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* 1.1COnsider 1. The whole duty of man towards God is comprised in that short sentence, Decline from evil, and do good. These are the two principal points of a Christian life; they are the two wings whereby we must flye up to Heaven; the
two arms wherewith we are to lay fast hold on the Kingdom of God. In respect of the first part, mans life in the holy Scripture is said to be a war∣fare upon earth;* 1.2 and Christians are termed Soul∣diers, carefully standing upon their guard, for re∣sisting the suggestions and temptations of sin.
* 1.3Consider 2. In this Warfare we are to strive against Sin even unto death; never giving over, or thinking our selves secure; but always standing in arms with watchful care and fear. Job, notwith∣standing all his Integrity, discussed and feared every the least of his actions. David, a man according to Gods own heart,* 1.4 did every night brush, or sweep his spirit. St. John Baptist, that was sanctified in his mothers womb,* 1.5 led an austere, retired life; that he might not, as the Church singeth of him, stain his life with a light slip of his tongue. S. Paul, though confirmed in Grace, and rapt to the third Heaven, could say of himself, So I fight, not as it were beating the air,* 1.6 but I chastise my body, and bring it into servitude. Think not therefore much of any pains, for the avoiding of sin.
* 1.7Consider 3. We must not onely withstand the actual committing of sin, but also the consent of mind. Beware thou consent not to sin at any time: and resist all delectation, and suggestion; for (as St. Gregory saith) In suggestion is the seed of sin,* 1.8 in delectation the nourishment, in consent the perfection. Examine your self what vigilancy and caution you hold over your thoughts, words, and actions; how you avoid occasions of danger; and how you resist the suggestions of the Flesh, the World, and the Devil. Take up your Weapons with the holy Saints of Fasting, Prayer, and Mortification of your flesh, that you may also with them be crowned with a glorious Victory.
Ps. 36.27.
Job. 7.1.
Job. 9.28.
Ps. 76.7.
Hym. ad Mat. de S. Joh. Bapt.
1 Cor. 9.27.
Tob. 4.6.
Greg. ad Interr. lib. Aug. Can∣tuar.