How to live, and that well in all estates and times, specially when helps…How to liue, and that well in all estates and times, specially when helps…

This done: then follows the third point, and that is, that we must search and inquire what is the substance and scope of the word of god. The scope of the whole Bible is Christ with his benefits, and he is revealed, propounded, and offered unto us in the main promise of the word: the tenor whereof ⟨p. 78⟩is, That God will give remission of sins and life everlasting to such as will believe in Christ. To this main promise, God hath added a main commandment, which bids us to believe the said promise,¹ or to apply Christ with his benefits unto our selves. Now then our third duty is, to subject our hearts and wills to this commandment that bids us believe in Christ. This is the subjection of faith, of which two things must be observed. One is, that this is the first subjection that we can give to God, to trust him upon his promise for the pardon of our sins, and for life eternal. And from this subjection of faith ariseth our ⟨p. 79⟩subjection to the whole word. In Christ are all the promises of God, yea and amen:² the law and the obedience of all the commandments thereof is established by faith: without Christ no good thing can be done. The second point is, that this subjection is easy in respect of that subjection which the law requires. The perfect obedience of the law is impossible to all men except Christ, yea to such as are borne anew of the Holy Ghost, though for the time of this life, they desire it never so earnestly. Yet faith in Christ and repentance is so far forth possible to all that will and desire it, that whosoever doth seriously but will to ⟨p. 80⟩and be converted, doth indeed believe and is converted, and doth please God, and shall not perish eternally; although the beginning of this faith and conversion be weak; so it be in truth and not counterfeit. Isa. 1.19. If ye will and obey, ye shall eat the good things of the land.