§ 1. Custody of the Heart.

Avoid with all prudence the occasions of sin, and any companionship which may turn thee away from God; 140and be ever solicitous to preserve the purity of thy heart. Never give thyself up to inordinate security, since this life is full of snares, temptations, and perils: but always work out thy salvation with reasonable and holy fear. For most true are these words of the wise man, “Unless thou hold thyself diligently in the fear of the Lord, thy house shall quickly be overthrown” (Eccles. xvii. 4). When, however, thou dost fall and sin through human frailty, or when thou seest thyself rather losing than gaining ground through the attacks of evil passions, be not despondent on that account; but, lamenting before thy Lord Jesus, beseech Him to wash away all the stains of thy sin in His most pure Blood, and to confirm thee in well-doing by His grace.