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…

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.

¹The markes of true faith are first, that faith doth purifie the heart, Acts 15.9. the heart of man by nature is a sinke of abhominations, the very imaginations evill, and that continually: it breaths forth nothing but uncleannesse, hatred, selfe-love, worldlinesse, with whole swarms of evil thoughts: it is evill, and wholly evill, even in all the corners of the will, understanding, memory, affections, full of corruption, over-spread with the leprosie of sinne. Now the office of faith is by vertue of strength from Christ, and grace from his fulnesse, as also in consideration of those promises whereunto it doth entitle the beleever, to sweepe the nasty corners of the soule, to stampe it in another mould. So faith enlightens the understanding, that was nothing but darkenesse, makes the will to incline and follow after righteousnesse, whereunto it