The Bruised Reed and Smoking Flax

Here is an use of encouragement ¹to duty, That CHRIST will not quench ⟨p. 131⟩the smoking flax, but blow it up. Some are loath to perform good duties, because they feel their hearts rebelling, and duties come off untowardly. We should not avoid good actions for the infirmities cleaving unto them: CHRIST looketh more at the good in them that he meaneth to cherish, than the ill in them that he meaneth to abolish. A sick man though in eating he something increaseth the disease, yet he will eat, that nature may get strength against the disease: So though sin cleaveth to what we do, ⟨p. 132⟩yet let us do it, since we have to deal with so good a Lord, and the more strife we meet withal, the more acceptance: Christ loveth to taste of the good fruits that come from us, although they will always relish of the old stock.

Here is an use of incouragement ¹to duty, That CHRIST will not quench ⟨p. 131⟩the smoaking flax, but blow it up. Some are loath to performe good duties, because they feele their hearts rebelling, and duties come off untowardly. Wee should not avoid good actions for the infirmities cleaving unto them: CHRIST looketh more at the good in them that hee meaneth to cherish, than the ill in them that he meaneth to abolish. A sicke man though in eating he something increaseth the disease, yet he will eate, that nature may get strength against the disease: So though sin cleaveth to what we doe, ⟨p. 132⟩yet let us doe it, since wee have to deal with so good a Lord, and the more strife we meet withall, the more acceptance: Christ loveth to tast of the good fruits that come from us, although they will alwaies rellish of the old stock.

1. 1Encouragements.