Palsey and timorous suspicion. Disease 9.
THe former sicke were Tumidi, these are Timidi: they were bold to all euill, these are fearefull to all good. The palsey is a disease, wherein one halfe of the body is en∣damaged in both sense and mouing. Of that disease which is called Paralysis, Resolution, or the dead palsey, wherin som∣times sense alone is lost, somtimes motion alone, and som∣times both together perish, I intend not to speake. It is (proportion considered) more dangerous to the body, then I would imagine this disease to be to the soule. I would cō∣pare it to that corporal infirmity, which Physicians call Tre∣morem, and some vulgarly the palsey; wherein there is a continuall shaking of the extremer parts: somewhat ad∣uerse to the dead palsey: for that takes away motion, and this giues too much, though not so proper and kindly. This spirituall disease is a cowardly fearefulnesse, and a distrust∣full suspicion, both of actions and men. He dares not vn∣dertake, for feare of hee knowes not what: he dares not trust, for suspicion of his owne reflection, dishonestie.
Cause.
THis euill in the body is caused generally through the weaknesse of the sinewes, or of the cold temperature of nature, or accidentally of cold drinke taken in Feuers. Old age and feare are not seldome causes of it. This spiri∣tuall palsey ariseth either from the weaknesse of zeale, and want of that kindly heate, to be affected to Gods glory, or from consciousnesse of selfe-corruption, therby measuring others. The first is Fearefulnesse, the second Distrustfulnesse.