A guide to godliness or a Treatise of a Christian life showing the dutiesA guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties

§. 3 Of the differences between carnal security in the Faithful and Wicked: and first, in respect of their causes.

§. 3 Of the differences betweene carnall securitie in the Faithfull and Wicked: and first, in respect of their causes.

And thus we see, that howsoever the carnal security of the wicked and godly, are alike in many things, yet there are divers main differences between them, though it be considered in the regenerate in the highest degree, and so insensible that it depriveth them of all sense and spiritual feeling of their dangerous estate and condition. But if we compare that carnal security, which is ordinarily in the regenerate, and is more subdued and abated by the Spirit of God, with that which is in the unregenerate Worldlings, we shall find that the differences between them are many, and much more perspicuous and easy to be discerned. For first, they differ in respect of their causes from which they spring, not so much because they are divers in their nature, for, for the most part, they are the same, even the same flesh and natural corruption, and the same fruits which arise from it, but in respect of their divers measure and degree. For the security of the unregenerate, is a fruit of flesh in its full strength and vigour; but that of the regenerate, as it is mortified, weakened and subdued to the spiritual part. That proceedeth from palpable ignorance, from utter forgetfulness, and total neglect of God in his saving Attributes, which are the only causes that work Gods fear in our hearts; and so ⟨p. 28⟩reigneth and ruleth in them without opposition and resistance, like a King in his Throne: But this ariseth from these causes as they are abated, opposed, and in part subdued by their contrary virtues, the Knowledge, Remembrance and Consideration of God and his Attributes, of Wisdom, Justice, Power, Mercy and Goodness. And therefore being much weakened in its natural strength, like the causes of it; it doth not usually in Hostile manner assault us in the open Field; but like a Tyrant deposed from his Regency, or a sly Rebel that wanteth force, it secretly and cunningly stealeth upon us, insinuateth and windeth it self into our hearts at unawares, when we least suspect it, and fighteth against the fear of God out of ambushments and upon advantages, and sometimes giveth it the foil, and for a time maketh it give place; but being renewed and strengthened by the Spirit of God, it re-encountereth carnal security, driveth it from its Holds, and again bringeth it under subjection.