A25294:245
The substance of Christian religion, or, A plain and easy draught of the Christian…The substance of Christian religion, or, A plain and easie draught of the Christian…
The substance of Christian religion, or, A plain and easy draught of the Christian catechism in LII lectures on chosen texts of Scripture, for each Lords-day of the year, learnedly and perspicuously illustrated with doctrines, reasons, and uses / by that reverend and worthy labourer in the Lord's vineyard, William Ames ...The substance of Christian religion, or, A plain and easie draught of the Christian catechisme in LII lectures on chosen texts of Scripture, for each Lords-day of the year, learnedly and perspicuously illustrated with doctrines, reasons, and uses / by that reverend and worthy laborer in the Lord's vineyard, William Ames ...
London: printed by T. Mabb for Thomas Davies, 1659
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.
Use. Is of Exhortation, against Papists, and others, who know nor acknowledge no other faith, but knowledge, and a certain material assent, which yet ⟨p. 54⟩may may consist with greatest diffidence, and most wretched desperation.
Use 2. Is of Direction, that we may enquire of the knowledge of the truth, which is necessary for us unto Faith, and to Salvation; and that we be wary that we rest not on any bare knowledge; but then think we have true Faith only, when according to the knowledge of the truth, we rely upon Christ with our whole heart for salvation, to be obtained by him alone.
Use 2. Is of Direction, that we may enquire of the knowledge of the truth, which is necessary for us unto Faith, and to Salvation; and that we be wary that we rest not on any bare knowledge; but then think we have true Faith onely, when according to the knowledge of the truth, we rely upon Christ with our whole heart for salvation, to be obtayned by him alone.
Use 3. Is of Consolation, to those who with all their heart strive to rest upon Christ, and yet cannot for a time, or presently and certainly persuade themselves, That God is reconciled unto them, for such have true Faith, though weak. For this certainty of persuasion, is the effect of a more strong and perfect Faith, whereunto also in their own time such believers shall be brought.
Use 3. Is of Consolation, to those who with all their heart strive to rest upon Christ, and yet cannot for a time, or presently and certainly perswade themselves, That God is reconciled unto th•m, for such have true Faith, though weak. For this certainty of perswasion, is the effect of a more strong and perfect Faith, whereunto also in their own time such believers shall be brought.