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…

The Symptoms of unbelief are evident.¹ From this root springeth that unmeasurable deadness that presseth down. §1If a man of authority threaten with rack or gibbet, I quake and fear: but when I hear the Judgements of God denounced against my sins, I am scarce moved at all.

The Symptomes of vnbeliefe are euident.¹ From this root springeth that vnmeasurable deadnesse that presseth downe. §1If a man of authority threaten with racke or gibbet, I quake and feare: but when I heare the Iudgements of God denounced against my sinnes, I am scarce moued at all.

1. 1Symptoms of unbelief.Symptomes of vnbeliefe.

From this ariseth impatience, murmuring, discontent, unquietness, when outward things are wanting:¹ For did the heart cleave fast unto God, it would rest quiet in his promise, if all other things were lacking. Self-confidence, ⟨p. 210⟩resting in means, and leaning upon them, as lands, riches,² f•iends, &c. are effects of unbelief. He that rejoiceth in Christ Jesus can have no confidence in the flesh. As we grow down, denying our wisdom, and all strength we can make; so doth faith in our great God grow up; as we swell or be puffed up in conceit of our wisdom or strength, so doth faith languish or decay. So much as the heart stayeth upon the creature, it is by sin with-drawn from the Creator. But my heart is much poisoned with self-sufficiency: I feel my self apt to lean upon mine own devices to presume upon mine own strength, and so wickedly to depart from God. If means be at hand I grow secure, forgetting, that further then God doth send forth his Word, they can do nothing. If means be wanting, I faint, or at least, am greatly distracted, not remembering that it is all one with God to save with many as with few, with small or no means as great. If I enjoy the things I would, I think much upon the means, ascribe little to Gods blessing: my affections do work more lively on this or that which fell out (as men speak) more luckily, then on the blessing of God, which is all in all. In any matter of weight concerning lively-hood or state, I am ready to plod what friends I can make, what means be present, what likelihoods of good success, and here I rest, not seeking to the Lord,