^^,^s^                           ^mit„ 
 
 ^                         PRINCETON,  N.  J.                         ^* 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 Collection  of  Puritan  Literature.                                  i 
 
 1 
 
 1                                               Division "lu--^  \ 
 
 Section 
 
 Number 
 
*&*  «S»  ^B»  *A»  **»  «(B» 
 
 m 
 m 
 
 ♦: 
 
 TREATISE 
 
 OF  FAITH. 
 
 Divided  into  two  Parts : 
 
 The  firft"  .fhewing  the 
 Nature, 
 
 The  fecond ,  the  L  i  f  e 
 of  Faith: 
 
 Both  tending  to  dired  the  weake  Chrlftian  how  he 
 may  pofTefle  the  whole  Word  of  G  o  d  as  his 
 
 owne,  overcome  temptationSjbetter  i 
 
 ■  his  obedience,  and  live  comfor- 
 tably in  all  eftates.  I 
 
 JSy  JOHN^BALL.  \ 
 
 The  jHfiJhall  liv*  bj  his  faith. 
 
 ■^ 
 
 The  third  Edition  corrc6led  and  enlarged. 
 
 LONDON, 
 Printed  by  %obert  Toung  (or  Edward  Brevofler,  and  arc 
 to  beiold  at  his  Shop  at  the  figne  of  the  Bible 
 upon  Fleet  bridge,  1637. 
 
.<y^ 
 
 THE  PREFACE  TO 
 
 THE    READER. 
 
 Lorious  things  are  fpoken  of  the 
 grace  of  graces  (  Faith  )  in  the 
 Scripures ,  Codfetting  hmfelfc 
 to  honour  that  grace  that  yeeUs 
 up  all  the  honour  unto  him  in 
 Chrifl  ;  who  indeed  is  the  life  of 
 our  Itfe^  andthefoule  ofour  foule. 
 Faith  onely  a^  the  bond  of  union 
 bringeth  Chrifi  and  the  foule  together,  and  is  as  an  ar- 
 terie  that  convenes  th^fpritfrom  him  as  the  heart,  and 
 as  the fmevoes  which  conqjcy  the  fprit  to  move  all  dutie 
 from  him  as  head'-ywhence  Saint  ViXiAmaketh  Chrifs 
 living  in  us, and  our  living  bj  faith  all  one,  Gal.2 .2  o. 
 Now  that  which  giveth  boldncjfe  and  liberty  to  faith, 
 ts  not  onely  Cods  afsignement  ofthts  offce  to  it  in  the 
 covenant  of  grace  to  come  unto  Chrifi ,  and  unto  him  in 
 Chrijl ,  to  receive  grace,  but  likewife  thegracfOf^spro- 
 mifes  whereby  the  great  God  hath  ingaged  himjel/e  as 
 a  debtor  to  hts  poore  creature  ,  for  all  things  ncedfitll 
 to  life  and godlineffe ,  untillthat  ble [fed  time  when  we 
 fhallbcput  into  a  fill poffefsion  of  ill  things  ive  have  now 
 onely  inpromife ,  when  fait  hfijall  end  in  fruition,  and 
 promt fcs  in  performance, 
 
 **■  2  Faith 
 
The  Preface  to  the  Reader. 
 
 Faith  frfi  IcGkcstothistvordof^romfe  ^  andmthe 
 promije  to  Chrifi^  in  whom  and  for  whom^  they  are  Yea 
 ^WAmen,  both  made  and  'performed. Andin  Chrijlit 
 ejeih  God  in  whom  it  lafi  rejleth.,as  its  f  roper  center  ^nd 
 foundation-^  othcrwifehowjhould  we  wcakefmfull crea- 
 tures dare  to  have  any  inter  courfe  with  God  that  dwel- 
 leth  in  that  lig'ht  that  none  can  attain  unto^  if  he  had  not 
 come  forth  anddifcovered  his  good pleafurem  Chrift  the 
 fuhfantiall  Word,  and  in  the  word  inffired  bj  the  Holy 
 Choffcr  the  good  oft  ho fe  whom  Cod  meant  for  to  make 
 he  ires  offalvation?  Now  t  he fc  promt fes  whereon  all  our 
 prefent  comfort  and  future  hope  dependcth^lte  hid  in  the 
 Scriptures  yO^veines  of  gold  and  fiver  in  the  bow  ells  of 
 ^^he  earth,  and  had  need  bee  laid open^  that  Gods  people 
 may  know  what  uf  on  good  grounds  to  lay  claime  unto. 
 Thofe  therefore  that  fear  ch  thefeMjnes  to  bring  to  light 
 the  fe  trc  afar  es,  deferve  well  of  Gods  0mrch.  We  com- 
 mend {and  not  without  caufi)  thewittieindHflry  ofhofc 
 that  from  Springs  remote  bring  Rivers  to  Cuies,and  by 
 Pipes  from  thofe  Rivers  derive  water  to  every  mans 
 houfefor  all  dom^eflic all fer vices :  much  more  flwuld  we 
 eflecmc  of  the  religiom  paines  of  men  that  bring  thefe 
 waters  of  life  home  for  every  mans  f  articular  ufe ,  in 
 all  t  he  paJJ ages  and  turnings,  of  this  life, 
 
 Jn  which  regard,!  do  not  doubt  ^  but  the  paines  of t^ti. 
 godly,  painefull,  and  learned  man,  willfnd good  enter, 
 tainment  of  all  children  efthepromifes  that  hope  toinhe^ 
 rit  them, who  hath  with  great  paines,and  with  good  evi. 
 dence  of  fpirituall  underfianding,endevouredto  clear e 
 mofi  matters  concerning  faith'^^  Itkewife  difcoveredthe 
 variety  andufeofthepromifes,with  teaching  Chrifliam 
 how  to'improve  their  riches  in  Chrift  here  fpre ad  before 
 
 them  J 
 
The  Preface  to  the  Reader. 
 
 them^hovpio  ufe  thejhieldofFdth^andthefwordofthe 
 Spirit  upon  dloccafions,  thatfo  they  might  not  onely  bee 
 heleevingyhut  skilfuU  Chrijlians,  knowing  how  to  man^ 
 nage  and  make  the  befi  ad'vantage  oftheirfmh,  and 
 the  word  of  Faith .  Which  if  they  could  doe ,  there  would 
 another  manner  of  power  and  beauty  jhine  in  their  lives, 
 than  doth. He  is  a  man  that  hath  formerly  defervedwell 
 of  the  Church ,  but  in  morefpeciall  manner  fitted  for  a 
 Treatife  of  this  nature ,  as  having  beene  put  to  it^  to 
 know  by  experience  what  it  isto  live  by  faith ,  having 
 in  fight  for  matters  of  this  life  very  little  whereupon  to 
 depend,  Thofe  that  are  driv  e  n  to  exercife  their  faith, 
 cannot  but  find  Godfaithfull,as  never  failingthofe  that 
 trufl  in  him  J  they  fee  more  of  God  than  others  doe. 
 
 if  it  be  ob]eCted  that  others  of Ute  time  have  digged 
 in  the  fame  my  ne.^  and  laboured  in  the  fame  field, and  to 
 goodpurpofe  andfucceffe :  lanfwer^  it  is  true, the  more 
 this  age  is  bound  to  God  that  dire^s  thejpirits  of  men  to 
 fo  ufefiiUjfoneceffary  an  argument  Seeing  without  faith 
 wee  have  no  communion  with  the  fount  aine  of  life,  no- 
 thing in  this  world  that  can  yecld  fettled  comfort  to 
 ground  thefouleupon,^  feeing  without  it  the  fair  eflcar^ 
 riage  is  but  emptie  and  dead  morality ,  neither  finding 
 acceptance  with  God^  nor  yeelding  comfort  to  us  in  our 
 greatefl  extremities, and  by  it  Godhimfelfe,and  Chrifl, 
 with  all  that  he  hath  done,fuffered,  conquered,  be  com- 
 meth  ours  and  for  our  ufe.Bcftdes,nonc  that  J  know  have 
 written  in  our  Language  fo  largely  of  this  argument  : 
 and  [uchis  the  extent  and ffiritualnes  of  this  heavenly 
 point, that  many  men,^  of  the  greatefl  graces  and  parts, 
 may  with  great  benefit  to  the  Church,  dive  anddigfiill 
 into  this  my fleric.  Neither  let  any  except  againfl  the] 
 
 *  2  multitudes 
 
The  Preface  to  the  Reader. 
 
 multitude  of  quotations  ofScripures^thejare  brought  un. 
 der  their  f  roper  head^  andfet  in  their  proper  p  lace, (^  the 
 matter  itfelfe  is  cut  out  into  -variety  of  parts.  Store  (as 
 wee  ufe  tojpeake)  is  no  fore  5  rve  count  it  a  delight  to  take^ 
 out  of  a  full  heape  3  the  more  light,  the  conviction  u  the 
 fronger  z,  what  futes  not  at  one  time,  will fute  our J^ir  its 
 andoccafions  at  another,  and  what  taketh  not  with  one , 
 may  take  with  another.  But  the  full  and  weE  handling 
 of  matters  in  this  "Treatife  caries  fuch  fatts faction  with 
 it ,  that  it  frees  me  from  necefsltie  of  further  difcourfe , 
 and  mine  owne prefent  weaknejfe  of  hodie  taketh  me  off. 
 Oneh  Iwo/swillrngto  '^eeldthat  teflimonie  to  the  fruit- 
 full  paines  of  a  fait  hfuU  labourer  in  Gods  Vineyard, 
 that  I]udgeit  defer ved.  Receive  it  therefor e,Chriflian 
 Reader,  with  1  hanks  to  Codthat  flirreth  up  fuch  helpers 
 of  thai  faith  by  which  wee  live,pand^  conquer^  and  in 
 which  we  mufi  die^ifwe  looke  to  receive  the  end  of  our 
 faith,  thefalvation  ofourfoules . 
 
 R  I  C  H  A  r>   S  I  B  B  E  S. 
 
(>>/  Table  of  ^heprincipall  matters 
 
 contained  in  this  firft  9  art. 
 
 C  H  A  p.  I. 
 
 HOw  and  in  what  re- 
 fpcfts  fjith  is  nc- 
 ceffary,Sea.i.pa.  i 
 Divers    acceptations 
 of  the  word  faith. 
 Sea.  1  p.  2,  J 
 Of  divers  kinds  of  Faith ,  §  3 
 
 pag-  J 
 Why  fome  kind  of  Faith  is  cal- 
 led Hiftoricall,  ibid. 
 The  difference  betwixt  Faith  Mi- 
 raculous and  Ordinary,    ibid. 
 
 P-4 
 Why  true  Faith  is  called  Juftify- 
 ing  or  faving  Faith,  ibid. 
 
 In  what  phrafcs  this  Faith  is  un- 
 folded in  the  New  Teftament, 
 
 P-4 
 
 To  bcleeve  God ,  and  to  beleeve 
 
 in  Godjdoe  in  Scripture  import 
 
 one  and  the  fame  thing,       p.  f 
 
 Not  the  habit  Cchough  that  bee 
 
 neceflaryj  but  the  aft  and  exer- 
 
 cife  of  faith  is  required,   §  J  p. 
 
 €,7 
 
 Chap.  II. 
 
 \X7*Hat  Juftifying   faith  is, 
 God  the  Father,  in  his  Sonne  Je- 
 
 fus  Chriftjby  the  holy  Spirit,is 
 the  authour  of  faith,  §  z  p.7,8 
 Faith  is  a  gift  in  a  fpeciall  manner, 
 moft  free  and  profitable,  ibid. 
 How  wee  are  faid  to  receive  the 
 Holy  Ghoft  by  Faith,       ibid. 
 How  the  Spirit  is  obtained   by 
 prayer,  p.? 
 
 Faith  is  imperfed,  though  a  work 
 of  the  Spirit,  §  j  p,^ 
 
 Faith  ii  a  powerful!  work  of  God 
 ibid. 
 How  God  produceth  faith,  §4 
 p.io,ii 
 The  increafe  of  faith  is  of  God, 
 p.  11 
 Faith  is  the  gift  of  God  and  the 
 ad  of  man,  §  ?  p.  i  i 
 
 Faith  IS  wrought  by  the  Word, 
 $tfp.ij 
 Encreafed  by  prayer ,  and  ufe  of 
 the  Sacraments,  p.  1 4 
 
 Why  all  do  not  beleeve  that  heare 
 the  Word,  ibid« 
 
 Though  faith  bee  th€  gift  of  God , 
 men  muft  ufe  the  mcanes  to 
 obtaineit,  P*i4}i5 
 
 Chap.  III. 
 
 FAith  prefuppofeth  knowledge, 
 §  \  p.16,17  ; 
 It  captivates  our  undevftanding  } 
 *  4  unto 
 
A  Table  ofthefrm^ifatl  matters 
 
 unto  the  obedience  of  Gliiift  , 
 but  is  not  ignorant  of  Chrift , 
 
 This  knowledge  muftbe  diftin(aj 
 found  and  certaine,  p.  1 7 
 
 In  what  refpeft  faith  may  be  cal- 
 led implicice  or  unfolded,  p.  1 8 
 Faith  is  an  alient,       ^  a  p.l9,io 
 Bcleefe  hath  reference  to  fome  ut- 
 tered word  or  revelation  J  but 
 may  be  fuftained  by  other  mo- 
 tives and  inducements,       p.19 
 Faich  is  a  firme  affent,  yet  fome- 
 times  accompanied  with  doub- 
 ting, p.ao 
 Faith  is  an  abfolute  and  unlimi- 
 ted aflent  ,  and  yet  through  ig- 
 norance and  infirmitie,  a  Chri- 
 ftian  may    misbeleeve   many 
 things  without  danger  of  dam- 
 nation,                            p.  21,1 2 
 Faith  is  an  affent  in  a  fort  evident, 
 p.  2x^23 
 Faith  alfo  is  an  affent  in  fome  fort 
 difcurfive,                     p.  2  5,24 
 Faith  is  an  affiance  or  confidence, 
 $?PM.2.J,&c. 
 Confidence  as  it  doth  embrace 
 Chrift  with  a  certaine  affiance 
 is  the  forme  of  faith  :  as  it  be- 
 getteth  in  us  quietnefle  of  con- 
 fcience,  and  confidence  of  li- 
 berty,it  is  an  efled  of  faith,    p. 
 30 
 Confidence  is  oppofej  both   to 
 doubting   and  diftruft,  p.  30, 
 
 31 
 
 Faith  is  an obedientiall affiance, 
 
 f^-L    •  r^§4p.5i,f,J3 
 
 Faith    is  oppolcd   not  onely  to 
 
 doubting  and  diffidence  ;  but 
 
 to  wavering,  double-minded- 
 
 neflTe,  and  difobedience,  p.?  3 
 
 Affiance  muft  be  well  rooted.  §  y 
 
 P-54 
 It  muft  bee  found  and    perma- 
 
 nent, p.  3435 
 
 Faith  15  an  over-ruling  affianc. 
 
 ^r     n  r,     •     ^^^'^' 
 
 Of  ell   graces  faith  is  the  moli 
 
 humble,  P-?^^37 
 
 Faithisafpiritualltafte,  §^p.37 
 
 Faith  adaiits  many  interruptions, 
 
 Chap.  II 1 1. 
 
 LOve  is  notthelifeorfouleof 
 ,     faith,  §ip.38,39,&c. 
 
 It  is  fiith  and  not  charitie  thn 
 
 gives  influence  to  all    othti 
 
 graces ,  even  to  charity  it  felfe, 
 
 ibid. 
 
 The  goodneffeof  God  cannot  be 
 the  objeft  of  our  charity  ,  but 
 by  being  firft  the  objcd  of  our 
 faith,  ibid 
 
 Charity  is  an  inftrument  unto 
 faith  for  moving  andftirring 
 abroad  in  the  performance  of 
 all  duties  recommended  unto 
 us ,  but  the  inward  or  eflcntiaH 
 forme  offaith  is  not,    p.40j4l 
 
 In  what  refpeds  charity  doth  ex- 
 
 ccll faith,  and  faith  charitie, 
 
 §ip,42,43 
 
 How  faith  is  perfeded  by  w  jrkes, 
 
 Juftifying  faith  cannot  bee  with- 
 out loye,  §  jp,4j46&c. 
 
 How  the  afts  of  charity  are  faid 
 to  beof  faith,  p.4f,4^ 
 
 Faith  temporary  and  juftifyi  jg 
 differ  in  radi cation  ,  foyer aign- 
 tie,and  working,  p,49 
 
 The  firft  and  radicall  union  with 
 Chrift  is  made  by  faith  only : 
 the  fecondarie  union  is  by 
 meancs  of  the  affeftions,    p^ya 
 
 They  that  worke  iniquity  have  rio 
 faith  to  belceve  affuredly ,  that 
 they  {hall  be  faved,  p.? g 
 
 rhc 
 
contained  in  this  fir fi  Part^ 
 
 The  faich  ot  Devils  comprthends 
 
 the  fulnefle  and  peifcdion  of 
 
 that  which  the  Romanifis  cill 
 
 Catholike  or  Chrifiian   faith, 
 
 P  55j.S<5 
 
 Faith  alone  juftifieth,  but  that 
 faith  which  juftifieth,  is  not  a- 
 lone,  p.J^>57 
 
 Ghap.  V. 
 
 WHat  Dodrines  are  called 
 matters  of  faith,  S   i  p. 
 S8 
 Juftifying  faith  is  two  wayes  con- 
 fidered,  SzpySjf^ 
 
 According  to  the  twofold  confi- 
 deration  of  juftifying  faith, the 
 objeft  of  it  is  twofold,p.5«?,^o 
 True  faith  rcfpedeth  the  whole 
 „  Word  of  God,  ibid. 
 
 As  the  doftrine  of  Creation,  §  $ 
 p.  60 
 Providence.  ibid. 
 
 M  ns  mifeiy  by  finne,  p^i 
 Myftcries  of  godlinefle,ibid. 
 The  promifes  concerning  Sandi- 
 fication  and  thine|S  of  this  life, 
 §  4  p.<>i,6z/j 
 Why  faith  doth  put  forth  it  Cdfe 
 to   embrace    whatfoever   the 
 Lord  promifcth,  p.6i,^x 
 
 It  is  very  neceffary  tOjbeleeve  the 
 promifes  concerning  fanftifica- 
 tion,  p.62 
 
 It  is  neceffary  to  beleevc  the  tem- 
 porall  promifes,  ?-^h^-f 
 
 Faith  bcletveth  the  threatnings, 
 S   <,-  P64 
 Beliefe  of  the  threatnings  is  necef- 
 fary, p.64,6jf 
 Faith  beleeveth  the  commande- 
 menty,                    §  6f>66 gj 
 In  particular  praftices  the  faith- 
 full  may  faile,  p.  6* ' 
 The  obedience  of  faith  is  uni- 
 
 form, entire,  and  conftant,  §  7 
 
 ,6q 
 
 -    9  70 
 
 The  faithful!  foufe  may  find  it 
 felfe  more  prone  to  one  finne 
 than  another :  but  if  right 
 comparifon  be  made,  faith  in- 
 citcth  to  h.ite  all  finne,  one  as 
 well  as  another,  p.<5p,7o 
 
 Chap.  VI. 
 
 TpHe  fpeciall  objeft  of  juftify- 
 "*-  ing  faith  arc  the  free  pro- 
 mifes of  mercy  and  forgiveneff*. 
 in  Jcfus  Chrift,  §  I  p.70,7l 
 
 Abraham  beleeving  the  promife  of 
 feedjdid  apprehend  that  blefl'ed 
 feed, which  from  the  beginning 
 had  beene  promifed,  p.7x 
 
 Rcmiffion  of  finnes  doth  prefup- 
 pofe  the  mercy  of  God  ,  ibid. 
 Beliefe  of  Gods  power  is  not  the 
 aft  of  faith  juftifying  as  it  ju- 
 ftifieth :  but  the  confideration 
 of  Gods  power  is  a  prop  and 
 ftay  to  faith  againft  manifold 
 temptations,  P*73 
 
 Chrift  is  every  where  in  Scripture 
 made  the   thing  which   faith 
 embraceth  fofalv3tion,p.74  7^ 
 Faith  in  Gods  fpeciall  mercy  fra- 
 meth  his  Image  in  the  Heart, 
 §  J  p.78 
 
 Chap.  VII. 
 
 Juftifying  faith  is  a  particular 
 and  ccrtaine  confidence ,  §  i 
 p.79,8o,&c. 
 The  thirfty  and  burthened  foule  is 
 inyited  to  come  unto  Chrift  , 
 and  commanded  to  beleevc, 
 p.80 
 Juftifying  faith  is  opp6fcd  to  dc- 
 fpiite ,  fa  as  to  expetl  it :  it 
 breeds  confidence  aiid  boldnes: 
 and 
 
^yi  Table  ofthefrtMcipall  matters 
 
 and  rtrcciveth  Chritl  tor  the 
 conveying  of  his  benefits  parti- 
 cularly unto  us,  p.8  t 
 
 Paithis  certainein  theevenr,  not 
 everinfeafe,    §  2, p. 8 2, 8 3, &c. 
 
 Things  are  to  us  according  as  wc 
 conceive  them ,  which  is  not 
 ever  anfwcrable  to  the  evidence 
 of  the  thing  in  it  felfe,or  to  the 
 certaintie  in  regard  ©f  event, 
 
 A  beleever ,  who  hath  a  fure  be- 
 liefe  ,  doth  not  alwayes  know 
 that  hee  fo  beleeveth,         p.84 
 Faith  as  it.juftifieth  is  a  refting 
 uponChrift  10  obtaine  pardon, 
 not  an  affured  perfwafion  that 
 ouTrlinnes  be  already  pardoned 
 and  forgiven,,§  2  p.8y,86,8?c. 
 Before  3  uitification  faith  feekcth 
 and  receiveth  the  promife  of 
 fofgivenefl'e :  after  Juftification 
 It  comfortably  aflureth  of  the 
 blcffing  obtained,  p.  88 
 
 Eledion  is  manifefled  by  faith  as 
 by  its  efFed :  but  wee  are  jufti- 
 fied  by  faith  as  theinftrument 
 thereof,  §  4  p.8  j 
 
 Chap.  VIII. 
 
 HOw  faith   aflureth  of  falva- 
 tion,  §  I  p.90,91 
 
 This  aflurance  isfuch  asisfhakea 
 with  many  doubts  and  diffi- 
 calties,  §  ip.pz 
 
 The  particular  certaintie  of  re- 
 miflion  of  finnes,  is  not  equall 
 in  certainetic  and  firmenefleof 
 aifent ,  to  that  affurance  which 
 wee  have  about  the  common 
 objeft  of  faith,      §  j  p.9 1^95 
 
 There  bee  feverall  ftjtcs  of belee- 
 verSjbutallfubjeft  to  manifold 
 temptations,         §4p,94,9j 
 
 Beleefe  in  Chriftforremiffionis 
 
 Itronger  and  more  neccffary 
 than  p^irticular  aflurance  of 
 our  faivation,  §  ^  p.96 
 
 Not  onely  fome  uncertaine  hope, 
 but  even  infallible  aflurance  of 
 faivation  is  to  be  fought ,  and 
 may  be  obtained^  §  6  ^.9^,97 y 
 &c. 
 There  is  a  word  teftifying  thus 
 much,  that  my  particular  pcr- 
 fon  beholding  the  Sonne  ,  and 
 beleeving  on  him  ,  fhallhave 
 eternalUife,  ?'97  >9i:99 
 
 Such  as  truly  beleeve  may  know 
 theybcleeve,  ?■  99,ioo 
 
 In  refped  of  the  exad  meafure  of 
 grace  and  ftrength,  the  regene- 
 rate are  oft  deceived  ;  but  of 
 the  truth  of  grace  they  may  bee 
 afiUrred.  p.  100 
 
 What  it  is  to  beleeve  with  the 
 whole  heart,  p.ioi 
 
 In  what  fenfe  wee  muft  continue 
 daily  to  aske  of  God  forgivc- 
 -nefle  of  fins,  notwithfl:andino 
 former  aflurance  of  pardon,§  7 
 p.iox,i©|,io4.&c. 
 How  juftification  is  full  and  en- 
 tire, p 105,106 
 God  hath  faid,  as  to  Abraham,  fo 
 to  every  one  of  the  feed  ofA- 
 braham,  I  will  be  thy  God,  p. 
 10^,107 
 How   every  faithful!  man  may 
 and  doth  make  God  his  in  par- 
 ticular, ibid 
 The  Apoftles  and  other  faithflill 
 have  beenc  aflTured  of  their  fal- 
 vation  |»y  ordinary  faith,  §  8 
 p.  107,108 
 The  faivation  ofa  beleever  is  in- 
 fallible in  it  felfe,and  in  event, 
 but  not  ever  in  his  apprehenfi- 
 onand  feeling,  §  p.p.  1 08,  lop 
 Aflurance  of  faith  in  things  ex- 
 traordinarily revealed,  is   not 
 slto^ether. 
 
contained  in  this  firfi  Part^ 
 
 altogether  free  from  affaults  , 
 p.  I  op 
 
 THe  benefits  that  come  unto  us 
 by  temptations,  p.  iii 
 
 The   Coramandements  are  laid 
 
 before  beleevers,    not  as  the 
 
 .  cauCe  for  obtaining  of  eternall 
 
 life,  but  as  the  wavtowalke 
 
 in  unto  eternall  lifcjS  i  o  p.  1 1  z 
 
 Upright  walking  is  nectflary,  hue 
 
 not  the  caufc  of  Juftification , 
 
 p.  1 1  J. 1 14 
 
 The  beleever  relycth  not  upon 
 his  workes,  though  he  exercife 
 himfelfe  thtrein-with  all  dili- 
 gence, P  *  1 4 
 
 What  infirmities  may  ftand  with 
 
 affurance  of  faith,     §iip.iif 
 
 i)6j  117^118 
 
 What,  finnes  hinder  aflluance, 
 §~  I  i  p.  1 1 8, 1 19 
 
 The  abfolute  reigne  of  finne.will 
 not  ftand  with  the  ftate  of 
 grace,  §  13  p.  119,120 
 
 True  afl'urance  breeds  increafe  of 
 refolution  and  care  to  pleafe 
 God,        §i4p.i20,izj,i2i 
 
 Chap.  IX. 
 
 THe  authority  of  the  Church 
 cannot  bee  the  ground  of 
 ,    faith,  §  I  p.123,124 
 
 Whatfoevcr  credit  the  Church 
 hath, it  rcceiveththe  fame  from 
 the  Scriptures,  P-^^.^ 
 
 The  authority  of  the  Pope , 
 whom  they  call  the  Church 
 virtuall,  is  the  firft  ground  and 
 laft  refolution  of  the  Romn- 
 «f/7f  faith,  §  i  p.i24,i2y 
 
 Faith  refteth  not  upon  the  Saints, 
 ,    but  upon  Jefus  Chrift,  §  j  p. 
 
 127, liS 
 
 The  Rfcfjwi^f  in  defence  of  their 
 
 Saint  invocation,  are  driven  to 
 
 iay,  that  wee  are  to  truft  in  the 
 Saints  departed  ,  p.  1 28,  1 29  ' 
 &c. 
 
 Chap.X. 
 
 •r»He  benefits  and  cfFeas  of 
 *     faith,      $  I  p.  13 1,1 52, &c. 
 
 Faith  doth  not  efRd  and  pei- 
 forme  thofe  things  by  any  px- 
 cellencyj  force,  or  efficacy  of  its 
 owne  above  other  graces  ;-but 
 in  tefptd  of  the  office  where- 
 unto  it  is  afligned  in  the  Cove- 
 nant of  grace,  P'^SJ 
 
 Of  all  creatures  man  onely  is  ca- 
 pable of.JMftifying.faitb,  §  2 
 
 p.igf 
 
 Faith  is  proper  unto  man  in  this 
 life,  in  his  journev  towards  his 
 perfe<ft  home  ana  eternall  ha- 
 bitation, p»i^J 
 
 All  men  have  not  faith,         ibid. 
 
 The  fubjcftof  |ufl:ifying  is  man  a 
 fianer,  called  accordmg  to  the 
 putpofe  of  God,  acknowledg- 
 ing his  offences,  and  hungring 
 and  thirfting.  after,  mercy, 
 p.i3(5 
 
 Thefeatoffahh  is  the  heart,  but 
 the  heart  contrite,humbled, be- 
 wailing finne ,  denying  it  felfe 
 and  afteded  with  defies  of-re- 
 miflion,  §  J  p.  137 
 
 In  Scripture  the  heart  is  taken  for 
 the  whole  foule  ,  with  all  its 
 powers  and  operations,  p.  i  ?  8 
 
 Faith  is  common  to  all,  and  pecu- 
 liar to  them  onely,  who becal- 
 Icd  according  to  the  purpofe  of 
 God,  §4p.i^9,i40 
 
 All  have  not  the  like  naeafure  of 
 
 faith,  $fp.  141 
 
 Faiihpetfedi'nnone,p.  141,141 
 
 The  faith  of  the  weakeft  CHii- 
 
 ftian   is   fiifficient    to    falva- 
 
 tion. 
 
cy^  Tahle  of  the  frtncipall  matters 
 
 uon,  »  o  p.  141 
 
 The  dcgfees  of  faith  may  be  con- 
 
 fidercd  according  to  the  divers 
 
 growth  ,  wh'.ch  God  bringeth 
 
 his  children  unto  J  ■    §7  p.  145 
 Foure  degrees  of  faith,  ibid. 
 
 Faith  is    weake  foure    waies, 
 
 I    Knowledge,    z  Affent.    i 
 
 Conhdence.   4  Fruits  and  ef- 
 
 fefts,  p.143,144 
 
 Ordinarily  beleevers  are  weake  at 
 
 thefirft,  P»i4J 
 
 Some  priviledged  above  others  J 
 
 ibid. 
 
 JFaith  weake  in  one  refped,  may 
 
 be  ftrong  in  another,  i  bid. 
 
 The  benefits  of  the  weakeft  faith, 
 
 if  true  and  lively,       §  8  p.  146 
 Weake  faith,  if  found,  will  grow 
 
 and  increafe,  ibid^ 
 
 Weemuft  ftrivc  to  bee  ftrong  and 
 
 rich  in  faith,  p.  1 46^  147 
 
 Faith  fomewhat  gcownc ,        $  9 
 
 P.T47 
 
 Strong  faith,  p.  147,1 48 
 
 Full  affurance  gotten  by  degrees 
 
 p.  1 48 
 
 The  benefits  of  full  afFurance  , 
 
 p.148,149 
 
 The  ftrongeft  faith  is  fubjed  to 
 
 fundry  infirmities,  5  10  p  150 
 The  ftrong  beleever  doth  fome- 
 
 times  fhrinke,  when  the  weake 
 ftands  faft,  ibid. 
 
 Chap,  XI. 
 
 Motives  and  encouragements 
 to  belee ve,§  I  p.  1 5 1 , 1 5 1 
 Meanes  for  the  right  planting  of 
 faith,  §ip.i53,i54,ij5,&c. 
 Faith  once  obtained ,  is  ferioufly 
 to  be  regarded,  §  3  p.  158,1^9 
 160 
 Meanes  whereby  faith  is  ftreng- 
 
 thenedand  confirmed,        §  4  p 
 i6i^i^a,i«j,i64 
 
 Chap.  XII. 
 
 WHy  Satan  cndevours  by  all 
 meanes  to  hinder,  as  the 
 kindly  taking,fo  the  growth  of 
 faith,  §ip.l64,i65 
 
 The  firft  Temptation  is  taken  from 
 our  worthlefneffe,      $  i  ?.  16 J 
 7{emedie :  The  fcnfe  of  unworthi- 
 neffe  mtift   not   difconrage  us 
 from  beleeving,  becaufe 
 
 I. The  mercy, favour,  pro- 
 mifes,  and  benefits  of  God  arc  all 
 free,  ibid. 
 
 2. We  are  not  more  defirous 
 to  beleeve,than  God  is  we  (hould 
 fodoe,  p.i6j,i6^ 
 
 The  fecond  Temptation,  They 
 know  not  whether  they  be  ele- 
 aed,  §  z 
 
 Remedie  i.Hold  fuch  fuggeftions 
 to  arife  from  the  fpirit  of  error, 
 and  lend  noeare  to  fuch  whif- 
 perings  of  the    old  Serpent , 
 p.i65 
 2.    If  God  make  offer  of 
 mercy  and  forgiveneffe  in  the  Mi- 
 niftery  of  the  Gofpel,  wee  are 
 bound  to  receive  it,  ibid. 
 
 The  third  re»?pf<i/M« ,  They  are 
 full  of  doublings,  §3 
 
 Remedie,  i.  Faith  may  bee  true 
 and  lively  that  is  weake,  p.  1^7 
 2.  It  is  not  the  excellency 
 and  meafure   of  faith  that  doth 
 make  us  righteous  before  God,but 
 Chrift  whom  faith  doth  receive, 
 ibid. 
 5.  It  is  not  faith,  but  Chrift 
 received  by  faith,  that  nourifheth 
 toeternall  life,  ibid. 
 
 4.   Wee  read  that  Chrift  re- 
 proved fomefor  their  fmail  faith, 
 
 but. 
 
contained  in  this  firfi  Part^ 
 
 but  never  icjcftcd  any  that 
 came  unto  him  in  weaknefle  , 
 defiring  to  be  cont]rmed,p.i(57 
 168 
 The  fourth  temptation  y  They 
 cannot  keepe  their  faith  flrong 
 and  ftfdfalt,  §  4' 
 
 Remedies  i.  There  is  no  (hadow 
 of  change  with  Godj  p.l68 
 %.  Labouring  after  and  groa- 
 ning to  reft  their  wearied  foules 
 upon  the  piomifes  of  mercyjbeing 
 never  facisficd  till  their  doubt- 
 fulnefle  be  removcdj  will  bring  a 
 good  end,  ibid. 
 
 3.  Want  of  feeling  argueth 
 not  want  of  faith,         p.  i<58,itf9 
 Why  the  faithful!  are  fubjed  to 
 iiuh  doubts  and  want  of  fee- 
 Inig,  p.  169,170 
 
 The  Hft  Temptation,Tb.ty  recei- 
 ved the  tiuth  at  firft  without 
 due  trial],  §  j 
 
 Rcmedie,  i,  God  is  mercifull,and 
 ready  to  forgive  our  iraperfe- 
 ftions,  w.heo  up<m  tljit  knoini^ 
 ledge  and  ^ghtyw:e  cor^eite  ^d' 
 bewajlAthem, ,!    /       .  p.  170 
 2.  Faith  n\ay  be  true,thoajh 
 much  were  ami flc,  when  firft  wee 
 received  the  truth,  ibid, 
 
 g.  It  .IS  the  great  wifdome 
 ■ind  mercy  of  the  Lord,  for  a  time 
 to  hide  from  his  children  the  fight 
 of  their  infirmities  and  wants  , 
 ibid. 
 The  (ixt  Temptation,  They  never 
 had  that  dcepe  forrow ,  which 
 many  have  fclr,  §^ 
 
 Remedie,  i.  God  deales  not  with 
 all  alike,  p.  170,1 71. 
 
 2.T0  doubt  of  Gods  love  be- 
 caufe  hee  deales  gently  with  us , 
 left  wee  fhoiild  bee  fwallowed  up 
 of  loctow  ,  is  great  ignorance , 
 p.171 
 
 3.  Faith  may  bee  found  in 
 
 them  who  never  felt  fuch  depth 
 
 of  forrow,  as  others  have  done , 
 
 ibid. 
 
 The  feventhrcw/>/(//WK,  They 
 
 never  felt  jny  great  ftrength  of 
 
 griice,  §  7 
 
 Remedie  ,  i .  We  are  but  chiWrtn, 
 
 and  tlierefore  weake  and  fub- 
 
 jed  to  many  fpirituall  difeafes 
 
 p. 171 
 
 2.  Grace  may  be  true, whiks 
 itisbutfmall.  ibid. 
 
 i.  If  weakenefle  of  grace 
 was  any  juft  caufe  of  feare  ,  none 
 might  afTure  themfelves  of  Gods 
 love,  ibid. 
 
 The  eighth  jrcw/?^<?f/0WjWhat  they 
 formerly  felt  is  now  decayed , 
 §8 
 Remedie.  In  Gods  deareft  chil- 
 dren there  may  bee  decay  of 
 graces,  P-i7».i7j 
 
 The  ninth  Temptation ,   They 
 cannot  find  any  lively  fenfe  of 
 ;■  Tfaidh,      *■  %  g 
 
 ^imdief  I.  Graces  may  lie  hid , 
 and  worke ,  in  refped  of  our 
 acknowledgement,  infenfibly, 
 
 P-I7?,  174 
 
 2jn  the  agony  of  confcience 
 
 none  are  more  imfit  to  judge  of 
 
 our  eftate,than  we  are  of  our  own, 
 
 P-i74>i75 
 
 3.  ThcLord  diverfly  gives 
 evidence  ofhisSpirits  prcfencein 
 us,  P.17J 
 
 4.  If  for  the  prefent  a  man 
 can  difcerne  no  fparke  of  grace  in 
 himfelfe ,  he  muft  call  to  remem- 
 brance former  times,  wherein  hec 
 hath  glorified  God  by  an  holy  life 
 and  convcrfation,  P- 17J 
 
 J.  If  hee  bee  not  cble  to  ga- 
 ther comfort  from  former  expe- 
 rience, hee  muft  lay  hold  upon 
 the 
 
^ATahUofthe^rimifall  matters. 
 
 1  the  gracious  invitaiion  of  Chrift, 
 I  calling  the  thirfty  and  burdened 
 foule  to  come  unto  him ,     p.i  7  6 
 The  tenth  Tempt atkn^htit  fins 
 be  many  in  number ,  and  hai- 
 nous  for  quality,  §  lo 
 
 Remedie  i  The  hainoufneffe  or 
 number  of  our  (innes  make  us 
 not  uncapable  of  mercy,  p.  1 7^ 
 The  eleventh  Temptation,  They 
 are  prtfled  with  the  lieavie  bur- 
 then of  Gods  wrath. 
 RemediCj  i.  Faith  may  continue 
 ftrong,  though  fenfeofGods 
 lovefaile,  p.i77 
 
 z.  Faiih  goeth  before  expe- 
 rience or  fenfe  of  mercy>and  wai- 
 teth  for  falyation  by  Chiift  in  the 
 depth  of  miferie,      ~  ibid. 
 
 5 .  Wee  are  not  to  give  credit 
 to,  our  owne  feeling ,  but  to  the 
 Word  of  God,  p.177,178 
 
 4.  The  dearcft  fervants  of 
 God  have  in  their  owne  fenfe  ap- 
 prehended wrath  and  indignati- 
 on, p.  178 
 The  twelfth  Temptation ,  They 
 have  long  ufed  the  meanes  and 
 can  find  no  comfort,  §  11 
 Remedie,  i .  Examine  if  fome  bo- 
 fome  finne  bee  not  that  which 
 makes  the  breach  in  the  confci- 
 ence,  P«i78 
 2.  The  Godly  fometimes 
 walke  without  comfort ,  becaufc 
 they  put  it  from  themfelves, 
 p.  179 
 
 3.  Oftentimes  God  caufcth 
 his  children  to  feeke  long  before 
 they  find  comfort,  ibid. 
 
 4,  The  ardent  dcfire  fhallat 
 length  be  fatisfied,  ibid. 
 
 f.Remiflion  offinnes  and 
 peace  of  conlcience  are  favours 
 worth  the  waiting  for,         ibid. 
 
 6.  Wee  have  not  waited  fd 
 / 
 
 many  yeeres  in  the  meanes  ol 
 grace  for  comfort,  as  God  hath 
 waited  for  our  convcrfion,  p:  1 80 
 The  thirteenthreOTp/^a/'io«,They 
 are  afraid  of  fallmg  into  fome 
 fearefull  extremity ,  §12 
 
 T^medie ,  i.  Labour  to  fortific 
 faith  in  the  gracious  promifes 
 which  God  hath  made  to  his 
 children  of  fuftentation  and 
 prcfervation,  -y      p.  180 
 
 z.  The  ftrongeft  cannot 
 ftand  by  their  owne  might,  and 
 the  weakeft  fliall  bee  able  to  over- 
 come all  their  Ipirituall  enemies 
 by  the  power  of  the  Lord,     ibid. 
 
 3.  Feare  is  vahantly  to  be  re- 
 filled, not  to  be  beleeved  or  rea- 
 foned  withall,  p.iSi 
 
 4.  Feaic  of  falling  arifing 
 from  ienfe  of  weakcneffe,  is  diffi- 
 dence in  God,  ibid. 
 The    foureteenth     Temptation , 
 
 They  ftiall  never  hold  out  to 
 the  end,  §  i  ^ 
 
 Remedie,  i.  The  fame  Cod  who 
 keepcsthem  in  time  ofpeace,is 
 able  and  will  uphold  them  in 
 time  of  trouble,  p.i8i 
 
 2.  In  our  foreft  aflaulcs 
 God  is  at  our. right  hand  to  fup- 
 port  and  ftay  us,  that  we  (hall  not 
 fall,  p.  18  2 
 
 3.  If  their  portion  of  grace 
 be  the  fmalleft  of  all  others,  they 
 muft  flrive  to  grow  forward,buc 
 without  difcouragcment,  ibid. 
 The  fifteenth  Temptation ,  They 
 
 are  many  waiescrofl'ed  and  af- 
 fiided,    '  §.14 
 
 Remedie  J  i.  God  doth  love  ten- 
 derly when  he  doth  correft  fe- 
 verely,  P'^Si 
 
 2.  All  Gods  chaftifements 
 are  but  purgative   medicines  to 
 prevent  or  cure  fome  fpirituall 
 dif.J 
 
contained  in  this  fir fi  Part, 
 
 difeafe  ,  i^id. 
 
 J.God  requires  that  men  in 
 afflidion  ftiould  live  by  faith , 
 both  for  a  fanftiSed  ufe  in  them, 
 and  a  good  iiluc  out  of  them  in 
 due  feafon,  ibid. 
 
 The  fixteenth  Temptaiiov,  They 
 are  ftcongly  poilcflld  with 
 feare  that  God  hath  uneily 
 caft  them  ofF,  §  x  y 
 
 Remedie,  i.Thcy  muft  beware 
 they  make  not  more  finnes  un- 
 pardonable than  God  himfelfe 
 hath  ptonounced  to  bee  of  that 
 fort,  p.  184 
 
 2.  Seeing  God  doth  call  and 
 incourage  themto  truft  and  relie 
 upon  him, and  they  ftand  in  need, 
 and  would  gladly  embrace  his 
 promifes  made  inChrift,  they 
 muft  gather  godly  boldnefle  to 
 reft  upon  Gods  grace,and  courage 
 to  fight  againft  ,  and  withftand 
 Satan,  P'i8f 
 
 5.  The  foule  cannot  tafte 
 fweetnefie  when  it  is  overwhel- 
 med with  feares,  p.i  8  5, 1 86 
 4.  It  is  a  fault  to  meafure 
 the  excellency  offaith  and  power 
 
 thereof  by   quantitie  and  unfea- 
 fonable  fruits  (  Co  to  call  them) 
 and  not  by  vertue,  kind  plantari- 
 on,and  feafonable  fruit,      p.  187 
 What  bee  feafonable  efFefts  and 
 fruits  of  faith  in  great  tempta- 
 tions and  cloudy  feafons,p.  187 
 188 
 ^.  Imperfedions  argue  not 
 want  of  faith  ,  but  place  tor  fur- 
 ther  increafe    of   faith  and  the 
 fruits  thereof,  p.189 
 
 6.  In  Scripture  we  have  ex- 
 amples of  wcake  beleevers  as 
 Well  as  cf  ftrong  :  and  in  one  and 
 the  fame  perfon  different  degrees 
 of  faith  ac  divers  times,        P-iS? 
 
 7.  When  the  heart  is  filled 
 with  feares  ,  the  calmc  and  ftill 
 voice  of  the  Spirit  is  not  difcer- 
 ned,  p. 190 
 
 8.  In  thofe  fcafons  the  triall 
 offaith  is  to  bee  taken  by  thofe 
 fruits  which  ate  evident  to  the  eie 
 of  others,  ibid. 
 
 9.  They  that  feele  them- 
 felves  deftitute  of  grace  and  com- 
 fort ,  are  willed  to  repaire  unto 
 Chrift  for  both,  p.  150,19 1 
 
 (L//  Tal?/e  oftheprincipall  matters 
 
 centainedm  thisfecond  Part, 
 
 I 
 
 CBA.P.   I. 
 
 Nducements  to  live  by,  faith, 
 p.i9?,i94 
 Chrift  is  the   fountaine  of 
 life,  and  faith  the  meane, 
 P-«94,iS>5>J9^Ac. 
 
 It  is  impoffible  that  faith  fliould 
 
 .  challenge  any  thing  of  defert 
 
 unto  her  felfe,  ^.iq6. 
 
 Faith  is  pr  .'fitable  for  this  life, 
 
 and  the  life  to  come  5  for  all 
 
 parts  and  putpofesof  our  lives: 
 
 but  evermore  it  advanceih  the 
 
 srace 
 
zA  Table  ofthepri/icipall  matters. 
 
 grace  of  God,  ibid. 
 
 Wliat  it  is  to  live  by  faith,  p.  197 
 
 198 
 
 What  is  to  be  done  that  we  might 
 
 live  by  faith,v<if . 
 
 I.  Acquaint  our  felves  fa- 
 miliarly with  the  Wordof  God  J 
 p.198,199 
 Befides  cxprcUe  Commandeaiems 
 and  direfl:  promifes  ,.  there  bee 
 fpeciall  promifes  and  comman- 
 "  disments  by  confequent,  which 
 wc  aire  to  note  and  make  ufe  of, 
 p.i9^,aao 
 2.Exercifc  faith  aright  in  the 
 Word,  .piioo.201 
 
 The    ads.of  rfaith  about  the 
 Word^  .-'    ; 
 
 \  fKcItdoth  firmelyand  uni- 
 verfaliyaffent  to  the  whole  Word 
 of  God,andfct  a  due  price  and  va- 
 lue upon  it,  pi  2QI 
 .    i.  It  ponders  the  word  feri- 
 oafl/i,.and  ttcafures  it  upfafe, 
 ''■  ■  ibid. 
 jt  It  prefer ves  and  keepes 
 in  the  way  of  the  promifcs,  ibid. 
 ,  4.    It   plyes  the  throne  of 
 grace  with  earneft  and  continuall 
 fupplicationSj                       ibid, 
 y  It  looketii up  di*€K3:Iy  «n- 
 to^O^  his  wifdome^ower,mer--  - 
 cjf^nd  feithfalnelfe,             p.  202 
 6.     It  refteth  quietly  upon  , 
 God.,  and  triumpheth  before  the 
 viftory,  rbid. 
 Meanes  to  ftir  up  our  fdvts  to 
 live  by  i.xxhyfeil. 
 
 1.  Find  out  thy  unbeleefe, 
 
 p.202,Z0  5,204,&C. 
 
 2.  See  the  neceflity  and  pre- 
 cioiifneffe  of  faith,  p.207 
 
 3.  Meditate  on  the  grouhd^ 
 of  faith,-:  p.-zor,  208 
 
 4.  Feeling    weakenefle  of 
 faith, looke  on  Chrift,        p.  208 
 
 ■    J.    Pray   for  the  Spirit  of 
 faith,  p.2o8,2Qp 
 
 Cha.p.  it. 
 
 W Hat  is  meant  by  Gods  pro- 
 mifeSj   and  the  divers 
 kinds  thereof,  p.  209.  210 
 
 The  promife  of  forgiveijj^c  of 
 finiies,  *  .p/%10 
 
 Thtapromife  is  free  =,  '  ibid. 
 Yet"  obtained  through  Chrift  on- 
 °    If,'  ibid 
 
 And  received    and  poflcfled  by 
 faith,  and  by  it  alone,      p.  2 1 1 
 This  promife  is  of  faith, 
 
 I.  That  it  might  be  of  free 
 grace,  ibid. 
 
 *^.;  That  it  might  be  ftcdfaft 
 and  £ttre  to  all  the  feed,  p.SFfl, 
 3.  That  onely  is  the^ue 
 manner  of  Juftification  ,  wHiA 
 fliuts  forth  all  boaltingin-the  dig- 
 nity of  our  wotkes,  "  ibid. 
 It  IS  neceflary  to  feek  pardort  of  fin 
 by  faithjfor 
 
 I.  In  our  fdves  weije fin- 
 full  and  curfcd,  and  remiflion 
 which  is  of  grace,can  be  obtained 
 by  no  other  meanes,  but  onely  by 
 faithin  J^fus  Chrift;,  p  2 1 2 
 
 —  2.  Faith  goeth  direftly  unto 
 Chrift,  that  by  him  we  might  bee 
 juftified.      '  ,    ^  p.^M 
 
 3.  Faith  iirkhe  promifes  of 
 ■  mercy,  doth  commend  and  main- 
 taine  the  glory  of  Gods  grace , 
 ibid. 
 The  a^5  of  f^ith  touching  this 
 promife!  of  forgivenefle  be  di- 
 vers. .^.. 
 ^       li  If  ■^.neraily  beleeveth  tlSe 
 promife ^jj  bee  true ,  and  there- 
 by Sifcer^that  finne is  pardo- 
 nable^  _  'y  p.2ij,2i4 
 
 *2.  It  ftirretk  up  carntft  de- 
 .......  fitesi' 
 
contained  in  this  fecond  Part* 
 
 fires  and  longings  to  be  made  par- 
 taker of  this  mercy,  p.214,llf 
 5.  It  draweth  us  forward  to 
 feeke  mercy  of  God  by  nnfained 
 confeflion  and  hearty  fupplicati- 
 on,  p.ziy,n6,ii7 
 
 4.  It  embraceth  and  refteth 
 
 doubt  of  the   mercy  of  the 
 Lord,  ibid. 
 
 Thedeteftationof^finneis  great- 
 ly to  be  commended, if  they  re- 
 member withall,  that  there  is 
 hope  in  Ifrad  concerning  this, 
 p.zzS 
 
 upon  the  fpecialland  free  mercy  of    There  be  finnes  of  ignorance,  in- 
 
 God  in  Chrift  for  pardon,  p.xiS 
 
 f  .It  doth  certifie  of  pardon 
 
 granted  and  fealed  unto  us,  pag. 
 
 How  faith  doth  afliire  that  our 
 
 finnes  are  already  pardoned , 
 
 p.ii9 
 
 Three  prerogatives  accompany 
 confident  aflurance. 
 
 1.  Peace  with  God. 
 
 2.  Free   accefle   unto   the 
 throne  of  grace. 
 
 3.  Joy  in  the  Holy  Ghoft 
 unfpeakable  and  glorious.,    p.  a  lo 
 
 221 
 
 6.  By  faith  wee  continue  in. 
 
 this  blefled  ftate,  in  fweet  peace 
 
 and  fcUowfliip  with  God,  p.iai 
 
 Z23 
 
 A  Chriftian  may  live  by  faith  for 
 manydayes,  or  rather  all  the 
 dayes  of  his  life,  in  fweet  peace 
 
 firmity,  forgetfiilneffc  and  fiid 
 den  paffion:and  there  be  foule, 
 enormous ,   notorious  finnes, 
 which  wound  confcience,  pag. 
 
 Il8,22p 
 
 Ifa  man  have  often  fallen  into 
 notorious  offences,  he  is  not  to 
 defpaire,  P'^^,^ 
 
 A  foule  offence  after  grace  recei- 
 ved is  not  unpardonablejp.229 
 
 2|0 
 
 Many  ccmplaine  they  cannot  be- 
 •  leeve,  when  indeed  cheythinke 
 there  is  no  promife  of  mercy 
 made  unto  them.,  upon  which' 
 they  (hould  ground  their  con- 
 fidence, p.  230 
 Such  muft  knovv ,    1 .  That  God 
 calleth  them 
 come  unto  him 
 ticularly  name  them. 
 
 2.    They  muft  ceinfideE  -of 
 
 and  communion  with  God,  if    the  free  grace  of  God  in  prorai 
 hee  will  learne  tomaintaine,     ''  . .  •   r  •  1  r  ,     r^ 
 
 and  take  paines  to  exercife  his 
 faith  aright,  p.  2 2^,224 
 
 To  what  meafure  of  joy  a  Chri- 
 ftian may  attaine,     pag.  225 
 226 
 Two  fpeciallcaufes  there  be,  why 
 <    many  good  Chriftians  live  fo 
 long  in  feare  and  doubt. 
 
 I.    An  immoderate  aggra- 
 vation of  their  finne,and  continu- 
 all  thought  of  their  unworthincs, 
 p.227 
 Thefe  muft  knpw'it  is  good  to  de- 
 nie  themfelves  .    but  not  to 
 
 fing,  and  his  faithfulnefle  in  ma 
 
 king  good  whatfoever  hee  hath 
 
 promifed,        -  1  ^     •    iblH. 
 
 The  fecond  caufe  is ,  ignorance  of 
 
 the  way '  how  this  alTurarice  is 
 
 to  be  fought,  upon  what  foiin- 
 
 dationitistobeelaid ,  in  what 
 
 order  they  come  unto  it^  P-^^^i 
 
 Two  things  are  fpccially  to  bee 
 
 learned  for  thdrdircftion. 
 
 I.  That  aflbone  as  ever  a^ 
 
 manfeeles  finne  as  a  burthen,  and 
 
 doth  truly  thirft  to  beeafed  of  it, 
 
 hee  hath  a  calling  to  come  unto 
 
 Chrift,  p.i3i,252| 
 
 A  2.The 
 
 3W,    1.  That  God 
 n  in   his  word  to  j 
 um,asifhedidparr.  ', 
 
A  Table  of  the  frincifAU  matters 
 
 z.  The  barren  in  grace  muft 
 
 come  unto  Chrift  to  befupplyed 
 
 ofhisfulneffe,  p.iji 
 
 Direftionstothe  wtake,  how  to 
 
 ftirre  up  thcmfelves  tobeleeve 
 
 when  they  feele  no  comfort. 
 
 1,  They  muft  unfaincdly 
 humble  their  foules  before  God 
 in  the  confeilion  of  finne  ,  with 
 earneft  prayer  for  pardon ,  pig. 
 
 HI 
 
 2.  They  muft  rowfe  and 
 ftirre  up  themfdves  to  beleeve  , 
 with  reafons  drawne  from  the 
 promifes  and  covenant  of  God 
 made  in  Jefus  Chrift,  confidera- 
 tions  taken  out  of  the  word,  and 
 experience  of  his  dealing  with  o- 
 therhis  fervants  in  former  times, 
 
 p.i34,i3f 
 5,    They  muft  bee  inftant 
 with  the  Lord  to  give  them  both 
 ftrength  of  faith,  and  the  fight  of 
 their  beleefc,  p  235,136 
 
 4.  They  muft  comfoit  their 
 hearts  in  the  certainty  of  Gods 
 Word  ,  though  for  the  piefent 
 they  feele  no  comfort,  P-  2- 3  6 
 Thus  faith  isdaily  tobeeprefer- 
 vedandquickencd,  ibid. 
 
 Chap.  III. 
 
 OF  the  promifes  of  Sandifica- 
 tion,  P-'^U 
 
 A  Cbriftian  is  allowed  to  beleeve 
 thefe  promifes,  for, 
 
 1.  In  the  covenant  of  grace 
 God  hath  promifed  to  take  away 
 the  heart  of  ftone,&c.         p.238 
 
 2.  The  fountaine  of  grace 
 is  Cet  open  unto  the  thirfty ,  and 
 hee  is  invited  to  come  and  drinke, 
 to  the  fatisfying  of   his  foule , 
 
 ibid. 
 5,  Chrift  by  his  bloud  hath 
 
 upon  Chrift  for  grace  and  ability 
 to  walkeinhis  wayes,  i 
 
 purchafedfor  his  people  allfpiri- 
 
 tuall  bleflings  in  heavenly  things, 
 
 p.i39 
 
 4.  Wee  are  taught  to  aske  ot 
 God  in  Chrift,  increafc  and 
 ftrength  of  grace,  ibid. 
 
 5.  The  faithfull  have  relyed 
 )ility  ^ 
 ibid. 
 
 6.  Mans  duty  is  Gods  free 
 gift  of  grace,  ibid. 
 It  is  necefl'ary  to   beleeve  that 
 
 God  will  fanftifie  our  nature , 
 
 and  enable  us  to  the  duties  of 
 
 holinefle. 
 
 For,  I.  Juftification  andfanftifi- 
 
 caiion  be  mdividuall,  P'^19 
 
 2.  "Othcrwife  Chriftiaas 
 (hall  very  much  ftagger,  be  off  and 
 on,  coldly  fet  upon  the  praftice  of 
 Chriftianity,  p.  240 
 
 3.  Our  owne  ftrength  is  too 
 weakc  for  the  work  of  holinefle, 
 
 ibid, 
 
 4.  SetledneflTe  in  this  ,  that  1 
 God  will  perfed  the  worke  of  ho- 
 linefle begun,  caufeth  men  to  goe 
 about  the  worke  of  mortification 
 with  much  readinelTe,  ibid. 
 
 5.  The  promifes  of  God  con- 
 cerning fpirituall  things  are  link- 
 ed together,  p.  24. 1 
 The  afts  of  faith  about  the  pro- 
 mifes of  faqdification. 
 
 I.  It  acquaints  man  with  his 
 
 cmptincfl'e    of  grace ,     and  the 
 
 ftrength  of  his  inbred  corruption, 
 
 p.141,242 
 
 i.  It  fheweth  where  the 
 ftrength  is  to  bee  had  which  wee 
 want,and  ftirres  up  to  a  conftant, 
 confc!onable,»and  diligent  ufe  of 
 the  raeanes  of  grace,  p.  242r 
 
 3.  It  inciteth  to  an  holy  im- 
 provement of  what  grace  we  have 
 received,  p.*45 
 
 4.1t 
 
I- 
 
 contained  in  this  fecond  Part ^ 
 
 4.  It  fightcth  courageoufly  a- 
 gainft  finne,  and  cryeth  inftantly 
 to  the  Lord  for  hclpe,  ibid. 
 
 f .  It  fubmitteth  willingly  to 
 
 what  courfe  the  Lord  is  pleafed  to 
 
 take  for  the  crucifying  of  finne, 
 
 ibid. 
 
 6.  Faith  is  the  band  or  finew 
 whereby  we  are  tyed  unto  Chrift 
 the  fountajne  of  grace,  p.  245, 
 
 24* 
 
 7-  True  faith  flirreth  up  to 
 
 thankfiilncfie  for  the  beginning 
 
 of  fan^ification,  P-i4J 
 
 The  meanes  how  a  Chriftian  is 
 
 to  ftirre  up  faith    to  beleeve 
 
 that  Cod  will  fandiifie  him, 
 
 when  hee  feeth  nothing  but 
 
 -  thraldome. 
 
 r.  Hee  muft  bewaile    his 
 
 fpirituall  nakedneffe ,  thraldome, 
 
 and  vaflallage  under  finne,  p.  24  f 
 
 \         2.4^ 
 
 2-He  muft  looke  to  the  grace, 
 
 truth,  and  power  of  God  ,  who 
 
 hath  promifed  to  fanftifie  :  to  the 
 
 fulncfle  and  fufficiency  that  [$  in 
 
 Chrift  the  fountaine  of  grace,   p. 
 
 2463247 
 
 5.. Hee  muft  pray  inftantly 
 
 unto  the  Lord    for  fandifying 
 
 grace,  p.  247,248 
 
 4.  It  is  good  to  move  the 
 
 heart  quietlyto  reft  in  the  promife, 
 
 and  rejoyce  in  hope,         p.  z/^% 
 
 Chap.  IHL 
 
 CHrift  hath  purchafed  for  us 
 life  evcrlafting  no  lefle  than 
 righteflufnefle,  p.  248,249 
 
 Etcrnall  life  is  promifed  upon  con- 
 dition of  faith  in  Chrift ,  p. 
 
 Lite  etcrnall  is  begun  in  them  that 
 beleeve,  ibid. 
 
 When  firft'wee  beleeve ,  then  are 
 we  intituled  to  life  evcrlafting, 
 and  fo  have  the  accomplifii, 
 ment  of  glory  in  refpeft  of 
 right  and  propriety,  pag,  249 
 250 
 It  is  our  duty  to  beleeve  in  God 
 throughjefus  Chrift  for  the  ob- 
 taining of  etcrnall  life  to  bee 
 given  of  grace,  p.2j  i 
 
 It  is  very  necefl*ary  tfo  beleeve  it. 
 
 i.That  we  might  with  more 
 
 q^iietnefle  of  mind  beare  the  af- 
 
 nifttons,  troubles,  and  perfecuti- 
 
 onsjwhich  befall  us  in  this  world, 
 
 p.aji 
 
 2.  It  ferves  to  eftablifti  our 
 
 hearts   againft   fimdry   vyorldly 
 
 cares  and  fcares,  ibid. 
 
 5.  If  wee  Iceepe  Heaven  in 
 
 our  eye,  wee  ftjall  fight  courage- 
 
 oufly  J  and  runnc  with  patience , 
 
 notwithftanding  all  oppofition , 
 
 p.  2f2 
 
 The    afts  of  faith  concerning 
 thefe  promifes- 
 
 1.  As  an  humble  petitioner 
 it  rcceiveth  and  layeth  bold  up- 
 on falvation  it  felfe  promifed,  p. 
 
 252 
 
 2.  Faith  doth  not  begin  to 
 apprehend  life ,  and  then  leave  it 
 to  workes,  but  doth  ever  reft  upon 
 the  promife  untill  we  come  to  en- 
 joy it,  ,Pj2.rj 
 
 3.  By  faith  wee  receive  the 
 promifed  Spirit,  a$  the  earneft  of 
 our  inheritance,  ibid. 
 
 4.  Faith  in  the  piomifef  of 
 evcrlafting  life  leadeth  forward 
 in  the  paths  of  peace  and  righte- 
 oufneffe,  p.254,255 
 
 y.  It  feckcth  to  get  our  ti- 
 tle confirmed  and  affured  to  the 
 confcience  by  evidence ,  and  ear- 
 neft, or  pawne,  p.  25? 
 A  a  6lt 
 
A  Table  of  the^rineij^all matters 
 
 6.  It  ftriveth  t5  enter  the 
 poffelsion  of  this  heavenly  king- 
 dome  by  degrees,         p.25  5,z56 
 
 7.  It  earneftly  defires  and 
 longcth  after  the  full  accomplifli- 
 ment  of  glory,  p.i?^ 
 
 8.  Itaffureth  that  wee  are 
 made  heires  of  glory  ,  to  which 
 God  of  his  grace  will  bring  us 
 in  his  time  appointed,  pag.  256 
 
 »57 
 God  in  great  mercy  doth  YQuch- 
 fafe  to  his  adopted  fonncs  ma- 
 ny excellent  royalties  in  this 
 life,  p.zj7>s8 
 
 Theafts  of  faith  that  arife  from 
 the  priviledges  of  the  godly  in 
 .  this  life.    : 
 
 I.  Faith    vefteth  upon  the 
 grace  ofGod  to  receive  from  him 
 whatfoevet  may  be  good  and  pro- 
 fitable, p.2f9 
 z.    It  petitioneth  inftantly 
 forfuccour,  p.  160 
 g.  It  receiveth  earthly  blef- 
 fings  as  gifts  of  the  covenant,  and 
 tokens  of  love,  ibid. 
 4.Faith  in  thefe  and  the  forc- 
 faid  promjfes  doth  greatly  enlarge 
 the  heart  towards  God,      p.ztfi 
 f.  It  doth  inwardly  quiet 
 andcheare  the  heart  inthemidft 
 of  manifold  outward  difcourage- 
 ments,  *                               ibid. 
 [  The  way  and  nwanes  to  ftirrc  up 
 faith  in  thefe  promifesi 
 
 1.  To  humble  our  felves 
 unfainedly  in  refpeft  of  our 
 miferable  and  accurfed  eftate  by 
 finfle  ,  and  former  carelefneflc 
 to  fecke  mercy,  &c.pag.  261.262 
 
 263.&C. 
 
 2.  Wee  muft  incite  and 
 flirre  up  our  felves  to  receive  the 
 promifes  of  everlafting  life ,  by 
 consideration  of  the  free  and  rich 
 
 grace  of  God,  his  truth  and  faith- 
 fulnefle  j  the  fufficiency  of 
 Chrifts  merits  j  and  greatneffe , 
 excellency  and  worth  of  the  be- 
 nefit promifed ,  pag.  264,  265 
 2<5g  &c. 
 
 g.  Wee  miift  pray  earneftly 
 that  God  would  increafe  our 
 faith, feale us  by  his  Spirit,leadus 
 in  the  way  of  peace ,  caufe  us  to 
 grow  up  in  holmefle  ,  make  us 
 wife  to  pri^e  and  value,  totafte 
 and  rellilhthc  joyes  of  Heaven , 
 and  affure  our  confcienccs  of 
 right  and  title  to  that  everlafting 
 inheritance,  ip.zS^^ijo 
 
 4<  Wee  muft  quicken  our 
 felves  to  rejoyce  in  God,  wait  pa- 
 tiently, and  walke  chcercfully  be- 
 fore  him,  p. 270, 171 
 
 Chap.  V. 
 
 GOd  hath  made  many  promi- 
 fes  of  pcrfeverance,   pag. 
 
 The  love  which  God  beareth  to 
 his  people  is  an  everlafting 
 love,  and  the  covenant  which 
 hee  hath  made  with  them  efFe- 
 dually,  and  fliall  be  kept  aflli- 
 rcdly  ,  is  an  everlafting  cove- 
 nanr,  P-iTi^ayj 
 
 The  condition  of  the  covenant  is 
 promifed  in  the  covenant  it 
 felfe,  P-a?? 
 
 All  the  faithfull  are  built  upon  the 
 rocke,not  upon  the  rocke  now, 
 and  anon  upon  the  fand,  p.274 
 
 The  ftieepe  of  Chiift  fhall  never 
 
 perifh,  neither  fhall  any  man 
 
 plucke  them  out  of  his  hand , 
 
 p.  274 
 
 They  are  fenced  againft  the  treac 
 chery  of  their  ownc  hearts  re- 
 maining in  them,  p4*75r 
 the 
 
contained  4n  this  fecond  Part, 
 
 The  holy  Spirit  is  fent  into  their 
 hearts  to  dwell  and  remaine 
 with  them ,  as  an  earneft  of 
 their  inheritance,  untill  the  re- 
 demption of  the  purchafed  pof- 
 fcffion,  ibid. 
 
 The  life  which  they  live  by  faith 
 in  Chrifi,  is  an  e  veclafting  life, 
 
 p.Z7<f 
 Chrift  hath  praied  for  his  people 
 that  thtir  faith  fhoiild  not  faile, 
 ibid. 
 We  arcafTured  from  God,thai:  hee 
 will  perfeft  the  woike  of  grace 
 which  he  hath  begun,        ibid. 
 By  ferious  meditation  on   thefe 
 promifes  wee  mult  fettle  our 
 felves  in  bclceving  oiu-  perfevc- 
 rancc  :  which  is  very  necelTary. 
 For  I.  Had  it  not  becne  a  point 
 of  great  weight ,     the  Lord 
 would  not  have  mentioned  it 
 fo  often,  P'i77 
 
 ».  Wee  areweakcand  feeble 
 towithftjnd,  our  fpirituall  ene- 
 mies potent  and  vrgtlant  to  af- 
 fule,  ibid. 
 
 3.  Our  weaktncflc  is  not 
 greater  than  our  backwardnefle  to 
 beleevc  the  promifes  of  perfeve- 
 rance,  when  wee  ftandinmoft 
 need,  ibid. 
 
 4.Whilft  Chriftians  diftruft- 
 fully  queftion  their  perfeverance , 
 all  piefent  favours  fceene  the  lelTe, 
 jU  other  promifes  bee  held  the 
 more  weakly,  ibid. 
 
 f.  Confidence  in  the  promi- 
 fes of  perfeverance  doth  encou- 
 rage and  quicken  in  a  Chriftian 
 ceiirfe,    _  p.  17  8 
 
 Hce  that  hath  faith  indeed  will 
 notj  nay,  he  cannot  cake  cou- 
 rage to  goc  on  in  fin  upan  this 
 pretence,  that  faith  once  had  , 
 cannot  utterly  be  loft,       ibid. 
 
 6,  Locke  how  much  wee 
 come  fhoit  in  beleeving  the  faith-  / 
 full  promifes  of  God,  concerning 
 our  future  proteftion  from  all 
 hurtfuil  evils ,  fo  «iuch  arc  wee 
 lacking  to  found  peace  and  ft'able 
 tranquillity  of  mind  and  C^nfci- 
 ence,  p.  179,289 
 
 The  godly  are  allowed  to  belcevc 
 
 their  perfeverance. 
 
 For,  I.  God  hach  confirmed  it  by 
 
 promife  and  covenant  unto  his 
 
 children,  p.zSo 
 
 z.They  have  allowance  to  be- 
 
 leeve  the  obtaining  of  that  which 
 
 Chrift  hath  praiedfor.&they  aske 
 
 of  God  in  the  Name  of  Chnft  ac- 
 
 cordmgtohiswill,      p.zSo^iSi 
 
 3.  What  one  beleeved  upon 
 ordinary  and  comnion  grounds , 
 that  is  the  pnviledge  of  all  belec- 
 vers ,  p.2?i 
 
 4.  Ic  is  a  great  glory  to  God, 
 that  wee  live   by  faith   on  him 
 concerning  our  future  eftate,ibid. 
 The  afts  of  faith  concerning  per- 
 feverance. 
 
 1.  It  mckes  a  man  fenfible  of 
 his  owne  frailty,  p.  18  2 
 
 2.  Ic  ftirres  up  anholy  jea- 
 loufie  and  fufpiiipn,  left  wee 
 (hould  coole,  decay ,  ftart  afidc  or 
 fallbacke,  ibid. 
 
 3.  Faith  inftan^ly  crycth  un- 
 to the  Lord  for  help  and  ftrength, 
 and  continuall  fupply  of  grace, 
 
 p.28i 
 
 4.  Faith  defircth  ,  digeftech, 
 and  feedeth  upon  the  whoifame 
 food  of  life,  ibid. 
 
 f .  It  putteth  forth  it  felfe  to 
 
 performe  all  duties  of  holineffe 
 
 and  love  with  life  and  fervour,  p. 
 
 284 
 
 6  It  covetethincreafe  of  grace 
 
 andfanftification,  p.iSj 
 
 A  5  7.\t 
 
A  Table  ofthefrhcifaH  matters 
 
 7.  It  receiveth  new  fupply 
 
 of  grace  continually  from  Jefus 
 
 Chnft  the  fountaine  of  grace  , 
 
 p.286 
 
 8.    It   affureth  of  perfeve 
 
 }.  We  have  a  charge  to  refift 
 the  Devill  itrong  in  the  faith,ibid. 
 
 4.  Faith  is  oneofthefirit 
 things  that  is  formed  in  a  Chri- 
 ftian,  and  wherewith  God  furni- 
 
 raiice  through  the  promifes  of    (heth  him,  when  he  prepareth  and 
 grace,  ibid,    calleth  him  forth  to  the  encoaa- 
 
 Meanes  to  ftirre  up  our  fclves  to 
 beleeve  thefc  promifes  of  perfc- 
 verance. 
 
 I.  Wee  muft  heartily  be- 
 waile  our  pronenefle  to  finne, 
 aptnefle  to  decline  ,  inability  to 
 witbftand  any  one  temptation^or 
 fet  one  ftep  forward  in  the  way  to 
 Heaven,  p.aS/jzSS 
 
 a.  Wee  muft  ftirre  up  our 
 felves  to  reft  upon  God  through 
 Jcfus  Chrift ,  for  eftabliflament 
 and  confirmation,  p.zSSiSp 
 3.  Wee  muft  prayinftantly 
 thai  God  would  uphold  us,  and 
 make  us  to  fee  that  hee  willefta- 
 blifhus  unto  the  end^  p.  189, 190. 
 
 Chap.  VI. 
 
 THe  fervants  of  Chrift  are  all 
 fouldicrs  J  and  have  conti- 
 all  warre  ,  not  with  flefh  and 
 bloud,  but  with  principalities, 
 and  pf.w«rs  ,  and  Ipirituall 
 wickedneffes,  p- 190 
 
 Encouragement  to  refift  Satan , 
 ^.290,291 
 Promifes  of  viftory,  p.  291 
 
 In  this  ftate   of  temptation  the 
 godly  are  allowed  to  beleeve 
 the  promifes  ofviftory. 
 For  ,    1 .  T he  G od  of  peace  hath 
 promifed  to  tread  Satan  under 
 our  feet  (hoitly,        p-ipt  ,292 
 %,  Faith  doth  glorifie  God  , 
 and  is  moft  profitable  unto  usj 
 our  treafure,  ftrength,  and  vifto- 
 rie,  p.  29a 
 
 ter,  29  J 
 
 5.  The  faithfull  cannot  bet- 
 ter provide  for  their  owne  eaft 
 and  fafety ,  than  confidently  to 
 hope  in  the  Lord,  ibjd- 
 
 It  is  neceffary  a  Chriftianfliouiii 
 live  by  faith  in  this  condition 
 For,  I. True  valour"  cannot  be  had 
 without  faith  in  Chnft,    ibid. 
 2.   All  our  ftrength  liethin 
 Chrilt,   whofe  Almighty  power 
 fubdueth  all  things  for  us ,  p.  294 
 3.  Faith  is  of  force  to  kee^e 
 us  againft  all  afTaults  of  the  De- 
 vill, ibid. 
 4.  The   Devill  will  renew 
 his  afTaults,  and  wee  muft  renew; 
 our  courage  and  fticngth,   p^z^f 
 The  afts  of  faith  in  refpe^  of 
 thefe  promifes  of  viftory  in', 
 temptation. 
 
 I.  Faith  makes  fenfiblc  that 
 we  cannot  refift  of  our  felves:  bu 
 affureth  that  Sitan  is  chained  up" 
 by  the  power  of  Almighty  God, 
 '■'i~-  p.29^,;i96 
 ^,  It  difcovereth  the  Me- 
 thods of  Satan  and  his  Ends  in 
 tempting,  p.  296 
 
 3.  It  lifteth  up  the  heart  to 
 cry  and  complaine  unto  God  of 
 the  cruelty  and  malice  oFthatfpi- 
 rituall  Adverfary,  but  fuffcrsir 
 not?to  mufe  upon  his  blafphe- 
 mous  temptations,  p.  296, 297 
 4  By  faith  the  poore  foule 
 eying  the  promife,  betakes  it  felfc 
 UHta  the  Lord  for  fuccour  promi- ; 
 fedi  p.i97 
 
contained  in  this  fecond  Part, 
 
 f.  It  ftirrcth  up  conragc  and    fo  ftirre  up  himfelfe  tobeleeve. 
 refolution  to  fet  upon  the  praftice    For, 
 
 of  godlinefle ,  and  the  duties  of 
 our  particular  calling,  as  the 
 mcanes  fanftified  ef  God  to  pro- 
 cure freedome,  p.  297,298 
 
 6.  It  fornfieth  the  loule  a* 
 gainft  all  invifions,     p.  29  8, 299 
 
 7.  Faith  is  vigilant  and 
 watchfull  at  all  times,  in  all  pla- 
 ces, upon  all  occasions,        p.  299 
 
 8.  In  the  tnoft  forcible  tem- 
 pefts  which  the  enemic  raiCeth  a- 
 gainft  us,  faith  tels  the  heart  that 
 a  calme  is  at  hando  p-J  00 
 
 9.  If  Satan  renew  his  z£- 
 laults  ,  faith  ftands  prepared 
 through  the  power  of  God  to 
 make  refiftancc  afrefli ,  pag.300 
 
 JO  I 
 
 10.  Faith  aflureth ,  that  by 
 the  'over-ruling  providence  of 
 God,  temptations  ferve  for  the  in- 
 creafe  of  grace,  p.^oi 
 Thcgodly  are  fomctimes  brought 
 
 (o  low,that  they  can  difcern  no 
 fparkof  faith,no  fruit  of  grace, 
 no  mark  of  Gods  love  in  them- 
 felves.For, 
 
 1.  An  afflded  fpirit,  tofled 
 with  feare  and  terrour,  cannot 
 conceive  or  give  notice  of  its  true 
 eftatc,  p.30i,?o2 
 
 2.  Good  men  in  temptation 
 are  pettiihiy  difpofed,  p.302 
 The  Remedy  in  this  diftrcfle  is, 
 
 1.  Grace  may  appeare  unto 
 others  ,  when  in  temptation  a 
 godly  man  cannot  difcerne  it  in 
 himfelfe,  ibid. 
 
 2.  It  is  the  wifedome  of  a 
 Chriftian  m  this  cafe  to  obferve 
 the  marke  that  Satan  drives  at, 
 which  is  to  hide  from  his  fight 
 the  graces  of  the  Spirit ,  that  hec 
 
 1 .  When  he  can  fee  no  grace 
 in  his  foule ,  hec  cannot  buc  fee 
 himfelfe  tobeemiferable  ,  andfo 
 called  to  come  unto  Chrift,  p. 
 
 302 
 
 2.  Taking  courage  to  bee 
 leeve,he  difappoints  Satan,  ibid. 
 
 3.  Wee  have  a  commande- 
 ment  to  beleeve  as  well  as  to 
 proove  our  felves,  both  which 
 muft  bee  complete  together  j  p. 
 
 4.  If  thou  can  ft  not  find  in 
 thy  feife  what  thou  feekeft  after, 
 come  unto  Jefus  Chrift,  and  be- 
 leeve in  him,  that  thou  mayft  re- 
 ceive what  thou  feekeft,        ibid. 
 
 3.  The  diftreffcd  foule  muft 
 learne,  that  the  grace  of  God  wor- 
 keth  not  alwaies  alike  in  his  chil- 
 dren, ibid. 
 
 4.  The  long  and  manifold 
 temptations  of  Satan,  wherewith 
 bee  feekes  to  throw  Chriftians 
 head-long  into  defpaire,is  to  them 
 a  teftimony  of  the  inhabitation  of 
 the  fpirit  in  their  hearts,  p.  303, 
 
 304 
 Meanes  to  ftirre  up  faith  in  thcfe 
 perplexities  and  times  of  grie- 
 vous temptations. 
 
 1.  The  diftreffed  Chriftian 
 muft  unfainedly  humble  his  foule 
 for  forrrier  ignotance ,  vanitie  of 
 mindj  dif-efteeme  of  mercy,  timo- 
 roufneffe,  difcontent ,  unbeleefe , 
 &c.  p.304,305 
 
 2.  Hee  muft  complaine  of 
 the  malice  of  Satan,  and  inftantly 
 intreat  the  Lord  to  pardon  finne, 
 bridle,reft raine ,  and  tread  Satan 
 underfoot,  p.?o^,jo6  j 
 
 j.He  muft  ceafe  to  mufe  on 
 
 might  bring  him  to  defpairc  :and    the  temptations  of  Satan,   and  | 
 
 A  4  ftisre 
 
A  Table  ofthepri»cipaU  matters 
 
 ftirre  up  himfelfe  courageoufly  , 
 valiantly  to  truft  in  the  mercies  of 
 the  Lord, and  rely  upon  his  grace, 
 p.307,308 
 4.  Hce  muft  exercile  him- 
 felfe in  well  doing,  harbour  holy 
 and  heavenly  Meditations  ^  nou- 
 ri(h  the  motions  of  Gods  Spirit, 
 &c.  p.3o8,i09,&c. 
 
 If  the  diftreffed  Chriftian  have 
 vf  aftcd  bis  fpirits  with  violent 
 and  continuall  forrow,he  muft 
 bee  admoniihed,  not  to  thinke 
 that  prefently  hee  fhould  reco- 
 ver formtr  livelineffe  and  abi  - 
 lity,  p-sn 
 
 Chap.VIL 
 
 AFflidionsarenot  more  ordi- 
 nary, than  heavie  and  bur- 
 tbenfome  to  be  borne,    p.  3  1 1 
 Wee  ftand  in  need  to  be  holpen 
 againft  difcouragements  in  af- 
 flidion,  P'S^i 
 
 God  cotrefteth 
 
 I .  In  great  wifedome,       ibid. 
 z.Meafure,  ibid. 
 
 3.  For  a  moment,    p.j  12,513 
 
 4.  In  love  and  tcnderncfle,  p. 
 
 And  that  I.  To  prove.  2.  To 
 purge.  3.  To  refine.  4.  To 
 conHrme  grace,       p.  3  ihl^4 
 
 He  will  deliver  the  righteous  out 
 of  trouble,  P'3''4 
 
 Is  tender  over  them  in  trouble,  p. 
 
 314,?!^ 
 And  prefcnt  for  their  helpe,  pag. 
 
 It  is  moft  ncceffary  that  we  learne 
 
 to  live  by  faith  in  afflidions, 
 
 ibid. 
 
 For  I.  Faith  is  the  ground  of  H- 
 knt  and  quiet  expadation  of 
 falvatioii,  P'5'^ 
 
 i.  Faith  in  God  is  the  onl) 
 ftay  and  fupport  of  the  heart  in 
 trouble  and  afflidion,  ibid. 
 
 3.  Faith  is  the  (hield  of  the 
 foule  ,  whereby  it  is  defended  a- 
 gainlt  all  the  fiery  darts  of  the 
 Devill,  p.317 
 
 4.  Faith  onely  fuppUcs  all 
 our  wants  in  afflidion,  pag.  3 17 
 
 y.  AflSidions  profit  not,  if 
 they  bee  not  mixed  with  faith  in 
 them  that  beare  them,  p.^  1 8 
 
 The  gf  dly  are  allowed  to  live  by 
 
 faith  in  sfflidions. 
 For,  I.  Gjdiinrfl'e  hath  the  pro- 
 mife  of  thislifc,and  that  which 
 is  to  cone,  P'5i8 
 
 2.  The  godly  have  had  this 
 confidence  in  former  times,whofe 
 pradice  is  both  a  token  of  our 
 priviledge,  and  patterne  of  our 
 duty,  P,Ji8,3i9 
 
 3.  God  is  hereby  much  glo- 
 rified ,  that  wee  rely  upon  him  as 
 our  rock  of  defence,  p.  5 19 
 
 4.  The  Lord  commandeth  us 
 to  wait  upon  him  in  times  of 
 trouble,  ibid. 
 
 ^.  Confidence  in  God  doth 
 
 the  more  bind  him,  as  it  were,  to 
 
 doeusgood,  p.3i9,3io 
 
 The  afts  of  faith  in  refped;  of 
 
 thefe  promifes» 
 
 I.  It  looketh  unto  God.  and 
 acknowledgeth  his  band  in  all  af- 
 flidions,whofoever  be  the  inftrn- 
 ments,  ?'i^° 
 
 2.  Itteacheth  that  we  are  in 
 fiich  diftreflcs,out  of  which  none 
 can  helpe  uj,but  the  ftrong  helper 
 oilfraely  p.  3  20, 3  21 
 
 This  drawes  the  heart  from  car- 
 nall  repofe  in  means  or  friends, 
 and  expels  vexations  and  di- 
 ftrading  cares,  '.  ibid, 
 
 ?.It 
 
contained  in  this  fecond  Pan^ 
 
 J.  It  wilely  diied.tii  ns  to 
 confidcr,  thatthecaiifeof  all  mi- 
 fery  and  forrow  is  finne,  pig- j  a  i 
 4,      Faith     meekeneth    the 
 heart  willin-ly  to  fubmit  itfelfe 
 to  the  good  pleafuie  of  God,  and 
 patiently  to  bearc  his  correction, 
 p.32i,3z.z 
 I  Faith  comforteth  theconfciencc, 
 and  cutbech  unbndled  pafli- 
 ons,  P-Si2. 
 
 The  confiderations  whereby 
 fairh  perfwadt-th  unto  meek. 
 ncffe,  be  tnanvjftrong,and  irre- 
 fiftibie.  As,  ' 
 
 I.  The  defcrt  of  finne,  which 
 is  farre  greater  than  any  thing  we 
 fuffer,  p.  5 1  a 
 
 X.  The  hand  that  layeth  the 
 rod  upon  our  backe  ,  v'l^.  God 
 our  moft  wife,  j«ft,  gracious  and 
 loving  Father,  p.  3 12,325 
 
 3.  That  this  Clip  ^  how  bit- 
 ter and  wringing  foever ,  is  a  me- 
 dicine to  cure,  not  a  poyfon  to  de- 
 fttoyj  miniftred  in  great  love 
 and  tender  compaflion  to  drive 
 out  corruption ,  confirme  faith  , 
 prefervc  from  falling ,  ftrengthen 
 grace,  weane  from  the  world,and 
 Bnngnearer  unto  Godjp.  3  23,3  24, 
 
 4.  After  ferious humiliation 
 faith  bringeih tidings,  thit  God 
 will  looke  downe  from  Heaven 
 in  mercy, and  fend  heipe  in  fitteft 
 feafon,  P3»f,J26 
 
 5.  Faith  doth  rc-minde  us  of 
 our  conformity  with  Chrift  inaf- 
 fliftions  ,  and  of  his  pariner-(V»ip 
 with  us  therein,  p.  3 16 
 
 6.  Faith  fetteth  before  us 
 the  infinite   rccompence  of  re- 
 
 fward,  p.Jirf.JJT 
 
 The  fift  aft  of  faith  ,  It  teacheth 
 wifdomc  to  judge  aright  of  all 
 
 afflidions,  PJi? 
 
 6.  True  and  unfaincd  con- 
 fidence will  not  kecpe  filence  in 
 the  earcs  of  the  Lord,nor  ceafe  to 
 importune  his  aid,  &c.pag,  328 
 
 7.  Itraifeththe  heart,being 
 confcious  of  Its  weakenefle,to  relt 
 upon  the  Lord  for  Itrcngth,  who 
 makes  us  able  to  doe  all  things 
 throi^h  kis  ftrengthening  of  us, 
 
 P- 3  ^9,3  30.3  3 » 
 
 8.  By  faith  the  godly  heart 
 is  drawnc  to  ufe  all  meanes  of 
 helpe  that  God  in  his  providence 
 doth  affoord,  but  refteth  quietly 
 upon  Gods  promifes ,  and  aflu- 
 rance  of  his  prefence  above  all 
 likelihoods  and  appearances  ,  p. 
 
 33> 
 
 This  manner  of  depcndance  on 
 the  promifes  which  faith  work- 
 etb,  is  abfolute  without  limita- 
 tion of  time,  mcalureof affli- 
 dion,or  manner  of  delive- 
 rance, P-3  3»,35i 
 
 What  faith  turneth  it  felfe  to  me- 
 ditate upon  for  fupport  in  this 
 cafe,  p.33i,?3? 
 
 9.  Faith  belecveth  one  con- 
 trary in  another,  and  out  of  the 
 deepeft  diftreffes  gathereth  aflu- 
 rancc  of  fwceteft  deliverances,  p. 
 
 333>?54,3Jf 
 I©.  It  rejoyccth  in  tribula- 
 tions, and  triumpheth  before  the 
 vidory,  P.3J5 
 
 Wee  miift  live  by  faith  in  the  hf  a 
 vitft  affliftions,  and  of  longefi 
 continuance,  p-335,536 
 
 The  ads  of  faith  in  this  cafe. 
 
 1.  It  teacheth,  that  many 
 and  ftrong  afftiftionSjOflong  con- 
 tinuance, are  no  more  thannecef- 
 fary,  P3?^nr 
 
 2.  Faith  in  the  gveateft  ex- 
 
 tremities 
 
^A  Table  of  the  frittcipall  matters 
 
 uemities  fuggefteth,  that  wee  are 
 under  the  hand  of  God,  who  cor- 
 rtfteth  in  meafure  and  for  our 
 profit  5  who  hath  determined  the 
 time  and  weight  of  our  slflidi- 
 ons ,  and  by  his  bleffing  will 
 turne  them  to  our  good ,  pag.j  3  8 
 
 5.    Faith  fetteth  a  man  a- 
 bout  his  wotke  ,  that  is,  ferioufly 
 to  make  enquiry  into  his  heart 
 and  wayes,   dcepcly  to  humble 
 himfelfe  before  God,and  fervent- 
 ly tointreat  mercy  for  finne  paft, 
 wifedome  to  make  ufe  of  jwefent 
 naifery,and  favour  to  befet  free,p. 
 3^9»34o 
 4.  Faith  raifeth  the  heart  to 
 cxpeft  abundance  of  mercy  from 
 God^and  through  prayer  and  fup- 
 ply  of  the  Spirit  to  reape  profit 
 and  tafte  comfort  anfwerable  to 
 the  forrowes  it  hath  felt  and  en- 
 dured, P-?4o,34i 
 Living  by  faith  intimesoftriall 
 -  and  vifitation ,  doth  fit  and 
 prepare  the  heart  tothankful- 
 nefle  when  light  (hall   (hine 
 from  on  high  :    and  that  fo 
 much  the  more ,  as  our  ajEHit^i- 
 onshavc  beene  the  fiiarpcr ,  p. 
 
 541 
 
 Inaffliftion  faith  fcemeth  to  bee 
 
 moft  weake,    and  corruption 
 
 moft  ftirring. 
 
 I.  Many  doubtfull  thoughts 
 
 afcend  inChriftians  hearts,partly 
 
 becaufc  they  know  not  that  they 
 
 are  allowed  to  live  by  faith  in  an 
 
 affl/ded  ftatc,  partly  becaufe  they 
 
 judge  amifle  of  their  affiidions, 
 
 z.  Godsphyficke,  whileft  it 
 is  driving  out  corruption  ,  makes 
 us  fcele  and  complaiae  of  it  more 
 than  ever,  P-54^ 
 
 ^.  In  afHidions  taith  is  tn- 
 ed,  the  fweetnefle  of  it  is  not  fo 
 much  felt,  ibid. 
 
 4.  Itis  the  office  of  faith  to 
 receive  the  portion,  and  further 
 the  kindly  working  of  it ,  which 
 cannot  be  done ,  unlefl'e  it  ftirre 
 up  godly  forrow,  and  wrei^k 
 painfully  to  drive  out  corruption, 
 
 P'34i 
 Helpes  to  ftirre  up  faith  in  deepe 
 afHidioQS  when   all  meanes 
 faile. 
 
 1.  Wee  muft  lay  open  out 
 forrowes  before  the  Lord ,  and 
 powre  out  our  complaint  before 
 li'm,  P-i45J44 
 
 2,  Confeffe  o«r  finncs  with 
 hatre  d  and  godly  forrow  ,    pag. 
 
 344 
 
 5.  Take  up  our  hearts  for  hal- 
 ting through  unbeleefc  ,  and  call 
 upon  them  to  reft  inthepromife 
 of  divine  aid,  aftiftance,  and  deli- 
 verance, p.544  345 
 
 4.  Importune  the  Lord,  and 
 dired  our  fupplications  before 
 him,  p.?  46 
 
 5.  Quicken  our  refolution 
 to  truft  in  the  Lord  at  all  times  , 
 even  when  all  refuge  failcth,p. 
 
 54<S.5*7 
 Chap.  VIIL 
 
 GOd  hath  made  many  promi- 
 fes  of  earthly  bleffings.p. 
 
 347 
 In  fpeciall  the  Lord  promileth 
 length  of  daics,health,ftrength, 
 weahhjfavour,  pcace,joy,good 
 fucc^  ffe,fafety,good  name :  and 
 all  thefe  not  onely  to  the  righ- 
 teous themfelvcs,  bat  to  their 
 children  and  pofterity,  P.J48, 
 
 349.3(0 
 It-' 
 
contained  in  this  fecofid  Part^ 
 
 It  IS  neceflrtiy    to  beleeve  thefe 
 promifeSjfor, 
 
 X.  Faith  in  thefe  promifes 
 doth  kill  covetous  defires ,  di- 
 Itruftfull  and  diftrading  cares,  p, 
 
 1,  Hee  will  never  renounce 
 carnall  fupports,  who  makes  not 
 God  the  ftay  of  his  foule  for  out- 
 ward things,  P'jyi 
 
 J.  Beleefe  in  God  brings 
 good  fuccefle,  ibid. 
 
 4.  If  wee  cleave  not  to  the 
 promiies  of  God  made  concerning 
 temporali  things,  we  (hall  adhere 
 to  the  promifes  of  life  with  kflc 
 aiTurance,  ibid. 
 
 J.  Faith  fwectneth  and  fan- 
 difieth  unto  us  the  ufe  of  all  out- 
 ward comforts  under  our  hands , 
 p.jji 
 The  godly  are  alTowtd  to  live  by 
 faith  touching  thefe  promifes: 
 For, 
 
 I.  Seeing  God  hath  gtren 
 Chrift  for  us ,  how  (hall  hee  not 
 with  him  alfo  freely  give  us  all 
 things?  P'3f2, 
 
 2.  The  Lord  by  covenant 
 hath  promifed  to  furnifh  his  peo- 
 ple with  all  needful!  blcmngs 
 pertaining  to  this  life,         p-353 
 
 3.  God  isouriaithfullCre- 
 atour,v»t  the  woike  of  his  hands  : 
 He  is  our  Sficpheard,we  the  flock 
 of  his  pafture  :  He  is  our  Father, 
 we  his  children,  P'3T4,35? 
 
 4.  The  patient  expcdation 
 of  the  Saints  hath  confirmed  this, 
 that  God  will  not  bee  wanting  to 
 his  children  in  things  of  this  life. 
 
 The  afts  of  faith  in  refpeft  of 
 thefe  promifts. 
 
 i..It  prcfi  rveth  from  the  ufe 
 of  all  unlawful!  meanes,  knowmg 
 
 that  nothing  can  pcofper  which  f 
 God  approvethnot,  P'j56 
 
 2.  Faith  is  painfull,  provi- 
 dent and  frugal!,  p.  3  57 
 
 ?.  It  maketh  enquiry  into 
 the  heart ,  turneth  fiom  evill,and 
 feekcth  the  face  of  the  Lord  ear- 
 nefily,  ibid. 
 
 4.  It  fiirreth  up  to  pray 
 without  difiruftfuUj&uitlefle,  ex- 
 ceffive  care,  &c.  p.3  58 
 
 y.  It  feeth  riches  in  God  , 
 fubmiiteth  to  his  wifdome  ,  reft- 
 eth  in  his  love  ,  and  fo  maintain- 
 neth  a  Chriftian  in  fome  meafure 
 of  Gontentation,  ibid. 
 
 6.  In  profperity  it  keepeth 
 the  heart  in  an  holy  temper  and 
 difpofiiion  5,  in  humility  and 
 meeknefie,  tenderneffe  and  com- 
 paffion,  p.j?9 
 
 7.  It  prayeth  as  earncflly  for 
 the  fanftification  of  profperity, 
 and  Gods  blefHng  upon  the 
 meanes ,  as  for  the  meanes  them- 
 felves  if  they  were  wanting,  pag. 
 
 360 
 
 8.  It  makes  heavenly  min- 
 ded in  the  ufe  and  pofleflion  of  a 
 profperous  efiate,         p.  3  6o,3<Si 
 
 9.  Faith  breeds  godly  jealou- 
 fic  and  fufpition,  leaft  the  heart 
 fhould  be  drawne  away  with  the 
 pleafing  delights  of  things  tranfi- 
 tory,  p.3<i 
 
 10.  It  mindeth  us  of  our 
 change ,  even  when  ouf  moun- 
 taine  feemeih ftrongefi^  p.362 
 How  to  live  by  faith  in  the  ufe  of 
 
 meat  and  drinke. 
 
 1 1  By  faith  we  learne  out  of 
 the  Word  of  God ,  who  hath 
 fonne-like  intereft  and  title  unto 
 the  creatures  ,  what  creatures  are 
 fanftified  unto  our  ufe  ,  and  how 
 each  man  mufl:  fanftifie  them  by 
 
^  Tdhle  of  the  priticipall  matters 
 
 a  reverent  and  hi  ly  uk,  p  j^g 
 i.  It  receivcth  them  not  as 
 (the  truit  of  our  fore-caft,  la- 
 bour ,  or  ^efert,  but  as  gifts  of 
 Gods  bounty ,  yea  as  gifts  of  the 
 gracious  covenant,  ibid. 
 
 g.  By  faith  wee  are  taught , 
 that  man  liveth  not  by  bread  on- 
 ly, but  by  the  providence  of  God, 
 and  hisbleflingupun  his  own  or- 
 dinance, P"?^4 
 This  perfwafion  takes  the  heart 
 off  the  creature,  and  lifteth  it 
 up  unto  the  Lord  in   carnefl 
 and  pertinent  prayer,        ibid. 
 
 4.  Itteachcth  to  be  heavenly 
 minded  ,  labouring  to  tafte  Gods 
 goodnefle  ,  and  fecle  his  gracious 
 prefence  with  our  fpitits  at  our 
 fweeteft  feafts,  ibid. 
 
 5.  Faith  worketh  the  heart 
 to     fobriety    and    moderation, 
 
 ^watchfulnefle  and  feare  ,  left  it 
 (hould  bee  enfnared  and  drawnc 
 away  with  thefe  delights,  p.  36^ 
 
 6,  It  lifteth  up  the  foule  in 
 thankfgiving,  ^,^66,^67 
 
 7,  Faith  is  frugall,  com- 
 paflionate,  induftrious,  pag.  3^7 
 
 Chap.  IX. 
 
 THe  Lord  calls  for  willing, 
 chcerefull,  univerf<;ll,  unfai- 
 ned,  conftant  obedience,  pag.367 
 
 Looke  what  fervice  the  Lord 
 doth  expeft  and  call  for,that  he 
 willinable  his  people  in  cove- 
 nant to  performe,   p.  ?68,?  6^ 
 
 The  obedience  of  the  foiihfull  is 
 
 imperfed,  but  pleafing,  p.  j  69 
 
 570 
 
 This  faith  is  moft  neceflary  to  the 
 leading  of  a  Chriftianlife,/ci/. 
 
 to  reft  upon  God  for  ability  to 
 doe  what  hee  rCquircth,  &c. 
 For, 
 
 1.  Thewordof grace teach- 
 eth  us  to  deny  ungodlines,&c.37 1 
 
 2.  Want  of  beleeving  the 
 precepts  is  the  caufe  why  many  do 
 ftjll  continue  in  the  pradice  of  di- 
 vers things  inconvenient ,     ibid. 
 
 J.  Ignorance  in  this  point  is 
 
 the  caufe  why  fome  of  the  better 
 
 fort  of  people  are  ofFand  on,  &c. 
 
 ibid. 
 
 4.  Faith  carrieth  a  man  whi- 
 therfoever  hee  Ihall  fee  the  Lord 
 to  goe  before  him,  ibid. 
 
 5 .  Our  prtfent  fiith  is  com- 
 menfurable  to  our  fidelity  in 
 GodsCommandcnaents,  pig.jT^ 
 
 6.  That  aft  cannot  plerif' 
 God  ,  which  is  not  animated  by 
 faith ,  P«37* 
 
 7.  When  a  Chriftian  know* 
 not  whether  hee  ftiall  have 
 ftrength  to  doe  what  God  requi 
 rethjor  his  poore  fervicc  fliall  find 
 acceptance ,  it  muft  needs  occafi- 
 on  many  feares  and  doubrg,  dead 
 nefte  and  unchearefulne{re,p.  ^72 
 
 8.  Confidence  in  God  to  be 
 inabled,  fttengthened,  and  accep- 
 ;ted  ,  will  cut  off  temptations  and 
 
 difcouragements  ,  and  noxirfih 
 courage,  reroiution,and  forward- 
 ncfle  in  welldoing,  P«j7-{ 
 
 Chriftians  are  allowed  to  beleeve 
 
 that  God  will    inablethemto 
 
 walke  in  obeJience. 
 
 1.  God  hath  promifedin 
 his  covenant  to  teach  them  the 
 way  that  they  {hall  chufe,    p.  J  74 
 
 2,  When  he  fends  forth  Ins 
 fervants  upon  any  bufineffe,  hee 
 doth^vermore  promife  to  aid  vnd 
 
 affift^ 
 
contained  in  this  fecoKd  Part, 
 
 afsift  them  in  the  execution  of  it, 
 ibid. 
 
 3.  The  fervants  of  God  have 
 and  doe  beg  grace  to  bring  forth 
 fruits  worthy  repentance  and  a- 
 mendment  of  life,         ?•  3  74, 3  7  f 
 
 4.  The  faithful!  have  bound 
 themfelves  by  covenant  and  oath 
 to  keep  the  righteous  judgemchts 
 of  the  Lord,  ^  P'S7J 
 
 y.  God  will  perfed  the-  fa- 
 ying worke  which  he  hath  begun 
 in  any  of  hisjchildren,  ibid. 
 
 The  ads  of  faith  touching  obedi- 
 ence required.  • 
 
 I.  It  makes  a  man  wife  to 
 difcerne  what  is  lawful] ,  good, 
 andfeafonable,  P  57^ 
 
 a.  It  curbes  inordinate  paf- 
 fions,  and  overcomes  all  impedi- 
 ments, tern  ptattons,difficutties  and 
 alliu'emerits  to  the  contrary,  p. 
 
 37<'.377.378 
 
 3.  It  piirifieth  the  heart, iea- 
 foneth  every  faculrie  of  foule^qua- 
 lifiethand  ftrengtheneth  naturall 
 inclinations,  altereth  tbe  ftate  of 
 every  appetite ,  and  fb  inableth  to 
 obey,  p.378 
 
 4.  Admirable  in  force  and 
 efficacy  is  the  perfwafion  of  faith 
 abovcaU  the  oratory  in  the  world, 
 
 •  P.378,379- 
 
 5.  It  difpofeth  and  moveth 
 the  heart  to  abfolute  ,  uniformej 
 unpartiall  and  conftant  obedience, 
 
 ,  r       ,    ,      P'5 79,380 
 
 6.  It  nres  the  heart  with  un- 
 quenchable love,  which  in  com- 
 parifon  of  obedieiice  contemneth 
 the  whole  world,  p.380' 
 
 7.  Faith  makes  fenfible  of 
 our  manifold  infirmities:and  that 
 hathblefledjefie(5h. 
 
 I.  Itcaufeth  ferious  me- 
 ditJltion  upon  the  Word  of  G  od. 
 
 that  it  might  ilnke  dcepe  into  the 
 heart,  P-s8i 
 
 2^.  Itworketh  the  heart 
 often  to  reriew  its  refolution,  tru- 
 fiing  in  Gods  grace,  ibid. 
 
 3.  It  ftirres  up  earneft 
 and  hearty  prayer^  to  bee  taught , 
 upheld ,  and  confirmed,  pag.jSi 
 
 8.  It  doth  confirme  in  obe- 
 dicncciand  prick  forward  therein, 
 though  it  be  in  manifold  and  bit- 
 ter perfecutions,  p»3  82,383 
 Meanes  how  to  quicken  our  faith 
 to  the  <hearefwll  praftice  of 
 that  duty,  whereuntd wee  find 
 our  felves  dull  and  fluggiih. 
 
 1.  Wee  muft  acknowledge 
 and  bewaile  this  dulneffe  and 
 fIoth,make  it  hatefull,  and  fiiamc 
 our  felves  for  it  before  the  Lord, 
 
 P-3  83,584 
 
 2.  Call  upon  our  foules  by 
 many  powerfull  and  ftrong  per- 
 fwafions  to  avvake  to  the  worke 
 of  God  withlivelinefle,  pag.38f, 
 
 3.  Pray  to  the  Lord  that  he 
 would  I'evive  and  quicken  us,  p. 
 
 -  3»6 
 
 4.  Renew  our  refolution  to 
 walke  with  God ,  truftingin  his 
 gracej  -  ibid. 
 
 Chap.  X. 
 
 CHriflians  are  allowed  to  live 
 by  faith  iirthe  duties  of  their 
 vocation.   For  ,  I.  God  hath 
 commanded  us  to  labour  in  a 
 iiaHing  ,     2.   Prcfcribed  the 
 bounds  of  our  calling,  3.  And 
 promifed  his  blefsing  to  our 
 honeft  endeavours ,    pag,  3  87- 
 388 
 ItisnecefTary  wee  (houldtiveby 
 faith 
 
tATayieofthe^rincifall  matters 
 
 faith  in  the  duties  of  our  voca- 
 tion. 
 
 1.  To  prevent  the  evils 
 which  befet  us  in  our  ordinary 
 callings ,  as  covetoufneffe  ,  inju- 
 ftice, impatience,  and  diftrading 
 care,  p.?  88 
 
 2.  That  worke  is  not  accep- 
 uble,  which  is  not  done  in  faith, 
 
 p.388,}c,9 
 The  ads  of  faith  in  rcfped  of  the 
 duties  of  our  calling. 
 
 1.  It  informeth  to  make 
 choice  of  an  honeft  vocation  for 
 which  wee  are  fitted  ,  and  into 
 which  we  may  enter  by  good  and 
 lawful!  meanes,  p.5  Z9 
 
 2.  Faith  inftrufteth  not  to 
 meddle  above  out  knowledge,  but 
 to  leane  upon  the  living  God,  not 
 on  our  skill  or  cunning,  pag.  389 
 
 ^.    It  quickeneth  the  moft 
 
 skilfull  workman  to  ftrive  with 
 
 God  in  prayer,  that  the  worke  he 
 
 fctteth  about  might  fucceed  well, 
 
 andprofper,  P'390 
 
 4.  It  caufeth  diligence,  care, 
 
 uprightncfle  and  faithfulneffe  in 
 
 all  the  workes ,   adions  and  bufi- 
 
 nefle  of  our  calling ,  as  knowing 
 
 that  whileft  wee  walke  honeftly 
 
 therein,we  do  fervice  to  the  Lord, 
 
 p.590,391 
 
 f.     It  encourageth   to  the 
 
 moftdfficult,  painefuU,  and  ("in 
 
 the  worlds  efteeme  )  difgracetuU 
 
 workes  of  our  callings,  pag.  59  x 
 
 €.  It  ftrengtheneth  agamft 
 manifold  trotibles,difgr3ces,oppo- 
 fitions  and  difcouragements  that 
 men  meet  withall  in  their  places , 
 
 7.  It  direds  wifely  to  order 
 the  afifaires  of  our  calling ,  and  to 
 
 / 
 
 goe  about  them  in  good  manner, 
 
 P-393 
 
 8.  It  teaciieth  to  moderate 
 cares ,  confine  defires  of  earthly 
 things ,  and  commit  our  fclves  to 
 God  forthefucccfleofourworkj  - 
 
 9.  It  fupportetU  with 
 ft  length  patiently  to  bearc  the  ca- 
 lamities that  accompany  us  in  our 
 callings,  p.394.?9J 
 
 lo.Faith  reftrainech  diftruft- 
 full  care  concerning  the  fucceffe 
 of  our  labours ,  but  is  not  flackc 
 to  crave  Gods  bleffing  upon  our 
 labours,  P'^PJ 
 
 1 1.  If  wee  find  wifhed  fuc- 
 ceffe ,  it  makes  vigilant,  friigall , 
 humble,mercifulland  thankefull, 
 
 p.  ?9J,396 
 It.  Faith  coupleth  the  la- 
 bours of  our  calling  with  the  pra- 
 diceof  Chriftianity,  p-39^ 
 
 How  wee  fhould  live  by  faith 
 touching  the  fucceffe  of  that 
 worke  w  hereunto  wee  are  cal- 
 led ,  which  wee  finde  to  bee 
 much  above  out  tlrength  or 
 meanes. 
 
 1.  Faith  caufeth  felfe  deni- 
 all  in  refped  of  judgement,  wif- 
 dome,  and  power,       p.  3  9^j J  9 7 
 
 2.  It  teacheth  fubmiffion  to 
 Gods  diredton,  and  dependance 
 upon  his  aidjhelpe,  and  affiftancc, 
 
 P-?  97,59  8 
 The  props  of  this  faith  are  two. 
 
 1,  The  cxad  infinite  wif- 
 dome  of  God  ,  who  knowcth 
 what  meanes  bee  fit  to  bee  ufcd 
 now,and  what  not,  P'598 
 
 2.  Gods  providence  which 
 rules  in  every  thing  which  falls 
 out,even  the  leaft  matters,     ibid. 
 
 3.    Faith  thus  underprop- 
 ped bringeth  forth  induftry  and 
 endeavour 
 
contained  in  this  fecond  Part\ 
 
 endeavour  to  obfervc  God  in  his 
 
 providence,  p.j^S.jpp 
 
 4.  Faith  cannot^  bee  filcnt : 
 
 Hee  that  beleeveth    Vvill    pray, 
 
 %.  It  putteth  life  and  har- 
 dineffe  into  us,  ibid. 
 
 6.  It  waiteth  upon  God  for 
 good  fucceflc,  and  triuinpheth  be- 
 fore the  vidory,  ibid. 
 
 7.  Faith  is  ready  and  for- 
 ward to  pvaife  God  for  good  fuc- 
 ceffe,  p,3o^,4CO 
 
 Chap.  XL 
 
 THere  be  many  promifcs  made 
 in  Scripture,  that  God  will 
 bleffe  his,ownc  ordinances  to 
 his  peoples  good,  pag.400  401 
 402 
 
 '  Thefe  promifes  are  firme  grounds 
 
 whereupon  the    faithful!  may 
 
 build  this  affiance  ,  that'by  the 
 
 confcionable  ufe  of  Gods  holy 
 
 ordinances,  hee  fhall  bee  made 
 
 wife  unto  falvation,  &c.  pag. 
 
 >  402 
 
 The  ferious  meditation  of  thefe 
 
 things  is  exceeding  profitable 
 
 to  quicken  and*  encourage  un- 
 
 '  to  chearefull  and  conftant  at- 
 
 >     tendance  upon  God  in  his  or- 
 
 dinanceSj  p,40  2,40} 
 
 It  is  necefTary  to  live  by  faith  in 
 
 the  ufe  of  Gods  ordinances. 
 
 For, 
 
 1.  It  availeth  not  to  live  un- 
 der the  Gofpel,  if  it  bee  not  recei- 
 ved infaith,  P4'^3 
 
 2.  Itisnotfufficienttohave 
 faith,  but  it  muft  bee  exercifed  to 
 receive  that  grace,  which  the 
 Word  of  God  doth  reach  us  with 
 
 ^:hefealc,  ibid. 
 
 The  ads  of  faith  in  the  ufe  of 
 Gods  ordinances. 
 
 1.  It  teachcth  to  worfliip 
 the  true  God  purely,  pag.  405 
 
 404 
 
 2.  It  delightcth  greatly  to 
 behold  the  face  of  God  in  his 
 Sanduary,  p.404,40^ 
 
 3.  It  feeketh  actjuaintance 
 withGodj  and  the  knowledge  of 
 his  vyill  in  Jefus  Chrift,       P-40y 
 
 4.  It  gleweth  the  heart  clofe 
 to  the  Word ,  receiveth  and  pof- 
 fcffeth  the  good  things  promifed, 
 and  changeth  the  difpoiition  of 
 foule  into  the  nature  of  the  Word, 
 
 p4o^ 
 f.    It  quickeneth  to  ferve 
 God  in  the  ufe  of  all  his  ordinan- 
 ces withdiligencejchearcfulnefle, 
 and  beft  endeavour,      p. 40^^407 
 Parents'  (bould    in  faith  prefent 
 their  children  toGodinBap- 
 tifmCi  P'407 
 
 The  ads  of  faith  in  this  particu- 
 lar. " ;      ; 
 
 1.  It  calleth  tb 'remem-' 
 trance  the  free  and  gracious  co- 
 venant, which  God  hath  made 
 with  beleeving  Parents  "and  their 
 poflerity,  p.407,408 
 
 2.  By  faith  the  beleeving  pa- 
 rents muft  give  themfelves  unto 
 God,chufing  him  to  be  their  por- 
 tion^  and  refigning  themfelves  in 
 all  things  to  bee  guided  by  his 
 Word,  P408 
 
 J.  It  provokes  Parents  to  of- 
 fer their  children  unto  God  by 
 hearty  and  unfaincd  prayer,  as 
 faone  as  ever  they  have  received 
 them  from  him,  ibid. 
 
 4.  Icconfidereth  whatafin- 
 gular  prerogative  it  is, to  be  adu- 
 ally  admitted  into  Covenant 
 with  God  ,  received  into  his 
 family 
 
^A  Table  of  the  fri»cipall  matters 
 
 family  j  andto  have  hjs  nfime  put 
 (upon  us,  P-409 
 
 ( Fervent  effeftuall  prayer  doth  ac- 
 company theft  meditations  of 
 faith,  ibid. 
 
 y.  It  ftiireth  up  hearty  re- 
 joycing  in  .the  Lord,_  that  hee- 
 hath  vouchfafed  in  tender  com- 
 paflion  to  looke  upon  them  and 
 their  pofterity  ,  and  thus  to  ho- 
 nour and  advance  them,  pag.409 
 
 410 
 •  4,  It  ftirreth  ;Hp  patents  to 
 be  diligent  and  careful!  to  bring 
 up  their  children  in  the  infor- 
 mation and  feareof  the  Lord,  p. 
 410 
 By  faith  wee  ftiould  make  a 
 right  ufejof  our  Baptifme  all 
 i;hedayesofourlife,    pag.4J.o 
 
 •■  ;  ■    .  •'       '  -    *" 
 
 The  ufe'  to  bee  made  of  Bapcifme 
 
 ■is  twofold, 
 
 i.It  ferves  to  be  a  pledge  and 
 
 token  of  Gods  favour :  for 
 
 1.  It  is  a  feale  of  our  Rege- 
 neration by  the  holy  Spirit,  pag. 
 
 4if 
 
 2.  It  confirmeth  unto  us  the 
 free  pardon  and  forgivenefle  of 
 our  finnes,  ibid. 
 
 3.  Baptifme  is  a  pledge  of 
 the  vertue  of  Chrifts  death, 
 and  of  our  fellowfliip  therein , 
 
 ibid, 
 
 4.  It  is  alfo  a  pledge  of  the 
 vertue  of  Chtifts  life,  and  of  our 
 communion  with    him  therein, 
 
 ibid. 
 
 J.  Baptifme;  is  a  pledge  of 
 
 our  adoption  in  Jefus  Chrift,  pag. 
 
 41  i 
 
 6,  Baptifme  is    a  folemne 
 
 teftimony    of  our    communion 
 
 with  all  the  lively  members  of 
 
 Chrift  Jefus^     ,  ibid. 
 
 7.  It  is  a  feale  and  pledge 
 to  airure,'that  God  will  provide 
 for  us  in  this  life,  raife  up  our  bo- 
 dies unto  life  at  the  laft  day  of 
 Judaepent,  and  beftowuponus 
 that  ekrl:.fting  Kingdonie  and  in- 
 heritance,which  he  hath  prepared, 
 '  ibid.. 
 i.It  is  a  feale  of  our  duty  pro 
 mifed. 
 
 I.  It  is  afpurre  to  repen- 
 tance and   mortification,    pag. 
 
 ,.  414 
 
 ».  It  IS  3  provocation  unto 
 faith,  and  a  pledge  thereof,  pag. 
 :.       415 
 3.  It  is  an  incitement  unto 
 new  obedience ,    and  a  pledge 
 thereof,         ,  -    p.4 11^,41(5 
 
 4..  It  is  a  pledge  and  pawne 
 of  love  and  unity,  p.416 
 
 The  new  excrcife  of  faith  is  re- 
 quired in  the  worthy  receiving 
 of  the  Lords  Supper,         ibid. 
 The  afts  of  faith  in  receiving  the 
 Lords  Supper.     ,., 
 
 1 .  By  it  we  difcerne  the  Sa- 
 crament to  be  the  holy  Ordinance 
 of  God,  inftituted  for  ourfpeciall 
 good  and  benefit,  fealing  unto  us 
 the  promifes ,  which  God  of  his 
 free  mercy  hachmadeus  in  Jefus 
 Chrift,  j^p.4163417 
 
 2.  By  it  wee  fee  ;what'Lthe 
 Lord  doth  ofter  unto  us  therein, 
 how  excellent  and  precious  it  is , 
 with  what  aflurance  it  is  freely 
 tendered,  and  may  be  received,  p. 
 
 417 
 
 3.  It  fharpeneth  fpirituall 
 appetite,  and  ftirreth  up-hungring 
 and  thirfting  after  Chrift  and 
 his  benefits,  ibid. 
 
 4.  It  carneftly  contendcth 
 for  mercy,  confeffing  finne  with 
 giiefe  and  hatred,  &c.  ibid. 
 
 •y.By 
 
tontAittedinthufecondpurt, 
 
 Chap.  XII. 
 
 THe  faithfull  are  fcoimd ,  and 
 it  is  behoyefull  for  them  to 
 
 f.  By   faith   wee    receive 
 
 Chrift  offering  himfclfe  freely  to 
 
 be  comraded  unto  us,  pag.417 
 
 41.8 
 
 6.  By  faith  wee  refigne  up 
 our  (efves unto  Jefus  Chrift,  and    believe  the  thrcatnings,       p.  421 
 Willingly  yeeld  foule  and  body    The  godly  man  is  not  flavifijiy 
 unto  him.  P-4i8       to  feare  falling  away  or  run- 
 
 7.Faithfeedeth  uponChrift,       ning into dcftrudionj  but  wifc- 
 and  fuckcth   vigour  from  him,       ly  to  believe  the  threatnings  to 
 
 prevent  failing  incofinne,  and 
 fo  into  condemnationj     p,422 
 I.  The  threatnings  are  part 
 
 ibid. 
 8.  Faith   aflureth  of  that 
 fpirituall   contraft    which  hath 
 
 paflcd   betwixt   Chrilt  and  the  ofche  Word  of  God,    "        ilid. 
 
 Chriftian  fonle,   and  is  fealed  in  a.  Intheftate  ofinnocency 
 
 thcSacrament,             p.418.419  there  was  ufe  of  threatJiings,  fo  is 
 
 9«  It  ftirreth   up  joy  and  there  in  the  ftate  of  grace,     ibid, 
 
 thankfulnefle,   with  ferious  re-  3.  Promifes and  threatnings 
 
 membrance  of  the  manifold  blef-  mingled,  fit  our  ftate,    and  ferve 
 
 'ifings,  which  in  Chriftjefus  arc  to  keepe  the  heart  in  the  beft  tem- 
 
 vouchfafed.  p  419.420 
 
 Meanes    to  flinc  up  our  felves 
 
 to  te:eive  the  Lords  Supper  in 
 
 faith. 
 
 per,  p  422.4x3 
 
 The  a£is  of  faith  in  refped  of  the 
 threatnings. 
 
 I.  It  worketh  humblcnefle 
 
 I.  Wee  rauft  bewaile  cur   of  mind  and  heart,  P-423 
 
 unbeliefej  dulneile,  earthly-min-  a.  It  bringeth  forth  awful* 
 
 dedneffe^jhe  diftemper  of  our  fpi-   nefle,  reverence  and  feaie,    p.  42  3 
 
 4*4 
 ^.  Itftirreth  up  continuall 
 watchfulnefle  to  fliun  whatfoe- 
 ;yer  might  breed  danger,  or  pro- 
 cure Gods  difpleafure,         p-424 
 4.  The    threatnings    min- 
 
 rituall  tafl-e,&e.  p-4  to 
 
 2.  Confidef  how  freely  the 
 Lord  doth  tender  Chrift  to  bee 
 received  in  his  Word  and  Sacra- 
 ment, ibid, 
 
 3.  Weigh  and  confider  the 
 
 blefled  flatc  and  condition  of  gled  with  faith,  caufe  forrowfull 
 them,  who  bee  reconciled  unto  melting  or  relenting  of  heart  for 
 <}od,&e,  ibid,  finnc  committed,        p,424.42j 
 
 4.  Having    troth.plighted  f.  When  wee  fee  by  faith 
 
 our  felves  to  Jefus  Crrift  unfai-  f»'om  what  miferies  wc  are  deli- 
 nedly.  Wee  muft  awaken  and  vercd,  ofthc  free  grace  and  mercy 
 rowfc  up  our  foules  to  rejoyce  in  of  God,  our  hearts  are  enlarged  in 
 him,  Pj42i    praifc  and  thanksgiving,      p.4»y 
 
 This  life  of'faithis  moft  excellent 
 and  comfortable :  for, 
 
 I,  By  faith  wee  are  dir«5ed 
 
 tofeeke  and  follow  after  Chrift, 
 
 till  we  come  to  be  affured  that  he 
 
 ->  a  dwcl- 
 
A  Table  of  the  principal  matters 
 
 dwjUecli  ia  us  as  tae  tjjnciine  of 
 life,  ani  that  iahitn  wje  are  deli- 
 vered fcon  the  guile  ani  puniHi' 
 oieat  of  all  o:ir  fianes^  ibid. 
 
 z.  By  this  faith  wee  may 
 coins  CO  foaad  reft  ani  holy  fccti- 
 ri:y  abaat  oac  falyation  from 
 timetocims,  P'  +  2^ 
 
 3.  If  God  lead  us  into  the 
 darke,  by  this  faith  w^e  aic 
 enabled  to  hold  him  by  the  haad, 
 
 ibid. 
 
 4.  Hereby  the  ragcof  finne 
 is  weakened,  and  we  have  grace 
 towilkc  in  newnefle  oHife,  and 
 all  the  parts  oi  ic  with  joy  aad 
 
 cheacefulneffe,  ibid. 
 
 5.  By  it  wee  walke  in  oar 
 callings  chearefuUy  ,  honcftly , 
 piinfully,&o.  ibid. 
 
 6.  This  faith  tcachcth  us 
 to  pray  at  all  tim.'sas  our  necef* 
 licies  require.  ibjd. 
 
 7 .  If  the  afflniioi  bee  veiy 
 grie/oiis  a  id  of  lon^  coatinu- 
 ance,f.uch  doth  neither  <]uaiIe,aor 
 ceafetofeekehclpc,  p.4i7 
 
 8.  The  life  of  faith  ihali 
 end  in  joy  and  comfort,       ibid, 
 
 9*  Hee  that  hath  learned  to 
 live  by  faith,  (hall  alfo  die  in 
 faith/  ibid. 
 
SpeciallTexts  of  Scripture  expom 
 dedinthisTreatiJe^ 
 
 ^Artf^.i4.3i.par.i.cap.p.pag.i28,12^.&ca.3.pag.ip 
 
 Exod,  I  p.p.par .  1  .cap.p.pag.  1 2p. 
 
 2  C^r<»«,20.20.ibid. 
 
 P/i/.ip  i2.par.i.capr8.pag.ioS, 
 
 ^^.I4.32.par.i.cap.p.pag.i2p. 
 /(?r.i7.p,par.i.cap.8.pag.ico. 
 Ht^.i.4.par.i.cap.2.pag.i». 
 -^4f^i5^.5.i7.para.cap.8.pag.i3' 
 yl/<«r/i&.p-27.28.par.i»cap.6.pag.75.  .  ,,^,  . 
 
 M4ttb.i6,i  5.par.  i.cap.3.pag.28.&  cap.5.pag,72. 
 .^rf//)&.  ip.  1 7.pa.  i.cap.S.pag.  1 1 3. 
 Manh,t2.i  i,par.i,cap.4.pag.5 1. 
 ^rf/f/&.25.ii.par.i.cap.4.pag.s2. 
 
 Z«/^.7.p.par.2.cap.^.pag.73.74' 
 Z«-tii'i3.par.»«cap.2.pag.8. 
 
 /«?i&,i.4P.  jo.para  .cap.^.pag.?^. 
 /<?>&.5.35.par.i  cap.3.pag.37. 
 
 7<»i&.  1 2.42;45  .pani  .cap.4.pag.49» 
 
 7e/>.20.2i.par«i.cap.8.pag.io8, 
 
 -^i?.8.37.3  8.par.i  .cap.6.pag.75  .&  cap.S.pag.i  oo. 
 
 i^oiw.4.5.par.2.cap*2.pag.222. 
 
 Rom.j^.  I  ^.  2©.pa.i.cap.  3.  pag.2p. 
 
 ■ff<'w.4.2i.par,i.cap.<5.pag.7a.73* 
 
 /?<7w.  I  o.p.par.i  .cap.^.pag.7S  • 
 
 -R(»w.io.io.par.i.ca.4.pag.5i.«^pat.a.ca.4.pag.»5^. 
 
 32 
 
I  Cor.4,4.par.i«cap.8.pag.i07. 
 
 1  C<'mo.2.par.i.cap.5?.pag.i2^. 
 
 I  Cer^i 3.i.par.i.cap.3.pag.i6.&cap.4.pag  47.48. 
 
 I  C<?r.i3,i2.par.i.cap.4.pag.42.43. 
 
 1  C<?r.ij.a.5.4par.i.cap.6.pag.7y. 
 
 2  C<7r.io.y.par.i.cap.^.pag  16. 
 a^C^M  5.5.par,i.c:ap.8,pag.ioo. 
 GdU  5.6.par.  i  .cap.  4  pag.4 1 . 
 •^/»^.  1 .  1 9  .par.  I  .cap.2jpag.  8. 
 •^M.5.ii.par.i.cap.3.pag.30. 
 
 2  77».i.5.par.2.cap.i.pag.ip4. 
 
 7V/.3.5.par.2,cap.2.pag,2i  J.^^i^  .  T 
 
 i*to«;.verf,5,par.i.cap.p.pag  I  j&,' 
 
 '^'?^t4.2,par.i.cap.3.pag.37. 
 
 ■f^<f^.ii.i.par.i.ca.3.pag,23.29.&.par;5:.ca.3.p,2r4. 
 
 Zrfw.a.  I4.par.  I  .cap  4  pag,5  3,&c. 
 
 ■^'iw.  2 . 2  o.  2  2.par .  I  .c^p.  4.pag.44. 
 
 /'*«».2.2^.par.i.cap.4.pag.43. 
 
 I  /<?^.3.8.p.par.i.cap.8.pag.iiy. 
 
 I /(?A.5.i.par.i.cap.4.pag.45. 
 
 I  M,5. 1 g.par. i  .ca. S.pag,  11^. 
 
A 
 
 TREATISE 
 
 OF  FAITH. 
 
 The  firji  fart. 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 Of  the  divers  acceptations  of  Faith, 
 
 <^  T  is  expedient  and  neceflary  that  all 
 "^  Chriftians  fliould  acquaint  them- 
 felves  with  the  do<5trine  of  Faith, 
 becaufethe  fafetie  of  all  Chriflian 
 Religion  doth  depend  upon  the 
 right  underftanding  of  this  mat* 
 ter ,  and  Satan  with  his  fubtleties 
 hath  ever  endevoured  to  obfcure 
 this  do6lrine  by  the  mifts  of  So- 
 phiimes,  or  to  weaken  it  fome  other  wayes » that  he  might 
 rob  God  of  his  glory ,  and  the  Church  of  the  certainty  of 
 her  falvation.  And  if  t;be  neceflity  of  a  thingknowne  and 
 acknowlcdge4  fti^re  up  to  enquire  into  it ,  and  labour 
 
 B  after 
 
 §.i. 
 
 The  necefsitie 
 ofFaith. 
 
mmA 
 
 Divers  aceepatitns  of  the  vford  Faith* 
 
 \' 
 
 j  Heb.i  J.6. 
 ;  Johnj.i^jiR, 
 
 ;  I  Cor.i.21. 
 
 "■  2 
 
 ;  i  Cor. 5.^,7. 
 
 \  4 
 
 I  Afts  15.9. 
 I  Rom  J. 28. 
 Eph.i.13,14, 
 
 §.  a. 
 
 Divers  accep- 
 tations cf  the 
 word  Faith. 
 
 \         1. 
 Mat.  23. 25. 
 Rom.j.}. 
 Gal. 5.22. 
 Titus  z.io, 
 
 X 
 
 Rom.  11.3.  & 
 
 14.1,22. 
 
 Aas  17.31. 
 
 4 
 
 j  after  it,this  alio  may  provoke  us  to  fearch  and  enquire  what 
 I  faith  is. 
 
 j     Faith  is  of  the  number  of  thofc  necCflary  things  which  \ 
 \  are  ncceflarily  required  to  the  obtaining  of  others  j  and  i 
 j  not  of  thoie  which  are  wrought  by  compulfion,  or  by  any  I 
 nece{Jary  caufe  compelling.  As  if  a  man  would  fee,he  muft 
 open  his  eyes^and  yet  he  is  not  by  external!  violence  forced 
 thereunto,  i .  No  unbeleever  can  pleale  God :  for  how 
 (hould  he  who  is  incredulous  and  divided  from  God,plea(e ! 
 him  who  is  molt  true  and  faithful!  ?  Salvation  is  in  the  plea- 
 fure  and  power  of  God ,  which  he  difpenceth  according  to 
 his  own,not  our  will.  But  he  accepteth  none  as  righteous 
 to  life,  but  them  that  beleeve.  2.  The  quality  of  this  pre- 
 ient  \i^t  andour  habitation,in  which  we  are  abfent  from  the 
 Lord idoth  evidence  the  neceflity  of  faith  :  as  a  fonne  that  i 
 Jives  from  the  preience  of  his  Father  muft  beleeve  his  let- ' 
 ters  and  meflengers  fent  unto  him.  3 .  The  quality  of  things  j 
 neceffary  to  be  knownefor  the  obtaining  of  falvation  is! 
 I  fuchj,  that  they  cannot  be  apprehended  or  received  without 
 it.  As  in  humane  things  the  quality  of  Arts  and  Sciences 
 isiiich,that  they  require  underftandingjbecaufethey  can- 
 not be  conceived  vvithout  it :  fb  in  things  divine  faith  is  re- 
 quifite,  without  which  we  can  never  comprehend  the  my- 
 iteries  of  falvation.  4.  The  gifts  which  God  beftoweth  up- 
 on his  children ,  the  graces  which  the  Holy  Ghoft  doth 
 workc  in  their  hearts,  doe  neceffarily  require  faith  by  the 
 ordinance  and  determination  of  the  Lord* 
 
 ^.2.  The  word  Faith  in  Scripture  is  taken  diverfly. 
 
 1 .  It  is  put  for  truth,  fidelitie  or  faithfulneflTc ,  conftancie 
 andjuftice  in  word  and  a6iion,promife  or  accompliOimenr, 
 
 2.  By  faith  fometimes  trueCbriftian  knowledge  andpcr- 
 fwafion,  or  the  meaftjre  thereof  is  to  be  underftood ,  Ipeci- 
 ally  the  found  knowledge  of  Chriftian  liberty  in  Jefiis 
 Chrift.  3 .  It  noteth  a  fure  teftimonie, or  firme  demonftra- 
 tion  of  a  thing  to  come.  4.  It  fignifieth  the  do6trine  of  the 
 Gofpell,  and  fo  Chrift  the  fubjeS  of  the  Scripture,  whkh 
 preachcth  falvation,  to  be  no  othcrwifebut  by  faith  in 
 
 '  Chrif^;- 
 
Sorts  df  Faith:,&c^ 
 
 Chrift :  and  this  is  called  by  Divines,faitb  which  h  belee- 
 ved.  5.  It  is  taken  for  beleefe  of  the  Golpel,  the  habit  be- 
 ing implyed  in  the  afl,  the  gift  in  the  exercife :  which  is 
 the  faith  whereby  we  beJeeve.  And  this  isexprefTed  by 
 the phrafes of -5^/^f z//'/?^  CjodtBeleevingon  (jodiBelee'Ving 
 on  Chrifi.Beleev'tng  the  Prophets,  6.  Faith  is  put  for  un- 
 feigned profeffion  ot  faitbjjoyncd  with  fervent  defire  to  fur- 
 ther ChriftianReIigion,and  a  godly  life- 
 
 §.3.  Faith  iignifying beleefe  is  ufed  to  note,  i.  an  or- 
 dinary knowledge  and  bare  affent  to  the  hiftoricall  truth 
 of  Scripture,  grounded  upon  the  authority  and  truth  of  the 
 Speaker,  though  Ibmetimes  holpen  by  experiments,  and 
 other  inducements  and  probabilities  of  the  things:and  this 
 is  called  faith  Hiftoricali,  that  is,  a  naked,  imperfect,  dead 
 aflent.without  truft  or  confidence  in  the  mercies  of  GodjOr 
 adherence  to  the  Commandements.  Howbeit  we  muft  not 
 imagine  that  faith  is  reputed  un(bund,or  not  (alvificall,  be- 
 caufe  hiftoricali  (rather  it  is  oftentimes  unfufficient  to  favc, 
 becaufe  it  is  not  lo  fully  hiftoricali  as  it  might  be)  but  the 
 name  of  hiftoricali  faith  arofe  hence,  thatfome  arefaid  to 
 beleeve,  who  did  never  embrace  Chrift  as  their  onely  Savi- 
 our with  all  their  hear&s ,  nor  confidently  relie  upon  the 
 promifes  of  mercy  :  otherwife  faith  juftifying  doth  more 
 certainly  beleeve  the  truth  of  the  hiftory  of  theGolpel,and 
 (b  is  more  hiftoricali  than  the  faith  called  hiftoricali.  2.1t  is 
 taken  for  an  affiance  of  heart  embracing  the  Word  as  good ; 
 which  in  refpeft  of  the  d)je6l  may  be  diftinguifliedintoMi- 
 raculous  or  Ordinary.  For  the  objed  cf  faith  is  either  fbme 
 ipecialland  fingular  promife ,  and  that  both  for  the  doing 
 of  fbme  extraordinary  cffe<5^,wherein  we  truft  by  a  miracu- 
 lous acl ive  faithpand  for  the  obtaining  of  ibme  fpirituall  or 
 bodily  good  thing  after  an  extraordinary  manner ,  where- 
 on we  truft  by  a  miraculous  paflive  faith,  as  it  is  called :  or 
 elfe  faith  doth  refpeiSt  the  generall  and  common  promifes, 
 which  are  made  in  the  word  of  life ,  and  made  good  to 
 them  that  beleeve,  whereon  we  reft  by  faith  ordinary. 
 
 But  faith  Miraculous  and  Ordinary  are  not  divers  gra- 
 
 B  a  cesa 
 
 I 
 
 Sc 
 
 & 
 
 Afts  6.7. 
 I?. 8. 
 Gal.i.ij. 
 
 Gal,j.  25,24.^ 
 
 %  \ 
 
 John  1.4^,47; 
 
 John  l.22,2j; 
 
 Luke  14. 2  J. 
 Ads  26.27. 
 
 6 
 Rom.  I  8. 
 Gal  6.10. 
 Ads  14  ix, 
 M;ir,9.i. 
 
 I  rbcfl'.i.j. 
 
 §  3. 
 
 Sorti  cf  Faith. 
 Jam. 2.19.24, 
 Afts  16.27. 
 Hiftorical  I 
 Faith. 
 
 , 
 
 Filth  Miraciht 
 
 lous. 
 
 I  Cor.13.3, 
 
 Mat.2x.21, 
 
 &7.2X. 
 
 Marke^.sj. 
 Ads  14.9. 
 Luke  17.1^* 
 
Fatth  tempt  arte  and  j^ftifyif^j[* 
 
 Zanch.de  re- 
 demptlib.'i.e, 
 iz,inpr£C.i. 
 .  Se£f,de  Fidi:> 
 The/.i,- 
 
 Faith  Tempo- 
 rary. 
 
 Mac.ij.zQ^ii. 
 Luke  8. 13, 14 
 
 Faith. 
 Luke  i8.l^ 
 Mat  13. ij. 
 Ads  24.14. 
 ,Afts  1J.9. 
 
 lAds  27.15, 
 ■Gal.j.tf. 
 lRom.4.3. 
 John  1.14. 
 •Afts  16.34. 
 18  1. 
 John  14.1. 
 
 ces,  but  the  fame  grace  exercifed  about  divers  objects.  The 
 1  grounds  of  faith  are  different,  and  (bare  the  effeils  and 
 !  adjuncts  that  flow  from  thence :  but  the  grace  k  felfe  one 
 I  andthelame.  As  the  Fathers  beleevedfpeciall  revelations! 
 I  and  extraordinary  prom iies  made  to  them ,  by  thefame  or-  I 
 dinary  faith  by  which  we  beJeeve  the  common  promifes' 
 of  falvation  revealed  in  the  Word:  fo  the  fingular  pro-: 
 mifes  of  God  made  to  lome  BeIeevers,concerning  the  wor- ; 
 king  of  miracles.  Were  embraced  by  the  lame  faith  by 
 which  they  did  adhere  to  the  generall  promifes  of  mercy,  j 
 or  were  railed  up  to  the  doing  of  afts  of  Iovq.  For  that  j 
 faith  which  doth  receive  the  more  excellent  promifes  (as! 
 are  they  concerning  fpirituall  life  and  falvation  )  can  much ; 
 more  lay  hold  uponother  promifes  of  an  inferiour  nature,  if 
 they  be  made  and  certified  unto  us. 
 
 That  faith  which  is  carried  to  the  generall  promifes ,  is 
 either  a  confidence  vani(hing,uncertaine,  not-rooted,  cal- 
 led faith  temporary;  or  an  affiance  certainc, well-planted, 
 iConftant,knownebythename  of  juftifying  orfaving  faith;- 
 fo  called  ftom  the  principall  effcift.  For  to  juftifie  is  not  the 
 full  effedl:  of  this  confidence  or  affiance ,  beyond  which  the 
 1  efficiencie  of  it  doth  not  extend :  but  becaufe  this  is  the 
 ;  principall  thing  wherein  the  force  oftruefaith  isoccupied, 
 '  it  is  ib  called.    Juftifying  faith  be leeveth  thehirtory,puri- 
 j  ficch  the  heart ,  fticketh  to  the  Commandements,  recci- 
 veth  the  temporal]  promiles ,  vvorketh  by  love  :  but  it  is 
 called  juftifying  from  the  principal]  effect  ,  as  thefouleis 
 called  realbnable  from  the  power  it  hath  to  invent,  judge, 
 and  difcourfe,  not  that  thefe  are  her  onely  facu  ties.  In  the 
 Scriptures  of  the  New  Tcftament  this  faith  is  unfolded  in 
 thefe  and  fuchJike  phrales,  To  heleeve  God,To  hleevein  or 
 upvttGody  To^heteeveiitorufottJiefksChrtll^  To  receive 
 &    hitn^  To  receive  the  iefiimonie  of  Godj  To  heleeve  the  Go- 
 fp^l,To  receive  the  Word  of  God. 
 
 Toheleeue  God  fignifies  nomorebttt  to  aflcnt  to  that 
 which  the  Lord  fpeakcth :  but  htteeving,  as  it  belongs  to 
 the  underftandingjis  the  root  and  fbtindation  from  which 
 I  confidence 
 
Not  thehabit-i  but  the  aU  ofFaih  reqmred. 
 
 confidence  of  the  heart  doth  fprih^  and/flow  :  and  fuchal 
 beleefe  in  the  mind  is  fignified  in  thi?  an^  all  other  phrafes, 
 as  is  alwrayes  necelfarily  accompanied' with  trufting  in 
 God,  for  that  which  weebeleeve  heecaiand  wilibringto 
 pafle.  And  the  other  oftrufting  to,  or  ijtlying  upon  is  im- 
 ply ed  ,  whenlbever  wee  find  that  a(tfibed  to  bclccving 
 which  cannot  be  obtained  without  fa/th  in  Chrift.  And  if 
 weefearch  the  Scriptures,  wee  fhail  ^Rdthefe  phrafes.  To 
 .R.m.4 3.tvith  Rom.4.^.a,oni.to  xo,Tr.joh.s.'  b.eleeveaGod.and  to 
 
 jQ.ji.Aft  ip.4.  Joh,T  la.  AcV.15.34.  with  31.  Mark;  DCleeVe  lU  GOdj  tO 
 r.t5.Gen,iJ.5.withaom,4.j.  ^Exod.i4-3i- and    imnOrt  OUe  and  the 
 
 19.9.  Luk.54.1j.  Joh.2.2j..  c  Jofa.i^.  j-5, 38.  Efa/  "iiP"^^  uuc  ana.  cue 
 28.i«J.withRom.j>.33.  ,,  iv-'n;     '   ,  r  ;:.s.\   . |; .  felUe  thing. A  pfepO- 
 
 The  l^ebtew  prepofition  3  rervc'fh  ofcetitimc*  fo.    (j^jon  ^  IS  added  tO. 
 note  theaceufativc  cafe,  and.is  ufed  or  bmuted-  i.-\^^,,^  .  -,.  l,__      ^ 
 without  any  difference,De«t.7.6,7.i  Sam.i4.37.E&.  '"  -Ppieeve  ,    WnCn  HO- 
 33.i5.Joba4-2i-13eiit.z8.(56.  Pfal.T(56ia,24-  Efay   thing  but  aflcUt  of 
 
 43 .10.  The  Seventie  tianflace  the  particle  5  fome-  _;_  J  -  aon\(\ec{  * 
 times  by  «J'Jerem.i2.tf.sC&ron.2o.20.Pfal.7».33.  "^'V".  *^  llg"/'»cu  . 
 ordinarily  by  ^7.  Pfal.4.<f.  and  24.4,5  .  and  is  .2.  :  &  -  It  IS  pUt  WUhOUt 
 and  }7>5.  .Pfel.-s,i8-8j5'- asd  14(5.3.  Sometimes  they 
 
 oinit'it alt6gether,  Exod.t4.51,  and  i^.^.  Pfal.io(J. 
 li .  Gen.tS-o.  and  fometimes  thf yadde  the  prepofi- 
 tipn  S^,  where  the  Hebrew  hath  no-  particle,  Efty 
 2'8.i5.  Inthe  New  Telhmentj  ih  and  h  are  often 
 piitinterchgngeably  one  for  another.  Mark.i  ?-  & 
 ^.a.  ly^at  ii.i.  Mar.i.iJ.  I-uk.23.42.  Rom  5  21. 
 iGalr'.to.  Phil.3  3.  r  Tim.;  i5.  Ephef<:.'24-    AV/d 
 
 a  ^^prepofition  when 
 truft or  confidence  is 
 implied.'JMoreover, 
 wee  read  fometimes 
 the  faith  of  ChrJfi, 
 '&fAi.th  whidois  by 
 Christ :  fometimes 
 fditkon  Chrifii  and  lortietimes/^/V^  in  Chrifi :  which  ievc- 
 rall  formes  of  (peech  iiote  much'the  fame  thing,but  that  (as 
 fome  learned  menobferve)  thefirft  maybe  conceivedj  as 
 propounding  Chrift  the  fimple  ohjedof  faith :  The  iecond 
 phrafe,  Cbrift  the  Object,  together  with  our  adhering  to 
 him :  The  third  notetli  Chrift  the  objedb,  our  inhering  in 
 him,  together  with  the  word  propound  aid  as  the  way  and 
 meane,by  which  we  comebeleevingly  to  inhere  in  him. 
 
 §.  4.  But.  evermore  when  faith  is  reqliired>  it  is  ifio;:ithe 
 facultie,  whereby  we  are  apt,  andfumifhed  tobeleeye,  buc 
 the  act  and  exercife  of  that  habit,  whereby  vve  execute  the 
 funilionof  beleeving,  whichistobeunderftood.  For  this 
 is  that  which  God  eommandeth  in  the  Scripturesj;  not  that 
 
 B  ;  our 
 
 joh.2.i!.Sr  %.tS. 
 
 Job.r.T2,&3.jJ. 
 
 Mark.t.iy. 
 
 Afts  ii.i.  & 
 
 2.  I. 
 
 I  Cor.2  14. 
 
 d  Rom.;. 2^,2". 
 
 Act  3.i<? 
 
 Gal- 2.1^. 
 
 Pi-ul.3.y. 
 
 iPet.i.2r. 
 
 Afts  24.24.  .   ■ 
 
 Co!.2.5.. 
 
 Gal.3.2(?. 
 
 EpheCi.r?, 
 
 :8<jj?«inE^her. 
 
 l^t  the  habit, 
 btit  the  a3  of 
 faith  is  reijuired. 
 
'..""'}• 
 
 M^^atjufiifytng  Faith  if. 
 
 2  Chrott.iOtto. 
 ;  Mark  942-3 . 
 Joii.J.iS- 
 
 Rom.T.iiy. 
 ijoh.3.33. 
 
 Epher.a.8. 
 
 AftsK^.ji. 
 G3I.2.15. 
 
 1043. 
 
 Rom.4.3. 
 
 JJunlb;T4.ii. 
 Deut  9.2J. 
 PfaI.7S.2i,ai 
 
 Luk.1.45. 
 ;/oh.ao.29. 
 Rom-9.35. 
 
 9  '. 
 
 What  juftifying 
 Faitfa  is; 
 
 ourfoules  be  ado-nedwith  the  habit  of  faith,  though  that 
 be  neceflarie,  butthac  w«e  beleeve  in  him.  Beleeve  in  the 
 Lordyour  God.  lepentyee  and  beleeve  the  Gdjpe/.  If  thou 
 canfi  beleeve,  all^diKgs  are  fojfibleto  him  that  beleeveth. 
 But  as  many  asrecUvedhim,  to  them  hee  gave  rtght  to  be- 
 come the  fons  of  Gid ;  even  to  them  that  beleeve  on  his 
 Name^  Tee  beleevtin  God, beleeve  alfo  in  mee.  Heethat 
 beleei;ethon  him  is  mt  condemned.  If  thou  beleeve  ft  xeith 
 aU  thine  heart  ^thon'mayefi .  TheGoJpe/ig  thepowerofGod 
 unto  falvation,  to  ev^rie  one  that  beleeveth.  This  is  his 
 Commandement  ^thatwe  jhsuld  beleeve  onthe  name  of  his 
 Jon  Jefus  Chrifi.W*  are  faved  by  faith  ^\%zl\  one  with  thaCr 
 Beleeve  en  the  Lord  Jcfm  (^hrifi,andthoufl}alt  be  faved. 
 We  are  juji:ifiedby  faithM  allone  with  thauByhimalithat 
 beleeve  are  jufiif,«d  from  all  things,  from  rphiehjee  could 
 not  bejuflified  by  the  Law  of  Moies.  fVhofoever  beleeveth 
 in  him  pall  receive  remijfion  of  fins.  Abraham  beleeve  d 
 ^od,  and  it  n>ai  imputed  to  him  for  righteoufneffe.  And 
 therefore  the  Ifraelites  are  reprehended,that  they  bcleeved 
 not  in  the  Lord :  J  fire  was  kindled  again  ft  Jacobs  and  an- 
 ger alfo  came  up  again  ft  Ifrael:  Becaufe  they  beleevednot 
 in  God,  andtrujled  not  inhis falvation.  None  but  thofs 
 belecversarepraifed  ;  Bleffed  is  ^e  that  beleeve d.  Becaufe^ 
 thou  haft  feene  mee,  thou  haft  be  leeved',  blejfed  are  they 
 which  have  notfeene,  and  yet  have  beleeved.  fVhofoiver 
 beleeveth  on  him,Jhallnot  be  afhumed. ' 
 
 ;•;;  j_) -,;■;:/•;,  ^   1/1.   / /.*'   :'•>■    ■'':•'.)'!■■■     :.'.-'■!)'    ^.  :'ii'."i  , 
 
 OftheAtuharandrfiorkerofFaithjufiifyiHg* 
 
 §.  IV Tliftifyiri^  faith,  which  not  onely  beleeveth  God 
 f  ipeaking  in  his  Word ,  but  embraceth  all  divine 
 truth  as  containing  the  chiefe  good  of  man,  as  being  the 
 moft  perfed^,  doth  necefTarily  requirebefore  it  faith  nifto- 
 ricall>  and  comprehend  all  other  kinds  under  it.  It  may  be 
 
 defined, 
 
 1 
 
God  is  the  Author  of  Faith* 
 
 defined,  a  lively  and  obediential!  affiance  or  confidence, 
 whereby  wee  reft  upon  Chrift  for  falvatic)nj  receive  the 
 promiles  of  grace  temporal]  and  fpiritiiall ,  ftick  to  the 
 Commandementsas  good  both  fimply  andincoriiparilonj 
 and  feed  upon  the  word  with  favour  and  delight.  More 
 largely,  It  is  a  wonderful!  and  (iipernaturall  gift  of  grace, 
 wrought  by  the  Holy  Ghoft,  through  the  minifterie  of  the 
 Gofpel,in  the  heart  of  man  a  finner,acknowledgingartd  be- 
 wailing his  offences,  whereby  hee  doth  not  onelyatTent  to 
 the  whole  truth  of  God,  and  is  certainly  perfwadcd  that  Je- 
 fus  Chriftis  appointed  of  God  to  be  the  Author  of  faivation 
 to  them  that  beleeve  in  him,  and  his  Saviout  if  bee  doe  be- 
 Iceve :  but  doth  relye,  caft,  and  repofe  his  fbtrie  upon  Chrift 
 his  Saviour,andby  him  upon  God  as  a  loving  Father  in  him* 
 cleaving  infeparablyto  the  Word  of  truth,  as  good  both 
 fimply  and  in  compatilbn,  and  feeding  upon  it  as  the  whol- 
 fome  food  of  life. 
 
 §.  tr.  God  the  Father,  in  his  Sonne  Jeltis  Chrift  our  Me- 
 
 God  is  the  Au- 
 
 Ephef  2  8. 
 Phil.i.z9. 
 ASs  18.27. 
 Toh.<5  44. 
 Jam.  1. 17. 
 
 diatour  by  the  Holy  Ghoft,  is  the  Authour  and  worker  ofl  thor  of  Fauh. 
 Faith,  As  ialvation,  ib  faith  is  the  gift  of  God.  It  is  through 
 grace  that  men  beleeve.  No  man  can  come  unto  mee,  ex- 
 cept the  Father  which  hath  fentmee,  draw  him,  Everie 
 goodthing  comes  from  the  Father  of  lights :  but  faith  is  a 
 gifi:aftera  fpeciall  manner,  moft  free,  and  profitable,  com- 
 ming  from  the  grace  of  the  Donor,  beftowed  upon  us  when 
 wee  are  everie  way  unworthy.  It  is  luch  a  gift  as  comes 
 not  from  common  bountie,  fiichas  God  made  fhew  of  in 
 the  creation:  but  from  a  fpeciall  favour,  which  heebeareth 
 his  in  Chrift  Jefus.  The  Scripture  is  cleare  and  evident 
 herein,&  ftrong  reafons  may  be  deduced  thence  to  prove  it- 
 Forof  ourfelvesweehaveno  power  to  beleeve,  or  to  pre- 
 pare our  felves  thereunto.  There  is  no  fiichfoile  in  our 
 hearts  3  whence  fuch  fruit  (bouid  fpting.  The  meanes  of 
 grace,  and  the  operation  of  the  Spirit  accompanying  it,  are 
 free  and  voluntarie.  No  man  can  beleeve,  unlefTe  he  be  cre- 
 ated and  formed  anew:  but  regeneration  is  a  free  work  of 
 Gods  grace  and  mercie. 
 I  B  4  Faith ' 
 
8 
 
 Faith  is  imprfeB^  though  a  rvorke  efthe  Spirit, 
 
 Heb.i2.a. 
 
 s  CGr.4.13. 
 Rom.1j.13. . 
 UotP  ive  arejaid 
 toTecciv3ihi  Holy 
 ghofi  byfeiti). 
 Ephef.i.ij. 
 
 How  the  Spirit  « 
 fbtatned  by  yraysTi 
 
 §.3- 
 
 Faith  ii  imperfeEl, 
 though  a  V{yr^  of 
 ithe  Sfirit. 
 
 Faithis  the  worke  of  God  the  Father  in  Jerus.Cbrift. 
 For  as  the  naturall  head  doth  not  onely  give  fenfe  and  mo- 
 tion to  all  the  members  now  conjoyned  j  but  doth  fend 
 forth  thofebandsi  whereby  they  come  to  bee  coupled  vyith 
 it:  foChrift  doth  not  onely  give  fpirituallfenfe  and  motion 
 to  his  members  already  united  unto  him  by  faith,  but  hee 
 is  theipring  whence  this  iinew  of  faith  doth  flow  and  iffiie 
 unto  us. 
 
 .  TheSpiritof  God  is  the  principall  worker  of  faith:  and 
 hence  we  are  laid  to  receive  the  Spirit  of  faiths  that  is,  the 
 Holy  Gboft,  in  and  through  this  gift  of  faith,  which  hec 
 worketh  and  continueth  in  us.-  By  faith  we  receive  the  Ho- 
 ly Ghofl:  and  faith  is  the  worke  of  the  Holy  Ghoft<  The 
 adHon  of  the  Holy  Ghoft  creating  faith  in  us,  is  before 
 faith:  But  the  beginning  of  faith  is  the  receiving  of  the 
 ;  HolyOhpft ;  and  faith  being  begun,  the  gifts  of  thefpirit 
 are  more  and  moreiricreafed  by  it.  Faith  it  fejfe  is  a  worke 
 of  the  fpirit;  but  an  *3ugmetitation  of  the^aces  of  thefpi- 
 rit isobtained  by  faith;  and  the  more  our  faith  dilatetli  it 
 felfe,  the  more  plentifully  doe  the  graces  of  thefpirit  flow 
 into  us.  ftom  Chrift ;  Of  -whofe  fnlmffe  wee  receive  grace 
 for^race^.:  Faith  doth  ob.taine  the  Holy  Ghoft  by  prayer ;. 
 and  prayer  is  an  "a6V  of  grace  and  of  the  Spirit,  as  faith 
 isawork  of  the  Spirit.  Before  wee  can  lift  upour  ibules' 
 unto  God,  the  Holy  Ghoft  muft  defeend  into  us,,  and 
 lift  us  up:  for  wee  move  .not  j.  but  as  wee  are  moved. 
 The  Holy  Ghoft  il  givenr  to  the  Ele6t  before,  they 
 aske:  but  a.gre^'er-iHsi^uce  pfthe  Spirit- is  ebtained  by; 
 :prayer...  .;;:  :. :;       •,'  •■;;.-' "^•':  ,.  ':         ■••  -  r':  ■' 
 
 .  §.  ,3.  Faithis  not  alike  in  all,  in  none  perfcfl-,  though  it 
 be;tbe  worke  ^^the  Spirit- 1  for  the  Spirit  worketh  faith, 
 net  .asa  nat«rkI'f;agen^i':W;hich  putceth  forth  its; power  to 
 the  uttcrmoftlignd'aiway^^-pi'Gducethrlike  efF€<9$,  [^11  be 
 not  hindered :  but  as  a  voiuntarieagent,  which  puttetb  not 
 forth  his  power  to  the  "utmoftj  worketh  according' to  his 
 j  pleafureinwhoiiiifoeerwiyxaQd^s  he6  yviHi  butnot,  in  all 
 {-alike.  "  ,0  -jit. :         •  •  -  J    ' ' 
 
 I  •  ,    'T  '  '  The 
 
Fauh  is  imperfeB^  though  a  rvorke  of  the  Spirit' 
 
 The  Spirit  worketh  faith  not  by  morall  perfwafion, 
 onely  inciting  to  beleeve ,  and  leaving  it  to  our  free 
 choyce,  whether  wee  will  aflent  or  no:  but  by  his 
 powerfull  operation ,  and  omnipotent  hand  put  forth 
 for  fuch  a  purpofe,  hee  produceth  this  gracious  effe6^. 
 There  are  no  feeds  of  faith  in  our  nature,  out  of  which 
 by  meere  outward  teaching  wee  may  bee  brought 
 to  beleeve:  for  then  (hould  faith  bee  naturall,  as  all 
 other  things  are ,  which  our  nature  can  attaine  to 
 with  outward  helps*  There  is  no  fpirituall  life  in  us 
 before  the  infiifion  of  grace ,  whereby  wee  (liould  bee 
 able  to  embrace  the  perfwafion  s  of  the  Spirit:  for  then 
 Wee  fhould  live  fpiritually  of  our  felves  before  wee 
 are  quickened  by  grace.  If  the  Spirit  of  God  doe  onely 
 move  and  perlvvade  to  beleeve,  then  God  doth  not 
 make  the  beleever  to  differ  from  the  unbeleever ,  but 
 the  good  ufe  of  his  owne  free  will.  It  is  of  grace  that 
 man  might  beleeve ,  and  fo  might  hee  that  continueth 
 in  infideiitie,  for  hee  received  equall  aid,  and  was  e- 
 qualiy  perftvaded  and  incited  by  the  Spirit.  But  if  the 
 queftion  bee ,  why  doth  the  one  beleeve  arid  not  the 
 other  ?  it  is  not  the  Spirit  here  that  makes  the- difference, 
 but  the  good  ufeof  mans  free-will :  and  fb,  that  man  is  ina- 
 bled  to  beleeve,  it  fhouldbe  of  grace ;  but  that  he  doth  be- 
 leeve, and'  fo  differ  from  other  men,  this  (hould  bee  from 
 himfelfe.  =*The  fame  power  that  raifed  Chrifl:  from  the  dead, 
 is  faid  to  raife  us  up  to  beleeve.  If  an  hand  or  eye  bee  wan- 
 ting to  a  manfrom  his  birth,  can  any  power  reftore  them, 
 but  the  Almightie  power  of  God,  by  which  the  body 
 was  at  firft  framedand  fafhioned?  By  what  power  then  is 
 this  hand  of  faith  created,  whidi  reacheth  to  heaven  ?  this 
 eye  which  doth  fee  the  things  within  the  vaile ,  which 
 concerne  our  peace.?  ^  This  flircher  appeareth  by  the'  caufe 
 that  moveththe  Lord  to  beftow  faith  upon  ibme,  which 
 is  his  free,  eternall,  unchangeable  grace  and  love,  whereby 
 hee  loved  them  tobe  made  heires  of  falvatien,  before  the 
 fQnnda,tioa  '©f  tb'e  ^carth  was  laid. '  For  (o-  firrc  aa  God 
 
 cFfeflna'iv 
 
 Faith  u  ipotfet' 
 fi»'d'i\ork^  ofGcd, 
 
 a  Ephefi  ip  ;o. 
 
 Col, I. IT. 
 
 I  Their.r.5. 
 Eph  5.7i,?^20. 
 
 1  Pct.i.y. 
 
 2  Per.i.r,2,5. 
 2  Tkrr.r.ii. 
 2.Tim  1.7. 
 
 2  Cor.i3'.4. 
 
 bjch.if.j-. 
 A(ftsi3.4S. 
 PhiJ.i.ip. 
 Matth.ii.2^. 
 
o 
 
 How  Godproduceth  Faith, 
 
 §.4. 
 
 How  ^od  pro- 
 duceth  faith. 
 
 |£  Cor.4.^« 
 c  Tim. 1. 9. 
 
 effectually  willetb  and  intendeth  to  work,  lb  far  he  putceth 
 forth  his  omnipotent  power  to  accomplifh.  But  God  doth 
 intend,  and  effedlually  will  to  draw  Tome  unto  him  before 
 other  Ibme. 
 
 §.4.  In  producing  faith,  firft  God  beftovveth  upon  man 
 the  gift  of  underftanding  and  Ipirituall  wifdome,  opening 
 and  illuminating  the  eyes  of  his  mind,  to  know  the  pro- 
 mile  in  Chrift,  and  to  judge  and  cfteeme  thofc  things  revea- 
 led of  God,  to  be  the  moft  undoubted  and  infallible  truth. 
 This  underftanding  is  requifite  to  faith:  for  it  is  itnpoffibJe 
 for  a  man  to  beleeve  that,  whereof  he  hath  no  knowledge  or 
 underftanding.  Out  of  queftion, faith  is  a  moft  wife  gift,  or 
 grace  of  Gods  holy  Spirit,  making  thofe  that  bee  endued 
 therewith  wife  unto  falvation :  which  wee  (hall  eafily  dif- 
 ccrne,  if  we  confider  how  great  thcfiibtiltie  of  that  old  Ser- 
 pent the  Devill  is^,  as  alio  the  deceitfulnclTe  of  finnc ;  both 
 which  are  defeated  by  faith. 
 
 This  underftanding  is  the  gift  of  Gods  grace ;  for  as  rea- 
 fonable  underftanding  is  beyond  the  compafle  of  that 
 knowledge  which  thebeafts  have  by  kind :  fo  is  this  under- 
 ftanding&r  beyond  the  reach  of  all  that  wildome  left  in  cor- 
 rupted nature.  It  is  a  work  irreftftible,  for  it  is  wrought  ac- 
 cording to  the  purpofe  of  the  Lord,  and  the  counfell  of  God 
 cannot  be  frufl rated.  In  illumination  the  mind  fuflPereth 
 not  from  any  naturall  power,  which  it  hath  to  conceive  or 
 onderftand  fpirituall  things,  but  from  that  ftate  of  obedi- 
 ence that  the  mind  ftandeth  in  unto  Almighty  God,  where- 
 by it  muft  nccefTarily  fee  whatlbevcr  he  will  dnlightcn  it  to 
 behold,  and  fet  before  it.  There  is  no  naturallpower  inan 
 eye  now  blind  to  receive  fight:  but  if  God  will  enlighten, 
 it  muft  needs  fee :  So  there  is  no  natural]  power  in  the  eye 
 ofthe  mind  now  become  darknefle,  to  receive  the  light  of 
 faving  knowledge,whi(;h  is  everie  way  a  thing  both  for  mat- 
 ter and  manner  fupernaturall  unto  it:  butif  hee  open  the 
 eyes  of  the  underftanding,and  ftiine  into  the  hcart,it  muft 
 needs  underftand. 
 
 Secondly,  God  doth  infufe  or  powre  the  habit  of  faith 
 
 into 
 
Fmh  U  the  gift  of  Gcd^  and  aB  of  Afan . 
 
 II 
 
 into  man,  whereby  hee  giveth  to  will  to  come  unto  Chrift, 
 and  to  enjoy  him.  Tfiefirft  worke  of  God  is  fignificd  in 
 Scripture,  by  ojiening  the  eyes  ofthB  nnderJi:aKdi>ig :  the  fe- 
 cond  by  Gods  drawing  m  :  both,  at  leaft  figuratively,  by 
 the  efeniKg  of  the  earey  the  opening  of  the  heart,  the  taking 
 away  the  heart  of fionCy  and  givingan  heart  of  fiejh.  This 
 fecond  work  is  requifite  to  faith  :  for  as  a  dead  man  can  doe 
 no  a6>  of  life  untill  a  living  foule  be  breathed  into  him ;  nor 
 a  blind  eye  fee,unlefle  new  light  be  given  unto  it :  no  more 
 can  man  J  dead  in  trefpafles  and  finnes.move  himfeife  to  re- 
 ctiw  the  promifes  of  grace,  untill  the  free  and  gracious 
 difpofition,  or  habit  of  faith  be  infufed,  whereby  the  will 
 is  inclined  agreeably  to  the  difpofition  of  it ,  to  come  un* 
 to  God.  As  man  cannot  naturally  ice  orperceive  the  things 
 of  God ;  no  more  can  hee  naturally  will  or  defire  them. 
 And  this  is  apparent  by  the  hardnefle  of  mans  heart  that 
 cannot  repenctillGod  molliHeit,*  and  by  his  ftiffe-necked- 
 nefle  and  ftubbornnefle  to  refift  the  Holy  Spirit  fpeaking  in 
 the  minifterie  of  the  Word,  untill  hee  bee  renewed  and 
 changed  by  ^racc.  ivv^orfo,':  br? 
 
 This  habit  offaith  is  received,  not  by  any  nattirall  difpo- 
 fitionofwillin  us  to  heavenly  things,  for  then  man  fhould 
 live  ipiritually  of himfeJfe,  before  the  life  of  grace  be  put  in- 
 to him  :  but  the  heart,  as  it  ftands  in  obedience  to  Gods 
 Almightie  power,  to  take  what  ftamp  hee fhall  imprint,  to 
 follow  him  whither  he  (hall  draw,  and  to  containe  what  hee 
 powreth  into  it,  admitteth  this  habit. 
 
 And  as  the  beginning*  fotheincreafeandprogrefle,  the 
 confummation  and  perfedHon  offaith  is  the  gift  of  God, 
 the  work  of  the  Spirit.  Of  God  theincreafe  offaith  is  to  be 
 asked,  and  from  him  it  is  received.  As  wee  cannot  will  to 
 beleevc,  unlefle  God  prepare  the  heart  and  give  that  will ; 
 no  more  can  wee  will  to  perfevere  in  faith,  or  eoe  forward 
 therein,  unlefle  Goddoeminifterftrengtb,  and  fuflaineus 
 by  his  grace. 
 
 §.  5.  Faith  then  is  the  gift  of  God,  and  the  a6^  of  man: 
 a  wonderfull  and  fupernaturali  gift  of  God,  and  a  lively 
 
 motion 
 
 Lirk.24.45, 
 Joli.<S'.44. 
 Efay  5c.  y. 
 Aasi6.ij. 
 Ezrk.II.iP' 
 
 I  Cor.4.14. 
 
 Ifay  65.2^3. 
 Rom.j.5. 
 
 The  increafe  of 
 faith  is  of  God. 
 Heb  ra.a. 
 Luk.17.5. 
 Mark  p.a4. 
 Ph'I.i.tf. 
 tThcff.i.jjit. 
 
 Faith  is  the  gift 
 ofGodjandtlic 
 a^  of  Man- 
 
12 
 
 Fatth  wrought  by  the  word. 
 
 Hab.2.4. 
 
 Fa.kh  mra-Aght  hy 
 the  Ward, 
 
 ,!U 
 
 motion  of  the  heart  renewed  by  grace,  and  powerfully, 
 moved  by  the  Spirit.  The  power  to  beleeve,  and  will  to  nie 
 that  power,  is  of  God :  But  the  aft  of  the  will  in  refting  up- 
 on Chrift  is  mans.It  is  man  that  beleevetb,but  it  is  3od  on- 
 ly and  altogether  that  inableth,ftirreth  up,  putteth  forward, 
 and  endineth  the  heart  tobeleeve.  By  Gods  enlightening 
 .manfeeth,bybistcachingheunderftands :  and  theLordin- 
 clining  his  will,  hee  willeth,  embraceth,  pofleffeth  and  kee- 
 peth  Chrift  with  all  blelfmgs  promifed  in  him.    So  that 
 faith  is  the  motion  of  mans  heart  wrought  in  him  by  the 
 Spirit  of  God.  Even  as  a  wheele,  which  of  it  (t\h  can- 
 not move,  yet  being  moved  of  another,  doth  move; 
 whole  motion  though  but  one,  isfaidtobethe  motion  of 
 the  mover,  and  of  the  thing  moved ;  fo  faith  is  nothing  but 
 the  a6>ion  of  God  in  man,  but  cpnfidered  in  a  diverfe  man- 
 ner it  is  both  the  aft:  of  God  and  man :  as  wrought  by  God 
 in  man,  it  is  the  work  of  the  Lord ;  as  the  motion  of  man, 
 his  heart  being  moved  of  God,  it  is  the  aft  of  man.  For  the 
 aftionof  manin  beleeving  with  the  heart,  is  nothing  but 
 his  knowing  and  acknowledging  of  things,  by  Gods  ma- 
 king him.know  and  acknowledge  them ;  his  apprehending, 
 willingjchufing,  embracing,  and  retaining  them,  by  Gods 
 makinghim  to  apprehend,  will,  chufe,.  embrace  and  retaine 
 them.  v-:o;-,i  ■'..■.■  ■  :'.  ■■  <-:_^.^:i  ^ii  '•:  '  -u'Af^' 
 
 It  istrue,  thatwee  beleeve,becaufe  weewillBelceve: 
 hVityVfie  will  beleeve,  doth  note  not  the  principall  caufe,  but 
 a  caufe  fubordinate  ^  working  by  way  of  free  difpofitioh, 
 which  dilpofition  it  receiveth  from  an  higher  caufe,  not 
 fromnaturallftrength.  ThejuB  is^id  to  live  by  his  owne 
 faith y  and  faith  is  c^Wt^  ours,  or  our  i^wne  ,  not  that  we  are 
 the  Authours,caufe,or  workers  of  it,  but  becaufe  weepol^ 
 k^tit-,  and  are  the  fpeciallfubjefts  in  which  it  is  wrought 
 by  God ;  and  alio  becaufe  it  concernes  our  felves  in  particu- 
 lar, and  what  webeleeve  we  beleeveit  particularly  concer- 
 ning our  felves. 
 
 §.5.  Not  to  difpute  whether  God  doth  extraordinari- 
 ly worke  faith  in  the  hearts  of  men,  without  the  exter- 
 nal! 
 
frhy  all  beleeve  not  that  heare  the  Word» 
 
 nail  pnblifliing  of  his  word,  willjorpleafure:  this  is  furc, 
 that  ordinarily  the  Moly  Ghoft  dochworkc  by  the  Mini- 
 ftery  of  the  Word.  The  Word  can  doe  nothing  without 
 Gods  Spirit :  and  ordinarily  the  Spirit  will  doe  nothing 
 without  the  Word.  Faith  is  cilicdthc  fruit  of  the  Zips.- 
 the  Word  is  both  the  meane  whereby  wc  beiecve ,  and  the 
 fubje6t  matter  of  our  belt  efe.A  man  may  fee  without  Jight 
 or  colour,  heare  without  eare  or  found  j  aspolhblyas  be- 
 leeve without  the  Word  of  God.  For  when  faith  is  an 
 afJiarce  or  perfvafion,  touching  the  good  will  of  God 
 towards  us  in  Jefus  Chrift ,  how  can  we  be  perfwaded  tou- 
 ching bis  gracious  pleafnre,  till  we  be  acquainted  with  his 
 word,  whereby  he  hath  declared  it  ?  How  can  I  beleeve  or 
 certainly  know  that  a  friend  will  doe  me  this  or  that  good 
 turne,  unleCfe  I  have  his  word  or  promiie  to  that  efFe6^  ? 
 No  more  could  we  ever  know  or  be  perfwaded  that  God 
 would  forgive  our  finnes ,  or  (hew  mercy  upon  us,  fhould 
 he  not  byhis  Wordfignifie  and  make  knowne  the  fame. 
 The  Word  is  the  Word  of  faith,  propounding  things  to  be 
 beleeved,  and  commanding  us  to  beleeve.  The  Gofpel  is 
 the  rpordofthe  kjngdome  ^t  he  power  ofGodtofalvatiotjythe 
 arme  of  God, 
 
 Faith  is  the  mother  of  Prayer  :  Prayer  a  meanes  of  the 
 increaie  and  confervation  of  Faith.The  Sacraments  do  con- 
 firme,conierve,and  encreafe  faith  begun :  but  the  Word  on- 
 ly is  the  inftrument  to  beget  faith.  Two  things  are  here  to 
 be  looked  unto :  Firft,that  we  fever  not  wnat  God  hath 
 joyned  together.  Secondly, that  we  attribute  not  to  the  in- 
 ftrumentwhat  is  proper  to  the  Authonr.  For  the  Word 
 by  the  Ordinance  of  Cod  is  appointed  to  reprefent  toour 
 minds  what  it  is  ordained  to  fignifie ,  and  by  if  as  an  in- 
 ftfdment  it  pleafethGodro  worker  bat  the  wholeforce, 
 cflficacie,and  pbwer  doth  flow  from  God,and  he  that  created 
 man  at  the  fir(t,is  his  reftorer  to  life  cternall. 
 ■  If  it  be  demanded,  why  doc  not  ail  beleeve  that  heafe 
 the  Word  >  The  anftvec  is,  Mamsjwilfulncflejsthefundav 
 mcntall,radicall,  prime  caufe  of  obftinate  unbelcefe  j  and 
 
 he 
 
 13 
 
 Efay  57.  i^. 
 
 Rom. 19.8. 
 John  12..  J 6. 
 Mirke  115, 
 Rom,  1. 16. 
 Efay.Jj.i. 
 Increased,  by 
 Prayer  and  the 
 ujeofthe  Sa- 
 eraments. 
 
 Marke  1^.10. 
 1  CGr.i2.6. 
 
 IVhy  all  do  not 
 beleeve  ibit 
 hear  the  f^ord. 
 
14 
 
 Though  faith 
 be  the  gift  of 
 God,  men  mvfl 
 jfethe  medves 
 to  oitaine  it. 
 
 Faith  is  Gods  gift,  hut  we  muji  ufe  the  means  for  it* 
 
 he  beleeveth  not  becauie  be  will  not  bcleeve ;  which  di- 
 fpofition  the  will  hath  of  it  i'elfe  by  nature.  But  the  reafon 
 why  one  beleeveth  and  not  another ,  is ,  becanfe  the  Holy 
 Ghottdoth  not  inwardly  teach  all  men,  but  whom  hec 
 will,  and  joyne  his  cfficacie  to  the  Word  preached  and 
 heard  in  whom  he  will.  Thecauleof  this  his  will  wee  are 
 not  bound  to  render,  we  cannot  render,  but  muft  refl:  in  the 
 good  pleafure  of  God. 
 
 And  though  no  man  doebeleeveby  the  externa II  hearing 
 of  the  Word ,  unlefle  the  inward  operation  of  the  Holy 
 Ghoft  regenerating  and  giving  faith  doe  accompany  it,  yet 
 murt  all  men  give  attendance  to  the  hearing  of  the  Word 
 preached,  and  diligent  reading ,  becaufe  it  is  the  meanes 
 that  God  hath  ordained  for  the  begetting  of  faith ,  and  by 
 precept  divine  they  are  thereunto  obliged.  Neither  (Kail 
 it  excufe  any  man  to  fay  9  he  could  not  beleeve ,-  and  if  he 
 fliouldmaketriall,  hisendevourwouldbein  vaine.  Such 
 frivolous  pretences  fhall  nothing  availe  before  God.  The 
 kfle  able  we  are  to  beleeve  of  our  felves,  the  more  carcfull 
 (houldwebe  to  ufe  the  meanes  that  God  hath  ordained, 
 chat  we  might  obtaine  it.  Marriage  was  never  held  fuperflu- 
 ous  or  unneceflary  for  the  propagation  of  mankind, becaufe 
 the  reafonable  fbule  is  not  generated  by  our  Parents,  but 
 immediately  created  and  infiifed  of  God.That  faith  is  the 
 fole  gift  of  God,  wholly  infilled,  not  partly  acquired  by  us, 
 fhould  rather  incite  than  any  way  abate  our  endevours 
 for  attaining  it.  For  faith  is  not  given  but  in  the  ufe  of  the 
 meanes :  and  though  he  give  not  faith  unto  all  men,  he  vio- 
 lently with-holds  faith  from  no  man  that  feeketh  it,  but 
 denieth  it  juftly  to  them  that  willingly  prefer  the  pleafures 
 of  fin  before  the  pearle  of  the  Gofpcl.  And  as  Chrift  in- 
 fiifed not  humane  life  into  trees ,  ftockes,  and  ftones ,  but 
 into  bodies  pafTively  organized  and  figured  for  the  fit  ha- 
 bitation of  the  humane  ibulc :  fo  neither  doth  he  ordina- 
 rily beftow  fupernaturall  grace  on  everyone  that  hath  a 
 re  afonable  ibulc ,  but  on  luch  onely  as  are  by  him  paflivcly 
 prepared  for  it. 
 
 The 
 
Faith  prefitpfofeth  kmivledge* 
 
 j     Theconclufionis,  thatvvemuft  waited^Iyatthc  poftj 
 of  wifedomcsgate,  meditate  ferioufly  upon  the  word  of 
 !  life,  and  nourifh  the  motions  of  Gods  Spirit,  as  the  means 
 i  whereby  faith  is  begun  and  encreafed  in  us. 
 
 CHAP.  Ill*     - 
 Of  J^fiffji^S  Faithywhat  it  is, and  what  things 
 an  imflied  therein* 
 
 4.1.  TUftifying  faith  prefuppofeth  the  knowledge  of 
 I  God  and  Chrift,  of  the  precepts  of  the  Word,  and 
 promifcs  of  the  Gofpel.  Knowledge  is  an  antecedent}  i£ 
 not  a  part  of  faith.  Knowledge,  I  fay,  not  of  thereafon 
 and  nature  of  the  things*  but  of  revelation  which  reftsin 
 the  meaning  of  the  tefiimony  diftin(£Hy  underftood.^  The 
 things  which  God  commandeth  us  to  beleeve  exceed  all 
 naturall  capacity ,  cannot  bee  knowne  in  their  eflence  and 
 properties,  as  things  naturall  are  by  the  light  of  rcafbn ; 
 But  every  beleever  muft  know  it  to  bee  the  Word  of  God 
 which  he  receiveth ,  and  what  is  fignified  thereby ,and  the 
 things  to  bee  as  they  are  revealed ,  though  he  cannot  com- 
 prehend the  reafon  or  caufes  ofthem.  Knowledge  is  put 
 for  faith,  as  that  which  ever  accompanieth  it.  WnenGod 
 enricheth  men  with  faith,  hceisfaid  to  opentheir  ejes.to 
 reveale  unto  them  th^e-myfi^xy  of  hi4'wilU  and  they  are  faid 
 to  he  taught  and  inftrHEted  ofhim.  Out  of  queft  ion/aith  is 
 a  moft  wile  g^ace,  making  them  that  bee  endued  therewith 
 wile  unto  (alvation  ,   and  that  evident  to  the  beleever 
 which  of  it  lelfe  is  incomprehenlible.  In  laith  hiftoricaJI 
 there  muft  bee  knowledge  of  thehiftory  and  truth  of  the 
 j  Gofpel ,  much  more  in  faith  jiiftifying.  There  is  fuchre- 
 jlacion  betwixt  Faith  and  the  Word,  that  without  the 
 i  Word  there  can  be  noFaithj  as  the  foundation  being  taken 
 j  away ,  that  which  (hould  bee  built  upon  it  cannot  ftand. 
 V  The  order  whereby  men  are  brought  to  the  faith,  is^this ; 
 firil  they  hearcjand  then  they  beleeve.  Faith  is  an  alTent  to 
 I  the 
 
 15 
 
 §.  I. 
 
 Faith  prefup- 
 pofeth finow-^ 
 led^e. 
 
 Job  19.  If. 
 John  17.5, 
 a  Tim,  1. 1 2. 
 t  Tim.z.7. 
 Ads  26.18. 
 Mat.  1 1. 1^,26, 
 Eph.i.8,9. 
 John  6.45, 
 I  Jphn^.ifi. 
 
 Rom.  10.8, 
 John  xo.jr. 
 Kom.10,17. 
 Efay  5f.^. 
 1  Tim.4,^, 
 CoIj. 6.8c  i.z, 
 Eph.i.iz,i3. 
 Ads  4.4. 
 
t6 
 
 Popijh  obielfi- 
 ons  prevented. 
 2  Cor.io  J. 
 BdlJeyt[tif. 
 lib.ix.T* 
 
 Ron1.lo.r4, 17. 
 
 2  Cor.4.14. 
 I  Cor.13.2. 
 Bell  uhi/upra. 
 
 T  &fi^  Ob jeBionsfY  evented*  , 
 
 the  truth  and  promifes  of  God.  But  no  aflent  can  be  given 
 to  a  thing  utterly  unknowne.  What  is  more  abfiird  than  to 
 dreame  of  a  blind  aflent  to  we  know  not  what ,  to  a  thing 
 we  never  heard  of  ? 
 
 Howibever  faith  apprehends  myfteries  not  to  be  inqui- 
 red into ,  yet  the  propofition  and  doctrine  of  all  the  Ar- 
 ticles of  faith  muft  be  diftin.5lly  conceived » that  a  man  be 
 able  to  underftand  what  they  are.   If  a  man  cannot  give  a 
 reafon  of  the  thing  beleeved,  he  muft  be  able  to  give  a  rea- 
 Ibn  of  hisbeleefe.  Faith  captivates  our  underftanding  un- 
 to the  obedience  of  Chrift ,  but  is  not  ignorant  of  Chrift, 
 or  of  his  do6>rine.    It  giveth  credit  and  fubmitteth  to  the 
 truth  acknowledged ,  though  it  feeme  abfurd  to  carnal! 
 reaibn,but  it  cherifheth  not  ignorance  of  divine  myfteries 
 exceeding  all  humane  capacitie.  It  fubje6teth  reafon  to  the 
 doi^rineof  God  and  his  revelation ,  but  it  neither  extin- 
 guiftieth  the  nature  of  man,  nor  the  light  of  realbn.  Faith 
 is  not  a  brutiOi  captivitie, which  yeelds  up  her  eyes  to  be 
 put  out :  but  the  underftanding  receiving  a  more  excellent 
 fight  by  faith ,  yeelds  up  the  worfe ,   arid  dothjiot  lofe  her 
 light ,  but  exchange  it  for  the  better.  There  is  a  double 
 affent ;  one  from  reafonsthe  other fom authority:  both  are 
 made  with  the  knowledge  of  the  Minde.  Knowledge  is 
 included  in  both ;  in  the  one  of  the  caufe  and  properties, 
 which  is  ftri6tly  called  Science ;  in  the  other  of  the  autho- 
 rity and  truth  of  the  reveal  er,  and  in  that  refpe6l  of  the 
 thing  taught,  which  is  called  Faith.  How  (hall  we  beleeve  in 
 him  efwhom  we  have  not  heard?  There  is  no  fight  without 
 ibmevifible  objedl,  no  faith  without  the  knowledge  of 
 God  in  Chrift. 
 
 Though  knowledge  be  not  faith,  but  an  habit  diftin(ft 
 from  it,  yet  it  concurres  to  the  being  of  faith ,  in  as  much 
 as  no  man  can  aflent  to  that  he  never  heard  of.Wifedome  is 
 diftinguifhcdfrom  knowledge  as  a  thing  more  excellent, 
 whichyetitprefuppofethtfo  faith  is  diftinguifhed  from 
 knowledge  ?  but  cannot  be  without  iu  Tbc  knowledge 
 which  hath  no  ingredience  into  ^ith  j  is  the  knowledge 
 
 of 
 
Faith  is  grounded  m  found  knotvledg 
 
 e. 
 
 m 
 
 of  that  which  is  not  revealed :  for  faith  not  onely  goech  be- 
 fore fuch  knowledge,  but  utterly  repels  it,  never  admitting 
 any  curious  fearch  into  Gods  fecrets.  But  in  things  revea- 
 led faith  knoweth  what  it  beleeveth ,  and  by  beleeving 
 knoweth  the  more.  Faith  is  the  caufc-of  more  ample  know^ 
 ledge:  but  fome  knowledge  of  Gods  will  and  pleafure  is 
 antecedent  to  faith. 
 
 And  this  knowledge  muftbe  diftinf^,  found,  and  cer- 
 taine.  For  faith  divine  is  fure  and  certaine :  therefore  the 
 knowledge  whereupon  it  is  grounded  muft  be  fuch  as 
 cannot  deceive.  The  afl'ent  which  faith  gives  lo  the  Word 
 of  God  is  abfolute  and  unlimited ,  which  can  never  bee 
 yeeidedjunleflc  being  certaine  in  it  felfc,  wee  know  it  cer- 
 taincly  as  it  is,  and  be  aflfured  that  we  conceive  of  it  aright, 
 a  The  examination  of  Doftrincs  by  the  touchftone  is  com- 
 manded of  God,  ^  and  wonderfully  commended  by  the 
 HoIyGhoft :  <^the  negledl  of  examining  what  wee  heare, 
 dotn  bring  great  perill  and  danger;  for  fuch  as  receive  do- 
 ctrines upon  the  credit  of  their  Teachers  are  ever  unfetlcd, 
 apt  to  be  (educed,  and  ready  to  ftart  back  in  time  of  trou- 
 ble. <^  Certaine  knowledge  is  to  be  begged  of  God,  both 
 for  our  felves  and  others :  and  « thanks  have  beene  and 
 (houldbegivcn  to  God  f6r  this  grace  and  mercie  voucbla- 
 fed  unto  the  Saints. 
 
 The  Papifts  have  tiiuch  extolled  the  Colliars  faith,  com- 
 mended ignorance,  and  dilgraced  knowledge,  as  if  faith 
 were  mucS  better  defined  by  ignorance,  than  by  know- 
 ledge :  but  when  they  arepreffed  with  evidence  of  Scrip- 
 ture in  this  point,  they  grant  that  knowledge  in  all  funda- 
 mental! points  of  Religion  is  neceflary  for  lay  people  :  and 
 would  colour  the  matter,  as  ifthcy  meant  the  knowledge 
 ofreafonwasnotnecefrarie  tofaith,  but  of  revelation  one- 
 ly. Not  todifputeof  their meaningin  thole  proportions, 
 (though  their  words  and  pra6lice,  and  matter  imreated  of, 
 fuflficiently  arguethe  vanitieof  thatexcufe)  wee  may  take 
 t-hem  as  they  fay,  and  fpare  labour  to  prove  that  faith  can- 
 not be  a  blind  afleut ,  bccaufe  wee  have  their  confeflRon 
 
 C  for 
 
 tnnH  l/e  dfiinSt, 
 fvmd,  ctrttiiiie. 
 
 20,SI. 
 
 Col. 3.16. 
 iJoh.4.i. 
 b  AQ%  i7.it,l2. 
 c  I  Reg.  r  J -20, 
 
 d  Pfal.1r9.18, 
 
 54,73>I44' 
 C0I.1.9.  &2.2. 
 eEpficT  1.16,17. 
 2  Cor. 8.7. 
 Hefiu  contra 
 'Brent,  lib.l. 
 'SelUr.  dejnfUf. 
 l.Ut.f.%    fnii- 
 
 cerd.i.4,  fJ*.*« 
 T.fT.P.inhii 
 triple  accufation 
 of  D.Jrkite, 
 
i8 
 
 Rora.1.17.  & 
 
 :l5. 
 I  Cor.to.i^. 
 
 :  a  Com  3  5. 
 
 '  1  Pet. 3.1 '. 
 .  Korn.12  iji. 
 f  /«  wfcd?  refpeSft 
 '\  filth  it  implicit e, 
 Joh.ao?. 
 
 ■'Luk.a+.i5' 
 
 '14. 8f  ii-a* 
 
 .Joh.4-3M^* 
 
 'Heb.ii-Ji. 
 
 Faith  ii  ^it^f' 
 
 for  iu  that  faith  requireth  knowledge  of  revelation. 
 
 The  irnplicite  faith  then  of  them  that  know  nothing  in 
 Religion,  butbeleeve  as  the  Church  beleeveth,  notunder- 
 ftandingwhat  fhee beleeveth  or  profefleth,  is  moftabfard: 
 but  when  wee  know  Chrifttrnly,  and  whatfoever  is  abfb- 
 lucely  neceffarie  to  i'alvation,  there  bee  many  things  wrap- 
 ped up  from  us,  which  wee  ought  to  beleeve,  in  which re- 
 rpe<5i:  faith  may  be  called  implicite,  or  infolded.  For  being 
 compafled  about  with  mills  of  ignorance,  wee  attaine  not 
 the  underftanding  ofmany  things  revealed:  of  which  wee 
 may  note  verie  many  examples  in  the  Difciplesof  Chrift, 
 having  not  yet  obtained  full  illumination :  and  in  them, 
 '  who  being  onely  ftirred  up  by  the  miracles  of  Cnrift,  went 
 no  further  than  to  acknowledge  him  to  bee  thepromifed 
 A^eJfiM.  So  that  when  a  man  know? s  and  underftandsin 
 generall  thefubftantiall  articles  belonging  to  faith,  which 
 arc  contained  in  the  Scriptures,  and  is  ignoranl:  only  in  the 
 particulars  whereby  the  faid generall  articles  are  demon- 
 ftrated ;  and  when  withall  hec  ufes  the  meanes  to  increafe 
 in  knowledge,  by  fearching  the  Scriptures,  and  hearing  the 
 Word  pleached  :  in  this  cafe  his  faith  may  be  true,  though 
 infolded  in  many  particulars. 
 
 {  Faith  alfo  may  be  implicitein  another  relpefl :  for  ma- 
 ny that  truly  beleeve,  cannot  certainly  affirme  they  doe  be- 
 leeve: which  befallech  them  that  are  touched  in  confci- 
 ence  for  finnc,  who  bewaile  their  offences,  and'defire  to  bee 
 reconciled  unto  God.  Now  as  in  the  little  tender  bud  are 
 infolded  thelcafe, the  bloflbme,  and  the  fruit:  foin  true 
 forrow,  brokcn-heartednefle  and  unfaifsed  acknowledge- 
 ment, faith  and  many  graces  of  Gods  Spirit  are  infolded. 
 But  this  is  not  properly  underftood  when  we  ipeake  of  im- 
 plicite  faithj  neither  is  faith  fo  much  wrapped  up  in  thefe 
 graces,  as  the  fight  of  faith  and  fenfc  ol  comfort  hid  from 
 their  eyes  that  be  didrefled. 
 
 §.  2.  Faith  prefuppoleth  knowledge,  and  yeelds alTent 
 totiie  word  of  grace,  relying  upon  the  authoritie  of  God, 
 whois  true  in  alibis  rayings,fincere,  faithful),  conttantin 
 
 all 
 
Fatth  is  An  ^A^'ent, 
 
 ail  his  promifeSi,  &  can  neither  deceive  nor  be  deceived.  A- 
 yraham  bcleeved  God ;  the  word  imports,  hee  thought  the 
 words  of  God  to  be  rure,certainejftablc,and  conftant.  Mo- 
 fes  {ayingj  Ifrael  will  not  heleeve  me,  meaneth .  they  would 
 not  affent  or  give  credit  to  his  words.  And  when  it  is  faidj 
 Ijraelbelee've4the  Lord  and  hisfervant  Afofes,therchy  is 
 under  flood,  that  they  gave  credit  to  the  word  of  the  Lord 
 (pokenby  his  lervant  Mofes.  This  is  cleare  in  the  exhorta- 
 tion of  Jehofhafhat  unto  the  people, faying,  5^/^^t/^  in  the 
 Lord  your  God,fojhdllyou  he  efiablijhed ;  heleeve  his  Pro- 
 fhetSifo [hall yee prosper.  And  that  ofDavidy  I  heleeved^ 
 therefore  have  I  jpoken. 
 
 Beleefc  is  alwayes  grounded  upon  the  authoritie- and  re- 
 putation of  him  for  whofe  word  lake  wee  belceve,  and  muft 
 needs  have  reference  to  feme  uttered  word  or  revelation, 
 astheobjefl:  but  it  may  be  fiiftained  and  ftrengthened  by 
 other  motives  and  inducements,  experiments  and  proba- 
 bilitie5«  ManyobjCvas  of  faith  may  alfo  bee  evident^  and 
 that  which  is  beleeved  rnay  allbbefcene :  Thomas^hecaufe 
 thou  haJtfeeyiemetthoH  haft  heleeve  d.  There  is  a  compof. 
 fibilitic  of.  faith  and  evidence  in  divcrfc  reipe<5ts,  whereby 
 they  may  both  ftand  together  in  the  fame  man,  about  the 
 fame  obje61:,  albeit  faith  reft  not  upon  that  evidence,  biit 
 upon  divine  revelation.  Faith  and  Science,  are  habits  that 
 may  ftand  together.  Faith  by  authoritie  revealed.  Know- 
 ledge or  Science  by  evident  demonftration.  For  albeit  faith 
 exceed  the  dimenfion  of  realbn^  yet  reafon  is  fubordinate  to 
 it,asfenfeistounderfl:anding:  and  therefore  as  it  is  no  in- 
 convenience to  fay,  wee  underftand  the  thing  wee  lee ;  no 
 more  is  it  to  lay,  weebeleeve  that  which  i%  evident  in  di- 
 vcrie  refpe6ts.  Many  divine  things  touching  God,  which 
 are  received  by  faith,  may  a  lib  be  found  out  by  naturall  rea- 
 fon. And  if  things,  credible  by  themanifeft  likelyhoodof 
 truth  which  they  have  in  themfelvcs,  bee  made  more  incre- 
 dible by  the  knowne  condition  and  qualitie  of  the  utterer, 
 faith  relying  upon  the  authoritieof  the  revealer,  may  bee 
 ftrengthened  by  the  probabilitie  of  the  thing, 
 
 C  2  Faith 
 
 Gen, 15  g. 
 
 Deutr.ji. 
 
 Exod-4.3r.  & 
 14.31. 
 
 Chron.2020. 
 
 Pfal.ii^.io. 
 
 JoImo  4^ 
 
20 
 
 Faiihis'an^ffe^t, 
 
 i^Firnte. 
 
 Phil.i.5. 
 2  Timi.14' 
 
 Rom.8.38. 
 
 Heb.ri.T. 
 
 Tet femitimes  dc 
 e§7npMud<»itb 
 
 Matth.i4°3i' 
 
 Mark.ii-25° 
 
 Luke  ii.i^i 
 Jam.i.^. 
 
 M»rfc.  9.2,4. 
 
 Rom.4'i<^* 
 
 Ronn.4.i9jao. 
 
 Faith  is  a  firme  aflfencas  appearech  by  tfaeoriginall  of  the 
 word>6c  the  arguments  wherwith  it  is  joyned.  [amferfiva- 
 dedefthe  fame  thirtg,  that  he  which  hath  begun  this  good 
 vorke  in yoHjwill^er forme  it  Hntillth^daj  ofjefiu  Chrifi. 
 Continue  thou  in  the  things  which  thoH haft  learned,  and 
 art  ajfured  of.  For  thereby  tree  k?ow  that  rcee  are  of  the 
 truth^andfhall  before  him  ajfure  our  hearts,  lam  ferfvca- 
 dedythat  neither  life,  nor  death ^nor  Angels^  nor  frincifali- 
 ties,  &c.  where  the  grounds  of  this  perfwafion  (hew  it  to  be 
 firn:;€  &  infallible.  And  it  is  further  manifefted  by  the  defi- 
 nition of  faith  given  by  the  Apoftlcjcallingit,  The  evidence 
 of  things  notfeene:  becaufc  it  doth  rcprefent  thofe  things 
 to  the  mind  by  a  certaine  affent,  and  to  the  heart  by  certain 
 confidence,  which  cannot  be  comprehended  by  realbn. 
 
 But  though  faith  in  it  felfc  be  a  firme  aflent,  yet  by  rea- 
 
 fon  of  our  infirmity  it  is  fometimes  accompanied  with  doub- 
 
 tings.  The  things,beleeved  of  all,are  one  and  the  lame :  but 
 
 the  habit,quality,or  inward  ftrength^by  which  they  bclcevcj 
 
 is  not  of  like  force  in  all .  In  it  owne  nature  faith  is  oppofite 
 
 to  doubting  and  wavering ;  O  than  of  tittle  faithiwherefore 
 
 didfi  thofi  doubt  f  If  ye  havefaith,&  doubt  not.  fVhofoever 
 
 fhallfay  Unto  this  mount a,ine->  Take  thy  f elf e  away  ■>  andcaft 
 
 thy  feife  into  the  feat,  and  (hall  not  vtavtr  iH  his  heart,  bftt 
 
 ^alibeleeve  that  thole  things  h&e faith,  fhatt come  topajfe. 
 
 Therefore  atke  notrphatyejhalleat,or  what  ye  jhall  drin^e: 
 
 neither  let  doubtfullthof4(rhts  a'cendin  your  hearts.   Aske 
 
 in  faith,  and  waver  not.  B?5r  thpoegh  our  weaknefleit  is 
 
 often  mh.cd  with  doubtings :  Lord  I  heleeve,  helf  mine 
 
 unbeleefe.  Abraham  is  commended  for  his  fakh,  and  pro* 
 
 pounded  by  the  Holy  Ghoft  as  a  patterne  to  all  his  pofte- 
 
 ririe :  yet  was  hee  not  free  from  infirmities,  as  the  fk)ric 
 
 Aewechin  diverfe  particulars.  The  Apciftle  writeth  thus 
 
 c£ihtfaitii  of  Abraham  '  p/tnd  b^iirg  not  weake  in  faith,-. 
 
 he  confderednothis  owne  body  now  dead->when  he  was  about 
 
 an  hundred  yeeres  old,  neither  yet  the  deadneffe  of  Sarahs 
 
 womb.    Hee  fiaggered  not  at  the  promife  of  God  through 
 
 unheleefe:  but  was  fir  ong  in  faith  y  giving  glorie  to.  Cjod. 
 
 He 
 
Faith  u  an  ^Jjent, 
 
 Hee  doubted  not  through  infideliticj  but  of  fnfirmitie  hee 
 doubted,  when  hee  tcoke  Hagar  j  and  requefted  Sarah  to 
 fay,  (hee  was  hisfiftcr.  Much  is  fpoken  in  Scripture  of  the 
 hithoiDavid :  but  he  was  (baken  many  times,  as  he  con- 
 fclfeth  of  bimfelfe ;  Ifaid  m  mine  hafid  lam  cut  affionu 
 before  thine  eyes.  Verily  J  have  cleanfedmy  heart  in  vaine, 
 attdwafhed  mine  hands  in  innocencie.  I  {aid  in  my  hafit, 
 AU  men  are  Hers.  And  though  it  beoutof  queftion,  irat 
 we  are  to  endcvbur  for  the  perfection,  as  of  all  other  graces 
 of  Gods  Spirit,  fo  of  that  feith  whereby  wee  give  aflent  to 
 what  God  hath  revealed:  yetbyteafonofour  weakneflc 
 ircomestopafle,  that  doublings  doc  many  cimcf  arife  in 
 our  hearts. 
 
 The  ^ifent  that  faith  gives  to  the  word  of  Godis  ab- 
 fblotc  and  unlimited;  v/«..  to  the  whole  truth,  promilcs, 
 ihreatmngs,  commandements.  It  will  not  take  and  leave 
 at  pleaforc,  but  if  it  apprehend  in  one  thing  what  the 
 Lord  fiitb,  it  will  receive  bis  teftimony,  if  it  can  appre- 
 henditlcobe;cf  God,  in  <yerie  thing,  and  thatfimply  be» 
 caufe  it  h  the  word  of  God,  though  it  exceed  humane  ca- 
 ipicitic  iand  likelyhood.  So  worjhip  Ithe  CJodofmy  Fa- 
 thtrsiiftleeving  ail  things  that  are  vfrittin  in  the  Law  and 
 the  Pi^of hits. 
 
 It  is  ti  (inne  for  a  man  not  tol)eleevc  whatfbevcr  God 
 hathitjade  knowne  in  his  Word,  and  in  that  rei[)e6Ht  is 
 damnable  not  tobeleevc,  or  to  mif-beleeve  any  thing :  But 
 throttgh-ignorance  and  infirmitie  aChriRianmay  mifbe- 
 leeve  many  things  without  the  danger  of  damnation. 
 Faithh  fliouldfece  entire  in  all  things,  muftbee  entire  in  i\\ 
 fijnd&mcntill  points;  withont  the  knowledge  and  faith  of 
 wbichj  iftidno^agc  and  difcrerion  cannot  bee  faved:  but 
 all  errotir  iftd"  i^if-beleefe  doth  not  deftroy  the  truth  of 
 ftithi  n6  tndfe  than  cverie  imperfcj^ion  doth  the  truth  of 
 righte^urncflcTw  A  man  may  mii^underftand  diverfe  places 
 of  Scnpcnrev  and  thereupon  hold  that  to  beetrue  which  is 
 falfe,  ^ttd'yct  bee  faved  for  all  this  errour.  The  Apof^les 
 thctelekei,'foi?*Jo5g  cimei  even  tiUaftcr  the  Afccnfion  of 
 ■  •  "  ^''"■'•,'  .  C  5  our 
 
 21 
 
 Gen- 16 1  J,4. 
 
 and  116  lu 
 
 2»  Ay f elm  9, 
 
 hSi%  z\i.\t 
 
 Aa*i.^.&».2,i. 
 
22 
 
 Faithuanj^jjent* 
 
 prai.72.17. 
 
 Dan-2./!4. 
 
 Ails  II.2,: 
 
 our  Saviour  into  Heaven,  and  till  the  comming  of  the  HoJy 
 Ghoftuf>on  them,  looked  for  the  eliablifhment  of  an  earth- 
 ly Kingdofne  in  this  world  By  their  Lord  and  Mafter.  Did 
 they  not  flip  into  this  errour,  by  mifTbeleeving  the  prophe- 
 cies of  the  OIdTeftamenr,concerning  the  LMeJfiahs  King- 
 dome?  yet  were  they  out  of  danger  of  damnation,  and  in 
 the  ftate  of  grace.all  that  timcbecaufe  they  refted  on  Ghrift, 
 as  the  Ipirituall  Saviour  of  their  foiiles,  that  fliould  takea- 
 way their  finnes,  and  bring  them  to  everkfting  li^o,  in 
 Heaven,  though  they  crroneoufly  hoped  for  a  temporal! 
 kingdome  alfo.  And  after  they  had  received  the  gifts  of  the 
 Holy  Ghoft,  for  a  time  they  were  ignorant  of  the  conver- 
 fionof  the  Gentiles,  Hee  that  beleeveththe  truth  in  one 
 thing,  becaufe  God  hath  revealed  it,  mW.  beleeve  evcrie 
 thing  that  hennderftandeth  to  be  revealed  of  God :,  But  he 
 that  holdeth  the  foundation  of  faith  firme,  and  ftable,  may 
 diffent  in  fome  things  from  that  vvhichis  generally  holden, 
 without  perill  of  damnation  jibecaufe  hee  difce^aetfa  it  not 
 tobeof God.  '    • 
 
 Faith  is  an  evident  aflent :  perfpicuitieof  truth  in  the 
 objeil:  apprehended,  and  certaintieof  perfvva{ion,are  two 
 twins  that  live  and  dye  together.  In  this  \i(Q  it  is  impoi- 
 fible  for  us  fully  to  comprehend  any  one  point  of  Cbriftian  ■ 
 faith  i  yet  are  they  plaine  and  perlpicuous  in  a  fort  to  the 
 fpirituall,  not  to  the  naturall  man.  There  is  a  manifefta- 
 tion  of  things  by  reafon,  and  by  revelation :  and  there  is  an 
 evidence  dire6i',  and  an  evidence  by  confequence:  an  tyi- 
 eenceof  the  thing  in  it  ielfe,  and  by  the  effect :  an  evi- 
 dence to  the  naturall  man-  and  an  evidence  to  thelpiritualJ 
 man.  Matters  of  faith  are  manifeit  by  revelation,  but  to 
 reafon unfearchable,  incomprehenfible :  feene  byfaith,  to 
 the  naturall  maninvifible,  incredible.  The  Divinitieof  the 
 Scripture  is  in  it  felfe  evident  to  the  fpirituall  man,  foisit, 
 that  there  is  a  Providence*  other  things  are  evident  ftom 
 this  ground ;  That  all  truth  contained  in  Scripture  is  to  bee 
 imbraced,  though  with  oppofition  to  all  other  profefti- 
 ons ;  and  that  the  profelsion  of  Religion:  is  not  j:p  l)!ee  re- 
 
 linquiflied. 
 
 "i.  Evident. 
 
Faith  is  an  ^ffent. 
 
 23 
 
 linqoifhed,  nor  good  fuccefle  to  be  deljjaired  of,  for  all  the 
 arguments  the  Devrllr  the  World,  and  theFlefh  caa  op» 
 poie  agamtt  them. 
 
 The  apprehenfion  of  the  joyes  of  Heaven  cannot  bee  di- 
 ftin£l  and  evident  in  this  life :  but  that  God  hath  provided 
 fuch  joyes  for  his  Eledi,  as  it  is  certaine  from  tcflimonyof 
 Scripture,  fo  it  is  evident  from  tiie  prefent  peace  of  con(ci- 
 ence,  which  the  faithfnll  enjoy.  Beloved  (faith  the  Apoftle) 
 »ow  we  are  the  [ons  ofCjody  and  yet  it  doth  not  appeare  what 
 we /halite  :  but  we  know  that  when  he  fr^all  appeare  ywefhali 
 he  Ukehitn :  for  we  (hall  fee  him  Of  he  is.  The  joyes  which 
 be  prepared  for  the  godly , and  of  which  the  Apoftle  ftedfaft- 
 ly  hoped  to  be  partaker,  areasyecunfeene :  but  that  they 
 (halladlually  be  accompliOiedi  is  confirmed  by  the  faithfull 
 promife  of  God^  whereof  wee  have  evident  and  follaffu- 
 rance.  The  Apoftle  defcribing  faith  to  be  f^^  evidence  of 
 things  not  feene,  doth  it  not  to  dilparage  the  evidence,  but 
 rather  to  fet  forth  the  cxcellencie  of  that  heavenly  grace, 
 which  includes  an  evident  knowledge  arid  apprehenfion  of 
 jfome  things  prcfent,  which  the  world  fees  not . 
 
 Faith  alfo  is  in  fome  fort  an  aflerit  diicurfive,  as  from  ma- 
 nifeftrexperiences  of  Gods  works  and  favours  wrought  and 
 vouchfafed  according  to  the  word  of  promife,  the  Saints  in- 
 ferre  a  poffibilitie,  or  certaintie  of  like  to  cnfue.  Thus  Da- 
 vid, The  Lord  that  delivered  me  oHt  of  the  paw  of  the  Li- 
 on,  and  out  of  the  paw  of  the  Beare,  he  will  deliver  jne  out 
 of  the  hand  of  this  Philifiine.  Nothing  is  more  ordinarie 
 in  the  Book  of  the  Pfalmes,  than  for  the  fervants  of  God  to 
 draw  conclufions  of  future  prote6lion,  deliverance,help,and 
 comfort  from  prefent  or  former  blefsings.  /  call  to  remem- 
 brance my  fong  in  the  night ',  I  commune  with  mineowne 
 heart,  and  my  f^  irit  made  diligent  fearch .  We  received  the 
 fentence  of  death  in  our  [elves,  becanfe  wefhouldnot  trnfl  in 
 oHrfelves,but  in  God  who  rat  fed  the  dead.  Who  delivered  ui 
 from  fo  great  a  deaths  &  doth  deliver  m  ;  in  whom  we  trufl, 
 that  yet  hereafter  he  will  deliver  m.  I  fervently  looh^for  & 
 hope,  that  in  nothing  I  [hall  be  afhamed-  but  that  with  all 
 
 C  4  confidence 
 
 Ij0[..3.2. 
 
 Heb.ix.i." 
 
 4.  Dijcur- 
 
 ftve. 
 
 I  sam.17.37. 
 
 prai.3,5. 
 prai.77.tf.  & 
 
 ,  CoM.JrjIO. 
 
24 
 
 Faith  is  an  affiance  or  confidence, 
 
 aTim.4-x7,x8. 
 
 §.3. 
 
 iaith  is  an  affi- 
 anceor  eanfidence. 
 
 a  Chren.30.ao. 
 Geneva*. 
 'Pfal.a7.1j. 
 
 Pfil.78.37. 
 
 Pfal.78.2a. 
 
 a  1  Chro.V.io. 
 
 Pfal.7853.and 
 
 X4'..3. 
 
 Prov.i'.tTaf. 
 
 Pfal.-i.S.&iap. 
 
 ffay  72. 2. 
 PAI.112.7. 
 
 >»fal.i25.i. 
 Prov.3.5. 
 b  Pfal.2i2. 
 
 I'PUlI.Io 
 
 ;Pfa].36.7. 
 
 coftfide/ice,  at  alw^iesyfo  nowtChrifipaU  he  magnified  in  my 
 hodjii  whether  it  be  hy  life  or  death,  I  was  delivered  out 
 of  the  month  of  the  LioK  ••  jind  the  Lord  will  deliver  mee  \ 
 from  everie  evill  workey  atfdwill preferve  me  ueto  his  hea- 
 venly lOngdome . 
 
 §.  5 .  Moreover,  Juftifying  faith  is  an  djedienEJall  con- 
 fidence, or  affiance  conjoyned  with  affedHon  ofpietie,fim- 
 ply  and  in  comparifon  cleaving  to  the  mercie  of  God  in  Je- 
 fusChriftas  better  than  life,  and  to  die  Commandemcnts 
 of  God,  as  neceflarie,  good,  worthy  to  be  ftuck  unto,  not 
 onely  whileft  confidered  in  themfelves,  pringenerall,  or 
 without  fuch  incumbrances  and  occurrences,  as  doe  often  i 
 interpofe ,  or  hinder  pra6lice ;  but  even  whileft  a<5^ually 
 compared  with  prefent  lofle  of  any  fenfuali  good  thing,  or 
 infli6lionpf  any  tecpporallcvUl* wherewith  the  World,  the 
 Devill,  or  the  Flefhscanoppofe  their  price. 
 
 That  faith  is  an  affiance,  or  reftingupon  the  promifes,ap- 
 peareth  by  the  feverall  words  ufed  to  exprelTe  the  nature  of 
 that  faith  or  beleefe,  which  the  Lord  requireth  of  his  peo- 
 ple, to  the  end  they  might  receive  any  bleffing  from  him,  or  1 
 have  hisprotef^ion  or  afliftance.  The  firft  word  is  tranfla- 
 ttdBeleevey  but  fignifieth  fiich  a  beleefeasis  oppofed  to 
 fainting:  I  had  faint  ed,  unlejfe  I  hadbeleevedto  fee  the 
 goodnes  of  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the  living.  And  it  imply- 
 eth  truft  in  the  vvord  of  God,  as  fure  and  ftable :  it  is  fbme- 
 times  tranQated7?^^<«i?,or  conflant^H  expounded  by  trufiy 
 they  beleeved  not  in  God->andtrMjlednotinhi^  falvatfon. 
 
 The  fecond  word  is  oppoled  to  feeblenelTe  of  mind,feare 
 and  doubt, and  imports  a  to  trttflfecurely :  IwilltrHFl^nd 
 not  be  afraid.  He  f)iiU  not  he  afraid  of  evill  tidings  :  hu 
 heart  is  fixed  trufling  in  the  Lord-  They  that  truB  in  the 
 Lordfhallhe  of  Mount  Siony'^hich  cannot  he  removed,  hm 
 abideth  forever. 
 
 The  thrid  is  rendred  to  trufiy  but  fignifieth  to  betake 
 himfelfe  to  one, as  to  his  caflle  or  hiding  ^lace.  b  Blejfedare 
 all  they  that  put  their  trufi-inhim;  How  excellent  is  thj 
 loving  kindneJfeyO  Lordy  therefore  the  children  of  men  put 
 
 their 
 
Faith  IS  an  ajftance  or  confidence. 
 
 25 
 
 their trffjf^ attderthcjhadownffthjfwifigs.  Tht  Lordrtcom- 
 pence  thy  rverkt  ^and  a  fnll  reward  i^e  given  thee  of  the  Lord 
 God  of  Ifraeli  under  rfhofe  veings  thou  art  come  to  trn^. 
 The  righteous  foall  if  e glad  in  the  Lord,  andJhaUtrnFt  in  j 
 him.  The  Lord  is  goody  aftrong  hold  in  the  day  of  tronhlej  I 
 and  he  k^oweth  them  that  trufi  in  him.  Hence  God  is  cal- 
 led ourfroteUiony  $r  hiding  palace,  to  which  wee  may  flit  in 
 troubleyand  find fhelter :  God  is  our  refuge  and Jhre^gth,  a 
 verieprefent  help  in  time  of  tronhle. 
 
 The  fourth  is  to  leane  itfont  even  as  a  man  would  ftay 
 himlelfcona  fhfteywbercwkhheis  onderproppcd.  <^Be. 
 can fe thou  haft  relyednpon  the  King  «/ Syria,  &  not  relied 
 onthe  Lord  thy  Gody  therfore  is  the  Hoft  of  the  King  of  Sy~ 
 via.  efcaped  out  of  thy  hand.  Were  »<>rfi&^ Ethiopians  &  the 
 LuhJms  a  huge  hofiy  with  verjemany  chariots  &  horfetnen? 
 jet  becaufethou  didftrely  upon  the  Lordjje deliveredthem 
 itttothinejoand.  AnuiitjhallcometopaJJeinthatdayy  that 
 the  remnant  of  ifvicly  and'jfuch  4#  are  efcaped  of  the  houfe  of 
 Jicoh^Jhall  no  wore  againe  Jhay  upon  him  that  fmote  them, 
 but  (haU  fiay  upon  the  Lordi^theMy  one  in  truth .  Two  of 
 theie  words  arc  ufed  together  in  diverfe'  places,  and  may 
 ferve  to  expound  eachother :  Wherefore  fhus  faith  the  holy 
 tf»^  tf/I(rael :  Becatffe  ye  dejpife  this  word,  and  trujt  inop- 
 prejfitin  andpervar^e^e^andjlay  thereon .  Woe  to  them  that 
 gee  downe  toEgyptforhelpy  and  flay  on  horfes,  andtruj}  in 
 chariots y  becatife  they  are  many ;  and  horfemeny  btcaufe 
 they  are  vtrie  fl;rong  :  but  they  looke  not  unto  the  holy  one 
 of  Iftacly  neither  fee  ke  the  Lord.  JVho  is  among  you  that 
 feareth  the  Lordythat  obeyeth  the  voyce  of  his  fervantythat 
 nalketh  in  darknejje,  and  hath  no  light y  let  him^tuft  in  the 
 name  of  the  L  ordy  andjiay  upon  his  God. 
 
 lAnother  word  there  is  almoft  ofthe  Time  Signification, 
 which  noteth,  with  all  the  mind  and  thought  confidently  to 
 leane,  or  flay  upon  a  prop.  They  call  themfelves  of  the  holy 
 Qiticyand  flay  themfelves  Pipon  the  Lard  God  of  ifrael,  the 
 Lord  of  Hofis  is  his  name.  So  it  is  noted  of  the  people  of 
 Ifrael,  that  they  refiedy  or  leaned  upon  the  words  of  King  | 
 
 Hex.ekiahy  I 
 
 Ru  hi-Ta- 
 Nah  1.7. 
 
 pr3i.4<f  t. 
 
 Joel  J  16, 
 
 c  '-  Chroni*. 
 
 2  Chron.iT.ix. 
 Prov.3  5. 
 iCaj  JT  I. 
 aChron.i3-j'' 
 
 Ifay  10. 
 
 Ifay  3-  IS. 
 Ifay  3 1. X. 
 
 1%  50.10. 
 
 Ifay  4'?  i. 
 
16 
 
 2Chron.J».8. 
 
 pfal.yro/. 
 Pfel.ni.738- 
 
 ira.2(J.aj3,1» 
 
 Fanh  is  an  a^tance  or  confidence. 
 
 \ 
 
 Pfal.22-8. 
 
 Pfal.J7-J- 
 P10V.163. 
 
 ajerem.17.5. 
 b  Pfal.6z.e,7. 
 
 c  Pral.r.12.  & 
 S4.8. 
 
 Mark.i^.rtf. 
 Efay  2&g. 
 Rom.5.1. 
 
 pnizz.j. 
 
 Rom.io.ir. 
 
 Pfal.ri2.7,8. 
 
 Heb  10.38. 
 
 d  Matth.  9.2,22, 
 
 Lut5.20. 
 
 iJob.5.!3,i4. 
 
 A9:5 17.25. 
 
 Luk.i6.ii-. 
 
 Rom. 3.^. 
 
 &-4.r9. 
 
 Ma1k.11.54. 
 
 H€z.€kiah,  comforting  them  againft  the  rage  o£  Senache- 
 rib.  This  word  is  coupled  fometimes  with  one  or  two  o- 
 thers ;  Thou  art  my  ho^ej  O  Lord  God,  thou  an  my  truft 
 from  my  youth ,  By  th  ee  have  I  beene  holden  up  or  under- 
 vropded,  from  the  rvomb,  Hee  jhall  not  bee  afiaidfor  evill 
 tidinirs  ;  hi^  heart  is  fixed,  trttfiing  in  the  Lord.  His  heart 
 is  efiablijhed,  hee  jhall  not  be  afiaid-,  untillhee  fee  his  defire 
 Hfon  his  enemies.  Openyee  the  gates y  that  the  right eom 
 nation  rehich  keepeth  the  truth j  may  enter  in.  Thou  wilt 
 k^ep  him  in  perfeti  peace)  whofe  mind  is  fiayed  on  thee ;  be- 
 caufe  he  trufteth  in  thee.  Truflyee  in  the  Lord  for  ever  i 
 for  in  the  Z(?r<^Jehovah  is  everlafiing  flrength.     --'    ' 
 
 The  fixth  word  fignifies,f<?  roll,  or  caFt  himfelfekpon  the 
 Lord',  as  a  man,  in  danger  of  drowning,  catcheth  faft  hold 
 of  (bme  willow,  or  other  thingthathangeth  over  the  water, 
 and  is  at  hand ;  or  as  hee  that  is  preffed  with  a  greivous- 
 burden  above  hisftrength,  eafeth  himfelfe,  reftingit  upon 
 ibme^oft  or  block  that  is  able  to  beare  it .  He  trufied  in  the 
 Lord  that  he  would  deliver  him  *  let  him  deliver  him^  fee- 
 ing he  rolled  himfelfeon  the  Lord*  Rollthy  way  upon  the 
 Lord ;  trufi  in  him,  and  he  (hall  bring  it  to  paffe.  %oJl  thy ' 
 Works  upon  the  Lordyandthy  thoughts  (hall  be  efiabli/hed. 
 a  To  truft  in  man  is  to  make  man  his  arme,  letting  his  heart 
 goeback  from  God  :  ^  and  to  truft  in  Godj  is  to  place  our 
 ftrength  in  him. 
 
 In  the  Scriptures,  confidence  is  ofc  put  for  faith,and  truft 
 expounded  by  beleefe :  c  as  where  the  Old  Teftament  com- 
 mandeth  truft,  the  Nevv  Teftament  requireth  faith:  and  in 
 theNewTeftamentthe  fame  things  are  attributed  to  faith 
 and  beleevers,  which  in  the  Old  Teftament  are  attributed 
 to  confidence,  and  them  that  truft  in  the  Lord.  In  the  New 
 ^  Teftament,Faith  and  beleefe  are  put  for  tf  uft  and  aflffance  ; 
 and  to  beleeveis  not  onely  to  aflent,  but  to  reft  upon  and 
 embrace.  The  phrafe  which  the  Holy  Ghoft  moft  com- 
 monly ufeth  toexprefl'e  Beleevingin  C^r/^,  is  neither  in 
 the  Greek  TranQation  of  the  Old  Teftament,  nor  (for  ought 
 hath  beene  yet  obferved)  in  any  Greek  Author  whatfoever, 
 
 except 
 
Faith  is  an  affiance  or  confidence* 
 
 ..■■■I  j-B  ...' ■■ .  ■.,  .am.--  ■■!>.,, !■* 
 
 «7 
 
 except  thofe  that  did  write  finccj  and  tooke  it  from  the 
 Scripture.  To  beleevein  God,  or  in  Chrift,  is  for  fubftance 
 and  fenfej  to  triift  to  God,  or  Chrift^  and  this  kind  of 
 fpeech  is  ufuall  amongft  Greek  Writers.  To  help  us  in  the 
 underftandingofthfs  matter,  the  Seventie  in  their  Greek 
 afford  another  phrafe  marvellous  figniiicant,  To  beleeveon, 
 otupoK  Cod.  This  the  Holy  Ghoft  ufeth  often :  but  withall 
 .h^  becomes  the  Autborof  anewephrafehimfelfe,  to  make 
 •jUs  the  more  eafily  and  fully  underftand  what  faith  bee  mea- 
 neth  in  the  matter  of  our  Juftification.  And  though  the 
 ^fphraie  be  fbmetimes  ufed,  when  true  and  lively  confidence 
 4s  not  underftood;  yet  it  is  more  than  probable,  that  the 
 Holy  Ghoftjby  this  new  manner  of  fpeech,would  propound 
 ipmewhat  more  than  bare  aflenting  to  the  truth  of  what  was 
 promifed.  And  if  wee  confiderthe  paflagesof  Scripture, 
 jwhereinthe  phrafeisufed,  it  will  bee  plaine  and  evident. 
 ^Tqhimth/it  work^thmt,  hut  bfileeveth  on'him  that  jufii- 
 .fieth-^^^e.ftngcdljii  hpi-faith  is  counted  for  righteaufne^e. 
 ; Wbat  is  tkiSy'Beiee'vethofi  him  that.JHfiifieth  the  ungodly^ 
 jio  more,  but  beleeving  thofe  things  tobee  true,  which  hee 
 affirmeth,  who  juftifieth  the  ungodly  ?  that  is  not  probable. 
 3eholdi  my  in  Sion  a  flttmblingftonei  atid  rock^  of  offeftce; 
 (Ond  T^hefoe/pir  belee'Veth  on  htm^fhall  not  he  djhamed.  How 
 can  a  man  beleeve  on  this  rock,  unlefle  he  leane  upop  it,  or 
 ftick  and  adhere  unto  it  ? 
 
 Faith  looketh  at  the promifes  as  true,  and  putteth  forth 
 jit  fclfe,  to  receive  and  fembrace  them  as  good ;  which  can- 
 not be  done  by  abareperlwafionof  themind.  If  the  pro- 
 mifes were  onely  trucy  but  no  wayes  beneficiall,  there 
 might  bee  an  affured  perfwafion  of  them  in  mind,  without 
 any  affed^ion  or  moving  of  will  towards  them :  But  faith 
 adhereth  to  the  word  as  goodtomee,  as  well  as  true  in  it 
 felfe,  which  cannot  bee  done  without  a  godly  affection 
 ..embracing it.  To  beleeve  on  Chrift,is,  to  receive  him.  And 
 what  is  this  receiving  ?  Not  onely  a  comprehenfion  of 
 the  underftanding,  but  an  embracing  of  the  heart  and  affe- 
 6lion,  laying  hold  on  him,  as  wee  take  that  with  the  hands 
 
 1  :,y  which 
 
 •*  •  ' , 
 
 ^.  Pial.2.i2. 
 
 2  Chron.Ig.7. 
 
 Pral-77.26.&: 
 iri.7'  &  124.1. 
 Sept. 
 e  i\{. 
 
 Afts  19.4.  and 
 
 ,&: 
 
 4.24. 
 
 Manh.i'.42 
 
 Joh.i.rs. 
 
 f  Joh.a.aj.  & 
 
 12.42. 
 
 Rom.4,5. 
 
 Rom. 9.^  3. 
 
 I  Pct.2.^. 
 
 JofM.12". 
 
 Col.2.e» 
 
28 
 
 Fauh  IS  an  a^ianceorcon^dence. 
 
 Rom.9  JJ. 
 X  Pet. 2.''. 
 Joh.i4.i.&3  I*- 
 &  5».35,;6. 
 s,  Matth.r6»i6' 
 joh.ia.jt. 
 Rom.xo.?. 
 I  Cor.t^2,  3,4. 
 AftsJ.Jj. 
 
 Joh.4.15. 
 
 Mark.ii4« 
 
 which  is  reached  unco  us.  Beleevingon  Chriftis  implyed 
 in  the  phrafe  o^goingi  or  commtng  to  Chrifi  j  which  going, 
 no  doobt,is  rather  a  fpirituall  mocionof  the  heart  andafFe- 
 (fticns  towards  Chrift,  than  a  contenTplation  oftbc  mind 
 contented  to  fee  and  beholdhim. 
 
 The  Holy  Ghoft,  (peaking  of  juftifying  faith,doth  ufethc 
 entire  phrafc  ^ of  y»i>^  in  God  and  Chrifi ^  or  on  God  and 
 Chrifti  which  either  there  or  elfewhere  is  declared  by  con- 
 fidence, or  truft  in  God  and  Chrift.  And  the  fame  muft  be 
 underftood,  when  nothing  is  added>  gbutlifeorjuftificati- 
 on  is  attributed  to  belcefe>  that  Jefw  Chrifi  is  the  fon  of 
 God.  For  it  is  a  genera  II  rule,  that  words  of  knowledge  are 
 words  of  affe(5tion,  much  more  words  of  beleefe. 
 
 As  the  people  of  God  looked  for^eMeffias,  fb  iaecor- 
 ding  to  the  prophecies,  they  promilcd  to  themfclvcs  all 
 good  in  &  by  theMedias.  Tne  woman  o(  Samaria  could 
 fay,  fVhen  the  Meflias  commeth,  he  wilt  teach  tu  all  thimgs  : 
 Where  we  may  fee,  that  there  was  not  onely  a  knowlcdjge 
 of  Chrift  to  come,  bur  an  expc6J:ation  and  hope  placed  in 
 him,  iS  in  whom  all  good  things  promifed,  (houkf  beeac- 
 complifhed.  So  that  if  weeconfidcr  the  difpofition  of  the 
 people,  whole  hope  did  hang  on  the  Meflfias,  we  may  plain- 
 ly underftand,  thattobcleeve  theMefiat,  isiK)toncfyi30 
 know, bot  to  have  anaflfiance  irt  him. 
 
 If  by  beleeving  that  Jefus  is  Chrift,  no  rrtcx'e  bee  meant 
 but  bare  aCentingunto  that  truth,  then  the  Devils  profefle 
 as  much.  But  that  beleefe  to  which  life  is  afcribed  is  ndt 
 a  bare  ad'ion  of  the  underftanding,  l5TJt  of  the  heart  and 
 will.  It  is  fuch  a  beleefe,  as  whereby  Chrift  is  to  our  hearts 
 that  which  weebeleeve  him  to  be:  whereby  wee  come  to 
 Chrift,  beleeve  in  him,  and  reft  upOtt  him  for  felvation: 
 whereby  Wee  beleeve  to  otir  owiic  ufe  and  comfort  that 
 which  wee  beleeve.  It  is  fuch  abeleefe  as  dc fircth,feekecba 
 embracetbjholdeth,  joycthinthac  which  it  beleevcth,  be- 
 caufe  therein  it  feeth peace;  whereby  wee fb beleeve,  that 
 Jefus  isf  Chrift,  as  that  according  to  that  we  beleeve  himto 
 be,  we  put  our  truft  and  confidence  in  him*  ■■"■^'  • 
 
 The 
 
Popifh  ObjeUtons  prevented. 
 
 19 
 
 The  faith  <^  Airaham  is  commended  forthcfirmc  al- 
 fenctbat  hec  gave  to  thepromife  of  God :  but  the  confi- 
 dence of  his  heart  reftingupon  and  cleaving  unto  thepro- 
 mife, isnotobfcurely  declared.  ForthcApoftle  faith.  A- 
 hraham  hcleeved  Mhovehofe,  thatisj  bee  conceived  firme 
 confidence  in  heart  of  the  truth  and  power  of  God. 
 Which  is  manifeft  bythc  Antithefis,  Hee  doubted  not  bj 
 Z  diftrufi  or  infidelitie ',  for  incredulitie  is  as  well  the  di- 
 ftruft  ^  of  heart,  as  the  hefitation  of  mind.  If  Ahraham-, 
 had  onely  acknowledged  the  truth  of  that  which  God 
 promifed ,  and  not  trufted  to  him  for  the  performance 
 thereof,  what  could  that  faith  have  profited  him  ?  What 
 can  it  availcanyman  tojuftification,  that  bee  holds  Jeliis 
 Chrift  to  be  the  onely  Saviour,  and  faiih  in  him  the  onely 
 mcanes  of  Salvation,  if  he  doe  notwithall  relye  upon  him 
 tobe  faved  by  his  mediation  ?  What,  that  the  Apoftlc  him- 
 feife  applying  that  particular  of  Abraham  to  all  beleevers, 
 cxpoundcth  that  beleeving,  by  confidence  in  or  relying  up- 
 on God :  rifhich  beleeved  e»  him  thatraifed  ftp  Jejm  our 
 Lord fi-om  the  dead. 
 
 Faith  is  the  [ubfianceoj things  ho^edfor^  and  the  evi- 
 dence of  things  notfeetje,  not  onely  hecaufe  it  makes  things 
 (peculatively  tofubfiftinthemind,  bur  much  more  becaufe 
 it  makes  them  ifiduciallytofubiift  in  the  heart,  as  appea- 
 rethby  theApoftle,  putting '^ilibftance  and  confidence  for 
 the  lame.  For  the  fubfirtence  of  things  hoped  for  is  truft 
 or  confidence,  whereby  wee  reft  on  the  promifes  divine, 
 knowing  and  being  perfwaded  that  God  will  make 
 good  whatfoever  hee  hath  fpoken  :  And  faith  is  the  fob- 
 ftancc  of  things  hoped  for,  becaufe  it  is  a  confident  refting 
 upon  God  forthe  accomplishment  of  what  hee  hath  fpo- 
 ken, as  if  it  were  already  fulfilled.  And  fbitis  thedemon- 
 ftration  of  things  to  come,  not  intelMuallonely,  butfi- 
 duciall :  which  is  a  fveet  motion  of  the  heart,  enlarging 
 itfelfe,  and  refting  in  the  mercic  of  God,  prelentand  to 
 come;  and  making  things  to  come  fnafort  prefent  to  the 
 heart,  in  rcipciSl  ot  the  prbmife  made  by  God,  and  the  tafte 
 
 and 
 
 am  prevmred. 
 
 Belief,  de  Juftif. 
 IfO.t  eap.f. 
 
 g  As  the  vulvar 
 
 hath  :t. 
 
 Rom-4.20« 
 
 h  Mapli. 14.31. 
 
 and  17.20. 
 
 MaFk.^.24* 
 
 Rom.4.?4. 
 
 Heb.ii.i. 
 'Bellar.dejitji. 
 lib. I,  idp.s. 
 
 i  Heb.4.i^.and 
 io-J2,55. 
 k  Heb.3.'<,T4. 
 a  Cor.9.4.aiK( 
 11.17. 
 Ezek,i9.y. 
 Mich.  5- 7. 
 Pfal.gS  ti. 
 Sept. 
 
30 
 
 PopjhObjeBions  prevented* 
 
 Heb.ii.j. 
 
 Ephef.3.12. 
 
 'Sellar.de^uji. 
 lih.l.  cap.6. 
 §.jf«4rM. 
 
 Joh.4.?.'. 
 
 and  inchoation  of  the  good  promifcd.  That  faith  is  an  af- 
 fentto  divine  revelation,  that  it  is  in  the  underftanding, 
 and  that  the  3.€t  of  faith  is  to  underftand,  no  man  deny  eth : 
 but  it  is  an  aflent  conjoyned  with  affiance,  not  a  bare,  but 
 fiduciallafl'ent:  which  is  referred  to  God  as  heeis  faith- 
 full  in  performing  promifes,  as  hope  is  referred  to  him,  as 
 hee  hath  power  and  authoritie  to  pcrforme  whatfoevcr  hee 
 hath  promiled. 
 
 The  Apoftle  faith,  Wee  have  boUnefe  andaccejfet  with 
 confidence  by  the  faith  ofChriB :  which  paflage  doth  rather 
 prove  faith  to  bee  confidence,  than  otherwife:  for  confi- 
 dence may  be  joyned  to  faith  as  his  proper  paflion,  A  man 
 is  faid  to  worke  by  reafon,  becaufe  hee  is  reafonable:  fb 
 faith  to  come  unto  God  with  confidence,  becaufe it  is  fi- 
 duciall.  Nothing  can  make  another  thing  hot,  which 
 hath  not  heat  in  it  felfe ;  nor  could  faith  ingender  confi- 
 dence in  the  beleever,  if  in  itjowne  nature  it  did  not  con- 
 tainc  the  fame.  God  is  love  cflentially  and  originally,  and 
 yet  hee  workethlove  in  us,  another  kind  of  love,  which  is 
 an  image  and  effe6l  of  his  love.  Love  in  which  wee  ob- 
 ferve  the  Commandements,  is  the  formall  effe<51:of  love, 
 the  cffeds  of  love  flow  from  love*  As  the  tffe^  is,  lb  is 
 thecaufe.  Can  the  waters  bee  Iwcet,  if  the  ibuntainc  bee 
 bitter?  Confidence  accompanying  faith relpedlcth  all  the 
 promifes  of  God,  and  is  the  ftore-houfe  of  aH  particular 
 confidence :  the  confidence  wrought  by  faith,  is  the  par- 
 ticular application  of  this  generall  confidence.  Confidence 
 confidered  as  it  doth  embrace  Chrift  with  a  certaine  affi- 
 ancej  is  the  forme  of  faith :  as  it  begetteth  in  us  quietnefle 
 of  confciencc,  and  confidence  of  libertie,  it  is  an  cfFe^  of 
 faith.  The  meaningof  the  Apoftle  fccmeth  to  bee  this; 
 Becaufe  wee  are  reconciled  unto  God  by  faith  in  Chi-ift, 
 therefore  in  confidence  (or  confidently)  wee  come  unto 
 God,  neither  diftruftino  nor  doubting  that  wee  have  ac- 
 ce{fe  unto  him.  So  that  by  confidencein  Chrift,  wee  have 
 confidence  in  God  toobtaine  thofe  things  that  wee  ftand 
 in  need  of.  Moreover,  confidence  is  oppofed  to  doubting, 
 
 when 
 
Fatth  is  an  obediemiall  affiance. 
 
 3^ 
 
 when  the  underftanding  doth  cleave  to  nekherpartof  the 
 contradiction,  but  doth  float  betwixt  both ;  and  to  diftrull, 
 when  the  will  doth  chuielnot  to  trul^  to  the  promifer.  And 
 if  we  expound  the  words  of  the  Apoftlein  the  paflage  be- 
 fore cited,  of  confidence  as  it  is  oppofed  to  doubting,  the 
 (enie  runneth- plainely.  By  faith  wee  havelbfcee  and  full 
 acceiTejthacwcdoenot  doubt,  but  wee  (liallobtaine  what 
 weaskc. 
 
 §.  4.  Faith  is  a  lively  obfequious  affiance,  joy ned  with 
 an  affedliion  of  pietie  :  for  ss  it  makes  plea  .for  mercie,  {o  it 
 tbrufteth  forward  in  obedience;  as  it  uniteth  the  heart  to 
 thepromiles,  foit  giuethfafttotheCommandements;  as 
 Z)4t/iV/ faith.  Teach  me  good  judgement  and  k»owledge,for 
 I  have  beleeved  thy  Cemmandements.  By  faith  Noah  mo- 
 vedwirh  re-verence.prepared  the  Arkefor  thefaving  of  his 
 hou-Jho/d.  Bj  faith  khrahsim  /eft  his  countrey  and  kjfidred, 
 andforlbok  all  ftrangerdigions  and  idols  to  follow  God: 
 Bj  faith  he  contentedly  abode  in  the  land  ofQiLnAnny  as  in  a 
 firange  landy  and  walking  from  place  to  place  remained  in 
 tents,  and  in  everie  place  fhewed  his  godly  devotion  in 
 making  an  Altar,  and  calling  upon  the  name  of  the  Lord: 
 He  kindly  yeelded  to  his  nephew  Lot,  for  avoiding  of  con- 
 tention j  charitably  rcfcued  him  when  hee  was  taken  prifb- 
 ner^  carefully  provided  a  wife  for  his  ioTilfaac-,  fervently 
 intreatcd  for  the  Citieof  Sodome ;  and  meekly  prayed  for 
 him  that  had  taken  his  wife,  Hee  is  honourably  commen- 
 ded by  Godhimfelfe  for  his  good  inftru6lion  to  hishoufe- 
 hold,  children  and  pofteritie,  that  they  might  walke  in  the 
 way es  of  the  Lord  •..  but  above  all  other  hee  approved  his 
 faith  in  this,  that  upon  Gods  Commandement  he  lb  readily 
 offered  up  his  fon  Ifaacjheins,  (after  Ifmae/stxpvilC^on)  his 
 onelyfon,  his  beloved  Ton,  and  concerning  whom  hee  had 
 received  the  promileof  life  and  ialvation,and  the  eflablifli- 
 mentof  the  Covenant. 
 
 xJl^ofes  confent  in  this  do61rine  maybe  found,  where 
 
 God  pronounceth  the  Law  of  the  ten  Commandcments, 
 
 teaching  all   duties  of  good  works  to  God  and  Man, 
 
 "  faying. 
 
 ^  Cor.t.i43ij. 
 a  Cor. J. 4. 
 1  Cor.8.22. 
 1  Cor. 10.2. 
 
 .    §.4- 
 Fafth  tt  an  ebedi- 
 
 entiall  affitnce. 
 
 Pfal.119  6S. 
 Heb.ii-7. 
 Gen. 12. 1, 
 Heb.ii.8_,9, 
 Gen.isS. 
 and  i-f'ij^' 
 
 Gen. 74  I. 
 Gen.8.123. 
 and  2U.17. 
 
 Gen.18.1^, 
 
 Hcb.ji  17, 
 
3» 
 
 Faith  is  an  ohediem'sallaj^iancem 
 
 Ex<9d.20.I,2. 
 Ratiiol.  xApol. 
 The/.  S6SI.4. 
 Zanch  de  RS' 
 dcmpt.lib.i.c^p. 
 12.  depfttcept. 
 Tilen.  Syntag, 
 part. 1.  cap. "^6' 
 § .  r8,ISi.28,29. 
 Tffr^zw  Golden 
 Chaiiie,  cap.20. 
 ffrfin.explic. 
 eatecb.  &c- 
 Deut.6.i2. 
 Deut.aCrj' 
 
 Pfal.iKf.io. 
 
 2  Chron.  i6.?>5. 
 
 Pfal.jS.S. 
 Mal.i.tf.' 
 
 Gal. 5.26. 
 
 faying,  /  am  the  Lord  thy  god ;  he  thereupon  inferreth  all 
 their  obedience  to  thofe  Commandements.  For  what  is, 
 Jam  the  Lord  thy  Godyhm.  the  covenant  of  faith  to  be  their 
 God  in  the  promife  of  Chrift  >  upon  this  hee  requiring 
 obedience  in  a  godly  life,  doth  infinuatc,  that  they  which 
 beleeve  God  to  be  their  God,  nnuft  declare  the  iame  by 
 obedience  to  bis  Commandements.  And  therefore  hee 
 faith  in  another  phcQiBewarethotf  forget  not  the  Lord  th^ 
 Godi  mt  kjiefing  his  Commandements :  which  fheweth 
 plainly,  that  where  difobedience  is,  there  is  no  faith;  for 
 how  can  hee  have  faith,  chat  forgetteth  him  in  whom  hee 
 fliould  beleeve?  And  this  dothmf<?/tf/aimeat,  when  hee 
 faith,  ThoH  ha^avoHchedthe  Lordthis  day  to  he  thy  ^ody 
 andtorvatks  inhitrpayes,  andf  keefehis  Statute Sy  and 
 his  Commandements  J  and  his  judgement  Sj  and  to  hearken 
 unto  his  voice.  Whereby  it  appeares,  that  unto  fairfi  in  co- 
 venanting with  God,  this  is  an  infeparablc  cOnfeqwcnt ;  that 
 i^^NC.  embrace  God  by  faith,  wee  muft  and  ought  to  follow 
 his  Commandements  by  our  deeds ;  and  hee  chat  doth  not 
 this  latter,  bewray  eth  chat  hee  kath  not  with  a  true  heart 
 and  faith  received  the  former. 
 
 To  beleeve  is  not  onely  to  give  credence  to  what  the 
 Saipture  faith,  but  to  embrace  what  is  faid  with  ah  entire 
 adherence  of  Ibule,  and  to  cleave  unto  it.  Hee  that  leineth 
 upon  the  Lord,  his  heart  is  upright  before  him:  and  hee,, 
 whole  Ipirit  cleaveth  not  ftedfaftly  unto  the  Lordj  is  in- 
 credulous. Therefore  the  Prophets  which  expound  the 
 Law,  in  the  perlbn  of  God,  lay  thus ;  zyi  Son  honoureth 
 hisVathery  and  a  Servant  his  Mafier  .*  If  then  I  he  a  Fa-^ 
 therjtvhere  is  my  honour  ?  and  if  I  he  a  Maftertwhere  is  my 
 feare  f  Now  wee  know  that  wee  are  Sonnes  no  way  but  by^ 
 faith :  Therefore  this  Prophet  inrendeth ,  that  wee  arc 
 nocjoyncdtothc  Lordbyftith,  either  as  his  people,  chil- 
 dren, orlcrvants,  or  that  he  is  our  God,  Fattier  and  Lord, 
 except  our  faith  be  unfained  and  operative  in  honour  and^ 
 feare.  And  another  Prophet  faith,  Iheleeved,  therefore  J, 
 f^akSi,  making  it  a  moft  aflurcd  thing,  that  a  lively  faith 
 
 will. 
 
1 
 
 Faith  is  an  obedtenttallAffiance, 
 
 33 
 
 will  fliew  it  felfe  by  outward  deeds ,  and  namely  pro- 
 feffion. 
 
 Mercie  and  obedience  are  linked ;  Chrift  is  both  a  Lord 
 and  Saviour:  and  that  faith  which  makes  plea  for  mercie, 
 doth  embrace  the  Commandements ;  that  which  receiveth 
 Chrift  as  a  Saviour,  fubmitteth  unto  him  as  a  Soveraigne. 
 The  ftrength  of  faith  is  equall  to  the  promifes  of  lifcj  and  to 
 the  offices  of  pietie  and  love :  or  if  there  be  any  difference, 
 it  is  weakeft  to  lay  hold  upon  the  promifes,  becauie  they 
 are  moft  Ipirituall,  and  furtheft  removed  from  fenfe.  Confi- 
 dence and  relying  upon  the  mercie  of  God  in  Chrift  for 
 falvation,may  be  leffe  than  care  and  abilitie  to  walk  in  obe- 
 dience, greater  it  cannot  be.  The  word  that  in  the  Old  Te- 
 ftament  fignifieth,  tofeekft  is  by  the  Seventie  tranflated, 
 i/^jp^-,  which  interpretation  the  Apoftle  alloweth :  whence 
 itfollowethjthat  true  confidence,  the  mother  of  hope,  doth 
 lift  up  the  heart  to  feeke  the  Lord  in  the  way  of  his  Com- 
 mandements. 
 
 Moreover,  faith  is  oppofed  not  onely  to  doubting,  diffi- 
 dence, and  fainting :  but  to  wavering,  double-mindednefle, 
 baking,  difobedience,  ftubbornnefle ;  by  reafon  of  the  ne- 
 ceiTarie  connexion  of  thofepartsin  both  oppofites.  (»yfske 
 in  faith  ^a^d  reaver  not :  A  double 'mindedman  is  unfiable 
 in  all  his  wayes.  Through  unbeleefe  tlffot^'-o^broken  ojf,and 
 thoufiandefi  by  faith.  Take  heed:,brethreny  lefi  at  any  time 
 there  be  in  yon  an  evili  heart  and  unfaithfully  to  depart  a- 
 way  from  the  living  Cjod.  They  profeffe  that  they  k^ow 
 God,  but  by  works  they  deny  him,  and  are  abominable}  and 
 difobedientiorunfaithfull.  Hecthat  heleeveth  in  the  Son 
 hath  everlafiing  life :  but  hee  thai  beleeveth  (or  obeyeth) 
 not  the  Son^fhallnot  fee  life-,  but  the  wrath  of  God  abideth 
 onhimu.  Now  if  incredulitie  bee  not  without  diffidence 
 and  difobedience,  true  faith  in  God  is  not  without  confi- 
 dence and  affe6lion  of  obedience. 
 
 Hereunto  may  be  added,  that  the  manifold  rebellions  of 
 Ifraelin  the  wilderneffe  are  called  unbeleefe.  They  belee- 
 ved  not  in  Gody  and  trufied  not  in  hisfiilvation :  for  all  this 
 
 D  they 
 
 Ifa.n.io. 
 Rom. 15. 12. 
 
 Jami.6,S. 
 R0m.11.20, 
 Hcb3.i2.    < 
 
 Tit.i.i^. 
 Joh,3  35. 
 
 Pfal.78.22_,3 : 
 
34 
 
 Jiiic  5. 
 
 ijuh.3.23,a4. 
 
 V^ 
 
 Matth.1543. 
 
 bs  wsU-To^itsd.. 
 
 2 .  SmndandfiTr 
 m/Jitnt. 
 
 A^tan.ce  mufj^  be  iveU-  rooted, 
 
 they  fi)ined.ftilU  mdh  sleeved  not  for  his  voondrom  workj  • 
 I vp ill  therefore  ^Mt  you  in  remembrance^  thonirh  jeeonce 
 knero  this-})aw  that  the  Lord  having  faved  the  peotle  om  of 
 thelandfif^^y^tj  afterward  dejlroyed  them  thatbeleeved 
 mt.  Andbeleefe  inChriftinferrech  the  keeping  of  Gods 
 Commandcments,\vhereunto  the Ibnle  is  inclined  by  faith. 
 And  this  is  his  (fommandementi  that  v^eefhould  heleeve  on 
 the  name  ef  his  fonne  Jefm  Chrifl,  and  love  one  another 
 as  hee  q;ave  m  commandement .  And  heethat  keepeth  his 
 Commandensents,  dwelleth  in  him-,  and  hee  in  him  :  and 
 hereby  roe  k^ow  that  he  abideth  in  Pts^hy  thejpirit  which  he 
 hath  given  i^' 
 
 §.  5.  This  faith  is  an  affiance  well-rooted,  and  kindly 
 planted,  fb  that  it  diftufeth  its  vertne  into  everie  affe6>ion, 
 even  the  whole  mafle^  which  it  h  ordained  to  purifieand 
 (t^^on.  It  is  foclole  fettled  and  faftened,  that  neither  the 
 feare  of  perfecution  can  icorch  it,  nor  the  cares  of  this 
 world  choke  it,  northsbveof  pleafure  witherit:  and  be- 
 ing ib  deeply  fee,  it  diiperfeth  the  vertueoftbe  Word  into 
 everie  facultie  of  the  ibule,  whereby  we  are  ieaibned^as  a  lit- 
 tle Jeaven-Ieaveneth  the  whole  lump  wherein  it  is  bid.Teni- 
 j  porarie  faith  makes  its  abode  in  the  confines  or  fuburbs  of 
 tbeibulej  theexternali  face  of  the  heart,  but  ibkes  not  into 
 the  bottome  of  it :  either  it  hath  but  (hallow  rooting,  or  at 
 beft,  can  never  get  under  the  love  of  pleafisre  or  worldly 
 cares,  which  are  fafi  rivet  ted  in^  and  will  not  bee  removed 
 outoftheaffei^ions;  and  being  planted  fliailow,  it  doth 
 nor,  it  cannot  fend  itsvertue  into  the  feverail  faciikies  of 
 the  ibule,  to  feafbn  t hem  thorowont.  For  fo  far  as  the  Word 
 enters,  it  leafoneth :  but  being  entertained  fleightly,  with 
 fuboi-dination,  it  feafonetbbut  fuperHcially. 
 
 2.  Jadifyinf;  faith  is  a  found  ^r\d  permanent  affiance, 
 which  arifeth  from  t-he  firme  fetting  and  rooting  of  ic  in 
 theheart.  Forwhenthe  wordof  hfeisftedfaftly,  difxinf^- 
 ^'i  certainly  aflented  unto,  and  fincerely  embraced,  no 
 temptation  or  affaulc  can  makeaman  flinch  j  (hnffle-,  ©r 
 fcart  afide  from  the  conRant  proTecution  of  lalvation  in 
 
 the 
 
ji^iance  muft  be  well-rooitd. 
 
 35 
 
 the  way  of  life,  and  the  faitbfull  practice  of  foch  duties  as 
 God  prefcrifaes  for  the  attaining  of  that  end.  Faith  that  is 
 (incerein  qualitie,  is  ever  found  in  degree,  being  of  ftrength 
 tomakerefiftanceagaiftfl;  all  opposition  that  (hall  encoun- 
 ter it ,  having  taken  the  heart  for  its  Fort  and  defenced 
 Tower.  Againe,  Faithbeing  oncefctinthe  heart,  asinits 
 throne  and  feat  of  Majeftie,  dotheverie  day  confirme  and 
 flrengthenit  felfe  more  andmore^  whereby  the  Beleevcr 
 growes  morerelblute  to  withftand  all  aflaults  and  tempta- 
 tions fliot  againft  him.  The  faith  that  takes  kindly,  fpreads 
 it  it\£^  by  afient  and  clofe  adherence  to  everie  objedl  with- 
 in the  Ipheare  of  divine  Truth,  to  which  it  cleaveth  invin- 
 cibly, and  from  which  it  cannot  bee  (eparated  by  any  ad- 
 verfe  power,  or  carnall  allurement,  naturall  pafsion:,or  fierie 
 aflaulr. 
 
 The  temporariebeleeveracknowledgeth  thefummeof 
 Chriftian  duties  or  pra61:ices,  and  fubfcribes  unto  them  in 
 grofle,  yea  unto  mod  particulars;  but  ever  with  limitati- 
 on, fubdu6ling  as  much  as  well  pleafing  humours  difallow, 
 untill  hee  finally  diflblve  what  true  faith buildeth,  even  un- 
 to thefirft  foundation,  ii  the  oppofition  of  carnall  feares, 
 hopes,  love,  or  hate  come  once  to  bee  eager  andditef!:. 
 And  this  comes  to  pafle,  becaufe  the  Word  was  never 
 rightly  planted  in  an  honeft  heart :  for  as  the  tree  that  is 
 not  let  deep  to  take  lively  rooting ,  doth  in  fuccefle  of 
 time  wither,  though  for  many  yeares  it  may  bring  forth 
 both  leaves,  buds,  and  fruit ;  16  it  is  with  the  temporaric 
 beleever,  becaufe  the  Word  is  not  well  hid  and  rooted  in 
 him. 
 
 3.  As  faith  is  a  found,  lb  is  it  an  over- ruling  affiance, 
 exercifing  an  nniverfall  mild  foveraigntic  in  Man.  Faith 
 ordinarily  ruleth  where  it  dwelleth:  but  the  regiment  is, 
 mild  and  gentle,  not  rigorous  and  tyrannicall.  Foritfea- 
 foneth  our  inbred  affe6i:ions,  altereth  the  tafte  of  everie  ap- 
 petite, qualifieth  and  ftrengthenethour  naturall  inclinati- 
 on to  that  which  is  good,  and  powerfully  perfwadeth  to 
 deny  our  felves  and  follow  the  Lord.  It  hath  everie  defire 
 
 D  2  at 
 
 I,  Over-ruling. 
 
3^ 
 
 j4ffiance  mufi  be  tvell-rooted. 
 
 2  Tim.1.12. 
 I  Joh.5.43y. 
 
 phil.413. 
 
 at  command,  or  as  it  were  underfhot,  that  it  dares  not  fiir 
 to  its  prejadicej)ut  by  (tealth,  or  fome  fecret  advantage,  e- 
 rpied  by  the  flclli  unable  to  ftand  out  agajnft  it.  It  is  of 
 ftrength  to  makeredftance  againft  alloppofition,  and  break 
 the  violence  of  everie  inclination  contrarie  tofuch  motion 
 asitfuggefteth,  having  its  force  unitedbycloferepofall  in 
 the  heart.  It  curbeth  unruly  paiTions ;  as  the  power  of  a 
 Kingdome  doth  eafily  quell  a  company  of  Rogues,  th^t 
 make  inrodes  upon  the  borders,  but  cannot  fet  footing  in 
 the  heart  of  the  Kingdome.  Whatfbever  is  in  the  world, 
 whereby  we  might  bedrawne  away  from  God,  thatisfub- 
 dued  and  vanquifhedby  the  power  of  faith :  The  pravitieof 
 nature,  the  wiles  of  Satan,  all  evill  concupilcence,  whatfb- 
 ever is  op'pofite  to  the  Spirit  of  God,  that  is  brought  under 
 by  the  might  of  faith. 
 
 Trueit  is,  that  our  warfare  doth  laft  during  life,  ourcon- 
 flidls  are  daily,  new  and  diverfe  battels  are  moved  againft: 
 us  by  the  enemy  almoft  everie  moment:  but  in  all  thele 
 faith  is  vi6torious.  Thii  is  the  viUory  where hy  ree  overcame 
 the  world,  even  our  faith,  who  is  he  that  overcomes  the 
 worldibfit  he  that  beleeveth  that  Jeftti  is  the  Son  ofGodf  I 
 am  able  to  do  all  things  through  Chrifi  thatfirengthens  me. 
 David  firft  encounters  a  Lion  and  a  Beare,  and  afterwards 
 overcomes  the  g^t^LtCjoUah :  (o  true  and  lively  faith  firft 
 begins  with  pettie  defires  and  paflions,  or  fiich  temptations 
 as  are  incident  to  our  prefent  ftate  and  calling ;  and  having 
 gotten  mafterie  over  them,  ftiilincrcafethas  difficulties  or 
 oppofitions  multiply,  untill  at  length  Satan,  the  world,  and 
 the  fleQi  be  brought  into  fubjeftion.  But  temporarie  faith, 
 keeping  refidence  onely  in  the  out-face  of  the  heart,  is  o- 
 verfwayed  and  overborne  in  temptation  by  everie  itrong 
 defire,  or  deep-rooted  paffion.  It  may  perhaps  fupprefle 
 fome  one  or  few  exorbitant  paflRons,  and  keep  under  the 
 out-breach  of  ibmeothers ;  but  the  pafsion  it  (elfe  doth  ftill 
 live,  and  beare  fway,  to  keep  faith  out  of  its  throne,  and  in 
 time  will  prevaile  to  choake  the  fWd  of  grace. 
 4.  M$a  humble,  j  ^,  Of  all  graces  faith  is  the  mort  humble  ;  a  poore  peti- 
 '  cioner 
 
Faith  is  afpirituaHsafie. 
 
 37 
 
 '  doner,  a  begging  h^nd>  receiving  all  things  of  favour,  chal-  ( 
 lenging  nothing  tp  it, felfe^  afcribirg  all  good  to  the  praife  of 
 grace.  It  fighteth  t?yanfully>  triumpfaeth  vidlorioufly,  wor- 
 keth  by  love :  but  in  all  this  it  magnifieth  the  grace  of  God, 
 relyeth  upon  him  and  feeketh  his  praife. 
 
 §.  6,  L^fily?  juftifying  faith  for  nature  andqualitieis  a 
 
 fpiricualltaft^,  howfeever  defe<^l:ive  for  degree.  It  receiveth 
 
 the  Wwd,  tgft,ethj  relifheth,  and  retaineth  it,  as  the  moft 
 
 fweet,  whollbme,  and  delef^able  food.  There  is  the  fame 
 
 proportion  betwixt  the  word  of  life,  the  food  of  the  Ibule, 
 
 and  the  lively  faith,  that  isbetwixt  bodily  food  and  the  in^ 
 
 (Irument  of  bodily  tafte.  Hearken  diligently  unto  me,  and 
 
 eatyee  that  ili^hich  is  good^andtet  your [onle  delight  it  [elf e 
 
 infatMJfe.  The  word  profiteth  them  not  (faith  the  Apoflle, 
 
 fpeaking  of  the  Ifraeiites)  becau[e  it  wax  not  mixed  with 
 
 faith  in  them  that  heard  it:  where  the  dp6irine  of  falva- 
 
 tion  is  compared  to  wine,  which  profiteth  notjunleffeit  be 
 
 drunken,  that  i«,  received  by  faith :  and  lobelee've,  is  ipiri-^- 
 
 tualiy  to  drinke  the  cup  offalvation.  My  Joule  thirjleth  for 
 
 thee  ({mh  David  J  'Becaufethy  lovingkindneffe  is  better 
 
 than  lifey  my  lips  ^ailpratfe  thee :  Afyfoule(hall  befatif- 
 
 fied  as  with  marrow  &fatnef[e,  &c.  To  beleeve  in  Chrift, 
 
 is  to  eat  theflefh  of  the  Son  of  man,  and  to  drifike  his  bloud. 
 
 Temporarie  faith  tafteth  the  Word,  as  men  doe  meat 
 
 which  they  fpit  outagaine;  receiveth  it  as  a  rawflomack 
 
 doth  meat ,  which  it  vomiteth  up  and  cannot  hold :  but 
 
 it  never  feedeth  kindly  upon  the  feverall  parts  of  the 
 
 Word  of  life,  nor  ftandeth  affeiled  towards  it,  as  a  good 
 
 rtomack  doth  to  wholfbme  nourifhment;  which  \%  evi- 
 
 i  dentin  that  the  weeds  ofearthly-raindednefle,pride,pIea- 
 
 \  fure  sre  not  ftocked  up  by  the  roots ;  and  where  thefe  abide, 
 
 ithefoukis  not- rightly  tempered  to:  apprehend  the  worth 
 
 ■  andqualitie,  orfeed  uponthe  juyceof  feeasvenly  myfteries. 
 
 ^  But  wh^re  true  and  lively  faith  hath  refidence,  thefouleis 
 
 I  tempered  tofymbolize  with  divine  goodnefle,  and  ftaa*^ 
 
 i  deth^  3j^e6led  to  the  fevejriH  branches  of  ths  iWord,;  dssD 
 
 good  ap^Qtite  drf>tb;to ;  who  Ifoisise  food  ©f  diAf^rfejqiialJEiesJ 
 
 ■-.?        '■  D  3  "  This 
 
 Faith  t)  ajpiri^ 
 ttiaU  tafia. 
 
 iray55.2. 
 
 Heb.4.a, 
 
 Pfal.(;3. 1,3,5. 
 
 53,54* 
 
 Heb.6.5. 
 
38 
 
 Love  is  not  the  fouUof  Faith* 
 
 Faith  admits  m*- 
 
 §.  I. 
 
 Lneisimtbt 
 
 This  is  the  nature  of  juftifying  faith :  but  it  admits  ma- 
 ny interruptions  in  a6ts  or  operations.  The  mind  is  fbme- 
 timcs  darkened  with  mifts  arifingfrom  our  naturall  cor- 
 ruptions;  fometimes  our  paflGons  ftirviolcntlyj  that  wee 
 cannot  doe  aswewouldj  nor  continue  our  adherence  unto 
 the  word  of  life,  as  better  for  the  time  being  than  the  pro- 
 fecution  of  Ibme  fenfuall  good ,  that  for  the  prefcnt  doth 
 moveour  affeflionsjandis  (lolneinto  them.  Naturall  tafte 
 is  diftempered  with  fick  humours  that  abound  in  the  body : 
 fo  is  the  fpirimall  with  temptations  from  without,  andfpi- 
 rituall  difeafes  from  within.  Thus  it  is  with  the  beft  often- 
 times in  this  life?  whileftthemindis  douded  with  earthly 
 tiioughtsr^nd  the  heart  aflailed  with  carnall  luftsj  which 
 through  weaknefle,  or  neglect  of  watchfnlnefle,  creep  upon 
 anddiflurb  them  for  a  time :  but  in  their  right  temper  and 
 good  plight  they  are  much  better ;  they  tafte  and  feed  upon 
 the  word  of  truth,  and  the  favour  of  God  is  fweeterto  them 
 than  all  the  delights  of  the  Ions  of  men.  We  conclude  then 
 that  juftifying  faith  is  a firme,  abfolute,  unHmited  afTent, 
 and  well-rooted,  all-leafoningjfoveraigne  affiance,whereby 
 wee  reft  upon  Chrift  for  falvation,  embrace  the  mercies  of 
 God  as  better  than  Iife,and  {<ZQd  upon  the  Word  with  fweet 
 re&eOiing  and  delight. 
 
 CHAP.  IV. 
 
 liove  is  notthefoule  of  faiths  yet  jttfiifpng  Taith 
 cannot  bereithoHt  Love. 
 
 §.  r-  Ti^Rom  that  which  hathbeene  fpokenof  the  nature 
 iTof  Faith,  thefetwo  things  doe  plainely  follow; 
 Firflr,  that  love  is  not  the  life  andibuleof  faith.  Sccond- 
 Jy,  that  juftifying^  faith  cannot  be  without  love.  As  light 
 and  heat  in  the  Sun  bee  infeparable,  fo  is  faith  and  love, 
 being  knit  tc^ether  in  a  fure  bond  by  the  Holy  Ghoft  : 
 
 but 
 
Love  IS  not  thefoate  of  Faiths 
 
 39 
 
 but  love  cannot  be  the  forme  or  foule  of  faith.  Livelyhood 
 is  the  qualification.  Love  the  companion,  Works  the  fruits 
 oreffc<ils  of  that  faith  that  juftifieth:  but  faith  receiveth 
 not  itsvertue,  life,  or  efficacie  from  jcharitie,  or  any  other 
 vertue,  but  from  the  Spirit,  of  whom  it  is  breathed  into  us, 
 from  whom  alio  it  receiveth,  that  it  may  give  force  to  all 
 other  vertues  and  good  works,whereby  they  are  vertues  and 
 good  works.  It  is  Faith^  and  not  Charitie,  that  gives  influ- 
 ence to  all  other  graces,  even  to  Charitie  it  felfej  as  faith 
 encreafeth,  {bother  graces  encreafe;  as  faith  decrealeth,  lb 
 other  graces  decreale:  the  life  of  faith  is  our  life,  the 
 ftr ength  of  faith  is  our  ftrength :  if  our  faith  be  weak,  there 
 is  nothing  elfe  whereby  we  can  be  ftrong. 
 
 It  is  the  effentiall  forme  or  a6t  of  faith,  to  accept  of  the 
 promifes  of  mercie,  whereby  we  obtaine  them  alio ;  God 
 having  appointed  that  as  a  condition,  that  the pr^mife 
 might  hfure  to  all  thefeed,to  exclude boafting,  amJtofet 
 forth  his  hree  grace  and  favour.  But  Charitie  cannot  ferve 
 for  thatufe:  bccaufe  I  cannot  prefume  of  that  that  is  ano- 
 thers,  upon  any  conscience  of  my  love  towards  him,  but  up- 
 on confidence  onely  of  his  love  towards  me.  Be  it  that  all 
 things  are  common  amongft  friends,  before  wcecanbuild 
 thereupon ,wemuft  have  it  refolved  unto  us,that  God  takes 
 us  for  his  friends,  which  can  bee  no  otherwifebutby  faith 
 onely.  Faith  muft  firft  receive,embrace,and  hold  the  merit 
 of  the  bloud  of  Chrift, before  there  can  be  any  aflurancc  of 
 friendship  betwixt  God  and  us.  And  although,  being  now 
 in  friendfhip  with  Chrirt,  our  love  may  give  us  encourage- 
 ment and  comfort  to  makeufe  to  ourfelvesof  that  that  is 
 his  I  yet  it  is  not  by  our  love  that  wee  take  it  to  make  ufe 
 thereof.  For  the  a6t  of  love  is  done  onely  by  iffue  and  paf- 
 fagcfrom  him  that  lovcth,  to  the  thing  that  is  loved,  as  fi:om 
 us  to  Chrift ;  and  therefore  it  muft  be  Ibmcwhat  elfe,  where- 
 by we  receive  from  Chrift  to  us. 
 
 How  fhould  the  goodnefie  of  God  be  the  obje£l  of 
 our  charitie,  but  by  being  firft  the  object  of  our  faith  ?  For 
 therefore  doe  wee  love  the  goodnefle  of  God,  or  love  God 
 
 D  4  for 
 
 Heb.ir.jj, 
 Gal. 3.14  22. 
 Matth.8.15. 
 Rom.  J.  1 6. 
 Rom.  J. 27, 
 
 Rom.j.25. 
 
40 
 
 Leve  fe"  not  thefouleof  Faith. 
 
 (  forbis  goodneffe  towards  US)  becaufe  firft  wee  beljsevgthe 
 \  rame,neicher  can  we  fo  lovcbut  by  beleevi ng.  For  chariciej 
 confiftingfimplyin  afte^ion,  apprehends  nothing  in  God 
 of  itfelfe :  but  receivefh  all  from  faith.  The  forme  is  tho. 
 b^inning  ofa6lions,and  that  that  giveth  influence  and  Mo. 
 to  another  thiiig,muft  needs  have  a  prioritie  to  that  that  re- 
 ceivetfi  it^  Buttharitie  is  not  xht  beginning  of  chea^diioas 
 of  faith,  j^eciallyof  the  a6l  of  be  leeving ;  the  a  61  of  love 
 hath  no  prioritie  toteleefe,  but  followes  after  it,  and  is 
 quickened  by  it.  For  by  faith  we  embrace  the  Wcard,  and 
 v-Qctivt  Chrift,\^hen  as  charitie  cOmpelleth  us;to  love  him, 
 whomweknow^ettibrace,  and  hold  by  faith.  Weftrfttafte 
 our  meat, and  theriiloveit ':  faith  is  riie?rfat4.tnaIlcafteiof,£fjc 
 ibule,  whicb^ed6t?h  upon  the  fwiset  arid  tender  nsercies  of 
 the  Lordjbefore  the  heart  be  enflamed  with  love.  Faith  and 
 love  are  different  gifts  and  graces :  and  Ibme  efifefts  are  at~: 
 tributed  to  faith  which  agree  not  to  charitie :  a:s  faith  i« 
 faid  to  juftiHe;  to  pUrifie  the  heart,  to  tDvepcomeche  world, 
 to  receive  th«pi:OmKes.    -  .•  •  ■  -  ; 
 
 Charitie  may  be  called  an  accidental!  forme  of  faith^chat 
 K,  ft  i-s  an  inftrument  unto  it  for  moving  aad  ftirring-^- 1 
 broadinthe  performance  of  alidades  uecommended  onco 
 'US,  both  to  God  and  man :  but  the  Yi'iQ.  and  ibuie  of  feich  i 
 k  lis  noti  or  ihe  inward  and  effentiall  forme,  whereby  lir 
 hath  life  and  being  within  itfelfe,  and  whence  proceedeth 
 a  motion  and  working  that  is  proper  to  ii^tl^Q.  If  charitie 
 fhouldbethe  forme  of  faith,  theft  faitb  hath  twodifeent 
 formes,itsproperand  theform«of  love ;  then  faith  fhould 
 be  the  onely  pfire  mattet^of  love?  then  fliould  it  bceobedi- 
 entto  love,  and  contained  of  iu  as  the  matter  is  obedient 
 to  the  forme,  and  containtd  of  it.  The  body  is  aninfiru- 
 ment  for  the  foule  to  vvorke  by,  and  not  the  foule  an  in- 
 ftrument  for  the -body  to  worke  by.  The  forme  worketh 
 in  the  matter,  and  not  the  matter  either  in  or  by  the 
 forme,  feeing  the  matter  of  everie  thing  is  paffive  onely,  : 
 and  not  adlive:  And  h  it  fhould  bee  betwixt  faith  and 
 lovQ:>  i?  faith  were  as  the  body,  and  love  as  the  foule.  But 
 
 charitie 
 
't^^fr- 
 
 Popifh  ObjeBions  freiemed. 
 
 41 
 
 charitieis  obedient  to  faith,  faith  governeth  charitie:  for  | 
 whatfoever  we  love  uprightly,  itmuftbeeknovvnebyfaith, ; 
 that  we  ought  to  Jove  it,  and  our  love  mufl;  be  quickened  by  ' 
 faith,  to  love  it  oniformely,and  in  right  order.  Faith  is  the 
 meafure  of  IgvCj  and  the  meafure  of  love  is  according  to  the 
 meafure  of  faith :  the  intention  of  love  is  according  to  the 
 degrees  of  faich,  and  the  breadth  of  love  according  to  the 
 extention  cif  faith.  Where  there  is  greacerfaith  in  Godj 
 there  is  greater  love  to  God :  and  as  faith  fpreadech  it  ^oifQ, 
 ib  doth  love  in  uniforme  manner.      •    ,:.:.:■'        ' 
 
 '§.  2.  Faith  is  not  wrought  by  charitie  (as  che^Jefuite 
 perverteth.  ^  that  text  oiSimvT aul)  'for  thiSK-  itrwill  fbl-  - 
 low,  that  love  by  which  faith  is  wrought  muft  needs  bee 
 before  faith,  whereas  'all  ackn6wledge  tliat  faith  hath  the 
 firft  being.  It  is  faith  which  firft  heareth  and  beleeveth, 
 and  receiveth  the  word  of  God,  and  thereby  prelcribeth 
 untocharitie thevvay  thatit is  to.gocj  andthedutieit is t© 
 performe ;  it  enciteth  to  the  worke,  itanimateththe  36^, 
 and  er^largcth  the  affeilion  to  the  ieverall  branches  of 
 love;  without  which  vvhat  is  .charitie,  but  a  wild,  mifha- 
 pea,  wandering  a65s6lionj  rifing  or  falling  amiiTe,  comming 
 fliprt  or  running  over  ?  what  the  partiall  and  maimed 
 fruits  of  love,  but  the  verie  carcaffe  of  a  good  worke? 
 Faith  wcrketh  by  love,  not  as  fire  maketh  hot  by  heat, 
 which  is  a  formail  propertie  inherent  in  it :  but  as  the 
 foule  doth  this  or  that  by  the  hand,  which  is  an  externe 
 inftrument  conjoyned  unto  it  .•  That  by  which  a  thing  is  \ 
 conflituted,  as  by  a  beginning,  and  by  which  itis  efFe6lu-l 
 all,  that  is  the  forme  thereof.  But  love  is  a  grace  without 
 thebeingof  faith,  though  conjoyned  unto  it;  and  faith  is 
 effe6^uall  by  love,  as  a  primarie  meane,  whereby  it  doth 
 produce  other  effeds,  not  as  by  itbeginning.  Chrift  is  the 
 fountaineof  the  water  of  life :  Faith  in  the  heart  is  as  the 
 pipes  and  learns  that  receive  in  and  hold  the  water;  Love 
 in  (bme  partis  asthecocke  of  the  conduit,  that  lets  out 
 the  water  to  everie  commer.  Faith  juftifieth  by  receiving 
 the  gift  of  righteoufneffe,  which  is  by  the  merit  of  Jefns 
 
 Chrift, 
 
 Topifh  Objeffions 
 prevented. 
 Gal.5.6. 
 a  ^elUr.deJyf 
 Jlif.L2.cap.^.  %. 
 ivir  )ie  d^xTer,ir.ir 
 § .  TUsfirMio. 
 b  TheGrecke 
 word  i's  i:ot  of 
 the  paisive,  but 
 of  the  middle 
 voice^asit  sin 
 maiiy  other  pla- 
 ces of  Scripture. 
 Gal.y.6. 
 Rom. 7.5. 
 
 3  Cor.4.7S. 
 
 In  the  IntetHneetr, 
 faith  which  is  ef- 
 fea-uall:  Tag. 
 ««',  workirg  by 
 love.  And  C> 
 Bel[armi;2e  him- 
 felre,  T3e  ^ijiif. 
 
 li'j.t.  tap,  9.  ir 
 U'j.i,  cap.z.o. 
 §.  llltldvsio. 
 Rbem.  ^naot.  in 
 
4.3 
 
 Fopifh  ObjeBions prevented. 
 
 I  Cor. I?  13. 
 
 1elU7m.t4htfiipru 
 
 Heb.ii.fS. 
 
 I  InwhatrtfpeBs 
 charitle  dath  IX- 
 ctU  faith,  and 
 faith  charitie. 
 
 EphefTj.iT. 
 Gal.;-if. 
 
 Chrift :  and  goeth  forth  by  charitie,  whereby  as  a  working 
 hand  it  performeth  all  duties  commanded  of  God,  to  the 
 gloric  and  honour  of  God. 
 
 What  i?  love  be  the  moft  excellent  of  all  graces  in  ibme 
 relpetfts  ?  doth  it  thence  follow, that  it  is  the  life  of  faith  ? 
 By  the  f^mereafon  wee  may  argue,  whatfoeviru  not  of 
 j^/>^«-7/;?»ff,  is  ofrtoefteeme  or  account  with  God  :  there- 
 fore faith  is  the  forme  of  all  other  graces.  It  followeth 
 not,  that  becaufe  the  eye  is  a  more  excellent  member  than 
 the  foot,  therefore  the  eye  is  the  Ibule  and  li^t  of  the  foot : 
 no  more  doth  it,  that  becaufe  charitie  is  a  more  excel  lent 
 gift  than  faithj  therefore  it  fhould  be  the  life  and  foule 
 of  faith. 
 
 Faith  and  tove  refpeftively  have  the  preferment  each  of 
 other.  In  relpedl  of  fpirituall  life  faith  is  the  moft  necei^ 
 farie,  upon  which  love  hath  necefiarie  dependance;  but 
 otherwiie  to  love  is  more  than  tobeleeve,  becaufe  it  ne- 
 ceflari  ly  includes  beleefe  :as  to  tafte  meat  inrefpCiSl  of  life, 
 is  of  more  ufethan  to  love  it,though  abfblutely  to  love  meat 
 be  more  than  to  tafte  it,  becaufe  it  prefuppofcth  tafte.  If 
 weercfpeft  latitude  of  uic,  charitie  is  more  excellent  than 
 faith,  as  which  \s  extended  everie  way  to  God  and  men, 
 and  by  which  all  the  gifts  of  God  which  he  beftoweth  Upon 
 us,  are  made  profitable  to  other  men:  But  if  wee  confider 
 man  privately  in  himfeife,and  for  his  owne  ule;faith  i%  more 
 excellent  than  charitie,  as  whereby  wee  are  radically  united 
 unto  Chrift,and  wherein  ftandeth  originally  ourfellovvftiip 
 and  communion  with  him;  by  which  Chrift  dwelleth  in 
 our  hearts,  and  wee  receive  the  promifed  Ipirit ;  into  which 
 as  an  hand,  Godputteth  all  the  riches  of  his  grace  for  our 
 falvatiGn,-and  by  which  all  adis  of  grace  are  quickened  ;  we 
 feed  upon  Chrift  fortheftrengthcningand  nouriOimentof 
 the  lbule,andwhat{bever  is  in  us  is  commended  unto  God. 
 Ifwere(pe6l  length  of  time  and  continuance,  charitie  is  to 
 bee  preferred  before  faith.  For  faith  is  but  for  a  time,  and 
 whenthepromifcof  God  (which  is  the  matter  and  fubje6l 
 of  it)  (hall  bee  fully  accompliftied,  tbeufeofitftiallceale. 
 
 When 
 
Popijh  ObjeBions  p evented. 
 
 43 
 
 When  faith  paflfeth  into  an  open  knowledge  and  revealed 
 fight  of  the  thing  preient,  itchangeth  both  his  nature  and 
 kind.  But  love  abideth  for  ever,  and  (hall  continue  be-^ 
 twixt  God  and  us  an  everlafting  bond ;  It  fliall  beegreater 
 and  more  vehement,  butfhallttill  retainethe  fame  nature 
 and  fubftanccj  albeit  fome  works  which  now  ix.  exerciteth 
 fhallceafe.  Theendof  ourfaithischaritle:  but  the  foun- 
 dation and  direikrof  love  is  faith :  faith  alfo  is  the  vi6lorie 
 whereby  weovercome the workJ.  To fave a man-faith i^ the 
 greater:  in  man  being  fa  ved  love  is  the  greater.  Till  faith 
 hath  finillisdouFfalvation,  love  muft  yceldto  faith  :  when 
 faitbhath ililly  faved  us,  it  fliall  have  an  end,for  knowledge 
 of  fight  takes  away  faith ;  but  love  fhall  abide  for  ever.  Ab- 
 (blutely  love  is  greater  than  faith,  but  when  we  fpeakeof  the 
 meanes-of  Jurtification,  and  attainementbf  tbatfalvationi 
 whereto  perfect  charitie  and  righteoufnefle  doth  belong, 
 then  faith  miri^  be  preferred  as  the  greater  and  morecxcel- 
 lent.  Faith  onely  beareth  iway  therein :  and  this  flcnder 
 andwcake  charitie  which  wee  have,  is  of  nocffedl  ormo^ 
 ment  thereunto. 
 
 When  the  Apoftle  makes  comparifon  htv^'wx.  the  body 
 without  theffirit,  znd  faith  without  wor/^jconcluding  that 
 they  are  both  dead,,  hee  cannot  bee  thought  to  make  love 
 the  foule  of  faith.  For  hee  fpeakes  not  ©f  internal!  chari- 
 tie, which  lodgeth  in  the  heart ,  but  of  externall  works, 
 which  are  outwardly  vifible  and  apparent  unto  men,  and 
 cannot  bee  the  life,  but  are  the  fruits  and  effe(fts  of  faith. 
 For  that  which  iswithout  and  externall,  cannot  bee  the 
 lifcorfoule  of  that  which  is  within  andinternall ;  nay,  it 
 felfe  hath  from  within  rtll  the  life  that  it  hath  ;  and  if  it  re- 
 ceive not  life  from  within,  it  is  altogether  dead.  Works 
 therefore  being  outward,  andifiaing  fromwithini  if  they 
 bee  true,  can  in  no  good  conftrudlionbeefaid  to  beethe  life 
 of  faith  which  is  within,  but  to  be  the  ilTues  and  produ(fti- 
 ons  of  faith  from  which  they  fpring.  Bcfides,  the  word 
 ufcd  by  the  Apoftle  doth  fignifie  the  breathy  and  ib  the 
 comparifon  runneth  plaine  j  Asthe  body  of  a  living  crea- 
 ture. 
 
 James  i.tlS. 
 Seii.io. 
 
44 
 
 Poptfh  Ob jeUions prevented. 
 
 James 
 Rhem. 
 loe. 
 
 a. 42. 
 
 ture,  if  it  breath  not,  is  dead  :  fo  faith,  if  it  bring  forth  no 
 works,  is  dead :  For  breathing  is  an  efFe6^  of  a  living  body, 
 and  working  is  the  proper  efFe6^  of  a  living-  faith.  If  wee 
 ipeake  of  faith,  as  it  is  outwardly  profeffed  to  men,  works 
 which  may  bee  difcerned  by  the  eyes  of  men,  not  charitie 
 which  IS  the  inward  afte61:ionofthe  heartjare  they  that  give 
 name,  and  gaine  credit  to  profeffion.  Charioie  is  an  hand 
 orinrtrument  whereby  faith  worketli :  works  are  fruits,  ef- 
 feds,  demonftrations  of  the  inward  life  of  faith:  and  that 
 which  gives  name  and  being  to  our  externallprofeffion,  is  a 
 pure ,  blameleffe ,  upright  converfation ,  fruitful!  in  good 
 works.  If  we'lpeake  of  faith,  a  dead  faith  maybe  compared 
 to  a  dead  bodys  altc^ether  voyd  of  fpirituall  quickening : 
 but  a  lively  faith  cannot  fitly  be  refembled  to  a  living  body, 
 but  rather  to  the  life  of  the  body :  becaule  faith  is  not  that 
 which  is  quickened  by  charitie,  or  the  works  of  charitie,bnt 
 that  which  quickeneth.  Faith  is  the  firft  whedein  the  ck>ck 
 that  moveth  all  the  ref^ :  Faith  f^irreth  upj  and  dirc6>eth  all 
 other  graces  of  the  foule  in  their  operations,  whofe  f^rength 
 encrealeth  according  to  the  lively-hood,  vigour,  and  en- 
 creafe  of  faith. 
 
 How  then  faith  the  Apoftle,  That  faith  is  ferfeSted  by 
 vfiorks  ?  As  wee  judge  of  the  caufe  by  the  eflec>s,  and  by 
 the  proportion  of  the  effefls,  the  efficacie  and  force  of  the 
 caufe  may  l^eme  to  bee  encreafed  or  diminiflied.  Everie 
 thing  is  acknowledged  to  bee  perfecl  when  it  worketh, 
 and  is  efieem.ed  fomuch  the  niore  perfe<5t,  by  how  mucfi 
 the  more  itworkethj  as  wee  fay  the  goodnefle  of  a  tree  is 
 perfed ,  when  it  hath  brought  forth  fome  excellent  good 
 fruit.  ThusPhilolbphers  teach,  that  the  forme  is  not  per- 
 fe6l,  when  it  is  confidered  as  the  firft  a6V,  but  when  it  is 
 taken  as  the  fecond  act :  for  by  working  it  putteth  forth 
 its  force,  and  declareth  it  felfe.  And  fo  faith  is  perfected  by 
 works,  not  that  the  nature  of  faith  receiveth  comple- 
 ment or  perfe6lion  from  works ,  but  beciufe  it  doth  de- 
 clare and  manifeft  it  felfe  by  love  and  Woodworks,  and  is 
 eficemed.  by  ^.much  the  more  perfe(fl:,  as  the  works  !«»- 
 
 duced 
 
Juftifjwg  Faith  cannot  be  mthout  Love. 
 
 45 
 
 Jarr.2.20. 
 Jfim.2  ig. 
 Afts  8.21.  , 
 •Luk.8.i4. 
 
 duced  arc  the  more  excellent.  Yea,  as  the  exercife  of  out-  / 
 ward  mcrrfDcrs  increafeth  internall  vigour  and  ftrength, 
 and  refrefheth  the  fpirits  by  which  wee  move ;  fo  doth 
 the  exercife  of  grace  and  vercue  rightly  imployed  perfect 
 faith,  not  imparting  the  perfedion  of  works  unto  it,  but 
 ftirringup,  exercifing,  and  intending  its  owne  vigour  and 
 perfection.  Senie  and  motion  is  the  effed,  notthecaufeof 
 life  in  the  body ;  but  yet  the  body  without  them  is  dead, 
 andperfedliedby  them.  Works  are  the  effe(5ls,  not  the  life 
 of  faith  J  but  faith  without  works  is  dead,  and  by  works  it  k 
 perfected. 
 
 §.  g.  Thercisafained  and  dead  faith ;  a  faith  whereby 
 the  Devils  are  faid  tobeleeve,  ^nd  fuch  whofe  hearts  art 
 not  upright :  a  faith  which  refteth  barely  in  the  under- 
 ftanding,  orwhichfleightly  affeCteth  the  heart,  but  is  not 
 rooted ,  beares  not  foveraigntie ;  a  faith  fubordinate  to 
 vaine  glorie,  or  covetous  defires,  which  the  world  deflroy- 
 eth:  andthisfaith,  as  it  is  ineSfeCtuall  to  feafon  the  affe- 
 ctions thorowout,  and  incite  to  the  fincere  uniforme  adls 
 of  love,  fb  it  is  unavailable  to  Juftification.  There  is  a 
 faith  unfaincd,  well-rooted,  Ibveraigne,  whereby  wee  be- 
 leevetorighteoufnefle,  by  which  the  fjeart  is  p fir ified,  and 
 (^hrffi  dwelleth  in  lis  :  which  is/^tf  vMoriC)  i^heyehy  -wee 
 overcome  the  world:  and  this  faith  voorketh  hy  love^  and 
 cannot  but  worke.  Heethat  beleeveth  in  this  fort  loveth 
 freely,  and  cannot  but  love,  not  through  defeCtof  libertie, 
 but  through  the  nature  of  faith,  exciting  the  beleever  to 
 will  to  love,  not  to  love  if  hee  will.  Faith  and  love  confi- 
 dered,  ashabitsof  therenewedfoule,  and  branches  of  in- 
 herent holineffe,  have  their  original!  from  the  Spirit  of  re- 
 generation, and  bee  diftinft  graces infufed  together.  The 
 deeds  of  charitie  are  the  proper  a6ts  or  exercifes  of  the 
 grace  of  charitie,  from  which  they  iffue,  as  branches  from 
 the  ftock>  and  fruit  from  the  tree :  nor  can  wee  properly 
 fay,  that  fuch  works  flow  from  faith,  as  the  fruit  doth 
 from  the  root;  feeing  charitie  is  no  branch  offaith,  buta 
 diftinCl  grace  of  the  renewing  Spirit,  which  beareth  its 
 
 proper 
 
 I  Tim  T.5. 
 ASs  15.9. 
 Gal.3.10. 
 
 iJoh.5-4- 
 fuHifjin^  faith 
 cannot  Le  Tvitbout 
 Itve, 
 
 Tar  deJtiU. 
 lib. I.  caji.i^. 
 
J 
 
 4(J 
 
 Juflifymg  Faith  cmnot  be  without  Love* 
 
 T  Joh.J.i. 
 
 \  Cor. 5.17. 
 ■2  Pec  1.4. 
 
 *GaT.2io. 
 E.om.11  17. 
 Joh.r5.ij2. 
 a  I  Joh  4.I5. 
 
 b  Rom  1. 17. 
 
 c  i]o[i.a.S,io. 
 
 I  Joh. 4.19. 
 
 proper  and  diftinft  fniic.  Eutfuch  a5ls  are  faidto  be -of 
 faith,  becaufe  the  do6lrine  of  faith  enjoyneth  them ,  the 
 vertueof  faith  inclines  the  Ibule  unto  them,  movethchari- 
 tie  unto  the  exercife  of  them,  and  dire6leth  and  qiiickeneth 
 the  aif^sthemfelves,  without  which  they  would  belivclefle 
 and  out  of  fquare.  Faith  doth  beget  lovo.  s  not  that  one 
 habit  doth  beget  another,  but  that  faith  doth  excite  men 
 to  the  works  of  charitie.  Thus  the  habits  of  faith  and 
 love  be  coupled  ininfudon;  thecxercife  of  faith  and  love 
 bee  infeparably  conjoyned ;  and  the  adls  of  love  bee  the  t£- 
 fe61:s  of  faith. 
 
 Everie  one  that  hcleeveth  is  borne  of  God ;  he  that  is  in- 
 grafted into  Chrift  by  faith  is  a  fiew  creature,  and  made 
 partaker  of  the  divine  nature :  But  bee  that  is  borne  of 
 God,  is  endued  with  the  grace  of  love.  The  lively  meni- 
 bers  of  Chrifi-  Jefus ,  which  receive  from  him  the  Tap  of 
 grace,  cannot  be  utterly  deftitute  of  true  charitie:  *  But  all 
 true  Beleevers  are  living  members  of  Chrift  Jefus.  -aHee 
 thatbeleeveth,  abideth  in  God,  and  God  in  him:  but  in 
 whom  God  abideth,  in  him  is  love,  b  Everie  true  Beleever 
 doth  live  fpirituaily,  and  where  true  faith  is,  there  is  true 
 life:  but  hee  that  lives  fpirituaily,  and  is  tranflated  from 
 death  to  life,  is  alfo  endued  with  the  grace  of  love.  He  that 
 beleevsth  is  in  the  light  ^  and  abideth  therein :  <^  but  no 
 manisin  the  light,  who  loveth  not.  Faith  and  Hope  be  in- 
 feparable :  but  it  cannot  bee,  but  wee  Ihould  love  thofe 
 things,  which  wee  already  know,  embrace,  tafie,  and  hope 
 to  be  fingularly  good.  Faith  receiveth  and  refteth  upon  the 
 mercieofGod,  as  ourfbveraigneGood:  b  ut  it  is  not  pofli- 
 ble  for  a  man  truly  to  know  and  embrace  the  chiefeft  good, 
 and  yet  to  with-hold  affe6>ion  from  the  Jove  of  it.  It  is 
 faith,  which  fetting  God  before  us  iiich  an  one  as  he  is,  wife, 
 mightie,  juli,  merciful],  loving  and  gracious  towards  us,  en- 
 amoureth  ourhearts,  and  Ilirreth  in  us  affections correlpon- 
 dent  to  his  grace:  neither  is  there  anyfparke  of  true  love, 
 which  is  not  kindled  by  this  meanes.  fVee  love  Gody  be- 
 caufe he  loveth  us  firfi :  but  nothing  can  feafon  andaffeft 
 
 the 
 
J^fiijj^^g  Patih  cannot  be  jvzthout  Love, 
 
 47 
 
 the  heart,  with  the  ferious  confideration,  and  fwe^t  tafte  of 
 Gods  mercie  and  favour,  but  faith  onely.  In  nature  wee  fee 
 nothing  can  move  in  defire  to  this  or  that,  tiiifirftit  hath 
 apprehended  itiove'y  j  and  ii  cannot  but  move,  whenit 
 hath  foundly  tafted  of  its  goodne(Te :  So  our  affe6>ions  can-t 
 not  ialove  move  to,  and  unite  themlelves  with  God,  till  by 
 faith  weknow  him  to  be  an  amiable  objcvl  for  us  finners  to 
 embrace ;  and  when  we  have  (oundly  and  truly  tailed  how 
 good  and  gracious  the  Lord  iSi  wee  cannot  but  iove  and  af- 
 fed  him  entirely.  Faith  is  an  obiequious  and  affianced  ac- 
 knowledgement of  the  truth  of  Gods  promifes :  but  hee 
 that  doth  after  that  manner  acknowledge  the  truth  of  God 
 in  Chrift,  is  both  inwardly  affcdkd  towards  God,  and  de- 
 firous  to  put  forth  the  fame  in  all  duties  of  holineffeand 
 righteoufnefle.  The  doctrine  o( grace,  which  bringeth [al- 
 vatioKiteacheth  m  to  deny  ungodline^e  and  worldly  hfflst 
 andto  live  godly-,  jufilyy  andjoberly  in  this -prefeM  world: 
 which  being  embraced  by  faith,  doth  leaven  everie  facultie, 
 and  leafbn  it  in  fuch  fort,  as  the  fcverall  affeiStions  will  rea- 
 dily move  at  the  command  of  faith. 
 
 '  When  the  Apcf^le  feparates  faith  and  love,  faying,  If  I 
 hMd- nil  faith  y[o  that  I  could  remove  monntaines,  and  had 
 not  love,  itfrofiteth  mee  nothtng :  hee  Ij-seakes  of  that  per- 
 fwafion  and  confidence  in  the  extraordinacie  promiies  of 
 God,  whereby  the  parties  endued  therewith,  were  enabled 
 to  doe  miracles.  And  the  word,  v^//,notethmanifefllythe 
 higheft  degree  of  doing  miracles.  That  whereas  Ibme  had 
 faith  to  doe  fome  miracles,  and  not  other  Ibme :  the  A- 
 poftle  flieweth ,  that  if  hee  had  fuch  a  miraculous  faith, 
 that  he  could  doe  all  miracles,and  have  not  love.it  were  no- 
 thing. This  iscleare,  in  that  the  Apoftle  reckoneth  faith 
 miraculous  amongft  the  gifts  of  the  Spirit,  in  the  prece- 
 dent Chapter:  and  by  the  example  or  inftance  of  moving 
 mouotaines,  which  our  Saviour  noteth  as  a  mafter-miracle 
 amongfl:  others.  Helaith,  If  I  had  Allk»oTvledg-ei  notun- 
 derdandingitfimplyand  abfolutely,  of  all  kjfidj  of  kj^otv- 
 ledge^.  but  of  the  gift  of  knowledge :  and  ibby^o^//  faith, 
 
 hee 
 
 iitus  z.iT^i: 
 
 Popijb  oble^hns 
 prevented- 
 1  Cor,  13.2, 
 Bellar.  dtjupf. 
 lib  I  ca>>.x%. 
 Rbtm  >Awot.  in 
 
 I  Cor. 12. 9. 
 I  Cor.Tj.2. 
 Mitch  .17. 20. 
 hvk.ij  6. 
 
 I  Cor. 13.-,, 
 
 Idlar.  dej:fj(if. 
 1:1)  l.cap.t^. 
 Sea.  TUinde-. 
 
48 
 
 Jafitfjing  Faith  cannot  be  without  Love, 
 
 •I'eUar.  de  fuftif. 
 
 feemestodii"- 
 pute,  M^»>f rrt  § . 
 5.  tAK^vSiintii. 
 
 1  hee  meaneth  not  all  kinds  of  faith,  but  all  faith  of  miracles. 
 \  Univerfall  prbpofitions  muft  bee  limited  according  to  the 
 I  iiibje6i:  matter  junleflfe  we  will  run  into  manifold  abfurdities. 
 And  that  the  faith  hee  fpeaketh  of  was  not  fitly  qualified  to 
 Juftification,  appearcth  in  this,  that  it  did  not  command, 
 but  rather  was  fubordinate  to  their  vaine-glorious  humour. 
 Looke  as  their  confidence  was  greater  in  the  power  and  ex- 
 traordinarie  promifesofGod,  the  more  were  they  puffed 
 up,  boafting  in  themfelves,  infulting  over  their  brethren : 
 whereas,  if  their  affiance  had  beeneweli  fettled  upon  the 
 mercie  of  God  in  Chrift,  and  had  rightly  fpread  it  felfe  to 
 the  feverall  branches  of  holy  truth ;  it  would  have  enclined, 
 yea,  conftrained  them  to  ferve  one  another  in  love,and  bend 
 their  gifts  to  the  edification  of  their  brethren ;  which,  whi- 
 leil  they  doe  not,  bur  rather  turne  their  gifts  to  thelervice 
 of  their  lufts,andthediflionourofGod,  it  is  evident  they 
 belecved  not  unto  righteoufnefle. 
 
 But  by  what  faith  fliould  thefe  Corinthiam  have  come 
 to  know,  and  rightly  to  value  Chriftian  love  ?  The  fame 
 by  which  they  wrought  wonders,  or  ibme  other  .^  If  the 
 fame, » then  faith  is  true,  though  feparated  from  love.  If 
 fome  other,  the  Apoftle  in  all  congruitie  (hould  firft  feve 
 exhorted  them  to  embrace  it;  otherwiieheehad  commen- 
 ded the  beautie  of  Chriftian  lovebut  unto  blind  men.  Be- 
 fides,  if  it  bee  fome  other ,  then  by  that  grace  of  faith, 
 whereby  they  refted  upon  the  extraordinarie  promiie  and 
 power  of  God,  they  had  never  beene  able  to  difcerne  be- 
 twixt good  and  evill,  orto  behold  the  worth  anddfgnitie 
 of  Chriftian  love  and  kindnefte,  though  never  fo  well  roo- 
 ted in  their  hearts.  To  this  queftionit  is  diretSlly  anfwe- 
 red ,  That  the  exercife  of  love  was  to  bee  raifed  in  thefe 
 Corinthians  hearts  by  faith,  for  common  eflencc  and  qua- 
 lities the  fame  with  that  whereby  they  wrought  miracles; 
 but  by  the  fame  faith  rightly  fet,  deeply  rooted ,  taking 
 better  in  the  heart,  diffufing  its  vertue  into  the  feverall  fa- 
 culties ,  fprcading  it  felfe  unifbrmely  unto  the  particular 
 branches  of  Chriftian  duties,  diredling  the  aft''e61:ions  unto 
 
 Ipirituall 
 
Juftifjing  Faith  cannot  he  without  Love. 
 
 4P 
 
 Ipirituall  obje<fts ,  and  fixing  them  fafteft  upon  fijch  as  it  / 
 adjudgeth  beft ,  and  moft  effeAuall  to  the  tdi^y'm^  of 
 themfelvcs  and  others.  In  juftifying  faith  two  things 
 are  to  bee  confidered ;  the  common  nature  or  (iibftancej 
 and  the  fpecificail  nature,  plantation  and  foveraigntie.  For 
 faith  hiitoricall  and  juftifying  agree  in  this,  that  both  the 
 one  and  the  other  is  an  aflent  to  divine  truths,  grounded 
 upon  the  authoritie  of  therevealer:  Faith  temporarie  and 
 juftifying  agree  in  this,  that  they  receive  the  Word,  and 
 reft  upon  the  mercies  of  God :  but  in  radication ,  fove- 
 raigntie, and  working,  and  fo  in  Ipeciall  nature,  faving  faith 
 differerh  from  other  kinds.  The  Iced  which  fell  by  the  high 
 way  fide,  in  ftony  ground,  among  thornes,and  in  good  foile, 
 was  one  and  the  iame :  and  in  moft  of  thefe  grounds  it 
 tooke,  not  alike  in  all,  kindly  in  the  good  foyle  alone.  The 
 common  nature  of  faith  is  to  receive  the  Word ;  which 
 fome  receive  by  bare  aflent  of  underftanding ;  others  by 
 (leight  and  fuperficiall  confidence  which  vanifheth  away : 
 but  the  do61:rine  of  life  taketh  kindly  in  the  honeft  and 
 good  heart,  which  embraceth  it  foundly  with  unfained  and 
 well-rooted  affiance.  Juftifying  faith  is  difcerned  fi^om  the 
 other  kinds,  not  by  this ,  that  it  receiveth  the  promifes 
 which  they  doe  not :  but  it  receiveth  them  in  another 
 manner  and  degree,  with  firmer  radication  in  the  heart, 
 which  is  the  feat  of  the  affe<51:ions,that  it  might  feafon  them, 
 and  fubje(9:  earthly  defires  to  the  affedlation  of  heavenly 
 things. 
 
 Amongft  tbechiefe  Rulers  of  the  y^jr^J",  many  beUeved 
 in  C^y//?,laith  the  Evangelift,  who  yet  confejfed  him  ^ot,  be-- 
 catife  of  the  pharijeesy  lefl  they  fhouid  be  cafi  out  of  the  Sy- 
 nagogue. But  John  (bmetime  following  the  Hebrew  phrafe 
 ufeth  the  terme  ofbekeving  in  Qhrifi^or  beleeving  Chrifi\ 
 applying  it  to  them,  who  by  the  miracles  of  Chrift,  and 
 his  manifeft  declaration  of  the  truth ,  were  convi6>ed  in 
 conlcienceto  acknowledge  him  to  bee  of  God,  or  didbe- 
 leeve  in  him  for  a  time,  but  did  not  in  finccritie  fubmic 
 themfelvcs  unto  him.  And  thus  it  might  bee  faid  of  feme 
 
 E  of 
 
 Joht4.42. 
 
 Cellar,  dtju^if. 
 till,  t,  cap.  f^. 
 §.fritH». 
 
 Joh.2.2J.»». 
 
50 
 
 Jufiifjing  Faith  cmmt  be  mthout  Love. 
 
 joh.12.43. 
 
 3oh.J.44. 
 
 I  joh.4.18. 
 I  joh.j.4. 
 
 Jefi.j.i.  and  7. 
 50,51.  andi^.jS. 
 Luk,23.yr. 
 
 7a,7i. 
 
 of  thole  chiefe  Rulers,  that  they  beleeved  in  Chrift,  that 
 isj  were  perfwaded  in  their  minds  that  hee  fpake  the  truth, 
 but  yet  preferring  their  credit  and  reputation  with  men, 
 gave  no  regard  unto  it.  The  verie  realon  which  the  Evan- 
 gelift  gives,  why  they  did  not  confefle  Chrift ,  makes  it 
 manifeft,  that  their  faith  was  not  true  and  lively  rooted  in 
 the  heart.  For  (faith  he)  they  loved  the -^raife  of  men  more 
 than  thepraife  of  God  :  which  who  fo  doth,  his  faith  is  not 
 become  fuch  as  layes  fure  hold  on  the  promifes  of  life.  How 
 canyee  beleeve-iUvhich  receive  honour  one  of  another^  and 
 feekenot  the  honour  -which  commethfrem  Godonely  ?  They 
 might  have  Ibme  beginnings  and  difpofitions  to  true  faith, 
 but  verie  weake  and  feeble ;  and  they  might  bee  endued 
 with  fome  degree  of  love,  but  weake  and  feeble  as  their 
 faith  was.  Their  faith  and  love  was  too  much  tyed  and 
 entangled  in  the  nets  and  fnares  of  carnal!  relpe6ls :  bur,ad- 
 mitting  the  leaft  degree  of  faith,  there  is  no  ground  toaf- 
 firme  they  had  no  love.  Indeed /)^r/<?^  love  cafleth  om  aU 
 fearei  and  ^zx^^St faith  overcommeth  therforldy  andbree- 
 deth  perfect  love :  but  there  is  a  beginning  of  faith  and  love, 
 which  being  yet  little  and  weake,  and  having  not  zs  yet 
 over-maftered  all  worldly  and  carnall  refpeds ,  is  for  a 
 time  timorous  and  fearefuUto  confefle  Chrift,  but  grow- 
 ethto  ftrength  by  little  and  little,  tillit  reiblve  to  cleave 
 to  him  with  lofle  of  all  other  things.  Such  was  the  faith 
 of  Nicodemm  ,  and  Jofe^h  oF  Arimathea  ,  yea  j  of  the 
 Apoftles  themfelves,  Veter  not  excepted,  who  were  ever 
 and  anon  affrighted,  and  at  his  laft  fufferings,  fome  denied, 
 all  fbriboke  our  Saviour  and  fled.  And  thus  it  may  bee 
 thefe  Rulers  beleeved,  but  their  faith  was  verie  weake,  and 
 the  love  was  according  to  their  faith ;  til!  encreafe  of 
 faith  brought  forth  further  ftrength  of  love,  and  they  had 
 learned  by  the  ftrength  of  faith  and  love  to  preferre  the 
 fervice  of  Chrift  before  all  the  glorie  of  the  world,  and 
 to  adhere  to  the  glorie  that  comes  from  God  alone,  asfb 
 much  better  than  that  wee  receive  of  men,  that  the  latter 
 did  feeme  as  nothing  in  comparifon  of  the  former.  That 
 
 which 
 
Jnflifjing  Faith  cannot  be  without  Love. 
 
 51 
 
 which  is  added  by  the  Evangelifl'j  that  they  durft  not  con- 
 fefle  him ,  doth  no  more  derogate  from  their  love ,  than 
 from  their  faith :  for  if  they  had  beleeved  firmely  with 
 the  heavi  ufito  righteoHfnejJe,  they  had  csnfejfedwith  the 
 mouth  unto  falvatiott :  and  in  that  they  confefled  not  the 
 truth  with  their  mouths ,  it  argueth  they  beleeved  but 
 weakly  with  their  hearts.  For  the  faith  which  bringeth 
 forth  fincere  confeffion  is  coupled  with  love ,  but  con- 
 fcffion  it  felfe  is  an  effect  of  faith.  /  beleeved ,  and 
 therefore  have  I  jpoken :  rvee  alfo  beleeve^  and  therefore 
 jfeake. 
 
 The  man  that  came  to  the  wedding,  not  having  on  the 
 wedding  garment ,  had  faith  (as  our  Adveriaries  obje6i) 
 but  wanted  charitie  and  good  works.    How  may  it  ap- 
 peare  that  hee  had  faith  ?  Forfooth,  becaufe  hee  was  ad- 
 mitted to  that  Table,  which  are  the  Sacraments.  Not  to 
 queftion  that  expofitionfor  the  prefent,  was  no  man  ever 
 admitted  to  the  Sacraments ,  that  made  (hew  of  faith, 
 when  indeed  hee  had  none?  Many  hypocrites  are  in  the 
 Church ,  that  have  not  fo  much  as  a  perfwafion  of  tht  j 
 truth  of  the  Scripture,  and  fo  abfolutely  want  their  mar- 
 riage garment.  And  men  are  admitted  to  the  Sacrament 
 by  men,  and  admitted  for  profefsion  of  faith,  when  they 
 that  admit  them  cannot  tell  whether  they  have  faith  or 
 not.  For  many  pretend  that  which  is  not  in  them,  and 
 with  the  mouth  make  profefsion  of  faith ,  when  tbeir 
 heart  is  barren  and  emptie  of  grace.  Further,  this  man 
 might  affcnt  unto  truths  divine ,  and  acknowledge  them 
 as  true,  but  not  from  a  found  and  fincere  ground:  or  hee 
 might  aflent  unto  the  Articles  of  Chriftian  Faith  as  true 
 and  good,  whiJeft  conddered  onely  in  themfclves,  without 
 oppoiition  of  fuch  matters  as  hee  much  valued :  and  fuch 
 beleefc  being  unfound ,  {hallow ,  fubordinate  to  earthly 
 pleafures  or  commodities,  may  bee  and  is  feparat;ed  from 
 love ;  but  it  is  not  that  faith  wee  Ipeakeof.  The  general! 
 meaning  of  the  Parable  feemes  to  bee  no  more  but  this, 
 that  many  men  thruiUnto  the  Church,  who,  when  the  day 
 
 E  2  of 
 
 Rom.Toio. 
 
 I  Cor.4.13. 
 
 Matth.a2.11. 
 'ScBar.  ubifu^ra^ 
 §  •  quarvtmt 
 
52 
 
 Japfiing  Faith  cmmt  he  without  Love, 
 
 Gal.5.(5. 
 
 Rom.13.14. 
 
 Gal3.2<?j27. 
 
 Col.3.9,10. 
 
 EpheC4.i4. 
 
 C0I.312. 
 
 Ephcf.6.iJ,i6. 
 
 Matt^l.^^TT. 
 J?i«».  x^nnot.  in 
 Maxth,  %<!,.%.  J. 
 
 \of  triall  comesj  will  bee  found  to  have  nointereft  to  the 
 Kir^dome  of  Heaven.  What  if  the  wedding  garment  bee 
 charitie  ?  this  doth  hurt  us  nothing,  unleffe  it  could  bee 
 proved,  (which  can  never  bee)  that  this  man  had  juftifying 
 faith.  Forhee  wanted  the  wedding  garment,  chariticj  be- 
 caufe  hec  wanted  faith :  and  if  hee  had  becne  endued  with 
 the  onQyfc.  faith ,  hee  fhould  alio  have  had  the  other, 
 fc.  love  :  far  faith  ivorketh  by  love.  But  the  wedding  gar- 
 ment is  as  well  faith  as  iove»  It  is  indeed  Chriit  jeftis  him- 
 felfe  (ofwhom  the  Apoftle  faith)  Tmyeeenthe  Lord  J  e- 
 fus.  Chrift  (as  hee  is  a  Juftifier  of  us  from  finne,  and  a 
 Sanvlifierof  usfrom  the  power  of  finne,  rinfing  away  by 
 the  water  of  his  Spirit,  that  ftaine  of  corruption  defiling 
 our  nature)  is  that  wedding  garment :  and  fo  putting  on 
 Chrift,  wee  put  on  the  new  man,  which  accordingto  Cjod  is 
 created  in  righteonfne^e  and  true  holineffe :  Now  wee  put 
 on  Chrift,  when  we  doe  by  an  affianced  knowledge,  and  by 
 confequcnt  affe6Hons  come  more  and  more  to  bee  united 
 with  him.  The  firft  and  radicall  union  is  made  by  faith  on- 
 ly, which  layeth  hold  on  God  in  Chrift,  as  our  mercifull 
 j  God,  whofe  anger  before  threatned  us  for  fin.  The  fecon- 
 darie  union,  whereby  the  ibule  cleaveth  more  and  more 
 unto  Godjis  by  meanes  of  the  affedHons ;  by  love  our  hearts 
 cleave  unto  him,  by  hope,  joy,  high  eftimation  of  him: 
 whom  though  we  have  not  iecne,  we  love:  but  this  prefup- 
 pofeth  the  former. 
 
 The  five  foolifti  Virgins  (they  fay)  were  part  of  the 
 Kingdome  of  God ,  and  had  faith,  but  wanted  works. 
 They  were  indeed  part  of  the  Kingdome  in  profeflSon, 
 but  not  in  ele6lion.  They  had  a  forme  or  fliew  of  faith:, 
 but  true  juftifying  faith  they  never  knew.  And  as  their 
 faith  was,  fuch  were  their  works.  For  it  appeareth  that 
 they  had  oyle  in  their  lamps,  and  that  their  lamps  were 
 lighted ,  although  by  long  tarrying  of  the  Bridegroome, 
 they  were  afterwards  quenched.  Our  Adverfaries  teach, 
 thatthefe  Virgins  had  afpired  to  more  thanordinarie  per- 
 fcdion  in  the  Church :  and  had  they  gotten  this  without 
 good 
 
Jufitfying  Faith  cannot  bemthoutLove, 
 
 55 
 
 good  works  ?  It  is  a  ftrange  perfed^ioHthat  can  be  attained 
 without  all  good  d&tds  (piricualJ  orcorporalK  But  they 
 continued  not  (they  williay)  in  their  former  charitie,  when 
 ytt  they  prefumed  (irongly  on  the  aflurance  of  their  falva- 
 tion,asis  apparent  by  their  confident  demanding  to  be  let 
 in :  for  they  (aid,  Lord)  Lor di  o^en  unto  tu.  Indeed  they 
 never  had  either  true  faith  or  love,  and  therefore  could  not 
 continue  therein.  For  if  ever  they  hadbeene  partakers  of 
 either  in  truth,  they  would  have  perfevered  in  both  unto  the 
 end :  and  where  the  one  is  utterly  wanting,  the  other  never 
 was.  Their  earneft  demanding  to  be  let  in,  (hewes  rather 
 their  defire  than  their  hope :  and  yet  how  many  hope  pre- 
 fumptuoufly  without  true  (&ith'm  Chrift?  Faith  is  groun- 
 ded upon  the  word  of  God,  and  the  thing  which  itbelee- 
 veth,  is  that  which  the  Lord  hath  {aid.  Wbatfoever  wee 
 conceive  of  God  befides  his  Word,  it  is  imagination,  opi- 
 nion, prefumption,but  faith  it  is  not.  But  the  word  of  God . 
 denounceth  deftruftion  to  the  workers  of  iniquitie,  to  the 
 fruitlefle  and  barren  fig-tree :  how  can  it  then  be  laid,  that 
 they  that  worke  iniquitie,  that  bring  forth  no  good  fruit, 
 have  faith  to  beleeve  afluredly  that  they  fliall  bee  laved  ? 
 The  Apoftle  makes  mention  oflbme,  who  profefled  that 
 they  knew  God,  bnt  voere  indeed  anhleevers,  as  the  Vulgar 
 reads  it.  And  wee  know  it  is  often  threatncd  in  the  Pro- 
 phets, that  the  wicked  fl^aUcrj, and  not  be  heard:  call  in 
 feare,  but  not  in  faith :  for  they  that  in  faith  call  upon  the 
 nameofthe  Lordjhallbefaved. 
 
 But  the  Apoftle  J^wffx  (as  they  objeft)  fuppoleth  plain- 
 ly, that  a  man  may  have  faith  without  good  works ,  that 
 is,  without  charitie,  laying  :  JVhat  /hall  it  profit,  if  a  man 
 fay  he  hath  faith ^and  hath  no  works  ?  ^anfakhfave  him  f 
 Wherein  they  take  for  granted  what  can  never  bee  pro- 
 ved, that  the  Apoftle  takes  works  for  charitie.  Doe  they 
 chinke  that  they  againft  whom  the  Apoftle  writes,  would 
 grant  that  they  were  without  the  love  of  God  ?  the 
 Gnofiicks  were  never  lb  abfurd.  But  the  queftion  was, 
 whether  a  man  that  profefled  JefusCbrift  to  bee  the  Savi- 
 
 E  ^  our 
 
 Rom.xo.8jif. 
 
 Titus  i.i^. 
 
 Pro  V.  1.1 8. 
 Rom.10.15. 
 
 James  2.14. 
 'ieUar.ubifupra. 
 
54 
 
 Jufiifjing  Faith  cannot  be  mthout  Love. 
 
 Jam  .2. 14. 
 
 Jam.  a.  18. 
 Jairh2.r5.- 
 
 Jam. 2. 20. 
 
 Jam.ttSOjji. 
 
 Heb.ir.i?. 
 
 Jam.t.19. 
 
 onr  of  the  world,  was  not  by  this  favedj  how  \t^di\y 
 ibever  hec  demeaned  himfelfe?  And  it  is  apparent  by 
 the  Text ,  that  the  ApoftJe  ipeakes  of  an  hiftoricalJ, 
 dead  faith ,  a  faith  in  profefTion ;  as  much  differing  from 
 that  whereto  S.  T^«/  afcribeth  nghtecufncflejas  a  live  man 
 doth  from  a  dead,  or  a  body  endued  with  life  and  motion, 
 from  a  painted  or  carved  image.  Therefore  hee  compares 
 it  to- the  good  words  of  him  that  wifheth  well  to  the 
 poore  man,  but  doth  nothing  at  all  for  him.  As  therefore 
 it  is  no  true  charitie  which  profeffcth  good  will  to  help, 
 and  helpeth  not :  fb  it  is  no  true  faith,  which  is  levered 
 from  good  works.  To  this  tendeth  his  queftion ,  What 
 avatleth  it,  though  a  man  [ay  that  hee  hath  faith  ?  and 
 his  other  demand,  5^tfw  me  thy  faith  ?  Theuttermoft  hee 
 extendeth  it  to  by  inftance ,  is  a  meere  hittoricall  faith, 
 ThoH  hleeveH  that  there  ii  one  God.  His  purpole  is  to 
 {hew,  that  faith,  if  it  bee  truly  profeflfed,  hath  taken  root 
 within,  from  whence  Ipringby  obedience  the  fruits  of  all 
 good  works ;  and  if  it  give  not  forth  it  it\^^  by  good  works, 
 it  is  a  dead,  no  true  and  living  faith.  The  men  againft 
 whom  hee  dilputes  did  make  profeffion  of  juftifying  faith; 
 but  the  Apoftle brings  the  true,  lively,  and  working  faith  of 
 cx^^r^^ww,asoppofitetothatidle,  dead,  and  breath-lefle 
 faith  profefled  by  them ;  and  faying,  wat  not  Abraham  our 
 Father  jufiified  hyvfork^i  when  hee  offered  his  SonneKzic 
 upon  the  altar?  hee  meaneth  no  more,  than  if  hee  had 
 thus  Ipoken :  If  zAbraham  had  faid  (as  they  did,  whole 
 emptie  faith  he  di(approves)I  have  faith,but  had  not  proved 
 his  fayings  true  by  his  deeds,  or  readinefle  to  oflfer  up  his 
 onely  Sonne  when  God  commanded  him  (for  actually  hee 
 did  not  offer  him)  hee  had  not  beene  jaftified  beforeGcd. 
 Why  ?  becaufe  hee  had  not  beleeved  in  fuchfbrt  as  Taul 
 meant,  when  he  faith;  *By  faith  Abraham  offered  up  Ifiac 
 when  he  was  tryedy  which  was  the  afl  of  his  faith,  as  the 
 Text  exprcfly  noteth. 
 
 Yea,  further  to  (hew  the  vanitie  of  them  that  boafted 
 of  juftifying  faiths  becaufe  they  profefTed  faith  in  God,  hee 
 
 addeth ; 
 
Jujlifying  Faith  cannot  be  mthout  Love. 
 
 55 
 
 addeth;  The  Devils  beleevealfo  and.  tremble:  (hewing, 
 that  the  Devils  goe  h  farre  as  tobeleeve  the  truth  of  God, 
 yea,fui:therj  ftx  they  tremble ;  and  therefore  the  faith  pro- 
 feffedinword  bythofe  boafters,  cannot  bee  the  fame  with 
 that  which  the  Scripture  nameth  for  a  juftifying  faith. 
 They  cannot  (huffle  this  over  by  telling  us,  that  Chrirtian 
 faith,  when  it  is  naked  and  void  of  good  works,  may  well 
 bee  likened  unto  the  Devils  faith  in  two  points.   Firft,  in 
 both  of  them  there  is  a  perfect  knowledge  of  all  things  re- 
 vealed. Secondly,  this  knowledge  (hall  not  fteadthem  a- 
 ny  whit.  But  in  many  things  they  differ ;  but  this  one  i% 
 principal!.  That  Chriftians,  out  of  a  godly  and  devout  af- 
 fection, doe  willingly  fubmit  their  underftanding  to  the 
 rules  of  faith.  But  the  Devill,  againft  his  will,  beleeves 
 all  that  God  hath  revealed.   This  i^  but  a  poore  evafion ; 
 forif  they  will  heare  their  brethren  oil^emes,  they  tell 
 them  plainly,  that  Saint  James  doubted  not  to  call  a  dead 
 faith  without  works,  the  faith  not  of  Chriftians,  but  of 
 Devils,  TheApoftle  then  doth  not  liken  Chriftian  jufti- 
 fying faith  to  the  faith  of  Devils  in  fome  points onely,  but 
 proves  the  dead  faith  profefTed  by  fome,  not  to  bee  true 
 and  faving  faith  indeed,  becaufe  the  Devils  beleevein  that 
 manner.  The  firfl:  point  wherein  the  faith  of  Chriftians 
 and  of  Devils  is  faid  to  agree,  comprehendeth  thefulnefle 
 and  perfe(ftion  of  that  which  they  call  Catholike,  or  Chri- 
 ftian Faith,  which  confifteth  in  beleeving  all  t6  bee  true 
 that  God  bath  revealed.  No  more  is  there  in  <i/^brahams 
 faith,  if  weeconfidertbe  aft  of  faiths,  and  no  lefTe  in  the 
 Devill,  and  the  fame  in  everie  Catholike  Chriftian ,  ac- 
 cording to  their  doftrine.  That  which  is  added  to  ftiew 
 the  difference  betwixt  the  faith  of  Chriftians  and  the  faith 
 of  Devils,  is  little  to  the  purpofe.  For  it  is  not  taken  from 
 the  nature  of  faith  it  ielfe,  but  from  thofe  things  which  to 
 faith  are  meerely  accidentall.  The  godly  and  devout  af- 
 feftion,  and  willing  fubmiftionto  the  rules  of  faith,  which 
 is  in  Chriftians,  being  an  act  of  charitie,  and  nor  of  faith, 
 differcnceth  not  true  faith  in  it  Ielfe  from  the  faith  of  Hy- 
 
 E  4  pocrites, 
 
 "Cellar,  dtfufi. 
 lib,  I,  cap.i^,  §. 
 '-^dtertium, 
 ^-  3.  againft 
 Per^ns  refoiined 
 Catholike, 
 4- point,  qu. 
 fVhethtrfahh 
 may  be  vpithcut 
 charitie. 
 
 Rhem.  ^Annet.  in 
 MAtth.i'^.SeS.l. 
 
%6 
 
 Ji*^ifying  Faith  cannot  hemthout  Lne, 
 
 ySeUar 
 W.I. 
 
 Ifitemi 
 
 .dejuftif. 
 
 \  pocritesj  but  diftinguifbeth  faith  and  charitie  from  faith 
 \oneIy.  And  thus  our  adverfaries  make  the  Devilla  Ca- 
 tholike  againft  his  will.  Or  if  they  will  lay,  that  true 
 Chriftian  faith  doth  aIvvayesa(Suai]yand  neceflarily  imply 
 this  godly  affection,  and  willing  fubmiflion  of  underftan- 
 ding  to  the  rules  of  faith,  thenbecaufe  this  cannot  be  with- 
 out charitie*  let  them  fay,  as  the  truth  is,  that  true  Chrifti- 
 an  faith  cannot  be  ieparated  from  love  and  good  works.  It 
 is  impertinent  to  diipure,  whether  the  faith  of  Devils  bee 
 naturall,  coa6^,  and  diihoneft ;  or  the  faith  of  wicked  men 
 fupernaturall,  volutitarie,  and  honeft,  as  if  thefe things  di- 
 ftinguifhed  the  faith  c^  ungodly  men  from  the  faith  of  De- 
 vils. Forifthemajeftieof  Gods  infallible  truth  comnfiand 
 the  a  (Tent  of  Devils  to  that  which  they  love  not,  doth  not 
 theiame  caufe  alfo  prevaile  with  ungodly  men,  who  beare 
 noaffedHonto  God  or  goodnelTe?  And  as  for  the  honerty 
 ordiOioneftyofiheadt,  there  can  no  circumftance  bee  na- 
 med, why  it  fhould  be  honeft  in  wicked  men,and  diflioneft 
 inthe Devils :  foritis  fearcfully  abufed  in  both.  Andif  it 
 be  granted,  that  faith  without  works  or  grace,  is  in  men  the 
 gift  of  God,  but  the  faith  of  Devils  not  fo;  this  argues  a 
 difference  onely  in  the  caufe,  not  in  the  cfience,  nature,  or 
 qualitie.  And  though  it  be  his  gift,  yet  being  without  grace 
 and  charitie,  and  without  thefe  of  necefiitie  as  unfruitfull 
 as  the  faith  of  Devils  (both  which  our  adverfaries  grant)  it 
 I  is  no  more  availeable  to  make  a  Chriltian,  than  the  faith  of 
 Devils  is. 
 
 It  is  further  obje6led,  if  faith  cannot  be  without  charitie, 
 then  faith  alone  doth  not  juftifie.  This  foiloweth  not,  for 
 it  is  one  thing  to  fay,  faith  alone  dc«h  not  jaftific,  another 
 that  faith  which  jaflifieth  is  not  alone.  This  fatter  we  yeeld 
 unto,  the firft  wee  deny.  Faith  alone  doth  piliHe,  that  is, 
 privatively  cwifidered  witb^ut  hope  or  charitie,  as  caufes 
 concurring  therewith  injuftification  :  but  this  faith  cannot 
 really  be  feparated  from,  or  negatively  confidered  without 
 I  hope  and  charitie.  For  though  ic  be  true,  that  the  totall 
 caufe  of  any  thing  being  in  a£t4^e  cffe6l  mufk  needs  follow; 
 
 yet 
 
1  unifying  Faiih  cannot  be  tvuhaut  Love. 
 
 57 
 
 yec  from  the  totall  caufe  wee  cannot  ieparate  thofe  things, 
 together  with  which  it  hath  in  nature  its  exiftence  and  be- 
 ing, and  without  which  it  cannot  bee  in  a6>  for  the  produ- 
 cing of  the  eftec^,  though  they  conferre  nothing  thereto; 
 becaufethat  is  to  deny  the  being  of  it,  and  to  deftroytbe 
 caufe.  The  eye  alone  feeth,  the  eare  alone  heareth  :  but  it 
 muft  bee  a  living  eye,  and  hearing  eare,  not  feparated  from 
 the  head,  or  broken  oft' from  the  reft  of  the  body.  Faith  a- 
 lonejurtifies  without  other  graces,  not  in  regard  of  their 
 prefence,  but  in  regard  of  their  co-working  with  faith  to 
 this  effeft  of  our  Juftification.  It  is  one  thing  to  fay,  the 
 eye  is  in  the  head  without  other  lenfes,  and  another  thing 
 to  fay,  the  eye  doth  fee  alone,  no  other  fenfe  feeing  with  it. 
 Livelyhood  is  the  qualification  of  that  faith  that  juftifieth  j 
 and  works,  at  leaft  a  preparation  and  promptitude  of  heart 
 to  good  works,  is  an  efFe6l  of  faith,  as  immediate  as  Juftifi- 
 cation. Sothen  faith  cannot  be  without  love,  and  yet  wee 
 apprehend  not  thepromifes  ofeternall  life  by  works,  but 
 by  faith  alone ;  although  truly  they  cannot  be  apprehended 
 by  parties  deftitute  of  works,  at  leaft  of  fincere  refolution 
 CO  walke  in  obedience.  Nor  doth  faith  alone  app.-ehend 
 the  truth,  or  derive  the  benefit  of  divine  promiles  to  our 
 ielves,  but  by  it  alone  (though  accompanied  with  aJl  other 
 fanfHfying  graces,  and  attended  with  the  whole  traine  of 
 good  works)  weexpe6i:and  pray  the  promiies  may  be  ful- 
 filled, not  for  our  (akes,  or  for  any  righteoufneflc  wee  have 
 in  us,  or  can  hope  for  in  this  life,  but  onely  for  the  merit  of 
 Chrirt,  by  his  fole  mediation  and  interceffion.  In  briefc, 
 the  faith  which  juftificth  is  operative,  attended  with  good 
 works  ofall  forts,  accompanied  with  all  graces  of  the  Spi- 
 rit :  but  wee  live  by  k,  &s  it  unites  ns  to  the  Lord  of  life ; 
 yea,  by  it  alone,  not  by  it  and  other  partsof  grace,  in  at 
 much  as  by  it  wee  truftinGods  mercies  offered  inChrift, 
 wholly  relying  on  them,  not  partly  oo  them,  and  partly  on 
 i  our  works  or  righteoufocife. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
58 
 
 what  deSirinestire  calkdmMers  of  Faith, 
 
 f 
 
 fVhat  doUrtfies 
 are  called  matters 
 of  Faith. 
 
 JtMifyi«if*ith 
 it  r*e  ^ayei  confi- 
 dered. 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 'Of  th^gemrall  objeU  or  matter  of 
 Faith  jtiftifymg, 
 
 §.  r.  11  yf  Atters  of  faith  ftridUy  and  properly  thofe  are 
 X\jL  called,  which  perrainc  to  the  nature  and  eflence 
 of  faith,  firft  and  by  themfelves ;  as  are  the  points  of  faith 
 contained  in  the  Gofpel ,  the  ignorance  whereof  is  dam- 
 nable, andthe  deniall  heretical!.  But  in  a  more  large  ac- 
 ceptation, all  truth,revealcdby  God  in  his  holy  Word,  is  a 
 matter  of  faith,  and  to  beebeleeved  as  God  hath  revealed 
 it.  Hence  is  that  rule  of  Divines,  There  are  many  integrall 
 parts  in  the  word  of  God,  which  are  (aid  to  bee  of  the 
 word  of  faith,  but  not  properly  a  matter  of  faith.  For 
 there  are  many  hiftoricall,  domefticall,  and  particular 
 matters  fet  downe  for  example,  not  properly  for  faith : 
 which  wee  beleeve ,  not  bccaufe  they  pertaine  to  faving 
 ^ith,  but  for  that  they  appertaineto  the  Word  written 
 by  the  Spirit  of  God.  And  not  much  unlike  hereunto  is 
 that  diftin6tion ,  that  fomc  things  are  neceflarie  to  bee 
 beleevedtofalvation  by  themfelves,  andthe  authoritie  of 
 the  Scriptures ,  as  the  fubftantiall  points  of  faith  and 
 manners;  others  for  the  authoritie  of  the  Scripture  onely, 
 as  thofe  which  are  not  (b  neceflarie :  and  fome  neither 
 by  themfelves,  nor  the  authoritie  of  the  Scripture,  as  are 
 things  in  themfelves  indifferent ,  fo  long  as  by  circum- 
 ftance  they  be  not  repugnant  to  faith,truth,  love,  and  edifi- 
 cation. 
 
 §.  1.  Juflifying  faith  is  confidered ,  either  according 
 to  its  moft  eminent  efFe^,which  is  to  juflifie ;  or  according 
 to  its  full  and  adequate  a6^.  For  that  faith  which  juftifieth, 
 doth  embrace  the  Commandements,  beleeve  the  threat- 
 nings ,  looke  to  all  the  promifes  of  God  made  in  Jefus 
 Chrift  concerning  this  life  or  the  life  to  come ,  and  re- 
 ceive the  good_xhings  promifed:  itfuftaineth  inadverfi- 
 
 ties. 
 
Jujiifjing  Faith  is  two  wajes  considered. 
 
 59 
 
 ties,  worketh  by  love  as  an  inftrumenc  conjoyned  with 
 itjguideth  all  our  aitions,  and  giveth  firme  affent  un- 
 to everie  article  of  faith,  and  everie  part  of  divine  truth; 
 but  as  it  jufiifietb,  it  isconverfant  about  Chrift  obeying 
 to  death,  that  we  may  find  rightequfncfle  and  forgivenefle 
 of  finnes  to  life  in  him ;  or  it  cleaveth  unto  Gods  mercies 
 manifefted  in  that  eternall  facrifice,  ahvayes  breathing 
 out- life  to  men,  renouncing  all  truft  and  confidence, 
 even  in  fuch  graces  as  wee  have  received  from  God.  The 
 trtith,  mercie,  fidelitie,  and  power  of  God,  with  all 
 benefits  paft  and  to  come,  which  it  pleafeth  God  to  be- 
 ftow  upon  his  people  in  Jefus  Chrift ,  are  the  matter 
 about  which  faith  is  exercifed  :  but  as  it  juftifiethj  Chrift 
 is  the  full  and  adequate  obje6l  of  beleefe ;  as  our  reafona- 
 ble  foule  doth  fee  in  the  eye,  heare  in  the  eare,  digeft  in 
 the  ftomack,  but  doth  not  realbn  as  it  doth  thefe  things, 
 butonely  as  it  conceiveth  and  difcourlcth  within  us.  So 
 that,  according  to  the  twofold  confideration  of  juftify- 
 ing  faith,  the  objedl:  of  it  is  twofold.    Generall  and  Spe- 
 ciall.  I.  The  Generall  obje6l  is  the  whole  truth  of  God 
 revealed  unto  us  in  his  Word,  containing  all  Hiftories, 
 Doctrines,  CommandsjThreatnings,  Promifes  of  what 
 kind  feever.  True  faith  refpefts  all  this,  and  onely  this. 
 Onely  this,  becaufe  divine  revelations  onely  be  of  certaine 
 and  infallible  truth,  which  cannot  deceive,  and  whereunto 
 men  canfafely  give  unlimited  and  abfolute credit :  All  this, 
 becaufe  everie  part  of  divine  inlpired  truth  is  worthy  of  all 
 beleefeand  reverence:  and fo  there  is  nothing  contained 
 in  Scriptures,  threatning,  promife,  precept,  admoni- 
 tion, exhortation,  prophefie ,  or  hiftorie,  which  falls  not 
 ,in  fbme  degree  or  other  within  the  compaife  of  laving 
 Faith. 
 
 God  who  cannot  lye,  hath  propounded  to  men  for 
 truth,  and  to  be  beleeved,  whatfoever  is  delivered  in  Scrip- 
 tures, and  fo-it  is  a  matter  of  faith;  but  fo  farre  forth 
 onely,  as  it  is  intended  to  bee  held  for  true  by  the  Holy 
 Ghoft,  the  Authour  of  the  Scripture.  There  is  no  doubt 
 
 to 
 
 The  obje5  of 
 juHifyingfeith 
 two- fold. 
 I.  Generall. 
 
 Tm& faith  refpe- 
 <a£Ch  the  whole 
 word  of  God, 
 
6o  The hiftoricall parti  as  doBrine  of  creati9n^&c. 
 
 Gcr.ef.45.i3i. 
 
 2Reg.i8?o. 
 arid  tj>.43^- 
 
 §.  3. 
 
 X,  The  hiiloricatt 
 pandas  the t^o- 
 Rtineofth' 
 
 Heb.ii.f» 
 
 TtwidevC- 
 
 tobccmade,  but  whatfoeveris  regiftred  in  the  Hiftoricall 
 Bookes  of  holy  Scripture  by  way  of  report,  is  to  bee  taken 
 for  true  in  refped  ot  ftoriCj  that  wee  may  not  doubt  whe- 
 ther thole  things  were  done  or  faid,  whicbare  there  repor- 
 ted to  be  done  or  faid:  But  in  thefe  bookes  wee  havefome 
 worthy  fpeeches  of  godly  men,  and  fome  lewd  and  blaiphe- 
 mous  words  of  proFane  and  wretched  men.  The  former  are 
 to  be  acknowledged  for  the  truth  of  Godeverieway:  the 
 latter  muft  be  acknowledged  to  bee  truly  reported.  As  for 
 example  Mt  is  true  that  J^c-oA  uttered  thofe  prophefies  of 
 the  twelve  Patriarks  his  Tons,  and  it  is  alfotrue,  thatthofe 
 prophefies  of  his  were  the  verie  truth  of  God.  It  is  as  true, 
 that  Rahjhakeh  delivered  thole  blafphemous  threatnings 
 againft  the  Lord  and  his  people,  but  it  is  not  true  that  thole 
 words  came  from  God,  ^s  Jacobs  did;  lb  Jacohwcre  to 
 betaken  aseverie  way  true,  truly  related,  and  the  truth  of 
 God ;  %ab(hakehs  onely  as  truly  reported  from  his  mouth, 
 but  in  themlelvcs blafphemous. 
 
 §.  5.  Thus  faith  yeeldeth  firme  and  abfolutc  aflent  to 
 all  divine  hiftories,  as  containing  a  certaine  and  liire  rela- 
 tion of  thole  things  whereof  they  intreat,  and  towhatlb- 
 ever  came  from  God^as  everie  way  true,and  to  be  received: 
 nor  doth  itbately  aflent  to  the  thing  fpoken  as  true,  but 
 tBOveth  and  ftirreth  afFe6lions  according  as  the  nature  of 
 the  thing  beleeved  fliould  and  ought  to  worke.  Through 
 \  faith  wee  underftand  that  the  worlds  vpere  framed  bj  the 
 M>«'r<^o/(j(?^,not  barely  giving  credit  to  Afofesrelmon  tou- 
 ching the  creation  of  the  world)  but  looking  unto  the  wil- 
 dome,  goodnefle,  and  power  of  God,  whereby  the  heart 
 is  moved  to  feare,  reverence,  and  fubmilTion.  That  faith 
 which  is  deeply  faftened  in  the  heart,  and  beholdeth  the 
 true  God,  the  Creatour  and  Governour  of  ail  things,  as  his 
 power,  bountie,  and  underftanding,  {hineth  in  his  works; 
 that  faith  enciteth  tohumilitie,  reverence,  love,  and  wor- 
 IhipofGod.  Through  faith  wee  underftand  that  God  hath 
 protected,  and  preferved,  and  bleffed  his  people  from  time 
 to  time;  afflicted  them  when  they  wentaftray,  delivered 
 
 them 
 
Promifes  concerning  Sm6iif cation. 
 
 61 
 
 tMaismi/irie  liy 
 [inne. 
 
 Jlfyfteries  efgoi- 
 linfjfe. 
 
 them  oat  of  the  hands  of  their  perfecutors  when  they 
 humbled  thcmfelves  and  fought  unto  him ,  inclined  the 
 hearts  of  their  enemies  to  fhew  them  favour,  confounded 
 thofe  that  ro(e  up  againft  themj  and  mercifully  performed 
 all  his  promifes  in  the  fitteftfeafon  :  andwhercthis  firme 
 beJeefe  is  planted,  it  begetteth  a  conftant  and  vvell-advifed 
 refolution  to  draw  neere  to  God,  and  cleave  to  him  in  all 
 conditions,  profperitieandadverfitie,  fickneflc  and  health, 
 freedome  and  trouble,  when  religion  is  favoured,  and  when 
 it  is  perfecuted :  becaufe  falvation  is  of  the  Lord,  heewill  P^J-7J«24.a7' 
 guidehis  people  by  counfell,  and  afterward  receive  them 
 lO  giorie,  but  they  that  are  farre  from  God  (hall  perifli, 
 they  that  goe  a  whoring  from  him  fliall  bee  deftroyed. 
 What  the  Scripture  teachethof  therailerieofallmen  by 
 {inne,  thevanitieof  mind,and  corruption  of  nature,  that 
 faith  receiyeth ;  and  thence  followeth  lelfe-deniall  and  re- 
 nunciation of  aUtrnft  in  worldly  meanes.  The  high  and 
 profound  myfteries  of  godlinefle,  which  the  natpraUman 
 perceiveth  not ,  accounreth  fboliftmefle,  f^ith  embraceth 
 with  admiration,  joy,  delight,  and  affeilion^dwerable  to 
 [he  nature  of  the  do^rine  into  which  we  are  delivered.  Be- 
 leefe  of  Gqds  power,  wifdome,  grace,  love, and  mercie  ma*t 
 nifeftedin  JefusChrift,  doth  fr^me  the  image  of  God  or 
 Chrift  in  our  minds,  andpropoleth  it  as  a  vilible  patterne 
 for  our  imitation  in  all  our  vvorks,thoughts,  and  relblutions, 
 and  ftirreth  up  to  works  ofpictie,  juftice,  mercie,  long-fuf- 
 fering,and  the  like. 
 
 §.  4.  Befides  the  promife  of  forgivenefle  of  finnes,  in 
 and  through  the  bloud  of  Chrift ,  there  bee  many  other 
 precious  and  rich  promifes,  fpirituill  and  temporail,  con- 
 cerning this  and  the  \i(Q.  to  come :  all  which,  as  procee- 
 ding from  the  fame  fpuntaine  of  truth ,  faith  doth  reft 
 upcm  and  embrace ,  and  that  fb  much  the  farter , .  as  the 
 promifes  bee  more  excellent.  There  is  amutuall  relation 
 betwixt  God  promifing  any  good  bleffing  in  Chrift,  and 
 the  faithftjil  foule  putting  forth  it  itVct  to  embrace  grace 
 offered.  For  faith  hath  not  onely  tycsy  by  which  it  dotb 
 
 fee 
 
 1  The  promifes 
 cowernt'itg 
 
6z 
 
 Thefromifes  concerning  SanBificamn. 
 
 a  Cor.i.jc 
 
 'SanSificatfon. 
 
 Jercm. 31.40. 
 Ezek  3615,27. 
 
 Phil.T.5. 
 T  Cor.i.R. 
 
 a  Tim. 1. 12. 
 
 fee  the  good  promi  fed,  but  hands  wherewith  it  doth  lay 
 hold  upon  the  good  things  beftowed:  and  the  more  ex- 
 cellent the  good,  which  is  reached  unto  us  in  the  word  of 
 promilc,  is,  the  clofer  doth  faith  flick  unto  it,  the  ftronger 
 doth  it  hold  it .  Men  are  credulous  in  things  that  may  con- 
 cerne  them  in  their  name,  goods,  or  life :  and  the  more 
 weightie  the  matter,the  more  earneft  they  be  in  feeking  re- 
 (blution,  and  the  ftronger  hope  or  feareof  it  begettetd  in 
 them.  All  the  promifes  of  God  h  Tea  and  Ameni  furein 
 themfelves,  certaine  to  thebeleever,  and  therefore  hee  can- 
 not but  receive  them  with  clofer  and  ftronger  repofe  and 
 adherence,  the  more  hee  doth  apprehend  their  goodnefle 
 and  worth. 
 
 Amongrt  the  greater  and  more  principall  promifes, 
 thofe  are  to  bee  reckoned,  which  Gocf  hath  made  concer- 
 ning our  fan6lificationby  his  holy  Spirit,  that  hee  will  en- 
 able them  that  beleeve  to  bring  forth  fruits  of  amend- 
 ment, and  perfe6l  the  good  worke  begun  in  them  from 
 day  to  day.  This  is  the  covenant  which  God  hath  made 
 with  his  people  ;  IwUl^ut  myfeare  into  their  hearts y  that 
 thejfhall  not  depart  from  my  wayes.  This  promile  h  veric 
 neceflfarie  tobeebeleeved :  for  if  people  be  not  well  groun- 
 ded inbeleeving  that  God  will  build  them  up  more  ftrong- 
 lyfrom  day  today,  and  perfe6l  the  good  worke  in  them 
 which  he  hath  begun,  even  to  full  fanftification  m  the  feare 
 of  God,  they  fhall  verie  much  ftagger  and  goeback,  cold- 
 ly fet  upon  the  pra£i:iceof  godlinefie,  be  off  and  on,  now 
 forward ,  now  backward ,  not  knowing  how  to  begin ,  or 
 to  proceed  in  the  way  of  holinefle.  Beleefe  that  God  will 
 enable  them  to  everie  dutie  hee  doth  require,  and  ftreng- 
 then  them  againft  enemies  that  dc^  oppofe ,  is  a  maine 
 poftin  the  Chriftian  building,  an  exceeding  furtherance 
 unto  godlineifej  without  which  they  Hiall  bee  oft  fkaken 
 and  difmaied.  Thefe  promifes  be  of  great  price :  for  if  a' 
 Chriftian  were  allowed  to  aske  of  God  whatlbever  hee 
 would)  next  unto  the  pardon  of  his  finnes,  and  Talvation 
 of  his  foule ,  what  would  hee  defire ,  but  to  bee  afliired 
 
 from 
 
Promifes  concerningthings  temprall. 
 
 63 
 
 from  God  that  hee  will  eftabliili  him  in  grace,  and  teach 
 him  the  good  way  which  hee  ought  to  goe,  that  hee  will 
 fanilifie  him  in  Ibule ,  fpirit ,  and  body ,  and  keepe  him 
 blameleffe  unto  the  comming  of  our  Lord  Jeftis  unto 
 judgement?  And  when  hee  diicerneth  any  fuchpromile  to 
 bee  made,  it  is  not  hard  to  conceive,  with  what  deare  af^ 
 feflion  and  ftrong  adherence  hee  doth  receive  it ,  how 
 clofe  hee  layeth  it  up  in  his  Ibule,  and  Iweetly  feedeth  J 
 upon  it.  Thispromife  15  iweet,  and  beleefe  thereof  ftir»- 
 ri tig  and  operative:  for  it  hearteneth  to  the  praftice  of  ! 
 mortification  and  new  obedience  with  great  courage, 
 chearefulnefTe,  andftayedneffe;  itquickeneth  and  encou^ 
 rageth  to  pray,  as  neceflities  ftiallgive  caufe;  itprefervcth 
 from  fainting  and  dilinayednefle,  when  ftrength  is  not  verie 
 great;  and  if  at  any  time,  through  vveaknefle  and  infirmitie, 
 fecuritie  catch  hold  upon  us,  faith  in  the  promile,  that  God 
 will  be  our  fircngth  and  help,is  that  which  raifeth  us  againe, , 
 andputteth  courage  into  us  to  Hghtagainft  the  adverfaries 
 ofourfoule. 
 
 Many  gracious  and  free  promifes,  concerning  the  blet 
 fings  of  this  life,  arediiperled  in  the  Word  of  life,  which 
 faith  receiveth  as  true  and  certaine,  becaufe  they  come 
 from  the  God  of  truth,  who  is  faithfull,  fincere  and  con- 
 ftant  in  all  his  promiles.  GoMineffe  hath  the  fromifes  both 
 of  thin  life  andthat  which  is  to  come.  Hee  that  jparedKot 
 his  orone  Softy  Out  delivered  him  upjor  us  all:  how  (hall  he 
 not  with  him  alfo  freely  give  m  all  things  ?  as  health, 
 maintenance,  credit, prolperous  fuccefle  in  our  callings  and 
 Jawfulldealings,  deliverance  our  of  troubles,  and  fuch  like. 
 This  is  the  affurance  that  God  hath  gi^Vte^,  even  his  faith- 
 full  promife  often  repeated,  many  wayes  ratified  and  con- 
 firmed, that  hee  will  make  competent  provifion  for  his 
 children :  which  is  to  faith  better  than  many  bils  of  fecu- 
 ritie from  men,  yea,  than  large  pofTefsions  in  hand  for  the 
 prefent.  The  worth  and  goodneffe  of  earthly  blefsings 
 promifcd  is  apparent ,  fpecially  when  they  bee  given  in 
 love  and  mercie,  as  gifts  of  the  covenant,  tokens  of  free 
 '^_____ grace. 
 
 Things  tem^ireH, 
 
 Gcncf.i5.J. 
 Jofi.j. 
 Heb.iJ.y. 
 I  Tim  4.S?. 
 Ro:n.8.32. 
 
^4 
 
 Thethreatnings. 
 
 §.  5.. 
 
 J  tbethieaxnings. 
 
 Rom.iJ.4< 
 
 grace,  and  byalupernatnrall  providence  elevated  to  fpi- 
 tituall  ufe,  in  which  fenfe  they  are  promifed  and  vouch- 
 iafed  unto  them  thatfeare  God  and  walke  in  hiswayes. 
 And  therefore  when  the  beleever  is  rightly  informed, 
 that  God  hath  made  any  fuch  promifes,  hce  putteth 
 jfbrth  the  hand  of  faith  to  lay  faft  hold  upon  them ,  and 
 boxeth  them  up  fafe,  as  hisbeft  and  onely  evidence  for  the 
 things  of  this  \iiz,  and  the  fanctification  of  them.    For 
 want  of  this  faith  j   many  vertuous  and  godly  nien  are 
 greatly  daggered  and  perplexed,  plunged  into  deepe  un- 
 comfortable dumps  and  tedious  troubles  about  the  things 
 of  this  life*.  But  when  once  thefe  promifes  be  well  rivet- 
 ted  into,  and  have  taken  root  in  the  heart  by  a  lively  faith, 
 beleefe  hereof  bringeth  forth  contentment,  comforreth  in 
 the  multitude  of  perplexities,  encourageth  to  diligence  in 
 our  places,  quickeneth  in  adverfities,  and  ftrengthens  to 
 the  works  of  righteoufnefle,  as  knowing  that  to  be  the  fureft 
 way  for  the  gaining  of  durable  riches,  and  trufting  more  to 
 the  faithfull  promiles  of  God,  though  above  likelyhood, 
 than  to  their  owne  carnall  devices,  though  in  (hew  and  ap- 
 pearance probable. 
 
 §.  5.  As  faith  receiveth  what  God  promifeth,  becaufc 
 God  is  faithfull,  and  the  promifes  of  great  worth  and  good- 
 neffe :  fb  it  beleeveth  the  threatnings  denounced  m  the 
 Word,  not  barely  apprehending  them  as  true  and  certaine, 
 but  aHb  declining  them  as  evill.  For  the  whole  Scripture 
 breathed  from  God ,  and  everie  part  thereof  is  Gods  word, 
 of  infallible  truth,  deferving  abfolute  credit.   God  is  as 
 well  juft  as  mercifull ;  faithfull  and  true  as  well  in  his 
 threats,  as  in  his  promifes,  and  equally  tobebe'eeved  in 
 both,  (ofarreas  by  his  Word  hee  hath  afluredus  of  both. 
 Heethat  beleeveth  the  one  as  hee  ought,  beleeveth  both: 
 and  hee  that  beleeveth  not  both,  gives  found  credit  to  nei- 
 ther. Beleefe  ofthe  threatnings  is  necefTarie:  For  what- 
 foever  things  are  vritttn  (whether  precept f;,  promifes, 
 threatnings,  examples  )<?r'e  y^ritten  for  our  learning:  and 
 as  the  promifes  of  this  life  and  the  life  to  come  are  fliarp 
 
 Ipurres 
 
The  Threatnings . 
 
 65 
 
 ipurres  tox^oicken  us  unto  godlineflfe :  ib  the  threatnings 
 are  ftrongbridles  to  keepe  from  naughtinefle.  Firme  aflent 
 to  the  certaine  accompliihment  of  divine  threatnings,  doth 
 beget  humiliation  for  finnc  paft ,  and  vigilancie  to  fhun 
 finne and elcape danger:  itftrengthens  againftbafe,  carnal! 
 feareSj  and  the  threats  of  men  that  oppofe  the  tratb,  and 
 rcviveth  care  toferve  and  pleafeGodat  all  times,  and  in 
 all  things.  Wherefore  doc  the  terronrs  of  men  io  much 
 affright,  butbccaufefleight  bcleefeis  given  to  the  threat- 
 nin^  of  the  Lord?  The  grace  and  mercieofGod  belee- 
 vcd  breeds  love  of  God ,  and  confequently  true  feare, 
 which  is  oppofed  to  lenfcleffe  ftupiditie,  and  carnall  pre- 
 fumpcion ,  though  it  cafteth  out  fearc  which  proceedeth 
 from  unbeleefc. 
 
 But  what  need  Beleevers  feare  the  threatnings,  feeing 
 there  U  no  condemnation,  or  cauTe  of  fcare  to  them  that  be- 
 lecve?  The  Apoftle  faith  indeed,  there  is  no  condeimtation 
 to  fuch  :  but  wee  cannot  therefore  conclude,  that  there  is 
 no  caufe  of  fcare  to  them,  unlefTe  no  other  esi'iki  but  finall 
 damnation  need  to  bee  feared.  But  whileflthe  foule  is  iiib- 
 je6l  to  bring  upon  it  Gods  temporarie  wrath,  ficknefTcs 
 fpirituall,  hcllifti  anguifli  to  the  fenfeof  it,  there  is  ftill 
 caufe  enough  to  fcare.  Seeing  that  concerning  temporall 
 threats  and  punifhments,  Goddealcthas  fharply,  or  ra- 
 ther morefharply  with  his  children  than  any  other,  why 
 fhouldthey  not  dread  his  fatherly  corredion?  Would  a 
 child  that  had  but  one  fparke  of  wit,  or  common  rcafbn, 
 provoke  his  father  to  Icourge  and  whip  him  everie  (^^jt 
 becaufe  hee  knowes  hee  will  not  dif-inherit  him  in  the  end ; 
 and  not  rather  fay,  It  is  good  fleeping  in  a  whole  skin? 
 And  (Irall  Beleevers,  who  are  fpiritually  wile ,  vyillingly 
 provoke  God,  becaufe  hee  will  not  condemne  them  eter- 
 nally ?  The  aflbrance  which  a  godly  man  hath  of  his  falva- 
 tion,  is  ever  joyned  with  afaithfnll  and  confciondble  care 
 to  walk  uprightly  before  the  Lord,  and  to  decline  by-paths 
 and  fhrayings ;  for  which  end  he  makes  ule  of  everie  part  of 
 the  Word,  Thiftisno  condetnnmion  to  them  rfhich  are  in 
 
 F  C^riB  / 
 
 Rom.8i> 
 
 Amos  3  :z . 
 a  Saiti.i2,if . 
 
 Rom.8.1. 
 
66 
 
 The  Commaff dements. 
 
 ,4.  (^HmnandC' 
 
 metirt, 
 
 Tit.a.Wjia. 
 
 C^riB  Jejtu,  ivha  walks  not  after  the  fiefh,  hut  after  the 
 Sfirit.  Moreover,  there  may  be  feare  of  that  which  a  man 
 is  infallibly  aflured  toefcapc,  not  a  diftruftfull  feare  of  fal- 
 ling into  ic,but  a  watchfhll  feare  of  lliunning,  and  ihrinking 
 all  mcanes  leading  thereunto. 
 
 §.  ^.  The  word  of  grace,  which  calleth  upon  us  tobe- 
 leeve  the  free  mercie  of  God  in  Chrift  to  the  pardon  of  our 
 o&QiictSjteacheth  mto  deny  HngodltKeJfe  andworldly  lufis, 
 and  to  live  godly  ^  jujiljifshrly  in  this  prefeut  evill  world : 
 and  this  word  of  grace  is  the  matter  of f  aith^hich  is  wholly 
 receivedi  if  any  part  take  good  rooting.  For  the  precepts  of 
 ian61itieand  holineffe  bind  the  conleience  to  obey  God,  as 
 well  as  thepromiiesbind  to  truft  in  God.  What  God  hath 
 linked  together,faith  will  not  feparate :  but  God  hath  cou- 
 pled mercie  andobedience,  grace  and  hoHnefle.  He  cannot 
 beleevcormakefaithfull  plea  to  the  promilcsof  remifTion 
 and  ftlvatioHj  who  dotb>  not  make  confcience  of  all  found 
 do6>rine  that  he  heareth,  and  give  free,  unlimited  aflent  to 
 cvcrie  part  of  Gods  Word,  fnbmitting  himfelfe  to  be  led  by 
 it>andthatbecaufeit  is  his  Word.  Faith  letteth  theimage 
 of  God  upon  the  heart ;  which  is  manifefted  in  the  feverali 
 branches  of  bolineffc  and  ri^hteoulhefle,  which  heecom- 
 mandeth  in  his  Word :  and  it  refignetha  man  unto  God, 
 to  live?  not  unto  the  world,  not  unto  theluftsof  the  flefh, 
 but  unto  thepraife  of  his  Name;  which  is  not  pofsible  to 
 be  done,  if  he  cleave  not  unto  the  Commandements  as  juft, 
 equall,  honeftj  and  good,  in  all  things  and  at  all  times  tobe 
 obeyed. 
 
 Faith  cannot  take  and  leave,  yeeld  and  with-hold  aflent 
 at  pleaitire>part  and  mangle,  divide  with  times,  feafbns,  and 
 private  refpefts ;  or  refigne  it  (tX^c  to  God 3  with  limitation 
 to  have  leave  in  this  or  that  to  liveatplealure:  but  it  is 
 downe-r^ht  for  God,  and  willingly  rcceiveth  whatfoever 
 hee  laith;  what  God  approveth,  that  is  pleafingto  faith, 
 though  crofle  toagCj  educatioHi  cuftomcy  credit,  honour, 
 naturall  defire,  and  inclination:  what  God  condcmneth, 
 that  faith  difalloweth,  though  ncYcr  (b  much  countenan- 
 ced 
 
The  Commandements, 
 
 67 
 
 ced  by  authoritie,  graced  by  example,  attended  upon  with 
 honour,  dignitie,  preferment,  and  futing  to  our  dilpofition. 
 Faith  fubdueth  the  ftrongeft  paffions  as  well,  and  (if  due 
 and  right  comparifon  bee  made)  as  much  as  the  weakeft :; 
 and  acknowledging  the  goodneffe,  mercic,andabfblutelb- 
 vcraigntic  of  the  Lord,  yeeldeth  it  lelfe  to  be  led  by  him, 
 above  all  things  thatran  oppofe  themfclves,  and  will  not 
 give  place  to  ought  that  doth  fetagainft  him.  If  God  bid 
 AlfrAham  leave  all,  his  friends,  his  fathers  houfe,  the  land 
 of  his  nativitie,  to  goc  into  a  ftrange  countrey  Jie  is  ftraight 
 upon  his  journey,  without  further  queftioninghee  will  bee 
 gone,  no  entreatie  will  ftay  him  in  Mefofotamia,  If  God 
 command  him  to  offer  his  onely  Son  in  facrificc,  heis  early 
 up  to  doe  it. 
 
 The  faithfiill  fbulc  gives  firme  and  free  aflent  unto  all 
 things  revealed  by  God ,  eagerly  fixeth  the  affiance  of 
 heart  upon  the  promiles,  and  eleaveth  clofe  unto  the  Com- 
 mandements, not  onely  fuch  as  lute  with  his  dilpofition, 
 education,  age,-  but  even  thole  that  direftlycrofle  and  op- 
 pole  carnall  realbn,  carnall  aflfe<Stions,  wordly  plealures, 
 and  what  provocations  Ibever  there  be  in  the  world  unto 
 finne:  and  not  then  alone  when  it  maybe  done  without 
 contradiction  or  refiftance,  but  then  elpccially  when 
 temptations  rife,  humane  reafbn  failes,finfull  lulls  hale  this 
 way  and  that,  Satan  rageth,  the  world  frownesor  flatters, 
 our  preferment,  credit,  honour,life,  all  lies  at  flake.  In  this 
 cafe,  faith  lookcsdire6lly  unto  God,  andjudgethit  bcftto 
 flick  unto  him  from  whom  comes  falvation.  For  no  good 
 can  bee  equall  to  that  which  God  promifeth,  no  evill  fb 
 great  as  what  he  threatens,  no  courfeibfafeas  what  hee 
 prelcribcs ,  no  evidence  fb  fiire  as  the  truth  of  God ,  no 
 command fojuft  as  what  God  requires;  thegreateftgaine 
 is  to  lofe  all  fbrChrifts  fake,  if  wee  be  called  thereunto; 
 wee  fhould  fland  fo  affc6led  to  the  glorie  of  God,  as  to 
 fhrinke  in  no  triall,  though  never  fb  difficult,  nor  thinkeit 
 much  to  rtfiU  unto  bloutt^  firiviitg  a^ainft  fm :  This  is  the 
 conflant,ccrtaine  judgement  of  faith,  which  bringetb  forth 
 
 F  2  a  fettled 
 
 Gene/Ii£.i4. 
 
 Ccne/^az*,?. 
 
 Heb.ij.^. 
 
68  /«  f  articular  frat^kisthefaithfuUmay  faile. 
 
 Inpartiaddrpra- 
 '  dices  tht  fatthfuU 
 
 I  may  faile. 
 
 I I  Sam.ay.i . 
 Pfal.ii(J.ii. 
 
 "  Matth-a<S.7o,7a,- 
 I  7^ 
 
 §..7.     ^ 
 Tie  obedienceof 
 jkith  ii  uniformet 
 eatirtj  and  can, 
 fttmu 
 
 a  fettledrdbltition  to  follow  the  Lord  at  alltitnesi  and  in  all 
 things,  notwithlhnding  all  oppoficion. 
 
 In  particular  pra6lices  the  faithful!  foule  may  be  ignorant 
 of  fome  things*  and  weakc  in  the  application  of  oihers. 
 J>avid  in  a  paflion  may  thinke  Samuel  hath  deceived  him ; 
 and  'Peur  feirprifed  with  bodily  feare  may  deny  his  Mafter: 
 but  the  conftant  t€  mper  of  the  Beleever  is  much  better ;  and 
 if  by  fome  unexpcded  occaficm  be  be  unfettled  j  he  is  never 
 quiet,  tintill  his  former  refolution  be  confirmed,  and  put  in 
 pradice.  For  havii^  weighed  and  pondered  all  thin^  in  an 
 even  balance,  heeis  afluredly  perfwaded>  that  no  outward 
 evillcan  come  in  ccwnparifon  with  Gods  anger,  noearthiy  I 
 good  is  to  be  matched  with  Gods  favour,  that  tranfitcric 
 delights  aredeare  bought,  if  a  man  endanger  bis  fbule  to 
 compA  them ;  that  the  tbflFerii^s  of  this  life  are  not  wor- 
 thy to  be  eompatred  with  the  glorie  that  fliall  be  revealed : 
 and  therefore  it  is  infinitely  better  to  cleave  unto  God, 
 though  Ki  reproaches*  bands,  imfffifonment,  or  death,  than 
 to  ff«^§y  theplcaftires  of  fin  for  afeafon, 
 
 §.  7.  And  feeing  faith  kindly  rooted  doth  fpread  it  felfc 
 toeverie  branch  of  cfivine  truth,  cleaving  infeparably  to  the 
 whole,  and  with  clofeft  repofe  of  heart,  to  that  which  is 
 moft  excellent  and  of  greateft  importance,  the  obedience 
 which  faith  produceth ,  and  the  works  which  it  anima- 
 teth,muft  bee  entire,  uniforme, and  conft a nt .  Entire,  not  i  n 
 d^ree,  but  in  the  branches  of  obedience.  Maimed  obedi- 
 ence to  fbmc  duties  of  the  Law,Iopping  oflF  other  branches, 
 which  accord  not  with  our  flatc,  humour  and  dilpofition, 
 or  groffely  neglecting  them,  though  no  leffe  commanded, 
 is  an  argament  of  an  unfound  and  imperfe<ft  root  whence  it 
 %ringeth.  The  practice  of  fome  one  or  few  Chriflian  du- 
 ties, joyned  with  the  extreme  n<^le6t  of  others  no  lefTe 
 excellent  and  neccflarie,  isnotoken  of  faith,  biaa  f^rong 
 preemption  that  what  good  is  done,  proceedcth  from  in- 
 dulgence to  corruption.  For  if  wee  give  our  felves  to  the 
 prolecution  of  fbmegood  works»  becaufe  wee  receive  and 
 embrace  the  Word  which  commandcth  them,  then  flball 
 
 we 
 
ohedieme  of  Faith  is  uniforme^  entire^  ^c. 
 
 69 
 
 wee  give  our  felves  to  the  performance  of  everie  good' 
 worke,  which  the  fame  Word  doth  call  for  at  our  hands: 
 If  we  doe  this  or  that  good  worke  commanded,  becaufe  it 
 is  futable  to  our  diipoiition,  pafsing  over  others  that  bee 
 crofle  thereunto,  wee  obey  not  the  Lord,  butpleafe  our 
 felves. 
 
 The  Word  of  God  doth  worke  eft*e6lually  as  it  is  em- 
 braced, and  theconfideratioHof  what  Chrift  hath  done  for } 
 us,  mil  bring  forth  in  us  the  feme  mind  that  was  in  him,  a 
 mind  to  doe  his  Fathers  will  in  everie  point  alike  fincerely  j 
 but  with  greater  intentions,  fervour  and  chearefulnefle,  as 
 the  weightinefle  of  the  dutie,  or  opportunitie  and  fealbn 
 fballrequire.  For  true  faith  affenteth  to  everie  divine  truth, 
 as  certaineand  infalliWe,  clcaveth  co  everie  promifeand 
 commandement  alike  fincerely  and  unfainedly,fticketh  fa- 
 fteft  tothemthatbceof  greatcft  worth  and  necefsitie,  or 
 upon  fjjcoiall  occafion  may  moft  tend  to  the  glorie  of  God, 
 the  comfort  of  the  foule,  andgoodofour  brethrenj  andio 
 teacheth  the  affe6lionsto  rife  and  fall,  (well  and  aflwage, 
 whether  in  admiration  or  deteftation,  in  embracing  or  loa- 
 thing, and  to  put  themlelves  forth  in  pra6lice,  according  to 
 the  different  excellencie  or  indignitie,  goodnefle  or  vile- 
 nefTe  of  objects  prefented  to  them.  It  teacheth  us  ablblutely 
 and  entirely  to fubmit  our wils unto  Gods  will;  toaffedt 
 whatibever  he  approves,  to  hate  whatfoever  hee  difallowes ; 
 to  love  that  beft,which  his  Word  afliireth  us  to  be  moft  ex- 
 cellent and  dearetohim,  and  todeteft  that  moft,  which  is 
 moft  odious  and  abominable  in  his  fight,  though  otherwiie 
 pleafant  to  our  naturall  difpofition,  or  not  h  dittaftefull  as 
 many  other  matters  would  be,  did  we  cake  care  for  the  flefli 
 to  fulfill  the  lufts  thereof. 
 
 Indeed  the  faithfull  foule  may  find  it  izX^o.  more  prone 
 to  one  finne than  another,  and  moreduH  to  fomcgood  du- 
 ties than  other,  by  reaibn  of  naturall  indinacion,  ftare  of 
 lifcjcuftome,  or  fbme  other  occafion :  but,  if  right  compa- 
 rifon  bee  made,  faith  enciteth  to  hateall  finne,  and  to  affeil 
 allduticsof  hoIinefTe,  oneas  well  as  another.  Amanfick 
 
 F  ?  of 
 
70 
 
 The Jpeciall  ohjed  of jufiifpng  faith . 
 
 Luk.J.i;. 
 
 §.  r.  . 
 
 TheffsciaU  et>]elf 
 
 '  J  Cor.y.r^ 
 Rom.15.25^26. 
 Rom.io.8>and 
 
 M7- 
 
 ^  of  divers  difeaiesj  but  one  predominant,  may  be  cured  of  it 
 as  much  as  of  any  of  the  reft,  and  yet  bee  more  troubled 
 with  the  remainders  of  it,  becaufe  it  had  deepeft  root  and 
 grcateft  head  :  and  (b  everie  member  of  corruption  may  be 
 truly  mortified,  and  yet  the  ftronger  pafsions  before,though 
 in  proportionable  degree  tamed  and  brought  into  fubjc6lion 
 as  much  as  the  reft,may  be  r  he  moft  troublefbmerwhich  the 
 faithftill  doe  acknowledge,  bewaile,  and  endevour  to  re- 
 dreife,  keeping  them,  under  with  greateftcare,  and  ftriving 
 againft  them  with  all  earneftnefle. 
 
 This  fight  agaicft  corruption  is  conftantly  maintained 
 by  faith,  and  conftantly  it  cleaveth  to  the  word  of  grace,  as 
 much  better  than  all  carnall  or  wordly  allurement^ 
 whereby  wee  might  be  drawneafide  intohnne,  and  fo  it 
 bringeth  forth  conftant  obedience  to  the  will  of  God  i  The 
 good  ground  are  they  ywhich  with  anhomB  and  good,  heart 
 having  heard  the  Wordi  kee^  it,  and  bring  forth  finit  with, 
 patience* 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 Of  thejpeciall  ohjeB  of  jufiifyitig faith. 
 
 §.  i.'pAith  fceketh  not  life  and  (alvationin  the  threat- 
 i  nings,  prohibitions,  or  commandements ;  though 
 it  worke  by  love,  and  earneftly  contend  againft  corruption : 
 but  acknowledging  its  imperfedlion  in  working,  and  re- 
 nouncing all  confidence  in  works  or  in  our  felves,  it  refteth 
 upon  the  promifes  of  mercie  in  Jefiis  Chrift,or  Word  of  re- 
 conciliation, which  is  culled  the  TVord  of  faith'  The  more 
 firme  and  lively  our  faith  iSy  the  more  fincerely  it  worketh  : 
 the  niore  fincerely  it  worketh,  the  better  wee  difceme  and 
 nnfaTnedly  acknowledge  our  imperfedlions,  anddiiciaime 
 all  affiance  in  our  owne  righteoufnefle :  and  the  more 
 ^thfulfy  wee  renounce  all  confidence  in  our  works,  the 
 
 more 
 
The JpeciaU  ohje^f  of juftifying  faith. 
 
 71 
 
 moreearneftly  wefeekefor  falvation  only  by  Chrift.  Faith 
 refteth  upon  Chrift  as  Mediatour,oras  God  and  man  obey- 
 ing to  the  curfed  death  of  the  crofle,  that  from  the  grace  of 
 God  wee  might  obtaine  pardon  of  fin,  and  bee  accepted  ^s 
 righteous  unto  life.  For  this  wee  are  alwayes  to  have  in 
 mind,  that  Chrift  is  the  obje6^of  faith,  not  abftraflly  and 
 nakedly  confidered,  but  Chrift  with  his  benefits.,  Chrift  lif. 
 ted  up  as  the  brazen  Serpent,  Chrift  fet  forth  as  a  propitia- 
 tdriefacrifice  for  our  fins,  Chrift  as  our  Redeemer  fi:ofnfin 
 and  deatH,Chrift  as^e  is  fet  forth  to  the  belecver :"  and  thus 
 to  receive  Chrift  and  beleeve  on  him,  is  to  beleeve  and  re- 
 ceive in  him  ranlbme  from  fin  and  death.  .  - 
 Chrift  and  his  Apoftles  teftifie,  that  this  is  fpedally  to  be 
 preached,  viz.  remifsion  of  finnes  in  and  through  Jeftn 
 Chr/St'  a  This  the  faith  of  all  the  Saints,  [though  it  have 
 refpe6led  everie  part  of  the  Word]  hath  in  fpeciall  manner 
 reipe6led,  craved,  embraced.  Eut  that  which  is  fpecially  to 
 be  preached  and  bcleeved ;  that  which  the  faith  of  all  the 
 Saints  hath  alwayes  in  (peciall  manner  refped^ed,  defired, 
 craved,  and  obtained,  that  is  the  (peciall  obje(5l  ofjuftifying 
 faith.  If  at  any  time  weeread,  that  the  beleefeof  a  tempo- 
 rarie  promife  was  accounted  for  righteoufneffe ;  it  is,  be- 
 cauleitdoth  in  beleeving  the  thing  temporall,  apprehend 
 b  him  in  whom  all  the  promifes  are  Yea  and  Amen :  who  is 
 at  leaft  the  removed  obje61:  of  juftifying  faith  in  every  thing 
 itapprehendeth.  Thus  ydi^rahamhdeeying  the  promife  of 
 feed,  did  apprehend  that  bleffed  feed  which  had  from  the 
 beginning  beene  promifed,  and  faw  his  day.  Neither  did 
 he  looke  at  the  power  of  God,  but  to  fuftaine  his  bcleefe  of 
 a  feed  before  promifed,  againft  the  temptations  wherewith 
 he  was  exercifed.  Exprefle  mention  of  the  fpeciall  mercie 
 of  God  vve  find  not  in  thelcrmonsof  the  Apoftles :  but  it 
 doth  evidently  follow  of  thofe  things  which  are  preached 
 by  them.  ForremifTion  ^  of  fins  doth  prefuppofe  the  mer- 
 cieof  God;  and  the  fpeciall  fubjefl  of  their  preaching  cis 
 remifsionof  fins,  byahdfor  the  death  and  refurreftion  of 
 Jefus  Chrift. 
 
 F  4      ,  That 
 
 Ads  20.24. 
 
 I-uk- 24.47. 
 iTet.i.ir. 
 2  Cor.5.i9,aa. 
 a  Pral,3i.5.and 
 Ji.r.i.and  X03. 
 3- 
 
 Dan.9.T7. 
 HoCi4.3.ancI 
 
 Liik.i.7i.3nd 
 1S.19. 
 Ads  1 5.11. 
 Gen.15.6. 
 
 b  Gal.3.8.1^. 
 
 Joh.8.;tf. 
 
 d  Pfal.KSjj.ij. 
 
 and  130.3,4. 
 
 Mic.7.1^. 
 
 Tit.3.5. 
 
 e  \£tsz.^^.3ni 
 
 4.12.  and  10.4  J. 
 
 and  13. 39.  and 
 
 8.37. 
 
7^ 
 
 Thejpeciallohie^  of  pfiifjing  faith. 
 
 PfpSfii  tb)tSiens 
 anfwtnd. 
 
 Toh.^68. 
 
 '  Mark.t-4|. 
 ;_Luk.4.3f. 
 
 \  That  which  firft  prickcch  and  fpurreth  the  (bule  to  Chrift, 
 1  that  giveth  us  to  underftand  what  the  ibule  principally  rca- 
 cheth  at,  and  receivcth  in  Chritt.  But  fin  and  death  urge 
 the  foulefor  mercieand  life  to  be  obtained,  prick  and  fpur 
 the  foule  to  goe  forth  of  it  felfe,  and  receive  ChriR,  and  reft 
 upon  himjas  he  is  offered  in  the  Gofpel :  Thereforeit  prin- 
 cipally iayeth  bold  on  the  free  promife  of  mcrcie  covering 
 fin  and  delivering  from  death. 
 
 The  confeffion  of  "Peter  and  the  reft  of  the  Apoftles  (for 
 hee  made  anfwer-for  them  all,  as  the  queftion  was  propoun- 
 ded to  them  all)  was  no  more  in  words;,  but  of  Chrifts  of-- 
 fice.  Thou  art  Chrift',  and  his  nature.  The  Son  of  the  li- 
 ving  God.  But  ftiall  wc  tbinkc  the  taith  of  the  Apoftles  to 
 be  nothing  but  a  bare  aftent  of  mind  to  that  which  they 
 profefled  of  Chrift?  Then  {hall  wee  make  the  DevilJhim* 
 felfe  to  be  zs  good  and  true  abeleever  as  the  Apoftles;  for 
 heprofeffed  as  much,  Q  Jefmof  Naz.eirethilk^orp  yvho 
 thouarti&c.  No  doubt  the  Apoftles  reftedupon  Chrift 
 for  falvation,  and  beleeved  in  him  to  be  that  to  their  foules, 
 and  for  their  ufeand  comfort,  which  they  beleeved  him  to 
 be.  Thefubjef^  matter  of  their  faith  in  that  point  was,  that ! 
 Jefus  was  the  Chrift :  the  manner  of  belceving  was  with  \ 
 the  heart,  relying  upon  him  for  falvation.  ',:    -  .r'4i,if  ^  | 
 
 The  faith  of  ayihrnham  was  not  a  hare  aflenr  given  t6 
 the  promife  of  God,  but  a  confidence  in  thefpeciali  mercie 
 of  God :  for  hee  refted  upon  the  promife,  not  onely  in  re- 
 gard of  his  pofteritie,  but  alio  in  regard  of  Chrift,  aocor*' 
 ding  to  that  which  is  faid,  Inthjfeedjhall  all  nations  of 
 the  earth  be  blejfeci :  which  leed  the  Apoftle  teacheth  to  be 
 Chrift,  and  theblefling  hee  interpreteth  to  bee  redemption 
 from  the  curfe  of  the  Law,and  juftificationby  faith,  ^^^r*?- 
 A<!«?thenbeleeving  the  remiflion  of  finnes  in  and  through 
 Jefus  Chrift,  of  necefsitie  it  will  follow,  that  his  faith  was 
 dire6^ed  unto  ad^xercifed  about  the  fpeciall  mercie  of 
 God  in  Jefus  Chrift.  How  then  doth  the  Apoftle  fet  out 
 Ahrahams  full  beleefe  in  this,  that  he  xvas  affared,  that  h^, 
 vpfjo  had  promifed,  was  able  alfo  to  doe  it  f  Not  becaufe 
 
 uibrahams 
 
 C7i\,i.\6. 
 
 QiT»j'.,?. 
 
 Ro-n. 
 
 4.21. 
 
ThefjfeciaU  ehjeci  of ptftifymg  faith. 
 
 73 
 
 Abrahams  faith  did  juftifie  him>  as  hee  ^i^  beleeve  the 
 power  of  God;  but  tycGaufehisj'tiftifyirg  faith,  which  was 
 fixed  upon  the  gracious  promife,  didfuftaineit  felfeby  the 
 confideration  of  Gods  power,  in  time  of  triall  betweeac 
 the  promile  and  the  execution .  Abraham  had  a  promife  of 
 feed ;  but  the  execution  is  deferredj  whereupon  his  faith  is 
 aflfailed  thus :  ^haham  thy  body  is  dc^d,  thy  wifehope- 
 I  leflfe  that  way :  which  things  foiled  Sarah  for  a  time.  Now 
 when  Abrahams,  faith  on  the  promiies  is  thqs  ^tx.  upon  j 
 againft  thefe  arguments  of  unbeleefe,  faith  oppofetb  the 
 altfiifl&cient  psOwer  of  God,  and  fuiis  jn^tb  k  (4^^,  wi^.  this 
 eonfideration,  G<xiisable.  As  anotb^ftiniej  \y!h€n;be  was 
 tempted  to  offetrup  his  fon  in  facrifice?  hee  verily  beleeved- 
 he  (houldreceive  bim  againe,becaule  god  was  abU  toraife 
 him  *rp  againe,  Beleefe  of  Gods  power  is  not  the  a6t,ofju- 
 ftifyingfaith,as  it  jijftirtes  rfethe.c(3rj(ider;itio;^ 
 power  is  iprop  and  ftay  to  feith  igain^'m^f#>14 li^pCf  pir 
 on«.  Andfowe  ilialLfind  the  Almigi?ti^  powerofQ)ci  of- 
 ten alledged  to  confirme  the  wealse  and  wavering  heart-  A^s 
 for  Sarahs  laughing,  thinking  it  impplsible  to  haMpa:Ghild, 
 the  Lord'Caid  to  Abrah^sh  l,f_^y^-fJ^tft^_  ha^d  sn  ityk^QJ^ihU 
 to  gad\^/Jm^agn^t0^M<ifm  .<^i^i|?g,  vvhetber  ahcbg 
 fiih  inthe  fea,  fhould  b&  gather#for  1004  for  Ifra^l  in  tba 
 vwildern^ile;-  the  Lord  an| weired,  //  tkeLp/ds  handv^axjf^ 
 fliortl th^H.jhalt  fct t^heiih^ymy  vgordfh^Uc(}m,et0  pajfe,  $:j/\ 
 Mat.  ■  And  tq  the  Virgin  M^i^,  de^ring.to  be  fi^rthec  con-- 
 firane^  touching  tbepromife  of  God>  ths  Ang^l-rpakes  aar' 
 {^ertwith  Godfi0tihi»gif<imp:o^J^Je.  i:3i^' 
 
 As  for  the  faith  of  the  Centurionj  ib  much?  commended 
 by  our  Saviour  Chrift,  it  might  bee  a  ftep  or  meane,  by 
 which  hee  was  raifed  of  God  to  a  trqe  faif  h  iorjuftificatir 
 onbythe  Mefeias;  or  it  nsayte)  it  wa^  fome  efFe<a  of  a 
 juitifying  faith :  but  initfellbj  ashee;4id  pnely  beleeve  the 
 power  of  Cbrift  to  heale  his  fervantj  it  did  not  juftifie.  Our 
 Adverfaries  themfelves  will  not.  iay,  that  naked  aflent  to 
 this  truth,  that  Chrift  by  his  bare  word  v^s  of  power  tp 
 curehis  fervant  abfenc^  is  fu05eient,6Q  ju^ficatipn,  which 
 
 yet 
 
 IBelUrm  ubi 
 fiipta. 
 Rhem.  tArniat-  i)t 
 
 Seff. 
 
 .24. 
 
 Roin.4.«p, 
 
 Heb.11.19. 
 
 Gencfli?.i4. 
 
 Numb.Ti.j3, 
 
 Lui 
 
 1.37. 
 
 Luk.7.9. 
 
74 
 
 The  fpeciaH  ohjei^  ^fpfiifying  faith. 
 
 yet  is  the  fabftance  of  his  confefsion .  If  they  anfwer,  chat 
 theprofefsionoF  his  faith  is  here  mentioned  according  to 
 the  prefent  occafion :  they  muft  withall  confefle  it  fol- 
 loweth  not,  thatbecaufe  none  other  act  of  his  faith  is  here 
 expreflcd,  therefore  there  was  nothing  furtiher  in  his  faith 
 untojuftificacion  before  God.  Surely  if  he  beleevcd'to'faJ- 
 vationjhe  beleeved  fomewhat  elfe  that  made  him  to  beleeve 
 what  is  here  noted :  heebeleeved  fomewhat  elfe,that  made 
 him  to  lajT,  Lord,  I  am  not  nvorthy  that  thoHJhoHldf^  enter 
 under  my  roofe. 
 
 Ghrittis  everiewhere  made  the  thing  which  faith  em- 
 braceth  to  falvation,  and  whom  it  doth  looke  unto  and  rc'? 
 fpe6i:jas  it  doth  make  us  righteous  in  the  fight  of  God.  God 
 fo  loved  the  roorldy  that  hee  £ave  his  onelj  begotten  Sen^ 
 that  whofoeverheleeveth  in  hlmjhould  notferijh,  hmhave 
 everlafting  life.  I  am  the  re  furred  ion  and  the  life^  he  that 
 beleeveth  intaeet  though  hee  were  deadyetJhaU  hee  live: 
 And  by  him  all  that  beleeve  are  jufiified  from  all  things j 
 from  tvhichyee  could  not  hejufiified  by  the  Law  of  Mofcs. 
 Beleeve  on  theLord  Jefus  Chrift,  and  thoujhalt  befaved 
 and  thy  houfe.  That  they  may  receive  forgivenejfe  of  fins, 
 and  inheritance  among  them  which  are  fanHified  by  faith, 
 »^'     t  that  is  in  me.    Being  juflified  freely  by  his  grace,  through 
 the  redemption  which  is  in  Jeftu  ^hrift :  whom  ^odhath 
 fet  forth  tffbea^ropitiation  through  faith  in  hif  b loud  for 
 the  remiffton  of  fins  that  arefaFl^  through  the  forbearance 
 of<jod.  It  is  with  us  as  with  malefaclours ;  the  Kings  par- 
 don onely  received  doth  acquit  them,  andreftbre  them  to 
 libertie:  arid  Gods  mercie  in  Chrift  covering  fin,  received 
 by  a  lively  faith,  dothfet  usfi:ee  ftomfeare  of  damnation. 
 It  is  trucj  that  juftifying faith  doth  give  aflent  to  everie  ar- 
 ticle of  faith,  and  cleave  to  everie  Commandement :  but  it 
 obtaineth  remiffionof  finnes,asitreceivethGods  pardon 
 ^S^slo,p^'  in  Chrift.  To  him  give  all  the  Prophets  witnejfe,  that 
 
 through  his  name^  whofoever  beleeveth  inhitn,jhallreceive 
 yemipion  of  fmnes. 
 
 Righteouffiefle  is  everie  where  tied  unto  faith,  even  to 
 
 faith 
 
 Joh.3.16. 
 
 Romj5.ay. 
 Ephefi.15 
 A5ks  15.11. 
 Joh.i-i2. 
 Gal.j.a*'. 
 
TheJpeciaU  oSj  ec^  ofju[iifjingfaith. 
 
 75 
 
 faith  in  Chrift,  whom  onely  it  doth  and  can  looke  unto  as  it 
 juftifieth.  I  c»Hnt  all  things  hut  lojfe  for  the  excellent 
 knowledge  fake  0J  Chriji  "^  efw  my  Lord,  for  rehom  I  have 
 counted  all  things  lajfe,  and  doe  judge  them  to  be  dung  that 
 J  might  "win  Chrifi^  And  might  be  found  in  him-,  that  is,Kot 
 havtngmine  owne  righteoujneffe  rphich  is  of  the  Law,  but 
 that  which  ii  through  the  faith  ofChrifi,the  righteoufnejfe 
 which  is  of  Cod  through  faith.  For  looke  as  nothing  in  a 
 poore  man  can  make  himrich/urther  than  it  doth  get  riches 
 into  his  poffeision ;  lb  nothing  in  us  finners  can  make  us 
 righteous  to  Mk,  farther  than  it  doth  lay  hold  on  fuch  a  righ- 
 teoufnefle  which  can  takeaway  fin,  and  make  us  righteous 
 to  the  receiving  of  life  eternall. 
 
 Faith  is  called  the  faith  of  Chrifi,  becaufe  Chrift  is  he 
 whom  faith^doth^pprehend  and' receive  to  righteoufnefle 
 and  life ;  according  to  that  of  the  Evangelift,  Hee  that  bc' 
 leeveth  onfhe  Son  of  God  hath  lifejeve^lafiing. 
 
 That  is  the  principall  xhytdt  of  faithj  for  which  embra- 
 ced and  received  by  faith,  eternall.Iife  'is  given  from  grace. 
 But  eternall  life  is  giveaof grace,  /orChrift  embraced  or 
 refted  upon  by  faith.  \ 
 
 a  To  he le eve  ChriB  dead  and  rifen ,  as  the  Apoftles 
 taught  him,is  true  beleefe :  but  that  is  not  barely  tobele^ve 
 the  hiftorieofhis  death  and  refurrecftion,  but  the  fruits  and 
 benefitsthereof,  and  that  with  affiance.  Itisfb  tobeleeve 
 the  death  and  refurreflion  of  Chrift,  as  thereby  to  looke 
 forforgivenefle  of  finnes:  whichistoput  ourtruftin  the 
 fpeciaU  mercie  of  God  through  Jefus  Chrift.  This  is  plaine 
 by  tht^ot^soi Martha  ;  for  when  Chrift  asked  her,I>i??/? 
 thou  beleeve  this,  that  whofoever  beleeveth  on  meefhall 
 not  dye  everlafiingly  f  She  anfvvereth ;  Tea  Lord,  Ibelee've 
 that  thou  art  Chrifi^:  tha  t  is,  I  cannot  doubt,  but  that  thofe 
 that  cleave  to  thee  (ball  have  life  everlafting,  teachingthat 
 thefe  confefsions  imply  an  affiance  and  truft  of  all  good 
 through  him.  The  Eunuch  his  profeision  wasy  I  bHeeve 
 thatjefui  Chrift  is  the  Son  of  God:  bnt  the  faith  of  this 
 Eunuch  was  a  particular  confidence  of  hearty  whereby  hee 
 
 embraced 
 
 Rom.^ij.and 
 
 JO  4. 
 
 Phil.  J. 5,9, 
 
 Gal.t.r^. 
 
 Joh.3.3*. 
 
 Joh  ^.47.  and 
 17.5. 
 
 aRomio.iOjii. 
 Rom,  10.5. 
 
 I  Cor.15.3. 
 
 JoLii.itf^zy. 
 
 Ads  8  3?. 
 
J6 
 
 Thej^eciall  ohje5i  ofjuftifjingfaith. 
 
 Joh,l,49j:o. 
 
 Maik.=;.7. 
 Luk.8-a8. 
 
 Ads  5.31. 
 
 Rom.8.34. 
 
 §.  2. 
 
 Mark.  r.  40. 
 rBeUar.  de  yupf. 
 lib.i.cap.i. 
 
 emhraced  Chrifthis  Saviour,  and  beJeeved  on  him  for  his 
 particular  benefit  and  comfort.  Nathaniel  profeffed  of 
 Chrift,  that  hee  was  the  Ki»g  oflfraeh  that  he  was  the  Son 
 of  Gody  afid  To  much  in  generall  the  Devils  bcleeve  and 
 know :  Was  T^thaniels  faith  nothing  but  a  bare  per- 
 fwafion  that  Chrifl  was  the  Sonne  of  God?  yes,  ii  was  a 
 perfvvafion  joyned  with  affiance,  for  hee  refted  upon  him, 
 and  fo  beleeved  the  promife  of  merciein  him.  G&d  hath 
 raifedup  Chrifi  t&  he  a  prince  andSA^idttr)  t^  give  refen^ 
 tanee  to  Jfrael,  and  forgivenejfe  ef  fins  :  and  to  beleeve 
 Chrifi  a  Prince  and  Saviour  raifcd  from  the  dead,  and  let  at 
 the  right  hand  of  the  Father,  doth  imply  truft  and  affiance 
 in  him  for  forgivenefTe  of  fins  and  life  ever  lading,  through 
 the  grace  of  ©od. 
 
 §.  2.  It  is  0%'e6led,that  to  belecwe  the  power  of  God  is 
 juftifying  faith  :  for  our  Saviour  required  no  more  of  the 
 blind  man,  tbantobeloevethathcewas  ablecohcaJehim. 
 And  the  Leper  ieemetfa  to  doubtof  liis  wili,  but  was  well 
 perfwaded  of  his  power.  But  it  is  one  thing  to  lookeunto 
 Ghrifl  for  bodily  bealth,  or  to  receive  a  temporal!  blef^ 
 fing:  another  to  beleeve  in  him  to  juflification.  For  the 
 faith  which  Chrifi  requires  to  jufiification,  is  fucb  a  faith  as 
 doth  acquit  us  from  our  finsiand  doth  procure  usrighteouf^ 
 nefle :  But  many  were  healed  by  our  Saviour,that(for  ought 
 can  be  proved)  were  not  acquitted  from  their  (ins.  And  if 
 I  thefe  blind  men  had  onely  beleeved  that  he  was  ableto  cure 
 I  the  malady  of  their  eyes,  notwithflanding  this  their  faith, 
 their foules  had  beeneuncured,  their  fins  uncovered.  Many 
 that  were  cured  of  their  bodily  infirmities,  were  alfb  healed 
 of  their  fpirituall  difeafes ;  not  becaufe  they  beleeved  his 
 power  to  help  them,  but  becaufe  they  relyed  upon  him  as 
 their  onely  Saviour. 
 
 And  the  tefiimony  it  felfe  fheweth,  that  the  blind 
 men  beleeved  Chrifi  to  bee  the  LMeJfias,  intimes  pafl:  pro- 
 mifed  of  the  Father,  and  now  exhibited :  fb  that  they 
 might  beleeve  to  juftification,  but  their  beleefeof  his  om- 
 nipotencie  did  not  juflifie  them.  The  writer  to  the  He- 
 
 brexves 
 
 Heb.ii.J3,34,3J. 
 
Th^cciAll  oh^jeci  of]upfyingfM, 
 
 T*? 
 
 77 
 
 ^r^wv/rbeweth  in  divers  examplesj  that  by  juftifying  faith 
 fomeftihdited  KingdomtSt  other  for»e  flop  the  mouths  of 
 Z/«>»/,certaine  quenched  the  force  offire^oxhtti  efcapedthe 
 edge  of  the /word,  &c-  All  which  things  (though  tempo- 
 rail)  were  atchieved  by  juftifying  faith,  which  is  the  hand 
 d  the  people  of  Gpd  to  receive  good  by :  but  faith  juftified 
 not,  as  it  was  occupied  about,  or  looked  unto  thefc  things, 
 but  as  \x.  was  carried  to  an  higher  objeft.  The  healing  of 
 corporall  diieales  was  a  feale  unto  us,  that  Chrift  is  our  ^^X\f^ 
 verer  from  fin  and  death  (as  the  Scriptures  teftifie,  and  our 
 adverlaries  confefle)  and  therefore  in  beleeving  the  mercie 
 of  God  towards  them,  in  healing  of  their  difeafes,  they 
 might  forthwith  conceive,  that  of  his  free  grace  hee  would 
 be  pleafcd  to  forgive  their  fins,  which  are  the  truecaufes  of 
 all  our  maladies. 
 
 It  isagaine  obje£Ved,  that  in  the  Creed  is  contained  the 
 whole  obje^  of  juftifying  faith ;  but  in  it  there  is  no  men- 
 tion of  the  fpeciall  mercie  of  God-  In  this  obje^lion  there 
 is  a  two-fold  raiftaking;  for  ia  the  Creed  is  contained  the 
 obie<St  of  faith  which  is  beleeved ;  thatisi  the  Himme  of 
 do6trine  to  be  beleeved  to  falvation  is  there  explained ;  but 
 here  wee  Ipeake  of  the  obje^ii:  of  juftifying  faith,  by  which 
 wee  beleeve.  The  do<Strine  pffaich  i%  one  thing,  tl^e  private 
 adfof  the  heart  relying  upon  the  promifcs  of  mercie  ano- 
 ther. Now  when  wee  enquire,  what  is  the  ob^e(5  of  jufti- 
 fying faith,  the  queftion  is  not  what  is  theiummeof  ftith, 
 or  of  the  articles  to  bee  beleeved,  but  what  tl>e  faith  of  the 
 heart  inall  thefe  articles  wbith  it  belecveth,  doth  firft  and 
 principally  looke  unto,  reft  upon,  and  receive  to  (alvation. 
 For  when  all  Chriftians  proftife,  and  biftorically  beieewe 
 all  the  articles  of  the  Chriftian  faith;  yet  many  are  not 
 juftified  or  faved,  becaufe  they  beleeve  wx  zs  they  ought  % 
 whence  it  is  evident,  that  bare  aflfent  to  thearticles  of  Re- 
 ligion, is  not  that  faith  which  juftifies  or  faves ;  but  ano- 
 ther of  farre  different  nature  is  required,  i't  wee  would  be 
 partners  of  thefe  blefrino;s.  Againe ,  verball  mention  of 
 Gods  Ipeciall  mercie  there  is  not  any  in  the  Creed,  but 
 
 really. 
 
 ifa.53.4. 
 
 Matth.&.i?. 
 
 lii.licap.^. 
 
78 
 
 JF4ithm  Gedfiameth  his  image  in  the  heart. 
 
 Efay  a<?.9.  anrJ 
 
 S.  1. 
 
 'F4«&  in  gtds 
 fpeciaHmercU 
 framethhii  imagt 
 
 really  it  is  included.  Fortobeleeve  in  God*  is  to  depend 
 upon  his  mercie  reaching  to  the  pardon  of  our  oft'ences  :To 
 beleevein  Chrift,  is  to  relye  upon  him  as  the  Author  of  re- 
 demptionircconciliationj  and^eace  with  God :  which  doth 
 ncceffarily  imply  the  Ipeciall  mercic  of  God.  And  in  the 
 Creed  wee  belceve  the  rcmiffion  of  fins,  which  article  can- 
 not bee  explained  according  to  the  doctrine  of  the  Gofpel, 
 without  beleefe  intheipeciall  mercieofGodj  and  confi- 
 dence thereon.  The  conclufion  hi  The  Word  of  God  is  the 
 general!  objedt  of  juftifying  faith ;  the  fpeciall  promifes  of 
 mcrcie  and  fbrgivenefic  in  Chrift  Jeiiis,  is  the  ipe«iall  objc<5l 
 of  faith,  as  it  juftifieth, 
 
 §.  J.  This  beleefe  in  the  rich  mercie  of  God  framcth 
 the  image  of  God  in  our  hearts,  and  imprinteth  the  vertues 
 of  Chrifts  death  upon  the  Ibule,  as  by  application  thefeale 
 doth  iet  its  ftamp  upon  the  wax.  A  man  cannot  walk  in  the 
 /Sun,buthemuftbearc  its  hue:  no  more  can  faee  beleevein 
 the  grace  and  mercie  of  God,  to  the  pardon  of  his  offences, 
 but  he  muft  bearc  the  image  of  Gods  mercie  upon  his  foule. 
 And  fo  faith  in  Chrift  doth  encite  to  the  uniforme  ftudious 
 pra^ice  of  pietie  towards  God,  who  of  his  gracious,  free, 
 undefcrved  love  and  mercie,  is  pleafed  totepnte  Beleevers 
 as  his  fons  by  adoption,  and  compaffe  them  with  his  fa- 
 vours; and  of  mercie,  kindnefle,  long-fuffering ,  forbea- 
 rance, fbrgivencflfe  towards  mcn,looh*ng  to  God  for  its  pat- 
 tcrne,  whom  it  muft  and  ought  to  follow.  The  Bcleever 
 cannot  put  on  Chrift  as  a  Juftificr,  but  hce  muft  put  on  the 
 bowels  of  mercies,  kindnefle,  humblenefle  of  mind,  meck- 
 nefle,  lone-fuffering,  forbearance,&c.  and  the  clofer  he  put- 
 teth  on  Chrift  untorighteoulheffcthe  more  quick  and  ope- 
 rativebe  thefe  graces  of  the  Spirit,and  more  ]ivc\y  the  ope- 
 rations themfelvesthatiflfue  from  them,  as  quickened  and 
 animated  by  that  ftith. 
 
 CHAP, 
 
Juftifymg  Faith  is  a  particular  confdence. 
 
 19 
 
 CHAP.  vn. 
 
 Juflifjing  Fdith  is  a  particular  and  certaine  cottfidencet 
 
 re  fling  upon  the  mercie  of  Gad  in  Chri^for  pardon 
 
 andforgivenejfe  ;  not  an  ajfuredperjwajion 
 
 that  oHr^ns  he  already  pardoned 
 
 and  forgiven. 
 
 §.  I.  lUftifying  Faith  doth  net  onely  beleeve  the  pro- 
 I  mife  of  mercie  in  general! ;  as  that  there  is  fbr- 
 .giveneffe  for  them  that  lay  hold  upon  it  r  but  it  rclyeth  up- 
 on the  promife  for  our  owne  particulars  and  depends  whol- 
 ly thereupon,  looking  after  no  other  help.    For  truft  or 
 ^confidence  importeth  the  application  of  ibme  good  to 
 him  that  trufteth:  and  (o  heethat  cafteth  himfelfe  upon 
 the  promifcs  of  mercie ,  drawes  neercunto  Chrift,  throwcs 
 himielfeinto  his  armes,  andgraips  about  him  with  all  his 
 might.  Looke  how  the  pooce  infant,  aflfrighted  with  the 
 apprehenfion  of  fom&  danger^  clings  clofe  to  the  parent 
 fbrfijccour  anddefencci  or  amanin  danger  of  drowning 
 lay  cs  hold  upon  fome  willow  that  growes  upon  the  bank, 
 and  hangs  thereon  for  fafetie :  fo  doth  the  lGuIe,purliied 
 by  the  terroursof  the  Law,  and  affrighted  witb  the  ugly 
 fight  of  finne,  flye  withfpeed  unto  Je&s  Chrift,  asheeis 
 held  forth  in  the  Gofpel,  hang  upon  him,  and  to  dye  for 
 it  will  never  lofe  his  hold.    For  in  him  it  apprehends 
 plcntifull  redemption,  and  out  of  him  it  knowes  nofuc- 
 couris  to  bee  found.  In  this  fenfe  faith  applyeth  the  pro- 
 mife of  grace  to  a  mans  felfein  particular,  that  is,  it  parti- 
 cularly relyethupon  the  grace  of  God  injefus  Chrift  to 
 obtaine  pardon  and  forgivenefle.  Even  as  they  that  were 
 ftnng  with  the  fierie  ferpents,  did  come  and  looke  to  the 
 brazen  Serpent,  beleeving  to  find  the  healing  of  thofe 
 deadly  ftings  that  were  fattened  in  them  :  thus  a  (bulc, 
 ftungwith  fin  and  feare  of  damnation,  commeth  by  faith 
 to  Chrift,  relyingon  ftim,  truftingto  find  in  and  tnrough 
 
 him, 
 
 5.1. 
 
 f unifying  Faitb 
 uaf^ticular  and 
 eettainttettfi' 
 
 Numb.ar.9. 
 Joh.3.14,15. 
 
8o 
 
 Jufiifiing  Faith  is  a  f  articular  confidence. 
 
 Matth.11.28. 
 
 Efay55-i.a- 
 I  Job.?  .24. 
 Job.3  16,16. 
 Afts  10.43.  and 
 1J.J9. 
 Rom.io.?,to. 
 
 Gal.3.10. 
 
 Joh.7.j7. 
 
 him,'  cureof  thofe  deadly  evils  wherewith  it  is  wounded- 
 If  a  Prince  fhould  offer  a  generall  pardon  to  Rebels,  caufing 
 it  to  bee  proclaimed,  that  if  they  would  lay  downe  armes, 
 iWjmit  tncmfelves,  and  flie  to  his  mercie,  they  ftiould  be  re- 
 ceived to  favour,  and  wee  {houid  (be  many  hereupon  caft 
 downe  their  weapons,  and  fiie  for  mercie ;  would  wee  not 
 prefently  know,  that  they  beleeved  thepromife  that  they 
 {hould  bee  pardoned  ?  So  when  Chrift  faith  to  finners. 
 Come  unto  me,or,Beleeve  on  mee,  and  I  will  eafeyou>what 
 &ith  (thir^c  wee)  -have  (inners  who  rcfbrt  unto  him  ?  Is  it 
 HOI  a  beleefcj  that  hec  will  (according  to  his  Word)  de- 
 liver them  from  finneand  death,  and  reftore  them  to  life 
 eternali? 
 
 If  there  bee  a  particular  word,  or  that  which  is  equiva- 
 lent, then  there  is  a  particular  faith.  But  there  is  a  particu- 
 lar word,  or  that  which  is  equivalent.  For  the  thirftie  and 
 barren  Ibule,  thatis  ftung  with  the  terrours  of  the  Law  : 
 thty  xhtx.  labour  and  areheavietadeni  ate  invited  to  come 
 unto  Chrift,  and  exhorted,  entreated,  perfwaded,  comman- 
 ded tobeleevc ;  and  the  promife  is,  fVhofoever  beleeveth  in 
 himjhallfiot  perifij  hut  have  everUfiing  life  :  which  is  as 
 much  zSiThemaSithowztx.  burdened  and  doeft  labour, thou " 
 art  w^arie  and  thirftie,  come  thou  unto  mee,  behold,  I  in- 
 vite thee ;  beleeve  thou,  for  unto  thee  doe  I  reach  forth  the 
 promife  of  mercie,  receive  it,  and  thou  {halt  live.  Fw  the 
 particulars  are  ever  in  their  generals.  How  can  wee  prove, 
 that  John  or  James  are  by  nature  under  wrath  &  the  curfe  ? 
 otherwife  it  cannot  be  proved  than  th\x%,(^Hrfed  is  every  one 
 that  cantinueth  not  in  all  things,that  are  written  in  the  book^ 
 of  the  Law  to  doe  themj.  How  can  we  prove  th'stThomas 
 or  T>eter  are  bound  to  love  the  Lord,  and  to  abftaine  from 
 murther,fomication,theft ;  but  becaufe  it  is  laid  to  all  men, 
 Thoftfhalt  love  the  Lord,  Thmfhalt  notfieale  ?  &c.    And 
 thus  it  is  laid  to  allyLei  everie  one  that  is  a  thirjl  come  unto 
 me, and  drinke,  Beleeve  in  the  LordJefHi^andthoHfhalthe 
 faved:  whence  ev^rife  thirftie  and  burdened  foule  may  con- 
 clude, I  ought  to  beleeve,  God  calleth  and  commafideth 
 
 me 
 
jufiifjing  faith  is  a  f  articular  conscience , 
 
 8i 
 
 me  to  belceve ;  hee  hath  given  mee  his  promife,  and  offers 
 mercic,  and  belecving  1  fliallbe  iaved. 
 
 The  faith  of  true  Beleevers  goeth  farther  than  the  faith 
 ■of  Devils  can  doe.  But  they  may,and  doe  beleeve  or  know, 
 that  Chrifl  died  in  generall  for  finners,  and  that  they  fliall 
 be  iaved  who  beleeve  in  him.  If  juftifying. faith  have  not 
 in  it  fome  particular  confidence,  then  it  is  tiotoppofed  to 
 defpaire,  fo  as  to  expell  it.  For  things  that  will  not  en- 
 dure the  one  the  otherj  mufl:  have  contrarietie ;  as  fire  and 
 water:  if  the  one  doe  not  fight  and  drive  forth  the  Other, 
 then  may  they  dwell  together.  But  true  faith  and  titter 
 dcfperation  cannot  fland  together ,  but  doe  expell  each 
 other.  Moreover,  true  faith  in  Cbrifl  doth  breed  confi- 
 dence and  boldnefle;  according  to  that,  Let  as  enter  rvith 
 coHJidence  andboldneffe  throtfgh faith  mhim  True  faith 
 thecefore  hath  in  it  particular  confidence  in  the  gtace  of 
 God^  For  as  nothing  can  makchot,  which  hath  n<M:  heat  \ 
 in  it  felfe :  {o  nothing  can  make  confident  >  which  after 
 fbme  manner  hath  not  confidence  in  it.  To » receive  is  to 
 take  in  particular  to  a  mans  felfe,  or  to  apprehend  and  Jay 
 hoidof  for  conveying  a  thing  to  bimfelfe.  But  to  >»  beleeve 
 onChrifl  and  to  receive  Chrjfl-»  doe  both  import  the  lame 
 thing.  Therefore  to  beleeve  on  Chritl,  is  to  rcfl:  upon  him 
 for  the  conveying  of  his  benefits  particularly  unco  us. 
 Meat  nourifheth  not,  unleffe  it  bee  eaten  and  digeiled ;  a 
 plaifler  feeales  not,  if  it  bee  not  applyed ;  a  potion  will  not 
 worke,  if  it  be  not  received.  C^^^  ^  the  tme  hread  ofltfe, 
 that  came  dorenefrom  heaven-,  upon  whom  We  muli  ft^d^  by 
 faithjif  we  wouldbe  partakers  of  his  benefits :  and  feed  up- 
 on him  we  cannot,  if  we  doe  not  particularly  beleeve  in  him 
 for  our  lelves.  The  worke  of  redcmprion  remaines  proper 
 i^oChrift:  but  the  benefit  of  his  death  is  communicated 
 CO  everie  member  of  his  myfticali  body,  for  their  juftifica- 
 tion :  And  how  can  wee  hope  to  have  our  finnes  forgivenj  \f 
 wee  be  not  made  one  with  him  by  faith,  and  reft  upon  the 
 promflc  made  in  him  for  pardon?  That  profefsion  which 
 Tanl  makes,  may  here  be  confidered ;  /  k^ow  in  wh&m  I 
 
 G  have 
 
 Mattfi.tf.jo, 
 and  i4.j(. 
 Rom.4.to. 
 Heb.io.2  3. 
 
 a  Matth.1.20. 
 and  2.S0. 
 Joh.17.8, 
 b  Joh,i.i2, 
 Col.t.6. 
 Rorp.  5.11.17. 
 Hcb.8.ij. 
 
 Johi^.jj, 
 
S  2  FMth  is  cert  aim  in  the  events  not  ever  in  finfe , 
 
 sTim.t.12. 
 
 Faith  U  cer  taint 
 in  the  event ^  net 
 txier  infenft. 
 
 Job.  3. *  J- 
 
 have  heieeved^i  and  lam  perfvoadffd  that  hee  is  ahU  to  ks^p 
 thatthifig  wherevptth  JhaveentrHfiedhint,  \or delivered 
 up  to  his  keepiKg:  ]  where  ic  is  apparent,  cliat  tobeleeveis- 
 to  commit  our  lelves  to  Chrifls  truft  or  keeping,  or  to  reft 
 our  foules  upon  the  performance  of  the  gracious,  promiles, 
 which  God  of  his  rich  grace,  in  Jefus  Chrift  hath  madeun- 
 ^toii§i-'';^'^3orv  ^nirvsriyTfti-nsbimoo  .  ;  t>fn6:  Jim 
 
 '  :§.  2.  ;;Thi§^^fait:hfs:certainerth6ugh  mixed  iVic^h'  triaiiy 
 doubtings  by  reaibn  of  our  weakneffe  <:    Gertaine  and 
 affured  in    regard  of  the  event   and:  thing  beJeeved, 
 not    in  regard  of  the   fenie  and  feeling  of  him  who 
 beJeeveth.  Whether,  his  heart  bee  ftedfaft  in  faith,  or 
 trenibling  through    much   tnbekefe  -,  ;  yet  unfainedly 
 beleeving  with  a  well-rooted  confidence  (though  with 
 much  unbeieefe)  hee  Ml-  bee  fure  of  the  thin^  pro- 
 miled.  For  the  promife  is  made. good  to  him  that  tculy; 
 receivethitj  notfoFthe  ftedfaft  manner  of  receiving^,:  feut| 
 forthe  thing  received,  which  is  Chritt.;  Now:id6Iiei'a$!a 
 trembling  palfe^  hand  may  take  the  iame  thing,  which  a 
 moreftcddie  onedothtake,  though  the  manner  bee  divers, 
 the  one  taking  it  with  fhaking,  the  other  without  any; 
 trembling :  lb  ;an-heart  of  faith ,  which  yet  fhakethand) 
 doubteth  through  much  unbeieefe:,  may  take  Chrift,  is 
 well  as  an  heart  doth    which  is  more  fully  perfwaded ; 
 'and  therefore  fhall  have  the  grace  promifcd  for  his  fake, 
 who  is  received  by  faith-  The  promife  is  univerfall,^)&<?/5. 
 evefbeleevethihChrifiJhallnotperi^,  but  have  everla- 
 fling  life :  it  is  not,  whofoever  is  fully  affured,  or  certainly 
 perfwaded  of  his  falvation,  but  whofocver  unfainedly  belee- 
 veth  in  Chrift,  fhall  beefaved.  Now  many  a  poore  foule 
 niay  caft  himfelfe  upon  Chrift:,  and  lay  hold  upon  him 
 with  purpofe  through  Gods  grace  never  to  leave  him,' as 
 being  affured  without  wavering  in  this  particular,:  that  it, 
 is  beftboth  limply  and  in  companion,  to  draw  neereunto 
 6od,  and  relye  upon  his  grace;  and  lb  in  event  is  fu-re  of 
 falvation,  who  yet  would  give  a  world  to  bee  afTtired  of 
 Gods  favour,  and  fully  perfwaded  that  his  fins  are.pardo-, 
 
 ned.' 
 
Faith  ts  cert  aim  in  the  event  ^  not  ever  in  fenfe,  8  5 
 
 ned.  An  houle  well  builded  upon  a  rocke  is  as"  fure  as  the 
 foundation :  everie  thing  banging  on  a  pin  or  peg,  is  as  fure 
 as  the  pin  or  peg  on  which  ithangeth  :  True  faith  firmely 
 groundeth  it  felfe  upon  the  faithful!  promifcs  of  God,  and 
 receiveth  them  as  better  than  life  it  felfe,  from  which  it  wi  II 
 notbewithdrawne  by  anycamall  allurements:  and  there- 
 fore in  event  it  cannot  mifcarrie^  for  the  ground  is  firme  and 
 unchangeable. 
 
 The  truth  of  God  in  it  felfe  is  more  certaine  than  any 
 thing  that  can  bee  apprehended  by  the  fenfes,  but  it  is  not 
 evermore  fo  apprehended  by  us :  and  faith  which  buildeth 
 Upon  the  infallible  truth  of  God,  commingtp  him  when 
 hee  calleth,  relying  upon  his  grace,  becaufe  he  hathipoken, 
 is  in  event  no  lefle  fure,  than  the  foundation  upon  which  it 
 I'eanetfa is  certaine  and  unmoveable ;  but  in  the  ienfe  of  the 
 Belecverit  isnotalwayesfb:  neither  are  matters  of  faith 
 received  by  us  with  fuch  certaintie ,  as  are  other  things 
 fubje^k  to  the  fenfes,  in  themfclves  lefle  certaine.  Things 
 are  to  us  according  as  wee  conceive  them,  which  is  not  ever 
 anfwerable  to  the  evidence  of  the  thing  in  it  {kl^e,  or  to 
 the  certaintie  in  regard  of  the  event.  Things  moftfure  in 
 themfelves  are  fometimes  but  dimmely  difcerned  of  us, 
 becaufe  Our  eye-fight  is  imperfect ;  and  things  leffe  evident 
 in  themfelves  doe  appeareto  usmoft  cleareand  manifeft, 
 when  they  come  within  the  compafle  of  fenfe  or  reafbn  re- 
 maining in  us. 
 
 Befides,  the  promifesof  mercie  in  Chrift  being  the 
 higheft  and  moil  fpirituall,  it  is  the  hardeft  point  of  fervice 
 in  Chriflian  warfare  firmely  to  beleeve  them  :  andthedaily 
 weaknefTes  which  wee  efpie  in  our  felves,  the  many  and 
 flrong  paifions  which  Rill  warre  within  us ,  and  many 
 times  prevaile,  doe  impel!  the  mind  toditiruft.  When  a 
 Chrifl:ian  calleth  to  mind  what  llrength  worldly  allure- 
 ments have  in  him,  how  often  hee  yeeldeth  unto  afTauIcs  in 
 manypettie  temptations,  hovvweake  andfraile,  dull  and 
 negligent  hee  is  in  the  duties  of  Chrifiianitie  and  his  parti- 
 cular calling:  the  confcioufnefle  of  thele  things  willi  no 
 
 G  2  queftion, 
 
84 
 
 aTim.J'iSo 
 
 Faith  is  ceriMnc  m  the  eve0^  not  ever  in  fenfe, 
 
 queftion,  trouble  the  eye  of  faith.  Not  that  the  comfort 
 of  a  Chriftian  is  grounded  upon  his  rtrengch  of  grace,  or 
 any  goodworke  that  is  or  can  beedonebyhim:  but  be- 
 caufe  his  beleefe  in  the  mercieof  God  cannot  bee  greater 
 than  his  ftrength  to  overc^ome  worldly  allurements, 
 whereby  hee  might  bee  vvithdrawne  from  God>  or  care  to 
 yeeld  unifbrmchncercjandjionflant  obedience  to  all  Gods 
 Commandements. 
 
 Againe,  it  is  one  thing:  to  have  a  thing  (urely,  another 
 thing  to  knov7  I  have  it  fiircly.    Wee   feeke  many 
 things  t&iat  wee  have  in  our  hands  •   wee  have  many 
 things  that  wee  thinke  wee  have  loft :  fb  a  Beleever, 
 who  hath  a  fure  beleefe ,  yet  doth  not  alwaycs  know 
 that  hee  fo  beleeveth,  feekcth  but  findeth  it  not;  nay, 
 thinketh  hee  is  altogether  without  faith ,  when  hee  hath 
 it  unfainedly.  A  man  unregenerate,  that  is  wholly  cor- 
 rupt, feeth  little  or  no  corruption  in  bimfelfe  :  yea,  af- 
 ter due,  ferious,and  long  examination,  many  diforders  may 
 fecretly  lurke  in  the  heartof  aman  (andlified,  which  hee 
 doth  not  efpie :  And  is  it  then  any  marvell  that  a  true 
 Bsleever  lliould.bee  unable  ((bmetimes  at  leaft)  to  fay  that 
 hee  doth  beleeve?  yea,thathee  (houldnotfindit,  though 
 hee  make  diligent  fearch  and  enquirie  into  his  owne  heart 
 about  it.  Looke  as  children  live  in  the  womb>  andknovv 
 not  that  they  doe  live:  ioitis  with  many  true  beleeving 
 fouleSj  who  long  beleeve,  before  they  come  to  fee  them-r 
 (elves  beleeve,  and  be  able  by  a  reflexed  operation  of  mind 
 to  (ay,  /  k^owon  whom  I  have  beleeve d.  A  man  of  a  con- 
 trite fpirit,  beleeving  that  his  fins  are  pardonable,  carneftly 
 deliring  remifsionof  finnes  by  the  merits  of  Chrift,  and  re- 
 tting upon  Chrift  alone  for  ialvation,  afluredly  hee  recei- 
 vethforgivenefTe,  although  hee  be  vexed  withfcruples  and 
 temptations,  and  want  the  afTurance  and  perf/yafion  in 
 himfelfe  that  his  fins  bee  remitted.   For  faith  is  neceflarie 
 to  falvation :  but  full  afiTurance  that  I  doe  beleeve  in  that 
 fo;t,  is  not  of  like  necefsitie.  And  if  a  man  may  beleeve 
 unfainedly,  who  iz  not  fully  affured  that  he  doth  fo  beleeve, 
 
 then 
 
Faith  <X4  it  jujlifes  is  a  reding  on  Christ  for  far  don.  8  5 
 
 then  faith  may  bee  certaine  in  the  event,  when  it  ii  not  cer- 
 taine  to  the  fenie  of  the  Beleever. 
 
 §.  3,  But  what  faith  is  neceflarie,  to  wit,  on  mans  part, 
 to  Juftification?  Is  it  an  afliired  perlwafion  of  our  parti- 
 cular eMion,  or  that  onrfinnes  be  already  pardoned  and 
 forgiven  ?  No :  It  is  one  thing  to  reft  on  Chrift  obeying 
 to  the  curfed  death  of  the  croife,  that  I  may  obtaine  par- 
 don and  life  everlafting  from  the  grace  of  God ;  which  h 
 thea6l  of  true  beleefe,  required  to  juftification:  another 
 tobeleevethat  I  am  one  of  Gods  particular  ele«ft  people, 
 and  that  my  finnes  are  pardoned  and  done  away ;  which 
 is  apriviledgeof  grace,  granted  to  him  whobeleeveth,  is 
 fealed  by  the  Spirit,  and  knoweth  afluredly  that  hee  belee- 
 vetb.  It  is  not  an  allien  of  Chriftian  faith,  previous  or  fun- 
 damentallto  juftification,  for  a  man  to  beleevc  himfelfeto 
 be  one  of  Gods  eledl :  for  wee  come  to  know  our  eIe<i}ion 
 by  the  eft*e6ls  thereof,  as  Faith  JuftificatioD,San6lification. 
 Wcemuft  fir  ft  read  the  eft'eds  of  Gods  love  in  our  hearts, 
 and  fee  that  hee  hath  wrought  in  us  the  Taving  graces  of 
 faith,  love,  hope,  feare,  &c.  and  (ealed  us  by  the  fpirit  of 
 promife,  before  wee  can  come  to  know  his  eternall  decree 
 and  purpoie  towards  us:  therefore  thebeleefe  of  our  par- 
 ticular eledHon  is  an  a6t  of  faith  following  juftification,  nor 
 precedent  to  it. 
 
 No  man  is  juftified by  beleeving himfelfeto  beejuft,  iior 
 pardoned,  by  beleeving  that  he  is  pardoned  :  but  \^  his  be- 
 leefebetrue,  hee  muft  be  truly  juft,  before  be  canoroi^ht 
 to  beleeve  himielfe  to  bee  juft ;  and  a6tually  pardoned, 
 before  hee  can  be  afTured  that  hee  is  pardoned.  This  is  the 
 order  of  Ipirituall  bleffings  conferred  upon  us  in  Chrift, 
 Faith  is  the  band  whereby  wee  are  united  unto  Chrift;  af- 
 ter Union  followeth  Communion  with  him;  Juftification, 
 Adoption,  San6lification  be  the  benefits  and  fruits  of  Com- 
 munion ;  'Being  made  fans  by  faiths  CJod  fends  forth  the 
 Spirit  of  his  Son  into  our  hearts,  crying^  Ahba^Vathery  and 
 xx\\%Spirit  beareth  rvitnejfewith  ourjpirit,  that -mee- are  the 
 children  of  God :  affurance  or  certain-e  perfwafion  that  our 
 
 O  g  finnes 
 
 tatth  as  tt  jufitfi. 
 
 ethitareiiins 
 
 upon  C''ftfi  t» 
 
 obtaine  parion. 
 
 ZnHchM  redem^t. 
 
 Ub-x  capii  tit. 
 
 de  fiducia^  col. 
 
 282. 
 
 %Mufi  toe.  com.  de 
 
 Remijf. 
 
 Meijher.  dec.  j . 
 
 PartnGal.eat>.2. 
 !eff.24.  Idem  de 
 Juftif.lib.i.caf. 
 10.  teff.zij. 
 »^lhixitu  exetcit, 
 f heel. par  z>S.ad 
 
 part.r. 
 
 ^Kgufl,  canfejf. 
 art. if.  e^  an.2o. 
 'Bohemic.  confejf. 
 art.6. 
 Rallicart ,  confijf. 
 
 iiTt.2Q. 
 
 'Se'^ic.  confejf. 
 ^art.-ii, 
 
 'Bolton  Walking 
 w'.th  Goi^pag. 
 320. 
 
 Temble,  Plea  for 
 Grace,/'rfg-.258, 
 259,260. 
 Rottoc.  dejuftifi. 
 cat.  Hsmin^. 
 Syntttgm.  Gra- 
 dm  ad  converfis' 
 Hem  4^. 
 
 V 
 
 Gal.  4.  (J. 
 Rom.J.i5,t<f. 
 
8  6  Faith  (vs  it  juftifies  is  a  refiing  on  Chrilijor  far  don. 
 
 Ezek.iS.2i. 
 Prov.28.1j. 
 Matth.tf.  14,15'. 
 Aasi5.3053i. 
 Joh.6.a9.  and 
 II. » J. 
 Ads  10.43. 
 A(ftsi<f.i». 
 
 '  fmnes  bee  pardoned ,  followes  this  wicnefle  of"  the  Spirit ,  as 
 the  fruit  and  efte(5l  thereof.  In  which  it  is  moftmanifeft, 
 that  faith  in  Chriftis  before  juftification  in  order  of  na- 
 ture, tiiough  not  in  time ;  and  juftification  is  precedent  to 
 the  fenfe  and  feeling  of  remifsion :  and  therefore  that  be- 
 lecfe?  which  is  required  on  our  part  to  juftification,  cannot 
 be  an  affurance  that  our  fins  be  pardoned  already  ;.unle fie 
 the  fame  thing  be  before  and  after  it  felfe,  and  a  man  be  par- 
 doned before  heebeleeve,  or  aflured  that  hee  is  pardoned 
 before  it  bee  granted,  or  that  zSt  of  faith  which  cannot  bee 
 but  in  a  perlbn  already  juftified,  muft  goe  before  the  pardon 
 of  finne. 
 
 The  promife  of  remifsion  of  finnes  is  conditional!,  and 
 becommeth  not  abfolute,  untillthe  condition  bee  fulfilled, 
 either  ad^ually,  orindefire  and  preparation  of  mind.  This 
 is  the  word  of  gracdBeieeve  in  the  Lord  Jefw  (^hri^,and 
 thou  (halt  befaved :  when  doth  this  conditional!  propofi- 
 tion  become  abfohjte  ?  when  wee  beleeve.  What  ?  that 
 our  finnes  are  pardoned  ?  No :  but  when  wee  beleeve  in 
 Chrifttoobtaine  pardon,  which  is  the  thing  promifed  up- 
 on condition  of  beleefe.  Aflurancethat  our  finnes  be  par- 
 doned is  concluded  in  aprafticall  Syllogifme  thus ;  Hee 
 that  truly  belceveth  in  Chrift  hath  obtained  pardon  of  his 
 finnes :  But  I  beleeve :  Therefore  my  finnes  are  f^rdoned : 
 where  aflurance  of  the  pardon  of  finne  is  a  conclufion 
 drawne  from  a  two-fold  ground  >  the  one  exprefled  in 
 Scripture,  the  other  evident  (if  true)  by  the  teftimony  of 
 the  renewed  confcience ;  and  prefuppofeth  that  hee  belee- 
 veth,  and  is  aflured  that  he  doch  beleeve.  Now  if  aflurance 
 of  remifsion  be  concluded  from  this  ground,  that  he  belee- 
 veth,  andknoweth  certainly  that  hee  beleevethj  then  the 
 beleefe  which  is  required  on  our  parts  to  juftification,  can- 
 not bee  an  aflurance  that  our  fins  bee  wafhedaway  already. 
 For  if  wee  take  the  word  Beleeve  for.aperfwafion  that  our 
 finnes  are  done  away,  then  the  Syliogilme  runneth  thus ; 
 Hee  that  is  aflured  of  the  pardon  of  his  finnes,  his  finnes 
 are  pardoned.   But  I  am  aflured.  of  the  pardoaof  my 
 
 finnes : 
 
Faith  as  it  jujlijies  ts  a  refling  on  ChriJi  for -pardon .  87 
 
 finnes ;  therefore  my  finnes  are  pardoned. 
 
 Faith  receiveth  the  pardon  of  finne,  as  it  is  profered  in 
 the  word  of  grace,  and  groundethit  felfc  foleJy  and  imme- 
 diately upon  the  promife  of  God  in  Jefiis  Chrift :  But 
 grounds  whereupon  a  finner  in  himfelfe  guiltie  (Lould  build 
 aflurance  that  his  finnes  are  pardoned,  without  fbme  other 
 a<Sl  of  faith  comming  betwixt  the  promife  and  that  aflu- 
 rance, there  is  none.  The  Gofpel  offereth  pardon  to  the 
 thirftie  and  burdened}  if  hee  will  receive  it :  aflureth  them 
 of  pardon ,  who  have  embraced  the  promife  :  but  where 
 fhallweefind  ground,  whereupon  the  guiltie  perlbn,  who 
 beleeveth  not  to  remifsion  of  finnes,  may  bee  aflured  that 
 his  finnes  not  a<5tually  pardoned ,  are  yet  pardoned  and 
 blotted  out  of  Gods  remembrance  ?  Faith  taketh  the 
 pardon  prefented  to  it  in  the  word  of  promife,  and  travel- 
 ling with  it,  bringcth  forth  afluall  remifsion  of  fin,  which 
 upon  our  faith  we  receive.  Aflurance  is  not  before  pardon, 
 nor  a6tuall  remifsion  before  faith,  unleflethe  effe*^  be  be- 
 fore the  caufe,  and  the  fame  thing  bee  both  caufe  and  effedb. 
 To  beleeve  in  Chrift  to  falvation  istoreceivehim.  But  to, 
 receive  Chrift  as  hee  is  offered  unto  us  in  the  Golpd,  is  not 
 to  bee  aflured  that  our  finnes  are  already  pardoned  in  and 
 through  Jeftis  Chrift ,  but  to  reft  upon  him  for  pardon. 
 Before  the  3(9:  of  juftification,  faith  hath  for  obje6l  this 
 propofition  concerning  the  future.  To  mee  belceving  my 
 finnes  fliallbe  forgiven:  but  after  the  promife  is  receivea, 
 and  pardon  obtained^  it  hath  this  propofition  concerning 
 the  prefent  or  time  paftj  To  me  beleeving  in  Chrift  my  fins 
 are  forgiven. 
 
 And  thus  the  horned  argument  of  the  Jefuite,  whereby 
 hee  would  prove  the  fpeciall  mercie  of  God  not  to  bee  the 
 obje6l  of  faith  jiiftifying,  and  our  dodtrine  in  that  point 
 tobeegroflc  and  abfurdjiseafily  untied.  For  thus  hereafo- 
 neth;  Juftifying  faith  goeth  before  juftification  :  But 
 faith  in  thefjieciall  mercieof  God  followeth  juftification. 
 Forhee  that  beleeveth  the  pardon  of  his  fins,  is  either  jaft 
 before  or  notjuft;  if  juft  before,  then  faith  juftifieth  not; 
 .         V  G  4  if 
 
 Joh.rji. 
 Hetvet.  confejji 
 art  I  J. 
 
 Tar.de^Hft^, 
 lib.  caf. lO. 
 
 'SeUar.  di  Juf!f. 
 lib. 1, cap. m,. 
 Self,  Ratio  fictm- 
 dj.  Idem  detect. 
 lib, 4.  c^p,  1 1 . 
 §  •  SeSarii  nenri , 
 
88  Faith  as  it  juftijies  is  a  re  fang  onChriHfirfardon. 
 
 Church,/2i.J. 
 
 "Belton of  wal- 
 king with  God, 
 
 To  beleev^  that  my 
 fm  is  now  forgi-ven 
 inChrifi,  ii  rather 
 ana^of  experi- 
 ence in  a  "Bekever 
 .  Mow  jufiifed,  than 
 ;  that  beleefe  which 
 isre^uiredto'yu- 
 ftification. 
 P,  Bayn.  Help  to 
 trusHetppineJfe, 
 part.z.^ti-^. 
 I 
 
 g^faftifjing  faith^ 
 hath  feme  a£fs,  /u 
 :  a  cau/t  dijpofing, 
 preparing  ^undfit- 
 i  ting  tu  to  the  re- 
 ceito^thtst  graci- 
 euffa-i)  ottr.^fheaeby 
 i  God  doth  iufltfis 
 
 ;  and  other,  as  a 
 ■  fiifccptivecaufe, 
 rictiving^embr;i- 
 cing^  and  en^nying 
 thefarne    /«  tke 
 fotm'.r  refpeU 
 faiikconfiftt  not 
 ina  perfitiafion 
 that  rve  are  tl:e 
 fans  cfGod,  Out  in 
 ■'thelatta.  Field 
 <^ppendix  to  the 
 fifth  Boobfyfecond 
 part, '^.i^.  pa  til. 
 b  Aasis.jr. 
 c  Rom.?. 20. 
 
 if  ur  juft ;  then  beleeving  that  his  finties  be  pardoned*  hee 
 belceveth  a  lye.  Our  atil wer  is,  that  fpeciall  faith  hath  fun- 
 drie  a6ls ;  but  to  this  puipofe  fpecially  two.    The  firii 
 heartily  to  deiire,  earne(tly  to  thirft  after,  humbly  to  en-^ 
 treat  for  acceptation,  and  confidently  to  reft  upon  the  pro- 
 mi  ie  of  free  remifsion:  The  other  comforcably  to  afllire 
 and  perfvvade,  that  that  is  granted,  which  was  defired  and 
 received  in  promile.  Faith  by  her  firft  a6l  obtaineth  aad . 
 receivetji;  pardon^  and  doth  not  find  us  juft,  when:  wee  be* 
 gin  to  beleeve :  by  her  fecOnd  ai^,  fliee  doth  not  actually 
 juftifie,  but  finding  the  thing  done,  certifieth  and  aiTureth 
 us  of  it.  So  then  ipeciall  faith  in  her  fir  ft  act,  is  before 
 JuftificatiOn,  and  procureth,  obtaineth,  and  receiveth  par- 
 don, but  then  fhee  hath  not  the  perfwafionof  it  as  already 
 done:  Inherfecond  a<^ ftiee prefuppoieth the  thing done> 
 and  already  obtained,  and  fo  truly  perfwadeth  the  belce* 
 ver  of  it,  but  procureth  not  the  doing  of  it.  Before  Jufti- 
 fication  faith  feeketh  and  receiveth  the  pronw^fe  of  forgivc- 
 nefle:  after  Juftification,  it  comfortably  afiareth  <:rf"the 
 blefsing  obtained  :  in  both  it  hath  for  its  object  the  fpeciall 
 mercie  of  God  in  Chrift.  Faith  receiveth  Chrift  oflfered  in 
 the  Golpel,  and  it  perfwadeth  and  afifureth  of  pardon  in 
 Chrift  received  :  both  thefebethe  afls  of  faicb>  fometimes 
 exprefled  ^  in  the  definition  of  juftifying  faith  :  but  if  wee 
 fpeake  of  faith  as  it  juftifitth,  it  peculiarly  embraceth 
 Chrift  with  his  benefits,  as  hee  is  profered  in  the  Word 
 and  Sacrament.  Forfaith,  which  is.  required  to  juftificati- 
 on ,  is  not  a  perfArafion  or  knowledge  of  things  already 
 poflefted,  but  a  confidence  of  things  promifed  and  upon 
 beleeving  to  bee  obtained,  which  in  the  order  of  caufes,  not 
 in  time,  dothgoe  before  remifsion  of  fins.  Whoknoweth 
 not^  that  wee  muftbeleeve,  that  wee  might  bee  juftified? 
 Juftified,  Ifay,  and  not  certified  of  juftification  by  thebe* 
 nefit  o{  faith.  The  Scripture  is  cleare ;  ^  Beleeve^andthou 
 jhalt  befaved.  ^  Cjod  juftijieth  the  circumcifton  by  faith  ; 
 andthe  uncircHmciftGn  through  faith .  Doenottbefe,  and 
 many  the  like  paflages  ftiew,  that  juft  jfication  j  and  not 
 
 onely 
 
Faith  as  it  juftifes  is  a  repyig  on  Chrilifor  far  don.  8  p 
 
 oiieiy  the  {tv\<t  and  raanifeftacion  of  juftification  already 
 obtainedjdoth  depend  on  faith  ? 
 
 %.  4.  It  may  beefaid,  wee  are  juftified  before  in  Gods 
 decree.  Indeed  whom  God  doth  jnrtifie,  them  he  decreed 
 to juftificfrom  all  eternitie :  but  whereas  cled^ion  is  mani- 
 fefted  by  faith,  as  by  its  efte6t,  juftification  doth  depend 
 uponfaithi  as  its  caufejand  wee  arejuftified  by  faith  as  the 
 inftriimenc  thereof.  Fore!e£^ion  is  an  a6l  immanent  and 
 etemall,  but  juftification  tranfient  and  in  time>  inferring 
 fome  change  in  the  perfon  juft:ified>  not  pbyficall,  but  mo- 
 rall  and  in  relped  of  ftate,  whereby  it  comes  to  pafle,  that 
 the  perfon  is  in  another  condition  and  account  than  he  was 
 before. 
 
 Inbriefe,  the  afl  of  faith  pcrfwading  of  the  pardon  of 
 finne  already  obtained,  by  beleeving  and  glorying  in  the 
 I  fenfeof  Godsmercie,  muftbc  diftinguidiedfrom  that  a6l 
 of  faith  which  juftifieth,  and  is  a  leaning  or  flaying  upon 
 Chrift  to  obtaine  remifsion;  the  priviledge  of  grace  and 
 comfort,  which  comes  to  the  foule  by  beleeving,  muft  bee 
 diftisguifhed  from  the  condition  of  the  covenant,  which 
 1%  required  on  our  parts,  before  wee  can  obtaine  pardon. 
 This  is  the  rather  tobeenoted,  becaufe  the  maine  cavils  of 
 thePapifts  againft  ourdo6^rine  touching  particular  confi- 
 dence in  Gods  mercie,  and  certaintie  of  falvation,  are 
 grounded  upon  this  farmife ,  that  wee  make  that  faith, 
 which  is  an  aflured  and  certaine  perfwafion  of  our  parti- 
 cular cle(5lion,juflification,  and  falvation,  to  bee  the  fole 
 caufe,  to  wit,  on  mans  part,  of  juftification:  whereas 
 juftiiication  it  felfemuftgoe  before  the  afTurance  of  it,  and 
 fuch  perfons  onely  can  have  true  aflurance  and  certaintie  of 
 their  jurtification,  eledion,  and  falvation,  who  doe  un- 
 fainedly  beleevc,  and  know  aflijredly  that  they  beleeveas 
 they  ought  4  And  it  makes  much  for  the  comfort  of  many 
 faithfull  people,  who  commit  their  foulesunto  Chrift  Je- 
 fasjand  depend  upon  him  and  no  other  for  falvation,  who 
 yet  are  much  perplexed,  as  if  they  had  no  faith,  nor  could 
 doe  ought  pleafing  unto  God,  becaufe  they  want  this  cer- 
 taine 
 
 §  4. 
 
 Fifbcrs  (fnftoer  to 
 certaine  articles. 
 
po 
 
 Hew  faith  ajfureth  offahatm. 
 
 Haw  faith  ajfa- 
 rctb  ef/alvatioo. 
 
 I  Job. 4.15.  and 
 j.U-jnd  5.13. 
 
 taineafluranceof  theremiffionofthcirfinnes;  whereas  if 
 they  had  learned  what  it  is  to  beleeve  unto  juftification, 
 ana  trutt  unto*the  proraife  for  pardon,  they  might  for  the 
 prefent  take  comfort  in  this ,  that,  notwithftanding  their 
 feare,  they  relye  upon  Chrift,  and  commit  their  foules  unto 
 God,  as  to  their  faithful!  Redeemer,  and  might  with  more 
 eafeand  fpeed  grow  up  unto  the  defired  comfort  and  aflu- 
 rance,  when  they  (hould  diftin6tly  perceive  and  dilcerne 
 the  grounds  of  faith  and  affurance,  and  by  what  fteps  and 
 degrees  they  muft  climb  from  the  one  unto  the  other. 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 Bj  faith  a  trueheleevermay  he  certawe  and  infallibly 
 
 affffred  of  the  remijfion  ef  his  ftnnes  and 
 
 eternallJalvatiQn* 
 
 §.  I.  T  T  is  a  Principle,  common  amongft  our  Adverfa- 
 iries,  thateverie  conclufion  ifluing  from  one  pro- 
 pofition  revealed  expreflely  in  Scripture,  and  another 
 clearelyand  certainly  knowne  otherwife,  and  by  evident 
 and  good  confequent  added  unto  it,  belongs  to  faith,  and 
 isbeleeved  by  no  other  habit  than  of  faith.  As  for  exam- 
 ple J  All  the  dead  fliall  rife.  T*eter  is  dead :  therefore  p<f- 
 ffrOiallrife.  The  conchifion  is  Theologicall,  and  belongs 
 to  faith,  though  it  bee  not  expreffely  written  that  l^eter  is 
 dead,  or  that  heefliall  rife  againe.  So  it  is  in  this  prefent 
 matter :  All  that  beleeve  fhallbee  faved:  thispropofition 
 is  of  faith,  becaufe  it  is  immediately  revealed  and  ex- 
 preffely written.  But  I  beleeve ;  this  is  certaine  by  the 
 teftimony  of  the  renewed  confcience,  to  him  that  hath  pro- 
 v-edhimfelfe  to  be  in  the  faith.  The  conclulion.  Therefore 
 I  fhall  bee  faved,  is  certaine  by  faith :  becaufe  it  is  inferred 
 of  one  thing  beleeved,  and  another  that  is  evident.  And  al- 
 though the  Holy  Ghofc,  not  tying  himfelfe  to  termes,  doe 
 
 fbmetime 
 
Jiorvfdth  ajfureth  offalvation. 
 
 91 
 
 fomctime  call  it  knowledge ;  yet  calling  it  againe  heleeving 
 aIone,or  beleeving  and  knonvwg^k  is  manifeft  fuch  a  Ivnow- 
 Icdge  is  intended,  asnotonely  flovvesfrom  the  principles 
 of  faith,  but  alfo  is  reduced  to  the  fame  habit.  For  with 
 what  other  eyes  canthefoule  behold  the  heavenly  light 
 of  the  Goipel?  How  fliallthat  confidence,  affurance,  or 
 certaintie,  which  is  created  by  the  mixture  of  the  light  of 
 the  Scripture,  with  the  light  of  a  good  confcience  renewed 
 by  the  Holy  Ghoft,  belong  to  any  humane  knowledge, 
 when  the  Scripture  faith  exprcflely,  Thepromife  of  the  Spi- 
 rit is  received  by  faith ;  and  wherefoever  in  all  the  Bible, 
 the  Golpell  is  revealed,  men  are  called  upon  tobeleeve  ? 
 And  if  there  be  granted  a  certaintie  of  a  mans  owne  fpeciall 
 ftanding,  which  certaintie  arifes  from  the  Scriptures,  one 
 ground  thereof  being  a  propofition  or  fentence  immedi- 
 ately divine,  the  other  inferred  and  concluded  from  that 
 which  is  divine ;  it  muftbee  granted  alio,  that  it  is  a  worke 
 oreffedtof  faith.  The  Scripture  reports  how  many  of  the 
 children  of  God  -were  tried  by  mocking  and  fcomging,  by 
 bands  and imfrifonment,  they  were  fionedy  hewen  afttnder, 
 tempted ;  they  wandered  up  &  downe  defiitme  &  ap[ied  : 
 AH  which,  the  Apoftle faith,  they  did  by  faith  and  confi- 
 dence of  the  promifes ;  and  yet  their  affurance  was  no 
 other,  nor  otherwife begotten,  than  the  ordinarieaflurance 
 of  allGods children,  which  is  concluded  by  joyning  the 
 light  of  their  confcience,  kindled  by  the  Holy  Ghof^,  and 
 ruled  by  the  Scriptures,  to  the  immediate  light  of  the  con- 
 ditions revealed  in  the  Scriptures.  Faith  which  is  be'ee- 
 ved,  or  the  dodlrine  of  faith,  is  written  in  the  Word  of 
 God,  the  holy  Scriptures :  but  faith  whereby  weebeleeve, 
 orof  the  heart,  is  written,  engraven,  roored  in  the  heart, 
 out  of  the  Word  ofGod,  by  the  Holy  Ghoft ;  and  knowne, 
 notbeleeved,  by  theteflimony  of  the  renewed  confcience, 
 enlightened  by  the  Spirit,  and  diredledbytheWord  :  for 
 the  rule  by  which  amandifcerneth  himfelfe  to  beleeve,  is 
 the  doarineof  Gods  Word  ,  declaring  the  qualitie  of 
 faith:  And  the  certaintie  or  affurance ,  which  a  jufl  per- 
 
 fon 
 
 Gal.  3.14- 
 
 Heb. 
 
 ii.3<: 
 
9^ 
 
 Whdt  manner  of  ajfurance  is  obtained. 
 
 what  manner  of 
 ajfuTMee  i)  ebtai- 
 Hfd. 
 
 §.   3. 
 
 fonhathof  his  particular  juftification,  depends  upon  the 
 nghc  application  of  two  propofitions;  one  immediately 
 divine  and  c^tainely  beleeved,  Whof.ever  hleeveth  in 
 Mm  ChrtfiihaUeJaved',  the  Other  inferred  and  concln- 
 ded  from  that  which  is  divine,certainely  knowne  according 
 to  the  direction  of  the  word.  5/^^ /^f/f^z;^.  '  ^ 
 
 §.  2.  This  aflurance  is  not  fuch,  as  whereby  a  man  is 
 made  abfolutely  out  of  all  doubt :  but  fuchasmany  times 
 IS  a^aulted,  and  fliaken  with  many  difficulties,  fcares,and 
 doubts:  which  notwithftanding  arilenot  from  the  nature 
 ot  faith,asifitought  tobe;  butfrom  the frailtie and  cor- 
 ruption  of  ourevill  nature,  by  reafon  whereof  faith  is  not 
 fuch  as  It  ought  to  be.  It  i^  not  the  office  of  faith  to  cher^fh 
 
 andmaintaine  fuch  feares  and  doubts,  buttoreriftthem,to 
 hght  againft  them,  and  fo  much  as  is  poffible  to  cxpell  them, 
 and  drive  them  out.  But  y^t  by  reafon  of  the  ftrength  of 
 our  naturall  corruption,  and  the  weaknefTe  of  our  faith,  we 
 attainenottothis;  and  howmuchtbe  weaker  our  faith  is, 
 fo  much  are  wee  thefurtherfromit.  Againe,  thedayesof 
 faith areasthefeafonsoftheyeare,  fom^'efaire,  fomefoule; 
 one  while  a  Sun.a.ine  fummer ,  another  whii;  a  long  and 
 ted  ouswinter,  fometimesnomorcbutafiorme  andLay. 
 Our  eyes  are  not  alwayes  alike  intent  to  the  Word  of  God- 
 wee  doe  not  alwayes  alikeconceive  the  promifes  of  God  • 
 nay,  temptations  fometimes  hide  them  out  of  our  fight! 
 The  effects  of  grace  doe  not  alwayes  appeare  the  fame 
 yea     fometimes  they  feeme  to  be4  qufte  overwhefmed 
 
 Zr/'^'r-'f '^'^^!,-  ^"^^"  "^^"^^  itfelfe there  isavo- 
 
 unrarie  flirinkrng  and  relinquiOiing  of  the  comfort  of  faith 
 
 through  the  feeds  of  unbeleefe  thlt  originally  are  f^wen 
 
 and'.rL?iiri^''''''"^''u^-^'.'^'"''^  of  remiffion  of  finnes 
 ^nrh'fr  R  '  ''''^°"'  which  juftperfons  atraine  unto  up- 
 on their  Repentance,  Faith,  and  Obedience,  is  not  equall 
 vhiVhT'"''"^  firmnelTeofaffent,  to  that  aSce 
 which  they  have  about  the  common  obje^  of  faith;  to 
 wit,  concernmg  the  articles  of  Creation,  Incarnation,  Re- 
 iurreiflion, 
 
what  manner  of  ajfurance  is  eht dined. 
 
 93 
 
 {airc6\ion,  or  the  like:  becaufe  thefe  articles  are  totally 
 and  immediately  revealed  in  holy  Scripture ;  but  chat  his 
 finnesin  particular  are  remitted,  depends  upon  an  argu- 
 ment; whereof  onely  one  partis  immediately  the  Word 
 of  God>  and  the  other  a  coIle(5i;ion  arifing  upon  refle61:ion, 
 andoblervationoF  a  mans  owne  qualities  and  a6lions,  and 
 the  conclufion  is  more  orleffe  certaine,  according  to  the 
 condition  o£  the  fecond  propoiliion.   It  is  a  thing  more 
 certaine  and  evident  to  faith,  that  God  gave  Chrili  todye 
 for  {inners,  that  whofoever  beleeveth  in  himfhonld  notfe- 
 rijh,  but  have  life  everUfiing ,  than  it  is  to  my  confcience, 
 that  I  beleeve  with  well-rooted  and  all-fealbning  confi-' 
 dence  :  I  have  greater  aflTurance  that  God  is  faithfull 
 and  true,  than  that  my  heart  is  upright :  Therefore  I 
 have   greater  aflTurance  that    the  true  Beleever  (hall 
 bee  l&ved,  than  that  my  {qI^q  am  received  unto  mercie. 
 Albcii  faith  doe  Ibmetimes  itagger  and  waver ,  as  tou- 
 cbingthevcrie  principles  tbemfelves  and  immediate  Word 
 of  God;  yet  becaufe  the  truth  and  certaintie  thereof  is 
 more  eafily  and  better  conceived,  they  are  for  the  moft 
 part  more  familiarly  and  readily  beleeved.  But  the  con- 
 jcJufions,  becaufe.of  themfelves  they  are  unknowne,  and 
 have  their  light  onely  from  the  principles,  are  not  fb 
 firmely  apprehended  as  the  principles  themfelves,  vvhileft 
 doubts  haply  may  becaft,  left  there  bee  any  errour  com- 
 mitted in  the  application  and  ufe  thereof.  It  is  a  prin- 
 ciple delivered  for  afTurance  of  falvation,  .S^/^d-z/tf  in  the 
 LordJefmChrifiiafjdthoHfhaltbeJaved.  Hereupon  the 
 faithfull  man  inferreth  to  himfelfe,  I  beleeve  in  the  Lord 
 Jefus  Chrift,  therefore  I  fhall  bee  fived.   In  this  either 
 confuledly  or  expreffely  inferred,  hee  comforteth  himlelfe, 
 and  rejoyceth  in^God,  and  in  hope  thereof  cheartfully 
 ferveth  God,  calleth  upon  his  name,  and  in  patience  ex- 
 pef^eth  the  revealing  of  his  falvation.   And  ytt  oftentimes 
 it  falkth  out,  that  hee  queftioneth  his  faith,  and  not  feeing 
 fucheffeils  thereof,  as  hee  (uppoieth  there  ought  to  bee, 
 maketh  doubt  left  haply  hee  bee  deceived  i  and  though  the 
 
 principle 
 
P4 
 
 The  fever  all  efiates  ef  Beleevers. 
 
 §.4- 
 
 Thfffvsralifiates 
 of  ieleevers, 
 Efav  44.5. 
 Macth.12.20. 
 
 Pfal.31.22.anJ 
 
 Phil.i.ip.-'o, 
 sTiir.f.i?. 
 
 principle  be  true  by  which  he  firft  beleeved^yet  he  isjealous 
 lelt  he  have  mifapplyed  ic  to  himfelfe. 
 
 §.  4.  This  will  appeare  in  theTeverall  ftaces  or  forts 
 of  true  Beleevers.  There  is  a  ftate  wherein  faith  is  a  fncioa- 
 king  weeke,  defiringthat  it  could  beleeve,  rather  than  get- 
 ting up  tofeeleit  felfebeleeve,  difcoveringic  felfeby  ear- 
 ned fighs  and  groanes  for  mercie,  and  hanging  upon 
 Chrift,  though  the  Beleever  can  fcarce  tell  whether  hee  reft^ 
 upon  hinior  no:  This  fa:ith is  certaine  in  event,  but  €hc'> 
 Beleever  in  this  ftate  is  farre  from  particular  aflurance  of  his 
 falvation. 
 
 Againe,  though  faith  bee  not  troubled,  but  doe  quietly 
 ftay  on  Chrift,  and  tafte  God  eood  in  letting  them  find 
 pe-ace  with  him ;  yet  fuch  is  the  ififancie  of  ipirituali  uader- 
 ftanding  in  Chriftians,  efpecially  now  firft  converted,  that 
 they  doe  not  returne  into  themfelves.and  judgeof  that  they 
 doe  J  and  of  the  great  confequence  of  that  they  doe.  Hence 
 it  is  that  they  will  tell  you,  they  find  God  good  to  them, 
 and  goe  on  cheerefully  in  duties  for  the  prefent:  but  they 
 come  not  to  behold  the  ftabilitie  of  their  falvation.  The 
 child  lives, before  he  knowesthat  he  doth  Hvg  ;  and  knovves 
 hee  doth  live,  before  hee  knowes  the  caufeof  life,or  thcin'-': 
 heritance  whereunto  hee  is  borne  :  and  fb  it  may  beeand  is 
 with  a  Beleever.  ' 
 
 There  is  a  ftate  in  which  faith  is  excrcifed  with  temptati- 
 ons from  unbeleefe  or  otherwiie ;  by  which  oppofition  the 
 fouleis  kept  from  obtaining  this  certaintie,  being  encoun- 
 tredvvith  doubtfull  appearances,  which  it  cannot  well  an- 
 fvver  and  cleare  for  the  prefent. 
 
 There  is  a  ftate  wherein  faith  is  now  growne  up,  and 
 hath  either  out-wrefted,  or  otherwiie  is  exempted  from 
 knowing  fuch  temptations ;  in  which  condition  the  faith- 
 full  doe  perfvadethemfelves,-that  Gods  mercie/  and  truth, 
 and  power,  fhallcarrie  them  thorowunto  falvation.  But 
 when  now  our  conicieftces  (hall  come  to  teftifie  thorow 
 faith  and  experience  this  happie  eftate,  wee  are  fubjet^  by 
 negledling  meanes  ,  laying  downe  our  watch,  -giving  the 
 
 reines 
 
The  fever  all  cjlates  ofBeleevers. 
 
 9') 
 
 reines  to .  our  lufts,  or  by  fecret  defertions  ere- while  to  lofe 
 for  a  time  this  comfortable  perivvafion ;  the  Spirit  nocipea- 
 Icinginus  byhisJight  as  heretofore,  and  our  confciences 
 and  faith  fo  hurt  and  wounded,  that  the  a6>ions  of  them  are 
 troubled  and  depraVed,as.we  fee  the  like  be&illeth  thenatu-. 
 ^rajl  fenfes  an,drea|bn.  W ce  fee,  through  melancholy  what 
 ..realoii-i^onQes  to  imagine,  how  that  fome  fhould  feeke  to  kill 
 II?,  yyho  never  thought  us  hiirt-.:  Howthe  eye  chinks  ic  Teeth 
 things  yellow  and  red,  when  they  are  nothing  fo;  the  tafte 
 thingsbitter,  when  they  are  Iweet :  So  the  fight  of  faithand 
 €onfciencej ^  jien.  nothing  but  finjguiltjWrac h,angr ie  deier- 
 tiqnoyejrfriay  k,  it feemethtofeafiveric  thing ?fojr  thetime, 
 ^of  ^li(^e\f  olour  to  thofe  things- Vvherevyith.  ic  is'pdffefled. 
 T^ius  Sometimes  theftrong  faich  isChaken  greatly,  and 
 .{^rongly  aflaujtedr  fo  that  hee  that  imfpeakably  rejoyced  in 
 ^  ialvat/on  of  the  I^ord,  by  haftie  cogitations  mbioiight  to 
 
 -, .,  ,-A,nct  if  faifh^elcfpei^jiefe-rOGks^j  may  hotyet  a  morefe- 
 rious  exatmnation  of-ouf  wayes,  and  thorow-fight  of  our 
 nakednefle,imperfe6tiQnSj  arid  manifoldtranfgreffions ;  the 
 ftjrengtb  of  our  lufts,  the  diibrder  of  our  paHions,  our  daily 
 failings,  and  that  great  weaknefle  whti(jh  in  trials  wee  fhall 
 find  in  ourfelves :  may  not  thcfe  things,  I  lay,  raife  feare 
 in  the  heart  of  a  found  Beleever,  as  not  altogether  without 
 thereach  of  pofTjble  danger,  without  repentance  and  grea- 
 ter conftancie  in  performing  allChriftian  duties,  than  hi- 
 therto hechath  made  proofe  of  j  fpecially  if  the  apprehen- 
 fioaof  the  multitude  and  hainoulhenb  of  his  fins  be  quicke- 
 ned by  aflflii£lions,orthe4iveIy  cogitations  of  the  terrors  of 
 the  day  of  judgement  ?  Nevertheleffe,  as  a  child  affri.^hted 
 runneth  to  the  fathety  looking  for  defence  and  help  of  him, 
 even  loin  the  middertof  all  feares,  temptations,  difficul- 
 ties, and  diftrefles,- faith  is  ftill  runtiing  unto  God,  ftill  im- 
 portuning him,  calling  upon  him^  expoftulating  wirhhim, 
 caftingitfelfe  i^ill  upon  him,  depending  upon  his  aid,  and 
 expedting  of  him^h^t  tilings  tepipe  otherv'vifcthan  pre- 
 
 fcnr.lytheyare.vjc77  f.  r:"i  s'-^rli  rff-'^     Ma- 
 
 §.  ^.  Thus 
 
 "I  •.m 
 
 Pfal  31.22. 
 
96 
 
 K^jfurance  offalvation-maj  be  obtained. 
 
 Faith  of  adherence 
 ftr onger  and  more 
 uecejjarie  thnn 
 faith  of  evidence. 
 
 TufJiibleafu. 
 ranee  offatvaTion 
 r/iaybi  obtained. 
 
 §.  5 .  Thus  faith  of  adherence  is  ftronger  than  faith  of 
 evidence;  and  beieefe  in  Chriftfor  r€imi(lidn,than  affuraHce 
 of  pardon  and  forgivenefle :  And  as  faith  in  Cbrift  is  ftron- 
 ger  than  particular  certaintie  of  our  falvatibn;  ib  is  ic 
 more  neceflarie.  For  beieefe  in  Chrift  is  ablbkitely  necef- 
 faric  to  remifsion  of  finnes,  irt  all  them  that  bee  of  age  and^ 
 difcretion:  but  affurance  comes  not  atfirftwhen  wee  be-; 
 leeve,  butby  little  and  little  as  God  feeth  it  reqtiifite,  ac- 
 cording to  the  triall  hee  hath  appointed  to  make  of  us. 
 Without  faith  in  Chrift,  as  the  onely  author  of  (alvation, 
 and  fole  end  of  faith,  with  whom  our  'foules  feeke  petfefii; 
 union,  it  is  impofsible  to  pleafe  God ;  no  a5^idn,  thou^j 
 in  it  felfe  never  lb  good  or  holy,  it  truly  acceptable,  unlefle 
 itbcquickened  andenlivedby  this  faith;  But  many poore 
 foules,that  want  aflurance  of  Gods  fpeciallfavOBTj  are  ten- 
 derly beloved  of  him,  as  hcires  of  falvatibn,  and  their  ^50t| 
 works  accepted  in  Jefus  Chrift.  A  Chtiftian  of  an  hum- 
 ble and  broken  fpirit,  denying  hirnfelfe,  and  renouncing 
 the  world,  beleeving  that  his  finnes  ate  pardonable,  and 
 earneftly  defiring  remifsion  of  fins  by  the  merits  of  Chrift ; 
 reftingupon  Chrift  alone  for  falvation,  andjoyning,  with 
 this  defire  and  affiance,  the  fincere,  unpartiall  pra^ice  of 
 :  obedience  to  all  Gods  Commandements,  according  co  that 
 '  meafure  of  grace  which  hee  hath  received,  without  que- 
 ftion  hee  (hall  receive  the  inheritance  of  eternall  glorie, 
 although  hee  may  bee  fcrupulous  in  hirnfelfe,  wanting  this 
 '  perfA^afion  and  aflhrance  that  his  finnes  are  pardoned. 
 I  And  yet  becaufe  God  hath  commanded  us  to  labour  for 
 (the  perfediionof  all  graces,  wee  are  fure  this  muft  bee  in- 
 treated  for,  and  have  a  promife  that  it  Ihall  bee  gran- 
 ted, as  God  feeth  meet,  both  for  the  time  and  meafure 
 of  it, 
 
 §.  6.  That  not  onely  Ibmeuncertaine  hope  and  dimme 
 fight  of  Gods  favour,  but  even  aflurance  is  to  be  fought,  and 
 may  bee  obtained ,  is  thus  manifeft.  Faith  may  receive 
 what  the  Word  doth  teftifie;  for  the  Word  of  God  is 
 the  objeifl  of  faith.    But  there  is  a  word  teftifying  thus 
 
 much, 
 
k^jfurance  offalvation  may  beobtaimd. 
 
 91 
 
 much,  that  my  particular  perlbn  beholding  the  Sonne,  and 
 beieevingon  nimsfhall/'^':/^  eternallUfe^  andbegraifedup 
 At  the  la^  day  ;  that  there  is  xo  condemnatien  to  me  being 
 inChriB.  Neither  could  John  with  thefairhfuli  beleeve 
 Gods  love  towards  them  in  particular  ,  if  fbrac  word 
 did  not  fliew  it.  For  the  Papills  thenr:/clves  will  not  fay, 
 that  all  of  them  were  privil-edged  with  fingular  revela- 
 tion. 
 
 Our  Adverfarics  reply,  that  there  is  no  Word  of  God, 
 faying,  CV«<?//>«jbeleeve  thou  that  thou  fhalt  befaved  :and 
 where  there  is  no  word,  there  is  no  faith :  for  theie  two  | 
 are  relatives.  ThiscaviH  is  eafily  removed:  for  that  can- 
 not bebcleeved  as  out  of  the  Word  of  God,  which  is  not 
 found  inthe  Word  of  God  expreflely,  orbyconlequencc; 
 but  whatfoevcr  is  found  there  expreflely*  or  may  evidently  ] 
 by  dire^  confequence  be  deduced  thence,  that  may  be  be-  j 
 teeved  as  out  of  the  Word  of  God.    Now  howlbever  ic 
 be  notfaid  in  fo  many  fy  llables,  'Peter,  Thomoiy  Come  tins , 
 thyfinnes  are  remittee!  to  thee  beleeving;  yet  evidently  fo 
 mucb  may  bee  concluded  out  of  thole  -gcncrall  promii^s, 
 Everieman  thatbeieevethfliall  have  eternalllife  :  for  the, 
 univerlail  doth  include  its  particular.  Therefore  the  meflen- 
 gers  of  the  Lord  of  Hofts  doe  give  notice  to  their  Congre- 
 gacionsj  that  the  matter  which  they  proclaime  in  the 
 Name  of  the  Lord,doth  concerne  them  and  everie  of  them, 
 faying  in  effe£l.  To  you  is  the  Kvordof  this [alvaiion  fent. 
 What  they  fay  to  all  men,  they  fay  to  everie  man :  what 
 to  penitents ,  to  everie  penitent ;  wliat  to  beleevers  j  to 
 everie  beleever;  what  to  finners  and  ungodly,  to  everie 
 finner.  God  gave  his  Law  to  all  I[rael,  fpeaking  to  all,  as 
 if  hee  had  fpoken  namely  and  particularly  to  everie  one, 
 ThoMJhalt  have  no  other  Godr,&c.   May  nor,  ought  nor 
 man  to  inferre  thence ,  I  muft  have  none  other  Gods, 
 &c.  Thepromifeof  theGofpel  runnesthus,  IfthonjhAit 
 confejfe  tvith  thy  month  the  Lord  Jeftu,  and  beleeve  in 
 thy  heart  that  God  rat  fed  himf'omthedeadi  thou  (halt  be 
 yaved.  Is  not  this  ipoken  to  everie  man  particularly?  May 
 
 H  not 
 
 Macth.i.zt. 
 
 Ads  :0«fj. 
 
 t  ThcflT.i.io. 
 
 LuJc.^.roir. 
 
 Efa  9.6. 
 
 I  Job.  J.  I  J. 
 
 JoIi.6jf. 
 
 ijoh.j.10,13. 
 
 ttb.  J .  cap.i,  § . 
 Trima  ratio. 
 
 Aasi3.2tf.  and 
 3.25.  and 3.3S. 
 ^  Cor. 5.30. 
 
 Exod2n.r,3. 
 
 Roin.ro.p. 
 
I    98 
 
 ^Jfurance  of  fahaticn  may  he  obtained. 
 
 Joh-ao.aj. 
 
 Pfal.23 1. 
 Job  i?.2.5. 
 
 Pfal.tc3  3,4. 
 
 Pf3I.iu5.17- 
 
 Micah  7.  J  9. 
 
 RoiTUIMi. 
 
 Matth.s:?  17. 
 
 not  hee  as  out  of  the  Word  inferre,  If  I  beleeve  I  (hall  be 
 favcd  ?  Our  Saviour  Chrift  had  faid  nothing  namely  to 
 Paul  and  Siloi  as  touching  the  Jayler,  that  if  hee  did  be- 
 leeve hee  fhculd  bee  (avcd :   but,  out  of  that  univerlall, 
 fVhofoever  beleevethfhallheefaved,xhty  proclaime com- 
 fort to  him  in  fpeciallj  Beleeve  thon,  afidthoufhalt  bee 
 faved.  There  is  nothing  found  in  Scripture  exprefleiy  tou- 
 ching this  or  that  mans  reliirre6tion  in  particular :  is  it  not 
 tbentobebeleevedoutof  the  Word?  The  Scripture  faith 
 to  him  that  beleeveth,  Thou  fhalt  inherit  eternall  life,  as 
 much  as  it  doth  to  any  particular  man  now  living,  Thou 
 fhalt  rife  againe.    Becaufe  our  Saviour  faid  to  the  Apo- 
 i\leSifVhofeJi»s  foeverj/ee  remit,  they  are  remitted,o\xc  Ad- 
 verlaries  (though  falfly)  would  collect  j  that  their  Priefts 
 have  power  to  ablblve  a  man  from  all  his  finnes.  Doc  they 
 know  afluredly ,  that  what  was  fpokcn  to  the  Apoftles, : 
 was  fpokcn  alfo  to  theirPricfts,  though  there  bee  no  parti- 
 cular mention  of  them  in  theGofpell;  and  will  they  not 
 allow  us  to  inferre  a  particular  from  a  generall  ?  David 
 could  fay,  The  Lord  is  mjfhepherd ;  Job,  Ik»ow  that  my 
 %e^deemerliveth:  which  they  beleeved  outof  tfieWord, 
 grounding  themfelves  upon  the  promiles,,of  mercie.  And 
 I  wee  now  living  by  the  lame  faith,  having  the  fame  precious 
 ;  promifcs,  being,  led  by  the.  fame  Spirit,  may  out.  of  the 
 I  Word  of  life  be  aifured  that  our  (inncs  are  forgiven  and  co- 
 ;  vercd.  Moreover,  everiefaithfull.  foulein  particular  doth 
 ;  find,  heare,and  read  in  the  Word,  whoforgiveth  all  thine 
 ■  iniquitieS'^andhealeth  all  thine  infirmities.  To  everie  faich- 
 full  fonle  in  fpeciall  the  Lord  faith,  /,  even  I  am  hee  that 
 hlotteth  cut  thine  iniqnittes  for  mine  otvne fake-)<ind  remem- 
 \  her  thy  finnes  no  more.  This  he  fpeaketh  to  Hngular  belec- 
 ,  vers,  nottofbme  perfons  only,  asitis  evident  in  that  the 
 I  Scripture  doth  in  univerfall  repeat  the  fame  thing.  What 
 j  our  Saviour  faid  to  the  young  man,  Ifthott  vonldlt  enter 
 into  life,  k^efethe  CommandementSi  the  Papifts  teach  that 
 h  fpokcn  to  all  men;  and  if  a  man  fulfill  that  condition, 
 hee  may  beleeve  to  bee  faved.  Looke  how  they  know,  the 
 
 word? 
 
^ffur^ncioffdvAtionmAj  beobmned. 
 
 99 
 
 words  Ipoken  to  the  young  man  (o  many  hundred  yeeres 
 pafttobedirefteduntothem  :  by  the  fame  rule  may  eve- 
 ry faithfull  (bule  intereft  himTelfe  in  all  the  gracious  and 
 lovely  (peeches  wherewith  God  from  time  to  time  hath 
 comforted  his  people,  and  take  untohimfelfethofepromi- 
 ^zi,  anlwcrs,andaflurancesthat  God  hath  at  any  time  made 
 and  given  unto  them,  refblving  of  all  the  reft,  that  which  in 
 one  cafe  the  Apoftle  exemplifyeth  of  that  that  was  written 
 of  the  Juftificatioh  of  yf^rrf/&/»w,that  thofe  things  were  not 
 written  for  them  only,but  for  them  <il(o  who  beUeve  as  they 
 haddoKt. 
 
 The  wOrd  then  (peaketh  in  particular  to  them  that  be- 
 leeve;  but  can  a  Chrirtian  know  andbeeafluredthathe 
 doth  truly  beleeve  ?  Such  as  truly  beleeve,  may  know  they 
 beleeve^as  he  that  hath  a  jewell  in  his  hand,  may  know  that 
 he  hath  it.  Paul  did  kjtow  on  whom  hee  had  beleevcd :  the 
 pooremaninthc  Gofpelcryeth,  Lord  I  beleeve .-  David 
 (tithtrbeUevedj  and  therefore  I ffake ',  Hezekiah  pray- 
 eth ,  Lord  remember  me  how  I  have  walked  before  thee  in 
 truth ,  and  with  aferfeSt  heart  :  John  concludeth  thus. 
 Hereby  wee  know  that  he  abideth  in  its j  even  by  the  Spirit 
 which  he  hath  given  us.  How  could  we  fay  every  one  We 
 beleeve,if  we  might  not  know  it  ?  Can  wee  Ipeake  that  tru- 
 ly, whereofwc  can  have  no  certaintie  ?  When  I  fee  one,  or 
 truft  to  a  mans  word  promifing  me  this  or  that,  I  know  I  fee 
 him,  truft  to  him  and  reft  on  him  for  that  he  hath  promifed: 
 Shall  I  by  faith  fee  Chrift  the  Sonne,  and  reft  on  him,  and 
 yet  know  no  fuch  thing  ?  Carnall  confidence  may  be  dilcer- 
 ned ,  why  then  fhould  it  be  impoflible  for  a  true  beleever  to 
 know  that  hee  doth  beleeve?  The  Spirit  of  man  difcerneth 
 what  is  in  man :  he  knoweth  what  is  in  himfelfe,  though  not 
 ever  the  meafure  or  quantitie  thereof  Hee  that  loveth  his 
 brother,  knoweth  the  love  wherewith  hee  loveth  him  :  and 
 hethatbeleevethinGod,mayknow  the  faith  wherewith 
 he  beleeveth. 
 
 Many  beguile  themielves ,  while  they  ftand  in  opinion 
 they  doe  beleeve,  and  beleeve  not  at  all.  What  then  ?  Shall 
 
 H  2  hee 
 
 Roin.4.2}. 
 
 *  Tim.x.ia. 
 
 Mar  9.  24^ 
 Pfal.ii6.io. 
 1  C»r.4.ij. 
 Efayj3.j,4. 
 I  Job.  J  ^4. 
 
 I  John  J. i^. 
 
 tCor 
 
IQO 
 
 i^ffmance  cffdvati'm  mxj  hi  ohatmA. 
 
 •Zellar.de  f lift. 
 liS'.'^.caf.S  fe(f. 
 Hujtts  urgur/iea- 
 tis. 
 
 Pral.7-To. 
 To  be  in  tb'' faith, 
 ft  to  have  faith  in 
 them- 
 :RoiTi.8.i.S:5.f- 
 
 iRom.8.8. 
 I*  2  Cor.  13-  5>^" 
 Ephcf.  J- 1/-. 
 
 ''Rhtm  avnot.in. 
 
 hee  that  heleeveth  unfaine^iiy  bee  altogether  unceiftaine, 
 whether  heebeleeve ,  or  no  ?  T^^re  it  that  homfieth  when 
 his  fofile  hath  nought  :  yt%  men-whom  God  hath  bleffed 
 with  abundance,  may  know  that  they  bee  rich.  Many  are 
 deceived  in  n^atters  of  faith  and  true  worGup  of  God ;  n>all 
 not  aChriftian  then  bee  certaine  of  his  Religion-;^  A  man 
 that  dreameth  of  honour  and  promotion:,  pietuieaiid  abun- 
 dance j  may  live  in  infamie  an4  dilgraee,  penwrie  and 
 hunger  :  and  yet  they  that  bee  promoted  to  honour,  and 
 live  in  plenty ,  niay  afilireQly  bee  perlwaded  of  what  God 
 hath  given  them.  Some  mens  fenfes  are  deluded,  fi>all 
 every  man  therefore  bee  in  fuipenceof  whatfoever  hee  leeth 
 or  heareth  ?  He  that  is  falfly  pei^fwaded  of  his  good  eftate 
 and  ftrong  faith  ,  deceiveth  tus  owne  foule :  (hall  he  there- 
 fore that  unfainedly  embraceth  Cbrift,  andrefteth  upon 
 him ,  be  ever  at  uncertainties  y  whether  hee  doth  beleeve 
 or  no? 
 
 The  heart  unr^nerace  is  deceitful!  and  wicked  above 
 all  thirds :  the  heart  regenerate  is  true  and  faithful! :  In  re- 
 fpe5^  of  the  exadl:  mealure  c^  grace  and  ftrength ,  the  re- 
 generate are  oft  deceived;  but  of  the  truth  ofgrace  they 
 may  bee  adured  :  in  fome  particular  relblutions  they  may 
 bee  ignorant  of  their  owne  hearts ;  bvit  of  ihcir  ge.nerail 
 purpoie  they  may firmclyaFid  truely be perfvaded,  I^omI 
 bids  vs  "^ prove  and  trie  ourjelves ,  whether  wee  have  not 
 that  f^ith,  by  which  Chrirt  dwelleth  in  our  hearts,  which 
 workeih  by  love,  which  is  the  fai'h  of  fuch  as  are  accepted 
 with  God  5  are  purged  from  their  finne,  and  are  become 
 Temples  of  the  Holy  Ghoft :  intimating  that  by  examinati- 
 on it  is  to  be  difcerred  and  known  whether  we  beleeve.  And 
 if  we  may  know  that  wee  have  faith,  whereby  Chrif^  dvvel- 
 leth  in  us  by  his  Spirit,  and  we  in  him^thea  may  wee  know 
 alfo  that  wee  have  repented  truly  of  oup  fins ;  for  faith  aad 
 repentancebeinfeparable  companion Sjand  whofo  hath  the 
 one ,  hee  cannot  be  deftirute  of  the  other.  It  isone  thi  ng  to 
 repent,  another  to  beleeve  :  but  thefe  two  live  and  dwell 
 together,  that  if  onebe  wanting  there  is  neither  in  rruth. 
 
 They 
 
K^jfurame  offalvAtifin  may  be  chained. 
 
 toi 
 
 They  objed);  further.  It  fufficeth  not  to  beleeve  unto  fal~ 
 vation,  but  a  man  muft  beleeve  with  his  whole  heant:  which 
 no  man,fay  they>can  certainly  affirme.  Indeed  faith  fincere, 
 upright,  and  well-rooted,  is  required  on  our  part  to  jufti- 
 fication ;  but  not  abfolutely  perfe(Sl  in  degree ,  without 
 weakneffe  or  defeat :  And  this  may  bee  knownc  by  him 
 that  hath  it;  elfe  could  not  the  Eunuch  have  anfwered,  / 
 hlcevei  nor  David  have  promifed,  Ivfillfraifethee,  O 
 L«rdt  with  my  whole  hearu  with  my  whole  he  Art  have  I 
 [ought  thee.  But  in  thefe  and  fuch  like  paflajges,  the 
 « whole  heart  fioteth  the  integritie  •>  and  uprigbtneflc 
 of  thcfoule,  not  the  perfe(^ion  of  grace  without  any  in- 
 firmitieor  defe6l;  as  on  the  contrarie,  a  fraudulent  or  hy- 
 pocriticall  heart  is  c^XXt-di  <=  an  heart  divided ;  and  the  whole 
 heart  is  cy^^^^d  toafained  and  hypocriticall  heart,  as  the 
 Lord  complaineth  by  his  Prophet,  <*  Judah  hath  not  mnr' 
 rxdnntomewith  her  whole  hearty  but  fainedly.  And  thug 
 weefhutupthisfirfirearoD.  That  which  the  Scripture  faith 
 to  pcrtaine  to  all  and  fingular  Beleevers,  chat  everieBe- 
 leever  may  certainly  aflTure  himfelfe  of  by  faith :  But  the 
 Scripture  fheweth  remiffion  of  finnes  to  pcrtaine  to  all  and 
 everie  Bele^ef. 
 
 §.  7.  Againe,  What  wee  are  taught  to  askeof  God  in 
 prayer,  anS  have  a  promiie  to  obtaine,  that  by  faith  wee 
 maybeeaffurcdto  obtaine.  For  God  that  hath  comman- 
 ded'os  to  pray,  and dire^bed  what  to  aske  according  to  his 
 will,  and  promifed  to  grant  the  defires  of  them  that  call 
 upon  him  in  truth  according  to  his  Commandement,  hee 
 will  not  deniehis  ptomife,  nor  goe  backefrom  the  thing 
 that  hee  hath  fpoken.  But  wee  are  commanded  to  aske  the 
 pardon  and  forgivenefTeof  ourHnnes,  and  have  apromi/e 
 to  bee  heard  in  that  which  weedefire.  Therefore  by  fiith 
 wee  maybee^fTuredofthe  particular  remiffion  of  our  of- 
 fences. 
 
 Our  Adverfaries  except,  that  what  wee  are  affured  of  al- 
 ready, that  wee  cannot  aske  of  God  in  prayer ;  and  there- 
 fore i£  wee  be  afliired  of  pardon,  wee  muft  not  pray  for  par- 
 
 H   ^  don. 
 
 lih.^.cap.S. 
 AdiiZ.i'J. 
 
 I  Tim.j.j; 
 
 PGIjiy  10  f^, 
 
 a  Pfal.ir^.2. 
 
 Deut4.29. 
 
 Jeremapij. 
 
 X  ChroD.15.1j. 
 
 Proy.j.j. 
 
 bPial.7j.i.and 
 
 c  P/aLij.2. 
 d  Jncm.j.io, 
 Iuk.7.50. 
 Marlc.i  $.!(;, 
 
 5-  7. 
 
 MaTk.11.34. 
 
 ijoh.y.14,15' 
 
 Pfal.|»J.i«. 
 
 lii.^,  cap.il, 
 TutfTta, 
 
I.02 
 
 {^Jfurmce  of  falvation  may  he  obtained. 
 
 In  vphtt  ftnfefoT' 
 jftveneffe  of  fins  « 
 t«  Irt  frayed  for. 
 
 a  Sam.raia.iS- 
 
 Plal.51.1,2. 
 
 don.  What,  is k  lawfull  in  no  fenfe  to  pray/or  that  where- 
 of wee  are  afVured  ?  DnvU  prayed  to  God  for  the  pardon 
 of  thofe  (inpesj  which  hcebeleeved  by  faith  were  forgiven 
 (for  (b  was  hee  aiTured  from  the  Lord  by  the  Prophet  Na- 
 than) unlefie  wee  fhall  chargehim  with  infideiitie,for  not 
 beleeving  the  Prophet ;  fincethefpeech  wasfoplaine,  that 
 bee  could  not  but  underHand  it.  /  have  finned  againfl-  the 
 Lord:  Aplaine  and  trueconfefTion.  The  Lord  alfo  hath 
 ^ut  aveay  thyfinnet  thoujhalt  mtdje:  Asplaincand  cer- 
 taine  an  abfolution. 
 
 WillourAdverfaries  come  in  here  with  their  vainedi- 
 ftin£lion  of  guilt  and  punifhment,  of  temporall  and  eter- 
 nal!? Iftheydocj  it  is  to  nopurpofe.  For  whatfoever  the 
 relf>e6>s  were,  in  which  JD4<z//W  prayed  for  the  forgivenefle 
 of  his  finnes,  once  this  is  cleare,  that  he  prayed  for  it :  and 
 then  what  remaines,  but  that  our  Adverlaries  muft  con- 
 demne  him  of  finning  grievoufly,  in  asking  God  pardon  for 
 thofefins,  which  hee  beleeved  by  faith  were  forgiven  him ; 
 or  of  infidelitie  for  not  beleeving :  or  t\^t  |;rant  it  Jawfull 
 in  fome  regard  to  crave  pardon,  when  it  is  already  granted, 
 and  beleeved  to  be  fo  ?  But  further  it  is  manifeft,  that  both 
 guilt  and  punifhment  were  remitted :  becaufe  the  Prophet 
 precifely  mentions  both  parts.  The  Lord  hath  taken  away 
 thyfinfie;  There  is  the  guilt  wipt  away.  Than  Jhalt  mt 
 dye ;  There  is  the  punifhment  forgiven,  the  whole  punifh- 
 ment, the  whole  penaltieoftheftatuce  concerning  finne. 
 And  yet  nothing  is  more  cleare,thanthatZ)^z'/<5/  begsparr4  \ 
 don  both  of  the  guilt  and  punifhment  of  his  offences,  and 
 that  God  would  make  him  fee  and  feele  this  forgivenefle  of 
 his  everieday  more  and  more. 
 
 Neither  yet  doth  it  follow,  that  then  prayer  for  forgive- 
 nefTe  is  an  effe^  of  a  weake  hit\\ ;  becaufe  though  our 
 faith  were  f^rong,  yet  the  feeling  of  our  owne  wretched- 
 nefle,  the  jufl  defert  of  finne,  and  the  wrath  of  God  due 
 unto  us,  would  wring  out  fuch  entreatie  from  us :  as  wee 
 fee  the  extremitie  which  our  Saviour  Chrill  was  in  upon 
 the  crofle,  made  him  cry  outfb  mainely,  Mj  Gdd,my  God, 
 
 why 
 
{jy^Jfurance  offalvation  mdy  be  obtained.^ 
 
 103 
 
 Zecho  IS,  10. 
 
 why  hafi  thoHJorfaken  me  ?  albeit  he  was  fully  affutcd  that  |  Match.  17.^6- 
 God  neither  had,  not  would  utterly  forfake  him. 
 
 Againe,  bne  chiefe  reafon  and  end  of  our  praying  to 
 God  for  pardon  is,  that  wee  may  alwaies  acknowledge, 
 that  every  fmne  committed  by  us  deferves  everlafting  dam- 
 nation of  it  felfe,  and  (hould  everlaftingly  be  punifhed ,  if 
 that  God  had  not  accepted  ourSaviourChriftsfatisfadhon 
 for  us:  By  which  though  we  are  freed  ifwee  reft  on  him  by 
 faith ,  vet  both  it  is  our  duty  according  to  Gods  Comman- 
 dement  tofueforpardon  for  his  fake;  and  in  truth  if  wee 
 doe  it  not ,  wee  have  no  reafon  to  perfwade  our  felves  that 
 our  finncs  are  pardoned.  For  howfocver  it  is  true,  that 
 Chrift  our  Head  hath  paid  the  price  ofourranfome,  yet  it 
 is  alfotrue,thatwe  every  day  deferve  damnation,  and  mult 
 entreat  God  for  pardon,  that  (o  wee  may  come  to  that 
 aflurance,  which  the  Lord  hath  enjoyned  us  to  labour  and 
 
 (eeke  for. 
 
 The  Spirit  that  leadeth  us  to  Chrift ,  doth  ftirre  us  up 
 with  all  earneftneffe  and  confidence  to  crave  pardon  and 
 foreivenefle  ofour  finnes.  Thefe  two,  Confidence  and 
 Praver,God  hath  joyned  together,and  no  man  can  or  may 
 put  them  afunder.  Ourfaithaffnrethusnotofforgivenefle 
 offinnes  without  prayer,  but  that  God  forgiveth  us  when 
 wee  pray  :  Nor  is  this  heavenly  pledge ,  while  dormant, 
 though  truly  dwelling  in  our  foules,  immediately  apt  to 
 
 ^"ilat'tersof  faith  bee  of  divers  forts  :  Some  fully  .aaed 
 and  done  already,  andthofeweeonelybeleeve,  wedoe 
 not  pray  for  them;  as  the  creation  of  the  World,  the 
 birth,  and  death  and  refurredion  of  Chrift ,  and  other  fuch 
 like: Other- fomearebeleeved,as defigned,  prorrifed, and 
 in  a  fort  conferred ,  but  not  yet  fully  a^ted  and  effedted 
 to  us :  which  wee  fobelceve  by  faith,  as  that  ftillvve  pray 
 for  them,  till  they  bee  fully  accompliflied  andeffed^ed. 
 ThePapifts  confefle ,  that  Teter,  T4«/,  and  i.>me  other 
 particular  perfons ,  to  whom  our  Saviour  faid,  Thyfimes 
 ate  fomven  thee,  were  aflured  of  the  remifiion  of  their 
 ■'    ^  H  4  iniquities: 
 
 ':BeUar.do  Ju^' 
 lib.  ■i. cap.  II. 
 Rhem.'i'viet.i)} 
 ^ow.  S.58.§.8. 
 
 Macth.9.1. 
 
104 
 
 ^ffur4nc€  effdvMkn  maj  he^^kaimd: 
 
 ». 
 
 I  John  I.  ?}?• 
 
 3  Sam.ii.i;, 
 I  J.  wich  PfaL 
 51. 1)^.&C. 
 
 iniquities :  and  yet  they  ceafcd  not  to  pray,  Forgive  us  e^r 
 trefpttff'es.  Doe  they  not  fee  then ,  that  prayer  for  pardon 
 will  ftand  well  with  aflurance  of  remifTion  ?  And  why 
 doe  they  condemnc  that  in  us,  which  was  well  done  by 
 others  ? 
 
 Morcdiftinfily  j  we  continue  daily  to  askeofGodfor- 
 givencfTe  of  fins ,  according  to  the  direction  and  comman- 
 dement  of  our  Saviour  Chrirt,in  fundry  reipedls. 
 
 Firft ,  becaufe  notwithftanding  former  aflurance  of  pac- 
 donjifwee  take  our  eye  oft'Chrift,  the  remembrance  and 
 conicicnceoffinnc  muft  needs  trouble  and  diiquiet :  fothat 
 wee  rauft  iftili  looke  to  Chrift  for  forgivenefle,  and  faith 
 lookes  unto  him  as  a  Petitioner. 
 
 Secondly,  we  pray  daily  that  we  may  have  greater  aflii- 
 rance,  and  more  comfortabJe  feeling  of  Gods  love.  Our 
 faith  being  weake  giveth  butwcakeaflurance,  and  there- 
 fore we  begge  daily  to  be  fettled  and  eftabliflied  more  and 
 more  in  the  aflurance  of  his  favoia:. 
 
 Thirdly ,  we  finne  every  day jand  therefore  aske  pardon 
 daily  tbecaufe  we  are  to  receive  a6luali  pardon  from  God 
 continually ,  both  for  our  originall  corruption,  which  al- 
 waies  in  this  life  abides  with  us ,  and  for  adluall  fins,which 
 we  daily  and  hourely  commit  againft  the  Majefiy  of  God. 
 Hee  that  once  beleeveth  is  thereby  made  a  member  of 
 Chrifts  myfticall  body  ,  and  Ibhathallfaisfinnes  fatisfied 
 for,  by  the  death  ana  fufferings  of  his  Head  Chrift  :  But 
 yet  it  is  the  good  pleafureofGodi that  hee  fhould  daily 
 bewaile  his  offences,  and  crave  pardon  for  them,  that  he 
 might  receive,feele  and  beafTured  of  the  forgivenelfe  of  his 
 particular  and  d^ily  infirmities.  Even  after  the  infiiiion 
 of  faith  moft  perfccS: ,  faithfull  repentance  for  finnes  com- 
 mitted, is  as  abfblutely  necelTary  tofalvation,  astheiirf^ 
 infufionwas. 
 
 i      Fourthly ,  God  is  not  off  and  on,  he  plaies  not  faf}  and 
 loofe  :but  whom  once  he  jnftifieth  from  finne ,  hee  never 
 remembreth  finneagainflthemtNevertheleffe,  wcemufl 
 begge  the  continuance  of  his  grace » that  his  mercifull  par- 
 don 
 
{^(furMme  pffalvntion  mnj  he  obtained. 
 
 105 
 
 aSani.7.15.27. 
 
 1  Chion-ij.tJ. 
 
 John  10.  2  8. 
 John  i7«  "• 
 Pfal.itf.TO. 
 Heb.  y.7. 
 John  17.5. 
 2Tini,4. 18. 
 
 don  may  bee  a  gift  without  repentance.  Faith  is  a  filter  to 
 God  (cK  the  accomplifhmenc  of  his  promifes ;  and  becaufe 
 weeareaffuredofhis  unchangeable  love,  wee begg€ with 
 greater  affiance  the  continuance  of  his  mercy  :  prayer  be- 
 ing nothing  cHc  but  the  ftreame  or  river  of  faith,  and  an 
 iflhe  of  the  defire  of  that  which  joyfully  webeleeve.  Da- 
 v/V/ being  certified  that  God  would  for  ever  ftablifh  the 
 kingdome  in  his  hbufe  and  pofterity ,  forbeareth  not  to 
 pray  that  it  might  bee  fo.  Our  Saviour  Chrift  knew  that 
 his  fheepe  (hould  never  perifh ;  yet  hee  prayeth,ff<?/j'  Fa- 
 therj  kfepe  them  i»  thj  name.  Hee  prayeth  alfb  for  delive- 
 rance from  death  and  glorification,  ofboth  which  hee  was 
 ftiliy  affurcd.  Vnul  knew  afTuredly  the  I.ord  woulddeliver 
 him  from  every  evill  worke ,  yet  without  ceafing  hee  pray- 
 eth to  be  delivered  firomevill.  Aflurance  to  fpced  is  that 
 which  addeth  great  fervencie  to  prayer . 
 
 Fiftly»  albeit  by  faith  in  the  promifeofGodyWeenow 
 reft  alTured  of  the  remiffion  of  finncs,  yet  wee  ftill  pray,/or- 
 give  Hi  our  trefiajfes ,  that  wee  may  more  fiilly  and  really 
 poflefle  and  enjoy  what  weebeleeve  wee  already  have  in 
 Gods  aflFc<aion,  and  doc  in  part  enjoy.  The  remifTion  of 
 finnes  is  by  faith  manifefted  to  our  confciencey  and  in  part 
 wee  rcape  the  comfort,  fruit ,  and  eflfe^  of  it  in  this  life : 
 but  ftill  wee  are  clogged  withfinne ,  we  live  in  mifery  and 
 (brrpw;  in  our  felves  wee  are  condemned  wretches ;  ftill 
 we  are  are  lyable  to  many  temporall  and  fpirituall  chaftife- 
 mentsanddefertionsforfinne,  and  live  in  a  fort  as  exiles 
 andbanifhed  men  from  the  immediate  and  clearc  vifion  of 
 God,  Therefore  being  ftill  in  cafe,  as  ifourfinnes  were 
 not  completely  pardoned,  finne  as  yet  abiding  in  us,  and 
 lubje6ting  us  to. the  diipleafijre  ofGoddifliking, it,  and 
 to  his  Fatherly  cbaftifcmcnt  accompanying  the  fame ,~  wee 
 pray  for  forgiveneffe  more  abfblute  and  intire  every  day  in 
 the  fruit ,  effect ,  and  comfort  ofit.  Trite  it  is ,  that  per- 
 ibnsjuftified  have  full  title  unto,  and  right  in  that  mercy 
 <tf"God ;  which  as  it  hath  already  delivered  them  from  the 
 .cK)minion  and  condemnation  of  firtrte,  foitwillin  the  end 
 1  wholly 
 
 //mv  luftijlcatitn 
 it  full  and  ihtire. 
 
io6 
 
 K^ffurance  offalvation  may  be  ohtAined. 
 
 6^ 
 
 Aa$  J.  If. 
 
 Rom.8.23. 
 
 pralm.i8.i.2 
 Plalm.  231 
 
 Ifayiy-p. 
 
 Ifay  33.22. 
 
 Job  34.36. 
 John  10.  2? 
 
 Gal. 2.  20. 
 Phil.  t.  3. 
 
 wholly  free  them  from  all  remainders  offinne ,  and  chole 
 chaftifemencs,  affli6lions  and  miferfes  wherewith  they  are 
 exercifed  in  this  life;  add  in  thisrefpedltheremifTionof 
 tlieir  finnes  is  full  andperfe<5l :  but  lb  long  as  they  live  in 
 this  vale  of  teares  j  fin  hath  its  abidmg  in  them ,  and  they 
 are  fubjecS:  to  many  calamities  by  reafon  of  fin,  from  which 
 they  heartily  defire  and  pray  to  be  delivered. 
 
 Sixthly,  wee  have  the  grant  of  pardon  fealed  in  our  con- 
 fcicnces ,  and  pofleffe  it  privately  in  part ,  but  as  yet  the 
 Judge  hath  not  folemnely  pronounced  his  fentence  of  ab- 
 Iblution,  nor  fetus  in  full  and  reallpofleffion,  ofablblure, 
 complete,  intire  acquittance  and  remiffion.  This  there- 
 fore we  expe6i:,  and  pray  for,  which  will  not  be  xiWthe  time 
 of  re  freeing  come.  So  long  as  wee  walke  by  faith,  and  not 
 by  fight ,  wee  ftill  pray  for  the  fight  of  that ,  as  touching 
 which  wee  have  now  but  the  comfort  of  faith  and  hope , 
 vvhichis  in  part  and  imperfed.  By  faith  wee  know  that  we 
 are  redeemed  both  in  (bule  and  body ,  ytt  fiilltpefigh  in 
 xiHT [elves  f  waitingforihe  adoption ,  even  theredemptioff 
 of  our  bodies. 
 
 Our  adverfaries  objeft  againe,  that  by  praying  that 
 Chrifts  merits  may  be  made  ours  in  particular,  wee  greatly 
 abafe  them.  As  though  the  Prophet  D^iz//^  did  abaie  God 
 in  making  him  his  in  particular /ay  ingjT^/^i?  Lord  is  myroek^, 
 andmyfortreffeimy  Godtandmy  firength  ,  my  fhieldt  the 
 home  of  my  falvation ,  and  my  refuge  :  The  Lord  is  my 
 Jheapheardffjhall  not  ^vant^N\^lch  agreeth  fweetly  with  the 
 voicco? thQhiihSuWyHe  is  oHrGodyAnd  he  will fave us ;  He 
 is  our  Lord  (not  onely  by  right  of  foveraigntie ,  but  of  love 
 1  and  affedion  )  andhewilljaveus.  As  though  £//^/<  did 
 abafe  God  in  calling  him,^^  Father  ',ot  Thomas  did  ^yt^iCQ 
 our  Saviour  Chrift  in  calling  him  ,  My  Lord  and  my  God; 
 01  Paul,  when  he  glorieth  and  triumpheth  in  Chrill  after 
 this  mznntt  ^who  lo'ved  me,  andgave  himfelfe  for  me  y  viz. 
 in  a  fpeciall  and  peculiar  manner,  and  not  onely  as  he  loved 
 Efauy  Judoi  3  and  other  reprobates.  Wee  doe  no  iujurie 
 to  God  to  make  him.oursin  particular,  becaufehcehath 
 
 faid, 
 
i^jjkrance  of  falvation  may  be  obtained. 
 
 107 
 
 faid  >  as  to  iyihr^ham ,  fo  to  everie  one  of  the  feed  nf 
 (iAhrahamt  I  mi'li  h  thy  God'  Wee  doe  noinjurie,  be- 
 caufe  wee  doe  not  rhereby  make  him  our  peculiar,  but 
 leave  him  the  fame  to  others  thar  heeis  to  us;  as  every 
 man  enjoyeth  the  light  of  the  Sunne  to  his  owne  ufe,  with- 
 out, the  impeachment  thereof  to  the  ufe  of  any  other 
 man. 
 
 §.  8.  A  third  reafon  to  confirmc  that  a  Chrifiian  be- 
 leever  may  bee  afTured  of  the  pardon  of  his  finnes,  is  this  : 
 What  the  ApoftJes  and  other  faithfull  men  were  affured 
 ofbyordinarie  faith,  that  may  all  the  faithfull  bee  affured 
 of  in  like  manner'  For  all  the  faithfull  are  Brethren^  and 
 have  the  like ^rechm  faith  and  promiles.  But  the  ApoRIes 
 and  other  faithfull  have  beene  affured  of  their  falvacion  by 
 ordinarie  faith.  I'.aul  pronounceth  the  fame certaintie  of 
 othetjmens  falvapion  that  bee  doth  of  his  owne,  and  upon 
 grounds  which  ^re  common  to  all  the  faithful!  and  Saints 
 of  God.  ' 
 
 TheRhenr^ifts  obje6V,  that  Pau/durd  not  affurehimfelfe 
 th^  he  was  juflified  J  faying,  /  ^ojv  mthing  by  my  [elf e^  yet 
 \ant  l  xot  thereby  jufiified'  Did  Paul  fpeake  this  as  doub- 
 •tingof  his  juftiHcationby  faith  in  Chril^  ?  Of  his  particular 
 aifurancehee  gives  plentiful!  teflimony  otherwhere :  and 
 ourAdverfaries  teach,  thathee  wa-s  aflured  by  revelation. 
 The  place  makes  firongly  againft  juflification  by  works: 
 but  again  ft  certaintie  of  falvation  it  makes  nothing,  unlefTe 
 wee  ("hall  make  the  Apoftle  contrarie  to  himfelfe  ;  and  our 
 Adverfaries  will  fay,  ihatamanmay  be  certaine  by  revela- 
 tion, and  yet  altogether  nncertaine.  The  drift  of  the  place 
 istofhew,  that  wee  Chould  notvainely  bee  lifted  up  with 
 the  applaufe  of  men,  becaufe  they  know  us  not;  yea,  wee 
 know  not  our  felves  thorowly :  for  God  is  greater  than 
 ourconfciences,  and  doth  efpie  many  fecret  defaults  in  us, 
 which  wee  upon  diligent  fcarch  cannot  find  out  in  our 
 owne  hearts.  But  did  the  Apoftle,  protefting  the  innocen- 
 cieof  his  conlcience,  intend  to  intimate  bis  doubtfulneffe 
 of  mind  touching   his    owne  falvation  ?    lo  no  fort  : 
 
 for 
 
 and  ja.ja.  and 
 302a. 
 
 Heb.j.ri. 
 2  Pet.T.T. 
 llom.8.3?. 
 r  Cor.7  40. 
 2  Tim.4  8. 
 ijoh.3.14. 
 and  J  15. 
 1  Cor. 4, 4. 
 
 Rhem  >^nnot.iii 
 loc.  Beliar.  de 
 
 rtom.8  35. 
 Gal  22. 
 
 2  Tim. 4. 8. 
 %hem.  ^nnst.in 
 \«2w.3.3i. 
 
io8 
 
 ^jfurance  of  fdvation  may  be  obtdned. 
 
 Com.  12. 
 
 Pfal.x9-X2. 
 BeUar.  d»  jfuffllf. 
 
 iJoh.J.WjII.Ti, 
 
 )oh.ao.ji.and 
 %.i6. 
 
 for  if  our  coftfciencf  acc»fc  ut  mtt  th cm  have  we  beldnejfe : 
 TJ&fef  ft?  our  rejoicing  before  (joAi  even  the  tefiimof^  ^f^nr 
 confcience.  Nay,  this  Text  of  Scripture  well  weighed,  is 
 fufficient  to  daflb  the  vaine  cavils  of  the  Papifts :  For  Tattl 
 wasaffuredofhisfalvationj  zrfd  of  theuprightnefleofhis 
 heart  and  conlcience,  though  hee  was  ignorant  of  many 
 fecret  infirmities  which  the  Moft  High  did  efpie  in  him, 
 and  of  that  meaiiire  of  grace  which  he  had  received.  What 
 followeth  hereupon  ?  Even  thcfe  two  things ,  which  d&.- 
 re6lly  overthrow  the  dodlrine  of  our  Advcrfiries :  viz. 
 That  hee  who  hath  received  grace  from  God,  miy  know 
 the  truth,  thoughsnot  the  meaiure,  of  his  faith  and  repen- 
 tance :  and  ignorance  of  the  exa6>  multitude  and  greatneflfe 
 of  our  offences,  is  no  barreor  hinderance  to  the  certaintie 
 of  (alvation.  who  kpowes  the  mnlumde  of  his  fins  ?  Not 
 one.  In  this  life  a  man  can  never  fufficiently  underftand 
 the  greatnefle  and  multitude  of  his  offences :  yet  may  he  j 
 beeaflured  of  theremiflion  of  (innes  knowneand  fecrct ;  | 
 becaufc  not  the  pcrfedt  knowledge  of  finne  is  the  caufe  * 
 of  certaintie,  but  the  perfect  mercie  of  God,  and  the 
 perfedl  merit  of  Chrift ;  to  which  wee  muft  Icoke  by 
 faith. 
 
 §.  p.  If  the  end  of  the  Scripture  be  that  rf^efhtutd  he^ 
 leevctand  beieevmgPjonld  know  thKtwe  have  eternall  Ufcy 
 then  evcrieBeleever  that  knowethhimfelfe  to  be  a  Belee- 
 ver,  may  bccerraine  of  his  iaivation.  But  the  former  i'5  tn 
 undoubted  truth. 
 
 Itishereobje<5ted,  Whatfbever  wee  beleeve  by  faith,  is 
 
 as  infallible  as  the  Word  of  God,  which  affurethusof  it : 
 
 1  If  then  the  common  (brtof  the  faithfiill  dot  not  beleeve 
 
 1  their  falvation  to  bee  as  infallible  as  Gods  owne  Word, 
 
 they  are  not  by  faith  aflured  of  it.  The  anfwer  is,  that  the 
 
 *  falvation  of  a  Beleever  is  as  infallible  in  it  felfe ,  and  in 
 
 event,  as  is  the  Word  of  God,  which  aflfureth  him  of  it : 
 
 but  alwayes  it  is  not  fb  in  his  apprehenfion  and  feeling. 
 
 The  principles  of  faith  are  ever  alike  certaine,  but  not  ap* 
 
 prehendedof  ail  with  the  fame  degree  of  certaintie.  For 
 
 there 
 
 r\ 
 
i^ffitraMce  offdl'vmof*  mof  he^hained. 
 
 I  op 
 
 there  arc  divers  cfegree-s  of  faieb,  Utthfaith  j  great  faith  , 
 fuHafurancc  (^f  faith  ;  even  as  a  weak  eye  and  a  ftrongeye. 
 ;And  as  weake  eye  leech  but  weakely  and  impeFfo^ly,  and 
 a  ftrong  eye  Teeth  ftrongly ,  and  more  fully  diicerncth  the 
 thingfeene  :  io  a  little  faithbeleeveth  faintly, tfiough  tru- 
 ly y  greater  faith  beleevetb  more  ftedfeftly ;  hW  adurance 
 of  faith  beteeveth  under  ho^e^  even  Again f}:  h&pe.ThQ  Difci- 
 ples  of  ChriCl  faid  unto  him,  PVee  l^eleeve  and  know  that 
 th$uart  Chrifi  the  Son  of  the  having  God  :  which  in  it  9i\{^ 
 was  infallibly  triie,  and  yet  they  didnot  ioin^aWMy  ajjpre- 
 hend  it,  but  chat  this  faithwasfoonerhakenat^dbecaufe 
 they  did  not  infallibly  beIeeve.it,our  Saviom:  tels  them^that- 
 therefore  he  forewarned  them  of  his  Death  and  Refurreiii- 
 on,  that  when  it  wax  eome  to faffe  they  might  beletve-  It 
 wasfaith  that  made  P-prflr  upon  Chrifts  wordgtoiiepinto 
 :the  Sea  to  goe  unto  bim  upon  the  waters,  beleevingthathe 
 'fiiouldbeiafe;  bat  yet  hee  beleeved  it  not  infa^llibly:  for 
 when  he  began  to  finke,^^  cried  ont  for  f tare yMaf^er.fave 
 me.  The  Dilciples beleeved  i^^our  Saviour  as  the  onely  pro- 
 miled  Mejfia^  and  Redeemer  dilfrael :  but  when  they  faw 
 he  was  put  to  death ,  they  began  to  ftagger  at  it.  The  like 
 \  may  be  noted  of  their  feareand  doubting  at  other  times. 
 
 Yea,  that  afl'urance  that  is  had  by  extraordinary  reve- 
 lation is  not  altogether  ft^e  fromfeares  and  doubts, fhaking 
 lometimes  the  confidence  of  that ,  which  a  man  hath  re- 
 ceived immediately  from  the  Oraicleof  Gods  owne  mouth, 
 orby  IJDiecian  meflengers  direiVedfrom  God  for  certificate 
 in.  that  behalf^. Which  is  to  be  feene  in  the  examples  ofA- 
 braham  if aac, David. znd  oi:hers,to  whom  God  had  given 
 fpeciall  promilG  ofhis  protein idn  and  favour ;  and  yet  upon 
 occafionsthey  have  bewrayed  great  infirmity  in  the^ppre- 
 henfion thereof  And  ii  this  befall  tofaith  in  rhofe things 
 which  are- extraordinary  revealed  (f©p  it  is  faith  ordinary 
 by  which  a  manbeleeveth  fiKh  extraordinary  revelations ) 
 much  more  wee  may  afiore  ourfelves,  it  befallcth  there, 
 where  wee  have  no  other  batccdiKory  revelation  by  the 
 i  wxittenword  of  God. 
 
 Alfo 
 
 Mar  8  r6. 
 Mat.  15.2?. 
 Rom.4.-2i. 
 
 Rom.  4.18. 
 
 John  6-6^. 
 
 John  14.  5  9. 
 Mat.i^.28. 
 
 Vti-r  J"!.?  r. 
 Luk.24.21. 
 
 Gen. i2.r2  13. 
 Pfalm. 31-22. 
 I.  SaTi..27.  I. 
 
no 
 
 t^ffurance  offdvation  may  hcohtained. 
 
 A  Ifo  the  Word  of  God  once  (pokeii  and  often  reiterated 
 is  of  equall  certainty  in  it  k\^Q :  but  to  help  our  weaknefle, 
 the  Lord  goeth  over  one  and  the  fame  thing  againe  and  a- 
 gaine.  Things  beleeved  are  in  themfelves  more  certaine 
 than  things  leenc ,  but  not  apprehended  by  us  with  fuch 
 affurance.  Of  thefe  who  doubteth  ?  of  the  other  who  doub- 
 teth  not  at  fome  times  ?  The  Prophets,  our  Saviour  Chrift 
 and  his  Apoftles,  doe  labour  eft  to  confirme  unto  us  mat- 
 ters of  faith  by  reafons,  (imilitudes,  fignes,  examplesjincur- 
 ring  into  the  fenfes,  not  oncly  to  better  our  undcrftanding, 
 but  to  confirme  our  faith:  which  is  an  argument  i  that  to 
 us  things  fenfible  arc  oft  more  certaine  than  things  belee- 
 ved, shough  in  themielves  more  uncertaine. 
 
 Moreover ,  conclufions  theologicall  are  in  thcmfclvcs  as 
 certaine,  as  are  the  principles  upon  which  they  are  groun- 
 ded, but  alwaies  they  are  not  fo  infallible  to  our  under- 
 ftanding  and  confcience  :  becaufe  the  inference  isnotfo 
 well,  readily  and  plainely  perceived,  as  hath  bcene  (hew- 
 ed before.  And  fb  though  the  lalvation  of  the  beleever  bee 
 as  certaine  as  the  word  ofpromife,  upon  which  his  faith 
 is  iiirely  buildcd  ,  yet  it  is  not  (b  infallibly  knowne  to  the 
 beleever  himfelfe ,  it  being  farre  more  eafie  to  conceive 
 that  a  beleever  fhallbe  laved,  than  to  alTure  the  confcience, 
 that  hee  is  a  true  beleever.  What  the  Lord  hath  immedi- 
 ately revealed ,  that  faith  receiveth  with  the  greateft  cer- 
 taintie :  but  what  is  concluded  out  of  the  Word  from  one 
 propofition  immediately  divine,  and  another  certainly 
 knowne  by  (bme  other  light,  that  may  bee  beleeved  witn 
 infallible  affurance. 
 
 And  fo  hee  that  isjuftified  and  hath  obtained  remiflRon 
 offinnes,  may  affuredly  know  or  bcleevc  that  he  hath  re- 
 ceived mercy  of  the  Lord :  otherwife  hee  can  never  truly 
 be  thankful!  to  God  for  that  ineftimable benefit.  For  hee 
 that  knoweth  not  whether  he  hath  received  it  or  not ,  nor 
 can  afTure  himfelfe  of  it  without  intolerable  and  inexcufa- 
 ble  prefumption,  how  fhould  hee  from  the  heart  give  God 
 thankes  for  this  unfpeakeable  favour  ?  But  to  thinke,  that 
 
 mortall 
 
-^ 
 
 K^Jfitr4nif  offiUvation  may  be  okaimd. 
 
 Ill 
 
 fnortallmen  arc  never  bound  to  give  God  thanks  for  the 
 greatctt  benefit  that  is  beftowed  upon  them  in  this  worlds 
 ismoftabfurd. 
 
 It  is  obje6ted>  That  in  this  ftare  of  tempration  (fbchis 
 our  infirmitie)  affurancc  would  engender  pride.  And  im- 
 mediate and  pcrfcdl:  alTurance,  fuch  as  is  free  from  all  al^ 
 fault,  and  impeachment  of  feare  and  doubt,  might  perad- 
 vcnture,  by  the  corruption  of  our  nature,  be  abulcd  to  fecu- 
 ritie  and  pride :  But  fuch  perfection  in  this  life  wee  attaine 
 not  unto;  becaufe  the  Lord  knowesitnot  expedient.  As  we 
 have  a  meafure  of  true  righteoufneffe,  though  weake  and 
 imperfe<ft:  lb  have  wee  a  meafure  of  true  and  comfortable 
 aflurance  againft  feare  and  doubt,  though,  by  reafbn  of  our 
 weakncfTe,  mixed  with  many  feares  and  doubts.  Thus 
 the  Lord  deales  with  us  in  great  wifdome  (  knowing 
 pur  inabilitie  to  weild  any  better  condition)  that  by  the 
 fweetneffe  of  grace  wee  might  bee  allured  to  yeeld  cheare- 
 full  obedience,  and  bee  fuftained  in  temptations,  and  by  the 
 fenre  of  our  wcaknefTe ,  together  with  the  fTiarpncfTe  of 
 temptation,  feare,  and  perplexitie,  might  bee  kept  from 
 fwellrng  in  pride,  fecuritie,  bve  of  carnall  libertie,  negli- 
 gence to  preferve  our  faith,  and  fuch  like.  And  as  fbme- 
 times  by  his  admirable  wifdome  hee  maketh  finne  the 
 whctftone  of  righteoufneffe:  fbby  affli£^ion  and  trouble, 
 by  diflrui^s  and fearefuil  doubts,  nee  whetteth  and  fharpe- 
 neth  our  faith  and  affurance ;  which  by  fighting  encreafeth, 
 and  the  longer  itwrefilcth  the  ftronger  it  waxeth,  whilcf} 
 faith  powreth  forth  prayer,  and  powring  forth  ef  prayer 
 obtaineth  further  ftrength  of  faith.  Knocking  makes  the 
 linkc  to  burnc  more  clearely,  and  the  fliakingof  atreeby 
 ftormie  blafls  fettles  the  root  and  the  tree  more  firmely : 
 fb  temptations ,  troubles ,  and  feares  by  the  wife  provi- 
 dence of  God.  make  for  theencreafe  and  confirmation  of 
 faith.  As  a  man  in  danger  of  drowning  catcheth  for  hold 
 to  fave  himfelfe:  fo  whileft  the  comfort  of  life  makes 
 offer  to  goe  from  us,  wee  take  the  better  hold  thereof,  and 
 it  becomes  fo  much  the  more  precious  and  deare  unto  us. 
 ; By 
 
 lib.  5.  mp.%. 
 
 The  benefits  that 
 come  unto  us  by 
 tepstpratieni,, 
 
112 
 
 K^f[urm<e  of  falvathn  maj  he  obtained. 
 
 Gal.s.ia- 
 
 Gal.5.t. 
 Rom.4  14. 
 Gal. 3.18. 
 I  Job.  5.10,11. 
 Rom.  6.2  J. 
 
 Jerf.m.!i  35. 
 Hr.ck  35.27. 
 Ephen2..!o. 
 
 Piiil.i.i*. 
 
 Maftii  i9-:7. 
 
 By  our  corruption  vertues  become  poyfbn:  and  by  the 
 wifdomeof  God  finnes  are  made  medicines :  But  as  wee 
 doenot  condemne  vertue,  though  our  corrupt  hearts  doe 
 fometimes  abufe  it ;  nor  commend  finne,  for  that  it  is  ufed 
 as  a  fpurre  to  righteoufnefle:  no  more  doe  wee  approve 
 doubting,  for  the  good  that  God  works  by  it ;  nor  difal- 
 low  full  aflurance,  becaufe  of  the  evill  that  might  enfuc  to 
 us  thereby  abufing  the  fame.  In  briefe,  pride  is  the  daugh- 
 ter of  corruption^  notof  filiall  confidence;  nor  may  it  bee 
 condemned  for  it,  becaufe  that  weed  fpringeth  from  ano- 
 ther root. 
 
 §.  10.  AiHanltnaybeiccve,  faythcRonianifts,thathee 
 (hall  have  eternail  life,  if  hee  keep  the  Commandements : 
 but  becaufe  he  is  not  alTured  that  he  (ballfodoe,  he  remai- 
 iiech  in  feare.  And  verie  juftly  may  hcc  be  in  feare/)r  rather 
 in  de^aire ,  that  iooketh  for  eternail  life  upon  no  other 
 condition.  The  Apoftlc  indeed  doth  plainly  debarre  him 
 from  all  hope  and  cxpe^S^ation  thereof  whenhee faith,  S9 
 many  as  are  af  the  works  of  the  Lawt  are  nnder  the  cnrfe ; 
 i  for  it  is  written,€Hrfed  is  everie  one^&c.  It  is  not  for  them  ! 
 that  profeiTe  the  faith  of  Chrift,  by  their  keeping  of  the! 
 CommandementSjto  expedl;  the  obtaining  of  eternail  life : 
 Tee  are  fallen  from  grace  ((aich  the  Apoftle)  that  willheju' 
 Jlified  by  the  Law :  If  they  which  be  of  the  Law  he  heires, 
 then  is  faith  made  void.  The  Commandements  of  God 
 are  laid  before  Beleevers,  not  as  the  caufe  for  obtaining  of 
 eternail  life,  but  as  the  way  to  walke  inuncoecernall  \i^c, 
 affured  unto  us  by  the  free  promife  and  gift  of  God-   And 
 of  this  promife  and  gift  of  God,  the  keeping  of  Gods  Com- 
 mandements is  a  partjwho  hath  faid,  I -will  put  my  Law  into 
 their  hearts,  and  caufe  them  to  walke  in  my  Statutes.   A  nd 
 though  a  man  be  weake,  feeble,  and  impcrfe6l,  yet  •fitiding 
 and  feeling  the  worke  of  fan6liiication  begun  in  him,  hee 
 maybeafluredthat  hee  who  hath  wrought  this  beginning 
 of  \\^Q,  will  goe  forward  therewith  unto  the  tnA^ 
 
 Our  Saviour  Chrift  faid  to  the  young  man  in  the  Go^el» 
 if  theu  wilt  enter  into  life,  keefe  the  (^ommandemenis' 
 
 But 
 
K^jfurance  offalvation  may  be  ohtamed. 
 
 1131 
 
 But  that  young  Pharilce  Was  ignorant  of  the  Law  and  his 
 owne  eftate,  rcftcd  in  extcrnall  works  of  righteoufhefle, 
 and  when  hee  came  to  Chrirtj  was  deftitute  of  the  true 
 knowledge  of  the  0\€ejfiai,  without  which  (our  Adveria-   Joh.i7.j. 
 ries  will  confclTe)  there  is  no  eternall  H^q  :  and  fo  from 
 'their  owne  grounds,  it  is  abfurd  to  imagine,  that  Chrift  by 
 thcfe  words  did  fimply  intend  to  dire^^hima  way  for  the 
 obtaining  of  eternall  life  by  hfs  owne  works  or  merits* 
 Wee  grant,  the  Law  to  which  our  Sayiour  referred  that 
 young  man,  to  be  the  rule  of  obedience  according  to  wh«  ch 
 people  in  covenant  ought  to  walke,  building  their  works 
 of  righteoufnefle  upon  faith  as  the  foundation ;  and  obe- 
 dience, ifluing  from  faith  unfakied,  to  bee  the  way  to  eter- 
 nal! bliflc  :  Wee  acknowledge  alfo,  that  no  man  can  bee 
 affuredof  remiflion  of  bis  finnes,  who  doth  not  walkc  be- 
 fore God  in  uprightnefle  and  integritie :  but  this  upright 
 unfained  obedience  is  imperfeft ,  the  effedi  of  that  faith 
 which  juftifieth,  not  the  caufe  of  juftification.   When  the 
 Saipture  pronounceth  them  bleifled  that  feare  God,  keepe 
 his  CommandementSta-ndwal'kjn thertndejiUd way jdoth it 
 not  defcribe  the  perlon  whofe  Jinnes  ure  covered,  in  which 
 ftands  hishappincfle  ?  Our  Saviour  hath  taught  us  plainly, 
 That  except  onr  righteoHfnejfe  exceed  the  righteoufnejfe  of  \  Matth.5.20. 
 the  Scribes  and  Pharifees,  wefhall  in  no  rvife  enter  into  the 
 Kingdome  of  Heaven.  W hat  righteoufnefle  doth  he  here 
 meane?  Inherent,  or  the  righteoufnefle  of  works?  for  hee 
 preflethanunifbrme  obfervationofall  Gods  Comma^nde- 
 mcnts.  The  Scribes  and  Pharifeesdid  (asitleemes)  even 
 then  calumniate  him,  as  they  did  afterward  P^^/  (and  the 
 Papifls  doe  us  flill)  as  a  dcftroyer  of  the  Law,  becaule 
 hee  reproved  their  confidence  in  works ,  and  fought  to 
 eftablifli  the  do6lrine  of  faith,  which  now  wee  teach. 
 Needfullin  this  refpeil:  was  that  caveat;  Thinkenot  that    Matth.5.17. 
 lamcometodejlroy  the  Lave  and  the  Prophets:  I  am  not 
 come  to  deflrojibHt  to  fulfill  them.  Andintheie  words>  as 
 our  Saviour  rendreth  areafon,  why  hee  that  breaketh  any 
 of  thofe  Commandements ,    which  the   Scribes  and 
 
 I  Pharilees 
 
 upright  valJ^Hg 
 «  neceffarie,  (>i4t 
 K9t  thecaufe  of 
 ^uftijicittioti. 
 Pul.119,1,2. 
 and  1.1,2. 
 
114 
 
 t^Jfurmce  ef  fahation  may  be  obtained. 
 
 Vei-r.ip. 
 
 Vcrf.*o. 
 
 ^Pharifees  counted  theleaft,y^«<//  bee  counted  lea  ft  in  the 
 kingdome  of  Heaven :  {o  hee  maketh  paflage  to  the  expo- 
 (ition  of  the  Law  in  the  verfes  following,  where  heecleares 
 it  from  the  corrupt  glofles  of  the  Scribes  and  Pharifees. 
 And  it  is  to  be  noted,  that  he  faith  not,  ExceptjourYigh- 
 teoufnefe  exceed  the  righteoufnejfe  of  the  Law  and  Fro- 
 fhets  •'  hnuExcept  it  exceed  therighteoufnes  of  the  Scribes 
 &  Pharifees,  towitjthatrighteoufnefle  which  they  taught 
 and  practiced,  who  made  none  account  of  Ibme  comman- 
 dements  which  they  called  the  leaft,  urged  onelyan  extcr- 
 nall  oblervacionof  the  Law  according  to  the  letter,  with- 
 out any  re{pe6lof  inward  pietie,  and  maimed  and  mangled 
 the  word  as  pleafed  themfelves.   The  fentence  therefore 
 mu(t  be  underftood  of  inherent  rightcoulhefle,  whence  the 
 necefTitie  of  good  works  is  ftrongly  concluded.  The  faith  I 
 thatjuftifiethis  lively  and  operative,  ever  conjoyncd  with 
 an  afteftionof  pietie  and  obfequious  difpofition^as  power- 
 full  to  bring  forth  deeds  of  mercie,  as  to  make  firme  and 
 faithfull  application  of  Chrifts  righteoufnefle,  or  conceive 
 fure  truft  of  Gods  mercie  offered  in  him.  Now  what  is  re- 
 quired in  faith  that  it  may  juttifie,  of  neceffitieit  muft  goe 
 before  alTurance  of  pardon  and  forgiveneife.    True  it  is 
 then,  that  without  inherent  holinefie  no  man  canbeeaflu- 
 red  of  his  acquittance  from  finne :  but  if  wee  enquire  in- 
 to the  truecauleof  abfolution,  it  is  the  fole  grace  and  mer- 
 cie of  God  in  Jefus  Chrift,  embraced  by  a  true  and  lively 
 faith. 
 
 Doth  this  any  thing  prejudice  Chrifiian  aflTurance,  that 
 without  true  and  fincere  obedience ,  at  leaft  without  a 
 promptitude,  aptnefle,  inclination^  and  relblution  to  doe 
 good  works,  andwalkein  obedience,  there  can  bee  no  af- 
 iiirance?  No:  For  the  Beleever  relyeth  not  upon  his 
 works?  though  hee  exercife  himfelfe  therein  with  all  dili- 
 gence: and  though  hee  know  well  that.hee  comes  infinite- 
 ly {hortof  whatGod  commandeth,  and  bevvaile  his  daily 
 failings,  and  lees  hee  hath  need  to  renew  his  purpole  and 
 refolution  to  better  his  obedience,  and  condemnes  the 
 
 imper- 
 
what  infirmities  may  ft  and  with  ajjitrance. 
 
 115 
 
 imperfeftions  that  hec  cfpjcth  more  and  more  in  himfelfe  ; 
 yet  it  is  not  impoffible  to  bee  afluredofthe  truth  and  up- 
 rightneffe  of  his  heart ,  and  fincere,  though  imperfeft,  de- 
 fire  and  endevour  to  walke  with  God :  which ,  as  the  fruit 
 of  the  Spirit,  and  eflfe;^  of  faith,  doth  evidence  his  recon- 
 ciliation with  God.  For  he  that  feareth  God  and  walketh 
 in  his  wayes,  in  the  perfeil  and  undefiledway,  isjuftified 
 from  finne.  And  hee  that  knowes  that  he  walketh  before 
 God  in  truth  and  with  a  perfect  heart ,  may  certainly  con- 
 clude from  this  fruit  of  the  Spirit*  that  his  finnes  are  par- 
 doned. 
 
 §.  1 1 .  I  might  adde ,  that  the  faithfbll  are  fealed  by  the 
 Spirit  y  and  by  the  fame  Spirit  are  enabled  to  cry  ^Akha 
 Father  i  whereby  they  are  aflured  of  the  pardon  of  their 
 finnes  :but  I  will  ftiut  up  this  matter,brieflylhewing  what 
 infirmities  may  ftand  with  aflurance  of  faith,  and  what  fins 
 cannot ;  that  Ghriftians  may  bee  directed  the  better  to 
 make  triall  of  their  eftate.  If  we  fay  we  havefellowfhip  with 
 him,  afidwalk^  in  darkftejjeywe  lie,  afid  d0eKot  the  truth: 
 andifweefaythatwe  (fuch  as  John  then  Was,  regenerate 
 and  in  the  ftateof  grace)^4i/^  hoJin;ive  deceive  ourfehesy 
 and  the  truth  is  not  in  m .  Even  fuch  then  as  walke  in  the 
 light,and  have  fellowfhip  with  God,are  finners,and  not  juft 
 or  perfe61:  in  themfelves.  who  can  fay  his  heart  is  cleane  ? 
 there  is  no  manjufit^vhofinneth  not :  and  yet  the  Apoftleis 
 bold  to  affirme  ,  That  he  that  is  borne  ofCJedftnneth  not. 
 The  juft  then  tranlgrelTetheLaw  >  and  loarefinnersrbut 
 they  make  not  a  trade  of  finne,orprofefnon  of  iniquity, and 
 lb  are  not  law-breakers  or  tranfgre fours.  And  this  the  A- 
 poftleplainely  teacheth,  laying  ,  Every  one  that  hath  this 
 hope  (of  being  thcSonof  God)  doth  purge  himfelfe  as  hee 
 is  pure  y  not  according  to  the  meafure  of  his  purity  or  per- 
 feftion,but  accordingto  the  trutb,in  habit  becomes  like  un- 
 to him :  as  on  the  contrary  he  that  commits  fin-,  that  is,  i%^ 
 crafts-mafter  ofiniquity,  and  laboureth  therein ,  he  re  fern- 
 bles  his  father  the  Devill ,  whofe  chiefe  delight  is  in  doing 
 mifchiefe.  Which  is  further  confirmed  by  that  of  our  Sa- 
 
 I  2  viour 
 
 rjofani.  3,4. 
 
 §.ir. 
 
 fyhat  infirm  itiei 
 Way  ^audwitb 
 cjJitrAnce. 
 
 I  John  i.'j. 
 
 Verfe  S. 
 
 Pro.  JO.  9, 
 Ecdel^  7.20. 
 I  John  3.9. 
 
 James  2.10^ 
 
 I  John  J.J. 
 
 I'John  3-8. 
 
Ii6 
 
 what  infirmities  majfian^  mth  dffurance. 
 
 Joh-.8.34< 
 
 t  John  5-^8. 
 
 Deut.  3».  5. 
 
 Jam.  3.2. 
 
 viour  Chrift  to  thejewes,  VenlyiUvhofsever  cemniftteth 
 fin  is  thefervant  of  fin  :  and  thefervant  abideth  not  in  the 
 houje  for  ever',  hrtt  the  Sonabtdethforever:lftheSen 
 therefore  fjall  make  ycH  free ,  ^'eejhall  he  free  indeed-  Hee 
 that  committeth  finne  with  delight ,  wilfull  indulgence  to 
 tranigeffions,  and  unrelenting  oppolition  to  the  cleare 
 ixuth  he  is  the  fervantef fin  i  but' they  that  are  made  free 
 by  the  Sonne ,  are  free  from  the  raigneof  iinne,  not  from 
 every  acfi  of  finne.  He  that  is  borne  of  God  keffes  himfe/fe^ 
 that  the  wicked  one  cannot  come  within  him  to  endanger 
 him^the  gates  of  hell  can  have  no  prevailing  power  over 
 him ;  he  finneth  not  as  thewprlcj  doth,  which  lieth  in  ini- 
 quity:  but  altogether  free  from  finne  he  is  not,  nor  ever 
 dial  1  bee  fo  long  as  he  carrieth  about  with  him  this  body  of 
 death.  To  fin  habitually ,  wilfully,  indulgently,  with  foil 
 conlent  and  greedineflc,  is  not  compatible  with  the  hope 
 and  profcflion  of  a  Chriftian :  This  ffot  is  not  th^fpot  of 
 Gods  children  :  but  they  have  their  blemifhes ,  they  finne 
 of  infirmity,  though  not  ofwilfulncfle.  Sinnc  in  its  owne 
 nature  is  oppofite  to  grace  :  but  all  fins  are  not  altogether 
 incompatible  with  grace,  that  \Sj  they  hinder  not  tbegrace- 
 j  full  operation  offaith,  hope,  and  love. 
 
 The  remainders  of  original!  canjption ,  under  which 
 the  regenerate  m.uft  labour  fo  long  as  they  live  rfinnesof 
 fimple  ignorance  J  and  of  unavoidable  infirmity,  which 
 through  weakne(fe  the  faithfiill  runne  into  every  day: 
 thefe  60c  not  flop  the  lively  worke  of  &ith  in  receiving 
 the  promifes  of  mercy ,  but  even  at  the  very  infiant ,  when 
 thefe  have  abode  in  thefouie,  faith  can  and  doth  make 
 faithfull  plea  for  mercy ,  or  otherwife  none  could  pleade 
 for  mercy  before  the  throne  of  grace :  For  in  many  things  we 
 finne  all. 
 
 Sinnes  of  forgetfulnefTe ,  inconfideration ,  and  paf- 
 fion,  whereunto  there  is  not  advifed  confent;  thefe  are 
 as  moates  in  the  eye ,  which  doe  fomewhat  trouble  the 
 cleare  fight  offaith  5  but  notwith(}anding  them ,  the  heart 
 principally  adhetetb  unto  God  :  and  though  now  and 
 "'^  "■<  '  then 
 
what  infirmities  mayflandwith  ajfitrance, 
 
 then  through  infirmitie  a  Chriftian  bee  overtaken  with 
 them ,  yet  may  hee  upon  good  grounds  bee  aflured  of 
 Gods  love.   Anger,  pettifhncffe,  impatience j  inordi- 
 nate feare  are  finnes,  which  the  godly  ought  and  doe 
 watch   againft ,    and  for  which  they  ought  and  muft 
 judge  themfelves  :  but  i(  through  infirmitie  they  bee 
 over-taken    to  fpeake  an  hafiie  or   onadvifed   word, 
 they  muft  not  therefore  caft  oflF  their  confidence:  not- 
 withftanding  fuch  flips,    they  may  cry  in  faith,   and 
 bee  heard  in  their  Applications.    If  any  man  Jinne,  (to 
 wit  of  infirmitie,  as  they  doe  whdwaike  in  the  light,  and 
 addidt  themfelves  to  the  ferious  ftudy  of  holine{re)ir«'  have 
 an  Advocate  rvith  the  Father,  Jefm  Chri^the  right eotUt 
 and  hee  is  the  propitiation  for  our  Jinnes.    What  anlwer 
 the  Lord  gave  to  Paul  touching  his  temptations.  My  grace 
 is  fufflcient  for  thee :  that  may  bee  faid  of  the  infirmities  of 
 the  Saintsi  fuch  finnes  as  be  meere  and  abfblute  infirmities, 
 God  of  his  grace,  revealed  in  the  covenant  of  grace,  is  plea- 
 fed  to  grant  unto  them  a  pardon  of  courfc.  Such  finnes  sts 
 in  regard  of  their  matter,  are  not  repugnant  to  the  maine 
 offices  prefcribed  by  the  Commandements  of  God,  being 
 of  frailtie  committed ,  through  unadvifednefle  or  fudden 
 paffionj  thefe  doe  not  denominate  a  man  a  Law-breaker  i 
 nor  Co  weaken  the  power  of  faith,  as  that  it  fliould  not  bee 
 able  to  receive  the  promife  of  forgivenefle;  norfiiipend 
 theaftuallclaimeofeternall  life.  Thele frailties  may  be  in 
 the  godly  without  any  notable  defe(5l  of  faith :  they  de- 
 barre  not  the  foule  from  cleaving  unto  God.  -Abrahamj 
 faid  oi  Sarah i  Shee  is  my  fifter:  this  was  an  infirmitie, 
 but  did  not  extinguifli  faith.  Sarah  laughed  at  the  promife, 
 and  then  denied  it  through  feare:  Jacob  beguiled  his  Fa- 
 ther, laying,  J  am  thy  [onne  Efau :  and  many  fuch  like  in- 
 firmities of  the  Saints  are  recorded,  which  argue  their  faith 
 tobeweake,  not  to  be  depofed  from  its  foverafgntie.  The 
 reafon  hereof  is  not  to  bee  taken  from  the  matter  or  put- 
 ward  a6\,  wherein  they  offended ;  but  from  their  heart  ^nd 
 afted^ion,  which  was  morecnclined  to  good  than  to  evill, 
 
 I  1  -}."■''  and 
 
 117 
 
 I  Joh.£.i,t. 
 
 2  Cor.IS.7,5. 
 
 Gen.ir.Tj. 
 Gcn.i8.io,ii. 
 
 Gen.»7ki9. 
 Exod.4.io,i4. 
 Job40.j. 
 Matth'Kf  !»• 
 1  Chron.j5.a2. 
 2Chroa.Jo.l8, 
 
 -A 
 
ii8 
 
 Heb.xx.31. 
 
 what  fnms  hinder  ajfurmce. 
 
 Pfal.i^.iMS. 
 
 §.  I». 
 
 what  fins  binder 
 ajfitranc*. 
 P(al.5i.io.i4. 
 I  Keg>szi4< 
 
 and  did  fticke  faft  unto  God,  even  when  through  weak- 
 nefle  tbey  tranfgrefled.  ^7  faith  Rahab  received  tht  Jpies 
 with  peace y  when  through  infirmitie  fhee  offended  in  the 
 meanes  of  their  iafetie.  The  Prophet  David  was  regene- 
 rate without  queftion,  and  had  fiire  hope  that  his  prayers 
 formercie  fliould  bee  heard,  when  bee  uttered  this  com- 
 plaint of  bmCelhjFho  can  Ufiderfiafrd  his  errors  ?  Cleanfe 
 thfiu  nte from fecret faulty,  Keepe  hacke  thy  fervant  alfo 
 from  prejHfKptHOKi  finneSi  let  them  not  have  dominioM  over 
 me  :  then  (ha  III  be  upright,  and  IfhaS  be  innocent  from  the 
 great  tranfgrejfion.  So  that  a  faithfull  man  ftepping  afide, 
 through  intirmitie ,  in  the  forenamed  offences  (  I  fay 
 through  infirmitie,  and  not  of  habit,  cuftome,  groflfe  care- 
 lefneffe,  or  delight)  doth  retaine  his  integritie  ,•  and  faith 
 though  ibmewhat  ftiaken,  doth  keepe  its  ftanding,  and  con- 
 tinue lively  to  beg  and  embrace  pardon. 
 
 But  hee  that  finneth  of  meere  fraikie,doth  humble  him- 
 felfe  for  his  daily  offences,  and  labour  to  repreffe  and  mor- 
 tifie  his  inbred  Ms,  fecketh  forgivenefle  by  unfainedcon- 
 feflion  and  heartie  prayer,  reneweth  his  purpofe  and  refbln- 
 tiontobee  morecircumfpe^V,  and  lettethup  his  watch  to 
 fhunneand  avoyd  the  like  fins  for  the  time  to  come :  And 
 if  hee  be  overtaken  dt  unawares,  hee  is  warned  by  that  flip 
 to  looke  more  hcedfully  to  his  vvayes,  begging  pardon, 
 and  feeking  help  from  above,  that  hee  may  be  able  to  fland 
 faft :  fo  that  the  flip,  which  did  feeme  fbmewhat  to  loofe 
 him,  is  an  -occafion  of  his  flicking  fafter  and  clofer  unto 
 God. 
 
 §.  12.  But  if  a  godly  man  fall  into  a  foule  and  enor- 
 mous crime  wafting  confcience,  for  the  time  hee  lofeth 
 ibmedegreeof  newnefle  of  Spirit  ,cleannefl[e  of  heart,  com- 
 fort of  the  Holy  Ghofl,  integritie  in  a  fort,  and  peace  of 
 confcience.  Heeplungeth  himfelfe  into  the  fcnfeof  Gods 
 wrath  ^nd  <fiiplearure ,  «nd  by  his  grievous  tranlgreffion 
 t;hepowcr  of  faithis  fb  wea^kened,  that  heecan  neither  be- 
 leeve  the  pardon  of  any  one  fin  formerly  pardoned,  nor  kv 
 adnall  claime  to  any  privilcdge  of  grace  formerly  enjoyed. 
 
 The 
 
Whatfinnes  hinder  affurancei 
 
 rtp 
 
 John  10.2?, 
 
 John  8.  J  5. 
 ijohn  J.9. 
 
 iHie  favour  of  God  towards  his  children  is  unehangcablci 
 ithefenrence  of  pardon  grantcdihali  never  hree  rev©:red  i,  e--^ 
 Iven  after  fome  grievous  fall,  the  feedsofgraceabidein 
 Ithem^  and  they  remaine  in  theftateof  Jurtification  :.  but 
 iwhileft  they  continue  in  fuchaneftate  of  fmne,  they  can 
 i  make  no  aauall  claime  to  the  promifes  of  eternall  Mq,  The 
 feeds  of  graceabiding  in  themr  they  ftill  retaine  their  right 
 and  title  to  eternall  life  to  be  given  of  free  and  undeferved 
 grace  :  but  they  arc  fufpended, from a6luall claime,  untill 
 they  rife againe  by  true  repentance  y  and  thenthey  recover 
 not  a  new  right  or  title ,  but  a  newclaime  by  vcrtueofthe 
 old  title.  For  it  is  the  perpetuall  ordinance  of  God,  that  if 
 his  children  ftrike  out  of  the  way  by  fmne,  they  muft  rife  a- 
 gaine,  and  renue  their  faith  and  repentance,befbre  they  can 
 ha  ve  any  found  or  true  hope  of  falvation.  There  can  bee  no 
 Chriftian  aflurance,  which  doth  not  fully  confent  and  ac- 
 cord with  thefe  and  fuch  like  paffages  of  holy  Scripture  xjf 
 I  regard  iniquity  in  my  hearty  theLordr»iHn»t  hcare  me.- 
 Thefotile  that  fmnethjhall  die.  Knowyee  mh  that  theunr 
 righteow  Jhallnet  inherit  the  kjngdome ofGt^f  Be  mtde'-' 
 ceived:  neither fornicatorstnoridolaters^BradultercrSjinor 
 effeminate inorabufers  ofthemfelveswith mankindeyNor 
 theeves, mr  cdveteusy nardrunkardsinorremlersy  nor  eX" 
 tortionerSi  (hall  inherit  the  kingdome  efCed*  If  therefore 
 a  godly  man,  as  Da  vid,  turne  afide  into  finne  of  this  kinde, 
 hee  can  have  no  aflurance  of  mercy ,  till  this  iniquity  bee 
 broken  ofiF  by  unfained  repentance.  For  faith  cannot  Re- 
 ceive what  the  word  of  grace  doth  not  promife:  But  par- 
 don of  finne  is  promifed  to  them  onely  that  confefle  and 
 forfake  their  iniquity;  that  forfake  all  finne  inhabit,  de- 
 lioht ,  and  indulgence ;  grofle  finne  utterly  and  upon  good 
 advice. 
 
 §.  1 5.  The raigneand  abfolute  dominion  a  6f  finne  doth 
 utterly  exclude  grace,  and  he  that  is  fo  guilty,  hath  nothing 
 in  him  that  can  cry  or  call  for  pardon  or  forgivenefle.  In 
 whom  finne  hath  this  dominion,  he  as  yet  is  under  ^  the 
 curfeofthclaw,  and  the  wrath  of  Godabidethon  him  : 
 
 I  4  for 
 
 I  Cor.  6«  f, 
 EpheTs.;. 
 
 Cal  j.^,6. 
 Rev.zx.S. 
 
 The  abfolute 
 raigne  of  fin  wiB 
 netftand  with 
 thejlate  efface. 
 aRoIn.5.I2«l3^ 
 14.      ■   - 
 bjo/in  J.  36. 
 Deur.^.24. 
 Matth.y-  sj. 
 Num.15.30. 
 
120  ^^^^ ajfuram^  breeds  refolmion  to  fleafe  cod. 
 
 §.14. 
 
 True  ajfttrance 
 breedi  eftcreaji 
 efrefolutionand 
 c^etopleafeGod. 
 I  John  3.2s. 
 
 ;  Luke  7. 47* 
 !  I  John  4.  rp. 
 
 Cant.  5.8.&  *7- 
 
 1  Pet.  1.8. 
 
 Pfal.  103.1,1, 3« 
 
 I  Cor.  14. 1. 
 
 Col.  3-t,». 
 
 Phil.  3.9. 
 
 &63.3, 
 r  Per.  1. 9. 
 Afts  8.  3^. 
 Rotn.  5>  4. 
 Jcr.^^.aj. 
 
 for  thcprefence  of  grace  infufed  is  a  neceflary  qualification 
 to  the  pardon  of  finne,  and  where  finne  doth  bearefuch 
 fway  as  to  fhut  forth  whatlbever  in  us  fhould  intreat  mercy, 
 it  cfoth  fhut  him  up  under  wrath.  Wereitpofliblefora 
 man  regenerate  (which  flaall  never  befall  them  that  are  cal- 
 led according  to  the  purpofe  of  God)  aftc  r  grace  received  to 
 finne  wilfully ,with  full  confent,  delight,  and  contentment, 
 to  the  utter  extinguifhing  of  the  Spirit  of  grace ,  or  finally 
 to  abufe  any  extraordinary  meafure  of  inherent  grace,  by  in- 
 dulgence to  knowne  finnes  fecret  or  open ;  hee  ftiould  fall 
 from  the  ftate  of  Juftification ,  and  bee  called  to  a  {\vi6k 
 account,  as  well  for  all  his  former  finnes ,  as  this  abufe  of 
 his  talent. 
 
 §.14.  AfTurance  of  falvation ,  if  true,  is  ever  joy  ned 
 with  a  religious  and  confcionable  defire  to  walke  before 
 God  in  all  well-pleafing ,  and  to  doe  the  things  that  are  ac- 
 ceptable in  his  fight  :  and  affured  ftanding  in  grace  de- 
 pends upon  a  like  certainty  of  not  continuing  indulgence  to 
 knowne  offences, or  grofle  negligence  in  repenting  or  be- 
 I  wailing  fecret  fins.  Where  this  priviledge  ispoffefled,  the 
 1  heart  is  moft  tender  and  fenfible  of  finne,  mollwatchfull 
 to  fhnnne  and  avoide  whatfoever  is  difpleafing  unto  his 
 Highneffe,  grieved  with  holy  indignation  for  former 
 looienefTe  anduntowardlinefTe :  there  flouri(heth  unfained 
 love  to  God  for  bis  mercy,  and  to  the  brethren  for  the 
 Lords  fake ;  found  humility  and  firee  (ubmiflion  to  the 
 Lofds  will  and  commands  in  every  thing ;  fincere  and  con- 
 tinual! thinkfulneffe  to  God  for  all  his  gifts  ,  bothinpro- 
 fperity  and  trouble ,  health  and  ficknefle;  holy  covetouf^ 
 neffe  after  fpirituall  things,joyned  with  found  delight  in  the 
 WordofGod,  and  bafe  account  ofall  things  in  compari- 
 fbn  of  Chrift  :  holy  and  reverent  admiration  to  fee  his 
 ftate  thus  changed ,  from  fo  low  a  depthofmifery ,  tofo 
 great  an  height  of  glory  :  fweet  contentment,  joy  un- 
 ^'eakeable ;  with  continuall  care  and  conflant  refblution 
 to  better  his  obedience ;  and  mercifull  zealous  defirc,both 
 by  edifying  fpeech  and  godly  example,  to  draw  on  and 
 
 build 
 
True  affurance  breeds  refolution  tofleafe  God, 
 
 121 
 
 build  up  others  in  faith  and  godlinefle.  How  can  it  bee 
 conceived » that  a  man  fliould  be  aflured  of  the  pardon  and 
 fbrgivenefle  of  many  and  great  offences  committed  by  him, 
 but  it  will  worke  a  greater  loathing  and  deteftation  of  fin, 
 unfained  abafementfor  former  weakneffejcontinuallwatch- 
 fulnefle  to  keepc  himfejfe  pure,  and  ardent  \^t.  with 
 inward  joy  that  cannot  be  exprefled  ?  How  can  a  man  bee 
 pertwaded ,  that  ^eater  happinefle  '\%  given  him  of  God 
 than  all  the  world  is  worth ,  that  more  finnes  are  pardo- 
 ned him  than  he  hath  haires  on  his  head ,  the  Icaft  where- 
 .of  is  fufficient  to  plunge  him  into  the  nethermoft  Hell  % 
 but  he  muft  needs  love  the  Lord  who  hath  gracioufly  loo- 
 ked upon  him  in  his  diftrefle ,  rejoyce  with  joy  unjpeakea- 
 ble  and  glorious ,  and  keepe  continuall  watch  againft  the 
 baites  and  allurements  of  finne,  that  hee  lofe  not  his  com- 
 fort, nor  diflionour  God ,  who  bath  done  lb  great  things 
 for  him?  The  Malefactor  is  glad  of  his  Princes  pardon , 
 fpecially  of  his  Highnefle  favour ,  whereby  hee  is  advanced 
 into  great  honour  and  dignity.  When  the  Jewes  heard  of 
 the  proclamation  of  King  Cyrus  (by  which  they  were  let 
 free  firom  their  long  and  tedious  captivity  )  they  were  rapt 
 with  joy  and  wondring ,  that  they  were  like  to  men  that 
 thinke  they  rather  dreame ,  then  indeed  poffelTe  the  thing 
 that  their  foules  longed  after  :  how  much  more  will  cer- 
 taine  affurance,  that  wee  are  fet  free  from  the  perpetuall 
 bondage  of  finne ,  and  reftored  to  the  everlafting  freedome 
 of  righteoufnefTe  and  life,  make  us  wonder  at  the  infinite 
 wifedome,  and  unlpeakeable  goodnefie  of  our  heavenly 
 Father?  The  Saints  confidering  the  goodneffeof  God  to- 
 wards Man  in  his  creation ,  breake  forth  into  holy  admira- 
 tion; Lord^  TvhAtismanthattheuartfomittdfullofhim! 
 The  Prophet  calling  to  minde  long  after ,  what  God  had 
 done  for  his  fbule  in  delivering  him  from  the  terrour  of 
 death,  and  power  of  the  grave,  cannot  pafle  it  over  without 
 fervent  thankes  and  praile,  ff^hatfhall  I  render  to  the  Lord 
 for  all  his  benefits  toward  me?  And  when  Peter  came  to  him- 
 felfe,  and  faw  indeed  that  he  was  delivered  from  the  tyran- 
 nic 
 
 Pfal.«tf.i,2. 
 
 Pfal.8.4.y. 
 Job  7.17. 
 Pfal.J44.j. 
 
 Pfal.iitf.ia. 
 
142 
 
 Afts  la.ii- 
 
 Trm  ajfuranu  hreeds,  refilutm  tofleaf&  God. 
 
 meo£  H^rady  from  the  deepe  dungeon  and  bitter  death 
 prepared  for  him ,  he  entr^  into  a  religious  and  thankfiill 
 admiration  of  the  great  power  and  mercie  of  the  Lord , 
 laying  J  Nojv  I  kpowforatruthi  that  the  Lord  hath  fent 
 his  AngelU  and  hath  delivered  me  from  the  hand  of  Herod. 
 How  much  more  ought  and  will  that  man,  who  is  aflured  of 
 Gods  favour  and  love  towards  him  ,  for  ever  admire  the 
 mighty  power ,  unfpeakeable  goodnefle,  and  rich  mercy  of 
 God ,  who  hath  delivered  him  from  the  pre  of  Hell ,  from 
 the  power  of  Satan ,  from  the  curfe  of  the  law,and  from  the 
 waiting  for  of  all  the  wicked  Devils  and  damned  Spirit^^and 
 hath  tranflated  him  into  the  Kingdome  of  his  deare  Sonne? 
 And  if  hee  daily  confider  hisunworthincfle,  andrenucd 
 ikines ,  he  (hall  fee  more  caufe  to  wonder  every  day ,  than 
 at  the  firftjif  comparilbn  may  be  made  in  fijch  a  cafe,  and  to 
 renue  his  repentance,  care>  watch ,  and  reiblution  to  better 
 his  obedience.  For  is  itnottobeewondrcdat,  thatGod 
 pardoneth  the  fins  of  his  children  daily,  and  continneth  his 
 mercy  towards  them,  and  the  fenfeofhis  love,  even  unto 
 the  end?  Whocanthinke  upon  his  flips  and  infirmities, 
 which  breake  firom  him  every  day,  forwhich  the  wrath  of 
 God  is  juftly  provoked  againft  him;  and  witha  11  remem- 
 ber how  God  ispleafedtofparehim,  to  grant  him  accefle 
 into  his  prefence,  and  to  afford  unto  him  the  fenfeofhis 
 love;  but  hee  muft  needs  be  afionifhed  at  the  enjoyment 
 of  fb  great  and  incomprehenfible ,  (b  large  and  long  endu- 
 ring kindnefie  ?  His  heart  muftbe  enflamed  with  love,  and 
 enlarged  in  praifes  ftill  more  and  more,  his  affe6iions  raifed 
 to  ftrive  againft  finne ,  and  fet  upon  the  workes  of  holinefle 
 and  righteoufneffe  whereunto  they  are  defigned,  every  day 
 more  and  more.  Aflurance  of  falvation  then  doth  not  be- 
 get fecurity, but  quickneth  to  more  fincere,  fcttled,and  con- 
 uantobedience;  norisitpoffible,  that  a  Chriftian  fhould 
 hold  his  affurance  longer  than  he  dothfollowj  cheriHi,  and 
 feed  this  heavenly  affe6^ion  in  himfelfe. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
Faith  ii^grmnded  upn  the  Word  of  Cod. 
 
 123 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 F^ith  is  grounded  ttfon  the  Word  of  God,  not  Hfon  the 
 
 aHthorttie  of  the  Churchy  and  refieth  tt^on  God 
 
 in  0}rifh*iotftf«n  the  Saints  militant 
 
 9r  triumphant* 
 
 §.  !•  T^He  Schoolemen  aividethe  objefl  of  faith  into 
 1  the  material!  objeft,  and  into  the  formall.  The 
 matcriall  are  thearticles  or  things  beleeved.  The  formal!  is^ 
 the  foundation  and  laft  maine  principle  whereupon  faith 
 relyeth,orthatwhcreintothe  aflent,  whicb  faith  yeeldeth 
 unto  the  matter  beleeved,  isrefblved.  In  which  fenfe,  the 
 objc6l  of  faith  is  al!  one  with  the  foundation  or  ground 
 worke  of  it.  But  howfbever  wee  underftand  ir>  whether 
 tor  the  maine  rcalbn  and  laft  refblution  of  aflent,  or  for 
 that  whereupon  our  confidence  leaneth,  relyeth,  refteth  j 
 the  auchoritie  of  the  Church  cannot  be  theground,  nor  the 
 Saints  triumphant  the  obje«5l:  of  faith  di vine.  Wee  beleeve 
 that  God  hath  his  Church:  but  wee  neither  beleeve  in  the 
 Saints  militant  nor  triumphant.  The  ground  or  foundati- 
 on of  faith  muft  bee  fome  thing,  which  is  purely  and  fim- 
 ply  divine,  admixt  with  no  errour,  yeajiubjefVto  no  errour ; 
 the  indubitate  word  and  revelation  ofChrift,  the  divine  and 
 prime  veritic  reveaifed  by  infpiration.  But  the  Word  *  of 
 God  alone  is  purely  and  (imply  divine,  admixt  with  no  er- 
 rour; the  Church  is  fiibjedt  to  errour,  neither  hath  it  any 
 truth  immediately,  orby  dfvine  infpiration,  but  by  fecond 
 meancs;  th-eauthoritieofthe  Church  is  a  thing  create,  di- 
 ftindlfronh'thefirftveritie.  The  immortal!  feed,  whereby 
 we  are  regenerate  and  made  faithful!,  istheonely  formal! 
 principle,  or  ground  of  faith.  The  Word  of  God  alone  is 
 chat  immortall  feed.  Therefore  the  Word  of  God  alone,  is 
 the  onely  formall  principleof  faith; 
 
 And  even  as  in  husbandrie,  although  divers  inftruments 
 andmeanesbecrequificeand  ncceflaric;  to  wit,  plowing, 
 
 ibwing. 
 
 §.  I. 
 
 The  authovitte  of 
 the  Church  cannot 
 be  the  ground,  of 
 fifth,. 
 
 1  TBcflr.1.13. 
 
 2  Tim,i.i6' 
 
 Rom.ii.ao. 
 
 I  Pet.x.sj* 
 
^24 
 
 The  Papifts  makes  the  Popes  mthoritie 
 
 Ephef.i.20. 
 
 TheTapifis  tnaks 
 the  Vofes  duthoTt- 
 tietbeonely 
 grewideffiith. 
 
 fowingj&c.  yet  the  feed  is  the  beginning  and  iblc  imme- 
 diate caufe  of  the  graine  fpringing  up  :  even  fo  in  the  ipi- 
 rituall  plantation  of  faith,  in  which  our  foules  are  living 
 fields,  theimmortall  feed,  which  the  Apoftles  firft  prea- 
 ched, and  afterwards  committed  to  writing ,  produceth 
 Taith,  as  the  ibie  principle,  immediate  motive,  andformall 
 obje(5l  of  faith*;  andtheminifterie,  authoritie,  and  calling 
 of  the  Church  produce  the  fame,  as  the  adjuvant  and  in- 
 ftrumentall  caule,  or  as  the  meanes  of  applying  the  Word 
 and  feales  thereof,  but  not  as  the  firft  principle.  What- 
 fbever  credit  the  Church  hath,  it  receiveth  the  fame  from 
 the  Scriptures,  as  is  acknowledged  by  feme  of  our  prin- 
 cipal! Adverfaries ,  and  confirmed  by  the  Apoftle ,  who 
 faith ;  fVee  are  built  ufon  the  foundation  of  the  ^ro^hets 
 and  A^ofiles. 
 
 The  prefent  faith  of  Chriftians  is  of  the  fame  kind  with 
 the  faith  of  the  Prophets  and  Apoftles.  But  the  faith  of 
 thefe  holy  men  was  founded  upon  immediate  divine  revela- 
 tion, and  not  upon  the  authoritie  of  the  Church. 
 
 §.  2.  HereintheRomanifts  faith  difters  from  the  faith 
 of  ancient  Chriftians  :  for  the  Saints  who  lived  of  old, 
 grounded  their  faith  upon  the  pure  and  faithfiill  Word  of 
 God,  as  upon  a  fare  foundation ;  but  the  authoritie  of  the 
 Pope,  whom  they  call  the  Church  virtuall,  is  the  firft 
 ground  and  laft  refolution  of  the  Romanifts  faith.   Indefi- 
 nitely or  indeterminately ,  they-teach ,  whatfoever  God 
 hath  fpoken  is  mofttrue,  in  that  fenfe  wherein  hee  meant 
 it :  But  if  wee  defcend  to  any  determinate  fpeeches,  writ- 
 ten or  unwritten ,  either  acknowledged  or  iiippofed  for 
 Gods  Word,  the  prefent  Romifti  Church  doth  take  upon 
 her  ablblutely  to  judge  of  all,  and  everie  part  of  them.  If 
 wee  fpeake  of  that  Canon  of  Scripture  which  we  have,  the 
 fenfe  or  interpretation  of  any  text,any  article  of  faith  con- 
 cluded out  of  it,  theonely  caufe  they  doe  or  can  beleeve 
 them  infallibly,  is  the  Popes  infallibilitie  that  commends 
 them. 
 The  Churches  or  Popes  propolali  is  not  onely  a  condi- 
 tion 
 
The  Papifts  make  the  Popes  authoritie 
 
 rion  requidne,  but  the  remonftrativc  root ,  theimmedi-  , 
 atecaufe  and  reafon  of  their  bcleeving  divine  revelations. 
 And  if  it  bee  a  reafon  why  they  beJeeve  them ,  andfvvay 
 the  minde  to  embrace  the  truth ,  then  it  \%  the  proper 
 eflficientcaufeofbtlcefe.  According  to  their  do^rine,  the 
 Orthodoxallanfwer to  this  Interrogation,  Why  doe  you 
 beleeve  the  dodrine  of  the  Trinity  to  be  a  divine  Revela- 
 tion ?  is ,  becaufe  the  Church  propoieth  it  to  mee  for  fuch» 
 But  hee  that  admits  this  anf^er  for  found  and  Catholike, 
 and  yet  denies  the  Churches  propolall  to  be  the  true  and 
 proper  caufe  of  his  beleefe  in  the  former  point,  hathfmo- 
 thered  the  light  of  nature>by  admittir^  too  artificiall  a  fub  - 
 tikic  into  his  braines.  Whatfoeveritbee,  caufe,  condi- 
 tion, circumftance,  or  effedt,  that  truly  latisfieth  this 
 demand,  Why  doe  yon  beleeve  this  or  that?  it  i%  a  true 
 and  proper  caufe  of  our  bcIeefe,  though  not  of -the  thing 
 bclcevcd. 
 
 Wee  muft  here  obferve  that  there  is  a  twofold  rclbluti- 
 on ;  One  of  the  things  or  matters  beleeved  or  known,into 
 their  firft  parts  or  elements;  Another  of  our  beleefe  or 
 pcrlwafions  concerning  them,  into  theirfirftcaules  or  mo- 
 tives. Intheone,  the  moftgenerall or remoteft caufe;  In 
 the  other,  thcmoft  immediate  or  next  caufe  alwayes  ter- 
 minates the  refolution.  The  one  imitates « the  caiher  in- 
 verts the  order  of compoiir ion.  In  the  firft  acceptation  the, 
 iirft  verity  or  divine  infallibility  is  that  into  which  our 
 faith  is  laftly  refoived.  For  this  is  the  firfl  ftep  in  the  pro- 
 grefle  of  true  beleefe,.  the  loweft  foundation  whereon  ^x\y 
 Religion  can  be  built.  But  in  the  (econd  acceptation  (as  we 
 alwaies  take  tboie  termes ,  when  wee  refolve  our  owne 
 perf^afions)  chat  is,  for  a  refolutionofa  11  doubts  or  de- 
 mands concerning  the  fobjecl  whereof  wee  treat ;  aRo- 
 mane  Catholiques  faith,  muft,  according  to  his  Principles, 
 finally  be  refoived  into  the  Churches  or  Popes  infallibility. 
 For  this  is  the  immediate  ground ,  or  firft  caufe  of  any  par- 
 ticular determinate  point  of  Chriftian  Faith :  and  the  im- 
 mediate is  alwayes  that,  into  which  our  perfvvafions  con-  , 
 
 cernins 
 
 l^% 
 
126 
 
 the  onelj  ground  of  faith. 
 
 cerning  the  efte61: ,  is  finally  refolved,  feeing  it  can  lacisfie 
 a!  I  demands,  doubts ,  or  queftions  concerning  it. 
 
 It  will  not  heipe  them  to  colouroverthe  matter,  and 
 fay,  God  revealing  divine  truth  is  the  formallobjeilof 
 faith:  ForfeeingGod  worketh  mediately,  and  revealeth 
 no  truth  untousbutbyexternallmeanes  :  and  divine  au- 
 thoritieinitfelfeishidden  and  unknowne  :  therefore  the 
 thing  whereinto  our  faith  is  refolved ,  muft  be  ibmething 
 externally  knowne ,  which  wee  may  reade  or  heare.  And 
 our  Adverfaries  muft  leade  us  to  fecret  revelation ,  which 
 in  words  they  pretend  fo  much  to  defie ,  or  yeeld  us  an  ex- 
 ternall  foundation  and  formall  obje6l  of  faith :  And  reje- 
 <5ling  the  Scriptures,  whatlbever  they  glofe  in  words ,  they 
 neither  can  >  nor  doe  name  us  any  other  indeed ,  but  the 
 'T^w?^*  Pope  and  Church.  - 
 
 Nor  will  it  boot  them  ought  to  fay,  that  Gods  Word 
 in  the  Churches  mouth  is  the  rule  of  faith ,  whereinto  it  is 
 finally  refolved ,  feeing  the  Church  defines  nothing  but  by 
 Gods  Word  written  or  unwritten.  For  this  is  more  than 
 the  party  which  beleeves  it  can  know;  nor  hath  hee  any 
 I  other  motive  to  beleeve  it,  befides  the  Churches  definition 
 \  or  aflertion.  Suppofe  thenweefhould  conceive  fb  well  of 
 a  temporall  Judge ,  as  to  perfume  hee  did  never  ipeake  but 
 according  to  the  true  meaning  either  of  ftatute  orcufto- 
 marie  law :  yet  if  wee  could  not  know  either  the  one  or  the 
 ^ther ,  or  their  right  interpretation ,  but  onely  by  his  de- 
 terminations; the  law  were  little  beholden  to  him  (un- 
 leffe  for  a  floute  )  that  fhould  fay,  he  were  refolved  joy  ntly 
 by  the  Judge  audit.  For  feeing  the  Law  is  to  him  altoge- 
 ther uncertaine ,  but  by  the  Judges  avouchment  or  inter- 
 pretation, his  laft  refolutionof  any  aft  of  jnftice,  muft  bee 
 onely  into  the  Judges  skill  and  fidelity. 
 
 It  is  true  indeed  ,  that  the  Churches  authority  is  not 
 comprehended  in  theobjefl  ofbeleefe,  whileftit  onely 
 ^ropoleth  other  Articles  to  beebeleeved.  No  more  is  the 
 Sunne  comprehended  under  the  objeftofour  aduall  fight, 
 whileft  we  behold  colours,  or  other  vifible  things  by  the 
 
 vertue 
 
cod  and  Chri[i  is  the  onelj  objeci  of  true  confidence.  127 
 
 venue  of  it :  But  yet,  as  it  could  not  make  colours  or  other  j 
 things  become  morevifible  untousj  tinlefle  kC^tlft  were  j 
 the  firft  vifible  (that  is,  unlefleit  might  bee  feene  more  j 
 clcareJy  than  thofe  things  which  wee  fee  by  it,  fo  wee  i 
 would  direct  our  fight  unto  it ; )  fo  would  it  bee  impofsi-  | 
 ble,  the  Churches  infallible  propofall  (honldbe  thereafon  j 
 ofaRomane  Catholikcs  beleefe  of  Scriptures^  or  their  or- 
 thodoxalHenfe,  unlefleit  were  the  firftand  principall  ere-  | 
 diblci  ocprimarieobjeilofhisbelcefe,  or  that  which  muft  | 
 bee  moft  clearely,  moft  certainly,  and  moft  ftedfaftly  be  lee-  I 
 ved,  foas  all  other  articles  befidesmuft  bebeleevedby  the  1 
 beleefe  of  it.  Nor  is  this  propofall  of  the  Church  necefla-  | 
 rieto  thefirft  plantation  of  faith  onely,  but  to  the  growth 
 and  continuance  of  it,*  as  well  after  faith  is  produeed, 
 whileftit  continues,  as  whiles  it  is  in  planting. 
 
 §.3.  Buttoleavethismyfterieof  Romifhiniquitie,  and 
 toreturne  to  the  matter.  Theauthoritieofthe  Church  is 
 not  the  ground  of  Chriftian  faith,  but  the  holy  Scriptures  ; 
 and  faith  refteth  not  upon  the  Saints,  but  upon  Jefiis  Chrift. 
 God  and  Chrift  is  the  obje6l  of  confidence  according  to 
 the  Scripture,  a  God  as  the  author  and  parent  of  all  good 
 things,  of  whom  are  all  things  and  wee  in  him  :  ^  Chrift  as 
 the  onely  Mediatour  of  God  and  men ,  by  ivhom  are  all 
 things,  andwe  hy  him:  or  by  whom  God  Dcftoweth  upon 
 usallfavingblefsings,  andby  whom  wee  come  unto  God. 
 c  They  are  accurfed,  who  make  the  arme  of  fiefli  their  ftay, 
 and  truft  in  man,  in  whom  there  is  no  help  or  power. 
 Theprefent  faith  of  Be  leavers  hath  the  lame  object  with 
 the  faith  oi  ^damzktT  his  fall,  A  hi,  Abraham,  Noah, 
 David,  the  Virgin  C^/i«r/>,  all  the  Patriarchs,  Prophets, 
 and  Apoftles.  For  faith  is  ^  one  in  objed  and  kind,  though 
 dift'erent  in  number  and  degree.  But  the  confidence  of 
 Adam,  Ahel,Noah,  Ahaham,8cc.  wasexerciled  about, 
 or  dire6led  unto  God  in  Chrift ;  not  fet  upon  any  Saint. 
 Abraham  and  the  reft ,  who  lived  before  and  under  the 
 Law ,  beleeved  in  the  Mefsias  to  come :  The  Apoftles 
 and  all  the  faithfull  fince,  beleeve  ix\  Chrift  already 
 
 come 
 
 §    B-. 
 
 God  Aid  Chrift 
 
 (not  the  Church 
 
 and  Saints)  it  the 
 
 onely  abje^  tfall 
 
 true  csnfidtnce  and 
 
 truft- 
 
 a  Efay25-j^^. 
 
 Pral.Ijc.y,<!,7. 
 
 and  22.5. 
 
 Provj.f. 
 
 b  Juh.14.1. 
 
 I  Pet.i.2i. 
 
 Roni.3.22. 
 
 Pfa!.2  .2. 
 
 c  Jeicm  17.;. 
 
 H.b.TJ  8. 
 
■ 
 
 12  8  cod  and  Chrift  u  the  onely  objetf  of  true  confidence. 
 
 BeUar.  de  C^^fi^- 
 lii/.l,  cap-%. 
 
 Catech.  %om. 
 part.i,  ca^.xi. 
 
 Rhem,  xAnnot,  in 
 
 Exod.14.Jl. 
 2  Chron.ao.JO" 
 
 Deut,  2  8. 66. 
 Job  14.22- 
 Efay  J3-I5- 
 I  Sam.27.i2t 
 Jona.J-J. 
 
 j  Jcr.17.?. 
 
 PfaI.io6.ii 
 
 come :  But  in  nature  the  obje61:  of  their  faith  is  one  and 
 the  fame. 
 
 Our  Adverfaries  confefle  thus  mnch ',  BelUrmine  proves 
 Chrift  to  be  God,  becaule  it  is  written  of  him,  BUfed  are 
 they  that  fut  their  trKBin  him :  And  the  Scripture,  iaith 
 he,teacheth  everie  where,  that  we  muft  puc  our  cruft  in  the  I 
 true  God  alone.  The  Romane  Catechifme  teacheth,  that 
 webelecve  the  holy  Church,  not  in  the  Church:  by  which 
 divers  forme  of  ipeaking,  fay  they,  God  the  Creatour  is 
 diftinguiftied  from  things  created.  But  the  Rhemifts  in 
 defence  of  their  Saint-invocation,  are  driven  to  fay,  that 
 wee  are  to  truft  in  the  Saints  departed,  and  that  the  Scrip- 
 ture ufeth  alio  this  Ipeech,  tobelecvein  men,  zSyThej  be- 
 leevedinthe  Lordt  and  in  his  fervant  Mofes  :  *BeUeve  in 
 the  Lord,  and  yee  (hattbe  efiahlijbed,  heleeve  in  hit  Prs' 
 phetSy  &c-  This  is  their  firft  pretence,  whereby  they  feeke 
 to  cover  their  idolatrie,  whereas  they  might  eafiiy  have 
 knowne,  that  the  Vulgar  and  the  Seventie  both  tranflate 
 thefe  ^hctSiThey  heleeved  Molcs>and  beieeve  his  Prefkets: 
 and  not,  they  believed  in  Mofes,  beieeve  in  bis  Prophets, 
 And  it  is  certaine,  the  prepofition  here  added  in  Hebrew, 
 doth  not  ever  anfwet  to  In,  in  our  language.  What  ?  that  it 
 is  no  lefle  than  blafphemie  to  fay,  that  the  Ifraelites  were 
 commanded  to  put  their  confidence  in  Mofes  and  the  Pro- 
 phets, either  as  the  principall  authors  and  parents  of  any 
 good,  or  as  Mediators  betwixt  God  and  them ,  by  and 
 through  whofe  mediation  they  fhould  obtaine  all  good 
 things  fpirituall  and  temporall.  For  lb  they  fhould  have  j 
 made  them  their  arme,  who  were  but  fieOi.  What  is  al- 
 ledged  out  o^Exodm ,  LMofes  fpeaketh  in  reproach  of  the 
 IfraeliteSi  who  beleeved  neither  the  Lord,  nor  Mofes,  tou- 
 ching the  promife  of  their  deliverie  OHt  of  z/Eg^pty  untill 
 fuch  time  as  they  having  quite  pafled  the  Red  Sea,  did  fee 
 their  enemies  dead  in  the  Sea.  And  though  they  beleeved 
 the  truth  of  the  Lord,  and  the  word  of  his  fervant,  when 
 they  had  the  accomplifliment  of  his  promife ;  yet  they 
 did  not  confidently  betake  thcmlelves  to  the  Lord ,  as 
 
 their  J 
 
cod  and  ChriH  ts  the  onely  object  of  true  confidence.         1 2  p 
 
 their  onely  refuge,  and  reft  under  the  ftiadow  of  his  wings. , 
 For  the  Lord  complaineth  often  of  their  infidelitie  towards 
 him ;  and  the  hiftorie  makes  mention  of  their  diftruft, 
 murmuringj  and  rebellion  againft  the  Lord.  In  the  other 
 place  the  people  are  praifed,  as  thofe  who  refted  in  the 
 word  of  the  Prophet,  before  that  the  promife  was  eflfe- 
 <fted :  But  they  leaned  not  upon  the  Prophets,  as  authors 
 of  their  help,*  neither  bad  that  beene  praife- worthy  in 
 them,  nay,  it  had  beene  deteftable  idolatrie.  If  they  will 
 have  the  Hebrew  prepofition  to  be  of  force  in  thofe  places, 
 by  Afofes  and  the  Prophets,  we  are  to  underftand  the  word 
 taught  by  (JKofes  and  the  Prophets  from  God ,  as  the 
 Chaldeeexplainethit;  theybeleeved  in  the  Word  of  the 
 Lord,  andintheprophecieof  v^<?/^xhis  lervant.  Theex- 
 pofition  of  both  texts  may  be  taken  out  of  that  of  the  Lord 
 to  Afofest  Lee,  I  come  unto  thee  in  a  thicke  cloudithat  the 
 people  may  heare  rvhen  IJpeake  with  thee,  and  beleeve  thee 
 for  ever :  that  is,  that  they  may  receive  thee  for  a  faithfull 
 and  trueProphet,and  beleeve  in  the  Word  that  I  dial  make 
 knowne  unto  them  by  thee.  And  as  the  Ifraelites  are  faid 
 to  be  lfaftiz,ed  i»to  Mofes^  that  is,  into  the  do(Strine  or  Law 
 di  Mofes^  whereof  hee  was  a  Mi nifter:  fb  are  they  faid^o 
 beleeve  in  Mofes  and  the  Prophets,  that  is,  in  the  Word 
 which  they  taught  from  God.  They  were  the  inftru- 
 ments  and  Nfinifters  of  the  Lord,  and  minifterially  the 
 "people  beleeved  in  them,  that  is,  in  the  Word  of  the  Lord 
 publifhcd  by  them.  Of  Sion  it  is  faid ,  the  foore  of  his 
 people  jhall  truft  in  it.  The  meaning  is  not ,  that  the 
 faithfull  fhall  put  their  truft  in  Sion,  as  wee  muft  hope  in 
 God :  but  that  the  inhabitants  of  Sion  (hall  dwell  in  a 
 quiet  and  fecure  place ;  as  the  Prophets  often  affirme, 
 that  falvatian  is  in  Sion-  It  may  well  bee  tranflated. 
 The  poore  of  his  people  Jhall  betake  themfelves  unto  it , 
 as  unto  a  place  of  protei5>ion  and  refuge  by  the  blef. 
 fingof  God :  not  as  unto  the  chiefeftayand  prop  of  their 
 {buJes. 
 
 They  further  objef); ,  that  the  Apoftle  referreth  faith 
 
 K  and  ^ 
 
 Pfal78.2S. 
 Hcb.3.i»» 
 
 lit. I.  eaf.xt. 
 SeH.lUuident^ue, 
 
 Exod.ip.9. 
 Jobj.45. 
 
 I  Coir.io-2. 
 
 E(ay  ifjt. 
 
 Joeli-Jt. 
 
 Job  24-S. 
 Pfal.io4.i3. 
 
130         God  and  ChriH  is  the  onelj  oh]e5f  of  true  confidence. 
 
 Philem.y. 
 "Bellur-  de  beati- 
 tud.  SanU.  lib.i' 
 
 Verf.iS. 
 
 Ephef.i.J5. 
 Colofrr.4. 
 
 and  love  to  the  Saints,  faying;  Hearing  of  thy  love  and 
 faith,  which  thou  haB  towards  t^je  Lord  Jefui,  and  toward 
 all  Saints.  But  in  this  place  faith  is  referred  oncly  to  Chrift, 
 and  love  to  the  brethren,  as  it  appeareth  in  the  two  ver- 
 (es  next  following.   In  the  former  whereof  faith  is  retrai- 
 ned unto  Chrift,  and  in  the  latter,  the  love  here  mentioned 
 is  carried  to  the  brethren:  which  appeareth  alfo,  in  that, 
 other  where  upon  the  fame  occafion,  hee  fo  diftinguifheth 
 faith  and  love,  that  faith  is  appropriated  unto  Chrift,  and 
 love  referred  to  the  Saints.  For  the  verie  wordsalib,  the 
 Apoftle  hath  fo  fenced  them,  that  although  the  truth  were 
 not  otherwife  cleare,  our  Adverfaries  can  have  no  advan- 
 tage for  their  do6>rine  of  pinning  our  moft  holy  faith  up- 
 on the  flee  ve  of  e  verie  Saint:  For  although  hee  have  cou- 
 pled Charitie  and  Faith  together,  which  in  other  Epiftles 
 hee  doth  diftinotly  referrcthe  one  to  Chrift,  the  other  to 
 thef^ithfuH;  yet  hee  hath  ufed  prepodtions,  which  note 
 thatfaithmuft  pafie  no  further  than  to  Chrift,  as  charitie 
 goeth  no  further  in  this  place,  but  unto  the  Saints.   For 
 where  the  prepodtion  [e/?]  is  fiich  as  might  have  ferved 
 both  to  note  our  faith  towards  Chrift,  and  our  charitie  to- 
 wards our  brethren ;  hee  declares  that  hee  would  not  have 
 Faith  and  Charitie  carried  to  one  and  the  lame  obje6t,  by 
 the  choyce  of  feverall  bands  of  prepo(itions,wherewith  to 
 tie  each  of  tbele  vertues  with  the  fubje6l  whereunto  they 
 belong.  But  to  gee  no  further  than  to  the  'B^emifts  Tranf- 
 lation.  Can  they  lay,that  wee  have  charitie  in  the  Lord  Je- 
 fus?  If  with,  the  latter  claufe  farther  removed,  which  is 
 towards  all  Saint Syth&yY^iW  have  both  Charitie  and  Faith 
 conjoyned,  it  followeth  much  more,  that  with  this  claufe^ 
 In  th&  Lord  Jefus^  which  is  neerer  unto  charitie  than  the 
 other,  they  ought  both  alfo  to  bee  coupled-  if  this  be  ab- 
 furd,  mucnmore  isit^  that  upon  this  ground  of  coupling 
 Faith  and  Charitie  together,  they  would  have  them  both 
 carried  and  applyed  unco  thele  words,  Unto  the  Saints.  As 
 for  the  order  of  words ,  and  coupling  things  together, 
 which  are  to  be  referred  diflin<ftly,  the  ^ke  is  tobee  found 
 
 in 
 
The  bene fts  andeffccis  of  Faith. 
 
 in  other  paflkges  of  holy  Scripture.  Againe ,  Love  and  /  Matth.i;^ 
 Faith  may  be  put  for  faiihfull,  firme,  and  ftcdfaft  love ;  the 
 M^e.  whereunto  wee  may  often  find.  But  by  this  wreftinc 
 of  the  place,  our  Adverlaries  are  driven,  notonelytobe- 
 leeveifltheCatholike  Church,  but  aI(o  in  every  feverall 
 member  of  the  Catholike  Church.  For  feeing  the  Apo- 
 ftle  commendeth  Philemon  for  his  love  towards  every 
 Saint  that  came  unto  him;  itfolloweth,  that  if  (  as  they 
 (ay)  he  commendeth  faith  towards  the  Saints ,  hee  com- 
 mendeth it  towards  every  man  a  part  :  and  fo  every  Chri- 
 ftianistobeleeveinother :  which  our  Adverfaries  will  not 
 affirmc. 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 Of  the  £jf<r^/,  SftbjeU  and  Degrees  ofjftfii- 
 fjfing  Faith. 
 
 §.  I, 
 
 Mr' 
 
 and  excellent  are  the  fruits  and  effects 
 of  faith ,  for  which  caufe  it  hath  beene  a- 
 dorned  with  many  fingular  titles  of  honour.  It  is  called 
 the  gift  of  gifts,  the  Ibule  of  our  Ibule,  the  root  of  an  ho- 
 neft  life,  the  charader  of  the  fonnes  of  God,  the  key 
 whereby  the  treafures  which  are  in  Chrift  are  opened  un- 
 to us ,  the  mother  of  found  joy ,  and  nurfe  of  a  good  con- 
 fcience  ,  the  hand  whereby  we  apprehend  Chrilt,  the  eye 
 whereby  wee  fee  the  invifible  things  of  God,  the  month 
 whereby  wee  receive  the  food  of  lalvation ,  the  pledge  of 
 our  eternall  inheritance ,  the  earneft  of  our  peace  with 
 God ,  the  feale  of  our  election ,  the  ladder  whereby  wee 
 certainely  and  fafely  afcend  up  to  Heaven ,    the  fliield 
 of  a  faithfull  Ibule ,  the  {\vord  whereby  wee  beat  and 
 wound  our  enemies ,  the  token  of  our  union  in  Chrift , 
 ourvidory,   and  the  band  whereby  wee  are  united  un- 
 to the  chiefe  good.    The  fruits  of  faith  are  divided  into 
 two  Heads;  Internalland  Externall,  which  the  Schoole- 
 men  call  EUcite  and  Imperate.  But  to  ipeake  of  them 
 
 K  2  orderly 
 
 §.t. 
 
 The  benefits  and 
 effeifs  of  Faith. 
 
132 
 
 The  benefits  andejfecis  of  Faith. 
 
 Rom.it.x7' 
 John  I  J.I  • 
 Epher-S-Ja* 
 
 Rom.  8, 10. 
 2  Cor.  1 3  3,?. 
 
 riof.  2  1 8^  20. 
 
 Ad.  10.13. 
 Rom.3.af,3?. 
 Acls  13.39- 
 Rom.9.32.&t. 
 ,7.&  5- 1. 
 
 kSi  15.9. 
 
 Col.  1  il. 
 Gal.5-7-9- 
 Johniz.  3^. 
 Gal  3.26. 
 John  I.  iz« 
 Heb.  n.tf' 
 John  7.38,39' 
 EpheCi.iJ.i?' 
 Gal.  3. 14- 
 Johnij^J. 
 
 Gal.  z.ao. 
 
 John  4.  I4« 
 
 Ephef.  3.17. 
 Enhcnj.12. 
 Heb.  io.2».  8e 
 4.  14. 
 Tit.  T.iy. 
 1  Pet- 1 .  5. 
 I  John  S.4« 
 
 orderly  as  they  are  fee  downe  in  Scripture ,  wee  finde  them 
 fobetheie 
 
 By  faith  we  are  engraved  into  Chrifiiandmade  one  with 
 h/myjiefb  ofhisfieJh,afid  bone  of  his  ifone,Vwcly  members  of 
 that  body,  whereof  he  is  the  head  :  and  by  Chnit  wee  are 
 united  untoGod.  In  Scripture  to  be  in  Chrift,and  to  be  in 
 Faithi  are  put  indifferently.  By  faith  wee  are  married  unto 
 Chrift,  and  have  communion  with  him  in  his  death  and  re- 
 furre^ionj  he  and  all  his  benefits  are  truly  and  verily  made 
 ours;  his  name  is  put  upon  us,  wee  arejuftified  from  the 
 guilt  and  punifhment  of  finne,  wee  are  clothed  with  his 
 righteoufneffe ,  wee  are  fandfified  againft  the  power  of 
 finne ,  having  our  nature  healed  and  our  hearts  purified  : 
 wee  draw  vertue  from  him  to  die  to  finne ,  and  live  to 
 .righteoufnefle.  By  faith  wee  are  admitted  into  the  Family 
 c£  AbrahaWi  become  the  children  of  light,  are  adopted  to 
 bee  the  Sonnes  of  God^  are  made  acceptable  unto  him  as 
 heires  of  life,  unto  whom  hee  willeth  eternall  bleflednefTe, 
 and  doe  receive  the  promife  of  the  Spirit.  By  faith  wee 
 abide  in  Chrift,   and  have  perpetual!  communion  with 
 him.  Itistheloadf^onethatlookesevertoChrifl,  as  that 
 doth  towards  the  North  :  and  as  that  drawes  iron  unto 
 it ,  fb  doth  faith  joyne  our  hearts  to  Chrifl  perpetually.  By 
 faith  we  receive  of  Chrif^s  fulnefle,  have  pofTeffion  of  him , 
 doe  live  in  him ,  and  are  fo  refrefhed  by  him ,  that  we  fhall 
 never  wither  or  ^^tlt  fcarcity.  Water  in  a  ditch  may  bee 
 dried  up  ,  fo  cannot  the  pond  which  is  fed  with  continuall 
 Iprings.  By  faith  Chrift  dwelleth,  and  ruleth  in  our  hearts, 
 we  have  accefle  to  the  throne  of  grace ,  the  temporall  gifts 
 of  God  are  fandified  unto  us,  all  fpirituall  bleffingsare 
 continued  and  augmented  in  us, and  we  are  kept  to  thefal- 
 vation  to  be  revealed.  Faith  overcommeth  the  world;  the 
 manifold  ill  examples  of  the  multitude  ,  which  like  a  ra- 
 ging i^rcame  beares  downe  all  before  it,  and  the  alluring 
 fvveet  baires  of  the  deceitfull  inchanting  world ,  which 
 are  moft  firong  and  dangerous ;  even  whatibever  within 
 us  or  without  us  would  draw  from  the  law  of  God  ;  it 
 •  quen- 
 
IChe  Benefits  And  Effech  of  Faith, 
 
 133 
 
 quencheth  the  fierie  darts  of  the  Devillj  putteth  Satan  to  \  ^ff'%^^' 
 flight,  and  keepeth  usfafe  firom  the  mightie  adverfarie  of  |  Ma"j^ljf" 
 our  ibulcs  and  iaivation.  Faith  obtaineth  of  God  what  wee 
 aske agreeable  tohiswill,  prevailech  with  him,  makcth 
 the  ordinances  of  God  fweet  and  comfortable ,  receiveth 
 what  is  profcred  in  the  Word  and  Sacraments,and  ma- 
 keth  that  wee  (hall  never  be  afhamed  or  confounded. 
 Faith  cncrcafeth  knowledge,  enflameth  the  heart  with 
 love  ftrongcr  than  death,  hotter  than  coales  of  Juniper, 
 which  cannot  be  quenched  With  much  water ;  ftirreth 
 up  earneft  fighes  and  groanes ,  enlargeth  the  heart  in 
 thankfdlnefle  and  holy  admiration ,  bloweth  andquicken- 
 eth  zeale ,  renounceth  Sathan  and  all  his  workes,  crucifi- 
 eth  the  flefti  with  the  affections  and  lufts ;  contemneth 
 the  world ,  fcorneth  the  bafe  and  tranfitory  pleaiiires  or 
 profits  whereby  it  doth  allure  towith-draw  from  God, 
 anddefpifeth  the  frownes,  threats,  and  utmoft  wrongs 
 that  it  can  doe,  inrefpe6lof  the  love  of  God  andChrift 
 JefiiSjor  hazzarding  his  part  in  the  eternall  happineflfe.     It 
 armeth  with  patience  and  invincible  ccnflancy,  breedeth 
 peace  of  conlcience  and  joy  unfpeakeable ,  maketh  valiant 
 in  the  combate,  (driving  againfl  fin ,  courageous  in  diffi- 
 culties, confident  in  defperate  dangers  ;  is  accompanied 
 with  holy  fecurity  concerning  the  grace,  prote6lion ,  and 
 love  of  God ,  joyned  with  a  certaine  expe<5lation  of  eter- 
 nall falvation ,  and  aflurance  that  all  things  fhall  worke 
 together  forthebefl.    It  feaibneth  prorperitie,receiveth 
 earthly  blelTings  as  pledges  of  Gods  fpecialland  Father- 
 ly love,  and  lifteththemupto  fpirituallufe:  it  fweetens 
 afflictions ,  lapporteth  under  them ,  teacheth  to  profit 
 by  them ,  beareth  them  meekely,  expei5teth  deliverance, 
 andtriumpheth  before  the  viStoxy,    It  feeth  things  invi- 
 fible ,  affureth  above  likelihood ,  fenfe  or  reafon ,  allay- 
 eth  perplexing  thoughts  and  feares,    and  break eth  off 
 temptations.  It  fl:ayeth  upon  the  word  of  promife,  and 
 is  confident  of  things,  to  reafon  incredible,  in  nature 
 impofTible,  to  lenfe  diredl  contrary,  becaufe  God  hath 
 
 K  2    .    .  :  ...  faid 
 
 I  John  5.14. 
 Gen.3i.2(y. 
 Heb.4.2. 
 Rom.i.itf. 
 
 Rom.  J.J. 
 &  1 0.1 1. 
 
 1  PecL^". 
 Pfal.sr.S.Sf 
 
 Johntf.6S,<Sj. 
 
 Gal.  5. 6. 
 
 Luke  7.47. 
 
 T  Pet.i.8. 
 
 Rom.8.26- 
 
 Gal.4.tf. 
 
 Rom.3.iJ. 
 
 Gal-fi.i4. 
 
 Epef.j.ir. 
 
 Hcb.n.S.zj. 
 
 Rom  J.I. 
 
 I  Pec  1.7. 
 a  Cor  i.j>. 
 Phil,i.2j. 
 Rem.  14.7. 
 
 1  Pec. 1. 8. 
 John  8.5tf. 
 
 2  TiiTi.i.ia. 
 Heb.ii.J4,3  5. 
 2  Chron.i4.11. 
 
 &i0.l2. 
 
 I  John  J.ir. 
 Luke  7.J0. 
 Epkef.2.8. 
 Rom.8.2?, 
 Gals.j. 
 
 I:Ieb.6.I2. 
 
 Heb.ir.i. 
 John  R.jS. 
 Hcb.ii.ii,i7,tp. 
 
134 
 
 The  Benefits  and  Effecis  of  Faith, 
 
 Efay  aS.i^. 
 
 Dan.  ^.aj. 
 Jer.  39. 1 8' 
 rtom  11.20, 
 
 aCor.4'iJ' 
 iTim.  J.ij- 
 Rom.i.ia*' 
 Pfal.16.5. 
 Luk.a2  31,5s • 
 Jam.  5.1  S. 
 Heb.io.38,3^ 
 &  ii4.'-j7.8- 
 33,34- 
 Colof.2.7. 
 2TheflV2.i3. 
 Rom.ii  ao.& 
 5.1,1. 
 .Jn.l.1.3. 
 Ifay  40.30,31. 
 Phil.  4.  n. 
 I  Pet.  i.s« 
 EpheCa  8- 
 Rom4.i}ji4' 
 
 raid  them/ It  preferveth  from  ill  meanes;  laboureth  con- 
 icionably  in  the  duties  of  cur  callings ,  yet  without  cove- 
 toufnefle  or  diftra6ling  care ;  f;valloweth  the  painfulneflfc 
 of  hpneft  labour ,  and  obtaineth  many  temporall  bleHings 
 and  deliverances,  yea  and  fpirituall  priviledges  for  our 
 (tlves,  for  our  potterity,  and  for  others.  Faith  preferveth 
 from  falling,  raifeth  us  againe  being  falleri,maketh  courage- 
 ous and  hardy  in  the  profeflion  of  the  Goipel ,  even  to  the 
 lofle  of  goods,  liberty,  and  death  it  felfe :  it  fweetneth  the 
 communion  of  S?ints,Iinketh  the  heart  in  love  to  them  that 
 feare  God,  laboureth  the  converfion  of  them  that  goe  a- 
 ftray ,    and  the  building  forward  of  them  that  bee  called, 
 and  the  comfort  of  them  that  be  diftrefled  infoule  or  body ; 
 maketh  profitable  to  thofe  that  bee  without ,  worketh 
 righteoufneflcobtaineth  a  good  report ,  &  wholly  refigneth 
 it  felfe  to  the  will  of  God.  And  to  concludcby  faith  wee  are 
 certified  of  our  eleftion,  are  made  wife  unto  falvationi 
 doe  ftandin  grace,  are  aflfared  of  prolperons  (wcc&^t  in 
 what  wee  goe  about,  doe  learne  how  to  want  and  how  to 
 I  abound,  and  poffeffe  all  things  when  for  the  prefent  wee 
 have  nothing  in  hand  :  are  enriched  with  many  fpirituall 
 f  graces ,  are  kept  to  our  heavenly  inheritance ,  and  fhall 
 bee  glorified  in  the  life  to  come.  Thefe  bee  the  found, 
 comfortable,  enduring  fruits  of  faith,  in  which  refpeft  who 
 can  but  fay,  that  faith  is  an  excellent  grace ,  a  rich  jewell, 
 a  pearlc  of  price,  the  Chrifliian  mans  treafure?  Faith  is  a 
 principall  thing ,  the  merchandife  thereof  is  betterthan  fil- 
 ver,  and  the  firuits  thereof  than  fine  gold*  Without  faith  • 
 there  is  no  plenty  to  man  on  earth  :  with  faith  there  can 
 bee  no  want  of  any  thing  that  is  good.  For  how  can  hee 
 lacke  any  good    thing ,  who  hath  God  for  bis  Father, 
 Chrifl:  his  Saviour,  the  holy  Ghoft  his  fealer  and  comfor- 
 ter, the  Angels  to  guard  him ,  Heaven  his  inheritance: 
 who  hath  Gods  faithfuU  promifc,  confirmed  by  oath  and 
 feale,  to  fecure  him  of  all  things  needfull,  grace,  com- 
 fort and  earthly  bleflings  ,  and  is' kept  by  the  power  of 
 God  unto  jalvation  ? 
 
 But 
 
 J 
 
Man  onely  u  capahle  ofjuftifying  Faith, 
 
 135 
 
 '  But  here  it  muft  bee  obferved,  that  faith  doth  not  efFe<^ 
 and  performethefe  things ,  by  any  cxcellencie  3  force ,  or 
 efficacie ofits  owne above  other  graces,  but  in  reipeil  of 
 the  office  whereunto  it  i%  afllgncd  in  the  Covenant  of 
 grace.   It  is  acaufeonely  Inftrumentall,  and  that  is  attri- 
 buted unto  it ,  which  the  principal!  caufe  worketb.  Faith 
 juftifies  not  as  an  ad  or  quality ,  but  as  it  receivcth  Chrift : 
 faith  purifieth  not  the  heart  of  itfelfejbut  asitisthcin- 
 ftrument  whereby  the  Spirit  vvorketh.   Whatfoever  wee 
 are  made  by  faith,  weeare  made  it  in  Chrift ;  and  what- 
 fbever  faith  makes  to  be  ours ,  it  is  allb  in  Chrift.  There- 
 fore faith  maketb  not  God  to  be  our  God,  but  in  Chrift  : 
 nor  us  the  children  of  God,  but  in  Chrift.  And  whatfoe- 
 ever  grace  is  wrought  in  the  heart  of  any  man ,  it  is  the  gift 
 ofGod,  the  Works  of  the  holy  Ghoft  :  but  faith  is  the  Inr 
 ftrnmertd  wbereby  the  Spirit  doth  more  and  moire  renew 
 and  pnn  fie  our  hearts.    '     ^  "       ■  ..;   .   >^ 
 
 §.  I .  Of  all  creatures  onely  man  is  capable  of  laving  of 
 juftifyirig  faith  :  not  the  bleffedAngclss  who  never  finned  j 
 nor  the  cvili  Angels ,  who  are  fhut  up  in  prilbn,  and 
 referved  in  chaines  of  darkneffe  againft  the  day  of  judge- 
 ment. .-'  ■ '  ^  '/'■  ,  '-'^^'^ '  '■  •  ■'^-  ■' 
 ^'  The  Saints  in  glory  doe  injoy  immediate  feliowfliip  arid 
 communion  with  God  by  fight ,  and  know  moft  perfeftly 
 aridmoft  clearely  :  But  the  light  ofjuftifying  faith,  which 
 doth -intlude  and  fuppofe  imperfedlion  j  'pertaineth  to  this 
 life>inivhich  we  are  in  the  way  moving  to  petfedHon ,  not 
 yet  attained  unto  perfeit  vifion.  So  that  faith  is  proper 
 unto  man  in  this  life ,  in  his  journey  towards  his  perfesft 
 home  and  eternall  habitation  :  but  all  men  are  not  en- 
 riched with  this  precious  gift  of  mercy,  and  rarejewell 
 of  grace.  _i !-'  ^^  ">'^^i,y'-^'\  tY>.  ."L)  sf.:-:ii  ilRwjb/J^>rloi/cy| 
 AUmenf^a^^e'kkfAith-  I^any  aremoc^bmifchas  out^' 
 wardly  called,  the  found  of  the  Gofpel  hath  not  reached 
 lintothem  :  many  that hearcunderrtand not  i  be  not  afte- 
 6led  with  the  truth  :  and  in  fome  that  bee  affected,  the 
 
 is  not  well  planted.  Thole 
 K  4  to 
 
 §2. 
 
 Of  all  creatures 
 Jlian  onely  u  ca- 
 pable ofjuftifj- 
 ingfaith,  ' 
 a  Pec. 2. 4. 
 
 word  takes  not  kind  rooting , 
 
 I  fay  53-I- 
 Matth.ir.aj. 
 &1J.11. 
 Rom  ?.i8. 
 
13(5 
 
 Man  omly  is  capable  of  Jufiifying  Faith, 
 
 Tit.i.i. 
 Afts  13.48. 
 Rom.ii.Ji 
 John  10.1 1,1  y,26« 
 John  6.57,39.  & 
 io.ap.&  17.1,6.  j 
 
 MaM.it. 
 
 Mat.Ti.28. 
 
 I  John  5.1. 
 
 5ohni.ii,iJ. 
 oha  <J.4't. 
 
 Mar.T  15- 
 Lukei4-49' 
 
 Lukeij  3. 
 I  John  1.9. 
 Afts  II.I?. 
 
 ^  to  whom  faith  is  given  are  deferibed  to  be  the  eleEi  of  God, 
 the  Jheepe  of  Chriji- »  and  to  be  given  of  the  Father  unto 
 ChriB, 
 
 The  fiibjei^orjuftifying  faith  is  man  a  (inner,  called  ac- 
 cording to  the  purpofe  of  God,  acknowledging  his  often- 
 ces,  and  hungringand  thirfting  after  mercy.  For  none  but  a 
 finner  can  acknowledge  Chrift  for  his  Saviour,  for  he  is  the 
 Saviour  of  jlnners.  Faith  in  Chrift  for  remiffion  of  finnes 
 h  neceflary  for  themonely  who  have  offended.:  but  every 
 finner  cannot  beleeve ,  every  one  ii  not  fit  to  receive  the 
 promife  of  mercy.  The  enemies  of  the  Golpell  of  Chrift, 
 worldlings,  hypocrites,  and  all  in  whom  fit)  reigneth ,  can 
 have  no  true  faith  in  Chrift:  he  onely  is  fit  to  embrace 
 mercy  ^  whoknoweth  that  he  isloftinhimfelfe,  and  un- 
 fatiably  defires  to  be  eafed  of  the  heavie  burden  of  his 
 fins.  -Faithisnotaworkenaturall,  butfuper-naturall;  not 
 of  nature,  but  of  grace ;  not  of  the  power  of  our  fi:ee-will, 
 but  of  the  efficacic  of  Gods  Spirit,  whereby  we  anfwer  to 
 theeffe6luallcallof  God,  and  come  unto  him,  that  we 
 might  be  partakers  of  life  eternall-  The  infufion  of  faith  i^ 
 neceffarily  precedent  to  the  ad  of  faith ,  and  grace  to  be- 
 leeve is  given  before  we  lay  hold  upon  Chrift.  And  if  la- 
 ving-effedluallcallingbe  precedent  to  faith,  the  fubjetftof 
 living  faith  1%  man  favingly  called  according  to  the  purpofe 
 of  Gods  will.  We  can  teach  no  faith  to  falvation ,  but  ac- 
 cording to  the  rule  of  Chrift,  %efenti  and  beleeve  the  Go- 
 fpell ;  no  remiffion  of  fins ,  but  according  to  the  like  rule. 
 But  faith  feeketh  and  receiveth  pardon  as  it  is  profered  in 
 the  word  of  grace.  Repentance  is  neceflarie  to^the  pardon 
 of  fin,  as  a  condition  without  which  it  cannot  be  obtai- 
 ned, not  as  acaufewhy  it  is  given.  If  mercy  fliould  be 
 vouchiafed  to  all  indifferently ,  the  grace  of  God  (liould 
 beaboulfter  to  mans  finne ,  there  fhould  be  no  difference 
 betwixt  the  jdft  and  unjuft,  the  penitent  and  obftinate. 
 Faith  commeth  to  Chrift  as  an  humble  penitent  petitioner, 
 filing  to  the  throne  of  grace  for  what  is  promifed  in  the 
 Gofpel,and  it  receiveth  according  to  the  promife  of  mercy. 
 
 §.3.  The 
 
Faith  rkfideth  both  in  Minde  and  Will, 
 
 137 
 
 §.g.  The  feat  of  faith  is  the  heart,  but  the  heart  con- 
 trite, humbled,  bewailing  finne,  denying  it  felfe,  and  affe- 
 S(z^  with  defire  of  remilTion  of  finnes.  As  the  ftomacke  is 
 the  place  in  which  meat  is  received ,  but  it  1%  neceffary 
 it  be  defirous  of  meat :  lb  the  heart  is  the  place  where 
 remiffion  of  finnes  is  received  and  felc,  but  it  muftbe  an 
 heart  defirous  of,  and  thirfting  after  pardon.  With  the  heart 
 man  beleeveth.  if  the  mind  and  will  be  two  diftinil  fa- 
 culties of  the  ibule,  then  juftifying  faith  is  refident  in  both, 
 but  principally  in  the  will  j  becaule  it  aflcnteth  to  divine 
 revelation  as  true,  and  embraceth  the  promifes  as  much 
 better  than  any  contrarie  good,  the  world,  theDivell,  or 
 flefh  can  prefent  to  prevent  our  choice  of  what  itpreicri« 
 beth  for  our  faving  health.  Forthe  word  of  promife,  not 
 onely  containing  truth,  but  offering  good  unto  us,  cannot 
 fully  be  received  with  the  underftanding,  but  the  will  alio 
 murt  move  towards  it.  And  lb  faith  is  not  onely  a  know- 
 ledge or  aflent  in  the  mind,  but  a  godly  affection  in  the 
 will,  which  doth  goe  to.,  embrace,  reft  upon  Chrift ,  or  the 
 grace  offered  in  Chrift.  Therefore  the  nature  of  faith  is  de- 
 icribed  by  words,  which  fignifie  to  l^ay  and  roll  our  felves 
 upon  God,  andtoleaneonhimas  one  would  leane  upon 
 a  ftaffe :  and  by  faith  we  come  unto  Chrift  and  receive 
 him.  , 
 
 It  is  obje<9:ed,  that  one  and  the  lame  vertne  or  grace 
 cannot  be  in  diftinft  powers  and  faculties  of  thefbule,  nor 
 faith  in diftin61:fubje£bs.  Whereunto  feverall  anfwers  are 
 made :  Firft,  that  one  and  the  fame  thing  in  divers  refpedts 
 may  be  referred  to  divers  lubje6ts,  as  thcfe  ftibje6ts  are  not 
 altogether  Separated,  but  conjoyned  amongft  themfelves. 
 Sofriendfhip  is  one  roorallvertue,  and  yet  in  the  minde 
 and  will  both.  Love  and  hatred  is  nothing  but  the  af- 
 fedlion  of  good  or  evill  will  unto  a  thing  knowne  in  the 
 underftanding.  Our  Adverfaries  themfelves  place  hope  in 
 the underftanding and  the  will,  attributing  a  double cer- 
 raintie  unto  it,  one  in  re(pe61:  of  the  underftanding ,  ano- 
 ther in  re(pe6t  of  the  will.  And  fo  faith  being  one,  doth 
 
 properly 
 
 5j. 
 
 'Faith  rejid^th 
 heth  in^Aindand 
 
 mu. 
 
 Rom.io.TO. 
 
 Ads  S.37. 
 
 a  Pet.T.r?. 
 
 Zach/Boveriut 
 
 cap.ff,ifymb. 
 
 'BonaveyiiHrit  in 
 
 ^difl  %}.q,2.art,r, 
 
 Suare^d.l.S.c-if, 
 
 n.z. 
 
 Sotus  di  natura  if 
 
 grca.l.2,c.6' 
 
 Bellar.de  j^ufiif. 
 Hm  Thilofopbia. 
 
 leUdr.defitfUf. 
 
1     -J  38 
 
 I  Reg.5,5. 
 2Coi.j.i'5. 
 Afts  7.  39.& 
 II.  2.5. 
 I  Cor .7.37. 
 Mat.  6.2  !• 
 Rom.T.s4. 
 Joh. 141. 
 Luk.  !.«<?. 
 
 &2I.I4. 
 
 Mat- 12.3?. 
 Mat.i  5.14,1  J. 
 
 J'^/?^  refideth  both  in  Minde  and  Will. 
 
 properly  pof&fleone  fiibje^l,  to  wit,  thefonle  ':  butcon- 
 fidered  according  to  the  two  faculties  thereof,  it  poflefleth 
 the  minde,  as  it  underftandeth  and  affenteth ;  the  will ,  as 
 it  receiveth  and  embraceth  the  word  ofpromife-  Secondly 
 it  is  anfwered  ,  that  faving  faith  doth  prefuppofe  know- 
 ledge and  aflTent  as  the  root  and  foundation:  but  formally 
 it  is  an  affe(^ion  towards  the  promife  of  grace,  andfeaced 
 in  the  heart.  As  the  realbnable  foule  doth  give  life,  fenfe, 
 and  n;otion  as  inferiour  operations  :  lb  juftifying  faith 
 doth  know  and  a  Rent,  but  as  juftifying  it  doth  trtifl  and 
 rely  upon  the  mercy  of  God  in  Jeliis  Chrift.   Thirdly ,  ju- 
 ftifying faith ,  or  faith  as  it  juftifyeth,  is  not  one  vertue, 
 nor  any  vertue,but  juftifiethonely  as  it  makes  us  partakers 
 oftherighteoufnefleof  Chrift  -,  which  ic  doth  not  by  any 
 dignity  or  excellencie  of  its  ownc,  but  inrefpedlofthef 
 pkee  and  office  which  our  mercifullGod  hath  freely  arid 
 liberally  granted  unto  it  .Now  nothing  hindreth,why  God 
 rhould  not  givethe  name  of  faith  both  to  aflent  in  the  un- 
 derftanding,  and  to  affiance  in  the  will,  and  require  both  to 
 juftification.  And  that  it  is  not  a  vertue  as  it  juftifieth,  is 
 manifeft  hereby  >  that  wee  are  juftifiedbythea(ftoffaith> 
 not  by  the  habit  offaith,  as  Divines  Popifti  and  Proteftant 
 confefle. 
 
 But  if  minde  and  will  be  indeed  but  two  names  or  titles 
 of  one  and  the  lame  intellecluall  nature,  as  truth  and  good- 
 nefle  in  matters  morall  differ  onely  in  degrees  of  app're- 
 henfton ,  then  there  i^  no  roomc  for  this  objetSliont  Not 
 to  difpute  this  point  any  further ,  this  is  manifeft ,  that 
 in  Scripture  the  heart  is  taken  for  the  whole  Ibule,  with 
 all  its  powers  and  operations  j  as  of  underftanding ,  wil- 
 ling and  chooftng,remembring  or  retaining  in  minde,  and 
 affe(Sl:ing;  that  the  Scripture  doth  fimp ly  attribute  to 
 the  heart  knowledge ,  confidence ,  and  aflfedlion  ;  and 
 that  the  Scripture  hath  no  peculiar  words ,  whereby  that 
 philofophicall  diftin61:ion  of  minde  and  will  may  be  confir- 
 med :and  therefore  according  to  the  fentence  of  Scripture, 
 Wee  may  feat  faith  in  the  heart  or  realbnable  Ibule ,  and 
 
 not 
 
Faith  is  fecultAr  to  them  who  Are  called^  ^c. 
 
 139 
 
 not  trouble  our  felves  about  the  diftindion  ofthefa- 
 ^cuJties. 
 
 If  the  Scripture  mention  this  as  an  a<Sl  of  faith ,  To  be- 
 leevfi  that  Chrifi  is  the  Sonne  ofGod)SN\i\^  is  ieaced  in  the 
 minde ;  it  muti  bee  remembred,  that  words  of  knowledge 
 doe  together  by  connotation  imply  affection ,  much  more 
 words  of  beJeefe  :  and  therefore  where  weefinde  Tobe- 
 Jeeve  thatChriftisthefbnneofGod,  wee  muft  conceive 
 this  beleefe  to  containe  confidence  in  the  Sonne.  Words 
 of  knowledge  moft  ufiially  import,  not  idle  knowledge 
 in  the  minde,  but  true  and  unfained  affe6iions  in  theheartj 
 which  accompany  that  knowledge.  Knowledge  i%  the 
 ground  of  confidence ,  and  fo  \t  is  put  for  confidence  which 
 it  doth  bring  forth. 
 
 The  whole  intelle£^uall  nature  is  the  leat  of  faith,  and 
 that  faith  which  juftifyeth  is  well-rooted,  and  taketh 
 kindly  in  the  foule;  otherwife  it  could  not  feafon  the 
 whole  lumpe  ,  difperfe  its  vertue  into  every  affedlion,  com- 
 mand every  paflTion ,  and  brir^into  fubje^lion  whatfoever 
 doth  make  head  againlt  the  power  of  godlinefTe.  Faith 
 that  \^  not  well  planted  can  neither  hyx\^\y  receive ,  nor 
 firmelyhoIdChrift;  butby  theallurementsof  the  world, 
 the  lurts  of  the  flefh,  and  affaults  of  Satan  it  is  eafily  over- 
 turned. The  ftonie  ground  received  the  feed,  but  wanting 
 good  root  it  vyithered ,  and  brought  forth  no  fruit  to  ripe- 
 nefle.  Whileft  faith  poffefifeth  the  caftleofthe  foule,  it 
 can  as  eafily  overcome  the  aflauksoftheFlefh,  the  World, 
 and  the  Devill ;  as  honeft  fubjefls ,  which  hold  the  heart 
 of  the  Kingdome ,  can  vanqiiiHi  and  bring  under  the  (cat- 
 tercd  forces  of  an  enemie,  that  makes  inrodes  upon  the 
 borders.  But  if  the  heart  be  taken  up  with  worldly  delights, 
 or  vainelufts  be  fuffered  to  build  their  caftle  therein,  then 
 fliall  we  be  made  a  prey  to  Satan.  The  cares  of  the  world 
 and  pleafures  of  this  life  choake  the  feed  of  life  received, 
 that  it  brings  forth  no  fruit  unto  perfc6lion. 
 
 §.  4.  This  faith  well  rooted  is  common  to  all,  and  pro- 
 per to  them  onely,  who  be  called  according  to  the  purpole 
 
 of 
 
 Pfal.ai.a. 
 Pfal.iii).ii.2o. 
 Pro.  J.  5. 
 Chemnit.  loe, 
 cam.  de.Juflif^ 
 feU.Poftremum 
 memb  .de  dtf fid. 
 1  Joh.5.1. 
 ftom.io.S. 
 ijoh.  5.4,5. 
 20.  ver/e. 
 I  Joh  a.  4. 
 Pial.78.22. 
 Pral.ij74,y. 
 Neh.  6.14.& 
 I3.i4,2p. 
 John  17.3. 
 rieb,4.2,5. 
 HccLijr  I. 
 
 §.4. 
 Fat'th  u  p/culiar 
 to  ih:m,whebe 
 called  according 
 to  thsfurpofi  of 
 God. 
 
140 
 
 All  have  not  Uke  meajure  of  Faiths 
 
 iCor.^'.ij, 
 Mat.p.2. 
 iPet.i.1. 
 [  Pet.r.7, 
 Rom.  1. 17. 
 GaI.^.^o. 
 1  Johnj.sj. 
 Hab.2.4. 
 John  20.27. 
 Afts  15.31.  & 
 
 Mar.11.2j. 
 John  14.1,  - 
 
 1  Pet.  1.7. 
 Heb.ii.(S'j7,S.p, 
 io,&c. 
 
 Gal.  3.2!?. 
 Ads  8.37. 
 Jamei  5.14,15. 
 Phil.i.ij. 
 Ephen(S.i8. 
 
 2  Thef.51. 
 
 Heb.10.5f. 
 
 ^11  have  not 
 
 like  meafute  of 
 
 faith. 
 
 Rom.t2  J. 
 
 Mat.S.io.&iS. 
 
 28. 
 
 Mat.f.3o.&8. 
 
 25.&14.J1.& 
 
 i<i.8. 
 
 Mar.9.24. 
 
 Rom. 4.20. 
 
 Rorr.T4.i. 
 
 &i5,i. 
 
 5  of  God.  All  that  be  favingly-cffeaually  called,  and  they 
 lonely,  are  partakers  of  the  fame  faith  in  fubjea,  objea 
 kind ,  but  not  in  nHmber  and  degree.  Every  bekever  hath 
 a  proper,  fingularjfincere,  individual!  faith,  in  kinde  the 
 fame,  but  in  number  differing  fron:i  the  faith  of  others ;  as 
 the  faith  of  Peter  was  diftinft  from  the  faith  of  the  other 
 Difciples.  The  juft  doth  live  bj  his  ore ne  faith.  A  ipe- 
 ciall  and  particular  faith  is  required  in  every  one  that 
 fliallbefaved.  This  particular  faith  is  commended  by  the 
 KolyGhoftin  particular  faithfullmen  and  women;  and 
 when  the  faithfull  of  age  and  difcretion  were  admitted 
 to  Baptifme,  they  profeffed  particularly  their  faith  in 
 Chritt. 
 
 Health  of  body,  and  fuch  like  outward  bleffings,  may  be 
 conferred  by  God  upon  one  for  the  faith  of  another.  And 
 the  children  of  Chriftian  parents  are  within  the  covenant 
 for  their  parents  faith,  as  the  promife  is  made  to  the  faith- 
 ful land  to  their  feed,  and  they  receive  it  for  themfelves 
 and  their  poftcrity.  And  generally  the  faith  of  one  may 
 helpe  to  obtaine  for  another,  fo  farre  as  it  moveth  to 
 pray  for  others.  But  remiffion  of  finnes  and  falvation  is 
 not  obtained  without  a  proper  and  fpeciall  faith  in  them 
 that  be  of  ripe  yeeres ,  and  have  the  ufe  of  reafon.  God 
 takes  no  pleafure  in  them  who  with-draw  themfelves  by 
 unbeliefe.  ^ 
 
 §.5.  The  faith  which  is  beleevedis  one  and  the  fame, 
 the  grace  whereby  we  beleevefupernaturallyinfufed,  the 
 feate  of  fairh  an  humbled  and  contrite  heart ;  but  the  mea- 
 fure  of  faith  is  not  equall  or  like  in  all.  To  (omeis  given 
 agreatermeafureof  faith,toothersa  lefler:  faith  is  more 
 ftrong  in  this  Chriftian,  morewcake  in  that.  There  is  a 
 great  faith ,  and  a  little  faith  ;  afirongfaithmd  a  weake 
 faith.  All  living  trees  in  an  Orchard  bee  not  of  one 
 growth  or  fruitfubefle :  all  men  be  not  of  one  flature, 
 eftate,  or  age;  but  fome' high,  fomelowi  fome  rich, 
 others  poore;  fomeftrong  to  labour,  others  thatmuft  be 
 borne  or  held  up  by  the  armes :  and  fo  it  is  in  the  Church 
 
 of 
 
{^Uha've  not  like  nteafure  of  Faith. 
 
 of  God  amongft  Chriftians.  All  good  ground  is  not  equall 
 \n  yeelding  fruit,  ibme  returnes  an  hnndred-foJd ,  fbme 
 thirty -fold. 
 
 Such  perfection  of  faith  is  granted  to  no  man  in  this 
 W^Qy  that  neither  hee  nor  any  other  can  bee  more  perfe6l 
 therein.    The  faith  of  all  the  eleft  is  fincere ;  the  faith 
 of  Ibme  perfect  in  comparifon  of  others  :  but  abiblurely 
 the  grcateft  faith  is  imperfe6t.  Juftifying  faith  fuppofeth 
 imperfection,  and  is  it  {^X^^  imperfect  in  us  fo  long  as  wee 
 live  in  this  world.  It  is  imperfeft  extenfively  in  regard  of 
 thingsto  be  beleeved ;  and  intenfively,  in  refpeft  of  confi- 
 dence, wherewith  we  beleeve  in  Chrift.  Wee  know  no- 
 thing as  wee  fhould ,  of  thofe  things  which  we  know  ;and 
 many  things  we  are  ignorant  in ,  which  we  lliould  know. 
 We  are  like  the  blinde  man,  whole  eyes,now  opened,  be- 
 gan to  fee  men  like  trees.  Looke  as  children  know  not  at 
 all  many  things,  yet  they  come  to  know  afterward;  ibwe: 
 and  looke  as  they  doe  not  fully  know  thofe  things  which 
 they  know ,  but  fuperficially ;  fo  i%  it  with  us  in  heavenly 
 matters.  Hence  our  confidence  cannot  bee  perfedl.  For 
 thofe  who  know  God  beft ,  truft  him  beft  :  thofe  who 
 dimmely  know  him,  hisgoodnefleand  truth,  they  can  but 
 weakely  beleeve  on  him.  In  Speculative  knowledge  pertai- 
 ning to  dilcourfe  they  may  farre  excell  who  come  fliort 
 in  confidence  :  butincertaine,  diftin6l,  pra6licall  know- 
 ledge they  are  moft  excellent ,  that  with  moft  lively  af- 
 fiance doe  cleave  unto  the  Lord .  Againe ,  the  my  fteries  of 
 faith  are  fo  profound,that  in  this  life  wc  cannot  attaine  un- 
 to the  underftandingofthem fully  and  perfectly,  but  have 
 need  to  pray  daily,  that  the  eyes  of  our  minde  may  bee  o- 
 pened ,  that  wee  may  more  fully  conceive  of  the  things 
 that  pertaine  to  the  Kingdome  of  God.   And  if  our  eye 
 be  dimme  in  fight ,  our  hand  is  feeble  in  receiving.  For 
 our  will  is  as  much  corrupt  as  the  underfianding  :  and  it  is 
 cafier  to  difcerne  the  truth ,  than  firmely  to  embrace  it  a- 
 gainft  all  oppofitions.  The  darknefie  of  minde  is  an  im- 
 pediment to  full  and  perfect  knowledge  :  the  corruption 
 
 of 
 
 141 
 
 non«. 
 
 Compared  with 
 I  Theff".3  10* 
 I  Tim. I  .J. 
 Phil.  3. 15. 
 
 I  Cor.  T.13.12. 
 Mar.  8. 24. 
 
 Pral.^.io. 
 
 2  Cor.  10.  ijf. 
 
 2  ThcflT.i.j. 
 Ephdli.17,  i5. 
 &4.18, 1?. 
 Col.  X. 9,10. 
 
I      142  The  FaithoftherveakeJlChripmtsfufficmtydrc.     1 
 
 — — rs -— ■-. : 
 
 Rom.  I- 17* 
 
 Pfal.yj.  I,  J. 8c 
 30.6, 7>'' 
 
 §.6. 
 
 The  Faith  of  the 
 
 isfufficicMt  tofd- 
 
 L 
 
 of  will ,  which  is  never  wholly  removed  in  this  life,  is  a  ftop 
 and  let  to  perfect  confidence.Faith  groweth  and  encreafeth 
 by  degrees ;  which  is  an  argument  that  in  this  life  it  ne- 
 ver comes  to  the  higheft  pitch  of  perfedHon  :  For  that 
 which  is  already  complete  in  degree,  needeth  no  augmen- 
 tation. What  beleever  is  there ,  who  findes  not  a  conti- 
 nuallcombate  of  faith,  againft  many  temptations  arifing 
 from  his  native  ignorance ,  infidelity ,  diffidence ,  the 
 wifdome  of  the  flefh,  his  owne  lenfe  and  feeling  ?  &c.  which 
 aflanlts  againft  faith  from  within  doe  argue  the  weaknefle, 
 as  the  refittance  of  them  demonftrates  the  truth  of  faith. 
 The  tree  is  known  by  its  fruit,  and  the  goodneffe  of  a  caufe 
 by  the  cffeds  it  -produceth.  But  the  fruits  of  faith  arc  im- 
 perfe6l ;  as  love,  joy,  and  holinefie.  The  faith  oi  Abraham 
 was  great  and  excellent,  but  not  perfefl  in  degree :  He  was 
 ftrong  in  faith,  and  doubted  not  of  infidelity,  but  of  infir- 
 mity hee  doubted  :  His  faith  remained  invincible,  though 
 often  affaulted,  but  now  and  then  it  was  fhaken. 
 
 §.  6.  Tlie  ftrongeft  faith  is  imperfefl ;  but  the  meafure 
 of  faith  is  fo  divided  by  divine  providence ,  that  to  none 
 who  are  called  according  to  his  purpofe,  is  given  lefle  than 
 may  fuffice  to  their  ialvation.  The  meafure  offaithcon- 
 taineththisinit,  that  it  be  a  fufficient  portion  for  every 
 one.  God  in  bis  wife  providence  giveth  the  greateft  mea- 
 fure of  faith  to  them  ,  who  are  toundergoe  the  greateft 
 combats.  Hee  hath  appointed  feme  for  the  example  of o- 
 thers ,  and  in  them  hee  propoundeth  to  the  world  certaine 
 tokens  of  his  glory  and  vertue :  and  therefore  he  beftovveth 
 upon  them  a  more  abundant  meafure  of  faith ;  not  that 
 they  might  acquire  by  it  more  falvation,  but  that  they 
 might  firiguiarly  ferve  for  the  illuftrating  of  the  glory 
 of  God,  and  bee  an  helpe,  comfort,  and  iiipport  to  the 
 weake.  In  the  body  humane  the  bones  have  more  ftrength 
 than  the  jRefb ,  not  that  there  is  more  life  in  them,but  that 
 they  might  fiiftaine  the  weake  f^efti :  fo  here.  There  is  no 
 member  of  the  body  fo  weake ,  if  it  be  endued  with  thefpi- 
 rit  odifZ)  which  is  not  as  well  a  true  and  lively  member 
 ;__  ,  of 
 
The  degrees  of  Faith. 
 
 143 
 
 of  the  body,  as  they  which  are  better  and  more  excellent:  1 
 (b  the  weakcft  beleever  is  a  lively  member  of  Chrift ,  as 
 truly  as  they  that  are  more  ftrong  in  faith. 
 
 §.  7.  The  degrees  of  true  and  lively  faith  may  be  con- 
 fidered  according  to  the  divers  growth,  which  God  brin-, 
 geth  his  children  unto;  and  the  divers  meafure  of  grace, 
 which  God  beftoweth  upon  them ;  according  to  the  time 
 wherein  they  have  been  trained  up  in  the  fchoole  of  Chrift, 
 the  meanes  God  hath  vouchfafed  for  their  building  for- 
 ward, their,  experiments  of  his  love,  and  their  care  touie 
 the  meanes  and  employ  their  talent.  Godgiveth  no:  the 
 fame  meafure  of  grace  to  all  beleevers  :  all  be  not  of  equall 
 ftanding  in  Chrifts  fchoole,  nor  of  equall  paines  to  improve 
 what  they  have  received,  nor  live  under  like  powerfull 
 meanes  of  grace,  &  enjoy  likehelps  ofencreafein  ftrength. 
 In  nature  no  man  wonders  to  fee  a  growne  man  Wronger 
 than  a  new  borne  babe ;  a  plant  fet  in  a  mellow  and  fertile 
 garden,  thrives  fafter  than  that  which  groweth  in  a  more 
 barren  Ibyle ;  a  Merchant  chat  is  warie  and  induftrious  tO' 
 employ  his  ffoek,to  encreafe  more  than  hee  that  is  remiiTe  j 
 an  old  beaten  Souldier  to  bee  more  expert  than  one  who 
 hath  newly  put  on  his  arm.our:  In  grace  the  fame  holds 
 good ;  for  faith  thriveth  according  to  the  time,  meanes,  ex- 
 periments? and  care  we  take  to  improve  our  talentjand  pre- 
 ierve  our  faith.  The  degrees  of  faith  may  fitly  bee  drawne 
 into  foure  heads.  For  there  is  a  weake  faith,  as  it  were  in' 
 the  tender  bud  v  a  faith  fomewhat  growne  up ;  ttrong  faith  ^ 
 and&llaflurance. 
 
 Faith  is  weake  fbure  wayes  ;  Firft,  in  knowledge,  when' 
 a  beleever  is-butababe  in  underttanding,  ignorant  of  ma- 
 ny profitable  things  needfull  to  bee  learned  and  pra6lifecf* 
 Jiim  that  is  weake  in  faiths  receive  you,  hut  not  to  doubt- 
 full  dijputatioas-  TheDifciplcs  had  true  faith,  whenthey 
 were  vecie  weake  in  knowledge.  For  though  they  belee- 
 ved  that  Chrift  was  the  Meffiah,  yet  they  were  ignorant 
 of  his. Death,  and  Refiirre6tion,  and  Afccnfion.  When 
 beetold  themof  hisfufferings,  they  underftood  not  that 
 
 §.7. 
 
 The  dtgref»^tj 
 faith. 
 
 Pfured'grees  of 
 f<*itk^ 
 
 I.  Weake. 
 I. 
 
 Faith  ii  v/eake  in 
 foure  rejptifs' 
 Rom.14.  i.and 
 
 Heb.MT,T2. 
 I  Col.8.10* 
 
 Match. lo.i^. 
 Liik.9  4S'< 
 Maik.9-9. 
 
144 
 
 The  degrees  ofFdth, 
 
 Joh.ao.p. 
 
 Mark.i^xl. 
 
 Joh.i4.j. 
 
 3- 
 
 Matth.S.atf. 
 and  14-31  • 
 
 P£al.73-'a8. 
 
 Matth.itf.5^, 
 
 4. 
 
 \  faying;  when  OKarietold  them  of  his  refurre6lion,  they 
 I  beleevedit  not ;  when  heelpakeof  his  tarrying  with  them 
 a  little,  and  then  of  going  unto  his  Father,  they  knew  not 
 what  it  meant. 
 
 Secondly}  faith  is  weake  in  aflent,  when  a  Chriftian  gives 
 credit  to  the  principles  of  do6lrine  and  promifes  of  life, 
 not  only  a  true  and  certaine,  but  as  much  better  than  life  it 
 felfe,  yet  not  without  much  realbning  and  diiputing  in  him- 
 felfe.  Lordil beleeveyhel^ mine unbeleefe. 
 
 Thirdly*  in  confidence  it  is  feeble,  when  the  Beleever 
 rolls  himfelfe  upon  Chrift  and  the  promifes  of  mercie 
 made  in  him,  purpofing  to  adhere  and  cleave  unto  him, 
 though  hee  feele that  heehangeth  but  weakly,  dilcernenot 
 the  certaintie  of  his  eftate ,  nor  the  ftableneflfe  of  Gods 
 promifes,  cannot  aflure  himfelfe  that  hee  doth  beleeve,  is 
 foone  difcouraged  in  troubles ,  and  ready  to  faint  if  help 
 come  not  prefently.  But  when  the  mind  is  perplexed 
 with  temptations,  feares,  and  doubts,  and  the  heart  ready 
 to  faint,  not  able  with  cleare  evidence  to  receive  the  pro- 
 mifes; yet  then  this  true  Beleever  is  habitually  refolved 
 (not  without  great  dread  and  wavering)  that  it  is  goo  A  to 
 truBand  tvait  upon  the  Lord.  And  this  muft  bee  remem- 
 bred  for  certaine,  that  howfbever  faith  bee  often  (haken, 
 opprefled  with  feares  ,  or  turned  afide  with  oppofitions 
 that  bee  made  againftit  for  a  time,  as  the  Diiciples  did 
 all  forfake  our  Saviour,  and  flee  when  hee  was  apprehen- 
 ded ;  yet  the  weakeft  faith  is  advifedly  refolved  to  ftick 
 faft  unto  the  promifes  of  life ,  as  much  better  than  the 
 pleafures  or  profits  of  this  life ,  and  to  embrace  Cfirift 
 notwithftanding  anyoppofition  by  allurement  or  terrour. 
 that  the  Devill,  the  World,  or  the  Flefh  can  make  a- 
 gainftit. 
 
 Fourthly,  in  the  fruits  and  effects  thereof  faith  i^ 
 weake ;  as  in  the  fenfc  of  Gods  love,  affurance  of  hU  grace 
 and  favour,  power  to  fubdue  unruly  paflions,  contempt  of 
 the  world,  patience  and  py  in  tribularion,  and  tht 
 conf^ant,  lively  pradice  of  holineffe.  Ordinarily  this  is 
 
 the 
 
Faith  rvcake  in  one  refpeof  may  bejlrong  in  another.  145 
 
 the  ftate  of  beleevers  at  their  firft  converfion ;  and  who 
 canexpe<ftit  ftiouldbee  otherwife?  Wee  doe  not  looke 
 that  a  new  borne  babe  {hould  bee  able  to  goe  alone  j  O: 
 ftrength  comewithage,  wee  tbinke  it  is  well.  And  thus 
 it  fareth  with  them  alfo ,  who  are  not  conicionable  to 
 gaine knowledge, fubdue their  corruptions,  cherifh  faith, 
 nourifli  the  motions  of  Gods  Spirit,  pray  earneftJy,  watch 
 narrowly ,  get  relblution  of  their  doubts  »  tie  up  their 
 paflions,  renue  their  rcpcntance,and  purpofe  to  better  obe- 
 dience. 
 
 But  Ibme  there  are ,  whom  God  in  Ipeciall  manner  doth 
 priviledge  at  one  time,  and  in  one  day  to  receive  that  grace 
 and  gift  ofadurance,  which  others  are  long  labouring  and 
 travelling  for,  before  they  attaine  it.  As  our  Saviour  Chrift 
 pronouBceth  diZachensy  This  day  is  this  Man  become  the 
 Sonne  of  Pi^izhiXTiyandfalvatioft  is  come  into  his  honfe  So 
 Lydia  her  heart  vf  as  ofenedithatfhe  attended  to  the  preach- 
 ingofPa.u\ :  the  Jay  lour,  and  the  J^jv^j  who  were  pricked 
 in  confcicnce  at  the  preaching  of  y^/rr,  were  quickly  com- 
 forted after  they  were  thrownedowne.  The  like  may  bee 
 laid  of  Matthew ,  and  the  theefc  who  was  converted  upon 
 the;  Crofle. 
 
 Againe,  faith  may  be  weake  or  fmaU  in  one  particular, 
 when  it  is  great  and  ftrong  in  another.  The  meafure  of 
 knowledjge  may  be  leant ,  when  affiance  is  ftrong,  accor- 
 ding to  that  a  man  doth  know;  asin7^^<f^  Where  there 
 isfmall  aflurance  of  pardon,  there  ftrength  of  faith  may 
 dilcover  it  felfe  by  ftriving againft  doubting,  bitter  com- 
 plaining for  want  of  feeling  comfort,  fervent  feeking  to 
 bee  fettled  in  beleeving ,  earneft  longing  after  and  un(atia- 
 ble  deiire  of  grace,  high  prizing  and  valuation  of  Jelus 
 Chrift ,  and  mercy  promifed  in  him ;  feife-deniall,  con- 
 tempt of  the  worldj  care  to  learchout  the  finne  that  may 
 polTibly  hinder  comfort^  and  expellit ;  continuall  wttch^ 
 fulnefleamlholy  jealoufie  left  they  ftiou Id  bee  deceived , 
 and  faithfiill  labouring  to  fubdue  corruption.  Thcie  and 
 fuch  like  fruits  of  found ,  lively ,  wcl-jxxxed  affiance  may 
 L  be\ 
 
 Ordiruaify  ba- 
 
 lemers  ate^cake 
 at  thefirfi. 
 
 Stmt  priv  Hedged 
 above  tthert. 
 
 Luke  ip.j. 
 
 A&s  x6- 14. 
 
 Aftjt(f.34.& 
 a.  J  8. 
 Maccb.9.9. 
 Luke  32.43. 
 
 Faith  weake  in 
 one  refpe^  may 
 be  ftrong  in  4»«- 
 ther. 
 Hcb.ir.3t. 
 
ftneberiiftsefthe 
 'inexieft  Faiths  if 
 
 ■  true  and  lively. 
 Rom.  II.  40. 
 
 John  14. 17. 
 CSC  6.35- 
 EphcC  3.17. 
 J  John  5.20. 
 Heb.n.i. 
 
 John  17.3.  & 
 
 5.y4. 
 
 Col. J.  I2,i3< 
 
 Rom.6.4j» 
 
 I  John  5.  4« 
 
 Rom  II.  a  9. 
 b  Rom.  1. 17* 
 
 Tet  P}9fildi»e 
 firive  to  beftroHg 
 andtich  infaitb' 
 
 I  a6  'The  hemfits  of  the  rveakeH  faith  ^  if  true  and  lively. 
 
 be  feene  in  many  that  bee  troubled  with  manifold  feares 
 and  doubts  of  their  owne  falvation,  though  they  them- 
 felves  doe  not  ever  perceive  j  how  God  hath  enriched 
 them. 
 
 §.  8.    A  weake  and  ftrong-  faith  differ  not  in  (peciall 
 nature  and  plantation,  but  in  degree:  and  thefruites  of 
 weake  and  flrong  faith  are  the  fame ,  though  not  in  like 
 meafure ,  fulneffe  and  comfort-    More  dirtindUy ,  the  be- 
 nefits of  the  weakeft  lively  faith  be  thefe  :  By  it  theBelee- 
 veris  firmelyand  infeparably  knituntoChrift,  as  a  living 
 Member  unto  the  Head.  A  true  belecver,  though  never 
 fo  weake,  doth  poflefleChrift  with  all  his  benefits,  and  all 
 fufficienciein  him(  for  knowledge  of  faith  is  never  with- 
 out pofTeffion.)   Andfoheisjuftified,fan61ified,  adopted, 
 and  made  free  by  Chrift.  By  faith  he  apprehendeth  things 
 invifible,  bee  doth  fee  God>  and  is  made  wife  untofalva- 
 tion.  EternalUife  is  already  begunne  in  every  beleever, 
 weake  and  ftrdng ,  even  that  life  which  fliall  never  failc 
 The  weakeft  faith  gives  will  and  ability  in  fome  fort  to 
 walke  uprightly ,  and  to  \\vz  honeftly  in  the  fight  of  God 
 and  map  r  it  is  alio  ftrong  through  the  power  of  Chrift  to 
 vanquifli  Satan,  and  overcome  the  world,  withwhatibe- 
 ver is  therein,  that  maketh  head  againft  the  Ibveraignty  of 
 grace. 
 
 a  The  weakeft  faith  is  ever  joyned  wirh  the  gift  of 
 perfeverance ,  and  cannot  utterly  bee  broken  oft.  ^  hnd 
 weake  faith,  if  found,  will  grow  and  encreafe ;  as  achilde 
 now  feeble  in  his  joyntsj  may  in  time  become  ftrong  by 
 nourifhment,  and  able  to  runne  about.  It  '\s  no  wifedome 
 therefore  for  any  man  to  content  himfelfe  with  a  little 
 faith,  though  the  weakeft  faith  fhall  never  faile,  nor  be  o- 
 vercome  by  Sathan  ;  feeing  God  hath  provided,  and  doth 
 aft'ord  meanes  whereby  wee  may  be  builded  forward.  It  is 
 a  fhame  to  bee  a  man  in  yeares,  and  a  babe  in  knowledge  ; 
 to  bee  an  infant  in  faith »  when  God  vonchfafeth  time  and 
 meanes  of  better  ftature.  Who  would  bee  poore  that 
 might  bee  rich?  weake,  that  might  be  ftrong?  who  would 
 
 live 
 
F aith  fomewhat  growne.      Strong  Faith. 
 
 147 
 
 live  in  teare  and  care,  that  mighc  reft  confident  and  iccure  ? 
 who  would  wa'ke  pcnfiveiy  .  that  might  continually  re~ 
 Joyce  and  triumph  ?  A  weake  faith  will  bring  to  ialvation , 
 but  a  Hrong  faith  is  neceflary  for  a  Chriftian ,  that  he  may 
 overcome  with  more  eafe,  fight  more  ma nfullyj, endure 
 with  patience ,  and  obey  with  cheerfulnefle.  The  leaft 
 dramme  of  faith  is  more  precious  than  gold  that  peri- 
 fheth, better  than  the  whole  world;  who,  that  knoweth 
 the  price  and  value  of  luch  a  jewell ,  would  not  defirc  and 
 labour  to  be  furnifhed  with  it,  and  grow  rich  therein?  In 
 earthly  things  a  full  eftate  pleafeth  beft  :  in  heavenly  fliall 
 wee  bee  contented  to  live  from  hand  to  mouth,  and  fcarce 
 that ,  when  we  might  with  better  allowance  enjoy  plenty  ? 
 All  living  things  have  an  appetite  to  feekcanddefirenou- 
 rifliment  for  increafe  unto  perfect  ftature  in  their  kind  : 
 herbs  and  plants  fucke  juyce  out  of  the  earth;  new  borne 
 babes  defire  the  mothers  breaft.  All  true  graces  are  &.i\i 
 growing  from  a  graine  of  Muftard  feed  to  a  great  tree ;  and 
 lively  faith  doth  covet  increafe  from,  feeble  ftate  to  better 
 growth,  from  growth  to  ftrength,from  ftrength  to  full  affu- 
 rance. 
 
 §.  9.  Faith  fomewhat  gtowne  is ,  when  the  belcever 
 h  better  acquainted  with  the  doctrine  of  Ialvation,  giveth 
 more  full,  abib lute,  and  unlimited  aflent  to  the  Word  of 
 truth  than  formerly ,  cleaveth  fafter  to  the  promifes  of 
 mercy  in  Jefus  Chrift ,  is  better  ftablifhed  in  the  pra6^ice 
 ofgodlineffe,  and  hath  obtained  fome  fettled  boldnefle, 
 and  confidence  at  fome  times  i  though  hee  be  ftill  ignorant 
 of  many  privi  ledges  which  he  might  enjoy ,  and  of  which 
 hemightbeaiTuredby  the  grace  and  bounty  of  the  Lord; 
 yea  though  through  weakeneffe  he  wavereth  often ,  doubt- 
 ethagaineandagaine,  and  becommeth  like  the  fmoaking 
 flaxe. 
 
 Strong  faith  excelleth  the  former  in  certaine  know- 
 ledge ,  firme  and  full  afTent,  lively  confidence  joyned  with 
 fincere  purpofe  and  refolution  of  unpartiall  andconftant 
 '^fobedience.  This  beleever  is  better  acquainted  with  the 
 ^ L  2  promifes 
 
 Matij.jtjjz. 
 
 J.  Someffhat 
 grownc. 
 
 ,  Strong, 
 
148 
 
 &8.X0. 
 
 4.  Full  aJJUrauce. 
 Coloffi.z. 
 Rom.i>  14. 
 
 eoiofl'.i.23. 
 
 Rom. 4  20. 
 JPfJi.iy.i.ii 
 
 Job  13. I^ 
 
 Efter  4. 14. 
 
 Gotten  by  de^ 
 grees. 
 z  Cor.  i.io. 
 
 Heb.<?.it. 
 Col.a.7. 
 
 the  benefits  of 
 t/«//  ajfurance. 
 
 The  benefits  of  full  ajfurance. 
 
 promifcs  of  God  5  temporall  and  fpirituall ,  to  relie  upon 
 themi  hee  can  wrcftleearneftly  in  prayer,  is  not  difcoura- 
 ged  if  for  a  time  bis  fuite  bee  denied,  will  take  no  repulfe; 
 is  ccurageous  in  dangers,  (harpenedby  difficulties,  wal- 
 keth  on  conftantly  in  a  godly  courfc ,  and  holdeth  the  con- 
 fident aflfurance  of  his  lalvation  more  ftrongly,  and  hath 
 it  more  uliaaliy  than  the  two  former.  But  yet  hee  hath  not 
 learned  in  every  ftateand  thing fo  to  livebyfaich,  but  that 
 hee  is  often  (haken  and  troubled  with  his  corruptions,  di- 
 ftrafted  with  cares,  and  kept  under  with  other  incum- 
 brances more  than  hee  need ,  if  hee  had  attained  to  that 
 meafore  of  faith ,  which  in  this  life  many  have  obtained  by 
 the  gift  of  God- 
 
 Full  affurance  is,  when  the  beleever  hath  obtained /»// 
 ajftiraftce  of  under  Banding  in  the  my  fiery  efGodtand  of  the 
 Father  J  andofChrifii  and  afliiredly  beleeveth  in  Chrift 
 jfbr  lalvation  ,*  and  is  certainly  perfwaded  that  all  other  pro- 
 mifcs, fpirifudll  and  temporall,doe  belong  unto,and  fliallbe 
 made  good  ntito  him  ih  due  feaibn,  though  in  appearance 
 all  things  goe  cleane  contrary  :and  readily  followeth  the 
 Lords  commandement ,  though  repugnant  to  flefli  and 
 bloudj  crofTe  to  carnall  reafon, contrarie  to  earthly  pleafnre 
 and  contentmeht.  This  degree  of  faith  is  not  gotten  at 
 6nce,  nor  at  fitft  ordinarily,  but  by  degrees,  after  good 
 time  and  continuance  in  theufeofthemeanes,  after  many 
 experiences  ofGods  love  and  favour ,  after  manifold  trids 
 and  combatesjand  the  long  continued  pra6tice  of  holinefle ', 
 many  never  attaine  unto  it  in  this  life ;  Ijut  it  is  the  duty  of 
 every  Chriftian  to  labour  after  good  eftabliOiment  and  full 
 affurance  in  the  faith. 
 
 As  faith  IS  mOte excellent, fo  aretheftuits  that  ifliie 
 ftbtti  it.  The  iftrongerour faith,  the  more  firmeand  cbfe  is 
 our  union  with  Chrift.  A  weake  beleever  is  as  truly  knit 
 tb  Chrift  as  the  "ftrbng ,  but  not  foneerelyandfaft.  The 
 increafe  offaith  makes  our  Communion  with  Chrift  more 
 Ivveet  and  comfortatrle  than  before.  For  the  morefted- 
 fattlyweebeleeve,  the  clearer  apprehenfion  have  wee  of 
 
 the 
 
The  benefits  of  full  ajfurance. 
 
 the  remiflionofallourfins  J  the  more  vertue  andflrength 
 draw  wee  from  Chrift  to  kill  and  crucifie  our  corruptions  j 
 the  greater  is  our  peace  and  joy  in  the  fenle  of  Gods  (pe- 
 ci'ail  favour,  and  the  more  conftantly  injoyed  with  an  in- 
 creafe  thereof.  Fulnefle  of  faith  breeds  fulnefle  of  peace 
 and  jov  which  pafleth  underilanding.  The  firmer  our  faith, 
 the  more  free  is  our  acceflfe  with  boldnefle  and  confidence 
 to  the  throne  of  grace ,  the  more  fervently  and  confidently 
 can  we  pray  Abbuj  Father,  the  better  (iiccefTedoe  we  finde 
 in  prayer,  and  the  more  quietly  doe  we  waite  till  the  vifion 
 come,  for  it  will  come  and  will  not  lie. 
 
 Aflurance  of  faith  doth  enable  with  mere  eafe  to  over- 
 come the  world,  to  contemne  the  pleafures  of  finne ,   to 
 poflefl'e  the  foule  in  patience  in  hard  and  fore  preflures ,  to 
 curbe  unruly  paflions,  to  tread  Satan  under  feet ,  tobreake 
 through  all  worldly  difficulties ,  and  to  runne  with  cheere- 
 fulneffe  the  race  tnat  is  fet  before  us.  The  weake  beleever 
 creeps  forward  in  the  way  to  Heaven,  but.it  is  with  much 
 difficulty ;  Hee  hath  much  adoe  with  himfelfe ,  he  h  per- 
 plexed with  feares ,  frightned  with  troubles ,  difcouraged 
 with  want  of  mcanes ;  heis  wearie,  feeble,  panteth,maketh 
 many  a  ftand,  and  flippeth  now  and  then.  Tt  is  farre  bet- 
 ter with  him,  who  is  fett led, ftablifhed  and  rooted  in  the 
 knowledge  and  love  of  the  truth,  and  is  afluredofGods 
 mercy;  hathinterertinallthe  promifes  of  grace,  and  can 
 lay  aduall  claime  unto  them.    For  hee  contemneth  the 
 temptations  of  multitudes,  cuftomes,  examples;  hedeljsi- 
 feth  the  offers  ofprofits,plea{iircs, honours,  efteemingit 
 grexter  riches  to  ftiffer  affitEiiofj  with  the  people  ofGod^ 
 than  to  enjoy  the p/eafftres  of/fa.  As  for  reproach ,  trouble, 
 perfecution ,  he  fhrinkes  not  at  them,  for  his  heart  is  fixed 
 and  trufteth  in  the  Lord.   In  dangers  hee  is  confident, 
 though  meanes  of  deliverance  appeare  not,becauf^  he  feech 
 Godwhoisinvifible,  and  refteth  upon  his  faithfull  pro- 
 mife  that  cannot  deceive.  Hisaffe(5tionsarefealbned,his 
 heart  is  in  HeaVen,  his  love  to  God  is  flronger  than  death  , 
 life  ic  felfc  is  not  dearc  unto  him,  that  he  may  finiCh  his 
 
 L  ^  courfe 
 
 149 
 
 Rom.if.  ij, 
 I  John  I.  4. 
 Kom.5. 1,1,5. 
 Heb.ro.  22- 
 Mattfi.rj.t8. 
 
 &8 
 
 »J' 
 
 Hcb.  raia. 
 Ads  20. 14. 
 Pfal  27.3. 
 
I50 
 
 The  jlrongeH  faith  is  fubjeSi  to  fundry  infirmmes. 
 
 The ftrongeft  faith 
 iifubiefftajH/.dry 
 infiTmitiet- 
 Jobs  3,8. 
 Numb.20.io, 
 
 I  King  i>).4« 
 
 Gcn.ij.2. 
 
 Pfal.j.S.with 
 
 31.22. 
 
 I  Sam.  27.1' 
 
 The  fironghlee* 
 verdomfomt' 
 times  jh'inke-, 
 
 '  ivhen  the  "^eal^C 
 
 \fiandsfaii. 
 
 courfe  with  joy.  If  at  any  time  hee  tread  awry  through 
 over-fight  or  infirmitie;  the  ftronger  his  is  faithj  the  Ibo- 
 fier  doth  hee  arifeagaine,  renue  his  repentance,  and  em- 
 brace the  promifes  of  mercy  afrelli. 
 
 Let  us  then  ftrive  to  attaine  unto  the  beft  meafiire  of 
 faith,  and  to  excell  our  felves.  In  earthly  things  men  are 
 wilhngtobettertheir  condition  :  and  (hall  wee  bee  care- 
 lefle  in  heavenly  things  to  provide  well  for  our  (elves?  In 
 faire  weather  the  Traveller  will  carrie  his  Cloake,  be- 
 caule  the  fcalbn  may  change  before  hisreturne.  Aflrong 
 faith  is  ever  of  nfe ,  mofl:  needfull  in  temptations  of  long 
 continuance  and  grievous  to  be  borne :  and  though  now  we 
 \ivt  in  peace,  wee  know  not  how  (bone  we  may  be  called 
 forth  to  tryall,  what  fervicewecmaybeputunto,  or  how 
 the  Lord  will  exercile  us. 
 
 $.  10.  But  here  wee  muft  remember,  the  ftrongeft 
 faith  hath  infirmities  under  which  it  groaneth ,  and  is 
 fubjeft  to  temptations  both  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the 
 left,  even  firong  temptations,  whereby  it  is  fibakenfor 
 a  time.  Jobs  faith  was  fhaken ,  when  hee  curled  the  day 
 of  his  birth  ;  Mofes  his  faith  quailed  at  the  rocke:  E- 
 liah,  that  famous  beleever,  who  had  railed  the  dead, 
 would  bee  dead  in  a  paifion.  Long  delayes  did  both  trie 
 and  (liake  the  faith  of  Abraham.  In  one  and  the  /ame 
 beleever  faith  is  fbmetimes  greater  and  (Wronger ,  another 
 time  more  weake  and  infirme:  flrongerinagreatadault, 
 weakerinalelTe.  The  gift  of  faith  is  without  repentance, 
 and  being  once  kindly  planted  in  the  heart,  there  itremai- 
 neth  for  ever :  but  in  regard  of  greatnelTe  or  meanelTe  it  hath 
 many  alterations,  increafings  anddecreafings;  yea,  the 
 (trong  beleever  doth  fometimes  fhrinke  and  draw  back  like 
 a  coward  in  fmall  temptations,  and  the  weak  doth  quit  him- 
 fclfe  valiantly  in  great  tryals. 
 
 The  (Irong  muft  not  be  carelefle ,  as  if  hee  (liould  never 
 doubt  againe ,  or  be  brought  into  ftraits :  The  weake  mu(t 
 not  be  difmayed,  as  ifthey  (hould  utterly  be  overthrowne  : 
 Both  weake  and  ftrong  muft  looke  for  tryals,  and  bee  care- 
 full 
 
Motives  and  encouragements  to  belceve. 
 
 1)1 
 
 fulitopreferve  and  grow  in  faith.  For  the  ftate  of  grace 
 in  this  iifc  is  fuch  as  hath  itill  reliques  of  finne  dwel- 
 ling vyith  it ,  and  the  Devill  and  the  world  ftili  lay 
 fiege  againft  the  caftle  of  our  faith  to  batter  it,  and 
 prevaile  much  when  they  finde  us  lecure  and  carelefle,  but 
 are  prevented  by  diligence  and.watchfulnefle,  the  Lord 
 aflifting. 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 Of  the  right  plantation  of  faith  p  aud  means  s 
 Vfhereby  it  is  confirmed. 
 
 THe  neceflary  ufe ,  and  excellent  fruits  of  faith. 
 
 §1. 
 
 Motivet  and0t- 
 couragemtnts  to 
 belteve. 
 2  Cor.5.ao. 
 
 Macth.ii.2$. 
 
 fliould  incite  men,  if  they  want ,  to  feekeit 
 with  all  diligence*  and  if  they  bee  partakers  of  that  hea- 
 venly gift,  to  hold  and  keepe  it,  to increafc and  grow 
 therein.   And  this  the  rather ,  becaufe  we  have  many  en- 
 couragements to  beleeve,  God  doth  befeech  men  to  be  re- 
 conciled unto  him.:  Should  not  this  wonderful!  clemency 
 of  God  encourage  us  with  boldnelle  and  confidence  to 
 come  unto  him?  Chrift  himfelfe  doth  gracioufly  invite 
 all  that  be  poore,  needy,  wearyjandheavie  laden  to  corpe 
 unto  him  :  and  the  Lord  maketh  a  general!  proclamation 
 of  liberty  to  all  diftrefled  ibules  that  will  come  and  receive 
 it,  without  exception  of  any  in  particular :  which  fliould 
 the  rather  affedt ,  if  wee  confider  who  it  is  that  proclai- 
 meth,  inviteth,  befeecheth,  namely ,  God,  who  is  able  to 
 helpe,  and  ready  to  forgive  and  fuccour.   If  a  covetous 
 man  (hould  oflPer  us  any  great  kindnelfe ,  wee  might  doubt 
 of  performance ,  becaufe  it  is  contrary  to  his  nature:  but  it 
 is  not  fo  with  our  God ;  his  name  is  gracious  ,  and  his 
 nature  is  to  bee  faithful!  in  performance,  and  true  in  ofter 
 and  promifing.  In  the  covenant,  that  God  ofhis  rich  grace 
 and  mercy  hath  made  with  his  Church  and  people ,  fealed 
 with  Sacraments  ,  and  confirmed  by  oath ,  remiffion  of  |  pAr-jr.'so" 
 
 L  4  fins 
 
 Deut.7.9a 
 
 Jcr.3T.j4. 
 Hcb  ID.16, 
 
M' 
 
 152 
 
 Efay  55-7' 
 Ezfk  18. 21. 
 &33.11. 
 Mai.  3.  17. 
 Efay  I.  18. 
 
 Tit.a.14-' 
 I  Joh.i.j. 
 ■Miv.i6.i6. 
 Joh  315,1"^. 
 &6.3<i.,40. 
 Ads  10.43. 
 Mauh.i-zr. 
 &18.11. 
 Luke  i?.iO' 
 
 Motives  and  encouragements  to  belceve. 
 
 rjoh.  j.jSjM* 
 
 aTim.i.ii. 
 
 Heb.7.  Jf. 
 
 2  Cor. 5.1;. 
 
 finnes  fecret  and  open,  great  and  fmall,  of  what  quality 
 foever,  is  promifed  and  aflured  to  them  that  repent  and 
 b  eleeve.   And  when  life  and  falvation  is  promifed  t©  them 
 that  will  receive  it  by  faith,  no  man  is  excluded  from 
 that  mercie ,  but  hee  that  fliuts  forth  himfelfc  by  Infi- 
 delity- 
 Wee  have  a  Saviour ,  who  came  into  the  world  to  {ave 
 finners,  and  i  s  able  to  deliver  us  out  ofthe  hands  of  all  our 
 enemies  >  his  redemption  beingbothprecious  and  plenti- 
 ful!. And  therefore  ,  though  the  multitude  and  grievouf- 
 nefle  of  our  finnes  iTiould  encreafe  our  repentance,  yet  they 
 fhould  not  diminifh  our  faith,  and  diligence  in  feeking 
 affuranceofiorgivenefle.  For  though  our  debt  was  never 
 kt  great ,  our  furety  Chrift  Jefus  bath  paid  it  to  the  utmoft 
 farthing. 
 
 The  Lord  who  is  befl:  acquainted  with  hisownelove, 
 rnercy,  andcompafTionjandknoweth  what  ispleafingand 
 acceptable  unto  him ,  hath  lliraightly  charged  and  com- 
 manded us  to  beleeve  in  him,  and beleeving will beftow 
 upon  us  eternall  life  according  to  promife.  And  can  there 
 be  any  fraud  in  Gods  Word?  or  danger  in  yeelding  obe- 
 dience to  his  Commandement?  What  need  weefeare  to 
 commit  our  fbules  to  him ,  who  is  able  to  keepe  them,  and 
 hath  bound  himfelfe  to  fave  them ,  if  wee  relie  upon 
 him  ? 
 
 -  Our  Faith  is  dire<Sbed  to  God  in  and  through  Jcfiis  Chrift 
 cur  neeire  kinfman,  who  hath  taken  ournature,  and  is  be- 
 come fledi  of  our  flefh.  Though  we  feared  fome  great  man, 
 y€t  were  hee  married  to  our  houfe,very  neere  us ,  thiscir- 
 cumftance  would  animate  us  not  a  little;  the  lame  fihould 
 wee  thinke  of  our  God,  married  as  aforefaidtoourflelli. 
 Chrift  Out  Saviour  and  high  Prieft  ever  liveth ,  to  ap- 
 peore  in  heaven  before  his  Father ,  and  to  make  inter cejft- 
 on  for  m.  The  Father^  rcho  hath  committed  all  judgement 
 ^of^tf^tJ^wf,  hath  given  unto  him  power  to  remit  and  par- 
 don finne;  and  hecasourfuretie,  having  all  our  debt  laid 
 upon  him ,  hath  by  one  oblation  ofhimfelfe  once  offered , 
 
 pur- 
 
M  earns  for  the  rightfUming  of  faith. 
 
 ^n 
 
 purchafed  for  us  eternall   redemption ;  and  by  vertue  of 
 his  obedience  hath  received  for  us  j  whatfoever  he  diftribu- 
 tethuntous. 
 
 By  beleeving  wee  glorifie  God  both  in  his  truth,  power , 
 wifcdome,  love,  grace  and  mercy,  whom  before  wee  ^i~ 
 flionoured  by  our  finnes.  For  the  grace  of  God  is  manife- 
 ftcd  by  faith  in  Jefus  Chrift,  in  the  declaration  and  ac- 
 knowledgment whereof  ftandeth  the  chicfe  praife  and 
 glory  of  the  Lord ,  as  the  laft  end  of  all  his  workes.  Mer- 
 cy and  compalTion  in  man  is  but  as  the  drop  of  a  bucket  in 
 comparifon  of  that  huge  Ocean  ofgrace  that  is  to  be  found 
 in  our  God  :  But  God  requires  that  wee  fhould  forgive 
 our  brother  feventie  times  feven  times,  if  he  d^\^  repent  af- 
 ter hee  had  trerpafled  againft  us  j  and  will  not  our  God , 
 who  exa<fleth  liich  compaffion  in  us ,  be  much  more  ready 
 to  extend  mercy  unto  us,  if  we  fue  unto  him?  There  is  no 
 difflcultie  fogreat,either  inre(pe6l:of  fin ,  or  of  the  meanes, 
 &c.  but  it  hath  been  overcome  by  every  one  of  the  Saints ; 
 which  is  our  encouragement  to  feeke  faith,thac  we  might  be 
 healed. 
 
 $.  2.  Now  the  knowledge  of  God  and  Chrift  fijppoled, 
 without  which  there  can  bee  no  faith,  the  meanes  for  the 
 right  planting  of  faith  be  thele. 
 
 Firftjferious  meditation  of  our  miferable  eftate  by  na- 
 ture, the  multitudeand  hainoufnefleof  our  finnes,  and  how 
 deepe  ftaine  finne  hath  made  in  the  fbule.  The  Phy- 
 fitian  is  welcome  to  the  ficke  patient  :  the  guilty  perfbn 
 cftecmes  his  pardon*  Hunger  cauleth  men  to  tafte  their 
 meat:  and  mercy  is  plcafant  to  him  that  knowes  his  need 
 of  mercy. 
 
 Secondly,  learne  and  confider  what  promifes be  made 
 in  the  Goipel ,  and  to  whom  Chrift  offereth  himfelfe  ,• 
 even  to  the  thirftie,  wcarie,  laden,  andburthened;  to 
 them  that  be  ftung  in  confcience ,  parched  with  finne,  that 
 have,  neither  fap  nor  fruit  ofgrace.  To  them  Chrift  of- 
 fereth hi  mle  If  e,  and  becomes  a  fuiter,  that  if  they  will 
 come  unto  him,  he  will  eafe  andrefrefti,  enrich  and  com- 
 fort 
 
 Rom4.ao. 
 
 Rom.  5.24,28. 
 
 Mat.i8.n,22. 
 
 ^iemies  (or  the 
 right  pU-ating  cf 
 fuiih. 
 
 I. 
 
 Matth.9.i2,Tj. 
 
154 
 
 M  earns  for  the  right  flaming  of  faith. 
 
 Ifay  55.1.1,: 
 
 Joh.7.  57. 
 Num.21. ?• 
 Joh.  J.  14- 
 Matth.ii.2«. 
 
 fort  them.  Ho  every  one  that  thirfiethi  comeyee  to  the  wa- 
 ters. Let  every  one  that  is  ^thir(t,  come  unto  mee  y  anA 
 drinke*  If  any  bee  oppreflfed  with  the  weight  of  finne  , 
 him  doth  the  Lord  increat  and  perfwade  to  come  for  caie : 
 If  any  bee  confounded  in  confcience  of  bis  owne  wretched- 
 nefle  and  finne ,  to  him  the  Lord  caileth  in  the  Gofpcl , 
 Come  5  and  let  thy  foule  delight  in  fatnefle.  Men  of 
 this  world  labour  to  match  with  fuch  in  marriage,  as  bee 
 rich  and  vertuous :  but  Chrift  doth  profer  love  to  fuch  as 
 bee  powcj  that  hee  might  make  them  rich;  filty,  that  bee 
 might  make  them  beautifull;  in  diflrefTej  that  hee  might 
 comfort  them ;  bafe ,  that  hee  might  make  them  honou- 
 rable \  guilty,  that  he  might  acquit  them ;  naked  ,  that  hee 
 might  cloath  them. 
 
 Thirdly,  ponder  and  weigh  who  it  is  that  maketh  this 
 liberall  and  free  promife ,  even  God  himfelfe,  who  is  able, 
 and  willing,  and  faithfull  toperfbrme  what  heepromifeth 
 of  his  rich  grace  and  unfpeakable  mercy.    All  thefe  are 
 cleare  and  manifeft  for  the  truth  of  them,  but  we  have 
 need  oft  to  fet  them  before  us  forourufe,  to  encourage  us 
 the  more  boldly  and  fincerely  to  relie  upon  Chrift.   To 
 this  end  fpecially  are  thefe  teftimonies  of  Gods  power , 
 mercy  5  and  truth  lb  often  repeated  in  the  Scriptures,that 
 we  might  have  them  ever  before  us,  to  uphold  us  againft 
 our  doubtings  andfeares,  whereofour  nature  is  full.  The 
 things  promifed  m  the  Gofpel  are  unlikely  in  reafon ,  op- 
 pofite  to  fenle  and  feeling  ,  too  gre^t  and  excellent,  as  Sa- 
 tan and  our  diftruftfull  hearts  will  fuggeft,  to  bee  conferred 
 upon  fiich  vile  and  filthy  creatures  as  we  be,  who  have  fo 
 many  waies  difhonoured  God ,  and  have  fuch  a  loade  of  fin 
 lying  flillupon  us ;  For  the  overcomming  of  which  temp- 
 tation ,  wee  muft  looke  up  to  him  that  hath  made  the  pro- 
 mife ;  his  grace ,  faithfulneffe,  and  power ;  and  keep  them 
 in  our  eye  continually  ,  rowfing  up  our  fbules  to  beleeve 
 againft  fenfc  and  feeling,  reafon  and  likelihood,  becaufe 
 God  is  faithfull,and  cannot  denie  himfelfe ;  gracious ,  and 
 will  not  caft  us  oflFforourunworthinefle;  great  in  might, 
 
 able 
 
Meanesfor  the  right  obtaining  of  faith. 
 
 able  to  doe  whatlbcver  he  will »  and  willing  to  performe 
 with  his  hand,  whatfoever  commeth  out  of  his  mouth.  Wee 
 muft  fay  to  our  Toulesj  The  Lord  ofhisgrace  invites  thee 
 poore,  needie,  milerable,  lelfe-condemned  wretch  to  come 
 unto  Jefus  Chrift  >  and  of  the  fame  grace  hath  promifed  to 
 accept  the  eifthou  doe  come,  to  healc  thy  foares,  to  for- 
 give thy  finnes ;  come  therefore,behold,  heecalleth  thee : 
 reafon  may  be  deluded?  fenie  is  deceitful!,  but  the  Word 
 ofthe  Lord  endureth  for  ever :  Thou  haft  his  faithfull  ptid- 
 mife  for  thy  fecurity,  dilpute  no  more,  but  draw  neere  with 
 confidence. 
 
 Fourthly  j  it  is  very  needfull  againe  and  agafne  to  con- 
 fider  what  excellent  things  are  promifed ,  and  (o  raife  the 
 heart  to  an  high  prizing  and  valuation  of  them.  The  wife 
 Merchant  doth  not  buy  the  pearle  3  till  he  know  it  to  bee 
 of  excellent  price,  or  better  than  any  price.  Great  things 
 are  eagerly  fought  upon  probable  hopes :  The  meere  pd^ 
 fibility  of  obtaining  Ibme  great  and  extraordinary  good, 
 is  of  marvellous  force  in  fwaying  mens  actions.  And  if  men 
 confiderferiouflywhatrarcj  furpafling,  precious  things  be 
 prom.ifed  to  them  that  come  unto  Jefus  Chrift,  and  reft 
 upon  him ,  what  (hall  withhold  them  from  beleeving  ? 
 Were  wee  certainly  perlwaded,  that  everlafting  Ii^q^  full 
 laden  with  all  the  fruits  oftruelife,joy, and  peace,  and  all 
 choiceft  pleafures,  without  any  annoyance,  ftiould  bee  con- 
 ferred upon  them  that  beleeve  in  Jefus  Chrift,  would  wee 
 not  hang  clofe,and  fticke  faft,  and  not  fuffer  the  pleafures  or 
 profits  of  this  tranfitory  life  to  divide  us  from  him?  The 
 reaibn  why  we  ftrive  lb  flackly  tobeleeve,  and  be  fo  dull  in 
 Gods  lervice,and  faint  in  trouble,  is,  becaufe  our  hearts  be 
 not  holden  with  the  ferious  confideration  of  that  king- 
 dome,  joy  ,  and  glory,  which  God  hath  prepared  for. them 
 that  beleeve,  and  cleave  unto  him. 
 
 Fiftly,  kis  alio  needfull  to  denie  our  felves,  our  defires, 
 lufts,  and  afte61:ions  ;  to  make  overallourintereftinour 
 lives,  or  whatfoever  is  deare  unto  us;  and  to  inure  our 
 hearts  calmely  to  endure  the  hate  and  oppofition,  though 
 
 of 
 
 155 
 
 Matth.1j.44. 
 
 — .'' 
 
156 
 
 Match  1^.24. 
 
 Luke  14.45. 
 
 Luke  14.  3J. 
 
 Mat.i5-44,4J' 
 
 Meanesfor  the  right  flaming  of  faith, 
 
 of  deareft  friends>and  the  reproaches  and  revilfngs  of  men, 
 though  abjeft  and  v'lk.  This  our  Saviour  layes  down  as  a 
 fundamental!  principle.  If  any  man  will  come  after  me,  let 
 him  denie  himfelfey  and  take  up  hu  crojfe, and  follow  me.  He 
 that  loveth  Father  or  Mother  more  than  me  ^  is  not  wor- 
 thy of  me :  and  he  that  lovsth  Son  or  Daughter  more  than 
 mey  is  not  worthy  of  me.  ty^ndhee  that  taketh  not  his  croffe, 
 andfolloweth  after  me^  is  not  worthy  of  me.  The  neceffity  of 
 this  refblution  hee  more  fully  fets  out  unto  us  in  two  para- 
 bles ;  of  a  builder  that  mutt  bee  able  to  count  his  coft  and 
 charges,  and  meanes  to  defray  them,  before  he  take  that 
 wotkeinhand  ;  otherwifeto  begin  to  build,  being  unable 
 to  make  an  end ,  were  to  lay  the  foundation  of  his  difgrace 
 in  the  lofTe  of  his  cOft  and  paines  :  And  a  Prince,  who  be- 
 fore he  undertake  warre ,  muft  havefiiretriallofhisowne 
 ability  and  skill  to  difcover  his  enemies  ftrength  \  other- 
 wife  to  bid  him  battell ,  were  rafhly  to  provoke  an  ene- 
 mie  to  his  owne  loffe  and  danger.    The  conclufion  of 
 thefe  inductions  is  this ,  So  like-wife ,  whofoe'ver  hee  bee  of 
 yopti  that  forfaketh  not  all  that  he  hath,  hee  cannot  bee  my 
 Difciple. 
 
 The  Merchant  that  would  purchafe  the  pearle  of  price, 
 muft  fell  all  that  he  hath  to  buy  it;  He  muft  fell  his  finneg, 
 (which  is  properly  all  we  have  of  our  owne  )  and  renounce 
 his  intereft  in  the  world ,  and  whatfoever  naturall  content- 
 ment hee  might  promife  himfelfe  in  the  things  of  this 
 world.  The  meaning  is  not,  that  rich  men  muft  fbrgoe 
 their  wealth,  and  betake  themfelves  to  voluntary  poverty ; 
 for  riches  well  ufedbee  great  inftruments  of  doing  good  : 
 But  they  muft  caft  the  world  out  of  their  affesflions,  and 
 make  over  their  intereft  in  whatfoever  h  moftdeareunto 
 them :  they  muft  prefer  the  kingdome  of  Heaven  before  the 
 whole  world ,  and  therefore  renounce  both  themfelves , 
 and  all  the  defires  of  the  flefti,  that  nothing  may  hinder  the 
 enjoying  of  fo  rich  atreafure. 
 
 Chrift  doth  make  love  unto  us,  and  by  many  faire, 
 fweet  and  precious  promifes  doth  allure  and  intice  us  to 
 
 em- 
 
Meanesfor  the  right  planting  of  faith. 
 
 157 
 
 IuL;e8.x4. 
 
 embrace  him;  but  will  bee  received  by  way  ofMatrimo- 
 niall covenant;  we  mnft  forfake  all  bale  and  carnall  de- 
 lights ,  caftout  of  the  heart  whatfoever  we  formerly  ac- 
 counted precious  in  the  world ,  cleave  unto  him  onely , 
 and  be  contented  with  thofe  Ipirituall  good  things ,  which 
 hepromifethuntous.  Chrift  hath  never  due  efteemewith 
 us,  unfeffe  for  his  fake  wee  withdraw  our  hearts  from  all 
 the  riches,  delights,  honours,  and  profits  of  the  world , 
 and  dcnieourfelvesjthatinall  things  wee  might  be  con- 
 formable unto  his  will  and  pleafure.  What  are  we  better 
 than  harlots,  fo  long  as  the  world,  or  the  delights  thereof, 
 lufts ,  or  paflions  poCfefle  the  heart ,  and  divide  it  from 
 Chrift? 
 
 Roots,  though  of  trceSjcan  goe  no  deeper  than  the  rocke 
 orftone  :  nor  can  the  Word  of  life  finke  deeper  into  the 
 heart ,  than  unto  the  roots  of  his  naturall  defires  or  affecti- 
 ons: which  unrenounced,  hinder  the  right  taking  and 
 kindly  fpreading  of  it.  The  cares  of  this  world  and  volup- 
 tuous living  choake  the  feed  of  the  wofKl ,  after  it  hath  ta-  '  /  - ) 
 ken  fome  rooting,  that  it  brings  forth  no  fruit  unto  ripe- 
 neffe.  Therefore  that  the  word  of  the  kingdome  may 
 take  kindly,  and  fm^ifie  in  us,  we  muftcaftup  our  ac- 
 counts before  hand,  what  we  can  be  content  toforgoe  for 
 Chrifts  fake,  and  renounce  the  pleafures  and  delights  of 
 the  World,  giving  up  our felvesintirely to Jefus Chrift, 
 in  all  things  to  bee  dire^ed  and  guided  by  him,  inuring 
 our  felves  quietly  to  beare  reproach ,  difgrace  and  con- 
 tempt for  his  fake,  and  watching  heedfully  in  profperitie, 
 that  the  world  creepe  not  into  our  affei^ion,  and  privily 
 fteale  away  our  hearts  firom  him. 
 
 And  this  wee  (liall  doe  the  more  freely ,  if  wee  atten- 
 tively confider  what  excellent  and  incomparable  trea- 
 fures  of  delight,  joy,  and  comfort  are  to  be  found  '\r\  Je- 
 fus  Chrift,  over  and  above  all  the  world  can  promife  or 
 affotd.  Should  a  good  hnsband  bee  offered Ibme goodly 
 royaltie ,  upon  condition  hee would  forlake  his  bafe  tene- 
 ment or  hard  rented  leafej  when  once  hee  perceived  the 
 
 profit 
 
158 
 
 Faith  once  obtained  isferioufly  to  he  regarded. 
 
 Phil.  3.?. 
 
 §.5.  . 
 
 Faith  onee  obtai- 
 nediiferiou^yto 
 be  regarded. 
 Luke  22.31. 
 
 profit  of  the  exchange ,  you  need  not  ufe  arguments  to 
 perfwade  him.  Should  fome  great  Noble-man  make  fuite 
 of  love  toameane  perfonage,  upon  condition  thee  would 
 fbrfake  her  bafe  drudgerie  for  the  honours  and  delights  of 
 a  palace,  the'  motion  would  bee  accepted.  And  if  wee  feri- 
 ouflyweigh,  that  the  Lord  Jefus  callethus  toforfakerhe 
 fleih-pots  o^  Egypt,  and  alienate  our  intereft  in  the  world, 
 and  the  fleflij  with  all  their  appurtenances ,  that  we  might ' 
 bee  enriched  with  heavenly,  ever- end uringpleafiires,  in 
 comparifonwhereofall  earthly  contentments  are  but  dung 
 and  dog(^meat ;  that  hee  invites  us  to  caft  away  our  har- 
 lotry delightSj  that  hee  might  marrie  us  unto  bimfelfe,  and 
 intitle  us  unto  his  everlalHng  kingdomej  it  will  not  bee 
 grievous  to  make  this  exchange. 
 
 But  here  it  mufl:  be  remembred,  that  it  is  not  the  pofTel^ 
 fion  of  earthly  things,  or  delight  in  them  j  that  is  forbid- 
 den ,  but  that  pofTeffion  and  delight  in  them ,  which  with- 
 holdethusfromrefigningour  felves  untoChrift,  and  fee- 
 king  after  the  promifed  land  with  all  the  heart  and  all  the 
 foule.  It  is  not  the  aduall  abandoning  of  riches,  honour , 
 or  other  contentments  of  this  life ,  which  our  Saiiiour  re- 
 quires :but  the  difpofleffing  of  the  heart  of  fuch  bafe  de- 
 lights 3  that  the  whole  heart  may  bee  let  upon  heavenly 
 things ,  and  not  with-drawne  by  fecret  refervation  of 
 {peciall  dcfires  for  other  purpofes.  And  being  thus 
 difpofed ,  wee  receive  Chrift  with  wel-rooted  affiance, 
 and  cleave  to  the  mercy  of  God ,  as  much  better  than  life 
 it  felfe. 
 
 §.  5.  Faith  kindly  planted  njuft  be  regarded  ferioufly  , 
 and  carefully  confirmed.  For  Satan  ufeth  all  meanes  to 
 weaken  faith,  yea,  quite  to  fubvert  and  overthrow  it.  If 
 an  houfe  begin  to  fhrinke  or  reele  of  one  fide,  will  wee 
 not  put  under  fome  fhore  to  prop  it  up?  Or  if  any  man 
 queftion  the  Title  of  Land  wee  have  purchafed ,  will  wee 
 not  fearch  Records ,  and  ufe  meanes  to  ftrengthen  it  ?  The 
 malice  of  Satan  in  feeking  by  all  meanes  to  batter  downe 
 onr  faith,  is  fufficient  to  {hew  the  excellencie  thereof,  and 
 
 to 
 
Faith  once  obtained  is  ferioufly  to  be  regarded. 
 
 I5P 
 
 to  awaken  us  to  a  continuail  carefull  regard  to  prefcrve 
 and  encreafe  it. 
 
 lip  this  life  wee  are  fubjeft  to  many  trials,  that  require 
 flrengthoffaitbtoundergoethem.  The  world,  by  reaibn 
 of  our  continuail  imploymentin  it»isapctocreepeintathe 
 heart>  and  infenfibly  to  ttcale  the  affections  from  the  ea- 
 ger purfuite  of  heavenly  things;  which  calleth  upon  us  for 
 more  than  ordinary  care  to  increale  our  defires  of  grace, 
 and  moderate  them  in  tranfitory  things.  Hee  who  will 
 have  a  plant  to  thrive  in  a  ground  drie,  barren^and  unkindly 
 for  it-  muft  ftrive  much,  becaufe  his  foyle  will  not  doe  fur- 
 ther than  it  is  forced;  fo  hee  that  will  make  fire  burne  in 
 greene  moift  wood ,  muft  follow  it  with  blowing  ;  thus 
 to  get  faith  to  thrive  incur  natures,  which  are  as  apt  to 
 the  weedes  of  diffidence  and  vict ,  as  averfe  from  faith  and 
 every  true  vertue,  wee  muft  ftrive  \7ich  them ,  and  offer 
 violence  unto  them.  He  who  doth  row  againft  the  ftreame, 
 muft  plie  his  Oare,  or  hee  will  goe  downe  apace :  {oitis 
 here ,  we  goe  againft  the  ftreame  of  corrupt  nature,  fbfarre 
 as  we  goe  in  faith  or  grace. 
 
 Our  daily  and  continuail  weaknefTe  of  faith,  which  wee 
 finde  inaffenting  untoand  receiving  moftobjedls  of  faith 
 and  promifes  of  God  j  when  it  is  encountred  with  tempta- 
 tions :  Our  ordinary  failings  in  the  prafticeofholy  duties, 
 and  due  ordering  of  our  affei"tions ,  which  cannot  be  with- 
 out a  precedent  defedl:  of  that  faith ,  which  only  can  firmly 
 unite  us  unto  Chrift ;  doth  fufficiently  manifeft,  how  feeble 
 ourbeleefeis  in  thefpeciall  mercies  of  God  towards  us  in 
 Jeius  Chrift,  which  being  the  higheft  object  isthehardeft 
 tobeeapprehendecJ,  andean  never  be  fepa  rated  from  firme 
 a flent  unto  every  precept  ofGodj  as  much  better  than  any 
 incompatible  good.  And  if  men  take  food  and  phyficke  to 
 ftrengthen  their  bodies,  becaufe  they  are  frailermuft  wee 
 not  labour  to  confirme  our  weake  and  feeble  faith  ? 
 
 The  labour  befto wed  about  this  moftgainfull  and  beau- 
 tifull  grace,  is  fo  farre  from  tedious  toile ,  that  it  is  the  fb- 
 lace  of  a  Chriftian  heart ,  and  the  plealiire  thereof  more 
 
 fweet 
 
 Ads  14. 
 I  Theflj, 
 
 32« 
 
i6o 
 
 Mums  whereby  Faith  is  ftrengthened. 
 
 MtdHet  ivhereiy 
 faith  iiftrengthe. 
 ned  and  een  fir- 
 med. 
 
 fweet  than  any  plealure  that  can  bee  taken  in  all  the  pa- 
 ftimes  of  the  World.  For  by  thatmeanes  wee  grow  more 
 and  more  familiarly  and  betteracquainted  with  the  minde 
 and  purpole  of  God  towards  us,  we  enjoy  fweet  communion 
 and  fellowiTiip  with  him ,  wee  are  made  ready  for  our 
 latter  end  at  one  time  as  well  as  another ,  and  are  ar- 
 med to  goe  well  and  cheerfully  through  with  the  affaires 
 of  the  day,  beleeving  that  God  will  guide  and  bleflcW. 
 And  of  this  alio  wee  may  be  well  afTiired ,  that  according  to 
 ourftrength  of  faith,  the  lively  fruits  of  holy  obedience 
 fliall  bee  found  in  us ;  and  as  our  faith  groweth ,  ibdoth 
 found  peace,  joy,  and  fafetie,  ftrength  againft  corruption  , 
 ability  to  refift  temptations,  poverty  ofipirit,  meeknefTe, 
 purity,  hunger  and  thirft  after  righteoufnelTe,  mercifulneflfe 
 and  pleafurein  the  meanes  whereby  faith  is  prelerved ,  and 
 confirmed,increafe,  and  that  from  time  to  time,  more  and 
 more. 
 
 But- as  for  fiich  as  will  not  fettle  thcmfelves  to  nourifli 
 their  faith  with  care  and  diligence ,  they  deprive  them- 
 felves  of  much  inward  peace,  which  they  might  enjoy ,  and 
 make  their  lives  uncomfortable  to  themi^lves,  unprofita- 
 ble to  others.  They  laythemfelves  open  to  many  oflFen-i 
 CCS ,  which  by  this  exercifc  they  might  prevent ;  and  they 
 goe  on ,  either  in  unfavourie  lightneflTe  and  carnall  joy, 
 which  doth  deceive  them ,  or  elfe  in  unprofitable  care 
 and  worldly  ibrrow ,  which  will  diiquiet  them.  And  when 
 they  negledl:  the  fafhioning  of  Chrift  in  their  hearts ,  and 
 fb  truly  to  put  him  on  in  their  daily  converiation ,  they  be- 
 come unprofitable  in  their  lives ,  oflFenfive  in  their  car- 
 riage ;  and  the  Devill  weakeneth  and  holdeth  backe  fun- 
 dric  (which were comming on)  by  their  example,  think- 
 ing themfelves  well  in  the  cafe  they  are  in,  rather  than 
 tiiey  fhould  bee  in  following  them ,  unleffe  they  faw  fbme 
 beauty  and  cxcellencie  in  their  lives,  more  than  in  them- 
 {gIvqs. 
 
 §4.The  means  whereby  faith  is  confirmed  and  f^rengthe- 
 »cd  are  thefe,  and  fuch  liks : 
 
 Fid>, 
 
Mcanes  whereby  Faith  tsfirengthened. 
 
 idi 
 
 Firft,  daily  to  account  k  our  beft  portion,  richeft  Jew- 
 ell >  moft  pretious  trcafure,  and  chieieft  happineffein  this 
 life :  which  if  wee  doe ,  our  hearts  will  be  ever  upon  ix.,  our 
 feare  will  be  ufually  lelt  wee  fhould  lofe  it ,  and  wee  (liall 
 thinkeit  moft  neceflary  to  regard  and  looke  unto  it,  what- 
 foever  wee  have  befides  it  worth  the  looking  after.  And 
 otherwile  every  ilnall  occafion  will  hinder  us,  every  fond 
 delight  carry  us  away »  and  every  trifle  take  up  the  heart, 
 much  more  our  earneft  and  weighty  aftaires  and  bufi- 
 nefle ,  to  which  moft  men  thinke  that  all  exercifes  of  Re- 
 ligion ought  to  give  place.  Things  of  worth  are  dif-eftee- 
 med  if  their  value  bee  not  knowne ,  and  trifles  are  looked 
 after  when  they  bee  over-valued.  A  true  efteeme  of  the 
 price,  excellencie,and  ufe  of  faith ,  the  profit  and  comfort 
 of  it,  willraifean  earneft  continuall  caretoprelerveand 
 keep  it. 
 
 Secondly ,  wee  muft  labour  daily ,  not  onely  to  loath 
 thofe  things  which  are  evill  in  themfelves',  but  alio  to  bee 
 very  fbber  and  moderate  in  our  lawfull  labours  and  de- 
 lights, deflres,  and  affecftions  to  things  tranfitorie, remem- 
 bring  what  our  Saviour  Chrift  faith ,  One  thing  is  necejfa- 
 rie;  otherwife  Sathan,  who  can  change  bimfelfe  into  an 
 Angel  of  Light  ,  will  fill  our  hearts  and  heads  with 
 fwarmes  of  evill  lufts ,  noyfome  delights  ,  cares  and  di- 
 ftra6tions,  which  will  draw  our  mindes  from  that  which 
 they  ought  moft  to  minde  and  thinke  upon.  Wee  muft  bee 
 heedfull  m  this  ,  not  onely  that  the  world  draw  us  not  to 
 encreaie  our  wealth  by  wicked  or  unjuft  meanes  -,  but  that 
 it  creepe  not  infenfibly  into  our  afteilions ,  and  lb  by  de- 
 grees not  obferved ,  breed  great  diftempers  in  the  ioule. 
 Feare ofwant,joy and dehght in  what  weejuftlyand  ho- 
 neftlypoflefle,  climbinginto  the  heart,  andby  little  and 
 little  getting  head,  doe  Hicke  away  that  vertue ,  whereby 
 the  wordibwne  fhould  receive  ftrength  and  increafe  ,  and 
 alienate  part  of  the  foule  from  God.  Herein  therefore  we 
 muft  bee  circumlpe6l,  gaging  our  hearts  and  trying  them  to 
 thebottome,  weaning  our  {elves  from  thefe  delights,  rai- 
 
 M  fing 
 
 Li;L;.X0.42. 
 
 M^L. 
 
l62 
 
 Memes  vohereby  Faith  Ujlrengthened, 
 
 I  Cor.  I  J.  58' 
 
 Exod.  34,^. 
 3oh.7.J7. 
 
 I  John  5.14. 
 Prov.af.13. 
 Epher.3'4. 
 
 fing  onr  ibules  to  more  fpirkuall  and  heavenly  joyes,  and 
 labouring  that  our  defire  of  grace  and  care  to  cxercife  our 
 felves  in  all  good  workes  doe  grow,  as  the  world  comes  in 
 upon  us. 
 
 Thirdly  >^  Walking  according  to  the  rules  of  faith  in 
 humblenefle  of  minde ,  meeknefle ,  purity,  mercy^  long- 
 fbfferingjand  in  all  good  workes  ,  improving  what  we  have 
 received  to  the  glory  ofGod,  is  a  notable  meanes  to  con- 
 firme  and  ftrengchen  faith.  Faith  brings  forth  good  workes, 
 and  goods  workes  increafe  faith.  Faith  hath  his  fruit  crea- 
 ted in  it  :but  the  better  fruit  it  bringeth  forth,  the  fafter 
 itgroweth.  Faith  is  a  firuitfull  Mother  that  gives  life  to 
 holineffe  :  and  good  works  5  as  akind Daughter ,  helpe  to 
 fupport  and  fuftaine  the  Mother.  Be  yeeftedfaft^nmove- 
 abhjalwaies  ahoHnding  in  the  works  of  the  L  ord. 
 
 Fourthly ,  A  daily  veiwing  of  our  finnes ,  which  by  ex- 
 amination we  have  found  out ,  is  availeable  hereunto :  that 
 being  humbled  truly,  and  brought  to  account  bafely  of  our 
 felvesjweemaybekept  fromfulnefle  and  lothing  of  that 
 death  of  Chrift,  the  fweetneflewhereofwc  cannot  tafte  or 
 rclliftias  we  flionld,  except  we  feele  the  tartnefle  and  bit- 
 ternefle  of  our  finnes. 
 
 Afift  meanes  is  daily  and  oft  to  (endup  ftrong  prayers 
 to  God  for  it ,  and  purpofely  to  feparate  our  felves  from  all 
 other  things  in  the  mofl  convenient  manner  that  wee  can , 
 to  thinke  deepely  of  his  unfpeakable  goodneflfe ,  mercy, 
 truth,  fatherly  atfc6lion,and  tender  compaffion  in  Jefiis 
 Chrifl;  remembring  withall  what  manifold,  fweet  and 
 gracious  promifes  hee  hath  made  unto  us  in  the  Goipel  of 
 his  Sonne,whereby  wee  come  to  have  more  neere  acquain- 
 tance with  Gods  nature ,  his  minde,  and  purpofc  towards 
 us.  And  if  wee  beleevc  an  honeft  man  fb  much  the  more, 
 becaufc  he  often  goeth  over  it,  when  he  affirmeth  this  or 
 that  unto  us  :  the  ferious  meditation  of  Gods  promifes 
 reiterated  againe  and  againe,  muft  bee  availeable  to 
 ftrengthen  faith,  and  fafhion  the  Image  of  God  in  us  more 
 and  more. 
 ^  Sixtly, 
 
 ?^ 
 
Hemes  rvherehy  Faith  tsfirengthened. 
 
 Sixtly ,  Tothele  muftbccjoyncd  ordinary  and  reverent 
 hearing  of  the  glad  tydings  offalvation,  which  is  the  key 
 whereby  God  doth  open  and  fbften  our  iron  hearts;  and 
 an  holy  ufe  of  the  Sacraments>  whereby  this  heavenly- 
 truth,  which  we  have  already  received,  is  yet  further  fea- 
 led  up  toourconfciences.  Thefe  ordinances  we  muft  fre- 
 quent with  an  appetite.  Sound  and  healthfiill  bodies  re- 
 ceive nouriChment  from  their  food, and  fiickvigouf  dutof 
 it  for  growth  and  ftrength  :  Lively  faith  feedeth  on  the 
 Word  of  life  ,  and  increafeth .  Though  the  Word  be  im- 
 mortallleedj  which  corruptible  food  is  not,  yet  in  this 
 they  arc  like,  that  looke  as  bodily  food  doth  not  put  to 
 the  body  all  that  fubftantiall  (trength  and  latitude  which 
 belongethtoiti  fo  the  food  of  the  Word  doth  not  atone 
 time  augment  the  foule  with  all  length  and  depth  of 
 knowledge,  faith,  hope,  love,  fuftice,  temperance, 
 which  it  15  to  bee  brought  onto.  In  which  regard ,  as  li- 
 ving bodies  need  daily  food,  that  they  might  grow  unto' 
 peneflion  of  nature ;  fo  foules  having  grace,  have  need  to 
 goe  over  with  the  ufe  of  the  meanes,  as  well  as  others  s 
 that  the  divine  nature  may  bee  more  and  more  enlarged , 
 getting  up  as  the  light  of  the  Sun  doth  in  the  aire  which  it 
 inlightneth. 
 
 Seventhly,  It  is  good  to  call  to  minde  the  experience 
 of  the  faith  and  joy  which  wee  have  had  at  any  time  be- 
 fore; remcmbring  that  former  comforts  afe  as  a  bill  obli- 
 gatorie  under  Gods  hand  to  afTure  that  he  will  not  for- 
 fake  us.  For  whom  God  loveth,  hee  loveth  to  the  end; 
 becaule  heis  unchangeable,  the  fame  for  ever :  which  confi- 
 deration  may  ferve  to  fettle  us  in  afTurance  of  Gods  love« 
 towards  us,  more  than  a  child  can  be  of  his  fathers  good- 
 will, or  a  wife  ofhcr  bodily  Husbands  favour,  for  they  are 
 mutable. 
 
 Eightly,  Obferve  the  opportunities ,  when  it  pleafetb 
 God  in  {peciall  manner  to  draw  nigh  unto  us,  and  make 
 nfeofthcm.  God  viifitcth  his  children  Ibmetimcs  in  ten- 
 der couipaffion ,  and  knocketh  at  the  doore  of  their  hearts, 
 M  2  inviting 
 
 163   I 
 
 6. 
 
 Rom.  10. 17. 
 Ilotn.4.11* 
 
 7- 
 
 t  Cor.  1. 10. 
 
 Joh.rj.r. 
 
 s. 
 
 i 
 
1^4 
 
 rphef.-ie. 
 I  Pet.5.8. 
 
 of  the  temftations  wherebj  Satan  [eeketh  to 
 
 inviting  them  to  divine  and  heavenly  communication  with 
 him.  Sometimes  hee  inchneth  their  foules  to  frefh  {brrow 
 forfinne,  fbmetimes  herefrefbeth  them  with  more  lively 
 apprehenfion  of  the  joy  es  of  Heaven,  fometimes  they  feeli 
 the  motions  of  the  Spirit  qnicke  and  lively.  Upon  what 
 occafions  (bever ,  or  in  what  manner  it  fhall  pleafe  God  to 
 oflPer  himfelfe  uflto  us  ,  it  ftands  us  upon  to  make  ufeof 
 that  forour  quickning ,  to  nourifh  the  motions  of  his  Spi- 
 rit, an  d  by  fervent  Prayer  to  entreat  the  continuance  of  his 
 prelence.  -• 
 
 N  nth ly  ,  Faith  increafeth  by  exercife,  and  growiethlnr 
 conr  inuall  ufe.  If  wee  learne  to  live  by  faith  in  matters  of 
 this  life  J  both  when  wee  have ,  and  when  wee  want  the 
 meanes ,  and  reft  upon  God  for  luccefle  in  our  lawfull  cal- 
 lings, without  diftra6>ing  care ,  wee  (hall  with  more  facility 
 and  eafe  depend  upon  the  free  promifcs  of  grace  for  mercy 
 ^  and  forgivenefle. 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 OfthetemftatioHSiivhere%y  Satan  f eeketh  to 
 hatter  dewne  our  faith  y  and  hoTP 
 he  may  be  refified. 
 
 §. i.'*T~HE  Devill  knoweth  right  well,  that  faith  is 
 J  the  band  whereby  wee  are  knit  unto  Chrift; 
 the  fhield  whereby  wee  quench  the  fierie  darts  of  the  De- 
 vill, the  ground-worke  of  a  godly  life,  andthefafeCa- 
 ftle  of  a  Chriftian  ibule  :  If  faith  bee  weakened,  our 
 
 zeale  cooleth 
 
 our  courage  abateth 
 
 our  life  is   te- 
 
 dious, our  Prayers  faint,  the  exercifes  of  Religion 
 uncomfortable,  andallthe  graces ofGods  Spirit  pine  and 
 languifh.  Alio  by  doubting  and  diftruft  wee  difhonour 
 God ,  lay  open  our  hearts  to  temptations  ,  difcourage 
 others ,  and  tye  our  owne  hands  that  wee  cannot  fight  a- 
 gainft  our  di^zAl'j  enemies.  For  thefe  caufes  Satan  ende- 
 
 vours 
 
Temptations  4- 
 gainji  Faith- 
 
 i.WartbhfneJfe. 
 
 Remedie, 
 Thefenfi  of  our  utf 
 fforthinejff  muft 
 not  dlfcourage  us 
 ftom  heleevin^. 
 
 hatter  dcw?7e  our  Faith^  and  how  he  may  be  rejijled.  16'y 
 
 vours  by  ail  meanes  10  hinder  ,  as  the  Jkindly  taking  (b  the 
 growth  off'aith ,  that  fuch  as  he  cannot  hold  in  the  chaincs 
 of  fin  hce  might  make  their  lives  dead ,  vveariibmej  unpro- 
 fitable ,  by  doubting  and  dilcomforc. 
 
 Firft,  Satan  fnggeftcth  ,  that  it  is  horrible  prefumption 
 for  fuch  vile  finners  and  worthlcfle  wretches  to  perlvvade 
 themfelves  of  Gods  fpeciall  love  and  favour.  And  to  this 
 end  he  fpareth  not  to  fee  forth  the  majeftie,  juftice,  and  pu- 
 ritie  ofthe  Lord,  thatit  might  flrike  the  greater  terrour  in- 
 to the  wounded  c<^nrcience. 
 
 For  the  repelling  of  this  temptation,  it  is  tobe  knowne 
 and  remembred^that  Gods  mercy,  favour, promifes,  and 
 benefits  are  all  free ,  which  hee  vouchfafeth ,  offereth,be- 
 ftoweth ,  without  any  refped  of  worthineffe  or  deferts , 
 of  his  meere  grace  and  undeferved  love  in  Jefus  Chrift. 
 And  therefore  as  when  wee  are  moft  worthy  in  our  owne 
 conceit ,  there  is  no  reafon  wee  fhould  prefume  the  more ; 
 lb  when  wee  find  our  felves  unworthy,  there  is  no  caufe 
 why  wee  fliould  hope  the  lefie.  For  the  ground  of  our 
 confidence  is  the  promife  of  free  and  undeferved  mercie 
 made  in  Chrift  Jefus  to  miferable  forlorne  finners,  who 
 fee  and  acknowledge  themfelves  tobee  morevile  than  the 
 mire  in  theflreet.  And  this  fets  forth  the  praifeofGods 
 mercy  fo  much  the  more ,  that  it  is  afforded  to  fuch  b^fe 
 abje6ts,  who  deferve  nothing,  but  to  beecaft  forth  and 
 trodden  under  foot.  Should  the  priibner  doubt  of  his 
 Princes  mercie  when  hee  heareth  his  pardon  read,  and 
 feeth  it  fcaled ,  becaufe  hce  hath  merited  no  liich  kind- 
 nefie? 
 
 Againe ,  it  h  good  to  call  to  minde  and  ferioufly  to  con- 
 fider  what  ftrong  encouragements  we  have  to  receive  the 
 promifes  j  and  how  wee  are  not  moredefirous  to  belecvc , 
 than  God  is  wee  fliould  fo  doe.  For  God  doth  through 
 love  intreat  us,  of  fricndfliip  counicUus,  and  of  bis  au- 
 thority ,  being  able  to  performe,  commandethus ;  as  if  he 
 would  hereby  Ibew ,  that  none  hath  authority  to  hinder 
 or  forbid  the  fame.  And  therefore  wee  muft  bee  warned, 
 
 M  5  to 
 
 2  Cor- y.  15,10. 
 I  rim.  r- 1  J. 
 
i66 
 
 a.  They  l{>Joiv  not 
 iffhether  thfj  be 
 eleSfed. 
 
 Remedy. 
 
 I  Tim.d.ia. 
 Heb.1c.35. 
 Match. 1 3.  jr. 
 
 Job.  10  »7- 
 Satan  u  not  to  bt 
 bar  kitted  unt»^noT 
 reafoned  rpith^ 
 when  he  tempteth 
 to  Infidelity. 
 Gen.  3. 1,2, 3. 
 
 Ephef^i.13. 
 
 I,  They  are fuu  of 
 doubttngs. 
 
 ",7.10,11. 
 
 oft k  temptations  whereby  Satan fieketh  to 
 
 to  beware  of  all  occafions,  that  may  darken  or  put  out  the 
 light  of  our  confidence;  as  reafbning  or  queftioning  a- 
 gainft  our  felves  for  yeelding  to  this  truth  lately  recei- 
 vedj&c. 
 
 §.2.  Satan  will  here  object  to  the  wea^kc  and  timorous 
 Chriftian ,  that  he  knowes  not  whether  hee  be  of  the  num- 
 ber of  Gods  ele6t,and  therefore  hath-nothing  to  doe  with 
 the  promifes.  If  the  Devill  fee  upon  us  in  this  fort ,  wee 
 muft  hold  fuch  fuggeftions  to  arife  from  the  Spirit  of  er- 
 rour,becau(ethey  are  contrary  to  the  voice  of  God,  who 
 faith  to  the  afflidted  confcience  that  is  wearie  of  finne,  Be^ 
 leeve,  lay  hold  on  eternall  life^  cafi  not  awajthy  confidence ; 
 Beeflablijhed,  confirmed,  and  abound  in  faith.  Therefore 
 wee  muft  lend  no  earc  tofuchwhifperingsoftheoldfer- 
 pcnt,  but  cleave  faft  to  the  word  of  the  Lord,  and  cut  off  ^11 
 contrarie  inchantments.  It  was  the  firft  degree  to  the  otter 
 undoing  of  her  felfe  and  pofteritie  in  our  Grandmother 
 Eve ,  that  (hee  opened  her  earc  to  a  falfe  and  lying  (pirit 
 in  the  mouth  of  a  Serpent,  which  under  a  faire  colour  per- 
 fwaded,  or  rather  covertly  inticed  and  drew  her  to  eat  of 
 the  forbidden  fruit. 
 
 The  decree  of  God ,  which  is  fecret  in  the  bolbmc  of 
 the  moft  High ,  is  not  the  rule  according  to  which  wee 
 muft  walke ;  but  the  word  of  life,revealed  in  holy  Scrip- 
 tures, we  muft  take  for  our  dire(^ion.  Jf  God  make  offer  of 
 mercy  and  torgivenefl'e  unto  us  in  the  miniftery  of  the  Gof- 
 pel,  which  is  the  Word  of  truth,  the  Word  of  falvation,  wee 
 are  boundto  receive  it,  without  looking  into  the  booke  of 
 his  ele6fion :  and  if  we  receive  them  truelyj  wee  fhall  be  fa- 
 ved,  as  the  Lord  hath  fpoken. 
 
 §.  5.  If  Satan  bee  driven  from  this  hold,  hee  folicires 
 to  feare,  becanfe  many  doubts  and  motions  of  diftrnft 
 arife  in  the  heart ;  as  if  there  could  be  no  faith  ,  where 
 there  are  ^o  many  doubts.  And  it  cannot  bee  denied ,  bur 
 motions  to  diftruft  argue  faith  tobeeweake,  v^hich  is  a 
 want  that  many  of  Gods  people  doe  bewaile  in  them- 
 felves,  and  for  which   they  doe  well-nigh  defpaire  ir 
 
 them- 
 
u 
 
 iatter  downe  our  Faith ^  and  how  he  may  be  refified.  167 
 
 that  ii  Ifiak^. 
 
 Joh.4  39.+i»53' 
 
 Luk.?  +5. 
 Marks'.  5a« 
 Luk.  a^tii* 
 Job.  13. .3  8. 
 &14.5. 
 
 Ehcmfelves.  Notwithftanding  let  not  any  be  out  of  heart  1  ^,^,^^, 
 for  thefmall  and  fcanty  mealure  of  his  faith,  if  hee  have  f*hh  majbetrue 
 true  faith,  well  rooted.  For  faith  maybe  true  and  lively,  '  * 
 that  is  but  weake  and  imalU  For  difference  in  degrees 
 doth  not  varie  the  nature  of  well  rooted  affiance.  And 
 God  requireth  the  truth  of  Faith ,  hoc  it  is  not  ncceffarie 
 that  it  bee  perfca  in  degree.  If  a  Prince  fliould  proffer  a 
 pardon  to  a  malefadlor.  upon  this  condition  onely,  that  he 
 receive  ir,  would  he  queftionhis  Soveraignes  bounty  and 
 grace,  becatrfe  hee  put  forth  a  palfey-fliaking  hand?  To 
 doubtof  Gods  mercy  becaufe  our  faith  is  feeble, is  rather 
 to  relye  upon  our  faith  than  upon  the  Lord.  It  is  not  the 
 excellency  and  great  meafure  of  faith  that  doth  make  us 
 righteous  before  God ,  but  Chrift  whom  faith  doth  re- 
 ceive and  apprehend :  which  a  weake  faith  can  doe  as  well 
 as  the  Ikonoefl.  They  that  did  looke  on  the  brazen  ferpent 
 but  with  one  eye ,  yea  but  with  halfe  an  eye ,  were  as  well 
 and  fully  cured  of  the  deadly  flings  of  the  fiery  ferpents, 
 as  thofe  which  beheld  it  with  both.  As  a  fmall  and  weake 
 hand  is  able  to  receive  an  almes  as  well  as  a  flronger  and 
 greater,  fo  our  faith  though  feeble,  doth  receive  Chrift 
 as  truely  and  effe6lually  for  thefalvationof  thebeleever  as 
 thegreateft  and  mofl:  ftrong.  In  the  manner  of  receiving 
 there  is  fomc  difference  ( for  the  more  firme  our  confi- 
 dence, the  greater  is  ourcomfwt)  but  in  the  truth  none 
 at  all .  Againe ,  it  is  not  faith,  but  Chrift  received  by  faith 
 that  nourifheth  to  life  eternall.  Meate  reached  to  the 
 mouth  by  a  trembling  hand ,  fuftaineth  the  body  no  lefTc 
 than  if  it  were  apply  ed  by  an  arme  of  ftrength ;  the  good- 
 ncfTeof  the  nourifhment  receiving  no  change  ©r  alterati- 
 on from  the  externall  inftrnment  of  application  :  fohere 
 Chrift  is  the  fame  to  them  that  receive  him  truely,  though 
 it  be  done  in  one  with  more,  in  another  with  IcfTe  ftrength 
 of  affiance. 
 
 Wee  read  in  Scripture,  that  Chrift  reproved  fomefor 
 their  fmall  faith ,  that  they  might  ftirre  up  themfelves 
 more  confidently  to  relye  upon  him :  but  wee  have  not 
 
 M  4  heard. 
 
i68 
 
 ofthetemftations  wherebj  Saianjeekethto 
 
 Matth.i2.io. 
 Mark)^.24. 
 
 §4. 
 
 4..They  cartnot 
 l^eepe  their  faith 
 ftron^  andfiedfafi, 
 
 %emedie. 
 James  t-  17- 
 Pl'al. 77 10,11. 
 
 Want  offaeliHgat' 
 gutthnot  vant «/ 
 faith. 
 
 heard ,  that  hee  ever  rejedled  any  that  came  to  him  in 
 vveakneiTe ,  defiring  to  be  conHrmed.  The  leaft  graine  of 
 faith,  if  true }  is  acceptable  unto  the  Lord;  Hee  will  not 
 quench  thefmoaking  flaxe.  His  diflike  of  our  weaknefle 
 is  an  argument  of  his  love  and  care  for  our  good ,  who 
 would  have  us  to  be  fettled  in  theaflurance  ofhisfavour, 
 and  not  to  waver  in  uncertainties  to  our  great  diicomfort. 
 The  ftrait  charge  heehath  laid  upon  us  to  beieeve ,  and  the 
 fevere  threatnings  annexed  to  that  his  Commandement  if 
 we  obey  it  not ,  is  a  manifeft  evidence  of  his  bounty  and 
 good  will  towards  us,  who  is  pleafed  thus  to  binde  us  un- 
 to himielfe,  to  confirme  unto  us  his  love,  and  fo  un- 
 doubtedly to  aflure  us  of  his  mercy,  that  it  is  to  him  a  mat- 
 ter of  unkindnefle ,  if  wee  fhall  once  make  doubt  or  fcruple 
 of  it.  Doth  any  man  miflruft  the  afFe6lion  of  his  friend, 
 becaufe  he  hath  oft  charged  him  not  to  be  ftrange,  to  make 
 bold  with  him  in  any  matter  of  importance  and  need,  and 
 hath  rebuked  him  becaufe  hee  ftands  a  loofe  as  though  hee 
 {bould  not  be  welcome?  ; 
 
 §.  4 .  Some  are  difmaied ,  for  that  they  cannot  keepe 
 their  faith  ( for  any  continuance)  ftrongandftedfaft,  but 
 they  fcde  it  wavering,  inconftant ,  flitting,  lb  that  they 
 fall  into  great  forrow,  feare  and  doubtings.  For  their  com- 
 fort they  muft  know  that  there  is  no  fliadow  of  change 
 with  God,  and  thatitistheirweakneflefotothinke.  Men 
 arevariable  in  their  affe^^ions,  whom  they  dote  upon  this 
 day,  they  deteft  tomorrow:  But  fuch  lighrnefle  and  va- 
 nity, is  farre  from  our  God  :  His  love,  mercv,  and  gifts 
 tf  grace  are  all  unchangeable.  Alio  they  muft  beperfwa- 
 ded ,  that  labouring  after  and  groaning  to  reft  their  wea- 
 ried (bules  upon  the  pron^ifcs  of  mercy ,  being  never  fatis- 
 fied  till  their  doubtfulneffe  be  removed,  will  bring  a  good 
 end ;  Co  that  they  fhall  neither  mifcarrie  ,  nor  b'efo;fxken 
 of  the  Lord  in  the  loweft  depth  of  their  diftrefie.  '^nd 
 though  for  a  time  they  feele  not  that  they  have  faith  or 
 life,  they  may  truly  bee  alive  unto  God,  as  it  is  evident  by 
 fundry  tef^imonies  and  properties  of  the  new  birth ,  which 
 
 may 
 
batter  downe  our  Faith ^  and  how  he  may  be  rejijied.  1 6p 
 
 may  bee  dilcerned  in  them  who  doe  moft  complaineof 
 their  eftaces.    A  man  I'uddenly  ftriken  to  the  ground,  and 
 amazed  with  Ibme  violent  blow ,  wanteth  not  liio.  altoge- 
 ther, though  bee  perceive  it  not :  Breathing  and  moving 
 are  infallible  tokens  of  life  in  the  body,  which  by  many 
 likelihoods  appeareth  to  bee  dead  :  fo  panting  and  brea- 
 thing after  the  conlblations  of  the  Lord ,  and  the  light  of 
 his  countenance,  be  undoubted  fignes  of  the  new  birth , 
 though  they  bee  not  eafily  dilcerned  (  eipecially  in  the 
 houre  of  temptation  )  by  them  in  whom  they  arc.  Where- 
 fore the  weake  in  faith  muft  bee  wile  in  heart ,  and  not 
 meafure  themfelves  by  their  prefenr  faintings  and  infir- 
 mities :  but  wait  upon  God,  and  ufe  the  meanes  which  hee 
 hath  prefcribed  in  his  Word.  As  children firfl:  learne  togoe 
 by  a  ftoole  or  fourme ',  ficke  folke  recover  their  talie  or 
 ftrength  by  little  and  1  trie;  plants  fiiootnot  up  fiidden- 
 \y  and  at  once ,  but  by  degrees ;  corne  fuffers  many  a 
 (Viarpe  ftorme  before  it  come  to  ripenefTe  :  fb  faith  hath  irs 
 beginning,  gfowth,  and  confirmation  s  calmes  and  ftormes 
 to  ripen  it.  | 
 
 Ifit  bee  demanded,  why  doth  God  deale  thus  with  his 
 children,  and  fuffer  them  to  fall  into  fuch  depth  of  doub- 
 ting, forrow  and  feare?  The  anfwer  is, that  in  regard  of 
 the  beleever  himfelfe  this  doubting  is  a  weaknefle ,  which 
 muft  bee  with-ftood  and  overcome  :  For  the  attaining 
 whereto,  the  occafion  of  this  doubting  in  him  who  hath 
 unce  beleeved  muft  bee  fearched  out,  and  lb  removed: 
 which  ordinarily  is  our  owne  infirmity,  negle6l  of  duty  , 
 and  fleightnefle  in  the  manner  of  performing  the  fame,  or 
 Ibme  particular  fin,  or  pronenefle  to  fin,  and  nouriHiing  the 
 (ame,  or  long  lying  therein;  whereupon  the  tender  con-* 
 icience  feareth  that  his  former  comfort  wasbutdeceitfull 
 andvaine,andibdoubreth  of  his  good  eftafe  But  this. fa  1-. 
 leth  out  by  the  wife  providence  of  God  fbdifpofing,  left 
 by  the  fudden  change  from  fo  damnable  and  uncomfort- 
 able an  eftatetofo  happieand  joyfi]ll,he  ftiouldbe  litred  up 
 and  conceited  j  and  fb  become  fecure  and  pr^fumptuouSj 
 
 V/l]y  thefaithfuU 
 arefub}elt  to  ff.c'^ 
 doubts  and iifant 
 of  feeling. 
 
 Agame 
 
lyo 
 
 5  Ihey  rfcetved 
 ihetiuthntfirft 
 •fnithout  duett  tti 
 Rttnedj, 
 
 Faith  may  he  true, 
 though  TnKch  tf^re 
 am'^t ^  uhenfiift 
 ffc  rcsived  the 
 
 truth. 
 
 <>.  Thtj  nevtr  had 
 that  deepe  for.tetf 
 vhieh  many  havi 
 fiU. 
 
 T^mesfy, 
 Ceds  dtiles  net 
 with  all  <ili\e» 
 
 of  the  temftations  tvherebj  Satan  feeketh  to 
 
 jvgaine  sthis  maketh  him  the  more  to  prize  the  fcnfeof 
 Gods  mcrcy^nd  with  the  greater  care  to  prelerve  hi&faith, 
 and  to  fhun  all  finne  and  wickednefle ,  which  might  hinder 
 the  apprehenfion  of  his  concinuall  love. 
 
 $.  5.  Satan  tempteth  feme  to  doubt ,  becaule  at  firft 
 they^  received  the  truth  without  due  tryall  and  exami 
 nation;  whofeduty  it  is  carefully  to  r^forme  whatlbever 
 they  elpie  to  have  beene  amifle  :  but  for  one  rotten  poft 
 it  is  no  wiledome  to  pull  downe  the  whole  building. 
 For  God  is  mercifull ,  and  ready  to  forgive  our  imper- 
 fe6lions,  when  upon  the  knowledge  and  fight  wee  con- 
 fefle  and  bewaile  them.    The  Dilciples  at  firft  followed 
 Chrift  in  hope  of  temporall  preferment ,  and  yet  their 
 faith  was  found  and  true ;  for  when  they  came  to  the  know- 
 ledge of  their  errour  they  reformed  it,  and  didftillinfe- 
 parably  cleave  unto  him.   It  is  the  great  wifedome  and 
 mercy  of  the  Lord*  for  a  time  to  hide  from  his  children 
 the  f gbt  of  their  infirmities  and  wants ,  and  notwith- 
 ftanding  their  manifold  weaknefles  to  afford  unto  them 
 the  fenfe  of  his  love  ;   left  they  fhould  bee  utterly 
 difcouraged  and  faint  under  the  burden  for  want  of  ex- 
 /  perience ,  finding  the  entrance  into  life  hard  and  diffi- 
 cult.   Naturall  difcretion  teacheth  us  to  deale    with 
 children  according  to  their  ability,  and  not  to  difhear- 
 ten  them  by  exacf  ing  what  is  above  their  ftrength :  The 
 likecompaflfion  doth  the  Lord  fliewtohisj  by  the  com- 
 forts of  his  Spirit  preparing  them  to  endure  the  affaults  of 
 Satan. 
 
 $.5.  Many  Chrifliansbeeexercifed  with  this  tempta- 
 tion, that  they  cannot  bee  the  children  of  God,becan(e 
 thcyneverhad  that  deepc  fbrrow  and  long  tying  under  it 
 that  many  of  their  brethren  have  had.  Whereas  they 
 fhould  know ,  that  not  mens  examples ,  but  Gods  Word 
 mnftbeQ«irrulcofdire<5tion.  The  Lord  dealeth  not  with 
 all  alike ,  becaufe  in  wifedome  hce  knoweth  what  is  mofl 
 meet  for  every  man.  Doth  any  man  complainc  becaufe 
 his  joints  are  fct ,  or  his  wounds  cured  with  little  fmart 
 
 and 
 
batter  doivm  our  Faith^  and  how  he  may  he  reftfied.  171 
 
 arrdpaine?  ThePhyfitianknowes  beft  theftrengthofhfs 
 patient  1  and  what  hec  can  bearc  :  what  is  neceflary  for 
 one,  would  kill  another.  It  \%  good  to  grieve,  becaufe  wee 
 can  grieve  no  more  for  finne  :  But  to  doubt  of  Gods 
 \(yiz  s  becaufe  hee  deales  gently  with  us,  left  wee  fhould 
 befwallowedupofforrowj  is  great  ignorance,  weaknefle , 
 and  folly.  God  many  times  keepes  from  his  fcrvants  the 
 horrible  and  gaftly  afpeft  of  their  finnes  in  wonderfull 
 mercy,  left  tite  horrour  of  them ,  and  Gods  wrath  due 
 for  them ,  (hould  over-whelmc  them.  If  God  by  in- 
 ticements  and  ipeaking  to  thy  heart  have  brought  thee 
 home  unto  him  ,  thou  haft  caufe  to  magnific  the  tender 
 mercy  of  the  Lord ,  who  hath  not  dealt  with  thee  after 
 thine  inquities  :  for  had  hee  fet  thee  upon  theracke ,  as 
 many  have  beene ,  thou  haft  reafon  to  thinke ,  thouhadft 
 never  beene  able  to  beare  it.  Feare  of  conlcience,  griefe  of 
 minde ,  doubtfulnefle  of  falvation  commends  no  man  to 
 God ;  neither  is  it  againft  a  man  or  with  him  in  afluring 
 himfelfc  of  falvation ,  whether  wee  have  long  or  ftiort  time  I 
 beene  preffed  with  fuch  Ibrrowes,  but  that  hee  bee  well 
 freed  and  delivered  fiomiiich  trouble,  and  difcharged  of 
 his  feare. 
 
 §.  7.  A  poore  Chriftian  is  oft  put  to  great  plunges 
 through  the  malice  of  Satan,  becaufe  there  is  much  weak- 
 neffe  of  fpirituall  life  in  him  >  hee  never  felt  any  great 
 ftrcngth  ofgraceinhimfelfe,  and  what  he  formerly  felt  is 
 now  decayed.  By  this  Temptation  God  doth  chaften  our 
 pride  and  fwelling  of  heart ,  unthankfulneflfe,  difconti- 
 nuanccofcareto  cherifh  and  increafe  received  graces  by 
 meanes  lan^tified ,  running  into  occafions  of  decay  and 
 cooling,  and  contentment  with  a  fmall  pittance  of  grace, 
 faith,  holincfle :  For  all  which  finnes,  and  other  of  like 
 kind  ,  wee  muft  unfainedly  humble  our  felves  before  God  , 
 craving  pardon  of  his  meere  grace  and  mercy.  This  Hu- 
 miliation isaipeciall  meanes  to  eafe  the  confcience ;  as  the 
 wound  doth  ceafe  raging  when  it  is  opened  and  well 
 drawne. 
 
 And 
 
 Tuith  may  he 
 four.d  in  them^ 
 fho  never  ftUHd 
 fUch  depth  cf 
 forraw, as  others 
 h*ve  dtne. 
 
 HoC  1.14. 
 
 §.7. 
 7.  They  never  felt 
 any  great  fitength 
 oj grace. 
 
 Remtdy, 
 
172 
 
 of  the  temptations  ivherely  Satmfeeketh  to 
 
 'IVs  mdj  hsve 
 truefaiih^lhougij 
 
 •KeaeverhAduvy 
 great  ^reejtb  of 
 
 Trace, 
 
 3"'3- 
 
 Luke2i.2,3,4' 
 
 §..8- 
 
 g.  what  they  for- 
 
 merlyfeltisntw 
 
 decided. 
 
 "B^emedie. 
 Phil  4. 10. 
 
 Anditmul^.beretnembred,  that  wee  are  but  children, 
 and  therefore  weake;  yea,  and  fubjcd  to.manyfpirituall 
 difeafesvfuch  as  take  away  fenfe  of  life  :  and  therefore  wee 
 mult  fecke  to  bee  cured,  andnotdefpaireoflife.  When 
 any  one  part  or  member  is  diftempered  or  ill  at  cafe,  wee 
 defpaire  not  of  the  fafetie  of  the  whole  perfon  3  but  labour 
 to  cure  and  reftore  it  to  health  againe:fo  when  wee  have 
 offended,  wee  fliouldreibrtcothePhyfitianChrillJefus, 
 make  rur  complaint  to  him,  and  bee  confident  for  bis  pro- 
 mife  fike  that  he  will  help  us.  And  if  they  who  have  falne 
 and  offended  God  ,  may  turne  home  againe  to  tbeir  firft 
 Husband  with  grod  welcome;  fhall  not  they  much  more 
 be  beloved  of  him,  and  comforted  by  him  ,  who  have  not 
 provoked  him,  but  are  onely  held  downe  through  feare  and 
 infirmity  ? 
 
 And  though  their  graces  beefmall,  they  maybee  true 
 whiles  they  be  fmall.  Little  faith  is  faith,  as  a  littlcfirc 
 IS  fire.  Goddefpifeth  not  little  things  in  obedience  offe- 
 red to  him.  In  thefacrificesol  theLavv,  not  the  price  of 
 the  gift, but  the  ability  and  feffeftion  oftheofterer  was  re- 
 fpe(^ted.  Andif  weaknefle  of  grace  was  any  jullcaule  of 
 feare ,  who  might  aflurc  himfelfe  of  Gods  love  ?  Not  one. 
 For  though  fome  have  grace  in  greater  meafure  than  o- 
 thers ,  yet  all  are  compaffed  with  infirmities,  and  have  not 
 attained  unto  perfection.  But  it  is  not  lb  much  enquired 
 how  great  or  little ,  as  how  fincere  our  faith  and  obedi- 
 ence is.  Faith  ifit  be  unfained ,  though  but  as  a  grainc  of 
 Muftard  feed ;  obedience ,  ifit  be  hearty,  though  mingled 
 tvith  many  infirmities,  hath  promife  of  gracious  acceptati- 
 on. And  thefmallefl:  beginnings  are  pledges  of  greater 
 favours,  where  there  is  thankfull  acceptance,  and  conlcio- 
 nable  ufe  of  thole  already  received  to  the  glory  of  the  be- 
 ftower. 
 
 §.  8.  If  what  was  formerly  felt  bee  now  decayed  in 
 feeling ;  even  in  Gods  deareft  children  there  may  be  decay 
 of  graces  in  part,  and  for  a  time.  Of  the  'Philippians  the 
 Apoftle  faith ,  your  care  beginneth  to  fpring  againe  :  be- 
 like! 
 
hatter  downe  our  Fatth^  and  how  he  may  be  refijied.  ino 
 
 like  they  had  their  winter  whom  a  new  Spring  revived. 
 It  is  true  the  Lord  hath  promifed ,  that  Hell  gates  fliall  ne- 
 ver prevaile  utterly  to  overthrow  the  f^ith  of  his  chofen, 
 or  any  other  grace  radically  accompanying  falvation  :  but 
 to  preferve  continuall  fenfible  exercife  of  any  grace,he  hath 
 no  where  promifed.  The  graces  of  God  doe  ebbe  and  flow 
 in  his  fervants  (and  that  by  the  wife  difpofition  of  God) 
 left  if  wee  had  attamcd  facility  in  all  things,  wee  ftiould 
 tbinke  that  our  owne,  which  is  meerly  his  worke.  Who 
 amongftthe  faithful!  doth  alwayesheare  with  equall  at- 
 tention ,  reverence ,  chearefulneffe  ?&c.  or  pray  with  like 
 earneiinefle  of  defire  ,  feeling  of  wants  ,  aflurance  to  bee 
 heard ,  or  fubmiffion  to  Gods  will  ?  or  doe  any  thing  at  all 
 times  fo  as  at  fome?  The  Lord  many  times  wichdrawes  the 
 uie  of  fome  particular  grace,  that  ibme  other  may  in  greater 
 meafure  iliew  forth  it  felfe  in  us.  Joy  and  rejoicing  in  his 
 mercy  he  vvitholds ,  that  he  might  bring  co  the  pradtice  of 
 humiliation.  - 
 
 §.p.  What  if  a  Chriftian  cannot  finde,  no  not  after 
 fearch  and  examination,  any  Xivcly  fenfe  or  feeling  of 
 faith,"  nay,  hee  cannot  difcerne  any  faith  2it  all  in  himfelfe  ? 
 Hereby  the  Lord  may  corred  our  unthankfulnefle  for  mer- 
 cies-fprmerly  received ,  or  that  prelumptuous  licence  we 
 toOketoour  felves  in  finning,  or  in  queftioning  with  onr 
 f:lves  of  his  graces  :  All  which  things  wee  are  heartily  to 
 confefleand  bewaile.  But  for  the  comfort  of  thediftref. 
 fed,  be  is  to  know  thatfometimes  graces  may  lye  hid,  yea, 
 andworke  in  relpecl  of  our  acknowledgment  infenfibly. 
 The  feed  oftaith  cannot  be  loft  ,  after  it  is  once  planted  in 
 anhoneftandgoodheartby  the  holy  Spirit  :  but  the  fight 
 chereofmaybeehid  from  our  knowledge,  and  the  lively 
 functions  thereof  inuermitted.  The  childe  Mvzs  in  the  mo- 
 thers wombe ,  though  it  know  not  {o  much.  Life  re- 
 Tiaines  in  a  man  fallen  into  a  dead  fvound ,  wherein  hee  is 
 t-Ieprived  for  a  time  of  underftanding ,  reafon,  memorie, 
 f^nfe  J  motion ,  and  all  apparent  vitail  functions.  The  tree 
 lives  in  winter ,  though  nipped  with  frofts ,  and  weather- 
 beaten 
 
 In^odsdearefl 
 children  there  may 
 be  decay  of  graces. 
 
 §.9.       ^ 
 
 They  canrtotpnd 
 any  lively  fen/e  of 
 faith. 
 
 %emsdy. 
 
 We  may  not  con. 
 clude^there  it  no 
 truth  of ^r  ace  in 
 m^becaufi  ive  can- 
 not perceive  And 
 feelett. 
 
174 
 
 ofthetemptatlons  whereby  Satmfeekethto 
 
 Prov.jo.ij. 
 
 Pfal.  ip  i2« 
 
 Tn  time  eftemp' 
 ration  thtjredly 
 doe  erre  many 
 •svaies »'»  exami' 
 nation  ofthem- 
 felvts. 
 
 beaten  with  tcmpefts ,  dead  in  appearance.  Coalcs  raked 
 clofe  under  the  a(hes,  that  they  give  neither  heat  nor  h'<»hc, 
 doe  yet retainc both,  though  they fhew not  forth  them- 
 felves.  There  is  a  generation  fure  in  their  ownetyes ,  who 
 are  not  purged  from  their  iniquities :  the  moft  holy  are  not 
 privic  to  all  their  fecretfinnes,  nor  throughly  acquainted 
 with  the  deceitfulnefle  of  their  owne  hearts  :  And  the 
 graces  of  the  Spirit  may  lye  hid  in  the  hearts  of  the  rege- 
 nerate,and  worke  inlenfibly  to  their  feeling  and  difcerning, 
 as  well  as^orruption  lurke  fecretly  and  worke  privily  in  tSe 
 foule  both  of  regenerate  and  unregenerate.  An  argument 
 drawne  from  his  fenfe  andfeeling,  may  have  Ibme  colour  in 
 theconceit  of  a  diftrefiedminde:  but  in  truth  it  is  ade- 
 ceitfull  reafoning  to  conclude.  That  they  have  no  faith, 
 becaufe  they  have  no  fenfe  or  feeling  thereofin  their  appre- 
 henfion. 
 
 In  the  agony  ofconfcience  none  are  more  unfit  to  judge 
 of  our  cftatc,  than  wee  of  our  ownc.  Though  at  other 
 times  wee  be  fickc  of  felfe-lovc ,  and  too  partiall  in  our 
 owne  cafe;  yet  in  this  ftate,  towards  our  feh^eswee  are 
 moft  uncharitable ;  and  being  out  of  love  without  ^tl^vt^y 
 wee  are  apt  to  derogate  from  the  worke  of  Gods  Spirit  in 
 us.  It  is  moftcertainealfo,  that  in  the  examination  and 
 triall  of  our  cftates,wce  commit  no  fmall  errours  in  the 
 time  of  temptation ,  the  minde  being  clouded  with  the 
 miftsofSatansfuggeftions,  and  the  heart  h  diftempered 
 with  feare,  that  wee  cannot  difcernc  the  graces  of  God  in 
 us,nor  acknowledge  boldly  what  in  a  fort  wee  fee.  Sugge- 
 ftions  wee  take  to  be  (innes  of  confent  and  purpofc ;  failing 
 in  the  purpofed  meafure  of  ferving  God,  or  in  fome  particu- 
 lar ,  wee  diftingui{h  not  from  falling  from  our  generall 
 purpofe  to  cleave  unto  God  in  the  performance  of  all  du- 
 ties of holinefle  and  righteoufnefle :  we  put  no  difference 
 betwixt  ablblute  falling  from  purpofe,  and  failing  in  exe* 
 cution  ofpurpofe  in  fome  particular.  Common  infirmities 
 wee  judge  prefumptuous  finnes ,  or  liich  blemifhes  as  can- 
 not be  in  the  Saints  of  God :  paffions  wee  cfteemeas  deli- 
 berate 
 
batur  downe  our  Faithy  and  how  he  may  be  rejijied.  175 
 
 berate  purpofcd  refolucions ;  and  motions  to  diftruft, 
 which  are  evidences  of.  weaknefie,  are  fuppofed  pregnant 
 tokens  of totall  infidelitjr.  Certaintic  of  adherenceis  not 
 diftinguiflied  from  certainty  of  evidence  :  ifwee  find  not 
 aflurance  of  pardon ,  we  conclude  there  is  no  faith,  though 
 poflTibly  atthe  prefenc,  weerefolve  to  roll  our  fclves  upon 
 thefaithfuU  promife  of  God ,  audpowrcoutourlbulesfor 
 mercy. 
 
 The  Lord  diverfly  gives  evidence  of  his  Spirits  prcfence 
 in  us.  Sometimes  a  child  of  God  perceives  little  diffe- 
 rence in  pra6lice  betwixt  himfelfeand  very  aliens;  yet 
 let  him  view  his  affe^ions  ,  he  may  fee  grace  there :  Ibmc- 
 times  againe  more  may  bee  feene  in  practice ,  than  in  the 
 aftedlion.  When  the  heart  is  over-whelmed  with  teare 
 and  doubt,  a  man  cannot  finde  love,  joy,  or  delight  in  the 
 Word  of  God ;  but  then  his  frequenting  the  houfe  of 
 God  J  his  private  reading  and  conferenccjare  teftimonies 
 that  his  will  is  bent  to  the  Law  of  God.  But  thefe  things 
 are  not  oblerved  in  the  times  of  diftrefie  and  bitter  anguifLj 
 whence  it  followeth ,  that  God  may  evidence  his  prefence 
 with  us  by  the  Spirit  of  grace,  when  by  rcafon  of  our  frailty 
 we  cannot  difcerne  it. 
 
 Furthermore ,  if  a  man  can  difcerne  nofparke  of  grace, 
 nor  feele  any  good  thing  inhimfclfe,  hee  is  not  to  delpaire. 
 But  as  the  fenfe  and  feeling  of  his  prefent  ftate  ought  to 
 humble  him  under  Gods  hand,  and  move  bim  to  enter  into 
 a  ferious  examination  ofliimfelfe,  and  to  unfained  repen- 
 tance for  his  finnes :  fo  mu(t  he  take  comfort  untohimfelfe, 
 and  prop  up  his  weake  declining  faith, by  calling  to  minde 
 former  times,  wherein  the  Lord  hath  caufed  his  mercifull 
 and  gracious  countenance  to  (liine  upon  him,  and  wherein 
 hee  hath  glorified  God  by  an  holy  life  and  converfation. 
 For  if  ever  he  hath  difcerncd  the  graces  of  Gods  Spirit  by 
 the  fruits  of  fan6tification,  they  are  not  utterly  taken  away, 
 though  for  a  time  they  bee  buried  from  his  fight,  that  hee 
 cannot  find  them.  The  feed  is  not  dead  that  lyethalhvm- 
 ter  under  the  clodsj&  appcarcch  not  by  fruit  aboveground. 
 
 Ifl 
 
 Ifd  man  can  dif- 
 cerne nofparl^e 
 of  grace  in  him- 
 filfefoTthe  pre. 
 ftntyheUuot  to 
 dejpairet 
 
 Pral.77.3,9, 
 10,11. 
 
Matth.ii.: 
 
 §.io. 
 r  Pet. 5.8. 
 10.  Their  fmnes 
 be  mimy  in  nuin- 
 {jcfyandhainom 
 for  ^ttalitj. 
 
 ij$  of  the  tempt  dtiom  wherebj  Satan  feeketh  to 
 
 If  he  be  not  able  to  gather  comfort  from  former  experi- 
 ence, but  be  ready  CO  queftion  that  alfb,  yet  mufthee  not. 
 give  way  to  uncomfortable  and  deading  forrow  :  becaufe 
 thethirftietbule,  who  neither  fecleth  inward  fap  5  nor  fin- 
 deth  outward  fruit  of  grace  ,is  called  to  come  unto  Chrift 
 the  fountaine  of  living  waters ,  that  in  him  and  by  him  hee 
 mightbeea(ed,refreflied,andraadefrnitfull.  This  gracious 
 invitation  thepoore  foule  muft  lay  hold  upon,  and  fay  with- 
 in himfelfe,  I  will  draw  neere  unto  the  God  of  my  filvation, 
 and  truft  in  him;  for  I  have  his  firme  and  ftable  promife,. 
 that  I  fhall  be  watered  with  grace,  and  refrefhed  with  com- 
 fort. If  I  be  hungry,  he  hath  plenty  of  provifion ;  if  barren, 
 dry,  and  withered ,  with  him  there  is  abundance  of  grace, 
 that  I  may  be  enriched, 
 
 $.10.  The  Divell,  who goeth  about  like  a  roaring  L  ton, 
 feekingtvhom  he  may  devours ,  ■will  not  ipare  to  iuggeft 
 to  the  contrite  and  humbled  fonlesthat  God  cannot  or  will 
 not  forgive  his  tranfgreffions ,  which  have  beenemofthai- 
 nous  for  quality,  many  for  number ,  and  in  which  hee  hath 
 long  lived  and  continued.  And  it  may  be  the  Lord  would 
 hereby  corredl:  our  former  conceits  in  the  dayes  of  our  va- 
 nity, that  of  all  things  pardon  of  finnes  is  moft  eaiily  ob- 
 tained, thatitwasbutafleightandlhiallthing  to  finnea- 
 gainft  God,that  we  might  well  enough  take  our  fill  of  finne 
 for  the  time,  and  turne  to  the  Lord  in  old  age  and  ficknefle- 
 But  withall  ,this  thought  mufl-  be  held  to  arife  from  Satan, 
 and  fhunned  as  repugnant  to  the  truth  of  God.  For  the 
 promife  of  pardon  is  made  to  repentant  finners  without  li- 
 mitation to  any  time,  perlbn ,  quality ,  or  number  of  offen- 
 ces. And  for  the  remedy  and  removallof  this  temptation, 
 firft, we  rhould  humble  our  felves  before  God  for  our  light 
 efteeme  of finne,  and  procraftination  or  delayes :  And  then 
 confider  the  endlefneflfe  of  Gods  mercies  in  Chrift  3  the 
 price  which  was  paid  for  our  redemption ,  the  fweet  promi- 
 fes  propounded  in  the  Word,  the  ftableneffe  and  perpetui- 
 ty of  the  Covenant ,  and  the  examples  of  great  finners  re- 
 ceived to  mercy,-  ^••'^  •'''•  5:-'--M':' -^•■•--  "   '■^:'..  :''':".n  ■■■■ 
 
 And 
 
 The  haittoufhejfe  or 
 number  ofgurfins 
 make  Hi  not  unctt- 
 fable  of  mercy. 
 Remedy. 
 
 r  Cor.i.J. 
 
 Jam  5.7. 
 
 Jer.3 .1,2,3, 13,14. 
 
Godi  waih. 
 Renttdit, 
 
 a  Job  T  J.I  5. 
 brieb.iji. 
 F*ith  may  be 
 ^TOtg^yehtrt  we 
 ha  'je  nofenfi  ot 
 feel'tH^efraercy, 
 
 batter  downe  our  Faith^  and  how  he  may  be  refified,  177 
 
 And  what  if  a  man  feiifibly  feele  the  heavie  burthen  of  i^  ^^^  ,^^^, 
 Gods  wrath,  and  plainely  diicerne  his  frowning  and  an-  \^htavubmthln\f 
 gry  countenance  ?  Though  fcnie  of  Gods  Jove  faile,  faith 
 may  continue  ftrong.  For  faith  i%  not  grounded  upon  fenfe 
 and  feeling:  but  upon  Gods  gracious  promifes,  immutable 
 goodneffe,and  infallible  truth  .Yea,  when  a  fcnfe  and  feeling 
 ceafe ,  then  faith  which  is  ^  the  evidence  of  things  mtfeene, 
 beginneth  it  chiefeworke  :  and  the  mo(i  excellent  faith 
 flicweth  it  kWQ  mod  cleerely  when  wee  have  no  fcnfe  or 
 feelirg,  or  when  we  feele  the  cleane  contrary  .Faith  looketh 
 to  the  promife,  mercy,  power,  and  truth  of  God,  and  to  the 
 manner ofhis working:  and  feeing  hismer^yisincompre- 
 henfible,  his  power  infinite,  his  manner  of  working  by  con- 
 traries, his  truth  firme  and  immoveable ;  therefore  in  the 
 greaceft  terrours  it  beleeveth  peace ;  when  God  flievveth 
 ^imfelfe  an  enemie ,  it  apprehendeth  him  loving  and  mer- 
 cifull ,  andoutof  thedeepeft  humiliation,  above  fenieor 
 reaibn  gathereth  the  fweeteft  conlblation.   If  ever  wee 
 have  tailed  of  Gods  love  and  mercy,  lively  faith  conclu- 
 deth  that  wee  are  ftillin  his  love  and  favour,  whatfoever 
 we  apprehend  in  our  prcfent  fenfe  and  feeling  :  for  whom 
 he  loveth ,  to  the  end  hee  loveth  them.  Yea,  faith  goeth 
 before  experience  or  fenfe  of  mercy ,  and  waiteth  for  fal- 
 vation  in  Chrilt ,  in  the  depth  of  miferie ,  grounding  it 
 felfe  meerely  npon  the  Word  of  truth  which  cannot  lie. 
 Wee  beleeveto  taf^e  the  goodnefleofthe  Lord,  not  be- 
 caufe  we  have  felt  already  how  kind  the  Lord  is  ;  though 
 we  may  make  ufe  of  feelings  paft ,  tofufhineusinprefenc 
 agonies. 
 
 Experience  and  fenfe  is  a  ftay  or  prop  for  our  better 
 eafe,  not  the  ground  upon  which  our  faith  leaneth;  and 
 though  it  be  fnaken ,  faith  concinneth  firme.  If  therefore 
 at  anytime  our  fenfe  and  feeling  tell  us  one  thing  ( namely, 
 that  God  hath  caft  us  off  for  ever  ,and  will  never  looke 
 gracioufly  upon  us)  and  the  Word  of  God  affure  us  of 
 another,  to  wit ,  that  God  doth  love  us,  and  will  never 
 forfake  us  utterly ;  wee  are  not  to  give  credit  to  our  owne 
 
 N  ,       feeling. 
 
 James  1.17. 
 John  13. 1.Z7 
 
of  the  temptations  whereby  Satanjeekethto 
 
 Jer.20.i4>^5- 
 
 5.11. 
 
 ufed  the  meanes 
 afgtdce^tmd  can 
 findeno  cotn/ort. 
 Cant.j.a,?- 
 %etoedic. 
 
 feeling,  but  to  Gods  Word.  For  our  fenfeisoft  decei- 
 ving, fpecially  in  matters  of godlinefiTe  :  but  the  Word  of 
 the  Lord  is  fincere  and  abideth  for  ever.  In  bodily  dilea- 
 fes  oflbme  kinde,  wee  truftmoreto  the  judgement  of  a 
 skilfull  Phyiician,  than  to  our  owne  conceits :  and  ftiall 
 wenottbinke,  that  God  knowes  ouripiritualleftatebet' 
 ter  than  we  cur  felves  ?  What  can  wee  beleeve  in  matters 
 ofreligion,  if  wee  beleeve  nor  more  than  we  can  dilcerne 
 by  fenle  or  realbn  ?  The  being  ofa  thing,  and  the  fenfi- 
 ble  difcerning  of  the  thing  to  bee,  are  divers.  Howfoever 
 atfometimestheyconcurre,  yet  oftentimes  they  are  feve- 
 red and  difjoyncd.  BecaufetheSunneappearethnotto  us 
 at  Mid' night,  {Kail  we  conclude,  that  it  never  hath,  or  will 
 (bine  to  us  againe?  Shall  a  child  imagine  his  Father  never 
 did  or  will  truly  love  him  hereafter,  becaufe  for  the  pre- 
 fent  he  doth  not  admit  him  into  his  prefence,  or  afford  him 
 a  favourable  and  lovely  countenance  ?  No  lefle  abfurd,but 
 moreinjurieus  is  it  to  our  heavenly  Father ,  to  conjecture  • 
 that  no  grace  or  favour  is  to  be  found  with  God,  feeing  now 
 the  beamcs  ofhis  love  and  mercy  are  hidden  from.us* 
 
 The  deareft  (ervants  of  God,  who  have  beene  indued 
 with  mof^  eminent  graces ,  and  highly  advanced  into  fpc- 
 ciall  favour  with  him ,  have  yet  in  their  owne  fenfe  appre- 
 hended wrath  and  indignation  in  ftead  of  love  and  favour , 
 diipleafurein  fteadofcomfortjand  trouble  in  fteadof peace. 
 Did  God  tenderly  refped  them,  when  he  feemed  to  teare 
 theminpeeces  ,  and  to  breakc  their  bones  like  a  roaring 
 Lion  :  and  fhall  wee  judge  ofhis  affe6lion  by  our  prefcnt 
 feeling  ? 
 
 $.11.  But  what  if  wee  have  long  ufed  the  m.eanes  of 
 grace ,  and  can  finde  no  comfort  ?  In  this  cafe  wee  muft 
 repent  of  the  fornjer  negle6l  to  accept  of  grace  offered,  and 
 pray  to  God  to  forgive  and  pardon  iu  Wee  muft  alfb  ex- 
 amine our  hearts  with  all  care  and  d'iligencet©  finde  out 
 the  fins  which  haply  doc  hinder  comfort,and  bewailing  the 
 fame,  ftirrc  up  cur  felves  to  receive  the  promJfes.  For 
 oft-times  the  entertaining  of  fbmc  bofome  finne,  which 
 
 we 
 
i^atter  downe  our  Fdth^  and  how  he  may  be  refijled.  i  jp 
 
 ="( 
 
 we  are  loach  to  part  withall,  is  that  which  makes  the  breach 
 in  our  confcience.  And  fometimes  we  walke  without  com- 
 fort *  not  fo  much  becaufe  God  with-holds  it,  as  that  we 
 put  it  from  us;  either  not  knowing  that  wee  are  called  to 
 belcevc ,  or  not  encouraging  our  ielves  to  ftrive  againft 
 feares ,  or  (hutting  our  eyes  againft  the  evidences  of  grace, 
 that  God  hath  bellowed  upon  us ,  or  miftaking  what  the 
 teftimony  of  the.  Spirit  is ,  whereby  God  witnefleth  to  us  ■ 
 that  we  are  his  children.  For  whiles  wee  takeit  to  befome 
 vocall  teftimony ,  which  certifieth  us  againft  feares  and 
 doubts,  even  in  the  middeft  of  temptations  j  and  in  a  man- 
 ner whether,  wee^ill  or  no,  we  fall  into  no  fmall  perplexi-. 
 ties,  not  finding  any  fuch  certificate  in  our  felves ,  whereas 
 the  witnede  of  the  Spirit  is  cleane  of  another  nature. 
 
 This  is  no  new  thing,  that  God  ftiouldcaufe  his  chil- 
 dren to  feeke  long  before  they  finde  comfort.  The  Apoftle 
 in  like  extremity  hf ought  the  Lord  thrice ^xhat  is,ofcen,be- 
 fbre  hce  received  anfwer-  And  though  God  delay,  either 
 to  chaften  neglc£ts,  or  to  kindle  afteflion ,  or  that  graces 
 hardly  obtained  may  be  valued  according  to  their  worthy 
 yet  will  he  not  alwaies  defpife  his  children  that  cry  unco 
 him  day  and  night.  The  ardent  defireftiallac  length  be  la 
 tisfiedjthe  panting  ibule  be  refrelhed  with  the  waters  of 
 confolation. 
 
 Comfort  and  joy  is  the  reward  of  our  obedience  :  but 
 patient  waiting  is  a  pleafing  and  acceptable  fervice  to  God. 
 It  is  Gods  worke  to  give  comfort ,  it  is  our  dutie  to  waite 
 for  it  in  the  waies  of  faolinefle.  Let  us  bee  contented  to 
 ferve  God  freely  without  wages ,  and  in  the  end  wee  fliall 
 bee  nolofers.  Remiflfion  of  finnes  and  peace  of  tonfcience 
 are  favours  worth  waiting  for.  If  the  Lord  fhould  keepc 
 ns  on  the  racke  even  till  the  laftgalpe,  and  then  impart 
 unto  us  the  leaft  drop  of  his  mercy  or  fenfe  of  his  love  in 
 Jefus  Chrift ,  his  grace  were  unlpeakable  towards  our 
 K)ulcs :  and  let  us  not  then  thinke  much  to  waite  in  pa- 
 tience a  little  while,  Wc  have  not  waited  fb  many  yeeres 
 in  the  meanes  of  grace  for  comfort,  as  Godhacn  waiced 
 
 N  2  for 
 
 Vie  giUy  feme' 
 timet  ft alke 
 ■without  comfort^ 
 becaufe  they  put 
 it  from  them- 
 feivet. 
 
 Oftmtimes  Gti 
 emt/ith  hit  chil' 
 dren  to  feeke  long 
 before  th^findt 
 comfort. 
 z  Cor.i».?. 
 
r 
 
 i8o 
 
 Qfthetemftations  wherebj  Satanjeekethto 
 
 §  ia« 
 
 fear^ull  extremity 
 Hoiv  thli  temfta- 
 ties  is  tobe  re- 
 fified. 
 
 aLuk.  11? ». 
 Rom.8.34,5J. 
 
 b  Phil.  i.^. 
 Rom.Ti  2S». 
 Pfal.37'*4' 
 
 for  our  converfion.  If  we  have  made  him  to  ftand  knocking 
 at  thedooreofour  hearts  long  before  we  gave  him  entrance; 
 let  it  not  feeme  tedious,  if  the  Lord  doe  not  'forthwith  open 
 tousthedooreofhisprivie  chamber,  and  admit  us  to  the 
 fweet  feliowfhip  and  communion  with  him.  Comforts 
 when  they  come  are  ufually  proportioned  to  the  meafure 
 of  tribulation,  and  multitude  of  fervent  prayers  powred  out 
 before  the  Lord.  Much  trouble  receives  in  the  end  plenti- 
 ful! confolation. 
 
 $.12.  Satan  molefteth  (bme  Cbriflians  with  feare  of 
 7//2/JX$wl!  fal'ing  into  fomefearefullextremitie:  By  which  temptati- 
 on it  pleafeth  God  to  acquaint  men  with  their  own  weak- 
 ncffe,  and  to  chafkn  or  prevent  pride,  fecurity,  ra(h  cenfu- 
 ring  of  others  that  have  fallen  into  fuch  difcomforts,  or  the 
 like.  But  for  the  remedie  thereof,  let  them  labour  to  forti- 
 fie  faith  in  the  gracious  promifes,  which  God  hath  made 
 to  his  children,of  fuflentation  and  prelervation.  As  faith  in- 
 creafethjfo  feare  abateth ;  as  it  ebbes  jlb  feare  flows  .And  let 
 them  to  this  end  confider,that  Chrift  hath  a  prayed  for  pre- 
 fervation  againft  all  feparating  extremes.  And  God  that 
 cannot  lie ,  hath  ^  promifed  to  keepe  his  children  from 
 utter  declining,  and  to  eftablifli  them  thatbee feeble  and 
 ready  to  fall.  The  Lord  hath  made  it  knowne  to  bee  his' 
 will  and  pleadire ,  thathe  will  never  take  away  that  grace 
 which  once  he  hath  given ,  but  incrcafcit  rather  till  it  be 
 perfe«5led  and  accomplifhed  rand  when  we  are  aflured  of  his 
 will,  we  may  relie  upon  liis  power  for  theeffefVing  of  it, 
 and  inferrc  heewill  keepe  us  fafely,  becaufeheisableto 
 eftablifliand  confirmeus.  The  greater  our  weakenefle  is 
 in  grace,   and  the  more  grievous  our  fickneffe  through 
 fiane  and  the  noyfbme  humours  of  corruption,    the 
 more  carefully  will  bee  watch  over  us  with  his  Almighty 
 power.  TheArong  cannot  f^and  by  their  owne  might,  \? 
 God  withdraw  his  hand  :  and  the  weakeftfhall  bee  able 
 to  overcome  their  mightieft  enemies,  being  underpropped 
 by  the  Lord.  What  flouds  of  trouble  fbever  doe  flow  over 
 US,  we  (hall  efcape  drowning,  if  the  Lord  hold  up  our  chin. 
 '  Feare 
 
l^atter  downe  our  Faithj  and  how  he  may  be  rejifted.  1 8 1 
 
 Feare  h  a  deeeitiflU  and  malitious  paffion ,  tycannicalJ, 
 raOi,  and  inconfiderate ,  proceeding  oftentimes  from  want 
 of  judgement ,  more  than  from  the  prcfencc  or  approach 
 of  eviJi  to  be  feared ,  tormenting  with  the  dread  of  what 
 fl:»Ilnev(a*conc^7wewere  never  in  danger  of:  It  is,  there- 
 fore valiantly  to  bee  rcfifted  ,  not  to  bee  beleevedorreafo- 
 ned  withall.  Feare  in  our  owne  rtrcngth  is  by  all  meanes 
 to  bee  cherifhcd :  but  diffidence  in  Gods  power ,  mercy, 
 goodnefle,  truth,  and  providence  is  to  bee  abandoned. 
 The  jftroi^  muft  not  prefiirae  in  bimielfe,  though  more 
 excellent  than  others  in  grace  j  nor  the  wcake  diftruft  in 
 the  Lord  J  though  feeble,  and  not  able  to  goe  high-lone. 
 The  hope  of  prelervation  ftaying  upon  inherent  grace 
 is  felfe-confidence  ;  and    the  feare  of  falling  arifing  j 
 from  the  lenfe  of  weaknefTe  is  diffidence  in  God.  In 
 holy  Scripture  wee  (hall  finde,   that  the  flrongeft  have 
 fallen ,  when  the  weake  have  flood  ;  and  they  have 
 beene  foiled  moflgrievoufly,  not  in  the  greateft  afTauIts, 
 but  when  they  have  given  way  to  their  lufts,  negle(5led 
 their  watch,  or  were  growne  lecure  and  dreaded  no 
 danger.  The  Lord    beft  knowcs  the  ftrength  of  his 
 childe ,  and  will  not  fuffer  him  to  bee  overtaken  with 
 thofe  uncomfortable  fails,  out  of  which  he  fhall  not  re- 
 cover. 
 
 §  1 5.  Sundry  Chriflians  through  the  malice  of  the 
 Devill,  bee  nnfettled  with  feares,  that  notwithftan- 
 ding  all  their  care  they  fliall  never  hold  out  in  faith 
 and  an  holy  courfe  of  life  unto  the  end  ;  but  by  perfe- 
 cution  or  other  afflictions  and  provocations  fhall  bee 
 turned,  backe,*  Ipecially  confidering  that  they  are  mar- 
 vellous apt  to  flip  and  coole  in  time  of  peace,  and 
 whileft  they  Mvt.  under  the  meanes  of  grace.  This  feare 
 is  to  bee  removed ,  by  calling  to  minde  the  promilcs  of 
 Godjfb  plentifully  and  richly  fet  downe  in  tne  word  of 
 grace.  And  they  muft  confider ,  that  the  fame  God  who 
 keepes  them  in  time  of  peace,  and  blefTeth  the  meanes 
 of  grace  whileft  they  doe  injoy  them ,  is  able  and  will 
 
 N  3  uphold 
 
 513. 
 
 vet  hold  mtt  t$  the 
 end. 
 
 Hew  thit  ttmpta- 
 tton  is  to  be  rS' 
 moved. 
 
P£>I.  If  S. 
 
 lids.  8- 13. 
 
 jg2  ofthetempationsrvherebjSatmfeekethto         j 
 
 uphold  them  in  the  time  of  trouble ,  and  when  meancs  bee 
 wanting. 
 
 Of  our  fclves  vsrec  ftand  not  at  any  time  ,•  by  his  power 
 we  may  overcome  at  all  times.  And  when  we  are  Ibreft  af- 
 iaulted ,  hee  is  ever  ready  at  our  right  hand,  to  fupport  and  I 
 ftay  us  that  wee  (hall  nor  fall.  Hee  hath  well  begun,  and 
 (hall  happily  goe  forward  in  his  worke,  who  hath  in  truth 
 beeun.  For  true  grace  well  planted  in  the  heart,  how  weake 
 foever,  fhall  hold  out  for  ever.  All  total!  decaies  come  from 
 this,  that  the  heart  was  never  truely  mollified,  nor  grace 
 deeply  and  kindly  rooted  therein. 
 
 And  as  for  preient  wcaknelTes ,  it  is  good  to  acknow- 
 ledge and  bewaile  them  j  but  they  muftnot,  forfomeim- 
 perfedions ,  cafl  downe  themfelves  halfe  deiperately ,  as 
 though  God  regarded  them  not ,  or  they  fhould  wither 
 and  utterly  decay.    For  as  the  drie  and  thirfty  ground  or 
 fpunge  fucketh  up  much  water,  fb  the  humble  fpirit  drinkes 
 up  much  grace ,  and  fhall  bee  replenifhed  abundantly  with 
 the  waters  of  comfort.  And  it  their  portion  of  grace  bee 
 the  fmalleft  of  all  others,  they  muftftrive  to  grow  forward, 
 but  without  difcouragement.    For  of  fmall  beginnings 
 I  come  great  proceedings;  of  one  little  fparke  a  mighty 
 flame;  of  a  fmall  Acorne  a  mighty  Oake;  of  a  graincof 
 Muftard-feed  a  great  tree :  and  a  little  leaven  ieafoneth  the 
 whole  lumpe.  All  feares  and  doubts,  which srife in  their 
 hearts ,  muft  drive  them  to  fend  up  earneft  prayers  toGod 
 daily  and  oft,  for  this  grace  of  faith  to  bee  more  firmely 
 rooted  in  them :  which  they  muft  doc  willingly  and  gladly, 
 that  they  may  feele  their  doubting  and  feare  to  vanifli  as 
 faft,  as  they  perceive  their  hold  in  the  promifes  of  God  to 
 waxe  flronger. 
 
 $.  14.  Satanbeares  many  in  hand,  that  their  manifold 
 crolTes  and  troubles  in  the  world,  and  their  want  of  out- 
 ward bleffings ,  is  an  argument  of  Gods  difpleafure  to- 
 wards them.  This  was  the  fieiry  dart,  which  hee  by  the 
 mouthes  q£ EHphas ,  Bildad,  undT&spbar  (yea  of  his 
 owne  wife  )  did  fhoot  at  Jol> ;  againlt  all  which ,  if  hee 
 
 had 
 
 S14. 
 
 li-Tbeyarettia- 
 »y  waits  crojed 
 and  a^iBed. 
 
Batter  downe  our  Faith^  and  how  he  may  be  refijied,  i  g  ? 
 
 had  notiield  out  the  fhield  offaitb ,  hee  had  bcene  pierced 
 through  and  through.  And  wee  fee  by  daily  experience , 
 that  when  a  godly  man  is  croffed  in  his  wife ,.  children , 
 goods ,  reputation ;  thefe  outward  affli6lions  are  often 
 great  occafions  of  deadly  forrowes  ,  and  grievous  temp- 
 tations touching  the  alfurance  of  his  owne  falvation. 
 The  temedy  is ,  to  thinke  ferioufly  and  to  acquaint  our 
 felves.  familiarly  with  the  properties  of  God;  the  truth, 
 unchangeablenciTe  and  nature  of  his  promifes ;  and  the 
 manner  of  his  dealing  with  others  of  his  fervants  in  his 
 wonderfu II  providence.  For  thereby  wee  flia  11  learne,that 
 God  doth  love  tenderly ,  when  hee  doth  correal  feverely ; 
 and  remaineth  unchangeable ,  when  our  outward  condi- 
 tion doth  varie  and  alter  :  yea,  that  all  his  chaftifemcnts 
 are  but  purgative  medicines,  to  prevent  or  curelbme  Ipi- 
 rituall  difcafe ,  which  hee  feeth  wee  are  inclined  unto. 
 Should  God  never  minifter  phyficke  till  wee  fee  it  need- 
 full,  defire  to  take  it,  or  bee  willing  of  it  j  alas,  wee 
 (hould  perifh  in  our  corruptions,  and  die  for  want  of  help 
 in  due  time.  It  is  good  to  humble  our  felves  when  God 
 corre<5leth :  but  to  doubt  of  hi  s  }^ovq  ,  when  hee  dealeth  lo- 
 yirtglywithuSjisagreatweaknelTe.  Alio  wee  (hould  call 
 to  tnjnde  that  God  allowes,  yea  requires,  that  men  in 
 affliction  fliould  \iwQ  by  faith,   both   for  a  laniftiffed 
 ufe  in  them,  and  a  good  iffue  out  of  them  in  due 
 fealbn.  And  lbaffli6lions  or  earthly  encumbrances  would 
 bee  no  meanes  to  weaken  our  faith ,  but  to  increafe  it 
 rather.  rTibfi.*^.- 
 
 §.  ij.  Some  godly  perforis  by  the  lubtle  and  cruel! 
 malice  of  the  Devill,  are  brought  to  this  bondage,  that 
 they  are  perfwaded  that  they  are  utter  reprobates,  and 
 have  no  remedy  againft  their  deiperation.  And  this  temp- 
 tation,cnough  of  it  felfe  to  (bake  and  terrifiexhe  affli6led, 
 is  made  farre  more  grievous  when  melancholy  pofTefTeth 
 the  partie  :  for  that  raifeth  excefle  of  diftruft  and  feare> 
 and  caufeth  the  partie  to  perfwade  himfelfe  of  mife- 
 ry ,  where  there  is  no  caufe.  In  this  weakene(re  Satan 
 
 N  4  alTailes 
 
 Remctty, 
 
 Outvard  crajfes 
 are  uo  argunn^nt 
 of  Gods  difplta. 
 furs. 
 
 job  y.  17. 
 Prov.3, 11. 
 Jam.  1. 12. 
 Heb.i2.7,8,9, 
 
 lOj  11,11. 
 
 1 6-  Tbty  are 
 Prouglypoppd 
 ivithfeare,  that 
 God  hath  utter' 
 [y  cajl  tbfvt  tf. 
 
i84 
 
 ofthetemftations  wherebj  Satanfeekethto 
 
 Hoff  ChriflU»s  in 
 thii  diftrejfe  and 
 anguijh  are  tt  be 
 comforted. 
 
 aifailes  fuch  poore  fervants  of  God  by  fpirituall  fug- 
 gcftion,  tempting  chem  to  fuch  finnes  asbe  very  ftrange , 
 and  fuch  as  they  abhorre  the  very  leaft  conceit  of  them  ; 
 and  when  by  fuch  temptations  they  are  brought  low ,  in 
 the  anguifh  and  bitternefle  oftlieirfoules,  theDevillla- 
 bourcth  elpccially  to  dimme  their  knowledge  and  judge- 
 ment I  that  they  may  have  no  fure  hold  of  any  point  of 
 do»5lrine ,  which  may  (bundly  comfort  them,  that  Co  hee 
 may  as  a  roaring  Lyon  devoure  them  (peedily.  And 
 vvhenhee  hath  covered  their  hearts  with  darkenefle ,  and 
 brought  them  into  a  dreadfull  feare  of  Gods  wrath,  hee 
 holdeth  them  at  this  vantage,  that  every  thing  which  is 
 before  them ,  is  made  matter  to  encreafe  their  diftreffed 
 eftate.  -     - 
 
 For  the  ftay  and  comfort  of  ilichdiftrefledfoules;  they 
 are  to  bee  perfwaded*  that  they  be  not  under  the  wrath 
 of  God  >  neither  is  his  anger  kindled  againft  them,  for 
 all  the  feare  that  oppreflech  them,  when  their  cftat«  is 
 in  their  owne  feeling  at  the  worft ;  becaulethey  have  not 
 finned  againft  the  holy  Ghofl-,  nor  malicioufly  let  them- 
 felves  againft  the  truth  and  Gofpel  of  God,  nor  perfc- 
 cutedit  wilfully  againft  knowledge  and  confdence  :  which 
 one  fin  only  is  able  to  (hut  them  out  from  all  hope  of  Salva- 
 tion.   And  here  they  muft  beware ,  they  make  no  more 
 finnes  of  that  kinde  than  God  himfelfe  hath  pronounced 
 tobee  of  that  fort :  for  in  thefe  matters  that  concerne  Gods 
 Religion,  even  the  perfection  of  our  wiidome  is  but  folly, 
 much  more  our  fickebraines  and  melancholicke  underftan- 
 dine  is  to  bcremovcd  farre  from  handling  fuch  holy  things. 
 And  feeing  their  confciences  doebearethem  witnefTcjhow 
 muchthefe  temptations  are  repugnant  to  their  defires  and 
 liking,  how  gladly  they  would  be  freed  and  delivered  from 
 them,  how  grievous  and  burdenlbme  they  are  unto  them, 
 and  chiefly  railed  by  Satan,  who  abufeth  their  fimplicityj 
 therefore  there  is  no  caufe,  why  they  (houldbelbdifcou- 
 raged  or  out  of  heart,  no  more  than  one  that  hath  had  a 
 fearefull  dreame,  when  he  awaketb. 
 
 Moreover, 
 
bitter  dmne  mr  TMh,  andhmhe  may  berefipd.         1 8  ; 
 
 "Itoover,  they  are  i^iS^Sfflefloelfe  w  be  put  in 
 minde  (yet  with  the  fpitk  ofo^wlfesndcompffion); 
 and  toconfider,  how  much  it  doth  difplcafeGod,  that  they 
 arettSvedftomtheir.faith,andbaveg.venpkceto<:on- 
 
 ceksa^fpiritsofettour , .cpnctiiry^«  thejioftcleatcand 
 StaWepromifes  made  thw*«thKft,  tef«nt.fe«^ 
 and lo»e  the  Lord ,  tjembleat  te  vwtAi^eteoken-h^ajr- 
 ted,  2:  And  therefore  they  (hoaU  gather  more  godly 
 boldneffeand  confidence  inGodoi>theoiiefide.an<rtna:e 
 co^ree  and  ftrength  againft  Satan  x,n  .the  other  fide. 
 Fc^ifGod  call  and  incourage^stp  trnftand telle |pon 
 hto  and  weeftandingwneedxhQ:£0f,vvould  moll  gladly 
 S  aTe  to  promife?  rnade  in  Ghrift  Jefe.  who  is  b^e 
 tte  ftoHld  hinder  us?  TheScnptnte^m^ngc^h^ma- 
 fce  of Saun  in  tempting  and affaiUngChriftians,  |tddeth 
 
 them,  £»Jh-<,>>sA«4  <,fgo,dcow»g',Mr4ftfirf.%'^ 
 Sk,  Sitan  temffethibe^ ,  tp  overthtw  thewiattb ; 
 an/bv  eiOTB  place  to  feaws  Mid  donbt&t^ey, advantage 
 the  en^el  e  alaulft  their  foules  :  but  let  ^^hemtake  oc. 
 cafionbv  the  tempiatioti  to  draw  nigh  ffliEO  God,  and 
 mwfe  BP  themfelves  mote  confidently  to  <#  and  w^ite 
 
 H^Siotdj  foMUhey.. 
 
 ^^tlier  let  them  after  thisbe  ftill  obje^im„tte  th«;y 
 
 feelefmallftrength  offaithandhope:fottheteby  theane- 
 
 mv  may  uke  encouragement  to  their  diadvantage ,  when 
 
 feare  (etteth  open  theheart  tohismaUtiOBS  temptations, 
 
 and  binds  the Udsofthediftreffedtthath^cwnottefift: 
 
 but  Itt  them  ftir  up  tfet.conta^e  and  refolnBontowa^t? 
 
 upon  the  Lord,  not  iiftening  any  more  to  their  ftrqi^hw 
 
 &ull  feare.   And  v«hat  though  they  feelenot  that 
 
 f™Sneffe,which  fometimes  they  felt?  Will  they  theKfore 
 
 X  rfieir  ftate  „  bee  naught?  Whatfijeetfleffecjuthe 
 
 fo^etafte,v,henit  isover^helmed  with^tes^perplexed 
 
 Uhtemptations.troubled^ith  doubts  ?  Pbyfi<;^^un- 
 
 nleafantandbittertothe  taje :  TempuEion^ouldnptbe 
 
 'temptation,  if  itdid not affea.  Ifihefoulebenowfic^V 
 
 James  i- 1£. 
 blaytf^it. 
 
 Epher  €-10,12. 
 I  Pee.;.!,?. 
 
i85 
 
 ofthetemftatiom  whereby  Satanjeekethto 
 
 and  tafteth"  not  the  ^ect  meates  ofconfolation,  which  it 
 was  wont  (as  the  body  which  is  inacourfe  of  Phyficke) 
 will  they  judge  themfelves  to  be  ftarke  dead ,  or  in  a  con- 
 dition irrecoverable?  Wee  have  experience  3  how  divers 
 times  the  difeale  prevaileth  over  the  ficke  peribn ,  that 
 ad^ions  faile,  and  faculti^  fecmfe  quite  to  be  ipent ;  neither 
 hand  nor  foot  is  able  to  doe.  their  dutie ;  the  eye  i%  dimme, 
 tfie  hearing  dull ,  the  tafte  altered  ,  and  the  tongue  difta- 
 fteth  all  things,  even  of  moft  plealant  relJifli;  and  the 
 weake  and  feeble  patient  fecmeth  to  attend  the  time  of 
 diffolution  :  when  yet  notwithftanding  there  remaineth 
 a  feccet  power  ofnature ,  and  a  forcible  fparke  of  life ,  that 
 overeommeth  all  thefe  infitmities ,  and  confumeth  them 
 like  drolTe ,  and  reridreth  to  the  body  a  greater  purity  and 
 firmcnefle  of  health  than  before  theficknefle  it  did  en- 
 joy. Even  fo  it  is  in  this  fpirituall  eftate ,  the  Ibule  is  ficke , 
 and 'riotdead ,'  faith  is  aflailed >  but  not  overcome  j  andif 
 in  patience  the  finifhing  of  this  fecret  Workc,  which 
 pafleth  all  conceit  and  capacitie  of  man ,  b€  attended,  thefe 
 burningfeavers  of  temptations  fhallappeafe  to  bee  flacked 
 and  cooled  by  the  mercy  and  grace  of  Chrift,  and  that 
 fparke  offaith  which  now  lieth  hid  aftd  oVer-whelmed  with 
 heapes  of  temptations  J  to  breake  forth  againe  :  And  as 
 nature  after  a  petfeft  crife  difchargeth  her  kl^c,  to  the 
 recovery  of  former  health :  lb  {hall  all  doubts  and  feares  and 
 terrours  be  removed  j  and  firength  of  faith  reflored  with 
 filch  fupplyjas  it  (hall  be  able  to  make  evident  proofe,what 
 fecret vertue  lay  hid,  andyecnotidle,inaiI  this  uncom- 
 fortable plight.  Againe ,  as  in  outward  fenies(\vefeefome- 
 times ,  and  feele ,  and  heare,  when  we  doe  not  perceive  it : 
 fowemayaIibhavefaith,andnocalwaies  have  thcfenfible 
 perceiving  thereof^  Crxiu-:      ilji;;v.,-..ip  ::j-./y,. 
 
 Yea,  fuch  asmoft  hunger  ai^thirft'dft^hght^oiilhelfe'', 
 and  are  poore  in  fpirit  and  broken  in  heart ,  as  they  doubt 
 and  feare  in  every  aftion  left  God  be  diflibhoured  by  their 
 converfation  5  fb  are  they  jealous  of  their  precious  faith , 
 left  it  be  not  in  fUch  meaiure  as  they  defir^ ,  or  in  truth  be 
 
 none 
 
hdtter  dmne  our  Fdth^mdhm'hentalherefifted.  187 
 
 — f 
 
 Z;;^t  all :  wherein  tbey  may  eafJy  be  deceived ,  fittt ,  in 
 ^fdifce  nine,  then  in  the  meafure  and  portion.  For 
 len  he  "ward  feeling  thereof  doth  not  anlvyer  their 
 defire  and  the  aflions  proceedingthere-ftom  doenotfa- 
 ^J»  thetf  thirft  of  righteoufnefle.  whereby  rqleefcmay 
 ifewthenouShmentoffaitK,  and  the  fat  sfy.ng  of  that 
 tiietotncnuu  1  difcourased  and  imangledwith 
 
 fSca^s^t^mwhid^^^^^^^^^ 
 |re™b le  oGods  Word  might  eafUy  deliver  theirs  Arid 
 touchins  the  portiomit  is  a  fault  to  meafure  the  exceUencre 
 offtXnd  power  thereof,  partly  by  quantitie ,  andanfea. 
 rnnAi;  fruits  rib  to  caUthem)  and  notby  vertue,  tinde 
 t^^dX^^txl^'^:^^,  and  feafonable  fruit  :  which  er- 
 Stemptadontliedittteffedareapttorun^ 
 foTtrolle  themfelves  without  ca«fe.  Men  lookeno 
 [hat  Come  fhould  fpringin  harveft.  orbenp"« 
 rhat  trees  fhould  bud  orbeareftnitinwinter^  becanfeitis 
 it  th?Sfcnfor  fuch  things.  Neither  °ught  wee  to  ejea 
 fech  Pcrength  of  memory  and  lively  operative  aaions  of 
 SaceV  n  age ,  fickneffe;  greatforrowesandtemprations, 
 Sm  other  times  in  young  yeeres  free  from  Inch  affaults. 
 Shfof faith,  fitforthefeafon,may  bedif^ed  by 
 
 to  that  can  rightly  i^^^g^f '"^ 'roffEtSe  't 
 merlv  enioyedbee  lacking.  The  effeas  of  faith  in^reat 
 SatiS  and  cloudie  flafons  are  to  looke  up  for  hejpe , 
 feK^ne ,  complaine  to  God ,  prize  his  6vour,  d«vv 
 
 nftftohim,  anlcaft  himfelfe  "Pf", 9^' *?Jf^w'S 
 feeme  to  bee  angry  :  at  this  time  faith  is  incumbred  witn 
 many  toong  feafel.  wherewith  it  is  burthened ,  againft 
 vvhS.  i  laboureth,  over  which  it  doth  not  eafily  nor 
 fteedily  rrevaile.  Joy ,  peace,  fweetrefrefliing,  and  fen- 
 fible  aftu4  of  Goi  mercy .  be  the  ft«its  ofwellgtowne 
 fat  hTnthf  times  of  viaory  and  freedome  :  Thofe  Sum- 
 mer f™is  are  not  to  begathered  in  the  depth  of  winter, 
 ^rl^e™;  tomeafureVtruthoforace^^^^^^ 
 effefls  Drooer  to  youth,  or  the  foundneffe  of  faith  in  temp- 
 a^WtHee^eas 'peculiar  to  the  dales  oft^mph. 
 
1 8  S  of  the  feiffftMiens  whereby  Satmfeeketh  to 
 
 NeitheF  a^^W^eto  accoum  the  nature  of  any  thing,  accor- 
 ding to  otir  lerife,  ot  the  ftiew  it  maketh.  For  then  ftiould 
 the  moft  fruitfuU  tree  in  winter  be  taken  for  barren,  and 
 theMy  foyle  for  drie  and  unfruitfull,  whileft  iti^fhut 
 i!jp  with  the  hard  froft.  But  reaibn,  being  guided  by  the 
 WbrdofGod ,  n^uft  leade  \xs  rightly  to  judge  of  the  pre- 
 fence  afld  life  of  faith  in  our  foules ,  which  being  the 
 (hield  in  this  our  Ipirituall  warfare,  cndureth  much 
 battering  and  many  i>runts ,  and  receiveth  the  fore- 
 front of  the  battellj  and  oftentimes  fareth  as  if  it  were ' 
 pierced  through,  and  woriic  unfit  for  battell;  yet  is  it 
 indeed  of  nature  invincible ,  and  repellcth  whatfbevcr 
 engine  the  enemy  inforceth  againft  us, and  ftandcth  firmc- 
 rooted,  whatlbever  ftorme  Satan  raifethforthedilplacing 
 thereof. 
 
 How  then  are  the  diftreffed  to  behave  themfelves  in 
 this  temptatfon  J  when  both  the  fenfe  of  faith  is  dulled  in 
 them,  and  the  fruits  miniftet  difcontentment ?  They' 
 muft  rightly  confider  what  bee  the  winter-fruits  of  faith, 
 and  not  expefi:  fijch  things  in  themfelves  as  agree  not  to 
 that  feaibn ;  and  withall  remember  that  the  gifts  and  mer- 
 cy of  God  is  without  repentance  :  and  fb  take  courage  un- 
 to themfelves  confidently  to  caft  their  foules  upon  the 
 mercy  of  the  Lord  in  JefusChrift.  For  as  he  knew  them, 
 when  they  were  ftrangers  from  him ,  and  loved  them , 
 when  they  hated  him,  and  had  nothing  which  might  pro- 
 voke his  mercy,  but  finne  and  mifery  :  fb  is  his  good- 
 nefl'e  continued  ftill  upon  them  for  his  owne  fake,  and 
 ndt  at  all  for  their  deferving.  And  though  they  feele  their 
 ability  weake,  theenemieftrong,  their  ftrength  tired  and 
 i'cleaneworne,  their  corruption  upon  the  point  to  prevaile, 
 •  the  fruits  and  branches  of  faith,  through  thcfeftormytem- 
 1  peft s,  nipped  and  fliaken;  yet  the  fap  of  faith  fhall  never 
 I  be  dried  up  in  the  root ,  neither  can  any  winde  of  Satan  fb 
 I  blaft,  that  the  immortal!  feed  be  at  any  time  quite  withc- 
 ( red.  But  patience  and  conftancy ,  with  a  refolute  minde  to 
 i  beare  Gods  triall ,  will  bring  a  good  end ,  yea,  by  a  meeke 
 
batter  doivne  our  Faith^  and  horv  he  may  be  rejljied.  i  ^^ 
 
 going  under  Gods  handinthefe,  they  Hial!  learne  experi- 
 ence to  wade  through  greater  afterwards  ^  and  yet  in  the 
 midft  of  them,to  have  hope  that  they  (hall  not  be  afhamed. 
 Say  their  former  courfe  of  Jife  paft  hath  not  anfwe- 
 red  that  fincerity  the  Lord  rrequireth ;  what  then  ?  Are 
 they  therefore  reprobates?  No,  bun  it  argues  want  of 
 faith  ?  Notfo;  but  place  for  further  increafe  of  faith  ,  and 
 the  fruits  thereof.  Thofe  whom  the  Lord  hath  chofen  to 
 beehisworfhippers,  and  hath  redeemed  and  confecrated 
 holy  to  himfelfc ;  they  be  his  plants ,  and  engraffe  d  Olive- 
 branches  inhis  Sonne ;  who  take  not  their  full  perfedtion 
 at  once ,  but  ( according  to  the  nature  ofplants  )  require 
 daily  watering  and  drefTing,  whereby  by  degrees  they  at- 
 taine  in  the  end  a  full  ftatureinChrift.  In  Scripture  wee 
 have  example  of  weakebeleevers  as  wellasofftrong.  As 
 rhe  Holy  Ghoft  hath  remembred  the  faith  o^ Abraham , 
 who  beleeved  above  hope,  under  hope  ;  fo  hath  it  recor- 
 ded the  faith  of  Nicodemus ,  in  knowledge  fimple  and 
 weake,  inprofeflTion  and  pra6lice  timorous  and  fearefull. 
 In  one  and  the  fame  perlbn  we  (liall  finde  different  degrees 
 of  faith  at  divers  times ;  at  onetime  like  a  graineofMu- 
 ftard-ieed ,:  at  another  time  like  agroTvne  Oake;  now  like 
 a  fmoaking  fnuffe,  but"  fdone  after  buirftingout  into  a  bright 
 flame.  The  ftrongeft  faith  of  5ny  Saint  mentioned  in  Scrip- 
 ture is  imperfea,  aflailed  with  temptations ,  mixed  with 
 manifold  doubtings.  "For  they  were  fubjea  to  innumerable 
 infirmities,  which  arenotfpeciftedintheBookeofGod  ; 
 neither  was  it  fit  that  it  (bould  bee  a  regifter  of  their  mani- 
 fold temptations,  frailties,  and  falls.  But  out  of  thofe  things 
 which  are  recorded  ,  wemay  perceive,  they  were  (baken 
 witha{raults,over-taken  with  corruptions,trippedand  foiled 
 fometimesby  the  policie  of  Satan.  All  which  is  fet  upon  the 
 file  for  our  admonititon  and  confoIation.So  that  a  Chriftian 
 may  not  account  himfelfe  void  ofgrace,becaufe  bee  is  not 
 perfea  in  faith,  knowledge ,  and  love :  but  he  is  wifely  to 
 confider  the  fecret  worke  of  Gods  Spirit  and  grace,and  take 
 comfort  of  the  fmalleft  crum  and  drop  of  this  heavenly 
 
 fuften- 
 
 Mark.p.  14. 
 
 John  3.; 
 
 Numb  io.ii,ra. 
 Pfal.22.i.& 
 
 Rom.  I J  4. 
 
 r        'i.'^i 
 
I^O 
 
 of  the  temptations  voherebj  Satan  feeketh  to 
 
 *  MattH.ij.  1?. 
 
 i 
 
 ftentation,and  attend  the  time  ofperfeil:  growth,according 
 to  the  good  plealiireofGod. 
 
 Oh,  but  they  feele  not  the  teftimony  of  Gods  Spirit , 
 which  might  atfnre  them ;  they  can  finde  no  fparke  of 
 grace  in  themfelves.  Neither  doe  any  of  Gods  children  at 
 all  times  feele  it  :  but  that  they  may  fee  their  own  frailty  , 
 God  doth  as  it  were  hide  himfelfe  for  a  leafon  (as  a  Mother 
 doth  from  her  child  to  trie  hisafiFe6lion)  that  they  may 
 with  more  earneft  defire  mourne  for  Gods  wonted  grace , 
 and  praife  him  with  more  joyfulnefle  of  heart  when  they 
 have  obtained  it  againe.  And  yet  God  doth  not  with-hold 
 comfort  from  his  children,  many  times  when  they  walke 
 heavily  :  but  their  owne  frailty  and  vehemency  of  temp- 
 tation, which opprefleth  them,  diminiflieth  the  feeling 
 thereof.  When  the  winde  is  loud ,  the  aire  ftormie  and 
 cempeftuous,  a  man  cannot  heare  the  voice  of  his  friend; 
 when  the  heart  is  filled  with  feares,  and  perplexed  with 
 manifold  temptations  toflTing  it  up  and  downe,  thecalme 
 and  frill  voice  of  the  Spirit  is  not  difcerned.  Andinthofe 
 feafons ,  the  trial!  of  faith  is  to  be  taken ,  by  thole  fruits , 
 which  arc  evident  to  the  eye  of  others ,  who  can  judge 
 more  fincerely  than  the  affii^ed  themfelves ,  in  that  an- 
 guifh  of  loule  andfpirit.  As  the  fick  man  during  the  time 
 ofhisdiftemper,muftnottruft  to  hisowne  tafre,  but  ra- 
 ther relie  upon  the  learned  Phyfician,  and  other  honeft  and 
 difcreet  friends  :  fo  the  faithfiiU  muft  not  give  too  much 
 credit  to  the  fuggeftious  of  their  owne  heart  poflfefled 
 with  feare;   but  rather  beleeve  their  faithfull  Paftor, 
 and  other  godly  and  experienced  Chriftians  that  are  about 
 them. 
 
 But  to  yecid  fb  much  to  their  prefent  weaknefle  (be- 
 caufe  in  this  peplexity  they  will  bee  ever  and  anon  quefti- 
 oning  the  loundnefle  of  former  comfort ,  and  integrity 
 of  their  hearts)  fuppofe  they  were  defritute  of^race, 
 ^d  never  had  felt  found  comfort ;  fhould  they  utterly 
 deipaire ,  or  give  place  to  deading  forrow  ?  In  no  fort,  for 
 Chrift  calleth  the  burthened  and  laden  tocome  unto  him 
 
 for 
 
batter  downe  eur  Faith^  and  how  he  may  be  refifled.  i  p  j 
 
 for  cafe  and  comfort.   Being  deftitute  of  grace  and  com- 
 fort, they  are  willed  to  repaire  unto  him  for  both,  who  hat^ 
 Ibflficientinftoreforthem.  l(  they  finde  not  themfelvesto 
 be  eafed,  they  know  they  are  burthened ;  if  they  be  not  wa- 
 tered, they  feele  themfelves  to  be  thirftie ;  if  they  belceve 
 not,  they  are  allowed,  inviteds  encouraged  to  come  unto 
 Chrift :  To  them  he  calleth,  as  if  he  did  particularly  name 
 them.  Come  J  ee  to  the  rearers  and  drinks ;  Come  unto  me, 
 and  I  will  refrefli  you.  Why  ftandyee  trembling  as  if 
 your  cafe  were  defperate  ?  Yee  defire  helpe, 
 and  hee  calleth  *  you,  Bee  of  good 
 courage ,  ana  come  un- 
 to him. 
 
 Efay  5y.r,2. 
 Joh.7.  37. 
 Apoc.22.17. 
 
193 
 
 The  Life  of  Faith. 
 
 Tbefecondpart^ 
 
 CHAP.  I. 
 fVhatit  it  to  live  hy  fait  by  and  how  a  Chrifiinn 
 Should fiirre  up  himfelfe 
 thereunto. 
 
 Any  and  pretious  arc  the  fruits  of 
 faith,  whereof  we  have  ulc  at  all 
 times-,  in  every  ft  ate,  at  every 
 rurne,  and  in  all  things  that  we 
 goe  about :  which  who  fo  Wf  uld 
 cn/oy,  he  mult  learnc  not  oncly  to 
 have,  but  to  ufe  it  aright  -,  to  live 
 b\)ithere,  fecdit.g  upon  the  fcve- 
 fall  promifes  of  mercy  j  and 
 not  onely  to  be  faved  by  it,  when  he  goeth  hence.  The 
 Lord  himfelfe,  the  Author  and  giver  of  life,  hath  often 
 taught  us,  by  his  Prophet  anH  Apoftle,  That  thejufi  man, 
 is  not  only  to  believe  to  Juftification,but^9  live  l^y  Faith, 
 The  worthy  fervants  of  God,in  all  agcs^crc  all  brought  in 
 as  a  cloud  r  f  witneffcs,teftifyingthis  trkh,  that  Thejuft 
 fiaU  live  bjfaith.'^y  faith  Enoch walkedrvith  CodiBy  faith 
 
 O  ^brAham 
 
 inJacementSjH 
 live  by  fsitb. 
 
 Hab.z.4. 
 Rom  117. 
 Gal.j.ii. 
 Hcb.io.jS, 
 Gen. 5  14. 
 Heb.11.5. 
 
iP4 
 
 Heb.11.5. 
 Gcn.z4.40. 
 
 Gal.z.zo. 
 
 Col.3.3,4. 
 
 what  it  is  to  liveb^  Faith,8cc» 
 
 1,  Tim.  1. 5, 
 
 lun.animad,  in 
 BeU-Cgnt.<^Mb 
 
 14. 
 
 Verfej. 
 Verfe  1 8. 
 
 Chrifils  tie 
 fountaine  of 
 life, and.  JAith 
 tht  meane. 
 
 loh  1.4, 
 
 t/€kraham  ve>4lksd before  God.    Paul  lived,  if  ever  any, 
 comfortably  ,bappily,fromthe  time  of  his  converfion,  to 
 thetiHacofhisdilfoution  :  bat  even  wbileft  he  lived  in 
 the  lie  111.,  he  lived  hy  the  the  faith  of  our  Lordlefm  Chrifi, 
 Wichoat  faith  what  are  we  but  dead  moules  ?  living  car- 
 kafesjthat  carric  about,  and  are  carried  with  dead  foulcs  ? 
 The  beft,  moft  excellent,  and  pretious  part  of  Man  is  de- 
 ftitute  oftrue  life,till  faith  be  infpircd  into  it  frona  above, 
 whereby  we  arc  united  unto  Chrift  the  fountaine  of  fu- 
 pernaturali  and  eternall  iife.   The  moft  glorious  or  plea- 
 fant  life  of  Man,  without  faith,  is  but  a  vaine  fhadow, 
 a  meere  pid:ure,  and  refcmblance  of  life,  or  of  death  ra- 
 ther, drowned  in  carnall  delight,full  of  vexation,  and  lea- 
 ding towards  everlafting  perdition.    The  beft  worke  of 
 the  regenerate,  if  it  be  not  animated  and  quickned  by 
 lively  faith,  is  but  the  very  outfide  and  dull  matter  of  a 
 good  and  acceptable  worke*.  There  is  no  going  right  for- 
 ward in  the  way  to  Heaven,  if  faitb  be  not  the.  guide. 
 The  end  of  the    Commandement  is  love,   out  of  a  pure 
 confcience^  and  faith  unfained.    That  which  is  here  called 
 the  precept,  is  not  all  the  law,  but  oncly  the  precept 
 that  Paul  giveth  to  Timothy,  that  hee  fliould  have  care  to 
 fee  that  there  were  no  ftrangedo(3:rine  admitted,  neither 
 for  forme,nor  matter^neithcr  for  things  direffly  contrary; 
 to  wholfome  dodlrinCj  nor  for  idle  queftions,  not  tending 
 to  build  up  the  people  in  the  love  of  God,  and  of  their 
 Neighbour  •  as  appeareth  evidently,  both  by  theverbe 
 before,  whereof  this  word  here  is  derived,  and  by  this 
 fame  word  ufcd  afterward  in  this  Chapter,  where  the 
 fignificationofit  is  reftrained  unto  the  prefent  matter  of 
 exhortatation.  Neverthelcflfe,  itmay  well  be  applied  co 
 confirmc  thatevery  adl,pf  fincere,  and  unpartiall  obedi- 
 cnce,muft^come  from  a  lively ,wcU-rooted,and  foyeraigne 
 faith. 
 
 Chrift  is  the  fountaine,  and  faith  the  mcanes  of  life. 
 The  power  and  originall  of  life  is  intirely  rcfcrvcdto  the 
 Lord  and'Prince  of  life i  the  Light  and  Life  of  men y  the 
 
 Author 
 
Whdt  it  is  to  live  hy  FaithjScc 
 
 ty^Hthor  ofeternallfalv4ti9H :  But  faith  is  the  raiicall  band 
 on  our  partjW hereby  we  are  tied  unto  Chrift,  and  live  in 
 him.  The  body  hath  its  foule  which  enlives  it;  and  fo 
 hath  the  foule  its  foule  whereby  it  hVes,  and  that  is  C^rtfi 
 the  qHickning  fpinp.  Take  away  the  fou' e  from  the  body, 
 and  earth  becomes  earth :  fever  Chrift  and  the  fouIe,what 
 is  k  but  a  dead  carrion  ?  The  members  die  if  they  be  Sepa- 
 rated from  the  Head,  live  fo  long  as  they  be  con/oyned  to 
 iti  Chrift  is  to  his  Church,and  every  living  member  of  it, 
 what  the  natarall  Head  is  to  the  naturall  members. And  fo 
 we  live  primarily  and  properly  by  Chrift,  as  by  the  foule 
 and  Head ;  by  faith  fecondarilyjas  by  the  Spirits,the  band 
 of  foule  and  body ;  or  by  Nerves  andfirewcs,  the  ties  of 
 the  Head  and  Members.  looke  as  the  leg  or  arme  lives 
 by  proper  iiiiewes,  uniting  them  to  the  Head:  fodoth 
 every  believer  live  in  Chrift  by  a  weUrooted,foveraignc, 
 particular  faith,wherebv  hereceiveth  Chrift,  and  is  made 
 one  with  him.  Thus  faith  he  himfelfe,  fvho  id  the  truth 
 and  the  lifcy  lam  the  refurreBio»,  asd  the  life  :  hee  that 
 believeth  in  me  though  he  tveredead,  yet  Jhallhe  live  j  and, 
 I  am  the  bread  of  life. _^hee  that  believeth  in  mee  (hall  never 
 hunger ;  and  againe,  As  the  Father  hath  life  in  himfelfe, 
 fo  hath  hee  given  to  the  Sonne  to  have  life  in  himfelfe. 
 Thus  fpeake  the  holy  Scriptures  of  hiraj  In  it  was  life, 
 and  that  life  was  the  light  of  men  ;  When  Chrifiy  who  is  our 
 life,  Jhallapfeare,  Our  hands  have  handled  the  word  of 
 life^  Tor  the  life  WM  manifefied,  and  we  have  feene  it,  and 
 be  Are  witnefe^andjhew  unto  you  that  eternall  life, which  was 
 with  the  Fat  her, and  was  manifeftedunto  ti4.  And  this  is  the 
 teftimony  of  thofc  tlree  heavenly  and  earthly  witneftcs. 
 That  God  hathgivtn  to  tis  eternall  life,  and  this  life  is  in  his 
 Son\  He  that  hath  the  Son  hath  life^  and  he  that  hath  not  the 
 \Sot^ne,hath  not  life.  Whatfoever  grace  we  want,  it  is  to 
 be  rcceivi-d  from  Chrift,  who  of  God  ts  made  unto  ta  wife- 
 ddme,  right  eoufnep,  fanBification,  and  redemption :  and 
 whatfoever  grace  is  in  Chrift  for  us,  it  is  made  ours  by 
 faith.  And  fo  wc  finde  in  divers  paflTagcs  of  Scripture  that 
 
 O  2  he 
 
 195 
 
 Heb.5.9, 
 
 X  Cor. 1 5.4 «f. 
 
 EpheC  1,22,23 
 &  4.  \6, 
 
 loh  14.^, 
 loh.ii.iy. 
 
 Ioh.j.16. 
 
 loh,  1. 4," 
 Col.5.4. 
 
 I  Joh.i.»,3. 
 
 I  Ioh.f.ii,ii 
 
 iCor.i.^c. 
 
 y 
 
196 
 
 lohti  if.f. 
 R.om.ii.19. 
 
 Ephcr.5.17. 
 
 what  it  is  t6  live  by  Faith y^c. 
 
 Rora.4.16. 
 EpUef.i.8j9, 
 
 10. 
 
 EfayzS.i^. 
 Rom. 1. 5. 
 
 I  Joh.f.4. 
 Gal.  3. 1. 
 Roin,4.zi. 
 Hcb.ii.i  I. 
 
 he  that  hath  faith, hath  the  Sonne ;  and  eternall  life  in  him. 
 This  is  lively  reprefentcd  unto  us  by  thf  Parable  of  .he 
 Vine  and  the  branches,  that  as  the  branch  receives  all  the 
 fap(whereby  it  lives  and  is  fruitf  uU)  from  the  Vinc,fodo 
 we  from  Chrift,being  engrafted  into  him. 
 
 Life  then  is  from  Chrift  as  the  Author,  Prince,  and 
 Fountaine :  but  we  live  by  faith  as  it  incorporateth  us  in- 
 to Chrift,  and  recciveth  him  to  dwell  in  our  hearts    So 
 that  wbatfoevcr  we  lend  to  faith,  it  redounds  to  the  ho- 
 nour of  Chrift.  Impoflible  it  is,  that  faith  ftiould  waxc 
 proud  towards  her  Lord,  or  infolent  over  her  fellow  fer- 
 vants,  challenging  any  thing  of  defert  unto  her  feil-c  No; 
 faith  receives  all  of  grace  as  a  poorc  beggar,and  altogether 
 excludes  the  hatcfull  law  of  boa'}ing.    This  is  the  nature, 
 the  place ,  the  office  of  faith  :  for  God  hath  ordained  that 
 life  fliould  be  throu[;h  faith,  that  it  raight  be  of  meerc 
 and  rich  grace.    And  if  the  end,  and  meanes,  appointed 
 of  God  to  lead  thereunto,  da  well  confent,  then  it  cannot 
 be,  that  faith  fti  ould  lift  up  her  felfe  a  ^ainft  grace,  or  in 
 any  thing  feeke  her  ownc  praife,  and  not  fhe  glory  of 
 God.  Among  all  the  gifts  of  God  there  is  none  more  ufe- 
 full  then  faith  :  others  are  profitable  for  fomc  few  things; 
 this  is  for  this  life  and  the  life  to  come,  for  all  parts  and 
 pnrpofes  of  our  lives,  in  the  ufc  of  it  manifold,  and  rich 
 every  manner  of  way  :  But  evermore  it  advanceth  tbc 
 grace  of  God,  and  caufeth  man  altogether  to  difclaime 
 himfclfe,his  ability,  and  worth.  IPaith  fervcth  not  onely. 
 to  >uftific,but  to  make  us  endure  in  all  af  flidions  without 
 making  hafte ;  The  jafl  liveth,  in  time  of  his  afflid:ions 
 hy  faith ;   He  that  lelieveth,  mak^th  not  hajf-e.     It  doth 
 workc  in  us,and  guide  the  courfe  of  our  obedience ;  PTee 
 ^  have  received  grace  and  tyfpoftlejhif  to   the   obedience 
 '  of  faith,  not  onely  in  bdeeving  the  promife  o£  the 
 jGofpell,  but  the  other  part  or  word  of  command.  It 
 doth  alfo  prcvaile  againft  all  Enemies;    ThU  u  the 
 \viBorie  that    overcommeth  the  rporld,   even  etir  faith  : 
 I  But  in  all  this,  it  leaneth  upon  the  grace  of  God,  loo- 
 '  keth 
 
W^at  it  U  to  live  by  Faith^dcc, 
 
 kcth  to  bis  powcFjand  truftethupon  bis  f aithfull  promife. 
 
 To  live  by  Faith,  is  by  faith  in  Cbrift  to  alTent  and  ad- 
 here unto,  and  poflcfie  the  whole  Word  of  God  as  our 
 owncjinalleftatesand  conditions;  rcfting  quietly  upon 
 his  gratious  and  faithfull  ^vomKc,  to  receive  from  his 
 good  hand  all  necdfull  bleflings  and  comforts  in  fitteft 
 fcafon  •  and  in  all  good  confcicnce  yeelding  our  fel  ves  un- 
 to his  good  picafurc  in  fincerejuniverfal,  andcorftanto^ 
 bcdierce.  To  live  by  faith  is  not  only  to  believe  in  Chrift 
 for  falvatiop,  or  to  believe  throughout  our  life,  that  we 
 fliall  be  faved  in  the  life  to  comc^but  alio  to  reft  upon  the 
 grace  and  free  favour  of  God,  that  we  iliall  have,  what- 
 Ibever  is  expedient  to  bring  us  fafely  thither,  given  us 
 freely  by  the  Lord  in  this  life,fo  farre  as  hcknoweth  it 
 good  for  us. 
 
 God  hath  made  promife  of  all  good  things,  more  then 
 we  could  aske  or  thinke,  that  no  good  thing  (hall  be 
 wanting,  that  whatfoever  becommeth  fhall  bee  for 
 our  good :  all  which  the  Juft  man  poffeffeth  by  faith, 
 and  is  as  well  faitisfied,  when  in  temptations  and  trials  he 
 hath  no  meanes  of  hcipe,  as  if  he  had  all  that  his  heart 
 could  dcfire.  To  the  burdened  God  hath  promifcd  eafe, 
 refrefliing  to  the  thirftie ;  pardon  to  the  penitcnr,comfort 
 to  them  that  mourne,  perfect  peace  to  them  that  waite 
 upon  the  Lord ;  afliftancc,  comfort,  deliverance  to  them 
 that  be  tempted ;  prefervatiora  and  protedion  from  evill, 
 with  comfortable  fupplyof  all  bleflings  tcmporall  and 
 fpirituall  fo  farre  as  ftiall  be  good  :  all  thefe  faith  embra- 
 cethjpofleflethjfecdeth  upon,and  fo  reftcth  contented  and 
 comfortcd,as  if  all  helpe  that  could  be  devifed,  were  pre- 
 fent.andcomfort  in/oyed. 
 
 The  word  of  grace  teaeheth  us  te  deme  nniodlinefe  and 
 worldly  lufls^artdta  livegedlyyiufilyy  tmdfoberly  in  tht^prf- 
 fent  -ivorld :  from  this  Word  of  command  faith  cannot  be 
 wholly  turned  afide  by  allurement  or  terrour,  but  reftcth 
 upon  God  for  ability ,and  fwectly  inclineth  the,heart  with 
 delight  and  chcarefullncffe  to  follow  after  the  Lord. 
 
 O  3 
 
 Thus 
 
 197 
 
 Wlat  it  ii  to 
 live  by  faith. 
 
 Pfal,j4.9,i(j. 
 Rom.8.2$. 
 
 Matth.11,28. 
 
 Icr.31.34, 
 ECay  as,  i. 
 Pro.  10. 1 8, 
 Zach.j.8, 
 I  Corfcio.ij. 
 Pfal.9l.z,j.& 
 84. IX  1. 
 EfiV43.i. 
 Match,  6.3  3. 
 
 Titus  a,  1 2. 
 
198 
 
 what  it  is  to  lively  Faith, ^c. 
 
 Hcb.ii.i,2j3j 
 4.&C. 
 
 IVlAtU  t9he 
 done, that  we 
 might  live  by 
 jaith. 
 
 lob  Z2.«Ij%Z. 
 
 Pfal.8j.8. 
 
 ' 
 
 I. 
 
 1  Pet.  1. 4. 
 
 ■ 
 
 Pfal.ii^.ioj. 
 
 Ioh.5.3p. 
 
 Pro.6.si.z3. 
 
 Thus  to  live  by  faithis  firmely  to  relic  u;jon  ths  Word 
 ofGodiin all eftatcs and condiciois,  with  fall  purpofe  to 
 be  guided  by  it,untill  the  good  things  contained  therein  be 
 fully  accomplifhed.  This  is  to  be  feenc  in  thathoiiourablc 
 company  of  Worthies  funmed  up  by  the  Apoftle,as  pat- 
 terncs  of  faith ;  who  in  all  ciUtes  and  ftraights  whatfoe- 
 ver  they  were  brought  into,in  all  temptations  wherewith 
 they  were  tried,  and  in  all  difficulties  wtierein  they  were 
 exercifed,  yet  fo  lived  by  faith,  that  nothing  could  difmay 
 them,  muchlefie  overthrow  them.  By  whofe  example 
 we  may  Icarne,  fo  to  reft  upon  Gods  Word  an  ^  promife 
 for  all  needful!  helpe,a(Tiftance,comfort,and  deliverance, 
 what  danger  or  difficulty  foever  befall  us,  that  we  be  nei- 
 ther difmayed  with  tcrrour,nor  turne  ^  afide  with  world- 
 ly allurements,  nor  wearied  with  dclayes,  nor  faint  in  the 
 combatc. 
 
 Now  for  the  attaining  hereof  thefe  two  things  are 
 carefully  to  be  performed. 
 
 Firft,to  acquaint  our  felves  familiarly  with  the  Word 
 of  ©od,  that  we  might  have  it  in  readineffe  for  direction 
 and  comfort. 
 
 Secondly,  toexcrcifc  faith  aright  in  the  Word  of 
 God.  :.      : 
 
 The  Word  of  God  is  the  ground  of  all  our  faith,  wher- 
 by  we  live,be  directed,  maintained,  and  upheld  in  all  our 
 trials.  The  promif  es  of  mercy  are  as  fo  many  legacies  be- 
 queathed us  by  our  heavenly  Farhcr,and  by  his  Sonne  Je- 
 fus  Chrifl,  in  his  laft  Will  and  Teftaraent:  The  Com- 
 naandements  are  fo  many  diredlions  to  guide  in  the  way 
 ,of  blefledncfle,  untill  we  be  full  partakers  of  the  good 
 things  promifed  :  It  is  therefore  moft  neccflary  and  be- 
 hovefull  for  us  to  fearch  this  Will  and  Teftament  for  all 
 filch  legacies  as  may  concerne  us :  andtobinde  this  law 
 continually  upon  h^  heart,  that  it  might  Icade  keepc 
 counfell  and  comfort  us  as  occafion  requires.  Faith  is  the 
 |lifeofourfoules;  the  Word  is  the  ground,  life,  guide, 
 ,  and  moderator  of  our  faith .  If  God  fliail  leade  us  into 
 1  *  the 
 
what  ft  is  to  live  by  Faith,6cc. 
 
 the  darke  at  any  time,  or  bring  us  into  any  flraight,  that 
 we  fee  no  way  ofefcaping,  or  mcanes  of  rcliek,  will  it 
 not  be  a  great  ftay  and  comfort  to  our  foule,  if  then  v.  ce 
 can  call  to  minde  the  good  Word  of  God,  formerly  laid 
 up  in  ftore,when  we  can  raife  fuch  hope  of  helpe  in  due 
 time,  as  maj^ quiet  and  content  us,  till  we  doe  enjoy  in  et- 
 fecfl  I  he  good  defired  ?  When  the  heart  is  perplexed  with 
 thoughts,  diftradled  with  feares,  and  unfctled  w  ith  temp- 
 tations; is  it  not  agreatrefrefhing  that  we  can  call  to 
 mindethecommandementsof  God,direfting  what  wee 
 ir^uft  doe  or  leave  undqne,  inftruding  in  the  way  of  peace 
 wherein  onrfeet  {hall  never  Humble  ?  If  we  would  bee 
 ready  and  skilfullpradlitioncrs  in  the  great  art  of  living 
 by  faith,  we  muL^  excrcife  ourfelves  in  the  Word  of 
 God,  and  get  into  our  hearts  and  memories,  at  leaft,  the 
 principal'  prcmifes  and  Commandements,  that  we  may 
 have  thsm  in  readinefle  for  dir  (5tion  and  comfort  upon  all 
 occafions.  Let  the  word  ofChriji  dwell  in  jot*  richly  in  all 
 wijedome. 
 
 And  here  it  is  to  be  obferved,  that  befides  cxpreffe 
 Commandements  and  direfl:  promifes  generally  offered, 
 there  be  fpeciall  promiles  and  Commandements  by  con- 
 fequent,  which  w  e  are  to  note  and  make  uf  e  of.  As  what- 
 foever  God  promifeth  to  any  one  of  his  children,  (not  in 
 any  fpeciall  t^r  proper  refpcd,only  concerning  fuch  a  per- 
 fon  and  for  ifuch  a  time,  but)  as  a  common  favour  be- 
 lon.'ingtoall  his  children  ;  hat  we  may,  and  ought  to 
 receive  as  a  promife  made  to  usjThus  the  Apoftle  difTwa- 
 ding  fri'^m  covetoufnefle,  applieth  that  promife  to  all  the 
 faithfull,  which  in  fpeciall  was  fpoken  unto  lojluahjivill 
 not  leave  thee^norforfake  f  ^^^.Whefoever  we  find  that  any 
 of  Gods  people  have  prayed  for  any  good  thing,  and  have 
 bin  hearcfjif  it  were  not  bv  fpeciall  prerogative  peculiar  to 
 them,  we  may  take  it  as  a  prcmife  to  u>:.  I  fought  the  Lord, 
 and  he  heard  me :  and  delivered  me  from  all  my  feare^  They 
 looked  unto  him,  and  rvere  lightned :  and  their  faces  were  not 
 aJhamed.Thii ^oere  man  criedydnd  the  Lord  heard  him^  and 
 O    4  faved 
 
 199      \ 
 
 Pfal.54.1^, 
 
 Ffal.ii5i,?4. 
 
 Col.  5,1 5, 
 
 ,-*^ 
 
 r'-y^ 
 
 Heb.15.5. 
 
 pral.54.4,5,6. 
 
200 
 
 what  it  is  to  livebj  F^l  th,Scc, 
 
 lam.f.ii. 
 
 pral.9i.1j. 
 Eray43.». 
 z  Cor.;}.8.7, 
 
 Pkil.5.16.17. 
 Pro. Z.JO. 
 
 2. 
 
 TleaSfsof 
 Faith. 
 
 favedhimoutof  aBhiitrotthles,  What  favour  God  hath 
 flicwcd  unco  any  of  his  children,  aecordin;^  to  promife 
 and  covenant  of  grace,  the  fame  may  all  that  be  in  cove- 
 nant withhim,  expedl  andloDk^  for.    For  all  the  faith- 
 full  have  th:  fame  God  to  be  their  God,  live  aider  th° 
 fame  covenant,  and  have  interel>  in  the  lame  promifes  of 
 mercy.    Thus  lam^s  exharting  to  patience  in  trouMc, 
 alledgcth  the  example  of /o^T^^  have -heard  of  the  patience 
 of  ^o\iyandhave  feemthe  endofthe  Lrrd,   As  for  extra- 
 ordinary favours,  or  deliverances,  granted  u^to  fome 
 pcrfons,  by  fpcciall  priviledge.  an t  nt)t  by  vertue  of  com- 
 mon covenant :  we  cannot  promifc  our  felves  the  fame 
 in  particular  from  their  example  ;  nor  did  the  Lord  vouch- 
 fafc  the  fame  to  the  lame  perfons  at  all  times;  but  as  fuch 
 peculiar  mercies  imply  a  common  ground  or  reafon,  they 
 are  unto  us  arguments  of  com^rTC  ani  incouragemcnt. 
 God  do:h  not  ordinarily  fend  his  Angels  to  open  the  pri- 
 fon  doorcs, nor  ftop  the  mouthesof  Lions,  nor  quench 
 the  force  of  the  fire  for  the  prefervation  of  his  people:  but 
 frona  fuch  extraordinary  examples  we  may  conclude, 
 that  God  will  be  with  us  in  the  fire  and  in  the  water  to 
 deliver  or  comfort  us,  tofuccouror  fupport  us,  that  we 
 fhall  not  be  forfaken,  much  lefle  overcome.   Alfo  in  the 
 practice  of  the  fcrvants  of  God,  we  may  learne  our  duty: 
 for  whatfoever  they  did  upon  common  grounds  and  rca- 
 fons,  pertaining  to  us  no  lefTe  then  unto  them ;   that  duty 
 bclongeth  unto  us^^s  well  as  unto  tbem,and  their  example 
 is  for  our  imitation.  Spcciall  Commandemcnts,  by  pri- 
 viledge given  to  fome  peculiar  perfons,  belong  not  unto 
 them,  who  have  received  no  fuch  warrant :  but  if  the 
 I  immediate  ground  be  common,  the  duty  it  fclfe  rcacheth 
 i  unto  us. 
 
 I     Bcingacquaintcd  with  the  Word,  tfwc  would  live 
 j  by  faithj  we  muft  excrclfe  it  aright  therein,  and  that  con- 
 fiftcth  in  divers  zdis. 
 
 Firft,  Paith  doth  firmely  and  univcrfel'y  affent  to  the 
 whole  Word  of  God,  and  fct  a  dae  price  and  value  upon 
 
 it< 
 
what  u  it  to  live  by  Faitl>,Scc. 
 
 201 
 
 ir.asttiatwhichcontamesthechiefe  goodofMan.  The 
 Gofpcllisthatpcarleofprice.in  companfon  whereof  the 
 merchandifc  of  filver  and  gold  are  of  no  worth 
 
 secondly,  It  ponders  the  Word  ferioady,  and  treafures 
 itupfafe.  Earthly  men  keepc  the  conveyances  and  afti- 
 rances  of  their  Lands  very  circumfpeftly,  lay  up  their  bds 
 and  bonds,  write  upon  then.,  know  when  they  exp:re.and 
 whattochalle.geby  them.  The  promifcs  of  God  unto 
 the  faithful!  foule,  areinftc^idot  all  affurances  bils  and 
 bonds  for  lis  livelihood,  ™»«"^""' P™^^*""'/^^" 
 ftance,deliverance,  comfort  and  everMing  hap^neffs: 
 thercforeheiscatefuUtoview  them  often,  lay  them  up 
 fure,  meditate  upon  their  ftableneffe  and  certamty  and 
 caft  wTth  himfeli  what  profit  and  comfort  they  will  bring 
 
 in  fitted  feafon,  ,,  ,_  •    .i.   „.,„„£  ,i,» 
 
 .  Thirdly,  Itpreferveth  andkeepethm  the  way  of  the 
 
 prom,fes,it  p=rVwadeth,inciteth,  aniftrengthens  therein 
 
 All  the  p  oti.ifes  of  God  arefree,  h.s  favours  of  meere 
 grace ;  but  this  free  favour  is  in  fpeciall  bequea  hcd  unto 
 fhe  penitent,  meeke, humble,  upright,  that  waUie  in  the 
 undefiled  way,  and  doe  none  imqaity  :  and  faith  in  the  e 
 protnifesexpcffing  the  Lords  helpc al-fufticient  indue 
 feafon,  carrieth  a  man  forward  in  the  path  wherein  hee 
 {hall  findcrefl:  and  peice,  and  wilt  not  be  turned  out  of 
 the  right  way.  then  which  it  acknowUdgeth  none  fafe  or 
 
 ^'"omhly,  It  pU«.the  throne  of  grace  with  earneft 
 andconti/uall  fuppUcations,  '""^^""S  *'f  P^f^ihal 
 cour  according  unto  promife.  Faith  ^earkeneth  what 
 the  Lord  fpealeth,  and  fF^k"hbacke  agame.n  fer- 
 vent groanes  anddefires.  !■:  l'^*  *=  P7''"A*^=.°^„^,  fi ' 
 and  therefore  is  bold  to  pray,  and  will  not  kecpe  fi- 
 
 "fWIv  Tt  looketh  up  direaiy  unto  God,  his  wife- 
 do^iwe^  mercy,  ardfaitbfJlneffe:  If  meanesbee 
 prefem,  faith beholdeth  Gods  hand  m  them  ■■/j^'^^" 
 be  wanting,,  the  eye  is  lifted  up  unto  the  Lord,  who 
 
 Mat. I  J, 4 5,4c 
 
 Pfal.  11^.  iji  ' 
 3- 
 
 2  SArriij^.j. 
 
202 
 
 prai-5.3. 
 
 Pfal.ij. 
 
 Meaxes  to  Jiir 
 up  our  pelves  to 
 Uve  by  faith, 
 
 I. 
 Finds  out  thy 
 imbelieje. 
 
 what  it  PS  to  Uve  hy  Faith,SiC» 
 
 can  provide  meantSj   or  worke  witlout  meanes  and 
 againft  lEcanes,  and  moft  certainly  will  pernor  me  what 
 be  hath  promiied  when  it  iTiall  be  for  our  good.    C^fy  \ 
 voice  /halt  thou  heare  in  the  mornings  0  Lord,   in  the  \ 
 morning  will  I  orderly  adJreJfe  unto  thee,  and  will  looks 
 
 OHt.  j 
 
 Sixtly,  It  refteth  quietly  obff  rving  the  eflfcds  of  Gods  : 
 promifes,  and  triurnpheth  before  the  viftory.  I  have  j 
 trufiedin  thy  mercy ,  my  heart  fljall  tejoyce  tnthy  falva-  j 
 tion.  But  otthele  more  at  large  in  the  particulars  fol-  j 
 lowing.  ! 
 
 Now  for  the  better  ftirring  up  of  our  jfelves  to  live  by 
 faith. 
 
 Firft,  We  mud  find, and  ferret  out  the  Infidelity,  that 
 
 Inrketh  in  our  bofomcs ;  condemnc  it,and  make  it  odious. 
 
 Ah,h0w  is  my  heart  fallen  by  unbelicfe  ?    Whac  a  mafic 
 
 of  infidelity  harbourcth  in  my  bread  ?    O  Lord,  I  am 
 
 grofTcly  ignorant  of  thy  waies,  dou':>cfull  of  thy  truth, 
 
 diftruftfull  ofthy  power  and  good  >cfre,difobedient  to  thy 
 
 Commandement.    Thou  hall  given  rare  and  excellent 
 
 promifes  in  thy  holy  Word ;  but  I  enquire  not  after  them, 
 
 re/oycenotinth^m,  cleave  not  unto  them  in  truth  and 
 
 ftedfaftneffe^fettle  not  mine  heart  upon  ti  <  m,  make  them 
 
 not  mine  owne,  keepe  them  not  Idfe,  that  I  may  know 
 
 what  to  challenge  by  them,  prize  them  nor  according  to 
 
 the  worth  and  value  of  the  good  promifcd  Becaufe  by  a 
 
 civill  faith  men  believe  men,  therefore  they  feeketo  get 
 
 their  fecurity,  and  \i  they  have  a  man  of  credit  his  word 
 
 for  what  Was  defperate,they  are  glad;  If  they  have  bonds 
 
 orfpecialtits,  they  boxetbemupjthfcy  know  when  they 
 
 expire,   what  to  challenge  by  vertue  of  them,  they  will 
 
 do  nothing  that  may  be  pre judiciall  to  themfelves  therein. 
 
 But  as  for  the  promifes  of  life  made  in  thy  Word,  I  feeke 
 
 them  not,  build  not  upon  them,  hide  them  not  carefully 
 
 in  my  heart,  cafi:  not  fcrioufly  with  my  iclfc  what  good  I 
 
 may  afluredly  looke  for  by  vertue  of  them,  keepc  them 
 
 not  continually  in  thought  to  cut  off  ail  carnall  reafonings 
 
 and 
 
what  is  it  to  live  by  Faith, ^c. 
 
 20S 
 
 ?    • 
 
 and  dfftradlions,  am  not  wary  to  prevent  what  may  bring 
 prejudice  to  my  foulc  and  ftate.  Thou  thrcatneft  in  thy 
 Word,  but  I  do  not  fearc,  am  not  careful!  to  decline  fin. 
 Who  is  fo  bardie  as  to  thrufl:  his  finger  into  the  fire  ?   Buc 
 I  have  fufFered  my  felfe  often  to  be  carried  afide  with 
 lufts  through  unbelief e.    How  many  wicked  mo; ions 
 have  I  entertained  ?  what  fintull  paflions  have  Inouri- 
 ilicd  ?  how  vainly ,ra{li'y, wickedly  have  I  rpoken,though 
 I  have  bin  warned  by  thy  W  ord  of  threatning  to  the  con- 
 trary ?  True  and  righteous  are  thy  preccptSj  according  to 
 which  thou  haft  commanded  me  to  walke  :  But  I  have 
 followed  the  cuftomcs,  examples,  and  traditions  of  men, 
 the  fuggeftions  of  Satan,  and  allurements  of  the  World. 
 Luftand  paffionhave  oft  come  betwixt  my  heart  and  thy 
 holy  precepts^  whereby  I  am  turned  afide  from  the  ftraite 
 way  of  peace.  I  can  find  fmall  relifli  and  favour  in  the 
 Word  of  life,  I  digeft  it  not,  feed  not  upon  it^  hunger  not 
 after  it,  am  not  changed  into  the  nature  of  it.I  receive  not 
 the  trurh,or  it  abides  not  in  me  for  fubftantiall  nourifli- 
 menr :  I  belecvc  no  further  then  I  fee^fehrc  no  more  then 
 I  feele,ftart  afide  in  temptation. 
 
 The  Symptomcs  of  unbeliefe  arc  evident.  From  this 
 root  fpringeth  that  unmeafurablc  deadneffe  that  prefTeth 
 downc.  Ifaraan  of  authority  threaten  with  rackc  or 
 gibbet,  I  quake  and  feare :  but  when  I  heare  the  /udge- 
 mcnts  of  God  denounced  againft  ray  fins,  lam  fcarce  mo- 
 ved at  all. 
 
 From  this  arifcth  impatience,  murmuring,  difcontenr, 
 unquictncfTe,  when  outward  things  arc  wanting  ;  For 
 did  the  heart  cleave  faft  unto  God,  it  would  reft  quiet  in 
 his  promifcjif  all  ether  things  were  lacking. 
 
 Selfe-confidence,  reftinginmeanes,  and  leaning  upon 
 them,  as  Iands,richcs,friends ,  &c.  are  efteds  oi  unbeliefe. 
 He  that  rejoyceth  in  Chrift  Jefus  can  Have  no  confidence 
 in  thcflcfti.A.s  wc  grow  dowc, defying  our  wifedomc, 
 and  all  ftrength  we  ca  ^  make ;  fo  doth  faith  in  our  great 
 God  grow  up ;  as  we  fwell  or  be  puffed  up  in  conceit  of  I  ^<^'9'^i  • 
 
 our ' 
 
 Symptomes  of 
 Wibeliefe. 
 
 Pfal.7  8.ip,i 
 
 £2. 
 
 Nu^.T4.a7. 
 
 Rom.  10.^. 
 Jer  i7.f. 
 Pfal.40.4.& 
 
 J2.7. 
 
 Phil.j  I, 
 
 I 
 
204 
 
 Vrhat  it  is  to  live  by  Fdth,^c» 
 
 Pro.ij.i^. 
 
 Ioh.i2,4j.& 
 Mar.8. 16317. 
 
 our  wifdomc  or  (Irergth,  fo  doth  faith  languifli  or  decay. 
 So  mucli  as  the  heart  Ihyeth  upon  the  creature,  it  is  by  fin 
 with-drawnc  from  the  Creator,  But  my  heart  is  much 
 poyfoned  with  fcifc-fufficiercic  s  I  fecle  my  fclic  apt  to 
 leane  upon  mine  ownc  devices,  to  prefumc  upon  mine 
 owne  ftrength,  and  fo  wickedly  to  depart  from  God.  If 
 mcanes  be  at  hand  I  grow  fecure  ;  forgctting,that  further 
 then  God  doth  fend  forih  his  Word,  they  can  doe  no- 
 thing. Ifmeanesbe  wanting,  I  faint,  or  at  leaft,  am 
 greatly  diftra61:ed,  not  remembrir  g  that  it  is  all  one  with 
 Godtofavc  with  many  as  with  few,  with  fmall  or  no 
 meanes  as  great,  If  I  enjoy  the  things  I  would,  I  thinkc 
 much  upon  the  mesnes,  afcribe  little  to  Gods  bleffing : 
 my  affedions  do  workc  more  lively  on  this  or  that  which 
 fell  out  (as  men  fpeake)  more  luckily, then  on  the  blcfling 
 of  God,which  is  all  in  all.  In  any  matter  of  weight  con- 
 cerning livdi-hood  cr  flate,  I  am  ready  to  plod  what 
 friends  I  can  make,  what  meanes  be  prefcntjWhat  likeli- 
 hoods of  good  fucceffc,  and  here  I  reft,  not  fecking  to  the 
 Lord,  though  all  judgement  come  from  him^  But  if  this 
 or  that  requifitc  (in  my  judgement)  cannot  be  obtained, 
 though  I  be  never  fo  diligenr,feeke  never  fo  earnefilyjftill 
 I  diftruft  and  fufped  the  event,  laying  in  heart,  that  it 
 cannot  prove  well.  And  when  my  defire  is  accompli- 
 flied,  the  meanes  arc  ftill  in  mine  eye,  I  thinke  my  felf^ 
 indebted  to  fuchor  fuch  friends,  never  able  to  requite 
 their  kindnefle;  when  the  chiefe  caufe,  upon  whom 
 all  things  depend,  is  much  forgotten,  not  afFedlionate- 
 ly  rcmembred.  In  trials  I  am  very  tottering,  and  like 
 a  poorc  creeple,  who  leaneth  upon  his  crutches,  eafily 
 brought  to  the  ground,  when  fenfiblc  helpes  are  taken 
 away, 
 
 CarnalldelightSjCOvetoufnclTe,  lovcofpraife,  double 
 diligence  about  earthly  things,  and  cxceffive  care :  thefe 
 are  cvill  accidents  of  this  difeafe.  Did  we  poffelTe  the  fpi- 
 rituall  comforts  of  the  Word,  the  heart  could  neither  co- 
 vet, nor  take  pleafure  in  the  tranfitory  things  of  this  life. 
 
 Did 
 
Vr^at  is  it  to  live  hy  Faith,  dec. 
 
 Did  we  affurcdly  believe  that  our  Heavenly  Father  will 
 provide  for  us,  we  would  not  difquict  cur  felvcs  with 
 troublefome  thoughts  about  living  maintenance,  and 
 fucccffTc  of  our  labours.-  But^ab,  how  is  nay  heart  taken 
 up  with  diftrafting  cares,  drawnc  away  with  carnall 
 pleafures,  and  afpiring  dcfires  after  great  things.  If  riches 
 increafcjlreloyccinthem;  If  troubles  or  croflfescome 
 on,  my  head  is  wholy  bufied  about  them ;  I  can  keepe  no 
 meafijre  in  cafting,  difcourfing,  contriving  how  things 
 willgoc.  The  many  thoughts  that  Ifpend  about  thcfc 
 things  to  no  purpofe,  upon  no  occafion,  doc  more  then 
 fufficicntly  convince  the  earthly  diftempcr  of  my  heart. 
 
 Partiall  obedience,  indulgence  to  any  finne^  flcight- 
 ncffe  in  the  performance  of  holy  duties,  fand  raflineffe  in 
 the  undertaking  of  ordinary  works  without  feare,  reve- 
 rence, and  due  confideration,is  the  cvill  fruit  of  anbcliefe. 
 For  the  flrength  oi  faith  is  uiaiformCj  it  fighteth  againft 
 all  finnc;  fecdeth  upon  the  dainties  that  God  hath  prepa- 
 red for  them  that  love  him,  and  tcacheth  in  naturall  and 
 civill  anions  to  hold  Cbriftj  that  his  Spirit  may  guide  us 
 in  the  doing  of  them.  But  I  have  beene  too  favourable  to 
 boifterous  paflions,  evill  lufts,  vainc  rovings,  idle  fpec-- 
 cheSjuegledt  of  holy  duties.    I  have  prayed  without  in- 
 tention, fervcncie,  or  care  to  fpeed:  j  have  heard  the 
 Word,  but  not  attended  unto  it  with  diligence,  not  la- 
 boured to  get  it  into  poffeflion,  nor  to  be  changed  in- 
 to the  nature  ®f  it.  I  have  fcaftcd  without  feare  or  thank-^ 
 fulneffc ;  I  have  laid  me  downe  to  flcepe  and  rifen  againe,} 
 not  minding  the  promifc  of  God,  who  givcth  fleepc  to 
 his  beloved,  not  acknowledging  him  'who  is  my  life, 
 and  the  length  of  my  daies,  nor  fearing  the  grin  that 
 is  feti  for  m.ec  in.  every  ,crcacurc  an4  bafinelfe,  pfi  tibis 
 
 Whatfliail  I  fay  ?0  Lord,  I  have  finned  againft  thy 
 goodi.elTej  power,  mercy,  and  truth  J  againft  the  Media- 
 tion and  blood  of  Chrift.  He  that  believes  nop  in  God, 
 fnakes  bim  « lUr^  then  which  what  can  bd  more  rtproch- 
 
 :  ,  ...  full? 
 
 305 
 
 I  lohn  J.  10. 
 
 "■'•^ 
 
 SSrfWWRSSB 
 
20  6 
 
 what  it  is  to  Iwc  hy  Fatthyd^c, 
 
 Tit.  I.  If. 
 Efay  7.^, 
 Num.ao.i 
 Luk,i,zo. 
 
 I, 
 
 Keb.i©  38,39 
 
 full?  He  thatrefteth  not  upon  Chrift,  maketh  his  61oud 
 of  neneeffedl,  then  which  what  is  more  abominable  ? 
 To  fearc  the  threats  of  Man,  to  reft  on  his  Word,to  obey 
 his  Commandements,  when  the  will  and  pkafure  of 
 <3odisnegle6led;  what  is  this,  but  to  rob  God  of  his 
 glory,  and  fet  up  Man  inhis  roome  or  ftced  ?  If  a  great 
 Man  (hould  threstcn,  would  I  not  be  carefull  to  decline 
 his  wrath?  Shall  my  God  threaten,  and  Ibefecureand 
 carele{re?If  I  have  a  mans  word  or  bond  that  is  of  worth, 
 I  write  upon  the  matter  as  if  I  had  it :  Shall  I  not  joy- 
 fully reft  in  the  word,  feale,  and  oath  of  my  God  ?  If  a 
 Man  of  great  place  fhould  be  asked  a  paw  re,  and  not  cre- 
 dited on  bis  word,  hewouldtakeitincvill  part :  what  a 
 (hameisit,  that  I  fhouid  not  believe  God  further  then  I 
 have  his  caution  ?  The  fervants  of  Noblemen  attend  on 
 their  Lords  pleafare  at  an  Inch,  come  at  their  call,  goe  at 
 their  command,  do  every  thing  exidtly  that  is  given  them 
 in  charge  :  W  hat  wretchedncfle  is  this  in  me,  that  I  have 
 obeyed  the  Lord  by  the  halves,  beene  fleighty  in  his  wor- 
 ship, moft  negligent  where  all  dihgencc  is  no  more  then 
 duty,  moft  praife-worthy.    AsIhavediihonouredGod, 
 fb  I  have  hurt  mine  owne  foule.   If  it  were  notior  unbe- 
 Iiefe,nothing  could  harme  me;  this  doth  all  the  mifchiefe:' 
 for  it  rc/edeththe  medicines,  which  taken,  would  cure 
 all  maladies ;  and  pulleth  off  Gods  plaifters,  which  lying 
 on  would  falve  our  mifcrics  %  it  defilcth  our  beft  workes, 
 doubleththc  bitterncfleof  crofles^  pulleth  downe  many 
 judgements  upon  us,difinabletb  in  the  combafe  agairift  Sa- 
 than,  is  the  nurfe  of  fpirituall  idleritflc,  ahdhindreth  the 
 fweetnefle  ot  all  holy  duties.    It  were  j'uft  with  thee, 
 Dearc  Father,  to  caft  me  off  for  ever,  and  give  me  over 
 to  the  vanity  iDf  mine  tinbelieVing   heart.      I  have 
 drayvne  backe  from  thee  by  infidelity,  cleaving  to  the 
 lulls  of  theflefli  and  allurements  of  the  {Wotld,  trufting 
 in  vaine devices ;  and  thou  migbteft  Juftly  forfake  me 
 utterly  for  this  mine  hypocriticall  flatting  afidc  from  thy 
 teftimonies.   O  Lord,  I  am  not  more  full  of  infidelity  by 
 
 nature 
 
I 
 
 what  is  it  to  Iwe  hy  Fdthy^c, 
 
 nature,  then  af  my  felfe  unable  to  remove  it :  untothee 
 thereforc,do  I  lift  up  my  foulc ;  G  tame  in  me  the  fierce- 
 nefle  of  infidelity,  and  teach  me  to  beheve  as  thou  haft 
 commanded:  thenfliall  I  cleave  unto  thee  inlcparably, 
 waitc  confidently  on  thy  {alvation,  and  fcrve  thee  cheare- 
 fully  as  long  as  I  live.  Thus  are  we  to  finde  out,  and  make 
 infidelity  odious. 
 
 Secondly j  We  muft  labour  to  fee  the  n£celiity,and  pre- 
 cioufnedc  of  faith  j  and  thefe  iczriQ  will  make  a  man 
 holdhard,  ere  he  part  with  it.  A  man  that  hath  a  great 
 charge,  his  whole  ftate  about  him,  will  as  fooncloiehis 
 life,  as  part  with  his  treafure.  O  f  what  excellency  and 
 ufc  is  this  grace  of  faith,  which  fubdueth  paffions,  over- 
 corn  meth  allurements,  maketh  things,  impoffiblctothe 
 flefh,  caficanddclightfome ;  inableth  to  ftand  faft  when 
 we  are  buffeted  by  Satan,  lifteth  up  the  head  amidft  all 
 thefurges  oftcmptation,remaineth  viftorious  mall  com- 
 bats, raifcth  us  up  when  we  are  laid  along,.and  our  wea- 
 pons beaten  on  our  Heads;  knittcth  the  heart  faft  to  the 
 heavenly  Commandements,  quickcneth  m  deadne{re,and 
 holdeth  the  Lord  faft  when  he  leadeth  us  mtothe  darke. 
 Who  would  not  prcferre  the  cuftodie  and  increase  of  fuch 
 a  grace  before  life  it  felfe  ?  Nay ,  what  is  our  life  without 
 it  ?  If  faith  live  in  us,  we  live  blefledly,  whatfoever  mife- 
 ry  compaffcth  us  aboutj  if  faith  deeay,we  die-if  it  die, we 
 
 perilh*  r.       j       j- 
 
 Thirdly,Wc  muft  confider  whom  we  tru[t,and  medi- 
 tate on  the  grounds  of  faith  (to  wit)  the  grace,  power, 
 goodneflV,  truth,  and  unchangcablenefle  of  God  :  for  this 
 wiUflrcngth^n  bcliefe.We  muft  confiderthe  promifes  of 
 God,  that  we  may  fee  what  bis  good  will  and  pleafure 
 is,  what  a  Fatherly  care  of  our  welfare  he  hath,  and  not 
 oncly  how  able  but  how  willing  alfo  beis  tolielpe  and 
 fnciour  Ui ;  what  promifes  he  hath  made,  and  how  faith- 
 ftillhc  is  in'performance,  for  his  ownc  names  fake,and  of 
 free  undeferved  love.  The  Mother  of  unbeliefe  is  igno- 
 rance of  God:  his  faithfullneffe,  mercy,  and  power. 
 '  Tho[e 
 
 207 
 
 i.See  thenecef. 
 fiiy  and  preci- 
 oufnejfz  of 
 Faith. 
 
 ?.  M  edit  ate  9n 
 the  grounds  of 
 Faithi 
 
20< 
 
 Pfal.9.10 
 
 z  Tim  I. IS. 
 Hcb.ii.ii. 
 
 WJ^aP  it  is  t6  li've  by  Faith,Scc, 
 
 4.  Reeling 
 
 wea,\nejfe  of 
 faith  loo\e.  oh 
 Chrifi. 
 
 Heb.i2.i,». 
 
 5  Pray  for  the 
 ffirit  oj  faith. 
 
 Thofe  that  ki*ow  thee,  wiUtrHflin  thee.  This  confirmed 
 T4»/,  ^yihraham,  Sarah  in  the  fai^h.  lk»0Tfs>  rphom  I  have 
 believed,  and  that  he  is  able  to  ks^pe  thap  I  have  committed 
 unto  him,Hntill  that  day.  He  isfmthfttUvfiho  hath  fromifed^ 
 andablealfoto  performe.  The  free  promifcs  of  the  Lord 
 are  all  ccrtaine,  his  Comtnandements  right  and  good,  the 
 recompence  of  reward  ineftin:iably  to  be  valued  above 
 thouftndsof  gold  and  filver :  Truft  therefore  in  the  Lord, 
 O  my  foule,  and  follow  hard  after  him.Thou  haft  bis  free 
 promifcjwho  never  failcd,whohath  promifed  more  then 
 pofllbly  thou  CGuldft  aske  or  thinkc,  who  hath  done 
 more  for  thee  then  ever  he  promifcd,  who  is  good  and 
 bountifull  to  the  wicked  and  ungodly  :  thou  doeft  his 
 worke,  who  \^  able,  and  afliiredly  will  beare  thee 
 out ;  there  ii  a  Crownc  ot  glory  propolcd  unto  thee 
 above  all  conceit  of  merit :  ftickc  faft  unto  his  Word, 
 and  fuftcr  nothing  to  divide  thee  from  it.  Reft  upon  his 
 protmfes,  though  he  fceme  to  kill  thee;  cleave  unto  his 
 ftatuccs,  though  the  flcfti  lull,  the  World  allure, 
 the  Divell  tempt  by  flatteries  or  thrcatnings  to  the 
 contrary. 
 
 Fourthly,  When  wcfeclcour  faith  weakc,  wemuft 
 lookc  up  to  Chrift,  the  beginner  ani  finifher  of  faith 
 in  MS,  A  fainting  body  will  tafte  fome  thing  that  is  cor- 
 dial! and  reftorative :  and  a  tainting  foule  muft  baite  it 
 fclfc  with  looking  to  Jefus,who  is  our  cordiall  and  refto- 
 rativc. 
 
 Fiftly,  Faith  is  a  grace  that  is  given  from  above,  and 
 commeth  dovvnc  from  the  Father  of  lights,  unto 
 whom  we  muft  fly  by  fervent  prayer,  humbly  begging, 
 that  he  would  by  his  Spirit  both  rcveale  unto  us,  what 
 be  thofc  prctious  promifcs,  which  he  hath  made  unto 
 his  people,  and  give  us  wifedome  rightly  to  judge  of 
 them,  and  firmely  to  receive  them  in  every  eftate ;  and 
 above  all,  to  move  onr  hearts  fo  to  believe  them,  that  wc 
 may  aflurc  our  felves  of  all  needmll  hclpe  in  due  time, 
 feeing  God  alifiitficicnt  and  faithfuU  hath  promifed  it, 
 
 and 
 
touching  the  from  fes  off  ar  don  and  forgi'veneJfe,8cc, 
 
 and  waite  upon  him  in  the  way  of  his  Commandements. 
 Mercifull  Father,  it  is  my  finccredcfircjand  un faired  rcfo- 
 lution  to  draw  nigh  unto  thec,and  put  my  truft  in  thy  mer- 
 cies for  evermore.    Butof  my  fclfc  Ihsve  noabihty  to 
 (land  in  faith,  ortofolLw  hard  after  thy  Commande- 
 menrs ;  I  am  full  of  doubtings,whcn  I  can  fee  no  meanes 
 to  put  me  in  hope  of  helpe,  and  ready  to  finke  downe  in 
 defpaire;  upon  every  fmall  occafion  I  amready  toftagger 
 and  flip  afidc.   Take  pittic  upon  me,  O  Lord,  for  tl^y 
 mercy  fake,  for  I  flic  unto  thee  for  helpe.  Thou  haft  com- 
 manded mc  to  believe,  hold  me  by  thy  right  hand  that  I 
 flirinke  not ;  reveale  thy  promifes  unto  my  undcrftan- 
 ding,  givemee  a  found  judgement,  eftablifh  me  in  the 
 faith  more  and  more,  unite  my  heart  clofc  unro  thee, 
 that  all  the  darts  of  the  Divellmay  fall  oft,  and  not  bee 
 able  to  wound  my  confcience,  Thou  haft  given  me  to  fee 
 my  weakf  neffe  in  faith,  and  to  bevvaile  it  ♦,  to  fee  the  ne- 
 ceflity  and  excellent  ufe  of  faihjand  to  defirc  it :  give  mc 
 alfo  ftcdfaftly  to  believe,  according  to  the  riches  of  thy 
 grace,that  I  may  glorifie  thy  name. 
 
 CHAP.  II. 
 
 fyhat  it  u  to  five  hy  faith  in  particular  touching  the 
 
 promifes  of  pardon  andforgivene^e^  and , 
 
 how  tofiirre  up  our f elves 
 
 thereunto, 
 
 k 
 
 TH  E  ufe  of  faith,  which  is  as  large  as  the  Word  of 
 God,  muft  be  diftinguifhed  according  to  the  parts 
 '  and  fcverall  branches  of  it,  promifes,  Coraraanderaents, 
 thrcatnings.  By  promifes  underftand  all  thofe  declarati- 
 ons of  Gods  will,  wherein  he  fignifies  in  the  GolpcU 
 iwhat  good  he  will  freely  beftow.    And  thefe  be  either 
 Spiritual!  or  Temporally  concerning  this  life,or  the  life 
 P  to 
 
 209      ( 
 
 JVUt  tie  pre- 
 mifes  heyand 
 the  hjndes  tier- 
 of. 
 
^i^' 
 
 fins. 
 
 DeiK.j  0.1,1. 
 I  Rcg.8.3  5. 
 
 Icr.j.ii, 
 31.34. 
 
 Thiipromife  it 
 
 free. 
 
 &  44.12. 
 Hor.14.4. 
 
 Mich.7.18, 
 
 Hcb.g.ia. 
 Jer.3T.54. 
 Dcut»i,8. 
 Num.14.18. 
 
 Tet  ohtainei 
 
 310       1  what  it  is  to  live  bj  Faith  in  farticdar 
 
 to  come;  ohhings  (Imply  neccffary  to  falvation,  or  of 
 things  good  in  them felves,  but  notalviraies  good  for  us : 
 all  which  are  rcccivedjpofleffed,  and  injoyed  by  faith,  ac- 
 cording as  they  be  promifed  of  Godjcither  with,or  with- 
 out limitation. 
 
 Amongfl:  fpirituall  promifes  abfolutely  necc{rary,with- 
 out  which  there  can  be  no  falvation,  the  firft  and  chicfe  ii 
 concerning  pardon  or  forgivencCfe  of  finnes  and  Juftifica- 
 tUpmifeof  tion.  God  of  his  rich  grace  and  mercy  in  Jefus  Chrift 
 ■fnrjivenefc  of  I  joth  make  offer  of  free  and  full  forgiveneffe  of  all  finnes 
 to  every  burdened,  thirftie  and  penitent  foule.    Let  the 
 wicked  for  fake  hU  vay^   And  the  untight  eom  man   his 
 thottghts:  and  let  him  returne  Unto  the  Lord,  and  he  will 
 have  mercy  upon  him,  and  to  our  God  for  he  will  abundantly 
 pardon.    Returne  thou  backe-jliding  Ifrael,  faith  the  Lord^ 
 and  I  will  not  caufe  mine  anger  to  fall  upon  you:  for  lam 
 mercifully  faith  the  Lord^and  I  will  not  keepe  mine  anger  for 
 tverjwillcleanfe  them  from  all  their  iniquity  yVf  here  by  they 
 have  finned  again  ft  me,  and  I  will  pardon  all  their  iniquities 
 whereby  they  have  fmned^andwhereby  they  have  tranfgreffed 
 again/}  me. 
 
 This  promifc  is  made  of  free  and  undcferved  mercy, 
 not  for  any  merit  tbat  is,or  poflibly  could  be  in  ns.   /, 
 even  I  am  hee  that  blotteth  out  thy  tranfgrtffions  for  mine  \ 
 ownefake  and  will  not  remember  thy  Jinnet, I  will  love  them 
 freely,  for  mine  anger  is  turned  away  from  him.rvho  u  a  God 
 like  unto  thee^  that  par  done  th  ini^fity  and  pajfeth   by  the 
 tranfgreffion  of  the  remnant  of  his  heritage  f  he  retaineth  not 
 his  anger  for  ever  y  becaufe  he  delighteth  in  mercy.    T  will 
 be  mercifull  to  their  unrighteoufneffe,  and  their  finnes  and 
 their  iniquities  will  I  remember  no  more.     Be  mercifull,  O 
 Lord,  unto  thy  people  Jfratl^whom  thou  hafirecieemed,^]Xi 
 when  wehearc  of  grace,we  muft  remember  Chrift,in  and 
 thnugh  chtifi  through  whom  God  is  gratious  unto  us.  Chrift  is  the 
 m^.  Lambe  of  god,  which  taketh  away  the  finnes  of  the  world: 
 
 °^**^*      '  and  this  great  benefit  of  forgiveneffe  of  finnc  is  plentiful- 
 ly proclaimed  unto  us  mifcrable  finncrs,  in  and  through 
 
 him. 
 
touchingthefromifesoffardon  dndfergi'venej[e,^c, 
 
 him.  Thus  itiirvritteft.AndthusitkehovedChriji  tofuffer, 
 and  to  rife  againe  from  the  dead  the  third  day  ;  art^  that  re- 
 femanceani  Remijfton  of,fmnes  Jhotild  hee  preached  a- 
 Vicmgali  nations ^bepinMirig  at  Ieru{alem.  'Bee  it  kpovene 
 UKto  yoH  therefore^  UHen  and  brethren^  that  through 
 this  L^larii  (meaning  Chrift)  is  preached  unto  jou  the 
 forgivenejfe  effmnes.  Now  then  we  are  Amha^adors  for 
 Chrifly  although  God  did  hefeech  you  by  U4  ;  we  pray  yon 
 in  Chrifs  fieedy  bee  yee  reconciled  to  Cjod.  Hereunto 
 agrceth  that  invitation  of  our  Saviour ;  Come  unto  me  alt 
 yee  that  labour,  and  are  heavie  laden^  and  I  will  give  yon 
 refi. 
 
 This  promifc  of  grace  is  received jpo^Tcfled  and  cn/oycd 
 by  faith  alone,but  by  an  operative  and  lively  faith.  To  him 
 give  all  the  Prophets  witnefff  that  through  his  Name,who~ 
 (oeverbelieveth  in  him^Jhal I  receive  nmijpon  ofJinnes.And 
 by  him  althat  believe  areju(lijied  from  al  thingsjfrom  which 
 yee  could  not  be  jufiified  by  the  Law  of  Moles.  Though 
 faith  be  accompanied  with  other  graces,  yet  Man  h'veth 
 by  it  alonc,notby  it  and  other  parts  of  grace  as  joynt  fup- 
 portersjin  as  much  as  by  it  alone  he  trufts  in  Gods  mercy 
 offered  in  Chrift,  wholy  relying  on  it,  not  partly  on 
 mercy,  partly  on  rightcoulncffe  inherent ;  We  are  jufiified 
 fredyb)  hisgrace^  through  the  redemption  that  is  inlefm 
 Chrifi:  whom  ^od  hath  fet  forth  to  be  a  propitiation  through 
 faith  in  his  blood^to  kclare  his  righteoufneffefer  the  remijfion 
 ofjlnnes  that  are  pinfi.  The  Scripture  fore/eeing  that  God 
 wouldjufiifiy  the  Heathen  through  faith  ^  preached  before  the 
 GoJpeSunto  Abraham, /2y»»^,  In  thee  Jhall  all  nations 
 be  blefed.  And  thus  the  Lord  hath  ordained  for  divers 
 reafons. 
 
 Firft,  this  promifc  is  of  faith,  that  it  might  bee  of 
 free  grace,  which  cannot  ft^nd  with  tht  dignity  of 
 workes.  If  it  bre  by  grace  ^  then  is  it  no  more  ofworks:ot.hef' 
 wir^  grace  is  no  more  qrace.  'But  if  it  be  of  worlds  ^  then  u  it 
 m  more  grace,  otherwife  worke  is  no  more  wor\e.  Pa'.th 
 anfwcr>  the  , promifc,    and  receive     the   pardon  o!^ 
 
 P  2  cira*^ 
 
 \ 
 
 2  II 
 
 Luk.i4.4M7 
 K&s  13.38. 
 
 iCor.j.io. 
 Mat.ii,i8. 
 
 And  received 
 anipojfe^ed 
 hy faith. 
 Ads  10.4}, 
 Ads  I  J. {9. 
 v^»i  hy  it  alont 
 Rom, 1. 17, 
 Gal.z.i6.flc 
 5.11,84. 
 
 Rom.j,Z4,»j:,' 
 z6. 
 
 Gal.  J. 8. 
 Gen.  t  i.j, 
 Gen.a5.6, 
 
 I. 
 
 Rom.  4.1^, 
 
 Rom.iT.tf, 
 
 ^  jr   *■  I    -frr 
 
21 
 
 what  it  is  to  live  by  FmthinfArtictdar 
 
 2. 
 
 3» 
 
 Rom.4.t5^ 
 
 Eph.8.S,9,io. 
 
 iCor.i.jOjji 
 
 It  U  Mctffhry 
 
 grace  as  a  poorc  begger,  utterly  denying  all  worthincCfe 
 in  the  fub/e^ ;  wficreas  other  graces,  had  they  bcenc 
 1  afligned  to  this  office,  would  have  challenged  foincthing 
 to  them  (elves.  1 
 
 Secondly,  it  is  of  Faith  that  it  might  be  ftedfaft  and  fure 
 to  all  the  feed :  why  fo  ?  becaufe  the  promt  fe  is  ofgracc. 
 Faith  and  grace  doe  fweetly  confear,  mutually  uphold 
 each  other.  Faith  leaneth  upon  grace  alone :  and  grace 
 or  mercy  is  promifed  freelyjthat  we  might  believe  ;  and 
 vouchfafed  to  him  that  doth  believe  and  accept  it.  With- 
 out faith  therefore  the  promife  doch  fall.  And  if  the 
 promife  of  remiffion  of  finnes  did  depend  upon  any 
 worthinefTe  in  us  to  receive  it,  wee  fhould  not  oncly 
 waver  and  be  uncertaine,  but  even  u  tsirly  defpaire  of 
 everfpeeding. 
 
 Thirdly,  that  onely  is  the  true  manner  of  Ju^ification, 
 which  fliuts  forth  all  boafting  in  the  dignity  of  our 
 workes.  But  faith  excludes  all  boafting  in  our  felvesj  and 
 teachsth  us  to  glory  in  the  Lord  our  right eoufneflc 
 Rom, J.  £f  jii8.'  Whtre  is  boaping  then  ?  It  is  excluded.  By  rvkiAt  Larp  ?  Qf 
 workes  ?  Nay,  but  by  the  Lave  of  faith.  Therefore  we  con- 
 clude, that  a  man  is'r^jiified  hy  faith,  mthottt  the  deeds  of 
 the  Law,  For  if  Abva.h;simwf  re jftBified  by  wark^f,  he  hath 
 voheresf  to  glory  but  not  before  God,  For  ivhat  faith  the 
 Scriptfire^hhrah^m  believed  God,  and  it  was  counted  unto 
 himfor  right eoMfne\[e, 
 
 As  God  invites  us  to  receive  the  promife  of  pardon 
 
 to  reeks  pardon  I  offered  in  the  Gofpell,  fo  it  is  ncccffary  that  we  embrace 
 
 of  fin  by  faith..,    jt  by  a  lively  faith.  For  in  our  fehes  webefinfullandcur- 
 
 I  fed,no  way  able  to  make  any  fatisfaflion,  whereby  wee 
 
 I  might  be  delivered,  and  remiffion  which  is  of  grace,  can 
 
 be  o:  tained  by  no  other  meanes,but  onely  by  faith  in  Je- 
 
 fus  Chrift.7'<?  him  thatvoorketh  not,  bni  believeth  an  him 
 
 th<itjufiifieththe  ungodly,  his  faith  is  connted  for  ri^hteonf- 
 
 nejfe  ;  even  as  David  alfo  defer ibeth  the  blefednejje  of  the 
 
 (J^lANy  Hntorohom  C^oi  imfUteth  righteoufne^e  without 
 
 rporkes  •  Sayings  Slewed  are.  trhey  y^hpfe.i»iqmies  Anforgi- 
 
 Rom.  4.?, ^,7, 
 Pfal  ji.i.. 
 
touching  thefromifesoffardm  and forgi'veneJle^^c, 
 
 vett,  and  who fe  ftnnes  are  covered ;  *BUJfedis  the  L^Ian  to 
 whom  the  Lord  will  not  impute  finne.  Faith  goeth  dircifWy 
 unto  Chriftj  that  by  him  wc  might  be  Juftificd,  and  em- 
 braccththe  promifcs  of  God  concerning  Juftification, 
 which  h  the  manner  by  which  alone  God  hath  ordained 
 to  juftific  us.  No  man  can  be  feeire  according  to  the  hope 
 of  eternall  lifcjunlefle  he  be  juftificd  from  fin  by  the  free 
 grace  of  God  :  for  fins,  not  blotted  out  by  thf  free  par- 
 don of  grace,  fcparate  betwixt  God  and  us,  and  hide  his 
 face  from  us.Not  hj  workes  ofrighteoufne^e^rthich  we  have 
 done,  bat  according  to  his  mercy  he  fnved  /%f,&c.  That  ^elng 
 jufiifiedhj  hii  grace, we  (houU  he  m^de  heires  according  to  the 
 hope  of  eternall  glory, ^\xt  no  pardon  is  obtain€d,unIefr(g  the 
 promife  of  pardon  be  received  by  faith.  Faith  in  the  pro- 
 mifcs of  mercy,  that  wc  might  be  acquitted  from  finnc, 
 and  accepted  as  Juft  and  righteous,  doth  commend  and 
 maintaine  the  glory  of  Gods  grace  intire,  and  in  this  re- 
 fped  alfo  it  is  the  more  neccflary .  As  a  penitent  malcfa- 
 d:or,if  he  were  to  pleade  his  caufe  before  the  Prince  him- 
 feife,  would  notftand  upon  termes  of  innocencic  or  pre- 
 lent  inregrity,  becaufe  he  had  his  pardon  under  fealc,  fee- 
 ing that  was  given  him  to  pleadc  for  mercy,  not  for/u- 
 ftice:  io  the  faithful!  foulc  relyeth  upon  the  free  mercy  of 
 ©od,and  promife  of  pardonprodaimed  indefinitely  to  all 
 burdened  and  penitent  finncrs,  and  fcaled  t©  every  belee- 
 ver  in  particular  by  the  pier  ges  of  the  Spirit ;  not  upon 
 thofe  fanftified  graces  which  arc  given  unto  him,  that  he 
 might  bee  qualified  and  fitted  to  plead  for  grace  and 
 mercy. 
 
 The  a(fls  of  Faith  concerning  this  promife  of  forgivc- 
 nefTc  be  divers. 
 
 Firfl:,  it  generally  belicveth  the  promife  truejand  there- 
 by difcerncs,  that  fin  is  pardonable  through  grace.  The 
 knowledge  of  this,  that  our  finnes  may  bee  pardoned,  or 
 that  there  is  mercy  with  the  Lord  to  cover  fin,is  a  worke 
 of  faith.  For  wbatfoever  cannot  bee  conceived  or  found 
 out  by  fence  or  realon,  that  is  manifeftcd  by  revelation, 
 P  3  and 
 
 213 
 
 3.12. 
 
 Ifay  Jp.a. 
 Tit.j.s,7. 
 
 The  a&stffaitb 
 about  promifes 
 of  pardon. 
 
 Pfal.ijo,4, 
 Luk.15.x8. 
 
214 
 
 what  ft  is  to  live  h^  FmhinfMcidar 
 
 I  Pet. I, I i. 
 Rom.  1 5,2  5, 
 
 I  Bphcf.i.8j9 
 
 .  and  affcnted  unto  or  judged  true  and  ccrtainc  by  faitb,or 
 j  clfc  it  rcmaines  as  a  nayftery  uaknownc.  When  the  Apo- 
 Heb.ii.i. "'     '  ^^  defincSj/iiir^  to  he  the  evidence  ofthingi  not [eene  ;  doth 
 i  he  not  intimate,  tbat  things  anfccnc  to  fcnfe  or  naturall 
 ^  rcafon,  are  difcovered  and  made  evident  oncly  by  faith  ? 
 But  that  God  will  pardon  iniquity,  tranfgrcflion  and  fin, 
 is  a  truth  that  can  never  be  comprehended  by  the  light  of 
 nature  :  flefh  and  bloud  hath  not  revealed  it  unto  us.  Su- 
 pernacurall  truths  which  exceed  all  humane  capacity,can- 
 not  be  difccrned  or  received  by  any  power  of  nature :  But 
 that  God  will  be  mercifull  to  our  finncs,  is  a  truth  fuper- 
 naturall,  hidden  from  the  Angels  thcmfelvesjuntill  it  was 
 revealed  in  the  Gofpell.  Who  hath  knowne  the  Minde  of 
 
 ^..     God,  or  becnc  acquainted  with  the  myfteriesof  his  wife- 
 
 '  Ifay  40.i3»M«j  ^omc  ?  In  the  dayes  offecurity,whi!eltmenflecpe  in  fin, 
 without  allfenceof  evillj  or  knowledge  of  Gods  Juftice, 
 it  is  an  ea{ie  matter  to  fay,  God  i'i  merciful!,  Chrift  died 
 for  (inners  :  But  when  the  confcience  is  awakened  with 
 Gea.4..ij.        the  terrors  ot  (Sods  wrath,  and  the  fearefu'l  fight  of  fm ; 
 Mat'th'.zr.?.      the  experience  both  of  wicked  men,  and  of  the  Saints 
 Pfal.7 7.^,738.  of  God  can  tedific,  that  it  is  adi^cult  thing  to  lookc 
 beyond  the  cloud  of  juftice,  and,  contrary  to  the  naturall 
 fcntcnce  of  confcience,  comminations  qI  the  Law,  and 
 prefent  feeling,  to  believe,that  there  is  fbrgivencfTe  with 
 God. 
 j^.              Secondly,  faith  ftirrcth  up  carneft  defires  and  longings 
 to  be  made  partakers  of  this  mercy  of  Goi,  and  to  be  rc- 
 frcfihed  with  his  gracious  and  free  favour.    All  holy  and 
 1  fervent  defires  arc  both  kindled  and  nourifhcd  by  it,  A^  our 
 alfcnt  to  the  Divine  and  heavenly  promifes  is  more  or  leffe 
 I  firmc,certaine,ab{olHte  &  cvidcnt^fo  are  our  defires  more 
 j  or  leffe  fierie,conftant,unfatiable,yea  inrefpc(3:  of  heaven- 
 '  ly  things  unquenchable  :  As  faith  ianguiQiCth,thefe  faint: 
 ;  as  faith  encrcafetb,  thefe  gather  ftrength.    And  no  mar- 
 3oh.4. loi       I  ^^^^  ^or  appetite  followeth  knowledge,  and  defirc  is  an- 
 fwcrable  to  that  certaine  and  clcare  judgement,  that  we 
 have  of  the  ncceffity,and  worth,  value  and  dignity  of  the 
 objed 
 
touching  thefromifesoffardon  and  forgi'venejfejdcc 
 
 ohjcd:  apprehended.  Now  faith difcovereth  both  the  nc- 
 ccflity  and  excellency  of  the  good,  certainly  contained  in 
 the  word  ©f  proinife,  (which  ad:  of  faith  is  Signified  by 
 the  opening  or  piercing  of  the  care)  and  ferioufly  mcdi- 
 tatcth  upon  the  fingular  benefits  offered  therein,  and 
 fo  raifeth  the  heart  unceflantly  to  hanger  and  thirft  after 
 them. 
 
 And  thefc  ieCrcs  wil  be  the  greater  and  more  conftant, 
 the  more  faith  is  excrcifed  in  the  meditation  of  the  good- 
 nefie^frecncflc,  and  certaintie  of  thefc  promifcs.  Many 
 things  are  negleded  which  arc  moft  pretious,  oncly  be- 
 caufc  the  value  ofthcmlyeth  hid,  or  is  not  apparent,  or 
 the  pre/udiceof  fenfible,  but  deceivablc  experience  doth 
 overfway.  No  marveilc  then,  if  the  pardon  of  fin  bee 
 neglerfVed,  though  the  benefit  be  probably  knownc,when 
 itis  bur  fleightly  thought  upon,  fupcrficially  locked  into, 
 cuftomc  having  inured  the  Minde  by  long  pradiicc  to  the 
 purfuite  of  earthly  delights  or  profi69,wherewith  it  is  be- 
 lotted.  But  with  the  true  believer  it  fareth  much  better, 
 for  heefeeth  how  happy  it  fhould  bee  with  him,  if  his 
 finnes  were  covered,  and  his  foulceafcd  of  the  burden 
 of  them,  ("how  ever  it  fare  with  him  in  matters  of  this 
 \W)rld)  and  withall,  hee  pond creth  the  truth  and  faith- 
 fuUnefle  of  the  promife  made  of  meere  grace,  whereby 
 theheartisftirredup,to  def^reand  long  after  this  blcf- 
 fing,  above  all  good  that  can  l>e  imagined.  And  yet,  fuch 
 is  our  corruption,  wcmuftoft  l?reathe  our  fclves  in  the 
 meditation  of  thcfe  things,  or  e|fc  wcc  (hall  findc  oar 
 cfteemeofpardon  to  decay,  and  0ur  defire  to  grow  cold 
 and  dull. 
 
 Thirdly,  It  draweth  us  forward  to  feekc  mercy  of 
 God.  The  wife  Merchant  iirft  difcovers  the  pearle  of 
 price,  and  then  feeketh  to  get  pofleflion  of  ir.  The  de- 
 fircofa  believer  is  not  a  dead  or  fluggiih  wifli,  Oh,  that 
 my  finnes  were  pardoned,  when  hec  never  ftirreth  up 
 hiflfifelfe  to  receive  the  promife :  But  it  is  a  deliberate  de- 
 fire,  of  abcHcfit  knowne,poffibly  to  be  attained,attcnded 
 P  4  with 
 
 215 
 
 Mat  r  3.4  5,4^. 
 
 "^  ni 
 
2l6 
 
 Matth.13.44. 
 
 Pfal.38.18. 
 
 Luk.15.i8. 
 
 Sain.i6.  ii. 
 
 what  it  is  to  live  bj  F4th  in  parti cdar 
 
 with  muchcomfort,and  freely  promifed  by  him  that  can- 
 not lie  which  is  ever  accompanied  with  proportionable 
 care  to  get  and  pofTeflc  the  bicfling  defired; Faith  wUl  not 
 fufFeramantofmoothcrorconccalchis  dcfires,  nor  de- 
 fires  themfclves  to  die  :  bui  it  prcfcrveth  and  kindlerh 
 defires,  and  conftraineth  with  an  holy  violence  to  lay 
 them  open  before  the  Lord. 
 
 Thus  by  faith  a  aian  comracth  freely  to  renounce  his  ti- 
 tle and  intercfl:  in  the  world,  and  to  part  with  any  things 
 that  might  hinder  mercy.  The  wife  Merchant  having 
 found  the  fear  ie  of  price,  for  joy  thereof  goeth  an^fetteth  ok 
 that  he  hath  I  not  as  ifhe  could  merit  pardon,  but  that  he 
 might  be  capable  of  pardon,  and  make  a  faichfull  plea  for 
 mercy. 
 
 To  this  end  alfo  hee  humblcth  hinafelfe,  before  the 
 throne  of  graccjn  true  and  unfained  confefTion  of  his.  fins, 
 freely  judging  and  condemning  himfelfe  before  Godjwith 
 a  broken  and  contrite  heart,    /  will  declare  mine  iniqmtie^ 
 I  will  heforriefor  mjjinne.    So  the  prodigall  fonne  com- 
 min^  home  to  his  Father,  doth  bewaile  his  former  Ic wd- 
 nz^S'^ym^i^  have  finned  againH  Heaven  and  before  thee, 
 Pharaoh  and  Sauly  being  evidently  convinced  of  fin,  may 
 be  conftrained  in  confcience  to  make  fome  confefTion  ft> 
 men,  *  I  have  finned  this  time,  andthe  Lord  is  righteopu  :  I 
 have  played  the  foo/e,  and  erred  exceedingly.  ^  t^habhnm- 
 blcth  hinafelfe  before  God,  and  putteth  on  fackeclotb, 
 in  hope  to  prevent  the  temporaU  evill,  denounced  againft 
 him  and  bis  houfe :   But  the  confeifion  of  true  and  unfai- 
 ned faith  is  free  and  voluntary ,^  in  hope  offrce  pardon  and 
 forgivenefTc.:  Temporaric  believers  may  make  confcflion 
 of  their  fins  with  fome  griefe  and  forrow,  but  as  they 
 confefle  their  fins,  fo  they  believe :  their  confeffion  is 
 maimed,  and  their  faith  fuperficiall ;  they  renounce  not 
 their  intereft  in  the  world,  which  infcrres  the  willing 
 choice  of  fome  inferiour  goodjbefore  the  favour  and  love 
 of  Godj^nd  their  beliefe  of  the  promifes  is  {hallow,  and 
 fubordinate  totheir  bafe  and  earthly  palKons  .But  the  con- 
 
 feflion 
 
tOHchmg  thefromlfes  offurdon  andforgivemjfe,d>cc, 
 
 feflionoffaithunfaincdjisheartyandfincercioynedwith 
 a  true  detcftation  of  all  fin,  as  that  which  hath,  and 
 would  make  reparation  betwixt  God  and  him.  ii  it  bee 
 not  renounced  by  him,  and  pardoned  of  God.  And  to 
 them  that  confeffe  their  fms  in  this  manner  is  the  pro- 
 mifcmade;  Ifweeconfe^e  ourfmnes,  godtsfaithffill,  and 
 jfffiy  toforgivemofirlinnes,  and  to  cleanfe  m  iromall  «»- 
 righteoufneffe.  Bee  that  eovereth  his finnes  Jhall  mt  pro/per-, 
 bmwhofoconfe^eth  andforfaketh  them  Jhall  have  mercy. 
 Only  acknowledge  thine  imquity  that  thou  hafl  trAnfgref[ed 
 again}  the  Lsrd thy  God.  Ifweewofild  judge  our  fehes, 
 wee  JhottldnotbeJHdged.  I  [aid,  I  will  confefe  my  tranf. 
 grejftons  unto  the  Lord,  and  thoH  forgavefi  the  iniquity  of 
 myfmne.  Which  is  moft  lively  to  be  fecnc  m  the  para- 
 ble of  the  prodigall  ^before  mentioned,  where  the  Father 
 Crefembling  God)is  faid,to  have  methis  loft  fonne  before 
 he  came  athim,and  to  have  embraced  and  kiffed  him,  at- 
 ter  he  was  refolvcd  in  himfelfe  to  acknowledge  and  con- 
 
 fcffe  his  faults.  ,.    .. ,« 
 
 As  faith  teacheth  the  poore  finner  to  humble  himfe.te 
 inunfainci  confelSonofhis  manifold  offences,  lo  it  ftir- 
 reth  &  encourageth  him  to  powre  out  bis  foule  in  earneft 
 and  hearty  prayer  unto  God,  for  pardon  and  forgivenefle, 
 through  the  mediation  of  Jefus  Chrift.  Thus  he  is  taught 
 of  God,  Take  with  yu  tvor^s  and  tnrne  to  the  Lord,  fay 
 Hntohim.Take  away  all  iniquity, andreeeive  wgracioufly  : 
 fo  will  we  render  the  calves  of  our  lifs,  B  oth  thefe  may  be 
 feene  in  the  poore  Publican,  T»bo  durfinot  lift  up  his  eyes  to 
 Heaven,  but  fmote  himfelfe  upon  the  breafl,  faying,  God 
 bee  mercifull  to  me  a  finner.  And  fo  the  Church  prayeth. 
 O  remember  not  afainfi  us  former  iniquities:  letthjten^ 
 der  mercies  jheedily^prevent  m.  This  prayer  of  taith  is 
 not  prefented  before  God,  in  affurance  that  his  fins  be  al- 
 ready pardoned,  but  to  obtaine  pardon  of  the  neb  mercy 
 of  God.by  and  through  the  merits  of  lefus  Chrift.  And  the 
 promifcistohimthat  prayeth  unfainedly,  that  heihall 
 bee  forgiven!  Jf  my  people,  whisharecMbymy  Name, 
 
 217 
 
 1  loh.5,9. 
 
 1  Cor, 1 1.3  I, 
 Pfai.SS.J. 
 
 Luk.i  j.io. 
 
 Ads  8.21. 
 
 Hor.  14.2. 
 Luk.18.13, 
 
 pfai.79.8. 
 joeU.17. 
 
2l8 
 
 Mat.  7. 7. 
 loelz.jz. 
 Rom.  10. 1  Ji 
 
 what  it  is  to  live  by  Fdth  in  f  articular 
 
 4» 
 
 Joh.i!.  2fjl6, 
 Afis  15.11. 
 Rom.  J  0.4, 
 Gal. 2. 16. 
 Iphef.X.i  5. 
 Phil.  3.9. 
 
 5. 
 
 lob  l^.lj. 
 Pfal.24.5. 
 ir3.58.17. 
 Pfaldj.j. 
 
 Gal,  z. 20, 
 X  J©h,3_.i4, 
 
 fbdlHsumhlethemjel'ves  and  fraj,  and  Jeeke  my  face ^  and 
 turne  from  their  yvic^d  waies  :  then  mil  Jheareji^omHeam  \ 
 vejty  andTvillf&r^ive  their finne.  Aske^^ftdit  Jhallbe  given 
 you:  feeke  Mrjdyee  fliallfinde,  Whofoever  Jkall  call  upon  the 
 name  of  the  Lord,  Jhali  bee  delivered,  viz..  from  fin  and 
 death.  ; 
 
 -      Fourthly,  Faith  receivcth  the  promifc  of  mercy  made  j 
 in  Chrift,  'and  embraceih  or  rcfteth  upon  the  Ipeciall, 
 free  mercy  of  God  in  Chrift  for  pardon :  And  hereby  we  j 
 I  are  /uftified,  that  is,  of  finncrs  made  Juft  and  Righteous,  I 
 j  not  byinfufion  of  holinclTe,  but  by  free  condonation  and  i 
 i  accepiation  of  grace.    Chrift  is  every  where  made  the  j 
 j  thing,  which  faith  embraccth  to  falvation,  and  whom  it  j 
 j  looketh  unto  and  refpefleth,  as  it  makes  us  righteous  in  | 
 !  the  fight  of  God :  and  faith  juftifyeth,  not  by  any  vertue  j 
 or  dignity  of  it  owne,  but  as  it  receivcth  and  reftethon 
 Chrift  0ur   RightcoHfnefe^   our  Saviour y    our  Redeemer 
 from  (inne  and deAth^  It  is  the  good  pleafure  of  God  re- 
 vealed in  the  Gofpell;  to  pardon  and  juftifie  them  from 
 all  their  finnes,  that  believe  in  Chrift ;  and  faith  juflifi- 
 cth,  asitlcaneth  upon  him,  to  receive  fp'ciall  mercy  ; 
 through  him,  or  which  is  all  one,  to  obtaine  forgive^ 
 neflc  otfins  of  the  meereand  rich  grace  of  God  through 
 him :  And  this  is  the  moft  formall  ad:  of  faith  a?  jufti- 
 fyin<;. 
 
 Fifthly,  It  dothcertific  of  pardon  granted  and  fcaled 
 unto  us :  It  doth  obtaine,  receive,  and  affure  of  forgive- 
 ncfl'c  in  particular.  I  know  that  my  Redeemer  liveth  j  Then 
 forgave  ft  the  iniquity  ofmyfinne  •  Thou  haH  caft  all  my  fins 
 behind  thy  backe  :  As  for  oar  tranfgreffions  thoujhalt  purge 
 them  avray  :  Chrift  hath  loved  mee^  and  given  himfelfe  for  j 
 me.  We  know  that  we  are  pa^ed  fi^om  aeath  unto  life,  becaufe  j 
 we  love  the  krethren.'Wizic  arc  divine  conclufions  of  a  live- 
 ly faith.  But  this  perfwafion  or  afliirance,  that  our  fins 
 arc  already  pardonedjs  not  an  adl  of  taith  juftifying,  as  it 
 /uftifyetbjbut  an  aft  of  faith  following  Juftification^,  a  pri- 
 vilcdge  granted  of  grace  to  a  finncr  now  fct  in  the  ftatcof 
 
 ._- rac^' 
 
touching  the  fromlfes  of  par  don  andfdrgivenejje,d^c. 
 
 ^race,  or  an  a<a  of  experience  in  a  (inner  now  juftificd  by 
 feith.forgiveneffe  of  fins  in  and  through  Chrift  is  offered 
 inthcGofpcllj'toevery  burdened  and  weary  foul c  that 
 will  receive  it,a3  the  ground  of  faith;  vouchfafed  to  every 
 one  that  belicveth  ;  but  pardon  of  fm  is  apprehended, 
 as  already  granted,  when  we  come  to  be  aflured  that  w^ 
 doe  believe.Faith  in  order  of  nature  is  precedent  to  Jufti- 
 fication,bu£  Juftificacionit  felfe  goetb  before  the  fence 
 thereof.  As  faith  obtaineth  and  rcceiveth  the  promife  of 
 fpcciali  mercy,  it  doth  not  find  us  Juft  when  we  begin  to 
 believe,  but  maketh  us  Juft  by  embracing  the  Righteouf- 
 ncflc  of  Chrift-  as  it  ccrtifieth  and  affureth  of  favour,  it 
 doth  not  actively  Juftifie,  but  findctb  the  thing  done  al. 
 
 ^^S'th  affureth  ofthc  pardon  of  fmne  by  a  double  ac^. 
 Firft,itIayethholduponthegcneraU  promifes  made  to 
 Believers/uch  as  thcfe;  Use  that  believeth  Jhall  he  Javed : 
 'By  faith  every  one  that  believeth  Isjttflifled;  He  that  ^<?/fV- 
 zr//^;  A4/6^^'^r/^#*«i /^^.Secondly.it  concludes  undoubted- 
 ly from  them,  That  he  believing  is  already  received  into 
 favour,  and  bath  obtained  rcmifTiin  of  finnes.  Now  be- 
 twixt thcfe  two  comes  the  teftiraony  of  the  renewed 
 Gonfciencc, working  upon  the  foule  by  refieaion,where- 
 by  the  true  Believer  is  made  privic  to  his  owne  en:arc,and 
 affured  that  he  doth  believe.  The  whole  is  colleded  thus ; 
 Hethatbclievcthin  Chrift  is  already  Juftified,  or  hath 
 received  pardon  and  forgivcneffe  :  This  is  the  voice  of 
 faith, grounding  itfelfc  upon  the  expreffc  teftimony  of 
 God  fpeaking  in  holy  Scripture.  But  I  believe  :  This  is 
 the  witneflc  of  the  renewed  confcience,  enlightened  by 
 the  Spirit,and  dircded  by  the  Word ;  whereb  y  the  Belie- 
 ver comes  to  know  what  God  hath  wrought  in  him.  For 
 no  man  can  be  faid  to  Believeth  it  he  doth  Believe;  but 
 he  believeth  the  promifesby  faith,  and  knowetb  himfeie 
 to  be  a  Believer,  by  the  witnefle  of  his  Confcience  re- 
 ncwed  by  the  Spirit.  The  condufion  of  faith,  grounded 
 upon  the  former  propofitions,  the  one  expreffed,in  Scnp- 
 
 2Ip 
 
 loh.j.lB. 
 
 1  Cor.iii. 
 
220 
 
 what  it  is  to  live  by  Faith  in  f  articular 
 
 Three  prerog(3r- 
 fives  that  ac- 
 company confi- 
 dent ajurance 
 
 I. 
 ^  Efay  j^.i. 
 Phil.4.7. 
 
 loll.  14.27. 
 Ephcf.i.i^jiy 
 Rom,  J.  I. 
 
 Pfal.  5(5.4. 
 Rom.8.53,34. 
 
 turc,  the  other  evident  by  the  witncffe  ot  Confciencc,  is, 
 Therefore  my  fmncs  are  forgivcn,or  I  fhall  be  (avcd.Thc 
 order  of  climbing  to  this  airurance,is  the  rather  to  be  mar- 
 ked, that  weake  Chriftians,  who  want  the  comfortable 
 fence  and  feeling  of  this  mercyj  might  learncto  fecke  it 
 m  due  order  as  the  way  is  laid  downc  before  them  in 
 the  Word  j  andnotdejeathcmfclves  without  caufe,  as 
 though  they  were  utterly  deftitute  of  faith  in  Chriflr, 
 becaufc  they  want  the  fence  of  this  afTurance,  and  fo 
 could  doc  nothing  acceptable,  becaufc  it  is  not  done  in 
 faith;  nortirethemfelvesin  aprepoftcrous  courfe,  noc 
 knowing  where  tohy  the  foundation  or  beginne  their 
 worke.  ^ 
 
 Three  prerogatives  do  ever  accompany  this  confident 
 aliurance  of  our  Reconciliation  with  God. 
 
 Firft.Peace  with  God,  or  ftsblc  tranquillity  and  fweete 
 calmncfIcofMir;dc;  Sinne  *  had  broken  off  our  friend- 
 ship and  peace  with  God  :  but  being  juftified  by  faith  we 
 nave  ren^iflion  of  finnes,and  fo  the  caufe  of  enmity  being 
 taken  away,  peace  i$  reftored,  Evett  that  peace  of  God 
 y^>9ich  pafeth  Hftaerfiandini,  and  is  in  (lead  of  a  guard  to 
 keefe  our  hearts  andminds  in  Chrift: -^  that  golden  Leeacie 
 r^'u  ^^"^  bequeathed  ante  his  Difciplcs,  when  hee 
 left  the  World.  PeAce  I  leave  vfith  you^my  peace  I  give  un- 
 to you.  Beinijfiftified  by  faith,  we  have  peace  with  God 
 through  our  Lord  lefm  Chrif.  And  from  this  peace  be- 
 gmslivclycoufolation  againd  the  temptations  of  finne 
 Satan,and  the  World :  fi-om  the  fence  hereof  the  faith, 
 mil  loule  may  triumph  wi  h  Dauid,  The  Lord  is  with  me, 
 lyfiillnot  feare  what  man  can  doe  unto  mee ;  and  with 
 the  Apoftle,  whojhall  lay  anj  thing  to  the  charge  of  gods 
 EleB .?  It  u  god  that jftfiifietb :  who  is  hee  that  cendem- 
 »€th  f 
 
 Sscondlyjreeacccfre  unto  the  throne  of  grace  with 
 boldnefle  and  confidence,  Chrift  as  it  were  lea.  ine  us  by 
 
 thehand,  into  the  prcfenceefGod.thatwc  might  en/ov 
 hij  grace  m  prcfcnce.    When  we  were  enemies  we  fled 
 
 from  I 
 
tottchm^  thepremifes  of  garden  andforgivenep,^c, 
 
 fromtbcttoneof  God:  but  being  reconciled  by  his 
 eracc,wchave  free  accefle  to  come  into  his  prefence,  to 
 askc  whatwe  will,  with  aflurance  it  (hall  be  done  unto 
 us.'Bjwhon,(fc,  Chrift)  ulfgwe  have  aceejfe  byfmth,  mo 
 this  qrace  wherein  weflan^.  jr. 
 
 thirdly,  loy  in  the  Ho'y  Choft  mf^ea^^M  and glort^ 
 c>^,  which  doth  folift  the  faithfull  above  tne  Heavens, 
 that  beinEcheared  with  the  fence  of  Gods  favour,  and 
 contented  with  Chrift  alone,  they  dcfpifethe  world  and 
 the  bafe  things  therein,  m  rejojce  tnho^eefihegloryof 
 God,  ^Andnotoneljfo,  bnt  tve  glory  in  mbuUtton  alfa. 
 ThuJ  D^i.i^prayed,Or4^^^^  tohe^rejoyandgUdncpy 
 Refiore  Hnto  me  ihepy  ofchyfalvation.  Alhhefc  rare  and 
 pretiouspriviledgesfpringfromfaith:for.vi^^.«^>"^^^. 
 Ln  can  pleafe  God,  by  faith  we  have  peace  with  God  by 
 faith  we  come  unto  him,by  faith  we  rejoyce  in  him.  The 
 GodofHope  mi  you  with  all  joy  and  peace  in  beleevtng.  In 
 vphom  wee  have  boldne([e  and  accejfe,  with- confidence  by  the 
 
 faith  of  him.  .  ,,,,,. 
 
 ^  But  this  faith,  which  highly  advancetb  the  Believer  to 
 boaft  in  God  all  the  day  loni',  lifceth  not  up  it  lelfe,  wax- 
 eth  not  proud  towards  1  he  Lord.  ¥rec  remiflion,  Iweet 
 peace,  afllirance  of  Gods  favour,  familiar  and  heavenly 
 communion  with  him,  and  whatfoever  rich  token  ot  Ipe- 
 ciallandintire  good  will  God  beftoweth,  thefe  cannot 
 puff  np,butabafethe  Believer  inhimfelte  ?  the  higher 
 he  \s  exalted  by  the  free  mercy  of  God,the  lower  he  bum- 
 blethbi.nfclfe  before  God.  I  will  eflahliih  my  covenant 
 with  thee,  andthoufhAltknow  that  lam  the  Lord:  That 
 thoH  majefi  remember,  and  be  confounded,  and  mver  open 
 thy  mouth  anymore-,  becanfe  of  thy  Jhame,  when  lam  pa^ 
 eified toward  thee,  for  althat  thoH  hafldone,  faith  the  Lord 
 
 god. 
 
 Sixtly,  By  faith  wee  continue  in  this  bleffed  Qate,  in 
 fwcet  peace  &  fellowfliipwith  God.  We  can  never  take 
 the  eye  from  Chrift,  but  immediately  the  remembrance 
 of  former  finnes  doth  trouble  a ndvexc  the  conlcicnce  : 
 
 and 
 
 221 
 
 Rom.5,x. 
 
 Ephef.2.i8. 
 
 Rom.j.Zjj. 
 
 I'^al  J  1.8,12. 
 Heb.ii.8. 
 
 Fhil.i.if. 
 Ro)ii.i5.  J  J, 
 
 Epheil^.ir. 
 
 Ezek.  i5  52, 
 6J.&  36.31, 
 3i. 
 
222 
 
 R0Tn.4.f. 
 
 Rom.j.iS, 
 
 what  it  is  to  live  bj  Faith  in  farticdar 
 
 and  daily  weaknefles  and  infirmities  will  breed  nofmall 
 1  difturbance,  if  we  doe  not  fue  forth  a  daily  pardon. Thcr- 
 \  fore  as  we  believe  to  Juftification,  fo  maft  we  continue  in 
 believing  for  the  aduall  pardon  of  our  daily  trcfpafles. 
 The  Apoftle  faith,   Godjufiifieth  the  ungodly :  but  by  un- 
 godly in  that  fcntcncc  of  Pau/y  he  is  mea;  t,who  doth  not 
 bring  his  workes  or  mr rits,  nor  looke  to  his  graces,  qua- 
 lities, ads,  or  vertucs  in  the  matt,  r  of  Juftification  i  but 
 doth  bewaile  bis  impiety,  and  flie  to  the  throne  of  grace 
 for  pardon,  being  convinced  of  guiltincfTc.  Thus  nAbrd- 
 ham  was  ail  his  time  comprehended  in  this  Catalogue, 
 and  is  made  b)  the  Apoft'c,  as  aperpetualf,  fo  a  princi- 
 pal! inflance  ofthatfinall  refolution  :    Therefore  we  con» 
 elude,  tha.t  a  mart  is  JH/fified  by  faith  without  the  workes 
 of  the  Law,  for  if  believing  in  him  that  /iiftifieth  the 
 ungodly,  was  imputed  for  righteoufnefleunto  Abraham^ 
 after  he  had  bcene  for  along  time  more  righteous  then 
 the  ordinary  fort  of  Gods  Saints  or  chofen,  z^brahata 
 all  this  while  unfainedly  believed  himftlfe  to  be  a  finner, 
 no  way  juftifiedinhimfclFe,  but  feekingto  be  ju  iified  by 
 him,  who  if  he  fhew  not  mercy  to  finners,  whileft  they 
 '  bee  finners,  all  mankind  (hould  periQi  utterly.  The  drift 
 andfcopcof  P^«/inthethird  and  fourth  to  the  Romanes 
 is  onely  this :  That  although  men  may  be  truly  ju!^  and 
 holy  in  refpedl  of  others,  and  rich  in  all  manner  of  works, 
 as  (i^braham  was  thus  farre  knownc  and  approved,  not 
 by  men  only, but  by  God:yct  when  they  appcare  before 
 Gods  TribunalUwhobeft  knowcs  as  well  he  in  perfecti- 
 on, as  the  truth  of  their  integritic,  t-ey  ftill  acknow- 
 ledge themfclvesto  bee  unprofitable  fervants,  alwayes 
 pvaying.  Lord,  for" i^ive  ti4  onr  finnes,   aud  bee  mereifull  ta 
 our  offences..  Sothatallmcn,  even  the  moft  holy,  arc  fin- 
 ners in  theiTifelvcs,an  -I  m  the  Oght  of  God, in  the  Apoftles 
 fence,  aud  are/uftified^y  gr  ce,  not  of  debt,  after  the  in- 
 fufion  oKuper^  aturallholinefle.  The  fincerc  and  upright 
 VTa\,zt,J  I.       Vn2LX\^invph0fe  ffirit  thereisno  gu'tie,  is  juftified,  not  be- 
 Rom.4.4,5,6.  caule  of  his  finceriry,  but  becaufe  the  Lord  imputetb  not 
 
 that 
 
touching  thefromlfes  df pardon  andforglvemJfe,^c, 
 
 that  fin  unto  him,  which  he  ftill  nnfainedly  acknowled- 
 geth  to  be  in  hiin,  continually  praying,  Lord,  enter  not  in^ 
 tojtiUement  with  thy  fervent ;  alwaies  confefling,  Lord^ 
 inthyftghtnoflefljli'vi^igcanheejtiflificd,  to  wit,  othcr- 
 wife  then  Ky  not  entring  into  judgement,  or  by  non-im- 
 puta  ion  of  his  fins.  And  faith  thatlayeth  hoJd  upon  the 
 promife  ofmercy  offered  in  Chrift,  caufeth  a  man  every 
 day  ta»-umblchiinfelfeforfin,  and  to  feekc  pardon  by 
 earneft  prayer,  everyday  itreccivcth  and  feedcth  upon 
 thcpromifesmadcin  Chrift,  andfo  aflureth  that  his  fms 
 are  done  away  as  a  mift.  r-^i 
 
 And  thus  a  Chriftian  may  live  by  faith  tor  many  dates, 
 or  rather  all  the  daies  of  his  life,  in  fweet  peace  and  com- 
 munion with  Godjif  he  will  karne  to  raaintame,  and  take 
 paines  to  ufe  his  faith  aright.  It  is  to  be  lamented  that  a- 
 mongftChriftians,  whodefircto  live  honeftly  and  keepe 
 a  good  confcicnce,  fo  few  know,fo  many  neglea  the  or- 
 dinary ufe  and  improvement  of  their  faith ;  as  if  it  ferved 
 onely  to  give  them  comfort  in  the  remiflion  of  fins  at  their 
 firft  converfion.andthcn  had  fyiifhcd  all  it  fliould  or  could 
 doc,  except  till  they  fall  into  fome  notable  decay,  if  not 
 great  offence,  or  be  plunged  into  deepe  doubts,  or  be  cx- 
 crcifed  with  fome  great  afBiaions :  whereas  the  daily 
 ufe  and  improvement  of  faith  for  the  continuance  and  in- 
 creafe  of  affurance  of  forgivcnefTe,  peacc,accefFe  unto  the 
 throne  of  grace,  Joy  ,and  communion  with  God,  is  as  ne- 
 ceflTary,  iliould  be  as  conftant,  as  in  the  ufe  of  Tire  and 
 Water,  of  the  Light,of  Meatc  or  Drinke,  or  whatfoever 
 is  more  ordinary  for  the  comfort  ot  the  Body.  Serves 
 faith  for  entrance  and  beginnings  and  not  f  orcontmuancc, 
 progrefl'e,3nd  cncreafmgs  ?  Is  faith  the  breeder  and  brin- 
 ger  forth  of  Joy  and  Peace,  and  not  the  Nurfe  and  toftcr- 
 Motherof  them,  cherifking  and  feeding  them,  till  wc 
 come  to  a  fulland  perfca  age  in  Chrift  ?  All  fruits,  the 
 neercr  they  comr-  torips  ;efl'e,thefweeter  they  be:  and  fo 
 is  rhc  fruit  of  faith  fweeter  i«  the  cave  then  in  the  blade.It 
 the  fence  of  pardon  be  plcafant  and  delightfomc  at  the 
 ^  firft, ' 
 
 22^ 
 
 Pfal. 
 
 I43'2. 
 
224 
 
 what  it  is  to  live  hj  Faith  in  f  articular 
 
 Pfal.  139.17, 
 i8.&3$.7. 
 
 iTim.T.*^, 
 
 firft,muftitnot  is  crrafc,  asftrengthof  faith  and  fpirimaU 
 acquaintance  with  God  increaftrth  ?  ' 
 
 Is  it  not  eafier  to  prcfcrve  peacejtben  to  recover  out  of 
 dumpes  and  diftrefies  ?  Every  day  to  reckon  with  onr 
 foulesj  and  get  our  debts  cancelled,then  to  doe  it  now  and 
 then,  when  we  have  run  farre  behindhand,  not  knowing 
 which  way  to  turnc  our  felves  ?  Fire  orce  kindled  is  kept 
 burning  with  leffe  paine5j  t.hen  being  oft  quenched,it  can 
 be  kindled.The  labour  of  maintaining  health  is  muchlefle, 
 thenthctoyleofrecoveringoutof  ficknefle.  Let  us  then 
 learne  to  make  ufe  of  our  faith  every  day  ;  As  every  day 
 to  humble  our  fclves  before  the  throne  of  grace,and  beggc 
 the  pardon  and  forgivcneffe  of  our  finnes  5  every  day  to 
 looke  unto  the  grounds  of  comfort,and  meditate  thereup- 
 on, that  we  may  finde  j'oy  and  fwectneffe  therein ;  every 
 day  to  renew  our  faith  in  believing  the  pardon  ofluch 
 particular  offences,  as  we  have  efpied  in  our  felves  that 
 day^and  confefled  before  the  Lord,with  fighs  and  groanes 
 for  mercy.  Let  us  thinke  ferioufly  with  our  felves,  how 
 excellent  a  thing  it  is  to  be  ip  league  of  amity  with  God ; 
 how  blefled  and  pleafant  a  ftate  to  be  freed  from  the  feare 
 of  death  and  Hell;how  rich  and  comfortable  a  thing  to  be 
 Heire  of  Glory.  Let  us  often  ftirre  up  our  fclves  to  con- 
 verfe  with Chrift; the  better  we  know  him,them  rede- 
 light  and  contentment  we  {ball  take  in  fcllowlliip  and 
 communion  with  him. 
 
 This  is  to  live  by  faithj  and  to  flirre  up  the  grace  that 
 God  hath  given  m.  This  is  to  maintainc  faith,that  it  may 
 fervcus.  Fire  in  the  embers  glowcs  not,  beats  not  the 
 houfe :  Faith  in  the  heart  not  ufed,  doth  neither  increafe, 
 nor  comfort.  A  man  may  well  be  faid  not  to  have  the 
 wealthjhe  ufeth  not  for  his  benefit :  furcly  he  wants  the 
 benefit  of  faith,who  exercifeth  it  not.Vfe  limbes,and  have 
 limbcs.  The  beauty  and  benefit. yea, the  very  increafe  and 
 pcrfedion  of  all  gifts,vertucs,and  graces  confifleth  in  ufe, 
 and  aflion.  Exercife  perfefleth  undcrftandingand  memo- 
 ry 5  ftrengtheHs  the  difpofition  of  the  foulc,incrcafeth  vi- 
 gour. 
 
touching  the  promt  fes  of  par  don  and  forgiveneJfe,d!i.c, 
 
 gour,  bcgetteth  promptnefle  :  the  more  thou  doefl,  the 
 more  thou  maift.The  okncr  the  iiberall  man  gives  Almcs, 
 anddoth  good  turncs .  the  more  his  Hberah'ty  gro%ves  and 
 fhines.Letanymandiii-ently  and  throughly  improve  his 
 faith,  and  great  will  be  his  faith,  and  great  the  joy  it  will 
 bring  in. 
 
 It  is  our  fault,  if  we  fufFer  Satan,  with  light  tcmpta- 
 tionSjOrdinari  y  to  interrupt  our  fpirituall  mirth,or  to  de- 
 taine  us  in  dumps  and  pentivenefle.  Did  we  but  carefully 
 maintaine  our  faith,  u  would  doe  away  all  difturbance 
 which  is  within  us  againft  our  felves,  and  tame  the  rebel- 
 lion ofluft  againft  the  fpirit  of  the  minde  renewed*,  it 
 would  fccure  us  againft  the  power  of  enemies  inward  or 
 outward,  that  they  fhould  not  be  able  to  hurt  us,  much 
 leffc  to  prevailc  againft  us,  and  repreffe  orvanquiili  all 
 perturbations,  which  fpirituall  wickcdneffes,  unbeliefe, 
 want  of  godly  contentation,  defers  in  our  condition, 
 might  occafion  :  it  would  cxpell  unquietnefle,  keepc  un- 
 der paflions,  allay  feares  and  griefe>,  and  calme  the  boi- 
 ftcrous  ftormcs  of  difcontent.  Let  us  keepe  our  faith,  and 
 it^fi^X  keepc  our  Joyjt  will  keepe  it  an  even  ever-flow- 
 ing chrrent,  without  cbbe  and  flow,  cloudcs  and  ecclip- 
 fcs :  leKus  increafc-bur  faith,  it  will  increafc  our  joy. 
 
 But  to  Wh^t  raeafurc  of  Joy  may  a  growne<Zhriftian  at- 
 taine,ifhebbxarefulltopreferveandftirre  up  his  faith? 
 It  is  a  fmall  thmg  for  him  to  come  to  an  ordinary  pitch  of 
 chearefullnefle.  E'xcept  his  j'oy  exceeds  the  mirth  of  a 
 worldling  in  the  quality  and  quantity  of  it,  If  his  mirth  be 
 notafweeter,  and  more  ravifhing-mirth,  of  an  higher 
 kinde,  of  a  more  pure  nature,  of  a  more  conftant  tenure, 
 then  any  carnalU  mans  what-ever;hedifparage$  faith.Thc 
 Chridians  j'oy,  is  joy  unfpeakeaUe  and  glorious ,  foy  in  the 
 Ho/yG  ho  ft  i^ixiothcr  manner  of  Joy,  then  ever  entred  into 
 the  heart  of  a  naturall  man.  So  is  that  Text  to  be  conftru- 
 ed^eye  hath  netfeene^&c.  not  chiefly  of  the  j'oyes  of  Hea- 
 ven, which  here  the  fpirituall  man  himfelfc  cannot  tell 
 what  they  (hall  be,  but  of, the  Gofpels  joy,  of  the  wino 
 Ol  and 
 
 225 
 
 To  nvlat  me^ 
 fureofjoy  a 
 Chiflianmay 
 attains. 
 
 I  Pee.i.S. 
 Rom.14.17* 
 
 I  Cor.z.9,ioi 
 
what  it  is  to  Iwebj  Fdth  mfart^cdar 
 
 Calu.in  I  Cor. 
 z.9.Jun,par. 
 
 Johft  1  ^.ti. 
 Rem.  $.3. 
 James  i.t. 
 
 and  fatlings,  already  prepared,   and  now  revealed  to  the 
 Believer  by  the  Spirit :  which  if  the  carnall  man  fcorne 
 and  fcofFe  at,  it  is  becaufe  he  cannot  comprehend  it.  It  is 
 a  more  pure  and  conftant  joy,which  needs  notthc  fupport 
 of  earthly  delights  :  his  joy  is  within,  he  /oyes  in  the  fa- 
 vour  of  God,  which  is  unchangeable.   It  beleemes  not  a 
 Chriftian  to  bee  merrie  in  one  eftatc,   dtimpifli  in  ano-  ' 
 ther^as  if  their  joy  depended  upon  their  outward  conditi- 
 on. Nojno,thc  favour  of  God  alone  is  fufficient  to  uphold 
 a  good  mans  joy.  Yourjoy  no  man  takfthJromyoft^fVe giory 
 in  tribuUtion  alfo :  And  great  reafon,  for  if  (in  be  pardo- 
 ned, every  thing  canfeth  a  progreflb  offalvation.Wcre  it 
 not  odious  to  fee  one  profctlingfomc  libcrall  Science,  to 
 live  by  le  wd  and  difhoneft  fhifiing  ?  No  better  fight  is  it, 
 to  fee  a  Chriftian  hanging  his  joy  upon  courfe  and  earthly 
 pleafuresjwho  hath  more  noble  and  generous,  yea,Angc- 
 licall  delightSjthen  which  what  hath  Heaven  better  but  in 
 PfaU2^'7j^j9*l  cicgreeonely  and  manner  of  fruition  ?  ^&rv  excellent  is  thy 
 loving  kindn€Jfe,OGo^^  therefore  the  children  of  men  f  tit 
 their  trnfi  under  the  (hadow  of  thy  tvin^s  .They  Jhall  be  abnn- 
 dantly  fatisfisdwith  thefatnefe  sfthy.houfe  ;   and  thou  fhalt 
 make  t  hem. drinke  of  the  river  of  thy  ^l€t}[ur^..\  F.or  with  thee 
 u  thefmntatne  of  life :  in  thy  light  (hall  vpe  fee  Itght, .  '..  Itiig 
 a  pleafiire  to  him,  to  want  other  pleafurcs,whoi  is  oft  and 
 every  day  ferious  in  the  meditation  of  the  remiUion  of  his 
 finsjthc  free  grace  and  etcrnall  love  of  God  towards  him 
 in  Jefus  Chrift.  v 
 
 He  that  is  every  day  bufied  to  fetch  out  a  pardon  of 
 
 I  eoiirfe  for  his  daily  infirmities,  and  to  make  even  rccko- 
 
 I  fling  betwixt  God  and  his  SouIc,that  nothing  remaine  on 
 
 I  tb«  fcorc  to  interrupt  his  peace,  jlhall  neither" be  idle,  nor 
 
 unprontablC|ncither  want  imployraeptjnorcomfort.This 
 
 Pfal.i9.s*5i3.  courfe  can  open  no  gap  to  licentioufnefle,  liberty  in  fin, 
 
 or  qarnall  fccurity :  for  he  is  ever  moft  ftudious  not  to  run 
 
 ^into  arreragcs,.  who  is  moft  def^rous  to  have  his  debts 
 
 '  cancelled  and  blotted  out.  Faith  is  of  the  nature  of  fove- 
 
 raigne  purifying  watcrs,whiehfowaflaQffthe  corruption 
 
 '!" ".  ^  '    ^  o? 
 
touching  thefromfesoffardon  and  forgi'venejfe,diiC. 
 
 of  the  ulcer,that  they  coole  the  hcat.c,  apd  ftay,  the  fprcad 
 of  the  infedioh,  and  by  degrees  heale  the  fame.  '  And  of 
 CordialSjWhich  fo  comfort  and  eafe  the  heart,as  alfothcy 
 expell  noxious  humours,  and  ftrcngthen  nature  againft 
 them.  Junifyni^  faith" takes  kindly  rooting  in  a  cleane 
 heart,  and  being  rooted  purifieth  it  more  and  more.Faith, 
 that  pleads  for  mercy,  doth  cleave  to  the  Commandc- 
 ments,  ftirre  up  to  holinefle,  over-rule  the  affed:ionsj  de- 
 light in  purity,  and  difFufc  the  vertue  of  the  word  into 
 every  faculty  of  the  foale. 
 
 It  may  be  ob/edcd,  If  faith  certifie  that  our  fins  be  par- 
 doned ;  and  there  be  fuch  joy  in  believing,  how  comes  it 
 to  paflc  that  m.any  good  CbritHans  live  fo  long  in  fearc 
 and  doubt,  who  would  be  contented  to  take  any  paines  to 
 be  fetlcd  in  aflurance  of  Gods  love  ?  The  common  caufes 
 of  this  flowneffe  of  beliefe  are  many. 
 
 Firft,  an  immoderate  aggravation  of  their  finne,  and 
 continual!  thought  of  their  unworthinefle.  Thus  the  cafe 
 ftands  with  many  poorc  Chriflians;  faine  they  would  be- 
 lieve (as  they  acknowledge)  but  they  are  un  worthy ,they 
 have  becne  fin ners.  Thefe  muft  know,  it  is  good  they 
 (hould  fee  their  ownc  unworthinefle,  but  not  that  they 
 (houldbehindred  thereby  from  comming  to  Chrift  j  it 
 is  good  to  denie  themfelves,  but  not  to  doubt  of  the 
 mercy  of  the  Lord.  Chrift  came  to  feeke  that  which  was 
 iojh,  toifindeup  the  Broaken  hearted,  and  to  fafe  finners. 
 He  died  for  his  enemies,  for  the  unworthy  :  Heinviteth 
 the  burdened  to  come  unto  him,  and  makes  futc  to  the 
 poore  and  worthlefle,that  he  might  eafe  and  enrich  them. 
 If  they  were  not  unworthy,  what  need  had  they  of  Gods 
 mercy  ?  or  how  fhould  God  glorific  the  riches  of  his 
 mercy  in  pardoning  their  offences  ?  The  feeling  of  their 
 uflworchines  makes  them,  fit  to  receive  mercy  from  God 
 who  doth  vouchfafe  it  freely  :  feeing  befides  their  finne, 
 which  makes  them  unworthy,  they  have  a  fence  of  it^and 
 an  heart  broken  for  it.  If  they  were  not  unworthy,  they 
 could  not  believe  t  If  their  cafe  had  not  beenc  defperate, 
 
 0^2  what 
 
 227 
 
 whence  it « 
 that  many  good 
 Chrifiians  live 
 fo  long  in  jearc 
 an^£id}t. 
 
 I, 
 
 Matrfj.iS.xi. 
 Efay  61.1,2. 
 Matth.p.13. 
 
 Rom.  J. 10. " 
 Math.ii.zS. 
 
2-8 
 
 Efay4J.M- 
 
 &  44, iz. 
 
 Hof.  14.534' 
 
 Ezra  10,2. 
 
 EpHef.a.4. 
 
 lxod.34.^j7- 
 
 *  Ifay  f  J.9. 
 
 aCKroa.jj. 
 11,1?. 
 I  Titn.1.15. 
 
 Aa.z. 87,38. 
 Luk.7.47. 
 
 I  lohn  1.7. 
 Efay  1.18. 
 
 what  it  is  to  live  bf  Vmh  in  f  articular 
 
 what  necde  was  there,  that  Chrift  iliould  come  from  the 
 bofomeof  bis  Father  ?  Pardon  is  offered  freely  of  grace, 
 the  more  vile  they  be  in  thcmfelvcs,  the  fitter  to  re^Qijre 
 this  undeferved  kindneffe,  r ,-  ■ . 
 
 Oh,  but  their  {ins.  are  grievous  and  notorious,  fcarlet, 
 crying,   fcandalous  finnes  ?    This  deteftation  of  fin  is 
 greatly  to  be  comraended,if  they  remember  withall,  that 
 there  is  hap.e  in  IfrAel  concernhu  this  :  if  they  will  fet 
 one  eye  upon  the  mercy  of  God,  as  they  fet  the  other  up- 
 on the  vileneffs  of  their  iniquities.    If  their  fins  be  many 
 and  groatjGod  is  rich  in  mercy ^  abundant  in goodnejfe^  hath 
 a  mtiltitHde  ef  tender  mercies ;  His  mercie  reaeheth  above 
 the  Heavens i  he  forgiveth  iniquity jtranfgredion,  fin  and 
 rebellion.  All  faults  are  eafily  pardonable  to  his  infinite 
 mercy  3  which  exceeds  Mans,  *  as  Heaven  doth  Earth; 
 which  can  readilier  forgive  fcventie,  then  Man  fevcn  of- 
 fences. 'SN 2i%nol  Adatm, Manages ,  Paal,  thefinfull  wo- 
 man commonly  called  Mary  Magiialene^xht  (^retians  and 
 leroes  who  imbrewed  their  hands  in  the  bloud  of  Chrift, 
 received  of  him  to  mercy  ?  Poth  not  he  delight  to  for- 
 give muchj  that  he  may  bindc  to  love  much  ?  Shall  not  his 
 favour  fapcrabound  to  the  fence  of  faith,  where  fin  hath 
 abounded  to  the  wounding  of  Confcience  ?  It  matters  not 
 what  the  wound  is,  fo  Chrift  bee  the  Phyfitian.    The 
 hlotidefChrifi  ckanjeth  tu  from  all  finne.  Nothing  but  the 
 bloud  of  Chrift  can  wafri  away  the  guilt  of  the  leaft  fin ; 
 and  his  bloud  is  fufiicicnt  to  purge  the  naoft  polluted 
 Confcience. 
 
 Bat  they  have  felt  no  extraordinary  meafure  of  forrow 
 
 for  fin,  they  are  rather  dull  and  fencekffe  ?  Are  they 
 
 weary  of  fin  ?    have  they  forrowed:tofelfc-d€ntall,and 
 
 I  to  rcnou'Hce  their  intereft  in  whatfoever  might  fcp^Fate 
 
 1  betwixt  Chrift  and  them  ?    To  fuchisthe  word  of  R.e- 
 
 i  conciliation  fent. 
 
 I     But  they  have  often  flipped  into  the  fame  fins  ?  There 
 
 { is  a. difference  of  offeaces.    There  bee  fins  of  ignorance, 
 
 infirmity,  forgetftilheflc,  and  fuddcn  pa0ion,w hereunto 
 
 I  the 
 
touching  the  ^romifes  of  pardon  and  forgivenejfe\^c. 
 
 the  heart  yccldcth  not  advifed  confcnt,  and  from  which 
 the  faithfuU  by  reafoh  of  thdf  frailty  can  never  bb;frejc  in 
 thislife,in  fome  degree  or  other.  Mow  iinto'thcfe  Goi  ot 
 his  mercy  is  plcafed  to  grant  a  pardon  of  courfe,  notwith- 
 ftandinghis  fervants  ftep  oft  into  them  through  weakc« 
 neflc,  provided  they  humble  thcmfelvcs,  feeke  mercy ^and 
 labour  the  mortification  of  their,  infirmities.  .  ex4l^r«j^^«i 
 twice  denied  .y-ir^^  to  be  his  wife,  faying,  She'iimy  Si^ 
 fier,  OfDaifidit  is  recorded,  that  though  he  were  axnan 
 after  Gods  owne  heart  in  all  things,  except  the  matter  of 
 Vriali'^yct  of  frailtie  he  offended  many  times  in  the  fame 
 particular. '  There  be'foule,  enormous^  "notorious  finnes-,^ 
 ',whichv'\^dufl£i  the;  cpnfcicnc6V Mnd"  ikcip  and  ^^jftclef/.thc 
 'livcIyoji'sF^tion  of^ra^ce'-^and  thcfd  muft  be  repented ofy 
 ahcJadvif^dly  left  and  forfaken,  before  we  can  beh'eve  to 
 tbc  pardon  and  fbrgiveneffe  of  them.   'Nevertheleffci  if  a 
 man  have  often,  fallen  intotbefe  oftencesj/hc  is  not  tade- 
 fpairCjbut  ferioufly  to  confeffc,  and  to  forfake/his^tin^e,-; 
 that  he  may -dbtaihertrercy.lFpr  the  Lord  iiiviteth  ttietob^-' 
 ftinate  andrebellioits'tfo  rdperit,  and  by  word  and  oath  af- 
 furcth  them  of  forgiveneffc,  if  they  will  returne.    And  if 
 welooke  upon  examples,we  fhall  findc  many  fuch,  who; 
 upon  humiliation  and  carneftj)r.ay.er  have  bcene  rficeiygd- 
 unto  mercy. ;  ^;  /;;-  ^^  '^  ,  ^ "  -^  ; ;  ^^^Ay:,^^ 
 But  they  have  fall'ertgrfevolifly  fince  converffon"?  So 
 did  DavUj^ndPerery  who  yet  recovered  i5y  grace,  and 
 upon  repentance  were  forgiven.    Afoule  offence,  after 
 grace  rcceived,is  not  unpardonable.  The  bloud  of  Chrift, 
 which  wadicth  away  the  guilt  of  fins  before  converfiari, 
 is  fufficient  to  purge  the  confcience  from  fins  after  con- 
 vcrfion  likewifc.  We  are  commanded  to  repent  of,taught 
 to  pray  for  the  pardon  of  fins  without  exception.  It  is  of 
 free  mercy  that  former  finnes  are  covered,  and  by  the 
 ^  fame  mercy  of  God  this  tranfgrcflion  may  be  p^rdpntejd.' 
 The' mercy  of  God  is  everla(ling,his  covenant  unchanged 
 able,  though  wc  be  unfaithfull,  yet  he  cannot  forget  him- 
 fcIfc.Hcdclightethto  fheur  mercy,  and  rejoyceth'iri  the 
 C^3  foule 
 
 229 
 
 I  John  1,8, 
 1  John  2. 2. 
 
23® 
 
 Whatit  is  to  live  bjFmth  in  f  articular 
 
 foule  that  hath  finned,  but  now  lamcntcth, faying,  Ihavt 
 finned^andit  did  mt  profit  mff -The  commandcmcnt  of  God, 
 ,  in/oyningus  to  forgive  our  brother  not  feven  times,  bat 
 I  fcventie  times  ftvcn  timcs,if  he  rcpcnt,is  an  cxprcflion  of 
 i  his  Tcadinefle  to  fncw  mercy,  to  them  who  doc  oft  and 
 :  gricvoufly  offend,  iftheyreturnc  by  unfained  repentance, 
 ;  andfuc  for  mercy.  Oh,  then  take  heed,  that  to  other 
 I  great  and  many  fins  infidelity  be  not  added.  Doubting  be- 
 gets deadnefle,  whereas  looking  up  unto  the  promifcsof 
 mercy  ,w  ill  both  eafe  and  foften  the  heart. 
 
 But  they  cannot  believe?  Indeed  they  thinks  there  is 
 no  promifeof  mercy  made  to  them,  upon  which  they 
 ftiould  ground  their  confidence.    Therefore  tbcy  mull 
 know ;  that  God  calleth  them  in  his  Word,tocotB^  unto= 
 him,  as  if  he  did  particularly  name  them,  and  promifctb^ 
 to  receive  them  unto  mercy ;  and  then  they  muft  confider 
 of  the  free  grace  of  God  in  promifing,and  his  faithfulnefle 
 in  making  good  whatfoever  he  hath  promifcd,  that  nei- 
 ther want  of  fecling,nor  conccitof unwortbines  dif-hear- 
 ten  them  from  drawing  nigh  unto  him.  They  muft  think 
 fcrioufly  withthemfelyes,  Ineed  mercy,  and  thelor^J. 
 hathpromifed  it :  I  thirft  after  it,and  the  Lord  will  grant 
 unto  me  my  defire  according  to  his  promife  i  lam  utterly 
 undone  if  I  obtaine  nothelpe;   ^nd  helpc  is  not  to  bee 
 foundjbutintbeLordJcfus,  who  lovingly  invitethmee 
 to  come  unto  him^that  I  may  be  refrefhed.  Seeing  there^ 
 fore  I  long  for  mercyjand  the  Lord  makes  offer  of  it  in  bis 
 dearely  beloved  Sonne,  I  will  goe  unto  him  and  humble 
 my  foule  before  the  throne  of  his  grace,  I  will  entrcate 
 mercyjand  rowle  my  foule  upon  the  promife  of  falvation. 
 All  my  helpe  is  to  looke  off  my  felfe  an  ob;e(5l  oi  confufi- 
 on,and  looke  upon  Chrift  an  obje<5t  of  confolation;^  there- 
 fore I  cleave  unto  him  as  mine  only  Saviour,  and  truft 
 inhim  though  he  fhould  kill  mc.  It  doth  not  pleafc  God, 
 thatlfhouldftandaloofFeand  ftraine  courtefx,  now  hee 
 j  cncourageth  me  to  come  with  confidence,    or  give  way 
 j  to  doubtings,  now  I  have  his  promife,  who  never  failed 
 
 ' a"yi 
 
touching  the  pom  fa  of  far  don  andforgivenejfei^c, 
 
 any  tbattrufted  in  him,  who  hath  done  more  for  me  then 
 ever  he  promifed :  therefore  I  will  goc  unto  him  in  the 
 mediation  of  Jefus  Chrift,  and  importune  his  grace ;  if  I 
 perifh  I  will  peri{h  in  his  bofomc,  to  die  for  it  nothing 
 (hall  feparate  me  from  his  mercy  * 
 
 A  fecond  caufe  of  this  flo  wnefle  may  bee  ignorance  of 
 the  way  how  this  aflurance  is  to  be  fought,  upon  what 
 foundation  it  is  to  be  laid,  in  what  order  chey  come  un- 
 to it.  Sometimes  they  mif-conceive  the  promifes,  as  if 
 they  were  offered  onely  to  Believers,  and  not  laid  as  the 
 foundations  of  faith  ;  and  thereupon  falfely  conclude,that 
 no  promife  is  made  unto  them,  becaufs  they  cannot  findc 
 that  they  doe  believe.  Sometimes  they  miftake  the  nature 
 of  faith,taking  it  to  be  a  perfwafion  or  afiiirance  that  their 
 finncs  are  pardoned-;  and  fo  conclude,  that  they  have  no 
 faith,  bccaufe  they  want  aflurance :  when  in  the  order  of 
 nature,faith  is  precedent  to  aiftuall  remiflion.  Awd  many 
 times  Chriftians  are  herein  deceived,that  they  feare  to  re- 
 ceive and  apply  the  promifes  of  grace,till  they  can  finde  m 
 themfelvcs  fucha  meafurc  otfanifllfication,  as  is  fcarcc,  if 
 at  all,attaineal>le  in  this  life.  Thefe  and  fuch  like  blockes 
 muft  be  remove  i  by  good  information,acquainting  them- 
 fclves  out  of  the  Word  of  God,  what  feith  is,  the  order 
 in  which  we  mufl:  climbe  up  to  affurance,  how  the  pro- 
 mifes are  to  be  received,and  What  is  the  true  ufeof  fantfli- 
 fication.  But  two  things  are  fpccially  to  bee  learned  for 
 their  dire^ion. 
 
 Firft,  thataflbone  as  ever  a  man  fecles  (in  as  a  bur- 
 den, and  doth  trucly,  earneftly,  fervently  thiffl:  to  bee 
 caled  of  it,  he  hath  a  calling  to  co  me  unto  Chrift  to  aske, 
 obtaine,and  receive  mercy.  H  e  that  was  bitten  with  the 
 fieric  Serpent,  was  appointed  to  lookeuptothe  brafcn 
 Scrpentjthat  he  might  recover.  Oh  then  delay  no  longer, 
 bcc  notheld  backe  with  vaine  ob/eiflions  and  caufelefc 
 fcruples.  Behold,  he  calls  thee  to  come,  vyhy  {hpiildcft  , 
 thou  feare  in  refpcfl:  of  thy  vilenes  ?  Faith  is  obedience, 
 and  obedience  is  more  acceptable  then  courtefic  and  com- 
 ^ 0^4    plcmenr. 
 
 \ 
 
 n^ 
 
 2. 
 
 I. 
 
 I^ay5  5.r. 
 loll. 7. 5  7. 
 
 Matth.11.28, 
 I  Joh.j.24. 
 
 J 
 
232 
 
 lohn  6.1$. 
 
 Rev. 
 
 Ifay 
 Job. 
 
 2. 
 
 at.  17. 
 
 Gal, 3. 14. 
 
 WhaP  it  is  tolwei^y  Fdtkm particular 
 
 plement.  The  fooner  thou  commcQ:,the  better  welcome, 
 It  is  rudeneffe,  and  not  good  manners,  not  to  doe  as  thou 
 art  bidden  to  doejyea,  and  fo  earncftly  per'fwadcd,  intrea- 
 ted,  and  charged  to  doe.  To  doc  ths  works  rf  God  is  to 
 believe  in  bim,  whom  he  hath  fealed  and  fent  to  be  thy 
 Saviour.  And  {halt  thou  not  tenne  times  more  honour  and 
 pleafe  him  in  trufting  upon  his  mercies,  and  fealing  to  his 
 truth,  then  in  fearing  his  juftice,  and  dreading  his 
 power. 
 
 Secondly,  hee  that  findf s"  himfclfe  plunged  into  the 
 gulfe  of  mifery  by  {in,  and  deftitute  of  tne  fappe  and 
 fruit  of  grace  is  invited  to  come  unto  Chrift,  that  hee 
 may  receive  from  him  the  grace  of  fand:ificatioD,  as  well 
 aSTCmiflton  :"  Oh,  evety  one  that  thirfleth,  coma  jee  to 
 the  rcmers  \  Hee  that  belUveth^   out  of  his  bellie  Jhall 
 fioT^  rivers  of  water  of  life.    The  barren  in  grace  muft 
 cortieunro  Chrifc  to  be  fupplied  of  his  fuUne{le.  "By  faith 
 wee  receive  the  promifed  Spirit.    Hee  that   walloweth  in 
 fmhe,  is  nbt  firted  to  believe,  for  Juftifying  faith  can  ne- 
 ver take  foubdrbbiing.  in  the  heart,  which  is  not  refol- 
 vcd  tbforgoe  the  prafticCj  and  hath  caft  off  the  love  of  all 
 {inne:  but  when  a  man  is  wearie  of{inre,  and  findcs 
 emptine{fe  of  grace,'  as  he  is  commanded  to  pray  for  mer- . 
 cy^andthe  gifts  of  grace,  fo  Is  bee  to  believe  in  Chrift,  fc^* 
 the  obtaining  of  both.  Wherefore  (ludy,  ftrive^  endevour 
 to  believe,  and  lay  indld  on  the  Rocke,  as  in  danger  of 
 drowning  a  man  will  doe  on  the  tree  or  pofl:  that  comes 
 next  to  hand.  When  thou  haft,  in  thy  conceit;  moft  caufe 
 to  dcfpaire,  labour  agianft  it :  when  thou  haft  no  reafpn 
 in  thy  apprehcnfion  to  believe,believe  with  ail  thy  pow- 
 I  er ;  when  the  favour  of  God  is  loft  to  thy  feeling,   it  may 
 jbcprefcntto  thy  faith,  which  difcerneth  what  is  promi- 
 !  fcd,though  to  fenceit  have  no  being.And  for  thine  encou- 
 ragefnentjfet  before  thine  eyes  Chrifts  frecdome  toaUui- 
 ters  Iri^the  time  of  his  fertijrepeliing  noi^e  who  tr^ely  |de« 
 fired- trie  price  of  his  blojud.  Th^rebe  other  caufes  of  thii? 
 wcakncs,which  have  been  mentioned,&anfwered  before. 
 
 Now 
 
touching  thefromifes  of  pardon  andfor^venejfejdcc. 
 
 Now  if  any  poore  and  vveakc  Chriftian  dcfire  to  know 
 (as  be  defircs  nothing  morc)how  be  {jhould  ftirre  up  him- 
 felfcto  believe  the  promife  of  forgiveneffe,  when  bee 
 wants  the  comfort  of  ir,  yea,  when  to  bis  owne  fence  be 
 feclcs  the  contrary. 
 
 Firft,  be  muft  unfaincdly  bumble  bis  foulc  before  God 
 '\n  the  confeffion  of  fin.with  earneft  prayer  for  pardon.  For 
 he  that  *  acknowledgctb  bis  finsjfball  be  received  into  fa- 
 vour. O  LordjI  have  finned,  and  thou  art  juftly  difpleafed : 
 I  have  caft  off  thy  law,  and  thy  wrath  is  kindled  againft 
 me.  My  heart  trembleth  at  the  apprebenfion  of  thy  fore 
 difpleafure,  and  I  am  afraid  of  thy  /udgcments.    All  this 
 is  come  upon  me  by  rcafon  of  my  fooHQinefTe:  my  fmart 
 and  forrow  is  bred  in  mine  owne  bofome.  I  have  no  reft 
 in  tnj  bones  becaufeof  my  Cm.     But,  deare  Father,  I 
 I©ok  unto  thee  for  mercy  in  Jefus  Chrift  •,  I  befecch  thee, 
 take  away  the  tranfgrcflion  of  thy  fervant.  It  is  thy  pro- 
 pertie  to  {hew  mercy.it  is  thy  free  proraife  to  pardon  the 
 iniquities,  tranfgreflions,  and  fins  of  thy  people  that 
 turne  unto  thee,  and  pray  s  for  thy  Names  fake  be  favou- 
 rable to  mine  iniquities,  and  remember  my  fin  no  more : 
 caft  them  behinde  thy  backc,  doe  them  away  as  a  mi!), 
 and  bury  them  in  perpetuall  oblivion.    I  have  gone  aftray 
 like  a  loft  flieepe,  but  now  my  defire  is  to  returne  home 
 unto  thee  :    With  my  whole  heart  Idefire  ihy  favour, 
 O  fuffer  mee  not  to  perilli  under  the  burden  of  my 
 "finne.  Remember  not  my  revoltings  from  thy  Comman- 
 dements :  but  according  to  the  multitude.of  thy  tender 
 compaffipns  remember  me  for  thy  goodneffe  fake,  O 
 Lord.  Truth  it  is,  I  am  not  worthy  to  be  called  thy  fonne, 
 or  to  be  partaker  of  the  leaftcrumme  of  thy  mercy :  But 
 thou  art  a  moft  loving  and  compafllonate  Father,  who 
 dealeft  not  according  to  the  iniquities  of  thy  children 
 that  trcfpaffe  againft  thee,  not  rewar^^eft  them.according 
 tothcir-dcfertSiwhoreraincft  not  thine afigcr'  forever, 
 bccaufc  mercy  pleafeth  thee.  If  thou  wilt  be  merciful!  to 
 my  finne,  then  (hall  thy  glory  appeare,  my  heart  fhall  be 
 ,:;  enf^a- 
 
 233 
 
 'DmSflcMsto 
 
 the  xt>ea/{eto 
 
 fimeuptbem- 
 
 fehenobelicue 
 
 ^hemheyfeele 
 
 nocomjon. 
 
 I. 
 
 Exod  54.6,7, 
 
 Iia.45.25.  Si 
 
 Ifl-58.17, 
 Mic.7.18. 
 rial  5  i,ij2. 
 
 Num.  14.19, 
 Pfal.ioj.io. 
 
234 
 
 what  it  is  to  live  by  F  dth  in  particular 
 
 pfal.ijo,4. 
 
 .Pfal.4t. 
 
 Match.  1 1  z8. 
 Efay  f  5.i,a, 
 Mic.7.  ip. 
 Kal.65.3. 
 Pfal.8j.2. 
 Efay  1.1 8. 
 A  Cor,  J. 19, 20 
 «  Joh.j.zj. 
 
 Rom.j.ao, 
 
 Eplicf.y.j.& 
 1.7. 
 
 Rom.  J.  a  J. 
 Hof.i4.j. 
 
 lohn  5.16. 
 
 Efay  54.8. 
 Ezek,i6,6o. 
 
 cnflamed  with  thy  lovc,T  fliall  walke  in  thy  feare,  and  my 
 tongue  fliall  fing  of  thy  goodncfle. 
 
 Secondly,  He  mud  rowfc  and  ftirre  up  himfelfc  to  be- 
 lievc,with  reafons,drawne  from  the  promifes,  and  cove-  | 
 nant  of  God  made  in  lefus  Chriftjconl'idcrations  taken  out ! 
 of  the  Word,and  experience  of  his  dealing  with  other  his  ' 
 fervants  in  fornaer  times,  tvhy  an  ihou  cafi  downe,  o  my  j 
 fonle^why  art  thou  dtfquieted  within  nte  f  Truji  in  G0d,znd 
 caft  thy  burthen  upon  him,  for  he  wiU  cafe  tbce.Thou  haft 
 his  promife  confirmed  by  osth  and  covenant,  that  he  will  : 
 caft  thy  fins  into  the  bottomc  of  the  Sea,  purge  away  thy  'i 
 tranfgreffions,  forgive  thine  iniquitics,|cover  all  thine  in-  | 
 firmicies,and  never  remember  them  any  more  Bchold,he  j 
 perfwadeth,  intreatetb,  befeecheth  commandcth  thee  to 
 believe  :  why  art  thou  afraid  ?  It  is  the  will  of  Gocf,  that 
 thou  fliouldcft  reft  on  his  mercy  :  he  cannot  be  offended 
 for  that  which  himfclfe   commandcth,  nor  denie  that 
 which  hee  hath  promifed.    Ifjtnne  abound,  mercy  fbaU 
 abonndmHch  more.  His  burning  wrath  is  pacified  in  Je« 
 fas  Ghrift,  who  bath  given  himfelfe  an  offering  and  afa^ 
 crifce  to  god  for  afrveetefmeUing  favour, that  grace  might 
 glorifie  her  felfe  in  the  pardoning  of  thy  offences.    Haft 
 thou  nothing  to  bring  before  him  but  fin  and  impiety  that 
 he  abhorretb  ?  He  looketh  upon  thee  in  his  dearc  Sonne 
 Jefvis  Chria.whom  be  hath  fet  forth  to  bee  a  propitiation 
 through  faith  in  his  bloud,znd  loveth  freely.  Doeft  thou  re- 
 quireleftimonies  of  his  undeferved  kindnefTc  ?  Godfo  lo. 
 vedths  rporldythat  he  gave  his  only  begotten  Sonne, that  roho' 
 feeuer  believeth  in  himyfhouldnotperifhjbut  have  ever lafiing 
 /»/?.  He  hath  entred  into  a  free  and  everlafting  covenant 
 with  thee,  and  waited  long  for  thy  converfion  when  thou 
 wcnteft  aftray  :  and  will  he  not  much  more  have  mercy 
 upon  thee  now  thou  prayeft  ?  Whyartthoudifmaycdac  [ 
 the  fight  of  thy  great  unworthineffe  ?  Mifery  is  the  objcdi:  , 
 of  mercy :  the  greater  thy  diftrcfTe,  the  more  glorious  wilt  ' 
 be  the  grace  of  God  in  thy  delivcrance.The  bafer  thou  art 
 ixi  thine  own  fight,the  fitter  to  believe  :  for  faith  excludes  ' 
 /    .all. 
 
touching  thefromifes  of-parden  andforpvemjfe^^c 
 
 all  conceit  of  wortb,and  rcccivctb  pardon  as  a  mecre  gift 
 of  grace.  Sinfiill  men,  whofc  compaffions  are  not  as  the 
 drop  of  a  bucket  to  the  huge  Occan,if  compared  with  the 
 infinite  Sea  of  mercy  which  is  in  our  God,  muft  forgive 
 their  Brethren  till  feventie  tnncs  fcven  time?,  if  they  fin 
 againftthem,  and  repent:   Our  God,  who  requires  fo 
 ;  much  of  us,  who  have  nothing  but  what  he  giveth,will  he 
 notdealetenderly  with  the  poorc  foule,  which  hath  fin- 
 ned and  rcpentcth  ?   God  hath  done  more  for  us  then  for 
 iliamc  we  couM  dcfire,  before  we  asked  any  thing  at  his 
 hand  j  yea,  when  we  fought  to  excufe  our  difobedicnce, 
 and  charge  the  fault  upon  his  Highnefle-.what  will  he  not 
 do,  when  we  accufc  our  fclvcs,  and  pray  for  mercy  ?  My 
 fouIe,nothing  can  hurt  thee,butunbeliefe.Thou  art  woun- 
 ded by  fin  i  Believe  in  Chrift,  and  by  his  bloud  thou  art 
 healed. God  is  ang'ry :  Believe,  and  thou  art  reconciled : 
 All  variance  ceafeth,  wheii  thou  art  knit  unto  Chrift.r 
 Wherefore  fhake  offdiftruft,  hearken  no  longer  to  the 
 affaults  of  Sathan  ;  but  rowlc  thy  felfe  upon  the  Lord,and 
 ftick  faft  unto  his  mercy.If  thou  want  the  fence  of  his  love, 
 thou  haft  his  promife that  hee  will  bee  good  unto  thee  : 
 cleave  unto  it  above  all  thou  canft  feele,  fee,  or  compre- 
 hend. O  my  God,  I  will  truft  in  thee,- though  thou  ilioul- 
 defl:  kill  me :  I  will  believe  thy  favour, when  thou  frow- 
 neft  upon  me :  and  expecfl  con;ifort,  when  I  lie  groaning 
 under  the  heavie  weight  of  thy  difpleafure.  Thou  caufeft 
 man  for  a  time  to  poffefle  the  fins,  which  thou  haft  pardo- 
 ned :,  and  I  will  believe  the  pardon  of  my  fins,  when  thou 
 fc'emcft  tOjfet  them  in  order  before  my  face. 
 ^  Thirdly^  He  mnft  be  inftant  with  the  Lord  to  give  him 
 both  ftrength  of  faith;  and  the  fight  of  his  belie  fe,that  hee 
 may  know  he  doth  believe  unfainedly.  Give.m?,Gratious 
 Father,to  believcjas  thou  baft  commanded  me  to  relie  up- 
 on thee.   Thou  flretcheft  forth  thy  hand  in  love,  and  offe- 
 reft  rich  treafures  of  goodnefie,  to  them  that  lay  hold  up- 
 on tjiemxcrcate  in  me  the  hand  of  faith,that  I  may  cffcdu- 
 ally  receive  what  in  mercy  thoureacheft  forth.The  kno vv- 
 
 235 
 
 Luke  17.34. 
 
23^ 
 
 what  it  Is  ta  live  by  Faith  in ^articuUr 
 
 4. 
 
 ferrethtoirant 
 the  comfort  of 
 forgivemjfe. 
 
 ledge  of  faith  is  of  thee,  as  is  the  gift  it  felfe  :  give  me  the 
 Spmtofrcv^clation,thatImaydif<:erHc  truly  whatthoa 
 haft  given  me,that  my  lips  may  fing  of  thy  praife  ^H  the 
 dayflong.  - 
 
 Fourthiy^He  muft  comfort  his  heart  in  the  certainty  of 
 Gods  Word,though  for  the  prefcnt  he  feele  no  combrt 
 Rcturne  unto  thy  reft,0  my  foule,for  the  Lord  willdeale 
 bountifully  with  thee.  His  Word  is  ^one  forth  in  truth 
 waice  a  little  while,  andthoufhaltbelioldthe  light  of  his 
 countenance.  The  Lord  deferreth  to  grant  the  comfortof 
 forgiveneffe.  that  be  might  confirme  faith,  traine  thee  up 
 m  obedience,  trie  thy  patience,preferve  his  graces,3nd  do 
 thee  good  in  the  latter  end.   Thou  art  already  blefTed,  be- 
 caufethe  grant  of  pardon  is  fealed,and  received:  the  fence 
 ofdelivcrancepeitaincthto  the  execution,  which  for  a 
 httle  feafon  IS  deferred,  that  it  may  bee  perfected- with 
 greater  glory  to  God,and  comfort  to  thy  felfe.  Blcffed  be 
 the  Lord,who  hath  turned  a  way  his  eyes  from  my  tranf- 
 greffions,  but  hath  not  turned  away  his  mercy  from  me 
 Rcpyce  in  the  Lord,  O  my  foule,  againc,  I  fay,re/oyce  •' 
 for  he  hath  covered  thine  iniquities,  and  purged  away  thv 
 fin,that  thou  (Kalt  not  die.Oh,tbcble{rcdncflc  of  that  man 
 whofe  iniquities  arc  forgiven,  to  whom  the  Lord  imDu- 
 tethnofin.  c.a  i;;:^ 
 
 Fiftly,  Thus  faith  is  daily  to  be  preferved  and  quicke- 
 ned, unto  which  k  b  not  unprofitable  to  adde  fomc 
 thoughts  concerning  the  bleifedneffe  of  the  Man,  whofe 
 debts  are  cancelled  out  of  Gods  Booke ;  the  grace  and 
 loveot(Sod,whovouchfafcth  to  (hew  compaffion  here- 
 in j  the  price  that  was  payed  to  divine  Juftice,  that  ^^racc 
 might  juftly  conferre  this  blefling  upon  them  that  be- 
 lieve Thefe  thiBgs  may  fervc  to  quicken  the  heart  in  the 
 confidcration  of  this  mercy. 
 
 CHAP. 
 
thefnmfes  of  Safi^ifcatioft,Scc, 
 
 CHAP.  III. 
 
 fFhdt  it  u  to  live  hy  faith  tomhing  the  fremijes  of 
 
 San^ijicMion,  and  how  toftirre  t*p  onr 
 
 felves  thereunto^ 
 
 THenextfpirituallpromifcsof  things  abfolutely  nc- 
 ceflary  to  falvation  are  concerning  SandHfiGation,  or 
 the  killing  of  (innc  and  quickening  us  to  ncwnefle  of 
 lifei  by  the  continued  infufion  of  holinefie,  and  renova- 
 tion of  our  hearts  according  to  Gods  Image,  and  to  the 
 enabling  lis  to  walk  in  new  obedience  according  to  cove- 
 nant. And  this  isfignified  by  the  gcneralltearmes  of  iub- 
 dufng,  faving,  wafhing,  cleanfing,  and  purging  from, 
 fin  and  iniquity,  who  is  a  God  liks  *'»^'^  ^^^^^  ^'^^^ 
 fardomth  inicfmie.andpa^eth  hy  the  trAnjgrefion  of  the 
 remnant  of  his  heritage  f  hee  retaimh  not  hts  anger  for 
 ever,  hecaufe  hee  de light eth  in  mercy-  Hee  yoill  turns  a- 
 gaine,  he  will  have  compafion  upon  m  ;  he  willfubdue  our 
 im^aities,  andthoH  wilt  cafl  all  their finnes  into  the  depths 
 of  the  Sea.  Hee  Jhall  fave  his  poofle  from  their  finne  ; 
 which  as  it  is  true  in  the  matter  of  our  Juftification  for 
 the  forgivencfle  of  our  fmne ;  f^  alfo  in  the  point  of  San- 
 aification,  for  delivering  us  from  the  power  of  finne. 
 And  fo  are  the  like  generall  fpeeches  to  be  underftood, 
 that  Chrif^  is  the  Lamh  of  Go  I,  which  taketh  away  thefms 
 of  the  world '^  that  he  was  n^mifefied  to  takf  away  oar  fmnesi 
 that  the  blend  of  Chrifi  cleanjeth  us  f-om  all  fmne  ;  thai  he 
 I'ovedus  andwafhed  M  iromoar  finnss  in  his  owne  bland. 
 And  this  is  that,which  the  Lord,  of  his  frccEiercy,  pro- 
 mifed  to  effeft  for  his  Church  and  people,  %^nd  it  Jhall 
 come  topafe,  that  he  that  is  left  in  Zion^  and  he  that  remai- 
 neth  in  Jerufakm^fhallbe  called  holy,  even  every  one  that  is 
 written  among  the  living  in  lerufalem.  When  the  LordfhaU 
 have  wajhed  away  the  fUh  ef  the  daugUers  ofZion,    and 
 
 237 
 
 Of  tie  promfes 
 of  SanStificati- 
 
 on. 
 
 Mic.7.i8jT9. 
 
 Matth.1.21. 
 
 lohn  I.  29. 
 1  Ioh.2.2. 
 I  lohn  1.7. 
 
 Apoc.i  f. 
 
 Eray43.4. 
 
238 
 
 4Chrifiian  u 
 aUorpzi  to  be- 
 leeveihsfepro- 
 
 miles. 
 
 I. 
 
 Ezek.ii.ip. 
 jer.51.  33.  &i 
 IJ.40.  j 
 
 What  it  is  to  live  by  Faith  touching 
 
 2» 
 
 Revel. «,  1 7. 
 
 loll. 7. 3  7. 
 Verfe^g. 
 
 lohn  s.i^. 
 Col.  I  19. 
 Ephef.  1.23. 
 Col,3.iOjii- 
 Col.z.io. 
 
 I  Cor.  1.30. 
 
 p3&U.  have -purged  the  bloudef  lerufalem  fiom  the  midfi  ther- 
 of,  by  the  Spirit  of  ludgementy  and  by  the  Jpirit  of  b^r~ 
 King, 
 
 Now  feeing  we  have  fuchpromifcs  from  God,  itfol- 
 lowcth  neceflarily,  that  a  Chriftian  is  allowed  to  believe, 
 that  Godjpf  his  free  grace  in  Chrill,will  purge  him  from 
 the  filthy  remainders  of  fin,  and  renew  him  more  and 
 more  after  his  owns  Image,  in  rightcouinefi'e  and  true 
 holinelie. 
 
 In  the  covenant  of  grace  which  God  made  with  his 
 peoplc,he  promifcth  to  tak£  away  thetr  hearts  offloncy  and 
 to  give  them  hearts  offiejb;  to  put  hu  law  in  their  inward 
 parts ^artdt^ri^e  it  in  their  hearts  %  to  put  hu  feare  in  their 
 hearts,that  they  Jhall  not  depart  from  him :  and  to  give  them 
 a  new  hearty  and  to  put  his  Spirit  within  them.  But  what 
 God  promifetb,  faith  rccciveth.  It  is  no  prefumption  but 
 true  obedience  to  afliire  oar  felves  from  God,oHvhatfoe- 
 ver  he  hath  paft  his  promifcjand  entred  into  bond  and  co- 
 venant freely  to  give. 
 
 The  burdened  arc  invited  to  come  unto  Chrifl  foreafe, 
 and  the  thirftic  for  rcfrelhmg.  Is  any  man  dried,  withe- 
 red, and  burnt  up  for  lacke  of  the  fap  and  moifture  of 
 grace,  the  fountaine  is  fet  open  unto  him,  he  may  come 
 and  drink  to  the  latisfying  of  his  foule.  If  any  man  thirfiy 
 let  him  come  unto  me, and  drinks-  Hee  that  believeth  on  me, 
 AS  the  Scripture  faith,  out  of  his  belly  Jhall  flow  rivers 
 of  living  water.  Chrifl:  is  the  fountaine  of  grace  and  the 
 well  of  life,  everflowing  and  ever  full,  o^  whofefnUneJle 
 every  Believer  doth  receive  grace  for  qrace ;  who  filleth 
 all  in  all ;  who  is  all  in  all,  in  whom  wee  are  compleate^ 
 filled  with  all  heavenly  graces,  w^hich  ferve  to  remove  e- 
 vill,  or  fet  us  in  fl:ate  of  blefledneflc.  There  \^  no  grace 
 but  from  Chrift  \  no  communion  with  Chrift,  but  hy 
 faith.  From  Chrift  we  receive  to  believe ;  and  from  him 
 believing,  we  daily  fucke  the  life  ofgrace.  Chrift  \^  made 
 unto  tu  of  God,  wifedome  and  SanBificationf  as  well  at 
 Righteonfneffe  and  Redemption :  and  as  it  is  our  dutie  to 
 be- 
 
thefromifes  of  SanciifieaUQn,^c, 
 
 believe  in  Chrift  for  pardon  of  fin,  fo  to  embrace  him  by 
 faith  for  fandification,  and  to  be  filled  with  his  gifts  of 
 
 grace  in  our  meafure.  ,    ^  ,  r    . .  ^     ^^ 
 
 Chrift  by  hisbloud  hath  purchafed  for  his  people  all 
 
 fpirituall  bleffings  in  heavenly  things,  even  all  things  that 
 
 pertainc  to  glory  in  the  world  to  come,  and  to  live  godly 
 
 in  this  prefent  world.   But  what  Chrift  hath  purchafed, 
 
 that  we  may  affuredly  believe  God  will  beftow:He  will 
 
 not  with-hold  any  thing,  that  he  bath  gratioufly  given  to 
 
 our  Saviour  on  our  behalfc.       , .    ,.  r    ^i   tl  •         r 
 
 We  aretaught  to  aske  of  God  in  Jefus  Chnft,  increafe 
 
 and  ftrength  of  grace,  that  wc  may  be,  inabled  to^walkc 
 
 before  him  inncw  obedience,  mce^enot  tofrajforjoH 
 
 and  to  Mre,  thatyee  mi^^t  he  filled  vpuh  the  knowledge  of 
 
 h» mU,in allmfedome and ^irmallunderfimdtMg :  That 
 
 yeemhhtrvalke  worthy  of  the  Lordmto  aUpleafing,  Betng 
 
 (fuUfHUmeverygood-worke^andincreafngin  the  k»owUdge 
 
 I  of  God.  AnA  the  very  god  of  pace  fa'^Uife  you  wholj. 
 
 But  what  wee  are  taught  and  commanded  tobegge  m 
 
 prayer,  we  a^e  allowed  to  believe,  that  wee  (hall  obtaine 
 
 it  of  free  grace.  ^    ^  r  j   l- 
 
 The  faithful!  have  relied  upon  God  for  grace  and  abi- 
 lity  to  walkein  his  wayes,  andt6  finifli  the  work  whcre- 
 unto  they  were  ordained.  ButaH  the  faithfull,  as  faith- 
 fiill,be  partners  in  the  fame  proraifes  and  privuedges,  and 
 live  by  the  fame  faith.  ^    ^  ,      ,,  t-,- 
 
 -  Wee  are  commanded  to  caji  off  the  old  man,  whtchi4 
 corrupt,  with  the  affcmom  ani  hfls,  and  to  fHton  the 
 New  wan,  which  after  God  is  created  in  tighteoHfne^e 
 and  true  hQlineffe:  But  in  the  covenant  of  Grace,  Ood 
 givcth  what  he  requireth ;  Mans  duty  is  his  tree  gitt  ot 
 
 ^^^Tt^'s  neceffary  a  Chriftian  fhould  bclievc,that  God  will 
 fanftific  his  nature,and  inable  him  to  thofe  duties  ot  holi- 
 Ineflcandrightcoufheffethatherequires.       ^ 
 
 For  Tuftification  and  Sandlification  bee  individuall : 
 I  whom  God  doth  acquit  from  the  guilt  of  fin,  and  ac- 
 cept 
 
 23P 
 
 3- 
 
 Apoe.j.j. 
 EpheCi.j. 
 2  Pet.i  J. 
 
 4. 
 
 Col.  1. 9j  10. 
 
 iThcf.J.sj.' 
 5- 
 
 2.  Tim. 4. 1 8. 
 Phil. 4  13. 
 
 Ephen4.  2Ij 
 
 It  u  ntcejfary 
 to  believe  GoJ 
 HjlUfanclifie 
 our  nature, and 
 enable  td  hdli' 
 nejfe, 
 I. 
 
240 
 
 Whaf  it  is  to  live  b^  Faith  touching 
 
 Rom.? 
 I  Cor. 
 
 .1,2. 
 I   3O; 
 
 s. 
 
 cept  as  righteous  unto  life  through  JefusChriQ,  them  he 
 doth  fanftific  by  his  Spirit,  to  walkc  before  him  iii  new- 
 neffeoflife.  Chrifthimfelfecannotbe  divided,  nor  the 
 participation  of  his  benefits :  If  by  communion  in  his 
 death,  we  be  delivered  from  the  curfe  and  raaledidlion  of 
 the  Law  ;  by  the  power  of  his  Refarredion,  w  e  arc  rai- 
 fed  up  to  live  unto  God. 
 
 If  Chriftians  be  not  perfwadcd  that  God  will  morti- 
 fie  their  corrupt  affediions,  and  build  them  forward  in 
 holineite,  theyfhall  very  much  ftagger,  coldly  fetupon 
 the  pra(fticc  of  Cbriftianity,  be  cfFand  on,  unflayed,  often 
 fainting  at  the  difficulty  of  the  worke,  difinayed  at  their 
 manifold  OipSj  ftrong  corruptions,  and  little  prevailings 
 againft  them. 
 
 Our  owne  ftrcngth  is  too  weake  for  the  worke  ofho- 
 linefle ;  as  to  defeat  the  policies  of  Sathan^toreprefTe  and 
 vanquidi  the  lufts  of  our  rebellious  hearts  &  allurements 
 of  the  world:  much  more  to  change  &  cleanfc  our  hearts, 
 which  are  by  nature  and  cuftome  ia  fin  fo  deeply  pollu- 
 ted. If  we  have  not  faith  to  believe  that  God  will  aide, 
 aflill:,  andbleffeus  in  our  endeavours,  yea,  and  doe  the 
 whole  worke  for  us ;  what  courage  can  we  have  to  goe 
 about  it  ?  What  fncceffe  are  we  like  to  findc  in  it  ?  W  hat 
 (hamcfuU  foyles  and  repulCes  fhall  we  fulaine  ? 
 
 But  fetlednefic  in  ihis,  that  God  will  perfe^  his  work 
 begun,  caufcth  men  to  goe  about  the  pradice  of  mortifi- 
 cation with  muchreadincflcjchearefullneffe,  eafc,  ftayed- 
 nefre,andhappiefpeed.  He  will  fight  manfully  againft 
 his  lufts,  and  continue  in  the  combate  againft  them,  who 
 is  affured  of  vidlory  from  God  in  the  end.  It  is  a  great 
 heartning  to  refift  evill,  or  to  doc  any  good  duty,  when 
 we  believe  God  will  be  with  us,  in  the  one  and  in  tha  o- 
 ther,  to  give  us  helpc  againft  our  enemies,  and  to  inable 
 us  unto  the  work:  and  that  work  muft  needs  profpcr  that 
 God  will  forward,and  fuccced  well,that  he  will  bring  to 
 perfei^lion. 
 The  promifcs  of  God  concerning  fpirituall  blcflings 
 
 "  are 
 
 ^•^•:>^^ 
 
thefromifes  ef  SattBijicatfoth^c. 
 
 arc  fo  linked  togsther,that  whof  ocvcr  believeth  not  every 
 one  aright,  he  carinot  believe  any  one  fte(dfaftly  as  he 
 ought.  He  fiaall  many  times  be  in  doubt  of  the  f  enTiffioW 
 of  his  finnes,  and  in  fcarc  of  failing  away,  who  hath  not 
 learned  to  reft  upon  God  for  the  grace  of  fantftiff- 
 cation,  no  Icife  then  for  the  pardon  of  his  offences  :  for 
 the  certainty  of  both  thsie  is  Uke,  if  it  be  well  con- 
 sidered. 
 
 The  ad3  of  Faith  conecrnirig  thefc  prbtnifes,  be  thcfc 
 and  fuch  like. 
 
 Firft,  It  acquaints  a  man  w  ith  his  emptineflc  of  grace, 
 the  ftrcngth  of  his  inbred  corruptions,  how  dccpc  they 
 have  eaten,  how  faft  they  fticke,  how  unable  he  is  to  cru- 
 cific  his  ihprdinate  affcdions,  or  to  repaire  the  decayed 
 Image  of  God  in  him,  and  that  he  is  in  wofull  cafejunleflc 
 tFic  Lord  put  to  his  helping  hand.  Faith  in  this  ad:  doth 
 not  properly  worke  upon  the  promife,  but  prepares  the 
 heart  the  eunto.  And  fare  it  is  a  worthy  Icflbn  :  •  for  the 
 fcrious  thought  of  this  matter  is  exceeding  forcibltto 
 abafe  and  humble  him  in  his  owne  tyts,  and  fo  wholy 
 to  drive  him  out  ofhimfclfe.  For  he  perceiveth,  he  is  as 
 ftrongly  bound  by  the  tyrannic  of  {:n  to  perpctuall  fla- 
 vcrie,  as  by  the  guilt  offm  to  the  danger  of  condemna- 
 tion. CouM  he  get  pardon  for  finne,  what  would  this 
 profit,  fo  long  as  he  lieth  ftill  under  the  power  and  domi- 
 nioH  of  fin,  from  which  he  hath  no  ability  to  deliver  his 
 foule.  If  a  man  labour  of  fome  painchill,  loathfomc.incu- 
 rable  difeafe,  though  in  many  things  he  be  advanced,  this 
 will  pull  downc  conceits  of  greatnefle  :  and  when  a 
 Chriftian  comes  to  fee,  how  many  dangerous,  noyfome 
 fpirituall  difeafcs  he  laboureth  under,  he  is  not  hghtly  af- 
 fe^ed  with  it  :  no,  he  abhorreth  himfelfe,  and  crieth 
 out,  O  mifernble  wretch  that  I  amy  n>hojhall  deliver  mec 
 from  this  body  of  death,  how  fliall  I  be  cured  of  thcfe  ma- 
 ladies. 
 
 Hereby  alfohe  is  drawn  in  al  his  purpofcs  &  refolutions 
 
 to  denie  himfclfe,and  to  rclie  upon  the  power  of  the  Lord, 
 
 R  onely 
 
 241 
 
 The  aBs  of  faith 
 about  the  promi- 
 fe! offanifijica 
 tion. 
 
 Rom.7.J4. 
 
242 
 
 Pfal.ii9.8. 
 
 Pfal.115.31, 
 
 Verfe  3  ^, 
 
 Veife  3  5, 
 Pral.i7.j. 
 
 2. 
 
 Cani5.<?,73  8. 
 
 fF^4^  />  is  to  live  ky  Faith  tmching 
 
 whoonlyremaines  vidtorious.  He  purpofcth,but  through 
 the  might  oT  God  :  which  caufcth  earneft  and  hearty 
 prayer,  to  be  ftrcngthened  unto,  and  eftabliflisd  in  that 
 which  is  good.  /  will  ksepe  thy  fidtutes  :  O  forfake  me 
 not  utterly.  I  havefiacke  unto  thyTeftimonies:  O  Lord^ 
 pfit  me  not  to  Jhame.  I  will  rnnne  the  way  of  thy  Com- 
 mandements,  when  thou  /halt  enlarge  my  heart.  Teach 
 «»<?,  O  Lordj  the  way  of  thy  fiatmeSy  and  I  Jhall  k^epe  it 
 ttnto  the  end.  Give  mee  tinder  (landing  and  I  fl/all  keepe 
 thy  Law^yea,  I  will  objerve  it  with  my  whole  heart,  U^ak^ 
 me  togoe  in  the  path  of  thy  Commandements,  for  therein 
 doe  I  delight.  Incline  my  heart  to  thy  teflimonies,  and  not 
 to  coveto/tfhejfe,  .  Hold  up  my  goings  in  thy  paths,  that  my 
 footflepsflip  net,  Purpofes  thus  grounded  bring  forth  holy 
 performances  :  but  when  they  are  taken  up  without con- 
 fideration  of  our  frailtie,  and  we  rclie  upon  Chrift  for 
 his  grace  awd  affiftance,  they  quickly  vaniih  and  come  to 
 nothing.  In  the  time  of  fickncfle,  danger,  difgrace,  we 
 make  faircpromifcs  to  amend  what  is  amiflc,and  reforme 
 things  out  of  order;  but  when  the  rod  is  removed,{liortly 
 all  \s  cleane  forgotten.  What  may  be  the  reafon?  Weftand 
 upon  our  owne  feet,  prefume  to  goe  alone,  of  our  felv^es, 
 by  our  owne  ftrength,  and  then  no  marvell  if  we  fall  and 
 catch  many  a  knocke.  .     y 
 
 .  Secondly,  It  fhewes  where,  the  ftrength  is  to'bfi  had 
 which  we  want;  and  ftirres  up  to  a  confcionable,  diligent 
 and  conftantufe  of  themeancs  of  grace,  that  God  hath 
 ordained  ;  but  lookes  up  to  him  for  a  blcffing,  and  reftcth 
 not  in  the  meanes.  Faith  is  ever  hungry^  fenfible  of  want 
 and  emptineflc,  and  therefore  attends  upon  the  Lord  in 
 theufc  of  all  fuch  meanes,  whereby  he  is  pleafcd  to  con- 
 veigh  Chrift  unto  us  for  our  fpirituall  filling.  The  labo- 
 rious Bee  IS  early  abroad  to  gather,when  there  is  an  hony- 
 faM  :  and  faith  is  early  awake  to  waite  upon  the  Lord  m 
 his  ordinances,  when  he  fhowres  his  bleflings  upon  his 
 people.  But  it  knoweth  to  diftinguifh  betwixt  the  ordi- 
 nances^ in  and  by  which  grace  is  obtained,  and  the  author 
 
 and 
 
thefromifes  of  San6iijicationydcc. 
 
 .245 
 
 and  Giver  of  it.  And  this  urgcth  the  Believer, earncftly  to 
 beg  the  blcfling  ot  God  upon  his  ownc  ordinances,  with- 
 out which  they  cannot  avail  c  us. 
 
 Thirdly,  It  incitcth  to  an  holy  improvement  of  what 
 graces  he  hath  received  already,  as  th«  ready  way  to  have 
 them  incrcafcd,  God  beftoweth  his  gifts  of  grace  in  moft 
 plcntifull  meafure,upon  them  that  are  mofl:  carefull  to  put 
 them  forth  to  advantage.  To  him  that  hath,  that  is,  that 
 ufcth  well  what  he  hath  received,  (haU  bee  given,  and  hee 
 Jhallhsve  in  abundance,  Grace  is  given  freely,  hot  defer- 
 ved  by  workes :  but  by  the  appointment  of  God,  he  that 
 would  increafc  therein ,  mu*!!  religioufly  imploy  what  he 
 poflcfleth.  Men  increafe  their  fubftance  by  labour  and 
 paincs,  their  learning  by  diligence  :  and  he  that  bed:  im- 
 proveth  graces  received,  (Kail  moft  abound  therein. 
 
 Fourthly,  It  fighteth  couragioufly  againft  (in,  and  cricth 
 inftantly  to  the  Lord  for  helpc.  Faith  will  not  yceld  to  cor- 
 ruption,hethe  combate  never  fo  bote  and  fierJe^caufe  it 
 apprehends  viftory  ;  neither  will  it  give  the  Lord  teft, 
 bccaufe  it  is  fcnfible  of  want,  and  wcarie  of  fin.  Cteaiif 
 in  meea  cfcane  hearty  0  God,  and  renew  a  ri^ht  Spirit  with- 
 in me. 
 
 'iJ^iftlyi  It  fubmitteth  willingly  to  what  courfe  the 
 lord  is  pleafed  to  take  for  the  crucifying  bf  finne,  and 
 bealing^  of  our  nature.  Looke  as  the  patient  yeeldcth 
 himfelfe  unto  the  Phyfician  to  be  dieted,  purged,  or  lan- 
 ced, for  the  curing  of  his  raaladies,and  recovery  of  health: 
 fo  doth  the  foulc  refigne  it  felfe  by  faith  into  the  hands  of 
 God  the  fpirituall  Phyfician  of  the  foulc,  who  onely  is  a^ 
 ble  to  heile  alldifeafes,  to  be  dieted,  purged,  excrcifed"  as 
 feemeth  beft  unto  his  heavenly  wifdome,  onely  it  defires 
 that  fpirituall  maladies  may  be  removed,  and  health  reco- 
 vered. 
 
 Sixtly,  Faith  is  the  band  or  finew  whereby  we  arc  tied 
 untoChrift  the  fountainc  of  grace,  and  the  pipe  vvhireby 
 grace  is  conveyed  from  him  into  the  foule.  Looke  what 
 a  full  treafury  of  all  forts  of  graces  Chrift  hath  ftorcd  up 
 
 R2 
 
 Luke.  I  ^.1(5. 
 
 Matih.s  j.ta. 
 
 m 
 
 4. 
 
 Flal.ji.io, 
 
 6:. 
 
 A(fts.if.9. 
 
244 
 
 what  it  is  to  Iwe  hf  Fmth  con  aymng 
 
 in  bim,taith  draw  eth  and  dcrivcth  them  out  of  bis  fulncffc 
 lohn,!.  i^.     !  to  tbc  u(c  oCe^ch  ievctaU  Cbriftian,  tvt^  grace  for  grace, 
 joh.i5.i,f,^viItfctchethfap  from  the  root  Chrift,  which  maketheve- 
 '  fy  jtrpe  bring  forth  fruit  in  its  kind,  every  Chriftian  in  his 
 ownc  calling.  As  water  brought  by  pipes  from  the  foun- 
 tainc  to' the  cocke,  doth  conric  fatter  or  flower,  as  the 
 pipes  be  wider  or  narrower,  open  or  flopped.:  (b  grace 
 .    ;  dotb  il'ow  froiH  Chrift  into  our  hearts  more  or  lc{fe,as  oiir 
 tehisweaker  or  ftronger  in  degree  and  meafure.  Faith 
 opcneth  (as  it  were)  thepaffages  of  grace,  that  it  may 
 diftill-more  plentifully  upon  u"?.  And  thus  by  fetching  fu- 
 peraaturall  efficacie  from  the  death,  aaJ  UfeofGhrift,  it 
 ebangeth  the  hcart,creates  arid  infufeth  new  principles  of 
 aiflion,  begctt'eth  a  plyable  wiilingnefTe  unto  every  thing 
 that  is  good,  and  conveigheth  both  will  and  ability  there- 
 unto :  as  the  medicine  curing  the  virions  ftomacke,  and 
 rcftoring  it  to  health,  makes  it  long  for  wholfomc  meatc, 
 as  bsf  jrc  for  coales  and  ^^{hcs.    By  tlic  predous  promifcs 
 j^hich  we  -taye  from  God  f  whcnthey  are  ours  by  feith  ) 
 we  are  made  partakers  of  the  divine  nature,  or  the  graces 
 ofthcHolyGhoft.  . 
 
 The  prepoflerous  care  and  travell  of  marly  wel-affec^edy  I 
 
 is  to  be  pittie^i  who  ftudic  the  prgdife  of  this  or  that 
 
 V'^rtu©,  neglft^ipg  thi^.tardioaU aed'  radicall  vertue  ;  as  if; 
 
 ^en,  i^ould.wa^er  all  the.branches  cf  a  Tree,  and  not  the 
 
 root*    Faine  would  they  abound  and  fhinein  patience, 
 
 meckneflej zeale,  ye;  eftablilli  and  root  not  themfclves  in 
 
 faith,  that  flhould  nidintaioc  .all  tVe  reft.     Jf  water  come 
 
 not  to  the  xofcke,  we  ofc  to  opca  or  ainend  the  pipes  or 
 
 leadcs  that  ^Onvfigh  n  from  the  fpring  :  Chrift  is  the 
 
 j  wcl- fpring  of  grace  ;  if  we  would  have  our  wants  fup- 
 
 I  plied,  we  muft  bbour  ftcdfaftly  to  believe.   All  defedts  in 
 
 I  fanftification  Oiuft  admonifh  us  to  lookc  to  our  faith. 
 
 |'[fhirfi4riv€s  men  totbefpringsofwater;  coldforceth 
 
 |hei?i  CQ/the  fire  ;  wca^n^  or  wtnt  of  grace  fhould  move 
 
 Isfay  5j.t.       us'tocome  unto  Chrift  by  a  lively  faith.     Oh^  every  one 
 
 tkoP  thirfiith  come  jee  to  the  waters.    To  give  way  to 
 
 doubting  [ 
 
 iPet.f.4. 
 
 The  true  csufe 
 yghy  rnei^  labour 
 in  va'tntto  pra- 
 £iife  fome  pa.rtU 
 ealar  venue. 
 
thefr^tmfts  ofSmBifiuumt  56Ui  • 
 
 doubting  bcoafe  die  graces  o(  Gods  Sf  tfk  be  weacke  and 
 gjcble  in  as^  is  as  if  a -imn  feould  teflile  &3*  catc^  be.ci^<?  he 
 iif^iftt  iorwantoffaftcnance.       ^  -■'       '■  -'■  :'•'•'. 
 
 Seventhly,True  faittiftirrcch  up  to  thankftilncffc  for  the 
 beginning  of  San(^iftcatian./f^4«%  God  thrmgh  Uftts 
 Chrifi  oHr  Lord,S9  then  with  the  mlnde  Imj  felfeferve  the 
 L4W  ofQvdi  The  leaft  meafurc  of feridtlFy ing  gr-ace  h  m  it 
 felfe  m  onfpcakeable  bencfir,  confidcritig  tfie  poyipn  q\ 
 our  corrupt  nature ;  and  alfo  a  pledge  of  ftitufc  favours  to 
 be  received,  till  the  worke  bee  perfc<5ted.  God.  in  great 
 wifdoinc  powrcth  tbe  graces  of  bis  Spirit  upon  us  by  de- 
 grecMnddotfailot pcitie^ly i^iiiflifieiis at^nces  ^e^| we 
 flioi^kl  forget  wHat  great  cbings  he  doth  fb.r  us  iii'fpfjgi- 
 viag  our  &ly  trefpades,  ana  ea¥ihg  the  gHeVplis'  and 
 loathforae  diieafes  oFbur poUated foules :  butthe begiij- 
 ning  of  fand:ification  is  an  carneft  of  further  grace  to  bee 
 vouchfafcd,  till  tbe  worke  be  finifhcd  to  the  praife  of  h/s 
 grace,  which doth^ppeai-ekheiilpkylp that the'gifta  af 
 gr^e*ar.ccoinsDU3ic^t?ed  by  degrtes/"  •;'•"•  ''^^-'^'Y,  -^^^'\ 
 
 The  way  or  meancs^  whereby  a  Chriftiatl  may ftifte  tip 
 his  faith' to  believe  that  God  will  fantflific  him,  whence 
 fceih  nothing  but  chraldome  and  fin  prevailing^ahdiedeth 
 lathing  but  dcadaeffc-crfheartiis  thR' ''^  -'/-"■'  -'■i^-,'^ -/-'";' 
 
 Firft,  he  muft  bewaHebis  fjpici'uairriifeihctef  th?alr' 
 dpme.^d vaflilage under  (innc;  acknowlccfgittg ' hrslna- 
 D^lity  t9  free  and  ddivet  bimfelte.  Into  what  mii^dry  aind 
 bondage  have  Ibroughtmy  felfe.  Thou  Lord  maieft  n^e 
 bolyipurc,and  uprighc :  sBut  by  finne  I  fold  my  felf.  unto 
 the  itr vice  of rfinhcii  froMi  \\'Hi^h'1t6  ^is'ti^-fenViot^^et 
 deliverance :  .Evatyi faculty  of  foulcisdecfply  infec^ejl 
 with  that  contagious  leprofie  |  the  Mind  is  blindcvaiilc, 
 foolidi ;  the  will  perverfe  and  rebellious :  all  the  a^ci^l^ 
 qns  out  of  order ii^t-c is  4iothipg  wholpor  found  wi^h- 
 inmCbNigJat  and  (^^Bdw  Jpd^>Jed  witfr'^'ifoH  'motiphs^ 
 Thp  dcrires;ofitiy'iiniiuU  W^urf ^be^  f rftro^g:and6feV/i4 
 ling,  that  I  am  carried  ftead-long  to  that  whi'cb  is  Sv^t' 
 The  body  is  wcarie  afccr  lab^^or;  nn^  requires  '•r'iJft,  t5tit 
 
 .     R  3  fin 
 
 245 
 
 7. 
 
 I  Cor.  1,9. 
 
 I  TheC  f  .24. 
 Rom  11.29 
 
 The  meaner  to 
 fiirreup  10  be- 
 lieve that  Goi 
 iviU  (tuSlifie, 
 tvhen  foe  fee 
 H9tbi/ig  but 
 tbraldome. 
 Z. 
 
24^ 
 
 what  it  is  telweb^  Fdth  tmching 
 
 \  %  is  ever  ftirring,  never  quiet,  no  not  when  occafibns 
 j  W^w^nting.  And  that  it  might  appeare  out  of  raeafurc 
 it  takes  occafionby  the  comEnandement,  it  refi- 
 
 Romj.iif.. 
 
 Rom*7**Kt 
 
 fteth  the  good  motions  of  the  Spirit,  it  difinableth  to  evc- 
 
 ]cy  good  worke,it  difFufeth  its  venome  into  every  adion, 
 
 and  leadeth  captive  to  the  committing  of  (innc  againft 
 
 iinowledge  and  confciencc.  The  curfed  earth  is  not  fo  apt 
 
 to  be  over-grovirnc  with  wecdes,  bryars,  thornes  and 
 
 thiftles,  as  the  foule  with  lufts,   pafTtons,  diftcmpers, 
 
 worldly  cares ,  and  finfull  delights.    The  law  oi  the  flefh 
 
 rebcllcth  againil  the  law  of  the  minde/  and  carrieth  with 
 
 violence  to  the  workes  of  darkencffe.   The  Gally-flaves 
 
 condition  is  very  hafd  and  miferable :  but  the  fpirituall 
 
 bond-flaveis  in  farre worfe  eftate.  No  drudgery  fo  bafc 
 
 as  the  ferviceof  fin,  no  Tyrant  focruellas  fin,  which 
 
 allowes  no  refpite,  or  time  of  refreftiing.    O  mifer/ihU 
 
 man  that  lam^  who  [hall  deliver  nte  fiom  this  ctbminion 
 
 of  fin ^  thkbodie  of  deaths    I  have  deeply  defiled  my 
 
 felreby  tranfgreflion,  but  have  no  power  to  clenfcmy 
 
 heart;  OLord,  I  have  defaced  thine  Image,  but  cannot 
 
 repaire  it :   I  have  ycelded  the  powers  of  my  foule  to  the 
 
 obedience  offin.and  now  I  would  caft  off  that  fubje^ion 
 
 andbreakethofcfnarca,  lam  altogether  unfufficient for 
 
 it.  J^hen  Imotdd  doe.  yeell,  tviUis  ■prefent  with  tnee  i     but 
 
 I  findc  no  meaner ta  per f  eft  what  I  dcfire.  I  cannot  dcfirc 
 
 good,  my  will  is  fbin  bondage  ;  I  am  notable  to  craw'e 
 
 about  the  doing  of  that  which  is  good,  fuch  h  my  fcc- 
 
 ^leneflc  ibiit  Ivi^antnoftrengtb  tothat  which  is  evill,  I 
 
 ailJiaptahdriCadyjtpgpeaftray;  lam  invironedaAdbcfet 
 
 vvith.fip  on  every  ^ac ;  oh^ ,  when  Ihall  I  Be  fct  at  liberty/ 
 
 ^hat  Jjiiight  doc  the  work  of  God,ahd  run  the  race  of  his 
 
 CoQvmandements.  ■ 
 
 *  Se,condly,He  muft  lookc  to  the  gracc,truth,and  power;  | 
 of GQ,i^,,whohatb;prpmife<J t<3fanfiific  ;  to  the  fuUneffe 
 andXufificiencie  io  Chrift,  the  foqwtainc  of  grace)" 
 
 Hc.whohath  fpoken  this  to  me,Hold.  me,  and 'I  willfet 
 x^%c  Tree,  twill  circumcife  tby  heart, '  wafla  it,  purge  rt, 
 ''-    '     ■  ■       -     ^    '/  beale 
 
thefromifes  of  SanBification,^c, 
 
 healc  it  of  all  fickncffes  and  infirmities :  be  that  hath  fpo- 
 kcn  itjis  God  Almighty,  who  giveth  Being  to  all  vifiblc 
 creatures  .and  that  invifible  world  of  Spirits :  who  calletb 
 the;  titngs  that  are  not,as  if  they  wwe :  who  if  there  were 
 no  print  of  thefe  thingsin  mCjcan  works  and  create  them 
 glorioufly,  as  at  firft  he  drew  this  excellent  frame  of  the 
 world  out  of  that  confufed  lumpe,  or  Maffe  which  hee 
 made  of  nothing.  And  as  he  is  great  in  power,  fo  is  he 
 rich  in  mercy,  aboundant  in  goodneffe  and  truth ;  as  ready 
 and  faithfull  to  keepe,  as  he  was  free  to^  make  the  pro- 
 mifc.  His  grace  is  unfearchable,  his  Word  purer  thenfii- 
 verfeven times  refined,  Inmyfclfc  lam  full  of  finne, 
 barren , and  dcftitute  of  grace:  but  Ghrillis  an  dvcrw 
 flowing  foiihtalne,who  hath  plentifully  filled  all  that  Bc- 
 Ueyc.  A'l  the  faithfull  have  dra  wne  of  his  fullneflc,  and 
 yet  his  ftore  is  no  whit  diminidicd.  O  my  foulejtruH:  thou 
 intheLord,andthou{haltbe  purged  from  thy  fi-lthineffe, 
 replenifhed  with  his  grace,  loe,  he  calleth  the  thirftie, 
 who  be  deftituta  of  all  fap and  fruit  of  gracejtocome^nto 
 him,  that  they  may  be  refrcflicd.  The  Saints,  who  havd: 
 bee:ne  moft  enriched  with  variety  of  graces,  wercty  na- 
 ture as  poore  and  dcftitute  as  thou  art.  What  they  had, 
 they  received  by  faith:Believe  as  they  did.and  fpeed  with 
 them.  Why  crieft  thou  out  diftruftfuUy  by  reafon  of  thy 
 barrenneffe^Doth  the  dreaming  fountaine  denie  water  to 
 the  thirfty  traveller  ?  No  more  doth  Chrift  to  the  emptic 
 parched  foule,  that  comes  unto  him.  Thou  haft  no  grace 
 of  thy  felfe  :  cleave  unto  him  and  thou  flialtwant  none 
 that  may  be  for  thy  good.Hc  filleth  the  empty,  and  fatisff- 
 cth  the  poore,  that  he  might  be  acknowledged  the  well- 
 fpring  of  all  grace  and  goodneffe. 
 
 Thirdly,He  muft  pray  inftantly  unto  the  Lord  for  fan- 
 dlifying  grace.  Faith  obtaineth,  as  a  poore  petitioner, 
 what  the  Lord  promifeth  in  fpeciall  favour:  nor  can  it  be- 
 lieve longer,  then  itprayeth  virtually  ©r  aftually.  O 
 Lord,  thou  haft  promifcd  to  powre  vaterupon  thethirfir, 
 and  rivers  upe ft  the  dry  grottiid :  I  pray  ihcc,  wafli  mee 
 R  4 throughly 
 
 247 
 
 Efay  44.J.& 
 
 I  5-7. 
 loel  z.^S. 
 
3^4^ 
 
 Zccb,!^  .1. 
 
 what  it  is  totwebj  IP mth  cmcerning 
 
 throughly  from  my  filthincffe,  and  water  me  bountifal-' 
 ly  Avith  the  dew  ot  thy  grace,  which  may  coolc  and  allay 
 the  fcorchingheatc  ot-eanc.  r^<7«  hafi  opemd  afeunuine 
 to  the  hottfe  of'Dz'^xdy  andtv  the  inhabitants  «/ Jcrdfelem 
 f«rfin  and  for  uncleAnnep  :  let  the  ftrcames  thereof  flow 
 upon  my  drie  and  barren  foulc,  that  it  may  be  fruitfull  in 
 tbcWorkcs  of  holiBeflc.  O  put  thy  good  Spirit  into  me, 
 which  may  be  as  a  fountainc  of  living  waters^  ipringin^' 
 unto  eternayi?  life, ;;  ^Jj^ho'  ;;in  lutb:.uoQ::^^-:vni:M\j:  ■ 
 
 Fourthly,  Itis  good  to  nodvc  andquitkfcifi'fhiBiatt 
 quietly  to  reft  in  the  promife,and  rc/oycc  in  hope.  Waite 
 on  the  Lord,  O  my  fbule,  and  be  glad  in  him :  fbr  hcc 
 hath  given  Chrift  to  be  thy  Saniaification.  Me  isap^oin*^ 
 ted: to  be  the  bt^mntx  and  finiflaer  of  thy  holiiie{fe  ;  and 
 furely  he  vJll  not  leave  that  worke'impcrfe(5l',Whcretint6 
 he  is  ordained  of  the  Father.  Were  the  progre^e  of  that 
 building,  committed  to  thy  care  and  over-fight,  there 
 might  be  caule  of  feare;but  fince  it  is  laid  upon  him,thinc 
 onely.flnd  alUfufficjent  Redeemer,  there  is  no  place  for 
 doubting'  ,  Hol3  him  taft,  and  thou  arc  fafe.  Lord  in- 
 creafc  my  faitb^nd  kcepe  me  dole  unto  thee  in  believing 
 for  evermore. 
 
 CHAP. HIT. 
 
 ^  ^  11--*!!:}i!n'^'T  !■'- 
 
 A 
 
 PFhat  it  is  to  live  by  Faith  concfvnivig  the 
 promljes  ofeverlajting  life, 
 
 S  if  it  were  a  light  thing,  that  God  (hould  forgive 
 i  all  our  finncs,  and  hcale  ©ur  infirmities,  he  hath  gi* 
 Pfal.103.5j4.  ^  vcn  promife  of  everlafting  life  to  be  conferred  of  his  rich 
 EternaUUfe  is ,  grace  Upon  them  that  believe  in  Jefos  Chrift.  God/o  loved 
 \promifei  ^       I  the  recrldythathe gave  his  only  begotten  Son^that  whofoever 
 belie  vet  h  in  him^/houldfiotperijhjbut  have  ever  lading  lift. 
 And  Chrift  hath  purchafed  life  everlafting  no  leffc  for  us, 
 
 then 
 
thefremifes  ofcverlafling  life. 
 
 then  righteoufnedc  :  Bj  the  blend  of  lejus  we  may  be  bold 
 t9  enter  into  the  Hoiiefi,  hy  the  new  and  living  vfinj  which  he 
 hath  ccnfe  crated  for  m, through  the  vaiUy  that  is  ttfsy^  Uis 
 fiefij.  For  this  cauje  he  is  the  x^Mediatour  of  the  New  Ter 
 flamenty  that  bj  meanes  of  death,  for  the  redemption  of  the 
 tranjgrejfionsy  that  were  under  the  firfi  Tefiament,  they 
 T»hieh  are caUedy  might  receive  the  fromife  of  etern^U  in- 
 heyitani^.  And  therefore  as  he  is  faid  to  have  made  recon- 
 i^iliatim  for  intcjMty,  and  to  have  brought  in  everla- 
 fiing  right e oufneffe :  lb  alfo  to  have  aboltjhed  death,  and 
 brought  life  and  immortality  to  light.  And  he  makes  pro- 
 mifeof  cverlafting  life  to  them  that  heare  and  obey  his 
 VC^ce.,  *  tJVfyjheefe  heare  my  voice,  axdl  k»ors>  them,a»d 
 theyfoUo'}ffne ;  ^nd  I  give  unto  them  eternall  hfe^and  they 
 Jhail  never  ferijh,^  In  the  Goi^diivjc  findc  ctcrnall  life 
 promifqd  upon  condition  of  faith  in  Chrift  ;  'Believe  on 
 the  Lord  lejtu  Chrifi y  and  thou  fhalt  beefaved :  and  what 
 God  proiiyfejh  of  free  grace,  that  fei^h  ^otJ*  c^rtainely 
 
 receive.-     .;v..r  '<^    '•,{^:J  .^    •  S^X     .-ri.-/.''   ^M  ■'.■^ 
 
 Life  is  prpmifcd  upon  condition  of  Faith,and  by  faith 
 we  arc  quickened,  entitled  unto,  and  made  partakers  of 
 life  eve  rlafting.  Hee  that  believeth  en  the  Sonne  Joath  ever- 
 lajling  life' I  He  that  heareibwy  JVord,  <md believeth  on  him 
 thatfent  me,  hath  everlafiing  life,  andfljAll net  come  inta 
 coHA'emnatienJfUt  kath  pa^edfiom  death  te  life. ,  This  is  the 
 reeordythat  god  hath  given  to  M  eternaU  life^  and  this  life 
 is  in  his  Sonne,  Hee  that  hath  the  Sonne  hath  life ;  and  hee 
 that  hath  net  theSen^hath  not  life.  If  once  we  be  brought 
 to  believe  in. Chrift,  life  etcrnallis  then  be^un  in  us.  This 
 is  life  eternall.to  know  (that  rs,  with  the  knowledge  of 
 faiths  thee  to  be  the  onely  true  God,  and  lefus  (^hrifi  whom 
 thou  hafijent.  for  Chrift  is  our  life,whe  dwels  in  our  hearts 
 by  faith:  and  therefore  whofocver  believe  inhim,  have 
 life  through  and  with  him.  And  this  life  is  not  another, 
 }  but  one  in  fubftancc  with  that  b^tflcd  and  glorious  eftare, 
 I  which  the  Saints  er joy  in  Heaven,  though  different  in 
 degree  Againc,  wh^  firft  wc  believe,  then  wee  are  in- 
 ^  tituled 
 
 ^9 
 
 Heb.io.  19^20. 
 Heb.9,ij. 
 
 iJan.9.24. 
 1  T.m.i.io, 
 
 aJ'jH.io  27, 
 
 Ads  \f>.i  r, 
 Ioh.6.40,!& 
 10.3  I. 
 I  Joh,2.zj. 
 
 lohn  J.24. 
 
 I  Job, 5.1 1, 
 12, ij. 
 
 Jokn  17.5. 
 
 Col.  J,  4. 
 
250 
 
 1  Pet.  1,3,4. 
 
 Ttt.3.7. 
 
 Rom.^.i®, 
 Vecfe  17. 
 
 Ephcf.r.6. 
 
 lohni.ii. 
 
 lIok,j.i,2. 
 
 Gal.3.25t£9> 
 Gal.4.4,^ 
 
 Varfe  7. 
 
 Roai.8.14,' 
 
 Verfs  17. 
 ^Heb.ii,*?. 
 
 Therefore  »ee 
 
 What.it  is  to  live  by  Fdth  concerning 
 
 tiduled  to  life  everlaftmg,and  fo  have  the  accompliflimcnt 
 ot  glory  in  refpedl  of  right  and  proprietie.    Btejfedh  the 
 God  ahd  Father  eifo fir  Lordlefm  Chri^,  which  aecerding 
 to  his  ah Undmt  mercy,  hath  begotten  m  againe  unto  a  live» 
 ly  hopCf  by  the  refurre^ion  of  lefta  from  the  dead,  To  an 
 inheritance  incorrf/ptibie,  and  undefiUd,  and  that  fadeth 
 not  away.    That  hing  jftfiified  by  his  grace,   wee  Jhonld 
 bee-made  heires  according  to  the  hope  of  eternall  life.  For 
 if  when  we  were  enemiet,  wee  were  reconciled  to  Gody  by 
 the  death  of  his  Sonne :    mt*eh  more  being  reconcUed,  wee 
 P$aUbefavedbyhis  life.     They  which  receive  abundance 
 of  grace  y  and  of  the  gift  of  righteoufnejfe,  Jhall  raigne  in 
 life  by  one  lefm  C'hrifi.    To  an  earthly  inheritance  title 
 folio weth  upon  the  birth;  to  the  fpirituall  upon  our 
 Adoption.   But  when  we  believe  in  Chrift,  wc  are  then 
 made  the  Sonnes  of  God  by  Adoption,  yea,  fonncs  ae- 
 vepted.  To  04  many  a£  received  him,  to  them  gave  heefri- 
 viledge  to  become  the  Sonnes  of  Qod^  even  to  them  that 
 belteve  on  his  Name.    Behold,  what  manner  of  love  the 
 Father  hath  bsfiowed  upon  w,  that  wee  Jhbuld  bee  called 
 the  Sonnes  of  (jod,    'Beloved^  now  are  wee  the  Sonnes  of 
 God,  and  it  doth  not  yet  appe  are,  what  wee  Jhall  bee.    For 
 ye  are  all  the  children  of  God  by  faith  in  Chrift  lef  pis yt^c^ 
 iy4nd  if  yee  bee  Chrifis,   then  are  yee  Abrahams  feed, 
 and  heires  according  to  the  promife.    tvhen  the  fHilneffe  if 
 time  was  come^    God  fent  forth  his   Sonne  made  of  a 
 wory9an,~made  under  the  Law,  to  redeeme  them  that  are 
 Under  the  Law,  that  we  might  receive  the  adoption  of  Sons, 
 wherefore  thou  art  no  more  afervantj>ut  afonne  ;  and  if  a 
 fonne,  then  an  heire  of  God  through  Chrifi,  For  as  many  as 
 are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  they  are  the   Sonnes  of  God. 
 &c.  liyindif  children,  then  heires,  heires  of  God,  and  jojnt 
 heires  with  Chrifi,  And  for  this  caufe  the  faithfiill  arc  ^1- 
 led  ^  the  Church  of  the  fir  ft  begotten  whofe  names  are 
 written  in  Heaven.^ovf  if  eternall  life  be  promifed  in  the 
 Gofpelljpurchafed  by  Clirift,and  in  right  and  title  belong 
 unto  the  faithfull,  we  may  conclude  k  is  our  part  and 
 "  duty 
 
thefrcmifes  ofeverlafimg  life. 
 
 duty  to  believe  in  God  through  JcfusIChrift,  as  well  for 
 the  obtaining  of  eternall  life  to  be  given  of  grace,  as  the 
 forgivcncffc  of  our  fins. 
 
 And  this  is  receffary,  that  wee  might  with  the  more 
 quietncffc  of  mindc  beare  the  af fiiftions  and  worldly  lof- 
 fes,  the  troubles  and  perfecution,   which  befall  us  in 
 this  world,    Caft  not  away  therefore  jour  confidencCt 
 which  hath  great  recompence  of  reward  :  for  jee  have 
 need  <f  fatienccy  that  after yee  have  done  the  mil  of  God, 
 jee  might  receive  the  promife.  ^^braham  is  commended 
 in  Scripture,  that  he  left  bis  friends,  his  native  Conntrie, 
 and  allearthly  hopes  there,  which  were  not  fniall,  and 
 came  to  dwell  in  aftrange  Land,  as  aPiigrime,  whersc 
 he  fufitrcd  many  injuries,  andwasexcreifed  witbniany  , 
 troubles  of  fundrie  kinds ;  all  which  bee  endured  with 
 invincible  patience,  by  the  hope  and  deiire  of  eternall 
 Iifc,wd  that  heavenly  Countrie  whereunco  he  was  called. 
 The  hope  of  heaven  is  the'  firme  and  fure  anchor  of  the 
 foulc,  to  fuHainc  and  ftablifh  it,  that  it  be  not  tofled 
 up  and  downe,  and  over-whelmed  with  reproaches  and 
 indignities  offered,  with  the  worldly  loffes  and  miferics 
 of  this  life. 
 
 .  vlt  ferves  dlfo  to  eftablifli  our  hearts  againft  fundry 
 worldly  cares  and  feareS;  affcdation  of  earthly  grcatneflfe. 
 and  carking  for  earthly  neceffariesi  For  why  fliouldwe 
 admire  the  glory  of  this  life,  when  moft  excellent  glory, 
 riches  and  happines  j'oyned  with  it,  is  prepared  and  given 
 u§  through  faith  in  Chrift?  Why  fliould  wee  doubt  of 
 earthly  neceflaries,  when  God  hath  bequeathed  unto  ua 
 an  heavenly  kingdome.  Faith  in  Chrift,  to  receive  anin«* 
 corruptible crowne  of  glory;  will  moderate  defires  o^ 
 earthly  things,  that  we  Cball  neither  admire,  nor  afpire 
 after grcatthings  below,  nor  bafcly  diftruft  the  Lord  for 
 ^Mpplycjfwbatheknowesmeete  and  convenient  for us^ 
 Pearef\cit,iktleflpcke^feriiti$yoftr'Fathers  goodpleafAirf~t'9 
 givey  OH  the  Kingdome, 
 :  If  wetepc  Heaven  in  our  eye,  and  looke  to  the  high 
 -'>■'-  price , 
 
 251 
 
 It  is  very  »c» 
 cejfaty  to  be- 
 lieve it, 
 
 I. 
 
 Heb.  10,3  5^36 
 
 Htcb.:^ » '8)9,5 
 
 Heb.6. 
 
 i^* 
 
 J,n- 
 
 Luke  i»  32. 
 
252 
 
 what  it  is  t»  live  bj  F Aithconeemng 
 
 Tbz  a&s  of 
 faith  cancer- 
 ning  ihefefrO' 
 mifis, 
 I. 
 
 *  EpheC».8. 
 
 Afts  i6  31. 
 
 Rom.  1.2. 
 Rom.io.io. 
 
 Rom.4.1^. 
 
 R«m.ie.iXt 
 
 price  of  our  ealUng,  wee  flialL  fight  couragioufljr,  and 
 mnnewkh  paciericc,  notwithttanding  all  oppoficioa, 
 Whac  can  daunchim  in  the  waics  of  godline^,  or  make 
 hiinflackehispace,  wbortinnes  toobtainc  noca  corrup- 
 tible, but  an  incorrupnbie  crownc?  By  faith  fome  were 
 tortured^  not  acceptm^  deliverance,  that  they  Jnighi  ffb" 
 taine  a  htter  refHrreUUn,  Let  m  rHnne  rvUh  patience  unto 
 the  raee  thatisfet  befor^e  Uf,Lr>9kj^ȣ  onto  leftts,  the  Aftthor 
 and  flnljher  of  onr  faith  y  whofor  the  joy  that  reoi  fet  bef^rt 
 him^end^red the cro^ffyde^ljlngthe  (hamey  andidfetdowneat 
 the  right  hand  of  the  throne  of  God ^ 
 
 The  adts  of  faith  concerning  thcfe  promifcs  bee 
 thefc. 
 
 Firft,  As  an  humble  petitioner  it  rccciveth  andlayeth 
 hold  upon  falvation  it  fclfc  pro mifed, which  wee  have  of 
 ©ods  grace,  as  well  as  any  benefit  tending  thereunto.  As 
 we  are  /unified  by  faith,  fo  we  are  *  favedhy  faith  5  not 
 inrefpedot  prcfent  falvation  o^r  redemption,  whereof 
 here  we  afe  partakers,  but  in  rcfped  of  glorification  to 
 comf  ,irt  due  time  to  be  revealed  Believe  on  the  JL^rdUftU^ 
 1  and  thou  fialt  beefaved.  By  faith  wee  have  accede  intflthi^ 
 \  grace  fVf herein  we  fiand,   and  rejoyce  in  the  hope  of  glory. 
 When  the  Apoftle  faith,   With  the  heart  Man  ielieveth 
 ftuto  righteoujfhejfe,  and  with  the  mouth  confeffionu  made 
 «»^o/^/t;<«^«s«.Hc  doth  not  fodiftin^uiflithefc  two,  as  if 
 faith  were  the  caufe  ofrighteoufneffejconfcflion  of  falva- 
 tion ;  or  as  if  faith  were  fafficieot  to  rightcoufneffe,  but 
 not  to  falvation  :  for  he  had  often  faid,  thatweM'efaved 
 by  f^th, that  the  pronitfeiihy  faith:  But  he  defctibcs  the 
 qualification  of  that  faith  which  /uftifycth  and  faveth, 
 namely, that  it  is  a  ftedfaft  affiance,  that  flyeth  to  God  by 
 hearty  fupplication,  and  breaketh  forth  into  profefldon  of 
 Gods  name.   The  promife  is,  fVhofoever  fltaU  cail4tppnthe 
 name  of  the  Lordfhall  btfaved :  and  faith  herein jflygthitb 
 the  throne  of  grace  with  ardent  fupplications,  aftd iayeth 
 hold  of  falvation  promifed  of  grace. 
 
 Secondly ,-Faith  doth  not  begin  to  apprehend  life,  and 
 
 then 
 
thefrcmifes  ofe^erlafting  life. 
 
 then  leave  it  to  workcs,that  wc  tnigbt  attainc  the  accom- 
 pliflimcntby  them,  but  it  doth  ever  reft  upon  the  pro- 
 miiZy  untill  wc  come  to  enjoy  it.  Heaven  is  an  inheri- 
 tance freely  vouchfafed  to  the  adopted  fonres  of  God, 
 whofe  intercft  unto  it  commeth  by  believing,  not  by  wor- 
 kms,.Th£glft  Qfgodiseternall  life  tkrefigh  lefus  Chrifi  ettr 
 L9rd  :  and  if  it  be  a  gift  of  meerc  favour,  it  cannot  be  of 
 workcs.  If  th€  inheritance  be  of  the  Law,  it  i^  no  more  of 
 promife:  hut  God  gave  it  to  Abraham  by  promife.  And 
 that  which  God  will  do  about  his  children  in  the  day  of 
 judgement,  is  called  mercy  ;  The  Lordjheyv  mercy  to  One- 
 fiphorus  m  that  day.  The  immediate  caufe  of  life  is  Gods 
 grace,  as  the  immediate  caufe  of  death  is  (in.  But  if  life 
 be  of  grace,  it  is  by  faith.  *  We  are  kept  by  the  fewer  of 
 Godthr^tfigh  faith  untefahation.  So  that  our  faith  never 
 gives  over,  till  we  come  to  beadually  pofleff<-d  of  the 
 ioimortall  and  undcfiled  inheritance,  refcrved  for  us  in 
 
 Heaven.  .    \     .  . 
 
 Thirdly,  By  faith  we  receive  thepromifed  Spirir,is  the 
 carneftof  our  inheritance,  untill  the  redemption  of  the 
 purchafed  poi!e0ion.  Becanfeye  arefonms,  Godhathfent 
 forth  the  Spirit  ofhii  Son  into  your  hearts, cry  if^g,  Abba  Fa- 
 ther, The  Holy  Ghoft  doth  firft  infufe  the  grace  of  faith 
 into  our  hearts,  whereby  we  believe  :  but  believing,  and 
 being  made  the  fonnes  of  GodjWercceive  theSpirit  more 
 fblly  and  n^anifeftly,  dwelling  in  us  to  fanaification  ,  and 
 aiTurance  of  our  redemption.  By  the  benefit  of  th;  holy 
 Ghoft  fmh  fpriwgetb  in  ws,  by  which  faith  the  abundance 
 ofthefelfc  iame  (pvrit  isincreafed;  and  fo  of  a  greater 
 faith  is  ftill  ma  e  a  greater  increafe  of  the  Spirit.  /«  whow 
 after  jee  believed^jee  yverefealed  with  the  Spirit  cfprowife. 
 He  tkat  helieveth,  otit  of  his  beUy  jhall  fow  rivers  of  living 
 y^t4r.  Afld  .tbcfc  .gifts  of  the  Spirit,  which  we  receive  by 
 i  faifb  frQi^Chtitar  Headarc  the  beginningsof  that  glo- 
 rioQS  life  we  expefi:  and  lookc  for ;  one  in  fub(hncc,difl:c- 
 rentm  degrees  ;  and  according  to  the  mcafure  of  grace 
 received,  fp  is  the  life  of  glory  begun  in  us. 
 
 Fourthly, 
 
 253 
 
 Rom.6.25 
 
 Galj.iS. 
 
 2  Tim.  1. 1 8. 
 Rom. 5  21. 
 
 *  1  Pet.i.j^ 
 
 Gal.3.14, 
 
 Gal4.6, 
 Rom.  S.  If. 
 
 Ephcf.  1.15. 
 John. 7. 3  8. 
 
254 
 
 M.3.tth.6.n. 
 
 Rom.S.ij. 
 Gai.5.8. 
 
 Heb.ii.i4. 
 
 I  Tim.^,17, 
 18,15. 
 
 ludc  Vcrfe  xo 
 
 tu 
 
 Jam,  I.  It.  X  J". 
 
 Matth,25.34. 
 
 3  5' 
 
 Pfte  k  is  to  live  by  Vdth  comernlng 
 
 Fourthly,  Faith  in  the  promifes  of  evcrlafting  life,  Ica- 
 dcth  forward  ifi  the  pathcs  of  peace  and  righteoufncffc : 
 It  mortifycth  corruption,  ftudyeth  holineflc,  raifcth  the 
 heart  to  things  above,  and  direc^leth  the  convcrfation 
 according  to  the  pollicic  of  the  new  Itrnfulem,    Life 
 etcrnall  is  not  given  for  workcs,  but  it  is  the  good  plea- 
 fureofGod,  that  his  children  fhould  be  holy  andcxcr- 
 cife  themfclves  in  all  good  workcs.  Ifjes  through  the  S ft- 
 rit  doe  msrtifie  the  deeds  afthe  body,  jee  {hAtl  live,  Hee  that 
 fowethto  the  Spirit,  JhAllofthe  Spirit  reape  life  everUfling» 
 Blejfedare  the  pure  in  heart,  for  they  fbullfee  God,   FoUorv 
 peace  with  all m? ft,  andholine^e^  tvithout  which  nomanfhall 
 fee  the  Lord,     Charge  them  that  be  rich  in  this  -merldy  that 
 they  be  not  high  minded^nor  trnfi:  in  uncertaine  riches,  hut  in 
 the  living  Gody  who  giveth  richly  alt  things  to  enjoy.  That  I 
 they  doe  good,  that  they  be  rich  in  goodworkfs, ready  to  difiri-  ! 
 bfite,  tvt/ling  to  communicate  ;   Laying  up  in  fiore  for  them-  | 
 fehesagood  foundation  againfi  the  time  to  come,  that  they 
 may  lay  hold  on  eternal  life,    Butyee  beloved,  building  up 
 your  felves,  in  your  mo^  holy  faith,  praying  in  the  holy 
 Ghofl,  k^eepe  your  felves  in  the  love  of  God,  looking  for  the  i 
 mereie  of  our  Lord  lefut  Chrift  unto  eternaU  life.    Come  \ 
 yee  bleffed  of  my  Father,    inherit  the  l^ngdome  prepared  j 
 for  you  from  the  foundation  of  the  w  oriel.  For  Iwoi  hungred,  \ 
 and^eegave  me  meate^c^c,  Thcfe  and  fuch  like  paflfagcs  of  [ 
 Scripture  flicw,not  the  caufc  why,but  the  qualification  of  , 
 the  pcrfons  unto  whom ;  not  how  it  is  defer vcd,but  what  j 
 doth  precede  the  beftowing  of  life  etcrnall.    And  faith,  • 
 that  lookcth  for  that  bleffed  hope,  and  layeth  hold  upon 
 the  promife  of  that  heavenly  and  incorruptible  inheri- 
 tance, liftcth  up  the  heart  into  Heaven ,  kindlcth  love, 
 inflamcth  with  zeale,   encourageth  againft  difficulties, , 
 andinciteth  to  run  the  way  of  Gods  Cotnmandenacnts. 
 If  probable  hope  of  great  advantage  drawcs  on  the 
 Merchant  to  undertake  a  long  and  tedious  voyage  by 
 Sea,    notwithftanding  the  many  cafualties  and  perils 
 wherewith  it  is  befet  :  faith  in  the  affurcd  promifcs  of 
 
 God 
 
thprcmfes  of  cverlafting  life. 
 
 God  concerning  falvation,  will  fct  a  man  forward  in  his 
 Cbriftian  journey,  hold  him  on  in  his  way  with  courage 
 and  chearefiilnefle  5  and  hearten  him  to  the  workesof 
 godlincffe,  notwithftanding  the  temptations  of  Sathan, 
 the  allurements  of  the  world  ,  or  oppofitions  of  the 
 flcflitothecontrarie.  Ottrconverfattonisin  Heavenyi^ofn 
 yvhence  alfo  wee  looke  for  the  Saviour^  the  Lord  lefm 
 C^ri^,  Wee  give  thankes  to  (jod^  And  Since  wee  heard  of 
 your  faith  in  Chrifl  leftu,  and  of  the  love  yvhichjee  have  to 
 all  the  Saints  i  For  the  hope  which  is  laid  up  for  yon  in  Hea- 
 ven, By  faith  ^brahanty  Ifaac,  and  lacobt  confeffcd  that 
 they  were  pilgrimes  and  ftrangers  on  the  earth,  and  ha- 
 ving opportunity  would  nocreturnc  into  their  own  coun- 
 trey,  becaufe  they  defired  a  better  countrey,  that  is,  an 
 heavenly. 
 
 Fiftly,  It  fecketh  to  get  our  title  confirmed  and  afTu- 
 red  to  the  confcience  by  evidence,  and  earncftjor  pawne ; 
 it  exercifcth  it  fclfe  upon  the  many  gratious  promifes, 
 whereby  God  doth  freely  paflc  it  upon  us,  and  earneftly 
 beggcth  the' powerful!  effe^uall  mhabitation  of  the  Spi- 
 rit to  ftampe  and  imprint  the  Image  of  Chrift  more  and 
 moreuponthe  foulc ;  it  perufeth  its  evidence  againe  and 
 :^ainc ,  and  nourifheth  the  motions ,  ftirreth  up  the 
 graces  of  the  Spirit,  which  is  tbc  carnefl:  pcnnie  and 
 icale  of  the  promifed  inheritance.If  Men  make  an  earthly 
 purchafe,they  will  fpare  no  coft  or  labour  to  get  it  affured, 
 they  will  have  good  evidence,fine  and  recoveric,and  take 
 what  courfe  in  time  may  exempt  it  from  claime  j  and 
 faith  receiving  the  promifc  of  this  pur  chafed  mherirance, 
 will  not  reft  in  uncertainties  or  prefumptions,  but  doth 
 travaile  to  have  it  afTuredly  pafled  and  made  upon  the 
 foulc. 
 
 Sixtly,  It  ftriveth  to  enter  the  poffeffion  of  this  hea- 
 venly kingdomc  by  degrees. Men  that  purchafc  an  inheri- 
 tance to  come  in  hereafter,  they  are  glad  if  any  part  fall 
 into  their  hands  for  the  prefcnt,  or  if  they  can  get  fomc 
 by  parcels,  before  the  whole  be  pofTeflcd.    Fulnefle  of 
 
 255 
 
 Phil.  5  20. 
 Col.i.3,4,5. 
 
 Pfal.ii5.j,6. 
 
 Phil.  3.10, 12. 
 »3. 
 
2^6 
 
 Whut  it  is  to  live  hy  Fmhiomiermng 
 
 1' 
 
 R.om.8,13. 
 
 Phil.!.?  3. 
 
 Cor.  J  I. 
 
 t. 
 
 ijoh  J.I. 
 
 Verft  I. 
 Verfe  14. 
 
 glory  is  rcfervcd  to  the  life  to  come  :  but  the  beginnings 
 of  glory,  peace  of  confcicncc,  Joy  in  the  holy  Ghoft,  and 
 fancftification  of  the  Spirit,  are  vouchfeFcd  here,  Grace  is 
 the  beginning  of  glory,  and  glory  the  perfeftion  ofgracc^ 
 According  to  the  mcafurc  of  grace  received,  and  as  we 
 grow  up  in  Sandiiicationjfo  we  enter  upon  the  poffefliorj 
 of  our  ecernall  ifihcritance.  And  true  lively  faith  doth  co- 
 vet grace  more  and  more,  and  draw  unto  ic  feIf<lfro6i 
 Chrifts  fulneffc.  ■-\'h\N*.^> 
 
 Seventhly,  It  earne^ly  defires  and  long^tb  aft^r  ^hc 
 full  accompli£hment  of  glory.  0  «r  [elva  alfo  which  ha've 
 the  firfi  Jruits  of  the  Spirit,  even  rpee  our  felves  gro4ine 
 yvithin  onr  felves,  waiting  for  the  ^dopt'tott^  to  wit,  the  j 
 redemption  of  the  Bodie.  I  deflre  to  depart^  and  to  bee 
 relth  Chrifi,  which  is  farre  better.  Salvation  is  the  elid  of 
 faith ;  Heaven  the  habitation  or  home  of  the  faithfull. 
 For  in  this  wegroane  eameBly,  dejiring  to  he  cloathednpon 
 with  our  hotife^  which  is  from  'Heaven.  Naturall  bodies 
 move  to  their  proper  place ;  all  living  things  covet  per- 
 fcdiion  in  their  kird  :  heaven  is  the  proper  place  and  con- 
 dition of  the  faithfull,  liFe  everlafting  the  perfeftion  of  1 
 faith  :  therebre  if  faith  bee  lively,  it  longeth  after  the 
 fruition  of  glory,  and  fiill  pofleflion  of  the  promifcd  in- 
 heritance. 
 
 Eightly,  It  afTureth  that  we  are  made  heires  of  ever «• 
 lafting  life,  to  which  God  of  his  grace  will  bring  us  in  bis  { 
 time  appointed.      'Behold  what  love   the  Father  hath  i 
 heft  owed  up  m  hs,  that  wee  jhould  bee  caUed  the  fonnescf 
 God  Beloved  now  are  -wee  the  fonnes  ofGod^  and  it  doth  I 
 not  yet  appear e  what  wee  fhall  bee :  fVee  know  that  wee  have  \ 
 pa  fed  from  dsath  unto  lifcy  becaufe  wee  love  the  brethren  ^  i 
 Neither  doth  the  manner  of  fpeaking  favour  of  ought  i 
 but  certainty,  neither  could  it  agree  with  the  gravity  of 
 the  Apoftle  to  fpeake  fo  indefinitely,  fo  indeterminately 
 of  that,  whereof  bee  hid  no  certaine  ground;,  nofirmc 
 refolution,  hut  onely  fome likely  gueflc,  or  conje^urall 
 hope.   And  grant  it  of  John,  and  the  Apoftlcs,  that  they 
 
 knew 
 
the  fromijes  efcverlafiing  life. 
 
 knew  their  ownc  Adoption ;  andwc  mayinferrc,  that 
 this  knowledge  is  a  privilcdgcofal  believers  in  their  mca- 
 fiirc,  as  well  as  tbeirs.  For  the  faith  whereby  they  were 
 afluredjwas  ordinary ;  the  grounds  of  afl'urance  common 
 to  them  with  all  true  believers ;  the  benefit  it  felfs  gcne- 
 rall,  not  in  any  fpeciall  manner  appropriated.  What  pro- 
 mifcs  foever  concerning  life  and  happinefle  were  made  to 
 the  Apotllesjthe  fame  are  made  to  all  believers,  and  con- 
 firmed and  fealed  unto  them  after  the  fame  manner.  For 
 they  have  all  one  God,  one  Chrift,  one  Spirit,  they 
 arc  under  one  Covenant ,  and  live  by  the  fame  faith. 
 The  Adoption  of  Believers  is  confirmed  on  Gods  part  un. 
 to  them  by  his  word,  fcalcs,  oath,  pledge  and  witneffe  of 
 his  Spirit  with  the  graces  thereof:  And  what  God  fo 
 liifficiently  confirmeth,  wc  by  faith  may  receive  it  :  for 
 faith  inableth  us  to  believe  what  God  revealeth. 
 
 Faith  giveth  aflurance,  but  every  believer  is  not  afliircd 
 in  bimfclfe,nor  is  any  aflurance  in  this  life  fo  certaine,that 
 it  is  never  intermixed ,  nor  difturbed  with  doubtings. 
 There  is  a  ftatc  in  which  faith  flieweth  it  felfe,  rather 
 in  carnefl:  longings  and  pantings  after  mercy ,  then  in 
 certaine  apprehension  of  it  :  there  is  a  ftate  of  infan- 
 cic,  aftate  of  temptation  and  fpirituall  conflid,  in  which 
 the  foule  cannot  attaine  this  certaintie  and  aflurance.  And 
 even  in  the  growne  and  confirmed  ftate  the  believer 
 '  rauft  not  looke  to  walke  on  fmoothly  without  any  rubs, 
 or  to  enjoy  perfecfl  aflurance  without  doubtings  and 
 aflaults.  The  aflurance  of  this  believer  is  an  aflurance  ai- 
 ming and  ftriving  after  aflurance ;  an  aflurance  wreftling 
 and  combating  with  many  aflaults  \  an  aflurance  which 
 labours  with  continuall  weakeneflc,  and  lookes  not  to 
 come  to  perfeftion  but  by  temptations.  But  of  this  be- 
 fore. 
 
 *  God  in  great  mercy  doth  vouchfafc  to  his  Adopted 
 fonnes  many  excellent  royalties  in  this  life.  They  arc 
 moft  precious  unto  him,  H  is  chiefe  trmfttre^  His  lave  for 
 delights.  His  peculiar  fedple^  the  lot  of  his  inherit Anccy 
 
 S  His 
 
 257 
 
 i  Pet  I.I. 
 
 Rom.8.34,3J 
 
 Ephcf.4.4,j,« 
 
 &  77'7- 
 Pfal.4i.y. 
 
 &  4J.f. 
 
 *  Exod.X9.y. 
 
 Pfal.13^4. 
 
 Cant.7.6, 
 
 Pfal.i6.y. 
 
 Dent.  J  1.9. 
 
 Pfal.8j.3. 
 
258      I  what  it  is  to  U  vth'j  fAith  con  arnlng 
 
 Mai.  J.  1 7. 
 Zach.».8. 
 Pfal.  108.6, 
 &  117. z,         1 
 Cant.8.6 . 
 Eray,49.i6.     1 
 Joh  14.23. 
 lofli.i.^. 
 Pral.109.31, 
 &  111.5. 
 pral.75.1j, 
 pral.17.5. 
 1  Sam. 2.9. 
 Pfal.56.8. 
 Matth.1c.30. 
 Pfal.jS.p. 
 Jer  3  1. 10. 
 DcLU.33.29. 
 \  Pet. 5. 10. 
 Phil.4.19. 
 Pfal.a6.2j6,7. 
 
 lGcl.3.16. 
 
 z  Cor.  1.3. 
 
 Pfal.j5.iE. 
 
 Heb  13.11. 
 
 Exod.19.46. 
 i  Rev.ai.3. 
 I  iChron.i^.^. 
 
 pral.37.4 
 &  145.19. 
 Prov.10.24. 
 Heb.  1.14. 
 Pfal.34.7. 
 iCoi-.3.z2,z3 
 Heb  1.7.8. 
 I  Tim.4,z,3. 
 Rom.8.17. 
 Heb.  1.2. 
 Jer.4(5.i8. 
 ECiy.54.8. 
 
 His  chofeny  His  hidden  snes,  liis  jewels.    He  that  toucheth 
 them,  touchcth  the  apple  of  his  eye.    They  arc  his  Belo- 
 ved, as  the  fignct  upon  his  right  hand.     He  dwdlcth 
 with  them,  he  followeth  them  whither  foever  they  goc ; 
 he  ftands  at  their  right  band,  and  holds  them  up  by  it, 
 Hee  covers  them  under  his  pavillion,  he  kcepes  their 
 fcete,he  counts  their  wardringSjhe  numbreth  their  haires, 
 be  observes  their  fighes,  is  moved  with  compaflion  upon 
 their  complaints,   he  is  the  {hield  of  their  helpe,  the 
 fword  of  their  excellency,  and  the  God  of  all  grace,  who 
 will  fiilfill  all  their  necclfities.    He  is  their  hope,  their 
 fcelpc,  their  health,  their  rocke,  their  refuge,  the  Father 
 of  mercies  and  God  of  all  confolation.   He  will  teach 
 them  in  the  way  that  they  (hould  choofe,  and  make  them 
 perfed  in  good  workes  :  He  will  eftabUftitbem-in  every 
 good  word  and  workejhe  will  walk  with  tbcm,bis  eye  is 
 ever  upon  them  for  good,&  he  will  give  them  ibeir  hearts 
 dcfirc.    They  have  the  Angels  of  God  to  mmifterunto 
 them  for  their  fafcguard  and  proteftion  j  they  have  domi- 
 nion over  the  creatures  of  the  earth,  and  the  free  ufe  of 
 I  them,  both  for  ncccflity  and  delight.   This  is  a  true  fay- 
 ing j  The  charter  anciently  given  by  that  ^reat  Lord  of 
 all  at  our  firft  creation,  touching  the  ufe  of  ;his  creatures, 
 was  forfaited  into  the  bands  of  the  Doner  by  ^dams  fall. 
 But  it  is  reftorcd  and  renewed  by  Chrift  to  them  who  arc 
 honoured  with  the  Adoption.   The  heircs  of  heaven  arc 
 the  right  inheritors  of  the  earth.    The  Sonncs  of  God  by 
 Adoption,are  Brethren  and  Cobeires  with  Chrift ,whom 
 the  Father  hath  appointed  hcire  of  all  things;:  and  hence 
 arifeth  unto  them  the  holy  ufe  of  the  creatures,  and  mir  i- 
 ftery  of  the  Angells.  Arc  chaftifements  needfullor  behove- 
 full  for  them  ?  He  will  eerreB  them  in  tneafure,  for  a  mo^ 
 ment^forgood^  to  take  away  Hnne  :  but  his  loving  ktndne^e 
 he  ■vpiUnot  take  from  them.mr  fujfer  hi^faithfulneffe  tofuHe. 
 Heb/i2.io.ii  Are  they  loaded  with  reproaches  for  righteoufnefTe 
 Ier.i4v5.        j  ^|^g  jk   ^-^  ^^^.^^.^  of  glory  y   and  of  Qod  Jhall  reB  upon 
 
 them.    In  a  word  whatfoever  n^ay  happen,  ty^iJ things 
 
 Efay.27.9. 
 iPnU89.3i,?2 
 
 h  Pet.4,14. 
 
 (hnli 
 
the  promijes  sfcverUpng  life. 
 
 JkaU  rvurk^  together  for  the  hefi  unto  them, 
 
 Asd  feeing  God  hath  prepared  and  promifcd  fuch  ex- 
 cellent privilcdgcs  unto  his  children  in  this  life,  hence  it 
 is,  that  faith  rcfteth  upon  his  grace  to  receive  from  him 
 whatfocver  may  b  i  good  and  profitable  for  them.  O  how 
 ^reat  «  the goodne^e  ,  which  th§si  haji  UUnffor  them  that 
 feare  thee  :  which  thou  hajf  -wrought  for  them  that  trujhin 
 thee,  before  the  fa:>tngi of  mttt  ?  Thm  JhnU  hide  th^min  the 
 -ficret  of  thy  frefcnce  from  the  pride  ofms^n :  thoHjbalt  ki^pe 
 themfecretij  inafAvilion,from  the  (Irife  oftongw^s,  Ho)» 
 excellent  is  thy  Uvinj  ki»dne^e,  0  Lord  \  therefore  the 
 children  of  men  put  their  tru^  under  the  [hadow  of  thy 
 Tvingf,  Thoujhitlt  bee  Abnniantly  fAtMf.edrvhh  the  fatneffe 
 efehy  honfe:  andthoH  fhdt  make  them  drinke  of  the  river 
 •f  thy  pJeafaret.  The  Lord  ii  my  flteapheardy  I  fhallnot 
 WAnt'  Heejhutl  leade  hisflockl  Hk^  ajhsaphe^rd :  heejha/l 
 gather  the  lambes  with  hisarme,and€ary  them  in  his  bofome^ 
 tind  fhAll  gently  lead  thofe  thttt  are  with  young,  W  hat  can 
 they  want,  who  have  God  to  be  their  Father,  to  provide 
 for  them,  and  protefl  them  ;  to  bleflc  them  and  dwell 
 with  them;  to  fuccour  them,  and  fupply  them  with  all 
 necdftiU  blefllngs  fpirituall  and  bodily,  iti  ficteft  feafon : 
 *  whofe  care  is  open  to  their  defires,  ^  whofe  compani- 
 ons exceed  the  tcnderneffc  of  a  mother,  to  her  .fucking 
 babe :  <■  who  hath  chofen  thiccn  tobe  his  ownc  proper 
 good,  which  he  lovcth,  and  keepeth  in  (lore  for  himfelfc 
 and  for  fpeciall  ufe.  Thou  Ifrael  art  my  fervant,  Jacob 
 T»hom  I  have  chofen,  the  feed  of  Abraham  wj  friend^ 
 Thou  whom  I  have  taken  from  the  ends  pftheesrthy,  anisi 
 called  thee  from  tbe.chiefe  men  thereof,  an^  fatd  tdnto 
 thee ;  Thou  art  my  fervant,  I  have  chofen  thee,,  and  rtst. 
 cafi  thee  away,  Feare  thou  not y  for  I  am  with  thee  :  Jtee 
 not  difmayed,for  lam  thy  God:  I  will  ^rengthen  thee,  yea 
 Iwitlhelpe  thee,  yeayJwlll  uphold  thetwith  ihe  right  hand, 
 •f  my  righitoufhe^e.  When  the  poore  arid  ntedie  feeke 
 watery  and  there  is  none y  and  their  tongue  faileth  for  thirfi, 
 I  the  Lord  wilt  heart  them ,   /  the  Lord  of  Ifrael  will 
 
 Si  not 
 
 -25P 
 
 Rom.8.2,S. 
 A£is  of  Faith 
 that  arife  from 
 tbepriviledges 
 ofthegodly. 
 I. 
 
 Verfe  zo. 
 Pfal.S^.7. 
 
 VcL-fe  8. 
 
 PfaUj.i. 
 Efay.4©.ii, 
 
 Levk;2<?.jj. 
 2Cor.6.i6. 
 
 Mfa.4^.1f.i6 
 *  Deut.ij.2. 
 
 Efiy.4 1.8.9, 
 
 Verfe  iQ. 
 
 Verfc  17. 
 
26o 
 
 Vcrfc  J  8. 
 
 3. 
 
 Verfc  ^. 
 
 fiAl.t8.I.2, 
 
 '  Kal.4O.II. 
 
 3. 
 
 lFV(fe4f  if  is  to  U  ve^y  Fdth  concermng 
 
 not  forjaks  them,  J  wiM  »fen  rivers  in  the  high  fUces^ 
 0id  fount aines  in  the  midfi  ef  the  VAllcjes  :  I  wilt  m^ks 
 the  wi/dertteffe  a  foole  of  vfAter^  a»d  the  dry  Undffrings 
 efwoitr. 
 
 Secondly,  It  pctitionctb  inftantly  for  fkccour.  For  it 
 fccth  in  God  whatfocvcr  it  nccdeih  ordegrctb,  and  will 
 never  ccafe  to  f  cckc  rclictc.  The  more  confident  it  is  to 
 obtaine,  the  more  importunate  it  will  be  in  fuing.  Oilc 
 put  to  the  fire  caufeth  the  flame  to  afcend :  'and  the  promi- 
 ics  of  hclpc  and  fuccour,  received  by  faith,  put  life  and 
 vigour  into  the  petitions  of  faith.  Heare^  O  Lord,  when 
 I  cry  with  my  voice  :  have  mercy  alfo  upon  mee.  And  ttn' 
 -fwere  mee.  Hide  not  thy  face  fdrre  from  mee,  put  not  thy 
 fer^AHt  4WMy  in  anger  :  thou  haH  beene  my  he/pe,  leave  me 
 noty  neither  forfaQ  mee,  O  C^d  ofmjjahation.  Vnf 
 thee  will  I  cry  y  O  Lord^  myroch^y  he  not  fiUnt  to  me y  lefi 
 ifthoH  he  f tent  tome,  I  become  like  them  that  goe  downe 
 into  the  pit.  He  are  the  voice  ofmy/itpplications,  when  I  cry 
 unto  thee :  whtn  J  lift  up  mj  hands  towards  thy  holy  Oracle, 
 fFith'hold  not  thou  thy  tender  mercies  from  mcy  O  Lord  • 
 let  thy  loving  kindneffe,  and  thy  truth  continually  prefirve 
 mee. 
 
 Thirdly,  It  rcceivcth  earthly  blcflSngs  as  gifts  of  the 
 covenant  and  part  of  his  chi:ldes  portion.  God  vouchfa- 
 fctb  outward  things  to  wicked  men  of  common  bounticj 
 but  to  his  children  the  blcffings  oi  this  life  be  tokens  of 
 his  love  and  fpcciall  good-will,  and  fo  received  a^d  em- 
 braced by  faith.  For  fubftancc  the  gift  is  one,  both  to  the 
 Juft  and  unjuft  :  but  in  rcfpeft  ot  the  canfe,  poiTeffioia 
 and  ufe,  there  is  great  difference  :  which  is  difccr- 
 ncd  by  faith,  though  it  cannot  be  fcenc  with  the  eye. 
 I  will  even  betroth  thee  unto  me  infaithfulnefcy  and  thou 
 fialt  know  the  Lord,  ^yfnd  it  ffjall  come  to  pafi  in  that 
 iday,  I  will  heare,  faith  the  Lord,  J -ml(heare  the  Heaven  f, 
 and  they  j^all  heare  the  Earth,  and  the  Sarth  (hall  hearB 
 theCorne,  andthefVinCy  andtheOile,  mdtheyjhatl  heare 
 itzrcel. 
 -—=-.—-___  Fourthly, 
 
th$  fromijes  Qfwsditping  Ufyijt^ 
 
 Fourthly,  Faith  in  ttneft  and  the  forcfaid  pro^ifes  doth 
 greatly  enlarge  the  heart  towards  God,  and  ftirrcth  up  to 
 a  fcriou^  and  earncft  ftudicpf  holii^cflfe.  If  a  Chriftian  be 
 much  in]  the  meditatiort  of  Godsyiii^ular  goodneffc  to- 
 wards him  every  mgnncr  of  way,  above  all  that  he  could 
 pofTibly  aske  or  thinke,  it  will  even  conftrainc  him  to 
 yccid  up  himfelfe  wholy  unto  God  in  all  manner  of  godly 
 converiation.  'Examine  me  ^  O  Lor^y  and  prove  me',  trie 
 myreines  and  my  heart :  Tor  thy  loving  kindneffe  is  before 
 mine  eyes:  and  I  have  walked  in  thy  trmh,  ,    . 
 
 Fiftly,  It  doth  inwardly  quiet  and  checrc  the  heart  in 
 the  midft  of  manifold  outward  difcouragements,  trou- 
 bles and  perfecutions  m  the  world.  Hope  of  glory  indue 
 time  to  be  revealed,  and  ofcontinuall  fupply  ofaltgood 
 things  from  God  in  the  meane  f pace  to  beic  freely  given, 
 will  ftablifh  the  h  art  with  ftrong  confolation,  and  caufc 
 an  outward  profeflion  of  Joy,  to  the  glory  of  God,  the 
 encouragement  of  other  f aithfull  people,  and  the  amaze- 
 ment of  the  wicked.  This  is  to  be  fecne  in  the  lives  and 
 deaths  of  Gods  faithfull  fervants,  who  tooke/oyfully  the  | 
 fpoiling  of  their  goods,  knowing  in  thcmlelvcs  that  they 
 had  in  Heaven  a  better,  and  an  induring  fubftancc ;  who 
 for  this  hope,   endured  the  crofe  and  defpifed  /hame,  as 
 is  teftified  of  our  Saviour  himfelfe.     "By  faith ^  Mofes 
 when  he  woi  come  to  ye  ares  ^  ref fifed  to  bee  called  thefonne 
 «?/' Pharaohs  daughter-,  choofing  rafhdr  to  fuffer  afjiiEiion 
 tvith  the  people  of  God,  then  to  enjoy  the  pleafures  offtnne 
 for  afeajon :  Sfieeming  the  reproch  of  Chrifi  greater  ri- 
 ches then  the  treafures  o/Egypt  '.for  he  hadre^eSl  unto  the 
 recompence  of  reward.  By  fait  hot  hers  were  tortfiredynotaccep^ 
 tin^  deliverance^that  they  might  obta7e  a  better  refurre^ion» 
 The  way  or  meanest©  flirrc  up  faith  inthefcpromi- 
 fes,  is ; 
 
 Firft",  to  humble  our  felves  unfainedly  in  refpefl:  of  our 
 miferable  and  accurfed  eftate  by  finnc,  and  former  care- 
 leflcneffc  to  feckc  mercy,  enter  pqfleffioh,  and  get  aflured 
 evidence  of  thatcvcrlafting  inheritancc.Woeis  raee,how 
 
 S  5  am 
 
 261 
 
 Ffal.2tf,2,5. 
 
 Heb.10,34, 
 
 Hcb.is.t. 
 
 Heb. 
 16, 
 
 ii.z4jZ$ 
 
 Heb.11.5f. 
 
 The  meanes  to 
 fiirre  up  faith 
 in  tlejepromu 
 fes. 
 
 I. 
 
262 
 
 what  it  is  to  lively  Faith  cenc&nmg 
 
 Hcb.a.ij. 
 
 atn  I  fallen  from  that  ftatc  of  blcffedncffc  wherein  I  was 
 firft  ere  jtcdjinto  a  moft  mifcrablc  and  accurfed  condition? 
 I  have  gricvoudy  finncJ,  and  God  is  highly  provoked, 
 the  fcntcnce  oPthe  Law  is  already  gone  forth,  I  am  fhuc 
 up  under  wrath,  and  if  I  have  my  defert,  I  can  exp!<5l 
 nothing  but  the  terrible  execution  of  fsarcfull  vengeance 
 denounced.  Moriahrie  as  a  worme  corrupteth  my  body :  ! 
 ignorance  and  iud;  tyrrannizc  in  my  foulc:my  condition  is 
 cxpofed  to  a  thoufand  vanities  and  wearifome  courfes ; 
 and  through  feare  of  death  the  upfliot  of  evils,  1  am  fub- 
 jc(fl  to  bondage  all  my  life.    In  ray  firfl:  eftate  I  was  made 
 far  above  all  vifible  Creatures,  and  by  free  bounty  lifted 
 up  to  be  the  favourite  of"  the  mod  High  Gid :  but  by  wil- 
 full  difobedience,  I  am  fallen  into  Gods  difplcafure,  and 
 lie  prifoner  under  the  revenging  jufticeofthelaw.  Nor 
 is  my  wretched  condition  worfe  then  my  carclefneflfe  to 
 be  delivered  from  it,.  The  bruit  beafts  take  it  as  a  grie- 
 vous thing  to  be  cnfnared  and  taken :  but  I  have  deligh- 
 ted in-bondagCj and  counted  italiberty  tolive  aflaveto  Sa- 
 than,  and  to  follow  things  and  courfes  pleafing  corrupt 
 nature.  Thou  Lord  of  thine  infinite  grace  haft  proclaimed 
 liberty,  publiflbed  peace,   and  made  offer  of  a  better 
 ftate  and  condition  in  Chrift,  then  what  I  formerly  loPt  in 
 Aiam:  But  I  preferred  fpirituall  thraldome  to  liberty, 
 death  to  life,  and  chofe  rather  to  follow  the  temptations 
 ofSathan,  and  to  fulfill  the  lufts  of  the  flcfli,  then  to  come 
 unto  Chrift  that  I  might  be  faved.     The  men  of  this 
 world  are  wife  in  their  generation,  to  accept  of  earthly 
 commodities  when  they  be  offered,  and  not  to  put  by  the 
 opportunity  :  but  when  the  Lord  hath  made  promifc  of 
 cverlafting  life,  if  I  would  renounce  the  plcafures  of  fin, 
 and  foregoc  the  vanities  of  this  world,  I  have  followed 
 vanity  and  neglefted  mercy,  I  have  defpifed  the  great  fal- 
 vation,  and  walked  in  the  paths  of  death  and  condemna- 
 tion.   O  Lord,  it  is  thine  owne  worke  of  grace  in  me, 
 that  ever  I  did  bethinke  my  felfc  of  the  danger  of  my 
 courfe,  and  repent  to  lay  hold  upon  the  promifes  of  life. 
 
 Nor 
 
the  fromijes  efcverlafiing  life. 
 
 Nor  hath  my  floth  and  ncgb'gcncc  to  fcekc, evidence,  get 
 affurance,  and  enter  poflcflion  of  that  glorious  inheri- 
 tance, by  growing  up  in  peace,  joy,holinc{fe  and  fandin- 
 cation,  beene  kflc  odious,  then  f-ormer  carclcfneflc.  Since 
 I  have  beene  enhghtned,  and  tafted  of  the  heavenly 
 gift,  I  have  fleighted  the  promifes  of  mercy,  which 
 Bjould  have  beene  my  continuall  meditation ;  I  have  neg- 
 lecFted  to  get  and  keepe  the  holy  Spirit,hoIy  in  it  felfc,ma- 
 king  them  holy  in  whom  as  temples  it  dwcUeth,  the  fcale 
 and  earned  of  the  proraifed  inheritance.    Ah,  what  a 
 dwarfe  am  I  in  holineffc  and  fan<5lification  ?  for  thefe  ma- 
 ny ycares  bow  little  have  I  gained  ?  My  fpirituall  fight  is 
 exceeding  dimmc,  my  paffions  boifterous,  my  heart  un- 
 quiet, my  thoughts  evill,  my  nature  corrupt.    I  am  dull 
 to  good,  apt  to  (in,  feeble  and  of  no  power  to  withftand 
 temptations,  ftiaken  with  many  feares  touching  my  fal- 
 vation,  fooncunfetled  and  removed  from  dec faftnelTe  by 
 any  contrary  oppofirion,  farthcR  to  feeke  for  evidence 
 and  aflurance  when  I  ftand  in  greatcft  need.    Ail  this  is 
 come  upon  me  through  mine  ownc  foolifl^neffe  :  becaufc 
 I  have  not  acquainted  ray  felfe  with  the  promifes  of 
 grace,  nouriflied  the  motions  of  the  Spirit,  carefully  im- 
 proved the  gifts  received,  endeavoured  after  perfcdion, 
 and  laboured  to  be  ftaled  more  and  more  with  the  pro- 
 mifed  Spirit.  What  might  I  have  gr@wen  unto  in  Chrift, 
 if  I  had  inftantly  dcfired  the  Spirit  of  Grace  of  him  who 
 givcth  it,  heeded  the  infpirations  and  fuggeftions  of  it, 
 and  by  all  conicionablc  meancs  fought  increafe  of  grace, 
 and  afliirance  of  falvation  >  Long  ere  now  I  might  have 
 attained  fulneffe  of  fpirituall  wifdome  and  undcrftan- 
 ding,  ftrength  of  faith,power  of  grace,(wcet  communion 
 and  fellow  ("hip  with  God  liber ry  and  freedome  to  walke 
 with  God,  comfortable  poffeffion  in  part,  and  good  af- 
 furance of  eternall  life  in  due  time  to  be  accomplished  ; 
 whereas  by  reafon  of  floth  and  negligence  the  powers  of 
 grace  are  fo  enfeebled,  that  I  can  fcarce  breathe,  figb, 
 crawie  in  the  way  to  Heave?,  my  heart  is  defolate,  I  am  a 
 
 S  4  ftran- 
 
 263 
 
^6^ 
 
 Ecclef  4.^« 
 
 what  it  is  tolinje  hy  FMthcemtrn'mg    ■ 
 
 te|3gr:r.tqih$^Gomfons  ot  eodliaeCfc,  terrified  with  the 
 jreijicmibr^nce  of  death,  rea^  to  faint  at  the  apprehcnfion 
 of  trouble  and  danger,  aiid  Gontinually  difquieted  with 
 feares  and  doubts  touching  mineowne  falvacion,  if  the 
 world  with  the  things  thereof  have  not  caiVme  into  the 
 fleepeoffecurity  forafeaCon.  The  flocbfuU  manisju'Hy 
 condcmnedj:  whohad  rather  ftarvc  in  SuniLner  for  lacke 
 ofbread,  then  plough  in  wiacer  bseaule  oF  the  cold  :  We 
 cenfurc  hill). tkathad.rathergoe  lame  and  crooked  as  long 
 as  he  liveth,  then  be  at  a  little  paine  to  move  an  aking 
 /oynt.  He  is  worthily  accounted  improvident,  who  neg- 
 lediing.to  gather  in  his  writings,  or  fue  out  fine  and  reco- 
 verie,  will  hazard  theloffe  of  his  owne  inheritance.   My 
 folly  hath  exccede;!  herein,  who  to  live  in  peace  and  quiet 
 with finne,  have  impoveriQied  my  foule,. impaired  my 
 ftocke  of  grace,  wounded  my  confcience,  deprived  my 
 felfcof  many  rich  privilcdges  of  grace-  which  I  might 
 Lhavc  enjoye:fi  weakened  my  title  fo  mine  everlafting  in- 
 heritance, and  beene  contented  to  prcepe  feebly  towards 
 the  heavenly  Canaain ;  thinking  it  better  to  keepe  where 
 I  was  with  quiet,  then  to  make  my  condition,  by  ftill 
 dealing  with  my  felfe  too  too  reftlefle.   The  fluggards 
 jfhamclelTe  excufe  hath  fearfully  bewitched  me ;  B&tter 
 is  an  handfftUwtth  eafe^  then  bothhan  is  full  mthtrdVell  and 
 vexation  of  fpirtt.    The  more  excellent  the  inheritance  I 
 hope  for  is,  the  more  deteftablcis  myflu^gilimefieand 
 folly,  that  I  have  not  carneftly  fought  to  make  it  fure  unto 
 my  felfe,  and  entred  pofl>0ion  thereof  fo  farre  as  in  this 
 life  is  given  of  grace. 
 
 Secondly,  W'e  muft  incite  and  fiirre  up  our  felves  to  re- 
 ceive the  promifes  of  everlafting  life,  by  confideration  of 
 the  free  and  rich  grace  of  God,  his  truth  and  faithfulneffe; 
 thcfufficiencie  of  Chrifts  merits;and  greatneflc,  excellen- 
 cie,  and  worth  of  the  benefit  promifed.  Awake,  my 
 foule,  why  fleepeft  rfpou;  arife,  and  lay  hold  upon  the 
 [promifes  of  life,  which  God  of  his  great  mercy  in  Jefus 
 iGhrift  doth  offer  unto  thee  in  the  Gofpell.    be  not  dl^- 
 
 mayed 
 
thepQmifcs  ofcverUJlingUfe* 
 
 26s 
 
 mavcd  b  V  rcafon  of  thine  unworthineflc,f  or  the  promtfe  is 
 of  grace,  freely  offered,  and  freely  given  to  them  that  be 
 moft  unworthy  in  their  owne  eyes.   Thou  art  unworthy 
 of  theleaft  crumme  of  mercy,  but  ot  his  rich  tncrcy  God 
 hath  made  promife  of  higheft  advancement  unto  thee,  if 
 thou  wilt  embrace  it.    IrvlH  ^c  4  J^'ather  mto  yon,  andyee 
 Mil  bee  my  femes  and  daughters,  faith  the  LordAlmghty 
 He  that  oiercommethJhaU  inherit  aUthmgs  _  ^ndl  mil  be 
 hu  God,  mdhee  jhaUhe  myfonne,     ^ndttjhali^^  tn  the 
 place  where  it  ^va6  faU  untothem.jee  are  not  my^  people 
 that  there  they  (hall  be  called  the  children  of  the  livttig  God. 
 Life  eternal!  is  given  of  grace,  not  fold  for  workes^recei- 
 vcdby  faith,  not  purchafed  by  defer t  :    and  the  more 
 worthlefle  thou  art  in  thy  owne  lowly  conceit,  the  more 
 .iliallthe  grace  of  God  be  magnifTed  mthnie  exaltation. 
 Chrift  hath  purchafed  righteoufneile  and  everlaftmg  life  ; 
 believe  in  him,  and  live  for  ever.    The  bonne  of  God  de- 
 bafed  himfelfc  to  become  the  Sonne  of  Man.  and  to  be 
 made  under  the  Law,  that  he  might  redeemem  that  werc^ 
 under  the  Law,  that  wee  might  recetvejhe  ^doptmn  of 
 fom.  Oh  the  bountifulnefle  and  love  of  God  to  man,  by  fo 
 4reat  a  price  to  purcbafc  fo  high  a  dignity,  that  we  fhould 
 be  called  the  Sonnes  of  God,  and  be  partakers  with 
 riirin-  nf  all  his  elory  J"  liis  Fathers  kingdorae.    O  ray 
 
 thoii  not  put  forth  thy  felfe  to  embrace  and  receive  fuch 
 an  ineftimable  benefit.  If  the  worth  of  things  may  bee 
 meafured  by  their  price,  well  then  may  ihc  Sonibipof 
 t"elieversbevaLdatthebigheftrat^ 
 ficiently  admire  the  dignity  of  this  eaate  (to  be  the  Sonne 
 of  Gad  )  which  could  not  be  procured  fave  onely  by  this 
 infinite  price,  the  making  of  him  become  nothing  by 
 whom  God  in  the  beginning  made  every  thmg  ?  It  s  e- 
 deemed  a  matter  of  great  honour  to  bethefervantofthe 
 Prince  in  fome  fpeciall  place  of  emmencie  in  the  Com- 
 mon-wealth  :  How  doe  men  feeke  and  fue  for  fuch  Of- 
 fices ?  how  do  they  re)  oyce  when  their  delires  arc  accom- 
 
 iGor.^.18. 
 
 Apoc  21.7. 
 
 Gal  4  4s  ^. 
 
 Phil.i.7,8. 
 
 Tit  3.4. 
 
i66 
 
 what  it  is  to  live  by  Faith  concerning 
 
 plifhcd  ?  But  there  is  no  comparifon  betwixt  thefervant 
 of  a  Prince,  and  the  Sonne  of  God ;  the  favour  of  a 
 Prince,  and  the  Fatherly  love  of  God  ;  the  dignity  of  the 
 Court,  and  the  Joyes  or  Heaven ;  a  tcmporall  office,  and 
 an  eternall  inheritance.  It  is  better  and  more  honourable 
 to  be  the  fervam  of  God,  then  the  Commander  of  men  i 
 to  be  an  hcire  apparent  to  Heaven,  then  the  poffeffor  of 
 the  whole  World.  There  is  a  great  opinion,  and  not  with- 
 1  out  juft  caufe,  of  the  eftate  ofour  firft  Parents,  nAdum 
 1  and  ^v<?,  whilft  they  were  in  Paradife,  before  their  fall. 
 j  But  their  eftate,  notwithftanding  all  their  priviledges,  or- 
 naments, and  favours,  exceeded  not  the  condition  of  fer- 
 j  vants.  Had  they  continued  in  obedience  to  their  Creator, 
 they  (hould  have  beenc  exempted  from  all  mifery,  and 
 confirmed  in  perfcd:  blefledneffe ;  But  they  could  never 
 have  attained  this  dignity.    To  be  made  the  Sonnes  of 
 God  by  Adoption,  of  meerc,  rich,  and  undefcrved  love  m 
 Chrift.    And  is  it  not  an  admirable  prerogative,  to  be 
 brought  by  Chrift  into  a  more  excellent  ftate,  then  that 
 which  AdAm  in  his  innoceney  and  glory  had  /uft  caufe  to 
 wonder  at.    As  the  gratioufneffe  of  him  who  preferreth, 
 and  cxcellencie  of  that  ftate,  whercunto  the  Believer  is 
 exalted,  doe  commend  this ;  fo  alfo  doth  the  low  de- 
 gree from  which  we  are  raifed.  Of  the  fervants  of  finnc, 
 to  be  made  the  Sonnes  of  God ;  of  the  vaflals  of  Sathan,to 
 be  taken  to  raigne  with  Chrift  in  glory  f®r  evermore  5  of 
 children  of  wrath^  dead  \n  trefpafies,  to  be  begotten  a- 
 gaine  to  the  hops  of  an  inheritance,  immortall,  undefiled, 
 that  fadcth  not;  what  an  unfpcakablc  favour  is  this  ?  O 
 my  foule  arife,  ftirre  up  thy  felfc  ftedfaftly  to  receive  the 
 promifcof  life,  and  hold  it  faft  :  for  Gods  pro mifes  arc 
 certaine,  never  lefle,  but  rather  more  in  accompliflbment 
 then  in  tender.  Enter  pofleffion,  and  get  the  inheritance 
 fealed  unto  thee.  Would  not  a  poorc  Beggar,  if  he  ftiould 
 underftand  of  fome  great  and  goodly  inheritance  bequea- 
 tbed  unto  him  in  a  farrc  countrey,  much  rejoyce  there- 
 in, long  to  go  fceir,  and  take  pofleffion  of  it.    In  matters 
 
 of 
 
the  frcmifes  ofeverUjling  life. 
 
 of  weight  men  love  great  earned  and  good  aflurance :  for 
 great  advantage  they  will  endure  any  paincs,  hazard  ma- 
 ny difficulties.Did  men  know  the  worth  and  glory  of  the 
 kingdomc  of  Heaven,  freely  offered,  and  that  without  all 
 expiration  of  time,  to  be  poffcffcdherc  in  part  of  them 
 that  will  receive  it,  fully  hereafter,  when  their  daies  on 
 earth  be  determined;  w  uld  they  notfeeke  it  with  all 
 earncftncffe,  enquire  after  good  evidence,  get  found  af- 
 futdnc:,  and  labour  the  poffeflian  of  it  more  and  more  ? 
 Men  feeke  earthly  things,  and  often  miflc  ok  their  defires: 
 but  the  promifc  of  Heaven  is  fure  and  ftcdfaft,  and  he 
 thatrcfteth  upon  the  Lord  fhallnotbe  confounded.    E- 
 verlarting  life  is  freely  offered,  but  men  are  not  left  at  li- 
 berty whether  they  will  receive  and  feeke  it,  or  no.   Hee 
 that  believeth  on  the  Sonne ,  hath  everUfiing  life  :    and  hee 
 that  helieveth  not  the  Sonne,  Jhall  not  fee  life,   but  the 
 wrath  of  God  abUeth  on  him.   Do  not  they  perifh  wor- 
 thily, who  prefcrrc  the  plcafnres  of  finne,  and  honours  o£ 
 this  tranfitory  life,  before  life  everlafting,  promifcd  of 
 grace,  purchafed  by  Chrift,  full  laden  with  all  fruits  of 
 true  W^Cyjoy,  peace,  and  all  choiccft  pleafures,  beyond 
 comparifon^cxceeding  whatfoever  can  be  cn/oyed  in  this 
 world  both  in  worth  and  endlcffc  fetledneffc  ?  The  labour 
 to  make  Heaven  fure,  which  is  full  of  plcafure  anddc- , 
 light,  doth  eafcthe  heart  of  many  burdenfotnejdiftradting, 
 afid  cutting  cares.  For  if  thou  be  the  childc  of  Sod,  thou 
 haft  liberty  to  come  into  his  prefence,  and  to  make  thy 
 requefts  knowne  unto  him  with  thankefgiving ;  Nothing 
 that  is  truly  evill  fhall  betide  thee.    The  plague  {hall  not 
 come  nigh  thy  Tabernacle  :  Theu  Jhttlt  Tvalke  upon  the 
 Lion  and  ^^e,  and  tread  them  under  feet :  God  will 
 provide  all  things  neccffary  for  foule  and  body,  and  fee 
 that  no  good  thing  be  wanting  unto  thee.    Seek^  firft  the 
 ktngdonte  of  God,  and  hii  rtghteoufnejfe,  and  all  thefe 
 things  Jhuli  be  added  unto  jou.    What  then  fliould  with- 
 draw or  hold  nie  backc  from  believing  the  promife.  and 
 feeking  the  poffeflion  of  that  inheritance.  It  is  God  who  1 
 
 hith' 
 
 2^7 
 
 John. 2, 3^. 
 
 Ephef.i.iS. 
 
 &  5.12. 
 
 Pfal.ji.iOjij 
 
 Pral.j4.10. 
 Matrh.d.jj. 
 
26S 
 
 what  it  is  to  U<ve  hy  Faith  concerning 
 
 hath  freely  promifed  ir,  who  can  and  will  performc 
 whatfoever  he  hath  fpoken ;  it  h  Chrift  who  hath  pur- 
 chafed  it  by  the  facrifice  of  himfelfc  once  for  all,  why 
 then  fhouid  I  doubt  ?  I  am  commanded  to  believe ;  and 
 believing  the  pofleffion  of  life  is  given  in  part,  which 
 may  be  incrcafcd  by  a  daily  addition  to  the  graces  and 
 comforts  of  the  Adopted  ;  why  fliould  I  be  negligent  to 
 feeke  it  confirmed  andfcaled  ?  Everlafting  life  is  the  only 
 true  life,  full  of /oy,  peace  and  contcntation ;  a  durable 
 
 I  trcafure  which  can  never  fade,  acrownc  that  never  wi- 
 thereth  :  and  fliall  bafc  things  take  up  the  heart,  when 
 
 j  God  callethto  feekc  a  mod  glorious  and  everlafting  in- 
 
 j  heritance?  Oh.  the  ineftimaWelove  and  favour  of  God, 
 who  makes  offer  of  an  Adoption  and  immortall  Inheri- 
 
 '  tancc  to  the  moft  contemptible  wretches,  that  live  upon 
 the  face  of  the  earth?  The  man  that  toiles  hard  all  day 
 long  forafmall  piece  offilver,  or  lies  at  the  rich  mans 
 gate  waiting  for  an  Almes,  the  fcraps  that  come  from  his 
 Table  :  he  is  invited  to  come  unto  Chrift,  that  he  might 
 obtaine  a  kingdome,  an  eternall  kingdom?  that  hath  none 
 end,  an  inheritance  abundantly  gloaous,  furpaffing  the 
 glpryand  worth  of  all  earthly  treafures  and  inheritances 
 laid  together,  much  more  then  all  earthly  treafures  do  ex- 
 ceed the  worth  of  one  pin.What  an  heart-breake  is  it  to  a 
 man,  when  he  finds  that  by  fome  default  he.hach  forfeited 
 fome  earthly  matters,  which  he  might  have  held,  had  he 
 bin  warie  ?  but  what  griefe  and  confudon  will  this  caufc, 
 when  he  fhall  fee  that  through  folly,  Qoth,  carelefleneflfe, 
 marchlcffe  cruelty,  and  unthankfulneffe,  he  hath  loft  an 
 everlafting  inheritance  of  glory,  which  he  migk  have  ob- 
 taincd  ?  Meere  poflibilityofcompaffingfome  great  and 
 extraordinary  good  is  of  more  waight  in  fwaying  mens 
 adions  and  inciting  endevours,  then  certainty  ofaccom- 
 pliHiing  pettie  dcfires.  But  certainty  and  commodity  do 
 hereconcurreinone  :  There  is  no  good  to  the  polTeflion 
 of  eternall  life,-  no  fuccefle  certaine  but  this,  that  he  who 
 unfainedly  believeth  in  Chrift,  fhall  inherit  the  crownc  of 
 
thefrsmifes  efevtrUfiing  life. 
 
 glory.  1 1  is  good  for  me  to  draw  nigh  unto  God.  and  put 
 my  traft  in  his  mercy  ;  to  lay  taft  hold  upon  the  promifcs 
 of  life  and  protc  Aion,to  get  the  fpirit  of  Adoption  where- 
 by wc  cry  Abba  Father,  and  fly  unto  his  grace  in  Chrift, 
 to  get  my  tiilcmadc  furc  and  ftrcngthencd  unto  my  con- 
 icience,  and  while  time  fervctb,  earneftly  to  fccke  the 
 kingdomtofGod. 
 
 Thirdly,  Wee  muft  pray  earneftly  that  God  would 
 incrcafc  our  faith,  Icalc  us  by  bis  Spirit,  lead  us  in  the 
 way  of  peace,  caufe  us  to  grow  up  in  holincffe ;  make  us 
 wiic  to  prize  and  value,  to  taft  and  relifli  the  /oycs  of 
 Heaven ;  and  afliirc  our  confcienccs  of  right  and  title 
 to  tbatcrerlafting  inheritance.  For  it  is  God  thatfcalcth 
 Bs,  and  makes  us  to  rcadc  the  fcaling  *  that  promifcth 
 Heaven,  and  afFcfl:eth  the  heart  with  the  goodncffc  and 
 worth  of  the  thing  promifed  5  that  by  the  pledges  of  his 
 favour  and  the  carneft  of  his  Spirit  doth  fufficicntly  tcfti- 
 He  our  Adoption,  and  caufe  us  ccrtaincly  to  apprehend 
 what  be  doth  tcftific  and  aflurc.   As  the  beginning,  fo 
 the  progrefTc,  comfort  and  aflurance  of  life  is  from  him, 
 and  inftantly  is  to  be  begged  of  him.   Faith  rccciveth  the 
 promife  of  life,  and  giues  aflurance  of  what  is  received, 
 as  it  prayetk  Who  am  I  O  Lord,  that  thou  fhouldcft 
 make  foch  an^i«  and  free  promifes  unto  thy  poore  fer- 
 rant  concerning  his  evcrlafting  happincffe  ?  Of  thy  free 
 mercy,  and  according  to  thine  owne  heart,  haft  thou 
 fpokcn  all  thcfe  great  things,  to  make  thy  fervant  know 
 them.  And  now,  O  Lord  God,  eftabliih  I  bcfeechthec 
 the  word  that  thou  haft  fpoken  concerning  thy  fervant; 
 gratioufly  accept  mc  for  thy  childe ;  by  the  carneft  of 
 thy  Spirit  and  pledges  of  thy  favour  feale  unto  mc  the 
 promifed  inheritance,  and  make  mc  affuredly  to  know 
 what  grcar  things  thou  haft  done,  and  whattnofehopey 
 be  wmch  arc  rcfervcd  for  mc  in  Heaven.    My  fight  is 
 dimmc,  not  proportioned  and  fitted  to  fo  high  an  objcft^, 
 my  aflcdKons  carnall  that  I  cannot  fct  my  fclfeto  purpofc 
 about  this;  contemplation,  the  Dcvill  labours  nothing 
 
 more 
 
 2^p 
 
„_— ■— ~».»* 
 
 270      I  Wh^tit  is  to  live  by  Fdthcmcerm^g 
 
 1  Thcff'.i. 
 Col  t.f. 
 
 «4- 
 
 Pfal,i6.5,6, 
 
 »^ 
 
 more  then  to  keeps  m3  hood- winked  this  way.  O  Lord, 
 Ibcfecch  thee  inablc  m^  to  know  this  good  and  blc  fled 
 hope,  the  matter  of  mine  inheritance  abundantly  glo- 
 rious, that  my  heart  may  beftill  in  Heaven;  and  by  thy 
 Spirit  lead  me  mto  all  truth  and  hoUdefle,  that  in  due 
 time  I  ma.y  poflcffe  the  Kingdome  of  glory  whereunto  I 
 am  called.  Ofthy  free  grace  thou  haft  called  rac  by  the 
 Gofpell'  to  this  blefled  hope,   which  is  laid  up  for  mc 
 in  Heaven  :  therefore  is  thy  fervant  bold  to  intreate 
 the  fence  of  thy  love,  the  knowledge  of  this  Hope, 
 the  incrcafc  of  grace,  and  alfurancc  of  thy  mercy  for 
 evermore. 
 
 Fourthly,  Wc  mud  quicken  our  fclvcs  to  re/oycc  in 
 God,  waitc  patiently,  and  walke  chcarfuUy  before  him. 
 Oh,  the  incomprehenfiblc  love  and  favour  of  the  Lord. 
 Was  it  ever  found  that  any  man  of  rankc  or  place  did 
 adopt  the  blinde,   lame,,  deafc,   durabc,   or  otlaerwifc 
 deformed,  to  beh€irc,to  fuccecdehim  in  bis  inheritance? 
 My  foulc,  rcjoycc  thou  in  the  Lord,  and  bleffc  his  holy 
 Name,  for  he  hath  looked  upon  mybafeeftatc,  andvi- 
 fited  mc  with  mercy  from  on  high :  of  a  ftrangcr  and 
 forrainer,  I  am  made  a  freedcnifon  of  the  new  lerufaleM* 
 of  the  bondQave  ofSathan,  the  friend  ofChrift;  of  the 
 childe  of  wrath  and  damnation,  the  fbnne  of  God  and 
 heire  of  falvation.   My  Name  is  rcgiftrcd  in  Heaven,  an 
 etcrnall  waight  of  glory  is  refervcd ,  which  the  moft 
 righteous  God  hath  promifcd,  and  in  fitteft  feafon  will 
 give  unto  me.    Why  fliould  I  doate  on  earthly  braveries, 
 who  have  an  etcrnall  life  that  hath  moft  excellent  glory, 
 honour,  riches  and.  happineffc,  above  all  the  heart  can 
 comprchcnd,joyned  with  it,  prepared  and  given  through 
 faith  in  Chrift.   It  were  notable  bafcnefle,  if  an  heire  of 
 fumptuous  and  ftately  pallaccs  ftiould  covet  the  poorc 
 cottages  of  beggars  that  ftand  by  the  high  way  fide.   The 
 Lord  is  thepvrtion  ofmine'inherlt^ncey  and  of  my  cuf :  thtu 
 mdintainefi  mj  tot.  The  lines  are  fallen  unto  me  infleafaMt 
 f  laces  I  j^al bave\a goodly  heritage.    My  ftudie  and  care 
 
 iliould 
 
tkpremfes  cfferfe'ver4rfce,dcc. 
 
 fliould  be  to  know  Hiy  heavenly  hopes  better  and  more 
 fully,tbatl  inight  weane  liay  felf  the  more -willingly  from 
 all  earthly  vanities.  Heaven  is  my  home,  my  hope,  mine 
 inheritance  :  and-where  fliould  my  heart  be,  but  where 
 my  treafure  is ;  where  my  thoughts,  but  where  my  hope 
 is  ?  In  this  life  I  receive  oncly  the  firft  fruits  of  the  Spirit, 
 the  earned  of  the  inheritance  :  but  I  will  waite  patiently 
 for  the  full  poffeffion  thereof,  and  walkc  chcarefully  in 
 ihc  way  that  Icadcth  thereunto.  In  earthly  things  men  arc 
 contented  to  waitc  for  a  good  Icafc  in  rcverfion,  and  to 
 lay  out  their  money  for  that  which  fhall  not  come  to  their 
 hands  till  fome  lives  be  expired  :  and  fliould  not  I  waite 
 for  the  accomplifliment  of  glory,  there  being  but  one  life 
 betwixt  it  and  me,  and  that  is  mine  owne  ?: 
 
 CHAP.  V. 
 
 TPhat  it  is  to  live  ^j  faith  touching  the  fromife^ 
 ofperfeveranccj  Andhonf  tofiirrf 
 up  ourfelves  there- 
 unto, 
 
 God  of  his  infinite  mercy  hath  made  further  promifes, 
 (the  neceflitylofhisfervants  fo  requiring, )  that  his 
 mercy  fliall  never  depart  from  them,that  he  will  confirmc 
 &  ftrengthen  them  to  the  end,  nptwithftanding  their  own 
 weakneflc,and  the  malice  of  their  fpirituall  enemies,  and 
 that  nothing  fhall  feperate  then?  from  the  love  of  God 
 which  is  in  Chrift  Jefus.  This  is  implied  in  the  firft  pro- 
 mife  which  God  made,// /^^Af  huife  thy  head  &  thonjlah 
 hmfe  bis  heele :  where  Sathan  is  ftinted  to  the  heele  of  the 
 trueChriftian  feed.  In  many  paffagcs  of  Scripture  the 
 fame  is  moli  clearely  andmanifeftly  expreffed.  He  pjtill 
 hee  liksa  tree  planted  hj  the  rivers  of  rvater,  that  hringeth 
 forth  his  fruit  in  hisfeafofi,  his  leafe  alfojhatt  not  ypithery  and 
 
 "what- 
 
 271 
 
 SM 
 
 Godlathrnade 
 many  fr9mi[et 
 offerfevergace. 
 
 Gen. 3. 1  J, 
 
 Pfal.sz.13.j4 
 
272 
 
 pra.48.i4. 
 
 Pfal.Tj  24., 
 Vcrfe  ZQ. 
 
 Pfal.105.i7. 
 Pfal.ii».j.5. 
 
 PliUitf.x.x. 
 
 Efay.4%.J. 
 Efay.46. 4. 
 
 Efax.54.i«. 
 
 Efay.y9.zi. 
 
 Rom.9,fJ. 
 Gal  4.28. 
 
 Icr.ji.j. 
 
 Efay.  54.8.9  • 
 
 ff)&4f  f  f  is  U  live  bj  Fdth  touching 
 
 what  foe  ver  heedoth  fijuUfro^er,    Thefleps  of  a  good  mm 
 are  ordered  by  the  Lord^  and  hee  deli^hteth  in  hU  nvaj, 
 Thottgh  hee  fall  hse  (h^U  not  bee  Hiterly  c^fi  downe  :  for 
 the  L9rd  ttpholdeth  him  wth  his  hand.    For  this  God  it  our 
 god  for  ever  ani  ever^  hee  wiS^e  our  guide  even  unto  death. 
 Thou  Jhalt guide  me  with  thy  counfeM,  and  afterward  receive 
 me  to  glory.    LMy  fiejh  and  heart  faileth  :  but  God  it  the 
 ffrength  of  my  heartuind  my  portion  for  ever.  The  mereie  of 
 the  Lord  it  from  everlafling  toeverUfiing  upon  them  that 
 feare  him,  A  good  man  fb^weth favour  andUndeth  :  hee  will 
 guide  his  affaires  with  diferetion  :    Surely  hee  Jhattnotbee 
 moved  for  ever :  the  righteous  JhaU  be  in  everlafiing  remem- 
 brance. They  that  truji  in  the  Lordyfhall  be  as  mmnt  Zion, 
 which  cannot  bee  removed^  but  abiisthfor  ever,    A  bruifed 
 reedeflfai  he  net  breaks,  andthefmoaking  fiaxe  fhallhe  not 
 quench,  %And  even  to  your  old  age  lam  hecy  and  even  to  the 
 hoare  haires  will  I  carrie  you  \  I  have  made^  and  I  wiU 
 beare,even  I  wiB  carrieyandwill  deliver  you.  For  themoun- 
 tainesjball  depart,  and  the  hils  bee  removed,  but  my  k^nd- 
 nejfe  flf/tll  not  depart  jrom  thee,  neither /ball  the  covenant 
 of  my  peace  bee  removed,  faith  the  Lord  that  hath  mercy 
 on  thee*    ^sfor  m:e^  this  is  my  covenant  with  them,  faith 
 the  Lord,   lMj  Spirit  that  is  upon  thee,   and  my  words 
 which  I  have  put  in  thy  mouth,  Jhall  not  depart  out  of  thy 
 mouth,  nor  out  of  the  mouth  of  thyfeede  ;    that  h,  fuch 
 as  bee  cffcftoally  called  according  to  the  purpofe  of 
 God. 
 
 Hereunto  may  be  added  thofe  paffages  which  teftific, 
 that  the  love  which  God  bcareth  to  his  people  is  an  ever- 
 laftinglovc,  and  the  covenant,  which  he  hath  made  with 
 them  effcftually,  and  fliall  be  kept  aflhrcdly,  \%  an  ever- 
 lafting  covenant.   The  Lord  hath  appeared  of  old  unto  mee, 
 fay  ing^jeayl  have  loved  thee  with  aneverlafiing  love:  there- 
 fore with  loving  kindnejfe  have  Idrarvne  thee.    In  a  little 
 wrath  I  hid  my  face  from  thee  for  a  moment :  but  with  e- 
 ver  la  fling  kindneffe  will  I  have  mercy  on  thee,  faith  the 
 Lord  thy  Redeemer.    For  this  is  as  the  waters  <^Noah  un- 
 to 
 
thefremifes  offerfevtrmcti^c. 
 
 to  me:for  as  Ihttvefvoorneyih^t  the  waters  efNoaihfieuldfjo 
 more goe  ever  the  earth  i  [a  havtjfworne^  that  Iwouidnot 
 be  Tfroth  roith  thee ^mr  rebuke  thee,  *Behe/d,the  dajes  ccme^ 
 faith  the  Lordy  that  Iiivill  wake  a  new  covem^t  roiththe 
 heu/eeflitaclafid with  the  hoftfe  of  Judz  t  2{ot  according 
 t9  the  Covenant  that  I fnade  with  their  Fathers  in  the  day 
 that  Itaoke  them  by  the  h/indy  to  bring  them  out  of  the  land 
 cfJEgypty  which  my  covenant  they  brake ^  althcugh  I  woi 
 an  husband  Hnto  them.    But  thisjhall  btt  the  covenant  that 
 I  win  make  with  the  houfe  »/Ifracl ;  After  thoje  dayes,faith 
 the  Lordy  I  will  put  my  law  in  their  inward  parts,  and 
 write  it  tn  their  hearts,    ^And  they  Pjall  bee  my  people 
 and  I  will  bee  their  ^od,    ^nd  I  will  give  them  one  heart  ^ 
 and  one  way,  that  they  may  feare  mee  for  ever,  for  the 
 good  of  them,   and  of  their  children  after  them,.   %And  I 
 will  make  an  ever  la  f^ing  covenant  with  them,  that  I  will 
 not  turne  away  from  them  to  do  them  good:  but  I  will  put 
 my  feare  in  their  heart t,  that  they  JhaU  not  depart  from 
 mee. 
 
 In  which  covenant  or  Tcftamcnt  God  freely  ptomifcth 
 to  give  what  he  requireth  of  his  people,  and  to  cfFcft  in 
 them  what  he  calleth  for  at  their  hands.  If  the  benefits  gi- 
 ven be  compared  amongft  themfelvcs,  one  is  as  it  were  a 
 condition  to  another  :  but  they  be  all  efFefls  in  refpedt  of 
 the  grace  and  free  favour  of  God,  ccrtainely  conferring 
 them  upon  whom  he  will.  RighteoufhcfTc  and  life  are 
 promifed  upon  condition  of  faith  :  but  the  condition  of 
 the  covenant  is  promifed  in  the  covenant  it  felfc.  ji  new 
 heart  alfo  will  I  give  you,  and  a  newfpirit  will  I  put  within 
 you,  and  I  win  take  away  the  flonie  heart  out  of  your  flejb. 
 And  I  will  put  my  Spirit  within  you,andcaufe you  to  walks  in 
 myfiatutes,  andyeejhattkeepe  my  judgements,  and  do  them. 
 And  I  wis  betroth  thee  unto  mee  forever,  yea  I  wiU  betroth 
 thee  Unto  mee  in  righteoufnejfe,  and  in  judgement,  and  in  lo- 
 ving  kindnejjey  and  in  mercies,  I  will  even  betroth  thee  un- 
 to me  infaitbfulneffe,a»d  thou /halt  know  the  Lord,  The  ex- 
 tcrnall  betrothing  by  outward  covenant,  fo  as  God  be- 
 
 T  trothes 
 
 273 
 
 lcr.31.31,32, 
 
 Hcb.8.8^9.& 
 10.1tf.j7.    . 
 
 J«.  31.38.3  9, 
 40* 
 
 Heb.l3.20' 
 Heb.S.io. 
 
 »7. 
 
 Hof.a.  15,10. 
 
a74i 
 
 Mat.7.t4stf.   i 
 
 Matth,i6.i8. 
 
 lohn.io.ajs 
 
 Rom.8.3J,37, 
 
 RaTi.is.2-9- 
 
 iPet.i.3j4,5. 
 ilohn.g.a. 
 
 What 'it  isiillvehj  Fdth  tOHchmg 
 
 Vm^IM^— PM^   I    ■■!  ■—  n--...i.' ,  ■■■!       ,        I       ■  I ,i.,i...i        ■l.^  ■!  I         >*  ■!  III. 
 
 trothes  himfclfe  to  all  profclTing  the  tras  faith,  may  be 
 broken,for  though  God  offsr  them  mercy  if  they  will  be- 
 lieve, yet  he  gives  not  faith  to  them ;  but  the  internall  by 
 cfFe^uall  difpofitioni  of  which  the  Prophet  fpeaketh  in 
 this  place,  is  indiifolublc. 
 
 whosoever  heareth  thefe  fayings  of  mine,  and  deth  them 
 I  will  liken  him  unto  a.  veife  muny  which  built  hkhoufe  Hpon 
 a  robke  :  <!y^H^thf  ralne  cteft'ettde^^  anA  the  jiofMs rame  ^and 
 thewifids  blen^i  and heatupon  that  houfe,  anditfell  fiotjfer 
 it  W4S  founded  upon]a  rockf'  But  all  the  faithfull  are  built 
 upon  the  rocke  •  not  upon  the  rocke  now,  and  anon  upon 
 the  fand,  but  once  built  upon  the  rocke,  they  remaine 
 unttDVcable.  Thstt  ah  Peter,  and  upon  thU  rocke  I  will 
 build  wy  Churchy  and  the  gates  of  Hell  fl}all  not  pnrevaiU 
 againfiit :  affailc  it  thc-y  may,  prevaile  againft  it  they  {hali 
 not.  •■?.;V(?  '. 
 
 C^Ey  Jhcepe  hearelffiy^eicei  a«d  I  ^ow  them,  4ndthey 
 follow  me.  And  I  qive  nnto  them  e  tern  all  life,  and  they  fh  all 
 never  perifh,  neither  JhMl  any  m^n  placks  them  out  of  my 
 hand:  LMy  F\arher  •ivhich'i^ave  thsm  me,  'i^  greater  then 
 all :  and  no  man  is  able  toptmki  them  out  of  my  Fathers 
 hand,     who  Jhall  feperate  us  jrom  the  love  of  Chrijl  f 
 shall  tribulation,  or  dijf-rejfe,  or  perfecutionj  or  famine,  or 
 nakedni^e,  orperiS,  orfword  ?  Nay,  in  all  thefe  things  rvee 
 are  mare  then.  con^Sierottrs  ihrongh  him  that  io'vedtu.    The 
 gifts  and  galling  of  God  are  Tvithetit  repent  auce,  *B  lejfed  bee 
 the  Ged  and  Father  of  oar  Lord  Tefm  (fhri^  ruho  accor* 
 ding  to  his  .abundant  mercy,  hath  begotten  ui  agairte  Unto 
 a  lively  hope,  by  the  reffirreEiion  of  lefus  Chriji  from  the 
 dead.    To  4ti  inheritance  incorruptible,  af^dundefiled,  and 
 that  fadeth  not  atvay,  refervedin  Heaven  f(fr yen.  Who 
 are  k^pt  by  the  power  of  God  through  faith  nnio  falvation, 
 ready  to  be  revealed  in  the  lafi  time.    Beloved,  novi>  wee  are 
 the  fonnes  of  God,  and  it  doth  not  yet  appeare.  rfhat  wee 
 \^all bee  .:\biff^ee  knor^y  that  xthenhee  fk all  hppeare,  wee 
 jhall  bee  like  him. :  for  wee  jh\U  fee  him  as  he  is,  f^w  nnto 
 him  that  is  able  to  keepe  yopt  from  falling,  und  to  pre- 
 ..    .  ;,:  fern 
 
thefromifes  offerfiverance,^c. 
 
 fent  jouJMtltle^t  before  the -^refence  of  his ghrie  ifoith  tx- 
 cee/ingjoj  :  To  the  one Ij  rt>ije  Godour  Sa^^of^r,  bee glorie 
 and  moijefij,  dominion  apd  power,  n«w  And  every^/^men. 
 Doth  God  in  thcfe  places  promife  to  protedl.  us  againft 
 forrainc  enemies,  not  againft  domeftickt  perfidioufncfle  ? 
 The  texts  doe  refpedt  no  condition,  as  the  caufc  of  fulfil- 
 ling thcfe  promifes,  but  plainly  affirmc,  that  God  him- 
 fclftdoth  promife  and  will  give  the  condition  which  he 
 requires.  For  to  what  end  doth  be  write  the  Law  in  the 
 heart,  uphold  with  his  hand,  and  give  a  good  iflue  to  the 
 temptation ;  but  that  the  will,  prone  to  wickedneflc, 
 fhould  not  yceld,  and  altogether  ftartbacke  from  grace 
 received  ? 
 
 Whofoever  is  borne  of  God,  doth  not  commit  finne :  for  his 
 feedrsmaineth  in  him, and  he  cannot  Jlnne^becattfe  he  is  borne 
 of  God.  And  if  the  feed  abide  '\x\  the  faiihf  uU  as  an  indele- 
 bic  charafler  and  pledge  of  their  inheritance,  that  they 
 cannot  finnc  in  the  Apoftles  fence,  then  are  they  fenced 
 againd  the  treachery  of  their  ovvne  hearts  remaining  in 
 thcm.whofoe'ver  drink^th  of  the  tvater  that  Iflmllgiveh'tm, 
 fhall  never  thirH  :  b»t  the  ivaterthat  I  give  himficallbeein 
 him  a  vfell  of  water  fpringing  up  into  everUfiing  life:  where 
 thirft  is  oppofvd  to  atotall  want  of  grace,  not  to  the 
 carncft  defirc  of  increafe  in  grace.  The  thirft  of  totall 
 indigencic  is  taken  away  by  the  participation  of  grace; 
 the  thirft  of  complacencie,  or  more,  ample  fruition  of 
 grace,  is  incrcafcd. 
 
 The  Holy  Spirit,  who  is  jfent  into  the  hearts  of  the 
 Sonnes  of  God,  is  not  there  as  a  gncft  to  tarrie  for  a 
 night  or  two ;  but  as  an  inhabitant  to  dwell  and  remaine 
 for  ever :  yea,  as  an  earncft  oS.  their  inheritance,  untill  the 
 redemption  of  the  purchafcd  ^o{^ei\ion.Iwii/prAj  the  Fa~ 
 thery  and  hee_^a/l give y OH  another  Comforter,  that  he  may 
 ^ide  with  you  for  ever,  2^<»w  hee  which  fiablijheth  us 
 with  you  in  Chrifi,  and  hath  annointedus^  is  God,  who 
 hath  aljofealedus,  and  given  the  earnefi  of  the  Spirit  in  our 
 hearts:  which  is  the  earnefl  of  our  inheritance,  nntillthe 
 
 T  2  redemMton 
 
 2.75 
 
 I  jGiin.3.9, 
 
 J  Ichn.j.iS. 
 
 Iohn4.i4. 
 
 1  Pct.1,2,3. 
 
 Rom.8.11. 
 
 Hag-i.5. 
 I  Pct.4.i4. 
 
 I  Iohn.z.27. 
 
 lohn.  14.15. 
 aCor.i.zijtx 
 
 Ephcf;i.i4. 
 &4.J0. 
 
27^ 
 
 what  ft  is  to  live  bj  F/uth  touching 
 
 iPee.Lxj. 
 
 John,  f, 14. 
 John.17,3, 
 Iohn.<.47. 
 
 iIoh,5.ii,ix 
 
 loh.X7.«f' 
 
 redemption  of  tkepnrchtifcdpii^ejftoHy  unto  thffprAtfi  of  hit 
 glory. 
 
 The  fccde  whereof  the  faitbfull  arc  begott^^ti  is  incor- 
 ruptible, the  life,  which  they  live  by  faith  in  Chrift,  h  an 
 cverlafting  life.    Vsrily,  verily  I  fay  unto  you,  Hee  thdt 
 j  heareth  my  word,  and  hlieveth  on  him  that  fern  mee,  hdth 
 tverlafiing  life,  and/hdH  not  come  into  condfmnatlon,  but  is 
 paffedfi-om  death  unto  life.    And  this  is  the  record,  that  God 
 hath  given  to  m  eternall  life^  and  this  life  ii  in  his  Sonne, 
 Hee  that  hath  the  Sonne  hath  life,  andhee  that  hath  not  the 
 Sonne  hath  not  life.'^ovr  the  Scrip  urcs  faying.He  that  be- 
 lieveth  bath  cvcrlafting  life,  and  fliall  not  come  into  con- 
 demnation, doth  import  that  faith  aad  the  fruits  thereof 
 be  fuch  from  which  the  godly  through  the  power  of  God 
 never  fall. 
 
 And  for  further  confirmation,  the  Scripture  teftifieth, 
 that  Chrift  hath  prayed  for  his  people  that  their  faith 
 fiiould  not  faile,  that  they  flaould  bee  kept  from  the 
 evill.  This  cannot  be  relirainedto  the  Apoftles,  but  it 
 is  the  common  priviledge  of  all  the  faithful! ;  Thither 
 pray  Iforthefe  alone'JjHtfor  all  them  alfo  vhichjhall  believe 
 on  mee  through  their  word.  And  the  intcrceflion  of  Chrifl  5 
 even  for  this  particular  blefling  of  the  not  failing  of 
 faith,  never  ccafcth,  is  ever  cffc<fluall,  and  fpecdeth  al- 
 wayes. 
 
 And  that  nothing  might  be  wanting  to  foil  confola- 
 tion  in  this  point,  we  are  affurcd  from  God,  that  he  will 
 perfcd  the  worke  of  grace  which  he  hath  begun,  fyho 
 JhaH  alfo  confirmeyon  nnto  the  end,  thatyec  may  bee  bfame' 
 /;  ff  in  the  day  of  the  Lordleftu  Chri/},  "Seing  confident  of 
 this  very  thing,  that  hee  which  hath  began  a  good  worke  in 
 yon  J  wiSperforme  it  untill  the  day  oflefus  Chrifi,  FaithfnB 
 '  is  hee  that  caSeth  you,  who  alfo  will  doe  it,  that  is^  ("  as 
 I  Thcff  5 14  \  gocth  imme  lately  before  )  preferveyour  whole fptrit,  and 
 \foi*le  and  body  biameteffe  unto  the  camming  of  oar  Lordleftu 
 Chri^,   TheLordisfatthfnll^  who  (haU  efAblifh  yoH,  and 
 kfepeyoH  from  evill. 
 
 Now 
 
 Vetfe  i«. 
 
 I  Cor. 1. 8. 
 Phil.  1.6. 
 
 rheffg.j. 
 
thefr6mifes  offer  fever  ance-,^c. 
 
 Now  feeing  God  hath  bin  plcafcd,  by  fo  many  promi- 
 fes  to  afTure  the  faithfull  of  their  fiire  and  ftedfaft  eftate,  it 
 h  neceflary  fcrioufly  to  learne  and  thinke  upon  them,  that 
 they  might  be  fetled  in  believing  their  perfeverancc.  Had 
 it  not  beerc  a  point  of  great  weight  and  neceffitie,  we 
 cannot  thinke  the  Lord  would  have  mentioned  it  fo  of- 
 ten, and  confirmed  it  fo  many  waies :  which  will  footie 
 appearc  to  any  man  that  {hall  confider  his  ownefrailtie, 
 and  the  ftrength  and  malice  of  his  fpirituall  enemies;how 
 potent  and  vigilant  they  be  to  aflaile,  how  weakc  and 
 feeble  he  \^  to  withftand  and  make  refiftance.    Nor  \?,  our 
 weakneffe  greater  then  our  backwardnefle  to  believe  the 
 promifcs  of  pcrfevcrance,  when  we  ftand  in  moft  need  of 
 them.  When  corruptions  ftirrejand  tentations  be  hot  and 
 fierie,  and  we  finde  our  felves  ready  to  faint,  then  are  wc 
 tofeeke  cf  a  promife  that  might  uphold  againfl:  the  feare 
 of  falling  away  ;  or  if  the  promife  be  at  hand,  we  cannot 
 lay  hold  upon  it,  fome  mift  or  other  comes  bctweene  \t 
 andthe  eyeof  ourunderftanding.  Many  good  Chriftians 
 are  kept  un«ler  with  this  temptation.  They  are  afraid  they 
 fhall  never  hold  out,  if  perfecution  fhould  come,  they 
 ftand  in  doubt  left  they  ftiould  fall  away  as  many  have 
 done,who  made  greater  fhewes,  and  feemed  to  have  gone 
 further  then  ever  they  did.   And  whileft  they  diftruftfully 
 qucftion  their  perfeverance,aU  prcfent  favours  fecme  lefle 
 then  otherwife  they  would,all  other  pfomifes  be  held  the 
 more  weakly ,and  Satan  takes  advantage  to  fill  their  hearts 
 with  manifold  difcomforts.  God  (I  denienot}  doth  order 
 thefe  temptations  to  the  beft,  and  will  doe  his  children 
 good  by  them :  for  hereby  they  arc  driven  to  diftruft 
 themfelves  and  run  unto  God,  and  relic  upon  him  m  all 
 their  ncceffities :  nevertheleffe  the  many  perplexities, 
 wherein  they  arc  entangled  for  want  of  faith  in  the  pro- 
 mifcs of  pcrfevcrance,  doth  fufficiently  convince,  how 
 neceflary  it  is  wc  ftiould  labour  to  have  our  hearts  efta- 
 bliihed  in  this  confidence,  that  tlie  Lord  will  ncv^r  leave 
 us  nor  forfake  us. 
 
 T  3  Confi- 
 
 »77 
 
 Byferiommedi- 
 tat  ion  on  thefe 
 promijes  »e 
 muft  fettk  our 
 felvei  inbelit- 
 vini,tt>hich  u 
 •very  necej^ary. 
 
y- 
 
 278 
 
 "Prevention  of 
 m  bbje&iQft, 
 
 ^P^.^I.I30.4. 
 
 I  eot.9.27. 
 
 z  Tiai.4..7j8, 
 
 I  lohn,4,l9' 
 
 what:  it  is  to  live  hj  Faith  to^chht^ 
 
 Confid  ence  in  the  promifes  of  perfcverance  doth  encou- 
 rage aad  quicken  in  a  Chritlian  courfe,  ftabliOi  in  wel  do- 
 ing, and  hearten  againft  the  greateft  difficulties.   OFold  it 
 hach  beene  objecfted  againltthe  doddne  of  aflbranceof 
 not  falling  away,  that  it  doth  fct  open  a  doore  to  all  licen- 
 tioLifneffe :  for  if  men  cannot  fall  from  tlieir  ftate  of  hap- 
 pinede,  why  HiouM  they  feare  to  commit  all  kind  of  wic- 
 kedneflei  But  he  that  hath  faith  in  deed,  will  not,  nay,  he 
 cannot  take  courage  to  goe  on  in  (in,  upon  this  pretence, 
 that  faith  once  had  cannot  utterly  be  loft-    The  believer 
 knowes  himfelfe  bound  to  the  obedience  of  the  Gofpell, 
 though  he  be  freed  from  the  damnation  of  the  law  :  and 
 certaine  it  is,  that  faith  which  knits  to  Chrift,  doth  leade 
 us  forth  in  all  holinefle.    *  Mercy  covering  finne  doth  be- 
 get reverence  :  the  more  adurance  of  falvation  in  a  mans 
 loule,  the  more  feare  and  trembling  in  a  mans  courfe.  He 
 whoisbeft  affured  hath  mod  power  of  Gods  Spirit,,  and 
 theftrongcr  the  Spirit  oFGodis  wkhin,  the  more  holi-~ 
 neflfe,  and  fruits  of  grace  without.  Taul  ws^  aflared  that 
 nothing  fhould  feperate  him  from  the  love  of  God  in 
 Chrift :  Pefer  was  affured,  that  his  faith  fliould  not  faile  : 
 did  this  make  them  the  more  carelcfle  ?  Nay,  rather  the 
 more  carcfull  to  runne  their  race  |  the  more  couragious  to 
 fight  out  their  combate.  :  The  load-ftone  of  love  is  love  » 
 Love  in  the  fliperibur  doth  draw  love  from  the  inferiour: 
 and  is  it  then  poffible  for  us  to  apprehend  fuch  unfpeakable 
 love- of  God  in  choofing  us  tofiich  an  excellent,  happy, 
 I  unchangeable  condition,  and  not  be  affccfled  to  love  the 
 I  Lord  againe  .^  Of  neceffity,  the  faith  whicli  conrinueth 
 I  muft  be  lively,  Borxan  it:  imbracetbepron^fes  oPperfe- 
 ;  vcrancc  but  whilft  it  is  lively.   The  more  operative  faith 
 i  isj  the  greater , our  affurance  of  future  ftanding  i  if  faith 
 i  bedormant  or  languifli  for  a  time,   for  thjit  time  we  are 
 j  to  feeke  of  this  comfort;  nor  can  it  be  recovered  .till  faith 
 I  recover,  and  put  forrb it  fclfei valiantly  in  combating  a- 
 j  gainft  -Sathan>  iubduing  corAiption^jInd  working  righ* 
 jteoulhefle.  .  :.■  ;.i,;r.^.•;.  v.; 
 
 1        '  L'ooke 
 
thefromifes  offerfeveyance,^c. 
 
 2  7P 
 
 Looke  how  much  wc  come  {hort  inbdicving  the  faith- 
 full  promifes  of  God  concerning  our  future  protedlion 
 from  all  hurtful!  evils,  (the  grcatcfl:  whereof  is  failing 
 away  )  fo  much  are  we  lacking  to  found  peace  and  ftable 
 tranquillitie  of  Minde  and  Confcience.T  he  better  we  have 
 learned  to  live  by  faith  in  Chrift,  as  the  Author  and  finf- 
 fher  of  our  faitbj  and  raifer  of  us  up  at  thelafl:  day,  the 
 greater  and   more  Redfaft  is   our  comforr.    The  men  | 
 of  this  world  be  not  fatisfied  with  the  pofle/lion  of  their 
 purchafed  inheritance,  but  they  feeke  to  ftrengthen  and 
 afTuretlwir  title  ag^inft  future  claimes,  before  they  can 
 Se  quiet.    Whrn  a  Chriftian  is  acquainted  with  tliepro- 
 '  mi(e.?'oFpardot5  and'torgivsncflc,  bclicveMiinJChrift'for 
 ialvatitn,  a'nd  is  reconciled: unto  God-  '.When  bis  con- 
 fcience  is  purged,  that- there  remainetb  no  more  terrible 
 remembrance  of  finnes  pad: ;  his  liifts  flibducd  and  van- 
 quilTned ;  his  hrart  quieted  from  all  perturbations ;  and  all 
 inward  difturbance,  which  was  in  man  againft  himfelfe,* 
 done  away ;  and  when  thefe things  arc  knowne  untotlie^ 
 Confciencc  :  yet  one  thing  is  wanting  to  foundand  full- 
 peace;  that  is,  holy  fecurityfor  time  to  come  againft  all 
 enemies  both  inward  and  outward,  that  they  (hall  not 
 hurt  us  much  leffe  prevailc  againft  us. For  ifwhat  wc  pof^ 
 fe0c  may  utterly  be  loft,  or  what  wc  hope  and  cx|)e(ft  be 
 mcerely  uncertaine  and  conj'edlurall,  builtupon  the  good 
 ufe  of  our  free-will,  and  not  upon  the  free  and  unchange- 
 able grace  of  God,  what  reft  or  quiet  in  refpcd:ofhis 
 future  eftatecan  any  man  finde  inhimfelfe?  but  let  the 
 heart  beefi  ablifhed  inthis,  that  God  wiil  carrie  him  for- 
 ward from  grace  to  grace  tillhebave  broughrhim  to  his* 
 everlafting  Kingdome  j  that  his  faith  fliall  never  faiie,  the 
 grace!?  of  the  Spirit  (hall  nevTr  wither  and  decay  ;  Sathan 
 with  all  his  malce,  the  world  with  the  manifold  allure- 
 ments thereof  fliall  never  pre vaile againft Jiim-thisfreeth^ 
 frotii  much  heart-griefe,  perpicxirie,  diftruftfull  forrow, 
 and  unprofitable  trouble,when  he  feelcs  his  dWnc  weak- 
 nefTe,  thinkcs  of  Sathan  and  the  worlds  power,  hearcs  of 
 
 T  4  the 
 
28o 
 
 iTim.i.ii. 
 
 Thegsdly  are 
 aUoived  to  be- 
 lieve their  fer' 
 ,  Severance, 
 
 Roin.8.30. 
 
 I  b  Mat.6. 1 3. 
 c  lohn  i6.z3 
 
 Wkat:  it  is  to  live  hy  Faith  touching 
 
 the  falls  of  fome  who  have  gone  farrc  in  the  profcflion  of 
 godliacfle,and  cafts  with  bitnfclfe  what  perfecutionsmay 
 be  raifed  againft  him  for  the  truth  and  Gofpell.  This  alfo 
 refreiheth  the  heart  with  fwcet  and  heavenly  comfort,  in 
 the  midft  ofthofe  many  trials  &  incumbrances, which  we 
 do  and  muft  make  account  to  meet  witball  :  and  this  our 
 heavenly  Father  4cnew  to  be  no  more  then  neceflary  for 
 our  chearfull  walking  before  him.  For  the  which  cattfe  I 
 Alfoftif^r  thefe  things,  neverthe/ejfe,  lam  not  A[hamed:for 
 Ikvioyo  whom  I  have  believed^  and  lam  perftvadedthat  he  is 
 able  to  keepe  that  which  I  have  committed  nnto  him  againH 
 that  day. 
 
 And  feeing  God  hath  promifed  to  perfe^  the  workc  of 
 grace  begun,and  bound  bimfelfc  by  covenant  to  confirme, 
 ftrengthen,  and  ftablifh  his  children  unto  the  end,  and  in 
 the  end  to  give  them  eternall  lifejfuch  as  find  any  true  and 
 lively  worke  of  grace  wrought  in  them,are  allowed  from 
 God  to  believe,  that  they  fhall  never  perifh,  nor  quite  be 
 broken  off  from  Chrift,  nor  thofe  living  waters  cleane  be 
 dried  up,  but  notwithftanding  their  ownc  infirmities,  and 
 the  fore  temptations  wherewith  they  are  opprefTcd,  they 
 (hall  be  preferved,upheld,  and  kept  anto  falvation.  For 
 what  God  hath  confirmed  by  .promife  and  covenant  unto 
 his,  children,undcrtaken  to  effcd  by  his  Almighty  power, 
 and  ratified  by  earned  and  pawne,that  thsy  are  al'owed  to 
 believe  and  expert  from  him  of  his  unchangeable  grace 
 and  love.  This  is  the  golden  andindiffolublc  cbaine  which 
 the  Apoftls  fpeakes  of,  whom  he  did  predefiinate^  them 
 alfo  hee  called:  and  whom  he  caHed,  them  hee  alfo  JHjlified: 
 and  whom  hejafiified,  them  he  alfo  glorified;  {o  that  t^dxi- 
 all  vocation  is  a  pledge  and  token  of  glorification  to  en- 
 liie. 
 
 Chrifl  a  hath  prayed  for  his  people,  that  their  faith 
 might  not  faile  :  ^  the  faithfull  pray  inftantly,  Lead  us  not 
 into  temptatio»:and  <=  that  no  man  might  waver ,a  promife 
 h^nntxcdjfVhatfoever  )e  /h(t/l  asks  the  Father  in  my  Ntime, 
 he  will  give  it  yon.  Bat  without  qaeflion>they  haveallow- 
 !  ancc 
 
thepromifes.ofperfeverancejd)LC. 
 
 2gl 
 
 ancc  to  believe  the -obtaining  of  that  which  Chrifthath  j  \  lohn.5.14, 
 prayed  for,  and  the  faitbfull  askeof  God  in  the  Name  of 
 Chrifl:  according  to  his  will.Thefervants of  Chrifl:  who  li- 
 ved by  the  like  pretious  faith  with  us,  grounded  upon  the 
 fame  promifeSj&  lub  jed  tothe  fame  temptations  jbelieved 
 their  perfeverance.  lam^erfwaded,  that  neither  death,  nor    Rom.8.^  8,35 
 life^nor  Angels yHor  ■principalities^nor  powers^ner  things  pre- 
 /enty  nor  things  to  comCy  nor  height  nor  depthy  nor  any  other 
 creatureyjhall  be  able  tofeperate  from  the  love  ofGodytvhich 
 is  in  Chrifl  lejm  our  Lord,    iAccoriing  to  mine  earneji  ex- 
 peilationyand  my  hope  that  in  nothing  I /ball  be  ajhamed:  bm    FhJ.  1.20. 
 that  with aliboldne^eyOS  alrvayesfo  nowalfo  Chriftjhallbee 
 magnified  in  my  bodjy  whether  it  bee  by  life  or  by  death, 
 iy€nd  the  Lord pj all  deliver  mee  from  every  evill  vcorke    iTim.j.iS, 
 and  will  preferve  me  unto  his  heavenly  kingdome,  to  whom 
 bee  glory  for  ever  and  ever,  <»Amen,   But  whatone  belie- 
 ved upon  common  and  ordinary  grounds,  that  is  the  pri- 
 viledge  of  all  believers  which  they  are  allowed  to  re- 
 ceive. 
 
 It  isagreat  glory  to  God,  that  we  Ywc  by  faich  on  him 
 concerning  our  future  eftatc,  and  rdie  upon  his  gracCjthat 
 in  all  encounters  we  fhall  be  more  then  C  oncf  tier  our  s^ 
 through  him  that  loved  tts.  For  this  is  to  take  God  to  be 
 our  God,  not  onely  to  put  our  confidence  in  him  ia  pro- 
 fperityand  adverfity,  when  we  have  meanes,  ormeanes 
 be  wanting,  for  our  foules  and  bodies  :  but  alfo  to  relie 
 upon  him,  that  he  will  make  us  walkc  in  his  Commande- 
 mcnts,  and  put  his  fcare  in  our  hearts,  that  wc  {ha  11  not 
 depart  from  him ;  that  he  will  perfed  his  worke  begun 
 in  us,  finifh  our  faith,  and  preferve  us  unto  his  cverlafting 
 kingdomc.  This  faith  doth  give  unto  God  the  praife  of 
 all  grace  which  he  is  pleafedto  befl:ow,and  ofaU  workes 
 of  grace  which  he  cfFe(fteth  by  us.  He  that  relieth  upon 
 the  good  ufeof  his  free-will,  muft  neccflarily  afcribe  the 
 praife  of  his  perfeverance  in  parr,  if  not  principally,  unto 
 himfelfe  :  but  he  that  reReth  upon  the  Lord  for  eftablifli- 
 ment  againft  all  fpirituall  enemies,  and  ability  unto  eve- 
 
 { 
 
282 
 
 Thea5fsoffa.ith 
 concerning  jier. 
 feverance. 
 I. 
 
 t  Cor. 3.  J. 
 
 Tf^^at  it  is  to  live  by  Faith  touching 
 
 Iob,9.'a8. 
 
 Gatak.S'/'irffM 
 all  jVatch^pag 
 84.. 
 
 ry  good  worke,  he  mud  neccffarily  afcribc  the  whole 
 praife  unto  the  glory  ot  Gods  grace,  upon  which  he  do.h 
 
 'The  ads  of  faith  concerning  perfeverance  be  thefe  and 
 fiLchh'ke. 
 
 Firft',  It  makes  a  man  fcnfible  of  his  owne  frailcie,  and 
 infirmity,how  weake  and  feeble  he  is,  apt  not  only  to  fall, 
 but  even  to  fail  away  Jf  he  were  not  upholden  by  the  grace 
 and  power  o^God.N e>t  that  we  are [ujficieMt  ofonrfelves  to 
 thinkeayiy  thing  as  ofourfelvestbtit  ourfnfficiensie  is  of  God, 
 \  Naturally  wetruft  m  our  felves,  and  are  prefumptuous  of 
 I  c-ur  ftrength  ;  but  when  by  faith  we  goe  forth  of  our 
 I  felves  unto  God  for  helpe,  we  can  fee  nothing  in  our 
 j  felves  but  weakncfle  and  frailtie. 
 \      Secondly,  Itftirresupholy  j'ealoufie  and  fufpition,  left 
 I  we  fhould  coolc,  decay,  ftart  afide,  or  fall  backc.  Faith  is 
 j  bold  and  timerous,  confident  and  fufpitious :  confident  in 
 j  God ,   fufpjtious  of  our   felves.     /  nvoi  afraid  (  fairh 
 ■Job)  of  all  my  weyk£s\  knowing,  thdt  if  Ididmcksdly^ 
 I  thou  wouUfl  not  acquit  mf.  And  this  iufpition  doth  beget  i 
 care  to  fliunne  occafions  of  finnc,  and  watchfulnelfe  to  j 
 j  prevent  fpirituall  diftempers.  A  man  jealous  of  his  health  ! 
 is  warie  in  his  diet :  and  he  that  hath  his  foulc  in  fufpi- ' 
 tion  will  ever  be  queflioning  with  itjand  watching  over  it ; 
 leaO:  he  fhould  offend.  This  jealouHe  is  ever  waking,  apt  | 
 to  caR  the  worfi:  that  may  fall  out,  but  to  counfell  the  bed, 
 that  is,  tokeepefarre  from  the  occafionsoffin,  abftaine  | 
 from  all  appearance  of  eviil,andtakehcede  of  the  fnare  in  j 
 lawfull  bufinefles  of  this  life.  And  furcly,  in  this  kinde,  ' 
 confidering  our  great  frailty,  it  is  more  behoovefull  for  a  ' 
 man  to  be  fome  what  too  heedie  andcautelous,  then  to  be  ■ 
 a  little  too  fecure  and  fclfe  confident ;  to  be  fufpitious  of, 
 bis  weakneffe  that  he  may  be  enabled  by  God  and  become  j 
 ftrong  in  him,  then  while  he  is  foole-hardic  and  [Irong  in  I 
 his  owne  c9nccit,torunintodanger,and  prove  wcake  in  I 
 triall.  I 
 
 Thirdly,  Faith  inftantly  cricth  unto  the  Lord  for  helpc, ! 
 
 and 
 
thefromifes  offerfc'verancej^c. 
 
 283 
 
 and  ftrength,  and  continuall  fupply  of  grace.  H&ld  up  my 
 goings  in  thy  paths,t'haf  my  footfieps flip  not.  I  will  keepe  thy 
 fiatutes :  O  forfake  me  net  utterly.  Loo!^  thou  upon  me,  and 
 be  mercifiill  unto  mee:ss  thoft  tifefl  to  doe  Hnto  thofe  that  love 
 thy  Name.Grder  myfteps  in  thy  reord^and  lit  not  my  inlqy,i- 
 tj  have  dominion  over  me.  T)rdyo  me,  wee  n>ill  rnnne  after 
 thee.  Shew  me  thy  waief,  O  Lord ;  teach  me  thy  paths.  Lead 
 me,  in  thy  trmh,and teach  meifor  thou  art  the  Goiofmy  faL 
 vat  ion  J  on  thee  doe  I  waite  all  the  day  long,  W  hen  men  be 
 confcioLis  to  themfelves  of  their  own  want?,  they. are 
 wont  to  refo^'t  unto  others  by  whom  their  wants  may  be 
 fupplied :  The  Believer  is  emptie  in  himfelfe,  and  fenfible 
 of  his  owne  weakneffe,de{irous  of  fupply  ,and  confident  of 
 help  in  God,who  alone  is  able  to  confirms  and  ftrengthen 
 him,  yeafoto  inablehim  notwithftanding  his  infirmity,, 
 that  his  power  and  might  fliall  appeare  in  him  amidft 
 his  fceblenelTe,  and  his  very  infirmity  Oiall  make  much 
 for  his  glory  :  and  therefore  he  will  not  ccafe  day  after 
 day  to  rcpairc  unto  him  for  continuall  fupply  and  ftrength 
 ofgracc. 
 
 Fourthly,  Faith  defireth;  digeflcth,  and  feedeth  upon 
 thewholfome  food  of  life,     tiy^s  new  borne  babes  deftre 
 the  Jincere  milke  of  the  Word,  that yee  may  ^rovs>  thereby. 
 If  the  body  be  healthfull,  and  in  cafe  to  grow  in  ftrength, 
 there  will  be  an  appetite  to  wholeiome  food,and  good  di- 
 gcftion  by  the  flomacke ;  every  living  thing  hath  a  facul- 
 tie  to  draw  nourifliment  unto  it  felfc.and  the  faith  which 
 never  faileth  doth  not  onely  covet,  but  kindly  digeft  the 
 Word  of  life,  and  fucke  nourilTiment  from  it,  where- 
 by it  is  made  able  and  ftrong  to  every  good  word  and 
 worke;   If  the  ftomacke  decay,  or  the  appetite  be  inor- 
 dinate after  things  hurtfull  and  unwholfome  food,  or  the 
 digeftion  ill,  that  mcatc  taken  in  pa(Tethaway  notaltc- 
 I  red  by  the  ftomacke,  the  naturalllife  is  in  danger ;  fothe 
 I  life  of  grace  languifheth,  when  our  appetite  to  the  word 
 I  decayeth,  we  aftecfl  earthly  things  immoderately,  dclighc 
 !  in  a  frothy,  windic,  vaine  found  of  words,  which  pleaicth 
 ^'  the 
 
 pfAl.17.5. 
 Pfal.115.8. 
 
 PfaI.IIc?,I32 
 
 Cant  1,4. 
 
 2,  Tim  4.17. 
 iCor.  u.^jic 
 a  Cor. 4. 7, 
 
 4. 
 
 z  Pet.2.2. 
 
284 
 
 what  it  is  to  live  by  Faith  touching 
 
 the  care,  but  edifiech  not  the  confcience,  or  if  we  bcarc 
 fleigbtlyjWe  take  not  paincs  to  teed  fubftancially  upon  the 
 Word.I  denic  not,but  a  lively  never- fading  faith  is  fub/e(5l 
 to  thefe  and  more  grievous  diftempers  for  a  time,  but  in 
 this  languifliing  fit,  though  it  be  not  unto  death ;  untiilit 
 recover,  it  is  unable  to  embrace  the  promifes  of  perfeve- 
 raticc:  and  the  more  lively  it  is  to  receive  thofcpromifey, 
 the  more  earneftly  doth  it  defire  and  fwcetly  feed  upon 
 the  Word  of  grace. 
 
 Fiftly,  It  pucteth  forth  it  felfc,  to  performe  all  duties 
 of  holinefle  and  love,  with  life  and  fervour  :  It  labourcth 
 and  taketh paincs  in  wcl-doirg.    For  Idleneffe  corrupts 
 naturall  ftrength ;  ufe  and  exercife  confirmes  it.  Dull  and 
 fluggifh  anions  argue  feeblenes  of  the  faculty,  and  tend 
 unto  decay  j  as  if  we  doe  not  things  with  that  vigour  we 
 have  done,  it  is  a  iigne  of  infirmity,  and  of  a  faculty  in- 
 wardly or  outwardly  hindered, and  if  we  reft  in  fuch  a  per- 
 funflory  courfe  and  challenge  not  our  felves  for  it, we  are 
 in  danger  to  grow  worfe  and  worfe.  But  livelinefle  and 
 contention  in  doing  is  both  an  argument  of  good  difpofi- 
 .tion,  and  a  meanes  of  increafe.   The  more  lively  faith  is, 
 the  better  it  worketh :  and  the  more  it  worketh,  the  j 
 faftcr  it  groweth.   Life  is  the  daily  and  continuall  vigour 
 ofa  living  fubftance  :  and  every  thing,  as  it  is  moft  lively 
 and  likely  to  continue,  the  more  it  doth  fhow  forth  it 
 ftrength  in  working.    For  a  time  faith  may  fall  aflecpe, 
 and  the  a(5lions  of  faith  be  heartlefle,  dull,  and  perfundlo- 
 rie :  but  faith  now  aflcepc  will  awake  anonc,  ftiakeiip  it 
 fclfe,  ftirre  up  affedions,  refift  floth,  blow  up  devotion, 
 and  reftleflcly  afpire  after  heavenly  things.  And  like  as  it 
 is  with  them,  whofc  going  backe  helpeth  them  to  take 
 their  rife  and  fetch  their  Icapc  more  coonmodioufly,  or 
 whofe  lingring  for  a  feaf^n  makes  them  to  ply  their  bufi- 
 neflfe  the  dofer  afterward  :  So  here,  faith  (through  him 
 that  is  the  Author  and  finifher  of  it)after  fuch  remiflenefle 
 doth  renue  its  indeavours,and  with  more  vigour  and  holy 
 contention  fet  upon  the  workes  of  piety  and  godlinefle, 
 
 ftirre 
 
tbepromfes  offerfeverancCyStc. 
 
 285 
 
 ftirreup  the  graces  of  the  Spirit,  tic  up  the  thoughts  to 
 heavci  ly  things  ,labour  aga  nft  winde  and  tide,  and  walke 
 before  Cod  in  all  wel-pleafipg,  though  not  without  great 
 weakneflc, 
 
 Sixtly,  It  covetcthccreafe  of  grace  and  fandification; 
 Hrafe  mte,  O  Lordy  and  I  (hnllbe  healed:  fave  wr,  undl 
 Jhall  he[4ved:  for  thou  art  my  praife.     Lord  be  mercfuH 
 unt9  meet  heate  my  fhule^  for  I  have  finned  agAhfi  thee, 
 How  are  men  8fF:(^ed  in  recovering  bodily  health,  fbme- 
 what  better  will  not  content  or  fatisfie  ?  W  hen  they  can 
 (it  up,  but  notable  to  walke  up  and  downe  the  cham- 
 ber, oh  that  hey  had  a  little  ftrength  to  ftirre  :  when 
 they  dare  walke  within  doores,  oh  that  they  could  ftirre 
 abroad;  then  that  their  ftomackes  were  returned,  and 
 they  could  walke  in  their  acc'v>omcd  ftrength.    Every 
 living  thing,  the  more  it  doth  live,  the  more  it  coveteth 
 perfedion  of  life  in  it  kindc.    And  fo  is  faith  afteded  in 
 receiving  fpirituall  ftrength  from  the  fickneflc  of  fin, 
 till  it  feele  it  felfe  enlarged  to  walke  conftantly  and  chear- 
 fully  before  the  Lord,  yea,  till  it  be  perfectly  recovered, 
 which  cannot  be  fo  long  as  we  carrie  about  us  this  bodie 
 of  death.  By  reafon  man  excelletb  the  be4fts,  by  holincffe 
 hcexcellethhimfelfc,  infcriour  only  to  the  Angels  in  de- 
 gree, and  made  like  unto  the  Lord,  as  farrc  as  a  creature 
 may  be  to  his  Crcatour.    Sin  is  the  fickneflc  of  the  foule, 
 fo  much  more  lothfomc  and  dangerous  then  diftempers  of 
 the  body,  as  the  foule  is  more  excellent  then  the  body : 
 Holineflc  is  the  healthj  otnamentj  and  excellency  of  the 
 foule,  as  farre  furpaffing  it  in  worth,  as  man  doth  the  ba- 
 fcft  creature  in  dignity  and  hone  ;ur.   There  is  no  trouble, 
 /liame,  and  forrow  to  fin  :  there  is  no  honour  and  com- 
 fort to  holinefle  and  fanftification.   According  to  the  na- 
 ture of  holineflc,  fo  is  the  fruit ;  the  merchandife  there- 
 of 96  better  then  the  merchandife  of  ftlver^  and  the gahe 
 thereof  then  fine  gold '^    It  ii  more  pretiotts  then  rubies, 
 and  whatfoever  can  bee  dejired  vfithout  it,  is  not  to  be  corn- 
 fared  unto  it.  The natmall  man  neglcfteth  to  feckc  after  I 
 
 holi-  ' 
 
 Icr.17.14. 
 
 i'ral4i.4. 
 
 PIOV.5.14.1J. 
 
 , 
 
2S6 
 
 what  it  is  to  live  by  Faith  touching 
 
 7. 
 
 lohn.i.i^. 
 
 ^  Ephef.4.7. 
 John.6.j5,57 
 
 8. 
 
 Ie1-.j1.40. 
 Iohn,<S.54, 
 
 holinede  or  cake  paincs  to  get  it,  bccaufe  he  fceles  not  the 
 fickne  fle  of  hjs  loule,  nor  undcrftands  thfc  worth  and  fruit 
 of  grace  :  But  the  true  Believer,  who  is  grieved  with  his 
 infirmities,  and  knowcs  the  excellencie  and  eomFortof 
 fpirituiU  health,  eai.not  but  defire  and  covet  grace 
 more  and  more^  thai  in  due  time  he  might  be  per fecftly 
 healed.  _  ♦     > 
 
 Seventhly,  Itrcceivcthnew  fupply  of  grace  continu- 
 ally from  Jefus  Chrift  the  fountaine  of  grace.  Ofhiifnl- 
 ne^e  have  wee  all  received^  anci  grace  for  grace  :  Chrift 
 is  an  ever- flowing  fountaine  of  grace,  ofwhofe  plenty  all 
 Believers  are  abundantly  parrakers,and  that  from  one  de- 
 gree of  grace  to  another,  though  not  ail  in  the  fame  mea- 
 furc  and  degree.  Water  in  a  ditch,  which  hath  no  living 
 fpring  to  feed  ir,  is  foonc  dried  up :  but  the  pond,  which 
 is  nourifhed  continually  with  frcili  fprings,  doth  not 
 feare  the  drought  of  Summer,  orkorching  heat  of  the 
 Sunnc.The  Temporarie,who  was  never  knit  unto  Chrift, 
 as  a  living  naturall  and  proper  member,  may  fall  away 
 from  that  which  he  feemed  to  have ;  But  the  true  Belie- 
 ver, in  *  whom  Chrift,  the  fountame  of  life,  dwclleth, 
 who  daily  receives  grace  from  him  according  b  to  the  rae ab- 
 jure of  the  gtft  of  Chrift:,  he  fhall  never  utterly  be  dcftitute. 
 Hee  that  eateth  ntyfie/h,  anddrtnheth  my  hloudj  dwelleth  in 
 mee  and  I  in  hint.  As  the  livingFather  hathfent  me,  and  I 
 live  by  the  Father  :fo  hee  that  eateth  me,  even  hee  Jhall live 
 hymc' 
 
 Eightly,  It  aflureth  of  pcrfeverancc  through  fuch  pro- 
 mifes  as  thefe ;  I  will  make  yon  to  walke  inmjQomman- 
 dements  j  I  will  put  mj  feare  in  ytur  heart ,  that yot*  fhall 
 not  depart.  Who  (0  eateth  my  flepj,  and  drink^th  my 
 blowi^  hath  eternall  life,  and  I  will  raife  him  up  at  the 
 lafl  day.  Bnt  Faith  giveth  afTurance  of  perfeverance  as  it 
 doth  of  the  pardon  and  forgivenf  fle  of  fins ;  and  what  is 
 neceflary  to  be  knowne  of  that  point,  hath  beene  largely 
 handled  before. 
 
 Now  if  a  Chriftian  would  ftirre  up  his  faith  to  believe 
 
 the' 
 
thefromifes  offerfeveyMce,^c. 
 
 iSj 
 
 the  promifes  of  perfevcrance,  when  he  fceles  his  owne 
 weakncffe,  and  conadcreth  the  ftrength.and  maliee  of  his 
 
 Advcrfarics.  ,  '  tr  ^  r 
 
 Firft,  Let  him  heartily  bewaile  his  pronencflc  to  fmne, 
 aptneffctodcchne,  inability  to  withftand  any  one  temp- 
 tation, or  fet  one  Bcp  forward  m  the  way  to  Heaven. 
 Woe  is  rac,  poore  wretched,  blinde,lamc,  crooked.dcke, 
 impotent,  unftable  as  the  running,  water  :_  How  was! 
 bewitched  with  lelfe-confidence  and  conceit  of  fpirimall 
 fulncflc  >  I  bave  prcfnmed  upon  my  wiidome,  as  iuttici- 
 enttodirccflmy  wayes ;  and  leaned  upon  my  ftrengtb,  as 
 able  to  make  refiaance  againft  temptations,  ftandupQn 
 mine  owns  bottome,  and  go  through  (litch  with  my  re- 
 folutions :  But  nowlfmdc  my  wifdome  is  ignorancf, 
 vanity,  and  folly,  my  ftrength  weakneffc  :  I  am  unabie  to 
 tbinkeone  good  tliought,  fet  one  ftep  forward  towards 
 Heaven,  kecpe  my  ftanding,  or  withftaiid  the  leaft  affault. 
 In  painc  I  am  pettiOi,  under  croffes  faint,  heartlefie,  dil- 
 content,  ready  to  fiie  at  the  found  of  perfecution,fecure  in 
 profperity,  puffed  up  with  comforts,,  apt  to  be  led  away 
 with  worldly  allurements.  My  fpirituall  tafte  is  diftem- 
 pered  with  carnall  vanities,  which  rcli(h  fweeter  to  me 
 then  the  mercies  of  God  in  Chrift ;  mine  appetite  to  the 
 Word  and  food  of  life  is  abated,  my  zeale  decayed,  mine 
 affcrtions  dull  to  good,  my  devotion  cooled,  my  conla- 
 ence  bcmimmcd.  I  hcare,  but  feed  not  upon  the  Word  ; 
 my  Prayers  arc  cold,heartleffc,roving ;  in  earthly  imploy- 
 ments  I  kecpc  no  moderation,  daily  weaknefles  and  lelier 
 finnes  goe  downc  without  rcluaation  :  the  motions  ot 
 the  Spirit  quickly  die,  the  motions  of  the  fteOi  live  and 
 get  ftrength,  admonition  is  fruitles,reproofe  unwelcome. 
 In  my  courfe  I  am  ready  to  ftumble  at  every  rub,linger  at- 
 t€r  every  baitc  laid  by  Sathan  or  the  world  to  catch  me, 
 and  totter  upon  the  fmalka  tentation.  Every  day  I  have 
 greater  experience  of  my  weakeneffe  then  other,  loone 
 diftempered  and  put  oucof  fra.re  ;  it  by  any  mcanes  for 
 ah'ttle  time  my  heart  be  brougnt  into  Come  better  order,l 
 '  am 
 
 Meanes  to  flint 
 
 up  ourfelve!  to' 
 helieie  theft 
 promifes  o.  per 
 I  ever  an  ce. 
 I. 
 
288 
 
 2. 
 
 W^at  it  is  to  live  by  Fdth  touching 
 
 am  forgottoll  of  my  purpofes,negligcnt  of  the  opportuni- 
 ties to  get  good,  diftradled  with  lawhiU  bufincflc,  and 
 wearie  of  the  workcs  of  my  calling,perplcxcd  at  the  trou- 
 bles I  mcctc  with,  giving  way  to  frowardneffe,  not  loo- 
 king up  to  God :  unthankful!  for  mercies,  trifling  out  the 
 time  in  foolifli  furmifes,  vaine  ploddings,  and  unpro- 
 fitable fpeechcs.  The  poore,  leanc,  thinne  fruits  of 
 grace,  which  through  the  mercy  of  God  now  and  then 
 I  efpie  in  my  felfc,  thefe  prodaimc  my  fickc  and  feeble 
 ftate :  my  thoughts  and  meditations  of  good  are  poore 
 and  few  ;  drivings  againft  (in  weake,  appetite  to  the 
 wholfomc  food  of  life  fmall,  digcftion  flow,  obedience 
 marvellous  defeftivc  and  in  a  manner  liveleffe.  I  live  un- 
 der the  powerfull  mcanes  ofgrace,  enjoy  many  he Ip5  in 
 private,  amfree  from  many  great  tentations,  wherewith 
 others  are  exercifed  in  refped  of  their  <5utward  condition, 
 blcfled  with  the  fociety  of  them  that  feare  God,  pruned 
 and  drefled  by  my  heavenly  Father,  and  yet  I  reelc,  wa- 
 ver, am  toflcd  to  and  fro,  and  ready  to  fall  upon  every 
 occafion.  Ah,  wretched  man  that  I  am,  how  fhall 
 I  be  able  to  (land,  if  the  mcanes  fliould  faile,  pcrfc- 
 cutions  be  railed,  or  the  powers  of  Hell  let  loofe  upon 
 me. 
 
 Secondly,  He  miift  ftirrc  up  himfelfe  to  reft  upon  God 
 through  Jefus  Chrift-  for  eftablifhment  and  confirmati- 
 on. Why  ftiould  I  feare  by  reafon  of  mine  infirmities,  or 
 the  malice  of  my  fpirituall  enemies  ?  I  am  ficke,  but  God 
 is  my  phyfitian  ;  wcake,   but  God  is  my  rocke,  my 
 ftrengtb,  my  high  tower  ;  I  like  a  loft  (heepe  am  ready 
 to  goc  aftray,  but  the  Lord  is  my  Shepheard,  and  will 
 not  fuifer  mee  to  perifli.     Chrifts  interceffion  is  ever 
 effeduall  :  but  he  hath  prayed  that  my  faith  fliould  not 
 faile,  and  promifed  that  the  gates  of  hell  (hall  not  pre- 
 vaile.    The  fonsofe^<<Ww,  mortall  bytirth,  can  never 
 grow  beyond  the  ftate  of  mortality  :  the  children  of  God 
 borne  of  immortall  feed  can  never  fall  from  the  ftate 
 of  immortality.  True  faitk  is  a  never  fading  faith,  the  life 
 
 of  I 
 
tbefnmifes  offerfeverance,dicc. 
 
 of  grace  an  everlafting  life,  the  water  of  life^  a  well  fprin" 
 ging  unto  ctcrnall  life.    Chrifl:  once  died  for  fincc,  never 
 to  ()iiz  any  more  :  and  he  that  Hveth  in  Chrifl:  fhall  live  for 
 ever.  Indeed  if  faith  were  the  workc  of  free  will,  or  had 
 dcpendance  uponir,  it  might  well  perifh,  butbcingihe 
 intire  gift  of  God  according  to  hispurpofc  of  grace,  it 
 mufl:  needs  partake  of  the  unchangablc  love  of  God, 
 which  is  the  fountaine  whence  it  fprinfcth.  I  will  waike 
 jealous  of  my  fclfe,  becaufc  feeble  and  apt  to  offend  ;  but 
 confident  in  Gods  mercy  and  grace jbecaufe  he  is  faithful!, 
 who  fhall  confirme  me  unto  the  end,    and  perfcd  his 
 worke  he  hath  begun.    My  care  fhall  be  to  feed  up- 
 on the  word  of  life,  to  fhunne  fin  and  the  occafions  lea- 
 ding thereunto,  to  cry  for  aid  and  ftrength ;  and  when  I 
 fcele  my  fclfe  ready  to  finke,  I  will  hang  upon  the  Lord; 
 for  his  power  fliall  fuftaineme,  his  right  hand  (hall  up- 
 hold me,  and  by  his  might  I  fhall  be  kept  through  faith 
 unto  falvation.    zA brnijed  reede  Jhall  hee  notbreakcy  and 
 fmoakJKg  flaxe  Jhall  hee  not  quench,   till  hee  fend  forth 
 judgement  into  vi^sry :  his  power  fhall  be  magnified  in 
 my  weaknefTe. 
 
 Thirdly,  He  muft.  pray  inftantly,  that  God  would  up- 
 hold him,  and  make  him  to  fee  that  he  will  eftablifh  him 
 unto  the  end.  Our  ftrength  is  of  God,  and  it  is  of  him 
 that  we  know  or  be  afTured,  that  through  the  power  of 
 his  grace  we  fhall  ftand  firme  and  unmoveable. ,  The 
 ftate  of  a  Believer  is  fure,  and  it  is  impofTible  the  eledT; 
 fhould  be  deceived  :  but  as  they  (land  by  the  grace  of 
 God,  fo  it  is  of  God  that  they  know  their  ftanding.  O 
 Lord  God  of  heaven,  the  great  and  terrible  God,  that 
 keepeth  covenant  and  mercy  for  them  that  reft  upon  thy 
 gratious  promife  and  defire  to  yeeld  up  themfelves  in 
 obedience  to  thy  Commandements,  looke  mercifully 
 upon  me,  thy  weake  unworthy  fervant  :  heale  mine 
 infirmities,  for  they  arc  many,  and  ftablifli  mc  by  thy 
 free  Spirit,  for  I  am  brought  very  low.  Remember,  I 
 befeech  thee,  the  word  of  thy  covenant,  faying,  I  will 
 
 V  give 
 
 2S9 
 
 Matt^.!»,ao, 
 1  Cor.  12.^. 
 
290 
 
 Hew  to  live  b^  Faith  intimeofTem^tatlon^ 
 
 Icr,3iS934<5' 
 
 give  phem  one  heart  and  one  tvaythat  they  mnjfeare  me  for 
 every  for  theg(>oiofthemy  and  ef  their  children  after  them, 
 \  iy€nd  I  will  make  an  everU^ing  covenant  mth  thenty  that  I 
 ,  wis  not  turne  avsfay  fiom  them  to  doe  them  good, hut  IwiSpftt 
 \  my  fears  in  their  hearts,  that  they  Jhall  not  depart  jtom  mee. 
 jNowI  am  thy  poore  creature,  the  works  of  thine  hands 
 ^  whom  thou  haft  made ;  thy  poore  fervant  wich  whom 
 '  thou  haft  ftricken  covcnant.unto  whom  thou  haft  ftiewed 
 .  this  mercy,  thati  defire  to  fearcthy  Name  :  O  Lord,  I 
 bcfecch  thee,  teach  me  thy  way,  make  me  to  walke  in  thy 
 truth,  unite  my  heart  to  thy  feare,  confirmc,  ftrengthen, 
 ftablifti  me  unto  the  end,  and  make  me  to  know  that  by 
 thy  powcrirnallbc  inabled  to  ftandfaft,  andvanquilli 
 the  enemies  of  my  falv^ation,  that  I  may  fight  manfully, 
 obey  cticerfully,  perfift  undaunted,  and  re/oyce  in  thy  fai- 
 yatioK  all  the  dayes  of  my  life. 
 
 N: 
 
 CHAP.  VI. 
 
 Hovfito  live  hj  faith  ia  time  of  Temptation,  when 
 
 Sathan  encounters  and  feekes  to  winnow 
 
 the  poore  fervants  of 
 
 Chrifi. 
 
 O  fooner  doth  a  Chriftian  fet  himfd'^c  unfaincdly  to 
 
 feeke  the  Lord,  but  Sathan  with  all  his  malice,  fub- 
 
 I  Pet.j.S.       1  tiltie,  might,  and  furiedoth  mak«  out  after  him,  affaying 
 
 by  inward  fuggeftions  and  outward  tentations  agame  and 
 
 againe  reiterated  to  difcourage,  turne  backe,  and  utterly 
 
 overthrow  him.   The  fervants  of  Chrift  are  all  fouldiers, 
 
 and  have  continuall  warre  not  vrithflefh  andblotti^but  with 
 
 P"  •!  5    •   principalities  atidpowerSy  and ^irituallmckednejfes.    This 
 
 Encouraoe-    I  ^'^^  ^^^  cxped,  they  have  fworne  i!:,and  are  callecf  unto 
 
 nernnorefijf    Jtof  the  Lord  ;  who  for  their  incouragement  dotb  not 
 
 Nathan .     '    ^  only  acquaint  them  with  the  neceflicy  of  the  fighr,the  juft- 
 
 ^ *  '  ncfle 
 
jv  hen  Sathan  atcounters  the  ftrv  ants  ojchriji. 
 
 2^1 
 
 nefle  of  their  caufe,thc  weight  of  the  bufineffc^thc  honour 
 of  the  combat,  the  reward  ofvidory  if  they  overcome, 
 that  hehimfclfc  doth  behold  and  approve  the  valiarit ;  but 
 alio  by  hisfaithfull  promifedoth  afiurethcrhof  ftrength 
 and  vid;ory.  This  is  Hgnificd  in  the  firfi  promife.  //■  p^esll 
 hrmle  thy  head^  and  then  jhult  hnife  his  hetk  :  which 
 properly  being  undcrftood  of  Chrift,  by  communication 
 of  grace  doth  belong  to  all  the  faithful!.   SiwoMy  Simor\ 
 behold  Sathan   hath  defired  to  have  yott,    that  hee  might 
 f^ft  you  oi  reheaie  :  Bm  I  have  frayed  fer  thee,  that  thy 
 faith  fade  not,    fVhtrefore  take  unto  joh  the  vrhole  armour 
 of  God,    that  yee   may  bee  able  to  veithfiand  in  the  evill 
 dmy^  and  having  done  all  tofland.    Refisl  the  Divetl,  and 
 '  hee  fp ill  flee  jromyoff,    Hee  that  is  begotten  of  G od  keefeth 
 himfe/fe,  and  that  tvie^d  one  toucheth  hiot  KOt,    T'he  gates 
 of  hell  fj  all  not  prevaile  again jl  it.    For  I  am  f  erf  waded, 
 that  neither  death,  nor  life,  nor  Angels,  nor  principalities y 
 nor  powers,  nor  things  prefent,  nor  things  to  come.     2{jr 
 height,  nor  depth,  nor  any  other  creature,  Jhall  bee  able  t0 
 fepetate  w  from  the  love  of  (jod,  which  is  in  Chrifl  lefus 
 our  Lord.    Sathan  was  the  ftrong  man  armed,  who  pof- 
 fcfTcd  all  in  peace :  but  our  Saviour  hath  overcome  him, 
 taken  from  him  all  his  armour,  and  divided  his  fpoi  cs- 
 Having  foiled  principalities  and  powers,  hee  made  a /hew  of 
 them  openly,  trinrnphing  over  them  upon  the^rojfej  and 
 fo  through  death  hath  defiroyed  him  that  had  the  porver  of 
 death,  that  is,  the  Divell,  that  hee  mi^ht  deliver  aUthem 
 which f or feare  of  death  veere  all  their  lifefubjeSl  to  bondage, 
 fpherefore  he  faith,  -when  he  afcendedup  on  high, he  led  capti- 
 vitie  captive. 
 
 In  this  flate  of  temptation  the  fcrvants  ofGod  arc  al- 
 lowed to  live  by  faith.  For  the  God  of  peace  hath  pro- 
 mifedto  tread  Sathan  un.'^er  oar  feet  frortly,  opportunely. 
 When  Sathan  may  feeme  to  prcvaile  and  get  the  vidorie, 
 God  will  fpcedily  bruife  and  crufli  him  under  the  feet  of 
 the  faithful),  leaft  he  (hould  hurt  or  overthrow  their  fal- 
 vation.   The  craft  of  Sathan  is  great  to  deceive,  but  God 
 
 V  2  will 
 
 Apoc.t,  11.16, 
 
 Apoc.j.ii. 
 lam.  1.12. 
 Fromifes  of 
 
 Gen,  5. 1  5. 
 
 Luk. 
 
 ia-3i>3i 
 
 Eplufe,!  j. 
 Iair.4,7. 
 
 I  lohn.y.ig. 
 Mat.  10, 18. 
 
 Rom.8,38,5^ 
 
 Luk.  11.21, 
 
 Col.i. 
 
 ij. 
 
 Hcb.i.i4,ij, 
 
 Epbef.4,8. 
 
 ThegoJly  are 
 allowed  to  be- 
 lieve tie  promt- 
 fes  of  viSioiy. 
 Rona. 16.20. 
 
Pfal.5o-X». 
 
 i  I  loh.j.tj. 
 
 Efay.30.1f 
 iPct.$  $. 
 
 291       !       .HowulwehjF4ithi»Hfne9fTemftm'ion^ 
 
 tCor.x*.7,8,f  will  teach  wifdome  and  proridcncc  to  difccrne  and  difap- 
 
 Rom.^.14.      point  his  ftratageras.   The  power  of  Sathan  is  great  to 
 
 Imoleft,  but  if  we  iSght  qianfuUy  againft  him,  not  tru- 
 
 ifting  in  our  owne  ftren^th,  but  in  the  living  Lord,  wc 
 
 fliall  obtaine  a  joyfull  vidloric.    Wc  mud  not  be  flothfuU 
 
 \  nor  felfe-confident,  but  valiant  in  the  Lord,  and  the  fuc- 
 
 cefle  is  certaine  through  his  bleffed  aide.  Through  God  rve 
 
 Po%lldoe  vAltantlj  :for  he  it  is  that /ha/I  tread  downe  our  ene^ 
 
 Plies, 
 
 This  is  the  commdndement  of  Gody  that  \»e  beheve  in  the 
 name  of  his  Sonne  lefm  Chriji,   Nothing  is  fo  glorious  to 
 God :  nothing  fo  profitable  to  us.    It  doth  give  God,  as 
 it  were,  a  teftimoniall  of  his  truth,,  power,  mercy  and 
 goodnelTc.  And  for  our  felvcs,  it  is  our  treafure,  ftrength 
 and  vidrory .  God  hath  chofen  thepoore  ofth^  vi>orld,rkh  in 
 faith.    In  quietne^e,  and  in  confluence  JhaH  be yonrfirength. 
 We  have  a  charge  to  refifi  the  Divell  flrong  in  the  faith. 
 The  more  fiercely  we  be  aflailed,  the  more  confidently 
 fliould  wc  betake  our  felves  unto  the  Lord  for  helpe,who 
 is  our  ftrong  caftle,and  rocke  of  defence.  In  peace  if  men 
 let  their  armour  hang  by  and  ruft  ;  y^t  it  is  time  to  buckle 
 it  about  them,  when  the  enemy  is  at  the  gates,  and  begin- 
 neth  to  batter  the  walls.Thc  Lord  permits  Sathan  to  buffet 
 us,  that  we  might  be  moved  to  feeke  and  take  unto  as 
 the  armour  of  a  Chriftian,  more  efpecial'y  to  put  on  the 
 fhicld  of  faith.  To  doubt  and  feare  becaufe  we  are  exerci- 
 fed  in  fpirituall  combats,  is  as  if  a  fouldier  (hould  lay  afidc 
 his  harnefTc,  becaufe  he  is  called  forth  to  battell  with 
 his  enemies.    The  Apoftle  fpeaking  of  our  fpirituall  con- 
 I  flid:  with  the  malicious  enemies  of  our  foules,  chargcth 
 '  us  not  onely  to  believe,  but  above  all  things  to  labour  af- 
 Ephef.^.i<f.     jtgj.  faiths .  ^ygye  all  things  takif^g  the  fhieU  of  faith  : 
 \  which  manner  of  exhorting  doth'lliew  us,  both  what 
 care  we  mafl:  have  of  it,  and  what  approbation  we  have 
 j  from  God  to  believe.  For  if  we  bid  a  fervant  buy  many 
 things,  but  above  all  fuch  a  thing,  by  his  charge  he  might 
 eafily  gather  what  he  fkould  be  carefull  in,  and  what  al- 
 lowance 
 
tphen  SAthan  encounters  thefer'vants  ojCJirift, 
 
 lowancc  he  bad  to  do  k.So  when  we  arc  counfellcd  above 
 ali  tbingsco get  ftitb,  it  is  'noi  bard  to-jwido-todj  that  wc 
 muftbe  cbkfcly  carefcrl  about  iria3id:tb«r:G<]^is  well 
 pleafcd wc IBould  fo be.  •  \;   >  -^  -  :;• '-•r'J 
 
 Faith  is  one  of  the  firft  things  that  is  formed  in  -a  Chri- 
 ftian,  and  wherewith  God  furniHieth  him,  when  be  prc- 
 parcth  and  callcth  him  forth  to  the  encounter  *  fo  that  to 
 queftion  whether  we  (hould  believe,  is  to  queftion  whe- 
 ther we  fliould  dedicate  our  felves  to  the  fervicpof  God, 
 dcnic  our  lufts,  or  fight  againft  the  Divell.   That  which  is 
 febuloufly  fpoken  of  the  Giants  is  trirely  fpokeia  ixfus;  wc 
 arc  no  fooner  borne,  then  we  have  our  fwords  girded  to 
 us,  our  {hiclds on  our  armes.   i .  . .; ;        ^  c    ;    — 
 \     The  Lord  (lands  betwixt  hiscbildtdn  arid  all'dani^cM 
 that  arc  intended  againft  them  by  their  malitions  enemies.. 
 j  He  is  ever  at  tlieir  right  hand  to  fave  their  foules  from 
 death.  And  if  God  (land  Forth  for  their  help,  they  cannot 
 better  provide  far  their  owne  eafcand  j(afcty,thcn  iftbcy 
 confidently  hope  in  the  Lord,aad  repoffitbcirfotaiesii^on 
 his-might*.   :  ■■:'     ■:  :■    .••:•;.:;■':.;  •../.■  - 
 
 It  is  neceffary  tbataChriftian  fliould  live  by  faith  in 
 that  condition.  For  all  fpirituall  fouldiers  muft  put  on 
 courage, and  refolution,nottG  fearctfacaffaulta  of  mighty 
 enemies,  nor  be  difmaycd  at  any  difficultic5...i£*rw>_ya»r 
 hearts  fearcy  tremble  not  hecttufe  of^your  enemies  j  cjHhy^ur. 
 fellies  like  men,  beflrong.  But  tFUC  valour  cannot  be  had 
 without  faith  in  Chrift.  Standfafi  in  the  faith,  beftrffng. 
 The  Divell  is  Ukea  ferpcntinc  Ciocodile,whofe  property 
 is,  if  one  follow,  itfliethaway;  if  one  flic,  it  purfueth 
 him.  Refift  Sathan.andhe  ypt/lflie ;  be  afraid,  and  he  will 
 follow.  Cowardife  doth  encourage  the  adverfary, courage 
 daunts  him.  But  courage  iflketh  from  found  confidence  in 
 the  Lord,  who  is  the  rocke  and  fhield  of  them-that  flie 
 unto  him .  rfaite  on  the  Lird^be  of  good  coutA^e^  dnd  he  Jhall 
 Jirengthen  thy  heart .  *Befirong  and  of  a  good  coura^yf rare 
 naty  nor  be  airaidi>fthenf  :  for  the  Lord  thy  Ged  -heit  is  that 
 doth  go  rvith  thee,  he  voiU  n9tfaile  thee,  norffrfakf  thee. 
 
 25?5 
 
 ^f  ii  necej/aiy  a 
 Chrifiianjhould 
 live  by  faith  in 
 thii  condiiitn. 
 Dear.  20,  J, 
 
 I  Coi'.id.ij. 
 
 lam. 
 
 4-7' 
 
 Pf.JI.2.&7I. 
 
 Deuc.3a.4. 
 Pfal.a7.14. 
 &  31.14. 
 Dcut  3i.<5,7,8 
 
2P4 
 
 Hew  ioUvehj  Faith  in tmisfTemftattm^ 
 
 I  Pet.  I,  J. 
 Gen  5.  If. 
 
 Rom,  1 6.  ao. 
 
 Rom.  5.5. 
 t  Cor.j.f. 
 Aa.3.16. 
 
 Ephef.  6,  10. 
 
 Exod.14.  13. 
 
 PfaI,io8, 1  J. 
 
 \latth,  16. 18. 
 EphcC^.ifi. 
 
 liTim.4 
 
 Of  our  fclves  we  have  no  ftrcngth  to  prevaile  againft 
 the  ftrong  one  in  the  world  :  all  our  vi(5tories  muft  cSomc 
 of(3od,  his  pijwer  doth  all  our  workcsforus.   Wee  a,re 
 k£pt  by  thepawer  ofGoduntofaivatiorii  he  braifeth  the  Ser- 
 pents hcad.he  dirfolveth  the  workcs  of  the  Divell,he  trea- 
 deth  Sathan  under  feet.   The  chiefeft  ftrength  of fouldi- 
 ers  lyctb  in  their  Captaine,  who  yet  muft  fight  for  them- 
 fclvcs  and  him,  by  their  owne  power  and  skill :  but  all 
 our  ftrength  ly eth  in  Chrift,  the-Captainc  that  Icadeth  us 
 to  falvation/rom  whom  we  receive  all  power  and  ability 
 to  doe  what  is  goodjwhofe  Alnaighty  power  fubdueth  all 
 things  for  u"?.    We  our  felves  before  our  converfion  arc 
 of  no  ftrength,  after  alfo  of  no  ftrength,  not  fufflcient  ta 
 thinks  Agsodthotight :  all  our  fufficiency  is  of  God,    But  we 
 cannot  be  ftrongin  the  Lord^  amd  in  the  power  of  his 
 might,  unleffc  we  believe  and  leane  upon  it.    Gods 
 ftrength  is  the  matter  apprchended,faiththe  hand  where- 
 by we  apprehend  it.  This  \%  our  {[vc':)gthyfianiifiill,  feare 
 notibeheld  the  fahation  of  the  Lord,  If  we  had  the  ftrength 
 of  our  firft  parents,  and  were  left  to  our  felves,  we 
 (hould  come  fhort  of  happineflc  :  this  is  all  our  fecurity, 
 that  it  is  Gods  ftrength,  being  truftcd  unto  by  faith,  that 
 muft  helpeus  to  falvation  :  Through  Gedwee  jhall  doe  vai- 
 limtlj:  hcHs  our  fliicld,  towcr^  rocke,  ftrength,  and 
 glory.  '^- 
 
 Fiaith  is  of  force  tokeepc  us  againft  allaflau'ts  of  the 
 Divell  :  This  is  our  vic^tory  which  overcommeth  the 
 world  :  this  is  fo  mighty,  that  the  powers  of  Hell  cannot 
 prevaile  againft  \x.  Faith  doth  latch  the  fiery  darts  of  the 
 Divell,  that  they  fall  off  without  piercing  Us :  or  if 
 they  enter,  it  doth  quench  and  alky  their  burning  heate, 
 that  they  fhall  not  kill  us.  "Teter  had  the  dart  ftucke 
 in  him  a  while  :  but  faith  dxd.  renew  repentance  ;  and 
 healed  him,  making  the  poyfon  of  finhe  a  Treacle, 
 PhhI  was  buffeted  with  inward  fuggeftions,  and  bad 
 troubles  as;  thicke  as  haile-ftone?  following  him;  yetaU 
 thcfe  prevailed  not  againft  hirajbecaufc  he  kept  the  faith. 
 
 The 
 
when  SAth/w  cnceunUrs  thefer'vajifs^fChnfi, 
 
 The  DivcU  will  renew  liis  affaultsagaiiiftus,  and  we 
 muft  renew  our  courage  and  ftrength  agairft  him ;  which 
 cannot  be  done,unlefic  we  live  by  faith.  He  that  hath  no 
 truft  in  himlclfe,  but  leancth  on  tlie  power  of  God;  willj 
 though  he  fall  often,  ftill  have  hope,  and  be  couragicus  to 
 fee  upon  his  enemies  with  freih  aflaults  after  fonne  foyle 
 received.  For  he  that  know  es  he  hath  no  ftrength,  can- 
 not wonder,  if  when  God  Icaveth  him  he  do  fall :  and  h: 
 that  maketh  Gods  ftrength  his  ftay,  though  he  be  never 
 fofarrc  from  a  thing,  yet  will  not  caft  away  h6pc  in  time 
 toobtaine. 
 
 The  adls  of  faith  in  refpedl  of  temptation  be  thefe  or 
 fuchlikc. 
 
 Ffrft,  Faith  makes  fenffble,  that  we  canndt  rcfift  of  out 
 fclves.  JBy  Sathans  force  the  mighty  Cedars  have  bcenc 
 ovcrcbrowne,  and  with  more  eafe  we  might  be  overtur- 
 ned :  Butyetwbenhcragetb  with  greatcft  fury,  itaiTu- 
 rcth  that  he  is  chained  up  by  the  power  of  the  Almighty 
 God,  and  can  go  no  further,  then  he  will  give  him  leave. 
 W  ell  maav  the  Divell  barke  and  roare,-like  aband-dogge 
 or  Lion  fafcly  chained  or  fhuc  up,  but  he  cannot  ftifre 
 further  then  God  is  pleafed  to  let  him  lofe*   He  cannot 
 tempt  whom  he  will,  nor  when  he  will,  nor  how  he 
 would,  nor  by  what  mcanes,  nor  in  what  meafure  he 
 would,  nor  with  wbattemptations,nor  fot  what  continu- 
 ance: in  all  thefc  he  is  confined  by  the  providence  of  God, 
 who  hath  promifed,  that  he  will  not  fuffer  us  to  be  temp- 
 ted above  that  we  arc  able,  but  will  with  the  temptation 
 alfb  make  a  way  to  efcape,  that  we  may  be  able  to  beare 
 it.    A  legion  of  Divels  could  not  enter  into  a  gahrene 
 Hogge,  till  Chrift  had  given  them  leave.   Sathan  cannot 
 touch  one  Blcate  pertaining  to  loh,  till  he  have  obtained 
 libcrtic :  nor  then  lay  a  finger  upon  his  body,  till  his  li- 
 berty be  renewed.    The  Divell  is  the  finfiill  Author  of 
 Tcmptations,w  hereby  he  feckes  to  moleft  and  overthrow 
 the  Saints:  but  God  in  his  infinite  wifdomeand  mercie 
 doth  limit  thetn,  both  in  refped  of  time,  place,  perfon, 
 
 V  4  and 
 
 255 
 
 The  aSfs  af 
 
 faith  in  refpeit 
 of  thefi  tempta- 
 tions. 
 
 I. 
 
 Matth.4.1,2, 
 
 I  Cor.  1 0.1  J* 
 
 Maikc.5.12. 
 
 Job.i.i2.&  2. 
 6. 
 
296 
 
 ,  Jl&jvfaihe  hf  Faith  in  Pime  ofTt 
 
 2. 
 
 II. 
 
 and  tcijiptatba it  %^%  ?ind&6i5l  them  to  fuch  an  end  as 
 SatJian  never  intended.  Faith  fpeaketh  on  this  wi(e,Sathan 
 defires  to  fitc  me  gs  \Vheate,  ^uf  it  is  the  Lord  who  hath 
 madechoiceafthistemptation,  wherewith  lam  esLcrci- 
 itdi^  rather  then  another,  and  hath  fet  bounds  to  the  fpiri- 
 tHall  enemies  of  my  foulc,  what  time  they  {hall  continue 
 to  aflraile,how  farrc  they  fliall  proceed  and  no  f  urthcr,and 
 will  dire(5l  the  temptation  to  a  good  end,  above  all  I  can 
 conceive  ?; therefore  I  will  not  fearc  the  enemy  but  waite 
 Upon  the  Lord. 
 
 Secondly,  Itdifcovereth  the  Methods  of  Sathan  and  his 
 Ends  in  teiffipting.  The  Divcls  airaes  arc  i^ot  ever  one  and 
 the  fame.  Alwayes  he  labours  the  deftrudion  of  the 
 Saints ;  but  his  wayes,  whereby  he  endevours  to  eflfedt  ft, 
 are  contrarie.  Sometimes  he  purpofeth  to  entice  unto  fin 
 by  his  allurements ;  fometinics  to  vexe,trouble,and  drive 
 into  defpairc ;  at  lead  to  make  the  life  of  a  Chriftian  un- 
 comfortable with  bis  manifold  and  hcUifli  affaults.  This  i-s 
 wilclydiffcerned  by  faith,  whereby  the  ftratagems  of  oar 
 Adverfary  arc  more  eafily  difappointed.For  as  an  enemy, 
 whointcnds  by  palicic  to  get  thevidoryj  is  more  then 
 balfe  overcome  when  his  plot  is  difclofed  ?  fo  it  is  here, 
 Sathan  is  foone  difcomfited,when  his  intents  and  pro/cdts 
 arc  manifcfted  and  made  knowne. 
 
 Thirdly,  It  lifteth  up  the  heart  to  crie  and  complaine 
 unto  God  of  the  cruelty  and  malice  of  that  Spirituall  Ad- 
 verfary :  but  fuffers  it  not  to  mufc  upon  his  blafphemou* 
 tcmptatioiK  or  to  confcrre  with  them.  If  Rai^^ak^h  re- 
 vile the  living  God,  the  people  o^lud^h  will  hold  their 
 peace,  and  not  anfwer  him  a  word,  leafl:  being  inragcd  he 
 fhould  blafpheme  the  more.   Dircd  oppofition  in  fach 
 cafes  ftirrctb  up  the  outragious  blafpbcmcr  to  grow 
 (  more  furious.    When  the  Divqll  requires  of  our  Saviour 
 j  to  fall  dow ne  and  wor{hip  him,  he  reafpns  not  the  cafe, 
 ,Matth,4.io.   I  but  rcpellcth  him  wit^detcftation,  ^voidSathdn.  Gi^ 
 vingus  tounderftand,  that  the  blafpbcmoiiis  may  not  be 
 reafoned  with-,  if  they  (hould,  it  w^uld  siakc  them  but 
 
 burft 
 
 ETiy.j^.ai. 
 
rvhf*  SAihan  ememtcrs  thfervmts  ofchrift,       j     29y 
 
 burft-forth  into  greater  outrage  agaitift  the  peercleffc  vvif- 
 doine  of  God.  W  hcrefore  if  Sathan  buffet  us  with  fug- 
 gcftions  of  this  nature,  it  \s  our  wifdome  toturne  from 
 him,  and  to  make  our  complaint  unto  tl  c  Lord.  So  He- 
 zel^ah  fprcad  the  blalphemous  letter  of  Sennacherib  be- 
 fore the  Lord :  And  when  the  enemies  of  Z)4Winfulted 
 over  him,  as  though  there  had  bccne  no  hclpe  for  him  in 
 his  God,  he  crieth,,  Lordy  how  are  mifie  enemies  hcrea- 
 
 Fourthly,  By  faith  the  poore  foule,  eying  the  promifc, 
 betakes  it  lelfeunto  the  Lord  for  fuccour  promifed,  to  be 
 defended  againft  the  malice  of  that  roaring  Lion.  It  is  the 
 promife  of  our  Saviour,  that  Hell  gates  fhall  not  prevailc 
 again  it  hi«  faithfull  people  :  they  (hall  fight  againft  them, 
 but  not  prevaile.  When  the  fpirit  of  man  begins  to  faint, 
 faith  bids  him  be  of  good  courage,  for  there  is  heipe  in 
 Heaven.  The  Divell  may  thruft  fore  at  thee,  but  (hall  not 
 get  the  vidlory,  for  God  is  with  thee.  If  the  Lord  pliangc 
 thee  iHto  the  Sea,  he  will  goe  downe  with  thee  thither  to 
 keepe  thee,  that  thou  (Kalt  not  be  drowned  ;  altl^ough 
 Hell  gates  had  fkut  her  mouth  againft  thee,  yet  there  his 
 Almighty  hand  will  be  with  thee,  and  from  thence 
 his  armc  will  deliver  tbee.  Feare  not,  for  the  Lord 
 will  be  thy  defence,  and  the  fhadow  of  his  wings  thy 
 covert  ''-■■■ 
 
 Fiftly,  It  ftirreth  up  courage  and  rcfolution  to  fct  upon 
 the  pradifc  of  godlinelTe,  and  the  duties  of  our  particular 
 calling  with  dilligcnce  and  cheerefulnefle,  as  the  mcanes 
 fandiified  of  God  to  procure  freedome.  For  defpaire, 
 dumpifhnf  flffj  foregoing  the  mcanes  of  grace,  and  neg* 
 left  of  our  calling,  thefc  are  the  things  which  Sathan  la- 
 bours to  drive  us  unto :  wc  doe  him  the  greateft  plearfure 
 that  may  be,  when  we  yceld  unto  him  therein.  Exceflive 
 feare  brings  that  upon  us,  for  which  cfpecially  wc  de- 
 firc  to  be  freed,  and  ties  up  the  powers  of  the  foule,  that 
 it  can  make  no  rcfiftance.  Cowardiie  and  fainting  forro  w 
 put  courage  ir|to  our  Adverfary  :  valour,  rcfolution,  and 
 
 confi- 
 
 Efay.37.14. 
 
 rfai  5.1. 
 
 4. 
 
 Mat.  1*.  1 8. 
 
 Pfal.91  ijj. 
 
 Efa.  50.7,8,9. 
 
29S 
 
 Boxn  to  live  h'j  Fmh  in  time  cfTempation, 
 
 6. 
 
 Confidence forceth  Umto  give  backe,  When  we  give 
 place  to  doubtingc  dejeacdnefle,  inordinate  tyrannicall 
 feares,  we  put  our  fclvcs  into  the  hands  of  our  Eneinie  : 
 hut  the  vidlory  is  ourr,  when  by  faith  in  the  power  and 
 mercy  of  the  Lord,  we  raife  up  our  hearts  in  courage,  and 
 buckle  cur  fclves  to  the  duties  that  lie  beforeus,  accor- 
 ding to  abilitie  granted  of  God.  When  we  are  idle  and 
 folitary,  Satban  hath  moft  advantage  to  mokft  and  dif- 
 quiet,  as  the  thiefe  hath  to  fteale,  when  the  doorc  (lands 
 wide  open  :  but  conlcionable  Employment  fhuttcth  the 
 doore  againft  him,  and  takes  away  opportunity-  This  is 
 the  voice  of  faith,  though  Satban  furioufiy  afiaile  thee,  be 
 notdifmaycd ;  when  iiis  temptations  be  moft  fierce,  be 
 thou  moft  diligent  in  the  mcanes  of  grace,  the  pradlife  of 
 holincfle,  the  labours  of  an  honeft  calling ;  pray  earneft- 
 lyjcall  to  remembrance  the  promifes  of  grace  excrcifc  thy 
 felfe  in  workes  of  Mercy  .Make  this  ufe  of  all  his  malitious 
 aflauits,  that  thou  be  quickened  to  ftickc  taftcr  unto  the 
 word  of  promife,  lift  up  thy  heart  to  crave  his  aide  with 
 confidence,  and  take  courage  to  labour  more  earneftly  in 
 the  paths  of  rigliteoufnefle.  For  Sathan  will  then  ceale  to 
 vexe  with  bis  temptations,  when  that  which  he  puts  as  a 
 Humbling  blocke,  we  make  a  Ipurre  and  incitement  to 
 more  diligence  in  wel-doing. 
 
 Sixtly,  It  fortifieththe  foule  againfl:  all  invafions :  For  I 
 the  perfwafions  of  feith  are  moft  forcible,  the  ftrength  of  | 
 faith  invincible. Satan  indeavours  by  how-ible,and  fearefull 
 in/edlions  to  drive  the  poore  foule  to  defpaire  t  Faith 
 heartneth  him  the  more  to  believe,  and  kcepc  clofe  tinder 
 the  ihadow  of  the  Lords  wings.    For  the  Divell  is  let 
 loofe,  tochafeusneererhim,  thatwe  mightftickef<ifter 
 unto  the  Lord,  as  the  child  affrighted  will  cling  unto  the 
 mother.  Satan  defires  by  carnall  allurements  and  outward 
 objects  to  draw  him  from  God,  which  he  inforceth  witfe 
 all  fubtiltie:  Faith  oppofeth  ft ronger  perfwafions  to  wel- 
 doing  5  it  fetteth  before  him  the  terrours  of  death  eternall 
 ifhc  revolt  J  the  comforts  of  grace,  andthe  joyes  of  Hea- 
 ven, 
 
when  Sathan  encounters  the firvmts  of  Chrifi.       .     299 
 
 ven,  if  he  conrinue  conftant ;  in  camparifon  wbercoFall 
 carnall  inticements  be  of  nomoment.  When  the  Divcll 
 cannot  prcvaile  by  flattcrics,he  feekes  by  force  &  violence 
 to  overthrow  the  poorc  fervants  of  Chrift.Faith  buildeth 
 it  felfe  upon  Chrift  the  everlafting  rockc,  refifteth  in  bis 
 name,and  getteth  the  vidory.  The  Beh'ever  is  too  weake 
 ofhimfelfs  to  witbftand  thelcaft  affaultjbuc  relying  upon 
 the  Lord,  through  his  power  he  is  made  viflorious  in  the 
 greatcft. 
 
 Seventhly,  Faith  is  vigilant  and  watchfull  at  all  times, 
 in  all  places,  upon  all  occafions,  againft  all  fins,  with  all  de- 
 grees thereof,  fpecially  againft  fins  of  conftitution,calIing, 
 the  timc,company5Corrupt  educationjthc  firR  rife  of finne- 
 delighting  motions,  and  fins  of  (olitarineffc,  that  it  be  not 
 circumvented  by  the  wiles  of  Sathan.  Faith  may  flumber 
 and  take  a  nap  for  a  little  lcafon,when  it  is  ill  at  eafe  :  but 
 the  propertie  of  faith,when  lively  and  in  good  plight,i$  to 
 kcepe  waking. ,  For  nothing  is  more  wifely  feareftiU  then 
 faitb,nor  more  cautelous  and  circumfpedlthen  holy  feare: 
 Nothing  more  caref^uU  and  fufpitious  then  faith,  more 
 waking  and  induftrious  then  holy  care  and  fufpition  r 
 Nothing  more  covetous  and  contagious  then  faith,  more 
 watchfull  then  covetoufneffe  and  courage.    Faith  makes 
 a  vaiin  /ealous  of  hinifelfe,  left  hes  take  cold,   catch 
 aknocke,  or  be  deceived;  cautelous  and  circumfpe(5ti 
 that  the  Divell  get  not  advantage,^  fet  not  upon  him 
 at  unawares ;  defirous  to  keepe  ftanding,  grow  in 
 grace,  live  in  peace  with  God  ;  and  valiant  in  the  Name 
 of  God  to  take  armes  in  the  caufe  and  quarrell  of 
 God  againft  principalities,  powers,  and  fpirituall  wic- 
 kcdneflcs.     Feare,  care,  fufpition,  covetoufneiTej  cou- 
 rage, any  one  of  thefe  is  fufficient  to  keepe  waking 
 in  earthly  things :  and  when  all  ot  them  joyntly  con- 
 curre,  fliali  they  not  have  this  effed  m  fpirituall  ?  Sathan 
 is  vigilant  to  tempt,  as  he  can  elpie  his  opportunity  :  and 
 faith  is  watcWull  to  avoid  the  fnare,  or  withftandthe 
 aflaiilt. 
 
 ^^'g^tly, 
 
300 
 
 Bovp  to  live  hy  Faith  in  timeofTempation^ 
 
 Revl».ia. 
 
 Luk.4.13. 
 
 1  Cor.io»i3. 
 
 zCor.iz.8. 
 
 Eightly,  In  the  moft  forcible  tcmpefts  which  the  ene- 
 my raifeth  againftuj,  when  to  prelcnt  fcnfc  and  feeling 
 all  fight  and  hope  of  the  grace  and  goodnefleofGodin  { 
 Jefus  Chrift  is  loft,  faith  tels  the  heart,  that  a  calme  is  at  ' 
 hand.  When  the  ftrength  of  the  enemy  is  wafted,  and  his  j 
 provifion  decayed,  that  he  h  ^th  no  hope  to  contiRue  the  ; 
 ficge  long,  he  will  make  one  ortwofutious  aflaultsa- 
 gainft  the  place  before  his  departure,  intending  to  winnc  ' 
 the  horfe  or  lofe  the  fpurres,  as  the  proverbe  goeth-:  fo  it  ' 
 is  with  Sathan,  his  rage  is  grcateft,  when  his  time  h  fhor- 
 tcft.  Even  as  the  darkneffe  is  greatcft  a  little  before  day  : 
 fo  the  grand  pieces  which  the  Divell  keepcs  in  ftore,mitiU  ; 
 the  cafe  be  dcfperate,  be  with  the  claps  they  give,  and 
 miftsihcy  fend  forth,  mcfiengers  of  his  retiring,  andonr  ; 
 deliverance  which  is  before  the  doore.  Thelafttemptati-  ! 
 on,  wherewith  Sathan  fetupon  Chrift,  was  the  moft  furi-  i 
 ous,  and  when  he  could  not  prevaile  thereby,  he  departed  j 
 from  him  for  a  feafon.  The  Lord  knowes  well  the  malice  j 
 of  Sathan,  and  the  weakneffe  of  his  children  :  his  f  urie  to  ; 
 dcvoure,  and  their  frailty  to  ftand  long  in  the  encounter  : 
 therefore  he  will  not  fuffcr  that  roaring  Lion  above  mea- 
 I  fure  to  difcharge  upon  them.  This  faith  affures  of,and  per- 
 fwades  quietly  to  waite  for.       ..^'■;';    ''" 
 
 Ninthly,  If  Sathan  renew  bis  affaults,  faith  ftands  pre-  { 
 pared  through  the  power  of  God  to  make  refiftancea- 
 frefh  ?  When  ?aul  was  buffeted  by  themeffenger  of  Sa- 
 than,he  befought  the  Lord  often  in  that  thing.  Thus  when 
 we  are  led  into  darkneffe  without  light,  we  leaneupon 
 God,  and  cry  unto  him  for  falvation.   If  a  child  have  his 
 Father  by  the  hand,  though  he  be  in  the  darke,  or  other-  ; 
 wife  fee,  what  might  hurt  him,  approach,  and  make  often 
 at  him,  yet  he  is  not  afraid  :  and  fo  hx.  is  with  us,  whileft 
 hy  the  eye  of  faith,  we  fee  that  invifibte  one,  at  our  right ; 
 hand  to  fupport  and  fave  us.    Neither  are  we  ftared  at  j 
 this,  that  Sathan  doth  fhift  bis  temptations,  andreturnc  i 
 againe  afcr  he  had  left  us  for  a  feafon :  But-having  expe- 
 rience of  Gods  gratious  dealing  and  tender  compaffion, 
 
 wc 
 
wkn  Sat  ban  encounters  the  jkrv ants  ofchrifl, 
 
 wc  flie  unto  him,  and  (hrowd  our  fclves  under  the  {hade 
 of  th-:  Almighty.  If  we  have  in  fome  fits  found  eafe  by 
 this  or  that  mcanes,  wc  know  ifwe  come  into  hke  cafe 
 how  to  helpc  our  felves  ;  it  is  we  fay,  but  doing  fuch  a 
 thing,  or  taking  fuch  a  matter  :  thus  having  once  found, 
 in  dirtrcfTc  and  tcmptation,ftrength  and  deliverance  by  rc- 
 courfc  to  our  God  in  Chrift,  we  know  what  to  doe  when 
 fuch  like  ftatc  returneth  on  us.  Sathan  will  not  ccafe  to  af- 
 failc  though  he  be  overcome  j  nor  the  believer  faint 
 though  he  be  fet  upon  againe  and  againe  ;  but  having  once 
 returned  with  vidory  through  the  power  of  God, 
 he  will  abide  in  the  fecret  place  of  the  moft  High  for 
 ever. 
 
 Tenthly,  The  faithfull  arc  the  Lords  veflels,  which  he 
 ufcth  to  fcourc  by  tcmptationf .  True  it  is,  that  in  the 
 time  of  triall,  the  graces  of  the  Spirit  doe  not  fo  much 
 appcare  to  the  notice  of  the  believing  heart :  but  by  the 
 over-ruling  providence  of  God,  they  ferve  for  the  in- 
 creafe  of  grace,  as  the  truth  teachctb,  faith  belicvcth 
 and  experience  can  teftifie.  Thus  faith  miniftreth  comfort 
 in  the  moft  bitter  agonies,  if  it  be  rightly  ufcd,  andftir- 
 red  up. 
 
 But  what  if  the  child  of  God  be  brought  fo  lowjthat  he 
 can  difcerne  no  fparke  of faithjuo  fruit  orgrace,no  marke 
 of  Gods  love  in  himfclfe  ?  It  is  not  to  be  doubtedj  bat  the 
 fcrvants  of  Chrift  through  their  weaknc3,are  oft  brought 
 by  extremity  of  temptation  into  wofull  defolation,which 
 yet  the  Lord  doth  wifely  order  for  the  glory  of  his  Name, 
 and  the  good  of  his  dejeded  fcrvants.  And  as  in  other 
 thingSjfo  in  this,  that  they  cannot  difcerne  any  fruit  of  the 
 Spirit,  wherewith  through  the  mercy  of  ^od,  they  are 
 comfortably  replcnifhed.  For  the  bluftermg  Tempefts 
 which  the  enemy  raifcth  againft  them,  caufe  fuch  diftur- 
 bancc  in  the  foule,  and  fill  the  heart  with  fuch  confufion, 
 feare  and  terrour,  that  for  the  prefent  they  are  altogether 
 unable  to  judge  of  their  owne  cftate.  For  when  the  Mind 
 ii  over-clouded  with  the  mifts  of  Temptation,  as  the  eye 
 
 with 
 
 301 
 
 10. 
 
 W)y  thegddly 
 fometimes  tvant 
 the  fight   of 
 Godi  grace  t. 
 
302 
 
 The  Remedy 
 oj  thii> 
 I. 
 
 How  to  live  hj  Fahhin  time  of  Tcmftation, 
 
 with  the  Tiftig  of  duG: ;  and  the  heart  toCTcd  too  and  fro 
 with  unquietnesj  as  the  waves  of  the  Sea  when  the  winds 
 are  boiflerousjconfcier.ce  by  recoiling  upon  the  foule  can- 
 not conceive, or  give  right  notice  ok  its  trac  ftatc  and  tem- 
 per. Troubled  water  will  not  give  backe  the  icfiedion  of 
 the  countenance :  nor  an  atBidled  Spirit  the  true  dilpollti- 
 on  of  the  inner  man.  When  the  poorc  Chriftian  makes 
 fearch  into  himfclfe^the  temptation  firft:  purs  forth  it  feife, 
 wherewith  the  heart  is  daunted^  and  thereupon  conclu- 
 deth,  that  no  grace  doth  lodge  or  abide  in  him,  becauf  c  at 
 firft  fight  it  doth  not  appeare.  Vnto  thcfe  may  be  added, 
 thatgocd  men  arc  fometimes  petrifhl/ difpofed.,  to  call 
 I  away  all  they  have  as  noihing,becaufe  they  have  not  what 
 I  they  defire,or imagine  others  to  enjoy  :herein  refembling 
 little  children^who  for  wsnt  of  foms  fmall  trifle  that  they 
 defire,  or  fome  of  their  fellowes  have,  throw  away  many 
 things  m.uch  more  pretious. 
 
 But  not  to  inquire  further  into  the  caufes  of  this  mifta- 
 king,  the  remedy  is; 
 
 Firft,  he  muftknow,  that  as  in  Hckc  perfons  we  fee  it 
 £0mmeth  to  pafle,  they  thinks  there  is  noliope  of  life, 
 when  the  Phifician  and  ftanders  by  fee  ccrtaine  and  un- 
 doubted tokens  of  health  :  So  it  is  oftentimes  in  thele  fpi- 
 rituall  fickneffes. 
 
 Secondly,  It  is  the  wifdome  of  a  Chriftian  in  this  cafe 
 to  obferve  the  marke  that  Satan  drives  at.which  is  to  hide 
 from  his  fi^t  the  graces  of  the  Spirit  that  he  might  bring 
 him  to  difpaire.  This  being  the  Divels  aime,  he  muft 
 ftirre  up  himfelfe  to  believe,  and  rowle  his  iculeupon 
 Cbrift  for  falvation.  For  vvhen  he  can  fee  no  grace  in  his 
 foule,  he  cannot  but  fee  himfelfe  to  be  mifcrable,  andfo 
 called  to  come  unto  Chrift  the  fountaine  of  living  waters, 
 that  by  him  he  might  be  repleniftied,  in  him  he  might 
 finde  refrefliing.  Againe,  taking  courage  to  believe,  he 
 difappoints  Sathar,  who  intendeth  not  fo  much  to  draw 
 hun  into  fecurity,  as  to  force  him  to  caft  away  all  hope  of 
 mercy. 
 
 Oh, 
 
vphenSathan  encounnrsthefervants  ofchrilh        \     305 
 
 Oh,  but  a  Chriftian  is  to  examine  and  try  himfelfe, 
 whether  he  be  inrichcd  with  the  graces  of  the  Spirit, 
 or  no?  True  it  is,  that  the  examination  of  our  hearts 
 is  a  n*"ceflary  duty,  but  to  be  done  in  due  order,  lo  as  we 
 be  ftirred  unto,  not  driven  from  the  praiflifc  of  other  du- 
 ties no  leflc  needfull :  But  when  the  foule  is  diHempered 
 with  the  afiaults  of  Sathanjand  unable  to  judge  of  its  own 
 ftate,  iris  unlcafonablc  to  make  fearch into  our  hcartSjSnd 
 prepolleroiis  to  give  place  to  doubtings,  becaafc  we  can- 
 not find  what  we  defire.Wehave  acommandement  to  bc- 
 h'cve,  as  well  a?  to  prove  our  felves  j  both  which  muO:  be 
 coHpled  together,  otherwife  neither  can  be  done  as  they 
 ought :  and  it  is  a  plainccafe,  that  he  who  findes  himfelf-e 
 to  be  poore  and  naked,  is  called  to  com:  unto  Chriflj  that 
 he  might  receive  of  his  fulnede,  be  inriched  with  his 
 plenty.  If  thou  canft  not  find  in  thy  fclfe  what  thou  fee- 
 iccfl:  after,  come  unto  Jcfus  Chrift,and  believe  in  him  that 
 thou  mayeft  receive  wbatthoirfeekefl:,  and  is  to  be  found 
 in  him. 
 
 Thirdly,  The  diftreffed  Cj'dc  muft  learne,that  the  grace 
 of  God  worketh  not  alwaics  alike  in  his  children.  W  hen 
 we  waike  in  the  fields  in  winter,  we  fee  not  only  no  good 
 fru't,  but  not  fo  much  as  a  leafs  on  the  trees,  in  Ibrne  aifo 
 the  very  trunke  or  ftocke  apptareth  to  be  dead :  yet  is  the 
 fap  hidden  in  the  root,  which  in  due  time  will  fbew  that 
 the  tree  was  never  dead.  When  fire  is  raked  up,  there  ap- 
 pcareth  oftentinies  a  fort  of  cold  dead  afhes,  when  there 
 are  underneath  certaine  fparkes,  of  which  you  may  after- 
 ward make  a  fire.  Yea,  many  times  ihc  fruits  of  grace 
 may  fhinc  in  the  convcrfation  to  the  eyes  of  other?,  when 
 the  power  and  ftirrings  of  grace  inwardly,  being  hindred 
 with  temptations,  cannot  be  felt. 
 j  Fourthly,  The  long  and  manifold  temptations  of  Sa- 
 !  than,wherewith  he  fcekes  to  throw  Chriftians  head-long 
 into  defpaire,  is  to  them  a  teftimony  of  the  inhabitation 
 of  the  Spirit  in  their  hearts.  For  the  power  ard  ftrcngth 
 whereby  thofe  alTaults  are  repelled,  is  it  not  of  God }  the 
 
 U'l    . 
 
3^4 
 
 a6. 
 
 i^^n?  to  live  hy  Faith  in  time  of  Temp ation. 
 
 Mcanesto  ftirre 
 upQUT  felvesto^ 
 live  by  faith  in 
 timeofdreadfuU 
 temptation. 
 I. 
 
 Ezra.9,5. 
 
 unclcanc  fpirit  might  cafily  enter  into  the  houfc  with  fe- 
 ven  other  fpirits  worfe  then  bimfelfe,  and  dwell  there,  if 
 he  found  it  fwept  and  garnifhed,  that  is.empty  and  dcdl- 
 tute  of  gr^ce.  The  ftrong  man  armed  m'ght  well  breaks 
 into  the  houfe,  if  a  ftronger  then  he  did  not  keepe  poflef- 
 fion.  As  the  children  of  God  are  conquerours  over  many 
 tcmptationsjfo  one  onely  tensptatior(and  that  of  no  long 
 continuance  )  is  able  to  (inkc  the  flouteft  among  the  Re- 
 probates, who  are  mccre  drofife  and  ref  ufe,  into  the  bot- 
 tomeleflepitofHell.  The  ftrong  aflaults,  whereby  the 
 Divell  labourcth  the  over-throw  of  the  poore  fervant  of 
 God,  is  to  him  an  argument  of  Hrength  received,  or  that 
 God  will  {Irengthen  him.  For  if  he  looke  unto  God  in  the 
 tentation,  he  calletb  not  fortb  bis  fervants  to  the  conflid?:, 
 untill  they  be  furnifhed,  nor  will  he  let  Sathan  loofe  untill 
 he  have  inabled  them  to  make  refiftance.  He  will  not  lay 
 waight  upon  greenc  Timber,  nor  crufh  the  tender  young- 
 ling with  burdens  unfupportable  :  whom  God  doth  im- 
 ploy  in  the  warre,  either  he  hath,  or  will  make  them  able 
 for  his  fervice.  If  he  have  an  eye  unto  Sathans  malice,  why 
 doth  he  mufter  all  his  forces  to  bcfieg?,  if  there  be  no 
 ftrengtb  to  withftand  ?  The  long  contiued  furious  Un-  1 
 tations  of  Sathan  do  make  proofe,  that  the  heart  is  well  1 
 fortified  againft  him.  I 
 
 The  way  and  meanei  to  (litre  up  faith  in  thefe  per-  j 
 plexities  and  times  of  grievous  remptations,is :  j 
 
 Fir{},  the  diftrefled  ChriQian  mufl:  unfainedly  hum-  \ 
 ble  his  foule  for  former  ignorance,   vanity  of  Minde,  ' 
 dilcfteeme  of  mercy,  timeroufnefle,  difcontent,unbeliefe, 
 mifinterpriting  the  Lords  doings,  folitary  mufings  on 
 the  temptations  of  Satban/clfe-confidence,  and  fuch  other 
 finnes  which  may  feemc  to  fet  open  the  foule  to  the  ^erce 
 and  dreadfiill  aflaults  of  Sathan: and  in  that  acknowledge'* 
 ment  and  humiliation  be  mufl:  unfold  hisprefentmifery. 
 before  the  Lord.   O  my  God,  I  am  afliamed  and  con- 
 founded, and  blufli  to  lift  up  my  face  to  thee,  my  God : 
 for  my  fins  arc  multiplied  exceedingly,  and  mine  iniqui- 
 ties 
 
ivhen  Sathdn  encounters  the  fer'v^nPs  ef  Chrifi, 
 
 tics  arc  rifcn  up  againft  me.  I  was  conceived  in  finnc,  I 
 
 have  lived  in  vanity ;  my  thoughts  arc  loofc,  mine  aftcdi- 
 ons  boifterous.  I  have  difeftccmcd  mercy,  regarded  lying 
 vanities ;  ^iven  way  to  doubtfull  reafonings,  pettiflily  ta- 
 ken on  when  my  carnall  dcfircs  have  bccnc  ctoflcd;  di^ 
 ftrufledthypromifesjdifputed  with  tbccof  thy  /udgc- 
 mentsj  giveaway  to  thoughts  of  unbeliefc,  harboured 
 unquictneffe  and  difcontcnt :  and  fo  expofed  my  foale  to 
 the  moft  violent,  horrible,  and  ficric  tentations  and  af- 
 faults  of  Sathan.  My  foulc,which  fliould  be  (eafoned  with 
 fwccte  meditation  on  thy  goodneffe,  mercie,  and  grace 
 manifefted  in  Jefus  Chrift,  delighted  in  the  promifes  of 
 mercicand  ra\^i{hed  with  the  joyes  of  Hcaven,i8 continu- 
 ally peftered  and  affailed  with  the  blackc  and  belli (h 
 thoughts  of  Atheifine,  defpaire,  blafphcmie^  difcontent  j 
 and  extrcamely  tortured  with  foule-vexing  Ifearcs.  O  my 
 God,  looke  mercifully  upon  the  mifcry  of  a  poorc  di- 
 ftreffedfinner.  lam  brought  into  great  darkhefife,  and 
 can  fee  no  light.    There  is  no  four.dnefle  in  my  fiefli,: 
 nor  reft  in  my  bones,  nor  quiet  in  my  Toulc.    My  heart 
 trcmblcth,myftrengthfailethme,  my  life  is  fpent  with 
 griefc,  my  fpirit  within  me  is  overwhelmed:  and  prevai- 
 ling feares  fo  tirannize  over  me,  that  I  cannot  fpeake. 
 My  Mindc  is  full  of diforder  and  confiifion,  my  heart  of 
 terrour :  my  foule  refufcth  comfort.  In  the  day  1  am 
 terrified  with  thoughts ,  in  the  night  affrighted  with 
 drcames.  I  am  fore  wounded  and  broken,  I  goe  mourning 
 and  dcfolate  all  the  day:  my  moifture  is  like  the  drought 
 of  fummer,  and  in  this  deepc  difcomfort  the  Tempter 
 cz2iici\iXVOttoi\i^%z^i1hsX.thereis no heifc  for  me  in  mj 
 God, 
 
 Secondly,  he  muft  complaine  of  the  malice  of  the  De- 
 I  vill ;  and  inftantly  intrcatc  the  Lord  to  pardon  finne , 
 bridle,  reftrainc,  and  tread  Sathan  uuiler  ioote.  Whiles 
 I  declare  mine  iniquitie,andamforriefor  my  finne,  the 
 Devill  ragcth  with  incredible  furie  feeking  to  dcvoure 
 and  fwallow  mc  up.  Hefightcth  againft  mc  continually : 
 X    night 
 
 505 
 
 Pfalji.-^ 
 Pfal.  5.  2. 
 
 «. 
 
3o5 
 
 Hpw^  tmlku^PjJ^aith  mtmeofTemftatim, 
 
 Pfa.l^4i 
 
 VCa.i  1.1.6, 
 
 R9m.i.6»zo. 
 
 pra.3j.17.      ; 
 Pfa  22.2 1^22, 
 Pfa,ji,io, 
 
 night  andday  is  my  loule  vexed  with  temptations  to  be 
 abhorred.  Iflfay,!  will  remember  the  mercies  of  the 
 Lord,  and  thinkc  upon  his  name  |   I  will  unloadc  mv 
 fou'e  mto  thcbofome  of  my  heavenly  Father ,  and  waite 
 «pon  his  grace:  then  he  fuggefteth  impious  thoughts  and 
 horrible  Wafphemies  to  the  great  annoyance,  mifera- 
 blediftraaion,  aftonifhment  and  vcxatibn  ot  my  poore 
 foulc.  Remember  me,0  my  God,according  to  the  multi- 
 tude of  thy  tender  companions,  and  blot  mine  iniquities 
 out  of  thy  remembrance  for   thy  Names  hkc.  There 
 u  mercy  with  thee  covering  finne :  pardon  the  trefpaflfes 
 of  thy  poore  fervant,  and  impute  not  unto  me  thofc  hel- 
 lifli  thoughts  fiiggcfted  by  Sathan,  which  through  thy 
 grace  I  deteftunfainedly,  under  which  I  defire  to  be  fin. 
 ccrely  humbled,  and  from  which  I  heartily  bcegc  to  bee 
 delivered.  Returne,0  Lord,  caufe  the  light  ofthy  coun- 
 tenance to  fliine  upon  mee;  rcfrcfli  my  parched  foulc 
 with  the  fence  ofthy  mercy;  difpell  the  mifts  of  ten- 
 tation,  rebuke  Sathan,  and  reftraine  his  malice.  Thou 
 artthe  God  of  peace> tread  Sathan,!  befeech  thee,  under 
 my  feete  fliortly,  that  with  a  quiet  and  cheerefull  Spirit 
 Imayfingofthypraife,  and  fervc  thee  in  holincfle  and 
 righteoufiies  all  the  dayes  of  my  life.  Thou  art  my  ftreneth 
 and  portion,  my  rocke  and  tower  of  defence,  unto  thee 
 doe.  I  flic  for  fuccour,  Oh,  plead  my  caufe,  againft  the  enc- 
 my  of  my  fou1e  and  thy  glory.  I  am  purpofed  through 
 thy  grace  to  fticke  and  cleave  faftuntothy  mercy,  never 
 toafientuntoorapprove  his' horrible  fu^gcftions:  Oh 
 keepemethatthe  evill  one  may  never  touch  me.  'Lord 
 how   long,  wilt  thou  looks  onl  rtfcfie  my  foule  from  the 
 ficrie  aflaults  of  that  wicked  one;  my  darling  from  the 
 Lyon.  I  am  fore  troubled,  I  am  bowed  downe  greatly, 
 I  walkc  in  heavinefle  al!  the  day  long  :  My  heart  pantetb^ 
 my  foulc  is  exceedingly  difquieted  with  tentations.  This 
 thoHMfl  feene  (O  Lord)  l^eepe  not  filence:  O  Lord  ke 
 mfarrefrommee.    Stirrey  thy  f/lfr^  and  awake  to  my 
 jW^^?w«f,curbe  and  chainc  Up  Sathan,  that  he  may  mo- 
 — left 
 
rvben  Sat  ban  encounters  the  feri>ants  of  Chrifi, 
 
 left  no  longer,  and  ftrengthentby  poorc  fcrVarit ,  that 
 through  thy  mighc,  I  may  conquer  and  triumph  over  him. 
 AridmyfoHieJhalirej&yce  in  the  Lord,  it  JhM  rejoj^e.  in  his 
 falv^tioH,  ARmy  bones  Jhaff  fky,  Lord,  who  ii  like  unto 
 thee^rohich deiiverefi the  foore from  him  that  u  too  firong 
 for  him,  yea  the  pore  and  needie,from  him  that  Jpojleth 
 him. 
 
 Thirdly,  he  muft  ceafe  to  mufc  on  the  tentations  of 
 Satban,  and  ftirre  up  himfelfe ,  couragioufly,  valiantly  to 
 truft  in  the  mercies  of  the  Lord,  and  relic  upon  his  grace. 
 tvhy  art  thou  cafi  dovcne,  O  my  fettle  ?  and  -why  art  thoH 
 dif^uktedrnthinmee  ?  why  doft  thou  harbour  perplex- 
 ing doubtfull  thoughts,  and  in  much  penGvenefle  toffe 
 to  and  fro  the  tentations  of  Satban  ?  This  mufing  kindles 
 tbeiire:  the  more  thou  tbinkeft  upon  the- tentation,  and 
 art  difquietcd  with  doubtings,  the  greater  liberty  bath 
 the  Devill  to  tempt,  the  leffe  able  arc  thou  to  with-ftand 
 his  malice.  If  thou  be  de/eded^  he  will  be  infolent :  if 
 thou  be  affrighted,  he  will  be  the  more  furious.  Truft 
 therefore  in  the  Lord ,  and  waite  upon  his  grace :  for  he 
 hath  feene  thine  adverfity,  he  will  heare  thy  prayers ;  the 
 finnes  cleaving  to  the  tentations,which  thou  fo  muchfea- 
 rcft,  are  pardoned  and  forgiven  unto  thee.  Evill  thoughts 
 conceived  with  ddight,  pleafur^,  and  purpofc,  are  moft 
 difpleafing  unto  God,  dangerous  unto  the  foule  •  but  c- 
 ven  hclli{h  tentations,  which  never  found  confent  or  ap- 
 probation, under  which  thou  art  humbled,  from  which 
 thou  carneftly  craveft  to  be  delivered,  doubt  not,  but 
 upon  thine  unfained  fuite,  they  are  freely  remitted  and 
 done  away.  Be  ftrong,  and  of  good  courage,  feare  not, 
 nor  be  difmaied  :  for  the  Lord  will  be  thy  defence,  and 
 under  the  fhadow  of  his  wings  thou  flialt  be  fafe.  Satban  ^ 
 cannot  tempt  longer  then  God  fhall  give  him  leave :  and  ; 
 he  will  never  fuffer  thee  to  be  tempted  above  meafurc, 
 but  will  give  a  good  iffue  unto  the  tentation.  Thou  art 
 called  to  fight  under  the  banner  of  Chrift  Jefos  and  in 
 the  name  of  the  Lord  thou  flialt  be  inablcd  to  doe  va- 
 . X  2 liantly 
 
 307 
 
 Pfal.jj.j,  10, 
 
 5- 
 
 PfaI.J9.3. 
 
 I  Cor  10.15. 
 
3o8 
 
 I  Got.  IX.9* 
 
 2  Cor.x.^. 
 
 Epfeef.5.10. 
 
 IPfal.ji.«4. 
 Pfil.  34.Z1. 
 4. 
 
 Htf^jv  «^  //-vc  i6|y  Faith  m  tmtefTemfmio»y 
 
 liantly  an4ovcr€ome.  If  Sathan continue  his  aflaults,^ tf^"* 
 ffTAtg  u^uffcietttfer  theff,  l£thy  ftrcngthhc  clcane  gonc> 
 Gods  power  ftiall  be  magnified  the  more  in  thee  ;  and  be 
 hath  brought  thee  low,  that  thou  maKl  not  truft  in  thy 
 felf  c,  but  in  the  living  Lord ,  and  that  the  whole  praifc 
 of  the  vi(5tory  might  be  afcribed  unto  him.  If  thy 
 ftrcHgthdidrcmaine,it  was  not  to  be  leaned  unto;  and 
 now  it  i&dccayed  and  gotic,  there  is  no  caufe  ot  fcare :  tor 
 the  Lord  will  be  chy  ftay.    In  the  moft  difficult  affaults 
 and  tedious  encounters  we  are  exhorted ,  to  be  firong  in 
 the  Lord  y  and  m  the  power  of  hi^  might.  Be  of  good  cou- 
 rage, and  God  wiilgrant  thee  an  cafie,  a  joyful  vi(ftory. 
 Sachans  drift  in  tempting  is  to  turmoile,  dif-heartcn,  per- 
 plex with  fearcs,  and  drive  ir  to  dcfpaire  :  and  if  thou 
 take  heart  and  courage  to  reft  quietly  upon  Gods  grace, 
 and  flie  unto  his  Name,  thou  £halt  put  him  to  flight,  thou 
 haft  already  got  the  day.  Waitc  but  a  while,  and  thefe 
 darke  mifts,  and  terrible  florraes  fhaU  be  difperfed.  By 
 thefe  temptations  the  Lord  hath  taught  thee  to  fee  thy 
 wcaknefTe,  and  the  malice  of  Sathan;  to  denie  thine  ownc 
 wifdome,  and  prize  his  favour ;  lightly  to  cftceme  all 
 things  here  below,  and  highly  to  value  mercy  reaching 
 to  the  pardon  of  fmne,  and  heavenly  communion  and  fel- 
 lowfhip  with  God  :  And  if  this  bitter  potion  hath 
 wrought  fo  kindly  for  thy  fpirituail  good,  why  fhouldft 
 thoubedifmaycd?  Truft  in  the  Lord,  be  of  good  cou- 
 rage, and  he  (hall  ftrengthen  thee.  The  Lord  redeemeth  the 
 fonle  ofhisfervants^  and  none  of  them  that  trnfi  in  him  Jhall 
 be  de folate, 
 I     Fourthly,  He  muft  excrcife  himfelfe  in  wel-doing,har- 
 bour  holy  and  heavenly  meditations,  nourifh  the  moti- 
 ons 6f  Gods  Spirit,  be  zealous  and  diligent  in  Prayer, 
 reading,  and  hearing  the  Word  of  God,  chearefull  and 
 induftriousrnrheworkes  ofhishoneft  calUng.  For  idle- 
 neffe,  and  dejeded  lumpiflinefre,  and  exceffive  feare  pre- 
 pare for  all  temptations :  but  ferious  and  good  imploy- 
 mcnt  is  a  fpeciall  meanes  tO;prevent  or  divert  them.  In 
 
 this 
 
when  Sathan  encounters  the  fer'vants  ef  Chriji, 
 
 this  cafe,  conftant  proceeding  in  a  courfc  of  godlincffc, 
 and  continuall  excrcife  of  Minde  and  Body,  in  that  which 
 is  good,  and  pleafing  in  the  fight  of  God,doth  much  more 
 ava lie  then  diredoppofition.  Ihavetoo  long  vexed  and 
 turmoiled  my  felfc  with  the  temptations  of  Sathan  5  bro- 
 ken off  the  exercife  of  godlincffe,  dired:ly  to  anfwer  and 
 oppofethem,  ycelded  to  thoughts  of  unbeliefe;  given 
 way  todifcouragements,  as  if  it  had  beenc  in  vaine  to 
 pray,  omitted  the  duty  upon  conceit  of  unfitnefTe,  dul- 
 neffc,  unworthinefle ;  accounted  the  duties  of  my  calling 
 tedious  and  burthenfome;  fet  open  my  heart  to  intangling 
 fcruples  and  diftrading  feares,  queftioning  the  love  of 
 God  towards  me  upon  every  falfe  luggcftion,and  conclu- 
 ding oft  through  unbeliefe,  that  God  had  /hut  up  his  lo- 
 ving kindnefle  for  ever  in  dilpleafure.  So  fooliih  have  I 
 bcene,  and  ignorant :  even  in  this  point  a  bcaft.  Pardon, 
 O  Lord,  the  infidelity,  doubting,  de/edlednefle,  and  car- 
 nallcxceflive  feares  of  thy  poore  IcrvantjdchVcr  my  foule 
 from  the  fnares  of  Sathan,  acquaint  me  with  his  Methods 
 in  tempting,  and  how  I  may  prevent  Kim,  and  ftrengthen 
 me  in  the  combate,  that  I  never  faint,  nor  breakc  ©fF  the 
 courfe  of  godlinefle  through  unbeliefe.  I  am  purpofed 
 through  thy  grace,  to  caft  my  foule  upon  thy  tender  mer- 
 cies, to  feeke  thy  face  continually,  to  waite  upon  thee  in 
 thine  ordinances,and  to  exercife  my  felfe  in  the  workes  of 
 Piety,  Mercy,  and  an  honeft  calling.  If  Sathan  tempt  to 
 diftruft,raife  feares, feeke  to  difcourage  my  fcule,or  breake 
 off  my  prayers  bv  his  hellifh  fuggeftions ;  I  will  ftrive  to 
 maintaine  my  faith,  lay  fafter  hold  upon  the  promifes  of 
 mercy,  ftop  mine  eares  againft  fcruples  and  doublings  j 
 take  greater  courage  to  draw  nigh  unto  God,  believe  the 
 acceptance  of  my  willing  though  wcake  fervicc  ;  and  by 
 how  much  the  Divell  {hall  feeke  to  oppofe  or  hinder  my 
 comfort,  courage,  or  conftancy,  fo  much  the  more  will 
 .  I  ftirreup  my  felfe  to  goc  forward  and  continue  therein. 
 ThcLord  willheareafighor  groane,  bottle  up  a  teare, 
 and  gratioufiy  accept  poore  &  meane  lervice  from  a  fickc 
 ^  X  3  childc. 
 
 3  op 
 
310 
 
 Pral.17.  15. 
 
 Pfal.38.1l. 
 
 Pfal. 
 
 27.9. 
 
 Vetfe  1 1 . 
 
 Pfal.  17. 5. 
 
 l;'fa!.4^.1i,ia 
 
 Bevp  to  live  bj  Faith  in  time  of  Temptation,  ^c. 
 
 childe.  I  perceive  the  maine  fcope  of  Sathan^in  fuggefting 
 heliifli  temptations,  is  to  drive  me  into  dcfpairc,  dilquiet 
 the  foule  with  fearcs,  caft  mc  into  dccpe,  unprofitable 
 fbrrow,  and  difcourage  in  every  holy  duty,  that  I  might 
 altogether  negledt  it,  or  with  great  heartlefneffe  go  about 
 it,as  if  it  were  unprofitablejfhould  never  be  accepted.  And 
 IfhallthenpreventSathan,  andputhimro  flight,  when  I 
 takeoccafion  by  bis  temptations  to  ft  eke  cioilr  unto  the 
 wordof  promife,  ftirre  up  my  felfe  zealoufly  to  fecke  the 
 favour  oFGod ;  turne  my  thoughts  from  ditputing  about 
 his  fuggeflions,  pray  that  I  maybe  fitted  to  pray,  waite 
 upon  God  for  help e,begge  the  pardon  of  daily  infirmi- 
 ties, and  take  heart  and  refolution  to  commit  my  foulc  un- 
 to him  in  wel-doing,ftriving  daily  to  reforme  what  is  a- 
 miffc,  and  grow  in  grace ;  but  not  queftioning  acceptance 
 becaufe  of  my  infirmities,  prefent  dulncfle,  and  ciftemper 
 of-  foule,  being  wafted  and  fpent,  whiles  I  ftruggled  with 
 the  temptations  of  the  Divell.  Arife,OLord,  dilappoint 
 Sathan,caft  him  downe.-delivcr  my  foule  from  the  wicked 
 one  :  Be  thou  my  Urcngth  in  trouble;  enclitic  thine  earc 
 unto  my  prayer,  and  fave  me,  for  I  fiie  unto  thee  for  fuc- 
 cour.  I  am  ready  t:o  halt,  and  my  farrow  is  continually 
 before  me.  Ferfake  mee  not^O  Lord,  O  mj  God^  bte  not 
 farre  from  me»  Hide  not  thy  face  farre  from   mee ,  put  j 
 not  thy  fervant  avpaj  in  anaer  :  thoH  hafl-  beene  my  helpe  j 
 leave  me  not,  neither  for  fake  we^  O  god  of  my  fahation. 
 Teach  me  thy  way ,  O  Lord,  andlea^  me  in  a  p/aine  path, 
 becaufe  of  mine  enemies.    Shew  me  the  path  oflifej  guide 
 me  in  the  wayes  of  peace,  give  thy  ftrcngth  unto  thy 
 fervant,  and  fave  me  for   thy  mercy  fake.    Hold  up 
 ^my  goings  in  thy  path?,  that -I    bee   not    turned   afide 
 by  the  malice  or  Heights  of  Sathsn."  I  am  fully  refol- 
 ved  to  depend  upon  thy  grace,  and   keepe   thy  Com- 
 mandements.  Lord  have  mercy  upon  me,  raife  me  upland 
 ftrengthen  me  unto  the  end.  By  this  I  know  that  thoufavou- 
 refi  me, becaufe  mine  enemy  doth  not  triumph  over  »2f .  Vphold 
 me  m  mine  integrity.and  fet  me  before  thy  f^e  for  ever. 
 
 .  ._And 
 
BoTV  to  live  by  faith  in  ti?Kes  of  i  roubles,  ^c, 
 
 Andl  crc,  if  the  diftreffed  Chriftian  have  wafted  his 
 fpirits  with  violent  and  continuall  forrow,  he  muft  be 
 admoniflied  not  to  thinkc,  that  prefently  he  /hould  reco- 
 ver former  livelineiTe  and  ability.  Sathan  will  not  ccafe 
 to  fuggcft ,  that  this  courfe  he  hath   now   fct  upon   is 
 vaine  and  fruitlefle,  becaufe  he  finds  more  dulneflc  and 
 loggifhncfle,  then  formerly.    But  he  muft  tell  himfelfc, 
 that  naturall  powers,  once  weakened,  are  not  foone  re- 
 paired ;  and  in  fuch  cafe,  when  ftirrings   be   leffc,  the 
 worke  of  grace   may  be  more  found  then  heretofore. 
 Livclineffe  and  adiveneffe  is  greateft  in  youth,  but  the 
 truth  of  grace  greater  in  age.  Therefore  he  muft  not 
 fcrupuloufly  queftion  his  ftatt,  becaufe  he  feeles  himfelfe 
 more  feeble,  and  leffe  adive  then  in  former  times. 
 
 311 
 
 CHAP.  VII. 
 
 Uovfi  to  live  by  faith  in  the  times  of  trouble  and  ad" 
 
 V€rfity,fpeciaHy  when  live  be  exercifed 
 
 ypith  WAny  und  long  af- 
 
 fusions 
 
 AFflidlions  are  not  more  ordinary,  then  btirdenfomc 
 and  heavy  to  be  borne.  C^fany  are  the  troubles  of 
 the  righteow,  and  manifold  the  infirmities  of  the  righte- 
 ous in  their  troubles.  Sometimes  they  take  carnall  coun- 
 fcll;  fometimes  they  fret  and  murmur;  fomctimes  they 
 faintanddefpaireforafit.  "David  hid  in  his  heart,  Ij^aH^ 
 now  per ij^  one  day  by  the  hand  of  Sml: there  ii  nothing  better 
 
 \  for  mey  then  that  ijhou/djpeedi/y  efcape  into  the  land  of  the 
 Philiftines.  I  f aid  in  my  hafie,  I  am  em  off  from  before 
 thineeyes.  I remembredGodandwas  troubled',  J cdmplai' 
 ned^  and  my  fpirit  was  over-whe/tned.  IVill  the  Lord  cafi 
 ^jf/"*"  ^'^^^  ?  and  will  hee  be  favourable  no  msre  ?  Is  his  mer- 
 cy cieane  gone  for  ever  :  doth  his  promife  faile  for  evermore  ?  \ 
 
 /_^. X4  which\ 
 
 Pfal.54.if. 
 
 iSam.z;.!, 
 
 pral.ji.zj. 
 
 Pfal.77.5. 
 Vcrfe  7 . 
 Vcrfcf. 
 
med  to  he  hol- 
 pen  aiainjl  dif- 
 couraTernents 
 
 in  aMlaion. 
 
 God  corre5teth 
 in  great  wij- 
 dome 
 
 Bor^  to  live  bj  Faith  mtime  of  Jdveyjlty, 
 
 Menfure. 
 Efay  17.7,8. 
 
 30.  li. 
 
 }cr.  10.14,. 
 
 Far  a  moment. 
 i>fal.30.f. 
 
 Pfal.ioj.  9. 
 Ier.5.  I  a. 
 Pfal.iS5.j. 
 Efay.io  15. 
 
 Efay  ^4  7,9, 
 
 i^ 
 
 Which  frailty  of  the  Saints  dothkfTon  us,  what  necde  we 
 havctobcarcngthencdagainft  alt  dilcouragcment«  and 
 hinderances  which  in  affiiaions  we  fliall  tnecte  witball, 
 that  wc  neither  grow  weary ,  nor  be  rurncd  afide  in  onr 
 Chriftian  courfc.And  the  Lord,our  mod  merciful!  and  lo- 
 ving Father,  knowing  it  to  be  moft  neceilary,  hath  for  the 
 conrifort  and  encouragement  of  his  children  plentifully 
 fignified,  that  he  will  correcfl  them  in  wifdome,  love 
 and  tender  compaflion,to  trie,  purge,  and  refine  them  | 
 and  gratioufiy  promifedto  aide,  comfort,  and  dired,  and 
 in  fittcft  time  to  deliver  them  out  oi  adverfities.  We  hai>e 
 had  Fathers  ofotirpjhy  rvho  ccrreBed  m,  and  we  gave  them 
 reverence:  Jh4llii9emt  much  rather  k  in  fafymon  unto 
 the  Father  offpirits,  and  live  ?  For  they  verily  for  a  few 
 dajes  ch^ftenedus  after  their  owne pleafme,  km  he  fer  our 
 profit ,  tk^t  we  might  he  partakers  of  his  holme jfe.    Hath  he 
 ffftittenhtm^Odhe  fmotethofe  thatfmoteh.m  ?  Or  ts  heflaine 
 According  to  thefiaughter  of  them  that  areflaine  by  him  ?  In 
 meajHrevfhenitJhootethforth^ihoH  wilt  debate  with  it:  he 
 fiayethhisroughwindeinthedayofthe  EaH  m^de.  Feare 
 thoHnot,  O  ]acob,myfervant ,  faith  the  Lord  for  I  am 
 ''withthee,forIwillmak^af(ill  end  of  all  Nations  whither 
 I  have  driven  thee,  but  ImUnot  make  af^ltendofthee,  hut 
 correUtheeinmeafure^yetvDilllnot  have  thee  wholly  un- 
 pmijhed.  This  is  that  which  the  Prophet  fo  earneftly 
 begged  of  God,  O  Lord  correB  me,  but  with  iud^mcnt, 
 not  in  thine  anger,  lefi  thoH  bring  me  to  nothing.  He  correa:s 
 but  for  a  while -.For  his  anger  endfirnh  but  a  moment, in  hU 
 favour  u  life :   weeping  may  endnrefor  a  night,  but  toy  com- 
 methm  the  morning.  He  will  not  alwajes  chide  neither  will 
 heekeepehts  anger  for  ever.  The  rod  of  the  wicked  fhatt  not 
 reB  upon  the  ht  of  the  righteous  :  lefi  the  righteous  put  jorth 
 thetr  hands  unto  intqaity.  For  yet  a  -very  little  while,  and 
 the  tndfgnation  (hall  ceafe,  and  mine  arger  in  their  de- 
 firuUion,  For  a  fmaU  moment  have^  I  forfaken  thee',  but 
 wtth great  mercies  Will  I  gather  thee.  In  a  little  wrath  I 
 ht(imjfaeefromthee,for  a  moment:  but  with  ever  lafting 
 
 k,indne^e 
 
Efay  J 7. 1 6. 
 Micb.  7.18. 
 
 *  in  love  and 
 pro.  ? .  I  z. 
 Heb.12  f,<S. 
 
 t^  Tendemejfe. 
 Efay  65,9. 
 Pfal  103., 3. 
 
 Vcrfe  14. 
 tiorcaii.8j,9. 
 
 tvle^  we  be  exercifed  xvith  mart)  &  Long  afft  ch  ms,  3 1  ^ 
 
 kindtifffewifl I  have  mercy  on  thte ^  faith  the  Lord ^  thy 
 Redeemer,  For  I  wilt  not  contend  for  ever ,  neither  rtill 
 I  he  alwayes  wroth  ;fer  the  ^  rit  Jheuld  fatte  before  me , 
 and  the  fmlcs  which  i  have  made.  Who  is  a  ^od  likf  nn~ 
 1 9  thee ^  that  fardoyitth  initjuityy  and  pajfeth  hy  the  tranf- 
 qrcffton  of  the  nmnant  of  his  heritage  ?  He  retaineth  not 
 hii  aftgerfor  everybecatifehedelighteth  in  mercy,  ^  fVhom 
 the  Lord  /oveth,  kee  correEleth^  even  as  a  Father  the  Sonne, 
 in  whom  he  de light eth.  As  many  m  I  love ^  I  rebuke  and 
 chafiep.  ^  In  all  their  a^iEiion  he  was  ajJiiBed,  and  the  An- 
 gekofhisfrefencefAvedthem  \  in  his  love  and  in  his  fitie 
 l^e  redeemed  them,  and  he  bare  thew^  and  carried  them 
 alt^thedajej  of  old.  Like  as  a  Father  fitieth  his  children  ifo 
 the  Ldfdpitieth  them  that  feare  him.  For  hee  knoweih  onr 
 frame:  keerememhreththatyve  are  dnfl.  How  (hall  I  give 
 M?<? «/?  Ephraim  ?  H^wfhalll  deliver  thee  Ifradl  ?  How 
 fhatl  I  tnnke  thee  as  Admah  •''  Howfhall  Ifet  thee  as  Zebo- 
 im  ?  iJ^me  heart  is  turned  roiihin  me^  my  repeutings  are 
 kindled  together.  I  will  not  execute  the  fercene^e  of  mine  an- 
 ger^  I  win  not  returne  to  dtflroy'E^h[Z\m,for  I  am  ^od  and 
 not  LMan^the  holy  one  in  the  midfi-  of  thee.  <=  Thou  fhatt  re^ 
 member  all  the  way  ywhich  the  Lord  thy  God  led  thee  thefe 
 f orty y ear es  in  the  wilder n(^e ito  humble  thee,  and  to  prove 
 the/- J  to  know  what  was  in  thin* heart.  For  thou  Q  Gody  hafi 
 proved tes  ;  thou  hafi  tried Pts  as  filver  is  tried.  And  I  wtH 
 turne  my  hand  upon  thee f  and  purely  pur  ^e  awry  thy  drojje,] 
 and  take  away  all  thy  tinne,  ^y  this  therefore  fhaS  the  tni- 
 qttity  of  ]2lco\>  be  purged,  and  this  is  all  the  fruit ,  to  take 
 away  his  finne.  And  feme  of  them  of  under  flan  ding  fhall 
 faflyto  trie  them  andtopurge^andtomakethem  white.  And 
 I  will  bring  the  third  part  through  the  fire,  and  will  refine 
 them  as  filver  is  refined  and  will  try  them  as  gold  is  tryedi 
 ani  they  jhall  call  on  my  H^me,  ani  I  will  heare  them.  Now 
 for  afcafonf^ifneedc  he )ye  ar?  in  hat-vtrrfeffe  through  manifold 
 t  temptations  ;  Thsit  the  triaH  of  your  faith,  beina  much  more 
 pretioui  then  gold  that  per  •Jhethytheugh  it  be  tried  with  fre, 
 might  be  found  »nto  praife,andhonenr  ^Cfr  glory  ^At  the  appea- 
 '  ring  \ 
 
 *  To  prove 
 Dcut.8.v. 
 
 Pia.\,66.to. 
 Purge 
 Efay  i.2^.& 
 
 Reflns 
 
 Din  II  3  5.  & 
 12. 10. 
 Zicli  13.9. 
 
 I  Pet  1,5,'.' 
 
3H 
 
 1  Pet.  4. 12. 
 
 18. 
 Hor.1.63  7. 
 
 Job.j6. 10,16. 
 
 'Conjirme  grace 
 Deut.  8.16, 
 James  1. 1,5 . 
 
 Jon.  if.3. 
 
 I  Cor.il.gs. 
 
 2Cci-.4. 17. 
 
 *Hemll  deli- 
 ver them 
 Job  5:. 17, 18. 
 fiwf  0/  trouble. 
 
 PraI.94i2,iS. 
 
 James  1. 1  a. 
 
 f  J>e/»  in  trouble. 
 pfal.56.  8. 
 PIal.31.7. 
 
 praI.33.r8jX5. 
 
 New  t@  live  bj  Faith  in  time  ofi^dnjerjitie, 
 
 ring  oflefm  Cbrifi,  Thinke  it  mtjlrange  concerning  the  fie- 
 rytr tally  which  is  to  try  ym^  m  though  [ome  ftrange  thing 
 happened  nntoy Off ^  H^ppeneth  thff  tares  of  men^  andfealeth 
 their  infirHBion^That  he  may  withdraw  man  from  hu  pur-, 
 p^fcy  and  hide pri^.e  from  man.  He  keepeth  backe  his  fottle 
 from  the  fit ,  and  his  life  from  perijhing  by  the  fveord.    He 
 openeth  alfo  their  eare  to  kifcipline^mdcommanJleth  that  they 
 rettirnefrom  iniejn'ny.  »  Who  ted  thee  through  that  great 
 and  terrible  mlderne^e^^c^that  he  might  prove  thee,  to  doe 
 thee goodat  thy  latter  end.  OPfy  brethren,  count  it  all  joy 
 wheny^e  fall  into  divers  temptations^  knowi>9g  thiSy  that  the 
 trying  of  your  faith  wprketh  patience.  We  glory  in   tribn/atir 
 <%jf  a/fo,  knowing  that  tribulation  voorf^jhpatienei^  and  pa- 
 tience experience  j  and  experience  hope  '^andhcpe  ma^ij  not 
 afhamed.  Every  branch  that  beareth  fruity  he  purgeth  it, 
 that  it  may  bringforth  more  fruit,  ^  When  voe  are  \udgec\ 
 ivearechafl^nedofthe  Lord.tbatwe  Jheuld  not  be.condem- 
 ftedwith  the   world.   For-,  our  lifht   ajfliSiion  ^^^hich  is 
 but  for  a  moment  y  '^orkethfo^'^i^^  afarre  more  exceeding  and 
 eternall  waight  of  glory, ''^  'Wehold^  happy  is  the  man  rpkom 
 GodcorreEieth  :  therefore  dejpife  not  thou  thfi  chafiening  "Wf  ' 
 the  Almighty,  For  hee  maketh  fere,  and  hindeth  up  :  hee" 
 tvoundethy  and  bis  hand  maketh  "whole.  He  fhall  deliver 
 thee  infix  troublesyyea^,  in  feven  there  fhall  no  eviU  touch 
 thee,  Bleffedis  the  man  whom  thou  chafieneth,  O  Lord ;  and 
 teachefi  out  of  thy  Law.That  thou  may  efi  give  him  reft  from 
 the  dayes  ofaiverjity  :  untill  the  pit  be  digged  for  the  wickei, 
 Blejfed  is  the  man  that  endureth  temptation :  for  when  he  is 
 tried,  he  fhall  receive  the  crewne  of  life,  -which  the  Lord  hath 
 prornifedto  them  that  love  him.^  Thou  tellefi  my  wandrings^ 
 put  thou  my  tearesin  thy  bottle :  are  they  not  in  thy  booke  ?■ 
 Iwillbeglad^  andrejoyce  in  thy  mercy  :for  thou  ha(i  confide- 
 red  my  trouble ;  thou  hafi  knowne  myfoule  in  adverfiUes, 'Be- 
 hold, the  eye  of  the  Lord  is  upon  them  that  feare  him  :  Upon 
 them  that  hope  in  his  mercy :  To  deliver  their  fcule  from 
 deaths  and  to  k^epe  them  alive  in  famine.  The  righteous  cry^ 
 andthe  Lordheareth  them,  anddelivereth  them  otH  of  all 
 
 their 
 
when  we  beexercifed  withman^  ^  long  affltBions. 
 
 their  troubles:  The  Lor  dis  nigh  unto  them  that  are  of  a 
 broken  heart :  andfavethfuch  as  be  of  a  contrite  (pp'rit :  The 
 Lsrda/fo  mil  be  a  refuge  for  the  opprefed :  a  refuge  in  times  : 
 of  trouble.  The  needy  fhall  not  alwayes  be  forgotten  :  the  ex- 
 peSlationof  the  poorejhall  not  perijh^ for  ever.  God  is  our  re" 
 fuge   and  flrength ,    a   very   prefent    helpe   in    trouble. 
 Fearethou  not  y  fer   l  ant  rvith' thee '..  bee    not   difmay" 
 ed ^  fur. Lam  thy  God:  I  roiil  firengthen   thee ,  yea  I  will 
 helpe  thee  '^  yea,  I  will  uphold  thee  with  the  right  hand 
 ofmyrighteeufne^e,  Beholdy  all  they  that  were  incenfed  a- 
 (jainH  thee,JJ?afl  be  afhamed and  confounded :   they  fljaU  be  as 
 ^othivKT ^and they  that  Jtrive  with  thee  Jhallperifh.Teare  not^ 
 ihouworme  Jzcoh,  and  yee  men  oflfracU. ;  I  will  helpe  thee, 
 faith  the  Lord,<tndthy  Redeemer ^the  holj  One  of\{xz^\\.Sing 
 O  Heaven,  and  be  joy  full,  O  Earth,  and  breake  forth  into 
 finging,  0  Mountaines ;  for  Godhath  comforted  his  people, 
 and  will  ha^ye  mercy  upon  his  ajfli^ed.  But  TL'ionfaid,  The 
 Lord  hat  hforfaken  me,andmy  (jod  hath  forgot  ten  me.  Can  a 
 woman  forget  her  fucking^  babe, that  fhe/houU  not  have  com" 
 paffion  on  thefonne  of  her  wombe  ?  yea,  they  may  forget, yet 
 will  not  I  forget  thee.   Behold  I  have  graven  thee  upon  the 
 palmes  of  my  hands,  thy  walls  are  continually  before  m?.  Be. 
 canfe  he  hathfet  his  love  upon  mettherfore  will  I  deliver  him: 
 Iwillfet  him  on  high,becaufe  he  hath  k^orvnemy  T^me.He 
 fffall  call  upon  ms,  and  I  will  anfwer  him  :  I  will  be  with  him 
 in  trouble.  Twill  deliver  him,  and  honour  him.  In  thefe  and 
 fuch  like  psffages  of  holy  Scripture,  wee  fee  with  what 
 love.andtcndemeffe  the  Lord  doth  correal  his  children, 
 for  the  glory  of  his  great  t*Qame,and  their  exceedinggreat 
 benefit  j  that  they  might  know  themfeVcs,  their  frail- 
 ties and  graces ;  be  purged  from  their  droffe ,  emptied 
 of  felfe-conceicedncflc ;  confirmed  in  hope,  patience,  hu- 
 'niiliry;  quickened  unto  prayer,  and  fittei-for  his  king- 
 "dome ;  how  gratioUdy  he  doth  proted  avid  coitifbrt  them 
 in  heavinefl'e,'h"ghten  their  darkenefiCjI^eale  their  woiinds, 
 kecpe  their   feetc  from  falling,  cover  the  in  with  his 
 feathers, hide  them  in  his  pavilioii,  and  fet  them  up  on 
 
 315 
 
 Pfal. 
 
 34  I7iii 
 
 M 
 
 high 
 
 Pfal  9.5. 
 
 Vcrfe  18. 
 
 Pral.46.r. 
 and  prefent  i^or 
 their  lelpe 
 Efay  41.10,11 
 12. 
 
 Verfe 
 
 Tft 
 
 Pfal.c)i,i4,if, 
 
3i5 
 
 pral.37.35. 
 
 Jcr.ij.l  I. 
 
 Efay43.ij  a. 
 
 f/tfn;  f  ^  //V^  bj  Fdth  in  time  of\^d'verfim. 
 
 Its  mieffary  to 
 learnet»livety 
 faithinafiiSiio 
 
 Heb.  6,12. 
 Rev.  1 5.10. 
 
 Pialaj.ij. 
 
 high  from  fuch  as  rife  up  againft  them. He  is  the  falvation 
 of  the  righteous,  and  thoiv  ftrength  in  time  of  troubhi 
 His  thoughts  towards  them  arc  thoughts  of  peace ,  and 
 »otofeviU^  to  give  an  expeBed  end :  He  is  continually 
 with  them,  and  holdeth  them  by  their  hand ;  hee  will 
 guide  them  \vith  hU  counfelly  and  afterward  receive  them 
 Hnto  glory.  Thefcpromifes,  fo  often  repeated,  be  firme 
 grounds  whereupon  to  build  our  faith,that  we  fliaU  not  be 
 hindredbyafflidionsinour  Chriftian  courfe,  but  rather 
 furthered,  till  we  attainc unto  the  end  of  our  eourfe  in 
 Gods  Kingdome. 
 
 And  furcly  it  is  moft  nccefiary  that  we  Icarne  to  live 
 by  faith  in  affiidions,  por  faith  is  the  ground  of  (ilcnt  and 
 quiet  cxpedation  of  falvation.   When  Chrjftians  are 
 perfecuted  forthcnameofChrift,  all  men  fee  thej  have 
 great  neede  of  patience ,  that  after  they  have  fajfered  for 
 a  timey  they  might  enjoy  the  fromife ,  vvhicb  now  they 
 hold  by  faith ,  as  it  were  by  revcrfion,  not  in  aduall  pot 
 feffion.  But  without  confidence  there  can  be  no  patience. 
 Faith  in  God  is  the  only  ftay  and  fupport  of  the  heart  in 
 trouble  and  afflidion,  Ihadfaintedunlejfel  had  believed 
 to  fee  the  goodne^e  of  the  Lord  in  the  land  of  the  living. 
 Remember  the  Vfiordunto  thy  fervant i  upon  which  thou  hafi 
 eaufedme  to  hope,  Thii  is  my  comfort  in  my  ajfii^iion  ;  for 
 thj  word  hath  ijuickned  mee.  In  daily  and  lighter  tryalls 
 a  man  of  mild  and  patient  temper  may  hold  up  the 
 Head  :  but  when  one  deepe  calleth  unto  another,and  the 
 waves  flow  over  our  head  J  when  nature  yeeldetb,  and 
 the  heart  faintctb,  then  to  (^and  f aft  and  be  of  good  cou- 
 rage^that  onely  can  faith  doe,  which  is  grounded  upon  the 
 rich  mercy  of  God,  and  relieth  upon  his  Almighty  po- 
 wer. Faith  is  the  Palme ,  that  finkes  not  under  the 
 waighrieft  of  burdens,  the  Camomile  that  fpreades  the 
 more  it  is  trodden  5  thcoile  that  ever  overfwimmes  the 
 greateft  quantitie  of  water  you  can  powrc  upon  it.  In 
 the  moft  boifterous  tcmpefts  it  lifteth  up  the  chinne,  that 
 wc  {hall  not  drowne:  and  when  a  man  is  halfe  dead,  it 
 
 quickens 
 
rvhe}^  wfe  he  exercifed  mrhma^y  cJ*  ^^^^  afjlt6ijens, 
 
 quickens  and  pats  life  into  him.  By  faith  the  Saints  have 
 cndmcdcrfie/l  mockiHffs  and  fcop$rgingr^honds  and  imprifoft' 
 mentSytortures  and  death  andinTalltheJewere  mvre  then  con- 
 
 Faith  Is  the  fliicld  of  the  foule,  whereby  it  is  defended 
 againfl  all  the  fiery  darts  of  the  Dcvill.  When  we  arc 
 affiidcd,  we  (hall  be  tempted  to  impatience  ,  defpaire, 
 douhtingofGodsIove,  and  the  ufc  of  wicked  mcancs  to 
 helpe  our  fclves  out  of  trouble.  The  world  will  follow  us 
 with  fcornes  and  taunts,  as  if  God  had  forfaken  us  and 
 would  not  arife  for  our  helpe ;  Our  owne  corrupt  hearts 
 will  be  ready  to  ftart  afidc,  repine,  faint,  queftion  the 
 tords  truth  and  mercy :  and  *  Sathan  wiU  not  bcwanting 
 to  his  opportunity  with  ail  his  might,  malice,  and  fubtiltie 
 to  feducc,  difcouragc,  or  terrific.  W  hen  our  Saviour  was 
 an  hungrcd  in  the  wildcrneflc,  the  tempter  came  unto 
 him  y  and  faid^  If  thott  be  the  Sonne  of  Qody  command 
 that  thefe  ftones  he  made  bread,  NoW  feeing  the  burden  of 
 affli(5lions  is  made  more  heavy  by  temptations  accompa- 
 nying, we  had  ncedc  to  be  well  underpropped  with  a 
 lively  faith,  that  wc  might  withftand  and  repcU  the  force 
 of  the  Enemy. 
 
 Faith  onely  fupplieth  all  our  wants  in  afflidion.  He 
 that  poffcfletn  all  earthly  things  in  greateft  prof  perity,  and 
 hath  not  faith^hath  nothing  indecde ;  much  leffe  the  man 
 thatlivcth  in  mifery :  but  he  that  live*  by  faith  wants  no- 
 thing that  is  good,  when  miferies  befet  him  on  every  fide. 
 For  the  prefcnt  riches  of  a  Chriftian  are  the  gracious  and 
 faith  full  promifes  of  God ,  which  faith  poffeffeth,  not 
 looking  to  what  we  have  in  hand,  but  what  the  Lord  hath 
 laid  up  in  ftorc ;  and  expedleth  to  receive  from  God  in 
 fitted  feafon,  more  aifurcdly,  then  if  he  had  it  in  his  owne 
 power  to  ufc.  The  Men  of  this  world  truft  their  friends 
 with  their  ftocke  or  moniei>  and  make  account  it  is  as 
 ready  at  hand,as  if  they  had  it  in  their  owne  pofTeflion :  and 
 furcitisjthetrue  believer  hath  juft  and  good  caufe  to 
 trufl  God  rather  then  himfelfe,  and  to  relie  upon  his 
 
 wordl 
 
 317 
 
 Heb.ii.j5,56 
 
 Ephef.^.i^, 
 
 ii.&3f.ij,i6 
 Job.30. 1, 
 
 ^.iThcf.j.y. 
 Match.  4.  3. 
 
518 
 
 Hab.z.;4« 
 
 PfaliS.i. 
 Pfal3i.3.& 
 
 The  Godly  are 
 alloKvedto  live 
 by  faith  in  af- 
 fliifi$Ht, 
 •i  Tim.4  S. 
 *Rora.8.i8. 
 
 *  I  Cor.io/ij* 
 
 Pfal.565. 
 Pfal.  3 1,  f . 
 
 Pfa.»3.4. 
 
 //<?«;  f  tf  tive^  Fdithintimt  of\^dverfim, 
 
 word  for  whatfoever  he  bath  committed  unto  him.  Faith 
 in  time  of  danger  doth  as  it  were  fence  and  compaffc  us 
 with  the  promifes  of  God  :  but  without  faith  wc  are  na- 
 ked, and  lie  open  to  the  malice  of  our  adverfaries.  'Behold, 
 hisfonle  which  u  lifted uby  is  not  ftpright  in  himy  hut  the  jufl 
 Jhali  live  hj  his  faith.  Tneunjuft  man  puffes  up  himfclfc, 
 and  buildes  towers  ofdefence  to  himfelfe  :  but  the  Juft 
 manbelieveth,andthat.{]iallbetobimin  ftead  of  all  ca- 
 ftles  J  towers,  and  bulwarkes  in  the  world.  For  it  brings 
 us  under  the  wing,  prefence,  and  prote(5lIon  of  God  :  it 
 makes  him  our  refuge  and  fafeguardjhigh  rockcjand  tow- 
 er of  defence.  j7  .'jb.  1?  :5  if.ii  o' 
 
 Aftolons  profit  not, if  tiiey  be  not  mixed  with  faith 
 in  them  that  beare  them.  Bodily  phyficke  procureth  not 
 health,  ifnaturallheate  be  lacking  in  the  patient,  which 
 might  caufe  the  potion  to  worke  to  the  expelling  of  the 
 ficke  humour.:  faith  in  rcfped  of affliifliorLS  the  phyficke 
 of  the  fouIe,is  thatnaturall  heate,  whereby  they  are  made 
 to  worke  kindely  to  the  purging  of  finne  and  tne  incrcafe 
 ofgrace  and  comfort :  where  it  is  altogether  wanting, 
 there  can  be  no  kindly  worke. 
 
 The  righteous  are  allowed  to  live  by  faith  in  the  times 
 of  evill,  when  calamities  of  all  forts  compafTe  them  about. 
 For  ^goditnejfe  hath  the  fromife  of  this  life,  axd  that  which 
 is  to  come  :znd  the  godly  arc  to  believe  bothj  according 
 to  the  word  of  the  Lord.  God  hath  promifed,  that  ^  all 
 things  Jhall  worke  together  for  goodyto  themthat  love  god, 
 and  that  <=  he  will  not  fuffer  uttobe  tempted  above  that  we  are 
 able :  and  it  is  our  duty  to  **  believe  God ,  that  it  fliall  be 
 even  as  he  hath  told  us. 
 
 The  godly  have  had  this  confidence  in  former  times, 
 whofe  pradife  is  both  a  token  of  our  priviledge,anda  pat-, 
 terne  of  omv  duty  JVhat  time  lam  afraid  I  will  trufl  in  thee. 
 Intothine  hand  I  commit  my  fpint :  thou  hafi  redeemed  me, 
 O  Lord  God  of  truth.  Tea^though  IwalksthroHghthe  vaUey 
 ofthejhaddoivofdeath,  IwiUfeare  no  eviU^^for  thoH  art 
 with  me,  thy  rod,  and  thy  fiafe  they  comfort  me.  Come,  and 
 
 let 
 
when  we  he  exemfed  with  mdnf  S"  ^^^^  mffitcfiom, 
 
 let  us  returnettnto  the  Lord:  for  he  hath  tome,  and  he  rvi/i 
 heale  us,  he  hathfmitten  ,  anei  he  will  l^inde  w  up  :  After 
 two  ctayes  vill  he  revive  uijn  the  tMrddayhewiU  raifeus^  Hf, 
 andrvefiiall  live  in  his  fights  -'>^  -   \  j-vn-.-'-Ciiv/  •'^^  ,st    ,  i.. 
 
 God  is  hereby  much  glorified  that  we  relie  upon  him 
 as  our  rocke  of  defence,  al-fufficient  Saviour,  and  trufticft 
 friend  in  time  of  diftrefTc.  It  is  one  of  the  Lords  moft  roy- 
 all  titles,  to  be  the  F<#)&fr  of  the  Faiherlejfe  ^  and  a  judge 
 of  the  widdoT»es^a  refuge  for  the  oppre^edjand  the  helper  of  the 
 pecre.  Thou  hafl  beene  afirengthto  thepoore,  a  ^rength  to 
 the  needy  in  his-  dijire^e  y  a  refuge  fiom  the  fiorme ,  a 
 Jhadow  from  the  heate ,  when  the  hlafl  of  the  terrible 
 ones  is  as  a  Storme  agdfifl  the  wall,  *^nd  therefore 
 win  the  Lord  w ait e,  that  hee  may  bee  gracious  unto  you^  and 
 therefore  win  he  he  exalted^  that  he  may  have  tner^y  upon 
 you.  .  ■■  ■  :  A'-' 
 
 The  Lord  hath  commanded  us  to  waiteupon  him  in  the 
 dayes  of  calamity  and  forrow.  ThejufifhallUve  hyfaith.It 
 is  the  very  fcope  of  this  text^to  teach  this  one  point  of  do- 
 (5l:rine  to  the  lewesj  when  they  (hould  be  oppreffed  by  the 
 'Bahyldnians^vix.thsLt  in  greatcft  dangers ,the  onely  way  is 
 to  ftay  our  felves,  and  eftabliih  our  hearts  by  faith  on 
 Gods  promifes. 
 
 Confidence  in  God  doth  the  more  bindc  and  oblige 
 him,  as  it  were,  to  doc  us  good.  T'^tf  Lord/hall  helpe  the 
 righteotu  anddeliver  them :.  hefhaH  deliver  them  from  the 
 wiekfidy  andfave  themhecaufe  they  trufl  in  him,  Theu  wilt 
 keepe  him  in  perfect  peace,  whofe  minde  is  flayed  on  thee ,  be» 
 CAufe  he  hath  truftedin  thee,  I  will  fnrely  deliver  thee,  and 
 thoufhah  Hitfallby  tbefword,  but  thy  lifefhall  be  for  a  prey 
 unto  thee  becaufe  thou  hafl  put  thy  trnfl  in  me^faith  the  Lord. 
 If  a  friend  relie  and  build  upon  our  faithfull  promife,  wc 
 take  our  felves  bound  not  to  f  ruftrate  his  expC(5lation  in  a 
 dead  lift :  the  Lord  will  never  leave  the  foule  deftitute, 
 ,  which  trufts  in  him.  The  faithfnll  have  promifed  thtem- 
 felves  helpe,  and  confidently  begged  aid,  becaufe  they 
 trufted  in  the  Lord  :  ^emetcifun  unto  me,  O  <Jody  be  msr. 
 
 ifttlh 
 
 HoO«.i 
 
 Pfahfig.y. 
 
 Pral.9.9. 
 
 Pfai.io.i-^. 
 
 Efayjj.4. 
 Efay  j9  18, 
 
 Hab,i.4, 
 
 Efay  z^.j. 
 
 Jerjj.iS. 
 
 Pfal.141.8. 
 
 Pfal.  J 7. 1, 
 
 «; 
 
Kal.  57.1. 
 
 Pfal.i4^.f. 
 
 A  if  s  of  faith  in 
 refpeSi  of  theft 
 promi/es. 
 
 Efay45.7. 
 Amos  5.  6, 
 Job.  i.zi. 
 Pfal.119.  7f. 
 
 Hcb,iz.7. 
 Hof.  ^.  I. 
 
 Uotv  to  Iwe  £fy  F  0th  iff  time  ofi^dverfitie. 
 
 I 
 
 3. 
 
 s  Chron.io.ix 
 
 cifu&  unto  me ,  for  mj  foule  trufteth  in  thee  x  yea  in  thejha^ 
 dow  of  thy  wings  will  I  make  my  refuge ,  nm'ttt  thefe  cala- 
 mities hover  f^ft,  Canfe  me  to  heare  thy  loving  kitide- 
 ^effe  in  the  (J^ferKtng,  for  in  thee  dee  I  trpifi ;  caufe  me 
 to  know  the -way  Vfherun  I  Jhould  walke,  for  I  lift  tip- my 
 foHk  unto  thee.  Deliver  mee ,  O  Lord^  from  mine  e- 
 nemiesjor  Iflie  unto  thee  to  hide  mee.  And  to  hope  in 
 God,  and  to  have  God  for  our  beipe,  arc  linked  together 
 in  Scripture,  fo  that  his  helpe  is  ready  for  all  them ,  vvho 
 reft  upon  him  in  truth.  Happy  is  he^  that  hath  the  god 
 of  Jacob  for  his   helpe  :  whofe   hope  is  in  the  Lord  his 
 
 gok. 
 
 The  ads  of  faith  in  rcfpcd  of  thefe  promifcs  bee 
 thefe. 
 
 Firft,  It  lookcth  unto  God  and  acknowlcdgcth  his 
 hand  in  all  affiidions ,  whofoever  be  the  inftruments. 
 Shall  there  be  evillin  a  City^  and  the  Lord  hath  not  done  it. 
 The  L^rd gave y  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away,  I  kpow  O 
 Lordjthat  thy  judgments  are  right  ^and  that  thou  in  faithful- 
 nefe  hafi  affliBed  me.  Jf  yee  endnre  chafiening,  god  dea- 
 leth  with  yon  as  withfonnes  :  for  whatfonne  is  he,  wloom  the 
 Father  chafleneth  not.  And  this  is  one  fpeciall  ground  of 
 humiliation,  patience,  and  comfort.  Come ^ani  let  m  re- 
 turjce  unto  the  Lord,  for  he  hath  tornfy  and  hgwi^heale  us. 
 Afyfonne,def^ife  not  thou  the  chajfening  of  the  LorK  neither 
 be  weary  of  his  correBion.  For  whom  the  Lordlovethy  he  cor^ 
 reBeth^even  as  a  father  thefonne^in  whom  he  de light eth, Let 
 him  curfe :  for  the  Lord  hath  bidden  him.  It  may  be  that  the 
 Lord  will  looke  on  mine  af[lt£}ion,  and  that  the  Lord  will  re- 
 ijttite  good  for  his  cHrfing  this  day ,  But  of  thefe  more  parti- 
 cularly hereafter. 
 
 Secondly,  It  tcachcth  that  we  arc  m  fuch  diftrcfles,  out 
 of  which  none  can  helpe  us ,  but  the  ftrong  helper  of 
 Ifrael.  Faith  fpcaketh  on  this  manner;  We  have  no  might 
 againfi  this  great  company,  that  commeth  again  ft  us  :  nei- 
 ther know  we  what  to  doe^  but  our  eyes  are  upon  thee.  And 
 great  is  the  benefit  of  this  inftrudion,  for  it  drawes  the 
 
 heart 
 
when  we.  be  excnifed  wit  h  many  and  long  dfflicHons  .1       521 
 
 heart  from  carnall  repofc  in  meanes  or  friends ;  it  cxpclls 
 vexations  and  diftrading  cares,  and  cftranges  from  the 
 ufe  of unlawfull  meanes  of dcliver:\nce  whatlbever.  The 
 horfe  fs  prepared  agAtfifi  the  day  ofbatteH :  hHtJafety  is  of  the 
 Lord,  fiyin  horfe  ii  bnt  a  vaine  fhing  tofave  a  man  y  neither 
 isttnym^m  delivered  by  hit  .jreatfrrefi^rh.  And  the  fame 
 may  be  faid  of  wifdomc,(wiftnc{te, wealth, or  the  force  of 
 any  meanes  whatfoever/.hough  never  folawfulI,or  likely: 
 But  as  for  unlawfull  meanesjno  goodfucceffc  can  be  hoped 
 from  them.?"^^  S£jptiit»sjha/I  helpe  in  vame,andto  nopur-^ 
 pofe\  therefore  have IcryedconcermngthiSy  their flrength  is 
 
 to  fit  ma. 
 
 Thirdly,  It  wifely  dircfteth  us  to  confider,  that-  the 
 caufe  of  ail  mifcrie  and  forrow  is  finne,  and  thereupon 
 drives  to  examine  our  wayes,  humble  our  felves  before 
 God  for  mercy ;  renew  our  hope  in  his  grace,  and  fct 
 upon  reformation  of  what  h  out  of  order.  Faith  is  a  good 
 Phyfitian,  that  feeketh  to  cure  the  difeafe,  by  taking 
 away  the  caufe  thereof ;  when  God  takes  tryjJI  of  us 
 that  we  might  know  our  felves,  faith  maketh  fearch  in- 
 to the  heart ;  when  he  judgeth  by  his  chaftifcments,  faith 
 maketh  us  to  judge  our  fclvcs  ;  and  wheii  God  ftrikcth 
 for  finnc,  faith  ftriketh  at  the  head  of  finne.   Lh  m  fearch 
 and  try  our  rvaies,4>tdt»rfte  againe  to  the  Lord.  I  thought  on 
 nty  yvayes  :  and  turned  my  feet  unto  thy  tefiimonirs.    When 
 O^lanajfes  was  in  afflidion,  he  befought  the  Lord  his 
 God,  and  humbled  himfelfc  greatly  before  the  God  of  his 
 Fathers.  Surely  it  ismeete  to  be  faidnnto  God,  I  have  borne 
 ehafiifemirtty  I  will  not  of  end  any  more.  That  nvhich  I  fee 
 I  not^  teach  thou  mee  ;   if  I  have  done  iniquity  y  I  will  doe  no 
 'more. 
 
 Fourthly,  Faith  mcckeneth  the  heart  willingly  to  fub- 
 'mititfelfc  to  the  good  pleafurc  of  God,  and  patiently  to 
 ibcare  his  corrcdion.  Refl  in  the  Lord,  and waite  patiently 
 for  him  :  fret  not  thy  felfe  becaufe  of  him  who  profpereth  in 
 
 Prov.  ii.^i. 
 Eccle.9.  i. 
 
 Efay.j  Oi7.& 
 
 j  his  way,   Tet  unto  Qo^  my  foule  kgepe  thotifilence :  for  from 
 him  is  my  expectation.   By  fiiith  the  fervants  of  God  have 
 
 Y  beene 
 
 Hof.j.i  y. 
 
 I  Cor.11.31. 
 
 Lam.  3. 40. 
 Pfai.1i9.f5. 
 
 iChtOijj.iz 
 
 lob.  3  4. 3 1, 5  i. 
 
 4. 
 
 Pfal.37.7. 
 Pfal.62.i,f. 
 Lam.3.i(J* 
 Efay.30.iy. 
 
Mich.  7. 9, 
 
 zSam.i  5.26. 
 pfdi.isi.a. 
 
 PCs  8.14,15. 
 
 322       I  How  to  live  by  Faith  in  timeefJd'verJttie^ 
 
 becne  inabled  to  fay,  The  word  of  the  Lord  is  good^  Ivfill 
 beare  the  indignation  of  the  Lord  ^  becaafe  I  have  finned 
 againfi  him^  untill  he  -plsa^^  my  caufe^  and  execute  j^dge- 
 tnent  for  mee.  If  he  fay  thm,  I  have  no  delight  in  thie,  behold 
 here  an^  /,  let  him  doe  to  me  as  feemeth  good  unto  him.  Surely 
 I  have  behaved  Andqmeted  my  felfe  oi  a  child  that  is  weaned 
 cfhii  Mother  ;  my  fsule  is  even  as  a  we  Anei child.    I  was  as 
 a  man  that  heareth  not^  and  in  whofe  mouth  are  no  repyoofes* 
 For  in  thee,  O  Lord,  doe  I  hop\    Guiitinefle  of  Conlciciice 
 ("which  is  ever  FeareFull,)  and  untame  J  paHions  make  un- 
 quietnefle,  when  the  rod  of  God  is  upon  oar  backes  ; 
 both  vvhich  are  corretfled  by  faith.  The  conlci^nceis  com- 
 forted by  faith,  rcfting  upon  the  gracious  promfes  of  par- , 
 donj  and  giving  affurance  that  finne  is  psrdoned ;  Paflions 
 are  curbed  and  bridled  by  the  foveraignty  of  faith,  as  ha- 
 ving the  sffedions  under  conrtmand,  which  it  doth  feafon 
 and  move  according  to  the  direction  of  the  word ;  and  by 
 ftrong,  potent,  irrefiitible  perfwafion?,  whereby  it  wor- 
 keth  the  foulc  to  this  fweete  and  heaveiily  fubmiflion.  And 
 as  a  p'aift^r,  which  upon  fore  flefti  caufeth  much  fmart,up- 
 on  found  flefli  ftirrcth  no  painc:  fo  troubles  lighting  Hpon 
 a  foule  hea'ed  by  g^racc,  and  feafoned  by  raith,arc  nothing 
 fo  grievous. 
 
 The  confiderations  of  faith,  whereby  it  perfwadcs  unto 
 
 meeknefle,  be  fuch like.  The  firft  taken  from  the  dcfert  of 
 
 fin,  which  is  farre  greater  then  any  thing  we  fufi';r,or  can 
 
 j  conceive. wherefore  doth  a  l$vif}g  ma»  com^laine^a  man  for 
 
 thepHmJhmentofhisfinnes? 
 
 The  fecondj  from  the  hand  that  layeth  the  rod  upon 
 ourbacke,  or  r-f  achcth  our  this  bitter  potion,  which  wc 
 are  forced  to  drinkc  off,  and  that  is  God,  our  raoft  wife, 
 I  jhn.iEi^i  I.  i  juft.gracious.and  loving  father.  Whereas  humane  reafon 
 did  cloudily  and  obfcurely  fuggeft  to  it  followers  certainc 
 broken  an  J  confufed  opinions,  little  better  then  dreames, 
 ofdeflinie.and  providence :  Faith  doth  evidently  and  cer- 
 tainly aflure  ofthis  ground  of  patience  and  comforr,  that 
 the  leaft  tickc  befals  us  nor,  without  the  overruling  eytL 
 
 and 
 
 IB);  'pplAt  confi 
 :  demtims  fdtth  \ 
 \  per/wades  to 
 
 rmek?nes  under 
 
 Crods  h'anA. 
 
 iLarn 
 
 3  39' 
 2. 
 
whenvoe  be  exercl fed  with  many  andlongaffiichons. 
 
 and  hand,  not  onely  of  a  w  ife  God,  but  of  a  tender  T  ath .  r, 
 and  fellow- feeling  Eider  brother,  whobeft  knGwetb,and 
 can  meafure  out  exadly  what  is  mcetcft.  He  vrill  tsot  /ay 
 npon  man  more  then  right,  that  hee pjouldenter  int9  lud^e- 
 ment  with  God,  I  was  dttmhe,  and  opened  not  mj  mouth  be- 
 caufe  thou  dUfl  it.  It  is  the  Lord^  let  him  doe  what  feemeth 
 him  ^ood. 
 
 Thirdly,  Out  of  this  principle  faith  cxtradls  this  infal- 
 lible condufion,  This  Cup,  how  bitter  and  wringing  foe- 
 vcr,  h  a  medicine  to  cure,  not  a  poyfon  todeftroy,  ming- 
 led by  him,  that  moft  pcrfedly  doth  underftand  our  need, 
 our  ftrength,  and  the  working  of  his  owne  potion ;  mini- 
 {  Ored  in  great  love  and  tender  compaflion,  to  drive  out 
 corruption,  confirme  faith,  prelervefrom  falling,  flreng- 
 thcn  grace,  wcane  from  the  world,  and  bring  neerer  to 
 God  by  unfaincd  repentance    If  it  be  ficknefle  or  pover- 
 tic,  it  i^  in  our  Fathers  owne  hand,  and  he  will  not  contend 
 for  everjcfi  thejpiritjhoft/lfaile  before  him  :  If  he  turne  us 
 over  to  a  fervant  to  (courgeus ;  yea,  though  Sathan  him- 
 fclfe  bufJet  us,yet  be  ftands  by  to  number  &  moderate  the 
 ftripcs,  that  they  (hall  not  lay  more  upon  us  then  {hall  be 
 for  our  good  ;  and  he  will  inable  us  to  beare.    /  am  very 
 fore  diffleafed  with  the  Heathen  that  are  at  eafe  ■:  for  I  was 
 but  a  little  dijp  leafed,  and  they  helped  forward  the  ajfliElion : 
 Therefore  thtts  faith  the  Lord y  lam  returned  to  ^crM^zlcm 
 with  mercies.    U\^y  grace  is  fuficient  for  thee  :  for  my 
 Ftrength  is  made  perfeB  in  weaknefe.    What  ever  bcfals 
 being  in  Chrift,  it  cannot  bend  to  our  utter  confufion  : 
 but  an  ifluc  (hall  be  given  unto  it.   W  hat  trrriblc  noife 
 foevcrthe  ftorme  jQiailmakc  over  our  heads,  it  (Kali  be 
 but  as  haile-ftones  upon  the  tiled  or  leaded  houfe,  that 
 rattle  more  then  hurt.   We  are  kept  by  the  power  of 
 Chrift,  that  tbeEvillone  (hall  not  touch  us  :  we  are  in 
 lafe  harbour  under  the  rocke,  and  fliall  ntvcr  be  confoun- 
 ded. 
 
 Sickewcarc,  and  that  of  divers  humours,  which  may 
 breed  dangerous  difcafcs  if  they  be  not  prevented  :  tron- 
 
 Y2  bles. 
 
 523 
 
 X  Sam. 3.18 
 
 Efny.f7.i5. 
 
 Zach.i.ij,!^, 
 
 1  Cor,  1 2. p. 
 
 "4 
 
 I 
 
 1  Iohn,5.i8. 
 
324 
 
 ECiy.27.9. 
 
 Daii'i  1.55. 
 Deut.8.^. 
 Heb.  i2.li, 
 Deut.5. 1 6, 
 
 Zach.3.9. 
 
 Mai  5.^ 
 
 I  Pet. 1. 7. 
 
 Lim  3.17 
 pal.  2 
 
 ic,yi. 
 
 Prcao.jo. 
 
 I  IJ0JV  to  live  by  Faith  in  tim$  of  Adverfitie^ 
 
 \  bles,  loflcsj  difgraces,  dangers  and  fuch  Hkc,  are  the  Lords 
 I  baths  and  pills,  whereby  he  rids  us  of  that  inf  edicus  mat- 
 :  ter,  which  would  impaire  our  fpirituall  health,  if  it  were 
 I  let  alone;  his  bitc<.r  potions,  that  fhall  worke  for  our 
 I  health  and  welfare.   He  hath  faid  unto  Crofics.purgc,re- 
 I  fine,  try,  exercife,  breed  the  quiet  fruits  of  rightcoufncfle, 
 I  give  them  experience  of  their  faith,  confirmc  their  pati • 
 I  ence,  fupport  their  hope,  make  thera  bring  forth  more 
 fruit :  but  he  hath  given  them  no  allowance  to  hurt,  vexe, 
 confoundj  weaken  faith,  or  wafte  any  grace  of  the  Spirit. 
 When  we  feele  our  bowels  wring,or(a3  in  a  Sea-ficknes) 
 are  dcad-ficke  for  the  prefcnr,rhen  faith  puts  us  in  remem- 
 brance, we  fliall  bcthe  better  many  daics  after.  Phyfickc 
 makes  fickc  before  it  gives  health  :  fo  doc  affiidions,  but 
 the  f  I  uit  h  pleafant .  When  they  arc  a  little  over  we  fhall 
 be  able  to  fay,  Oh,  this  was  good  for  me^  I  would  not  for 
 any  thisg,  but  I  had  borne  the  yoke  in  my  youth,  that  I 
 may  live  the  more  comfortably  in  my  age.  Wife  parents 
 do  not  alwaies  corre(5l  their  children  in  mcafure,  as  being 
 ignorant  of  their  nature  and  difpofition.  The  moft  learned 
 Phyfician  may  be  deceived  in  the  difeafe  and  conftitution 
 of  his  patient,  miftakc  in  the  quality  or  ftrength  of  his 
 Phy(icke,and  fotrjiffc  of  his  intended  cure :  But  the  fpiri- 
 fuall  Phyfician  of  our  foulcs,  doth  fo  exadly  know  our 
 temper  and  difcafe,  doth  fo  intirely  affedt  our  health,  fo 
 accurately  mingle  the  maligne  and  pbifonfuU  ingredients 
 in  our  Phyfickc  with  corredlors  and  araycs,  that  the  con- 
 fedion  fhall  be  good,and  altogether  ftall  and  muft  worke 
 for  the  bcft.    What  i hough  they  be  bitter  to  the  tafte  ?  It 
 is  better  with  the  body  when  it  feedeth  on  fowre  herbcs, 
 which  breed  good  bloud,then  on  fwect  raeates  which  cn- 
 I  gender  bitter  vomits,&  mortallfickncfTes.The  true  foule- 
 \  lickncfre,  vix.  fin  and  corruption  that  dwclleth  in  it,  doth 
 cleave  fo  faft,  and  hath  eaten  io  deepc,  that  gentle  purges, 
 cafie  cor rofives (that  fcarce  work  to  fence  or  feeling)can- 
 not  expcll  or  remove  it.   True  it  is,  that  all  evils  in  thcm- 
 Iclvcs  art  hurtfoll,  but  faith  lookcth  upon  them  as  they 
 
 arc 
 
rvhenwe  be  ex  erci  fed  with  many  and  long  AfflicHons, 
 
 are  changed  in  and  by  Chriflr,  who  hath  taken  away  the 
 poifon  which  would  be  in  the  crofles  we  beare,and  makes 
 them  ferviceable  for  our  good  5  Even  a.nhe  art  of  the  Apo- 
 thecary doth  make  a  poifonfuU  Viper  into  a  wholefome 
 Treacle. 
 
 A  man  will  bcarc  much  when  hee  fpieth  this,  that 
 it  commeth  from  love  in  another  to  him  :    But  God 
 is  love  it  felfc:  and  from  love  proccedeth  every  courfc  he 
 paflcth  upon  us,  as  well  this  of  adverfity  as  the  other  of 
 profpcrity*    whom  he  leveth  he  chafieneth,  And [courgeth 
 every  fcK»e  fokom  he  receive th.    The  care  and  good  will 
 I  of  Parents  fl^ewes  it  felfe  in  providing  Medicines  and 
 j  Phyficke,  which  may  prelcrve  or  procure  the  health  of 
 their  children,  no  lefle  then  in  their  al-owance  of  meate, 
 1  drinkr,  appareU,  or  other  benefits,  which  they  beftow 
 I  upon  them.    And  God  is  as  mtrcifull  in  preparing  and 
 miniftring  Phyficke  for  our  fouks  health,  as  in  all  other 
 his  daily  benefits.    Nay,  herein  doth  appeare  the  moft 
 fpeciall  and  tender  regard  that  God  hath  over  us.  Fcrif 
 good  things  be  wanting  to  the  body  fpecially,  we  are  apt 
 to  askc,  and  fecke  after  them  :  But  fhould  the  Lord  let 
 us  alone  till  we  find  out  the  difeafes  of  the  foulej  and  be 
 defirous  of,or  willing  to  receive  his  medicinable  potions, 
 our  fores  would  grow  incurable,  we  fhould  perifh  in  our 
 fins.   Therefore,  as  the  believer  doth  receive  good  things 
 from  God  with  /oy:fb  doth  he  cvill  wi;h  meeknefic.  The 
 childe  will  take  from  the  mothers  hand,  as  well  fowre  as 
 fweet,  becaufe  he  is  perfwadcd  of  her  render  love  and  af- 
 fection ;  (o  doth  faith  entertainc  afflid:ions  from  God,  i 
 knowing  them  to  be  fruits  of  his  grace  and  fatherly  com- 
 paiTion. 
 
 I  Fourthly,  After  ferioiis  humiliation  and  unfaincd  aba- 
 ;iing  of  the  foule,  faith  brings  tydings  that  God  will  lookc 
 jdownc  from  Heaven  in  mercy,  and  fendhelpeinfitteft 
 Ifcafon.  If  their  UMcircHmcifed  hearts  bee  humbled,  and 
 [they  then  accept  of  the  pun  ifhment  of  their  ini^Htty,  Then 
 will  I  remember  my  covenant  with  Jacob,  and  alfo  mj  co- 
 I  Y  3  venant 
 
 325 
 
 Piov.3.12. 
 Iob.5.)  7. 
 
 Efay^48.io. 
 
 lob.t.xo. 
 
 Deu  4.29^21. 
 
 3  2.&}G.3,4. 
 
 Lev. 16.41, 41. 
 Efay.54.6j7,8 
 
325 
 
 Eray.39.8. 
 
 Mich  7.8,9, 
 
 Heb.iz.Jjj. 
 
 JMatth,i6.i4. 
 Efay.^j.p. 
 
 Col- J-i4- 
 I  Pet, 4. 15. 
 Apoc  11.8. 
 
 \ 
 
 How  to  live  by  Faith  in  time  of  Adverfitie^ 
 
 '  ,    I  -  —       -    -  -  ■  — 
 
 venanf  with  liaak,  and  alfo  my  covenant  ivith  Abtahatn 
 mil  I  remember.  And  this  doth  marvclloufly  quiet  and 
 ftill  the  heart.  Should  a  mm  be  very  ficke  whileft  the 
 Phyilcke  doth  worke,  he  would  not  be  dilcnayed  fo  long 
 as  he  knew  the  fit  flaouldlaftbutafcafon,  and  then  cale 
 (hould  returne^  with  health  :  And  fo  it  farcth  with  the 
 faithful!  in  their  affli(5tions  :  Hez.^kiah  laid  to  Ifaiah  j 
 Good  is  the  roordofthe  Lordi»hkh  thou  ha(l  jhoken  ;  hafaid 
 moreover i  for  there  Jhall  be  peace  andtrnth  in  my  dayes.  Re  - 
 joyce  not  (  faith  the  Church  )  againfi  mee,  O  mine  enemle ; 
 when  I  fall,  I  Jhall  arife,  -when  I  Jit  in  darkenejje,  the 
 Lsrd  Jhall  be  a  light  unto  mee,  Iwillbeare  the  indignati- 
 on of  tide  Lor &^  becaufe  I  have  jinned  again fl  him ^  untill 
 heebie al  my  canfs  an^  execute i>*dgement  for  mee ^  hee  rpill 
 bring  mee  forth  to  lights  and  I  Jhall  behold  his  righteous-^ 
 
 Fiftly,  Moreover,  faith  doth  re-minde  us  of  our  con- 
 formity with  Chrift  in  affiidions,  and  of  bis  partnerftifp 
 with  us  therein.  If  he  that  was  the  firft-bomc^  the  onely 
 begotten  and  intirely  beloved  Sonne  of  God  :  iFhe  that 
 was  without  finnc,  yet  was  not  without  ftripes ;  fliould 
 wc  hope  to  goe  free,or  looke  to  be  cockered  coptinualhy  ? 
 All  the  Sonnes  of  God  by  Adoption  are  predeftinated  to 
 be  m^delike  tbeir  elder-brother,  as  in  holii-nelTe  and  glory, 
 fo  in  affliiflions.  Should  wethinke  much  to  fip  or  taJte  of 
 that  cup,  which  he  hath  drunke  off  for  our  lake  ?  The 
 firfl:  Icflbn  we  take  out  in  tbefchoole  of  Chrift  is,  Z>^- 
 nie  thy  felfe,  taks  ^p  ^^^  crojfe^  and  follow  the  Lord  lefrn. 
 And  the  (orrowes  which  we  beare,  are  not  lo  much  ours 
 as  Chrifts.  In  all  our  troubles  he  is  troubled  with  us : 
 what  burden  foever  lies  upon  us,  he  fceles  the  weight  of 
 it.  When  Stephen  is  ft  >ncd,  he  is  perfecucd  :  the  wrong 
 done  ro  the  Saints,  is  offered  to  him.  And  he  can  no  nwre 
 bee  unmiadfull  of  his  people,  then  forgetflill  of  him- 
 fclfe. 
 
 Laftly,  Faith  fetteth  before  us  the  infinite  recom- 
 pence  of  reward,  not  only  renownc  in  this  world,^  which 
 
 _  yet 
 
fvhenm  beexercifedmthman^  and  long  affi^^i  oris, 
 
 :^etbv"faitb^b^p^t^^  and  all  holy  Martyrs  Inatb 
 
 obtained  ;  but  that  farrenioO.  excellent  v/eigbt^of glory, 
 whichW^/eying,  counted  bis,  aifiidions  (wbichtous 
 wouW  lave  becnc  intokr.bk)  light  ar>d  mome.tany,no 
 worthy  tobenamedinccmparUon  :  which  niad.  him  not 
 cnely  not  wecpe  and  bowk,  but  fing  ni  the  Dungeon.and 
 reckon  it  a  ipeciall  Favour  and  honour  to  be  counted,  not 
 onX  a  believer,but  a  fuffcrer  for  O  rill.And  even  as  wa- 
 ters falbdowne  intovaiiies,  notable  to  abide  m  grounds 
 batliehieh  :  fothe  fenleofthefe.midlionsgoethaw^ay 
 from  mindes  that  are  lifted  up  in  fuch  contemplation  By 
 thefe  and  fuch  like  p  rfwafions,  fauh  alures  the  heart 
 willingly,  freely,  conftantly  to  refigne  it  felfe  to  the  good 
 pleafure  of  t.od  in  aU  ti  ings.  . 
 
 the  fift  art  of  faith,  It  teacbeth  wiredometojudgea- 
 rieht  ok  all  affliaions.    ^ le^ed  is  the  m^n  vphomthoum^ 
 P^mBeft,  and  teacheji  him  out  of  thy  Uw  :   fed.    Wllely 
 toconfiderofataidions;  of  their  nature  end,  ufc,  and 
 idue  to  them  that  fearc  God.    Heelhallreft^lorbspet^ 
 in  the  dayes  of  adverfity.   Did  we  not  through  falfeglal- 
 fes  fe  things  otherwise  then  they  are,  they  would  not 
 caftusdowne  fo  much  asthey  d6e.    Want  of  heavenly 
 wifedome,  what  voices  doth  it  draw  from  us  ?  Even  inch 
 as  thefe;  Were  it  any  thing  but  this,  I  could  hope  to  re- 
 ceive good  from  it.    Whereas  through  the  fpeaacles  of 
 !  faith  we  cometodifccrne,  that  the  things  we  fufferare 
 *  moft  fitto  doe  us  good.   For  faith  feeth  not  according  t0 
 fcnfcor  outward  appearance,  but  as  the  truth  is  m  Jelus 
 Thrift,  alwayes  magnifying  the  wifdome  and  coudesoir 
 God,  as  beft  and  moft  for  our  profit.    The  Spirit  of  wife- 
 dome  and  underftandins:,  of  judgement  and  counfell  was 
 powred  upon  Chrift;ofwhich  Spirit  wc  partake  by  faith, 
 and  fo  are  made  wife  to  perceive  the  things  of  God,and  to 
 lU'Ve  aright  of  his  dealings  towards  us.    And  from  this 
 proceeds  willingnes  togive  our  neckes  to  the  yoke,whcn 
 God  is  pleafed  to  put  it  on.    Fcare  of  hurt  is  that  which 
 makes  us  (hunnethc  croffe,or  go  heartleffe  under  if.when 
 
 Y  A  orce 
 
 1       3^7 
 
 1  Coi',4.i7. 
 
 tlefft^a 
 faith. 
 Pfal.p4. 1 2, 
 
 Verfc  i3« 
 
 ^f 
 
 EHiy.ii.z. 
 
3^' 
 
 Ho\^  to  lively  Faith  inUmgofAdverfitie^ 
 
 6. 
 
 Lam. i. 19. 
 
 Pfal.f 
 
 7.1,1. 
 
 Pral.(52.8. 
 Ef.iy.z6.i^. 
 Pfal.141, 1,4 
 Job, 5.8, &  II. 
 i3« 
 
 ■;  once  by  faith,che  (cales  falling  from  our  eyes,we  come  to 
 j  fee  it  ufcfiiUjbeneficialljhealtLifulljWe  (Irainc  courcefie  no 
 longer,  bui  take  ic  downc. 
 
 Sixtly,  Tru^  and  unfained  confidence  will  not  keepe  fi- 
 \  lence  m  the  eares  of  the  Lord,  nor  ceafc  to  importune  his 
 I  aide,  to  intrcate  his  favour.    Arife,  cry  am  in  the  mght :  in 
 the  beginning  of  the  watches  powre  eut  thine  heart  Uke  tv^" 
 ter,  bef'jre  the  face  of  the  Lord:  /if t  up  thj  handt  towards 
 him.  Be  merclfull  unto  me,  O  Gdd^  be  mercifuU  unto  we^far 
 2  Chro.  14. 1 1.   ^^  fottlf  trnfleth  in  thee ;  yea,  in  thefha:(orf  of  thy  wings  will 
 J  mike  my  refuge  ^  untill  thcfe  calamities  be  »ver-pafi,  I  will 
 pry  antg  Godmofi  high  :  unto  God  that  performeth  all  things 
 for  me,    Trufi  in  him  at  all  times ^yee  people,  fowre  out  your 
 hearts  before  him:  Lord  in  trouble  have  they  vijited  thee  • 
 they powred out  a  prayer ywhen  thy  chafiening  was  upon  them. 
 The  counfell,  which  Slephaz.  and  Zophargzve  to  Tob^  faith 
 doth  apply  and  put  in  pradife  •,  which  was  to  feekc  unto 
 God,and  commit  the  caufe  unto  him ;  to  prepare  the  heart 
 andftrctchout  the  hands  towards  him.    Having  no  wife- 
 dom  of  our  fclvcs  to  make  ufe  ofchaftifetncniSjnor  power 
 to  deliver  our  foules,  faith  urgeth  to  fceke  unto  God,  that 
 he  would  lead  us  by  his  grace  in  the  way  that  we  fiiould 
 goe,  teach  us  to  profit,  and  in  due  time  vouchfafe  free- 
 dome  and  deliverance.   The  true  believer  defires  the  be- 
 nefit and  fruit  ofrcfcraint  and  corred^ion,  no  lefle  then  the 
 comfort  of  freedome  and  liberty.  He  covets  that  the  fpi- 
 rituallficknefic  may  be  removed,  when  i  he  bitter  potion 
 is  taken  away.  A  wife  patient  will  neither  refufe  to  Iwal- 
 low  bitter  pils,  when  it  may  be  for  health ;  nor  diforder 
 himfclfe  to  make  workc  for  the  Phyfician  :  he  will  take 
 Phyfickc  to  recover  ftrength,  and  lay  it  afide  when  the 
 troublefoms  maladie  is  expelled.  A  believing  patient  had 
 rather  be  held  in  a  continuall  courfe  of  Phyficke,  then  that 
 the  matter  of  fpirituall  ficknefle  fhould  gather,  andin- 
 gender  difeafes  in  the  foule.    Deliverance  with  inward 
 ieundncfic  is  the  thing  which  he  longeth  after,  and  beg- 
 gcth  oi  God.   Thus  faith  will  not  fuffcr  impotcntly  to 
 
 fret 
 
 ;E(ay.48,t7. 
 
rvhe;f  fse  he  exerdfcdmth  ^anj  md  Img  affitlf:ons,  225? 
 
 free,  repine,  or  aiurmure ;  nor  yet  to  grow  fecurc,  as 
 though  it  wcte  no  great  matter  how  things  went,for v/^ird 
 or  b3ckward:it  doth  both  calme  the  1  cart,  and  kinr'lc  de- 
 fires.  Nor  doth  faith  incite  barely  to  cry  uato  God  in  di- 
 ftrefle,  but  in  all  conditions  eftabliiTicth  the  heart  upon  his 
 aidc.that  it  lookcs  not  after  other  meanes  of  deliverance, 
 then  bee  affjrds.  The  upright  man  wi'  1  dehght  himlelte 
 in  the  Almighty,  when  trouble  commeth  upon  him ; 
 he  will  call  upon  God  at  all  times,  and  looke  unto  him  for 
 helpe. 
 
 Seventhly,  It  faifeth  the  heart,  being  confcious  of  it 
 wedkneflejto  reft  upon  the  Lord  for  Orengthjwho  makes 
 usable  to  doc  all  things  through  his  ftrcngtbeningt>f  us ; 
 who  ftrengtheneth  his  in  the  inner  m.anto  long-fuffering 
 with  joyfulneffe  J  who  hath  faid,  fuch  as  looke  to  mee, 
 fhaU  renew  their  ftren^th^  they  jhall  mount  up  with  wings 
 as  Setgles.  they  Jhall  rnnne,  and  not  he  rpenry  :  they  Jhall 
 wAlke  and  not  faint :  yea,  it  fixcth  and  eftabliflicth  the 
 heart  upon  Chrift  the  rocke  ftrong  and  impregnable, 
 whence  foUowetb  courage  and  fteadincffe  toundergoe 
 them.  Thofi  miU  keepe  him  in  perfeB  peace  (  faith  the 
 Prophet}  whofenfinde  ^orthought^isfiayedonthee:  be- 
 CdHji  hee  trnfieth  in  thee.  The  righteem  fhall  not  be  afraid 
 of evillty  dings, hU  heart  is  fixed  ^  or  ejiabllfhcd.  ^  andtrU" 
 fieth  in  the  Lord.  Thus  faith  fctteth  the  Lord  alwaycs  in 
 it  fight,  and  fortificth  the  heart  in  confidence  of  his  might. 
 I  have  fet  the  Lord  alwayes  before  mee^  becaufe  hee  is  at 
 my  right  hand,  I fhaU  not  he  move  /;  (that  is)  I  have  over- 
 come all  temptations,  my  hope  being  faftcned  upon  the 
 Lord  ;  for  he  hath  powerfully  aflifted  and  comforted 
 mcc. 
 
 Our  ftrcngth  is  to  clafpc  to  Chrift,  and  hold  to  him, 
 as  the  pcrfon  in  whom  is  all  our  ftrcngth.  The  hil-rats 
 arc  a  weake  creature,  having  neither  ftrcngth  of  limbcs, 
 nor  other  meanes  of  nature  to  deferd  tbemiclvcs :  but 
 making  their  houfes  in  the  rockcs  or  ftonic  places,  and 
 ^"j'm^  ttiither  in  time  of  danger,  they  fave  themfclves, 
 
 and 
 
 Job.27,c),io. 
 Mich,/.  7. 
 
 7.  Aft. 
 
 plnr.4  \i. 
 eoli.iy. 
 
 Efay,40.?  J.  ■ 
 
 Pfal. 
 
 94.i2- 
 
 Efay.2  6.j. 
 2  Chrofi,i5, 
 
 Pfal. 
 
 Pfal.i6.8. 
 Pr1l.73.ZJ. 
 
 Pro  50,10. 
 
3|o 
 
 Efajr.jo.ij. 
 
 Efay.ii.a, 
 
 Eph.4.1  J,i6. 
 
 Deut.zo.j. 
 
 Efay.7,4, 
 
 aChron.^5»7. 
 
 Prov.aS.i. 
 
 Pfal.izj.i. 
 
 Efay.ia.2. 
 
 Jorii.io.iT. 
 
 Dent.  51,5. 
 
 I  Chron.i8.20 
 
 t  Chron.52.7. 
 
 Pfal.27,14. 
 
 • 
 
 Howtohvchj  Fa^thintimeof  Adverjitky 
 
 and  provide  lafely  for  their  youn^-ones.  WeTof^ur 
 le.ves  are  feeble  and  weake ,  eaTil<>  overturned-  with 
 the  ieatt  temptation  :  bu-  working  cur  felve^  by  fai-h 
 into  that  rocke  Jefus  Chrift,  againft  whom  the  powers 
 ot  HcII  cannot  prevaile,  we  become  couraPious.  un- 
 moveable,  mvmcible  It  rrattcrs  nor  what  weilht  be  laid 
 upon  the  foundation,  fo  it  be  fiire  and  ftedfaft,  if  ChriP- 
 beourfupp  rter,  (as  by  faith  he  is  made  ours  j  norhinc 
 can  overwhelme  us.  In  quietneSfe  and  confidences  om 
 strenath. 
 
 rnnf f '"^l^^  ^u^^  "^^  ^^'^^^^  ^^^  ^P^^''^  ^^  fottitude  and 
 
 nZ^^^  ''^l  u  '  ''"  '^'^^  '^''  ^^  ^"^"^^  f ^e  burthen 
 otatfii(^,ons,  and  become  valiant  in  combates.  For  the 
 Ipirit  of  wifQome  and  counfel! ,  of  un  Jcrftandin-'  and 
 ftrength  was  powred  into  Chrift,  to  the  el^  we  Sight 
 boldly  goe  unto  him,  to  aske  thofe  things  we  ftand  in 
 need  of  and  recave  them  by  faith  according  to  our  mea" 
 lure.  Ag  the  head  communicates  ftrength  to  the  body,  fo 
 ^h^'f if  1  T?^'ru'  ^^'•^"^'^^Ws  heavenly  unaion  upon 
 the  whole  body  of  his  Church.    When  the  Apoftles  had 
 
 received  this  fpint  of  ftrength,they  make  a  play  of  al  their 
 fuff.  nngs  and  laboursjeven  as  in  bodily  things  we  fee  men 
 that  have  ftrength  and  courage  (as  thefe  porters  ^nd  fuch) 
 they  will  make  a  fport  to  beare  luch  burthens,  as  a  weake 
 creature  would  tremble  to  lift  at.  For  as  bladders  fwimme 
 a  ofc  all  waters  whilft  they  are  filled  with  winde  :  fo  doc 
 we  above  all  afflidions,  whileft  this  Spirit  is  with  us,  to 
 fupport  us  m  them.  ' 
 
 n.<l"'^;  ^^"btingfeeblenefle,  fainting,  nicc-tender- 
 
 dfftrnO  T?  ^'•"^^''^  ^'''■^  P'^^^^^  ^'^"^  infidelityand 
 diltruft.  Hardinefle,  courage,  valour,  invincible  durance 
 arethefrmts  offaith,  ftaying  it  fjfe  upon  the  Lord,  and 
 feeking  unto  hm.  'Se  (irong^he  ofgoodcoHr^.e.fe.re  not^ 
 norhedtfm,jef,for  the  Lord  will  he  r^ith  thee,heJll„otfdll 
 fuchvlf '^  i,' r '•  ^^^r"ft  ^^y  times- wrings  from  us 
 
 tobea^?r^^^^^^ 
 
 CO  Dcare  it .  Whereas  did  we  in  confcience  of  our  impo- 
 
 ■     tencie 
 
when  we  he  exercifidwith  mmj  mdlcn^^  afflictions, 
 
 tcnciereektoChriftto  makeup  ablcand  fa  en  our  feives 
 upon  him  by  a  lively  faith,  we  {hould  finde  ftrcngth 
 enouah  through  his  might,  whcrby  to  bea-e  that  comfor- 
 tably'! which  we  thinke  moft  intoUcrable.  Faith  drives  a 
 man  cue  of  himfelFc^as  not  able  to  bcare  the  leaft  crofle  as 
 heoueht,  and  through  the  power  of  God  itenablcth  to 
 beare  thatbert  (  how  troublcfome  focver  )  with  which 
 Godispkafedtotrieus.  r    n 
 
 Eiehcly,  By  faith  the  godly  heart  is  drawne  to  ufc  all 
 la  wfull  meaner  of  helpe,  that  God  in  his  providence  doih 
 afford,  but  refteth  quietly  upon  God^  promiles,  and  aflu- 
 ranccofhis  prcfence  above  all  likclihoeds  a -id  appearan- 
 ces. God  f?MlI  If  and  ({^ith  the  Pfalmift)  at  the  right  ham  of 
 phe  poore  tofave  him  fronf  thofe.thaifondemne  his  foul e  .when 
 Icrieuntothee,  then  Jhall  mine  enemies  turne  baeki,  thts  I 
 knowJor  God  is  far  me. .  ^J^fofe^  left  %pf,  and  feared  not 
 the  wrath  of  rhe  King  :  becaufehcfaw  him  that  was  in- 
 vifible.  Thereafon  hereof  is,  faith  coupkth  the  meanes 
 and  theend,  but  lookethto  the  promifer,  his  grace,  faith- 
 fulneffe,  and  power  (who  is  ab;e  to  doe  above  all  that  we 
 can  comprehend  j  and  not  to  the  probability  of  the  thing 
 promifed.  Abraham  againfl  hope  believed  in  hope,  that  hee 
 might  bscome  the  Father  efmany  Natiorts,  being  fnlly  per- 
 fwaded.thatrohat  Qod  hadpromifed.he  mu  able  toperforme. 
 By  faith  Sara  received ftrength  to  beare  a  Sonne^  whenjhee 
 waspafi  age ;  becanfejhe  ^jfidged  him  faithfullwho  hadpro- 
 
 mifed.  1  r  •  u         1     u 
 
 This  dependance  on  the  promifes  which  faith  worketh, 
 '  is  abfolute,  without  limitation  of  time,  meafiircofafflicSi- 
 '  on,  or  manner  of  deliverance.  All  tbefe  it  referretk  to  the 
 good  pleafure  of  Gods  will,  and  repofeth  it  felfe  fecurely 
 upon  his  faithfull  word  and  providence.  H<f  that  beheveth 
 win  not  make  ha(ie.    Feare  rides  poft  to  out-runnc  dan- 
 ger A'  folly  turnes  over  with  fpeed  our  mourning  part  be- 
 fore God,  delighting  to  be  in  the  houfe  of  laughter  :  but 
 !  faith.whichleaneth  upon  the  promifes  of  truth,  makes  no 
 I  hafte  without  good  fpeed.  Daniel  waited  fe  venty  yeares 
 
 531 
 
 8.  Aa. 
 
 Hnb.1,1.      - 
 Pfal  J.J. 
 
 Pfal.: 2  34. 
 Pfal.  5  6.9. 
 Hcb.i  I.Z7. 
 
 Ephcf.j.to, 
 Rora.4.i?,4i. 
 
 Heb.  n.ii. 
 
 What  manner 
 6/  dependance 
 on  the  promi/es 
 faith  worlietb. 
 
 Efay.28.16. 
 
 Dan,9.z. 
 
3  n  How  to  hvcbj  Faith  in  time  ef  Jdverfitte, 
 
 Heb.  1 1 . 1  ^. 
 
 ECjj.55.5'. 
 
 Pfal.55.4. 
 
 Exra.8.2j. 
 
 Pfal.27.1,2,3 
 Pfal.g  6. 
 Pfal.54,4,5. 
 
 Pral.118.7. 
 Pral.46.5,7. 
 
 Pfal,ii5.f,7. 
 SPfaI.il.  4, 
 
 for  ddiverance  one  of  captivity  in  Babylor,^  then  finding 
 
 the  time  of  redemption  to  be  at  band,  he  prayed  to  God 
 
 for  the  fame.  As  for  the  meafure  ofaffiiaionjor  meares  of 
 
 deliverance,  the  voice  of  faith  may  be  heard  in  loh  and 
 
 ^braham    The  one  profefied  be  would  truil:  \n  God 
 
 though  be  {hould  kill  him ;  The  other,  being  commanded 
 
 to  lacrihce  his  oncly  Sonne  Ijaac  the  fonne  of  the  promife 
 
 believed  that  fome  other  way  he  /hould  receive  him  from' 
 
 the  dead.  This  efFedl  faith  bringeth  forth  v^  hen  all  mcanes 
 
 |ia  le.  yea,  agamO  all  oppofitions,  \^  fhew  never  fo  ftron^  i 
 
 jandirreiiftiblc.    For  the  meanes  of  themlelvesbeofno  I 
 
 j  worth  and  validitie,  and  God  is  the  fame,  one  and  un-  I 
 
 j  changeable  (whofoever  op'pofe  ihemfe!  ves  cgiinft  his  de-  i 
 
 [  termir.ations)moft  ready  to  fuccour  when  al  meanes  faile  | 
 
 '  (^f^ourrefugeandjirength.a'veryp'efenthel^ein trouble:  \ 
 
 Therefore  mil  we  not f ear e, though  the  emh  b^  remaz'ed.and  I 
 
 Ihattgh  the  momtttines  he  caji  into  the  mUsl  of  the  Sea,  \ 
 
 Thdt^g^  the  waters  thereof  ro Ate,  and betronh led, though  the  I 
 
 moftntaines  Jhake  with  thefwellmg  thereof  wherefore jhonld  ^ 
 
 Ifeare  in  the  dates  ofEviU,  vphen  the  iniqfutj  of  my  heeles  I 
 
 C  that  IS,  the  wickednefle  my  feetc  carried  mec  to  )  jhall  \ 
 
 compare  me  about.    For  the  hand  of  our  god  is  upon  aU  them  \ 
 
 for  goody  that  feeke  him,  but  hU  power  aj^dhii  wrath  is  a-  I 
 
 g^mfl  all  them  that  forfake  him.    The  Lord  is  my  light  and  I 
 
 myfalvation,  r^hem  jhall  T feared  TheLordistheHrength  \ 
 
 of  my  life,  ofy^homfhalllhe  a^aid  ?  Though  an  hoaftjhoitld ' 
 
 encampe  again  ft  me,  my  heart  Jhall  not feare!   'Beheld^  God 
 
 ts  my  helper,  the  Lord  is  with  them  that  uphold  my  }oHle, 
 
 He  Jfhall  reward  eviH  unto  mine  enemies ;  cut  them  off  in  thy 
 
 trmh,  -^        -^ 
 
 But  for  fupport  in  this  cafe/aith  turneth  it  fclfe  to  me- 
 ditate on  Gods  truth,  which  never  faileth-  bis  might 
 which  cannot  be  refifted  ;  his  wifedomc,  which  ever 
 effedleth  his  own  workes  by  meanes  beft  approved  in  his 
 counleU,inthcfitteafcafon;  and  his  tender  compaffions 
 whereby  he  is  ready  to  fuccour  them  that  are  brouaht 
 low.   Againe,  it  looketb  to  the  manner  of  Gods  dealing, 
 
 and 
 
vohen  m  he  exerdfedmh  mAny  ^ndlmg  affli£iions.    \      555 
 
 and  to  the  ufuall  courfe,  which  he  hath  held  with  his  Ser- 
 vants in  all  ages  paft  i  which  is  to  grant  delivcrance,whcn 
 the  aifiiaions  of  his  fervants  be  incrcafed,  and  lend  hclpe, 
 when  to  fenfc  and  reafon  it  is  furtheft  of.For  every  foulc 
 is  the  Lords,  Oi  thejouh  of  the  father,  fo  alfo  the  fouU 
 ofthefonni:  and  what  favour  he  hath  fhcwed  unto  any 
 one,  he  will  vouchfafe  to  every  one  that  feeketh  him  dili- 
 gently, ifit  may  be  for  their  good.  It  is  alfo  confirmed 
 by  the  experience  of  Gods  dealing  with  us  m  former 
 times  of  diftreCc  and  danger.  Thou  art  hee  that  tooke  mee 
 out  efthe  rvomh -,  thou  didfi  make  meebope,  i^henjwas 
 upon  my  mothers  heap.  I  rva4  cafi  upon  thee  from  the 
 womh ;  thoH  art  my  God  from  my  mothers  belly.  O  God 
 thou  haft  taught  me  from  my  yoftth-^and  hither  mtohave  I  de- 
 clared thy  vfondrom  jvorkes^  For  former  mercies  are  as  bils 
 oblieatoric  under  his  handjto  allure  of  future  good  things, 
 as  they  ihall  be  necdfull.  That  which  God  hath  once  done 
 forusinfuftaining,  quickning,  quieting  our  fpirits  with 
 peace  which  paffcch  underftanding,  keeping  our  hearts  5 
 that  he  will  doe  every  day  unto  us,  if  we  inforce  our 
 fcVcs  towards  him.Moreover,a  good  heart  will  not  ccafe 
 to  accufe,  checke,  and  condemne  it  felfc  for  the  Infidelity, 
 diftruft,  and  weakneffe  of  faith  that  it  efpieth ;  to  incite, 
 ftirrc  up,  and  call  upon  it  felfe  more  confidently  to  waite, 
 and  truft  in  the  Lord  ;  and  in  bitterneffe  of  heart  to  feekc 
 and  fue  unto  him  for  more  ftrength  from  above,  why  art 
 thou  caft:  doyvne,  O  myfoftle,  rvhy  art  thou  dijquietedmthm 
 met  ?  Hope  in  God,  for  I  fhaRyet  praifehimforthehelpe 
 of  his  countenance,  Owy  God.  my  foule  ^  cafi  donvneyvithin 
 mee 
 
 Ninthly,  Faith  believcth  one  contrary  in  another,  and 
 out  of  deepeft  diftreffes  gathereth  affurance  of  fwceteft 
 deliverances.  For  the  Urd  Jhall  judge  hie  people,  and 
 repent  himfelfe  for  his  fervants,  wto  hee  feeth  that  iheir 
 power  is  gone,  and  there  is  nonejhui  tip  or  left.  Thf  Lord 
 will  he  a  refuge  for  the  oppreffed:  a  refuge  in  tint*  [^or  due 
 timr\  of  trouble .    Mans  extremity  is  Gods  opportunitic : 
 
 I-      -Deepeft 
 
 EX3.8.&  J.6. 
 I2ek.i8.4. 
 
 Kal.2a.9. 
 
 Pfal.71.17. 
 z  't'im.4.17, 
 18. 
 
 PfaL4X.5;,ix. 
 
 g.  Ad. 
 
 skiing.  1 4. 2^. 
 
 Pful.9.9.& 
 
 10,1. 
 
314 
 
 How  te  live  h^  Faith  in  time  ef  AdverfitiCy 
 
 Pral.xo.T. 
 Exod  r4.3Z. 
 Dan.6,a:, 
 
 Jer.30,ij,i4. 
 
 1 
 
 Dceceft  mifery  is  the  fitteft  feafon  for  deliverance.  Men 
 often,  like  to  Swallow  es,  will  be  with  us  in  Sumirer,  but  I 
 leave  as  in  winter.  The  Divell,  when  he  hath  dra wne  his  | 
 into  thebryarsj  will  give  them  leave  to  looke  for  them-  ; 
 felvcs.  But  God  hath  ever  ftcod  necreft  to  his,when  their ; 
 exigencies  havebeenc  greateft.The  experience  of  mifery  : 
 ^  calamity  '\^  nade ihe  fure  ground  of  lu.h  joyfull hopes, 
 as  the  Lord  hadi  prqmiled.   The  greater  forrowes  the  , 
 people  of  God  fuffered,  the  more  undoubted  experience  ' 
 they  had  oF  divine  truth  contained  in  cJ^/ip/^i/V^^/Zthreat- 
 nings :  the  more  undoubted  the  experience  of  their  truth, ; 
 upon  cor.fcioufne{le  of  their  own  tranfgrclTionsj  the  grea- 
 ter motives  they  had,  upon  hearty  and  fincerc  repentance, 
 to  apprehend  the  ftabilitie  of  his  f  weeteft  promifes  for 
 their  good.    No  deprellion  of  this  people,  but  lervcd  as  \ 
 a  counter-fway  to  haften,intendj  or  inlargc  the  meafurc  of; 
 their  wonted  exaltation,  fo  long  as  they  rightly  weighed  I 
 all  their  aft'onsand  prcceedirgs  in  CMefes  ballances,  and  j 
 compared  thdr  permanent  foirow  for  fin  paft  with  thcT 
 wonted  delight  in  tranficnt  pleafures.    This  that  the 
 Lord  had  ftricken  Facob  wih  the  wound  of  anencmie,  I 
 and  with  a  £harpe  chaftifement  for  the  multitude  of  his  j 
 iniquities,  is  propounded  as  an  argument  ofconfolation  : 
 for  becanfe  the  Lord  had  killed,  they  mud  believe,  he 
 would  makealive  againe.  The  prefent  wounds,  infii<Jled 
 contrary  to  the  rules  of  politique  defence,  were  the  beft 
 pledges  of  their  future  health,  beyond  all  hope  of  State- 
 Surgeons.  And  when  leremj  more  admired,  then  dillru- 
 flcd  Gods  mercies,  in  tcndring  the  purchafe  of  his  KinC-  i 
 mans  field  to  him,   when  the  King  and  Princes  of /«^4^  j 
 had  no  afTurance  of  fo  much  pofleflion  in  the  promifed  j 
 Land,  as  to  inherit  the  Sepulchres  of  their  Fathers  :  the] 
 Lord  expels  not  his  fuTpenfive,  rather  then  diffident  admi- 
 ration, withfignss  a,qd  wonders,  as  he  did  Gideons  doubt, 
 orhis  fliffe-nccked  Fore- fathers  diftruft.  By  what  meanes 
 then  ?  By  the  prefent  calamities  which  had  fcized  upon 
 I  theCities  oElftdahj  and  that  very  place,  wherein  his  late 
 I     -      ,  pu'rcha- 
 
 ^■7'a"'Vi.„,.j.„....._.i^., ..■ : — - 
 
whe;^  we  be  exercifedwith  many  andlmgrfflilhons, 
 
 purcbafed  pofleffion  lay.  This  is  the  very  fealc  o^Ieremi- 
 ahs  afl'urance,  froiii  the  Lords  owne  moiitb.  Th^ts  faith 
 the  Lordjlikz  ^'^  i  have  brG^ght  all  this  great  ^Ugue  u^on  thii 
 people  '^  fo  vtill I bria^ upon  them  aUthr goodihAt  1  have pro^ 
 mi/edthem.  jind  the  fields  fljaH  he  po^e^si  h  this  Und^vehere- 
 ofjefay,  //  is  defolatc  without  tnan  or  beaft,  (frc.  The  depth 
 oFmifcry  is  ufually  made  an  argiirent  to  move  the  Lord 
 with  fpecd  to  heare  and  {^nA  h  Ipc  :  a  id  this  is  grounded 
 upon  the  prom  fe  of  God  to  give  audience  to  his  chil- 
 dren, when  in  their  diftreHes  th  y  remember  themfelvcs, 
 and fecke  his  face.  <LAwak^,  nhjjleepefl  thout  O  Lord? 
 arlfe,  cafi  us  not  off  for  ever,  ivherefore  hldefl  thou 
 thj  face  J  and  forget  tefl  our  affliUl^n  and  oppreJf3»  ? 
 z/^ttiHd  unto  tj^y  crjf,  />»'  I  an  brought  very  lorVy  deli- 
 ver  mee  ^om^  my  perfecMters  :  for  they  a'^e  fircng^r 
 then  L  What,  that  as  we  feele  God  to  be  tru:  in  bis 
 threats,  fo  we  may  be  afiiired  h:  will  not  faile  of  bis 
 promifes. 
 
 Laftly,  it  re>oyccth  in  tribulationsj  and  triump':ieth 
 before  the  victory.  The  patieit  is  glad  whctihe  tecles 
 his  phyficke  ro  worke,  though  ic  make  ficke  for  the  time ; 
 bccaufchehopcsit  will  procure  health.  Werejoyce  in  af- 
 flidlions,  not  that  they  are  joyous  for  the  prcfenr,  but 
 becaufe  they  (hall  worke  for  our  good..  As  faich  re/oy- 
 cc:h,  fo  it  triumpheth  in  affuranceof  good  fucceffe  :  for  it 
 fccth  not  according  to  outward  appearance,  biillK'hcn 
 all  meanes  faile  it  kc-pcth  God  in  fight,  and  bclioldeth 
 him  prefent  for  our  fuccour,  ^Asf(>r  m:e,  I  rvlll  come  into 
 thy  houfe^in  the  mviltitude  of  thy  mercy:  and  in  thy  feare  will 
 Iworjhip  towards  thy  holy  Temple'  I  have  trufledin  thy 
 mercy  ^my  heart  Jljall  re  Joyce  in  thjfalvation.  The  righte- 
 otts  (hall compare  ms  ahoHt  .*  for  tha^Jbalt  deale  bauntifdUy 
 with  wee. 
 
 Thus  arc  we  to  live  by  faith  when  God  is  pleafed  to 
 excrcife  ui  with  afHiclions  of  what  fort  foever,  though 
 heavy  to  be  borne  and  of  long  continuance.  Great  trou- 
 bles of  long  durance  are  the  exercises  of  faith,  as  weighty 
 
 burdens 
 
 555 
 
 Jv.X3«.4i,43. 
 
 Deu5o.i,a,3 
 !  Neh  s.7,8. 
 i  Pr.44.2  3,z4. 
 
 10.  Aft. 
 
 lam.  i.t,j. 
 Rom. 5.5,4, 5. 
 Hcb.ii.ii. 
 
 Pral.f.7/ 
 
 i  rfal.ij  ^. 
 VCA^i^i  7. 
 
 TFe  rrAtfl  livL\ 
 hy  faith  in  tic 
 leaviefl  and 
 lorgr/i  aJit-M't 
 
 Or.S. 
 
 \ 
 
33^ 
 
 The  aSfs  of 
 faith  in  ibis 
 cafe. 
 
 I. 
 
 I  Pet.i  6, 
 
 lob.xidi. 
 
 Hojv  to  live  by  Fmh  in  timeof  Jdverfitie, 
 
 burdens  are  try  alls  of  ftrength.  As  none  for  a  little  headacf?, 
 or  for  the  ranch  of  a  pin  will  feekc  to  the  bodily  Phyfitian  j 
 or  Surgeon  :  So  it  is  in  a  manner  with  the  foule,  whiled  it 
 is  troubled  with  like  grievances  fpirituall.     Little  things 
 doe  not  much  exercife  our  faith,  nor  ftirreusuptofeeke 
 God ;  and  £hort  affliftions  are  foone  forgotten.  Faith  in-  ■ 
 I  deed  defpifeth  not  the  leaft  crofle,but  is  moft  prooved  and 
 I  ftirred  up  in  the  greateft.    Without  queftion  there  is  | 
 moft  need  of  faith,  when  afflidions  lie  the  heavicft  ;  and  I 
 the  more,  becaufe  Sathan  will  be  moftbufic  at  fuch  times 
 to  moleft  and  trouble  j  he  wills  to  fhew  his  power  and  : 
 malice  when  we  are  moft  feeble.    When  God  follows  a  ; 
 man  with  one  afflidlioa  upon  another,  and  thofe  of  great  | 
 continuance, then  the  Divcll  will  tempt  to  impatience  and  j 
 defpaire,  as  if  God  tooke  him  for  his  enemy,  and  would  j 
 not  fhe  w  compaflion  any  more.  When  the  heart  faileth,  ' 
 becaufe  of  the  multitude  of  evils  that  compaffe  us  about,  i 
 and  God  hideth  his  face,  man  is  apt  to  conceive,  fure  God 
 hath  forfaken  me,  and  will  not  arife  for  my  helpe.  If: 
 God  did  love  me,  he  would  never  have  abfented  him- 1 
 fefe  folong,  now  I  am  brought  fo  low,  in  fo  grievous  di-  ' 
 ftreflc.  How  fhould  the  poorc  foule,  weake  and  feeble  in  ; 
 it  felfcjftand  under  this  great  weight  of  fore  affli(flion,in-  } 
 ere afed  by  temptation  and  continuancCjifit  be  not  upheld  | 
 by  a  lively  faith?  The  afls  of  faith  in  thiscafej  are  for  { 
 fubftai^fe  the  fame  with  thofe  before  mentioned ;  but  for  j 
 the  helpe  of  the  diftrefled  Chriftian,  who  may  be  unable 
 to  dire(5l  himfelfe,  I  conceive  it  not  amiffc  to  repcatc  the 
 principal!. 
 
 Firft,  It  teachcth  that  many,  and  ftrong  afflidlions,  of 
 great  continuance,are  no  more  then  neceflary .  A  wife  Phy- 
 fitian  will  not  minifter  a  ftrong  potion,  where  a  lenitive 
 or  gentle  matter  is  enough,  nor  put  one  dramme  too 
 1  muchinhisprefcription  :  much  leffe  will  the  Lord,  Wc 
 need  great  affiiftions  that  our  corruptions  may  be  fub- 
 dued  within  us.  For  as  th:  untaracdneffe  of  fome  colt  is 
 fuch,  that  unlefle  he  were  fore  ridden,  he  would  never 
 
 be 
 
pfiheft  rve  be  exercifed  rvithmafty  ^long  affltBions, 
 
 be  broken,  fo  it  \%  with  our  rebellious  nature.  Learning 
 tcis  the  Phyfitian,  that  in  healing  foiEC  bodily  dileafes 
 the  patient  muft  be  kept  fo  low,  that  he  mufl;  be  almoft  pi- 
 ned with  want,beforc  a  spring  of  better  blood  can  be  pro- 
 cured. Faith  inftrudcth,  that  God  is  as  it  were  for<:cd  to 
 caft  man  upon  the  bed  of  forrowj  tiil  his  daycs  draw  to- 
 ward* the  bur  iall,ard  his  bones  begin  to  clatter,  that  he 
 might  hide,  that  is,  fupprcffe  and  remove  his  pride,  and 
 cure  the  diftempcrs  ot  the  foule. 
 
 Our  aWidions  arc  many  and  divers,bccaufc  our  corrup- 
 tions are  many  and  of  divers  kindcs,  &  fuch  as  arc  not  ex- 
 pelled with  one  purgation.U  one  medicine  fit  not  our 
 fore,  will  we  net  feckc  another.  What  Father  will  not 
 ufe  many  remedies  to  helpc  the  infirmities  of  his  Childe, 
 if  one  doe  no  good  ?  Our  heavenly  Father  kcepes  us  in  a 
 daily  courfe  of  phylkke,  now  with  one  thing,  now  with 
 another,  becauie  we  profit  not  with  any  one  alone.  When 
 affitdions  are  growiie  ordinary, and  ufual!,thcy  move  the 
 leffe,  becaufc  they  be  familiar  j  therefore  God  is  pleafed 
 to  alter  and  change  his  medicines,  that  they  might  worke 
 more  kindly. 
 
 Andasitisneceffary  thatafflidionsbe  ftrong  and  di- 
 vers, fb  alfo  that  they  be  of  long  continuance  ;  for  growen 
 6\{zz{z%  are  not  haftily  removed,nor  old  fores  quickly  hea- 
 led. As  ftaines  long  fetled  in  a  cloth,  require  mucMfcow- 
 ring  and  long  whitingjfo  doe  the  evills  whichhavc  ocepc- 
 ly  eaten  into  our  foule.  In  others  wc  may  behold  what 
 is  ncedefuU  for  our  felvcs.Thc  Pofterity  of //r<«(r// endured 
 tryall  foure  hundred  yeeres.  The  elder  people  of  God 
 were  all  led  captive  feventy  yeares.  By  woefull  experi- 
 ence every  Godly  man  may  finde,that  being  newly  taken 
 out  of  the  furnace,  he  ftandeth  in  neede  to  be  refined  a- 
 gaine.  Be  our  affiidions  of  never  folong  continuance  in 
 1  this  life,  we  arc  well  affurcd,  they  fhall  not  preflc  us  lon- 
 '  gcr  then  finnc  doth  harbour  in  our  bofome :  And  if  faith 
 be  not  overcome  and  vanquiflied  with  dayly  and  con- 
 tinuall  conflifts  againft  corruption  5  why  (hould  it  faint 
 
 Z  under  I 
 
 337 
 
 Job.j5.i7,x». 
 PfaLi07,i», 
 
 Gen.iy.ij. 
 
 ■:m 
 
338 
 
 2. 
 
 Pfal.  5!. 1 5. 
 Efay27.8. 
 Heb.ia.8,11. 
 Jer.46.  i8, 
 I  Cor.  10, » J. 
 Pfal.  103.10, 
 
 Horv  tQ  live  by  Fdth  in  tmeof\^d'verfitiey 
 
 under  the  barthen  of  long  during  croffcs.  Sinne  is  more 
 op^pfite  to  faith,  more  perillous  to  the  foule,  then  any 
 fatherly  Chaftifcments  (though  ftiarpe  and  cutting,) 
 as  the  difeafe  is  worfe  then  the  phyficke  miniftred  to 
 expellit. 
 
 •Secondly,  Faith  in  the  grcateft  cxtreamities  fuggeftcth, 
 that  iWe  are  under  the  hand  of  God,  who  correfteth  in 
 meaiure,  and  for  our  profit,  who  hath  determined  the 
 time  and  weight  ot  our  affliaion?,  and  by  his  blcfling 
 will  turne  them  to  our  good  ;  who  doth  proportion  our 
 eyils,  according  to  the  ftrength  we  have,  01  which  he  will 
 give>.not.accordingtoourdcfcFving;  and  alfo  continue 
 pur  affliaions  in  great  wifdome,  faithfulncfle,  and  mercy. 
 Even  as  the  Phj  litian  only  can  prcfcribe  what  quantity  of 
 phyficke  is  to  be  taken  ,  with  what  change,  and  bow  long 
 thecourfeofdietisto  be  continued:  fo  the  Lord  onely 
 t^9^h  appoint  the  meafurc,  variety,  and  continuance  of 
 trpdble?,  wherewith  he  is  pleafed  to  exercife  us.  Wicked 
 men  cannot  fet  the  time,  nor  meafure  out  the  quantity  of 
 fuchmiferies,wherGofthey  a;e  inftrumcRts  to  the  god- 
 ly, for  they  would  know  no  meane,nor  ever  make  an  end. 
 They  may  be  fit  executioners  of  Gods  will  herein,  when 
 they  be  fettoo,  and  taken  off,  according  to  his  appoint- 
 ment:  butunfic  determiners  what  is  to"  be  infiided,  or 
 J^o^^|fc|Pg  it  muft  be  endured.  Nor  are  we  cur  felves  to 
 appomt  the  quality  of  our  Chaiufements ;  or  the  termes 
 and  feafons  v/herein  and  how  long  they  fhall  be  continu- 
 ed :  for  we  would  taft  onely,  (if  at  all)  of  the  milder 
 phyficke,  or  fip  but  lightly  of  bitter  potions,  when  necef- 
 fity  requires  we  ihould  take  decpe.  The  patient  is  not  to 
 betrufted  withthe  fearching  and  drelfing  of  his  owne 
 wound,  if  painfull  to  be  handled.  Now  feeing  it  is  the 
 Lord,  great  in  mercy,  infinite  in  wifedome,  abundant  in 
 love  and  tender  in  compafTions,  v^rho  doth  mingle  our 
 cup,  why  fliould  we  fearc  or  faint  ?  lilacoh  had  held  or 
 tended  /o/^/?^in  prifon,  would  he  have  afed  him  roughly, 
 orkeptbimoverlong?  No  no-  muchleffe  will  God  : 
 
 (wha 
 
rvhen  m  be  exercised  withntmj  &  bng  affliBions, 
 
 (who  is  more  merciful!  then  any  Father,  and  more  pitti- 
 full  then  any  Mother)  hold  us  ovcrlong,  or  deale  rigo- 
 roufly  with  us :  but  ordering  all  corrcdions  by  his 
 Fatherly  providence ,  hewillinbis  good  time  make 
 them  worke  together  for  good,  and  not  for  evill  unto  us. 
 But  the  very  haires  ef  ydur  head  are  ali  numhred^  Retire 
 yeenottherefore^yeeare  ofmore  v/ilne,  thea  many  ffar^ 
 rowes. 
 
 Thirdly ,  faith  fetteth  a  man  about  his  worke ,  that 
 is,  ferioufly  to  make  inquiry  into  his  heart  and  wayes  j 
 deepely  to  humble  bimfeife  before  God ;  and  fervently  to 
 intreat  mercy  for  {inne  paft ,  wifedome  to  make  ufe  of 
 prefent  mifery ,  and  favour  and  mercy  to  be  delivered 
 and  (et  free.  Sinful!  men  ( if  well  advifed)  ftrike  not 
 without  caufe  ••  the  jufl:  God,  when  he  corredletb,  hath 
 ever  j'uftreafon.  Andforafmuch  as  our  confciences  for 
 the  mod  part  are  blinded  with  ignorance  and  felfe  love, 
 or  over  clowded  with  finfull  lufts,  (as  looking  giafTes  co- 
 vered with  duft)  that  we  cannot  finde  out  of  our  felves 
 much  that  is  out  of  order,  nor  amend  what  we  efpie  to 
 beamiffe,  faith  direrteth  to  fceke  unto  God  by  hearry 
 prayer ,  who  can  throughly  acquaint  us  with  our  felves, 
 and  teach  us  to  reforme  what  he  would  have  us  to  amend. 
 Why  doth  the  Lord  give  his  children  the  repulfc  when 
 they  cry  unto  him  in  their  calamities^ -but  that  \hmQM\d\ 
 have  them  fearch  more  nafrowly  into  their  qo  JBI,  and! 
 more  unfainedly  prepare-themfelves  toTceke  a'nd  rcturnei 
 unto  him  /  And  if  they  pray  unto  him,  he.  will  infbru^^ 
 what  is  to  be  done.  He  who.^wiU  have  finfiill  men- tb; 
 joync  inftradb'on.  with  correftionj,  yjsa  and!  putreth  into 
 man  fuch. regard  of  dam))^,creatur.es^,  tliat  he.  will  rioti 
 flrike  adbggc,  but  he  wiilmake  him  iee.,(fe  wcU  as  hfe^cani 
 what  it  is  for  which  he  ftriketh  him;  (hall  not  he  inHiruft 
 us,  when  his  hand  is  now  upon  us  for  want  of  duty  to 
 himt  ,  .      .    ...  ,,  i  .^.•.,,  ,;:n  .   •  i 
 
 ^  I5ut  Wnen  we  (cc  otir  faii][j;s,aodfmartforthcmirtfacb 
 fort  as  we^  ^ccoHpt  grievous  ^  there  is  no  power  in  us,  to 
 
 339 
 
 Eray49.  ij. 
 Mat.  10,30, 51 
 
 Judg.IC.lJ; 
 14,   I  J. 
 
 A.^ 
 
 Hof.i4.t,  ' 
 
340 
 
 iGor.it.8, 
 Pfal.ji.iJ,i< 
 
 Pfal.  40.13. 
 Pfal.88.ij5i4 
 
 4.Aa. 
 
 Pfalj$9.59. 
 Phil.  1. 1*. 
 I  Cor. 1. 5. 
 
 //^«?  to  live  ^  Faith  in  time  of\jdv(rfitie^  • 
 
 rcdrcflb  and  fct  Oraigbt  what  is  crooked  and  out  of  frame. 
 i  "  ^^°  °"<f\y'  who  is  able  to  blcffe  aMidions  and  imakc 
 them  profitable :  we  ot  our  felves  arc  like  little  children, 
 who  being  taken  in  the  fault,and  fearing  the  rod,  promife 
 todoenomotcbutprefentlyforgctboth  the  fault,  and 
 danger.  This  we  learne  by  faith,  which  foundly  leffoneth 
 u  todeny  oarownewifcdome,  and  ftrength/andin  all 
 purpofes,refolutionsand  endcvonrs  to  bcgge  wifedome 
 and  arcngth  from  God  above,  and  wholy  to  rely  upon 
 his  power  anrj  grace.  In  vaine  Qiould  iron  be  beaten,  did 
 notfircfoft^it :  m  vaine  fhould  afflictions  (which  are 
 Gods  hammer;  ftrike  on  our  hearts,  fhould  not  Gods  ho- 
 ly  ^pirit,which  is  compared  to  fire,both  foften  our  hearts, 
 and  enlighten  us  to  fee  our  duties  towards  him,  and  teach 
 
 us  to  make  ufe  of  theaffijaion  wherewith  we  arc  exer- 
 ciled. 
 
 Moreover  faith  importuneth  the  Lord  for  mercy  and 
 dclivcrance.F.r  thu  thing  Ibefought  the  LorA  thrkr'that  it 
 might defa,nfromme^  U^4y timu oirein thy  hand:  dciivir 
 mejrcmtbehandofmim  enemies.and from  them  th^t  perfc 
 meme,  O^^ie  thy  face  u  (him  u:.^n-(fy^^^^  rj^eme 
 
 ^prthjmerctesfake,Te^leaja,OLord^  to delivrr  mc :  O 
 J^ord  fH^ehafi  to  htfe  mte,  nto  thee  have  J  crje^  O 
 
 rT^«''r'*^'^r«^''^^^^*«7r^7^-r^^''»f  thee,  Lord 
 ^<ml^ltb,Ui>f^feuh,^i,y  hiip%f,,,,  thr freedom 
 
 '^i^^^V'^'^f^:^'''^  ^  «P'^  abundance 
 Otercy  from  God  and  through  prayer  and  fupply  of  the 
 
 ■  SpiW.  to  reipepr6fit,„dtaft  comfort  anfwerable  to   h^ 
 forro  wm?  hath  felt  and  fe^dured.  Great  affliaions  ^  fe 
 
 w  If  5"'Sl*T''',^^"'^'^f°>''.^^Wcb  cannot 
 .^,r|eeivddwi*OBt,fi„gHlar  joy  on  our  part.  An  hard 
 
 wf^  ffr"°r  •«*'•,  If  our  fufferings  be  from  God, 
 
 Will  d-nr^' J"  Pi??  ^^  every  trouble,  unlefie  we 
 
 1  ^}J    \  ?°^  wrfedome,  and  challenge  his  truth  or 
 
 ftewourfcto,  « :tf  *e Avere  not^tt^chiidrenVnor 
 
 w  truely 
 
when  0€  be  exemfedmthmatt'j  &  long  affit^ions. 
 
 trucly  godly,  and  loving  of  God.  If  God  throw  us 
 downe,  we  muft  waite  to  be  comforted  of  him,  accor- 
 ding to  the  yeares  wherein  we  have  felt  affii(5lions.  To 
 iay,  we  cannot  thinke  that  fuch  a  thing  fhall  ever  doe  us 
 goodjthattverwerhallefcapeoutoffucha  danger,  that 
 ever  wc  fhall  fee  good  dayes  after  thefe  and  thefe  tryals, 
 doth  argue  great  weakncfie  and  unbeliefe.  For  what  can« 
 not  he  make  for  our  good,  in  what  diftrcfle  and  anguifli 
 cannot  he  revive ,  who  caMeth  light  out  of  darknefle,  and 
 things  that  are  not  as  if  they  were ,  if  wc  will  give  glory 
 to  his  Word  by  rcfting  upon  it  ?  The  heart  kpoTveth  the 
 hitternejle  thereof^  and  the  fir  anger  fhall  not  meddle  with 
 its  joy. 
 
 Thus  living  by  faith  in  times  of  triall  and  vjfitation, 
 doth  fit  and  prepare  the  heart  to  thankfulneflc  when  light 
 fhall  ihine  from  on  high ;  and  that  fo  much  the  more,  as 
 our  affliidions  have  beene  the  fharper,or  of  greater  conti- 
 nuance. Returne^  O  Lord:,  how  long,  and  let  it  repent  thee 
 concerning  thy  ferv ants ;  Ofatisfie  m  early  with  thy  mercy  ; 
 that  we  may  rejeyce  and  be  glad  all  our  dajes.  Thou  haft 
 tfirne;/for  me  my  mourning  into  dancing;  thou  hafi  put  off' 
 myfack^loth^  and  girded  me  with  gladne^e :  To  the  end  that 
 my  glory  may  fingpraife  to  thee,  and  not  he  filentxO  Lord  my 
 God^  Iwill  give  thankes  unto  thee  for  ever.  If  one  heale  a 
 trifling  difeafe,  it  neitier  fo  bindeth  the  patient,  F|M|om- 
 mendcth  the  Phyfician :  but  if  one  heale  us  oW'omc 
 deadly  incurable  malady ,  O  we  fay  then  wee  could 
 never  have  met  with  fuch  a  Phyfician ,  not  the  like  in 
 the  world  againe.  Than  brottghtefi  m  into  the  net,  thou 
 lai  fi  affltSiioH  upon  our  loines,  thou  bafi  caufecL  men  to  ride 
 over  our  heads,  we  went  through  fire,  and  through  water  ; 
 but  thou  broughteft  m  out  into  a  "wealthy  place,  I  will  goe 
 into  thy  boufe  with  burnt  Offrings ,  I  will  pay  thee  my 
 vowgs. 
 
 (  It  will  bcobiefled  ,  That  in  afflidion  faith  fecmeth  to 
 ii)c  moft  wcake,  and  corruption  moft  flirring. 
 
 And  true  it  is,  that  many  doubtful!  thoughts  afcend  in! 
 Z  3  Chri-l 
 
 341 
 
 Pfal,9o.  I  J, 
 
 Pfal.8j.5. 
 a  Cor,  4. 5, 
 
 Rom,4,  \  7. 
 Pro.  1 4. 10, 
 
 Pral.so.13,14, 
 
 Pfal.30.ii,xz. 
 Pfal.jy.zS, 
 
 Pfal.^tf.il, 
 
 Prevention  of 
 ObieSfiQm. 
 
 faith  «  weal^e 
 O*  corruption 
 fiirring.  \ 
 
 I 
 I. 
 
34^ 
 
 2. 
 
 flow  to  U  ve  Ifj  Faith  in  time  of^dverfiticy     ^ 
 
 ChriftianshcartSj^artlybecaufe  they  know  not -that  they 
 arc  allowed  to  live  by  faith  in  an  afflidled  ftate;  partly  bc- 
 caufe  they  judge  amiffe  of  their  afflidlions,  taking  thern  as 
 arguments  of  wrath  and  difplcafure,  rather  then  trials  of 
 faith,  and  chaftifemcnts  of  peace.  As  children  through 
 want  of  wifdome  are  afraid  of  bugbcares :  fo  the  errour 
 of  our  minde  raifcth  great  fcare  and  doubt  of  tl:at  which 
 cannot  hurt  us,  peradventure,  might  greatly  comfort  usjif 
 rightly  undcrllood.  This  miftaking  muft  be  corre^Sed  by 
 faith  and  fpirituall  wifdome. 
 
 True  it  is  alfo,  we  fometime  feele  more  ftirring  of  cor- 
 ruption in  time  of  trouble  for  a  while,then  we  felt  before: 
 but  as  Phyficke  then  expelleth  burtfull  humours  when  it 
 workeih  upon  them,  and  makcth  us  complaine,  as  feeling 
 them  more  then  when  they  were  let  alone :  fo  doth  Gods 
 Pbyficke  to  the  foule,  even  while  it  is  driving  out  corrup- 
 tionjit  makes  us  feele  and  compla'ne  of  it  more  then  ever. 
 The  like  maybe  faid  of  faith  which  we  feele  weaker 
 during  the  time  of  triall :  But  ftriking  the  Torch,  which 
 fortheprefentfeemetht©  put  it  out,  maketh  it  blaze: 
 Phyficke,  which  for  the  time  weakens,  doth  tend  to 
 ftrengthen  the  body  :  fliaking  the  Tree  which  feemeth  to 
 loofc  the  roots,  fafteneth  them  deeper  j  and  the  fame  may 
 bcfaidin  this  cafe. 
 
 Iii||ftid:ions  faith  is  tried,  the  fweetncffe  of  it  is  not 
 fo  nSKfelr,  as  it  is  latent,  which  makes  us  thinke  it  to  be 
 bronght  exceeding  low.  The  ftrcngth  of  the  body  is  put 
 forth  in  ceijflidls  and  burthens  :fclt  when  we  walke  at  eafe 
 and  liberty.  A  man  may  (hew  moft  ftrength  in  wrcftling, 
 when  to  his  ownc  feeling  he  difcerneth  moft  weakneflc  ; 
 and  fo  it  is  in  faith,when  the  fenfe  is  leaft,  the  power  may 
 be  greateft.  There  is  an  afflicted  ftrcngth,  which  cannot 
 be  felt  great,  though  it  be  fo  in  truth :  and  there  is  an  af ri- 
 fled faith,  which  is  not  difcerned  to  be  of  that  force  of 
 which  indeede  it  is.  But  ftrcngth  affliftcd,  and  ftrength 
 decayed^  faith  afflidcd,and  faith  bvcr^whelmed  are  much 
 different. 
 
 If 
 
rvheii  m  be  exerciftd  with  many  &  long  affltSiiom, 
 
 345 
 
 If  want  of  fpirituall  refrerhings  doth  trouble  and 
 brecdfcroiiplcinus,  we  muft  remember  that  Phyfickc 
 purgative  and  reftorative  muft  not  be  taken  at  one  and  the 
 fame  time  :  Toadmitofforrowes,buton  condition  that 
 fpirituall confolation  (hould'drowne  the  feeling  there- 
 ofjis  asit  were  to  wi(li  fufferings  without  fuffermg.When 
 God  miniftreth  for  the  prefervation  or  recovery  of 
 fpirituall  health,  it  is  the  office  of  faith  to  receive  the 
 potion,  and  further  the  kindly  working  of  it  ;  which 
 cannot  be  done  unleffe  it  give  way  unto,  yea,  ftirre  up 
 4.odly  forrow,and  wreftle  paincfuUy  to  drive  out  fuch 
 lorruptiens,  as  God  would  have  removed  by  them. 
 During  battell  the  Souldicr  muft  cxercife  his  skill ,  va- 
 lour,  and ftrength in  repelling,  fubduing,  and  puriumg 
 the  cnemiejhis  re frefhfng  comes  when  the  fight 'is 
 ended,  and  the  fpoile  divided.  In  the  dayes  of  af- 
 fiiiflion  faith  is  confii(5ling  with  doubts ,  allurements, 
 corruptions  which  Oiew  thcmfelves  5  if  we  doe  not 
 feele  thofe  fwecte  comforts  of  the  Spirit,  that  our  foules 
 dcfirc ,  let  us  waitc  with  patience,  till  the  vidory  be  ob- 
 tained. ,   ,.  1  . 
 
 And  ifwe  would  i^irrc  up  our  faith  to  believe  and  de- 
 pend upon  God  in  the  dayes  of  great  tribulations,when  all 
 ineanesofheIpefaile,we  muft 
 
 Firft,  Lay  open  our  forrowes  before  the  3^R  c  j 
 and  powrc  out  our  complaint  into  his  bofom«PC<»^^j 
 how  am  I  hefet  with  miferies  ?  How  doe  mjf  forrowes 
 increafe  daily?  I  am  the  man  that  have  feene  affli^ion 
 hy  4be  rod  of  thine  anger.  ThoH  hafi  brought  mee  into 
 darktieffe  ^  but  not  into  light.  CMy  heart  fainteth^  my 
 flrength  falUth ,  my  sk^nne  u  made  old,  mj  fght  waxeth 
 Mmme^and  all  my  bones  are  out  of  joynt.  Thou  hafi  hed- 
 geh  mee  about  that  Icmnot  get  out ,  and  made  my  chaine 
 heavy.  My  lovers  and  my  friends  fiand  aloof e  from  my 
 firoke.andmy  nei^hboars  fiand  afarre  off,  Bnt  they  that 
 feehe  my  hurt  doe  multiply  ^  'they  jpcake  mtfchievom 
 things,  and  imagine  deceit  all  the  day  long.  J  am  the  re- 
 
 Z  ^  preach 
 
 Helps  to /Itrre 
 up  faith  in  deep 
 affiSthnswhen 
 a/lmeansfaile, 
 
 I. 
 Pfal.y5.». 
 
 Pfal.38. 10. 
 Pfal.  2  a.  15. 
 Lam.3,7. 
 
 Pfal.38.11. 
 
 prii.ssj. 
 
 Pfal.  3. 1. 
 
344_ 
 
 Pfal.  25^Jo. 
 PIal.zi.6. 
 'Pfal.jy.ii. 
 
 Pfal,  4  8.10. 
 Plal.88.  14. 
 Pfal.  lOfli. 
 Lam.  3. 44. 
 
 t. 
 
 pfal.  3  8. 18 
 
 Hof  5•I^ 
 Plal.40.11. 
 
 Lam.  3. 4  a, 
 2  Sam.  z^i 
 10,17. 
 
 Job.40.4. 
 Job  41.^. 
 
 Pfal.49  ?. 
 
 Pfal  $1.1. 
 
 Pfal.3f.a7. 
 
 Pfal.$4*'4' 
 
 How  to  live  hj  Fmh  m  time  of\^d'verfitie. 
 
 praachsfmetffthf  def^ifed  ef  the  people  y  the  fong  of  the 
 Drunkards,  Falfewitftejfes  are  rifen  up  againji  mee^  vcho 
 lay  to  my  charge  things  I  never  knew ,  and  teare  mee  in 
 pieces  with  their  continnatl  jlanders.  In  mine  ahjerfity 
 they  rejoyce^  they  gather  themfehes  together  againfl  tnee, 
 they  revile  withoat  ceaftng  :  they  open  their  ntouthes  wide 
 agaln^  me,  anl  Jpare  not  to  ^lajpheme  thy  T^nf?,  tAs 
 with  a  [word  in  my  bones  mi>}e  enemies  reproach  mee,  while 
 they  fay  haily  nnto  me,  where  is  thy  ^od.  Lord,  all  this 
 u  eome  upon  me,  and  yet  thouflandeji.  afarre  off",  and  hidefl 
 thy  felfe front  my  trouble.  Icryttnto  thee,  bat  thou  hearefi 
 not ;  thou  eoverej}  thy  felfe  with  a  cloftdthat  my  prayers 
 Jhould  not  afcend. 
 
 Secondly,  Confeffc  our  finnes  with  hatred  and  godly 
 forrow.  The  difquietnefle  of  my  heart,  and  trouble  of 
 my  flefh' arifeth  from  my  finne  :  /  will  therefore  declare 
 mine  ini^tiity ,  Twill  be  forty  for  my  fnne  :  I  will  ac- 
 knowledge my  felfe  guilty  before  the  Lord.  For  innttme- 
 rable  evills  have  compaj[ed  me  dbont,  mine  intcjuities  have 
 taken  hold  upon  me,  fo  that  I  am  not  able  to  looks  ftp :  they 
 are  more  then  the  hares  of  my  head,  therefore  my  heart  fai- 
 lethmee.  I  have  finned  ,  and  rebelled,  and  thou  hafi  not 
 pared,  Loe  ,  J  have  finned,  I  have  done  wickedly  ^  I  have 
 finned  greatly ,  I  have  done  very  foohjhty,  "Behold ,  J  am 
 vile  ^^l^at  Jhall  I  anfwer  thee  ?  I  will  lay  my  hand  up- 
 on m^mouth,  I  abhorre  my  felfe,   and  repent  in  dufl  and 
 afhes, 
 
 ThirdIy,Takeup  our  hearts  for  halting  through  un- 
 belicfe,  and  call  upon  them  to  reft  in  the  promife  of  di- 
 vine aide^  afliftance,  and  deliverance,  wherefore  Jhould  I 
 feare  in  the  dayes  of  evilly  when  the  ini^mty  of  my  heeles 
 Jhallcompaffe  mee  about ,  When  the  mighty  man  doth 
 boafl  himfelfe  in  mifchiefe  f  The  loving  kj^ndnejfe  of  the 
 Lord  endureth  at  all  times,-  Hee  will  not  forfake  his 
 Saints  aljthbugh  they  be  affii fled  for  a  fcafon,  God  is  my 
 refuge ,  who  hath  pleafure  in  the  pro^erity  of  his  fef- 
 vanti  and  will  draw  neere  for  my  deliverance,  and  make 
 
 hade 
 
when  webe exehijediivilh  manj  mdlong  afflicffor?s, 
 
 hafte  for  my  helpe,  when  lorrowes  environ  on  every 
 fide.  When  all  fuccourfailes,  hce  careth  for  my  foule  : 
 When  my  fpirit  is  co.itrite,  and  my  heart  wirhm  me 
 defolatc,  he  is  at  my  right  hand  to  fuftaine ,  yea ,  to 
 fave  my  foule.  He  will  hide  his  mctcifuU- Saint,  un- 
 till  the  calamity  be  over-  paft.  /  am  poore  and  needy , 
 yet  the  Lord  thinketh  on  tnee :  I  am  funke  deepe  inio 
 the  mire  and  clay ,  but  his  hand  fhall  plucke  me  up. , 
 Ihe  will  fet  me  before  his  face  for  ever.  Marvellous' 
 I  things  hath  he  wrought  for  his  people  in  former  times* 
 He  turned  che  Sea  into  dry  land,  and  made  way  for  them 
 through  the  midft  thereof.  He  led  tl;em  through  fire 
 and  water,  and  by  a  ftreatchcd  out  arme  brought  them 
 into  a  wealthy  place.  Is  not  our  God  from  Ever- 
 lafting,  the  Holy  OnCj  the  fame  for  ever?  His  pow- 
 er is  infinite  ,  his  goodnefle  incomprehenfible ,  his 
 love  as  great  towards  his  Saints  now  as  ever  heretofore. 
 He  will  fend  downc  from  heaven  to  fave  m^e,  he  will  de- 
 liver me  out  of  many  waters.  When  I  am  henrimed  in 
 on  every  fide,  the  Lord  will  provide  fomc  way  for  my  ef- 
 cape :  for  he  can  doe  more  then  I  am  able  to  conceive  or 
 thinkc.  Thoti  who  hafi  Jhewed  mee  great  and  fore  tropi~ 
 hies ^p7itlt  quicken  mee  againe,  and  Jh alt  bring  mee  «/>  ^- 
 gainefrsm  the  depths  of  the  earth.  When  I  was  indbfed 
 inthewombe,  my  diftteffe  and  d^gcr  was  ejxat,  my 
 ftrengrh  Weake,  my  condition  hopelcflb ;  licfvOTieleffe  I 
 wasfaved  by  thy  power,  and  by  thy  providence  was 
 brought  alive  into  this  world  ;  andiChould  I  now  doubt 
 of  thy  helpe  and  mercy,  bccaufe  in  likelihood  I  cannot  fee 
 them  ?  My  flejh  and  my  .heftrt  faileth:  hut  Qoi  u  the 
 ftrengtUcfmy heartjandmy  ponietn  for  fber.  The  depths 
 of  rnifery  are  the  Lords  fitted  feafons  to  refcue  his  af- 
 fii<fled  onef.Mercilefle  men  will  fhe w  compaffion  iii  great 
 extremity  :  and  (ball  not  the  Lo^d,  who  is  rich  in  mercy 
 and  loving  kindneffcj  extend  his' 'favour  t'o  me  when . I  znS 
 ready  fd  per  tlb  f  Smelj'hii  falvatio^^,^ii^fthem 
 feare him.  '^     '.ii>  '-'  ?■-    ^-j  \     - 
 
 Tourthly, 
 
 345 
 
 Pfdl.  Si. 1 1,19 
 
 Pfal.  34.18. 
 Pral.J5.i7,i8 
 
 Pfal  40.17. 
 
 pr.il.  41.1a. 
 
 Pfal.77.i4,t  f 
 Pfa!.65,ii,ia 
 
 Pfal.j7  J. 
 Pral.71.iO. 
 
 Pfal.ii.pjio, 
 pral.7j.25. 
 
 -C/.Sj.c,. 
 
Hi 
 
 4. 
 
 pfai.80.7. 
 
 Pral.jj.i6. 
 
 Pfal.i4|.7j8« 
 Kal.  55. 2,233. 
 
 Pfal.3f.17. 
 
 Pfal.40.1 1, 
 Verfe  1 3. 
 Pfal.8e.i4ji5 
 Ii5. 
 
 Pfal.8^.  45. 
 
 5. 
 
 Pral.56.45. 
 
 Dan.  1 1. 1. 
 
 i^^«?  to  live  h J  Faith  in  time  cf  Ad^jerfttf^ 
 
 Fourthlyjmportane  the  Lord,  anddiredl:  thy  fappli- 
 cations  before  him.    In  the  day  of  my  tronhle  Iwrllcaa 
 upon  thee,  for   thoH  wilt  Anjwermte,  Heareme  fheedih 
 OLord  ^y  Jpirlt  f^Heth,  hide  m.t   thy  face  fom  Je\ 
 left  I  be  like  unto  them  that  goe  downe  into  the  pit.  Cmfe 
 meetoheare  thy  loving  kindne^e  inthemormng.forinthee 
 doeltrufl    "Dehvermefrom   mine   enemies  T I  fiie  unto 
 thee  to  hide  mec.  Lord,  horp  long  Tvilt  thou  looks  fipm  the 
 mfertesofthyfervmt,  and  kfepe  fUnce:  refine  my  fonle 
 from  the. dejirtimon  of  the  adverfary  ,  n»y  darling  from 
 theLtons:  Withhold  rot  thou  thy  tender    n$ ere ief  from 
 mee     OLord,  l^t  thy  lovirigkindneffe  and  thy  truth  cemi. 
 nmllyprefervemee.    Beple^fed,  O  Lord,  to  deliver  me: 
 OLord,  mA^h^n  to  helpe  mee.  O  God,  the  proud  are'' 
 rtfenag^nflme,  md  the  affembliesof  violent  men  have  I 
 fought  after  my  foule,  and  h^ve  mt  fit  thee  before  them 
 Butthou,  OLord,  ma  qodfullof  compaffion  and sra-  ' 
 ti9H4,  Long- fuprtng  and  plenteous  in  mercy  and  truth  :  o 
 turneunto  mec^  andhave  mercy  upon  mee ,  pve thy ftrenfth 
 unto  thyfervant,  and  fave  the  fonne  of  thy  handmaide 
 Mow  long  Lord,  wilt  thou   hide  thy  filfe  for  ever  ?  /ha'u 
 thy  wrath  burne /ike  fire?  Remember  thy  former  lovine 
 kmdneffcs  which  have  beene  of  old :  remember  that  I  am 
 but  dud,  and  that  my  dayes  pafTe  away  like  a  iliadow- 
 remember  the  reproadi  of  thy  fervant,  wherewith  lam 
 reproacifcd,  of  them  that  dwell  round  about  ^  where- 
 with  the  ungodly  and  prophane  have  reproached  thy  pure 
 Religion,  and  blafphcmed  thy  holy  Name.    Lord  looke 
 upon  mine  afflicftiop,  and  my  tcares :  for  I  am  broueht  ve- 
 ry low.  .  .    *  ^ 
 
 Fiftly,QiiickentbyrefoIutionto  truft  in  the  Lord,  at 
 all  times,  even  when  all  other  refuge  failetb,  and  none 
 fliewes  himfelfe  for  tby  helpe.  what  time  I  am  in  trou« 
 ble  Iwilltrud  in  God:  for  he  Oiall  rcdeemc  my  foule 
 He  IS  the  God  of  my  falvation ,  who  will  fend  delive- 
 rance to  his  people  in  the  lowcfl:  extremity,,  and  vouch- 
 lafe  mercy  to  his  chofen,  above  all  they  cxped  and  iookc 
 for. 
 
frormfes  of  earthly  blepngs,  ^c. 
 
 for,mmoft  convenient  ieafon.  I  cried  unto  the  Loy^  in 
 the  day  of  my  calarmty ,  and  my  grayer  entredtnto  hu 
 tares  :  therefore  wiU  I  truft  in  him  as  long  as  1  live.  Lord 
 I  will  waite  for  thy  falvation,  eftabliii  my  heart  in  thy 
 truth,  that  I  be  not  moved. 
 
 347 
 
 Lam.3.j5,j5. 
 57» 
 
 CHAP.  VIII. 
 
 9Vhat  it  is  to  live  hj  faith  tcHching  the  fromijes  of 
 earthly  bleffmgs^  tempora/l  projfertty,  and 
 good fucce^e  iff  the  things  that 
 wegoe  ai'Oftto. 
 
 THc  Lord  our  God ,  knowing  that  earthty  blef- 
 fings  be  {o  neceflary  for  the  maintenance  of  this  life, 
 that  we  cannot  be  without  them ,  hath  of  his  infinite 
 bounty  and  free  grace  undertaken,  and  promifed  to  make 
 competent  provifion  for  his  children  ^  that  being  freed 
 from  the  cares  and  troubles  of  thefc  things  below,  they 
 might  with  greater  freed ome  attend  upon  his  fervicc,  and 
 with  more  chearcfulnefTe  run  tbe  race  of  Chriftianity.  O 
 feare.  the  Lord  yee  his  Saints :  for  there  is  no  waMt  to  them 
 that  feare  him^  The  yonng  Lions  doe  lacks  ^^^^  T^j^^ 
 hunger:  hut  they  that  fee  ks  ^^^  Lord  Jhalt  not  want  any 
 good  thing,  Trufi  in  the  Lord  and  doe  good ,  Jo  fhalt  thou 
 dwelt  in  the  land,  and  verily  thmJhaltJ^e  fed.  'Delight  thy 
 felfealfoin  the  Lord,  and  hi  Jhall  give  thee  the  dejires  of 
 thine  heartr.  The  meeke  Jhall inherit  the  earthy  and  Pj all 
 delight  themfelves  in  the  abundance  of  peace.  The  meekf 
 fjalleate  andbefatiified.  Forthe  LordGod  is  a  funne  and 
 Ihield :  the  Lord  wiffgive  grace  and  glory  :  ■  no  good  thing 
 fPitlheypith'haldfrom  them  that  walk£  uprightly.  "Slejfed 
 is  every  one  thatfeareth  the  Lord  :  that  walk^th  in  his  waies. 
 For  thou  jbah  eate  the  labour  of  thy  hands  y  happy  fhalt  thou 
 be,  and  it  JhaU  be  ivell  mth  thee,  J  will  abunditntly  bleffe 
 -A-\.,  '  her 
 
 Gadhathmade 
 manypromifes 
 of  earthly  blef- 
 
 fi%!.' 
 
 Plal.  54.9310. 
 
 P{aL37.j^4. 
 
 Verfe  II-. 
 
 Pklzi.z6. 
 
 Pral.57.i9. 
 
 Pfal.84.ii, 
 
 PfJ.it8,i,x. 
 
?48 
 
 Plal.i3Z.iy. 
 
 ^Deut  J.  16. 
 
 6.3.  &  12.25, 
 
 28. 
 
 Pro.ai.ai. 
 
 Dent.  J.  53, 
 
 £xoJ.29.I2. 
 DeUt.aj.55, 
 
 Pfal.34.iz,i3 
 
 PlO.J.Ijl. 
 
 V€rfei6. 
 Pro.  1 4. 10. 
 Pro.9.ii.& 
 16.27. 
 Pfal.§M5. 
 I  King, 5. 14. 
 
 |Exod.i5.i6,& 
 
 Deut.7.1  f. 
 Pfal.103.  3, 
 
 pro. 3. 7,  8.  & 
 
 4.  32. 
 
 Efay  33.15,1^. 
 
 Vcrfc  Z4. 
 Job.  17.9. 
 
 PfaLap.i  I. 
 Deut.8.i8. 
 Pfal.103.5. 
 
 'what  it  u  to  live  bj  Faith  tpuching  the 
 
 herfrovijioni  ImEfatufieherfosreiivithhead.  Seeke  jee 
 firfi  the  ktngdojnecfg&d  aKdkis  righteonfnefe^  and  all  the fe  x 
 things  fhdll  be  added  unto ym.  This  is  that  which  is  fo  oft 
 repeated.  *  Th^t  it  may  goe  well  with  thee  in  the  land^  tvhich 
 the  Lord  thy  God  five  th  thee. 
 
 In  fpeciall  the  Lord  promifeth  length  of  dayes,  Health 
 
 ftrength,  wealth,  favour,  peace,  Joy,good  fuccefTe,fafety^ 
 
 good  Name:  andallthcfe  not  oncly  to  "the   righteous 
 
 themfelvesjbut  to  their  children  and  pofterity.  Tou  Jhall 
 
 vfAlke  in  all  the  roayes  which  the  Lord  jonr  god  hath  com- 
 
 mandsdyoH,th4t  ye  may  live ^nd that  it  may  be  well  with  jou 
 
 &  that  jMt  may  prolong  jour  dayes  in  the  Undivhichyoufhal 
 
 fofejfe.  iyhatra4nishetbatdefirethltfe:  andloveth  many 
 
 dayes  y  that  he  may  fee  good?  Keepe  thy  tongue  ff-om  evill,and 
 
 thy  Itpsfrom^eakingguile,  My  fonne forget  not  my  law.btit 
 
 let  thine  heart  keepe  my  Cemmandements-.Tor  length  of  dayes 
 
 And  long  life  and  peace  Jkaa  they  adde  to  thee.  Length  of  dayes 
 
 u  in  her  right  hand;^  in  her  left  hmdriches  andhonoHr^Bj 
 
 me  thy  dayes  (hall  be  multiplied,^  theyeares  of  thy  Ufejhalbe 
 
 increafed.  With  long  life  wiU  Ifatlsfie  him ;  andjhew  him  my 
 
 falvationjfthou  wilt  diligently  hearken  unto  the  voice  of  the 
 
 Lord  thy  God^andwilt  doe  that  which  is  right  in  hisfght^and 
 
 wilt  give  eare  to  his  CommandementSy  and  keeps  all  his  'na- 
 
 tutes,  I  will  put  none  ofthefe  difeafes  upon  thee^  which  I  have 
 
 brought  upon  the  Egyptians/i^/-  lam  the  Lfirdthat  healeth 
 
 thee,  Feare  the  Lord  and  depart  from  evilly  ItJhaU  be  health 
 
 to  thy  navill,  and  marrow  to  thy  Irenes.  Flee  that  walketh 
 
 righteoufly,  andjpeaketh  uprighrly,  he  that  dt(hifeth  thegaine 
 
 ofopprefionsythatjhaketh  his  hands  from  holding  of  bribes, 
 
 thatftoppeth  his  earesfr^m  hearing  ofhloud,  ^  Jhuttejh  his 
 
 eyes  from  feeingeviR'.HeJhaa  dwell  onhigh,  his  place  of  de. 
 
 fence  flial  hcthe  munitions  ofrockes.breadjhaR  be  given  him, 
 
 his  waters  Qidhe  fure,^nd  the  inhabitant  foall  not  fay  lam 
 
 ftcke  The  righteous  fhall  hold  on  his  way,  and  he  that  hath 
 
 sleane  hands  (hall  befironger  andftronger.The  Lord wiff give 
 
 Slrength  unto  his  people;  The  Lord  will  blefe  his  people  with 
 
 pease.  It  is  the  L^rdthy  God  that  giveth  thee  power  to  get 
 
frojnfesofexrthlj  y'ej^.msj  ^c, 
 
 wenlthytbat  he  rhAj  tflablijh  his  covenant  which  heo  [ware 
 unto  thy   Fathers,  Honour  the  Lord  with  thy  fubftance, 
 tindwith  theprfi  fruits  of  aU  thine  increafe  :  So  (hall  thy 
 barnes  be  filled  tvith  plenty  ^and  thy  prejfes  fhall   hurji   out 
 with  new  wine.  Riches  and  honour  are  vfith  mee ,  yea  du- 
 rable riches  andrighteonfneJfe.My  frttite  is  better  thengld^ 
 and  my  revenue  then  chojcefilver.  In  the  houfe  of  the  righ- 
 teomismuchtreafure,  JSlejJedis  the  w4»  that  feareth  the 
 Lord  that  delighteth  greatly  in  his  Commandentents.  Wealth 
 and  richc  s  fl;all  be  in  his  houfe  :  and  his  rightesfifkejfe  endu- 
 rethfor  ever.  If  thou  returne  to  the  Almighty  ^tkou /halt  be 
 built  upytheufhali  ftit  aT»ay  inicjuity far  from  thy  tabernacles: 
 Then  fh alt  thou  lay  up  gold  as  dufi,  and  the  gold  of  Ophyr 
 I  as  the  flonet  of  brosk'iS  :  yea,   the   tAlmi^hty  fIjaH  bee 
 I  thy  deft nce^  and  th 9H  fh alt  have  plenty  of  Jilver.  ^nd  god 
 is  able  to  mal^  a  fl grace  abound  towards  yoUy  that  yee ,  a/- 
 Tcvayes  having  all  fuffciency  in  aU  things  ^may  abound  to  every 
 goodworke.  With  <iH  thy  getting  get  underfianding:  exalt 
 her  ^  and  fhee  fhall  promote  thee  y  fheejhall  bring  thee  to  ho- 
 nour, when  thou  doeft^  embrace  her.    Shee  fhall  give  to  thine 
 heai  an  ornament  of  grace  ^  a  erowne  of  glory  fhall  fhee  dc" 
 liver  to  thee,  Sofhalt  thoufinde  favour,  and  good  underjlan 
 ding  in  the  Jight  of  God  and  wan.  Then /halt  thou  walke  in 
 thewayfafely.and  thy  foote  fliall   not  fumble.  JVho  fa 
 bearkeneth  Unto  mee  fhall  drveli  fafely,  and  fhall  bee  efuiet 
 ^omfeareofevill.    Becaufe  thou   hafl   made   the   Lord^ 
 which  is  my  refuge  ^  even  the  mofl;    high,   thy   habitation. 
 There  fhall  noe  vill  befall  thee,  neither  fhall  any  plague  come 
 nigh  thy  dwe Ring.  Thtujhaltbehidfromthefcourge  of  the 
 fOftgue ;  neither /halt  thou  be  afraid  of  deBru^i ion  when  it 
 tommeth.  At  def^rtiSiion  and  famine  fhalt  thou  laugh,  nei- 
 ther fhalt  thou  be  afraid  9f  the  beafts  of  the  earth.  And  Twill 
 give  peace  in  the  land^^  ye  fhall  lie  downe  ^  none  Jhall  make 
 you  afraid.  For  thou  fhalt  be  in  league  with  the  ^  ones  of  the 
 field:  andrhe  beafts  of  the  fieUpjall  bee  at  peace  with  thee, 
 when  a  mans   wayes  pi  safe   the  Lord ,  he  makfth  even 
 his  enemies  to  bee  at  feace  with  him.  Them  that  honour 
 
 me^\ 
 
 3^9 
 
 Pro.  5.9,10, 
 M^lj.io. 
 
 Pro.8.i8,i9, 
 
 Pro.  I  f .  6, 
 
 [er.ji.T*. 
 z  Cor.9.8,5^. 
 
 Pro.  4. 8,  J. 
 
 Pro.  5  4. 
 Vcrfc  ij. 
 Pro. I J  J. 
 
 Plal.^i.^,  10. 
 
 Job.5.ZT,12. 
 
 Uv.i6  &, 
 
 Job.f.ij. 
 
 Pro.  1 6,6, 
 I  Sam.x  3  o. 
 
350 
 
 Pro,  3. 3?. 
 Pro. 1 0.7, 
 Pfal.ii2.e. 
 Pro.  15.18. 
 •Pro.  10.  6. 
 Pfal.irj. 
 bpfal.iiz.1,1. 
 
 Pfal.if.iijTj 
 Pro,  1J.21. 
 
 Pro. 14.  20. 
 
 Pro.20.7. 
 Job.y.aj. 
 
 PT/'rf?  ?>  ^  /<?  Ihe  hy  Faith  tGuching  the 
 
 It  ii  ntcejfzry 
 to  believe  thofe 
 promises. 
 I. 
 Hcb.13  ^ 
 
 me  ^  I  mil  honour,  Andheejhall  bring  forth  thy  rhhteottf- 
 nejfeas  the  light ,  and  thj  judgement  as    the    noone  day. 
 The  wife  Jh^ll  inherit  glory.  This  memory  of  the   lufi   is 
 b/ejfed^^  the  righteous  Jhall  be  in  everUJiing  remembrance. 
 Heethatregardeth  reproofe  fhall  be  honoured,  a  'Blejfings 
 are  upon  the  head  of  the   lufi  \  and  7i>hatfoever   hee   doth 
 Jhallprofper.  ^  "Blefsd  is  the  mm  that  feareth  the  Lerdy 
 O'C,  hii  feede^all  be  mighty    tifoti  earth ,  the  generation 
 ef  the  upright  [h:ill  be  bleffed,  fVhatwanis  hee  that  feareth 
 the  Lord  ?  himfljall  he  teach  in  the  way  that  heejhall  thufe, 
 Hisfoule  fhall  drveli  at  eafe ,  and  his  feed.e  Jhatl   inker ite 
 the  earth.    Though  hand  joyne  in  handy  the  wicked  jhall 
 not  beunpunijhe&l^  but  the  fede  ef  the  rightcoHt  fhaU  bee 
 delivered.  In  the fe are  of  the  Lord,  is   firer.g  confidence: 
 andhis  children  fiaH   have  a  place   of  refuge.    The  lufl 
 manwalkethinhi6  integrity:  his  children  are   b/efed  af- 
 ter him.    Thefe  and  fuch  like  be  the  proirjifes  concerning 
 temporallbkliingSj  which  God  of  his  infinite  grace  and 
 love  hath  made  to  the  faithfiill  and  their  pofterity,  that 
 we  might  live  by  faith,  quietly  fubmitting  our  ielves  to 
 the  good  pleafure  of  God  in  thefe  things,  and  cxpeding 
 from  him  in  due  feafon  fuch  reliefe  as  {hall  be  moft  expe- 
 dient. 
 
 This  is  necefTary ;  for  faith  in  thefe  promiies  doth  kill 
 covetous  defires,  diftrufttuil  and  diftrading,  cares.  Let 
 joHrconverfatien  bse  without  covetoufne^e  j  and  bee  content 
 with  fuch  things  as  yee  have.    For  he  hathfaid,  I  will  ne- 
 ver leave  thee,  nor  for  fake  thee,   Man  is  privy  to  his  want 
 j  of  earthly  bkffings ,  and  will  never  ceale ,  with  ex- 
 ceilive  care,  diligence  ,  and  vexation  to  hunt  after  tliem, 
 till  he  come  to  know  that  God  will  provide  for  him. 
 When  one  hath  great  friends,  which  they  are  knowne  to 
 leaneupon,  wenay  of  them.  Such  necde  take  no  care, 
 they  know  fuch  and  fuch  will  fee  to  them.  On  the  con- 
 trary, come  to  one  who  knowes  no  endoftoyling  and 
 caring,aske  him,  why  will  you  thus  tyre  your  felfe  out.? 
 He  will  anfvver,  I  muft  needs  doe  it,  I  have  none  but  my 
 
 felfe 
 
frotnlfes  of  earthly  blepngSy  (^c, 
 
 felfctotruftto.  SoChrift  followeth  his  Dirciples  care- 
 fulnefic  to  this  doore,  their  unbeliefe,  which  did  not  let 
 them  confider  our  heavenly  Father  cared  for  them.  No 
 prefent  eftate,  f  though  never  fo  great)  can  free  the  heart 
 from  diftradion,  becaui^itis  fubjc(5l  to  decay  and  vanifh: 
 we  {hall  never  call  the  burden  of  care  off  our  owne  jElioul- 
 ders,  till  we  learne  by  faith  to  caft  it  upon  the  Lord,  whofe 
 eye  is  over  us  for  good. 
 
 ■  He  will  never  renounce  camallfupports,  who  makes 
 not  God  the  rtay  of  his  foule  for  outward  things.  He  will 
 truft  in  the  abundance  of  his  riches,  wifdorae,  friends,  or 
 !  ftrcngthjthat  makes  not  God  his  flrength.  The  heart  of 
 j  man,  being  privy  to  his  inability  to  fuftaine  himfelfe,  if  he 
 benotunderfet,  willfeekeoutfome  propj  true  or  falfe, 
 found  or  rotten,  to  leane  unto.  They  will  goe  downe  to 
 ex^j-jf;?? for  helpe,  and  ftay  on horfes,  and  truft  in  Chari- 
 ots, becaufe  they  are  many^  and  in  horfemen,becaufe  they 
 are  very  flrong,  who  looke  not  to  the  holy  one  of  IJraell, 
 feeke  not  the  Lord. 
 
 Bcliefe  in  God  brings  good  fucceflb.  The  Lord  will  be 
 intreated  to  {howre  his  bleffings  plentifully  upon  themj 
 that  put  their  truft  in  him.  Believe  in  the  Lord  jour  Cod^fo 
 PMllyee  he  efidblijhed-.believe  his  Prophets  fo (halje prober. 
 Men  are  afhamed  to  falfifie  the  truft  that  is  repofed  in 
 them  :  And  (hall  the  Lord  fruftrate  the  defire  of  them, 
 that  hope  in  his  mercy. 
 
 If  we  cleave  not  to  the  promifes  of  God  made  con- 
 cerning tcmporall  things ,  we  fhal)  adhere  to  the  pro- 
 mifes of  hfe  with  le£^  affurance.  Both  promifes  flow 
 from  one  fountaine,  even  Gods  everlafting  love,  are  fta- 
 blifhed  in  the  fame  mediatour ;  and  received  by  the  fame 
 j  faith  :  yea  the  promifes  of  life  everlafting  (as  more  fpiri- 
 j  tuall  and  furtheft  removed  from  fence)  are  in  themfelves 
 i  more  difficult  to  be  believed  :  fo  that  cur  afTurance  of 
 them  cannot  be  greater,  then  is  our  confidence  in  Goi 
 for  the  other  which  concerne  this  life,  Co  farre-  as  he  feeth 
 it  to  be  for  our  goodj  and  the  glory  of  his  great  namC; 
 
 if 
 
 I  Pet  J.J. 
 
 2. 
 
 I^il.  J1.7. 
 
 3. 
 
 2  Clii'O.io  20. 
 I  Chro.f.20 
 iChro,  i5.7jS 
 
 %  Coi.  1. 10, 
 
353 
 
 Pral.ii6,ii. 
 
 Marke  xo.  14. 
 
 Pro.  10  ly. 
 
 Pfal.6x  10. 
 
 '  Pre,30,8j9. 
 
 Thegtilyare 
 allowed  t«  live 
 hyfuithin  tou- 
 ehingthefe  pro- 
 mfei. 
 
 I. 
 Rom.  8.51. 
 Efay  7.1  V. 
 
 What  it  Is  to  live  by  Faith  tMchin?^  the 
 
 if  we  be  inftrufled ,  cxercifcd ,  and  aflaulted  in  both 
 alike. 
 
 Chriftians  are  oft  aflaulted  touching  thcfe  promifes,and 
 many  vertuous  and  godly  men,  not  duly  confidering  and 
 embracing  tbem  by  fai  h,  arc  much  perplexed  in  chem- 
 fclves.//«^<j»»  mj  hafi{{z\dDAvid\y\\cx\hc  Red  from  Saul 
 and  his  heart  began  to  faint)  all  men  Are  lyars  ;  even  the 
 prophetsjwho  told  me  I  fliQuld  be  king,have  deceived  me. 
 Diftruft  in  the  temporall  promifes  of  God,  hath  driven 
 the  faithful!  to  many  hard,c^angeroas  fhifts,  and  becne  the 
 occaOon  of  divers  (lips  and  fome.dangerous  falls.  The  ex- 
 amples o^Ahaham,^  avid,  zpA  many  others,  together 
 with  daily  experience  in  all  places,  doe  fufticiently  teftifie 
 thus  much. 
 
 Faith  fvveetenech  and  fan<5lifieth  unto  us  the  ufe  of  all 
 outward  comforts  under  our  hands.  Meate,  apparcll,  ri- 
 ches, honours  (though  lawfully  campafled  and  in  abun- 
 dance pofleffed)  yeeld  but  a  fowre  talt  in  comparifon,  are 
 but  offmall  profit,  when  they  be  not  ufed  in  faith.  Nay, 
 bleffings,  not  received  and  ufed  in  faith,  become  Idols,  or 
 occaiions  of  Idolatrie :  for  either  we  truft  in  them,  or  be 
 lifted  up  in  our  felves  by  reafon  of  them.  The  rich  mans 
 wcAlth  fi  hu  flrongCity  \  he  re/oyceth  in  his  riches,  and 
 hath  in  his  thoughts  to  doc  great  matters  by  them.(7<f  r  me 
 neither  poverty  nor  riches, fetde  me  withfaode  convenient  for 
 me :  LeH  I  be  fnlly  And  denie  thee,  and  pij^y  rpho  is  the 
 Lord, 
 
 The  godly  are  allowed  to  live  by  faith  touching  thefe 
 tcmporall  promifes,  and  the  fandified  ufe  of  Gods  blef- 
 fings  which  they  enj  oy .  For  feeing  God  hath  given  Chrift 
 for  us,  as  the  Apoftle  reafoneth  :  how  fhall  he  not  with 
 him  alfo  freely  give  us  all  things.He  hath  given  his  Sonne, 
 the  fonntainc  ofall  good  things ;  what  is  it  then,  that  he 
 will  denie  unto  us  ?  The  promife  of  Chrift  before  his  in- 
 carnation was  to  the  lewes  a  fealc  of  all  tcmporall  good 
 things  promifed.But  we  know  God  hath  given  his  Sonne, 
 not  onely  to  be  borne,  but  to  die  for  us :  which  is  an  un- 
 doubted  j 
 
fromfes  iff  earthly  blefjtngs,d)ic. 
 
 doubted  token,  that  he  will  denic  us  nothing  that  may  be 
 for  our  good  and  comfort. 
 
 The  Lord  by  covenant  hath  promifed  to  furnifh 
 his  people  with  all  need  full  bleflings  pertaining  to  this 
 life,     ^ee  that  fcAttfreth  Ifracl  ypttl gather  him,  and  keefe 
 him  Oi  ajheapheard  doth  hisflecke.   For  the  Lord  hath  re- 
 deemed Jacob,   and  ranfomed  him  from  the  hand  of  him 
 that  ypAS  jironger  then  hee.    Therefore  they  Jhallcome  and 
 fing  in  the  height  of  2 ion,  and  Jhall flifv  together  to  the 
 goodne^e  of  the  Lord,  for  vfheaty  and  for  wine,  andforoyle, 
 andfor  theyoting  of  thefiocke^  and  of  the  herd :  their  fottie 
 fhall  bee  as  a  watered  garden,  and  they  Jhall  notforrow  any 
 more  at  all.  ^^nd  I  rvill  fatiate  the  foule  of  the  prtefti 
 with  fat nejfe,  and  my  people  fhall  bee  fatufied  with  good- 
 neffe,  faith  the  Lord.    I  willmaks  "^ifh  them  a  covenant  of 
 peace,  and  wis  cattfe  the  ev'tll  beafis  to  ceafe  out  of  the  Land : 
 and  they  fhall  dwell  fafely  in  the  wildernefe  andjleepe  in  the 
 woods,    ^nd  I  w'lU  make  them,  and  the  places  round  about 
 my  hill  a  bleffingy    and  I  will  caufe  the  fhowre  to  come 
 dewne  in  hufeafon  :  there  Jhall  bee  fhowre  s  of  blef^ng.    And 
 the  tree  of  the  field  fhall  yeeld  herfruite,  and  the  earth  fhall 
 ye  eld  her  increafe,  and  they  fhall  bee  fafe  in  their  landy 
 and  fhall  kpow  that  /am  the  Lord  :  I  will  call  for  come, 
 Andinereafe  itj  and  lay  no  famine  upon  you.   And  I  will  mul- 
 tiply the  fruit  of  the  tree,  and  the  increafe  of  the  field '^  that  ye 
 fhall  no  more  receive  reproach  of  famine  among  the  heathen, 
 I  win  even  betroth  thee  Unto  me  infaithfulnejfe,  and  thou 
 fhalt  know  the  Lord,    And  it  fhall  come  to  p^Jfe,  in  that  day  I 
 will  heare,  faith  the  Lord,  Twill  heare  the  heavens,  and  they 
 fhaH  heare  the  earth,  and  the  earth  fhaU  heare  the  come, 
 and  the  wine,  and  the  oyle.   Now  feeing  the  Lord  bath 
 by  promifc  and  covenant,  againe  and  againe  repeated  for 
 our  confirmation,  arfured  us  of  all  necdfull  bleflings,  it 
 is  our  duty  by  faith  to  make  thcfe  promifes  our  ownc,  and 
 reft  cjuietly  upon  his  word,  to  finde  relicfc  at  fuch  time, 
 and  in  fuch  meafure,  as  he  knowcs  to  be  expedient,  and 
 may  be  for  our  good. 
 
 A  a  And 
 
 555 
 
 3. 
 
 ler.ji.  10,11, 
 
 12.. 
 
 Verfe 
 
 14. 
 
 E2ek.34.2y, 
 
 &  34.29. 
 
 Hor.t.2*isi. 
 
354 
 
 I  Pet  4-1 9' 
 
 I  Pet.f.7, 
 
 Verfc  1 4. 
 
 Mat»^.3i,52,. 
 
 Pfal.  104.27. 
 Pfal.145.15rj 
 16. 
 
 Pfal.i47.». 
 lQb.j8,4i. 
 Mlatth.6.»^. 
 
 Dent  32,9. 
 ter.io.i6.& 
 
 Whaf  it  is  to  Uve  hj  Paith  tOHching  the 
 
 And  this  wc  luaj?  the.  rather  be  incouraged  into, 
 con{iderit)g  the  relation  which. is  bet  v/ixt  God  and  us: 
 for  he  is  our:T«iichfjjU  creator,  rwee  the  workc  of  his 
 harids  I  hcc  is  our  Shcpheard.,^  wee  the  flocke  ok  his 
 pafture  :  he  is  our  Father,  vvehis  children.   Let  them 
 thAt  piffer  according  to  the  wM.pf  Gody    commit  the 
 ks^ping  of  their  foulcs^-.fQ  J.nin  iyi,weU-doingy    as  unto 
 afahhffi/l  Cre^tdjir , ,:  Cajt yJl  yfim  cavr-C  u^o-n  him^  far 
 j  hee  careth  for  yon,  \    Xh:  \Lord  is  my  jhcepheard,  I  jhall 
 I  not  want,    ^s  ajheepheardfeekethont  his  flocke  in  the  day, 
 that  hee  is  among  his  Jheefe  that  are  fcattered:  fo  rviH  I 
 feeke  out  my  fheepe/  and  will  deliver  them  out  of  all 
 places y  -where  they  have  beenefcatteredy  in  the  cloudy  and 
 dar^e  day,    ^nd  I  will  bring  them  out  from  the  pcopky 
 and  gather  them  fom  the  countries^  and  will  bring  them 
 to  their  owne  landf   and  feede  therA  upon  the  mount aines 
 of  Ilrael  by  the  rivers y  and  in  all  the  inhabited  places  of 
 the  country    I  will  ftede  them  in  a  good  paflure  and  upon 
 the  high  mo(*nf  aines  of  lixacl  Jhall  their  fold  be  ;  there  jhall 
 they  lie  in  a  good  f eld,  and  m^  fat  pafture  Jlj^ill  they  feed 
 upon  the  mountaines  of  Ifracl.    Take  no.  thought^  faying ^ 
 what  jhaH  we  eate  ?  orwhat  fjall  we  drinks  ■  or  wherewith 
 Jhall  we  be  clothed  ?  for  your  heavenly  Father  kitoweth 
 that  jee  hatie  neede  of  all  thefs.  things,  ^  Gog  is  the  great 
 Father  of  the  family,  who  provideth  all  things  necelTary 
 for  them  that  be  under  bis  governement.  The  eyes  of  all 
 waite  upon  thee  ^  thou  give ji  them  their  me  ate  in  duefeafon. 
 Thou  op^nej}  thine  hand,  andfatisfieflthe  dejire  of  every  li- 
 ving thing.  He  giveth  to  the  beafi  hisfoodyan^to  the  young 
 ravens  which  cry.    It  is  his  property,  who  is  the  chicrc 
 good,  to  communicate  hisbleHings  unto  his  creatures  : 
 much  more  to  compaffe  them  with  mercy  that  depend  up . 
 on  him.    He  hath  put  this  naturall  afFedion  into  Parents, 
 nay,  into  bruitc;  beafts  to  tender  their  young  ones :  &  (liall 
 not  he  much  more  provide  for  them  that  crie  unto  him 
 day  and  night  for  reliefe  and  fuccour  ?  The  Lords  portion, 
 is  his  people  j  Jacob  is  the  lot  of  his  inherUmce  t  and  God 
 
 is 
 
fromifes  ofemhlfhleffhgsMc^ 
 
 is  the  portion  of  his  people  3  He  hath  chofen  them,  and 
 they  have  given  themfelves  to  him  :  they  relie  upon 
 him,  and  he  hath  undertaken  to  make  plentiful!  prbvifion 
 for  them.  The  Lord  is  my  portion,  faith  wy  feuh^  therefor s 
 will  I  hope  in  him,  The^Lord-k  the  fonion-'ef  mine  inheri- 
 tancej  andofmyctip  ;  thoti  maintaiyte^  my  lot.  The  Itnes 
 \  arefdkn  unto mee  in  pleafant  fUces  :  jea,  1  hmie'a^goedlj 
 \  heritage,  ^■"'     '-^^^^  '  ^^  /  ^'  -r-  ''^''^V^!"  ^  K  ^ 
 
 The  Lord  by  hls-^  :%efciall  provideltc§r^J^I^i^^^that 
 pro^erous  unto  the  righWcu's  "wh.ich  thfey  pbl^eflej  be  it 
 little  or  mu.th.  There  is  nothing  better  for  a  man, t\\tr\y  that 
 hejhoHldeate  ^nd  drinke  dndthat  kcjhouldmdke  his  foute  eri' 
 joy  good  ifJ  his  labour^  This  alfo  Ifaw,  that  it  VJ3iS-fiomthe 
 ;  hayii  fifGod.And  thisgift  the  Lord  freely  gives  to  the  liiahj 
 "whcmx!:ied(j.th  approve  •.Z'<?  the  man  that  is'^good  hi-hi^' fight 
 \  God^lveth Tvlfdome^  dndh^oyvledge'^  and Uyl' ("t'd  "Wit)  to 
 ■  gather  and.ule  earthly  bleffings  with  delight  and  comfort. 
 The  revenues  of  the  righteous  are  fmall  many  times,  but 
 their  ft'atc  is  comfortable  :  fcr  the  iittk  tlmt  t-hc  right^om 
 wa?ihnih,if  better  then  much  riches  ofmany'^wd  mighty'w'iri'- 
 W(7i7d'/,W'ho  flsw  in  #ealth,and  excell  in  ^owtti  Better 
 is  ft  little  with  thefeare  of  the  Lord  then  great  treaftire^  and 
 trouble  therewith  t  Better  is  a  dinner  of  her  be  s  where  love  is^ 
 then  a'ftalleiOxe^^and  hatred  therewith  .Godgivett^his  belo-  ■ 
 'oed  fieepei  Ajid  it  is  the  blejfing  of  God  whichmak^th  rich, 
 andheaddethnofirrowwithit,    '  •'  -■      ''^<  ; 
 
 The  patient  expeflation  of  the  Saints  hath  confirmed 
 this,  that  God  will  not  be  wanting  to  his  children  in 
 things  of  this  life,  fo  farre  as  may  be  for  their  fpirituall 
 welfare  :  Thave  beenefMn^^and  now  am  old^yethave  J  not 
 feene  the  righteous  forj^f^^nor  his  feed^be^gincr  bread.  Hee 
 is  ever  mercifall  and  lemeth,  an^  his  feed  isblejfed.  The 
 children  of  the  needic  Ihall  be  fuccoured  in  due  fcafon, 
 for  God,  who  knoweth  their  wants,  is  faithfall  tapcr- 
 forhac promife.     '  '- '■  :':~^ ^}   -'(^n^-/.      .  a:>'  .."^^.-^ 
 
 The  A^s  of  faith  in  rcfpedl'of  thcfe  promifes-  and  bl^- 
 iingsare. 
 
 A  a  2  Firft, 
 
 3iS$^ 
 
 Lam 
 
 5.7-4. 
 
 Pfal.x6.j,6. 
 
 Ecclef.2,24, 
 
 Verfe  zQ, 
 
 Prai.Si7.2. 
 i?ro.|o.22. 
 
 4. 
 
 P1^1.37.2f,af' 
 
 The  alJs  effaiiB^ 
 in  rcjpe£l  of\ 
 thfepromifesA 
 
55<5 
 
 whitt  it  is  ulive  by  Faith  tmching  the 
 
 Efay.|©.7. 
 
 Firftjit  prefcrveth  from  the  ufc  of  all  unlawful!  mcanes, 
 knowing  that  nothing  can  profper,  which  God  approves 
 not.  The  Egyptian yZ'/i//  heipe  in  vaine^  and  to  no  parpofe; 
 \  therefore  have  I  eryed  concerning  this.  Their  ftrength  is 
 j  t9  fit  Bill,  when  Ephraim  farv  his  ficknep^  anci  Judah 
 Hofca.j.13.14  faw  his  wound  :  then  went  Ephraim  ^0  the  AfTyrian, 
 andfeht  to  King  Jareb  ;  yet  could  hee  not  heale  you,  nor 
 cure  pH  of  your  wound.  If  a  man  be  foundly  perfwaded, 
 that  the  blcfllng  of  God  is  all  in  all,  he  will  ply  that  fare 
 firfl:  J  and  not  undertake  any  thing,  till  he  fee  God  wit- 
 nelling  unto  him  by  his  Spirits  that  he  will  be  with  him 
 tobleffehim  :  which  he  cannot  hope  for,  if  the  meancs 
 ufed  to  compare  and  fecure  any  blefling  or  good  thing, 
 be  indired  and  finfuU.  Nay,  to  hope  for  blefled  and  good 
 lucccflc  in  an  cvill  courfe  is  palpable  and  grofle  Idolatry: 
 what  is  it  but  really  to  acknowledge  the  Divcll  (  whofe 
 diredion  thou  followed  for  advantage}  to  be  the  Govcr- 
 nourofthc  world,  and  the  difpofer  of  earthly  things? 
 then  which  nothing  is  more  oppofite  to  lively  faith.  Faith 
 fpcakcth  on  this  wife,  'Better  is  a  little  with  righteoHf' 
 nefe,  then  great  revenues  without  right  •  more  comfor- 
 table inrefpedl  of  in  ward  peace,tbe  prefcnt  ufc  of  this  life, 
 and  continuance  ;  which  maketh  the  Believer  confult 
 ,  what  is  /uft,not  what  is  gainful!,  or  profitable ;  what  may 
 be  compaffed  by  honeft  courfes,  not  what  may  be  gained 
 by  fraud,  deceit,  coozenage,  or  other  carnall  dealing.  A- 
 gaine,  faith  taketh  diredion  of  God  in  his  word  in  all  bu- 
 finefles,  being  affured  that  his  counfell  onely  is  firme  and 
 ftable,  and  that  courlc  profperous,  which  is  confonant  to 
 his  revealed  will .  There  arc  mmy^devic^s  in  4  mms  heart, 
 nevertheleffe  the  counfell  ofth^^  Z^d,  that /hall  fiand.  The 
 Lordhingeth  the  counfell  of  the  Heathen  to  naught:  he  ma- 
 keth the  devices  of  the  people  of  none  ejfeB.  The  counfell  of 
 the  Lordfiandeth  for  ever,  the  thoughts  of  his  heart  to  all 
 generations.  Carnall  policies  are  difappointed,  and 
 Gounfels  broken,  but  the  diredion  ©f  the  Lord  it  fball 
 profper, 
 
 Secondly, 
 
 Pro»i5.8, 
 
 Pro.i9.il. 
 Pfal.jj.io, 
 
fromifesofemhlj  Ueffittgs.^c, 
 
 Secondly,  Faith  is  pain  ull,  provident,  and  frugall, 
 though  not  diftruftfuU,  pinching,  or  niggardly.   It  (hakes 
 oft  idlencfle,  obfervcs  Gods  providence,  takes  the  oppor- 
 tunity, husbands  thriftily  what  he  beftoweth,  andordc- 
 reth  all  a^ires  with  difcrction.   He  that  refts  moft  confi- 
 dent upon  Gods  blcfling  for  all  good  things  of  this  life, 
 will  be  moft  diligent  to  fcek  them  by  lavvfall  meanes,and 
 carefnll  to  prefer ve  what  the  bountifuU  hand  of  Godfhall 
 minifter  unto  him.  He  that  is  filent,expcd;ing  Gods  helpe 
 when  mcanes  faile,cannot  fit  ftill  when  meanes  be  at'hand, 
 nor  lavifli  indilcrectly  when  his  cup  runneth  over.Labour 
 and  providence  be  impoled  of  Godjwhereunto  faith  doth 
 as  freely  fubmit  it  felfejCven  wl'icn  Gods  blcflings  do  flow 
 in  abundantly,  as  it  doth  heartily  wifh  and  exped  fupply 
 from  God  in  the  time  of  need. 
 
 Thirdly,  It  maketh  inquiry  into  the  heart,  turncth 
 from  evill,  and  feeketh  the  face  of  God  earneftly.    Con- 
 fidence in  God  breeds  fuf  pition  of  our  felvcs,  left  any  fin 
 (hould  harbour  fccretly  in  our  bofome,  or  corruption  get 
 head  to  hinder  profpcrity  :  fpeciallyifGod  blcffeusnot 
 according  to  promife,  the  firft  workcoffaithistoran- 
 fackcand  fanne  the  foule  narrowly,  to  find  out  and  re- 
 move whatfoever  doth  offend.   I  thought  on  my  waj/esi 
 andtHrned  mjfeet  unto  thy  tefiimonks,     'Before  I  was  af~ 
 fiiBed Ivfffftt  afiray  ;  bnt  now  J  have  kfpf  thy  word.    The 
 counfell  of  Flephaz.  to  lo^  was  good,  if  he  had  rightly 
 applied  it ;   ^.Acquaint  now  thyfelfe  with  him,  and  bee  at 
 peAce ;  thereby  good  Jhall  fome  unto  thee.     Receive ,  I  pray 
 thee,  the  law  from  his  month,  andlaynphi^  words  in  thine 
 heart.   If  thou  returne  tc  the  ayflmlghtj ^thtfU  Jhah  be  hmlt 
 up,  thoHjhalt put  away  iniqmtyfA-^i  from  thyTabemaeles, 
 This  found  advice  fairh  digcfteth,  and  with  muchferi- 
 oufnelTe  doth  early  with  the  whole  heart-  feeke  the  Lord, 
 excrcife  it  felfe  in  the  v^orftiip  of  God  ^^ibourcth  the  re- 
 formation of  what  is  amiffe,and  compcieth  it  felfe  wholy 
 to  the  prefcript  rule  of  his  Word.  By  faith  we  know., 
 God  will  draw  nigh  unto  us,  if  wc  draw  nigh  to  him ; 
 
 Aa5  he 
 
 557 
 
 2. 
 
 Pral.iip.y^. 
 Vcrfe  6j. 
 
 Iam.4.8,iO' 
 
I  I  Chi-o.4.io. 
 
 Geri'z8.so,»5 
 
 B  5  ^      I  ^^^^  ^^  ^  ^^  ^^'^^  ^fFmth  tGU'chmg  the 
 
 I  he  will  lift  \x%  up,if  we  humble  our  lelves  in  his  fight  j  and 
 
 j  if  God  lift  us  up,  it  {hall  goe  well;  ifhebe  wichus,  we 
 
 Jfhall  want  nothing  which  may  be  for  our  good.   This  is 
 
 the  way  of  Faith,  which  cleavcthunto  the  Lord,  andjiee- 
 
 '  i  keth  the  accoinplifhmcnt  ot  his  promifes,  as -God  hath 
 
 j  promifed  to  fulfill  them. 
 4.  I      Fourthly,  It  PciTeth  up  to  pray  without  diftrulfuU, 
 
 I  fruitieffe,  excelTivc  care  :  It  comtnitteth  the  cauie unto 
 i  Godi  and  makes  fupplication  to  the  Almighty.  Oh  that 
 thou'vpcttldefi  ble^e  me  indeed,  and  inlarge  my  coaji,  and 
 that  thy  hand  might  bee  with  mee,  an^  that  thou  vpouldefi 
 keepe  mee  from  eviU  that  it  may  not  grieve  mee,  if  God 
 roillbee  with  mse^  an:l  yviii  kee'pe  me  in  this  vpay  that  I  (roe, 
 and  will  give  mee  bread  to  eate^  and  raiment  to  put  on : 
 So  that  I  come  againe  to  my  Fathers  houfe  in  peace,  the» 
 fhali  the  Lord  be  my  God,  It  is  the  exhortation  oiT^aptl, 
 Phil.416.  Bee  carefull for  nothing,  but  in  every  thingby  prayer  and 
 
 fupplication  with  thankll'iving^  let  your  requefls  be  maie 
 knowne  »nto  God.  Now  faith  turneth  precepts  into  pray- 
 ers, and  maketh  requeft  according  to  the  will  of  God. 
 Whi3t  God  requires,  that  faith  petitioneth  for,and  in  fuch 
 manner. 
 
 Fiftly,  It  feeth  riches  in  God,  fubniitteth  tohis  wife- 
 dome,  refteth  in  his  love,  and  fo  maintaincth  a  Chriftian 
 in  fome  -meafure  of  coritentment.  By  .faith  we  fo  em  race 
 the  Lord,  as  that,in  him  wefeekeandfecwhatfoeveris 
 neceffary  to  falvation,  and  pofleffe  him  as  the  portion  of 
 our  lot  and  inheritance,  who  will  keepebackenvthing 
 from  us,  but  what  is  hurtfull  and  pernicious.    It  Icaneth 
 upon  the  everlafting  providence  of  God,  andpromifeth 
 prefent  fuccour  and  fupply  from  him,  as  in  wifedomebe 
 pfal  iS.t,       I  knoweth  beft,  and  of  grace  hath  promifed.  I  havefet  the 
 Ffal.73.i3.     {  Lord  alwajes  before  mee:  that  is,  I  conftantlyleaneupon 
 ;  the  aide  of  God,  and  am  faftened  to  his  providence,  be- 
 \  ing  confident,  that  when  neceflity  doth  urge,  hee  will  be 
 I  at  hand  to  fuftaine  my  ioule,to  miniftsr  unto  my  neccflity, 
 powerfully  to  aflift  and  comfort. 
 :^ '  Sixtly, 
 
fnmifesef earthly  blefJiftgs^Bic. 
 
 55f 
 
 '  Sixtljfi  Tn  profpdit'y  it  kcepes^  the  heart  in  an  holy  tem- 
 per a  nd  difpofition  ♦,  (fiil. )  in  humih'ty  and  meekneffe, 
 free  from  carnall  confidence  and  pride;  and  in  tenderneffe 
 and  cdrfpalTion  towards  them  that  be  in  mifcry,cfpecially 
 the  Ghlipch,  if  fhc  be  in  beavineffe.  For  the  bleflings  of 
 GodjCmbraced  by  faith,  fet  an  impreflion  upon  the  fonle, 
 anfwerabletotbofe  properties  in  him  from  whence  they 
 flow.    What  he  gives  in  grace  doth  workc  the  heart  to 
 humility  and  tender  commiferation.    Faith  hath  learned  |  Pral.<<2.n. 
 I  that  power  is  of  God,  and  that  all  his  gifts  are  freely  be- 
 ftowed  of  mercy,  without  dcfert ;  but  mercy  received 
 doth  both  humble  and  mollifie  the  heart.  The  godly  man 
 having  obtained  mercy  and  grace  from  God,  is  againe  ho-   pral,86.i, 
 ly,piousjkind  and  mercifull  to  others.It  is  the  commande- 
 nient  of  God,  Thou  peak  hot  mak^firong  thy  heart^norjhm    Deut.  i  <,y^ 
 fip  the  bowels  of  companion  f'om  thy  needle  brother:'But  CVCV' 
 more  the  frame  of  a  believing  heart  is  correfpondcnt  to 
 the  will  and  plealure  of  God  :  for  faith  fets  the  ftampc 
 and  Image  ofGod  upon  the  foule,   ' 
 
 Moreover,  itdifpofeih  the  heart  to  thankfulnefle  and 
 obedience :  for  it  prefervethfpirltuallemptineffe,  which 
 givctb  a  fweetrcHifh  to  the  mercies  of  God  :  and  exclu- 
 ding all boaftiirg  in  our  felves,  ftiTreth  up  to  glory  in  the 
 Lord,  and  willingly  to  devote  our  felves  unto  his  fer vice,? 
 from  whom  we  have  received  whatfoevcr  we  en/oy. 
 What  Jhall  Ircncler  unto  the  Lord  for  all  hii  mercies  towards  I  Pfal.ii^.JSjXj 
 mee  ?  I  will  take  the  cht>  offahation  and  call  ttpon  the  Name 
 of  the  Lord.    Men  looke  for  thankes  forafmall  kind- 
 neflej  for  a  tolcen,  a  dinner-  if  they  write  but  a  letter, 
 fpeakc  a  word,  take  a. Journey  in  our  behalfe  :   Faith 
 rcades  the  name  of  God  in  all  his  mercies,  and  ferioufly 
 calleth  them  to  remembrance,  what  then  can  it  doe  Icfle 
 then  magnifie  the  name  of  God  for  all  his  goodnefle  ? 
 The  mercies  of  God  toa  believing  heart,  are  as  manure 
 jt9  Ibund  and  good  foyle,which  maketh  it  more  fertile.Sa- 
 than  himfelfe  will  confefle,  that  God  is  Ipecially  to  be 
 fervcd  in  the  daycs  of  prbfpcrity,  for  when  God  asked 
 
 A  a  4  him, 
 
3^0 
 
 Pfal.116.5, 
 
 A^s.f.^x. 
 
 Pfal.jj.i5. 
 
 8. 
 
 what  it  Is  t0  live  hy  Fdth  touching  the 
 
 bim,  Hafi  thou  ctnfiieredmy  fervant  Job,  4  jftji  msm^r^c. 
 He  rcpUcth,  ^oth  ^(hfeare  God  far  naught  ?   Hafi  thou 
 not  mftde  an  hedgt  about  htm  ?  and  faith  doth  both  re- 
 member man  of  his  duty,  and  pcrfwadc  him  to  be  fo 
 much  the  more  fcrviceable  and  obcdicnt,as  the  mercies  of 
 God  are  powred  upon  him  more  plentifully.  Iwill  rvafl^ 
 hefore  the  Lord  in   the  land  of  the   living.      When  the 
 Churches  had  reft  throughout  all /We-^i,  and  Galileey  and 
 Samaria,  they  were  edified ^  andwalJ^ftginthefeareofthe 
 L*rdy  and  in  the  comfort  of  the  Holy  Ghop,  were  mftltiplted. 
 Seventhly,  It  pra}  eth  as  earneftly  for  the  fandification 
 of  profperity,  and  Gods  bl effing  upon  the  meanes,  as  for 
 the  meanes  thcmlelves  if  they  were  wandng.  The  more 
 we  profper,the  more  earncft  be  the  prayers  of  faith.  For 
 of  our  felves  we  have  no  power  to  wield  agoodeftate 
 well :  nor  ability  to  preferve  and  kcepe  it.  An  high  eftate 
 is  fubjecfl:  to  many  ftormes  and  tenipcfts :  in  greatcfl:  eafe 
 we  lie  open  to  mpft  temptations.   In  the  hot  Summer 
 men  quickly  catcjrcold :  $c  if  we  pray  not  earneftly  when 
 we  profper  in  the  world,  we  (hall  coole  in  grace.  Earth- 
 ly bleffings  be  fo  fraile,  and  we  ofour  felves  fo  weak e, 
 that  the  more  we  have,the  more  we  ft  and  in  :eed  of  Gods 
 gratious  affiftance  and  fupport.    The  Creatures  thcm- 
 ,  felves  have  no  power  to  hclpe,  can  profit  n  thing  unleflc 
 God  put  forth  his  hand  to  blefle  them  for  our  ufe    This 
 makes  that  the  requefts  of  faith  be  not  formall  and  per- 
 fundorie,  but  efFedluall,  fervent,  arifing  from  a  true  con- 
 fideration  of  the  wcaknefle  and  impotencie  of  the  crea- 
 ture to  fuftainc  and  uphold  us.    And  thus  to  live  by  faith 
 in  the  abundance  of  all  things  makes  way  for  patience, 
 contentednefle,  found  peace  in  the  depth  of  mifery,when 
 we  be  left  naked  and  dcftitute  of  all  humane  aide.    For  if 
 when  we  enjoy  meanes,  we  leane  not  upon  them,  but  up- 
 on the  Lord ;  when  they  are  taken  away, we  fhall  not  fall, 
 our  ftay  remaining.  \   ."  i.  ]y  -      j; 
 
 Eightly,  It  makes  beavcnly-mindcd  intheufcand  pof- 
 
 feffion  of  a  profperous  eftate.  As  it  receivcth  all  earthly 
 
 ^^  blclfings 
 
fromifes  ofemhly  bleffings^B>:c, 
 
 tdeflings  from  God,  as  pledges  of  his  fpeciali  lf>ue,  and 
 pare  of  their  childes  portion  :  fo  it  windcth  afid  puIlQrh 
 up  the  foulc  to  God  againc,  Looke  what  love-tokens  are 
 to  linke  the  hearts  ot  welwillers,  and  bring  them  toge- 
 ther,or  to  pre£ervc,renew  jand  incrcafe  afFc<f?:ion  amongft 
 friends ;  fuch  force  have  the  good  things  df  this  Hfe  to  \ih 
 up  the  believing  heart  to  commune  with  the  Lord.  And 
 fure,  profperitie  is  the  fitted  feafon  for  heavenly  contem- 
 plation :  the  leffetrdoble  lieth  upon  our  ftatc,  the  more 
 liberty  we  have  with  freedome  to  thinke  upon  iuch  things 
 as  concerne  our  eternall  inheritance.  Befides,  faith  can- 
 not favour  earthly  bleflings,  unlefle  it  taftc  his  love,  and 
 feed  upon  his  goodnefle  in  them.  If  being  invited  to  a 
 Nobhmans  Table,  he  be  pleafed  to  carve  a  bit  upon  our 
 Trencher,  that  is  better  then  all  the  feaft.  The  love  of 
 God,  giving  us  earthly  things  to  enjoy,  is  that  which  gi- 
 veth  them  the  beft  reliOi.  And  if  we  taftc  the  fweetncffc 
 of  bis  loving  kindneffe  in  thtfe  things,  we  cannot  but 
 dtfire,  and  long  to  be  rcfreOicd  with  fiiller  communion 
 with  him. 
 
 Ninthly,  Faith  breeds  godly  jealoufie  and  fufpition, 
 left  the  heart  ftiould  be  drawnc  away  with  the  pleafing 
 delights  of  things  tranfitorie.  Tor  by  grace  we  are  made 
 conlcious  of  our  ownc  weakcnefle,  and  of  the  fnarethat  [ 
 is  in  every  creature  to  take  and  intanglc  ns.  Prolperiry  is  j 
 pleafing,but  dangerous.  Children  quickly  furfet  on  fweet 
 meats ;  Coozening  companions  give  flattering  fpecches. 
 Long  peace  begets  idleneffe  :   Povertie  is  more  fertile  of 
 men:  plentieofriot,nicene{fe, cafe, and fuch like.   Elu- 
 ftering  windes  cannot  pull  the  cbake  from  the  traveller^ 
 who  cans  it  oft'  in  the  heate  of  the  Sunne.   We  have  ex- 
 amples of  many  great  worthies,  who  have  caught  much 
 hurt  in  profperity,   Re[J  hath  efeminatcd  many  Cap- 
 taines,  who  could  i:  ever  be cru{shcd  or  overcome  with  the 
 terrours  of  warrci    Soft  fands  fwallo w  more ftiips,;  then 
 hard  rockcs  fplit  afunder.     This  niakcf  the  waking  belie- 
 ver circumfpeft  to  examine  his  heart,  and  watch  over  it, 
 
 how 
 
 361 
 
S6z 
 
 what  it  iste  live  by  F  mhtouchinz,  the 
 
 lob.  3. 
 
 pro 
 
 7.1  z. 
 
 10, 
 
 bow  h.Qpcrforjnfes  holy  (iaties,how  heentertaines'fe&Iy 
 thoughts,  how  his  sffedioBs  move  cowards  that  which  is 
 above,  left  he  {hould  mifcarrie  upon  the  fands.  j 
 
 Tenthly,  It  mindeth  us  of  our  change,  even  when  our  , 
 mountaine  feemeth  ftrongeft.    The  thing  that  I  greatly  \ 
 feared  f  laid  lok  )  U  Qome  Hfonmeey  end  that. which  I  was  | 
 afi-aid  of  is  came  unto  mee.    I  fvai  not  in  fafetjy  neither 
 hadlreji,  neither  had  I  quiet  :  I  alwaycs  thought  upon 
 my  change,  and  looked  for  an  alteration  of  mine  eftate. 
 The  longcft  day  hath  night  at  length  entring  :  yea,  there  r 
 is  no  winde  which  may  not  bio  w  raine,  if  God  be  fo  pica- ! 
 fed.    Eftstes  whichfeavethe  longeft  periods  of  profpe-  [ 
 rity,  be  at  length  excrcifed  with  afili(5tions ;  and  ther^  \ 
 is  no  condition  fo  iiire  and  peaceable,   but  may  rurne  | 
 tempcftious  on  the  fuddcn,    fhould  not  God  be  more  | 
 gratious.     This  being  in  it  felfc  apparant,  and  confir-  { 
 med  by  infinite  examples,  cannot  be  hid  from  the  pier-  \ 
 cing  eye  of  faitfe,  which  is;  fpiritually  wife  to  difcerhe  i 
 aforehand,  what  events  wc  ace  fub/eft  unto  in  this  vale  j 
 of  teares.    Nature  by  inftindl  giveth  untounreafonable 
 Creatures  a  facultie,  which  maketh  them  afore-hand  | 
 apprehenfive  of  that  which  is  ready  to  enfuc  :  The  wife-  i 
 dome  which  is  from  abdve,  maketh  the  Lords  children  , 
 fenfiblc  in  like  kinde,  that  as  Ithy  fo  they,in  t  heir  greatcft  ' 
 calme  forefeehow  Gods  hand  may  change  for  thdr  ex- 
 ercife.  .;i>iaiifiD  • 
 
 Nor  doth  faith  onely  forcfee  danger ,but  prepare  for  it. 
 The  wife  manfeeth  the -plague  and  bideth  himfetfe,  The  be- 
 liever hath  learned  by  duecontideration,how  wanting  he 
 is  in  wifedome,and  weakc  in  ftrength  toftand  when  God 
 trieth  j  and  fo.  renouncing  his  wit  and  ftrength,  he  fiieth 
 unto  God,  and  holdeth  him,  as  he  who  hathbeenc,  is,  and 
 muft  be  for  ever  his  falvation  ;  and  looketh  unto  Chrift 
 '  the  Author  and  finiiher  of  our  faith,  who  hath  received 
 commandement  of  the  Father,  that  he  fhould  not  oncIy 
 call  us,  and  bring  us  into  the  ftatc  of  grace,but  alfo  raifc  us 
 Hp  at  the  laft  day j  who  is  that  great  God  and  Saviour,who 
 
 will 
 
fromfes  ofe/trtbly  .hlefflngs^BitC: 
 
 will  keepe  his  from  every  evill  workc  unto  his  heavenly 
 kingdomc. 
 
 This  matter  may  be  cxepplified  in  feme  particular, 
 fcil.  how  \yc  are  to. live  by  faith  in  the  ufe  of  mcate  and 
 
 ;drinke,     ■  '.       :::,■':;<■..;.  .«./.'.: 
 
 Firft.By  faith  we  learne  out  of  the  Word  of  God^^who 
 have  lonne-like  iiitcr-eft  and  title  unto  the  crcatures^what 
 creatures  are  fanflified  unto  our  ufe,  and  how  each  man 
 muft  {an<5lifie  tlicm  unto  himfelfe  by  a  reverent  and  holy 
 ufe.  As  that  thf  perfpn  imiitbe  in  covenant,  refting.upon 
 Chrifl:  for  falvation,  and  giving  himfelfe  unto  the  iludie, 
 andfinc-cre  unpartiall  pradlife  of  holinefic ;  the  food  muft 
 be  lawfully  gotten,  provided  with  wife  refpedl  of  our 
 pliceand  meanes,  without  diftracling  care,  orexquifitc 
 curiofityand  niccneffej  received  with  thanksgiving,  as 
 from  Gods  band,  and  ufed  as  in  his  fight  and  prefence,fbr 
 iuch  Qnds  and  purpofes  as  he  hath  appointed. 
 
 Secondlyjt  receiveth  them  not  as  the  fruit  of  cur  fore- 
 .caft J  labour,  or  defert,but  as  gifts  of  *  Gods  bounty,yea,as 
 gifts  0^^  the  gratious  covenant,  proceeding  from  the  free 
 love  of  God.  For  in  the  covenant  ofgvace  God  profnifctfa 
 not  onely  to  write  his  law  In  our  hearts,  and-  to  forgive 
 our  fins,  butalfoto  conferretemporall  blelTings,  as  they 
 fhall  he  ferviceabie  to  us  in  our  journey  towards  Heaven. 
 Men  that  make  a  great  purchafe^  dcfirc  to  hay e  f ome  part 
 m  prefent  poffe^pn :  apd  our  gratious  Gpd,making  pro- 
 mife  of  eternall  happinefie,  doth  give  earthly  blelfings  in 
 hand,  as  pertaining  to  that  heavenly  pofl  eflion,  which  we 
 fliall  enjoy  hercafter-Now  as  God  gives  temporall  things 
 to  his  people  in  covenant,  fudoth  faith  receive  them  as 
 tokens  of  fpcciall  good-will  and  favour  in  Jefus  Ghrift,in 
 and  through  whom  of  free  grace,  f  on ne-like  right  and 
 title  to  the  creatures  isreftored,  which  by  fin ne  and  difo- 
 bedience  was  forfeited.   And  thefe  confiderations  ftrike 
 the  heart  with  revcrence,infiame  it  with  love,andraifc  an 
 holy  regard  and  care  not  to  abufe  this  grant  of  mercy, 
 breeds  an  acknowledgement  of  our  unworthineflc  of  any 
 . mercy.} 
 
 ^^. 
 
 H91V  1 6 lively 
 
 ia-th  ittthevfe 
 of  meat e  and 
 dn'nlie. "  * 
 
 I. 
 
 iTira.4.4,5. 
 
 Titiis.i.i  J. 
 2.  Theffj.!!. 
 
 3. 
 
 Prafao4.3i. 
 ^&  K4?.iy. 
 
 HoC2.s8,i9. 
 £zek.57.i4,25 
 
 H.:b.3.i.&2,M 
 
3^4 
 
 what  it  istd  live  by  Faith  teuchini^  the 
 
 Gcn,ja.io 
 
 Dcut.8.3. 
 Match.4.4. 
 
 P£al.i«4.i$ 
 
 Hof.4.10. 
 
 Micli.6, 143I5 
 Pfal.xo5.i  5. 
 
 iTitn.4.4. 
 
 Beyi  annot. 
 maj9r.in  i.Tim 
 
 4.5- 
 
 Hofea.  2,9. 
 
 Calvin,in  Pfal 
 
 8.Verfe.8 
 
 hBtlkr.ihii. 
 
 mercy,  admiration  of  Gods  provifion,  and  contentation 
 with  the  lead:  blefling  ot  God, 
 
 Thirdly,  By  faith  wc  are  taught,  that  man  liveth  not  by 
 bread  only , but  by  the  providence  of  God,and  his  blefling 
 upon  his  ov/n  ordinance,. It  is  not  the  nature  of  the  thing  it 
 felfe  {imply  to  nourifli ;  if  Gods  blefling  be  not  upon  it^it 
 can  afford  no  rerrefhing.Breadftrengthensjwine  comforts 
 the  heart  by  his  ordinance  and  application  of  them  to  that 
 ufe :  but  the  blefling  is  not  in  the  creature,  it  comes  from 
 above.  Bread  nouridieth  when  it  is  Gods  hand  or  meancs 
 I  to  confer  ftrength  and  vigour :  but  if  he  plucke  away  his 
 hand,  it  is  but  a  dea^^e  nut.  Thou  maift  eate,  and  not  be  fiU 
 ■  led ;  drinkc,  and  not  be  fatisfied.  Thus  it  is  noted  of  the 
 Ifraelites,  The  Lord  fed  them  with  Msnna,  but  fent  lean- 
 ncfl^e  into  their  ftules. 
 
 This  perfwafionjfinking  dccpe  into  the  believing  heart, 
 takcthit  off  the  creature,  and  lifteth  it  unto  the  Lord  in 
 earneft  and  pertinent  prayer,  that  he  would  of  his  grace 
 vouchsafe  unto  us>  as  leave  to  ufe  his  creatures,  fo  his  blef^ 
 fing  upon  them,that  the  food  we  receive  may  do  us  good, 
 we  feeling  the  nourifhingvertue  thereof,  and  that  with 
 J  ay  and  cheercfulneflc.  The  prayer  of  faith,for  Gods  blef- 
 fing  upon  the  creatures, when  they  are  fet  before  us.fliould 
 be  no  lefle  earnefl:,then  for  the  mercies  themfelves  if  wan- 
 ting.For  there  is  no  more  poflibility  in  meate  of  it  felfe  to 
 nourifli  without  Gods  blefling,  then  it  is  for  man  to  live 
 without  meate. 
 
 Fourthly,  It  teachcth  to  be  heavenly-min'3c(^jlabouring 
 to  taftc  Gods  goodneflc,  anc^  feele  his  gratif^us  prefcnce 
 with  our  fpirits  at  our  fweetelt  fea'^s.  And  this  k  ^he  beft 
 fawce  to  all  meates,  which  riveth  ttethe  dsindeft  reUifli.  ^ 
 When  wc  fit  downe  to  meate,  we  come  to  a  lively  Ser- 
 mon of  Gods  bounty  and  love :  for  the  bread  we  feed  up-  * 
 on  is  not  ours,  but  the  Lords,  all  the  provifion  are  gifts  of 
 his  mercy  in  Jelii  >  Chrift.  And  the  more  fenfible  the  crca- 
 ^  tures  arcjthe  more  pleafant  and  delightfomc  to  our  palate;  | 
 the  more  fiiould  we  be  affcd:ed  with  the  fenfe  of  Gods 
 love  and  favoar.  Fiftly, ' 
 
fromifes  of  earthly  HeJ]l»gs^^c, 
 
 3^5 
 
 Fiftly,  Faith  workcth  the  heart  to  fobricty  and  mode- 
 ration, watchfulneffc,  and  fearc  left  it  fhould  be  enfnared 
 and  drawnc  away  with  thefc  delights.  To  fobricty  in  af- 
 feding,  and  in  ufing  earthly  things  ;  To  fobricty  in 
 thought,  that  we  fufter  not  the  mind  to  be  taken  up  with 
 cogitations,  what  we  {hall  eate  next,  how  we  may  grati- 
 fic  the  palate ;  Sobriety  in  defire,  that  we  long  not  after 
 dainty  raeate;  for  fuch  longing  effeminates  the  minde,en- 
 genders  and  ^czds  pafTion,  and  makes  way  to  hardnefle  of 
 heart  ;  Sobriety  in  receiving  them,  for  the  flrengthening 
 of  nature,  and  not  to  the  dulling  of  our  fpirits. 
 
 For  faith  raifeth  the  heart  to  more  fpiritua/1  delights, 
 and  guardeth  the  appetite,  that  it  range  not  immoderately 
 after  fenfuall  things.  The  word  of  grace  teacheth  to  live 
 foberly,  and  faith  receiving  this  word  workcth  fobrietie 
 in  earthly  things,  refrefliing  the  foulc  with  fpirituall 
 fwcetnefleSj  and  watching  againft  intemperate  chcri- 
 fhings,  that  they  winne  not  ground.  As  a  man,  that  hath 
 tooke  in  the  tafte  of  the  bell  creatures,  cannot  forth-with 
 feed  on  that  which  is  courfe,meanc,no  way  to  be  compa- 
 red •  fo  a  Chriftian,  who  by  faith  hath  tafted  the  love  of 
 God,  which  is  better  then  winejthc  comforts  of  the  word, 
 which  are  fweetcr  then  honey  to  the  mouth,he  cannot  af- 
 fe(ft  Cas  fometimes  before  he  did)  thofe  fenfuall  delights, 
 which  carnall  men  (who  know  no  better)  follow  with 
 greedinefTc.If  earthly  delights  creepe  upon  us,it  is  bccaufe 
 the  cxercifc  of  faith  is  negledled,which  muft  confcionably 
 be  renewed  againc. 
 
 Moreover,a  Chriftian  believer  comes  to  his  Table  with 
 an  holy  Jealoufie,  remembring  that  a  fnare  is  laid  for  him 
 in  every  creature.  Sathan  is  a  cunning  fowler,  who  hath 
 his  baits  laid  Secretly  to  catch  us,  where  we  leaft  fufped. 
 The  Snake  lurketh  in  thefaireft  grade :  and  the  moft  dan- 
 gerous grins  are  fet  in  our  lawfnll  liberties.  And  through 
 neglcd  to  keepe  up  our  watch,thefe  oft  take,when  others  j 
 milTc.  Moreperifti  through  the  abufe  of  things  lawfuil, 
 then  by  the  pra(aifc  of  what  is  fimply  unlawful!.    They 
 
 arc 
 
 Titus. 
 
 2. 1  I. 
 
 Cant.  1,2. 
 Pfal.  ii9.7t_, 
 
 lOJ. 
 
 Pfal.j^^. 
 
 Jer.?i.i4. 
 Piai.63.3,5. 
 
lude  Vetfe  1 1.\ 
 
 •iSb.i.f* 
 
 Whktit  istQlive  hj  Faith  touching  the 
 
 Pf0.2|.Ijt,3. 
 
 6. 
 
 Deut»8.io. 
 I  Tim.4.4. 
 
 are  fpots  in  cbe  feafts  of  Cbarkicjwho  feed  without  fcarc  1 
 Eating,  drinking, building,  matter  of  marriage,the  world 
 fliall  b^drowned  inthefe,  when  Cbritt  comes  to  Judge-  j 
 tnent.    How  ix^ny  times  do  tlie  befi:  offend  in  lawful! ' 
 things  ?  The  pleafurcpjWe  take  in  thefc  thingSjhow  irifcn- 
 fibly  doth  it  ftcale  the  heart  away  from  fpirituall  delights? 
 how  doth  it  indifpofc  the  frame  of  the  fou'e  to  heavenly 
 cxcrcifes  ?  how  doth  it  cherifh  wrath,  and  fcfter  unbrid- 
 led paflioas  ?  Dainty  meatcs  are  very  dangerous  and  dc- 
 ceitfull  :  for  the  fenfible  delight  they  gjve,  whereby  the 
 appetite  is  inordinately  moved  after  them,  doth  prefle 
 dovv^nethe  foulc,  that  it  cannot  mount  aloft  in  fpirituall 
 contemplation :  Thefe  evils  faith  doth  wifely  forcfee  and 
 watch  to  prevent. 
 
 Sixtly,  It  lifteth  up  the  foule  in  thankefgiving.    Our 
 Saviour  bleffed  the  Table  as  well  by  praifing  God  for  his 
 mercyj  as  by  prayer  for  a  blcffing.    The  creatures  are  not 
 ours,  but  the  Lords ;  we  mufl:  not  meddle  with  them  be- 
 I  fore  we  have  craved  leave ;  and  when  we  have  made  ufe 
 of  them  for  fupply  of  our  ncceflity,  we  rnuft  not  forget  to 
 j  returne  praife.  If  men  borrow  oughc  of  their  neighbour, 
 when  they  bring  it  home,they  forget  not  to  give  thankcs. 
 j  Great  is  the  mifery  of  man  if  he  want  thefe  outward 
 comforts :  and  the  greater  our  mifery  withour  them,  the 
 more  incomprebenfible  is  the  Lords  mercy  in  Supplying 
 our  neeeflities.  The  providence  of  God  in  miniftring  dai- 
 ly food  is  no  lefle  wonderful!,  then  was  his  feeding  of  j 
 Ifr^el  in  the  wilderneffe  with  Manna  and  Quailes  from  \ 
 Hcaventfor  as  we  are  not  fed  as  they  were/o  are  wp  pre- 
 ferved  from  their  neccflitj/.   That  the  earth  fhould  yceld 
 her  increafe  for  our  daily  fuftenance,  fb  as  we  fecle  no  ex- 
 tremity, is  i  t  not  as  great  a  blcfling,  as  to  be  fupplied  from 
 Heaven,when  we  are  broughtinto  diftrefle  ?  who  would 
 i  not  chule  rather  never  to  be  ficke,then  to  recover  by  mira- 
 cle? what  man  would  not  rather  enjoy  the  conftant  bene- 
 fit of  eye-fighr,  then  to  be  reftored  after  long  blindnefle  ? 
 Befides,  they  be  not  {imply  favours  which  for  the  prcfent 
 
 fuftainc  1 
 
fromifes  of  earthly  hlef/t/j^s^Scc, 
 
 IH 
 
 ruftainenatur(^,  butcthcy  are  focnc  finall  pittance  of  our 
 ,  childs  portion,pa  wnes  of  our  heavenly  inheritance :  which 
 doth  addc  much  unto  their  fweetnes.  If  friends  be  abfent, 
 a  letter,  a  token  ferves  much  to  maintaine  lo'?e  and  kind- 
 nefle:  nowthefe  be  fomeof  thofe  love- tokens,  which 
 our  heavenly  Father  fendeth  unto  us,  that  he  might  draw 
 our  love  unto  him. 
 
 '  Seventhly,  Faith  is  frugall>  companionate,  induftrious. 
 After  wc  have  beenc  refrefhed,  itfufFers  nottheraeate, 
 which  remaineth,  to  be  loft,  but  referveth  it  for  good  ufe. 
 At  greater  feafts  it  is  mindfullofthe  poorc ;  at  ordinane 
 meales  it  remembers  the  affiidion  of  lofcphy  regardeth 
 the  worke  of  the  Lord,  and  confidereth  the  operation  of 
 his  hands.  For  the  mercies  of  God,  received  by  faith,dbb 
 leave  an  imprcflion  of  his  mercy  upon  thefoule:  andfo 
 our  compaflion  towards  others  is  increafcd  as  the  mercies 
 of  God  are  multiplied  upon  us.  Daily  refreftiing  renueth 
 the  continuall  remembrance  of  our  infirmities,  and  beget- 
 tetb  a  lively  fenfe  of  the  mifcries  of  them  that  want  and 
 ftand  in  neede.  And  when  vigour  of  Minde  and  body  is  re- 
 paired,it  Ictteth  us  about  the  worke  and  bufinefTejWhcrc- 
 unto  wc  arc  appointed  of  God.  God  gives  none  food  to 
 live  idle.  Men  looke  for  worke  from  them  to  whom  they 
 give  meate,drinke,and  wages :  and  fhall  not  we  labour  in 
 the  worke  of  God,who  live  daily  on  his  allowance.    - 
 
 CHAP.  IX. 
 
 fVbat  it  U  to  live  by  faith  touching  the  Common  k- 
 
 msntt :  which  God  hath  given  for  dire^ion 
 
 efoHr  lives  J  according  to  which 
 
 Vfie  ought  to  rpalke. 
 
 IN  the  word  oi  grace  the  Lord  calletfi  for'univei'fall;vo- 
 luntary,(incere,uniforme,conftant  obeditnce  •,  and  pro- 
 mifeth  both  to  inable  his  Children  to  doe  wliatisplca- 
 
 - fi"S> 
 
 ■     7v 
 
 lohn.ft.ia. 
 
 f.tilrfi.. 
 
36S 
 
 TheL&rdcaUi  '. 
 [or  willing^  [ 
 chearejuU^vni'  \ 
 'verfM^vnf dined 
 conjiant  obedi-  i 
 cnce. 
 
 Gen;  17. 1  i 
 Exod.ip.  J. 
 
 Deut.5.»9-ci   ' 
 6.a.     "  j 
 
 Deut.6.  J  7.      I 
 
 Deut.23.i. 
 
 Io£h.i».f.& 
 13.8  &  24.14 
 
 ; 
 
 Pfal.  10^.5, 
 
 Luk.i.74,7T- 
 Pro.13.17. 
 
 what  it  is  to  live  bj  Fdth  touching  the 
 
 fing,  and  to  accept  of  their  willing,  though  weakc  fer- 
 vicc.    The  firft  of  thele  branches  is  apparant  and  well 
 Jctiownc  to  them  that  be  any  whit  exercifed  in  the  word ; 
 the  fecond  hath  beene  proved  at  large  already :  neverthc- 
 leffe  that  u  eakc  Chriftians  might  have  in  readincffe  fomc 
 grounds  of  faith  in  thefe  particulars,  it  will  not  be  fuper- 
 fiuous  to  point  to  fome  paflages  of  Scripture  where  they 
 may  fee  them  confirmed.    That  Chriftians  are  bound  to 
 ferve   God  willingly  and  chcarefiilly  without  con- 
 ftraint,  univerfallyinholineflTeandrighteoufnefle,  unfai- 
 nedly  as  in  his  fight^all  the  dayes  of  their  life,  conPtantly  m 
 all  eftates  unto  the  end,  thefe  few  texts  may  befufficitnc 
 to  prove.  I  am  the  Almighty  God,  tvalkf  before  me,  and  bee 
 thpHperfeEi,    If  ye  yo'tll  sbey  my  voice  indsed^  anikee^emy 
 covenant^  thenyeejhall  be  a  peculiar  treafure  unto  mee  above 
 aUpeeple.   O  that  there  werefuch  an  heart  in  thetn^hat  they 
 rponld fears  me,  and  keepe  my  commandements  aiwayes,  that 
 it  might  be  well  with  them,  and  with  their  children  for  ever. 
 Tati  Jha'd  diligently  keepe  the  Commaadements  of  the  Lord 
 your  God.JfthoH fkalt he arhen diligently  unto  thevoiceofthe 
 Lard  thy  God,  to  obferve  and  to  doe  all  hu  Qommandiments  \ 
 which  I  commani  thee  this  day,  the  Lord  thy  God  wiSfet 
 thee  on  high  above  all  the  nations  of  the  earth.  Take  diligent 
 heede,  to  ao  the  ccmmandement  andthe  law,  which  Mofes-^^^ 
 fervant  of  the  Lord  charged yoH,  to  love  the  Lord  your  God, 
 and  to  walki  i^  alhis  waies,andto  k^epe  his  (^ommandements , 
 and  to  cleave  unto  him,  and  to  ferve  him  with  all  your  hearty 
 and  with  allyourfoule.Blefedzxz  diey  that  keepe  judgement^ 
 and  he  that  dothjaflice  at  aH  times.  To  this  end  are  we  de- 
 livered out  of  the  hands  of  our  enemies,  that  wee  might 
 ferve  him  without  fear  e, in  holineffe  Oftdrighteoufnejfe  before 
 him  all  the  dajes  of  our  life.  Be  thou  in  thefeare  of  the  Lord 
 all  the  day  long. 
 
 And  looke  what  fervicc  the  Lord  doth  expeft  and  call 
 for,that  he  will  enable  his  people  in  covenant  to  performe, 
 what  man  is  he  thatfeareth  the  Lord,him  wiH.  he  teach  in  the 
 way  that  he  Jball  chufe.  The  Lord  thy  God  will  circumcife 
 
 thine 
 
Commandementsi^c, 
 
 ^klnc  heart:,  and  the  heart  efthyfiedc'y  (ft  lo'i'e  the  Lord,  thy 
 
 God  with  aUthj  heart  and  wit h  allthyfoulq^  that  thou  maiH 
 
 ■live,  Mttdthotijhalt  return  e^  and  obey  the  vQjce  of  the' Lor  d^ 
 
 i  -d-  doje^aRhiscommandsments  vehichlcpmmand  thee  thii  day. 
 
 j4nd Itvill give  them  an  heart  fo  kffovo  me^tkat  lam  the 
 
 Lord^  a>idtheyJh(iUbemypopie,ahdIwill  ife  their  G&d-^ 
 
 f&r  they  Jhjtlireturne  unto  me  with. their  tvhole  heart.,  j^ndl 
 
 ■pcill  pftt  a  netvfpirit'  within  you ,  and  I  will  take  the  flony 
 
 heart  out  of  their  fie/h  ^  and  rviligive  them  an  heart  ofjie/h. 
 
 IwiSfave  them  out  of  their  dvoeBng  f  laces ,  vpherein  they 
 
 have  finned^  and  will  cleanfe  them ,  Jo  fiall  they  bee  my 
 
 •people^  and  I  will  be  their  Go  I,     And  David  my  fervant 
 
 Jiall be  kj»g  over  them,  and  they  fitall  all  have  one  Jljeep- 
 
 iheaxd:  they  fhall alfo  walks   i»  «?/  judgmentf,    and   ob- 
 
 \ferve  myjlatutes  and  dee  them.  In  that  day  fing  yee  unto 
 
 '-her.  A -vineyard  of  red  wine.    I  the  Lord  doe  ki^pe  it, 
 
 -and  will  water  it  every  moment :  le/l  any  hurt  it, Twill  l^efe 
 
 it  night  and  day .  Surely  (hall  one  fay ,  In.  the  Lord  h3.ve  J 
 
 right eoufne^e  and  Hrength^Thofe  that  be  planted  in  the  houfe 
 
 of  the  Lordy^allflourifhin  the  courts  of  our  God.  Tkey  fl?4ll 
 
 .fiillbrtn^fofthfrnite  in  old  age  ;  they  l^jallbefatandpmri' 
 
 fhing,  Sinne  fhall  not  have  dominion  over  yoH^  Now  ^  we  are 
 
 delivered  from  the  law^that  being  deadwherlnwe  were  held, 
 
 thatwefljouldferve  in  newjtes  of  Spirit,  and  not  in  oldnes  of 
 
 the  letter, ./  can  doe  aU  things  thrtugh  Ghrifi  whithfirengf 
 
 thenethme,  «'•'*■'     l  '..;'•'■  ■ 
 
 The  obedience  of  the  faithfuli,which  tbrough  the  pofw- 
 ct  of  grace  they  performers  weake  &  iinperFe(5t,but  plca- 
 fing  and  acceptable  unto  God.  TheLordtakethpleafure  in 
 them  that  fear  e  him:in  thofe  that  hope  in  his  mercy, The-  Lord 
 .taketh  pleafure  in  his  people :  he  will  be  auiifieth^  mee^e  with 
 falvation.Jn every  nationhe  thatfearetk  God  and  workfth 
 'righteoufneejfe,is  accepted  of  him. Thc'Lotdby  Afofes  did 
 often  times  tell  his  peoplcthat  they  oflPering  up  their  facri- 
 fices,  fuchas  he  commanded,  they  ftiould  be  accepted  : 
 which  is  often  repeated  by  the  Vvo^hzts.Thou-fhdtt  make  a 
 flate  of  pure  gold^  and  grave  upor.itMVQ  thee^grAvings  of  a ' 
 ~ ' B  b  Jfgft^fi 
 
 3^^ 
 
 Verfc  8. 
 Jer.24.7. 
 
 ^^^^.it-HiH- 
 
 irayi7.£,j. 
 
 Hay  4  J.  24.^, 
 Pfal.pz.  1^,14; 
 
 Rom.  ^.14. 
 Rom.  7.6. 
 
 Phii.4:i3. "  'i 
 
 The,  €hrij}iani 
 ohediente  u  im- 
 perfeSi,butf  lea- 
 fing. 
 
 Pro.  12.11,  I 
 Pfal.i47.11.  ■ 
 Pfal.  149,4.,! 
 
 Lerit  1.3,4,  ' 
 &  zz.ti.Sc  zj. 
 
3T 
 
 Efay  <o.7. 
 
 so.40,4»« 
 Mal.3.4. 
 
 Pfal.51.i9. 
 
 Pfal.i9.r4. 
 
 Pfalii©.  108. 
 Deut.35.1i. 
 
 what  it  isto  live  h-j  Fahh  mchmg  the 
 
 Rom.ii.T. 
 
 Phil,4.i 
 
 Hcb.iJ.  i6» 
 
 Col.j.io. 
 HcKii.5. 
 
 TiUthiitteeeJpi- 
 ry  to  the  lea- 
 ding  (fa  Chri- 
 ftim  life. 
 
 fignet ,  HoUnefe ,  t9  the  Lord ;  anditlhaRke  upon  Aarons 
 fere  hedd^t  hat  Aaron  way  he  are  the  iniquity  of  the  holy  things 
 which  the  children  ef\bzz\\JhaU  baSow,in  all  their  holy  gifts 
 audit  fiaU  he  alwayes  upon  hisforehead,that  they  may  he  ac- 
 cefted  before  the  Lord.  AUthefiofkj  of  Kedur Jhall  he  gathered 
 together.^  the  Rams  of '^cbnioth /hak  minifier  unto  thee :  they 
 Jhaltcome  ftp  with  acceptance  on  mine  altar.  The  Priejfs  Jhall 
 Tftakeyour  burnt  o^erings  ftpon  the  altar , and yo(*r  fe ace  offe-, 
 rings,  and  I  vptH  accept  y  off  ^piith  the  Lord  (jodj'henfhali  the 
 offerings  of  Judah  <«W  Jerufalem  befleafant  nnto  the  Lord, 
 as  in  the  dayes  of  ol^^and as  informer yeares. Then Jhalt  thou 
 he  pleajsdfcith  the  facrifices  of  right  eoufnes^rvit  h  burnt  offer- 
 ing, and  whole  burnt  offering.  Hereunto  may  be  referred 
 the  pra\  cr  of  the  Prophet.  Let  the  words  of  my  momh,  and 
 the  meditation  of  my  heart  be  acceptable  in  thy  fight,  O  Lord 
 my  firength  and  my  redeenjcr.  Accept  I  hefeech  thee,  thefree^ 
 wi^  offerings  of  my  month,  O  Lord,  and  teach  me  thy  ludge- 
 meMts,Thcvc  be  many  other  teftimonics  to  the  fame  pur- 
 pofe.  I  hefeech  you  therefore  brethren, by  the  mercies  of(jod^ 
 that yeeprefent  your  bodies  a  livingfderifce  holy,  acceftabU 
 untfi  God.  Iamfull,havi);}g  received  of  Epaphroditus  the 
 things  which  were  itntfrom yott,an  odour  ofafrfeetefmell, 
 a  facrifice  accept  able  ^wel-pleaftngto  Cjod,Bnt  to  doe  good, 
 and  to  communicate  forget  not  i  for  withfuchfacrifces  God  is 
 wellpleafcd*  Tee  alfo,  as  lively  ft  ones,  are  built  upa^irituaU 
 houfe^an  holy  Friefthood,to  offer  up  ^irituattfacrifice, accept 
 table  to  God  by  Jefm  Chrifi,   Children   obey  your  pa- 
 rents  in  all  things,  for  this  if  well  pleajtng.  Before  his  tran- 
 Jlation 'Enoch,  had  rccdved  this  tefitmony,  that  he  pleafed 
 
 God,        .    yvUr^: 
 
 And  this'  faith  is  mod  neceflary  to  the  leading  of  a 
 Chriftian  life,/c;7.  to  adhere  and  fticke  faft  anto  the  com- 
 mandcments,  reft  apoii  God  for  ability  to  doe  what  he  rc- 
 qaircth,and  that  he  will  accept  whatfincere  and  unfained 
 lervice,  though  weake  and  imperfeftj  is  tendred  unto  his 
 Highneffe,      v'. ^ ;-:  ,  rr    .:.    r,! 
 
 For  the  word  of  grace ,  which  comraandeth  t6  believe 
 
 the 
 
Commandements,  &c. 
 
 the  free  mercy  of  the  Lord  to  the  pardon  oFGnnc,tcachctb 
 us  to  deny  ungodlitteffe  andworldly  Iftfis,  And  to  live  godly ^ 
 jftfily  andffiherly  in  this -pre fen t  evill  world.  Such  as  give  up 
 their  names  to  Chrift,  muft  not  looke  to  be  lawleife ;  but 
 they  come  to  take  a  yoake  upon  them,  and  ftand  obliged 
 to  fulfill  the  law  of  Chrift*  called  the  new  Comman- 
 dement. 
 
 Want  of  believing  the  precepts  is  the  caufe^why  many 
 doc  ftill  continue  in  the  praclife  of  divers  things  inconve- 
 nient, and  fuffcr  inordinate  paflions  to  hoW  them  under. 
 Ignorance  or  carelefncfle  in  this  point ,  is  the  caufc  why 
 fome  of  the  better  fort  of  people  are  ofi:*and  on,  now  for- 
 ward then  backward,  fcarce  fetled  or  flayed  at  any  time : 
 not  knowing  how  to  fct  upon  the  praiflife  of  repentance; 
 how  to  begin  or  to  proccede  therein  :  Whereas  this  faith 
 much  availeth  to  the  furthering  of  the  deare  Children  of 
 God  in  a  godly  courfe,  the  fhunning  of  evill,  and  the  pra- 
 ftice  of  holineflfe. 
 
 True  faith  is  an  obfequious  confidence,  which  carrieth 
 a  man  whitherfoever  he  fliall  fee  the  Lord  to  goc  before 
 him.  By  faith  H!r»tfc^  walked  with  God;  ?<(jAh  buWdcd 
 an  Arke ;  v^haham  offered  up  his  fonne  Ifaac :  Mofes  re- 
 fufed  to  be  called  the  fon  o^PharAohs  daughter.  Our  pre- 
 fent  faith  or  truft  in  God  is  but  eommenfurable  to  our  fide- 
 h'ty  in  his  Commandements :  ere  we  can  make  a  faithfull 
 plea  for  mercy,  Gods  will  neglefled  muft  be  executed,ei- 
 ther  in  a<fljf  the  ob/edl  be  prefent.and  may  be  profecuted; 
 or  in  fincere  and  conftant  refolution,if  abilities  and  oppor- 
 ttinities,required  to  execution  of  what  we  refolve  upon, 
 be  altogether  wanting,  or  our  cndeavotirs  upon  inevitable 
 occasions  hindred.Faith  workcth  by  love,  which  conftrai- 
 neth  men  to  doe  the  will  of  God ,  and  fubmit  themfelves 
 to  his  holy  ComnTandements.  The  ftrength  of  faith  to  it 
 ieverall  objcfts  is  uniforme,that  aflurancc  of  forgivencfle 
 cannot  be  greater  then  care  of  obedience.  The  very  con- 
 fcioufncffc  of  any  one  finne ,  whereunto  we  have  beene 
 indulgent,  will  be  oflike  force  to  withdraw  our  affent 
 
 B  b  2  from 
 
 371 
 
 Tit.a.t  1,1  a. 
 
 Joh.13.54. 
 
 Heb.ii.f,7,S, 
 9jio.  &c. 
 
 Gal.j.^. 
 
372 
 
 what  it  is'UU've  bfFmth.tmckng  the 
 
 from  Gods  mercy,  aS  th^  delight  or  pieafure  of-^bat 
 fcnfuall  obje^was  tocaufeus  to  tranrgreflc  anypan  of  his 
 will  revealed.  The  lame  ftrength,  beauty  had  to  allure  un- 
 to adultery  3  will  that  foule  finne ,  unrepented  of,havc  to 
 divorce  our  fcules  from  Chrift.Nor  can  we  faile  in  pra- 
 diceofthisorotherGoirjmandcaiehtSjwithdut  a  precedent 
 defccl  of  that  faith ,  which  onely  can  firmely  unite  us  unto 
 Chrift :  whereby  like  wife  were  itfinne  it  (blfe,we  ihould 
 aOent  unto  every  precept  of  God  as  much  better  then  any 
 incompatible  good.  -  v 
 
 That  acl:  cannot  pleafe  God  ;  which  is  not  animated''by 
 faith ;  for  it  is  but  the  naked  carkafl'e  of  a  good  worked 
 without  life  or  foulcjif  that  be  wanting.  It  is  faith,  v^hich 
 impellethto  worke  rigbteoufncfle,  and  putteth  life  and 
 vigour  into  the  worke  wrought :  fo  that  the  bcfl;  workes 
 of  the  regenerate  be  dullaiid  live'effcjit  faith  be  dor  nriant> 
 and  put  not  forth  it  felfc  for  a  time. 
 
 And  when  a-Chriftianknowes  not,  whether  he  {hall 
 have  ftrength  to  doe  what  God  requireth  ;  nor  whether 
 God  hath  given  him  any  promife,  tl  at  his  burden  {kail  be 
 made  light,  and  that  Chriit  will  bearc  the  greateft  part  of 
 it  for  him;it  muft  needs  be  very  tedious  and  trcublefome; 
 it  will  occafion  riiany  f  cares  and  doubts,  deadnefle,  and  , 
 unchearef ulrtefie.  This  killeth  tlie  h^art  of  right  good 
 Chriftian'-,  when  they  are  ignoraiu:,  or  nor  throughly 
 informed,  that  God  will  make  them  able  and  fit  for  fp 
 great  a  worke,  as  the  lead  ing  of  a  godly  life.  But  if  they 
 havte  this  faith  as  a  foundation  to  uphold  them,  they 
 fhallfoonerwade  through  their  doubts ,  andgtow  oiit 
 of  their  feares ,  as  knowing  that  God  will  bfe  ever  with 
 them  for  their  affiftance.  Wlio  doth  not  know,  that 
 when  fome  certainty  of  falvation  is  obtained,  yet  for 
 allthat,  iriafmuchasit  is  but  wc-ake',  they  have  many 
 heart-griefes  for  tbis,tbat  they  fee  they  have  a:  wearifome 
 pilgrimage  to  goc  thbrdW ,  and  little  knov\  ledge  anjd 
 perfwafion  of  any  greatguiding  of  them  through  all  the 
 I  l^earesanddifficulticsof  it?  A  Ghrlftian  that  hath  this  1 
 Ut-.vil  ;    :       •  confidence! 
 
Commandements,  drc. 
 
 373 
 
 confidence,  that  God  will ftrcpgtbcnbim  to  every  good 
 woikejhcfliali  goe  about  it  with  heart  and  cbearcfulnesj 
 he  fliall  be  encouraged  to  pray  as  his  ncceffity  fhall  give 
 caufc  ;  he  {ball  be  kept  from  fainting  and  difmaiedncffe, 
 when  his  ftrengtb  is^not  very  great ;  and  rile  up  againe 
 when  he  is  fallcn.But  if  he  be  not  well  grounded  in  belie- 
 ving, that  God  will  build  him  up  more  ftrongly  from  day 
 to  day,  and  perfed  the  good  worke  in  him  which  is  be- 
 gun, he  fhall  very  much  ftagger  and  goe  backe.  If  a  chiefe 
 &  maine  poft  in  a  building  be  wanting, will  not  the  whole 
 houfe  be  foone  (liakenjfo  if  a  Chriftian,who  muft  reformc 
 his  life,  goe  about  it,  not  refting  upon  the  grace  of  God  in 
 Chrift  to  be  made  able,  he  may  be  fare  he  fliall  want  a 
 maine  helpe  hereto,  even  that  which  may  fliake  all  that 
 is  fet  up. 
 
 Sundry  true-hearted  Chriftians,  very  Confcionable  in 
 their  converfation ,  be  yet  much  difcouraged  by  reafon  of 
 the  infirmirics  of  their  bcft  duties,  and  have  little  com- 
 fort in  any  thing  they  doe,  becaufc  they  queftion  what  ac- 
 ceptance their  poorc  fcrvicehath  with  God.  And  though 
 they  defire  to  pleafe  him,  willing  in  all  things  to  live  ho- 
 tieftly ;  yet  tlill  looking  upon  their  frailties,  they  hardly 
 admit  any  comfort,  becaufe  they  come  fo  farre  (hort  of 
 what  is  required.  Whereas,  if  they  were  well  inftrudled 
 and  afliired  of  this,  that  although,  by  reafon  of  thcirxor- 
 ruption  dwelling  in  them,  they  can  never  offer  up  any  fa- 
 crifice  to  God  without  blemilli  and  fpot  (for  which  God 
 mightre/efl:all,which  they  offer  unto  him)  yet  offering 
 them  up  in  the  Name  of  Chrift  they  (hall  be  accepted  and 
 rewarded ;  this  would  put  life  and  courage  intothcm,and 
 make  them  performe  all  holy  duties  with  more  cheare- 
 f  ulnefle  and  conftancy,  to  the  glory  of  God,  the  comfort 
 of  their  foules,  and  the  good  encourage  aient  of  others. 
 Confidence  in  God  to  be  accepted,  what  tedious  difputcs 
 would  it  remove?  What  temptations  would  it  cut  off? 
 Whatdifcouragemcnts  would  it  trample  under  fecte? 
 W hat ftrcngth, vigour,  refolution  and  fbrwardnefTe  in 
 B  b  3  wcl-doing 
 
 Heb.13.18. 
 
374 
 
 Chifiianf  are 
 aUdived  to  be- 
 lieve thit  God 
 
 I  roillcr.ahleto 
 
 \  obedience. 
 Jer.53.59j  40. 
 
 Rom.S,  14. 
 
 Verfe  2. 
 
 Exod.4.  iz. 
 
 I  Ghi-o.a8.z©. 
 Jo{h.i.9. 
 
 |^^4^  it  is  to  live  b.j  Faith  touch f^g  the 
 
 wcl-doing  would  it  noari(h  and  conferve  ?  The  fliarpeft 
 fpvirrc  to  incite  unto,  and  encourage  to  goe  forward  in 
 the  workes  oiholineiTc ,  is  affi^mccol  favourable  accep- 
 tation.       '  .        :-'nVA  ;  ..  ■  -^i  ;. 
 
 Every  Chriftian  is  allowed  to  believe ,  that  God  will 
 ftrengtben  him  by  his  grace  to  waike  in  obedience  ,  and 
 make  him  able,  through  the  hearing  of  the  Scnp:ures,  to 
 caftoffhisoU  converfation.  Por  God  hach  promifed  m 
 Covenant,  that  he  will  reach  them  the  way  that  they  fhall 
 chure,§uide  them  with  his  cye,and  put  his  fearc  into  their 
 hearts,  that  they  fl-jall  not  depart  from  his  Commande- 
 ments.The  Spirit  ofgraceis  promifed,  and  given  to  all 
 true  and  unfained  Believers ,  to  leade  them  into  all  truth 
 andholinefle.  As  many  as  be  the  children  of  God,  they 
 are  led  by  the  Spirit  of  God ;  and  the  law  of  the  Spirit  of 
 life,  in  Jefus  Chrift ,  hath  freed  them  from  the  law  of  (in 
 and  death. 
 
 The  Lord,  wh:nhe  fendeth  forth  his  fervants  upon  any 
 meffage  or  bufineflc,  doth  evermore  promife,  to  be  with 
 them,  to  aide  and aflift  them  in   the"  execution   of  ix» 
 Thus  the  Lord  promifed  to  Mofes ,  igoe,  and  I  will  be  vptth 
 thy  mouth,  andteAch  thee  rohat  thoajhaltfaj.  Thus  cur  Sa- 
 viour to  his  Difciplcs,  Loe^  T am  with  yen  alwayes ,  even  to 
 ithee)tdofthewor/d.  And  thus  D<iW encouraged  his  Son 
 Salomon^  ^eflrong  and  of  good  conrage,  and  doe  itifeare  not 
 n'Y  hedifmaied^for  the  LordGodjCVCn  mj  God.v^Wi  be  mth 
 I  thee  •  he  will  not  f die  thee  nor  for  Jake  thee^  uttttli  thou  hafi 
 fni/hed aU  the  work^for  the  fervice    of  the    houfe.  of   the 
 Lord,  and  the  fame  promifc  belongeth  to  them ,  that 
 yeeld  obedience  to  his  Commandements  ;  for  the  wprkc 
 is  his,  and  he  will  not  faile  nor  forfake  themjthat  fet  their 
 hearts  and  fbules  to  feekehim  ,  and  doc  the  thing  that  is 
 good  iu  his  fight. 
 
 \Vhat£oever  the  Saints  have  and  may  bcgge  m  prayer, 
 according  to  the  will  and  pleafure  of  God,they  are  allow- 
 1  cd  to  believe  that  they  fhall  obtainc  it,and  be  anfwcred  m 
 their  requefts  with  favourable  acceptation,fQ  farreas  fhall 
 -     ,  .  be 
 
1 
 
 C omman  dement  Sy  ^c. 
 
 be  for  their  good,  and  the  glory  of  God :  But  the  fcrvant^ 
 j  ,of  God  have  and  doe:begge  grace  to  bring  forth  fruits 
 worthy  repentance  and  amendment  of  life.  /  voillrunthe 
 race  sfthy  CommanekmcntSy  when  thou  Jhalt  ifilarge  mine 
 heart.  Teach  me  the  way  of  thy  fiat  mes  ,  0  Lord^anll  fhali 
 kee^eit  unto  the  end,  C^fakf  ms  to  goe  in  the  paths  of  thy 
 CommandemcntSyfor  therein  doe  I  delight,  Teach  mee  thy 
 roAjiO  Lord,ImJivi>alheinthy  truth:  finite  my  heart  to 
 feare  thy  Name,  Leads  me  in  thy  truth,  and  teach  me  :  for 
 thoH  art  the  Godofmyfalvatier^  on  thee  doe  I  tvaite  all  the 
 day.  Holdup  my  goings  in  thy  paths  that  myfoetHepsflip  ?i&t. 
 Teach  me  thy  ivay,  O  Lordy  and  leadme  in  a  plaine  path  l>e- 
 caufe  of  mine  cnenties. 
 
 The  faithfiill  have  bound  themfelves,  by  covenant  and 
 oath,  to  keepe  the  righteous  judgements  of  the  Lord.  / 
 havefrvorne^C^  I reiH performe it ,that  Iwill  keepe  thy  righte- 
 ous judgements.  But  they  came  not  to  this  covenant  and 
 oath,  a^  trufting  in  their  owre  ftrength,  but  in  afltirance  of 
 divine  ailiftancc  ;  as  the  Prophet  prayeth ,  /  mil  keepe  thy 
 iiatuteSy  Of  or  fake  me  not  utterly.  Incline  my  heart  nnto  thy 
 teflimonies^andnottocovetoufne^e,  Ordermy  fieps  in  thy 
 tverdy  and  let  not  any  iniquity  have  dominion  over  me,  Afake 
 thy  face  to  fhine  upon  thy  fervant ,  and  teach  mee  thy  fla- 
 tutes,  -Adrim^ 
 
 God  will  pcrfe(5l:  the  faving  worke,  which  heliatlfi  be- 
 gun in  any  of  his  children:  for  the  gifts  that  flow  from 
 his  etcrnall  and  free graceare  without  repentance.  God, 
 who  calleth  us  according  to  his  purpofe,  is  faithfull,  who 
 will  alfo  confirme  us  unto  the  end,  that  we  may  be  blame- 
 leffe  in  the  day  of  the  Jiord  Jefus  Chrift.  7<««/ faith,  he  li- 
 ved by  faith  in  the  Sonne  of  God ,  Ijy  whom  he  was 
 ftrcngthened  with  ability  to  performe  whatfocverwas  re- 
 quired of  him.Not  withftanding  all  the  hope  of  helpe  that 
 -he  had,  yet  he  complaineth  of  the  rebellion  of  his  flefli, 
 which  did  mightily  refift  the  Spirit  in  him  :  But  ftillhc 
 -Was  confident  in  the  promifc  of  God,that  he  fliould  be  de- 
 livered from  every  cvill  worke ,  and  prefer ved  unto  the' 
 ^ B  b  4  hea-\ 
 
 37S 
 
 PraI.Si9.}2jj3 
 
 Vetfe  I  J. 
 Pf2i.86.  II. 
 
 Pral.af.y. 
 Pfal.i7.y. 
 
 PIal.17.  II. 
 
 i  King.  23.  3. 
 I'fal.  1 19,106. 
 
 Nehei«.iai.a9, 
 
 Pfal.iip.g. 
 Verfe  36. 
 Verfe,  ij^j 
 Verfe  j  3  jr. 
 
 1  Cor. 1. 8,9. 
 
 Phi  (.J.  6. 
 
 2  Theil.j.  24, 
 
 G3I.2.20. 
 
 Phil.  4. 1 1. 
 
 Rom.  7,  1$, 
 
 aTim.4.18, 
 
37^ 
 
 ^{istf  faith 
 touehing  obedi' 
 ence  Tcquired, 
 I. 
 
 Pfal.  11^.97. 
 98,99. 
 
 Pfal.u9.14* 
 
 2. 
 1 1  Joh.  5.  4. 
 
 Phil.  3.5. 
 
 Matth.13.44. 
 
 what  itistoUvt  by  Fdth  touehmg  the 
 
 ^avcnly  kingdomc.  Now  in  all  this  T««»/had  no  peculiar 
 prerogative  above  other  Chriftians :buc  what  he  cxpcdcd 
 from  God,  they  may  all  hope  for. 
 
 The  adls  of  faith  touching  that  obedience,  which  wc 
 owe  unto  God  in  Chrift,  are  thefe  or  the  like. 
 
 Firft,  It  makes  a  man  wife  to  difccrne  what  is  lawhill, 
 good,  and  feafonablc,  both  in  rcfped:  of  the  worke ,  the 
 meanes,and  circumftances  of  ir.'i><«^'f^3f faith,  he  was  wifer 
 then  his  Enemies ,  then  bis  Teachers  ,  then  the  Anci- 
 ent :  and  he  renders  the  caufe  thereof,  from  the  worke  of 
 his  faith;  for  thy  rcfti  monies  are  (fz^^rr  rvith  me^  they  are 
 mj meditation y2X\d  the«s^«  of  mj  counfell  with  whom  I 
 advife. 
 
 Secondly ,  Itcurbes  and  bridles  inordinate  pa(fions» 
 and  overcomes  all  impediments,  temptations,  difficulties 
 and  allurements  to  the  contrary.  Tkis   u  the   vi^oYj 
 T»herehj  tvee  overcome  the  voorld  ^  even  our  faith.  For  faith 
 being  wel-rooted  ,  pofi'cffing  the  heart,  and  having  its 
 force  united  by  clofe  rcpofall  therein,  commands  every 
 delight,  affedion  or  pleafure  of  our  foulcs,  and  breakes 
 the  violence  of  every  inclination  contrary  to  fuch  motion 
 I  as  it  fuggefts ;  feeing  no  hopes  can  be  equall  to  the  reward 
 I  which  it  propofeth  to  the  conlUnt  and  rcfolute,  no  feares 
 comparable  to  the  terrors  which  it  reprefents  to  the  neg- 
 ligent or  flothfull  followers  of  fuch  courfes  as  it  pre- 
 fcribes. 
 
 What?  that  faith  fets  an  incftimable  price  upon  the 
 pearle  of  the  Gofpell, accounting  all  other  things  as  droffe 
 and  dung  in  comparifon ;  which  caufeth  a  free  and  advi* 
 fed  renouncing  of  allintereft  in  the  world,  the  fleftj,  and 
 all  their  appurtenances,  for  afliirancc  of  it ,  with  as  great 
 willingncflfe  as  good  hasbands  forfake  bafe  teneroents,and 
 hard-rented  leafcs,  to  compafTe  fome  goodly  royalty  and 
 large  poffeilions ,  offered  them  more  then  halfe  for  no- 
 thing. 
 
 Againe,  faith  fightcth  againft  temptations  and  inticc- 
 ments  untofinne'by  the  power  of  Chrift,  which  cannot  be 
 
 van- 
 
Common  dements-,  (^c. 
 
 vanquilhed.  Sathan  and  the  world  are  too  ftrong  for  us, 
 ftanding  in  our  owne  might :  but  by  the  grace  of  God, 
 leaning  upon  his  power,  we  reraainc  invincible. -The 
 ftrengthofnauirc  is  corrupt,  feeble,  and  defiled  through 
 finnc^and  therefore  the  truth  which  it  taketh  hold  of,  it 
 hathnotefiR'rtuallj'.  But  faith  hath  joyned  with  it  the 
 in{l-)iration  of  Gcd,  and  the  power  of  the  holy  Ghoft, 
 and  th-reforeit  taketb  hold- of  the  truth  cfe(5tually. 
 Wherefore  this  difference  is  not  in  the  truth  it  felfe, 
 but  in  the  meane  and  inftrument  whereby  we  cm- 
 brace  it.  Hereof  it  comraeth,  that  by  faith  we  are 
 changed ,  but  in  the  other  cafe  we  remaine  the  felfe- 
 fame  that  we  were  before,  A  clcarc  teftimony  of 
 this  we  have  in  the  Gofpell.  Chrift  fet  forth  to  the 
 young-man ,  what  he  fhould  doe  to  obtaine  falvation  ; 
 but  when  he  heard,  be  was  not  perf  waded  to  obey »  but 
 went  away  forrowfull.  Contrariwife  Matthev?^ fo  foone 
 as  he  was  called,  embraced  the  fame  with  To  great  faith, 
 that  he  left  his  money  and  Cuftomer-flnip  ,  and 
 ftraight-way  followed  Chrift.  And  ZAcheta  when  he 
 had  heard  of  the  Lord,  that  he  would  turne  in  unto  him, 
 he  not  only  received  him  into  his  houfe  with  a  glad  heart, 
 but  alfo  offered  immediatly  to  diftribnte  halfe  bis  goods 
 to  the  poore  and  to  reftorc  foure-fold,if  he  had  defrauded 
 any  man. 
 
 Indeed  paflions  are  not  fo  bridled,  nor  corruptions  fo 
 killed  that  they  doc  not  ftirrc,&  rcfift  the  worke  of  faith  : 
 But  the  force  and  power  of  them  is  fo  farre  fnbducd,  t'^at 
 they  fliall  not  raignc,or  hale  us  ordinarily  to  that  which  is 
 cvill.  Whatfoever  inordinatencflTe  faith  can  efpicit  doth 
 prefcntlycondemncbcforethe  throne  of  grace,  and  en- 
 deavour the  killing  of  it  hy  the  power  and  efficacy  of 
 ChriRs  death,  which  it  doth  happily  effect  in  mcafure, 
 and  by  degrees*  Haft  thou  then  becne  long  kept  under  of 
 fbmc  violent  paffion,  ftrong  corriiprion,  or  cuftomary 
 vice,  againft  which  thou  haft  rcfolved  and  refolvcd,  but 
 not  prevailed  or  gotten  vidory  ?  Get  thee  to  Chrift,  and 
 by 
 
 377 
 
 Matth.ig. 
 Luke  ip. 8 
 
 22. 
 
378 
 
 a  ret  I 
 
 X  John 
 
 4. 
 4.4- 
 
 Wh^ii  istolivthj  Faith  touching  the 
 
 by  faith  thou  fhalc  draw  vertue  from  him  to  care  thy,  k- 
 firmities.  Dietothyfclfe,renounce:tl~c  broken  reed  of 
 thine  owne  free-will,  which  hath  fo  often  deceived  thee: 
 and  put  all  thy  truftin  the  grace  of  Chrift,  and  it  will  cru- 
 cifietheold  man^  and  give  him  his  deaths  wound.  Be 
 weakc  in  thy  felfe,  and  Ctrong  ixi  the  .Lord,  and  through 
 faith  thou  rhalt  be  nx)re  then  conquerour.  Digge  up  the 
 fallow  ground  of  thy  heart,  that  the  word  of  the  King- 
 dome  may  take  deeper  roote  in  ir,raife  thy  foule  to  an  ho- 
 ly admiration  of  the  promifes  of  life ,  ftirre  up  thy  felfe  to 
 cleave  and  adhere  firmely  to  the  grace  of  God:as  faith  in- 
 creafcth ,  the  power  of  corruption  will  languilh  and  dc- 
 creafe.  Admirable  is  the  efficacy  of  faith  we  11  planted  in  ■ 
 the  heart,  it  cafteth  downe  I'trong  holds,and  brings  every 
 imagination  into  fub/edion. 
 
 Thirdly,  It  inableth  to  obey :  for  it  purifieth  the  heart, 
 feafoneth  every  faculty  of  foule  rcafona:bleand  fenfuall, 
 qualifieth  and.tlrengtheneth  our  naturall  inclinations  to 
 good ,  and  altcreth  the  taftc  of  every  appetite.  By  faith 
 wearepartakersof  the  divine >rature  :  by  faith  Chrift 
 dwelleth  in  our  hearts :  by  faith  we  receive  the  Spirit  of 
 I  promife,  who  is  greater  then  he  that  is  in  the  world  :  No 
 marvelltheujifthat be fwecteand delightful! to  the  be- 
 lieving heart,  which  istedious  and  irkefome  to  the  unrc- 
 generate.  How  came T>avidto  that  highdelight  in  Gods 
 fervice,that  hclovedthccommandementsofGod  more 
 then  thoufandsofgold  and  filver,  the  honey  and  the  ho- 
 ney combe?  That  he  rofe  at,  mid-night  to  meditate  in 
 thfm,  was  it  rot  by  faith P'The  grace  of  Chrift,  the 
 I  powerof  the  Spir  k,  and  the  Word  of  life,  doe  change  the 
 aifpofiticn  of  the  foule,{o  farre  as  they  enter  and  be  recei- 
 ved into  it :  But  by  faith  their  vertae  is  diffufed  into 
 the  whole  mafle.     /^j;-;;  ;p  ; 
 
 -  Fourthly,,  Admirdble  in  force  and  efficacy  is  the  pcr- 
 fwafion  of  faith  ,  above  all  the  Oratory  in  the  world.  All 
 the  common  inducements  taken  from  pr6fit,pleafure,  ho- 
 nour, what  poore  and  weake  engines  are  they  to  the  irre- 
 
 fiftible 
 
Comman dements,  (^c. 
 
 S19 
 
 fiftiblc  arguments  of  faith,  by  which  it  movcth  the  heart 
 to  yecld  willing  and  cheareihli  obedience.  Thus  it  gocih'' 
 to  workewithus,  HathChrifl:  given  himldfe  for  theei 
 forgiven  thee  fo  many  debtsjconterred  favours  of  all  kin^s 
 upon  thee,  and  what  haft  :hou  to  retribute  ?  I  f  thou  give 
 all  thy  goods  to  the  poore,thy  body  to  the  fire,  thy  foulc 
 to  lis  jfervice,  were  not  all  fnorc  off  ecamp^nce  ?.  Loveft 
 thoujloveft  tbou  this  Saviour  of  thine,  andidarett  ihou  ad- 
 I  venture  upon  any  thing  difpleafing  unto  him?  Js  there  any' 
 I  thing  too  hard  to  be  done  for  his  lake  ?  too  dearc  or  good 
 j  for  him  ?  Whom  hall:  thou  in  heaven  or  earth  worthy  lo 
 I  be  sffeded  in  comparifon  of  thy  Saviour  ?  What  is  to  be 
 I  dreaded  but  his  difpleafure  ?  Is  there  any  recompence  to 
 the  joyes  of  Heavcnfany  danger  to  the  torments  of  Hell  B 
 any  pleafureto  the  fcnfeof  his  favour  ?  O'  my  fouk  why 
 docft  thou  not  refignethy  fclle  to  the  pleafure  of  his  will 
 ill  every  thing,  runne  when  he  calleth,  and  doc  what  hee 
 requircth  at  thy  hands? What  doft  thouicare?  Wherewith 
 art  thou-intangled  ?  God  is  thy  foveraigne,  thy  Fathcr-,thy 
 Saviourjto  him  thou  o weft  thy  fclfe,and  all  that  thou  haft, 
 thy  honour,  wealth,  life,  or  if  any  thing  be  more  prctious  j 
 then  thefe.Thoucanft  not  love  thy  felfe  as  ismcete,if  thou ! 
 denie  not  thy  felfe  to  follow  the  Lord  in  all  things.  For  in  | 
 keeping  his  Commandcmcnts  there  is  great  reward.  Can, 
 or  did  any  Believer  ever  give  the  nay  to  thcfe  melting 
 commar.dsjor  commanding  intreaties  of  faith?  Will  it  take 
 the  repulfe?Doth  it  not  conftraine  or  extort  more  then  all 
 rackes  andftrapadoes;  allure  more  then  all  wages  aud  pri- 
 zes.?  When  thou  wouldft  be  fure  to  fpeede,.  &  obtaine  any 
 ,  thing ofthineowne untoward  heart, fet faith  on  workcto 
 make  the  motion,  and  thou  ftialt  prevaile.For  the  motives 
 of  faith  arecertainejevident,and  fuch  as  ciufe  firmc  aiTsnt, 
 whereby  the  heart  is  drawne  to  follow  after  the  thing 
 propoled.  n  '.- 
 
 Fiftly,  It  difpofc  th  and  movcth  the  heart  to  abfolute, 
 uniformcunpartialljandconftant  obedience  to  every  com- 
 mandemcnt,  and  that  in  one  eftatc  a fw ell  as  another.  In 
 Scrip- 
 
38o 
 
 Deut.jo.i*. 
 
 &II.  22. 
 
 2  King.  1 8.^. 
 
 Pfal.1i9.j1. 
 Heb.ii.5,33- 
 
 6, 
 
 Cant.8.7,8. 
 
 *PfaU5-8. 
 
 Luke  7.47. 
 
 What  it  is  to  live  by  Taith  touching  the 
 
 ScripturCjto  believe  in  Chrift,and  to  kecpc  the  Command 
 dements  mutually  infcrrc  one  another,  either  capable  of 
 others  properties.  Faith  includes  the  complcate  and  pra- 
 d:icall  knowledge  of  good  and  cvill,  inclining  the  facul- 
 ties of  our  foule  to  avoid  all  commerce  with  the  one,  and 
 embrace  every  branch  of  the  other.  It  frameth  the  Image 
 of  God  or  Cfarift  in  our  minds,  and  propofeth  him  -as  a 
 patterne  for  our  imitation  in  all  our  workes,thoughts,3nd 
 refolutions ;  It  acknowledgeth  his  foveraignty,  affenteth 
 faithfully  to  his  will  &  pleafure^embraceth  foundly  every  I 
 part  ofthe  holy  truth  of  God,  and  ftickethf  6  faft  that  no- 
 thing can  come  betwixt  the  heart  and  it :  from  whence 
 iffuethuniverfallrefpedtoall  and  every  precept.  Faith 
 doth  not  admit  one  part  ofthe  Word  and  exclude  another ; 
 nor  receive  it  barely  into  the  Head,and  (liut  it  forth  ofthe 
 heart, ;  but  cntertameth  it  wholly,  diffufeth  the  vcrtue  of 
 it  into  every  power  ofthe  foule,and  changeth  the  naturall 
 difpofition  into  the  quality  of  the  truth.  And  thus  by  faith 
 the  foule  is  kindly  difpofed  to  follow  the  Lord,  whither- 
 foever  he  goeth  before  us.  If  the  heart  be  dull  and  unto^ 
 I  ward, the  beft  courfeto  redrefle  what  is  out  ofordcrjs  by 
 I  quickening  our  aflcnt  to  the  good  pleafure  of  his  com- 
 mand,  and  our  confidence  in  his  mercy, 
 1     Sixthly,  It  fires  the  heart  with  fuch  an  indefatigable  and 
 unquenchable  love,that  in  comparifon  of  obedience  it  c6- 
 temneth  the  whole  world.  For  it  acquainteth  with  the  in- 
 comprehenfible  mercy  and  favour  of  God  towards  us  in 
 giving  his  Sonne,pardoning  and  forgiving  manifold  ofFen 
 ces,lading  us  with  his  daily  ble flings :  It  reprefenteth  the 
 ineftimable  joy ,  that  is  prepared  for  them  that  waike  be- 
 fore God  in  holineffe  and  righteoufncffe  :  and  this  enf?a- 
 meth  the  heart  *  to  follow  hard  after  the  Lord.  When  by 
 faith  we  difcerne  what  love  the  Lord  beareth  unto  us,  we 
 cannot  but  returne  love  for  love.Many  finnes  arc  forgiven 
 her,  therefore  fhe  loveth  much. 
 
 And  from  all  thcfe  adts  it  followeth,  That  what  a  tem- 
 porary believer  doth  by  the  halves,  fupcrficially,  or  with 
 _^____  an 
 
'Cpm?it^iidt77p^^j-\(^j[;\y 
 
 t\  V 
 
 vcr  wk^s  iij  bsnd  vBitb'an  ifetjtrcs  lourid,.iiprtgh£^  a^tdion; 
 What  Ht,the>Qns  i^a  livelefleadsoriytbc  (SVi'-fide ,  of. car* 
 caOe  ofa^QOd  workc';  tbaiinthe  other  is  a  good  works 
 indced,fprioging  (rona  an  holyvwelr  planted  confidence  in 
 tlie  mercy,'  ot  Godj  ^refoktcadlitrencc  to  his  Comman- 
 demcncs,  which  (^a'sthe=^r»jmaU!faciUty):inipels  to  thattx- 
 erc^.e.ThQX4fe-iAir.CKibt!es!iria;5t!bS.doji'i.e  by  the  clviljnian 
 and  ^y  rhcbcHevec  fortbcout'fide.&rfdtkede.donci both 
 iray goe  to  CI  iircl^hearca^frerimoH  -r^ade  a  Chapter jgive 
 anAlir.cs,  make  a  I?nayer  ;.but  the  &ue  gjoeth  as  a  Bca^  e  to. 
 tjieftake in  comparifon js^tbc' other b/whoi) is  movbd  by 
 'rsith.:  orletcheeiviUnianfe^jelig^^.be  as.  it  may, ihfs  adte 
 I  arc  livcleflei  becauretbbyiflucl  aQt.'frojii;,aa  ;txb{xlicnt^ill 
 confidence  int,he.LordAmccc'y.';  ;  .:  ,rl  ;]cfj  :  i  ■:> 
 
 Seventhly^  Faith -makes  'fenfibb  of  our  !raanifo!d  die- 
 ftfl:.^;,  infif  mirics;  a!ijdFaUings|i '  faintinga  and  codlings^  Iti 
 fheUfe^  hovyitW^^p  We  are  ofourldjresi  .hQ\^faTre.iW.eJ 
 come  fliortjhoW  aptwc  acciticiKdediiafi  aodift^cRafidfiiAiii'ii' 
 this  confideratioa  of  faith  "hath  blcfTe^dtcff^iSrs.;!;  .hr  ti^.irn'l 
 
 Fir[},  Itcaufcth  fc.rious  artd  artenriver! meditation  -upon' 
 the  \^9rdpfG6dj  tbac.it  mayifinke  dcspca.;idabide.fir!i23c' 
 i{);^be  h&e^xtylha^v^id  {jar  trcafut^ek  'cfcfjK-]}.  fhyl^j^onohmHS^' 
 
 this  purpgfe,  a  believer  waiSn  or  be  negligent  td  iwaich  aU 
 oppoFtunitieSy-w  hen  his  fouie  is  tbrgughly  iffcd  ?d  with 
 uncxpcldt^  itiatxcr  of.forrow,'j%,griefe,feaTey!^dinirarioii 
 or  jtj^e  li  kc  j^a  od  iwr  tfewitb  to  app  ly  fudi  pafl^esi  ofc  S  onipw 
 ture,  as  fute  bcft  to  the  prefenc  affe(5iidwf.M\v'.r  lal-^r  ov.'.-.!.\ 
 .  ■  S<corid'y; JUVorkv^dithchftirt  (oftieni^id  dcBlifccxt-fly 
 to  renew  its  refoluriQrjnbt.ttiii}ing  irinur  idwnel^rcngrh, 
 but  in  the  grace  of  God.  I,haveftvorne,.>(iniyvMfc^forme  it 
 C^w(^ingppo4Vthy[  divine  gfiacejWitbou^iivliich  i^c^cainilO' 
 
 ^\TSir'^ly  vl]^  iVi>he5>iipjeariicftvci^'nft^^  !r,,aTidlitafty'|^y'- 
 ^rSy  ;q.  tjc  tauoht'in  the  iaw^  iipt^ld  "eil^bl!%;d  andtrcJiifir- 
 vp^ed.  ^IF^tblqan^th  uponthc  Lpi'd,  and  d^ijcWi  xihtQ^^bw\ 
 >v\  for 
 
 3S1 
 
 .oi.^ir.h 
 
 ^oi  •;£•:;.;! J 
 
 I. 
 
 Pial .  ri  0. 1  r. 
 uk  i.oj;,  66. 
 
 Luk  i.oj 
 
 rn^i^v 
 
582 
 
 Pfal.il9-i8. 
 Verfe  5. 
 Veife  10. 
 Verfe  a8. 
 
 IS. 
 
 What  it  isMlin^hy  Faith  touching  tht 
 
 Hckil.piio, 
 ii,iz,i3,  15. 
 
 Verfe,  17a  18. 
 Verfe  J  f, 3  6. 
 
 Pfal.t7.14* 
 &3i.»4. 
 Efay  50.7. 
 
 for  hclpe,kno  v^ing  that  wc  have  no  ftFehgth-of  our  fdves. 
 Of  en  thcM  nalaeeyes  fhm  I  mdy  behdid  .the  'wettdmufhtrtgs 
 am  9fthj  Uw.  O  tfMt  niy'.T^ayeiwer-e'^reSi'idtokitepethy 
 fiath'tes.  With  my  y»h&le  heart  have  J  fought  the^,  O  let  me 
 rjotwandgrfrsm  thy  Comm^}ide»tems.  My  fettle  meltethfer 
 heavinep ;  flrevgthen  theu  me  according  to  thy  -w^rd.  Hold 
 tiji  fny^cings in  tky  faihs,^C\^tmy  fooifteps flip  net,  > 
 
 Eigbtly,  It  dotKconfirme  in  obedience,  and  pricke  for- 
 ward therein,  though  it  be  in  manifold  and  bitter  perfecu- 
 tions :  It  puts  into  us  both  courage  and  condancy  to  fight 
 againft  the  ftrongcft  lufts,  and  let  upon  the  pra^ice  of  the 
 moft difficult  duties,.notwithftandin^ aloppofition from 
 the  World,  or  the  Divell;yea,  thoughwc  have  beenc  foi-  | 
 led,  or  taken  the  repulfe.  He  will  not  fearcthe  fubduing 
 of  the  moQ:  head-ftrong  paflion,  who  refteth  upon  God 
 I  for  power  and  ability ;  nor  be  difmayed  becaufc  once  he 
 hath  received  a  foile,  vv  ho  depends  upon  God  for  ftrength 
 to  recbver  •  nor  dread  the  might  of  his^teatcft  adverfary, 
 j  whoknoweththat  God  willbcat  his  right  hand  to  fu- 
 j  ftaine  and  ftrengthen  bim ;  nor  dart  afide  in  the  moll  dif- 
 ficult duty ,whofe heart  is  faft  hnked  unto  the  Lord  .and  re- 
 licth  upon  his  grace  to  be  enabled  unto  whatfoever  he  is 
 j  pleaied  to  call  him.  By  fz\th  tAlfrAhdYn  fo/ourncd  in  the 
 land  of  promife,  and  mipded  rot  to  returne  to  his  native 
 Country,thoughhe  had  opportunity. By  faith,  being  tried 
 Q^GodiyhtQScxcdiU^Ifitac:.andhethat  had  received  the 
 premi/e/y  offered  up  his  oftely  begotten  Sonne.  By  faith  feme 
 were  torture^yHot  accepting  deliver AKce,  iome  fioned^  fbmc 
 flaine  tvith  thefw&rd,  ..  c      - 
 
 ,  Faithcncoiiragethtoconftancyin  wel-doing,  by  affu- 
 ring  of  Gods  all- feeing  prefence ,  powerful!  proteftion, 
 continuall  afli{lance,gracious  acceptance, good  iucceffe,  & 
 everlaiting recompence  : ^efiroKg in theLordy'andinthe 
 power  ofhi^  might,  Wdte  on  the  Lard:  bee  of  good  courage, 
 and  heRJhaliSirengtkeh  thine  heArt,  For  the  Lord  €od  wiff 
 ^^helpe  mffy  therefore  Jhall  I  not  be  confoun^d'Aherefore  have  I 
 Jet  my  face  like  flint, and  I  k*tovp  that  JJhall  not  be  confounded 
 
 Let 
 
i  Comi>h4ndemijt$s^,  ^e, 
 
 K  C  -.h 
 
 \'^T'5' 
 
 Lit  Hi  gocfdrth  therefore  unto  him  without  the  Campey  bea- 
 ring his  refroAch.  For  here  vfe  have  fto  cpntin^ifig  C^'Jf-i  hut 
 wefeeks  o»e  ta  conte.Bjf  faith  Moizs4i4ehfffe  rather  tofupr 
 sffli&ioM  yvith  thepofh  of  God,  th^jf  toenjoy  thep/eafures  of 
 finite  for  a feafon ;  efieemin^  the  reproach  of  Chrifi  gre^iter 
 riches  then  the  treafkrer  of ^^y^t:  for  he  had  rejpe^  unto 
 the  ricempence  of  reward,  ,..1 
 
 But  faith  that  continually  drives  forward  to  doc  good 
 .  worke5,  dotli  eyer  force  the  believer  to  (ieniehimiclfe,^ 
 lacknowlcdgeicto  be  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  in  Chrift, 
 i  that  he  is  not  confounded.Though  a  man  be  plentifully  la- 
 den with  good  workes ;  yet  faith  doth  ever  prefent  him 
 before  the  throne  of  grace  as  poore  and  miferablcdefiring 
 ofrocerc  mercy  to  be  recqived  and  accepted  ;It  confeffetb 
 the  n;ianifoldimperfe(flions  of  our  heft  workerj  ack-now- 
 Icdgeth  every  grace  and  goo^.worke  to  be  of  Cjod;&  ne- 
 ver lookcth  to  workes  further  then  as  they  be  figncs  df 
 grace,  cffed:s  of  faith,  and  qualifications  of  that  fub/cifl, 
 which  makes  faithful!  plea  to  the  Kingdpme  of  Heaven, 
 through  the  free  mercy  of  God  in  jcfus^Chrirt-  ■  •  ,  , 
 ,  But  how  fliould  a  Chriftian  quicken  fajth  td.the  cbear^ 
 full  pradicc  of  that  duty,  whcreunto  be  fmdcs  bimfclfe 
 dull  and  (luggifh  ? 
 
 .  Firft,  He  mud  acknowledge  and  bcwaile  his  dulncfie 
 and  fioach,  make  it  hatcfull,  and  (haofie  bimfelfc  for  it  be- 
 fore God.  OL©rd,  I  cannot,  I  ddire  not  to  hide  from 
 thee  mine  indifpofition,  and  unfitneffe  to  any  holy  duty ; 
 how  dull, rcmide,  fleighty  lam  in  the  pra(5life  of  true 
 piety  and  godlincffe.  I  finde  more  life,  diligence,  cheare- 
 fulneffe  in  any  worldly  bufinefle,  then  in  the  workes  of 
 holineffc  which  thou  requircft.  C*tr(ed  is  the-  m^n  that 
 dojth  the  warke  of  the  Lori  negligently  I  who  hath  a  male  in 
 his  flockeyandoffereth  the  halt  or  lame  unto  the  Lord,  What 
 is  my  portion,  if  I  fhouldbe  dealt  with  in  /ufticc,  who 
 have  neglected  my,duty,and  facrificed  that  which  is  tome 
 and  fickc  unto  the  great  King  and  Lord  of  hofts,  whofe 
 name  is  dreadful!  among  the  Heathen  ?  It  is  hatcfull  \n  ij 
 
 fcr- 
 
 ^^' 
 
 Heb. 
 
 »Jii,i4 
 
 Heb.  1 1,  i  J,  4^. 
 
 Meaner  to 
 quic'ienour 
 felvcs  to  the 
 praffije  of  ok- 
 dience. 
 
 J. 
 
 Jer.  4  *?.!♦. 
 Mai.  1, 14, 
 
3^4^ 
 
 What  h  i^i^lmi^^jA 
 
 hlng  the 
 
 Servant  to  do  M^w^fke'b/thefelV-esi'^ecia^^^ 
 himfdfe  unto  his^M  after  -f  o>r  uridefef  vcdirndneffes  t^iiac- 
 foever  I  am>  Ihavercc^fivedit  oftbefcOrd  :  iTi'poflibTc 
 i^ty  jtbatKsgn  berperfcrtned  of  aPrbfOHable  cr'ekltire,T  bW^ 
 
 ny  great,  undeftrvedi  iilc^t^ftcllcn'rfble  meKcieSjtliati  am 
 never  able  to  repay,  or  fufficientl-y  to  acknowledge*:  and 
 in  xpe  it  is  rnoft'^nominabie  that  I  have  beehe  halting  and  | 
 deecitfuU  in  ^^hat  he  commandcth.  G^n  any  man  deferve  '- 
 .that  daty  from' aftothcr, that  thoUj-0  Lord,  haft  'and  'doft  < 
 •dcfetVeof  me  ?  Can  he  be  in  fuch'dependance  #t6  anc^-  1 
 therjaslamuntothy  Majefty,  in  whom  I  live,  move,  I 
 have  my  being  -,  by  whom  I  am  pfeferved,redecmed,and  i 
 called  unto  life  ?  If  the  idle,  ufitfafty,  deceitFull  fcrvant  j 
 •mcrifi^ripes'f'myfl«ightne{fe^nddbuble=  dealing  in  the  i 
 ■exei^eires  of  GodliHe&5  is  w^rt^y diaineaiid  con|tifi6n  of  I 
 ij  ^face'for  evcrm^re.NomarvelU  It  I'findc  fmall  comfort  in 
 i!  life,  feeleno  power  and fwectneife  in- the  ordin^ntes'of 
 I  grace,  when  I  deale  par^iaiUy,  'heare  perfumfloril^,  pray 
 j  coldly,  labouf  "nottofedeR^nthe  word/^  and  fu^ke  vi- 
 j-gouroat'ofiJr.ThedHties of courtefie lofe  thiir  .\^'on:h.and 
 ij  xfteeme  tv-kh  H>en,Vvfeen  wrung  from  us  by  impqhiihacy, 
 I  or  followed  withaflackehand.-Lerdjthouloveftachearc- 
 fdllgiver,delightcft  in  willing  and  free-hearted  offerings; 
 •with  wha^  face  then  ^an  I  {yre^Ht;tinto  tir^'  Mia'jefi'y',  oi* 
 •how  {hoiildeft  tlidiVtakc  pleafiire  in  that  a^i medico rrupt, 
 .unchcarefull,  fuperjficiallydead  >ferviee  which  I  perforine  ? 
 In  formertimes  Ihaveferved  finne  and  Sathan  with  more 
 willingnefTe,  alacrity  and  paines ;  I  havebecne  ready  to 
 runne  whither  the  divell  drove  me.;  I  am  ftill  forward  to 
 gratific  unruly  defires  with  this  of  t^^at  they  ftand  linto, 
 and  are  bent  upon.  Whatani  Ibut  a^fpirituall  adiiltcrcfle, 
 in  that  I  have  yeelded'the  members  of  my  body  as  wea- 
 pons of  unrighteoufnes  to  doe  the  will  of  Satan,&  liftened 
 to  the  motions  of  the  fle£h>with  mo.sreadineffe  to  Icane 
 Onto  them,  then  hitherto  I  could  give  nay  felfc  unto  Qodi 
 ia&lithingstob)erukdanddiifedledby  him?  G' tord,  i 
 
 am 
 
CemmAndtmd^ts^^z, 
 
 585 
 
 3K 
 
 Veifc.158. 
 
 am  vile,  -k  is  of  thy  imfpeakcaWc  merci©  that  thou  art 
 pleafcd  to'looke  d^vrnc  upon  me,  or  to  accept  of  any  fcr- 
 vice^atlcafi  offer. 
 
 Sccohdly,He  muft  call  upon  his  foule  by  many  powerful! 
 &  ftrbngpcrfwafions,taawakc  to  the  work  of  God  with 
 UveHnciie.  ArifcjO  my  foule,  why  flcepcft  thou,ftirre  op 
 'thy  fei  f  e  with  readincfle  to  obey  the  charge  of  God  in  the 
 'duties  of  his  worfhipjand  the  worksof  Mercy  and  luftice: 
 wiihftand  fin,  fubdue  corruptions,  fight  manfully  againft 
 •the  temptations  of  Satan,&  the  allurements  of  the  world: 
 Sticke  faft  unto"  the  teftimonies  of  the  Lord,  and  lay  his 
 judgements  before  thee.  For  the  teOimonies  of  the  Lord 
 are  wonderfull,  his  judgem.ents  good,  righteous  and  very 
 faithfull :  his  word  is  very  pure  j  and  his  law  \s  the  truth. 
 The  fervice  of  God  is  perfc^  freedome:  he  walkcth  at  li- 
 berty, who  runneth  on  in  obedience.  As  thy  love  to  the 
 1?w  is,'  fuch  {hall  thy  life  be :  nothing  is  hard  to  a  willing 
 '■ftimde.  Want  ofafFedion  to  the  word  of  truth  makes  the 
 duties  comanded  to  fecmc  irkefomc  and  tedious. Love  the 
 Gommandements  above  gold,  and  obedience  will  be  as 
 pleafant,as  gaine  to  the  covetous.  Looke  upon  the  Saints, 
 who-have  gone  before  :  they  endured  imprifonmcnt.lofle 
 of  liberty,  the  fpoiling  of  goods,  hazard  of  life  with  joy, 
 looking  untd  the  eternall  and  incomprehenfiblc  recom- 
 pence  of  reward.Thou  art  not  called  to  fuffer,but  to  obey; 
 at  leaft  not  to  fuffer  fuch  grievous  torments  as  they  did  : 
 why  doeft  thou  then  delay,  ftartafide,  or  goe  forth  unwil- 
 lingly ?  Wouldeft  thou  raignc  witll  them,  and  not  labour 
 with  them  ?  receive  the  price,and  not  run  the  racc?dividc 
 the  fpoilc,  and  not  fight  the  battell  ?  In  the  affaires  of  this 
 life  we  love  to  cxcell,  and  out-goc  our  fellowes ;  as  to  be 
 ifirft  up,and  about  our  worke ;  to  exceed  in  favour,  riches, 
 honour,wifedome ;  and  in  matters  of  Religion  to  be  dead 
 and  lumpifli,  is  it  notabhominablc  ?  Obedience  is  no  dull 
 fervice,  no  dead  piece  of  worke,  but  the  way  to  blclTed- 
 nes  and  the  crowne  of  glory.  The  Lord  hath  not  faid,i'^^4   Efay.45.1^, 
 mee  in  vnine.  The  reward  of  obedience  is  ccrtaine,though 
 
 Cc  our 
 
3^^     i 
 
 iCov.i.^. 
 
 ^ 
 1Pfai.143.10. 
 
 Cant.  1. 4. 
 
 Pfal.119.3j, 
 
 3453?- 
 Vcafc  1 3  J. 
 
 IPfal.l19.36. 
 
 4. 
 
 KPial.11993. 
 
 'Pfaf.iip57. 
 112. 
 Pfal.up.153 
 
 What  it  is  to  live  hy  Faith  touching  the 
 
 our  workcs  dcfervc  nothing.   The  Merchant  uadertakcs 
 
 dangerous  adventures  to  raife  his  cftatc,inrichhimfelf.But 
 
 what  is  the  gold  of  India  to  the  j  oyes  of  Hcaven?a  !&ding 
 
 poffeflion  to  an  cternall  weight  of  glory  ?  ftrive  to  enter, 
 
 and  goc  forward  m  the  ftraitc  way  that  Icadcth  unto  life. 
 
 Arifc,  why  tarricft  thou  ?  forget  not  the  high  price  of  thy 
 
 callingjbut  contend  forward  towards  the  marke.  Heaven 
 
 is  worth  all  thy  labour.  We  are  glad  to  be  entertained  of 
 
 them,  who  have  a  name  to  be  liberall  &  bountiful!  to  their 
 
 attendants ;  who  is  to  be  compared  to  the  Lord  our  God 
 
 herein  ?  He  is  moft  able,  and  bcft  willing  to  prcfcrrc  his 
 
 fcrvants.Eye  hath  not  feenc.eare  hath  not  heard,it  exceeds 
 
 all  humane  capacity  to  conceivc,what  furpalTing  glory  and 
 
 Joy  the  Lord  hath  prepared  for  them  that  love  him. 
 
 Thirdly,  He  muft  pray  to  ,the  Lord  that  he  w^uld  re- 
 vive and  quicken  him.  Teach  me  to  die  thy  tvlttfor  thou  art 
 my  God '^  tkj  Spirit  i^  good\  lea^ms  into  the  land  of  uprights 
 neffe.  My  defire  is  to  do  thy  good  pleafurc,  but  of  my  felfe 
 I  have  no  ability  thereunto  :  Draw  me  and  IwiHrunne  af^ 
 ter  thee.  Teach  me  the  vfaj  of  thy  ftAtutfS,  atdl  will  ^epeit 
 unto  the  end.  ^ive  mee  underflanding^  andl Jhmll  keepe  thy 
 law  '^yeay  IJhall  obfirve  it  -with  my  whale  heart.  Lord  thoii 
 haft  commanded  me  to  kcepe  thy  te[limonies  j  give  me  J 
 pray  thee  to  doe  what  thou  requireft.  Incline  my  heart  to 
 thy  fiatutes,  and  not  to  covetoufnejpt 
 
 Fourthly,  He  muft  renew  his  refolution  to  walke  with 
 
 GQ(i  trufting  in  his  grace*  *  I  will  never  forget  t  hy  precepts, 
 
 for  with  thernthoH  hafi  qmck^ednte.  I  have  fully  purpojfcd 
 
 to  kecpe  and  cleave  unto  thy  Commandemenrs,  for  they 
 
 are  the  >oy  of  my  heart.  But,  Lord  I  leane  not  upon  mine 
 
 j  ownc  ftrength,  but  upon  thy  gracq,  whprgivefl:  both  to 
 
 i  will  andsto  doe,. ,  Thofi  art  my  portion,  O  ^ordy  I  have/aid 
 
 '  that  Iwill  keepe  thy. words,  Ordir  my  Heps  in  thy  word:  and 
 
 .  let  not  any  iniquity  have  dominion  over  me.,        '; 
 
 CHAP. 
 
duties  ofmrv9CAtien. 
 
 387 
 
 Chi  ft  tans  are 
 '2llotveJioUve 
 
 CHAP.  X. 
 
 fFhat  it  « to  live  bj  faith  in  the  duties  of 
 our  vocation. 
 
 IT  is  the  ordinance  of  God,  that  men  flnould  labour  in 
 fome  honcft  vocation,for  their  private  maintenancc,and 
 the  common  good,  that  iSf  the  benefit  and  good  eftate  of  j  bJM  in  the 
 mankind  :    And  for  encouragement  be  hath  promifed  to  I  ^^^^"  ^/'^"> 
 protc^  and  bleflc  them  that  kcepe  themfelvcs  within  the 
 limits,  and  doe  the  workes  of  their  calling  with  diligence. 
 The  texts  of  Scripture  are  plaine  for  both.   The  Lord  God 
 tooke  the  many  andput  him  into  the  garden  o/Eden  to  drejfe 
 it,  andtokeefeix      Inthefweate  of  thj face p: alt  thou  e ate 
 head,  tin  thou  returne  unto  the  ground.    Let  him  that  fie  le-^ 
 flea le  no  morcy  but  rather  let  him  labour^  ivot  king  with 
 his  hands  the  thing  that  is  good :  that  he  m<nj  have  to  give  to 
 him  that  needeth.    Let  every  man  abide  in  the  fame  calling 
 wherein  he  was  called.  Study  to  be  quiet  ^  and  to  doe  your  owne 
 bufineffe  and  to  worke  with  your  owne  hands, (at  we  comman- 
 dedyou  )  thatyee  maywalke  honefily  towards  them  that  are 
 without.  For  even  when  we  were  withycu,  this  we  comman- 
 dedyou,  that  if  any  man  woulei  not  worke  neither  fhouldhee 
 eate.  The  hand  of  the  diligent  maketh  rich,  Thefubflance  of 
 a  diligent  man  ispretious.    He  that  gat  hertth  by  labour  fljall 
 encreafe.  The  hand  of  the  diligent  fhaU  beare  rule.  See fi  thou 
 a  man  diligent  in  his  bufineffe  ?  heejhallftandbefre  Kings ^ 
 hee  fball  not  fland  before   meane  men,     Hee  fhall  give 
 his   tyingels  charge  over  thee  to    keepe  thee  in  all  thy 
 wayes. 
 
 Now  feeing  God  hath  commanded  us  to  labour  in  a  cal- 
 ling, prefcribed  the  bounds  of  our  calling,  and  promifed 
 his  protedlion  and  blelTing  to  our  honeft  endeavours,  it 
 fcannot  bee  queftioned  whether  we  be  allowed  to  live  by 
 I  faith  in  the  duties  of  our  calling.  For  the  exercife  of  faith 
 is  as  large  as  the  word  whereby  it  is  guided  and  modera- 
 
 C  c  2  ted, 
 
 'Vocation. 
 
 Gcn,2.ij. 
 
 Gen.  5.19' 
 
 Ephei;4.28. 
 
 iCor.7.zo. 
 
 Pro.io.4.& 
 12.27. 
 
 Pro.13,11. 
 Pro.  1 2. 14, 
 
 Pro.2X.2^, 
 
 Pral.5,i.u. 
 
388 
 
 what  it  is  u  live  by  Faith  in  the 
 
 Its  necejfary  to 
 live  by  faith  in 
 the  duties  of  our 
 [vocation. 
 
 Heb.u.6. 
 
 ted,  that  it  neither  exceed,  nor  come  fliort.  Where  a 
 workc  is  commanded,  faith  puts  forth  it  felfc  in  adion ; 
 where  a  promife  is  made,  it  truftethj  relieth,  and  waiteth 
 for  accompliHiment.  In  every  honeft  ftatc  and  condition 
 of  life  there  is  ufe  of  faith  in  both  refpcfls :  For  labour  is 
 commanded,and  promife  of  blcfling  is  made  to  them  that 
 worke  according  to  the  will  and  pleafurc  ot^GodK Moreo- 
 ver ,  God  is  hereby  much  gloritied ,  that  wee  com- 
 mit our  felves  wholly  unto  him, .  labouring  as  hec  hath 
 appointed,  and  depending  upon  his  grace  for  good  fuc- 
 ccfte. 
 
 It  is  neceffary  wee  fbonid  live  by-faith,  to  prevent 
 the  evil's  which  bcfot  us  in  our  ordinarje  caVings  :  cove- 
 toulneffe,  injuftice,  impatience,  and  diftrading  care.  Na- 
 turally men  are  apt  to  incumber  themfelves  with  fuper- 
 fiuous  bufinefle,  and  trouble  themfelves  about  the  event 
 and  fuccefle  :  they  content  not  themfelves  with  their  lot 
 and  condition,  but  deiire  to  heaps  up  riches  and  increafe 
 their  fubftancc  above  mcaiu^-e  ;  they  forecaft  many  things 
 in  their  heads  long  before  ;  and  know  no  end  of  their 
 cares.   The  trouble  men  meet  with  in  the  world,  begets 
 love  of  the  world^and  whether  they  be  croffcd  or  profper  j 
 the  more  they  be  exercifcd  about  the  things  of  this  life , 
 the  more  they  follow  after  them  with  greedineife,  vexa- , , 
 tion,  difcontent,  plotting  and  devifing  how  to  compaffc 
 their  defignes  whether  by  right  or  wrong,  fraud  or  op-  '■ 
 preffion.  Tlie  foveraigne  remedy  againd  thcfc  and  other 
 the  like  mifchiefcs,  which  we  are  prone  to runne  into,  is 
 a  lively  faith,  which  liftctb  up  the  heart  to  better  things, 
 then  oughc  is  to  be  found  under  the  Moone,  quietly  fub- 
 mitteth  unto  the  good  pleafure  of  God,  commendeth 
 ;  the  fucccfle  and  event  of  all  honeft  endeavours  unto  his 
 ^  Highnefle,  and  rcHeth  upon  his  grace  for  prefeat  helpc 
 \  and  future  fupply  intbrC  ufe  of  £uch  meajic&as  fie  hath  or- 
 dained. 
 
 PVkhoHt  faith  it  isimfojjlble  topieafe  GoJ.  God  U  the 
 Auihour  of  every  honeft  vocatiott^,and  by  bis  appoi^itment 
 
 men 
 
duties  (fenrvecAthn, 
 
 men  ougtitto  labour  m^omc  particular  ftatc  or  condition 
 of  life :  but  that  work  is  r.ot  acceptable,  which  is  not  done 
 in  faith.  If  faith  doe  not  quicken,  fcafon,  and  guide  the 
 workes  of  cur  calling,  they  arc  dead  and  carnall  as  they 
 come  from  us,neither  begun  upon  found  ground,nor  done 
 in  uniforms  and  right  m9nner,nor  ditched  to  a  right  end. 
 That  which  ftiould  put  life  into  the  aftion  is  sbfcnt,  if 
 faith  be  lacking. 
 
 Experience  is  of  great  ufe  in  a  godly  life,  both  to  con- 
 firmc  faith,  ftrengthen  hope,  preferve  love,  overcome 
 I  temptations,  and  dircft  in  difhcUities.     But  the  resdy 
 mcanestoget  grounded  experiencejis  tolivebyfaithinthc 
 workes  of  our  vocation,  and  obfcrve  how  the  Lord  dca- 
 leth  with  us  therein  according  to  his  word. 
 The  afts  of  faith  in  this  particular  be  thefc. 
 Firft,  It  informeth  to  make  choife  <if  an  hotwft  vo- 
 cation ;  for  which  we  are  fitted ;  andinto  which  we  may 
 enter,  by  dired,  good,  and  lawfull  meanes.   Hee  thst  ntt- 
 derfiandeth   a  matter  JhaH  finde  good,    faith  Solomon: 
 wherein  hcc  teacheth,  that  what  bufincfle  any  man  ta- 
 keth  in  hand,  hee  muft  know  it  well  and  accurately,  if  he 
 lookc  to  finifh  it  honeftly  and  with  good  fuccefTc.    This 
 therefore  is  the  rule,  by  which  we  arc  dire(5Ved  in  our 
 vocation,  that  what  art  any  man  knoweth,  he  fhould 
 cxercife  himfelfe  in  it.    This,  as  \t  mufl:  be  obferved  in  all 
 arts,  fcienccs,  profcffions,  in  the  famih'.  Common- 
 wealth, Church ;  fo,  as  every  art  or  proff  ffion  is  of  grea- 
 ter moment  in  any  (ocictie  publikc  or  private,  facred  or 
 prophane,  it  is  with  greater  diligence,  more  ftudioufly  to 
 be  looked  unto.   As  our  calling  mufl  be  honefl,  that  1%, 
 fcrviceable  to  the  Church,  Common- wealth  or  private 
 family  J  and  as  we  mufl:  be  gifted  for  it  ;  fo  mud  we  en- 
 ter by  lawfull  anddiredl  meares  appointed  of  God,  that 
 wee  may  bee  afTured  our  calling  is  of  God,  and  that  hee 
 j  will  accept  of  our  fcrvice  in  that  efliate  and  condition  of 
 
 Secondly,  Faith  infl:ru^eth  not  to  meddle  above  our 
 !_ Ccg  know- 
 
 38^ 
 
 The  aSis  of  faith 
 inreJpe^oftU 
 duties  of  our 
 tatting. 
 Fco.i5.2o. 
 
3Po 
 
 What  it  is  to  live  bj  Faith  in  the 
 
 Pro.i6.ao, 
 Pio. 5.5,6. 
 
 Pfal.  117.1,1. 
 Hag.  1.6,9. 
 
 Ecde.^.ii. 
 
 4. 
 
 Pfal.itS.i. 
 Bph.6.j,6. 
 
 knowledge,  but  to  leane  upon  the  living  Lord,  not  on 
 
 our  skill  or  cunning,    tvhe  fo  trufieth  in  the  Lord  ha  ppic 
 
 ishse,    Trufi  in  the  Lord  with  all  thine  heart,  and  leane 
 
 nat  unto  thine  owne  underfianding :  In  all  thj  wayes  ac- 
 
 \  knowledge  hint,  and  hee  fhall  direEh  thy  pathes.    Ic  is  bard 
 
 I  for  a  mm  very  skilfull,  fo  to  with-draw  his  heart  and 
 
 thought  from  his  skill,  as  that  he  doc  not  wholly  reft  in 
 
 ic  :  but  faith,  looking  further  then  fence  or  reafon  is  able, 
 
 difpofleflbch  the  heart  of  this  carnall  confidence,  and 
 
 fixcth  ic  upon  the  Lord  alone.  For  it  acknowledgeth  him 
 
 onely  to  be  the  fountaine  of  all  good,  and  perfwadcih  the 
 
 foule,  thatunlefleit  rele  upon  his  grace,  wifdome,  and 
 
 ftrcngth,he  fhall  bring  nothing  to  pafle  by  his  o  wne  wife- 
 
 dome,wit  and  cunning.  For  cither  he  fliall  not  eiiedl  what 
 
 he  indcavours  to  doe,  by  ths  helpe  and  benefit  of  his  skill  j 
 
 or  if  he  bring  it  to  paffe,  it  (hall  not  fucceedor  availc  him 
 
 to  thofe  honeft  ufes  which  he  intended.  The  race  is  not  to 
 
 thefmftynor  the  hattellto  the  flreng.neitheryet  bread  to  the 
 
 wife  ^nor  yet  riches  to  men  ofunderfianding-^  nor  yet  favour  to 
 
 menofsktlL 
 
 Thirdly,  It  quickencth  the  moft  skilfuU  workeman 
 to  drive  with  Gcd  in  prayer,  that  the  workc  he  fctteth 
 upon  might  fuccecd  well  and  profper  y  that  isy  that  his 
 skill  might  be  ready  and  at  hand,  whereby  he  might  fi- 
 nifh  the  thing  hee  goeth  about,  and  that  it  might  be 
 ofufe  to  them  for  whom  it  is  appointed. For  being  fcnfiblc 
 of  his  owne  weakencfle,  and  expecting  helpe  and  fupply 
 from  heaven,  he  will  not  ceafe  to  crave  the  aide  and  blef- 
 fing  of  God.It  is  the  property  of  faith  to  pray  continually, 
 looking  i^nto  the  moft  high  for  helpe,  and  having  a  lively 
 fence  of  prefent  want,which  ftirreth  up  a  ferious  affedion 
 \  ofpraying, 
 
 \  Fourthly,  It  caufcth  diligence,  care,  uprfghtnefle,  and 
 faichfiilncfle  in  all  the  workes,  adions,  and  bufineffes  of 
 ourca'ling;  as  knowing  that  whileft  wewalkehoneftly 
 therein,  wee  doe  fcrvice  to  the  Lord  Jefas.  It  is  noted 
 ofthcvertuous,  wife,  faithfull,  and  godly  woman,  that 
 
 Jhee 
 
duties  efeuwoeAticn, 
 
 Jhee  feeketh  wostty  and  fiaxfy   anA  worketh  vpiUiftgiy  with 
 herhandt:  Sheerifethalfo  whi/eitisyetmght,  andgiveth 
 MfAte  t9  her  houfhold.     Faith  awakcneth  the  fluggard, 
 rowfeth  the  lafic,  makcth  the  idle  lay  his  bones  to  worke, 
 andhimihatwasapurloyncr,  to  dcale  trucly,  yuftly,and 
 honeftly.  It  is  tkc  bcft  cockc  to  caR  up  thedrowfie  :  for 
 it  ringeth  in  his  eare  3  when  wilt  thou  arife  ?  loc  the 
 Lord  callcth  thee  to  thy  taske  j  why  tarrieft  thou  fo  long, 
 ftirreft  foflowly  >  The  Sunne  rejoyceth  as  a  Gyant  to  run 
 his  race  :  why  fharpeneft  not  thou  thy  felfe  to  the  worke 
 which  God  hath  laid  upon  thee  ?  It  is  the  willingeft 
 mcflenger  to  be  fent  upon  any  bufincffe,  the  truftieft  ovcr- 
 feer  of  any  labour,  the  moft  free  undergoer  of  any  toyle 
 or  paines  ;  you  neede  not  call  him  to  reckoning  who 
 accounts  with  faith ;  nor  haft  him  forward  who  moveth 
 by  faith ;  nor  chaine  him  to  bis  worke,  who  by  faith  un- 
 dertakcth  it.    For  he  is  aflured  he  doth  it  unto  God,  who 
 callcth  upon  him,   and  from  whom  bee  mtifl:  exped:  rc- 
 compence,  if  hee  walke  chearefully,  and  infingleneflfc 
 of  heart.    When  a  man  is  perfwaded,  that  his  calling 
 is  approved  of  God,  and  profitable  to  men,  by  helping 
 to  maintaine  the  ftate  of  the  Church  or  Commonswealth, 
 and  tbat  it  is  that,  in  which  God  will  be  fervcd  of  him  •, 
 then  he  takes  it  in  hand,  not  like  a  drudge  or  droilc  who 
 doth  his  work  for  fearc  of  the  whip ;  nor  like  an  hireling, 
 who  workes  onely  for  wages ;  nor  like  eyc-fcrvants  who 
 leave  their  bufinenc  when  the  matters  eye  is  turned  afide : 
 but  with  good  will,  diligence  and  finglenefle  of  heart,  he 
 addrefleth  himfclfe  to  his  worke ,  being  affured  of  Gods 
 alfiftance  and  furtherance  therein,  whom  he  krves  in  his 
 vocation.  This  perfwafion  that  we  ferve  the  Lord  in  our 
 callings,  who  is  a  bountiful!  pay-mafter,  and  bath  promi- 
 kd  a  large  bleffing  unto  us,f orceth  to  goe  willingly  about 
 |that  workcjwhich  otherwifc  would  feeme  toylefome  and 
 unplcafant. 
 
 Fifthly,  It  incouragethto  the  moft  difficult,  painfull, 
 and  (in  the  worlds  cftccmc  )  difgracefiiU  workes  of  our 
 
 C  c  4  callings. 
 
 391 
 
 Pro.ji.ijjij. 
 
 2Chro.j4.1z. 
 
 Ephcf.5.8. 
 
 5. 
 
^9z 
 
 what  it  it  t»  live  Ifj  Faith  in  the 
 
 I0A.7.  f, 
 fi  Pro.  3 1,17. 
 
 2,Tim.i.7,8,f 
 
 Heb.11.7. 
 Iiiclg.1.4. 
 
 Mark.  6. 18. 
 
 6. 
 
 cjdling.  Diftmd  «  breeds  niccncflc.f care  and  fluggifhncs : 
 faith  producoth  *»hardineflcj  valour,  andadivity;  font 
 aflUrcs  of  divine  prorcftion  and  goad  fucceffc  :  Pride 
 make  J  msn  afhamed  of  many  things,  which  in  the  world 
 be  matters  of  dif grace :  but  faith  witneffcth>that  the  true- 
 cH:  honour  is  to  be  Gods  fervant,  and  the  greated  glory  to 
 dowhatfoevcrthc  Lord  rcqairethat  our  hands.  By  faith 
 2^9ah  prcpareth  the  Arke,  le:  the  men  oFthcold  world 
 mocke  their  fill.    By  faich  IndAh  goeth  up  to  fight  the 
 Lords  battels,  whatfoevcr  danger  appeare  in  the  voyage 
 Faith  bringeth  Abraham  from  his  native  countrey,and  his 
 father.'  houfejto  fojourne  in  aftrangc  land, when  he  is  cal- 
 led of  the  Lord.Faich  makcth  lohn  the  Baptift  bold  to  tell 
 Herod  plaincly,  that  ic  is  not  lawfuU  for  him  to  have  his 
 brothers  wife,  let  him  take  i:  as  he  pleafe.    Corruption 
 will  fuggeO,  filch  a  thing  bcfecmech  not  a  man  of  my 
 place,brceding,  bringing  up ;  ii  would  be  taken  ill,might 
 procure  difpleafurc,  trouble,  difgrace,  and  danger  :  but 
 faith  boketh  co  the  Word  of  God,  and  ific  be  a  dutiere-, 
 quired,  incouragerh  to  fet  about  it  with  fpeed,  referring 
 the  iffue  and  event  to  him  that  hathcommanded  it,  and 
 efteemeth  it  thegreateft  credit  to  doe  the  will  and  plea- 
 lure  of  the  Lord, 
 
 Sixtly,  It  ftrengtbcneth  againH;  manifold  troubles,  dii- 
 graces,  oppofitions,  and  difcouragemcnts  that  men  mcetc 
 withall  in  their  places  j  and  inableth  to  goe  through 
 ftitch  with  our  bufineffe  in  ill  report  and  good  report, 
 in  honour  and  difgrace.  Diftnift  brirgeth  forth  weari- 
 neflc  and  fainting:  faith  perfifteth  in  the  worke,  notwich- 
 ftanding  all  difficulties  which  may  arife,  either  from  the 
 dayly  continuance  of  the  labour,  or  other  impediments. 
 Faith  either  negledleth,  or  removcth ,  or  breakcth 
 through  all  lets  and  obftaclcs.  Worldlings  and  hypo- 
 crites are  diflieartned  in  their  bufinefTe,  bccaufenoman 
 refpedls  their  paines,  is  well-pleafed  with  their  doings  ^ 
 let  them  doe  what  they  can,  they  {hall  not  have  a  good 
 word  :  But  the  found  believer  is  aboundantly  fatisfied? 
 
 with 
 
duties  of  our  vocation. 
 
 393 
 
 I  Cor.  4.  J,   . 
 iThcff.z  <?j9. 
 
 with  Gods  approbation  and  reward,  and  gocth  on  chcar- 
 fully,  though  men  {hew  him  no  countenance,  altow  no  , 
 rccompcnce  j  yea  though  he  be  moleftcd,  pcrfecuted,  im-  j  Heb.i  i ,3  j^j 
 prifoned,  killed  for  weli-doing.     If  God  bcpleafcdto  1 37. 
 vouchfafe  other  incouragemenrs  to  take  paines,  faith  ' 
 makes  ufe  of  them  with  thankefulnefle  :  but  if  they  bee 
 wanting,  it  will  not  give  place  to  negligence  or  re- 
 miflcnefl'e,    Pf^ith  mee   it   is  4  very  fmall  tktn^  that  I 
 fhculd  bee  j^i^£fd  "f  y^**>  or  of  mans  'judgement,    7^r 
 of  men  fought  wse  glory,  neither  of  you,  nor  yet  of  others,, 
 when  xfee  might  have   beene   bnrdenfome  as   the  ^Apo- 
 fiUs  of  Chrjfi.    *BHt  what  things  were  galne  to  mee, 
 thofe  J  connte^d  lofe  for  Chrifi*     Tea,  doubt lefe  and  I 
 count  all  things  but  /offe,  for  the  excellencie  of  the  knowledge 
 ofChrifi  Jeftts  my  Lord :  for  whom  Jbavefttferedthe  lojfe 
 of  all  things  j  and  doe  count  them  but  dung  that  I  may  winne 
 Chnfi. 
 
 Seventhly,  It  dircftcth  wifely  to  order  the  affaires  of 
 our  calling,  and  to  goc  about  them  in  good  manner,  that 
 is,  m  obedience,  to  right  ends,  and  with  an  heavenly 
 Minde,  cxercifingthe  graces  that  God  hath  befto wed  up- 
 on us :  whereby  it  comes  to  paffetbat  ihey  arc  furtheran- 
 ces and  not  hinderanccs  in  the  duties  of  piety.  Thus  Da- 
 vid behavedhimfelfe  wifely  in  all  his  wayes:and  being  called 
 ofGod  to  the  governcmcnt  of  the  kingdome,he  promifeth 
 to  execute  his  office  in  uprightneffe  and  innocencie  to  the 
 praifc  oi  God  :  /  willfing  efntercy  andJHdgement,  to  thee, 
 O  Lorc>,willIfing. 
 
 Eightly,  As  faith  quickencth  to  labour  and  doe  what 
 pertaineth  to  our  calling ;fo  it  teacheth  to  moderate  cares, 
 confine  defires  of  earthly  things,  and  commit  our  fe1v;s 
 to  God  for  the  fucceifc  of  our  worke.  Labour  is  m ms 
 dutie  ;  good  fucce{fe  is  theble(Tingof  God.  Men  coin- 
 monly  take  upon  them  a  double  care  ;  one  to  doe  the 
 workes  of  their  place,  the  other  to  take  thought  about 
 theblefling  and  fuccefl'e  of  their  labour-  .But  faith  in  Gods 
 Word,  where  it  raigncs,  applicth  the  hearts  of  men  to  the 
 ________^  pertor 
 
 7- 
 
 Ecclc.2.i5, 
 iSam,iS.i4. 
 
 Pfal.  101.8, 
 8. 
 
35^4 
 
 PfaJ.  J  y.a?. 
 
 What  it  is  to  live  by  Faith  in  the 
 
 Matth,6.  J  I, 
 I  Pet.  J  7. 
 
 PfaI.ii7.J, 
 Prov^i^.j, 
 
 Matth.6.33 
 
 Pfal.4t.t. 
 Pfal.  16  5. 
 
 performance  of  their  duties,  and  leaveth  the  blcfling  of 
 their  indeavours  to  the  goodwill  and  plcafure  of  God 
 Thus  we  arc  exhorted  to  doe.    Cafi  thy  burthen  upon  the 
 
 ^'^d,4tnd  he  JhaHfufiainetheeiheJhali  never  MertLrlfh. 
 teens  to  be  moved,  •'  JJ  S 
 
 A  Chriftian  is  to  confidcr  the  difficulty  of  all  things 
 pcrtainingtohim,andwhatdangerisinthem.  Hcisdili! 
 gently  to  fet  his  hand  to  the  worke,  and  through  neg  J 
 gencc^  to  offlit  nothing  that  is  of  moment  to  t%a  and 
 bringit  to  pafle.  But  having  tak  en  counldl,  and  laboured 
 painefully,he  muft  lay  afidecareof  theeventA  rowkhis 
 burtheuupon  the  Lord  who  hath  promifed  that  all  thin^ 
 ftallbe  wellregarded.  And  this*^ faith  hath  an  infallibfe 
 ground,  namely  that  God  bed  knowesour  want.,  and 
 will  give  us  all  things,  which  in  his  heavenly  wifdoi^e  he 
 kno  wcth  to  be  neceflary.r.«r  heave./jFJeri.o^^that 
 
 y9ur  care  on  god,forhecarethforyou.  Norhine  Ihall  be 
 wantmguntothem  that  feare  God.   And  thus!  thM. 
 
 Ood  with  eflfe  care,  toile,  and  vexation,  then  worWlings 
 can  by  all  their  cunning  ihifts,fleight.,and  dcvT<^l  nZ 
 ^^^^^l^^orHsunto 
 
 a.  ^W%tt  reftraincth  the  dt^r^z^  of  tranteric  things, 
 
 ^Mrft;^^  f  -^u^  Kmgdome  of  Heaven,  hungers  and 
 rnnfnrf -^^^  fecdeth  upon  the  mercy  of 
 
 Son       "''"'^  ''^''^  ^^'''^'^  ^"  ^^^  ^^^^  ^«  if*  o"eIy 
 
 he  miferies  and  calamities  that  accompany  us  L  our  cal! 
 ^^T  ^"'".'^^  ^allofe^^.^,  ]aboLanSa?fl?ft: 
 aree/r?  ."T^.u^'^r^".^  both  which 
 
 o  Ev^th^  '^'!i''  f^ith  confidereth,that  this  commeth 
 to  pane  \,y  the  good  providence  of  God,  who  fometimes 
 
 crofTcth 
 
dutiej  of  our  vocation. 
 
 croflech  our  good  and  lawful!  attempts,  Icaft  wee  {hoiild 
 tmftinourfclvcs,  dcfpifc  the  poore  and  afjfli(5ted,  and  be 
 glued  faft  to  thele  earthly  things.  Alfb  it  remembers  us 
 of  Gods  dearc  and  tender  love,who  of  meere  favour  doth 
 chaftife,  and  will  fo  order,  that  all  raiferiesfliallinthe 
 end  turne  to  our  good.  And  by  fuch  like  meditations  it 
 workcth  the  foule  to  contentation  in  every  eftate.  I  have 
 learned  in  rohatfsever  fiate  Jam,  therevptth  to  h  content,  I 
 know  both  how  to  be  abafed,  andl k»ovt>  how  to  abound: every 
 ■where  ^  in  all  things  lam  infim^edj  both  to  be  fully  and  to 
 behnngriey  both  to  abound ^  andto[ujferneed»  Moreover, 
 faith  turnethcrofles  into  advantage,  as  itcalleth  the  affli- 
 dlcd  unto  the  examination  ofhiswayes,  and  reformation 
 of  what  is  amific.worketh  felfc-denialljcmptieth  the  heart 
 of  the  love  of  bafe  and  tranfitory  things,  quickeneth  un- 
 to praycr,caufcth  toreUifli  mercy  with  more  fweetnefle, 
 and  covet  fpirituall  things  more  earncftly,  reviveth  hope, 
 and  gaineth  experience  ot  Gods  favour  and  teoder  com- 
 pafTion. 
 
 Tentbly,  Faith  reftraineth  diftruftfall  care  concerning 
 the  fucceffe  of  oiu*  labours,  but  is  not  flackc  to  crave  Gods 
 bIclTing  upon  our  labours.  It  wrappeth  all  gricfes,vexati- 
 ons  and  cares  togcther,and  powreth  them  forth  before  the 
 I*ord  iti  prayer.  B^  carefuU for  nothings  but  in  every  thing 
 by  prayer  andfuffUcation  with  thanksgivingyletyour  re^uej} 
 be  mtide  k^owne  unto  God^  In  the  midft  of  forrowes  faith 
 is  (ilentfronimurmuring  and  impatience  ;  but  it  is  never 
 filent  in.  prayer  :it  doth  continually  cry  unto  the  Lord  for 
 fiiccour.-..     ,.:;;,:,-t;  ,-.   :,•■  -  -,i  \         . 
 
 Eleventhly.  If  we  findc  wiflied  fuccefle,  it  makes  vi- 
 gilant, frugal,  humble,  mercihill,  and  thankefull :  for  it 
 receiveth  all  blcfling8,as  gifts  of  grace,to  be  imploycd  ac- 
 cording to  Gods  will  and  appointment,to  the  glory  of  his 
 Name,  and  comfort  of  his  people  :  andteacheth  fo  to  ufe 
 the  world,  as  willingly  to  renounce  all  intcreft  in  the 
 world,  for  the  fafhion  thereof  pafleth  away.  And  with 
 what  confciencc  towards  God  we  arc  inclined  to  labour, 
 
 with 
 
 295 
 
 rhil.4.1 
 
 T,IJ. 
 
 10, 
 
 Phil.4;<5. 
 
 PfalCij 
 
 II. 
 
 1  Cor.7.ji. 
 
3P5 
 
 Pro.ii  t«f,t6. 
 Plal.iia.9. 
 
 12. 
 
 ^/^rf/  it  is  to  live  b^  Faith  in  the 
 
 live  by  faith 
 touching  tie 
 fuccejfs  ofwr 
 i4bours. 
 I. 
 •Pro.  }.f. 
 Jcr,io.»3. 
 
 £1.2. 
 
 Lam.s.37' 
 
 with  the  lame  we  arc  ftirrcd  up  to  give  to  others,  as  need 
 requircth.  The  defire  oftheflothfrll  kjUeth  him: for  his  hands 
 refttfetfi  Ubonr,  He  coveteth greedily  all  the  day  Ung :  $M 
 the  righteous  givethan^fpareth  not, 
 
 Twclfthly,  faith  ccupleth  the  labours  of  our  calling 
 with  the  pradice  ofChriftianity :  for  God  hath  laid  his 
 Commandement  upon  us,  both  to  feeke  his  Kingdome, 
 worke  out  ourfalvation,  make  our  cledlion  lure,  exercife 
 our  felvcs  in  all  good  workcs,walke  in  love  and  labour  ho- 
 ncftly  in  (Hir  particular  vocation  :  and  faith  cannot  fc- 
 paratc  what  God  hath  joyned.  He  that  laboureth  in  faith 
 lookcth  not  onely  what  he  doth,  but  why  he  doth  it ;  and 
 hath  refpcdl  to  one  duty  commanded  as  well  as  another, 
 the  rcafon  of  bis  obedience  being  one  and  the  fame,na[nc- 
 ly,  the  will  and  commandcmcnt  of  the  Lord.  If  a  man 
 labour  in  faith ;  the  better  he  laboureth,  the  more  diligent 
 he  is  in  the  fcrvice  of  God,  and  workcs  of  mercy  j  and  the 
 more  diligenthe  is  in  the  duties  of  piety,the  more  faithf ull 
 in  his  honcft  labour. 
 
 But  how  (hould  a  Cferiftian  live  by  faith  touching  the 
 good  fuccefTe,  and  diredion  of  that  worke  or  bufineflc, 
 I  whcrcunto  he  is  called,which  he  findcs  to  be  much  above 
 his  ftrcngth  or  meanes. 
 
 Firft,  Faith  eaufcth  felfe-deniall  in  refpc(5l  ■  of  judgc- 
 mcntjwifcdomCjand  power : for  we  are  blindc  in  chufing, 
 foolifli  in  refolving  what  is  to  be  done ;  *  what  is  rii;ht  in 
 our  eyes  is  abomination  before  God.  Nor  is  our  wifdome 
 todifpofe  andmarinage  matters  refolved  on,  of  greater 
 ripencflc  and  perfeftion.Our  owne  counfell  oft  leads  us  a% 
 *  wry  in  things  corporalljcither  we  milTe  of  the  right  man- 
 ner, or  ufc  right  meanes  amifle,  cither  we  Icane  upon  de- 
 ceitful! props,  or  take  a  good  ftaflFe  by  the  wrong  end. 
 And  if  we  be  brought  into  diftrefle,  then  how  are  wee 
 I  plunged  in  our  confultations,  not  knowing  which  Way 
 to  turne  our  felvcs.  As  for  power  to  accomplifh  any  good 
 worke,  though  never  fo  well  conceived,  though  meanes 
 never  fo  potent,fo  ready  at  hand,  fo  well  ordered  :though 
 
 the  i 
 
duties  ofourvocapon. 
 
 the  bu(ineflc  be  in  never  fo  good  forwardneffcjWe  have  it 
 not.  AlaSjpoorc  impotent  creatures,  what  can  we  doe  of 
 our  fclvcs,who cannot  keepe  our  breath  for  <  nc  moment? 
 In  God  wee  live,  and  move, and  have  our  being  :  and  bee 
 that  maintaincs  life  muft  pcrfedl  all  our  workes  for  uSi  In 
 matter  of  profit  no  man  can  fay,  my  power,  my  labour, 
 the  might  of  nr.y  band  hath  gotten  mc  thiy.  wealth.  Nor 
 in  point  of  honour,  By  my  policic  I  bavcboilded  my  neft 
 on  highjby  the  tlrength  of  my  arme  I  have  gotten  mc  the 
 viiflorie.  This  weakncfle  i-^  difcovered  by  faith,  which  in 
 every  bufinefie  vvorkethielfe-deniall,knowing  the  begin- 
 ning, dircftion,  and  fucceflc  of  allhoncft  labours  to  be  of 
 grace. 
 
 "Secondly,  It  teacheth  fubmiiTion  to  Gods  direftion, 
 and  depcndance'upon  his  helpcandaflfiftancc.  It  asketh 
 counfell  at  the  word,  and  followeth  the  determination  of 
 it.  It  chufeth  what  God  approveth,  though  to  humane 
 wifdome  it  feeme  bootleffe  and  improbable  :  it  rej'cft  th 
 what  God  condcmncth,  though  to  corrupt  rcafon  it  pro- 
 mife  profit  and  contentment.  For  true  confidence  is  obe- 
 diential!, (ub/efting  it  felfe  to  tVe  will  of  God  as  the  rule 
 of  holineffc,acknowl€dging  his  fovera'igntie,  fubfcribing 
 to  his  wifdome  as  moft  abfolute,  and  to  his  wayes  as  moft 
 true,  juft,  and  merciftill. 
 
 And  as  it  confulteth  with  God,  fo  itputtetboverall 
 bufincfle  into  his  hands,  and  in  a  manner  our  ot  our  owne. 
 For  it  traftcth  to  him  for  ability  to  the  workc,  provifion 
 ofthc  meancs,  the  difpofition  of  them,  and  good  fucccfle 
 to  come  by  them.  Yea,  though  all  meanes  faile,  and  all 
 things  feeme  to  make  againft  the  procecdings,faith  relieth 
 upon  God,  who  fs  cverlafting,  unchangeable,  the  fame 
 for  ever.Tbe  eye  of  faith  is  ever  towards  the  Lord,  *  that 
 he  may  inftru6l  and  gukle  in  the  way  ;  that  he  would  be 
 with  us  to  enable  in  the  workc  we  take  in  hand.  i\nd  for 
 the  meanes,  it  looketh  to  have  fuch  mtniftr  d  which  may 
 advance  our  juft  dcfignesjandcftcemethihcm  moft  preci- 
 ous, which  hce  fhall  put  into  our  hands. --To  provide 
 
 meanes 
 
 ^91 
 
 Detit.8.i7,iS 
 
 Pfal.44  3 
 
 2. 
 
 20. 1 8.13.2?, 
 Efay.S.ao. 
 
 &  10.  ig, 
 
 Exod.4.1 1. 
 
3^8 
 
 Thepro^s  of 
 
 this  faith, 
 I. 
 
 2. 
 
 Matth,io,»9, 
 Pro.20.z4. 
 
 Prov.i^.?. 
 
 Pfal.37.f. 
 
 A<ftf.i4.23. 
 
 W&at  ft  is  u  Iwe  hj  Faith  m  the 
 
 meanes  is  the  workc  of  God  :  it  onely  belongs  to  us,  to 
 ufc  them  whichhc  fliall  grant  in  raercy .  And  feeing'wc 
 hgvc  not  this  wifcdome  and  ability  of  our  fclves,  faith  ex- 
 pecfleth  both  from  the  band  of  God,  fcil,  to  prepare 
 meanes,  and  make  us  wife  to  take  the  opportunitic 
 
 The  props  of  this  faith  arc  thcfe  two. 
 
 Firft,  The  exaA  infinite  wifdomc  of  God,  who  know- 
 cthwhat  meanes  will  befit  to  bee  ufed  now,  and  what 
 not,  both  for  his  glory,  and  the  cftablifliing  of  the  thins 
 m  hand :  who  knoweth  what  may  hinder,  and  can  cither 
 prevent  or  fruftrate  it :  and  who  can  knit  fecondarie  cau- 
 ses one  mto  another,  and  make  them  confoire  toecrher 
 in.an  admirable  harmonie,  which  wee  om  lelves  cannot 
 doe. 
 
 .^.^^°"^Jy»^o^s  providence, which  rules  in  every  tbinp 
 which  falls  out,  even  the  leaft  matters.  Not  a  Sparrow 
 tails  to  the  ground  but  by  his  will.  LMansa.inis  are  of 
 the  Lord,  ^Hce  difpofeth  of  every  thing  that  concernes  us 
 and  our  affaires.  The  worke  that  we  take  in  hand  is  not 
 ourownc,  but  the  Lords  :  and  thefuccefle  of  the  bufi- 
 nefle  doth  depend  upon  his  pkafurc,  to  whom  it  muft  be 
 committed.  Let  the  Lord  doc  what  feemcth  him  good. 
 And  he  gives  iflue,  not  according  t©  the  fceming  abilities 
 of  the  pcrfons,  or  likelihood  of  the  meanes  ufed,  but  ac- 
 cording to  the  good  pleafure  of  his  owne  will. 
 
 Thirdly,  Faith  thus  underpropped  bringeth  forth  in- 
 dullrie.  and  mdeavour  to  obferve  God  in  his  providence. 
 Hec  that  is  moft  confident  to  fpeed,  is  moft  vigilant  to 
 take  all  opportunities,  moft  diligent  to  labour  in  the  ure  of 
 all  lawfuU  meanes.  Tor  God,  whoworkcthforus,  will 
 have  us  worke  with  him.  Faith  laycth  hold  upon  the  pro- 
 mifes  of  aide  and  provifion  with  one  hand,  worketh  with 
 the  other.  Nothing  can  fo  much  encourage,  quicken,con- 
 hrme  in  paines-taking,  as  faith.  The  perfwafions  of  faith 
 arc  moft  powerfull,  the  motives  ft rong,  the  incoura^rc- 
 ments  effedtuall  to  put  life  and  vigour  into  the  dull  alid 
 liuggilh.    Hec  that  belicveth  will  labour,  and  not  make 
 
 hafte. 
 
duties  of  our  vocation. 
 
 \      399 
 
 bafte.  Hccthat  diftruftcth  not  hispay-mafter  isnotha- 
 ftic  to  get  the  pay  into  his  own  hand  :  beeaufe  he  knowcs 
 whom  he  hath trufted. ;  -■ 
 
 Fourthly,  Paith  cannot  be  filent,  as  hath  bcenc  rormer- 
 ly  obfervcd.  Hee  that  believcth  will  pray.  The. weaker 
 he  is  in  himfelfe,  the  more  difficult  his  taskc.thc  more  fer- 
 vent his  fupplications.  Q  Lsrd,  there  is  no  firength  in 
 m,  to  ftandagaiitft  thisgreat'feofle,  that  commethagaii^fl 
 us  neither  doe  wee  kpove  what  to  doe  :  but  our  eyes  are  to- 
 Tvards  thee.  And  if  the  worke  fticke  faft,  and  ftirre  not  at 
 the  firft,itpuHetb  the  harder  :  difficulties  incite  to  earncfl: 
 prayer.    /»  the  morningwillldireBmeftntQ-theey  and  will 
 
 Fiftly,  It  puttetb  life  and  hardmcfle  into  us.  It  the 
 worke  be  great,  and  our  ftrength  fraall,- faith  biddcth  us 
 bee  ftrong  and  play  the  men: for  God  will  be  with  us  for 
 our  fupport.  Zehulon  and  T^phtali  v:ere  a  people  that 
 jeoparded  their  lives  unto  the  death,  in  the  high  places  of 
 the  field.  In  the  moft  eafie  worke  faith  will  not  fuffer  to 
 Icane  upon  our  owneQrength  :  in  grcateft  difficulties  it 
 wii  notdefpaire  of  the  Lords  aide.  This  is  the  ftay  of  faith  j 
 He  will  not  leave  thee:nor  forfake  thee.E  very  thing  is  too 
 hard  for  us,  if  we  relieupon  cur  felvcs :  nothing  too  hard 
 if  we  truft  m  the  Lord,  and  goc  forth  in  the  power  of 
 
 Sixt^y,*It  waitah  upon  God  for  good  fucccfle,  and 
 triumpheth  before  the  viftory.  Commit  thy  wajes  unto 
 the  Lord,  and  thy  thoughts  Jhall  bee  direBeA  Faith  loo- 
 kcth  to  thepromife,  and  concludeth  afikrcdly.  The  word^ 
 of  the  Lord  fliall  never  faile  :  The  zealeoftbc  Lord  of 
 hofts  will  bring  it  to  pafle.  .,  /-  jr 
 
 Seventhly,Faith  is  ready  and  forward  to  praile  God  tor 
 good  fuccefle,  as  it  is  willing  and  defirous  to  obey.  For  it 
 abafeth  it  felfe,  looketh  more  and  more  into  Gods  admi- 
 rable kindncffe,and  is  afhamcd  of  unthankfnlneffe.  David 
 promifcth  to  praife  God  three  times,  nay./even  times  in  a 
 day:  that  he  would  doe  it  openly  in  Uie  Congregation, 
 
 ^  and 
 
 4. 
 
 V 
 
 Judges.  J  I S,  . 
 loflnia.  1.5,9. 
 
 6. 
 
 Pro. 16. 3. 
 
 '\:}-- 
 
 7. 
 
400 
 
 Pral.i«5«i3^» 
 
 Jud.j.j,io,ii 
 
 There  be  many 
 promifei  of 
 Gods  blefing 
 his  ordinances 
 to  his  peoples 
 
 good. 
 
 Erayyj.1,253, 
 
 Hkword' 
 
 Pfal.i9.7j«. 
 
 Hffia;  te  li'ue  hj  Faith  in  the  ufe  of 
 
 and  privately  by  himfcife  :  and  yet,  as  though  he  had  fop- 
 got  himfelfe.aJ3d  becnc  much  behind  others  in  this  dutyjhe 
 quickensth  up  himfelfe  unto  it :  -Biep  the  Lord,  o  my  \ 
 fouk^m  iaU  that  is  mtUnmH,  bh^e  huholy  Titjtme,  The  ! 
 medication  ot  Gods  name  is  fvvecf,  the  remembrance  of  \ 
 his  kindneffc  is  pleafaivt:  the  faithfuU  eamot  fatisfie  them-  ' 
 fclves irr  finging  his  prayfes;  Hence  it  b  that  they  ftirrc^p  ■ 
 themfclves  and  provoke  others  to  magnifie  the  Lord  My 
 heart  u  towards  tht  Governmrs  ^flfrael,  that  offered  them- 
 [elvesviiill'mgly<tmongthepeople;Bleffeyeeth€  Lord,  Speake 
 yee  that  r^dem  white  ^jfes,  jee  thatj^t  in  MgemeJ,  and 
 walke  by  the  way.  They  that  are  delivered,  from  the  noyfeof 
 the<tArchers  in  thepUees  of  drawing  water ;  there  JJhaU  they 
 rehear fe  the  righteopu  aBs  oftheLordfiven  the  righteous  ^ds 
 towards  the  inhabitants,  of  his  viUages  in  Ifrael, "  '  -  >'  tov ' 
 
 CHAP.  XI. 
 
 How  to  h  ve  by  Faith  in  the  ufe  of  Gods  Ordi- 
 
 nances^^the  Word  and  Sacra- 
 
 ments, 
 
 IN  Scripture  wereadc  many  promifes  made  to  fachas 
 A  Ihali  conlcionably  hearken  unto  the  Word,  and  receive 
 the  holy  Sacraiiients,  the  fcales  of  the  covenantor  sracc  ^ 
 that  God  will  blefle  his  owne  Ordinances  to  their  edifica- 
 
 tion,conifort,ftrengtheningingrace,andeverlaftingfalva. 
 tion  Ho, every  one  that  thirfteth .come  jee  to  the  waters, and 
 toe  that  hath  no  money :  Come  yeeMy  andeate^yea  come.buy 
 ■mne  animtlke  wttheat  money, and  with  out  pnce :  Wherefore 
 doyeejpendmmey  for  that  which  is  not  bread  ?  and  your  la- 
 bour for  that  which  fatisfieth  not  ?  Hearken  dtligently  unto 
 
 ^ff^deateyee  that  which  is  goo^.^  ani  let  your  foible  delight 
 ttjelfe  wfatnejje,    Encline  your  eare,  and  come  unto  mee  • 
 
 hcare,^ndyourfonlefhalllive,The  law  of  the  Lord  is  perftd, 
 
 ^ con- 
 
Gods  Ordirpafice^s,  theWotdmd Sacraments. 
 
 eetnvertjrtg  tbefoule :  the  teftimonyef  the  Lord 'k  fme^  ma-' 
 J^ttg.rfifrthe  fimple.The  JlatHtej  sf.the  Lord  are  right  rejoj- 
 cihg  the  heart:  thf  Commaniements  of  the  Lafd  are  pure^iM- 
 Itghtmngtheeyes.ATHcifemmmUheAre  ^-tviflittcreafe  /ear- 
 pifif:&  a  man  of  under ftandingjhall  attame  unto  wife  coun^ 
 feli.  Takefafi-  holdofinfiruBioyii  let  her  not  gee  ;  •  keepeher, 
 ferjhe  u thj  life,  {Juyfonneyheare thy  fathers  commander 
 ijfenti  andforfake  not  the  lavf  of  thy  mother-^  Bindetheni  con. 
 timaily  upon  thy  heart,  and  tye  them  ahem  thy  neckf.  When 
 thoHgoeftt  itfhaltleade  thee  •  iivhen  thotipepefi^itJhaM  keepe 
 thee,  andrfhen  thoU  wakifi  itjhalltalke  mth  thee.  For  the 
 Commandemeni  is  a  lampe,  and  theLavifU  light :  and  re- 
 proof es  ofinfiruBion  are  thi  way  ef  Uf^i  ■  San  Si, fie  them 
 4h^Mgh  thy  truth:  thy^wordti  trkfh.  'DoeH^twy  words  doe 
 gcadto  him  that  ffdlfeth  uprightly?  As  new  ^orne  hahes 
 dejtre  the Jtncere  milke  of  the  Word ,  that  yee  may  grorv 
 thereby.  This  is  confirmed*  by  the  coiiiiJarifons  j  which 
 are  ufed  to  fct  forth  the  ufc  and  profit  of  the  word;  as  it 
 is  refembled  to  the lightj  raine,  dew,  living  water,  wine 
 and  milke:  •By  the  titles  which  ar&^iveii  unto  it  •  as 
 it  is  called  the  word  of  this  life ,  the  word  of  this  fal  vati- 
 on:  and  by  the  paffages  of  Scripture,  which  teflifie,  that 
 the  word  is  able  to  fave  our  foulcs.  Andnow  ^Brethren,  I 
 ^ommendptt  to  God^andto  t^ewdfd  of  his  grace  jwUich  uable 
 i^i'mld'youHpyaudtogiveyoft  dn  mherkance  ahfong-all  th^ 
 v^ycfjarefanSified;  For  after 'that  in^'Mhwifkome  of  God, 
 theyvorldbyvififdomeknew  not  C^od,  it'ple^fed ^oh  by  the 
 foolifhneffe  of  pre  aching  to  fave  i^$0f  that'  belii'O'e.'  Take 
 heednntfi  thy  f elf e  ;  and  unto '-the  M'o^yine  :''cMtinffe  /« 
 them :  far4n  doing  this  thou^jhali  both  favi  Wy'T^lfel 
 and  thvm  that  hearethee.  H^herefere  lay  apart  ait' ftlt  hi- 
 neffe,  and fuper fixity  of  naughtineffe ,  and  receive  with 
 meekene^e  the  ingrafted  word,  which  is  able  t6  ftvve  your 
 foules.. 
 
 ;  Thisalfoismanifeft  of  thfl  Sacraments,  which  be  truly 
 called  a  vifible  word,  bccaufe  that  which  is  fpoken  in  the 
 word  to  the  carcjis  in  vifible  fignes  reprefentcd  to  our  eyes 
 "3;!ir.  D  d  and 
 
 — 
 
 401 
 
 Pro.i.f, 
 
 John  17.17 
 
 ^  Efay  9.  j^ 
 Matth;4.ij. 
 Deut.  1%.  r,^ 
 ZSch.14.8.    - 
 Ezek.47.  p. 
 Cant.  a.  J. 
 Efay  J  J.  1,1, 
 a  Ad:s  j.zo. 
 Ads  15. a^. 
 
 Ads  20. lu     \ 
 
 I  Cor.  I, a  I, 
 
 r  Tim.4.16.. 
 
 I 
 
 James 'I  .'ix, 
 
 ments. 
 
402 
 
 Rom.4<  1 1> 
 
 I  Pct.3.ii, 
 Ads  tt.  i6. 
 
 Col,  1.1 1. 
 Rom.6.3, 
 
 Pto.l,j4,Sf. 
 
 Haw  tttive  ij  Fmh  in  fk  ufe  of 
 
 wnrdi^^f  °  '"'''^•°f  :^'^'  '^'■*'  'hat  having  his 
 word  and  feale  we  might  be  put  out  of  doubt,  thaf  we 
 
 and  all  his  benefits,  as  we  are  of  the  outward  (ignes  of 
 h..  covenant  What  the  Apoftle  faith  of  C  rcumcifion 
 that  IS  true  of  Sacraments  in  generall.  They  are  S  ^ 
 >b'mhuoufncfe.ffM,h,  or  Of  the  covclntJZ"J 
 And  for  the  better  affurance  of  the  believer,  thatfeS 
 ving  the  out  ward  figne  as  he  ought ,  hee  fliall  be  partaker 
 of  the  thing  fignified,  very  oft  fhat' which  proS  b^ 
 longs  to  the  thing  fealed.  is  given  toth:  oufw^d  ffsne 
 
 nafttjme  ;  nxdthM  we  4«  buried  nith  Ckrifi  h  BattirL. . 
 And  the  like  of  the  Lords  Supper ,  when  IXTfcL 
 didordameit,  he fpeakmg ohhe Bread faid ,  Thi/^l 
 Body  ,  and  of  the  Wine ,  This.  umjEM.fth  T^Z 
 
 (■  n  r^^?  Promifes  are  firmc  grounds,whcreuponthe  faith- 
 full  foule  may  build  this  affiance,  that  by  the  fincerrand 
 confdonable  ufe  of  Gods  holy  Ordinances,  die  Word  and 
 Sacraments,  he  fhall  be  made  wife  unto  falvation,  confi7 
 med  in  faith,  ftrengtbcned  in  grace,  rcfrefhedWrth  mv 
 and  comfort,andpcf fcaed  unto  cverlafting  happinc^  imi 
 the  fcnous  medication,  and  remembrance  of  thcfe  thi3 
 IS  e^ccccding  profitable  to  quicken  and  encourage  uifto 
 cbearefull  andconftant  attendance  upon  God  in  &  ordi 
 naDces,that  fo  wc  may  indue  leafon  rcape  the  fwcct  f rui> 
 thereof.  SUffedis  the  «4«  that  hcareth  L :  ^aukZ  Z 
 
 t7^/T'  '^J'']Hffy'^\'^'f4s<>fmyd,orts,  WorwL 
 l^f^hme.finieth  hfe'^(indjhaa<fbt^ine  favour  of  t^ 
 Did  Chriftians  oft  and  carncftly  breath  themfclves  in  me^ 
 ditation  on  thofc  great  things,  that  God  offcreth  in  the 
 C^ofpdl.  and  his  truth  and  faithfulnelTe  to  make  eood 
 whatfocverhehathfpoken  :  Did  they  fet  before  tfem* 
 both  the  mercy  ofiSod  in  ordaining  the  Sacraments  for  the 
 
 ftrengthc- 
 
G^ds  Ordinances,  the  Word  and  Sacraments, 
 
 ftrengtheningof  their  faitb,andhis  grace  and  faithfalnefle 
 in  bcftowing  upon  them  frccly,that  which  he  offereth  and 
 fcalcth  unto  them  in  thefe  outward  feales :  Did  they  con- 
 fidcr  what  he  gratioufly  promifeth  in  both,  and  exped:  to 
 be  made  partakers  of  them  in  the  ufc  of  thofe  ordinances; 
 it  would  marvcloufly  comfort ,  and  quicken  to  the  dili- 
 gent ufe  oPall  holy  meanes  ordained  of  God  for  our  pre- 
 feiit  comfort,  quickening ,  andftrcngthening,and  for  our 
 cvcrlafting  falvation. 
 
 This  faith  is  neceffary ;  for  it  availeth  not  to  live  under 
 the  Gofpell,  and  to  be  prefent  at  the  adminiftration  of  the 
 Sacraments,  if  they  be  not  ufcd  in  faith-  The  word  profi- 
 tcth  not,  unleffefV  he  mlngicdivith  faith  in  them  that  he  are 
 it.  And  the  fame  may  be  faid  of  receiving  the  Sacraments. 
 Faith  is  the  eyc,thc  hand,  the  mouth,  the  ftomacke  of  the 
 fou-c  :  by  it  we  fee,  Teccive,fced  upon  Chrift.  Looke  as  at 
 a  feaftjthongh  the  Table  be  never  fo  richly  furni{hed,yct  if 
 a  man  have  neither  hand,  mouth,  nor  ftomacke,  he  is  not 
 fed  thereby ;  fo  is  it  here. 
 
 Nor  is  it  fufl§cicnt  to  have  faith,but  it  mud  be  cxercifed 
 to  receive  that  grace  which  the  Word  of  God  doth  reach 
 us  with  the  fealc.  It  is  not  the  having  but  the  new  exer- 
 cifc  of  faith,  which  maketh  us  profitable  hearers  of  the 
 word,worthy  receivers  of  the  Sacramenr.Looke  as  a  man 
 may  have  a  hand,  and  yet,  if  when  a  thing  is  reached  forth 
 to  nim,  he  doe  not  put  it  out, nothing  is  received :  fo  we 
 may  have  the  grace  of  faith,and  yet,if  when  God  reacheth 
 us  the  body  and  bloud  of  his  Chrift,  we  doe  not  then  awa- 
 ken ir,<to  lay  hold  on  the  grace  God  offereth,  we  fhall  go 
 away  without  receiving  it.  Or  looke  as  at  a  feaft,  though 
 we  nave  a  mouth,  and  there  be  plentituU  provifion,  if  we 
 will  not  open  itjand  take  downe  the  fuftenance  before  us, 
 we  fhall  rife  empty ;  fo  though  we  have  the  mouth  of 
 faith,yct  if  we  do  not  open  it  to  God  now  offering  to  feed 
 us,  we  fhall  not  get  a  crumme  of  grace. 
 The  Adls  of  faith  be  thcfe  or  the  like. 
 Firft>  It  teachcth  to  worfhip  the  true  God  purely :  to 
 D  d  2  cfteeme 
 
 405 
 
 Its  necejfaryto 
 lively  faith  in 
 the  ufe  of  Gods 
 Ordinances. 
 
 tin  Am  of 
 faith  it  the 
 tife  ofGeds 
 Ordinances, 
 I. 
 
404 
 
 Efay  8.10. 
 
 Efay  29.  13. 
 Matth,!?.^. 
 
 Jer.7  5i- 
 
 MmtoMsfe 
 
 />  theufe^ef 
 
 2. 
 
 pfai.ioj.4. 
 
 I  Chro.i6.ii. 
 
 PfaL42.z. 
 ;Pfal.(53,i,a. 
 
 Pfal,  54.1,2. 
 j,  Yerfc  3. 
 
 Rev.  4.  ^. 
 a  Cor. 3. 18. 
 
 ilPi:<V&34.: 
 
 cfl:ccfnc,approvc,and  exercife  that  worfhip,  &  that  alone 
 which  he  ptefcribeth  ♦  for  faith  looketh  to  the  revealed 
 will  of  God,  as  the  rule  of  all  acceptable  fccviGe,.>afid  to 
 the  promifes,  as  the  grounds  of  comfort  ^  and  good  fuc- 
 ceffe.  It  tenders  unto  God,  what  he  rcquireth.;  and  loo- 
 keth  unto  God  to  receive  what  he  is  pleafed,  &  hath  pro- 
 mifedto  give.   But  God  will  not  accept  that  woriLip, 
 which  he  h^th  not  appointed,  por.woirke  effcdually  by 
 the  devices  of  men.  No  piety,  comfort,  or  true  devotion 
 is,  or  can  be  ftirred  up  by  humane  traditions :  for  as  they 
 aredeftitute  of  commandement  for  their  rule,  fo  are  they 
 of  promife,  that  God  will  kindle  or  quicken  by  them  any 
 fparkle  of  knowledge,  faith, invocation,  thankfulnefle,or 
 other  laving  niotions  of  heart.'   ; :  '  >:n:  \  ; ; ;  ■:     ;.  •  . ,"' 
 '  -'■' Secondly^ It ddighteth  greatly  to  behold  the  face  of 
 God  in  his  fanftuary.  When  thou  faideft,  Seeks  jee  my 
 face,  my  heart  [aid  Pinto  thee  yThy  face  ^  Lor^  will  I  feekf, 
 when  Jh all  J  come  and  appeare  before  God,    O  God,  thou 
 ,art  my  G od,  early  will  I  feehe  thee:  my  fottle   thirfieth 
 forihee,tnyflejhiongethforthee,iniftdrie  and  thirfiy  land, 
 where  no  water  u :  To  fee  thy  power  and  glory,  foas  I  have 
 feene  thee  in  the  SanBui^y.  How  amiable  are  thy  taberna- 
 cles^ O  Lardofhofis  ?  tjlfy  foule lo}f.geth,yea  ev'en.fainteth 
 for. the  courts  of  the  Lord:  myhear.t,apd.my.fiejhcryeth 
 out  for  the  limng  G'di,.Ble^ed  are  they  that 'dwell  in  thy 
 hoftfe.  The  Leviticall  worfhip   was  as  a.  glaffe  more 
 dimmc,in  which  they  beheld  the  face  of  the  LordobfcUfe- 
 ly :  the  Word  and  Sacraments  are  to  Chriftians  as  a  cicare 
 glaffe,in  which  as.  with  open  face  we  behold  the  glory 
 rof  God  in  Chrift.  Chrift  is  prefent  with  us ,  as-  lon^  as 
 we  hold  his  publike  worfbip :  lie  is  found ,  when  we  re- 
 cover it  having  beene  loft.  Then  doth    the  face  of  the 
 Lord  fliine  upon  usjwhen  he  offers  himfelfe  unto  his  peo- 
 ple to  be  feene  in  his  publike  worfliip  :  the  pure  ancf  un- 
 defiled  exerciles  of  piety.  And  from  hence  fprineeth  the 
 willingnes  of  the  Saints,to  waite  continually  at  the  poftcs 
 of  wifdomes  gates,  to  heare  her  wordsjtheir  earneft  con- 
 tention 
 
Goiis  Ordinances,  theWord and  Sacraments. 
 
 tcntion  and  ftudy  to  prefervc,niaintain,  uphold,  &  fet  for- 
 ward the  pure  worfhip  of  God,  &  to  favcor  free  it  from 
 the  droflc  of  fiiperftitioas  vanities ,  which  obfcutc  the 
 cleare  light  of  the  Lords  countenance,  and  to  reftorc  it  ac- 
 cording to  the  patterne,  ifonce  it  fall ;  and  their  diligent 
 cnquirie  after  Chrift,  if  his  face  be  hidden  from  them,  or 
 his  worfliip  be  polluted  with  Idolatry,  Tell  me  (O  thou 
 whom  mj [otile  loveth)  where  thoufeedefi ,  where  thou  ma- 
 hB  thjflockf  to  refi  at  no  one  :  for  why  (hould  I  bee  oi  one 
 that  ^  vaile^yamonaH  theflock^s  of  thy  companions  ?  Why 
 fliould  I  be  as  a  woman  wafting  her  felfe  with  forrow 
 &  griefe,whiles  I  feeke  thy  prefence  in  thine  ordinances. 
 
 Thirdly, It fceketh  acquaintance  with  God,  and  the 
 knowledge  of  his  will  in  Chrift  Jefus.  Without  fome 
 knowledgeof  God  in  Chrift,  and  of  his  word  going  be- 
 fore, there  can  be  no  faith :  but  faith  endcavoureth  theen- 
 i  creafc  of  knowledge  :  It  crycth  after  knowledge,  and 
 Ufteth  up  the  voice  for  underftanding  :  It  feekcth  her  as 
 (liver,  and  fearcheth  for  her  as  for  hid  trealiires.  (Jl'/y 
 fmlebreakethfor  the  longing  that  it  hath  unto  thy  judge- 
 went  s  ^  at  all  times.  CMake  meeto  underfiand  the  way  of 
 thy  precepts  ^  fo  pjall  I  meditate  or  talke  of  thy  wondrout 
 workes,  *  This  is  implied  in  the  phrafe  of  feeking  God, 
 which  fignifieth  to  bend  all  their  ftrength  and  power  to 
 know  ,  acknowledge  and  worfhip  God  aright.  Know- 
 ledge is  pleafant  to  the  believing  foule  ,  and  wifedome 
 delighteth  the  heart.  Children  covet  fwecte  meatcs,  be- 
 caufe  they  pleafe  the  tafte ;  and  the  believer  defires  the 
 knowledgeof  God  and  his  word,  becaufe  it  is  £weetc 
 and  dcare  unto  him.  God  in  Chrift  is  the  objedt  offaith ; 
 the  matter,  wbatfoevcr  is  revealed  of  God  to  be  received 
 or  believed ;  and  faith  it  felfe  is  more  ftrong,and  the  ope- 
 rations offaith  more  lively  and  comfortable,  as  thefe  are 
 better  knowne.  And  from  this  defirc  it  commeth,that  the 
 believer  doth  apply  himfelfe  to  attend  unto  the  word  of 
 truth,  ponder  it  ferioufly ,  and  treafurc  it  up  fafc,  that  it 
 might  not  overflip  him. 
 
 __^^^^^^  D  d  5  Fourthly,\ 
 
 405 
 
 Cant.i«7. 
 
 Rom,  10. 14. 
 
 Pfal.iip.zo, 
 
 Vetfe  27, 
 ^Plal.^.io. 
 &  49.16. 
 PfaI.iof,4. 
 EfayjS.z. 
 
 Ads  1 6. 1 4. 
 
 Luke  a.  5 1, 
 Heb.i  x,s. 
 
 .  -A 
 
^0$ 
 
 E)Cllt,L0.10. 
 
 Joh.6.5i,?4« 
 «  pral.xi9-3*' 
 (ijasi.i>2ii> 
 
 Jcr.xjxn 
 1- 
 
 Geh.4.4. 
 
 Heb.ii.4, 
 
 Pfal.42,,4, 
 
 How  t$  live  Ifj  Fmh  in  the  ufe  of 
 
 Fourthly, It glacth the  heart  dofc  to  the  word,  rc- 
 ccivctb  and  pofleffcth  the  good  things  promifed ,  and 
 cbangctb  the  difpofition  of  foule  into  the  nature  of  the 
 Word.Faith  «  followethhard  after  the  word  till  it  be  made 
 our  owne,and  its  lively  Character  ftamped  upon  the  foule: 
 It ''  feedeth  upon  every  part  of  the  word,  getteth  intereft 
 in  every  pronnife,and  lucketh  vigour  and  /uycc  out  of  it. 
 By  faith  w»  <=  fticke  clofe  unto  the  word,  arid  ^  the  word 
 doth  fticke,  or  is  ingrafted  into  us. 
 
 And  to  the  end  we  might  poflefle  the  pearle  of  the 
 Gofpell ,  and  be  feafoned  with  the  dodrinc  o^  grace 
 throughlv ,  faith  rcnounceth  all  intereft  in  the  iufts  of  the 
 flc{h,ancl  things  of  this  life.  It  carncftly  pondereth  and 
 mcditateth  upon  the  great  things  of  the  laWjto  worke  the 
 heart  to  an  holy  efteeme  of  the  excellent  and  heavenly 
 things  contained  in  it,  and  to  a  gratious  affedation  of  eve- 
 ry duty  therein  required^^A-nd  it  importuneth  the  Lord  by 
 true  prayer, without  hypocriticall  halting  or  ftarting  afide, 
 thathe  would  be  plealed  to  write  his  law  in  our  heartJ, 
 and  keepe  us  ftedfaft  unto  him,  that  we  may  never  depart 
 from  his  fearc.  For  by  faith  we  cleave  faft  unto  God ;  but 
 it  is  God  that  knitteth  us  unto  himleUe  :  e^if  the  girdle 
 I  cleaveth  to  the  loynes  of  a  man  ,  fg  have  I  tyed  unto  mee 
 the  whole  houfe  of  Ifraell ,  that  they  might  bee  my  peo- 
 
 FiftIy,Itquicknethto'ferveGodin  the  ufe  of  all  his 
 ordinances  with  diligence,  cheerefulnefle,a«d  beft  endea- 
 vour. By  faith  t^^be/  brought  of  he  firftlings  of  his 
 fiockc .  and  of  the  fat  thereol  an  offering  to  the  Lord. 
 By  faimD^z/^V  went  with  the  multitude  unto  the  houfc 
 of  God,  with  the  voice  of  joy  and  praile:  faith  can  neither 
 be  cloyed  with  Gods  prefence,  nor  account  any  Icrvice 
 too  good  for  him.The  voice  of  faith  is,I  will  fing  and  give 
 praife  with  the  beft  member  that  I  have  flow  {hould  he 
 be  negligent  in  the  ufe  of  any  ordina  iccjwho  fecth  God  in 
 his  whole  worlliip,  and  findeth  comi-ort,  tafteth  (wect- 
 neffe  in  every  part.  Wee  fee  by  experience ,  tjie  defire 
 
 of 
 
G$(is  Ordinances,  the  Word  and  Sacraments. 
 
 of  gainc  drawes  men  to  rife  early,  reft  late,  toyle 
 hard  in  any  bii{ine{re  that  may  bring  in  commodity  :  Eut 
 faith  bcgettcth  an  unfatiable.  operative.conftant  third  and 
 defireof  fpirituall  things  which  makes  the  believer  in- 
 duftriousintheu  eofall  meanes,  whereby  his  treafure 
 may  be  encreafed.  Looke  as  the  Merchant  takes  paines  to 
 enrich  himfclfe,  and  encreafe  his  fubftance ;  fo  doth  the 
 faithfull  f  oulc  to  get  pofleflion  pf  the  true  treafure.  Lively 
 faith,and  barning  iovc  towards  the  Lord,lodge  both  toge- 
 ther, which  bring  forth  paines  and  forwardneffe  in  the 
 workes  oK  holineffe,  wilUngneffe  and  delight  to  plcafe 
 him  in  all  things. 
 
 More  particularly  it  may  be  inquired,  How  parents  in 
 faith  (hould  prefent  their  children  unto baptifmc ,  What 
 ufe  Chriftians  fliould  make  of  their  baptifme,  when  they 
 come  to  age  and  difcrction  5  And  how  we  arc  to  receive 
 the  Lords  Supper  in  faith. 
 
 The  dedication  of  a  childe  to  God,  is  a  worke  of  fingu 
 lar  and  great  importance,  one  of  the  weighticft  fervices 
 we  can  take  in  hand^though  (we  may  fcare)  it  is  confidcr- 
 ed  of  few.  For  to  fay  nothing  of  the  ignorant  and  profane 
 iortjwbo  favour  not  the  things  of  God,  and  therefore  can 
 have  no  reverent  regard  to  the  (ealcs  of  the  covenant  how 
 manyT)e  tTiere  of  better  hopes,well  inftrudled  in  the  prin- 
 ciples of  rehgion,  diligent  frequenters  of  Gods  Ordinan- 
 ces, and  carefull  to  beautifie  their  profcffion  with  an  holy 
 converfation,  who  did  never  diftin^ly,  and  in  good  ear- 
 ned confidcr  of  this  matter?  when  yet  they  muft  needs  ac 
 knowledge,  that  it  cannot  be  well  done  as  it  ought,  if  it  be 
 not  done  in  faith. 
 
 The  aAs  of  faith  in  this  particular  bee  thefc,  and  fuch 
 like. 
 
 Firfl,  It  calleth  to  remembrance  the  free  and  gratious 
 covenant  which  God  hath  made  with  the  believing  pa- 
 rents and  their  pofterity.  I  am  thy  Cod  ^  and  the  God  of 
 thjfeeJe,  For  the proptife  is  made  unto  you,  and  to  your 
 childretty  and  to  aU  that  areafarre  ojf,  even  at  many  as  the  | 
 
 D  d  4  Lord\ 
 
 407 
 
 Efay  <;4.4, 
 com  wit'i 
 I  Cor.t.9, 
 
 Paretitf  Jhould 
 in  faith  prefent 
 their  Child  to 
 God  in  Bap- 
 rifme. 
 
 The  a!ts  of 
 faith  in  this 
 particular, 
 I, 
 
 G.en.17.7,9. 
 Aft*  1.39, 
 
4o8 
 
 3. 
 
 1%  S2m<7,t7' 
 
 How  U  live  by  Faith  i»  the  ufe  of  i 
 
 Lordjar  G,dMj:»U^  which  covenant.as  it  is  made  with 
 the  parentsand  chcir  fed .  fo  doth  the  faith  of  the  parent 
 
 tor  his  fcede.  And  this  is  the  ground  of  that  tender  rnhirh 
 aChriftian  makes  of  his  Child  unto  holy  BaSc  For 
 by  naturallgenerationtbe  Children  of  believing  parents 
 are  defiled  with  finne,  and  founder  wrath  :  bSeTrre 
 holy  by  covenant  and  free  acceptation,  the  believing  na 
 rent  embracing  the  mercifull  promife  of  Godfor  himfSfe 
 andforhispofterity.  Infants  are  not  borne  ChrSsbv 
 na turall  birth,  but  made  Chriftians  by  vertue  of"he  cov^! 
 
 ?:Wm%X"arer""^"'^'"="P°"°'^^^™^^ 
 
 fefve?m?/^r ''/''I''  r''^ 'l'"'™^  P^^rents  muftgive  them- 
 lelves  unto  God,  chufing  him  to  be  their  portion,  and  re 
 fign  ng  tbemfelves  in  alhhings  tobe  guided  by  bis  word 
 m  all  eftates  and  conditions.fie  t.hat  lould  give  his  d,ilde 
 unto  God,  muft  give  himielfe  firft.  I,  it  p^obabefhat 
 
 ??*""■]  t™lydefire,andIong  after  the  prefermen   of 
 hischildeinthe  Kingdome  of  grace  here,  and  Srv 
 
 hereafter,whowillnotenterhiSfeIfe,norfubmithifw  S 
 tbe&r''''r. -"'."^S'^^'  ■  The  promife  is  mJcto 
 the  faithfull;  and  that  faith  one'y,  which  drawes  a  man 
 toyeeldupfouleandfaody.asa  fiWng  facrificertoGod 
 pleafingandacceptable  unto  his  Mafefty,  doth  auick^n  , 
 P5="«™^.fin«rely,  freely,  and  s  he  ought^o  make 
 tender  of  his  childe  unto  God.  ^  ^^^  i 
 
 !„nPr''i^,;'lP''°^°''"''  P"'"''  f°  °ff"  tbeir  children 
 unto  Qod  by  hearty  and  unfained  prayer,  affoone  as  ev^ 
 they  have  received  them  from  himf  Gods  P  omife  t„  1/ 
 ceptourchildre„,calleth  for  prayer  and  fK   rio„  o^ 
 
 ZW^l  r^-'Ti*^-  Thus©„».areafoneth,  Thm.o 
 I;or<iofhoflsg,dofIfraettMjl  revealed  t,  th,  ferZnt 
 ^^n.'^mumhee  .„y.fe:  therefore  hJhtlyt;. 
 
 And  fo  Ihould  every  Father.O  Lord.thou  haft  covenanted 
 
 to 
 
Gods  Ordmncesj  the  Wordaf^d  Sacraments. 
 
 to  be  mjr  God,  and  the  God  oFmy  pofterity,therefore  am 
 I  bold  to  intreat  thy  Fatherly  acceptance  of  my  pooreln^ 
 fant. 
 
 Fourthly,. It  confidereth  what  a  fingular  prerogative  it 
 is,  to  be  adtuaily  admitted  into  covenant  with  God,  re- 
 ceived into  his  family,  and  to  have  his  name  put  upon  us ; 
 to  be  partaker  of  the  feale  of  regeneration,  remilTion  of 
 ilnnesj  adoption, and everlafting  inheritance;  folemnely 
 to  be  made  free  of  the  fociety  of  Saints ,  and  weare  ther 
 Lords  badge  and  livery.  And  what  an  high  and  incom- 
 prehenfible  mercy  it  is,  that  God  hath  promifcd ,  and 
 doth  vcuchfafe  thefc  great  and  ineftimable  bleffings,  not 
 onely  to  himfclfe  a  miferable  and  wretched  finner,but  alfo 
 to  his  pofterity ,  who  by  naturall  generation  are  enemies 
 to  his  Highneffe,  dead  in  trefpafTes,  and  in  bondage  unto 
 thccurfeofthclaw^  Withthefeor  the  like  meditations 
 of  faith,  beh'eving  parents  muft  prefcnt  their  children 
 unto  Baptifme,that  they  might  receive  the  fcalc  of  rege- 
 neration, remiflion  of  {inncs,and  fpiritualllibertyjthat  the 
 Name  of  God  might  be  fet  upon  them,  and  their  names 
 regiftredamongfl:  the  free  Denifonsof  the  heavenly  le- 
 rufalem.  And  fervent  cfteduall  prayer  doth  accompany 
 this  admiflion,  that  God  would  be  pleafed  to  accept  the 
 party  baptized  for  his  cbilde  by  grace  and  adoption,  re- 
 leafe  him  of  his  fins,  and  make  him  partaker  of  his  everla- 
 fting  kngdome.  Faith  bclieveth  what  God  promifeth^ 
 as  he  promifcth  it ;  and  beggeth  fervently ,  what  he  gi- 
 veth  freely. 
 
 Fif  tly ,  It  ftirreth  up  hearty  rejoycing  in  the  Lord,  that 
 he  hath  vouchfafed  in  tender  compaffion  to  lookc  upon 
 the  m,and  their  pofterity,  and  thus  to  honour  and  advance 
 them :  for  the  trueft  Nobility  is  to  be  made  a  Chriftian, 
 and  to  live  in  favour  with  God.  A  worldly  Father  wou^d 
 muchrejoyce,  if  his  cbilde  fhould  be  preferred  to  fome 
 chiefe  Office  in  the  Princes  Court,alToone  as  it  was  borne; 
 A  Chriftian  Father  hath  much  greater  caufc  of  joy,  that 
 he  is  admitted,  not  as  a  iervant,  but  as  a  fonne  and  hcire, 
 
 into 
 
 40P 
 
 4. 
 
4IO 
 
 ^. 
 
 Mar.io.if,x^ 
 
 By  faith  me 
 Jhould  makt 
 right  ufe  oj  our 
 Saptijme, 
 
 How  u  Ihe  hy  Faith  in  the  ufe  of 
 
 into  the  Court  of  the  grcar  King  of  Heaven  and  Earth, 
 If  parents  can  compafle  but  a  Lcafc  of  fame  Farme  for 
 thcmfclves ,  and  theirs ,  they  arc  glad :  and  fliall  they 
 notrejoycc,  that  God  bath  by  covenant  and  icals  pal- 
 fed  the  grant  of  the  Kingdomc  of  Heaven  to  them  and 
 theirs  ? 
 
 Sixtly,  It  ftirrcth  up  parents  to  be  diligent  and  carefull 
 to  bring  up  their  children  in  information  and  feare  ot  the 
 Lord,  being  inftant  with  God  to  bleflc  their  endeavours 
 for  the  good  of  their  children,  and  the  glory  of  his  name. 
 For  thus  faith  perfwadeth :  Thy  childc  is  not  thine ,  but 
 the  I*ords  ;  thou  haft  dedicated  him  unto  the  lervke  of  his 
 Majefty,  and  he,  from  whom  thoureceivcdft  him  at  firft, 
 hath  committed  him  to  thy  charge,  to  be  trained  up  in 
 his  feare.  It  is  a  great  honour  to  be  trufted  with  fuch  a 
 charge,  and  it  is  a  fearefull  finne  to  neglcd  fo  great  a  truft. 
 Wilt  thou  confecrate  thy  childe  to  God  this  day ,  and 
 leave  him  to  the  Devill  for  ever  after  ?  Wilt-thou  teach 
 him  a  trade,  that  he  might  live  as  a  Man,  and  not  teach 
 him  the  way  of  godlincffe ,  that  hec  might  live  as  a  Chri- 
 ftian  ?  Didft  thou  not  undertake  for  bis  education  in  the 
 true  Religion,  and  wilt  thou  negled  the  performance  of 
 that  folemne  oath?  Chrift  commanded  the  children  of 
 Chriftian  parents  to  be  broaght  unto  him :  and  wilt  thou 
 prefent  them   untaught,  and  ignorant  of  the  Chriftian 
 h\z\  ?  The  feme  confcience,  which  moved  parents  to  of- 
 fer their  children  to  Baptifme,  will  quicken  them  to  en- 
 deavour their  education  in  the  true  taith,  and  fcrvice  of 
 God. 
 
 Baptifme  is  a  feale  of  the  covenant  betwixt  God  and  us; 
 
 of  Gods  promife  tons  that  he  will  be  our  God,and  of  our 
 
 ^romife  to  bim,  that  we  will  be  his  people,  repent  of  our 
 
 (insjbelieve  in  Chrift,  ^  walke  before  him  in  fincere  obe- 
 
 dience.For  fignificationj  force,  ufe  and  fruit  it  continucth, 
 
 I  not  for  a  moment  of  time ,  but  ?or  the  whole  courfe  of  a 
 
 1  mans  life.  It  doth  refpert  not  oncly  the  time  paft,and  pre- 
 
 jfent,  but  that  which  is  to  come  3  yea,  that  whole  time  a 
 
 »  man 
 
411 
 
 Gcds  Ordnances  y  the  Word  and  Sacraments, 
 
 man  hath  to  fpcnd,  from  the  very  ad  oi  his  Baptifmc,  to 
 his  death.  For  as  it  is  the  fcalc  of  a  free,  cverlafttng ,  un- 
 changeable covenant  j  fo  is  the  force  and  ufe  of  it  perpe- 
 tuall.  Baprifmc  is  the  true  Sacrament  of  repentance,  for 
 remiflion  of  finncs ,  and  fpirituall  renovation ,  which 
 being  once  received ,  remaincth  a  perpetual!  teftimo- 
 ny  and  pledge  of  the  everlafting  Covenant  of  God,  and 
 eontinuall  wa{htng  away  of finne  by  the  bloud  of  Chrift, 
 and  the  Spirit  of  fanftification.  By  fingular  appropria- 
 tion it  rcprefentCvh  and  confirmeth  oar  engrafting  into 
 ehrift,  but  withall  it  fealeth  the  whole  Covenant  of 
 grace. 
 
 The  ufcofBaptifme  is  twofold.  Firft,  It  fervestobee 
 a  pledge  and  token  of  Gods  favour ,  and  that  divers 
 wayes. 
 
 Firfl:,  In  that  it  is  a  fcalc  of  our  regeneration  by  the  ho- 
 ly Spirit ,  whereby  a  divine  quality  is  infuled  into  us,  in 
 the  roomc  and  place  of  originall  corruption.  And  f  here- 
 fore  Baptifme  (as  the  text  is  ordinarily  expounded}  is  cal- 
 led the  Uver  of  regeneration  :  it  being  an  ufuali  thing 
 to  cal  the  principall  caufe,and  the  inftrument  by  the  fame 
 name. 
 
 Secondly,  It  fealeth  and  confirmeth  unto  ns  the  free 
 pardon  and  forgiveneffe  of  our  fins.  Rrpmt  andbe  baptized 
 every  cneofjoHin  the  Name  oflefm  Chrifi^fortheremiJJion  ^'-^•*'  S^* 
 of  fins,  ^yirife  andbe  baptizedyandrvajh  awaj  thy  ^nnestCal-  \  Ad.az.  1 0 
 iin^  on  the  2^me  of  the  Lord, 
 
 Thirdly,  Baptifme  is  a  pledge  of  the  vertuc  of  Chrifts 
 dcathjand  of  our  ♦^^ellowlbip  therein. Z>  op  jee  not  know  tbAt 
 all we^yvho have beene  bapi<edinto  lefm  Qhrift^havcbeene 
 bapttK^dinto  hii  death  f 
 
 Fourthly,It  is  alfo  a  pledge  of  the  vertue  of  Chrifts 
 life,  a  d  of  our  communion  with  him  therein.  The  life  of 
 Chrift  is  the  life  of  cvfry  believer,  who  liveth  in  Chrift, 
 fhaU  live  for  ever  with  him,  and  in  hrm  x  a  certaine 
 pledge  whereof  he  bath  given  us  in  this  Sacrament.  For  if 
 we  have  beene  planted  together  in  the  Ukenes  of  his  death:  ree 
 
 fhali 
 
 Theu/etob& 
 made  of  our 
 B^iptifme  « 
 two-fold. 
 
 I. 
 I. 
 
 Titusj.f, 
 
 2, 
 
 J. 
 Ron3.<S.j* 
 
 Hom^.f. 
 
412 
 
 Col.Z.I2. 
 
 Gen,48.i^. 
 
 Gal.j. 26,17. 
 
 6. 
 
 I  Cor.12.13. 
 
 Ephef.4,J. 
 
 Mack  1^.1 5. 
 Titus  5.5,^,7* 
 1  Pet.j.ai. 
 
 How  t6  live  hj  Faith  in  theufe  cf 
 
 j^all  he  alfointhe  likene^e  of  hii  refmreBion.  Buried  with 
 htm  in  -Baptifme  wherein  a  '(oyeH  are  rifen  with  him,thrm<rh 
 thefatth  of  the  operation  ^fGod,  who  hath  raijed  htm  frtm 
 the  dead. 
 
 V\ii\y,  Baptifme  is  a  pledge  of  our  adoption  in  Chrift 
 By  nature  wee  are  the  children  of  wrath :  but  by 
 grace  and  adoption  the  Tonnes  of  God,  through  faith  in 
 Cnrill ;  which  is  fealed  in  Baptifme,  wherein  the  name  of 
 the  Father,  Sonne,  and  holy  Spirit  is  pat  upon  us  When 
 Ucob  bleflbdthe  fonnes  cf  lofe^h,  Epbraim  zndManaf, 
 ps,  iaym^,  Let  w/name  he  named  on  them -,  he  adopted 
 r  them  for  his  fonnes,  to  have  inheritance  with  them  in  the 
 Imdot  Canaan:  and  when  God  putteth  his  name  upon 
 us,  hefignifiethandaflureththat  we  are  his  fonnes.  7>^ 
 are  ali  the  children  of  God  By  faith  in  Chnfi  hfm.  For  as 
 many  of  you ,  as  have  beene  bapti<,edinto  Chrifijhavepm  on 
 Chrifi, 
 
 Sixthly,  Baptifme  is  a  folemne  tcftiraohy  of  our  com- 
 munion with  all  the  hvely  members  of  Chrift  Jcfus.  It  is 
 afeale  of  the  bond  of  mutuall  love  and  fcUowfhip/both 
 of  Chrift  with  his  members,  and  of  his  members  one 
 with  another.  For  by  one  Spirit  are  wee  all  baptized  into 
 one  body  ^  whether  wee  be  lewes  or  gentiles,  whether  wee 
 bee  bond  or  free :  And  Baptifme  is  one  of  thofe  things 
 whereby  the  unity  ofthc  Spirit  is  preferved  in  the  bond 
 of  peace. 
 
 Seventhly,  It  is  a  fealc  and  pledge  to  aflure,  that  God 
 will  provide  for  us  \h  this  life,  raifc  up  our  bodies  unto 
 life  at  the  laft  day  of  Judgement,  and  befto  vv  upon  us  that 
 evcrlafting Kingdome and  Inheritance,  which  hee  hath 
 prepared.  For  in  Baptifme  the  Lord  doth  promifc  to  be 
 our  God,  that  he  will  provide  us  of  all  things  ncceflary 
 for  foule  and  body,  turnc  all  evils  which  doe  befall  in  this 
 eiiferable  life,  to  the  furtherance  of  our  falvation,  raifc  up 
 our  bodies  at  the  laft  day,  and  receive  us  unto  himfelfe  to 
 dwell  with  him  for  evermore. 
 
 In  all  which  refpeds  Baptifme  is  of  great  force  to 
 ftrengthcn 
 
Gcds  Or  d  nances )  the  Werdand  Sacraments. 
 
 ftrengthen  faith,  and  cafe  the  heart  in  diLlrcflc.  For  when 
 the  repentant  OnncrFeeleshimflFe  heavy  laden  with  the 
 burden  of  his  finref}  vthenSathan  tempts  him  to  doubt 
 or  defpaire  in  regard  of  his  cor;  uptions  4  iwhen  his  owne 
 corruption  moveth  him  to  finne,andhe  is  even  now  in  the 
 combate,  the  Spirit  lufli.g  againft  the  flefh  and  the  fiefh 
 lufting  againft  the  Spirit  j  and  when  he  is  deeply  perplex- 
 ed with  fcare  of  falling  away  t  then  the  confideration  and 
 remembrance  of  what  was  proraifed ,  and  fealed  in  Bap- 
 tifme  williervetoftay, fupport,  and  comfort  the  foulc. 
 For  there  he  fhallfinde  that  his  name  is  written  in  the  co- 
 venant of  God,  that  God  bath  promifed  to  give  Chrift  to 
 be  his  Redeemer, to  accept  of  Chrifts  fatisfadion  for  him, 
 to  wafli  away  all  his  fins,  as  certaincly  as  the  water  wa- 
 flieih  away  the  filth  of  the  body ;  and  having  fuch  a  faith- 
 full  promife  confirmed  by  feale ,  wherefore  Ihouldhe  be 
 difmayed?  In  Baptifmealfo  God  hath  fealed  unto  him 
 the  mortification  of  his  finnc  by  the  power  of  Chrifts 
 death  :  which  is  ground  of  ccnfidcnce,diat  God  will  cna» 
 ble  him  to  overcome  the  rebellious  luilsof  his  heart,  and 
 crucifie  the  old  man  more  and  more,  untill  the  body  of  fin 
 be  utterly  deftroycfl.  True  it  is,  that  man  by  nature  is  dead 
 in  finne  *.  bdt  in  Baptifme,  God  of  his  mercy  hath  fealed 
 unto  the. believer,  his  rifing  from  the  death  of  finne  to 
 newncffe  of  life.Trus  it  is,tbat  of  our  felves  wc  arc  prone 
 to  fall  away  from  grace  received  :  But  God  of  his  rich 
 grace  fealeth  unto  the  faithfull  in  Baptifme  a  Refurrcdion 
 unto  immortall  life ,  which  fliall  grow  daily ,  but  never 
 decay.       .  /   -. 
 
 If  the  faithfull  be  afflided,and  dcfpifed  of  mcn,peTfc-u- 
 ted  and  forfaken,  caft  out  of  the  vifible  Congregation, a  d 
 banifhed  from  the  houfe  of  God  :  yea,  even  in  the  agonies 
 of  death;  the  remembrance  of  the  promifes  fealed  in 
 Baptifme,  will  afford  comfort.  For  if  men  have  forftkcn, 
 Ood  hath  received  them ;  If  men  fcorne  and  contemnc, 
 the  Lord  will  acknowledge  them.  He  hath  long  agoe 
 fealed  them  for  his  ownc,  received  them  into  his  family, 
 
 under 
 
 4^3 
 
 Rom.  ^.9, 10. 
 
414- 
 
 II.  VfC 
 
 I. 
 
 Marke  x  4. 
 
 How  t9  live  Ify  Faith  in  the  ufe  of 
 
 undertaken  to  provide  for  thcci ,  and  adopted  tbcna  as 
 heires  apparantto  the  Kingdome  of  Heaven.  If  God  had 
 given  them  his  word  alone  for  fecurity ,  it  had  becne  fuf- 
 ficient ;  But  having  confirmed  it  by  feale  in  Baptifme, 
 they  have  great  caufe  to  reft  affured.  True  it  is  they  may 
 be  caft  out  of  the  vifible  affemblies,  but  they  can  never  be 
 cut  ofFfrom  the  invifible  Communion  of  Saints  •.  They 
 muft  die ,  but  God  hath  fealed  unto  them  their  rifing 
 from  the  _grave  to  everlafting  life,  by  the  power  and  vcr- 
 tueofChrifls  Rerurrc(5iion  :  which  is  a  comfort  oi  all 
 comforts,  able  to  uphold  the  foule  of  man  in  the  hourc  of 
 death. 
 
 The  fecond  ufe  of  Baptifme ,  it  is  a  feale  of  our  du- 
 ty promiled ,  and  fo  a  fpurre  and  provocation  to  re- 
 pentance ,  faith ,  new-obedience ,  brotherly  love ,  and 
 unity. 
 
 Firftj  It  is  a  fpurre  to  repentance  and  mortification: for 
 Baptifme  doth  feale  remiilion  of  linnes  to  them  only  that 
 repent,  and  by  godly  forrow  come  home  unto  God.  And 
 as  we  expert  the  blciling,wc  rauft  looke  that  we  failc  not 
 in  the  condition.  If  we  be  buried  with  Chrift  in  Bap- 
 tifme, it  is  our  duty  to  mortifie  the  flc{h  with  the  affefti- 
 1  ons  and  lufts,  that  it  may  live  no  longer ,  to  bring  forth  I 
 I  fruits  unto  death.  For  a  dead  man  cannot  live.  By  fo-  | 
 I  Icmne  oath  we  arc  bound  to  crucifie  unruly  luftj,  which 
 fight  againft  the  foulc  :  and  {hall  we  falfifie  fo  great  a  pro- 
 mife  ?  Againft  whom  ftiould  we  fight,  if  not  againft  Sa- 
 than  ?  or  what  will  he  be  willing  to  fpare  for  the  Lords 
 fake ,  who  will  not  part  with  his  finnes  ?  Why  {hould 
 v*/efeare  the  ftrength  of  Sathan,  the  power  of  finne, 
 the  rage  of  perfccutors ,  the  loflc   of  earthly  things  ? 
 or  defpaire  becaufe  of  the  wrath  of  God  /uRIy  kindled 
 againft  finne.  IfweturncuntoGod  by  unfained  repen- 
 tance, we  have  his  faithfull  promife  confirmed  by  feale, 
 that  he  will  be  mercifull  unto  our  finnes,  enable  us  to 
 overcome  our  corruptions,  fortific  us  againft  the  powers 
 ofHcll,fupport  us  under,  or  deliver  us  out  of  all  trials, 
 ^_ and  I 
 
Gods  Ordnances,  the  WordandSAcrAmems. 
 
 and  gratioLifly  provide  whatfocvcr  ihali  be  ncedefull 
 for  us. 
 
 Secondly,  It  \s  a  provocation  unto  faith,  and  a  pledge 
 thereof.  We  have  the  promifc  of  God  under  his  hand  and 
 feale,  that  he  will  walh  as  from  our  iniquities ,  receive  us 
 for  his  children,  remember  our  necelJities ,  beftow  upon 
 us  the  Kingdome  of  Heaven  :  weflialldoe  great  wrong 
 anddiflionourtoGod,if  wedoubt  or  ma«e  queftion, 
 whether  he  will  performe  promife  freely  madcjand  con- 
 jBrmed  by  covenant  and  feale.  We  arc  bound  by  com- 
 mandement  to  believe  in  Jcfus  Chrift,  and  to  commit  our 
 fclvcs  wholly  unto  him,  as  unto  a  faithfull  Saviour  :  And 
 we  have  bound  our  fclves  by  promife,covenant  and  feale, 
 that  we  will  believe  and  cleave  unto  him,  as  our  only  Sa- 
 viour ;  fhall  we  then  goe  backe,  grow  rcmiffe,  cr  give 
 way  to  doubting  ?  If  doubtings  ari/e ,  through  the  light 
 offinnc,  orwantof lenfe  and  feeling  comfort,  or  ihc 
 world  begin  to  crccpe  into  the  heart ,  and  divide  it  from 
 Chrift,  let  us  then  remember,  we  have  troth-plighted 
 our  felves  to  Jefus  Chrift,  and  by  faithfull  promife,nevcr 
 to  be  called  backe,  given  our  felves  wholly  to  reft  ,  and 
 fticke  clofc  unto  him :  and  therefore  muft  admit  no 
 thought,  whereby  we  fhould  be  drawnc  afide^  or  divided 
 from  him. 
 
 Thirdly,  It  is  an  incitement  unto  new  obediencc,and  a 
 ^tdi^z^zxto''l,Weea,rehHrte(iyfithhim  by  'Bafttfrne  into 
 death,  that  like  as  Chrifi  rvas  raifed  up  from  the  dead,  by 
 tkt  glfry  of  the  Father :  Evenfo  yvte  alfo  Jhould  walks 
 innevpnefeofUfe:  in  which  Chapter  the  Apoftlc  difput. 
 teth  of  our  anions,  that  we  {hould  abftainc  from  evill 
 and  follow  thofe  that  arc  good.  We  have  folemnely 
 fworne  to  fight  againft  the  Devill,  the  World,  and  the 
 Fle{k;  and  having  taken  the  preffe-money  of  Jefus 
 Chrift ,  it  were  an  itnmortall  difgrace  to  accept  of  truce 
 with  Satban.  Wee  carry  the  badge  and  livery  of  ]efus 
 Chrift,  and  fliall  we  foi  fake  our  colours,  and  fight  for  the 
 DevilU  It  is  ftrange,  that  children  (hould  leave  their  pa- 
 rents 
 
 415 
 
 2. 
 
 3. 
 
 Rom.6.4. 
 
J^i6 
 
 ■*Thne)!v  exer- 
 \cife  of  faith  re- 
 -quired  m  the 
 tyerthyrecei' 
 ving  the  Lords 
 Suj^per. 
 
 thj  AUs  Qf 
 :fdith  in  thii  or- 
 idinance,. 
 
 '    HoTV  to  the  hj  Faith  in  the  uje  of 
 
 rents  and  take  part  with  their  enemies ;  Wee  have  given 
 onr  fclves  unto  God ,  and  were  once  dedicated  unto  his 
 fervice;ftiaU  wc  now  turnc  backhand  offer bur  felvcs  un- 
 to Sathan  ?  Honour  is  due  unto  parents ;  It  God  be  our 
 Father,  we  muft  freely  fubmit  our  felves  to  his  will  and 
 pleafurc.  God  will  ftr^ngtbcn  us  to  obey,  and  accept  of 
 wcake,  if  fincere  obedience  :  and  that  (hats  forth  all  place 
 of  excufeJf  we  be  engrafted  into  the  (imilitude  of  Chrifts 
 refurred:ion,  we  muft  CKprefle  by  our  adions  the  power 
 and  likeneffe  of  Chrifts  refurredf ionjwhich  is  done,when 
 wc  walkc  in  ail-pleafing  before  Godjsnd  fet  our  affedions 
 upon  things  above.And  this,as  it  is  commanded  on  Gods 
 part,  fo  it  is  fealcd  on  our  part  in  Baptifme, 
 
 Fourthly,  It  is  a  pledge  or  pawne  of  love  and  unity. 
 We  muft  keepc  the  unity  of  the  fpirit  in  the  bond  of 
 peace ;  for  wc  arc  all  baptized  into  one  body.  Wee  muil 
 not  j'arrcjfor  we  arc  brethren :  We  muft  not  quarrell  nor 
 contend,  for  wc  are  members  of  the  fame  body,  and  have 
 beenc  fealed  into  the  fame  body.  It  goeth  ill  with  the  na- 
 tural I  body,  when  thc/oynts  arediffolvcd :  it  is  u'nnatu- 
 tall  that  the  members  of  the  body  myfticall  fhould  be  di> 
 
 *  It  is  not  the  having  faith,  but  the  new  exercifc  of 
 faith,  which  maketh us  worthy  receivers  of  the  Lords 
 Supper.  'XhtCorinthUnshz.di  faith,  yet  received  not  the 
 grace  of  the  Sacrament,  becaufe  they  received  not  in 
 faith. 
 
 Thea(5ls  of  faith  in  receiving  the  Lords  Supper  are 
 many.  -  . .      '^   . 
 
 FirftjBy  it  wc  difcernc  the  Sacrament  to  be  the  holy 
 Ordinance  of  God,  inftituted  for  our  fDCciali  good  ana 
 benefit,  fealing  unto  us  the  promi fes,  which  God  of  his 
 free  mercy  hath  made  unto  us  in  Jefus  Chrift ,  By  faith  we 
 underftand what promifes  God  hath  made,  for  what 
 caufe,  in  whom  he  hath  made  them,  what  he  requiretb,; 
 &  how  he  hath  fealed  his  free  promifes  in  the  Sacrament. 
 And  the  certaine,  diftindl,  cleare,  effcd:uall  knowledge  of 
 
 .^  this 
 
Gods  Ordinmces^he  Wvrd  dnd  Sacraments, 
 
 Ms  potiir,ts  a^matter  offiiigular  ^nd  great  impoFtancc.For 
 if  worldly  men  m^kc  good  account  of  a  fufficient  mans  fc- 
 curity  for'fomc  great  fumnle  dt  itoridy ;  in  what  efteeme 
 Mil  a  Chriftian  have  this  fledge  of  Gods  f  avour,wben  he 
 certainly  under  Hands  what  it  doth  fignifie  and  afTiire  ? 
 
 Secondly,  By  it  we  fee  what  the  Lord  doth  offer  unto 
 us  therein,  how  excellent  and  precious  it  is,  with  what 
 aflurance  it  is  freely  tendered,  and  may  be  received.  The 
 outward  fignes  in  the  Sacrament  are  vifible  to  the  bodily 
 eye :  but  the  inward  grace  fignified  and  fcaled  thereby, 
 which  mufl;  ferioufly  be  confidered  and  minded  of  uj,is  not 
 manifeft,  but  to  the  underftanding  enlightned  by  the  Spi- 
 rit,ahd  feafoned  by  faitb,which  onely  can  Judge  diftinftly 
 of  its  worth  and  excellencic.  :..,...    >,, 
 
 Jhirdly,It  fharpeneth  fpirituall  appetitCjand  ftirrcth  up 
 hungring  &  thirfting  after  Chfifl:,and  his  benefits*  By  faith 
 we  fee  our  want,  by  faith  we  tafte  how  good  the  Lord  is, 
 how  fweccand  plcafantthe  dainties  hee  hath  prepared  j 
 which  raifcth  an  appetite  of  defire,  and  complaeencie.  O 
 God,  thou  art  mj  God,  early  mil  I  feekethee  ■:  mjfoule 
 thirfiethfor  thee^  my  fiejh  longethfor  thee.  The  Sacrament 
 of  the  Lords  Supper  is  a  great  and  fpirituall  feaft.wherun- 
 tothc  faithfull  arc  invited  ;  and  faith  whettech  the  fpiri- 
 tuall appetite  to  long  after,  and  rellifh  thefatneffeand 
 marrow,  which  is  there  provided.  ;         .- 
 
 Fourthly,  It  earneftly  contcndeth  for  mercy,  confelfing 
 Cm  with  gricfe  and  hatred,  judging  and  condemning  it 
 freely,  unfainedly  begging  pardon  with  ftrengthofgrace 
 to  withftand  fin  for  the  time  to  come.  Whenfoever faith 
 commeth  to  receive  the  feale  of  pardonjitpleadethguilty, 
 humbleth  for  tranfgreffion,  and  intreateth  forgivcnefle  of 
 undeferved  mercy,  that  grace  might  be  magnified  in  fbr- 
 givenefTc. 
 
 Fiftly,By  faith  we  receiveChrift  offering  himfelfc  free- 
 ly to  be  contracted  unto  us.Chrift  maketh  love  as  a  fuitcr, 
 and  hath  given  the  Sacrament  as  a  token  of  his  love  and 
 faithfiilnefTc :  faith  apprehendeth  the  mifcrie  of  the  foule 
 
 E  e  with- 
 
 417 
 
 3. 
 
 Pfal.5j. 
 
 I. 
 
4i8 
 
 6. 
 
 Rom. 7 .4. 
 
 ,     7- 
 
 8. 
 
 Cant.}.  1^.1 
 
 H,tfir  ^<?  livz  bj  Faith  in  the  ufe  of 
 
 without  Chriftjthc  excellent  dignity jhoiour  and  beauty  of 
 Chrifl:,  and  the  happincfle  of  the  lou^e  which  is  united  un- 
 to him  jand  thereupon  humbly  embraceth  his  offer  of  love. 
 Sixtly,  By  faith  wee  refigneup  our  fclvcs  unto  Jcfus 
 Chrift,and  willingly  yeeld  foule  and  body  unto  him.  This 
 the  nature  of  the  matrimoniall  contraf^,  which  paderh  be- 
 twixt Chriib,  and  the  believer,  requircth  :  forasChrift 
 promikth  to  be  a  Saviour,Head  and  Huiband  unto  the  be- 
 liever :fo  doth  he  troth-pligh:  himfclfe  unto  Jefus  Chrifl:, 
 to  cleave  unto  him  as  his  onely  Saviour j  and  in  all  things 
 to  be  obedient  unto  his  will  and  pleafure.   jfherefore  my 
 brethrefi^  yee  are  alfo  become  dead  to  the  Law  by  the  body  of 
 Chrifl,  thatyejhould  be  married  to  another^eventohim  who 
 ii  raifed  from  the  dead,  that  Kve  Jhoald  bring  forth  fruit  unto 
 God, 
 
 Seventhly,  paith  feedcth  upon  Chrift,  and  fucketh  vi- 
 gour from  him.  His  fiejh  is  msate  indeed,  and  his  b loud  is 
 drinke  indeed.  Mcate  to  be  eaten, not  with  the  teeth,but  by 
 faith.  Meatc  indeed,  not  in  nature,but  in  t&di,  becaufe  it 
 nourirheth  the  foule,  andgiveth  eternall  life  to  them  that 
 eate  thereof  And  by  faith  we  fpiritually  eate  the  fleih  of 
 the  Sonne  of  Man,  and  drinke  his  bloud.  And  as  he  that 
 cateth  whoHome  foodjis  flrengthcned  thereby,and  made 
 fit  and  able  for  the  aflions  of  this  life ;  fo  he  that  fecdeth 
 upon  Chrifl:  fpiritually  and  by  faith, is  ftrengthened  to  the 
 .adiions  of  fpirituall  life,and  made  able  for  the  cxercifcs  of 
 piety  and  holinefle. 
 
 E  ightIy,Faith  affureth  of  that  fpirituall  contradl  which 
 hath  paffed  betwixt  Chrifl:  and  the  Chriftian  foule,  and  is 
 fealcd  in  the  Sacrament ;  fo  that  he  may  truly  fay,  CMj 
 beloved  is  mine, and  I  am  his.  As  a  couple,  who  have  la  w- 
 :  fully  given  faith  to  each  other,  and  confirmed  the  fame  by 
 '  pledge  or  token  in  th;  congregation,  are  afTurcd  of  each 
 other  :fo  when  we  have  contracted  our  felves  unto Chrill, 
 and  received  the  pledge  thereof,we  come  to  be  aflared  by 
 faithjthat  Chrift  is  ours,  and  that  we  have  communion  in 
 all  ihe  benefits  of  his  death  and  paflion.  Thus  faith  reafo-.. 
 
 neth. 
 
Gods  Ordimnces^the  Word  and  SAcraments, 
 
 neth,  God  the  pather  bath  freely  promifcd  the  pardon  of 
 all  finnes  in  and  through  Jefus  Chrift  ;  Chrift  doth  offer 
 himfelfe  as  a  Redeemer  to  deliver  them  from  the  power 
 of  darkenes,  and  to  bring  them  into  perpetuall  grace  with 
 his  Father,  to  wafh  them  from  their  fmnes  by  his  bloud 
 and  fpirit,and  to  preferve  and  nourifh  them  unto  life  eter- 
 nal), who  will  receive  and  believe  in  him.  And  being  fo 
 lovinsly  called  and  invited,  I  have  received  the  mercifuH 
 promiif,  and  refigned  my  felfe  unto  Jefus  Chrift ;  why 
 then  {hould  I  ftand  in  doubt  ?  I  hcare  the  word  of  pro- 
 mife  I  fee  and  have  received  the  fcales  annexed  to  the 
 Word  of  grace,  the  true  and  faithfull  teftimony  of  God 
 confirmed  by  oath,  and  I  may  not  qucftion  his  truth,  nor 
 draw  backe  from  mine  owne  promife  to  reft  upon,  and 
 cleave  unto  him  for  evermore.  ,  ^  ,     ^,        .,^ 
 
 Ninthly,  Itftirrethupjoyandthankmlnefte,  withlc- 
 rious  remembrance  of  the  manifold  benefits  and  bleflings 
 which  in  Chrift  Jefus  arc  vouchfafed.  When  men  have  a 
 ieafeof  fomegood  bargaine  fealed,  they  are  merry  and 
 dad  ;  much  greater  caufe  of  joy  have  they,  who  have  re- 
 ceived from  God,  who  cannot  lie,  fuch  a  pledge  of  his 
 love,  the^f^alc  of  an  cverlafting  inheritance,  Arife.O  my 
 foulc,  and  fipg  for  joy,  for  thy  light  is  cotrie,  and  the 
 olory  of  the  Lord  is  rifen  upon  thee.  Thou  didft  fit  m 
 darknefle,  forlornc  and  miferabic,  guilty  of  fin,  in  bon- 
 dage to  the  curfe,  in  feare  of  eternall  condemnation  :  but 
 nowGodisappeafed,  Chrift  hath  fatisfied  jufticc,  par- 
 don is  proclaimed,  thcu  haft  received  the  free  gracious 
 promife,  and  eternall  blefled  peace  is  concluded.  And 
 for  thy  greater  aflurance,  God  hath  added  his  feale  to 
 his  free  grant  of  pardon  :  holy  bread  is  added,  and  given 
 to  thee  for  a  Sacrament  and  divine  teftimonie,  that  the 
 body  of  Chrift  was  crucified  for  thee  :  blefTed  wineis 
 added  and  i^iven  to  thee,  for  a  certaine  pledge  and  token, 
 that  the  bloud  of  Chrift  was  {bed  forthce,  thatnghteouf- 
 ncffe  purchafed  by  that  facrifice  is  thine,that  eternall  lalva- 
 tion  procured  bv  that  price  is  thine  by  an  irrevocable  title. 
 ,  Ec2  "Praifc 
 
 4iS> 
 
42  0 
 
 \Meaneitofiirre 
 up  mr  jtlves 
 toreceive  the 
 Lords  Supper 
 in  faith. 
 I. 
 
 2. 
 
 Praifp^the -Lor^j  O  my  foule,  and  forget  not  the  great  love 
 of  God  ii>  giving  his  Sonne  to  die,  that  thou  mightcft  be 
 delivered  f  roni  the  fcarc  of  hell  and  death ;  forget  not  the 
 Love  oi  Chrifl:  in  fuffering  death,  that  thou  raighte(Ujc~ 
 1  fet  free  from  the  curfe  oKhelaw,  and  burning  wrath  of 
 j  God;dcrerved  by-  linnjc;  forget  not  the  grace  and  favour  of 
 ;  God  in  icalUpg.thceto  .feafl:,with  him,  and  giving.this 
 pledge  and, ?arncft  of  his.perpetualUove.    Thou  canft  not 
 forget  the fe,.  but  thou  forgetteft  thy  felfe  :  thou  canft  not 
 negled:  thefe,  but  thou  hated  thy  felfe.    What  canll  thou 
 defire  niore,then  to  have  God  to  be  thy  GodjChrift  to  thy 
 Saviour?  What  wouldft  thou  remember  if  thou  forget  the 
 loveof  Chrift  in  fufF.ring  death  for  thy  redemption,  and 
 the  earned  of  his  love,  whereby  he  doth  affure,  that  hig 
 bodie  was  crucified,  and  his  bloud  {bed  for  the;  ? 
 Now  the  better  to  dirrc  upourfelvesto  receive  this 
 
 SacrameJitiniaitb.;  .    . 
 
 Firft,We  mtA  bewailc  our  unbeliefe,du]ncffc,earthly- 
 mindedneffejthe  diftemper  of  our  (pirituall  tadc,and  con- 
 ceit of  fpirituall  fulncflejlabouring.to  quicken  the  feqfeof 
 our  milery,and  raifc  the  loulc  to  an  high  pryfing  of  Chrid , 
 andhungring  after  him,  JEmptineffe prepares  tp  recpive 
 meatc,and  hunger  gives  it  a  good  rcLi^;.3nd,if  we  fe^  our 
 mifery  and  nakedneflje  withoucehrid,and  thirO:  after  him,, 
 wcdialleatehij^flcfli,  anddrinke.his  blpud.wit^fwccte 
 con)fprtandrefre{}iing..4jij',o':.::-^i  i.:  ^-ihit:. -jiiioj ,  .  . 
 ,  Scjcondly,.  Gonfidor  howfreely  the  Lord  doth  tender 
 Chri  I  to  bee  receivedin  bis  Word  and  Sacran)ent.  The 
 LordjI  fay,  faithfuH  in  his  promifes,  plentifull  in  mercies, 
 who  hath  authority  to  give  what  he  promifeth,  ofFercth 
 Chrid  with,  all  the^benefits  of  his  death,  and  pa0ion>  to 
 CYiCry.poo^:?,  vdefpifed,  thirdie,  affti(ftcd'foule,  who  doth 
 defire  and  will  receive  him.    .    y      <„ 
 
 Thirdly, .  Weighand  confidct  the. bleffed  date  and  con- 
 dition of  them,  who  be  reconciled  unto  God,  contra(5led 
 unto  Jefus  Chrid,  who  are  eafed  from  their  fins.  wafKed 
 fr§m  -their  filthkeffe^  ;and.feperatW  wnto  glory. ;  _an4  fa 
 |f:>  :  .:  :i quicken 
 
Go4s  Ordinances, the  word,  and  SacrAmenu, 
 
 quicken  Qur  foules  to  receive  and  lay  faft  hold  upon  thefe 
 inefti mablc  benefits  offered  unto  us  by  name. 
 
 Fourthly,  Having  troth-plighted  our  felves  to  Jefus 
 Chrift  unfainedly,  wee  muft  awaken  and  rowfe  ^p  our 
 foulcs  to  rejoycein him, What  can  Idcfire  more?God  the 
 Father  hath  given  his  onely  begotten  Sonne  to  be  my  Sa- 
 viour, and  1  have  received  and  am  betrothed  unto  hi'm  :  a 
 firme  peace  is  concluded^aneverlafting  inheritance  is  aflii- 
 red  unto  me.  I  have.a  good  legacy  bequeathed  unto  me  in 
 the  promife?,  whcreunto  I  fticke ;  fealed  unto  me  in  the 
 Sacrament,  which  I  may  produce'as  an  evidence  to  (lop 
 the  month  of  Satan,if  hce  fliall contend  and  feeke  to  robbe 
 me  of  my  priviledges  bellowed  of  grace.  If  I  be  hunger- 
 ftarved  in  my  felfe,the  body  of  Chrift  is  true  meate,nouri- 
 fliing  mcto  life  eternall;  If  thirfticand  dcftituteof  the 
 fappe  of  grace,  the  bloud  of  Chrifl;  is  true  drinkc,  nouri* 
 {hing  me  to  life  eternall :  and  eating  his  flelhj  and  drin- 
 king hi&bloud,  he  dwelleth  in  mc,  and  I  in  him.  Thus  we 
 muft  quicken  our  hearts  to  rejoyce  in  beliefcoFthepro- 
 mifes  made  and  fealed,waiting  uponGod,till  he  be  pleafed 
 to  give  the  fence  and  comfort  of  it. 
 
 421 
 
 rohn.6.56. 
 
 CHAP.  XII. 
 
 Th faithfattare houndy  andit  isbehovefuU for  ■ 
 themito  believe  the  threat  ni»gs. 
 
 God  is  sfwell  /uft  as  mercifull/aithfull  and  true  as  well 
 in  his  threats,as  in  his  promifcs :  and  therefore  equal- 
 ly to  be  believed  in  both,  fofarre  as  iri  his  word  he  hath 
 affur^d  us.  pfboth.  He  who  is  certainc  of  bis  falvation, 
 knowe.tji  afljiiredlyihc  fliould  be  damned,  if  he  {hoald  goe 
 on.in  fin  without repenrance,  andfbalLtaftcofmuch  bit- 
 terncfle,  ifhe  grow  indulgent  to  his  corruptions.  Itisas 
 fure,that  God  willcondemnethc  wicked  and  impenitent,  | 
 as -that  he  wilUave  the  righteous  and  repentant.-  WFrntL  i  Ccr'5.i7. 
 ■  .■ ,  ,  E  e  3  beate 
 
^12 
 
 rhefdthfull  are  hound,mdit  is  behovefull 
 
 Rom.i 
 I  Cor, 
 
 f.4' 
 
 0,6. 
 
 \  beate  not  dovvne  his  body,  and  bring  it  into  fubjedion.hc 
 Ezck,  18.24,26  j  fliall  be  as  droffe  and  refufe.    If  the  righteem  forfake  f^i^ 
 righteoufnejfe  And  commit  wicks^ne^e^  or  be  a  vporker  of 
 tni<jmty^  all  hi^ former  righteoajne^efhall  be  forgotten. 
 
 The  godly  man  is  not  Gavifhly  to  fearc  falling  away,  or 
 running  into  deftrudion;but  wifely  to  believe  the  threat-  , 
 ning5,to  prevent  falling  into  finne,  and  fo  into  condemna-  : 
 tion.The  (ub  jed,  who  feareththe  punilTiment  of  the  law, 
 and  keepeth  bimfelfc  innocent,  taketh  a  wife  courfe  for  ^ 
 his  owne  fecurity.  j 
 
 Every  part  of  Scripture  is  Gods  W  ord,  of  certaine  and 
 undoubted  truth,  which  cannot  be  gaine-laid ;  written  for  - 
 the  benefit  and  profit.of  the  m  who  fhall  be  heires  of  falva- 
 tion  :  But  the  thrcatnings  are  part  of  the  Word  of  God.  '■■ 
 Whatfoever  things  were  written  afore-time  (even  as  well  ex- 
 amples of  judgement  infiided  upontranfgreflours,  and 
 threatnings  denounced  againft  them  that  (hall  offend,  as 
 promifes  of  mercy  to  allure  unto  obedience)  were  written 
 for  oar  learning  and  inftrudion. 
 
 I     In  the  ftate  of  innocencie  there  was  ufe  of  threatnings, 
 j  fo  is  there  in  the  ftate  of  grace.  As  a  meanes  to  keepe  our 
 firft  parents  from  finne,  the  Lord  denounceth  death  a- 
 gainft  them,  if  they  fhould  eare  of  the  forbidden  fruite. 
 lob  profefTeth,  he  durft  not  lift  up  his  hand  againft  the  Fa- 
 thevlei^cfor  deJ}ru5lion  from  God  was  a  terrour  Hnto  himSo 
 David,  Afjf  fiejh  tremblethfor  feare  of  thee :  and  I  am  ajfraid 
 of  thy  Juigements.  The  righteetis  man  wifely  conftdereth  the 
 houfe  of  the  wicked:  but  God  overthroweth  the*.wic\edfor 
 their  wickedne(fe.  \ 
 
 And  fure  ir  is  expedient  for  u-^  that  threatnings  {houl4 
 be  mingled  with  the  promifes  of  grace  •,  for  (fo  prone  are  | 
 1  we  to  flatter ,and  favour  our  felves)  milder  dodrine  would  i 
 I  grow  colde,  unles  thefe  fpurrs  were  added.  The  tartneffc  j 
 jofthethreatning  makes  us  beft  taftthefweetnefleofthc  1 
 promife :  Sowre  and  fweet  make  the  beft  faucejpromifes  i 
 and  threatnings  mingled  fit  our  ftatc,and  ferve  to  keep  the  ' 
 heart  in  the  beft  temper.  We  grow  overbold  with  God,if  1 
 
 the 
 
 Gen.s 
 Job.3 
 
 Pfal.i 
 Pro.1 
 
 .17. 
 
 l.^li^l* 
 
 I  p.  1 20. 
 
 1.12. 
 
forthem^to  belt  eve  the  threatnin^s. 
 
 the  threatning  doe  not  awe ;  are  foonc  dejecfled,  if  the 
 promife  doe  notfupport.  The  Lord  knoweth  both  ne- 
 cefiary  to  kcepe  us  in  awe ;  and  therefore  beginneth  with 
 promifes,  to  the  intent  we  might  follow  him  the  more 
 willingly ;  but  to  drive  forward  when  we  ftop,  or  grow 
 rcniifle,  he  addcth  threatnings.  wherefore  we  receiving  a 
 klyjgdome  which  cannot  be  moved,  let  ^  have grace^  whereby 
 wemay  [erve  (jod  acceptably  .with  river  ence  and  go  ilyfeare. 
 Tor  our  God  is  a  conjumingfre. 
 
 The  ad3  of  faith  in  refpcfl  of  the  threatnings  bee 
 thefc. 
 
 Firfl:,  It  worketh  humbhneffc  of  minde  and  heart :  for 
 what  the  law  thrcatncth,the  faithfull  will  freely  acknow- 
 Iedge,that  they  deferve,and  fo  arraigne  themfelves  as  guil- 
 tie  of  all  ttiiferic  and  death  before  the  throne  of  grace  j 
 !  whereby  the  pride  and  ftubborneflc  of  nature  is  much  aba- 
 I  ted.  Say  we  not  of  him,  who  hath  bccnc  once  impleaded 
 ;  before  the  tribunall  of  an  earthly  Iudge,as  guilty  of  felony 
 or  treafon,  he  hath  no  rcafon  to  be  ftour  ?  What  then  will 
 i  the  arraignementof  the  foule  worke,when  a  man  Hiall  be 
 idrawne  CO  acknowledge  before  God,  that  he  hath  defer- 
 red to  be  cafl:  into  hell,  for  his  manifold  offences  and 
 tranfgreflions  againfl:  God. 
 
 Secondly,  It  bringeth  forth  awefulnc{fe,reverence  and 
 fcare.    The   righteous  alfo  fhall  fee  andfeare.     As  the 
 Childequaketh,  when  he  heareth  that  his  Father  is  angry 
 with,  or  doth  corrert  a  fervant :  fo  the  heart  and  body  of 
 the  faithfiill  tremble,as  oft  as  they  confider  the  feverity  of 
 Gods  wrath  againft  the  wicked  and  ungodly,    vphen  I 
 heard,  my  belly  trembled^  my  lips  (Quivered  at  the  voyce :  rot' 
 tennefe  entredinto  my  bones ^  and  I  trembled  m  myfelje,that 
 I  might  re^  in  the  day  of  troable :  That  is,   when  the 
 fame  of  thy  divine  punifhment  and  judgement  came  to 
 mine  eares,   which  thou  haft   decreed  to  inflitfl  upon 
 thy  people  ;   my  bellj,  that  is,  "  my  heart  and  bowels 
 moved  for  griefe  and  feare.  Thus  2\(^«'<i^  hearing  of  Gods  ; 
 juft  wrath  againft  the  finfull  world,  and  of  hispurpofe 
 
 to 
 
 4^3 
 
 Heb,ta*28,is 
 
 The  aSis  of  faith 
 
 I  inrejpe£}ofthe 
 
 Threatnings. 
 
 I. 
 
 Ads. J. 5. 
 Pfal,  1 1  p.  1 2© 
 Ion,  1.1 6. 
 iChron.ij.u 
 
 Hab.j,  i6. 
 
 l'ral.40.8. 
 Hcb.11.7. 
 
414 
 
 ThefdthfuJl  arehomdjAnditis  behovefuU 
 
 Dcut.15.11i 
 
 &I7.I5.& 
 1 9.  ^6, 
 Ier.10.7. 
 
 Phil.J.ts. 
 
 Mat.10.28. 
 
 Lak.i2.4,f. 
 
 Cor.y.iOjti 
 lpfal»9o.ii, 
 
 4. 
 
 to  overthrow  alllivingfiefli  by  water,  was  moved  with 
 great  feare  and  reverence  at  this  ftrange,  dreadful!  and 
 mighty  work  of  God;  and  from  the  view  of  this  his  great 
 and  jult  judgcmcntjhis  faith  madehim  arife  to  amore  ear- 
 neft  confideration  of  the  glorious  Majefty  of  the  Almigh- 
 ty. And  this  is  the  cffedt  of  judgement  executed  by  men 
 according  to  the  diredion  of  Gods  word.  <tAnd  all  Ifrael 
 fi>all  he  are  Andfeare^^ndfijall  doe  no  more  anyf»ch  wickednes. 
 True  faith  then  worketh  an  holy  feare  and  reverent  awe 
 of  God  in  refpcft  of  his  judgements,  fvho  wottld  not  feare 
 thee^O  King  of  nations  ?for  to  thee  doth  it  appertaine.Thou^ 
 even  thott  art  to  be  feared,  and  who  may  fi  and  in  thyjight  I 
 when  once  thoH  art  angry  ?  \ 
 
 The  godly  mans  affurance  of  Gods  favour  will  (land  I 
 well  with  reverence  of  his  Majefty,and  feare  of  tcmporall 
 afiflidions,  fpiritualldefertions,  and  the  torments  of  hell, 
 not  as  an  evillhe  (hall  fall  into,  but  which  he  ftiallefcape 
 by  thcGonftantftudy  and  pra^life  of  holineflc.  For  our  af- 
 furance to  efcape  damnation,  through  the  death  of  Chrift, 
 is  no  greater  then  our  care  to  avoid  fin,  which  Icadeth 
 thereunto.  JVorke  out  your  falvation  with  feare  and  trem- 
 bling. Feare  not  them  which  kill  the  bo)y^but  are  not  able  to 
 kill  the  Joule :  but  rather  feare  him  which  Is  ableto  defiroy 
 bothfotile  and  body  in  hell. 
 
 Thirdly,  It  ftirrcth  up  continuall  watchfulneffe  to  fhun 
 whatfocver  might  breed  danger,or  procure  Gods  difplca, 
 I  fure.  When  fleepineffc  beginneth  to  come  upon  us,  faith 
 I  )'^%%^^  our  elbow,  and  telletb  the  Lord  is  at  hand  with  a 
 whip  to  awaken  us.  The  approach  of  perill  apprehended 
 will  rowfe  up  the  fluggard  to  lookc  about  him.  Faith  alfo 
 teachcth  fo  to  acknowledge  the  anger  of  God,  as  that  it 
 draweth  the  heart  above al  things  to  take  heednot  to  pro- 
 voke himby  carelefnefTe  &  iQoxnXy.who  kporveth  the  pow- 
 er of  thy  anger  ?  Even  accordlngfo  thy  feare  ^lo  is  thy  wrath. 
 Fourthly,  The  threatnings,  mingled  with  faith,  caufc 
 forrowfuU  melting  or  relenting  of  heart  for  fincommit- 
 tcd.When  the  King  o£  Nineveh  believed  theprcaching  of 
 
 I«nah, 
 
for  them, to  belt  eve  the  threatrnt^s. 
 
 lonah jthkt  within  forty  daicsthat  great  City  ftiould  bedc- 
 ftroyedjbcrofe  from  bis  tbronc:^aton  fecl«:lGtb,and  pro- 
 claimed  a  Faft  unto  the  Lord  And  whenth^  Lord  teftjficd 
 his  difplcafurc  agairjft  the  I/raeiit^rhfkMirsg  thunder 
 and.  lightning  in  Wheate  Harveft,  sllthe  people  feared 
 greatly,  Sind [aid tint o  Satnutl,  *Trayfor  thy  fervamsHnto 
 the  LerA  thy  God^  that  yoe  die  not '^  for  vee  have  added nnto  aU 
 eurJinSithiieviH',  to  oik^  m  a  King'  Now  the  threatnin^s 
 belie ved^work  the  fame  cffcdjthat  the  judgementfs  leenc. 
 When  lojtah  heard  what  the  Lord  fpake  againft /<?r/^/<fw, 
 and  agairift;  the  inhabitants  of  thatplacei  hk  henrt  was 
 tender  J. and  he  h^mi)/edhimfe/fe  before  the  Loyeif.   ■  ■  ■ 
 
 Fifrly^when  we  fee  by  faitbf  f  om  what  miferies  we  are 
 delivered  of  the  free  grace  and  mercy  ofGod,  our  hearty 
 arc  enlarged  in  praifc  andthankfgivingi  In  diftreffe  faith 
 po w reth  out  f  uppl ications  j w ben  the  cala  mity  is  o ver-paft 
 it  fetteth  forth  the  goodneffe  of  the  Lord,  and  fingeth  of 
 his  glory.   When  the  Jfraelltes  were  in  fafbty  on  the 
 flioare,  looking  backe  upon  the  danger  efcaped,  when 
 they  pafTed  through  the  red  Sea,  they  make  a  jbyfull  noifc 
 to  thcGod  of  their  falvatlon :  their  fongs  are  anfwcrablc 
 to  their  for^conceived  fcare.   And  fo  when,  the  Lord 
 brought  back  the  captivity  of  5«»^j/oj^,their  mouthes  were 
 filled  wit?b  jaughterjand  their  tdngiies  with  jby.   The  due 
 confidefation  of  our  defeats,  manifeft  by  thd  threatnings 
 contained  irt  the  Word  of  Godj  doth  mafveliouBy  affecfl 
 theiieart  withdefire  to  publifli  and  fpread  abroad  the  lo- 
 ving kindnefl'c  of  the  Lord^when  by  faith  in  Cbrifl:  we  fee 
 our  felveitobc  <et  free  from  tbe  drcadfull  eurffes  of  the 
 Law,  arid  mertifiilly  fa  ved  ftona  tlie'  rightCoiis  Judgcm^ 
 of  our  firrnes.  ■•."•.        ■;   r,  T'  :;-  r-./ 
 
 Bv  this  which  hath  becnc  faid  ,  it  is  nianifeftjitliat  this 
 lifeof  faitli  is  moft  excellent dnd  comfortablejand  by  good 
 ptodf^  and  eTiperiencc  wejfbould  be  laible  to  <ay  fo,  if  we 
 wsiiki  be^effw'atel(^'  bat  to*  pakt  ci  telfte  of  M  benefie  and 
 fweetticfifc  that  itbringfeib;  "^l^oribythisftich  wd^t^di- 
 rcfted  to  feckc  and  follow  aftcp  Chriftjtill'we  ebme  to  be 
 'r    i  Ff  affured. 
 
 19. 
 
 iKing.zz«igj, 
 
 Exod.i^.i,8, 
 
 Pfal.ix^.a. 
 
^i6 
 
 ThefdthfuU  are  homdyMdit  is  hehevefull 
 
 afTiircd,  that  he  d  wcllcth  in  us  as  the  fountaine  of  life,  and 
 that  in  him  we  arc  delivered  from  the  guilt  &  punifliment 
 of  all  our  fins  :  whereas  others,who  live  not  by  it,  waver, 
 are  oft  diftracfled,  and  know  not  where  to  begin  the  foun- 
 dation of  that  great  worke,nor  how  to  bmld  thereon.  By 
 this  faith  we  may  come  to  found  reft  and  holy  fccurity  1 
 about  our  falvation  fro  time  to  timc,enjoying  the  comfort 
 of  it  ftill  more  and  more  with  incredible  joy  :  whereas 
 others,cvcn  the  beft,are  oft  unfetled  and  much  difquieted. 
 If  the  Lord  leadc  us  into  the  darkc,  and  exercife  us  with 
 manifold  af  flidioHS  and  temptations,  by  this  faith  we  arc 
 enabled  to  hold  him  by  the  hand,  to  caft  our  felves  upon 
 the  promifes  of  grace,&  fo  relying  upon  his  power,faith- 
 fiilnefleandi  mcrcy,to  promife  lafety  unto  our  felves  above 
 likcli-hood  and  appearance  ;  yea,  when  we  feclo  the  con- 
 trary.The  rage  of  (in  is  weakened,and  we  have  ftrength  a- 
 gainft  it,  though  not  alwaies  to  prevaile  (which  were  not 
 expedient)  yet  at  lead  to  be  in  combate  with  it,  which  is 
 ever  a  good  teftimony  of  our  fafety  *for  hereby  we  prove 
 our  felves  to  be  lively  members  of  the  Church  Militant.  | 
 Alfo  by  this  we  are  preferved  againft  fcarcfliU  fins ,&  have 
 grace  to  walks  in  ncwnefTeof  life,and  all  parts  of  it  with 
 joy  and  chearfulnelTe.  If  we  live  by  faith  we  have  delive- 
 i  ranee  from  many  fharpc  and  bitter  affli^ions ;  andbeare 
 thofe,which  we  muft  go  under,morc  meekly  and  patient* 
 ly ;  becaufe  it  makes  us  depend  upon  Gods  promifes,  not 
 (linting  him  to  any  fet  timejmSner  of  deliverance,or  mca- 
 fiire  of  affliiflion.By  it  we  walk  in  our  callings  more  chcar. 
 fiil)y,honeftly,painefully  ji  and  with  le0e  diftrajfl:ion,toile, 
 pfal  I S7. 1  jt     ai^^  vexatioi>5  b^  with  more, pTofic,  then  they  that  flow  in 
 with  wealtli,  and  have  all  fhif  ts  &  cunning  flight  to  gaine 
 by.For^vhilcs  wc  fee  C^od  ever  going  before  us  in  all  our 
 earthly  dealings  and  actions  (as  we  fhould  more  lookc  to 
 itjthat  wc  find  it  fo,thcn  to  ourgreateft  profits  &  weighti- 
 eft  dealings)  this  faith  ffeall  uphold  us  ipthequieteft  eftatc 
 attdmoftfweet  peace,  fuchas  allthe<:arnall  Wifedomeof 
 man  fhall  never  finde  nor  enjoy.  This  faith  teacheth  iisro 
 
 pray 
 
 ;*:  Ui  ■ffusatwaatw^.pffnt 
 
for  themyto  believe  the  thr  earnings. 
 
 pray  at  all  times  as  our  ncccflitks  require,  with  fctvency 
 and  confidence;  even  in  the  depth  of  affiidionsjwhcn  the 
 grave  \%  ready  to  fwoUow  us  up,andiliut  her  mouth  upon 
 usjit  enableth  to  looke  unto  the  Lord,  and  with  ftrong  ar- 
 guments to  implore  his  aid.  O  LordGodofmyfalvatiofty  1 
 have  cried  day  And  night  before  thee,  fct  my  foule  is  full  cf 
 treubleSy  and  my  life  dravoeth  nigh  untc  the  grave.      Out  of 
 the  depths  have  I  criedanto  thee^   O  Lord  :    Lord  hear  e  mj 
 'Votce.My ^irit  voithtn  me  is  oiier-v^helmei^my  heart  nithin 
 me  is  defolate,    Jfiretchfortk  my  hands  unto  thee,  my  fsule 
 thirflethfor  thee  as  a  thirfiy  land.O  remember  not  againfi  m 
 former  inlcjuitiesy  let  thy  tender  mercies  jpeedily  prevent  m  r 
 for  n>e  or/ brought  very  loiv.  If  the  affifdlion  be  very -grie- 
 vous &  oflong  continuance,faich  doth-neirher  quaile,nor 
 ccaft  to  fecke  helpc'butlooketh  up  to  the  Lordjcxpccfiing 
 falvation  in  diKrtime  to  be  revealed.  O  godywhyhaft  thou 
 cafi  us  off  for  ever  f  Whj  doth  thine  an^er  fmoake  ^.gainfl  the 
 P^eepe  of  thy  piftuyc  ?Kemcmber  thy  (fongrcgation^pfhich  thou 
 hafi  purchafed  of  oldjthe  rod  of  thine  inheritance^  which  than 
 hafi  redeemed,!  am  poore  andforrevpfalljet  thy  falvation, O 
 Qod,  feimeuponhigh  -  for  *God  is  the  ftrcngth  of  his 
 people,  *  who  willoring  them  againe  from  the  depths  of 
 the  Sea.  The  life  offaith  fhall  end  in  joy  and  comfort.  He 
 that  trufteth  in  the  Lord  fhall  re  Joyce  in  his  holy  Name.  / 
 ftmavfonder  unto  manyjbut  thou  art  myfirong  refuge, Lep  my 
 mouth  be  filled  with  thy  praife, and  with  thy  honour  all  the  Jay, 
 Our  heart  Jhall  re  Joyce  in  him,  becaufewe  have  trufledin  his 
 holy  Name.  Loe^thts  is  our  God,we  have  waited  for  him^  and 
 he  willfave  mxthisis  theLord^we  have  r^aitedfor  him^we  wiU 
 begladyandrejoyce  in  his  falvation 'Xhz  expedation  of  them 
 that  hope  in  the  Lord,  (hall  not  be  fruftratcd,  therefore 
 they  fliall  re/oyce  in  him,  and  found  forth  his  praifes. 
 
 Hec  that  hath  learned  to  live  by  faith, , fliall  alfo  die  in 
 hkh.Allthcfe  died  in  or  according  to  the  faith. If  \^c  know 
 jliowtowalke  with  God  by  faith,  as  Henoch  did,  all  the 
 jdaies  of  our  lifcjamidft  the  manifold  temptations  &  chan- 
 ges that  we  meet  withall  in  this  world ;  we  fliall  the  bct- 
 1  Ff2  ter 
 
 427 
 
 rfai.^ 
 
 9'lhH 
 
 Fi:ii. 
 
 3^3 1 
 
 IJ0-T.2. 
 
 pr^J.74 
 
 Is2- 
 
 ^Pfal.68.5j. 
 *Vafe.az. 
 
 Pial. 
 
 71.7.S. 
 
 rfal.  8 
 
 8i.6, 
 
 6  19. 
 
 '^.30. 
 
 Hcb,  n.ij. 
 
ThefdthfuU  an  bomdymdit  is  khvefuU 
 
 tcr  cncoutiter  with  death,  when  the  agonic?  thereof  be 
 upon  us.    Death  is  many  wayes  terrible,  and  the  affaults 
 of  Sathaa  at  that  time'arc  uluilly  moA  ftrong,  as  being  his 
 lafl:  -.but  he  that  hath  taken  out  this  leffon,  To  live  by 
 faith,  {hall  calily  qiieach  the  fierie  darts  of  the  Divell, 
 manfully  conquer  this  ftrong  enemy  ;  renew  his  repen- 
 tance, and  confidence  in  Gods  mercy  upon  the  fight  of  fin; 
 and  willingly  refigne  himfclfe  into  the>  hands  of  God. 
 This  is  the  ordinary  courfe,  live  in  faith,  and  die  in  faith, 
 Liveholily,  anddieblefledly.    Therefore  let  us  leave  late 
 repentance  to  them  that  thinkc  it  but  a  fporc  to  veiiture  a 
 foule,  and  take  that  courfe  that  is  fure  to^fpeed .  To  fay  nq 
 morCpit  is  exceeding  dangerous  to  put  of  repentai^e  from 
 day  to  day,though  fome  few  have  obtained  mercy  at  thei« 
 latter  end  :  But  this  is  Cure,   hethatlivethinifaith,  /hall 
 die  in  faith,  and  live  in  glory  for  evermore^ 
 
 Fi:^C^s. 
 
AN 
 
 ALPHABETICALL 
 
 TABLE  OF  THEPRINCIPALL 
 
 Matters  contained  in 
 
 this  Booke. 
 
 A 
 
 Actepable. 
 
 O  afijon  is  tiuly  ac- 
 ceptahh,  unleffeit 
 be  quickened  and 
 cnHved  by  faith j 
 part.  i«  ca:  8.  pag. 
 9<?.c:2.i,p!iS4  &c;9.pag:57». 
 
 Sincere  obedience,  though  itn- 
 perfeft,  is  plcafing  zndacceptaik 
 unto  God,par:2.c:5.pagt3  69,  J  70 
 
 Acceje, 
 
 Free  accefe  to  the  throne  of 
 grace  with  bordncflTe  and  confi- 
 dence is  a  pi'ivi ledge  accompany* 
 ing  afliirance  ©f  our  rcccnciliati'. 
 on  with  God,par.'»,  c;  a,pa§i  a^o, 
 asi. 
 
 By  faith  wee  are  adopted  to  bee 
 [the  Sonne  of  God,  and  fo  have 
 j  title  to  the  heavenly  inheritance , 
 
 par:  i, c:  1  o, pag:  i^tj  par:2,c.'4, 
 pag:  250. 
 
 God  in  great  mercy  voiichfa- 
 feth  to  his  children  many  excel- 
 lent royalties  and  priviledgcs  in 
 this  life,  par:2jc:4,p;i57,z5'8. 
 
 The  ttdepted  hare  fonnc-like 
 intereft  and  title  unto  the  crea- 
 ture* in  Chrift,  par.2,C"8,pa.3^3. 
 &c.4,pag.258. 
 
 Sdi^  of  fairh  that  arife  from 
 the  priyiledges  of  the  adopted, 
 p3g.2j^,a6o,&c. 
 
 The  children  of  God  having 
 the  promife  both  of  this  life  and 
 that  which  is  to  cOm«)do  by  faith 
 rely  upon-  his  grace ,  to  receive 
 from  him  whatfoevcr  may  bee 
 good  for  them,pag.3  ^9,261,257. 
 The  fonnc'thip  of  believers 
 being  purchafed  by  Chrift,  miift 
 needs  be  an  incftimable  benefit, 
 pag.  2^5", 
 
 To  be  the  Ton  ofGodhYadop- 
 
 tianM  «  greater  dignity  then  to  be 
 
 Monarch  of  the  whole  world,  pa. 
 
 i6  <  .z66.a  more  honourable  con- 
 
 F  f  J  dition 
 
An  AlfhabettcaHTdyie^ 
 
 jiffidims. 
 
 ditioH  then  that  of  Adam  in  in 
 nocency,pa.266. 
 
 The  promifc  o^adopthn  and  c-  AffiiifUns  are  not  more  ordins- 
 ternall  inheritance  is  freely  offe-  rie  then  burdenfome  and  heavy  to 
 led,  and  freely  given  to  them  that  be  borne,  par,i,ca.7,pa,j  1 1. 
 bee  moft  uaworthy  in  their  ownc  Outward  affit^ians  often  occa« 
 cyeSjpag  2^3,  to  them  thag  were  fions  of  gnevous  temptations, 
 fervants  of linne,{lavest9  Sathan,  p.i.i,ca.i  i,pa.i8^,paif.z,ca,7,pa. 
 children  of  wrath,  pa.z^4,i70.to 
 fuch  as  are  moft  contemptible  ia 
 the  world,  pa  »6  3. 
 
 Believers  may  know  and  be  af- 
 fured  of  their  ©wnea^o/)rto//j  pa. 
 
 Every  Believer  is  notaffared  of 
 
 Our  trailtiein  bearing /^j5?iffi- 
 om;  fhew«s  what  need  wc  have  ta 
 be  ftrengthened  and  incouraged, 
 that  they  hinder  us  not  in  our 
 Chriiiian  courfc,  pa.jilj^it. 
 
 Great  ^ffiSitons  ^    of  diverfe 
 
 his  addition,  nor  dnth  any  in  this*  kiadSjof  long  continuancc,are  no 
 
 life  cn;oy  perfect  affurance  with-  more  then  neceCary  to  expell  our 
 
 Gutdoubtings,  pa.ti7.    See  cer-  corruptiens,  para,  ca.7,  pa.gjS, 
 
 tainty  or  aflarance  of  Salvation.  3  3  7  j  J  M* 
 
 Meanes  to  Itirreup  faith  in  af-  Satan  and  wicked  men  cannot 
 
 furance  of  the  priviledges  of  the  fet  the  time,  or  meafure  the  quan- 
 
 «t^ej>fe^,pa.i6t,i6j,z63,&c,  titie  offuchinifcriei,  whcrof  they 
 
 arc  inftruments  to  the  godly,  pa. 
 
 Affiance.  1^3»?j8. 
 
 Faith  put  for  jjffianu  of  Heart  The  godly  themfelves  ate  not 
 
 cmbiacing  the  Word  as  good,  par.  to  appoint  the  time  or  meafure  of 
 
 i,c.i,pa.3,&  c.io,pa,i57.  their  chaftifements,  pa,3af,j38^. 
 
 j4Jjianc&    how    diftinquiflied ,  .  Gods  hand  muft  bee  acknow- 
 
 ibid. 
 
 Juftifying  faith  is  an  a^awe  or 
 confidence,  par.i,cap.3,pag,j4, 
 28. 
 
 ledged  in  all  our  afpHiom  whofo- 
 
 evcr  bee  the  inftrument,  pa.  320, 
 
 4j8.    Thfs is  aground  crf"Humi- 
 
 liation,  pa.jzo.  &  gti.  of  pa* 
 
 Faith  is  an  ©bfequious affiance,    tience,  pa.?  20.  &  52 1,  ji»,  &c. 
 
 par.ijcap  3,pag.5i,par.»,  cap.p.    of  profit  and  comfort  by  that  wee 
 
 pag.37i.&  cap.io.pag.3$7.  fuffer,  pa.jaojjiijjaij&c.  338, 
 
 Affiance  mnft  bee  well  rooted  J39. 
 and  kindly  planted,  par.ijcap.j.       ^j^'fl»ii^«f, though  bitter  for  the 
 P^g'34j5ccap.4,pag.49.&cap  .8.    prcfent,are  meanes  to  doe  us  good  ) 
 pagioi.  found  and  permanent,    manydaiesafter,  pa.324» 
 par.!,  cap.3,pag.34.  Affiiifions  in  themfelves  arc 
 
 Over.ruling,pag.3  j.  &  cap.  10    hunfiill,  but  they  arc  changed  in 
 P^V^^*  and  by  Chrift,  and  made  fervicca- 
 
 Sigries  of  lively,  found,  well-   ble  for  our  good,  pa.  3 14,3 1^ 
 rooted  <7^tf»(;e,where  there  is  but        The  Lord  ou:  moft  mercifull 
 fmall  aflurance  offalyation,  par.    and  loving  Father,  hath  plcnti- 
 Xjca,  I  o,pa.  1 4  f .  fally  fi^nified,that  he  will  correft 
 
 his  I 
 
 .  II  iE^rii%>. 
 
jiM  AlphMb&ticMUTAyie, 
 
 his  children  for  their  good  ,  and  Th«  ads  offa^th  in  rcfpeft  of 
 graciouflypromifcd  that  hec  will  the  promifes  of  fupport  and  com- 
 be with  them  in,and  deliyer  them  fort  in  ajpiifion^  p.  3  %o^%  2 1 ,5cc. 
 out  of  their  adverfities,  pa,  i|».  Wee  muft  live  by  faith  in  the 
 3  » 3,3  i4j&c-  heavieft  and  longeft  affiiSism.  pa. 
 
 God  correScth  in  great  wife-  335,31^. 
 
 dome,  pa.j  12,313,324,538.  in  In fuch faith  is moft excrcifed. 
 
 pa.?3^» 
 
 In  fuch  there  is  moft  need  of 
 faithj  becaiife  then  Satan  is  moft 
 bijfie  to  tcmptjibid. 
 
 God  doth  love  tenderly,  when 
 hee  doth  correft  feverely/  par.  i^ 
 
 meafiue;  pa.  311,  xj8,  3^35334* 
 
 3  3  8.  for  a  moment,  pa.3i2,ji3. 
 
 mlove  and  tendcrnelie,  pa.  ^  13, 
 
 323,325.  to  prove  them,  pa.3  13. 
 
 to  purge  andrciine  them,  pa.  j  i  j', 
 
 3x4,  J  23,   to  confirme  grace,  pa. 
 ■  3 14,3  23.  and  to  fave  them  at  the  ca.ia,  pa*i8^. 
 
 end, pa.3 14,  The  Lords  ch.iftifements  are 
 
 God  corrc6:s  his  children  that    ^^  purgative  medicines  to  pre- 
 
 they    might    know    thcmfelves,    vent  or  cure  fome  Tpirituall  dif- 
 
 thcir  frailties  and  graces,  pa.3  1 3,   eafcjiljid. 
 
 3 1  f.moft  perfcftly  undci  ftanding  Our  conformitic  with  Chriftian 
 theirneed,  their  ftrength,  and  the  afJliSIions  ^  and  his  partner- fljip 
 working  of  his  owne  potion,  pa.  with  us  therein,  fliould  make  us 
 32^,324,528.  willing  to  bcare  them^  par.a,  ca- 
 
 God  hath  promifcd  to  deliver    7apa.3»<5. 
 
 his  children  out  of  troiibIe,p3.ji4,        F.'^ith  in  God  \s  the  onely  ftay 
 
 3  25,3  26.   Is  tender  o/er  them  in    and  fupport  of  the  he.-irt  in  trou. 
 
 trouble,  pa  3 14,315.  and  prefent    ble  and  affliSion ,    fp'ccially  that 
 
 for  their  helpe  pa.315.  whrchi$moftburdcnfome,p.3t6. 
 
 It  rs  neeeflary  to  Icarne  to  live       Faith  turncth  crofTcj  into  ad- 
 
 byfaich  touching  thefe  promifes   vantages,par.2,ca  io,pa.j9y. 
 
 intimcofd^jflfo»,p.Ji«,3i7,&c.        Faith  raifeth  the  heart  to  ex- 
 
 ^fflHiont   profit   not    where   pcft  profit  and  comfort  by  every 
 
 faith  is  wanting,  pa.  3 1  q.  trpiSiion^ini  the  grcatcft  comfort 
 
 The  godly  ate  allowed  to  live   and  profit  by  zhe  greatcft  affiiffion, 
 
 byfaithin<j^;^io»f,pa.5iJ,3i^,  par.  z,  ca.7,  pa. 317,  330,  3^1, 
 
 &c.  34«'34x- 
 
 Faith  fweetcns  affiH'tons^  fup-  The  a(*ts  of  faith  in  time  of 
 portcth  under  them,  teacheth  to  greatcft  fl^i5io»f,p, 3  3 <.3  5  7,&c. 
 profit  by  thcmj&c.  par.i,ca.io.  How  it  comes  to  pafle  that  in 
 pa.i33,par.2,ca.i,pa.i96.  &  ca.  a^i^M«;  faith  feemes  to  bee  moft 
 4,pa.z5x,35S.  &  c3.1Ojpa.394,  weake,  and  corruption  moil  ftir- i 
 
 3«5.  "ng,pa.34i,ui,3*3. 
 
 Inwardly  chetres  the  heart,par.  Hclpes  to  ftirre  up  faith  in  deep 
 
 »,  ca.4,  pa.2^1.  &  C3.5,  p3.i8o.  6jj!7/fif/o»f,  when  all  meanes  faile, 
 
 and  aflures  ot  helpe  in  trouble,  p3,54j,344,&c. 
 
 triumphing   befoie  the  tiftory,  Faith  fctting  before  us  the  in- 
 
 par.2,  ca.7,  pa.3  3  5,  finite  recompence  of  reward,  ma- 
 
 Ff4  keth 
 
A»  AlphahtieaHTalfle, 
 
 keth  our  afficlions  feeme  light   confidence, par, i, cap* i,pag. 3, 
 and   momentame  ,     pag.  326,        There  is  a  doable  afent,  one 
 3x7.  from  reafon,  the  other  from  au- 
 
 By   faith   the    godly   heart  is    thority,pag.i6. 
 dra  wne  to  ufe  all  lav>»full  meanes       Juftifying  faith  is  an  Ajjent,  pag. 
 of  helps  ia  diftrelTe,  but  refteth    16,18,19. 
 
 on  Gods  promifes,   not  on  the 
 probabilitie    of  the  thing  pro- 
 
 mifed,  pag.35  i.&cap.i,pag.iOx, 
 
 Z02. 
 
 The  dependance  on  the  promi- 
 
 fcs  is  abfoliue,  without  limitation 
 
 of  time,  mcafure  of  affiSlion,  or 
 
 The  (5j^»f  which  faith  gives  to 
 the  word  is  abfolute  and  unlimi- 
 ted, pag.  17,11. 
 
 Faith  is  a  firmc  ajfefif,  pag-jo, 
 &cap.Sjpag.6o. 
 
 How  faitb  is  an  evident  afentj 
 01  time,  mcaiuLK  01  ajjnMioHf  ur     pag.X?. 
 
 manner  of  deliverance,  and  that        Faith  is  in  fome  fort  an  ajfint  1 
 when  all  meanes  faile,  yea  againft    difcurfive,  pag.ag. 
 all  things  that?  may  feeme  toop*       In  living  by  faith  one  aft  is  to 
 pofe,  pag»J5  ijj}*.  ajient  unto  th^  whole  word,  par. 
 
 For  frtppart  in  this  eafefaith    3,cap.ijpag.zoi, 
 turneth  it  felfe  to  meditate  on        AJfewt  unto    the    articles  of 
 Gods  truth,  power,  wifdome,tcn-    Chriiliaa  faith  as  true  ajid  good, 
 der  compafllons  ;  his  ufuall  man-   whiles  conlidercd  onely  in  them- 
 ner  of  dealing  j  and  our  ownc  ex-   felves,  without  oppoGtion  of  fuch 
 periencc  :  And  directs  us  to  ac-    matters  as  bee  much  valued,  is 
 cufc  ind  checke  our  felves  for  our    (hallow  and  unfound,  par.i  3  cap. 
 onbeliefe,  and  to  incite  and  call    4,  pag.  5  i . 
 upon  our  foules  more  confidently 
 to  wait  and  tratt  upon  the  Lord^  E. 
 
 Baptifme, 
 
 The  Almighty  pmer  of  God 
 often  alledgcth  to  eonSrme  the 
 wcake  and  wavering  hcartj^ar,  i , 
 i  cap.<J,pag.75. 
 
 The  teftimonies  of  Gods  pow- 
 er, mercy  and  truth  are  fe  often 
 
 repeated  in  Scripture  J  that  v?ec    Chrifts death  "and  our  fcllbwftip 
 might  have  them  ever  before  us,    therein^ibid. 
 
 BAptifmz  is  a  feale  of  the  Cove- 
 nant bttwi^tOodand  us,  par. 
 l,cap.ii,pag.4io. 
 
 Baptifme  is  a  fealc  of  our  rege- 
 neration, pag,4i  I,  and  pardoa  of 
 our  finnesjibid. 
 
 It  is  a  pledge  of  the  vertuc  of 
 
 to  uphold  us  againft  our  deub- 
 tings  and  fearcs,    par.r^  cap.  11, 
 
 Of  the  vertuc  of  Chrifts  rcfur- 
 rcftion,and  our  communion  with 
 him  therein.ibid. 
 
 Of  our  adoption  irtChrift,  pag. 
 
 412. 
 
 Of  our  communion  with  all  the 
 Faitk  put  £ot  ajfent  mthoMt    lively  members  of  Chrift  Jefus, 
 
 ibid. 
 
An  AtphahticaUTahie, 
 
 To  believe,  is  to  tfuft  in  the 
 Word  of  God  ay  fure  andflable, 
 pag24 
 
 x6. 
 
 Tfuft  «i»oundcd  by  htliefe^^^. 
 
 To  yetUhti  >s  to  kane  upca^ot 
 fticke,6r  adhere  uiltdj  pag.  25,47. 
 
 To  belitve  on  Chrift  is  to  re- 
 ceive him,pag.a7.goc  or  corrie  un- 
 
 ibid,  and  that  God  will  provide 
 for «« in  this  life,  raifk  up  Our  bo- 
 dies unto  life  at  the  day  of  judge- 
 ment, and  befiow  upon  us  that  e- 
 vcrlafting  Kingdom  e  which  hee 
 hath  preparedj  pag.4 1 2,4 1 3 ,4 1 4 . 
 
 iBaptiJme  alCo  is  a  fparlre  to  re- 
 pentaace  and  mortifiGationj  pag. 
 414.  a  provocation  unto  faith,  ^, 
 
 I  and  a  pledge  thereof,  pag.4if,  an   to  hfiajiibid. 
 
 incitement  unto  new  obedience^       To  believe  theMeflias,  is  not 
 
 I  and  a  pledge  thereof,  ibid.  ,  A   *ncly  toknow,  butfbhaTeantf. 
 
 '  pledge  and  pawiie  oflovcandu-  fisnccinhi/n,  p'ag.iS, 
 
 nity,pag\4i^.  To  Je/icx-ff,  is  trot  bftely  to  give 
 
 By    fingul.-lr   appropriation  it  «redenee  tio  what  the  Stfiptare 
 
 reprefenteth  and  coafirmeth  our  Taith,  but  toerabraee  whatisfaid 
 
 engrafting  into  Chrift,  pag.4 1 1,     with  intire  adherence  of  foal c, 
 
 Forfigntficati©n,force, ufcand   pag.ji.'- 
 
 frait  it  continueth  the  vvhole       Tobitie'V6CWi&::Biid8t'fiCtnj 
 
 courfe  of  a  mans  life,  pag.  41  o.        is*  not  barely  to  hcUeve  the  hiftory 
 
 By  faith  we  arc  to  make  ufe  of  of  his  death,  but  th^  fruits  aiid  be- 
 
 5drp/^^eall  the  daycsofourlife,  ncfits  therecJjf,  arid  that  witk  affi- 
 
 pag.410. 
 
 How  farcnts  fliould  in  faith 
 prcfent  their  children  unto  Bab' 
 ///5ae,p3g.4d7340*- 
 
 ance,par.  i,cap.6  pag.7  j. 
 
 Belief e  in  th^tfidh  mercy  of  Cod 
 
 Believe  8i  Believer, 
 
 frameth  tRP^^^c'bf  God  in  our 
 hearts,  aad  rlitp^i ntcth  the  virtues 
 •f  Chrifts  deatfh  upon  the  foiilc 
 par,i,cap.tf,pag,78. 
 
 Sd/e/ein  Chiiftis  abfolutely 
 
 Faith  put  for  Beliefej  par.  i,cap.    »ce«irary  t©  rcmiflion  of  finnes  /n 
 '5  P^g-3'  ^^^  them  that  bee  of  age  ^nd  difl 
 
 Believe  Gidyind  Believe  in  Goil,  ctctieft ,  par.  i ,  cap. 8,  pag. j 5.  & 
 what  the  phrafes  import,  par.  I.  par.i,cap.io,pag.i4«. 
 cap.i3pag.4,y.&  c»p.4,p3g*49.  They  believe  notuntO  righte- 
 
 Bslieveinioth  fometimesim-  oufaefle  who  turne  their  gifts  to 
 port  ho  mere  but  JBe/icye,  par.  i,   the  fcrvicc  of  their  lulls,  par.  1, 
 cap.ripag.j.  &cap.9,  pag.  ii8,  Wp.4,pag.48. 
 129.  Such  as  truly  Je//evcrtia;^knovv 
 
 Beliefe  in  the  underftanding  it  they  believe,  par.  ijcap.^jpag.y^^, 
 the  foundation  of  confidence  in   loi,io8. 
 the  heart,  pag.  f .  Many  that  believe,  cannot  ccr- 
 
 Beliefe  is  grounded  upon  the  au-  tsinly  affirme  that  rhey  do'  believe, 
 thority  of  the  fpeaker,  but  may  be  par.  i,  cap,  5 ,  pag  1 8.&  Wp.7,pag. 
 fuflained  and  ftiengthcned  byo-   84. 
 
 thcr  motives  and  inducements.      Encouragements  to  iie//evc,par. 
 pag.  19.  i,cap.ii,f(3g.i5i, 
 
 .  VVc 
 
jin  AlfhabetlcaUTable, 
 
 Wee  are  not  more  defitousto  takes  diret^ion  ^^m  God  in  all 
 ie/ieve,thcnGodisthatwefhould  bufinefles,«f "this  life,  par.i,ca. 
 
 10  do,  par.  i  jca.  i  a,pa.  1 6  f . 
 
 Chnft  hirofelfe  doth  gracioufly 
 inyite  all  that  bee  poore  ,  needy, 
 weaiiej  thirfty,  and  heavy  laden, 
 who  iieithet  fecle  inward  lap  nor 
 
 8,PM5^- 
 
 Te/»pra/2  at  earth!)/  blejfwgt. 
 
 Earthly  bltjjing;  are  ncccffarie 
 for  the  maintenance  of  this  life. 
 
 Blafpbemrs. 
 
 Bla/phemsrs  are  not  to  be  rea- 
 outward  fruit  of  grace  .to  come  foned  witii,  par.i,  ea.^,  pa.i9^j 
 untohim,  par.i,  ca<,io,  pa.151,    zj7. 
 15  5.&  ca,  1 2,pa.  176,190,191.8c 
 par  •  2jCa.i,pa.  13 1 ,2g  ». 
 
 The  Lord  hath  ftraitly  char- 
 ged and  commanded  us  to  beli&ve 
 inhitn,  pi.ifi. 
 
 By  belkvtKgwic  glorifieGod  par.7,ci.§,pa.547 
 bothinhistruth,povyer,wifdomc.       The  Lord  by  covenmi:  hath  i 
 love,  grace  and  mercy,  pi.  I J  3.       piomifed  to  furnirti  his  people; 
 
 If  men  conGdcr  fcrioufly  what  witii  all  needful!  blcflingspertai-  | 
 rare,furpa(Iing,preci©u$  things  be   iiifig  to  this  Lfe,  that  being  freed  ; 
 promifcd. to  thpn  chat  coins  un.   from   cares   about   them,   they! 
 to  Jefus  Chnft,  what  (hall  with-   might,  with  greater  freedome,  at- 
 hold  them  fro.n  belj^-vlng^  pa.  tenduponhisfervice, par.2,ca.8, 
 
 The  ftrait  chpfge_o£  the  Ltsrd  In  fpcciall  the  Lord  promifeth 
 hath  laid  upon  ui^to^He^Je,  and  length  of  dayes,  health,  ftrength, 
 diflike  of  our  wcaJp^rtflc  is  a  ma-  wealth,  favou»,  pcaccj  joy,  good 
 niteft  aigument  Jaf  his  bounty  Iuccc{re,fafcty,  good  name,and  ail 
 and  goodwill,  par. i,  ca.i,".,  pa;  thcfe  not  oncly  to  the  righteous 
 i58.  thcmfelrcs,   but  to  their  children 
 
 The  fcverall  flatcs  of  true  B«-  and  poftcrity,  pa,348334»>Slo. 
 /Kxicri",  par.l,ca.8,p.i.  94 j9  J.  To  wicked  men  God  vouch- 
 
 Every  Believer  hath  a  proper,  fafes  outwaid  thmgs  of  common 
 fingular,Gnccte^individuall  faith,  baunty,  to  his  children  they  are 
 par.i,ca.iOjpa.i40.  gifts  oi  love  and  fpcciall  good- 
 
 Ordinarily  believers  are  weake  will,  par.  2,c3.4,p3.  i6o. 
 attheir  firftconyerfien;  but  fome       Earthly  blejings  arefomefmall 
 are   priyilcdged   above    others  3  pittance  of  our  childs  portion,par. 
 p3r.i,ca  io,pa.i4y.  x,  ca.  4.  pa.  i^q.    &  ca.  8,  pa. 
 
 The ftrong  fce/.'cx;er  doth  fome-   ^67. 
 times  {hrinke  when  the  weake       The  worth  of  Eijr/Wy  Wc^^^gf 
 fiafidsfaftjpa.ij'o.  isgreat,fpecially  when  they  be  gi. 
 
 Thettrong&c/f£ver  mnftnotbe  yen  m  love  and  mercy,  asgiftsof 
 C3relc{re,nor  the  weake  difmayed,  the  Covenant,  par.  i,  ca;  5,  pa, 
 P»'M°jMi.  ^3.&par.t,c3.8,pa.^67. 
 
 The  beiiever  confults  what  is      It  is  neccflary  we  fliould  believe 
 juft,  not  what  is  gaincfuU :  and   thcfe  promifcs,  pa  3  50,  j  5  i,&c. 
 Tb, 
 
 irwrm   mil  II  fc       ^,„,u       ■       >■  — iji         ..  .    ^mm«•^.^    .        .,...:..•.       -< ... 
 
An  AiphaBeticaU  Table, 
 
 The  godly  are  allowed  to  live 
 by  faith  touching  thefe  tmpQraU 
 
 pronaireS,pag.5^j.  .  ,   .   ,    ,    , 
 The  relation  which  IS  betwut 
 
 God  and  his  pec.ple  fhould  en- 
 courage them  zo  reft  upon  him 
 (ov  earthly  good  things,  pag.gH' 
 
 Thi  J  gift  the  Lord  gives  to  the 
 man  whom  hce  doth  approve,  to 
 gather  and  ufe  earthly  blejirgs 
 with  delight  and  comfort^  fothat 
 his  ftate  is  comfGrrable^  th^tigh 
 his  revenewes  be  fmalljpag.j  j  5. 
 
 The  patient  expeftation  of  the 
 Saints  hath  confirmed  this^  that 
 God  will  not  bee  wanting  to  his 
 children  in  thisgs  of  this  life, 
 ibid. 
 
 Faith  recciycth  the  free  and 
 giacious  promifesofGodconccr- 
 mngthc  hleftngso£thi5  life,  par. 
 f,ca:f,pag.65. 
 
 Belicfe  in  thefe  promiles  brmg- 
 eth  forth  contentment,  inceura- 
 geth  to  diligence,  quickcneth  in 
 advcrfitieSj&c.ibid. 
 
 By  faith  the  temporaU  gifts  of 
 God  are  fwcetned  andfmftified 
 unto  us,par.  i ,  cap.  1  o  jpag.  i  j  a,  & 
 par.i,cap.8,pag,55*» 
 
 It  recciveth  earthlji  hkjjtngs  &s 
 pledges  ofGods  fpeciall  favour, 
 and  lifteth  them  up  tofpirituall 
 ufe,  pag  1 53. 8c  par.z,  cap.S,  pag. 
 
 It  prefervcth  from  the  ufe  of 
 unlawful! mcancs,  par.*,  cap.8, 
 pag.|f6' 
 
 How  the  heart  is  affeftcd  upon 
 fuch  like  conGderations,!bid, 
 
 The  afts  of  faith  in  refpeft  of 
 temptraU  promifes  and  bleflingSj 
 para»,c.8,pa§.}$J,jS«3357i&c. 
 
 Callirig, 
 
 IT  is  the  ordinance  of  God  that 
 men  fhould  laboure  in  fome  ho- 
 neft  faZf/zg,par»2,cap.  x©,p3g,38», 
 
 God  hath  proaiifed  toprote^Si 
 and  blcfle  them  that  doc  the 
 workes  of  their  caSivg  with  dili- 
 gence,ibid. 
 
 Our  caUivg  muft  be  hoHeft,that 
 is,  ferviceabie  to  Church,  Com- 
 mon wealth,  or  private  familie, 
 
 pag- 3  89. 
 
 If  faith  doc  not  quicken,  feafon 
 and  guide  the  warkes  of  our  cal' 
 lir.gj  they  arc  dead  and  carnall  as 
 they  come  fromus,ibid. 
 
 The  foveraignc  remedy  againft 
 the  evils  which  we  are  apt  torua 
 into  in  the  labours  of  our  caUing, 
 is  a  lively  faith,pag.388. 
 
 Faith  laboureth  confcionably 
 in  the  duties  of  aa  honeft  caliingj 
 yet  without  covetoufncfle  or  di- 
 Iba^ing  care,  par.  1.  cap.  10.  pag, 
 I34,p3r.2,cap,8,pag,5y7. 
 
 The  a(3s  of  faith  in.  refpetS  of 
 ©ur  caMi^gy  and  the  duties  be- 
 longing thereunto,  pag389*52«>. 
 dec. 
 
 How  wee  may  live  by  faith 
 touching  the  good  fucccffe  of  that 
 worke  whcreumo  wee  are  called^ 
 which  we  find  to  be  much  above 
 our  Itrength  or  raeanes,  par.z,ca. 
 10  pa,  3  96. 
 
 Diligence  and  cheavfulfleflTc  in 
 the  duties  ef  our  honell  caSifig,  is 
 a  meanes  fanllified  of  God,  to 
 procure  frtedome  from  Satans 
 temptations,  pat.z,  ca.^,  pa.a97> 
 208,398. 
 
 care 
 
^n,4^fhmimUTAble, 
 
 Phyficallatiii  of  qualities,  ol'Mo- 
 
 Care.  rail  and  of  ftate  and  condition, 
 
 par.  ijcaj^./jpag.Sp. 
 
 Exeefiive  catc.  akieut  earthly       Faitljmindethusofourfi;^;^^, 
 
 things  is  an  cfieiS  of  unbelief  e^pa,    even  v^hen  our   mouataine  Ice- 
 
 »jcap.ijpag.io452oj,  raeth  ftrongeft,  pai\»,cap.8jpag. 
 
 Faith  in  the  promifes  of  eajcthlji    362. 
 
 It  doth  forcfee  chan^et  and  pre- 
 .pare  for  them,ibid. 
 
 Faith  is  the  worke  of  God  th« 
 
 things  doth  kill  covetous  deOreS; 
 diflrultfull  and  diftrafting  arex 
 par'i,cap.8.,pag.35o. 
 
 Faith  in  the  ptQinifcs  ofeyer- 
 .lafling  life  doth  eflablife  the 
 'Keatt  againft  «ll  wovidly  cares 
 and  fcaLcsjp9M,ca,p.4,pag.  if  I . &   Esther  in  /eftti  Ckri^,2^  •  i ,cap.  %  i 
 
 Faith  in  God  in  tirae  of  di- 
 iirefle  expells  vexations  and  di- 
 rftraftingctfre^i  pac.a,.cap.j^  pag. 
 
 There  Is  atwofold  certiamh^'a 
 fenfeaadiaevcjit,  par,  i,  cap.7. 
 pag.82. 
 
 Things  ate  to  m»  according  as 
 we  conceive  them,  whicWisnot 
 ever  anfwerablc  to  the  cvid«;ncc 
 of  the  thing  in  it  felfe,  or  to  the 
 
 C}iTifi  is  both  a  Lord,  aead  Savi^jl 
 ourjfar.i,c^p.3,pag.j^  •     J, 
 
 Cbrifi  is  the  fountainc  of  the  j 
 water  of  life,  par.  i,  cap.  4,  pag. 
 
 41. 
 
 Chrift  is  the  life  of  the  foalc,  ' 
 par.XjCap.i,pag.i9j.  | 
 
 Pardon  of  finne  is  proclaimed 
 to  miferable  finneis  in  and 
 through  Chrifiy  par.z,  cap.  2,  pag. 
 
 Faith  goes  dire&ly  to  thrift  for 
 pardon,  wee  being;  in  our  felyes 
 cerfdiwfy  in  regard;  of  tke  event,   Ciifullandaeairfed,pag.?^». 
 pag.8^.  Cilri/f  is  the  thing  which  faith 
 
 Things  believed  are  in  them-  embxaceth  to  falvation ,  and 
 felves  more  ctrtaiw  then  things  whom  it  doth  lookc  unto  and  rcw 
 fcenc,  but  not  apprehended  by  us  fpe^,  as  it  doth  make  us  righteous 
 with  fuch  certaintU^nd  affuranee,  in  the  fightof  Godj  par.  i ,  cap.*, 
 par.ijcap.8,pag.iio.  pag.74,  7J.  &  cap.i«,pag.i^7,, 
 
 ConclMfions.  Theologicall  ^«   par.z,cap.i,pag.aig. 
 in  thcmreWcs  as  (;er/«W8,as  are  the       Chrift  is  the  full,  and  adequate 
 principles  upon  which  they  are   objeft  of  beliefc  as  it  juftifieth, 
 grounded,  but  alwaye s  they  are   par.  i ,  cap.  f,  pag.  f  9. 
 not  fo  infallible  to  our  undctftan-       Chrift  is  the  objcifi  of  faith,  not 
 dingaadconfcience,  par.ijCap.J,  abftraSly  or  nakedly  confidcred, 
 
 butChriilwith  his  benefits^  pan 
 i,cap.5,pag.7i. 
 
 In  Chrift  Gods  wrath  is  pacified 
 
 towards  us,  par.i^cap.  2,pag.i34. 
 
 Gods  giving  Cbrift  is  an  inccu- 
 
 pas>5»"0- 
 
 Change, 
 There  is  a  twofold  change  > 
 
 ragemcnt  I 
 
ragement  to  believe  ,  pag.  134,    God  is  pleafed  to  trie  vis,pag. 527. 
 
 An  Alphal/eticall  Table, 
 
 »?? 
 
 Chrifi  nmmt  unto  tis  of  God 
 wifedomc  and  farKflification  ,  af- 
 well  ^s  righteoufnefre  tind  re- 
 demption, par.  2. cap  j.pagJjS. 
 
 330,331. 
 
 God  and  Chrifi  is  the  oncly  ob- 
 jcftof  true  confidence  and  truft, 
 par.  I.  cap.  9.  pag,  127. 
 
 God  having  given  Chi/i  to  us. 
 
 7  he  confidcration   or    which    will  deny  us  nothing  that  may  be 
 fiiould   quicken    to    believe  the    for.our  good,  par,  z^  cap,  8,  pag. 
 proiTiiie    of  fandification,  pag,    352.- 353. 
 348.  Clrifi  nzwcv  rejeded  any  that 
 
 Chrlfi  zshtis  a  juftifier  of  us    came  unto  him  in  wcakcneiie 
 from  the  guilt  of  finne,and  a  fan-    defiring  to  be  confirmed^  par.  1, 
 differ  of  us  from  the  power  of  cap.  12,  pag.  168. 
 finne,  jsthe  wedding  garment. 
 
 Church. 
 
 The  authority  of  th*  Church 
 cannot  be  the  gvoimd  of 'faith, 
 par,  I.  cap.  9.  pag.  1 23. 
 
 The  Church  is  iubjeft  to  errour, 
 
 par,  B.  cap-  4.  pag.  ^2; 
 
 Faith  as  the  pipe  conveycs 
 grace  from  Chrifi  the  tountainc 
 into  the  fouk,  par.  z.  cap,  j.  pag. 
 243,244.247. 
 
 They  thatwouW  be  enriched  - „_j „„^j 
 
 with  grace,  or  prefevere  therein,    neither  hath  it  any  truth  iname- 
 muftbe  knit  to  Chriji  hy  faith^    diatelyorby  divine  infpirations 
 '  pag.  244.  &  cap.  5,  pag.  286.  ibid,  '     ' 
 
 See  Grace.  The  authority  of  the  £^«r<;i&  is 
 
 <7i&r//?  hath  purchafed  for  us  life    a  thing  create,  ibid. 
 cverlafJing  no   Icflc  then  righte-       Whatfoerer  credit  the  Church 
 oufnefTe,  par.  2.  cap.  4,  pag.  249.    hath^  it  receiveth  the  fame  from 
 The    confideration     of    which    theSctiptureSj  pag.  124. 
 fhauld   quicken    to    believe  the        The  authority    of  the  Pope, 
 promifeof  life.  pag.  25y,  whom  theycaLLthc^^f/Wyc/^  .virtii-l 
 
 Chrift  hath  praid  for  his  people  all,  is  the  firft  ground  and  laft  re- 
 that  their  faith  fhould  not  faile,  folution  of  the  Romanifts  faithj 
 par.  2.  cap.  j. pag.  27*.  280.  pag.  izf.  i%6. 
 
 CfcrJ/?  hath  praid  for  perfeve-  Itisimpoflible  the  Ci?7»rci&ef  in- 
 ranee  againftfeparating  evils,  par.  falhblepropofall  fliould  bee  the 
 I.  cap.  12.  pag.  180.  reafon  of  a  Romanc  Catholikes 
 
 C^riy?  IS  the  rock  into  which  We    beliefe  of  Scriptures  ,  unlsfTc  it 
 muft  worke  our  felves  by  faith,    were  the    primary  objed  of  his 
 that  no  weight  of  affli^ion  may    beliefe,  pag.  1x7. 
 overwhelme  us,  par.  2.  cap.  7. 
 pag.  329, 550.  Combate. 
 
 The   fpirit   of  wifdome  and 
 coiinfcUjofflrength  and  courage-,        Thcfervants  of  Chrift  are  all 
 was  powred  into  Cifr//?,  of  which    fouldiers  ,  and   have    continual! 
 we  partaking  by  faith,  are  inablcd    warre  with  Satan,  par.  2.  cap.  6. 
 to  beare  that  beft,  with   which    pag.  2^0. 
 
 We 
 
An  AlfhabeticaUTahle, 
 
 oftentimes  God  caufcth  his 
 
 children  to   feeke  long  before 
 
 they  find  canj/er^ibid. 
 
 It  is  Gods  worke  to  give  com- 
 
 240.  f^Yt,  it  is  our  doty  to  waitc  for  it 
 
 Bee  the  cow&^fe  never  fo  hot,  in  the  way  of  obcdience^ibid. 
 faithwilinotyceld  to  corruption.       Comforts  when  they  come  are 
 
 Wee  are  weake  and  feeble  to 
 
 I  Withftand  oiir  fpirituall  enemies 
 
 potent  and  vigilant  to  aflaile,  par: 
 
 »,cap:5,  pag:  877,8:  cap:  3,pag; 
 
 par;j,  ca]j,63pag;39i. 
 
 ufually  proportioned  torhemci- 
 
 Faith  IS  the  fhicldof  tbe  foulc  fare  of  tribulation,  and  multitude 
 to  <lefend  it  againit  all  the  fiery  of  fervent  prayers  powred  out  bo- 
 darts  of  the  Divelljpag.-i^  J, ^P4.   fore  the  Lord,  pag:  1 80,  &  par.  2, 
 
 &cap:7,p3g;3l7' 
 
 God  hath  given  his  fcrvants 
 mnny  encouragements  to  fight 
 valiantly  ,  and  made  them  many 
 promifes  offtrengtii  and  vitSory^ 
 pag;  190,19 1. 
 
 The  craft  of  Satan  is  great  to 
 
 C3P-7,p3g:  340,54 1. 
 
 Comm^ndsmnn. 
 
 Whatfosvcr    the    fcrvants    of 
 God  did  upon  common  grounds 
 
 -  -  ^ ._    and  reafons  ,   pertainingto  us  no 
 
 deceive  ,his  power  great  to  moleU;,  leftc  then  unto  them  ;  that  duty 
 but  if  we  be  valiantin  the  Lord,  belongcth  unto  usafwell  asunto 
 we  fltall  get  the  viftory,  pag:  191,  them,and  their  example  is  fcr  our 
 »9Z.  '  imitation,par:2jCap.  r,pag:»co. 
 
 Todoubtandfcara  becaufewe  Speciall  eommandements  given 
 areexeccifedinfpiritualifcw&^/ex,  by  priviledge  to  fome  peculiar 
 is  to  lay  afidc  our  harncfic  be-  perfons,  belong  not  unto  them, 
 caufc  we  arc  called  forth  to  bit-  who  have  received  no  fuch  war- 
 Cell,pag;i92.  rant  {     but   if  tihe    immediate 
 
 Faith  is  the  fiifl:  thing  that  1$   ground  be  common,  the  dutyi-t 
 formed  in  a  Chriftian,whercwith   {clfe  reachcth  unto  us,ibid. 
 Godfurnifheth  him  whcnhecals        The  precepts  of  finiftity  and 
 him  forth  to  the  incowtCTj  pag:    holincfle  bind  the  confciencc  to  ! 
 29  ?.  obey  God,  as  well  as  the  promifes  ' 
 
 God.  calleth  not  forth  his  fer-   bindtotrnftinOod,  par;i,cap:j. 
 yants  to  tht  eoH^iff,  antill^hee   pag'-66,p3r:i,cap;Q,pag:57i. 
 
 I  have  enabled  them  to  make  re-      The  commandements  of  God^re 
 fiftancc,par:2,C3p.6.pag:504,  laid  before  believers,  not  as  the 
 
 Set  Temptations,  caufe  for  obtaining  eternall  life, 
 
 but  as  the  way  to  walkc  in  unto 
 Comfort.  eternall  life,  affured  unto  us  by 
 
 the  free  promife  and  gift  of  God, 
 Faith  may  be  ftrong  when  wee  par;i5cap.8,p3g:ii2, 
 ha/eao  fenfe  or  feeling  of  mercy  Faith  ,uniteth  the  heart  to  the 
 or  C6mfsrt,  par:  i ,cap:  1  Sjpag-,  177,  promifes,  and  glueth  it  faii  to  the 
 Sometimes  the  godly  walke  commandernentSf  paf:r,cap:i,pagi 
 without  f6w/frrf,bccaufe  they  put  3  1,3>,J  J.p^:i,  cap:i,  pag.ic>^5 
 ic  from  thcmfclves,pag;  17^,  I97.& C3p:i,p;227,& c:4^p  254, 
 
 Fathi 
 
An  Al^hahetkall  Table, 
 
 Faith  cleaveth  unto  the  c^m- 
 mandments  as  juft,  cquall,  honeft 
 and  goodjin  all  things,  and  at  ail 
 times  to  bee  oWcyed,  pat;  i jCap;  f. 
 
 To  the  leading  of  a  Chiiftian 
 life,  it  is  necefliryj  that  by  faith 
 we  adhere  and  fticke  faft  unto  the 
 Commandemnts,  par.»,cap: 9,pag: 
 
 37P.  , 
 
 Want  of  belie  vingthe/)rece/'^*f 
 is  the  caufe  why  many  ase  kept 
 under  of  inordinate  paflions,  pag, 
 
 a  71. 
 
 It  is  ncceffary  a  Chnftian 
 fliould  reft  upon  God  for  abilitie 
 to  doe  what  he  requireth,  pag: 
 372  ay 3,  and  that  hee  will  accept 
 then-  willing  (though  weake)  fer- 
 Yice,  pagjj  73,3  74.  See  obatence. 
 
 Cmmini  to  Chifi. 
 
 Cmminj^to  Chifl  is  a  fpirituali 
 motion  o(  the  heart  and  afFefti- 
 ons  towards  CM/,  parii.cap.-j. 
 pag.»8. 
 
 The  receiving  o£Chrifiis  not 
 onelyacomprehenGon  oftheun- 
 deiftanding,  but  an  embracing  of 
 the  heait  and  aSeftions,  par:  i, 
 cap: 3, pag: 27. 
 
 Wee  put  on  Chnfi  when  by  an 
 -affianced  knowledge  and  confe- 
 qucnt  afFeftions  wee  comt  more 
 and  more  to  bee  united  with  him, 
 par:  I J  cap;  4,  pag:  5*- 
 
 Commnionwith  Clrifr. 
 
 By  faith  wee  are  maried  unto 
 Chr'tfl,  and  have  eimmunim  with 
 him  in  the  death  and  rcfurreiainn^ 
 par:  i,  cap:io,pag:i3». 
 
 A  true  bcliovcrj  though  never 
 I  fo  weakeidoth  pofleffe  efcriy?  vyi  th 
 
 all  his  benefits,par:i5cap:io.pag: 
 146.&  cap:i  Zjpagu^y. 
 
 The  incrcalc  of  faith  makes 
 cnr  communion  with  Chrifi  more 
 fwGet  and  comfortable,  pag;  148. 
 
 C$nfeJfiofi  of  faith. 
 
 faith  (if  fiime)  bringcth  forth 
 CO}ifeJJiofi,p?.i-t  J  J  cap;4,  pag:  f  i. 
 
 Faith  which  bringeth  forth  fin- 
 cere  confejfian  is  coupled  with 
 love,  but  confejfton  it  felfe  is  an 
 efFea  offahhy  >bid. 
 
 Faith  put  for  unhmtd profejfton 
 fl/f(i//^,par.i,capi,pag:3. 
 
 ConfeJf9n  offinm* 
 
 Confejfwn  offmne  isrequifitcto 
 the  obtaiuing  of  pardon  by  faith, 
 par.'i,  cap.»,  pag:2  i5,i|j. 
 
 HovY  the  (onjeffion  ©f  the  true 
 believer  differs  from  the  tenapora- 
 rie,pag!ii^,?,i7. 
 
 The  promifcs  made  to  him  that 
 truly  conjejfetb  his  _^»wM,pag:  zi  7 
 
 Sinte,  andourmiferable  eftate 
 by  rcafon  of  it,  muft  bee  confeffed 
 and  bewailed,  that  wee  may  be- 
 lieve the*  promifes  of  luftificati- 
 on3par;i,cap:i, pag; 216,23 3.  Of 
 Saniftification,  cap:  3,  pag:  341, 
 24f .  Of  Adoption  and  the  eycr- 
 lafting  InhsritancejCa,  4,pag:  261, 
 263.  Ofrerfeverance,c3p».5.pag. 
 a87,i88. 
 
 The  finnes,  which  fet  open the^ 
 foule  to  temptation,  muft  be  cc«- 
 fefedi^^v.  I, cap:  1  a.pag:  1 7 1 ,173 . 
 &c.pai-:2,cap:6,p.ig;304,?0  5. 
 
 Inaffliftion  and  diftrefls  wee 
 muft  eonfejfeovx  fins  withhrtred 
 and  godly  forrow,  far:Zjcap.7. 
 
 Whenfocvcf  faith   comes    to 
 receive 
 
An  AlfhaheticallTabh, 
 
 receive  the  Icale   ofpai-don,  it    is  ever. fearctull,  caufeth  unquiet- 
 pleads guiltie,  par.  i.  cap.  i  i.pag.    Rcfle  and  impatience  in  affli(^ion. 
 
 417. 
 
 Confidence. 
 
 p.;r.a  cap.7  pag  jzz. 
 Content  dtion. 
 
 Faith  fceth  riches  in  God,  fub- 
 mitteth  to  his  w.rdome,refteth  ia. 
 his  love,  and  fo  maimaines  a 
 Chriftian  in  fomc  mcafure  o£ con- 
 tentment, pai'-a.cap.S.pag.g  58.& ' 
 cap  io.pag.39^. 
 
 To  live  by  faith  in  the  abun- 
 flance  of  all  things,  makes  way 
 ionfidince  in"  God  dotfe  the  for  patience,  contentednejfe,  and 
 more  bind  and  oblige  hjm  (  as  it  found  peace  in  the  depth  of  mift- 
 were)todoeusgood, and  todcli-  rie^pag.j^o. 
 ver  us  from  evill,  pai.i.cap.y.-iag. 
 lip.TofhQwrehisbleffiagsplen-  Covenant, 
 
 tifullyuponus,cap.8.pag.j  ji; 
 
 The.  faithfull  have  promifed  The  Co'ueffaKf  which  God  hath 
 themfelvcs  helpe,  and  cauftdently  made  with  his  people,  is  ^never- 
 begged  ad, becaufe  they  tiujted in.  lafting  Covenant ^^zx  2.cap.5  pag. 
 the  Lord.pag.^ig.jao  272.173.  •       .": 
 
 Confidence  is  oppofcd  to  doubt-  The  Covenant  of  God  made  in 
 ingand  diftruft,  nar.i.cap.j.pag.    Chrift  ihould  encourage  to  be 
 
 The  kinds  of  Confidence^  par.  r , 
 cap.  I. pag.  4. 
 
 Subftancc  put  for  Confidence, 
 par.i.cap.j.pagjp. 
 
 Confidence  as  it  doth  embrace 
 Chrift  with  certaine  affiance,  is 
 the  forme  of  faith ;  as  it  beget- 
 tcth  confidence  of  liberty,  it  is  an 
 effetl  of  faith,p.ig.50. 
 
 lieve  the  pvomife  of  pardon,  par, 
 i.cap  2.>pag.ij4    , 
 
 SaQ<5tification  is   promifed  in 
 th& covenant  9f§race,par,a  cap.3. 
 
 3». 
 
 Confidence  in  the  ftcfla  is  an  ef- 
 fect of  unbeliefe,  par.a.cap.  r.pag, 
 20  J.  204. 
 
 They  arc  accurfed  who  trufi  in  pag.2  x  8. 
 
 Man,p3c.i.cap.9.p3g.i27.  Peifeveranceispromifed  in  the  i 
 
 Faith  in  God  in   time  of  di-  cox»e«a«/ofgrace.par.2.cap.5,pag. ' 
 
 flrcffe  drawes  the  heart  from  car-  27.2.   7^.-i89.%<>©.   ■              ; 
 
 nail  repo/e  in  naeanes  and  friends.  To  the  children  of  God  earfhiyi 
 
 and  emangeth  from   the  ufe  of  bleffingsaregrfcsofthecowwaw/, 
 
 unlawfull  meanes  of  helpc,  par.  z.  part  of  theircbild?  poction,and  fo 
 
 cap.7.p3g.3»  1.549.  received  by  faith  ,  par.  2.  cap.  4,. 
 
 He  will  never  renounce  caifnall  pag.  266,8c  cap  8  pag. 3  6j.. 
 
 fupporte  thzt  makes  not  God  the  In  the  Covenant  of  grnce  God 
 
 fiay   of  his  foule  for   outward  givcth  Vyhat  hereqwireth,i  paj:,  z» 
 
 tliingSjpatii.cap  S.pag.j  5:  i .:  ^  cap;^. pag.2 jp^^Sc  c^p.jf  P'ig«S ^1. 
 
 ^    ■-:■■                          -  $69. 
 
 Gonfcience.  The  condition  of  the  co'uewdwf 
 is  promifed  in  tlie  cQvenc^ itifMlt^ 
 
 Guiltinefleof  C««/?/c«£CiWhich  cap^4.pag.Z7|.  ,   .,;;[,  dj^.s.v  •:.'; 
 
 It 
 
An  AlfhahetUsUTalfU, 
 
 \ 
 
 It  is  not  the  caufe  of  fulfilling 
 the  promifc.pag.  i7f. 
 
 The  external!  betrothing  by 
 Covenant  may  be  broken,  but  not 
 the  imernall.  pag.  17  j.  274* 
 
 The  benefits  promifed  in  the 
 C6venant  being  c6parcd  amongil 
 thcmfelvcs  ,  one  is  as  it  were  a 
 condition  to  another,  but  they  be 
 all  cffeds  in  refpcft  of  the  grace 
 and  free  favour  of  God,  promi- 
 fing  them  in  etvenant ,  and  cer- 
 taincly  conferring  them  upon 
 whom  he  will  pag.  27  j. 
 
 Courage, 
 
 Chriftians  being  fpiritaall  foul- 
 diers  mull  put  on  Courage,  par.  x. 
 cap.  6.  pag  29J- 
 
 Cowardifc  doth  encourage  Sa 
 tan,  courage  daunts  hinu  pag. 291 
 297. 198. 
 
 No  course  without  faith,  ibid. 
 &  cap.  7.  pag.  31^. 
 
 Faith  maketh  cowi^ieus  and 
 hardy  in  the  profcffion  of  the 
 Gofpell,  even  to  the  lofle  of  goods 
 and  liberty,  par.  i.  cap.  10,  pag. 
 
 It  puts  into  us  courage  and  con- 
 ftancy  ,  to  fight  againft  the 
 ftrongcft  lulls,  and  fet  upon  the 
 prafticeofthc  moft  difficult  du- 
 ties, par.  ».  cap.  9.  pag.  381. 
 
 It  entouragetb  to  the  moft  dim- 
 cult,  painefull,  and(in  the  worlds 
 eftecmej  difgracefuU  workes  of 
 our  calling  par.».ca.io.p3g.59i. 
 
 The  Devillwill  renew  his  af- 
 faults  againft  us,  and  we  muft  re- 
 new our  courage  and  ftrength  a- 
 gainfthim,pag.  J95.  300. 
 
 D 
 
 cap 
 
 B4rtht}^7)eltghtt. 
 
 •He  abufe  of  Earthly  flight 
 many  wayes  hurtfull.  par.  2. 
 I.  8.  pag,  36^. 
 
 T^eliveranee. 
 
 God  hath  promifed  to  his  chil- 
 dren dtliverancs  out  of  trouble, 
 par. ».  cap.  7.  pag-  ?X4. 
 
 Faith  after  ferious  hum'iliation 
 of  the  foulc,  bringeth  tidings  that 
 God  will  fend  helpe  and  deUve 
 ranee  in  fittcft  feafon,p  j  if  .3 1# 
 
 God  ufually  granteth  ^te/we- 
 r««cgwhen  the  affliftions  of  his 
 fervants  bee  incrcafed,  and  fends 
 helpe  when  to  fenfe  and  reafon  it 
 is  furtheft  off.  pag.  3  3  2..  3  3  3. 
 Gods  promifing<ie/<t'cr<wce  pro- 
 pounds the  depth  of  miiery  as  an 
 argument  to  move  his  people  t» 
 believe  his  promife,  pag.  334. 
 
 The  people  of  God  praying  for 
 deliverance^  propound  the  depth 
 of  mifery  as  an  argument  to  move 
 the  Lord  to  heare  their  prayer. 
 
 pag- 3?  5- 
 
 Faith  believethone  contrary  in 
 
 another,  and  out  of  deepeft  di- 
 fircffes  gathers  affurancc  of  fwee- 
 teft  deliverances  i  pag,  3  3  ?•  3  34' 
 
 Deftrt. 
 
 *Defre  is  either  of  want  or 
 complacency,  par. ».  cap;  4.  pagi 
 
 All  holy  dafires  kindled  by 
 faith,  par.  t.  cap.  2.  pag.  ii4' 
 
 To  de fire  and  Ung  after  tor-i 
 eiycncffe  an  aft  of  faith,  ibid.  1 
 ^  n  g  Thisl 
 
Jin^AlfhtibftkAUTahl^. 
 
 ^oflrinc. 
 
 '  T his  (/ejfJrcarifeth  from  the  ne-  temptation  to  dot   his  children 
 ceflity  an^  excellency  of  forgive-  good^  ibid, 
 neflcjpag.  »i4,  ii  J. 
 
 It  is  not  a  dead  or";fluggi{h 
 wifh,  but  a  deliberate  </e/5rCjatten- 
 ded  with  a  proportionable  care  to 
 get  the  thing  defiredjp.a  1 5^x1^. 
 
 Earneft  ^e^re  of  more  graca  is 
 not  taken  away,  but  iacreafcd  by 
 the  participation  of  gracCj  par.  z  j 
 
 ca:4,pag.  l7^  ,  1  •  u-  l  
 
 '  Faith  in  receiving  the  Lords  rauti  is  one  thing,  the  private  aft 
 Supper  doth  Iharpen  fpiritnall  <jp.  of  the  hcart.rclying  upon  the  pro- 
 pc^//^e,  and  liiirs  up  hungring  and  mifes  of  mercy,  another,  par:  i, 
 thirlting  after  Chr;ft  and  his  be-  cap;6,pa:  77. 
 nefits,par.2,ca:ii,pag.4i7.  What^affr/we^ are  called  mat- 
 In  temptation  the  godly  are  tcrs  offaithjpar.i,ca;y,pa;  j8. 
 
 All  Chriftians  fljould  acquaint 
 thcmfclves  with  the  i^atiw  of 
 faith,  par.  I,  ca:  I J  pa:  I. 
 
 The  fumme  of  daSlrine,  to  be 
 believed  tofalyation,  is  explancd 
 ia  the  Creed  :  but  the  iaSfrine  of 
 
 In  a  large  acccpution,all  truth 
 revealed  by  God  in  his  Word, 
 
 is  a  matter  of  faith :  ftriftly  and 
 properly,  they  arc  called  matters 
 of  faith,which  pcrtaine  to  the  na- 
 ture and  eflence  of  faith^ibid. 
 
 doubting* 
 
 oft  deceived  touching  their  </e- 
 yireofgracc,  par,  I.  ca:  iij  pag; 
 187. 
 
 7>igikncc  ot  difiru/l 
 
 diffidence  in  Gods  power^mer- 
 ey,  goodhcfTe,  truth  and  provi- 
 dence is  to  be  abandoncdj  par;  1 . 
 ca:  i»,pag  181.  7>oubting  may  fom^times  ac- 
 
 Thc  hope  of  prefervation  flay-  company  fiume  aflGni,par.  1^  ea*  3 , 
 inguponour  owne  flrength,  is  pa.  ao.  -,  ,i  .u  .  . /-i  - '1 1 -(- 
 fclfe-confidencc,  and  the  feare  of  Faith  is  oft  mixed  with  (Jouht- 
 falling  away  arifing  from  the  w^  through  our  infirinity,ibid-& 
 fenfe  ofwcakenefie  is</i^(/g»cein  ca.  6,  pa.  8i, 
 God,  ibid.  Fa.th   doth  fometimcS  waver 
 
 2?'yfr«/?breedethniGeMcs,fearc  and   ftaggcr    touching  the  very 
 and  fluggifnnefl'e,  par:  2,  ca;   10.   principles  themfelycs, and  imme- 
 
 pagi  594.  diate  Word  of  God  fpar,  1,  ca,  8. 
 
 2)f/?r«/?  iii  the  temporall  pro-  pi.  93,  108. 
 mifes  hath  diiyen  the  faithfull  to     Many  good  Chriflians  live  long 
 many  hard  fhifts,  beenc  the  occa-    in  feare  and  doubt, ywho  would  be  l 
 fionof  diverfc  flips  and  falls,  par,  content  to  take  any  paincs  to  bee  I 
 2,  cap.  8,  pa.  3  52.  fetled  in  afltu\mce  of  Gods  love,  l 
 
 2)i/?rMy?inthepromife$ofper.    par. », ca,  2,  pa.  zay.-  ••.:.  ■ 
 
 feveranceisthecaufeofmahypcr-"  -    Mif-conceit    diat  '  God    hath 
 plexities  wherewith    Chriflians   made  no  promife  of  mercy  unto 
 are  entangledjpar.a,cap.f  jp,  177.   them,is  the  main  caufe whymany 
 How  God    doth   order    this  Chriflians^o«&;  and  feare^pjijo* 
 
 '  *    lon^^rancfi 
 
An  AlphahticallTa^^e, 
 
 Ignorance  of  the  nature  of 
 faith,  the  v^ay  to  get  affurancc, 
 andthctrueufcoffanaification, 
 
 i$  the  caufc  why  many  deuht.^.i  3 1 
 Many  that  truly  believe,  cm- 
 nor  ccttaincly  affirme  that  they 
 believc,pai-a,ca:j,pag:i8. 
 
 Itis  notthe  office  of  faith  to 
 maimalnc  fcarcsand  (^t/J'fr,'  but 
 throuah  the  ftrength  of  conupti- 
 on  and  wcakncfli;  of  faith  wc  arc 
 
 oftaflaulted,  par.i  ,ca:8,pag;§i- 
 Motions  to  diftiofl  argue  faith 
 tobcweake,  par:i.  cap:io,pag. 
 .I4?.&capispag:i66  butfauh 
 may  be  true  and  lively  thanj  but 
 
 weakc:-pag,  167. 
 
 In  refpea  of  the  believer  him- 
 fclfc  donhting  is  a  v%'eakcnc{re  to  be 
 vyitUifood  asd  overcome  ;  but  by 
 the  vrife  proyidencc  ofGoditis 
 diCpofed  for  his  good  p;  1 69, 1 70- 
 
 Troubles  and  fcarcs  by  the  wiU 
 providence  of  God  make  for  the 
 incrcafc  and  confirmacion  ot 
 faitli.par;t,ca:8,pa§:m- 
 
 We  may  not  spprovc  rfowWJng 
 for  the  geod  thatQod  vtorkcs  by 
 
 it-  past  III.  ,.    . 
 
 In  the  middtft  of  all  fearcs 
 faith  i«  ftill  running  uiatoCod. 
 par:i,c».8jp3g>5' 
 
 king  into  the  bookc  of  Gods  Ele 
 ition,ibid. 
 
 If  Satan  temptcth  is  to  doubt 
 of  the  promifes,  bccaufe  we  know 
 not  whether  we  be  of  the  number 
 of  the  Eleif,  wee  muftholdfueh 
 fuggeftions  to  arife  from  the  Spi- 
 rit of  crroiir,  and  notheatkcn  un- 
 to hinijibid. 
 
 We  come  to  know  out  Eleflion 
 by  the  eff;dts  thereof ,  as  Faith, 
 luttificatioMjSanaiHcationjpar-.i. 
 
 cap;7,pag.85« 
 
 ELeSfion  i»  a«  aft  imipanent  and 
 cternall,par:i,cap:7,pag:89. 
 The  word  of  life,no«  the  fecret 
 decree  of  God,  is  th«  rule  accar- 
 !  ding  to  which  woe  muft  walke. 
 '  parfi,cap;ia,pas;i^6.  • 
 
 Wee  arc  bound  to  receive  the 
 ofFor  of  mercy  and  foroiveneffc 
 made  in  the  Gofpcll  without  loo- 
 
 Enour. 
 
 All  Errour  or  misbeliife  doch 
 not  deftroy  the  truth  of  faith,  par 
 i.cap,3,pag.'vi. 
 
 Evidence, 
 
 MAny  objcfls  of  faith  may  al- 
 fo be  cfi^/f wr.pa V»^  3»P* ' ^j 
 There  is  an  evidence  direa,and 
 an  evidence  by  confcqucncc,p.2». 
 The  apprehenfion  of  the  joyes 
 of  heaven  cannot  bee  diftintft  in 
 this  lift.-but  that  God  hath  provi- 
 ded fuch  joyes  j$  cert«inc  and 
 evident, f3g.li. 
 
 I,xaminatio)t. 
 
 ■Ex4mif4tionoUoann»^yJ^>^ 
 touch- flon«  is  commanded  ot 
 God.par.i,cap.3,pag.i7. 
 
 Wc  muft  examine  our  hearts  to 
 find  out  the  fins  which  haply  do 
 hinder  comfort,par.  1  ,c  1  a,p.  1 7  » 
 
 If  God  blcffc  us  not  according 
 to  promife,  the  firft  work  of  faith 
 
 is  toranfacke  and  fanne  the  foule 
 narrowly,  to  find  out  andremate  j 
 whatfocver  doth  oftcnd,par.i»".| 
 8«,357.&^cap.io,pag.j^9j^.^.^\ 
 
Aft  AlphAhetieallTAble, 
 
 troubles,  pag!  J  5  J. 
 
 Experience  of  Gods  power  and 
 goodneflc  in  bringing  us  alive  in- 
 to the  worldjfhould  bee  a  meancs 
 to  fupport  faith  in  the  moft  hope- 
 Icfle  condition,  pag:  353,345. 
 
 F. 
 
 Faiths 
 
 DTverfe   acceptations    of  the 
 word  raithj  par.i,cap:i,pag. 
 2,  J. 
 
 How  and  in  what  refpefts/^j/jf, 
 
 isncccflaryjibid.      >- 
 
 Snitsof/a?/i&,ibid. 
 
 What  thefc  phrafcs,  Faith  of 
 
 Clrifi,  &  Faith  ivhieb  u  by  Cbrifi, 
 
 Faith  on   Chrifi,  and  Faith  in 
 
 Examination  of  oiur  liearts  is  a 
 neceflary  duty,  but  to  \>t  done  in 
 due  order,  fo  as  w«e  bee  flirred  up 
 unto,not  driven  from  the  pradice 
 of  other  duties  no  kfl~e  needfull. 
 par.  2.  cap.  6.  pag.  305. 
 
 Faith  tcacheth  in  time  of  affli- 
 aionto  examine  our  wayes  that 
 wee  may  find  out  what  is  amific. 
 
 par;»,€ap:7,pag:3^»j  J35>« 
 
 Mxample  See  Commandement 
 and  Fromife* 
 
 Experience. 
 
 Experience  and  fenfe  is  a  fiay  or 
 prop  for  our  better  eafc,  not  the 
 ground  upon  which  our  faith  lea- 
 ncthjp.ir;  ijcap:  1  a,pag:  177. 
 
 Faith  goetb  before  experreacc,  C^'n/jdonotCjpag.  5. 
 and  waiteth  for  falvation  in  the  There  is  a  fained  and  dead 
 depth  of  mifery,  grounding  it  felf  fawi&jandafoveraigne,  well  roo- 
 upon  the  tender  mercy  and  faith-  ted,unfained/<«i/ipar;  i,cap;4, 
 full  promifc  of  Qod,  ibid,  P^g'4f3f4. 
 
 Experience  is  of  great  ufe  ia  a       The  Author  and  worker  of 
 godly  life  to  confirmc  faith,  &c.  /(J/Yib  is  God  in  Chiift  by  the  Holy 
 par;2,cap;io,pag:38^,par:ijCap:   Ghoft,par:  r, cap;  2,  pag;  7,8. 
 ii,pag:i^3.  A  twofold  workc  of  God  in 
 
 The  fmallcft   beginnings  are   prodUcingJ^»/ir/&jpag'.  10,  ii, 
 pledges  ofgreater  favours,  pari  1,       /<*i?fc  is  a  free  workc  of  Gods 
 ca;  1 2,  pag:  171.  grace,  par:  i,  cap;  2,  pag:  7. 
 
 Prcfent  and  former  blcfllngs  af-       Though  God  give  noifaith  un% 
 fureeffuturcprotedionaadcom-   to  all  men,  hec  violently  with- 
 fort,par:i,cap;3,  pag;a3.becaufe    h<ilds  faith  from  none  that  fee- 
 God  is  unchangeable,  the  fame   keth  it,  pag;  14. 
 forever, par: I, cap;  11, pag:  163.  As  the  beginning, fo  the  in- 
 
 Having  once  found  Itrength    creafe  and  progrefle  of  jfiw'fi  is  of 
 and  ie/iverawce.in  temptation  and   God,  pag;  u. 
 diftreflgjby   flying  to   God  in       How/tfiA&  is  the  worke  of  God, 
 Chrift  ,  w€«  know  by  Experience    and  the  ad  of  man,  pag:  i  z. 
 what  to  doe,  when  fuch  like  ftatt        Kflowlcdge  concurres  to  the 
 rcturncth  onus,par;2,c.7,  p:  .301,    being  of^ffi^jpar:i,cap:  j,pag:i5 
 
 Experience  of  Gods    dealing    16 .  See  I^nonfledge. 
 with  us  in  former  diltrefles  is  a       Faith  and  evidence  may  ftand 
 meanestofiipport  faith  in  prefent    together,  pag:  ip. 
 
 Faith 
 
An  Aif^^^^**^^^^'^^^^^' 
 
 ^faith  anT  Science  aix  habits 
 that  may  ftattd  together,  ibid. 
 faith  ii  an  3ffent,pa.i  S^ip.bec 
 
 JfT^nt.  ,  .  ,  . 
 
 In  it  owne  nature  fattb  is  op- 
 pofite to  doubting,  pa.io,  &~ca. 
 8,  pa.  91 
 
 TAtth  is  the  meafure  of  love, 
 pa.  41. 
 
 HoYV  the  gpodnefi*  of  God  it 
 the  objed  both  of  our  faith  and  . 
 love, pa.  59.  4®.  SttGoo^cJJl  on 
 
 In  rtfpcft  of  fpirituall  life/i«fc 
 
 - ^r^M.r  t.U«*^    /-U-jrit-v    -n. 
 
 P^'  ^.^     a u     «,•  . ;n  lU  fuH-    i»  more  necclTary  then  charity,p. 
 jfT^iffc  mutt  be  entire  m  all  fun-  ^^^  .^^^^  ^^^^^^^^.  ^^^  p^-. 
 
 damcntallpoints.pa.  ri.  ^^jcly,  and  for  his  owns  ufe, ibid, 
 
 /aiffcis  an  affiance,bee  Affiana    ^  ^^>^  ^^  ^^^^^^  ^^^^^  ^^^j^^^ 
 
 8c  confidence.  r  ,,„^„orefl'8    of  Juftification,/«rr&  muft  be  pre- 
 
 Severall  words  ufed  to  expreuo       J 
 
 thenatureofrhat/<«rA,whKhthe   ^^^n  w J  c,„fe   the    Apoftle 
 Lord  requires  of  his  people,^  pai   ^^.^^  ^^  ^^^  ^^^^  ^  .^jj,^^  ^^^  ^^^, 
 ''kowM*  is  the  fubftance  of  nt/ofaith^ithoutmrk,^uical' 
 things   hoped  for,  and  the  evi-   P'| jj/^  ^reth  up  and  direftcth 
 dence  of  things  not  fcene,p  25  «9  ,  ^  ^f  ^he  fo.ulc  in 
 
 Confidence  oft  pnt  for  fmh   2,^,  operations,   par.    J,  ca.  4 
 
 ^^biffcrcnce  betwixt /flir&  and  PJ'^fj-jJ^^l^uey^ifB  which  is  fevc> 
 
 hope,  pa.  30.                         u».^  red  from  good  workes,pa.  54.  j6. 
 
 /^«fe  ordinarily  rule th  where  '^'^^J'^^^^i,  ^  pevfcacd  by  works 
 
 i:dwelletb,but  the  rule  is  mild  "°^^^";     ^ 
 
 andgcntle,pa.3f.             ^„„,m  ^  Vtf f Jt movcth and ftirrcth  afFc- 
 
 Thc  ftrength  oifatth  is  equall  >«  ^  j^ccording  as  the  nature  of 
 
 tothepromifesoflife,andto  the  ^}^'''^^l  telifved  fhould  and  j 
 offices  of  piety  and  love.   pa.   '^^^^J^^,^,,  ,sof  the  Crc- 
 
 '"uitV.  oppoCed  towa.e.„g,  --^f^^S^^^^^^^^^ 
 dc«ble-mindednes,difobed:ence.    ^y^'^;^";,>573.6o.6i.  ^ 
 
 ibid.  ,  c        r/,'»tl>  doth  reft  upon  and  cm- 
 
 Ac  Word  inco  ".ry  Acuity  of  ^"^^^/foftkaMteptomifobc 
 „ftc,howfe»crJefeanefordc-  5° ""f  >„ „,f,„ i„„edibU ,  .n 
 
 /«,V.par  .,  ca:  4,  P'-  S'-  S«  fj,*2J.  «t,o  hath  takc» 
 
 f  orwe  and  Lo-ue.  nnr  nature  .  which  fhould  eiicou- 
 
 f^irfeworkethbylove.  tmd  is  ^;7„\^j;VaTevc,p.x.c.xi.p.i5t. 
 
 notwioughtby  love,p.4i,44-5 »•  "S^"' ^® ^"^3  ^  '^*^             faifl 
 
An  Alfhaheticall  Table, 
 
 Faith  cannot  take  and  Ica?e,  ftrongly  fhaken   and  greatly  af- 
 
 yeeld   and    with-hold  affent  at  faulted, pag^^,  SteTemptations. 
 
 plcafurc,  part  and  mangle, divide  i''di/fc  that  is  fincercm  quality, 
 
 with  times,  feafons,  and  private  is  ever  found  in  degree,  and  doth 
 
 rcfpeaSapag.66,par.ZjCa.  9jpag.  confirme  and  itrengthen  it  fclFe 
 
 What  God  approveth,  that  is 
 pleafing  to/di/i,  though  ccolTe  to 
 agejediicationjcuftomejcredit^&e. 
 ibid. 
 
 every  day  more  and  more,  par.  i. 
 ".  3  J  pag.J  ?.  Faith  s  fomctimes 
 litcle  and  wcake par  i,cap.4  oacr, 
 SO. 
 
 There  are  diverfe  degrees  of 
 
 Faith  fubdneth  theftrongeft  faith^UttUjaitb^g'tatfaitb,  Ml 
 paflions  as  well  and  (if  due  and  affuraace  ofjfvji//5i,  par,  i,  cap,  8. 
 right  comparifoa  bee  made)  as    pag.  109,  ca.  io,pag.  I40.  par. a. 
 
 much  as  the  weakeft,  pa.  6jj  6gj 
 70.  &«:  10.  pa.  13^,  pa.  2,  ca. 
 9.pag.  J76, 
 
 In  particular  pradifes  the  faith- 
 full  may  faile,but  the  conftant  re- 
 folution  of  the  believer  is  to 
 cleave  unto  God,pag.  68 i 
 
 Faith  is  nectflaryto  falvation, 
 but  full  affnrancej  that  I  believe 
 in  fuch  fort,  is  not  of  like  ncceffi- 
 ty,par.  i,ca.7,pag,84. 
 
 The  dayes  of  faith  are  as  the 
 
 cap  3.  pa  244. 
 
 The/<ii/fe  of  the  ele£l  is  finccre, 
 thzfaithoi Corns  perfed  in  com- 
 parifon  of  others,  but  abfolately 
 faith  is  perfed  in  none,  pag.  141, 
 par.  i,ca.  ig,  pag.  189. 
 
 Faith  is  impcrfed  extenGvely 
 and  intenfively,  pag.  141. 
 
 The  faith  of  the  weakeft  Chri- 
 ftian  is  fufficient  to  falvation. 
 pag.  141. 
 
 The  degrees  of  true  and  lively 
 
 feafons  of  the  yeare,  fomc  fairc,  /dirfe  may  be  confidered  according 
 fomefoule,par.i,ca  S.pag.Qi.  to   the   diverfe   growths  which 
 
 There  is  a  ftate  wheid'n  faith    God  bringeth  his  children  unto, 
 is  a  fmoking  weake ,  defiring   it    their  time  and  raeanes  of  grace. 
 
 could  bclieve,rather  then  getting 
 up  CO  feele  it  felfe  believe,  pa.  94. 
 In  which  cafe  want  of  feeling  ar- 
 gueth  not  want  oi faith,  pa  i,  ca. 
 la.  pa.  169. 
 
 Chiiftians  cannot  alwaycs 
 iudgeofthatthey  do,  nor  of  the 
 great  confequcnces  thereof  , 
 though y4f/)[>  be  not  troubled,  pa. 
 94. 
 
 There  is  a  ftate  wherein  faith 
 is  exencifed  with  temptations  ibid 
 In  which  the  weake  in  faith  muft 
 notmeafure  themfelves  by  their 
 owneprefent  feelings  and  infir- 
 mities, par.  I ,  cap;  1 1,  pag,   1 6g, 
 
 p3g.I45. 
 
 Fourc  degrees  oi faith,  ibid. 
 
 Faith  is  weake  in  knowledge, 
 affent,  confidence  and  the  fruits 
 thereof,  pag  145,  144. 
 
 The  weakeft/d/f  J  is  advifedly 
 ref-slved  to  fticke  faft  unto  the 
 promifes  of  life,  as  much  better 
 then  the  pleafures  and  profits  of 
 this  life.  ibid. 
 
 Faith  wsakt  in  one  refped may 
 be  ftrong  in  another,  pag.  1 4  j. 
 
 A  weake  and  ftrong/di/i  diflFer 
 not  in  nature  and  plantation,  but 
 in  degree,  pag.  14^. 
 
 ,^ ,,^ ^^  ^    .    ,,        The  bene6ts  of  the  weafccft  | 
 
 Sometimes  the  ftrong  faith  is  faith ,  if  true  and   livclyi  ibid.  S 
 
An  J/phaheticallTai>le, 
 
 &cap.  ii.pag.  167. 
 
 Wen^ouldftrive  to  be  ftrong 
 andrichin/;»ir&,pai-.i,ca.lo-paS- 
 
 '  Wcakc/dt/l^^if foundjWill  grow 
 
 and  inci-eafe,  ibid,  ,  .  ,    „ 
 
 The  benefits  of  ftrong/a//»,  p- 
 
 '"^Me'anesfor  the  rigbt  planting 
 of/«i/lb,par;i,cap;ii,pagi53- 
 
 '  %itheticc  obtained  is  ferioufly 
 to  be  regarded,  pa.  i  S  8, 1 5i>>«c. 
 
 The  labour  taken  about  the 
 prefervatlon  of  faitb  is  m^re 
 fweet  then  any  pleafure  or  delight 
 in  the  world,  pag.  160. 
 
 Mcancs  whereby /fli/fe  IS  ft'^cng^ 
 
 thened  and  confirmed,  pag.  i&o- 
 
 161.&C.  , 
 
 Wc  muft  eftccme/aiffe  to  bee 
 our  richeft  jcwcll ,  and  nioft  pre- 
 cious treafure  in  this  life,  ibid. 
 
 Faith  increafeth  by  exercile, 
 and  groweth  by  continuall  ule. 
 pag.i64,pa.'.,ca.  I,pa.l9^ 
 
 Many  eviUs  follow  the  weak- 
 niBgcffaiffe,ca,ii,pa.i64.anJ 
 no  Icffe  the  negleft  to  nounlh 
 and  pref«Yeit,par.  i,cap,i  i.pag- 
 
 r'aithmiy  be  true^though  much 
 were  amjffe  when  fiiftwee  recei- 
 ved the  truth,  par.  1,  ca.  12,  pa. 
 
 ''si'eht  oifaith^^y  ^^  ^'^  /^'^f 
 our  knowledge  ,  and  the  lively 
 funaions  thereof  intevmutcd, 
 par.  i,ca3,pa.i8,&ca.  12. pa. 
 
 ,  '  ^F  J/l  may  be  ftrong,  when  we 
 have  nofenfc  nor  iccling  ot  mcr- 
 
 '^'SiV«s*an  incftimable  price 
 upon  the  peatlc  of  the  Gofpell. 
 par.  «,ca.9,pa.  576. 
 
 In  the  workes  of  our  calling 
 /<jj^j[)  teacheth  to  leane  upon  the 
 living  God,  and  not  on  oar  skil, 
 and  cunning,  par.  2,  ca.  lo.  pa. 
 
 Itfubmittethto  Gods  direai 
 on,  pa.  397-  dependeth  upon  his 
 heipe  and  allilbnce,  ibid,  waiteth 
 for  goodfuccefle,pa.  $99. 
 
 fflfrbfeedethupon  ev?ry  part 
 of  the  Word  ,  getteth  intcreft  in 
 every  promife,3nd  fucketh  vigour 
 out  of  it,par.2,ca.i  i,pa.4o6. 
 
 The  Faitb  of  one  may  helpc  to 
 obtaine  for  another,  fof?.rrc  as  it 
 movcth  to  pray  for  others,  par.  I. 
 cap,  io,pa.  1 40. 
 
 Faithfulnejfe. 
 
 Faith  put  for  truth,  fidelity  or 
 ftfi/fc  tt/»e/e,  pa' i»ca- 1, pa.  z. 
 
 faith  caufcth  diligence  and 
 faitbfulnefe  in  all  workes  and  bu- 
 finefTes  of  our  calling,  par.  i,  ca. 
 
 pag  590j39** 
 
 lOi 
 
 Falling. 
 
 Many  good  Chriftians  through 
 feare  o(  falling  away  are  entan- 
 gled with  divers  perplexities,  par. 
 
 'The  Temporary  believer  who 
 wasneverknituntoChnftasa 
 living,  naturall,and  proper  mem- 
 ber,mayfaU  away  from  tha 
 which  he  fcemed  tohave:but 
 the  true  believer,  who  receiveth 
 newfupply  of  grace  commually 
 
 ftom  S.ntt  the  fountaine  of 
 grace,(hallnever be  utterly  defti- 
 
 ^"^^h^^lXmayfallintofome 
 fouleandenormious  crime  wa- 
 fting conference,  andfor  at  me 
 
 ^  G  g  4 i£i: 
 
An  AlphabeticallTAble, 
 
 loofc  fome  degree  of  ne wnefle  of 
 Spirit,  clcaneflc  of  heart,  comfort 
 of  the  HolyGhoft,  and  peace  of 
 Confcfencc,par.i,ca;83p3;  1 1 8, 
 
 Faith  fhewes  a  man  his  owne 
 WeakcnefTe,  how  apt  he  is  not  on- 
 ly tQfallj  but  to  faU  away,  ftures 
 upholyjealoufie  &  fufpitionleft 
 he  ihonUfaUi  but  yet  makss  con- 
 fadent  in  God  through  Chriit  to 
 
 beuphcld,  pa.'28a,z8^,i87^,88, 
 289, 
 
 Hethattrufts  not  in  himfelfc, 
 but  in  the  power  of  God,  will 
 though  hc/a/^f  oft,  ftill  have  hope,' 
 and  renue  his  courage  to  fet  upon 
 his  enemies  after  fome  foiles  re- 
 ceived, pa.  1,  ca;  6,  pa.  z  j^-. 
 
 Feare  is  a  deceitful!  and  malit/- 
 ous  paffion,tyrannicall,iaih  and 
 inconfiderate,  proceeding  many 
 times  from  want  of  judgment, 
 more  then  from  the  prcfence  or 
 approach  of  ci^ill  to  bee  feared 
 par:  i,c3.  12,  pa;  i8i, 
 
 Feare,  doubting ,  fcebleneffe, 
 tainting,nicetehdernefleor  mel- 
 ting of  heart  in  trouble,  proceeds 
 from  infidelity  and  diftruft,  par; 
 i,  ca:  7,paiggo. 
 
 ExuQivcfear^  bnngs  that  up. 
 onus  from  which  wee  efpecialiy 
 defire  to  be  freed,  fets  open  the 
 heart  to  Sathans  malicious  temp- 
 tations,and  binds  the  hands  that 
 they  can  make  no  rcfiftance,  par, 
 I, ca.  1 2, pa.  18 j^par.  2.ca.6  pa. 
 Z97, 298.  -      "^        ^ 
 
 ,  Anaffliaedfpirit,  tofledwith 
 feare  &  terror,  through  the  tcmp- 
 tanons  of  Sathan,  is  unable  Jo 
 judge  of  It  owoe  eflate,  par.  2,  ca' 
 '6.  pag.joi^^oj. 
 
 Slavifh/e^re  is  to  be  ftfiven  a, 
 
 rt^f/^*'"^  of  caution  to  bee 
 chenfhed,par.2,ca..  ,»^pa.4,,^' 
 
 F0rme. 
 
 The  fome  is  th^  beginning  of 
 aaions,par.i,ca:4,p!.4^.^°' 
 
 ..C^       n\^T'''^^'^'^'-»i^and 
 accidentall,  ibjd. 
 
 It  is  the  efrentiall/or»,e  or  aa  of 
 
 fauhtoacceptofthcpromifesof 
 mercy,  pa.  59, 
 
 Charity  may  be  called  an  acci- 
 dentall/orMeoffaith,pa,4o. 
 Faith  is  not  quickened  by  cha- 
 
 rityGrtheworkesofchaiity,but 
 quickenerh,pa.  44.  ^ 
 
 Fnt'teill 
 
 If'snotthegoodufeofamaas 
 ]Tn.mU  that  makes  him  differ 
 
 tromothermen,par.,,ca.,,pa9. 
 rhercarenofeeds  of  faith  in 
 our  nature,  ibid. 
 
 Of  our  felves  we  have  no  pow- 
 er to  beIieve,or  prepare  our  fclyes 
 thereunto,  pag,  7. 
 
 The  infufion  of  faith  is  neccf- 
 lirily  precedent  to  the  a(ft  of  faith 
 par."  I J  ca:  10,  pa.  1^6. 
 
 Man  cannot  naturally  either  fee 
 and  perceive^  or  WiII  &  defire  the 
 things  of  God,  pa.  10,  11. 
 .  Thereisnonaturall  difpofiti- 
 on  m  the  will  of  man  to  ccme  un- 
 to God.  pag.  If. 
 
 It  is  God  that  inclines  the  will 
 agreeably  to  the  difpofition  of  it 
 tocomcuntohim,ibid. 
 
 How  it  \s  true  that  wee  believe 
 becaufc  we  will  believe,  pa.  i  a. 
 Faith  i%  a  work^not  of  the  po'w-  I 
 
 er 
 
An  AlphahticaU  Table. 
 
 cr  o£om  free-mil,  but  of  the  effi- 
 cacy of  gracc,pai-.i,ca.  io,pa.i36. 
 The  leflc  able  we  are  to  belicvc, 
 the  more  carefuil  fhouid  wc  be, 
 to  ufe  the  meancs,  that  God  hath 
 ordained jthat  we  might  obtainc 
 
 IffaithwGvethewoikeof  our 
 freemUit  might  well  periflij^par. 
 a,  cap.  5,pag-i89.  We  could  have 
 no  lett  or  quiet  concermng  our 
 future  eftate,pag.  479'    ,  . 
 
 He  that  relics  upon  the  good 
 afc  of  his freewiU,  muft  neceflan- 
 ly  afcribe  the  praife  of  his  pcrfeve- 
 rancein  part,  if  not  principally, 
 unto  himfelfe,  par.  z,  ca,  5,  pa. 
 
 Tnigdiiy> 
 
 He  that  ejipef^s  Gods  helpe, 
 when  meanes  faile,  cannot  lavifh 
 indiscreetly  when  his  cup  runneth 
 over,  par.  »,  cap.  8,  pag,  357. 
 
 J^7. 
 
 G. 
 
 Gifts. 
 
 Faith  is  &gift  of  God  moft  free 
 aidprofitable,par.i-,ca.i,  pag.7. 
 
 It  is  agi/?  of  free,  eternall,  and 
 unchangeable  love,  pa.  9. 
 
 Goodnefe  of  God. 
 
 Thcgoodnefe  of  God  is  the  ob- 
 jea  of  our  charity,  by  bemg  fiiit 
 I  the  objeft  of  our  faith,  par.  i,eap. 
 
 Ouraffeftions  cannot  in  love 
 move  to,  and  unite  thcmfelvcs 
 with  God.till  by  faith  wc  know 
 him  to  bean  amiable  objea  for 
 us  finncrs  to;cmbtacc,pa.  47* 
 
 Gojpell. 
 
 Faith  put  for  the  GoJpell,p^v.i* 
 ca.  I,  pag.  z. 
 
 Grace  or  free  favour. 
 
 It  is  through  Grace  that  men 
 believe,  par:  i ,  ca.  i,  pag.  7. 
 
 It  is  of  grace  that  one  doth  be- 
 lieve,and  not  another,  pag.  3 . 
 
 Grace  or  mercy  is  freely  promi- 
 fed  that  we  might  believe  ,  and 
 vouchfafed  to  him  that  doth  be- 
 lieve, par.  2,  ca.  x,  pag.  111. 
 
 Life  is  through  faith  ,  that  it 
 might  be  oigrace,ip3v.  z,c.  i,p.l9^ 
 
 Pardon  of  fin  is  offaith,  that  it 
 might  be  of^r«ce,par.i,ca.z,pag. 
 zi  1.212. 
 
 SalvatiS  it  felf  is  of^r<jce,a$  well 
 as  any  benefit  we  havc^,  tending 
 thereunto,  par.  2,cap.43p3g,z5a. 
 Which  fhould  quicken  faith  in 
 the  promife  of  falvation,pag.z6s. 
 
 Grace  or  gifts  of  grace.     , 
 
 Faith  acquaints  a  man  with  his 
 
 €mptincsof^mce,par  25C.3,p.24^ 
 
 Faith  is  diligent  in  the  ufe  of 
 
 the  meanes  of  grace,  but  reftcth 
 
 not  in  them,  pa.  Z42. 
 
 Faith  being  the  pipe  whidi  coiv 
 veyes  all  grace  from  Chnit  the 
 fountaine,  they  that  would  be  in- 
 richedwith  grace,  muft  bee  knit 
 unto  Chrift  by  faith.pa.z44.  The 
 want  of  this  is  the  trwe  caufe,  why 
 men  labour  in  valne  to  praftue 
 fome  particular  vcrtue,pag.i44-. 
 
 They  that  would  perfeverc  in 
 grace,  muft  be  knit  to  Chrift  by 
 f3ith,par.z,ca,5.p.ig.  a«f. 
 
 The  believer  doth  not  rehe  up- 
 on thofefanaificd  gr^ce^,  which 
 are  given  unto  him,that  he  might 
 
An  A/pkaheticall  Table, 
 
 be  qualified  and  fitted  to  plead  pag.  17^.  186. 
 
 for ^racc  and  mercy,  par.  a,  ca.  2.  Thc^rdceiofGoddoebbeand 
 
 pag,  21  J.  flowinhisf«ivants,pag.!7j, 
 
 Graceh given frccIy,not defer-  In  Geds dcareft  children  there 
 
 ved    by  workcs,  yet  by  the  ap-  may  bedecayofgracMin  part,and^ 
 
 pointmentofGod,  he  that  would  for  atimcj  pag.  171, 17}   Leftif 
 
 encreafe  in  gracCy  muft  employ  we  had  attaiaed  facility  in  all 
 
 what  he  hath  receivcd,par.ZjCa,3.  things^w: /hould  thinke  that  our 
 
 owncj  which  is  meerely  his  work. 
 
 pag.  Z45. 
 
 We  arc  aflurcd  from  God  that 
 he  will  perfeS  the  worke  of  grace 
 which  he  hath  begiin,par.»;  ca:  5. 
 pag.27  5.andca,  9.  pag.  57  J', 
 
 The  ieaft  meafure  of  fanftify 
 
 The  Lord.many  times  with- 
 drawes  the  ufe  of  fome  particular 
 grace,  that  fome  other  may  in 
 greater  meafure  fhcw  forth  it 
 ing^mce,  isanearneft  of  further  felfcjibid. 
 grace  to  be  received,  par.  z.  ca.  5.  In  the  time  of  temptation  the 
 pag.  24f.  godly  want  the  fight  of  Gods^ra- 
 
 Grace  is  an  evidence, pawnCjOr   cei-inthem,  p.ir.  2,  cap,  6.  pag. 
 carneft,yea  the  beginning  of  glo-    30 1. 
 ry^par.  2,c2,4,pag.2  53,25  5,256.        This  comes  to  paffe/ometimes 
 
 According  to  the  meafure  of   through  feare,  fometimes  through 
 ^rdjcereceived/oisthelifcofglo-    pcttiflmeffe, pag.  301,304. 
 ry  be§uninus,ibid.&pag,26)J.  Grace  may  appearc  to  others 
 
 LivelinclTe  and  a^ivencfle  whcnin  the  time  of  temptation  a 
 may  be  lefle  when  the  truth  of  godly  man  cannot  difcernc  it  in 
 grace  is  the  greater,  par.  z.  ca.  6.  himlclfe,par.  i.ca.  12.  pag.  190: 
 pag.  3ii.&pani.ca.i2.pag,  187.    par.  2,  ca.  6,  pa.  302, 503,  31-1. 
 
 <?r^fc  may  be  true  whiles  it  is  True^race,  well  planted  in  the 
 fmall,par.i.ca.i2,pag.  17 i,  heart,  how  weake  foever,  fhall 
 
 Noneattaine  to  perfeftion  of  holdout  for  ever^paMjCa.  12.  pa. 
 grtffem  this.Iife,ibid.  Therefore    182, 
 
 wc  muft  feeke  to  be  cured  of  our  The  long  and  manifold  temp- 
 weakenefle,  and  not<lefpaire  of  tations,  wherewith  the  godly  are 
 life,  ibid.  cxercifcd,  is  to  them  an  argument 
 
 The^rdce  of  God  workcs  not  oi grace  received,  pa.  303.  304. 
 alwaies  alike  in  his  children,  par.        inrefpedof  the  exad  meafure 
 ».cap.6.pag.305.3 1  i.par  i.cap,  la    of  grace  and  ftrength,  the  regcnc- 
 pag.  1I7.  rate  arc  oft  deceived,  but  of  the 
 
 The  effefls  of  grace  doe  not  al-  truth  of  grace  they  may  be  aflured, 
 waies  appeare  the  famejyea  fome-   par.  1 ,  ca.  8,  pag.  100 
 
 times  they  fecme  to  be  quite 
 overwhelmed,  par.  i,ca;  8.  pag. 
 92 
 
 He  that  fees  himfelfe  mifcrable 
 by  finne,  though  hee  can  fee  no 
 grace  in  his  fbule,fs  called  to  come 
 
 Graces  may  lie  hid,  and  worke  unto  C  hiift,anfl  believe,  that  hec 
 in  refpefit  of  our  acknowledge-  .  might  receive  of  his  fulncffe,  par, 
 meat  infenfibly. par.  i.  cap.  13.    i,  £ap.  iz,  pag,  176,  190.  i9i. 
 
 par. 
 
An  A^pha^eticaU  Table, 
 Glatk. 
 
 Faith feaConeth  every  faculty  of 
 foule,reafonablc  and  l'enfuall,pai-. 
 i.cap.  3.pag>34'P^i'«  zeap.^.pag 
 587. 
 
 ;r<,ofnArdon       By  faith  Ghriil   dweUeth  and 
 
 i:aith  in  the  Vf^f^f^^:^^   rukth  m  our  ie^rr.,par,i  cap.  10 
 
 maintains  theg/ory  of  Gods  grace  ^  ^^  ^^^^  ^^  ^^^_  f^  ^^^^  ^  ^g^ 
 
 '"? ';  ^'ic';Srt"  t?God  'that       The  whole  hzart  noteth  the  xn- 
 
 Iwel.veby  faith  on  him  concer- 
 Ining  our  future  eftate,par.z.ca.  5. 
 
 '^'!n't!mc  of  temptation  wcglo" 
 ,ifieGodbybeleeving,andgr^^ 
 
 tegrity  and  uprightncfle  of  the 
 foiile,'notthcperfeaion  of  grace 
 without  any  infirmity  or  defeft. 
 par.  I. cap.  8, pag.  101. 
 
 -      ,,    u  .   •  inc,    -ind  sive  The  fcearf  unregenerate  IS  dc- 
 
 rificGodbybeleevuig,  and  gr^e  ,egenerate  is 
 
 Mm  as  It  were  a  "ft^^onuU^^^^^  rVcand  faitUfulI,  P.grxoo. 
 
 his  truth,power,n.ercy,and  good-  j^  ^^^^    ^^„,'J,,\efolutions, 
 
 ne{re,par.i,ca^6.pag.J9i.  ^hefaithfullmay  be  ignorant  of 
 
 God  is  hereby  muclglonhe^,  their  ownek.m' but  of  their  ge- 
 
 thatwe  telle  upon  him  m  time  f^they  may  betruely 
 of  dilUefle,  par.  z.  cap.   7.  PV^^^j-^/^J -bjd.pag.  114.  &  ca. 
 
 3»9'  li:  pag.  174- 
 
 Eabit- 
 
 Not  the  Sflbir  of  faith  (though 
 that  be  neceffary)  but  the 
 aa  of  faith  is  that  which  God 
 commandeth  in  the  Scriptute,paK. 
 
 "S:dln?uf?th;he-fc.Hr  of  faith 
 intoman,whercbyheegiyethto 
 
 will  to  come  unto  Chsiltj  pag.  i  o. 
 II. 
 
 Heart. 
 
 In  Scripture  the  IbwrMS  taken 
 for  the  whole  foulc,  with  all  its 
 powers  and  operations,  par.i.  ca. 
 
 '°Th?ic'a?eoffaithisihci<?^rf 
 contrite,humbkd,  bc>^,aihng  fin, 
 denying  it  felfe.andafteaed  with 
 
 defire  otremiflion  of  hnnes,  pag. 
 
 *37. 
 
 Did  men  know  the  worth  and 
 glory  of  the  Kingdomc  of  heaven 
 they  would  fceke  it  with  all.  car- 1 
 neftaeffc,  par.  Z3cap.4.  pa-i^T- 
 i68.  .,      ,. 
 
 Men  oft  fceke  earthly  things, 
 and  miffe  of  their  defires  j  but  the 
 promife  of  k<»a;e»,isfure  and  ited- 
 
 taft,  ibid.  „    ^     •     r 
 
 Sloth  and  carelefneffc,  in  fee. 
 
 king  le^veay  is  more  t©  be  con- 
 demned, then  in  matters  ot  the 
 world,  par.  2,cap.4.pag.i^4^;^^ 
 caufe  more  griefc  and  heart-brea- 
 king* P^S'*^^' 
 
An  Alfhaheticall  Tahfe, 
 
 ^".'4^  '^'"'  ''"•''"•'••  '''s°j''»'fl'.p^-jz,>s;;nr 
 
 Holineje, 
 
 Our  iirength  is  too  weake  for 
 the  workc  of  holim/e,  if  thcrfore 
 weebeenotpcrfvyadcd  that  God 
 will  be  with  us  in  ir,  we  muft 
 needs  fiint  and  be  difmaid,  par.  a, 
 ca.j.pa.  Z40.&C3  U^^'-^-JT-zf^i 
 
 Being  acquaintsd  with  our 
 weakenefle  herein,  wee  are  hum- 
 bled in  our  felvcs,  and  in  all  our 
 purpofes  and  refolutions  relying 
 upon  the  power  of  the  Lord  are 
 drawne  to  prayer,  pa:24i,z47. 
 
 Faith  in  the  promifes  of  cvcria- 
 ftinglifc  Icadeth  forward  in  the 
 path  oihoUneJfe,  par.  a, ca:  4. pa: 
 2^54 J  a^i.  Heartencth  in  the 
 workesof  godlineffe  againft  all 
 oppoGtions/pa.-ijz,  z^^. 
 
 Faith  in  the  promife  of  perfc- 
 verancc  puts  forth  it  felfe  to  per- 
 formc  all  duties  of  hoUneJfe  and 
 love  with  life  and  fervour,  par,  1. 
 ca:  5,  pa:  178,  284. 
 
 Faith  coveteth  incr«afc  of 
 grace  and  hoUneJfe^  as  men  doc  in- 
 creafc  of  bodily  health  and 
 ftrength,  pa;28f,  286. 
 
 The  mora  afflirance  of  faith, 
 the  more  holmjfe  of  lik^  par.-  %\ 
 ca;»,pa:i26,&C3:  y,pa:  278. 
 
 Hope. 
 
 Hfl/>e  of  heaven  is  the  fure  an- 
 chor of  the  foale  to  eflablifh  k, 
 that  it  be  not  overwhelmed  with 
 th€  miferies  ©f  this  life^par:  2,  ca; 
 4jp4:iyi,2^;,&ca;  5,  paiiSo. 
 
 Hope  of  heaven  makes  undaun- 
 ted and  unwearied  in  the  wayes 
 
 Humility. 
 
 The  ^amWefpint  drinkes  up 
 mucn  grace,  and  fhall  bee  repls- 
 nifhed abundantly, pa; I.  cai  12 
 pa;  1 8a. 
 
 What  God  gives  in  grace  doth 
 norke  the  heart  to  humility  and 
 tender  comrmferation,  par.  2,  ca: 
 8,pa;5j6,&ca:io,pa.  jgj. 
 
 Of  all  graces  faith  is  the  moft 
 bumlle.^^u  i,ca:  j^pa:  js.pa.z. 
 ca:  I,  pa:  \^6.  &  cap:  9.  pag: 
 
 The  more  fincercly  faith  work- 
 eth,  the  better  wee  difcerne  and 
 unfainedly  acknowledge  our  im- 
 pcrfeaions,and  difclaime  all  affi- 
 ance in  our  owne  rightcoufnefle, 
 par.  I, ca:  6,  pa; 70. 
 
 The  believer,  the  higher  hee  is 
 exalted  by  the  free  mercy  of  God, 
 the  lower  hee  is  abafed  in  him- 
 felfe,  par;  2,  ca.  2,  pa:  a»i. 
 
 Faith  in  the  threatnings  work- 
 cthhumblenej^e  of  mind  and  heart 
 par:  2,ca;  iz,  pa.-  42  j, 
 
 Idlenejfe, 
 
 QUth  in  the  worke  of  God  how 
 *^made  odious,  pa,  2,  ca:  ^,  pa, 
 3^3-384. 
 
 Whenwearei<//cand  folitary, 
 Satan  faath  moft  advantage  to 
 tempt :  but  confeionablc  imploy- 
 mcnt  fhutteth  the  doore  againft 
 him,  and  takcth  away  the  oppor- 
 tunity, par:a,ca;  6,  pa:  »97,»98. 
 308,  509. 
 
 Ignorance. 
 
An  A^ff^^^^**^^  Table, 
 
 jgrnranceL 
 
 Thedarkeneffeofmindeis  an 
 impediment  to  full  arid  perfeft 
 knowkdge,parii.Ga.io  pag:i4i. 
 
 142.  '  .  , 
 
 Being  corapaffed  about  with 
 the  roifts  oftgnorance^  wc  attainc 
 not  the  undeiitanding  of  many 
 things  i-evealedjpar.  i,ca:^,pa.l  8. 
 The  papi fts commend  Jgworawce 
 and  difgrace  knowledge,  pag:  16. 
 They  teach  that  faith  is  muck 
 bettei-  defined  by  igmrance  thiti 
 by  knowledge,  pag;  '  7-  '^  -  '^ 
 Faith  captivates  our  undeman- 
 ding unto  the  obediecc  of  Ghtift, 
 but  is  not  ignorant  of  Chrift,p:  1 6 
 Faith  fubjeaeth  reafon  unto 
 thcdoarineof  Sod  and  hi$  reve- 
 lation j  but  it  nokher  «iitmgUH 
 {Keth the  nature  of  man,  notti^ 
 light  ofreafon,  ibid. 
 
 Imp4tmce. 
 
 impatknee  an  effea  of  unbeliefc 
 par:t,ca:  i,pag:  ^<^^'  '  '..   ' 
 
 impatience  in  afflidion  proceeds 
 fromguiUineffeofConfcience  & 
 ontamcd  paffions,both  which  arc 
 corrcfted  by  faith,par:z,ca:7,pag. 
 
 and  cheaiefuU  undertaker  of  any 
 paines  ©r  toylcjpar.ijcapaojpag. 
 
 Nothing  can  fo  much  cncou^ 
 rage,  quiekert  and  confirme  in 
 paincs  taking  as  faith,  pag;  398. 
 
 He  that  is  filcnt  e^cpefiing  Gods 
 helpe  when  meaties  faile,  cannot 
 fit  flill  when  meanes  beeat  hand. 
 pari  »,ca.8,p3g:  5  57,367.     ;' 
 
 Faith  incites  men  to  labout  i'li 
 Gods  workejWho  live  daily  on  his 
 allowanccipag:  1^74 
 
 jH^rntities*' 
 
 imflicite  faith.. 
 
 JmpHcitefaithYihit,^TiA  in  what 
 rcfpea  fo  called,  par:  i,  ca:  j  .pag. 
 
 impUcite  faith  in  them  who 
 know-nothing  is  moft  abfurd,ib?d 
 
 indufiry,  ' 
 
 Faith  is  t^c  moft  free,  willing 
 
 ':  •■•-"^  '•'■■' 
 
 (The  true  believer  is  feriGblc^bF 
 
 his  manifold  infirmitief  and- rrfi, 
 
 lings,par;i,ca:9,pag:58i.  ' ,      ^ 
 
 /»^r»«i/ief  mult  bee  acknoVvkd" 
 
 g«d  and  bewailed  pSg  r  ?  §  3  • 
 
 The  /nfmities^f,t^tS3iAti'r& 
 fheif  troublesy  »ir-;2^a;jr,pa; j-i'^ 
 
 Joy.    ■   ;■;-' 
 
 Idy'm  the  Holy  QKoft  a  privi- 
 Icdge  accompanying  affurince  of 
 faith,  par:2,ca:i4)ag?»iit   "^ 
 .    Dail  y  exercifc  of  faith  prcrerves 
 and  enereafetlydy,  pagjii?. 
 
 The  loy  of  a  Chiiftian  cxccedes 
 the  mirth  of  a  worldling,  ibid.  & 
 caf4,^p3g:  167.  It  depends  not  on 
 his  ou/ward  condition,  pag;  xt^. 
 
 loy  of  the  Saints  -here  and  iii 
 heaven  differ  oaely  in  degree  and 
 manner  of  fruition,  p3g:2z6  149. 
 
 loy  in  God  makes  us  defpilc  the 
 world,  pag:  I  a  I. 
 
 Faith  in  the  promife  of  hfc  tc- 
 
 joyeeth  in  God,par:»jCa:ijp.i70. 
 
 In  tribulationsjpag: i^i,  &  ca; 
 
 -7,p3g{3  3  5.H0W  itrejoyceih,pag. 
 
 ^^^'  I»(iificationA 
 
 t  - 
 
An  AlfhakeucaU  'tahk. 
 
 saasi-r 
 
 lufitfieation. 
 
 oi- negatively,  cofliidered  without 
 hope  and  charity^pa,^;  g  ^^^ 
 
 Jvfiifyirig  faith. 
 'iufiifyir,g  faith  how  d.-flineui- 
 
 I : 
 
 -  Iti/^if  (Walton  is  an  aft  tra.nft&nt 
 &i^  ^'i3Sjmfcrring4c«ne,  cbfuige 
 in  the.pcrron  ju&iBp,d,' not,  phyfit 
 call,  but  moral!  and  in  refp^^ft  ©f 
 il4te,Bar. I  cap;7,paE.So*        '     ' 
 
 infuCoaof  lic.luisac,.fcus-  (jy  free  ■l¥vtliatcSrir..',i;-' /'•,'''  ' '  ^  ■ 
 
 conioaari^n  ^4;>c«p„i^ai  of  prS';:  s     *,   1^^"^ '»  «- 
 
 fmion  m  order  of  na.Jre:  iS-  of  iLt&l'^  ,'""  «f'« 
 
 Vmh  ufitfies  not  as  an  aft  or  lu/Iifvin^ffhh  A    }  ' 
 
 qualuy,buciu  rece.vcthChnft.  ^inSv^t/ HHl'"°''f ^^^ 
 
 dignity  or  e^aU^i^cy  of  ,t  pvyne,  ^af  K-pia;  ,      ""^^"'•^^l.par.i, 
 
 &«  m  refpea  of  t&e  place  and  of-  "  Hovv  i^nfay  b.  defined'^. , 
 
 ficcv^hich  our  n»«.^dful  God  hath  ca;,,pa.-7^    «  ^^^ fined,  par.  i, 
 
 fredyand^bcrally granted  unto  C.  1^...  ..n  cncly  is 
 
 mS^I^S^^r^^'l"^^^^  ,  ^^^^4M^:niScJ/J;:hin- 
 
 8f,S8,par.ijCa;2,pag;2i8.'   ^ 
 ■ ..   ^*Qju!ipying  faith . 
 
 .0  f i^r&^,^"<f;S  s  rc;';^«;T'**'"■"^.•^■ 
 prom  r""»1s      "'*''"'«'''"  "'■-i-eoll.d  ,cccrd»g  ,o  fh^ 
 
 bopc  o  CharTvf:       r  ^"- °"'  tobeconlideted;  The  conLori 
 
 rJn„\u    ■  ■    l'^'"'*^^"^*'''''^^^"''-  naturc.&the  fpccigcall  plantati 
 
 "^g  thcrcvvuh  m  lu^ifcatimMz  on  &  fovcraig/ty  p^r-^Ji^^; 
 
 Jufiijyin^ 
 
 propel-  unto  man  in  thj$  Iife.in  his 
 journey  towards  hi»  perfea  home 
 and  etetaall  habitation,  ibid 
 
4>i  AtfhibeticAB  TaUK^ 
 
 imfying  f*itb  IS  conhderca, 
 '  cither  acc^iaing  to  its  moll  emi- 
 ''  nent  a(f^,whrcb  is  to-juMe,Q^  Ac- 
 cording to  its  full   and  adequate 
 ad,par;i,ca:5,p3g.'58.&  f^^-  ^ 
 
 CI*  1    pS".  iOO* 
 
 '  The  objeftof/a/fi,3/f«^  M&  /» 
 mofold;  i.Gcnerall,tT^c^holc 
 truth  ofGodrevealedia  his  Word 
 
 /M/i/yw^/^^^fc'S  a  particulars: 
 
 certainc  confidence,  par  i,  ca:  7. 
 
 paa.70.that  is,  it  particularly  rc- 
 
 .  lic?h  upon  the  grace  of  God  mjc- 
 
 fusChriftto  obtaine  pardon  and 
 
 for^ivenefie.  ,  ,       , 
 
 True  faith  in  Ghrift  doth  breed 
 
 confidence  and  boldnefle,pag;8 1. 
 
 expell  utter  defperaiion,  ibid. 
 
 TobtlicveonChnft,  istore. 
 
 ccivcChriftandfcede  upon  him, 
 
 ibid.  :  • 
 
 Faith  is  ccrtainc  tn  event  not 
 ever  in  fence,  pag:  8  J.  ' 
 
 Jufiijyirtg  faith  is  an  obcdicBtiali 
 affiance,conjoynedwith  affeaion 
 of  piety,  par:i,ca:;,pag-i4A"." 
 
 io,pa£^:l37«    •    ,,         ,  , 
 
 '       lufii'yingjaith^lt^wcth  to  the 
 
 Commandements,  as   neccflary, 
 
 good,  and  worthy  to  bee  ftucke 
 
 unto,pag:i4,&ca:s,pa§:66. 
 
 '*■  Sqc  Commandment  i. 
 
 Butjufiiffeihhy  receiving  the 
 
 oik  of  righieoufnefic,  which  is  by 
 
 die  merit  of  IcfHsChrift.par;  i,ca; 
 
 Faith  feeketh  not  life  and  fal.. 
 vationinthe  threatnings,  prohi- 
 bitions, or  Commandementsjbut 
 jefteth  upon  the  ptomiUs  of  mer- 
 cy in  Jefus  Chrift,pavu,ca.6,pa§. 
 
 In  what  fenfc  wee  read  the  be- 
 liefc  of  a  temporary  pronufc  was 
 accounted  for  righteoufncfle,ibid. 
 
 The  faith  06  Abraham^  vvhich 
 was  fixed  upon  the  gracious  pro- 
 mifcj^id-rulbiae-.u  felfc. bj5.til>e 
 cofifidcracion  b£Gods  pon'cr,^.^g. 
 72,73.'  ..-iMoJ-^n;;.!  -1  ;  .:  .  , 
 
 Faith  receitefh  tte  pardon  of 
 Gn  as  it  is  profercd  in  .th«  word  of  < 
 grace, par.  i,  ca.r,pa§.  87. 
 Before  the  aft  o£ Iujfiftcati3^ahh  ■ 
 hath  for  obje<^  this,  propofition 
 concerning  the  future  j  To  me  be- 
 lieving my  fins  fiwli  b«  forgiven, 
 ibid. 
 
 No  man  isjupfiei  by  believing 
 hii-nfelfe  to  b«  juft,  nor  pardoned 
 by  believing,  that  he  is  pardoned, 
 pag.  8f.         •      ■■'■         ■    - 
 
 To  believe,  that  I  ain  one  ©t 
 Gods  Elca  people,  and  that  my 
 finnes  are  pardoned  and  done  a- 
 wayis  a  privilcdgeofgwcc,gran- 
 ted  to  him  who  belicvcth,  is  fea- 
 Iedb5tti£Spuit,and  knov^cths^f- 
 furedly  that  he  bcUevtth,pag.  S-f. 
 
 8«.  -  ■     '      ■  "■' 
 
 Aflurancc  that  our  finnes  arc 
 pardaned  is  concluded  i'\  a  pra- 
 aicall  fyllogifmc,  thus  \  Hee  that 
 -truly  beicevcth  hath  .  obtJmed 
 pardon  of  his  finnes,  par.  86. 
 -•  Sec  Salvafion. 
 
 lu/iifyingfaithcaimot  be  with- 
 ont  love,  and  how  that  i»  confar- 
 mcd,par.i,c3.4,pag46547«p3>^^  ^' 
 
 "'TheSfibat /u/^/.e^fc  islivc- 
 lyandoperative,par.i,ca.  a^pag. 
 
 *' Dead  faith  is  unavailcable  to 
 /«,f  ii?f<»H9«,asincft=auall  tofct- 
 fon  the  affections  throughout,  & 
 incite  to  uniformc  afts^of  love. 
 
 par.  I,  ca.  4,pag.  4?'  ,r„- '  f 
 /  The  cffec'^s-aird   benefits  ot 
 
 /i/y7i;;t;^/di/fc,par.  x,«.ie,p^6- 
 i3U^ih^n>  Sundry  \ 
 
Aft 
 
 Atfushetkdll  Tdfe, 
 
 Sundry  effeds  odu/^ijying faith 
 par.  i.ca.i.pag.4.&€a.4.  pag.42, 
 4J.Ff«*.".i.pagi^6.i97. 
 
 ThcbfnGfitsand  fruits  of  this 
 faith  be  found,  comfortable  and 
 enduring,  par.  i.  ca.  i©.  pag.  r j 4. 
 
 Faith  is  a  caufe  oncly  inftru- 
 mentalljand  that  is  attributed  to 
 it  ■vyhicii  the  prineipall  caufe  wor- 
 keth.pag.  ijj. 
 
 K. 
 
 K^ngdameofGsd. 
 
 Many  bee  of  the  Kjingiome  of 
 <?c<(?in  profcflion,  which  be  not 
 fo  in  Elcdion,  par.  i,  ca.  4.  pag. 
 
 Knitvledge, 
 
 Knmlet^e  is  twofoId,Of  reafon 
 Of  rcvelatioo^par.  i.ca.  3,  pae  i  < 
 
 par.  2.ca.2.pag.2i^. 
 
 Faith  put  forChriftian  l(^no)v^ 
 ledge,  par.  i  .ca.  i  .png.  x.  j . 
 
 Things  neccflary  to  be  knowne 
 cannot  be  apprehended  without 
 faith^pag.t. 
 
 '  It  is impoflibic  for  a  man  to  be- 
 lieve that  whereof  he  hath  no 
 4»o»/c(i^e,  pag.  10. 
 
 Juflifying  faith  prefuppofeth 
 the  \mwleJge  of  God  and  Chrift, 
 of  the  precepts  and  the  prooiifes 
 ofthcGofpelI,par.  i.ca.  j.pag. 
 
 Knotvk^e  concurrs  to  the  being 
 offaith,pag.  15.  " 
 
 ^'J^^  knowledge  of  faith  muft  be 
 diltina:,  found^and  ccrtaine,pag. 
 
 K»(fi»ledge^ut  £<x  hkh,  pag. 
 
 Knowledge  is  the  ground  «f  con- 
 
 fidence,an4  fo  put  for  confidence 
 par.j[.ca,i0.^pag,ij^ 
 
 Fjth  includes  the  compIcate& 
 prajaicali^«,tt,/ei^^„f  ^^ 
 
 eyiU.par,i.ca.4>ag.,^8o. 
 
 The  A,«^j^/e#  of  that  which  fs 
 not  revealed  faith  utterly  repels 
 P^g-  '7.  ^     ^ 
 
 Faith  is  the  caufe  of  more  am- 
 ple ^,»o»/e^^e.ibiu.&  cap.io.paa. 
 
 Wee  l^no^  „^,  ^j^.^ 
 
 which  we  fhould.  nothing  as  wic 
 Ihouldapag,  ,41. 
 
 Words  of  ^«oa,/e/^edoQ  toee^ 
 ther  by  connotation linpjy  aileSj. 
 on  pag.  1 3p. 
 
 Appetite  foil  owes  knowledie. 
 par.  3,  ea.  i.  pag.  214.  * 
 
 Thofe  who  know  God  bdi 
 trufthimbefl,pag,i4j.  ' 
 
 Faith    fseketh    acquaintance 
 vvithGod,ai.d  the  l^nowledee  of 
 hjs  will  in  Jcfus  Chriftjpar.  Jcap 
 10.pag.40y. 
 
 t. 
 
 Latff. 
 
 The  Law  is  the  rule  of  obedi- 
 ence^ according  to  which  people 
 in  covenant  ought  to  waike.par 
 i.ca,8,pag,nj. 
 
 SpirituaULife. 
 
 No^irituall  life  in  us  before  the 
 infufion  of  grace,  par.  i.ca.  a.  pag. 
 
 Life  is  primarily  and  properly 
 by  Chrift,  fecondarily  by  faith, 
 par.  2.  ca.  i.pag.  1^4.  ipj. 
 
 Faith  is  the  life  of  our  foulcs, 
 the  Word  the  Iffe  of  faith,  pag. 
 198, 
 
 The 
 
An  Alph4hetic4UTabte, 
 
 Thclifcofgi-accis  the  bcgm-  pag. 251,255,156,153,164,166 
 ning  of  the  life  of  glory,  they  are   267. 
 
 one  in  fubftance,  differ  onely  in  Faith  in  the  promifes  of  ever- 
 <legrees,par.»,ca;4,pa.  249,  253.  lafiinglife  will  moderate  dcfires 
 155,156,  of  the  things  of  this  life,  will  not 
 
 diftruft   the  Lord  for  fupply  of 
 them,pag.  251,870,  271. 
 EternaHlife.  Faith  in  the  promifes  of /?/* 
 
 earncftly  defires  and  longs  after 
 God  hath  made  promifc  o<///e  the   futl  poffeffion    of  it.-  pag, 
 evcrlafting  to  be  conferred  upon   256. 
 
 them  that  believe,  par.  2,  ca:  4  Mcancs  to  flirre  up  faith  in  be- 
 pa,  248,  »49.  ,  licving  the  promifes  of  life,  pag. 
 
 The  promifc  oilife  is  certaine,  t6i,  162, 263^  &c. 
 pag.  267. 
 
 Chrift  hath  purchafed  lifs  cyer-  living  hy faith, 
 
 lafting  for  us,  pag.  »4S>;  t   i  u     r    r  r  • . 
 
 Eternall  life  is  given  of  grace  for       in  What  fcnfe  we  arc  faid   to 
 Chrift  embraced  or  retted  upon  Hveby  faith,  ^2r.  ijC&,i j^z.i 9^. 
 by  faith,  par.   1,   cap.  6.  pag.    i??-&c. 
 7  J.  .Whatitisto//ve^/di/^,  pag. 
 
 When  firft we  belccve  then  are   t^Y,  i$)8. 
 wee  intituled  to  eternall  lijej  pa.       To  live  by  faith  neeeffary,  jjag. 
 »50.  ^9i>  ^94- 
 
 Life  eternall  is  then  begun  in  us  Two  things  to  be  done  that 
 when  wc  believe,  pag.  a 49a  »0.  vve  might /ia;e^j//«rV/&,  pag.  298. 
 168.  ^^* 
 
 Eternall  life  already  begun  in  Man  liyeth  by  faith  alone , 
 every  believer  wcake  and  ftrong:  though  it  be  not  alone  ,  par. 
 par.  i,c.t  10.  pa.  146.  .2.  cap.  i.pag.  196.  &  cap.  2.pag. 
 
 Evcrlafting  li/c  is  freely  offe-    2,". 
 red,  but  men  are  not  left  at  liber.       A  Chriftian  is  to  live  hy  faith 
 ty  whether  they  will  receive  and  all  the  dayes  of  his  life.  pag.  223. 
 fecke  it  or  no, par.  2, cap.  4,  pa.    224- *2?. 
 ^£j^  The  life  of  faith  IS  molt  excel- 
 
 Itis- neeeffary  wee  (hould  live  lent  and  comfortable,  p.  41 5. 
 by  faith  touching  the  promifes  of       The  neccflity  and  precioufncfTe 
 life  pa.  251,  251.  of/af/fefecne  will  make  a  man 
 
 Eternalllife  is  the  onely  true  careful!  to  Kve  by  it,  par.  i.cap.i. 
 
 %,pa.268..  P^l.-"?/    ^.^,    ci.rv,.- 
 
 Theads  of  faith  concerning      The/?/«which  the  faithful! /we 
 the  promifes  of  everlafiing  life,  hy  faith  in  Chrift  is  cvcrlafting, 
 
 pa. »5».  »t ?  J  &«^'  P^'-  *•  ^^'  ^ •  P5-  *7 ^* 
 
 Bytaithwefeeke  evidence,  get       Meanesto  ftirre  up  our  felvcs 
 
 affurance,and  labout  the  pofief-  to  live  by  jaith,  pag.  202.  aoj, 
 fion   of  life   more  and  more.  204.  &c 
 
 H  h  how 
 
Aft  Alphabetic dUTdhle, 
 
 How  we  are  co  iive  byjatth  in    unto  it  i  fajtli  is  effettuall  by  love, 
 particular  touching  the  proinifes    as  a  primary  meane,  whereby  it 
 ofpardonaiid  forgivencflcj  par,3,    doth  produce   other  efteds,   mt 
 ca".!,  ofSandificat'on^ca.?,  O'tc-    as  by  it  bcgmniag,  -  page   41,  & 
 verlafting  life,  ca  4,    ofperfeve- 
 rince,c.  5,  i^  teraptations,c.^,  in 
 times  of  adverfity,  ca,  7,   Touch- 
 ing the  piomifes  of  earthly  bief- 
 fiogSjCa.BjThe  commandements, 
 ca.9.  The  workes  of  our  calUng, 
 ca:iOj    Gods  Ordmances,  ca.ii, 
 and  threatnings,  ca.\z. 
 
 44345. 
 
 How  faith  doth  beget  love, 
 and  the  ads  of  charity  are  faid 
 to  be  done  of  faith,  pag.  4J. 
 46. 
 
 It  inciteth  to  the  worke,  ani- 
 mate th  the  aft,  and  enlarge th  the 
 ..  _^  ^     .  afteclionsto  the  feverall  brandies 
 
 The  life  of  faith  fhall  end  in  joy    oilove,  pa.41346. 
 and  comfort,    par. i,  ca.i»,  pag.       It  is  not   pofTible  for  a  man 
 
 4x6,427. 
 
 Heethat  Uveth  by  faitb ,  fhall 
 alfo  die  in  faith,  pa.4 17, 
 
 truly  to  know  and  embrace  the 
 chiefeft  good,  and  yet  to  with- 
 hold aftettion  from  the  love  ofit^ 
 pa,46. 
 
 Perfcd  faith  breedeth  pcrfeft 
 love,  and  the  leaft  degree  of 
 faith,  fome  degree  of/oT;Cjpa.5©, 
 par  i,ca,io,pa.i  J  J. 
 
 Faith  fires  the  heart  with 
 an  indefatigable  and  unquench- 
 
 LoveojGod. 
 
 Goiis  love  itfelfe,  and  from 
 
 love  proceedeth  every  courfe  hee 
 
 pafleth  upon  us,as  well  that  "of  ad-    _ ^ _..  j 
 
 verfitie,  asthcotherofprofperity,  able /avc,  that  in  comparifon  of 
 
 I  par  2,ca.7,pa  315.  obedience    it    contemneth    the 
 
 How  his /fl-ue  doth  fpccially  ap-  whole  world,  par.ZjCapjp,  pag. 
 
 pearc  incorreftingu$,ibid.  j8®. 
 
 .       The  love  which  God  beareth  Love   or  chiritje    cannot  ac- 
 
 unta  his  pcaple  is  aneveilafting  cept  of,    or  obtaine  the  prorai 
 
 /o^'e,  parg?,ca.4,pa.27  2,.  ''      '" 
 
 par.  I,  C3p.4,  pag. 
 
 Love. 
 
 fes  of  mercy 
 
 Being  now  in  friendfh  p  with 
 Chnft,  our  /oi/c  may  give  us  en- 
 couragement and  comfort  to 
 make  ufe  to  our  felves  of  that  that 
 is  his, ibid. 
 
 The  aft  oi  love  is  done  by 
 ifliie  or  pafling  from  him  that  /o- 
 veth  to  the  thing  that  is  loved. 
 
 Faith  gorerncth  charity,  par.  i, 
 ca.4,pag4i. 
 
 Chanty  is  obedient .  to  faith, 
 iibid. 
 
 The  aft  of  love  hath  no  priori-  ibid, 
 ty  to  beliefe,  but  followes  after  To  love  is  more  then  to  believe, 
 it,  and  is  quickened  by  it,  pag,  becaufc  it  neceflarily  includes  be- 
 4®.  liefe,pa.42. 
 
 Ltf-uefs  a  grace  without  the  be-       Love   excells  fsith,    if  wee 
 ing  of  faith,  though  conjoyncd   refpeft  latitude    of  ufe  ,     and 
 - length 
 
An  AfphiiheticaUTahU, 
 
 of  time  or  continuance  :  But  till    us  to  the  pradife  of  h©imclle,par 
 faith  have  finifhcd  ouf  ialvation,    a,  ca  4,  pa.  16  r- 
 /ovemuft  yeeld  to  faith,  pag.^z, 
 
 43- 
 
 M. 
 
 Meate  &  'Dnn\e. 
 
 FRee  ufe  of  the  creatures  is  re- 
 ftord  by  Chnft  to  the  adop- 
 ted fonnes  of  God,  par.  2,  ca.  4, 
 pa.ijS.&cxgjp.ig.jog. 
 
 Bread  nourifiicth,  when  ic  is   fon  for  heavenly  contemplation, 
 Gods  hand  or  meancs  to  conferre    ibid, 
 fticngth,  but  the  blefling  is  not 
 in  the  creature,   it  comes  from 
 above,   par.  i,  cap.  8,  pag  j^Oj 
 
 How  to  live  by  faith  in  the  ufc 
 
 Faith  caufeth  feirious  and. at- 
 tentive meditation  upon  the  Word 
 of  God,  that  it  may  finkcdecpe, 
 and  abide  firme  in  the  heart,  par. 
 2,ca.9,pa.38N 
 
 The  good  things  of  this  life 
 have  great  force  to  lift  up  the 
 believing  foule  to  commime  with 
 the  Lord.    par. 2,  cap.S^pag.jdj. 
 
 3^4- 
 
 profperity  is  the  fitteft  fea 
 
 Mee\ne^e. 
 
 Faith  wee^ewcf fe  the  heart  wil- 
 lingly to  fubiTiit  it  felfe   to  the 
 
 of  Meate  and  2)nn{e 3    p3g,  165,    good  pleafurc  of  G  d,  and  pan 
 1 64  &c.  ently  to  bear.^  his  corre^ion,  par. 
 
 i,  ca.7,  pa,  5  i  1,5  i 2.  caj,  pag. 
 Meditation.  »+?. 
 
 By  what  confiderations  faith 
 To  conGder  whom  wee  tnift,    perfwades  to    fnu\znejfe   under 
 and  to  meditate  on  hisfaithfull-    Godshand,pa.32i,3i3>P4>32.5» 
 nefle,  mercy,  and  power,  is  a  fpe-    316. 
 ciall  uieancs  for  the  right  plan- 
 tation  of  faith  J     and    a  good  Merit. 
 encouragemeiu  to  live  by  faith, 
 
 par.  2,  cap.  i,   pag.  207,  »o8.       Pardon  is  not  promifed  for  any 
 pa.  1,     cap.    II,     page.-  jf4^   »«f«?  ifl  lis,   par.  2,  cap.  t,  pag. 
 
 It  is  very  needfull  againe  and       The  wife  Merchant  felleth  all 
 
 aoaine  to    conlidcr  what  excel-  that  hee  hath,  not  that  wee  can 
 
 lent  thmgs  are  promifed  ,   and  thereby  werir  pardon,  bur  that  fo 
 
 raife  the  heart  to  an  high  pri-  vvce  may  bee  capable  of  pardon, 
 
 ling  and  valuation  of  them,  pag,  patXi^. 
 
 »5^ 
 
 Sec  Worsts. 
 Miracttlomfaitb' 
 
 Oi  Miraculotafaithf^^t.  i  ,c3.  i , 
 Meditatimoi  Gods  fingular   pa. 3.  "'     j 
 
 poodncfle  towards  us,  conftraines        Faith  Miraculoua,   aftive-and 
 
 5  Hhi  paffive,! 
 
 Meditation  of  the  benefit  of 
 I  pardon  of  finne  a  meanes  to  pre- 
 j  tetve  defire  of  pardon,  par.»,ca.  i. 
 
 lpa.215. 
 
An  Alphabet icaSTahie, 
 
 paflivcj  ibid« 
 
 faith  Miraculom  and  ordinary, 
 not  diverfe  graces,  but  the  fame 
 grace  cxercifed  about  diverfc  ob- 
 ita^i  pag.3,4-  &  Gap.4,pag  48, 
 49. 
 
 faith  Miraculom  is  a  gift  of 
 the  Spiritj  par.  i,  cap.  4,  pag. 
 47.  and  confidence  in  the  ex- 
 traordinarie  promifes  of  God, 
 ibid. 
 
 N. 
 
 Necejfttie. 
 
 T Wokinds  o£n€ceJ}itie,  par.  i, 
 ca.i,pa.2. 
 
 Negligence. 
 
 Negligence  in  performing  holy 
 duties,  an  efFcft  of  unbeliefc, 
 par.2j€a.i,pa.»oy. 
 
 O.       * 
 
 Ohedieftce, 
 
 THe  Lord   calls  for  willing , 
 chearefull,  univerfall,  anfai- 
 
 ned^conftantdieiiewcejpar.z^ea.g, 
 pa.5^8. 
 
 Vpright,  unfained  obedience 
 IS  imperfea.  part,  i,  cap.  8, 
 P^S-  "i»  par.  2,  cap,  9^  pag. 
 
 The  ohedience  of  the  faithfull 
 isweakeandimperfe<a,  but  plea- 
 ding and  acceptable  unto  God, 
 pa.  569,  570, 
 
 The  faithfull  foule  may  find 
 i^  felfe.more  prone  tafome-onc 
 %ne  then  to  another  j  and  more 
 d^Il  to.  fomc  gx>od  duties  th«n 
 
 other,  ibid.  &  par.i,  cap. 6,  pag. 
 78. 
 
 The  believer  knowes  himfclfe 
 bound  to  the  oiediencc  of  the 
 Gofpell  though  he  bee  freed  from 
 the  damnation  of  the  law,  par.i, 
 ca.f,  pa.278. 
 
 The  $hediencc  which  faith  pro- 
 
 duceth,  is  mtire  in  the  branches 
 
 of  ohedience^  par.  i,  cap.  ?,  pag. 
 
 ■  68 .   Vniforme  and  conftant,  pag. 
 
 69,70. 
 
 Faith  in  the  promifes  carieth  a 
 man  forward  in  obedience  to  the 
 way  of  the  promifes,  par,z,ca  i, 
 pa,ioi. 
 
 According  to  our  ftrength 
 of  faith,  the  lively  fruits  of 
 holy  obedience  fhall  bee  found 
 in  us,  part,  i,  cap.  11,  pag. 
 160. 
 
 Aflliranee  of  forgirenefle  can- 
 not bee  greater  then  care  of 
 ebedience,    par.  2,  cap.  9,   pag. 
 
 The  better  any  man  laboureth 
 in  faith,  the  more  diligent  hecis 
 in  the  feivice  of  God,  and  workes 
 ofraercie,  par.  2,  cap,  lo.  pag. 
 35>6. 
 
 Ordinary  failing  in  the  pra- 
 6bce  of  holy  duties  ,"  and  due 
 ordering  0/  our  aftedions,  can- 
 not be  without  a  precedent  cffeft 
 offaith,  which  onely  can  firraely 
 unite  us  untoChrift,  par.i,ca,i  i^ 
 pa.  159- 
 
 Partiall  obedience,  an  effe^ 
 of  unbeliefe,  par.*,  cap,  r,  pag. 
 20J. 
 
 Chriftians  are  allowed  to  be- 
 lieve,  that  God  will  enable 
 them  to  walkein  obedience y  par. 
 2,  ca.  9,  pa.  574.  ForthisGod 
 hath  promifed  in  covenant;  ibid, 
 to  this  end' the  Spirit-  of  grace 
 
An  AlfhabeticMllTable, 
 
 is  given,  ibid.  The  Saints  have 
 begged  it  in  prayer .  %T( '  and 
 in  alTuraace  oi  divine  afCfiance 
 have  bound  themfclves  by  cove- 
 nant to  keep  the  righteous  iudge* 
 tnents  of  the  Lord.ibid. 
 
 The  aSs  of  faith  touching  oJe- 
 dhnei  requircd.par.z.cap.  ^;pag. 
 576.37  7.&C. 
 
 JVJeancs  to  quicken  our  felvcs 
 to  the  chcarefuU  prafticc  of  thofe 
 duties,  whcreuBto  wea  find  our 
 felucs  dull  and  Huggifh  pag.383. 
 384.&C 
 
 Oriinances.See  Word  flc 
 Sasraments. 
 
 Chrifiian  Parenn, 
 
 THe  Children  of  believing  pa- 
 rents  by  naturall  generation 
 are  defiled  with  finne,  but  they 
 are  holy  by  covenant  and  free  ac- 
 ceptation, par, 2.  cap,  xi.  pag, 
 408  , 
 
 The  children  o£ChriJfian  Fa- 
 rents  they  are  within  the  Cove- 
 nant for  their^arewrt  faith.par.i. 
 ca.  10.  pag,  140. 
 The  faith  of  the^<»re»/f  doth  ap- 
 prehend the  promife  of  the  cove* 
 nant  for  himfelfe  and  for  his  feed 
 pag.408, 
 
 It  is  an  high  and  incomprehen- 
 fible  mercy,that  God  is  plcafcd  to 
 bee  theOod  of  the  faithfull  and 
 their  fee<i,  pag:  409. 
 
 Chrifiian  parents  arc  greatly  to 
 retoyce  in  this,that  God  in  tender 
 companion  is  pleafed  thus  to  ad- 
 vance and  honour  thcna  and  their 
 pofterity.ibid. 
 Hee  that  would  give  his  child 
 
 unto  God  muft  give  himfeite  fiift- 
 pag.408. 
 
 Gods  promife  to  accept  our 
 children, calleth  for  prayer  and 
 fupplication  on  our  part ,  that  he 
 would  be  pleafed  to  make  good 
 his  mercifall  and  free  promife.  ib- 
 
 This  rich  mercy  of  God  fhould 
 ftirre  y^  parents  to  be  careful!  and 
 diligent  to  bring  vp  their  children 
 in  information  and  fcare  of  the 
 Lord.pag.  4 1  o. 
 
 Fa^tons, 
 
 Vrktzmtd  Paffuns  which  caufe 
 unquietneflc  in  afFeftion  are  cor- 
 redcd  by  faith,  par.z.  cap.  7.  pag. 
 
 J2Z. 
 
 Pajfioxs  are  not  fo  bridled  as  not 
 to  ftirre  and  refift  the  worke  of 
 faith,  but  that  they  fliall  not 
 raigne.par.2  cap.9.pag.}77. 
 
 Faith  acknowledging  Gods 
 hand  in  affliAions  teacheth  pati. 
 ently  to  beare  his  ccnrredion.  par. 
 a,c3p.7.pag.  Jio.j  21.3  22.3  23  .& 
 cap.io-pag394. 
 
 Without  confidence  in  God 
 there  can  beno  filent  and  quiet 
 expectation  of  faluation  in  times 
 of  afflidion.  par.  2.  cap.  7.  pag. 
 
 The  reward^of  the  patient  fuf- 
 fering  of  the  Martyrs  was  both 
 renownehere,  and  that  fanemofV 
 excellent  weight  of  glory  hereaf- 
 ter .pag.  316.3*7. 
 
 Peace. 
 
 Peatt  with  God,and  ftablc  tran- 
 
 quilitie  or  calmenefle  of  mind, 
 
 Hhj  a 
 
An  Alfha&etkll  T^ihle, 
 
 a  prerogative  accompanying  alTu- 
 rance  ©t  faith  in  the  promile  par^ 
 2.ca:£.pa/2  29, 
 
 That  peace  «iay  bee  prefcrved  , 
 faith  muft  be  renewed  daily  pag. 
 
 Peace  of  Confcienccjioy  in  the 
 HolyGhoftjand  Sanftification  of 
 the  Spirit  here ,  are  beginnings  of 
 glory  hereafter.pag^  25.156.  As 
 thefe  increafe ,  the  pofleffion  of 
 glory  incrcafeth.  ibid.   &  pag. 
 
 Faith  in  the  promife  of  perfe- 
 verance  neceffary  to  found  and 
 (uW peace  par,  a.ca.'j.pa,  279, 
 
 Perjeverance. 
 
 God  hath  made  many  promi. 
 fes  oiperjivtrance.  par.  z.ca.  5 ;pa . 
 Z7i,a7i.&c 
 
 Iris  neceflary  that  the  faith- 
 full  fhould  ferioufly  learne  and 
 thinlc  ijipon  thefe  promifes^  that 
 they  mjght  be  fetled  in  believing 
 thcir/)er/ix»crd«ce.pag:  277,278, 
 279- 
 
 Thc~godIyare  allowed  to  be- 
 lieve their  ^fr/e-yera/zce.  pag;,  280, 
 x8i. 
 
 The  afts  of  faith  concerning 
 />er/evertf«<;e.pag:  282,282,  284. 
 
 &G. 
 
 Faith  giveth  afTurancc  ofperfe- 
 o'ertfwcfjasitdoth  of  the  pardon 
 bf  finne.pa.286« 
 
 Affurance  of  not  falling  away 
 can  open  no  gap  to  licemioufnes 
 orfccurityiafianc.  pai.-  2.  cap.y. 
 pag:  27  8. 
 
 Faith  for  a  time  may  fall  a. 
 fleepc,  but  it  will  awake  and  re- 
 new it  indeavours  with  more 
 life  and  vigour,  pag;  278,  284.  & 
 cap.-6.pag;29  5.199. 
 
 Meanes  to  ftirrc  up-  our  fdves  to 
 bdievc  the  pcomifes  ot  perfeve- 
 ra«£e.pag:2a7ja88. 
 
 Trayzr, 
 
 Pantings  and  breathings  after 
 the  confolations  of  the  Lord  are 
 undoubted  tokens  of  the  new 
 birth  par.  i.cap,- 1 2.pag^  1 6p. 
 
 Prayer  is  an  aft  of  the  Spirit, 
 and  the  Spirit  is  obtained  by 
 prayer  par:  i .cap. z.pag;  8 . 
 
 Faith  is  the  mother  of  Prayer 
 andpmj/er  ameans  of  the  increafe 
 oftaich,  pag.'  15, 
 
 Prayer  is  nothing  elfe  but  the 
 ftreame  or  river  ot  faith,  par.  1. 
 ca.S.pa:  105, 
 
 Faith  comer  to  Chrift  as  an 
 humble  penitent  petitioner  par.  i, 
 ca.  io.pa:i36. 
 
 Faith  obtaineth  as  a  poorc  pe- 
 titioner what  the  Lord  promifeth 
 in  fpeciall  favour,  par-  2.ca.  3,  pa. 
 247. 
 
 Faith  fiirreth  up  topray  with- 
 out diftraftfull,  fruitlefle,  excef- 
 five  care.  par.  z,  cap.  8.  pag. 
 358» 
 
 What  we  are  taught  to  begge 
 mprayer^thzt  we  are  allowed  to 
 believe  we  fhall  obtaine  of  free 
 grace. par:2.ca.3,.p3g.25p,&  cap. 
 5. pa.- 2-8.1. 
 
 The  firmer  ourfaitb,the  better 
 fucceflc  doe  we  find  in  prayer,  par. 
 l.ca:io,pa:i49. 
 
 The  wicked  ctie  and  call  in 
 fearebut  nQtinfaith,par.-i.  ca.4, 
 pa:53. 
 
 One  branch  of  living  by  faith 
 
 is  prayer  .par.a.ca.  i.pa.ao  i .  And 
 
 Prayer  is  a  meanes  to  ftirreup  to 
 
 live  by  faith. pa;  zo8j2©9. 
 
 What  is  to  hec  prayed  for, that 
 
 wee^ 
 
An  AlfhaheticallTahle, 
 
 wc  may  live  by  faith. ibid. 
 
 Faith  feeking  pardon  of  finne 
 ftirres  up  to  prayer  for  pardon 
 through  the  mediation  of  Chnil 
 par!i.ca;».pa:2i7.ij  J 
 
 forth  btfore  the  Lord,  par:  a.  ca; 
 io,pa;39^,j^9. 
 
 In  afflidrions  faith  will  neither 
 fret  or  murmurc  ,  nor  yet  grow 
 Tecure  ,  but  ftiin  s  up  to  feeke  unto 
 
 Thcpromifes  of  pardon  to  him    God  by  prefer  both  for  the  benefit 
 that^r««j'e//b.pa.2i7.ii8.  and  fruit  of  rcflraint ,  and  for  the 
 
 He  may^jiay  in  fdith  that  wants    comfort  of  freedome  and  delivc- 
 
 aflurance  of  pardon  ibid, 
 
 Itislawfullin  fomc  regard  to 
 crave  pardon,  when  it  is  already 
 granted,  and  believed  fo  to  bee 
 parji.ca  8,pa:i0  2. 
 
 Confidence  and  prayer  God 
 hatli  ioyned  together  pa:  loj. 
 
 We  mufl  pray  both  for  faith 
 that  we  may  believe  pardon^  and 
 the  fight  of  our  faith,  that  wee 
 may  know  we  believe  it.  par:*, 
 
 ca.-j  pa:23S.i3^. 
 
 By  faith  the  children  of  God, 
 
 rancc.par.  a.  ca:  7.  pa;  328,  32^. 
 
 Faith  prayeth  as  earneflly  for 
 the  fandification  of  profpeiity, 
 and  Gods  ble  fling  upon  the 
 meaneSjasfor  the  meancs  them- 
 fclvesifthey  were  wanting,  par 
 4.ca.8.pa:  368,5  64. 
 
 Faith  Itirreth  up  earneft  ,  con« 
 ftant  and  hearty  prayer  to  bee 
 taught  in  the  Law.  parj  z,  ca.  9, 
 pa:38i. 
 
 It  quickencth  the  moft  skil- 
 
 (teing  in  God  whatfoevcr  they    full  workman  to  ftrivc  with  God 
 heed  or  de(ire,will  never  cieafe  to    in^rfij/€r,that  the  work  he  fctteth 
 
 feeke  reliefe  by  pray  er.^^i'.t,  ca;4 
 pa:£^e. 
 
 We  muft^r4yinflantly  for  fan* 
 ftifying  grace,  par;  *.  ca*.  3.  pag> 
 
 upon  may  fucceed  well  and  prot 
 per.par;2.ca:io.pa:3jo. 
 
 The  faithfull   liavc  promifcd 
 thcmfelves  hcipe  in  diftrcfle,  and 
 
 239.  Which  is  a  meancs  to  qnic-   confidently  begged  aid,  bccaufe 
 ken  us  to  believe  the  promife  of  they  truftedinthcLord.pana.ca, 
 
 Sand  ification.  pa;  247 
 
 Faith  in  the  promife  ofperfe- 
 verancc  caufeth  to  pr<^  inftantly 
 that  God  would  uphold  us,  and 
 make  us  fee  that  he  will  uphold 
 us.  par ;  2.  cap;  5.  pag.  283.  289 
 
 Faith  as  an  humble  petitioner 
 recciveth  the  promife  of  life,  and 
 gives  afTurance  of  what  is  recei- 
 ved as  it  prayeth  j^ax'.i.  ca:  4,  pag 
 
 in  temptation  we   muft  pray 
 
 par.  a.  cap:    5  .  pag:  30 j  ,  306. 
 
 310. 
 
 .  Faith  wrappeth  all  gricfcs  ^nd 
 
 cares  togcthftjSnd    powveth  them 
 
 7.pa^Ji5*5*0' 
 
 FreJUmpthn. 
 
 It  is  not prefumption t^ut  true  o- 
 bediencc  to  telievc  whatfoevcr 
 God  hath  promifed.  par:  ».ca:3. 
 pag,2j8.ca:x.pag:a3 1.t34.  &  ca. 
 6.293. 
 
 Pride. 
 
 Pride  the  daughter  of  corrupti- 
 on,not  of  filiall  confidencc.par:  i. 
 cap.8.pa;iia. 
 
 Hh4 
 
 Promije 
 
 ts\ 
 
An  JlfhahticaU  TAbU, 
 
 Fromifes^  The  paaSifc  of  the  godly,  who 
 
 have  lived  by  faith  in    time   of 
 
 "Bypremifes  underfta«d  al  thofc    troublc,is  both  a  token  of  our  pri- 
 dedarations  of  Gods  will,whci:e-    viledge,and  a  patterne  of  our  duty. 
 inlwfignifiesiathcGofpcllwhat    cap:7.pa.5 18. 
 good  he  willfrccly  bcftow.par.a.        Whenfocverwc find  thatany  of 
 cap.»pa:i09.  Gods  people  have  prayed  for  any 
 
 Fromifes  fome  fpeciall  and  fin-  good  thing  &  have  been  heard,  if 
 gular,  others  generall  and  com>  k  were  not  by  fpeciall  pre  rojati  e 
 monpar.-i.cap.i.pa:  3.  Dired  &    peculiar  to  them,wc  may  take  it  as 
 
 by  confe<iuent.  par;  a.  cap:  i.  pa; 
 i^^,xoo. 
 
 The  generall  and  common  pro- 
 mifes  concerning  life  andfalvati- 
 on,more  excellent  then  the  fpeci- 
 all and  fingular  promi/es  conccr- 
 
 a^rowyc  teus.par.t.ca,  i.pa:,!^^ 
 As  tor  extraordinary  favours  or 
 deliverances  granted  unto  fome 
 perfons  by  fpeciall  priviledge,  we 
 cannotproMf/e  our  felves  the  fame 
 in  particular  from  their  example : 
 ning  working  of  miracles.  pa;4.    but  as  fuch  peculiar  mercies  imply 
 Vromifcs  aie  either  fpirituall  or  a  common  ground  or  reafon,tncy 
 temporall.par:  X.  cap.  i^pa:  20^   are  unto  us  arguments  of  cofortSc 
 Cojicerningthis  life  or  the  life  to   encouragement«par  z  ca;  i.p'xeo* 
 come.ibid.  The  word  oi promt fe  doth  not 
 
 Of  things  fimply  ncceflary  to   only  containeti;uth,but  offer  good 
 falvation,  or  of  things  good  in   untous.par:i.cap:io,pa;i37* 
 themfclves,  but  nor  alwaies  good      To  helpe  our  weaknes  the  Lord 
 for  us.par;  i.ca;  5.  pa:  6 1,  6*,  63.    goeth  over  one  &  the  fame  thing 
 par:*.ca;i,pa:209,2io.  againc  &  againe.par:  i.c  8.p:  130 
 
 What  favour  God  hath  fhewcd  Thcprowii/ef  are  not  only  made 
 vnto  any  of  his  children  according  to  them  that  believe  alread/e,  but 
 to proraife  &covenant  of  grace,the  are  freely  c  ffcred  as  grounds  and 
 fame  may  all  that  be  in  covenant  foundations  that  wee  might  be- 
 with  him  exped  &  lookc for.par.  Iieve.p3r;r,ca:z.p:ziij  119,  231. 
 2.ca:i.pa:i99j:oo.ca;7.pa:  jjj.  Prowi/ei  both temporall  & fpiri- 
 All  the  faithfull  as  faithfully  be  tuall  are  received  by  faith^as  they 
 partners  in  the  fame  priviledgcs  arc  promifed  of  God  either  with 
 and  promifes  J  and  live  by  the  or  without  limitation  parxz.c.i.  | 
 famefaith.par.'i.caij.paixjj,  pacxio. 
 
 Wh^t  promifes  foever  concer-  Alltheftrflwr/ef  of  God  be  furc 
 ninglife  and  happines  were  made  in  themfeivcSjCertaine  to  the  Be- 
 to  the  Apoftles,  the  fame  were  licver.par  i.ca.  j.pa:^!. 
 made  to  ail  believers  and  confir-  .  The  ferious  meditation  of  Gods 
 med  &  fcaled  unto  them  after  the  frcCjgratious  and  faithfull  prowii- 
 fame  manner.  pa.».ca:4.pa;  257.  ycf  reiterated  againc  and  againe,is 
 Whatone  believed  upon  com.  availeable  to  ftrcngthen  faith 
 I  mon  i&ordinary  grounds,  that  is  parti.eau  i.pa;i6i. 
 tfie  priviledge  of  all  believers.  When  we  wit  the  fence  of  Gpds 
 which  they  are  allowed  to  receive  tove,w€  miaft  believe  his  word  & 
 cap5^a.x8|i f^^' 
 
An  Aiphabeticali  Table, 
 
 pvmife,  par.ij ca.2,  pa.aj UH ^« 
 The  promtfes  ofGod  concerning 
 Juftification  and  Sandification  arc 
 fo  linked  together,  thatwhofoe- 
 vcr  believes  not  both,  cannot  be- 
 lieve the  one,pai-.i,c.j,p.240,24X 
 Thepro'Mi/eTofQodrecei'/ed  by 
 faith  are  the  lichesof  a  Chriftian 
 t©  fupply  his  waniS3&  his  cattle  of 
 defence  in  lisne  of  danger  j  par  2, 
 ca.7,pa-3»7,3i8. 
 
 If  we  cleave  not  to  the  pr»mi/ef 
 of  God  concerning  temporall 
 thin^'SjVve  fhall  adhere  to  the/>ra- 
 mi/es  of  life  with  leffe  aflurance, 
 par.2,ca.8,pa.3Jia5  52. 
 
 Frog>erity, 
 
 To  hope  for  blefled  and  good 
 fiicceffe  in  an  evill  courfe  is  pal- 
 pable and  grofle  Idolatry,  par.i, 
 ca.8,pa.3  5d.  ,     r      a 
 
 God  is  fpccially  to  be  leryed 
 in  the  daies  o^profperity,  pa  3  5  9. 
 
 Frofperity  is  pleafing,  but  dan- 
 gerous i  whichmakcS  the  waking 
 believer  jealous  of  hiiKfeUe,  and 
 watchfull  over  his  heaitjpag,  3  6 1 . 
 
 Faith  feafoneth  profperity.par. 
 i,ca.iOjpa.  ijjaP^i'^'^'^'P'^^i'- 
 In/jroJ'erfO/faith  keeps  the  heart 
 in  an  holy  temper  and  difpoCtion, 
 ^li!{;.in  humility  &  mceknes,p.}  j9 
 
 The  more  we  profper,the  more 
 earncft  be  the  prayers  of  faith,  pa. 
 
 See  TempQtaUBkJfmgs, 
 Troteftion. 
 
 The  Lord  ft.mds  betwixt  his 
 childich  and  all  dangers  that  are 
 intended  againft  them,pa.»,ca.6, 
 pag.  29?*    ■■  ■■ 
 
 It  is  the  promife  of  oUr  Sayi" 
 
 our,  that  hell  gates  (hall  not  prc- 
 vailc  againft  his  faithfull  people, 
 pa.2>7.&ca.7,pag.3ij. 
 
 Turpofes. 
 
 Why  naany  ^ood  purpo/ei  never 
 come  to  performanccj  par.2,ca.3, 
 pa,24 1^242. 
 
 Redemption. 
 
 The  workc  of  redemption  re- 
 maines  proper  to  Chrift  :  but  the 
 benefit  of  his  death  is  communis 
 cated  to  every  member  of  bis  my- 
 ftieall  body,par.ijCa.7,pa.8  I. 
 
 Rtdeaiption  by  Chnft  is  both 
 pretious  and  plentifuil,  par.  i.ca. 
 ii,pa.i52. 
 
 Remijft&n. 
 
 God  of  his  rich  grace  and  mercy 
 in  Jefus  Chrift  hath  made  offer 
 of  free  and  full  forgivcnefle  of  fin 
 to  every  burdened,  penitent,  and 
 thirft  e  foule,   par.2,  C3.2,  pag. 
 
 Remijfton  of  fins  in  and  through 
 Jefus  Chrift  is  fpecially  to  be  prea- 
 ched. This  the  faith  of  all  the 
 Saints  hath  in  fpeciaU  manner  rc- 
 fpcded,  craved,  embraced,  piM^ 
 ca.6,pa.7  I. 
 
 ForgiA'cneffe  is  both  of  guilt  & 
 punifhment,  p.ir.  i,  ca.  8,  pag 
 102. 
 
 Remifton  of  fins  dothpreluppole 
 the  meicy  of  God,  pa. 7 1 . 
 
 The  promife  oiremijfttn  is  made 
 of  free  ^nd  undeferycd  ni:rcy 
 through  Chiitt,  par.z,cnp.»,  pa 
 
 »io,?»i.  , 
 
 As  fooneas  ever  amantccies 
 
 jfin  as  a  burden,  h(H5  is  called,  in- 
 vited, GotiMnandcd  to  cotntwnto* 
 Chdu* 
 
AnAi^aheticail  Tahle, 
 
 Chiift  to  receive  mercy  and  f©i-  finnes  is  to  be  prayed  £or.  pag. 
 
 givencfle,  pag.231,  »3  23  234.  &  102, 
 
 par.i.ca;ii.pa.-i5o.i£)i.  What  is  to  be  done  in  feeking 
 
 The  promife  o^nmijpon  of  fins  forgiveneffe  par;  z.  ta.-'z:  pa.-ai  5^ 
 
 is  conditional!,  andbccomes  not  216.217. 
 
 abfolucc  until!  the  condition  be 
 fulfilled,  either  a^uallyjOr  in  de- 
 fire  and  prepaia.tionof  mindjpar. 
 i.ca;7.pa;if6. 
 
 Why  men  negleft  to  feckc  the 
 pardon  ot  their  fin.-pag'  z  1  f , 
 
 The  afts  of  fauh  concernina 
 the  promife  of  pardon,  pao.-  21  ? 
 We  cannot  hope  to  have  our    »i4,Jif. 
 fins  forgiven  if  wee  bee  not  made        Faith  doth  obtainejteceive  and 
 one  With  Chrift  by  faith; par;  i.e.   afliire  of  pardon  in  particular,  pa, 
 7,pa/8i,  218. 
 
 Mercy  and  forgiyenefle  is  free-       Faith  afiureth  of  pardon  by  a 
 lypromifed  that  we  might  be-    double  acl  pag.219. 
 lieye,  and  vouchfafed  to  him  that       Afliuance  of  pardon  is  not   an 
 doth  believe.par;2^ca;a,pa;  zii.   aft  of  faith  iaftifying,  asit  iuftifi- 
 119.131.  cth,but  an  aft  of  faith  following 
 
 The promife  of  forgivenefle  is   juftification,  pag;tt8.2i9. 
 received  by  faith  alone.par.  2  ca;2  See  Certainty  of  SalvatUn. 
 
 pag;sii|iti2.,  ,  Hee  that  is  afiiired  of  pardon. 
 
 The  promifes  of    mercy  in    doth  both  believe  and  knoweth 
 Chriftjbeing  the  higheflandmoft   that  he  belie vcth.pag;  21^. 
 fpiriiualljit  is  the  hardeft  point  of       How  we  may  clitnbc  to  this af- 
 fervice  in  the  Chriftian  warfare  furanceingoodorderpag:2  20. 
 firmely  to  believe  thenxpar;  I.  ca.'        Prerogatives  that  accompany 
 
 i.pa;4,&  ca;7.pa;  S3. 
 
 It  is  neccfl'ary  that  we  embrace 
 
 this  afTurancc.pag;  a  20,2i  I. 
 Free  remijftm  and  afTuratice  oi 
 
 the  pLomife  of  forgiveneffe  by  a    Gods  love  cannot  puffe Up,  but 
 lively  faith*  par;  i.ca; 2.  pa:  zi»,  doth  abafe  the  believer  in  him 
 
 That  there  is  forgiveneffe  with 
 G  cd,  or  that  finne  is  pardonable. 
 
 fclfe.pa;  2ij 
 
 Though  faith  certifie  that  our 
 
 J _..  j,„. „^^w,  fins  be  paidoned,yet  many  good 
 
 cannot  be  knowne  by  the  light  of  Chriftians  live  long  in  fearc  and 
 
 nature,mufl  be  difcerned  by  faith.    doubt.-pag;2  27, 
 
 pa:ii  3,214.  The  caufes  hereof  and  the  rc- 
 
 It  is  eaficr  to   fay  fo   much  mcdics.pag.227,iz8,2»9  &c; 
 whileitmenfleepein  Cmu^hcn  to        Aswe  believe  to  luftification, 
 believe  it  when  the  confcience  is   fo  we  muft  continue  in  believing 
 awakenedibid. .  for  the  aftuall  pardon  of  our  dai- 
 
 We  are  cqmmaaded.to  askc  the   ly  trefpafles  pa ;  li  2. 2I3 ,224. 
 pardon  and  forgiveneffe  of  our       WemuftftiU  looke  to  Chrift 
 finnes,  and  have  a  promife  to  bee   for  forgiveneffe;  and  faith  lookes 
 I  heard  in  that  which  we  defircpar.  unto  him  as  a  pctitioneirjpar;  i  .c.  8 
 '  ijca.8,pa;ipi,  |)a:i04, 
 
 Iq  what  fence  forgiveneffe^ of       Wee  muft  pray  daily  that  wee 
 
 I 
 
J 
 
 An  AC^habeticail  'tahle. 
 
 Jaaye 
 
 greatfr  ^afiurance  wcion  to  any  time^peifon^c^uaUty 
 pi- juiinbe'r  of  oftences.  par.  I.  cap 
 li.p.i;!7d  pai\'2.  car  a.  pag:  ziS, 
 229. 
 
 Reverence. 
 Mercy  covering  fin  doth  6egct 
 
 my 
 
 ibid.  ^  .^  ..:.;:  ,j  • 
 
 We  fin  daily  and  arc  t'orcceiyc 
 aduall  pardon  from  Ggd  contf- 
 nually.ibid,  VVc  begg  the  conti- 
 nuance of  his  grace,  that  his  mcr- 
 eifull  pardon  may  be  a  gift  with- 
 out repentance,  pa:  I  ©5.     That 
 
 we  may  more  fully  and  really  pef-  reveumt\  the  more  sflurafice  of 
 
 fefle  what  we  doe  in  part  inioy.    falvation  in  a  mans.foulej   the 
 
 ibid.  morcfearc  and  trsmbling  in  a 
 
 And  that  we  might  be  fet  in   mans  courfe.  par;  a.  cap{  5.  pag: 
 
 full  and  reall  poffeflion  of  ab(o-   ^Z^* 
 
 lute  intirc  acquittance  when  the       Faith  in  the  tbrcatnings  brings 
 
 time  of  refreihing  {hall  come  pa,  forth  awefullneffe,j'eT^erc«te,  and 
 106.  '  feare.par.a,cap;i2.pa;4J3, 
 
 He  that  is  every  day  bufied  to 
 
 fue  out  his  pardon  cannot  bfit^bc  Riches. 
 
 carefull  not  ro  run  into  fin.par;i, 
 
 ca:2.pa:2a6j2Z7.  Thcworldmuftbe  csfl  out  of 
 
 Diredions  to  the  weake,to  ftir  the  afleaions.^pairj  i .cap:  1 1 .  pa. 
 
 up  themfclves  to  believe  the  pro-    *5^'   '     .'  -^  — - 
 
 mife  of  fergivcnefle,  when  they       Cerift  hath  never  due  efteeme 
 
 want  the  comfort  ofit.  pa:  a.  3,  with  uSjUnlclTe  for  his  fake  wee 
 
 234.&C. 
 
 Repentance. 
 
 Faith  and  rffe»f<i»cc  be  infepa- 
 rable  companions  par.  i.ca:  8,  pa: 
 100. 
 
 withdraw  ©ur  hearts  from  all  thi 
 mJbei-jdehghtSjhonourSjand  pro. 
 fits  of  the  world.pag.  157. 
 
 Not  the  poffeflion  of  earthly 
 things  and  delight  in  thetn,  but 
 that  poflellion  and  delight  in 
 them  which  withholds  us  from 
 
 Repentance  is  ncct{[.xvy  to  the  refigrting  our  felves  vnto  Chrift 
 pardon  of  fin,as  a  condition  with-  is  forbidden  pa:  i  jf  8  par.i.ca:  ii. 
 j   out  which  it  cannot  be  obtaiiied^    pa;4oi^. 
 not  as  a  caufc  why  it  is  given  par.       By  faith  a  man  commcth  freely 
 l.cap;iopa:ig6.  to  renounce  his  title  and  interift 
 
 Pardon  of  finne  is  promifcd  to   intheworld,andtopartwithany 
 them  only  that  confeflc   and  for-   thing  that  might  hindct  mercy, 
 fake  their  iniquity.par.i*ca;».  pa.    par  z  c;2.pa-2i5.        ■' 
 119.  We  (hall  eafily  bee  broiiglit  to 
 
 RemiflioH  of  fin  is  covenan-  renounce  the  World  for  Chnft,  if 
 ted,  fealed,3nd  confirmed  by  oath  we  attentively  eonfidcr  what  ex- 
 to  them  that  repent  and  believe,  ccllent  &  incomparable  ^'treafurej 
 pa.i  ca;  i.i  i.pa:  i  f  1,1  f  2.  ofioy,delight  and  comfort.are  to 
 
 The  promil'e  of  pardon  is  made  be  foundin  Jcfiis  Chrift,ovcr  and 
 to  repentant  finncrs  without  limi-  above  all  the  woifld  can  prbmifi 
 - .        or 
 
An  Alphsheticall  Table, 
 
 orafFoord.par.i.cap.ii.pag,  157.  thing fignified.pag.  40s. 
 par.».cap.z.pag.iz6*&  ca.4.  pag.        It  is  ncccffary  to  live  by  faith 
 251,  xjo,  zju  &  cap.  9.  pag.  iH  the  ufe  of  Gods  ordinances  pag 
 
 As  the  woild  comes  in  upon  us  Faith  is  diligent  in  the  ufe  of 
 it  muft  be  our  care  to  exercife  our  Gods  ordinancex,but  ktioweth  to 
 felres  in  all  good  workes,  and  diftinguifli  betwixt  the  ordinan- 
 looke  that  our  dcfire  of  grace  doe  ccs  in  and  by  which  grace  is  ob- 
 growandincrcatc.par.  i.cap«ii.  tainedjand  the  author  and  giver 
 pag.idi.  oHt.par:z.ca.3.pa:242.  &  ca.ii. 
 
 ^fci^efwcllufedbe  inftrunscnts  pa:4o5. 
 of  doing  good.  pag.  1 56,  How  to  live  by  faith  in  the  uf« 
 
 of  Gods  ordmances.par  .2«ca:  1 1. 
 pa.403,404,405.  &c. 
 S. 
 
 Certaintk  of  Salvation. 
 Sacraments. 
 
 -  How  a  true  beliet^er  may  bee 
 
 T'Hc  Word  and  Sacraments  arc   certaine  and  infallibly  afl'ured  of 
 ^  to  Chriftians  as  a  cleare  glafl'c    the  remiffion  of  his  fins  and  ctcr- 
 in  which  wc  behold  the  glory  of  nalIy2t/tfa«'o».par:i.ca;8.  pa:  90, 
 God  in  Chrift.par.  2.  cap.  II.  pag    91. 
 
 404,  ,  Bclicfe  in  Chrift  for  remiffion 
 
 The  Sacraments  be  truly  called  is  fbronger  and  more  neceflary 
 
 a  vifible  word.pig,  40  x.  then  affurancc  ef  pardon  and  for- 
 
 Menareadmittsdtothe  Sacra-  giveneflc.pa:96. 
 wew/f  bymen,  and  for  profefiion       By  what  fruits  faith  may  dif- 
 of  faith,  when  many  times  they   covet  it  leife  to  be  flrong  in  fomc 
 have  none  indeed  par. I. ca.4.  pag.   refpeds,  where  there  is  fmall  af- 
 f  I'  furance  of  pardon,  par.  i.  cap.  10. 
 
 Chriftians  are  allowed  to  live   pa.14;. 
 
 byfaithjthat  by  the  fincere  and  There  is  a  particular  word  or 
 confcionableuteofthc  Word  and  that  which  is  equivalent  tcftify- 
 Sacramtnts  they  fhall  be  coafir-  ing  thus  much,that  my  particular 
 med  in  fa]th,and  madcvtife  vnto  pcrfon  beholding  the  Sonne,  and 
 falvation.par.i,  cap.  ii.pag.  40Z  believing  on  him  ,  ftjall  have 
 4«=3.  cternall  life.  par.  i.  cap.  8.  pag. 
 
 Thi  Sacrament svvttc.  purpofely  57. 
 
 ordained  to  helps  and  confirmc        This  afTurancC  is  not  fuch  as 
 our  weakc  faith  par.i.  ca.z.pag.    that  whereby  a  man  is  made  ab- 
 ,  13.&  ca.11.pag-163.par  2.ca.ii.   folutelyout  of  all  doubt,  pa:  pz. 
 pag.402,  par:2.ca.4.pa.i5  7. 
 
 There  be  many  promifes  to  The  particular  cerMW/y  of  re- 
 aflure  the  worthy  receiver,that  re-  miffionoffinnesisnot  cqaallin 
 ceiving  the  outward  fignes  as  hee  certainty  andfirmenefle  of  alRnt 
 oaghtjhe  ihali  be  partaker  of  the    to  the  afTurance  which  wee  hauc 
 
 about 
 
An  Al^hahficaliTahlff, 
 
 J  bout  the  common  obje^  of  faith 
 
 pa.  9 1,93- 
 
 When  faith  is  growne  up  and 
 hath  outwreftled  temptations  jVfC 
 arc  fubjea  by  ncglefting  meanes, 
 laying  downc  our  watch.  Sec.  to 
 loofc  for  a  time  this  comfertablc 
 perfwafionjpa.pj, 
 
 Affurance  had  by  extraordina- 
 ry revelation,  not  altogether  feee 
 from  f eares  and  doubts,  pa.  i  09. 
 
 Infallible  afliirance  of  falva, 
 tion  is  to  be  iiiiiti:gated  for,  and 
 may  be  obtained,  pa. 97. 
 
 The  falvation  of  a  believer  is  as 
 infalhblein  it  felfc,  and  in  event, 
 as  is  the  Word  of  God :  but  al- 
 waics  it  is  not  fo  in  his  apprehen* 
 (ion  and  feeling,  pa,  1 08,109. 
 
 Ignorance  of  the  exad  multi- 
 tude and  greatncfle  of  our  offences 
 is  no  barrc  or  hinderance  to  the 
 certaintie  of  falvation, pa  log. 
 
 Immediate  &  perf  eS  affurance 
 might  peradventure  by  the  cor- 
 ruption of  our  nature  be  abufed 
 to  fecurity,  pa.i  11. 
 
 Full  affurance  not  to  be  difaU 
 lowed  becaufe  of  the  evill  that 
 might  enfue  to  us  thereby  abufing 
 thefamc^pa.iii. 
 
 The  affurance  which  a  godly 
 man  hath  of  his  fal^^ation  is  ever 
 joyned  with  afaithfull  andcon- 
 fcionable  care  to  walke  uprightly, 
 par.  I,  ca.y,  pa.  6$,  &  ca.8,  pa. 
 no. 
 
 True  affurance  breeds  increafe 
 of  refolution  and  care  to  pleafe 
 God,  dcteftationoffinne,unfai- 
 ncd  abafcmentjcontmuall  watch- 
 fulncffc,  ardent  love,  and  joy  un- 
 fpeakable,  pa.i  2 1 ,1  a  t* 
 ^  The  godly  mans  affurance  of 
 6ods  favour  w  11  Hand  well  with 
 reverence  of  his  Mijeftie ,    and 
 
 fcare  of  temporall  afflidions,&c, 
 par.*,  ca.i2,pa.4i4. 
 
 What  infirmities  may  ftand 
 with  affurance  of  falvation,  par. 
 i,ca.8,pa.iij,ii5. 
 
 What  Hnnes  hinder  affurance, 
 pa.iiSjii. 
 
 Sa^llifieafion. 
 
 What  San5li;f  cation  is,  par.  1, 
 
 ca.3,pa.ijr. 
 
 Vnder  what  tcarmes  it  is  promi- 
 fed  in  Scripture,  pa.  1  ? 7,738. 
 
 He  that  feeth  himfelfe  mifera- 
 ble  by  finne,  though  hee  can  fee 
 no  grace  m  his  foule,  is  called  to 
 come  unto  Chrift  to  receive  from 
 him  the  grace  o( SanSiijieation  as 
 well  as  remiffion,  par.i,ca  a,  pa. 
 aja.  &  cap.3,  pa.ajS,  &  c3p.6. 
 
 p3.JOZ,^03. 
 
 Chriftians  are  allowed  to  be- 
 lieve the  promifcs  of  SanSlifiea- 
 tion,  par.ijCa.jjpa.ajS. 
 
 It  is  necefliry  to  beleevc  thefe 
 promifes,par,  i,ca.5jpa.fi2,par.2, 
 ca.j  pa.  13  9,240, 14 1. 
 
 Thefe  promifes  bee  of  great 
 price,  snd  faith  fwectly  fee- 
 deth  upon  them,  pir.i,  ca.$,  pa 
 
 The  beliefe  of  thefe  promifes  is 
 fiiiringand  operativejibid. 
 
 Beliefe  that  God  wil  mabie  the 
 faithfuU  to  every  duty  he  doth  re- 
 quire, is  an  exceeding  furtherance 
 unto  godlineffcjibid.  pnr.2,  ca,3, 
 pag.240. 
 
 The  afts  of  faith  concerning 
 the  promifes  of  S"<J»5i^ca"'o»,par. 
 a,ca.5,pa.24i,x4i,&c. 
 
 Meanes  to  qiucken  taitn  m  be-- 
 
 lie ving  that  God  will  fanSlifie,\ 
 
 when  wee  fee  nothing  but  thraU] 
 
 dome 
 
An  AlfthabeticAU  Table, 
 
 dome  and  fin  prevailing. pag.  1^5,   and  power,  par.  z,cap.  io,^a..ig6^ 
 
 ■i.A6  Rrr^  aOT. 
 
 246,&C. 
 
 Why  God  doth  not  jseifedly 
 faniiifie  us  at  ©nce,but  by  degrees, 
 pag.  24 y. 
 
 Scripture, 
 
 397 
 
 Chrift  hath  never  duceftecme 
 with  uSjUnlefl^  for  his  fake  we  dc- 
 nie  our  felvcs  :  that  in  all  thincrs 
 wee  might  bee  conformable  unto 
 his  will  and  pleafiue,  par.  i  jCa  i  j , 
 pa.  157. 
 
 Sinne. 
 
 Things  are  contained  in  Scrip- 
 ture expreflely,or  by  eonfequence. 
 
 par. i,ca.8,pa.97.  Sf««e  is  properly  all  that  wee 
 
 What  the  i'mp^wrw  fay  to  all  have  of  our  owne,  par.i,ca  n^pa, 
 men,  they  fay  to  every  man,  what    1 5  6. 
 
 to  penitents,  to  every  penitent.  The  caufe  of  all  miferie  and 
 what  to  believers,  to  every  belie-  forrow  is  ^h»c,  par.  2,  ca. 7,  pag. 
 vcr,  pa  97,98.  311. 
 
 Every  part  of  divine  infpircd  The  defertcfy/w  is  f arte  greater 
 truth  is  worthy  of  all  beliefe  and  then  any  thing  we  (uftcr  ;  which 
 reverence,  par.ljCa. 5. pa.59.  fhould  pcrfwade  to  nieekenefle  in 
 
 Whacfoever  js  delivered  in  ourfuftcrings,  pag  5  »*. 
 i'crfprwre  is  to  be  believed,  but  fo  An  iinnaocierate  aggravation 
 fane  forth  only  as  it  is  intended  of  fmne  and  aontinaali  thought 
 j  to  bee  held  for  true  by  the  Holy  ot  unwoithineffe  makes  m.niy 
 Ghoil  the  author  of  the  Scripture,  doubt  of  Gods  mercy,  par.2,ca  2. 
 pa  59,60,  pag.  Z27. 
 
 Divine  revebtions  onely  be  of       There  is  a  difFerence  of  fimies : 
 certaine  and-infallible  truth,  pag     pag.  2i8,iJ9» 
 59.  Such  as  walke  in  the  light  and 
 
 W.hatfoever  wee  conceive  of  hr.ve  fellowfliip  wich  God,  are 
 God  befides  his  word  it  is  imagi-  fimerSi  par  i,ca.  §,pa,  i  i  5. 
 nation,  prefumption,  opinion,but 
 
 I  faith  it  is  not,  par,  i^  ca.  4,  pag. 
 53. 
 
 Selfe-denialt. 
 For  the  right  plantation  of  faith 
 
 Who  are  the  fervants  ofJlmCf  ! 
 pa.  ii6. 
 
 Grievous  and  notoiious );»«crf 
 muft  detctt  thcr  yzwwe,but  not  def- 
 paire  of  Gods  mercy,  par.i,  ca.2, 
 pa.22'?,2j4,par.i,ca.ii  pa.  176. 
 Sinnes  of  fimple  i^^norance , 
 it  IS  needfull  to  denie  our  felyes,  meere  frailty  and  imavoideable 
 our  defiresjiufts  and  ft:dions  j  to  infirmitie  doe  not  flop  the  lively 
 make  over  all  intereft  in  our  lives  worke  of  faith  in  receiving  the 
 or  whatfoever  is  deare  unto  promifesof mercy,  par. i,ca.'8,pa, 
 us,  &c.    par.ijcap.i  i,pag.i5  5,    '^^* 
 
 156.  i'wwcf  ofinconfideration,  for- 
 
 Faith  caufeth  felfe-deniall-rx  re-   getfulneflc,  and  paflion  whercun- 
 fpedt  of  Judgement,  wifedome,    to  there  is  not  advifed  confent,  \ 
 
 may 
 
An  Afphahttca/l  Table^ 
 
 may  be  in  the  godly  without  any 
 notable  defect  of  faith,  png,  117, 
 118. 
 
 To  Jim  offiailty  Godisplcj' 
 fed  to  grant  a  pardon  of  cotufe, 
 par.8,ca.:,pag.zj9.  &  par.i^ca  8, 
 pag.  117. 
 
 Foule  and  enormous  crimes 
 wafting  confcience  ufitill  they  bee 
 repented  of,  hinder  afTiirance  and 
 adtiMll  claime  to  the  promifes  of 
 etcmall  life,  pjg  11 8,1  if. 
 
 What  the-  godly  loofe  if  they 
 fall  into  foule  and  enormous ^«f, 
 ibid. 
 
 If  a  man  have  oft  fallen  info 
 grofle  and  notorious  finr  hec  is 
 not  to  defp  ire,  but  fenoufly  to 
 confeffe  and  forfake  his  finne 
 that  he  may  obtaine  mercy,  par.r, 
 I  ca  ir,  pag  176,  par.i,  ca.»,  pag. 
 
 2*9' 
 
 A  foule  offence  after  grace  re- 
 ceived is  not  unpardonable,  pag, 
 
 2Z5>,7.JO 
 
 The  abfolutc  raigne  of  fime 
 will  not  ft.ind  with  the  ftate  of 
 grace,  par.  i,  cap.  8,  pag.  Ii9> 
 110. 
 
 Sobriefy. 
 
 Sobriety  wherein  it  flandcth, 
 par.?,ca.8,p.ig  ^6^, 
 
 Faith  worketh  the  heart  to 
 Yobriety  znd  modcration,ibid. 
 
 Faith  teacheth  to  moderate 
 cares,  confine  defires  of  earthly 
 things,  and  commit  ourfelvesto 
 God  for  fuccefTc  of  our  work,  par. 
 i,caio,pa.393,594' 
 
 Sorrow. 
 
 Except  wc  feclc  the  taitnefTe  of 
 (innc  wee  cannot  well  relifhthe 
 
 fwectneffe  of  Chriits  death,  par. 
 I,  ca.  1 1,  pag.  161, 
 
 All  have  aot  like  meafurc  of 
 /(>rro»»  for  finne,  pa.i,ca.ia,pa. 
 17  t. 
 
 Not  an  extraordinary  meafure 
 of /orroTcp, hat  forrow  to  fclfe  dcni- 
 all  is  required,  par.2,  ca.z,  pag. 
 Z18. 
 
 It  is  good  to  grieve  bccaufe  we 
 can  grieve  no  more  for  finne  :  but 
 to  doubt  of  mercy  bccaufe  wee 
 have  felt  no  greater  horrour,  is 
 great  weakencffe,  par.  1,  ca.  iz^ 
 pig    171. 
 
 The  threatnings  mingled  with 
 faith  c2u(tforroT!vfull  melting  and 
 relenting  of  heart  for  finne  com- 
 mitted, par.i,  c3.i2,pa.4Z4,4i5, 
 
 In  true  farroiv  and  broken  hear- 
 tcdnefFe  faith  and  other  graces 
 may  bee  infolded,  pai  I,ca.j,p3g. 
 iS. 
 
 The  fpirits  wafted  with  violent 
 and  coannuallyorroa?  cannot  pre- 
 fently  recover  their  former  liveli- 
 neflcand  ability,  par.jjca.6,pag. 
 ill. 
 
 Spirit. 
 
 The  Spirit  of  God  is  the  prin. 
 cipall  worker  of  faith,  par.  i,ca,2. 
 pag  8. 
 
 The  Word  cannot  work  with- 
 out the  Spirit,  and  ordinarily  the 
 Spirit  will  not  workc  without  tl«: 
 Word,  pa,  I  J. 
 
 How  we  are  faid  torcccive  the 
 Spirit  by  faith,  and  yet  faith  is  the 
 Worke  of  the  Spirit  ^  par.  i,  ca.2, 
 pag,8,par.a,ca4,p3,g.2jj. 
 
 How  the  Spfrit  is  obtained  by 
 prayer,  and  yet  prayer  is  an  atfl 
 ofthe5'//riA,  par.  I,  cap.  z,  pag. 
 8. 
 
 The 
 
An  AlfhaheticnUTabU^ 
 
 The  spirit  doth  not  equally  in- 
 cite all  men  to  believe,  but 
 whom  he  will,and  joyne  his  effi- 
 cacie  to  the  word  in  whom  hec 
 will,  pa.  9, 1 4. 
 
 The  Spirit  is  received  by  faith 
 a«  the  carneft  of  our  heavenly  in- 
 heritance,  par.a,  C3.4,  pa.  253, 
 
 TheSpirit  is  lent  into  our  hearts 
 to  dwell  andremaine  with  us  for 
 ever,  pai'.z,ca.5jpa.i7  $, 
 
 It  ftands  us  upon  to  nourifh  the 
 motions  of  Gods  Spirit y  and  by 
 fervent  prayer  to  intreate  the  con- 
 tinuance of  his  pr.cfence,par.  i ,  ca; 
 1 1,  pa,  164. 
 
 The  Lord  divcrfly  gives  evi- 
 dence of  his  Sprri/f  prefence  in  us, 
 par.TjCa.12,  pa. 175. 
 
 The  witneffe  of  the  Spirit  is  no 
 vocallteftimonie  which  certifyeth 
 us  againft  doubts  and  feares,  pa. 
 179. 
 
 Lords  Sttpper. 
 
 There  are  many  promifes  made 
 in  the  Word  to  affure  the  worthy 
 receiver,  that  receiving  the  out- 
 ward fignes  in  the  Lords  Supper, he 
 {hall  bee  partaker  of  the  thing 
 fignified,  par.  a,  ca.  11,  pa.  401, 
 402. 
 
 It  is  not  the  having  of  faith 
 but  the  new  exercife  of  faith 
 which  makes  us  worthy  re- 
 ceivers of  the  Lords  Supper 3  pag . 
 4 1 5. 
 
 The  afts  of  faith  in  receiving 
 the  Lords  Supper ^  pa,  41 6,  417, 
 &c. 
 
 Meancs  co  ftirre  up  our  felves 
 to  receive  the  Lords  Supper  in 
 faith,  pa.4Jio,4ii, 
 
 T. 
 
 SpirituaUTafic. 
 
 Faith  is  the  SpirituaU  Tafi  of 
 the  loulc,  par. i, ca  5, pa  37,8:  ca. 
 4,  pa.  40.  Set  Faith. 
 
 Faith  altereththe  taj^  of  every 
 appetite,  par.  a,  cap.  9,  pag. 
 378. 
 
 When  wee  have  foundly  and 
 truely  tafied  how  good  and  gra- 
 tious  the  Lord  is.  we  cannot  but 
 love  and  alFeft  him  intirely^par.  i, 
 ca.4,pa.47. 
 
 Faith  cannot  favour  earthly 
 bieflings,  unleffe  it  tafi  Gods  love 
 and  feed  upon  his  goodnefle  in 
 them,  par.i,  cap.  8,  pag.j6i, 
 364. 
 
 SpirituaU  Tafi  is  diftempcred 
 with  Temptations  froai  without, 
 and  fpirituall  difcafes  from  with- 
 in, par.  i,ca.  jjpa.  3  8. 
 
 Temptations. 
 
 Chriftians  muft  looke  to  be  af- 
 failed  by  Sathan  wi:h  inwari^ 
 fuggeftions  and  outward  tempta- 
 tions,  par.i,ca,«,pa.250. 
 
 Sathan  ufeth  all  meancs  to 
 weaken  faith,  yea  quite  to  fub- 
 vert  and  overthrow  it,  par.i,cap. 
 II,   pag.  1 J 8.   &  cap.  iz,   pag. 
 
 Faith  IS  incontinuall  combate 
 Wn\i  temptations  arifing  from  na- 
 ture, ignorance,  infidelity,  diffi- 
 dence, the  wifedome  of  the  flefh, 
 &c.  par.i,ca.ro,pa«i42. 
 
 The  methods  of  Satan  and  his 
 ends  in  tempting  are  divers,  par.z, 
 ca,6,  pa.ap^jitjSjZ^jj, 
 
 What 
 
An  A^hAketkattTMf, 
 
 What  tettiptations  (torn  Satan,  tan,  and  made  many  piomifes  of 
 the  World  and  theflefli  wee  are  ilrength  and  vi^ory,  pag.  25  Oj 
 fubjeft  unto  in  afflidions,  par.  z,    29 1, 
 
 ca^,  pa.?  1 7.  In  the  ftate  of  terxptatioH  the 
 
 In  gicat afflidions,  pa,  ggtJ.        gcdly  are  allowed  to  bthevethe 
 The  ftrongcrt  faich  is  fiibjeft    promifesof  vidory,  pa.i$  1^292 
 to  ftrong  temj-tationfip^r.  i,ca  11,29;. 
 
 p.  150.  and  fometimes  the  Ih-cng       ItisneceffaryaChriflianfhould 
 have  fallen  when  the  weake  have    live  by  faith  in  temptation,  pac. 
 ftocd  couragioiifly,  par.i,ca.j2,    i95,?94,&c. 
 pag  1 80.  The  afts  of  faith  in  rclpeifl:  of 
 
 What   finncs  God  doth  ufu-    ^cwpf^/'/ow,  pa  255^,296j&c. 
 ally  chaflen  in  his    children  by        Faith   difcovers  all   the  plots, 
 temptation,  pag.  17 1,  175,  176,    fortifieththe  foule  againft  all  in- 
 178, 180,  vafionsand  afiaults  of  Satan,  pa. 
 
 How  God  confines  and  limits    2943'j6,i98,299, 
 Satan  in  tempting ,   and  dirc^s        If  Satan  aflault  with  blafphe- 
 the  temptation  to  fuch  an  end  as    mous  temptations,  wee  are  not  to 
 he  never  intended,par,8,ca.5jpag.    reafonwith  him,  but  to  make  our 
 »95,Z96,  complaint  unto  the  Lord,  pag. 
 
 Faith  overcommeth  the  world,    *9^3i97,so$,^o6,ioj, 
 that  is,  whatfoever  within  us  or        Solitary   and    pcnfi/e  mufing 
 without  us  would  draw  us  from    on  the  temptatiom  of  Satan,  gi»es 
 theLawof  God,par.  i,ca.ic,pa.    him  the  more  liberty  to  tcmptj^z. 
 I.jz,i3  5,par.2,  ca9,pa.376.         a9«,»s'^,.307. 
 
 The  weakcft  faith  is  flrong  When  Satans  temptations  arc 
 through  the  power  of  Chiitt  to  i^oft  fiery,  we  maft  then  be  moft 
 vanquifh  Satan,  and  overcome  the  diligent  in  the  praftife  ofgodli- 
 world,  par.i,ca.  io,pag.i46,&c.  neflcj  and  the  labours  of  our  ho- 
 &ca.i2,pa.i8o,  nefl;  calhng,   pa.  297,  258,^08, 
 
 God  in  his  wife  providence  gi-    309,3  to. 
 veth  the  greateft  meafure  of  faith        We  mull  not  think  this  courfe 
 to  them,  who  are  to  undergoe  the    vaine  and  friiitlefle,  bccaufe  wee 
 greateft  combates,  pag.  1 4»,  find  more  dulnefle  and  fluggifli- 
 
 Affurance  of  faith  doth  enable    nefle  then  formerly,  pag.  3  1 1. 
 with  more  eafeto  overcome  the       When  Satan  tempts  with  gvc?.- 
 world,  pa.  147,1 49*  teft  rage  and  furie,  then  his  temp- 
 
 tations are  ncareftto  an  end,-  pa. 
 500. 
 
 If  Satan  renew  his  affaults,  or 
 fhift  his  temptations,  faith  doth 
 
 Faith  is  not  flothfuUnor  felfe- 
 confi^ent  in  refiftmg  Satans 
 ttmptations,  pa.  292,15  J,3  00, 
 
 Faith  fighteth  againft /e/»/>fdri 
 
 ow  and  allurements  unto  finne  by   not  faint,  nor  ccafcto  make  re 
 thepowcr  of  Chnft,  par.2,  ca.^,   fiftance,pa.3oo,3oi. 
 pa.  376.  It\  temptations  the  poor c  foule 
 
 God  hath  given  Chriftians  ma-   eying  the  promifc  by  faith,  be- 
 ,ny  encoutagcmants  to  refitt  Sa«  takes  it  felfe  unto  the  Lord  for 
 
 I  i  fuccour 
 
Art  Alphabetlcatt  Tahle, 
 
 fuccour  promiled,  and  relies  iipoa 
 hisgcace,  ^1,197 ^%oj,ioZ. 
 
 Mtanss  to  ftirre  up  ourfelves 
 to  live  by  faicli  in  time  of  grie- 
 vous temptations,  304,50  J, 
 
 In  the  a^onie  of  Confcience 
 none  moie  unfit  to  judge  of  oar 
 !  ftare,thenweof  ourowaejpar.i, 
 ca.izj  pa.174. 
 
 In  the  examination  and  tiiall' 
 of  our  eftates  wc  commit  no  fmill 
 errors  in  time  of  temptatioa,  pa. 
 
 Thin\efulmjfe- 
 
 Faith  difpofeth  the  hcait  to 
 thu^liefulneje,  par.»,ca.8,pi.3  ^9, 
 lis.  &  cap.  10,  pag.  35,^^ 
 393,599. 
 
 Triu  faith  ftirretk  lip  to  thank,- 
 fulnejfe  £or  the  beginning  of  fan - 
 ft.ficacioj,    par,  a,  cap.  3,  pig. 
 i4?. 
 
 Living  by   faith  in    times  of 
 triall  and  vi(itatio:a  doth  fit  and 
 By  extremity  of  temptation  the    prepare  the  hsars  to  tha-nJ^ulntlfe 
 godly  are  fometimes  brought  £0    when  light  {hill  fhiae  from  on 
 low,    that  they  can  difcerne  no    high,  and  that  fo  much  the  more 
 fparke  of  faith,  no  fruit  of  grace,    as  the  afflidiions  hare  becne  the 
 nor  marke  of  Gods  love  in  the  n-    {harper,  or  of  longer  continuance 
 felveSjpa.joi.  How  this  co  tics  to    par.i,ca  7,pa.34i. 
 paflLc,p.  3  01,302,  The  remedies  in        In  receiving  the  Lords  Supper 
 this  diftrefTc,  pag.302,  303,304.    faith  fiirreth  up  Joy  and //&<»«j^e/M/- 
 Szt  Grace,  ^^Jf^y  with  ferious  remembrance 
 
 God  imputes  not  to  hi  sfcrvants    of  the  manifold  benefits  and  blef- 
 the    hellifh  thoughts    fuggelted    fings  which  in  Chrift  Jefus  are 
 by  Satan  into  their  mindes,  which    vouchfafed,  par,»^ca.i  i^  pa.410 
 they  coftfent  not  to,    pag,  30,6,    420- 
 
 5  ©7.  -     When  by  faith  in  Chrift  we  fee 
 
 The  benefits  that  come  unto    ourfelvcsfct  free  from  thedread- 
 
 usby  tem^tatms,  par.i3ca.8,  pa.    full  curfes  of  the  Law,  ourhcarts 
 
 III.  are inlarged in  praife  and  thankf- 
 
 ^ow  temptations  worke  for  the    giving,  par,  a,  ca.  1 2,  pa.  42  y. 
 fpeciall  good  of  Gods  fervants, 
 par.2,ca.6,  pa.3og,309. 
 
 Faith  diicernes  that  temptations 
 ferve  for  thefcoeu-ing  of  the  Lords 
 velTelSj  and  for  the  encreafe  of 
 their  graces,  pag.goi. 
 
 Summer  fruits  of  faith  are  not 
 to  be  expeded  in  temptations, ^ir, 
 r,Ga.i2,  pag.i87,iS8. 
 
 What  fruits  of  faith  are  fcafo- 
 n^ble  iauatfWimjihid^ 
 
 Threatnings. 
 
 God  is  equally  to  be  believed 
 in  his  threatnings  and  promifcs, 
 par.2,ca.iz,  pa.4iij4ii. 
 
 Beliefe  of  the  threatnings  is 
 neceflary,   par.  1,  cap.  j,  pag. 
 
 The  threatnings  are  flrong  bri- 
 dles to  keeps  from  naughtiacfle, 
 par.  i,ca.  f  ^pa.^  f ,  par.»,ca,i  4,pa. 
 
 4^?.4i4j4iy.  j 
 
 Firme  alTent  to   the   accom- 1 
 
 . plifli-* 
 
An  Alfh^yettcaaTahle, 
 
 plifhment  of  divine  thnatnings 
 doth  beget  humiliation  for  finnc 
 paft,  and  vigilancic  to  fliunnc 
 h'n  and  efcape  danger,  ibid. 
 
 The  Godly  aie  wifely  to 
 believe  the  threatnings  to  pre- 
 vent falling   into    finnCj     pag. 
 
 42  2.. 
 
 T  he  tartnefle  of  the  threatmng 
 makes  us  bell  taft  the  fwcetneflb 
 of  the  promifejibid. 
 
 As  wee  feelc  God  to  bee  true 
 in  his  threats  fo  wee  may  bee 
 aflured  hee  will  not  faile  of  his 
 promifcs,  pai'.  a,  cap-  7,  pag. 
 335. 
 
 The  afls  of  faith  inrefpect  of 
 the  threatnings 3  par.  x,  ca.  i  z,pag. 
 
 V. 
 
 f^ertui. 
 
 No  wnf'e/ie'UcrcanpIeafeGod, 
 p2r.i,ca.»,pa.i. 
 
 The  mother  of  unbelief?  i$  ig- 
 norance ofGodj  his  faithfuincfle 
 mercy,  and  power,  par.  a,  cap.i^ 
 pa  297- 
 
 M^ns  wilfulncffe  the  radicaif- 
 and  prime  caiife  of  obftmate  un- 
 belief e.  par,  I .  cap.  »'pag.  i|. 
 Efteds  of  vnbeliefe.  pag.  icj 
 
 204,&C» 
 
 Vaderflanding. 
 
 Faith  is  in  the  under/landing, 
 par.a,ca.3,pag.3o. 
 
 f^nderftanding  isthegiftfofGods 
 grace  p?.r.  1  cap.x.pag,  i  o. 
 
 In  producing  faith  God  doth 
 
 fiiit  beftow  upon  man  the  gift  of 
 
 •vnderfianding  ibid. 
 
 Jt  IS  a  worke  irrefiftible.ibid. 
 
 The  true  caufe  why  men  h- 
 bcur  in  vainc  to  pradjfe  fome 
 particular  icr/z/e,  par.  2,ca.j,pa, 
 J44. 
 
 Vnheliefe. 
 
 How  Infidelity  or  Vnheliefe 
 may  bee  found  out  and  made 
 odious,  par.a,ca.i,pag.2oa,to3, 
 j04,&c. 
 
 The  heart  that  cicaveth  not 
 ftedfcftly  unto  God  is  incredu- 
 lous, par.  i ,  ca.j,  pag.  3  2. 
 
 The  manifold  rebellions  of 
 Ifracl  in  the  wilderneflc  are  cal- 
 led Mat  e/ie/(r,pa.g  3, 
 
 fw^e/i^diflionoursGod,  and 
 hurts  a  mans  owne  foule,  p5r.  2. 
 ca.i,pag.205,»o6. 
 
 Fnioa. 
 
 By  faith  we  are  radically  vnited 
 unto  Chrift.par.  i.  cap  .4.  pag.  42. 
 &  ca.xo.pag  13a. 
 
 The  fecondary  union  whereby 
 the  foule  cleaveth  unto  God  more 
 and  more  is  by  meanes  of  the  affe- 
 ftions,  par.i,ca.4,pa  51. 
 
 The  weakeil  faith,  if  true  and 
 lively,  doth  fiimely  andinfepari- 
 bly  knit  unto  Chrift,  par.  i,ca.io, 
 pa.  146,141. 
 
 The  flronger  our  faith,  the 
 more  firme  and  clofe  is  our  union 
 withChrift,  pa.  14*, 
 
 Afrerwfl/wfolloweth  Comrr.u- 
 nion  with  Chnft,  Juftification, 
 Adaption,  Saaftification,  par.i, 
 cap.7,pag.8j. 
 
 I  i  z        Zfntvortlinejfe, 
 
Att  AlphahtlcaSTahle, 
 
 with  pleifing  delights,  par.3jca,8 , 
 
 Vnworthinejfe .  P^  5  ^  f  j  3  ^  5  • 
 
 ■  Faith  in.  the  promifesof  perfe- 
 
 If  any  be  confounded  in  confct-    verance  begets  care  to  fhua  the 
 ence  of  his  owne  wretchcdnefle,    occfions  of  finne,  :{nd  watch ful- 
 him  doth  the  Lord  intreate  and    «e^  to  prevent  fpirituall  diftem- 
 perfyvadeto  comefor  eafe  andrc-    pers,  pau.  ijca.^jpa.iSz, 
 frefhing,  par.ijCa.1ijpag.1j4.  Satan  is  vigilant  to  tempt,  as 
 
 The  fence  of  our  «nwor/J[)i»e^  he  can  cfpic  his  opportunity  ;  and 
 fhould  make  us  to  denie  our  faith  is  watchjUtt  to  avoid  the 
 felveSj  not  difcourage  us  frotn  be-    fnare,  or  wichftand  the  affault. 
 
 leeving,  par.  i,  ca.  iz,  pag.  i^j-, 
 par.ijCa.i,  pag.2»7,  az8j»34,  & 
 ca.4,p3g.265. 
 
 par.s.ca.6jpa.z99. 
 
 Faith  in  the  tUrcatnin^s  fti^rcth 
 
 up  continuall  vgatcbfuhes  to  fhun 
 whatfocvcr  might  breed  danger, 
 '■  or  procure  Gods  difpleafurcj  par, 
 
 ytcation.  2,ca  i2,pa.4i4. 
 
 Faith  may  flumber  for  a  little 
 The  meafure  of  faith  is  fo  di-   feafon,  but  the  propertie  of  itj 
 vidcdby  divine  providence,  that    when  lively  and  in  good  plight, 
 to  none  who  are  called  according    is  to  kecpe  waking,  pag.  299. 
 to  his  purpofcj  h  given  leffo  then 
 
 may  fuffice  to  their  falvatioji,  par. 
 IjCa.iOjpag  142. 
 
 Effeduall  vocation  i»  a  pledge 
 and  token  of  glorification  to 
 enfue,  par.  z,  ca.  j,  pag.  180, 
 
 Vprightne0- 
 
 Vpri^it  walking  is  necefl'ary, 
 but  nor  the  caufe  of  Juftification, 
 par.ijca.gjpag.ii^. 
 
 The  wcakeft  taith  gives  will 
 and  ability  in  fome  fort  to 
 walkc  uprightly,  par.  i,  cap*  10, 
 pig.  14^. 
 
 W. 
 
 Watehfidm£e. 
 
 Faith  fs  jealous,  vigilant,  leaft 
 the  heart  fooiild  be  drawne  away 
 
 WArfAu, 
 
 Our  Warfare  doth  laft  during 
 Iife,par.i»ea.3,pag.36.. 
 
 jyea^nejfe. 
 
 Of  our  felvcs  wee  .have  no 
 ftrength  either  before  or  after  our 
 converfion  to  prevaile  againft  the 
 enemies  of  our  falvation,  par.  2, 
 ca.6,pa.294. 
 
 Feeling  i»ea\nejfe  of  faitK  wee 
 muft  lookc  up  to  Chiift,  par.2,ca. 
 i,paAo8. 
 
 Faith  acquaints  a  man  with  his 
 owne  weaknsjf&  and  inability  for 
 the  workeof  Saadification,  par. 
 ^jca,j,psg.24i. 
 
 Faith  makes  fenfible  ol  our 
 X9za\YKffz  aod  inability  to  perfe- 
 vcrein  grace  received^  par.  i,  cap, 
 
 5- 
 
A»  A/phahticali  Tahle, 
 
 j^ifidome. 
 
 fj  p3g-  aSa.  CoafeiTeth  and  Jbe-  Why  all  doc  not  belicvfi  that 
 wailcsit,pa.i87;,i8«.     _  heare  the /s^ori, pa. 15 ^14. 
 
 Faith  makes  us  coiifcious  of  Though  the /For^  do  not  work 
 oatovwncweafzne/fein  bearing  af-  faith  without  the  Spirit,  yet  all 
 flidionj,  and  raiUth  theheartto  nien  muft  give  attendance  toit, 
 reft  upon  the  Lord  for  ilrength,  pag,  14. 
 
 par.  2,  ca,7,  pag.  jzo,  32^^  330,  The  TJ^ordis  both  the  meanes 
 331,  whereby  we  bclicvejand  the  fub- 
 
 jed  of  our  beliefe^  pa.  i  j. 
 
 Without  the  JVord  no  faiihj 
 par.  I,  ca.  3,  pa.  15. 
 
 Faith  is  grounded  upon  the 
 ff^i/eJome  diftinguifhed*  from    T^^wiof  God  fimply  divine,  (ub- 
 knowledge  which  it  prefiippofeth,   jc<S  to  wo  errour,  par,  i ,  ca.p,  pa, 
 par.i,ca.3,pa,iff.  I23.&ca;4,pa.<f5. 
 
 Faith  a  wife  gift  or  gtacc  of  The  pj/or Jo£G<id  once  fpob^n 
 God,  par.  I,  ca.t,pa.  10.  &ca,3,  and  often  reiterated  is  of  equal! 
 pa.  If.  certainty  in  it  felfe,  par,  1,  ca,8. 
 
 By  faith  3  man  is  made  wife  to  pa- no, 
 difcerjie  what  is  lawful!,   good       The  pairs  of  the  ^cr<i  pair»t, 
 and  feafonable,  par.2,  ca.^j  pag,  ca,2,  pa.209. 
 376.  That  wee  might  live  by  fiith. 
 
 Faith  teachcth  m^dime  to  vve  muft  bee  aecjuainted  with  the 
 judge  aright  of  affltdions,  andfo  i^ord,  both  promifes  and  Corn- 
 makes  us  willing  to  give  our  niandements,  par.ijCa.i^pa.ipS, 
 neckes  to  the  yoke,  par. 2,  ca.7,   I99.  '  ..    •    • 
 
 pa.  3  27,342.  Wee  muftcxercifc  faitli  inthc 
 
 •  Haviag  no   wifedome  bf  our   ?Fori,. pa. 2  ao,',&c. 
 felves  to  make  ufe  of  chaft.fe-       Faith  ponders  the  TTori  fcri - 
 mentSj    faitli  teachcth  to  ieeke  ou^y,  andtreafurcsitupfare,  pa. 
 unto  God  by  prayer,   that  face    ^°i« 
 
 wouU  teach  us  taprofit  by  them.  Lively  faith  feedetk  on  tHe 
 fiiew  uswhaiisamiifle,  aiidena*.  W^0J'iandin)3rcafeth,par.i/:a.ii^ 
 blcustoperfotmeit,pa,358,3j9,  pa.  163. 
 
 340,  Faith  believing  perfeverancr  in 
 
 grace  feeds  upon  the  ^f'oFfi  of  iif^, 
 
 par.2,ca.5:,pa,283, 
 
 fjTdrd.  There  be  many  promifes  made 
 
 to  them  that  confcionably  kear- 
 
 Ordinarily   the    Holy   Ghofl:  ken  to  the  f^ord,  that  God  will 
 
 doth  worke  faith  by  the  MiuiAe-   hlefle  it  to  their  cofort,  ftrengthe- 
 
 ry  of  the  ^or</,  pai*  i,  ca. »,  pa.  ning  in  grace  and  everlafting/al- 
 
 13.  vation,  par.  2,  cap.  II,  pag  400, 
 
 The^F'oriisbutaninftrument,  401, 
 whereby  it  pleafeth  God  to  work,        Thefc    promifes    bee     firmc 
 ibid.                                               grounds,  whereupon  the  faithfull 
 ______^_ Ti  ?  may 
 
An  AifhaheticttUTAbh, 
 
 n^ay  build  their  affiance,  that  by 
 the  confcionable  ufe  of  the  word 
 they  fhall  be  made  wife  unto  fal- 
 vatien,  pa. 40^,40  j. 
 
 It  is  not  the  having,  but  the 
 new  exercife  of  faith  which  makes 
 us  profitable  hearers  of  the  Word, 
 pa,  40  3. 
 
 The  Word  of  God  denounceth 
 deftrudion  to  the  workers  of  ini- 
 quity, par.i,ca.4,pag.J^ 
 
 Worfis. 
 
 The  promifc  of  pardon  recei- 
 ved by  faith  is  of  free  grace,which 
 will  not  ftand  with  the  dignity 
 oiworlieSy  par.ijCap.Zjpag.zii, 
 
 211. 
 
 Men  truelyjuft  and  holy,  and 
 rich  in  all  manner  of  gocd7ror/;ef, 
 as  Abraham^  muft  ftiU  acknow- 
 ledge thcmfelves  unprofitable 
 fervants,  pag.jzz.  &cap.9,  pag. 
 
 Life  eternail  is  given  of  grace 
 not  f6ld  for  wor^ci ,  received  6y 
 faith,  not  purchufed  by  defcrt, 
 par.i,ca.4,pa.i6^,2sz. 
 
 F  lith  doth  not  begin  to  appre- 
 hend life,  and  leave  the  accom« 
 plifhment  to  »or^Cf,but  doth  reft 
 upon  the  promife  of  life  uatill  wd 
 come  to  enjoy  it,'par.»,  cap. 4,  pa. 
 
 2^. 
 
 A  preparation  or  promptitude 
 of  heart  to  good  'a)orf{et  is  an  efted 
 of  faith  as  imn\e<iiate  as  Juftifica- 
 tion,  par.  i,ca.43pa.  57, 
 
 Estcrnall  lepor^es  which  are 
 outwardly  vifible  and  apparant 
 to  men,  cannot  be  the  life,  but 
 are  the  fruits  and  cftcds  of  faith, 
 par.i,ca4.pa.4j.4f. 
 
 Faith  brings  forth  good»or^ef, 
 and  the  better  fruit  it  bnngeth 
 the  fafter  itgroweth,  par,  i,  ca. 
 ii.pa.i^z. 
 
 Difference  betweene  the  »or/jex 
 of  the  Temporarie  and  unfained 
 Believer,  par.ijca.pjpi.  38 1, 
 
 To  do  civill  and  naturall  worfies 
 without  feare,  reverence  and  due 
 conhderation  is  a  fruit  of  unbe- 
 licfe,  pag.  z, cap. I,  pag. 2 oy. 
 
 World  ov  loporldlypleafureSt 
 
 profits znAhonours : 
 
 See  Riches, 
 
 Faith  efteemeth,?pprovethand 
 exetcifcth  that  tporjhip  which  God 
 prefcribeth,  par.z,  cap.n,  pag. 
 404. 
 
 It  quickenetk  to  ferve  God  in 
 all  his  ordinances  with  diligence, 
 chcarcfulneffc  and  beft  endea- 
 vour, pag.40<5. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 WH«MM»»ets9BsaBss)E>*a 
 
T'W^     F  ■"'•'