Sacramental meditations upon divers select places of scripture

And this is the mournful matter of his complaint: 'Tis not for outward Afflictions, though he had many; nor for what he suffered from the hands of men, though he suffered many grievous things; but 'tis sin, dwelling and working in him, that swallows up all other troubles, as Rivers are lost in the Sea; this evil was always with him, the constant residence of sin was in his heart and nature.

Secondly: And what further adds to his burden, as it dwelt in him at all times, so it exerted its efficacy more especially at some times, and those the special times and principal seasons in his whole life: When I would do good ¹(saith he) any spiritual good; and among the rest, when I address my self to any spiritual duty, or Heavenly employment; when I design to draw near to God, and promise my self comfort and redress in Communion with him, then is Evil present. O, if I were but rid of it in those hours, what a mercy should I esteem it, though I were troubled with it at other times! Could I ⟨p. 38⟩but enjoy my freedom from it in the seasons of duty and times of communion with God, what a comfort would that be? But then is the special season of its operation. Never is sin more active and busy than at such a time; and this, O, this is my misery and burden.

Secondly: And what further adds to his burden, as it dwelt in him at all times, so it exerted its efficacy more especially at some times, and those the special times and principal seasons in his whole life: When I would do good ¹(saith he) any spiritual good; and among the rest, when I address my self to any spiritual duty, or Heavenly imployment; when I design to draw near to God, and promise my self comfort and redress in Communion with him, then is Evil present. O, if I were but rid of it in those hours, what a mercy should I esteem it, though I were troubled with it at other times! Could I ⟨p. 38⟩