Directions and persuasions to a sound conversion for prevention of that deceit and damnation…Directions and perswasions to a sound conversion for prevention of that deceit and damnation…

13. Consider also, that Resolving will put an end to a great many of troublesome Temptations, that do assault you, and will break the heart of Satan's hopes. As long as you are unresolved, he hath still possession of you, and is still in hopes to keep possession. And as long as he hath any hope he will never give over, but will be repairing his Garrison, and making up all the breaches that the Ordinances of God had made. When one temptation takes not, he will be offering you another; and will be following and disquieting you day and night: But if once he see you firmly Resolved, his hopes will fail him, and you may be much freer from his temptations then you were before. I do not say he will give over: For even when you are broken away from him, he will make after you again. But it is a greater advantage to you to fight against him in the open field, under such a Captain as Jesus Christ, that will assure you of the victory, then to be in his own prison with his fetters on your heels. You know the way to be troubled with an unwelcome suitor, is to delay your answer, and take time to consider of it: and the way to be eased of him, is to give ⟨p. 494⟩him a peremptory Resolute answer. And when he seeth you Resolved, he will cease.

13. Consider also, that Resolving will put an end to a great many of troublesome Temptations, that do assault you, and will break the heart of Satans hopes. As long as you are unresolved, he hath still possession of you, and is still in hopes to keep possession. And as long as he hath any hope he will never give over, but will be repairing his Garrison, and making up all the breaches that the Ordinances of God had made. When one temptation takes not, he will be offering you another; and will be following and disquieting you day and night: But if once he see you firmly Resolved, his hopes will faile him, and you may be much freer from his temptations then you were before. I do not say he will give over: For even when you are broken away from him, he will make after you again. But it is a greater advantage to you to fight against him in the open field, under such a Captaine as Jesus Christ, that will assure you of the victory, then to be in his own prison with his fetters on your heels. You know the way to be troubled with an unwelcome suiter, is to delay your answer, and take time to consider of it: and the way to be eased of him, is to give ⟨p. 494⟩