We must look, to our place wherein God hath set us. If we be in sub- jection to others, their authority in doubtful things ought to sway with us. It is certain we ought to obey ; and if the thing wherein we ai-e to obey be uncertain unto us, we ought to leave that which is uncertain and stick to that which is certain ; in this case we must obey those that are gods under God. Neither is it the calling of those that are subjects, to inquire over cm-iously into the mysteries of government ; for that, both in peace and war, breeds much disturbance, and would trouble all designs {[/)■*
The laws under which we live are particular determinations of the law of God [in some duties of the second table. For example, the law of God
* See note '^' for the charge based on the subsequent alteration of this passage and context.
VOL. I. 0
210 THE soul's conflict.
saj'S, 'Exact no more tlian what is tlij due,' Luke iii. 13. But what in particular is thy due, and what another man's, the laws of men determine],* and therefore ought to be a rule unto us so far as they reach ; though it be too narrow a rule to be good only so far as man's law guides unto.f Yet law being the joint reason and consent of many men for public good, hath a use for guidance of all actions that fall under the same. Wliere it dashes not against God's law, what is agreeable to law is agreeable to conscience.
The law of God in the due enlargement of it, to the least beginning and occasions, is exceeding broad, and allows of whatsoever stands with the light of reason or the bonds of humanity, civility, &c., and whatsoever is against these is so far against God's law. So that higher rules be looked to in the fii'st place, there is nothing lovely or praiseworthy among men but ought to be seriously thought on.
Nature of itself is wild and untamed, and impatient of the yoke ; but ajs beasts that cannot endure the yoke at first, after they are inured awhile unto it bear it willingly, and carry their work more easily by it, so the yoke of obedience makes the life regular and quiet. The meeting of authority and obedience together, maintains the peace and order of the world.
So of that question. J
5. Though bhnd enfolded § obedience, such as our adversaries would have, be such as will never stand with sound peace of conscience, which always looks to have light to direct it ; for else a bhnd conscience would breed blind fears ; yet in such doubtful cases wherein we cannot wind out our- selves, we ought to light our candles at others whom we have cause to think, by their place and parts, should see further than we. In matters of outward estate, we will have men skilful of om- counsel ; and Christians would find more sound peace, if they would advise with their godly and learned pastors and friends. Where there is not a direct word, there is place for the counsel of a prudent man, sententia honi viri. And it is a happiness for them whose business is much, and parts not large, to have the benefit of those that can give aim, and see further than themselves. The meanest Christian imderstands his own way, and knows how to do things with better advantage to his soul than a gi'aceless though learned man ; yet is stiU glad of further discovery. In counsel there is peace, the thoughts being thus established, Prov. xx. 18.
"When we have advised and served God's providence in the use of means, then if it fall out othei'wise than we look for, we may confidently conclude that God would not have it so, otherwise to our grief we may say it was the fruit of our own rashness.
Where we have cause to think that we have used better means in the search of grounds, and are more free from partial affections than others, there we may use our own ad\'ice more safely. Otherwise what we do by consent from others, is more secure and less oflfensive, as being more coun- tenanced.
In advice with others, it is not sufficient to be generally wise, but ex- perienced and knowing in that we ask, which is an honour to God's gifts where we find them in any kind. When we set about things in passion, .
* Tho -wonls in brackets inserted first in B. See note g. — G.
t Tlie following margin-note firat added in B : 'Nimis angusta innocentia est ad legem bonum esse.' — G.
X Inserted first in 0.
g ' Blinde enfolded ' in A, and therefore given in text ; but ' blindfold ' in B and C— G.
THE soul's conflict. 211
we work not as men or Christians, but in a bestial manner. The more passion, the less discretion ; because passion hinders the sight of what is to be done. It clouds the soul, and puts it on to action without advise- ment. Where passions are subdued, and the soul purged and cleared, there is nothing to hinder the impression of God's Spirit ; the soul is fitted as a clean glass to receive light from above. And that is the reason why mortified men are fittest to advise with in the particular cases incident to a Christian Hfe.