The Soul's Conflict with Itself

1. We must not put all carelessly upon ⟨p. 286⟩¹a providence, but first consider what is our part, and so far as God prevents us with light, and affords us helps and means, we must not be failing in our duty. We should neither out-run, nor be wanting to providence. But in perplexed cases, where the reasons on both sides seem to be equally balanced, see whether part makes more for the main end the glory of God, the service ²of others, and advancement of our own spiritual good. Some things are so clear and even, that there is not a best between them, but one may be done as well as the other, as when two ways equally tend to one and the same place.

1. We must not put all carelesly upon ⟨p. 286⟩¹a providence, but first consider what is our part, and so farre as God prevents us with light, and affords us helpes and meanes, we must not be failing in our duty. Wee should neither out-runne, nor bee wanting to providence. But in perplexed cases, where the reasons on both sides seeme to bee equally ballanced, see whether part makes more for the maine end the glory of God, the service ²of others, and advancement of our owne spirituall good. Some things are so cleare and even, that there is not a best betweene them, but one may be done as well as the other, as when two wayes equally tend to one and the same place.

1. 11. Answ.
2. 2Summa ratio quae pro religione sacit.