A01898:86
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 as in these,1 so in other works and dispensations of Gods Spirit, it is ordinary for Satan and our hearts to practise the like delusions, and false conclusions upon them. To instance in those more common and inferior works of the Spirit on the hearts of men, not as yet savingly regenerated: The Spirit enlightening them, together with impressions of joy, and a taste of sweetness in the promises of the Gospel, and of salvation revealed therein, which under a condition of true repentance and conversion, the Spirit of God doth make the offer and tender of Known unto their hearts. Thus he wrought upon the stony ground, and in the Jews by Johns ministry: John 5. 35. which light, and taste, and revelation of this conditional proffer, tending in a way unto salvation, by alluring their hearts to seek it, they often through Satan's abuse of this good work, and the self-flattery of their own hearts, do too hastily take to be that grace which accompanies salvation, 2on which hath salvation annexed to it: from which, the Apostle by that very expression, Heb. 6. 9. doth difference those enlightenings, ver. 4. They thus mistaking these works precursory to grace, even as the Jews mistook John, that was but sent before to prepare the way for Christ, to be that very true Christ that was to come into the world: and misunderstanding the intendment of Gods most blessed Spirit in such his dealings, they make up too hasty a conclusion not meant by the Spirit in those promises.
And as in these,1 so in other workes and dispensations of Gods Spirit, it is ordinary for Satan and our hearts to practise the like delusions, and false conclusions upon them. To instance in those more common and inferiour workes of the Spirit on the hearts of men, not as yet savingly regenerated: The Spirit enlightning them, together with impressions of joy, and a tast of sweetnesse in the promises of the Gospell, and of salvation revealed therein, which under a condition of true repentance and conversion, the Spirit of God doth make the offer and tender of Knowne unto their hearts. Thus hee wrought upon the stony ground, and in the Iewes by Iohns ministery: