3i The Life of Faith. D red. 04. Let tbeconfiant workof Faith be, to takeyou off the life offenfe, by mortifying aV theconcupifeenee of thefloß,, and ow-towering a2 the objeíïs offenfe. The neernefs of things fenfble, and the violence and un- reafonablenefs ofthe finks and appetite, do meditate. Faith to be a conflt6 ing grace. Its ufe is to illuminate, elevate and corroborate Reafon, and help it tomaintain its authority and government. The life of a Believer is but a conquering war- fare between Faith and Senfé, and b_twcen,things unfeen, and the things that are feen. Therefore it is laid, that they that are in thefleß, cannot pl'afe Gad;.becaufe the fhlhLing the pre- dominant principle in them, they moll favour and mind the things ofthe flea) ; and therefore theycan do more with them, than the things ofthe Spirit can do, when both are let before them, Ram. Br 5, 6, 7, 8. Dircó . r 5. Let Faith let the example,frf ofChrife,andnext of bit bolief fervants, Rill beforeyou. Fle. that purpofcly lived among men in flcfh,. a life ofholi- ncfs and patience, and contempt of the world, to be a pattern or example to us, doth expel-that it be the daily work .of Faith to imitate him ; and therefore that we have this Copy aril before our eyes. hwill help us when we arcfluggijb, and fit down in low and common things, to fee more noble things before.us. It will help us when we are in doubt of the way of our duty..; and when we are apt to favour our corruptions : It will guide out minds, and quicken our dcfres, with a holy ambition and covetoufncfs tobe more holy It will ferve us to anfwcrall that the world or fl?fh can fay, from the con- trary cxamples'of finningmen : Ifany tell us what great men, or learned men think, or fay, or do, again(} Religion, and for a fulfill life ; it is enough, ifFaith dobut tell us prefently,what Chrift, and his ApotlIes,andSaints,and Martyrs,have thought, and Paid, and done to the contrary, Mat. i r, 28A9; r Pet.2; 2.r, yobs 13. 15. Phil. 3. r 7.2 The!. 3. 9..1 riM. 4. 12. Ephef. 5. I. Jieb. 6. 12. t Vet. t. 6. & 2.14.. Diret`it. x6, Letyour Faith jet al graces on work in their proper order andproportion; and carryon the workofbolinefi and obedienceinbarmony;- :andnotlet one part agatttl another, nor dool oná whileyox forget or ncglcä another. 'z'uaty
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