A03064:418
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…
A treatise of faith divided into two parts. The first showing the nature, the second, the life of faith. ... By John Ball.A treatise of faith diuided into two parts. The first shewing the nature, the second, the life of faith. ... By Iohn Ball.
London: printed by William Stansby for Edward Brewster, 1631
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
but when they are taken up without consideration of our frailty, and we rely not upon Christ for his grace and assistance, they quickly vanish and come to nothing. In the time of sickness, danger, disgrace, we make fair promises to amend what is amiss, and reform things out of order: but when the rod is removed, shortly all is clean forgotten. What may be the reason? We stand upon our own feet, presume to go alone, of our selves, by our own strength, and then no marvel if we fall and catch many a knock.
but when they are taken vp without consideration of our frailtie, and we relie not vpon Christ for his grace and assistance, they quickly vanish and come to nothing. In the time of sicknesse, danger, disgrace, we make faire promises to amend what is amisse, and reforme things out of order: but when the rod is remoued, shortly all is cleane forgotten. What may be the reason? We stand vpon our owne feet, presume to goe alone, of our selues, by our owne strength, and then no maruell if we fall and catch many a knocke.
Secondly, It showeth where the strength is to be had which we want, and stirs up to a conscionable, diligent and constant use of the means of grace, that God hath ordained, but looks up to him for a blessing, and resteth not in the means. Faith is ever hungry,1 sensible of want and emptiness, and therefore attends upon the Lord in the use of all such means, whereby he is pleased to convey Christ unto us for our spiritual filling. The laborious Be is early abroad to gather, when there is an honey fall: and faith is early awake to wait upon the Lord in ⟨p. 250⟩his ordinances, when he showers his blessings upon his people. But it knoweth to distinguish betwixt the ordinances in and by which grace is obtained, and the Author and Giver of it. And thi• urgeth the Believer earnestly to beg the blessing of God upon his own ordinances, without which they cannot avail us.