son, as things of necessity, and helps to ho∣liness, as standing by themselves in the Sy∣nagogue to pray by themselves, Luke 18.11. that they might not be defiled by being near to sinners, washing their hands to their very elbows, lest some uncleanness had crept be∣yond the wrests, before they eat, washing of cups, and tables, and many other things, in a superstitious imitation of their predecessors. From this vain conversation they were re∣deemed by the blood of Christ, and the grace of the Gospel taught them not onely to abandon the lusts of their former igno∣rance, and the apparent breaches of the Law, but also those foolish and unsavoury traditi∣ons. Wilt thou now bring thy state and wayes to this Touchstone? Thou hopest that thou art redeemed, but canst thou shew us these tokens, this resolution and endeavour? Hast thou learned to cast away thy old iniquities? Dost thou feel really a separation betwixt thy soul, and thy formerly beloved sin? If not, thou deceivest thy self.
But observe further, there be sundry by—courses, too usual not onely with the men of the world, but those also that profess Reli∣gion, some clearly sinful, others at least groundless and unprofitable, as communi∣cating onely, or necessarily at Easter, com∣ing to the Sacrament, fasting, as more holy, dropping down to prayer in the Assembly in time of publick worship, idle, and unneces∣sary meeting in the Ale-house to drink shots for good-fellowship, mixt dancing, garish