A01898:55
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 the reason of these two last assertions is as evident as the experience thereof.1 For graces in us shine, but with a borrowed light, as the Stars do, with a light borrowed from the Sun. So that, unless God will shine secretly, and give light to thy graces, and irradiate them, thy graces will not appear to comfort thee, nor be at all a witness of Gods favour to assure thee. For our spirit, that is, our graces, never witness alone; but if Gods Spirit joineth not in testimony therewith, it is silent: The Spirit of God witnesseth with our spirits, Rom. 8. 16. Now therefore, when God hath withdrawn his testimony, then the testimony of our hearts, and of our own graces hath no force in it.
And the reason of these two last assertions is as evident as the experience thereof.1 For graces in us shine, but with a borrowed light, as the Starres doe, with a light borrowed from the Sunne. So that, unlesse God will shine secretly, and give light to thy graces, and irradiate them, thy graces will not appeare to comfort thee, nor be at all a witnesse of Gods favour to assure thee. For our spirit, that is, our graces, never witnesse alone; but if Gods Spirit joyneth not in testimony therewith, it is silent: The Spirit of God witnesseth with our spirits, Rom. 8. 16. Now therefore, when God hath withdrawne his testimony, then the testimony of our hearts, and of our owne graces hath no force in it.
- 1The reason of both.
But you will say, Quest. can a man have the exercise of grace and not know it? Fear God, &c. and not discern it?