A75287:472
Media: the middle things, in reference to the first and last things: or, The…
Media: the middle things, in reference to the first and last things: or, The means, duties, ordinances, both secret, private and public, for continuance and increase of a godly life, once begun, till we come to Heaven. Wherein are discovered many blessed medium's or duties, in their right method, manner and proceedings; that so a Christian (the spirit of Christ assisting) may walk on in the holy path, which leads from his new birth to everlasting life. / Drawn, for the most part, out of the most eminently pious, and learned writings of our native practical divines: with additionals of his own, by Isaac Ambrose, minister of the Gospel at Preston in Amoundernes.Media: the middle things, in reference to the first and last things: or, The means, duties, ordinances, both secret, private and publike, for continuance and increase of a godly life, once begun, till we come to Heaven. Wherein are discovered many blessed medium's or duties, in their right method, manner and proceedings; that so a Christian (the spirit of Christ assisting) may walk on in the holy path, which leads from his new birth to everlasting life. / Drawn, for the most part, out of the most eminently pious, and learned writings of our native practical divines: with additionals of his own, by Isaac Ambrose, minister of the Gospel at Preston in Amoundernes.
London: printed by John Field for Nathanael Webb and William Grantham, 1649London: printed by John Field for Nathanaell Webb and William Grantham, 1649
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.
3. When the deceitful heart is more narrowly watched: Hath it cozened us once and again? Experience hereof will ⟨p. 90⟩breed in us a godly jealousy and suspicion over our hearts; we are now conscious of our own weakness, and of the snare that is in every creature, to take and entangle us; and this will make waking Believers circumspect and careful, how they entertain evil motions, how they keep up holy thoughts, how they perform holy duties, how their affections move towards that which is above, lest they should miscarry upon the sands.
3. When the deceitful heart is more narrowly watched: Hath it cozened us once and again? Experience hereof will ⟨p. 90⟩breed in us a godly jealousie and suspition over our hearts; we are now conscious of our own weakness, and of the snare that is in every creature, to take and entangle us; and this will make waking Believers circumspect and careful, how they entertain evil motions, how they keep up holy thoughts, how they perform holy duties, how their affections move towards that which is above, lest they should miscarry upon the sands.
4. When Satan's suggestions are more watchfully resisted, this is the voice of Experience in such a case, Doth Satan furiously assail us? be not dismayed; Are his temptations most fierce? be we most diligent in the means of grace, the practice of holiness, the labours of an honest calling; Pray earnestly, exercise faith, stick faster to the word of promise, stop our ears against scruples and doubtings; Draw nigh to God, for Satan will then cease to vex thee with his temptations any more: Resist the Devil, and he will fly from you: 1it is true, the Believer is too weak of himself to withstand the least assault, but if we rely on the Lord, we may through his power be made victorious in the greatest assaults whatsoever; and here is the comfort of Experience, That a Soul having once returned with victory, through the power of his might, He will abide in the secret place of the most high for ever.