A Treatise of Faith, Table of contents
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 acceptatiōs 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 that be neceſſary) but the act and exerciſe of faith is required, §. 5. p. 6. 7
CHAP. II.
WHat Iuſtifying faith is, §. 1. p. 7
God the Father, in his Sonne Ieſus Chriſt, by the holy Spirit is the authour of faith, §. 2 p 7. 8
Faith is a gift in a ſpeciall manner, moſt free and profitable, ibid.
How we are ſaid to receiue the Holy Ghost by Faith, ibid.
How the Spirit is obtained by prayer. p. 9
Faith is imperfect, though a worke of the Spirit, §. 3. p. 9
Faith is a powerfull worke of God, ibid.
How God produceth faith, §. 4. p. 10. 11
The increaſe of faith is of God, p. 12
Faith is the gift of God and the act of Man, §. 5. p. 12
Faith is wrought by the Word. §. 6. p. 13
Encreaſed by prayer, and vſe of the Sacraments, p. 14
Why all doe not belieue that heare the Word, ibid.
Though faith be the gift of God, men muſt vſe the meanes to obtaine it, p. 14. 15
CHAP. III.
FAith preſuppoſeth knowledge, Chap. 3. §. 1. p. 16 17
It captiuates our vnderſtanding vntounto the obedience of Chriſt, but is not ignorant of Chriſt, p. 17. 18
This knowledge muſt be diſtinct, ſound & certain, p. 18. 19
In what reſpect faith may bee called implicite or vnfolded, p. 19
Faith is an aſſent, §. 2. p. 19. 20
Beliefe hath reference to ſome vttered word or reuelation, but may be ſuſtained by other motiues and inducements, p. 20
Faith is a firme aſſent, yet ſometimes accompanied with doubtings, p. 21
Faith is an abſolute and vnlimited aſſent, and yet through ignorance and infirmitie, a Christian may misbelieue many things without the danger of damnation, p. 22. 23
Faith is an aſſent in a ſort euident, p. 23. 24
Faith alſo is an aſſent in ſome ſort diſcurſiue, p. 24. 25
Faith is an affiance or confidence, §. 3. p. 25. 26. &c.
Confidence as it doth embrace Chriſt with a certaine affiance is the forme of faith: as it begetteth in vsus quietneſſe of conſcience, and confidence of libertie, it is an effect of faith, p. 32
Confidence is oppoſed both to Doubting and Diſtrust, p. 32
Faith is an obedientiall affiance, §. 4. p. 32. 33. 34
Faith is oppoſed not only to doubting and diffidence: but to wauering, double-mindedneſſe, and diſobedience, p. 35
Affiance muſt be wel-rooted, §. 5. p. 35. 36
It muſt be ſound and permanent, p. 36. 37
Faith is an ouer-ruling affiance, p. 37. 38
Of all graces faith is the moſt humble, p. 38
Faith is a ſpirituall taſte, §. 6. p. 38. 39
Faith admits many interruptions, p. 39. 40
CHAP. IIII.
LOueLove is not the life or ſoule of faith, §. 1. p. 40. 41 &c.
It is faith and not charitie that giues influence to all other graces, euen to charitie it ſelfe, ibid.
The goodneſſe of God cannot bee the obiect of our charitie, but by being first the obiect of our faith, ibid.
Charitie is an inſtrument vntounto faith for mouing and ſtirring abroad in the performance of all duties recommended vntounto vsus: but the inward or eſſentiall forme of faith it is not, pag. 42. 43.
In what reſpects charitie doth excell faith, and faith charitie, §. 2. p. 44. 45
How faith is perfected by workes, p. 46. 47
Iuſtifying faith cannot be without louelove, §. 3. p. 47. 48
How the acts of charitie are ſaid to be of faith, p. 48
Faith temporarie and iuſtifying differ in radication, ſoueraignetie, and working, p. 51
The first and radicall vnion with Chriſt is made by faith only: the ſecondarie vnion is by meanes of the affections, p. 54
They that worke iniquitie hauehave no faith to belieue aſſuredly, that they ſhall be ſaued, p. 55
The faith of Deuils comprehends the fulneſſe and perfection of that which the Romaniſts call Catholicke or Chriſtian faith, p. 57. 58
Faith alone iuſtifieth, but that faith which iustifieth is not alone, p. 59. 60
CHAP. V.
What doctrines are called matters of faith, §. 1. p. 60
Iustifying faith is two wayes conſidered, §. 2. p. 61
According to the twofold conſideration of iuſtifying faith, the obiect of it is two-fold, p. 61
True faith reſpecteth the whole Word of God, p. 62
As the doctrine of Creation, §. 3. p. 63
Prouidence, ibid.
Mans miſery by ſinne, ibid.
Mysteries of godlineſſe, p. 64
The promiſes concerning Sanctification and things of this life. §. 4. p. 64. 65. 66
Why faith doth put forth it ſelfe to embrace whatſoeuer the Lord promiſeth, p. 64
It is very neceſſary to belieue the promiſes concerning Sanctification, p. 65
It is neceſſary to belieue the temporall promiſes, p. 66
Faith belieueth the threatnings, §. 5. p. 67
Beliefe of the threatnings is neceſſary, p. 67. 68
Faith belieueth the Commandements, §. 6. p. 68. 69. 70
In particular practices the faithfull may faile, p. 70. 71
The obedience of faith is vniforme, entire and conſtant, §. 7. p. 71. 72
The faithfull ſoule may find it ſelfe more prone to one ſinne then another: but if right compariſon bee made, faith inciteth to hate all ſinne, one as well as another, p. 72. 73
CHAP. VI.
THe ſpeciall obiect of iustifying faith are the free promiſes of mercy and forgiueneſſe in Ieſus Christ, §. 1 p. 73. 74
Abraham belieuing the promiſe of ſeed, did apprehend that bleſſed ſeed, which from the beginning had beene promiſed, p. 74
Remiſſion of ſinnes doth preſuppoſe the mercy of God, p. 74
Beliefe of Gods power is not the act of faith iuſtifying as it iuſtifieth: but the conſideration of Gods power, is a prop and ſtay to faith againſt manifold temptations, p. 76
Chriſt is eueryevery where in Scripture made the thing…, which faith embraceth to ſaluation, p. 77. 78. 79
Faith in Gods ſpeciall mercy frameth his Image in the Heart, §. 3. p. 81. 82
CHAP. VII.
IƲſtifying faith is a particular and certaine confidence, §. 1. p. 82. 83
The thirſtie and burdened ſoule is inuited to come vntounto Chriſt, and commanded to belieue: p. 83. 84
Iuſtifying faith is oppoſed to deſpaire, ſo as to expell it: it breeds confidence and boldneſſe: and receiueth Chriſt for the conueying of his benefits particularly vntounto vsus, p. 84. 85.
Faith is certaine in the euent, not euer in ſence, §. 2 p. 85. 86
Things are to vsus according as wee conceiue them, which is not euer anſwerable to the euidence of the thing in it ſelfe, or to the certaintie in regard of euent, p. 86. 87
A Belieuer, who hath a ſure beliefe, doth not alwayes know that he ſo belieueth, p. 87. 88
Faith as it iuſtifieth is a reſting vponupon Chriſt to obtaine pardon, not an aſſured perſwaſion that our ſinnes bee already pardoned and forgiuen, §. 3. p. 88. 89. 90
Before Iuſtification faith ſeeketh and receiueth the promiſe of forgiueneſſe: after Iuſtification it comfortably aſſureth of the bleſſing obtained, p. 91. 92
Election is manifeſted by faith as by its effect: but wee are iuſtified by faith as the inſtrument thereof, §. 4 p. 92
CHAP. VIII.
HOw faith aſſureth of ſaluation, §. 1. p. 94. 95
This aſſurance is ſuch as is ſhaken with many doubts and difficulties, §. 2. p. 96
The particular certaintie of remiſſion of ſinnes, is not equall in certaine and firmeneſſe of aſſent, to that aſſurance which we hauehave about the common obiect of faith, §. 3. p. 96. 97
There be ſeuerall ſtates of Belieuers, but all ſubiect to manifold temptations, §. 4. 98. 99
Beliefe in Christ for remiſſion is ſtronger and more neceſſary then particular aſſurance of our ſaluation, §. 5. p. 100
Not only ſome vncertaine hope, but euen infallible aſſurance of ſaluation is to bee ſought, and may bee obtained, §. 6 p. 101. 102. &c.
There is a word teſtifying thus much, that my particular perſon beholding the Sonne, and belieuing on him, ſhall hauehave eternall life, p. 101. 102. 103
Such as truly belieue may know they belieue, p. 103
In reſpect of the exact meaſure of grace and ſtrength, the regenerate are oft deceiued: but of the truth of grace they may be aſſured, p. 104. 105
What it is to belieue with the whole Heart, §. 7. p. 105
In what ſence wee must continue daily to aske of God forgiueneſſe of ſinnes, notwithstanding former aſſurance of pardon, p. 106. 107. 108. 109. 110
How iustification is full and entire, p. 110
God hath ſaid, as to Abraham, ſo to eueryevery one of the ſeed of Abraham, I will be thy God, p. 111
How eueryevery faithfull man may and doth make God his in particular, ibid.
The Apostles and other faithfull hauehave beene aſſured of their ſaluation by ordinary faith, p. 111. 112
The ſaluation of a belieuer is infallible in it ſelfe and in euent, but not euer in his apprehenſion and feeling, §. 9 p. 113.
Aſſurance of faith in things extraordinarily is not altogether free from aſſaults, p. 114
The benefits that come vntounto vsus by temptations, p. 115. 116
The Commandements are laid before belieuers, not as the cauſe for obtaining of eternall life, but as the way to walke in vntounto eternall life, §. 10. p. 117
Vpright walking is neceſſary, but not the cauſe of Iuſtification, p. 118
The belieuer relyeth not vponupon his workes, though hee exerciſe himſelfe therein with all diligence, p. 119
What infirmities may ſtand with aſſurance of faith, §. 11 p. 120. 121
What ſinnes hinder aſſurance, §. 12. p. 123
The abſolute raigne of ſinne will not ſtand with the ſtate of grace, §. 13. p. 124
True aſſurance breeds encreaſe of reſolution and care to pleaſe God, §. 14. p. 125. 126
CHAP. IX.
THe authority of the Church cannot bee the ground of faith, §. 1. p. 128. 129
Whatſoeuer credit the Church hath, it receiueth the ſame from the Scriptures, p. 139
The authority of the Pope, whom they call the Church virtuall, is the firſt ground and laſt reſolution of the Romaniſts faith, §. 2. p. 129. 130
Faith reſteth not vponupon the Saints, but vponupon Ieſus Chriſt, §. 3. p. 132. 133
The Rhemiſts in defence of their Saint-inuocation, are driuen to ſay, that we are to truſt in the Saints departed, p. 133. 134. 135
CHAP. X.
THe benefits and effects of faith, §. 1. p. 136. 137. 138 139. 140
Faith doth not effect and performe thoſe things by any excellency, force, or efficacy of it owne aboue other graces: but in reſpect of the office whereunto it is aſſigned in Couenant of grace, p. 140
Of all creatures Man only is capable of iuſtifying faith, §. 2. p. 140
Faith is proper vntounto Man in this life, in his iourney towards his perfect home and eternall habitation, p. 141
All men hauehave not faith, p. 141
The ſubiect of Iuſtifying faith is man a ſinner, called according to the purpoſe of God, acknowledging his offences, & hungring & thirſting after mercy, §. 2. p. 141
The ſeat of faith is the heart, but the heart contrite, humbled, bewailing ſinne, denying it ſelfe, and affected with deſire of remiſſion, §. 3. p. 142. 143
In Scripture the heart is taken for the whole ſoule, with all its powers and operations, p. 144
Faith is common to all, and peculiar to them only, who bee called according to the purpoſe of God, §. 4. p. 145
All hauehave not the like meaſure of faith, §. 5. p. 146
Faith perfect in none, p. 146. 147
The faith of the weakeſt Chriſtian is ſufficient to ſaluation, §. 6. p. 148
The degrees of faith may be conſidered according to the diuers growth, which God bringeth his children vntounto, p. 148. 148
Foure degrees of faith, §. 7. 149
Faith is weake foure wayes, 1. Knowledge. 2. Aſſent. 3. Confidence. 4. Fruits and effects, p. 149. 150
Ordinarily belieuers are weake at the first, p. 150
Some priuiledged aboue others, p. 151
Faith weake in one reſpect, may be ſtrong in another, p. 151
The benefits of the weakest faith, if true and liuely, §. 8 p. 151. 152
Weake faith, if ſound, will grow and encreaſe, ibid.
We muſt ſtriue to be ſtrong and rich in faith, p. 152. 153
Faith ſomewhat growne, §. 9. p. 153
Strong faith, p. 153. 154
Full aſſurance gotten by degrees, p. 154
The benefits of full aſſurance, p. 154. 155
The ſtrongeſt faith is ſubiect to ſundry infirmities, §. 10 p. 156
The ſtrong belieuer doth ſometimes ſhrinke, when the weake ſtands faſt, p. 156
CHAP. XI.
MOtiues and encouragements to belieue, §. 1. p. 157 158
Meanes for the right planting of faith, §. 2. p. 159. 160 161. &c.
Faith once obtained, is ſeriouſly to be regarded, §. 3. p. 164 165
Meanes whereby faith is ſtrengthened and confirmed, §. 4. p. 166. 167. 168. 169
CHAP. XII.
VVHy Satan endeuours by all meanes to hinder, as the kindly taking, ſo the growth of faith, §. 1 p. 170. 171
The firſt Temptation is taken from our worthleſneſſe, §. 1 p. 171
Remedie: The ſence of vnworthineſſe muſt not diſcourage vsus from beleeuing, becauſe
1. The mercy, fauour, promiſes, and benefits of God are all free, p. 171
2. Wee are not more deſirous to belieue, then God is we ſhould ſo doe, p. 171. 172
The ſecond Temptation, They know not whether they bee elected, §. 2.
Remedie
1. Hold ſuch ſuggeſtions to ariſe from the Spirit of errour, and lend no eare to ſuch whiſperings of the old Serpent, p. 172
2. If God make offer of mercy and forgiueneſſe in the Miniſtery of the Goſpel … …nd to receiue it. ibid.
The third Temptation, They … of doubtings. §. 3
Remedie,
1. Faith may be true … liuely that is weake. p. 173
2. It is not the excellency and meaſure of faith that doth make vsus righteous before God, but Chriſt whom faith doth receiue. ibid.
3. It is not faith, but Chriſt receiued by faith, that nouriſheth to eternall life. ibid.
4. We reade that Chriſt reproued ſome for their ſmall faith, but neuer reiected any that came vntounto him in weakneſſe, deſiring to be confirmed. p. 174
The fourth Temptation, They cannot keepe their faith ſtrong and ſtedfaſt. §. 4
Remedie,
1. There is no ſhadow of change with God, p. 174
2. Labouring after and groaning to rest their wearied ſoules vponupon the promiſes of mercy, being neuer ſatisfied till their doubtfulneſſe be remoued, will bring a good end. ibid.
3. Want of feeling argueth not want of faith. p. 175
Why the faithfull are ſubiect to ſuch doubts and want of feeling. p. 175. 176
The fift Temptation, They receiued the truth at firſt without due tryall. §. 5
Remedie,
1. God is mercifull, and ready to forgiue our imperfections, when vponupon the knowledge and ſight wee confeſſe and bewayle them. p. 176
2. Faith may be true, though much were amiſſe, when firſt we receiued the truth. ibid.
3. It is the great wiſdome and mercy of the Lord, for a time to hide from his children the ſight of their infirmities and wants. ibid.
The ſixt Temptation, They neuer had that deepe ſorrow, which many hauehave felt. §. 6
Remedie,
1. God deales not with all alike. p. 176. 177
2. To doubt of Gods louelove becauſe hee deales gently with vsus, leaſt we ſhould be ſwallowed vp of ſorrow, is great ignorance. p. 177
3. Faith may be ſound in them, who neuer felt ſuch depth of ſorrow, as others hauehave done. ibid.
The ſeuenth Temptation, They neuer felt any great ſtrength of grace. §. 7
Remedie,
1. We are but children, and therefore weake and ſubiect to many ſpirituall diſeaſes. p. 178
2. Grace may be true, whiles it is but ſmall. ibid.
3. If weakneſſe of grace was any iuſt cauſe of feare, none might aſſure themſelues of Gods louelove. ibid.
The eight Temptation, What they formerly felt is now decayed. § 8
Remedie. In Gods deareſt children there may bee decay of graces. p. 179
The ninth Temptation, They cannot find any liuely ſence of faith. §. 9
Remedie.
1. Graces may lye hid, and worke, in reſpect of our acknowledgement, inſenſibly. p. 179. 180
2. In the agony of conſcience none are more vnfit to judge of our eſtate, then we are of our owne. p. 180. 181
3. The Lord diuerſly giues euidence of his Spirit, preſence in vsus. p. 181
4. If for the preſent a man can diſcerne no ſparke of grace in himſelfe, hee muſt call to remembrance former times, wherein he hath glorified God by an holy life and conuerſation. p. 181. 182
5. If hee bee not able to gather comfort from former experience, he muſt lay hold vponupon the gratious inuitation of Chriſt, calling the thirſty and burdened ſoule to come vntounto him. p. 282
The tenth Temptation, Their ſinnes bee many in number, and hainous for quality: and they are preſſed with the heauy burden of Gods wrath. §. 10
Remedie
1. The hainouſneſſe or number of our ſins make vsus not vncapable of mercy. p. 182. 183
2. Faith may continue ſtrong, though ſence of Gods louelove faile. p. 183
3. Faith goeth before experience or ſence of mercy, and wayteth for ſaluation by Christ in the depth of miſery. p. 183. 184
4. We are not to giuegive credit to our owne feeling, but to the word of God. p. 184
5. The deareſt ſeruants of God hauehave in their own ſence apprehended wrath and indignation. ibid.
The eleuenth Temptation, They hauehave long vſed the meanes of grace, and can find no comfort. §. 11
Remedie
1. Examine if ſome boſome ſin be not that which makes the breach in the conſcience. p. 185
2. The godly ſometimes walke without comfort, becauſe they put it from themſelues. ibid.
3. Oftentimes God cauſeth his children to ſeeke long before they find comfort. ibid.
4. The ardent deſire ſhall at length be ſatisfied. ibid.
5. Remiſſion of ſinnes and peace of conſcience are fauours worth the wayting for. p. 186
6. We hauehave not wayted ſo many yeares in the meanes of grace for comfort, as God hath wayted for our conuerſion. ibid.
The twelfth Temptation, They are afraid of falling into ſome fearefull extremity. §. 12
Remedie
1. Labour to fortifie faith in the gracious promiſes which God hath made to his children of ſuſtentation and preſeruation. p. 186. 187
2. The ſtrongeſt cannot ſtand by their owne might, and the weakeſt ſhall be able to ouercome all their ſpirituall enemies by the power of the Lord. p. 187
3. Feare is valiantly to be reſiſted, not to bee belieued or reaſoned withall. ibid.
4. Feare of falling ariſing from ſence of weakneſſe, is diffidence in God. ibid.
The thirteenth Temptation, They ſhall neuer hold out to the end. §. 13
Remedie,
1. The ſame God who keeps them in time of peace, is able and will vphold them in time of trouble. p. 188
2. In our ſoreſt aſſaults God is at our right hand to ſupport and ſtay vsus, that we ſhall not fall. ibid.
3. If their portion of grace be the ſmalleſt of all others, they muſt ſtriue to grow forward but without diſcouragement. ibid.
The fourteenth Temptation, They are many wayes croſſed and afflicted. §. 14
Remedie.
1. God doth louelove tenderly when hee doth correct ſeuerely. p. 189
2. All Gods chaſtiſements are but purgatiue medicines to preuent or cure ſome ſpirituall diſeaſe. p. 182
3. God requires that men in affliction ſhould liue by faith, both for a ſanctified vſe in them, and a good iſſue out of them in due ſeaſon. p. 190
The fifteenth Temptation, They are ſtrongly poſſeſſed with feare, that God hath vtterly caſt them off. §. 15
Remedie.
1. They muſt beware they make not more ſinnes vnpardonable then God himſelfe hath pronounced to bee of that ſort. p. 190. 191
2. Seeing God doth call and incourage them to truſt and rely vponupon him, & they ſtand in need, and would gladly embrace his promiſes made in Chriſt, they muſt gather godly boldneſſe to reſt vponupon Gods grace, and courage to fight againſt and withſtand Satan. p. 191. 192
3. The ſoule cannot taſte ſweetneſſe when it is ouerwhelmed with feares. p. 192. 193
4. It is a fault to meaſure the excellency of faith and power therof by quantitie and vnſeaſonable fruits (ſo to call them) and not by vertue, kind plantation, and ſeaſonable fruit. p. 193. 194
What bee ſeaſonable effects and fruits of faith in great temptations and cloudy ſeaſons. p. 194
5. Imperfections argue not want of faith, but place for further increaſe of faith and the fruits thereof. p. 195
6. In Scripture we hauehave examples of weake belieuers as well as of ſtrong: and in one and the ſame perſon different degrees of faith at diuers times. p. 195. 196
7. When the heart is filled with feares, the calme and ſtill voice of the Spirit is not diſcerned. p. 196. 197
8. In thoſe ſeaſons the tryall of faith is to bee taken by thoſe fruits which are euident to the eye of others. ibid.
9. They that feele themſelues deſtitute of grace and comfort, are willed to r…paire vntounto Chriſt for both. ibid.
A Table of the principall matters contained in this ſecond Part.
CHAP. I.
INducements to liue by faith. p. 199. 200
Christ is the fountaine of life, and faith the meane. p. 201. 202
It is impoſſible that faith ſhould challenge any thing of deſert vntounto her ſelfe. p. 202
Faith is profitable for this life, and the life to come; for all parts and purpoſes of our liues: but euermore it aduanceth the grace of God. p. 202. 203
What it is to liue by faith. p. 203. 204
What is to be done, that we might liue by faith. viz.
1. Aquaint our ſelues familiarly with the Word of God.
2. Exerciſe faith aright in the Word. p. 204. 205
Beſides expreſſe Cmmandements and direct promiſes, there be ſpeciall promiſes and commandements by conſequent, which we are to note and make vſe of. p. 205. 206
The acts of faith about the Word,
1. It doth firmely and vniuerſally aſſent to the whole Word of God, and ſet a due price and value vponupon it. p. 207
2. It ponders the word ſeriouſly, and treaſures it vp ſafe. ibid.
3. It preſerues and keeps in the way of the promiſes. ibid.
4. It plyes the throne of grace with earneſt and continuall ſupplications. ibid.
5. It looketh vp directly vntounto God, his wiſdome, power, mercy and faithfulneſſe. p. 208
6. It reſteth quietly vponupon God, and tryumpheth before the victory. p. 208
Meanes to ſtirre vp our ſelues to liue by faith, ſcil.
1. Find out thy vnbeliefe. p. 208. 209. 210. &c.
2. See the neceſſity and pretiouſneſſe of faith. p. 213
3. Meditate on the grounds of faith. p. 213. 214
4. Feeling weakneſſe of faith looke on Chriſt, p. 214
5. Pray for the Spirit of faith. p. 215
CHAP. II.
WHat is meant by Gods promiſes, and the diuers kinds therof. p. 216
The promiſe of forgiueneſſe of ſinnes. ibid.
This promiſe is free. p. 217
Yet obtained through Chriſt only. ibid.
And receiued and poſſeſſed by faith, and by it alone. p. 217 218
This promiſe is of faith,
1. That it might be of free grace, ibid.
2. That it might bee ſtedfaſt and ſure to all the ſeed ibid.
3. That only is the true manner of Iuſtification, which ſhuts forth all boaſting in the dignity of our workes. p. 218. 219
Its neceſſary to ſeeke pardon of ſinne by faith, for
1. In our ſelues we be ſinfull and curſed, and remiſſion which is of grace, can be obtained by no other meanes, but only by faith in Ieſus Chriſt, p. 219
2. Faith goeth directly vntounto Chriſt, that by him wee might be juſtified. ibid.
3. Faith in the promiſes of mercy, doth commend and maintaine the glory of Gods grace. p. 220
The acts of faith touching this promiſe of forgiuenes be diuers.
1. It generally belieueth the promiſe to bee true, and thereby diſcernes that ſinne is pardonable. p. 220. 221
2. It ſtirreth vp earneſt deſires and longings to bee made partaker of this mercy. p. 221. 222
3. It draweth vsus forward to ſeeke mercy of God by vnfained confeſſion and hearty ſupplication. p. 222. 223. 224
4. It embraceth and reſteth vponupon the ſpeciall and free mercy of God in Chriſt for pardon. p. 224. 225
5. It doth certifie of pardon granted and ſealed vntounto vsus. p. 225
How faith doth aſſure that our ſinnes are already pardoned. p. 225. 226
Three prerogatiues accompany confident aſſurance.
1. Peace with God.
2. Free acceſſe vntounto the throne of grace.
3. Ioy in the Holy Ghoſt vnſpeakable and glorious. p. 227. 228
6. By faith we continue in this bleſſed ſtate, in ſweet peace and fellowſhip with God. p. 228. 229
A Chriſtian may liue by faith for many dayes, or rather all the dayes of his life, in ſweet peace and communion with God if he will learne to maintaine, and take paines to exerciſe his faith aright. p. 230. 231. 232
To what meaſure of ioy a Chriſtian may attaine. p. 232. 233
Two ſpeciall cauſes there be, why many good Chriſtians liue ſo long in feare and doubt.
1. An immoderate aggrauation of their ſinne, and continuall thought of their vnworthineſſe. p. 234
Theſe muſt know it is good to deny themſelues; but not to doubt of the mercy of the Lord. ibid.
The deteſtation of ſinne is greatly to be commended, if they remember withall, that there is hope in Iſrael concerning this. p. 235
There be ſins of ignorance, infirmitie, forgetfulneſſe and ſudden paſſion: and there be foule, enormous, notorious ſinnes, which wound conſcience. p. 235. 236
If a man hauehave often fallen into notorious offences, he is not to deſpaire. ibid.
A foule offence after grace receiued is not vnpardonable. p. 236. 237
Many complaine they cannot belieue, when indeed they thinke there is no promiſe of mercy made vntounto them, vponupon which they ſhould ground their confidence. ibid.
Such muſt know,
1. that God calleth them in his word to come vntounto him, as if he did particularly name them.
2. They muſt conſider of the free grace of God in promiſing, and his faithfulneſſe in making good whatſoeuer he bath promiſed. ibid.
The ſecond cauſe is, ignorance of the way how this aſſurance is to be ſought, vponupon what foundation it is to bee laid, in what order they come vntounto it. p. 238
Two things are ſpecially to be learned for their direction.
1. That aſſoone as euer a man feeles ſin as a burden, and doth truly thirſt to bee eaſed of it, hee hath a calling to come vntounto Chriſt. p. 238
2. The barren in grace muſt come vntounto Chriſt to bee ſupplyed of his fulneſſe. p. 239
Directions to the weake, how to ſtirre vp themſelues to beleeue, when they feele no comfort. p. 239
1. They muſt vnfainedly humble their ſoules before God in the confeſſion of ſinne, with earneſt prayer for pardon. p. 240
2. They muſt rowſe and ſtirre vp themſelues to beleeue, with reaſons drawne from the promiſes and couenant of God made in Ieſus Chriſt, conſiderations taken out of the word, and experience of his dealing with other his ſeruants in former times. p. 241. 242
3. They muſt be inſtant with the Lord to giuegive them both ſtrength of faith, & the ſight of their belief. p. 242. 243
4. They muſt comfort their hearts in the certainty of Gods word, though for the preſent they feele no comfort. p. 243
Thus faith is daily to be preſerued and quickened. ibid.
CHAP. III.
OF the promiſes of Sanctification. p. 244
A Chriſtian is allowed to beleeue theſe promiſes, for
1. In the couenant of grace God hath promiſed to take away the heart of ſtone, &c. p. 245
2. The fountaine of grace is ſet open vntounto the thirsty, and he is inuited to come and drinke, to the ſatisfying of his ſoule. p. 245. 246
3. Christ by his bloud hath purchaſed for his people all ſpirituall bleſſings in heauenly things. ibid.
4. We are taught to aske of God in Chriſt, increaſe and ſtrength of grace. ibid.
5. The faithfull hauehave relyed vponupon Christ for grace and ability to walke in his wayes. ibid.
6. Mans duty is Gods free gift of grace. ibid.
It is neceſſary to belieue, that God will ſanctifie our nature, and enable to the duties of holineſſe. p. 246. 247
For,
1. Iuſtification & ſanctification be indiuiduall. p. 247
2. Otherwiſe Christians ſhall very much ſtagger, be off and on, coldly ſet vponupon the practice of Christianity. ibid.
3. Our owne ſtrength is too weake for the worke of holineſſe. ibid.
4. Setledneſſe in this that God will perfect the worke of holineſſe begun, cauſeth men to goe about the worke of mortification with much readineſſe. ibid.
5. The promiſes of God concerning ſpirituall things are linked together. p. 248
The acts of faith about the promiſes of ſanctification.
1. It acquaints a man with his emptineſſe of grace, and the ſtrength of his inbred corruption. p. 248. 249
2. It ſheweth where the ſtrength is to bee had which we want, and ſtirres vp to a constant, conſcionable and diligent vſe of the meanes of grace. p. 249. 250
3. It inciteth to an holy improuement of what grace we hauehave receiued. ibid.
4. It fighteth couragiouſly against ſinne, and cryeth inſtantly to the Lord for helpe. ibid.
5. It ſubmitteth willingly to what courſe the Lord is pleaſed to take for the crucifying of ſinne. ibid.
6. Faith is the band or ſinew whereby wee are tyed vntounto Christ the fountaine of grace. p. 251. 252
7. True faith ſtirreth vp to thankefulneſſe for the beginning of ſanctification. p. 252
The meanes how a Chriſtian is to ſtirre vp faith to belieue that God will ſanctifie him, when hee ſeeth nothing but thraldome.
1. Hee muſt bewayle his ſpirituall nakedneſſe, thraldome and vaſſalage vnderunder ſinne. p. 252. 253
2. Hee must looke to the grace, truth and power of God, who hath promiſed to ſanctifie: to the fulneſſe and ſufficiency that is in Christ the fountaine of grace. p. 254
3. He muſt pray inſtantly vntounto the Lord for ſanctifying grace. p. 255
4. It is good to moue the heart quietly to reſt in the promiſe, and reioyce in hope. p. 255
CHAP. IIII.
CHriſt hath purchaſed for vsus life euerlaſting no leſſe then righteouſneſſe. p, 256
Eternall life is promiſed vponupon condition of faith in Chriſt. p. 256
Life eternall is begun in them that belieue. p. 257
When firſt we belieue them are wee intituled to life euerlaſting, and ſo hauehave the accompliſhment of glory in reſpect of right and propriety. p. 257. 258
It is our duty to belieue in God through Ieſus Chriſt for the obtayning of eternall life to be giuen of grace. ibid.
It is very neceſſary to belieue it.
1. That we might with more quietneſſe of Mind beare the afflictions, troubles and perſecutions, which befall vsus in this world. p. 258
2. It ſerues to eſtabliſh our hearts against ſundry worldly cares and feares. p. 259
3. If we keepe Heauen in our eye, we ſhall fight couragiouſly, and runne with patience, notwithſtanding all oppoſition. ibid.
The acts of faith concerning theſe promiſes.
1. As an humble petitioner it receiueth and layeth hold vponupon ſaluation it ſelfe promiſed. p. 259. 260
2. Faith doth not begin to apprehend life, and then leaue it to workes: but doth euer rest vponupon the promiſe, vntill we come to enioy it. p. 260
3. By faith we receiue the promiſed Spirit, as the earneſt of our inheritance. p. 260. 261
4. Faith in the promiſes of euerlaſting life leadeth forward in the paths of peace and righteouſneſſe, p. 261. 262
5. It ſeeketh to get our title confirmed and aſſured to the conſcience by euidence, and earneſt, or pawne. p. 263
6. It ſtriueth to enter the poſſeſſion of this heauenly kingdome by degrees. p. 263
7. It earneſtly deſires and longeth after the full accompliſhment of glory. p. 263. 264
8. It aſſureth that wee are made heires of glory, to which God of his grace will bring vsus in his time appointed. p. 264. 265
God in great mercy doth vouchſafe to his adopted ſonnes many excellent royalties in this life. p. 265. 266
The act of faith that ariſe from the priuiledges of the godly in this life.
1. Faith reſteth vponupon the grace of God to receiue from him whatſoeuer may be good and profitable. p. 266. 267
2. It petitioneth inſtantly for ſuccour. p. 267. 268
3. It receiueth earthly bleſſings as gifts of the couenant, and tokens of louelove. p. 268
4. Faith in theſe & the foreſaid promiſes doth greatly enlarge the heart towards God. ibid.
5. It doth inwardly quiet and cheere the heart in the midſt of manifold outward diſcouragements. p. 268. 269
The way and meanes to ſtirre vp faith in theſe promiſes.
1. To humble our ſelues vnfainedly in reſpect of our miſerable and accurſed estate by ſinne, and former careleſneſſe to ſeeke mercy, &c. p. 269. 270. 271. 272
2. We must incite and ſtirre vp our ſelues to receiue the promiſes of euerlaſting life, by conſideration of the free and rich grace of God, his truth and faithfulneſſe; the ſufficiency of Chriſts merits; and greatneſſe, excellency and worth of the benefit promiſed. p. 272. 273. 274. 275. 276
3. We muſt pray earneſtly that God would increaſe our faith, ſeale vsus by his Spirit, lead vsus in the way of peace, cauſe vsus to grow vp in holineſſe, make vsus wiſe to prize and value, to taſte and reliſh the joyes of Heauen, and aſſure our conſciences of right and title to that euerlaſting inheritance. p. 277. 278
4. We muſt quicken our ſelues to reioyce in God, wait patiently, and walke chearefully before him. p. 278. 279
CHAP. V.
GOd hath made many promiſes of perſeuerance. p. 279 280
The louelove which God beareth to his people is an euerlaſting louelove, and the couenant which hee hath made with them effectually, and ſhall bee kept aſſuredly, is an euerlaſting couenant. p. 280. 281
The condition of the couenant is promiſed in the couenant it ſelfe. p. 281. 282
All the faithfull are built vponupon the rocke, not vponupon the rocke now, and anone vponupon the ſand. p. 282
The ſheepe of Chriſt ſhall neuer periſh, neither ſhall any man plucke them out of his hand. p. 282. 283
They are fenced againſt the treachery of their owne hearts remayning in them. p. 283
The holy Spirit is ſent into their hearts to dwell and remayne with them, as an earneſt of their inheritance, vntill the redemption of the purchaſed poſſeſſion. p. 283. 284
The life which they liue by faith in Chriſt, is an euerlaſting life. p. 284
Chriſt hath prayed for his people, that their faith ſhould not faile. p. 284
We are aſſured from God, that he will perfect the worke of grace which he hath begun. ibid.
By ſerious meditation on theſe promiſes we muſt ſettle our ſelues in belieuing our perſeuerance: which is very neceſſary.
For,
1. Had it not beene a point of great weight, the Lord would not hauehave mentioned it ſo often. p. 285
2. We are weake and feeble to withſtand, our ſpi…ituall enemies potent and vigilant to aſſaile. ibid.
3. Our weakneſſe is not greater then our backwardneſſe to belieue the promiſes of perſeuerance, when we ſtand in moſt need. ibid.
4. Whilſt Chriſtians diſtruſtfully queſtion their perſeuerance, all preſent fauours ſeeme the leſſe all other promiſes be held the more weakly. ibid.
5. Confidence in the promiſes of perſeuerance doth encourage and quicken in a Chriſtian courſe. p. 286
He that hath faith indeed will not; nay, he cannot take courage to goe on in ſinne vponupon this pretence, that faith once had, cannot vtterly be loſt. ibid.
6. Looke how much wee come ſhort in belieuing the faithfull promiſes of God, concerning our future 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 vntounto his children. p. 288
2. They hauehave 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 vponupon 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 vntounto the Lord for helpe and ſtrength, and continuall ſupply of grace. p. 291
4. Faith deſireth, digesteth and feedeth vponupon the wholeſome food of life. ibid.
5. It putteth forth it ſelfe to performe all duties of holineſſe and louelove 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 vponupon God through Ieſus Christ, for establiſhment and confirmation. p. 296. 297
3. Wee muſt pray inſtantly that God would vphold vsus, and make vsus to ſee that hee will eſtabliſh vsus vntounto the end. p. 297. 298
CHAP. VI.
THe ſeruants of Chriſt are all ſouldiers, and hauehave 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 vnderunder our feet ſhortly. p. 300
2. Faith doth glorifie God, and is most profitable vntounto vsus; our treaſure, ſtrength and victory. ibid.
3. We hauehave 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 vsus. p. 302. 303
3. Faith is of force to keepe vsus 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 vntounto God of the cruelty and malice of that Spirituall Aduerſary, but ſuffers it not to muſe vponupon his blaſphemous temptations. ibid.
4. By faith the poore ſoule eying the promiſe, betakes it ſelfe vntounto the Lord for ſuccour promiſed. p. 305. 306
5. It ſtirreth vp courage and reſolution to ſet vponupon 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 vponupon all occaſions. p. 307. 308
8. In the moſt forcible tempeſts which the enemy rayſeth againſt vsus, 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 louelove in themſelues. For,
1. An afflicted ſpirit toſſed with feare and terrour, cannot conceiue or giuegive 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 vntounto 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 vntounto Chriſt. ibid.
2. Taking courage to belieue, hee diſappoints Sathan. ibid.
3. Wee hauehave 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 vntounto 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 vnderunder 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 vponupon 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 hauehave 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 be borne. p. 320
Wee ſtand in need to bee holpen againſt diſcouragements in affliction. ibid.
God correcteth
1. In great wiſdome. p. 321
2. Meaſure. ibid.
3. For a moment. p. 321. 322
4. In louelove and tenderneſſe. ibid.
And that 1. to proue. 2. To purge. 3. To refine. 4. To confirme grace. p. 322. 323
He will deliuer the righteous out of trouble. p. 323
Is tender ouer them in trouble. p. 323. 324
And preſent for their helpe. p. 324. 325
It is moſt neceſſary that we learne to liue by faith in afflictions. p. 326
For
1. Faith is the ground of ſilent and quiet expectation of ſaluation. ibid.
2. Faith in God is the only ſtay and ſupport of the heart in trouble and affliction. p. 326. 327
3. Faith is the ſhield of the ſoule, whereby it is defended againſt all the fiery darts of the Deuill. ibid.
4. Faith only ſupplies all our wants in affliction. pag. 326. 327
5. Afflictions profit not, if they bee not mixed with faith in them that beare them. ibid.
The godly are allowed to liue by faith in afflictions.
For
1. Godlineſſe hath the promiſe of this life, and that which is to come. p. 327
2. The godly hauehave had this confidence in former times, whoſe practice is both a token of our priuiledge, and patterne of our dutie. p. 328
3. God is hereby much glorified, that wee relie vponupon him as our rocke of defence. ibid.
4. The Lord commandeth vsus to waite vponupon him in times of trouble. ibid.
5. Confidence in God doth the more binde him, as it were, to doe vsus good. p. 328. 329
The acts of faith in reſpect of theſe promiſes.
1. It looketh vntounto God, and acknowledgeth his hand in all afflictions, whoſoeuer be the instruments. p. 329. 330
2. It teacheth that wee are in ſuch diſtreſſes out of which none can help vsus, but the ſtrong helper of Iſrael. p. 330
This drawes the heart from carnall repoſe in meanes or friends, and expels vexations and diſtracting cares. ibid.
3. It wiſely directeth vsus to conſider, that the cauſe of all miſery and ſorrow is ſinne. p. 330. 331
4. Faith meekeneth the heart willingly to ſubmit it ſelfe to the good pleaſure of God, and patiently to beare his correction. p. 331
Faith comforteth the conſcience, and curbeth vnbridled paſſions. ibid.
The conſiderations, whereby faith perſwadeth vntounto meekneſſe, be many, ſtrong and irreſistible. As,
1. The deſert of ſinne, which is farre greater then any thing we ſuffer. p. 332
2. The hand that layeth the rod vponupon our backe, viz. God our moſt wiſe, iuſt, gracious and louing Father. ibid.
3. That this Cup, how bitter and wringing ſoeuer, is a medicine to cure, not a poyſon to deſtroy; ministred in great louelove and tender compaſſion to driue out corruption, confirme faith, preſerue from falling, ſtrengthen grace, weane from the world, and bring neerer vntounto God. p. 332. 333. 334
4. After ſerious humiliation faith bringeth tidings, that God will looke downe from Heauen in mercy, and ſend helpe in fitteſt ſeaſon. p. 335
5. Faith doth re-minde vsus of our conformity with Chriſt in afflictions, and of his partnerſhip with vsus therein. p. 335. 336
6. Faith ſetteth before vsus the infinite recompence of reward. ibid.
The firſt act of faith, It teacheth wiſdome to iudge aright of all afflictions. p. 335. 336. 337
6. True and vnfained confidence will not keepe ſilence in the eares of the Lord, nor ceaſe to importune his aide, &c. p. 337. 338
7. It rayſeth the heart, being conſcious of it weakeneſſe, to reſt vponupon the Lord for ſtrength, who makes vsus able to doe all things through his ſtrengthening of vsus. pag. 338. 339. 340
8. By faith the godly heart is drawne to vſe all meanes of helpe, that God in his prouidence doth afford, but reſteth quietly vponupon Gods promiſes, and aſſurance of his preſence aboue all likelihoods and appearances. p. 340. 341
This manner of dependance on the promiſes which faith worketh, is abſolute without limitation of time, meaſure of affliction, or manner of deliuerance. p. 341. 342
What faith turneth it ſelfe to meditate vponupon for ſupport in this caſe. p. 342. 343
9. Faith belieueth one contrary in another, and out of the deepest distreſſes gathereth aſſurance of ſweetest deliuerances. p. 343. 344
10. It reioyceth in tribulations, and triumpheth before the victory. p. 345
We muſt liue by faith in the heauieſt afflictions, and of longeſt continuance. p. 345. 346
The acts of faith in this caſe.
1. It teacheth that many and ſtrong afflictions of long continuance are no more then neceſſary. p. 346. 347
2. Faith in the greatest extremities ſuggesteth, that we are vnderunder the hand of God, who correcteth in meaſure, and for our profit; who hath determined the time and weight of our afflictions, and by his bleſſing will turne them to our good. p. 347. 348
3. Faith ſetteth a man about this worke, that is ſeriouſly to make inquiry into his heart and wayes, deeply to humble himſelfe before God, and feruently to intreat mercy for ſinne paſt, wiſdome to make vſe of preſent miſery, and fauour to be ſet free. p. 349. 350
4. Faith raiſeth the heart to expect abundance of merciemercy from God, and through prayer and ſupply of the Spirit to reape profit and taſte comfort anſwerable to the ſorrowes it hath felt and endured. p. 350. 351
Liuing by faith in times of tryall and viſitation, doth fit and p…epare the heart to thankefulneſſe when light ſhall ſhine from on high: and that ſo much the more, as our afflictions hauehave beene the ſharper. p. 351
In affliction faith ſeemeth to be most weake, and corruption moſt ſtirring.
1. Many doubtfull thoughts aſcend in Christians hearts, partly becauſe they know not that they are allowed to liue by faith in an afflicted ſtate, partly, becauſe they iudge amiſſe of their afflictions. p. 351. 352
2. Gods phyſicke, whilſt it is driuing out corruption, makes vsus feele and complaine of it more then euer. p. 352
3. In afflictions faith is tryed, the ſweetneſſe of it is not ſo much felt. ibid.
4. It is the office of faith to receiue the potion, and further the kindly working of it, which cannot be done, vnleſſe it ſtirre vp godly ſorrow, and wreſtle painfully to driue out corruption. p. 352. 353
Helpes to ſtirre vp faith in deepe afflictions when all meanes faile.
1. Wee must lay open our ſorrowes before the Lord, and powre out our complaint before him. pag. 353. 354
2. Confeſſe our ſinnes with hatred and godly ſorrow ibid.
3. Take vp our hearts for halting through vnbeliefe, and call vponupon them to reſt in the promiſe of diuine aide, aſſiſtance and deliuerance. 354. 355
4. Importune the Lord, and direct our ſupplications before him. p. 355. 356
5. Quicken our reſolution to truſt in the Lord at all times, euen when all refuge faileth. p. 356
CHAP. VIII.
GOd hath made many promiſes of earthly bleſſings. p. 357
In ſpeciall the Lord promiſeth length of dayes, health, ſtrength, wealth, fauour, peace, joy, good ſucceſſe, ſafety, good Name: and all theſe 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, vntounto vsus the vſe of all outward comforts vnderunder our hands. p. 362
The godly are allowed to liue by faith touching theſe promiſes. For,
1. Se…ing God hath giuen Chriſt for vsus, how ſhall he not with him alſo freely giuegive vsus 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, fruitl…ſſe, exceſſiue care, &c. p. 368
5. It ſeeth riches in God, ſubmitteth to his wiſdome, reſteth in his louelove, 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 vponupon 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 vsus 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 vntounto the creatures, what creatures are ſanctified vntounto 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 vponupon his owne ordinance. ibid.
This perſwaſion takes the heart off the creature, and lifteth it vp vntounto 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 vponupon God for ability to doe what hee requireth, &c. For,
1. The word of grace teacheth vsus 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 hauehave 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 vponupon any buſineſſe, he doth euermore promiſe to aide and aſſiſt them in the execution of it. p. 385
3. The ſeruants of God hauehave and doe begge grace to bring forth fruits worthy repentance and amendment of life ibid.
4. The faithfull hauehave 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 eueryevery facultie of ſoule, qualifieth and ſtrengtheneth naturall inclinations, altereth the taſte of eueryevery 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 louelove, 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 vponupon 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 faith to the chearefull practice of that duty, whereunto we find our ſelues dull and ſluggiſh.
1. Wee muſt acknowledge and bewaile this dulneſſe and ſloth, make it hatefull, and ſhame our ſelues for it before the Lord. p. 394. 395
2. Call vponupon our ſoules by many powerfull and ſtrong perſwaſions to awake to the worke of God with liuelineſſe. p. 396. 397
3. Pray to the Lord that hee would reuiue and quicken vsus. p. 397
4. Renew our reſolution to walke with God, truſting in his grace. ibid.
CHAP. X.
CHriſtians are allowed to liue by faith in the duties of their vocation, for, 1. God hath commanded vsus to labour in a calling, 2. Preſcribed the bounds of our calling, 3. And promiſed his bleſſing to our honeſt endeuours. p. 398. 399
It is neceſſary we ſhould liue by faith in the duties of our vocation.
1. To preuent the euils which beſet vsus in our ordinary callings, as couetouſneſſe, iniustice, impatience, and diſtracting care. p. 399
2. That worke is not acceptable, which is not done in faith. p. 400
The acts of faith in reſpect of the duties of our calling.
1. It informeth to make choiſe of an honeſt vocation for which wee are fitted, and into which wee may enter by good and lawfull meanes. p. 400
2. Faith inſtructeth not to meddle aboue our knowledge, but to leane vponupon the liuing God, not on our skill or cunning. p. 401
3. It quickeneth the moſt skilfull workman to ſtriue with God in prayer, that the worke he ſetteth about might ſucceed well, and proſper. ibid.
4. It cauſeth diligence, care, vprightneſſe and faithfulneſſe in all the workes, actions and buſineſſe of our calling, as knowing that whileſt we walke honeſtly therein, we doe ſeruice to the Lord. p. 401. 402
5. It incourageth to the moſt difficult, painfull, and (in the worlds eſteeme) diſgracefull workes of our callings. p. 403
6. It ſtrengtheneth againſt manifold troubles, diſgraces, oppoſitions and diſcouragements that men meete withall in their places. p. 403. 404
7. It directs wiſely to order the affaires of our calling, and to goe about them in good manner. p. 404
8. It teacheth to moderate cares, confine deſires of earthly things, and commit our ſelues to God for the ſucceſſe of our worke. p. 404. 405
9. It ſupporteth with ſtrength patiently to beare the calamities that accompany vsus in our callings. p. 405. 406
10. Faith restraineth diſtruſtfull care concerning the ſucceſſe of our labours, but is not ſlacke to craue Gods bleſſing vponupon our labours. p. 406
11. If we find wiſhed ſucceſſe, it makes vigilant, frugall, humble, mercifull and thankefull. p. 406. 407
12. Faith coupleth the labours of our calling with the practice of Chriſtianitie ibid.
How we ſhould liue by faith touching the ſucceſſe of that worke whereunto wee are called, which wee finde to bee much aboue our ſtrength or meanes.
1. Faith cauſeth ſelfe-deniall in reſpect of iudgement, wiſdome, and power. p. 407 408
2. It teacheth ſubmiſſion to Gods direction, and dependance vponupon his aide, helpe, and aſſiſtance. p. 408. 409
The props of this faith are two. 1. The exact infinite wiſdome of God, who knoweth what meanes be fit to be vſed now, and what not. 2. Gods prouidence which rules in eueryevery thing which fals out, euen the leaſt matters. ibid.
3. Faith thus vnderunder-propped bringeth forth induſtrie and endeauour to obſerue God in his prouidence. p. 409. 410
4. Faith cannot bee ſilent: Hee that belieueth will pray. ibid.
5. It putteth life and hardineſſe into vsus. ibid.
6. It waiteth vponupon God for good ſucceſſe, and triumpheth before the victory. p. 410. 411
7. Faith is ready and forward to prayſe God for good ſucceſſe. ibid.
CHAP. XI.
THere bee many promiſes made in Scripture, that God will bleſſe his owne ordinances to his peoples good. p. 412. 413
Theſe promiſes are firme grounds, whereupon the faithfull may build this affiance, that by the conſcionable vſe of Gods holy ordinances, he ſhall be made wiſe vntounto ſaluation, &c. p. 414
The ſerious meditation of theſe things is exceeding profitable to quicken and encourage vntounto chearefull and conſtant attendance vponupon God in his ordinances. p. 414
It is neceſſary to liue by faith in the vſe of Gods ordinances. For,
1. It auayleth not to liue vnderunder the Goſpell, if it bee not receiued in faith. p. 414. 415
2. It is not ſufficient to hauehave faith, but it muſt be exerciſed to receiue that grace, which the Word of God doth reach vsus with the ſeale. ibid.
The acts of faith in the vſe of Gods ordinances.
1. It teacheth to worſhip the true God purely. pag. p. 415. 416
2. It delighteth greatly to behold the face of God in his Sanctuary. p. 416
3. It ſeeketh acquaintance with God, and the knowledge of his will in Ieſus Chriſt. p. 417
4. It glueth the heart cloſe to the Word, receiueth & poſſeſſeth the good things promiſed, and chargeth the diſpoſition of ſoule into the nature of the Word. p. 417. 418
5. It quickeneth to ſerue God in the vſe of all his ordinances with diligence, chearefulneſſe, and beſt endeuour, p. 418
Parents ſhould in faith preſent their children to God in Baptiſme. p. 419
The acts of faith in this particular.
1. It calleth to remembrance the free and gracious couenant, which God hath made with belieuing Parents and their poſterity. p. 419. 420
2. By faith the belieuing Parents muſt giuegive themſelues vntounto God, chuſing him to bee their portion, and reſigning themſelues in all things to bee guided by his Word. p. 420
3. It prouokes Parents to offer their children vntounto God by hearty and vnfained prayer, aſſoone as euer they hauehave receiued them from him. ibid.
4. It conſidereth what a ſingular prerogatiue it is, to be actually admitted into Couenant with God, receiued into his family, and to hauehave his name put vponupon vsus. p. 420. 421
Feruent effectuall prayer doth accompany theſe meditations of faith. ibid.
5. It ſtirreth vp hearty reioyſing in the Lord, that hee hath vouchſafed in tender compaſſion to looke vponupon them and their poſteritie, and thus to honour and aduance them. p. 421
6. It ſtirreth vp Parents to be diligent and carefull to bring vp their children in information and feare of the Lord. p. 422
By faith we ſhould make right vſe of our Baptiſme all the dayes of our life. p. 422. 423
The vſe to be made of Baptiſme is twofold.
1. It ſerues to be a pledge and token of Gods fauour: for
1. It is a ſeale of our Regeneration by the holy Spirit. p. 423
2. It confirmeth vntounto vsus the free pardon and forgiueneſſe of our ſins. ibid.
3. Baptiſme is a pledge of the vertue of Chriſts death, and of our fellowſhip therein. ibid.
4. It is alſo a pledge of the vertue of Chriſts life, and of our communion with him therein. ibid.
5. Baptiſme is a pledge of our adoption in Ieſus Chriſt. p. 424
6. Baptiſme is a ſolemne teſtimony of our communion with all the liuely members of Chriſt Ieſus. ibid.
7. It is a ſeale and pledge to aſſure, that God will prouide for vsus in this life, raiſe vp our bodies vntounto life at the laſt day of Iudgement, and beſtow vponupon vsus that euerlaſting kingdome and inheritance, which he hath prepared. p. 424. 425. 426
2. It is a ſeale of our dutie promiſed.
1. It is a ſpurre to repentance and mortification. p. 426
2. It is a prouocation vntounto faith, and a pledge thereof. p. 426. 427
3. It is an incitement vntounto new obedience, & a pledge thereof. p. 427. 428
4. It is a pledge and pawne of louelove and vnitie. pag. 428
The new exerciſe of faith is requird in the worthy receiuing of the Lords Supper. ibid.
The acts of faith in receiuing the Lords Supper.
1. By it we diſcerne the Sacrament to be the holy Ordinance of God, instituted for our ſpeciall good and benefit, ſealing vntounto vsus the promiſes, which God of his free mercy hath made in Ieſus Chriſt. p. 428. 429
2. By it wee ſee, what the Lord doth offer vntounto vsus therein, how excellent and pretious it is, with what aſſurance it is freely tendered, and may be receiued. p. 429
3. It ſharpeneth ſpirituall appetite, and ſtirreth vp hungring and thirſting after Christ and his benefits. ibid.
4. It earneſtly contendeth for mercy, confeſſing ſin with griefe and hatred, &c. ibid.
5. By faith we receiue Christ offering himſelfe freely to be contracted vntounto vsus. p. 429. 430
6. By faith we reſigne vp our ſelues vntounto Ieſus Chriſt, and willingly yeeld ſoule and body vntounto him. p. 430
7. Faith feedeth vponupon Chriſt, and ſucketh vigour from him. ibid.
8. Faith aſſureth of that ſpirituall contract which hath paſſed betwixt Chriſt and the Chriſtian ſoule, and is ſealed in the Sacrament. p. 430. 431
9. It ſtirreth vp ioy and thankefulneſſe with ſerious remembrance of the manifold bleſſings, which in Chriſt Ieſus are vouchſafed. p. 431. 432
Meanes to ſtir vp our ſelues to receiue the Lord Supper in faith.
1. We must bewaile our vnbeliefe, dulneſſe, earthly-mindedneſſe, the diſtemper of our ſpirituall taſte, &c. ibid.
2. Conſider how freely the Lord doth tender Christ to be receiued in his Word and Sacrament. ibid.
3. Weigh and conſider the bleſſed ſtate and condition of them, who be reconciled vntounto God, &c. p. 433
4. Hauing troth-plighted our ſelues to Ieſus Chriſt vnfainedly, we muſt awaken and rowſe vp our ſoules to reioyce in him. ibid.
CHAP. XII.
THe faithfull are bound, and it is behouefull for them to belieue the threatnings. p. 434
The godly man is not ſlauiſhly to feare falling away or running into deſtruction, but wiſely to belieue the threatnings to preuent falling into ſinne, and ſo into condemnation. ibid.
1. The threatnings are part of the Word of God. ibid.
2. In the ſtate of innocencie there was vſe of threatnings, ſo is there in the ſtate of grace. p. 434. 435
3. Promiſes and threatnings mingled fit our ſtate, and ſerue to keep the heart in the best temper. ibid.
The acts of faith in reſpect of the threatnings.
1. It worketh humbleneſſe of mind and heart. p. 435
2. It bringeth forth awfulneſſe, reuerence and feare. p. 436
3. It ſtirreth vp continuall watchfulneſſe to ſhunne whatſoeuer might breed danger, or procure Gods diſpleaſure. p. 437
4. The threatnings mingled with faith, cauſe ſorrowfull melting or relenting of heart for ſinne committed. ibid.
5. When we ſee by faith from what miſeries wee are deliuered of the free grace and merciemercy of God, our hearts are enlarged in prayſe & thanksgiuing. p. 437. 438
This life of faith is most excellent and comfortable: for,
1. By faith we are directed to ſeeke and follow after Chriſt, till wee come to be aſſured that he dwelleth in vsus as the fountaine of life, and that in him we are deliuered from the guilt and puniſhment of all our ſins. p. 438
2. By this faith wee may come to ſound rest and holy ſecuritie about our ſaluation from time to time. ibid.
3. If God lead vsus into the darke, by this faith we are enabled to hold him by the hand. ibid.
4. Hereby the rage of ſin is weakened, and we hauehave grace to walke in newneſſe of life, and all the parts of it with ioy and chearefulneſſe. p. 439
5. By it we walke in our callings chearefully, honestly, painfully, &c. ibid.
6. This faith teacheth vsus to pray at all times as our neceſſities require. ibid.
7. If the affliction be very grieuous and of long continuance, faith doth neither quaile, nor ceaſe to ſeeke helpe. p. 439. 440
8. The life of faith ſhall end in ioy and comfort. p. 440
9. He that hath learned to liue by faith, ſhall alſo die in faith. ibid.
FINIS.