The Soul's Conflict with Itself

The Jews in Jeremies time were fore-stalled with vain imaginations against sound repentance, and therefore ¹his counsel is, Wash thine heart O Jerusalem, how long shall vain thoughts lodge within thee?

The Iewes in Ieremies time were fore-stalled with vaine imaginations against sound repentance, and therefore ¹his counsell is, Wash thine heart O Ierusalem, how long shall vaine thoughts lodge within thee?

1. 1Jer. 4. 14.Ier. 4. 14.

7. Fancy will the better be kept within its due bounds, if we consider ¹the principal use thereof; Sense and imagination is properly to judge what is comfortable or uncomfortable, what is pleasing or displeasing to the outward man, (not what is morally or spiritually good or ill) and thus far by the laws of nature and civility we are bound to give fancy contentment both ⟨p. 194⟩in our selves and others, as not to speak or do any thing uncomely, which may occasion a loathing or distaste in our converse with men: and it is a matter of conscience to make our lives as comfortable as may be; as we are bound to love, so we are bound to use all helps that may make us lovely, and endear us into the good affections of others: As we are bound to give no offence to the conscience of another, so to no power or faculty either of the outward or inward man of another: Some are taken off in their affection by a fancy, whereof they can give but little reason; and some are more careless in giving offence in this kind, then stands with that Christian circumspection and mutual respect which we owe one to another; The Apostles rule is of large extent, Whatsoever things are not only true, and honest, and just, but whatsoever