The Christian's manual in three parts ... / by L. Addison ...

XLVI.

Nothing is more certain, than that you cannot worthily re∣ceive the holy Sacrament, with∣out a perfect hatred of every sin: and it is also most certain, that your hatred of sin is not perfect, if you are not fully resolved to forsake and avoid it: For who can imagine you hate what you ever embrace and pursue? Re∣solutions, though never so good, are seldom durable, if they are sudden and vehement: He that makes a Resolution, without due consideration, will in like man∣ner break and reverse it. And though you need not consult whether you are to turn from Satan unto God, and to forsake Wickedness and follow after Ver∣tue; yet the means of keeping such a holy purpose, ought to fall under your most sober and

serious thoughts. And you ha•• need herein to be careful ho•• you advise with flesh and blood for these will counsel you t•• take part with your ease, an•• seduce you to reject even th•• fittest means of keeping you Resolutions, when they becom•• difficult and unpleasing. An•• therefore as you resolve upo•• the end, so you must also upo•• the way thither, though neve•• so irksome to the flesh; consi∣dering that even the recover•• of bodily health seldom is pro∣cured, without the use of dis∣gustful Medicines.