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…

This is lively represented unto us by the Parable of the Vine and the branches, that as the branch receive• all the sap (whereby it lives and is fruitful) from the Vine,¹ so do we from Christ, being engrafted into him. Life then is from Christ as the Author,² Prince and Fountain: but we live by faith as it incorporateth us into Christ, and receiveth him to dwell in our hearts.³ So that whatsoever we lend to faith, it redounds to the honour of Christ. Impossible it is, that faith should wax proud towards her Lord, or insolent over her fellow servants, challenging any thing of desert unto her self. No; faith receives all of grace as a poor beggar, and altogether excludes the hateful law of boasting.⁴ This is the nature, the place, the office of faith: for God ha•h ordained that life should be through faith, that it might be of mere and rich grace. And if the end and means appointed of God to lead thereunto, do well consent, then it cannot be, that faith should lift up her self against grace, or in any thing seek her own pr•ise, and not the glory of God. Among all the gifts of God there i• none more useful then faith: others are profitable for some few things, this is for this life and the l•fe to come; for all parts and purposes of our lives, in the use of it manifold, and rich eve•y manner of way: But evermore it advanceth the grace of God, and causeth man altogether to disclaim himself, his ability and worth. Faith se•ueth not only to justify, but to make us endure in all afflictions without making haste;⁵ The Just liveth, in time of his afflictions by faith; He that believeth, maketh not haste: It doth work in us, and guide the course of our obedience; We have received grace and Apostleship to the obedience of faith, not only in believing the promise of the Gospel, but the other prt or word of command: It doth also prevail against all Enemies;