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…

It will be objected,¹ That in affliction faith seemeth to be most weak, and corruption most stirring.

It will be obiected,¹ That in affliction faith seemeth to be most weake, and corruption most stirring.

1. 1Prevention of Objection. That in affliction faith is weak and corruption stirring.Preuention of Obiection. That in affliction faith is weake and corruption stirring.

First, And true it is, that many doubtful thoughts ascend into Christians hearts, partly because they know not that they are allowed to live by faith in an afflicted state; partly because they judge amiss of their afflictions, taking them as arguments of wrath and displeasure, rather then trials of faith, and chastisements of peace. As children through want of wisdom are afraid of bug-bears: so the error of our mind raiseth great fear and doubt of that which cannot hurt us, peradventure, might ⟨p. 352⟩greatly comfort us, if rightly understood. This mistaking must be corrected by f•ith and spiritual wisdom.

First, And true it is, that many doubtfull thoughts ascend into Christians hearts, partly because they know not that they are allowed to liue by faith in an afflicted state; partly because they iudge amisse of their afflictions, taking them as arguments of wrath and displeasure, rather then trials of faith, and chastisements of peace. As children through want of wisdome are afraid of bug-beares: so the errour of our minde raiseth great feare and doubt of that which cannot hurt vs, peraduenture, might