by liuely faith is but the very outside and dull matter of a good and acceptable worke There is no going right forward in the way to Heauen 1. Tim 1.5 if faith be not the guide The end of the Commaundement is loue out of a pure conscience and faith vnfained That which is here called the precept is not all the law Iun. animad in Bell Cont. 5. lib. 3. cap. 11. not 14. but only the precept that Paul giueth to Timothy that he should haue care to see that there were no strange doctrine admitted neither for forme nor matter neither for things directly contrarie to wholsome doctrine nor for idle questions not tending to build vp the people in the loue of God and of their Neighbour as appeareth euidently Verse 3. both by the verbe before whereof this word here is deriued and by this same word vsed afterward in this chapter Verse 18. where the signification of it is restrained vnto the present matter of exhortaion Neuerthelesse it may well be applied to confirme that euery act of sincere and vnpartiall obedience must come from a liuely well-rooted and soueraigne faith Christ is the fountaine of life and faith the meane Act. 2.15 Iohn 1.4 Psal 36.9 Heb. 5.9 Christ is the fountaine and faith the meanes of life The power and originall of life is intirely reserued to the Lord and Prince of life the Light and Life of men the Author of eternall saluation But faith is the radicall band on our part whereby wee are tied vnto Christ and liue in him The bodie hath it soule which enclines it and so hath the soule its soule whereby it liues and that is Christ the quickning spirit 1. Cor. 15.45 Take away the soule from the bodie and earth becomes earth seuer Christ and the soule what is it but a dead carrion The members die if they bee seperated from the Head liue so long as they be conioyned to it Ephes 1.22 23. 4.16 Christ is to his Church and euery liuing member of it what the naturall Head is to the naturall members And so we liue primarily and properly by Christ as by the soule and Head by faith secondarily as by the Spirits the band of soule and body or by Nerues and sinewes the ties of the Head and Members Looke as the leg or arme liues by proper sinewes vniting them to the Head so doth euery belieuer liue in Christ by a wel-rooted soueraigne particular faith whereby he receiueth Christ and is made one with him Thus saith hee himselfe Who is the truth and the life Iohn 14.6 I am the resurrection and the life he that belieueth in me Iohn 11.25 though he were dead yet shall he liue and I am the bread of life Iohn 6.35 Iohn 5.26 hee that belieueth in me shall neuer hunger and againe As the Father hath life in himselfe so hath hee giuen to the Son to haue life in himself Thus speak the holy Scriptures of him In it was life and that life was the light of men Iohn 1.4 Col. 3.4 When Christ who is your life shall appeare Our hands haue handled the word of life For the life was manifested 1. Iohn 1.2 3. and we haue scene it and beare witnesse and shew vnto you that eternall life which was with the Father and was manifested vnto vs. And this is the testimonie of those three heauenly and earthly witnesses That God hath giuen to vs eternall life and this life is in his Sonne 1. Iohn 5.11 12. Hee that hath the Sonne hath life and hee that hath not the Sonne hath not life Whatsoeuer grace we want it is to be receiued from Christ 1. Cor. 1.30 Who of God is made vnto vs wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption and whatsoeuer grace is in Christ for vs it is made ours by faith And so we find in diuers passages of Scripture that he that hath faith 1. John 5.13 hath the Sonne and eternall life in him This is liuely represented vnto vs by the Parable of the Vine and the branches that as the branch receiueâ— all the sap whereby it liues and is fruitfull from the Vine Iohn 15.5 so doe we from Christ being engrafted into him Life then is from Christ as the Author Rom. 11.20 Prince and Fountaine but wee liue by faith as it incorporateth vs into Christ and receiueth him to dwell in our hearts Ephes 3.17 So that whatsoeuer wee lend to faith it redounds to the honour of Christ Impossible it is that faith should waxe proud towards her Lord or insolent ouer her fellow seruants challenging any thing of desert vnto her selfe No faith receiues all of grace as a poore beggar and altogether excludes the hatefull law of boasting Rom 3.27 Rom. 4.16 Ephes 2.8 9.10 This is the nature the place the office of faith for God haâ—h ordained that life should bee through faith thâ—t it might bee of meere and rich grace And if the end and meanes appointed of God to lead thereunto doe well consent then it cannot be that faith should lift vp her selfe against grace or in any thing seeke her owne prâ—ise and not the glory of God Among all the gifts of God there iâ— none more vsefull then faith others are profitable for some few things this is for this life and the lâ—fe to come for all parts and purposes of our liues in the vse of it manifold and rich eueâ—y manner of way But euermore it aduancâ—th the gracâ— of God and causeth man altogether to disclaime himselfe his abilitie and worth Faith seâ—ueth not only to iustifie but to make vs endure in all afflictions without making haste Hab. 2.4 Esay â—8 16 Rom. 1.5 The Iust liueth in time of his afflictions by faith Hee that belieueth maketh not haste It doth worke in vs and guide the course of our obedience Wee haue râ—ceiued grace and Apostleship to the obedience of faith not only in belieuing the promise of the Gospell but the other pâ—rt or word of command It doth also preuaile against all Enemies 1. Iohn 5.4 This is the victorie that ouer-commeth the world euen our faith But in all this it leaneth vpon the grace of God looketh to his power and trusteth vpon his faithfull promise To liue by Faith Gal. 3.2 Rom. 4.21 Heb. 11.11 What it is to liue by faith is by faith in Christ to assent and adhere vnto and pâ—ssesse the whole Word of God as our owne in all estates and conditions resting quietly vpon his gratious and faithfull promise to receiue from his good hand all needfull blessings and comforts in fittest season and in all good conscience yeelding our selues vnto his good pleasure in sincere vniuersall and constant obedience To liue by faith is not only to belieue in Christ for saluation or to belieue throughout our life that wee shall be saued in the life to come but also to rest vpon the
is of no effect or moment thereunto When the Apostle makes comparison betwixt the body without the spirit and faith without workes Iames 2.26 Rhem. annot in Iames 2 26. Sect. 10. concluding that they are both dead he cannot be thought to make loâ—e the soule of faith For he speakes not of internall charitie which lodgeth in the heart but of externall workes which are outwardly visible and apparent vnto men and cannot be the life but are the fruites and effects of faith For that which is without and externall cannot bee the life or soule of that which is within and internall nay it selfe hath from within all the life that it hath and if it receiue not life from within it is altogether dead Workes therefore being outward and issuing from within if they be true can in no good construction be said to be the life of faith which is within but to be the issues and productions of faith from which they spring Besides the word vsed by the Apostle doth signifie the breath and and so the comparison runneth plaine As the body of a l uing creature if it breathe not is dead so faith if it bring forth no workes is dead For breathing is an effect of a liuing body and working is the proper effect of a liuing faith If we speake of faith as it is outwardly professed to men workes which may bee discerned by the eyes of men not charitie which is the inward affection of the heart are they that giue name and gaine credit to profession Charitie is an hand or instrument whereby faith worketh workes are fruites effects demonstrations of the inward life of faith and that which giues name and being to our externall proffession is a pure blamelesse vpright conuersation fruitefull in good workes If we speake of faith a dead faith may be compared to a dead body altogether void of spirituall quickening but a liuely faith cannot fitly be resembled to liuing body but rather to the life of the body because faith is not that which is quickened by charitie or the the workes of charitie but that which quickeneth Faith is the first wheele in the Clocke that moueth all the rest Faith stirreth vp and directeth all other graces of the soule in their operations whose strength increaseth according to the liuely-hood vigor and increase of faith Iames 2.22 Rhem. annot in Loc. How then saith the Apostle That faith is perfected by workes As we iudge of the cause by the effects and by the proportion of the effects the efficacie and force of the cause may seeme to be increased or diminished euery thing is acknowledged to bee perfect when it worketh and is esteemed so much the more perfect by how much the more it worketh as wee say the goodnesse of a tree is perfect when it hath brought forth some excellent good fruite Thus Phylosophers teach that the forme is not perfect when it is considered as the first act but when it is taken as the second act for by working it putteth forth it force and declareth it selfe And so faith is perfected by workes not that the nature of faith receiueth complement or perfection from workes but because it doth declare and manifest it selfe by loue and good workes and is esteemed by so much the more perfect as the workes produced are the more excellent Yea as the exercise of outward members increaseth internall vigor and strength and refresheth the spirits by which wee moue so doth the exercise of grace and vertue rightly imployed perfect faith not imparting the perfection of workes vnto it but stirring vp exercising and intending it owne vigor and perfection Sense and motion is the effect not the cause of life in the body but yet the body without them is dead and perfected by them Workes are the effects not the life of faith but faith without workes is dead and by workes it is perfected § 3. There is a fained and dead faith §. 3. Iames 2.20 Iames 2.19 Act. 8.21 Luk. 8.14 a faith whereby the Deuils are said to belieue and such whose hearts are not vpright a faith which resteth barely in the vnderstanding or which sleightly affecteth the heart but is not rooted beares not soueraignetie a faith subordinate to vaine-glory or couetous desires which the world destroyeth and this saith as it is ineffectuall to season the affections throughout and incite to the sincere vniforme acts of loue so is it vnauaileable to Iustification There is a faith vnfained welrooted soueraigne 1. Tim. 1.5 Acts 15.9 Gal. 2.20 1 Iohn 5.4 Iustifying faith cannot bee without loue whereby we belieue to righteousnes by which the heart is purified and Christ dwelleth in vs which is the victorie whereby we ouercome the world and this faith worketh by loue and cannot but worke Hee that belieueth in this sort loueth freely and connot but loue not through defect of libertie but through the nature of faith exciting the belieuer to will to loue not to loue if he will Faith and loue considered as habits of the renewed soule and branches of inherent holines haue their originall from the Spirit of regeneration and be distinct graces infused together The deeds of charitie are the proper acts or exercises of the grace of charitie Par. de Iust lib. 1. cap. 14. from which they issue as branches from the flocke and fruite from the tree nor can we properly say that such workes flow from faith as the fruite doth from the roote seeing charitie is no branch of faith but a distinct grace of the renewing Spirit which beareth it proper and distinct fruit But such acts are said to be of faith because the doctrine of faith inioyneth them the vertue of faith inclines the soule vnto them moueth charitie vnto the exercise of them and directeth and quickeneth the acts themselues without which they would be liuelesse and out of square Faith doth beget loue not that one habite doth beget another but that faith doth excite men to the workes of charitie Thus the habits of faith and loue be coupled in infusion the exercise of faith and loue be inseperably conioyned and the acts of loue bee the effects of faith 1. Iohn 5.1 Iohn 1.12 13. 2. Cor. 5.17 2. Pet. 1.4 Euery one that belieueth is borne of God hee that is engrafted into Christ by faith is a new Creature and made pertaker of the diuine nature But he that is borne of God is endued with the grace of loue The liuely members of Christ Iesus which receiue from him the sap of grace cannot be vtterly destitute of true charitie But all true Belieuers are liuing members of Christ Iesus Gal. 2.20 Rom. 11.17 Iohn 15 1 2. 1. Iohn 4.15 Rom. 1.17 Iohn 3.36 6.40 Hee that belieueth abideth in God and God in him But in whom God abideth in him is loue Euery true Belieuer doth liue spiritually and where true faith is there is true life But hee that liues spiritually and is
bodie is wearie after labour and requires rest but sinne is euer stirring neuer quiet no not when occasions be wanting And that it might appeare out of measure sinfull it takes occasion by the commandement it resideth the good motions of the Spirit it disinâ—bleth to euery good worke it diffuseth it venome into euery action and leadeth captiue to the committing of sinne against knowledge and conscience The cursed earth is not so apt to bee ouer-growne with weedes bryars thornes and thistles as the soule with lusts passions distempers worldly cares and sinfull delights The law of the flesh rebelleth against the law of the minde and carrieth with violence to the workes of darknesse The Gally-slaues condition is very hard and miserable but the spirituall bond-slaue is in farre worse estate No drudgerie so base as the seruice of sinne no Tyrant so cruell as sinne which allowes no respite or time of refreshing Rom. 7.24 O miserable man that I am who shall deliuer me from this dominion of sinne this bodie of death I haue deeply defiled my selfe by transgression but haue no power to cleanse my heart O Lord I haue defaced thine Image but cannot repaire it I haue yeelded the powers of my soule to the obedience of sin and now I would cast off that subiection and breake those snares I am altogether vnsufficient for it When I would doe well euill is present with me Rom. 7.21 but I finde no meanes to perfect what I desire I cannot desire good my will is so in bondage I am not able to crawle about the doing of that which is good such is my feeblenesse but I want no strength to that which is euill I am apt and readie to goe astray I am inuironed and beset with sinne on euery side oh when shall I be set at libertie that I might doe the worke of God and runne the race of his Commandements Secondly He must looke to the grace truth and power of God who hath promised to sanctifie to the fulnesse and sufficiencie that is in Christ the fountaine of grace He who hath spoken this to mee Hold me and I will set thee free I will circumcise thy heart wash it purge it heale it of all sicknesses and infirmities he that hath spoken it is God Almightie who giueth Being to all visible creatures and that inuisible world of Spirits who calleth the things that are not as if they were who if there were no print of these things in me can worke and create them gloriously as at first he drew this excellent frame of the world out of that confused lumpe or Masse which hee made of nothing And as he is great in power so is he rich in mercie aboundant in goodnesse and truth as ready and faithfull to keepe as hee was free to make the promise His grace is vnsearchable his Word purer then siluer seuen times refined In my selfe I am full of sinne barren and destitute of grace but Christ is an ouer-flowing fountaine who hath plentifully filled all that belieue All the faithfull haue drawne of his fulnesse and yet his store is no whit diminished O my soule trust thou in the Lord and thou shalt be purged from thy filthines replenished with his grace Loe he calleth the thirstie who bee destitute of all sap and fruit of grace to come vnto him that they may be refreshed The Saints who haue beene most enriched with varietie of graces were by nature as poore and destitute as thou art What they had they receiued by faith Belieue as they did and speed with them Why criest thou out distrustfully by reason of thy barrennesse Doth the streaming fountaine denie water to the thirstie traueller No more doth Christ to the emptie parched soule that comes vnto him Thou hast no grace of thy selfe cleaue vnto him and thou shalt want none that may be for thy good He filleth the emptie and satisfieth the poore that he might be acknowledged the wel-spring of all grace and goodnesse Thirdly He must pray instantly vnto the Lord for sanctifying grace Faith obtaineth as a poore petitioner what the Lord promiseâ—h in speciall fauour nor can it belieue longer then it prayeth virtually or actually O Lord thou hast promised to powre water vpon the thirsty Esay 44.3 35.7 Ioel 2.28 and riuers vpon the dry ground I pray thee wash mee throughly from my filthinesse and water me bountifully with the dew of thy grace which may coole and allay the scorching heate of sinne Zech 13.1 Thou hast opened a fountaine to the house of Dauid and to the inhabitants of Ierusalem for sinne and for vncleannesse let the streames thereof flow vpon my drie and barren soule that it may be fruitfull in the workes of holinesse O put thy good Spirit into me which may be as a fountaine of liuing waters springing vnto eternall life Fourthly It is good to moue and quicken the heart quietly to rest in the promise and reioyce in hope Waite on the Lord O my soule and bee glad in him for hee hath giuen Christ to be thy Sanctification He is appointed to bee the beginner and finisher of thy holinesse and surely he will not leaue that worke imperfect whereunto he is ordained of the Father Were the progresse of that building commited to thy care and ouer-sight there might bee cause of feare but since it is laid vpon him thine onely and all-sufficient Redeemer there is no place for doubting Hold him fast and thou art safe Lord increase my faith and keepe me close vnto thee in belieuing for euermore CHAP. IIII. What it is to liue by Faith concerning the promises of euerlasting life AS if it were a light thing that God should forgiue all our sinnes Psal 103.3 4. and heale our infirmities he hath giuen promise of euerlasting life to bee conferred of his rich grace vpon them that belieue in Iesus Christ God so loued the world that he gaue his onely begotten Sonne that whosoeuer belieueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life Eternall life is promised Iohn 3.16 And Christ hath purchased life euerlasting no lesse for vs then righteousnesse Heb. 10.19 20. By the bloud of Iesus we may be hold to enter into the Holiest by the new and liuing way which he hath consecrated for vs through the vaile that is to say His flesh For this cause hee is the Mediatour of the New Testament Heb. 9.15 that by meanes of death for the redemption of the transgressions that were vnder the first Testament they which are called might receiue the promise of eternall inheritance And therefore as he is said to haue made reconciliation for iniquitie Dan. 9.24 2 Tim. 1.10 and to haue brought in euerlasting righteousnesse so also to haue abolished death and brought life and immortalitie to light And he makes promise of euerlasting life to them that heare and obey his voice Iohn 10.27 28. Marke 16.16 Acts 16.31 Iohn 6.40 20 31. 1
come yea that whole time a man hath to spend from the very act of his Baptisme to his death For as it is the seale of a free euerlasting vnchangeable couenant so is the force and vse of it perpetuall Baptisme is the true Sacrament of repentance for remission of sinnes and spirituall renouation which being once receiued remaineth a perpetuall testimonie and pledge of the euerlasting Couenant of God and continuall washing away of sinne by the bloud of Christ and the Spirit of sanctification By singular appropriation it representeth and confirmeth ouâ— engâ—affing into Christ The vse to bee made of our Baptisme is two-fold but withall it sealeth the whole Couenant of grace The vse of Baptisme is twofold First It serues to be a pledge and token of Gods fauour and that diuers wayes First In that it is a seale of our regeneration by the holy Spirit whereby a diuine qualitie is infused into vs in the roome and place of originall corruption And therefore Baptisme as the text is ordinarily expounded is called the labour of regeneration Titus 3.5 it being an vsuall thing to call the principall cause and the instrument by the same name Secondly It sealeth and confirmeth vnto vs the free pardon and forgiuenesse of our sinnes Acts 2.38 Repent and be baptized euery one of you in the Name of Iesus Christ Acts 22.16 for the remission of sinnes Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sinnes calling on the Name of the Lord. Thirdly Baptisme is a pledge of the vertue of Christs death and of our fellowship therein Rom. 6.3 Doe yee not know that all wee who haue beene baptized into Iesus Christ haue beene baptized into his death Fourthly It is also a pledge of the vertue of Christs life and of our communion with him therein The life of Christ is the life of euery belieuer who liueth in Christ and shall liue for euer with him and in him a certaine pledge whereof he hath giuen vs in this Sacrament Rom. 6.5 For if wee haue beene planted together in the likenesse of his death we shall be also in the likenesse of his resurrection Buried with him in Baptisme Col. 2.12 wherein also you are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God who hath raised him from the dead Fiftly Bâ—ptisme is a pledge of our adoption in Iesus Christ By nature we are the children of wrath but by grace and adoption the sonnes of God through faith in Christ which is sealed in Baptisme wherein the name of the Father Sonne and holy Spirit is put vpon vs. When Iacob blessed the sonnes of Ioseph Ephraim and Manasses Gen. 48.16 saying Let my name be named on them hee adopted them for his sonnes to haue inheritance with them in the land of Canaan and when God putteth his name vpon vs hee signifieth and assureth that wee are his sonnes Yee are all the children of God by faith in Christ Iesus Gal. 3.26 27. For as many of you as haue beene baptized into Christ haue put on Christ Sixtly Baptisme is a solemne testimonie of our communion with all the liuely members of Christ Iesus It is a seale of the bond of mutuall loue and fellowship both of Christ with his members and of his members one with another 1. Cor. 12.13 For by one Spirit are wee all baptized into one bodie whether wee be Iewes or Gentiles whether wee bee bond or free Ephes 4.5 And Baptisme is one of those things whereby the vnitie of the Spirit is preserued in the bond of peace Seuenthly It is a seale and pledge to assure that God will prouide for vs in this life raise vp our bodies vnto life at the last day of Iudgement and bestow vpon vs that euerlasting Kingdome and Inheritance which hee hath prepared Marke 16.16 Titus 3.5 6 7. 1. Pet. 3.21 For in Baptisme the Lord doth promise to bee our God that hee will prouide vs of all things necessarie for soule and bodie turne all euils which doe befall in this miserable life to the furtherance of our saluation raise vp our bodies at the last day and receiue vs vnto himselfe to dwell with him for euermore In all which respects Baptisme is of great force to strengthen faith and ease the heart in distresse For when the repentant sinner feeles himselfe heauie laden with the burden of his sinnes when Satan tempts him to doubt or despaire in regard of his corruptions when his owne corruption moueth him to sinne and he is euen now in the combate the Spirit lusting against the flesh and the flesh lusting against the Spirit and when hee is deeply perplexed with feare of falling away then the consideration and remembrance of what was promised and sealed in Baptisme will serue to stay support and comfort the soule For there hee shall find that his name is written in the couenant of God that God hath promised to giue Christ to be his Redeemer to accept of Christs satisfaction for him to wash away all his sinnes as certainly as the water washeth away the filth of the bodie and hauing such a faithfull promise confirmed by seale wherefore should he be dismayed In Baptisme also God hath sealed vnto him the mortification of his sinne by the power of Christs death which is the ground of confidence that God will enable him to ouercome the rebellious lusts of his heart and crucifie the old man more and more vntill the bodie of sinne be vtterly destroyed True it is that man by nature is dead in sin but in Baptisme God of his mercie hath sealed vnto the belieuer his rising from the death of sinne to newnesse of life True it is that of our selues wee are prone to fall away from grace receiued But God of his rich grace sealeth vnto the faithfull in Baptisme a Resurrection vnto immortall life which shall grow daily but neuer decay Rom. 6.9 10. If the faithfull be afflicted and despised of men persecuted and forsaken cast out the visible Congregation and banished from the hoâ—se of God yea euen in the agonies of death the remembrance of the promises sealed in Baptisme will afford comfort For if men haue forsaken God hath receiuâ—d them If men scorne and contemne the Lord will acknowledge them Hee hath long agoe sealed them for his owne receiued them into his family vndertaken to prouide for them and adopted them as heires apparant to the Kingdome of Heauen If God had giuen them his word alone for securitie it had beene sufficient But hauing confirmed it by seale in Baptisme they haue great cause to rest assured True it is they may be cast out of the visible assembles but they can neuer be cut off from the inuisible Communion of Saints they must die but God hath sealed vnto them their rising from the graue to euerlasting life by the power and vertue of Christs Resurrection which is a comfort of all comforts able to vphold the soule
A TREATISE OF FAITH Diuided into two Parts The first shewing the NATVRE The second The life of FAITH Both tending to direct the weake Christian how he may possesse the whole Word of God as his owne ouercome temptations better his obedience and liue comfortably in all estates BY IOHN BALL HAB. 2.4 The Iust shall liue by his faith LONDON Printed for Edward Brewster and are to be sold at the signe of the Bible at the North doore of Pauls 1631. THE PREFACE TO THE READER GLorious thinges are spoken of the grace of graces Faith in the Scriptures God setting himselfe to honour that grace that yeelds vp all the honour vnto him in Christ who indeed is the life of our life and the soule of our soule Faith only as the bond of vnion bringeth Christ and the soule together and is as an arterie that conueyes the spirit from him as the heart and as the sinnewes which conuey the spirit to mooue to all dutie from him as head whence Saint Paul maketh Christs liuing in vs and our liuing by faith all one Gal. 2.20 Now that which giueth boldnesse and libertie to faith is not only Gods assignement of this office to it in the couenant of grace to come vnto Christ and vnto him in Christ to receiue grace but likewise the gracious promises whereby the great God hath ingaged himselfe as a debtour to his poore creature for all things needfull to life and godlinesse vntill that blessed time when we shall be put into full possession of all things wee haue now only in promise when faith shall end in fruition and promises in performance Faith first lookes â—o this word of promise and in the promise to Christ in whom and for whom they are yea and Amen both made and performed And in Christ it eyeth God in whom it last resteth is its proper center and foundation otherwise how should wee weake sinfull creatures dare to haue any intercourse with God that dwelleth in that light that none can attaine vnto if hee had not come forth and discouered his good pleasure in Christ the substantiall Word and in the word inspired by the Holy Ghost for the good of those whom God meant for to make heires of saluation Now these promises whereon all our present comfort and future hope dependeth lie hid in the Scriptures as veines of gold and siluer in the bowels of the earth and had need bee laid open that Gods people may know what vpon good grounds to lay claime vnto Those therefore that search these mynes to bring to light these treasures deserue well of Gods Church We commend and not without cause the wittie industrie of those that from Springs remote bring Riuers to Cities and by Pipes from those Riuers deriue water to euery mans house for all domesticall seruices much more should we esteeme of the religious paines of men that bring these waters of life home for euery man his particular vse in all the passages and turnings of this life In which regard I doe not doubt but the paines of this godly painfull and learned man will find good entertainment of all children of the promises that hope to inherit them who hath with great paines and with good euidence of spirituall vnderstanding endeauoured to cleare most matters concerning faith and likewise discouered the varietie and vse of the promises with teaching Christians how to improue their riches in Christ heere spread before them how to vse the shield of Faith and the sword of the Spirit vpon all occasions that so they might not only be belieuing but skilfull Christians knowing how to mannage and make the best aduantage of their faith and the word of faith Which if they could doe there would another manner of power and beautie shine in their liues then doth Hee is a man that hath formerly deserued well of the Church but in a more speciall manner fitted for a Treatise of this nature as hauing beene put to it to know by experience what it is to liue by faith hauing in sight for matters of this life very little whereupon to depend Those that are driuen to exercise their faith cannot but find God faithfull as neuer failing those that trust in him they see more of God then others doe If it be obiected that others of late time haue digged in the same mine and laboured in the same field and to good purpose and successe I answer it is true the more this age is bound to God that directs the spirits of men to so vsefull so necessarie an argument seeing without faith wee haue no communion with the fountaine of life nothing in this world that can yeeld setled comfort to ground the soule vpon seeing without it the fairest carriage is but emptie and dead moralitie neither finding acceptance with God nor yeelding comfort to vs in our greatest extremities and by it God himselfe and Christ with all that he hath done suffered conquered becommeth ours and for our vse Besides none that I know haue written in our Language so largely of this argument and such is the extent and spiritualnesse of this heauenly point that many men of the greatest graces parts may with great benefit to the Church diue and digge still into this mysterie Neither let any except against the multitude of quotations of Scriptures they are brought vnder their proper head and set in their proper place and the matter it selfe is cut out into varietie of parts Store as wee vse to speake is no sore we count it a delight to take out of a full heape the more light the conuiction is the stronger what sutes not at one time will sute our spirits and occasions at another and what taketh not with one may take with another But the full and well handling of matters in this Treatise carries such satisfaction with it that it frees mee from necessitie of further discourse and mine owne present weaknesse of bodie taketh mee off Only I was willing to yeeld that testimonie to the fruitfull paines of a faithfull labourer in Gods Vineyard that I iudge it deseruedly Receiue it therefore Christian Reader with thankes to God that stirreth vp such helpers of that faith by which wee liue stand conquer and in which we must die if we looke to receiue the end of our faith the saluation of our soules Richard Sibbes A Table of the principall matters contained in this first Part. CHAP. I. HOw and in what respects faith is necessary Sect. 1 pag. 1 Diuers acceptatioÌ„s of the word faith Sect. 2. p. 2. 3 Of the diuers kinds of Faith Sect. 3. pag. 3 Why some kind of Faith is called Historicall ibid. The difference betwixt Faith Miraculous and Ordinary ibid. p. 4 Why true Faith is called Iustifying or sauing Faith ibid. In what phrases this Faith is vnfolded in the New Testament pag. 5 To belieue God and to belieue in God doe in Scripture import one and the same thing p. 5 Not the habit though
protection from all hurtfull euils so much are wee lacking to sound peace and stable tranquillity of Mind and Conscience p. 287. 288 The godly are allowed to belieue their perseuerance For 1. God hath confirmed it by promise and couenant vnto his children p. 288 2. They haue allowance to belieue the obtayning of that which Christ hath prayed for and they aske of God in the Name of Christ according to his will p. 289 3. What one belieued vpon ordinary and common grounds that is the priuiledge of all belieuers ibid. 4. It is a great glory to God that we liue by faith on him concerning our future estate p. 289. 290 The acts of faith concerning perseuerance 1. It makes a man sensible of his owne frailtie p. 290 2. It stirres vp holy iealousie and suspition least wee should coole decay start aside or fall backe ibid. 3. Faith instantly cryeth vnto the Lord for helpe and strength and continuall supply of grace p. 291 4. Faith desireth digesteth and feedeth vpon the wholesome food of life ibid. 5. It putteth forth it selfe to performe all duties of holinesse and loue with life and feruour p. 292. 293 6. It coueteth increase of grace and sanctification p. 293. 294 7. It receiueth new supply of grace continually from Iesus Christ the fountaine of grace ibid. 8. It assureth of perseuerance through the promises of grace p. 294. 295 Meanes to stirre vp our selues to belieue these promises of perseuerance 1. Wee must heartily bewaile our pronenesse to sinne aptnesse to decline inabilitie to withstand any one temptation or set one step forward in the way to Heauen p. 295. 296 2. Wee must stirre vp our selues to rest vpon God through Iesus Christ for establishment and confirmation p. 296. 297 3. Wee must pray instantly that God would vphold vs and make vs to see that hee will establish vs vnto the end p. 297. 298 CHAP. VI. THe seruants of Christ are all souldiers and haue continuall warre not with flesh and bloud but with principalities and powers and spirituall wickednesses p. 299 Encouragements to resist Satan ibid. Promises of victory p. 299. 300 In this state of temptation the godly are allowed to belieue the promises of victory For 1. The God of peace hath promised to tread Satan vnder our feet shortly p. 300 2. Faith doth glorifie God and is most profitable vnto vs our treasure strength and victory ibid. 3. We haue a charge to resist the Deuill strong in the faith p. 301 4. Faith is one of the first things that is formed in a Christian and wherewith God furnisheth him when hee prepareth and calleth him forth to the encounter ibid. 5. The faithfull cannot better prouide for their owne ease and safetie then confidently to hope in the Lord. p. 302 It is necessary a Christian should liue by faith in this condition For 1. True valour cannot be had without faith in Christ p. 302 2. All our strength lyeth in Christ whose Almightie power subdueth all things for vs. p. 302. 303 3. Faith is of force to keepe vs against all assaults of the Deuill ibid. 4. The Deuill will renew his assaults and wee must renew our courage and strength ibid. The acts of faith in respect of these promises of victory in temptation 1. Faith makes sensible that wee cannot resist of our selues but assureth that Satan is chained vp by the power of Almighty God p. 303. 304 2. It discouereth the Methods of Satan and his Ends in tempting p. 304. 305 3. It lifteth vp the heart to cry and complaine vnto God of the cruelty and malice of that Spirituall Aduersary but suffers it not to muse vpon his blasphemous temptations ibid. 4. By faith the poore soule eying the promise betakes it selfe vnto the Lord for succour promised p. 305. 306 5. It stirreth vp courage and resolution to set vpon the practice of godlinesse and the duties of our particular calling as the meanes sanctified of God to procure freedome p. 306. 307 6. It fortifieth the soule against all inuasions ibid. 7. Faith is vigilant and watchfull at all times in all places vpon all occasions p. 307. 308 8. In the most forcible tempests which the enemy rayseth against vs faith tels the heart that a calme is at hand p. 308. 309 9. If Satan renew his assaults faith stands prepared through the power of God to make resistance afresh p. 309 10. Faith assureth that by the ouer-ruling prouidence of God temptations serue for the increase of grace p. 310 The godly are sometimes brought so low that they can discerne no sparke of faith no fruit of grace no marke of Gods loue in themselues For 1. An afflicted spirit tossed with feare and terrour cannot conceiue or giue notice of it true estate p. 310 2. Good men in temptation are pettishly disposed p. 311 The Remedy in this distresse is 1. Grace may appeare vnto others when in temptation a godly man cannot discerne it in himselfe p. 310 2. It is the wisdome of a Christian in this case to obserue the marke that Satan driues at which is to hide from his fight the graces of the Spirit that he might bring him to despaire and so stirre vp himselfe to belieue For 1. When he can see no grace in his soule hee cannot but see himselfe to bee miserable and so called to come vnto Christ ibid. 2. Taking courage to belieue hee disappoints Sathan ibid. 3. Wee haue a commandement to belieue as well as to proue our selues both which must bee compleate together ibid. 4. If thou canst not find in thy selfe what thou seekest after come vnto Iesus Christ and belieue in him that thou mayst receiue what thou seekest p. 312 3. The distressed soule must learne that the grace of God worketh not alwayes alike in his children p. 312 4. The long and manifold temptations of Sathan wherewith hee seekes to throw Christians head-long into despaire is to them a testimony of the inhabitation of the Spirit in their hearts p. 312. 313 Meanes to stirre vp faith in these perplexities and times of grieuous temptations 1. The distressed Christian must vnfainedly humble his soule for former ignorance vanity of mind disesteeme of mercy timorousnes discontent vnbeliefe c. p. 313. 314 2. He must complaine of the malice of Sathan and instantly intreate the Lord to pardon sinne bridle restraine and tread Sathan vnder foot p. 314. 315 3. He must cease to muse on the temptations of Satan and stirre vp himselfe couragiously valiantly to trust in the mercies of the Lord and relye vpon his grace p. 316 317 4. He must exercise himselfe in wel-doing harbour holy and heauenly Meditations nourish the motions of Gods Spirit c. p. 317. 318. 319 If the distressed Christian haue wasted his spirits with violent and continuall sorrow hee must bee admonished not to thinke that presently hee should recouer former liuelinesse and ability p. 319. 320 CHAP. VII AFflictions are not more ordinary then heauy and burdensome to
not only to the righteous themselues but to their children and posterity pag. 358 359. 360 It is necessary to belieue these promises for 1. Faith in these promises doth kill couetous desires distrustfull and distracting cares p. 360. 361 2. He will neuer renounce carnall supports who makes not God the stay of his soule for outward things ibid. 3. Beliefe in God brings good successe ibid. 4. If we cleaue not to the promises of God made concerning temporall things we shall adhere to the promises of life with lesse assurance p. 361. 362 5. Faith sweetneth and sanctifieth vnto vs the vse of all outward comforts vnder our hands p. 362 The godly are allowed to liue by faith touching these promises For 1. Seâ—ing God hath giuen Christ for vs how shall he not with him also freely giue vs all things p. 362. 363 2. The Lord by couenant hath promised to furnish his people with all needfull blessings pertayning to this life p. 363 3. God is our faithfull Creatour we the worke of his hands He is our Shepheard we the flocke of his pasture He is our Father we his children p. 364. 365 4. The patient expectation of the Saints hath confirmed this that God will not bee wanting to his children in things of this life p. 365. 366 The acts of faith in respect of these promises 1. It preserueth from the vse of all vnlawfull meanes knowing that nothing can prosper which God approueth not p. 366. 367 2. Faith is painfull prouident and frugall p. 367 3. It maketh inquiry into the heart turneth from euill and seeketh the face of the Lord earnestly ibid. 4. It stirreth vp to pray without distrustfull fruitlâ—sse excessiue care c. p. 368 5. It seeth riches in God submitteth to his wisdome resteth in his loue and so maintaineth a Christian in some measure of contentation p. 368. 369 6. In prosperitie it keepeth the heart in an holy temper and disposition in humility and meeknesse tendernesse and compassion p. 369. 370 7. It prayeth as earnestly for the sanctification of prosperity and Gods blessing vpon the meanes as for the meanes themselues if they were wanting p. 370. 371 8. It makes heauenly minded in the vse and possession of a prosperous estate ibid. 9. Faith breeds godly iealousie and suspition lest the heart should be drawne away with the pleasing delights of things transitory p. 371. 372 10. It mindeth vs of our change euen when our mountaine seemeth strongest p. 372. 373 How to liue by faith in the vse of meate and drinke 1. By faith we learne out of the Word of God who hath sonne-like interest and title vnto the creatures what creatures are sanctified vnto our vse and how each man must sanctifie them by a reuerent and holy vse p. 373 2. It receiueth them not as the fruit of our fore-cast labour or desert but as gifts of Gods bounty yea as gifts of the gracious couenant p. 373. 374 3. By faith we are taught that man liueth not by bread only but by the prouidence of God and his blessing vpon his owne ordinance ibid. This perswasion takes the heart off the creature and lifteth it vp vnto the Lord in earnest and pertinent prayer pag. 374. 375 4. It teacheth to bee heauenly-minded labouring to taste Gods goodnesse and feele his gracious presence with our spirits at our sweetest feasts p. 375 5. Faith worketh the heart to sobriety and moderation watchfulnesse and feare lest it should bee ensnared and drawne away with these delights p. 375. 376 6. It lifteth vp the soule in thankesgiuing pag. 376 377 7. Faith is frugall compassionate industrious pag. 377. 378 CHAP. IX THe Lord cals for willing chearefull vniuersall vnfained constant obedience p. 378. 379 Looke what seruice the Lord doth expect and call for that hee will inable his people in couenant to performe p. 379. 380 The obedience of the faithfull is imperfect but pleasing p. 380. 381 This faith is most necessary to the leading of a Christian life scil to rest vpon God for ability to doe what hee requireth c. For 1. The word of grace teacheth vs to deny vngodlinesse c. p. 381 2. Want of belieuing the precepts is the cause why many doe still continue in the practice of diuers things inconuenient ibid. 3. Ignorance in this point is the cause why some of the better sort of people are off and on c. ibid. 4. Faith carrieth a man whither soeuer he shall see the Lord to goe before him p. 382 5. Our present faith is commensurable to our fidelitie in Gods Commandements ibid. 6. That act cannot please God which is not animated by faith p. 382. 383 7. When a Christian knowes not whether hee shall haue strength to doe what God requireth or his poore seruice shall find acceptance it must needes occasion many feares and doubts deadnesse and vnchearefulnesse pag. 383. 384 8. Confidence in God to be inabled strengthened and accepted will cut off temptations and discouragements and nourish courage resolution and forwardnesse in wel-doing p. 384 Christians are allowed to belieue that God wil inable them to walke in obedience 1. God hath promised in his couenant to teach them the way that they shall chuse p. 384. 385 2. When he sends forth his seruants vpon any businesse he doth euermore promise to aide and assist them in the execution of it p. 385 3. The seruants of God haue and doe begge grace to bring forth fruits worthy repentance and amendment of life ibid. 4. The faithfull haue bound themselues by couenant and oath to keepe the righteous iudgements of the Lord. p. 386 5. God will perfect the sauing worke which hee hath begun in any of his children ibid. The acts of faith touching obedience required 1. It makes a man wise to discerne what is lawfull good and seasonable ibid. 2. It curbes inordinate passions and ouercomes all impediments temptations difficulties and allurements to the contrary p. 387. 388 3. It purifieth the heart seasoneth euery facultie of soule qualifieth and strengtheneth naturall inclinations altereth the taste of euery appetite and so inableth to obey p. 389 4. Admirable in force and efficacie is the perswasion of faith aboue all the oratory in the world p. 389. 390 5. It disposeth and moueth the heart to absolute vniforme vnpartiall and constant obedience p. 390. 391 6. It fires the heart with vnquenchable loue which in comparison of obedience contemneth the whole world pag. 391. 392 7. Faith makes sensible of our manifold infirmities and that hath bl ssed effects 1. It causeth serious meditation vpon the Word of God that it might sinke deepe into the heart p. 392 2. It worketh the heart often to renew its resolution trusting in Gods grace ibid. 3. It stirres vp earnest and hearty prayer to bee taught vpheld and confirmed ibid. 8. It doth confirme in obedience and pricke forward therein though it be in manifold and bitter persecutions p. 392. 393. 394 Meanes how to quicken our
and supernaturall gift of grace wrought by the Holy Ghost through the Ministerie of the Gospell in the heart of Man a sinner acknowledging and bewayling his offences whereby hee doth not only assent to the whole truth of God and is certainly perswaded that Iesus Christ is appointed of God to be the authour of saluation to them that belieue in him and his Sauiour if hee doe belieue but doth relie cast and repose his soule vpon Christ his Sauiour and by him vpon God as a louing Father in him cleauing inseperably to the Word of truth as good both simply and in comparison and feeding vpon it as the wholsome food of life § 2. God the Father §. 2. God is the authour of faith in his Sonne Iesus Christ our Mediatour by the Holy Ghost is the Authour and worker of Faith Ephes â— 8 Pâ—â—l 1.29 Acts 18.27 Iohn 6.44 Iames 1.17 As saluation so faith is the gift of God It is through grace that men belieue No man can come vnto me except the Father which hath sent me draw him Euery good thing comes from the Father of lights but faith is a gift after a speciall manner most free and profitable comming from the grace of the Donor bestowed vpon vs when we are euery way vnworthy It is such a gift as comes not from common bountie such as God made shew of in the creation but from a speciall fauour which he beareth his in Christ Iesus The Scripture is cleare and euident herein and strong reasons may be deduced thence to proue it For of our selues wee haue no power to belieue or to prepare our selues thereunto There is no such soile in our hearts whence such fruit should spring The meanes of grace and the operation of the spirit accompayning it are free and voluntarie No man can belieue vnlesse he be created and formed anew But regeneration is a free worke of Gods grace and mercie Heb. 12.2 Faith is the worke of God the Father in Iesus Christ For as the naturall head doth not only giue sense and motion to all the members now conioyned but doth send forth those bands whereby they come to bee coupled with it so Christ doth not only giue spirituall sense and motion to his members already vnited vnto him by faith but he is the spring whence this sinew of faith doth flow and issue vnto vs. The Spirit of God is the principall worker of faith and hence wee are said to receiue the Spirit of faith that is the holy Ghost in and through this gift of faith which he worketh and continueth in vs. 2. Cor. 4.13 Rom. 15.13 By faith wee receiue the Holy Ghost and faith is the worke of the Holy Ghost the action of the Holy Ghost creating faith in vs How we are said to receiue the holy Ghost by faith is before faith But the beginning of faith is the receiuing of the Holy Ghost and faith being begun the gifts of the spirit are more more increased by it Ephes 1.13 Gal. 3.14 Faith it self is a work of the spirit but an augmentation of the graces of the spirit is obtained by faith the more our faith dilateth it selfe the more plentifully doe the graces of the spirit flow into vs from Christ Iohn 1.16 Of whose fulnesse we receiue grace for grace How the Spirit is obtained by Prayer Faith doth obtaine the Holy Ghost by prayer and prayer is an act of grace and of the Spirit as faith is a worke of the Spirit Luke 11.13 Before we can lift vp our soules vnto God the holy Ghost must descend into vs and lift vs vp for we moue not but as wee are moued The Holy Ghost is giuen to the Elect before they aske but a greater measure of the Spirit is obtained by Prayer § 3. Faith is not alike in all §. 3. Faith is imperfect though a worke of the Spirit in none perfect though it be the worke of the Spirit for the Spirit worketh faith not as a naturall agent which putteth forth it power to the vttermost and alwayes produceth like effects if it be not hindred but as a voluntary agent which putteth not forth his power to the vtmost worketh according to his pleasure in whom he wil as he wil but not in all alike The Spirit worketh faith not by morall perswasion only inciting to belieue Faith is a powerfull worke of God and leauing it to our free choice whether we will assent or no but by his powerfull operation and omnipotent hand put forth for such a purpose hee produceth this gracious effect There are no seedes of faith in our nature out of which by more outward teaching we may be brought to beliefe for then should faith be naturall as all other things are which our nature can attaine to with outward helpes There is no spirituall life in vs before the infusion of grace whereby we should be able to embrace the perswasions of the spirit for then we should liue spiritually of our selues before wee are quickened by grace If the Spirit of God doe only moue and perswade to belieue then God doth not make the belieuer to differ from the vnbelieuer but the good vse of his owne free will It is of grace that man might belieue and so might he that continueth in infidelitie for hee receiued equall aide and was equally perswaded and incited by the Spirit But if the question bee why doth the one belieue and not the other it is not the Spirit here that makes the difference but the good vse of mans free-will and so that man is inabled to belieue it should bee of grace but that he doth belieue and so differ from other men this should be from himselfe The same power that raised Christ from the dead is said to raise vs vp to belieue Ephes 1.19 20. 1. Pet. 1.5 2. Pet. 1.1 2 3. If an hand or eye bee wanting to a man from his birth can any power restore them but the Almightie power of God by which the body was at first framed and fashioned By what power then is this hand of faith created which reacheth to heauen this eye which doth see the things within the vaile which concerne our peace Io. 6.37 Acts 13.48 Phil. 1.29 Matth. 11.26 This further appeareth by the cause that moueth the Lord to bestow faith vpon some which is his free eternall vnchangeable grace and loue whereby hee loued them to be made heires of saluation before the foundation of the earth was laid For so farre as God effectually willeth and intendeth to worke so farre he putteth forth his omnipotent power to accomplish But God doth intend and effectually will to draw some vnto him before other some §. 4. How God produceth Faith § 4. In producing faith first God bestoweth vpon man the gift of vnderstanding and spirituall wisdome opening and illuminating the eyes of his minde to know the promise in Christ and to
within it selfe and whence proceedeth a motion and working that is proper to it selfe If charitie should bee the forme of faith then faith hath two different formes its proper and the forme of loue then faith should be the only pure matter of loue then should it be obedient to loue and contained of it as the matter is obedient to the forme and contained of it The Bodie is an instrument for the soule to worke by and not the soule an instrument for the bodie to worke by The forme worketh in the matter and not the matter either in or by the forme seeing the matter of euery thing is passiue only and not actiue And so it should bee betwixt faith and loue if faith were as the bodie and loue as the soule But charitie is obedient to faith faith gouerneth charitie for whatsoeuer wee loue vprightly it must be knowne by faith that wee ought to loue it and our loue must be quickened by faith to loue it vniformely and in right order Faith is the measure of loue and the measure of loue is according to the measure of faith the intention of loue according to the degrees of faith and the breadth of loue according to the extension of faith Where there is greater faith in God there is greater loue to God and as faith spreadeth it selfe so doth loue in vniforme manner § 2 §. 2. Popish obiections preuented Gal. 5.6 Faith is not wrought by charitie as the a Bellar. de Iustif l 2. cap. 4. § At ne daretur §. Distinctio Iesuite preuerteth b The Greeke word is not of the passiue but of the miâ—â—le voyce as it is in many other places of Scripture Gal. 5.6 Rom. 7.5 2. Cor. 4 12. In the Interlinear faith which is effectuall Pagnin working by loue And so Bellarm. himselfe de Iustif lib. 1. cap. 15. lib. 2. cap. 8. lib. 1. cap. 20. § Illud vero Rhem. annot in Gal. 5.6 Sect. 3. that text of Saint Paul for then it will follow that loue by which faith is wrought must needs follow that loue by which faith is wrought must needs be before faith whereas all acknowledge that faith hath the first being It is faith which first heareth and belieueth and receiueth the word of God and thereby prescribeth vnto charitie the way that it is to goe and the dutie it is to performe it inciteth to the worke it animateth the act and enlargeth the affection to the seuerall branches of loue without which what is charitie but a vild mishapen wandering affection rising or falling amisse comming short or running ouer what the partiall and maimed fruites of loue but the very carkase of a good worke Faith worketh by loue not as fire maketh hot by heate which is a formal propertie inhereÌ„t in it but as the soule doth this or that by the hand which is an externe instrument conioyned vnto it That by which a thing is constituted as by a beginning and by which it is effectuall that is the forme thereof But loue is a grace without the being of faith though conioyned vnto and faith is effectuall by loue as a primarie meane whereby it doth produce other effects not as by it beginning Christ is the fountaine of the water of life Faith in the heart is as the pipes and leads that receiue in and hold the water Loue in some part is as the câ—cke of the corduit that lets out the water to euery coÌ„mer Faith iustifyeth by receiuing the gift of righteousnes which is by the merit of Iesus Christ and goeth forth by charitie whereby as a working hand it performeth all duties commanded of God to the gloâ—y and honour of God What if loue bee the most excellent of all graces in some respects doth it thence follow 1. Cor 13.13 Bellar. vbi supra Heb. 11.6 that it is the life of faith By the same reason we may argue Whatsoeuer is not of faith is sinne is of no esteeme or account with God therefore faith is the foâ—â—e of all other graces It followeth not that because the eye is a more excellent member then the soote therefore the eye is the soule and life of the soote In what respects chari ie doth excell faith and faith charitie Noe more doth it that because charitie is a more excellent gift then faith therefore it should bee the life and soule of faith Faith and loue respectiuely haue the preferment each of other In respect of spirituall life faith is the most necessarie vpon which loue hath necessarie dependance but otherwise to loue is more then to belieue because it necessarily includes beliefe as to tast meate â—n respect of life is of more vse then to loue it though absolutely to loue meate be more then to tast it because it presupposeth tast If we respect latitude of vse charitie is more excellent then saith as which is extended euery way to God and Men and by which all the gifts of God which he bestoweth vpon vs are made profitable to other men But if we consider man priuately in himselfe and for his owne vse faith is more excellent then charitie as whereby wee are radically vnited vnto Christ and wherein standeth orginally our fellowship and communion with him Eph. 3.17 Gal. 3.14 by which Christ dwelleth in our hearts and wee receiue the promised spirit into which as a hand God putteth all the riches of his grace of our saluation by which all acts of grace are quickened wee feed vpon Christ for the strengthening and nourishment of the soule and whatsoeuer is in vs is commended vnto God If we respect length of time and continuance charitie is to be preferred before faith For faith is but for a time and when the promise of God which is the matter and subiect of it shal be fully accomplished the vse of it shall cease When faith passeth into an open knowledge and reuealed sight of the thing present it changeth both his nature and kind But loue abideth for euer and shall continue betwixt God and vs an euerlasting bond it shall be greater and more vehement but shall still retaine the same nature and substance albeit some workes which now it exerciseth shall cease The end of our faith is charitie but the foundation and director of loue is faith faith also is the victorie whereby we ouercome the world To saue a man faith is the greater in Man being saued loue is the greater Till faith haue finished our saluation loue must yeeld to faith when faith hath fully saued vs it shall haue an end for knowledge of sight takes away faith but loue shall abide for euer Absolutely loue is greater then faith but when we speake of the meanes of Iustification and attainment of that saluation whereto perfect charitie and righteousnes doth belong then faith must bee preferred as â—he greater more excellent Faith only beareth sway therein and this slender and weake charitie which we haue
begun in them from day to day This is the couenant which God hath made with his people Ier. 32.40 Ezek. 36.26.27 I will put my feare into their hearts that they shall not depart from my wayes This promise is very necessarie to bee beleiued Phil. 1.6 1. Cor. 1.8 2. Tim. 1.12 for if people be not well grounded in belieuing that God will build them vp more strongely from day to day and perfect the good worke in them which hee hath begun euen to full sanctification in the feare of God they shall verie much stagger and goe backe coldly set vpon the practice of godlines be off and on now forward now backeward not knowing how to begin or to proced in the way of holinesse Beliefe that God will inable them to euery dutie he doth require and strengthen them against enemies that doe oppose is a maine post in the Christian building an exceeding furtherance vnto godlinesse without which they shall be oft shaken and dismaid These promises be of great price for if a Christian were allowed to aske of God whatsoeuer he would next vnto the pardon of his sinnes and saluation of his soule what would hee desire but to bee assured from God that he will establish him in grace and teach him the good way which he ought to goe that hee will sanctifie him in soule spirit and body and keepe him blamelesse vnto the comming of our Lord Iesus vnto iudgement And when he discerneth any such promise to be made it is not hard to conceiue with what deare affection and strong adherence he doth receiue it how close hee layeth it vp in his soule and sweetly feedeth vpon it This promise is sweete and beliefe thereof stirring and operatiue for it hearteneth to the practice of mortification and new obedience with greate courage chearefulnes and stayednes it quickeneth encourageth to pray as necessities shall giue cause it preserueth from fainting and dismayednes when strength is not very great and if at any time through weaknesse and infirmitie securitie catch hold vpon vs saith in the promiseâ— that God will be our strength and helpe is that which raiseth vs againe and putteth courage into vs to fight against the aduersaries of our soule Things temporall Many gracious and free promises concerning the blessings of this life are dispersed in the Word of life which faith receiueth as true and certaine because they come from the God of Truth Gen. â—5 5 â—os 1.5 Heb. 13.5 1. Tim. 4.8 Rom. â— 2 who is faithfull sincere and constant in all his promises Godlinesse hath the promises both of this life and that which is to com He that spared not his owne Sonne but deliuered him vp for vs all how shall hee not with him also freely giue vs all things As health maintenance credit prosperous successe in our callings and lawfull dealings deliuerance out of troubles and such like This is the assurance that God hath giuen euen his faithfull promise often repeated many wayes ratified and confirmed that he will make competent prouision for his children which is to faith better then many bils of securitie from men yea then large possessions in hand for the present The worth and goodnesse of earthly blessings promised is apparent specially when they bee giuen in loue and mercie as gifts of the couenant tokens of free grace and by a supernaturall prouidence eleuated to spirituall vse in which sence they are promised and vouchsased vnto them that feare God and walke in his wayes And therefore when the belieuer is rightly informed that God hath made any such promises he putteth forth the hand of faith to lay fast hold vpon them and boxeth them vp safe as his best and only euidence for the things of this life and the sanctification of them For want of this faith many vertuous and godly men are greatly staggered and perplexed plunged into deepe vncomfortable dumps and â—edious troubles about the things of this life But when once these promises be well riuitted into and haue taken root in the heart by a liuely faith beliefe hereof bringeth forth contentment comforteth in the multitude of perplexities encourageth to diligence in our places quickeneth in aduersities and strengthens to the workes of righteousnesse as knowing that to bee the surest way for the gaining of durable riches and trusting more to the faithfull prom ses of God though aboue likelihood then to their owne carnall deuices though in shew and appearance probable § 5. As faith requireth what God promiseth §. 5. 3. The threatnings because God is faithfull the promises of great worth and goodnesse so it belieueth the threatnings denounced in the Word not barely apprehending them as true and certaine but also declining them as euill For the whole Scripture breathed from God and euery part therof is Gods Word of infallible truth deseruing absolute credit God is as well iust as mercifull faithfull and true as well in his threats as in his promises and equally to bee belieued in both so farre as by his Word he hath assured vs of both Hee that belieueth the one as hee ought belieueth both and he that belieueth not bo h giues sound credit to neither Beliefe of the threatnings is necessarie Rom 15.4 For whatsoeuer things are written whether precepts promises threatnings examples are written for our learning and as the promises of thiâ— life and the life to come are sharpe spurres to quicken vs vnto godlinesse so the threatnings are strong bridles to keepe from naughtinesse Firme assent to the certaine accomplishment of diuine threatnings â—oth beget humiliation for sinne past and vigilancie to shâ—nne sinne and escape danger it strengthens against base carnall feares and the threats of men that oppose the â—ruth and reuiueth care to serue and please God at all tâ—mes and in all things Wherefore doe the terrours of men so much affright but because sleight beliefe is giuen â—o the threatnings of the Lord The grace and mercie of God belieued breeds loue of God and consequently â—rue feare which is opposed to sencelesse stupiditie and carnall presumption though it casteth out feare which proceedeth from vnbeliefe But what need Belieuers feare the threatnings seeing there is no condemnation or cause of feare to them that belieue The Apostle saith indeed there is no condemnation to such Rom. 8.1 but wee cannot therefore conclude that there is no cause of feare to them vnlesse no other euils but final damnation need to bee feared But whilest the soule is subiect to bring vpon it Gods temporarie wrath sicknesses spirituall hellish anguish to the sense of it there is still cause enough to feaâ—e Seeing that concerning temporall threats and punishments God dealeth as sharpely Amos 3.2 2. Sam. 12 14 or rather more sharpely with his children then any other why should they not dread his Fatherly correction Would a childe that had but one sparke of wit or common reason prouoke his Father to scourge and whip
belieued as out of the Word of God which is not found in the Word of God expressely Bellar. de Iustif l. 3. cap. 8. §. 1. or by consequence but whatsoeuer is found there expresly or may euidently by direct consequence be deduced thence that may be belieued as out of the Word of God Now howsoeuer it be not said in so many syllables Peter Thomas Cornelius thy sinnes are remitted to thee belieuing yet euidently so much may be concluded out of those generall promises Euery man that belieueth shall haue eternall life for the vniuersall doth include it particular Therefore the messengers of the Lord of Host doe giue notice to their Congregations that the matter which they proclaime in the Name of the Lord doth concerne them and euery of them saying in effect Acts 13.26 3.26 2.38 2. Cor. 5.20 To you is the word of this saluation sent What they say to all men they say to euery man what to penitents to euery penitent what to Belieuers to euery Belieuer what to sinners and vngodly to euery sinner God gaue his Law to all Israel speaking to all as if hee had spoken namely and particularly to euery one Thou shalt haue no other Gods c. Exod. 20.1 2. May not ought not a man to inferre thence I must haue none other Gods c. The promise of the Gospell runnes thus If thou shalt confesse with thy mouth the Lord Iesus Rom. 10.9 and belieue in thy heart that God raised him from the dead thou shalâ— be saued Is not this spoken to euery man particularly May not hee as out of the Word inferre If I belieue I shall bee saued Our Sauiour Christ had said nothing namely to Paul and Silas as touching the Iailer that if hee did belieue he should be saued But out of that vniuersall Iohn 3.16 Act. 16.31 Whosoeuer belieueth shall bee saued they proclaime comfort to him in speciall Belieue thou and thou shalt be saued There is nothing found in Scripture expressely touching this or that mans resurrection in particular is it not then to bee belieued out of the Word The Scripture saith to him that belieueth Thou shalt inherit eternall life as much as it doth to any particular man now liuing Thou shalt rise againe Because our Sauiour said to the Apostles Iohn 20.23 Whosoeuer sinnes yee remit they are remitted our Aduersaries though falsly would collect that their Priests haue power to absolue a man from all his sinnes Doe they know assuredly that what was spoken to the Apostles was spoken also to their Priests though there bee no particular mention of them in the Gospell and will they not allow vs to inferre a particular from a generall Psalm 23.1 Iob. 19.25 Dauid could say The Lord is my shepheard Iob I know that my Redeemer liueth which they belieued out of the Word grounding themselues vpon the promises of mercie And wee now liuing by the same faith hauing the same pretious promises being led by the same Spirit may out of the word of life be assured that our sinnes are forgiuen and couered Moreouer euery faithfull soule in particular doth finde Psalm 103.3.4 heare and reade in the word Who forgiueth all thine iniquities and healeth all thine infirmities To euery faithfull soule in speciall the Lord saith Isay 43.25 Psalm 103.17 Mica 7.19 Ier. 31.34 Rom. 11.22 Eph. 5.10 Math. 19.17 I euen I am hee that blotteth out thine iniquities for mine owne sake and remember thy sinnes no more This hee speaketh to singular belieuers not to some persons only as it is euident in that the Scripture doth in vniuersall repeate the same thing What our Sauiour said to the young man If thou would'st enter into life keepe the Commaundements the papists teach that is spoken to all men and if a man fulfill that condition hee may belieue to be saued Looke how they know the words spoken to the young man so many hundred yeares past to be directed vnto them by the same rule may euery faithfull soule interest himselfe in all the gracious and louely speeches wherewith God from time to time hath comforted his people and take vnto himselfe those promises answers and assurances that God hath at any time made and giuen vnto them resoluing of all the rest that which in one case the Apostles exemplifyeth of that that was written of the Iustification of Abraham that those things were not written for them onely but for theÌ„ also who belieue as they had done Rom. 4.23 The word then speaketh in particular to them that belieue but can a Christian know be assured that he doth truly belieue Such as truly belieue may know they belieue as hee that hath a iewell in his hand may know that hee hath it Paul did know on whom he had belieued 2. Tim. 1.12 the poore man in the Gospell cryeth Lord I belieue Dauid saith I belieued Marke 9.24 Psal 116.10 2. Cor. 4.13 and therefore I spake Hezekiah prayeth Lord remember mee how I haue walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart Iohn concludeth thus Esay 38.3 4. 1. Iohn 3-24 Hereby wee know that he abideth in vs euen by the Spirit which he hath giuen vs. How could we say euery one we belieue if wee might not know it Can wee speake that truly whereof wee can haue no certaintie When I see one or trust to a mans word promising me this or that I know I see him trust to him and rest on him for that hee hath promised Shall I by faith see Christ the Sonne and rest on him and yet know no such thing 1. Iohn 3.19 1. Cor. 2.11 Carnall confidence may be discerned why then should it be impossible for a true Belieuer to know that hee doth belieue The Spirit of man discerneth what is in man he knoweth what is in himselfe though not euer the measure or quantitie thereof Hee that loueth his Brother knoweth the loue wherewith he loueth him and he that belieueth in God may know the faith wherewith he belieueth Many beguile themselues while they stand in opinion they doe belieue and belieue not at all What then Shall hee that belieueth vnfainedly be altogether vncertaine whether he belieue or no There is that boasteth when his soule hath naught yet men whom God hath blessed with abundance may know that they be rich Many are deceiued in matters of faith and true worship of God shall not a Christian then bee certaine of his Religion A man that dreameth of honoâ—r promotion plentie and abundance may liue in infamie and disgrace penurie and hunger and yet they that bee promoted to honour and liue in plentie may assuredly bee perswaded of what God hath giuen them Some mens senses are deluded shall euery man therefore bee in suspence of whatsoeuer hee seeth or heareth He that is falsly perswaded of his good estate and strong faith deceiueth his owne soule shall he therefore that
like in all To some is giuen a greater measure of faith to others a lesser faith is more strong in this Christian more weake in that There is a great faith and a little faith a strong faith and a weake faith All liuing trees in an Orchard be not of one growth or fruitfulnesse All men bee not of one stature estate or age but some high some low some rich others poore some strong to labour others that must be borne or held vp by the armes and so it is in the Church of God amongst Christians All good ground is not equall in yeelding fruit Faith perfect in none 1. Thes 1 7 8. Compared with 1. Thes 3.10 1. Tim. 1.5 Phil. 3.15 some returnes an hundred-sold some thirtie-fold Such perfection of faith is granted to no man in this life that neither he nor any other can be more perfect therin The faith of all the elect is sincere the faith of some perfect in comparison of others but absolutely the greatest faith is imperfect Iustifying faith supposeth imperfection and is it selfe imperfect in vs so long as wee liue in this world It is imperfect extensiuely in regard of things to be belieued and intensiuely in respect of confidence wherewith wee belieue in Christ Wee know nothing as we should of those things which we know and many things we are ignorant in 1. Cor. 13.12 Marke 8 24. which we should know We are like the blinde man whose eyes now opened began to see men like trees Looke as children know not at all many things they come to know afterward so wee and looke as they doe not fully know those things which they know but superficially so is it wiâ—h vs in heauenly matters Hence our confidence cannot bee perfect Psal 9.10 For those who know God best trust him bâ—st those who dimely know him his goodnesse and truth they can but weakly belieue on him In speculatiue knowledge pertaining to discourse they may farre excell who come short in confidence but in certaine distinct practicall knowledge they are most excellent that with most liuely affiance doe cleaue vnto the Lord. Againe the mysteries of faith are so profound that in this life we cannot attaine vnto the vnderstanding of them fully and perfectly 2. Cor. 10.15 2. Thes 1.3 Ephes 1 17 18. 4.29 Col. 1.9 10. but haue need to pray daily that the eyes of our Minde may be opened that wee may more fully conceiue of the things that pertaine to the Kingdome of God And if our eye bee dimme in sight our hand is feeble in receiuing For our will is as much corrupt as the vnderstanding and it is easier to discerne the truth then firmely to embrace it against all oppositions The darknesse of Minde is an impediment to full and perfect knowledge the corruption of will which is neuer wholy remoued in this life is a stop and let to perfect confidence Faith groweth and encreaseth by degrees which is an argument Rom. 1.17 that in this life it neuer comes to the highest pitch of perfection For that which is alreadie compleate in degree needeth no augmentation What Belieuer is there who findes not a continuall combate of faith against many temptations arising from his natiue ignorance infidelitie diffidence Psal 73.1 2. 30.6 7 8. the wisdome of the flesh his owne sence and feeling c. which assaults against faith from within doe argue the weaknesse as the resistance of them demonstrates the the truth of faith The tree is knowne by its fruit and the goodnesse of a cause by the effects it produceth But the fruits of faith are imperfect as loue ioy and holinesse The faith of Abraham was great and excellent but not perfect in degree Hee was strong in faith and doubted not of infidelitie but of infirmitie he doubted His faith remained inuincible though often assaulted but now and then it was shaken §. 6. The faith of the weakest Christian is sufficient to saluation § 6. The strongest faith is imperfect but the measure of faith is so diuided by diuine prouidence that to none who are called according to his purpose is giuen lesse then what may suffice to their saluation The measure of faith containeth this in it that it bee a sufficient portion for euery one God in his wise prouidence giueth the greatest measure of faith to them who are to vndergoe the greatest combats Ht hath appointed some for the example of others and in them hee propoundeth to the world certaine tokens of his glorie and vertue and therefore he bestoweth vpon them a more abundant measure of faith not that they might acquire by it more saluation but that they might singularly serue for the illustrating of the glory of God and be an helpe comfort and support to the weake In the bodie humane the bones haue more strength then the flesh not that there is more life in them but that they might sustaine the weake flâ—sh so here There is no member of the bodie so weake if it be endued with the Spirit of life which is not as well a true and liuely member of the bodie as they which are better and more excellent so the weakest Belieuer is a liuely member of Christ as truly as they that are more strong in faith § 7. The degrees of true and liuely faith §. 7. The degrees of faith may bee considered according to the diuers growth which God bringeth his children vnto and the diuers measure of grace which God bestoweth vpon them according to the time wherein they haue been trained vp in the schoole of Christ the meanes God hath vouchsafed for their building forward their experiments of his loue and their care to vse the meanes and imploy their talent God giueth not the same measure of grace to all Belieuers all be not of equall standing in Christs schoole nor of equall paines to improue what they haue receiued nor liue vnder like powerfull meanes of grace and enioy like helpes of increase in strength In nature no man wonders to see a growne man stronger then a new borne babe a plant set in a mellow and fertile garden thriue faster then thâ—t which groweth in a more barren soyle a Merchant that is warie and industrious to imploy his stocke to increase more then hee that is remisse an old beaten Souldier to bee more expert then one who hath newly put on his armour In grâ—ce the same holds good for faith thriueth according to the time meanes experiments and one we take to improue our talent and preserue our faith The degrees of faith may fitly bee drawne into foure Heads For there is a weake faith as it were in the tender bud Foure degrees of Faith a faith somewhat growne vp strong faith and full assurance Faith is weake foure wayes First in knowledge 1. Weake when a Belieuer is but a babe in vnderstanding ignorant of many profitable things needfull to bee learned and practised Faith
Apostle saith your care beginneth to spring againe belike they had their winter whom a new spring reuiued It is true the Lord hath promised that Hell gates shall neuer preuaile vtterly to ouerthrow the faith of his chosen or any other grace radically accompanying saluation but to preserue continuall sensible exercise of any grace he hath no where promised The graces of God doe ebbe and slow in his seruants and that by the wise disposition of God lest if we had attained facilitie in all things wee should thinke that our owne which is meerely his worke Who amongst the faithfull doth alwayes heare with equall attention reuerence chearefulnesse c. or pray with like earnestnesse of desire feeling of wants assurance to be heard or submission to Gods will or doe any thing at all times so as at some The Lord many times withdrawes the vse of some particular grace that some other may in greater measure shew forth it selfe in vs. Ioy and reioycing in his mercie hee withholds that he might bring to the practice of humiliation § 9. What if a Christian cannot finde no not after search and examination any liuely sence or feeling of faith §. 9. 9. They cannot find any liuely sence of of faith nay he cannot discerne any faith at all in himselfe Hereby the Lord may correct our vnthankfulnesse for mercies formerly receiued Remedy or that presumptuous licence we took to our selues in sinning or in questioning with our selues of his graces All which things wee are heartily to confesse and bewaile But for the comfort of the distressed hee is to know that sometimes graces may lie hid yea and worke in respect of our acknowledgment insensibly Wee may not conclude there is no truth of grace in vs because we cannot perceiue and feele it The seed of faith cannot be lost after it is once planted in an honest and good heart by the holy Spirit but the sight thereof may bee hid from our knowledge and the liuely functions thereof intermitted The child liues in the mothers wombe though it know not so much Life remaines in a man fallen into a dead swound wherein he is depriued for a time of vnderstanding reason memorie sence motion and all apparant vitall functions The tree liues in winter though nipped with frosts and weather-beaten with tempests dead in appearance Coales raked close vnder the ashes that they giue neither heat nor light doe yâ—t retaine both though they shew not forth themselues There is a generation pure in their owne eyes who are not purged from their iniquities Prou. 30.12 the most holy are not priuie to all their secret sins nor throughly acquainted with the deceitfulnesse of their owne hearts And the graces of the Spirit may lie hid in the hearts of the regenerate Psâ—l 19.12 and worke insensibly to their feeling and discerning as well as corruption lurke secretly and worke priuily in the soule both of regenerate and vnregenerate An argument drawne from his sence and feeling may haue some colour in the conceit of a distressed minde but in truth it is a deceitfull reasoning to conclude That they haue no faith because they haue no sence or feeling thereof in their apprehension In the agonie of conscience none are more vnfit to iudge of our estate then wee of our owne Though at other times we be sicke of selfe-loue and too partiall in our owne case yet in this state towards our selues wee are most vncharitable and being out of loue with our selues wee are apt to derogate from the worke of Gods Spirit in vs. In time of temptation the godly doe erre many wayes in examination of themselues It is most certaine also that in the examination and triall of our estates we commit no small errours in the time of temptation the minde being clouded with the mists of Satans suggestions and the heart so distempered with feare that we cannot discerne the graces of God in vs nor acknowledge boldly what in a sort we see Suggestions we take to be sinnes of consent and purpose failing in the purposed measure of seruing God or in some particular we distinguish not from falling from our generall purpose to cleaue vnto God in the performance of all duties of holinesse and righteousnesse we put not difference betwixt absolute falling from purpose and failing in execution of purpose in some particular Common infirmities wee iudge presumptuous sinnes or such blemishes as cannot bee in the Saints of God passions we esteeme as deliberate purposed resolutions and motions to distrust which are euidences of weaknesse are supposed pregnant tokens of totall infidelitie Certaintie of adherence is not distinguished from certaintie of euidence if we find not assurance of pardon we conclude there is no faith though possibly at the present wee resolue to roll our selues vpon the faithfull promise of God and powre out our soules for mercie The Lord diuersly giues euidence of his Spirits presence in vs. Sometimes a childe of God perceiues little difference in practice betwixt himselfe and very aliens yet let him view his affections he may see grace there sometimes againe more may be seene in practice then in the affection When the heart is ouer-whelmed with feare and doubt a man cannot finde loue ioy or delight in the Word of God but then his frequenting the house of God his priuate reading and conference are testimonies that his will is bent to the Law of God But these things are not obserued in the times of distresse and bitter anguish whence it followeth that God may euidence his presence with vs by the Spirit of grace when by reason of our frailtie we cannot discerne it Furthermore if a man can discerne no sparke of grace If a man can discerne no spark of grace in himselfe for the present he is not to despaire nor feele any good thing in himselfe he is not to despaire But as the sence and feeling of his present state ought to humble him vnder Gods hand and moue him to enter into a serious examination of himselfe and to vnfained repentance for his sinnes so must hee take comfort vnto himselfe and prop vp his weake declining faith by calling to minde former times Psal 77.3 9 10 11. and wherein the Lord hath caused his mercifull and gracious countenance to shine vpon him and wherein hee hath glorified God by an holy life and conuersation For if euer he hath discerned the graces of Gods Spirit by the fruits of sanctification they are not vtterly taken away though for a time they bee buried from his sight that hee cannot find them The seed is not dead that lyeth all winter vnder the clods and appeareth not by fruit aboue ground If hee bee not able to gather comfort from former experience but be readie to question that also yet must hee not giue way to vncomfortable and deading sorrow because the thirstie soule who neither feeleth inward sap Esay 55.1 2. Math. 11.28 nor findeth outward
But patience and constancy with a resolute mind to beare Gods triall will bring a good end yea by a meeke going vnder Gods hand in these thâ—y shall learne experience to wade through greater afterwards and yet in the midst of them to hâ—ue hope that they shall not be ashamed Say their fo mer course of life past hath not answered that sincerity the Lord requireth what then Are they therefore reprobates No but it argues want of faith Not so but place for fuâ—ther inâ—rease of faith and the fruits thereof Those whom the Lord hath chosen to bee his worshippers and hath redeemed and consecrated holy to himselfe they bee his plants and engraffed Oliue branches in his Sonne who take not their full perfection at once but according to the nature of plants require daily watering and dressing whereby by degrees they attaine in the end a full stature in Christ In Scripture we haue example of weake belieuers as well as of strong As the Holy Ghost hath remembred the faith of Abraham who belieued aboue hope vnder hope Marke 9.24 Iohn 3.1 so hath it recorded the faith of Nicodemus in knowledge simple and weake in profession and practice timorous and fearefull In one and the same person we shall find different degrees of faith at diuers times at one time like a graine of Mustard-seed Num. 20.11 12 Psal 21.1 77.7 8. at another time like a growne Oake now like a smoaking snuffe but soone after bursting out into a bright flame The strongâ—st faith of any Saint mentiâ—ned in Scripture is â—mperfect assailed with temptations mixed with manifold doubtings For they were subiect to innumerables infirmities which are not specified in the Booke of God neither was it fit that it should bee a register of their manifold temptations frailties and fals But out of those things which are recorded wee may perceiue they were shaken with assaults ouer-taken with corruptions tripped and foiled sometimes by the policie of Satan Rom. 15.4 All which is set vpon the file for our admonition and consolation So that a Christian may not account himselfe void of grace because he is not perfect in faith knowledge and loue but he is wisely to consider the secret worke of Gods Spirit and grace and take comfort of the smallest crumme and drop of this heauenly sustentation and attend the time of perfect growth according to the good pleasure of God Oh but they feele not the testimony of Gods Spirit which might assure them they can finde no sparke of grace in themselues Neither doe any of Gods children at all times feele it but that they may see their own frailty God doth as it were hide himselfe for a season as a Mother doth from her childe to trie his affection that they may with more earnest desire mourne for Gods wounted grace and praise him with more ioyfulnesse of heart when they haue obtained it againe And yet God doth not with-hold comfort from his children many times when they walke heauenly but their owne frailty and vehemency of temptation which oppresseth them diminisheth the feeling thereof When the winde is lowde the aire stormie and tempestuous a man cannot heare the voice of his friend when the heart is filled with feares and perplexed with manifold temptations tossing it vp and downe the calme and still voice of the Spirit is not discerned And in those seasons the triall of faith is to be taken by those fruits which are euident to the eye of others who can iudge more sincerely then the afflicted themselues in that anguish of soule and spirit As the sicke man during the time of his distemper must not trust to his owne taste but rather relie vpon the learned Physicion and other honest and discreet friends so the faithfull must not giue too much credit to the suggestions of their owne heart possessed with feare but rather belieue their faithfull Pastor and other godly and experienced Christians that are about them But to yeeld so much to their present weakenesse because in this perplexity they will bee euer and anone questioning the soundesse of former comfort and integrity of their hearts suppose they were destitute of grace and neuer had felt sound comfort should they vtterly despaire or giue place to deading sorrow Math. 11.28 In no sort for Christ calleth the burthened and laden to come vnto him for ease and comfort Being destitute of grace and comfort they are willed to repaire vnto him for both who hath sufficient in store for them If they finde not themselues to bee eased they know they are burthened if they be not watered they feele themselues to be thirstie if they belieue not they are allowed inuited encouraged to come vnto Christ To them he calleth as if he did particularly name them Esay 55.1 2. Iohn 7.37 Apoc. 22.17 Marke 10.49 Come yee to the waters and drinke Come vnto me and I will refresh you Why stand yee trembling as if your case were desperate Yee desire helpe and he calleth you Be of good courage and come vnto him The end of the first Part. The Life of Faith The second part CHAP. I. What it is to liue by faith and how a Christian should stirre vp himselfe thereunto MAny and pretious are the fruits of â—aith Inducements to liue by Faith whereof wee haue vse at all times in euery state at euery turne and in all things that we goe about which who so would enioy hee must learne not onely to haue but to vse it aright to liue by it here feeding vpon the seuerall promises of mercy and not onely to be saued by it when he goeth hence The Lord himselfe the Authour and giuer of life hath oâ—ten taught vs by his Prophet and Apostle Hab. 2.4 Rom. 1.17 Gal 3.11 Heb. 10.38 That the iust man is not onely to belieue to Iustification but to liuâ— by Faith The worthy seruants of God in all ages are all brought in as a cloud of witnesses testifying this truth that The Iust shall liue by faith Gen 5.24 Heb. 11.5 Gen. 24.40 By faith Enoch walked with God By faith Abraham walked before God Paul liued if euer any comfortably happily from the time of his conuersion to the time of his dissolution but euen whilest hee liued in the flesh hee liued by the faith of our Lord Iesus Christ Without faith what â—â—e wee but dead moules liuing carkases that carrie about and are carried with dead soules The best most excellent and pretious part of Man is d stitute of true life till faith be inspired into it from aboue whereby we are vnited vnto Christ the fountaine of supernaturall and eternall life Col. 3.3.4 The most glorious or pleasant life of Man without faith is but a vaine shadow a meere picture and resemblance oâ— life or of death rather drowned in carnall delights full of vexation and leading towards euerlasting perdition The best worke of the regenerate if it bee not animated and quickened
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.
is euer hungry Cant. 5.6 7 8. sensible of want and emptinesse and therefore attends vpon the Lord in the vse of all such meanes whereby he is pleased to conueigh Christ vnto vs for our spirituall filling The labourious Bee is early abroad to gather when there is an hony fall and faith is early awake to waite vpon the Lord in his ordinances when hee showres his blessings vpon his people But it knoweth to distinguish betwixt the ordinances in and by which grace is obtained and the Author and Giuer of it And thiâ— vrgeâ—h the Belieuer earnestly to beg the blessing of God vpon his owne ordinances without which they cannot auaile vs. Thirdly It inciteth to an holy improuement of what graces he hath reâ—eiued alreadie as the readie way to haue them encreased God bestoweth his gifts of grace in most plentifull measure vpon them that are most carefull to put them forth to aduantage Luke 19.26 Math. 13.12 To him that hath that is that vseth well what he hath receiued shall be giuen and hee shall haue in abundance Grace is giuen freely not deserued by workes but by the appointment of God he that would increase therein must religiously imploy what he possesseth Men increase their substance by labour and paines their learning by diligence and hee that best improueth graces receiued shall most abound therein Fourthly It fighteth couragiously against sin crieth instantly to the Lord for helpe Faith wil not yeeld to corruption be the combate neuer so hote and fierie because it apprehends victorie neither will it giue the Lord rest because it is sensible of want and wearie of sinne Create in mee a cleane heart Psal 51.10 O God and renew a right spirit within me Fiftly It submitteth willingly to what course the Lord is pleased to take for the crucifying of sinne and healing of our nature Looke as the patient yeeldeth himselfe vnto the Physician to be dieted purged or lanced for the curing of his maladies and recouery of health so doth the soule resigne it selfe by faith into the hands of God the spirituall Physician of the soule who only is able to heale all diseases to be dieted purged exercised as seemeth best vnto his heauenly wisdome only it desires that spirituall maladies may be remoued and health recouered Sixtly Faith is the band or sinew whereby we are tied vnto Christ the fountaine of grace and the pipe whereby grace is conueyed from him into the soule Acts 15.9 Looke what 〈◊〉 full treasure of all sorts of graces Christ hath stored vp in him faith draweth and driueth them out of his fulnes to the vse of each seuerall Christian euen grace for grace Iohn 1.16 Iohn 15.1 5 6. It fetcheth sap from the root Christ which maketh euery tree bring forth fruit in it kind euery Christian in his owne calling As water brought by pipes from the fountaine to the cocke doth come faster or slower as the pipes be wider or narrower open or stopped so grace doth flow from Christ into our hearts more or lesse as our faith is weaker or stronger in degree and measure Faith openeth as it were the passages of grace that it may distill more plentifully vpon vs. And thus by fetching supernaturall efficacie from the death and life of Christ it changeth the heart creates and infuseth new principles of action begetteth a plyable willingnesse vnto euery thing that is good and conueigheth both will and ability thereunto as the medicine curing the vitious stomacke and restoring it to health makes it long for wholsome meate as before for coales and ashes By the precious promises which wee haue from God when they are ours by faith 2. Pet. 1.4 we are made partakers of the diuine nature or the graces of the Holy Ghost The pâ—eposterous care and trauell of many wel-affected is to bee pittied who studie the practice of this or that vertue The true cause why men labour in vaine to practice some particular vertue neglecting this cardinall and radicall vertue as if men should water all the branches of a Tree and not the root Faine would they abound and shine in patience meeknesse zeale yet establish and root not themselues in fâ—ith that should maintaine all the rest If water come not to the cocke wee vse to open or amend the pipes or leades that conueigh it from the spring Christ is the wel-spring of grace if wee would haue our wants supplied we must labour stedfastly to belieue All defects in sanctification must admonish vs to looke to our faith Thirst driues men to the Spâ—ings of water colâ— forceth them to the fire weaknesse or want of grace should moue vs to come vnto Christ by a liuely faith Esay 55.1 Oh euery one that thirsteth come yee to the waters To giue way to doubting because the graces of Gods Spirit bee weake and feeble in vs is as if a man should refuse to eate because he is faint for want of sustenance Seuenthly True faith stirreth vp to thankfulnesse for the beginning of sanctification Rom. 7.25 I thank God through Iesus Christ our Lord. So then with the minde I my selfe serue the Law of God The least measure of sanctifying grace is in it selfe an vnspeakable benefit considering the poyson of our corrupt nature and also a pledge of future fauours to be receiued till the worke be perfected God in great wisdome powreth the graces of his Spirit vpon vs by degrees and doth not perfectly sanctifie vs at once least we should forget what great things hee doth for vs in forgiuing our daily trespasses and curing the grieuous and loathsome diseases of our polluted soules 1. Cor. 1.9 1. Thes 5.24 Rom. 11.29 Phil. 1 6. but the beginning of sanctification is an earnest of further grace to be vouchsafed till the worke bee finished to the praise of his grace which doth appeare the more in that the gifts of grace are communicated by degrees The meanes to stirre vp to belieue that God will sanctifie when we see nothing but discomfort The way or meanes whereby a Christian may stirre vp his faith to belieue that God will sanctifie him when hee seeth nothing but thraldome and sinne preuailing and feeleth nothing but deadnesse of heart is this First he must bewaile his spirituall nakednesse thraldome and vassalage vnder sinne acknowledging his inabilitie to free and deliuer him selfe Into what miserie and bondage haue I brought my selfe Thou Lord madest me holy pure and vpright But by sinne I sold my selfe vnto the seruice of sinne from which to this day I cannot get deliuerance Euery facultie of soule is deeply infected with that contagious leprosie the Mind is blinde vaine foolish the will peruerse and rebellious all the affections out of order there is nothing whole or sound within me Night and day I am pestered with sinfull motions The desires of my sinfull heart bee so strong and preuailing that I am carried head-long to that which is euill The
grace as well as any benefite tending thereunto As we are iustified by faith so wee are saued by faith Eph. 2.8 not in respect of present saluation or redemption whereof here we are pertakers but in respect of glorification to come in due time to be reuealed Belieue on the Lord Iesus Act. 16.31 and thou shalt hee saued By faith wee haue accesse into this grace Rom. 5.2 wherein wee stand and reioyce in the hope of glory When the Apostle saith With the heart Man belieueth vnto righteousnesse Rom. 10.10 and with the mouth confession is made vnto saluation Hâ—e doth not so distinguish these two as if faith were the cause of righteousnes confession of saluation or as if faith were sufficient to righteousnes but not to saluation for hee had often said Rom. 4 16. that wee are saued by faith that the promise is by faith But he describes the qualification of that faith which iustifyeth and saueth namely that it is a stedfast affiance that flyeth to God by heartie supplication and breaketh forth into profession of Gods name The promise is Rom. 10.11 Whosoeuer shall call vpon the name of the Lord shall be saued and faith herein flyeth to the throne of grace with ardent supplications and layeth hold of saluation promised of grace Secondly Faith doth not begin to apprehend life and then leaue it it to works that we might attain the accoÌ„plishment by theÌ„ but it doth euer rest vpon the promise vntill we come to enioy it Heauen is an inheritance freely vouchsafed to the adopted sonnes of God whose interest vnto it commeth by belieuing not by working Rom. 6.23 The gift of God is eternall life through Iesus Christ our Lord if it be a gift of meere fauour it cannot be of workes Eph. 2.8.9.10 Gal. 3.18 If the inheritance be of the Law it is no more of promise but God gaue it to Abraham by promise And that which God will doe about his children in the day of iudgement is called mercy 2. Tim. 1.18 The Lord shew mercy to Onesiphorus in that day The immediate cause of life is Gods grace as the immediate cause of death is sin Rom. 5.21 But if life be of grace it is by faith We are kept by the power of God through faith vnto saluation 1. Pet. 1.5 So that our faith neuer giues ouer till wee come to bee actually possessed of the immortall and vndefiled inheritance reserued for vs in Heauen Thirdly By faith we receiue the promised Spirit as the earnest of our inheritance vntill the redemption of the purchased possession Gal. 3.14 Because ye are sonnes God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Sonne into your hearts crying Ezek. 34.29 Gal. 4 6. Rom. 8.15 Abba Father The holy Ghost doth first infuse the grace of faith into our hearts whereby we belieue but belieuing and being made the sonnes of God wee receiue the Spirit more fully and manifestly dwelling in vs to sanctification and assurance of our Redemption By the benefite of the holy Ghost faith springeth in vs by which faith the abundance of the selfe-same spirit is increased and so of a greater faith is still made a greater increase of the Spirit In whom after yee belieued Ephe. 1.13 yee were sealed with the Spirit of promise He that belieueth Iohn 7.38 out of his belly shall flow riuers of liuing water And these gifts of the Spirit which we receiue by faith from Christ our Head are the beginnings of that glorious life we expect and looke for one in substance different in degrees and according to the measure of grace receiued so is the life of glory begunne in vs. Fourthly Faith in the promises of euerlasting life leadeth forward in the pathes of peace and righteousnes It mortifyeth corruption studyeth holinesse Math. 6.21 raiseth the heart to things aboue and directeth the conuersation according to the pollicie of the new Ierusalem Life eternâ—ll is not giuen for workes but it is the good pleasure of God that his children should be holy and exercise themselues in all good workes Rom. 8.13 Gal. 6.8 If yee through the Spirit doe mortifie the deeds of the body yee shall liue He that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reape life euerlasting Blessed are the pure in heart Math. 5 8. for they shall see God Follow peace with all men and holinesse Heb. 12.14 without which no man shall see the Lord. Charge them that be rich in this world that they bee not high minded nor trust in vncertaine riches but in the liuing God who giueth richly all things to inioy That they doe good that they be rich in good workes ready to distribute willing to communicate 1. Tim. 6.17.18.19 Laying vp in store for themselues a good foundation against the time to come that they may lay hold on eternall life But yee beloued building vp your selues in your most holy faith praying in the holy Ghost keepe your selues in the loue of God Iude verse 20.21 Iam. 1.12.25 Math. 35.34.35 looking for the mercy of our Lord Iesus Christ vnto eternall life Come yâ—e blessed of my Father inherit the kingdome prepared for you from the foundation of the world For I was hungred and yee gaue mee meate c. These and such like passages of Scripture shew not the cause why but the qualification of the persons vnto whom not how it is deserued but what doth precede the bestowing of life eternall And faith that looketh for that blessed hope and layeth hold vpon the promise of that heauenly and incorruptible inheritance lifteth vp the heart into Heauen kindleth loue inflameth with zeale encourage h against difficulties and inciteth to run the way of Gods Commandements If probable hope of great aduantage drawes on the Merchant to vndertake a long and tedious voyage by Sea notwithstanding the many casualties and perils wherewith it is beset faith in the assured promises of God concerning saluation will set a man forward in his Christian iourney hold hâ—m on in his way with courage and chearefulnesse and hearten him to the workes of godlinesse notwithstanding the temptations of Satan the allurements of the world or oppositions of the flesh to the contrarie Phil. 3.20 Our conuersation is in Heauen from whence also wee looke for the Sauiour the Lord Iesus Christ Col. 1.3.4.5 Wee giue thankes to God and since wee heard of your faith in Christ Iesus and of the loue which yee hau to all the Saints For the hope which is laid vp for you in Heauen Heb. 11.13 14.15.16 By faith Abraham Isaâ—c and Iacob confessed that they were pilgrimes and strangers on the earth and hauing oportunitie would not returne into their owne countrey because they desired a better countrey that is an heauenly Fiftly It seeketh to get our title confirmed and assured to the conscience by euidence and earnest or pawne it exerciseth it selfe vpon the
many gratious promises whereby God doth freely passe it vpon vs Ps 119.5.6 and earnestly beggeth the powerfull effectuall inhabitation of the Spirit to stampe and imprint the Image of Christ more and more vpon the soule it peruseth it euidence againe and againe and nourisheth the motions stirreth vp the graces of the Spirit which is the earnest pennie and seâ—le of the promised inheritance If Men make an earthly purchase they wil spare no cost or labour to get it assured they will haue good euidence fine and recouerie and take what course in time may exempt it from claime and faith receiuing the promise of this purchased inâ—eritance will not rest in vncertainties or presumption but doth trauaile to haue it assuredly passed and made vpon the soule Sixtly It striueth to enter the possession of this heauenly kingdome by degrees Phil. 3.10.12.13 Men that purchase an inheritance to come in hereafter they are glad if any part fall into their hands for the present or if they can get some by parcels before the whole be possessed Fulnesse of glory is reserued to the life to come but beginnings of glory peace of conscience ioy in the holy Ghost and sanctification of the Spirit are vouchsafed here Grace is the beginning of glory and glory the perfection of grace According to the measure of grace receiued and as we grow vp in Sanctification so wee enter vpon the possession of our eternall inheritance And true liuely faith doth couet grace more and more and draw vnto it selfe from Christs fulnesse Seuenthly It earnestly desires and longeth after the full accomplishment of glory Rom. 8.13 Our selues also which haue the first fruits of the Spirit euen wee our selues groane within our selues waiting for the Adoption to wit the redemption of the Body I desire to depart and to be with Christ which is farre better Phil. 1.23 Saluation is the end of faith Heauen the habitation or home of the faithfull For in this we grone earnestly 2. Cor. 5.2 desiring to be clothed vpon with our house which is from Heauen Naturall bodies moue to their proper place all liuing things couet perfection in their kind heauen is the proper place and condition of the faithfull life eueâ—lasting the perfection of faith therefore if faith bee liuely it longeth after the fruition of glory and full possession of the promised inheritance Eightly It assureth that wee are made heire of euerlasting life to which God of his grace will bring vs in his time appointed 1 Iohn 3.1 Behold what loue the Father hath bestowed vpon vs that we should be called the sons of God Beloued Verse 2. now are wee the sonnes of God and it doth not yâ—t appeare what we shall be Verse 14. We know that we haue passed from death vnto life because we loue the brethren Neither doth the manner of speaking sauour of ought but certaintie neither could it agree with the grauitie of the Apostle to speake so indefinitely so indeterminately of that whereof hee had no certaine ground no firme resolution but onely some likely guesse or coniecturall hope And grant it of Iohn the Apostles that they knew their owne Adoptâ—on and we may inferre that this knowledge is a priuiledge of all belieuers in their measure as well as theirs 2. Pet. 1.1 Rom. 8.34.35.36 37. 1. Iohn 2.2 Rom. 5.1.2.3 For the faith whereby they were assured was ordinarie the grounds of assurance common to them with all true belieuers the benefite it selfe generall not in any speciall manner appropriated What promises soeuer concerning life and happinesse were made to the Apostles the same are made to all belieuers and confirmed and sealed vnto them after the same manner For they haue all one God Eph 4.4.5.6 one Christ one Spirite they are vnder one Couenant and liue by the same faith The Adoption of Belieuers is confirmed on Gods part vnto them by his word seales oath pledge and witnesse of his Spirit with the graces thereof And what God so sufficiently confirmeth we by faith may receiue it for faith inableth vs to belieue what God reuealeth Faith giueth assurance but euery belieuer is not assured in himselfe Psal 31.22 and 77.7 Psal 42.5 and 43.3 Exod. 19.5 Psal 135.4 Cant. 7.6 Psa 16.5 Deut 32.9 Psal 83.3 Mal. 3.17 Zech. 2.8 Psal 108.6 and 127.2 Cant. 8.6 Esay 49.16 Ioh 14.23 Iâ—s 1.9 Psal 109.31 and 12.5 Psal 73.23 Psal 27.5 1. Sam 2.9 Psalm 56.8 Math. 10.30 Psal 38.9 Ier. 31.20 Deut. 33.29 1. Pet. 5.10 Phil. 4.19 Psal 62.2.6.7 and 71.5 Ioel 3.16 2. Cor. 1.3 Psal 25 12. Heb. 13.21 Exo. 29.46 Reue. 21.3 2. Chron 16.9 Psal 37 4. and 145.19 Prou. 10.24 nor is any assurance in this life so certaine that it is neuer intermixed nor disturbed with doubtings There is a state in which faith sheweâ—h it selfe rather in earnest longings and paintings after mercy then in certaine apprehension of it there is a state of infancie a state of temptation and spirituall conflict in which the soule cannot attaine this certaintie and assurance And euen in the growen and confirmed state the belieuer must not looke to walke on smoothly without any rubs or to enioy perfect assurance without doubtings and assaults The assurance of this belieuer is an assurance aiming and striuing after assurance an assurance wrestling and combating with many assaults an assurance which labours wiâ—h continuall weakenes and lookes not to come to perfection but by temptations But of this before God in great mercy doth vouchsafe to his Adopted sonnes many excellent royalties in this life They are most pretious vnto him His chiefe treasure His loue for delights his peculiar people the lot of his inheritance his chosen his hidden ones his iewels Hee that toucheth them toucheth the apple of his eye They are his Beloued as the signet vpon his right hand Hee dwelleth with them he followeth them whither soeuer they goe hee stands at their right hand and holds them vp by it Hee coueâ—s them vnder his pauillion hee keepes their feete hee counts their wandrings hee numbreth their heires hee obserâ—es their sighes is moued with compassion vpon their complaints hee is the shield of their helpe the sword of their excellencie and the God of all grace who will fulfill all their necessities Hee is their hope their helpe their health their rocke their refuge the Father of mercies and God of all consolation Hee will teach them in the way that they should choose and make them perfect in good workes He will establish them in euery good word and worke he will walke with them his eye is euer vpon them for good and he will giue them their hearts desiâ—e They haue the Angels of God to minister vnto them for theâ—r safeguard and protection Heb. 1.14 Psal 34 7. 1. Cor. 3.22.23 Heb. 2.7.8 1. Tim 4.2.3 they haue dominion ouer the creatures of the earth and the free vse of them both for necessitie and
loue of Christ Shall tribulation or distresse or persecution or famine or nakednesse or perill or sword Rom. 8.35 37. Rom. 11 29. Nay in all these things we are more then conquerours through him that loued vs. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance Blessed bee the God and Father of our Lord Iâ—sus Christ who according to his abundant mercy hath begotten vs againe vnto a liuely hope by the resurrection of Iesus Christ from the dead To an inheritance incorruptible 1. Pet. 1.3 4 5. and vndefiled and that fadeth not away reserued in Heauen for you Who are kept by the power of God through faith vnto saluation ready to be reuealed in the last time 1. Iohn 3.2 Beloued now we are the sonnes of God and it doth not yet appeare what wee shall be but we know that when he shall appeare wee shall be like him for we shall see him as he is Iude â— 24 25. Now vnto him that is able to keepe you from falling and to present you faultlesse before the presence of his glory with exceeding ioy To the onely wise God our Sauiour be glory and maiesty dominion and power now and euer Amen Doth God in these places promise to protect vs against forraine enemies not against domesticke perfidiousnesse The texts doe respect no condition as the cause of fulfilling these promises but plainly affirme that God himselfe doth promise and will giue the condition which hee requires For to what end doth he write the Law in the heart vphold with his hand and giue a good issue to the temptation but that the will prone to wickednesse should not yeeld and altogether start backe from grace receiued Whosoeuer is borne of God 1. Iohn 3.9 1. Iohn 5.18 doth not commit sinne for his seed remayneth in him and he cannot sinne because he is borne of God And if the seed abide in the faithfull as an indeleble character and pledge of their inheritance that they cannot sinne in the Apostles sence then are they fenced against the treachery of their owne hearts remayning in them Iohn 4.14 7.38 39. Whosoeuer drinketh of the water that I shall giue him shall neuer thirst but the water that I giue him shal be in him a wel of water springing vp into euerlasting life where thirst is opposed to a totall want of grace not to the earnest desire of increase in grace The thirst of totall indigencie is taken away by the participation of grace 1 Pet. 2.2 3. the thirst of complacencie or more ample fruition of grace is increased The Holy Spirit who is sent into the hearts of the Sonnes of God is not there as a guest to tarrie for a night or two but as an inhabitant to dwell and remaine for euer yea as an earnest of their inheritance Rom. 8.11 Hag. 2.5 1. Pet. 4.14 1. Iohn 2.27 John 14.16 vntill the redemption of the purchased possession I will pray the Father and he shall giue you another Comforter that he may abide with you for euer Now he which stablisheth vs with you in Christ and hath anointed vs is God who hath also sealed vs 2. Cer. 1.21.21 Eph. 1.14 and 4.30 and giuen the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts which is the earnest of our inheritance vntill the redemption of the purchased possession vnto the praise of his glory 1. Pet. 1.23 The seede whereof the faithfull are begotten is incorruptible the life which they liue by faith in Christ is an euerlasting life Iohn 5.24 Iohn 17.3 Iohn 6.47 Verely verily I say vnto you Hee that heareth my word and belieueth on him that sent mee hath euerlasting life and shall not come into condemnation but is passed from death vnto life And this is the record that God hath giuen to vs eternall life 1. Iohn 5.11.12 and this life is in his Sonne He that hath the Sonne hath life and he that hath not the sonne hath not life Now the Scripture saying He that belieueth hath euerlasting life and shall not come into condemnation doth import that faith and the fruites thereof be such from which the godly through the power of God neuer fall Luk 22.32 Iohn 17.15 And for further confirmation the Scripture testifyeth that Christ hath prayed for his people that their faith should not faile that they should be kept from the euill This cannot be restrained to the Apostles Vers 20. but it is the coÌ„mon priuiledge of all the faithfull Neither pray I for these alone but for all them also which shall belieue on mee through their word And the intercession of Christ euen for this particular blessing of the not failing of faith neuer ceaseth is euer effectuall and speedeth alwayes And that nothing might bee wanting to full consolation in this point we are assured from God that he will perfect the the worke of grace which he hath begun 1. Cor. 1.8 Who shall also confirme you vnto the end that ye may be blameles in the day of our Lod Iesus Christ Being confident of this very thing Phil. 1.6 that he which hath begun a good worke in you will performe it vntill the day of Iesus Christ Faithfull is hee that calleth you 1. Thess 5.24 who also will doe it that is as goeth immediately before preserue your whole Spirit and soule and body blamelesse vnto the comming of our Lord Iesus Christ 2. Thess 3 3. The Lord is faithfull who shall establish you and keepe you from euill Now seeing God hath bin pleased by so many promises to assure the faithfull of their sure and stedfast estate By serious meditation on these prâ—mises wee must settle our selues in belieuing which is very necessary it is necessarie seriously to learne and thinke vpon them that they might be setled in belieuing their perseuerance Had it not beene a point of great weight and necessitie wee cannot thinke the Lord would haue mentioned it so often and confirmed it so many wayes which will soone appeare to any man that shall consider his owne frailtie and the strength and malice of his spirituall enemies how potent and vigilant they bee to assaile how weake and feeble hee is to withstand and make resistance Nor is our weaknesse greater then our backwardnesse to belieue the promises of perseuerance when wee stand in most need of them When corruptions stirre and tentations be hot fierie we find our selues ready to fâ—int then are we to seeke of a promise that might vphold against the feare of falling away or if the promise be at hand we cannot lay hold vpon it some mist or other comes betweene it the eye of our vnderstanding Many good Christians are kept vnder with this temptation They are afraid they shal neuer hold out if persecution shold come they stand in doubt lest they should fall away as many haue done who made greater shewes seemed to haue gone further then euer they did
will not suffer that roaring Lion aboue measure to discharge vpon them This faith assures of 1. Cor. 10.13 and perswades quietly to waite for Ninthly If Satan renew his assaults faith stands prepared through the power of God to make resistance afresh When Paul was buffeted by the messenger of Satan he besought the Lord often in that thing 2. Cor. 12.8 Thus when wee are led into darknesse without light wee leane vpon God and cry vnto him for saluation If a childe haue his Father by the hand though he be in the darke or otherwise see what hurt might him approach and make often at him yet he is not afraid and so it is with vs whilest by the eye of faith wee see that inuisible one at out right hand to support and saue vs. Neither are wee scarred at this that Satan doth shift his temptations and returne againe after hee had left vs for a season But hauing experience of Gods gratious dealing and tender compassion we flie vnto him and shrowd our selues vnder the shade of the Almightie If wee haue in some fits found case by this or that meanes we know if wee come into like case how to helpe our selues it is wee say but doing such a thing or taking such a matter thus hauing once found in distresse and temptation strength and deliuerance by recourse to our God in Christ we know what to doe when such like state returneth on vs. Satan will not cease to assaile though hee bee ouercome nor the Belieuer faint though he be set vpon againe and againe but hauing once returned with victory through the power of God hee will abide in the secret place of the most High for euer Why the godly sometimes want the sight of Gods graces Tenthly The faithfull are the Lords vessels which he vseth to scoure by temptations True it is that in the time of triall the graces of the Spirit doe not so much appeare to the notice of the belieuing heart but by the ouer-ruling prouidence of God they serue for the increase of grace as the truth teacheth faith belieueth and experience can testifie Thus faith ministreth comfort in the most bitter agonies if it bee rightly vsed and stirred vp But what if the child of God be brought so low that he can discerne no sparke of faith no fruit of grace no marke of Gods loue in himselfe It is not to be doubted but the seruants of Christ through their weaknes are oft brought by extremity of temptation into wofull desolation which yet the Lord doth wisely order for the glory of his Name and the good of his deiected seruants And as in other things so in this that they cannot discerne any fruit of the Spirit wherewith through the mercy of God they are comfortably replenished For the blustering Tempests which the enemy raiseth against them cause such disturbance in the soule and fill the heart with such confusion feare and terrour that for the present they are altogether vnable to iudge of their owne estate For when the Mind is ouer-clouded with the mists of Temptation as the eye with the rising of dust and the heart tossed too and fro with vnquietnesse as the waues of the Sea when the winds are boisterous conscience by recoiling vpon the soule cannot conceiue or giue right notice of it true state and temper Troubled water will not giue backe the reflection of the countenance nor an afflicted Spirit the true disposition of the inner man When the poore Christian makes search into himselfe the temptation first puts forth it selfe wherewith the heart is daunted and thereupon concludeth that no grace doth lodge or abide in him because at first sight it doth not appeare Vnto these may be added that good men are sometimes pertishly disposed to cast away all they haue as nothing because they haue not what they desire or imagine others to enioy herein resembling little children who for want of some small trifle that they desire or some of their fellowes haue throw away many things much more pretious But not to inquire further into the causes of this mistaking The Remedie of this the remedy is First hee must know that as in sicke persons we see it commeth to passe they thinke there is no hope of life when the Physician and standers by see certaine and vndoubted tokens of health So it is oftentimes in these spirituall sicknesses Secondly It is the wisdome of a Christian in this case to obserue the marke that Satan driues at which is to hide from his sight the graces of the Spirit that he might bring him to despaire This being the Deuils aime hee must stirre vp himselfe to belieue and roll his soule vpon Christ for saluation For when he can see no grace in his soule he cannot but see himselfe to be miserable and so called to come vnto Christ the fountaine of liuing waters that by him hee might be replenished in him hee might find refreshing Againe taking courage to belieue hee disappoints Satan who intendeth not so much to draw him into security as to force him to cast away all hope of mercie Oh but a Christian is to examine and try himselfe whether hee be inriched with the graces of the Spirit or no True it is that the examination of our hearts is a necessary duty but to be done in due order so as we be stirred vnto not driuen froÌ„ the practice of other duties no lesse needfull But when the soule is distempered with the assaults of Satan and vnable to iudge of it owne state it is vnseasonable to make search into our hearts and preposterous is to giue place to doubtings because wee cannot find what wee desire Wee haue a commandement to belieue as well as to proue our selues both which must bee coupled together otherwise neither can be done as they ought and it is a plaine case that he who finds himselfe to be poore and naked is called to come vnto Christ that hee might receiue of his fulnesse bee inriched with his plentie If thou canst not find in thy selfe what thou seekest after come vnto Iesus Christ and belieue in him that thou mayest receiue what thou seekest and is to bee found in him Thirdly The distressed soule must learne that the grace of God worketh not alwayes alike in his children When we walke in the fields in winter we see not only no good fruit but not so much as a leafe on the trees in some also the very trunke or stocke appeareth to be dead yet is the sâ—p hidden in the root which in due time will shew that the tree was neuer dead When fire is raked vp there appeareth oftentimes a sort of cold dead ashes when there are vndeâ—neâ—th certaine sparkes of which you may afterward make a fire Yea many times the fruits of grace may shine in the conuersation to the eyes of others when the powers and stirrings of grace inwardly being hindred with temptations cannot be felt Fourthly The
long and manifold temptations of Satan wherewith hee seekes to throw Christians head-long into despaire is to them a testimonie of the inhabitation of the Spirit in their hearts For the power and strength whereby those assaults are repelled Math. 12.43 44 Luke 11.24 25 26. is it not of God The vncleane spirit might easily enter into the house with seuen other spirits worse then himselfe and dwell there if he found it swept and garnished that is empty and destitute of grace The strong man armed might well breake into the house if a stronger then hee did not keepe possession As the children of God are conquerours ouer many temptations so one only temptation and that of no long continuance is able to sinke the stoutest among the Reprobates who are meere drosse and refuse into the bottomlesse pit of Hell The strong assaults whereby the Deuill laboureth the ouer-throw of the poore seruant of God is to him an argument of strength receiued or that God will strengthen him For if he looke vnto God in the tentation he calleth not forth his seruants to the conflict vntill they be furnished nor will he let Satan loose vntill he haue inabled them to make resistance He will not lay waight vpon greene Timber nor crush the tender youngling with burdens vnsupportable whom God doth imploy in his warre either hee hath or will make them able for the seruice If he haue an eye vnto Satans malice why doth he muster all his forces to besiege if there bee no strength to withstand The long continued furious tentations of Satan doe make proofe that the heart is well fortified against him Meanes to stirre vp our selues to liue by faith in time of dreadfull temptation The way and meanes to stirre vp faith in these perplexities and times of grieuous temptations is First the distressed Christian must vnfainedly humble his soule for former ignorance vanitie of Minde disesteeme of mercy timorousnes discontent vnbeliefe misinterpreting the Lords doings solitary musings on the temptations of Satan selfe confidence and such other sinnes which may seeme to set vpon the soule to the fierce and dreadfull assaults of Satan and in that acknowledgement and humiliation hee must vnfold his present misery before the Lord. O my God I am ashamed and confounded and blush to lift vp my face to thee my God Ezra 9.6 for my sins are multiplied exceedingly and mine iniquities are risen vp against me I was conceiued in sinne I I haue liued in vanitie my thoughts are loose mine affections boisterous I haue disesteemed mercy regarded lying vanities giuen way to doubtfull reasonings pettishly taken on when my carnall desires haue beene crossed distusted thy promises disputed with thee of thy iudgements giuen way to thoughts of vnbeliefe harboured vnquietnesse and discontent and so exposed my soule to the most violent horrible and fierie tentations and assaults of Satan My soule which should be seasoned with sweete meditation on thy goodnesse mercie and grace manifested in Iesus Christ delighted in the promises of mercie and rauished with the ioyes of Heauen is continually pestered and assailed with the blacke and hellish thoughts of Atheisme despaire blasphemie discontent and extreamely tortured with soule-vexâ—ng feares O my God looke mercifully vpon the miserie of a poore distressed sinner I am brought into great darkenesse and can see no light There is no soundnesse in my flesh nor rest in my bones nor quiet in my soule My heart trembleth my strength faileth me my life is spent with griefe my spirit within mee is ouerwhelmed and preuailing feares so tyrannize ouer me that I cannot speake My Minde is full of disorder and confusion my heart of terrour my soule refuseth comfort In the day I am terrified with thoughts in the night affrighted with dreames Psal 38.8.10 Psal 32.4 I am sore wounded and broken I goe mourning and desolate all the day my moisture is like the drought of summer and in this deepe discomfort the Tempter ceaseth not to suggest Psal 3.2 That there is no helpe for me in my God Secondly hee must complaine of the malice of the Deuill and instantly intreate the Lord to pardon sinne bridle restraine and tread Satan vnder foote Whiles I declare mine iniquitie and am sorry for my sinne the Deuill rageth with incredible fury seeking to deuoure and swallow me vp He fighteth against me continually night and day is my soule vexed with temptations to be abhorred If I say I will remember the mercies of the Lord and thinke vpon his Name I will vnloade my soule into the bosom of my heauenly Father and waite vpon his grace then he suggesteth impious thoughts and horrible blasphemies to the great annoyance miserable distraction astonishment and vexation of my poore soule Remember me O my God according to the multitude of thy tender compassions and blot mine iniquities out of thy remembrance for thy Names sake Psal 130.5 There is mercy with thee concerning sinne pardon the trespasses of thy poore seruant and impute not vnto mee those hellish thoughts suggested by Satan which through thy grace I detest vnfainedly vnder which I desire to be sincerely humbled and from which I heartily begge to bee deliuered Returne O Lord Psal 31.16 cause the light of thy countenance to shine vpon mee refresh my parched soule with the sence of thy mercy dispell the mists of tentation rebuke Satan and restraine his malice Thou art the God of peace tread Satan Rom. 16.20 I beseech thee vnder my feete shortly that with a quiet and chearefull Spirit I may sing of thy praise and serue thee in holinesse and righteousnes all the daies of my life Thou art my strength and portion my rocke and towre of defence vnto thee doe I flie for succour Oh plead my cause against the enimie of my soule and thy glory I am purposed through thy grace to sticke and cleaue fast vnto thy mercy neuer to assent vnto or approue his horrible suggestions 1. Ioh. 5.18 Psal 35.17 Ps 22.21.22 Oh keepe mee that the euill one may neuer touch me Lord how long wilt thou looke on rescue my soule from the fierie assaults of that wicked one my darling from the Lyon I am sore troubled I am bowed downe greatly Psal 31.10 I walke in heauinesse all the day long My heart panteth my soule is exceedingly disquieted with tentations Ps 35.22 23. This thou hast seene O Lord keepe not silence O Lord bee not farre from mee Stirre vp thy selfe and awake to my iudgement curbe and chaine vp Satan that he may molest no longer and strengthen thy poore seruant that through thy might I may conquer and tryumph ouer him And my soule shall reioyce in the Lord Psal 35.9.10 it shall reioyce in his saluation All my bones shall say Lord who who is like vnto thee which deliuerest the poore from him that is too strong for him yea the poore and needie from him that spoyleth him Thirdly hee must
deliuer my soule from the wicked one Bee thou my strength in trouble encline thine care vnto my prayer and saue mee for I flie vnto thee for succour I am ready to halt Psal 38.21 and my sorrow is continually before me Forsake mee not O Lord O my God bee not farre from mee Hide not thy face farre from mee put not thy seruant away in anger thou hast beene my helpe Psal 17.9 leaue me not neither forsake me O God of my saluation Verse 11 Teach me thy way O Lord and lead me in a plaine path because of mine enemies Shew me the path of life guide me in the wayes of peace giue thy strength vnto thy seruant and saue mee for thy mercy sake Psal 17.5 Hold vp my goings in thy paths that I be not turned aside by the malice or sleights of Satan I am fully resolued to depend vpon thy grace and keepe thy Commandements Lord haue mercy vpon me raise me vp and strengthen me vnto the end By this I know that thou fauourest me Psal 41.11 12. because mine enemy doth not triumph ouer me Vphold me in mine integritie and set me before thy face for euer And here if the distressed Christian haue wasted his Spirits with violent and continuall sorrow hee must bee admonished not to thinke that presently hee should recouer former liuelinesse and abilitie Satan will not cease to suggest that this course hee hath now set vpon is vaine and fruitlesse because he finds more dulnesse and loggishnesse then formerly But he must tell himselfe that naturall powers once weakened are not soone repaired and in such case when stirrings be lesse the worke of grace may be more sound then heretofore Liuelinesse and actiuenesse is greatest in youth but the truth of grace greater in age Therefore hee must not scrupulously question his state because he feeles himselfe more feeble and lesse actiue then in former times CHAP. VII How to liue by faith in the times of trouble and aduersitie specially when we be exercised with many and long afflictions Psal 34.19 AFflictions are not more ordinarie then burdensome and heauie to be borne Many are the troubles of the righteous and manifold the infirmities of the righteous in their troubles Sometimes they take carnall counsell sometimes they fret and murmure 1. Sam. 27.1 sometimes they faint and despaire for a fit Dauid said in his heart I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul there is nothing better for me then that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines Psal 31.22 Psal 77.3 Verse 7. Verse 8. We stand in need to bee holpen against discouragements in affliction I I said in my haste I am cut off from before thine eyes I remembred God and was troubled I complained and my spirit was ouer-whelmed Will the Lord cast off for euer and will hee be fauourable no more Is his mercie cleane gone for euer doth his promise faile for euermore which frailtie of the Saints doth lesson vs what need we haue to bee strengthened against all discouragements and hinderances which in afflictions we shall meete withall that we neither grow wearie nor be turned aside in our Christian course And the Lord our most mercifull and louing Father knowing it to be most necessarie hath for the comfort and encouragement of his children plentifully signified that he will correct them in wisdome God correcteth in great wisdome Heb. 12.9 10. loue and tender compassion to the purge and refine them and gratiously promised to aide comfort and direct and in fittest time to deliuer them out of aduersities We haue had Fathers of our flesh who corrected vs and we gaue them reuerence shall we not much rather be in subiection vnto the Father of Spirits and liue For they verily for a few dayes chastened vs after their owne pleasure but hee for our profit that we might be pertakers of his holinesse Hath he smitten him as he smote those that smote him Measure Esay 27.7 8. Or is he slaine according to the slaughter of them that are slaine by him In measure when it shooteth forth thou wilt debate with it Ier. 46.28 30.11 he stayeth his rough winde in the day of the East winde Feare thou not O Iacob my seruant saith the Lord for I am with thee for I will make a full and of all Nations whither I haue driuen thee but I will not make a full end of thee but correct thee in measure yet will I not leaue thee wholy vnpunished This is that which the Prophet so earnestly begged of God O Lord Ier. 10.24 correct me but with iudgement not in thine anger lest thou bring me to nothing Hee corrects but for awhile For a moment Psal 30.5 For his anger endureth but a moment in his fauour is life weeping may endure for a night but ioy commeth in the morning He will not alwayes chide Psal 103.9 Ier. 3.12 Psal 125.3 neither will he keepe his anger for euer The rod of the wicked shall not rest vpon the lot of the righteous lest the righteous put forth their hands vnto iniquitie For yet a very little while Esay 10.25 and the indignation shall cease and mine anger in their destruction For a small moment haue I forsaken thee Esay 54.7 8. but with great mercies will I gather thee In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment but with euerlasting kindnesse will I haue mercie on thee saith the Lord thy Redeemer Esay 57.16 For I will not contexd for euer neither will I be alwayes wroth Mich. 7.18 for the spirit should faile before me and the soules which I haue made Who is a God like vnto thee that pardoneth iniquitie and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage in loue and He retaineth not his anger for euer because he delighteth in mercie Whom the Lord loueth he correcteth euen as a Father the Sonne in whom he delighteth Prou 3 12. Heb. 12.5 6. Reuel 3.19 Tendernesse Esay 63.9 Psal 103.13 As many as I loue I rebuke and chasten In all their affliction he was afflicted and the Angell of his presence saued them in his loue and in his pitie he redeâ—med them and he bare them and carried them all the dayes of old Like as a Father pitieth his children so the Lord pitieth them that feare him For he knoweth our frame Verse 14. hee remembreth that we are dust How shall I giue thee vp Hosea 11.8 9. Ephraim How shall I deliuer thee Israel How shall I make thee as Admah How shall I set thee as Zeboim Mine heart is turned within me my repentings are kindled together I will not execute the fiercenesse of mine anger I will not returne to destroy Ephraim for I am God and not Man the holy one in the midst of thee To proue Deut. 8.2 Thou shalt remember all the way which the
profit and in due time vouchsafe freedome and deliuerance The true belieuer desires the benefit and fruit of restraint and correction no lesse then the comfort of freedome and libertie He couets that the spirituall sicknesse may be remoued when the bitter potion is taken away A wise patient will neither refuse to swallow bitter pils when it may be for health nor disorder himselfe to make worke for the Physician hee will take Physicke to recouer strength and lay it aside when the troublesome maladie is expelled A belieuing patient had rather bee held in a continuall course of Physicke then that the matter of spirituall sicknesse should gather and ingender diseases in the soule Deliuerance with inward soundnesse is the thing which he longeth after and beggeth of God Thus faith will not suffer impotently to fret repine or murmure nor yet to grow secure as though it were no great matter how things went forward or backward it doth both calme the heart and kindle desires Nor doth faith incite barely to cry vnto God in distresse but in all conditions establisheth the heart vpon his aide that it lookes not after other meanes of deliuerance Iob 27.9 10. Psal 5.3 Mich. 7.7 then hee affords The vpright man will delight himselfe in the Almighty when trouble commeth vpon him he will call vpon God at all times and looke vnto him for helpe 7. Act. Seuenthly It raiseth the heart being conscious of it weaknesse to rest vpon the Lord for strength who makes vs able to doe all things through his strengthening of vs Phil. 4.13 Col. 1 11. Ephes 3.17 who strengtheneth his in the inner man to long-suffering with ioyfulnesse who hath said such as looke to mee shall renew their strength Esay 40.31 they shall mount vp with wings as Eagles they shall runne and not be weary they shall walke and not faint yea Psal 94.22 it fixeth and estâ—blisheth the heart vpon Christ the rocke strong and impregnable whence followeth courage steadines to vndergo them Thou wilt keepe him in perfect peace saith the Prophet whose minde or thought is stayed on thee Esay 26.3 2. Chron. 16.6 7 8. Psal 112.7 because he trusteth in thee The righteous shall not be afraid of euill tydings his heart is fixed or established and trusteth in the Lord. Thus faith setteth the Lord alwayes in it sight and fortifieth the heart in confidence of his might Psal 16.8 I haue set the Lord alwayes before mee Psal 73.23 because hee is at my râ—ght hand I shall not be moued that is I haue ouercome all temptations my hope being fastened vpon the Lord for hee hath powerfully assisted and comforted mee Our strength is to claspe to Christ and hold to him as the person in whom is all our strength The hil-rats are a weake creature hauing neither strength of limbes nor other meanes of nature to defend themselues Prou. 30.20 but making their houses in the rockes or stonie places and flying thither in time of danger they saue themselues and prouide safely for their young-ones Wee of our selues are feeble and weake easily ouerturned with the least temptation but working our selues by faith into that rocke Iesus Christ against whom the powers of Hell cannot preuaile wee become couragious vnmoueable inuincible It matters not what weight be laid vpon the foundation so it be sure and stedfast if Christ be our supporter as by faith he is made ours nothing can ouerwhelme vs. In quietnesse and confidence is our strength Againe Esay 30.15 by faith wâ—e receiue the Spirit of fortitude and courage whereby we are made able to endure the burthen of afflictions and become valiant in combates Esay 11.2 For the spirit of wisdome and ounsell of vnderstanding and strength was powred into Christ to the end we might boldly goe vnto him to a ke those things we stand in need of and receiue them by faith according to our measure Ephes 4.15 16. As the heâ—d communicates strength to the bodie so Christ powres out the vertue of his heauenly vnction vpon the whole bodie of his Church When the Apostles had receiued this spirit of strength they make a play of all their sufferings and labours euen as in bodily things wee see men that haue strength and courage as these porters and such they will make a sport to beare such burthens as a weake creature would tremble to lift at For as bladders swimme aloft all waters whilest they are filled with winde so doe wee aboue all afflictions Deut. 20.3 Iosh 7.5 Esay 7.4 2. Chron. 33.7 Prou 28.1 Psal 125.1 Esay 12 â— Iosh 10 25. Deut. 31.6 1. Chron. 28.20 2. Chron. 32.7 Psal 27.14 whilest this Spirit is with vs to support vs in them Feare doubting feeblenesse fainting nice-tendernesse or melting of heart proceed from infidelitie and distrust Hardinesse courage valour inuincible durance are the fruits of faith staying it selfe vpon the Lord and seeking vnto him Be strong be of good courage feare not nor be dismayed for the Lord will be with thee he will not faile thee nor forsake thee Distrust many times wrings from vs such voyces as these were it any thing but this I could hope to beare it Whereas did we in conscience of our impotencie seek to Christ to make vs able and fasten our selues vpon him by a liuely faith wee should finde strength enough through his might whereby to beare that comfortably which wee thinke most intollerable Faith driues a man out of himselfe as not able to beare the least crosse as he ought and through the power of God it enableth to beare that best how troublesome soeuer with which God is pleased to trie vs. 8. Act. Eightly By faith the godly heart is drawne to vse all lawfull meanes of helpe that God in his prouidence doth afford Mich. 7.7 Hab. 2.1 Psal 5.3 Psal 109.31 Psal 22.24 Psal 56.9 Heb. 11.2 7. but resteth quietly vpon Gods promises and assurance of his presence aboue all likelihoods and appearances God shall stand saith the Psalmist at the right hand of the poore to saue him from those that condemne his soule When I crie vnto thee then shall mine en mies turne backe this I know for God is for me Moses left Egypt and feared not the wrath of the King because he saw him that was inuisible The reason hereof is faith coupleth the meanes and the end but looketh to the promiser his grace faithfulnesse and power who is able to doe aboue all that we can comprehend and not to the probabilitie of the thing promised Ephes 3.20 Rom. 4.11.11 Abraham against hope belieued in hope that hee might become the Father of many Nations being fully perswaded that what God had promised he was able to performe Heb. 11.11 By faith Satah receiued strength to beare a Sonne when she was past age What manner of dependance on the promises faith worketh because she iudged him faithfull who had promised
vnbeliefe For what cannot hee make for our good 2. Cor. 4.6 Rom. 4.17 in what distresse and anguish cannot he reuiue who calleth light out of darkenes and things that are not as if they were if wee will giue glorie to his Woâ—d by resting vpon it Prou. 14.10 The heart knoweth the bitternesse thereof and the stranger shall not meddle with it ioy Thus liuing by faith in times of triall and visitation doth fit and prepare the heart to thankfulnesse when light shall shine from on high and that so much the more as our afflictions haue beene the sharper or of greater continuance Returne O Lord how long Psal 90.13 14. and let it repent thee concerning thy seruants O satisfie vs early with thy mercie Psal 30.11 12. that we may reioyce and be glad all our dayes Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing thou hast put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladnesse Psal 35.28 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee and not be silent O Lord my God I will giue thankes vnto thee for euer If one heale a trifling disease it neither so bindeth the patient nor commendeth the Physician but if one heale vs of some deadly incurable maladie O wee say then wee could neuer haue met with such a Physician not the like in the world againe Thou broughtest vs into the net Psal 66.11 12 13. thou laidst affliction vpon our loines thou hast caused men to ride ouer our heads we went through fire and through water but thou broughtest vs out into a wealthy place I will goe into thy house with burnt Offerings I will pay thee my vowes It will be obiected Preuention of Obiection That in affliction faith is weake and corruption stirring That in affliction faith seemeth to be most weake and corruption most stirring First And true it is that many doubtfull thoughts ascend into Christians hearts partly because they know not that they are allowed to liue by faith in an afflicted state partly because they iudge amisse of their afflictions taking them as arguments of wrath and displeasure rather then trials of faith and chastisements of peace As children through want of wisdome are afraid of bug-beares so the errour of our minde raiseth great feare and doubt of that which cannot hurt vs peraduenture might greatly comfort vs if rightly vnderstood This mistaking must be corrected by fâ—ith and spirituall wisdome Secondly True it is alâ—o we sometime feele more stirring of corruption in time of trouble for a while then we felt before but as Physicke then expelleth hurtfull humours when it worketh vpon them and maketh vs complaine as feeling them more then when they were let alone so doth Gods Physicke to the soule euen while it is driuing out corruption it makes vs feele and complaine of it more then euer The like may be said of faith which we feele weaker during the timâ— of triall But striking the Torch which for the presâ—nt seemeth to put it out maketh it blaze Physiâ—ke which for the time weakens doth tend to strengthen the bodie shaking the Tree which seemeth to loose the roots fasteneth them deeper and the same may be said in this case Thirdly In afflictions faith is tried the sweetnesse of it is not so much felt as it is latent which makes vs thâ—nke it to bee brought exceeding low The strength of the bodie is put forth in conflâ—cts and burthens felt when wee walke at ease and lâ—bretie A man may shew most strength in wrestling when to his owne feeling he discerneth most weaknesse and so it is in faith when the sense is lest the power may bee greatest There is an afflicted strength which cannot bee felt great though it be so in truth and there is an afflicted faith which is not discerned to be of that force of which indeed it is But strength afflicted and strength decayed faith afflicted and faith ouer-whelmed are much different Fourthly If want of spirituall refreshings doth trouble and breed scruple in vs we must remember that Physicke purgatiue and restoratiue must not bee tâ—ken at one and the same time To admit of sorrowes but on condition that spirituall consolation should drowne the feeling thereof is as it were to wish sufferings without suffering When God ministreth for the preseruation or recouerie of spirituall health it is the office of faith to receiue the potion and further the kindly working of it which cannot bee done vnlesse it giue way vnto yea stirre vp godly sorrow and wrestle painfully to driue out such corruptions as God would haue remooued by them During battell the Souldier must exercise his skill valour and strength in repelling subduing and pursuing the enemie his refreshing comes when the fight is ended and the spoile diuided In the dayes of affliction faith is conflicting with doubts allurements corruptions which shew themselues if wee doe not feele those sweet comforts of the spirit that our soules desire let vs waite with patience till the victorie be obtained And if we would stirre vp our faith to belieue and depend vpon God in the dayes of great tribulations Helps to stirre vp faith in deepe afflictions when all meanes faile when all meanes of helpe faile we must First Lay open our sorrowes before the LORD and powre out our complaint into his bosome Lord how am I beset with miseries Psal 55.2 How doe my sorrowes increase daily I am the man that haue seene affliction by the rod of thine anger Lam. 3.1 2. Thou hast brought mee into darknesse but not into light My heart fainteth my strength faileth my skinne is made old Psal 38.10 Psal 22.15 Lam. 3.7 my sight waxâ—th dimme and all my bones are out of ioynt Thou hast hedged me about that I cannot get out and made my chaine heauy My louers and my friends stand aloofe from my stroke and my neighbours stand afarre off Psal 36.11 Psal 88.8 Psal 3.1 But they that seeke my hurt doe multiply they speake mischieuous things and imagine deceit all the day long I am the reproach of men the despised of the people Psal 35.20 Psal 22.6 Psal 35.11 the song of the Drunkards False witnesses are risen vp against me who lay to my charge things I neuer knew and teare mee in pieces with their continuall slanders In mine aduersitie they reioyce they gather themselus together against me Psal 41.7 8 6. thâ—y reuile without ceasing they open their mouthes wide against me Psal 42.10 Psal 83.14 Psal 10.1 and spare not to blaspheme thy Name As with a sword in my bones mine enemies reproach me while they say daily vnto me where is thy God Lord all this is come vpon me and yet thou standest afarre off and hidest thy selfe from my trouble Lam. 3.44 I cry vnto thee but thou hearest not thou couerest thy selfe with a cloud that my prayers should not ascend Secondly Confesse our sinnes with hatred and godly sorrow The
disquietnesse of my heart and trouble of my flesh ariseth from my sinne Psal 38.18 Hosea 5.15 I will therefore declare mine iniquity I will bee sorry fâ—r my sinne I will acknowledge my selâ—e guiltie before the Lord. Psal 40.12 For innumerable euils haue compassed me about mine iniquities haue taken hold vpon me so that I am not able to looke vp they are more then the haires of my head therefore my heart fail th me Lam. 3.42 â— Sam. 24.10 17. I haue sinned and rebelled and thou hast not spared Loe I haue sinned I hauâ— done wickedly I haue sinned greatly I haue done very foolishly Behold Iob 40 4. Iob 42.6 I am vile what shall I answere thee I will lay my hand vpon my mouth I abhorre my selfe and repent in dust and ashes Thirdly Take vp our heaâ—ts for halting through vnbelieâ—e and call vpon them to rest in the promise of diuine aide Psal 49.5 assistance and deliuerance Wherefore should I feare in the dayes of euill when the iniquitie of my he les shall compasse mee about When the mightie man doth boast himselfe in mischiefe Psal 52.1 The louing kindnesse of the Lord endureth at all times Psal 35 27. Psal 54.4 Hee will not forsake his Saints although they bee afflicted for a season God is my refuge who hath pleasure in the prosperitie of his sâ—ruant and will draw neere for my deliuerance and makâ— hâ—ste for my helpe when sorrowes enuiron on euery side When all succour failes Psal 22.11.19 he careth for my soule When my spirit is contrite and my heart within mee desolate he is at my right hand to sustaine Psal 34.18 Psal 55.27 18. yea to saue my soule He will hide his mercifull-Saint vntill the calamitie bee ouer-past I am poore and needie Psal 40.17 yet the Lord thinketh on me I am sunke deepe into the myre and clay but his hand shall plucke me vp hee will set me beâ—ore his face for euer Maruellous things hath hee wrought for his people in former times Heâ— turned the Sea into dry land Psal 6â— 6 Psal 77.14 15. and made way for them through the midst thereof He led them through fire and water and by a stretched out arme brought thâ—m into a wealthy place Psal 66.11 12. Hab. 1.12 Is not our God from Euerlasting the Holy One the same for Euer His power is infinite his goodnesse incompâ—ehensible his loue as great towardes his Saints now as euer heretofore He will send downe from Heauen to saue me he will deliuer mee out of many waters Psal 57.3 When I am hemmed in on euery side the Lord will prouide some way for my escape for hee can doe more then I am able to conceiue or thinke Psal 71.20 Thou who hast shewed mee great and sore troubles shalt quicken me againe and shalt bring me vp againe from the depths of the earth When I was inclosed in the wombe my distresse and danger was great my strength weake my condition hopelesse Psal 22.9 10. neuerthelesse I was saued by thy power and by thy prouidence was brought aliue into this world and should I now doubt of thy helpe and mercy because in likelihood I cannot see them My flesh and my heart faileth Psal 7â— 26 but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for euer The depths of miserie are the Lords fittest seasons to rescue his afflicted ones Mercilesse men will shew compassion in great extremitie and shall not the Lord who is rich in mercy and louing kinâ—nesse extend his fauour to mee when I am reâ—die to perish Psal 85.9 Surely his saluation is nigh them that feare him Fourâ—hly Importune the Lord and direct thy supplications before him Psal 86.7 Psal 55.16 In the day of my trouble I will call vpon thee for thou wilt answere me Heare me speedily O Lord my spirit faileth hide not thy face from me lest I be like vnto them that goe downe into the pit Psal 143 7 8. Cause me to heare thy louing kindnesse in the morning Psal 55.1 2 3. for in thee doe I trust Deliuer mee from mine enemies I flie vnto thee to hide me Lord how long wilt thou looke vpon the misâ—ries of thy seruant Psal 35.17 and keepe silence rescue my soule from the destruction of the aduersarie my darling from the Lions Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me Psal 40 11. Verse 13. Psal 86.14 15 16. O Lord let thy louing kindnesse and thy truth continually preserue me Be pleased O Lord to deliuer me O Lord make haste to helpe me O God the proud are risâ—n against me and the assemblies of violent men haue sought â—fter my soule and haue not set thee before them But thou O Lord art a God full of compassion and gratious long-suffering and plenteous in mercy and truth O turne vnto me and haue mercy vpon me giue thy strength vnto thy seruant and saue the sonne of thy handmaide How long Lord Psal 89.46 wilt thou hide thy selfe for euer shall thy wrath burne like fire Remember thy former louing kindnesses which haue beene of old remember that I am but dust and that my dayes passe away like a shadow remember the reproach of thy seruant wherewith I am reproached of them that dwell round about wherewith the vngodly and prophane haue reproached thy pure Religon and blasphemed thy holy Name Lord look vpon mine affliction and my teares for I am brought very low Fiftly Quicken thy resolution to trust in the Lord at all times euen when all other refuge faileth and none shewes himselfe for thy helpe Psal 56.3 4. What time I am in trouble I will trust in God for hee shall redeeme my soule Hee is the God of my saluation Dan. 12.1 who will send deliuerance to his people in the lowest extremitie and vouchsafe mercie to his chosen aboue all they expect and looke for Psal 55.19 Lam. 3.55 56 57. in most conuenient season I cried vnto the Lord in the day of my calamity and my prayer entred into his eares therefore will I trust in him as long as I liue Lord I will wait for thy saluation establish my heart in thy truth that I be not moued CHAP. VIII What it is to liue by faith touching the promises of earthly blessings temporall prosperitie and good successe in the things that we goe about THe Lord our God knowing that earthly blessings bee so necessary for the maintenance of this life that we cannot be without them God hath made many promises of earthly blessings hath of his infinite bountie and free grace vndertaken promised to make competent prouision for his children that being freed from the cares and troubles of these things below they might with greater freedome attend vpon his seruice and with more chearefulnes run the race of Christianitie O feare the Lord yee his Saints Psal 34 9 10. for
his saluation and looketh vnto Christ the Authour and finisher of our faith who hath receiued â—ommandemâ—nt of the Father that hee should not only â—all vs and bring vâ— into the state of grace but also raise vs vp at the last day who is that great God and Sauiour who will keepe his from euery euill worke vnto his heaâ—enly kingdome Th s matter may bee exemplified in some particular How to liue by faith in the vse of meate and drinke scil how wee are to liue by faith in the vse of meate and drinke First By faith we leaâ—ne out of the Word of God who haue sonne-like interest â—nd title vnto the creatures what creatures are sanctified vnto our vse and how each man must sâ—nctifie them vnto himselfe by a reuerent and holy vse As that the person must be in couenant 1. Tim. 4.5 Titus â— 16 2. Thess 3.12 resting vpon Christ for saluation and giuing himselfe vnto the studie and sincere vnpartiall practice of holinesse the food must bee lawfully gotten prouided with wise respect of our place and mâ—anes without distracting care or exquisite curiositie nicenesse receiued with thanksgiuing as from Gods hanâ— and vsed as in his sight and presence for such ends and purposes as he hath appointed Secondly It receiueth them not as the fruit of our forecast labour or desert but as gifts of Gods bountie yea Psal 104.21 145.15 Psal 23.5 Hosea 2 18 19. Ezek. 37.24 25 as gifts of the gratious couenant proceeding froÌ„ the free loue of God For in the couenant of grace God promiseth not only to write his Law in our hâ—arts and to forgiue our sinnes but also to conferre temporall blessings as they shall be seruiceable to vs in our iourney towâ—rds Heauen Men that make a great purchase desire to haue some part in present possession and our gratious God making pâ—omise of eternâ—ll happinesse doth giue earthly blessings in hand as pertaining to that heauenly possession which wee shall enioy hereafter Now as God giues temporall thiâ—gs to his people in couenâ—nt so doth faith receiue them as â—okens of speciall good-will and fauour in Iesus Christ Heb. 1.2 2.8 in and thâ—ough whom of free grace sonne-like right and tiâ—le to the creatures is restoâ—ed which by sinne and disobâ—dience was forfeited And these considerations strike the heart with reuerence inflame it with loue and raise an holy regard and care not to abuse this grant of mercie breeds an acknowleâ—gement of our vnworthinesse of any mercie Gen. 32.10 admiratâ—on of Gods prouision and contentation with the least blessing of God Thirdly By faith we are taught that man liueth not by bread only Deut 8.3 Math. 4.4 but by the prouidence of God and his blessing vpon his own ordinance It is not the nature of the thing it selfe simply to nourish if Gods blessing bee not vpon it Psal 104.15 it can afford no refreshing Bread strengthens wine comforts the heart by his ordinance and application of them to that vse but the blessing is not in the creature it comes from aboue Bread nourisheth when it is Gods hand or meanes to confer strength and vigour but if he plucke away his hand it is but a deafe nut Thou maist eate and not bee filled Hosea 4.10 Hag. 1.5 6. Mich. 6.14 15. Psal 106.15 drinke bee and not satisfied Thus it is noted of the Israelites The Lord fed them with Manna but sent leannesse into their soules This perswasion sinking deepe into the belieuing heart taketh it off the creature and lifteth it vnto the Lord in earnest and pertinent prayer that hee would of his grace vouchsafe vnto vs 1. Tim. 4.4 as leaue to vse his creatures so his blessing vpon them that the food wee receiue may doe vs good we feeling the nourishing vertue thereof and that with ioy and cheerefulnesse The prayer of faith for Gods blessing vpon the creatures when they are set before vs should be no lesse earnest then for the mercies themselues if wanting For there is no more possibilitie in meate of it selfe to nourish without Gods blessing then it is for man to liue without meate Fourthly It teacheth to be heauenly-minded labouring to taste Gods goodnesse and feele his gratious presence with our spirits at our sweetest feasts Beza annot maior in 1. Tim. 4.5 Hosea 2.9 And this is the best sawce to all meates which giueth them the daintiest rellish When we sit downe to meate we come to a liuely Sermon of Gods bountie and loue for the bread wee feed vpon is not ours but the Lords all the prouision are gifts of his mercie in Iesus Christ Caluin in Psal 8 Verse 8. Moller ibid. And the more sensible the creatures are the more pleasant and delightsome to our palate the more should we be affected with the sense of Gods loue and fauour Fiftly Faith worketh the heart to sobrietie and moderation watchfulnesse and feare lest it should be ensnared and drawne away with these delights To sobrietie in affecting and in vsing earthly things To sobrietie in thought that wee suffer not the mind to be taken vp with cogitations what we shall eate next how we may gratifie the palate Sobrietie in desire that wee long not after daintie meate for such longing effeminates the minde engenders and feeds passion and makes way to hardnesse of heart Sobrietie in receiuing them for the strengthening of nature and not to the dulling of our Spirits For faith raiâ—â—th the heart to more spirituall delights and guardeth the appetite that it range not immoderately after sensuall things The word of grace teacheth to liue soberly Titus 2.11 and faith receiuing this word worketh sobrietie in earthly things refreshing the soule with spirituall sweetnesses and watching against intemperate cherishings that they winne not ground As a man that hath tooke in the taste of the best creatures cannot forth-with feed on that which is coarse â—ant 1.2 Psal 119.72 â—0â— Psal 36.9 Ier 31 14. Psal 63.3 6. meane no way to be compar d so a Christian who by faith hath tasted the loue of God which is beâ—ter then wine the comforts of the word which are sweeter then honey to the mouth hee cannot affect as sometimes before he did those sensuall delights which carnall men who know no better follow with greedâ—nesse If earthly delights creepe vpâ—n vs it is because the exercise of faith is neglected which must conscionably be renewed againe Moreouer a Christian belieuer comes to his Table with an holy Iealousie remembring that a snare is laid for him in euery creature Satan is a cunning fowler who hath his baits laid secretly to catch vs where we least suspect The Snake lurketh in the fairest grasse and the most dangerous grins are set in our lawfull liberties And through neglect to keepe vp our watch these oft take when others misse More perish through the abuse of things lawfull then by the practice of what is simply vnlawfull
to that high delight in Gods seruice that he loued the Commandements of God more then thousands of gold and siluer the honey and the honey combe That hee rose at mid-night to meditate in them was it not by faith The grace of Christ the power of the Spirit and the Word of life doe change the disposition of the soule so farre as they enter and be receiued into it But by faith their vertue is diffused into the whole masse Fourthly Admirable in force and efficacie is the perswasion of faith aboue all the Oratorie in the world All the common inducements taken from profit pleasure honour what poore and weake engines are they to the irresistible arguments of faith by which it moueth the heart to yeeld willing and chearefull obedience Thus it goeth to worke with vs Hath Christ giuen himselfe for thee forgiuen thee so many debts conferred fauours of all kinds vpon thee and what hast thou to retribute If thou giue all thy goods to the poore thy bodie to the fire â—hy soule to his seruice were not all short of recompence Louest thou louest thou this Sauiour of thine and â—arest thou aduenture vpon any thing displeasing vnto him Is there any thing too hard to be done for his sake too deâ—re or good for him Whom hast thou in heauen or eâ—â—th worthy to be affected in comparison of thy Sauiour What is to be dreaded but his displeasure Is there any recompenâ—e to the ioyes of Heauen any danger to the torments of Hell any pleasure to the sense of his fauour O my soule why doest thou not resigne thy selfe to the pleasure of his will in euery thing runne when he calleâ—h and doe what he requireth at thy hands Whâ—t dost thou feare Wherewith art thou intangled God is thy souereigne thy Fâ—ther thy Sauiour to him thou owest thy selfe and all that thou hast thy honour wealth life or if any thing be more pretious then these Thou canst not loue thy selfe as is meete if thou â—enie not thy selfe to follow the Lord in all things For in keeping his Commandements there is great reward Can or did any Belieuer euer giue the nay to these mâ—lting commands or commanding intreaties of faith Will it take the repulsâ— Doth it not constraine or extort more then all rackes and strapadoes allure more then all wages and prizes When thou wouldst bee sure to speed and obtaine any thing of thine owne vntoward heart set faith on worke to make the motion thou shalt preuaile For the motiues of faith are certaine euident and such as cause firme assent whereby the heart is drawne to follow after the thing proposed Fiftly It disposeth and moueth the heart to absolute vniforme vnpartiall and constant obedience to euery commandement and that in one estate aswell as another In Scripture to belieue in Christ and to keepe the Commandements mutually inferre one another either capable of others properties Faith includes the compleate and practicall knowledge of good and euill inclining the faculties of our soule to auoid all commerce with the one and embrace euery branch of the other It frameth the Image of God or Christ in our minds and proposeth him as a patterne for our imitation in all our workes thoughts and resolutions Deut. 30.20 11.22 2. Kings 18.6 Iosh 23.8 Acts 11.23 Psal 119.31 Heb. 11 5.33 It acknowledgeth his soueraignetie assenteth faithfully to his will and pleasure embraceth soundly euery part of the holy truth of God and sticketh so fast that nothing can come betwixt the heart and it from whence issueth vniuersall respect to all and euery precept Faith doth not admit one part of the Word and exclude another nor receiue it barely into the Head and shut it forth of the heart but entertaineth it wholly diffuseth the â—ertue of it into euery power of the soule changeth the natural disposition into the quality of the truth And thus by faith the soule is kindly disposed to follow the Lord whithersoeuer hee goeth before vs. If the heart bee dull and vntoward the best course to redresse what is out of order is by quickening our assent to the good pleasure of his command and our confidence in his mercie Sixtly It fires the heart with such an indefatigable and vnquenchable loue Cant 8.7 8. that in comparison of obedience it contemneth the whole world For it acquainteth with the incomprehensible mercie and fauour of God towards vs in giuing his Sonne pardoning and forgiuing manifold offences lading vs with his daily blessings It representeth the inestimable ioy that is prepared for them that walke before God in holinesse and righteousnesse and this enflameth the heart to follow hard after the Lord. Psal 63.8 When by faith we discerne what loue the Lord beareth vnto vs we cannot but returne loue for loue Luke 7.47 Many sinnes are forgiuen her therefore shee loueth much And fâ—om all these acts it followeth That what a temporarie belieuer doth by the halues â—â—perficially or with an halting diuided heart that the true and vnfained belieuer takes in hand with an intire sound vpright affection What in the one is a liuelesse action the out-side or carcasse of a good worke that in the other is a good worke indeed springing from an holy wel-planted confidence in the mercie of God and resolute adherence to his Commandements which as the animall facultie impels to that exercise The selfe-same duties may be done by the ciuill man and by the belieuer for the out-side and deed done both may goe to Church heare a Sermon reade a Chapter giue an Almes make a Prayer but the one goeth as a Beare to the stake in comparison of the other who is moued by faith or let the ciuill mans delight be as it may his acts are liuelesse because they issue not from an obedientiall confidence in the Lords mercie Seuenthly Faith makes sensible of our manifold defects infirmities and failings faintings and coolings It shewes how weake wee are of our selues how farre wee come short how apt we are to decline and start aside And this consideraâ—ion of faith hath blessed effects First It causeth serious and attentiue meditation vpon the Word of God that it may sinke deepe and abide firme in the heart Acts 16.14 Psal 119.15 Psal 119.11 I haue hid or treasured vp thy Commandements in my heart that I might not sinne against thee And to this purpose a belieuer will not bee negligent to watch all opportunities when his soule is throughly affected with vnexpected matter of sorrow Luke 1.65 66. 2.51 ioy griefe feare admiration or the like and forthwith to apply such passages of Scripture as sute best to the present affections Secondly It worketh the heart often and deliberately to renew its resolution not trusting in our owne strength but in the grace of God Psal 119.106 Iohn 15.6 I haue sworne and will performe it trusting vpon thy diuine grace without which we can doe nothing that I will keepe thy
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
mentioned and answered before Now if any poore and weake Christian desire to know as he desires nothing more how he should stirre vp himselfe to belieue the promise of forgiuenes when he wants the comfort of it yea when to his owne sence he feeles the contrarie First he must vnfainedly humble his soule before God in the confession of sin with earnest prayer for pardon For he that acknowledgeth his sins shall be receiued into fauour Ier 3.13 O Lord I haue sinned and thou art iustly displeased I haue cast off thy law and thy wrath is kindled against me My heart trembleth at the apprehension of thy sore dispeasure and I am afraid of thy iudgements All this is come vpon me by reason of my foolishnesse Psal 38.5 my smart and sorrow is bred in mine owne bosome I haue no rest in my bones because of my sinne Psal 38 3. But deare Father I looke vnto thee for mercy in Iesus Christ I beseech thee take away the transgression of thy seruant 2. Sam. 24 10. It is thy propertie to shew mercy it is thy free promise to pardon the iniquities transgressions and sinnes of thy people that turne vnto thee and pray for thy Names sake be fauorable to mine iniquities and remember my sin no more cast them behind thy backe Exod. 34.6.7 1. Reg 8.33.34 Isa 43.25 and 44.22 Isal 38.17 Mic. 7.18 Psal 52.2 doe them away as a mist and burie them in perpetuall obliuion I haue gone astray like a lost sheepe but now my desire is to returne home vnto thee With my whole heart I desire thy fauour O suffer mee not to perish vnder the burden of my sinne Remember not to my reuoltings from thy Commandements but according to the multitude of thy tender compassions remember me for thy goodnesse sake O Loâ—d Truth it is I am not worthy to be called thy sonne or to be pertaker of the least crumme of thy mercy But thou art a most louing and compassionate Father who dealest not according to the iniquities of thy children that trespasse against thee Num. 14.19 Psal 103.10 nor rewardest them according to their deserts who retainest not thine anger for euer because mercy pleaseth thee If thou wilt be mercifull to my sin then shall thy glory appeare my heart shall bee enflamed with thy loue I shall walke in thy feare and my tongue shall sing of thy goodnesse Secondly He must rowse and stirre vp himselfe to belieue with reasons drawne from the promises and couenant of God made in Iesus Christ considerations taken out of the Word and experience of his dealing with other his seruants in former times Psal 4â— Why art thou cast downe O my soule why art thou disquieted within mee Trust in God and cast thy burthen vpon him for hee will ease thee Math. 11.28 Esay 55.1 2. Mic. 7.19 Psal 65.3 Psal 85.2 Esay 1.18 2 Cor. 5.19 20. 1 John 3.23 Thou hast his promise confirmed by oath and couenant that hee will cast thy sinnes into the bottome of the Sea purge away thy transgressions foâ—giue thine iniquities couer all thine infirmities and neuer remember them any more Behold hee perswadeth intreateth beseecheth commandeth thee to belieue why art thou afraid It is the will of God that thou shouldst rest on his mercy hee cannot bee offended for that which himselfe commandeth nor denie that which he hath promised Rom. 5.20 Eph. 5.2 1.7 If sinne abound mercie shall abound much more His burning wrath is pacified in Iesus Christ who hath giuen himselfe an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweete smelling sauour that grace might glorifie herselfe in the pardoning of thy offences Hast thou nothing to bring before him but sinne and impietie that hee abhorreth Hee looketh vpon thee in his deare Sonne Iesus Christ Rom. 3.25 Hosea 14.3 whom hee hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his bloud and loueth freely Doest thou require testimonies of his vndeserued kindnesse God so loued the world Iohn 3.16 that he gaue his onely begotten Sonne that whosoeuer belieueth in him should not perish but haue euerlasting life Esay 54.8 Ezek. 16 60. He hath entred into a free and euerlasting couenant with thee and waited long for thy conuersion when thou wentest astray and will he not much more haue mercie vpon thee now thou prayest Why art thou dismayed at the sight of thy great vnworthinesse Miserie is the obiect of mercy Acts 9.11 the greater thy distresse the more glorious will bee the grace of God in thy deliuerance The baâ—er thou art in thine owne sight the fitter to belieue for faith excludes all conceite of worth and receiueth pardon as a meere gift of grace Sinfull men whose compassions are not as the drop of a bucket to the huge Ocean if compared with the infinite Sea of mercie which is in our God must forgiue their Brethren till seuentie times seuen times Luke 17.34 if they sinne against them and repent Our God who requires so much of vs who haue nothing but what he giueth will hee not deale tenderly with the poore soule which hath sinned and repenteth God hath done more for vs then for shame we could desire before we asked any thing at his hand yea when wee sought to excuse our disobedience and charge the fault vpon his Highnesse what will he not doe when we accuse our selues and pray for mercie My soule nothing can hurt thee but vnbeliefe Thou art wounded by sinne Belieue in Christ and by his bloud thou art healed God is angry Belieue and thou art reconciled All variance ceaseth when thou art knit vnto Christ Wherefore shake off dâ—strust hearken no longer to the assaults of Satan but roll thy selfe vpon the Lord and sticke fast vnto his mercie If thou want the sence of his loue thou hast his promise that hee will be good vnto thee cleaue vnto it aboue all thou canst feele see or comprehend O my God I will trust in thee though thou shouldest kill me I will belieue thy fauour when thou frownest vpon me and expect comfort when I lie groaning vnder the heauie weight of thy displeasure Thou causest man for a time to possesse the sinnes which thou hast pardoned and I will belieue the pardon of my sins when thou seâ—mest to set them in order before my face Thirdly Hee must bee instant with the Lord to giue him both strength of faith and the sight of his beliefe that he may know he doth belieue vnfainedly Giue me Gratious Father to belieue as thou commanded mee to relie vpon thee Thou stretchest forth thy hand in loue and offerest rich treasures of goodnesse to them that lay hold vpon them create in mee the hand of faith that I may effectually receiue what in mercy thou reachest forth The knowledge of faith is of thee as is the gift it selfe giue me the Spirit of reuelation that I may discerne truly what thou hast giuen me
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