As we see the necessity of faith, in respect of the doctrine to be believed; so see the necessity of it, in respect of the act of believing. The Schoolmen in defining this faith, are defective. First, they forget the name of CHRIST, who is the special object of faith: that light which makes the eyes of faith to see. Secondly, they leave out Fiduciam, Confidence or affiance; an immediate effect or act of faith. For ⟨p. 111⟩rwe have boldness to enter into the Holiest. Thirdly, they make it a speculation, not a practise; but Fides in agendo est, Faith is operative and busy, in applying Christ, in lifting up the soul to Christ, in abhorring that many offend Christ, in doing that may please Christ. Quò itur? whither go we? to God. Quà itur? how go we? by Christ. Quo pede? on what foot? on our faith; for faith is still walking. There be three acts of faith concerning Christ, Prehending, Apprehending, Comprehending of Christ. Prehending of him is by knowledge; we know him a Saviour: this is the first step, but not far enough, to heaven: the wicked know, the devils have this faith. Apprehending of him, by appropriation of his merits: we know him our Saviour; my Lord, and my God. Comprehending of him is a full possession in the heart. The other often doubts; such a faith had Peter, when he cried out sinking,s Lord save me. While he believed, he trod the sea safely: when he doubted he began to sink. When wet comprehend with all Saints, and know the love of Christ that passeth knowledge; this is the fullness of faith, Tit. 1.1. According to the saith of Gods elect: there is a faith of the Elect, therefore the reprobates may have a faith by themselves. Their belief is in the Elect, but the belief of the Elect is not in them. They may have fidem veram, a true faith; but not fidem salvificam, a saving faith. This is of necessity to heaven; and as it depends upon Christ, so it is given by the Spirit of Christ. Our Apostle says before, Sortiti sunt fidem, they obtained it by lot. Jacob prophesied the division of Canaan, yet was it done by lot. Faith is not gotten by wit or diligence, but by Gods lot, that is, Gods gift. If this lot be thine, thou hast drawn well, and shalt never look blank. The abridgement of all godliness, or sanctity in the root of sanctity, that's, this Faith.
As we see the necessitie of faith, in respect of the doctrine to be beleeved; so see the necessitie of it, in respect of the act of beleeving. The Schoolemen in defining this faith, are defective. First, they forget the name of CHRIST, who is the speciall object of faith: that light which makes the eyes of faith to see. Secondly, they leave out Fiduciam, Confidence or affiance; an immediate effect or act of faith. For ⟨p. 111⟩rwe have boldnesse to enter into the Holiest. Thirdly, they make it a speculation, not a practise; but Fides in agendo est, Faith is operative and busie, in applying Christ, in lifting up the soule to Christ, in abhorring that many offend Christ, in doing that may please Christ. Quò itur? whither goe we? to God. Quà itur? how goe we? by Christ. Quo pede? on what foot? on our faith; for faith is still walking. There be three acts of faith concerning Christ, Prehending, Apprehending, Comprehending of Christ. Prehending of him is by knowledge; we know him a Saviour: this is the first step, but not farre enough, to heaven: the wicked know, the devils have this faith. Apprehending of him, by appropriation of his merits: wee know him our Saviour; my Lord, and my God. Comprehending of him is a full possession in the heart. The other often doubts; such a faith had Peter, when hee cried out sinking,s Lord save me. While he beleeved, he trode the sea safely: when he doubted he began to sinke. When wet comprehend with all Saints, and know the love of Christ that passeth knowledge; this is the fulnesse of faith, Tit. 1.1. According to the saith of Gods elect: there is a faith of the Elect, therefore the reprobates may have a faith by themselves. Their beleefe is in the Elect, but the beleefe of the Elect is not in them. They may have fidem veram, a true faith; but not fidem salvificam, a saving faith. This is of necessitie to heaven; and as it depends upon Christ, so it is given by the Spirit of Christ. Our Apostle sayes before, Sortiti sunt fidem, they obtained it by lot. Iacob prophecied the division of Canaan, yet was it done by lot. Faith is not gotten by wit or diligence, but by Gods lot, that is, Gods gift. If this lot be thine, thou hast drawne well, and shalt never looke blanke. The abridgement of all godlinesse, or sanctitie in the root of sanctitie, that's, this Faith.
- rHeb. 10.19.
- sMatt. 14.30.
- tEphes. 3.12.
