A09432:1124
A godly and learned exposition of Christs Sermon in the Mount
A godly and learned exposition of Christs Sermon in the Mount: preached in Cambridge by that reverend and judicious divine M. William Perkins. Published at the request of his executors by Th. Pierson preacher of Gods word. Whereunto is adjoined a twofold table: one, of special points here handled; the other, of choice places of Scripture here quotedA godly and learned exposition of Christs Sermon in the Mount: preached in Cambridge by that reuerend and iudicious diuine M. William Perkins. Published at the request of his exequutors by Th. Pierson preacher of Gods word. Whereunto is adioyned a twofold table: one, of speciall points here handled; the other, of choise places of Scripture here quoted
Cambridge : Printed by Thomas Brooke and Cantrell Legge, printers to the University of Cambridge, 1608Cambridge : Printed by Thomas Brooke and Cantrell Legge, printers to the Vniuersitie of Cambridge, 1608
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.
Here then we may observe a distinction of faith in regard of degree1 and measure; to wit, that beside that full assurance, whereby a2 man so resteth on Gods promises, that he nothing doubteth through unbelief, as it is said of Abraham, Rom. 4. 20. there is a weak faith 3mingled with much doubting, such as was in Christs disciples at this time. And howsoever that doubting which is in weak faith be evil, and here reproved, yet the faith it self is true faith, and such as brings a man to the state of Adoption and of salvation: for Christ before this reproof, acknowledged of his Disciples that they were Gods children, calling God their heavenly Father. If any shall say or think that this weak faith cannot save a man, because his unbelief being more then his faith, shall have more force to condemn him then his faith to save him: I answer, that no man is saved by his faith, because it is perfect without doubting, but because thereby he layeth hold on Gods mercy in Christ: now a weak faith may do this truly, though not so perfectly and with such comfort as a strong faith doth: and the doubting and unbelief that is in weak faith cannot condemn us, if so be we bewail our unbelief, and use means diligently to come by a full assurance: for by this weak faith we are in Christ, and in him all our wants and sins are pardoned. Which point must carefully be observed and remembered,4 for the stay and comfort of their souls, that have in them but this weak saith, and are troubled much with distrust and doubting. And this is many a true child of Gods estate, for every one cannot attain to Abraham's full assurance: but be not discouraged, O thou of little faith; thy doubting and distrust may trouble and grieve thee, but if thou bewail and lament it, it shall not condemn thee; only labour diligently in the means for further ⟨p. 389⟩increase, and by thy weak faith desire to lay hold on Christ, and so shall all thy wants be covered, and thy sins pardoned; for endless is Gods mercy in this behalf, he will not break the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax, Isay 42. 3.