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…

¹§. 6. The strongest faith is imperfect, but the measure of faith is so divided by divine providence, that to none who are called according to his purpose, is given less then what may suffice to their salvation. The measure of faith containeth this in it, that it be a sufficient portion for every one. God in his wise providence giveth the greatest measure of faith to them, who are to undergo the greatest combats. He hath appointed some for the example of others, and in them he propoundeth to the world certain tokens of his glory and virtue: and therefore he bestoweth upon them a more abundant measure of faith, not that they might acquire by it more salvation, but that they might singularly serve for the illustrating of the glory of God, and be an help, comfort and support to the weak. In the body humane the bones have more strength then the flesh, not that there is more life in them but that they might sustain the weak fl•sh: so here. There is no member of the body so weak, if it be endued with the Spirit of life, which is not as well a true and lively member of the body, as they which are better and more excellent: so the weakest Believer is a lively member of Christ, as truly as they that are more strong in faith.

¹§. 6. The strongest faith is imperfect, but the measure of faith is so diuided by diuine prouidence, that to none who are called according to his purpose, is giuen lesse then what may suffice to their saluation. The measure of faith containeth this in it, that it bee a sufficient portion for euery one. God in his wise prouidence giueth the greatest measure of faith to them, who are to vndergoe the greatest combats. Ht hath appointed some for the example of others, and in them hee propoundeth to the world certaine tokens of his glorie and vertue: and therefore he bestoweth vpon them a more abundant measure of faith, not that they might acquire by it more saluation, but that they might singularly serue for the illustrating of the glory of God, and be an helpe, comfort and support to the weake. In the bodie humane the bones haue more strength then the flesh, not that there is more life in them but that they might sustaine the weake fl•sh: so here. There is no member of the bodie so weake, if it be endued with the Spirit of life, which is not as well a true and liuely member of the bodie, as they which are better and more excellent: so the weakest Belieuer is a liuely member of Christ, as truly as they that are more strong in faith.