A03064:631
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.
Sixthly, It fires the heart with such an indefatigable and unquenchable love,1 that in comparison of obedience it contemneth the whole world. For it acquainteth with the incomprehensible mercy and favour of God towards us in giving his Son, pardoning and forgiving manifold offences, lading us with his daily blessings: It representeth the inestimable joy, that is prepared for them that walk before God in holiness and righteousness: and this inflameth the heart to follow hard after the Lord.2 When by faith we discern what love the Lord beareth unto us, we cannot but return love for love.3 Many sins are forgiven her therefore she loveth much. And from all these acts it followeth, That what a temporary believer doth by the halves, superficially, or with an halting divided heart, that the true and unfeigned believer takes in hand with an entire, sound, upright affection. What in the one is a lifeless action, the out-side, or carcass of a good work; that in the other is a good work indeed, springing from an holy, well-planted confidence in the mercy of God, and resolute adherence to his Commandments, which (as the animal faculty) impels to that exercise. The self-same duties may be done by the civill man and by the believer for the out-side and deed done: both may go to Church, hear a Sermon, read a Chapter, give an Alms, make a Prayer; but the one goeth as a Bear to the stake in comparison of the other, who is moved by faith: or let the civill mans delight be as it may, his acts ⟨p. 392⟩are lifeless, because they issue not from an obediential confidence in the Lords mercy.
Sixtly, It fires the heart with such an indefatigable and vnquenchable loue,1 that in comparison of obedience it contemneth the whole world. For it acquainteth with the incomprehensible mercie and fauour of God towards vs in giuing his Sonne, pardoning and forgiuing manifold offences, lading vs with his daily blessings: It representeth the inestimable ioy, that is prepared for them that walke before God in holinesse and righteousnesse: and this enflameth the heart to follow hard after the Lord.