IV. _Be sure to read not cursorily and hastily; but leisurely, seriously, and with great attention; with proper intervals and pauses, that you may allow time for the enlightnings of Divine Grace. Stop every now and then to recollect what you have read, and consider how to reduce it to practice. Farther, let your reading be continued and regular, not rambling and desultory. It shews a vitiated palate, to taste of many dishes, without fixing upon, or being satisfied with any: not but that it will be of great service to read over and over those passages, which more nearly concern yourself, and more closely affect your own practice or inclinations; especially if you add a particular examination upon each._ V. _Labour for a temper correspondent to what you read; otherwise it will prove empty and unprofitable, while it only enlightens your understanding, without influencing your will, or inflaming your affections. Therefore intersperse here and there pious aspirations to God, and petitions for his grace. Select also any remarkable sayings or advices, treasuring them up in your memory to ruminate and consider on: which you may either in time of need draw forth, as arrows from a quiver against temptation, against this or that vice which you are more particularly addicted to; or make use of as incitements to humility, patience, the love of God, or any other virtue._ VI. _Conclude all with short ejaculation to God: that he would preserve and prosper this good seed sown in your heart, that it may bring forth its fruit in due season. And think not this will take up too much of your time, for you can never bestow it to so good advantage._ An Extract of the CHRISTIAN PATTERN. BOOK I. CHAPTER I. _Of the imitation of Christ and contempt of all the vanities of the world._ HE _that followeth me walketh not in darkness_, saith the Lord. These are the words of Christ, by which we are admonished, that we ought to imitate his life and manners, if we would be truly enlightened, and delivered from all blindness of heart. Let therefore our chief endeavour be to meditate upon the life of Jesus Christ. 2. What will it avail thee to dispute sublimely of the Trinity, if thou be void of humility, and art thereby displeasing to the Trinity? Truly, sublime words do not make a man holy and just; but a virtuous life maketh him dear to God. I had rather feel compunction, than know the definition thereof. If thou didst know the whole bible, and the sayings of all the philosophers by heart, what would all that profit thee, without the love of God? *Vanity of vanities! All is vanity, but to love God, and to serve him only. 3. It is therefore vanity to seek after perishing riches. It is also vanity to seek honours.