A03064:264
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.
CHAP. XI.
Of the right plantation of faith, and means whereby it is confirmed.
Of the right plantation of faith, and meanes whereby it is confirmed.
§. 1. THE necessary use and excellent fruits of faith,1 should incite men if they want to seek it with all diligence, and if they be partakers of that heavenly gift to hold and keep it, to increase and grow therein.2 And this the rather, because we have many encouragements to believe. God doth beseech men to be reconciled unto him: Should not this wonderful clemency of God encourage us with boldness and confidence to come unto him? Christ himself doth graciously invite all that be poor,3 needy, weary and heavy laden to come unto him: and the Lord maketh a general proclamation of liberty to all distressed souls that will come and receive it, without exception of any in particular: which should the rather affect, if we consider who it is that proclaimeth, invite h, beseecheth, namely, God, who is able to help, and ready to forgive and succour. If a covetous man should offer us any great kindness,4 we might doubt of performance, because it is contrary to his nature but it is not so with our God; his name is gracious, and his nature is to be faithful in performance, and true in offer and promising. In the covenant that God of his rich grace and mercy hath made with his Church and people seled with Sacraments, and confirmed by oath,