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…

Words of knowledge most usually import, not idle knowledge in the Mind, but true and unfeigned affections in the heart, which accompany that knowledge. Knowledge is the ground of confidence, and so it is put for confidence which it doth bring forth. The whole intellectual nature is the seat of faith and that faith which justifieth is well-rooted and taketh kindly in the soul, otherwise it could not season the whole lump, disperse it virtue into every affection, command every passion, and ⟨p. 145⟩bring into subjection whatsoever doth make head against the power of godliness. Faith that is not well planted can neither soundly receive, nor firmly hold Christ, but by the allurements of the world, the lusts of the flesh, and assaults of Satan it is easily over-turned. The stony ground received the seed, but wanting good root it withered, and brought forth no fruit to ripeness. Whilst faith possesseth the castle of the soul, it can as easily overcome the assaults of the Flesh, the World, and the Devil, as honest subjects which hold the heart of the Kingdom, can vanquish and bring under the scattered forces of an enemy, that makes inroads upon the borders. But if the heart be taken up with worldly delights, or vain lusts be suffered to build their castle therein, then shall we be made a prey to Satan. The cares of the world and pleasures of this life choke the seed of life received, that it brings forth no fruit unto perfection.

Words of knowledge most vsually import, not idle knowledge in the Minde, but true and vnfained affections in the heart, which accompanie that knowledge. Knowledge is the ground of confidence, and so it is put for confidence which it doth bring forth. The whole intellectuall nature is the seate of faith and that faith which iustifyeth is well-rooted and taketh kindly in the soule, otherwise it could not season the whole lumpe, disperse it vertue into euery affection, commaunde euery passion, and ⟨p. 145⟩bring into subiection whatsoeuer doth make head against the power of godlinesse. Faith that is not well planted can neither soundly receiue, nor firmely hold Christ, but by the allurements of the world, the lusts of the flesh, and assaults of Sathan it is easily ouer-turned. The stonie ground receiued the seed, but wanting good root it withered, and brought forth no fruit to ripenesse. Whilest faith possesseth the castle of the soule, it can as easily ouercome the assaults of the Flesh, the World, and the Deuill, as honest subiects which hold the heart of the Kingdome, can vanquish and bring vnder the scattered forces of an enemie, that makes inrodes vpon the borders. But if the heart be taken vp with wordly delights, or vaine lusts be suffered to build their castle therein, then shall wee bee made a prey to Satan. The cares of the world and pleasures of this life choake the seed of life receiued, that it brings forth no fruit vnto perfection.