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…

First, it preserveth from the use of all unlawful means knowing that nothing can prosper, which God approves not.¹ The Egyptians shall help in vain, and to no purpose; therefore have I cried concerning this, Their strength is to sit still. ²When Ephraim saw his sickness, and Judah saw his wound: then went Ephraim to the Assyrian, and sent to King Joreb; yet could he not heal you, no• cure you of your wound. If a man be soundly persuaded, that the blessing of God is all in all, he will ply that fare first, and not undertake any thing, till he see God witnessing unto him by his Spirit, that he will be with him to bless him: which he cannot hope for, if the means used to compass and secure any blessing or good thing, be indirect and sinful. Nay, to hope for blessed and good success in any evil course is palpable and gross Idolatry: what is it but really to acknowledge the Devil (whose direction thou followest for advantage) to be the Governor of the world, and the disposer of earthly things? then which nothing is more opposite to lively faith. Faith speaketh on this wise,³ Better is a little wrth righteousness, then great revenues without right; more comfor•able in respect of inward peace, the present use of this life, and continuance; which maketh the Believer consult what is just, not what is gainful or profitable: what may be compassed by honest courses, not what may be gained by fraud, deceit, cozenage, or other carnal dealing. Again, faith taketh direction of God in his Word in all businesses, being assured that his counsel only is firm ⟨p. 367⟩and stable, and that course prosperous, which is consonant to his revealed will.⁴ There are many devices in a mans heart, nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand. The Lord bringeth the counsel of the Heathen to naught: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counse•l of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Carnal policies are disappointed, and counsels broken, but the direction of the Lord it shall prosper.