A12198:278
The Soul's Conflict with Itself
The souls conflict with it self, and victory over it self by faith a treatise of the inward disquietments of distressed spirits, with comfortable remedies to establish them / by R. Sibbs ...The soules conflict with it selfe, and victory over it self by faith a treatise of the inward disquietments of distressed spirits, with comfortable remedies to establish them / by R. Sibbs ...
London: printed by M.F. for R. Dawlman, 1635
THE SOULS CONFLICT with it self. › Chapter 10THE SOVLES CONFLICT with it selfe. › Chapter 10
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
When the soul is inured to this dealing with it self, it will learn the skill to command, and passions will be soon commanded, as being inured to be examined and checked; As we see dogs, and such like domesticall creatures, that will not regard a stranger, yet will be quieted in brawls presently, by the voice of their Master, to which they are accustomed. This fits us for service. Unbroken spirits are like unbroken horses, unfit for any use, until they be thoroughly subdued.
When the soule is invred to this dealing with it selfe, it will learne the skill to command, and passions will be soone commanded, as being invred to be examined and checked; As wee see doggs, and such like domesticall creatures, that will not regard a stranger, yet will be quieted in brawles presently, by the voice of their Master, to which they are accustomed. This fits us for service. Unbroken spirits are like unbroken horses, unfit for any use, untill they be thorowly subdued.
5. And it were best to prevent 1(as much as in us lieth) the very first risings, before the soul be overcast; Passions are but little motions at the first, but grow as Rivers do, greater and greater, the further they are carried ⟨p. 130⟩from their Spring. The first risings are the more to be looked unto, because there is most danger in them, and we have least care over them. Si• like rust, or a Canker, will by little a• little eat out all the graces of the soul There is no staying when we are once down the hill till we come to the bottom. No sin but is easier kept out, t• driven out. If we cannot prevent wicked thoughts, yet we may deny them lodging in our hearts. It is our giving willing entertainment to sinful motions, that increaseth guilt, and hinder• our peace. It is that which moveth God to give us up to a further degree of evil affections. Therefore what we are afraid to do before men, we should be afraid to think before God. It would much further our peace to keep our judgements clear, as being the eye of the soul, whereby we may discern in every action and passion, what is good, and what is evil: as likewise to preserve rendernesse of heart, that may check us at the first, and not brook the least evil being discovered. When