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…

Fourthly, It is very needful again and again to consider what excellent things are promised, and so raise the heart to an high prizing and valuation of them.¹ The wise Merchant doth not buy the pearl, till he know it to be of excellent price, or better then any price. Great things are eagerly sought upon probable hopes: The mere possibility of obtaining some great and extraordinary good, is of marvellous force in swaying mens actions. And if men consider seriously what rare, surpassing, precious things be promised to them that come unto Jesus Christ, and rest upon him, what shall withhold them from believing? Were we certainly persuaded, that everlasting life, full laden with all the fruits of true life, joy, peace, and all choicest pleasures, without any annoyance, should be conferred upon them that believe in Jesus Christ, would we not hang close, and stick fast, and not suffer the pleasures or profits of this transitory life, to divide us from him. The reason why we strive so slackly to believe, and be so dull in Gods service, and faint in trouble, is, because our hearts be not holden with the serious consideration of that kingdom, joy and glory, which God hath prepared for them that believe, and cleave unto him.

Fourthly, It is very needfull againe and againe to consider what excellent things are promised, and so raise the heart to an high prizing and valuation of them.¹ The wise Merchant doth not buy the pearle, till hee know it to be of excellent price, or better then any price. Great things are eagerly sought vpon probable hopes: The meere possibilitie of obtaining some great and extraordinarie good, is of maruellous force in swaying mens actions. And if men consider serio•sly what rare, surpassing, pretious things be promised to them that come vnto Iesus Christ, and rest vpon him, what shall withhold them from belieuing? Were we certainly perswaded, that euerlasting life, full laden with all the fruits of true life, ioy, peace, and all choicest pleasures, without any annoyance, should bee conferred vpon them that belieue in Iesus Christ, would we not hang close, and sticke fast, and not suffer the pleasures or profits of this transitorie life, to diuide vs from him. The reason why we striue so slackly to belieue, and be so dull in Gods seruice, and faint in trouble, is, because our hearts be not holden with the serious consideration of that kingdome, ioy and glory, which God hath prepared for them that belieue, and cleaue vnto him.