BOOK VII: The corruption and defilements of conscience
This breeds cares, μέριμναι, which distract the mind, (so the word signifies, ἀπο τοῦ μεριζειν,) as dividing it, and so cause wandering thoughts, nothing more, so that the mind is not itself. For this weakens it, enervates it, and this being vanity,—Exod. 18:18, said
Jethro to Moses, when encumbered with business, 'Thou wilt fade away as a leaf,' out of which the moisture is dried up,—even that juice which should be left for good duties will be exhausted. As dreams come through multitude of business, Eccles. 5:3, so do a multitude of thoughts from a cumber of business.
Eighthly, In thy calling, and all thy ways, for the success and thy ways therein, 'commit thy ways to God.' Prov. 16:3, 'Commit thy way unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established,' or ordered; that is, keep from that confusion and disorder, and those swarms of cares, which others are annoyed with, and thereby thy aims may be as well accomplished. A few thoughts of faith would save us many thoughts of cares and fears, in the businesses we go about; which prove therefore vain, because they forward not at all the business we intend. When such waves toss the heart and turmoil it, and the winds of passions are up, if a few thoughts of faith come into the heart, they calm all presently.
BOOK VII:
The corruption and defilements of conscience Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and