Section I.

THis Question is occasioned up­on reading the words of that Text, thus; What? no feare?Expos. Faith and Feares, [...]. so [Page 2] fixed? that you feare nothing? What if there be tidings of a great Army comming against you? What if ti­dings of great losses in your estate of Children miscarrying, friend, destroyed, or the like? Hath any such a faith, as that still he will fear no evill tidings?

Whereto the Answer may be made in six things, and the Text withall expounded.

I I. Faith in the Essence of it, cast­eth out all feare;Essence and Exi­st [...]nce of Faith. as is said of love, the daughter of faith, 1 Joh. 4.18. perfect lo [...]e easteth out feare. But our faith is not perfect; as there be frail­ties in our graces, so in our faith: We need still to say,Mar. 9.24. 1 Cor. 13. [...]. I beleeve, Lord help my unbeliefe: We know in part, and love in part, and beleeve in part, and all in part, till that per­fect come. This is faith in the exi­st [...]nce of it; in this or that Subject, this or that Beleever: If it were entire, it would render a man alto­gether fearlesse. Adam in innocen­cy, by faith adhering to God per­fectly, had nothing to feare: And Christ, the second Adam, beleeving [Page 3] perfectly, [...]. Mark 1. [...].33. feared no threats of the wicked, nor dangers: He feared in­deed at his Passion: but that was, partly because he stood in our room, who by sinne were brought into a condition of terrours, partly in re­spect of his Fathers wrath which must now be appeased: And I suppose, in the day of judgement, before the Saints enter into Heaven, it will be by the perfection of their faith, that they feare none of those terrours and amazements, 1 Joh. 4.17. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldnesse in the day of Judgement: Yea, there will be great joy, as in a day of refresh­ment, a day of redemption, of the restoring of all things, of the Lambs Marriage, of the best good that e­ver the godly saw.

II. Faith in the full and entire II acts of it, casteth out all feare: that is, so long, and so farre forth as we trust in the Lord; for that time we shall be unmovable and invincible, as mount Sion, Psal. 125.1. though another while we be fearfull, and conflict with sore doubtings:Job 19.25 As Job [Page 4] now confident, I know my Redeemer liveth, anon very much distempe­red; and David, one while will fear nothing, Psal. 24.4. though he walk in the midst of the Valley of the shadow of death: and another while bewrayeth great infidelity, [...]. 77.9. Will the Lord be no more gracious? &c.

The proper act of faith is, to cleave to the Lord without wave­ring or doubting. This led the Mar­tyrs through the prisons, and flames and extreamest sufferings. This we read of in Paul very much, 2 Tim. 1.12. I know whom I have beleeved; and Rom. 8.38. I am perswaded, that neither death nor life—shall be able to seperate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord; and so it is in others, where the full assurance of faith is obtained, Heb. 10.22. and note the phrase here; His heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord; or, in asmuch as he trusteth in the Lord; or, so farre forth as he trusteth in the Lord; just the same forme of speaking, as in 1 Tim. 4.8. Godlinesse is profitable to all things, having the promise: that is, in asmuch [Page 5] as it hath the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Now apply this to the former in­stances, of a great Army comming against us, or the like: Faith acted will say as David, Psal 3.6. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people that have set themselves against me round about: as Elisha to his servant 2 Kings 6.16. Feare not, for they that be with us (two men onely) are [...] then they that be with them: As Asa, 2 Chron. 14.11. Lord it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: As Je­hosaphat, chap. 20.12. we ha [...]e no might against this great company that commeth against us, neither know we what to doe, but our eyes are upon thee: Or as Moses at the red Sea, Exod. 14.13. Feare ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord which he will sh [...]w to you to day.

Againe, faith act [...]d will say, God is able to make their hearts melt in them, [...]. even the stoutest of the en [...] mies, a [...] the Canaanites: God can make them heare a noyse in t [...] [...] ▪ 1 K [...]ng 7. [...] and be gone, as the Syrians; o [...] a [Page 6] rumour, Isa. 37.7. as the Assyrians. God can set them to sheathing their swords in the bowels one of another, as the Moabites, 2 Chron. 20.23. Ammonites and Edomites: He can send an evill spirit among them, to fall off one from another, as Abimelech and the men of Sechem: Judg. 11.23. Or he can bide us in the midst of all the enemies, as he did Jeremie and Baruch. Jer. 36.26 It may be ye shall be hid in the day of wrath, Zeph. 2.3.

And if not, yet faith acted will say. We shall goe to Heaven so much the sooner; and there it will be better for us, then if we had lived here an hundred yeers longer in the greatest prosperity: After darknesse I shall see light; and, while I sit in darknesse, the Lo [...]d shall be a light unto me, Mic. 7.8.

So in any other instances; faith is the victory, wherein we overcome the world, 1 Joh. 5 4. And we see large and faire exemplifications of it, Heb. 11.33, 34, 35. Through faith they subdued Kingdome, wrought righteousnesse, obtained promises, [...]p­p [...] th [...] mouthes of Lyons, q [...], had the violence of fire, escaped th [...] [...] [Page 7] the sword, &c. This is the lustre and glory of faith, in the vigorous acts of it: Samson was not more glorious in those miraculous acts, of killing a Lyon, or laying the Philistims heap upon heap, then a Beleeever shall be, if faith be well brought into action.

III. Faith when it admitteth of III feares most, and is pestered shrewd­ly, yet strives to the contrary, and works them out by little and little. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee, Psal. 56.3. and a Beleever chides away unbeliefe, as Psal. 42.11. Why art thou cast downe, O my soule? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Un­beliefe is a great burden to a good soule, and makes it say with teares, Lord I beleeve, Mar. 9.24 help tho [...] [...]e [...]e­l [...]fe▪ Ah that I should bewray such weaknesse, after so much acqu [...]intance with God! after so much ex­perience of his goodnesse, after so much profession to b [...]leeve in God A [...]mighty, [...] [Page 8] O wretched man that I am, Rom [...].24 who shall deliver me from this body of death?

And as faith groweth stronger, so these feares weare away by little and little. At lightsome times it is as bold as a Lyon, Prov. 28.1. The wicked the [...] when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a Lyon: and we are righteous by faith.

All graces conflict with their con­traries; and so doth saith. The comfort is, it is sure of victory in the end: Which is something to stay and fix the heart, during the [...]me of the combat. Time shall be, that all these feares and first things shall passe away: We shall not so much as feare any enemies, of soule or body, or molestation by them.

IV IV. There is a mixt considerati­on of the fears of a beleeving heart; [...] in Sword [...] of [...] godly. that it is rather an holy and commen­dable feare, then otherwise. Some affliction or danger there is; but yet an higher cause, which breedeth the feare.

First, sometimes the feare is for some sinne unrepented and unpar­doned, as the poore heart doubteth. [Page 9] Job in his great calamities feared, least the Lord reckoned with him for old offences, chap. 13.26. thou writest bitter things against [...], and mak [...]st me to possesse the [...] of my youth. When trouble comes, and the peace with God not setled, it is just cause of feare.Prov. 18.11. A w [...] [...] who can beare? Though sometime the Christian be comfortably per­swaded of the peace, yet my perfect­ly: Or some old sinne comes new­ly to remembrance, and brings ter­rour with it: As to [...] brethren when taken for spyes,Gen 12. [...]1. We are [...] guilty concerning [...] that we [...] the anguish of his s [...]le, and would not heare; therefore is [...] d [...] st [...]sse come upon us. Or howsoever, some feare will doe well, to assure the peace more throughly, Phil. 2.12. Work out your salvation wi [...] fear and tr [...]mbling. And thus, [...] is the man that feareth alwa [...], Prov. 28.14. Where feare standeth in opposi­tion to hardnes of heart, as appeareth by the opposition of the sentence.

Secondly, sometimes the feare [...]s not so much for hims [...]lfe (whose e­state [Page 10] is good, and gives him leave to rejoyce in God all the day long) as for his ch [...]ldren which are young, t [...]nde [...], not instructed, not provided for: He feares least they should c [...]me into Popish or prophane hands, and miscarry: Alas, what shall they doe, if they be fatherlesse, motherlesse, friendlesse, without go­vernment, or without good instru­ction? The body is like to be in bad case enough, but the soule is worse. Few friends of the soule, even where is some love to the body.

3 Thirdly, sometimes it is not so much for his owne particular, as the welfare of the Church; least Idola­ters prevaile, and Idolatry be esta­blished againe, least the Gospell be hindered in the free course of it; feast the Ark [...] be taken, and the glory depart from Israel, 1 Sam. 4.13. Eli sate upon a seat by the way-side, watching; for his heart trembled for the Arke of God.

Or he feares for the glory of God; least it be eclipsed, if the good side goe to the worse, and wicked ene­mies have occasion to blaspheme: [Page 11] Where is now [...] God, P [...] 12.10 and Gospel­ling, and Fasting, and Praying, and Reformation? Thus Moses was a­fraid, least if Israel were destroyed in the Wildernesse, the enemy would say, It is because God was not [...] them into the good [...]and, Num. 14.13. and Joshua. chap. 7.9. What will thou doe unto thy great Name? namely, if Israel still fall before the men of A [...]. Which is an holy feare: We read of some such thing in God himselfe, Deut. 32.26, 27. I said, I would [...] them into [...], I would make the re­membrance of them to cease from among men, were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, [...]. The Lord is a Jealous God, and feares least his glory goe to another; and his people a zealous people, Tit 2.14. fearing the same thing; which is a feare holy and commendable.

V. Some feare is both natu [...]all, V and very usefull.

Feare is a naturall aff [...]ction, Fea [...], a naturall [...]. car­ried to some evill at hand, for the avoyding of it. Nature seek [...] the preservation of it selfe, and declines [Page 12] the contraries; and the preservation of the outward estate, wherewith God hath blessed him; to save as much as it can, from rapine and vi­olence; why not? an honest provi­dence is not onely lawfull, but ne­cessary.

[...].And it is usefull; to act according to Gods providence, who will blesse and help his people, but not idling, carelesse, fearlesse, neglecting the mea [...]es. Sometimes feare acteth for the avoyding of the evill feared, as Acts 27.38. in feare of shipwrack, and to obtaine the promise of saving their lives, they l [...]ghtned the sh [...]p, and cast out the wheat into the sea. Some­times by preparing for the evill, if it be not to be avoyded, as Amos 4.12. Therefore thus will I doe unto thee O Israel; and because I will doe this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God O Israel. And by this latter the soule is drawne neerer unto God: reaso­ning, Is there so much danger a­broad? It is time then to get the clo­ser to God, and keep with him. When Hawks be abroad, the Bird is safest upon the nest, Psal. 91.4. [Page 13] He shall cover thee with his fe [...] ­thers, and under his wings shalt them [...]. And thus it is a sinne, not to feare when a judgement is com­ming; as in wicked men who care for nothing: Fea [...]e ye not me saith the Lord? Jer. 5.22. We are com­manded to feare him, who, Luk. 12. [...] after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell: And one discription of God children is, they feare the Lord, Mal. 3.16.

VI. The promise here made to VI the godly is, for the expelling of immoderate feares; either not to enter into a beleeving heart at all, or else to be soone thrust out againe: Therefore the feares here are opposed to establishing of the heart, ver. 8. he shall not be a­fraid; his heart is established: His heart is of a preserving and fencing nature, to uphold the heart against every assault and annoyance of e­nemies, Phil. 4.7. [...], The peace of God shall keep your hearts and minds (as souldiers in a garri­son) through Christ Jesus.

But when are feares immode­rate?Feare [...], when im­moderate. 4. Notes. [Page 14] 1. When they are killing; as to worldly and carnall men sometimes they are: worldly sor­row 1 causeth death: See an in­stance 2 in Jer. 49.23, 24.2. When they hinder duty; so afraid, that ye cannot pray, read, heare with 3 profit, or the like. 3. When they banish all joy in God; which should not be; feare before God, but with some mixture of joy: re­joyce with trembling, Psal. 2.11. and, reioyce in the Lord alway, and againe I say, Phil. 4.4. reioyce. 4. When they 4 put men into unlawfull wayes to help themselves; as Saul in his feare of the Philistines, would needs ofter sacrifice, which was not his office to doe; or goe to the Witch at Endo [...], against his owne Law and conscience.

This they do not to godly men; wh [...]n most afraid, they have some help to stay them up untill better times: Even in desertions, when the Lord withdrawes his comforts, and they make moane; yet they will not adventure upon sinne, which might give some content­ment; [Page 15] they will lift up a prayer, euen when they say they have lit­tle hope to speed; they magnifie the estate of Gods children, who enjoy comfort, and love them, will not speak ill of them, nor doe ought against them.

A signe thr [...]out of the matter is in them,Job 19.28▪ as Job said of himselfe a­midst all those distempers: They have the s [...]stance, though they faile in circumstance, Isa. 6.13.1 Joh. 3.9. They holy seed is the substance there­of. The seed of God abideth in them. Though the [...]es fall off, yet the [...]ap lyes at the root; faith keeps the heart alive still: That they are willing to resist a temptation, though sometimes foiled; and grieve, when the Tempter hath been too hard for them; and a­midst all their foiles, their faith upholds them unto victory: Still they are comprehended of Christ, even when they are not able to comprehend Christ, Phil. 3.12. And in due time they shall be de­livered from all their feares, ene­mies, dangers, combats, molesta­tion.

Section II.

The chiefe point in this dis­course.Faith is a strong and effectuall meanes to settle the heart in times of danger; in times when evill tidings fly about; in times when unbeleeving hearts reele to and fro, Hab. 2.4. Behold, his set [...]le which is lifted up, is not upright in him; [...]t the iust shall live by his faith. Isa. 7.9. If ye will not be­leeve, [...] ye shall not be establi­shed. Chap. 50.10. Who is among you that feareth the Lord, that o­beyeth the voyce of his servant, that walketh in darknesse and hath no light? let him trust in the Name of the Lord, and stay upon his God. Joh. 14.1. Let not your heart be troubled; ye beleeve in God, believe also in me.

Ground [...]. The Grounds hereof are these.

1 1. In resrect of God, on whom faith trusteth.The whole blessed Trinity. The heart may [Page 17] well be fixed, because it trusteth on the Lord; who is the Rock of sal­vation: In a great storme it is good to fasten the anchor to a strong rock:Psal. 95.1 And such is God to the Church in great persecutions, so as all the gates of hell shall not prevaile against it, Mat. 16.18.

First, God the Father;Father. Relations. the fountaine of the Trinity, and of our comfort. He is our Father; as Christs by nature, so ours by a­doption: and a child resteth se­curely in the bosome of his loving father.Attributes And every Attribute is mighty to fix the heart of Belee­ver. The power, wisdome, ho­linesse, truth, mercy, justice of God, and the rest.De [...]e. Also his Coun­sell taken for the maine, that is, the saving of his soule. God is far beyond all imperfections of an earthly friend; who loves well, but may prove forgetfull, unable, weary of doing good, &c.

Beside, faith seeth in God a sweet and blessed Providence, Provi­dence. in which it may rest quietly and con­tentedly: Saying as Abraham in [Page 18] that exigent,Gen. 22.14. God will provide; in the mount it shall be seene. With­out the will of my Father in H [...]a­ven not a haire of mine head, nor a little sporrow can fall to the ground: Things come not to passe either by fate or fortune (which are the contentments of fools and Athe [...]sts) but by the good hand of God, at least permitting and or­dering. And there be divers acts of Providence; Acts of it. Over-ruling, mit­tigating, limiting, disposing all to good, even the worst events. God is the great Governour of the world, and evill shall not come but at his pleasure; not till now, not more, not longer, no farther; as he saith to the proud wa [...]es, Thus farre shall ye go, Job 38.11. but no far­ther. And as Joseph said, Ye thought evill against [...], but God ment it unto good, Gen. 50.20 And as Job, The Lord give [...], and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord, chap. 1.21.

P [...]ses.Finally, faith pitcheth on pro­m [...]ses, and these heard with [...] Oath, to give us [...] [Page 19] Heb. 6.18. And promises are farre better then all performances in this world, whatever they be; still there is more in a promise;Isa. 65.8. A bl [...]ssing in the cluster, destroy it not: For the matter, they are pre­cious promises; for the manner of mak [...]ng, f [...]e; for the extent, uni­versall; for the effect,2 Cor. 1.20. Isa. 55.3. sure and certa [...]ne; yea and am [...]n; sure mer­cies, everlasting mercies, ever­lasting Covenant, &c. Faithfull is he that hath promised, who will also doe it. And the gifts and cal­ling of God are without repen­tance.

Good foundations for faith to settle upon.

Secondly, God the Sonne;The Sonne of God. the C [...]lati [...]e of faith, and speciall Ob [...]ect, on which it resteth. There is a world of wealth in Christ, that the heart may well be fixed by beleeving on him. He is the strength of a beleeving heart; yea everla [...]ng strength, Isa. 26.4. and new strength to be still deri­ [...]ed from him, according to occa­sion, [Page 20] chap. 40.31. He is an Ad­vocate with the Father, 1. Joh. 2.1. to non-suit our clamourous sinnes, and keepe our persons in favour. He is our King, now governing for us, though in Heaven, in all that glory. He is the best friend we have, neerer then a Brother. He is an enemy to our enemies, and will curse them that curse us, Gen: 12.3. In all respects there is great cause to trust in Christ, and, tru­sting in him, to be fixed; Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Psal. 2.12 He had not been Christ, but to stand us in stead, and give us sure footing in every slippery time and occasion.

The Holy Ghost.Thirdly, God the Holy Ghost; the Spirit of faith, 2 Cor. 4.13. enabling us to speak, or make con­fession of the truth in dangerou [...] times. He is also the spirit of strength, Isa. 11.2. the Spirit of power, of love, and of a sound mind, 2 Tim. 1.7. And thus he fixeth the poore heart, by what he work­eth in it, and what he testifieth to it, and what he comforteth; Thence [Page 21] we read the seale of the spirit, the earnest of the spirit,Passion a­p [...]d Pa [...] ­lum. the liberty of the spirit, the witnesse of the spirit and the first f [...]uits of the spirit; all of them confirmations to an unsetled heart against its severall trials. When the Holy Ghost was come upon the Apostles, we see how fearlesse they stood be­fore the Counsell, and despised all threatnings. O Austit [...], he is come, he is come, said Master G [...]o­ [...] at the sight of the stake; spea­king of the comfortable presence of the Holy Ghost, who had with­drawne for a while. And for us, he is promised to abide with us for ever. Joh. 14.11. Which we professe to be­leeve, saying, I beleeve in the Holy Ghost; and so the heart is fixed.

This is the first and self-suffici­ent ground for faith to settle the heart of Gods child. The rest are secondary, and powerfull onely in their owne place, and in order to that first.

II. In respect of the Word,II. The Word of Faith, upon which faith relyeth. A neer [Page 22] relation there is between Fa [...] and the Word; thence it is called the Word of Faith, Rom. 10.8. And it is a quickning Word, as to David, Psal. 119.50. Thy [...] hath quickned me; it is a comfor­ting Word, as ver. 24. Thy Testi­monies are my delight; It is a strengthning Word, as Heb. 5. ult. strong meat: 2 Pet. 1.19. Mat. 5.18. It is a sure Word; all to be performed in due time: Hea­ven and earth shall passe away, but my Word shall not passe away. It is a store-house of promises, which as they were made in mercy, so they shall be made good in truth. The Christian being brought in­to straights may read, and quick­ly meet with a stay for his poore unstayed, troubled heart; and without the Word he should soon miscarry, Psal. 119.92 [...]al [...]sse thy law had been my delights, I should have perish [...]d in m [...]n [...] affli­ction: But by help of the Word he is soon setled, confident, full of prayses for his good estate in Christ, and triumphant over all his enemies; see Ps. 56.3, 4, 10, 11.

[Page 23]III. In respect of what faith III receiveth▪ It receiveth such mer­cies at the hand of God,B [...] fits rece [...]d by Faith. and so much, that it resteth con [...]ent with and condition the heavenly Fa­ther shall a lot unto it. It seeth sinne abolished, forgiven, nothing to be laid to his charge; which is [...]e blessednesse of a man, Rom. 4.6. It seeth Satan disarmed, the Law satisfied, the curse taken a­way, hell shut, and Heaven open­ed to him: It seeth Gods wrath pacified, his justice satisfied, his favour procured; which is matter of great joy, yea glorying, in the midst of many tribulations, Rom. 5.1, 2, 3. And this is the King­dome of God within us, 14.17. Not [...]at and d [...]nke, but righ­teousnesse and peace, and [...] the Holy Ghost. Finally, saith seeth all afflictions sanctified, sweetned, mittigated, exchanged for good; in wrath the Lord remembreth mercy; we shall not drinke the d [...]egs of the Cup,Ps. 75.8. as the wick­ed doe, and as Christ did for us; but in him sing and tri­umph, [Page 24] O death, 1 Cor. 15.55. where is thy st [...]ng▪ O grace, where is thy victory! What Agag said foolishly, the Be­leever saith on good grounds, T [...]e bitternesse of death is past: 1 Sam. 15.32. Phil. 1.21 and, Welcome l [...]fe: and, To dye is gain: an entrance into glory.

IV IV. In respect of what faith worketh:Works f [...] faith fix­ing the [...]. Faith is no idle grace, but still sets it selfe on work, a­bout such imployments, and in such manner, as the Lord will mercifully (according to promise) succour the labouring heart in all his difficulties.

First, it works out corruption, which would hinder comfort, Acts 15.9. Purifying their hearts by faith, Both the guiltines of sin; it is never quiet, till it be clensed & cleared in the blood of Christ: Witnesse David a Beleever, who after those great sinnes, heaped up many pe­titions for pardon, Psal. 51. where­as another fals into the mire, and lyes wallowing in it, as in his proper clement. And the fil­ [...]hinesse of sin; none is suffered to command: out with it, keep thy self [Page 25] from in, as from defilement, Psal. 18.23. As the flesh lusteth against the spirit, Gal. 5 1 [...] so the spirit in a Belee­ver lusteth against the flesh: And, O this body of death, who shall de­liver! Ps 51 10. Create in me a clean heart O God, renew a right spirit within me.

Secondly, faith is an undivided 2 companion of a good conscience: 1 Tim. 1.19.3.9. which is a con [...]inuall feast, a bra­zen wall; great matter of joy in many and great afflictions, 2 Cor. 1.12. This is our reioycing, even the testimony of our conscience.

Thirdly, it worketh hope; which 3 is an anchor of the soule, both sure and stedfast, entring into that with [...]n the vaile, Heb. 6.19▪ and saith, Though it be ill for the pre­sent, it will be better hereafter▪ In the world is no comfort, but in Heaven there is enough and e­nough: Men are enemies, but God a friend, and will appeare in time for us, and against them all: And if our selves should mis­carry, yet our posterity shall see the fruit of all these stirres; our [Page 26] children shall enter into the good land. A great stay to the heart, when almost overwhelmed with ca [...]es and fea [...]es; Psal. 27.13. I had fainted, unlesse I had belee­ved to see the goodnesse of the Lord in the land of the l [...]ving.

4 Fourthly, faith works patience; to endure any thing in the way, and for the cause of God; there­fore we both labour, and suffer re­proach, because we trust in the li­ving God, 1. Tim. 4.10. And by patience the Christian hath power over his owne spirit; and can pos­sesse his soule, Luk. 21.19. which otherwise would be lost (as it were) by im­patience and other distempers. When patience hath its perfect worke, Jam. 1.4. he shall be altogether in­vincible; and shall hold out unto victory, and to the enjoying of all mercies promised, Heb. 6.12. old Beleevers through faith and pati­ence inherited the promises.

5 Fiftly, faith can pray; the pray­er of faith, Jam. 5.15, 16. Oratio fi­dei Omni­poten [...] [...] which availeth much, and after a sort is Omnipotent, as Luther said. And specially by [Page 27] prayer the Beleever can get hear [...]s-ease in every s [...]d qualitie, the setling of unquiet affections, heavy passions of unbelief, fright­full apprehensions of evill to come. Lord help my mi [...]ch [...]fe, Ma [...]. 9.24. Ps. 109.4. for my love they are my adversaries; b [...]t I [...] my self [...] un­to prayer: mark the force of that phrase. And it is said of Jehosa­phat, in that great danger, that he set himself [...] to seek the Lord; which both qualified his feare, and ob­tained a victory, 2 Chron. 20.3.

V. In respect of the enemies, V both in the world, and from hell: Enem [...]es d [...]sabled in the [...]a [...]ne. Rom. 8.33. Faith seeth them disabled in the ma [...]ne: Who can a [...] [...]st, or con­dem [...]e, or separate from the love of God? Well they may kill the bo­dy, but not hurt the soule; or rifle the estate, but not prejudice the goodnes of his estate toward God: Therefore feare them not, saith our Saviour, Luk 12.4, 5. Neither can they do that, til the Lord give them leave;2 Sam. 16.11. as he bad Shime [...] to curse David; and satan could not touch Job, nor enter into the Swine of [Page 28] the Gada [...]ns, till he had commis­sion. Enemies are a sharp rod, but in the hand of God; to lay on, or take off, as he pleaseth, Isa. 10.5. Nor yet can they vex us one moment longer then the Lord will: As we see in Israels com­ming out of Egypt, Exod 12.41. The selfe same day, wherein the 430. yeers were expired: The rod of the wicked shall not rest on the lot of the righteous: Ps. 125.3. In due time the rod must be cast into the fire.

VI VI. In respect of the proper [...]nd of faith, Faith ends of not but [...]n salvation. which is salvation; 1 Pet. 1.9. Faith never leaves the soul, but in endlesse & unspeakable blessed­nes. There indeed it self endeth, ha­ving done its office; but the effect & benefit of it never endeth. Now they say, all is well that ends well; and in present, all is well, because the end shall be good; thence the heart is fixed, and the Beleever fainteth not, whatever he suffers in VII this life; see 2 Cor. 4.16, 17, 18.

The Ordi­nance of God.VII. In respect of Gods grant and ordinance to a Beleever, wal­king humbly with him; as here in [Page 29] the Text, this stands a [...] a privi­ledge of the godly, described [...]. 1. to be on [...] that f [...]a [...]t God, and d [...]l [...]g [...] [...]g earth [...] Comm [...]d [...]ments. God [...]ath past over to him such in hum [...]nity, He sh [...] not b [...] [...] d [...]g [...] [...] in the Lord. Having taken his part of sorrow and feare before­hand,Hab. 3 16. he shall rest in the day of e­vill. And having come to Gods termes (of beleeving, repenting, obeying, zeale, and the like) he shall now enjoy the sweetnesse of it. One that hath served his time faithfully, shall have the privi­ledges of a Townsman, or Ci­tizen.

These are the grounds, where­on faith setleth the heart in evill [...].

All this while we say nothing [...]f a Stoicall, or C [...]n call resoluti­on; that a Christian should ei­ther be voyd of affections, Heb. 12.5 o [...] de­sp [...]se the crosse by a dogged sto­macke; or that he needs world­ly wisdome and policy to help [Page 30] himselfe; or that he must shift and sh [...]rk for hims [...]lfe in an in­direct way; or goe over to the enemies of God and Religion; or on the other side, seeke his owne revenge upon them. All this is but Sau [...] Armour, not sit for Dav [...]d to fight in: There­fore we leave them to Ma [...]vel and his disciples: Men of this world,Job 36.21. who choose sinne rather then affliction: And we goe out against the enemies of God, as David a­gainst Goliah, 1 Sam. 17.45. in the name of the Lord. Grounds of faith suffice the heires of faith; who are ever happiest, and most at ease, when they hold them to their grounds.

Section III.

Make use of Faith at these times of need.Every one wisheth the times were setled, and if the times were setled, he would doe thus and [Page 31] thus to make gaine, and live a merry life. But (Christians) the setling of the times is not in your power, the setling of your hearts is, and ye see how: Other may passe away as fruitlesse wishes, and lost endeavours, but this is feisable, and will be to good purpose: The Just is an everla­sting fo [...]ndation, saith Solomon; Prov. 10. that is, being fixed by faith; o­therwise, he is weak as another man; this is the Samsons look, which holds all our strength to­gether; this keeps life in the heart, and steddinesse, whereas without it the soule staggers like a drunken man.

Now live by faith: Hab. 2.4. While the naturall man lives the life of na­ture, do you live the life of grace and of faith: Make use of this privilege, as Townsmen doe of theirs, to enrich themselves, and keep out forreigners. No man hath a commodity lying by him, but he will make use of it when it shall be most for his ad­vantage: And so should a Chri­stian [Page 32] of his faith in these times of need: Never in all our dayes had we such times and occasions as these, and therefore now more then ever we should put our faith to the proofe. Godly men have no exemption from troubles, dangers, or evill tidings, but onely an Antidote, to fence their poore hearts against the venome of them. And they have their feares as others have; and their feares are both naturall and use­full: Onely this may curbe them and keep them from being immo­derate. Faith acted sets the heart as a rock, and the face as a flint; Isa. 50.7. The Lord God will helpe me, therefore shall I not be confounded; therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know tha [...] I shall not be ashamed.

Obiect. Oh! but it is very hard to keep the heart in a good frame, of de­pending and waiting on God; I find my heart soon unsetled, though sometime fixed.

Ans. 1 True, Gods owne children find sad vicissitudes of faith and frail­ty; [Page 33] flesh and spirit are ever combating, as in other things, so in this; like those that goe upon the sea, sometime carried up to Heaven, Psal. 107.26. sometime downe againe into the de [...]ps. Let no Christian discourage himselfe because of these alterations: Be glad, that sometimes ye find an high tide of affections and assurances:77. 10. David remembred the yeer [...] of old and was comforted.

Secondly, it is indeed difficult,2 and that shewes the excellency of the life of faith: [...]. All excellent things are attended w [...]th their dif­ficulties: A great estate needs much adoe in the managing. None layeth siege to a Cottage; neither will Satan trouble those that live the life of nature; but where faith is, he will quickly shew himselfe an enemy.

Thirdly, Religion in generall,3 and faith in particular, hath a power in it,Lactant. [...]nditu. 4.28. both to maintaine it selfe, and oppose the enemy. Re­ligion in latin hath its name of bind [...]ng: And in this case, it [Page 34] bindeth the beleeving soule to its Mast, so to avoyd enchanting Syrens of the World, and keep it upright against all stormes of temptation and persecution; and faith at weakest cryes out for help, Lord increase our faith, Lord belp my unbeliefe. The life of nature strives to preserve it selfe as long as it can, and by the best meanes it can; and so doth the life of faith. The weak­est Beleever can make moane, and say all is not well with him, and long for some reliefe; which struglings shall be relieved: Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousnesse, Mat. 5.6. for they shall be filled.

4 Fourthly, therefore strive still to act thy faith; chide unbeliefe away, as Psal. 42.11. Why art thou cast downe, O my soule? why art thou disquieted within me? What reason for this infidelity? Fight the good fight of faith, 1 Tim. 6.12. Contend for the Faith, Jude 3. As for the doctrine of faith, and habit of faith, so for [Page 35] the act and exercise of it: In vain is that habit of power, which is not reduced into act. No need to bid a Sea-man cast forth his an­chor in a storme; so me thinks there should be no need to call upon a Christian to set his faith on worke, in these dangerous dayes.

Quest. What should we doe to exercise our faith in soule wea­ther,Meanes to bring faith into act. and make our use of it when need requireth.

Answ. 1. Seeke the Lord by 1 prayer;Jam. 1.17. from whom commeth eve­ry good and perfect g [...]ft; and to live the life of faith, is one of those gifts. As he is the Author, so the F [...]n [...]sher of faith, Heb. 12.2. As he gives the habit, so the act and operation of it: The Lord gives his Church, both the former and la [...]ter raine. Faith is a Creature, and the strength whereby we stand is uncreated, even God himselfe: Thou art the strength of my heart (said David) and my portion for ever. Ps. 37.26. Faith that must support us, must it selfe be [Page 36] supported of the Lord; as Christ prayed for Peter, Luke 22.32. I have prayed that thy faith faile not.

Doth any of you therefore want wisdome or strength?Jam. 1.5, 6. Let him ask of God, who giveth liberally. He is the onely stay for a poore Beleever in streights and diffi­culties: Fall to casting anchor in Heaven, or else ye are gone: [...] doth neither justifie, nor uphold us in great trials: God must help us to beleeve, or we shall soone come to nothing: Faith with its Correlative is all in all to us.

2 2. Keep still in eye those ma­ny grounds, on which faith stan­deth, and establisheth the heart, that is, the Relations of God to us, his Attributes, Promises, Pro­vidence, mercies received, mer­cies reserved, &c. A tall man in the bottome of a celler will see but little; and a strong Beleever if his grounds be out of fight, will be weak as another man. To the Law and to the Testimony, Isa. 8.20. in matters to be done; to the Gos­pell, [Page 37] and to the Promises, in mat­ters to be beleeved, and receive comfort. A Trades-man to fur­nish his Shop, will repaire to the Ware-house: And a Christian to be furnished with comfort, must repaire to the Promises and the like supplies.

It may be observed, that the same Christian, as he hath used his grounds, or not used them, hath been strangely altered, as if he were not the same man: One while a Gyant, another while a Dwarfe. Oh (saith David) I shall one day fall by the hand of Saul: Another time he will not feare, Psal. 3 6. though ten thousand had compassed him round about. One while Job curseth his birth-day, and is very impatient; another while he will trust in God, Job 13.15 though he kill him. It is aliquid Dei, some divine thing, that must up­hold the best heart that is. If his means be neglected or laid aside, there quickly comes a fearfull alteration: When the Moone re­ceives not light from the Sunne, [Page 38] it is presently eclipsed.

3 3 Shut the eye of flesh at such times, and beware of carnall rea­son: Carnall reason is a great enemy to faith: therefore these are opposed one to another, To walk by faith, and walk by sight, 2 Cor. 5.7. We walk by faith, and not by sight. He that will goe by likelihoods and unlikelihoods shall never be setled in belee­ving. The servant of Elisha fea­red, because he looked onely at them that came against him, and saw not who were with him: The Noble-man dyed for it: If God should make windowes in Heaven, 2 Kin. 7.2 could there be such plenty? Za­charias was stricken dumb for as­king, whereby shall I know this? Luk. 1.20 being old, and his Wife well stricken in yeers. Abraham on the other side,Rom. 4.19 considered not the deadnesse of his owne body, or of Sarahs wombe, but looked at him who had promised, that he was a­ble and faithfull to performe. The naked Word of God is suffi­cient for performing all his pro­mises: [Page 39] Never ask, when, or how, or any such matters? Hath not the Lord spoken it? And if it be mervailous in your eyes, should it be mervailous in mine eyes, sa [...]th the Lord of [...]osts? Zech. 8.6. Oh (say we) our enemies are many and strong, our friends few and weak, treasure exhausted, no likelihood of carrying our cause;Joh. 11.39 Lord, by this time it stinketh, for t [...]s is the fourth day: Ah (said Christ to Martha) said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest beleeve thou shouldest see the glory of God? Joh. 11.40. Mans reason is a short measure to esteem the pow­er and wisdome of God.

These are some meanes to act faith in these times of need: Now put your faith to it;2 Tim. 1.6. stirre up the gift of God that is in you: Where­fore should a man have riches, and not have the use of them? Know, it is a fault, and matter of reproofe in Beleevers, to give way to those feares.Isa. 8.12, 13. Feare not their feare, nor be afraid; sanctifie the Lord of hosts himselfe, and let [Page 40] him be your feare and your dread. why did ye doubt, Mat. 8.26. O ye of little faith? He is a coward, who hath a sword by his side, and will not use it against a theefe: And he is a Miser, who hath store of riches, and yet wanteth necessaries in his sicknesse. Apply it to thy selfe, and think, Who would be so clogged and turmoyled with feares, when he may be rid of them? Onely if ye stand to your owne Principles, and remember your grounds: None so merry as a true Christian, if he hold his owne; indeed none but he: O­thers glory in the face, not in heart, 2 Cor. 5.12.

Section IV.

These benefits are many and great. Seven be­nefits of Faith well acted.

1 First, what a sweet life would it [Page 41] be, to be past these torturing fears? which now lye gnawing upon your hearts,V [...]tan [...]n vitalis. [...]. Origen. and drinking up your spi­r [...]t, that your life is scarce worthy to be called a life. Oh these hea­vy and gro [...]ning passions of unbelief! How doe they keep a man in bo [...] ­dage all the dayes of his life! Heb. 2.15. A man shall (through these feares) want what he hath, aswell as what he hath not. Onely be­cause he brings not his faith into exercise.

Secondly, the acting of faith 2 would be great glory to God, whom we serve, and in whom we professe to beleeve; shewing actu­ally; that the Lord is sufficient matter of joy when all other com­forts faile, Hab. 3.17, 18. Al­though the Figge-tree shall not blos­some—yet will I reioyce in the Lord, I will be glad in the God of my sal­vation. It is honour to any Ma­ster, to see his Servant cheerfull at his businesse, and stick to him in great hazards; a signe he is a good Master: So here, God is honoured while his servants wait upon him [Page 42] cheerfully. And, joy of heartes one part of our Masters allow­ance: My servants shall reioyce, Isa. 65.13.

3 Thirdly, it would be a good cre­dit to our holy profession, and draw others to it; as being a fountaine of comfort in the sadd [...]st streights and difficulties, Psal. 46.4. There is a River, the streames whereof shall make glad the City of God. And who would not enter upon so comfortable a course of life? All seeme willing to live a fine and joyfull life, which is ne­ver done compleatly, till faith be both gotten and exercised.

4 Fourthly, if our faith were well acted, we should walk as so many tall Gyants, farre above all reach of the evill world, our faith be­ing our victory, whereby we over­come the world, 1 Joh. 5.4. We should not onely beare, but con­temne the contempt of ungodly men:Heb. 12.2 As our Lord, who despised the shame. Threaten these things to your Courtiers, said the Mar­tyrs; we have faith, and thereby [Page 43] are growne hardy. Or promise these rewards, honours, great ad­vantages to them that care for them; we have other matters in our heart and eye, and cannot be wonne from the truth.

Fiftly, it our faith were duly set 5 on worke, we should undertake great things for the Cause, and in the way of God; saying in great sufferings, as the Apostle did,2 Tim. 1.12. 2 Cor. 4.13. I know whom I have beleeved. Ha­ving the spirit of faith, we would speake, and make a good confession in time of need. We would part with our estates, yea and lives too, disburse, fight, apologize, any thing, so that our Lord and his Cause may be glorified.

Sixtly, still as faith is acted, we 6 shall be able to make mighty pray­ers; prayers that shall availe m [...]ch for furthering the worke of God: being prayers of [...]a [...]th, Jam. 5.15, 16. And we shall not be wea­ry of praying, though we seem to strive against the streame: No, saith Faith, it will be to purpose, therefore pray alway [...] and f [...]m not, Luke 18.1.

[Page 44] 7 Lastly, if we act our faith, we shall be kept from temptations, which great afflictions use gene­rally to bring along with them: as namely, to despaire, or use in­direct meanes for helping our selves. He that beleeveth shall not make hast, Isa. 28.16. Our faith will be a shield to us, whereby we shall be able to quench all the fiery da [...]ts of the wicked, Eph. 6.16. It will be a meanes to keep God with us, and keep us in the way of God; which alwayes hath a sure recom­pence of reward.

Section V.

Motives.Beside those benefits of acting thy faith, there be divers other considerations which may move thee thereunto.

1 First, the setting of thy faith on work setteth God on work, to doe [Page 45] great things for his people: Ac­cording to thy faith be it unto thee, Mat. 8.13 said our Lord in the Gospell; and to Martha he said, John 11.4 [...]. Said I not unto thee, that if thou wouldest beleeve thou shouldest see the glory of God? Mordecai belee­ved deliverance would come, one way or other, and it came accor­dingly, Est. 4.14. The three Jewes beleeved God would save them in the fiery furnace: and they were saved, Dan. 3.17. The grea­test Beleevers have been the grea­test Receivers, Heb. 11. The old Beleevers by faith obtained won­derfull mercies: All things are possible to him that beleeveth: God will doe for them that give glory to his Name, which is by faith, Rom 4.20. such give him the glory of his power, of his wisdome, mercy, faithfulnesse, all his Attributes; and they cast them­selves wholly upon him, as Cly­ents on their Counsellour, therefore shall not be disappoin­ted; yea, Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope [Page 46] the Lord is; he shall be as a Tree planted by the watters, &c. Jer. 17.7, 8.

But ah this base infidelity, which puts our faith so much in our eye & cals it so often from our hearts too much flesh, too little faith we beleeve no longer then we see signes and wonders; scarce cheerfull, but while we heare of a victory, or discovery, or other mercy; mightily cast downe at a foyle, or the prevailing of ene­mies; Shake as the Trees of the Wood, when Rez [...]n and Pekah are joyned together, Isa. 7.1, 2.

And it brings little home, as is said of carking care. God being dishonoured by unbeliefe, with­draweth his hand, doth not his work, or not yet; seeth no vessell set, to receive his precious liquor, and so the oyle ceaseth. Israel could not enter because of unbeliefe, Heb. 3.19. Good is comming, but we are short-winded, and wait not; thence these delayes. All the fault is not in wicked enemies, or the sinners in Sion; but some [Page 47] fault resideth in Gods owne chil­dren, who beleeve not as they should doe. Infidelity is an hate­full sinne too, and reprovable; it detracteth from God, as if he were not wise, able, vigilant to fulfill his promises; so he stayes his hand, as one that will be better waited on.

Take notice of this, as one cause why the work of Reformation, and of our happinesse, doth stick so long in the birth; it is much desi­red, but not attained; and yet the Lord willing it should be done, and that throughly: There is cause enough for it in the unrefor­mednesse of people, who after all the terrours and humiliations, yet tu [...]n not from their evil ways, as the men of Ninive. Jon. 3.10. But here is some­thing in Gods owne people, whose faith is so little, and their feare so great: If we beleeved more, we should see his great works done the sooner: Therefore resolve up­on that in Mark 11.22, 23, 24. Have Faith in God: And, What things soever ye desire when ye pray, [Page 48] beleeve that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

2 Secondly, think thus with your selves; why should not faith make couragious, as well as vain-glory, envy, propriety of goods, safety of the Country, memory and emulati­on of Ancestors, or the like carnall considerations, which have migh­tily elevated the spirits of people heretofore; as namely, the old Ro­mans who became Lords of the World;Cicero. pro aris & focis, was a great word with them, entring in­to a fight:Ovid. Horat. And, Ingens gloria cal­car habet; and, Dulce & dec [...]rum est, pro patria mori; and, Imperti causâ, &c. But faith hath higher and stronger considerations; the Cause of God, the maintaining of the Gospell, contending for the faith delivered once to the Saints, the upholding and enlarging of the Kingdome of Christ, the kee­ping of a good conscience, the glory of Heaven in our eye; and who would be a slave to Anti­christ? Bodily slavery is bad e­nough, &c.

[Page 49]Consider; Their Rock is not [...] unto our Rock, [...] our enem [...] the [...] [...] being Judges, Deut 12.31. And, Th [...]s they doe for a co­ [...]ptible Crowne, we for an [...] [...]apitole, 1 Cor. 9.25. The high­er the spring, the higher the wa­ter will ascend at the Conduit. A Beleever therefore, going b [...] the highest Principles and notions should g [...]t highest in his resolut [...] ons and behaviours.

Thirdly, we have still, and a 3 long time have had great meanes to be strong in faith; a Ministery o [...] many yee [...]s continuance, which is growing food, 1 Pet. 2.2. [...] of the Wood, that it [...]. A tree planted in a go [...] place, and there continuing m [...]n­ [...]ee [...]s, is well rooted and so should the trees of righteousnesse be, af­ter so long standing. The Martyr [...] had but few yeer [...] in King [...]. time, yet they gathered strength enough, to carry them through the flames. A shame it will be to us, not to be proficients according to our time; when for the time we [Page 50] might be Teachers, Heb. 5.11. Weaknesses of faith and other gra­ces should have been outgrowne long agoe.

Adde the going so often to the Lords Supper; which to a prepa­red soule is a batling Ordinance. No feast yeeldeth so good juy [...] and nourishment to the body, bu [...] this yeeldeth as good to such [...] soule. Bread strengthneth man heart; especially this bread tha [...] came downe from Heaven, Psa 104.15. O the sweet communio [...] that hath been between Christ an [...] thy Soule, upon due frequenting the Ordinance! and O the fre­quent repast of thy soule up­on prayer, and the experience thou hast had of Gods love an [...] providence! and doest thou ye [...] feare?Hilarion. Hieron. in eius vita. Septuaginta annos servivi [...] Christo, & mori times.

Finally, the many good Books and Treatises, which of late yeer [...] have been published;M. Cul­ve [...]well. M. Rogers. as it were of purpose, to fence and furnis [...] Christians for these sad times wherein are choicest collection [Page 51] for fixing a poore beleeving heart in all occasions.M. Ball M. Wilson. God that fore­saw what he was about to doe, di­rected his Ministers, so to make provision for his people; as when he sent a sore famine upon Cana­an, he sent Joseph beforehand to provide for his Father and Bre­thren.

Fourthly, in those present trou­bles 4 and dangers, the Lord hath all along opened a doore of hope, Hos. 2.13. for upholding our faith unto vi­ctory: Seeing how weak weare in beleeving bare promises, he hath given us somthing in hand for en­couragement: He hath still sent us some pawnes of more, which he will doe for us in time; an earnest of the whole bargaine: And ex­perience is a great help unto faith; as in the Apostles,2 Cor 1.10. He hath delive­ [...]ed us from great death, and doth deliver, and we trust also he will de­liver. When we began to quaile at any time, presently a victory was given, a discovery made, a de­feat of their Counsels or Forces, the spirits of people raised up a­bove [Page 52] all expectation, in a Count [...] which was given for a lost Count a signe the Lord means to doe the work at last: If he meant to d [...] ­stroy us, he would not shew us such things as these. Thus, by what the Lord hath done already, he doth even invite us to beleeve, and not feare.

5 Fiftly, it is but a while, and y [...] shall see what now ye beleeve. Y [...] a little while, Heb. 10.37. and he that shall com [...] will come, and his reward is with him. In Heaven there will be n [...] acting of faith, no use of it, as now all there is in Fruition, Union and Vision: Joh. 20.29 In this life, Blessed are they that beleeve, though they see not: In that life, blessed are those that see what hitherto they beleeved▪ If we strive a little, we shall find our waiting was to purpose: Yet two or three Closes, and we shall be at our Fathers house. And there we shall have neither unbeliefe to combat withall, nor any other e­nemy; no feare, no molestation, no imperfection whatsoever.

6 Sixtly, if faith be not acted, ye [Page 53] will lose the benefit of those comforts which are your owne: Ye for­sake your owne me [...]s, Jonah 2.8. Ye live heavily, when your estate gives you leave to live most cheer­fully. Hag [...] saw [...] the Well and was out of heart, as if no water were to be bad. M [...] saw not Christ [...] eye [...] being held [...] and was still in perplexity: A miserly niggard wants what he h [...]th, as well as what he hath not: And to look upon,Paulum sepultae, distat in­ertiae, Ce­lata vi [...] ­tus. what difference be­tween an unbeleever, and a Be­leever not improving his faith when need requires? One sighs as much as the other, &c. Now this is a disparagement to faith, and the high calling of a Christian, who alone in truth hath cause to be me [...]ry: A discouragement to o­thers, to come on in such an un­comfortable profession: An hinderanc [...] of prayer; a dishonour to God, a [...] if he made no good allow­ance to his Servants: And doth the devils owne work, who when he cannot hinder a Christian of the end of his way, will doe his [Page 54] best to spoyle him of the comfort of his way.

Section VI.

Oh (say some) we have so many things to feare, that we know not how to make use of our faith: But why so? Faith hath a strength at all assayes, to help at a dead lift: That if a Christian hold his owne he shall wade well through all his feares, and evils feared: All things are possible to him that be­leeveth; to receive, to doe, to suf­fer, to overcome.

Generall salves for the feares of Belee­vers.Know therefore in generall: First, that the Order of Grace is stronger then the Order of Na­ture: We have many enemies, or troubles, but mo with us then a­gainst 1 us: They are great, but the Lord greater, Omnipotent: And the Angels mightier to save, [Page 55] then devils to hurt us: Divine Ordinances, full of solid strength and comfort; and all the Trea­sures of Gods love full and inex­haust. If a Beleever look upward he seeth an infinite advantage a­bove them all: The wav [...]s rage horribly, but the Lo [...]d is mightier, Psal. 93.3, 4. Tyrants get on high, and are mighty to oppresse; but still he is mightier, Eccles. 5.8. They are crafty; but he catcheth th [...] man their craftinesse, 1 Cor. 3.19

Secondly, faith [...]n set the Chri­stian 2 farre above his own strength; as the strength of others, so his owne: Out of weaknesse be shall be made strong, Heb. 11.34. He can doe more in a certaine case, then at another time. As Martyrs, they endured the flam [...]s; as men, they could never have endu [...]d them. While Peters faith l [...]sted, he walked upon the waters.

Thirdly, in all particular fears,3 saith hath something to say out of the Word, which shall stay the heart, and counterp [...]e all the [Page 56] burden of feares that would clog it. The Word hath a quickning vertue, first and last: First for re­ [...]neration, afterward for susten­tation. It is a plentifull Store­house, out of which some comfort is still to be fetched: And David saith, he had perished, unlesse the Word had comforted him.

Section VII.

Faith being so strong and effe­ctuall a meanes to settle the heart in evill times,Faith to be [...]sh [...]d and [...]n­c [...]ea [...]ed. M [...]e [...]. it will be good wisdome for Christians to make much of their faith; to cherish it, strengthen it, fix it, and be ad­ding to it daily. Souldiers will keep their Forts well, that their [...]o [...]ts may keep them. And alike must Beleevers doe for their faith, which is so much for their turne every way. It were folly to [Page 70] complaine of a troubled spirit about these troublous times, and not be earnest in preserving and increasing faith, which should fa­sten and quiet the heart. It were a sinfull neglect of the meanes, which God in great wisdome and love hath set apart for the reme­dy. We have seen grounds e­nough for our confirmation; which if they be well improved, would both preserve and increase our faith. [...] Arist. It is a rule, that all things are nourished of the same matter, whereof they are bred. Therefore,

1 First, be diligent and conscio­nable in the use of the Word, publique and private, whereby faith commeth at first, and after­ward is encreased. The Word is sincere milk, Rom. 10.17. whereby new-borne Babes may grow, 1 Pet. 2.2. A child thrives best by the Mothers milk: In the Word are promises to be ever met withall, in all particulars: And as good Evi­dences for house or land, well perused, doe much cleer a mans [Page 71] title to the thing: So the Scrip­tures, well searched and applyed, doe strongly cleere the righteous mans Evidence for Heaven. The failing of Christians is, when they wax negligent in the Word, or if they turne aside to visions, or other fancies; no food so nou­rishing, as Gods Word duly re­garded. They that are planted in th [...] house of God, are fat and flou­rishing, and bring forth fruit in old age, Psal. 92.14.

Secondly, be frequent and se­rious 2 in going to the Lords Ta­ble; where is a fatning Banket to the prepared and worthy Re­ceiver. No feast yeeldeth better nourishment to the body, then this to the soule. This is the true Sacrament of Confirmation: This is a Medicine that expelleth all e­vils; [...]. Ignat. ad Ephes. both unbeliefe and all the heavy passions that issue from it. Onely get a good appetite, pre­pare, examine, come fitted to re­ceive a blessing: The Master of the Feast would not be wanting to his owne Ordinance, if his Guests [Page 72] were not wanting to themselves. Spirituall sloath, foolish curiosity, turning to vaine janglings, are maine hinderances of the benefit which that blessed Ordinance is reany otherwise to afford.

Thirdly, frequent lovingly, and improve wisely, the Commu­nion of Saints, which ye professe to beleeve; these are able to sa­tisfie your doubts, mind you of promises, produce experiences, comfort you, beare you up, and doe much for fixing you on your Rock: United forces doe back one another: As iron sharpneth iron, so the face of one Christian strengtheneth & heereth another. But woe be to h [...]m that is alone. Eccl. 4.10 It he fall, who shall raise him up▪ And the devill desireth no bette [...] advantage, then to find Christians solitary and private-minded. When Thomas was absent from the rest of his fellowes,Joh. 22.25 he grew to a sturdy kind of unbeliefe; Unlesse I may feele, I will not beleeve.

4 Fourthly, pray much and ear­nestly, for the increasing and [Page 73] acting of thy faith,Mar. 9.24 Luk. 17.5 Lord help my unbeliefe, Lord increase our faith. Pray to be able to live the life of faith; to trust perfectly in the grace revealed; to have the use of thy faith when need is; to have thy heart fixed by belee­ving. What is not the Lord able and willing to doe for them that cry unto him? Hath he not pro­mised to returne a gracious an­swer? Even a naturall Father will regard and pitty the mone which his poore child maketh.

Fifthly, recount and search out 5 the promises, which are the same to the feeding of faith, as oyle is to the feeding of a lamp; soone extinguished if fuell be with-held. Abraham was strong in faith, be­cause he had both eyes upon the promises. Promises will make us Partakers of the divine nature, 2 Pet 1.4. Heires of promise should live on promises, as their owne proper element and nou­rishment. A Beleever, forget­ting the promises, is as a fish on dry land. Gods people of old [Page 74] were busie in searching out pro­mises, when the search was diffi­cult, obscure, and nothing so com­fortable, as now in the light of the Gospell, 1 Pet. 1.11, 12.

6 Sixtly, meditate on the Attri­butes of God, which have great power to make us beleeve any thing which the Lord hath pro­mised. He is able who promised; he is faithfull who promised,Rom. 4.21. 1 Thes. 5.24. &c. All of them are engaged for our good; as himself, who is our God, by a firme Covenant: And faith will subsume; I beleeve in God Almighty: What cannot he doe who is Almighty? I beleeve in the onely-wise God, who is Omnisci­ent; and what cannot such a one invent? I beleeve in him who is the searcher of reynes, and know­eth the hidden things of darknesse, what wicked plot cannot he dis­cover? I beleeve in him who is true and faithfull; what word of his shall fall to the ground? So in the other: A Dwarfe with a Gyant on his side waxeth resolute and valiant. When the eye is ta­ken [Page 75] oft from one-selfe, and all e­nemies or other incumbrances, and kept close upon God; how strong will faith he, and the heart unmovable?

Seventhly, strengthen thy faith 7 by the experiments thou hast had of God formerly, and others have had. His works, partly done, partly in doing, invite confidence for time to come. The reason is, because the Lord is ever the same, inexhaust, unweariable, his hand not shortned, nor his eare heavy, but he can and will help his peo­ple to the uttermost: To like persons, in the like way, and be­leeving alike, he will be alike in dispensing his mercies.Mal. 3.6. I am the Lord, I change not, therefore ye sonnes of Jacob are not consumed. Therefore also collect as David, 1 Sam. 17 36. and as Paul, 2 Tim. 4.17, 18. It is a great help to a Beleever, to remember the yeers of the right hand of the most high. Psal. 77.10. and call to mind what he hath done for his Church and people formerly; to the Church [Page 76] in Aegypt, in the Wildernesse, in Hamans time, in other exigences. Others have fared well, while they waited on God; therefore we also will wait, and doubt not but to doe well enough, Psal. 22.4, 5. Our Fathers trusted in thee; they trusted and thou didst deliver them: They cryed unto thee, and were de­livered; they rusted in thee and were not confounded.

Thus fortifie your faith as much as ye can, and it will be a strong fortifying of your spirits in all feares of evill. A strong and healthy body getteth up a high hill farre better then a weakling can doe. If our faith were stron­ger, our hearts should be more fixed and setled then they are. If it were the fall assurance of faith, Heb. 10.22. we should not once doubt for all these terrours.Mark 11.13. Remember the re­moving of mountaines, and trans­planting of trees into the midst of the sea; all by the power of faith: Onely beleeve, and all shall be possible.