The Soul's Conflict with Itself

3. When things are clear, and God ¹will is manifest, further deliberation is ⟨p. 287⟩dangerous, and for the most part argues a false heart, as we see in Balaam, who though he knew Gods mind, yet would be still consulting, till God in judgement gave him up to what his covetous heart led him unto. A man is not fit to deliberate, till his heart be purged of false aims, for else God will give him up to the darkness of his own spirit, and he will be always warping unfit for any bias. Where the aims are good, there God delighteth to reveal his good pleasure. Such a soul is level and suitable to any good counsel, that shall be given; and prepared to entertain it. In what measure any last is favoured, in that measure the soul is darkened. Even wise Solomon, whilst he gave way to his lust, had like to have lost his wisdom.

3. When things are cleare, and God ¹will is manifest, further deliberation is ⟨p. 287⟩dangerous, and for the most part argues a false heart, as we see in Balaam, who though he knew Gods minde, yet would bee still consulting, till God in judgement gave him up to what his covetous heart led him unto. A man is not fit to deliberate, till his heart be purged of false aymes, for else God will give him up to the darknesse of his owne spirit, and he will bee alwayes warping unfit for any byas. Where the aymes are good, there God delighteth to reveale his good pleasure. Such a soule is levell and suitable to any good counsell, that shall bee given; and prepared to entertaine it. In what measure any last is favoured, in that measure the soule is darkned. Even wise Solomon, whilest he gave way to his lust, had like to have lost his wisdome.

1. 13.