A03064:253
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…
A treatise of faith divided into two parts. The first showing the nature, the second, the life of faith. ... By John Ball.A treatise of faith diuided into two parts. The first shewing the nature, the second, the life of faith. ... By Iohn Ball.
London: printed by William Stansby for Edward Brewster, 1631
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Thirdly, In confidence it is feeble, when the Believer rolls himself upon Christ and the promises of mercy made in him, purposing to adhere and cleave unto him, ⟨p. 150⟩though he feel that he hangeth but weakly, discern not the certainty of his estate, nor the stableness of Gods promises, cannot assure himself that he doth believe, is soon discouraged in troubles, and ready to faint if help come not presently.1 But when the mind is perplexed with temptations, fears, and doubts, and the heart ready to faint, not able with clear evidence to receive the promises, yet then this true Believer is habitually resolved (not without great dread and wavering) that it is good to trust and wait upon the Lord. 2And this must be remembered for certain, that howsoever faith be often shaken, oppressed with fears, or turned aside with oppositions that be made against it, for a time, as the Disciples did all forsake our Saviour and flee,3 when he was apprehended; yet the weakest faith is advisedly resolved to stick fast unto the promises of life, as much better then the pleasures or profits of this life, and to embrace Christ notwithstanding any opposition by allurement or terror that the Devil, the World, or the Flesh can make against it.
Thirdly, In confidence it is feeble, when the Belieuer rolls himselfe vpon Christ and the promises of mercie made in him, purposing to adhere and cleaue vnto him, ⟨p. 150⟩though he feele that he hangeth but weakly, discerne not the certaintie of his estate, nor the stablenesse of Gods promises, cannot assure himselfe that he doth belieue, is soone discouraged in troubles, and readie to faint if helpe come not presently.1 But when the minde is perplexed with temptations, feares, and doubts, and the heart ready to faint, not able with cleare euidence to receiue the promises, yet then this true Belieuer is habitually resolued (not without great dread and wauering) that it is good to trust and waite vpon the Lord.