is weake in foure respects Rom. 14.1 15.1 Heb. 5.11.12 1. Cor. 8.10 Math. 16.16 Luke 9.45 Marke 9.9 Iohn 20.9 Marke 16 11. Iohn 14.5 Him that is weake in faith receiue you but not to doubtfull disputations The Disciples had true faith when they were very weake in knowledge For though they belieued that Christ was the Messiah yet they were ignorant of his Death and Resurrection and Ascension When he told them of his sufferings they vnderstood not that saying when Mary told them of his Resurrection they beleued it not when hee spake of his tarrying with them a little and then of going vnto his Father they knew not what it meant Secondly faith is weake in assent when a Christian giues credit to the principles of doctrine and promises of life not only as true and certaine but as much better then life it selfe yet not without much reasoning and disputing in himselfe Lord I belieue helpe mine vnbeliefe Marke 9 24. Thirdly In confidence it is feeble when the Belieuer rolls himselfe vpon Christ and the promises of mercie made in him purposing to adhere and cleaue vnto him though he feele that he hangeth but weakly discerne not the certaintie of his estate nor the stablenesse of Gods promises cannot assure himselfe that he doth belieue is soone discouraged in troubles and readie to faint if helpe come not presently Math. 8.26 14.31 But when the minde is perplexed with temptations feares and doubts and the heart ready to faint not able with cleare euidence to receiue the promises yet then this true Belieuer is habitually resolued not without great dread and wauering that it is good to trust and waite vpon the Lord. Psal 73.28 And this must be remembred for certaine that howsoeuer faith bee often shaken oppressed with feares or turned aside with oppositions that be made against it for a time as the Disciples did all forsake our Sauiour and flee Math. 26.56 when he was apprehended yet the weakest faith is aduisedly resolued to sticke fast vnto the promises of life as much better then the pleasures or profits of this life and to embrace Christ notwithstanding any opposition by allurement or terrour that the Deuill the World or the Flesh can make against it Fourthly In the fruites and effects thereof faith is weake as in the sence of Gods loue assurance of his grace and fauour power to subdue vnruly passions contempt of the world patience and ioy in tribulation and the constant Ordinarily belieuers are weake at the fiâ—st liuely practice of holinesse Ordinarily this is the state of Belieuers at their first conuersion and who can expect it should bee otherwise Wee doe not looke that a new borne babe should bee able to goe alone if strength come with age wee thinke it is well And thus it fareth with them also who are not conscionable to gaine knowledge subdue their corruptions cherish faith nourish the motions of Gods Spirit pray earnestly watch narrowly get resolution of their doubts tie vp their passions renue their repentance and purpose to better obedience Some priuiledged aboue others But some there are whom God in speciall manner doth priuiledge at one time and in one day to receiue that grace and gift of assurance which others are long labouring and trauelling for before they attaine it As our Sauiour Christ pronounceth of Zacheus Luke 19.9 This day is this Man become the Sonne of Abraham and saluation is come into his house So Lydia her heart was opened Acts 16.14 that she attended to the preaching of Paul the Iaylour and the Iewes who were pricked in conscience at the preaching of Peter Acts 16.34 2.38 Math. 9.9 Luke 22.43 Faith weake in one respect may be strong in another Heb. 11.31 were quickly comforted after they were throwne downe The like may be said of Matthew and the thiefe who was conuerted vpon the Crosse Againe faith may be weake or small in one particular when it is great and strong in another The measure of knowledge may bee scant when affiance is strong according to that a man doth know as in Rahab where there is small assurance of pardon there strength of faith may discouer it selfe by striuing against doubting bitter complaining for want of feeling comfort feruent seeking to be setled in belieuing earnest longing after and vnsatiable desire of grace high prizing and valuation of Iesus Christ and mercie promised in him selfe-deniall contempt of the world care to search out the sinne that may possibly hinder comfort and expell it continuall watchfulnesse and holy iealousie lest they should bee deceiued and faithfull labouring to subdue corruption These and such like fruits of sound liuely wel-rooted affiance may bee seene in many that bee troubled with manifold feares and doubts of their owne saluation though they themselues doe not euer perceiue how God hath enriched them § 8. A weake and strong faith differ not in speciall nature and plantation but in degree §. .8 The benefits of the weakest faith if true and liuely Rom. 11.20 and the fruites of weake and strong faith are the same though not in like measure fulnesse and comfort More distinctly the benefits of the weakest liuely faith be these By it the Belieuer is firmely and inseperably knit vnto Christ as a liuing member vnto the Head A true Belleuer though neuer so weâ—ke Iohn 14 17. 6.35 â—phes 3.17 1. Iohn 5.20 Heb. 1â— 1 doth possesse Christ with all his benefits and all sufficiencie in him for knowledge of faith is neuer without pâ—ssession And so he is iustified sanctified adopted and made free by Christ By faith he apprehendeth things inuisible he doth see God and is made wise vnto saluation Iohn 17.3 6 54 Col. â— 12 13. Rom. 6.4 5. Eternall life is alreadie begunne in euery Belieuer weake and strong euen that life which shall neuer fade The weakest faith giues will and abilitie in some sort to walke vprightly and to liue honestly in the sight of God and Man it is also strong through the power of Christ to vanquish Satan and ouercome the world 1. Iohn 5.4 with whatsoeuer is therein that maketh head against the soueraignetie of grace Iohn 7.37 38. Rom. 11.29 Rom. 1.17 The weakest faith is euer ioyned with the gift of perseuerance and cannot vtterly bee broken off And weake faith if found will grow and increase as a childe now feeble in his ioynts may in time become strong by nourishment Yet should wee striue to bee strong and rich in faith and able to runne about It is no wisdome therefore for any man to content himselfe with a little faith though the weakest faith shall neuer faile nor be ouercome by Satan seeing God hath prouided and doth afford meanes whereby we may be builded forward It is a shame to be a man in yeares and a bâ—be in knowledge to be an Infant in faith when God vouchsafeth time and meanes of
labour to see the necessitie and preciousnesse of faith 2. See the necessitie and pretiousnesse of Faith and these seene will make a man hold hard ere he part with it A man that hath a great charge his whole state about him will as soone lose his life as part with his treasure Of what excellencie and vse is this grâ—ce of faith which subdueth passions ouercommeth allurements maketh things impossible to the flesh easie and delightsome inableth to stand fast when we are buffeted by Satan lifteth vp the head amidst all the surges of temptation remayneth victorious in all combats raiseth vs vp when we are laid along and our weapons beaten on our Heads knitteth the heart fast to the heauenly Commandements quickeneth in deadnesse and holdeth the Lord fast when he leadeth vs into the darke Who would not preferre the custodie and increase of such a grace before life it selfe Nay what is our life without it If faith liue in vs we liue blessedly whatsoeuer misery compasse vs about if faith decay we die if it die we perish Thirdly We mâ—st consider whom we trust and meditate on the grounds of faith to wit the grace 3. Meditate on the grounds of Faith power goodnes truth vnchangeablenes of God for this will strengthen beliefe Wee must consider the promises of God that we may see what his good will and pleasure is what a Fatherly care of our welfare hee hath and not only how able but how willing also he is to helpe and succour vâ— what promises he hath made and how faithfull hee is in performaâ—ce for his owne names sake and of free vndeserued loue The Mother of vnbeliefe is ignorance of God his faithfulnesse mercie and power Psal 9.10 Those that know thee will trust in thee This confirmed Paul Abraham Sarah in the faith 2. Tim. 1.12 Heb. 11.11 Rom. 4.21 I know whom I haue beliâ—ued and that hee is able to keepe that I haue committed vnto him vntill that day Hee is faithfull who hath promised and able also to performe The free promises of the Lord are all certaine his Commandements right and good the recompence of reward inestimably to bee valued aboue thousands of gold and siluer Trust therefore in the Lord O my soule and follow hard after him Thou hast his free promise who neuer failed who hath promised more then possibly thou couldst aske or thinke who hath done more for thee then euer he promised who is good and bountifull to the wicked and vngodly thou doest his worke who is able and assuredly will beare thee out there is a Crowne of glory proposed vnto thee aboue all conceit of merit sticke fast vnto his Word and suffer nothing to diuide thee from it Rest vpon his promises though hee seeme to kill thee cleaue vnto his stâ—tutes though the flesh lust the World allure the Deuill tempt by flatteries or threatnings to the contrarie 4. Feeling weaknesse of faith looke on on Christ Fourthly When wee feele our faith weake we must looke vp to Christ the beginner and finisher of faith in vs. A fainting bodie will taste some thing that is cordiall and restoratiue and a fainting soule must baite it selfe with looking to Iesus who is our cordiall and restoratiue 5. Pray for the spirit of faith Fiftly Faith is a grace that is giuen from aboue and commeth downe from the Father of lights vnto whom wee must fly by feruent prayer humbly begging that he would by his Spirit both reueale vnto vs what be those pretious promises which he hath made vnto his people and giue vs wisdome rightly to iudge of them and firmely to receiue them in euery estate and aboue all to moue our hearts so to belieue them that wee may assure our selues of all needfull helpe in due time seeing God alsufficient and faithfull hath promised it and waite vpon him in the way of his Commaundements Mercifull Father it is my sincere desire and vnfained resolution to draw nigh vnto thee and put my trust in thy mercies for euermore But of my selfe I haue no abilitie to stand in faith or to follow hard after thy Commaundements I am full of doubtings when I can see no meanes to put me in hope of helpe and ready to sinke downe in despaire vpon euery small occasion I am readie to stagger and slip aside Take pittie vpon me O Lord for thy mercie sake for I fly vnto thee for helpe Thou hast commanded mee to belieue hold mee by thy right hand that I shrinke not reueale thy promises vnto my vnderstanding giue mee a sound iudgement establish me in the faith more and more vnite my heart close vnto thee that all the darts of the Deuill may fall off not be able to wound my conscience Thou hast giuen me to see my weakenesse in faith and to bewaile it to see the necessitie and excellent vse of faith and to desire it giue me also stedfastly to belieue according to the riches of thy grace that I may glorifie thy name CHAP. II. What it is to liue by faith in particular touching the promises of pardon and forgiuenesse and how to stirre vp our selues thereunto THE vse of faith which is as large as the word of God must be distinguished according to the arts and seuerall branches of it promises What the promisâ—s bee and the kinds thereof Commaundemets threatnings By promises vnderstand all those declarations of Gods will wherein hâ—e signifies in the Gospell what good he will freely bestow And these be either Spirituall or Temporall concerning this life or the life to come of things simply necessarie to saluation or of things good in themselues but not alwayes good for vs all which are receiued possessed and inioyed by faith according as they be promised of God either with or without limitation Amongst spirituall promises absolutely necessarie without which there can be no saluation the first and chiefe is concerning pardon or forgiuenesse of sinnes and Iustification The promise of forgiuenes of sinnes God of his rich grace and mercie in Iesus Christ doth make offer of free and full forgiuenesse of all sinnes to euery burdened thirstie and peniâ—ent soule Isay 55.7 Deut. 30.1.2 1. Reg. 8.35 Let the wicked forsake his way and the vnrighteous man his thoughts and let him returne vnto the Lord and he will haue mercy vpon him and to our God for he will abundantly pardon Ier. 3.12 Returne thou backe-sliding Israel saith the Lord and I will not cause mine anger to fall vpon you for I am mercifull saith the Lord and I will not keepe mine anger for euer I will clense them from all their iniquitie wherby they haue sinned against me and I will pardon all their iniquities whereby they haue sinned and whereby they haue transsgresed against me Ier. 33.8 and 1.34 The promise is free This promise is made of free and vndeserued mercie not for any merit that is or possibly could bee in vs.
will bring a good end ibid. 3. Want of feeling argueth not want of faith p. 175 Why the faithfull are subiect to such doubts and want of feeling p. 175. 176 The fift Temptation They receiued the truth at first without due tryall § 5 Remedie 1. God is mercifull and ready to forgiue our imperfections when vpon the knowledge and sight wee confesse and bewayle them p. 176 2. Faith may be true though much were amisse when first we receiued the truth ibid. 3. It is the great wisdome and mercy of the Lord for a time to hide from his children the sight of their infirmities and wants ibid. The sixt Temptation They neuer had that deepe sorrow which many haue felt § 6 Remedie 1. God deales not with all alike p. 176. 177 2. To doubt of Gods loue because hee deales gently with vs least we should be swallowed vp of sorrow is great ignorance p. 177 3. Faith may be sound in them who neuer felt such depth of sorrow as others haue done ibid. The seuenth Temptation They neuer felt any great strength of grace § 7 Remedie 1. We are but children and therefore weake and subiect to many spirituall diseases p. 178 2. Grace may be true whiles it is but small ibid. 3. If weaknesse of grace was any iust cause of feare none might assure themselues of Gods loue ibid. The eight Temptation What they formerly felt is now decayed § 8 Remedie In Gods dearest children there may bee decay of graces p. 179 The ninth Temptation They cannot find any liuely sence of faith § 9 Remedie 1. Graces may lye hid and worke in respect of our acknowledgement insensibly p. 179. 180 2. In the agony of conscience none are more vnfit to judge of our estate then we are of our owne p. 180. 181 3. The Lord diuersly giues euidence of his Spirit presence in vs. p. 181 4. If for the present a man can discerne no sparke of grace in himselfe hee must call to remembrance former times wherein he hath glorified God by an holy life and conuersation p. 181. 182 5. If hee bee not able to gather comfort from former experience he must lay hold vpon the gratious inuitation of Christ calling the thirsty and burdened soule to come vnto him p. 282 The tenth Temptation Their sinnes bee many in number and hainous for quality and they are pressed with the heauy burden of Gods wrath § 10 Remedie 1. The hainousnesse or number of our sins make vs not vncapable of mercy p. 182. 183 2. Faith may continue strong though sence of Gods loue faile p. 183 3. Faith goeth before experience or sence of mercy and wayteth for saluation by Christ in the depth of misery p. 183. 184 4. We are not to giue credit to our owne feeling but to the word of God p. 184 5. The dearest seruants of God haue in their own sence apprehended wrath and indignation ibid. The eleuenth Temptation They haue long vsed the meanes of grace and can find no comfort § 11 Remedie 1. Examine if some bosome sin be not that which makes the breach in the conscience p. 185 2. The godly sometimes walke without comfort because they put it from themselues ibid. 3. Oftentimes God causeth his children to seeke long before they find comfort ibid. 4. The ardent desire shall at length be satisfied ibid. 5. Remission of sinnes and peace of conscience are fauours worth the wayting for p. 186 6. We haue not wayted so many yeares in the meanes of grace for comfort as God hath wayted for our conuersion ibid. The twelfth Temptation They are afraid of falling into some fearefull extremity § 12 Remedie 1. Labour to fortifie faith in the gracious promises which God hath made to his children of sustentation and preseruation p. 186. 187 2. The strongest cannot stand by their owne might and the weakest shall be able to ouercome all their spirituall enemies by the power of the Lord. p. 187 3. Feare is valiantly to be resisted not to bee belieued or reasoned withall ibid. 4. Feare of falling arising from sence of weaknesse is diffidence in God ibid. The thirteenth Temptation They shall neuer hold out to the end § 13 Remedie 1. The same God who keeps them in time of peace is able and will vphold them in time of trouble p. 188 2. In our sorest assaults God is at our right hand to support and stay vs that we shall not fall ibid. 3. If their portion of grace be the smallest of all others they must striue to grow forward but without discouragement ibid. The fourteenth Temptation They are many wayes crossed and afflicted § 14 Remedie 1. God doth loue tenderly when hee doth correct seuerely p. 189 2. All Gods chastisements are but purgatiue medicines to preuent or cure some spirituall disease p. 182 3. God requires that men in affliction should liue by faith both for a sanctified vse in them and a good issue out of them in due season p. 190 The fifteenth Temptation They are strongly possessed with feare that God hath vtterly cast them off § 15 Remedie 1. They must beware they make not more sinnes vnpardonable then God himselfe hath pronounced to bee of that sort p. 190. 191 2. Seeing God doth call and incourage them to trust and rely vpon him they stand in need and would gladly embrace his promises made in Christ they must gather godly boldnesse to rest vpon Gods grace and courage to fight against and withstand Satan p. 191. 192 3. The soule cannot taste sweetnesse when it is ouerwhelmed with feares p. 192. 193 4. It is a fault to measure the excellency of faith and power therof by quantitie and vnseasonable fruits so to call them and not by vertue kind plantation and seasonable fruit p. 193. 194 What bee seasonable effects and fruits of faith in great temptations and cloudy seasons p. 194 5. Imperfections argue not want of faith but place for further increase of faith and the fruits thereof p. 195 6. In Scripture we haue examples of weake belieuers as well as of strong and in one and the same person different degrees of faith at diuers times p. 195. 196 7. When the heart is filled with feares the calme and still voice of the Spirit is not discerned p. 196. 197 8. In those seasons the tryall of faith is to bee taken by those fruits which are euident to the eye of others ibid. 9. They that feele themselues destitute of grace and comfort are willed to râ—paire vnto Christ for both ibid. A Table of the principall matters contained in this second Part. CHAP. I. INducements to liue by faith p. 199. 200 Christ is the fountaine of life and faith the meane p. 201. 202 It is impossible that faith should challenge any thing of desert vnto her selfe p. 202 Faith is profitable for this life and the life to come for all parts and purposes of our liues but euermore it aduanceth the grace of God p. 202. 203 What it
holden without perill of damnation because he discerneth it not to be of God Faith is an euident assent 3. Euident perspicuitie of truth in the obiect apprehended and certaintie of perswasion are two twinnes that liue and die together In this life it is impossible for vs fully to comprehend any one point of Christian faith yet are they plaine and perspicuous in a sort to the spirituall not to the naturall man There is a manifestation of things by reason and by reuelation and there is an euidence direct an euidence by consequence an euidence of the thing in it selfe and by the effect an euidence to the naturall man and an euidence to the spirituall man Matters of faith are manifest by reuelation but to reason vnsearchable incomprehensible seene by faith to the naturall man inuisible incredible The Diuinitie of the Scripture is in it selfe euident to the spirituall man so is it that there is a Prouidence other things are euident from this ground That all truth contained in Scripture is to bee imbraced though with opposition to all other professions and that the profession of Religion is not to be relinquished nor good successe to be despaired of for all the arguments the Deuill the World and the Flesh can oppose against them The apprehension of the ioyes of Heauen cannot be distinct and euident in this life but that God hath prouided such ioyes for his Elect as it is certaine from testimonie of Scripture so it is euident from the present peace of conscience which the faithfull enioy 1. Iohn 3 2. Beloued saith the Apostle now we are the sonnes of God and yet it doth not appeare what we shall be but we know that when he shall appeare we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is The ioyes which be prepared for the godly of which the Apostle stedfastly hoped to be pertaker are as yet vnseene but that they shall actually be accomplished is confirmed by the faithfull promise of God whereof we haue euident and full assurance The Apostle describing faith to bee the euidence of things not seene Heb. 11.1 doth it not to disparage the euidence but rather to set forth the excellencie of that heauenly grace which includes an euident knowledge and apprehension of some things present which the world sees not 4. Discoursiue Faith also is in some sort an assent discoursiue as from manifest experiences of Gods works and fauors wrought and vouchsafed according to the word of promise the Saints inferre a possibilitie or certaintie of like to ensue Thus Dauid The Lord that deliuered me out of the paw of the Lion 1. Sam. 17.37 and out of the paw of the Beare he will deliuer mee out of the hand of this Philistine Nothing is more ordinarie in the Booke of the Psalmes then for the seruants of God to draw conclusions of future protection deliuerance helpe and comfort from present or former blessings Psal 3.3 I call to remembrance my song in the night I commune with mine owne heart Psal 77.6 143.4 and my Spirit made diligent search We receiued the sentence of death in our selues because we should not trust in our selues but in God who raised the dead 2. Cor. 1.9.10 Who deliuered vs from so great a death and doth deliuer vs in whom we trust that yet hereafter he will deliuer vs. I feruently looke for and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed but that with all confidence as alwayes so now Phil. 1.20 Christ shall be magnified in my bodie whether it be by life or death I was deliuered out of the mouth of the Lion 2. Tim. 4.17 18. And the Lord will deliuer me from euery euill worke and will preserue me vnto his heauenly Kingdome § 3. Moreouer Iustifying faith is an obedientiall confidence §. 3. Faith is an affiance or confidence or affiance conioyned with affection of pietie simply and in comparison cleauing to the mercie of God in Iesus Christ as better then life and to the Commandements of God as necessary good worthy to bee stucke vnto not only whilest considered in themselues or in generall or without such encumbrances and occurrences as doe often interpose or hinder practice but euen whilest actually compared with present losse of any sensuall good thing or infliction of any temporall euill wherewith the World the Deuill or the Flesh can oppose their price That faith is an affiance or resting vpon the promises appeareth by the seuerall words vsed to expresse the nature of that faith or beliefe which the Lord requireth of his people to the end they might receiue any blessing from him or haue his protection or assistance The first word is translated Belieue 2. Chron. 20.20 Gen. 45.26 Psal 27.13 but signifieth such a beliefe as is opposed to fainting I had fainted vnlesse I had belieued to see the goodnesse of the Lord in the land of the liuing And it implyeth trust in the Word of God as sure and stable it is sometimes translated stedfast or constant Psal 78.37 Psal 78.22 and expounded by trust They belieued not in God and trusted not in his saluation The second word is opposed to feeblenesse of Mind feare and doubt and imports a 1. Chron. 5.20 to trust securely Psal 78.53 146. Pro. 28.17 25. Ps 4.8 22.9 25.2 Isay 12.3 Psal 112.7 118 8. Psal 125.1 Prou. 3.5 Psal 118.8 Psal 2.12 Psal 11.1 Psal 36.7 Ru h. 2.12 Psal 64.10 Nah. 1.7 I will trust and not be afraid Hee shall not be afraid of euill tidings his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. They that trust in the Lord shall bee as Mount Sion which cannot be remoued but abideth for euer The third is rendred to trust but signifieth to betake himselfe to one as to his b castle or hiding place Blessed are all they that put their trust in him How excellent is thy louing kindnesse O Lord therefore the children of men put their trust vnder the shadow of thy wings The Lord recompence thy worke and a full reward be giuen thee of the Lord God of Israel vnder whose wings thou art come to trust The righteous shall be glad in the Lord and shall trust in him The Lord is good a strong hold in the day of trouble and hee knoweth them that trust in him Hence God is called our protection or hiding place to which wee may flie in trouble and finde shelter Psal 46.1 Ioel 3 16. God is our refuge and strength a very present helpe in time of trouble The fourth is to leane vpon euen as a man would stay himselfe on a staffe wherewith he is vnderpropped c 2. Chron. 16.7 8. 2. Chron. 14.11 Prou. 3.5 Isay 31.1 2 Chron. 13.18 Because thou hast relied vpon the King of Syria and not relied on the Lord thy God therefore is the Host of the King of Syria escaped out of thy hand Were not the
Ethiopians and the Lubims a huge host with very many charets and horsemen yet because thou didst relie vpon the Lord hee deliuered them into thine hand Isay 10.20 And it shall come to passe in that day that the remnant of Israel and such as are escaped of the house of Iacob shall no more againe stay vpon him that smote them but shall stay vpon the Lord the holy one in truth Two of these words are vsed together in diuers places and may serue to expound each other Wherefore thus saith the holy one of Israel Isay 30.12 Because yee despise this word and trust in oppression and peruersenesse and stay thereon Woe to them that goe downe to Egypt for helpe Isay 31.1 and stay on horses and trust in charets because they are many and horsemen because they are very strong but they looke not vnto the holy one of Israel neither seeke the Lord. Who is among you that feareth the Lord Isay 50.10 that obeyeth the voice of his seruant that walketh in darknes and hath no light let him trust in the Name of the Lord and stay vpon his God Another word there is almost of the same signification which noteth with all the mind and thought confidently to leane or stay vpon a prop. Isay 48.2 They call themselues of the holy Citie slay themselues vpon the Lord God of Israel the Lord of Hosts is his Name So it is noted of the people of Israel that they rested or leaned vpon the words of King Hezekiah coÌ„forting them against the rage of Senacharib 2. Chron. 32.8 This word is coupled somtimes with one or two others Thou art my hope O Lord God thou art my trust from my youth Psal 71.5 6. By thee haue I beene holden vp or vnderpropped from the wombe He shall not be afraid for euill tidings his heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. Psal 112.7 8. His heart is established he shall not be afraid vntill he see his desire vpon his enemies open yee the gates that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in Thou wilt keepe him in perfect peace whose minde is stayed on thee because he trusteth in thee Isay 26.2 3 4. Trust yee in the Lord for euer for in the Lord Iehouah is euerlasting strength The sixt word signifies to rolle or cast himselfe vpon the Lord as a man in danger of drowning catcheth fast hold of some willow or other thing that hangeth ouer the water and is at hand or as hee that is pressed with with a grieuous burden aboue his strength easeth himselfe resting it vpon some post or blocke that is able to beare it Psal 22.8 Hee trusted in Lord that he would deliuer him let him deliuer him seeing he rolled himselfe on the Lord. Rolle thy way vpon the Lord trust in him Psal 37.5 Pro. 16.3 Ier. 17.5 Psal 62.6 7. and he shall bring it to passe Rolle thy workes vpon the Lord and thy thoughts shall be established To trust in Man is to make man his arme letting his heart goe back from God and to trust in God is to place our strength in him In the Scriptures confidence is oft put for faith and trust expounded by beliefe c Psal 2.12 34.8 Marke 16.16 Esay 26.3 Rom. 5.1 Psal 22 5. Rom. 10.11 Psal 112.7 8. Heb. 10.38 as where the Old Testament commandeth trust the New Testament requireth faith and in the New Testament the same things are attributed to faith and belieuers which in the Old Testament are attributed to confidence and them that trust in the Lord. In the New d Math. 9.2.22 Luke 5.20 1. Iohn 5.13 14. Acts 27.21 Luke 16.11 Rom. 3.2 4.19 Marke 11.24 Testament Faith and Beliefe are put for trust and affiance and to belieue is not only to assent but to rest vpon and embrace The phrase which the Holy Ghost most commonly vseth to expresse Belieuing in Christ is neither in the Greeke Translation of the Olde Testament nor for ought hath beene yet obserued in any Greeke Authour whatsoeuer except those that did write since and tooke it from the Scripture To belieue in God or in Christ is for substance and sence to trust to God or Christ and this kind of speech is vsuall amongst Greeke Writers To helpe vs in the vnderstanding of this matter the seuentie in their Greeke afford another phrase maruellous significant 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Psal 2.12 2. Chron. 16.7 Psal 77.26 111.7 124.1 To belieue on or vpon God This the Holy Ghost vseth often but withall he becomes the Authour of a new e Sept. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Acts 19.4 20 21. 24.24 Math. 9.42 Iohn 1.12 phrase himselfe to make vs the more easily and fully vnderstand what faith hee meaneth in the matter of our Iustification And though the f Iohn 2.23 12.42 phrase bee sometimes vsed when true and liuely confidence is not vnderstood yet it is more then probable that the Holy Ghost by that new manner of speech would propound somewhat more then bare assenting to the truth of what was promised And if we coÌ„sider the passages of Scripture wherein the phrase is vsed it will bee plaine and euident To him that worketh not Rom. 4.5 but belieueth on him that iustifieth the vngodly his faith is counted for righteousnesse What is this Belieueth on him that iustifieth the vngodly no more but belieueth those things to be true which he affirmeth who iustifieth the vngodly that is not probable Rom. 9.33 1. Pet. 2.6 Behold I lay in Sion a stumbling stone and rocke of offence and whosoeuer belieueth on him shall not bee ashamed How can a man belieue on this rocke vnlesse he leane vpon it or sticke and adhere vnto it Faith looketh at the promises as true and putteth forth it selfe to receiue and embrace them as good which cannot bee done by a bare perswasion of the Minde If the promises were only true but no wayes beneficiall there might be an â—ssured perswasion of them in Mind without any affection or mouing of will towards them But faith adhereth to the word as good to me as well as true in it selfe which cannot be done without a godly affection embracing it To belieue on Christ is to receiue him Iohn 1.12 Col. 2.6 And what is this receiuing Not only a comprehension of the vnderstanding but an embracing of the heart and affection laying hold on him as we take that with the hands which is reached vnto vs. Belieuing on Christ is implied in the phrase of going or comming to Christ which going Iohn 6. â—5 no doubt is rather a spirituall motion of the heart and affections towards Christ then a contemplation of the Mind contented to see and behold him The Holy Ghost speaking of Iustifying faith doth vse the intire phrase f 1. Pet. 1.8.21 Acts 16.31 Rom 9.33 1. Pet. 2.6 Iohn 14.1 3.16 â— 35.36
and temporall For so they should haue made them their arme who were but flesh What is alledged out of Exodus Moses speaketh in reproach of the Israelites Ier. 17.5 who belieued neither the Lord nor Moses touching the promise of their deliuery out of Egypt vntill such time as they hauing quite passed the Red Sea did see their enemies dead in the Sea And though they belieued the truth of the Lord Psal 106.12 and the word of his seruant when they had the accomplishment of his promise yet they did not confidently betake themselues to the Lord as their onely refuge and rest vnder the shadow of his wings For the Lord complaineth often of their infidelitie towards him Psal 78 22. Heb. 3 1â— and the historie makes mention of their distrust murmurâ—ng and rebellion against the Lord. In the other place the people are praysed as those who rested in the word of the Prophet before that the promise was effected But they leaned not vpon the Prophets as authours of their helpe neither had that beene prayse-worthy in them nay it had beene detestable Idolatrie If they will haue the Hebrew preposition to bee of force in those places by Moses and the Prophets we are to vnderstand the word taught by Moses and the Prophets from God as the Chaldee explaineth it they belieued in the Word of the Lord and in the prophesie of Moses his seruant The exposition of both texts may bee taken out of that of the Lord to Moses Exod. 19.9 Iohn 5.45 Loe I come vnto thee in a thicke cloud that the people may heare when I speake with thee and belieue thee for euer that is that they may receiue thee for a faithfull and true Prophet and belieue in the word that I shall make knowne vnto them by thee And as the Israelites are said to be baptized into Moses 1. Cor. 10.1 that is into the doctrine or law of Moses whereof he was a Minister so are they said to belieue in Moses and the Prophets that is in the word which they taught from God They were the instruments and Ministers of the Lord and ministerially the people belieued in them that is in the Word of the Lord published by them Of Sion it is said the poore of his people shall trust in it Esay 14.32 The meaning is not that the faithfull shall put their trust in Sion as wee must hope in God but that the inhabitants of Sion shall dwell in a quiet and secure place as the Prophets often affirme that saluation is in Sion Ioel 2.32 It may well bee translated The poore of his people shall betake themselues vnto it Iob 24.8 Psal 104.18 as vnto a place of protection and refuge by the blessing of God not as vnto the chiefe stay and prop of their soules They further obiect that the Apostle referreth faith and loue to the Saints saying Phil. 5. verse Bellar. de beatitud Sanct. lib. 1. cap. 20. Verse 6. Hearing of thy loue and faith which thou hast towards the Lord Iesus and toward all Saints But in this place faith is referred only to Christ and loue to the brethren as it appeareth in the two verses next following In the former whereof faith is restrained vnto Christ and in the latter the loue here mentioned is carried to the brethren which appeareth also in that other where vpon the same occasion he so distinguisheth faith and loue that faith is appropriated vnto Christ and loue referred to the Saints For the very words also the Apostle hath so fenced them Ephes 1.15 Col. 1 4. that although the truth were not otherwise cleare our Aduersaries can haue no aduantage for their doctrine of pinning our most holy faith vpon the sleeue of euery Saint For although hee haue coupled Charitie and Faith together which in other Epistles hee doth distinctly referre the one to Christ the other to the faithfull yet hee hath vsed prepositions which note that faith must passe no fâ—rther then to Christ as charitie goeth no further in this place but vnto the Saints For where the preposition 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is such as might haue serued both to note our faith towards Christ and our charitie towards our Brethren hee declares that hee would not haue Faith and Charitie carried to one and the same obiect by the choice of seuerall bands of prepositions wherewith to tie each of these vertues with the subiect whereunto they belong But to goe no further then to the Rhemists translation can they say that we haue charitie in the Lord Iesus If with the later clause further remoued which is towards all Saints they will haue both Charitie and Faith conioyned yet it followeth much more that with this clause in the Lord Iesus which is neerer vnto charitie then the other they ought both also to be coupled If this be absurd much more is it that vpon this ground of coupling Faith and Charitie together they would haue them both carried and applied vnto these words vnto the Saints As for the order of words and coupling things together which are to be referred distinctly the like is to be found in other passages of holy Scripture Math. 12.22 Againe Loue and Faith may be put for faithfull firme and sted ast loue the like whereunto we may often find But by this no resting of the place our Aduersaries are driuen not only to belieue in the Catholike Church but also in euery seuerall member of the Catholike Church For seeing the Apostle commendeth Phiâ—â—mon for his loue towards euery Saint that came vnto him it followeth that if as they say he commendeth faith towards the Saints hee commendeth it towards euery man a part and so euery Christian is to belieue in other which our Aduersaries will not affirme CHAP. X. Of the Effects Subiect and Degrees of Iustifying Faith § 1. MAny and excellent are the fruits and effects of faith §. 1. The benefits and effects of Faith for which cause it hath beene adorned with many singular titles of hohour It is called the gift of gifts the soule of our soule the root of an honest life the character of the sonnes of God the key whereby the treasures which are in Christ are opened vnto vs the mother of sound ioy and nurse of a good conscience the hand whereby we apprehend Christ the eye whereby wee see the inuisible things of God the mouth whereby we receiue the seed of saluation the pledge of our eternall inheritance the earnest of our peace with God the seale of our election the ladder whereby we certainly and safely ascend vp to Heauen the shield of a faithfull soule the sword whereby we beate and wound our enemies the token of our vnion in Christ our victorie and the band whereby we are vnited vnto the chiefe good The fruits of faith are diuided into two Heads Internall and Externall which the Schoolemen call Elicite and Imperate But to speake of them
bee much more readie to extend mercy vnto vs if wee sue vnto him There is no difficultie so great either in respect of sin or of the meanes c but it hath beene ouercome by euery one of the Saints which is our encouragement to seeke faith that we migâ—t be healed § 2. Now the knowledge of God and Christ supposed without which there can bee no faith §. 2. Meanes for the right planting of faith the meanes for the right planting of faith be these First serious meditation of our miserable estate by nature the multitude and hainousnes of our sinnes and how deepe staine sinne hath made in the soule The Physitian is welcome to the sicke patient the guiltie person esteemes his pardon Math. 9.12.13 Hunger causeth men to tast their meate and mercie is pleasant to him that knowes his neede of mercy Secondly learne and consider what promises be made in the Gospell and to whom Christ offeâ—eth himselfe euen to the thirstie wearie laden and burdened to them that bee stung in conscience parched with sinne that haue neither sappe nor fruite of grace To them Christ â—ffereth himselfe and becomes a â—â—â—ter that if they will come vnto him he will ease and refresh enrich and comfort them Ho euery one that thirsteth come yeâ— to the waters Let euery one that is a thirst Isay 55.1.2 â— come vnto mee and drinke Ioh. 7.37 Numb 21.9 Ioh. 3.14 Math 11.18 If any be oppressed with the weight of sinne him doth the Lord intreate and perswade to come for ease If any be confounded in conscience of his owne wretchednesse and sinne to him the Lord calleth in the Gospell Come and let thy soule delight in fatnes Men of this world labour to match with such in marriage as be rich and vertuous but Christ doth preferre loue to such as be poore that hee might make them rich filthy that hee might make them beautifull in distresse that hee might comfort them base that he might make them honourable guiltie that he might acquit them naked that he might cloath them Thirdly Ponder and weigh who it is that maketh this liberall and free promise euen God himselfe who is able and willing and faithfull to performe what he promiseth of his rich grace and vnspeakable mercie All these are cleare and manifest for the truth of them bâ—t wee haue need oft to set them before vs for our vse to encourage vs the more boldly and sincerely to relie vpon Christ To this end specially are these testimonies of Gods Power Mercie and Truth so often repeated in the Scriptures that we might haue them euer before vs to vphold vs against our doubtings and feares whereof our nature is full The things promised in the Gospell are vnlikely in reason opposite to sence and feeling too great and excellent as Satan and our distrustfull hearts will suggest to be conferred vpon such vile and filthy creatures as we be who haue so many wayes dishonoured God and haue such a load of sin lying still vpon vs For the ouercomming of which temptation wee must looke vp to him that hath made the promise his grace faithfulnesse and power and keepe them in our eye continually rowsinâ— vp our soules to belieue against sence and feeling reason and likelihood because God is faithfull and cannot denie himselfe gracious and will not cast vs off for our vnworthinesse great in might able to doe whatsoeuer he will and willing to performe with his hand whatsoeuer commeth out of his mouth Wee must say to our soules The Lord of his grace inuites thee a poore needie miserable selfe-condemned wretch to come vnto Iesus Christ and of the same grace hath promised to accept thee if thou do come to heale thy soares to forgiue thy sinnes come therefore behold he calleth thee reason may be deluded sence is deceitfull but the Word of the Lord endureth for euer Thou hast his faithfull promise for thy securitie dispute no more but draw neere with confidence Fourthly It is very needfull againe and againe to consider what excellent things are promised and so raise the heart to an high prizing and valuation of them Math. 13 44. The wise Merchant doth not buy the pearle till hee know it to be of excellent price or better then any price Great things are eagerly sought vpon probable hopes The meere possibilitie of obtaining some great and extraordinarie good is of maruellous force in swaying mens actions And if men consider serioâ—sly what rare surpassing pretious things be promised to them that come vnto Iesus Christ and rest vpon him what shall withhold them from belieuing Were we certainly perswaded that euerlasting life full laden with all the fruits of true life ioy peace and all choicest pleasures without any annoyance should bee conferred vpon them that belieue in Iesus Christ would we not hang close and sticke fast and not suffer the pleasures or profits of this transitorie life to diuide vs from him The reason why we striue so slackly to belieue and be so dull in Gods seruice and faint in trouble is because our hearts be not holden with the serious consideration of that kingdome ioy and glory which God hath prepared for them that belieue and cleaue vnto him Fiftly It is also needfull to denie our selues our desires lusts and affections to make ouer all our interest in our liues or whatsoeuer is deare vnto vs inure our hearts calmely to the heate and opposition though of dearest friends and the reproaches and reuilings of men though abiect and vile This our Sauiour layes downe as a fundamentall principle If any man will come after me Math. 16.24 let him denie himselfe and take vp his crosse and follow me Math. 10.37 38 He that loueth Father or Mother more then mee is not worthy of me and he that loueth Sonne or Daughtâ—r more then me Luke 14.25 is not worthy of me And hee that taketh not his crosse and followeth after mee is not worthy of mee The necessitie of this resolution hee more fully sets out vnto vs in two parables of a builder that must be able to count his cost and charges and meanes to defray them before hee take that worke in hand otherwise to begin to build being vnable to make an end were to lay the foundation of his disgrace in the losse of his cost and paines And a Prince who before he vndertake warre must haue sure triall of his owne abilitie and skill to discouer his enemies strength otherwise to bid him battaile were rashly to prouoke an enemie to his owne losse and danger Luke 14.33 Mat. 13.44 45. The conclusion of these inductions is this So likewise whosoeuer hee bee of you that forsaketh not all that hee hath hee cannot be my Disciple The Merchant that would purchase the pearle of price must sell all that he hath to buy it Hee must sell his sinnes which is properly all wee haue of our owne and renounce his interest in
encouraging our selues to striue against feares or shutting our eyes against the euidences of grace that God hath bestowed vpon vs or m stâ—king what the testimonie of the Spirit is whereby God witnesseth to vs that wee are his children For whiles wee take it to be some vocall testimonie which certifyeth vs against feares and doubts euen in the middest of temptations and in a manner whether wee will or no we fall into no small perplexities Oftentimes God causeth his Children to seeke long before they finde comfort 2 Cor. 12.8 not finding any such certificate in our selues whereas the witnesse of the Spirit is cleane of another nature This is no new thing that God should cause his children to seeke long before they find comfort The Apostle in like extremitie besought the Lord thrice that is often before hee receiued answer And though God delay either to chasten neglects or to kindle affection or that graces hardly obtained may be valued according to their worth yet will he not alwayes despise his children that cry vnto him day and night The ardent desire shall at length bee satisfied the panting soule bee refreshed with the waters of consolation Comfort and ioy is the reward of our obedience but patient waiting is a pleasing and acceptable seruice to God It is Gods worke to giue comfort it is our dutie to waite for it in the wayes of holinesse Let vs bee contented to serue God freely without wages and in the end we shall be no loosers Remission of sinnes and peace of conscience are fauours worth waiting for If the Lord should keepe vs on the racke euen till the last gaspe and then impart vnto vs the least drop of his mercie or sence of his loue in Iesus Christ his grace were vnspeakeable towards our soules let vs not then thinke much to waite in patience a little while We haue not waited so many yeares in the meanes of grace for comfort as God hath waited for our conuersion If wee haue made him to stand knocking at the doore of our hearts long before wee gaue him entrance let it not seeme tedious if the Lord doe not forthwith open to vs the doore of his priuie chamber admit vs to the sweete fellowship and communion with him Comforts when they come are vsually proportioned to the measure of tribulation and multitude of feruent prayers powred out before the Lord. Much trouble receiues in the end plentifull consolation § 12. Satan molesteth some Christians with feare of of falling into some fearefull extremitie §. 12. 13. They are afraid of falling into some fearefull extremitie How this temptation is to be resisted Luk. 22.32 Rom. 8.24.35 Phil. 1.6 Rom. 11.29 Psal 37.24 By which temptation it pleaseth God to acquaint men with their owne weakenes and to chasten or preuent pride securitie rash censuring of others that haue fallen into such discomforts or the like But for the remedie thereof let them labour to fortifie faith in the gracious promises which God hath made to his children of sustentation perseruation As faith increaseth so feare abateth as it ebs so feare flows And let them to this end consider that Christ hath prayed for preseruation against all seperating extreames And God that cannot lie hath promised to keepe his children from vtter declining and to establish them that be feeble and readie to fall The Lord hath made it knowne to be his will and pleasure that hee will neuer take away that grace which once he hath giuen but increase it rather till it be perfected and accomplished and when we are assured of his will wee may relie vpon his power for the effecting of it and inferre he will keepe vs safely because he is able to estabish and confirme vs. The greater our weakenesse is in grace and the more grieuous our sicknesse through sinne and the noysome humours of corruption the more carefully will he watch ouer vs with his Almightie power The strong cannot stand by their owne might if God withdraw his hand and the weakest shall bee able to ouercome their mightiest enimies being vnderpropped by the Lord. What flouds of trouble soeuer doe flow ouer vs wee shall escape drowning if the Lord hold vp our chinne Feare is a deceitfull and malitious passion tyrannicall rash and inconsiderate proceeding oftentimes from want of iudgement more then from the presence or approach of euill to be feared tormenting with the dread of what shall neuer come we were neuer in danger of It is therefore valiantly to be resisted not to bee belieued or reasoned withall Feare in our owne strength is by all meanes to bee cherished but diffidence in Gods power mercie goodnesse truth and prouidence is to bee abandoned The strong must not presume in himselfe though more excellent then others in grace nor the weake distrust in the Lord though feeble and not able to goe high-lone The hope of preseruation staying vpon inherent grace is selfe confidence and the feare of falling arising from the sence of weakenes is diffidence in God In holy Scripture we shall finde that the strongest haue fallen when the weake haue stood and they haue beene foiled most grieuously not in the greatest assaults but when they haue giuen way to their lusts neglected their watch or were growen secure and dreaded no danger The Lord best knowes the strength of his childe and will not suffer him to bee ouertaken with those vncomfortable falls out of which he shall not recouer § 13. Sundrie Christians through the malice of the §. 13. 14. They shall neuer hold out to the end Deuill bee vnsetled with feares that notwithstanding all their care they shall neuer hold out in faith and an holy course of life vnto the end but by persecutions or other afflictions and prouocations shall bee turned backe specially considering that they are maruellous apt to slip and coole in time of peace and whilest they liue vnder the meanes of grace This feare is to be remoued by calling to Minde the promises of God so plentifully and richly set downe in the word of grace How this temptation is to be remooued And they must consider that the same God who keepes them in time of peace and blesseth the meanes of grace whilest they doe inioy them is able and will vphold them in the time of trouble and when meanes be wanting of our selues wee stand not at any time by his power wee may ouercome at all times And when wee are sorest assaulted he is euer ready at our right hand to support and stay vs that wee shall not fall Psal 16.8 Hee hath well begun and shall happily goe forward in his worke who hath in truth begun For true grace well planted in the heart how weake soeuer shall hold out for euer All total decaies come from this that the heart was neuer truly mollified nor grace deepely and kindly rooted therein And as for present weakenesses it is good to acknowledge bewaile theÌ„ Luk.
that my lips may sing of thy prayse all the day long Fourthly He must comfort his heart in the certaintie of Gods Word though for the present he feele no comfort Returne vnto thy rest O my soule for the Lord will deale bountifully with thee His Word is gone forth in truth waite a little while and thou shalt behold the light of his countenance The Lord deferreth to grant the comfort of forgiuenesse Why God deferreth to grant the profit of forgiuenesse that hee might confirme faith traine thee vp in obedience trie thy patience preserue his graces and doe thee good in the later end Thou art alreadie blessed because the grant of pardon is sealed and receiued the sence of deliuerance pertaineth to the execution which for a little season is deferred that it may bee perfected with greater glory to God and comfort to thy selfe Blessed bee the Lord who hath turned away his eyes from my transgressions but hath not turned away his mercy from me Reioyce in the Lord O my soule againe I say reioyce for he hath couered thine iniquities and purged away thy sinne that thou shalt not die Oh the blessednesse of that man whose iniquities are forgiuen to whom the Lord imputeth no sinne Fiftly Thus faith is daily to be preserued and quickened vnto which it is not vnprofitable to adde some thoughts concerning the blessednesse of the Man whose debts are cancelled out of Gods Booke the grace and loue of God who vouchsafeth to shew compassion herein the price that was payed to diuine Iustice that grace might iustly conferre this blessing vpon them that belieue These things may serue to quicken the heart in the consideration of this mercie CHAP. III. What it is to liue by faith touching the promises of Sanctification and how to stirre vp our selues thereunto Of the promises of sanctification THe next spirituall promises of things absolutely necessarie to saluation are concerning Sanctification or the killing of sinne and quickening vs to newnesse of life by the continued infusion of holinesse and renouation of our hearts according to Gods Image and to the enabling vs to walke in new obedience according to couenant And this is signified by the generall tearmes of subduing sauing washing cleansiâ—g and purging from sinne and iniquitie Mic 7.18 19. Who is a God like vnto thee that pardoneth iniquitie and passeth by the trangression of the remnant of his heritage he retaineth not his anger for euer because hee delighteth in mercy He will turne againe he will haue compassion vpon vs hee will subdue our iniquities and thou wilt cast all their sinnes into the depths of the Sea Math. 1.21 He shall saue his p ople from their sinne which as it is true in the matter of our Iustification for the forgiuenesse of our sinne so also in the point of Sanctification for deliuering vs from the power of sinne And so are the like generall speeches to be vnderstood Iohn 1 29. 1 Iohn 2.2 1 Iohn â— 7 that Christ is the Lambe of God which takâ—th away the sinnes of the world that he was manifested to take away our sinnes that the bloud of Christ clenseth vs from all sinne Apoc. 1.5 that hee loued vs and washed vs from our sinnes in his owne bloud And this is that which the Lord of his free mercie promised to effect for his Church and people Esay 4.3 4. And it shall come to passe that he that is left in Zion and he that remaineth in Ierusalem shall be called holy euen euery one that is written among the liuing in Ierusalem When the Lord shall haue washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and shall haue purged the bloud of Ierusalem from the midst thereof by the Spirit of Iudgement and by the spirit of burning Now seeing we haue such promises from God it followeth necessarily that a Christian is allowed to belieue A Christian is allowed to beleeue these promises that God of his free grace in Christ will purge him from the filthy remainders of sinne and renew him more and more after his owne Image in righteousnesse and true holinesse In the couenant of grace which God made with his people hee promiseth to take away their hearts of stone Ezek. 11.19 Ier. 31.33 32.40 Ezek. 36.26 27 and to giue them hearts of flesh to put his law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts to put his feare in their hearts that they shall not depart from him and to giue them a new heart and to put his Spirit within them But what God promiseth faith receiueth It is no presumption but true obedience to assure our selues from God of whatsoeuer hee hath past his promise and entred into band and couenant freely to giue The burdened are inuited to come vnto Christ for ease and the thirstie for refreshing Is any man dried withered and burnt vp for lacke of the sap and moisture of grace the fountaine is set open vnto him hee may come and drinke to the satisfying of his soule If any man thirst Reuel 22.17 Iohn 7.37 Verse 38. let him come vnto me and drinke He that belieueth on me as the Scripture saith out of his belly shall flow riuers of liuing water Christ is the fountaine of grace and the well of life euer-flowing and euer full John 1.16 Col. 1.19 Ephes 1 23. Col. 3.10 11. Col. 2.10 of whose fulnes euery Belieuer doth receiue grace for grace who filleth all in all who is all in all in whom wee are compleate filled with all heauenly graces which serue to remoue euill or set vs in state of blessednesse There is no grace but from Christ no communion with Christ but by faith From Christ we receiue to belieue and from him belieuing we daily sucke the life of grace Christ is made vnto vs of God Wisdome and Sanctification 1. Cor. 1.30 as well as Righteousnesse and Redemption and as it is our dutie to belieue in Christ for pardon of sinne so to embrace him by faith for sanctification and to bee filled with his gifts of grace in our measure Christ by his bloud hath purchased for his people all spirituall blessings in heauenly things Apoc. 1.5 Ephes 1.3 2. Pet. 1.3 euen all thâ—ngs that pertaine to glory in the world to come and to liue godly in this present world But what Christ hath purchased that we may assuredly belieue God will bestow He will not with-hold any thing that he hath gratiously giuen to our Sauiour on our behalfe We are taught to aske of God in Iesus Christ increase and strength of grace that wee may be inabled to walke before him in new obedience Col. 1.9 10. We cease not to pray for you and to desire that yee might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdome and spirituall vnderstanding That yee might walke worthy of the Lord vnto all pleasing being fruitfull in euery good worke and increasing in
his seruants so requiring God hath made many promises of perseuerance that his mercie shall neuer depart from them that hee will confirme and strengthen them to the end notwithstanding their owne weaknesse and the malice of their spirituall enemies and that nothing shall seperate them from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesus Gen. 3.15 This is implied in the first promise which God made It shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heele where Satan is stinted to the heele of the true Christian seed In many passages of Scripture the same is most clearely and manifestly expressed Psal 1.3 Psal 92.13 14. He shall be like a tree planted by the riuers of water that bringeth forth his fruite in his season his leafe also shall not wither and whatsoeuer he doth shall prosper The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord and he delighteth in his way Though he fall Psal 37.23.24 hee shall not be vtterly cast downe for the Lord vpholdeth him with his hand For this God is our God for euer and euer Psal 48.14 Psal 73.24 Verse 26. he will be our guide euen vnto death Thou shalt guide me with thy councell and afterward receiue me to glory My flesh and heart faileth but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for euer The mercie of the Lord is from euerlasting to euerlasting vpon them that feare him Psal 103.17 A good man sheweth fauour and lendeth Psal 112.5.6 hee will guide his affaires with discretion Surely he shall not be moued for euer Psal 125.1.2 the righteous shall be in euâ—rlasting remembrance They that trust in the Lord shall bee as mount Zion Esay 42.3 which cannot be remoued but abideth for euer A bruised reede shall he not breake and the smoaking staxe shall hee not quench Esay 46.4 And euen to your old age I am he and euen to the hoare haires will I carrie you Esay 54.10 I haue made and I will beare euen I will carrie and will deliuer you For the mountaines shall depart and the hils be remoued but my kindnesse shall not depart from thee neither shall the couenant of my peace be remoued Esay 59.21 saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee As for mee this is my couenant with them saith the Lord My Spirit that is vpon thee and my words which I haue put in thy mouth Rom. 9.8 Gal. 4.28 shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seede that is such as be effectually called according to the purpose of God Hereunto may be added those passages which testifie that the loue which God beareth to his people is an euerlasting loue and the couenant which he hath made with them effectually and shall be kept assuredly is an euerlasting couenant Ier. 31.3 The Lord hath appeared of old vnto me saying yea I haue loued thee with an euerlasting loue therefore with louing kindnesse haue I drawne thee In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with euerlasting kindnesse will I haue mercy on thee Esay 54.8.9 saith the Lord thy Redeemer For this is as the waters of Noah vnto mee for as I haue sworne that the waters of Noah should no more goe ouer the earth so haue I sworne that I would not be wroth with thee nor rebuke thee Behold the dayes come saith the Lord that I will make a new Couenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Iudah Ier. 31.31.32.33 Heb. 8.8.9 and 10 16.17 Not according to the Couenant that I made with their Fathers in the day that I tooke them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Aegypt which my couenant they brake although I was an husband vnto them But this shall bee the couenant that I will make with the house of Israel After those dayes saith the Lord I will put my Law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts And they shall be my people and I will be their God And I will giue them one heart Ier. 32.38.39.40 and one way that they may feare me for euer Heb. 13.20 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 Heb. 8.10 In which couenant or Testament God freely promiseth to giue what hee requireth of his people and to effect in them what he calleth for at their hands If the benefits giuen be compared amongst themselues one is as it were a coÌ„dition to another but they be all effects in respect of the grace and free fauour of God certainely conferring them vpon whom he will Righteousnes and life are promised vpon condition of faith but the condition of the couenant is promised in the couenant it selfe A new heart also will I giue you and a new spirit will I put within you Ezek 36.26 27 and I will take away the stonie heart out of your flesh And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walke in my statutes and yee shall keepe my iudgements Hos 2.19.20 and doe them And I will betroth thee vnto me for euer yea I will betroth thee vnto me in righteousnesse and in iudgement and in louing kindnesse and in mercies I will euen betroth thee vnto me in faithfulnesse and thou shalt know the Lord. The externall betrothing by outward couenant so as God betrothes himselfe to all professing the true faith Rom. 9.24 25. 1. Pet. 2.8 9 10 Math. 7.24 25. may be broken for though God offer them mercie if they will belieue yet hee giues not faith to them but the internall by effectuall disposition of which the Prophet speaketh in this place is indissoluble Whosoeuer heareth these sayings of mine doth them I wil liken him vnto a wise man which built his house vpoÌ„ a rock And the raine descended and the flouds came and the winds blew and beat vpon that house and it fell not for it was founded vpon a rocke But all the faithfull are built vpon the rocke not vpon the rocke now and anone vpon the sand Math. 16.18 but once built vpon the rocke they remaine vnmoueable Thou art Peter and vpon this rocke I will build my Church and the gates of Hell shall not preuaile against it assaile it they may preuaile against it they shall not Iohn 10.27 28 29. Ezek. 34.15 16. My sheepe heare my voice and I know them and they follow me And I giue vnto them eternall life and they shall neuer perish neither shall any man plucke them out of my hand My Father which gaue them me is greater then all and no man is able to plucke them out of my Fathers hand Who shall seperate vs from the
might wauer a promise is annexed Whatsoeuer yee shall aske the Father in my Name hee will giue it you But without question they haue allowance to belieue the obtaining of that which Christ hath prayed for 1. John 5.14 and the faithfull aske of God in the Name of Chrâ—st according to his will The seruants of Christ who liued by the like pretious faith with vs grounâ—ed vpon the same promises and subiect to the same temptations Rom 8.38.39 belieued their perseuerance I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth nor any other creature shal be able to seperate froÌ„ the loue of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. Phil. 1.20 According to mine earnest expectation my hope that in nothing I shal be ashamed but that with all boldnes as alwayes so now also Christ shal be magnified in my body whether it bee by life or by death And the Lord shall deliuer me from euery euill worke and will preserue me vnto his heauenly kingdome 2. Tim. 3.18 to whom be glory for euer and euer Amen But what one belieued vpon common and ordinarie grounds that is the priuiledge of all belieuers which they are allowed to receiue It is a great glory to God that wee liue by faith on him concerning our future estate and relie vpon his grace that shall encounters wee shall bee more then Conquerours through him that loued vs. For this is to take God to bee our God not only to put our confidence in him in prosperitie and aduersitie when wee haue meanes or meanes be wanting for our soules and bodies but also to relic vpon him that he will make vs walke in his Commandements and put his feare in our hearts that wee shall not depart from him that hee will perfect his worke begun in vs finish our fai h and preserue vs vnto his euerlasting kingdome This faith doth giue vnto God the praisent all grace which he is pleased to bestow and of all workes of grace which he effecteth by vs. Hee that relieth vpon the good vse of his free-will must necessarily ascribe the praise of his perseuerance in part if not principally vnto himselfe but he that resteth vpon the Lord for establishment against all spirituall enemies and abilitie vnto euery good worke hee must necessarily ascribe the whole praise vnto the glory of Gods grace vpon which hee doth depend The acts of faith concerning perseuerance The acts of saith concerning perseuerance bee these and such like First It makes a man sensible of his owne frailtie and infirmitie how weake and feeble he is apt not only to fall but euen to fall away if he were not vpholden by the grace and power of God 2. Cor. 3.5 Not that we are sufficient of our selues to thinke any thing as of our selues but our sufficiencie is of God Naturally we trust in our selues and are pâ—esumptuous of our strength but when by faith we goe forth of our selues vnto God for helpe we can see nothing in our selues but weaknesse and frailtie Secondly It stirres vp holy iealousie and suspition lest we should coole decay start-aside or fall backe Faith is bold and timorous confident and suspicious confident in God suspitious of our selues I was afraid saith Iob of all my workes Iob 9.28 Gatak Spirituall Watch pag. 84. knowing that if I did wickedly thou wouldst not acquite me And this suspition doth beget care to shunne occasions of sinne and watchfulnesse to preuent spirituall distempers A man iealous of his health is warie in his diet and he that hath his soule in suspition will euer be questioning with it and watching ouer it least he should offend This iealosie is euer waking apt to cast the worst that may fall out but to counsell the best that is to keepe farr from the occasions of sinne abstaine from all appearance of euill and take heede of the snare in lawfull businesses of this life And surely in this kinde considering our great frailty it is more behoouefull for a man to be somewhat too hee die and cautelous then to be a little too secure and selfe confident to be suspitious of his weaknesse that hee may be enabled by God and become strong in him then while he is fool-hardie strong in his owne conceit to run into danger and proue weak in triall Thirdly Psal 17.5 Faith instantly crieth vnto the Lord for help strength and continuall supply of grace Hold vp my goings in thy paths that my footsteps slip not Psal 119.8 I will keepe thy statutes O forsake me not vtterly Looke thou vpon me and be mercifull vnto me as thou vsest to doe vnto those that loue thy Name Order my steps in thy word Psal 119.32 33. Cant. 1.4 and let not any iniquitie haue dominion ouer me Draw me we will runne after thee Shew me thy wayes O Lord teach me thy pathes Lead mee in thy truth Psal 25.4 5. and teach me for thou art the God of my saluation on thee doe I waite all the day long When men be conscious to themselues of their owne wants they are wont to resort vnto others by whom their wants may be supplied The Belieuer is emptie in himselfe and sensible of his owne weaknesse desirous of supply and confident of helpe in God 2. Tim. 4.17 2. Cor. 12.9 10. 2. Cor. 4.7 who alone is able to confirme and strengthen him yea so to inable him notwithstanding his infirmitie that his power and might shall appeare in him amidst his feeblenesse his very infirmity shall make much for his glory and therefore hee will not cease day after day to repaire vnto him for continuall supply and strength of grace Fourthly Faith desireth digesteth and feedeth vpon the wholesome food of life 2. Pet. 2.2 As new borne babes desire the sincere milke of the Word that yee may grow thereby If the bodie be healthfull and in case to grow in strength there will be an appetite to wholesome food and good digestion by the stomacke euery liuing thing hath a facultie to draw nourishment vnto it selfe and the faith which neuer faileth doth not only couet but kindly digest the Word of life and sucke nourishment from it whereby it is made able and strong to euery good word and worke If the stomacke decay or the appetite be inordinate after things hurtfull and vnwholsome food or the digestion ill that meate taken in passeth away not altered by the stomacke the naturall life is in danger so the life of grace languisheth when our appetite to the word decayeth wee affect earthly things immoderately delight in a frothy windie vaine sound of words which pleaseth the eaâ—e but edifieth not the conscience or if we heare sleightly but take not paines to feed substantially vpon the Word I denie not but a liuely neuer-fading faith is subiect to these and more grieuous
their encouragement doth not onely acquaint them with the necessitie of the fight the iustnesse of their cause the weight of the busines Apo. 2.11.26.27 Apo 3.21 Iam. 1.12 Promises of victory Gen. 3.13 the honour of the combate the reward of victorie if they ouercome that he himselfe doth behold and approue the valiant but also by his faithfull promâ—se doth assure them of strength and victorie This is signified in the first promise It shall bruise thy head and thou shalt bruise his heele which properly being vnderstood of Christ by communication of grace doth belong to all the faithfull Simon Simon behold Satan hath desired to haue you that hee might sift you as wheate But I haue prayed for thee Luk. 22.31.32 that thy faith faile not Wherefore take vnto you the whole armor of God Eph. 6.15 that yee may bee able to withstand in the euill day and hauing done all to stand Resist the Deuill Iam. 4 7. and he will slee from you He that is begotten of God keepeth himselfe and that wicked one toucheth him not 1. Ioh. 5.18 Math. 16.18 The gates of hell shall not preuaile against it For I am perswaded that neither death nor life nor Angels nor principalities nor powers Rom. 8.38.39 nor things present nor things to come Nor height nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to seperate vs from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesus our Lord. Satan was the strong man armed who possessed all in peace Luk 11.21 but our Sauiour hath ouercome him taken from him all his armour Col. 2.15 and diuided his spoiles Hauing spoiled principalities and powers he made a shew of them openly triumphing ouer them vpon the Crosse and so through death hath destroyed him that had the power of death Heb. 2.14.15 that is the Deuill that he might deliuer all them which for feare of death were all their life subiect to bondage Ephes 4.8 Wherefore he saith when he ascended vp on high he led captiuitie captiue The godly are allowed to beleiue the promises of victory Rom. 16.20 In this state of temptation the seruants of God are allowed to liue by faith For the God of peace hath promised to tread Satan vnder our feete shortly opportunely When Satan may seeme to preuaile and get the victorie God will speedily bruise and crush him vnder the feete of the faithfull least hee should hurt or ouerthrow their saluation The craft of Satan is great to deceiue but God will teach wisedome and prouidence to discerne and disappoint his stratagens 2. Cor. 12.7.8.9 Rom. 6.14 The power of Satan is great to molest but if wee fight manfully against him not trusting in our owne strength but in the liuing Lord we shall obtaine a ioyfull victorie We must not be slouthfull nor selfe-confident but valiant in the Lord and the successe is certaine through his blessed aide Through God wee shall doe valiantly Psal 60.12 for he it is that shall tread downe our enimies This is the commandement of God 1. Ioh. 3.23 that wee belieue in the name of his Sonne Iesus Christ Nothing is so glorious to God nothing so profitable to vs. Iohn 3.33 It doth giue God as it were a testimoniall of his truth power mercie and goodnesse And for our selues Iam. 2.5 Esay 30.15 it is our treasure strength and victory God hath chosen the poore of this world rich in faith In quietnesse and in confidence shall be your strength Wee haue a charge to resist the Deuill strong in the faith 1. Pet. 5.9 The more fiercely we be assailed the more confidently should we betake our selues vnto the Lord for helpe who is our strong castle and rocke of defence In peace if men let their armour hang by and rust yet it is time to buckle it about them when the enimie is at the gates and beginneth to batter the walls The Lord permits Satan to buffet vs that wee might be moued to seeke and take vnto vs the armour of a Christian more especially to put on the shield of faith To doubt feare because we are exercised in spirituall combats is as if a soldier should lay aside his harnesse because he is called forth to battell with his enimies The Apostle speaking of our spirituall conflict with the malitious enimies of our soules chargeth vs not only to belieue but aboue all things to labour after faith Aboue all things taking the shield of faith Eph. 6 16. which manner of exhorting doth shew vs both what care we must haue of it and what approbation we haue from God to belieue For if wee bid a seruant buy many things but aboue all such a thing by his charge he might easily gather what he should bee carefull in and what allowance he had to doe it So when wee are counselled aboue all things to get faith it is not hard to vnderstand that we must be chiefely carefull about it that God is well pleased we should so be Faith is one of the first things that is formed in a Christian wherewith God furnisheth him when he prepareth and calleth him forth to the encounter so that to question whether we should belieue is to question whether we should dedicate our selues to the seruice of God denie our lusts or fight against the Deuill That which is fabulously spoken of the Giants is truely spoken of vs wee are no sooner borne then wee haue our swords girded to vs our shields on our armes The Lord stands betwixt his children and all dangers that are intended against them by their malitious enimies He is euer at their right hand to saue their soules from death And if God stand forth for their helpe they cannot better prouide for their one ease and safetie then if they confidently hope in the Lord and repose their soules vpon his might It is necessary a ChristiaÌ„ should liue by faith in this condition Deut. 20.3 It is necessarie that a Christian should liue by faith in that condition For all spirituall souldiers must put one courage and resolution not to feare the assaults of mightie enimies nor bee dismaied at any difficulties Let not your hearts feare tremble not because of your enimies quite your selues like men 1. Cor. 16.13 be strong But true valour cannot be had without faith in Christ Stand fast in the faith bee strong The Deuill is like a serpentine Crocodile whose propertie is if one follow it flieth away if one flie it pursueth him Resist Satan and he will flie be afraid and he will follow Cowardise doth encourage the aduersary courage daunts him But courage issueth from sound onfidence in the Lord Psal 31 2. 71 3. and 61.2.3 Deut. 32.4 Psal 27. â—4 and 31.24 Deut. 31.6.7.8 who is the rocke and shield of them that flie vnto him Waite one the Lord be of good courage and he shall strengthen thy heart Be strong and of a
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
Lord thy God led thee these fortie yeares in the wildernesse to humble thee and to proue thee to know what was in thine heart Psal 66.10 Purge For thou O God hast proued vs thou hast tried vs as siluer is tried And I will turne my hand vpon thee and purâ—ly purge away thy drosse Esa 1 25. 4.4 Esay 27.9 Refine Dan. 11.35 12.10 Zech. 13.9 and take away all thy sinne By this therefore shall the iniquity of Iacob be purged and this is all the fruit to take away his sinne And some of them of vnderstanding shall fall to trie them and to purge and to make them white And I will bring the third part through the fire and will refine them as siluer is refined and will try them as gold is tried and they shall call on my Name and I will heare them 1. Pet. 1.6 7. Now for a season if need be yee are in heauinesse through manifold temptations That the triall of your faith being much more pretious then gold that perisheth though it bee tried with fire might bee sound vnto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Iâ—sus Christ 1. Pet. 4.12 Thinke it not strange concerning the fiery triall Iob 33.16 17 18. Hosea 2.6 7. which is to try you as though some strange thing happened vnto you He openeth the eares of men and sealeth their instruction That he may with-draw man from his purpose and hide pride from man He keepeth backe his soule from the pit and his life from perishing by the sword He openeth also their eare to discipline Iob 36.10 16. Confirme grace Deut 8.16 Iames 1.2 3. and commandeth that they returne from iniquitie Who led thee through that great and terrible wildernesse and that hee might proue thee to doe thee good at thy latter end My brethren count it all ioy when yea fall into diuers temptations knowing this that the trying of your faith worketh patience We glory in tribulations also Rom. 5.3 4 5. knowing that tribulation worketh patience and patience experience Iohn 15.2 Saue and experience hope and hope maketh not ashamed Euery branch that beareth fruit hee purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit When we are iudged 1. Cor. 11.32 we are chastened of the Lord that we should not be condemned with the world For our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for vs a farre more exceeding and eternall waight of glory Behold 2. Cor. 4.17 He will deliuer them Iob 5.17 18. out of trouble happy is the man whom God correcteth therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty For he maketh sore and bindeth vp he woundeth and his hand maketh whole He shall deliuer thee in sixe troubles yea in seuen there shall no euill touch thee Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest Psal 94.12 13. O Lord and teachest out of thy law That thou mayest giue him rest from the dayes of aduersity vntill the pit bee digged for the wicked Iames 1.12 Is tender ouer them in trouble Psal 56 8. Psal 31.7 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation for when hee is tried hee shall receiue the crowne of life which the Lord hath promised to them that loue him Thou tellest my wandrings put thou my teares in thy bottle are they not in thy booke I will be glad and reioyce in thy mercy for thou hast considered my trouble Psal 33.18 19. thou hast knownâ— my soule in aduersities Behold the eye of the Lord is vpon them that feare him vpon them that hope in his mercy To deliuer their soule from death and to keepe them aliue in famine The righteous cry Psal 4.17 18. and the Lord heareth them and deliuereth them out of all their troubles The Lord is nigh vnto them that are of a broken heart and saueth such as be of a contritâ— spi it Psal 9.9 Verse 18. The Lord also will be a refuge for the opprâ—ssed a râ—fuge iâ— times of trouble The needy shall not alwayes b e fâ—rgotten â—sal â—6 1. and present so their help Esay 41.10 11 12. the expectation of the poore shall not perish for euer God is our refuge and strength a very pâ—esent helpe in trouble Feare thou not for I am with thee bee not dismayed for I am thy God I will strengthen thee yea I will helpe thee yea I will vphold thee with the right hand of my righteousnesse Behold all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded they shall be as nothing and they that striue with thee shall perish Verse 14. Feare not thou worme Iacob and yee men of Israel I will helpe thee saith the Lord and thy Redeemer Esay 49.13 14 1â— 16 17. the holy One of Israel Sing O Heauen and be ioyfuâ—l O Earth and breake forth into singing O Mountaines for God hath comforted his people and will haue mercy vpon his afflicted But Zion said The Lord hath forsaken me and my God hath forgotten mee Can a woman forget her sucking babe that she should not haue compassion on the sonne of her wombe yea they may forget yet will not I forget thee Behold I haue grauâ—n thee vpon the palmes of my hands thy wals are continuaâ—y before me Psal 91.14 15. Because he hath set his loue vpon me therefore will I deliuer him I will set him on high because he hath knowne my Name He shall call vpon me and I will answere him I will be with him in trouble I will deliuer him and honour him In these and such like passages of holy Scripture wee see with what loue and tendernesse the Lord doth correct his children for the glory of his great Name and their exceeding great benefit that they might know themselues their frailâ—es and graces bee purged from their drosse emptied of selfe-conceitednesse confirmed in hope patience humilitie quiâ—kened vnto prayâ—r and fitted for his kingdome how gâ—atiously he doâ—h protect and comfort them â—n hâ—auinesse l ghten their daâ—kenes heale their wounds kâ—epâ— their feete from falling couer them with his fâ—athers hide them in his pauilion and set them vpon high from such as rise vp against them He is the saluation of the righteous and their strength in time of trouble Psal 37.39 Ier. 29.11 His thoughâ—s towards them are thoughts of peace and not of euill to giue an expected end Esay 43.1 2. Psal 73.23.24 Hee is continually with them and holdeth them by their hand hee will guide them with his counsell and afterward receiue them vnto glory These promises so often repeated bee firme grounds wheâ—eupon to builde our faith that we shall not be hindred by afflictions in our Christian course but rather furthered till we attaine vnto the end of our course in Gods Kingdome And surely it is most necessarie that we learne to liue by faith in afflictions It s necessary to learne to liue by faith in affliction
is he that feareth the Lord him shall he teach in the way that he shall chuse His soule shall dwell at ease Psal 25. â—2 13. Pro. 11.21 and his seede shall inherite the earth Though hand ioyne in hand the wicked shall not bee vnpunished but the seede of the righteous shall bee deliuered Pro. 14 20. Pro. 20.7 In the feare of the Lord is strong confidence and his children shall haue a place of refuge The Iust man walketh in his integritie his children are blessed after him Iob. 5.25 These and such like be the promises concerning temporall blessings which God of his infinite grace and loue hath made to the faithfull and their posterity that we might liue by faith quietly submitting our selues to the good pleasure of God in these things and expecting from him in due season such reliefe as shall bee most expediâ—nt It is necessary to belieue those promised First This is necessary for faith in these promises doth kill couetous desires distrustfull and distracting eares Let your conuersation bee without couetousnesse and be content with such things as yee haue For he hath saide I will neuer leaue thee nor forsake thee Man is priuie to his want of blessings Heb. 13.5 and will neuer cease with excessiue care deligence and vexation to hunt after them till hee come to knowe that God will prouide for him When one hath great friends which they are knowne to leane vpon wee say of them Such neede take no care they know such and such will see to them On the contrarie come to one who knowes no end of toyling and caring aske him why will you thus tyre your selfe out He will answere I must needs doe it I haue none but my selfe to trust to Math. 6.30.32 So Christ followeth his Disciples carefulnesse to this doore their vnbeliefe which did not let them consider our heauenly Father cared for them No present estate though neuer so great can free the heart from distraction 1. Pet. 5.5 because it is subiect to decay and vanish wee shall neuer cast the burden of care off our owne shoulders till we learne by faith to cast it vpon the Lord whose eye is ouer vs for good Secondly Hee will neuer renounce carnall supports who makes not God the stay of his soule for outward things Hee will trust in the abundance of his riches Psal 52.7 wisdome friends or strength that makes not God his strength The heart of man being priuie to his inability to sustaine himselfe if he be not vnderset will seeke out some prop true or false sound or rotten to leane vnto They will goe downe to Aegypt for helpe Esay 31.1 and 22 10 11 12. and stay on horses and trust in Chariots because they are many and in horsemen because they are very strong who looke not to the holy one of Israel seeke not the Lord. Thirdly Beliefe in God brings good successe The Lord will be intreated to showre his blessings plentifully vpon them that put their trust in him 2. Chro. 20.20 1. Chro. 5.20 2. Chro. 16.7 8. Belieue in the Lord your God so shall yee be established belieue his prophets so shall yee prosper Men are ashamed to falsifie the trust that is reposed in them And shall the Lord frustrate the desire of them that hope in his mercy Fourthly If we cleaue not to the promises of God made concerning temporall things we shall adhere to the promises of life with lesse assurance 2. Cor. 1.20 Both promises flow from one fountaine euen Gods euerlasting loue are stablished in the same mediatour and receiued by the same faith yea the promises of life euerlasting as more spirituall and furthest remoued from sence are in themselues more difficult to bee belieued so that our assurance of them câ—nnoâ— bâ— gâ—eatâ—r 〈◊〉 our coâ—fidence in â—od â—or the other whiâ—h conce ne thiâ— lâ—fe so fâ—rrâ— as he seeth it to be for our good and the glory of his gâ—eâ—t name if we bee instructâ—d exercised and assaâ—lted in both alike Christianâ— are of asâ—â—â—l ed touching these promises â—nd many vertuoâ—s and godly men not duly consiâ—ering and embracing them by fâ—â—th are â—â—ch perplexed in themselues Psa 116.11 Psal 31.22 I said in â—y hast said Dauid when he fled from Saul anâ— hiâ— heart began to fâ—int â—ll men are lyâ—rs euen the prophâ—ts who told me I should be king haue deceiued me Distrust in the â—emporall p omiseâ— of God hath driuen the fa thfuâ—l to mâ—ny hard dangerous shifts and bâ—ene the o casion oâ— diue â—s sl pâ— and some dangerous falls The examples of Abraham Dauid â—nd many o thers together with daily experience in all places doe sâ—fficiently testifie thus much Fiftly Faith sweeteneth â—nd sanctifieth vnto vs the vse of all outward comforts vndeâ— our hands Meate apparrell riches honours â—hough lawfully coâ—passâ—d and in abundance possessed yeeld but a sowre tast in comparison are but of small profit when they bee not vsed in faith Nay blâ—ssings not receiued and vsed in faith beâ—ome Idols Marke 10 24. or occasions of Idolatrie for either we trust in them or be lifâ—eâ— vp in our selues by reason of them The rich mans weâ—lth is his strong City hee reioyceth in his riches â—ro 10. â—5 Psal 62.10 Pro. 30.8.9 and hath in his thoughts to doe great matters by them Giue mee neither pouertie nor riches feed mee with food conu nient for me Lest I be full and denie thee and say who is the Lord. The godly are allowed to liue by faith touching these temporall promises The godly are â—llowed to liue by faith as â—â—ching these promises and the sanctified vse of Gods blessings which they â—nioy First For seeing God hâ—th giuen Christ for vs as the Apostle reasoneth how shâ—ll hee not with him also freely giue vs all things Hee hath giuen his sonne the fountaine of all good things Rom. 8 3â— what is it then that hee will d â—â—e vnto vs Esay 7.19 The p omise of Christ before his incarnation was to the Iewes a seale of all temporall good â—hings p omised But we know God hâ—th giuen his sonnâ— not onely to be borâ—e bâ—t to â—ie for vs which is an vnâ—oâ—â—eâ— t ken that he will denie vs nothing that may be for our good â—nd comfo t. Secondly The Lord by couenant hath promised to furnish his people with all needfull blessings pertaining to thiâ— life He thâ—t scattered Israel will gâ—ther him Ier. 31.10.11.12 and keepe him as a sheepeheard doth his flocke For the Lord hath redeemed Iacob and ransomed him from the hand of him that was stronger thâ—n he Therefore they shall come and sing in the h ight of Zion shall slow together to the goodnesse of the Lord for wheat and fâ—r wine and for oyle and for the young of the flocke and of the herd their soule shall bee as a watered garden and they shall not sorrow any more at
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
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
is necessarie wee should liue by faith It s necessary to liue by faith in the duties of our vocation to preuent the the euills which beset vs in our ordinarie callings couetousnesse iniustice impatience and distracting care Naturally men are apt to incumber themselues with superfluous businesse and trouble themselues about the euent and successe they content not themselues with their lot and condition but desire to heape vp riches and encrease their substance aboue measure they forecast many things in their heads long before and know no end of their cares The trouble men meet with in the world begets loue of the world and whether they be crossed or prosper the more they be exercised about the things of this life the more they follow after them with greedinesse vexation discontent plotting and deuising how to compasse their designes whether by right or wrong frâ—ud or oppression The soueraigne remedie against those and other the like misâ—heifes which we are prone to runne into is a liuely fâ—ith which lifteth vp the heart to better things then ought is to be found vnder the moone quietly submitteth vnto the good pleasure of God commendeth the successe and euent of all honâ—st endeauours vnto his Highnesse and resteth vpon his grace for present helpe â—nd future supply in the vse of such meanes as he hath ordained Without faith it is impossible to please God Heb. 11.6 God is the Authour of euery honest vocation and by his appointment men ought to labour in some particular state or condition of life but that worke is not acceptable which is not done in faith If faith doe not quicken season and guide the workes of our calling they are dead and carnall as they come from vs neitheir begun vpon sound ground nor done in vniforme and right manner nor directed to a right end That which should put life into the action is absent if faith be lacking Experience is of great vse in a godly life both to confirme faith strengthen hope preserue loue ouercome temptations and direct in difficulties But the readie meanes to get grounded experience is to liue by faith in the workes of our vocation and obserue how the Lord dealeth with vs therein according to his word The acts of faith in respect of the duties of our calling Pro. 16.20 The acts of faith in this particular be these First It informeth to make choise of an honest vocation for which we are fitted and into which we may enter by direct good and lawfull meanes He that vnderstandeth a matter shall finde good saith Solomon wherein hee teacheth that what businesse any man taketh in hand he must know it well and accurately if hee looke to finish it honestly and with good successe This therefore is the rule by which we are directed in our vocation that what art any man knoweth he should exercise himselfe in it This as it must be obserued in all arts sciences professions in the familie Common-wealth Church so as euery art or profession is of greater moment in any societie publike or priuate sacred or prophaine it is with greater diligence more studiously to be looked vnto As our calling must bee honest that is seruiceable to the Church Common-wealth or priuate familie and as we must be gifted for it so must we enter by lawfull and direct meanes appointed of God that wee may be assured our calling is of God and that hee will accept of our seruice in that estate and condition of life Secondly Faith instructeth not to meddle aboue our knowledge but to leane vpon the liuing Lord not on our skill or cunning Pro. 16.20 Pro. 3.5.6 Who so trusteth in the Lord happy is hee Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and leane not vnto thine owne vnderstanding In all thy wayes acknowledge him and he shall direct thy pathes It is hard for a man very skilfull so to with-draw his heart and thought from his skill as that he doe not wholy rest in it but faith looking further then sence or reason is able dispossesseth the heart of this carnall confidence and fixeth it vpon the Lord alone For it acknowledgeth him onely to be the fountaine of all good and perswadeth the soule that vnlesse it relie vpon his grace wisedome and strength he shall bring nothing to passe by his own wisedome wit cunning Psal 127.1.2 Hag. 1.6.9 Eccl. 9.11 For either he shall not effect what he endeauours to doe by the helpe and benefit of his skill or if he bring it to passe it shall not succeed or auaile him to those honest vses which he intended The race is not to to the swift nor the battell to the strong neither yet bread to the wise nor yet riches to men of vnderstanding nor yet fauour to men of skill Thirdly It quickeneth the most skilfull workeman to striue with God in prayer that the worke he setteth vpon might succeed well and prosper that is that his skill might be readie and at hand whereby he might finish the thing that he goeth about and that it might be of vse to them for whom it is appointed For being sensible of his owne weakenes expecting helpe and supply from heauen he will not cease to craue the aide and blessing of God It is the property of faith to pray coÌ„tinually looking vnto the most High for help hauing aliuely sence of present want which stirreth vp a serious affectioÌ„ of praying Fourthly It causeth diligence care vprightnesse and faithfulnesse in all the workes actions and businesse of our calling Psal 128.2 Ephe. 6.5 6.2 as knowing that whilest wee walke honestly therein wee doe seruice to the Lord Iesus It is noted of the vertuous wise faithfull and godly woman that shee seeketh wooll Pro. 31.13.15 and flaxe and worketh willingly with her hands She riseth also while it is yet night and giueth meate to her houshold Faith awakeneth the sluggard rowseth the laisie maketh the idle lay his bones to worke and him that was a purloyner to deale truely iustly and honestly It is the best cocke to call vp the drowsie for it ringeth in his eare when wilt thou arise loe the Lord calleth thee to thy taske why tariest thou so long stirrest so slowly The Sunne reioyceth as a Gyant to runne his race why sharpenest not thou thy selfe to the worke which God hath laid vpon thee It it the willingest messenger to bee sent vpon any businesse the trustiest ouerseer of any labour the most free vndergoer of any toyle or paines â— Chron. 34.12 you neede not call him to reckoning who accounts with faith nor hast him forward who moueth by faith nor chaine him to his worke who by faith vndertaketh it Eph. 6.8 For he is assured he doth it vnto God who calleth vpon him and from whom hee must expect recompence if hee walke chearefully and in singlenesse of heart When a man is perswaded that his calling is approued of God and profitable to
as an euil he shall fall into but which he shall escape by the constant study and practice of holines For our assurance to escape damnation through the death of Christ Phil. 2.12 Math. 10.28 Luke 12.4.5 is no greater then our care to auoyd sin which leadeth thereunto Worke out your saluation with feare and trembling Feare not them which kill the body but are not able to kill the soule but rather feare him which is able to destroy both soule and body in hell Thirdly It stâ—rreth vp continuall watchfulnesse to shunne whatsoeuer might bâ—eed danger or procure Gods displeasure When sleepinesse beginneth to come vpon vs faith ioggeth our elbow and telleth the Lord is at hand with a whip to awaken vs. The approach of perill apprehended will rowse vp the sluggard to looke about him Faith also teacheth so to acknowledge the anger of God as that it draweth the heart aboue all things to take heed not to prouoke him by carelesnesse and securitie Who knoweth the power of thy anger 2. Cor. 5.10 11. Psal 90.11 Euen according to thy feare so is thy wrath Fourthly The threatnings mingled with faith cause sorrowfull melting or relenting of heart for sinne committed When the King of Nineueh belieued the preaching of Ionah Ionas 3.6 7 8. that within fortie dayes that gâ—eat Citie should be destroyed hee rose from his throne put on sackcloth and proclaimed a Fast vnto the Lord. And when the Lord testified his displeasure against the Israelites by sending thunder and lightning in Wheate Haruest all the people feared greatly and said vnto Samuel 1. Sa. 12.18 19. Pray for thy seruants vnto the Lord thy God that we die not for we haue added vnto all our sinnes this euill to aske vs a King Now the threatnings belieued worke the same effect Iudges 2.3 4. that the iudgements seene When Iosiah heard what the Lord spake against Ierusalem and against the inhabitants of that place his heart was tender 2. Kin. 22.18 19 and hee humbled himselfe before the Lord. Fiftly When wee see by faith from what miseries wee are deliuered of the free grace and mercie of God our hearts are enlarged in prayse and thanksgiuing In distresse faith powreth out supplications when the calamitie is ouer-past it setteth forth the goodnesse of the Lord and singeth of his glorie When the Israelites were in safetie on the shoare looking backe vpon the danger escaped when they passed through the red Sea Exod. 15.1 2. they make a ioyfull noise to the God of their saluation their songs are answerable to their fore-conceiued feare And so when the Lord brought backe the captiuitie of Babylon Psal 126.2 their mouthes were filled with laughter and their tongues with ioy The due consideration of our deserts manifest by the threatnings contained in the Word of God doth maruellously affect the heart with desire to publish and spread abroad the louing kindnesse of the Lord when by faith in Christ wee see our selues to bee set free from the dreadfull curses of the Law and mercifully saued from the righteous iudgement of our sinnes By this which hath beene said it is manifest that this life of faith is most excellent and comfortable and by good proofe and experience wee should be able to say so if wee would be perswaded but to take a taste of the benefit and sweetnesse that it bringeth For by this faith we are directed to seeke and follow after Christ Ephes 3.17 till wee come to be assured that he dwelleth in vs as the fountaine of life and that in him we are deliuered from the gilt and punishment of all our sinnes 2. Cor. 5.19 whereas others who liue not by it wauer are oft distracted and know not where to begin the foundation of that great worke nor how to build thereon By this faith we may come to sound rest and holy securitie about our saluation from time to time enioying the comfort of it still more and more with incredible ioy whereas others euen the best are oft vnsetled and much disquieted If the Lord lead vs into the darke and exercise vs with manifold afflictions and temptations by this faith we are enabled to hold him by the hand to cast our selues vpon the promises of grace and so relying vpon his power faithfulnesse and mercy to promise safetie vnto our selues aboue likelihood and appearance yea when wee feele the contrarie The rage of sinne is weakened and wee haue strength against it though not alwayes to preuaile which were not expedient yet at least to be in combate with it which is euer a good testimonie of our safetie for hereby we proue our selues to bee liuely members of the Church Militant Also by this we are preserued against fearefull sinnes and haue grace to walke in newnesse of life and all parts of it with ioy and chearefulnesse If we liue by faith we haue deliuerance from mâ—ny sharp bitter afflictions beare those which we must go vnder more meekly patiently because it makes vs depend vpon Gods promises not stinting him to any set time maner of deliuerance or measure of afflictioÌ„ By it we walk in our callings more chearfully honestly painfully with lesse distractioÌ„ toile vexatioÌ„ but with more profit then they that flow in with wealth haue all shifts cunning slights to gaine by Psal 127.1 2. For whiles we see God euer going before vs in al our earthly dealings and actions as we should more looke to it that we find it so then to our greatest profits weightiest dealings this faith shall vphold vs in the quietest estate and most sweet peace such as all the carnall wisedome of man shall neuer find nor enioy This faith teacheth vs to pray at all times as our necessities require with feruency coÌ„fidence euen in the depth of afflictions when the graue is readie to swallow vs vp and shut her mouth vpon vs Psal 69.13 14 15 16. it enableth to look vnto the Lord with strong arguments to implore his aid O Lord God of my saluation Psal 88.1 2 3. I haue cried day and night before thee for my soule is full of troubles and my life draweth nigh vnto the graue Out of the depths haue I cried vnto thee O Lord Lord heare my voice Psal 130.1 2. My spirit within me is ouer-whelmed my heart within me is desolate I stretch forth my hands vnto thee Psal 143.3 6. my soule thirsteth for thee in a thirsty land O remember not against vs former iniquities let thy tender mercies speedily preuent vs Psal 79.8 for we are brought very low If the affliction be very grieuous and of long continuance faith doth neither quaile nor cease to seek helpe but looketh vp to the Lord expecting saluation in due time to be reuealed O God Psal 74.1 2. why hast thou cast vs off for euer Why doth thine anger smoake against the sheepe of thy pasture Remâ—mber thy Congregation which thou hast purchased of old the rod of thine inheritance Psal 69.29 Psal 68.35 Verse 22. which thou hast redeemed I am poore and sorrowfull let thy saluation O God set me vp on high for God is the strength of his people who will brâ—ng them againe from the depths of the Sea The life of faith shall 〈◊〉 in ioy comfort He that trusteth in the Lord shall r◠〈◊〉 in his holy Name I am a wonder vnto many but the 〈◊〉 my strong refuge Psal 71.7 8. Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day Our heart shall reioyce in him Psal 33.21 because we haue trusted in his holy Name Loe this is our God we haue waited for him and he will saue vs this is the Lord Esay 25.9 we haue waited for him we will be glad and reioyce in his saluation The expectation of them that hope in the Lord Psal 68.19 69.30 shall not be frustrated therefore they shall reioice in him and sound forth his praises He that hath learned to liue by faith Heb. 11.13 shall also die in faith All these died in or according to the faith If we know how to walke with God by faith as Henoch did all the daies of our life amidst the manifold temptations changes that we meet withall in this world we shal the better encounter with death when the agonies therof be vpon vs. Death is many waies terrible and the assaults of Satan at that time are vsually most strong as being his last but hee that hath taken out this lesson To liue by faith shall easily quench the fierie darts of the Deuill manfully conquer this strong enemie renew his repentance and confidence in Gods mercy vpon the sight of sin willingly resigne himselfe into the hands oâ— God This is the ordinary course Liue in faith die in faith Liue holily and die blessedly Therefore let vs leaue late repentance to them that think it but a sport to venture a soule and take that course that is sure to speed To say no more it is exceeding dangerous to put off repentance from day to day though some few haue obtained mercie at their latter end But this is sure he that liueth in faith shall die in faith and liue in glory for euermore Amen FINIS