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ground_n church_n faith_n infallibility_n 2,066 5 11.7830 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A03064 A treatise of faith diuided into two parts. The first shewing the nature, the second, the life of faith. ... By Iohn Ball. Ball, John, 1585-1640. 1631 (1631) STC 1319; ESTC S100833 364,072 489

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or_o next_o cause_n always_o terminate_v the_o resolution_n the_o one_o imitate_v the_o other_o invert_v the_o order_n of_o composition_n in_o the_o first_o acceptation_n the_o first_o verity_n or_o d●uine_a infallibility_n be_v that_o into_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v last_o resolve_v for_o this_o be_v the_o first_o step_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o true_a belief_n the_o low_a foundation_n whereon_o any_o religion_n can_v be_v build_v but_o in_o the_o second_o acceptation_n as_o we_o always_o take_v those_o term_n when_o we_o resolve_v our_o own_o persuasion_n that_o be_v for_o a_o resolution_n of_o all_o doubt_n or_o demand_n concern_v the_o subject_n whereof_o we_o treat_v a_o roman_a catholic_n faith_n must_v according_a to_o his_o principle_n final_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o church_n or_o pope_n infallibility_n for_o this_o be_v the_o immediate_a ground_n or_o first_o cause_n of_o any_o particular_a determinate_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o immediate_a be_v always_o that_o into_o which_o our_o persuasion_n concern_v the_o effect_n be_v final_o resolve_v see_v it_o can_v satisfy_v all_o demand_n doubt_n or_o question_n concern_v it_o it_o will_v not_o help_v they_o to_o colour_v over_o the_o matter_n and_o say_v god_n reveal_v divine_a truth_n be_v the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n for_o see_v god_n work_v mediate_o and_o reveal_v no_o truth_n unto_o we_o but_o by_o external_a mean_n and_o divine_a authority_n in_o itself_o be_v hide_v and_o unknown_a therefore_o the_o thing_n whereinto_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v must_v be_v something_o external_o know_v which_o we_o may_v read_v or_o hear_v and_o our_o adversary_n must_v lead_v we_o to_o secret_a revelation_n which_o in_o word_n they_o pretend_v so_o much_o to_o defy_v or_o yield_v we_o a_o external_a foundation_n and_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o reject_v the_o scripture_n whatsoever_o they_o gloze_v in_o word_n they_o neither_o can_v nor_o do_v name_n we_o any_o other_o indeed_o but_o the_o roman_a pope_n and_o church_n nor_o will_v it_o boot_n they_o ought_v to_o say_v that_o god_n word_n in_o the_o church_n mouth_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n whereinto_o it_o be_v final_o resolve_v see_v the_o church_n define_v nothing_o but_o by_o god_n write_v or_o unwritten_a for_o this_o be_v more_o than_o the_o party_n which_o believe_v it_o can_v know_v nor_o have_v he_o any_o other_o motive_n to_o believe_v it_o beside_o the_o church_n definition_n or_o assertion_n suppose_v then_o we_o shall_v conceive_v so_o well_o of_o a_o temporal_a judge_n as_o to_o presume_v he_o do_v never_o speak_v but_o according_a to_o the_o true_a meaning_n either_o of_o statute_n or_o customary_a law_n yet_o if_o we_o can_v not_o know_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o or_o their_o right_a interpretation_n but_o only_o by_o his_o determination_n the_o law_n be_v little_o behold_v to_o he_o unless_o for_o a_o flout_n that_o shall_v say_v he_o be_v resolve_v joint_o by_o the_o judge_n and_o it_o for_o see_v the_o law_n be_v to_o he_o altogether_o uncertain_a but_o by_o the_o judge_n avouchment_v or_o interpretation_n his_o last_o resolution_n of_o any_o act_n of_o justice_n must_v be_v only_o into_o the_o judge_n skill_n and_o fidelity_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v not_o comprehend_v in_o the_o object_n of_o belief_n while_o it_o only_o propose_v other_o article_n to_o be_v believe_v no_o more_o be_v the_o sun_n comprehend_v under_o the_o object_n of_o our_o actual_a sight_n while_o we_o behold_v colour_n or_o other_o visible_a thing_n by_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o as_o it_o can_v not_o make_v colour_n or_o other_o thing_n become_v more_o visible_a unto_o we_o unless_o itself_o be_v the_o first_o visible_a that_o be_v unless_o it_o may_v be_v see_v more_o clear_o than_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v by_o it_o so_o we_o will_v direct_v our_o sight_n unto_o it_o so_o will_v it_o be_v impossible_a the_o church_n infallible_a proposal_n shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o roman_a catholic_n belief_n of_o scripture_n or_o their_o orthodoxal_a sense_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o principal_a credible_a or_o primarie_a object_n of_o his_o belief_n or_o that_o which_o must_v be_v most_o clear_o most_o certain_o and_o most_o steadfast_o believe_v so_o as_o all_o other_o article_n beside_o must_v be_v believe_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v this_o proposal_n of_o the_o church_n necessary_a to_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o faith_n only_o but_o to_o the_o growth_n and_o continuance_n of_o it_o as_o well_o after_o faith_n be_v produce_v while_o it_o continue_v as_o while_o it_o be_v in_o plant_v 17.5_o §._o 3._o god_n &_o christ_n not_o the_o church_n and_o saint_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o all_o true_a confidence_n &_o trust_n esay_n 26.34_o psal_n 130.5_o 6_o 7_o &_o 22.5_o prou._n 3.5_o john_n 14.1_o 1._o pet._n 1.21_o rom._n 3.22_o psal_n 2.12_o jer._n 17.5_o §_o 3._o but_o to_o leave_v this_o mystery_n of_o romish_a iniquity_n and_o to_o return_v to_o the_o matter_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o faith_n rest_v not_o upon_o the_o saint_n but_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o object_n of_o confidence_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n god_n as_o the_o author_n and_o parent_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o in_o he_o christ_n as_o the_o only_a mediator_n of_o god_n and_o man_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o or_o by_o who_o god_n bestow_v upon_o we_o all_o save_a blessing_n and_o by_o who_o we_o come_v unto_o god_n they_o be_v accurse_v who_o make_v the_o arm_n of_o flesh_n their_o stay_n and_o trust_v in_o man_n in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o help_n or_o power_n the_o present_a faith_n of_o believer_n have_v the_o same_o object_n with_o the_o faith_n of_o adam_n after_o his_o fall_n abel_n abraham_n noah_n david_n the_o virgin_n marie_n all_o the_o patriarch_n 13.8_o ephes_n 4_o 4._o heb._n 13.8_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n for_o faith_n be_v one_o in_o object_n and_o kind_n though_o different_a in_o number_n and_o degree_n but_o the_o confidence_n of_o adam_n abel_n noah_n abraham_n etc._n etc._n be_v exercise_v about_o or_o direct_v unto_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o set_v upon_o any_o saint_n abraham_n and_o the_o rest_n who_o live_v before_o and_o under_o the_o law_n believe_v in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v the_o apostle_n and_o all_o the_o faithful_a since_o believe_v in_o christ_n already_o come_v but_o in_o nature_n the_o object_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o our_o adversary_n confess_v thus_o much_o bellarmine_n prove_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n 5._o bellar._n de_fw-fr christ_n lib._n 1._o cap._n 5._o because_o it_o be_v write_v of_o he_o bless_a be_v they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o the_o scripture_n say_v he_o teach_v every_o where_o that_o we_o must_v put_v our_o trust_n in_o the_o true_a god_n alone_o the_o roman_a catechism_n teach_v 19_o catech._n rom._n part_n 1._o cap._n 11._o q._n 19_o that_o we_o believe_v the_o holy_a church_n not_o in_o the_o church_n by_o which_o diverse_a form_n of_o spe●king_v say_v they_o god_n the_o creator_n be_v distinguish_v from_o thing_n create_v 10.14_o rhem._n annot_fw-mi in_o rom._n 10.14_o but_o the_o rhemist_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o saint-inuocation_n be_v drive_v to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v to_o trust_v in_o the_o saint_n depart_v and_o that_o the_o scripture_n use_v also_o this_o speech_n to_o believe_v in_o man_n 20.21_o exod._n 14.31_o 2._o chron._n 20.21_o as_o they_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o his_o servant_n moses_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v establish_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v their_o first_o pretence_n whereby_o they_o seek_v to_o cover_v their_o idolatry_n whereas_o they_o may_v easy_o have_v know_v that_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o seventie_o both_o translate_v these_o place_n 3.5_o deut._n 28.66_o job_n 24.22_o esay_n 33.15_o 1._o sam_n 27.12_o john_n 3.5_o they_o believe_v moses_n and_o believe_v his_o prophet_n and_o not_o they_o believe_v in_o moses_n believe_v in_o his_o prophet_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o preposition_n here_o add_v in_o hebrew_n do_v not_o ever_o answer_v to_o in_o in_o our_o language_n what_o that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o the_o israelite_n be_v command_v to_o put_v their_o confidence_n in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n either_o as_o the_o principal_a author_n and_o parent_n of_o any_o good_a or_o as_o mediator_n betwixt_o god_n and_o they_o by_o and_o through_o who_o mediation_n they_o shall_v obtain_v all_o good_a thing_n spiritual_a
with_o many_o doubt_n and_o difficulty_n §_o 2._o p._n 96_o the_o particular_a certainty_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o equal_a in_o certain_a and_o firmness_n of_o assent_n to_o that_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v about_o the_o common_a object_n of_o faith_n §_o 3._o p._n 96._o 97_o there_o be_v several_a state_n of_o believer_n but_o all_o subject_n to_o manifold_a temptation_n §_o 4._o 98._o 99_o belief_n in_o christ_n for_o remission_n be_v strong_a and_o more_o necessary_a than_o particular_a assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n §_o 5._o p._n 100_o not_o only_o some_o uncertain_a hope_n but_o even_o infallible_a assurance_n of_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v and_o may_v be_v obtain_v §_o 6_o p._n 101._o 102._o etc._n etc._n there_o be_v a_o word_n testify_v thus_o much_o that_o my_o particular_a person_n behold_v the_o son_n and_o believe_v on_o he_o shall_v have_v eternal_a life_n p._n 101._o 102._o 103_o such_o as_o true_o believe_v may_v know_v they_o believe_v p._n 103_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o exact_a measure_n of_o grace_n and_o strength_n the_o regenerate_a be_v oft_o deceive_v but_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o grace_n they_o may_v be_v assure_v p._n 104._o 105_o what_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v with_o the_o whole_a heart_n §_o 7._o p._n 105_o in_o what_o sense_n we_o must_v continue_v daily_o to_o ask_v of_o god_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n notwithstanding_o former_a assurance_n of_o pardon_n p._n 106._o 107._o 108._o 109._o 110_o how_o justification_n be_v full_a and_o entire_a p._n 110_o god_n have_v say_v as_o to_o abraham_n so_o to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n p._n 111_o how_o every_o faithful_a man_n may_v and_o do_v make_v god_n he_o in_o particular_a ibid._n the_o apostle_n and_o other_o faithful_a have_v be_v assure_v of_o their_o salvation_n by_o ordinary_a faith_n p._n 111._o 112_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o believer_n be_v infallible_a in_o itself_o and_o in_o event_n but_o not_o ever_o in_o his_o apprehension_n and_o feeling_n §_o 9_o p._n 113._o assurance_n of_o faith_n in_o thing_n extraordinary_o be_v not_o altogether_o free_a from_o assault_n p._n 114_o the_o benefit_n that_o come_v unto_o we_o by_o temptation_n p._n 115._o 116_o the_o commandment_n be_v lay_v before_o believer_n not_o as_o the_o cause_n for_o obtain_v of_o eternal_a life_n but_o as_o the_o way_n to_o walk_v in_o unto_o eternal_a life_n §_o 10._o p._n 117_o upright_o late-walking_a be_v necessary_a but_o not_o the_o cause_n of_o justification_n p._n 118_o the_o believer_n rely_v not_o upon_o his_o work_n though_o he_o exercise_v himself_o therein_o with_o all_o diligence_n p._n 119_o what_o infirmity_n may_v stand_v with_o assurance_n of_o faith_n §_o 11_o p._n 120._o 121_o what_o sin_n hinder_v assurance_n §_o 12._o p._n 123_o the_o absolute_a reign_n of_o sin_n will_v not_o stand_v with_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n §_o 13._o p._n 124_o true_a assurance_n breed_v increase_v of_o resolution_n and_o care_n to_o please_v god_n §_o 14._o p._n 125._o 126_o chap._n ix_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n §_o 1._o p._n 128._o 129_o whatsoever_o credit_n the_o church_n have_v it_o receive_v the_o same_o from_o the_o scripture_n p._n 139_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n who_o they_o call_v the_o church_n virtual_a be_v the_o first_o ground_n and_o last_o resolution_n of_o the_o romanist_n faith_n §_o 2._o p._n 129._o 130_o faith_n rest_v not_o upon_o the_o saint_n but_o upon_o jesus_n christ_n §_o 3._o p._n 132._o 133_o the_o rhemist_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o saint-inuocation_n be_v drive_v to_o say_v that_o we_o be_v to_o trust_v in_o the_o saint_n depart_v p._n 133._o 134._o 135_o chap._n x._o the_o benefit_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n §_o 1._o p._n 136._o 137._o 138_o 139._o 140_o faith_n do_v not_o effect_n and_o perform_v those_o thing_n by_o any_o excellency_n force_n or_o efficacy_n of_o it_o own_o above_o other_o grace_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o office_n whereunto_o it_o be_v assign_v in_o covenant_n of_o grace_n p._n 140_o of_o all_o creature_n man_n only_o be_v capable_a of_o justify_v faith_n §_o 2._o p._n 140_o faith_n be_v proper_a unto_o man_n in_o this_o life_n in_o his_o journey_n towards_o his_o perfect_a home_n and_o eternal_a habitation_n p._n 141_o all_o man_n have_v not_o faith_n p._n 141_o the_o subject_n of_o justify_v faith_n be_v man_n a_o sinner_n call_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n acknowledge_v his_o offence_n &_o hunger_a &_o thirst_v after_o mercy_n §_o 2._o p._n 141_o the_o seat_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o heart_n but_o the_o heart_n contrite_a humble_v bewail_v sin_n deny_v itself_o and_o affect_v with_o desire_n of_o remission_n §_o 3._o p._n 142._o 143_o in_o scripture_n the_o heart_n be_v take_v for_o the_o whole_a soul_n with_o all_o its_o power_n and_o operation_n p._n 144_o faith_n be_v common_a to_o all_o and_o peculiar_a to_o they_o only_o who_o be_v call_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n §_o 4._o p._n 145_o all_o have_v not_o the_o like_a measure_n of_o faith_n §_o 5._o p._n 146_o faith_n perfect_a in_o none_o p._n 146._o 147_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o weak_a christian_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n §_o 6._o p._n 148_o the_o degree_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v consider_v according_a to_o the_o diverse_a growth_n which_o god_n bring_v his_o child_n unto_o p._n 148._o 148_o four_o degree_n of_o faith_n §_o 7._o 149_o faith_n be_v weak_a four_o way_n 1._o knowledge_n 2._o assent_n 3._o confidence_n 4._o fruit_n and_o effect_n p._n 149._o 150_o ordinary_o believer_n be_v weak_a at_o the_o first_o p._n 150_o some_o privilege_v above_o other_o p._n 151_o faith_n weak_a in_o one_o respect_n may_v be_v strong_a in_o another_o p._n 151_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o weak_a faith_n if_o true_a and_o lively_a §_o 8_o p._n 151._o 152_o weak_a faith_n if_o sound_n will_v grow_v and_o increase_v ibid._n we_o must_v strive_v to_o be_v strong_a and_o rich_a in_o faith_n p._n 152._o 153_o faith_n somewhat_o grow_v §_o 9_o p._n 153_o strong_a faith_n p._n 153._o 154_o full_a assurance_n get_v by_o degree_n p._n 154_o the_o benefit_n of_o full_a assurance_n p._n 154._o 155_o the_o strong_a faith_n be_v subject_a to_o sundry_a infirmity_n §_o 10_o p._n 156_o the_o strong_a believer_n do_v sometime_o shrink_v when_o the_o weak_a stand_v fast_o p._n 156_o chap._n xi_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o believe_v §_o 1._o p._n 157_o 158_o mean_n for_o the_o right_a plant_n of_o faith_n §_o 2._o p._n 159._o 160_o 161._o etc._n etc._n faith_n once_o obtain_v be_v serious_o to_o be_v regard_v §_o 3._o p._n 164_o 165_o mean_n whereby_o faith_n be_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v §_o 4._o p._n 166._o 167._o 168._o 169_o chap._n xii_o why_o satan_n endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o hinder_v as_o the_o kind_o take_v so_o the_o growth_n of_o faith_n §_o 1_o p._n 170._o 171_o the_o first_o temptation_n be_v take_v from_o our_o worthlesnesse_n §_o 1_o p._n 171_o remedy_n the_o sense_n of_o unworthiness_n must_v not_o discourage_v we_o from_o believe_v because_o 1._o the_o mercy_n favour_n promise_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n be_v all_o free_a p._n 171_o 2._o we_o be_v not_o more_o desirous_a to_o believe_v than_o god_n be_v we_o shall_v so_o do_v p._n 171._o 172_o the_o second_o temptation_n they_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v elect_v §_o 2._o remedy_n 1._o hold_v such_o suggestion_n to_o arise_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o error_n and_o lend_v no_o ear_n to_o such_o whisper_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n p._n 172_o 2._o if_o god_n make_v offer_v of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n 〈…〉_o ●●nd_v to_o receive_v it_o ibid._n the_o three_o temptation_n they_o 〈…〉_o of_o doubting_n §_o 3_o remedy_n 1._o faith_n may_v be_v true_a 〈◊〉_d lively_a that_o be_v weak_a p._n 173_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o the_o excellency_n and_o measure_n of_o faith_n that_o do_v make_v we_o righteous_a before_o god_n but_o christ_n who_o faith_n do_v receive_v ibid._n 3._o it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o christ_n receive_v by_o faith_n that_o nourish_v to_o eternal_a life_n ibid._n 4._o we_o read_v that_o christ_n reprove_v some_o for_o their_o small_a faith_n but_o never_o reject_v any_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o in_o weakness_n desire_v to_o be_v confirm_v p._n 174_o the_o four_o temptation_n they_o can_v keep_v their_o faith_n strong_a and_o steadfast_a §_o 4_o remedy_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o change_n with_o god_n p._n 174_o 2._o labour_v after_o and_o groan_v to_o rest_v their_o weary_a soul_n upon_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n be_v never_o satisfy_v till_o their_o doubtfulness_n be_v remove_v
hand_n of_o herod_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v and_o will_v that_o man_n who_o be_v assure_v of_o god_n favour_n and_o love_n towards_o he_o for_o ever_o admire_v the_o mighty_a power_n unspeakable_a goodness_n and_o rich_a mercy_n of_o god_n who_o have_v deliver_v he_o from_o the_o pit_n of_o hell_n from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o wait_a for_o of_o all_o the_o wicked_a devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n and_o have_v translate_v he_o into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o dear_a son_n and_o if_o he_o daily_o consider_v his_o unworthines_n and_o and_o renew_a sin_n he_o shall_v see_v more_o cause_n to_o wonder_v every_o day_n then_o at_o the_o first_o if_o comparison_n may_v be_v make_v in_o such_o a_o case_n and_o to_o renew_v his_o repentance_n care_n watch_n and_o resolution_n to_o better_v his_o obedience_n for_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o god_n pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o child_n daily_o and_o continue_v his_o mercy_n towards_o they_o and_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n even_o unto_o the_o end_n who_o can_v think_v upon_o his_o slip_n and_o infirmity_n which_o break_v from_o he_o every_o day_n for_o which_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v iusty_a provoke_v against_o he_o and_o withal_o remember_v how_o god_n be_v please_v to_o spare_v he_o to_o grant_v he_o access_n into_o his_o presence_n and_o to_o afford_v unto_o he_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o love_n but_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v astonish_v at_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o so_o great_a and_o incomprehensible_a so_o large_a and_o long-enduring_a kindness_n his_o heart_n must_v be_v inflame_v with_o love_n and_o enlarge_v in_o praise_n still_o more_o and_o more_o his_o affection_n raise_v to_o strive_v against_o sin_n and_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n whereunto_o they_o be_v design_v every_o day_n more_o and_o more_o assurance_n of_o savation_n than_o do_v not_o beget_v security_n but_o quicken_v to_o more_o sincere_a settle_a and_o constant_a obedience_n nor_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o christian_n shall_v hold_v his_o assurance_n long_o than_o he_o do_v follow_v cherish_v and_o feed_v this_o heavenly_a affection_n in_o himself_o chap._n ix_o faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o rest_v upon_o god_n in_o christ_n not_o upon_o the_o saint_n militant_a or_o triumphant_a 1._o §._o 1._o §_o 1._o tthe_n schoolman_n divide_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n into_o the_o material_a object_n and_o into_o the_o formal_a the_o material_a be_v the_o article_n or_o thing_n believe_v the_o formal_a be_v the_o foundation_n and_o last_o main_a principle_n whereupon_o faith_n rely_v or_o that_o whereinto_o the_o assent_n which_o yield_v unto_o the_o matter_n believe_v be_v resolve_v in_o which_o sense_n the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v all_o one_o with_o the_o foundation_n or_o ground_n work_n of_o it_o but_o howsoever_o we_o understand_v it_o whether_o for_o the_o main_a reason_n &_o last_o resolution_n of_o assent_n or_o for_o that_o whereupon_o our_o confidence_n lean_v rely_v rest_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n nor_o the_o saint_n triumphant_a the_o object_n of_o faith_n divine_a 3.16_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n 1._o thess_n 2.13_o 2._o tim._n 3.16_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v his_o church_n but_o we_o neither_o believe_v in_o the_o saint_n militant_a nor_o triumphant_a the_o ground_n or_o foundation_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v pure_o and_o simple_o divine_a admix_v with_o no_o error_n yea_o subject_n to_o no_o error_n the_o indubitate_a word_n and_o revelation_n of_o christ_n the_o divine_a and_o prime_a verity_n reveal_v by_o inspiration_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o be_v pure_o and_o simple_o divine_v admix_v with_o no_o error_n the_o church_n be_v subject_a to_o error_n neither_o have_v it_o any_o truth_n immediate_o or_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n 11.20_o rom._n 11.20_o but_o by_o second_o mean_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o thing_n create_v distinct_a from_o the_o first_o verity_n the_o immortal_a seed_n whereby_o we_o be_v regenerate_v and_o make_v faithful_a be_v the_o only_a formal_a principle_n or_o ground_n of_o faith_n the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o be_v that_o immortal_a seed_n therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n alone_o 1.13_o 1._o pet._n 1.13_o be_v the_o only_a formal_a principle_n of_o faith_n and_o even_o as_o in_o husbandry_n although_o diverse_a instrument_n and_o mean_n be_v requisite_a and_o necessary_a to_o wit_n plough_v sow_v etc._n etc._n yet_o the_o seed_n be_v the_o beginning_n and_o sole_a immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o grain_n sp_v up_o even_o so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a plantation_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o our_o soul_n be_v live_a field_n the_o immortal_a seed_n which_o the_o apostle_n first_o preach_v and_o afterward_o commit_v to_o writing_n produce_v faith_n as_o the_o sole_a principle_n immediate_a motive_n and_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o ministry_n authority_n and_o call_n of_o the_o church_n produce_v the_o same_o as_o the_o adiuvant_fw-la and_o instrumental_a cause_n or_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o apply_v the_o word_n and_o seal_n thereof_o but_o not_o as_o the_o first_o principle_n whatsoever_o credit_n the_o church_n have_v it_o receive_v the_o same_o from_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o some_o of_o our_o principal_a adversary_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n who_o say_v 2.20_o ephes_n 2.20_o we_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n the_o present_a faith_n of_o christian_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o the_o faith_n of_o these_o holy_a man_n be_v sound_v upon_o immediate_a divine_a revelation_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n §_o 2._o herein_o the_o romanist_n faith_n differ_v from_o the_o faith_n of_o ancient_a christian_n for_o the_o saint_n who_o live_v of_o old_a ground_v their_o faith_n upon_o the_o pure_a and_o faithful_a word_n of_o god_n faith_n §_o 2._o the_o papist_n make_v the_o pope_n authority_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o faith_n as_o upon_o a_o sure_a foundation_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o pope_n who_o they_o call_v the_o church_n virtual_a be_v the_o first_o ground_n and_o last_o resolution_n of_o the_o romanist_n faith_n indefinite_o or_o indeterminate_o they_o teach_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v speak_v be_v most_o true_a in_o that_o sense_n wherein_o he_o me●nt_v it_o but_o if_o we_o descend_v to_o any_o determinate_a speech_n write_v or_o unwritten_a either_o acknowledge_v or_o suppose_v for_o god_n word_n the_o present_a romish_a church_n do_v take_v upon_o she_o absolute_o to_o judge_v of_o all_o and_o every_o part_n of_o they_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o that_o canon_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o have_v the_o sense_n or_o interpretation_n of_o any_o text_n any_o article_n of_o faith_n conclude_v out_o of_o it_o the_o only_a cause_n they_o do_v or_o can_v believe_v they_o infallible_o be_v the_o pope_n infallibility_n that_o commend_v they_o the_o church_n or_o pope_n proposal_n be_v not_o only_o a_o condition_n requisite_a but_o the_o remonstrative_a root_n the_o immediate_a cause_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o believe_a divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o they_o believe_v they_o and_o sway_v the_o mind_n to_o embrace_v the_o truth_n than_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a efficient_a cause_n of_o belief_n according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n the_o orthodoxal_a answer_n to_o this_o interrogation_n why_o do_v you_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v because_o the_o church_n propose_v it_o to_o i_o for_o such_o but_o he_o that_o admit_v this_o answer_n for_o sound_n and_o catholic_a and_o yet_o den_fw-mi es_fw-mi the_o church_n proposal_n to_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o his_o belief_n in_o the_o former_a point_n have_v smother_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o admit_v too_o artificial_a subtlety_n into_o his_o brain_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v cause_n condition_n circumstance_n or_o effect_n that_o true_o satisfi_v this_o demand_n why_o do_v you_o believe_v this_o or_o that_o it_o be_v a_o true_a &_o proper_a cause_n of_o our_o belief_n though_o not_o of_o the_o thing_n believe_v we_o must_v here_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a resolution_n one_o of_o the_o thing_n or_o matter_n believe_v or_o know_v into_o the●r_n first_o part_n or_o element_n another_o of_o our_o belief_n or_o persuasion_n concern_v they_o into_o their_o first_o cause_n or_o motive_n in_o the_o one_o the_o most_o general_a or_o remote_a cause_n in_o the_o other_o the_o most_o immediate_a
like_a in_o all_o to_o some_o be_v give_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n to_o other_o a_o lesser_a faith_n be_v more_o strong_a in_o this_o christian_n more_o weak_a in_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a faith_n and_o a_o little_a faith_n a_o strong_a faith_n and_o a_o weak_a faith_n all_o live_a tree_n in_o a_o orchard_n be_v not_o of_o one_o growth_n or_o fruitfulness_n all_o man_n be_v not_o of_o one_o stature_n estate_n or_o age_n but_o some_o high_a some_o low_a some_o rich_a other_o poor_a some_o strong_a to_o labour_n other_o that_o must_v be_v bear_v or_o hold_v up_o by_o the_o arm_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n among_o christian_n all_o good_a ground_n be_v not_o equal_a in_o yield_a fruit_n 3.15_o i'faith_o perfect_a in_o none_o 1._o thes_n 1_o 7_o 8._o compare_v with_o 1._o thes_n 3.10_o 1._o tim._n 1.5_o phil._n 3.15_o some_o return_v a_o hundred-sold_a some_o thirtie-fold_n such_o perfection_n of_o faith_n be_v grant_v to_o no_o man_n in_o this_o life_n that_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o other_o can_v be_v more_o perfect_a therein_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o elect_a be_v sincere_a the_o faith_n of_o some_o perfect_a in_o comparison_n of_o other_o but_o absolute_o the_o great_a faith_n be_v imperfect_a justify_v faith_n suppose_v imperfection_n and_o be_v itself_o imperfect_a in_o we_o so_o long_o as_o we_o live_v in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v imperfect_a extensive_o in_o regard_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o intensive_o in_o respect_n of_o confidence_n wherewith_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n we_o know_v nothing_o as_o we_o shall_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v and_o many_o thing_n we_o be_v ignorant_a in_o 24._o 1._o cor._n 13.12_o mark_v 8_o 24._o which_o we_o shall_v know_v we_o be_v like_o the_o blind_a man_n who_o eye_n now_o open_v begin_v to_o see_v man_n like_o tree_n look_v as_o child_n know_v not_o at_o all_o many_o thing_n they_o come_v to_o know_v afterward_o so_o we_o and_o look_v as_o they_o do_v not_o full_o know_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v but_o superficial_o so_o be_v it_o wi●h_v we_o in_o heavenly_a matter_n hence_o our_o confidence_n can_v be_v perfect_a 9.10_o psal_n 9.10_o for_o those_o who_o know_v god_n best_a trust_v he_o b●st_v those_o who_o dime_o know_v he_o his_o goodness_n and_o truth_n they_o can_v but_o weak_o believe_v on_o he_o in_o speculative_a knowledge_n pertain_v to_o discourse_n they_o may_v far_o excel_v who_o come_v short_a in_o confidence_n but_o in_o certain_a distinct_a practical_a knowledge_n they_o be_v most_o excellent_a that_o with_o most_o lively_a affiance_n do_v cleave_v unto_o the_o lord_n again_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n be_v so_o profound_a that_o in_o this_o life_n we_o can_v attain_v unto_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o full_o and_o perfect_o 10._o 2._o cor._n 10.15_o 2._o thes_n 1.3_o ephes_n 1_o 17_o 18._o &_o 4.29_o col._n 1.9_o 10._o but_o have_v need_n to_o pray_v daily_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o mind_n may_v be_v open_v that_o we_o may_v more_o full_o conceive_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o if_o our_o eye_n be_v dim_a in_o sight_n our_o hand_n be_v feeble_a in_o receive_v for_o our_o will_n be_v as_o much_o corrupt_a as_o the_o understanding_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n then_o firm_o to_o embrace_v it_o against_o all_o opposition_n the_o darkness_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o impediment_n to_o full_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n the_o corruption_n of_o will_n which_o be_v never_o whole_o remove_v in_o this_o life_n be_v a_o stop_n and_o let_v to_o perfect_a confidence_n faith_n grow_v and_o increase_v by_o degree_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n 1.17_o rom._n 1.17_o that_o in_o this_o life_n it_o never_o come_v to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o perfection_n for_o that_o which_o be_v already_o complete_a in_o degree_n need_v no_o augmentation_n what_o believer_n be_v there_o who_o find_v not_o a_o continual_a combat_n of_o faith_n against_o many_o temptation_n arise_v from_o his_o native_a ignorance_n infidelity_n diffidence_n 8._o psal_n 73.1_o 2._o &_o 30.6_o 7_o 8._o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n his_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n etc._n etc._n which_o assault_v against_o faith_n from_o within_o do_v argue_v the_o weakness_n as_o the_o resistance_n of_o they_o demonstrate_v the_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o cause_n by_o the_o effect_n it_o produce_v but_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v imperfect_a as_o love_n joy_n and_o holiness_n the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n be_v great_a and_o excellent_a but_o not_o perfect_a in_o degree_n he_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n and_o doubt_v not_o of_o infidelity_n but_o of_o infirmity_n he_o doubt_v his_o faith_n remain_v invincible_a though_o often_o assault_v but_o now_o and_o then_o it_o be_v shake_v salvation_n §._o 6._o the_o faith_n of_o the_o weak_a christian_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n §_o 6._o the_o strong_a faith_n be_v imperfect_a but_o the_o measure_n of_o faith_n be_v so_o divide_v by_o divine_a providence_n that_o to_o none_o who_o be_v call_v according_a to_o his_o purpose_n be_v give_v less_o than_o what_o may_v suffice_v to_o their_o salvation_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n contain_v this_o in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a portion_n for_o every_o one_o god_n in_o his_o wise_a providence_n give_v the_o great_a measure_n of_o faith_n to_o they_o who_o be_v to_o undergo_v the_o great_a combat_n ht_n have_v appoint_v some_o for_o the_o example_n of_o other_o and_o in_o they_o he_o propound_v to_o the_o world_n certain_a token_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o he_o bestow_v upon_o they_o a_o more_o abundant_a measure_n of_o faith_n not_o that_o they_o may_v acquire_v by_o it_o more_o salvation_n but_o that_o they_o may_v singular_o serve_v for_o the_o illustrate_v of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o help_n comfort_n and_o support_v to_o the_o weak_a in_o the_o body_n humane_a the_o bone_n have_v more_o strength_n than_o the_o flesh_n not_o that_o there_o be_v more_o life_n in_o they_o but_o that_o they_o may_v sustain_v the_o weak_a fl●sh_n so_o here_o there_o be_v no_o member_n of_o the_o body_n so_o weak_a if_o it_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n which_o be_v not_o as_o well_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a member_n of_o the_o body_n as_o they_o which_o be_v better_o and_o more_o excellent_a so_o the_o weak_a believer_n be_v a_o lively_a member_n of_o christ_n as_o true_o as_o they_o that_o be_v more_o strong_a in_o faith_n §_o 7._o the_o degree_n of_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n faith_n §._o 7._o the_o degree_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v consider_v according_a to_o the_o diverse_a growth_n which_o god_n bring_v his_o child_n unto_o and_o the_o diverse_a measure_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o school_n of_o christ_n the_o mean_v god_n have_v vouchsafe_v for_o their_o build_n forward_o their_o experiment_n of_o his_o love_n and_o their_o care_n to_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o employ_v their_o talon_n god_n give_v not_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o grace_n to_o all_o believer_n all_o be_v not_o of_o equal_a stand_n in_o christ_n school_n nor_o of_o equal_a pain_n to_o improve_v what_o they_o have_v receive_v nor_o live_v under_o like_o powerful_a mean_n of_o grace_n and_o enjoy_v like_o help_n of_o increase_n in_o strength_n in_o nature_n no_o man_n wonder_v to_o see_v a_o grow_v man_n strong_a than_o a_o new_a bear_v babe_n a_o plant_n set_v in_o a_o mellow_a and_o fertile_a garden_n thrive_v fast_o than_o th●t_n which_o grow_v in_o a_o more_o barren_a soil_n a_o merchant_n that_o be_v wary_a and_o industrious_a to_o employ_v his_o stock_n to_o increase_v more_o than_o he_o that_o be_v remiss_a a_o old_a beat_a soldier_n to_o be_v more_o expert_a than_o one_o who_o have_v new_o put_v on_o his_o armour_n in_o gr●ce_n the_o same_o hold_v good_a for_o faith_n thrive_v according_a to_o the_o time_n mean_n experiment_n and_o one_o we_o take_v to_o improve_v our_o talon_n and_o preserve_v our_o faith_n the_o degree_n of_o faith_n may_v fit_o be_v draw_v into_o four_o head_n for_o there_o be_v a_o weak_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o tender_a bud_n faith_n four_o degree_n of_o faith_n a_o faith_n somewhat_o grow_v up_o strong_a faith_n and_o full_a assurance_n faith_n be_v weak_a four_o way_n first_o in_o knowledge_n weak_a 1._o weak_a when_o a_o believer_n be_v but_o a_o babe_n in_o understanding_n ignorant_a of_o many_o profitable_a thing_n needful_a to_o be_v learned_a and_o practise_v 14.5_o faith_n