The Doctrine of Faith, Doctrine (4 of 5)

The Doctrine of Faith · Doctrine (4 of 5)

p. 301The next point after the difficulty of faith,Rarenesse of Faith, and fewnesse of Beleevers. is to speake of the fewnesse of beleevers, and then as a reason of it, come to the lets. Not onelyonly as Paul saith, all men have not faith, but few ever have had, or have it. When the old world was drowned, & only Noah & his family preserved, how few were the number of true beleevers? When the Church was in a family, as of Abraham, Isaac there were Ismaels and Esau's. In the Prophets dayes, how few? Esa. 53. 1. When our Saviour Christ came, how few beleeved on earth? hee came among his owne, and his owne received him not, and both Iewes and Gentiles conspire to put him to death.

And even amongst us, take ignorant, prophane, civill worldlings, and hypocrites out of townes, and how many will be left.

p. 302At this houre there is little faith, most have no meanes of faith, most of those that live under the meanes get no faith: there were three bad grounds and but one good. Few finde the narrow way. There are many called, few chosen; so when Christ shall come, shall hee finde faith upon earth? Luk. 18 8

Quest. But how can wee tell that there be few Beleevers?

Answ. The grosse ignorance so common in most parts of the Land, doth plainely shew it; for without knowledge no faith, seeing it is the first thing in faith.

2. So much wickednesse of life against the first & second table, as wee should soone see, if wee should go over the Commandements, & most be tainted with foule sinnes: they that bee not, yet live in some sinnes (as civill persons and hypocrites) though not so grosse: as unfaithfulnesse: p. 303And the hatred of the children of God, which being so common, prove certainely that there is no faith; for faith purifieth the heart, Acts 15. 9▪ 1. Ioh. 3. 3. faith is not idle not barren, but fruitfull, casting out all knowne sin, and loving the contrary.

And therefore let every body looke about them,Vse. and feare themselves, except they can prove it well.

Now the cause why so few attaine to faith, is because there are many lets and impediments which hinder them from it. But of these I will speake hereafter, when I come to handle the ninth point (which I propounded) in its due place.

But howsoever it bee a matter of great difficulty to attaine unto a lively faith, yet wee are to know that it is most necessary for all that will be saved; and therefore in the sixth place I p. 304will shew the necessity of it. And first, it is so necessary, that without it we can have no comfort in this life, nor salvation hereafter; no life of grace here, nor of glory in heaven, Ioh 3 16. Mark. 16. 16. Act. 16. 31.

Wee can have no right to Christs death, but remaine in our owne filthinesse. It is faith onelyonly that makes Christ ours by Gods appointment; no right to his obedience, but lie under our sinnes and guilt, lyable to the curse of God, and to beare our owne burden.

Without faith it is impossible to please God, Heb. 11. 6. seeing there can bee no person nor worke pleasing till wee have true faith. Wee can have no spirituall life without it, but we remaine starke dead in our sins, not able to move a finger in any good action nor to think a good thought: for without me you can doe nothing. Iohn 15. 5. neyther p. 305can we draw any vertue or spirituall life, but from Christ by faith; and by it wee being knit to so loving a head, and the fountaine of life, wee are made alive to God, Ephes. 2. 1.

We can have no peace, much lesse joy without it. There may indeed bee a false peace, and men are ready to cry peace, peace, but it will end in warre: men (eyther never feeling the burden of sinne, or imagining themselves in a good case when they bee farre from it) may have, as many have, a false deceitfull peace, but no sound one. Its but a mad laughter and carnall joy.

There is without it no boldnesse in the presence of God, to call him father, or to aske any thing of him, much lesse boldnesse to commend our selves to him in death, or boldnesse at the day of judgement.

Our Saviour Christ said, Father, p. 306into thy hands I commend my spirit, Luke 23. 46. And so David, Psal. 31. 5. Lord, into thy hands I commend my spirit: for thou hast redeemed me.

No love to God, Luke 7. 47. the woman loved much, because shee beleeved that many sinnes were forgiven her, nor that we loved him, but he loved us first, 1. Ioh. 4 19. nor to our brethren; for then wee love them in Christ, when wee beleeve that wee are children of the same Father.

No zeale for God, or obedience in doing or suffering; wee cannot mortifie our earthly members, and crucifie our beloved sinnes: oh no, till wee be assured that God hath done great things for our soule. So to take up the painefull course of godlinesse. Much lesse can wee suffer for Christs sake, before by faith wee beleeve that hee suffered so much for us.

p. 307Without faith wee can have no right to a bitte of bread; no means to resist the world or the devill, for it is the shield of faith that quencheth all his fiery darts, Eph. 6. 16. 1. Ioh. 5. 4. it is the victory that overcomes the world; and it overcomes also the flesh and our corruptions, drawing vertue from Christs death. No meanes without it to make us patient, much lesse joyfull in trouble, as we are bidden, Heb. 10. 35. 36.

No comfort in our life; for what sound comfort but from hence? Psa…. 4. 6. 7. so no joy in death; for if wee know wee shall perish, or are in doubt whither we shall goe, wee can have no joy but horrour and terrour.

Wee can have without it no salvation after this life: for hee that beleeves not, is condemned already, Ioh. 3. 18. Mark. 16. 16. He that beleeves not shall be damned; p. 308God hath sanctified no other way to heaven.

It is the wedding garment, which whosoever wanteth, can never sit downe with Abraham, Isaack, and Iacob, in the kingdome of heaven, but shall bee bound hand and foot, and cast into utter darknesse, whatsoever else he hath, Math. 22. 13.

It is the oyle in our Lampes which wee must have, or else wee shall never enter with the Bridegroome, but shall be shut out, though we cry, Lord open unto us.

It hath ever beene necessary; for even by this have all beene saved from the beginning. By it our Elders were well reported of, Heb. 11. 3.

Ob. Indeed many are commended for faith, but it is faith in some particular promise, as, Noah, That hee and his should be preserved in the floud; and Abraham, That he should have p. 309a sonne, &c. but not for justifying faith.

Ans. Wee must know they had faith in the Messiah to come, who was revealed though dimly, and from that promise they also beleeved other particular promises made by God, but from that as from the originall and fundamentall promise of all the rest.

So Christ saith, Abraham saw my daye, and rejoyced, Ioh. 8. 56. so 1 Cor. 10. 3. the Israelites did eate the same spirituall meate.

It is necessary to all kindes of persons, rich, poore, and both one way; old, yongue, that bee of any discretion, they must have faith or else no salvation.

The poore cannot be excused by their poverty or want of learning, nor the rich dispensed with; but all must have faith.

Every one must have a faith of his own; for every man must p. 310be saved by his owne faith: not the childe by the parents, husbands by their wives, or contrariwise, though they had the greatest beleever in the world to their father or husband. It is true that the parents faith benefits the childe, but to apply Christ to him it can no more doe, than my eating can fat or feed another, or anothers wearing of cloathes can warme mee.

It is not a thing needfull, and very needfull; yet so as we may make ashift without it, and bee saved, but not doe so well: but of absolute necessity, seeing there can bee no well-beeing without it. As a key is a thing very needfull to open a doore that is lockt, yet not so necessary, but that some other shift may be made: as you may picke the locke, it may be, or breake the doore open. But not so here, where there is no other p. 311means, for this is the onelyonly key, no picking the locke, no breaking open the doore; none can come to heaven by stealth or violence, whether God will or no. And all that come there by his knowledge, and will, must come by faith.

Then what a miserable case are all they in; that have not the meanes to know Christ,Vse. and therefore cannot possibly beleeve in him? oh lamentable state of huge Nations and people in this case!

The workes of God are wonderfull; severity towards them, toward us bountifulnesse. How should wee pitty and pray for them, and wonder at Gods mercy to us, and our portion! Was not Goshen a happy place over Aegypt was? so wee to them: And Amos 4. 7. God caused it to raine in one Citie, and not another, and that it rained not on, withered. Thus it is with us: And p. 312oh thrice happy they that know the day of their visitation.

Secondly, it serveth to teach us Ministers to bee very much and carefull in handling this most necessary point of faith; and in teaching the things most fit to worke faith: As the doctrine of the Law to humble men, then of Christ, and of Faith; what it is, the necessity of it, and how it is wrought, and how we may know it.

And not content our selves to teach this duty and that, and to inveigh against this and that sinne. For we have done the people no good till they be beleevers.

To what purpose is it to urge the people without faith to doe this, and forbeare that? as if one should bid a lame man or one with great bolts on his legs to run for a wager, or a sicke man to goe to his work p. 313or meate. Till a man be made alive by faith, and have a state in grace, it is but lost labour. And yee see that the most amend nothing by preaching, because the doctrine of faith is no more insisted on.

If one should fall to mend, and to leave this sinne, and doe that duety, what were this, not comming from faith, and not being universall? they are but workes of an hypocrite, and of a restrained man, by the common gifts of the Spirit. And what if wee could restraine all our Parish? one converted man and beleever were better than they all: for this will only …ase his torments, and bee somewhat better for others that live with him, but save him it will never.

This is to build without a foundation, and to put a peece of new cloath into an old garment, and new wine into old p. 314vessels. Paul in all his Epistles first dwells on the things that serve to bring to faith, and in the latter part of them comes to particular dueties, &c. and so ought we also to doe.

This makes the people also trust to their doings, so that if they reforme somewhat at preaching they thinke they be in a happy case, because so few do thus much; but for want of knowing this, that without faith it is impossible to please God in any thing wee doe, they deceive themselves.

As Popery doth foolishly, that calls for a good life, & the meane time overthroweth the foundation of it, a true faith: so when wee stand beating upon this and that point, and do not care how seldome we urge the point of faith, alas, what do we? It is great pity of the losse of so many good exhortations for want of a foundation. True it p. 315is that all such points in a mixt congregation must bee taught, yet so, as still wee oft be harping about the things that should worke faith, and especially in such places where most are without faith quite.

Thirdly, it may serve for comfort to all that know truly they have faith. Oh let them thinke what they should have done without it; they had bin miserable creatures: and therefore that they study how to bee thankfull to God that hath wrought it; that they nourish it daily, that it may increase, walke worthy of such mercy, and shew forth the fruits of it.

Fourthly, it is for reproofe of most people, that regard any thing else but this, which is not at all, or but little regarded; tith mint and annise, and legoe weighty matters, cum ber themselves about many things, but chuse not the good p. 316part, Luke 10. 42. At last every body would be assured, and on their death bedde they send for the Minister: such a Christian would borrow oyle of others, but they have but for themselvs; & therfore many are shut out, though they cry, Lord, Lord, &c. If it bee good in death, it is to be sought for before in time; many seek knowledge and gifts, but few seeke and make sure of a true faith: yea many regard not this point of faith at all.

Others couzen themselves with every counterfeit; they hope well, &c. People either beleeve not what we say of the necessity of faith, or else conceive they have it when it is nothing so. If they beleeve it not, let them confute us; if they cannot, why then do they not labour after it?

Oh that I had grace enough to lament and weep abundantly; p. 317oh that my head were a fountaine of teares, that I might powre them out abundantly for the misery of people, whom God hath made happy in respect of time and meanes, but they unhappily neglect that that should make them happy here, and hereafter for ever.

Fifthly, it serveth for instruction to them that have it not; Oh let all both high and low looke to this, and bee ashamed you have spent your time so badly as to bee without that, which if you dye without you must needs perish.

Let not the poore finde excuses by their poverry or want of learning.

And you aged, looke you about you, seeing you have one foote in the grave; if the other goe in too, woe be to many of you.

You yongue ones that be of p. 318any understanding, know you also that your life is uncertain, and that if you dye without faith, you are undone.

And you parents, traine up your children religiously in the understanding of the principles of Religion, and urge things upon them, that by your meanes and Gods blessing on the publicke Ministery, faith being wrought in them, you may have much comfort of them, if they bee taken away in their yonguer yeeres.

And you husbands, long and labour to see faith in your wives, and wives in your husbands, and be not content that they live a peaceable life, and that you want nothing; and therefore you will not disquiet your wives and husbands about such things, seeing so you might fare the worse.

Oh beware of such carnall thoughts, and labour each with p. 319other that you may be brought to faith. And know, that true beleevers cannot bee content that their husbands, or children be only civill.

The seventh point which I propounded to handle,Perpetuitie of true Faith. and last property of Faith, is the perpetuity of it. And therefore in the next place I am to shew, that true justifying faith is perpetuall, and that wheresoever it is, it can never bee lost, over come, nor taken away, nor wholly faile, but abideth to the end.

It is true that a temporarie faith may bee lost, such as wee reade of some, Luke 8. 13. that beleeved for a season: as the seed in the stony ground soone springs up, but after withereth. And such likewise as build on the sand, which soone faile, and fail when the winde bloweth, and the storme ariseth: but he that buildeth on the Rock, the p. 320flouds and windes cannot move him.

Temporary faith is so called because it lasts not; but this argueth there is a faith that endureth, which is that immortall seed that never dyeth.

Yet wee must know, that the reason of our never losing our faith, is not for any strength in our selves, but from the might of God, else we might lose our salvation every day: but it is not in our owne keeping, as Adams, but in Gods, 1 Pet. 1. 5. & 2 Cor. 1. 21. It is God that stablisheth us with you in Christ: and therefore though wee bee weake in our selves, yet we are able to doe all things through Christ Iesus which strengtheneth us. Phil. 4. 13.

When we apprehend Christ by faith, wee doe not so much apprehend him, as hee doth comprehend us; and therefore if wee could let him goe, yet p. 321hee will not let us goe, nay hee will not let us let him goe: as Ieremiah 31. 34. & 32. 40.

As wee are knit on our parts to Christ by faith, so on Gods part by his Spirit, which is almighty and unchangeable, and holds us to him for ever.

Now this may be proved first by many testimonies of Scripture, Psal. 1. 3. The faithfull are compared to a Tree planted by the River, and Ieremiah 17. 8. the same are planted into a head so full of sappe and spirituall life as can never fade, Psal. 15. 5. with 2 Peter 1. 10. Psal. 112. 1. Psal. 125. 1. 2.

And Iohn 3. 16. Iohn the Baptist telleth us, that he who beleeveth on the Sonne hath already passed from death to life. Rom. 8. 1. There is no condemnation to them that are in Christ: and therefore hee cannot lose his faith; for if hee could, then he might perish.

p. 322So Iohn 6. 35. our Saviour giveth a reason of that, Iohn 7. 38. such a one that hath rivers flowing out of him cannot thirst, &c.

Secondly, this may bee also proved by strong reasons. For first, the election of God, which is unchangeable, and the foundation of God stands firme, as is implyed by that speach of our Saviour, Math. 24. 23. where he saith, that the false christs would if it were possible deceive the very Elect.

But every beleever is Elect of God, as appeareth, in that Faith is called the faith of Gods Elect, and Act. 13 48. election is made the cause of beleeving.

Secondly, the will of God, which is unresistable, and who made the world, by his will; and doth whatsoever hee will both in heaven and earth, hee wills it, Ioh. 6. 39 40.

p. 323Thirdly, the love of God is unchangeable; for whom he loveth, to the end hee loveth them. Iohn 13. 1. Ier. 31. 3. I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore vvith loving kindnesse have I drawne thee. And his gifts and calling are without repentance. Rom. 11. 29. that is to say, his saving gifts: for common gifts may be lost; and some saving gifts in some degree and for a time, as peace, joy, gifts of grace, but the essentiall gifts to salvation, vid. Faith and Sanctification, these be never taken away, only they may be abated, and the degrees may be lost, at least in respect of their acts and operations, but not the things themselves,

Fourthly, the union of the Beleevers with Christ, is so true and reall an union, as that it is also indissoluble, we being flesh of his flesh, and bone of p. 324his bones, Ephe. 5. 30. what Giant will suffer his limbes and members to bee pulled away? and how much lesse will Christ suffer any to pull a member from him, and so to leave him a maimed and imperfect bndy?

Fiftly, it may bee proved by Christs promise and intercession, (who is ever heard) both for Peter, Luk. 22. 32. and Iohn 17. and now his intercession in heaven for all his Saints.

Ob. But wee may have so many enemies, and meanes to pluck our faith from us; as also so great troubles may come in rushing upon us, as may deprive us of our faith.

Ans. Well, the Lord knoweth to deliver his out of temptation, 2 Pet. 2. 9. yea and not to lay more on his than hee inableth them to beare: and hee will also give an issue with tentation, 1 Cor. 10. 13.

Also the divell is thus and thus strong, yet Iohn 10. 29. p. 325My Father is greater than all, and none can plucke us out of his hand; and faith is a puissant shield which quencheth all his fiery darts, Ephes. 6. 16. And if the world be against us, faith is the victory that overcomes the world, 1. Ioh. 5. 4.

Ob. It is said in the fifteenth of S. Iohn, verse 2. that every branch in Christ that beareth not, he taketh away: whereby it seemeth that a man may bee a branch in Christ, and yet beare no fruit, and so bee cut off and burnt.

Ans. The answer to this may serve for many such places; which is true, and not an evasion, videl…et, some bee true, some seeming branches.

Ob. Iudas, Simon Magus, Demas, Alexander, had faith, and fell away, and lost all.

I said temporary faith may bee lost, and such had all these, of whom that is true of all, that p. 326the Apostle Iohn speaketh, 1. Ioh. 2. 19. They went out from us, but were not of us; and of Iudas alone, Iohn 17. 12. None of them is lost but the childe of perdition, Rom. 11. 17. And whereas the Apostle saith that some of the branches were broken off, hee meaneth not the elect or true beleevers, but some that were of Abrahams stocke and posterity according to the flesh; in whose stead the Gentiles which were not of Abraham stocke were grafted in.

Ob. David and Peter had true faith, and yet lost it.

Ans. I answer, that they lost not their faith; for Christ prayed for Peter directly that his faith might not faile, Luk. 22. 32. and therefore it failed not, seeing hee was heard in all things. Their faith onelyonly was covered for a time and lay hid, and the working thereof was interrupted: but though they p. 327were in a swoone, yet they came to themselves againe.

Indeede, Psal. 51. vers. 10. David prayed God to create in him a cleane heart, but hee spake according to his owne feeling, not as it was in truth.

Ob. But what say you to all the caveats, as Rom. 11. 20. Thou standest by faith, be not high minded, but feare?

Ans. This is meant not of the particular elect of God, but of the whole Church, and body of the people; for his elect cannot finally fall. Secondly, by such admonitions and caveats, he putteth a bar against it that they may not fall.

Ob. 1. Cor. 10. 12. Let him that standetb take heed left he, fall, and Heb. 12. 13. Make straight pathes for your feete, left that which is lame be turned out of the way, but let it rather bee healed, Phil. 12. 12. Worke out your owne salvation with feare and trembling.

p. 328Ans. Such speeches are used to awaken hypocrites, and to make beginners looke to their foundation; or if they be directed to good Christians, then we are thus to understand it, that God who hath appointed they should not fall, hath appointed to keepe them from falling by these admonitions and dehortations. Otherwise also they may be intended not to make us feare our falling quite away, but so farre as wee may fall, or to doe any thing unworthy of our hope; and to walke in feare, that we doe not remit any thing nor flacken our pace in the waies of godlinesses yet true faith may bee hindered for a time and hidden, and a man may lose the sense of it, and the actions and workings thereof may be hindered, but the habite cannot quite bee lost.

Even as fire may bee so covered p. 329with ashes, as no heat, nor light can bee seene or felt, yet when the ashes bee uncovered and more wood laid to, and blowed upon, it will flame out againe, and shew it selfe both in light and heate. So, as the Sunne out of a thicke cloud again breaketh out & shineth; or as a man in a deepe swoune seemeth dead, but let him alone, or use meanes, and by and by he comes againe to himselfe: and when hee was at worst, one might perceive a little breath and pulse, &c. So in this swoune of a Christian, we shall perceive complainings and mislikings of himselfe.

As the trees in winter blowne with strong windes, which yet indeede make them roote the faster, and by frosts and blasts are nipt, which yet hurt not the trees, but kill the cankers and hurtfull wormes: and howsoever in the winter p. 330they seeme dead,See Down. Christ. wars. 1. part. l 3. cap. 43. yet in the spring,Vse. when the Sunne and Showers come, they shoot … and bud, and beare both leave and fruit.

And this may serve to confute those erroneous spirit that teach the contrary, as Papists and Pelagians, who (… other of the heretickes) will bring seeming places, and wring them to their own… meaning, and goe against direct and most plaine Scriptures.

Secondly, it serveth for… singular comfort to all true beleevers: For if Gods election, will, love, and our union with Christ be strong enough, the… are wee safe, and Christs praier heard. Therefore be of good comfort, and bee holily secure in respect of the end, onelyonly bee carefull in respect of the meanes; and bee thankefull to him that hath thus provided, in whose might also wee stand.

p. 331Thirdly, what an exceeding encouragement and provocation is this unto all to make them labour to get this faith, which is of that unspeakeable worth? and being gotten, can never be lost more. What endlesse toyle doe men take for that which they are uncertaine, whether ever they shall obtaine it; or if they doe, they know not how soone they shall lose it? It would kill ones heart to toyle for it, and when we have it, may straight lose it. But it is not so of faith, which being once gotten can never be lost.

Fourthly, it also teacheth us what to thinke of the finall fallings away of such as have seemed great in the Church of God.

But lest upon this doctrine,How farre a beleever may fall. any should sucke poyson, and waxe proud and carelesse, I will tell you of some fearefull things, that may make every p. 332Christians heart to tremble within him. Besides that decay that I have spoken of in the end of the point of strong faith, a Beleever may suffer a most grievous revolt, and fall … farre, as may make all that heare of it, much more that see it, to quake.

A true beleever may … waxe proud (and that usually is the roote of Apostacies and cause of downefalls) he may I say waxe proud in himselfe, in his knowledge, gifts, and his owne strength, as Peter did, as having had some experience of the power of the grace of God in him; hee may thence come to a carelesse and overly performance of holy duties, and use of the meanes, thence to a neglect of the meanes, thence to a giving way carelesly to his inward corruptions, without repentance of them afterward for a time, hence he may easily p. 333drop into some foule sinne, as David, and from one to another: or into a course of base living, which by the continuance of it makes it odious to wit, to be a companion of base persons, a bibber with those, with whom somtimes he would have beene loath to have spoken with in any familiar manner, a gamester at home and abroad, spend away his time basely abroad, and in wrangling and contention at home, and become a most ill example in the family, though somtimes he were so zealous, as that hee toll'd on others to goodnesse, even the worst plow-boy hee kept; hee may come to a carelesse neglect of the ministery of the Word, Sabbath, and other times and places of Gods worship, shunning all good company as much as possible can be. In this hee may continue long with a senslesse and hard heart.

p. 334Hee may by the occasion of this, come to lose all his sense and feeling of his peace with God, and in his owne conscience, boldnesse with God, all his credit with the Church, and become a dead logge to any thing that is good. Yea, hereupon when God shall awaken his conscience, he may come to horrour and feare, and a wounded soule, not only not feeling any faith, but even feeling God a revengi…g Iudge, ready to cut him off, and give him his portion with hypocrites: hee may further (as it usually falls out) have some heavy crosse fall upon him, under which hee may lye in a fearefull case wrestling with it, and the everlasting vengeance of God, yea he may bee given up to Sathan to bee tempted to Atheisme, to blasphemy, impatience, to despaire. And herein hee may make all that feare God and know him p. 335to shake their heads, and grieve …n their hearts for him; and he …ay also set open the mouthes …f the wicked against him, and …o become a common scorne, …n every ale-bench. Yea the …ood-gates of blasphemy may …ee broken open against him, and the Gospell, and the way of God may through his fearefull …all be exceedingly ill spoken …f, and many thereby defiled; and hereby many weake ones may be shaken, and the wicked confirmed greatly in their vile course. Yea hee may continue …ong in this case, and yet may recover againe, so as hee may …estirre him; for it will cost him the setting on, and hot water, and more than ever it did at first: Or hee may recover in part, as some peece of his comfort, but never any thing like that he had: Or hee may be freed of his outward affliction, but not lightly of both. But he p. 336may lye under both, and so … with terrour, and never com… to a sensible apprehension … mercy againe, and so dye, … that it shall bee doubted of … hands, even the most charitable, whether he is gone to heaven or hell. And this God … doe, to shew to the world … he will not …eare with sinne … his owne, especially presumptuous sinne; and to make … Christians beware, and to … the wicked that there … maines fearefull things … them.

Oh most fearefull case … heare of. Would one … thinke that a Christian … come to this passe? Yet … things may bee shewed in … examples of David & … som in the one, sons in th'other The wonderfull sinnes of David, his admired horrone, compared to breaking of …, … temporall afflictions sent upon p. 337him, and that followed him, (the blasphemy of the enemies of God by his meanes.) And though he by Gods mercy be recovered perfectly, yet he carryes the scar to this day.

But Salomon, besides these things in David, fell much more fearefully; so that his Sunne seemed to set in a blacke cloude. For it is questioned this day by Divines, whether he everrepented or no, or dyed a reprobate. And the Lord hath of purpose left him so without any infallible and evident testimony of his repentance, though wee have arguments enow from the Scriptures to prove him to die the servant of God.

Now as this was a foule abasement to Salomon, a man to whom God had twice so appeared, a man the wisest of men, and one of the holy men of God, whom he used as a pen-man p. 338of the Scriptures; and therefore inspired with the holy Ghost, as appeareth, 2. Pet. 1. 21.

So what a fearfull fall is this for a man that sometimes hath had a firme perswasion of Gods love, peace in conscience, boldnesse with God, credit in the Church, that hath provoked on many to good, and now himselfe fallen from all, into the contraries of all these? For this is as if a rich man should come to beggars state. I heard of a woman so rich & so proud, as shee having her house neere the Church, would have it laid with clothes all the way for her to go upon, and other things accordingly.

But she car…e afterwards to that poverty, as she would goe up and downe to neighbours to borrow a peece of bread or cheese, being ashamed to beg it our right; and being sicke, lay p. 339basely, but that neighbours brought in some things to lay on her.

Now to a spirituall eye this woefull fall that I have spoken of of a beleever, is farre more fearefull.

Ob. If it bee so, then as good or better not to trouble ones selfe about Religion, or the getting of Faith.

Ans. God forbid: for though some one or few may bring themselves to this misery through their carelesnesse, yet many and most doe, and may enjoy the sweete peace of it till they attaine unto the end of it, even their salvation.

And the worst estate that ever a beleever can come to, yet is better than the best of an unbeleever. We might as well fall wholly and finally as thus farre, and lye so long, but onelyonly for Gods unchangeable love and good hand. And therefore p. 340thanke we God that hath kept us, when wee have seene others fouly fallen.

But this use hereof is to bee made,Vse. to wit, to make all Christians cast away pride, security, and carelesnesse, and to walke in holy reverence and humilitie. Some having gotten something, and finding some change, boastingly will say, They have now got past perishing; and as for faith, that they can never lose. But beware, and examine well, lest this prove but a temporary faith; for usually true faith is jealous and suspicious of its selfe. But if you cannot perish nor quite lose your faith, yet may you fall so farre as may make you a spectacle & scorn to Angels and Men. What if a man shall not bee hangd for his faults? yet if he be whipt at the Carts taile through divers Market townes, set on the Pillory, and lose his eares, may not p. 341this bee bad enough? therefore beware of pride, and of the negligent and carelesse use of the meanes, and of the neglect of them publicke and private, and falling from the society of Gods people, and of giving way to our inward corruptions and lusts, and of any grosse sinne: or if we have dropt into any, let us make haste by true repentance to rise out of them againe. Cling to God and to the meanes, and a conscionable humble use of them. And if you feele any thing contrary, spy it, and shake it off quickly, lest yee bee brought by degrees to this fearfull state.

But what should such a one doe that is fallen into this woefull case? It is possible hee may bee recovered: Oh if there bee any such in this place, God grant I may speake to your hearts. I am sure I know such. If there bee any here that lives p. 342neere such, and have had acquaintance with them, I would pray them to finde a time to tell them from mee, nay from the Lord, what you have heard, and what course they must take if ever they meane to attaine unto salvation. These would be holpe by praiers, especially of those that have been provoked to goodnesse by their counsell and callings; and they are to know, that there is a possibility of recovery, as wee see in the Prodigall.

To which end, they must abase and throw downe themselves before the Lord, in the most lowly manner that they can possibly, lying groveling on the ground, kisse the earth; yea, if they could possibly goe under the earth: then they must most humbly confesse and rippe up all with a most heavie heart, judging and condemning themselves to the pit of p. 343hell, and worthy to bee cut off for ever: yea and aggravare their vile sinnes by Gods great mercy shewed to them above ….

Then must they lye downe under the hand of God, being content and willing that God should doe with them in correction as hee pleaseth; yea they must cut themselves (in holy revenge) short of some of their lawfull liberties, and never leave crying and pleading till they obtaine some little hope.

And if they feele but the least moving of the Spirit and comfort, Oh they must be highly thankefull, and follow it till they have obtained it in greater measure. Neyther must they thinke to speed soon, but if they can after long time, they have cause to think themselves happy; neyther is it like that they shall finde God easie to bee intreated and found of them, who p. 344have so much provoked him to just displeasure. If with much adoo and long earnest seeking, comfort bee obtained, they may thinke themselves well. Then must they for ever after abstaine from the very appearance of evill, and cling to the meanes, and suspect themselves, even in their best dueties, lest ever they should decline againe, seeing then their case would be worse than ever it was before.

Having shewed what faith is,Whether a man may know that he hath faith. the cause, meanes, degrees, and properties of it, it now followeth, according to the order which I have propounded, that I should set downe the signes, by which examining our selves, wee may certainely know whether wee have a true faith or no But because it is a thing which is not granted of all, that a man may ordinarily attaine to this knowledge; p. 345therefore before I come to shew the companions, fruites, and signes of faith, whereby every man may try and examine himselfe whether he hath true faith or no, I will first handle this question, Whether a man may attaine to this knowledge: that I may not seeme to begge the question, or to ground the following discourse upon an uncertaine supposition ; and first I will prove that it is possible, & then how it may be done.

First then it may appeare that wee may certainley know whether wee have true faith, because the Apostle bids us try our selves whether wee bee in the faith: which he would not have done, if it were a thing that could not be tryed and knowne; yea hee addeth further in the same place, 2 Cor. 13. 5. Know you not that Iesus Christ is in you, except you be reprobates? Againe, in 2. Cor. 2. 12. The Spirit of p. 346God leaves us not to doubtfull ghesses, what things God hath given and we received, whereof faith is one and a principall, but would have us certainly to know them, 1. Ioh. 2. 3.

Of this certainety of knowledge we have also examples; as of David, Psal 116 10. I beleeved, therefore have I spoken: Of Iob, chap. 19. 25. I know that my Redeemer liveth, &c. And of Paul, 2. Tim. 1. 12. I know whom I have beleeved, and Rom. 8 38. 39.

Ob. Yea but these were extraordinary men, and knew it by extraordinary revelation.

Ans. No such thing; for the Apostle Paul telleth us, 2. Cor. 4. 13. that we have received the same Spirit of faith, i.e. he and the rest of Gods Church and children. Also the Eunuch.

Act 8 knew he beleeved, seeing he professed his faith, & desired Baptisme for the confirming there of. So the blindeman, Iohn p. 3479 38. saith, Lord I beleeve. So also this appeareth by the manner of making the confession of our faith; I beleeve, and so forth: which sheweth, a man may know that hee beleeveth. Againe, if a man may bee assured and know that hee shall bee saved (which I have proved before) then he may know hee hath faith, seeing there is no salvation without it.

And who can thinke that God would worke so necessary a grace in his, and they shall not know it? for what comfort then were there of it?

And finally, is this wrought so secretly and lies it so still in a man that hath it, that it cannot be discerned?

Ob. The heart is deceitfull, therefore who can know that he hath saith?

Ans. True, the heart of an unregenerate man is deceitfull, and a …ble false heart: but in p. 348a regenerate man his heart is made new and true, a single and simple heart, Isa 38. 3. And though a regenerate man cannot know his heart in every particular, and every winding thereof in smaller things, yet in all maine and essentiall things he may know how it is with him, especially being willing to know as the servant of God is. Cannot a man be truely said to know his house that knowes all the roomes of it, though some odde hole under the staires, or lobby in the top of the house bee unknowne to him?

Ob. Many have thought they have faith, and yet had not; therefore wee may be mistaken as well as they.

Ans. This proves nothing, because some have beene deceived, therefore no man can tell. Though some man dreame he …ates and drinkes, or is greatly p. 349rich, and waking findes it contrary, and that hee is poore and hungry; this proves not but that hee that hath meate, and drinke, and riches, knoweth he hath them, and is rich, Though one in Bedlam besides himselfe, having got a little peece of paper in his hand, falsely conceites that hee can shew all kinde of learning out of it, and that hee is wiser than all the learned men in the Countrey, this lets not, but that hee that is truly learned may know that he is so.

And why is it that some thinke they have faith, and have not? It is because they bee willing to deceive themselves, or else they might know, but either they will not try at all, or else so slightly they will try themselves, or be tryed of such as cannot or will not trye them to the purpose: now doth this let, but that they that p. 350…

Some have received themselves and others a long time, as Iudas and many others, who yet if they would have throughly tryed themselves, or dealt truely, and submitted themselves to others tryall, might have knowne: but not doing so, no marvell though they be deceived.

As for example, some counterfeit coyne is so like that which is good and currant, as that it is not easily discerned, (as they say there is much counterfeit gold abroad now, brasse underward, but double guilt on the outside) now if this be not tryed at all, or by one that toucheth it lightly, so that it goes not thorow the guilt, it may goe unknowne: but if this be brought to a skilfull Goldsmith, p. 351and tryed throughly by the Touchstone, it may bee knowne. And so it is in the tryall of counterfeit faith.

Ob. Some that have faith, yet make great question and doubt whether they have it or no, nay cannot bee perswaded they have any at all. And therefore it is not a thing that can certainely be knowne.

Ans. This particular proves not against a generall, some know not, therefore none doe know, &c.

It is true some that have true faith, yet are not sensible of it, and know it not. They know they have beene about it, but know not certainly that God hath wrought it. And these be of two sorts, first, novices who being newly come to faith, are not acquainted with the worke of God, and are therefore jealous and suspicious of themselves▪ as all true beleevers p. 352are: yet this makes not but that Christians of more standing, & that know the fruit of Faith, … know they have it; and so shall they in time. As Samuel was at first unacquainted with Gods voyce, and being called by God, went to E…, but afterwards hee made answer to God, when hee called him, as knowing that it was his voyce: So these having some answer, and comfort from God, thinke it is but some delusion of the divell, or of their owne heart; but upon better knowledge and experience, they know assuredly that it is God who hath spoken this comfort unto them by his Spirit.

The other sort are beleevers that be in some great and sore temptation, who have knowne that they have had faith, but now indeed make doubt of it, and in their owne feeling have none. Yet this makes not, but p. 353that they that bee in no such temptation doe know their faith; And that these also in time, when the temptation is over, shall know it againe. As for example, A man by accident having gotten a great blow on the head, or being in some fit of a burning Ague, knoweth not what he saith, or doth, or hath; yet others that bee not in this case may and doe know, and so …hall hee againe, when his fit is …ff, and hee come to himselfe. And so also it is with some Christians, when they are in the fit of tentations, or spiri…uall desertions, they cannot …dge of their state, but when …hese are over, then they are …ble to discerne it. Therefore … conclude, That a man may know that he hath faith, if hee …ave it, though not every one …an at all times.Vse.

And this serveth to rebuke …hem that know not whether p. 354they have faith, yea or no, and yet are content to goe by thinkes. Goe from one end of the Church to the other, and how few can make a wise answer to this question, Have ye any faith? I hope, or I thinke… have, will some say. Doe you goe by thinkes? Doe you but thinke so? what, is it because you cannot come to know? what a shame is this, that you suffer such a necessary thing to hang by the eye-lids? what if God had taken you away, or deeply visited you? would (thinkes) have, comforted or carryed you through? Doe you but thinke so? I thinke you may perish for all this. Yea have you beene long at this passe, and doe you but thinke so, and yet are therewith content? then I doe not thinke, but am sure, that you have no faith at all: for if you had any, you would not be content with thinkes, but desire p. 355to make it sure.

Some poore weake, yet true Christian, is not indeed certaine of it, but yet they faine would bee, and are not content to continue in that case.

You goe not by thinkes for your evidence of your house and land: or if you did so sometimes, yet hearing of some claime laid to your land, you have searcht it out, and had counsell; And now you say, I have them in my boxe lockt up sure, I feare no man: So saith a true and wise Christian, I have my Evidences here laid up in my heart, I would bee loth they were to seeke now.

2. It serveth also to rebuke them that deceive themselves by thinking they have faith, when it is nothing so. What, is it because they could not know? If they be deceived, it is the divell and their owne hearts that have deceived p. 356them, for God hath provided that they might know.

But people are willing to be beguiled, else they would try better. Now what madnesse is this to deceive ones selfe in that, whereupon lyes our utter undoing?

3. It serveth likewise for instruction to all, and to teach them to take paines to know out this matter.

For hath God beene so gracious as for our comfort to give us meanes, by which wee may know assuredly how it stands with us, and shall we be slothfull and negligent in the use of them, and so hinder our knowledge and assurance?

The fourth use respects those that know, and can well prove they have faith, (let them bee highly thankfull to God that provided such meanes whereby they are come to this blessed estate, and hath made them p. 357also so happy as to know it) oh what a jewell is this, so to know that they are in the state of grace, that they are the people of God, & that all shall turn to their good here, and to their everlasting glory hereafter, seeing hereby they are fitted to goe through prosperity, and adversitie, life and death!

And for them that have faith, and yet for unskilfulnesse, by reason of their small experience, never knew it, or by temptation have lost the feeling of it; they are to know, that it may be so, they know it not, although they have it: For as many children have right to lands, that know not of it, so is it with them in respect of their heavenly inheritance.

So likewise the other in temptation, must yet for a while bee judged by others rather than by themselves; which if they doe, they shall come to p. 358see it with their owne eies shortly, if they diligently use the meanes to attaine unto it.

And thus having proved that wee may come to this knowledge and assurance that wee have a true faith;Of the signes of Faith. I will shew in the next place how we may come to know it, setting downe those infallible markes and signes of faith, upon which wee may safely ground our knowledge. Wee may know that we have faith by the antecedents▪ and consequents thereof; by the causes of it, and the effects; by what went before it, and by what doth follow and accompany it; and by considering both how … is wrought, and how it is or …eth.

And not this disquisition … are to know, that we may have the best judgement here of, not by one of these alone, but by considering them all together. For if wee judge onelyonly by the p. 359fruits of faith (as most doe) and never looke to the causes, meanes, and manner of working of it, wee may be deceived, seeing an hypocrite may doe many things which might well beseeme a beleever, and goe far in many dueties, and in the reforming of many outward evills, and yet in the meane while is utterly desthtute of a true justifying faith. And many times the fruits in a true Christian bee so weake, especially at some times, and in respect of their owne feeling, as if we goe by these only, hypocriticall and counterfeit faith will be taken for true faith, and true faith counted no faith. But when we conjoine them, them both give evidence each to othen, and both together give such strong and certaine assurance to him that hath them, that can not deceive him. And therefore it will doe well it wee join; these one p. 360with the other. If one can go along with them all, though it be but weakly, yet he shall have better evidence than hee that hath but one or two, though they seeme to bee in a greater measure, & nothing of some other at all. For hereby many deceive themselves, whilest they go by halfes, snatching up some things, and nothing at all in many other. First then wee will examine our faith by the causes of it. If a man be brought along to faith by those steppes that God brings his to faith by, that is a good evidence that he hath faith. As if a man bee going to a place, and hath been told by one skilful in the way, that hee must goe by such a Church, then by a tust of ashes, and a foure way leet, then by such and such a marke: If hee goe by these one after the other till he come to the place, hee concludes that is the place, because p. 361he came by every of those marks which before were told him: not by some one or two, but all of them one after the other; and not by things like them, but the selfe same he vvas told of. And so also vve may be assured that vve are come to have true faith, vvhen vve can discerne in us the markes and signs of it concurring together.

The steppes by vvhichwhich God bringeth a man to faith by the working of the Law and the Gospell, I have handled at large. I now referre them to three heads, Illumination, Humiliation, and Desire after Christ. First for Illumination; God enlightens the understanding vvith the sight and knowledge of the miserable state vvherein vve stand by reason of sinne and punishment, and our unability to get out of it of our selves. And this not only in generall, but particular, p. 362that that is my state. And then by the Gospell enlightens him vvith the knowledge of the doctrine of Redemption by Christ, as, that God hath of his free grace appointed a sufficient meanes of salvation by Christ Iesus, and that by his death, and sufferings, and obedience, &c. & that he hath done this, though not for all, yet for all beleevers, and onelyonly for beleevers; and that hee may have his part in it, if hee can beleeve. And though this bee but small, yet it is the first step, and not to bee left out; for many come not thus farre. As for all ignorant persons that know not these things in some sort, they have no faith; and if they thinke they have, it is a vaine shadow, and no such matter, nor possible. And therefore ignorant persons must berowzed up to know these things.

Next, God humbles all that p. 363he vvill vvork faith in; and first hee smites them vvith terrour by the Law, for the miserable state they see and feele them selves in, and casts them down, though not all in like degree, as I have said before: then the Gospell offering mercy and speaking so kindly to all, though never so bad, if they doe not exclude themselves. And this breakes the heart with griefe for sinning against so patient a God as God hath beene to him all his dayes of rebellion, and that now offers him mercy. Thus hee is in a holy despaire of any helpe or good in himselfe,Ezra. 9. 6.Ezra 9:6 and is ashamed and confounded in himselfe,Dan. 9. 7.Dan 9:7 willing to take any course that God shall prescribe him; saying with the laylour. Acts 16. 30. What shall I doe to be saved? but resolving never to goe backe to his old course, or to doe as hee hath done. And thus he is cast down p. 364weary, sick, and lost.

Thence God brings him to a desire after Christ, and to have pardon in him & the favour of God. Not a cold lazie wish, as of Balaam, that he might die the death of the righteous, without any indeavour to live their life: but the panting of the heart, sighing, longing, and groning, as the Hart brayeth after the river of waters, Psal. 42. 1. Which inward longing and desire of the heart, is exprest and uttered by humble confession and condemning of himselfe, and with earnest cries for mercy, as we see in the example of the Publicane and the Prodigall.

And then he further worketh in him that hungering after Christ, and thirsting that can abide no delay, but breaketh through stone walls, useth all meanes of obtaining Christ, and preferres him before all the p. 365world. And maketh him willing and ready to sell all, to buy the pearle, that is, the most profitable or pleasing sins.

Now let us try our selves faithfully,Vse. by these two latter signes, and the particulars of them, and as our heart maketh answer, so make use of it. If we cannot deny, but God hath thus dealt with us, then who dare speake against this? And therefore if this bee your case, you must take knowledge of it and bee comforted, seeing they are much to bee blamed, who though they cannot deny but that it hath been thus and thus with them, yet still doubt they have no faith, and thinke that they never begun right. For what would these have to certifie them? Is there any thing more sure to bee built on than the Word of God? and will not this serve your turnes?

It is true I grant that it is p. 366good making sure of the foundation, and herein one cannot be too carefull; yet where it is well, it is well. If one have digged to a firme bottome, and cast out all the light earth, and then have laid the foundation and groundsells of his house, and every body, and even skilfull workemen say it is well, shall one yet goe and pull it up againe, & say one cannot be too carefull? such an one may justly be thought weak and childish: so is it also in our spirituall building.

There are therefore two extreamities here to be avoided; the one to be carelesse in laying a good foundation; the other out of needlesse scrupulosity to spend all our time and paines about it, and never to go forward in the building that we may finish it. And at this passe the devill holds many a long time, which is very unprofitable, and p. 367they complaine of their dulnesse, and many other faults, when this doubtfulnesse and unbeleefe is the maine cause.

But where these proceedings have not beene (as in how few are they to bee found) there is no faith; and therefore such remaine in the state of condemnation to this day. In which case there are very many remaine at this day, seeing few be humbled; many continue prophane persons, and onelyonly civilly righteous persons; and some are onelyonly slightly humbled, and having got comfort are never more grieved, whereas a true beleever even after faith, grieves still for his daily sinnes, whereas these thinke it enough that they were once grieved, and therefore now grieve no more for their foule sinnes. How few can bee brought on their knees? or to trouble themselves in comming p. 368to a holy despaire in themselves, and how few come to be teachable, or to make an holy use of what they have learned?

Oh they are too jolly, they cannot away with any such sad matters; and well they reserve it, till they may have it in Hell, world without end.

How few also (as it might easily be shewed) are they that come to any other desire after Christ except lazy wishes? for why, they have no sense of their owne misery.

How few come to those humble confessions and hearty cryings to God for mercy, but content themselves with that late and lazie Lord have mercy upon mee? Some feele in themselves flashings at starts and fits, after a stirring Sermon, or after they have beene in the house of mourning, or seene some heavy hand of God, or are in some p. 369affiction: but how few attaine to that high prizing of Christ, and that thirsting after him? Oh no, they prize at too high a rate, other bables of profits and pleasures, to make high account of Christ. Others will, as farre as they can have Christ and the world together, but if they must needs part with one, they will leave Christ rather than the world.

And whereas Christ requireth that they should sell all to purchase the pearle, they will part only with some, but not all, and so God and they part. And surely well worthy is hee to lose his part in Christ and all his benefics, that preferres any lust before him, and the favour of God: These set too base a price on Christ ever to have any part in him.

And here we might well take occasion to lament the misery of most people whom God p. 370hath made happy in the meanes of faith and salvation, only they make themselves negligently and wilfully miserable for want of grace to make use thereof. Here then such people are to be exhorted that they would bethinke themselves, and while life and meanes of grace last, that they lay about them to bee possessed of this unvaluable pearle, which if they get, is sufficient to make them happy alone, and if they misse it, all things else will doe them no pleasure.

By the plentifull meanes which through Gods mercy we enjoy, he maketh us more happy than most of the world. But by our owne carelesnesse and contempt, wee will make our selves more miserable than they. The Lord open peoples eyes.

Moreover, wee may know that we have a true faith by the p. 371companions and fruits of it, which I will here briefly goe through. Some be markes and companions of a Faith that hath attained some degree and strength. And in this number is peace of conscience, which if it be sound, is an evident signe of a strong faith, as might (if it were needfull) be shewed at large. For it might be proved by Scripture, that Peace comes from Beleeving, and that it must needs bring strange peace, where trouble was before.See Gouge on the Eph. 6. 17 in the point of Faith. And Rogers Trea…ses of the eighth companion of Faith.Eph 6:17 And howsoever there bee a counterfeit of this peace in hypocrites, yet when tryalls and tentations come, it will soone vanish, and so easily be discerned from the true peace of the faithfull.

And joy of the holy Ghost unspeakable and glorious. 1 Pet. 1. 8. Also thankfulnesse to God, as Psal. 116. 12. and Psalme 103. 1. Now what counterfeit of it is in the hypocrites or wicked? p. 372and how it differs from their joy, and how it may bee interrupted: How also wee are to admire at the unspeakable goodnesse of God, both for the greatnesse of the mercy, the rarenesse of it, seeing it is granted to so few: Also at his daily bearing with our weaknesses, & faults. But these are points already handled by these authors I last quoted, and therefore for more brevity sake I referre the Christian reader onto them.

Another companion of a strong faith is bold confession of the name and truth of God, even before the enemies thereof.

Also contempt of this world, willingnesse to dye, and longing to bee at home with the Lord Iesus.

But besides these markes of a strong faith, there are other signes of the smallest measure of true faith.

p. 373First, a purified heart, Acts 15. 9. and a change wrought in it from the love of all evill, to the love of God and all his commandements.

Secondly, a reformed life in one thing as well as in another, little as well as great, to God as well as to men, secret and openly; and that not by fits, but at all times.

Thirdly, love to God, declared by our care to please him, our feare to offend him, our griefe when wee have done amisse. And also love to them that love God.

Love for his sake to men, and even an indevour to love our enemies.

Now this love towards others is declared by doing good unto them according to their need and our owne abilitie, and by forgiving them that wrong us.

But especially we shall shew p. 374that we have a lively faith by loving the Saints in whom Gods Image shines most, & who are most deare to God, and from whom wee may get most good.

And those that be not yet, to seeke to winne them on, especially them under our care, or such as are neere to us; as parents their children, and children sometimes their parents, one neighbour another; as Mat. 9 & Acts 16. Psal. 51. 13. Then shall I teach transgresson the way, and sinners shall bee converted unto thee. Isa. 2. 1. So Philip being called, findes Nathanael, and bringeth him to Christ,Iohn 1. 45.

Another signe of Faith, is, when those that beleeve have an carnest desire after more faith; and therefore a care to use the meanes for that end and purpose. For finding themselves weake, and the divell busie in opposing their faith, they p. 375desire to have it strengthened, and having gotten some assurance, they desire a stronger, as the Eunuch, Act. 8. and having tasted so sweet a thing, they desire more of it: and therefore they long for the meanes from Sabbath to Sabbath, Sacrament to Sacrament, and for good companie.

Also true faith is jealous of it selfe, and desires to trie it selfe, and is willing to be tryed by others; and the most searching ministrie pleaseth him best that hath it, or the Minister or friend that will sift him most throughly.

The use is, that every one of us trie our selves,Vse. by these signes: And if our hearts can say in Gods presence without dissembling, that both God hath thus brought us along, and then that wee finde these companions last named, then know, that God hath wrought true p. 376faith in you and done that for you that he hath done for few, that ever were, are, or shall be, & that which is of more worth than the whole world. Take knowledge of it that you may be thankefull, and comfort you shall have enough, to doe, to nourish it, and walke worthy of it, and to goe through this evill world, though you doe not stand with its and ands, being doubtfull and uncertaine whether you have faith or no. The divell labours to hinder you from proceeding, seeing hee could not let your comming thus farre. It is a great hinderance to profiting, when people are not resolved whether they have yet any faith: If you can abide the weight of the Sanctuary, conclude upon it; you can have no surer ground to build on than the Word of God.

You complaine of dulnesse, p. 377when your selves are the cause: where these things bee, know that there is true faith; men do not gather grapes of thornes, nor figges of thistles; Matth. 7. 16.

Againe, if there bee no faith, but where these antecedents and consequents bee, then I testifie to the world, that there is very little faith in the land of England, as might easily appeare if I should goe over the severall fruits of Faith before specified. For how few have purified their hearts? how few have any earnest endeavours, or any hungring or thirsting after Christ and his righteousnesse? how many have their hearts fraught with the love of all evill? how few either reformed at all, or but where they list, and by fits?

And yet whosoever lives in any one knowne sinne, let him p. 378know to his face, hee hath no true Faith. By which it appeareth, that there be but a few beleevers; the more shame for them that have had all that meanes.

How few are there that love their neighbours, seeing all contraries to love abound? and as for love to the Saints, that they doe as a dog a pitch-fork, seeing they cannot of all sawce abide them.

As for desire after the means; a Sermon, or no Sermon, Sacrament, or no Sacrament, all i… one; and for being examined, they will none of that, no, they doe not meane it: they have a figgetree, but it will bee cursed because of the barrennesse.

Well, many talke of Faith, but assuredly it is but as Saint Iames saith, a dead Faith, that will doe them as little pleasure when time comes, as a dead horse will him that hath a long p. 379journey to ride. Oh have none Faith but such as you talke of? It shall be as the Lord will; and as hee hath set downe in his Word: where these signes bee not, assuredly there can bee no Faith.

True Faith is a Lady or Queene, attended by a great traine of many excellent vertues: 1. Pet. 5. 6.1 Pet 5:6shew me thy Faith by thy workes, shew a great Lady by her traine; even this great Lady Faith by that great traine of graces, with which the Apostle Peter saith it is attended, 2. Pet. 1. 5. 6. 7. &c. Therfore that Faith the world talkes on, which is but a formall profession of Religion, without all power of true godlinesse, is but a roguish Faith that goeth alone basely, or a raggamuffianly Faith that hath a sorry ragged reformation, and some shewes of some vertues, but none sound and substantiall. The times that p. 380wee have lived in and enjoyed the Gospell, may challenge more than such a vaine Faith, which the smallest meanes and the dimmest times might have wrought and challenged.

And thus much of the signes of Faith:Of the lets and inpediments of faith. now it followeth in the ninth place, that I intreate of the lets and impediments, whereby men are usually hindered from attaining unto it. To which end wee are to know, that there bee many lets within and without men to keep them from Faith; and so great, as few ever attaine it. True it is there bee many helpes to Faith, especially in these times, and to … above many others: For i… merable numbers there are in the world abroad, who have no meanes at all.

They before our Saviour Christs comming saw all in types and shadowes; and therefore but dimmely, and were to p. 381beleeve in a Messias to come, whom they knew little of. They … our Saviour Christs time had small helpes in comparison of us. It was a worthy faith in them that beleeved in Christ, when hee was in his swadling …louts, as old Simeon and many others. Also in them that beleeved in him when hee went up and downe as a man of no reputation. But wee know Christ to be dead, risen the third day, ascended into heaven, and sitting at the right hand of God in unspeakeable glory, having overcome all his and our enemies: and therefore now it is much more easie to beleeve than in those daies; And also we have the new Testament, Christ come out of his fathers bosome, all things so cleere and plaine, plentifull promises, and heaven (as it were) set open: wee have the Word and Sacraments, wherein Christ is crucified before p. 382our eyes; the Ministers of God beseeching us to bee through faith in Christ reconciled unto God, 2.Cor. 5. 20. We have also many worthy examples of beleevers gone before us, Martyrs and godly men and women among us, that lived and dyed in the comfort of their faith, and are gone to rest. Many examples likewise of the fearefull judgements of God against unbeleevers. Yet there be also many lets to faith, and these both from our selves, and also from the divell, and the world.

1The first Let is Ignorance, a strong & invincible bar, seeing there can not possibly bee any true faith without competent knowledge of the principles of Religion. This is very common, sometimes through the fault of Ministers, that either preach not, or very seldome, or after a flanting manner, soaring aloft p. 383the peoples capacity, and not stouping to their weaknesse, or not Catechising and opening in order, and handling the grounds of Religion. Some also from the people themselves; for if Ministers were more defective, yet there is light in the Word, and men might with paines get knowledge: and therefore peoples ignorance is affected and wilfull. Some care not for comming at the Word at all: the rich have oxen, farmes, pleasures to hinder them, the poore sit by the fire, or lye in bedde, or if they come, they sit and sleepe, or looke up and downe, not minding what they heare, and so the devill steales it all away. Some never thinke nor speake more of it when they bee out of the Chruch.

In which regard the Ministers of the Gospell are to bee perswaded, for the love of God, p. 384to have a care and compassion of the peoples soules, in assurance of a blessed reward, and to take paines, and wise and fit paines too, that so if the people get not faith, yet the let might not be in us.

For the people also, they are to bee perswaded to rowze up themselves to the getting of knowledge, that so they may bee fitted to attaine unto faith.

The second Let is the light esteeming of the Gospell: As there are few that be cast down by the Law or bee moved, so they make as light account of the Gospell; it is not precious, nay scarce welcome to them. They thinke that God in offering salvation by Christ, and tendring the promise, seeks his owne good and not theirs, and that God should bee beholding to them if they receive the Gospell, rather than they to God for making such an offer; p. 385whereas they should fall down and blesse the Lord that ever such tidings should sound in their eares.

3. Some thinke it impossible to be assured of the forgivenesse of their sinnes and of salvation; and therefore never go about it.

This is but their owne wretched lazinesse, furthered by Sathan; for it is nothing so. The impossibility lies in nothing but in themselves; if their proud stomackes could but stoope, and come downe to see and feele their vilenesse, and to goe out of themselves, and to seeke for salvation by faith in Christ, and could but renounce all their beloved lusts, it would be possible enough, yea easie; but that they will not doe. But hath not God commanded us to give all diligence to make our Election and Calling sure? 2. Pet. 1. 10. And is it not then our p. 386owne fault if we neglect it?

4. Some thinke it not impossible, but exceeding difficult and therefore like the sluggard that will not put his hand to his mouth, nor out of his bosome, nor goe out into the cold to provide necessaries for the preserving of his life and so dieth and perisheth in his sloth; so is it with these lazie Christians in this case, whereas the difficulty (there being a possibility) should but whet on their desire, especially seeing it is for a thing infinitely of value, and more worth than all their pains which they take for the obtaining of it. See what difficulties men goe through by sea and land for a little pelfe, and shall wee bee lesse painfull in seeking for the rich treasures of spirituall grace and heavenly glorie?

5. Some thinke it needlesse, because they suppose that they p. 387may be saved without so much adoo. A good hope indeede is well; but if troubles and death come, they shall finde all the assurance they can get little enough to carry them through, yea to helpe them to mortifie their lusts, corruptions, and carnall affections, or to continue them in a good course.

6. Some bee conceited of their owne righteousnesse, and so thinke they have no neede to labour much after faith in Christ; like the Laodicean and Pharisee, and the yongue man in the Gospell, All these have I kept from my youth. The civill man thinkes to bee saved by keeping touch, living orderly, keeping his Church, and paying every man his owne, and by being liberall in giving almes to the poore: and therefore thinkes himselfe in case good enough, without going out of himselfe or making such p. 388adoe, what shall they need the Gospell that can keepe the Law? or if they faile in some things, yet by that time, God hath set the good against the bad, they hope there will be no great oddes betweene them.

But these men must know and confesse their Civility, and carnall wisedome and righteousnesse to bee dogs meate and abominable in Gods sight, and cast it all downe,Phil. 3. 8.Phil 3:8 as Paul did, or else they shall never finde mercy with God: Nay friend, God hath put in a strong barre against a mans own righteousnes, so that there can be no going to heaven that way. Doest thou boast of a filthy clout?

6. Some are so prophane, as that they will not bee stirred by all the terrours of the Law, and so goe not one step to faith.

Some are cast downe, but weare it out againe, being utterly impatient of the paine and burthen.

p. 389Some beginning to sorrow some what for sinne, as soone as they feele any, straight cast the whole burthen on Christ, and so never tarry till they come to hunger and thirst after him.

Some seeming contrite, and having many good parts, yet stand with God for a little, and will not part with some one lust that spoyles all. And these never buy because they will not come to the full price, and God will abate nothing of it.

8. Some thinke if they should begin, they should never hold out, and therefore that they were as good not begin at all. But let such get forth first and make some entrance into the course of Christianitie, and then take thought for the other after.

9. Some thinke they must not only part with their beloved and profitable sinne, if they would come to this faith, but p. 390also that they must take paines to take up a strickt course of godlinesse, which will require much labour, and abridge them of many delights and profits, of which they cannot thinke with any patience. And will not thinke you, the pleasure, comfort, and benefit of faith pay for all these, and make you great gainers by the exchange?

10. Some thinke they shall bee mockt, reproacht, and scorn'd as Purita…s,Ioh. 5. 44.John 5:44 cast off by their friends, huncht at, and jusled to the wa…s, of which disgraces they are utterly impatient; and the love of the friendship of this world is a great let to many. And indeed in it selfe it is no small matter to endure all these, if wee have no other strength but our owne naturall abilities.

But to these I give this answer, if thou gettest favour with God, whose soever friendship p. 391thou losest, yet art thou happy. If thou losest preferment, or beest jusled and despised in the world, yet thou must rejoyce in thy gaines by Faith, for the time will come, when they that doe it, will wish they had beene thy halfe.

This vile amity with the world is the enmity of God, I am. 4. 4. and he that will have the worlds good will, let him know, he can never have Gods. Wee cannot serve God and Mammon, Math. 6. 24.

The divell also will lay in such a number of objections,Divell. and stumoling blockes, as wee cannot passe by without some paines and difficultie. As he will for before us the falls of professours, and the varietie and difference of opinions in points of religion which are among those that professe Christianitie. Seest thou not, will he say, that there be some of one, some p. 392of another opinion? some thinke that we may bee assured of our salvation, some say nays▪ Therefore never trouble thy head with any thing at all, follow thy businesse and live quietly. Also thou seest that most Noblemen, Gentlemen, and great ones, trouble not themselves with any such thing, nay many Preachers and learned men live at their pleasure; and therefore bee not thou so precise, nor make such scruple.

Also he labours to keepe the faithfull preaching of the Word, from a place or people, or at least to make it ineffectuall. Also he makes them beleeve that they have it, when they have it not, but onelyonly a tempting faith or presumptuous conceit.

The temptations also of the world are great lets to faith. First the love of the world, and eagernesse after it, lets mamany p. 393from faith. And how excellently well might many doe, if it were not for the world? But that must goe forward, whatsoever the Word, Sacrament, Sabbath, or any thing else doth. They have no leisure to set their hearts on these, for their many and great imployments. Or if they begin, the world puts it out againe, and choakes the Word, and every good thought.

Moreover,Example. the small number that labour after Faith, or take any such paines to get it, is no small let to the obtaining of it; two in a parish, and three in a Towne, one in a Hamlet, and for a man to goe alone, and to be a wonder in Israell, is a thing much against the haire.

To goe against the streame is hard. But if you will needs follow the multitude, you must speed as they doe. You should know that the way to heaven, p. 394is straite, and few finde it, and so be content to goe alone to heaven rather than not at all.

Their bad counsell likewise is another great let: for they that give ill example bee as bad of their tongues as in their lives,Counsell. being ready thus to baite and taunt you. Oh you bee so precise, and shall no bodie bee saved but you, and a few more? what is become of our forefathers, who made no such adoe, and yet I hope you will not say, but that they are saved? and what shall become of Lords, Ladies, Gentlemen, many Ministers and learned men, that doe not thus, and of most part of the people? you will bee wiser than all your neighbours.

This is I confesse no small thing to beare and resist. Many of good hopes have from this a great let in their way. Some come flattering, some p. 395perswading by worldly wisedome; and will bee incensed to anger if you hearken not unto them.

If these prevaile not,Persecution. then they raise up Persecution, and as hard measure as the times and lawes will give leave.

No marvell then so few come to faith.

2. If any,Vse. will come to faith (which they must doe, or else they shall never come to Heaven) then make account to have lets enow, and to meete with an armie of Hindrances: and therefore provide your selves accordingly, and bee couragious and resolute; for if any thing will hinder you, you will never come to faith.

And let them in whom this true faith is, praise God, and wondring at his gracious bountie make much of it. Let this be the second use, admiring his mercy that he should helpe us p. 396thorow so many lets.

Let nothing hinder us from getting faith, for then wee lose our soules, therefore resolve to breake thorow all, and bid the flesh, world, divell, stand backe, casting off feare, and favour, leaving off beloved sinnes, taking paines, in the godly life, with the rest of this kinde, which let and hinder many, because they doe not shake them off.

And know that if every of these lets be well weighed, they will appeare to bee but toyes, shewes and fraybugges, and not of moment: wee should therefore breake them off, as Sampson the cords, and take leave to save our soules. But if wee be tyed by these as a drunken man is hang'd many houres by a bush in his path, it is a signe that we are left of God to bee snared and taken: for they that are of God stride over them, p. 397like David leape over a wall, & are content rather to go alone to heaven, thah with company to hell. Yea though we meet with Persecution, let it not hinder our Christian course, seeing all that will live godly with Christ, must suffer persecution, and if we suffer with him, wee shall likewise raigne with him, 2. Tim. 3. 12. and 2. 12.

But rather seeing God hath given us so many helpes, let us use them carefully, and listen to Gods reasons which hee useth to move us to faith, which be weighty; as, his high esteeme of it, his readinesse to helpe, and the infinite benefits that come to us by beleeving: and contrariwise the infinite punishments that come upon unbeleevers both in this world, and the world to come.

Every one of which reasons is sufficient to weigh downe all that can be objected to the contrary.

p. 398And so much of the lets and impediments of Faith: now it followeth in the last place that I intreate of the contraries of Faith, by which it is most opposed.

The contraries to Faith are Vnbeleefe on the one side,Contraries to faith. and Presumption on the other; for every vertue is in the midst between two vices, as Christ between two theeves, as liberality betweene covetousnesse and prodigality

So is this Faith betweene Vnbeleefe which falleth short,Vnbeleefe. and Presumption that shootes as farre over. These be as two dangerous rockes, and Faith sailes safely to Heaven between them both. But most, split themselves on the one or the other of these: one beleeves not where there is a promise, the other beleeves where God never spake. First I will speake of Vnbeleefe, which is when p. 399men beleeve not the Word of God; for Faith hath respect unto the Word, and builds upon it, and beleeves it, but Vnbeleefe doth not so.

Now as in Faith▪ there bee three things, Knowledge, Assent, and Application, or Apprehension; so there bee three sorts of Vnbeleevers, some ignorant, not knowing the will of God; some knowing, and not assenting to it, but denying it; some knowing and assenting, and yet not particularly applying it to themselves. And of these I will speake severally.

And first of the Ignorant, which bee of two sorts; first such as have no meanes of Knowledge: as Pagans, that live farre out of the pale of the Church, and from the sound of the Word, that never heard of the true God, of mans misery, of Christ Iesus; these not knowing, cannot possibly beleeve. p. 400This is one kind of unbeleevers who are under a woful… necessity of perishing.

Ob. Iohn 15. 22. If I had … come and spoken unto them, they had not had sinne.

Ans. That is, their sinne had not beene so great: or thus▪ They had some cloake and colour for their sinne, as in the latter part of the verse. But now they have no cloake for their sinne. This Ignorance doth not wholly excuse any, partly because of the light which wee have voluntarily lost in Adam; & because it is Gods just judgment for their sinnes, that they have not the Gospell. Those that have meanes, eyther lesse or more, eyther amongst the Papists or our selves; and yet have no competent measure of knowledge of the will of God; this is yet a thousand times greater sinne, … b…ing affected ignorance, 2 Pet. 3. 3. … p. 401person is but as a horse in a mans shape. An oxe or asse is better than hee; for they know all they should or can, but so doe not they; therefore their end will be worse. It was unhappy for these, that their lot fell to live in these times and places: for light being come into the world, men should seeke after it, and if they doe not, their condemnation shall be the greater. Let such know that ignorance is a thing that God hateth and forbiddeth, Psal. 32. 9. Be not like a horse or mule which have no understanding, Ephes. 4. 17. 18. 1. Thes. 4. 13. and complaines of such, Isa. 1. 3. The oxe knoweth his owner, and the asse his masters crib; but Israel doth not know, &c. and Isa. 28. 9. whom shall hee teach knowledge? and whom shall hee make to understand doctrine? and oftentimes threatneth to punish, rendring this p. 402reason, Because they know not me, saith the Lord. And againe, God will render vengeance against all that doe not know him. … is the mother of all errours and heresies, not (as the Papist falsely affirme and teach) the mother of devotion; for if the people bee blinded with ignorance, it is easie to make them beleeve any lies.