A01898:394
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.
And if it be objected against thee, that if thou ⟨p. 63⟩shouldest be trusted with much assurance, thou wouldest abuse it, and turn it into wantonness; Reply, that if he pleaseth, he can prevent it, by preparing thy heart aforehand for these cordials, so as they shall work most kindly on thee; by writing a law of love towards him in thy heart, which when his love shed abroad shall join with, will work most strongly; and one grain of it have more force to purge out sin, to constrain, and strengthen to obedience, then a pound of terrors. And (say,) that though thou hast indeed a stubborn and self-loving heart, yet he can make his loving kindness overcome it,1 for it is stronger then death: (say) thou hast love in thee (which runs out enough to other things) if he would be pleased to win it to himself: Suggest how that that soul mentioned, Isa. 57. had as stout and stubborn an heart as thou, and went on frowardly, notwithstanding all thy terrors: and yet (oh Lord) thou tookest mother course with him, and didst heal him again, and that by comforts (I will heal him (says God there,) and restore comforts to him, ver. 17, 18.) and that so if he please, he may deal with thee.
And if it bee objected against thee, that if thou ⟨p. 63⟩shouldest bee trusted with much assurance, thou wouldest abuse it, and turne it into wantonnesse; Reply, that if he pleaseth, he can prevent it, by preparing thy heart aforehand for these cordials, so as they shall worke most kindly on thee; by writing a law of love towards him in thy heart, which when his love shed abroad shall joyne with, will worke most strongly; and one graine of it have more force to purge out sinne, to constraine, and strengthen to obedience, then a pound of terrors. And (say,) that though thou hast indeed a stubborn and selfe-loving heart, yet he can make his loving kindnesse overcome it,1 for it is stronger then death: (say) thou hast love in thee (which runs out enough to other things) if he would be pleased to winne it to himselfe: Suggest how that that soule mentioned,