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versation? You have as much cause to beware of him, and to obey his voice, and not provoke him who goeth before you in the wilderness of this world, to guide and bring you to his heavenly kingdom, Exod. xxiii. 20, 21, 22, as the Israelites had to beware of him who went before them to keep them in the way, and to conduct them unto the earthly Canaan, the place which he had promised and prepared for them. It was for this, that Joshua told the people, that except they would fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity, and put away their strange gods, they could not serve God, Josh. xxiv. 14 - 19; they could not walk with him. For he is (saith he) a holy God: he is a jealous God: he will not forgive your transgressions, nor your sins.

(2.) For this cause (if unavoidable necessity hinder not) begin the day with solemn prayer and thanksgiving, Psa. xcii. 1, 2. Psa. lxxxviii. 13. Before which (that these duties may be the better performed) it will be convenient, if you have time, that you prepare yourself by meditation, Lam. iii. 40, 41. Job xi. 13; the matter whereof should be an inquiry into your present state, how all things stand between God and you; how you have behaved since you last prayed and renewed your peace with God; what sins you have committed, what graces and benefits you want, what fresh favours God has bestowed on you, Psa. cxvi. 1 - 13, since last you gave him this tribute of thanks; and how much praise and thanks you owe to him also for the continuance of former blessings. Think also what employments you shall have that day, in which you may need his special grace and assistance. Consider likewise what ground and warrant you have to approach to the throne of grace, to ask pardon, and to hope for favour and help of God. Upon these considerations, you must seriously and faithfully endeavour, in the strength of Christ (without whom you can do nothing) to reform whatsoever you find to be amiss, Job xi. 14; flying unto, and only relying upon God's mercy in Christ; to acknowledge him in all things; and that you will now seek grace and help of