The holy Eucharist, or, The mystery of the Lords Supper briefly explained

Object. 1. But I fear I have no Faith alive in my Soul, whereby I should look up. Though Israel were stung yet they were alive; but how dead do I find my heart?

Answ. We must distinguish between a Christian that is lifeless, and that is without life. A sick man is lifeless, and hath no mind to stir, yet he is not without life: So Christian thou mayest be lifeless, and thy grace dormant; yet the seed of Faith may be alive in thy heart. Did not David find his heart dull and listless? though he was not dead in sin, yet he was dead in duty; why else did he pray, Quicken thou me, Psal. 119. 25. But that deadness which is in a Believer, he is ⟨p. 154⟩sensible of, which argues life; he mourns for it, and never leaves till he hath in the use of means recovered that agility and liveliness of soul as once he had.

Answ. We must distinguish between a Christian that is liveless, and that is without life. A sick man is liveless, and hath no mind to stir, yet he is not without life: So Christian thou maist be liveless, and thy grace dormunt; yet the seed of Faith may be alive in thy heart. Did not David find his heart dull and listless? though he was not dead in sin, yet he was dead in duty; why else did he pray, Quicken thou me, Psal. 119. 25. But that deadness which is in a Believer, he is ⟨p. 154⟩sensible of, which argues life; he mourns for it, and never leaves till he hath in the use of means recovered that agility and liveliness of soul as once he had.