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…

Secondly, It teacheth submission to Gods direction, and dependeth upon his help and assistance.¹ It asketh counsel at the word, and followeth the determination of it. It chooseth what God approveth, though to humane wisdom it seem bootless and improbable: it rejecteth what God condemneth, though to corrupt reason it promise profit and contentment. For true confidence is obediential, subjecting it self to the will of God as the rule of holiness, acknowledging his sovereignty, subscribing to his wisdom as most absolute, and to his ways as most true, just and merciful. And as it consulteth with God, so it putteth over all business into his hands, and in a manner out of our own. For it trusteth to him for ability to the work, provision of the means, the disposition of them,² and good success to come by them. Yea, though all means fail, and all thing• seem to make against the proceedings, faith relieth upon God, who is everlasting, ⟨p. 409⟩unchangeable, the same for ever. The eye of faith is ever towards the Lord, that he may instruct and guide in the way; that he would be with us to enable in the work we take in hand. And for the means, it looketh to have such ministered which may advance our just designs, and esteemeth them most precious,³ which he shall put into our hands. To provide means is the work of God: it only belongs to us to use them which he shall grant in mercy. And seeing we have not this wisdom and ability of our selves, faith expecteth both from the hand of God, scil. to prepare means and make us wise to take the opportunity. The props of this faith are these two.⁴

Secondly, It teacheth submission to Gods direction, and dependeth vpon his helpe and assistance.¹ It asketh counsell at the word, and followeth the determination of it. It chuseth what God approueth, though to humane wisdome it seeme bootlesse and improbable: it reiecteth what God condemneth, though to corrupt reason it promise profit and contentment. For true confidence is obedientiall, subiecting it selfe to the will of God as the rule of holinesse, acknowledging his souereigntie, subscribing to his wisdome as most absolute, and to his wayes as most true, iust and mercifull. And as it consulteth with God, so it putteth ouer all businesse into his hands, and in a manner out of our owne. For it trusteth to him for abilitie to the worke, prouision of the meanes, the disposition of them,