A90277:144
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.
Obj: 1. Why should we so fear, and labour to avoid temptation? Jam. 1. 2. we are commanded to count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations: now certainly I need not solicitously avoid the falling into that, which when I am fallen into, I am to count it all joy.
Obj: 1. Why should we so feare, and labour to avoid temptation? Jam. 1. 2. we are commanded to count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations: now certainly I need not solicitously avoid the falling into that, which when I am fallen into, I am to count it all joy.
Ans 1. You will not hold by this Rule in all things: namely, that a ⟨p. 74⟩man need not seek to avoid that, which when he cannot but fall into, it is his duty to rejoice therein. The same Apostle bids the rich rejoice that they are made low, Chap. 1. 10. And without doubt to him who is acquainted with the Goodness and wisdom, and Love of God in his dispensations in every condition that is needful for him, it will be a matter of rejoicing to him; but yet how few rich Godly men can you persuade not to take heed, and use all lawful means that they be not made poor and low; and in most cases, the truth is it were their sin, not to do soe. It is our business to make good our stations, and to secure our selves as we can; if God alter our condition, we are to rejoice in it: if the Temptations here mentioned befall us, we may have cause to rejoice; but not if by a neglect of duty we fall into them.
Ans 1. You will not hold by this Rule in all things: namely, that a ⟨p. 74⟩man need not seek to avoid that, which when he cannot but fall into, it is his duty to rejoyce therein. The same Apostle bids the rich rejoyce that they are made low, Chap. 1. 10. And without doubt to him who is acquainted with the Goodnesse and wisdome, and Love of God in his dispensations in every condition that is needfull for him, it will be a matter of rejoycing to him; but yet how few rich Godly men can you perswade not to take heed, and use all lawfull meanes that they be not made poore and low; and in most cases, the truth is it were their sinne, not to doe soe. It is our businesse to make good our stations, and to secure our selves as we can; if God alter our condition, we are to rejoyce in it: if the Temptations here mentioned befall us, we may have cause to rejoyce; but not if by a neglect of duty we fall into them.