"Immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood." --- Galatians 1:16.
"For the king's commandment was urgent;' --- Daniel 3:22. --- much more the commandment of the King of kings.
"Therefore, be not slothful in businesss." --- Romans 12:11.
The speediest and easiest method to accomplish our desire of overcoming evil, and doing the good, is an immediate compliance with our first convictions, without conferring with flesh and blood. If we delay the work, we give room to other people without, and to Satan and to our sinful hearts from within, to persuade us to the contrary; by which the flesh can easily renew its strength, and the spirit will be weakened.
And what will be the consequence of this, but that either we miscarry in our design, or that the conflict will be afterwards so much sharper; and the good work, if not stifled, dropped entirely? Yet, if it be done, it will not be done completely, and with such singleness of heart, as it should be. But if we narrowly watch our hearts, and directly engage with every least opposition when it stirs, then our enemies will not be so strong; and we shall have no reason to despair.
Jesus, mighty to renew,
Work in me to will and do;
Turn my nature's rapid tide,
Stem the torrent of my pride.
Take away my darling sin,
Make me willing to be clean;
Make me willing to receive
What thy goodness waits to give.