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…

¹Seventhly, It raiseth the heart being conscious of it weakness to rest upon the Lord for strength, who makes us able to do all things through his strengthening of us:² who strengtheneth his in the inner man to long-suffering with joyfulness; who hath said, such as look to me, shall renew their strength, ³they shall mount up with wings as Eagles, they shall run, and not be weary; they shall ⟨p. 339⟩walk and not faint: yea,⁴ it fixeth and establisheth the heart upon Christ the rock strong and impregnable, whence followeth courage & steadiness to undergo them. Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace (saith the Prophet) whose mind or thought is stayed on thee: ⁵because he trusteth in thee. The righteous shall not be afraid of evil tidings, his heart is fixed or established, and trusteth in the Lord. Thus faith setteth the Lord always in it sight, and fortifieth the heart in confidence of his might.⁶ I have set the Lord always before me, ⁷because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved; (that is) I have overcome all temptations my hope being fastened upon the Lord; for he hath powerfully assisted and comforted me. Our strength is to clasp to Christ, and hold to him, as the person in whom is all our strength. The hill-rats are a weak creature, having neither strength of limbs, nor other means of nature to defend themselves:⁸ but making their houses in the rocks or stony places, and flying thither in time of danger, they save themselves, and provide safely for their young-ones. We of our selves are feeble and weak, easily overturned with the least temptation: but working our selves by faith into that rock Jesus Christ, against whom the powers of Hell cannot prevail, we become courageous, unmoveable, invincible. It matters not what weight be laid upon the foundation, so it be sure and steadfast: if Christ be our supporter, (as by faith he is made ours) nothing can overwhelm us. In quietness and confidence is our strength. Again,