The Soul's Conflict with Itself

Of this mind are not only t• dregs of people, but many of the m• refined sort, who desire to be emine• in the world; And to have their ow• desires herein, give up the liberty o• their own judgements and consciences, ⟨p. 71⟩to the desires and lusts of others; to be above others they will be beneath themselves; having those mens persons in admiration for hope of advantage, whom otherwise they despise, and so substituting in their spirits, man in the place of GOD, lose heaven for earth, and bury that divine spark (their souls) capable of the Divine nature, and fitter to be a sanctuary and temple for God to dwell in, then by closing with baser things to become base it self. We need not wonder that others seem base to carnal men, who are base both in and to themselves. It is no wonder they should be cruel to the souls of others, who are cruel to their own souls, that they should neglect and starve others, that give away their own souls in a manner for nothing. Alas upon what poor terms do they hazard that, the nature and worth whereof is beyond mans reach to comprehend. Many are so careless in this kind, that if they were throughly persuaded that they had souls that should live for ever, (either in bliss or ⟨p. 72⟩torment) we might the more easily work upon them. But as they live by sense, as beasts, so they have no mo• thoughts of future times then […], except at such times as conscience is awaked by some sudden judgement, whereby Gods wrath is revealed fro• heaven against them. But happy were it for them, if they might die like beasts, whose misery dies with them.

Of this minde are not onely t• dregs of people, but many of the m• refined sort, who desire to be emine• in the world; And to have their ow• desires herein, give up the liberty o their owne judgements and consciences,