Abyssus mali, or, The corruption of man's nature briefly handled in some of its principal parts grounded upon Psal. 14: 1, 2, 3 : together with Man's salvation by faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, on Acts 16:31 / by W.G.

READER,

THough I am not forward to trouble thee with words; yet it is not fit I should be wanting to thee in what is necessary. If the former Discourse hath had its intend∣ed Work upon thee, thou would'st then desire to hear more. I now suppose thee to know the absolute necessity of Faith, and its great concernment. I suppose thee, with Paul, trembling and astonish'd, Act. 9.6. Then (as Ananias told him) it is necessary thou should'st know his Will, and see that just one, and should'st hear the voice of his mouth, Act. 22.14. Abyssus abyssum invocat, Deep calls upon deep, Psal. 42.7. There is no lower estate, than Sin exposes to: and we need no greater Saviour than our Jesus, or greater Salvation than

he exhibits. I should therefore hope, this Faith we are now speaking of, as I am sure 'tis necessary, should also be precious; my work is done. Yours is,

1. To try, whether this Faith I have describ'd, be not the true Faith. I am not only willing, but very desi∣rous thou wouldst bring it to the Test; and take heed I do not deceive thee. Do not stand to the arbitration of Men. You shall have one tell you this, and another that: But search the Scrip∣tures; judg for thy self: I have en∣deavour'd to assist thee with light and evidence. Try whether this be not the Faith by which Abraham was saved, Rom. 4.3, &c. by which David was justified, Psal. 32.1, 2. with Rom. 4.6. That the Prophet Isaiah every where proclaims (see chap. 53. chap. 42.24.) that Pe∣ter profess'd, Matt. 16.16, Paul Preach'd, and himself liv'd by, 1 Cor.

2.2. Gal. 2.20. Try whether this be not the same Faith you find working in the Primitive Worthies, both of the Old-Testament, and the New. Why should I insist? I have done my business: And the business of this, is only to put thee upon do∣ing thine. Try it throughly.

2. Try for it, whether thou hast such a Faith, or no. Who would be without Life? Rom. 1.17. Who would be without that, which is his stay and staff? 2 Cor. 5.7: without that, that should bring him into the presence of God with joy, and confi∣dence? Ephes. 3.12. Rom. 15.13: and interest him in all the Treasures and Riches of Gods Grace? Ephes. 3.17, 19. If thou art without it, 'tis necessary thou know, that thou art without it: If thou hast it, to know thou hast it, may be much in thy way.

3. To live by this tried Faith.

What do you mean Sir? Ʋpon all occasions to have recourse to Jesus Christ; whatever thou hast to do, or suffer. Jam. 15.5, He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for with∣out me ye can do nothing. God hath given him to be head over all things to the Church, Ephes. 1.22. We are undone for want of living upon Jesus Christ; the Devil baffles us, and every thing is too hard for us. See not only Paul, Gal. 2.20, but the cloud of Witnesses, that by Faith wrought Righteousness (i. e. did what they should do) obtain pro∣mises, out of weakness became strong, Heb. 11.33, 34.

And now (Reader) thou hast thy will of me, I wish I may obtain my desire of thee: And that is, that nothing in this Book be made use of to vain jangling, and needless di∣sputes;

but all, as thy help to more serious Christianity, Christian stabili∣ty, Self-abasement, and exaltation of Christ.

December 8. 1675.