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so, this is an evident sign that God gave those good things to you in love, because this holy and good effect is wrought in you by them. Again, do you love God? Would you love God, and his ways, and ordinances yet more? This proves that God loves you; for no man can love God, till God has first loved him, 1 John iv. 10 - 19. Likewise, do you love the children of God? Then certainly you are God's child, and are beloved of God, 1 John iv. 7. By these things you have proof of your calling and election, that you are now translated from death to life, 1 John iii. 14. So that, though God may give you some things in anger, as a father gives correction, yet he never gives any thing in hatred and in wrath, as he does to his enemies. All things work together for good to them that love God, Rom. viii. 28; therefore whatsoever he gives to such, is in love.

Fifthly, Prefer the honour and glory of God, before and above all things that may be beneficial to yourself; prefer likewise the kindness and love of God in the gift, far above the gift itself; then you will never be so taken up with the enjoyment of the gift, as to forget to give praise and thanks to the giver.

Sixthly, Unto the former helps, add this: lay a holy command upon your soul, and strictly charge yourself to be thankful; and, since you have such good reason for it, make no excuses against it, but say, with David, Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name, &c. Psa. ciii. 1.

Lastly, To all other means, join earnest prayer to God, to give you a thankful heart. It is not all the reasons you can allege for it, nor all the moral persuasions you can propose to yourself, can effect it, though these be good means, yea, God's means; yet if you go about to raise your heart to it, in the power of your own might, all will be vain. For as you cannot pray but by God's Spirit, so neither can you give thanks but by the same Spirit. Therefore say, as David did: Renew, O Lord, a right spirit in me; and open my lips, that my mouth may show forth thy praise, Psa. li. 10 - 15.