A20762:3219
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.
§. 6 Of the continuance and perpetuity of spiritual security.
§. 6 Of the continuance and perpetuitie of spirituall securitie.
Sixthly, I add the continuance and perpetuity of the Christians security, not for a spint alone like carnal security, till the conscience be awakened with the threatenings of the Law, or the smart of Gods severe Judgements; but in all estates, and at all times, though not always alike and in the same proportion, in his sense and feeling. In which respect the Christian findeth it to increase or diminish, as he thriveth or decayeth in those graces which are the causes, which both breed and nourish it, and as he is more diligent and careful, or more negligent and remiss in using the means whereby it is obtained and preserved. But when the Christian thriveth in spiritual grace, is watchful over all his ways, and endeavoureth in all things to please and serve God, and so preserveth inwardly peace with him and peace of conscience, then is there no outward thing that can disturb his peace, or deprive him of his spiritual security which he hath in the assurance of Gods favour and protection, but he constantly retaineth it at all times, and in all estates, and enjoyeth secure peace in the middest of wars and troubles, and a quiet calm in the greatest storms and tempests of worldly calamities. As for example, in the time of extremest dangers he is secure and safe, as though there were no peril approaching; so as he can say with David; I laid me down and slept; 1I awaked, for the Lord sustained me; I will not be afraid for ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. The Lord 2is my light and salvation, whom shall I fear? the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this I will be confident. And with the Church: God is our refuge and strength, a very 3