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…

Such sins as in regard of their matter, are not repugnant to the main offices prescribed by the Commandments of God, being o• frailty committed, through unadvisedness or sudden passion, these do not denominate a man a Law-breaker, nor so weaken the power of faith, as that it should not be able to receive the promise of forgiveness, nor suspend the actual claim of eternal life. These frailties may be •n the godly without any notable defect of faith: they debar not the soul from cleaving unto God.¹ Abraham said of Sarah, She is my sister: this was an infirmity, but did not extinguish faith. Sarah laughed at the promise,² and then denied it through fear: Jacob beguiled his Father, saying, I am thy Son, Esau: ³and many such like infirmities of the Saints are recorded, which argue their faith to be weak, not to be deposed from it sovereignty. The reason hereof is not to be taken from the matter or outward act, wherein they offended; but from their heart and affection, which was more inclined to good then to evil, and did stick fast unto God, even when through weakness they transgressed. By faith Rahab received the spies with peace, ⁴when through infirmity she offended in the means of their safety. The Prophet David was regenerate without question, and had sure hope that his prayers for mercy should be heard, when he uttered this complaint of himself,⁵ Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins, let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. So that a faithful man stepping aside ⟨p. 123⟩th•ough infirmity in the forenamed offences; (I say through infirmity, and not o• habit, custom, gross carelessness or delight) doth retain his integrity, and faith though somewhat shaken, doth keep it standing, and continue lively to beg & embrace pardon. But he that sinneth of mere frailty, doth humble himself for his daily offences & labour to repress and mortify his inbred lusts; seeketh forgiveness by unfeigned confession and hearty prayer, reneweth his purpose and resolution to be more circumspect, and setteth up his watch to shun and avoid the like sins for the time to come: