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, The long and manifold temptations of Satan, wherewith he seeks to throw Christians head-long into despair, is to them a testimony of the inhabitation of the Spirit in their hearts. For the power and strength whereby those assaults are repelled,¹ is it not of God? The unclean spirit might easily enter into the house with seven other spirits worse then himself, and dwell there, if he found it swept and garnished, that is, empty and destitute of grace. The strong man armed might well break into the house, if a stronger then he did not keep possession. As the children of God are conquerors over many temptations, so one only temptation (and that of no long continuance) is able to sink the stoutest among the Reprobates, who are mere dross and refuse, into the bottomless pit of Hell. The strong assaults whereby the Devil laboureth the over-throw of the poor servant of ⟨p. 313⟩God, is to him an argument of strength received, or that God will strengthen him. For if he look unto God in the tentation, he calleth not forth his servants to the conflict, until they be furnished, nor will he let Satan loose until he have enabled them to make resistance. He will not lay weight upon green Timber: nor crush the tender youngling with burdens unsupportable: whom God doth employ in his war either he hath, or will make them able for the service. If he have an eye, unto Satan's malice, why doth he muster all his forces to besiege, if there be no strength to withstand? The long continued furious tentations of Satan do make proof, that the heart is well fortified against him.²

Fourthly, The long and manifold temptations of Satan, wherewith hee seekes to throw Christians head-long into despaire, is to them a testimonie of the inhabitation of the Spirit in their hearts. For the power and strength whereby those assaults are repelled,¹ is it not of God? The vncleane spirit might easily enter into the house with seuen other spirits worse then himselfe, and dwell there, if he found it swept and garnished, that is, empty and destitute of grace. The strong man armed might well breake into the house, if a stronger then hee did not keepe possession. As the children of God are conquerours ouer many temptations, so one only temptation (and that of no long continuance) is able to sinke the stoutest among the Reprobates, who are meere drosse and refuse, into the bottomlesse pit of Hell. The strong assaults whereby the Deuill laboureth the ouer-throw of the poore seruant of