Note, 1. Outward grievances are tolerable as long as the mind enjoys
itself and is at ease. Many infirmities, many calamities, we are liable
to in this world, in body, name, and estate, which a man may bear, and
bear up under, if he have but good conduct and courage, and be able to
act with reason and resolution, especially if he have a good
conscience, and the testimony of that be for him; and, if the spirit of
a man will sustain the infirmity, much more will the spirit of a
Christian, or rather the Spirit of God witnessing and working with our
spirits in a day of trouble. 2. The grievances of the spirit are of all
others most heavy, and hardly to be borne; these make sore the
shoulders which should sustain the other infirmities. If the spirit be
wounded by the disturbance of the reason, dejection under the trouble,
whatever it is, and despair of relief, if the spirit be wounded by the
amazing apprehensions of God's wrath for sin, and the fearful
expectations of judgment and fiery indignation, who can bear this?
Wounded spirits cannot help themselves, nor do others know how to help
them. It is therefore wisdom to keep conscience void of offence.