The Soul's Conflict with Itself

CAP. I.

Hence in general we may observe; that, Grief gathered to a head will not ¹be quieted at the first. We see here passions intermingled with comforts, and comforts with passions, and what bustling there is, before David can get the victory over his own heart: You have some short spirited Christians, that if they be not comforted at the first, they think all labour with their hearts is in vain, and thereupon give way to their grief. But we see in David, ⟨p. 6⟩as distemper ariseth upon distemper, so he gives check upon check, and charge upon charge to his soul, until at length he brought it to a quiet temper. In Physic if one purge will not carry away the vicious humour, then we add a second, if that will not do it, we take a third. So should we deal with our souls, perhaps, one check, one charge will not do it, then fall upon the soul again; send it to God again, and never give over until our souls be possessed of our souls again.

HEnce in generall wee may observe; that, Griefe gathered to a head will not ¹