A03064:636
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.
Eighthly, It doth confirm in obedience, and prick forward therein, though it be in manifold and bitter persecutions: It puts into us both courage and constancy to sight ⟨p. 393⟩against the strongest lusts, and set upon the practice of the most difficult duties, notwithstanding all opposition from the World or the Devil; yea, though we have been foiled, or taken the repulse. He will not fear the subduing of the most head-strong passion, who resteth upon God for power and ability, nor be dismayed because once he hath received a foil, who depends upon God for strength to recover; nor dread the might of his greatest adversary, who knoweth that God will be at his right hand to sustain and strengthen him; nor start aside in the most difficult duty, whose heart is fast linked unto the Lord; and relieth upon his grace to be enabled unto whatsoever he is pleased to call him.1 By faith Abraham sojourned in the land of promise, and minded not to return to his native Country, though he had opportunity. By faith,2 being tried of God he offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises, offered up his only begotten Son. By faith some were tortured, not accepting deliverance, some stoned, some slain with the sword:3 Faith encourageth to constancy in well-doing, by assuring of Gods all-seeing presence, powerful protection, continual assistance, gracious acceptance, good success, and everlasting recompense: Be strong in the Lord, 4and in the power of his might. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, 5and he shall strengthen thine heart. For the God will help me, therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know that I shall not be confounded. 6Let us go forth therefore unto him without the Camp, bearing his reproach. For here we have no continuing City, but we seek one to come. By faith Moses did choose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God,