A01898:128
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.
Only in the fourth place,1 though Satan hath never so much power,2 yet the advantage and exercise of this his power to work those disquietments in us, is by reason of that sinful darkness which is in us. We may say, that as, unless he had power from above, that is, from God; so nor unless he had furtherance from beneath, even from those principles of guilt and darkness in us aforementioned, he could not disquiet us. Satan cometh (saith Christ) but hath nothing in me; a commission he had, and therefore came; but he had nothing of his Image, or of the guilt of any of his works, to work upon in Christ; & therefore could effect nothing at all upon his spirit. That therefore which gives him privilege, scope, and matter to work thus upon us, is something within us; there being even in the best something which doth belong to his jurisdiction, which maketh their spirits fit subjects for his temptations to take upon. In the 6. chap. to the Ephes. v. 12. They are called the rulers of the darkness of this world: and Coloss. 1. 12, 13. Their power is called the power of darkness; so as darkness is his territories, ⟨p. 54⟩dominion, & jurisdiction: for it is his work, and his image, without which he could have no power at all with us. But by reason of this remaining darkness he hath a double advantage over us.
Onely in the fourth place,1 though Satan hath never so much power,2 yet the advantage and exercise of this his power to work those disquietments in us, is by reason of that sinfull darknesse which is in us. Wee may say, that as, unlesse he had power from above, that is, from God; so nor unlesse he had furtherance from beneath, even from those principles of guilt and darknesse in us aforementioned, hee could not disquiet us. Satan commeth (saith Christ) but hath nothing in me; a commission he had, and therefore came; but hee had nothing of his Image, or of the guilt of any of his workes, to work upon in Christ; & therfore could effect nothing at all upon his spirit. That therefore which gives him priviledge, scope, and matter to work thus upon us, is somthing within us; there being even in the best something which doth belong to his jurisdiction, which maketh their spirits fit subjects for his temptations to take upon. In the 6. chap. to the