A03064:291
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.
First, Satan suggesteth,1 that it is horrible presumption for such vile sinners and worthless wretches to persuade themselves of Gods special love and favour. And to this end he spareth not to set forth the majesty, justice, and purity of the Lord, that it might strike the greater terror into the wounded conscience.
First, Satan suggesteth,1 that it is horrible presumption for such vile sinners and worthlesse wretches to perswade themselues of Gods speciall loue and fauour. And to this end he spareth not to set forth the maiestie, iustice, and puritie of the Lord, that it might strike the greater terrour into the wounded conscience.
- 11. Worthlessness.1. Worthlesnesse.
For the repelling of this temptation,1 it is to be known and remembered that Gods mercy, favour, promises, and benefits are all free, which he vouchsafeth, offereth, bestoweth, without any respect of worthiness or deserts, of his mere grace and undeserved love in Jesus Christ. And therefore as when we are most worthy in our own conceit, there is no reason we should presume the more; so when we find our selves unworthy, there is no cause why we should hope the less. For the ground of our confidence is the promise of free and undeserved mercy made in Christ Jesus to miserable forlorn sinners, who see and acknowledge themselves to be more vile then the mire in the street. And this sets forth the praise of Gods mercy so much the more, that it is afforded to such base abjects, who deserve nothing: but to be cast forth and trodden underfoot. Should the prisoner doubt of his Princes mercy when he heareth his pardon read, and seeth it sealed, because he hath merited no such kindness? Again, it is good to call to mind and seriously to consider what strong encouragements we have to receive the promises; and how we are not more desirous to believe, then God is we should so do. For God doth through love entreat us, of friendship counsel us,