The Rock, Discourse

The Rock · Discourse

p. 1A ſetled HEART in unſetled Times.

PSAL. 112.7.

He ſhall not be afraid of evill tidings, his heart is fixed, truſting in the Lord.

Section I.

Whether, and how farre forth▪ she feares of evill may be expelled from godly hearts in times of publike danger.

THis Queſtion is occaſioned upon reading the words of that Text, thus; What? no feare?Expoſ. Faith and Feares, …. ſo p. 2fixed? that you feare nothing? What if there be tidings of a great Army comming againſt you? What if tidings of great loſſes in your eſtate of Children miſcarrying, friend, deſtroyed, or the like? Hath any ſuch a faith, as that ſtill he will fear no evill tidings?

Whereto the Anſwer may be made in ſix things, and the Text withall expounded.

II. Faith in the Eſſence of it, caſteth out all feare;Eſſence and Exiſt…nce of Faith. as is ſaid of love, the daughter of faith, 1 Joh. 4.18. perfect lo…e easteth out feare. But our faith is not perfect; as there be frailties in our graces, ſo in our faith: We need ſtill to ſay,Mar. 9.24. 1 Cor. 13.….Mark 9:241 Cor 13 I beleeve, Lord help my unbeliefe: We know in part, and love in part, and beleeve in part, and all in part, till that perfect come. This is faith in the exiſt…nce of it; in this or that Subject, this or that Beleever: If it were entire, it would render a man altogether fearleſſe. Adam in innocency, by faith adhering to God perfectly, had nothing to feare: And Chriſt, the ſecond Adam, beleeving p. 3perfectly,foreign. Mark 1.….33.Mark 1 feared no threats of the wicked, nor dangers: He feared indeed at his Paſſion: but that was, partly becauſe he ſtood in our room, who by ſinne were brought into a condition of terrours, partly in reſpect of his Fathers wrath which muſt now be appeaſed: And I ſuppoſe, in the day of judgement, before the Saints enter into Heaven, it will be by the perfection of their faith, that they feare none of thoſe terrours and amazements, 1 Joh. 4.17. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldneſſe in the day of Judgement: Yea, there will be great joy, as in a day of refreſhment, a day of redemption, of the reſtoring of all things, of the Lambs Marriage, of the beſt good that ever the godly ſaw.

II. Faith in the full and entire IIacts of it, caſteth out all feare: that is, ſo long, and ſo farre forth as we truſt in the Lord; for that time we ſhall be unmovable and invincible, as mount Sion, Pſal. 125.1. though another while we be fearfull, and conflict with ſore doubtings:Job 19.25Job 19:25 As Job p. 4now confident, I know my Redeemer liveth, anon very much diſtempered; and David, one while will fear nothing, Pſal. 24.4.Ps 24:4though he walk in the midſt of the Valley of the ſhadow of death: and another while bewrayeth great infidelity,…. 77.9. Will the Lord be no more gracious? &c.

The proper act of faith is, to cleave to the Lord without wavering or doubting. This led the Martyrs through the priſons, and flames and extreameſt ſufferings. This we read of in Paul very much, 2 Tim. 1.12. I know whom I have beleeved; and Rom. 8.38. I am perſwaded, that neither death nor life—ſhall be able to ſeperate us from the love of God, which is in Chriſt Jeſus our Lord; and ſo it is in others, where the full aſſurance of faith is obtained, Heb. 10.22. and note the phraſe here; His heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord; or, in aſmuch as he truſteth in the Lord; or, ſo farre forth as he truſteth in the Lord; juſt the ſame forme of ſpeaking, as in 1 Tim. 4.8. Godlineſſe is profitable to all things, having the promiſe: that is, in aſmuch p. 5as it hath the promiſe of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Now apply this to the former inſtances, of a great Army comming againſt us, or the like: Faith acted will ſay as David, Pſal 3.6. I will not be afraid of ten thouſands of people that have ſet themſelves againſt me round about: as Eliſha to his ſervant 2 Kings 6.16. Feare not, for they that be with us (two men onelyonly) are … then they that be with them: As Aſa, 2 Chron. 14.11. Lord it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: As Jehoſaphat, chap. 20.12. we ha…e no might againſt this great company that commeth againſt us, neither know we what to doe, but our eyes are upon thee: Or as Moſes at the red Sea, Exod. 14.13. Feare ye not, ſtand ſtill, and ſee the ſalvation of the Lord which he will ſh…w to you to day.

Againe, faith act…d will ſay, God is able to make their hearts melt in them,…. even the ſtouteſt of the en… mies, a… the Canaanites: God can make them heare a noyſe in t… … ▪ 1 K…ng 7.…and be gone, as the Syrians; o… a p. 6rumour, Iſa. 37.7.Isa 37:7as the Aſſyrians. God can ſet them to ſheathing their ſwords in the bowels one of another, as the Moabites, 2 Chron. 20.23.2 Chr 20:23Ammonites and Edomites: He can ſend an evill spirit among them, to fall off one from another, as Abimelech and the men of Sechem: Judg. 11.23.Judg 11:23Or he can bide us in the midſt of all the enemies, as he did Jeremie and Baruch. Jer. 36.26Jer 36:26It may be ye ſhall be hid in the day of wrath, Zeph. 2.3.

And if not, yet faith acted will ſay. We ſhall goe to Heaven ſo much the ſooner; and there it will be better for us, then if we had lived here an hundred yeers longer in the greateſt proſperity: After darkneſſe I ſhall ſee light; and, while I ſit in darkneſſe, the Lo…d ſhall be a light unto me, Mic. 7.8.

So in any other inſtances; faith is the victory, wherein we overcome the world, 1 Joh. 5 4. And we ſee large and faire exemplifications of it, Heb. 11.33, 34, 35. Through faith they ſubdued Kingdome, wrought righteouſneſſe, obtained promiſes, …pp… th… mouthes of Lyons, q…, had the violence of fire, eſcaped th… … p. 7the ſword, &c. This is the luſtre and glory of faith, in the vigorous acts of it: Samſon was not more glorious in thoſe miraculous acts, of killing a Lyon, or laying the Philiſtims heap upon heap, then a Beleeever ſhall be, if faith be well brought into action.

III. Faith when it admitteth of IIIfeares moſt, and is peſtered ſhrewdly, yet ſtrives to the contrary, and works them out by little and little. What time I am afraid, I will truſt in thee, Pſal. 56.3. and a Beleever chides away unbeliefe, as Pſal. 42.11. Why art thou caſt downe, O my ſoule? and why art thou diſquieted within me? hope thou in God; for I ſhall yet praiſe him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Unbeliefe is a great burden to a good ſoule, and makes it ſay with teares, Lord I beleeve, Mar. 9.24Mark 9:24help tho… …e …el…fe▪ Ah that I ſhould bewray ſuch weakneſſe, after ſo much acqu…intance with God! after ſo much experience of his goodneſſe, after ſo much profeſſion to b…leeve in God A…mighty, … p. 8O wretched man that I am, Rom ….24who ſhall deliver me from this body of death?

And as faith groweth ſtronger, ſo theſe feares weare away by little and little. At lightſome times it is as bold as a Lyon, Prov. 28.1. The wicked the… when no man purſueth: but the righteous are bold as a Lyon: and we are righteous by faith.

All graces conflict with their contraries; and ſo doth ſaith. The comfort is, it is ſure of victory in the end: Which is ſomething to ſtay and fix the heart, during the …me of the combat. Time ſhall be, that all theſe feares and firſt things ſhall paſſe away: We ſhall not ſo much as feare any enemies, of ſoule or body, or moleſtation by them.

IVIV. There is a mixt conſideration of the fears of a beleeving heart;… in Sword… of … godly. that it is rather an holy and commendable feare, then otherwiſe. Some affliction or danger there is; but yet an higher cauſe, which breedeth the feare.

Firſt, ſometimes the feare is for ſome ſinne unrepented and unpardoned, as the poore heart doubteth. p. 9Job in his great calamities feared, leaſt the Lord reckoned with him for old offences, chap. 13.26. thou writeſt bitter things againſt …, and mak…ſt me to poſſeſſe the … of my youth. When trouble comes, and the peace with God not ſetled, it is juſt cauſe of feare.Prov. 18.11.Prov 18:11 A w… … who can beare? Though ſometime the Chriſtian be comfortably perſwaded of the peace, yet my perfectly: Or ſome old ſinne comes newly to remembrance, and brings terrour with it: As to … brethren when taken for ſpyes,Gen 12.…1.Gen 12:1 We are … guilty concerning … that we … the anguiſh of his ſ…le, and would not heare; therefore is … d… ſt…ſſe come upon us. Or howſoever, ſome feare will doe well, to aſſure the peace more throughly, Phil. 2.12. Work out your ſalvation wi… fear and tr…mbling. And thus, … is the man that feareth alwa…, Prov. 28.14. Where feare ſtandeth in oppoſition to hardnes of heart, as appeareth by the oppoſition of the ſentence.

Secondly, ſometimes the feare …s not ſo much for himſ…lfe (whoſe eſtate p. 10is good, and gives him leave to rejoyce in God all the day long) as for his ch…ldren which are young, t…nde…, not inſtructed, not provided for: He feares leaſt they ſhould c…me into Popiſh or prophane hands, and miſcarry: Alas, what ſhall they doe, if they be fatherleſſe, motherleſſe, friendleſſe, without government, or without good inſtruction? The body is like to be in bad caſe enough, but the ſoule is worſe. Few friends of the ſoule, even where is ſome love to the body.

3Thirdly, ſometimes it is not ſo much for his owne particular, as the welfare of the Church; leaſt Idolaters prevaile, and Idolatry be eſtabliſhed againe, leaſt the Goſpell be hindered in the free courſe of it; feaſt the Ark… be taken, and the glory depart from Iſrael, 1 Sam. 4.13. Eli ſate upon a ſeat by the way-ſide, watching; for his heart trembled for the Arke of God.

Or he feares for the glory of God; leaſt it be eclipſed, if the good ſide goe to the worſe, and wicked enemies have occaſion to blaſpheme: p. 11Where is now … God, P… 12.10and Goſpelling, and Faſting, and Praying, and Reformation? Thus Moſes was afraid, leaſt if Iſrael were deſtroyed in the Wilderneſſe, the enemy would ſay, It is becauſe God was not … them into the good …and, Num. 14.13. and Joſhua. chap. 7.9. What will thou doe unto thy great Name? namely, if Iſrael ſtill fall before the men of A…. Which is an holy feare: We read of ſome ſuch thing in God himſelfe, Deut. 32.26, 27. I ſaid, I would … them into …, I would make the remembrance of them to ceaſe from among men, were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, …. The Lord is a Jealous God, and feares leaſt his glory goe to another; and his people a zealous people, Tit 2.14.Titus 2:14fearing the ſame thing; which is a feare holy and commendable.

V. Some feare is both natu…all, Vand very uſefull.

Feare is a naturall aff…ction, Fea…, a naturall ….carried to ſome evill at hand, for the avoyding of it. Nature ſeek… the preſervation of it ſelfe, and declines p. 12the contraries; and the preſervation of the outward eſtate, wherewith God hath bleſſed him; to ſave as much as it can, from rapine and violence; why not? an honeſt providence is not onelyonly lawfull, but neceſſary.

….And it is uſefull; to act according to Gods providence, who will bleſſe and help his people, but not idling, careleſſe, fearleſſe, neglecting the mea…es. Sometimes feare acteth for the avoyding of the evill feared, as Acts 27.38. in feare of ſhipwrack, and to obtaine the promiſe of ſaving their lives, they l…ghtned the ſh…p, and caſt out the wheat into the ſea. Sometimes by preparing for the evill, if it be not to be avoyded, as Amos 4.12. Therefore thus will I doe unto thee O Iſrael; and becauſe I will doe this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God O Iſrael. And by this latter the ſoule is drawne neerer unto God: reaſoning, Is there ſo much danger abroad? It is time then to get the cloſer to God, and keep with him. When Hawks be abroad, the Bird is ſafeſt upon the neſt, Pſal. 91.4. p. 13He ſhall cover thee with his fe… thers, and under his wings ſhalt them …. And thus it is a ſinne, not to feare when a judgement is comming; as in wicked men who care for nothing: Fea…e ye not me ſaith the Lord? Jer. 5.22. We are commanded to feare him, who, Luk. 12.…Luke 12after he hath killed, hath power to caſt into hell: And one diſcription of God children is, they feare the Lord, Mal. 3.16.

VI. The promiſe here made to VIthe godly is, for the expelling of immoderate feares; either not to enter into a beleeving heart at all, or elſe to be ſoone thruſt out againe: Therefore the feares here are oppoſed to establiſhing of the heart, ver. 8. he ſhall not be afraid; his heart is establiſhed: His heart is of a preſerving and fencing nature, to uphold the heart againſt every aſſault and annoyance of enemies, Phil. 4.7. foreign, The peace of God ſhall keep your hearts and minds (as ſouldiers in a garriſon) through Chriſt Jeſus.

But when are feares immoderate?Feare…, when immoderate. 4. Notes. p. 141. When they are killing; as to worldly and carnall men ſometimes they are: worldly ſorrow 1cauſeth death: See an inſtance 2in Jer. 49.23, 24.2. When they hinder duty; ſo afraid, that ye cannot pray, read, heare with 3profit, or the like. 3. When they baniſh all joy in God; which ſhould not be; feare before God, but with ſome mixture of joy: rejoyce with trembling, Pſal. 2.11. and, reioyce in the Lord alway, and againe I ſay, Phil. 4.4.Phil 4:4reioyce. 4. When they 4put men into unlawfull wayes to help themſelves; as Saul in his feare of the Philiſtines, would needs ofter ſacrifice, which was not his office to doe; or goe to the Witch at Endo…, againſt his owne Law and conſcience.

This they do not to godly men; wh…n moſt afraid, they have ſome help to ſtay them up untill better times: Even in deſertions, when the Lord withdrawes his comforts, and they make moane; yet they will not adventure upon ſinne, which might give ſome contentment; p. 15they will lift up a prayer, euen when they ſay they have little hope to ſpeed; they magnifie the eſtate of Gods children, who enjoy comfort, and love them, will not ſpeak ill of them, nor doe ought againſt them.

A ſigne thr…out of the matter is in them,Job 19.28▪Job 19:28 as Job ſaid of himſelfe amidſt all thoſe diſtempers: They have the ſ…stance, though they faile in circumstance, Iſa. 6.13.1 Joh. 3.9.1 John 3:9 They holy ſeed is the ſubstance thereof. The ſeed of God abideth in them. Though the …es fall off, yet the …ap lyes at the root; faith keeps the heart alive ſtill: That they are willing to reſiſt a temptation, though ſometimes foiled; and grieve, when the Tempter hath been too hard for them; and amidſt all their foiles, their faith upholds them unto victory: Still they are comprehended of Chriſt, even when they are not able to comprehend Chriſt, Phil. 3.12. And in due time they ſhall be delivered from all their feares, enemies, dangers, combats, moleſtation.

p. 16Section II.

Grounds of fixing and ſetling the heart by Faith.

The chiefe point in this diſcourſe.Faith is a ſtrong and effectuall meanes to ſettle the heart in times of danger; in times when evill tidings fly about; in times when unbeleeving hearts reele to and fro, Hab. 2.4. Behold, his ſet…le which is lifted up, is not upright in him; …t the iuſt ſhall live by his faith. Iſa. 7.9. If ye will not beleeve, … ye ſhall not be establiſhed. Chap. 50.10. Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that obeyeth the voyce of his ſervant, that walketh in darkneſſe and hath no light? let him truſt in the Name of the Lord, and ſtay upon his God. Joh. 14.1. Let not your heart be troubled; ye beleeve in God, believe alſo in me.

Ground….The Grounds hereof are theſe.

11. In reſrect of God, on whom faith truſteth.The whole bleſſed Trinity. The heart may p. 17well be fixed, becauſe it trusteth on the Lord; who is the Rock of ſalvation: In a great ſtorme it is good to faſten the anchor to a ſtrong rock:Pſal. 95.1Ps 95:1 And ſuch is God to the Church in great perſecutions, ſo as all the gates of hell ſhall not prevaile againſt it, Mat. 16.18.

Firſt, God the Father;Father. Relations. the fountaine of the Trinity, and of our comfort. He is our Father; as Chriſts by nature, ſo ours by adoption: and a child reſteth ſecurely in the boſome of his loving father.Attributes And every Attribute is mighty to fix the heart of Beleever. The power, wiſdome, holineſſe, truth, mercy, juſtice of God, and the reſt.De…e. Alſo his Counſell taken for the maine, that is, the ſaving of his ſoule. God is far beyond all imperfections of an earthly friend; who loves well, but may prove forgetfull, unable, weary of doing good, &c.

Beſide, faith ſeeth in God a ſweet and bleſſed Providence, Providence.in which it may reſt quietly and contentedly: Saying as Abraham in p. 18that exigent,Gen. 22.14.Gen 22:14 God will provide; in the mount it ſhall be ſeene. Without the will of my Father in H…aven not a haire of mine head, nor a little ſporrow can fall to the ground: Things come not to paſſe either by fate or fortune (which are the contentments of fools and Athe…ſts) but by the good hand of God, at leaſt permitting and ordering. And there be divers acts of Providence; Acts of it.Over-ruling, mittigating, limiting, diſpoſing all to good, even the worſt events. God is the great Governour of the world, and evill ſhall not come but at his pleaſure; not till now, not more, not longer, no farther; as he ſaith to the proud wa…es, Thus farre ſhall ye go, Job 38.11.Job 38:11but no farther. And as Joſeph ſaid, Ye thought evill againſt …, but God ment it unto good, Gen. 50.20 And as Job, The Lord give…, and the Lord taketh away; bleſſed be the name of the Lord, chap. 1.21.

P…ſes.Finally, faith pitcheth on prom…ſes, and theſe heard with … Oath, to give us … p. 19Heb. 6.18. And promiſes are farre better then all performances in this world, whatever they be; ſtill there is more in a promiſe;Iſa. 65.8.Isa 65:8 A bl…ſſing in the cluster, deſtroy it not: For the matter, they are precious promiſes; for the manner of mak…ng, f…e; for the extent, univerſall; for the effect,2 Cor. 1.20. Iſa. 55.3.2 Cor 1:20Isa 55:3 ſure and certa…ne; yea and am…n; ſure mercies, everlaſting mercies, everlaſting Covenant, &c. Faithfull is he that hath promiſed, who will alſo doe it. And the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Good foundations for faith to ſettle upon.

Secondly, God the Sonne;The Sonne of God. the C…lati…e of faith, and ſpeciall Ob…ect, on which it reſteth. There is a world of wealth in Chriſt, that the heart may well be fixed by beleeving on him. He is the ſtrength of a beleeving heart; yea everla…ng ſtrength, Iſa. 26.4. and new ſtrength to be ſtill deri…ed from him, according to occaſion, p. 20chap. 40.31. He is an Advocate with the Father, 1. Joh. 2.1.1 John 2:1to non-ſuit our clamourous ſinnes, and keepe our perſons in favour. He is our King, now governing for us, though in Heaven, in all that glory. He is the beſt friend we have, neerer then a Brother. He is an enemy to our enemies, and will curſe them that curſe us, Gen: 12.3. In all reſpects there is great cauſe to truſt in Chriſt, and, truſting in him, to be fixed; Bleſſed are all they that put their truſt in him. Pſal. 2.12Ps 2:12He had not been Chriſt, but to ſtand us in ſtead, and give us ſure footing in every ſlippery time and occaſion.

The Holy Ghoſt.Thirdly, God the Holy Ghoſt; the Spirit of faith, 2 Cor. 4.13. enabling us to ſpeak, or make confeſſion of the truth in dangerou… times. He is alſo the ſpirit of ſtrength, Iſa. 11.2. the Spirit of power, of love, and of a ſound mind, 2 Tim. 1.7. And thus he fixeth the poore heart, by what he worketh in it, and what he testifieth to it, and what he comforteth; Thence p. 21we read the ſeale of the ſpirit, the earneſt of the ſpirit,Paſſion ap…d Pa… lum. the liberty of the ſpirit, the witneſſe of the ſpirit and the firſt f…uits of the ſpirit; all of them confirmations to an unſetled heart againſt its ſeverall trials. When the Holy Ghoſt was come upon the Apoſtles, we ſee how fearleſſe they ſtood before the Counſell, and deſpiſed all threatnings. O Auſtit…, he is come, he is come, ſaid Maſter G…o… at the ſight of the ſtake; ſpeaking of the comfortable preſence of the Holy Ghoſt, who had withdrawne for a while. And for us, he is promiſed to abide with us for ever. Joh. 14.11.John 14:11Which we profeſſe to beleeve, ſaying, I beleeve in the Holy Ghoſt; and ſo the heart is fixed.

This is the firſt and ſelf-ſufficient ground for faith to ſettle the heart of Gods child. The reſt are ſecondary, and powerfull onelyonly in their owne place, and in order to that firſt.

II. In reſpect of the Word,II. The Word of Faith, upon which faith relyeth. A neer p. 22relation there is between Fa… and the Word; thence it is called the Word of Faith, Rom. 10.8. And it is a quickning Word, as to David, Pſal. 119.50. Thy … hath quickned me; it is a comforting Word, as ver. 24. Thy Testimonies are my delight; It is a ſtrengthning Word, as Heb. 5. ult. ſtrong meat: 2 Pet. 1.19. Mat. 5.18.2 Pet 1:19Matt 5:18It is a ſure Word; all to be performed in due time: Heaven and earth ſhall paſſe away, but my Word ſhall not paſſe away. It is a ſtore-houſe of promiſes, which as they were made in mercy, ſo they ſhall be made good in truth. The Chriſtian being brought into ſtraights may read, and quickly meet with a ſtay for his poore unſtayed, troubled heart; and without the Word he ſhould ſoon miſcarry, Pſal. 119.92 …al…ſſe thy law had been my delights, I ſhould have periſh…d in m…n… affliction: But by help of the Word he is ſoon ſetled, confident, full of prayſes for his good eſtate in Chriſt, and triumphant over all his enemies; ſee Pſ. 56.3, 4, 10, 11.

p. 23III. In reſpect of what faith IIIreceiveth▪ It receiveth ſuch mercies at the hand of God,B… fits rece…d by Faith. and ſo much, that it reſteth con…ent with and condition the heavenly Father ſhall a lot unto it. It ſeeth ſinne aboliſhed, forgiven, nothing to be laid to his charge; which is …e bleſſedneſſe of a man, Rom. 4.6. It ſeeth Satan diſarmed, the Law ſatisfied, the curſe taken away, hell ſhut, and Heaven opened to him: It ſeeth Gods wrath pacified, his juſtice ſatisfied, his favour procured; which is matter of great joy, yea glorying, in the midſt of many tribulations, Rom. 5.1, 2, 3. And this is the Kingdome of God within us, 14.17. Not …at and d…nke, but righteouſneſſe and peace, and … the Holy Ghoſt. Finally, ſaith ſeeth all afflictions ſanctified, ſweetned, mittigated, exchanged for good; in wrath the Lord remembreth mercy; we ſhall not drinke the d…egs of the Cup,Pſ. 75.8.Ps 75:8 as the wicked doe, and as Chriſt did for us; but in him ſing and triumph, p. 24O death, 1 Cor. 15.55.1 Cor 15:55where is thy ſt…ng▪ O grace, where is thy victory! What Agag ſaid fooliſhly, the Beleever ſaith on good grounds, T…e bitterneſſe of death is paſt: 1 Sam. 15.32. Phil. 1.211 Sam 15:32Phil 1:21and, Welcome l…fe: and, To dye is gain: an entrance into glory.

IVIV. In reſpect of what faith worketh:Works f… faith fixing the …. Faith is no idle grace, but ſtill ſets it ſelfe on work, about ſuch imployments, and in ſuch manner, as the Lord will mercifully (according to promiſe) ſuccour the labouring heart in all his difficulties.

Firſt, it works out corruption, which would hinder comfort, Acts 15.9. Purifying their hearts by faith, Both the guiltines of ſin; it is never quiet, till it be clenſed & cleared in the blood of Chriſt: Witneſſe David a Beleever, who after thoſe great ſinnes, heaped up many petitions for pardon, Pſal. 51. whereas another fals into the mire, and lyes wallowing in it, as in his proper clement. And the fil…hineſſe of ſin; none is ſuffered to command: out with it, keep thy ſelf p. 25from in, as from defilement, Pſal. 18.23. As the fleſh lusteth againſt the ſpirit, Gal. 5 1…Gal 5:1ſo the ſpirit in a Beleever lusteth againſt the fleſh: And, O this body of death, who ſhall deliver! Pſ 51 10.Ps 51:10Create in me a clean heart O God, renew a right ſpirit within me.

Secondly, faith is an undivided 2companion of a good conſcience: 1 Tim. 1.19.3.9.1 Tim 1:191 Tim 1:31 Tim 1:9which is a con…inuall feaſt, a brazen wall; great matter of joy in many and great afflictions, 2 Cor. 1.12. This is our reioycing, even the testimony of our conſcience.

Thirdly, it worketh hope; which 3is an anchor of the ſoule, both ſure and ſtedfaſt, entring into that with…n the vaile, Heb. 6.19▪ and ſaith, Though it be ill for the preſent, it will be better hereafter▪ In the world is no comfort, but in Heaven there is enough and enough: Men are enemies, but God a friend, and will appeare in time for us, and againſt them all: And if our ſelves ſhould miſcarry, yet our poſterity ſhall ſee the fruit of all theſe ſtirres; our p. 26children ſhall enter into the good land. A great ſtay to the heart, when almoſt overwhelmed with ca…es and fea…es; Pſal. 27.13. I had fainted, unleſſe I had beleeved to ſee the goodneſſe of the Lord in the land of the l…ving.

4Fourthly, faith works patience; to endure any thing in the way, and for the cauſe of God; therefore we both labour, and ſuffer reproach, becauſe we truſt in the living God, 1. Tim. 4.10. And by patience the Chriſtian hath power over his owne ſpirit; and can poſſeſſe his ſoule, Luk. 21.19.Luke 21:19which otherwiſe would be loſt (as it were) by impatience and other diſtempers. When patience hath its perfect worke, Jam. 1.4.Jas 1:4he ſhall be altogether invincible; and ſhall hold out unto victory, and to the enjoying of all mercies promiſed, Heb. 6.12. old Beleevers through faith and patience inherited the promiſes.

5Fiftly, faith can pray; the prayer of faith, Jam. 5.15, 16. Oratio fidei Omnipoten… …Jas 5:15Jas 5:16which availeth much, and after a ſort is Omnipotent, as Luther ſaid. And ſpecially by p. 27prayer the Beleever can get hear…s-eaſe in every ſ…d qualitie, the ſetling of unquiet affections, heavy paſſions of unbelief, frightfull apprehenſions of evill to come. Lord help my mi…ch…fe, Ma…. 9.24.Pſ. 109.4. for my love they are my adverſaries; b…t I … my ſelf… unto prayer: mark the force of that phraſe. And it is ſaid of Jehoſaphat, in that great danger, that he ſet himſelf… to ſeek the Lord; which both qualified his feare, and obtained a victory, 2 Chron. 20.3.

V. In reſpect of the enemies, Vboth in the world, and from hell: Enem…es d…ſabled in the …a…ne. Rom. 8.33.Rom 8:33Faith ſeeth them diſabled in the ma…ne: Who can a… …ſt, or condem…e, or ſeparate from the love of God? Well they may kill the body, but not hurt the ſoule; or rifle the eſtate, but not prejudice the goodnes of his eſtate toward God: Therefore feare them not, ſaith our Saviour, Luk 12.4, 5. Neither can they do that, til the Lord give them leave;2 Sam. 16.11.2 Sam 16:11 as he bad Shime… to curſe David; and ſatan could not touch Job, nor enter into the Swine of p. 28the Gada…ns, till he had commiſſion. Enemies are a ſharp rod, but in the hand of God; to lay on, or take off, as he pleaſeth, Iſa. 10.5. Nor yet can they vex us one moment longer then the Lord will: As we ſee in Iſraels comming out of Egypt, Exod 12.41. The ſelfe ſame day, wherein the 430. yeers were expired: The rod of the wicked ſhall not reſt on the lot of the righteous: Pſ. 125.3.Ps 125:3In due time the rod muſt be caſt into the fire.

VIVI. In reſpect of the proper …nd of faith, Faith ends of not but …n ſalvation.which is ſalvation; 1 Pet. 1.9. Faith never leaves the ſoul, but in endleſſe & unſpeakable bleſſednes. There indeed it ſelf endeth, having done its office; but the effect & benefit of it never endeth. Now they ſay, all is well that ends well; and in preſent, all is well, becauſe the end ſhall be good; thence the heart is fixed, and the Beleever fainteth not, whatever he ſuffers in VIIthis life; ſee 2 Cor. 4.16, 17, 18.

The Ordinance of God.VII. In reſpect of Gods grant and ordinance to a Beleever, walking humbly with him; as here in p. 29the Text, this ſtands a… a priviledge of the godly, deſcribed …. 1. to be on… that f…a …t God, and d…l…g… …g earth … Comm…d…ments. God …ath paſt over to him ſuch in hum…nity, He ſh… not b… … d…g… … in the Lord. Having taken his part of ſorrow and feare beforehand,Hab. 3 16.Hab 3:16 he ſhall reſt in the day of evill. And having come to Gods termes (of beleeving, repenting, obeying, zeale, and the like) he ſhall now enjoy the ſweetneſſe of it. One that hath ſerved his time faithfully, ſhall have the priviledges of a Townſman, or Citizen.

Theſe are the grounds, whereon faith ſetleth the heart in evill ….

All this while we ſay nothing …f a Stoicall, or C…n call reſolution; that a Chriſtian ſhould either be voyd of affections, Heb. 12.5Heb 12:5o… deſp…ſe the croſſe by a dogged ſtomacke; or that he needs worldly wiſdome and policy to help p. 30himſelfe; or that he muſt ſhift and ſh…rk for himſ…lfe in an indirect way; or goe over to the enemies of God and Religion; or on the other ſide, ſeeke his owne revenge upon them. All this is but Sau… Armour, not ſit for Dav…d to fight in: Therefore we leave them to Ma…vel and his diſciples: Men of this world,Job 36.21.Job 36:21 who chooſe ſinne rather then affliction: And we goe out againſt the enemies of God, as David againſt Goliah, 1 Sam. 17.45.1 Sam 17:45in the name of the Lord. Grounds of faith ſuffice the heires of faith; who are ever happieſt, and moſt at eaſe, when they hold them to their grounds.

Section III.

Improve Faith for ſetling thy heart in theſe evill times.

Make uſe of Faith at theſe times of need.Every one wiſheth the times were ſetled, and if the times were ſetled, he would doe thus and p. 31thus to make gaine, and live a merry life. But (Chriſtians) the ſetling of the times is not in your power, the ſetling of your hearts is, and ye ſee how: Other may paſſe away as fruitleſſe wiſhes, and loſt endeavours, but this is feiſable, and will be to good purpoſe: The Juſt is an everlasting fo…ndation, ſaith Solomon; Prov. 10.Prov 10that is, being fixed by faith; otherwiſe, he is weak as another man; this is the Samſons look, which holds all our ſtrength together; this keeps life in the heart, and ſteddineſſe, whereas without it the ſoule ſtaggers like a drunken man.

Now live by faith: Hab. 2.4.Hab 2:4While the naturall man lives the life of nature, do you live the life of grace and of faith: Make uſe of this privilege, as Townſmen doe of theirs, to enrich themſelves, and keep out forreigners. No man hath a commodity lying by him, but he will make uſe of it when it ſhall be moſt for his advantage: And ſo ſhould a Chriſtian p. 32of his faith in theſe times of need: Never in all our dayes had we ſuch times and occaſions as theſe, and therefore now more then ever we ſhould put our faith to the proofe. Godly men have no exemption from troubles, dangers, or evill tidings, but onelyonly an Antidote, to fence their poore hearts againſt the venome of them. And they have their feares as others have; and their feares are both naturall and uſefull: OnelyOnly this may curbe them and keep them from being immoderate. Faith acted ſets the heart as a rock, and the face as a flint; Iſa. 50.7. The Lord God will helpe me, therefore ſhall I not be confounded; therefore have I ſet my face like a flint, and I know tha… I ſhall not be aſhamed.

Obiect. Oh! but it is very hard to keep the heart in a good frame, of depending and waiting on God; I find my heart ſoon unſetled, though ſometime fixed.

Anſ. 1 True, Gods owne children find ſad viciſſitudes of faith and frailty; p. 33fleſh and ſpirit are ever combating, as in other things, ſo in this; like thoſe that goe upon the ſea, ſometime carried up to Heaven, Pſal. 107.26.Ps 107:26ſometime downe againe into the de…ps. Let no Chriſtian diſcourage himſelfe becauſe of theſe alterations: Be glad, that ſometimes ye find an high tide of affections and aſſurances:77. 10. David remembred the yeer… of old and was comforted.

Secondly, it is indeed difficult, 2and that ſhewes the excellency of the life of faith:foreign. All excellent things are attended w…th their difficulties: A great eſtate needs much adoe in the managing. None layeth ſiege to a Cottage; neither will Satan trouble thoſe that live the life of nature; but where faith is, he will quickly ſhew himſelfe an enemy.

Thirdly, Religion in generall, 3and faith in particular, hath a power in it,Lactant. …nditu. 4.28. both to maintaine it ſelfe, and oppoſe the enemy. Religion in latin hath its name of bind…ng: And in this caſe, it p. 34bindeth the beleeving ſoule to its Maſt, ſo to avoyd enchanting Syrens of the World, and keep it upright againſt all ſtormes of temptation and perſecution; and faith at weakeſt cryes out for help, Lord increaſe our faith, Lord belp my unbeliefe. The life of nature ſtrives to preſerve it ſelfe as long as it can, and by the beſt meanes it can; and ſo doth the life of faith. The weakeſt Beleever can make moane, and ſay all is not well with him, and long for ſome reliefe; which ſtruglings ſhall be relieved: Bleſſed are they that hunger and thirſt after righteouſneſſe, Mat. 5.6.Matt 5:6for they ſhall be filled.

4Fourthly, therefore ſtrive ſtill to act thy faith; chide unbeliefe away, as Pſal. 42.11. Why art thou caſt downe, O my ſoule? why art thou diſquieted within me? What reaſon for this infidelity? Fight the good fight of faith, 1 Tim. 6.12. Contend for the Faith, Jude 3. As for the doctrine of faith, and habit of faith, ſo for p. 35the act and exerciſe of it: In vain is that habit of power, which is not reduced into act. No need to bid a Sea-man caſt forth his anchor in a ſtorme; ſo me thinks there ſhould be no need to call upon a Chriſtian to ſet his faith on worke, in theſe dangerous dayes.

Queſt. What ſhould we doe to exerciſe our faith in ſoule weather,Meanes to bring faith into act. and make our uſe of it when need requireth.

Anſw. 1. Seeke the Lord by 1prayer;Jam. 1.17.Jas 1:17 from whom commeth every good and perfect g…ft; and to live the life of faith, is one of thoſe gifts. As he is the Author, ſo the F…n…ſher of faith, Heb. 12.2. As he gives the habit, ſo the act and operation of it: The Lord gives his Church, both the former and la…ter raine. Faith is a Creature, and the ſtrength whereby we ſtand is uncreated, even God himſelfe: Thou art the ſtrength of my heart (ſaid David) and my portion for ever. Pſ. 37.26.Ps 37:26Faith that muſt ſupport us, muſt it ſelfe be p. 36ſupported of the Lord; as Chriſt prayed for Peter, Luke 22.32. I have prayed that thy faith faile not.

Doth any of you therefore want wiſdome or ſtrength?Jam. 1.5, 6.Jas 1:5Jas 1:6 Let him ask of God, who giveth liberally. He is the onelyonly ſtay for a poore Beleever in ſtreights and difficulties: Fall to caſting anchor in Heaven, or elſe ye are gone: foreign doth neither juſtifie, nor uphold us in great trials: God muſt help us to beleeve, or we ſhall ſoone come to nothing: Faith with its Correlative is all in all to us.

22. Keep ſtill in eye thoſe many grounds, on which faith ſtandeth, and eſtabliſheth the heart, that is, the Relations of God to us, his Attributes, Promiſes, Providence, mercies received, mercies reſerved, &c. A tall man in the bottome of a celler will ſee but little; and a ſtrong Beleever if his grounds be out of fight, will be weak as another man. To the Law and to the Testimony, Iſa. 8.20.Isa 8:20in matters to be done; to the Goſpell, p. 37and to the Promiſes, in matters to be beleeved, and receive comfort. A Tradeſ-man to furniſh his Shop, will repaire to the Ware-houſe: And a Chriſtian to be furniſhed with comfort, muſt repaire to the Promiſes and the like ſupplies.

It may be obſerved, that the ſame Chriſtian, as he hath uſed his grounds, or not uſed them, hath been ſtrangely altered, as if he were not the ſame man: One while a Gyant, another while a Dwarfe. Oh (ſaith David) I ſhall one day fall by the hand of Saul: Another time he will not feare, Pſal. 3 6.Ps 3:6though ten thouſand had compaſſed him round about. One while Job curſeth his birth-day, and is very impatient; another while he will truſt in God, Job 13.15Job 13:15though he kill him. It is aliquid Dei, ſome divine thing, that muſt uphold the beſt heart that is. If his means be neglected or laid aſide, there quickly comes a fearfull alteration: When the Moone receives not light from the Sunne, p. 38it is preſently eclipſed.

33 Shut the eye of fleſh at ſuch times, and beware of carnall reaſon: Carnall reaſon is a great enemy to faith: therefore theſe are oppoſed one to another, To walk by faith, and walk by ſight, 2 Cor. 5.7. We walk by faith, and not by ſight. He that will goe by likelihoods and unlikelihoods ſhall never be ſetled in beleeving. The ſervant of Eliſha feared, becauſe he looked onelyonly at them that came againſt him, and ſaw not who were with him: The Noble-man dyed for it: If God ſhould make windowes in Heaven, 2 Kin. 7.22 Kgs 7:2could there be ſuch plenty? Zacharias was ſtricken dumb for aſking, whereby ſhall I know this? Luk. 1.20Luke 1:20being old, and his Wife well ſtricken in yeers. Abraham on the other ſide,Rom. 4.19Rom 4:19 conſidered not the deadneſſe of his owne body, or of Sarahs wombe, but looked at him who had promiſed, that he was able and faithfull to performe. The naked Word of God is ſufficient for performing all his promiſes: p. 39Never ask, when, or how, or any ſuch matters? Hath not the Lord ſpoken it? And if it be mervailous in your eyes, ſhould it be mervailous in mine eyes, ſa…th the Lord of …oſts? Zech. 8.6. Oh (ſay we) our enemies are many and ſtrong, our friends few and weak, treaſure exhauſted, no likelihood of carrying our cauſe;Joh. 11.39John 11:39 Lord, by this time it ſtinketh, for t…s is the fourth day: Ah (ſaid Chriſt to Martha) ſaid I not unto thee, that if thou wouldeſt beleeve thou ſhouldeſt ſee the glory of God? Joh. 11.40. Mans reaſon is a ſhort meaſure to eſteem the power and wiſdome of God.

Theſe are ſome meanes to act faith in theſe times of need: Now put your faith to it;2 Tim. 1.6.2 Tim 1:6 ſtirre up the gift of God that is in you: Wherefore ſhould a man have riches, and not have the uſe of them? Know, it is a fault, and matter of reproofe in Beleevers, to give way to thoſe feares.Iſa. 8.12, 13.Isa 8:12Isa 8:13 Feare not their feare, nor be afraid; ſanctifie the Lord of hoſts himſelfe, and let p. 40him be your feare and your dread. why did ye doubt, Mat. 8.26.Matt 8:26O ye of little faith? He is a coward, who hath a ſword by his ſide, and will not uſe it againſt a theefe: And he is a Miſer, who hath ſtore of riches, and yet wanteth neceſſaries in his ſickneſſe. Apply it to thy ſelfe, and think, Who would be ſo clogged and turmoyled with feares, when he may be rid of them? OnelyOnly if ye ſtand to your owne Principles, and remember your grounds: None ſo merry as a true Chriſtian, if he hold his owne; indeed none but he: Others glory in the face, not in heart, 2 Cor. 5.12.

Section IV.

Benefits of acting thy Faith in theſe evill times.

Theſe benefits are many and great.Seven benefits of Faith well acted.

1Firſt, what a ſweet life would it p. 41be, to be paſt theſe torturing fears? which now lye gnawing upon your hearts,V…tan…n vitalis. foreign. Origen. and drinking up your ſpir…t, that your life is ſcarce worthy to be called a life. Oh theſe heavy and gro…ning paſſions of unbelief! How doe they keep a man in bo… dage all the dayes of his life! Heb. 2.15. A man ſhall (through theſe feares) want what he hath, aſwell as what he hath not. OnelyOnly becauſe he brings not his faith into exerciſe.

Secondly, the acting of faith 2would be great glory to God, whom we ſerve, and in whom we profeſſe to beleeve; ſhewing actually; that the Lord is ſufficient matter of joy when all other comforts faile, Hab. 3.17, 18. Although the Figge-tree ſhall not bloſſome—yet will I reioyce in the Lord, I will be glad in the God of my ſalvation. It is honour to any Maſter, to ſee his Servant cheerfull at his buſineſſe, and ſtick to him in great hazards; a ſigne he is a good Maſter: So here, God is honoured while his ſervants wait upon him p. 42cheerfully. And, joy of heartes one part of our Maſters allowance: My ſervants ſhall reioyce, Iſa. 65.13.

3Thirdly, it would be a good credit to our holy profeſſion, and draw others to it; as being a fountaine of comfort in the ſadd…ſt ſtreights and difficulties, Pſal. 46.4. There is a River, the ſtreames whereof ſhall make glad the City of God. And who would not enter upon ſo comfortable a courſe of life? All ſeeme willing to live a fine and joyfull life, which is never done compleatly, till faith be both gotten and exerciſed.

4Fourthly, if our faith were well acted, we ſhould walk as ſo many tall Gyants, farre above all reach of the evill world, our faith being our victory, whereby we overcome the world, 1 Joh. 5.4. We ſhould not onelyonly beare, but contemne the contempt of ungodly men:Heb. 12.2Heb 12:2 As our Lord, who deſpiſed the ſhame. Threaten theſe things to your Courtiers, ſaid the Martyrs; we have faith, and thereby p. 43are growne hardy. Or promiſe theſe rewards, honours, great advantages to them that care for them; we have other matters in our heart and eye, and cannot be wonne from the truth.

Fiftly, it our faith were duly ſet 5on worke, we ſhould undertake great things for the Cauſe, and in the way of God; ſaying in great ſufferings, as the Apoſtle did,2 Tim. 1.12. 2 Cor. 4.13.2 Tim 1:122 Cor 4:13 I know whom I have beleeved. Having the ſpirit of faith, we would ſpeake, and make a good confeſſion in time of need. We would part with our eſtates, yea and lives too, disburſe, fight, apologize, any thing, ſo that our Lord and his Cauſe may be glorified.

Sixtly, ſtill as faith is acted, we 6ſhall be able to make mighty prayers; prayers that ſhall availe m…ch for furthering the worke of God: being prayers of …a…th, Jam. 5.15, 16. And we ſhall not be weary of praying, though we ſeem to ſtrive againſt the ſtreame: No, ſaith Faith, it will be to purpoſe, therefore pray alway… and f…m not, Luke 18.1.

p. 447Laſtly, if we act our faith, we ſhall be kept from temptations, which great afflictions uſe generally to bring along with them: as namely, to deſpaire, or uſe indirect meanes for helping our ſelves. He that beleeveth ſhall not make haſt, Iſa. 28.16. Our faith will be a ſhield to us, whereby we ſhall be able to quench all the fiery da…ts of the wicked, Eph. 6.16. It will be a meanes to keep God with us, and keep us in the way of God; which alwayes hath a ſure recompence of reward.

Section V.

Motives to act Faith in theſe dangerous times.

Motives.Beſide thoſe benefits of acting thy faith, there be divers other conſiderations which may move thee thereunto.

1Firſt, the ſetting of thy faith on work ſetteth God on work, to doe p. 45great things for his people: According to thy faith be it unto thee, Mat. 8.13Matt 8:13ſaid our Lord in the Goſpell; and to Martha he ſaid, John 11.4…. Said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldeſt beleeve thou ſhouldeſt ſee the glory of God? Mordecai beleeved deliverance would come, one way or other, and it came accordingly, Eſt. 4.14. The three Jewes beleeved God would ſave them in the fiery furnace: and they were ſaved, Dan. 3.17. The greateſt Beleevers have been the greateſt Receivers, Heb. 11. The old Beleevers by faith obtained wonderfull mercies: All things are poſſible to him that beleeveth: God will doe for them that give glory to his Name, which is by faith, Rom 4.20. ſuch give him the glory of his power, of his wiſdome, mercy, faithfulneſſe, all his Attributes; and they caſt themſelves wholly upon him, as Clyents on their Counſellour, therefore ſhall not be diſappointed; yea, Bleſſed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whoſe hope p. 46the Lord is; he ſhall be as a Tree planted by the watters, &c. Jer. 17.7, 8.

But ah this baſe infidelity, which puts our faith ſo much in our eye & cals it ſo often from our hearts too much fleſh, too little faith we beleeve no longer then we ſee ſignes and wonders; ſcarce cheerfull, but while we heare of a victory, or diſcovery, or other mercy; mightily caſt downe at a foyle, or the prevailing of enemies; Shake as the Trees of the Wood, when Rez…n and Pekah are joyned together, Iſa. 7.1, 2.

And it brings little home, as is ſaid of carking care. God being diſhonoured by unbeliefe, withdraweth his hand, doth not his work, or not yet; ſeeth no veſſell ſet, to receive his precious liquor, and ſo the oyle ceaſeth. Iſrael could not enter becauſe of unbeliefe, Heb. 3.19. Good is comming, but we are ſhort-winded, and wait not; thence theſe delayes. All the fault is not in wicked enemies, or the ſinners in Sion; but ſome p. 47fault reſideth in Gods owne children, who beleeve not as they ſhould doe. Infidelity is an hatefull ſinne too, and reprovable; it detracteth from God, as if he were not wiſe, able, vigilant to fulfill his promiſes; ſo he ſtayes his hand, as one that will be better waited on.

Take notice of this, as one cauſe why the work of Reformation, and of our happineſſe, doth ſtick ſo long in the birth; it is much deſired, but not attained; and yet the Lord willing it ſhould be done, and that throughly: There is cauſe enough for it in the unreformedneſſe of people, who after all the terrours and humiliations, yet tu…n not from their evil ways, as the men of Ninive. Jon. 3.10.Jonah 3:10But here is ſomething in Gods owne people, whoſe faith is ſo little, and their feare ſo great: If we beleeved more, we ſhould ſee his great works done the ſooner: Therefore reſolve upon that in Mark 11.22, 23, 24. Have Faith in God: And, What things ſoever ye deſire when ye pray, p. 48beleeve that ye receive them, and ye ſhall have them.

2Secondly, think thus with your ſelves; why ſhould not faith make couragious, as well as vain-glory, envy, propriety of goods, ſafety of the Country, memory and emulation of Anceſtors, or the like carnall conſiderations, which have mightily elevated the ſpirits of people heretofore; as namely, the old Romans who became Lords of the World;Cicero. pro aris & focis, was a great word with them, entring into a fight:Ovid. Horat. And, Ingens gloria calcar habet; and, Dulce & dec…rum eſt, pro patria mori; and, Imperti cauſâ, &c. But faith hath higher and ſtronger conſiderations; the Cauſe of God, the maintaining of the Goſpell, contending for the faith delivered once to the Saints, the upholding and enlarging of the Kingdome of Chriſt, the keeping of a good conſcience, the glory of Heaven in our eye; and who would be a ſlave to Antichriſt? Bodily ſlavery is bad enough, &c.

p. 49Conſider; Their Rock is not … unto our Rock, … our enem… the… … being Judges, Deut 12.31. And, Th…s they doe for a co…ptible Crowne, we for an … …apitole, 1 Cor. 9.25. The higher the ſpring, the higher the water will aſcend at the Conduit. A Beleever therefore, going b… the higheſt Principles and notions ſhould g…t higheſt in his reſolut… ons and behaviours.

Thirdly, we have ſtill, and a 3long time have had great meanes to be ſtrong in faith; a Miniſtery o… many yee…s continuance, which is growing food, 1 Pet. 2.2. … of the Wood, that it …. A tree planted in a go… place, and there continuing m…n…ee…s, is well rooted and ſo ſhould the trees of righteouſneſſe be, after ſo long ſtanding. The Martyr… had but few yeer… in King …. time, yet they gathered ſtrength enough, to carry them through the flames. A ſhame it will be to us, not to be proficients according to our time; when for the time we p. 50might be Teachers, Heb. 5.11. Weakneſſes of faith and other graces ſhould have been outgrowne long agoe.

Adde the going ſo often to the Lords Supper; which to a prepared ſoule is a batling Ordinance. No feaſt yeeldeth ſo good juy… and nouriſhment to the body, bu… this yeeldeth as good to ſuch … ſoule. Bread ſtrengthneth man heart; eſpecially this bread tha… came downe from Heaven, Pſa 104.15. O the ſweet communio… that hath been between Chriſt an… thy Soule, upon due frequenting the Ordinance! and O the frequent repaſt of thy ſoule upon prayer, and the experience thou haſt had of Gods love an… providence! and doeſt thou ye… feare?Hilarion. Hieron. in eius vita. Septuaginta annos ſervivi… Christo, & mori times.

Finally, the many good Books and Treatiſes, which of late yeer… have been publiſhed;M. Culve…well. M. Rogers. as it were of purpoſe, to fence and furniſ… Chriſtians for theſe ſad times wherein are choiceſt collection p. 51for fixing a poore beleeving heart in all occaſions.M. Ball M. Wilſon. God that foreſaw what he was about to doe, directed his Miniſters, ſo to make proviſion for his people; as when he ſent a ſore famine upon Canaan, he ſent Joſeph beforehand to provide for his Father and Brethren.

Fourthly, in thoſe preſent troubles 4and dangers, the Lord hath all along opened a doore of hope, Hoſ. 2.13.Hos 2:13for upholding our faith unto victory: Seeing how weak weare in beleeving bare promiſes, he hath given us ſomthing in hand for encouragement: He hath ſtill ſent us ſome pawnes of more, which he will doe for us in time; an earneſt of the whole bargaine: And experience is a great help unto faith; as in the Apoſtles,2 Cor 1.10.2 Cor 1:10 He hath delive…ed us from great death, and doth deliver, and we truſt alſo he will deliver. When we began to quaile at any time, preſently a victory was given, a diſcovery made, a defeat of their Counſels or Forces, the ſpirits of people raiſed up above p. 52all expectation, in a Count… which was given for a loſt Count a ſigne the Lord means to doe the work at laſt: If he meant to d… ſtroy us, he would not ſhew us ſuch things as theſe. Thus, by what the Lord hath done already, he doth even invite us to beleeve, and not feare.

5Fiftly, it is but a while, and y… ſhall ſee what now ye beleeve. Y… a little while, Heb. 10.37.Heb 10:37and he that ſhall com… will come, and his reward is with him. In Heaven there will be n… acting of faith, no uſe of it, as now all there is in Fruition, Union and Viſion: Joh. 20.29John 20:29In this life, Bleſſed are they that beleeve, though they ſee not: In that life, bleſſed are thoſe that ſee what hitherto they beleeved▪ If we ſtrive a little, we ſhall find our waiting was to purpoſe: Yet two or three Cloſes, and we ſhall be at our Fathers houſe. And there we ſhall have neither unbeliefe to combat withall, nor any other enemy; no feare, no moleſtation, no imperfection whatſoever.

6Sixtly, if faith be not acted, ye p. 53will loſe the benefit of thoſe comforts which are your owne: Ye forſake your owne me…s, Jonah 2.8. Ye live heavily, when your eſtate gives you leave to live moſt cheerfully. Hag… ſaw … the Well and was out of heart, as if no water were to be bad. M… ſaw not Chriſt … eye… being held… and was ſtill in perplexity: A miſerly niggard wants what he h…th, as well as what he hath not: And to look upon,Paulum ſepultae, distat inertiae, Celata vi… tus. what difference between an unbeleever, and a Beleever not improving his faith when need requires? One ſighs as much as the other, &c. Now this is a diſparagement to faith, and the high calling of a Chriſtian, who alone in truth hath cauſe to be me…ry: A diſcouragement to others, to come on in ſuch an uncomfortable profeſſion: An hinderanc… of prayer; a diſhonour to God, a… if he made no good allowance to his Servants: And doth the devils owne work, who when he cannot hinder a Chriſtian of the end of his way, will doe his p. 54beſt to ſpoyle him of the comfort of his way.

Section VI.

Objections for feare, againſt Faith, anſwered.

Oh (ſay ſome) we have ſo many things to feare, that we know not how to make uſe of our faith: But why ſo? Faith hath a ſtrength at all aſſayes, to help at a dead lift: That if a Chriſtian hold his owne he ſhall wade well through all his feares, and evils feared: All things are poſſible to him that beleeveth; to receive, to doe, to ſuffer, to overcome.

Generall ſalves for the feares of Beleevers.Know therefore in generall: Firſt, that the Order of Grace is ſtronger then the Order of Nature: We have many enemies, or troubles, but mo with us then againſt 1us: They are great, but the Lord greater, Omnipotent: And the Angels mightier to ſave, p. 55then devils to hurt us: Divine Ordinances, full of ſolid ſtrength and comfort; and all the Treaſures of Gods love full and inexhauſt. If a Beleever look upward he ſeeth an infinite advantage above them all: The wav…s rage horribly, but the Lo…d is mightier, Pſal. 93.3, 4. Tyrants get on high, and are mighty to oppreſſe; but ſtill he is mightier, Eccleſ. 5.8. They are crafty; but he catcheth th… man their craftineſſe, 1 Cor. 3.19

Secondly, faith …n ſet the Chriſtian 2farre above his own ſtrength; as the ſtrength of others, ſo his owne: Out of weakneſſe be ſhall be made ſtrong, Heb. 11.34. He can doe more in a certaine caſe, then at another time. As Martyrs, they endured the flam…s; as men, they could never have endu…d them. While Peters faith l…ſted, he walked upon the waters.

Thirdly, in all particular fears, 3ſaith hath ſomething to ſay out of the Word, which ſhall ſtay the heart, and counterp…e all the p. 56burden of feares that would clog it. The Word hath a quickning vertue, firſt and laſt: Firſt for re…neration, afterward for ſuſtentation. It is a plentifull Storehouſe, out of which ſome comfort is ſtill to be fetched: And David ſaith, he had periſhed, unleſſe the Word had comforted him.

…To give ſome instances of the fears of godly Christians in theſe … dayes.

1. About loſing the Gospell.Obiect. 1. We feare we ſhall loſe the Goſpell; the maine aime of the Antichriſtian generation that are riſen up amongſt us.

Anſw. 1. The Word ſaith, that the Goſpell is at Gods diſpoſing, and not mans, whoever he be. The Starres are in the right hand of Chriſt, Rev. 1.16. It is God that takes away the Word of the Kingdom, and gives it to others, Mat. 21.43. And faithfull Miniſters ſay they ſhall continue at their worke ſo long as God pleaſeth, let all the …o…es and beaſts of the world doe what they can, Luke 13.31, 32. p. 57G… and tell that …ox, &c. They were in ill caſe, if they were at mans diſcretion: Even in times of peace, wicked men would have quite put downe good Miniſters their malice and wickedneſſe hath not been wanting all this while: No thankes to them, that the Goſpell hath continued as it doth.

2. If there ſhould be ſome reſ…t, yet not wholly, eſpecially in reſpect of a good heart: The word of God is not bo…d, 2 Tim. 2.9. The beleeving heart ſhall be mervailouſly fed with the old ſtore it gathered. There is an hidden Manna…: And,Rev. ….19. the Word of G…d abideth in you.

As for the Elect that are not yet gathered, the Word ſhall goe forth and reach the mall: It ſhall have a free courſe, and be glorified, 2 Theſ. 3.1. When God hath a people to gather,Act. 18.10, 11.Acts 18:10Acts 18:11 though there be many Adverſaries, yet Preachers ſhall both goe and continue there, 1 Cor. 16.8, 9. I have much people in this City; abide here. And Jeremies preaching did good to p. 58ſome, though the moſt curſed him, chap. 15.11. The Election obtain…th, th…ugh the reſt be hardned: The Elect muſt be ſ…aled, before …y hurt can be done, Rev. 7.3.

3. The Word ſaith, that if it ſhould be ſuppreſſed a while, yet it ſhall be reſtored againe. Teachers ſhall not be removed into corners any more, Iſa. 30.20. They muſt fall to their work againe, Rev. 10.11. Thou muſt propheſie againe: After three dayes and an half, the two Witneſſes revived and ſtood up, chap. 11.11.

And commonly the ruines of the Church are reſtored with much advantage, the Ordinances purged from the corruptions that attended them: The glory of the latter houſe greater then that of the former, Hag. 2.9. All reduced to the rule and ſtandard of the Word; noting (by Gods ſeverity) wherein they offended, and provoked him to wrath: Aſhamed of their iniquities, and all errours, and ſo the Lord ſhewes them the form of the houſe, Ezek. 43.10, 11.

p. 594. The Word ſaith, that the enemies of it ſhall be utterly confounded and brought to an end; ſp…cially Antichriſt, that grand friend of Traditions and humane Conſtitutions; downe he muſt go… notwithſtanding all his pillars and ſupporter…: He goeth into pe…dit…on, Rev 17.11. Though he get breath a while, and ſome lightning before death, yet that is his end. The end of theſe warres will be at the gates of Rome, all in flames and everlaſting deſolation.

Obiect. 2. About the diſhonour of God. Sect. 1.2. God will be diſhonoured and blaſphemed if the wicked prevaile.

Anſw. 1. In this caſe your fear is moſt lawfull, and beſt allowed; becauſe (as we have ſeen before) both God and godly men have ever ſo feared: And I may tell you, ye have cauſe to rejoyce, that ye have ſuch holy fears as the feare.

2. The Word ſaith, that God is a Jealous God, and will look to his owne glory; will not ſuffer the enemies, or Idols, to get it from him, Iſa, 42.8. Yea, he will get p. 60glory over them all, as over the Egyptians and all their gods, Ex. 12.12. and will turne all their fury to his owne p…a…ſe; Pſ. 76.1….Ps 76:1being the more illuſtrious by their diſappointment.

True; it was a ſword to Davids heart, to heare the wicked ſay, Where i… thy God? Pſ. 42.10.Ps 42:10but if the Lord be patient, why ſhould not we? onelyonly our duty is, to mourne for ſuch blaſphemies, and pray to the contrary.

3. Above a forreigne invaſion.Obiect. 3. I feare that forreigners will invade, and they will ſhew no mercy.

Anſw. The Word tels; firſt, that the ſpirits and minds of men are in Gods hand, Exodus 34.24. they ſhall not think of invading, while his people are buſie in his worſhip: Or, he can let them ſee where the Right goeth; that they ſhall let all alone and not meddle.

Secondly, that the Lord can make the earth to help the woman, Rev. 12.16. Earthly men ſhall beare the burthen of one anothers p. 61malice, and ſo his people eſcape it. Moa…tes and Ammonites fell to cutting one another, and ſo Je…poa… eſcaped. While they have work enough to doe at home, they ſhall not intend to trouble us.

Thirdly, that the Lord makes f…ll the ba…es of our gates, and is a wall of fire round about us;Zech. 2.5.Zech 2:5 the Rereward, the Shield, all in all to us: Though we have but a watry-wall about our Iſland, yet in God it may prove too high and ſtrong to be ſealed. Our woodden houſes may ſwimme about, and keepe out the enemies.

Fourthly, there may be forreigne friends as well as foreigne enemies; and ſtronger then they, wiſer then they, more ſuccesfull then they, as the Lord can make them. The hearts of all are in the hand of God, who ſtill followes his owne work, and uſeth what Inſtruments he pleaſeth. And we ſee he hath brought in one friendly Nation already.

p. 624. About the defect of friends.Obiect. 4. I feare our Worthies in Parliament will be weary, diſcouraged, too few, and ſo the work may ceaſe.

Anſw. The Word ſaith, that the Lord hath yet the reſidue of Spirit, Mal. 2.15. It is but pouring out of more Spirit, and they ſhall renew their ſtrength and courage: Or if one faile, another ſhall ſtand up in his place. Certainly, he that hath ſo raiſed and upheld them hitherto, will continue them to us, and his owne work by them.Jud. 13.23Judg 13:23 If he meant to deſtroy them, he would not have ſhewed them ſuch things as theſe. And who ever heard of a people in Covenant with God, and ſtudying Reformation, wholly forſaken? 2 Chron. 15.2. The Lord is with you, while ye are with him. And he ſheweth ſince the Covenant laſt entred into (by many great and notable victories) that he intends them good, and us by them. Beleeve therefore, they ſhall be worthy inſtruments of more glory to God, and of more p. 63good to his people; Zech. 4.9. The …ands of Zerubbabel have layd the foundation of this houſe, his hands alſo ſhall finiſh it.

Obiect. 5.5. Of the want of Treaſure. Pſal. 24.1.Ps 24:1 I feare our moneys will faile; the ſinews of War.

Anſw. 1. The Word ſaith, The earth is the Lords, and the fulneſſe thereof. And he can make our Newters, Malignants and Miſers, to bring forth their treaſures: Or ſpring a new mine, for ſupply ſome other way.

2. It ſaith,1 Cor. 1.27.1 Cor 1:27 that he makes the weak to confound the m…ghty: And in like reaſon, the poore to overthrow the rich. When men ſee their eſtates gone, they wax deſperate: Neceſſity hath been called a terrible weapon: And it is evident, that riches cannot get victories. The battel is not to the ſtrong, Eccleſ. 9.11. The event of a battell belongs wholly to God; Prov. 21.31. The Horſe is prepared againſt the day of battell; but ſafety is of the Lord.

Obiect. 6.6. About our ſinnes l…ſt they hinder. I could truſt otherwiſe; p. 64but feare our ſinnes will hinder good things.

Anſw. 1. The Word ſaith, that God doth his great works for Church freely: OnelyOnly becauſe mercy pleaſeth him. I w…o…gh… for my Names ſake, often in Ezek. 20. and 36.32. Not for your ſakes doe I this, &c.

2. If our ſinnes could hinder, we ſhould not have ſeen any of theſe great deliverances and victories. We have ſinnes enough to have laid us deſolate long agoe: Not a remnant had been left before this time. OnelyOnly the Lord ſeems to have paſt by the ſinnes of the remnant of his people, and ſo we are ſaved by a great deliverance.

7. About triall to ſome particular.Obiect. 7. I feare we may ſuffer for a while, as our Brethren have done; and for my part, I doubt I ſhould ſhew much weakneſſe when I come to the tryall.

Luk. 12.4 2 Cor. 12.9.Luke 12:42 Cor 12:9Anſw. 1. Chriſt ſaith, Feare not them that kill the body. Secondly, his grace is ſufficient for p. 65thee, as well as for others:Joh. 10.28.John 10:28 None ſhall pluck his Sheep out of his …s: None ſhall ſeperate from his love. Thirdly, in the tryall God ſtands by his people more then at other times, to ſhew himſelfe ſt…ong in a weak Creature, 2 Cor. 12.9. In the…r weak… his power is the more glorified and manifeſted: He will be with them in ſix troubles, and in ſeven; in fire and in water: So that ye may ſay boldly, The Lord is with us; we will not feare what man can doe unto us. Heb. 13.6.8. About Martyrdome.

Object. 8. What if I ſhould be put to ſuffer Martyrdome? I ſhrink to think of it.

Anſw. The Word ſaith,Rom 8.37Rom 8:37 we are more th…n … through him that loved us: And we may ſay accordingly. Firſt, the Martyrs were fleſh and blood as we are: O… themſelves weak, and no more able to endure thoſe extremities then other men. They ſuffered nothing in their owne ſtrength but by faith; and you have faith as well as they. Secondly, p. 66God is the ſame God now, as then; and will put forth the ſame ſtrength in you, as in them.Iſa. 59.1.Isa 59:1 His hand is not ſhortned; neither will his promiſe faile. He is God al-ſufficient; Gen. 17.1Gen 17:1and ſtill the ſame to his Church, as in the dayes of old, Iſa. 46.3, 4.

9. About the enduring of hardſhip.Obiect. 9. I ſhall not be able to endure cold, hunger, priſon, reproach, &c.

Anſw. The Word ſaith, theſe are vanquiſhed enemies, and diſabled in the maine; Rom. 8.35. And all the gates of hell ſhall not prevaile againſt the Church: And defiance may be made againſt them, as there, who ſhall ſeperate? who ſhall accuſe or condemn…? And aſſurance had, that we ſhall not flinch for any of them: foreign, I am perſwaded that neither death nor life—ſhall be able to ſeperate us from the love of God, which is in Chriſt Jeſus our Lord.

10. About Children left to the world.Obiect. 10. What ſhall become of my poore Children;

Anſw. The Word ſaith, the p. 67Covenant reacheth the Children as well as the Parents, Gen. 17.7. I am thy God, and the God of thy ſ…ed. They ſhall therefore find a Father in Heaven, when none is on earth. And promiſes to be performed, which will prove large portions; and friends on earth which you little think of: Even an hundred fold, Fathers and Mothers, &c. Mark 10.29, 30. And it hath been obſerved, that the Children of Martyrs have received ſpeciall bleſſings from God, eſpecially in their ſouls.

Obiect. 11. About the loſſe of Friends.11. How ſhall we live if my husband be ſlaine? or ſome other friend by whom I live?

Anſw. The Word ſaith, that Man lives not by bread onelyonly, Mat. 4.4.Matt 4:4but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. And is not the Lord better to thee, then ten husbands, or ten friends? And, who multiplied the meale in the barrell, and oyle in the cruſe? Who gave a bleſſing to Daniels courſe fare, that he looked better then any of the Kings Children? p. 64duplicate page p. 65duplicate page p. 66duplicate page p. 67duplicate page p. 68Who fed ſo many thouſand with two barly loaves and a few in all fiſhes. True, miracles are ceaſed, but not Providence, and that ſometimes in a ſtrange way… ▪ God can and will doe above what we ask or think, Eph. 3.20.

12. About ſin forced upon a good ſoule.Obiect. 12. I feare my Chaſtity may be violated, or ſome other ſinne forced upon me, which would be a terrour to my ſoule, and break the band between God and me.

Suidas.Anſw. 1. It was Origens ſinne, for avoyding the filthy Black more to burne incenſe to the Idoll. No evill may be done that good may come of it, Rom. 3.8. Secondly, He that doth worng (ſaith the Word) ſhall ſuffer according to the wrong he doth, Col. 3.25. not he that ſuffereth wrong. No ſinne hurts, to which conſent is not given: It is the others ſinne, thy ſorrow.Tarquin. & …ucret. Aug. Two in the adultery, yet but one adulterer. Thirdly, the Lord (who is moſt mercifull) will not preſently breake with his Child, when hurried to ſinne by p. 69temptation, or violence of perſecution. No;Iſa. 30 18. Pſal. 103.14.Isa 30:18Ps 103:14 he is a God of J…dgment, knoweth … ſ…ame, and that we are but duſt, and will remember his Covenant; an everlaſting Covenant.

Section VII.

Make much of Faith, which is ſo uſefull; and other Corolaries of the point.

Faith being ſo ſtrong and effectuall a meanes to ſettle the heart in evill times,Faith to be …ſh…d and …nc…ea…ed. M…e…. it will be good wiſdome for Chriſtians to make much of their faith; to cheriſh it, ſtrengthen it, fix it, and be adding to it daily. Souldiers will keep their Forts well, that their …o…ts may keep them. And alike muſt Beleevers doe for their faith, which is ſo much for their turne every way. It were folly to p. 70complaine of a troubled ſpirit about theſe troublous times, and not be earneſt in preſerving and increaſing faith, which ſhould faſten and quiet the heart. It were a ſinfull neglect of the meanes, which God in great wiſdome and love hath ſet apart for the remedy. We have ſeen grounds enough for our confirmation; which if they be well improved, would both preſerve and increaſe our faith.foreign Ariſt. It is a rule, that all things are nouriſhed of the ſame matter, whereof they are bred. Therefore,

1Firſt, be diligent and conſcionable in the uſe of the Word, publique and private, whereby faith commeth at firſt, and afterward is encreaſed. The Word is ſincere milk, Rom. 10.17.Rom 10:17whereby new-borne Babes may grow, 1 Pet. 2.2. A child thrives beſt by the Mothers milk: In the Word are promiſes to be ever met withall, in all particulars: And as good Evidences for houſe or land, well peruſed, doe much cleer a mans p. 71title to the thing: So the Scriptures, well ſearched and applyed, doe ſtrongly cleere the righteous mans Evidence for Heaven. The failing of Chriſtians is, when they wax negligent in the Word, or if they turne aſide to viſions, or other fancies; no food ſo nouriſhing, as Gods Word duly regarded. They that are planted in th… houſe of God, are fat and flouriſhing, and bring forth fruit in old age, Pſal. 92.14.

Secondly, be frequent and ſerious 2in going to the Lords Table; where is a fatning Banket to the prepared and worthy Receiver. No feaſt yeeldeth better nouriſhment to the body, then this to the ſoule. This is the true Sacrament of Confirmation: This is a Medicine that expelleth all evils; foreign. Ignat. ad Epheſ.both unbeliefe and all the heavy paſſions that iſſue from it. OnelyOnly get a good appetite, prepare, examine, come fitted to receive a bleſſing: The Maſter of the Feaſt would not be wanting to his owne Ordinance, if his Gueſts p. 72were not wanting to themſelves. Spirituall ſloath, fooliſh curioſity, turning to vaine janglings, are maine hinderances of the benefit which that bleſſed Ordinance is reany otherwiſe to afford.

Thirdly, frequent lovingly, and improve wiſely, the Communion of Saints, which ye profeſſe to beleeve; theſe are able to ſatisfie your doubts, mind you of promiſes, produce experiences, comfort you, beare you up, and doe much for fixing you on your Rock: United forces doe back one another: As iron ſharpneth iron, ſo the face of one Chriſtian ſtrengtheneth & heereth another. But woe be to h…m that is alone. Eccl. 4.10Eccl 4:10It he fall, who ſhall raiſe him up▪ And the devill deſireth no bette… advantage, then to find Chriſtians ſolitary and private-minded. When Thomas was abſent from the reſt of his fellowes,Joh. 22.25 he grew to a ſturdy kind of unbeliefe; Unleſſe I may feele, I will not beleeve.

4Fourthly, pray much and earneſtly, for the increaſing and p. 73acting of thy faith,Mar. 9.24 Luk. 17.5Mark 9:24Luke 17:5 Lord help my unbeliefe, Lord increaſe our faith. Pray to be able to live the life of faith; to truſt perfectly in the grace revealed; to have the uſe of thy faith when need is; to have thy heart fixed by beleeving. What is not the Lord able and willing to doe for them that cry unto him? Hath he not promiſed to returne a gracious anſwer? Even a naturall Father will regard and pitty the mone which his poore child maketh.

Fifthly, recount and ſearch out 5the promiſes, which are the ſame to the feeding of faith, as oyle is to the feeding of a lamp; ſoone extinguiſhed if fuell be with-held. Abraham was ſtrong in faith, becauſe he had both eyes upon the promiſes. Promiſes will make us Partakers of the divine nature, 2 Pet 1.4. Heires of promiſe ſhould live on promiſes, as their owne proper element and nouriſhment. A Beleever, forgetting the promiſes, is as a fiſh on dry land. Gods people of old p. 74were buſie in ſearching out promiſes, when the ſearch was difficult, obſcure, and nothing ſo comfortable, as now in the light of the Goſpell, 1 Pet. 1.11, 12.

6Sixtly, meditate on the Attributes of God, which have great power to make us beleeve any thing which the Lord hath promiſed. He is able who promiſed; he is faithfull who promiſed,Rom. 4.21. 1 Theſ. 5.24.Rom 4:211 Thess 5:24 &c. All of them are engaged for our good; as himſelf, who is our God, by a firme Covenant: And faith will ſubſume; I beleeve in God Almighty: What cannot he doe who is Almighty? I beleeve in the onelyonly-wiſe God, who is Omniſcient; and what cannot ſuch a one invent? I beleeve in him who is the ſearcher of reynes, and knoweth the hidden things of darkneſſe, what wicked plot cannot he diſcover? I beleeve in him who is true and faithfull; what word of his ſhall fall to the ground? So in the other: A Dwarfe with a Gyant on his ſide waxeth reſolute and valiant. When the eye is taken p. 75oft from one-ſelfe, and all enemies or other incumbrances, and kept cloſe upon God; how ſtrong will faith he, and the heart unmovable?

Seventhly, ſtrengthen thy faith 7by the experiments thou haſt had of God formerly, and others have had. His works, partly done, partly in doing, invite confidence for time to come. The reaſon is, becauſe the Lord is ever the ſame, inexhauſt, unweariable, his hand not ſhortned, nor his eare heavy, but he can and will help his people to the uttermoſt: To like perſons, in the like way, and beleeving alike, he will be alike in diſpenſing his mercies.Mal. 3.6.Mal 3:6 I am the Lord, I change not, therefore ye ſonnes of Jacob are not conſumed. Therefore alſo collect as David, 1 Sam. 17 36. and as Paul, 2 Tim. 4.17, 18. It is a great help to a Beleever, to remember the yeers of the right hand of the moſt high. Pſal. 77.10. and call to mind what he hath done for his Church and people formerly; to the Church p. 76in Aegypt, in the Wilderneſſe, in Hamans time, in other exigences. Others have fared well, while they waited on God; therefore we alſo will wait, and doubt not but to doe well enough, Pſal. 22.4, 5. Our Fathers truſted in thee; they truſted and thou didſt deliver them: They cryed unto thee, and were delivered; they rusted in thee and were not confounded.

Thus fortifie your faith as much as ye can, and it will be a ſtrong fortifying of your ſpirits in all feares of evill. A ſtrong and healthy body getteth up a high hill farre better then a weakling can doe. If our faith were ſtronger, our hearts ſhould be more fixed and ſetled then they are. If it were the fall aſſurance of faith, Heb. 10.22.Heb 10:22we ſhould not once doubt for all theſe terrours.Mark 11.13.Mark 11:13 Remember the removing of mountaines, and tranſplanting of trees into the midſt of the ſea; all by the power of faith: OnelyOnly beleeve, and all ſhall be poſſible.

p. 77Other Conſequences of the point are theſe.

I. Be thankfull for this precious grace of faith,Be thankfull for the uſefull grace of Faith. which is ſo uſefull in theſe dangerous dayes; the ſtaffe of thy life, the ſtrength of thy ſoule, the fix…ng of thy poore trembling heart, the only ſight thou haſt when round about is nothing but darkneſſe. A great and wonderful gift thou receivedſt when the Lord gave thee faith, to beleeve in his Sonne and reſt in promiſes. It is worth the having, though thou paſtedſt through the pikes; in duties of humiliation. It coſt ſome adoe to get faith; but when it is once had, it is a moſt bleſſed commodity: It ſtands thee in ſtead ever afterward, whatever ſad occaſions thou haſt. The Jaylor (though much caſt downe for a while,Act. 1….34.Acts 1:34 yet) reioyced that he beleeved and all his houſhold. And thoſe primitive Beleevers, who were pricked at the heart in hearing of their great ſinne, reioyced and praiſed God for ſo great a mercy, Acts 2.44, 47. Goe thou and p. 78doe likewiſe: We give thanks for leſſer mercies then this: Or, what if the Lord give thee not riches, health, peace, and the like? Yet he gives that which is better, and countervailes all other defects, with infinite advantage on the eternall part.

Doe thy beſt to work faith in others.II. If things goe thus, then doe all ye can to get faith into your children and friends; as ye deſire they ſhould have found and hearty comfort in the evill day: Ye would not ſee them lye diſtracted, malancholie, drooping under their burden, taking indirect courſes to help themſelves. Now lay a good foundation, not onelyonly in morall vertues, or religious duties, but goe higher; tell them of Chriſt, of the Covenant, the promiſes, ſinne and guiltineſſe, their need of a Saviour, and the like. It is a great matter,Pſ, 112.1. to feare God and delight greatly in his Commandements: This Text is a promiſe to ſuch perſons; but note withall, it goeth higher, even to that ſovereigne grace of faith; His heart is p. 79fixed trusting in the Lord. verſe 7.And it was by faith that the old Beleevers d…d, ſuffered, or received thoſe great matters, Heb. 11. Therefore in all thy inſtruction and diſcipline, ſtill inſinuate ſomething for faith. Get that notion into their heads and hearts, None but Chriſt, Jo. Lambert. Advance a faithfull Ministery, whereby faith is beſtowed.None but Chriſt.

III. If it be ſo, then advance a faithfull Miniſtery, a… the meanes whereby faith is bred, and thereby a ground laid for ſolid comfort in times of feare: Plant ſuch a Miniſtery where it is wanting; cheriſh and maintaine it where it is: Pitty them that want the Ordinance; pray they may have the Word of faith preached among them:Mat. 6.38Matt 6:38 Pray the Lord of the Harveſt, to ſend forth Labourers into his Harveſt. If rich, be at charges; if in authority, give countenance to a faith-breeding Miniſtery. This is the onelyonly way for poore ſoules to be ſoundly comforted when their tryall commeth. Comfort ſtands not in a ſmartering knowledge, or a few good p. 80words, or ſaying over ſome good prayers, or the like; but if faith were beſtowed into the heart, which alone can quicken a ſoule, otherwiſe dying. No grace nor vertue can knit a knot betweene God and the ſoul, but onelyonly faith. Faith truly ſo called is of a laſting nature, whatever tryals there be; and of a triumphing nature, 1 Pet. 1.7, 8. Beleeving, ye re…o…ce with ioy unſpeakable and full of glory. And if ſo, how worthy are thoſe pains, whereby faith is conveyed into the heart, and afterward confirmed?

Take faiths part againſt a faithleſſe generation. 2 Pet. 1.1.2 Pet 1:1IV. Ever commend, and ſtand in the magnifying of faith, which doth ſo good offi…es in the worſt times. Call it a prec…ous faith, much to be eſteemed and prized: Endure not any word of diſparagement to be caſt upon it. There is a carnall generation of men and wom…n, who doe much ſlight and villifie faith, as an ayrie Notion, a trifle, nothing in compariſon of Charity and good works: Oh here is much adoe about faith, p. 81theſe are our Solifidians, &c. Whereto I ſay;

Firſt, neither charity nor works 1are any thing without faith, Heb. 11.6. Without faith it is impoſſible to pleaſe G…d. It is in Chriſt only, that we and our graces are accept…d. No merit in charity, nor the works of it; onelyonly in Chriſt they get acceptance: Yea, in faith it ſelfe is nothing meritorious; all the vertue and praiſe of it ſtandeth in relation to Chriſt the Object.

Secondly, it is faith that muſt 2uphold the heart in an evill time. When dangers be abroad, and feares come home to us, this is our anchor to be ſtaid withall: We have ſeen how much is caſt upon faith to doe in theſe ſad plucks. What we have done in an holy way may be a comfort; but the ſtreſſe of the buſineſſe lyeth on this, how well we have beleeved, and what intereſt we have in Chriſt, Pſal. 27.13. I had fainted unles I had beleeved to ſee the goodneſſe of the Lord in the Land of the p. 82living. And the comfort of the good we have done, comes in a ſecondary conſideration:Heb. 10.4Heb 10:4 In that ye did it to theſe, ye did it unto me. By faith Abel offered a better ſacrifice them Cain.

3Thirdly, faith ever will produce good works;Fides ſola iustificat: ſed fides quae iustificat, non eſt ſola. as a good Tree good fruits. It works by love, Gal. 5.6. and love is a laborious thing, 1 Cor. 13.4.7. No fire without light and warmth, no faith without love and good works: Every branch in Chriſt bringeth forth good fruit.

4Fourthly, it is a Popiſh ſpirit, that makes ſuch a jumbling of faith and charity; which are ever to be distinguiſhed, though not ſeparated; Leave each his owne work and place, and both are glorious; and whereas other compariſons are odious theſe moſt. Or it is an ignorant ſpirit, which knows not what the maine tye is between God and a ſoule now fallen into ſinne, nor how we come to God by Chriſt alone, and how we are juſtified freely by grace, which faith p. 83appropriateth: al our preſent adherence to God is by faith, hereafter by ſight and fruition. Or laſtly, it is a prophane ſpirit, of a man in love with his ſinne or worldly vanities, all for a preſent enjoyment; he will not ſtay for his happineſſe till hereafter as faith directeth: And to get a lively faith asketh more paines then he is willing to take; ſome adoe there is to try, examine, evidence, maintaine and increaſe faith, which the lazie Chriſtian will never endure.

FINIS.

May 22. 1644.

Imprimatur

Joſeph Caryl.

End of the text · William Jemmat, The Rock (1644)