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…

The faithful are bound, and it is behovefull for them, to believe the threatenings.

The faithfull are bound, and it is behouefull for them, to belieue the threatnings.

God is aswell just as merciful, faithful and true as well in his threats, as in his promises: and therefore equally to be believed in both, so far as in his word he hath assured us of both. He who is certain of his salvation, knoweth assuredly he should be damned, if he should go on in sin without repentance, and shall taste of much bitterness, if he grow indulgent to his corruptions. It is as sure, that God will condemn the wicked and impenitent, as that he will save the righteous and repentant.¹ If Paul beat not down his body, and bring it into subjection, he shall be as dross and refuse. If the righteous forsake his righteousness and commit wickedness, ²or be a worker of iniquity, all his former righteousness shall be forgotten. The godly man is not slavishly to fear falling away, or running into destruction, but wisely to believe the threatenings, to prevent falling into sin, and so into condemnation. The subject, who feareth the punishment of the law, and keepeth himself innocent, taketh a wise course for his own security. Every part of Scripture is Gods word, of certain and and undoubted truth, which cannot be gain-said, written for the benefit and profit of them, who shall be heirs of salvation: But the threatenings are part of the word of God.³ Whatsoever things were written afore-time (even as well examples of judgement inflicted upon transgressors, and threatenings denounced against them that shall offend, as promises of mercy to allure unto obedience) were written for our learning and instruction.⁴ In the state of innocency there was use of threatenings, so is there in the state of grace. As a means to keep our first parents from sin,