beleeving alike he will be alike in dispensing his mercies Mal. 3.6 I am the Lord I change not therefore ye sonnes of Jacob are not consumed Therefore also collect as David 1 Sam. 17 36. and as Paul 2 Tim. 4.17 18. It is a great help to a Beleever to remember the yeers of the right hand of the most high Psal 77.10 and call to mind what he hath done for his Church and people formerly to the Church in Aegypt in the Wildernesse in Hamans time in other exigences Others have fared well while they waited on God therefore we also will wait and doubt not but to doe well enough Psal 22.4 5. Our Fathers trusted in thee they trusted and thou didst deliver them They cryed unto thee and were delivered they rusted in thee and were not confounded Thus fortifie your faith as much as ye can and it will be a strong fortifying of your spirits in all feares of evill A strong and healthy body getteth up a high hill farre better then a weakling can doe If our faith were stronger our hearts should be more fixed and setled then they are If it were the fall assurance of faith Heb. 10.22 we should not once doubt for all these terrours Mark 11.13 Remember the removing of mountaines and transplanting of trees into the midst of the sea all by the power of faith Onely beleeve and all shall be possible Other Consequences of the point are these I. Be thankfull for this precious grace of faith Be thankfull for the usefull grace of Faith which is so usefull in these dangerous dayes the staffe of thy life the strength of thy soule the fixâ—ng of thy poore trembling heart the only sight thou hast when round about is nothing but darknesse A great and wonderful gift thou receivedst when the Lord gave thee faith to beleeve in his Sonne and rest in promises It is worth the having though thou pastedst through the pikes in duties of humiliation It cost some adoe to get faith but when it is once had it is a most blessed commodity It stands thee in stead ever afterward whatever sad occasions thou hast The Jaylor though much cast downe for a while Act. 1â— 34 yet reioyced that he beleeved and all his houshold And those primitive Beleevers who were pricked at the heart in hearing of their great sinne reioyced and praised God for so great a mercy Acts 2.44 47. Goe thou and doe likewise We give thanks for lesser mercies then this Or what if the Lord give thee not riches health peace and the like Yet he gives that which is better and countervailes all other defects with infinite advantage on the eternall part Doe thy best to work faith in others II. If things goe thus then doe all ye can to get faith into your children and friends as ye desire they should have found and hearty comfort in the evill day Ye would not see them lye distracted malancholie drooping under their burden taking indirect courses to help themselves Now lay a good foundation not onely in morall vertues or religious duties but goe higher tell them of Christ of the Covenant the promises sinne and guiltinesse their need of a Saviour and the like It is a great matter Ps 112.1 to feare God and delight greatly in his Commandements This Text is a promise to such persons but note withall it goeth higher even to that sovereigne grace of faith His heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. verse 7. And it was by faith that the old Beleevers dâ—d suffered or received those great matters Heb. 11. Therefore in all thy instruction and discipline still insinuate something for faith Get that notion into their heads and hearts None but Christ Jo. Lambert Advance a faithfull Ministery whereby faith is bestowed None but Christ III. If it be so then advance a faithfull Ministery aâ— the meanes whereby faith is bred and thereby a ground laid for solid comfort in times of feare Plant such a Ministery where it is wanting cherish and maintaine it where it is Pitty them that want the Ordinance pray they may have the Word of faith preached among them Mat. 6.38 Pray the Lord of the Harvest to send forth Labourers into his Harvest If rich be at charges if in authority give countenance to a faith-breeding Ministery This is the onely way for poore soules to be soundly comforted when their tryall commeth Comfort stands not in a smartering knowledge or a few good words or saying over some good prayers or the like but if faith were bestowed into the heart which alone can quicken a soule otherwise dying No grace nor vertue can knit a knot betweene God and the soul but onely faith Faith truly so called is of a lasting nature whatever tryals there be and of a triumphing nature 1 Pet. 1.7 8. Beleeving ye reâ—oâ—ce with ioy unspeakable and full of glory And if so how worthy are those pains whereby faith is conveyed into the heart and afterward confirmed Take faiths part against a faithlesse generation 2 Pet. 1.1 IV. Ever commend and stand in the magnifying of faith which doth so good offiâ—es in the worst times Call it a precâ—ous faith much to be esteemed and prized Endure not any word of disparagement to be cast upon it There is a carnall generation of men and womâ—n who doe much slight and villifie faith as an ayrie Notion a trifle nothing in comparison of Charity and good works Oh here is much adoe about faith these are our Solifidians c. Whereto I say First neither charity nor works are any thing without faith Heb. 11.6 Without faith it is impossible to please Gâ—d It is in Christ only that we and our graces are acceptâ—d No merit in charity nor the works of it onely in Christ they get acceptance Yea in faith it selfe is nothing meritorious all the vertue and praise of it standeth in relation to Christ the Object Secondly it is faith that must uphold the heart in an evill time When dangers be abroad and feares come home to us this is our anchor to be staid withall We have seen how much is cast upon faith to doe in these sad plucks What we have done in an holy way may be a comfort but the stresse of the businesse lyeth on this how well we have beleeved and what interest we have in Christ Psal 27.13 I had fainted unles I had beleeved to see the goodnesse of the Lord in the Land of the living And the comfort of the good we have done comes in a secondary consideration Heb. 10.4 In that ye did it to these ye did it unto me By faith Abel offered a better sacrifice them Cain Thirdly faith ever will produce good works Fides sola iustificat sed fides quae iustificat non est sola as a good Tree good fruits It works by love Gal. 5.6 and love is a laborious thing 1 Cor. 13.4.7 No fire without light and warmth no faith without love and good works Every branch in Christ bringeth forth good fruit Fourthly it is a Popish spirit that makes such a jumbling of faith and charity which are ever to be distinguished though not separated Leave each his owne work and place and both are glorious and whereas other comparisons are odious these most Or it is an ignorant spirit which knows not what the maine tye is between God and a soule now fallen into sinne nor how we come to God by Christ alone and how we are justified freely by grace which faith appropriateth al our present adherence to God is by faith hereafter by sight and fruition Or lastly it is a prophane spirit of a man in love with his sinne or worldly vanities all for a present enjoyment he will not stay for his happinesse till hereafter as faith directeth And to get a lively faith asketh more paines then he is willing to take some adoe there is to try examine evidence maintaine and increase faith which the lazie Christian will never endure FINIS May 22. 1644. Imprimatur Joseph Caryl
and evill shall not come but at his pleasure not till now not more not longer no farther as he saith to the proud waâ—es Thus farre shall ye go Job 38.11 but no farther And as Joseph said Ye thought evill against 〈◊〉 but God ment it unto good Gen. 50.20 And as Job The Lord giveâ—â— and the Lord taketh away blessed be the name of the Lord chap. 1.21 Pâ—â—â—â—ses Finally faith pitcheth on promâ—ses and these heard with 〈◊〉 Oath to give us 〈…〉 Heb. 6.18 And promises are farre better then all performances in this world whatever they be still there is more in a promise Isa 65.8 A blâ—ssing in the cluster destroy it not For the matter they are precious promises for the manner of makâ—ng fâ—â—e for the extent universall for the effect 2 Cor. 1.20 Isa 55.3 sure and certaâ—ne yea and amâ—n sure mercies everlasting mercies everlasting Covenant c. Faithfull is he that hath promised who will also doe it And the gifts and calling of God are without repentance Good foundations for faith to settle upon Secondly God the Sonne The Sonne of God the Câ—â—â—latiâ—e of faith and speciall Obâ—ect on which it resteth There is a world of wealth in Christ that the heart may well be fixed by beleeving on him He is the strength of a beleeving heart yea everlaâ—â—â—ng strength Isa 26.4 and new strength to be still deriâ—ed from him according to occasion chap. 40.31 He is an Advocate with the Father 1. Joh. 2.1 to non-suit our clamourous sinnes and keepe our persons in favour He is our King now governing for us though in Heaven in all that glory He is the best friend we have neerer then a Brother He is an enemy to our enemies and will curse them that curse us Gen 12.3 In all respects there is great cause to trust in Christ and trusting in him to be fixed Blessed are all they that put their trust in him Psal 2.12 He had not been Christ but to stand us in stead and give us sure footing in every slippery time and occasion The Holy Ghost Thirdly God the Holy Ghost the Spirit of faith 2 Cor. 4.13 enabling us to speak or make confession of the truth in dangerouâ— times He is also the spirit of strength Isa 11.2 the Spirit of power of love and of a sound mind 2 Tim. 1.7 And thus he fixeth the poore heart by what he worketh in it and what he testifieth to it and what he comforteth Thence we read the seale of the spirit the earnest of the spirit Passion apâ—d Paâ—lum the liberty of the spirit the witnesse of the spirit and the first fâ—uits of the spirit all of them confirmations to an unsetled heart against its severall trials When the Holy Ghost was come upon the Apostles we see how fearlesse they stood before the Counsell and despised all threatnings O Austitâ— he is come he is come said Master Gâ—oâ—â— at the sight of the stake speaking of the comfortable presence of the Holy Ghost who had withdrawne for a while And for us he is promised to abide with us for ever Joh. 14.11 Which we professe to beleeve saying I beleeve in the Holy Ghost and so the heart is fixed This is the first and self-sufficient ground for faith to settle the heart of Gods child The rest are secondary and powerfull onely in their owne place and in order to that first II. In respect of the Word II. The Word of Faith upon which faith relyeth A neer relation there is between Faâ—â—â— and the Word thence it is called the Word of Faith Rom. 10.8 And it is a quickning Word as to David Psal 119.50 Thy 〈◊〉 hath quickned me it is a comforting Word as ver 24. Thy Testimonies are my delight It is a strengthning Word as Heb. 5. ult strong meat 2 Pet. 1.19 Mat. 5.18 It is a sure Word all to be performed in due time Heaven and earth shall passe away but my Word shall not passe away It is a store-house of promises which as they were made in mercy so they shall be made good in truth The Christian being brought into straights may read and quickly meet with a stay for his poore unstayed troubled heart and without the Word he should soon miscarry Psal 119.92 â—alâ—sse thy law had been my delights I should have perishâ—d in mâ—nâ— affliction But by help of the Word he is soon setled confident full of prayses for his good estate in Christ and triumphant over all his enemies see Ps 56.3 4 10 11. III. In respect of what faith receiveth It receiveth such mercies at the hand of God Bâ—â— fits receâ—â—â—â—d by Faith and so much that it resteth conâ—ent with and condition the heavenly Father shall a lot unto it It seeth sinne abolished forgiven nothing to be laid to his charge which is â—e blessednesse of a man Rom. 4.6 It seeth Satan disarmed the Law satisfied the curse taken away hell shut and Heaven opened to him It seeth Gods wrath pacified his justice satisfied his favour procured which is matter of great joy yea glorying in the midst of many tribulations Rom. 5.1 2 3. And this is the Kingdome of God within us 14.17 Not â—â—at and dâ—â—nke but righteousnesse and peace and 〈◊〉 the Holy Ghost Finally saith seeth all afflictions sanctified sweetned mittigated exchanged for good in wrath the Lord remembreth mercy we shall not drinke the dâ—egs of the Cup Ps 75.8 as the wicked doe and as Christ did for us but in him sing and triumph O death 1 Cor. 15.55 where is thy stâ—ng O grace where is thy victory What Agag said foolishly the Beleever saith on good grounds Tâ—e bitternesse of death is past 1 Sam. 15.32 Phil. 1.21 and Welcome lâ—fe and To dye is gain an entrance into glory IV. In respect of what faith worketh Works fâ— faith fixing the 〈◊〉 Faith is no idle grace but still sets it selfe on work about such imployments and in such manner as the Lord will mercifully according to promise succour the labouring heart in all his difficulties First it works out corruption which would hinder comfort Acts 15.9 Purifying their hearts by faith Both the guiltines of sin it is never quiet till it be clensed cleared in the blood of Christ Witnesse David a Beleever who after those great sinnes heaped up many petitions for pardon Psal 51. whereas another fals into the mire and lyes wallowing in it as in his proper clement And the filâ—hinesse of sin none is suffered to command out with it keep thy self from in as from defilement Psal 18.23 As the flesh lusteth against the spirit Gal. 5 1â— so the spirit in a Beleever lusteth against the flesh And O this body of death who shall deliver Ps 51 10. Create in me a clean heart O God renew a right spirit within me Secondly faith is an undivided companion of a good conscience 1 Tim. 1.19.3.9
have their feares as others have and their feares are both naturall and usefull Onely this may curbe them and keep them from being immoderate Faith acted sets the heart as a rock and the face as a flint Isa 50.7 The Lord God will helpe me therefore shall I not be confounded therefore have I set my face like a flint and I know thaâ— I shall not be ashamed Obiect Oh! but it is very hard to keep the heart in a good frame of depending and waiting on God I find my heart soon unsetled though sometime fixed Ans 1 True Gods owne children find sad vicissitudes of faith and frailty flesh and spirit are ever combating as in other things so in this like those that goe upon the sea sometime carried up to Heaven Psal 107.26 sometime downe againe into the deâ—ps Let no Christian discourage himselfe because of these alterations Be glad that sometimes ye find an high tide of affections and assurances 77. 10. David remembred the yeerâ— of old and was comforted Secondly it is indeed difficult and that shewes the excellency of the life of faith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 All excellent things are attended wâ—th their difficulties A great estate needs much adoe in the managing None layeth siege to a Cottage neither will Satan trouble those that live the life of nature but where faith is he will quickly shew himselfe an enemy Thirdly Religion in generall and faith in particular hath a power in it Lactant. â—â—nditu 4.28 both to maintaine it selfe and oppose the enemy Religion in latin hath its name of bindâ—ng And in this case it bindeth the beleeving soule to its Mast so to avoyd enchanting Syrens of the World and keep it upright against all stormes of temptation and persecution and faith at weakest cryes out for help Lord increase our faith Lord belp my unbeliefe The life of nature strives to preserve it selfe as long as it can and by the best meanes it can and so doth the life of faith The weakest Beleever can make moane and say all is not well with him and long for some reliefe which struglings shall be relieved Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousnesse Mat. 5.6 for they shall be filled Fourthly therefore strive still to act thy faith chide unbeliefe away as Psal 42.11 Why art thou cast downe O my soule why art thou disquieted within me What reason for this infidelity Fight the good fight of faith 1 Tim. 6.12 Contend for the Faith Jude 3. As for the doctrine of faith and habit of faith so for the act and exercise of it In vain is that habit of power which is not reduced into act No need to bid a Sea-man cast forth his anchor in a storme so me thinks there should be no need to call upon a Christian to set his faith on worke in these dangerous dayes Quest What should we doe to exercise our faith in soule weather Meanes to bring faith into act and make our use of it when need requireth Answ 1. Seeke the Lord by prayer Jam. 1.17 from whom commeth every good and perfect gâ—ft and to live the life of faith is one of those gifts As he is the Author so the Fâ—nâ—sher of faith Heb. 12.2 As he gives the habit so the act and operation of it The Lord gives his Church both the former and laâ—ter raine Faith is a Creature and the strength whereby we stand is uncreated even God himselfe Thou art the strength of my heart said David and my portion for ever Ps 37.26 Faith that must support us must it selfe be supported of the Lord as Christ prayed for Peter Luke 22.32 I have prayed that thy faith faile not Doth any of you therefore want wisdome or strength Jam. 1.5 6. Let him ask of God who giveth liberally He is the onely stay for a poore Beleever in streights and difficulties Fall to casting anchor in Heaven or else ye are gone 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 doth neither justifie nor uphold us in great trials God must help us to beleeve or we shall soone come to nothing Faith with its Correlative is all in all to us 2. Keep still in eye those many grounds on which faith standeth and establisheth the heart that is the Relations of God to us his Attributes Promises Providence mercies received mercies reserved c. A tall man in the bottome of a celler will see but little and a strong Beleever if his grounds be out of fight will be weak as another man To the Law and to the Testimony Isa 8.20 in matters to be done to the Gospell and to the Promises in matters to be beleeved and receive comfort A Trades-man to furnish his Shop will repaire to the Ware-house And a Christian to be furnished with comfort must repaire to the Promises and the like supplies It may be observed that the same Christian as he hath used his grounds or not used them hath been strangely altered as if he were not the same man One while a Gyant another while a Dwarfe Oh saith David I shall one day fall by the hand of Saul Another time he will not feare Psal 3 6. though ten thousand had compassed him round about One while Job curseth his birth-day and is very impatient another while he will trust in God Job 13.15 though he kill him It is aliquid Dei some divine thing that must uphold the best heart that is If his means be neglected or laid aside there quickly comes a fearfull alteration When the Moone receives not light from the Sunne it is presently eclipsed 3 Shut the eye of flesh at such times and beware of carnall reason Carnall reason is a great enemy to faith therefore these are opposed one to another To walk by faith and walk by sight 2 Cor. 5.7 We walk by faith and not by sight He that will goe by likelihoods and unlikelihoods shall never be setled in beleeving The servant of Elisha feared because he looked onely at them that came against him and saw not who were with him The Noble-man dyed for it If God should make windowes in Heaven 2 Kin. 7.2 could there be such plenty Zacharias was stricken dumb for asking whereby shall I know this Luk. 1.20 being old and his Wife well stricken in yeers Abraham on the other side Rom. 4.19 considered not the deadnesse of his owne body or of Sarahs wombe but looked at him who had promised that he was able and faithfull to performe The naked Word of God is sufficient for performing all his promises Never ask when or how or any such matters Hath not the Lord spoken it And if it be mervailous in your eyes should it be mervailous in mine eyes saâ—th the Lord of â—osts Zech. 8.6 Oh say we our enemies are many and strong our friends few and weak treasure exhausted no likelihood of carrying our cause Joh. 11.39 Lord by this time it stinketh for tâ—â—s
is the fourth day Ah said Christ to Martha said I not unto thee that if thou wouldest beleeve thou shouldest see the glory of God Joh. 11.40 Mans reason is a short measure to esteem the power and wisdome of God These are some meanes to act faith in these times of need Now put your faith to it 2 Tim. 1.6 stirre up the gift of God that is in you Wherefore should a man have riches and not have the use of them Know it is a fault and matter of reproofe in Beleevers to give way to those feares Isa 8.12 13. Feare not their feare nor be afraid sanctifie the Lord of hosts himselfe and let him be your feare and your dread why did ye doubt Mat. 8.26 O ye of little faith He is a coward who hath a sword by his side and will not use it against a theefe And he is a Miser who hath store of riches and yet wanteth necessaries in his sicknesse Apply it to thy selfe and think Who would be so clogged and turmoyled with feares when he may be rid of them Onely if ye stand to your owne Principles and remember your grounds None so merry as a true Christian if he hold his owne indeed none but he Others glory in the face not in heart 2 Cor. 5.12 Section IV. Benefits of acting thy Faith in these evill times These benefits are many and great Seven benefits of Faith well acted First what a sweet life would it be to be past these torturing fears which now lye gnawing upon your hearts Vâ—tanâ—n vitalis 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Origen and drinking up your spirâ—t that your life is scarce worthy to be called a life Oh these heavy and groâ—ning passions of unbelief How doe they keep a man in boâ—dage all the dayes of his life Heb. 2.15 A man shall through these feares want what he hath aswell as what he hath not Onely because he brings not his faith into exercise Secondly the acting of faith would be great glory to God whom we serve and in whom we professe to beleeve shewing actually that the Lord is sufficient matter of joy when all other comforts faile Hab. 3.17 18. Although the Figge-tree shall not blossome yet will I reioyce in the Lord I will be glad in the God of my salvation It is honour to any Master to see his Servant cheerfull at his businesse and stick to him in great hazards a signe he is a good Master So here God is honoured while his servants wait upon him cheerfully And joy of heartes one part of our Masters allowance My servants shall reioyce Isa 65.13 Thirdly it would be a good credit to our holy profession and draw others to it as being a fountaine of comfort in the saddâ—st streights and difficulties Psal 46.4 There is a River the streames whereof shall make glad the City of God And who would not enter upon so comfortable a course of life All seeme willing to live a fine and joyfull life which is never done compleatly till faith be both gotten and exercised Fourthly if our faith were well acted we should walk as so many tall Gyants farre above all reach of the evill world our faith being our victory whereby we overcome the world 1 Joh. 5.4 We should not onely beare but contemne the contempt of ungodly men Heb. 12.2 As our Lord who despised the shame Threaten these things to your Courtiers said the Martyrs we have faith and thereby are growne hardy Or promise these rewards honours great advantages to them that care for them we have other matters in our heart and eye and cannot be wonne from the truth Fiftly it our faith were duly set on worke we should undertake great things for the Cause and in the way of God saying in great sufferings as the Apostle did 2 Tim. 1.12 2 Cor. 4.13 I know whom I have beleeved Having the spirit of faith we would speake and make a good confession in time of need We would part with our estates yea and lives too disburse fight apologize any thing so that our Lord and his Cause may be glorified Sixtly still as faith is acted we shall be able to make mighty prayers prayers that shall availe mâ—ch for furthering the worke of God being prayers of â—aâ—th Jam. 5.15 16. And we shall not be weary of praying though we seem to strive against the streame No saith Faith it will be to purpose therefore pray alwayâ— and fâ—â—m not Luke 18.1 Lastly if we act our faith we shall be kept from temptations which great afflictions use generally to bring along with them as namely to despaire or use indirect meanes for helping our selves He that beleeveth shall not make hast Isa 28.16 Our faith will be a shield to us whereby we shall be able to quench all the fiery daâ—ts of the wicked Eph. 6.16 It will be a meanes to keep God with us and keep us in the way of God which alwayes hath a sure recompence of reward Section V. Motives to act Faith in these dangerous times Motives Beside those benefits of acting thy faith there be divers other considerations which may move thee thereunto First the setting of thy faith on work setteth God on work to doe great things for his people According to thy faith be it unto thee Mat. 8.13 said our Lord in the Gospell and to Martha he said John 11 4â— Said I not unto thee that if thou wouldest beleeve thou shouldest see the glory of God Mordecai beleeved deliverance would come one way or other and it came accordingly Est 4.14 The three Jewes beleeved God would save them in the fiery furnace and they were saved Dan. 3.17 The greatest Beleevers have been the greatest Receivers Heb. 11. The old Beleevers by faith obtained wonderfull mercies All things are possible to him that beleeveth God will doe for them that give glory to his Name which is by faith Rom 4.20 such give him the glory of his power of his wisdome mercy faithfulnesse all his Attributes and they cast themselves wholly upon him as Clyents on their Counsellour therefore shall not be disappointed yea Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord and whose hope the Lord is he shall be as a Tree planted by the watters c. Jer. 17.7 8. But ah this base infidelity which puts our faith so much in our eye cals it so often from our hearts too much flesh too little faith we beleeve no longer then we see signes and wonders scarce cheerfull but while we heare of a victory or discovery or other mercy mightily cast downe at a foyle or the prevailing of enemies Shake as the Trees of the Wood when Rezâ—n and Pekah are joyned together Isa 7.1 2. And it brings little home as is said of carking care God being dishonoured by unbeliefe withdraweth his hand doth not his work or not yet seeth no vessell set to receive his precious liquor and so the oyle ceaseth Israel could not
enter because of unbeliefe Heb. 3.19 Good is comming but we are short-winded and wait not thence these delayes All the fault is not in wicked enemies or the sinners in Sion but some fault resideth in Gods owne children who beleeve not as they should doe Infidelity is an hatefull sinne too and reprovable it detracteth from God as if he were not wise able vigilant to fulfill his promises so he stayes his hand as one that will be better waited on Take notice of this as one cause why the work of Reformation and of our happinesse doth stick so long in the birth it is much desired but not attained and yet the Lord willing it should be done and that throughly There is cause enough for it in the unreformednesse of people who after all the terrours and humiliations yet tuâ—n not from their evil ways as the men of Ninive Jon. 3.10 But here is something in Gods owne people whose faith is so little and their feare so great If we beleeved more we should see his great works done the sooner Therefore resolve upon that in Mark 11.22 23 24. Have Faith in God And What things soever ye desire when ye pray beleeve that ye receive them and ye shall have them Secondly think thus with your selves why should not faith make couragious as well as vain-glory envy propriety of goods safety of the Country memory and emulation of Ancestors or the like carnall considerations which have mightily elevated the spirits of people heretofore as namely the old Romans who became Lords of the World Cicero pro aris focis was a great word with them entring into a fight Ovid. Horat. And Ingens gloria calcar habet and Dulce decâ—rum est pro patria mori and Imperti causâ c. But faith hath higher and stronger considerations the Cause of God the maintaining of the Gospell contending for the faith delivered once to the Saints the upholding and enlarging of the Kingdome of Christ the keeping of a good conscience the glory of Heaven in our eye and who would be a slave to Antichrist Bodily slavery is bad enough c. Consider Their Rock is not 〈◊〉 unto our Rock 〈◊〉 our enemâ— theâ—◠〈◊〉 being Judges Deut 12.31 And Thâ—s they doe for a coâ—â—â—ptible Crowne we for an 〈◊〉 â—apitole 1 Cor. 9.25 The higher the spring the higher the water will ascend at the Conduit A Beleever therefore going bâ— the highest Principles and notions should gâ—t highest in his resolutâ—ons and behaviours Thirdly we have still and a long time have had great meanes to be strong in faith a Ministery oâ— many yeeâ—s continuance which is growing food 1 Pet. 2.2 〈…〉 of the Wood that it 〈…〉 A tree planted in a goâ—â— place and there continuing mâ—nâ—eeâ—s is well rooted and so should the trees of righteousnesse be after so long standing The Martyrâ— had but few yeerâ— in King 〈◊〉 time yet they gathered strength enough to carry them through the flames A shame it will be to us not to be proficients according to our time when for the time we might be Teachers Heb. 5.11 Weaknesses of faith and other graces should have been outgrowne long agoe Adde the going so often to the Lords Supper which to a prepared soule is a batling Ordinance No feast yeeldeth so good juyâ— and nourishment to the body buâ— this yeeldeth as good to such â— soule Bread strengthneth man heart especially this bread thaâ— came downe from Heaven Psa 104.15 O the sweet communioâ— that hath been between Christ anâ— thy Soule upon due frequenting the Ordinance and O the frequent repast of thy soule upon prayer and the experience thou hast had of Gods love anâ— providence and doest thou yeâ— feare Hilarion Hieron in eius vita Septuaginta annos serviviâ—â— Christo mori times Finally the many good Books and Treatises which of late yeerâ— have been published M. Culveâ—well M. Rogers as it were of purpose to fence and furnisâ— Christians for these sad times wherein are choicest collection for fixing a poore beleeving heart in all occasions M. Ball M. Wilson God that foresaw what he was about to doe directed his Ministers so to make provision for his people as when he sent a sore famine upon Canaan he sent Joseph beforehand to provide for his Father and Brethren Fourthly in those present troubles and dangers the Lord hath all along opened a doore of hope Hos 2.13 for upholding our faith unto victory Seeing how weak weare in beleeving bare promises he hath given us somthing in hand for encouragement He hath still sent us some pawnes of more which he will doe for us in time an earnest of the whole bargaine And experience is a great help unto faith as in the Apostles 2 Cor 1.10 He hath deliveâ—ed us from great death and doth deliver and we trust also he will deliver When we began to quaile at any time presently a victory was given a discovery made a defeat of their Counsels or Forces the spirits of people raised up above all expectation in a Countâ— which was given for a lost Count a signe the Lord means to doe the work at last If he meant to dâ—stroy us he would not shew us such things as these Thus by what the Lord hath done already he doth even invite us to beleeve and not feare Fiftly it is but a while and yâ— shall see what now ye beleeve Yâ—â— a little while Heb. 10.37 and he that shall comâ— will come and his reward is with him In Heaven there will be nâ— acting of faith no use of it as now all there is in Fruition Union and Vision Joh. 20.29 In this life Blessed are they that beleeve though they see not In that life blessed are those that see what hitherto they beleeved If we strive a little we shall find our waiting was to purpose Yet two or three Closes and we shall be at our Fathers house And there we shall have neither unbeliefe to combat withall nor any other enemy no feare no molestation no imperfection whatsoever Sixtly if faith be not acted ye will lose the benefit of those comforts which are your owne Ye forsake your owne meâ—â—â—s Jonah 2.8 Ye live heavily when your estate gives you leave to live most cheerfully Hagâ—â— saw 〈◊〉 the Well and was out of heart as if no water were to be bad Mâ—â— saw not Christ 〈◊〉 eyeâ— being heldâ— and was still in perplexity A miserly niggard wants what he hâ—th as well as what he hath not And to look upon Paulum sepultae distat inertiae Celata viâ—tus what difference between an unbeleever and a Beleever not improving his faith when need requires One sighs as much as the other c. Now this is a disparagement to faith and the high calling of a Christian who alone in truth hath cause to be meâ—ry A discouragement to others to come on in such an uncomfortable profession An
above what we ask or think Eph. 3.20 12. About sin forced upon a good soule Obiect 12. I feare my Chastity may be violated or some other sinne forced upon me which would be a terrour to my soule and break the band between God and me Suidas Answ 1. It was Origens sinne for avoyding the filthy Black more to burne incense to the Idoll No evill may be done that good may come of it Rom. 3.8 Secondly He that doth worng saith the Word shall suffer according to the wrong he doth Col. 3.25 not he that suffereth wrong No sinne hurts to which consent is not given It is the others sinne thy sorrow Tarquin â—ucret Aug. Two in the adultery yet but one adulterer Thirdly the Lord who is most mercifull will not presently breake with his Child when hurried to sinne by temptation or violence of persecution No Isa 30 18. Psal 103.14 he is a God of Jâ—dgment knoweth 〈◊〉 sâ—ame and that we are but dust and will remember his Covenant an everlasting Covenant Section VII Make much of Faith which is so usefull and other Corolaries of the point Faith being so strong and effectuall a meanes to settle the heart in evill times Faith to be â—â—â—â—â—shâ—d and â—ncâ—eaâ—ed Mâ—â—â—eâ— it will be good wisdome for Christians to make much of their faith to cherish it strengthen it fix it and be adding to it daily Souldiers will keep their Forts well that their â—oâ—ts may keep them And alike must Beleevers doe for their faith which is so much for their turne every way It were folly to complaine of a troubled spirit about these troublous times and not be earnest in preserving and increasing faith which should fasten and quiet the heart It were a sinfull neglect of the meanes which God in great wisdome and love hath set apart for the remedy We have seen grounds enough for our confirmation which if they be well improved would both preserve and increase our faith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Arist It is a rule that all things are nourished of the same matter whereof they are bred Therefore First be diligent and conscionable in the use of the Word publique and private whereby faith commeth at first and afterward is encreased The Word is sincere milk Rom. 10.17 whereby new-borne Babes may grow 1 Pet. 2.2 A child thrives best by the Mothers milk In the Word are promises to be ever met withall in all particulars And as good Evidences for house or land well perused doe much cleer a mans title to the thing So the Scriptures well searched and applyed doe strongly cleere the righteous mans Evidence for Heaven The failing of Christians is when they wax negligent in the Word or if they turne aside to visions or other fancies no food so nourishing as Gods Word duly regarded They that are planted in thâ— house of God are fat and flourishing and bring forth fruit in old age Psal 92.14 Secondly be frequent and serious in going to the Lords Table where is a fatning Banket to the prepared and worthy Receiver No feast yeeldeth better nourishment to the body then this to the soule This is the true Sacrament of Confirmation This is a Medicine that expelleth all evils 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ignat. ad Ephes both unbeliefe and all the heavy passions that issue from it Onely get a good appetite prepare examine come fitted to receive a blessing The Master of the Feast would not be wanting to his owne Ordinance if his Guests were not wanting to themselves Spirituall sloath foolish curiosity turning to vaine janglings are maine hinderances of the benefit which that blessed Ordinance is reany otherwise to afford Thirdly frequent lovingly and improve wisely the Communion of Saints which ye professe to beleeve these are able to satisfie your doubts mind you of promises produce experiences comfort you beare you up and doe much for fixing you on your Rock United forces doe back one another As iron sharpneth iron so the face of one Christian strengtheneth heereth another But woe be to hâ—m that is alone Eccl. 4.10 It he fall who shall raise him up And the devill desireth no betteâ— advantage then to find Christians solitary and private-minded When Thomas was absent from the rest of his fellowes Joh. 22.25 he grew to a sturdy kind of unbeliefe Unlesse I may feele I will not beleeve Fourthly pray much and earnestly for the increasing and acting of thy faith Mar. 9.24 Luk. 17.5 Lord help my unbeliefe Lord increase our faith Pray to be able to live the life of faith to trust perfectly in the grace revealed to have the use of thy faith when need is to have thy heart fixed by beleeving What is not the Lord able and willing to doe for them that cry unto him Hath he not promised to returne a gracious answer Even a naturall Father will regard and pitty the mone which his poore child maketh Fifthly recount and search out the promises which are the same to the feeding of faith as oyle is to the feeding of a lamp soone extinguished if fuell be with-held Abraham was strong in faith because he had both eyes upon the promises Promises will make us Partakers of the divine nature 2 Pet 1.4 Heires of promise should live on promises as their owne proper element and nourishment A Beleever forgetting the promises is as a fish on dry land Gods people of old were busie in searching out promises when the search was difficult obscure and nothing so comfortable as now in the light of the Gospell 1 Pet. 1.11 12. Sixtly meditate on the Attributes of God which have great power to make us beleeve any thing which the Lord hath promised He is able who promised he is faithfull who promised Rom. 4.21 1 Thes 5.24 c. All of them are engaged for our good as himself who is our God by a firme Covenant And faith will subsume I beleeve in God Almighty What cannot he doe who is Almighty I beleeve in the onely-wise God who is Omniscient and what cannot such a one invent I beleeve in him who is the searcher of reynes and knoweth the hidden things of darknesse what wicked plot cannot he discover I beleeve in him who is true and faithfull what word of his shall fall to the ground So in the other A Dwarfe with a Gyant on his side waxeth resolute and valiant When the eye is taken oft from one-selfe and all enemies or other incumbrances and kept close upon God how strong will faith he and the heart unmovable Seventhly strengthen thy faith by the experiments thou hast had of God formerly and others have had His works partly done partly in doing invite confidence for time to come The reason is because the Lord is ever the same inexhaust unweariable his hand not shortned nor his eare heavy but he can and will help his people to the uttermost To like persons in the like way and