The marrow of the oracles of God. Or, divers treatisesThe marrovv of the oracles of God. Or, diuers treatises

First, to believe Gods acceptation ⟨p. 588⟩of the mercy showed. For a godly Christian, that is not vain-glorious, hath so mean an opinion of his best works, that he finds need to fly to Gods promises, and da•es not trust upon his own goodness. Now God hath promised to accept of that we do, if there be a willing mind: The will is accepted for the deed, 2 Cor. 8. 12.

First, to beleeue Gods acceptation ⟨p. 588⟩of the mercy shewed. For a godly Christian, that is not vaine-glorious, hath so meane an opinion of his best workes, that hee finds neede to flie to Gods promises, and da•es not trust vpon his owne goodnesse. Now God hath promised to accept of that we doe, if there be a willing minde: The will is accepted for the deed, 2 Cor. 8. 12.

Secondly, to believe the success and reward from God, and that we shall not lose by what is so expended. Though the persons to whom we show mercy, should be so ungrateful, that it were as bread cast on the waters: yet we ought to believe, that our seed cast on the waters, shall bring us a plentiful harvest, Eccles. 11. 1. And it is certain, whatsoever the persons be, yet what is given, is sowed. And if the Husbandman do not think his corn spoiled that he casts upon his land, no more ought a ⟨p. 589⟩Christian to think that to be lost that is given to the poor. Nature may disappoint the hope of the Husbandman, but in works of mercy, there is no venture, but a sure increase from the Lord,