the Iewes many belieued in Christ Iohn 12.42 Bellar. de Iustif lib. 1. cap. 15. §. primâ— saith the Euangelist who yet confessed him not because of the Pharisees least they should bee cast out of the Synagogue But Iohn sometime following the Hebrew phrase vseth the tearme of belieuing in Christ for belieuing Christ applying it to them who by the miracles of Christ and his manifest declaration of the truth were conuicted in conscience to acknowledge him to be of God or did belieue in him for a time but did not in sinceritie submit themselues vnto him And thus it might bee said of some of those chiefe Rulers John 2.23 that they b lieued in Christ that is were perswaded in their mindes that hee spake the truth but yet preferring their credit and reputation with men gaue no regard vnto it The very reason which the Euangelist giues why they did not confesse Christ makes it manifest that their faith was not true and liuely rooted in the heart For saith hee they loued the prayse of men Iohn 12.43 more then the prayse of God which who so doth his faith is not become such as layes sure hold on the promises of life Iohn 5.44 How can yee belieue which receiue honour one of another and seeke not the honour which commeth from God only They might haue some beginnings and dispositions to true faith but very weake and feeble and they might bee endued with some degree of loue but weake and feeble as their faith was Their faith and loue was too much tied and entangled in the nets and snares of carnall respects but admitting the least degree of faith there is no ground to affirme they had no loue 1. Iohn 4.18 1. Iohn 5.4 Indeed perfect loue casteth out all feare and perfect faith ouercommeth the world and breedeth perfect loue but there is a beginning of faith and loue which being yet little and weake and hâ—uing not as yeâ— ouer-mâ—stered all worldly and carnall respects is for a time timorous and fearefull to confesse Christ but groweth to strength by little and little till it resolue to cleaue to him with losse of all other things Such was the saith of Nicodemus Iohn 3.2 7.50.51 19.38 Luke 23.51 Math. 26.56 70 7â— and Ioseph of Arimathea yea of the Apostles themselues Pete not excepted who were euer and anon affrighted and at his last sufferings some denied all forsooke our Sauiour and fled And thus it may bee these Rulers belieued but their faith was very weake and their loue was according to their faith till encrease of faith brought forth further strength of loue and they had learned by the strength of faith and loue to preferre the seruice of Christ before all the glorie of the world and to adhere to the glory that comes from God alone as so much better then that wee receiue of men that the later did seeme as nothing in comparison of the former That which is added by the Euangelist that they durst not confesse him doth no more derogate from their loue then from their faith for if they had belieued firmely with the heart vnto righteousnesse Rom. 10.10 they had confessed with the mouth vnto saluation and in that they confessed not the truth with their mouthes it argueth they belieued but weakly with their heart For the faith which bringeth forth sincere confession is coupled with loue but confession it selfe is an effect of faith I belieued 2. Cor. 4.13 and therefore haue I spoken wee also belieue and therefore speake The man that came to the wedding Math. 22.11 Bellar. vbi supra §. quartum not hauing on the wedding garment had faith as our Aduersaries obiect but wanted charitie and good workes How may it appeare that hee had faith Forsooth because hee was admitted to that Table which are the Sacraments Not to question that exposition for the present was no man euer admitted to the Sacraments that made shew of faith when indeed he had none Many hypocrites are in the Church that haue not so much as a perswasion of the truth of the Scripture and so absolutely want their marriage garment And men are admitted to the Sacrament by men and admitted for profession of faith when they that admit them cannot tell whether they haue faith or not For many pretend that which is not in them and with the mouth make profession of faith when their heart is barren and emptie of grace Further this man might assent vnto truths diuine and acknowledge them as true but not from a sound and sincere ground or hee might assent vnto the Articles of Christian Faith as true and good whilest considered only in themselues without opposition of such matters as he much valued and such beliefe being vnsound shallow subordinate to earthly pleasures or commodities may bee and is seperated from loue but it is not that faith wee speake of The generall meaning of the Parable seemes to bee no more but this that many men thrust into the Church who when the day of triall comes will bee found to haue no interest to the Kingdome of Heauen What if the wedding garment bee charitie this doth hurt vs nothing vnlesse it could bee proued which can neuer be that this man had Iustifying faith For he wanted the wedding garment charitie because he wanted faith and if he had beene endued with the one scilicet faith he should also haue had the other scilicet Gal. 5.6 loue for faith worketh by loue But the wedding garment is as well faith as loue It is indeed Christ Iesus himselfe of whom the Apostle saith Put yee on the Lord Iesus Rom. 13.14 Gal. 3.26 27. Christ as hee is a iustifier of vs from sinne and a sanctifier of vs from the power of sinne rinsing away by the water of his Spirit that staine of corruption defiling our nature is that wedding garment and so putting on Christ Col. 3.9 10. Ephes 4.24 Col. 3.12 Ephes 6.15 16. we put on the new man which according to God is created in righteousnesse and true holinesse Now wee put on Christ when wee doe by an affianced knowledge and by consequent affections come more and more to be vnited with him The first and radicall vnion is made by faith only which layeth hold on God in Christ as our mercifull God whose anger before threatned vs for sinne The secondarie vnion whereby the soule cleaueth more and more vnto God is by meanes of the affections by loue our hearts cleaue vnto him by hope ioy high estimation of him whom though we haue not seene we loue but this presupposeth the former The fiue foolish Virgins they say were part of the Kingdome of God and had faith but wanted workes Math. 25.11 They were indeed part of the Kingdome in profession but not in election Rhem. annot in Math. 25. §. 1. They had a forme or shew of faith but true Iustifying faith they neuer knew
remission of sinnes by the merits of Christ and resting vpon Chrâ—st alone for saluation assuredly he receiueth forgiuenesse â—lthough he be vexed with scruples and temptations and want the assurance and perswasion in himselfe that his sinnes bee remitted For faith is necessary to saluation but full assurance that I do belieue in that sort is not of lâ—ke necessitie And if a man may belieue vnfainedly who is not fully assured that he doth so belieue then faith may be certain in the euent when it is not certaine to the sence of the Belieuer §. 3. Faith as it iustifieth is a resting vpon Christ to obtaine pardon Zanch. de redempt lib. 1. c. 13. tit de Fiducia col 282. Musc loc com de Remiss Meisner dec 3. pag. 329. Par. in Gal. cap. 2. lect 24. Idem de Iustif l. 1. cap. 10. lect 227. Albizius exercit theol ar 2. 8. ad 3. Hom. Of faith part 1. August conf art 4. art 20. Bohemic conf art 6. § 3. But what faith is necessarie to wit on mans part to Iustification Is it an assured perswasion of our particular election or that our sins be alreadie pardoned and forgiuen No It is one thing to rest on Christ obeying to the cursed death of the Crosse that I may obtaine pardon and life euerlasting from the grace of God which is the act of true beliefe required to Iustification another to belieue that I am one of Gods particular elect people and that my sinnes are pardoned and done away which is a priuiledge of grace granted to him who belieueth is sealed by the Spirit and knoweth assuredly that he belieueth It is not an action of Christian faith preuious or fundamentall to Iustification for a man to belieue himselfe to be one of Gods elect for wee come to know our election by the effects thereof as Faith Iustification Sanctification Wee must first reade the effects of Gods loue in our hearts and see that he hath wrought in vs the sauing graces of faith loue hope feare c. and sealed vs by the spirit of promise before we can come to know his eternall decree and purpose towards vs therefore the beliefe of our particular election is an act of faith following Iustification not precedent to it No man is iustified by belieuing himselfe to be Iust nor pardoned Gallican conf art 20. Belgic confes art 23. Bolton walking with God pag. 320. Pemble plea for Grace pag. 258. 259. 260. Rolloc de Iustificat Heming Syntagm Gradus ad conuersionâ—m 49. Gal. 4.6 Rom. 8.15 16. by belieuing that he is pardoned but if his beliefe be true he must be truly Iust before hee can or ought to belieue himselfe to be Iust and actually pardoned before hee can be assured that he is pardoned This is the order of spirituall blessings conferred vpon vs in Christ Faith is the band wherby wee are vnited vnto Christ after Vnion followeth Communion with him Iustification Adoption Sanctification be the benefits and fruits of Communion Being made sonnes by faith God sends forth the Spirit of his Sonne into our hearts crying Abba Father and this Spirit beareth witnes with our spirit that we are the children of God assurance or certaine perswasion that our sinnes be pardoned followes this witnesse of the Spirit as the fruit and effect thereof In which it is most manifest that faith in Christ is before Iustification in order of nature though not in time and Iustification is precedent to the sense feeling of remission and therefore that belief which is required on our part to IustificatioÌ„ cannot be an assurance that our sins be pardoned already vnles the same thing be before after it selfe a man be pardoned before he belieue or assured that he is pardoned before it bee granted or that act of faith which cannot be but in a person alreadie iustified must go before the pardon of sin Esa 1.16 17 18 Ezek. 18. â—1 Prou. 28.13 Math. 6.14 15. Acts 16.30 31. Iohn 6.29 11.25 Acts 10.43 Acts 16.18 The promise of remission of sinnes is conditionall and becommeth not absolute vntill the condition be fulfilled either actually or in desire and preparation of minde This is the word of grace Belieue in the Lord Iesus Christ and thou shalt bee saued when doth this conditionall proposition become absolute when we belieue What that our sinnes are pardoned No but when we belieue in Christ to obtaine pardon which is the thing promised vpon condition of beliefe Assurance that our sinnes bee pardoned is concluded in a practicall Syllogisme thus He that truly belieueth in Christ hath obtained pardon of his sinnes But I belieue Therefore my sinnes are pardoned where assurance of the pardon of sinne is a conclusion drawne from a two-fold ground the one expressed in Scripture the other euident if true by the testimonie of the renewed conscience and presupposeth that hee belieueth and is assured that he doth belieue Now if assurance of remission be concluded from this ground that he belieueth and knoweth certainly that hee belieueth then the beliefe which is required on our parts to Iustification cannot be an assurance that our sins be washed away alreadie For if we take the word belieue for a perswasion that our sinnes are done away then the Syllogisme runneth thus He that is assured of the pardon of his sinnes his sinnes are pardoned But I am assured of the pardon of my sinnes therefore my sinnes are pardoned Faith receiueth the pardon of sinne as it is profered in the word of grace and groundeth it selfe solely and immediately vpon the promise of God in Iesus Christ But the ground whereupon a sinner in himselfe guiltie should build assurance that his sinnes are pardoned without some other act of faith comming betwixt the promise that assurance there is none The Gospell offereth pardon to the thirstie and burdened if hee will receiue it assureth them of pardon who haue embraced the promise but where shall wee finde ground whereupon the guiltie person who belieueth not to remission of sinnes may bee assured that his sinnes not actually pardoned are yet pardoned and blotted out of Gods remembrance Faith taketh the pardon presented to it in the word of promise and trauailing with it bringeth forth actuall remission of sinne which vpon our faith we receiue Assurance is not before pardon nor actuall remission before faith vnlesse the effect be before the cause and the same thing be both cause and effect To beâ—ieue in Christ to saluation is to receiue him Iohn 1.12 Heluet. confess art 15. But to receiue Christ as hee is offered vnto vs in the Gospell is not to be assured that our sinnes are alreadie pardoned in and through Iesus Christ but to rest vpon him for pardon Before the act of iustification faith hath for obiect this proposition concerning the future To mee belieuing my sinnes shall bee forgiuen but after the promise is receiued and pardon obtained Par de Iustific lib. cap.
not only to the righteous themselues but to their children and posterity pag. 358 359. 360 It is necessary to belieue these promises for 1. Faith in these promises doth kill couetous desires distrustfull and distracting cares p. 360. 361 2. He will neuer renounce carnall supports who makes not God the stay of his soule for outward things ibid. 3. Beliefe in God brings good successe ibid. 4. If we cleaue not to the promises of God made concerning temporall things we shall adhere to the promises of life with lesse assurance p. 361. 362 5. Faith sweetneth and sanctifieth vnto vs the vse of all outward comforts vnder our hands p. 362 The godly are allowed to liue by faith touching these promises For 1. Seâ—ing God hath giuen Christ for vs how shall he not with him also freely giue vs all things p. 362. 363 2. The Lord by couenant hath promised to furnish his people with all needfull blessings pertayning to this life p. 363 3. God is our faithfull Creatour we the worke of his hands He is our Shepheard we the flocke of his pasture He is our Father we his children p. 364. 365 4. The patient expectation of the Saints hath confirmed this that God will not bee wanting to his children in things of this life p. 365. 366 The acts of faith in respect of these promises 1. It preserueth from the vse of all vnlawfull meanes knowing that nothing can prosper which God approueth not p. 366. 367 2. Faith is painfull prouident and frugall p. 367 3. It maketh inquiry into the heart turneth from euill and seeketh the face of the Lord earnestly ibid. 4. It stirreth vp to pray without distrustfull fruitlâ—sse excessiue care c. p. 368 5. It seeth riches in God submitteth to his wisdome resteth in his loue and so maintaineth a Christian in some measure of contentation p. 368. 369 6. In prosperitie it keepeth the heart in an holy temper and disposition in humility and meeknesse tendernesse and compassion p. 369. 370 7. It prayeth as earnestly for the sanctification of prosperity and Gods blessing vpon the meanes as for the meanes themselues if they were wanting p. 370. 371 8. It makes heauenly minded in the vse and possession of a prosperous estate ibid. 9. Faith breeds godly iealousie and suspition lest the heart should be drawne away with the pleasing delights of things transitory p. 371. 372 10. It mindeth vs of our change euen when our mountaine seemeth strongest p. 372. 373 How to liue by faith in the vse of meate and drinke 1. By faith we learne out of the Word of God who hath sonne-like interest and title vnto the creatures what creatures are sanctified vnto our vse and how each man must sanctifie them by a reuerent and holy vse p. 373 2. It receiueth them not as the fruit of our fore-cast labour or desert but as gifts of Gods bounty yea as gifts of the gracious couenant p. 373. 374 3. By faith we are taught that man liueth not by bread only but by the prouidence of God and his blessing vpon his owne ordinance ibid. This perswasion takes the heart off the creature and lifteth it vp vnto the Lord in earnest and pertinent prayer pag. 374. 375 4. It teacheth to bee heauenly-minded labouring to taste Gods goodnesse and feele his gracious presence with our spirits at our sweetest feasts p. 375 5. Faith worketh the heart to sobriety and moderation watchfulnesse and feare lest it should bee ensnared and drawne away with these delights p. 375. 376 6. It lifteth vp the soule in thankesgiuing pag. 376 377 7. Faith is frugall compassionate industrious pag. 377. 378 CHAP. IX THe Lord cals for willing chearefull vniuersall vnfained constant obedience p. 378. 379 Looke what seruice the Lord doth expect and call for that hee will inable his people in couenant to performe p. 379. 380 The obedience of the faithfull is imperfect but pleasing p. 380. 381 This faith is most necessary to the leading of a Christian life scil to rest vpon God for ability to doe what hee requireth c. For 1. The word of grace teacheth vs to deny vngodlinesse c. p. 381 2. Want of belieuing the precepts is the cause why many doe still continue in the practice of diuers things inconuenient ibid. 3. Ignorance in this point is the cause why some of the better sort of people are off and on c. ibid. 4. Faith carrieth a man whither soeuer he shall see the Lord to goe before him p. 382 5. Our present faith is commensurable to our fidelitie in Gods Commandements ibid. 6. That act cannot please God which is not animated by faith p. 382. 383 7. When a Christian knowes not whether hee shall haue strength to doe what God requireth or his poore seruice shall find acceptance it must needes occasion many feares and doubts deadnesse and vnchearefulnesse pag. 383. 384 8. Confidence in God to be inabled strengthened and accepted will cut off temptations and discouragements and nourish courage resolution and forwardnesse in wel-doing p. 384 Christians are allowed to belieue that God wil inable them to walke in obedience 1. God hath promised in his couenant to teach them the way that they shall chuse p. 384. 385 2. When he sends forth his seruants vpon any businesse he doth euermore promise to aide and assist them in the execution of it p. 385 3. The seruants of God haue and doe begge grace to bring forth fruits worthy repentance and amendment of life ibid. 4. The faithfull haue bound themselues by couenant and oath to keepe the righteous iudgements of the Lord. p. 386 5. God will perfect the sauing worke which hee hath begun in any of his children ibid. The acts of faith touching obedience required 1. It makes a man wise to discerne what is lawfull good and seasonable ibid. 2. It curbes inordinate passions and ouercomes all impediments temptations difficulties and allurements to the contrary p. 387. 388 3. It purifieth the heart seasoneth euery facultie of soule qualifieth and strengtheneth naturall inclinations altereth the taste of euery appetite and so inableth to obey p. 389 4. Admirable in force and efficacie is the perswasion of faith aboue all the oratory in the world p. 389. 390 5. It disposeth and moueth the heart to absolute vniforme vnpartiall and constant obedience p. 390. 391 6. It fires the heart with vnquenchable loue which in comparison of obedience contemneth the whole world pag. 391. 392 7. Faith makes sensible of our manifold infirmities and that hath bl ssed effects 1. It causeth serious meditation vpon the Word of God that it might sinke deepe into the heart p. 392 2. It worketh the heart often to renew its resolution trusting in Gods grace ibid. 3. It stirres vp earnest and hearty prayer to bee taught vpheld and confirmed ibid. 8. It doth confirme in obedience and pricke forward therein though it be in manifold and bitter persecutions p. 392. 393. 394 Meanes how to quicken our
iudge and esteeme those things reuealed of God to be the most vndoubted and infallible truth This vnderstanding is requisite to faith for it is impossible for a man to belieue that whereof he hath no knowledge or vnderstanding Out of question faith is a most wise gâ—ft or grace of Gods holy Spirit making those that be endued therewith wise vnto saluation which we shall easily discerne if we consider how great the subtletie of that old Serpent the Deuill is as also the deceitfulnesse of sinne both which are defeated by faith This vnderstanding is the gift of Gods grace for as reasonable vnderstanding is beyond the compasse of that knowledge which the beasts haue by kâ—nd so is this vnderstanding farre beyond the reach of all that wisedome left in corrupted nature It is a worke irresistable for it is wrought according to the purpose of the Lord 2. Cor. 4.6 2. Tim. 1.9 Dan. 11.36 and the counsell of God cannot be frustrated In illumination the minde suffereth not from any naturall power which it hath to conceiue or vnderstand spirituall things but from that state of obedience that the minde standeth in vnto Almightie God whereby it must necessarily see whatsoeuer he will enlighten it to behold and set before it There is no naturall power in an eye now blind to receiue sight but if God will enlighten it must needs see So there is no naturall power in the eye of the mind now become darknesse to receiue the light of sauing knowledge which is euery way a thing both for matter and manner supernaturall vnto it but if he open the eyes of the vnderstanding and shine into the heart it must needes vnderstand Secondly God doth infuse or powre the habit of faith into man whereby he giueth to will to come vnto Christ and to enioy him The first worke of God is signified in Scripture by opening the eyes of the vnderstanding Ephes 1.18 Acts 26.18 Lukâ— 24.45 Iohn 6.44 Esay 50.5 Acts 16.14 Ezek. 11.19 the second by Gods drawing vs both at least figuratiuely by the opening of the eare the opening of the heart the taking away the heart of stone and giuing an heart of flesh This second worke is requisite to faith for as a dead man can do no act of life vntil a liuing soule be breathed into him nor a blinde eye see vnlesse new light be giuen vnto it no more can man dead in trespasses and sinnes moue himselfe to receiue the promises of grace vntill the free and gracious disposition or habit of faith be infused whereby the will is inclined agreeably to the disposition of it to come vnto God As man cannot naturally see or perceiue the things of God no more can hee naturally will or desire them And this is apparant by the hardnesse of mans heart that cannot repent till God mollifie it 1. Cor. 2.14 Isay 65.2 3. Rom. â— 5 and by his stiffeneckednesse and stubbornnesse to resist the holy Spirit speaking in the Ministerie of the word vntill he be renewed and changed by grace This habit of faith is receiued not by any naturall disposition of will in vs to heauenly things for then man should liue spiritually of himselfe before the life of grace be put into him but the heart as it standeth in obedience to Gods Almighty power to take what stampe he shall imprint to follow him wither hee shall draw and to containe what hee powreth into it The increase of faith is of God admitteth this habite And as the beginning so the increase and progresse the consummation and perfection of faith is the gift of God the worke of the Spirit Heb. 12.2 Luke 17.5 Marke 9.24 Phil. 1.6 2. Thes 1.3 11. Of God the increase of faith is to be asked and from him it is receiued As we cannot will to belieue vnlesse God prepare the heart and giue that will no more can we will to perseuere in faith or goe forward therein vnlesse God doe minister strength and sustaine vs by his grace §. 5. Faith is the gift of God and the act of man § 5. Faith then is the gift of God and the act of man a wonderfull and supernaturall gift of God and a liuely motion of the heart renewed by grace and powerfully moued by the Spirit The power to belieue and will to vse that power is of God But the act of the will in resting vpon Christ is mans It is man that belieueth but it is God only and altogether that inableth stirreth vp putteth forward and inclineth the heart to belieue By Gods enlightening man seeth by his teaching he vnderstands and the Lord enclining his will he willeth embraceth possesseth and keepeth Christ with all blessings promised in him So that faith is the motion of mans heart wrought in him by the Spirit of God Euen as a wheele which of it selfe cannot moue yet being moued of another doth moue whose motion though but one is said to be the motion of the mouer and of the thing moued so faith is nothing but the action of God in man but considered in a diuers manner it is both the act of God and man as wrought by God in man it is the worke of the Lord as the motion of man his heart being moued of God it is the act of man For the action of man in belieuing with the heart is nothing but his knowing and acknowledging of things by Gods making him know and acknowledge them his apprehending willing chusing embracing and retayning them by Gods making him to apprehend will chuse embrace and retaine them It is true that we Belieue because we will Belieue but wee will Belieue doth note not the princip ll cause but a cause subordinate working by way of free disposition which diâ—position it receiueth from an higher cause Heb. â— 4 not from naturall strength The Iust is said to liue by his owne faith and faith is called ours or our owne not that we are the Authours cause or workers of it but because we possesse it and are the speciall subiects in which it is wrought by God And also because it concernes our selues in particular and what wee belieue wee belieue it particularly concerning our selues § 6. Not to dispute whether God doth extraordinarily worke faith in the hearts of men §. 6. Faith wrought by the Word without the externall publishing of his word will or pleasure this is sure that ordinarily the Holy Ghost doth worke by the Ministerie of the Word The Word can doe nothing without Gods Spirit and ordinarily the Spirit will doe nothing without the Word Faith is called the fruit of the lips Esay 57. â—9 the Word is both the meane whereby we belieue and the subiect matter of our beliefe A man may see without light or colour heare without eare or sound as possibly as belieue without the Word of God For when faith is an affiance or perswasion touching the good will of God towards vs in
Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host with very many charets and horsemen yet because thou didst relie vpon the Lord hee deliuered them into thine hand Isay 10.20 And it shall come to passe in that day that the remnant of Israel and such as are escaped of the house of Iacob shall no more againe stay vpon him that smote them but shall stay vpon the Lord the holy one in truth Two of these words are vsed together in diuers places and may serue to expound each other Wherefore thus saith the holy one of Israel Isay 30.12 Because yee despise this word and trust in oppression and peruersenesse and stay thereon Woe to them that goe downe to Egypt for helpe Isay 31.1 and stay on horses and trust in charets because they are many and horsemen because they are very strong but they looke not vnto the holy one of Israel neither seeke the Lord. Who is among you that feareth the Lord Isay 50.10 that obeyeth the voice of his seruant that walketh in darknes and hath no light let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay vpon his God Another word there is almost of the same signification which noteth with all the mind and thought confidently to leane or stay vpon a prop. Isay 48.2 They call themselues of the holy Citie slay themselues vpon the Lord God of Israel the Lord of Hosts is his Name So it is noted of the people of Israel that they rested or leaned vpon the words of King Hezekiah coÌ„forting them against the rage of Senacharib 2. Chron. 32.8 This word is coupled somtimes with one or two others Thou art my hope O Lord God thou art my trust from my youth Psal 71.5 6. By thee haue I beene holden vp or vnderpropped from the wombe He shall not be afraid for euill tidings his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. Psal 112.7 8. His heart is established he shall not be afraid vntill he see his desire vpon his enemies open yee the gates that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in Thou wilt keepe him in perfect peace whose minde is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee Isay 26.2 3 4. Trust yee in the Lord for euer for in the Lord Iehouah is euerlasting strength The sixt word signifies to rolle or cast himselfe vpon the Lord as a man in danger of drowning catcheth fast hold of some willow or other thing that hangeth ouer the water and is at hand or as hee that is pressed with with a grieuous burden aboue his strength easeth himselfe resting it vpon some post or blocke that is able to beare it Psal 22.8 Hee trusted in Lord that he would deliuer him let him deliuer him seeing he rolled himselfe on the Lord. Rolle thy way vpon the Lord trust in him Psal 37.5 Pro. 16.3 Ier. 17.5 Psal 62.6 7. and he shall bring it to passe Rolle thy workes vpon the Lord and thy thoughts shall be established To trust in Man is to make man his arme letting his heart goe back from God and to trust in God is to place our strength in him In the Scriptures confidence is oft put for faith and trust expounded by beliefe c Psal 2.12 34.8 Marke 16.16 Esay 26.3 Rom. 5.1 Psal 22 5. Rom. 10.11 Psal 112.7 8. Heb. 10.38 as where the Old Testament commandeth trust the New Testament requireth faith and in the New Testament the same things are attributed to faith and belieuers which in the Old Testament are attributed to confidence and them that trust in the Lord. In the New d Math. 9.2.22 Luke 5.20 1. Iohn 5.13 14. Acts 27.21 Luke 16.11 Rom. 3.2 4.19 Marke 11.24 Testament Faith and Beliefe are put for trust and affiance and to belieue is not only to assent but to rest vpon and embrace The phrase which the Holy Ghost most commonly vseth to expresse Belieuing in Christ is neither in the Greeke Translation of the Olde Testament nor for ought hath beene yet obserued in any Greeke Authour whatsoeuer except those that did write since and tooke it from the Scripture To belieue in God or in Christ is for substance and sence to trust to God or Christ and this kind of speech is vsuall amongst Greeke Writers To helpe vs in the vnderstanding of this matter the seuentie in their Greeke afford another phrase maruellous significant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Psal 2.12 2. Chron. 16.7 Psal 77.26 111.7 124.1 To belieue on or vpon God This the Holy Ghost vseth often but withall he becomes the Authour of a new e Sept. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Acts 19.4 20 21. 24.24 Math. 9.42 Iohn 1.12 phrase himselfe to make vs the more easily and fully vnderstand what faith hee meaneth in the matter of our Iustification And though the f Iohn 2.23 12.42 phrase bee sometimes vsed when true and liuely confidence is not vnderstood yet it is more then probable that the Holy Ghost by that new manner of speech would propound somewhat more then bare assenting to the truth of what was promised And if we coÌ„sider the passages of Scripture wherein the phrase is vsed it will bee plaine and euident To him that worketh not Rom. 4.5 but belieueth on him that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is counted for righteousnesse What is this Belieueth on him that iustifieth the vngodly no more but belieueth those things to be true which he affirmeth who iustifieth the vngodly that is not probable Rom. 9.33 1. Pet. 2.6 Behold I lay in Sion a stumbling stone and rocke of offence and whosoeuer belieueth on him shall not bee ashamed How can a man belieue on this rocke vnlesse he leane vpon it or sticke and adhere vnto it Faith looketh at the promises as true and putteth forth it selfe to receiue and embrace them as good which cannot bee done by a bare perswasion of the Minde If the promises were only true but no wayes beneficiall there might be an â—ssured perswasion of them in Mind without any affection or mouing of will towards them But faith adhereth to the word as good to me as well as true in it selfe which cannot be done without a godly affection embracing it To belieue on Christ is to receiue him Iohn 1.12 Col. 2.6 And what is this receiuing Not only a comprehension of the vnderstanding but an embracing of the heart and affection laying hold on him as we take that with the hands which is reached vnto vs. Belieuing on Christ is implied in the phrase of going or comming to Christ which going Iohn 6. â—5 no doubt is rather a spirituall motion of the heart and affections towards Christ then a contemplation of the Mind contented to see and behold him The Holy Ghost speaking of Iustifying faith doth vse the intire phrase f 1. Pet. 1.8.21 Acts 16.31 Rom 9.33 1. Pet. 2.6 Iohn 14.1 3.16 â— 35.36
was not mixed with faith in them that heard it where the doctrine of saluation is compared to wine which profiteth not vnlesse it be drunken that is receiued by faith and to belieue is spiritually to drinke the cup of saluation My soule thirsteth for thee saith Dauid Because thy louing kindnesse is better then life my lips shall prayse thee Psal 63.1 3 5. My soule shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatnesse c. To belieue in Christ Iohn 6 35 50 51 53 54. is to eate the flesh of the Sonne of man and to drinke his bloud Temporarie faith tasteth the word as men doe meate which they spit out againe receiueth it as a raw stomacke doth meate which it vomiteth vp and cannot hold Heb. 6.5 but it neuer feedeth kindly vpon the seuerall parts of the Word of life nor standeth affected towards it as a good stomacke doth to wholsome nourishment which is euident in that the weeds of earthly-mindednesse pride pleasure are not stocked vp by the rootes and where these abide the soule is not rightly tempered to apprehend the worth and qualitie or feed vpon the iuyce of heauenly mysteries But where true and liuely faith hath residence the soule is tempered to symbolize with diuine goodnes and standeth affected to the seuerall branches of the word as a good appetite doth to wholsome food of diuers qualities Faith admits many interruptions This is the nature of Iustifying faith but it admits many interruptions in acts or operations The Minde is sometimes darkened with mists arising from our naturall corruptions sometimes our passions stirre violently that we cannot doe as wee would nor continue our adherence vnto the Word of life as better for the time being then the prosecution of some sensuall good that for the present doth moue our affections and is stolne into them Naturall taste is distempered with sicke humours that abound in the bodie so is the spirituall with temptations from without and spirituall diseases from within Thus it is with the best oftentimes in this life whilest the minde is clouded with earthly thoughts and the heart assailed with carnall lusts which through weaknesse or neglect of watchfulnesse creepe vpon and disturbe them for a time but in their right temper and good plight they are much better they taste and feed vpon the Word of truth and the fauour of God is sweeter to them then all the delights of the sonnes of men We conclude then that Iustifying faith is a firme absolute vnlimited assent and wel-rooted al-seasoning soueraigne affiance whereby we rest vpon Christ for saluation embrace the mercies of God as better then life and feed vpon the Word with sweet refreshing and delight CHAP. IIII. Loue is not the soule of faith yet Iustifying Faith cannot be without Loue. § 1. FRom that which hath beene spoken of the nature of faith § 1. Loue is not the soule of Faith these two things doe plainly follow First That loue is not the life and soule of faith Secondly That Iustifying faith cannot be without loue As light and heate in the Sunne be inseparable so is faith and loue being knit together in a sure band by the Holy Ghost but loue cannot be the forme or soule of faith Liuelihood is the qualification Loue the companion Workes the fruites or effects of that faith that iustifieth but faith receiueth not it vertue life or efficacie from Charitie or any other vertue but from the Spirit of whom it is breathed into vs from whom also it receiueth that it may giue force to all other vertues and good works whereby they are vertues and good workes It is faith and not Charitie that giues influence to all other graces euen to Charitie it selfe as faith increaseth so other graces increase as faith decreaseth so other graces decrease the l fe of faith is our life the strength of faith is our strength if our faith be weâ—ke there is nothing else whereby wee can bee strong It is the essentiall forme or act of faith to accept of the promises of mercie Heb. 11.33 Gal. 3.14 22. Math. 8.13 Rom. 4.16 Rom. 3.27 whereby wee obtaine them also God hauing appointed that as a condition that the promise might be sure to all the seed to exclude boasting and to set forth his free grace and fauour But Charitie cannot serue for that vse because I cannot presume of that that is anothers vpon any conscience of my loue towards him but vpon confidence only of his loue towards me Be it that all things are common amongst friends before we can build the cupon we must haue it resolued vnto vs that God takes vs for his friends which can bee no otherwise but by faith only Faith must first receiue embrace Rom. 3.25 and hold the merit of the bloud of Christ before there can be any assurance of friendship betwixt God and vs. And although being now in friendship with Christ our loue may giue vs encouragement and comfort to make vse to our selues of that that is his yet it is not by our loue that wee take it to make vse thereof For the act of loue is done only by issue and passage from him that loueth to the thing that is loued as from vs to Christ and therefore it must be somewhat else whereby we receiue from Christ to vs. How should the goodnesse of God bee the obiect of our charitie but by being first the obiect of our faith For therefore fore doe we loue the goodnesse of God or loue God for his goodnesse towards vs because first wee belieue the same neither can we so loue but by belieuing For charitie consisting simply in affection apprehends nothing in God of it selfe but receiueth all from faith The forme is the beginning of actions and that that giueth influence and life to another thing must needes haue a prioritie to that that receiueth it But charitie is not the beginning of the actions of faith specially of the act of belieuing the act of loue hath no prioritie to beliefe but followes after it and is quickened by it For by faith we embrace the Word and receiue Christ when as charitie compelleth vs to loue him whom we know embrace and hold by faith Wee first taâ—â—â— our meate and then loue it faith is the spirituall taste of the soule which feedeth vpon the sweet and tender mercies of the Lord before the heart bee enflamed with loue Faith and loue are different gifts and graces and some effects are attributed to faith which agree not to charitie as faith is said to iustifie to purifie the heart to ouercome the world to receiue the promises Charitie may be called an accidentall forme of faith that is it is an instrument vnto it for mouing and stirring abroad in the performance of all duties recommended vnto vs both to God and Man but the life and soule of faith it is not or the inward and essentiall forme whereby it hath life and being
is of no effect or moment thereunto When the Apostle makes comparison betwixt the body without the spirit and faith without workes Iames 2.26 Rhem. annot in Iames 2 26. Sect. 10. concluding that they are both dead he cannot be thought to make loâ—e the soule of faith For he speakes not of internall charitie which lodgeth in the heart but of externall workes which are outwardly visible and apparent vnto men and cannot be the life but are the fruites and effects of faith For that which is without and externall cannot bee the life or soule of that which is within and internall nay it selfe hath from within all the life that it hath and if it receiue not life from within it is altogether dead Workes therefore being outward and issuing from within if they be true can in no good construction be said to be the life of faith which is within but to be the issues and productions of faith from which they spring Besides the word vsed by the Apostle doth signifie the breath and and so the comparison runneth plaine As the body of a l uing creature if it breathe not is dead so faith if it bring forth no workes is dead For breathing is an effect of a liuing body and working is the proper effect of a liuing faith If we speake of faith as it is outwardly professed to men workes which may bee discerned by the eyes of men not charitie which is the inward affection of the heart are they that giue name and gaine credit to profession Charitie is an hand or instrument whereby faith worketh workes are fruites effects demonstrations of the inward life of faith and that which giues name and being to our externall proffession is a pure blamelesse vpright conuersation fruitefull in good workes If we speake of faith a dead faith may be compared to a dead body altogether void of spirituall quickening but a liuely faith cannot fitly be resembled to liuing body but rather to the life of the body because faith is not that which is quickened by charitie or the the workes of charitie but that which quickeneth Faith is the first wheele in the Clocke that moueth all the rest Faith stirreth vp and directeth all other graces of the soule in their operations whose strength increaseth according to the liuely-hood vigor and increase of faith Iames 2.22 Rhem. annot in Loc. How then saith the Apostle That faith is perfected by workes As we iudge of the cause by the effects and by the proportion of the effects the efficacie and force of the cause may seeme to be increased or diminished euery thing is acknowledged to bee perfect when it worketh and is esteemed so much the more perfect by how much the more it worketh as wee say the goodnesse of a tree is perfect when it hath brought forth some excellent good fruite Thus Phylosophers teach that the forme is not perfect when it is considered as the first act but when it is taken as the second act for by working it putteth forth it force and declareth it selfe And so faith is perfected by workes not that the nature of faith receiueth complement or perfection from workes but because it doth declare and manifest it selfe by loue and good workes and is esteemed by so much the more perfect as the workes produced are the more excellent Yea as the exercise of outward members increaseth internall vigor and strength and refresheth the spirits by which wee moue so doth the exercise of grace and vertue rightly imployed perfect faith not imparting the perfection of workes vnto it but stirring vp exercising and intending it owne vigor and perfection Sense and motion is the effect not the cause of life in the body but yet the body without them is dead and perfected by them Workes are the effects not the life of faith but faith without workes is dead and by workes it is perfected § 3. There is a fained and dead faith §. 3. Iames 2.20 Iames 2.19 Act. 8.21 Luk. 8.14 a faith whereby the Deuils are said to belieue and such whose hearts are not vpright a faith which resteth barely in the vnderstanding or which sleightly affecteth the heart but is not rooted beares not soueraignetie a faith subordinate to vaine-glory or couetous desires which the world destroyeth and this saith as it is ineffectuall to season the affections throughout and incite to the sincere vniforme acts of loue so is it vnauaileable to Iustification There is a faith vnfained welrooted soueraigne 1. Tim. 1.5 Acts 15.9 Gal. 2.20 1 Iohn 5.4 Iustifying faith cannot bee without loue whereby we belieue to righteousnes by which the heart is purified and Christ dwelleth in vs which is the victorie whereby we ouercome the world and this faith worketh by loue and cannot but worke Hee that belieueth in this sort loueth freely and connot but loue not through defect of libertie but through the nature of faith exciting the belieuer to will to loue not to loue if he will Faith and loue considered as habits of the renewed soule and branches of inherent holines haue their originall from the Spirit of regeneration and be distinct graces infused together The deeds of charitie are the proper acts or exercises of the grace of charitie Par. de Iust lib. 1. cap. 14. from which they issue as branches from the flocke and fruite from the tree nor can we properly say that such workes flow from faith as the fruite doth from the roote seeing charitie is no branch of faith but a distinct grace of the renewing Spirit which beareth it proper and distinct fruit But such acts are said to be of faith because the doctrine of faith inioyneth them the vertue of faith inclines the soule vnto them moueth charitie vnto the exercise of them and directeth and quickeneth the acts themselues without which they would be liuelesse and out of square Faith doth beget loue not that one habite doth beget another but that faith doth excite men to the workes of charitie Thus the habits of faith and loue be coupled in infusion the exercise of faith and loue be inseperably conioyned and the acts of loue bee the effects of faith 1. Iohn 5.1 Iohn 1.12 13. 2. Cor. 5.17 2. Pet. 1.4 Euery one that belieueth is borne of God hee that is engrafted into Christ by faith is a new Creature and made pertaker of the diuine nature But he that is borne of God is endued with the grace of loue The liuely members of Christ Iesus which receiue from him the sap of grace cannot be vtterly destitute of true charitie But all true Belieuers are liuing members of Christ Iesus Gal. 2.20 Rom. 11.17 Iohn 15 1 2. 1. Iohn 4.15 Rom. 1.17 Iohn 3.36 6.40 Hee that belieueth abideth in God and God in him But in whom God abideth in him is loue Euery true Belieuer doth liue spiritually and where true faith is there is true life But hee that liues spiritually and is
to apprehend and lay hold of for conueying a thing to himselfe But to b Iohn 1.12 Col. 2 6. Rom. 5.11.17 Heb. 8.15 belieue on Christ and to receiue Christ doe both import the same thing Therefore to belieue on Christ is to rest vpon him for the conueying of his benefits particularly vnto vs. Meate nourisheth not vnlesse it be eaten and digested a plaister heales not if it be not applied a potion will not worke ' if it be not receiued Christ is the true bread of life Iohn 6.35 that came downe from Heauen vpon whom we must feed by faith if we would be pertakers of his benefits and feed vpon him we cannot if we doe not particularly belieue in him for our selues The worke of redemption remaines proper to Christ but the benefit of his death is communicated to euery member of his misticall bodie for their iustification And how can wee hope to haue our sinnes forgiuen if we be not made one with him by faith and rest vpon the promise made in him for pardon That profession which Paul makes may here bee considered I know in whom I haue belieued 2. Tim. 1.12 and I am perswaded that he is able to keepe that thing wherewith I haue entrusted him or deliuered vp to his keeping where it is apparant that to belieue is to commit our selues to Christs trust or keeping or to rest our soules vpon the performance of the gracious promises which God of his rich grace in Iesus Christ hath made vnto vs. § 2. This faith is certaine §. 2. Faith is certaine in the euent not euer in sence though mixed with many doubtings by reason of our weaknesse Certaine and assured in regard of the euent and thing belieued not in regard of the sense and feeling of him who belieueth Whether his heart be stedfast in faith or trembling through much vnbeliefe yet vnfainedly belieuing with a welrooted confidence though with much vnbelief he shal be sure of the thing promised For the promise is made good to him that truly receiueth it not for the stedfast manner of receiuing but for the thing receiued which is Christ Now looke as a trembling palsey hand may take the same thing which a more steddie one doth take though the manner be diuers the one taking it with shaking the other without any trembling so an heart of faith which yet shaketh and doubteth through much vnbeliefe may take Christ as well as an heart doth which is more fully perswaded and therefore shall haue the grace promised for his sake who is receiued by faith Iohn 3.15 The promise is vniuersall Whosoeuer belieueth in Christ shall not perish but haue euerlasting life it is not whosoeuer is fully assured or certainly perswaded of his saluation but whosoeuer vnfainedly belâ—eueth in Christ shall be saued Now many a poore soule may cast himselfe vpon Christ and lay hold vpon him with purpose through Gods grace neuer to leaue him as being assured without wauering in this particular that it is best both simply and in comparison to draw neere vnto God and relie vpon his grace and so in euent is sure of saluation who yet would giue a world to be assured of Gods fauour and fully perswaded that his sinnes are pardoned An house well builded vpon a rocke is as sure as the foundation euery thing hanging on a pin or pegg is as sure as the pin or pegg on which it hangeth True faith firmely groundeth it selfe vpon the faithfull promises of God and receiueth them as better then life it selfe from which it will not bee with-drawne by any carnall allurements and therefore in euent it cannot miscarrie for the ground is firme and vnchangeable The truth of God in it selfe is more certaine then any thing that can bee apprehended by the senses but it is not euermore so apprehended by vs and faith which buildeth vpon the infallible truth of God comming to him when he calleth relying vpon his grace because hee hath spoken is in euent no lesse sure then the foundation vpon which it leaneth is certain vnmoueable but in the sense of the belieuer it is not alwayes so neither are matters of faith receiued by vs with such certaintie as are other things subiect to the senses in themselues lesse certaine Things are to vs according as we conceiue them which is not euer answerable to the euidence of the thing in it selfe or to the certaintie in regard of the euent Things most sure in themselues are sometimes but dimmely discerned of vs because our eye-sight is imperfect and things lesse euident in themselues doe appeare to vs most cleare and manifest when they come within the compasse of sense or reason remayning in vs. Besides the promises of mercie in Christ being the highest and most spirituall it is the hardest point of seruice in Christian warfare firmly to belieue them and the daâ—ly weaknesses which wee espie in our selues the many and strong passions which stil warre within vs and many times preuaile doe impell the minde to distrust When a Christian calleth to mind what strength worldly allurements haue in him how often hee yeildeth vnto assaults in many pettie temptations how weake and fraile dull and negligent hee is in the duties of Christianitie and his particular calling the consciousnesse of these things will no question trouble the eye of faith Not that the comfort of a Christian is grounded vpon his strength of grace or any good worke that is or can be done by him but because his beliefe in the mercie of God cannot be greater then his strength to ouercome worldly allurements wherby hee might be withdrawne from God or care to yeeld vniforme sincere and constant obedience to all Gods Commandements Againe it is one thing to haue a thing surely another thing to know I haue it surely We seeke many things that we haue in our hands we haue many things that we thinke we haue lost so a Belieuer who hath a sure beliefe yet doth not alwayes know that he so belieueth seeketh but findeth it not nay thinketh he is altogether without faith when he hath it vnfainedly A man vnregenerate that is wholly corrupt seeth little or no corruption in himselfe yea after due serious and long examination many disorders may secretly lurke in the heart of a man sanctified which he doth not espie And is it then any maruell that a true Belieuer should be vnable sometimes at least to say that he doth belieue yea that hee should not find it though he make diligent search and inquirie into his owne heart about it Looke as children liue in the wombe and know not themselues that they doe liue so it is with many true belieuing soules who long belieue before they come to see themselues belieue and bee able by a reflexed operation of minde to say 2. Tim. 1.11 I know on whom I haue belieued A man of a contrite spirit belieuing that h s sinnes are pardonable earnestly desiring
labour to see the necessitie and preciousnesse of faith 2. See the necessitie and pretiousnesse of Faith and these seene will make a man hold hard ere he part with it A man that hath a great charge his whole state about him will as soone lose his life as part with his treasure Of what excellencie and vse is this grâ—ce of faith which subdueth passions ouercommeth allurements maketh things impossible to the flesh easie and delightsome inableth to stand fast when we are buffeted by Satan lifteth vp the head amidst all the surges of temptation remayneth victorious in all combats raiseth vs vp when we are laid along and our weapons beaten on our Heads knitteth the heart fast to the heauenly Commandements quickeneth in deadnesse and holdeth the Lord fast when he leadeth vs into the darke Who would not preferre the custodie and increase of such a grace before life it selfe Nay what is our life without it If faith liue in vs we liue blessedly whatsoeuer misery compasse vs about if faith decay we die if it die we perish Thirdly We mâ—st consider whom we trust and meditate on the grounds of faith to wit the grace 3. Meditate on the grounds of Faith power goodnes truth vnchangeablenes of God for this will strengthen beliefe Wee must consider the promises of God that we may see what his good will and pleasure is what a Fatherly care of our welfare hee hath and not only how able but how willing also he is to helpe and succour vâ— what promises he hath made and how faithfull hee is in performaâ—ce for his owne names sake and of free vndeserued loue The Mother of vnbeliefe is ignorance of God his faithfulnesse mercie and power Psal 9.10 Those that know thee will trust in thee This confirmed Paul Abraham Sarah in the faith 2. Tim. 1.12 Heb. 11.11 Rom. 4.21 I know whom I haue beliâ—ued and that hee is able to keepe that I haue committed vnto him vntill that day Hee is faithfull who hath promised and able also to performe The free promises of the Lord are all certaine his Commandements right and good the recompence of reward inestimably to bee valued aboue thousands of gold and siluer Trust therefore in the Lord O my soule and follow hard after him Thou hast his free promise who neuer failed who hath promised more then possibly thou couldst aske or thinke who hath done more for thee then euer he promised who is good and bountifull to the wicked and vngodly thou doest his worke who is able and assuredly will beare thee out there is a Crowne of glory proposed vnto thee aboue all conceit of merit sticke fast vnto his Word and suffer nothing to diuide thee from it Rest vpon his promises though hee seeme to kill thee cleaue vnto his stâ—tutes though the flesh lust the World allure the Deuill tempt by flatteries or threatnings to the contrarie 4. Feeling weaknesse of faith looke on on Christ Fourthly When wee feele our faith weake we must looke vp to Christ the beginner and finisher of faith in vs. A fainting bodie will taste some thing that is cordiall and restoratiue and a fainting soule must baite it selfe with looking to Iesus who is our cordiall and restoratiue 5. Pray for the spirit of faith Fiftly Faith is a grace that is giuen from aboue and commeth downe from the Father of lights vnto whom wee must fly by feruent prayer humbly begging that he would by his Spirit both reueale vnto vs what be those pretious promises which he hath made vnto his people and giue vs wisdome rightly to iudge of them and firmely to receiue them in euery estate and aboue all to moue our hearts so to belieue them that wee may assure our selues of all needfull helpe in due time seeing God alsufficient and faithfull hath promised it and waite vpon him in the way of his Commaundements Mercifull Father it is my sincere desire and vnfained resolution to draw nigh vnto thee and put my trust in thy mercies for euermore But of my selfe I haue no abilitie to stand in faith or to follow hard after thy Commaundements I am full of doubtings when I can see no meanes to put me in hope of helpe and ready to sinke downe in despaire vpon euery small occasion I am readie to stagger and slip aside Take pittie vpon me O Lord for thy mercie sake for I fly vnto thee for helpe Thou hast commanded mee to belieue hold mee by thy right hand that I shrinke not reueale thy promises vnto my vnderstanding giue mee a sound iudgement establish me in the faith more and more vnite my heart close vnto thee that all the darts of the Deuill may fall off not be able to wound my conscience Thou hast giuen me to see my weakenesse in faith and to bewaile it to see the necessitie and excellent vse of faith and to desire it giue me also stedfastly to belieue according to the riches of thy grace that I may glorifie thy name CHAP. II. What it is to liue by faith in particular touching the promises of pardon and forgiuenesse and how to stirre vp our selues thereunto THE vse of faith which is as large as the word of God must be distinguished according to the arts and seuerall branches of it promises What the promisâ—s bee and the kinds thereof Commaundemets threatnings By promises vnderstand all those declarations of Gods will wherein hâ—e signifies in the Gospell what good he will freely bestow And these be either Spirituall or Temporall concerning this life or the life to come of things simply necessarie to saluation or of things good in themselues but not alwayes good for vs all which are receiued possessed and inioyed by faith according as they be promised of God either with or without limitation Amongst spirituall promises absolutely necessarie without which there can be no saluation the first and chiefe is concerning pardon or forgiuenesse of sinnes and Iustification The promise of forgiuenes of sinnes God of his rich grace and mercie in Iesus Christ doth make offer of free and full forgiuenesse of all sinnes to euery burdened thirstie and peniâ—ent soule Isay 55.7 Deut. 30.1.2 1. Reg. 8.35 Let the wicked forsake his way and the vnrighteous man his thoughts and let him returne vnto the Lord and he will haue mercy vpon him and to our God for he will abundantly pardon Ier. 3.12 Returne thou backe-sliding Israel saith the Lord and I will not cause mine anger to fall vpon you for I am mercifull saith the Lord and I will not keepe mine anger for euer I will clense them from all their iniquitie wherby they haue sinned against me and I will pardon all their iniquities whereby they haue sinned and whereby they haue transsgresed against me Ier. 33.8 and 1.34 The promise is free This promise is made of free and vndeserued mercie not for any merit that is or possibly could bee in vs.
that my lips may sing of thy prayse all the day long Fourthly He must comfort his heart in the certaintie of Gods Word though for the present he feele no comfort Returne vnto thy rest O my soule for the Lord will deale bountifully with thee His Word is gone forth in truth waite a little while and thou shalt behold the light of his countenance The Lord deferreth to grant the comfort of forgiuenesse Why God deferreth to grant the profit of forgiuenesse that hee might confirme faith traine thee vp in obedience trie thy patience preserue his graces and doe thee good in the later end Thou art alreadie blessed because the grant of pardon is sealed and receiued the sence of deliuerance pertaineth to the execution which for a little season is deferred that it may bee perfected with greater glory to God and comfort to thy selfe Blessed bee the Lord who hath turned away his eyes from my transgressions but hath not turned away his mercy from me Reioyce in the Lord O my soule againe I say reioyce for he hath couered thine iniquities and purged away thy sinne that thou shalt not die Oh the blessednesse of that man whose iniquities are forgiuen to whom the Lord imputeth no sinne Fiftly Thus faith is daily to be preserued and quickened vnto which it is not vnprofitable to adde some thoughts concerning the blessednesse of the Man whose debts are cancelled out of Gods Booke the grace and loue of God who vouchsafeth to shew compassion herein the price that was payed to diuine Iustice that grace might iustly conferre this blessing vpon them that belieue These things may serue to quicken the heart in the consideration of this mercie CHAP. III. What it is to liue by faith touching the promises of Sanctification and how to stirre vp our selues thereunto Of the promises of sanctification THe next spirituall promises of things absolutely necessarie to saluation are concerning Sanctification or the killing of sinne and quickening vs to newnesse of life by the continued infusion of holinesse and renouation of our hearts according to Gods Image and to the enabling vs to walke in new obedience according to couenant And this is signified by the generall tearmes of subduing sauing washing cleansiâ—g and purging from sinne and iniquitie Mic 7.18 19. Who is a God like vnto thee that pardoneth iniquitie and passeth by the trangression of the remnant of his heritage he retaineth not his anger for euer because hee delighteth in mercy He will turne againe he will haue compassion vpon vs hee will subdue our iniquities and thou wilt cast all their sinnes into the depths of the Sea Math. 1.21 He shall saue his p ople from their sinne which as it is true in the matter of our Iustification for the forgiuenesse of our sinne so also in the point of Sanctification for deliuering vs from the power of sinne And so are the like generall speeches to be vnderstood Iohn 1 29. 1 Iohn 2.2 1 Iohn â— 7 that Christ is the Lambe of God which takâ—th away the sinnes of the world that he was manifested to take away our sinnes that the bloud of Christ clenseth vs from all sinne Apoc. 1.5 that hee loued vs and washed vs from our sinnes in his owne bloud And this is that which the Lord of his free mercie promised to effect for his Church and people Esay 4.3 4. And it shall come to passe that he that is left in Zion and he that remaineth in Ierusalem shall be called holy euen euery one that is written among the liuing in Ierusalem When the Lord shall haue washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and shall haue purged the bloud of Ierusalem from the midst thereof by the Spirit of Iudgement and by the spirit of burning Now seeing we haue such promises from God it followeth necessarily that a Christian is allowed to belieue A Christian is allowed to beleeue these promises that God of his free grace in Christ will purge him from the filthy remainders of sinne and renew him more and more after his owne Image in righteousnesse and true holinesse In the couenant of grace which God made with his people hee promiseth to take away their hearts of stone Ezek. 11.19 Ier. 31.33 32.40 Ezek. 36.26 27 and to giue them hearts of flesh to put his law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts to put his feare in their hearts that they shall not depart from him and to giue them a new heart and to put his Spirit within them But what God promiseth faith receiueth It is no presumption but true obedience to assure our selues from God of whatsoeuer hee hath past his promise and entred into band and couenant freely to giue The burdened are inuited to come vnto Christ for ease and the thirstie for refreshing Is any man dried withered and burnt vp for lacke of the sap and moisture of grace the fountaine is set open vnto him hee may come and drinke to the satisfying of his soule If any man thirst Reuel 22.17 Iohn 7.37 Verse 38. let him come vnto me and drinke He that belieueth on me as the Scripture saith out of his belly shall flow riuers of liuing water Christ is the fountaine of grace and the well of life euer-flowing and euer full John 1.16 Col. 1.19 Ephes 1 23. Col. 3.10 11. Col. 2.10 of whose fulnes euery Belieuer doth receiue grace for grace who filleth all in all who is all in all in whom wee are compleate filled with all heauenly graces which serue to remoue euill or set vs in state of blessednesse There is no grace but from Christ no communion with Christ but by faith From Christ we receiue to belieue and from him belieuing we daily sucke the life of grace Christ is made vnto vs of God Wisdome and Sanctification 1. Cor. 1.30 as well as Righteousnesse and Redemption and as it is our dutie to belieue in Christ for pardon of sinne so to embrace him by faith for sanctification and to bee filled with his gifts of grace in our measure Christ by his bloud hath purchased for his people all spirituall blessings in heauenly things Apoc. 1.5 Ephes 1.3 2. Pet. 1.3 euen all thâ—ngs that pertaine to glory in the world to come and to liue godly in this present world But what Christ hath purchased that we may assuredly belieue God will bestow He will not with-hold any thing that he hath gratiously giuen to our Sauiour on our behalfe We are taught to aske of God in Iesus Christ increase and strength of grace that wee may be inabled to walke before him in new obedience Col. 1.9 10. We cease not to pray for you and to desire that yee might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdome and spirituall vnderstanding That yee might walke worthy of the Lord vnto all pleasing being fruitfull in euery good worke and increasing in
grace as well as any benefite tending thereunto As we are iustified by faith so wee are saued by faith Eph. 2.8 not in respect of present saluation or redemption whereof here we are pertakers but in respect of glorification to come in due time to be reuealed Belieue on the Lord Iesus Act. 16.31 and thou shalt hee saued By faith wee haue accesse into this grace Rom. 5.2 wherein wee stand and reioyce in the hope of glory When the Apostle saith With the heart Man belieueth vnto righteousnesse Rom. 10.10 and with the mouth confession is made vnto saluation Hâ—e doth not so distinguish these two as if faith were the cause of righteousnes confession of saluation or as if faith were sufficient to righteousnes but not to saluation for hee had often said Rom. 4 16. that wee are saued by faith that the promise is by faith But he describes the qualification of that faith which iustifyeth and saueth namely that it is a stedfast affiance that flyeth to God by heartie supplication and breaketh forth into profession of Gods name The promise is Rom. 10.11 Whosoeuer shall call vpon the name of the Lord shall be saued and faith herein flyeth to the throne of grace with ardent supplications and layeth hold of saluation promised of grace Secondly Faith doth not begin to apprehend life and then leaue it it to works that we might attain the accoÌ„plishment by theÌ„ but it doth euer rest vpon the promise vntill we come to enioy it Heauen is an inheritance freely vouchsafed to the adopted sonnes of God whose interest vnto it commeth by belieuing not by working Rom. 6.23 The gift of God is eternall life through Iesus Christ our Lord if it be a gift of meere fauour it cannot be of workes Eph. 2.8.9.10 Gal. 3.18 If the inheritance be of the Law it is no more of promise but God gaue it to Abraham by promise And that which God will doe about his children in the day of iudgement is called mercy 2. Tim. 1.18 The Lord shew mercy to Onesiphorus in that day The immediate cause of life is Gods grace as the immediate cause of death is sin Rom. 5.21 But if life be of grace it is by faith We are kept by the power of God through faith vnto saluation 1. Pet. 1.5 So that our faith neuer giues ouer till wee come to bee actually possessed of the immortall and vndefiled inheritance reserued for vs in Heauen Thirdly By faith we receiue the promised Spirit as the earnest of our inheritance vntill the redemption of the purchased possession Gal. 3.14 Because ye are sonnes God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Sonne into your hearts crying Ezek. 34.29 Gal. 4 6. Rom. 8.15 Abba Father The holy Ghost doth first infuse the grace of faith into our hearts whereby we belieue but belieuing and being made the sonnes of God wee receiue the Spirit more fully and manifestly dwelling in vs to sanctification and assurance of our Redemption By the benefite of the holy Ghost faith springeth in vs by which faith the abundance of the selfe-same spirit is increased and so of a greater faith is still made a greater increase of the Spirit In whom after yee belieued Ephe. 1.13 yee were sealed with the Spirit of promise He that belieueth Iohn 7.38 out of his belly shall flow riuers of liuing water And these gifts of the Spirit which we receiue by faith from Christ our Head are the beginnings of that glorious life we expect and looke for one in substance different in degrees and according to the measure of grace receiued so is the life of glory begunne in vs. Fourthly Faith in the promises of euerlasting life leadeth forward in the pathes of peace and righteousnes It mortifyeth corruption studyeth holinesse Math. 6.21 raiseth the heart to things aboue and directeth the conuersation according to the pollicie of the new Ierusalem Life eternâ—ll is not giuen for workes but it is the good pleasure of God that his children should be holy and exercise themselues in all good workes Rom. 8.13 Gal. 6.8 If yee through the Spirit doe mortifie the deeds of the body yee shall liue He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reape life euerlasting Blessed are the pure in heart Math. 5 8. for they shall see God Follow peace with all men and holinesse Heb. 12.14 without which no man shall see the Lord. Charge them that be rich in this world that they bee not high minded nor trust in vncertaine riches but in the liuing God who giueth richly all things to inioy That they doe good that they be rich in good workes ready to distribute willing to communicate 1. Tim. 6.17.18.19 Laying vp in store for themselues a good foundation against the time to come that they may lay hold on eternall life But yee beloued building vp your selues in your most holy faith praying in the holy Ghost keepe your selues in the loue of God Iude verse 20.21 Iam. 1.12.25 Math. 35.34.35 looking for the mercy of our Lord Iesus Christ vnto eternall life Come yâ—e blessed of my Father inherit the kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world For I was hungred and yee gaue mee meate c. These and such like passages of Scripture shew not the cause why but the qualification of the persons vnto whom not how it is deserued but what doth precede the bestowing of life eternall And faith that looketh for that blessed hope and layeth hold vpon the promise of that heauenly and incorruptible inheritance lifteth vp the heart into Heauen kindleth loue inflameth with zeale encourage h against difficulties and inciteth to run the way of Gods Commandements If probable hope of great aduantage drawes on the Merchant to vndertake a long and tedious voyage by Sea notwithstanding the many casualties and perils wherewith it is beset faith in the assured promises of God concerning saluation will set a man forward in his Christian iourney hold hâ—m on in his way with courage and chearefulnesse and hearten him to the workes of godlinesse notwithstanding the temptations of Satan the allurements of the world or oppositions of the flesh to the contrarie Phil. 3.20 Our conuersation is in Heauen from whence also wee looke for the Sauiour the Lord Iesus Christ Col. 1.3.4.5 Wee giue thankes to God and since wee heard of your faith in Christ Iesus and of the loue which yee hau to all the Saints For the hope which is laid vp for you in Heauen Heb. 11.13 14.15.16 By faith Abraham Isaâ—c and Iacob confessed that they were pilgrimes and strangers on the earth and hauing oportunitie would not returne into their owne countrey because they desired a better countrey that is an heauenly Fiftly It seeketh to get our title confirmed and assured to the conscience by euidence and earnest or pawne it exerciseth it selfe vpon the
as an euil he shall fall into but which he shall escape by the constant study and practice of holines For our assurance to escape damnation through the death of Christ Phil. 2.12 Math. 10.28 Luke 12.4.5 is no greater then our care to auoyd sin which leadeth thereunto Worke out your saluation with feare and trembling Feare not them which kill the body but are not able to kill the soule but rather feare him which is able to destroy both soule and body in hell Thirdly It stâ—rreth vp continuall watchfulnesse to shunne whatsoeuer might bâ—eed danger or procure Gods displeasure When sleepinesse beginneth to come vpon vs faith ioggeth our elbow and telleth the Lord is at hand with a whip to awaken vs. The approach of perill apprehended will rowse vp the sluggard to looke about him Faith also teacheth so to acknowledge the anger of God as that it draweth the heart aboue all things to take heed not to prouoke him by carelesnesse and securitie Who knoweth the power of thy anger 2. Cor. 5.10 11. Psal 90.11 Euen according to thy feare so is thy wrath Fourthly The threatnings mingled with faith cause sorrowfull melting or relenting of heart for sinne committed When the King of Nineueh belieued the preaching of Ionah Ionas 3.6 7 8. that within fortie dayes that gâ—eat Citie should be destroyed hee rose from his throne put on sackcloth and proclaimed a Fast vnto the Lord. And when the Lord testified his displeasure against the Israelites by sending thunder and lightning in Wheate Haruest all the people feared greatly and said vnto Samuel 1. Sa. 12.18 19. Pray for thy seruants vnto the Lord thy God that we die not for we haue added vnto all our sinnes this euill to aske vs a King Now the threatnings belieued worke the same effect Iudges 2.3 4. that the iudgements seene When Iosiah heard what the Lord spake against Ierusalem and against the inhabitants of that place his heart was tender 2. Kin. 22.18 19 and hee humbled himselfe before the Lord. Fiftly When wee see by faith from what miseries wee are deliuered of the free grace and mercie of God our hearts are enlarged in prayse and thanksgiuing In distresse faith powreth out supplications when the calamitie is ouer-past it setteth forth the goodnesse of the Lord and singeth of his glorie When the Israelites were in safetie on the shoare looking backe vpon the danger escaped when they passed through the red Sea Exod. 15.1 2. they make a ioyfull noise to the God of their saluation their songs are answerable to their fore-conceiued feare And so when the Lord brought backe the captiuitie of Babylon Psal 126.2 their mouthes were filled with laughter and their tongues with ioy The due consideration of our deserts manifest by the threatnings contained in the Word of God doth maruellously affect the heart with desire to publish and spread abroad the louing kindnesse of the Lord when by faith in Christ wee see our selues to bee set free from the dreadfull curses of the Law and mercifully saued from the righteous iudgement of our sinnes By this which hath beene said it is manifest that this life of faith is most excellent and comfortable and by good proofe and experience wee should be able to say so if wee would be perswaded but to take a taste of the benefit and sweetnesse that it bringeth For by this faith we are directed to seeke and follow after Christ Ephes 3.17 till wee come to be assured that he dwelleth in vs as the fountaine of life and that in him we are deliuered from the gilt and punishment of all our sinnes 2. Cor. 5.19 whereas others who liue not by it wauer are oft distracted and know not where to begin the foundation of that great worke nor how to build thereon By this faith we may come to sound rest and holy securitie about our saluation from time to time enioying the comfort of it still more and more with incredible ioy whereas others euen the best are oft vnsetled and much disquieted If the Lord lead vs into the darke and exercise vs with manifold afflictions and temptations by this faith we are enabled to hold him by the hand to cast our selues vpon the promises of grace and so relying vpon his power faithfulnesse and mercy to promise safetie vnto our selues aboue likelihood and appearance yea when wee feele the contrarie The rage of sinne is weakened and wee haue strength against it though not alwayes to preuaile which were not expedient yet at least to be in combate with it which is euer a good testimonie of our safetie for hereby we proue our selues to bee liuely members of the Church Militant Also by this we are preserued against fearefull sinnes and haue grace to walke in newnesse of life and all parts of it with ioy and chearefulnesse If we liue by faith we haue deliuerance from mâ—ny sharp bitter afflictions beare those which we must go vnder more meekly patiently because it makes vs depend vpon Gods promises not stinting him to any set time maner of deliuerance or measure of afflictioÌ„ By it we walk in our callings more chearfully honestly painfully with lesse distractioÌ„ toile vexatioÌ„ but with more profit then they that flow in with wealth haue all shifts cunning slights to gaine by Psal 127.1 2. For whiles we see God euer going before vs in al our earthly dealings and actions as we should more looke to it that we find it so then to our greatest profits weightiest dealings this faith shall vphold vs in the quietest estate and most sweet peace such as all the carnall wisedome of man shall neuer find nor enioy This faith teacheth vs to pray at all times as our necessities require with feruency coÌ„fidence euen in the depth of afflictions when the graue is readie to swallow vs vp and shut her mouth vpon vs Psal 69.13 14 15 16. it enableth to look vnto the Lord with strong arguments to implore his aid O Lord God of my saluation Psal 88.1 2 3. I haue cried day and night before thee for my soule is full of troubles and my life draweth nigh vnto the graue Out of the depths haue I cried vnto thee O Lord Lord heare my voice Psal 130.1 2. My spirit within me is ouer-whelmed my heart within me is desolate I stretch forth my hands vnto thee Psal 143.3 6. my soule thirsteth for thee in a thirsty land O remember not against vs former iniquities let thy tender mercies speedily preuent vs Psal 79.8 for we are brought very low If the affliction be very grieuous and of long continuance faith doth neither quaile nor cease to seek helpe but looketh vp to the Lord expecting saluation in due time to be reuealed O God Psal 74.1 2. why hast thou cast vs off for euer Why doth thine anger smoake against the sheepe of thy pasture Remâ—mber thy Congregation which thou hast purchased of old the rod of thine inheritance Psal 69.29 Psal 68.35 Verse 22. which thou hast redeemed I am poore and sorrowfull let thy saluation O God set me vp on high for God is the strength of his people who will brâ—ng them againe from the depths of the Sea The life of faith shall 〈◊〉 in ioy comfort He that trusteth in the Lord shall r◠〈◊〉 in his holy Name I am a wonder vnto many but the 〈◊〉 my strong refuge Psal 71.7 8. Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day Our heart shall reioyce in him Psal 33.21 because we haue trusted in his holy Name Loe this is our God we haue waited for him and he will saue vs this is the Lord Esay 25.9 we haue waited for him we will be glad and reioyce in his saluation The expectation of them that hope in the Lord Psal 68.19 69.30 shall not be frustrated therefore they shall reioice in him and sound forth his praises He that hath learned to liue by faith Heb. 11.13 shall also die in faith All these died in or according to the faith If we know how to walke with God by faith as Henoch did all the daies of our life amidst the manifold temptations changes that we meet withall in this world we shal the better encounter with death when the agonies therof be vpon vs. Death is many waies terrible and the assaults of Satan at that time are vsually most strong as being his last but hee that hath taken out this lesson To liue by faith shall easily quench the fierie darts of the Deuill manfully conquer this strong enemie renew his repentance and confidence in Gods mercy vpon the sight of sin willingly resigne himselfe into the hands oâ— God This is the ordinary course Liue in faith die in faith Liue holily and die blessedly Therefore let vs leaue late repentance to them that think it but a sport to venture a soule and take that course that is sure to speed To say no more it is exceeding dangerous to put off repentance from day to day though some few haue obtained mercie at their latter end But this is sure he that liueth in faith shall die in faith and liue in glory for euermore Amen FINIS
with many doubts and difficulties § 2. p. 96 The particular certaintie of remission of sinnes is not equall in certaine and firmenesse of assent to that assurance which we haue about the common obiect of faith § 3. p. 96. 97 There be seuerall states of Belieuers but all subiect to manifold temptations § 4. 98. 99 Beliefe in Christ for remission is stronger and more necessary then particular assurance of our saluation § 5. p. 100 Not only some vncertaine hope but euen infallible assurance of saluation is to bee sought and may bee obtained § 6 p. 101. 102. c. There is a word testifying thus much that my particular person beholding the Sonne and belieuing on him shall haue eternall life p. 101. 102. 103 Such as truly belieue may know they belieue p. 103 In respect of the exact measure of grace and strength the regenerate are oft deceiued but of the truth of grace they may be assured p. 104. 105 What it is to belieue with the whole Heart § 7. p. 105 In what sence wee must continue daily to aske of God forgiuenesse of sinnes notwithstanding former assurance of pardon p. 106. 107. 108. 109. 110 How iustification is full and entire p. 110 God hath said as to Abraham so to euery one of the seed of Abraham I will be thy God p. 111 How euery faithfull man may and doth make God his in particular ibid. The Apostles and other faithfull haue beene assured of their saluation by ordinary faith p. 111. 112 The saluation of a belieuer is infallible in it selfe and in euent but not euer in his apprehension and feeling § 9 p. 113. Assurance of faith in things extraordinarily is not altogether free from assaults p. 114 The benefits that come vnto vs by temptations p. 115. 116 The Commandements are laid before belieuers not as the cause for obtaining of eternall life but as the way to walke in vnto eternall life § 10. p. 117 Vpright walking is necessary but not the cause of Iustification p. 118 The belieuer relyeth not vpon his workes though hee exercise himselfe therein with all diligence p. 119 What infirmities may stand with assurance of faith § 11 p. 120. 121 What sinnes hinder assurance § 12. p. 123 The absolute raigne of sinne will not stand with the state of grace § 13. p. 124 True assurance breeds encrease of resolution and care to please God § 14. p. 125. 126 CHAP. IX THe authority of the Church cannot bee the ground of faith § 1. p. 128. 129 Whatsoeuer credit the Church hath it receiueth the same from the Scriptures p. 139 The authority of the Pope whom they call the Church virtuall is the first ground and last resolution of the Romanists faith § 2. p. 129. 130 Faith resteth not vpon the Saints but vpon Iesus Christ § 3. p. 132. 133 The Rhemists in defence of their Saint-inuocation are driuen to say that we are to trust in the Saints departed p. 133. 134. 135 CHAP. X. THe benefits and effects of faith § 1. p. 136. 137. 138 139. 140 Faith doth not effect and performe those things by any excellency force or efficacy of it owne aboue other graces but in respect of the office whereunto it is assigned in Couenant of grace p. 140 Of all creatures Man only is capable of iustifying faith § 2. p. 140 Faith is proper vnto Man in this life in his iourney towards his perfect home and eternall habitation p. 141 All men haue not faith p. 141 The subiect of Iustifying faith is man a sinner called according to the purpose of God acknowledging his offences hungring thirsting after mercy § 2. p. 141 The seat of faith is the heart but the heart contrite humbled bewailing sinne denying it selfe and affected with desire of remission § 3. p. 142. 143 In Scripture the heart is taken for the whole soule with all its powers and operations p. 144 Faith is common to all and peculiar to them only who bee called according to the purpose of God § 4. p. 145 All haue not the like measure of faith § 5. p. 146 Faith perfect in none p. 146. 147 The faith of the weakest Christian is sufficient to saluation § 6. p. 148 The degrees of faith may be considered according to the diuers growth which God bringeth his children vnto p. 148. 148 Foure degrees of faith § 7. 149 Faith is weake foure wayes 1. Knowledge 2. Assent 3. Confidence 4. Fruits and effects p. 149. 150 Ordinarily belieuers are weake at the first p. 150 Some priuiledged aboue others p. 151 Faith weake in one respect may be strong in another p. 151 The benefits of the weakest faith if true and liuely § 8 p. 151. 152 Weake faith if sound will grow and encrease ibid. We must striue to be strong and rich in faith p. 152. 153 Faith somewhat growne § 9. p. 153 Strong faith p. 153. 154 Full assurance gotten by degrees p. 154 The benefits of full assurance p. 154. 155 The strongest faith is subiect to sundry infirmities § 10 p. 156 The strong belieuer doth sometimes shrinke when the weake stands fast p. 156 CHAP. XI MOtiues and encouragements to belieue § 1. p. 157 158 Meanes for the right planting of faith § 2. p. 159. 160 161. c. Faith once obtained is seriously to be regarded § 3. p. 164 165 Meanes whereby faith is strengthened and confirmed § 4. p. 166. 167. 168. 169 CHAP. XII VVHy Satan endeuours by all meanes to hinder as the kindly taking so the growth of faith § 1 p. 170. 171 The first Temptation is taken from our worthlesnesse § 1 p. 171 Remedie The sence of vnworthinesse must not discourage vs from beleeuing because 1. The mercy fauour promises and benefits of God are all free p. 171 2. Wee are not more desirous to belieue then God is we should so doe p. 171. 172 The second Temptation They know not whether they bee elected § 2. Remedie 1. Hold such suggestions to arise from the Spirit of errour and lend no eare to such whisperings of the old Serpent p. 172 2. If God make offer of mercy and forgiuenesse in the Ministery of the Gospel 〈…〉 â—â—nd to receiue it ibid. The third Temptation They 〈…〉 of doubtings § 3 Remedie 1. Faith may be true 〈◊〉 liuely that is weake p. 173 2. It is not the excellency and measure of faith that doth make vs righteous before God but Christ whom faith doth receiue ibid. 3. It is not faith but Christ receiued by faith that nourisheth to eternall life ibid. 4. We reade that Christ reproued some for their small faith but neuer reiected any that came vnto him in weaknesse desiring to be confirmed p. 174 The fourth Temptation They cannot keepe their faith strong and stedfast § 4 Remedie 1. There is no shadow of change with God p. 174 2. Labouring after and groaning to rest their wearied soules vpon the promises of mercy being neuer satisfied till their doubtfulnesse be remoued
is to liue by faith p. 203. 204 What is to be done that we might liue by faith viz. 1. Aquaint our selues familiarly with the Word of God 2. Exercise faith aright in the Word p. 204. 205 Besides expresse Cmmandements and direct promises there be speciall promises and commandements by consequent which we are to note and make vse of p. 205. 206 The acts of faith about the Word 1. It doth firmely and vniuersally assent to the whole Word of God and set a due price and value vpon it p. 207 2. It ponders the word seriously and treasures it vp safe ibid. 3. It preserues and keeps in the way of the promises ibid. 4. It plyes the throne of grace with earnest and continuall supplications ibid. 5. It looketh vp directly vnto God his wisdome power mercy and faithfulnesse p. 208 6. It resteth quietly vpon God and tryumpheth before the victory p. 208 Meanes to stirre vp our selues to liue by faith scil 1. Find out thy vnbeliefe p. 208. 209. 210. c. 2. See the necessity and pretiousnesse of faith p. 213 3. Meditate on the grounds of faith p. 213. 214 4. Feeling weaknesse of faith looke on Christ p. 214 5. Pray for the Spirit of faith p. 215 CHAP. II. WHat is meant by Gods promises and the diuers kinds therof p. 216 The promise of forgiuenesse of sinnes ibid. This promise is free p. 217 Yet obtained through Christ only ibid. And receiued and possessed by faith and by it alone p. 217 218 This promise is of faith 1. That it might be of free grace ibid. 2. That it might bee stedfast and sure to all the seed ibid. 3. That only is the true manner of Iustification which shuts forth all boasting in the dignity of our workes p. 218. 219 Its necessary to seeke pardon of sinne by faith for 1. In our selues we be sinfull and cursed and remission which is of grace can be obtained by no other meanes but only by faith in Iesus Christ p. 219 2. Faith goeth directly vnto Christ that by him wee might be justified ibid. 3. Faith in the promises of mercy doth commend and maintaine the glory of Gods grace p. 220 The acts of faith touching this promise of forgiuenes be diuers 1. It generally belieueth the promise to bee true and thereby discernes that sinne is pardonable p. 220. 221 2. It stirreth vp earnest desires and longings to bee made partaker of this mercy p. 221. 222 3. It draweth vs forward to seeke mercy of God by vnfained confession and hearty supplication p. 222. 223. 224 4. It embraceth and resteth vpon the speciall and free mercy of God in Christ for pardon p. 224. 225 5. It doth certifie of pardon granted and sealed vnto vs. p. 225 How faith doth assure that our sinnes are already pardoned p. 225. 226 Three prerogatiues accompany confident assurance 1. Peace with God 2. Free accesse vnto the throne of grace 3. Ioy in the Holy Ghost vnspeakable and glorious p. 227. 228 6. By faith we continue in this blessed state in sweet peace and fellowship with God p. 228. 229 A Christian may liue by faith for many dayes or rather all the dayes of his life in sweet peace and communion with God if he will learne to maintaine and take paines to exercise his faith aright p. 230. 231. 232 To what measure of ioy a Christian may attaine p. 232. 233 Two speciall causes there be why many good Christians liue so long in feare and doubt 1. An immoderate aggrauation of their sinne and continuall thought of their vnworthinesse p. 234 These must know it is good to deny themselues but not to doubt of the mercy of the Lord. ibid. The detestation of sinne is greatly to be commended if they remember withall that there is hope in Israel concerning this p. 235 There be sins of ignorance infirmitie forgetfulnesse and sudden passion and there be foule enormous notorious sinnes which wound conscience p. 235. 236 If a man haue often fallen into notorious offences he is not to despaire ibid. A foule offence after grace receiued is not vnpardonable p. 236. 237 Many complaine they cannot belieue when indeed they thinke there is no promise of mercy made vnto them vpon which they should ground their confidence ibid. Such must know 1. that God calleth them in his word to come vnto him as if he did particularly name them 2. They must consider of the free grace of God in promising and his faithfulnesse in making good whatsoeuer he bath promised ibid. The second cause is ignorance of the way how this assurance is to be sought vpon what foundation it is to bee laid in what order they come vnto it p. 238 Two things are specially to be learned for their direction 1. That assoone as euer a man feeles sin as a burden and doth truly thirst to bee eased of it hee hath a calling to come vnto Christ p. 238 2. The barren in grace must come vnto Christ to bee supplyed of his fulnesse p. 239 Directions to the weake how to stirre vp themselues to beleeue when they feele no comfort p. 239 1. They must vnfainedly humble their soules before God in the confession of sinne with earnest prayer for pardon p. 240 2. They must rowse and stirre vp themselues to beleeue with reasons drawne from the promises and couenant of God made in Iesus Christ considerations taken out of the word and experience of his dealing with other his seruants in former times p. 241. 242 3. They must be instant with the Lord to giue them both strength of faith the sight of their belief p. 242. 243 4. They must comfort their hearts in the certainty of Gods word though for the present they feele no comfort p. 243 Thus faith is daily to be preserued and quickened ibid. CHAP. III. OF the promises of Sanctification p. 244 A Christian is allowed to beleeue these promises for 1. In the couenant of grace God hath promised to take away the heart of stone c. p. 245 2. The fountaine of grace is set open vnto the thirsty and he is inuited to come and drinke to the satisfying of his soule p. 245. 246 3. Christ by his bloud hath purchased for his people all spirituall blessings in heauenly things ibid. 4. We are taught to aske of God in Christ increase and strength of grace ibid. 5. The faithfull haue relyed vpon Christ for grace and ability to walke in his wayes ibid. 6. Mans duty is Gods free gift of grace ibid. It is necessary to belieue that God will sanctifie our nature and enable to the duties of holinesse p. 246. 247 For 1. Iustification sanctification be indiuiduall p. 247 2. Otherwise Christians shall very much stagger be off and on coldly set vpon the practice of Christianity ibid. 3. Our owne strength is too weake for the worke of holinesse ibid. 4. Setlednesse in this that God will perfect the worke of holinesse begun causeth men to goe about
the worke of mortification with much readinesse ibid. 5. The promises of God concerning spirituall things are linked together p. 248 The acts of faith about the promises of sanctification 1. It acquaints a man with his emptinesse of grace and the strength of his inbred corruption p. 248. 249 2. It sheweth where the strength is to bee had which we want and stirres vp to a constant conscionable and diligent vse of the meanes of grace p. 249. 250 3. It inciteth to an holy improuement of what grace we haue receiued ibid. 4. It fighteth couragiously against sinne and cryeth instantly to the Lord for helpe ibid. 5. It submitteth willingly to what course the Lord is pleased to take for the crucifying of sinne ibid. 6. Faith is the band or sinew whereby wee are tyed vnto Christ the fountaine of grace p. 251. 252 7. True faith stirreth vp to thankefulnesse for the beginning of sanctification p. 252 The meanes how a Christian is to stirre vp faith to belieue that God will sanctifie him when hee seeth nothing but thraldome 1. Hee must bewayle his spirituall nakednesse thraldome and vassalage vnder sinne p. 252. 253 2. Hee must looke to the grace truth and power of God who hath promised to sanctifie to the fulnesse and sufficiency that is in Christ the fountaine of grace p. 254 3. He must pray instantly vnto the Lord for sanctifying grace p. 255 4. It is good to moue the heart quietly to rest in the promise and reioyce in hope p. 255 CHAP. IIII. CHrist hath purchased for vs life euerlasting no lesse then righteousnesse p 256 Eternall life is promised vpon condition of faith in Christ p. 256 Life eternall is begun in them that belieue p. 257 When first we belieue them are wee intituled to life euerlasting and so haue the accomplishment of glory in respect of right and propriety p. 257. 258 It is our duty to belieue in God through Iesus Christ for the obtayning of eternall life to be giuen of grace ibid. It is very necessary to belieue it 1. That we might with more quietnesse of Mind beare the afflictions troubles and persecutions which befall vs in this world p. 258 2. It serues to establish our hearts against sundry worldly cares and feares p. 259 3. If we keepe Heauen in our eye we shall fight couragiously and runne with patience notwithstanding all opposition ibid. The acts of faith concerning these promises 1. As an humble petitioner it receiueth and layeth hold vpon saluation it selfe promised p. 259. 260 2. Faith doth not begin to apprehend life and then leaue it to workes but doth euer rest vpon the promise vntill we come to enioy it p. 260 3. By faith we receiue the promised Spirit as the earnest of our inheritance p. 260. 261 4. Faith in the promises of euerlasting life leadeth forward in the paths of peace and righteousnesse p. 261. 262 5. It seeketh to get our title confirmed and assured to the conscience by euidence and earnest or pawne p. 263 6. It striueth to enter the possession of this heauenly kingdome by degrees p. 263 7. It earnestly desires and longeth after the full accomplishment of glory p. 263. 264 8. It assureth that wee are made heires of glory to which God of his grace will bring vs in his time appointed p. 264. 265 God in great mercy doth vouchsafe to his adopted sonnes many excellent royalties in this life p. 265. 266 The act of faith that arise from the priuiledges of the godly in this life 1. Faith resteth vpon the grace of God to receiue from him whatsoeuer may be good and profitable p. 266. 267 2. It petitioneth instantly for succour p. 267. 268 3. It receiueth earthly blessings as gifts of the couenant and tokens of loue p. 268 4. Faith in these the foresaid promises doth greatly enlarge the heart towards God ibid. 5. It doth inwardly quiet and cheere the heart in the midst of manifold outward discouragements p. 268. 269 The way and meanes to stirre vp faith in these promises 1. To humble our selues vnfainedly in respect of our miserable and accursed estate by sinne and former carelesnesse to seeke mercy c. p. 269. 270. 271. 272 2. We must incite and stirre vp our selues to receiue the promises of euerlasting life by consideration of the free and rich grace of God his truth and faithfulnesse the sufficiency of Christs merits and greatnesse excellency and worth of the benefit promised p. 272. 273. 274. 275. 276 3. We must pray earnestly that God would increase our faith seale vs by his Spirit lead vs in the way of peace cause vs to grow vp in holinesse make vs wise to prize and value to taste and relish the joyes of Heauen and assure our consciences of right and title to that euerlasting inheritance p. 277. 278 4. We must quicken our selues to reioyce in God wait patiently and walke chearefully before him p. 278. 279 CHAP. V. GOd hath made many promises of perseuerance p. 279 280 The loue which God beareth to his people is an euerlasting loue and the couenant which hee hath made with them effectually and shall bee kept assuredly is an euerlasting couenant p. 280. 281 The condition of the couenant is promised in the couenant it selfe p. 281. 282 All the faithfull are built vpon the rocke not vpon the rocke now and anone vpon the sand p. 282 The sheepe of Christ shall neuer perish neither shall any man plucke them out of his hand p. 282. 283 They are fenced against the treachery of their owne hearts remayning in them p. 283 The holy Spirit is sent into their hearts to dwell and remayne with them as an earnest of their inheritance vntill the redemption of the purchased possession p. 283. 284 The life which they liue by faith in Christ is an euerlasting life p. 284 Christ hath prayed for his people that their faith should not faile p. 284 We are assured from God that he will perfect the worke of grace which he hath begun ibid. By serious meditation on these promises we must settle our selues in belieuing our perseuerance which is very necessary For 1. Had it not beene a point of great weight the Lord would not haue mentioned it so often p. 285 2. We are weake and feeble to withstand our spiâ—ituall enemies potent and vigilant to assaile ibid. 3. Our weaknesse is not greater then our backwardnesse to belieue the promises of perseuerance when we stand in most need ibid. 4. Whilst Christians distrustfully question their perseuerance all present fauours seeme the lesse all other promises be held the more weakly ibid. 5. Confidence in the promises of perseuerance doth encourage and quicken in a Christian course p. 286 He that hath faith indeed will not nay he cannot take courage to goe on in sinne vpon this pretence that faith once had cannot vtterly be lost ibid. 6. Looke how much wee come short in belieuing the faithfull promises of God concerning our future
God will prouide for vs in this life raise vp our bodies vnto life at the last day of Iudgement and bestow vpon vs that euerlasting kingdome and inheritance which he hath prepared p. 424. 425. 426 2. It is a seale of our dutie promised 1. It is a spurre to repentance and mortification p. 426 2. It is a prouocation vnto faith and a pledge thereof p. 426. 427 3. It is an incitement vnto new obedience a pledge thereof p. 427. 428 4. It is a pledge and pawne of loue and vnitie pag. 428 The new exercise of faith is requird in the worthy receiuing of the Lords Supper ibid. The acts of faith in receiuing the Lords Supper 1. By it we discerne the Sacrament to be the holy Ordinance of God instituted for our speciall good and benefit sealing vnto vs the promises which God of his free mercy hath made in Iesus Christ p. 428. 429 2. By it wee see what the Lord doth offer vnto vs therein how excellent and pretious it is with what assurance it is freely tendered and may be receiued p. 429 3. It sharpeneth spirituall appetite and stirreth vp hungring and thirsting after Christ and his benefits ibid. 4. It earnestly contendeth for mercy confessing sin with griefe and hatred c. ibid. 5. By faith we receiue Christ offering himselfe freely to be contracted vnto vs. p. 429. 430 6. By faith we resigne vp our selues vnto Iesus Christ and willingly yeeld soule and body vnto him p. 430 7. Faith feedeth vpon Christ and sucketh vigour from him ibid. 8. Faith assureth of that spirituall contract which hath passed betwixt Christ and the Christian soule and is sealed in the Sacrament p. 430. 431 9. It stirreth vp ioy and thankefulnesse with serious remembrance of the manifold blessings which in Christ Iesus are vouchsafed p. 431. 432 Meanes to stir vp our selues to receiue the Lord Supper in faith 1. We must bewaile our vnbeliefe dulnesse earthly-mindednesse the distemper of our spirituall taste c. ibid. 2. Consider how freely the Lord doth tender Christ to be receiued in his Word and Sacrament ibid. 3. Weigh and consider the blessed state and condition of them who be reconciled vnto God c. p. 433 4. Hauing troth-plighted our selues to Iesus Christ vnfainedly we must awaken and rowse vp our soules to reioyce in him ibid. CHAP. XII THe faithfull are bound and it is behouefull for them to belieue the threatnings p. 434 The godly man is not slauishly to feare falling away or running into destruction but wisely to belieue the threatnings to preuent falling into sinne and so into condemnation ibid. 1. The threatnings are part of the Word of God ibid. 2. In the state of innocencie there was vse of threatnings so is there in the state of grace p. 434. 435 3. Promises and threatnings mingled fit our state and serue to keep the heart in the best temper ibid. The acts of faith in respect of the threatnings 1. It worketh humblenesse of mind and heart p. 435 2. It bringeth forth awfulnesse reuerence and feare p. 436 3. It stirreth vp continuall watchfulnesse to shunne whatsoeuer might breed danger or procure Gods displeasure p. 437 4. The threatnings mingled with faith cause sorrowfull melting or relenting of heart for sinne committed ibid. 5. When we see by faith from what miseries wee are deliuered of the free grace and mercie of God our hearts are enlarged in prayse thanksgiuing p. 437. 438 This life of faith is most excellent and comfortable for 1. By faith we are directed to seeke and follow after Christ till wee come to be assured that he dwelleth in vs as the fountaine of life and that in him we are deliuered from the guilt and punishment of all our sins p. 438 2. By this faith wee may come to sound rest and holy securitie about our saluation from time to time ibid. 3. If God lead vs into the darke by this faith we are enabled to hold him by the hand ibid. 4. Hereby the rage of sin is weakened and we haue grace to walke in newnesse of life and all the parts of it with ioy and chearefulnesse p. 439 5. By it we walke in our callings chearefully honestly painfully c. ibid. 6. This faith teacheth vs to pray at all times as our necessities require ibid. 7. If the affliction be very grieuous and of long continuance faith doth neither quaile nor cease to seeke helpe p. 439. 440 8. The life of faith shall end in ioy and comfort p. 440 9. He that hath learned to liue by faith shall also die in faith ibid. FINIS Errata PAge 3. l. 8. r. profession of faith p. 9. l. 23. more r. mere p. 22. l. 34 eased r. saued p. 44. l. 24. r. grace for p. 61. l. 1. r. distinction p. 67. l. 9. r faith receiueth p. 73. l. 26. l. 27. insert the more sincerely it worketh p. 75. l. 4 dele for p. 76. l. 30. r. confirmed p. 87. l. 36. dele themselues p. 91. l. 17. dele the p 92. l. 26. r. change p. 94. l. 3. r assured p. 96. l. 4 r. arise not l 26. r. with contrary effects p. 97 l 14. r. wauer as p. 104. l 24. r. they may be p. 116. l. 28. verde r. weede p. 118. l. 18. before thinke del I. p. 120. l. 4. liue r. lie p. 128. l. 11. r. faith yeeldeth p. 136. l. 13. r. this resting l. 36. r. possession of p. 143. l. 21. r. and receiueth p. 144 l. 18. r. seate faith p. 156. l. 5. r. liue in l. 7. r. how the Lord p. 174. l 12 r good will p. 175. l. 31. for r. or p 196. l. 31. r. walke heauily p. 201. l. 2 r. enliues it p. 221. r. But when the p 223. l 1. r. with a 1 p. 248. l. 26. 27. r. so long as p. 251. l. 5. r. deriueth p. 253. l. 9 10. r. resisteth p 292 l. 5. but r. we 296. l. 11. r. frowardnesse l. 17. r. are poore p. 302. betwixt l. 34. 35. insert after also of no strength p. 307. l. 23. we r. he p. 309. l 19. r. what might hurt him p. 313. l. 21. r. set open p. 315. l. 2 r. couering sin p. 328. l. 28 r would be 329 l. 4. vp r. vpon p. 344. dele from delight l. 6. to in l. 7. p. 345. l. 2. 3 r. persecuters p. 348. l. 9. r. such miseries p. 374. l 28 r. drinke and not be satisfied p. 393. l. 25. r. the Lord God p. 417. l. 29. r. It giueth p. 423. l. 14 r. the lauer p. 455. l. 10. r. tartnesse Errata in Margine PAge 4. de prae r. in prae p. 5. Acts 6. r. Acts 9. ibid r. preposition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ibid. r. particle 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 p. 13. Heb. r. Hab. p. 34. Mat. r. Mal. p. 50 r. § Sanctus Augustinus p. 133. Iohn r. Jonah p. 139. r. 1. Pet. 1.5 p. 144. Iohn 24 r.
Luke 24. ibid. Psal 10. r. Psal 119.11 p. 147. 4.29 r. 4.18.19 p. 157. Mat. 3.17 r. Mal. 3.17 p. 241. Psal 52.2 r. Psal 51.1.2 p. 243. profit r. comfort p. 252. discomfort r. thraldome p. 328. Psal 60. r. Psal 68. p. 358. Prou. 14 r. Prou. 4. ibid. vers 14. r. vers 24. p. 416. Psal 102. r. Psal 105. p. 433. r. Iohn 6.56 A TREATISE OF FAITH The first Part. CHAP. I. Of the diuers acceptations of Faith IT is expedient and necessarie that all Christians should acquaint themselues with the doctrine of Faith §. 1. The necessitie of Faith because the safetie of all Christian Religion doth depend vpon the right vnderstanding of this matte and Satan with his subtleties hath euer endeauoured to obscure this doctrine by the mists of Sophismes or to weaken it some other wayes that he might rob God of his glorie and the Church of the certaintie of her saluation And if the necessitie of a thing knowne and acknowledged stirre vp to enquire into it and labour after it this also may prouoke vs to search and enquire what faith is 1. Faith is of the number of those necessary things which are necessarily required to the obtaining of others and not of those which are wrought by compulsion or by any necessary cause compelling Heb. 11.6 As if a man would see he must open his eyes and yet he is not by externall violence forced thereunto 2. No vnbelieuer can please God for how should hee who is incredulous and diuided from God please him who is most true and faithfull Ioh. 3.16 18 36 Rom. 3.28 1. Cor. 1. â—1 Saluation is in the pleasure and power of God which he dispenseth according to his owne not our will But he accepteth none as righteous to life but them that belieue 3. The qualitie of this present life and our habitation 1. Cor. 5.6 7. in which we are absent from the Lord doth euidence the necessitie of faith As a sonne that liues from the presence of his Father must belieue his letters and messengers sent vnto him 4. The qualitie of things necessary to bee knowne for the obtaining of saluation is such that they cannot bee apprehended or receiued without it As in humane things the qualitie of Arts and Sciences is such that they require vnderstanding Acts 15.9 Rom. â— 28 Ephes 1.13 14. because they cannot bee conceiued without it so in things diuine faith is requisite without which wee can neuer comprehend the mysteries of saluation 5. The gifts which God bestoweth vpon his children the graces which the Holy Ghost doth worke in their hearts doe necessarily require faith by the ordinance and determination of the Lord. §. 2. Diuers acceptations of the word faith Math. 23.23 Rom. 3.3 Gal. 5.22 Titus 2.10 § 2. The word Faith in Scripture is taken diuersly 1. It is put for truth fidelitie or faithfulnesse constancie and iustice in word and action promise or accomplishment 2. By faith sometimes true Christian knowledge and perswasion Rom. 12.3 14.1.22 or the measure thereof is to be vnderstood specially the sound knowledge of Christian libertie in Iesus Christ 3. It noteth a sure testimonie or firme demonstration of a thing to come Acts 17.31 4. It signifieth the doctrine of the Gospell and so Christ the subiect of the Scripture which preacheth saluation to bee no otherwise but by faith in Christ and this is called by Diuines Acts 6.7 13.8 Gal. 1.23 3.2.5 Gal. 3.23 24. faith which is belieued 5. It is taken for beliefe of the Gospell the habite being implyed in the act the gift in the exercise which is the faith whereby wee beleeue And this is expressed by the phrases of Belieuing God Iohn 5.46 47. Iohn 2.22 23. Luke 24.25 Acts 26.27 Belieuing on God Belieuing on Christ Belieuing the Prophets 6. Faith is put for vnfained profession ioyned with feruent desire to further Christian Religion and a godly life Rom. 1.8 Gal. 6.10 Acts 14.22 Math. 9 2. 1. Thess 1.3 § 3. Faith signifying beliefe is vsed to note 1. An ordinarie knowledge and bare assent to the historicall truth of Scripture grounded vpon the authoritie and truth of the Speaker though sometimes holpen by experiments §. 3. Sorts of Faith and other inducements and probabilities of the things and this is called faith Historicall Historicall faith that is a naked Iam. 2.19 24. Acts 26.27 imperfect dead assent without trust or confidence in the mercies of God or adherence to the Commandements Howbeit we must not imagine that faith is reputed vnsound or not saluificall because historicall rather it is oftentimes vnsufficient to saue because it is not so fully historicall as it might be but the name of historicall faith arose hence that some are said to belieue who did neuer embrace Christ as their only Sauiour withall their hearts nor confidently relie vpon the promises of mercie otherwise faith iustifying doth more certainly belieue the truth of the historie of the Gospell and so is more historicall than the faith called historicall 2. It is taken for an affiance of heart embracing the word as good Faith Miraculous which in respect of the obiect may be distinguished into Miraculous or Ordinarie For the obiect of faith is 1. Cor. 13.2 Matth. 21.21 7.22 either some speciall and singular promise for the doing of some extraordinarie effect wherein wee trust by a miraculous actiue faith Marke 9.23 Acts 14.9 Luke 17.19 or it is some speciall promise for the obtayning of some spirituall or bodily good thing after an extraordinarie manner whereon wee trust by a miraculous passiue faith as it is called or else faith doth respect the generall and common promises which are made in the word of life and made good to them that belieue whereon wee rest by faith ordinarie But faith Miraculous and Ordinary are not diuers graces but the same grace exercised about diuers obiects The grounds of faith are different Zanch. de redempt lib. 1. c. 12. de prae 1. Sect. de Fide Thes 2. and so are the effects and adiuncts that flow from thence but the grace it selfe one and the same As the Fathers belieued speciall reuelations and extraordinary promises made to them by the same ordinary faith by which wee belieue the common promises of saluation reuealed in the Word so the singular promises of God made to some Belieuers concerning the working of miracles were embraced by the same faith by which they did adhere to the generall promises of mercy or were raised vp to the doing of acts of loue For that faith which doth receiue the more excellent promises as are they concerning spirituall life and saluation can much more lay hold vpon other promises of an inferiour nature if they be made and certified vnto vs. Faith temporarie That faith which is carried to the generall promises is either a confidence vanishing vncertaine
not-rooted called faith Temporary Mat. 13.20 21. Luke 8.13 14. or an affiance certaine wel-planted constant knowne by the name of Iustifying or sauing faith Iustifying faith so called from the principall effect For to iustifie is not the full effect of this confidence or affiance Luke 8.13 Matth. 13.23 beyond which the efficiencie of it doth not extend but because this is the principall thing wherein the force of true faith is occupied Acts 24.14 Acts 15.9 Psal 119.66 Acts 27.25 Gal. 5.6 it is so called Iustifying faith belieueth the historie purifieth the heart sticketh to the Commandements receiueth the temporall promises worketh by loue but it is called Iustifying from the principall effect as the soule is called reasonable from the power it hath to inuent iudge and discourse not that these are her only faculties In the Scriptures of the New Testament this faith is vnfolded in these and such like phrases To belieue God To belieue in or vpon God Rom. 4.3 Iohn 5.24 Acts 16.34 18.8 Iohn 14.1 Rom. 9.33 Acts 6.42 Acts 16.31 Iohn 2.11 3.16 Io. 1.12 3.33 Marke 1.15 Acts 11.1 2.41 1. Cor. 2.14 To belieue in or vpon Iesus Christ To receiue him To receiue the testimonie of God To belieue the Gospell To receiue the Word of God To belieue God signifies no more but to assent to that which the Lord speaketh but belieuing as it belongs to the vnderstanding is the roote and foundation from which confidence of the heart doth spring and flow such a beliefe in the minde is signified in this and all other phrases as is alwayes necessarily accompanied with trusting in God for that which wee belieue hee can and will bring to passe And the other of trusting to or relying vpon is implied whensoeuer wee find that ascribed to belieuing which cannot bee obtained without faith in Christ And if wee search the Scriptures wee shall find these phrases To belieue a Rom. 4.3 with Rom. 4.5 24. Rom. 10.10 11. Iohn 8.30 31. Act. 19.4 Iohn 1.12 Acts 16.34 with 31. Marke 1.15 Gen. 15.6 with Rom 4.3 God and to belieue in God to import one and the same thing A preposition b Exod. 14.31 and 19.9 Luke 24.25 Iohn 2.23 is added to belieue when nothing but assent of minde is signified and it is put without a c Iohn 9 35.38 Esay 28.16 with Rom 9.33 preposition wheÌ„ trust or confidence is implied Rom. 3.22.26 Acts 3.16 Gal. 2.16 Phil. 3.9 Acts 24.24 Col. 3.5 Gal. 2.26 Ephes 1.15 Bayne in Ephes â— 15 d The Hebrew preposition serueth oftentimes to note the accusatiue case and is vsed or omitted without any difference Deut. 7.6 7. 1. Sam 14.37 Esay 33.15 Iob 24.22 Deut. 28.66 Psal 106.12.24 Esay 43.10 The 70. translate the particle sometimes by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jerem 12.6 2. Chron. 20.30 Psal 28.32 ordinarily by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Psal 4.6 22.4 5 25.2 37.3 Psal 11â— 8 9. 146.3 Sometimes they omit it altogether Exod. 14.31 19.9 Ps 106 12. Gen. 15 6. and sometimes they adde the preposition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 where the Hebrew hath no particle Esay 28.16 In the New Testament 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are often put interchangeably one for another Marke 1.9 2.1 Math. 2â— 1 Marke 1.15 Luke â—3 42 Rom. 5.21 Gal. 5. â—0 Phil. 3.3 1. Tim. 3.16 Ephes 6.24 And the Heathen Greekes vse 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as Xenophon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Moreouer wee reade sometimes the Faith of Christ and faith which is by Christ sometimes faith on Christ and sometimes faith in Christ which seuerall formes of speech note much the same thing but that as some learned men obserue the first may be conceiued as propounding Christ the simple obiect Doct. 2 of faith The second phrase Christ the obiect together with our adhering to him The third noteth Christ the obiect our adhering in him together with the word propounded as the way and meane by which wee come belieuingly to inhere in him §. 4. Not the habit but the act of faith is required § 4. But euermore when faith is required it is not the facultie whereby wee are apt and furnished to belieue but the act and exercise of that habite whereby we execute the function of belieuing which is to be vnderstood For this is that which God commandeth in the Scriptures not that our soules be adorned with the habit of faith though that be necessarie but that we belieue in him Belieue in the Lord your God Repent yee and belieue the Gospell 2. Chron. 20.20 Marke 1.1 Marke 9.23 Io. â— 12 14.1 If thou canst beleeue all things are possible to him that belieueth But as many as receiued him to them he gaue right to become the sonnes of God euen to them that belieue on his Name Yee belieue in God belieue also in me Iohn 3. â—8 Acts 8.37 He that belieueth on him is not condemned If thou belieuest with all thine heart thou mayest The Gospell is the power of God vnto saluation Rom. 1.16 1. Iohn 3.24 to euery one that belieueth This is his Commandement that yee should belieue on the Name of his Sonne Iesus Christ Ephes 1.8 We are saued by faith Acts 16.31 is all one with that Belieue on the Lord Iâ—sus Christ and thou shalt be saued We are iustified by faith Gal. 2.16 Acts 13.39 10.4 is all one with that By him all that beleeue are iustified from all things from which yee could not be iustified by the Law of Moses Whosoeuer beleeueth in him shall receiue remission of sinnes Rom. 4.3 Abraham belieued God and it was imputed to him for righteousnesse And therefore the Israelites are reprehended that they belieued not in the Lord Num. 14.11 Deut. 9.23 Psal 78.21.22 A fire was kindled against Iacob and anger also came vp against Israel Because they belieued not in God and trusted not in his saluation None but those belieuers are praised Blessed is she that belieued Luke 1.45 Iohn 20.29 Rom. 9.33 Because thou hast seene mee thou hast belieued blessed are they which haue not seene and yet haue belieued Whosoeuer belieueth on him shall not be ashamed CHAP. II. Of the Authour and worker of Faith Iustifying § 1. IVstifying faith §. 1. What Iustifying Faith is which not only belieueth God speaking in his Word but mebraceth all diuine truth as containing the chiefe good of Man as being the most perfect doth necessarily require before it faith historicall comprehend all other kinds vnder it It may be defined a liuely and obedientiall affiance or confidence wherby we rest vpon Christ for saluation receiue the promises of grace temporall and spirituall sticke to the Commandements as good both simply and in comparison and feed vpon the word with sauour and delight More largely It is a wonderfull
and supernaturall gift of grace wrought by the Holy Ghost through the Ministerie of the Gospell in the heart of Man a sinner acknowledging and bewayling his offences whereby hee doth not only assent to the whole truth of God and is certainly perswaded that Iesus Christ is appointed of God to be the authour of saluation to them that belieue in him and his Sauiour if hee doe belieue but doth relie cast and repose his soule vpon Christ his Sauiour and by him vpon God as a louing Father in him cleauing inseperably to the Word of truth as good both simply and in comparison and feeding vpon it as the wholsome food of life § 2. God the Father §. 2. God is the authour of faith in his Sonne Iesus Christ our Mediatour by the Holy Ghost is the Authour and worker of Faith Ephes â— 8 Pâ—â—l 1.29 Acts 18.27 Iohn 6.44 Iames 1.17 As saluation so faith is the gift of God It is through grace that men belieue No man can come vnto me except the Father which hath sent me draw him Euery good thing comes from the Father of lights but faith is a gift after a speciall manner most free and profitable comming from the grace of the Donor bestowed vpon vs when we are euery way vnworthy It is such a gift as comes not from common bountie such as God made shew of in the creation but from a speciall fauour which he beareth his in Christ Iesus The Scripture is cleare and euident herein and strong reasons may be deduced thence to proue it For of our selues wee haue no power to belieue or to prepare our selues thereunto There is no such soile in our hearts whence such fruit should spring The meanes of grace and the operation of the spirit accompayning it are free and voluntarie No man can belieue vnlesse he be created and formed anew But regeneration is a free worke of Gods grace and mercie Heb. 12.2 Faith is the worke of God the Father in Iesus Christ For as the naturall head doth not only giue sense and motion to all the members now conioyned but doth send forth those bands whereby they come to bee coupled with it so Christ doth not only giue spirituall sense and motion to his members already vnited vnto him by faith but he is the spring whence this sinew of faith doth flow and issue vnto vs. The Spirit of God is the principall worker of faith and hence wee are said to receiue the Spirit of faith that is the holy Ghost in and through this gift of faith which he worketh and continueth in vs. 2. Cor. 4.13 Rom. 15.13 By faith wee receiue the Holy Ghost and faith is the worke of the Holy Ghost the action of the Holy Ghost creating faith in vs How we are said to receiue the holy Ghost by faith is before faith But the beginning of faith is the receiuing of the Holy Ghost and faith being begun the gifts of the spirit are more more increased by it Ephes 1.13 Gal. 3.14 Faith it self is a work of the spirit but an augmentation of the graces of the spirit is obtained by faith the more our faith dilateth it selfe the more plentifully doe the graces of the spirit flow into vs from Christ Iohn 1.16 Of whose fulnesse we receiue grace for grace How the Spirit is obtained by Prayer Faith doth obtaine the Holy Ghost by prayer and prayer is an act of grace and of the Spirit as faith is a worke of the Spirit Luke 11.13 Before we can lift vp our soules vnto God the holy Ghost must descend into vs and lift vs vp for we moue not but as wee are moued The Holy Ghost is giuen to the Elect before they aske but a greater measure of the Spirit is obtained by Prayer § 3. Faith is not alike in all §. 3. Faith is imperfect though a worke of the Spirit in none perfect though it be the worke of the Spirit for the Spirit worketh faith not as a naturall agent which putteth forth it power to the vttermost and alwayes produceth like effects if it be not hindred but as a voluntary agent which putteth not forth his power to the vtmost worketh according to his pleasure in whom he wil as he wil but not in all alike The Spirit worketh faith not by morall perswasion only inciting to belieue Faith is a powerfull worke of God and leauing it to our free choice whether we will assent or no but by his powerfull operation and omnipotent hand put forth for such a purpose hee produceth this gracious effect There are no seedes of faith in our nature out of which by more outward teaching we may be brought to beliefe for then should faith be naturall as all other things are which our nature can attaine to with outward helpes There is no spirituall life in vs before the infusion of grace whereby we should be able to embrace the perswasions of the spirit for then we should liue spiritually of our selues before wee are quickened by grace If the Spirit of God doe only moue and perswade to belieue then God doth not make the belieuer to differ from the vnbelieuer but the good vse of his owne free will It is of grace that man might belieue and so might he that continueth in infidelitie for hee receiued equall aide and was equally perswaded and incited by the Spirit But if the question bee why doth the one belieue and not the other it is not the Spirit here that makes the difference but the good vse of mans free-will and so that man is inabled to belieue it should bee of grace but that he doth belieue and so differ from other men this should be from himselfe The same power that raised Christ from the dead is said to raise vs vp to belieue Ephes 1.19 20. 1. Pet. 1.5 2. Pet. 1.1 2 3. If an hand or eye bee wanting to a man from his birth can any power restore them but the Almightie power of God by which the body was at first framed and fashioned By what power then is this hand of faith created which reacheth to heauen this eye which doth see the things within the vaile which concerne our peace Io. 6.37 Acts 13.48 Phil. 1.29 Matth. 11.26 This further appeareth by the cause that moueth the Lord to bestow faith vpon some which is his free eternall vnchangeable grace and loue whereby hee loued them to be made heires of saluation before the foundation of the earth was laid For so farre as God effectually willeth and intendeth to worke so farre he putteth forth his omnipotent power to accomplish But God doth intend and effectually will to draw some vnto him before other some §. 4. How God produceth Faith § 4. In producing faith first God bestoweth vpon man the gift of vnderstanding and spirituall wisdome opening and illuminating the eyes of his minde to know the promise in Christ and to
motiues and inducements experiments and probabilities Many obiects of faith may also bee euident and that which is belieued may also be seene Iohn 20.29 Thomas because thou hast seene me thou hast belieued There is a compossibilitie of faith and euidence in diuers respects whereby they may both stand together in the same man about the same obiect albeit faith rest not vpon that euidence but vpon diuine reuelation Faith and Science are habits that may stand together Faith by authoritie reuealed Knowledge or Science by euident demonstration For albeit faith exceed the dimension of reason yet reason is subordinate to it as sense is to vnderstanding And therefore as it is no inconuenience to say we vnderstand the thing we see no more then is it to say wee belieue that which is euident in diuers respects Many diuine things touching God which are receiued by faith may also bee found out by naturall reason And if things credible by the manifest likelihood of truth which they haue in themselues be made more credible by the knowne condition and qualitie of the vtterer faith relying vpon the authoritie of the reuealer may be strengthened by the probabilitie of the thing Faith is a firme assent 1. Firme as appeareth by the originall of the word and the arguments wherewith it is ioyned I am perswaded of the same thing Acts 13.34 2. Sam. 7.16 Phil. 1.6 2. Tim. 3.14 1. Iohn 3.19 that he which hath begun this good worke in you will performe it vntill the day of Iesus Christ Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and art assured of For thereby we know that we are of the truth and shall before him assure our hearts I am perswaded that neither life Rom. 8.38 nor death nor Angels nor principalities c. where the grounds of this perswasion shew it to bee firme and infallible And it is further manifested by the definition of faith giuen by the Apostle calling it Heb. 11.1 The euideÌ„ce of things not seen because it doth represent those things to the mind by a certaine assent and to the heart by certaine confidence which cannot bee comprehended by reason Yet somtimes accompanied with doubtings But though faith in it selfe be a firme assent yet by reason of our infirmitie it is somtimes accoÌ„panied with doubtings The things belieued of all are one and the same but the habit qualitie or inward strength by which they belieue is not of like force in all In it owne nature faith is opposite to doubting and wauering O thou of little faith Math. 14.31 21.21 wherefore didst thou doubt If yee haue faith and doubt not Whosoeuer shall say vnto this mountaine Take thy selfe away and cast thy selfe into the Sea and shall not wauer in his heart but shall belieue that those things hee saith shall come to passe Marke 11.23 Luke 12.29 Iames 1.6 Therefore aske not what yee shall eate or what yee shall drinke neither let doubtfull thoughts ascend in your hearts Aske in faith and wauer not But through our weaknesse it is often mixed with doubtings Lord I belieue helpe mine vnbeliefe Marke 9.24 Abraham is commended for his faith and propounded by the Holy Chost as a patterne to all his posteritie yet was he not free from infirmities as the storie sheweth in diuers particulars Rom. 4.16 The Apostle writeth thus of the faith of Abraham And being not weake in faith hee considered not his owne bodie now dead when hee was about an hundred yeares olde Rom. 4.19 20. neither yet the deadnesse of Sarahs wombe He staggered not at the promise of God through vnbeliefe but was strong in faith giuing glorie to God He doubted not through infidelitiâ— but of infirmitie he doubted Gen. 16.2 3 4. Gen. 12.13 when he tooke Hagar and requested Sarah to say she was his sister Much is spoken in Scripture of the faith of Dauid but hee was shaken many times as hee confesseth of himselfe Psal 31.22 I said in mine hast I am cut off from before thine eyes Psal 73.13 16 22. 116. â—1 Verily I haue clensed my heart in vaine and washed mine hands in innocencie I said in my haste All men are lyers And though it bee out of question that wee are to endeuour for the perfection as of all other graces of Gods Spirit so of that faith whereby wee giue assent to what God hath reuealed yet by reason of our weaknesse it comes to passe that doubtings doe many times arise in our hearts 2. Absolute The assent that faith giues to the Word of God is absolute and vnlimited viz. to the whole truth promises threatnings commandements It will not take and leaue at pleasure but if it apprehend in one thing what the Lord saith it will receiue his testimonie if it can apprehend it to be of God in euery thing and that simply because it is the Word of God though it exceed humane capacitie and likelihood Acts 24.14 So worship I the God of my Fathers belieuing all things that are written in the Law and the Prophets It is a sinne for a man not to belieue whatsoeuer God hath made knowne in his Word and in that respect it is damnable not to belieue or to misbelieue any thing But through ignorance and infirmitie a Christian may misbelieue many things without the danger of damnation Faith should be entire in all things must bee entire in all fundamentall points without the knowledge and faith of which a man of age and discretion cannot be eased but all errour and misbeliefe doth not destroy the truth of faith no more then euery imperfection doth the truth of righteousnesse A man may misunderstand diuers places of Scripture and thereupon hold that to be true which is false and yet be saued for all this errour Acts 1.6 2.2 3. The Apostles themselues for a long time euen till after the Ascension of our Sauiour into Heauen and till the comming of the Holy Ghost vpon them looked for the establishment of an earthly Kingdome in this world by their Lord and Master Did they not slip into this errour by misbelieuing the prophesies of the Old Testament Psal 72.17 Dan. 1.14 concerning the Messiahs Kingdome yet were they out of danger of damnation and in the state of grace all that time because they rested on Christ as the spirituall Sauiour of their soules that should take away their sinnes and bring them to euerlasting life in Heauen though they erroneously hoped for a temporall kingdome also And after they had receiued the gifts of the Holy Ghost for a time they were ignorant of the conuersion of the Gentiles Acts 11.2 3. Hee that belieueth the truth in one thing because God hath reuealed it will belieue euery thing that he vnderstandeth to be reuealed of God But he that holdeth the foundation of faith firme and stable may dissent in some things from that which is generally
of faith in God and Christ or on God and Christ which either there or elsewhere is declared by confidence or trust in God and Christ And the same must bee vnderstood when nothing is added g Math. 16 16. Iohn 20.31 Rom. 10.9 1. Cor 15.2 3 4. Acts 8.37 but life or Iustification is attributed to beliefe that Iesus Christ is the Sonne of God For it is a generall rule that words of knowledge are words of affection much more words of beliefe As the people of God looked for the Messias so according to the prophesies they promised to themselues all good in and by the Messias The woman of Samaria could say Iohn 4.25 When the Messias commeth he will teach vs all things Where wee may see that there was not only a knowledge of Christ to come but an expectation and hope placed in him as in whom all good things promised should be accomplished So that if we consider the disposition of the people whose hope did hang on the Messias wee may plainly vnderstand that to belieue the Messias is not only to know but to haue an affiance in him If by belieuing that Iesus is Christ no more be meant but bare assenting vnto that truth Marke 1.24 then the Deuils professe as much But that beliefe to which life is ascribed is not a bare action of the vnderstanding but of the heart and will It is such a beliefe as whereby Christ is to our hearts that which we belieue him to be whereby wee come to Christ belieue in him and rest vpon him for saluation whereby we belieue to our owne vse and comfort that which wee belieue It is such a beliefe as desireth seeketh embraceth holdeth ioyeth in that which it belieueth because therein it seeth peace Popish Obiections preuented whereby wee so belieue that Iesus is Christ as that according to that we belieue him to be we put our trust and confidence in hm Rom. 4.19 20. Bellar. de Iustif lib. 1. cap. 6. Rom. 4.18 The faith of Abraham is commended for the firme assent that he gaue to the promise of God but the confidence of his heart resting vpon and cleauing vnto the promise is not obscurely declared For the Apostle saith Abraham belieued aboue hope that is he conceiued firme confidence in heart of the truth and power of God which is manifest by the Antithesis Hee doubted not by g As the vulgar hath it Rom. 4.20 distrust or infidelitie for incredulitie is as well the distrust h Math. 14.31 17.20 Marke 9.24 of heart as the hesitation of minde If Abraham had only acknowledged the truth of that which God promised and not trusted to him for the performance thereof what could that faith haue profited him What can it auaile any man to iustification that he holds Iesus Christ to be the only Sauiour and faith in him the only meanes of saluation if he doe not withall relie vpon him to be saued by his mediation What that the Apostle himselfe applying that particular of Abraham to all belieuers expoundeth that belieuing by confidence in or relying vpon God Rom. 4.24 which belieue on him that raised vp Iesus our Lord from the dead Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the euidence of things not seene Heb. 11.1 not only because it makes things speculatiuely to subsist in the Mind Bellar. de Just. lib. 1. cap. 5. but much more because it makes them i Heb. 4.16 10.22.35 fiducially to subsist in the heart as appeareth by the Apostle putting k Heb 3.6.14 2. Cor. 9.4 11.17 Ezek. 19.5 Mich. 5.7 Psal â—8 11. Sept. substance and confidence for the same For the subsistence of things hoped for is trust or confidence whereby wee rest on the promises diuine knowing and being perswaded that God will make good whatsoeuer hee hath spoken And faith is the substance of things hoped for because it is a confident resting vpon God for the accomplishment of what he hath spoken as if it were alreadie fulfilled And so it is the demonstration of things to come not intellectuall only but fiduciall which is a sweet motion of the heart enlarging it selfe and resting in the mercie of God present and to come and making things to come in a sort present to the heart in respect of the promise made by God and the taste and inchoation of the good promised Heb. 11.3 That faith is an assent to diuine reuelation that it is in the vnderstanding and that the act of faith is to vnderstand no man denieth but it is assent conioyned with affiance not a bare but fiduciall assent which is referred to God as hâ—e is faithfull in performing promises as hope is referred to him as he hath power and authoritie to performe whatsoeuer hee hath promised The Apostle saith Ephes 3 12. Bellar. de Iust l. 1. cap. 6. §. 1. Wee haue boldnâ—sse and accesse with confidence by the faith of Christ which passage doth rather proue faith to bee confidence then otherwise for confidence may be ioyned to faith as his proper passion A man is said to worke by reason becauâ—e hee is reasonable so faith to come vnto God with confidence because it is fiduciall Nothing can make another thing hot which hath not heate in it selfe nor could faith in gender confidence in the belieuer if in its owne nature it did not containe the same God is loue essentially and originally and yet he worketh loue in vs 1. Iohn 4.8 another kind of loue which is an Image and effect of his loue Loue in which we obserue the Commandements is the â—ormall effect of loue the effects of loue flow from loue As the effect is so is the cause Can the waters be sweet if the fountaine bee bitter Confidence accompanying faith respecteth all the promises of God and is the store-house of all particular confidence the confidence wrought by faith is the particular application of this generall confidence Confidence considered as it doth embrace Christ with a certaine affiance is the forme of faith as it begetteth in vs quietnesse of conscience and confidence of libertie it is an effect of faith The meaning of the Apostle seemeth to be this Because we are reconciled vnto God by faith in Christ Rom 5.1 2 3. Rom. 8.33 therefore in confidence or confidently we come vnto God neither distrusting nor doubting that wee haue accesse vnto him So that by confidence in Christ we haue confidence in God to obtaine those things that we stand in need of Moreouer confidence is opposed to doubting when the h 1. Cor. 1.14 15 2. Cor. â— 1 2. Cor. 8.22 2. Cor. 10.2 vnderstanding doth cleaue to neither part of the contradiction but doth floate betwixt both and to Distrust when the will doth chuse not to trust to the promiser And if wee expound the words of the Apostle in the passage before cited of confidence as it is opposed to
doubting the sense runneth plainly By faith wee haue so free and full accesse that wee doe not doubt but we shall obtaine what we aske § 4. Faith is a liuely obsequious affiance §. 4. Faith is an obedientiall affiance ioyned with an affection of pietie for as it makes plea for mercie so it thrusteth forward in obedience as it vniteth the heart to the promise so it glueth fast to the Commandements Psal 119.66 as Dauid saith Psal 119.66 Teach mee good iudgement and knowledge for I haue belieued thy Commandements By faith Noah moued with reuerence prepared the Arke for the sauing of his houshold Heb. 11.7 Gen. 12.1 Heb. 11.8 9. Gen 13.8 14.19 By faith Abraham left his Countrie and Kindred and forsooke all strange Religions and Idols to follow God By faith he contentedly abode in the land of Canaan as in a strange land c walking from place to place remained in tents and in euery place shewed his godly deuotion in making an Altar and calling vpon the Name of the Lord He kindly yeelded to his Nephew Lot for auoyding of contention charitably rescued him when he was taken prisoner Gen. 24.1 Gen. 1â— 23 20.27 carefully prouided a wife for his sonne Isaac feruently intreated for the Citie of Sodome and meekly prayed for him that had taken his wife He is honourably commended by God himselfe for his good instruction to his household children and posteritie Gen. 18.19 that they might walke in the wayes of the Lord But aboue all other hee approued his faith in this that vpon Gods Commandement he so readily offered vp his Sonne Isaac being after Ismaels expulsion his onely Sonne his beloued sonne and concerning whom hee had receiued the promise of life and saluation Heb. 11.17 and the establâ—shment of the Couenant Moses consent in this doctrine may be found where God pronounceth the Law of the ten Commandements teaching all duties of good workes to God and Man saying I am the Lord thy God Exod. 20.1 2. Rainol Apol. Thes Sect. 4. Zanch. de Redempt lib. 1. cap 12. de praecept he thereupon inferreth all their obedience to those Commandements For what is I am the Lord thy God but the couenant of faith to bee their God in the promise of Christ vpon this he requiring obedience in a godly life doth insinuate a Tilen Syntag. part 1. cap. 36. §. 18 19 28 29. Perkins golden Chaine cap. 20 Vrsin explic catech c. Deut. 6.12 that they which belieue God to bee their God must declare the same by obedience to his Commandements And therefore hee saith in another place Beware thou forget not the Lord thy God not keeping his Commandements which sheweth plainly that where disobedience is there is no faith for how can hee haue faith that forgetteth him in whom hee should belieue And this doth Moses ayme at when he saith Deut. 26.17 Thou hast auouched the Lord this day to be thy God and to walke in his wayes and to keepe his Statutes and his Commandements and his Iudgements and to hearken vnto his voice Whereby it appeares that vnto faith in couenanting with God this is an inseperable consequent that if wee embrace God by faith wee must and ought to follow his Commandements by our deeds and hee that doth not this latter bewrayeth that he hath not with a true heart and faith receiued the former To belieue is not only to giue credence to what the Scripture saith but to embrace what is said with an entire adherence of soule and to cleaue vnto it 2. Chron. 6.8 9 He that leaneth vpon the Lord his heart is vpright before him and he whose spirit cleaueth not stedfastly vnto the Lord is incredulous Therefore the Prophets which expound the Law Psal 78.9 in the person of God say thus A Sonne honoureth his Father and a Seruant his Master Mat. â— 6 If then I be a Father where is my honour and if I be a Master where is my feare Now we know that we are Sonnes no way but by faith Therefore this Prophet intendeth Gal. 3.26 that wee are not ioynâ—d to the Lord by faith either as his people children or seruants or that he is our God Father and Lord except our faith be vnfained and operatiue in honour and feare And another Prophet saith Psal 116.10 I belieued therefore I spake making it a most assured thing that a liuely faith will shew it selfe by outward deeds and namely profession Mercie and obedience are linked Christ is both a Lord and Sauiour and that faith which maketh a plea for mercie doth embrace the Commandements that which receiueth Christ as a Sauiour submitteth vnto him as a Soueraigne The strength of faith is equall to the promises of life and to the offices of pietie and loue or if there be any difference it is weakest to lay hold vpon the promises because they are most spirituall and furthest remoued from sence Confidence and relying vpon the mercie of God in Christ for saluation may bee lesse then care and abilitie to walke in obedience greater it cannot bee The word that in the Old Testament signifieth to seeke is by the seuentie translated Hope Isay 11.10 Rom. 15.12 which interpretation the Apostle alloweth whence it followeth that true confidence the mother of hope doth lift vp the heart to seeke the Lord in the way of his Commandements Moreouer saith is opposed not only to doubting diffidence and fainting but to wauering double-mindednesse halting disobedience stubburnnesse by reason of the necessarie connexion of those parts in both opposites Aske in faith and wauer not Jam. 1.6 A double-minded man is vnstable in all his wayes Through vnbeliefe thou art broken off Rom. 11.20 Heb. 3.12 and thou standest by faith Take heed brethren lest at any time there bee in you an euill heart and vnfaithfull to depart away from the liuing God They professe that they know God but by workes they denie him and are abhominable and disobedient or vnfaithfull Tit. 1.16 Iohn 3.36 Hee that belieueth in the Sonne hath euerlasting life but hee that belieueth or obeyeth not the Sonne shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him Now if incredulitie be not without diffidence disobedience true faith in God is not without confidence affection of obedience Hereunto may bee added that the manifold rebellions of Israel in the Wildernes are called vnbeliefe They belieued not in God Psal 78.22 32. and trusted not in his saluation For all this they sinned still and belieued not for his wondrous workes I will therefore put you in remembrance though yee once knew this how that the Lord hauing saued the people out of the land of Egypt Iude 5. afterward destroyed them that belieued not And beliefe in Christ inferreth the keeping of Gods Commandements whereunto the soule is inclined by faith And this is his Commandement 1. Iohn 3.23
translated from death to life is also endued with the grace of loue Hee that belieueth is in the light and abideth therein But no man is in the light 1. Iohn 2.9 10. who loueth not Faith and Hope be inseparable But it cannot bee but wee should loue those things which we alreadie know embrace taste and hope to bee singularly good Faith receiueth and resteth vpon the mercie of God as our soueraigne Good But it is not possible for a man truly to know and embrace the chiefest good and yet to with-hold affection from the loue of it It is faith which setting God before vs such a one as hee is wise mightie iust mercifull louing and gracious towards vs enamoreth our hearts and stirreth in vs affections correspondent to his grace neither is there any sparke of true loue which is not kindled by this meanes Wee loue God because he loueth vs first 1. Iohn 4.19 But nothing can season and affect the heart with the serious consideration and sweet taste of Gods mercie and fauour but faith only In nature wee see nothing can moue in desire to this or that till first it hath â—pprehended it louely and it cannot but moâ—e when it hath soundly tasted of it goodnesse So our affections cannot in loue moue to and vnite themselues with God till by faith we know him to be an amiable obiect for vs sinners to embrace and when wee haue soundly and truly tasted how good and gracious the Lord is we cannot but loue and affect him intirely Faith is an obsequions and affianced acknowledgement of the truth of Gods promises But hee that doth after that manner acknowledge the truth of God in Christ is both inwardly affected towards God and desirous to put forth the same in all duties of holinesse and righteousnesse Titus 2.11 12. The doctrine of grace which bringeth saluation teacheth vs to denie vngodlinesse and worldly lusts and to liue godly iustly and soberly in this present world which being embraced by faith doth leauen euery facultie Popish Obiections preuented 1. Cor. 13.2 Bellar. de Iustif lib. 1. cap. 15. Rhem. annot in 1. Cor. 13.2 and season it in such sort as the seuerall affections will readily moue at the command of faith When the Apostle seperates faith and loue saying If I had all faith so that I could remoue Mountaines and had not loue it profiteth me nothing hee speakes of that perswasion and confidence in the extraordinarie promises of God whereby the parties endued therewith weâ—e inabled to doe miracles And the word All noteth manifestly the highest degree of doing miracles That whereas some had faith to doe some miracles and not other some the Apostle sheweth that if he had such a miraculous faith that hee could doe all miracles and haue not loue it were nothing This is cleare in that the Apostle reckoneth faith miraculous amongst the gifts of the Spirit in the precedent Chapter and by the example or instance of mouing Mountaines 1 Cor. 12.9 which our Sauiour noteth as a Master miracle amongst others He saith 1 Cor. 13.2 Math. 7.20 Luke 17.6 Bellar. de Iustif lib. 1. cap. 5. Sect. deinde If I had All knowledge not vnderstand ng iâ— simply and absolutely of all kindes of knowledge but of the gift of knowledge and so by All faith he meaneth not all kinds of faith but all faith of miracles Vniuersall propositions must bee limited according to the subiect matter vnlesse we will runne into manifold absurdities And that the faith he speaketh of was not fitly qualified to Iustification appeareth in this that it did not command but rather was subordinate to their vain-glorious humour Looke as their confidence was greater in the power and extraordinarie promises of God the more were they puffed vp boasting in themselues insulting ouer their brethren whereas if their affiance had beene well setled vpon the mercie of God in Christ and had rightly spread it selfe to the seuerall branches of holy truth it would haue inclined yea constrained them to serue one another in loue and bend their gifts to the edification of their brethren which whilest they doe not but rather turne their gifts to the seruice of their lusts and the dishonour of God it is euident they belieued not vnto righteousnesse But by what faith should these Corinthians haue come to know and rightly to value Christian loue The same by which they wrought wonders or some other If the same a So Bellarmine seemes to dispute vbisupra â— 5. Augustinus then faith is true though separated from loue If some other the Apostle in all congruitie should first haue exhorted them to embrace it otherwise he had commended the beautie of Christian loue but vnto blinde men Besides if it be some other then by that grace of faith whereby they rested vpon the extraordinarie promise and power of God they had neuer beene able to discerne betwixt good and euill or to behold the worth and dignitie of Christian loue and kindnesse though neuer so wel-rooted in their hearts To this question it is directly answered That the exercise of loue was to bee raised in these Corinthians hearts by faith for common offence and qualities the same with that whereby they wrought miracles but by the same faith rightly set deeply rooted taking better in the heart diffusing it vertue into the seuerall faculties spreading it selfe vniformely vnto the particular branches of Christian duties directing the affections vnto spirituall obiects and fixing them fastest vpon such as it adiudgeth best and most effectuall to the edifying of themselues and others In lustifying faith two things are to be considered the common nature or substance and the specificall nature plantation and soueraigntie For faith historicall and Iustifying agree in this that both the one and the other is an assent to diuine truths grounded vpon the authoritie of the reuealer Faith temporary and Iustifying agree in this that they receiue the word and rest vpon the mercies of God but in radication soueraigntie and working and so in speciall nature sauing faith differeth from other kinds The seed which fell by the high way side in stonie ground among thornes and in good soile was one and the same and in most of these grounds it tooke not alike in all kindly in the good soyle alone The common nature of faith is to receiue the Word which some receiue by bare assent of vnderstanding others by sleight and superficiall confidence which vanisheth away but the doctrine of life taketh kindly in the honest and good heart which embraceth it soundly with vnfained and wel-rooted affiance Iustifying faith is discerned from the other kinds not by this that it receiueth the promises which they doe not but it receiueth them in another manner and degree with firmer radication in the heart which is the seate of the affections that it might season them and subiect earthly desires to the affectation of heauenly things Amongst the chiefe Rulers of
with all benefits past and to come which it pleaseth God to bestow vpon his people in Iesus Christ are the matter about which faith is exercised but as it iustifieth Christ is the full and adequate obiect of beliefe as our reasonable soule doth see in the eye heare in the eare digest in the stomake but doth not reason as it doth these things but onely as it conceiueth and discourseth within vs. The Obiect of Iustifying faith two-folde 1. Generall So that according to the twofold consideration of iustifying faith the obiect of it is twofold Generall and Speciall 1. The Generall obiect is the whole truth of God reuealed vnto vs in his word containing all Histories Doctrines Commaunds Threatnings promises of what kinde soeuer True faith respecteth the whole word of God True faith respects all this and onely this Only this because diuine reuelations only be of certaine and infallible truth which cannot deceiue and whereunto men can safely giue vnlimitted and absolute credite All this because euery parte of diuine inspired truth is worthy of all Beliefe and reuerence and so there is nothing contained in Scriptures threatning promise precept admonition exhortation prophesie or historie which falls not in some degree or other within the compasse of sauing Faith God who cannot lie hath propounded to men for truth and to be belieued whatsoeuer is deliuered in Scriptures and so it is a matter of faith but so farre forth only as it is intended to be held for true by the holy Ghost the Authour of the Scripture There is no doubt to be made but whatsoeuer is registred in the Historicall Bookes of holy Scripture by way of report is to bee taken for true in respect of storie that wee may not doubt whether those things were done or said which are there reported to be done or said But in these bookes wee haue some worthy speeches of godly men and some leud and blasphemous words of profane and wretched men The former are to be acknowledged to bee for the truth of God euery way the later must be acknowledged to be truely reported As for example it is true that Iacob vttered those prophesies of the twelue Patriarks his sonnes Gen. 44.1.2 and it is also true that those prophesies of his were the very truth of God It is as true that Rabshaketh deliuered those blasphemous threatnings against the Lord and his people 1. Reg. 18.30 and 19.5.6 but it is not true that those words came from God as Iacobs did so Iacobs were to bee taken as euery way true truely related and the truth of God Rabshakeths onely as truely reported from his mouth but in themselues blasphemous § 3. Thus faith yeeldeth firme and absolute assent to all diuine historie §. 3. 1. The historicall part as the doctrine of the as containing a certaine and sure relation of those things whereof they intreate and to whatsoeuer came from God as euery way true and to bee receiued nor doth it barely assent to the thing spoken as true but moueth and stirreth affections according as the nature of the thing belieued should and ought to worke Through faith wee vnderstand that the worlds were framed by the word of God not barely giuing credit to Moses relation touching the creation of the world but looking vnto the wisedome goodnesse and power of God whereby the heart is moued to feare reuerence and submission That faith Creation Heb. 11.3 which is deepely fastened in the heart and beholdeth the true God the creatour and Gouernour of all things as his power bountie and vnderstanding shineth in his workes that saith inciteth to humilitie reuerence loue and worship of God Through faith wee vnderstand that God hath protected and preserued and blessed his people from time to time Prouidence afflicted them when they went astray deliuered them out of the hands of their persecutors when they humbled themselues and sought vnto him inclined the hearts of their enemies to shew them fauour confounded those that rose vp against them and mercifully performed all his promises in the fittest season and where this firme beliefe is planted it begetteth a constant and well-aduised resolution to draw neere to God and cleaue to him in all conditions prosperitie and and aduersitie sickenes and health freedome and trouble when religion is fauoured and when it is persecuted because saluation is of the Lord Psal 73 24 27. he will guide his people by counsell and afterward receiue them to glorie but they that are farre from God shall perish they that goe a whoring from him shall be destroyed Mans miserie by sinne What the Scripture teacheth of the miserie of all men by sinne the vanitie of Minde and corruption of nature that faith receiueth and thence followeth selfe-deniall and renunciation of all trust in worldly meanes The H gh and profound mysteries of godlinesse Misteries of godlinesse which the naturall man perceiueth not accounteth foolishenes faith imbraceth with admiration ioy delight and affection answereable to the nature of the doctrine into which we are deliuerd Beliefe of Gods power wisedome grace loue and mercie manifested in Iesus Christ doth frame the image of God or Christ in our mindes and proposeth it as a viâ—ible patterne for our imitation in all our workes thoughts and resolutions and stirreth vp to workes of pietie iustice mercie long suffering and the like § 4. Besides â—he promise of forgiuenesse of sinnes in and through the bloud of Christ §. 4. 2 The promises concerning there be many other pretious and rich promises spirituall and temporall concerning this and the life to come all which as proceeding from the same fountaine of truth faith doth rest vpon and imbrace and that so much the faster as the promises be more excellent There is a mutuall relation betwixt God promising any good blessing in Christ and the fai hfull soule putting forth it selfe to imbrace grace offeâ—ed For faith hath not only eyes by which it doth see the good promised but hands wherewith it doth lay hold vpon the good things bestowed and the more excellent the good which is reached vnto vs in the word of promise is the closer doth faith sticke vnto it the stronger doth it hold it Men are credulous in thingâ— that may concerne them in their name goods or life and the more weightie the matter the more earnest they be in seeking resolution and the stronger hope or feare it begetteth in them 2. Cor. 1.20 All the promises of God be yea and Amen sure in themselues certaine to the belieuer and therefore hee cannot but receiue them with closer and stronger repose and adherence the more he doth apprehend their goodnesse and worth Amongst the greate and more principall promises those are to bee reckoned Sanctification which God hath made concerning our Sanctification by his holy Spirit that hee will inable them that belieue to bring forth fruits of amendment and perfect the good worke
Peter and the rest of the Apostles for he made answere for them all Math. 16.16 Ioh 6 68. Belar de Iustif l. 1. chap. 8. as the question was propounded to them all was no more in words but of Christs office Thou art Christ and his nature The sonne of the liuing God But shall wee thinke the faith of the Apostles to bâ—e nothing but a bare assent of Minde to that which they professed of Christ Thâ—n shall we make the Deuill himselfe to be as good and true a belieuer as the Apostles for he professed as much O Iesus of Nazaret Mar. 1.24 Luke 4.34 I know who thou art c. Noe doubt the Apostles rested vpon Christ for saluation and belieued in him to bee that to their soules and for their vse and comfort which they belieued him to be The subiect matter of their faith in that point was that Iesus was the Christ the manner of belieuing was with the heart relying vpon him for saluation The faith of Abraham was not a bare assent giuen to the promise of God but a confidenec in the speciall mercie of God for hee rested vpon the pâ—omise not onely in regard of his posteritie but also in regard of Christ according to that which is saide In thy seede shall all nations of the earth be blessed which seede the Apostle teacheth to be Christ Gal. 3.16 and the blessing he interpreteth to bee redemption from the curse of the law and iustification by faith Gal. 3.8 Abraham then belieuing the remission of sinnes in and through Iesus Christ of necessitie it will follow that his faith was directed vnto and exercised about the speciall mercy of God in Iesus Christ How then doth the Apostle set out Abrahams full beliefe in this that he was assured that hee who had promised was able also to doe it Rom. 4.21 Bellarm. vbi supra Rhem. annot in Rom. 4.14 Sect. 10. Not because Abrahams faith did iustifie him as he did belieue the power of God but because his iustifying faith which was fixed vpon the gracious promise did sustaine it selfe by the consideration of Gods power in time of tryall betweene the promise and the execution Abraham had a promise of seed but the execution is deserrod whereupon his faith is assailed thus Abraham thy body is dead thy wife hopelesse that way which things foiled Sarah for a time Now when Abrahams faith on the promises is thus set vpon Rom. 4 2â— against these arguments of vnbeliefe faith opposeth the alsufficient power of God and sustaineth it selfe with this consideration God is able As another time when he was tempted to offer vp his sonne in sacrifice he verily belieued he should receiue him againe Heb. 11.19 because God was able to raise him vp againe Beliefe of Gods power is not the act of iustifying faith as it iustifies but the consideration of Gods power is a prop and stay to faith against manifold temptations And so wee shall finde the Almightie power of God often aledged to confirme the weake and wauering heart As for Sarahs laughing thinking it impossible to haue a childe the Lord saide to Abraham Gen. 8.14 Is any thing hard or impossible to God And againe to Moses obiecting whether all the fish in the sea should bee gathered for food for Israel in the wildernesse The Lord answered Is the Lords hand waxed short Num. 11.23 thou shalt see whether my word shall come to passe or not And to the virgin Mary desiring to bee further conformed touching the promise of God the Angell makes answer Luk. 1.37 with God nothing is impossible As for the faith of the Centurion so much commended by our Sâ—uiour Christ Luk. 7.9 it might bee a steppe or meane by which he wâ—s raised of God to a true faith for iustification by the Messias or it may bee it was some effect of a iustifying faith but in it selfe as he did onely belieue the power of Christ to heale his seruant it did not iustifie Our Aduersaries themselues will not say that naked assent to this truth that Christ by his bare word was of power to cure his seruant absent is sufficient to iustification which yet is the substance of his confessiion If they answer that the profession of his faith is here mentioned according to the present occasion They must withall confesse it followeth not that because none other act of his faith is here expressed therefore there was nothing further in his faith vnto iustification before God Surely if hee be belieued to saluation he belieued somewhat else that made him to belieue what is here noted he belieued some what else that made him to say Luke 7.6 Lord I am not worthy that thou should'st enter vnder my roofe Christ is euery where made the thing which faith embraceth to saluation and whom it doth looke vnto and respect as it doth make vs righteous in the sight of God God so loued the world Iohn 3.16 that he gaue his onely begotten sonne that whosoeuer belieueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life Iohn 11.25 I am the resurrection and the life he that belieueth in me though he were dead yet shall he liue And by him all that belieue Act. 13.39 are iustified from all things from which yee could not be iustified by the law of Moses Belieue on the Lord Iesus Christ Act. 16.31 and thou shalt be saued and thy house That they may receiue forgiuenesse of sinnes and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in mee Act. 26.18 Being iustified freely by his grace through the redemption which is in Iesus Christ whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his bloud for the remission of sinnes that are past through the forbearance of God Rom. 3.25.26 Eph. 1.15 Act. 15.11 Iohn 1.12 Gal. 3.26 It is with vs as with malefactors the kings pardon onely receiued doth acquit them and restore them to libertie and Gods mercie in Christ couering sinne receiued by a liuely faith doth set vs free from feare of damnation It is true that iustifying faith doth giue assent to euery article of faith and cleaue to euery Commandement but it obtaineth remission of sinnes as it receiueth Gods pardon in Christ To him giue all the Prophets witnesse that through his Name Acts 10.43 whosoeuer belieueth in him shall receiue remission of sinnes Righteousnesse is eueâ—y where tied vnto faith euen to faith in Christ whom only it doth and can looke vnâ—o as it iustifieth I count all things but losse Rom. 3.22 10.4 Phil. 3.8 9. for the excellent knowledge sake of Christ Iesus my Lord for whom I haue counted all things losse and doe iudge them to bee dung that I might winne Christ And might bee found in him that is not hauing mine owne righteousnesse which is of the Law but that which is through the faith of Christ the
righteousnesse which is of God through faith For looke as nothing in a poore man can make him rich further then it doth get riches into his possession so nothing in vs sinners can make vs righteous to life further then it doth lay hold on such a righteousnesse which can take away sinne and make vâ— righteous to the receiuing of life eternall Faiâ—h is câ—lled the faith of Christ Gal. 2.16 because Christ is he whom faith doth apprehend and receiue to righteousnesse and life according to that of the Euangelist Iohn â— 36 1. John 3.12 13 He that belieueth on the Sonne of God hath life euerlasting That is the principall obiect of faith for which embraced and receiued by faith eternall life is giuen from grace Ioh. 6 47. 17.3 But eternall life is giuen of grace for Christ embraced or rested vpon by Faith a Ro. 10.10 11. Rom. â— 9 1. Cor. 15.3 To belieue Christ dead and risen as the Apostles taught him is true beliefe but that is not barely to belieue the historie of his Death and Resurrection but the fruits and benefits thereof and that wiâ—h the affiance It is so to belieue the Death and Resurrrection of Christ as thereby to looke for forgiuenesse of sinnes which is to put our trust in the speciall mercie of God through Iesus Christ This is plaine by the words of Martha for when Christ asked her Iohn 11.26 27. Doest thou belieue this that whosoeuer belieueth on me shall not die euerlastingly She answereth yea Lord I belieue that thou art Christ that is I cannot doubt but that those that cleaue to thee shall haue life euerlasting teaching that these confessions imply an affiance and trust of all good through him The Euâ—uch his profession was Acts 8.38 I belieue that Iesus Christ is the Sonne of God but the faith of this Eunuch waâ— a particular confidence of heart whereby he embraced Christ his Sauiour and belieued on him for his particular benefit and comfort Nathanael professed of Christ Iohn 1.49 50. that hee was the King of Israel that he was the sonne of God and so much in generall the Deuilâ— belieue and know Marke 5.7 Luke 8.28 was Nathanaels faith nothing but a bare perswasion that Christ was the Sonne of God yet it was a perswasion ioyned with affiance for he rested vpon him and so belieueâ— the promise of mercie in him God hath raised vp Christ to bee a Prince and Sauiour to giue repentance to Israel Acts â— 21 Rom. 8.34 and forgiuenesse of sinnes and to belieue Christ a Prince and Sâ—uiour raised from the dead and set at the right hand of the Father doth imply trust and affiance in him for forgiuenesse of sinnes and life euerlasting through the grace of God § 2. It is obiected §. 2. that to belieue the power of God is Iustâ—fying faith for our Sauiour required no more of the blinde man Math. 9.27 28. then to belieue that hee was able to heale him And the Leper seemeth to doubt of his will Marke 1.40 Bellar. de Iustif lib. 1. cap. 8. but waâ— well perswaded of his power But it is one thing to looke vnto Christ for bodily health or to receiue a temporall blessing another to belieue in him to Iustification For the faith which Christ requires to Iustification is such a faith as doth acquite vs from our sinnes and doth procure vs righteousnesse But many were healed by our Sauiour that for ought can be proued were not acquited from their sinnes And if these blinâ—e men had only belieued that he was able to â—ure the malady of their eies notwithstanding this their faith their soules had beene vncured their sinnes vncouered Many that were cured of their bodily infirmities were also healed of their spirituall diseases not because they belieued his power to helpe them but because they relied vpon him as their only Sauiour And the testimonie it selfe sheweth that the blinde men belieued Christ to be the Messias in times past promised of the Father and now exhibited so that they might belieue to iustification Heb. 11.33 34 35. but their beliefe of his omnipotencie did not iustifie them The writer to the Hebrewes sheweth in diuers examples that by Iustifying faith some subdued Kingdomes other some stopt the mouthes of Lions certaine quenched the force of fire others escaped the edge of the sword c. All which things though temporall were atchieued by Iustifying faith which is the hand of the people of God to receiue good by but faith iustified not as it was occupied about or looked vnto these things but as it was carried to an higher obiect The healing of corporall diseases was a seale vnto vs Isay 53.4 Math. 8.17 that Christ is our deliuerer from sinne and death as the Scriptures testifie and our Aduersaries confesse and therefore in belieuing the mercie of God towardes them in healing of their diseases they might forthwith conceiue that of his free grace hee would be pleased to forgiue their sinnes which are the true causes of all our maladies Bellar. de Iustif lib. 1. cap. 9. It is againe obiected that in the Creed is contained the whole obiect of Iustifying faith But in it there is no mention of the speciall mercie of God In this obiection there is a two-fold mistaking for in the Creed is contained the obiect of faith which is belieued that is the summe of doctrine to be belieued to saluation is there explained But here we speake of the obiect of Iustifying faith by which we belieue The doctrine of faith is one thing the priuate act of the heart relying vpon the promises of mercie another Now when we enquire what is the obiect of Iustifying faith the question is not what is the summe of faith or of the articles to be belieued but what the faith of the heart in all these articles which it belieueth doth first and principally looke vnto rest vpon and receiue to saluation For when all Christians professe and historically belieue all the Articles of the Christian faith yet many are not iustified or saued because they belieue not as they ought whence it is euident that bâ—re assent to the Articles of Religion is not that faith which iustifie or sâ—ues but another of farre different nature is required if wee would bee pertakeâ—s of these blessings Againe verball mention of Gods speciall mercie there is not any in the Creed but really it is inâ—luded For to belieue in God is to depend vpon his mercie reaching to the pardon of our offences Ier. 31.33 Esay 25.9 33.22 To belieue in Christ is to relie vpon him as the authour of redemption reconciliation and peace with God which doth necessarily imply the speciall mercie of God And in the Creed we belieue the remission of sinnes which article cannot bee explained according to the doctrine of the Gospell without beliefe in the speciall mercie of God and confidence thereon
of faith because it is immediately reuealed and expressely written But I belieue this is certaine by the testimonie of the renued conscience to him that hath proued himselfe to be in the faith The conclusion therefore I shall be saued is certaine by faith because it is inferred of one thing belieued and another that is euident And although the holy Ghost not tying himselfe to termes 1. Ioh. 4.13 and 3.14 and 5.13 Rom. 6.8 doe somtime call it knowledge yet calling it againe belieuing alone or belieuing and knowing it is manifest such a knowledge is intended as not only flowes from the principles of faith but also is reduced to the same habite For with what other eyes can the soule behold the heauenly light of the Gospell How shall that confidence assâ—rance or certainetie which is created by the mixture of the light of the Scripture with the light of a good conscience renued by the holy Ghost belong to any humane knowledge when the Scripture saith expressely The promise of the Spirit is receiued by faith and wheâ—esoeuer in all the Byble Gal. 3.14 the Gospell is reuealed men are called vpon to belieue And if there be granted a certainetie of a mans owne speciall standing which certainetie arises from the Scriptures one ground thereof being a proposition or sentence immediately diuine the other inferred and concluded from that which is diuine it must bee granted also that it is a worke or effect of faith The Scripture reports how many of the children of God were tried by mocking and scourging Heb. 11.36 by bands and imprisonment they were stoned hewen asundder tempted they wandered vp and downe destitute and afflicted All which the Apostle saith They did by faith and confidence of the promises and yet their assurance was no other nor otherwise begotten then the ordinarie assurance of all Gods children which is concluded by ioyning the light of their conscience kindled by the holy Ghost and ruled by the Scriptures to the immediate light of the conditions reuealed in the Scriptures Faith which is belieued or the doctrine of faith is written in the word of God the holy Scriptures but faith whereby wee belieue or of the heart is written engrauen rooted in the heart out of the word of God by the holy Ghost and knowne not belieued by the testimonie of the renued conscience enlighned by the Spirit and directed by the word for the rule by which a man discerneth himselfe to belieue is the doctrine of Gods word declaring the qualitie of Faith And the certainetie or assurance which a iust person hath of his particular Iustification depends vpon the right application of two propositions one immediately diuine and ertainely belieued Whosoeuer belieueth in Iesus Christ shall bee saued the other inferred and concluded from hat which is diuine certainely knowne according to the direction of the word But I belieue § 2. This assurance is not such §. 2. What maner of assurance is obtained as whereby a man is made absolutely out of all doubt but such as many times is assaulted and shaken with many difficulties feares and doubts which notwithstanding aâ—ise from the the nature of faith as if it ought to bee but from the frailtie and corruption of our euill nature by reason whereof faith is not such as it ought to be It is not the office of faith to cherish and maintaine such feares and doubts but to resist them to fight against them and so much as is possible to expell them and drâ—ne them out But yet by reason of the strength of our naturall corruption and the weakenesse of our faith wee attaine not to this and how much the weaker our faith is so much are wee the further from it Againe the dayes of faith are as the seasons of the yeare sâ—me faire some foule one while a Sun-shine summer another while a long and tedious winter sometimes no more but a storme and away Our eyes are not alwayes alike intent to the word of God we doe not alwayes alike conceiue the promises of God nay temptations sometimes hide them out of our sight The effects of grace doe not alwayes appeare the same yea sometimes they seeme to bee quite ouerwhelmed which containe effects And in nature it selfe there is a voluntarie shrinking and relinquishing of the comfort of faith through the seeds of vnbeliefe that originally are sowen in vs. §. 3. § 3. The particular certainetie of remission of sinnes and eternall saluation which Iust persons attaine vnto vpon their Repentance Faith and Obedience is not equall in certaintie and firmenesse of assent to that assurance which they haue about the common obiect of faith to wit concerning the articles of Creation Incarnation Resurrection or the like because these articles are totally and immediately reuealed in holy Scripture but that his sinnes in particular are remitted depends vpon an Argument whereof onely one part is immediately the word of God and the other a collection arising vpon reflection and obseruation of a Man 's owne qualities and actions and the conclusion is more or lesse certaine according to the condition of the second proposition It is a thing more certaine and euident to faith that God gaue Christ to die for sinners that whosoeuer belieueth in him should not perish but haue life euerlasting then it is to my conscience that I belieue with well-rooted and al-seasoning confidence I haue greater assurance that God is faithfull and true then that my heart is vpright Therfore I haue greater assurance that the true belieuer shall bee saued then that I my selfe am receiued vnto mercy Albeit faith doe sometimes stagger and wander as touching the very principles themselues and immediate word of God yet because the truth and certainetie thereof is more easily and better conceiued they are for the most part more familiarly and readily belieued But the conclusions because of themselues they are vnknowne and haue their light only from the principles are not so firmely apprehended as the principles themselues whilest doubts haply may bee cast least there bee any error committed in the application and vse thereof It is a principle deliuered for assurance of saluation Belieue in the Lord Iesus Christ and thou shalt bee saued Hereupon the faithfull man inferreth to himselfe I belieue in the Lord Iesus Christ therefore I shall bee saued In this either confusedly or expressely inferred he comforteh himselfe and reioyceth in God and in hope thereof chearefully serueth God calleth vpon his name in patience expecteth the reuealing of his saluation And yet oftentimes it falleth out that hee questioneth his faith and not seeing such effects thereof as he supposeth there ought to be maketh doubt lest haply he be deceiued and though the principle be true by which he first belieued yet hee is iealous lest he haue misapplied it to himselfe § 4. This will appeare in the seuerall states or sorts of true Belieuers §. 4. The seuerall states of Belieuers Esay
belieued as out of the Word of God which is not found in the Word of God expressely Bellar. de Iustif l. 3. cap. 8. §. 1. or by consequence but whatsoeuer is found there expresly or may euidently by direct consequence be deduced thence that may be belieued as out of the Word of God Now howsoeuer it be not said in so many syllables Peter Thomas Cornelius thy sinnes are remitted to thee belieuing yet euidently so much may be concluded out of those generall promises Euery man that belieueth shall haue eternall life for the vniuersall doth include it particular Therefore the messengers of the Lord of Host doe giue notice to their Congregations that the matter which they proclaime in the Name of the Lord doth concerne them and euery of them saying in effect Acts 13.26 3.26 2.38 2. Cor. 5.20 To you is the word of this saluation sent What they say to all men they say to euery man what to penitents to euery penitent what to Belieuers to euery Belieuer what to sinners and vngodly to euery sinner God gaue his Law to all Israel speaking to all as if hee had spoken namely and particularly to euery one Thou shalt haue no other Gods c. Exod. 20.1 2. May not ought not a man to inferre thence I must haue none other Gods c. The promise of the Gospell runnes thus If thou shalt confesse with thy mouth the Lord Iesus Rom. 10.9 and belieue in thy heart that God raised him from the dead thou shalâ— be saued Is not this spoken to euery man particularly May not hee as out of the Word inferre If I belieue I shall bee saued Our Sauiour Christ had said nothing namely to Paul and Silas as touching the Iailer that if hee did belieue he should be saued But out of that vniuersall Iohn 3.16 Act. 16.31 Whosoeuer belieueth shall bee saued they proclaime comfort to him in speciall Belieue thou and thou shalt be saued There is nothing found in Scripture expressely touching this or that mans resurrection in particular is it not then to bee belieued out of the Word The Scripture saith to him that belieueth Thou shalt inherit eternall life as much as it doth to any particular man now liuing Thou shalt rise againe Because our Sauiour said to the Apostles Iohn 20.23 Whosoeuer sinnes yee remit they are remitted our Aduersaries though falsly would collect that their Priests haue power to absolue a man from all his sinnes Doe they know assuredly that what was spoken to the Apostles was spoken also to their Priests though there bee no particular mention of them in the Gospell and will they not allow vs to inferre a particular from a generall Psalm 23.1 Iob. 19.25 Dauid could say The Lord is my shepheard Iob I know that my Redeemer liueth which they belieued out of the Word grounding themselues vpon the promises of mercie And wee now liuing by the same faith hauing the same pretious promises being led by the same Spirit may out of the word of life be assured that our sinnes are forgiuen and couered Moreouer euery faithfull soule in particular doth finde Psalm 103.3.4 heare and reade in the word Who forgiueth all thine iniquities and healeth all thine infirmities To euery faithfull soule in speciall the Lord saith Isay 43.25 Psalm 103.17 Mica 7.19 Ier. 31.34 Rom. 11.22 Eph. 5.10 Math. 19.17 I euen I am hee that blotteth out thine iniquities for mine owne sake and remember thy sinnes no more This hee speaketh to singular belieuers not to some persons only as it is euident in that the Scripture doth in vniuersall repeate the same thing What our Sauiour said to the young man If thou would'st enter into life keepe the Commaundements the papists teach that is spoken to all men and if a man fulfill that condition hee may belieue to be saued Looke how they know the words spoken to the young man so many hundred yeares past to be directed vnto them by the same rule may euery faithfull soule interest himselfe in all the gracious and louely speeches wherewith God from time to time hath comforted his people and take vnto himselfe those promises answers and assurances that God hath at any time made and giuen vnto them resoluing of all the rest that which in one case the Apostles exemplifyeth of that that was written of the Iustification of Abraham that those things were not written for them onely but for theÌ„ also who belieue as they had done Rom. 4.23 The word then speaketh in particular to them that belieue but can a Christian know be assured that he doth truly belieue Such as truly belieue may know they belieue as hee that hath a iewell in his hand may know that hee hath it Paul did know on whom he had belieued 2. Tim. 1.12 the poore man in the Gospell cryeth Lord I belieue Dauid saith I belieued Marke 9.24 Psal 116.10 2. Cor. 4.13 and therefore I spake Hezekiah prayeth Lord remember mee how I haue walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart Iohn concludeth thus Esay 38.3 4. 1. Iohn 3-24 Hereby wee know that he abideth in vs euen by the Spirit which he hath giuen vs. How could we say euery one we belieue if wee might not know it Can wee speake that truly whereof wee can haue no certaintie When I see one or trust to a mans word promising me this or that I know I see him trust to him and rest on him for that hee hath promised Shall I by faith see Christ the Sonne and rest on him and yet know no such thing 1. Iohn 3.19 1. Cor. 2.11 Carnall confidence may be discerned why then should it be impossible for a true Belieuer to know that hee doth belieue The Spirit of man discerneth what is in man he knoweth what is in himselfe though not euer the measure or quantitie thereof Hee that loueth his Brother knoweth the loue wherewith he loueth him and he that belieueth in God may know the faith wherewith he belieueth Many beguile themselues while they stand in opinion they doe belieue and belieue not at all What then Shall hee that belieueth vnfainedly be altogether vncertaine whether he belieue or no There is that boasteth when his soule hath naught yet men whom God hath blessed with abundance may know that they be rich Many are deceiued in matters of faith and true worship of God shall not a Christian then bee certaine of his Religion A man that dreameth of honoâ—r promotion plentie and abundance may liue in infamie and disgrace penurie and hunger and yet they that bee promoted to honour and liue in plentie may assuredly bee perswaded of what God hath giuen them Some mens senses are deluded shall euery man therefore bee in suspence of whatsoeuer hee seeth or heareth He that is falsly perswaded of his good estate and strong faith deceiueth his owne soule shall he therefore that
vnfainedly embraceth Christ and resteth vpon him be euer at vncertainties whether hee doth belieue or no The heart vnregenerate is deceitfull and wicked aboue all things Ier. 17.9 Bellar. de Iustif lib. 3. cap. 8. sect Huius argumenti To bee in the faith is to haue faith in them Rom. 8.1 5.9 Ephes 3.17 1. Iohn 4 16. Rom. 8.8 2. Cor. 13.5.6 Ephes 3.17 the heart regenerate is true and faithfull In respect of the exact measure of grace and strength the regenerate are oft deceiued but of the truth of grace they may bee assured in some particular resolutions they bee ignorant of their owne hearts but of their generall purpose they may firmely and truly be peâ—swaded Paul bids vs to proue and trie our selues whether we haue not that faith by which Christ dwelleth in our hearts which worketh by loue which is the faith of such as are accepted with God are purged from their sinne and are become Temples of the Holy Ghost intimating that by examination it is to bee discerned and knowne whether wee belieue And if wee may know that wee haue faith whereby Christ dwelleth in vs by his Spirit Râ—em annot in 2. Co. 13.5 sect 1 and wee in him then may wee know also that wee haue repented truly of our sinnes for faith and repentance be inseperable companions and who so hath the one hee cannot be destitute of the other It is one thing to repent another to belieue but these two liue and dwell together that if one be wanting there is neither in truth § 7. They obiect further It sufficeth not to belieue vnto saluation §. 7. Bellar. de Iustif lib. 3. cap. 6. Acts 8.37 but a man must belieue with his whole heart which no man say they can certainly affirme Indeed faith sincere vpright and wel-rooted is required on our parts to Iustification 1. Tim. 1.5 but not absolutely perfect in degree without weaknesse or defect And this may be knowne by him that hath it else could not the Eunuch haue answered I belieue nor Dauid haue promised Acts 8.37 38. Psal 86.12 138.1 Psal 119.10.69 I will praise thee O Lord with my whole heart with my whole heart haue I sought thee But in these and such like passages the a Psal 119.2 Deut. 4.29 Ier. 29.13 2. Chron. 15.15 Prou. 3.5 whole heart noteth the integritie b Psal 73.1 57.11 28.6 7 and vprightnesse of the soule not the perfection of grace without any infirmitie or defect as on the contrarie a fraudulent or hypocriticall heart is called c Psal 12.2 an heart deuided and the whole heart is opposed to a fained and hypocriticall heart as the Lord complaineth by his Prophet d Ier. 3.10 Iudah hath not returned vnto me with her whole heart but fainedly And thus wee shut vp this first reason That which the Scripture saith to pertaine to all and singular Belieuers Luke 7.50 Marke 16.16 that euery Belieuer may certainly assure himselfe of by faith But the Scripture sheweth remission of sinnes to pertaine to all and euery Belieuer Againe What we are taught to aske of God in Prayer and haue a promise to obtaine that by faith wee may bee assured to obtaine Marke 11.24 1. Iohn 5.14.15 Psal 145.18 For God that hath commanded vs to pray and directed what to aske according to his will and promised to grant the desires of them that call vpon him in truth according to his Commandement hee will not denie his promise nor goe backe from the thing that he hath spoken But we are commanded to aske the pardon and forgiuenesse of our sinnes and haue a promise to be heard in that which we desire Therefore by faith wee may be assured of the particular remission of our offences Our Aduersaries except that what wee are assured of alreadie Bellar. de Eccl. l. 4. cap. 11. praeterea In what sence forgiuenesse of sinnes is to bee praied for that wee cannot aske of God in prayer and therefore if wee be assured of pardon wee must not pray for pardon What is it lawfull in no sence to pray for that whereof we are assured Dauid prayed to God for the pardon of those sinnes which hee belieued by faith were forgiuen for so was hee assured from the Lord by the Prophet Nathan vnlesse wee shall charge him with infidelitie for not belieuing the Prophet since the speech was so plaine that he could not but vnderstand it I haue sinned against the Lord 2. Sam. 12.12 13. A plaine and true confession The Lord also hath put away thy sinne thou shalt not die As plaine and certaine an absolution Will our Aduersaries come in here with their vaine distinction of guilt and punishment of temporall and eternall If they doe it is to no purpose For whatsoeuer the respects were in which Dauid prayed for the forgiuenesse of his sinnes once this is cleare that hee prayed for it and then what remaines but that our aduersaries must condemne him of sinning grieuously in asking God pardon for those sinnes which he belieued by faith were forgiuen him or of infidelity for not belieuing or else graÌ„t it lawful in some regard to craue pardon when it is alreadie granted and belieued to bee so But further it is manifest that both guilt and punishment were remitted because the Prophet precisely mentions both parts The Lord hath taken away thy sinne There is the guilt wipt away Thou shalt not die There is the punishment forgiuen the whole punishment the whole penaltie of the statute concerning sinne And yet nothing is more cleare Psal 32.1 2. Psal 51.1 2. then that Dauid begs pardon both of the guilt and punishment of his offences and that God would make him see and feele this forgiuenesse of his euery day more and more Neither yet doth it follow that then prayer for forgiuenesse is an effect of a weake faith because though our faith were strong yet the feeling of our owne wretchednesse the iust desert of sinne and the wrath of God due vnto vs would wring out such entreatie from vs as wee see the extremitie which our Sauiour Christ was in vpon the Crosse made him cry out so mainly My God my God why hast thou forsaken me Math. 27.46 albeit he was fully assured that God neither had nor would vtterly forsake him Againe one chiefe reason and end of our praying to God for pardon is that wee may alwayes acknowledge that euery sinne committed by vs deserues euerlasting damnation of it selfe and should euerlastingly be punished if that God had not accepted our Sauiour Christs satisfactioÌ„ for vs By which though we are freed if we rest on him by faith yet both it is our duty according to Gods Commandement to sue for pardon for his sake in truth if we do it not we haue no reason to perswade our selues that our sinnes are pardoned For howsoeuer it is true that Christ our Head hath paid the price
it The like may bee noted of their feare and doubting at other times Yea that assurance that is had by extraordinary reuelation is not altogethâ—r free from feares and doubâ—s shaking sometimes the confidence of that which a man hath receiued immediately from the oracle of Gods owne mouth or by speciall messengers directed from God for certificate in that behalfe Which is to be seene in the examples of Abraham Isaac Dauid Gen. 12.12 13. Psal 31.22 1. Sam. 27.1 and others to whom God had giuen speciall promise of his protection and fauour and yet vpon occasions they haue bewrayed great infirmitie in the apprehension thereof And if this befall to faith in those things which are extraordinarily reuealed for it is faith ordinarie by which a man belieueth such extraordinarie reuelations much more wee may assure our selues it befalleth there where wee haue no other but ordinarie reuelation by the written Word of God Also the Word of God once spoken and often reiterated is of equall certaintie in it selfe but to helpe our weaknesse the Lord goeth ouer one and the same thing againe and againe Things belieued are in themselues more certaine then things seene but not apprehended by vs with such assurance Of these who doubteth of the other who doubteth not at some times The Prophets our Sauiour Christ and his Apostles doe labour oft to confirme vnto vs matters of faith by reasons similitudes signes examples incurring into the senses not only to better our vnderstanding but to confirme our faith which is an argument that to vs things sensible are oft more certaine then things belieued though in themselues more vncertaine Moreouer conclusions theologicall are in themselues as certaine as are the principles vpon which they are grounded but alwayes they are not so infallible to our vnderstanding and conscience because the inference is not so well readily and plainly perceiued as hath beene shewed before And so though the saluation of the Belieuer be as certaine as the word of promise vpon which his faith is surely builded yet it is not so infallibly knowne to the Belieuer himselfe it being farre more easie to conceiue that a belieuer shal be saued then to assure the conscience that he is a true Belieuer What the Lord hath immediately reuealed that faith receiueth with the greatest certaintie but what is concluded out of the Word from one proposition immediately diuine and another certainly knowne by some other light that may be belieued with infallible assurance And so he that is iustified and hath obtained remission of sinnes may assuredly know or belieue that hee hath receiued mercie of the Lord otherwise he can neuer truly bee thankefull to God for that inestimable benefit For he that knoweth not whether hee hath receiued it or not nor can assure himselfe of it without intollerable and inexcusable presumption how should he from the heart giue God thankes for this vnspeakable fauour But to thinke that mortall men are neuer bound to giue God thankes for the greatest benefit that is bestowed vpon them in this world is most absurd It is obiected That in this state of temptation Bellar. de Iustif lib. 3. cap. 8. §. Tertia ratio such is our infirmitie assurance would engender pride And immediate and perfect assurance such as is free from all assault and impeachment of feare and doubt might peraduenture by the corruption of our nature bee abused to securitie and pride But such perfection in this life wee attaine not vnto because the Lord knowes it not expedient As wee haue a measure of true righteousnesse though weake and imperfect so haue wee a measâ—re of true and comfortable assurance against feare and doubt though by reason of our weaknesse mixed with many feares and doubts Thus the Lord deales with vs in great wisdome knowing our inabilitie to weild any better condition that by the sweetnesse of grace wee might bee allured to yeeld chearefull obedience The benefits that come vnto vs by temptations and bee sustained in temptations and by the sence of our weakenesse together with the sharpnesse of temptation feare and perplexitie might be kept from swelling in pride securitie loue of carnall libertie negligence to preserue our faith and such like And as sometimes by his admirable wisdome he maketh sinne the whetstone of righteousnes so by affliction and trouble by dâ—strusts and fearefull doubts hee whetteth and sharpeneth our faith and assurance which by fighting increaseth and the longer it wrastleth the stronger it waxeth whilest faith powreth forth Prayer and powring forth of Prayer obtaineth further strength of faith Knocking makes the linke to burne more clearely and the shaking of a tree by stormie blasts settles the root and the tree more firmely so temptations troubles and feares by the wise prouidence of God make for the increase and confirmation of faith As a man in danger of drowning catcheth for hold to saue himselfe so whilest the comfort of life makes offer to goe from vs wee take the better hold thereof and it becomes so much the more pretious and deare vnto vs. By our corruption vertues become poysons and by the wisdome of God sinnes are made medicines But as wee doe not condemne vertue though our corrupt hearts doe sometimes abuse it nor commend sinne for that it is vsed as a spurre to righteousnesse no more doe we approue doubting for the good that God workes by it nor disallow full assurance because of the euill that might ensue to vs thereby abusing the same In briefe pride is the daughter of corruption not of filiall confidence nor may it bee condemned for it because that verde springeth from another root §. 10. § 10. A man may belieue say the Romanists that he shall haue eternall life if hee keepe the Commandements but because he is not assured that he shall so doe he remaineth in feare And very iustly may he be in feare or rather in despaire that looketh for eternall life vpon no other condition The Apostle indeed doth plainly debarre him from all hope and expectation thereof when he saith So many as are of the workes of the Law Gal. 3.10 are vnder the curse for it is written Cursed is euery one c It is not for them that professe the faith of Christ by their keeping of the Commandements to expect the obtaining of eternall life Gal. 5.4 Rom. 4.14 Gal. 3.18 1. John 5.10 11 Rom. 6.23 Yee are fallen from grace saith the Apostle that will be iustified by the Law If they which bee of the Law bee heires then is faith made void The Commandements of God are laid before Belieuers not as the cause for obtaining of eternall life but as the way to walke in vnto eternall life assured vnto vs by the free promise and gift of God And of this promise and gift of God the keeping of Gods Commandements is a part who hath said I will put my Law into their hearts Ier. 31.33 Ezek. 36.27 Ephes 2.10 and
will both Loue and hatred is noth ng but the affection of good or euill will vnto a thing knowne in the vnderstanding Our Aduersaries themselues place hope in the vnderstanding and the will Bellar. de Iust lib. 3. cap. 11. attributing a double certaintie vnto it one in respect of the vnderstanding another in respect of the will And so faith being one doth properly possesse one subiect to-wit the soule but considered according to the two faculties thereof it possesseth the Minde as it vnderstandeth and assenteth the will as it receiueth embraceth the word of promise Secondly it is answered that sauing faith doth presuppose knowledge and assent as the roote and foundation but formally it is an affection towards the promise of grace and seated in the heart As the reasonable soule doth giue life sence and motion as inferior operations so iustifying faith doth knowe and assent but as iustifying it doth trust and relie vpon the mercie of God in Iesus Christ Thirdly Iustifying faith or faith as it iustifyeth is not one vertue not any vertue but iustifyeth onely as it makes vs partakers of the righteousnes of Christ which it doth not by any dignitie or excellencie of it owne but in respect of the place and office which our mercifull God hath freely and liberally granted vnto it Now nothing hindreth why God should not giue the name of faith both to assent in the vnderstanding and to affyance in the will and require both to Iustification And that it is not a vertue as it iustifyeth is manifest hereby that wee are iustified by the act of faith not by the habite of faith as Diuines popish and protestant confesse But if Minde and will be indeed but two names or titles of one and the same intellectuall nature as truth and goodnesse in matters morall differ only in degrees of apprehension then there is no roome for this obiection 1. Reg. 3.9 2. Cor. 3.15 Act. 7.39 and 11.23 1 Cor. 7.37 Math. 6.21 Rom. 1.24 Ioh. 14.1 Luk. 1.66 and 21.14 Math. 12.35 Math. 13.14.15 Ioh. 24.25 and 4.11 Psal 10. Pro. 3.5 20. 1. Ioh. 5.1 Rom. 10.8 1. Ioh. 5.4.5.20 vers 1. Iohn 2.4 Psal 78 22. Psal 137.4.5 Neh. 6.14 and 13.14.29 Iohn 17.3 Heb. 4.2.3 Eccl. 12.1 Not to dispute this point any further this is manifest that in Scripture the heart is taken for the whole soule with all its powers and operations as of vnderstanding willing and choosing remembring or retaining in Minde and affecting that the Scripture doth simply attribute to the heart knowledge confidence and affection and that the Scripture hath no peculiar words whereby that philosophicall distinction of Minde and will may be confirmed and therefore according to the sentence of Scripture wee may seale faith in the heart or reasonable soule and not trouble our selues about the distinction of the faculties If the Scripture mention this as an act of faith To belieue that Christ is the sonne of God which is seated in the Minde it must bee remembred that words of knowledge doe together by connotation imply affection much more words of beliefe and therefore where wee finde to belieue that Christ is the sonne of God we must conceiue this beliefe to containe confidence in the Sonne Words of knowledge most vsually import not idle knowledge in the Minde but true and vnfained affections in the heart which accompanie that knowledge Knowledge is the ground of confidence and so it is put for confidence which it doth bring forth The whole intellectuall nature is the seate of faith and that faith which iustifyeth is well-rooted and taketh kindly in the soule otherwise it could not season the whole lumpe disperse it vertue into euery affection commaunde euery passion and bring into subiection whatsoeuer doth make head against the power of godlinesse Faith that is not well planted can neither soundly receiue nor firmely hold Christ but by the allurements of the world the lusts of the flesh and assaults of Sathan it is easily ouer-turned The stonie ground receiued the seed but wanting good root it withered and brought forth no fruit to ripenesse Whilest faith possesseth the castle of the soule it can as easily ouercome the assaults of the Flesh the World and the Deuill as honest subiects which hold the heart of the Kingdome can vanquish and bring vnder the scattered forces of an enemie that makes inrodes vpon the borders But if the heart be taken vp with wordly delights or vaine lusts be suffered to build their castle therein then shall wee bee made a prey to Satan The cares of the world and pleasures of this life choake the seed of life receiued that it brings forth no fruit vnto perfection § 4. This faith wel-rooted is common to all §. 4. Faith is peculiar to them who be called according to the purpose of God Ephes 4.5 2. Cor. 4.13 Math. 9.2 2 Pet. 1.1 1. Pet. 1.7 Rom. 1.17 Gal 2. â—0 1. Iohn 3.23 Hab 2.4 Iohn 20.27 Acts 16.31 19. â— Marke 11.22 John 14.1 1 Pet. 1.7 Heb. â—1 6 7 8 9 10. c. Gal. 3.26 Acts 8.37 and proper to them only who be called according to the purpose of God All that be sauingly-effectually called and they only are partakers of the same faith in subiect obiect kind but not in number and degree Euerie Belieuer hath a proper singular sincere indiuiduall faith in kinde the same but in number differing from the faith of others as the faith of Peter was distinct from the faith of the other Disciples The iust doth liue by his owne faith A speciall and particular faith is required in euery one that shall be saued This particular faith is commended by the holy Ghost in particular faithfull men and women And when the faithfull of age and discretion were admitted to Baptisme they professed particularly their faith in Christ Health of bodie and such like outward blessings may bee conferred by God vpon one for the faith of another And the children of Christian parents are within the couenant for their parents faith as the promise is made to the faithfull and to their seed and they receiue it for themselues and their posteritie And generally the faith of one may helpe to obtaine for another Iames 5.14 15. Phil 1.19 Ephes 6.18 2. Thes 3â— so farre as it moueth to pray for others But remâ—ssion of sinnes and saluation is not obtained without a proper and speciall faith in them that bee of ripe yea es and haue the vse of reason God takes no pleasure in them who withdraw themselues by vnbeliefe Heb. 10.38 §. 5. All haue not like measure of faith Rom. 12 3. Math. 8.10 15.28 Math. 6.30 8.26 14.31 16.8 Marke 9.24 Rom. 4.20 Rom. 14.1 15.1 § 5. The fâ—ith which is belieued is one and the same the grace whereby we belieue supernaturally infused the seate of faith an humbled and contriâ—e heart but the measure of faith is not equall or
is weake in foure respects Rom. 14.1 15.1 Heb. 5.11.12 1. Cor. 8.10 Math. 16.16 Luke 9.45 Marke 9.9 Iohn 20.9 Marke 16 11. Iohn 14.5 Him that is weake in faith receiue you but not to doubtfull disputations The Disciples had true faith when they were very weake in knowledge For though they belieued that Christ was the Messiah yet they were ignorant of his Death and Resurrection and Ascension When he told them of his sufferings they vnderstood not that saying when Mary told them of his Resurrection they beleued it not when hee spake of his tarrying with them a little and then of going vnto his Father they knew not what it meant Secondly faith is weake in assent when a Christian giues credit to the principles of doctrine and promises of life not only as true and certaine but as much better then life it selfe yet not without much reasoning and disputing in himselfe Lord I belieue helpe mine vnbeliefe Marke 9 24. Thirdly In confidence it is feeble when the Belieuer rolls himselfe vpon Christ and the promises of mercie made in him purposing to adhere and cleaue vnto him though he feele that he hangeth but weakly discerne not the certaintie of his estate nor the stablenesse of Gods promises cannot assure himselfe that he doth belieue is soone discouraged in troubles and readie to faint if helpe come not presently Math. 8.26 14.31 But when the minde is perplexed with temptations feares and doubts and the heart ready to faint not able with cleare euidence to receiue the promises yet then this true Belieuer is habitually resolued not without great dread and wauering that it is good to trust and waite vpon the Lord. Psal 73.28 And this must be remembred for certaine that howsoeuer faith bee often shaken oppressed with feares or turned aside with oppositions that be made against it for a time as the Disciples did all forsake our Sauiour and flee Math. 26.56 when he was apprehended yet the weakest faith is aduisedly resolued to sticke fast vnto the promises of life as much better then the pleasures or profits of this life and to embrace Christ notwithstanding any opposition by allurement or terrour that the Deuill the World or the Flesh can make against it Fourthly In the fruites and effects thereof faith is weake as in the sence of Gods loue assurance of his grace and fauour power to subdue vnruly passions contempt of the world patience and ioy in tribulation and the constant Ordinarily belieuers are weake at the fiâ—st liuely practice of holinesse Ordinarily this is the state of Belieuers at their first conuersion and who can expect it should bee otherwise Wee doe not looke that a new borne babe should bee able to goe alone if strength come with age wee thinke it is well And thus it fareth with them also who are not conscionable to gaine knowledge subdue their corruptions cherish faith nourish the motions of Gods Spirit pray earnestly watch narrowly get resolution of their doubts tie vp their passions renue their repentance and purpose to better obedience Some priuiledged aboue others But some there are whom God in speciall manner doth priuiledge at one time and in one day to receiue that grace and gift of assurance which others are long labouring and trauelling for before they attaine it As our Sauiour Christ pronounceth of Zacheus Luke 19.9 This day is this Man become the Sonne of Abraham and saluation is come into his house So Lydia her heart was opened Acts 16.14 that she attended to the preaching of Paul the Iaylour and the Iewes who were pricked in conscience at the preaching of Peter Acts 16.34 2.38 Math. 9.9 Luke 22.43 Faith weake in one respect may be strong in another Heb. 11.31 were quickly comforted after they were throwne downe The like may be said of Matthew and the thiefe who was conuerted vpon the Crosse Againe faith may be weake or small in one particular when it is great and strong in another The measure of knowledge may bee scant when affiance is strong according to that a man doth know as in Rahab where there is small assurance of pardon there strength of faith may discouer it selfe by striuing against doubting bitter complaining for want of feeling comfort feruent seeking to be setled in belieuing earnest longing after and vnsatiable desire of grace high prizing and valuation of Iesus Christ and mercie promised in him selfe-deniall contempt of the world care to search out the sinne that may possibly hinder comfort and expell it continuall watchfulnesse and holy iealousie lest they should bee deceiued and faithfull labouring to subdue corruption These and such like fruits of sound liuely wel-rooted affiance may bee seene in many that bee troubled with manifold feares and doubts of their owne saluation though they themselues doe not euer perceiue how God hath enriched them § 8. A weake and strong faith differ not in speciall nature and plantation but in degree §. .8 The benefits of the weakest faith if true and liuely Rom. 11.20 and the fruites of weake and strong faith are the same though not in like measure fulnesse and comfort More distinctly the benefits of the weakest liuely faith be these By it the Belieuer is firmely and inseperably knit vnto Christ as a liuing member vnto the Head A true Belleuer though neuer so weâ—ke Iohn 14 17. 6.35 â—phes 3.17 1. Iohn 5.20 Heb. 1â— 1 doth possesse Christ with all his benefits and all sufficiencie in him for knowledge of faith is neuer without pâ—ssession And so he is iustified sanctified adopted and made free by Christ By faith he apprehendeth things inuisible he doth see God and is made wise vnto saluation Iohn 17.3 6 54 Col. â— 12 13. Rom. 6.4 5. Eternall life is alreadie begunne in euery Belieuer weake and strong euen that life which shall neuer fade The weakest faith giues will and abilitie in some sort to walke vprightly and to liue honestly in the sight of God and Man it is also strong through the power of Christ to vanquish Satan and ouercome the world 1. Iohn 5.4 with whatsoeuer is therein that maketh head against the soueraignetie of grace Iohn 7.37 38. Rom. 11.29 Rom. 1.17 The weakest faith is euer ioyned with the gift of perseuerance and cannot vtterly bee broken off And weake faith if found will grow and increase as a childe now feeble in his ioynts may in time become strong by nourishment Yet should wee striue to bee strong and rich in faith and able to runne about It is no wisdome therefore for any man to content himselfe with a little faith though the weakest faith shall neuer faile nor be ouercome by Satan seeing God hath prouided and doth afford meanes whereby we may be builded forward It is a shame to be a man in yeares and a bâ—be in knowledge to be an Infant in faith when God vouchsafeth time and meanes of
better stature Who would bee poore that might be rich weake that might be strong who would liue in feare and care that might rest confident and secure who would walke pensiuely that might continually reioyce and triumph A weake faith will bring to saluation but a strong faith is necessarie for a Christian that he may ouercome with more ease fight more manfully endure with patience and obey with chearefulnesse The least dramme of faith is more precious then gold that perisheth better then the whole world who that knoweth the price and value of such a iewell would not desire and labour to be furnished with it and grow rich therein In earthly things a full estate pleaseth best in heauenly shall we be coÌ„tented to lâ—ue from hand to mouth scarce that when we might with better allowance enioy plentie All liuing things haue an appetite to seeke and desire nourishment for increase vnto perfect stature in their kind Herbs and plants sucke iuyce out of the earth new borne babes d sire the mother breast All true graces are still growing from a gram of Mustard seed to a great tree Math. 13.31 32 liuely faith doth couet increase from feeble state to better growth from growth to strength from strength to full assurance § 9. Faith somewhat growne is §. 9. 2. Somewhat growne when the Belieuer is better acquainted with the doctrine of saluation giueth more full absolute and vnlimited assent to the word of truth then formerly cleaueth faster to the promises of mercie in Iesus Christ is better stablished in the practice of godlinesse and hath obtained some setled boldnesse and confidence at sometimes though he be still ignorant of many priuiledges which he might enioy and of which he might be assured by the grace bountie of the Lord yea through weaknesse hee wauereth often doubteth againe and againe and becommeth like the smoking flaxe Strong faith excelleth the former in certaine knowledge firme and full assent 3. Strong liuely confidence ioyned with sincere purpose and resolution of vnpartiall and constant obedience This Belieuer is better acquainted with the promises of God temporall and spirituall to relie vpon them hee can wrestle earnestly in prayer is not discouraged if for a time his suite be denied will take no repulse is couragious in dangers sharpened by difficulties Math. 15.28 8.10 walketh on constantly in a godly course and holdeth the confident assurance of his saluation more strongly and hath it more vsually then the two former But yet he hath not learned in euery state and thing so to liue by faith but that he is often shaken and troubled with his corruptions distracted with cares and kept vnder with other incumbrances more then hee need if hee had attained to that measure of faith which in this life many haue obtained by the gift of God 4. Full assurance Coloss 2.2 Rom. 15.14 Coloss 1.23 Rom. 4.20 Psal 27.1.23.4 Iob 13.15 Ester 4.14 Full assurance is when the Belieuer hath obtained full assurance of vnderstanding in the mistery of God and of the Father and of Christ and assuredly belieueth in Christ for saluation and is certainly perswaded that all other promises spirituall and temporall do belong vnto and shall bee made good vnto him in due season though in appearance all things goe cleane contrarie and readily followeth the Lords commandement though repugnant to flesh and bloud crosse to carnall reason contrarie to earthly pleasure and contentment Gotten by degrees 2. Cor. 1.7 This degree of faith is not gotten at once nor at first ordinarily but by degrees after good time and continuance in the vse of the meanes after many experiences of Gods loue and fauour after manifold tryals and combates and the long continued practice of holines many neuer attaine vnto it in this life but it is the dutie of euery Christian to labour after good establishment and full assurance in the faith Heb. 6.11 Col. 2.11 The Benefits of full assurance As faith is more excellent so are the fruits that issue from it The stronger our faith the more firme and close is our vnion with Christ A weake belieuer is as truely knit to Christ as the strong but not so neerely and fast The increase of faith makes our Communion with Christ more sweete and comfortable then before For the more stedfastly we belieue the clearer apprehension haue we of the remission of all our sinnes the more vertue and strength draw we from Christ to kill and crucifie our corruptions the greater is our peace and ioy in the sence of Gods speciall fauour and the more constantly inioyed with an increase thereof Rom. 15.13 1. Ioh. 1. â— Rom. 5 1.2.3 Heb. 10 22. Eph. 3.12 Mat. 15.28 and 9.29 and 8.13 Fulnesse of faith breeds fulnesse of peace and ioy which passeth vnderstanding The firmer our faith the more free is our accesse with boldnesse and confidence to the throne of grace the more feruently and confidently can wee pray Abba Father the better successe doe wee finde in prayer and the more quietly doe wee waite till the vision come for it will come and will not lie Assurance of faith doth inable with more ease to ouercome the world to contemne the pleasures of sinne to possesse the soule in patience in hard and â—sore pressures to curbe vnruly passions to tread Satan vnder feete to breake through all worldly difficulties and to runne with chereafulnes the race that is set before vs. The weake belieuer creepes forward in the way to Heauen but it is with much difficultie He hath much adoe with himselfe hee is perplexed with feares frightned with troubles discouraged with want of meanes he is wearie feeble panteth maketh many a stand and slippeth now and then It is farre better with him who is setled stablished and rooted in the knowledge and loue of the truth and is assured of Gods mercie hath interest in all the promises of grace and can lay actuall claime vnto them For hee contemneth the temptations of multitudes customes examples he dispiseth the offers of profits pleasures honours esteeming it greater riches to suffer affliction with the people of God then to enioy the pleasures of sinne As for reproch trouble persecution he shrinkes not at them for his heart is fixed and trusteth in the Lord. Heb. 12 2. Act. 20.24 Psal 27.3 Act. 7.59 In dangers he is confident through meanes of deliuerance appeare not because he seeth in God who is inuisible and resteth vpon his faithfull promise that cannot deceiue His affections are seasoned his heart is in Heauen his loue to God is stronger then death life it selfe is not deare vnto him that he may finish his course with ioy If at any time hee tread awry through ouer-sight or infirmitie the stronger is his faith the sooner doth he arise againe renue his repentance and embrace the promises of mercie afresh Let vs then striue to attaine vnto the best measure of faith and to
bee much more readie to extend mercy vnto vs if wee sue vnto him There is no difficultie so great either in respect of sin or of the meanes c but it hath beene ouercome by euery one of the Saints which is our encouragement to seeke faith that we migâ—t be healed § 2. Now the knowledge of God and Christ supposed without which there can bee no faith §. 2. Meanes for the right planting of faith the meanes for the right planting of faith be these First serious meditation of our miserable estate by nature the multitude and hainousnes of our sinnes and how deepe staine sinne hath made in the soule The Physitian is welcome to the sicke patient the guiltie person esteemes his pardon Math. 9.12.13 Hunger causeth men to tast their meate and mercie is pleasant to him that knowes his neede of mercy Secondly learne and consider what promises be made in the Gospell and to whom Christ offeâ—eth himselfe euen to the thirstie wearie laden and burdened to them that bee stung in conscience parched with sinne that haue neither sappe nor fruite of grace To them Christ â—ffereth himselfe and becomes a â—â—â—ter that if they will come vnto him he will ease and refresh enrich and comfort them Ho euery one that thirsteth come yeâ— to the waters Let euery one that is a thirst Isay 55.1.2 â— come vnto mee and drinke Ioh. 7.37 Numb 21.9 Ioh. 3.14 Math 11.18 If any be oppressed with the weight of sinne him doth the Lord intreate and perswade to come for ease If any be confounded in conscience of his owne wretchednesse and sinne to him the Lord calleth in the Gospell Come and let thy soule delight in fatnes Men of this world labour to match with such in marriage as be rich and vertuous but Christ doth preferre loue to such as be poore that hee might make them rich filthy that hee might make them beautifull in distresse that hee might comfort them base that he might make them honourable guiltie that he might acquit them naked that he might cloath them Thirdly Ponder and weigh who it is that maketh this liberall and free promise euen God himselfe who is able and willing and faithfull to performe what he promiseth of his rich grace and vnspeakable mercie All these are cleare and manifest for the truth of them bâ—t wee haue need oft to set them before vs for our vse to encourage vs the more boldly and sincerely to relie vpon Christ To this end specially are these testimonies of Gods Power Mercie and Truth so often repeated in the Scriptures that we might haue them euer before vs to vphold vs against our doubtings and feares whereof our nature is full The things promised in the Gospell are vnlikely in reason opposite to sence and feeling too great and excellent as Satan and our distrustfull hearts will suggest to be conferred vpon such vile and filthy creatures as we be who haue so many wayes dishonoured God and haue such a load of sin lying still vpon vs For the ouercomming of which temptation wee must looke vp to him that hath made the promise his grace faithfulnesse and power and keepe them in our eye continually rowsinâ— vp our soules to belieue against sence and feeling reason and likelihood because God is faithfull and cannot denie himselfe gracious and will not cast vs off for our vnworthinesse great in might able to doe whatsoeuer he will and willing to performe with his hand whatsoeuer commeth out of his mouth Wee must say to our soules The Lord of his grace inuites thee a poore needie miserable selfe-condemned wretch to come vnto Iesus Christ and of the same grace hath promised to accept thee if thou do come to heale thy soares to forgiue thy sinnes come therefore behold he calleth thee reason may be deluded sence is deceitfull but the Word of the Lord endureth for euer Thou hast his faithfull promise for thy securitie dispute no more but draw neere with confidence Fourthly It is very needfull againe and againe to consider what excellent things are promised and so raise the heart to an high prizing and valuation of them Math. 13 44. The wise Merchant doth not buy the pearle till hee know it to be of excellent price or better then any price Great things are eagerly sought vpon probable hopes The meere possibilitie of obtaining some great and extraordinarie good is of maruellous force in swaying mens actions And if men consider serioâ—sly what rare surpassing pretious things be promised to them that come vnto Iesus Christ and rest vpon him what shall withhold them from belieuing Were we certainly perswaded that euerlasting life full laden with all the fruits of true life ioy peace and all choicest pleasures without any annoyance should bee conferred vpon them that belieue in Iesus Christ would we not hang close and sticke fast and not suffer the pleasures or profits of this transitorie life to diuide vs from him The reason why we striue so slackly to belieue and be so dull in Gods seruice and faint in trouble is because our hearts be not holden with the serious consideration of that kingdome ioy and glory which God hath prepared for them that belieue and cleaue vnto him Fiftly It is also needfull to denie our selues our desires lusts and affections to make ouer all our interest in our liues or whatsoeuer is deare vnto vs inure our hearts calmely to the heate and opposition though of dearest friends and the reproaches and reuilings of men though abiect and vile This our Sauiour layes downe as a fundamentall principle If any man will come after me Math. 16.24 let him denie himselfe and take vp his crosse and follow me Math. 10.37 38 He that loueth Father or Mother more then mee is not worthy of me and he that loueth Sonne or Daughtâ—r more then me Luke 14.25 is not worthy of me And hee that taketh not his crosse and followeth after mee is not worthy of mee The necessitie of this resolution hee more fully sets out vnto vs in two parables of a builder that must be able to count his cost and charges and meanes to defray them before hee take that worke in hand otherwise to begin to build being vnable to make an end were to lay the foundation of his disgrace in the losse of his cost and paines And a Prince who before he vndertake warre must haue sure triall of his owne abilitie and skill to discouer his enemies strength otherwise to bid him battaile were rashly to prouoke an enemie to his owne losse and danger Luke 14.33 Mat. 13.44 45. The conclusion of these inductions is this So likewise whosoeuer hee bee of you that forsaketh not all that hee hath hee cannot be my Disciple The Merchant that would purchase the pearle of price must sell all that he hath to buy it Hee must sell his sinnes which is properly all wee haue of our owne and renounce his interest in
Apostle saith your care beginneth to spring againe belike they had their winter whom a new spring reuiued It is true the Lord hath promised that Hell gates shall neuer preuaile vtterly to ouerthrow the faith of his chosen or any other grace radically accompanying saluation but to preserue continuall sensible exercise of any grace he hath no where promised The graces of God doe ebbe and slow in his seruants and that by the wise disposition of God lest if we had attained facilitie in all things wee should thinke that our owne which is meerely his worke Who amongst the faithfull doth alwayes heare with equall attention reuerence chearefulnesse c. or pray with like earnestnesse of desire feeling of wants assurance to be heard or submission to Gods will or doe any thing at all times so as at some The Lord many times withdrawes the vse of some particular grace that some other may in greater measure shew forth it selfe in vs. Ioy and reioycing in his mercie hee withholds that he might bring to the practice of humiliation § 9. What if a Christian cannot finde no not after search and examination any liuely sence or feeling of faith §. 9. 9. They cannot find any liuely sence of of faith nay he cannot discerne any faith at all in himselfe Hereby the Lord may correct our vnthankfulnesse for mercies formerly receiued Remedy or that presumptuous licence we took to our selues in sinning or in questioning with our selues of his graces All which things wee are heartily to confesse and bewaile But for the comfort of the distressed hee is to know that sometimes graces may lie hid yea and worke in respect of our acknowledgment insensibly Wee may not conclude there is no truth of grace in vs because we cannot perceiue and feele it The seed of faith cannot be lost after it is once planted in an honest and good heart by the holy Spirit but the sight thereof may bee hid from our knowledge and the liuely functions thereof intermitted The child liues in the mothers wombe though it know not so much Life remaines in a man fallen into a dead swound wherein he is depriued for a time of vnderstanding reason memorie sence motion and all apparant vitall functions The tree liues in winter though nipped with frosts and weather-beaten with tempests dead in appearance Coales raked close vnder the ashes that they giue neither heat nor light doe yâ—t retaine both though they shew not forth themselues There is a generation pure in their owne eyes who are not purged from their iniquities Prou. 30.12 the most holy are not priuie to all their secret sins nor throughly acquainted with the deceitfulnesse of their owne hearts And the graces of the Spirit may lie hid in the hearts of the regenerate Psâ—l 19.12 and worke insensibly to their feeling and discerning as well as corruption lurke secretly and worke priuily in the soule both of regenerate and vnregenerate An argument drawne from his sence and feeling may haue some colour in the conceit of a distressed minde but in truth it is a deceitfull reasoning to conclude That they haue no faith because they haue no sence or feeling thereof in their apprehension In the agonie of conscience none are more vnfit to iudge of our estate then wee of our owne Though at other times we be sicke of selfe-loue and too partiall in our owne case yet in this state towards our selues wee are most vncharitable and being out of loue with our selues wee are apt to derogate from the worke of Gods Spirit in vs. In time of temptation the godly doe erre many wayes in examination of themselues It is most certaine also that in the examination and triall of our estates we commit no small errours in the time of temptation the minde being clouded with the mists of Satans suggestions and the heart so distempered with feare that we cannot discerne the graces of God in vs nor acknowledge boldly what in a sort we see Suggestions we take to be sinnes of consent and purpose failing in the purposed measure of seruing God or in some particular we distinguish not from falling from our generall purpose to cleaue vnto God in the performance of all duties of holinesse and righteousnesse we put not difference betwixt absolute falling from purpose and failing in execution of purpose in some particular Common infirmities wee iudge presumptuous sinnes or such blemishes as cannot bee in the Saints of God passions we esteeme as deliberate purposed resolutions and motions to distrust which are euidences of weaknesse are supposed pregnant tokens of totall infidelitie Certaintie of adherence is not distinguished from certaintie of euidence if we find not assurance of pardon we conclude there is no faith though possibly at the present wee resolue to roll our selues vpon the faithfull promise of God and powre out our soules for mercie The Lord diuersly giues euidence of his Spirits presence in vs. Sometimes a childe of God perceiues little difference in practice betwixt himselfe and very aliens yet let him view his affections he may see grace there sometimes againe more may be seene in practice then in the affection When the heart is ouer-whelmed with feare and doubt a man cannot finde loue ioy or delight in the Word of God but then his frequenting the house of God his priuate reading and conference are testimonies that his will is bent to the Law of God But these things are not obserued in the times of distresse and bitter anguish whence it followeth that God may euidence his presence with vs by the Spirit of grace when by reason of our frailtie we cannot discerne it Furthermore if a man can discerne no sparke of grace If a man can discerne no spark of grace in himselfe for the present he is not to despaire nor feele any good thing in himselfe he is not to despaire But as the sence and feeling of his present state ought to humble him vnder Gods hand and moue him to enter into a serious examination of himselfe and to vnfained repentance for his sinnes so must hee take comfort vnto himselfe and prop vp his weake declining faith by calling to minde former times Psal 77.3 9 10 11. and wherein the Lord hath caused his mercifull and gracious countenance to shine vpon him and wherein hee hath glorified God by an holy life and conuersation For if euer he hath discerned the graces of Gods Spirit by the fruits of sanctification they are not vtterly taken away though for a time they bee buried from his sight that hee cannot find them The seed is not dead that lyeth all winter vnder the clods and appeareth not by fruit aboue ground If hee bee not able to gather comfort from former experience but be readie to question that also yet must hee not giue way to vncomfortable and deading sorrow because the thirstie soule who neither feeleth inward sap Esay 55.1 2. Math. 11.28 nor findeth outward
But patience and constancy with a resolute mind to beare Gods triall will bring a good end yea by a meeke going vnder Gods hand in these thâ—y shall learne experience to wade through greater afterwards and yet in the midst of them to hâ—ue hope that they shall not be ashamed Say their fo mer course of life past hath not answered that sincerity the Lord requireth what then Are they therefore reprobates No but it argues want of faith Not so but place for fuâ—ther inâ—rease of faith and the fruits thereof Those whom the Lord hath chosen to bee his worshippers and hath redeemed and consecrated holy to himselfe they bee his plants and engraffed Oliue branches in his Sonne who take not their full perfection at once but according to the nature of plants require daily watering and dressing whereby by degrees they attaine in the end a full stature in Christ In Scripture we haue example of weake belieuers as well as of strong As the Holy Ghost hath remembred the faith of Abraham who belieued aboue hope vnder hope Marke 9.24 Iohn 3.1 so hath it recorded the faith of Nicodemus in knowledge simple and weake in profession and practice timorous and fearefull In one and the same person we shall find different degrees of faith at diuers times at one time like a graine of Mustard-seed Num. 20.11 12 Psal 21.1 77.7 8. at another time like a growne Oake now like a smoaking snuffe but soone after bursting out into a bright flame The strongâ—st faith of any Saint mentiâ—ned in Scripture is â—mperfect assailed with temptations mixed with manifold doubtings For they were subiect to innumerables infirmities which are not specified in the Booke of God neither was it fit that it should bee a register of their manifold temptations frailties and fals But out of those things which are recorded wee may perceiue they were shaken with assaults ouer-taken with corruptions tripped and foiled sometimes by the policie of Satan Rom. 15.4 All which is set vpon the file for our admonition and consolation So that a Christian may not account himselfe void of grace because he is not perfect in faith knowledge and loue but he is wisely to consider the secret worke of Gods Spirit and grace and take comfort of the smallest crumme and drop of this heauenly sustentation and attend the time of perfect growth according to the good pleasure of God Oh but they feele not the testimony of Gods Spirit which might assure them they can finde no sparke of grace in themselues Neither doe any of Gods children at all times feele it but that they may see their own frailty God doth as it were hide himselfe for a season as a Mother doth from her childe to trie his affection that they may with more earnest desire mourne for Gods wounted grace and praise him with more ioyfulnesse of heart when they haue obtained it againe And yet God doth not with-hold comfort from his children many times when they walke heauenly but their owne frailty and vehemency of temptation which oppresseth them diminisheth the feeling thereof When the winde is lowde the aire stormie and tempestuous a man cannot heare the voice of his friend when the heart is filled with feares and perplexed with manifold temptations tossing it vp and downe the calme and still voice of the Spirit is not discerned And in those seasons the triall of faith is to be taken by those fruits which are euident to the eye of others who can iudge more sincerely then the afflicted themselues in that anguish of soule and spirit As the sicke man during the time of his distemper must not trust to his owne taste but rather relie vpon the learned Physicion and other honest and discreet friends so the faithfull must not giue too much credit to the suggestions of their owne heart possessed with feare but rather belieue their faithfull Pastor and other godly and experienced Christians that are about them But to yeeld so much to their present weakenesse because in this perplexity they will bee euer and anone questioning the soundesse of former comfort and integrity of their hearts suppose they were destitute of grace and neuer had felt sound comfort should they vtterly despaire or giue place to deading sorrow Math. 11.28 In no sort for Christ calleth the burthened and laden to come vnto him for ease and comfort Being destitute of grace and comfort they are willed to repaire vnto him for both who hath sufficient in store for them If they finde not themselues to bee eased they know they are burthened if they be not watered they feele themselues to be thirstie if they belieue not they are allowed inuited encouraged to come vnto Christ To them he calleth as if he did particularly name them Esay 55.1 2. Iohn 7.37 Apoc. 22.17 Marke 10.49 Come yee to the waters and drinke Come vnto me and I will refresh you Why stand yee trembling as if your case were desperate Yee desire helpe and he calleth you Be of good courage and come vnto him The end of the first Part. The Life of Faith The second part CHAP. I. What it is to liue by faith and how a Christian should stirre vp himselfe thereunto MAny and pretious are the fruits of â—aith Inducements to liue by Faith whereof wee haue vse at all times in euery state at euery turne and in all things that we goe about which who so would enioy hee must learne not onely to haue but to vse it aright to liue by it here feeding vpon the seuerall promises of mercy and not onely to be saued by it when he goeth hence The Lord himselfe the Authour and giuer of life hath oâ—ten taught vs by his Prophet and Apostle Hab. 2.4 Rom. 1.17 Gal 3.11 Heb. 10.38 That the iust man is not onely to belieue to Iustification but to liuâ— by Faith The worthy seruants of God in all ages are all brought in as a cloud of witnesses testifying this truth that The Iust shall liue by faith Gen 5.24 Heb. 11.5 Gen. 24.40 By faith Enoch walked with God By faith Abraham walked before God Paul liued if euer any comfortably happily from the time of his conuersion to the time of his dissolution but euen whilest hee liued in the flesh hee liued by the faith of our Lord Iesus Christ Without faith what â—â—e wee but dead moules liuing carkases that carrie about and are carried with dead soules The best most excellent and pretious part of Man is d stitute of true life till faith be inspired into it from aboue whereby we are vnited vnto Christ the fountaine of supernaturall and eternall life Col. 3.3.4 The most glorious or pleasant life of Man without faith is but a vaine shadow a meere picture and resemblance oâ— life or of death rather drowned in carnall delights full of vexation and leading towards euerlasting perdition The best worke of the regenerate if it bee not animated and quickened
grace and free fauour of God that we shall haue whatsoeuer is expedient to bring vs safely thither giuen vs freely by the Lord in this life so farre as hee knoweth it good for vs. God hath made promise of all good things more then we could aske or thinke Psal 34.9 10. Rom. 8.28 that no good thing shall be wanting that whatsoeuer commeth shall bee for our good all which the Iust man possesseth by faith and is aswell satisfied when in temptations and trials he hath no meanes of helpe as if hee had all that his heart could desire To the burdened God hath promised ease Math. 11.28 Esay 55.1 Ier. 31.34 Esay 26.1 â—ro 10.28 Zech. 1.8 1. Cor. 10.13 Psal 91.2 3. 84.11 Esay â—3 28 Math 6.33 refreshing to the thirstie pardon to the penitent comfort to them that mourne perâ—ect peace to them that waite vpon the Lord assistance comfort deliuerance to them that be tempted preseruation and protection from euill with comfortable supply of all blessings temporall and spirituall so farre as shall be good all these faith embraceth possesseth feedeth vpon and so resteth contented and comforted as if all helpe that could be deuised were present and comfort inioyed The word of grace teacheth vs to denie vngodlinesse and worldly lusts Titus 2.12 and to liue godly iustly and soberly in this present world from this word of command faith cannot be wholly turned aside by allurement or terrour but resteth vpon God for abilitie and sweetly inclineth the heart with delight and chearefulnesse to follow after the Lord. Thus to liue by faith is firmely to relie vpon the Word of God in all estates and conditions with full purpose to bee guided by it vntill the good things contained theâ—ein be fully accomplished This is to be seene in that honourable company of Worthies summed vp by the Apostle as patternes of faith Heb. 11.1 2 3 4. c. who in all estates and straights whatsoeuer they were brought into in all temptations wherewith they were tried and in all difficulties wherein they were exercised yet so liued by faith that nothing could dismay them much lesse to ouerthrow them By whose example we may learne so to rest vpon Gods Word and promise for all needfull helpe assistance comfort and deliuerance what danger or difficulty soeuer befall vs that we be neither dismayed with terrour nor turned aside with worldly allurements nor wearied with delayes nor faint in the combate What is to bee done that wee might liue by faith Iob 22.21 22. Psal 85.8 Now for the attaining hereof these two things are carefully to be performed First to acquaint our selues familiarly with the Word of God that we might haue it in readinesse for direction and comfort Secondly to exercise faith aright in the Word of God The Word of God is the ground of all our faith wherby we liue be directed maintained and vpheld in all our trials 2. Pet. 1.4 The promises of mercy are as so many legacies bequeathed vs by our heauenly Father and by his Sonne Iesus Christ Psal 119.105 in his last Will and Testament The Commandements are so many directions to guide in the way of blessednesse Iohn 5.39 vntill wee be full pertakers of the good things promised It is therefore most necessary and behouefull for vs to search this Will and Testament for all such legacies as may concerne vs Prou. 6.21 22. and to binde this law continually vpon the heart that it might leade keepe counsell and comfoâ—t vs as occasion requires Faith is the liâ—e of our soules the Word is the ground life guide and moderator of our faith If God shall leade vs into the darke at any time or bring vs into any straight that wee see no way of escaping or meanes of reliefe will it not be a great stay and comfort to our soule if then wee can call to minâ—e the good Word of God formerly laid vp in store whence we can raise such hope of helpe in due time as may quiet and content vs till we doe enioy in effect the good desired Psal 94.19 When the heart is perplexed with thoughts distractâ—d with feares and vnsetled with temptations is it not a great refreshing that wee can call to minde the commandements of God directing what wee must doe or leaue vndone instructing in the way of peace wherein our feet shall neuer stumble Psal 119.24 If wee would bee ready and skilfull practitioners in the great art of liuing by faith wee must exercise our selues in the Word of God and get into our hearts and memories at least the principâ—ll promises and Commandements that we may haue them in readinesse for direction and comfort vpon all occasions Col. 3.16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdome And here it is to be obserued that besides expresse Commandements and direct promises generally offered there be spâ—ciall promises and Commandements by consequent which we are to note and make vse of As whatsoeuer God promiseth to any one of his children not in any speciall or proper respect only concerning such a person and for such a time but as a common fauour belonging to all his children that wee may and ought to receiue as a promise made to vs Thus the Apostle diswading from couetousnesse applieth that promise to all the faithfull which in speciall was spoken vnto Ioshuah I will not leaue thee nor forsake thee Heb. 13.5 Whensoeuer wee find that any of Gods people haue prayed for any good thing and haue bin heard if it were not by special prerogatiue peculiar to them we may take it as a promise to vs. I sought the Lord and he heard me and deliuered me from all my feares Psal 34.4 5 6 They looked vnto him and were lightned and their faces were not ashamed This poore man cried and the Lord heard him and saued him out of all his troublâ—s Wh t fauour God hath shewed vnto any of his children according to promise and couenant of grace the same mâ—y â—ll that be in couenant with him expâ—ct and looke for For all the faithfull haue the same God to be their God liue vnder the same couenant and haue inâ—erest in the same promises of mercy Thus Iames exhorting to patience in trouble alledgeth the example of Iob Yee haue heard of the patience of Iob James 5 11. and haue sâ—ene the end of the Lord. As for extraordinarie fauours or deliuerances granted vnto some persons by speciall priuiledge and not by verâ—ue of common couenant wee cannot promise our selues the same in particular from their example nor did the Lord vouchsafe the same to the same persons at all times but as such peculiar mercies imply a common ground or reason they are vnto vs arguments of comfort and incouragement God doth not ordinarily send his Angels to open the prison doores nor stop the mouthes of Lions nor quench the force of the fire for the preseruation
of vnbeliefe Hee that reioyceth in Christ Iesus can haue no confidence in the flesh As wee grow downe denying our wisdome and all strength wee can make so doth faith in our great God grow vp as we swell or be puffed vp in conceit of our wisdome or strength so doth faith languish or decay So much as the heart stayeth vpon the creature it is by sinne with-drawne from the Creator But my heart is much poysoned with selfe-sufficiencie I feele my selfe apt to leane vpon mine owne deuices to presume vpon mine owne strength and so wickedly to depart from God If meanes be at hand I grow secure forgetting that further then God doth send forth his Word they can doe nothing If meanes be wanting I faint or at least am greatly distracted not remembring that it is all one with God to saue with many as with few with small or no meanes as great If I enioy the things I would I thinke much vpon the meanes ascribe little to Gods blessing my affections do worke more liuely on this or that which fell out as men speake more luckily then on the blessing of God which is all in all In any matter of weight concerning liueli-hood or state I am readie to plod what friends I can make what meanes be present what likelihoods of good successe and here I rest not seeking to the Lord Prou. 29.26 though all iudgement come from him But if this or that requisite in my iudgement cannot bee obtained though I be neuer so diligent seeke neuer so earnestly still I distrust and suspect the euent saying in heart that it cannot proue well And when my desire is accomplished the meanes are still in mine eye I thinke my selfe indebted to such or such friends neuer able to requite their kindnesse when the chiefe cause vpon whom all things depend is much forgotten not affectionately remembred In trials I am very tottering and like a poore creeple who leaneth vpon his crutches easily brought to the ground when sensible helpes are taken away Carnall delights Math. 6.30 Iohn 12.43 5.44 Math. 14 31. Marke 8.16 17. couetousnesse loue of praise double diligence about eâ—rthly things and excessiue care these are euill accidents of this disease Did we possesse the spiâ—ituall comforts of the Word the heart could neither couet nor take pleasure in the transitorie things of this life Did wee assuredly belieue that our Heauenly Father will prouide for vs wee would not disquiet our selues with troublesome thoughts about liuing maintenance and successe of our labours But ah how is my heart taken vp with distracting cares drawne away with carnall pleasures and aspiring desires after great things If riches increase I reioyâ—e in them if troubles or crosses come on my head is wholly busied about them I can keepe no measure in casting discoursing contriuing how things will goe The many thoughts that I spend about these things to no purpose vpon no occasion doe more then sufficiently conuince the earthly distemper of my heart Partiall obedience indulgence to any sinne sleightinesse in the performance of holy duties and rashnesse in the vndertaking of ordinary workes without feare reuerence and due consideration is the euill fruit of vnbeliefe For the strength of faith is vniforme it fighteth against all sinne feedeth vpon the dainties that God hath prepared for them that loue him and teacheth in naturall and ciuill actions to hold Christ that his Spirit may guide vs in the doing of them But I haue beene too fauourable to boisterous passions euill lusts vaine rouings idle speeches neglect of holy duties I haue prayed without intention feruencie or care to speed I haue heard the Word but not attended vnto it with diligence not laboured to get it into possession nor to be changed into the nature of it I haue feasted without feare or thankfulnesse I haue laid me downe to sleepe and risen againe not minding the promise of God who giueth sleepe to his beloued not acknowledging him who is my liâ—e and the length of my dayes nor fearing the grin that is set for me in euery creature and businesse of this life What shall I say O Lord I haue sinned against thy goodnesse power mercy and truth against the Mediation and bloud of Christ 1. Iohn 5.10 He that beliâ—ues not in God â—akes him a liar then which what can be more reprochfull Hee that resteth not vpon Christ maketh his bloud of none effect then which what is more abominable To feare the threats of Man to rest on his Word to obey his Commandements when the will and pleasure of God is neglected what is this but to rob Goâ— oâ— his glory and set vp Man in his roome or steed If a great Man should threaten would I not bee carefull to decline his wrath Shall my God threaten and I be secure and carelesse If I haue a mans word or bond that is of worth I write vpon the matter as if I had it Shall I not ioyfully rest in the word seale and oath of my God If a Man of great place should bee asked a pawne and not credited on his word he would take it in euill part what a shame is it that I should not beliâ—ue God further then I haue his caution The seruants of Noblemen attend on their Lords pleasure at an Inch come at their call goe at their command doe euery thing exactly that is giuen them in charge What wretchednesse is this in me that I haue obâ—yed the Lord by the halues beene sleightie in his worshâ—p most negligent where all diligence is no more then duty most praise-worthy As I haue dishonoured God Titus 1.15 Esay 7.9 Numb 20.12 Luke 1.20 so I haue hurt mine owne soule If it were not for vnbeliefe nothing could harme mee this doth all the mischiefe for it reiecteth the medicines which taken would cure all maladies and pulleth off Gods pla sters which lying on would salue our miseries it defileth our best workes doubleth the bitternesse of crosses pulleth downe many iudgements vpon vs disinableth in the combate against Satan is the nurse of spirituall idlenesse and hindreth the sweetnesse of all holy duties It were iust with thee Deare Father to cast mee off for euer and giue me ouer to the vanitie of mine vnbelieuing heart I haue drawne backe from thee by infidelitie Heb. 10.38 39. cleauing to the lusts of the flesh and allurements of the World trusting in vaine deuices and thou mightst iustly forsake me vtterly for this mine hypocriticall starting aside from thy testimonies O Lord I am not more full of infidelitie by nature then of my selfe vnable to remoue it vnto thee therefore doe I lift vp my soule O tame in mee the fiercenesse of infidelitie and teach mee to belieue as thou hast commanded then shall I cleaue vnto thee inseperably waite confidently on thy saluation and serue thee chearefully as long as I liue Thus are we to find out and make infidelitie odious Secondly We must
vse his faith aright It is to bee lamented that amongst Christians who desire to liue honestly and keepe a good conscience so few know so many neglect the ordinary vse and improuement of their faith as if it serued only to giue them comfort in the remâ—ssion of sinnes at their first conuersion and then had finished all it should or could doe except till they fall into some notable decay if not great offence or bee plunged into deepe doubts or bee exercised with some great afflictions whereas the daily vse and improuement of faith for the continuance and increase of assurance of forgiuenesse peace accesse vnto the throne of grace Ioy and communion with God is as necessarie should be as constant as is the vse of Fire and Water of the Light of Meate or Drinke or whatsoeuer is more ordinary for the comfort of the Bodie Serues faith for entrance and beginnings and not for continuance progresse and encreasings Is faith the breeder and bringer forth of Ioy and Peace and not the Nurse and foster Mother of them cherishing and feeding them till we come to a full and perfect age in Christ All fruits the neerer they câ—me to ripenesse the sweeter they be so is the fruit of faith sweeter in the eare then in the blade If the sence of pardon be pleasant delightsome at the first must it not increase as strength of faith spiritual acquaintance with God encreaseth Is it not easier to preserue peace then to recouer out of dumpes and distresses Euery day to reckon with our soules and get our debts cancelled then to doe it now and then when we haue runne farre behind hand not knowing which way to turne our selues Fire once kindled is kept burning with lesse paines then being oft quenched it can be kindled The labour of maintaining health is much lesse then the toyle of recouering out of sicknesse Let vs then learne to make vse of our faith euery day As euery day to humble our selues before the throne of grace and begge the pardon and forgiuenesse of our sinnes euery day to looke vnto the grounds of comfort and meditate thereupon that we may find ioy and sweetnesse therein euery day to renew our faith in belieuing the pardon of such particular offences as we haue espied in our selues that day and confessed before the Lord with sighes and groanes for mercy Let vs thinke seriously with our selues how excellent a thing it is to be in league of amitie with God how blessed and pleasant a state to bee freed from the feare of death and Hell how rich and comfortable a thing to bee Heire of Glorie Let vs often stirre vp our selues to conuerse with Christ the better we know him Psal 139.17 18 36.7 2. Tim. 1.6 the more delight and contentment we shall take in fellowship and communion with him This is to liue by faith and to stirre vp the grace that God hath giuen vs. This is to maintaine faith that it may serue vs. Fire in the embers glowes not heats not the house Faith in the heart not vsed doth neither increase nor comfort A man may well be said not to haue the wealth he vsâ—th not for his benefit surely he wants the benefit of faith who exerciseth it not Vse limbes and haue limbes The beautie and benefit yea the very increase and perfection of all gifts vertues and graces consisteth in vse and action Exercise perfecteth vnderstanding and memorie strengthens the disposition of the soule increaseth vigour begetteth promptnesse the more thou doest the more thou maist The oftner the liberall man giues Almes and doth good turnes the more his liberalitie growes and shines Let any man diligently and â—hroughly improue his faith and great will bee his faith and great the ioy it will bring in It is our fault if we suffer Satan with light temptations ordinarily to interrupt our spirituall mirth or to detaine vs in dumps and pensiuenesse Did wee but carefully maintaine our faith it would doe away all d stuâ—bance which is within vs agâ—inst our selues and tame the rebellion of lust against the spirit of the minde renewed it would secure vs against the power of enemies inward or outward that they should not be able to hurt vs much lesse to preuaile agaiâ—st vs and represse or vanquish all perturbations which spirituall wickednesses vnbeliefe want of godly contentaâ—ion defects in our condition might occasion it would expell vnquietnesse keepe vnder passions allay feâ—res and griefes and calme the boisterous stormes of discontent Let vs keepe our faith and it will keepe our Ioy It will keepe it an euen euer-flowing current without ebbe flow cloudes and eclipses let vs increase our faith it will increase our ioy But to what measure of Ioy may a growne Christian attaine To what measure of ioy a Christian may attaine if hee be carefull to pâ—eserue and stirre vp his faith It is a small thing for him to come to an ordinarie pitch of chearefulnesse except his ioy exceeds the mirth of a worldling in the qualitie and quantitie of it If his mirth be not a sweeter and more rauishing mirth of an higher kind of a more pure nature of a most constant tenure then any carnall mans what-euer he disparages faith The Christians ioy 1 Pet. 1.8 Rom. 14.17 is ioy vnspeakable and glorious ioy in the Holy Ghost another manner of Ioy then euer entred into the heart of a naturall man So is that text to be construed 1. Cor. 2.9 10. eye hath not seene c. not chiefly of the ioyes of Heauen which here the spirituall man himselfe cannot tell what they shall bee but of the Gospels ioy Calu. in 1. Cor. â— 9 Iun. par lib. 2. pa. 31. of the wine and fatlings alreadie prepared and now reuealed to the Belieuer by the Spirit which if the carnall man scorne and scoffe at it is because hee cannot comprehend it It is a more pure and constant ioy which needs not the support of earthly delights his ioy is within he ioyes in the fauour of God which is vnchangeable It beseemes not a Christian to be merrie in one estate dumpish in another as if their ioy depended vpon their outward condition No no the fauour of God alone is sufficient to vphold a good mans ioy Iohn 16.22 Rom. 5.3 Iames 1.2 Your ioy no man taketh from you We glory in tribulations also And great reason for if sinne bee pardoned euery thing causeth a progresse of saluation Were it not odious to see one professing some l berall Science to liue by lewd and dishonest shifâ—ing No better fight is it to see a Christian hanging his ioy vpon course and earthly pleasures who hath more noble and generous yea Angelicall delights then which what hath Heauen better but in degree only and manner of fruition Psal 36.7 8 9. How excellent is thy lâ—uing kindnesse O God therefore the children of men put their trust vnder the shadow of
before conuersion is sufficient to purge the conscience from sins after conuersion likewise We are commaunded to repent of taught to pray for the pardon of sinnes without exception It is of free mercy that former sinnes are couered and by the same mercy of God this trangression may be pardoâ—ed The mercy of God is euerlasting his couenant vnchangeable though we be vnfaithfull yet he cannot forget himselfe He delighteth to shew mercy and reioyceth in the soule that hath sinned but now lamenteth saying I haue sinned and it did not profit me The commaundement of god inioyning vs to forgiue our brother not seuen times but seuentie times seuen times if he repent is an expression of his readinesse to shew mercy to them who do oft and grevously offend if they returne by vnfained repentance and sue for mercy Oh then take heede that to other great and many sinnes infidelitie be not added Doubting begets deadnesse whereas lookâ—ng vp vnto the promises of mercy will both ease and soften the heart But they cannot belieue Indeeâ—e they thinke there is no promise of mercy made to them vpon which they should ground their confidence Therefore they must know that God calleth them in his word to come vnto him as if he did particularly name them and promiseth to receiue them vnto mercy and then they must consider of the frâ—e grace of God in promising and his faithfulnesse in making good whatsoeuer he hath promised that neither want of feeling nor conceit of vnworthinesse dis-hearten them from drawing nigh vnto him They must thinke seriously with themselues I neede mercy and the Lord hath promised it I thirst after it and the Lord will grant vnto mee my desire according to his promise I am vtterly vndone if I obtaine not helpe and helpe is not to bee found but in the Lord Iesus who louingly inuiteth me to come vnto him that I may be refreshed Seeing therefore I long for mercy the Lord makes offer of it in his dearely beloued Sonne I will goe vnto him and humble my soule before the throne of his grace I will entreate mercy and rolle my soule vpon the promise of saluation All my helpe is to looke off my selfe an obiect of confusion and looke vpon Christ an obiect of consolation therefore I cleaue vnto him as mine onely Sauiour and trust in him though he should kill me It doth not please God that I should stand alooffe and straine courtesie now he encourageth mee to come with confidence or giue way to doubtings now I haue his promise who neuer failed any that trusted in him who hath done more for me then euer he promised therfore I will goe vnto him in the mediation of Iesus Christ and importune his grace if I perish I will perish in his bosome to die for it nothing shall s perate me from his mercy A second cause of this slownesse may be ignorance of the way how this assurance is to be sought vpon what foundation it is to be laid in what ordeâ— they come vnto it Sometimes they mis-conceiue the promises as if they were offered only to Belieuers and not laid as the foundations of faith and thereupon falsely conclude that no promise is made vnto them because they cannot finde that they doe belieue Sometimes they mistake the nature of faith taking it to be a perswasion or assurance that their sinnes are pardoned and so conclude that they haue no faith because they want assurance when in the order of nature faith is precedent to actuall remission And many times Christians are herein deceiued that they feare to receiue and apply the promises of grace till they can finde in themselues such a measure of sanctification as is scarce if at all attaineable in this life These and such like blockes must bee remoued by good information acquainting themselues out of the word of God what faith is the order in which wee must climbe vp to assurance how the promises are to be receiued and what is the true vse of sanctification But two things are specially to be learned for their direction First that assoone as euer a man feeles sinne as a burden Isa 55.1 Ioh. 7 37. Numb 21.9 and doth truely earnestly feruently thirst to be eased of it he hath a calling to come vnto Christ to aske obtaine and receiue mercy He that was bitten with the fierie serpent was appointed to looke vp to the brasen Serpent that he might recouer Oh then delay no longer bee not held backe with vaine obiections and causelesse scruples Math. 11.28 1. Ioh. 3.24 Behold he calls thee to come why shouldest thou feare in respect of thy vilenes Faith is obedience and obedience is more acceptable then courtesie and complement The sooner thou commest the better welcome It is rudenesse and not good manners not to doe as thou art bidden to doe yea and so earnestly perswaded intreated and charged to do To doe the worke of God is to belieue in him whom he hath sealed and sent to be thy Sauiour Ioh. 6.29 And shâ—lt thou not tenne times more honour and please him in trusting vpon his mercies and sealing to his truth then in fearing his iustice and dreading his power Secondly hee that finds himselfe plunged into the gulfe of miserie by sinne and destitute of the sappe and fruite of grace is inuited to come vnto Christ that hee may receiue from him the grace of sanctification as well as remission Oh euery one that thirsteth Reu. 22.17 Isay 55.1.2 Ioh. 7.37.38 come yee to the waters Hee that belieueth out of his bellie shall flow riuers of water of life The barren in grace must come vnto Christ to be supplied of his fulnesse Gal. 3.14 By faith wee receiue the promised Spirit He that walloweth in sinne is not fitted to belieue for iustifying faith can neuer take sound rooting in the heart which is not resolued to forgoe the practice and hast cast off the loue of all sinne but when a man is wearie of sinne and finds emptinesse of grace as hee is commaunded to pray for mercy and the gifts of grace so is he to belieue in Christ for the obtaining of both Wherefore study striue endeuour to belieue and lay hold on the Rocke as in danger of drowning a man will doe on the tree or post that comes next to hand When thou hast in thy conceite most cause to despaire labour against it When thou hast no reason in thy apprehension to belieue belieue with all thy power when the fauour of God is lost to thy feeling it may be present to thy faith which discerneth what is promised though to sence it haue no being And for thine encouragement set before thine eies Christs freedome to all suiters in the time of his flesh repelling none who truely desiâ—ed the price of his bloud There be other causes of this weakenesse Directions to the weake to stirre vp themselues to bee when they feele no comfort which haue beene
is euer hungry Cant. 5.6 7 8. sensible of want and emptinesse and therefore attends vpon the Lord in the vse of all such meanes whereby he is pleased to conueigh Christ vnto vs for our spirituall filling The labourious Bee is early abroad to gather when there is an hony fall and faith is early awake to waite vpon the Lord in his ordinances when hee showres his blessings vpon his people But it knoweth to distinguish betwixt the ordinances in and by which grace is obtained and the Author and Giuer of it And thiâ— vrgeâ—h the Belieuer earnestly to beg the blessing of God vpon his owne ordinances without which they cannot auaile vs. Thirdly It inciteth to an holy improuement of what graces he hath reâ—eiued alreadie as the readie way to haue them encreased God bestoweth his gifts of grace in most plentifull measure vpon them that are most carefull to put them forth to aduantage Luke 19.26 Math. 13.12 To him that hath that is that vseth well what he hath receiued shall be giuen and hee shall haue in abundance Grace is giuen freely not deserued by workes but by the appointment of God he that would increase therein must religiously imploy what he possesseth Men increase their substance by labour and paines their learning by diligence and hee that best improueth graces receiued shall most abound therein Fourthly It fighteth couragiously against sin crieth instantly to the Lord for helpe Faith wil not yeeld to corruption be the combate neuer so hote and fierie because it apprehends victorie neither will it giue the Lord rest because it is sensible of want and wearie of sinne Create in mee a cleane heart Psal 51.10 O God and renew a right spirit within me Fiftly It submitteth willingly to what course the Lord is pleased to take for the crucifying of sinne and healing of our nature Looke as the patient yeeldeth himselfe vnto the Physician to be dieted purged or lanced for the curing of his maladies and recouery of health so doth the soule resigne it selfe by faith into the hands of God the spirituall Physician of the soule who only is able to heale all diseases to be dieted purged exercised as seemeth best vnto his heauenly wisdome only it desires that spirituall maladies may be remoued and health recouered Sixtly Faith is the band or sinew whereby we are tied vnto Christ the fountaine of grace and the pipe whereby grace is conueyed from him into the soule Acts 15.9 Looke what 〈◊〉 full treasure of all sorts of graces Christ hath stored vp in him faith draweth and driueth them out of his fulnes to the vse of each seuerall Christian euen grace for grace Iohn 1.16 Iohn 15.1 5 6. It fetcheth sap from the root Christ which maketh euery tree bring forth fruit in it kind euery Christian in his owne calling As water brought by pipes from the fountaine to the cocke doth come faster or slower as the pipes be wider or narrower open or stopped so grace doth flow from Christ into our hearts more or lesse as our faith is weaker or stronger in degree and measure Faith openeth as it were the passages of grace that it may distill more plentifully vpon vs. And thus by fetching supernaturall efficacie from the death and life of Christ it changeth the heart creates and infuseth new principles of action begetteth a plyable willingnesse vnto euery thing that is good and conueigheth both will and ability thereunto as the medicine curing the vitious stomacke and restoring it to health makes it long for wholsome meate as before for coales and ashes By the precious promises which wee haue from God when they are ours by faith 2. Pet. 1.4 we are made partakers of the diuine nature or the graces of the Holy Ghost The pâ—eposterous care and trauell of many wel-affected is to bee pittied who studie the practice of this or that vertue The true cause why men labour in vaine to practice some particular vertue neglecting this cardinall and radicall vertue as if men should water all the branches of a Tree and not the root Faine would they abound and shine in patience meeknesse zeale yet establish and root not themselues in fâ—ith that should maintaine all the rest If water come not to the cocke wee vse to open or amend the pipes or leades that conueigh it from the spring Christ is the wel-spring of grace if wee would haue our wants supplied we must labour stedfastly to belieue All defects in sanctification must admonish vs to looke to our faith Thirst driues men to the Spâ—ings of water colâ— forceth them to the fire weaknesse or want of grace should moue vs to come vnto Christ by a liuely faith Esay 55.1 Oh euery one that thirsteth come yee to the waters To giue way to doubting because the graces of Gods Spirit bee weake and feeble in vs is as if a man should refuse to eate because he is faint for want of sustenance Seuenthly True faith stirreth vp to thankfulnesse for the beginning of sanctification Rom. 7.25 I thank God through Iesus Christ our Lord. So then with the minde I my selfe serue the Law of God The least measure of sanctifying grace is in it selfe an vnspeakable benefit considering the poyson of our corrupt nature and also a pledge of future fauours to be receiued till the worke be perfected God in great wisdome powreth the graces of his Spirit vpon vs by degrees and doth not perfectly sanctifie vs at once least we should forget what great things hee doth for vs in forgiuing our daily trespasses and curing the grieuous and loathsome diseases of our polluted soules 1. Cor. 1.9 1. Thes 5.24 Rom. 11.29 Phil. 1 6. but the beginning of sanctification is an earnest of further grace to be vouchsafed till the worke bee finished to the praise of his grace which doth appeare the more in that the gifts of grace are communicated by degrees The meanes to stirre vp to belieue that God will sanctifie when we see nothing but discomfort The way or meanes whereby a Christian may stirre vp his faith to belieue that God will sanctifie him when hee seeth nothing but thraldome and sinne preuailing and feeleth nothing but deadnesse of heart is this First he must bewaile his spirituall nakednesse thraldome and vassalage vnder sinne acknowledging his inabilitie to free and deliuer him selfe Into what miserie and bondage haue I brought my selfe Thou Lord madest me holy pure and vpright But by sinne I sold my selfe vnto the seruice of sinne from which to this day I cannot get deliuerance Euery facultie of soule is deeply infected with that contagious leprosie the Mind is blinde vaine foolish the will peruerse and rebellious all the affections out of order there is nothing whole or sound within me Night and day I am pestered with sinfull motions The desires of my sinfull heart bee so strong and preuailing that I am carried head-long to that which is euill The
delight This is a true saying The charter anciently giuen by that great Lord of all at our first conuersion touching the vse of his creatures was forfeited into the hands of the Doner by Adams fall But it is restored and renewed by Christ to them who aâ—e honoured with the Adoption The heires of heauen are the right inheritors of the earth The Sonnes of God by Adoption are Brethren and Coheires with Christ whom the Father hath appointed heire of all things Rom. 8.17 and hence ariseth vnto them the holy vse of â—he creatures Heb. 1.2 and ministerie of the Angells Are chastisements needfull or behooffull for them Iere. 46.28 Esay 54.8 Heb. 12.10 11. Ier. 24.5 Esay 27.9 Psal 89.31.32 1. Pet 4.14 Rom. 8.28 Acts of Faith that arise from the priuiledges of the godly He will correct them in measure for a moment fâ—r good to take away sinne but his louing kindnesse he will not take from them nor suffer his faithfulnesse to faile Are they loaded with reproaches for righteousnesse sake The Spirit of glorie and of God shall rest vpon them In a word whatsoeuer may happen All things shall worke together for the best vnto them And seeing God hath prepared and promised such excellent priuiledges vnto his children in this life hence it is that faith resteth vpon his grace to receiue from him whatsoeuer may be good and profitable for them O how great is the goodnesse which thou hast laid vp for them that feare thee Psal 31.19 which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sonnes of men Verse 20. Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man thou shalt keepe them secretly in a pauilion Psal 36.7 from the strife of tongues How excellent is thy louing kindnesse O Lord therefore the children of men put their trust vnder the shadow of thy wings verse 8. They shall bee abundantly satisfied with the fulnesse of thy house and thou shalt make them drinke of the riuer of thy pleasures The Lord is my shepheard Psal 23.1 I shall not want He shall leade his flocke like a shepheard he shall gather the lambes with his arme Esay 40 11. and cary them in this bosome and shall gently lead those that are with young What can they want Psal 146.5 6 7 8 9. Leuit. 26.12 2. Cor. 6.16 Prou. 10.24 Esay 49.15 16. Deut. 14.2 who haue god to be their Father to prouide for them and protect them to blesse them and dwell with them to succour them and supply them with all needfull blessings spirituall and bodily in fittest season whose eare is open to their desires whose compassions exceed the tendernes of a mother to her sucking babe who hath chosen them to be his owne proper good which he loueth and keepeth in store for himselfe and for speciall vse Thou Israel art my seruant Iacob whom I haue chosen the seed of Abraham my friend Esay 41 8 9. Thou whom I haue taken from the ends of the earth and called thee from the chiefe men thereof and said vnto thee Thou art my seruant I haue chosen thâ—e and not cast thee away Feare thou not for I am with thee Verse 10. bee not dismayed for I am thy God I will strengthen thee yea I will help thee yea I will vphold thee with the right hand of my righteousnesse Verse 17. When the poore and needie seeke water and there is none and their tongue faileth for thirst I the Lord will heare them I the Lord of Israel will not forsake them Verse 18. I will open riuers in the high places and fountaines in the midst of the valleyâ—s I will make the wildernesse a poole of water and the dry land springs of water Secondly It petitioneth instantly for succour For it seeth in God whatsoeuer it needeth or desireth and will neuer cease to seeke reliefe The more confident it is to obtaine the more importunate it will bee in suing Oile put to the fire causeth the flame to ascend and the promises of helpe and succour receiued by faith put life and vigour into the petitions of faith Heare O Lord Psal 27.7 8. Verse 9. when I cry with my voice haue mercy also vpon mee and answere me Hide not thy face farre from me put not thy seruant away in anger thou hast beene my helpe leaue me not neither forsake me O God of my saluation Vnto thee wiâ—l I cry Psal 28.1 2. O Lord my rocke be not silent to me lest if thou be silent to me I become like them that goe downe into the pit Heare the voice of my supplications when I cry vnto thee when I lift vp my hands towards thy holy Oracle With-hold not thou thy tender mercies from me O Lord Psal 40.11 let thy louing kindnesse and thy truth continually preserue me Thirdly It receiueth earthly blessings as gifts of the couenant and part of his childes portion God vouchsafeth outward things to wicked men of common bountie but to his children the blessings of this life bee tokens of his loue and speciall good-will and so receiued and embraced by faith For substance the gift is one both to the Iust and vniust but in respect of the cause possession and vse there is great difference which is discerned by faith though it cannot be seene with the eye Hosea 2.20 21 22. I will euen betroth thee vnto me in faithfulnesse and thou shalt know the Lord. And it shall come to passe in that day I will heare saith the Lord I will heare the Heauens and they shall heare the Earth and the Earth shall heare the Corne and the Wine and the Oile and they shall heare Iezreel Fourthly Faith in these and the foresaid promises doth greatly enlarge the heart towards God and stirreth vp to a serious and earnest studie of holinesse If a Christian be much in the meditation of Gods singular goodnesse towards him euery manner of way aboue all that he could possibly aske or thinke it will euen constraine him to yeeld vp himselfe wholy vnto God in all manner of godly conuersation Psal 26.2 3. Examine me O Lord and proue me try my reines and my heart For thy louing kindnesse is before mine eyes and I haue walked in thy truth Fiftly It doth inwardly quiet and cheere the heart in the midst of manifold outward discouragements troubles and persecutions in the world Hope of glorie in due time to be reuealed and of continuall supply of all good th ngs from God in the meane space to bee freely giuen will stâ—blish the heart with strong consolation and cause in outward pâ—ofession of Ioy to the glory of God the encouragement of other faithfull people and the amazement of the wicked Heb. 10.34 This is to bee seene in the liues and deaths of Gods faithfull seruants who tooke ioyfully the spoiling of their goods knowing in themselues that they had
And whilst they distrustfully question their perseuerance all present fauours seeme lesse then otherwise they would all other promises be held the more weakly Satan takes aduantage to fill their hearts with manifold discomforts God I denie not doth order these temptations to the best will do his children good by them for hereby they are driuen to distrust themselues run vnto God relie vpon him in all their necessities neuerthelesse the many perplexities wherein they are entangled for want of faith in the promises of perseuerance doth sufficiently conuince how necessary it is wee should labour to haue our hearts established in this confidence that the Lord will neuer leaue vs nor forsake vs. Confidence in the promises of perseuerance doth encourage and quicken in a Christian course stablish in wel-doing and hearten against the greatest difficulties Preuention of an obiection Or old it hath beene obiected against the doctrine of assurance of not falling away that it doth set open a doore to all licentiousnesse for if men cannot fall from their estate of happinesse why should they feare to commit all kind of wickednesse But he that hath faith in-deed will not nay hee cannot take courage to goe on in sinne vpon this pretence that faith once had cannot vtterly bee lost The belieuer knowes himselfe bound to the obedience of the Gospell though he be freed from the damnation of the law and certaine it is that faith which knits to Christ doth leade vs forth in all holinesse Psal 130 4. Mercie couering sinne doth beget reuerence the more assurance of saluation in a mans soule the more feare and trembling in a mans course Hee who is best assured hath most power of Gods Spirit and the stronger the Spirit of God is within the more holinesse and fruits of grace without Paul was assured that nothing should seperate him from the loue of God in Christ 1. Cor 9.27 2. Tim. 4.7 8. Peter was assured that his faith should not faile did this make them the more carelesse Nay rather the more carefull to runne their race the more couragious to fight out their combate 1. Iohn 4.19 The load-stone of loue is loue Loue in the superiour doth draw loue from the inferiour is it then possible for vs to apprehend such vnspeakable loue of God in choosing vs to such an excellent happy vnchangeable condition and not bee affected to loue the Lord againe Of necessitie the faith which continueth must be liuely nor can it imbrace the promises of perseuerance but whilest it is liuely The more operatiue faith is the greater our assurance of future standing if faith be dormant or languish for a time for that time wee are to seeke of this comfort nor can it be recouered till faith recouer and put forth it selfe valiantly in combating against Satan subduing corruption and working righteousnesse Looke how much we come short in belieuing the faithfull promises of God concerning our future protection from all hurtfull euils the greatest whereof is falling away so much are wee lacking to sound peace and stable tranquillitie of Minde and Conscience The better we haue learned to liue by faith in Christ as the Authour and finisher of our faith and raiser of vs vp at the last day the greater and more stedfast is our comfort The men of this world be not satisfied with the possession of their purchased inheritance but they seeke to strengthen and assure their title against future claimes before they can be quiet When a Christian is acquainted with the promises of pardon and forgiuenesse belieueth in Christ for saluation and is reconciled vnto God When his conscience is purged that there remaineth no more terrible remembrance of sinnes past his lusts subdued and vanquished his heart quieted from all perturbations and all inward disturbance which was in man against himselfe done away and when these things are knowne vnto the Conscience yet one thing is wanting to sound and full peace that is holy securitie for time to come against all enemies both inward and outward that they shall not hunt vs much lesse preuaile against vs. For if what we possesse may vtterly be lost or what we hope and expect be meerely vncertaine and coniecturall built vpon the good vse of our free-will and not vpon the free and vnchangeable grace of God what rest or quiet in respect of his future estate can any man finde in himselfe But let the heart be established in this that God will carrie him forward from grace to grace till hee haue brought him to his euerlasting Kingdome that his faith shall neuer faile the graces of the Spirit shall neuer wither and decay Satan with all his malice the world with the manifold allurements thereof shall neuer preuaile against him this freeth from much heart-griefe perplexitie distrustfull sorrow and vnprofitable trouble when he feeles his owne weaknesse thinkes of Satan and the worlds power heares of the falls of some who haue gone farre in the profession of godlinesse and casts with himselfe what persecutions may be raised against him for the truth and Gospell This also refresheth the heart with sweet and heauenly comfort in the midst of those many trials and incumbrances which we doe and must make account to meet with all and this our heauenly Father knew to bee no more then necessarie for our chearefull walking before him For the which cause I also suffer these things 2. Tim. 1.12 neuerthelesse I am not ashamed for I know whom I haue beliued and I am perswaded that he is able to keepe that which I haue committed vnto him against that day The Godly are allowed to belieue their perseuerance And seeing God hath promised to perfect the worke of grace begun and bound himselfe by couenant to confirme strengthen and stablish his children vnto the end and in the end to giue them eternall life such as find any true and liuely worke of grace wrought in them are allowed from God to belieue that they shall neuer perish nor quite be broken off from Christ nor those liuing waters cleane be dried vp but notwithstanding their owne infirmities and the sore temptations wherewith they are oppressed they shall be preserued vpheld and kept vnto saluation For what God hath confirmed by promise and couenant vnto his children vndertaken to effect by his Almightie power and ratified by earnest and pawne that they are allowed to belieue and expect from him of his vnchangeable grace and loue This is the golden and indissoluble chaine which the Apostle speakes of Rom. 8.30 Whom he did predestinate them also he called and whom he called them he also iustified and whom he iustified them he also glorified Luke 22.32 Math. 6.13 so that effectuall vocation is a pledge and token of glorification to ensue Christ hath prayed for his people that their faith might not faile the faithfull pray instantly Iohn 16.23 Lead vs not into temptation and that no man
long and manifold temptations of Satan wherewith hee seekes to throw Christians head-long into despaire is to them a testimonie of the inhabitation of the Spirit in their hearts For the power and strength whereby those assaults are repelled Math. 12.43 44 Luke 11.24 25 26. is it not of God The vncleane spirit might easily enter into the house with seuen other spirits worse then himselfe and dwell there if he found it swept and garnished that is empty and destitute of grace The strong man armed might well breake into the house if a stronger then hee did not keepe possession As the children of God are conquerours ouer many temptations so one only temptation and that of no long continuance is able to sinke the stoutest among the Reprobates who are meere drosse and refuse into the bottomlesse pit of Hell The strong assaults whereby the Deuill laboureth the ouer-throw of the poore seruant of God is to him an argument of strength receiued or that God will strengthen him For if he looke vnto God in the tentation he calleth not forth his seruants to the conflict vntill they be furnished nor will he let Satan loose vntill he haue inabled them to make resistance He will not lay waight vpon greene Timber nor crush the tender youngling with burdens vnsupportable whom God doth imploy in his warre either hee hath or will make them able for the seruice If he haue an eye vnto Satans malice why doth he muster all his forces to besiege if there bee no strength to withstand The long continued furious tentations of Satan doe make proofe that the heart is well fortified against him Meanes to stirre vp our selues to liue by faith in time of dreadfull temptation The way and meanes to stirre vp faith in these perplexities and times of grieuous temptations is First the distressed Christian must vnfainedly humble his soule for former ignorance vanitie of Minde disesteeme of mercy timorousnes discontent vnbeliefe misinterpreting the Lords doings solitary musings on the temptations of Satan selfe confidence and such other sinnes which may seeme to set vpon the soule to the fierce and dreadfull assaults of Satan and in that acknowledgement and humiliation hee must vnfold his present misery before the Lord. O my God I am ashamed and confounded and blush to lift vp my face to thee my God Ezra 9.6 for my sins are multiplied exceedingly and mine iniquities are risen vp against me I was conceiued in sinne I I haue liued in vanitie my thoughts are loose mine affections boisterous I haue disesteemed mercy regarded lying vanities giuen way to doubtfull reasonings pettishly taken on when my carnall desires haue beene crossed distusted thy promises disputed with thee of thy iudgements giuen way to thoughts of vnbeliefe harboured vnquietnesse and discontent and so exposed my soule to the most violent horrible and fierie tentations and assaults of Satan My soule which should be seasoned with sweete meditation on thy goodnesse mercie and grace manifested in Iesus Christ delighted in the promises of mercie and rauished with the ioyes of Heauen is continually pestered and assailed with the blacke and hellish thoughts of Atheisme despaire blasphemie discontent and extreamely tortured with soule-vexâ—ng feares O my God looke mercifully vpon the miserie of a poore distressed sinner I am brought into great darkenesse and can see no light There is no soundnesse in my flesh nor rest in my bones nor quiet in my soule My heart trembleth my strength faileth me my life is spent with griefe my spirit within mee is ouerwhelmed and preuailing feares so tyrannize ouer me that I cannot speake My Minde is full of disorder and confusion my heart of terrour my soule refuseth comfort In the day I am terrified with thoughts in the night affrighted with dreames Psal 38.8.10 Psal 32.4 I am sore wounded and broken I goe mourning and desolate all the day my moisture is like the drought of summer and in this deepe discomfort the Tempter ceaseth not to suggest Psal 3.2 That there is no helpe for me in my God Secondly hee must complaine of the malice of the Deuill and instantly intreate the Lord to pardon sinne bridle restraine and tread Satan vnder foote Whiles I declare mine iniquitie and am sorry for my sinne the Deuill rageth with incredible fury seeking to deuoure and swallow me vp He fighteth against me continually night and day is my soule vexed with temptations to be abhorred If I say I will remember the mercies of the Lord and thinke vpon his Name I will vnloade my soule into the bosom of my heauenly Father and waite vpon his grace then he suggesteth impious thoughts and horrible blasphemies to the great annoyance miserable distraction astonishment and vexation of my poore soule Remember me O my God according to the multitude of thy tender compassions and blot mine iniquities out of thy remembrance for thy Names sake Psal 130.5 There is mercy with thee concerning sinne pardon the trespasses of thy poore seruant and impute not vnto mee those hellish thoughts suggested by Satan which through thy grace I detest vnfainedly vnder which I desire to be sincerely humbled and from which I heartily begge to bee deliuered Returne O Lord Psal 31.16 cause the light of thy countenance to shine vpon mee refresh my parched soule with the sence of thy mercy dispell the mists of tentation rebuke Satan and restraine his malice Thou art the God of peace tread Satan Rom. 16.20 I beseech thee vnder my feete shortly that with a quiet and chearefull Spirit I may sing of thy praise and serue thee in holinesse and righteousnes all the daies of my life Thou art my strength and portion my rocke and towre of defence vnto thee doe I flie for succour Oh plead my cause against the enimie of my soule and thy glory I am purposed through thy grace to sticke and cleaue fast vnto thy mercy neuer to assent vnto or approue his horrible suggestions 1. Ioh. 5.18 Psal 35.17 Ps 22.21.22 Oh keepe mee that the euill one may neuer touch me Lord how long wilt thou looke on rescue my soule from the fierie assaults of that wicked one my darling from the Lyon I am sore troubled I am bowed downe greatly Psal 31.10 I walke in heauinesse all the day long My heart panteth my soule is exceedingly disquieted with tentations Ps 35.22 23. This thou hast seene O Lord keepe not silence O Lord bee not farre from mee Stirre vp thy selfe and awake to my iudgement curbe and chaine vp Satan that he may molest no longer and strengthen thy poore seruant that through thy might I may conquer and tryumph ouer him And my soule shall reioyce in the Lord Psal 35.9.10 it shall reioyce in his saluation All my bones shall say Lord who who is like vnto thee which deliuerest the poore from him that is too strong for him yea the poore and needie from him that spoyleth him Thirdly hee must
cease to muse on the tentations of Satan and stirre vp himselfe couragiously valiantly to trust in the mercies of the Lord and relie vpon his grace Why art thou cast downe Psal 43.5 O my soule and why art thou disquieted within mee why dost thou harbour perplexing doubtfull thoughts and in much pensiuenesse tosse too and fro the tentations of Satan Psal 39.3 This musing kindles the fire the more thou thinkest vpon the tentat on and art disquieted with doubtings the greater libertie hath the Deuill to tempt the lesse able are thou to with-stand his malice If thou bee deiected he will be insolent if thou be affâ—ighted he will bee the more furious Trust therefore in the Lord and waite vpon his grace for hee hath seene thine aduersitie he will heare thy prayers the sinnes cleauing to the tentations which thou so much fearest are pardoned forgiuen vnto thee Euill thoughts conceiued with delight pleasure and purpose are most displeasing vnto God dangerous vnto the soule but euen hellish tentations which neuer found consent or approbation vnder which thou art humbled from which thou earnestly crauest to bee deliuered doubt not but vpon thine vnfained suite they are freely remitted and done away Be strong and of good courage feare not nor be dismaied for the Lord will be thy defence and vnder the shadow of his wings thou shalt be safe Satan cannot tempt longer then God shall giue him leaue and hee will neuer suffer thee to be tempted aboue measure but will giue a good issue vnto the tentation 1. Cor. 10 13. Thou art called to fight vnder the banner of Christ Iesus and in the name of the Lord thou shalt be inabled to doe valiantly and ouercome Psal 60.12 2. Cor. 12.9 If Satan continue his assaults Gods grace is sufficient for thee If thy strength be cleane gone Gods power shall be magnified the more in thee and he hath brought thee low that thou maist not trust in thy selfe 2. Cor. 1.9 but in the liuing Lord and that the whole praise of the victory might bee ascribed vnto him If thy strength did remaine it was not to be leaned vnto and now it is decayed and gone there is no cause of feare for the Lord w ll be thy stay In the most difficult assaults and tedious encounters wee are exhorted Ephes 6.10 to bee strong in the Lord and in the power of his might Be of good courage and God will grant thee an easie a ioyfull victorie Satans drift in tempting is to turmoile dis-hearten perplexe with feares and driue into despaire and if thou take heart and courage to rest quietly vpon Gods grace and flie vnto his Name thou shalt put him to flight thou hast alreadie got the day Waite but a while and these darke mists and terrible stormes shall be dispersed By these temptations the Lord hath taught thee to see thy weaknesse and the malice of Satan to denie thine owne wisdome and prize his fauour lightly to esteeme all things here below and highly to value mercy reaching to the pardon of sinne and heauenly communion and fellowship with God And if this bitter potion hath wrought so kindly for thy spirituall good why shouldst thou bee dismayed Trust in the Lord bee of good courage and hee shall strengthen thee Psal 31.24 27.14 Psal 34.22 The Lord redeemeth the soule of his seruants and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate Fourthly He must exercise himselfe in wel-doing harbour holy and heauenly meditations nourish the motions of Gods Spirit bee zealous and diligent in Prayer reading and hearing the Word of God chearefull and industrious in the workes of his honest calling For idlenesse and deiected lumpishnesse and excessiue feare prepare for all temptations but serious and good imployment is a speciall meanes to preuent or diuert them In this case constant proceeding in a course of godlinesse and continuall exercise of Minde and Bodie in that which is good and pleasing in the sight of God doth much more auaile then direct opposition I haue too long vexed and turmoiled my selfe with the temptations of Satan broken off the exercise of godlinesse directly to answere and oppose them yeelded to thoughts of vnbeliefe giuen way to discouragements as if it had beene in vaine to pray omitted the dutie vpon conceit of vnfitnesse dulnesse vnworthinesse accounted the duties of my calling tedious and burthensome set open my heart to intangling scruples and distracting feares questioning the loue of God towards me vpon euery false suggestion and concluding oft through vnbeliefe that God had shut vp h s louing kindnesse for euer in displeasure So foolish haue I beene and ignorant euen in this point a beast Pardon O Lord the infidelity doubting deiectednesse and carnall excessiue feares of thy poore seruant deliuer my soule from the snares of Satan acquaint me with his Methods in tempting and how I may preuent him and strengthen me in the combate that I neuer faint nor breake off the course of godlinesse through vnbeliefe I am purposed through thy grace to cast my soule vpon thy tender mercies to seeke thy face continually to waite vpon thee in thine ordinances and to exercise my selfe in the workes of Pietie Mercie and an honest calling If Satan tempt to distrust raise feares seeke to discourage my soule or break off my prayers by his hellish suggestions I will striue to maintaine my faith lay faster hold vpon the promises of mercy stop mine eares against scruples and doubtings take greater courage to draw nigh vnto God belieue the acceptance of my willing though weake seruice and by how much the Deuill shall seeke to oppose or hinder my comfort courage or constancie so much the more will I stirre vp my selfe to goe forward and continue therein The Lord will heare a sigh or groane bottle vp a teare and gratiously accept poore and meane seruice from a sick childe I perceiue the maine scope of Satan in suggesting hellish temptations is to driue me into despaire disquiet the soule with feares cast me into deepe vnprofitable sorrow and discourage in euery holy dutie that I might altogether neglect it or with great heartlesnesse go about it as if it were vnprofitable should neuer be accepted And I shall then preuent Satan and put him to flight when I take occasion by his temptations to sticke closer vnto the word of promise stirre vp my selfe zealously to seeke the fauour of God turne my thoughts from disputing about his suggestions pray that I may be fitted to pray waite vpon God for helpe begge the pardon of daily infirmities and take heart and resolution to commit my soule vnto him in wel-doing striuing daily to reforme what is amisse and grow in grace but not questioning acceptance because of my infirmities present dulnesse and distemper of soule being wasted and spent Psal 17.13 whiles I struggled with the temptations of the Deuill Arise O Lord disappoint Satan cast him downe
Heb. 10.35.36 Heb. 6.12 Reu. 13.10 For faith is the ground of silent and quiet expectation of saluation When Christians are persecuted for the name of Christ all men see they haue great neede of patience that after they haue suffered for a time they might enioy the promise which now they hold by faith as it weâ—e by reuersion not in actuall possession But without confidence there can be no patience Faith in God is the only stay and support of the heart in trouble and affliction Psal 27.13 I had fainted vnlesse I had belieued to see the goodnesse of the Lord in the land of the liuing Remember thy word vnto seruant vpon which thou hast caused me to hope This is my comfort in my affiction Psal 119.49.50 for thy word hath quickened me In daily and lighter tryals a man of milde and patient temper may hold vp the Head but when one deepe calleth vnto another and the waues flow ouer our head when nature yeeldeth and the heart fainteth then to stand fast and bee of good courage that only can faith doe which is grounded vpon the rich mercie of God and relyeth vpon his Almightie power Faith is the Palme that sinkes not vnder the waightiest of burdens the Camomile that spreades the more it is trodden the oile that euer ouerswimmes the the greatest quantitie of water you can power vpon it In the most boisterous tempests it lifteth vp the chinne that we shall not drowne Heb. 11.35 36. and when a man is halfe dead it quickens and puts life into him By faith the Saints haue endured cruell mockings scourgings bonds imprisonments Eph. 6.16 tortures and death and in all these were more then conquerours Faith is the sheild of the soule whereby it is defended against all the fierie darts of the Deuill When we are afflicted we shall be tempted to impatience despaire doubting of Gods loue and the vse of wicked means to helpe our selues out of trouble Psal 3.2 and 31 11. and 35.15.36 Iob 30.1 The world will follow vs with scornes and traunts as if God had forsaken vs and would not arise for our helpe Our owne corrupt hearts will be readie to start aside repine faint question the Lords truth and mercy 1. Thess 3.5 and Satan will not be wanting to his opportunitie with all his might malice and subtiltie to seduce discourage or terrifie When our Sauiour was an hungred in the wildernesse Math. 4.3 the tempter came vnto him and saide If thou be the Sonne of God command that these stones be made bread Now seeing the burden of afflictions is made more heauie by temptations accompanying wee had neede to be well vnderpropped with a liuely faith that we might withstand and repell the force of the Enemie Faith onely supplieth all our wants in affliction Hee that possesseth all earthly things in greatest prosperitie and hath not faith hath nothing in deed much lesse the man that liueth in miserie but hee that liues by saith wants nothing that is good when miseries beset him on euery side For the present riches of a Christian are the gracious and faithfull promises of God which faith possesseth not looking to what we haue in hand but what the Lord hath laid vp in store and expecteth to receiue from God in fittest season more assuredly then if hee had it in his owne power to vse The Men of this world trust their friends with their stocke or monie and make account it iâ— as readie at hand as if they had it in their owne possession and sure it is the true belieue hath iust and good cause to trust God rather then himselfe and to relie vpon his word for whatsoeuer hee hath commited vnto him Fâ—iâ—h in time of danger doth as it were fence and compasse vs with the promises of God but without faith we are naked and lie open to the malice of our Aduersaries Behold his soule which is lifted vp Hab. 2.4 is not vpright in him but the iust shall liue by his faith The vniust man puffes vp himselfe and buildes towers of defence to himselfe bâ—t the iust man belieueth and that shall be to him in stead of all castles towers bulwarkes in the world For it brings vs vnder the wing presence Psa 18.2 Deut. 32.30 Psal 31.3 and 71.3 and protection of God it makes him our refuge and safeguard high rocke and tower of defence Afflictions profit not if they be not mixed with faith in them that beare them Bodily physicke procureth not health if naturall heate be lacking in the patient which might cause the potion to worke to the expelling of the sicke humour faith in respect of afflictions the physicke of the soule is that naturall heate wherby they are made to worke kindly to the purging of sin and the encrease of grace and comfort where it is altogether wanting their can be no kindly worke The righteous are allowed to liue by faith in the times of euill when calamities of all sorts compasse them about The Godly are allowed to liue by faith in afflictions 1. Tim. 4.8 Rom. 8.28 for godlinesse hath the promise of this life and that which is to come and the godly are to belieue both according to the word of the Lord. God hath promised that all things shall worke together for good to them that loue God 1. Cor. 10.13 Act 27.25 and that he will not suffer vs to be tempted aboue that wee are able and it is our dutie to belieue God that it shall be eâ—en as he hath tolde vs. The godly haue had this confidence in formers times whose practice is both a token of our priuiledge and a patterne of our dutie What time I am afraid I will trust in thee Psal 56.3 Psal 31.5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit thou hast redeemed me O Lord God of truth yea though I walke through the valley of the shaddow of death I will Psal 23 4. feare no euill for thou art with me thy rod and thy staffe they comfort me Come and let vs returne vnto the Lord Hos 6.1.2 for he hath torne and he will heale vs hee hath smitten and he will binde vs vp After two dayes will hee reuiue vs in the third day hee will raise vs vp and wee shall liue in his sight God is hereby much glorified that wee relie vpon him as our rocke of defence al-sufficient Sauiour and trustiest friend in time of distresse It is one of the Lords most royall titles Psal 60.5 Psal â— 9 Psal 10.14 to bee the Father of the Fatherlesse and a iudge of the widowes a refuge for the oppressed and the helper of the poore Thou hast beene a strength to the poore Esay 25.4 a strength to the needie in his distresse a refuge from the storme a shadow from the heate when the blast of the terrible ones is as a storme against the wall Esay 30.18 And therefore
then sinne doth harbour in our bosome And if faith bee not ouercome and vanquished with dayly and continuall conflicts against corruption why should it faint vnder the burden of long during crosses Sinne is more opposite to faith more perillous to the soule then any fatherly Chastisements though sharpe and cutting as the disease is worse then the physicke ministred to expell it Secondly Faith in the greatest extreamities suggesteth that we are vnder the hand of God Psal 31.25 Esay 27.8 Heb. 12.8.11 Jer. 46 28. 1 Cor. 10.13 Psal 103 10. who correcteth in measure and for our profit who hath determined the time and weight of our afflictions and by his blessing will turne them to our good who doth proportion our euils according to the strength we haue or which hee will giue not according to our deseruings and also continue our afflictions in great wisdome faithfulnesse and mercy Euen as the Physition only can prescribe what quantity of physicke is to be taken with what change how long the course or diet is to be continued so the Lord only doth appoint the measure varietie and continuance of troubles wherewith hee is pleased to exercise vs. Wicked men cannot set the time nor measure out the quantitie of such measures whereof they are instruments to the godly for they would know no meane nor euer make an end They may be fit executioners of Gods will herein when they be set too and taken off according to his appointment but vnfit determiners what is to be inflicted or how long it must be endured Nor are wee our selues to appoint the qualitie of our Chastisements or the termes and seasons wherein and how long they shall be continued for we would tast onely if at all of the milder physicke or sap but lightly of bitters potions when necessitie requires we should take deepe The patient is not to bee trusted with the searching and dressing of his owne wound if painfull to be handled Now seeing it is the Lord great in mercy infinite in wisdome aboundant in loue and tender in compassions who doth mingle our cup why should we feare or faint If Iacob had held or tended Ioseph in prison would he haue vsed him roughly Esay 49.1 5. or kept him ouerlong No no much lesse will God who is more mercifull then any Father and more pittifull then any Mother hold vs ouerlong or deale rigorously with vs but ordering all corrections by his Fatherly prouidence hee will in his good time make them worke together for good Lam. 3.32.33 Math. 10.30.31 not for euill vnto vs. But the very haires of your head are all numbred Feare yee not therefore yee are of more value then many sparrowes Thirdly faith setteth a man about his worke that is seriously to make inquirie into his heart and wayes deepely to humble himselfe before God and feruently to 〈◊〉 meâ—cy for sinne past wisedome to make vse of â—resent miserie and fauour and mercy to be deliuered â—nd set free Sinfull men if well aduised strike not â—ithout cause the iust God when hee correcteth hath euer iust reason And forasmuch as our consciences for the most part are blinded with ignorance and selfe loue or ouer clouded with sinfull lusts as looking-glasses couered with dust that wee cannot finde out of our selues much that is out of order nor amend what we espie to be amisse faith directeth to seeke vnto God by heartie prayer who can throughly acquaint vs with our selues and teach vs to reforme what he would haue vs to amend Why doth the Lord giue his children the repulse when they cry vnto him in their calamities Iudg. 10.13.14.15 but that he would haue them search more narrowly into their courses and more vnfainedly prepare themselues to seeke and returne vnto him And if they pray vnto him he will instruct what is to bee done Hos 14.2 Math. 11.19 Hee who will haue sinfull men to ioyne instruction with correction yea and putteth into man such regard of dumbe creatures that he will not strike a dogge but he will make him see so well as hee can what it is for which hee striketh him shall not hee instruct vs when his hand is now vpon vs for want of dutie to him But when wee see our faults and smart for them in such sort as wee account greiuous there is no power in vs to redresse and set straight what is crooked and out of frame It is God only who is able to blesse afflictions and make them profitable we of our selues are like little children who being taken in the fault and fearing the rod promise to doe no more but presently forget both the fault and danger This we learne by faith which soundly lessoneth vs to denie our owne wisedome and strength and in all purposes resolutions and endeuours to begge wisedome and strength from God aboue and wholy to relie vpon his power and grace In vaine should iron be beaten did not fire soften it in vaine should affl ctions which are Gods hammer strike on our heâ—rts shoulâ— nor God holy Sp rit which is compared to fire both soften our hearts and enlighten vs to see our duties towards him and teach vs to make vse of the affliction wherewith we are exercised Moreouer faith importuneth the Lord for mercie and deliuerance 2. Cor. 12.8 Psal 31.15.16 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me My times are in thy hand deliuer me from the hand of mine enemies and from them that persecute mee Make thy face to shine vpon thy seruant saue mee for thy mercies sake Psal 40 13. Psal 88.13.14 Be pleased O Lord to deliuer me O Lord make hast to helpe me Vnto thee haue I cryed O Lord and in the morning shall my prayer preuent thee Lord why castest thou off my soule why hidest thou thy face from me 4. Act. Fourthly Faith raiseth the heart to expect abundance of mercy from God Psal 69. â—9 Phil. 1.19 2. Cor. 1.5 and through prayer and supply of the Spirit to reape profit and tast comfort answerable to the sorrowes it hath felt and endured Great afflictions make place for abundant mercy from God to vs which cannot bee receiued without singular ioy on our part An hard frostie winter makes a fruitfull summer an afflicted state causeth a mellow heart if our sufferings be from God wee must looke for profit by euery trouble vnlesse wee will deny Gods wisedome and challenge his truth or shew our selues as if we were not his children nor truely godly Psal 90.15 and louing of God If God throw vs downe we must waite to be comforted of him according to the yeares wherein we haue felt afflictions To say we cannot thinke that such a thing shall euer doe vs good that euer we shall escape ouâ— of â—uch a danger that euer we shall see good dayes after th se and these tryals Psal 85.6 doth argue great weakenesse and
to keep the righteous iudgements of the Lord. Psal 119.106 Nehem. 10.29 2. Kings 23.3 Psal 119.8 Verse 36. I haue sworne and I wilâ— pâ—rforme it that I will keep thy righteous iudgements But they came not to this couenant oath as trusting in their own strength but in assurance of diuine assistance as the Prophet prayeth I will keâ—pe thy statutâ—s O forsake mee not vtterly Incline my heart vnto thy testimonies and not to couetousnesse Order my steps in thy word and let not any iniquitie haue dominion ouer me Verse 133. Verse 135. Make thy face to shine vpon thy seruant and teach me thy statutes God will perfect the sauing worke which he hath begunne in any of his children for the gifts that flow from his eternall and free grace are without repentance God who calleth vs according to his purpose is faithfull who will also confirme vs vnâ—o the end 1. Cor. 1.8 9. Phil. â— 6 1 Thes 5.24 Gal 2.20 Phil. 4 13. that we may be blamelesse in the day of the Lord Iesus Châ—ist Paul saith he liued by faith in the Sonne of God by whom he was strengthened with abilitie to performe whatsoeuer was required of him Notwithstanding all the hope of helpe that hee had yet hee complaineth of the rebellion of his flesh Rom. 7.19 which did mâ—ghtily resist the Spirit in him But still he was confident in the promise of God that he should be deliuered from euery euil work 2. Tim. 4.18 preserued vnto the heauenly kingdome Now in all this Paul had no peculiar prerogatiue aboue other Christians but what he expected from God they mâ—y all hope fâ—r Acts of faith touching obedience requiquirâ—d The acts of faiâ—h touching that obedience which we owe vnto God in Christ are these or the like First Iâ— makâ—s a man wise to discerne what is lawfull good and seasonable both in respect of the worke the meanes and circumstances of it Dauid saith hee was wiser then his Enemies Psal 119.97 9 99. then his Teachers then the Ancient he â—â—nderâ— the cause thereof from the work of his faith Psal 119.24 for thy testimonies are euer with me they are my meditation the men of my counsel with whom I adâ—ise Secondly It câ—rbes and bridles inordinate passions and ouercomes â—ll impediments temptations difficulties and allurements to the contrarie 1. Iohn 5.4 This is the victorie whereby we ouercome the world euen our faith For faith beâ—ng wel-rooted possessing the heart and hauing its force vnited by close reposall therein commanâ—s euery delight affection or pleasure of our soules and breakes the violence of euery inclination contrarie to such motion as it suggests seeing no hopes can be equall to the reward which it proposeth to the constant and resolute no feares comparâ—ble to the terrors which it represents to the neglâ—gent or slothfull followers of such courses as it presâ—râ—bes What Phil. 3.8 that faith sets an inestimable price vpon the pearle of the Gospell accounting all other things as drosse anâ— dung in comparison which causeth a free and aduised renouncing of all interest in the world the flesh Math. 13.44 â—nd all their appurtenances for assurance of it with as great willingnesse as good husbands forsâ—ke base tenements and hard-rented leases to compasse some goodly royalty and large possessions offered them more then halfe for nothing Againe faith fighteth against temptations and intiâ—ements vnto sinne by the power of Christ which cannot be vanquished Satan and the world are too strong for vs standing in our owne might but by the grace of God leâ—ning vpon his power wee remaine inuincible The strength of nature is corrupt feeble and defiled through sinne and therefore the truth which it taketh hold off it hath not effectually But faith hath ioyned with it the inspiration of God and the power of the holy Ghost and therefore it taketh hold of the truth effâ—ctually Wherefore this difference is not in the truth it â—elfe but in the meane and instrument whereby wee embrace it Hereof it commeth thâ—t by fâ—ith we are changâ—d but in the other case we remaine the selfe-same that wee were before A cleare testimonie of this wee h ue in thâ— Gospell Chrâ—st set forth to the young-man what he should doe to obtâ—ine saluation but when hee heard hee was not pâ—rswadâ—d to obey but went away sorrowfuâ—l Math. 19.22 Contrariwise Matthew Math. 9.9 so soone as he was called embraced the same with so great faith that hâ—e left his money and Customer-ship and stâ—aight-way followed Christ Luke 19.8 And Zacheus when hee had heard of the Lord that hee would turne in vnto him hee not only receiued him into his house with a glad heart but also offered immediately to distribute halfe his goods to the poore and to restore foure-fold if he had defrauded any man Indeed pâ—ssions are not so bridled nor corruptions so killed that they doe not stirre and resist the worke of faith But the force and power of them is so farre subdued that they shall not raigne or hale vs ordinarily to that which is euill Whatsoeuer inordinâ—tenesse faith can espie it doth presently condemne before the throne of grace and endeauour the killing of it by the power and efficacie of Christs death which it doth happily effâ—ct in measure and by degrees Hast thou then beene long kept vnder of some violent passion strong corruption or customarie vice against which thou hast resolued and resolued but not preuailed or gotten victorie Get thee to Christ and by faith thou shalt draw vertue from him to cure thy infirmities Die to thy selfe renounce the broken reed of thine owne free-will which hath so often deceiued thee and put all thy trust in the grace of Christ and it will crucifie the old man and giue him his deaths wound Bee weake in thy selfe and strong in the Lord and through faith thou shalt be more then conquerour Digge vp the fallow ground of thy heart that the word of the Kingdome may take deeper root in it raise thy soule to an holy admiration of the promises of life stirre vp thy selfe to cleaue and adhere firmely to the grace of God as faith increaseth the power of corruption will languish and decrease Admirable is the efficacie of faith well planted in the heart it casteth downe strong holds and brings euery imagination into sâ—biection Thirdly It inableth to obey for it purifieth the heart seasoneth euery facultie of soule reasonable and sensuall qualifieth and stâ—engtheneth our naturall inclinations to good and altereth the taste of euery appetite 2. Pet. 1.4 Ephes 3.17 1. Iohn 4.4 By faith wee are partakers of the diuine nature by faith Christ dwelleth in our hearts by faith we receiue the Spirit of promise who is greater then he that is in the world No maruell then if that bee sweet and delightfull to the belieuing heart which is tedious and irkesome to the vnregenerate How came Dauid
of man in the houre of death II. Vse The second vse of Baptisme it is a seale of our dutie promised and so a spurre and prouocation to repentance faith new-obedience brotherly loue and vnitie First It is a spurre to repentance and mortification for Baptisme doth seale remission of sinnes to them only that repent Marke 1.4 and by Godly sorrow come home vnto God And as we expect the blessing we must looke that we faile not in the condition If wee bee buried with Christ in Baptisme it is our dutie to mortifie the flesh wâ—th the affections and lusts that it may liue no longer to bring forth fruits vnto death For a dead man cannot liue By solemne oath wee are bound to crucifie vnruly lusts which fight against the soule and shall we falsifie so great a promise Against whom should we fight if not against Satan or what will hee bee willing to spare for the Lords sake who will not part with his sinnes Why should wee feare the strength of Satan the power of sinne the rage of persecutors the losse of earthly things or despaire because of the wrath of God iustly kindled against sinne If we turne vnto God by vnfained repentance wee haue his faithfull promise confirmed by seale that he will bee mercifull vnto our sinnes enable vs to ouercome our corruptions fortifie vs against the powers of Hell support vs vnder or deliuer vs out of all trials and gratiously prouide whatsoeuer shall be needfull for vs. Secondly It is a prouocation vnto faith and a pledge thereof We haue the promise of God v der his hand and seale that he will wash vs fâ—om our iniâ—ities receiue vâ— for his children remember our necessities bestow vpon vs the Kingdome of Heauen wee shall doe great wrong and dishonour to God if wee doubt or make question whether hee will performe promise freely made and confirmed by couenant and seale Wee are bound by commandement to belieue in Iesus Christ and to commit our selues wholly vnto him as vnto a faithfull Sauiour And we haue bound our selues by promise couenant and seale that wee will belieue and cleaue vnto him as our only Sauiour shall wee then goe backe grow remisse or giue way to doubting If doubtings arise through the sight of sinne or want of sense and feeling comfort or the world begin to creepe into the heart and diuide it from Christ let vs then remember wee haue troth-plighted our selues to Iesus Christ and by faithfull promise neuer â—o bee called backe giuen our selues wholly to rest and sticke close vnto him and therefore must admit no thought whereby we should be drawne aside or diuided â—rom him Thirdly It is an incitement vnto new obedience and a pledge thereof Rom. 6.4 We are buried with him by Baptisme into death that like as Christ was raised vp from the dead by the glory of the Father Euen so wee also should walke in newnesse of life in which Chapter the Apostle disputeth of our actions that wee should abstaine from euill and follow those that are good Wee haue solemnely sworne to fight against the Deuill the World and the Flesh and hauing taken the presse-money of Iesus Christ it were an immortall disgrace to accept of truce with Satan Wee carrie the badge and liuerie of Iesus Christ and shall we forsake our colours and fight for the Deuill It is strange that children should leaue their parents and take part with their enemies Wee haue giuen our selues vnto God and were once dedicated vnto his seruice shall we now turne backe and offer our selues vnto Satan Honour is due vnto parents If God bee our Father wee must freely submit our selues to his will and pleasure God will strengthen vs to obey and accept of weake if sincere obedience and that shuts forth all place of excuse If wee bee engrafted into the similitude of Christs resurrection wee must expresse by our actions the power and likenesse of Christs resurrection which is done when we walke in all-pleasing before God and set our affections vpon things aboue And this as it is commanded on Gods part so it is sealed on our part in Baptisme Fourthly It is a pledge or pawne of loue and vnitie Wee must keepe the vnitie of the spirit in the bond of peace for we are all baptized into one bodie We must not iarre for we are brethren Wee must not quarrell nor contend for we are members of the same bodie and haue beene sealed into the same bodie The new exercise of faith required in the worthy receiuing the Lords Supper It goeth ill with the naturall bodie when the ioynts are dissolued it is vnnaturall that the members of the bodie mysticall should bee diuided It is not the hauing faith but the new exercise of faith which maketh vs worthy receiuers of the Lords Supper The Corinthians had faith yet receiued not the grace of the Sacrament because they receiued not in faith The acts of faith in this ordinance The acts of faith in receiuing the Lords Supper are many First By it wee discerne the Sacrament to bee the holy Ordinance of God instituted for our speciall good and benefit sealing vnto vs the promises which God of his free mercie hath made vnto vs in Iesus Christ By faith wee vnderstand what promises God hath made for what cause in whom he hath made them what hee requireth and how hee hath sealed his free promises in the Sacrament And the certaine distinct cleare effectuall knowledge of this point is a matter of singular and great importance For if worldly men make good account of a sufficient mans securitie for some great summe of money in what esteeme will a Christian haue this pledge of Gods fauour when hee certainly vnderstands what it doth signifie and assure Secondly By it we see what the Lord doth offer vnto vs therein how excellent and precious it is with what assurance it is freely tendered and may be receiued The outward signes in the Sacrament are visible to the bodily eye but the inward grace signified and sealed thereby which must seriously be considered and minded of vs is not manifest but to the vnderstanding enlightened by the Spirit and seasoned by faith which only can iudge distinctly of it worth and excellencie Thirdly It sharpeneth spirituall appetite and stirreth vp hungring and thirsting after Christ and his benefits By faith we see our want by faith we taste how good the Lord is how sweet and pleasant the dainties he hath prepared which raiseth an appetite of desire and complacencie O God thou art my God early will I seeke thee Psal 63.1 my soule thirsteth for thee my flesh longeth for thee The Sacrament of the Lords Supper is a great and spirituall feast whereunto the faithfull are inuited and faith whetteth the spirituall appetite to long after and rellish the fatnesse and marrow which is there prouided Fourthly It earnestly contendeth for mercie confessing sinne with griefe and hatred iudging and
begun in them from day to day This is the couenant which God hath made with his people Ier. 32.40 Ezek. 36.26.27 I will put my feare into their hearts that they shall not depart from my wayes This promise is very necessarie to bee beleiued Phil. 1.6 1. Cor. 1.8 2. Tim. 1.12 for if people be not well grounded in belieuing that God will build them vp more strongely from day to day and perfect the good worke in them which hee hath begun euen to full sanctification in the feare of God they shall verie much stagger and goe backe coldly set vpon the practice of godlines be off and on now forward now backeward not knowing how to begin or to proced in the way of holinesse Beliefe that God will inable them to euery dutie he doth require and strengthen them against enemies that doe oppose is a maine post in the Christian building an exceeding furtherance vnto godlinesse without which they shall be oft shaken and dismaid These promises be of great price for if a Christian were allowed to aske of God whatsoeuer he would next vnto the pardon of his sinnes and saluation of his soule what would hee desire but to bee assured from God that he will establish him in grace and teach him the good way which he ought to goe that hee will sanctifie him in soule spirit and body and keepe him blamelesse vnto the comming of our Lord Iesus vnto iudgement And when he discerneth any such promise to be made it is not hard to conceiue with what deare affection and strong adherence he doth receiue it how close hee layeth it vp in his soule and sweetly feedeth vpon it This promise is sweete and beliefe thereof stirring and operatiue for it hearteneth to the practice of mortification and new obedience with greate courage chearefulnes and stayednes it quickeneth encourageth to pray as necessities shall giue cause it preserueth from fainting and dismayednes when strength is not very great and if at any time through weaknesse and infirmitie securitie catch hold vpon vs saith in the promiseâ— that God will be our strength and helpe is that which raiseth vs againe and putteth courage into vs to fight against the aduersaries of our soule Things temporall Many gracious and free promises concerning the blessings of this life are dispersed in the Word of life which faith receiueth as true and certaine because they come from the God of Truth Gen. â—5 5 â—os 1.5 Heb. 13.5 1. Tim. 4.8 Rom. â— 2 who is faithfull sincere and constant in all his promises Godlinesse hath the promises both of this life and that which is to com He that spared not his owne Sonne but deliuered him vp for vs all how shall hee not with him also freely giue vs all things As health maintenance credit prosperous successe in our callings and lawfull dealings deliuerance out of troubles and such like This is the assurance that God hath giuen euen his faithfull promise often repeated many wayes ratified and confirmed that he will make competent prouision for his children which is to faith better then many bils of securitie from men yea then large possessions in hand for the present The worth and goodnesse of earthly blessings promised is apparent specially when they bee giuen in loue and mercie as gifts of the couenant tokens of free grace and by a supernaturall prouidence eleuated to spirituall vse in which sence they are promised and vouchsased vnto them that feare God and walke in his wayes And therefore when the belieuer is rightly informed that God hath made any such promises he putteth forth the hand of faith to lay fast hold vpon them and boxeth them vp safe as his best and only euidence for the things of this life and the sanctification of them For want of this faith many vertuous and godly men are greatly staggered and perplexed plunged into deepe vncomfortable dumps and â—edious troubles about the things of this life But when once these promises be well riuitted into and haue taken root in the heart by a liuely faith beliefe hereof bringeth forth contentment comforteth in the multitude of perplexities encourageth to diligence in our places quickeneth in aduersities and strengthens to the workes of righteousnesse as knowing that to bee the surest way for the gaining of durable riches and trusting more to the faithfull prom ses of God though aboue likelihood then to their owne carnall deuices though in shew and appearance probable § 5. As faith requireth what God promiseth §. 5. 3. The threatnings because God is faithfull the promises of great worth and goodnesse so it belieueth the threatnings denounced in the Word not barely apprehending them as true and certaine but also declining them as euill For the whole Scripture breathed from God and euery part therof is Gods Word of infallible truth deseruing absolute credit God is as well iust as mercifull faithfull and true as well in his threats as in his promises and equally to bee belieued in both so farre as by his Word he hath assured vs of both Hee that belieueth the one as hee ought belieueth both and he that belieueth not bo h giues sound credit to neither Beliefe of the threatnings is necessarie Rom 15.4 For whatsoeuer things are written whether precepts promises threatnings examples are written for our learning and as the promises of thiâ— life and the life to come are sharpe spurres to quicken vs vnto godlinesse so the threatnings are strong bridles to keepe from naughtinesse Firme assent to the certaine accomplishment of diuine threatnings â—oth beget humiliation for sinne past and vigilancie to shâ—nne sinne and escape danger it strengthens against base carnall feares and the threats of men that oppose the â—ruth and reuiueth care to serue and please God at all tâ—mes and in all things Wherefore doe the terrours of men so much affright but because sleight beliefe is giuen â—o the threatnings of the Lord The grace and mercie of God belieued breeds loue of God and consequently â—rue feare which is opposed to sencelesse stupiditie and carnall presumption though it casteth out feare which proceedeth from vnbeliefe But what need Belieuers feare the threatnings seeing there is no condemnation or cause of feare to them that belieue The Apostle saith indeed there is no condemnation to such Rom. 8.1 but wee cannot therefore conclude that there is no cause of feare to them vnlesse no other euils but final damnation need to bee feared But whilest the soule is subiect to bring vpon it Gods temporarie wrath sicknesses spirituall hellish anguish to the sense of it there is still cause enough to feaâ—e Seeing that concerning temporall threats and punishments God dealeth as sharpely Amos 3.2 2. Sam. 12 14 or rather more sharpely with his children then any other why should they not dread his Fatherly correction Would a childe that had but one sparke of wit or common reason prouoke his Father to scourge and whip
sincere milke of the Word that yee may grow thereby This is confirmed by the comparisons which are vsed to set forth the vse and profit of the word as it is resembled to the light raine deaw liuing water wine and milke By the titles which are giuen vnto it as it is called the word of this life the word of this saluation and by the passages of Scripture which testifie that the word is able to saue our soules And now Brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his grace which is able to build you vp and to giue you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified For after that in the wisdome of God 1. Cor. 1.21 1. Tim. 4.16 the world by wisdome knew not God it pleased God by the foolishnesse of preaching to saue them that belieue Take heed vnto thy selfe and vnto the doctrine continue in them for in doing this thou shalt both saue thy selfe and them that heare thee Iames 1.21 Wherefore lay apart all filthinesse and superfluitie of naughtinesse and receiue with meeknesse the engrafted word which is able to saue your soules This also is manifest of the Sacraments And Sacraments which be truly called a visible word because that which is spoken in the word to the eare is in visible signes represented to our eyes and sealed to our hearts that wee may bee the more assured of them to bee ours And were purposely ordained of God to helpe our weake faith that hauing his word and seale wee might be put out of doubt that wee shall as certainly bee made partakers of Christ himselfe and all his benefits as we are of the outward signes of his couenant What the Apostle saith of Circumcision that is true of Sacraments in generall Rom. 4.11 They are seales of the righteousnesse of faith or of the couenant of grace And for the better assurance of the belieuer that receiuing the outward signe as he ought hee shall be partaker of the thing signified very oft that which properly belongs to the thing sealed is giuen to the outward signe as that Baptisme saueth 1 Pet. 3.21 Acts 22.16 Col. 2.12 Rom. 6.3 that our sinnes are washed away in Baptisme and that wee are buried with Christ by Baptisme And the like of the Lords Supper when our Lord Iesus did ordaine it he speaking of the Bread said This is my Bodie Math. 26.26 28 and of the Wine This is my Bloud of the New Testament These promises are firme grounds whereupon the faithfull soule may build this affiance that by the sincere and conscionable vse of Gods holy Ordinances the Word and Sacraments he shall be made wise vnto saluation confirmed in faith strengthened in grace refreshed with ioy and comfort and perfected vnto euerlasting happinesse And the serious meditation and remembrance of these things is exceeding profitable to quicken and encourage vnto chearefull and constant attendance vpon God in his ordinances that so wee may in due season reape the sweet fruit thereof Prou. 8.34.35 Blessed is the man that heareth me watching daily at my gates waiting daily at the posts of my doores For who so findeth me findeth life and shall obtaine fauour of the Lord. Did Christians oft and earnestly breathe themselues in meditation on those great things that God offereth in the Gospell and his truth and faithfulnesse to make good whatsoeuer he hath spoken Did they set before them both the mercie of God in ordaining the Sacraments for the strengthening of their faith and his grace and faithfulnesse in bestowing vpon them freely that which hee offereth and sealeth vnto them in these outward seales Did they consider what he graciously promiseth in both and expect to be made partakers of them in the vse of those ordinances it would maruellously comfort and quicken to the diligent vse of all holy meanes ordained of God for our present comfort quickening and strengthening and for our euerlasting saluation It s necessarie to liue by faith in the vse of Gods Ordinances This faith is necessary for it auaileth not to liue vnder the Gospell and to be present at the administration of the Sacraments if they be not vsed in faith The word profiteth not Heb. 4.2 vnlesse it bee mingled with faith in them that heare it And the same may bee said of receiuing the Sacraments Faith is the eye the hand the mouth the stomacke of the soule by it wee see receiue feed vpon Christ Looke as at a feast though the Table be neuer so richly furnished yet if a man haue neither hand mouth nor stomacke he is not fed thereby so is it here Nor is it sufficient to haue faith but it must be exercised to receiue that grace which the word of God doth reach vs with the seale It is not the hauing but the new exercise of faith which maketh vs profitable hearers of the word worthy receiuers of the Sacrament Looke as a man may haue a hand and yet if when a thing is reached forth to him he doe not put it out nothing is receiued so we may haue the grace of faith and yet if when God reacheth vs the body and bloud of his Christ we doe not then awaken it to lay hold on the grace God offereth we shall goe away without receiuing it Or looke as at a feast though wee haue a mouth and there be plentifull prouision if we will not open it and take downe the sustenance before vs we shall rise emptie so though wee haue the mouth of faith yet if we doe not open it to God now offering to feed vs we shall not get a crume of grace The Acts of faith be these or the like The Acts of faith in the vse of Gods Ordinances First It teacheth to worship the true God purely to esteeme approue and exercise that worship and that alone which hee prescribeth for faith looketh to the reuealed will of God as the rule of all acceptable seruice and to the promises as the grounds of comfort and good successe It tenders vnto God what he requireth Esay 8.20 and looketh vnto God to receiue what he is pleased hath promised to giue But God will not accept that worship Deut. 12.32 Esay 29.13 Math. 15.9 Ier. 7.31 which he hath not appointed nor worke effectually by the diuices of men No pietie comfort or true deuotion is or can be stirred vp by humâ—ne traditions for as they are destitute of commandement for their rule so are they of promise that God will kindle or quicken by them any sparkle of knowledge faith inuocation thankfulnesse or other sauing motions of heart Secondly It delighteth greatly to behold the face of God â—n his sanctuarie Psal 102.4 1. Chron. 16.11 Psal 27.8 Psal 42.2 Psal 63.1.2 When thou saidest Seeke yee my face my heart said vnto thee Thy face Lord will I seeke When shall I come and appeare before God O God thou art my God early will
I seeke thee my soule thirsteth for thee my flesh longeth for thee in a drie and thirstie land where no water is To see thy power glory so as I haue seene thee in the Sanctuarie How amiable are thy tabernacles Psal 84.1.2 Verse 3. O Lord of hosts My soule longeth yea euen fainteth for the courts of the Lord my heart and my flesh cryeth out for the liuing God Blessed are they that dwell in thy house The Leuiticall worship was as a glasse more dimme in which they beheld the face of the Lord obscurely the word and Sacraments are to Christians as a cleare glasse in which as with open face we behold the glory of God in Christ Reu. 4.6 2. Cor. 3.18 Christ is present with vs as long as we hold his publike worship he is found when wee recouer it hauing beene lost Then doth the face of the Lord shine vpon vs when he offers himselfe vnto his people to bee seene in his publike worship the pure and vndefiled exercises of pietie And from hence springeth the willingnesse of the Saints Pro. 8.34 to waite continually at the postes of wisdomes gates to heare her words their earnest contention and study to preserue maintaine vphold and set forward the pure worship of God and to saue or free it from the drosse of superstitious vanities which obscure the cleare light of the Lords countenance and to restore it according to the patterne if once it fall and their diligent enquirie after Christ if his face bee hidden from them or his worship be polluted with Idolatry Cant. 1.7 Tell me O thou whom my soule loueth where thou feedest where thou makest thy flocke to rest at noone for why should I be as one that is vailed amongst the flockes of thy companions Why should I bee as a womâ—n wasting her selfe with sorrow and griefe while I sâ—eke thy presence in thine ordinances Thirdlâ— It seeketh acquaintance with God and the knowleâ—ge of his will in Christ Iesus Rom. 10.19 Without some knowledge of God in Christ and of his word going before there can be no faith but faith endeauoureth the encrease of knowledge It cryeth after knowledge and lifteth vp the voyce for vnderstanding It seeketh her as siluer and searcheth for her as for hid treasures Psal 119.20 My soule breaketh for the longing that it hath vnto thy iudgements at all times Verse 27. Psal 9 10. and 40.16 Psal 105.4 Esay 58.2 Make me to vnderstand the way of thy precepts so shall I meditate or talke of thy wondrous workes This is implied in the phrase of seeking God which signifieth to bend all their stength and power to know â—â—â—nowledge and worship God aright Knowledge is pleasant to the belieiung soule and wisedome delighteth the heart Children couet sweete meates because they please the taste and the belieuer desires the knowledge of God and his word because it is sweete and deare vnto him God in Christ is the obiect of faith the matter whatsoeue iâ— reuealed of God to be receiued or beliâ—ued and faith it selfe is more strong and the operations of fâ—â—th more liuely and comfortable as these are betâ—eâ— knowne And fâ—om this desire it commeth Act. 16.14 Luk. 2.51 Heb. 2.1.2 that the belieuer doth â—pply himselfe to attend vnto the word of truth ponder it seriously and treasure it vp safe that it might not ouâ—rslip him Fourthly It giuâ—th the heart close to the word receiueth and possesseth the good things promised and changeth the disposition of soule into the nature of the word Psal 63.8 Deut. 10.20 and 13.4 Psal 63.5 Ioh. 6.51.53 Psal 119.31 Iam. 1.21 Faith followeth hard after the word till it be made our owne and its liuely Character stamped vpon the soule It feedeth vpon euery part of the word getteth interest in euery promise â—nd sucketh vigour and iuyce out of it By faith wee stâ—â—kâ— close vnto the word and the word doth sticke or is ingraâ—â—ed into vs. And to the end wee might possesse the pearle of the Gospell and be seasoned with the doctrine of grace throughly faith renounceth all interest in the lusts of the flesh and things of this life It earnestly pondereth and meditateth vpon the great things of the law to worke the heart to an holy esteeme of the excellent and heauenly things contained in it and to a gratious affectation to euery duty therein required And it importuneth the Lord by true prayer without hypocriticall halting or starting aside that he would be pleased to write his law in our hearts and keepe vs stedfast vnto him that wee may neuer depart from his feare For by faith we cleaue fast vnto God but it is God that knitteth vs vnto himselfe Ier. 1.3.11 As the girdle cleaueth to the loynes of a man so haue I tyed vnto mee the whole house of Israel that they might be my people Fiftly It quickneth to serue God in the vse of all his ordinances with diligence cherefulnes and best endeauour Gen. 4.4 Heb. 11.4 Psal 4â— 4 By faith Abel brought of the firstlings of his flocke and of the fat thereof an offering to the Lord. By faith Dauid went with the multitude vnto the house of God with the voice of ioy praise faith can neither be cloyed with Gods presence nor account any seruice too good for him The voyce of faith is I will sing and giue praise with the best member that I haue How should he be negligent in the vse of any ordinance who seeth God in his whole worship and findeth comfort tasteth sweetnesse in euery part Wee see by experience the desire of gaine drawes men to rise earely rest late toyle hard in any businesse that may bring in commoditie But faith begetteth an vnsâ—tiable operatiue constant thiâ—st and desire of spirituall things which makes the belieuer industrious in the vse of all meanes whereby his treâ—sure may be encreased Looke as the Mearchant takes paines to enrich himselfe â—say 64.4 Comâ—â— with â— Cor. 1.9 and encrease his substance so doth the faithfull soule to get possession of the true treasure Liuely faith and buâ—ning loue towards the Lord lodge both together which bring forth paâ—nes and forwardnes n the workes of holinesse willingnesse and delight to please him in all things More particularly it may be inquired how parents in faith should present their children vnto baptisme Parents should in faith present their Child to God in Baptisme What â—se Christians should mâ—ke of their baptisme when they come to age and discretion and how we are to receiue the Lords Supper in faith The dedication of a childe to God is a worke of singular and great importance one of the weightiest seruices we can take in hand though we may feare it is considered of few For to say nothing of the ignorant and profane sort who sauour not the things of God and therefore can haue no reuerent regard to the seales of the couenant how many be