The life of faith in three parts, the first is a sermon on Heb.…

CHAP. II. The true Method of enquiry into the supernatural Evidences of Faith, and Rules therein to be offered.

When you have thus seen what evidence there is of GOD, and his Government, and of a life of reward and punishment hereafter, and of the natural obligations which lie on man to a holy, just, and sober life; and of the depraved state of the world, which goeth so contrary to such undoubted duty; and how certain all this is even by natural revelation; proceed next to consider what supernatural revelation God hath added, both to confirm you in the same Truths, and to make known such other, as were necessary for mankind to know. Where I must first direct you in the true Method of Enquiry, and then set before you the things themselves, which you are to know.

WHen you have thus seen what evidence there is of GOD, and his Government, and of a life of reward and punishment hereafter, and of the natural obligations which lie on man to a holy, just, and sober life; and of the depraved state of the world, which goeth so contrary to such undoubted duty; and how certain all this is even by natural revelation; proceed next to consider what supernatural revelation God hath added, both to confirm you in the same Truths, and to make known such other, as were necessary for mankind to know. Where I must first direct you in the true Method of Enquiry, and then set before you the things themselves, which you are to know.

1. Think not that every unprepared mind is immediately capable of the Truth (either this, or any other, except the first principles which are nota per se, or are next to sense.) All truth requireth a capacity, and due preparation of the recipient: The plainest principles of any Art or Science, are not understood by novices at the first fight or hearing. And therefore it were vain to imagine that things of the greatest distance in history, or profundity in doctrine, can be comprehended at the first attempt, by a disused and unfurnished understanding. There must be at least, as much time, and study, and help supposed and used, to the full discerning of the evidences of faith, as are allowed to the attainment of common Sciences. Though grace, in less time, may give men so much light as is necessary to salvation; yet he that will be able to defend the Truth, and answer Objections, and attain establishing satisfaction in his own mind, must (ordinarily) have proportionable helps, and time, and studies; unless he look to be taught by miracles.