A03064:602
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.
Seventhly, It prayeth as earnestly for the sanctification of prosperity, and Gods blessing upon the means, as for the means themselves if they were wanting. The more we prosper the more earnest be the prayers of faith. For of our selves we have no power to wield a good estate well: nor ability to preserve and keep it. An high estate is subject to many storms and tempests: in greatest ease we lie open to most temptations. In the hot Summer men quickly catch cold: and if we pray not earnestly when we prosper in the world, we shall cool in grace. Earthly blessings be so frail, and we of our selves so weak, that the more we have, the more we stand in need of Gods gracious assistance and support.1 The Creatures themselves have no power to help, can profit nothing unless ⟨p. 371⟩God put forth his hand to bless them for our use. This makes that the requests of faith be not formal and perfunctory, but effectual, fervent, arising from a true consideration of the weakness and impotency of the creature to sustain and uphold us. And thus to live by faith in the abundance of all things: makes way for patience, contentedness, sound peace in the depth of misery, when we be left naked and destitute of all humane aide. For if when we enjoy means we lean not upon them, but upon the Lord; when they are taken away we shall not fall; our stay remaining.
Seuenthly, It prayeth as earnestly for the sanctification of prosperitie, and Gods blessing vpon the meanes, as for the meanes themselues if they were wanting. The more we prosper the more earnest be the prayers of faith. For of our selues wee haue no power to weeld a good estate well: nor abilitie to preserue and keepe it. An high estate is subiect to many stormes and tempests: in greatest ease wee lie open to most temptations. In the hot Summer men quickly catch cold: and if we pray not earnestly when we prosper in the world, we shall coole in grace. Earthly blessings bee so fraile, and wee of our selues so weake, that the more we haue, the more we stand in need of Gods gratious assistance and support.1 The Creatures themselues haue no power to helpe, can profit nothing vnlesse ⟨p. 371⟩