A01898:127
A child of light walking in darknessA childe of light vvalking in darknesse
A child of light walking in darkness: or A treatise showing the causes, by which God leaves his children to distress of conscience. The cases, wherein [God leaves his children to distress of conscience.] The ends, for which [God leaves his children to distress of conscience.] Together with directions how to come forth of such a condition: with other observations upon Isaiah 50. 10, and 11. verses. By Tho: Goodwin B.D.A childe of light vvalking in darknesse: or A treatise shewing the causes, by which God leaves his children to distresse of conscience. The cases, wherein [God leaves his children to distresse of conscience.] The ends, for which [God leaves his children to distresse of conscience.] Together vvith directions how to come forth of such a condition: vvith other observations upon Esay 50. 10, and 11. verses. By Tho: Goodwin B.D.
London: printed by Miles for R. Dawlman and L. Fawne, 1636
Part 1 › Chapter 6 › 1. In general.Part 1 › Chapter 6 › 1. In generall.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Satan having thus obtained leave;1 now 3. to show how able and powerful he is to work darkness in us,2 I need not much insist on. His physical and natural power to work upon our spirits, by his creation as he is angel, is exceeding great. We are a middle sort of creatures between them and beasts; beasts being merely corporeal, they merely spiritual, man between both; He made us a little inferior to the Angels, Heb. 2. though but a little, yet inferior: and in respect of that inferiority we are exposed to their working and crafty wiles. The great advantage they have hereby over us, the Apostle insinuates when he says, We have not to do with flesh and blood, 3but spiritual wickednesses; that is, with spirits, in abilities transcending the power of flesh and blood: for flesh is used to express weakness when it is thus compared (as here) with Spirit, so Isaiah 31. 3. Therefore they are there also called, as Principalities for their authority; so Powers for their natural abilities; and that to work upon us: For it is spoken in that relation. All which power, how great soever in him at his first creation, is now become the power of darkness; and so called, because most powerful that way, namely, to cause and work darkness in us: and though he can for a need transform himself into an angel of light, by deluding his deceived enthusiasts with false joys; yet therein he doth but act a ⟨p. 53⟩part, it is but forced; but to show himself an angel of darkness, by terrifying and affrighting weak consciences, this is natural now to him; His power lies most in this. Therefore his title further, is the ruler of darkness: and also he is called that strong man; strong as to keep peace, Luke 11. 21. in those he deceives with a false peace; so to make war & commotions in us when he is cast out. We are bidden therefore to stand upon our guard, and to look that we have on the whole armour of God, that we may be able to stand against his wiles.