A16314:65
The carnal professor Discovering the woeful slavery of a man guidedThe carnall professor Discovering the wofull slavery of a man guided
The carnal professor Discovering the woeful slavery of a man guided by the flesh. Distinguishing a true spiritual Christian that walks close with God, from all formalists in religion, rotten hearted hypocrites, and empty powerless professors whatsoever. By that faithful servant of Christ, Robert Bolton B.D. late preacher in Northampton Shire.The carnall professor Discovering the wofull slavery of a man guided by the flesh. Distinguishing a true spirituall Christian that walkes close with God, from all formalists in religion, rotten hearted hypocrites, and empty powerlesse professors whatsoever. By that faithfull servant of Christ, Robert Bolton B.D. late preacher in Northampton Shire.
London: printed by Miles Flesher for R. Dawlman, 1634
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.
6. Consider the strength §6and power of this sin, to bring about what ever it hath projected for the advancement of Satan's kingdom,1 it reigns like a King, and hath the strength of a law in our members, 2and a law without strength is no Law, for Laws are made to bind and keep men in order; therefore the wicked are called servants to sin, 3and the best of us all are captives, that is, unwilling servants. So much flesh ⟨p. 58⟩as remains in any man, so much disability he hath to withstand sin. The choicest vessel of mercy and most peculiar Saint of God, is no way able to keep his standing as of himself, for this is certain, that to be preserved from the strength of our own lusts, we have not only use of the good graces which God hath given us already, but of a continual support and underpropping. Grace in the best (here) is but like the putting of hot water into cold, which may be warmed for a time, but yet presently returns to its former temper, cold is predominant, however the ⟨p. 59⟩preserving of fire under it keeps it hot for the present. It is not the Grace which any of us receive can overcome sin in us, if God should there stop, and leave us to our selves, without a fresh supply; that which preserves us is his promise of never failing us of healing our back slidings, 4and following us with his mercy all our days. 5For grace doth not only prevent a wicked man to make him righteous, but follows him, lest he become wicked again.
6. Consider the strength §6and power of this sinne, to bring about what ever it hath projected for the advancement of Sathans kingdome,