CHAPTER XXVIII.

_Of the good government of ourselves in outward things, and of recourse to God in danger._

_Christ._ SON, thou oughtest with all diligence to endeavour, that in every place and action of business, thou be inwardly free, and master of thyself, and that things be under thee, and not thou under them.

That thou mayst be lord of thy actions, not a servant or a hireling, but rather a freeman, and a true Hebrew, enjoying the liberty of the sons of God:

Who stand above the things that are present, and view the things which are eternal:

*Who look on transitory things with the left eye, and with the right behold the things of heaven:

Whom temporal things cannot draw to cleave unto them; but they rather draw temporal things to serve them, in such a way as they are appointed by the Creator of all, who hath left nothing in his creatures without due order.

2. If thou remainest stedfast in all events, and dost not weigh by the outward appearance, the things which thou seest and hearest; but presently in every affair dost enter with _Moses_ into the tabernacle, to ask counsel of the Lord, thou shalt hear the divine oracle, and return instructed, concerning many things both present and to come.

Always fly to the closet of thy heart, earnestly craving the Divine favour.

For the scripture testifieth, that therefore were _Joshua_ and the children of _Israel_ deceived by the _Gibeonites_, because they asked not counsel at the mouth of the Lord.

Always commit thy cause to me, I will dispose well of it in due time.

Wait for my ordering of it, and thou shalt find it well for thy good.

_Christian._ Lord, I most willingly commit all unto thee, for my care can avail little.

*O that I cleaved not too much to future events, but offered myself with all readiness of mind to thy good pleasure!

3. _Christ._ Son, a man often earnestly labours for what he desireth; and when he hath gotten it, he beginneth to be of another mind.

For men’s affections do not long continue fixed on one thing.

It is therefore no small thing for a man to forsake himself, even in the smallest things.

4. The true profiting of a man consisteth in the denying of himself.

But the old enemy ceaseth at no time from tempting, but day and night layeth grievous snares, if haply he may cast the unwary into them.

Therefore watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.