The Soul's Conflict with Itself

Nature of it self is wild and untamed, and impatient of the yoke; but as beasts that cannot endure the yoke at first, after they are inured a while unto it, bear it willingly, & carry their work more easily by it: So the yoke of obedience, makes the life regular and quiet. The meeting of authority, and obedience together, maintains the order and peace of the world.

Nature of it selfe is wilde and untamed, and impatient of the yoke; but as beasts that cannot endure the yoke at first, after they are enured a while unto it, beare it willingly, & cary their work more easily by it: So the yoke of obedience, makes the life regular and quiet. The meeting of authority, and obedience together, maintaines the order and peace of the world.

So of that Question.

Though blindfold obedience, such as our Adversaries would have, be such ¹as will never stand with sound peace of conscience, which always looks to have light to direct it; (for else a blind conscience would breed blind fears) yet in such doubtful cases wherein we cannot wind out our selves, we ought to light our candles at others, whom we have cause to think by their place and parts should see further then we. In matters of outward estate, we will have men skilful, of our counsel; and ⟨p. 290⟩Christians would find more sound peace, if they would advise with their godly and learned Pastors and friends. Where there is not a direct word, there is place for the counsel of a prudent man. And it is a happiness for them ²whose business is much, and parts not large, to have the benefit of those that can give aim, and see further then themselves. The meanest Christian understands his own way, and knows how to do things with better advantage to his soul, then a graceless though learned man; yet is still glad of further discovery. In counsel there is peace, the thoughts being thus established.