The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as…

Thus then we see how it comes to pass that these Articles are put into our Creed, which had not been if we could have been saved by the first Covenant,

Thus then we see how it comes to passe that these Articles are put into our Creed, which had not beene if wee could haue beene saued by the first Couenant,

Now it remains, that in the third place we consider of the manner how we must believe these Articles concerning Jesus Christ: where by the way we may observe one point that is not unprofitable; viz. that to believe aright in Christ is not a work of nature, nor a thing that the natural man in himself is disposed to: and that may appear divers ways; for first, those things about Jesus Christ, are Articles of the Christian Faith, which they had not been, if they had been such things as the natural man did know, or was disposed to seek after. 2. The light of Nature hath no principles at all concerning Christ, or that way of redemption by him. 3. Our Saviour hath made it manifest, that the world is so far from believing, that it doth naturally hate such as do believe aright. 4. Because there are many things in the Doctrine of our Redemption which are scandals to hearts of the wicked: Christ is a very Rock of offence, 1 Pet. 2. 8. We find by experience, that the natural heart of man is extremely dull, and careless of these Doctrines above all others. ⟨p. 208⟩6. This is the condemnation of the world, that they do not believe in Christ Jesus, Joh. 3. 18. Lastly, it is evidently affirmed, that faith in Christ is the gift of God, Eph. 2. 8.

Now it remaines, that in the third place we consider of the manner how we must beleeue these Articles concerning Iesus Christ: where by the way we may obserue one point that is not vnprofitable; viz. that to belieue aright in Christ is not a worke of nature, nor a thing that the naturall man in himselfe is disposed to: and that may appeare diuers wayes; for first, those things about Iesus Christ, are Articles of the Christian Faith, which they had not beene, if they had beene such things as the naturall man did know, or was disposed to seeke after. 2. The light of Nature hath no principles at all concerning Christ, or that way of redemption by him. 3. Our Sauiour hath made it manifest, that the world is so farre from beleeuing, that it doth naturally hate such as doe beleeue aright. 4. Because there are many things in the Doctrine of our Redemption which are scandals to hearts of the wicked: Christ is a very Rocke of offence,