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

some have had a false & a counterfeit work before; some were never enlightened until savingly; and this variety affords rise, & occasion for several temptations. So as what kind of work any other Christian hath had, is apt to be made an exception to another that wants it. I was never thus humbled says one, nor I thus comforted says another; I had a sudden violent work indeed, which came in like a spring tide, but now the tide is fallen, and my first love abated, says a third; I had some workings and enlightenings heretofore says another, and I was deceived then, and I may be so ⟨p. 61⟩now also; and so he hath that vast tusk set him, to compare a counterfeit work with a true. Thus every several way of working lies open to several exceptions; and as we say, that every calling earthly hath its several and proper temptations: to the several ways and manner of effecting this calling heavenly, have their several veins and currents of temptations. All which Satan knows, and hath often traced; and accordingly knows how to sit them to men, and to prosecute them the most advantageous way. So in like manner he takes the compass of every mans knowledge, notions, and apprehensions; according unto which, as our knowledge is more or less, we are also capable of several temptations. Many reasonings and objections, which like small hail-shot could not reach, or make any dint at all upon men of parts and knowledge, that soar high out of the gun-shot of them; and who have on the whole armour of God, as the Apostle speaks Ephes. 6. are in complete armour, abounding in all faith and knowledge; yet are fittest to level with, at such as are more ignorant, and fly low, and have but some few broken pieces of that armour to defend some parts with: but on the contrary those other of his great shot, which he dischargeth on men of knowledge, they would be shot, and clean fly over the others heads, and not come near such smaller vessels. All in Thyatira knew not Satan's depths, nor were capable of them, Rev. 2. 24. Thus ignorance, and want of knowledge of the meaning of the Scriptures, and of the ways of grace chalked forth therein, how doth Satan abuse, to the disquietment of many poor and good ⟨p. 62⟩souls that want much knowledge, by putting false glosses on them? how many weak souls do stick in shallows, and are sometimes a long while […] with gross mistakes?