The whole-armour of GodThe vvhole-armor of God

§. 40. Of trying Faith both by the causes, and by the effects:

Now come we to the main point, How Faith may be proved and known.

NOw come we to the maine point, How Faith may be proued and knowne.

For the true trial of Faith,¹ we must consider both the causes, and also the effects of Faith: how it was wrought, and how it worketh; and compare these together. Most do send men only to the effects of Faith, by them to⟨p. 239⟩ make trial of the truth of them: but there is an hypocritical Faith, which bringeth forth many fruits so like true Faith; and true Faith is oft so covered with the clouds of temptations, that if respect be had only to the effects, counterfeit Faith may be taken for true Faith; and true Faith may be counted no Faith. The birth therefore and the growth of Faith must be considered jointly together, and one compared with another, that they may both of them give mutual evidence one to another, and so both of them give a joint and sure evidence to a mans soul and conscience that he is not deceived.

For the true triall of Faith,¹ we must consider both the causes, and also the effects of Faith: how it was wrought, and how it worketh; and compare these together. Most doe send men onely to the effects of Faith, by them to