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yet in the end being well digested, it strengthens; so it is often with spiritual food. Corruption may stir, and temptations may arise more upon the receiving than before; especially since Satan, if it be but to vex a tender-hearted Christian, will hereupon take occasion to tempt with more violence. But if you resist these, and stand resolved to obey, and to rely upon God's mercy in Christ, this is rather a sign of receiving worthily; so long as your desires and resolutions are strengthened, and you thereby are made more carefully to stand upon your watch. Endeavour in this case to digest this spiritual food by further meditation, improving that strength you have, praying for more strength, remembering the commandment, which bids you to be strong; and you shall be strengthened, Eph. vi. 10. Dan. x. 19.

5th. Lastly, if you find yourself worse indeed, or do feel God's heavy hand in special manner upon you, 1 Cor. xi. 30, following upon your receiving, and your conscience can witness truly that you came not prepared, or that you did wilfully and carelessly fail in such or such a particular in receiving, it is evident you did receive unworthily. In which case you must heartily bewail your sin, confess it to God, 1 John i. 9; ask, and believe that he will pardon it, through Christ Jesus, upon your sincere faith and repentance, 1 John ii. 1, 2, and take heed that you offend not in that kind another time.

(3.) Upon the Lord's day you must likewise be ready to visit and relieve the distressed, 1 Cor. xvi. 2.

Take some time this day to look into your past life, and chiefly to your walking with God the last week, as being freshest in memory, and be sure to let no old scores of sin remain between God and you.

Last of all, on every opportunity, take good time to consider God's works; what they are in themselves, what they are against the wicked, what they are to the church, and to yourself and to yours, and, in particular, take occasion from the day itself, to think fruitfully of the creation, of your redemption, sanctification, and of your eternal rest and glory to come.