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…

Furthermore, if a man can discern no spark of grace,¹ nor feel any good thing in himself, he is not to despair. But as the sense and feeling of his present state ought to humble him under Gods hand, and move him to enter into a serious examination of himself, and to unfeigned repentance for his sins: so must he take comfort unto himself, and prop up his weak declining faith, by calling to mind former times,² and wherein the Lord hath caused his merciful and gracious countenance to shine upon him, and wherein he hath glorified God by an holy life and conversation. For if ever he hath discerned the graces ⟨p. 182⟩of Gods Spirit by the fruits of sanctification, they are not utterly taken away, though for a time they be buried from his sight, that he cannot find them. The seed is not dead that lieth all winter under the clods, and appeareth not by fruit above ground. If he be not able to gather comfort from former experience, but be ready to question that also, yet must he not give way to uncomfortable and deading sorrow: because the thirsty soul, who neither feeleth inward sap,³ nor findeth outward fruit of grace, is called to come unto Christ the fountain of living waters, that in him and by him he might be eased, refreshed, made fruitful. This gracious invitation the poor soul must lay hold upon, and say within himself, I will draw near unto the God of my salvation and trust in him, for I have his firm and stable promise, that I shall be watered with grace and refreshed with comfort. If I be hungry, he hath plenty of provision; if barren, dry, and withered, with him there is abundance of grace, that I may be enriched.

Furthermore, if a man can discerne no sparke of grace,¹ nor feele any good thing in himselfe, he is not to despaire. But as the sence and feeling of his present state ought to humble him vnder Gods hand, and moue him to enter into a serious examination of himselfe, and to vnfained repentance for his sinnes: so must hee take comfort vnto himselfe, and prop vp his weake declining faith, by calling to minde former times,