A03064:312
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.
and the fear of falling arising from the sense of weakness is diffidence in God. In holy Scripture we shall find, that the strongest have fallen, when the weak have stood and they have been foiled most grievously, not in the greatest assaults, but when they have given way to their lusts, neglected their watch, or were grown secure and dreaded no danger. The Lord best knows the strength of his child, and will not suffer him to be overtaken with those uncomfortable falls out of which he shall not recover.
and the feare of falling arising from the sence of weakenes is diffidence in God. In holy Scripture we shall finde, that the strongest haue fallen, when the weake haue stood and they haue beene foiled most grieuously, not in the greatest assaults, but when they haue giuen way to their lusts, neglected their watch, or were growen secure and dreaded no danger. The Lord best knowes the strength of his childe, and will not suffer him to bee ouertaken with those vncomfortable falls out of which he shall not recouer.
§. 13. Sundry Christians through the malice of the1 ⟨p. 188⟩Devil, be unsettled with fears, that notwithstanding all their care they shall never hold out in faith and an holy course of life unto the end: but by persecutions or other afflictions and provocations shall be turned back; specially considering that they are marvellous apt to slip and cool in time of peace, and whilst they live under the means of grace. This fear is to be removed by calling to Mind the promises of God so plentifully and richly set down in the word of grace.2 And they must consider, that the same God who keeps them in time of peace, and blesseth the means of grace whilst they do enjoy them, is able and will uphold them in the time of trouble, and when means be wanting of our selves we stand not at any time, by his power we may overcome at all times. And when we are sorest assaulted, he is ever ready at our right hand to support and stay us that we shall not fall.