3 Because the guiding of a mans spirit, is of the greatest consequence of all other things else. Now God is a wise commander, and therefore he will not exert, and put forth his power, but in things of greatest moment: but the guiding of our affections is all in all to us. For, in a mans outward estate, what things soever befall him, all are nothing; but what his apprehension ⟨p. 30⟩is of them, and how he is affected to them, makes them crosses or comforts: if a mans spirit be whole, the greatest cross is nothing, and the least is intolerable, if his spirit be broken. As, again, what are all pleasant things, if a man hath not a heart to apprehend them? As to Paul, what was all his persecution? as long as his spirit was whole within him, he carried it out well: and what was Paradise to Adam, and a kingdom to Ahab, when their spirit was broken? It is the apprehension that makes every thing to a man heavy, or unheavy, pleasant or unpleasant, sweet or sower: and therefore this is the use to be made of it, to behold Gods providence chiefly on our spirits, and not only in our own spirits, but what he doth upon the spirits of others also. It is a thing we stumble at, when we see a wicked man prosper, and carry all things in the world before him, we should not say, where is Gods providence, and the truth of his promise? but see what he doth upon the spirit of that man. If thou seest such a man more malicious to the Church, and children of God, growing more carnal, and abominable in his courses, therein is Gods curse seen more, than in all the dispensation of outward curses: for that treasure of sin which he lays up for himself, will draw on a treasure of wrath, which will be executed in due season. Therefore behold your spirits always, and Gods providence upon them. Lament. 3.65.1 Give them sorrow of heart, thy curse upon them: the ⟨p. 31⟩words signify, which is thy curse upon them. Therefore if you see an obstinate heart in a man, that is the greatest curse of all. As in receiving the Sacrament, there we do pronounce a curse to him that receives it unworthily, and profanes the Lords body: but, it may be, he goes on and sees it not; but now look upon his spirit, and see how GOD deals with that, whether his heart doth not grow harder, and more obdurate, which is the greatest curse? You may observe this every where.
3 Because the guiding of a mans spirit, is of the greatest consequence of all other things else. Now God is a wise commander, and therefore he will not exert, and put forth his power, but in things of greatest moment: but the guiding of our affections is all in all to us. For, in a mans outward estate, what things soever befall him, all are nothing; but what his apprehension ⟨p. 30⟩is of them, and how he is affected to them, makes them crosses or comforts: if a mans spirit be whole, the greatest crosse is nothing, and the least is intolerable, if his spirit be broken. As, againe, what are all pleasant things, if a man hath not a heart to apprehend them? As to Paul, what was all his persecution? as long as his spirit was whole within him, he carried it out well: and what was Paradise to Adam, and a kingdome to Ahab, when their spirit was broken? It is the apprehension that makes every thing to a man heavy, or unheavy, pleasant or unpleasant, sweete or sower: and therefore this is the use to be made of it, to behold Gods providence cheifely on our spirits, and not onely in our owne spirits, but what he doth vpon the spirits of others also. It is a thing we stumble at, when we see a wicked man prosper, and carry all things in the world before him, we should not say, where is Gods providence, and the truth of his promise? but see what he doth upon the spirit of that man. If thou seest such a man more malicious to the Church, and children of God, growing more carnall, and abominable in his courses, therein is Gods curse seene more, than in all the dispensation of outward curses: for that treasure of sinne which he layes up for himselfe, will draw on a treasure of wrath, which will be executed in due season. Therefore beholde your spirits alwayes, and Gods providence upon them. Lament. 3.65.1 Give them sorrow of heart, thy curse upon them: the ⟨p. 31⟩words signifie, which is thy curse upon them. Therefore if you see an obstinate heart in a man, that is the greatest curse of all. As in receiving the Sacrament, there wee doe pronounce a curse to him that receives it unworthily, and prophanes the Lords body: but, it may be, he goes on and sees it not; but now looke upon his spirit, and see how GOD deales with that, whether his heart doth not grow harder, and more obdurate, which is the greatest curse? You may observe this every where.
- 1Lam. 3 65.
