§. Sect. 3 Of the meanes whereby we may be streng∣thened against sinne.
And when by these meditations wee haue wrought our hearts vnto a true hatred of all sinne; there are other meanes to be vsed of vs, that wee may be strongly armed against it. As first, that wee doe thorowout the whole day entertaine and nourish good and holy desires, and firme and constant resolutions, that we will resist and withstand it, in what manner or forme so euer it shall set vpon vs. For nothing will bring more easie and assured victory, then Christian courage and resolution, to fight and striue against it, grounded not on our owne strength, but vpon the power and promises of God, and that we will let passe no good meanes vnassayed whereby we may ouercome. Secondly, wee must keepe a daily and con∣tinuall watch ouer our selues, and especially ouer our hearts, that wee be not surprised on a sudden, nor hardened or hartened in any wicked course, through the deceitfulnesse of sinne; of which, we shall haue occasion to speake more fully heereafter. Thirdly, we must be no lesse carefull in fly∣ing all occasions, inducements, and prouocations vnto sinne, then the sin∣full acts themselues; for if we wilfully cast our selues into these tentations, it is iust with God to deliuer vs vnto euill. Fourthly, we must make con∣science of committing of the least sinnes, which being admitted, will make roome for the greatest; and withstand sinnes in the first degrees, as soone as they are suggested by the deuill, the world, or our owne flesh; casting out this hellish wild-fire, before it hath by the least abode inflamed our concupiscence, or before this seede of impiety hath gotten any warmth or growth. Fifthly, we must be so bold and valorous in Gods as∣sistance, as that in the meane time we be suspicious and fearefull, in respect of our owne weakenesse and frailty, and the might and malice of our in∣numerable enemies, taking good heede, whilest we stand, of falling, and working out our saluation with feare and trembling. Sixthly, wee must dai∣ly walke with God, and carry our selues continually as in his sight and presence, who not onely taketh notice of all our actions, but also will cause vs one day to giue a strict account of them, either to reward them graciously, if they bee good; or to punish them seuerely, if they be euill. Lastly, let vs daily and continually resigne our selues ouer into the hands of God, who is alone able to deliuer vs from all euill, and craue instantly his protection from all enemies, and the direction of his holy Spirit, that by the good guide thereof, we may thorowout the whole day be preserued