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…

Now what is required in faith that it may justify, of necessity it must go before assurance of pardon and forgiveness. True it is then, that without inherent holiness no man can be assured of his acquittance from sin: but if we enquire into the true cause of absolution, it is the sole grace and mercy of God in Jesus Christ, embraced by a true and lively faith. Doth this any thing prejudice Christian assurance, that without true and sincere obedience, at least without a promptitude, aptness, inclination and resolution to do good works, and walk in obedience, there can be no assurance? No: For the believer relieth not upon his works, though he exercise himself therein with all diligence: and though he know well that he comes infinitely short of what God commandeth and bewail his daily failings, and sees he hath need to renew his purpose and resolution to better his obedience; and condemns the imperfections that he espieth more and more in himself: yet it is not impossible to be assured of the truth and uprightness of his heart and sincere, though imperfect, desire and endeavour to walk with God: which as the fruit of the Spirit and effect of faith doth evidence his reconciliation with God. For he that feareth God and walketh in his ways, in the perfect and undefiled way, is justified from sin. And he that knows,¹ •hat he walketh before God in truth and with a perfect ••a t, may certainly conclude from this fruit of the Spirit, that his sins are pardoned.

Now what is required in faith that it may iustifie, of necessitie it must goe before assurance of pardon and forgiuenesse. True it is then, that without inherent holinesse no man can be assured of his acquittance from sinne: but if we enquire into the true cause of absolution, it is the sole grace and mercie of God in Iesus Christ, embraced by a true and liuely faith. Doth this any thing preiudice Christian assurance, that without true and sincere obedience, at least without a promptitude, ap•nesse, inclination and resolution to doe good workes, and walke in obedience, there can bee no •ssurance? No: For the belieuer relieth not vpon his workes, though hee exercise himselfe therein with all diligence: and though hee know well that hee comes infinitely short of what God commandeth and bewaile his daily failings, and sees hee hath need to renew his purpose and resolution to better his obedience; and condemnes the imperfections that hee espieth more and more in himselfe: yet it is not impossible to be assured of the truth and vprightnesse of his heart and sincere, though imperfect, desire and endeuour to walke with God: which as the fruit of the Spirit and effect of faith doth euidence his reconciliation with God. For hee that feareth God and walketh in his wayes, in the perfect and vndefiled way, is iustified from sin. And he that knowes,