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…

Partial obedience, indulgence to any sin, slightness in the performance of holy duties, and rashness in the undertaking of ordinary works without fear, reverence and due consideration, is the evil fruit of unbelief. For the strength of faith is uniform, it fighteth against all sin, feedeth upon the dainties that God hath prepared for them that love him, and teacheth in natural and civill actions to hold Christ, that his Spirit may guide us in the doing of them. But I have been too favourable to boisterous passions, evil lusts, vain rovings, idle speeches, neglect of holy duties. I have prayed without intention, fervency, or care to speed: I have heard the Word, but not attended unto it with diligence, not laboured to get it into possession, nor to be changed into the nature of it. I have feasted without fear or thankfulness; I have laid me down to sleep and risen again, not minding the promise of God, who giveth sleep to his beloved, not ⟨p. 212⟩acknowledging him who is my li•e, and the length of my days, nor fearing the grin that is set for me in every creature and business of this life. What shall I say? O Lord, I have sinned against thy goodness, power, mercy, and truth; against the Mediation and blood of Christ.¹ He that believes not in God, •akes him a liar, then which what can be more reproachful? He that resteth not upon Christ, maketh his blood of none effect, then which what is more abominable? To fear the threats of Man, to rest on his Word, to obey his Commandments, when the will and pleasure of God is neglected; what is this, but to rob Go• o• his glory, and set up Man in his room or steed? If a great Man should threaten, would I not be careful to decline his wrath? Shall my God threaten, and I be secure and careless? If I have a mans word or bond that is of worth, I write upon the matter, as if I had it: Shall I not joyfully rest in the word, seal, and oath of my God? If a Man of great place should be asked a pawn, and not credited on his word, he would take it in evil part: what a shame is it, that I should not believe God further then I have his caution? The servants of Noblemen attend on their Lords pleasure at an Inch, come at their call, go at their command, do every thing exactly that is given them in charge: