The Soul's Conflict with Itself

Of all other, Satan hath most advantage of discontented persons, as most agreeable to his disposition, being the most discontented creature under heaven; He hammers all his dark plots in their brains. The discontentment of the Israelites in the wilderness, provoked God to swear, that they ¹should never enter into his rest. There is another spirit in my servant Caleb saith God; the spirit of Gods people is an encouraging spirit. Wisdom teaches them if they feel any grievances to conceal them from others that are weaker, least they b• ⟨image 5⟩disheartened. God threatens it as a curse to ²give a trembling heart and sorrow of mind; whereas on the contrary joy is as oil to the soul, it makes duties come off cheerfully and sweetly from our selves, graciously to others, and acceptably to God. A Prince cannot endure it in his subjects, nor a Father in his children to be louring at their presence. Such usually have stolen waters to delight themselves in.

Of all other, Satan hath most advantage of discontented persons, as most agreeable to his disposition, being the most discontented creature under heaven; He hammers all his darke plots in their braines. The discontentment of the Israelires in the wildernesse, provoked God to sweare, that they ¹should never enter into his rest. There is another spirit in my servant Caleb saith God; the spirit of Gods people is an incourageing spirit. Wisdome teaches them if they feele any grievances to conceale them from others that are weaker, least they b• ⟨image 5⟩disheartned. God threatens it as a curse to ²give a trembling heart and sorrow of minde; whereas on the contrary joy is as oyle to the soule, it makes duties come off cheerefully and sweetly from our selves, gratiously to others, and acceptably to God. A Prince cannot indure it in his subiects, nor a Father in his children to be lowring at their presence. Such usually have stollen waters to delight themselves in.