Three treatises of the vanity of the creature. The sinfulness of sin. The life…Three treatises of the vanity of the creature. The sinfulnesse of sinne. The life…

Secondly, in this point it will be needful to give direction in a case of daily occurrence, what a man should do when he finds his natural impotency dead him in Spiritual works? when he finds stupidity, benumbedness of spirit, and many defects, which he cannot overrule nor subdue in Gods service; whether it were not better to for bear the very duty, then to grieve the spirit with undue performances? To this I answer. First, omit not the duty though thou art never so ill affected, for that is to give place to the Devil, and to yield to the flesh, and the Devil is pleased either way; when by his allurements he can persuade us to evil, and when by discomforts he can discourage us from good. Besides by doing spiritual things a man grows more spiritual, and gathers strength even in the action; as water which comes hard at first flows very plentifully after it hath been a little drawn. They that begin in tears may end in joy: David began to pray with no comfort, much sore vexation and weakness of spirit under the sense of Gods heavy displeasure, and yet he ends with much faith, peace, and triumph. The Lord hath heard ⟨p. 254⟩my supplication, the Lord will receive my prayer; Let all mine enemies be ashamed, &c. Psal. 6. 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10. Secondly, take Saint Pauls advice to stir up the gift that is in thee, awaken & revive thine own spirit, by communing and debating with thine own heart, by consulting with God in his Word, diligent acquaintance and right knowledge of his Will, by fruitful, and seasonable conference, borrowing light from thy brothers candle, rebuking or rectifying thy self by his example, this is that which the Scripture calls whetting the Law upon one another. Deut. 6. 7. By renewing thy Covenant, coming afresh to the Fountain of Grace, which is in Christ: As iron is quickened by the Lodestone, and the Earth moves swiftest when it is nearest to its place; so the Soul approaching nearer to Christ, renewing repentance, recounting errors, reviving covenants, dedicating it self afresh to his service, must needs be much sharpened and encouraged anew. Thirdly, when thou canst not do a thing with life, yet do it with obedience; when not in Comfort, yet with fear and trembling; when not as thou wert wont, yet as thou art able. God loves to be sought when he hides.