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…

CHAP. III.

Of Justifying faith what it is, and what things are implied therein.

Of Iustifying faith what it is, and what things are implied therein.

§. 1. Justifying faith presupposeth the knowledge of God and Christ,¹ of the precepts of the word, and promises of the Gospel. Knowledge is an antecedent, if not a part of faith. Knowledge, I say, not of the reason and nature of the th ngs, but of revelation which rests in the meaning of the testimony distinctly understood. The things which God commandeth us to believe exceed all natural capacity, cannot be known in their essence and properties as things natural are by the light of reason: But every believer must know it to be the Word of God which he receiveth, and what is signified thereby, and the things to be as they are revealed, though he cannot comprehend the reason or causes of them.² Knowledge is put for faith, as that which ever accompanieth it. When God enricheth men with faith, he is said to open their eyes, to reveal unto them the mystery of his will, and they are said to be taught and instructed of him. Out of question, faith is a most wise grace, making them that be endued therewith wise unto salvation, and that evident to the believer which of it self is incomprehensible. In faith historical there must be knowledge of the history and truth of the Gospel, much more in faith Justifying. There is such relation betwixt Faith and the Word,³ that without the Word there can be no Faith, as the foundation being taken away, that which should be built upon it, cannot stand. The order whereby men are brought to the faith is this; first they hear, and then they believe. Faith is an assent to the truth and promises of God. But no assent can be given to a thing utterly unknown. What is more absurd then to dream of a blind assent to we know not