The doubting believer, or, A treatiseThe doubting beleever, or, A treatise

It is Gods method to lay in (at the first) weak faith, that we might beg for more faith, and give him the honour of all. Had we it strong at first, he should not hear of us; but he dispenseth it by degrees, that in all our gettings, and in all our victories over doubtings, &c. his strength may have ⟨p. 128⟩the glory. Therefore go to God, and say, Lord, I would have more faith, thou wouldst have me to perfect it, but all perfection is in thee, and I cannot by my mere strength ripen what thou givest, but thou canst water what thou plantest; though it be sown a weak body, yet thou canst make it rise a strong body; though faith at first be but as a grain of mustard-seed, yet thou canst cause it to blossom, and to spread it self into a high measure: Therefore thou who alone canst do it, do it for thy weak servant: Thou must take charge of thine own graces; and if thou givest my faith more strength, my believing will bring thee in the more glory, &c.

It is Gods method to lay in (at the first) weak faith, that we might beg for more faith, and give him the honour of all. Had we it strong at first, he should not heare of us; but he dispenseth it by degrees, that in all our gettings, and in all our victories over doubtings, &c. his strength mayhave ⟨p. 128⟩the glory. Therefore goe to God, and say, Lord, I would have more faith, thou wouldst have me to perfect it, but all perfection is in thee, and I cannot by my meere strength ripen what thou givest, but thou canst water what thou plantest; though it be sowne a weak body, yet thou canst make it rise a strong body; though faith at first be but as a graine of mustard-seed, yet thoucanst cause it to blossome, and to spread it selfe into a high measure: Therefore thou who alone canst doe it, doe it for thy weak servant: Thou must take charge of thine own graces; and if thou givest my faith more strength, my beleeving will bring thee in the more glory, &c.