A child of light walking in darknessA childe of light vvalking in darknesse

So that as in men whilst unregenerate, carnal reason endeavours by false reasonings to preserve a good opinion of their estates in them: In like manner the very same principle of carnal reason continuing its opposition to faith, doth as much persuade to a bad opinion of their estates when they are once regenerated.

So that as in men whilest unregenerate, carnall reason endeavours by false reasonings to preserve a good opinion of their estates in them: In like maner the very same principle of carnall reason continuing its opposition to faith, doth as much perswade to a bad opinion of their estates when they are once regenerated.

And to conclude this,¹ if in any condition that befalls Gods child, carnal reason hath the advantage and upper ground of faith. It is now when it is in the valley of the shadow of death, as David speaks, when it walks in darkness and hath no light: A condition that doth afford a most complete Topic for carnal reason to frame objections out of; When in respect of Gods dealings with him there is a seeming conjunction of all bad aspects threatening perdition and destruction: When faith is under so great an eclipse, and is left to fight it our alone in darkness, and hath no second: When on the contrary carnal reason, and our dark hearts (which are led by sense) are possessed with the sense (the deepest and most exquisite sense) and impressions of (that which the heart is most jealous of) Gods sorest wrath and displeasure, and that felt and argued (not mediately and afar off, by consequence from outward afflictions, but) immediately from Gods own hand. Thou always hast suspected (says carnal reason) that thou wert a child of wrath, ⟨p. 38⟩and that thou and God were enemies; But now thou findest it put out of question, and that from Gods own mouth, who speaketh grievous things against thee;² thou hast it also under his own hand, for lo he writeth bitter things against thee,