A90277:131
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. There are public temptations; such as that mentioned, Revel. 3. 10. that was to come upon the world to try them that dwell upon the earth; or a combination of persecution and seduction for the trial of a Careless Generation of professors: now carrying such a Temptation; consider, that
1. There are publick temptations; such as that mentioned, Revel. 3. 10. that was to come upon the world to try them that dwell upon the earth; or a combination of persecution and seduction for the triall of a Carelesse Generation of professors: now carrying such a Temptation; consider, that
1. It hath an Efficacy in respect of God, who sends it to revenge the neglect and contempt of the Gospel on the one hand; and treachery of false professors on the other. Hence it shall certainly accomplish what it receives Commission from him to do. When Satan offers his service to go forth and seduce Ahab, that he might fall; God says to him thou shalt persuade him and prevail also, go forth and do so, 1 King. 22. 22, he is permitted as to his wickedness, and Commissionated as to the event, and punishment ⟨p. 61⟩intended. When the Christian world, was to be given up to folly and false worship, for their neglect of the truth, and their naked, barren, fruitless, Christ-dishonouring profession; it is said of the Temptation that fell upon them; that God sent them strong delusions, that they should believe a lye, 2. Thes. 2. 11. That, that comes so from God in a judiciary manner, hath a power with it, and shall prevail; That selfish, spiritually slothful, careless and worldly frame of spirit, which in these days hath infected almost the body of professors, if it have a Commission from God, to kill hypocrites, to wound negligent saints, to break their bones, and make them scandalous, that they may be ashamed, shall it not have a power and efficacy so to do? What work hath the spirit of error made amongst us? is it not from hence; that as some men delighted not to retain God in their hearts so he hath given them up to a reprobate mind,