The Soul's Conflict with Itself

Here all is spiritual, God a spirit, the soul a spirit, the terrors spiritual, the devil who joins with these a spirit; yea, that which the soul fears for the time to come, is spiritual, and not only spiritual, but eternal, unless it pleaseth God at length to break out of the thick cloud, wherewith he covers himself, and shine upon the soul, as in his own time he will.

Here all is spirituall, God a spirit, the soule a spirit, the terrours spirituall, the devill who joynes with these a spirit; yea, that which the soule feares for the time to come, is spirituall, and not only spirituall, but eternall, unlesse it pleaseth God at length to break out of the thick cloud, wherewith hee covers himselfe, and shine upon the soule, as in his own time he will.

In this estate, comforts themselves are uncomfortable to the soul; i• ⟨p. 349⟩quarrels with every thing, the better things it hears of, the more it is vexed. Oh what is this to me, what have I to •e with these comforts, the more happiness may be had, the more is my grief; As for comforts from Gods inferior blessings, as friends, children, estate, &c. the soul is ready to misconstrue Gods end in all, as not intending any good to him thereby.

In this estate, comforts themselves are uncomfortable to the soule; i• ⟨p. 349⟩quarrels with every thing, the better things it heares of, the more it is vexed. Oh what is this to mee, what have I to •e with these comforts, the more happinesse may be had, the more is my griefe; As for comforts from Gods inferiour blessings, as friends, children, estate, &c. the soule is ready to misconstrue Gods end in all, as not intending any good to him thereby.