A01898:411
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.
First, Reason 1 Because though all Gods people are fighting men, and men of valour, yet he hath but a few champions, as David though he had many soldiers, yet but few Worthies; and therefore calls but a few out to fight single combats with satan and his wrath; though he exerciseth them all in lighter skirmishes, yet not to fight such bloody battles. Seest thou not my servant Job, there is none like him? him God will venture into the field, but others his friends he will not.
First, Reason 1 Because though all Gods people are fighting men, and men of valour, yet hee hath but a few champions, as David though he had many souldiers, yet but few Worthies; and therefore calls but a few out to fight single combats with satan and his wrath; though he exerciseth them all in lighter skirmishes, yet not to fight such bloudy battels. Seest thou not my servant Iob, there is none like him? him God will venture into the field, but others his friends hee will not.
Secondly, Reason 2 as he hath few champions able and ⟨p. 77⟩fit for such an encounter, so he hath variety of other temptations to exercise his withal; he hath poverty, and ill report, imprisonment, and cruel mockings, loss of goods, crosses in friends, and some have enough to struggle under one of these; and there is no temptation but must befall some, and seldom all befall one: some spirits are so weak, as they would faint, and not be able to sustain themselves: and God never suffers any to be tempted above what they are able, 1 Cor. 10. 13. Some mens bodies are weak, and if God should rebuke them long for sin, they would be brought to nothing; and he remembers they are flesh, and stirs not up all his wrath, as David says, Oh suffer me to recover strength. Some men God hath present use of in their callings and employments, which if they were distracted (as Heman was) with terrors continually, they were unfit for.