A10659:324
Three treatises of the vanity of the creature. The sinfulness of sin. The life…Three treatises of the vanity of the creature. The sinfulnesse of sinne. The life…
Three treatises of the vanity of the creature. The sinfulness of sin. The life of Christ. Being the substance of several sermons preached at Lincolns Inn: by Edward Reynolds, preacher to that honourable society, and late fellow of Merton College in Oxford.Three treatises of the vanity of the creature. The sinfulnesse of sinne. The life of Christ. Being the substance of severall sermons preached at Lincolns Inne: by Edward Reynoldes, preacher to that honourable society, and late fellow of Merton Colledge in Oxford.
London: printed by Felix Kyngston for Robert Bostocke, 1631
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.
But you will say these are good encouragements to him that knows How to do this work; but how shall I that am Ignorant, and impotent know how to suppress and keep down so strong an enemy with any patience or constancy that all this works in me? To this I answer, first consider wherein mainly the strength of lust ⟨p. 218⟩lies, and then apply your preventions and oppositions accordingly.
But you will say these are good encouragements to him that knowes How to do this worke; but how shall I that am Ignorant, and impotent know how to suppresse and keepe downe so strong an enemie with any patience or constancy that all this workes in me? To this I answere, first consider wherein mainely the strength of lust ⟨p. 218⟩lies, and then applie your preventions and oppositions accordingly.
The strength of lust is in these particulars. First, it's wisdom and cunning craftiness, whereby it lies in wait,1 and is upon the catch of every advantage to set forward its own ends. Secondly, it's suggestions, persuasions, titillations, treaties, flatteries, dalliances with the soul, which like the smiles of a harlot entice, and allure the heart to condescend to some experience and practice2 with it: Thus Eve being deceived fell into the transgression. For the suggestion quickly begets delight, and delight as easily grows into consent, and when the Will like the Master-Fort is taken, the inferior members […] no longer stand out. Thirdly, its promises and presumptions, its threatenings and affrightments: for Hopes and fear as are the edges of temptation. Lust seldom or never prevails, till it have begotten some expectation of fruit in it, till it can propose some wages and pleasures of iniquity, 3