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…

Fourthly, Faith in the promises of everlasting life, leadeth forward in the paths of peace and righteousness: It mortifieth corruption, studieth holiness,¹ raiseth the heart to things above, and directeth the conversation, according to the policy of the new Jerusalem. Life eternal is not given for works, but it is the good pleasure of God, that his children should be holy and exercise themselves in all good works.² If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. He that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. Blessed are the pure in heart, ³for they shall see God. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, ⁴without which no man shall see the Lord. Charge them that be rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth richly all things to enjoy. That they do good, that they be rich in good works ready to distribute, willing to communicate; ⁵Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay ⟨p. 262⟩hold on eternal life. But ye beloved, building up your selves in your most holy faith, praying in the holy Ghost, keep your selves in the love of God, ⁶looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Come y•e blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungered, and ye gave me meat, &c. These and such like passages of Scripture show, not the cause why, but the qualification of the persons unto whom; not how it is deserved, but what doth precede the bestowing of life eternal. And faith that looketh for that blessed hope and layeth hold upon the promise of that heavenly and incorruptible inheritance, lifteth up the heart into Heaven, kindleth love, inflameth with zeal, encourage h against difficulties, and inciteth to run the way of Gods Commandments. If probable hope of great advantage draws on the Merchant to undertake a long and tedious voyage by Sea, notwithstanding the many casualties and perils wherewith it is beset: faith in the assured promises of God concerning salvation, will set a man forward in his Christian journey, hold hm on in his way with courage and cheerfulness;