uncertainties as to your spiritual and eternal estates. There are none
in good earnest, and when death knocks at the door in good earnest
—oh, with what a disdainful eye, with what a weaned eye, with what
a scornful eye does a man then look upon the honors, riches,
dignities, and glories of this world! If men could but thus look upon
them now, it would keep them from being fond of them, from
trusting in them, from doting upon them, from being proud of them,
and from venturing a damning—either in getting or in keeping of
them. But,
8. The eighth word of advice and counsel is this—In all places and
companies carry your soul-preservatives still about you—namely, a
holy care, a holy fear, a holy jealousy, a holy watchfulness over your
own thoughts, hearts, words, and ways, Proverbs 4:23, and 28:14;
Gen. 6:9, and 39:9, 10; Psalm 17:4, 18:23, and 39:1, etc. You know
that in infectious times men and women carry their several
preservatives about them, that they may be kept from the infection of
the times. Never were there more infectious times than now. Oh the
snares, the baits, the infections which attend us at all times, in all
places, in all companies, in all employments, and in all enjoyments;
so that if we do not carry our soul-preservatives about us, we shall be
in imminent danger of being infected with the pride, sinful customs,
and vanities of the times wherein we live. But,
9. The ninth word of advice and counsel is this—Live not at
uncertainties as to your spiritual and eternal estates. There are none
so miserable as those that are strangers to the state of their own
souls. It is good for a man to know the state of his flock, the state of