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…

§. 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.³ He hath well begun, and shall happily go forward in his work, who hath in truth begun. For true grace well planted in the heart, how weak soever, shall hold out for ever. All total decays come from this, that the heart was never truly mollified, nor grace deeply and kindly rooted therein. And as for present weaknesses it is good to acknowledge & bewail them,⁴ but they must not for some imperfections cast down themselves half desperately, as though God regarded them not, or they should wither and utterly decay. For as the dry and thirsty ground or sponge sucketh up much water; so the humble spirit drinks up much grace, and shall be replenished abundantly with the waters of comfort. And if their portion of grace be the smallest of all others, they must strive to grow forward, but without discouragement. For of small beginnings come great proceedings: of one little spark a mighty flame: of a small Acorn a mighty Oak; of a grain of Mustard-seed a great tree: and a little leaven seasoneth the whole lump. All fears and doubts which arise in their hearts, ⟨p. 198⟩