A26812:13
The upright Christian discovered
The upright Christian discovered by keeping himself from his iniquity, and resignation to the divine will. By way of question and answer. Gathered out of the judicious treatises of William Bates, D.D.
London: printed for Jonathan Robinson, 1693
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.
The Moral Causes of special Sins are to be found in the several Callings wherein Men are engaged. In these, Satan lays his Snares. Secondly, In the opposite states of Prosperity and Adversity. Both of which have their special Temptations adherent; long trains of them. Thirdly, In the Society that we converse with. Company that we choose, discovers us unto others, and may discover us unto our selves. Fourthly, In the Quality of the Times wherein we live. There are Days named Evil, in respect of Temptations concomitant, which will require great circumspection to preserve our innocence. And in these, our swimming with the Stream, or resisting the Torrent, will discover much of our hearts. It was Jehoshaphat's honour, that he walked in the Commandments of the Lord, and not according to the doings in Israel.
The Moral Causes of special Sins are to be found in the several Callings wherein Men are engaged. In these, Satan lays his Snares. Secondly, In the opposite states of Prosperity and Adversity. Both of which have their special Temptations adherent; long trains of them. Thirdly, In the Society that we converse with. Company that we chuse, discovers us unto others, and may discover us unto our selves. Fourthly, In the Quality of the Times wherein we live. There are Days named Evil, in respect of Temptations concomitant, which will require great circumspection to preserve our innocence. And in these, our swimming with the Stream, or resisting the Torrent, will discover much of our hearts. It was Jehosaphat's honour, that he walked in the Commandments of the Lord, and not according to the doings in Israel.
The Effects of peculiar Sin, by which it is made known, are now to be considered; 1. The Sin that is frequently and easily committed, and is difficultly retracted, that Sin is a Man's own peculiar one. Frequent Actions are from Dispositions strongly bent. And when the power of a Temptation is quick and speedy, the sinful inclination must needs be strong. Add, that it must surely be a Darling-Lust that controls the efficacy of the Principles of Conscience concerning Good and Evil. 2. That Lust to which others are subservient, has the supremacy in the Heart. Sins do serve one another. Covetousness serves Pride; and Pride is his Sin who robs and oppresses for Money wherewith to support his State and Pomp. 3. It is the darling Corruption that engrosses the Thoughts. When the Mind is in continual exercise to compass Riches, Covetousness is then the reigning Passion. 4. The