8. In whatsoever ways I shall find you, in them shall I judge you
entirely: so cries the End of all things. And he who hath at
first lived a virtuous lift, but towards the latter end falls
into vice, these labors by him before endured shall be altogether
vain and unprofitable, even as in a play, brought to an ill
catastrophe. Whosoever shall have lived wickedly and luxuriously
may repent; however, there will be need of much time to conquer
an evil habit, and even after repentance his whole life must be
guarded with great care and diligence, after the manner of a
body, which, after it hath been a long time afflicted with a
distemper, requires a stricter diet and method of living; for
though it may be possible, perhaps, to break off the chain of our
irregular affections at once, yet our amendment cannot be secured
without the grace of God, the prayers of good men, the help of
the brethren, and our own sincere repentance and constant care.
It is a good thing not to sin at all; it is also good, having
sinned, to repent; as it is best to have health always, but it is
a good thing to recover from a distemper. To God be glory and
dominion for ever and ever Amen.