A treatise of faith divided into two parts. The first showing the nature, the…A treatise of faith diuided into two parts. The first shewing the nature, the…

¹§. 6. The word of grace, which calleth upon us to believe the free mercy of God in Christ to the pardon of our offences, teacheth us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live godly, justly, soberly in this present evil world: and this word of grace is the matter of faith, which is wholly received, if any part take good rooting. ⟨p. 69⟩For the precepts of sanctity and holiness bind the conscience to obey God, as well as the promises bind to trust in God. What God hath linked together, faith will not separate: But God hath coupled mercy and obedience, grace and holiness. He cannot believe or make faithful plea to the promises of remission and salvation, who doth not make conscience of all sound doctrine that he heareth, and give free, unlimited assent to every part of Gods Word, submitting himself to be led by it, and that because it is his Word. Faith setteth the Image of God upon the heart, which is manifested in the several branches of holiness and righteousness which he commandeth in his Word: and it resigneth a man unto God to live not unto the world, not unto the lusts of the flesh, but unto the praise of his Name, which is not possible to be done, if he cleave not unto the Commandments as just, equal, honest and good, in all things and at all times to be obeyed. Faith cannot take and leave, yield and with-hold assent at pleasure, part and mangle, divide with times, seasons, and private respects; or resign it self to God, with limitation to have leave in this or that to live at pleasure: but it is down-right for God, and willingly receiveth whatsoever he saith; what God approveth, that is pleasing to faith, though cross to age, education, custom, credit, honour, natural desire and inclination: what God condemneth, that faith disalloweth, though never so much countenanced by authority, graced by example, attended upon with honour, dignity, preferment, and suiting to our disposition. Faith subdueth the strongest passions as well, (and if due and right comparison be made) as much as the weakest, and acknowledging the Goodness, Mercy, and absolute Sovereignty of the Lord, yieldeth it self to be led by him, above all things that can oppose themselves, and will not give place to ought that doth set against him.²

¹