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…

have profession of ⟨p. 138⟩him do live in him, and are so refreshed by him, that we shall never wither or feel scarcity.¹ Water in a ditch may be dried up, so cannot the pond which is fed with continual springs.² By faith Christ dwelleth, and ruleth in our hearts, we have access to the throne of grace, the temporal gifts of God are sanctified unto us, all spiritual blessings are continued and augmented in us, and we are kept to the salvation to be revealed. Faith overcometh the world; the manifold ill examples of the multitude, which like a raging stream bears down all before it, and the alluring sweet baits of the deceitful enchanting world, which are most strong and dangerous; even whatsoever within us or without us would draw from the law of God:³ it quencheth the fiery darts of the Devil, putteth Satan to flight, and keepeth us safe from the mighty adversary of our souls and salvation. Faith obtaineth of God what we ask agreeable to his will, prevaileth with him, maketh the ordinances of God sweet and comfortable, receiveth what is proffered in the word and Sacraments, and maketh that we shall never be ashamed nor confounded. Faith increaseth knowledge, inflameth the heart with love stronger then death, hotter then coals of Juniper, which cannot be quenched with much water; stirreth up earnest sighs and groans, enlargeth the heart in thankfulness and holy admiration, bloweth & quickeneth zeal, renounceth Satan and all his works, crucifieth the flesh with the affections and lusts, contemneth the world, scorneth the base and transitory pleasures or profits, whereby it doth allure to with-draw from God, and despiseth the frowns, threats, and utmost wrongs that it can do, in respect of the love of God and Christ Jesus, or hazarding his part in the eternal happiness. It armeth with patience and invincible constancy, breedeth peace of conscience and joy unspeakable,⁴ maketh valiant in the combat striving against sin, courageous in difficulties, confident in desperate dangers; is accompanied ⟨p. 139⟩