A69028:197
The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as…
The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as it affordeth both milk for babes, and strong meat for such as are at full age / by ... Nicholas Bifield ; ... now published ... by his son, Adoniram Bifield.The rule of faith, or, An exposition of the Apostles Creed so handled as it affordeth both milke for babes, and strong meat for such as are at full age / by ... Nicholas Bifield ; ... now published ... by his sonne, Adoniram Bifield.
London: printed by G.M. for Philemon Stephens and Christopher Meredith, 1626
THE CREED. › Article 1 › I Believe.THE CREEDE. › Article 1 › I Beleeue.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1. Such as want Faith should be effectually moved to use all courses to get them a sound Faith: and there are many things may move men to believe, and help to breed Faith: as,
1. Such as want Faith should bee effectually moued to vse all courses to get them a sound Faith: and there are many things may moue men to beleeue, and helpe to breede Faith: as,
First, men must effectually consider upon Motives unto faith on Gods part: and especially such as are taken from his mercy and goodness: to think on it how good and gracious God is, should make men believe his promises, and receive his grace offered: and the rather, if they seriously ponder upon these things in Gods goodness. First, that it is free: he stands not upon desert: he offers love love to his very enemies, Rom. 5. 10. Secondly, it is exceeding great, able to forgive all sin and supply all wants, Psal. 36. & 108. 5. Ephes. •. 4. 1. Pet. 1. 3. Thirdly it is inviting: God doth offer his mercy, he sends abroad his Proclamations to offer pardon and favour in the ⟨p. 37⟩Gospel, yea he beseecheth men to be reconciled, 2 Cor. 5. 19. 20. Fourthly, it is indefinite, he offers Mercy to all sorts of men, to the World, to every creature, Col. 3. 11. Joh. 3. 16.