Media: the middle things, in reference to the first and last things: or, The means, duties, ordinances, both secret, private and publike, for continuance and increase of a godly life, once begun, till we come to Heaven. Wherein are discovered many blessed medium's or duties, in their right method, manner and proceedings; that so a Christian (the spirit of Christ assisting) may walk on in the holy path, which leads from his new birth to everlasting life. / Drawn, for the most part, out of the most eminently pious, and learned writings of our native practical divines: with additionals of his own, by Isaac Ambrose, minister of the Gospel at Preston in Amoundernes.

§. 5. The temptations of Sin prevailing, of Satan cheating, of the World ensnaring.

Experiences.

1646.

MAy 25. The Lord opened a poor creatures eye, to see in some measure the depths of Satan, and deceitful∣ness of his own heart: he acted in things doubt∣ful, against the reluctan∣cy of his own conscience before; no question this is sin, because it is not of faith.

1647.

Jan. 23. This evening one fell into exorbitancy of passion; it was so strong in him, that it cast him into Palpitation of heart.

March 27. Ones heart was over-powered, and exceedingly troubled with the cares of this life; and this occasioned some discontentments in his family. O base world! how dost thou vex them that intermeddle with thee?

October 5. One was overcome with a strong temptation of Satan, for which his conscience immediately smit him very sore.

1648.

April 4. & 17. A poor creature in the night was fearfully troubled in his dreams with De∣vils, and Torments, and Satans power over his soul: He apprehended strongly that Satan was with him, and very busie to insnare him; which at his first awaking struck him with trembling and horror.

Texts.

Rom. 7. That which I do, I allow not.

Rom. 14.23. He that doubteth, is dam∣ned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith, for whatsoever is not of faith, is sin.

Iob 18.4. He teareth him∣self in his anger.

Prov. 15.1. A soft answer turneth away wrath, but grie∣vous words stir up anger.

Pro. 19 11. The discretion of man deferreth his anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Eccles. 1.2, 14. Va∣nity of vanities, saith the preacher, vanity of vanities, all is va∣nity.—Behold, all is vanity, and vexation of spirit.

Rom. 7.23. I see an∣other law in my members, warring against the law of my minde, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

2 Cor. 2.11. We are not ignorant of his devices.—

Ephes. 6.11. Of the wiles of the devil. — Rev. 2.24. Of the depths of Satan.

1 Thess. 3.5. By some means the tempter hath tempted you.

1 Pet. 5.8. Your ad∣versary the Devil, as a roaring lyon, walketh a∣bout seeking whom he may devour.

Dispositions required in this case, and to be prayed for.

Rom. 14.22. Hast thou faith? have it to thy self before God: Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.

Gal. 2.14. Walk uprightly, according to the truth of the Gospel.

Psal. 37.8. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; fret not thy self in any wise to do evil.

Eph. 4.31. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and cla∣mor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice.

Col. 3.12, 13. Put on therefore bowels of mercies, kindeness, humbleness of minde, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another.

Luke 21.34. Take heed to your selves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeting and drunken∣ness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.

1 Joh. 5.4. Whosoever is born of God overcometh the world; and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

Matth. 26.41. Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation; the Spirit indeed is wil∣ling, but the flesh is weak.

Eph. 6.11, 16. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.— A∣bove all, take the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

Jam. 4.7. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.— 1 Pet 5.9. Whom resist sted∣f••st in the faith.

2 Pet. 2.9. The Lord know∣eth how to deliver the godly out of temptations.