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…

Sixthly, It strengtheneth against manifold troubles, disgraces, oppositions & discouragements that men meet withal in their places; and enableth to go throughstitch with our business in ill report and good report, in honour and disgrace. Distrust bringeth forth weariness and fainting: faith persisteth in the work, notwithstanding all difficulties which may arise, either from the daily continuance of the labour, or other impediments. F•ith either neglecteth, or removeth, or breaketh through all lets and obstacles. Worldlings and hypocrites are disheartened in their business, because no man ⟨p. 404⟩respects their pains, is well-pleased with their doings; let them do what they can, they shall not have a good word: But the sound believer is abundantly satisfied with Gods approbation and reward, and goeth on cheerfully,¹ though men show him no countenance, allow no recompense; yea though he be molested, persecuted, imprisoned, killed for well-doing. If God be pleased to vouchsafe other encouragements to take pains, faith makes use of them with thankfulness: but if they be wanting, it will not give place to negligence or remissness.² With me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of mans judgement. Nor of men sought we glory, ³neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome as the Apostles of Christ. ⁴But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless and I count all things but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things; and do count them but dung that I may win Christ.

Sixtly, It strengtheneth against manifold troubles, disgraces, oppositions & discouragements that men meete withall in their places; and inableth to goe throughstitch with our businesse in ill report and good report, in honour and disgrace. Distrust bringeth forth wearinesse and fainting: faith persisteth in the worke, notwithstanding all difficulties which may arise, either from the dayly continuance of the labour, or other impediments. Fith either neglecteth, or remoueth, or breaketh through all lets and obstacles. Worldlings and hyporites are disheartened in their businesse, because no man