A41536:286
The trial of a Christians growth in mortification, purging out corruption, or vivification, bringing…The tryall of a Christians growth in mortification, purging out corruption, or vivification, bringing…
The trial of a Christians growth in mortification, purging out corruption, or vivification, bringing forth more fruit a treatise handling this case, how to discern our growth in grace : affording some helps rightly to judge thereof by resolving some tentations, clearing some mistakes, answering some questions, about spiritual growth : together with other observations upon the Parable of the vine, John 15. 1, 2 verses / by Tho. Goodwin.The tryall of a Christians growth in mortification, purging out corruption, or vivification, bringing forth more fruit a treatise handling this case, how to discerne our growth in grace : affording some helps rightly to judge thereof by resolving some tentations, clearing some mistakes, answering some questions, about spiritual growth : together with other observations upon the Parable of the vine, John 15. 1, 2 verses / by Tho. Goodwin.
London: printed by J.G. for R. Dawlman, 1650
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.
First, that it is certain, that so much corruption as at such a time and in such a fit a man felt a stirring in him, so much indeed and in truth there is of corruption in his heart; for the devil can put none in, but only acts, and doth improve what is there already: for as that speech of Christ implies, Satan can work but according to the matter he findeth in us: (He cometh and findeth no matter in me) the wind adds no water to the sea, only can make the waves to rise, and surge; the fire adds nothing to the water, when it is set upon it, but attenuates it only, and causeth it to boil. And so in Hezekiah when he was cast into that fit of pride, the Text says, That it was that he might know all that was in his heart, 2 Chron. 32. 31. It was in his heart before.
First, that it is certaine, that so much corruption as at such a time and in such a fit a man felt a stirring in him, so much indeed and in truth there is of corruption in his heart; for the devill can put none in, but onely acts, and doth improve what is there already: for as that speech of Christ implyes, Satan can work but according to the matter he findeth in us: (He commeth and findeth no matter in me) the wind adds no water to the sea, onely can make the waves to rise, and surge; the fire adds nothing to the water, when it is set upon it, but attenuates it onely, and causeth it to boile. And so in Hezekiah when he was cast into that fit of pride, the Text sayes, That it was that he might know all that was in his heart,