The Soul's Conflict with Itself

And of crosses in these things he is most sensible, and so sensible, that he thinks himself undone if he seeth not a present issue out of them.

And of crosses in these things he is most sensible, and so sensible, that he thinks himself undone if hee seeth not a present issue out of them.

That which most troubles a good man in all troubles, is himself, so far as he is unsubdued; he is more disquieted with himself, than with all troubles out of himself; when he hath gotten the better once of himself, whatsoever falls from without, is light; where the spirit is enlarged, it cares not much for outward bondage; where ⟨p. 113⟩the spirit is lightsome, it cares not much for outward darkness; where the spirit is settled, it cares not much for outward changes; where the spirit is one with it self, it can bear outward breaches; where the spirit is sound, it can bear outward sickness. Nothing can be very ill with us, when all is well within. This is the comfort of a holy man, that though he be troubled with himself, yet by reason of the spirit in him which is his better self, he works out by degrees, what ever is contrary. As Spring-water being clear of it self, works it self clean, though it be troubled by something cast in; as the Sea will endure no poysonfull thing, but casts it upon the shore. But a carnal man is like a Spring corrupted, that cannot work it self clear, because it is wholly tainted; his eye and light is darkness, and therefore no wonder if he seeth nothing. Sin lieth upon his understanding, and hinders the knowledge of it self; it lies close upon the will, and hinders the striving against it self.

That which most troubles a good man in all troubles, is himselfe, so farre as he is unsubdued; he is more disquieted with himselfe, than with all troubles out of himselfe; when hee hath gotten the better once of himselfe, whatsoever falls from without, is light; where the spirit is enlarged, it cares not much for outward bondage; where ⟨p. 113⟩