A09466:26
A treatise tending unto a declaration whether a man be in the estate of…A treatise tending vnto a declaration whether a man be in the estate of…
A treatise tending unto a declaration whether a man be in the estate of damnation or in the estate of grace and if he be in the first, how he may in time come out of it: if in the second, how he may discern it, and persevere in the same to the end. The points that are handled are set down in the page following.A treatise tending vnto a declaration whether a man be in the estate of damnation or in the estate of grace and if he be in the first, how he may in time come out of it: if in the second, how he maie discerne it, and perseuere in the same to the end. The points that are handled are set downe in the page following.
London: printed by R. Robinson for T. Gubbin, 1590
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.
IIII
And by reason of this light of nature, a mere natural man, and a reprobate may be subject to some temptations, for example, he may be tempted of the Devil, and of his own corrupt flesh, to believe that there is no God at all. As Ovid saith of himself, Eleg. 3. 8. Sollicitor nullos esse putare deos. I am often tempted to think there is no God.
And by reason of this light of nature, a meere natural man, and a reprobate may be subiect to some temptations, for example, he may be tempted of the Deuill, and of his owne corrupt flesh, to beleeue that there is no God at all. As Ouid saith of himselfe, Eleg. 3. 8. Sollicitor nullos esse putare deos. I am often tempted to thinke there is no God.
V
The reprobate for all this knowledge, in his heart may be an Atheist, as David saith: cthe fool hath said in his heart there is no God. And a man may now a days find houses and towns full of such fools: Nay, this glimmering light of nature; except it be preserved with good bringing up, with diligent instruction, and with good company, it will be so darkened, that a man shall know very little, and lead a life like a very beast: as experience telleth, and David knew very well: who saith,