The Soul's Conflict with Itself

It is good to observe the particular becks of providence, how things join ¹and meet together: fit occasions and suiting of things are intimations of Gods will. Providence hath a language, which is well understood by those that have a familiar acquaintance with Gods dealing; they see a train of providence, leading one way more then to another.

It is good to observe the particular becks of providence, how things joyne ¹and meete together: fit occasions and suting of things are intimations of Gods will. Providence hath a language, which is well understood by those that have a familiar acquaintance with Gods dealing; they see a traine of providence, leading one way more then to another.

1. 17.

Take especial heed of not grieving ⟨p. 293⟩¹the Spirit, when he offers to be our guide, by studying evasions, and wishing the case were otherwise. This is to be Law-givers to our selves, thinking that we are wiser than God. The use of discretion is not to direct us about the end, whether we should do well or ill, (for a single heart always aims at good:) but when we resolve upon doing well, and yet doubt of the manner how to perform it: discretion looks not so much to what is lawful, (for that is taken for granted,) but what is most expedient. A discreet man looks not to what is best, so much as what is fittest, in such and such respects, by eying circumstances, which if they sort not, do vary the nature of the thing it self.

Take especiall heed of not grieving ⟨p. 293⟩