This is gathered from these words, covetous practises.
Reason. Because that doth chiefly pertaine to the rule and sway which the devill exerciseth over his servants, 1 Iohn 2.16.
2. Because by covetousnesse they seek those things that serve to nourish their impurity of life.
Vse. This may serve for a generall admonition, to abstaine even from the least sins, if we would not admit of others also.
Doctrine 9. The exercising of the heart unto such sins, doth very much strengthen and increase them.
This is gathered from that word: A heart they have exercised.
Reason 1. Because exercising a mans selfe unto sin brings in and increaseth the habit.
2. It is a token that a man takes pleasure in such sins. For no man doth willingly exercise himselfe in those things wherein he takes no delight.
Use. This may serve to admonish us, according to the counsell of the Apostle, 1 Timothy 4.7. to exercise our selves unto godlinesse, not unto wickednesse. For as the Apostle there saith, verse 8. that bodily exercise profiteth little; so in this comparison may it be said, that the exercise of sin is not only unprofitable, but very hurtfull.
Doctrine 10. They that are after this manner accustomed unto their sins, are hardned in them.