A01898:332
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
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.
Direction 4.
The fourth direction is, to make diligent search into, and to call to remembrance what formerly hath been between God and you: The remembrance of former things doth often uphold, when present sense fails. This David practised, in the like case Psal. 77. ver. 5, 6. when his soul had refused comfort, (as I told you) v. 2. yet in the end he began not only to be willing to listen to what might make for him, but set himself awork to recall to mind, to consider the days of old, to make diligent search, namely into the records and register of Gods dealings, ver. 11. to see if there were never a record extant which might help him, now the devil pleaded against his title: even as if your houses and lands were called into question, you would search over old writings & deeds; so do you in this: I considered (says he) the songs in the night, (that is) that joyful communion he had enjoyed with God when God and he sang songs together, and I communed with mine own heart, and made diligent search ⟨p. 29⟩I tossed and tumbled over my heart, to see if no grace formerly had been there, and if no grace at present were there; he searched into what might comfort him, as well as into the causes might provoke God thus to deal with him, for I take it both may be meant.
THe fourth direction is, to make diligent search into, and to call to remembrance what formerly hath beene between God and you: The remembrance of former things doth often uphold, when present sense failes. This David practised, in the like case Psal. 77. ver. 5, 6