The Soul's Conflict with Itself

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 ²things are lovely, and of good report, &c. think of these things. Yet our main care should be to manifest our selves rather to mens consciences then to their imaginations.

7. Fancie will the better bee kept within its due bounds, if wee consider ¹the principall 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 farre by the lawes of nature and civility wee are bound to give fancie contentment both ⟨p. 194⟩in our selves and others, as not to speake or do any thing uncomely, which may occasion a loathing or distast in our converse with men: and it is a matter of conscience to make our lives as comfortable as may bee; as wee are bound to love, so wee are bound to use all helps that may make us lovely, and indeare us into the good affections of others: As wee 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 fancie, whereof they can give but little reason; and some are more carelesse in giving offence in this kind, then stands with that Christian circumspection and mutuall respect which wee owe one to another; The Apostles rule is of large extent, Whatsoever things are not onely true, and honest, and just, but whatsoever