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…

Eighthly, As faith quickeneth to labour and do what pertaineth to our calling, so it teacheth to moderate cares, confine desires of earthly things, and commit our selves to God▪ for the success of our work. Labour is mans duty; good success is the blessing of God. Men commonly ⟨p. 405⟩take upon them a double care; one to do the works of their place, the other to take thought about the blessing and success of their labours. But faith in Gods Word, where it reigns, applieth the hearts of men to the performance of their duties, and leaveth the blessing of their endeavours to the good will and pleasure of God. Thus we are exhorted to do.¹ Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. A Christian is to consider the difficulty of all things pertaining to him, and what danger is in them. He is diligently to set his hand to the work, and through negligence to omit nothing that is of moment to effect and bring it to pass. But having taken counsel and laboured painfully, he must lay aside care of the event, and roll his burden upon the Lord, who hath promised that all things shall be well regarded. And this faith hath an infallible ground, namely, that God best knows our wants, and will give us all things, which in his heavenly wisdom he knoweth to be necessary.² Your heavenly Father knows that ye have need of these things, that is, food and raiment. Cast your care on God, for he careth for you. Nothing shall be wanting unto them that fear God. And thus faith building upon these promises, obtaineth a greater blessing of God with less care, toil and vexation,³ then worldlings can by all their cunning shifts, sleights and devices. Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established. Faith also restraineth the desires of transitory things,⁴ as it lifteth up the heart to better and more durable riches, seeketh the Kingdom of Heaven, hungers and thirsteth after righteousness,