§. Sect. 4 Of that special faith whereby we apply Christ for our sanctification.
And so much concerning iustifying faith, which is the ground and foun∣dation of a godly life. Besides which generally considered, there is a spe∣ciall faith, or rather a branch of the other, which is very profitable and ne∣cessary to vphold and further vs in our course of Christianity; namely, when as we doe by faith apply Christ, not only for saluation; but also for sanctification, and apprehend the promises, both for iustification and life eternall, and also for the subduing of our corruptions, and renouation vn∣to newnesse of life in this World. In which respect also it may be truly sayd, that the iust doe liue by their faith, and that they cannot leade their * 1.1 liues in holinesse and righteousnesse without it. For there are so many mighty enemies that encounter vs in this way, so many difficulties and dangers which we must ouercome, so many duties contrary to our cor∣rupt nature to be necessarily performed, and so many strange corruptions to be mortified and subdued in vs, that if we respect our owne strength, it will plainely appeare to be vtterly impossible to goe forward in the course of godlinesse, or to attaine vnto any measure of that sanctification which we labour after; whereas contrariwise, if wee renounce our selues, and our owne strength, and by a liuely fayth rest vpon the power and promi∣ses of God, for the beginnign, continuing and perfecting of this worke, then neede we not to be discouraged by our wants and weakenesses, from vndertaking or proceeding in it, nor by the malice and might of our spiri∣tuall enemies, or any other difficulties which meete vs in the way; seeing we are assured that the Lord our God is all-sufficient to remoue all impe∣diments, to giue vs strength against all opposition, to make things in themselues impossible, to become possible and easie vnto vs; and not only able, but also willing to bring vs on in the wayes of godlinesse, and to per∣fect that good worke of grace in vs which he hath begunne. In which re∣spects, we haue great cause with all courage and cheerefulnesse to vnder∣take this worke, and to goe on in the wayes of godlinesse, if by faith wee are once perswaded, that we shall, in Gods good time, ouercome our spi∣rituall enemies, subdue our strong corruptions, performe with ease and comfort, those duties which seeme yet so difficult, and in some good mea∣sure attaine vnto that sanctification, and holinesse of life, which wee la∣bour after.