The Soul's Conflict with Itself

CAP. XVI.

Of trust in God: grounds of it: specially his providence.

But to come nearer to the unfolding of this trusting in God, which David useth here as a remedy against all distempers. Howsoever confidence and trust be an affection of nature, yet by the spirits sanctifying and carrying it to the right object, it becomes a grace of wonderful use. In the things of this life usually he that hopes most is the most unwise man; he being most deceived that hopes most, because he trusts in that which is uncertain, and therefore deceitful hope is counted but the dream of a waking man. But in Religion it is far otherwise, here, hope is the main supporting grace of the soul, springing from faith in the promises of God.

BUt to come neerer to the unfolding of this trusting in God, which David useth here as a remedy against all distempers. Howsoever confidence and trust bee an affection of nature, yet by the spirits sanctifying and carrying it to the right object, it becomes a grace of wonderfull use. In the things of this life usually hee that hopes most is the most unwise man; he being most deceived that hopes most, because he trusts in that which is uncertaine, and therefore deceitfull hope is counted but the dreame of a waking man. But in Religion it is farre otherwise, here, hope is the maine supporting grace of the soule, springing from faith in the promises of God.