A69129:637
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.
The third Question is, how a man may discern whether a temptation have prevailed against him yea or no?
The third Question is, how a man may discerne whether a temptation have prevailed against him yea or no?
16. A•s. First, this is not to be judged from hence that1 a man is either troubled in his mind, or doth retain his calmness. For a vexation of mind for the most part, which follows upon foul temptations, is not only no sign of their prevailing, but is also a demonstration of a sanctified heart, and a quiet security doth often times show that the temptation hath prevailed. The reason is because the opposition which is apparent in this perturbation▪ is a sign that there is some thing in the soul contrary to the temptation, and a quietness doth betray some consent. For water is not troubled by the pouring in of water but by the casting in of fire. He which finds least trouble is in most danger, Luke 11: 21. So Ananias and Sapphira were quiet, Act. 5. 3. 8. But Paul found a great deal of inward trouble, Ro. 7. 24. 2 Cor. 12. 7, 8. ⟨p. 45⟩But if this trouble be such that it drives away a man from God, and doth not rather stir up to seek him, it is not to be allowed or cherished, for then the temptation is, (although not directly and of its own nature) yet indirectly and through the perverseness of our nature; effectual, and the tempter hath obtained his desire.
16. A•s. First, this is not to be judg'd from hence that