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…

It is necessary we should live by faith,¹ to prevent the the evils which beset us in our ordinary callings: covetousness, injustice, impatience, and distracting care. Naturally men are apt to encumber themselves with superfluous business, and trouble themselves about the event and success: they content not themselves with their lot and condition, but desire to heap up riches and increase their substance above measure: they forecast many things in their heads long before; and know no end of their cares. The trouble men meet with in the world, begets love of the world; and whether they be crossed or prosper, the more they be exercised about the things of this life, the more they follow after them with greediness, vexation discontent, plotting and devising how to compass their designs, whether by right or wrong, fraud or oppression. The sovereign remedy against those and other the like mischiefs, which we are prone to run into, is a lively f•ith, which lifteth up the heart to better things, then ought is to be found under the moon, quietly submitteth unto the good pleasure of God, commendeth the success and event of all honest endeavours unto his Highness, and resteth upon his grace for present help •nd future supply in the use of such means as he hath ordained. Without faith it is impossible to please God. ²God ⟨p. 400⟩is the Author of every honest vocation, and by his appointment men ought to labour in some particular state or condition of life: but that work is not acceptable, which is not done in faith. If faith do not quicken, season, and guide the works of our calling, they are dead and carnal as they come from us, neither begun upon sound ground, nor done in uniform and right manner, nor directed to a right end. That which should put life into the action is absent, if faith be lacking. Experience is of great use in a godly life, both to confirm faith, strengthen hope, preserve love, overcome temptations, and direct in difficulties. But the ready means to get grounded experience, is to live by faith in the works of our vocation, and observe how the Lord dealeth with us therein according to his word.

It is necessarie wee should liue by faith,