Riches of mercy to men in misery, or, Certain excellent treatises concerning the dignity…

The like complaint Christ takes up in the very words of the Prophet, John 12. 38. Rom. 10. 16. He admires ⟨p. 160⟩at the paucity of true believers. So now the sound of the Gospel hath come to all of us, but who shows this faith of Gods elect in them. This also we may see in the parable of the sower, wherein is set forth the estate of the visible Church. Where there is but one sort of the four kinds of hearers that bring forth this fruit. Three sorts come to hear, some but for fashion sake, or compelled thereunto, some to get knowledge only, some to carp, scoff, or catch somewhat to run to rulers with, or to judge that which shall judge them one day. This triumphing faith it ariseth from an Immortal seed of Gods word alone.

The like complaint Christ takes up in the very words of the Prophet, Iohn 12. 38. Rom. 10. 16. He admires ⟨p. 160⟩at the paucity of true believers. So now the sound of the Gospel hath come to all of us, but who shewes this faith of Gods elect in them. This also we may see in the parrable of the sower, wherein is set forth the estate of the visible Church. Where there is but one sort of the four kinds of hearers that bring forth this fruit. Three sorts come to hear, some but for fashion sake, or compelled thereunto, some to get knowledge onely, some to carpe, scoff, or catch somewhat to run to rulers with, or to judge that which shall judge them one day. This triumphing faith it ariseth from an Immortal seed of Gods word alone.

Thirdly, That though there be but few that have this faith, yet not the poorest and meanest of Gods children