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…

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