Downame - BV209_D69_G6_1640_v1

20 Two Popifh objet ions 4nj'vered. not but that we are juflified by faith alone. For it is not every prayer, but the prayer of faith, as S. James calleth it, which is impetratory ; I fay, it is the prayer of faith which by prayer obteineth pardon. To the fecond : Where our Divines define faith to be a full and certain perfwafion of Gods love to- wards us in Chrift forgiving our finnes, &c. they define it in the higheíl degree and perfection there- of whereunto we mull alwayes afpire. But there are two principali degrees of faith : The firfl is an affent to the truth of Gods word, and more efpeci- ally to the promifes of the Gofpel, alluring falvati- on to all that believe in Chrifl. This affent in the judgement to the Law and Gofpel , if it be true, lively, and effeEluall, worketh in the heart and will .a lothing of our finnes, a refolution to leave them, a defire of grace, and a hungring and thirfling af- ter Chrifls righteoufneffe, and a refolution to ac- knowledge Chrifl to be our Saviour, and to reft upon him alone for falvation. And howfoever thofe who have but this degree cannot fay that they are affured of forgiveneffe and falvation, yet their defire of grace proceeding from this lively faith exprelfed in their prayer is acceptable before God, and obteineth that which is del red. Now they which have this degree muff proceed to the fe- tond : For feeing the promifes belong to them concerning jollification and falvation , they ought to apply them to themfelves. And look how fure a man may be that he believeth, that is, giveth a true and lively affent to the doarine of the Gofpel, fo