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…

If a Prince should offer a general pardon to Rebels, causing it to be proclaimed, that if they would lay down arms, submit themselves and fly to his mercy, they should be received to favour, and we should see many hereupon cast down their weapons, and sue for mercy, would we not presently know, that they believed the promise, that they should be pardoned: So when Christ saith to sinners, come unto me, or believe on me, and I will ease you, what faith (think we) have sinners, who resort unto him? Is it not a belief, that he will (according to his word) deliver them from sin and death, and restore them to life eternal? If there be a particular word, or that which is equivalent then there is a particular faith. But there is a particular word, or that which is equivalent. For the thirsty, and barren soul, that is stung with the terrors of the Law; they, that labour & are heavy laden, ¹are invited to come unto Christ, and exhorted, entreated, persuaded, commanded to believe; & the promise is, Whosoever believeth in him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life: which is as much as Thomas thou art burdened and doest labour, thou art weary and thirsty, come thou unto me, behold, I invite; believe thou, for unto thee do I reach forth the promise of mercy, receive it, and thou shalt •ive. Fo• the particulars are ever in their generals. How can we prove,² that John or James are by nature under ⟨p. 84⟩wrath and the curse? otherwise it cannot be proved then thus, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things, that are w•itten in the book of the Law to do them. How can we prove that Thomas or Peter are bound to love the Lord, and to abstain from murder, fornication, theft; but because it is said to all men, Thou shalt love the Lord, Thou shalt not steal? ³&c. And thus it is said to all, Let every one that is a thirst come unto me, and drink, Believe in the Lord Jesus, ⁴and thou shalt be saved: whence every thirsty and burdened soul may conclude, I ought to believe, God calleth and commandeth me to believe; he hath given me his promise, and offers mercy, and believing I shall be saved. The faith of true Believers goeth further then the faith of Devils can do. But thy may, and do believe or know, that Christ died in general for sinners, and that they shall be saved who believe in him.