A03599:380
The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of…The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of…
The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of adoption and trial thereof. In three treatises on the texts following: viz. Matt. 16.24. 2 Cor. 13.5. John 1.12,13. By T.H.The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of adoption and triall thereof. In three treatises on the texts following: viz. Matt. 16.24. 2 Cor. 13.5. Iohn 1.12,13. By T.H.
London: printed by T. Badger for P. Stephens and C. Meredith, 1640
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
1 Satan's cunning, that where he cannot prevail ⟨p. 209⟩to rock men asleep in security, there he assaults them with false fears, to make their lives uncomfortable to them, and drive them, if it be possible to despair; this is not the least of his stratagems.
1 Sathans cunning, that where hee cannot prevaile ⟨p. 209⟩to rocke men asleepe in security, there hee assaults them with false feares, to make their lives uncomfortable to them, and drive them, if it bee possible to despaire; this is not the least of his stratagems.
2 A confusion in our judgement from the remnant of our corrupt nature whereunto we are other whiles for just causes given over of God; whereby we are not able distinctly to apprehend the work of grace in our selves, but even deem our selves reprobates when we are highly in Gods favour.
2 A confusion in our judgement from the remnant of our corrupt nature whereunto we are other whiles for just causes given over of God; whereby wee are not able distinctly to apprehend the worke of grace in our selves, but even deeme our selves reprobates when wee are highly in Gods favour.
Reason 1 The reason of this proceeding of God is, that so he may keep pride and security from mens hearts, whereinto they are apt to fall, even when they taste most deeply of Gods favour; for by this concealment from a man what his estate is indeed, the Lord keeps the heart in humility, in a more frequent and reverend use of his ordinances, Word, Sacraments, and Prayer: and if it be wisdom in an earthly father that he useth a concealment of his love, and what he will do for his son hereafter; sometimes he casts a frowning countenance, makes him believe he will do little for him, when he minds him most good, and all this to keep him in a child-like obedience: so in like manner, why may we not conceive that the privy carriage of Gods love to us may be of excellent use for our good: and so much I doubt not, but whosoever shall observe in themselves, they shall find their hearts much bettered, and the graces of Gods spirit more quickened in them by such spiritual exercises.