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

And 1. They think it so easy because they take presumption for faith; They think they believe when they presume; Now to presume is easy, because it's a work of the flesh, it's suitable to our corruptions that the Jews though they committed all lewdness, yet the Prophet complaineth they would come and lean themselves upon the Lord, and trust in lying words, saying, The Temple of the Lord, &c. That is not faith which most of the world have; It's presumption, it's carnal-confidence, such as those had who said, Lord, have not we prophesied in thy Name, Such as the foolish Virgins had, Mat. 25. Such as Paul had before his Conversion, when he said, He was alive, Rom. 7. Oh then tremble at that security and confidence thou hast, Thou mayest be sure it's a sin, and of the devil, it's so easy, whereas Faith is very difficult.

And 1. They think it so easie because they take presumption for faith; They think they beleeve when they presume; Now to presume is easie, because it's a work of the flesh, it's sutable to our corruptions that the Jews though they committed all lewdnesse, yet the Prophet complaineth they would come and lean themselves upon the Lord, and trust in lying words, saying, The Temple of the Lord, &c. That is not faith which most of the world have; It's presumption, it's carnal-confidence, such as those had who said, Lord, have not we prophesied in thy Name, Such as the foolish Virgins had, Mat. 25. Such as Paul had before his Conversion, when he said, He was alive, Rom. 7. Oh then tremble at that security and confidence thou hast, Thou maist be sure it's a sinne, and of the devil, it's so easie, whereas Faith is very difficult.

2. They look upon Faith in Christ as easy, because they divide the Object, they take some things of Christ not whole Christ; They think it's only believing on him as a Saviour for pardon of sin; They do not choose him as a Lord to whom in all obedience they resign themselves; This is indeed the rock that splits many, tell them of believing in Christ, and they think that is only to rest for salvation, They attend not that it's the receiving of Christ for all the ends and purposes God sent him into the world; Now one main end besides our justification and salvation is our Sanctification; To redeem to himself a people zealous of good works,