CHAP. 2. How it is called and the working causes thereof.
SAving beliefe, to diffe∣rence it from that beleeving that will not save, is called by peculiar names, setting out the dignity of it, as saith of Gods elect. Tit. 1.1. the faith of Saints. Rev. 13.10. the faith of Iesus. Rev. 14.12. most holy faith. Iude. 20. worke of faith with power. 2 Thess. 1.11. faith unfained. 1. Tim. 1.5. Precious faith. 2. Pet. 1.1. No other faith can be properly so called.
Page 8The working causes there of are either princi∣pall or in strumentall: the principall is God him∣selfe. Faith of the opera∣tion of God. Col. 2.12. and therefore the blessed work of Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
Loe how goodly a thing it is, as a rare peece of a famous Artist.
The instrumentall cau∣ses are Gods Ministers with the word preached in their mouthes; Faith cometh by hearing, and hea∣ring by the word of God. Rom. 10.17. and how shall they heare without a Page 9Preacher. verse. 14. for though God could work faith in men without this, yet he will not; as he could, if it pleased him, preserve our life with∣out food, but we doe not therefore expect, hee will doe it, and so refuse our food, because he can do it, but rather consider what he will doe.
There are two parts of Gods Word, Lawe and Gospell, they both con∣duce to the work of faith, and goe to the making up of saving beliefe the Law, begins the worke, the Go∣spell finisheth it: the Law Page 10makes way for Christ (and therefore is called our schoolemaster to bring us to Christ. Gal. 3.24.) the Gospell brings him into the soule, and brings the soule into saving acquain∣tance with him.
Q. May not one be∣leeve rightly without the working of the Law first?
A. No: 1. Because no part of Gods Word is in vaine, but serves to spe∣ciall use to bring men to salvation.
2. This were to have the work finished before it be begun, for the Law begins the work, and Page 11Christ is the end of the law. Rom. 10.4.
3. They that beleeve by the Gospell without the working of the Law first doe but as one that is full fed, having a dainty mor∣sell offered him, takes it indeed, but layes it by: or puts it in his pocket, not receiving it into the Stomack to nourish him.
