by John Ball
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Few books so richly unfold the doctrine of faith as John Ball’s A Treatise of Faith. With theological precision, pastoral warmth, and spiritual urgency, Ball offers the church a profound meditation on the essence, origin, and operation of saving faith. This is not a dry theological treatise, but a wellspring of living water for the weary pilgrim, the perplexed seeker, and the seasoned saint alike. Faith, as Ball describes it, is no mere intellectual assent—it is a living, breathing union with Christ, a holy affiance of the soul upon God’s promises in Jesus.
What sets this work apart is its depth and clarity. Ball distinguishes between the various kinds of faith found in Scripture—historical, miraculous, temporary, and justifying—and then magnifies the latter as that Spirit-wrought grace by which sinners lay hold of Christ, rest upon Him, and walk in joyful obedience. Drawing from a vast storehouse of Scripture, Ball exposes Satan’s subtle attacks against faith and equips the believer with truths that anchor the soul in stormy seasons. The second part of the treatise is particularly pastoral, guiding the reader through what it means to live by faith—whether in adversity, in vocation, in the ordinances, or in the face of death itself.
Those who hunger to better understand how faith works in the soul—how it sees Christ, rests on Him, clings through doubt, and yields fruit in holiness—will find in this volume a faithful companion. Endorsed by none other than Richard Sibbes, this book remains a timeless encouragement to any who long not only to believe, but to live by faith. Read it slowly, devotionally, and prayerfully—and be strengthened in the faith that justifies, sanctifies, and leads to everlasting life.
Author's Biographical Information
John Ball was a notable English Puritan theologian and preacher (1585-1640). He was known for his deep theological insights and his commitment to the Reformed tradition during a time of significant religious upheaval in England. Here are some key points about his life and contributions: He was born in Cassington, Oxfordshire. He was educated at Brasenose College, Oxford, where he distinguished himself in classical studies and theology. His education at Oxford laid a strong foundation for his later work as a theologian and preacher. Ball served as a minister in the Church of England but aligned himself with the Puritan movement, which sought to purify the church of what they saw as lingering Catholic practices. He was known for his rigorous adherence to Reformed theology and his emphasis on personal piety and scriptural authority. Ball's writings reflect his commitment to the doctrines of grace and his pastoral concern for the spiritual welfare of his congregation. "A Treatise of Faith," one of his most significant works, considers the nature of justifying faith and its implications for Christian living. His works were widely read and respected among his contemporaries and later generations of Reformed Christians. John Ball's influence extended beyond his own lifetime through his writings and the impact he had on his contemporaries. His works were often cited by other Puritan theologians and remain of interest to scholars of Reformation and Puritan history.
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Table of Contents
PREF. – To the Reader.
Part I.
1. CHAP. I. Of the diverse acceptations of Faith.
2. CHAP. II. Of the Author and worker of Faith Justifying.
3. CHAP. III. Of Justifying faith what it is, and what things are implied therein.
4. CHAP. IIII. Love is not the soul of faith, yet Justifying Faith cannot be without Love.
5. CHAP. V. Of the general object or matter of Faith Justifying.
6. CHAP. VI. Of the Special object of Justifying. Faith.
7. CHAP. VII. Justifying faith is a particular and certain confidence.
8. CHAP. VIII. By faith a true believer may be certain and infallibly assured of the remission of his sins and eternal salvation.
9. CHAP. IX. Faith is grounded upon the word of God, not upon the authority of the Church.
10. CHAP. X. Of the Effects, Subject and Degrees of Justifying Faith.
11. CHAP. XI. Of the right plantation of faith, and means whereby it is confirmed.
12. CHAP. XII. Of the temptations whereby Satan seeketh to batter down our faith, and how he may be resisted.
13. APPENDIX I. – Part I. Scripture References.
Part II.
14. CHAP. I. What it is to live by faith, and how a Christian should stir up himself thereunto.
15. CHAP. II. What it is to live by faith in particular touching the promises of pardon and forgiveness.
16. CHAP. III. What it is to live by faith touching the promises of Sanctification.
17. CHAP. IIII. What it is to live by Faith concerning the promises of everlasting life.
18. CHAP. V. What it is live by faith touching the promises of perseverance.
19. CHAP. VI. How to live by faith in time of Temptation.
20. CHAP. VII. How to live by faith in the times of trouble and adversity.
21. CHAP. VIII. What it is to live by faith touching the promises of earthly blessings, temporal prosperity, and good success.
22. CHAP. IX. What it is to live by faith touching the Commandments.
23. CHAP. X. What it is to live by faith in the duties of our vocation.
24. CHAP. XI. How to live by Faith in the use of God's Ordinances, the Word and Sacraments.
25. CHAP. XII. The faithful are bound, and it is behooveful for them, to believe the threatening’s.
26. APPENDIX II. – Part II. Scripture References.