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…

for great advantage they will endure any pains, hazard many difficulties. Did men know the worth and glory of the kingdom of Heaven, freely offered, and that without all ⟨p. 275⟩expiration of time, to be possessed here in part of them that will receive it, fully hereafter, when their days on earth be determined, would they not seek it with all earnestness, inquire after good evidence, get sound assurance, and labour the possession of it more and more? Men seek earthly things, and often miss of their desires: but the promise of Heaven is sure and steadfast, and he that resteth upon the Lord shall not be confounded. Everlasting life is freely offered, but men are not left at liberty whether they will receive and seek it, or no.¹ He that believeth on the Son, hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. Do not they perish worthily, who prefer the pleasures of sin, and honours of this transitory life, before life everlasting, promised of grace, purchased by Christ, full laden with all fruits of true life, joy, peace, and all choicest pleasures, beyond comparison exceeding whatsoever can be enjoyed in this world both in worth and endless settledness? The labour to make Heaven sure, which is full of pleasure and delight, doth ease the heart of many burdensome, distracting and cutting care. For if thou be the child of God,² thou hast liberty to come into his presence, and to make thy requests known unto him with thanksgiving; Nothing that is truly evil shall betide thee. The plague shall not come nigh thy Tabernacle:³ Thou shalt walk upon the Lion and Asp, and tread them under feet: God will provide all things necessary for soul and body, and see that no good thing be wanting unto thee.⁴ Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. What then should withdraw or hold me back from believing the promise, and seeking the possession of that inheritance. It is God who hath freely promised it, who can and will perform whatsoever he hath spoken; it is Christ who hath purchased it by the sacrifice of himself once for all, why