The Case and Cure of a Deserted Soul: Or a Treatise Concerning the Nature, Kinds, Degrees, Symptoms, Causes, Cures Of, and Mistakes About Spiritual Desertions

Description

The Case and Cure of a Deserted Soul by Joseph Symonds is a deeply theological exploration of spiritual desertion, a condition where believers feel distant from God and experience spiritual depression. This Puritan work examines the nature, symptoms, causes, and remedies of such “dark nights of the soul” with pastoral sensitivity and theological depth.

Key Themes
Nature of Spiritual Desertion:

Symonds defines spiritual desertion as moments when God seems to withdraw His comforting presence, leaving believers in a state of spiritual coldness or melancholy.

He emphasizes that while God never truly abandons His children, such experiences can feel overwhelming and lead to doubts about faith.

Symptoms and Consequences:

Desertion manifests in diminished spiritual activity, weakened faith, obscured understanding, and increased susceptibility to sin.

Believers may falsely conclude they are deserted due to doubt or misjudgment.

Causes:

Causes include grieving the Holy Spirit through sin, pride, carelessness, or God’s sovereign purposes to instruct believers about their dependence on grace.

Symonds highlights that desertion can also serve as correction for spiritual complacency.

Cures:

The book provides practical remedies such as maintaining communion with God, repentance for sin, reliance on Scripture, and seeking the means of grace to restore spiritual vitality.

Symonds encourages believers to persevere in prayer and trust in God’s promises during these trials.

Structure
The book is methodically organized into sections addressing:

The types and degrees of desertion.

Symptoms that indicate spiritual decline.

Misjudgments believers may make about their condition.

Practical steps for recovery and prevention of future relapses.

Significance
Symonds’s work is considered a classic Puritan treatment of spiritual depression due to its thorough analysis and compassionate guidance. It serves as both a resource for struggling Christians and a tool for pastors aiding others in their faith journey.