A69129:1122
Conscience with the Power and Cases Thereof
Conscience with the power and cases thereof Divided into V. books. Written by the godly and learned, William Ames, Doctor, and Professor of Divinity, in the famous University of Franeker in Friesland. Translated out of Latin into English, for more public benefit.Conscience with the power and cases thereof Devided into V. bookes. Written by the godly and learned, William Ames, Doctor, and Professor of Divinity, in the famous University of Franeker in Friesland. Translated out of Latine into English, for more publique benefit.
Leiden and London : Imprinted W. Christiaens, E. Griffin, J. Dawson, Anno MDCXXIX 1639Leyden and London : Imprinted W. Christiaens, E. Griffin, J. Dawson, Anno MDCXXIX 1639
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.
2. Ans. There's a threefold thought of the heart about that which is evil. 1. In the bare and simple apprehending of evil.1 2. When with that apprehension there's joined some motion of the heart to consent to the evil. 3. When there is a full approbation of and consent unto the evil. In the first of these there is of it self no sin. For it was in Christ. Mat. 4. 1. Hence it is rightly said to know evil is not evil. But the other two kinds of thoughts are not without sin. For the third none makes question, and for the second the Scripture is plain. James 1. 14. Where we are also taught how to distinguish those thoughts which are evil from others, namely when some thought about an evil thing begins in the least manner to draw us towards it, when we begin to nibble upon it and are tickled with it. The reason is because then it begins in some sort to be received by us, and stick in all, so ⟨p. 93⟩that the evil of which we think becomes in a sort ours whilst we begin to be moved towards it as towards an object betwixt which and us there's some agreement. For although we stop here and proceed not, to a full consent: yet even this fasten's some blot and defilement upon us (now we ought to have such a care of our souls which were made after Gods Image, that we keep them pure from all even from the least pollution and defilement. For it is well observed by a great author that every man is appointed by God to keep, and defend his own heart as Soldiers are sometimes appointed to defend a Castle, or Town against the enemies. If therefore without seeking of any aid, and without expecting succour from GOD he should upon the first attempt of the enemy yield up this Castle, he commits manifest treason. What then shall we say, if he should give up the Keys of this Castle before there be any assault made? now the Keys of the Castle are the thoughts. For these open the heart, and let in the devil. Certainly, he which voluntarily gives this Key to the Devil shall never be able to clear himself from guilt of treason. Now a man delivers this Key to the Devil, as oft as he gives up his thoughts into the Devils hands, or frames his thoughts to the Devils will. The rolling of the thoughts in the mind is like the turning of the Key in the Lock to open it.