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^^,^s^ ^mit„ ^ PRINCETON, N. J. ^* 1 |
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Collection of Puritan Literature. i |
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1 1 Division "lu--^ \ Section Number |
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*&* «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
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