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  AN ADDRESS TO THE SOUL OCCASIONED BY A RAIN
  by Edward Taylor
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Summary: The speaker calls the soul to rise above indecision and make a
decision, trusting in God's guidance.

Topics: "Spiritual Commitment", "Inner Conflict"
Scripture References: 1 Kings 18:21, Proverbs 4:25, 1 Corinthians 3:16, James 1:6, Revelation 3:15

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DESCRIPTION
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Edward Taylor preaches about the inner conflict of the soul, torn
between decisions and indecision, urging the congregation to resolve to
either stay or go, to fully commit and not be lukewarm. He uses vivid
imagery of skies weeping showers and a heart like a Crabtree Cask,
questioning the impact of wavering spirits. Taylor warns against being
like a sparkling wildfire shop, where uncontrolled spirits can lead to
destructive outcomes, emphasizing the need to avoid setting the house on
fire with careless actions.

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CONTENT
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Ye Flippering Soule,

Why dost between the Nippers dwell?

Not stay, nor goe. Not yea, nor yet Controle.

Doth this doe well?

Rise journy'ng when the skies fall weeping Showers,

Not o're nor under th' Clouds and Cloudy Powers.

Not yea, nor noe:

On tiptoes thus? Why sit on thorns?

Resolve the matter: Stay thyselfe or goe:

Ben't both wayes born.

Wager thyselfe against thy surplic'de see,

And win thy Coate, or let thy Coate win thee.

Is this th' Effect

To leaven thus my Spirits all?

To make my heart a Crabtree Cask direct?

A Verjue'te Hall?

As Bottle Ale, whose Spirits prison'd must

When jogg'd, the bung with Violence doth burst?

Shall I be made

A sparkling Wildfire Shop,

Where my dull Spirits at the Fireball trade

Do frisk and hop?

And while the Hammer doth the Anvill pay,

The fire ball matter sparkles ev'ry way.

One sorry fret,

An anvill Sparke, rose higher,

And in thy Temple falling, almost set

The house on fire.

Such fireballs dropping in the Temple Flame

Burns up the building: Lord, forbid the same.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/edward-taylor/an-address-to-the-soul-occasioned-by-a-rain/
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