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…

§. 2. This faith is certain,¹ though mixed with many doubtings by reason of our weakness: Certain and assured in regard of the event and thing believed, not in regard of the sense and feeling of him who believeth. Whether his heart be steadfast in faith, or trembling through much unbelief, yet unfeignedly believing with a well-rooted confidence (though with much unbelief) he shall be sure of the thing promised. For the promise is made good to him that truly receiveth it, not for the steadfast manner of receiving, but for the thing received, which is Christ. Now look as a trembling palsy hand may take the same thing, which a more steady one doth take, though the manner be divers, the one taking it with shaking, the other without any trembling: so an heart of faith, which yet shaketh and doubteth through much unbelief, may take Christ, as well as an heart doth, which is more fully persuaded: and therefore shall have the grace promised for his sake, ⟨p. 86⟩who is received by faith.² The promise is universal, Whosoever believeth in Christ shall not perish, but have everlasting life: it is not, whosoever is fully assured or certainly persuaded of his salvation, but whosoever unfeignedly believeth in Christ, shall be saved. Now many a poor soul may cast himself upon Christ, and lay hold upon him with purpose through Gods grace never to leave him, as being assured without wavering in this particular, that it is best both simply and in comparison to draw near unto God, and rely upon his grace; and so in event is sure of salvation, who yet would give a world to be assured of Gods favour, and fully persuaded that his sins are pardoned. An house well builded upon a rock is as sure as the foundation: every thing hanging on a pin or peg is as sure as the pin or peg on which it hangeth: True faith firmly groundeth it self upon the faithful promises of God, and receiveth them as better then life it self, from which it will not be with-drawn by any carnal allurements: and therefore in event it cannot miscarry, for the ground is firm and unchangeable. The truth of God in it self is more certain then any thing that can be apprehended by the senses but it is not evermore so apprehended by us:

§. 2. This faith is certaine,