The Soul's Conflict with Itself

5. It is a good sign, when upon discovery of self-seeking we can gain upon ¹our corruption; and are willing to search and to be searched, what our inclination is, and where it faileth. Th• which we favour, we are tender of, […] must not be touched. A good heart, when any corruption is discovered by ⟨p. 145⟩a searching Ministry, is affected as if it had found out a deadly enemy. Touchiness and passion argues guilt.

5. It is a good signe, when upō discovery of selfe-feeking we can gaine upon ¹our corruption; and are willing to search and to be searched, what our inclination is, and where it faileth. Th• which we favour, we are tender of, 〈…〉 must not be touched. A good heart, when any corruption is discovered by ⟨p. 145⟩a searching Ministry, is affected as if it had found out a deadly enemy. Touchinesse and passion argues guilt.

1. 15.

6. This is a sign of a mans victory ¹over himself, when he loves health and peace of body and mind, with a supply of all needful things, chiefly for this end, that he may with more freedom of spirit serve God in doing good to others. So soon as grace entereth into the heart, it frameth the heart to be in some measure public: and thinks it hath not its end, in the bare enjoying of any thing, until it can improve what it hath for a further end. Thus to seek our selves, is to deny our selves, and thus to deny our selves, is truly to seek our selves. It is no self-seeking, when we care for no more then that, without which we cannot comfortably serve God. When the soul can say unto GOD, Lord as thou wouldest have me serve thee in my place; so grant me such a measure of health and strength, wherein I may serve thee.