which to faith are meerely accidentall The godly and deuout affection and willing submission to the rules of faith which is in Christians being an act of charitie and not of faith differenceth not true faith in it selfe from the faith of Hypocrites but distinguisheth faith and charitie from faith only And thus our Aduersaries make the Deuill a Catholike against his will Or if they will say that true Christian faith doth alwayes actually and necessarily imply this godly affection and willing submission of vnderstanding to the rules of faith then because this cannot bee without charitie let them say as the truth is that true Christian faith cannot bee separated from loue and good workes It is impertinent to dispute whether the faith of Deuils be naturall coact and dishonest or the faith of wicked men supernaturall voluntarie and Honest as if these things distinguished the faith of vngodly men from the faith of Deuils For if the maiestie of Gods infallible truth command the assent of Deuils to that which they loue not doth not the same cause also preuaile with vngodly men who beare no affection to God or goodnesse And as for the honestie or dishonestie of the act there can no circumstance bee named why it should bee honest in wicked men and dishonest in the Deuils for it is fearefully abused in both And if it be granted that faith without workes or grace is in men the gift of God but the faith of Deuils not so this argues a difference only in the cause not in the essence nature or qualitie And though it bee his gift yet being without grace and charitie and without these of necessitie as vnfruitfull as the faith of Deuils both which our Aduersaries grant it is no more auaileable to make a Christian then the faith of Deuils is It is further obiected if faith cannot be without charitie then faith alone doth not iustifie This followeth not Bellar. de Iustis lib. 1. cap. 15. §. At si §. postremâ— for it is one thing to say faith alone doth not iustifie another that faith which iustifieth is not alone This latter wee yield vnto the first wee denie Faith alone doth iustifie that is priuatiuely considered without hope or charitie as causes concurring therewith in iustification but this faith cannot really be seperated from or negatiuely considered without hope and charitie For though it be true that the total cause of any thing being in act the effect must needs follow yet from the totall cause we cannot separate those things together with which it hath in nature it existence and beeing and without which it cannot be in act for the producing of the effect though they conâ—erre nothing thereto because that is to denie the being of it and to destroy the cause The eye alone seeth the eare alone heareth but it must be a liuing eye and hearing eare not separated from the head or broken off from the rest of the bodie Faith alone iustifies without other graces not in regard of their presence but in regard of their co-working with faith to this effect of our Iustification It is one thing to say the eye is in the head without other senses and another thing to say the eye doth see alone no other sense seeing with it Liuelihood is the qualification of that faith that iustifieth and workes at least a preparation and promptitude of heart to good workes is an effect of faith as immediate as Iustification So then faith cannot bee withot loue and yet wee apprehend not the promises of eternall life by workes but by faith alone although truly they cannot be apprehended by parties destitute of workes at least of sincere resolution to walke in obedience Nor doth faith alone apprehend the truth or deriue the benefit of diuine promises to our selues but by it alone though accompanied with all other sanctifying graces and attended with the whole traine of good workes wee expect and pray the promises may be fulfilled not for our sakes or for any righteousnesse wee haue in vs or can hope for in this Life but only for the merit of Christ by his sole mediation and intercession In briefe the faith which iustifieth is operatiue attended with good workes of all sorts accompanied with all graces of the the Spirit but we liue by it as it vnites vs to the Lord of life yea by it alone not by it and other parts of grace in as much as by it wee trust in Gods mercies offered in Christ wholly relying on them not partly on them and partly on our workes or righteousnesse CHAP. V. Of the generall obiect or matter of Faith Iustifying §. 1. What doctrines are called matters of Faith § 1. MAtter 's of faith strictly and properly those are called which pertaine to the nature and essence of faith first and by themselues as are the points of faith contained in the Gospell the ignorance whereof is damnable and the deniall hereticall But in a more large acceptation all truth reuealed by God in his holy Word is a matter of faith and to bee belieued as God hath reuealed it Hence is that rule of Diuines There are many integrall parts in the Word of God which are said to bee of the word of faith but not propeâ—ly a matter of faith For there are many historicall domesticall and particular matters set downe for example not properly for faith which wee belieue not because they pertaine to sauing faith but for that they appertaine to the Word written by the Spirit of God And not much vnlike hereunto is that distinion that some things are necessarie to bee belieued to saluation by themselues and the authoritie of the Scriptures as the substantiall points of faith and manners others for the authoritie of the Scripture only as those which are not so necessarie and some neither by themselues nor the authoritie of the Scripture as are things in themselues indifferent so long as by circumstance they bee not repugnant to faith truâ—th loue and edification § 2. Iustifying faith is considered §. 2. Iustifying faith is two wayes considered either according to it most eminent effect which is to iustifie or according to it full and adequate act For that faith which iustifieth doth imbrace the Commandements belieue the threatnings looke to all the promises of God made in Iesus Christ concerning this life or the life to come and receiue the good things promised it sustaineth in aduersities worketh by loue as an instrument conioyned with it guideth all our actions and giueth firme assent vnto euery article of faith and euery part of diuine truth but as it iustifieth it is conuersant about Christ obeying to death that we may find righteousnesse and forgiâ—enesse of sinnes to life in him or it cleaueth vnâ—o Gods mercies manifested in that eteâ—nall sacrifice alwayes breathing out life to men renouncing all trust and confidence euen in such graces as we haue receiued from God The trueth mercie fidelitie and power of God
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
can bee taken in all the pastimes of the World For by that meanes wee grow more and more familiarly and better acquainted with the minde and purpose of God towards vs we enioy sweet communion and fellowship with him wee are made readie for our latter end at one time as well as another and are armed to goe well and chearefully through with the affaires of the day belieuing that God will guide and blesse vs. And of this also we may be well assured that according to our strength of faith the liuely fruits of holy obedâ—ence shall be found in vs and as our faith groweth so doth sound peace ioy and safetie strength against corruption abilitie to resist temptations pouertie of spiâ—it meeknesse puritie hunger and thirst after righteousnesse mercifulnesse and pleasure in the meanes whereby faith is preserued and confirmed increased and that from time to time more and more But as for such as will not settle themselues to nourish their faith with care and diligence they depriue themselues of much inward peace which they might enioy and make their liues vncomfortable to themselues vnprofitable to others They lay themselues open to many offences which by this exercise they might preuâ—â— and they go on either in vnsauourie lightnesse and carnâ—ll ioy which doth deceiue them or else in vnprofitable care and worldly sorrow which will disquiet them And when they neglect the fashioning of Christ in their hearts and so truly to put him on in their daily conuersation they become vnprofitable in their liues offensiue in their carriage and the Deuill weakeneth and holdeth backe sundrie which were comming on by their example thinking themselues well in the case they are in rather then they should be in following them vnlesse they saw some beautie and excellencie in their liues more then in themselues § 4. The meanes whereby faith is confirmed and strengthened are these §. 4. Means whereby faith is strengthened and confirmed and such like First Daily to account it our best portion richest iewell most pretious treasure and chiefest happinesse in this life which if we doe our hearts will be euer vpon it our feare will be vsually lest we should loose it and we shall thinke it most necessary to regard and looke vnto it whatsoeuer wee haue besides it woâ—th the looking after And otherwise euery small occasion will hinder vs euery fond delight carrie vs away and euery trifle take vp the heart much more our earnest and weightie affaires and businesse to which most men thinke that all exercises of religion ought to giue place Things of worth are disesteemed if their value be not knowne and trifles are looked after when they bee ouer-valued A true esteeme of the price excellencie and vse of faith the profit and comfort of it will raise an earnest continuall care to preserue and keepe it Secondly Wee must labour daily not only to loath those things which are euill in themselues but also to be very sober and moderate in our lawfull labours and delights desires and affections to things transitorie remembring what our Sauiour Christ saith Luke 10.42 One thing is necessarie otherwise Sathan who can change himse f into an Angell of Light will fill our hearts and heads with swarmes of euill lusts noysome delights cares and distractions which will draw our Mindes from that which they ought most to minde and thinke vpon Wee must be heedfull in this not only that the world draw vs not to encrease our wealth by wicked or vniust meanes but that it creepe not insensibly into our affections and so by degrees not obserued breed great distempers in the soule Feare of want ioy and delight in what wee iustly and honestly possesse climbing into the heart and by little and little getting head doe sucke away that vertue whereby the word sowne should receiue strength and increase and alienate part of the soule from God Herein therefore we must be circumspect gaging our hearts and trying them to the bottome weaning our selues from these delights raising our soules to more spirituall and heauenly ioyes and labouring that our desire of grace and care to exercise our selues in all good workes doe grow as the world comes in vpon vs. Thirdly Walking according to the rules of faith in humblenesse of minde meeknesse puritie mercie long-suffering and in all good workes improuing what wee haue receiued to the glory of God is a notable meanes to confirme and strengthen faith Faith brings forth good workes and good workes increase faith Faith hath his fruit created in it but the better fruit it bringeth forth the faster it groweth Faith is a fruitfull Mother that giues life to holinesse and good workes as a kind Daughter helpe to support and sustaine the Mother Bee yee stedfast 1. Cor. 15.58 vnmoueable alwayes abounding in the worke of the Lord. Fourthly A daily viewing of our sinnes which by examination we haue found out is availeable herevnto that being humbled truely and brought to account basely of our selues we may be kept from fulnesse and lothing of that death of Christ the sweetnesse whereof we cannot taste or rellish as wee should except wee feele the tartnesse and bitternesse of our sinnes Fiftly A fift meanes is daily and oft to send vp strong prayers to God for it and purposely to seperate our selues from all other things in the most conuenient manner that wee can to thinke deeply of his vnspeakable goodnesse mercie truth fatherly affection and tender compassion in Iesus Christ Exod. 34.6 Iohn 7.37 Hos 14.2 3. 1. Iohn 5.14 Prou 28.13 Ephes 2.4 remembring withall what manifold sweet and gracious promises he hath made vnto vs in the Gospel of his Sonne whereby we come to haue more neere acquaintance with Gods nature his minde and purpose towards vs. And if we belieue an honest man so much the more because he often goeth ouer iâ— when hee affirmeth this or that vnto vs the serious meditation of Gods promises reiterated againe and againe must be auaileable to strengthen faith Rom. 10.17 and fashion the Image of God in vs more and more Sixtly To these must be ioyned ordinarie and reuerent hearing of the glad tydings of saluation which is the key whereby God doth open and soften our iron hearts and an holy vse of the Sacraments Rom. 4.11 whereby this heauenly truth which we haue alreadie receiued is yet further sealed vp to our consciences These ordinances we must frequent with an appetite Sound and healthfull bodies receiue nourishment from their food and suck vigour out of it for growth and strength Liuely faith feedeth on the Word of life and increaseth Though the Word be immortall seed which corruptible food is not yet in this they are like that looke as bodily food doth not put to the body all that substantiall strength and latitude which belongeth to it so the food of the Word doth not at one time augment the soule with all length and depth of Knowledge Faith
towards Heauen keepe my standing or withstand the least assault In paine I am pettish vnder crosses faint heartlesse discontent readie to flie at the sound of persecution secure in prosperitie puffed vp with comforts apt to bee led away with worldly allurements My spirituall taste is distempered with carnall vanities which rellish sweeter to me then the mercies of God in Christ mine appetite to the Word and food of life is abated my zeale decayed mine affections dull to good my deuotion cooled my conscience benummed I heare but feed not vpon the Word my Prayers are cold heartlesse rouing in earthly imployments I keepe no moderation daily weaknesses and lesser sinnes goe downe without reluctation the motions of the spirit quickly die the motions of the flesh liue and get strength admonition is fruitlesse reproofe vnwelcome in my course I am ready to stumble at euery rub linger after euery baite laide by Satan or the world to catch mee and totter vpon the smallest tentation Euery day I haue greater experience of my weakenesse then other soone distempered and put out of frame if by any meanes for a little time my heart bee brought into some better order I am forgetfull of my purposes negligent of the opportunities to get good distracted with lawfull busines and wearie of the woâ—kes of my calling perplexed at the troubles I meete wâ—th giuing way to forwardnesse not looking vp to God vnthankefull for mercies trifling out the the time in foolish surmises vaine ploddings and vnprofitable speeches The poore leane thinne fruits of grace which through the mercie of God now and then I espie in my selfe these proclaime my sicke and feeble state my thoughts and meditations of good poore and few striuings agâ—inst sin weake appetite to the wholsome food of life small digestion slow obedience mâ—ruellous defectiue and in a manner liuelesse I liue vnder the powerfull meanes of grace enioy many helps in priuate am free from many great tentations wherewith others are exercised in respect of their outward condition blessed with the societie of them that feare God pruned and dressed by my heauenly Father and yet I reele wauer am tossed too and fro and ready to fall vpon euery occasion Ah wretched man that I am how shall I bee able to stand if the meanes should faile persecucutions bee raised or the powers of Hell let loose vpon mee Secondly He must stirre vp himselfe to rest vpon God through Iesus Christ for establishment and conformation Why should I feare by reason of mine infirmities or the malice of my spirituall enimies I am sicke but God is my physitian weake but God is my rocke my strength my high tower I like a lost sheepe am readie to goe astray but the Lord is my Sheepheard and will not suffer me to perish Christs intercession is euer effectuall but he hath prayed that my faith should not faile and promised that the gates of hell shall not preuaile The sons of Adam mortall by birth can neuer grow beyond the state of mortalitie the children of God borne of immortall seede can neuer fall from the state of immortalitie True faith is a neuer fading faith the life of grace an euerlasting life the water of life a well springing vnto eternall life Christ once died for sinne neuer to die any more and he that liueth in Christ shall liue for euer Indeed if faith were the worke of freewill or had dependance vpon it it might well perish but being the intire gift of God according to his purpose of grace it must needs pertake of the vnchangeable loue of God which is the fountaine whence it springeth I will walke iealous of my selfe because feeble and apt to offend but confident in Gods mercie and grace because he is faithfull who shall confirme mee vnto the end and perfect his worke hee hath begun My care shall be to feede vpon the word of life to shunne sinne and the occasions leading thereunto to cry for aide and strength and when I feele my selfe readie to sinke I will hang vpon the Lord for his power shall sustaine mee his right hand shall vphold mee and by his might I shall be keept through faith vnâ—o saluation A bruised reede shall he not breake and smoking flaxe shall hee not quench Math. 12.20 2. Cor. 12.9 till he sende forth iudgement into victorie his power shall be magnified in my weaknesse Thirdly He must pray instantly that God would vphold him and make him to see that hee will establish him vnto the end Our strength is of God and it is of him that wee know or be assured that through the power of his grace we shall stand firme and vnmoueable The state of a Belieuer is sure and it is impossible the elect should bee deceiued but as they stand by the grace of God so it is of God that they know their standing O Lord God of heauen the great and terrible God that keepeth couenant and mercy for them that rest vpon thy gratious promise and desire to yeelde vp themselues in obedience to thy Commaundements loooke mercifully vpon mee thy weake vnworthy seruant heale mine infirmities for they are many and stablish mee by thy free Spirit for I am brought very low Remember I beseech thee Ier. 32.39 40. the word of thy coâ—eâ—ant saying I will giue them one heart and one way that they may feare mee for euer for the good of them and of their children after them And I will make an euerlasting couenant with them that I will not turne away from them to doe them good but I will put my feare in their hearts that they shall not depart from mee Now I am thy poore creature the woâ—ke of thine hands whom thou hast made thy poore seruant with whom thou hast striken couenant vnto whom thou hast shewed this mercie that I desire to feare thy Name O Lord I beseech thee teach mee thy way make me to walke in thy truth vnite my heart to thy feare confirme strengthen stablish me vnto the end and make mee to know that by thy power I shall bee inabled to stand fast and vanish the enemies of my saluation that I may fight manfully obey cheerefully persist vndaunted and reioyce in thy saluation all the dayes of my life CHAP. VI. How to liue by faith in time of Temptation when Satan encounters and seekes to winnow the poore seruants of Christ NO sooner doth a Christian set himselfe vnfainedly to seeke the Lord 1. Pet. 5.8 but Satan with all his malice subteltie might and furie doth make out after him assaying by inward suggestions and outward tentations agaâ—ne and againe reiterated to discourage turne backe and vtterly ouer throw him The seruants of Christ are all souldiers and haue continuall warre not with flesh and bloud Eph. 6.11.12 but with principalities and powers and spirituall wickednesses This they must expect they haue sworne it and are called vnto of the Lord Encouragements to resist Satan who for
righteous Iudgements Thirdly It stirres vp earnest constant and heartie prayers to be taught in the law vpheld established and confirmed Faith leaneth vpon the Lord and cryeth vnto him for helpe knowing that we haue no strength of our selues Psal 119.18 Verse 5. Open thou mine eyes that I may behold the wondrous things out of thy law O that my wayes were directed to keepe thy statutes Verse 10. With my whole heart haue I sought thee Verse 28. Psal 17.5 1. Chron. 29.18 19. O let me not wander from thy Commandements My soule melteth for heauinesse strengthen thou me according to thy word Hold vp my goings in thy paths that my footsteps slip not Eightly It doth confirme in obedience and pricke forward therein though it be in manifold and bitter persecutions It puts into vs both courage and constancie to sight against the strongest lusts and set vpon the practice of the most difficult duties notwithstanding all opposition from the World or the Deuill yea though we haue beene foiled or taken the repulse Hee will not feare the subduing of the most head-strong passion who resteth vpon God for power and abilitie nor be dismayed because once hee hath receiued a foile who depends vpon God for strength to recouer nor dread the might of his greatest aduersary who knoweth that God will bee at his right hand to sustaine and strengthen him nor start aside in the most difficult dutie whose heart is fast linked vnto the Lord and relieth vpon his grace to be inabled vnto whatsoeuer hee is pleased to call him Heb. 11.9 10 11 12 13 15. By faith Abraham soiourned in the land of promise and minded not to returne to his natiuâ— Countrie though he had opportunitie By faith Verse 17 18. being tried of God hee offered vp Isaac and hee that had receiued the promises offered vp his only begotten Son By faith some were tortured not accepting deliuerance some stoned some slaine with the sword Verse 35 36. Faith encourageth to constancie in wel-doing by assuring of Gods all-seeing presence powerfull protection continuall assistance gracious acceptance good successe and euerlasting recompence Bee strong in the Lord Ephes 6.10 and in the power of his might Wait on the Lord bee of good courage Psal 27.14 31.24 Esay 50 7. and hee shall strengthen thine heart For the God will helpe mee therefore shall I not bee confounded therefore haue I set my face like flint and I know that I shall not be confounded Heb. 13.13 14. Let vs goe forth therefore vnto him without the Campe bearing his reproach For here wee haue no continuing Citie but wee seeke one to come By faith Moses did chuse rather to suffer affliction with the people of God Heb. 11.25 26. then to enioy the pleasures of sinne for a season esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches then the treasures of Egypt for hee had râ—spect vnto the recompence of reward But faith that continually driues forward to doe good workes doth euer force the belieuer to denie himselfe and acknowledge it to be the mercie of the Lord in Christ that hee is not confounded Though a man bee plentifully laden with good woâ—kes yet faith doth euer present him before the throne of grace as poore and miserable desiring of meere mercie to bee receiued and accepted It confesseth the manifold imperfections of our best workes acknowledgeth euery grace and good worke to bee of God and neuer looketh to workes further then as they bee signes of grace effects of faith and qualifications of that subiect which makes faithfull plea to the Kingdome of Heauen through the free mercie of God in Iesus Christ Meanes to quicken our selues to the practice of obedience But how should a Christian quicken faith to the chearfull practice of that dutie whereunto hee finds himselfe dull and sluggish First Hee must acknowledge and bewaile his dulnesse and sloath make it hatefull and shame himselfe for it before God O Lord I cannot I desire not to hide from thee mine indisposition and vnfitnesse to any holy dutie how dull remisse sleightie I am in the practice of true pietie and godlinesse I find more life diligence chearefulnesse in any worldly businesse then in the woâ—kes of holinesse which thou requirest Ier 48. â—0 Mal. 1.14 Cursed is the man that doth the worke of the Lord negligently who hath a male in his flocke and offereth the halt or lame vnto the Lord. What is my portion if I should bee dealt with in iustice who haue neglected my dutie and sacrificed that which is torne and sicke vnto the great King and Lord of hosts whose name is dreadfull among the Heathen It is hatefull in a seruant to doe his worke by the halues specially if he owe himselfe vnto his Master for vndeserued kindnesses Whatsoeuer I am I haue receiued it of the Lord all possible dutie that can bee performed of a reasonable creature I owe vnto him he hath obliged mee vnto his highnesse by many great vndeserued incomprehensible mercies that I am neuer able to repay or sufficiently to acknowledge and in mee it is most abhominable that I haâ—e beene halting and deceitfull in what hee commandeth Can any man deserue that dutie from another that thou O Lord hast and dost deserue of me Can hee bee in such dependance vnto another as I am vnto thy Maiestie in whom I liue moue haue my being by whom I am preserued redeemed and called vnto life If the idle vntrustie deceitfull seruant merit stripes my sleightinesse and double dealing in the exercises of Godlinesse is worthy shame and confusion of face for euermore No maruell if I finde small comfort in life feele no power and sweetnesse in the ordinances of grace when I deale partially heare perfunctorily pray coldly labour not to feed vpon the word and sucke vigour out of it The duties of courtesie lose their worth and esteeme with men when wrung from vs by importunacie or followed with a slacke hand Lord thou louest a chearefull giuer delightest in willing and free-hearted offerings with what face then can I present vnto thy Maiestie or how shouldest thou take pleasure in that maimed corrupt vnchearefull superficiall dead seruice which I performe In former times I haue serued sinne and Satan with more willingnesse alacritie and paines I haue beene readie to run whither the Deuill droue me I am still forward to gratifie vnruly desires with this or that they stand vnto and are bent vpon What am I but a spirituall adulteresse in that I haue yeelded the members of my bodie as weapons of vnrighteousnesse to doe the will of Satan and listened to the motions of the flesh with more readinesse to leane vnto them then hitherto I could giue my selfe vnto God in all things to bee ruled and directed by him O Lord I am vile it is of thy vnspeakable mercie that thou art pleased to looke downe vpon mee or to accept of any seruice
him euery day because hee knowes he will not disinherit him in the end and not rather say it is good sleeping in a whole skin And shall belieuers who are spiritually wise willingly prouoke God because he will not condemne them eternally The assurance which a godly man hath of his saluation is euer ioyned with a faithull and conscionable care to walke vprightly before the Lord and to decline by-paths and strayings for which end hee makes vse of euery part of the word Rom. 8.1 There is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Iesus who walke not after the flesh but after the Spirit Moreouer there may be feare of that which a man is infallibly assured to escape not a distrustfull feare of falling into it but a watchfull feare of shunning and shrinking all meanes leading thereunto §. 6. â— Commandements Titus 2.11 13. § 6. The word of grace which calleth vpon vs to belieue the free mercie of God in Christ to the pardon of our offences teacheth vs to denie vngodlinesse and worldly lusts and to liue godly iustly soberly in this present euill world and this word of grace is the matter of faith which is wholly receiued if any part take good rooting For the precepts of sanctitie and holinesse binde the conscience to obey God as well as the promises binde to trust in God What God hath linked together faith will not seperate But God hath coupled mercie and obedience grace and holinesse Hee cannot belieue or make faithfull plea to the promises of remission and saluation who doth not make conscience of all sound doctrine that he heareth and giue free vnlimited assent to euery part of Gods Word submitting himselfe to be led by it and that because it is his Word Faith setteth the Image of God vpon the heart which is manifested in the seuerall branches of holines and righteousnes which he commandeth in his Word and it resigneth a man vnto God to liue not vnto the world not vnto the lusts of the flesh but vnto the praise of his Name which is not possible to bee done if hee cleaue not vnto the Commandements as iust equall honest and good in all things and at all times to bee obeyed Faith cannot take and leaue yeeld and with-hold assent at pleasure part and mangle diuide with times seasons and priuate respects or resigne it selfe to God with limitation to haue leaue in this or that to liue at pleasure but it is downe-right for God and willingly receiueth whatsoeuer hee saith what God approueth that is pleasing to faith though crosse to age education custome credit honour naturall desire and inclination what God condemneth that faith disalloweth though neuer so much countenanced by authoritie graced by example attended vpon with honour dignitie preferment and suting to our disposition Faith subdueth the strongest passions as well and if due and right comparison be made as much as the weakest and acknowledging the Goodnesse Mercie and absolute Soueraignetie of the Lord yeeldeth it selfe to be led by him aboue all things that can oppose themselues and will not giue place to ought that doth set against him Gen. 12.1 4. If God bid Abraham leaue all his friends his Fathers house the land of his Natiuitie to goe into a strange countrie hee is straight vpon his iourney without further questioning hee will be gone Gen. 22.2 3. no intreatie will stay him in Mesopotamia If God commâ—nd him to offer his onely Sonne in sacrifice he is eaâ—ly vp to doe it The faithfull soule giues firme and free assent vnto all things reuealed by God eagerly fixeth the affiance of heaâ—t vpon the promises and cleaueth close vnto the Commandements not only such as suite wiâ—h his disposition education age but euen those that directly crosse and oppose carnall reason carnall affections worldly pleasures and what prouocations soeuer there bee in the world vnto sinne and not then alone when it may be done without contradiction or resistance but hen specially when temptations rise humane reason failes sinfull lusts hale this way and that Satan rageth the world frownes or flatters our preferment credit honour life all lies at stake In this case faith lookes directly nto God and iudgeth it best to sticke vnto him from whom comes saluation For no good can bee equall to that which God promiseth no euill so great as what he threatens no course so safe as what he prescribes no euidence so sure as the tâ—uth of God no command so iust as what God requires the greatest gaine is to loose all for Christs sake if we be called theâ—eunto wee should stand so affected to the glorie of God as to shrinke in no triall though neuer so difficult Heb. 12.4 nor thinke it much to râ—sist vnto bloud striuing against sinne This is the constant certaine iudgâ—ment of faith which bringeth forth a setled resolution to follow the Lord at all times and in all things In particular practices the faithfull may faile 1. Sam. 27.1 Psal 116. â—1 Mat. 26.70 72 74. notwithstanding all opposition In particular practice the faithfull soule may be ignorant of some things and weake in the application of others Dauid in a passion may thinke Samuel hath deceiued him and Peter surprised with bodily feare may denie his master but the constant temper of the belieuer is much better and if by some vnexpected occasion he be vnsetled he is neuer quiet vntill his former resolution be confirmed and put in practice For hauing we ghed and pondered all things in an euen ballance hee is assuredly perswaded that no outwarâ— euill can come in comparison with Gods anger no earthly good is to bee matched with Gods fauour that transitorie delights aâ—e deare bought if a man endanger his soule to compasse them that the sufferings of this l fe are not worthy to bee compared with the glorie that shall bee reuealed and therefore it is infinitely better to cleaue vnto God though in reproaches bands imprisonment or death Heb. 11.25 then to enioy the pleasures of sinne for a season § 7. And seeing faith kindly rooted doth spread it selfe to euery branch of diuine truth §. 7. The obedience of faith is vniforme intire and constant cleauing inseperably to the whole and with closest repose of heart to that which is most excellent and of greatest impoâ—tance the obedience which faith produceth and the worke which it animateth must be intire uniforme and constant Intire not in degree but in the branches of obedience Maimed obedience to some duties of the law lopping off other branches which accord not with our state humour and disposition or grossâ—ly neglecting them though no lesse commanded is an argument of an vnsound and imp rfect root whence it sprâ—ngeth The practice of some one or few Christian duties ioyned with the extreame neglect of others no lesse excellent and necessarie is no token of faith but a strong presumption that what good is done proceedeth from indulgence to corruption For
cause them to walke in my Statutes And though a man be weake feâ—ble and imperfect yet finding and feeling the worke of sanctification begun in him hee may be assured that hee who hath wrought this beginning of life will goe forward therewith vnto the end Our Sauiour Christ said to the young man in the Gospel Phil. 1.6 Math. 19.17 If thou wilt enter into life keepe the Commandements But that young Pharisee was ignorant of the Law and his owne estate rested in externall workes of righteousnesse and when he came to Christ was destitute of the true knowledge of the Messias Iohn 17.3 without which our Aduersaries will confesse there is no eternall life and so from their owne grounds it is absurd to imagine that Christ by these words did simply intend to direct him a way for the obtaining of eternall life by his owne workes or merits We grant the Law to which our Sauiour referred that young man to bee the rule of obedience according to which people in couenant ought to walke building their workes of righteousnesse vpon faiâ—h as the foundation and obedience issuing from faith vnfained to bee the way to eternall blisse We acknowledge also that no man can be assured of remission of his sinnes who doth not walke before God in vprightnesse and integritie but this vpright vnfained obedience is imperfect the effect of that faith which iustifieth Vpright walking is necesrie but not the cause of Iustification Psal 119.1 2. 1.1 2. Psal 32.1 2. not the cause of Iustification When the Scripture pronounceth them blessed that feare God keepe his Commandements and walke in the vndefiled way doth it not describe the person whose sinnes are couered in which stands his happinesse Our Sauiour hath taught vs plainly That except our righteousnesse exceed the righteousnesse of the Scribes and Pharisies wee shall in no wise enter into the Kingdome of Heauen Math. 5 20. What righteousnesse doth hee here meane Inâ—erent or the righteousnesse of workes for he presseth an vniforme obseruation of all Gods Commandements The Scribes and Pharisees did as it seeme euen then calumniate him â—s they did afterward Paul and the Papists doe vs still as a destâ—oyeâ— of the Law because he reproued their confidence in workes and sought to establish the doctrine of faith which now we teach Needfull in this respect was that caueâ—t I thinke not that I am come to destroy the Law and the Prophets Verse 17. Math. 5.17 I am not come to destroy but to fulfill them And in these words as our Sauiour rendreth a reason why he that breaketh any of those Commandements which the Scribes and Pharisees counted the least shall bee counted least in the kingdome of Heauen Verse 19. so he maketh passage to the exposition of the law in the verses following where hee cleares it from the corrupt glosses of the Scribes and Pharisees And it is to be noted that he saith Verse 20. not Except your righteousnesse exceed the righteousnesse of the Law and Prophets but except it exceed the righteousnesse of the Scribes and Pharisees to wit that righteousnes which they taught and practiced who made none account of some commandements which they called the least vrged only an externall obseruation of the Law according to the letter without any respect of inward pietie and maimed and mâ—ngled the word as pleased themselues The sentence therefore must bee vnderstood of inherent righteousnesse whence the necessitie of good workes is strongly concluded The faith that iustifieth is liuely and operatiue euer conioyned with an affection of pietie and obsequious disposition as powerfull to bring forth deeds of mercie as to make firme and faithfull application of Christs righteousnesse or conceiue sure trust of Gods mercie offered in him Now what is required in faith that it may iustifie of necessitie it must goe before assurance of pardon and forgiuenesse True it is then that without inherent holinesse no man can be assured of his acquittance from sinne but if we enquire into the true cause of absolution it is the sole grace and mercie of God in Iesus Christ embraced by a true and liuely faith Doth this any thing preiudice Christian assurance that without true and sincere obedience at least without a promptitude apâ—nesse inclination and resolution to doe good workes and walke in obedience there can bee no â—ssurance No For the belieuer relieth not vpon his workes though hee exercise himselfe therein with all diligence and though hee know well that hee comes infinitely short of what God commandeth and bewaile his daily failings and sees hee hath need to renew his purpose and resolution to better his obedience and condemnes the imperfections that hee espieth more and more in himselfe yet it is not impossible to be assured of the truth and vprightnesse of his heart and sincere though imperfect desire and endeuour to walke with God which as the fruit of the Spirit and effect of faith doth euidence his reconciliation with God For hee that feareth God and walketh in his wayes in the perfect and vndefiled way is iustified from sin And he that knowes 1. Iohn 1.3 4. â—hat he walketh before God in truth and with a perfect â—â—a t may certainly conclude from this fruit of the Spiâ—it that his sinnes are pardoned § 11. I might adde §. 11. that the faithfull are sealed by the Spirit and by the same Spirit are enabled to cry Abba Father What infirmities may stand with assurance whereby they are assured of the pardon of their sâ—nnes but I will shut vp this matter briefly shewing what infirmities may stand with assurance of faith and what sinnes cannot that Christians may bee directed the better to make triall of their estate 1. Iohn 1.7 If we say we haue fellowship with him and walke in darknesse we liue and doe n t the truth and if we say that we such as Iohn then was regenerate and in the state of grace haue no sin Verse 8. we deceiue our selues and the truth is not in vs. Euen such then as walke in the light and haue fellowship with God are sinners Prou. 20.9 Ecles 7.2 1. Iohn 3.9 and not iust or perfect in themselues Who can say his heart is cleane there is no man iust who sinneth not and yet the Apostle is bold to affirme That hee that is bâ—rne of God sinneth not The iust then transgresse the Law and so are sinners but they make not a trade of sin or profession of iniquitie and so are not law-breakers or transgressours And this the Apostle plainly teacheth saying Iames 2.10 Euery one that hath this hope of being the Sonne of God doth purge himselfe as he is pure 1. Iohn 3.3 not according to the measure of his puritie or perfection but according to the truth in habit becomes like vnto him as on the contrarie he that commits sinne 1. Iohn 3.8 that is is a crafts-master of iniquitie
faith there can bee no want of any thing that is good For how can hee lacke any good thing who hath God for his Father Christ his Sauiour the holy Ghost his sealer and Comforter the Angels to guard him Heauen his inheritance who hath Gods faithfull promise confirmed by oath and seale to secure him of all things needfull grace comfort and earthly blessings and is kept by the power of God vnto saluation But here it must be obserued that faith doth not effect and performe these things by any excellencie force or efficacie of it owne aboue other graces but in respect of the office wherunto it is assigned in the Couenant of grace It is a cause onely Instrumentall and that is atributed vnto it which the principall cause worketh Faith iustifies not as an act or qualitie but as it receiueth Christ faith purifieth not the heart of it selfe but as it is the instrument whereby the Spirit worketh Whatsoeuer wee are made by faith wee are made it in Christ and whatsoeuer faith makes to bee ours it is also in Christ Therefore faith maketh not God to be our God but in Christ nor vs the children of God but in Christ And whatsoeuer grace is wrought in the heart of any man it is the gift of God the worke of the holy Ghost but faith is the Instrument whereby the Spirit doth more renue and purifie our hearts § 2. Of all creatures onely Man is capable of sauing or iustifying faith §. 2. Of all creatures Man only is capable of Iustifying faith 2. Pet. â— 4 not the blessed Angels who neuer sinned nor the euill Angels who are shut vp in prison and reserued in chaines of darkenes against the day of iudgement The Saints in glory doe inioy immediate fellowship and communion with God by sight and know most perfectly and most clearely But the light of Iustifying faith which doth include and suppose imperfection pertaineth to this life in which we are in the way mouing to perfection not yet attained vnto perfect vision So that faith is proper vnto Man in this life in his iourney towards his perfect home and eternall habitation but all men are not enriched with this precious gift of mercie and rare iewell of grace All men haue not faith 2. Thes 3. â— Isay 53.1 Math. 11.25 and 13.11 Rom. 9.18 Many are not so much as outwardly called the sound of the Gospell hath not reached vnto them many that heare vnderstand not bee not affected with the truth and in some that be affected the word takes not kind rooting is not well planted Those to whom faith is giuen are described to be the elect of God the sheepe of Christ Tit. 1 1. Act. 13.48 Rom. 11.5 Ioh. 10.11.15.26 Ioh. 6.37.39 and 20.39 and 17.2.6 Math. 1.21 and 18.11 and to bee giuen of the Father vnto Christ The subiect of Iustifying faith is man a sinnner called according to the purpose of God acknowledging his offences and hungring and thiâ—sting after mercie For none but a sinner can acknowledge Christ for his Sauiour for he is the Sauiour of sinners Faith in Christ for remission of sinnes is necessarie for them onely who haue offended but euery sinner cannot belieue euery one is not fit to receiue the promise of mercy The enimies of the Gospell of Christ worldings hypocriâ—es and all in whom sinne raigneth can haue no true faith in Christ Math. 11.28 Mark 1.15 hee onely is fit to embrace mercy who knoweth that hee is lost in himselfe and vnsatiably desires to be eased of the heauie burden of his sinnes Faith is not a worke naturall but supernaturall not of nature but of grace not of the power of our free-will but of the efficacie of Gods Spirit whereby we answere to the effectuall call of God and come vnto him that we might be pertakers of life eternall 1. Iohn 5.1 Iohn 1.12.13 Ioh 6 44. The infusion of faith is necessarily precedent to the act of faith and grace to belieue is giuen before we lay hold vpon Christ And if sauing-effectuall calling bee precedent to faith the subiect of liuing faith is man sauingly called according to the purpose of Gods will We can teach no faith to saluation but according to the rule of Christ Repent and belieue the Gospell Mar. â— 15. Luk. 24.47 Act. 2.37.38 no remission of sins but according to the like rule But faith seeketh and receiueth pardon as it is profered in the word of grace Repentance is necessarie to the pardon of sinne as a condition without which it cannot bee obtained Luk. 13.3 1. Ioh. 1.9 Act. 11.18 not as a cause why it is giuen If mercie should bee vouchsafed to all indifferently the grace of God should be a boulster to Mans sinne there should bee no difference betwixt the iust and vniust the penâ—tent and obstinate Faith comes to Christ as an humble penitent petitioner suing to the throne of grace for what is promised in the Gospell and it receiueth according to the promise of mercie §. 3. Faith resideth both in Minde and Will § 3. The seate of faith is the heart but the heart contrite humbled bewailing sinne denying it selfe and affected with desire of remission of sinnes As the stomake is the place in which meate is receiued but it is necessarie it bee desirous of meate So the heart is the place where remission of sinnes is receiued and felt but it must be an heart desirous of and thirsting after pardon With the heart man belieueth Rom. 10.10 Act. 8.37 2. Pet. 1.19 Act. 16.14 If the Mind and will bee two distinct faculties of the soule then iustifying faith is resident in both but principally in the will because it assenteth to diuine reuelation as true and embraceth the promises as much better then any contrarie good the world the Diuell or flesh can present to preuent our choice of what it prescribeth for our sauing health For the word of promise not onely containing truth but offering good vnto vs cannot fully be receiued with the vnderstanding but the will also must moue towards it And so faith is not onely a knowledge or assent in the Minde but a godly affection in the will which doth goe to embrace rest vpon Christ or the grace offered in Christ Therefore the nature of faith is described by words which signifie to stay and rolle our selues vpon God to lâ—ane on him as one would leane vpon a staffe and by faith we come vnto Christ and receiue him It is obiected that one and the same vertue or grace cannot be in distinct powers and faculties of the soule Bellar. de Iustif l 1. cap. 6. Haec Philosophia nor faith in distinct subiects Whereunto seuerall answers are made First that one and the same thing in diuers respects may be referred to diuers subiects as these subiects are not altogether seperated but conioyned amongst themselues So friend-ship is one morall vertue and yet in the Minde and
excell our selues In earthly things men are willing to better their condition and shall wee bee careles in heauenly things to prouide well for our selues In faire weather the Traueller will carrie his Cloake because the season may change before his returne A strong faith is euer of vse most needfull in temptations of long continuance and grieuous to be borne and though now we liue peace we know not how soone we may be called forth to tryall what seruice we may bee put vnto or the Lord will exercise vs. § 10. But here wee must remember the strongest faith hath infirmities §. 10. The strongest faith is subiect to sundry infirmities Iob 3.3.8 Num. 20.10.11.12 1. King 19.4 vnder which it groaneth and is subiect to temptations both on the right hand and on the left euen strong temptations whereby it is shaken for a time Iobs faith was shakâ—n when he cursed the day of his birth Moses his Faith quailed at the rocke Eliah that famous belieuer who had raised the dead would bee dead in a passion Long delayes did both trie and shake the faith of Abraham Gen. 15.2 In one and the same belieuer faith is sometimes greater and stronger another time more weake and infirme Psal 3.5 with 31.22 1. Sam. 27.1 stronger in a great assault weaker in a lesse The gift of faith is without repentance and being once kindly planted in the heart there it remaineth for euer but in regard of greatnesse or meanesse it hath many alterations increasings and decreasings yea the strong belieuer doth sometimes shrinke and draw backe like a coward in small temptations and the weake doth quit himselfe valiantly in great tryals The strong must not bee carelesse as if hee should neuer doubt againe or be brought into straits The stronge belieuer doth sometimes shrinke when the weake stands fasts The weake must not bee dismayed as if they should vtterly bee ouerthrowne Both weake and strong must looke for tryals and bee carefull to preserue and grow in faith For the state of grace in this life is such as hath still reliques of sinne dwelling with it and the Deuill and the world still lay siege against the castle of our faith to batter it and preuaile much when they finde vs secure and carelesse but are preuented by diligence and watchfulnesse the Lord assisting CHAP. XI Of the right plantation of faith and meanes whereby it is confirmed § 1. THE necessarie vse and excellent fruites of faith §. 1. should incite men if they want to seeke it with all diligence and if they be pertakers of that heauenly gift to hold and keepe it to increase and growe therein Motiues and encouragements to belieue 2. Cor. 5 20. And this the rather because wee haue many encouragements to belieue God doth beseech men to bee reconciled vnto him Should not this wonderfull clemencie of God encourage vs with boldnesse and confidence to come vnto him Christ himselfe doth graciously inuite all that be poore Isay 55.1 Math. 11 28. needie wearie and heauie laden to come vnto him and the Lord maketh a generall proclamation of libertie to all distressed soules that will come and receiue it without exception of any in particular which should the rather affect if wee consider who it is that proclaimeth inuite h beseecheth namely God who is able to helpe and readie to forgiue and succour If a couetous man should offer vs any greate kindnes Deu. 7.9 wee might doubt of performance because it is contrarie to his nature but it is not so with our God his name is gratious and his nature is to be faithfull in performance and true in offer and promising In the couenant that God of his rich grace and mercie hath made with his Church and people seâ—led with Sacraments and confirmed by oath Ier 31.34 Heb. 10.16 Psal 32.10 Esay 55.7 Ezek. 18.21 and 33.11 Math. 3 17. Esâ—y 1.18 Tit. 2.14 1. Ioh. 1 7. remission of sinnes secret and open great and small of what qualitie soeuer is promised and assured to them that repent and belieue And when life and saluation is promised to them that will receiue it by faith no man is excluded from that mercie but hee that shuts forth himselfe by infidelitie Wee haue a Sauiour who came into the world to saue sinners Mar. 16.16 Ioh. 3.15.16 and 6 34.40 Act. 10.43 Math. 1.21 and 18.11 Luk. 19.10 and is able to deliuer vs out of the hands of all our enemies his redemption being both pretious and plentifull And therefore though the multitude and grieuousnesse of our sinnes should encrease our repentance yet they should not diminish our faith and diligence in seeking assurance of forgiuenesse For though our debt was neuer so great our suertie Christ Iesus hath paid it to the vtmost farthing The Lord who is best acquainted with his owne loue merc e and compassion and knoweth what is pleasing and acceptable vnto him 1. Ioh. 3.23.24 hath straightely charged and commaunded vs to belieue in him and belieuing will bestow vpon vs eternall life according to promise And can there be any fraud in Gods word or danger in yeelding obedience to his Commaundement What neede we feare to commit our soules to him 2. Tim. 1.12 who is able to keepe them and hath bound himselfe to saue them if we relie vpon him Our Faith is directed to God in and through Iesus Christ our neere kinsman who hath taken our nature and is become flesh of our flesh Though wee feared some great man yet were hee maried to our house very neare vs this circumstance would animate vs not a little the same should wee thinke of our God maried as aforesaid to our flesh Heb. 7.25 Christ our Sauiour and high Priest euer liueth to appeare in heauen before his Father and to make intercession for vs. Math. 9.6 The Father who hath committed all iudgement to the Sonne hath giuen vnto him power to remit and pardon sinne 2. Cor. 5.19 and he as our suretie hauing all our debt laid vpon him hath by one oblation of himselfe once offered purchased for vs eternall redemption and by vertue of his obedience hath receiued for vs whatsoeuer he distributeth vnto vs. By belieuing wee glorifie God both in his truth power wisedome loue grace and mercie Rom. 4.20 whom before wee dishonoured by our sinnes For the grace of God is manifested by faith in Iesus Christ Rom. 3.24.28 in the declaration and acknowledgment whereof standeth the chiefe praise and glory of the Lord as the the last end of all his workes Mercie and compassion in Man is but as the drop of a bucket in comparison of that huge Ocean of grace that is to be found in our God Math. 18.21.22 But God requires that wee should forgiue our Brother seuentie times seuen times if hee did repent after hee had trespassed against vs and wil not our God who exacteâ—h such compassion in vs
and sealed to euery belieuer in particular by the pledges of the Spirit not vpon those sanctified graces which are giuen vnto him that he might be qualified and fitted to plead for grace and mercy The acts of faith about promises of pardon The acts of Faith concerning this promise of forgiuenes be diuers First it generally belieueth the promise true and thereby disceâ—nes that sinne is pardonable through grace Psal 130.4 Luk. 15 18. The knowledge of this that our sinnes may bee pardoned or that there is mercy with the Lord to couer sin is a worke of faith For whatsoeuer cannot be conceiued or found out by sence or reason that is manifested by reuelation and assented vnto or iudged true and certaine by faith or else it remaines as a mysterie vnknowne When the Apostle defines Heb. 11.1 faith to bee the euidence of things not seene doth hee not intimate that things vnseene to sense or naturall reason are discouered and made euident only by faith But that God will pardon iniquitie transgression and sinne is a truth that can neuer bee comprehended by the light of nature flesh and bloud hath not reuealed it vnto vs. Supernaturall truthes which exceed all humane capacitie cannot be discerned or receiued by any power of nature 1. Pet. 1.12 Rom. 16.25.26 Eph. 1.8 9. Isay 40.13 14 But that God will be mercifull to our sinnes is a truth supernaturall hidden from the Angels themselues vntill it was reuealed in the Gospell Who hath knowne the Minde of God or beene acquainted with the mysteries of his wisedome In the dayes of securitie whilest men sleepe in sinne without all sence of euill or knowledge of Gods iustice it is an easie matter to say God is mercifull Christ died for sinners But whence the conscience is awakened with the terrors of Gods wrath and the fearefull sight of sin Gen. 1.13 Math. 27.5 Psal 77.3.7 8. the experience both of wicked men and of the Saints of God can testifie that it is a difficult thing to looke beyond the cloud of iustice and contrarie to the naturall sentence of conscience comninations of the Law and present feeling to belieue that there is forgiuenesse with God Secondly faith stirreth vp earnest desires and longings to be made pertakers of this mercie of God and to bee refreshed with his gracious and free fauour All holy and feruent desires are both kindled nourished by it As our assent to the Diuine and heauenly promises is more or lesse firme certainea bsolute euident so are our desires more or lesse fierie constant vnsatiâ—ble yea in respect of heauenly things vnquenchable As faith languisheth these faint as faith encreaseth these gather strength And no maruell for appetite followeth knowledge Ioh. 4.10 and desire is answereble to that certaine cleare iudgement that we haue of the necessitie and worth value and digniâ—y of the obiect apprehended Now faith discouereth both the necessity and excellencie of the good certainely contained in the word of promise which act of faith is signified by the opening or piercing of the eare and seriously meditateth vpon the singular benefits offered therein so raiseth the heart vncessantly to hunger and thirst after them And these desâ—res will be the greater and more constante the more faith is exercised in the meditation of the goodnesse freenes and certaintie of these promises Many things are neglected which are most pretious only because the value of them lyeth hid or is not apparant or the preiudice of sensible but deceiuable experience doth ouersway No marueile then if the pardon of sinne be neglected though the benefite be probably knowne when it is but sleightly thought vpon superficially looked into custome hauing iniured the Minde by long practice to the pursuite of earthly delights or profits wherewith it is besotted But with the true belieuer it fareth much better for he seeth how happy it should be with him if his sinnes were couered and his soule eased of the burden of them how euer it fare with him in matters of this world and withall he pondereth the truth and faithfulnesse of the promise made of meere grace whereby the heart is stirred vp to desire and long after this blessing aboue all good that can be imagined And yet such is our corruptioÌ„ we must oft breathe our selues in the meditation of these things or else we shall find our esteeme of pardon to decay and our desire to grow cold and dull Thirdly It draweth vs forward to seeke mercy of God Math. 13.45.46 The wise Merchant first discouers the pearle of price and then seeketh to get possession of it The desire of a belieuer is not a dead or sluggish wish Oh that my sinnes were pardoned when hee neuer stirreth vp himselfe to receiue the promise But it is a deliberate desire of a benefite knowne possible to be attained attended with much comfort and freely promised by him that cannot lie which is euer accompanied with proportionable care to get and possesse the blessing desired Faith will not suffer a man to smoother or conceale his desires nor desires themselues to die but it perserueth and kindleth desires constraineth with an holy violence to lay them open before the Lord. Thus by faith a man commeth freely to renounce his title and interest in the world and to part with any thing that might hinder mercy The wise Merchant hauing found the pearle of price Math. 13.44 for ioy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath not as if he could merit pardon but that he might be capable of pardon and make a faithfull plea for mercy To this end also he humbleth himselfe before the throne of grace in true and vnfained confession of his sinnes freely iudging and condemning himselfe before God which a broken and contrite heart I will declare mine iniquitie I will bee sorie for my sinne Psal 38.18 So the prodigall sonne comming home to his Father doth bewaile his former lewdnesse saying I haue sinned against Heauen and before thee Pharaoh and Saul being euidently conuinced of sinne Luk. 15.18 Psal 32.5 may be constrained in conscience to make some confession to men I haue sinned this time and the Lord is righteous I haue played the foole and erred exceedingly Exod. 9.27 1. Sam. 26.21 1. Reg. 21.29 Ahab humbleth himselfe before God putteth on sackecloth in hope to preuent the temporall euill denounced against him and his house But the confession of true and vnfained faith is free and voluntarie in hope of free pardon and forgiuenesse Temporarie belieuers may make confession of there sinnes with some griefe and sorrow but as they confesse their sinnes so they belieue their confession is maimed and their faith superficiall they renounce not their interest in the world which inferres the willing choice of some inferiour good before the fauour and loue of God and their beliefe of the promises is shallow and subordiâ—ate to their base earthly passions But
downe before them in the Word and not deiect themselues without cause as though they were vtterly destitute of faith in Christ because they want the sence of this assurance and so could doe nothing acceptable because it is not done in faith nor tire themselues in a preposterous course not knowâ—ng where to lay the foundation or beginne their worke Three prerogatiues doe euer accompany this confident assurance of our Reconciliation with God Three prerogatiues that accompany coâ—fident assurance First Peace with God or stable tranquillitie and sweet calmnesse of Minde Sinne had broken off our friendship and peace with God but being iustified by faith wee haue remission of sinnes and so the cause of enmitie being taken away peace is restored Esay 59.2 Phil 4.7 Euen that peace of God which passeth vnderstanding and is in stead of a guard to keepe our hearts and minds in Christ that golden Legacie which Christ bequeathed vnto his Disciples when hee left the World Iohn 14 27. Ephes 2.16 17. Rom. 5.1 Peace I leaue with you my peace I giue vnto you Being iustified by faith we haue peace with God through our Lord Iesus Christ And from this peace begins liuely consolation against the temptations of sinne Satan and the World from the sence hereof the faithfull soule may triumph with Dauid The Lord is with mee Psal 56.4 Rom 8.33.34 I will not feare what man can doe vnto me and with the Apostle Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect It is God that iustifieth who is he that condemneth Secondly Free accesse vnto the throne of grace with boldnesse and confidence Christ as it were leading vs by the hand into the presence of God that we might enioy his grace in presence When wee were enemies wee fled from the throne of God but being reconciled by his grace we haue free accesse to come into his presence to aske what we will with assurance it shall be done vnto vs. Rom. 5.2 Ephes 2.8 By whom sc Christ also wee haue accesse by faith into this grace wherein we stand Thirdly Ioy in the Holy Ghost vnspeakable and glorious 1. Pet. 1.8 which doth so lift the faithfull aboue the Heauens that being cheared with the Essence of Gods fauour and contented with Christ alone they despise the world and the base things therein Rom. 5.2 3. We reioyce in hope of the glory of God And not only so but we glory in tribulations also Thus Dauid prayed Psal 51.8 12. Make mee to heare ioy and gladnesse Restore vnto me the ioy of thy saluation All these rare and pretious priuiledges spring from faith for without faâ—th no man can please God Heb. 11.8 by faith wee haue peace with God by faith we come vnto him by faith we reioyce in him Rom. 15.13 Phil. 1.25 The God of Hope fill you with all ioy and peace in belieuing In whom wee haue boldnesse and accesse with confidence by the faith of him But this faith which highly aduâ—nceth the Belieuer to boast in God all the day long lifteth not vp it selfe waxeth not proud towards the Lord. Free remission sweet peace assurance of Gods fauour familiar and heauenly communion with him and whatsoeuer rich token of speciall and intire good will God bestoweth these cannot puffe vp but abase the Belieuer in himselfe the higher hee is exalted by the free mercy of God the lower hee humbleth himselfe before God Ezek. 16.62 63 36.31 32. I will establish my couenant with thee and thou shalt know that I am the Lord That thou mayest remember and be confounded and neuer open thy mouth any more because of thy shame when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done saith the Lord God Sixtly By faith we continue in this blessed state in sweet peace and fellowship with God We can neuer take the eye from Christ but immediately the remembrance of former sinnes doth trouble and vexe the conscience and daily weaknesses and infirmities will breed no small disturbance if we doe not sue forth a daily pardon Therefore as we belieue to Iustification so must we continue in belieuing for the actuall pardon of our daily trespasses The Apostle saith Rom. 4.5 God iustifieth the vngodly but by vngodly in that sentence of Paul he is meant who doth not bring his workes or merits nor looke to his graces qualities acts or vertues in the matter of Iustification but doth bewaile his impietie and flie to the throne of grace for pardon being conuinced of guiltinesse Thus Abraham was all his time comprehended in this Catalogue and is made by the Apostle as a perpetuall so a principall instance of that finall resolution Rom. 3.28 Therefore wee conclude that a man is iustified by faith without the workes of the Law For if belieuing in him that iustifieâ—h the vngodly was imputed for righteousnesse vnto Abraham afâ—er hee had beene for a long time more righteous then the ordinary sort of Gods Saâ—nts or chosen Abraham all this while vnfainâ—dly belieued himselfe to be a sinner no way iustified in himselfe but seeking to be iustified by him who if hee shew not mercy to sinners whilest they bee sinners all mankind should perish vtterly The drift and scope of Paul in the third and fourth to the Romanes is only this That although men may bee truly iust and holy in respect of others and rich in all manner of workes as Abraham was thus farre knowne and approued not by men only but by God yet when they appeare before Gods Tribunall who best knowes as well the imperfection as the truth of their integritie they still acknowledge themselues to bee vnprofitable seruants alwayes praying Lord forgiue vs our sinnes and be mercifull to our offences So that all men euen the most holy are sinners in themselues and in the sight of God in the Apostles sence and are iustified by grace not of debt after the infusion of supernaturall holinesse The sincere and vpright man in whose spirit there is no guile Psal 32.1 2. Rom. 4.4 5 6. is iustified not because of his sinceritie but because the Lord imputeth not that sinne vnto him which he still vnfainedly acknowledgeth to be in him continually praying Lord enter not into iudgement with thy seruant alwayes confessing Lord in thy sight no flesh liuing can be iustified Psal 143.2 to wit otherwise then by not entring into iudgement or by non-imputation of his sinnes And faith that layeth hold vpon the promise of mercie offered in Christ causeth a man euery day to humble himselfe for sinne and to seeke pardon by earnest prayer euery day it receiueth and feedeth vpon the promises made in Christ and so assureth that his sinnes are done away as a mist And thus a Christian may liue by faith for many dayes or rather all the dayeâ— of his life in sweet peace and communâ—on with God if hee will leaâ—ne to maintaine and tâ—ke paines to
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
in Heauen a better and an enduring substance who for this hope endured the crosse and despised shame Heb. 12.2 as is testified of our Sauiour himselfe By faith Moses when he was come to yeares refused to be called the sonne of Pharoahs daughter chusing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God then to enioy the pleasures of sinne for a season Heb. 11.24 25 26. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches then the treasures of Egypt for he had respect vnto the recompence of reward Heb. 11.35 By faith others were tortured not accepting deliuerance that they might obtaine a better resurrection The way or meanes to stirre vp faith in these promises The meanes to stirre vp faith in these promises is First to humble our selues vnfainedly in respect of our miserable and accursed estate by sinne and former carelessenesse to seeke mercie enter possession and get assured euidence of that euerlasting inheritance Woe is mee how I am fallen from that state of blessednesse wherein I was first created into a most miserable and accursed condition I haue grieuously sinned and God is highly prouoked the sentence of the Law is alreadie gone forth I am shut vp vnder wrath and if I haue my desert I can expect nothing but the terrible execution of fearefull vengâ—ance denounced Mortalitie as a worme corrupteth my bodie ignorance and lust tyrannize in my soule my condition is exposed to a thousand vanities and wearisome courses and through feare of death the vpshot of euils Heb. 2.15 I am subiect to bondage all my life In my first estate I was made far aboue all visible Creatures and by free bountie lifted vp to bee the Fauourite of the most High God but by wilfull disobedience I am fallen into Gods displeasure and lie prisonâ—r vnder the reuenging iustice of the law Nor is my wretched condition worse then my carelesnesse to be deliuered from it The bruite beasts take it as a grieuous thing to bee ensnared and taken but I haue delighted in bondâ—ge and counted it a libertie to liue a slaue to Satan and to follow things and courses pleasing corrupt nature Thou Lord of thine infinite grace hast proclaimed libertie published peace and made offer of a better state and condition in Christ then what I formerly lost in Adam But I preferred spirituall thraldome to libe tie death to life and chose rather to follow the temptations of Satan and to fulfill the lusts of the flesh then to come vnto Christ that I might be saued The men of this world are wise in their generation to accept of earthly commodities when they bee offered and not to put by the opportunitie but when the Lord hath made promise of euerlasting life if I would renounce the pleasures of sinne and foregoe the vanities of this world I haue followed vanitie and neglected mercie I haue dispised the great saluation and walked in the paths of death and condemnation O Lord it is thine owne worke of grace in me that euer I did bethinke my selfe of the danger of my course and repent to lay hold vpon the promises of life Nor hath my slouth and negligence to seeke euidence get assurance and enter possession of that glorious inheritance by growing vp in peace ioy holinesse and sanctification been lesse odâ—ous then former carelessenesse Since I haue been enlightned and tasted of the heauenly gift I haue sleighted the promises of mercy which should haue been my continuall meditation I haue neglected to get and keepe the holy spirit holy in it selfe making them holy in whom as temples it dwelleth the seale and earnest of the promised inheritance Ah what a dwarfe am I in holinesse and sanctification for these many yeares how little haue I gained My spirituall sight is exceeding dimme my passions boisterous my heart vnquiet my thoughts euill my nature corrupt I am dull to good apt to sinne feeble and of no power to withstand temptations shaken with many feares touching my saluation soone vnsetled and remoued from stedfastnesse by any contrarie opposition farthest to seeke for euidence and assurance when I stand in greatest need All this is come vpon me through mine owne foolishnesse because I haue not acquainted my selfe with the promises of grace nourished the motions of the Spirit carefully improued the gifts receiued endeauoured after perfection and laboured to bee sealed more and more with the promised Spirit What might I haue growen vnto in Christ if I had instantly desired the Spirit of Grace of him who giueth it heeded the inspirations and suggestions of it and by all conscionable meanes sought increase of grace and assurance of saluation Long ere now I might haue attained fulnesse of spirituall wisdome and vnderstanding strength of faith power of grace sweet communion and fellowship with God libertie and freedome to walke with God comfortable possession in part and good assurance of eternall life in due time to bee accomplished whereas by reason of sloth and negligence the powers of grace are so enfeebled that I can scarce breathe sigh crawle in the way to Heauen my heart is desolate I am a stranger to the comforts of godlinesse terrified with the remembrance of death readie to faint at the apprehension of trouble and danger and continually disquieted with feares and doubts touching mine owne saluation if the world with the things thereof haue not cast mee into the sleepe of securitie for a season The slothfull man is iustly condemned who had rather starue in Summer for lacke of bread then plough in winter because of the cold Wee censure him that had rather go lame and crooked as long as hee liueth then bee at a little paine to moue an aking ioynt He is worthily accounted improuident who neglecting to gather in his writings or sue out fine and recouerie will hâ—zard the losse of his whole inheritance My folly hath exceeded herein who to liue in peace and quiet with sinne haue impouerished my soule inâ—paired my stocke of grace wounded my conscience depriued my selfe of many rich priuiledges of grace which I might haue enioyed weakened my title to mine euerlasting inheritance and beene contented to creepe feebly towards the heauenly Canaan thinking it better to keepe where I was with quiet then to make my condition by still dealing with my selfe too too restlesse The sluggards shamelesse excuse hath fearefully bewitched me Better is an handfull with ease Eccles 4.6 then both hands full with trauell and vexation of Spirit The more excellent the inheritance I hope for is the more detestable is my sluggishnes and folly that I haue not earnestly sought to make it sure vnto my selfe and entred possession thereof so farre as in this life is giuen of grace Secondly 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 sufficiencie of Christs merits and greatnesse excellencie and worth of the benefit
They are spots in the feasts of Charitie Inde verse 12. Matth. 24.38 â—9 who feed without feare Eating drinking building matter of marriage the world shall be drowned in these when Christ comes to Iudgement How many times doe the best offend in lawfull things The pleasure we take in these things Iob 1.5 how insensibly doth it steale the heart away from spiâ—ituall delights how doth it indispose the frame of the soule to heauenly exercises how doth it cherish wrath Prou. 23.1 2 3. and foster vnbridled passions Daintie meates are very dangerous and deceitfull for the sensible delight they giue whereby the appetite is inordinately moued after them doth presse downe the soule that it cannot mount aloft in spirituall contemplation These euils faith doth wisely foresee and watch to preuent Sixtly It lifteth vp the soule in thankesgiuing Our Sauiour blessed the Table as well by praising God for his mercie Deut. 8.10 1 Tim. 4 4 as by prayer for a blessing The creatures are not ours but the Lords we must not meddle with them before wee haue craued leaue and when we haue made vse of them for supply of our necessitie we must not forget to returne praise If men borrow ought of their neighbour when they bring it home they forget not to giue thankes Great is the misery of man if hee want these outward comforts and the greater our miserie without them the more â—ncomprehensible is the Lords mercie in supplying our nâ—cessitie The prouidence of God in ministr ng daily food is no lesse wonderfull then was his feedâ—ng of Israel in the wildernesse with Mâ—nna and Quailes from Heauen for as we are not fed as they were so â—re we preserued from their necessitie That the earth should yeeld her increase for our daly sustenance so as wee feele no extremitie is it not as great a blessing as to bee supplied from Heauen when we are brought into distresse who would not chuse rather neuer to be sicke then to recouer by miracle what man would noâ— rather enioy the constant benefit of eye-sight then to bee restored after long blindnesse Besides they bee not simply fauours which for the present sustaine nature but they are some small pittance of our childs portion pawnes of our heauenly inheritance which doth adde much vnto their sweetnesse If friends be absent a letter a token serues much to maintaine loue and kindnesse now these be some of those loue-tokens which our heauenly Father sendeth vnto vs that he might draw our loue vnto him Seuenthly Faith is frugall compassionate industrious After wee haue beene refreshed it suffers not the meate which remâ—ineth to be lost but reserueth it for good vse At greater feasts it is mindfuâ—l of the poore Iohn 6.12 Amos 6.6 Esay 5.12 at ordinarie meales it remembers the affliction of Ioseph regardeth the worke of the Lord and consiâ—ereth the operation of his hâ—nds For the mercies of God receiued by faith doe leaue an imp ession of his mercie vpon the soule and so our compassion towards others is increased as the mercies of God are multiplied vpon vs. Daily refreshing renueth the continuall remembrance of our infirmities and begetteh a liuely sense of the miseries oâ— them that want and stand in neede And when vigour of Mâ—nde anâ— body is repaired it setteth vs about the worke and businesse whereunto wee are â—ppointed of God God giues none food to liue idle Men looke for work from them to whom they giue meate drinke and wages and shall not wee labour in the work of God who liue daily on his allowance CHAP. IX What it is to liue by faith touching the Commandements which God hath giuen for direction of our liues according to which wee ought to walke IN the word of grace the Lord calleth for vniuersall voluntarie sincere vniforme constant obedience and promiseth both to â—nable his Children to doe what is pleasing and to accept of their willing though weake seruice The first of these branches is apparent and well knowne to them thâ—t be any whit exercised in the word the second hath beene proued at large alreadie neuerthelesse that weake Christians might haue in readinesse some grounds of faith in these particulars it will not be sâ—perfluous to point to some passages of Scripture where they may see them confirmed The Lord calls for willing chearefull vniuersall vnfained constant obedience Gen. 17.1 Exod. 19.5 That Christians are bound to serue God willingly and cheerefully without constraint vniuersally in holines and righteousnes vnfainedly as in his sight al the dayes of their life constantly in all estates vnto the end these few texts may be sufficient to pâ—oue I am the Almighty God walke before me and be thou perfect If yee will obey my voyce indeede and keepe my couenant then yee shall be a peculiar treasure vnto mee aboue all people Deut. 5.29 and 6.2 O that there were such an heart in them that they would feare me and keepe my commandements alwayes that it might bee well with them Deut. 6.17 and with their Children for euer You shall diligently keepe the Commandements of the Lord your God â—f thou shalt hearken diligently vnto the voyce of the Lord thy God Deut. 28.1 to â—bseruâ— and to doe all his Commandements which I commaund thee this day the Lord thy God will set thee on high aboue all the nations of the earth Take diligent heede to doe the commaundement and the lâ—w which Moses the seruant of the Lord charged you Josh 22.5 and 23.8 24.14 1 Chro. 28.9 to loue the Lord your God and to walke in all his wayes and to keâ—pe his Commandements and to cleaue vnto him and to serue him with all your heart and withall your soule Blessed are they that keepe iudgement Psal 106.3 and he that doth iustice at all times To this end are we deliuered out of the hâ—nds of our enemies Luk. 1.74.75 that we might serue him without feare in holinâ—sse and righteousnesse before him all the dayes our life Pro 23.17 Be thou in the feare of the Lord all the day long And looke what seruice the Lord doth expect and call for Psal 25.12 that he will enable his people in couenant to performe What man is he that feareth the Lord him will he teach in the way that he shall chuse Deut. 30.6 The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart and the heart of thy seed to the loue Lord thy God with all thy heart and withall thy soule that thou maist liue Verse 8. Ieremi 24.7 And thou shalt returne and obey the voyce of the Lord and doe all his commandements which I commaund thee this day And I will giue them an heart to know mee that I am the Lord Ezek. 11.19 and they shall be my people and I will be their God for they shall returne vnto me with their whole heart And I will put a new Spirit within you and I will
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
be borne p. 320 Wee stand in need to bee holpen against discouragements in affliction ibid. God correcteth 1. In great wisdome p. 321 2. Measure ibid. 3. For a moment p. 321. 322 4. In loue and tendernesse ibid. And that 1. to proue 2. To purge 3. To refine 4. To confirme grace p. 322. 323 He will deliuer the righteous out of trouble p. 323 Is tender ouer them in trouble p. 323. 324 And present for their helpe p. 324. 325 It is most necessary that we learne to liue by faith in afflictions p. 326 For 1. Faith is the ground of silent and quiet expectation of saluation ibid. 2. Faith in God is the only stay and support of the heart in trouble and affliction p. 326. 327 3. Faith is the shield of the soule whereby it is defended against all the fiery darts of the Deuill ibid. 4. Faith only supplies all our wants in affliction pag. 326. 327 5. Afflictions profit not if they bee not mixed with faith in them that beare them ibid. The godly are allowed to liue by faith in afflictions For 1. Godlinesse hath the promise of this life and that which is to come p. 327 2. The godly haue had this confidence in former times whose practice is both a token of our priuiledge and patterne of our dutie p. 328 3. God is hereby much glorified that wee relie vpon him as our rocke of defence ibid. 4. The Lord commandeth vs to waite vpon him in times of trouble ibid. 5. Confidence in God doth the more binde him as it were to doe vs good p. 328. 329 The acts of faith in respect of these promises 1. It looketh vnto God and acknowledgeth his hand in all afflictions whosoeuer be the instruments p. 329. 330 2. It teacheth that wee are in such distresses out of which none can help vs but the strong helper of Israel p. 330 This drawes the heart from carnall repose in meanes or friends and expels vexations and distracting cares ibid. 3. It wisely directeth vs to consider that the cause of all misery and sorrow is sinne p. 330. 331 4. Faith meekeneth the heart willingly to submit it selfe to the good pleasure of God and patiently to beare his correction p. 331 Faith comforteth the conscience and curbeth vnbridled passions ibid. The considerations whereby faith perswadeth vnto meeknesse be many strong and irresistible As 1. The desert of sinne which is farre greater then any thing we suffer p. 332 2. The hand that layeth the rod vpon our backe viz. God our most wise iust gracious and louing Father ibid. 3. That this Cup how bitter and wringing soeuer is a medicine to cure not a poyson to destroy ministred in great loue and tender compassion to driue out corruption confirme faith preserue from falling strengthen grace weane from the world and bring neerer vnto God p. 332. 333. 334 4. After serious humiliation faith bringeth tidings that God will looke downe from Heauen in mercy and send helpe in fittest season p. 335 5. Faith doth re-minde vs of our conformity with Christ in afflictions and of his partnership with vs therein p. 335. 336 6. Faith setteth before vs the infinite recompence of reward ibid. The first act of faith It teacheth wisdome to iudge aright of all afflictions p. 335. 336. 337 6. True and vnfained confidence will not keepe silence in the eares of the Lord nor cease to importune his aide c. p. 337. 338 7. It rayseth the heart being conscious of it weakenesse to rest vpon the Lord for strength who makes vs able to doe all things through his strengthening of vs. pag. 338. 339. 340 8. By faith the godly heart is drawne to vse all meanes of helpe that God in his prouidence doth afford but resteth quietly vpon Gods promises and assurance of his presence aboue all likelihoods and appearances p. 340. 341 This manner of dependance on the promises which faith worketh is absolute without limitation of time measure of affliction or manner of deliuerance p. 341. 342 What faith turneth it selfe to meditate vpon for support in this case p. 342. 343 9. Faith belieueth one contrary in another and out of the deepest distresses gathereth assurance of sweetest deliuerances p. 343. 344 10. It reioyceth in tribulations and triumpheth before the victory p. 345 We must liue by faith in the heauiest afflictions and of longest continuance p. 345. 346 The acts of faith in this case 1. It teacheth that many and strong afflictions of long continuance are no more then necessary p. 346. 347 2. Faith in the greatest extremities suggesteth that we are vnder the hand of God 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 p. 347. 348 3. Faith setteth a man about this worke that is seriously to make inquiry into his heart and wayes deeply to humble himselfe before God and feruently to intreat mercy for sinne past wisdome to make vse of present misery and fauour to be set free p. 349. 350 4. Faith raiseth the heart to expect abundance of mercie from God and through prayer and supply of the Spirit to reape profit and taste comfort answerable to the sorrowes it hath felt and endured p. 350. 351 Liuing by faith in times of tryall and visitation doth fit and pâ—epare the heart to thankefulnesse when light shall shine from on high and that so much the more as our afflictions haue beene the sharper p. 351 In affliction faith seemeth to be most weake and corruption most stirring 1. Many doubtfull thoughts ascend in Christians hearts partly because they know not that they are allowed to liue by faith in an afflicted state partly because they iudge amisse of their afflictions p. 351. 352 2. Gods physicke whilst it is driuing out corruption makes vs feele and complaine of it more then euer p. 352 3. In afflictions faith is tryed the sweetnesse of it is not so much felt ibid. 4. It is the office of faith to receiue the potion and further the kindly working of it which cannot be done vnlesse it stirre vp godly sorrow and wrestle painfully to driue out corruption p. 352. 353 Helpes to stirre vp faith in deepe afflictions when all meanes faile 1. Wee must lay open our sorrowes before the Lord and powre out our complaint before him pag. 353. 354 2. Confesse our sinnes with hatred and godly sorrow ibid. 3. Take vp our hearts for halting through vnbeliefe and call vpon them to rest in the promise of diuine aide assistance and deliuerance 354. 355 4. Importune the Lord and direct our supplications before him p. 355. 356 5. Quicken our resolution to trust in the Lord at all times euen when all refuge faileth p. 356 CHAP. VIII GOd hath made many promises of earthly blessings p. 357 In speciall the Lord promiseth length of dayes health strength wealth fauour peace joy good successe safety good Name and all these
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.
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
Iesus Christ how can we be perswaded touching his gracious pleasure till we be acquainted with his word whereby he hath declared it How can I belieue or certainly know that a friend will doe me this or that good turne vnlesse I haue his word or promise to that effect no more could we euer know or bee perswaded that God would forgiue our sinnes or shew mercie vpon vs should hee not by his Word signifie and make knowne the same Rom. 10.8 Iohn 12 6. Marke 1.15 Rom. 1.16 Isay 53.1 The Word is the Word of faith propounding things to bee belieued and commanding vs to belieue The Gospell is the word of the kingdome the power of God to saluation the arme of God Faith is the mother of Prayer Encreased by Prayer and the vse of the Sacraments Prayer a meanes of the increase and conseruation of faith The Sacraments doe confirme conserue and increase faith begunne but the Word only is the instrument to beget faith Two things are here to be looked vnto First that we seuer not what God hath ioyned together Secondly that we attribute not to the instrument what is proper to the Authour For the Word by the Ordinance of God is appointed to represent to our mindes what it is ordained to signifie and by it as an instrument it pleaseth God to worke but the whole force efficacie and power doth flow from God and he that created man at the first Marke 16.20 1. Cor. 12.6 is his restorer to life eternall If it be demanded why doe not all belieue that heare the Word Why all doe not belieue that heare the Word The answere is Mans wilfulnesse is the fundamentall radicall prime cause of obstinate vnbeliefe and he belieueth not because he will not belieue which disposition the will hath of it selfe by nature But the reason why one belieueth and not another is because the Holy Ghost doth not inwardly teach all men but whom he will and ioyne his efficacie to the Woâ—d preached and heard in whom he will The cause of this his will we are not bound to render we cannot render but must rest in the good pleasure of God Though faith be the gift of God men must vse the meanes to obtaine it And though no man doe belieue by the externall hearing of the Word vnlesse the inward operation of the Holy Ghost regenerating and giuing faith doe accompany it yet must all men giue attendance to the hearing of the Word preached and diligent reading because it is the meanes that God hath ordained for the begetting of faith and by precept diuine they are thereunto obliged Neither shall it excuse any man to say hee could not belieue and if he should make triall his endeauour would be in vaine Such friuolous pretences shall nothing auaile before God The lesse able wee are to belieue of our selues the more carefull should wee bee to vse the meanes that God hath ordained that we might obtaine it Marriage was neuer held superfluous or vnnecessary for the propagation of mankind because the reasonable soule is not generated by our parents but immediately created and infused of God That faith is the sole gift of God wholly infused not partly acquired by vs should rather incite then any way abate our endeuours for attaining it For faith is not giuen but in the vse of the meanes and though he giue not faith vnto all men he violently withholds faith from no man that seeketh it but denieth it iustly to them that willingly preferre the pleasures of sin before the pearle of the Gospell And as Christ infused not humane life into trees stockes and stones but into bodies passiuely organized and figured for the fit habitation of the humane soule so neither doth hee ordinarily bestow supernaturall grace on euery one that hath a reasonable soule but on such onely as are by him passiuely prepared for it The conclusion is that wee must waite daily at the posts of Wisdomes gate meditate seriously vpon the Word of life and nourish the motions of Gods Spirit as the meanes whereby faith is begunne and increased in vs. CHAP. III. Of Iustifying faith what it is and what things are implied therein § 1. IVstifying faith presupposeth the knowledge of God and Christ §. 1. Faith presupposeth knowledge of the precepts of the word and promises of the Gospel Knowledge is an antecedent if not a part of faith Knowledge I say not of the reason and nature of the th ngs but of reuelation which rests in the meaning of the testimonie distinctly vnderstood The things which God commandeth vs to belieue exceed all naturall capacitie cannot be knowne in their essence and properties as things naturall are by the light of reason But euery belieuer must know it to be the Word of God which he receiueth and what is signified thereby and the things to be as they are reuealed though he cannot comprehend the reason or causes of them Iob 19.25 Iohn 17.3 2. Tim. 1 1â— 2. Tim. 2.7 Acts 26.18 Mat. 11.25 26. Ephes 1.8 â— Iohn 6.15 1. Iohn 4.16 Knowledge is put for faith as that which euer accompanieth it When God enricheth men with faith he is said to open their eyes to reueale vnto them the misterie of his will and they are said to bee taught and instructed of him Out of question faith is a most wise grace making them that be endued therewith wise vnto saluation and that euident to the belieuer which of it selfe is incomprehensible In faith historicall there must be knowledge of the historie and truth of the Gospell much more in faith Iustifying There is such relation betwixt Faith and the Word Iohn 20.21 Rom. 10.17 Esay 55.3 Col. 1.6 2. â— Ephes 1.12 that without the Word there can be no Faith as the foundation being taken away that which should bee built vpon it cannot stand The order whereby men are brought to the faith is this first they heare and then they belieue Faith is an assent to the truth and promises of God But no assent can be giuen to a thing vtterly vnknowne What is more absurd then to dreame of a blinde assent to wee know not what to a thing wee neuer heard off Howsoeuer faith apprehends mysteries not to be inquired into yet the proposition and doctrine of all the Articles of faith must be distinctly conceiued Popish Obiections preuented that a man bee able to vnderstand what they are If a man cannot giue a reason of the thing belieued hee must be able to giue a reason of his beliefe 2. Cor. 10.5 Bellar. de Iustif lib. 1. cap. 7. Faith captiuates our vnderstanding vnto the obedience of Christ but is not ignorant of Christ or of his doctrine It giueth credit and submitteth to the truth acknowledged though it seeme absurd to carnall reason but it cherisheth not ignorance of diuine mysteries exceeding all humane capacitie It subiecteth reason to the doctrine of God and his reuelation but
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
The conclusion is The Word of God is the generall obiect of Iustifying f ith the speciall promises of mercie and forgiuenesse in Christ Iesus is the speciall obiect of faith as it iustifieth § 3. This beliefe in the rich mercie of God frameth the Image of God in our hearts §. 3. Faith in Gods special mercy frameth his Image in the Heart and imprinteth the vertues of Christs death vpon the soule as by application the seale doth set it stampe vpon the waxe A man cannot walke in the Sunne but he must beare it hue no more can he belieue in the grace and mercie of God to the pardon of his offences but he must beare the Image of Gods mercie vpon his soule And so faith in Christ doth incite to the vniforme studious practice of pietie towards God who of his gracious free vndeserued loue and mercie is pleased to repute Belieuers as his Sonnes by adoption and compasse them with his fauours and of mercie kindnesse long-suffering forbearance forgiuenesse towards men looking to God for it patterne whom it must and ought to follow The Belieuer cannot put on Christ as a Iustifier but he must put on the bowels of mercies kindnesse humblenesse of minde meeknesse long-suffering forbearance c. and the closer he putteth on Christ vnto righteousnesse the moâ—e quicke and operatiue bee these graces of thâ— Spirit more liuely the operations theÌ„selues that issue from theÌ„ as quickned animated by that faith CHAP. VII Iustifying faith is a particular and certaine confidence resting vpon the mercie of God in Christ for pardon and forgiuenesse not an assured perswasion that our sinnes be alreadie pardon d and forgiuen §. 1. Iustifyi g f i th is a particular and certaine confidence § 1 IVst fying faith doth not onely belieue the promise of mercie in generall as that there is foâ—giuenes for them that lay hold vpon it but it relieth vpon the promise for our owne particular and dâ—pends wholly thereupon looking after no other helpe For trust or confidence importeth the application of some good to him that trusteth and so he that casteth himselfe vpon the promises of mercie drawes neere vnto Christ throwes himselfe into his armes and graspes about him with all his might Looke how the poore Infant affrighted with the apprehension of some danger clinges close to the parent for succour and defence or a man in danger of drowning layes hold vpon some willow that growes vpon the bank and hangs thereon for safetie so doth the soule pursued by the terrours of the Law and affrighted with the vgly sight of sinne flie with speed vnto Iesus Christ as hee is held forth in the Gospell hang vpon him and to die for it will neuer loose his hold For in him it apprehends plentifull redemption and out of him it knowes no succour is to be â—ound In this sence faith applyeth the promise of grace to a mans selfe in particular that is it particularly relieth vpon the grace of God in Iesus Chrâ—st to obtaine pardon and forgiuenesse Numb 21.9 Iohn 3.14 15. Euen as they that were stung with the fierie Serpents did come and looke to the brazen Serpent belieuing to find the healing of those deadly stings that were fastened in them Thus a soule stung with sin and feare of damnation commeth by faith to Christ relying on him trusting to finde in and through him cure of those deadly euils wherewith it is wounded If a Prince should offer a generall pardon to Rebels causing it to be proclaimed that if they would lay downe armes submit themselues and flie to his mercie they should be receiued to fauour and wee should see many heereupon cast downe their weapons and sue for mercy would wee not presently know that they belieued the promise that they should bee pardoned So when Christ saith to sinners come vnto mee or belieue on mee and I will ease you what faith thinke we haue sinners who resort vnto him Is it not a beliefe that he will according to his word deliuer them from sinne and death and restore them to life eternall If there bee a particular word or that which is equiualent then there is a particular faith But there is a particular word or that which is equiualent For the thirstie and barren soule that is stung with the terrours of the Law they that labour are heauie laden Math. 11.28 Esay 55.1 2. 1. Iohn 3.24 Iohn 3.16.36 Acts 10.43 13.39 Rom. 10.9 10. are inuited to come vnto Ch ist and exhorted intreated perswaded commanded to belieue the promise is Whosoeuer belieueth in him shall not perish but haue euerlasting life which is as much as Thomas thou art burdened and doest labour thou art wearie and thirstie come thou vnto mee behold I inuite belieue thou for vnto thee doe I reach forth the promise of mercie receiue it and thou shalt â—iue Foâ— the particulars are euer in their generals How can we proue Gal. 3.10 that Iohn or Iames are by nature vnder wrath and the curse otherwise it cannot be proued then thus Cursed is euery one that continueth not in all things that are wâ—itten in the booke of the Law to doe them How can we proue that Thomas or Peter are bound to loue the Lord and to abstaine from murther fornication theft but because it is said to all men Thou shalt loue the Lord Thou shalt not steale Deut 6.5 Iohn 7.37 c. And thus it is said to all Let euery one that is a thirst come vnto me and drinke Belieue in the Lord Iesus Acts 16 31. and thou shalt be saued whence euery thirstie and burdened soule may conclude I ought to bâ—lieue God calleth and commandeth me to belieue he hath giuen me his promise and offers mercie and belieuing I shall be saued The faith of true Belieuers goeth further then the faith of Deuils can doe But thâ—y may and doe belieue or know that Christ died in generall for sinners and that they shall be saued who belieue in him If Iustifying faith haue not in it some particular confidence then it is not opposed to despaire so as to expell it For things that will not endure the one the other most haue contrarietie as fire and water if the one doe not fight and driue forth the other then may they dwell together But true faith and vtter desperation cannot stand together Iames 1.6 Math. 6.30 1â— 31 Rom. 4.20 Heb. 10 2â— but doe expell each other Moreouer true faith in Christ doth breed confidence and boldnesse according to that Let vs enter with confidence and boldnesse through faith on him True faith therefore hath in it particular confidence in the grace of God For as nothing can make hot which hâ—th not heate in it selfe â—o can nothing make confident which after some manner hath not confidence in it To a Math. 1.20 2.20 John 17.8 receiue is to take in particular to a mans selfe or
§ 3. If Satan be driuen from this hold hee sollicites to feare because many doubts and motions of distrust arise in the heart §. 3. 3. They are full of doubtings Psal 2â— 1.2 and 77.10.11 as if there could bee no faith where there are so many doubts And it cannot be denied but motions to distrust argue faith to bee weake which is a want that many of Gods people doe bewaile in themselues and for which they doe well-nigh despaire in themselues Remedie Faith may bee true that is weake Ioh. 4 39 41.52 Math. 20.20.18 Luk. 9.45 Mar. 9.32 Luk 24.11 Iohn 13.38 and 14.5 Act. 1.6 Notwithstanding let not any bee out of heart for the small and scantie measure of his faith if he huae true faith wel-rooted For faith may bee true and liuely that is but weake and small For difference in degrees doth not varie the nature of wel-rooted affiance And God requireth the truth of faith but it is not necessarie that it bee perfect in degree If a Prince should proferre a pardon to a malefactor vpon this condition onely that hee receiue it would hee question his Soueraignes bountie and grace because he put forth a palsey-shaking hand To doubt of Gods mercy because our faith is feeble is rather to relie vpon our faith then vpon the Lord. It is not the excellencie and great measure of faith that doth make vs righteous before God but Christ whom faith doth receiue and apprehend which a weake faith can doe as well as the strongest They that did looke on the brasen serpent but with one eye yea but with halfe an eye were as well and fully cured of the deadly stings of the fierie serpents as those which beheld it with both As a small and weake hand is able to receiue an almes as well as a stronger and greater so our faith though feeble doth receiue Christ as truely and effectually for the saluation of the belieuer as the greatest and most strong In the manner of receiuing there is some difference for the more firme our confidence the gâ—eater is our comfort but in the truth none at all Againe it is not faith but Christ receiued by faith that nourisheth to life eternall Meate reached to the mouth by a trembling hand sustaineth the body no lesse then if it were applied by an arme of strength the goodnes of the nourishment receiuing no change or alteration from the externall instrument of application so here Christ is the same to them that receiue him truly though it be done in one with more in another with lesse strength of affiance We read in Scripture that Christ reproued some for their small faith that they might stirre vp themselues more confidently to relie vpon him but wee haue not heard Math. 12.20 Esay 42.3 Mark 9.24 that he euer reiected any that came to him in weakenes desi ing to be confirmed The least grainâ— of faith if true is acceptable vnto the Lord Hee will not quench the smoaking flaxe His dislike of our weaknes is an argument of his loue care for our good who would haue vs to be setled in the assurance of his fauour and not to wauer in vncertainties to our great discomfort The strait charge he hath laid vpon vs to belieue the seuere threatnings annexed to that his CoÌ„mandement if we obey it not is a manifest euidence of his bountie will good towards vs who is pleased thus to binde vs vnto himselfe to confirme vnto vs his loue so vndoubtedly to assure vs of his mercie that it is to him a matter of vnkindnes if we shall once make doubt or scruple of it Doth any man mistrust the affection of his friend because hee hath oft charged him not to be strange to make bold with him in any matter of importaÌ„ce need hath rebuked him because he stands aloofe as though he shold not be welcome § 4. Some are dismaid for that they cannot keep their faith for any continuance strong and stedfast §. 4. 4. They cannot keepe their faith strong and stedfast but they feele it wauering inconstant flitting so that they fall into great sorrow feare and doubtings For their comfort they must know that there is no shadow of change with God Remedy Iames 1.17 Psal 77.10.11 Rom. 11.29 and that it is their weaknesse so to thinke Men are variable in their affections whom they dote vpon this day they detest to morrow But such lightnesse and vanitie is farre from our God His loue mercie and gifts of grace are all vnchangeable Also they must be perswaded that labouring after and groaning to rest their wearied soules vpon the promises of mercy being neuer satisfied till their doubtfullnesse be remoued will bring a good end Want of feeling argueth not want of faith so that they shall neither miscarrie nor be fo saken of the Lord in the lowest depth of their distresse And though for a time they feele not that they haue faith or life they may truely be aliue vnto God as it is euident by sunâ—rie testimonâ—es and properties of the new birth which may bee diâ—cerned in them who doe most complaine of their estates A man suddenly striken to the ground and amazed with some violent blow wanteth not life altogether though hee perceiue it not Breathing and mouing are infallible tokens of life in the body which by many likelihoods appeareth to bee deâ—d so painting breathing after the consolations of the Lord and the l ght of his countenance be vndoubted signes of the new birth though they bee not easily discerned especially in the houre of temptation by them in whom they are Wherefore the weake in faith must be wise in heart and not measure themselues by their present faintings and infirmities but wait vpon God and vse the meanes which hee hath prescribed in his word As child en first learne to goe by a stoole or forme sicke folke recouer their tast or strength by little and little plants shoote not vp suddenly and at once but by degrees corne suffers many a sharpe storme before it come to râ—penes so faith hath it beginning growth and confirmation calmes and stormes to ripen it If it be demaunded why doth God deale thus with his children and suffer them to fall into such depth of doubting sorrow and feare The answer is that in regard of the belieuer himselfe this doubting is a weakenesse Why the faithfull are subiect to such doubts and want of feeling which must be with-stood and ouercome For the attaining whereto the occasion of this doubting in him who hath once belieued must bee searched out and so remoued which ordinarily is our owne infirmitie neglect of dutie and sleightnes in the manner of performing the same or some particular sin fo pronesse to sinne and nourishing the same or long lying therein whereupon the tender conscience feareth that his former comfort was but deceitfull and vaine and so doubteth of his good
fruit of grace is called to come vnto Christ the fountaine of liuing waters that in him and by him he might be eased refreshed made fruitfull This gratious inuitation the poore soule must lay hold vpon and say within himselfe I will draw neere vnto the God of my saluation and trust in him for I haue his firme and stable promise that I shall be watered with grace and refreshed with comfort If I be hungrie hee hath plentie of prouision if barren drie and withered with him there is abundance of grace that I may be enriched § 10. The Deuill who goeth about like a roaring Lion seeking whom hee may deuoure will not spare to suggest to the contrite and humbled soule that God cannot or will not forgiue his transgressions which haue beene most hainous for qualitie many for number §. 10. 1. Pet. 5.8 10. Their sins be many in number and hainous for qualitie and in which hee hath long liued and continued And it may be the Lord would hereby correct our former conceits in the dayes of our vanitie Remedie that of all things pardon of sinnes is most easily obtained that it was but a sleight and small thing to sinne against God that wee might well enough take our fill of sinne for the time and turne to the Lo d in old age and sicknesse But withall this thought must be held to arise from Satan and shunned as repugnant to the truth of God The hainousnesse or number of our sins make vs not vncapable of mercie For the promise of pardon is made to repentant sinners without limitation to any time person qualitie or number of offences And for the remedie and remouall of this temptation first wee should humble our selues before God for our light esteeme of sinne and procrastination or delayes 2. Cor. 1.3 Esay 55.7 Iames 5.7 Ier. 3.1 2.3.13 14. 11. They feele the heauie burden of Gods wrath And then consider the endlesnes of Gods mercies in Christ the price which was paid for our redemption the sweet promises propounded in the Word the stablenesse and perpetuitie of the Couenant and the examples of great sinners receiued to mercie And what if a man sensibly feele the heauie burthen of Gods wrath and plainely discerne his frowning and angry countenance Though sence of Gods loue faile faith may continue strong Remedie Iob 13.15 Heb. 11.1 Faith may bee strong when wee haue no sence or feeling of mercie For faith is not grounded vpon sence and feeling but vpon Gods gracious promises immutable goodnesse and infallible truth Yea when sence and feeling cease then faith which is the euidence of things not seene beginneth it chiefe worke and the most excellent faith sheweth it selfe most clearely when we haue no sence or feeling or when we feele the plaine contrarie Faith looketh to the promise mercie power and truth of God and to the manner of his working and seeing his mercie is incomprehensible his power infinite his manner of working by contraries his truth firme and immoueable therefore in the greatest terrours it belieueth peace when God sheweth himselfe an enemie it apprehendeth him louing and mercifull and out of the deepest humiliation aboue sence or reason gathereth the sweetest consolation If euer we haue tasted of Gods loue and mercie liuely faith concludeth that wee are still in his loue and fauour Iames 1.17 Iohn 13 1 2. whatsoeuer we apprehend in our present sence and feeling for whom hee loueth to the end hee loueth them Yea faith goeth before experience or sence of mercie and waiteth for saluation in Christ in the depth of miserie grounding it selfe meerely vpon the Word of truth which cannot lie Wee belieue to taste the goodnesse of the Lord not because we haue felt alreadie how kind the Lord is though we may make vse of feelings past to sustaine vs in present agonies Experience and sence is a stay or prop for our better ease not the ground vpon which our faith leaneth and though it be shaken faith continueth firme If therefore at any time our sence and feeling tell vs one thing namely that God hath cast vs off foreuer and will neuer looke graciously vpon vs and the Word of God assure vs of another to wit that God doth loue vs and will neuer forsake vs vtterly wee are not to giue credit to our owne feeling but to Gods Word For our sence is oft deceiuing specially in matters of godlinesse but the Word of the Lord is sincere and abideth for euer In bodily diseases of some kinde wee trust more to the iudgement of a skilfull Physicion then to our owne conceits and shall we not thinke that God knowes our spirituall estate better then we our selues What can we belieue in matters of religion if we belieue not more then we can discerne by sence or reason The being of a thing and the sensible discerning of the thing to bee are diuers Howsoeuer at sometimes they concurre yet oftentimes they are seuered and disioyned Because the Sunne appeareth not to vs at Mid-night shall wee conclude that it neuer hath or will shine to vs againe Shall a childe imagine his Father neuer did or will truly loue him hereafter because for the present hee doth not admit him into his presence or afford him a fauourable and louely countenance No lesse absurd but more iniurious is it to our heauenly Father to coniecture that no grace or fauour is to bee sound with God seeing now the beames of his loue and mercie are hidden from vs. The dearest seruants of God who haue beene indued with most eminent graces and highly aduanced into speciall fauour with him haue yet in their owne sence apprehended wrath and indignation◠Psal 22.1 2. 38.3 4. 77.7 88.14 Ier. 20.14 15. instead of loue and fauour displeasure instead of comfort and trouble instead of peace Did God tenderly respect them when he seemed to teare them in pieces and to breake their bones like a roaring Lion and shall wee iudge of his affection by our present feeling § 11. But what if we haue long vsed the means of grace and can finde no comfort In this case §. 11. 12. They haue long vsed the meanes of grace and can finde no comfort Cant. 5.2.3 wee must repent of the former neglect to accept of grace offered and pray to God to forgiue and pardon it Wee must also examine our hearts with all care and diligence to finde out the sins which haply doe hinder comfort and bewailing the same stirre vp our selues to receiue the promises Remedy For oft times the entertaining of some bosome sinne which wee are loath to part withall is that which m kes the breach in our conscience And sometimes we walke without comfort not so much because God withholds it as that wee put it from vs The godly sometimes walke without comfort because they put it from themselues either not knowing that we are called to belieue or not
of his people but from such extraordinary examples wee may conclude that God will bee with vs in the fire and in the water to deliuer or comfort vs Psal 91.15 Esay 43.2 2. Cor. 4.8 7. to succour or support vs that wee shall not be forsaken much lesse ouercome Also in the practice of the seruants of God we may learne our dutie for whatsoeuer they did vpon common grounds and reasons pertaining to vs no lesse then vnto them that dutie belongeth vnto vs as wel as vnto them and their example is for our imitation Phil. 3.17 Pro. 2 20. Speciall Commandements by priuiledge giuen to some peculiar persons belong not vnto them who haue receiued no such warrant but if the immediate ground be common the dutie it selfe reacheth vnto vs. Beiâ—g acquainted with the Word if wee would liue by faâ—th we mâ—st exercise it aright therein and that conâ—isteth in diuerâ— acts First Faith doth firmely and vniuersally assent to the whole Word of God The acts of Faith Acts 24.14 and set a due price and value vpon it as that which containes the chiefe good of Man The Gospell is that pearle of price in comparison whereof the merchâ—ndise of siluer and gold are of no worth Secondly It ponders the Word seriously and treasures it vp safe Earthly men keepe the conueyances and assurances of their Lands very circumspectly Math. 13.45 46 lay vp their bils and bands write vpon them know when they expire and what to challenge by them The promises of God vnto the faithfull soule are insteed of all assurances Psal 119.11 bils and bands for his liuelihood maintenance protection assistance deliuerance comfort and euerlasting happinesse therefore hee is carefull to view them often lay them vp sure meditate vpon their stablenesse and certaintie and cast with himselfe what profit comfort they will bring in fittest season Thirdly It preserueth and keepeth in the way of the promises it perswadeth inciteth and strengthens therein All the promises of God are free his fauours of meere grace but this free fauour is in speciall bequeathed vnto the penitent meeke humble vpright that walke in the vndefiled way and doe none iniquitie and faith in these promises expecting the Lords helpe al-sufficient in due season carrieth a man forward in the path Pro. 19.16 Psal 119.1 2 3. wherein hee shall find rest and peace and will not bee turned out of the right way then which it acknowledgeth none safe or pleasant Fourthly It plies the throne of grace with earnest and continuall supplications intreating helpe and succour according vnto promise Faith hearkeneth what the Lord speaketh and speaketh backe againe in feruent groâ—nes and desires It hath the promise of God 2. Sam 7 27. and therefore is bold to pray and will not keepe silence Fiftly It looketh vp directly vnto God his wisdome power mercie and faithfulnesse If meâ—nes bee present faith beholdeth Gods hand in them if meaneâ— bee wanting the eye is lifted vp vnto the Lord who can prouide meanes or worke without meanes and against meanes and most certainly will performe what he hath promised when it shall be for our good Psal 5.3 My voice shalt thou heare in the morning O Lord in the morning will I orderly addresse vnto thee and will looke out Sixtly It resteth quietly obseruing the effects of Gods promises and triumpheth before the victorie Psal 13.5 I haue trusted in thy mercy my heart shall reioyce in thy saluation But of these more at large in the particulars following Meanes to stir vp our selues to liue by faith Now for the better stirring vp of our selues to liue by faith First Wee must find and ferret out the Infidelitie that lurketh in our bosomes condemne it and make it odious Ah how is my heart fallen by vnbeliefe Find out thy vnbeliefe What a masse of infidelitie harboureth in my breast O Lord I am grossely ignorant of thy wayes doubtfull of thy truth distrustfull of thy power and goodnes disobedient to thy Commandement Thou hast giuen rare and excellent promises in thy holy Word but I enquire not after them reioyce not in them cleaue not vnto them in truth and stedfastnes settle not mine heart vpon theÌ„ make them not mine own keepe them not safe that I may know what to challenge by them prize them not according to the worth and value of the good promised Because by a ciuill faith men belieue men therefore they seeke to get their securitie and if they haue a man of credit his word for what was desperate they are glad If they haue bonds or specialties they boxe them vp they know when they expire what to challenge by vertue of them they will doe nothing that may be preiudiciall to themselues therein But as for the promises of life made in thy Word I seeke them not build not vpon them hide them not carefully in my heart cast not seriously with my selfe what good I may assâ—redly looke for by vertue of them keepe them not continuâ—lly in thought to cut off all carnâ—ll reasonings and dâ—stractions am not wary to preuent what may bring preiudice to my soule and state Thou threatnest in thy Word but I doe not feare am not carefull to decline sin Who is so hardie as to thrust his finger into the fire But I haue suffered my selfe often to bee carried aside with lusts through vnbeliefe How many wicked motions haue I entertained what sinfull passions haue I nourished how vainly rashly wickedly haue I spoken though I haue bin warned by thy Word of threatning to the contrarie True and righteous are thy precepts according to which thou hast commanded me to walke But I haue followed the customes examples and traditions of men the suggestions of Satan and allurements of the World Lust and pâ—ssion haue oft come betwixt my heart and thy holy precepts whereby I am turned aside from the straite way of peace I can find small rellish and sauour in the Word of life I digest it not feed not vpon it hunger not after it am not changed into the nature of it I receiue not the truth or it abides not in me for substâ—ntiall nourishment I belieue no further then I see feare no more then I feele start aside in temptation The Symptomes of vnbeliefe are euident Symptomes of vnbeliefe From this root springeth that vnmeasurable deadnesse that presseth downe If a man of authority threaten with racke or gibbet I quake and feare but when I heare the Iudgements of God denounced against my sinnes I am scarce moued at all From this ariseth impatience murmuring discontent vnquietnesse when outward things are wanting Psal 78.19 21 22. Numb 14.27 For did the heart cleaue fast vnto God it would rest quiet in his promise if all other things were lacking Selfe-confidence resting in meanes and leaning vpon them as lands riches Rom 10.3 Ier. 17.5 Psal 40.4 52.7 Phil. 3.3 Ier. 9.13 fâ—iends c. are effects
the confession of faith vnfained is heartie and sincere ioyned with a true detestation of all sinne as that which hath and would make seperation betwixt God and him if it be not renounced by him and pardoned of God And to them that confesse their sinnes in this manner is the promise made If wee confesse our sinnes God is faithfull 1. Ioh. 1.9 and iust to forgiue vs our sinnes and to cleanse vs from all vnrighteousnes Pro. 28.19 Hee that couereth his sinnes shall not prosper but who so confesseth and forsaketh them shall haue mercy Onely acknowledge thine iniquity that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God Ier. 3.13 1. Cor. 11.31 If wee would iudge our selues we should not be iudged I said I will confesse my transgressions vnto the Lord and thou forgauest the iniquitie of my sin Psal 32.5 Which is most liuely to be seene in the parable of the prodigall before mentioned where the Father resembling God is said to haue met his lost sonne before he came at him Luk 15.20 and to haue embraced and kissed him after hee was resolued in himselfe to acknowledge and confesse his faults As faith teacheth the poore sinner to humble himselfe in vnfaâ—ned confession of his manifould offences so it stirreth anâ— encourageth him to power out his soule in eaâ—nest and heartie prayer vnto God for pardon and forgiuenesse Act. 8.22 through the mediation of Iesus Chrâ—st Thus hee is taught of God Take with you words and turne to the Lord Hos 14 2. say vnto him Take away all iniquity and receiue vs gratiously so will we render the calues of our lips Both these may be seene in the poore Publican who durst not lift vp his eyes to Heauen Luk. 18.13 but smote himselfe vpon the breast saying God bee mercifull to mee a sinner And so the Church prayeth O remember not against vs former iniquities lâ—t thy tender mercies speedily preuent vs. Ioel. 2.17 Psal 79.8 This prayer of faith is not presented before God in assurance that his sins be already pardoned but to obtaine pardon of the rich mercy of God by and through the merits of Iesus Christ And the pâ—omise is to him that prayeth vnfainedly that he shall be forgiuen 2. Chro. 7.14 If my people whâ—ch are called by Name shall humble themselues and pray and seeke my face and turne from their wicked wayes then will I heare from Heauen and will forgiue their sinne Aske and it shall be giuen you Math. 7.7 Ioel. 2.32 Rom. 10.13 seeke and yee shall finde Whosoeuer shall call vpon the name of the Lord shall be deliuered vizt from sinne and death Fourthly Faith receiueth the promise of mercy made in Christ and embraceth or resteth vpon the speciall fâ—ee mercy of God in Chrâ—st for pardon and hereby we are iustified that is of sinners made Iust and Righteous not by infusion of holinesse but by free condonation and acceptation of grace Christ is euery where made the thing which faith embraceth to saluation and whom it lookeâ—h vnto and respecteth as it makes vs righteous in the sight of God and faith iustifyeth Ioh. 11.25.26 Act. 15.11 Rom. 10.4 Gal. 2 16. Eph. 1.15 Phil. 3.9 not by any vertue or dignitie of it owne but as it receiueth and resteth on Christ our Righteousnes our Sauiour our Redeemer from sinne and death It is the good pleasure of God reuealed in the Gospell to pardon and iustifie them from all their sinnes that belieue in Christ and faith iustifieth as it leaneth vpon him to receiue speciall mercie through him or which is all one to obtaine forgiuenesse of sinners of the meere and rich grace of God through him and this is the most formall act of faith as iustifying Fifthly It doth certifie of pardon granted and sealed vnto vs It doth obtaine receiue and assure of forgiuenesse in particular I know that my Redeemer liueth Iob. 19.25 Psal 32.5 Isay 38.17 Psal 65.3 Gal. 2.20 1. Ioh. 3.14 Thou forgauest the iniquitie of my sinne Thou hast cast all my sinnes behind thy backe As for our transgressions thou shalt purge them away Christ hath loued me and giuen himselfe for me We know that we are passed froÌ„ death vnto life because we loue the brethren These are diuine conclusions of a liuely faith But this perswasion or assurance that our sinnes are already pardoned is not an act of faith iustifying as it iustifyeth but an act of faith following iustification a priuiledge granted of grace to a sinner now set in the state of grace or an act of experience in a sinner now iustified by faith Forgiuenesse of sinnes in and through Christ is offered in the Gospell to euery burdened and wearie soule that will receiue it as the ground of faith vouchsafed to euery one that belieueth but pardon of sinne is apprehended as already granted when wee come to be assured that wee doe belieue Faith in order of nature is precedent to Iustification but Iustification it selfe goeth before the sence thereof As faith obtaineth and receiueth the promise of speciall mercie it doth not finde vs Iust when we begin to belieue but maketh vs Iust by embracing the Righteousnesse of Christ as it certifyeth and assureth of fauour it doth not actiuely Iustifie but findeth the thing dâ—ne already Faith assureth of the pardon of sinne by a double act First it layeth hold vpon the generall promises made to Belieuers such as these Iohn 3.18 Acts 13.39 Iohn 3.36 He that belieueth shall be saued By faith euery one that belieueth is iustified Hee that beliâ—ueth hath euerlasting life Secondly it concludes vndoubtedly from them That hee belieuing is alreadie receiued into fauour and hath obained remission of sinnes Now betwixt these two comes the testimonies of the renewed Conscience 1. Cor. â— 11 working vpon the soule by reflexion whereby the true Belieuer is made priuie to his owne estate and assured that he doth belieue The whole is collected thus He that belieueth in Christ is alreadie Iustified or hath receiued pardon and forgiuenesse This is the voice of faith grounding it selfe vpon the expresse testimonie of God speaking in holy Scripture But I belieue This is the witnesse of the renewed conscience enlightened by the Spirit and directed by the Word whereby the Belieuer comes to know what God hath wrought in him For no man can be said to Belieue that hee doth Belieue but he belieueth the promises by faith and knoweth himselfe to bee a Belieuer by the wâ—tnesse of his Conscience renewed by the Spirit The conclusion of faith grounded vpon the former propositions the one expressed in Scripture the other euident by the witnesse of Conscience is Therefore my sinnes are forgiuen or I shall be saued The order of climbing to this assurance is the rather to bee marked that weake Christians who want the comfortable sence and feeling of this mercy might learne to seeke it in due order as the way is laid
thy wings They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatnesse of thy house and thou shalt make them drinke of the riuer of thy pleasures For with thee is the fountaine of life in thy light shall we see light It is a pleasure to him to want other pleasures who is oft and euery day serious in the meditation of the remission of his sinnes the free grace and eternall loue of God towards him in Iesus Christ He that is euery day busied to fetch out a pardon of course for his daily infirmities and to make euen reckoning betwixt God and his Soule that nothing remaine on the score to interrupt his peace shall neither be idle nor vnprofitable neither want imployment nor comfort This course can open no gap to licentiousnesse libertie in sinne Psal 19.12 13. or carnall securitie for he is euer most studious not to runne into arrerages who is most desirous to haue his debts cancelled and blotted out Faith is of the nature of souereigne purifying waters which so wash off the corruption of the vlcer that they coole the heate and stay the spread of the infection and by degrees heale the same And of Cordials which so comfort and ease the heart as also they expell noxious humours and strengthen nature against them Iustifying faith takes kindly rooting in a cleane heart and being rooted purifieth it more and more Faith that pleads for mercie doth cleaue to the Commandements stirre vp to holinesse ouer-rule the affections delight in purity and diffuse the vertue of the word into euery facultie of the soule It may be obiected If faith certifie that our sinnes be pardoned and there be such ioy in belieuing how comes it to passe that many good Christians liue so long in feare and doubt Wence it is that many good Christians liue so long in feare and doubâ— who would bee contented to take any paines to bee setled in assurance of Gods loue The common causes of this slownesse of beliefe are many First an immoderate aggrauation of their sinne and continuall thought of their vnworthinesse Thus the case stands with many poore Christians faine they would belieue as they acknowledge but they are vnworthy they haue beene sinners These must knowe it is good they should see their owne vnworthinesse but not that they should be hindred thereby from comming to Christ it is good to denie themselues but not to doubt of the mercy of the Lord. Christ came to seeke that which was lost Math. 18.11 Esay 61.1.2 Math. 9.13 1. Pet. 3.18 Rom. 5.10 Math. 11.28 to binde vp the broken hearted and to saue sinners He died for his enemies for the vnworthy He inuiteth the burdened to come vnto him and makes sute to the poore and worthlesse that he might ease and inrich them If they were not vnworthy what neede had they of Gods mercy or how should God glorifie the riches of his mercy in pardoning their offences The feeling of their vnworthines makes them fit to receiue mercy from God who doth vâ—uchsafe it freely seeing besides their sinne which makes them vnworthy they haue a sence of it and an heart broken for it If they were not vnworthy they could noâ— belieue If their case had not beene desperate what neede was there that Christ should come from the bosome of his Father Esay 43.25 and 44.22 Hos 14.3.4 Pardon is offered freely of grace the more vile they be in themselues the fitter to receiue this vndeserued kindnesse Oh but their sinnes are grieuous and notorious scarlet crying scandalous sinnes This detestation of sinne is greatly to bee commended if they remember withall Ezra 10.2 that there is hope in Israel concerning this if they will set one eye vpon the mercy of God as they set the other vpon the vilenesse of their iniquities If their sinnes be many and great Eph. 2.4 Psal 3â— 5 Psal 51.1.2 Exod. 34.6.7 Esay 55.9 God is rich in mercy abundant in goodnesse hath a multitude of tender mercies His mercie reacheth aboue the Heauens he forgiueth iniquitie transgressioÌ„ sin rebellion All faults are easily pardonable to his infinite mercy which exceeds Mans as Heauen doth Earth which can readilier forgiue seuentie then Man seuen offences Was not Adam Manasses Paul the sinfull woman commonly called Mary Magdalene 2 Chron. 33.12.13 1. Tim. 1.13.15 Act. 2.37.38 Luk. 7. â—7 the Cretians and Iewes who imbrewed their hands in the bloud of Christ receiued of him to mercie Doth not â—e delight to forgiue much that he may binde to loue much Shall not his fauour superabound to the sence of faith where sinne hath abounded to the wounding of Conscience It matters not what the wound is so Christ be the Physitian Iohn 1.7 Esay 1.18 The bloud of Christ cleanseth vs from all sinne Nothing but the bloud of Christ can wash away the guilt of the least sin and his bloud is sufficient to purge the most polluted Conscience But they haue felt no extraordinary measure of sorrow for sinne they are rather dull and sencelesse Are they weary of sinne haue they sorrowed to selfe-deniall and to renounce their interest in whatsoeuer might seperate betwixt Christ and them To such is the word of Reconciliation sent But they haue often slipped into the same sinnes There is a difference of offences There be sinnes of ignorance infirmity forgetfulnesse and sudden passion whereunto the heart yeeldeth not aduised consent and from which the faithfull by reason of their frailtie can neuer be free in this life in some degree or other Now vnto these God of his mercy is pleased to grant a pardon of course 1. Iohn 1.8 1. Iohn 2.2 notwithstanding his seruants step oft into them through weaknesse prouided they humble themselues seeke mercy and labour the mortification of their infirmities Abraham twice denied Sarah to be his wife saying Shâ— is my Sister Of Dauid it is recorded that though hee were a man after Gods owne heart in all things except the matter of Vriah yet of frailtie hee offended many times in the same particular There bee foule enormious notorious sins which wound the conscience and stop and hinder the liuely operation of grace and these mâ—st be repented of and aduisedly left and forsâ—ken before we can belieue to the pardon and forgiuenesse of them Neuerthelesse if a man haue often fallen into these offences he is not to despaire but seriously to confesse and to forsake hiâ— sinne that he may obtaine mercy For the Lord inuiteth the obstinate and rebellious to repent and by word and oath assureth them of forgiuenesse if they will returne And if wee looke vpon examples we shall finde many such who vpon humiliation and earnest prayer haue beene receiued vnto mercy But they haue fallen grieuously since conuersion So did Dauid and Peter who yet recouered by grace and vpon repentance were forgiuen A foule offence after grace receiued is not vnpardonable The bloud of Christ which washeth away the guilt of sinnes
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
many gratious promises whereby God doth freely passe it vpon vs Ps 119.5.6 and earnestly beggeth the powerfull effectuall inhabitation of the Spirit to stampe and imprint the Image of Christ more and more vpon the soule it peruseth it euidence againe and againe and nourisheth the motions stirreth vp the graces of the Spirit which is the earnest pennie and seâ—le of the promised inheritance If Men make an earthly purchase they wil spare no cost or labour to get it assured they will haue good euidence fine and recouerie and take what course in time may exempt it from claime and faith receiuing the promise of this purchased inâ—eritance will not rest in vncertainties or presumption but doth trauaile to haue it assuredly passed and made vpon the soule Sixtly It striueth to enter the possession of this heauenly kingdome by degrees Phil. 3.10.12.13 Men that purchase an inheritance to come in hereafter they are glad if any part fall into their hands for the present or if they can get some by parcels before the whole be possessed Fulnesse of glory is reserued to the life to come but beginnings of glory peace of conscience ioy in the holy Ghost and sanctification of the Spirit are vouchsafed here Grace is the beginning of glory and glory the perfection of grace According to the measure of grace receiued and as we grow vp in Sanctification so wee enter vpon the possession of our eternall inheritance And true liuely faith doth couet grace more and more and draw vnto it selfe from Christs fulnesse Seuenthly It earnestly desires and longeth after the full accomplishment of glory Rom. 8.13 Our selues also which haue the first fruits of the Spirit euen wee our selues groane within our selues waiting for the Adoption to wit the redemption of the Body I desire to depart and to be with Christ which is farre better Phil. 1.23 Saluation is the end of faith Heauen the habitation or home of the faithfull For in this we grone earnestly 2. Cor. 5.2 desiring to be clothed vpon with our house which is from Heauen Naturall bodies moue to their proper place all liuing things couet perfection in their kind heauen is the proper place and condition of the faithfull life eueâ—lasting the perfection of faith therefore if faith bee liuely it longeth after the fruition of glory and full possession of the promised inheritance Eightly It assureth that wee are made heire of euerlasting life to which God of his grace will bring vs in his time appointed 1 Iohn 3.1 Behold what loue the Father hath bestowed vpon vs that we should be called the sons of God Beloued Verse 2. now are wee the sonnes of God and it doth not yâ—t appeare what we shall be Verse 14. We know that we haue passed from death vnto life because we loue the brethren Neither doth the manner of speaking sauour of ought but certaintie neither could it agree with the grauitie of the Apostle to speake so indefinitely so indeterminately of that whereof hee had no certaine ground no firme resolution but onely some likely guesse or coniecturall hope And grant it of Iohn the Apostles that they knew their owne Adoptâ—on and we may inferre that this knowledge is a priuiledge of all belieuers in their measure as well as theirs 2. Pet. 1.1 Rom. 8.34.35.36 37. 1. Iohn 2.2 Rom. 5.1.2.3 For the faith whereby they were assured was ordinarie the grounds of assurance common to them with all true belieuers the benefite it selfe generall not in any speciall manner appropriated What promises soeuer concerning life and happinesse were made to the Apostles the same are made to all belieuers and confirmed and sealed vnto them after the same manner For they haue all one God Eph 4.4.5.6 one Christ one Spirite they are vnder one Couenant and liue by the same faith The Adoption of Belieuers is confirmed on Gods part vnto them by his word seales oath pledge and witnesse of his Spirit with the graces thereof And what God so sufficiently confirmeth we by faith may receiue it for faith inableth vs to belieue what God reuealeth Faith giueth assurance but euery belieuer is not assured in himselfe Psal 31.22 and 77.7 Psal 42.5 and 43.3 Exod. 19.5 Psal 135.4 Cant. 7.6 Psa 16.5 Deut 32.9 Psal 83.3 Mal. 3.17 Zech. 2.8 Psal 108.6 and 127.2 Cant. 8.6 Esay 49.16 Ioh 14.23 Iâ—s 1.9 Psal 109.31 and 12.5 Psal 73.23 Psal 27.5 1. Sam 2.9 Psalm 56.8 Math. 10.30 Psal 38.9 Ier. 31.20 Deut. 33.29 1. Pet. 5.10 Phil. 4.19 Psal 62.2.6.7 and 71.5 Ioel 3.16 2. Cor. 1.3 Psal 25 12. Heb. 13.21 Exo. 29.46 Reue. 21.3 2. Chron 16.9 Psal 37 4. and 145.19 Prou. 10.24 nor is any assurance in this life so certaine that it is neuer intermixed nor disturbed with doubtings There is a state in which faith sheweâ—h it selfe rather in earnest longings and paintings after mercy then in certaine apprehension of it there is a state of infancie a state of temptation and spirituall conflict in which the soule cannot attaine this certaintie and assurance And euen in the growen and confirmed state the belieuer must not looke to walke on smoothly without any rubs or to enioy perfect assurance without doubtings and assaults The assurance of this belieuer is an assurance aiming and striuing after assurance an assurance wrestling and combating with many assaults an assurance which labours wiâ—h continuall weakenes and lookes not to come to perfection but by temptations But of this before God in great mercy doth vouchsafe to his Adopted sonnes many excellent royalties in this life They are most pretious vnto him His chiefe treasure His loue for delights his peculiar people the lot of his inheritance his chosen his hidden ones his iewels Hee that toucheth them toucheth the apple of his eye They are his Beloued as the signet vpon his right hand Hee dwelleth with them he followeth them whither soeuer they goe hee stands at their right hand and holds them vp by it Hee coueâ—s them vnder his pauillion hee keepes their feete hee counts their wandrings hee numbreth their heires hee obserâ—es their sighes is moued with compassion vpon their complaints hee is the shield of their helpe the sword of their excellencie and the God of all grace who will fulfill all their necessities Hee is their hope their helpe their health their rocke their refuge the Father of mercies and God of all consolation Hee will teach them in the way that they should choose and make them perfect in good workes He will establish them in euery good word and worke he will walke with them his eye is euer vpon them for good and he will giue them their hearts desiâ—e They haue the Angels of God to minister vnto them for theâ—r safeguard and protection Heb. 1.14 Psal 34 7. 1. Cor. 3.22.23 Heb. 2.7.8 1. Tim 4.2.3 they haue dominion ouer the creatures of the earth and the free vse of them both for necessitie and
in part which may bee increased by a daily addition to the graces and comforts of the Adopted why should I be negligent to seeke it confirmed and sealed Euerlasting life is the only true life full of ioy peace and contentation a durable treasure which can neuer fade a crowne that neuer withereth and shall base things take vp the heart when God calleth to seeke a most glorious and euerlasting inheritance Oh the inestimable loue and fauour of God who makes offer of an Adoption and immortall Inheritance to the most contemptible wretches that liue vpon the face of the earth The man that toiles hard all day long for a small piece of siluer or lies at the rich mans gate waiting for an Almes the scraps that come from his Table he is inuited to come vnto Christ that hee might obtaine a kingdome an eternall kingdome that hath none end an inheritance abundantly glorious surpassing the glory worth of all earthly treasures inheritances laid together much more then all earthly treasures doe exceed the worth of one pin What an heart-break is it to a man when he finds that by some default he hath forfeited some earthly matters which he might haue held had he bin warie but what griefe and confusion will this cause when he shall see that through folly sloth carelessenesse matchlesse crueltie vnthankfulnesse he hath lost an euerlasting inheritance of glory which he might haue obtained Meere possibility of coÌ„passing some great extraordinary good is of more weight in swaying mens actions inciting endeuours then certaintie of accomplishing pettie desires But certainty coÌ„modity do here concurre in one There is no good to the possession of eternall life no successe certaine but this that he who vnfainedly belieueth in Christ shal inherit the crown of glory It is good for me to draw nigh vnto God and put my trust in his mercy to lay fast hold vpoÌ„ the promises of life protectioÌ„ to get the spirit of Adoption whereby we cry Abba Father and fly vnto his grace in Christ to get my title made sure and strengthned vnto my conscience and while time serueth earnestly to seeke the kingdome of God Thirdly Wee 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 tast and relish the ioyes of Heauen and assure our consciences of right and title to that euerlasting inheritance For it is God that sealeth vs and makes vs to read the sealing that promiseth Heauen and affecteth the heart with the goodnesse and worth of the thing promised that by the pledges of his fauour and the earnest of his Spirit doth sufficiently testifie our Adoption and cause vs certainely to apprehend what he doth testifie and assure As the beginnâ—ng so the progresse comfort and assurance of life is from him and instantly is to be begged of him Faith receiueth the promise of life and giues assurance of what is receiued as it prayeth Who am I O Lord that thou shouldst make such ample and free promises vnto thy poore seruant concerning his euerlasting happinesse Of thy free mercy and according to thine owne heart hast thou spoken all these great things to make thy seruant know them And now O Lord God establish I beseech thee the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy seruant gratiously accept me for thy childe by the earnest of thy Spirit and pledges of thy fauour seale vnto me the promised inheritance and make me assuredly to know what great things thou hast done and what those hopes be which are reserued for me in Heauen My sight is dimme not proportioned and fitted to so high an obiect my affections carnall that I cannot set my selfe to purpose about this contemplation the Deuill labours nothing more then to keepe me hood-winked this way O Lord I beseech thee inable mee to know this good and blessed hope the matter of mine inheritence abundantly glorious that my heart may bee still in Heauen and by thy Spirit lead mee into all truth and holinesse 1. Thess 2.12 2. Thess 1.12.14 that in due time I may possesse the Kingdome of glory whereunto I am called Col. 1.5 Of thy free grace thou hast called me by the Gospell to this blessed hope which is laid vp for me in Heauen therefore is thy seruant bold to entreate the sence of thy loue the knowledge of this Hope the increase of grace and assurace of thy mercie for euermore Fourthly Wee must quicken our selues to reioyce in God waite patiently and walke chearefully before him Oh the incomprehensible loue and fauour of the Lord. Was it euer found that any man of rancke or place did adopt the blind lame deafe dumbe or otherwise deformed to be heire to succeed him in his inheritance My soule reioyce thou in the Lord and blesse his holy Name for he hath looked vpon my base estate and visited me with mercy from on high Of a stranger and forreiner I am made a free denizon of the new Ierusalem of the bondslaue of Satan the friend of Christ of the childe of wrath and damnation the sonne of God and heire of saluation My Name is registred in Heauen an eternall weight of glorie is reserued which the most righteous God hath promised and in fittest season will giue vnto me Why should I doate on earthly braueries who haue an eternall life that hath most excellent glory honour riches and happinesse aboue all the heart can comprehend ioyned with it prepared and giuen through faith in Christ It were notable basenes if an heire of sumptious and stately pallaces should couet the poore cotages of beggars that stand by the high way side Psal 16.5.6 The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup thou maintainest my lot The lines are fallen vnto me in pleasant places yea I haue a goodly heritage My studie and care should be to know my heauenly hopes better and more fully that I might weane my selfe the more willingly from all earthly vanities Heauen is my home my hope mine inheritance and where should my heart be but where my treasure is where my thoughts but where my hope is In this life I receiue only the first fruites of the Spirit the earnest of the inheritance but I will waite patiently for the full possession thereof and walke charefully in the way that leadeth thereunto In earthly things men are contented to waite for a good lease in reuersion and to lay out their money for that which shall not come to their hands till some liues be expired and should not I waite for the accomplishment of glory there being but one life betwixt it and mee and that is mine owne CHAP. V. What it is liue by faith touching the promises of of perseuerance and how to stirre vp our selues therevnto GOd of his infinite mercy hath made further promises the necessitie of
will not suffer that roaring Lion aboue measure to discharge vpon them This faith assures of 1. Cor. 10.13 and perswades quietly to waite for Ninthly If Satan renew his assaults faith stands prepared through the power of God to make resistance afresh When Paul was buffeted by the messenger of Satan he besought the Lord often in that thing 2. Cor. 12.8 Thus when wee are led into darknesse without light wee leane vpon God and cry vnto him for saluation If a childe haue his Father by the hand though he be in the darke or otherwise see what hurt might him approach and make often at him yet he is not afraid and so it is with vs whilest by the eye of faith wee see that inuisible one at out right hand to support and saue vs. Neither are wee scarred at this that Satan doth shift his temptations and returne againe after hee had left vs for a season But hauing experience of Gods gratious dealing and tender compassion we flie vnto him and shrowd our selues vnder the shade of the Almightie If wee haue in some fits found case by this or that meanes we know if wee come into like case how to helpe our selues it is wee say but doing such a thing or taking such a matter thus hauing once found in distresse and temptation strength and deliuerance by recourse to our God in Christ we know what to doe when such like state returneth on vs. Satan will not cease to assaile though hee bee ouercome nor the Belieuer faint though he be set vpon againe and againe but hauing once returned with victory through the power of God hee will abide in the secret place of the most High for euer Why the godly sometimes want the sight of Gods graces Tenthly The faithfull are the Lords vessels which he vseth to scoure by temptations True it is that in the time of triall the graces of the Spirit doe not so much appeare to the notice of the belieuing heart but by the ouer-ruling prouidence of God they serue for the increase of grace as the truth teacheth faith belieueth and experience can testifie Thus faith ministreth comfort in the most bitter agonies if it bee rightly vsed and stirred vp But what if the child of God be brought so low that he can discerne no sparke of faith no fruit of grace no marke of Gods loue in himselfe It is not to be doubted but the seruants of Christ through their weaknes are oft brought by extremity of temptation into wofull desolation which yet the Lord doth wisely order for the glory of his Name and the good of his deiected seruants And as in other things so in this that they cannot discerne any fruit of the Spirit wherewith through the mercy of God they are comfortably replenished For the blustering Tempests which the enemy raiseth against them cause such disturbance in the soule and fill the heart with such confusion feare and terrour that for the present they are altogether vnable to iudge of their owne estate For when the Mind is ouer-clouded with the mists of Temptation as the eye with the rising of dust and the heart tossed too and fro with vnquietnesse as the waues of the Sea when the winds are boisterous conscience by recoiling vpon the soule cannot conceiue or giue right notice of it true state and temper Troubled water will not giue backe the reflection of the countenance nor an afflicted Spirit the true disposition of the inner man When the poore Christian makes search into himselfe the temptation first puts forth it selfe wherewith the heart is daunted and thereupon concludeth that no grace doth lodge or abide in him because at first sight it doth not appeare Vnto these may be added that good men are sometimes pertishly disposed to cast away all they haue as nothing because they haue not what they desire or imagine others to enioy herein resembling little children who for want of some small trifle that they desire or some of their fellowes haue throw away many things much more pretious But not to inquire further into the causes of this mistaking The Remedie of this the remedy is First hee must know that as in sicke persons we see it commeth to passe they thinke there is no hope of life when the Physician and standers by see certaine and vndoubted tokens of health So it is oftentimes in these spirituall sicknesses Secondly It is the wisdome of a Christian in this case to obserue the marke that Satan driues at which is to hide from his sight the graces of the Spirit that he might bring him to despaire This being the Deuils aime hee must stirre vp himselfe to belieue and roll his soule vpon Christ for saluation For when he can see no grace in his soule he cannot but see himselfe to be miserable and so called to come vnto Christ the fountaine of liuing waters that by him hee might be replenished in him hee might find refreshing Againe taking courage to belieue hee disappoints Satan who intendeth not so much to draw him into security as to force him to cast away all hope of mercie Oh but a Christian is to examine and try himselfe whether hee be inriched with the graces of the Spirit or no True it is that the examination of our hearts is a necessary duty but to be done in due order so as we be stirred vnto not driuen froÌ„ the practice of other duties no lesse needfull But when the soule is distempered with the assaults of Satan and vnable to iudge of it owne state it is vnseasonable to make search into our hearts and preposterous is to giue place to doubtings because wee cannot find what wee desire Wee haue a commandement to belieue as well as to proue our selues both which must bee coupled together otherwise neither can be done as they ought and it is a plaine case that he who finds himselfe to be poore and naked is called to come vnto Christ that hee might receiue of his fulnesse bee inriched with his plentie If thou canst not find in thy selfe what thou seekest after come vnto Iesus Christ and belieue in him that thou mayest receiue what thou seekest and is to bee found in him Thirdly The distressed soule must learne that the grace of God worketh not alwayes alike in his children When we walke in the fields in winter we see not only no good fruit but not so much as a leafe on the trees in some also the very trunke or stocke appeareth to be dead yet is the sâ—p hidden in the root which in due time will shew that the tree was neuer dead When fire is raked vp there appeareth oftentimes a sort of cold dead ashes when there are vndeâ—neâ—th certaine sparkes of which you may afterward make a fire Yea many times the fruits of grace may shine in the conuersation to the eyes of others when the powers and stirrings of grace inwardly being hindred with temptations cannot be felt Fourthly The
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
of pardon and giuing assurance that sinne is pardoned Passions are curbed and bridled by the soueraigntie of faith as hauing the affections vnder commaund which it doth season and moue according to the direction of the word and by strong potent irressistible perswasions whereby it worketh the soule to this sweete and heauenly submission And as a plaster By what considerations faith preswades to meekenes vnder Gods hand which vpon sore flesh causeth much smart vpon sound flesh stirreth no paine so troubles lighting vpon a soule healed by grace and seasoned by faith are nothing so grieuous The considerations of faith whereby it perswades vnto meâ—knesse be such likâ— The fiâ—st â—â—ken from the desert of sinne which is farre greater â—hen any thing wee suffer or can conceiue Lam. 3.39 Wherefore doth a liuing man complaine a man for the punishment of his sinnes The second from the hand that layeth the rod vpon our bâ—â—ke or teacheth out this b tter potion which wee are forced to d â—nke off and that is God our most wise iust gracious and louing Fathâ—r Whereas humane reason did cloudily â—nd ob curely suggest to it followers certaine broken and confused opinions Iohn 18.11 littlâ— better then dreames of destinie and prouidence Faith doth euidently and certainly assure of this ground of patience and comfort that the least ticke befals vs not without the ouer-ruling eye and hand not only of a wise God but of a tender Father and fellow-feeling Elder brother who best knoweth and can measure out exactly what is meetest Hee will not lay vpon man more then is right Leuit. 10.3 Iob 34.23 Psal 9.9 1. Sam. 3.18 that hee should enter into Iudgement with God I was dumbe and opened not my mouth because thou didst it It is the Lord let him doe what seemeth him good Thirdly Out of this principle faith extracts this infallible conclusion This Cup how bitter and wringing soeuer is a medicine to cure not a poyson to destroy mingled by him that most perfectly doth vnderstand our need our stâ—ength and the working of his owne potion ministred in great loue and tender compassion to driue out corruption confirme faith preserue from falling strengthen grace weane from the world and bring neerer to God by vnfained repentance If it be sicknesse or pouertie Esay 57.16 it is in our Fathers owne hand and he will not contend for euer lest the spirit should faile before him If hee turne vs ouer to a seruant to scourge vs yea though Satan himselfe buffet vs yet hee stands by to number and moderate the stripes that they shall not lay more vpon vs then shall be for our good Zech. 1.15 16. and he will enable vs to beare I am very sore displeased with the Heathen that are at ease for I was but a little displeased and they helped forward the affliction Therefore thus saith the Lord I am returned to Ierusalem with mercies 2. Cor. 12.9 My grace is sufficient for thee for my strength is made perfect in weaknesse What-euer fals being in Christ it cannot bend to our vtter confusion but an issue shall bee giuen vnto it What terrible noise soeuer the storme shall make ouer our heads it shall be but as haile-stones vpon the tiled or leaded house that rattle more then hurt Wee are kept by the power of Christ 1. Iohn 5.18 that the Euill one shall not touch vs we are in safe harbour vnder the rocke and shall neuer be confounded Sicke we are and that of diuers humours which may breed dangerous diseases if they be not preuented troubles losses disgraces dangers and such like are the Lords baths and pils whereby hee rids vs of that infectious matter which would impaire our spirituall health if it were let alone his bitter potions Esay 27.9 Dan 11.35 Deut. 8.3 Heb. 12.11 Deut. 3.16 Rom. 5.3 4. Zech. 13.9 Mal. 3.3 1. Pet. 1.7 that shall worke for our health and welfare He hath said vnto Crosses purge refine try exercise breed the quiet fruits of righteousnesse giue them experience of their faith confirme their patience support their hope make them bring forth more fruit but he hath giuen them no allowance to hurt vexe confound weaken faith or waste any grace of the Spirit When we feele our bowels wring or as in a Sea-sicknesse are dead sicke for the present then faith puts vs in remembrance we shall be the better many dayes after Physicke makes sicke before it giue health so doe afflictions but the fruit is pleasant When they are a little ouer we shall be able to say Oh this was good for me I would not for any thing Lam. 3.27 Psal 119.71 but I had borne the yoke in my youth that I may liue the more comfortably in my age Wise parents doe not alwayes correct their children in measure as being ignorant of their nature and disposition The most learned Physician may bee deceiued in the disease and constitution of his patient mistake in the qualitie or strength of his Physicke and so misse of his intended cure But the spirituall Physician of our soules doth so exactly know our temper and disease doth so intirely affect our health so accurately mingle the maligne and poysonfull ingredients in our Physicke with correctors and allayes that the confection shall be good and altogether shall and must worke for the best What though they be bitter to the taste It is better with the bodie when it feedeth on sowre herbs which breed good bloud then on sweet meates which engender bitter vomits and mortall sicknesses The true soule-sicknesse viz. sinne and corruption that dwelleth in it doâ—h cleaue so fast and hath eaten so deepe that gentle purges easie corrasiues that scarce worke to sense or feeling cannot expell or remoue it Prou. 20.30 True it is that all euils in themselues are hurtfull but faith looketh vpon them as they are changed in and by Christ who hath taken away the poison which would bee in the crosses wee beare and makes them seruiceable for our good Euen as the art of the Apothecary doth make a poysonfull Viper into a wholsome Treacle A man will beare much when hee spieth this that it commeth from loue in another to him But God is loue it selfe and from loue proceedeth euery course he passeth vpon vs Heb. 12.5 6. Prou. 3.12 Iob 5.17 Apoc. 3.19 as well this of aduersitie as the other of prosperitie Whom he loueth he chasteneth and scourgeth euery sonne whom he receiueth The care and good will of Parents shewes it selfe in prouiding Medicines and Physicke which may preserue or procure the health of their children no lesse then in their allowance of meate drinke apparell or other benefits which they bestow vpon them And God is as mercifull in preparing and ministring Physicke for our soules health as in all other his daily benefits Nay herein doth appeare the most speciall and tender regard that God hath ouer vs. Esay 48.10
him when the Kings and Princes of Iudah had no assurance of so much possession in the promised Land as to inherit the Sepulchres of their Fathers the Lord expels not his suspensiue rather then diffident admiration with signes and wonders as hee did Gideons doubt Ier. 32 24 25. c. or his stiffe-necked Fore-fathers distrust By what meanes then By the present calamities which had seized vpon the Cities of Iudah and that very place wherein his late purchased possession lay This is the very scale of Ieremiahs assurance Ier. 32.42 43. from the Lords owne mouth Thus saith the Lord like as I haue brought all this great plague vpon this people so will I bring vpon them all the good that I haue promised them And the fields shall be possessed in this land whereof ye say It is desolate without man or beast c. The depth of miserie is vsually made an argument to moue the Lord with speed to heare and send helpe and this is grounded vpon the pâ—omise of God to giue audience to his children Psal 10.1 Deut. 30.1 2 3. Nehem. 1.7 8. Psal 44.23.24 when in their distresses they remember themselues and seeke his face Awake why steepest thou O Lord arise cast vs not off for euer Wherefore hidest thou thy face and forgetteth our affliction and oppression Attend vnto my cry Psal 142.6 for I am brought very low deliuer mee from my persecutions for they are stronger then I. What that as wee feele God to be true in his threates so we may be assured he will not faile of his promises Lastly it reioyceth in tribulations 10. Act. and tryumpheth before the victorie The patient is glad when he feeles his physicke to worke though it make sicke for the time because he hopes it will procure health Iam. 1.2.3 Rom. 5.3.4.5 Heb. 12.11 We reioyce in afflictions not that they are ioyous for the present but because they shall worke for our good As faith reioyceth so it tryumpheth in assurance of good successe for it seeth not according to outward appearance but when all meanes faile it keepeth God in sight and beholdeth him present for our succour As for me I will come into Psal 5.7 thy house in the multitude of thy mercy and in thy feare will I worship towards thy holy Temple Psal 13 5. and 16.8.9 Psal 142 7. I haue trusted in thy mercie my heart shall reioyce in thy saluation The righteous shall compasse me about for thou shalt deale bountifully with me We must liue by faith in the heauiest and longest afflictions Thus are we to liue by faith when God is pleased to exercise vs with afflictions of what sort soeuer though heauy to be borne of long continuance Great troubles of long durance are the exercises of faith as weighty burden are tryalls of strength As none for a little headach or for the ranch of a pin will seeke to the bodily Physitian or Surgeon So it is in a maner with the soule whilest it is troubled with like grieuances spirituall Little things doe not much exercise our faith nor stirre vs vp to seeke God and short afflictions are soone forgotten Faith indeede despiseth not the least crosse but is most prooued and stirred vp in the greatest Without question there is most need of faith when afflictions lie the heauiest and the more because Satan will be most busie at such times to molest and trouble he wills to shew his power and malice when wee are most feeble When God followes a man with one affliction vpon another and those of great continuance then the Deuill will tempt to impatience and dispaire as if God tooke him for his enemie and would not shew compassion any more When the heart faileth because of the multitude of euils that compasse vs about and God hideth his face man is apt to conceiue sure God hath forsaken me and will not arise for my helpe If God did loue me hee would neuer haue absented himselfe so long now I am brought so low in so greiuous distresse How should the poore soule weake and feeble in it selfe stand vnder this great weight of sore affliction increased by temptation and continuance if it be not vpheld by a liuely faith The acts of faith in this case The acts of faith in this case are for substance the same with those before mentioned but for the helpe of the distressed Christian who may be vnable to direct himselfe I conceiue it not amisse to repeate the principall 1. Pet. 1.6 First it teacheth that many and strong afflictions of great continuance are no more theÌ„ necessarie A wise Physition will not minister a strong potion where a lenitiue or gentle matter is enough nor put one dramme too much in his prescription much lesse will the Lord. Wee neede great afflictions that our corruptions may be subdued within vs. Iob. 11.12 For as the vntamednesse of some colt is such that vnlesse he were sore ridden hee would neuer be broken so it is with our rebellious nature Learning tels the Physitian that in healing some bodily diseases the patient must be kept so low that hee must be almost pined with want before a spring of better blood can be procured Iob. 33.17.22 Psal 107.12.17.18 Faith instructeth that God is as it were forced to cast man vpon the bed of sorrow till his dayes draw towards the buriall and his bones begin to clatter that he might hide that is suppresse and remoue his pride and cure the distempers of the soule Our afflictions are many and diuers because our corruptions are many and of diuers kinds and such as are not expelled with one purgation If one medicine fit not our sore will wee not seeke another What Father will not vse many remidies to helpe the infirmities of his Child if one doe no good Our heauenly Father keepes vs in a dayly course of physicke now with one thing now with another because we profit not with any one alone When afflictions are growne ordinarie and vsuall they moue the lesse because they be familiar therefore God is pleased to alter and change his medicines that they might worke more kindly And as it is necessary that afflictions be strong and diuers so also that they be of long continuance for growen deseases are not hastily remoued not old sores quickly healed As staines long setled in a cloth require much scowring and long whiting so doe the euils which haue deepely eaten into our soule In others wee may behold what is needfull for our selues Gen. 15.13 The posteritie of Israel endured tryall foure hundred yeeres The elder people of God were all led captiue seuentie yeares Dan. 9.2 By woefull experience euery Godly man may finde that being newly taken out of the furnace hee standeth in neede to be refined againe Be our afflictions of neuer so long continuance in this life wee are well assured they shall not presse vs longer
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
all Verse 14. And I will satiâ—te the soule of the priests with fatnesse and my people shall be satisfied with goodnesse saith the Lord. Ezek 34 25 26. 27. I will make with thâ—m a couenant of peace and will cause the euill beast to cease out of the Lâ—nd and thâ—y shall dwell saf ly in the wildernesse and sleepâ— in the woods And I will mâ—ke them and the places round about my hill a blessing and I will cause the showre to come downe in his season there shall be showres of blessing And the tree of the field shall yeeld her fruite and the earth shall yeelâ— her increase and they shalâ— be safe in their land and shall know that I am the Lord I will call for corne and encrease it Ezek. 36.29 30 and 34 29. and lay no famine vpon you And I will â—ultiply the fruite of the tree and the incrâ—ase of the field that y e shall no more â—eceiue reproch of famine among the hâ—athen I will eu n â— t oth thee vnto me in faithfulnesse Hos 2.20 21 22. and thou shalt know the Lord. And it shall come to passe in that day I will â—eare saith the Lord I will heare the heauens and â—â—ey shall hearâ— the earth and the earth shall heare the â—â—rne and the wine the oyle Now seeing the Lord hath by promise and couenant againe and againe repeated for our confirmation assuâ—ed vs of all needfull blessings it is our duty by faith to make these ptomises our owne and rest quietly vpon his word to finde reliefe at such time and in such measure as he knowes to be expedient and may be for our good Thirdly And this wee may the rather be incouraged vnto considering the relation which is betwixt God and vs for he is our faithfull creatour wee the worke of his hands hee is our Sheepheard wee the flocke of his pasture he is our Father wee his children Let them that suffer according to the will of God 1. Pet. 4.19 commit the keeping of their soules to him in well-doing as vnto a faithfull Creatour 1. Pet. 5.7 Psal 23.1 Cast all your care vpon him for he he careth for you The Lord is my sheepheard I shall not want As a sheepheard seeketh out his flocke in the day that he is among his sheepe that are scattered Ezek. 34.12 13. so will I seeke out my sheepe and will deliuer them out of all places where they haue beene scattared in the cloudy and darke day And I will bring them out from the people and gather them from the countries Verse 14. and will bring them to their owne land and feede them vpon the mountaines of Israel by the riuers and in all the inhabited places of the country I will feede them in a good pasture and vpon the high mountaines of Israel shall their fold be there shall they lye in a good fold and in a fat pasture shall the feed vpon the mountaines of Israel Mat. 6.31.32 Take no thought saying What shall we eate or what shall we drinke or wherewith shall we be clothed for your heauenly Father knoweth that yee haue need of all these things God is the great Father of the family who prouideth all things necessarie for them that bee vnder his gouernment Psal 104 27. Psal 145.15 16 The eyes of all waite vpon thee and thou giuest them their meate in due season Thou openest thine hand and satisfiest the desire of euery liuing thing Psal 146.9 Iob 38.41 Mat. 6.26 Hee giueth to the beast his food and to the young rauens which crie It is his propertie who is the cheife good to communicate his blessings vnto his creatures much more to compasse them with mercie that depend vpon him Hee hath put this naturall affection into Parents nay into bruite beasts to tender their young ones and shall not hee much more prouide for them that crie vnto him day and night for reliefe and succour The Lords portion is his people Deut. 32.9 Ier. 10.16 51.19 Iacob is the lot of his inheritance and God is the portion of his people Hee hath chosen them and they haue giuen themselues to him they relie vpon him and he hath vndertaken to make plentifull prouision for them Lam. 3.24 The Lord is my portion saith my soule therefore will I hope in him The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup thou maintainest my lot Psal 16.5 6. The lines are fallen vnto me in a pleasant places yea I haue a goodly heritage The Lord by his speciall prouidence will make that prosperous vnto the righteous which they possesse be it little or much There is nothing better for a man then Eccles 2.24 that he should eate and drinke and that hee should make his soule enioy good in his labour This also I saw and it was from the hand of God And this gift the Lord freely giues to the man whom he doth approue Verse 26. To the man that is good in his sight God giueth wisdome and knowledge and Ioy to wit together vse earthly blessings with delight comfort The reuenues of the righteous are small many times but their state is comfortable Psal 37.16 for the little that the righteous man hath is better then much riches of many and mightie wicked ones who flow in wealth and excell in power Prou. 15.16 17 17.1 Better is a litle with the feare of the Lord then great treasure and trouble therewith Better is a dinner of herbs where loue is then a stalled Oxe and hatred therewith God giueth his beloued sleepe Psal 127.2 Prou. 10.22 And it is the blessing of God which maketh rich and he addeth no sorrow with it Fourthly The patient expâ—ctation of the Saints hath confirmed this that God will not bee wanting to his children in things of this life so farre as may bee for their spirituall welfare Psal 37.25 26. I haue beene young and now am old yet haue I not seene the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread Hee is euer mercifull and lendeth and his seed is blessed The children of the needie shall bee succoured in due season for God who knoweth their wants is faithfull to pe forme promise The acts of faith in respect of these promises The acts of faith in respect of these promises and blessings are First it preserueth from the vse of all vnlawfull means knowing that nothing can prosper which God approues not Esay 30.7 The Egyptians shall helpe in vaine and to no purpose therefore haue I cryed concerning this Their strength is to sit still Hosea 5.13 14. When Ephraim saw his sicknesse and Iudah saw his wound then went Ephraim to the Assyrian and sent to King Ioreb yet could he not heale you noâ— cure you of your wound If a man be soundly perswaded that the blessing of God is all in all hee will ply that fare
his saluation and looketh vnto Christ the Authour and finisher of our faith who hath receiued â—ommandemâ—nt of the Father that hee should not only â—all vs and bring vâ— into the state of grace but also raise vs vp at the last day who is that great God and Sauiour who will keepe his from euery euill worke vnto his heaâ—enly kingdome Th s matter may bee exemplified in some particular How to liue by faith in the vse of meate and drinke scil how wee are to liue by faith in the vse of meate and drinke First By faith we leaâ—ne out of the Word of God who haue sonne-like interest â—nd title vnto the creatures what creatures are sanctified vnto our vse and how each man must sâ—nctifie them vnto himselfe by a reuerent and holy vse As that the person must be in couenant 1. Tim. 4.5 Titus â— 16 2. Thess 3.12 resting vpon Christ for saluation and giuing himselfe vnto the studie and sincere vnpartiall practice of holinesse the food must bee lawfully gotten prouided with wise respect of our place and mâ—anes without distracting care or exquisite curiositie nicenesse receiued with thanksgiuing as from Gods hanâ— and vsed as in his sight and presence for such ends and purposes as he hath appointed Secondly It receiueth them not as the fruit of our forecast labour or desert but as gifts of Gods bountie yea Psal 104.21 145.15 Psal 23.5 Hosea 2 18 19. Ezek. 37.24 25 as gifts of the gratious couenant proceeding froÌ„ the free loue of God For in the couenant of grace God promiseth not only to write his Law in our hâ—arts and to forgiue our sinnes but also to conferre temporall blessings as they shall be seruiceable to vs in our iourney towâ—rds Heauen Men that make a great purchase desire to haue some part in present possession and our gratious God making pâ—omise of eternâ—ll happinesse doth giue earthly blessings in hand as pertaining to that heauenly possession which wee shall enioy hereafter Now as God giues temporall thiâ—gs to his people in couenâ—nt so doth faith receiue them as â—okens of speciall good-will and fauour in Iesus Christ Heb. 1.2 2.8 in and thâ—ough whom of free grace sonne-like right and tiâ—le to the creatures is restoâ—ed which by sinne and disobâ—dience was forfeited And these considerations strike the heart with reuerence inflame it with loue and raise an holy regard and care not to abuse this grant of mercie breeds an acknowleâ—gement of our vnworthinesse of any mercie Gen. 32.10 admiratâ—on of Gods prouision and contentation with the least blessing of God Thirdly By faith we are taught that man liueth not by bread only Deut 8.3 Math. 4.4 but by the prouidence of God and his blessing vpon his own ordinance It is not the nature of the thing it selfe simply to nourish if Gods blessing bee not vpon it Psal 104.15 it can afford no refreshing Bread strengthens wine comforts the heart by his ordinance and application of them to that vse but the blessing is not in the creature it comes from aboue Bread nourisheth when it is Gods hand or meanes to confer strength and vigour but if he plucke away his hand it is but a deafe nut Thou maist eate and not bee filled Hosea 4.10 Hag. 1.5 6. Mich. 6.14 15. Psal 106.15 drinke bee and not satisfied Thus it is noted of the Israelites The Lord fed them with Manna but sent leannesse into their soules This perswasion sinking deepe into the belieuing heart taketh it off the creature and lifteth it vnto the Lord in earnest and pertinent prayer that hee would of his grace vouchsafe vnto vs 1. Tim. 4.4 as leaue to vse his creatures so his blessing vpon them that the food wee receiue may doe vs good we feeling the nourishing vertue thereof and that with ioy and cheerefulnesse The prayer of faith for Gods blessing vpon the creatures when they are set before vs should be no lesse earnest then for the mercies themselues if wanting For there is no more possibilitie in meate of it selfe to nourish without Gods blessing then it is for man to liue without meate Fourthly It teacheth to be heauenly-minded labouring to taste Gods goodnesse and feele his gratious presence with our spirits at our sweetest feasts Beza annot maior in 1. Tim. 4.5 Hosea 2.9 And this is the best sawce to all meates which giueth them the daintiest rellish When we sit downe to meate we come to a liuely Sermon of Gods bountie and loue for the bread wee feed vpon is not ours but the Lords all the prouision are gifts of his mercie in Iesus Christ Caluin in Psal 8 Verse 8. Moller ibid. And the more sensible the creatures are the more pleasant and delightsome to our palate the more should we be affected with the sense of Gods loue and fauour Fiftly Faith worketh the heart to sobrietie and moderation watchfulnesse and feare lest it should be ensnared and drawne away with these delights To sobrietie in affecting and in vsing earthly things To sobrietie in thought that wee suffer not the mind to be taken vp with cogitations what we shall eate next how we may gratifie the palate Sobrietie in desire that wee long not after daintie meate for such longing effeminates the minde engenders and feeds passion and makes way to hardnesse of heart Sobrietie in receiuing them for the strengthening of nature and not to the dulling of our Spirits For faith raiâ—â—th the heart to more spirituall delights and guardeth the appetite that it range not immoderately after sensuall things The word of grace teacheth to liue soberly Titus 2.11 and faith receiuing this word worketh sobrietie in earthly things refreshing the soule with spirituall sweetnesses and watching against intemperate cherishings that they winne not ground As a man that hath tooke in the taste of the best creatures cannot forth-with feed on that which is coarse â—ant 1.2 Psal 119.72 â—0â— Psal 36.9 Ier 31 14. Psal 63.3 6. meane no way to be compar d so a Christian who by faith hath tasted the loue of God which is beâ—ter then wine the comforts of the word which are sweeter then honey to the mouth hee cannot affect as sometimes before he did those sensuall delights which carnall men who know no better follow with greedâ—nesse If earthly delights creepe vpâ—n vs it is because the exercise of faith is neglected which must conscionably be renewed againe Moreouer a Christian belieuer comes to his Table with an holy Iealousie remembring that a snare is laid for him in euery creature Satan is a cunning fowler who hath his baits laid secretly to catch vs where we least suspect The Snake lurketh in the fairest grasse and the most dangerous grins are set in our lawfull liberties And through neglect to keepe vp our watch these oft take when others misse More perish through the abuse of things lawfull then by the practice of what is simply vnlawfull
to that high delight in Gods seruice that he loued the Commandements of God more then thousands of gold and siluer the honey and the honey combe That hee rose at mid-night to meditate in them was it not by faith The grace of Christ the power of the Spirit and the Word of life doe change the disposition of the soule so farre as they enter and be receiued into it But by faith their vertue is diffused into the whole masse Fourthly Admirable in force and efficacie is the perswasion of faith aboue all the Oratorie in the world All the common inducements taken from profit pleasure honour what poore and weake engines are they to the irresistible arguments of faith by which it moueth the heart to yeeld willing and chearefull obedience Thus it goeth to worke with vs Hath Christ giuen himselfe for thee forgiuen thee so many debts conferred fauours of all kinds vpon thee and what hast thou to retribute If thou giue all thy goods to the poore thy bodie to the fire â—hy soule to his seruice were not all short of recompence Louest thou louest thou this Sauiour of thine and â—arest thou aduenture vpon any thing displeasing vnto him Is there any thing too hard to be done for his sake too deâ—re or good for him Whom hast thou in heauen or eâ—â—th worthy to be affected in comparison of thy Sauiour What is to be dreaded but his displeasure Is there any recompenâ—e to the ioyes of Heauen any danger to the torments of Hell any pleasure to the sense of his fauour O my soule why doest thou not resigne thy selfe to the pleasure of his will in euery thing runne when he calleâ—h and doe what he requireth at thy hands Whâ—t dost thou feare Wherewith art thou intangled God is thy souereigne thy Fâ—ther thy Sauiour to him thou owest thy selfe and all that thou hast thy honour wealth life or if any thing be more pretious then these Thou canst not loue thy selfe as is meete if thou â—enie not thy selfe to follow the Lord in all things For in keeping his Commandements there is great reward Can or did any Belieuer euer giue the nay to these mâ—lting commands or commanding intreaties of faith Will it take the repulsâ— Doth it not constraine or extort more then all rackes and strapadoes allure more then all wages and prizes When thou wouldst bee sure to speed and obtaine any thing of thine owne vntoward heart set faith on worke to make the motion thou shalt preuaile For the motiues of faith are certaine euident and such as cause firme assent whereby the heart is drawne to follow after the thing proposed Fiftly It disposeth and moueth the heart to absolute vniforme vnpartiall and constant obedience to euery commandement and that in one estate aswell as another In Scripture to belieue in Christ and to keepe the Commandements mutually inferre one another either capable of others properties Faith includes the compleate and practicall knowledge of good and euill inclining the faculties of our soule to auoid all commerce with the one and embrace euery branch of the other It frameth the Image of God or Christ in our minds and proposeth him as a patterne for our imitation in all our workes thoughts and resolutions Deut. 30.20 11.22 2. Kings 18.6 Iosh 23.8 Acts 11.23 Psal 119.31 Heb. 11 5.33 It acknowledgeth his soueraignetie assenteth faithfully to his will and pleasure embraceth soundly euery part of the holy truth of God and sticketh so fast that nothing can come betwixt the heart and it from whence issueth vniuersall respect to all and euery precept Faith doth not admit one part of the Word and exclude another nor receiue it barely into the Head and shut it forth of the heart but entertaineth it wholly diffuseth the â—ertue of it into euery power of the soule changeth the natural disposition into the quality of the truth And thus by faith the soule is kindly disposed to follow the Lord whithersoeuer hee goeth before vs. If the heart bee dull and vntoward the best course to redresse what is out of order is by quickening our assent to the good pleasure of his command and our confidence in his mercie Sixtly It fires the heart with such an indefatigable and vnquenchable loue Cant 8.7 8. that in comparison of obedience it contemneth the whole world For it acquainteth with the incomprehensible mercie and fauour of God towards vs in giuing his Sonne pardoning and forgiuing manifold offences lading vs with his daily blessings It representeth the inestimable ioy that is prepared for them that walke before God in holinesse and righteousnesse and this enflameth the heart to follow hard after the Lord. Psal 63.8 When by faith we discerne what loue the Lord beareth vnto vs we cannot but returne loue for loue Luke 7.47 Many sinnes are forgiuen her therefore shee loueth much And fâ—om all these acts it followeth That what a temporarie belieuer doth by the halues â—â—perficially or with an halting diuided heart that the true and vnfained belieuer takes in hand with an intire sound vpright affection What in the one is a liuelesse action the out-side or carcasse of a good worke that in the other is a good worke indeed springing from an holy wel-planted confidence in the mercie of God and resolute adherence to his Commandements which as the animall facultie impels to that exercise The selfe-same duties may be done by the ciuill man and by the belieuer for the out-side and deed done both may goe to Church heare a Sermon reade a Chapter giue an Almes make a Prayer but the one goeth as a Beare to the stake in comparison of the other who is moued by faith or let the ciuill mans delight be as it may his acts are liuelesse because they issue not from an obedientiall confidence in the Lords mercie Seuenthly Faith makes sensible of our manifold defects infirmities and failings faintings and coolings It shewes how weake wee are of our selues how farre wee come short how apt we are to decline and start aside And this consideraâ—ion of faith hath blessed effects First It causeth serious and attentiue meditation vpon the Word of God that it may sinke deepe and abide firme in the heart Acts 16.14 Psal 119.15 Psal 119.11 I haue hid or treasured vp thy Commandements in my heart that I might not sinne against thee And to this purpose a belieuer will not bee negligent to watch all opportunities when his soule is throughly affected with vnexpected matter of sorrow Luke 1.65 66. 2.51 ioy griefe feare admiration or the like and forthwith to apply such passages of Scripture as sute best to the present affections Secondly It worketh the heart often and deliberately to renew its resolution not trusting in our owne strength but in the grace of God Psal 119.106 Iohn 15.6 I haue sworne and will performe it trusting vpon thy diuine grace without which we can doe nothing that I will keepe thy
men by helping to maintaine the state of the Church or common-wealth and that it is that in which God will be serued of him then he takes it in hand not like a drudge or droile who doth his woâ—k for feare of the whip nor like an hireling who workes onely for wages nor like eye-seruants who leaue their businesse when the masters eye is turned aside but with good will diligence and singlenesse of heart he addresseth himselfe to his worke being assured of Gods assistance and furtherance therein whom hee serues in his vocation This perswasion that we serue the Lord in our callings who is a bountifull pay-master and hath promised a large blessing vnto vs forceth to goe willingly about that worke which otherwise would seeme toylesome and vnpleasant Fifthly It incourageth to the most difficult painfull and in the worlds esteeme disgracefull workes of our callings Distrust breeds nicenesse feare and sluggishnes Esay 7.4 Ios 7.5 Pro. 31.17 faith produceth hardines valour and actiuitie for it assures of diuine protection and good successe Pride makes men ashamed of many things which in the world be matters of disgrace but faith witnesseth that the truest honour is to be Gods seruant 2. Tim. 1.7.8.9 Heb. 11.7 and the greatest glory to do whatsoeuer the Lord requireth at our hands By faith Noah prepareth the Arke let the men of the old world mocke their fill By faith Iudah goeth vp to fight the Lords battels Iudg. 1.4 Heb. 11.9.10 whatsoeuer danger appeare in the voyage Faith bringeth Abraham from his natiue countrey and his fathers house to soiourne in a strange land when he is called of the Lord. Mark 6.18 Faith maketh Iohn the Baptist bold to tell Herod plainely that it is not lawfull for him to haue his brothers wife let him take it as he please Corruption will suggest such a thing beseemeth not a man of my place breeding bringing vp it would be taken ill might procure displeasure trouble disgrace danger but faith looketh to the word of God and if it bee a dutie required encourageth to set about it with speede referring the issue and euent to him that hath commaunded it and esteemeth it the greatest credit to doe the will and pleasure of the Lord. Sixtly It strengtheneth against manifold troubles disgraces oppositions discouragements that men meete withall in their places and inableth to goe through-stitch with our businesse in ill report and good report in honour and disgrace Distrust bringeth forth wearinesse and fainting faith persisteth in the worke notwithstanding all difficulties which may arise either from the dayly continuance of the labour or other impediments Fâ—ith either neglecteth or remoueth or breaketh through all lets and obstacles Worldlings and hypoâ—rites are disheartened in their businesse because no man respects their paines is well-pleased with their doings let them doe what thay can they shall not haue a good word But the sound beleiuer is aboundantly satisfied with Gods approbation and reward and goeth on chearfully Heb. 11.35.36.37 though men shew him no countenance allow noe recompence yea though he bee molested persecuted imprisoned killed for well-doing If God be pleased to vouchsafe other encouragements to take paines faith makes vse of them with thankfulnesse but if they bee wanting it will not giue place to negligence or remissenesse 1. Cor 4.3 With me it is a very small thing that I should be iudged of you or of mans iudgement Nor of men sought we glorie 1. Thess 2.6.9 neither of you nor yet of others when we might haue beene burdensome as the Apostles of Christ Phil. 3 7.8 But what things were gaine to mee those I counted losse for Christ Yea doubtlesse and I count all things but losse for the excellencie of the knowledge of Christ Iesus my Lord for whom I haue suffered the losse of all things and doe count them but dung that I may winne Christ Seuenthly It directeth wisely to order the affaires of our calling and to goe about them in good manner that is Eccl. 2.26 in obedience to right ends and with an heauenly Minde exercising the graces that God hath bestowed vpon vs whereby it comes to passe that they are furtherances and not hinderances in the duties of pietie Thus Dauid behaued himselfe wisely in all his wayes 1. Sam. 18.14 and being called of God to the gouernment of the kingdome hee promiseth to execute his office in vprightnesse and innocencie to the praise of God I will sing of mercy and iudgement Psal 101.8 to thee O Lord will I sing Eightly As faith quickeneth to labour and doe what pertaineth to our calling so it teacheth to moderate cares confine desires of earthly things and commit our selues to God for the successe of our worke Labour is mans dutie good successe is the blessing of God Men commonly take vpon them a double care one to doe the workes of their place the other to take thought about the blessing and successe of their labours But faith in Gods Word where it raignes applieth the hearts of men to the performance of their duties and leaueth the blessing of their endeuours to the good will and pleasure of God Thus wee are exhorted to doe Psal 55.22 Cast thy burthen vpon the Lord and hee shall sustaine thee hee shall neuer suffer the righteous to bee moued A Christian is to consider the difficultie of all things pertaining to him and what danger is in them Hee is diligently to set his hand to the worke and through negligence to omit nothing that is of moment to effect and bring it to passe But hauing taken counsell and laboured painfully hee must lay aside care of the euent and roll his burthen vpon the Lord who hath promised that all things shall be well regarded And this faith hath an infallible ground namely that God best knowes our wants and will giue vs all things which in his heauenly wisdome hee knoweth to be necessarie Math. 6.32 1. Pet. 5.7 Your heauenly Father knowes that yee haue need of these things that is food and raiment Cast your care on God for hee careth for you Nothing shall bee wanting vnto them that feare God And thus faith building vpon these promises obtaineth a greater blessing of God with lesse care toile and vexation Psal 127.2 Prou. 16.3 then worldlings can by all their cunning shifts sleights and deuices Commit thy workes vnto the Lord and thy thoughts shall bee established Faith also restraineth the desires of transitory things Math. 6.33 as it lifteth vp the heart to better and more durable riches seeketh the Kingdome of Heauen hungers and thirsteth after righteousnesse Psal 42.1 Psal 16.5 feedeth vpon the mercie of God in Christ and resteth satisfied in the Lord as its onâ—y portion Ninthly It supporteth with strength patiently to beare the miseries and calamities that accompany vs in our calâ—ings Euer since the fall of Adam labour and affliction attend euery state
and condition of life both which are easily digested by faith If wee be crossed in the good things we goe about faith considereth that this commeth to passe by the good prouidence of God who sometimes crosseth our good and lawfull attempts least wee should trust in our seluâ—s despise the poore and afflicted and be glued fast to these earthly things Also it remembers vs of Gods deare and tender loue who of meere fauour doth chastice and will so order that all miseries shall in the end turne to our good And by such like meditations it worketh the soule to contentation in euery estate Phil. 4.11 12. I haue learned in whatsoeuer state I am therewith to be content I know both how to be abased I know how to abound euery where in all things I am instructed both to be ful to be hungrie both to abound and to suffer need Moreouer fâ—ith turneth crosses into aduaÌ„tage as it calleth the afflicted vnto the examination of his wayes and reformation of what is amisse worketh selfe-deniall emptieth the heart of the loue of base and transitorie things quickeneth vnto prayer causeth to rellish mercie with more sweetnesse and couet spirituall things more earnestly reuiueth hope and gaineth experience of Gods fauour and tender compassion Tenthly Faith restraineth distrustfull care concerning the successe of our labours but is not slacke to craue Gods blessing vpon our labours It wrâ—ppeth all griefes vexations and cares together and powreth them forth before the Lord in prayer Phil. 4.6 Be carefull for nothing but in euery thing by prayer and supplication with thankesgigiuing let your request be made knowne vnto God In the midst of sorrowes faith is silent from murmuring and impatience Psal 62.1 but it is neuer silent in prayer it doth continually cry vnto the Lord for succour Eleuenthly If wee finde wished successe it makes vigilant frugall humble mercifull and thankefull for it receiueth all blessings as gifts of grace to be imployed according to Gods will and appointment to the glory of his Name and comfort of his people 1. Cor. 7.31 and teacheth so to vse the world as willingly to renounce all interest in the world for the fashion thereof passeth away And with what conscience towards God we are inclined to labour with the same we are stirred vp to giue to others as need requireth The desire of the slothfull killeth him Prou. 21 25 26. Psal 112.9 for his hands refuse to labour He coueteth greedily all the day long buâ— the righteous giuâ—th and spareth not Twelfthly Fâ—ith coupleth the labours of our calling with the practice of Christianitie for God hath laid his Commandement vpon vs both to seeke his Kingdome worke out our saluation make our election sure exercise our selues in all good workes walke in loue and labour honâ—stly in our particular vocation and faith cannot seperate what God hath ioyned He that laboureth in faith looketh not only what he doth but why he doth it and hath respect to one dutie commanded as well as another the reâ—son of his obedience being one and the same namely the will and commandement of the Lord. If a man labour in faith the better he laboureth the more diligent he is in the seruice of God and workes of mercie and the more diligent he is in the duties of pietie the more faithfull in his honest labour But how should a Christian liue by faith touching the good successe and direction of that worke or businesse whereunto he is called How wee may liue by faith touching the successe of our labours which he finds to be much aboue his strength or meanes First Faith causeth selfe-deniall in respect of iudgement wisdome and power for we are blinde in chusing foolish in resoluing what is to be done Prou. 3.5 Ier. 10.23 Prou. 16.2 21.2 what is right in our eyes is abominable before God Nor is our wisdome to dispose and mannage matteâ—s resolued on of greater ripenesse and perfection Our own counsell oft leads vs awry in things corporall either we misse of the right manner or vse right meanes amisse either we leane vpon deceitfull props or take a good staffe by the wrong end And if wee bee brought into distresse then how are wee plunged in our consultations not knowing which way to turne our selues As for power to accomplish any worke Lam. 3.37 though neuer so well conceiued though meanes neuer so potent so readie at hand so well ordered though the businesse be in neuer so good forwardnesse we haue it not Alas poore impotent creatures what can we doe of our selues who cannot keepe our breath for one moment In God wee liue and moue and haue our being and hee that maintaines life must perfect all our workes for vs. In matter of profit no man can say Deut. 8.17 18. my power my labour the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth Nor in point of honour By my policie I haue builded my nest on high by the strength of my arme I haue gotten me the victorie Psal 44.3 This weaknesse is discouered by faith which in euery businesse worketh selfe-deniall knowing the beginning direction and successe of all honest labours to be of grace Secondly It teacheth submission to Gods direction and dependeth vpon his helpe and assistance Iudges 1.1 20.18.23.28 Esay 8.20 It asketh counsell at the word and followeth the determination of it It chuseth what God approueth though to humane wisdome it seeme bootlesse and improbable it reiecteth what God condemneth though to corrupt reason it promise profit and contentment For true confidence is obedientiall subiecting it selfe to the will of God as the rule of holinesse acknowledging his souereigntie subscribing to his wisdome as most absolute and to his wayes as most true iust and mercifull And as it consulteth with God so it putteth ouer all businesse into his hands and in a manner out of our owne For it trusteth to him for abilitie to the worke prouision of the meanes the disposition of them Math. 6.25 10.19 and good successe to come by them Yea though all meanes faile and all thingâ— seeme to make against the proceedings faith relieth vpon God who is euerlasting vnchangeable the same for euer The eye of faith is euer towards the Lord that hee may instruct and guide in the way that hee would be with vs to enable in the worke we take in hand And for the meanes it looketh to haue such ministred which may aduance our iust designes and esteemeth them most precious Psal 32.8 Ezr. 5.5 Iudges 6.16 Exod. 4.11 which hee shall put into our hands To prouide meanes is the worke of God it only belongs to vs to vse them which he shall grant in mercie And seeing wee haue not this wisedome and abilitie of our selues faith expecteth both from the hand of God scil to prepare meanes and make vs wise to take the opportunitie The props of this faith are these two
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
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
that I can offer Secondly He must call vpon his soule by many powerfull and strong perswasions to awake to the worke of God with liuelinesse Arise O my soule why sleepest thou stirre vp thy selfe with readinesse to obey the charge of God in the duties of his woâ—ship and the workes of Mercie and Iustice withstand sinne subdue corruptions fight manfully against the temptations of Satan and the allurements of the world Sticke fast vnto the testimonies of the Lord and lay his iudgements before thee For the testimonies of the Lord are wonderfull Psal 119.129 Verse 9. Verse 138. his iudgements good righteous and very faithfull his word is very pure and his law is the truth The seruice of God is perfect freedome he walketh at libertie who runneth on in obedience As tâ—y loue to the law is such shall thy life be nothing is hard to a willing minde Want of affection to the word of truth makes the duties commanded to seeme irkesome and tedious Loue the Commandements aboue gold and obedience will be as pleasant as gaine to the couetous Looke vpon the Saints who haue gone before they endured imprisonment losse of libertie the spoiling of goods hazard of life with ioy looking vnto the eternall and incomprehensible recompence of reward Thou art not called to suffer but to obey at least not to suffer such grieuous torments as they did why doest thou then delay start aside or goe forth vnwillingly Wouldest thou raigne with them and not labour with them receiue the price and not runne the race diuide the spoile and not fight the battell In the affaires of this life wee loue to excell and out-goe our fellowes as to bee first vp and about our worke to exceed in fauour riches honour wisdome and in matters of Religion to be dead and lumpish is it not abhominable Obedience is no dull seruice no dead piece of worke but the way to blessednesse and the crowne of glory Esay 45.19 The Lord hath not said Seeke me in vaine The reward of obedience is certaine though our wo kes deserue nothing The Merchant vndertakes dangerous aduentures to raise his estate inrich himselfe But what is the gold of India to the ioyes of Heâ—uen a fading possession to an eternall weight of glory striue to enter and goe forward in the straiteway that leadeth vnto life Arise why tarriest thou forget not the high price of thy calling but contend forward towards the marke Heauen is worth all thy labour We are glad to be entertained of them who haue a name to be liberall bountifull to their attendants who is to be compared to the Lord our God herein He is most able 1. Cor. 2.9 and best willing to preferre his seruants Eye hath not seene eare hath not heard it exceeds all humane capacitie to conceiue what surpassing glorie and ioy the Lord hath prepared for them that loue him Thirdly He must pray to the Lord that he would reuiue and quicken him Teach me to doe thy will Psal 143.10 for thou art my God thy Spirit is good lead me into the land of vprightnesse My desire is to doe thy good pleasure Cant. 1.4 but of my selfe I haue no abilitie thereunto Draw mee and I will runne after thee Psal 119.33 34 35. Verse 135. Teach me the way of thy statutes and I will keepe it vnto the end Giue me vnderstanding and I shall keâ—pe thy law yea I shall obserue it with my whole heart Lord thou hast commanded mee to keepe thy testimonies Psal 119.36 giue mee I pray thee to doe what thou requirest Incline my heart to thy statutes and not to couetousnes Fourthly Psal 119.93 Hee must renew his resolution to walke with God trusting in his grace I will neuer forget thy precepts for with them thou hast quickened me I haue fully purposed to keepe and cleaue vnto thy Commandements for they are they ioy of my heart But Lord I leane not vpon mine owne strength but vpon thy grace Psal 119.57.112 Psal 119.133 who gâ—ueth both to will and to doe Thou art my portion O Lord I haue said that I will keepe thy words Order my steps in thy word and let not any iniquitie haue dominion ouer mee CHAP. X. What it is to liue by faith in the duties of our vocation Christians are allowed to liue by faith in the duties of their vocation IT is the ordinance of God that men should labour in some honest vocation for their priuate maintenance and the common good that is the benefit and good estate of mankind And for encouragement he hath promised to protect and blesse them that keepe themselues within the limits and doe the workes of their calling with diligence The texts of Scripture are plaine for both Gen. 2.15 The Lord God tooke the man Gen. 3.19 and put him into the garden of Eden to dresse it and to keepe it In thâ— sweate of thy face shalt thou eate bread till thou returne vnto the ground Eph. 4.28 Let him that stole steale no more but rather let him labour working with his hands the thing that is good that he may haue to giue to him that needâ—th 1. Cor. 7.20 Let euery man abide in the same calling wherein he was called study to be quiet and to doe your owne businesse and to worke with your one hands as we commaunded you that yee may walke honestly toward them that are without 1. Thess 4.11.12 2. Thess 3.10.11 12. Pro. 10 4. and 12.27 For euen when wee were with you this wee commaunded you that if any man would not worke neither should he eate The hand of the diligent maketh rich The substance of a diligent man is prâ—tious Prou. 13.11 Prou. 12.24 Hee that gathereth by labour shall encrease The hand of the diligent shall beare rule Seest thou a man diligent in his businesse hee shall stand before Kings Prou. 22.29 Psal 91.11 hee shall not stand before meane men Heâ— shall giue his Angels charge ouer thee to keepe thee in all thy wayes Now seeing God hath commaâ—nded vs to labour in a calling prescribed the bonds of our calling and promised his protection and blessing to our honesâ— endeauours it cannot bee questioned whether wee be allowed to liue by faith in the duties of our calling Fo the exercise of faith is as large as the word whereby it is guided and moderated that it neither exceed nor come hort Whe e a worke is commanded faith puts forth â—â—elâ—e in actioâ— where a promise is made it trusteth elâ—eth and wâ—iteth for accomplishment In euery honest state and cond tion of life there is vse of faith in both respects For laboâ—r is commanded and promise of blessing is made to them that worke according to the will and pleasure of God Moreouer God is hereby much glorified that wee commit our selues wholly vnto him labouring as he hath appointed and depending vpon his grace for good successe It