A01898:414
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.
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.
Think not therefore thou hast not true grace, Vse 1 because thou wert never terrified as some have been. As some have true faith and sound peace, who yet never tasted of joy unspeakeable 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.
You see we may often preach such things which do yet concern but a few in a congregation, Use 2 and yet we are to preach them: There are but a few walk long in darkness, yet to such Christ doth preach: Yea, and for such doth God give gifts, the tongue of the learned. God often gives a Pastor after his own heart for a few. Jer. 3. 15. Take one or two of a City, &c. & I will give them Pastors after my heart: much more are many Sermons often preached but to a few. So even by Christ himself, as he says, Luke 4. 26. There were many widows, &c. but unto none was Elijah sent, but unto her at Sarepta: and many Lepers, but unto none was Elijah sent, but unto Naaman. So says Christ, I am sent but to a few; and therefore as we must not defraud one poor soul of its portion, because none else partake of it: so the rest are not to think much: but as in a Dole, stay till their portion come; and if any one poor soul hath had his estate discovered, all the rest are to be thankful.
You see wee may often preach such things which doe yet concerne but a few in a congregation, Vse 2 and yet wee are to preach them: There are but a few walk long in darknesse, yet to such Christ doth preach: Yea, and for such doth God give gifts, the tongue of the learned. God often gives a Pastor after his own heart for a few.