A26951:2258
The life of faith in three parts, the first is a sermon on Heb.…
The life of faith in three parts, the first is a sermon on Heb. 11, 1, formerly preached before His Majesty, and published by his command, with another added for the fuller application : the second is instructions for confirming believers in the Christian faith : the third is directions how to live by faith, or how to exercise it upon all occasions / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1670
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.
1. By labouring to strengthen and increase our faith and grace, that it may not by the smallness be next to undiscernible. 2. By subduing all contrary inward corruptions, which obscure it. 3. By frequent exercising it; seeing habits are discerned only in their acts. 4. By resisting and conquering temptations, and doing all the good we can in the world, and living as wholly devoted to God, above all worldly fleshly interest; that so 1 Faith may be evidenced by its fruits: 2. And God may reward the faithful soul with his assuring seal, and light and comfort. 5. By escaping all those lapses into heinous and wilful sin, which cause wounds, and sears, and hinder assurance, peace and joy. 6. By a wise and constant examination of the heart, and observation of it, in the time of trial, and finding the habits and strength of faith, and of unbelief, in their several actings, and prevalencies in their conflicts. 7. And withal, escaping those ignorances and errors, about the nature, means, causes and signs of grace and assurance, which keep many from it, who have justifying faith. These seven are the true and necessary means to get assurance of your own sincerity, and that indeed you have the true seal, and earnest, and witness of the Spirit of Christ.
1. By labouring to strengthen and increase our faith and grace, that it may not by the smalness be next to undiscernable. 2. By subduing all contrary inward corruptions, which obscure it. 3. By frequent exercising it; seeing habits are discerned only in their acts. 4. By resisting and conquering temptations, and doing all the good we can in the world, and living as wholly devoted to God, above all worldly fleshly interest; that so 1 Faith may be evidenced by its fruits: 2. And God may reward the faithful soul with his assuring seal, and light and comfort. 5. By escaping all those lapses into heinous and wilful sin, which cause wounds, and sears, and hinder assurance, peace and joy. 6. By a wise and constant examination of the heart, and observation of it, in the time of tryal, and finding the habits and strength of faith, and of unbelief, in their several actings, and prevalencies in their conflicts. 7. And withall, escaping those ignorances and errours, about the nature, means, causes and signs of grace and assurance, which keep many from it, who have justifying faith. These seven are the true and necessary means to get assurance of your own sincerity, and that indeed you have the true seal, and earnest, and witness of the Spirit of Christ.