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, By it we discern the Sacrament to be the holy Ordinance of God, instituted for our special good and benefit, sealing unto us the promises, which God of his free mercy hath made unto us in Jesus Christ. By faith we understand what promises God hath made, for what cause, in whom he hath made them, what he requireth, and how he hath sealed his free promises in the Sacrament. And the certain, distinct, clear, effectual knowledge of this point, is a matter of singular and great importance. For if worldly men make good account of a sufficient mans security for some great sum of money; ⟨p. 429⟩in what esteem will a Christian have this pledge of Gods favour, when he certainly understands what it doth signify and assure?

First, By it wee discerne the Sacrament to bee the holy Ordinance of God, instituted for our speciall good and benefit, sealing vnto vs the promises, which God of his free mercie hath made vnto vs in Iesus Christ. By faith wee vnderstand what promises God hath made, for what cause, in whom he hath made them, what hee requireth, and how hee hath sealed his free promises in the Sacrament. And the certaine, distinct, cleare, effectuall knowledge of this point, is a matter of singular and great importance. For if worldly men make good account of a sufficient mans securitie for some great summe of money; ⟨p. 429⟩in what esteeme will a Christian haue this pledge of Gods fauour, when hee certainly vnderstands what it doth signifie and assure?

Secondly, By it we see what the Lord doth offer unto us therein, how excellent and precious it is, with what assurance it is freely tendered, and may be received. The outward signs in the Sacrament are visible to the bodily eye: but the inward grace signified and sealed thereby, which must seriously be considered and minded of us, is not manifest, but to the understanding enlightened by the Spirit, and seasoned by faith, which only can judge distinctly of it worth and excellency.