_Of the different motions of nature and grace._
_Christ._ SON, mark diligently the motions of nature and grace, for
they move in a very subtle manner, and cannot be discerned but by him
that is spiritually enlightened.
All men pretend some good in their words and deeds; and therefore under
the shew of good many are deceived.
Nature is crafty, and seduceth, entangleth, and deceiveth many, and
always proposeth herself for her end:
But grace walketh in simplicity, useth no deceit, and doth all things
purely for God’s sake, in whom also she finally resteth.
2. Nature will not willingly die, nor be kept down, nor be overcome,
nor be subject to any:
But grace studieth mortification, resisteth sensuality, seeketh to be
subject, is willing to be kept under, and will not use her own liberty.
She loveth to be kept under discipline, and desireth not to rule any,
but always to live and remain wholly subject to God; and for God, is
ready humbly to obey all men.
Nature striveth for her own advantage, and considereth what profit she
may reap by another;
But grace considereth not what is profitable unto herself, but what is
profitable to many.
Nature willingly receiveth honour and respect.
But grace faithfully attributeth all honour and glory unto God.
3. Nature feareth shame and contempt;
But grace rejoiceth to suffer reproach for the name of Jesus.
Nature loveth ease and bodily rest;
But grace cannot be idle, but willingly embraceth labour.
Nature seeketh to have those things that are beautiful, and abhorreth
that which is mean or coarse;
But grace delighteth in plain and humble things, and despiseth not
rough things, that are old and mean.
Nature respecteth temporal things, rejoiceth at earthly gain, sorroweth
for loss, is moved with every little injurious word;
But grace thinketh on that which is everlasting, and cleaveth not to
temporal things; she is not troubled at losses, nor disquieted with
hard words; because she hath placed her treasure and joy in heaven,
where nothing perisheth.
4. Nature is covetous, and doth more willingly receive than give; she
loveth her own things;
But grace is bountiful to all, shunneth private interest, is content
with a little, thinketh it more blessed to give than to receive.
Nature inclines to the creatures, to her own flesh, to vanities and
wanderings;
But grace draweth unto God, and unto goodness, renounceth creatures,
flieth the world, hateth the desires of the flesh, restraineth
wanderings abroad, blusheth to be seen in public.
Nature is willing to have some outward comfort, wherein she may be
sensibly delighted;
But grace seeketh comfort in God alone, and delighteth above all
visible things in the highest good.
5. Nature worketh all for her own profit; she can do nothing but for
benefit she hopeth to obtain, either that which is equal or better,
either praise or favour, and coveteth to have her works and gifts much
esteemed:
But grace requireth no other reward than God alone; nor desireth more
of temporals, than may serve her for the obtaining of things eternal.
6. Nature rejoiceth to have many friends and kinsfolks; glorieth in
noble place and birth; is obsequious to the powerful, fawneth upon the
rich, and applaudeth those that are like herself;
But grace loveth her enemies, and is not puffed up with multitudes of
friends, nor esteemeth place or birth, but where it is joined with
virtue:
She rather favoureth the poor than the rich; hath more tenderness
for the innocent than the powerful; rejoiceth in the true, not in the
deceitful:
Always exhorting good men to labour for more excellent gifts; and by
goodness to resemble the Son of God.
Nature quickly complaineth of want and trouble; grace with constancy
endureth need:
Nature coveteth to know secrets, and to hear news; she will appear
abroad, and make proof of many things by her own senses; she desireth
to be known, and to do those things for which she may be praised and
admired:
But grace careth not for hearing curious matters;
She teacheth to restrain the senses, to avoid vanity and ostentation;
and in every thing and every knowledge to seek the praise and honour of
God.
She will not have praise, but desireth that God should be praised in
his gifts, who of mere love bestoweth all things.