But thou shalt not at first attain to these without some sorrow and labor in the conflict.
The old custom will stand in thy way, but by a better custom it shall be overcome.
The flesh will complain, but by the fervour of the spirit it shall be kept under.
The old serpent will tempt thee and give thee trouble; but by prayer he shall be put to flight: moreover, by keeping thyself always employed in some useful labour, his access to thee shall be in a great measure stopt up.
Chap. XIII.
Of the obedience of an humble subject
after the example of Jesus Christ.
1. Son, he who strives to withdraw himself from obedience, withdraws himself from grace; and he that seeks to have things for his own particular, loses such as are common.
If a man doth not freely and willingly submit himself to his superiors, it is a sign that his flesh is not as yet perfectly obedient to him; but oftentimes rebels and murmurs.
Learn then to submit thyself readily to thy superior, if thou desire to subdue thy own flesh;