Gods husbandry

Wherefore we must know, that when we find the flesh to abate nothing of his forwardness to evil, by our opposing good purposes and thoughts against it, (yea rather, that it seemeth to grow more violent as water, the current of which is stopped) then I say we must know, that the Lord doth now of purpose turn Satan, ⟨p. 95⟩with our corruptions upon us, that we might find our frailty, and betake ourselves wholly to him and his might; and then as having a special calling to seek to God, we must, as I said above, not wax faint, but double and redouble our desires; and if that will not serve, so soon as we can possibly get opportunity, address our selves to solemn invocation.

Wherefore we must know, that when wee finde the flesh to abate nothing of his forwardnesse to euill, by our opposing good purposes and thoughts against it, (yea rather, that it seemeth to grow more violent as water, the current of which is stopped) then I say we must know, that the Lord doth now of purpose turne Satan, ⟨p. 95⟩with our corruptions vpon vs, that we might find our frailty, and betake ourselues wholly to him and his might; and then as hauing a speciall calling to seeke to God, we must, as I said aboue, not waxe faint, but double and redouble our desires; and if that will not serue, so soone as wee can possibly get opportunity, addresse our selues to solemne inuocation.

Thus doing, we follow the example of the Apostle Paul, who when he was molested with a thorn in his flesh, (me thinks that should denote some troublesome corruption of his own heart, which is said to be given unto him: because even poison may be given in a receipt by the skilful Physician) did presently apply himself to God in prayer for the removal of it, and so was answered, that Gods grace should be sufficient for him. Wherefore neither let thy thoughts and first motions of thy soul pass away unobserved or unresisted: neither yet resist them alone in thine own strength, but spy them out speedily, and presently oppugn them, partly by setting on work the grace already received, partly by requiring a new supply of grace: and he that will make this practice familiar and easy to himself by use of doing, shall find by proof, the unspeakable good that will come of it to his soul.