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

LXXXVII.

Thirdly, Consider how that to fall back willingly into your old Iniquities, as it sets God against you, so it likewise makes your own Conscience flie in your face; and to upbraid, arraign, accuse, condemn, and punish you for breaking Covenant with him. And it doth not only fill you with present Pain and Agony, but also with a fearful Expectation of Wrath to come. For what can you expect but ex∣tream Misery, when you break League with him who is a con∣suming Fire, and who will ren∣der Indignation, Wrath, Tribu∣lation and Anguish to every Soul that thus doth evil? Rom. 2.9. These are the Considerations whereby you may confront all Enticements to break the Cove∣nant you have renewed. And

when you maturely look into the nature and design of Temp∣tations, you will find the most taking to be but as so many cheats, which, under the Visor of some delight or profit, would rob you of your Integrity, and betray you to Enmity both with God and your self. And there∣fore, when you entertain any Temptation to Sin, you do as wisely as he who takes those in∣to his House, whom he knows are come on purpose to spoil him of what he esteems most precious.