A25280:1338
An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustratedAn analyticall exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustrated
An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustrated by doctrines out of every text and applied by their uses for a further progress in holiness / by ... William Ames ...An analyticall exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter illustrated by doctrines out of every text and applyed by their uses for a further progresse in holinesse / by ... William Ames ...
London: printed by E.G. for John Rothwell, 1641London: printed by E.G. for Iohn Rothwell, 1641
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.
Use. This may serve to comfort weak Christians; for if they have true faith, though it be but like a grain of Mustard seed, they have the same comfort that the Apostles themselves had. If they be truly knit unto Christ, though it be but with a slender thread as it were, yet they hold Christ as well as they that are tied unto him with the strongest cords: which yet is not so to be taken, as if we were not to seek for a stronger and surer faith; for although the weak possess the same good that the strong do, yet they have not the same fruit and benefit of this possession.
Vse. This may serve to comfort weake Christians; for if they have true faith, though it be but like a graine of Mustard seed, they have the same comfort that the Apostles themselves had. If they be truly knit unto Christ, though it be but with a slender thred as it were, yet they hold Christ as well as they that are tyed unto him with the strongest cords: which yet is not so to be taken, as if we were not to seeke for a stronger and surer faith; for although the weake possesse the same good that the strong do, yet they have not the same fruit and benefit of this possession.
Doct. 5. The cause of this precious faith is not in any man, but in the righteousness of God and Christ.
Doct. 5. The cause of this precious faith is not in any man, but in the righteousnesse of God and Christ.
Now by righteousness is not meant any recompense of desert; but the faithfulness and truth of the promises, which depend upon the mere goodness of God. And these promises made unto Abraham himself, that his seed should be as the stars of heaven, and the sand of the Sea, out of all nations; and they were afterwards often repeated by the Prophets.