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…

CHAP. XII. Why Satan endeavours by all means to hinder, as the kindly taking, so the growth of faith, §. 1 p. 170. 171 The first Temptation is taken from our worthlessness, §. 1 p. 171 Remedy: The sense of unworthiness must not discourage us from believing, because 1. The mercy, favour, promises, and benefits of God are all free, p. 171 2. We are not more desirous to believe, then God is we should so do, p. 171. 172 The second Temptation, They know not whether they be elected, §. 2. Remedy 1. Hold such suggestions to arise from the Spirit of error, and lend no ear to such whisperings of the old Serpent, p. 172 2. If God make offer of mercy and forgiveness in the ⟨image 9⟩Ministry of the Gospel […] ••nd to receive it. ibid. The third Temptation, They […] of doubtings. §. 3 Remedy, 1. Faith may be true […] lively that is weak. p. 173 2. It is not the excellency and measure of faith that doth make us righteous before God, but Christ whom faith doth receive. ibid. 3. It is not faith, but Christ received by faith, that nourisheth to eternal life. ibid. 4. We read that Christ reproved some for their small faith, but never rejected any that came unto him in weakness, desiring to be confirmed. p. 174 The fourth Temptation, They cannot keep their faith strong and steadfast. §. 4 Remedy, 1. There is no shadow of change with God, p. 174 2. Labouring after and groaning to rest their wearied souls upon the promises of mercy, being never satisfied till their doubtfulness be removed, will bring a good end. ibid. 3. Want of feeling argueth not want of faith. p. 175 Why the faithful are subject to such doubts and want of feeling. p. 175. 176 The fifth Temptation, They received the truth at first without due trial. §. 5 Remedy, 1. God is merciful, and ready to forgive our imperfections, when upon the knowledge and sight we confess and bewail them. p. 176 2. Faith may be true, though much were amiss, when first we received the truth. ibid. 3. It is the great wisdom and mercy of the Lord, for a time to hide from his children the sight of their infirmities and wants. ibid. The sixth Temptation, They never had that deep sorrow, which many have felt. §. 6 Remedy, 1. God deals not with all alike. p. 176. 177 2. To doubt of Gods love because he deals gently with us, least we should be swallowed up of sorrow, is great ⟨image 9⟩ignorance. p. 177 3.