(36) For he hides the noble Grain of Mustard-seed, so that Man does not know himself. And then the World supposes, that he is thus plagued and smitten of God, whereby the Devil's Kingdom remains always hidden and undiscovered.

(128) Just as the meek Spirit of the Heart goes through the astringent and bitter Quality, and overcomes it; and though it be indeed infected with the astringent and bitter Spirit, yet it tears and breaks through, as a Conqueror: But if it should wilfully sit still in the hollow Hole in the astringent and bitter Spirit, and suffer itself to be taken captive, and would not fight, then the Fault were its own. And

(123) these only are his Blows and Strokes, whereby the Mustard-Seed is overwhelmed, covered, and obscured: Concerning which also the holy Apostle Paul saith, That a great Thorn was given him in his Flesh, and he besought the Lord earnestly to take it from him, whereupon the Lord answered, Let my Grace be sufficient for thee. [2 Cor. 12. 7, 8, 9. That a great Thorn was given him in his Flesh, and he besought the Lord earnestly to take it from him, whereupon the Lord answered, Let my Grace be sufficient for thee.]

(11) As poison that has reached the blood spreads through the body, so the sin that finds a weak spot spreads through the spirit. A man carrying a bowl full of oil, surrounded by soldiers with drawn swords, in fear of death if he should trip, will walk needfully; and so it is with him that is under the vow. Then when slumber and faintness fall upon him, he will strive against them as speedily as one springs up when a serpent is creeping into his lap. Whenever he is caught unawares, he will be sorely grieved, and consider what he should do that it may not befall him again. For the sake of this he will desire godly company or tasks to come in his way, that his remembrance may be exercised in these conditions. Remembering the Sermon on Heedfulness, he will hold himself in readiness, so that even before a task comes to him he is prepared to turn to every course. As the seed of the cotton-tree is swayed at the coming and going of the wind, so will he be obedient to his resolution; and thus divine power is gained.

(40) this is but a Type or Glimpse of the Son of God in Man, whereby Faith is strengthened and preserved: For the Joy cannot be so great in an earthen Vessel as in a heavenly, wherein the perfect Power of God is fully. Now here I must write a Similitude. [See Ch. 4, v. 13.]