The Soul's Conflict with Itself

It is supposed here, that there is no reason (which the wisdom from above allows to be a reason) why men should be discouraged, although the wisdom from beneath which takes part with our corruption will seldom want a plea. Nay there is not only no reason for it, but there are strong ¹reasons against it, there being a world of evil in it.

It is supposed here, that there is no reason (which the wisedome from above allowes to be a reason) why men should bee discouraged, although the wisedome from beneath which takes part with our corruption will seldome want a plea. Nay there is not onely no reason for it, but there are strog ¹reasons against it, there being a world of evill in it.

1. 1Reasons against discouragement.

For, 1. It indisposes a man to all good duties, it makes him like an instrument ¹out of tune, and like a body out of joint, that moveth both uncomely and painfully. It unfits to duties to God, who loves a cheerful giver, and especially a thanksgiver. Whereup• the Apostle joins them both together ⟨p. 47⟩in all things be thankful, and rejoice evermore. In our communion with God in ²the Sacraments, joy is a chief ingredient. So in duties to men, if the spirit be dejected, they are unwelcome, and lose the greatest part of their life and grace; A cheerful and a free spirit in duty is that which is most accepted in duty. We observe not so much what, as from what affection a thing is done.