A guide to go to GodA guide to goe to God

4.^* To avoid all occasions of evil. Occasions of evil are temptations to evil. Should not they then who pray against temptations, avoid them as much as possibly then can?

4.^* To auoide all occasions of euill. Occasions of euill are temptations to euill. Should not they then who pray against temptations, auoide them as much as possibly then can?

1. *See §. 192.

5. To withstand beginnings. So did the Apostle whenⁱ he would not give place to false brethren (who were dangerous tempters) no not for an hour. Thus much also he intendeth in this exhortation, ^kGive no place to the devil: which is as if he had said, If Satan at any time tempt you, yield not an inch to him, let him get no advantage at all, which he cannot but get, if at the beginning ye yield any whit at all to him. Much good is got by a due observation of this duty, and much wisdom is manifested thereby. For that evil which in the beginning is easily prevented,³ can hardly, if at all, without very much damage be redressed, after it hath found some entrance. Instance poisonous and pestiferous diseases, fretting and festering soars, fires, breaches of water, and enemies entering within the walls of a City.

5. To withstand beginnings. So did the Apostle whenⁱ hee would not giue place to false brethren (who were dangerous tempters) no not for an houre. Thus much also he intendeth in this exhortation,