The Soul's Conflict with Itself

When we have advised and served Gods providence in the use of means, then if it fall out otherwise then we look for, we may confidently conclude, that God would not have it so, otherwise to our grief we may say, it was the fruit of our own rashness.

When wee have advised and served Gods providence in the use of meanes, then if it fall out otherwise then wee looke for, wee may confidently conclude, that God would not have it so, otherwise to our griefe we may say, it was the fruit of our owne rashnesse.

Where we have cause to think that we have used better means in the search of grounds, and are more free ⟨p. 291⟩from partial affections then others, there we may use our own advise more safely. Otherwise what we do by consent from others, is more secure and less offensive, as being more countenanced.

Where we have cause to thinke that wee have used better meanes in the search of grounds, and are more free ⟨p. 291⟩from partiall affections then others, there we may use our owne advise more safely. Otherwise what wee doe by consent from others, is more secure and lesse offensive, as being more countenanced.

In advice with others, it is not sufficient to be generally wise, but experienced and knowing in that we ask, which is an honour to Gods gifts where we find them in any kind. When we set about things in passion, we work not as men or Christians, but in a bestial manner. The more passion, the less discretion; because passion hinders the sight of what is to be done. It clouds the soul, and puts it on to action without advisement. Where passions are subdued, and the soul purged and cleared, there is nothing to hinder the impression of Gods spirit; the soul is fitted as a clean glass to receive light from above. And that is the reason why mortified men are fittest to advise with in the particular cases incident to a Christian life.