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I am not ignorant that your faith, how great soeuer it may be, yet not∣withstanding it is both little in you and feeble: for whilest the infirmi∣ties of this life remaine, the Holy Spirit is not giuen vs, but in a cer∣taine
measure, according to the which we know not but in part, and our spirituall renuing is yet but in the beginning; it is certaine that here below we cannot attaine to the perfection of faith; and therefore I doubt not but that your faith is yet weake, and infirme, and that it can∣not but be moued with diuers temp∣tations, and combated with diuers assaults of doubt and distrust. But yet neuerthelesse, it behoueth you to be of good courage; for this com∣bat which you feele in your selfe, is the combat, which as Saint Paul saith to the Galatians, 5. v. 17. is in the soule of euery faithfull, betweene the flesh and the Spirit; and therefore this is a sure testimony which you haue by faith. For as the flesh figh∣teth in you through vnbeliefe, so doth the Spirit fight in you by faith: and this faith neuer faileth, being fortified by the Spirit of God, which
maketh a man victorious, and what∣soeuer imperfection it hath, God will make it sufficient to saluation; for it is not said, Who shall perfect∣ly beleeue shall be saued, but simply, Who shall beleeue. Moreouer, as you perceiue in your selfe, your faith fee∣ble and imperfect, also I doubt not, but you perceiue in your selfe a Ho∣ly desire that it may be encreased in you and made stronger, and that in your heart you make your prayers to God that it may be so; Is it not true?
Yes.
But seeing it is so, and that this faith and desire may encrease in you, and that this prayer which you make to God, proceed from the fruit of the Spirit, and not of the flesh? and seeing these are the fruits which the Spirit of God bringeth forth in you? is it not a sure testimony, that
you are conducted by the same Spi∣rit, and so consequently the child of God? for all those that are condu∣cted by the Spirit of God, are the children of God, which Saint Paul saith, Rom. 8.14.
Be of good cheere Sir, and boldly say with the Apostle in the middest of your combats, I am assured that nothing can seperate me from the loue of God, which he hath shewed mee in Iesus Christ our Lord.