A20762:3036
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
A guide to godliness or a Treatise of a Christian life showing the duties wherein it consisteth, the helps enabling & the reasons persuading unto it the impediments hindering the practise of it, and the best means to remove them whereunto are added divers prayers and a treatise of carnal security by John Douname Bachelor in Divinity and minister of Gods Word.A guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties wherein it consisteth, the helpes inabling & the reasons parswading vnto it ye impediments hindering ye practise of it, and the best meanes to remoue them whereunto are added diuers prayers and a treatise of carnall securitie by Iohn Douname Batcheler in Diuinitie and minister of Gods Word.
London: printed by Felix Kingstone and William Stansby for Ed, 1622
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.
§. 4 The third sign Pride and self-Confidence.
§. 4 The third signe Pride and self-Confidence.
The third sign, is Pride and self-Confidence; For as the true fear of God and Humility, are always joined together, and are mutual causes one of another, so that the more humble we are the more we fear God, and the more that we fear him the more we humble our selves in his sight, because they both proceed from the same Root and are streams of the same Fountain; namely, the saving Knowledge of Gods Wisdom, Power, Justice, Goodness, Truth, and our own vileness and unworthiness: So Security and Pride accompany one another, neither could we ever be secure, if Pride did not possess our hearts, making us to over-ween our gifts, and to think our estate better then it is. Neither could we ever be lifted up with pride, if Security did not shut our eyes, and stupefy our senses, so as we cannot see or discern, how little cause we have of being exalted, and how great and manifold of dejection and humiliation. So confidence in our selves, as in our own wisdom, strength, merits and worthiness, is a notable sign of carnal security, even as diffidence in our selves, and affiance in God, is a sure sign of his fear; and therefore they are joined by the Psalmist, Ye that fear the Lord, trust in the 1Lord. For who would not think him most deeply secure, who being assaulted by a mighty Enemy armed at all points, should trust in a Reed and paper Buckler, presuming that they are sufficient not only for defence, but also obtaining victory; especially, if at the same time he should refuse Armour of proof, and approved weapons being offered unto him. But such and far greater is their security, who being to fight against, not only worldly Enemies, but spiritual, even the wrath of God, the curse of the Law, and the tentations of the Devil; trust in the bruised Reed of their wisdom and strength, and in the paper Buckler of their own works and worthiness; refusing in the mean time, the sure defence of Gods wisdom, power and gracious assistance, and the all-sufficient Shield of his free Grace and Mercy, and Merits and Obedience of Jesus Christ.