The Life of God in the Soul of Man by Henry Scougal

estrain us from much evil, and have often made way for
more ingenious and kindly impressions.
But it will not suffice to consider these things once and
again, nor to form some resolutions of abandoning our
sins, unless we maintain a constant guard, and be
continually watching against them. Sometimes the mind
is awakened to see the dismal consequences of a vicious
life, and straight we are resolved to reform; but, alas! it
presently falls asleep, and we lose that prospect which
we had of things, and then temptations take the
advantage; they solicit and importune us continually,
and so do frequently engage our consent before we are
aware. It is the folly and ruin of most people to live at
adventure, and take part in every thing that comes in
their way, seldom considering what they are about to say
or do. If we would have our resolutions take effect, we
must take heed unto our ways, and set a watch before the
door of our lips, and examine the motions that arise in
our hearts, and cause them to tell us whence they come,
and whither they go; whether it be pride or passion, or
any corrupt and vicious humor, that prompts us to any
design, and whether God will be offended or any body
harmed by it. And if we have no time for long
reasonings, let us at least turn our eyes toward God, and
place ourselves in his presence, to ask his leave and
approbation for what we do. Let us consider ourselves
under the all-seeing eye of that divine Majesty, as in the
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