A62040:1050
The works of George Swinnock, M.A
The works of George Swinnock, M.A. containing these several treatises ...
London: printed by J.B. for Tho. Parkhurst, 1665
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Chapter 9: Means whereby Christians may exercise themselves to Godliness; A good Foundation: L•vin…
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.
Therefore Reader, Above all take the shield of Faith, whereby thou mayst quench the fiery darts of the wicked one, Ephes. 6. 16. Goats in the Island of Crete, when they are stricken with a dart, do seek for the Herb Dittany, which will cause the dart to fall out; Truly, such juice hath Faith, that it makes all the darts which Satan shoots at the Christian ineffectual.
Therefore Reader, Above all take the shield of Faith, whereby thou mayst quench the fiery darts of the wicked one, Ephes. 6. 16. Goats in the Island of Creet, when they are stricken with a dart, do seek for the Hearb Dittany, which will cause the dart to fall out; Truly, such juice hath Faith, that it makes all the darts which Satan shoots at the Christian ineffectual.
3. Faith enableth to conquer the flesh. The great Apostle who lived by Faith, brought under his body, and crucified the flesh. Faith seeth the safety of the body to consist in its subordination to the soul, and that the only way to save the life, is at Gods call to lose it; By faith Abraham left his Kindred and Country, and obeyed, and went out, not knowing whither he went, Heb. 11. 8. Indeed, the flesh is the worst enemy of the three, partly in that it is so near us, always about us, so that we can as well fly from our selves as from it. A Traitor in the Bed chamber, is much more dangerous then one in open arms against us in the Field. A Snake in the bosom, is like to do more hurt then one under the grass; partly in that it knoweth our minds exactly, and so can temper its poison suitable to our Palates; but Faith can discover its secret conspiracies, and prevent their execution. Though it dig its mines never so closely, and covertly, and craftily, Faith will find them out and countermine them.
3. Faith enableth to conquer the flesh. The great Apostle who lived by Faith, brought under his body, and crucified the flesh. Faith seeth the safety of the body to consist in its subordination to the soul, and that the onely way to save the life, is at Gods call to lose it; By faith Abraham left his Kindred and Country, and obeyed, and went out, not knowing whither he went,