§. 153. Of Salvation, the end of faith.
TO amplifie this grace of faith, and to demonstrate that it is of force to keepe men from drawing back, he addeth this issue, or end of faith, to the saving of the soul.
The word translated, saving is a a 1.1 compound noun. b 1.2 The simple verb, whence 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 compounded, signifieth to do or make. The compound verb, to get, or to pur∣chase, Act. 20. 28. 1 Tim. 3. 15. This compound noun, a getting or obtaining that which one seekes for. Thus it is translated to obtaine, 1 Thes. 5. 9. 2 Thes. 2. 14.
c 1.3 The object of this getting or purchase is here said to be the soul, meaning the good of the soul: which is the salvation of it, even eternall life. Therefore Saints 〈◊〉〈◊〉 said to obtaine salvation, 1 Thes. 5. 9. This then is the end of faith, the salvation of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 souls: For we are saved through faith. This was of old typified by looking upon* 1.4 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 serpent, Ioh. 3. 14, 15.
The Salvation of our souls is in Christ, and to be had from him. Faith is that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whereby we receive it from him, and rest on him for the eternall enjoying of the same.
Among other motives, this is an especiall one to stir us up to use all means, to ge•…•…, •…•…ase, and preserve faith. Hereof see the whole Armour of God, on Eph. 6. 16. Treat. •…•…. Part. 6. §. 17, &c.
The end that is here noted, will recompence all the care and pains that can be ta∣•…•… there about. Saving of the soul is more then getting or keeping all the world besides, Matth. 16. 26. There is no comparison betwixt the soul and the world. The world cannot be too much undervalued: the soul cannot be overvalued.