CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

¹Secondly, Although this dogmatical Faith be common to the regenerate and unregenerate, yet it's the foundation of our conversion, and in the regenerate when improved, doth wonderfully provoke the increase of grace. And this is good to be observed; for though we make it not saving faith, yet it is the foundation of saving faith; He can never believe on Christ for his Mediator, that doth not believe Christ to be a Mediator; Therefore the Apostle describing the general nature of faith, saith, Heb. 11. He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of those that serve him: No spiritual building can be made without this foundation; as it is thus the foundation, so if improved, it doth wonderfully promote justifying faith. The general acts of faith, if vigorously prosecuted do mightily strengthen the peculiar and proper acts of it. The more strongly we believe Christ to be a Mediator, the more will this help, that he be so to me; and therefore it's observed, that our Saviour put them so often upon the trial of their very historical faith, Dost thou believe that I am able? and doest thou believe that I am the Messiah? Partly, because that was the great Question then, Whether that individual Person was the Messiah or no? and partly, because if it was believed, that he was the Saviour, then there was no such cause of doubt, Whether he would be a Saviour to them that truly sought to him? Insomuch that it may be questioned, Whether it be a greater act to believe Christ to be a Mediator, or to believe him a Mediator to me? Although indeed there are more Objections against the latter, for there are not only Objections against the truth, but against the application of it, because of the many sins and infirmities which I perceive in my self, yet we would think the harder task were then over, when the soul could believe such great things, and transcendent to humane reason; for when a man believeth that Christ is both God and man united in one Person, whose office is to redeem the oppressed sinner, may not then he conclude easily, that he will redeem him? For which is greater, to believe such a Person God and man, or that this Person whose Office it is to save, will save thee?

¹Secondly, Although this dogmatical Faith be common to the regenerate and unregenerate, yet it's the foundation of our conversion, and in the regenerate when improued, doth wonderfully provoke the increase of grace. And this is good to be observed; for though we make it not saving faith, yet it is the foundation of saving faith; He can never believe on Christ for his Mediatour, that doth not believe Christ to be a Mediatour; Therefore the Apostle describing the general nature of faith, saith,