N01010:208
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.
Youth. Darkness is gone, daylight begins to spring, Heavens melody I find the sweetest thing. ⟨p. 80⟩The Sun is risen now, it is broke forth, And gloriously enlightens my dark earth. My Soul is ravished with this joyful sight, Yea, and dissolved with Love and true delight: My heart is melted with Celestial fire, And has obtained at length its own desire, My frozen Soul must needs run down a main, Which such hot beams from Jesus doth obtain; The door is opened, Christ has given a knock Has made it fly, and has dissolved the rock. My heart which was so hard is made to yield, Christ has overcome me now and won the field. The war is ceased between the Lord and I, A peace is made to all Eternity. What joy is this! Ah, 'tis beyond all Measure: There's nothing like to inward joy and pleasure. As was my burden, so I find my rest, O that was great! and this can't be expressed. What heart can taste of these transcendent joys, And not account Earth's pleasures empty toys! Such is the nature of a second birth; Makes Heaven on Earth, turns sorrow into mirth. Once was I blind, senseless, bewitched, nay, mad, I thought in Christ no comfort could be had: Religion was, I thought, a foolish thing, Which could no pleasure nor profit bring. I thought Professors greatly were misled, When I beheld what things they suffered: But now I am convinced of my mistake, For I my self could for Christ Jesus sake, Any derision or Affliction bear; Such inward peace in him, and joy is there▪ ⟨p. 81⟩What man would not all earthly glory slight, For one small dram, or taste of such delight? To have Christs Love, and in his Bosom lie, Yields true content, and sweet felicity. Ah happy • ▪ I live! my Soul's involved, In secret raptures, sighs to be dissolved, And be with Christ, my home and resting place, For to enjoy and see him face to face. And in the interim, Lord, whilst here I stay, I faithfully will do what thou dost say. And help, me Lord, thy praise for to declare Unto all precious Children far and near. O help me to lift up my voice on high! Let joyful Hallelujahs pierce the sky. And echo back again, resound on Earth, Since thou hast wrought in me the second birth:
Youth. Darkness is gone, daylight begins to spring, Heavens melody I find the sweetest thing.