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…

First, Faith causeth self-denial in respect of judgement, wisdom and power: for we are blind in choosing, foolish in resolving what is to be done:¹ what is right in our eyes is abominable before God. Nor is our wisdom to dispose and manage matte•s resolved on, of greater ripeness and perfection. Our own counsel oft leads us awry in things corporal, either we miss of the right manner, or use right means amiss, either we lean upon deceitful ⟨p. 408⟩props, or take a good staff by the wrong end. And if we be brought into distress, then how are we plunged in our consultations, not knowing which way to turn our selves. As for power to accomplish any work,² though never so well conceived, though means never so potent, so ready at hand, so well ordered: though the business be in never so good forwardness, we have it not. Alas, poor impotent creatures, what can we do of our selves, who cannot keep our breath for one moment? In God we live, and move, and have our being: and he that maintains life must perfect all our works for us. In matter of profit no man can say,³ my power, my labour, the might of my hand hath gotten me this wealth. Nor in point of honour, By my policy I have builded my nest on high, by the strength of my arm I have gotten me the victory.⁴ This weakness is discovered by faith, which in every business worketh self-denial, knowing the beginning, direction and success of all honest labours to be of grace.

First, Faith causeth selfe-deniall in respect of iudgement, wisdome and power: for we are blinde in chusing, foolish in resoluing what is to be done:¹ what is right in our eyes is abominable before God. Nor is our wisdome to dispose and mannage matte•s resolued on, of greater ripenesse and perfection. Our own counsell oft leads vs awry in things corporall, either we misse of the right manner, or vse right meanes amisse, either we leane vpon deceitfull