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…

Secondly, Faith is painful, provident and frugal, though not distrustful, pinching or niggardly. It shakes off idleness, observes Gods providence, takes the opportunity, husbands thriftily what he bestoweth, and ordereth all affairs with discretion. He that rests most confident upon Gods blessing for all good things of this life, will be most diligent to seek them by lawful means, and careful to preserve what the bountiful hand of God shall minister unto him. He that is silent, expecting Gods help when means fail, cannot sit still when means be at hand, nor lavish indiscreetly, when his cup runneth over. Labour and providence be imposed of God, whereunto faith doth as freely submit it self, even when Gods blessings do slow in abundantly, as it doth heartily wish and expect supply from God in the time of need.

Secondly, Faith is painfull, prouident and frugall, though not distrustfull, pinching or niggardly. It shakes off idlenesse, obserues Gods prouidence, takes the opportunitie, husbands thriftily what he bestoweth, and ordereth all affaires with discretion. Hee that rests most confident vpon Gods blessing for all good things of this life, will be most diligent to seeke them by lawfull means, and carefull to preserue what the bountifull hand of God shall minister vnto him. He that is silent, expecting Gods helpe when meanes faile, cannot sit still when meanes be at hand, nor lauish indiscreetly, when his cup runneth ouer. Labour and prouidence be imposed of God, wherevnto faith doth as freely submit it selfe, euen when Gods blessings doe slow in abundantly, as it doth heartily wish and expect supply from God in the time of need.

Thirdly, It maketh inquiry into the heart, turneth from evil, and seeketh the face of God earnestly. Confidence in God breeds suspicion of our selves, lest any sin should harbour secretly in our bosom, or corruption get •ead to hinder prosperity: specially if God bless us not •c•ording to promise, the first work of faith is to ransack and fan the soul narrowly, to find out and remove whatsoever doth offend. I thought on my ways;