A90277:117
Of Temptation
Of temptation the nature and power of it. The danger of entering into it. And the means of preventing the danger. With a resolution of sundry cases thereunto belonging, / by John Owen, D.D.Of temptation the nature and povver of it. The danger of entring into it. And the meanes of preventing the danger. With a resolution of sundry cases thereunto belonging, / by John Owen, D.D.
Oxford: printed by H. Hall for T. Robinson, 1658
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.
1. The peace of such an one, may be false peace, or security; made up of presumption and false hopes, yea though he be a Believer, it may be so; ⟨p. 52⟩such was Davids peace after his sin, before Nathan came to him; such was Laodicea's peace, when ready to perish; and Sardis her peace, when dying. What should secure a soul that it is otherwise; seeing it is supposed, that it doth not universally labour to keep the word of Christs patience, and to be watchful in all things? think you that the peace of many in these days, will be found to be true peace at last? nothing less; they go alive down to hell, and death will have dominion over them in the morning. Now if a mans peace be such, do you think that can preserve him, which cannot preserve its self? It will give way at the first vigorous assault of a Temptation in its height and hour. Like a broken reed, it will run into the hand of him that leaneth on it: But
1. The peace of such an one, may be false peace, or security; made up of presumption and false hopes, yea though he be a Believer, it may be so; ⟨p. 52⟩such was Davids peace after his sinne, before Nathan came to him; such was Laodicha's peace, when ready to perish; and Sardis her peace, when dying. What should secure a soule that it is otherwise; seeing it is supposed, that it doth not universally labour to keep the word of Christs patience, and to be watchfull in all things? thinke you that the peace of many in these dayes, will be found to be true peace at last? nothing lesse; they goe alive downe to hell, and death will have dominion over them in the morning. Now if a mans peace be such, doe you think that can preserve him, which cannot preserve its selfe? It will give way at the first vigorous assault of a Temptation in its hight and houre. Like a broken reed, it will runne into the hand of him that leaneth on it: But
2. Suppose the peace cared for, and proposed to safeguard the soul, be true and good; yet when all is laid up in this one bottom, when the hour of temptation comes, so many reliefs will be