The Christian's charter showing the privileges of a believerThe Christian's charter shewing the priviledges of a believer

But how comes Faith to be so strong? Answ. 1. Because it is a §1piece of Gods Armour; it is a shield he puts into our hand: Eph. 6.16. ⟨p. 252⟩Above all, taking the shield of Faith: a shield will serve for a breast-plate, a sword, if need be, an helmet; it defends the head, it guards the vitals; §2such a shield is Faith. 2. Faith brings the strength of Christ into the soul; Phil. 4.13. I can do all things, [Greek or Hebrew], through Christ that strengthens me. The strength of faith lies out of it self, it grafts upon another stock. When it would have wisdom, it consults with Christ, whose Name is wonderful, Counsellor; when it would have strength, it goes to Christ, who is called the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Christ is a Christians Armoury, Faith is the key that unlocks it. Faith hangs upon the lock of Christ, all its strength lies here; cut it off from this lock, and it is weaker then any other grace. Christ may be compared to that tower of David^*, on which there hang a thousand bucklers, all shields of mighty ⟨p. 253⟩men. The faith of all the Elect, these shields hang upon Christ. Faith is an Heroical grace; the Crown of Martyrdom is set upon the head of faith. By faith they quenched the violence of the fire^*; the fire overcame their bodies, but their faith overcame the flame.

But how comes Faith to be so strong? Answ. 1. Because it is a §1piece of Gods Armour; it is a shield he puts into our hand: Eph. 6.16. ⟨p. 252⟩