A03599:502
The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of…The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of…
The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of adoption and trial thereof. In three treatises on the texts following: viz. Matt. 16.24. 2 Cor. 13.5. John 1.12,13. By T.H.The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of adoption and triall thereof. In three treatises on the texts following: viz. Matt. 16.24. 2 Cor. 13.5. Iohn 1.12,13. By T.H.
London: printed by T. Badger for P. Stephens and C. Meredith, 1640
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The third point is, what be the marks whereby this saving faith is discerned from the mock-faith that is in the world? The voice of Gods spirit witnessing to us, and with us touching the pardon of sin, from satanical delusions, or natural presumptions?
The third point is, what be the markes whereby this saving faith is discerned from the mocke-faith that is in the world? The voyce of Gods spirit witnessing to us, and with us touching the pardon of sinne, from satanicall delusions, or naturall presumptions?
1The marks of true faith are first, that faith doth purify the heart, Acts 15.9. the heart of man by nature is a sink of abominations, the very imaginations evil, and that continually: it breaths forth nothing but uncleanness, hatred, self-love, worldliness, with whole swarms of evil thoughts: it is evil, and wholly evil, even in all the corners of the will, understanding, memory, affections, full of corruption, over-spread with the leprosy of sin. Now the office of faith is by virtue of strength from Christ, and grace from his fullness, as also in consideration of those promises whereunto it doth entitle the believer, to sweep the nasty corners of the soul, to stamp it in another mould. So faith enlightens the understanding, that was nothing but darkness, makes the will to incline and follow after righteousness, whereunto it ⟨p. 251⟩was before most rebellious; sanctifies the affections, sorrow, fear, anger, &c. draws them from earth to heaven; infuseth into the memory a retentive faculty of that which is good, in respect whereof it was before as a riven dish. Wouldest thou then know whether thy faith be such as will abide the touchstone? weigh with thy self what strength it giveth thee to purge and cleanse thy soul; if none at all, then there is no truth nor soundness in it.