N01010:149
War with the devil, or, The young man's conflict with the powers of darkness,…
War with the devil, or, The young man's conflict with the powers of darkness, in a dialogue discovering the corruption and vanity of youth, the horrible nature of sin, and deplorable condition of fallen man, also, a description of the power and rule of conscience, and the nature of true conversion. : To which is added, an appendix, containing a dialogue between an old apostate and a young professor, worthy the perusal of all, but chiefly intended for the instruction of the younger sort. / By B.K. author of Zion in distress, or The groans of the Protestant church.War with the devil, or, The young man's conflict with the powers of darkness, in a dialogue discovering the corruption and vanity of youth, the horrible nature of sin, and deplorable condition of fallen man, also, a description of the power and rule of conscience, and the nature of true conversion. : To which is added, an appendix, containing a dialogue between an old apostate and a young professor, worthy the perusal of all, but chiefly intended for the instruction of the younger sort. / By B.K. author of Sion in distress, or The groans of the Protestant church.
New York: printed by William Bradford, 1707
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Youth in his Unconverted state.Youth in his Ʋnconverted state.
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.
Vitinus. He from this day becomes a great Professor, Though far from being yet a true Possessor. Christ he has got into his mouth and head, And not internally raised from the dead, But in Old Adam still does he remain, Not knowing what 'tis to be born again. When Satan sees it is in vain to strive, The Soul into its former state to drive, But that it will forsake gross wickedness, And will also the Truths of Christ profess, He yields thereto, resolving secretly, To blind its eyes in close Hypocrisy, And so appears under a new disguise, Most subtly thy Soul for to surprise, Persuading him, the War which he doth find Daily to be within his troubled mind, Is saving Grace against iniquity, Which has prevailed and got the victory; When it is common Grace (we do so call) And not the Grace that's supernatural. He takes the work of Legal Reformation For the only work of true Regeneration. Here he doth rest and seem to be at ease, When all is done his Conscience to appease. But I'll give place to this Religious Youth, To hear discourse between him and the Truth.
Vitinus. He from this day becomes a great Professor, Though far from being yet a true Possessor. Christ he has got into his mouth and head, And not internally rais'd from the dead, But in Old Adam still does he remain, Not knowing what 'tis to be born again. When Satan sees it is in vain to strive, The Soul into its former state to drive, But that it will forsake gross wickedness, And will also the Truths of Christ profess, He yields thereto, resolving secretly, To blind its eyes in close Hypocrisie, And so appears under a new disguise, Most subtilly thy Soul for to surprize, Perswading him, the War which he doth find Daily to be within his troubled mind, Is saving Grace against iniquity, Which has prevail'd and got the victory; When it is common Grace (we do so call) And not the Grace that's supernatural. He takes the work of Legal Reformation For the only work of true Regeneration. Here he doth rest and seem to be at ease, When all is done his Conscience to appease. But I'le give place to this Religious Youth, To hear discourse between him and the Truth.
Youth. Oh! happy I, and blessed be the day, That unto Truth and Conscience I gave way. I would not be in my old state again, If I thereby some thousands might obtain.