Divers practical cases of conscience satisfactorily resolved ... to which are added some counsels…

Conclu. 1. Where the weariness is only in the Members (or at least chiefly) but there is still a willingness of the mind, this is no matter of questioning our Estates: where the mind out-goes and out-does ⟨p. 62⟩the body, and the appetite to duties continues in vigour, though there be a languishing of the natural strength, and weariness of the bodily organs, this is not our sin but affliction. But too commonly the body hath so much influence upon the mind, and causeth a listlessness and sluggishness there, and makes it negligent in its office: Yet when this doth proceed from the failing of the spirits tired with bodily labour and exercise, and from the distemper of the parts, our most pitiful Father considers our frame, and remembers we are but dust: and our merciful High Priest that is not untouched with the sense of our infirmities is ready to frame our excuse, that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

Conclu. 1. Where the weariness is only in the Members (or at least chiefly) but there is still a willingness of the mind, this is no matter of questioning our Estates: where the mind out-goes and out-does ⟨p. 62⟩the body, and the appetite to duties continues in vigour, though there be a languishing of the natural strength, and weariness of the bodily organs, this is not our sin but affliction. But too commonly the body hath so much influence upon the mind, and causeth a listlesness and sluggishness there, and makes it negligent in its office: Yet when this doth proceed from the failing of the spirits tired with bodily labour and exercise, and from the distemper of the parts, our most pitiful Father considers our frame, and remembers we are but dust: and our merciful High Priest that is not untouched with the sense of our infirmities is ready to frame our excuse, that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.

2. Where our weariness in and unwillingness to duties, is only gradual and partial, not plenary and prevalent, it is not sufficient to conclude our selves graceless: While the twins are together in the womb, and two Nations within our bowels, there will be contrary inclinations. The flesh will never say Amen, to a good motion as such, but will be lusting against the spirit, and will hang back when the spirit puts forwards, and pull down when the spirit bends upwards: So that while corruption remaineth, there will be always a dissenting party, and continual conflicts: from whence it is no wonder there should arise some weariness: yet the spirit is the prevailing interest, and though oft-times failed, yet hath mostly the mastery in the combat, and carries it against the flesh, though not without much resistance and reluctancy from the rebel opponent.