A90277:276
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 heart is crucified to the world, and all things in it. Now the matter of all temptations almost is taken out of the world; the men of it, or the things of it make them up. As to these things says the Apostle I am crucified to them: (And it is so with every one, that keeps the word of Christ, my heart is mortified unto them; I have no desire after them; nor ⟨p. 160⟩affection to them, nor delight in them: and they are crucified unto me. The Crowns, Glories, Thrones, pleasures, profits, of the world, I see nothing desirable in them; the lusts, sensual pleasures, Love, respects, honours of men, name and reputation among them, they are all as a thing of nought; I have no value, nor estimation of them. This soul is safeguarded from assaults of manifold Temptations. When Achan saw the Goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of Gold; first he coveted them, then he took them, Joh. 7. 21. Temptation subtly spreads the Babylonish garment of favour, praise, peace, the silver of pleasure, or profit, with the golden Contentments of the flesh, before the eyes of men; if now there be that in them alive, unmortified, that will presently fall a coveting, let what fear of punishment will ensue, the heart or hand, will be put forth unto iniquity.
1. The heart is crucified to the world, and all things in it. Now the matter of all temptations almost is taken out of the world; the men of it, or the things of it make them up. As to these things saies the Apostle I am crucified to them: (And it is so with every one, that keeps the word of Christ, my heart is mortified unto them; I have no desire after them; nor ⟨p. 160⟩affection to them, nor delight in them: and they are crucified unto me. The Crownes, Glories, Thrones, pleasures, profits, of the world, I see nothing desirable in them; the lusts, sensuall pleasures, Love, respects, honours of men, name and reputation among them, they are all as a thing of nought; I have no value, nor estimation of them. This soule is safeguarded from assaults of manifold Temptations. When Achan saw the Goodly Babilonish garment, and two hundred shekells of silver, and a wedge of Gold; first he coveted them, then he took them,