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…

Ninthly, It supporteth with strength patiently to bear the miseries and calamities that accompany us in our callings. Ever since the fall of Adam, labour and affliction ⟨p. 406⟩attend every state and condition of life, both which are easily digested by faith. If we be crossed in the good things we go about, faith considereth, that this cometh to pass by the good providence of God, who sometimes crosseth our good and lawful attempts, least we should trust in our selves, despise the poor and afflicted, and be glued fast to these earthly things. Also it remembers us of Gods dear and tender love, who of mere favour doth chastise, and will so order, that all miseries shall in the end turn to our good. And by such like meditations it worketh the soul to contentation in every estate.¹ I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, & I know how to abound: every where, in all things I am instructed, both to be full, & to be hungry, both to abound, and to suffer need. Moreover, f•ith turneth crosses into advantage: as it calleth the afflicted unto the examination of his ways, and reformation of what is amiss, worketh self-denial, emptieth the heart of the love of base and transitory things, quickeneth unto prayer, causeth to relish mercy with more sweetness, and covet spiritual things more earnestly, reviveth hope, and gaineth experience of Gods favour and tender compassion.

Ninthly, It supporteth with strength patiently to beare the miseries and calamities that accompany vs in our cal•ings. Euer since the fall of Adam, labour and affliction ⟨p. 406⟩attend euery state and condition of life, both which are easily digested by faith. If wee be crossed in the good things we goe about, faith considereth, that this commeth to passe by the good prouidence of God, who sometimes crosseth our good and lawfull attempts, least wee should trust in our selu•s, despise the poore and afflicted, and be glued fast to these earthly things. Also it remembers vs of Gods deare and tender loue, who of meere fauour doth chastice, and will so order, that all miseries shall in the end turne to our good. And by such like meditations it worketh the soule to contentation in euery estate.