A guide to godliness or a Treatise of a Christian life showing the dutiesA guide to godlynesse or a Treatise of a Christian life shewing the duties

§. Sect. 2 What this renewing our faith is, and the means whereby we may be enabled to do it, which consist, first, in divers meditations.

§. Sect. 2 What this renewing our faith is, and the meanes wherby we may be inabled to doe it, which consist, first, in diuers meditations.

Now this daily renewing of our faith is nothing else, but after we have humbled our souls in the sight and sense of our sins by unfeigned repentance, to refresh and strengthen it, and (as it were) to heal the wounds which our sins have made, by applying Christ with the sovereign salve of his precious blood, and the sweet promises of the Gospel made in him, assuring us of the remission and pardon of all our sins. Now the means and helps whereby we may be enabled to renew our faith, and in the application of these benefits, may confirm and strengthen it against doubting and incredulity, do either respect meditation or action. We must meditate on the eternal and immutable, free and undeserved love of God, even before we were created, and after that by sin we had made ⟨p. 178⟩our selves strangers and enemies, which moved him to give his best Beloved to the death for us, and from hence conclude for the strengthening of our faith; that he will never cease to be gracious unto us, when as by Christ being reconciled, we adhere and cleave unto him with unfeigned love and hearty affection. Secondly, on Gods inestimable and infinite mercies, which are far above all his works, and therefore may assure us, that they will be much more powerful and all-sufficient to save us, then our sins, though never so innumerable and grievous, can be to condemn us. Thirdly, on Gods truth, which will never fail in any of his promises, and omnipotent power and wisdom, whereby he is infinitely able to accomplish them. Fourthly, on the all-sufficiency of Christs obedience and satisfaction, for the discharging of all our debts, and satisfying of Gods Justice for all our sins, if we make them our own by a lively faith. Fifthly, on the Covenant of grace, which is free, and assureth us of the pardon of our sins, and salvation of our souls, upon no condition of works or worthiness, but only of faith, bringing forth the fruits of unfeigned repentance. Sixthly, on the promises of the Gospel, which being general and indefinite, exclude none, though never so sinful and unworthy, if they will thankfully receive them as they are freely offered, and apply them to themselves by a lively faith. Seventhly, we must meditate on the Sacraments and seals of the Covenant, whereby God hath given unto us (as it were) into our hands, Christ Jesus and all his benefits;