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.
John Ball 1585–1640London: printed by William Stansby for Edward Brewster, 1631
[48], 440 p. · 167k words · STC 1319 · ESTC S100833
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.
IN the word of grace the Lord calleth for universal, voluntary, sincere, uniform, constant obedience; and promiseth both to •nable his Children to do what is pleasing, and to accept of their willing, though weak service. The first of these branches is apparent and well known to them that be any whit exercised in the word; the second hath been proved at large already: nevertheless that weak Christians might have in readiness some grounds of faith in these particulars, it will not be superfluous to point to some passages of Scripture where they may see them confirmed.1 That Christians are bound to serve God willingly and cheerfully without constraint, universally in holiness, and righteousness, unfeignedly as in his sight all the days of their life, constantly in all estates unto the end, these few texts may be sufficient to prove. I am the Almighty God, walk before me, and be thou perfect. If ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people.
to observe and to do all his Commandments which I command thee this day, the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all the nations of the earth. Take diligent heed to do the commandment and the l•w which Moses the servant of the Lord charged you,
to love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to ke•pe his Commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart, and withal your soul. Blessed are they that keep judgement,
that he will enable his people in covenant to perform. What man is he that feareth the Lord, him will he teach in the way that he shall choose.
IN the word of grace the Lord calleth for vniuersall, voluntarie, sincere, vniforme, constant obedience; and promiseth both to •nable his Children to doe what is pleasing, and to accept of their willing, though weake seruice. The first of these branches is apparent and well knowne to them th•t be any whit exercised in the word; the second hath beene proued at large alreadie: neuerthelesse that weake Christians might haue in readinesse some grounds of faith in these particulars, it will not be s•perfluous to point to some passages of Scripture where they may see them confirmed.1 That Christians are bound to serue God willingly and cheerefully without constraint, vniuersally in holines, and righteousnes, vnfainedly as in his sight al the dayes of their life, constantly in all estates vnto the end, these few texts may be sufficient to p•oue. I am the Almighty God, walke before me, and be thou perfect. If yee will obey my voyce indeede, and keepe my couenant, then yee shall be a peculiar treasure vnto mee aboue all people. 2O that there were such an heart in them, that they would feare me, and keepe my commandements alwayes that it might bee well with them, 3and with their Children for euer. You shall diligently ⟨p. 379⟩keepe the Commandements of the Lord your God. •f thou shalt hearken diligently vnto the voyce of the Lord thy God, 4to •bseru• and to doe all his Commandements which I commaund thee this day, the Lord thy God will set thee on high aboue all the nations of the earth. Take diligent heede to doe the commaundement and the l•w which Moses the seruant of the Lord charged you, 5to loue the Lord your God, and to walke in all his wayes, and to ke•pe his Commandements, and to cleaue vnto him, and to serue him with all your heart, and withall your soule. Blessed are they that keepe iudgement, 6and he that doth iustice at all times. To this end are we deliuered out of the h•nds of our enemies,7 that we might serue him without feare, in holin•sse and righteousnesse before him all the dayes our life. 8Be thou in the feare of the Lord all the day long. And looke what seruice the Lord doth expect and call for,9 that he will enable his people in couenant to performe. What man is he that feareth the Lord, him will he teach in the way that he shall chuse.
1The Lord calls for willing; cheerful, universal, unfeigned, constant obedience. Gen. 17.1. Exod. 19.5.The Lord calls for willing; chearefull, vniuersall, vnfained, constant obedience. Gen. 17.1. Exod. 19.5.
1The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed to the love Lord thy God with all thy heart and withal thy soul, that thou mayest live. 23And thou shalt return and obey the voice of the Lord, and do all his commandments which I command thee this day. And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord, 4and they shall be my people, and I will be their God; for they shall return unto me with their whole heart. And I will put a new Spirit within you, and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh. I will save them out of their dwelling places, 5wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them, so shall they be my people, and I will be their God. And David my servant shall be king over them, and they shall all have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgements, and observe my statutes and do them. In that day sing ye unto her. A vineyard of red wine. I the Lord do keep it, ⟨p. 380⟩and will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day. 6Surely shall one say, In the Lord have I righteousness and strength. 7Those, that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age▪8they shall be fat and flourishing. Sin shall not have dominion ove• you. Now we are d•liu red fro the law, that being dead wherein we were held, 9that we should serve in newness of Spirit, and not in oldness of the letter I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. 10The obedience of the faithful which through the power of grace they perform, is weak & imperfect, but pleasing & acceptable unto God. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him: in those that hope in his mercy. The Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. In every nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousness, is accepted of him. The Lord by Moses did often times tell his people that they offering up their sacrifices,11 such as he commanded, they should be accepted: which is often repeated by the prophets.12 Thou shalt mak• a plate of pure gold and grave upon it like the engravings of a signet, Holiness to the Lord;
1The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed to the loue Lord thy God with all thy heart and withall thy soule, that thou maist liue. 23And thou shalt returne and obey the voyce of the Lord, and doe all his commandements which I commaund thee this day. And I will giue them an heart to know mee, that I am the Lord, 4and they shall be my people, and I will be their God; for they shall returne vnto me with their whole heart. And I will put a new Spirit within you, and I will take the stonie heart out of their flesh, and will giue them an heart of flesh. I will saue them out of their dwelling places, 5wh•rein they haue sinned, and will cleanse them, so shall they bee my people, and I will be their God. And Dauid my seruant shall be king ouer them, and they shall all haue one sheepheard: they shall also walke in my iudgements, and ob•erue my statutes and doe them. In that day sing yee vnto her. A vineyard of red wine. I the Lord doe keepe it, ⟨p. 380⟩and will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keepe it night and day. 6Surely shall one say, In the Lord haue I righteousnes and strength. 7Those, that be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruite in old age▪8they shall bee fat and fl•urishing. Sinne shall not haue dominion oue• you. Now we are d•liu red fro the law, that being dead wherein we were held, 9that we should serue in newn•s of Spirit, and not in oldnes of the letter I can doe all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
and it shall be upon Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel shall hallow in all their holy gifts, 1and it shall be always upon his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord. 2All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together, the Rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar. The Priest shall make you burnt offerings upon the alter, and your peace offerings, 3and I will accept you, saith th• Lord God. Then shall the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years. 4Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness; with burnt offering, and whole burnt offering. 5Hereunto may be referred the prayer of the prophet. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation o•⟨p. 381⟩my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength, 6and my redeemer. Accept I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me thy Judgem•nt•. 7There be many other testimonies to the same purpose. I b seech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of Go•, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice holy, acceptable unto God. 8I am full having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well-pleasing to God. But to do good, and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Ye also, 9as lively stones are built up a spiritual house, an holy Priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifice, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Children obey your parents in all things, 10for this is well pleasing. Before his translation Enoch had received this testimony, that he pleased God.
and it shall be vpon Aarons forehead, that Aaron may beare the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel shal hallow in all their holy gifts, 1and it shall be alwayes vpon his forehead, that they may bee accepted before the Lord. 2All the flockes of Kedar shall be gathered together, the Rams of Nebaioth shall minister vnto thee: they shal come vp with acceptance on mine altar. The Priest shall make you burnt offerings vpon the alter, and your peace offerings, 3and I will accept you, saith th• Lord God. Then shall the offerings of Iudah and Ierusale• be pleasant vnto the Lord, as in the dayes of old, and as in former yeares. 4Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousnes; with burnt offering, and whole burnt offering. 5Hereunto may be referred the prayer of the prophet. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation o•⟨p. 381⟩my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord my strength, 6and my r•deemer. Accept I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach mee thy Iudgem•nt•. 7There bee many other testimonies to the same purpose. I b seech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of Go•, that yee present your bodies a liuing sacrifice holy, acceptable vnto God. 8I am full hauing receiued of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweete smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wel-pleasing to God. But to doe good, and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Yee also,
And this faith is most necessary to the leading of a Christian life,1 scil. to adhere and stick fast unto the commandments, rest upon God for ability to do what he requireth, and that he will accept what sincere and unfeigned service, though weak and imperfect, is tendered unto his Highness. For the word of grace, which commandeth to believe the free mercy of the Lord to the pardoning of sin,2 teacheth us to deny ungodliness and worldly lust, and to live godly, justly and soberly in this present evil world. Such as give up their names to Christ, must not look to be lawless; but they come to take a yo•ke upon them,3 and stand obliged to fulfil the law of Christ, called the new Commandment. Want of believing the precepts is the cause why many do still continue in the practise of divers things inconvenient, and suffer inordinate passions to hold them under. Ignorance or carelessness in this point, is the cause, why some of the better sort of people are off and on, now forward then backward, scarce settled or stayed at any time: not knowing how to set upon the practice of repentance; how to ⟨p. 382⟩begin or to proceed therein: Whereas this faith much availeth to the furthering of the dear Children of God in a godly course, the sh•ning of evil, and the practice of holiness. True faith is an obsequious confidence, which carrieth a man whither soever he sh•ll see the Lord to g•e before him.4 By faith H•noch walked with God; Noah builded an Ark; Abraham offered up his s•nne Isaac: Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter. Our present faith or trust in God is but commensurable to our fidelity in his Commandments: ere we can make a faithful plea for mercy, Gods will neglected must be executed, either in act, if the object be present, and may be prosecuted; or in sincere and constant resolution, if abilities and opportunities required to execution of what we resolve upon, be altogether wanting, or our endeavours upon inevitable occasions hindered.5 Faith worketh by love, which constraineth men to do the will of God, and submit themselves to his holy Commandments. The strength of faith to it several objects is uniform, that assurance of forgiveness cannot be greater then care of obedience. The very consciousness of any one sin whereunto we have been indulgent;
And this faith is most necessarie to the leading of a Christian life,1 scil. to adhere and sticke fast vnto the commandements, rest vpon God for abilitie to do what he requireth, and that he will accept what sincere and vnfained seruice, though weake and imperfect, is tendered vnto his Highnesse. For the word of grace, which commandeth to belieue the free mercie of the Lord to the pardoning of sinne,2 teacheth vs to denie vngodlinesse and worldly lust, and to liue godly, iustly and soberly in this present euil world. Such as giue vp their names to Christ, must not looke to bee lawlesse; but they come to take a yo•ke vpon them,3 and stand obliged to fulfill the law of Christ, called the new Commaundement. Want of belieuing the precepts is the cause why many doe still continue in the practise of diuers things inconuenient, and suffer inordinate passions to hold them vnder. Ignorance or carelesnesse in this point, is the cause, why some of the better sort of people are off and on, now forward then backward, scarce setled or stayed at any time: not knowing how to set vpon the practice of repentance; how to ⟨p. 382⟩begin or to proceed therein: Whereas this faith much auaileth to the furthering of the deare Children of God in a godly course, the sh•ning of euill, and the practice of holinesse. True faith is an obsequious confidence, which carrieth a man whither soeuer he sh•ll see the Lord to g•e before him.4 By faith H•noch walked with God; Noah builded an Arke; Abraham offered vp his s•nne Isaac: Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter. Our present faith or trust in God is but commensurable to our fideli•ie in his Comma•ndements: ere we can make a faithfull plea for mercie, Gods will neglected must bee executed, either in act, if the ob•ect be present, and may be prosecuted; or in sincere and constant resolution, if abilities and opportunities required to execution of what we resolue vpon, be altogether wanting, or our endeauours vpon ineuitable occasions hindred.
1Faith is necessary to the leading of a Christian life.
will be of like force to withdraw our assent from Gods mercy, as the delight or pleasure of that sensual object, was to cause us to transgress any part of his will revealed. The same strength, beauty had to allure unto adultery, will that foul sin unrepented of, have to divorce our souls from Christ. Nor can we fail in practice of this or other Commandment, without a precedent defect of that faith, which only can firmly unite us unto Christ: whereby likewise were it firm it self, we should assent unto every precept of God as much better then any incompatible good. That act cannot please God; which is not animated by faith: for it is but the naked carcass of a good work, without life or soul, if that be wanting. It is faith, which impelleth to work righteousness, and putteth life and ⟨p. 383⟩vigour into the work wrought: so that the best works of the regenerate be dull and lifeless, if faith be dormant, and put not forth it self for a time. And when a Christian knows not, whether he shall have strength to do what God requireth; nor whether God hath given him any promise, that his burden shall be made light and that Christ will bear the greatest part of it for him, it must needs be very tedious and troublesome; it will occasion many fears and doubts, deadness and uncheerfulness. This killeth the heart of right good Christians, when they are ignorant, or not throughly informed, that God will make them able and fit for so great a work, as the leading of a godly life. But if they have this faith as a foundation to uphold them, they shall sooner wade through their doubts, and grow out of their fears, as knowing that God will be ever with them for their assistance. Who doth not know, that when some certainty of salvation is obtained, yet for all that inasmuch as it is but weak, they have many heart-griefs for this, that they see they have a wearisome pilgrimage to go through, and little knowledge and persuasion of any great guiding of them through all the fears and difficulties of it? A Christian that hath this confidence, that God will strengthen him to every good work, he shall go about it with heart and cheerfulness; he shall be encouraged to pray as his necessity shall give cause, he shall be kept from fainting and dismayedness, when his strength is not very great, and rise up again when he is fallen.
will be of like force to withdraw our assent from Gods mercy, as the delight or pleasure of that sensuall obiect, was to cause vs to transgresse any part of his wil reuealed. The same strength, beautie had to allure vnto adulterie, will that foule sinne vnrepented of, haue to diuorce our soules from Christ. Nor can wee faile in practice of this or other Commandement, without a precedent defect of that faith, which onely can firmely vnite vs vnto Christ: whereby likewis• were it firme it selfe, wee should assent vnto euery precept of God as much better then any incompatible good. That act cannot please God; which is not animated by faith: for it is but the naked carkese of a good worke, without life or soule, if that be wanting. It is faith, which impelleth to worke righteousnesse, and putteth life and ⟨p. 383⟩vigour into the worke wrought: so that the best workes of the regenerate bee dull and liuelesse, if faith be dormant, and put not forth it selfe for a time. And when a Christian knowes not, whether he shall haue strength to doe what God requireth; nor whether God hath giuen him any promise, that his burden shall be made light and that Christ will beare the greatest part of it for him, it must needs bee very tedious and troublesome; it will occasion many feares and doubts, deadnesse and vnchearefulnesse. This killeth the heart of right good Christians, when they are ignorant, or not throughly informed, that God will make them able and fit for so great a worke, as the leading of a godly life. But if they haue this faith as a foundation to vphold them, they shall sooner wade through their doubts, and grow out of their feares, as knowing that God will be euer with them for their assistance. Who doth not know, that when some certaintie of saluation is obtained, yet for all that in asmuch as it is but weake, they haue many heart-griefes for this, that they see they haue a wearisome pilgrimage to goe thorow, and little knowledge and perswasion of any great guiding of them through all the feares and difficulties of it? A Christian that hath this confidence, that God will strengthen him to euery good worke, he shall goe about it with heart and cherefulnesse; he shall be encouraged to pray as his necessitie shall giue cause, he shall be kept from fainting and dismaidnes, when his strength is not very great, and rise vp againe when he is fallen.
But if he be not well grounded in believing, that God will build him up more strongly from day to day; & perfect the good work in him which is begun, he shall very much stagger and go back. If a chief and main post in a building be wanting, will not the whole house be soon shaken, so if a Christian, who must reform his life, go about it, not resting upon the grace of God in Christ to be made able, he may be sure he shall want a main ⟨p. 384⟩h•lpe hereto, even that which may shake all that is set up. Sundry true-hearted Christians, very Conscionable in their conversation, be yet much discouraged by reason of the infirmities of their best duties, and have little comfort in any thing they do, because they question what acceptance their poor service hath with God. And though they desire to please him willing, in all things to live honestly,1 yet still looking upon their frailties, they hardly admit any comfort, because they come so far short of what is required. Whereas, if they were well instructed and assured of this, that although by reason of their corruption dwelling in them, they can never offer up any sacrifice to God without blemish and spot (for which God might reject all, which they offer unto him) yet offering them up in the Name of Christ they shall be accepted and rewarded; this would put life and courage into them, and make them perform all holy duties with more cheerfulness and constancy, to the glory of God, the comfort of their souls, and the good encouragement of others. Confidence in God to be accepted, what tedious disputes would it remove? What temptations would it cut off? What discouragements would it trample under feet? What strength, vigour, resolution and forwardness in well-doing would it nourish and conserve? The sharpest spur to incite unto and encourage to go forward in the works of holiness, is affiance of favourable acceptation.
But if he be not wel grounded in belieuing, that God will build him vp more strongly from day to day; & perfect the good worke in him which is begunne, hee shall very much stagger and goe backe. If a chiefe and maine post in a building be wanting, will not the whole house be soone sh•ken, so if a Christian, who must reforme his life, goe about it, not resting vpon the grace of God in Christ to be made able, hee may be sure he shall want a maine ⟨p. 384⟩h•lpe hereto, euen that which may shake all that is set vp. Sundry true-hearted Christians, very Conscionable in their conuersation, be yet much discouraged by reason of the infirmities of their best duties, and haue little comfort in any thing they doe, because they question what accep•ance their poore seruice hath with God. And though they desire to please him willing, in all things to liue honestly,1 yet still looking vpon their frailties, they hardly admit any comfort, because they come so farre short of what is required. Whereas, if they were well instructed and assured of this, that although by reason of their cor•uption dwelling in them, they can neuer offer vp any sacrifice to God without blemish and spot (for which God might reiect all, which they offer vnto him) yet offering th•m vp in the Name of Christ they shall be accepted and rewarded; this would put life and courage into them, and make them performe all holy duties with more chearefulnesse and constancie, to the glory of God, the comfort of their soules, and the good encouragement of others. Confidence in God to be accepted, what tedious disputes would it remoue? What temptations would it cut off? What discouragements would it trample vnder feet? What strength, vigour, resolution and forwardnesse in wel-doing would it nourish and conserue? The sharpest spurre to incite vnto and encourage to goe forward in the workes of holinesse, is affiance of fauourable acceptation.
1Every Christian is allowed to believe that God will strengthen him by his grace to walk in obedience, and make him able through the hearing of the Scriptures to cast off his old conversation. For God hath promised in Covenant that he will teach them the way that they shall choose, guide them with his eye, and put his fear into their hearts, that they shall not depart from his Commandments. The Spirit of grace is promised and given to all true and unfeigned Believers, to lead them into all truth ⟨p. 385⟩an• holiness. As many as be the children of God,2 they are led by the Spirit of God; and the law of the Spirit of life, in Jesus Christ,3 hath freed them from the law of sin an• death. The Lord when he sendeth forth his servants upon any message or business, doth evermore promise to be with them to aide and assist them in the execution of it. Thus the Lord promised to Moses, Go, 4and I will be wit• thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. Thus our Saviour to his Disciples, Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world. 5And thus David encouraged his Son Solomon, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, even, my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. And the same promise belongeth to them, that yield obedience to his Commandments: for the work is his, and he will not fail nor forsake them, that set their hearts and souls to seek him, and do the thing that is good in his fight. Whatsoever the Saints have and may beg in prayer according to the will and pleasure of God, they are allowed to believe that they shall obtain it, and be answered in their requests with favourable acceptation, so far as shall be for their good, and the glory of God: But the servants of God have and do beg grace to bring forth fruits worthy repentance and amendment of life.6 I will run the race of thy Commandments, when thou shalt enlarge mine heart. Teach me the way of thy statutes, O Lord, and I shall keep it unto the end. Make me to go in the paths of thy Commandments, 7for therein do I delight. Teach me thy way, O Lord, 8I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy Name. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: 9for thou art the God of my salvation, on the• do I wait all the day.
1Euery Christian is allowed to belieue that God will strengthen him by his grace to walke in obedience, and make him able through the hearing of the Scriptu•es to cast off his old conuersation. For God hath promised in Couenant that he will teach them the way that they shall chuse, guide them with his eye, and put his feare into their hearts, that they shall not depart from his Commandements. The Spirit of grace is promised and giuen to all true and vnfained Belieuers, to lead them into all truth ⟨p. 385⟩an• holinesse. As many as be the children of God,2 they are led by the Spirit of God; and the law of the Spirit of life, in Iesus Christ,3 hath freed them from the law of sinne an• death. The Lord when he sendeth forth his seruants vpon any message or businesse, doth euermore promise to be with them to aide and assist them in the execution of it. Thus the Lord promised to Moses, Goe, 4and I will be wit• thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. Thus our Sauiour to his Disciples, Loe, I am with you alwayes, euen to the end of the world. 5And thus Dauid encouraged his Sonne Salomon, Bee strong and of good courage, and doe it: feare not, nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, euen, my God, will be with thee; hee will not faile thee nor forsake thee, vntill thou hast finished all the worke for the seruice of the house of the Lord. And the same promise belongeth to them, that yeeld obedience to his Commandements: for the worke is his, and he will not faile nor forsake them, that set their hearts and soules to seeke him, and doe the thing that is good in his fight. Whatsoeuer the Saints haue and may begge in prayer according to the will and pleasure of God, they are allowed to belieue that they shall obtaine it, and bee answered in their requests with fauourable acceptation, so farre as shall be for their good, and the glorie of God: But the seruants of God haue and doe begge grace to bring forth fruits worthy repentance and amendement of life.6 I will runne the race of thy Commandements, when thou shalt inlarge mine heart. Teach me the way of thy statutes, O Lord, and I shall keepe it vnto the end. Make me to goe in the paths of thy Commandements,
1Christians are allowed to believe that God will enable to obedience. Jer. 32.39, 40.Christians are allowed to belieue that God will enable to obedience. Ier. 32.39, 40.
Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. 1Teach •e thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path because ⟨p. 386⟩of mine enemies. The faithful have bound themselves by covenant & oath to keep the righteous judgements of the Lord.2 I have sworn, and I wil• perform it that I will keep thy righteous judgements. But they came not to this covenant & oath, as trusting in their own strength, but in assurance of divine assistance; as the Prophet prayeth, I will ke•pe thy statutes, O forsake me not utterly. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Order my steps in thy word, and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. 3Make thy face to shine upon thy servant, and teach me thy statutes. God will perfect the saving work, which he hath begun in any of his children: for the gifts that flow from his eternal and free grace are without repentance. God who calleth us according to his purpose is faithful, who will also confirm us un•o the end,4 that we may be blameless in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul saith, he lived by faith in the Son of God, by whom he was strengthened with ability to perform whatsoever was required of him. Notwithstanding all the hope of help that he had, yet he complaineth of the rebellion of his flesh,5 which did mightily resist the Spirit in him: But still he was confident in the promise of God, that he should be delivered from every evil work,6 & preserved unto the heavenly kingdom Now in all this Paul had no peculiar prerogative above other Christians: but what he expected from God, they m•y all hope f•r.7 The acts of faith touching that obedience which we owe unto God in Christ are these or the like.
Hold vp my goings in thy paths, that my footst•ps slip not. 1Teach •e thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plaine path because ⟨p. 386⟩of mine enemies. The faithfull haue bound themselues by couenant & oath to keep the righteous iudgements of the Lord.2 I haue sworne, and I wil• p•rforme it that I will keep thy righteous iudgements. But they came not to this couenant & oath, as trusting in their own strength, but in assurance of diuine assistance; as the Prophet prayeth, I will ke•pe thy statut•s, O forsake mee not vtterly. Incline my heart vnto thy testimonies, and not to couetousnesse. Order my steps in thy word, and let not any iniquitie haue dominion ouer me. 3Make thy face to shine vpon thy seruant, and teach me thy statutes. God will perfect the sauing worke, which he hath begunne in any of his children: for the gifts that flow from his eternall and free grace are without repentance. God who calleth vs according to his purpose is faithfull, who will also confirme vs vn•o the end,4 that we may be blamelesse in the day of the Lord Iesus Ch•ist. Paul saith, he liued by faith in the Sonne of God, by whom he was strengthened with abilitie to performe whatsoeuer was required of him. Notwithstanding all the hope of helpe that hee had, yet hee complaineth of the rebellion of his flesh,5 which did m•ghtily resist the Spirit in him: But still he was confident in the promise of God, that he should be deliuered from euery euil work,6 & preserued vnto the heauenly kingdome Now in all this Paul had no peculiar prerogatiue aboue other Christians: but what he expected from God, they m•y all hope fr.
First, I• makes a man wise to discern what is lawful, good, and seasonable, both in respect of the work, the means, and circumstances of it. David saith, he was wiser then his Enemies,1 then his Teachers then the Ancient: & he ••nder• the cause thereof from the work of his faith;2 for thy testimonies are ever with me, they are my meditation, & the men of my counsel with whom I advise.
First, I• mak•s a man wise to discerne what is lawfull, good, and seasonable, both in respect of the worke, the meanes, and circumstances of it. Dauid saith, hee was wiser then his Enemies,1 then his Teachers then the Ancient: & he ••nder• the cause thereof from the work of his faith;2 for thy testimonies are euer with me, they are my meditation, & the men of my counsel with whom I ad•ise.
Secondly, It c•rbes and bridles inordinate passions▪ and overcomes •ll impediments, temptations, difficulties ⟨p. 387⟩and allurements to the contrary.1 This is the victory whereby we overcome the world, even our faith. For faith being well-rooted, possessing the heart, and having its force united by close reposal therein, commands every delight, affection, or pleasure of our souls, and breaks the violence of every inclination contrary to such motion as it suggests; seeing no hopes can be equal to the reward which it proposeth to the constant and resolute, no fears comparable to the terrors which it represents to the negligent or slothful followers of such courses as it prescribes. What?2 that faith sets an inestimable price upon the pearl of the Gospel, accounting all other things as dross an• dung in comparison, which causeth a free and advised renouncing of all interest in the world, the flesh,3•nd all their appurtenances, for assurance of it, with as great willingness as good husbands fors•ke base tenements, and hard-rented leases, to compass some goodly royalty and large possessions, offered them more then half for nothing. Again, faith fighteth against temptations and enticements unto sin by the power of Christ, which cannot be vanquished. Satan and the world are too strong for us, standing in our own might: but by the grace of God, le•ning upon his power, we remain invincible. The strength of nature is corrupt, feeble, and defiled through sin; and therefore the truth which it taketh hold off, it hath not effectually. But faith hath joined with it the inspiration of God, and the power of the holy Ghost, and therefore it taketh hold of the truth effectually. Wherefore this difference is not in the truth it •elfe, but in the mean and instrument whereby we embrace it. Hereof it cometh, that by f•ith we are changed, but in the other case we remain the self-same that we were before. A clear testimony of this we h ue in th• Gospel. Christ set forth to the young-man, what he should do to obtain salvation: but when he heard, he was not p•rswad•d to obey, but went away sorrowful.4⟨p. 388⟩Contrariwise Matthew, 5so soon as he was called, embraced the same with so great faith, that h•e left his money and Customer-ship, and straight-way followed Christ.6
Secondly, It c•rbes and bridles inordinate passions▪ and ouercomes •ll impediments, temptations, difficulties ⟨p. 387⟩and allurements to the contrarie.1 This is the victorie whereby we ouercome the world, euen our faith. For faith be•ng wel-rooted, possessing the heart, and hauing its force vnited by close reposall therein, comman•s euery delight, affection, or pleasure of our soules, and breakes the violence of euery inclination contrarie to such motion as it suggests; seeing no hopes can be equall to the reward which it proposeth to the constant and resolute, no feares compar•ble to the terrors which it represents to the negl•gent or slothfull followers of such courses as it pres•r•bes. What?2 that faith sets an inestimable price vpon the pearle of the Gospell, accounting all other things as drosse an• dung in comparison, which causeth a free and aduised renouncing of all interest in the world, the flesh,3•nd all their appurtenances, for assurance of it, with as great willingnesse as good husbands fors•ke base tenements, and hard-rented leases, to compasse some goodly royalty and large possessions, offered them more then halfe for nothing. Againe, faith fighteth against temptations and inti•ements vnto sinne by the power of Christ, which cannot be vanquished. Satan and the world are too strong for vs, standing in our owne might: but by the grace of God, le•ning vpon his power, wee remaine inuincible. The strength of nature is corrupt, feeble, and defiled through sinne; and therefore the truth which it taketh hold off, it hath not effectually. But faith hath ioyned with it the inspiration of God, and the power of the holy Ghost, and therefore it taketh hold of the truth eff•ctually. Wherefore this difference is not in the truth it elfe, but in the meane and instrument whereby wee embrace it. Hereof it commeth, tht by fith we are changd, but in the other case we remaine the selfe-same that wee were before. A cleare testimonie of this wee h ue in th Gospell. Chrst set forth to the young-man, what he should doe to obtine saluation: but when hee heard, hee was not prswadd to obey, but went away sorrowful.
And Zacheus when he had heard of the Lord, that he would turn in unto him, he not only received him into his house with a glad heart, but also offered immediately to distribute half his goods to the poor, and to restore four-fold, if he had defrauded any man. Indeed passions are not so bridled, nor corruptions so killed that they do not stir, and resist the work of faith: But the force and power of them is so far subdued, that they shall not reign, or hale us ordinarily to that which is evil. Whatsoever inordinateness faith can espy, it doth presently condemn before the throne of grace, and endeavour the killing of it by the power and efficacy of Christs death, which it doth happily effect in measure and by degrees. Hast thou then been long kept under of some violent passion, strong corruption, or customary vice, against which thou hast resolved and resolved, but not prevailed or gotten victory? Get thee to Christ, and by faith thou shalt draw virtue from him to cure thy infirmities. Die to thy self, renounce the broken reed of thine own free-will, which hath so often deceived thee: and put all thy trust in the grace of Christ, and it will crucify the old man, and give him his deaths wound. Be weak in thy self, and strong in the Lord, and through faith thou shalt be more then conqueror. Dig up the fallow ground of thy heart, that the word of the Kingdom may take deeper root in it, raise thy soul to an holy admiration of the promises of life, stir up thy self to cleave and adhere firmly to the grace of God: as faith increaseth, the power of corruption will languish and decrease. Admirable is the efficacy of faith well planted in the heart, it casteth down strong holds, and brings every imagination into subjection.
And Zacheus when hee had heard of the Lord, that hee would turne in vnto him, hee not only receiued him into his house with a glad heart, but also offered immediately to distribute halfe his goods to the poore, and to restore foure-fold, if he had defrauded any man. Indeed p•ssions are not so bridled, nor corruptions so killed that they doe not stirre, and resist the worke of faith: But the force and power of them is so farre subdued, that they shall not raigne, or hale vs ordinarily to that which is euill. Whatsoeuer inordin•tenesse faith can espie, it doth presently condemne before the throne of grace, and endeauour the killing of it by the power and efficacie of Christs death, which it doth happily eff•ct in measure and by degrees. Hast thou then beene long kept vnder of some violent passion, strong corruption, or customarie vice, against which thou hast resolued and resolued, but not preuailed or gotten victorie? Get thee to Christ, and by faith thou shalt draw vertue from him to cure thy infirmities. Die to thy selfe, renounce the broken reed of thine owne free-will, which hath so often deceiued thee: and put all thy trust in the grace of Christ, and it will crucifie the old man, and giue him his deaths wound. Bee weake in thy selfe, and strong in the Lord, and through faith thou shalt be more then conquerour. Digge vp the fallow ground of thy heart, that the word of the Kingdome may take deeper root in it, raise thy soule to an holy admiration of the promises of life, stirre vp thy selfe to cleaue and adhere firmely to the grace of God: as faith increaseth, the power of corruption will languish and decrease. Admirable is the efficacie of faith well planted in the heart, it casteth downe strong holds, and brings euery imagination into s•biection.
Thirdly, It enableth to obey: for it purifieth the heart, ⟨p. 389⟩seasoneth every faculty of soul reasonable and sensual, qualifieth and strengtheneth our natural inclinations to good, and altereth the taste of every appetite.1 By faith we are partakers of the divine nature: by faith Christ dwelleth in our hearts: by faith we receive the Spirit of promise, who is greater then he that is in the world: No marvel then, if that be sweet and delightful to the believing heart, which is tedious and irksome to the unregenerate. How came David to that high delight in Gods service, that he loved the Commandments of God more then thousands of gold and silver, the honey and the honey comb? That he rose at mid-night to meditate in them, was it not by faith? The grace of Christ, the power of the Spirit, and the Word of life, do change the disposition of the soul; so far as they enter and be received into it. But by faith their virtue is diffused into the whole mass.
Thirdly, It inableth to obey: for it purifieth the heart, ⟨p. 389⟩seasoneth euery facultie of soule reasonable and sensuall, qualifieth and st•engtheneth our naturall inclinations to good, and altereth the taste of euery appetite.1 By faith wee are partakers of the diuine nature: by faith Christ dwelleth in our hearts: by faith we receiue the Spirit of promise, who is greater then he that is in the world: No maruell then, if that bee sweet and delightfull to the belieuing heart, which is tedious and irkesome to the vnregenerate. How came Dauid to that high delight in Gods seruice, that he loued the Commandements of God more then thousands of gold and siluer, the honey and the honey combe? That hee rose at mid-night to meditate in them, was it not by faith? The grace of Christ, the power of the Spirit, and the Word of life, doe change the disposition of the soule; so farre as they enter and be receiued into it. But by faith their vertue is diffused into the whole masse.
The obedience of the faithfull which through the power of grace they performe, is weake & imperfect, but pleasing & acceptable vnto God. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that feare him: in those that hope in his mercy. The Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautifie the meeke with saluation. In euery nation he that feareth God and worketh righteousnesse, is accepted of him. The Lord by Moses did often times tell his people that they offering vp their sacrifices,
as liuely stones are built vp a spirituall house, an holy Preisthood, to offer vp spirituall sacrifice, acceptable to God by Iesus Christ. Children obey your parents in all things,
Faith worketh by loue, which constraineth men to doe the will of God, and submit themselues to his holy Commandements. The strength of faith to it seuerall obiects is vniforme, that assurance of forgiuenesse cannot be greater then care of obedience. The very consciousnesse of any one sin wherevnto we haue beene indulgent;
