William Perkins on faith and experience.

I'm currently sitting in the Rare Books Room, with Volume 1 of the 1608-9 edition of the works of William Perkins lying open on a cushion in front of me. The wonders of wireless internet mean that I can at the same time peruse worthy old tomes and get distracted by my email. It also allows me to post what I'm reading. Hence:

In Philosophie we first see a thing true by experience, and afterward giue our assent vnto it: as in naturall Philosophie; I am perswaded that such a water is hot, because when I put mine hand into it, I perceiue by experience an hot qualitie. But in the practise of faith it is quite contrary. For first, we must consent to the word of God, resisting all doubt and diffidence, and afterward will an experience and feeling of comfort follow. 2.Chron.20.20. Put your trust in the Lord your God, and yee shall be assured: beleeve his Prophets, and ye shall prosper.

(A Golden Chaine, in Workes, I:81 (fol. H2r))