The Soul's Conflict with Itself

6. But patience and contentment are •o low a condition for the soul to rest ¹[…], therefore the spirit of God raiseth it up to a spiritual enlargement of joy. So much joy, so much light, and so much height, so much scattering of darkness of spirit. We see in nature how a little light will prevail over the thickest clouds of darkness, a little fire wastes a great •eale of dross. The knowledge of God to be our God, brings such a light of joy into the soul, as driveth out• dark uncomfortable ⟨p. 542⟩conceits; this light makes lightsome. If the light of knowledge alone makes bold, much more the light of joy arising from our communion and interest in God. How can we enjoy God, and not joy in him? A soul truly cheerful rejoiceth that God whom it loveth, should think it worthy to endure any thing for him. This joy often ariseth to a spirit of glory, even in matter of outward abasement; if the trouble accompanied with disgrace continue, the spirit of glory rests upon us, and it will rest so long, until it make us more then Conquerors, even then when we seem conquered: for not only the cause, but the spirit riseth higher, the more the enemies labour to keep it under, as we see in Stephen.²

6. But patience and contentment are •o low a condition for the soul to rest ¹〈…〉, therefore the spirit of God raiseth it vp to a spirituall enlargement of joy. So much joy, so much light, and so much hight, so much scattering of darknesse of •pirit. We see in nature how a little light will prevaile over the thickest clouds of darknesse, a little fire wastes a great •eale of drosse. The knowledge of God to be our God, brings such a light of joy into the soul, as driveth out• dark uncomfortable