An Address to the Soul Occasioned by a Rain
The speaker calls the soul to rise above indecision and make a decision, trusting in God's guidance.
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.
Text
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.
Sermon Outline
- The Soul's Dilemma
- The Call to Action
- The Risks of Indecision
- The Call to Wisdom
- Weigh the options
- Trust in God's guidance
Key Quotes
“Rise journy'ng when the skies fall weeping Showers, Not o're nor under th' Clouds and Cloudy Powers.” — Edward Taylor
“Wager thyselfe against thy surplic'de see, And win thy Coate, or let thy Coate win thee.” — Edward Taylor
“Such fireballs dropping in the Temple Flame Burns up the building: Lord, forbid the same.” — Edward Taylor
Application Points
- Make a decision and trust in God's guidance.
- Weigh the options and consider the consequences of indecision.
- Rise above the clouds and take control of your life.