A03064:551
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.
As the he•d communicates strength to the body, so Christ pours out the ⟨p. 340⟩virtue of his heavenly unction upon the whole body of his Church. When the Apostles had received this spirit of strength, they make a play of all their sufferings and labours; even as in bodily things, we see men that have strength and courage (as these porters and such) they will make a sport to bear such burdens, as a weak creature would tremble to lift at. For as bladders swim aloft all waters whilst they are filled with wind: so do we above all afflictions,1 whilst this Spirit is with us, to support us in them. Fear, doubting, feebleness, fainting, nice-tenderness, or melting of heart proceed from infidelity and distrust. Hardiness, courage, valour, invincible durance are the fruits of faith, staying it self upon the Lord, and seeking unto him. Be strong, be of good courage, fear not, nor be dismayed, for the Lord will be with thee, he will not fail thee nor forsake thee. Distrust many times wrings from us such voices as these, were it any thing but this, I could hope to bear it: Whereas did we in conscience of our impotency seek to Christ to make us able, and fasten our selves upon him by a lively faith, we should find strength enough through his might, whereby to bear that comfortably, which we think most intolerable. Faith drives a man out of himself, as not able to bear the least cross as he ought, and through the power of God it enableth to bear that best (how troublesome soever) with which God is pleased to try us.
As the he•d communicates strength to the bodie, so Christ powres out the ⟨p. 340⟩vertue of his heauenly vnction vpon the whole bodie of his Church. When the Apostles had receiued this spirit of strength, they make a play of all their sufferings and labours; euen as in bodily things, wee see men that haue strength and courage (as these porters and such) they will make a sport to beare such burthens, as a weake creature would tremble to lift at. For as bladders swimme aloft all waters whilest they are filled with winde: so doe wee aboue all afflictions,