the Soul &c

1. On the contrary, cherishing and improving (with recogitation upon them) all good motions that arise in the Soul, as inspirations of the divine Spirit, (without which we can think no good thing, 2. Cor. 3.5. and therefore all good thoughts from it; which Spirit the Apostle chargeth us not to quench, 1. Thes. 5.19. Not to grieve, Eph. 4.30. Now, if from it we derive our good thoughts, then so often as we repel the one we grieve and quench the other.) Seeking any outward occasions, that may excite good thoughts. And (when we cannot conquer our will) praying against our will, that God would make us able to will them. And this wishing (through the strength that God giveth) will at last bring forth willing. Per id

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quod homo potest, venit ad id quod vult. In things Spiri∣tual, doing our endeavour effects our desires: to him, that hath, shall be given, till at length he have abundance.

2. Never neglecting, or refusing, to do, a little Good, as nothing valuable (though it be but producing in your self, or in another one single good thought, or wish), there being nothing little in God's service. Nor, to practice a small mortification as little profiting: nor to forbear a little ill, as no great hurt.

3. Not suffering any (though inconsiderable) breach to be made upon a good custome, nor any accrument (as of little consequence) to a bad.

* 1.1Digr. Of the great power of Customes. Both (of those of the affections, and the will) desires, and appetites. And (of the intellect) speculations, and opinions; inward habits, rest∣lesly, inviting us as much, as outward temptations.

Digr. Of the great power of often remembrance.

4. To introduce virtues, and expel ill habits, practising first in small matters rather than higher, unless you per∣ceive God to give great strength, that you may not in the attempt be presently disheartned.

5. Making hast, and being speedy (whilst you are well inclined) in the execution of things well purposed, and undoubtedly good For none hath continually the like fervour of the Spirit. Si aliquando, cur non modo? Si non modo; fortasse nunquam.

6. Beginning a good action (when not so well disposed to it) without much consultation with the Flesh. Quien siempre mira lo postrero, nunca a comete gran trecho. Et Inci∣pere dat velle; Beginning makes us willing. The delibe∣ration being as it were occupated by action. Tutta la pena si senti un poco nel principio. And, Omnia inchoata, tolerabilia, facilia, cito transeuntia, magnam consolationem relinquentia.

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Notes

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