But he that desires to walk freely with me, must mortify all his wicked and irregular affections, and must not cleave to any thing created with any concupiscence or private love.
Chap. LIV.
Of the different motions of nature and grace.
1. Son, observe diligently the motions of nature and grace; for they move very opposite ways, and very subtilly; and can hardly be distinguished but by a spiritual man, and one that is internally illuminated.
All men indeed aim at good, and pretend to something of good in what they do and say; therefore, under the appearance of good many are deceived.
2. Nature is crafty, and draws away many, ensnares them and deceives them, and always intends herself for her end:
But grace walks with simplicity, declines from all shew of evil, offers no deceits, and does all things purely for God, in whom also she rests, as in her last end.
3. Nature is not willing to be mortified, or to be restrained, or to be overcome, or to be subject; neither will she of her own accord be brought under:
But grace studies the mortification of her own self, resists sensuality, seeks to be subject, covets to be overcome, aims not at following her own liberty, loves to be kept under discipline, and desires not to have the command over any one; but under God ever to live, stand, and be; and for God's sake is ever ready humbly to bow down herself under all human creatures.