§. 237. Of Faiths making 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
THe means of attaining to the foresaid valour is implied by this phrase, Through Faith, in the beginning of vers. 33. for all the particulars follow∣ing after have reference thereunto. Faith makes so valourous, as no fight, no pitch'd battle can daunt him. If not fight, what other danger can do it? I will not be afraid for ten thousands of people, saith a believer, Psal. 3. 6. Many like pas∣sages hath that man of Faith in his Psalms. The like might be exemp•…•…ified in Caleb and Joshua, Numb. 14. 9. in Jonathan, 1 Sam. 14. 6. in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 4. 14. in Daniel a•…•…d his three Companins, Dan. 6. 10. and 3. 18.
1. •…•…aith looketh higher than the bodily sight can. In fights it beholdeth that Captain which appeared unto Joshua, Josh. 5. 13. and from sight of him re∣ceiveth much courage.
2. Faith assureth a man of his reconciliation with God, of Gods fatherly care over him, of Gods wisdom in ordering all things, and turning them to the best advantage for his Childrens good. This is it that makes a man valorous & venturous as a Lion, Prov. 28. 1. The believers conscience will not suffer him to adventure on any thing, but that which is lawfull and warrantable and his Faith makes him valorous therein. They say that sundry passions will supply the wa•…•…t of bloud in a wounded man: but no passion can so support a man as the spirit of Faith, This makes a man more regard the cause than the event. If he prevail in his attempt, he is an apparent Conquerour. If he lose his life therein, he gains a more glorious, though a lesse visible, triumph: and that with the glorified Saints in Heaven.
Among other points before noted, this sheweth the necessity and benefit of Faith: and that as in general for all men, so in particular for Souldiers. All have need of courage, Magistrates, Ministers, Parents, Masters, yea, subjects and other inferiors▪ for all in their places have need of courage: but without Faith there can be no true valour. The greater danger men are in, the more