A01898:413
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.
Thirdly, Reason 3 God afflicts in this kind but in case of extremity usually, when he meets with a very froward heart, and stout proud spirit, a knotty piece. Isa. 57. 17. If lesser crosses would do it, he would not fetch out the great rod. If a rod will thresh out the cummin, he useth not to turn the wheel over it, nor take a ••aile to do it. Isa. 28. 27. Now lesser afflictions work with the most of his, through his blessing; mercies work, disgrace works, poverty works, and he doth not willingly afflict, Lamen. 3. 33. And therefore not unnecessarily, he puts not men into the dungeon for every fault; and therefore ⟨p. 78⟩there are few long exercised this way.
Thirdly, Reason 3 God afflicts in this kinde but in case of extremity usually, when hee meets with a very froward heart, and stout proud spirit, a knotty peece. Isa. 57. 17. If lesser crosses would doe it, he would not fetch out the great rod. If a rod will thresh out the cummin, he useth not to turne the wheele over it, nor take a ••aile to doe it. Isa. 28. 27. Now lesser afflictions work with the most of his, through his blessing; mercies work, disgrace works, poverty works, and hee doth not willingly afflict, Lamen. 3. 33. And therefore not unnecessarily, hee puts not men into the dungeon for every fault; and therefore ⟨p. 78⟩there are few long exercised this way.
Think not therefore thou hast not true grace, Use 1 because thou wert never terrified as some have been. As some have true faith and sound peace, who yet never tasted of joy unspeakable and glorious; So some have sound humiliation, who never knew terrors of conscience. If thou seest sin the greatest misery, Christ the greatest good, thou art humbled.