A90277:170
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.
3. Entering into temptation may be seen in the lest degrees of it. As for instance when the heart begins secretly to like the matter of the temptation, and is content to feed it, and increase it by any ways that it may, without downright sin.
3. Entring into temptation may be seen in the lest degrees of it. As for instance when the heart begins secretly to like the matter of the temptation, and is content to feed it, and encrease it by any wayes that it may, without downright sinne.
1. Then, in particular, a man begins to be in repute for piety, wisdom, learning or the like: He is spoken of much to that purpose. His heart is tickled to hear of it, and his pride and Ambition affected with it. If this man now with all his strength, ply the things from whence his repute and ⟨p. 87⟩esteem and glory amongst men do spring, with a secret eye to have it increased, he is entering into temptation, which if he take not heed will quickly render him a slave of lust. So was it with Jehu, He perceived that his repute for zeal began to grow abroad, and he got honour by it; Jonadab comes in his way; a good and holy man; now thinks Jehu, I have an opportunity to grow in the honour of my zeal: so he calls Jonadab to him, and to work he goes most seriously: The things he did, were good in themselves, but he was entered into Temptation, and served his lust in all that he did. So is it with many Scholars; they find themselves esteemed and favoured for their learning; this takes hold of the pride and ambition of their hearts; hence they set themselves to study with all diligence day and night; a thing good in it self; but they do it, that they may satisfy the thoughts and words of men wherein they delight, and so in all they do, they ⟨p. 88⟩make provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof.
1. Then, in particular, a man begins to be in repute for piety, wisdome, learning or the like: He is spoken of much to that purpose. His heart is tickled to heare of it, and his pride and Ambition affected with it. If this man now with all his strength, ply the things from whence his repute and