A01898:420
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.
The Use is, Use 1 to meet with that conceit that befalls all that are in darkness: they think that of all men else, God regards not them. Zion said, God hath forgotten me, Esa. 49. 15. So David, God hath forgotten to be merciful. Because they find their hearts hard to God, they think that his is so to them: because they can find no love in their hearts to God, they think he bears none to them: but you see Christ especially enquires for such, and over-looks all others else. God hath graven thee on the palms of his hands: every sigh of thine goes to his bowels. Esa. 59. 15. I dwell with him that is broken, to revive his spirit. God is nigh him.
The Vse is, Vse 1 to meet with that conceit that befalls all that are in darknesse: they think that of all men else, God regards not them. Sion said, God hath forgotten me, Esa. 49. 15. So David, God hath forgotten to be mercifull. Because they finde their hearts hard to God, they think that his is so to them: because they can finde no love in their hearts to God, they think hee beares none to them: but you see Christ especially enquires for such, and over-looks all others else. God hath graven thee on the palmes of his hands: every sigh of thine goes to his bowels. Esa. 59. 15. I dwell with him that is broken, to revive his spirit. God is nigh him.
Second Use is, Use 2 Are Gods eyes upon us more when we are in trouble of spirit, then on any other, then let our eyes be upon him: We cannot tell what to do, but our eyes are towards thee. Let our eyes be towards him for help, as of those that looked on the brazen serpent: let our eyes be towards him for service, as the eyes of hand-maidens are on their mistress: to look not to men, not to credit, but to have our eyes on God in all we do, as if if there were none else in the world, to approve our selves unto.