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…

Neither ought we to expect such strength of memory and lively operative actions of grace, in age, sickness, great sorrows and temptations, as at other times in young years free from such assaults. ⟨p. 194⟩The fruits of faith fit for the season may be discerned by them that can rightly judge, when sweet refreshings formerly enjoyed be lacking. The effects of faith in great temptations and cloudy seasons are to look up for help, sigh▪ groan, complain to God, prize his favour, draw nigh unto him, and cast himself upon God, though he seem to be angry: at this time faith is encumbered with many strong fears wherewith it is burdened, against which it laboureth, over which it doth not easily nor speedily prevail. Joy, peace, sweet refreshing, and sensible tasting of Gods mercy, be the fruits of well grown faith in the times of victory and freedom. Those Summer fruits are not to be gathered in the depth of winter. It is an error to measure the truth of grace in age by the effects proper to youth, or the soundness of faith in temptation, by the effects peculiar to the days of triumph. Neither are we to account the nature of any thing according to our sense or the show it maketh. For then should the most fruitful tree in winter be taken for barren, and the lusty soil for dry and unfruitful, whilst it is shut up with the hard frost. But reason being guided by the Word of God, must lead us rightly to judge of the presence and life of faith in our souls, which being the shield in this our spiritual warfare, endureth much battering and many brunts, and receiveth the fore-front of the battle, and oftentimes fareth as if it were pierced through and worn: unfit for battle: yet is it indeed of nature invincible, and repelleth whatsoever engine the enemy enforceth against us, and standeth firm rooted whatsoever storm Satan raiseth for the displacing thereof. How then are the distressed to behave themselves in this temptation, when both the sense of faith is dulled in them, and the fruits minister discontentment? They must rightly consider what be the winter fruits of faith, and not expect such things in themselves as agree not to that season, and withal remember that the gifts ⟨p. 195⟩and mercy of God is without repentance: and so take courage unto themselves confidently to cast their souls upon the mercy of the Lord in Jesus Christ.