CHAP. XI. (2)

This is that which we are called unto under the name of Considering our Wayes: Consider what Wayes, what Companyes, what Opportunities, what Studies, what Businesses, what Conditions, have at any time given, or do usually give advantages to thy Distempers, and set thy self heedfully against them all. Men will do this with respect unto their bodily infirmities and distempers; The Seasons, the Dyet, the Ayre, that have proved offensive shall be avoyded. Are the the things of the Soul of less importance? Know that he that dares to d[gap]lly with Occasions of Sin, will dare to Sin. He that will venture upon Temptations unto Wickedness, will venture upon Wickedness. Hazael thought he should not be so wicked as the Prophet told him he would be: To convince him, the Prophet tells him no more, but Thou shalt be King of Syria. If he will venture on Temptations unto Cruelty, he will be cruel. Tell a man he shall commit such and such Sins, he will startle at it: If you can convince him, that he will venture on such Occasions and Temptations of them, he will have little ground left for his Confidence. Particular Directions belonging to this Head are many, not now to b[gap] insisted on. But because this Head is of no less importance than the whole Doctrine here handled, I have a[gap] large in another Treatise, about entering into Temptations, treated of it.

Seventhly, Rise mightily against the first Actings of thy Distemper, its first Conceptions; suffer it not to get the least Ground. Do not say, thus far it shall go, and no farther. If it have allowance for one step, it will take another. It is impossible to fix Bounds to Sin. It is like water in a Channel; if it once break out, it will have its course. Its not acting, is easier to be compassed than its Bounding. Therefore doth James give that Gradation and Process of Lust, Chap. 1.14, 15. that we may stop at the Entrance. Dost thou find thy corruption to begin to entangle thy Thoughts; rise up with all thy strength against it, with no less Indignation than if it had fully accomplished what it aims at. Consider what an unclean Thought would have; it would have thee roll thy self in Folly and Filth. Ask Envy what it would have; Murder and Destruction is at the end of it. Set thy self against it with no less vigour, than if it had utterly debased thee to wickedness. Without this Course thou wilt not prevail. As Sin gets ground in the Affections to delight in it, it gets also upon the Understanding to slight it.