we_o too_o but_o not_o in_o their_o way_n we_o will_v hope_v that_o he_o be_v not_o for_o the_o antinomian_o but_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o for_o we_o notwithstanding_o his_o ambiguous_a expression_n now_o we_o have_v see_v how_o well_o he_o have_v clear_v himself_o of_o the_o suspicion_n of_o antinomianism_n which_o he_o bring_v upon_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o act_n and_o deed._n let_v we_o next_o see_v how_o he_o have_v clear_v his_o party_n we_o have_v declare_v already_o that_o we_o do_v not_o suspect_v they_o much_o less_o accuse_v they_o of_o real_a antinomianism_n and_o so_o they_o need_v no_o clear_n with_o respect_n to_o we_o yet_o since_o the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n have_v tell_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v both_o suspect_v and_o accuse_v and_o since_o he_o have_v undertake_v to_o vindicate_v they_o and_o to_o clear_v up_o their_o innocency_n let_v we_o see_v how_o well_o he_o have_v behave_v himself_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o for_o this_o let_v we_o look_v into_o the_o three_o page_n of_o the_o letter_n where_o he_o thus_o write_v as_o to_o the_o party_n suspect_v of_o antinomianism_n and_o libertinism_n in_o this_o city_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o church_n wherein_o they_o be_v concern_v be_v more_o strict_a and_o exact_a in_o try_v of_o they_o that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o their_o communion_n as_o to_o their_o faith_n and_o holiness_n before_o their_o admit_v they_o in_o the_o engagement_n lay_v on_o they_o to_o a_o gospel-walking_a at_o their_o admission_n and_o in_o their_o inspection_n over_o they_o afterward_o as_o to_o their_o conversation_n they_o be_v general_o of_o the_o more_o regular_a and_o exact_a frame_n be_v it_o not_o unaccountable_a to_o charge_v a_o people_n with_o licentionsness_n when_o the_o charger_n can_v deny_v and_o some_o can_v well_o bear_v the_o strictness_n of_o their_o walk_n then_o to_o confirm_v the_o argument_n from_o the_o more_o than_o ordinary_a holiness_n of_o their_o life_n he_o say_v that_o they_o sincere_o profess_v that_o their_o godliness_n begin_v with_o and_o be_v promote_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o principle_n here_o we_o have_v he_o plead_v for_o his_o party_n that_o he_o have_v late_o associate_v himself_o unto_o by_o a_o argument_n that_o reflect_v on_o his_o old_a friend_n and_o cast_v dirt_n on_o all_o the_o presbyterian_o throughout_o the_o world_n for_o the_o plain_a english_a of_o it_o be_v this_o we_o and_o our_o party_n be_v more_o godly_a than_o you_o our_o church_n be_v better_o constitute_v than_o you_o we_o be_v also_o more_o holy_a in_o our_o life_n than_o you_o and_o this_o our_o godliness_n and_o holiness_n begin_v with_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o principle_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o unaccountable_a thing_n to_o charge_v any_o of_o we_o with_o antinomianism_n now_o though_o we_o do_v not_o charge_v they_o yet_o since_o they_o be_v by_o some_o body_n charge_v with_o it_o or_o else_o this_o author_n tell_v a_o great_a untruth_n we_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o see_v they_o better_o clear_v than_o they_o be_v by_o this_o argument_n for_o that_o upon_o which_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n depend_v be_v beg_v and_o not_o prove_v 1._o it_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v yea_o it_o be_v plain_o enough_o assert_v that_o their_o church_n be_v better_o constitute_v than_o we_o or_o than_o all_o the_o presbyterian_a church_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o he_o know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o question_n and_o that_o the_o controversy_n about_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o decide_v yea_o that_o most_o we_o think_v of_o both_o persuasion_n in_o england_n have_v agree_v to_o leave_v it_o undecided_a as_o it_o be_v and_o have_v agree_v unto_o a_o union_n without_o the_o decision_n of_o it_o we_o wish_v therefore_o that_o this_o have_v not_o be_v mention_v but_o since_o he_o have_v mention_v it_o and_o lay_v stress_n upon_o it_o we_o must_v refer_v he_o unto_o one_o of_o who_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o for_o who_o we_o hope_v he_o have_v yet_o some_o honourable_a esteem_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reverend_n mr._n wood_n against_o mr._n lockyer_n let_v he_o weigh_v well_o his_o argument_n from_o page_n 127._o to_o page_n 168._o and_o look_v forward_o into_o the_o appendix_n if_o he_o please_v let_v he_o consider_v also_o what_o the_o â—ise_v and_o peaceable_a mr._n durham_n say_v of_o mr._n wood_n with_o respect_n to_o those_o very_a argument_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o scandal_n london_n edition_n 1659._o page_n 92._o the_o reverend_a and_o most_o convince_v writer_n mr._n wood_n etc._n etc._n if_o those_o argument_n do_v not_o convince_v our_o author_n we_o leave_v he_o to_o please_v himself_o a_o while_n with_o his_o new_a choose_a opinion_n but_o we_o can_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v a_o good_a medium_fw-la whereby_o to_o vindicate_v he_o and_o his_o party_n from_o the_o suppose_a charge_n of_o antinomianism_n 2._o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v nay_o he_o positive_o affirm_v that_o his_o party_n be_v general_o more_o holy_a in_o their_o life_n this_o be_v a_o very_a friendly_a testimony_n our_o author_n may_v possible_o think_v that_o he_o have_v deserve_v well_o of_o they_o by_o this_o but_o we_o shall_v think_v they_o to_o be_v wise_a man_n than_o to_o esteem_v he_o ever_o the_o better_a man_n for_o such_o a_o flatter_a like_o commendation_n of_o they_o if_o a_o enemy_n have_v do_v it_o or_o if_o one_o less_o concern_v have_v say_v so_o it_o will_v have_v carry_v in_o it_o a_o better_a grace_n and_o will_v have_v look_v upon_o they_o with_o a_o better_a aspect_n for_o our_o part_n we_o know_v who_o it_o be_v that_o say_v god_n i_o thank_v thou_o that_o i_o be_o not_o as_o other_o man_n be_v etc._n etc._n and_o we_o desire_v not_o to_o imitate_v such_o but_o choose_v rather_o to_o say_v with_o the_o despise_a publican_n god_n be_v merciful_a to_o we_o sinner_n luke_n 18.13_o 3._o he_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o man_n appear_v for_o a_o time_n more_o holy_a than_o other_o be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v they_o from_o fall_v under_o the_o just_a suspicion_n or_o real_a guilt_n of_o gross_a and_o dangerous_a error_n we_o can_v be_v of_o his_o mind_n in_o this_o 1._o because_o we_o read_v in_o history_n and_o ancient_a writer_n that_o tertullian_n and_o origen_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v man_n of_o extraordinary_a part_n 1631._o see_v vincentius_n lyrinensis_n against_o heresy_n from_o chap._n 23_o 10.25_o edit_fw-la oxon._n 1631._o and_o exemplary_a piety_n as_o appear_v both_o by_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o life_n in_o time_n of_o great_a persecution_n yet_o they_o both_o fall_v into_o some_o gross_a and_o dangerous_a error_n 2._o because_o in_o the_o preface_n to_o mr._n weldes_n book_n of_o the_o rise_v etc._n etc._n of_o antinomian_o in_o new_a england_n pag._n 3_o 4_o 5._o we_o read_v that_o at_o first_o they_o will_v appear_v very_o humble_a holy_a and_o spiritual_a christian_n and_o full_a of_o christ_n they_o will_v deny_v themselves_o far_o speak_v excellent_o pray_v with_o such_o soul-ravishing_a expression_n and_o affection_n that_o a_o stranger_n who_o love_v goodness_n can_v not_o but_o love_n and_o admire_v they_o and_o so_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o draw_v after_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o man_n and_o woman_n as_o likely_a to_o know_v the_o seeret_n of_o christ_n and_o bosom_n counsel_n of_o his_o spirit_n as_o any_o other_o and_o this_o opinion_n of_o they_o be_v the_o more_o lift_v up_o through_o the_o simplicity_n and_o weakness_n of_o their_o follower_n who_o will_v in_o admiration_n of_o they_o tell_v other_o that_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n they_o be_v persuade_v none_o ever_o receive_v so_o much_o light_n from_o god_n as_o such_o and_o such_o have_v do_v name_v their_o leader_n 4._o as_o they_o will_v lift_v up_o themselves_o so_o also_o their_o opinion_n by_o gilding_n they_o over_o with_o specious_a term_n of_o free_a grace_n glorious_a light_n gospel-truths_n as_o hold_v forth_o naked_a christ_n and_o this_o take_v much_o with_o simple_a honest_a heart_n that_o love_v christ_n especial_o with_o new_a convert_v who_o be_v late_o in_o bondage_n under_o sin_n and_o weath_n and_o have_v new_o taste_v the_o sweetness_n of_o free_a grace_n be_v now_o in_o their_o first_o love_n to_o christ_n they_o be_v exceed_o glad_a to_o embrace_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v further_o advance_v christ_n and_o free_a grace_n and_o so_o drink_v they_o in_o that_o be_v their_o error_n ready_o 5._o see_v there_o their_o 5_o slight_a to_o spread_v their_o opinion_n and_o 6._o mr._n welde_n say_v they_o common_o labour_v to_o work_v first_o upon_o woman_n if_o once_o they_o can_v wind_v they_o in_o they_o hope_v by_o they_o as_o by_o a_o eve_n to_o catch_v their_o husband_n also_o whether_o our_o author_n design_v to_o
salvation_n be_v promise_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o obtain_v for_o all_o but_o for_o the_o faithful_a alone_o a_o restoration_n absolute_a into_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n this_o they_o prove_v from_o rom._n 5.1_o rom._n 3._o and_o 4._o chap._n and_o gal._n 2.16_o 2._o reason_n without_o faith_n in_o christ_n man_n remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o condemnation_n john_n 3.18_o john_n 3.36_o but_o they_o who_o be_v restore_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o grace_n every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v remission_n of_o sin_n which_o make_v man_n happy_a psal_n 32.1_o neither_o do_v they_o remain_v in_o condemnation_n neither_o do_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n remain_v upon_o they_o they_o therefore_o who_o want_v faith_n be_v not_o restore_v by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n since_o through_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n no_o man_n obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n except_o he_o who_o believe_v in_o he_o act_v 10.43_o reason_n 3._o if_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n have_v obtain_v restitution_n for_o all_o then_o be_v they_o restore_v either_o 1_o when_o christ_n from_o all_o eternity_n be_v destinate_a unto_o death_n which_o be_v false_a for_o so_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v bear_v a_o child_n of_o wrath_n neither_o shall_v original_a sin_n any_o whit_n damage_n mankind_n be_v according_a to_o this_o opinion_n forgive_v they_o from_o all_o eternity_n or_o 2._o they_o be_v restore_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n when_o the_o promise_n concern_v the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n be_v proclaim_v which_o be_v false_a for_o our_o first_o parent_n themselves_o be_v not_o restore_v into_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o consequent_o neither_o be_v their_o posterity_n restore_v but_o in_o like_a manner_n that_o be_v by_o faith_n therefore_o not_o all_o whether_o believer_n or_o unbeliever_n be_v restore_v or_o 3._o they_o be_v restore_v when_o christ_n himself_o suffer_v death_n upon_o the_o cross_n but_o that_o be_v false_a also_o and_o can_v be_v for_o so_o no_o man_n before_o that_o moment_n shall_v have_v be_v restore_v which_o none_o will_v grant_v neither_o be_v all_o restore_v from_o that_o time_n because_o without_o doubt_n even_o at_o that_o moment_n and_o afterward_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n burn_v hot_a against_o some_o of_o christ_n accuser_n condemner_n crucifier_n and_o mocker_n thus_o our_o divine_n argue_v in_o the_o synod_n and_o their_o argument_n be_v approve_v by_o the_o synod_n now_o let_v any_o man_n of_o judgement_n consider_v the_o force_n of_o these_o argument_n and_o he_o will_v plain_o see_v that_o they_o do_v prove_v that_o no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v admit_v into_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o be_v justify_v before_o he_o believe_v and_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o that_o all_o man_n be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v so_o deal_v with_o the_o elect_a themselves_o before_o their_o conversion_n be_v not_o absolute_o and_o actual_o in_o grace_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o salvation_n because_o they_o yet_o want_v faith_n the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n upon_o which_o condition_n those_o subsequent_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v only_o promise_v so_o that_o by_o this_o we_o may_v see_v the_o synod_n have_v in_o effect_n beforehand_o judge_v between_o we_o and_o the_o antinomian_o and_o have_v give_v sentence_n according_a to_o scripture_n on_o our_o side_n last_o we_o find_v that_o our_o divine_n in_o the_o synod_n declare_v and_o prove_v that_o perseverance_n in_o holy_a faith_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o obtain_n eternal_a salvation_n be_v itself_o promise_v absolute_o without_o any_o proper_a condition_n yet_o not_o so_o as_o always_o and_o in_o all_o elect_n justify_v person_n to_o exclude_v and_o prevent_v a_o partial_a temporary_a apostasy_n and_o backslide_n here_o then_o be_v two_o thing_n hold_v by_o they_o 1._o that_o the_o perseverance_n of_o the_o elect_n after_o they_o be_v once_o convert_v and_o justify_v though_o it_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n yet_o it_o be_v promise_v and_o give_v without_o any_o other_o proper_a condition_n therefore_o write_v on_o the_o five_o article_n they_o reject_v the_o erroneous_a opinion_n of_o the_o arminian_o 153._o ibid._n art_n v._o pag._n 157_o 153._o that_o perseverance_n be_v a_o benefit_n offer_v equal_o to_o all_o the_o true_o faithful_a upon_o this_o condition_n namely_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v want_v unto_o sufficient_a grace_n and_o give_v their_o reason_n why_o they_o reject_v it_o 1._o say_v they_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o perseverance_n be_v a_o gift_n only_o offer_v but_o not_o give_v for_o the_o scripture_n witness_v that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o offer_v unto_o he_o the_o grace_n of_o perseverance_n but_o also_o that_o he_o give_v it_o they_o and_o put_v it_o into_o their_o heart_n jer._n 32.40_o i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n into_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o and_o john_n 4.14_o 1_o cor._n 10.13_o again_o it_o be_v false_a say_v they_o that_o perseverance_n be_v a_o grace_n offer_v upon_o condition_n for_o it_o be_v a_o gift_n promise_v absolute_o by_o god_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o a_o condition_n the_o reason_n be_v this_o some_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v touch_v the_o end_n other_o touch_v the_o mean_n which_o conduce_v to_o the_o end_n the_o promise_v concern_v the_o end_n that_o be_v to_o say_v salvation_n be_v conditional_a believe_v and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v faithful_a unto_o death_n that_o be_v persevere_v and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n god_n also_o have_v make_v most_o free_a and_o absolute_a promise_n to_o give_v the_o very_a condition_n which_o he_o work_v in_o we_o that_o so_o by_o they_o as_o by_o mean_n we_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n deut._n 30.6_o and_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v circumcise_v thy_o heart_n to_o love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n that_o thou_o may_v live_v the_o end_n here_o promise_v be_v life_n which_o the_o israelite_n can_v never_o attain_v without_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o condition_n namely_o their_o love_n of_o god_n but_o here_o god_n promise_v absolute_o that_o he_o will_v give_v unto_o they_o this_o very_a condition_n since_o therefore_o the_o promise_n of_o faith_n and_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n be_v promise_n concern_v the_o mean_n they_o be_v whole_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o absolute_a gift_n by_o which_o god_n consider_v man_n disability_n hoth_v to_o attain_v the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n and_o also_o to_o perform_v or_o effect_n the_o mean_n or_o condition_n of_o himself_o do_v promise_n that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o able_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n god_n promise_v life_n to_o those_o that_o constant_o fear_v he_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n be_v conditional_a but_o of_o constant_a fear_n be_v absolute_a i_o will_v put_v my_o fear_n in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v not_o depart_v from_o i_o and_o last_o be_v it_o so_o that_o this_o gift_n be_v conditional_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o offer_v upon_o this_o condition_n if_o man_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o themselves_o in_o the_o entertainment_n and_o use_n of_o sufficient_a grace_n fâ—â—_v 1_o it_o will_v from_o this_o condition_n follow_v that_o we_o do_v in_o vain_a pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o any_o man_n that_o he_o will_v give_v unto_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o perseverance_n because_o of_o course_n he_o offer_v they_o universal_a and_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o which_o if_o they_o themselves_o will_v not_o be_v want_v they_o shall_v persevere_v 2._o tâ—is_n be_v a_o idle_a condition_n for_o it_o make_v perseverance_n to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o perseverance_n for_o to_o persevere_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o not_o to_o be_v want_v unto_o this_o sufficient_a grace_n if_o therefore_o god_n offer_v perseverance_n upon_o this_o condition_n he_o offer_v the_o same_o upon_o condition_n of_o itself_o thus_o they_o show_v that_o perseverance_n be_v absolute_o promise_v and_o give_v without_o any_o other_o proper_a condition_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o 2._o they_o do_v not_o say_v that_o perseverance_n be_v so_o promise_a and_o give_v as_o to_o exclude_v and_o prevent_v always_o a_o partial_a temporary_a apostasy_n and_o backslide_n for_o we_o find_v that_o discourse_n of_o perseverance_n as_o it_o concern_v the_o elect_n their_o three_o position_n be_v these_o very_o same_o person_n thus_o regenerate_v 125._o ibid._n art_n v._o pag._n 121_o 122_o 123_o 124_o
essential_a to_o the_o very_a first_o act_n of_o justify_v faith_n whereby_o we_o first_o receive_v christ_n and_o rely_v on_o he_o for_o justification_n and_o salvation_n he_o distinguish_v indeed_o as_o our_o author_n do_v between_o the_o direct_a and_o reflex_n act_n of_o faith_n and_o two_o thing_n he_o have_v there_o concern_v the_o reflex_n act._n 1._o he_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v proper_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o and_o rather_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o what_o be_v within_o ourselves_o page_n 172._o 2._o he_o positive_o affirm_v that_o the_o assurance_n we_o get_v by_o the_o reflex_n act_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o spiritual_a sense_n come_v after_o justification_n and_o be_v not_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o that_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o save_v and_o that_o many_o precious_a saint_n be_v without_o it_o and_o subject_a to_o many_o doubt_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o so_o that_o they_o may_v not_o know_v at_o all_o that_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 10_o direction_n page_n 172_o 173._o then_o for_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n he_o say_v and_o so_o do_v our_o author_n after_o he_o that_o it_o be_v twofold_a the_o one_a direct_v act_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o 2d_o be_v that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v on_o christ_n as_o promise_v free_o to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n for_o our_o salvation_n by_o the_o one_a act_n faith_n receive_v the_o mean_n wherein_o christ_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o 2d_o it_o receive_v christ_n himself_o and_o his_o salvation_n in_o the_o mean_n and_o both_o these_o act_n must_v be_v perform_v hearty_o with_o a_o unfeigned_a love_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o salvation_n above_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v our_o spiritual_a appetite_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o eat_n and_o drink_v christ_n the_o food_n of_o life_n as_o a_o natural_a appetitite_n be_v for_o bodily_a nourishment_n we_o must_v receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o relish_v the_o goodness_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o this_o love_n must_v be_v to_o every_o part_n of_o christ_n salvation_n to_o holiness_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o forgivenness_n of_o sin_n the_o former_a of_o these_o act_n do_v not_o immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n because_o it_o be_v terminate_v only_o on_o the_o mean_n of_o conveyance_n the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o save_a act_n if_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v because_o it_o incline_v and_o dispose_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o latter_a act_n whereby_o christ_n himself_o be_v immediate_o receive_v into_o the_o heart_n he_o that_o believe_v the_o gospel_n with_o hearty_a love_n and_o like_v as_o the_o most_o excellent_a truth_n will_v certain_o with_o the_o like_a heartiness_n believe_v on_o christ_n for_o his_o salvation_n psal_n 9.10_o therefore_o in_o the_o scripture_n save_v faith_n be_v sometime_o describe_v by_o the_o former_a of_o these_o act_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a believe_v the_o gospel_n sometime_o by_o the_o latter_a as_o a_o believe_v on_o christ_n or_o in_o christ_n rom._n 10.9_o 10_o 11._o 1_o john_n 5.1_o 13._o then_o he_o say_v that_o this_o second_o principal_a act_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n include_v believe_v on_o god_n the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o trust_v in_o god_n four_o direction_n page_n 61_o 62_o 63._o and_o elsewhere_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n include_v love_n now_o touch_v these_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n we_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o assurance_n essential_a to_o the_o first_o of_o they_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o assurance_n be_v two_o fold_n absolute_a and_o conditional_a first_o by_o our_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v absolute_o sure_a that_o god_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n do_v give_v christ_n and_o justification_n and_o salvation_n through_o he_o unto_o all_o true_a penitent_a believer_n 2._o by_o our_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o be_v conditional_o sure_a that_o if_o we_o be_v true_a penitent_a believer_n god_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n do_v give_v christ_n and_o justification_n and_o salvation_n through_o he_o unto_o we_o in_o particular_a for_o the_o conditional_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v general_a to_o all_o penitent_a believer_n they_o comprehend_v all_o the_o particular_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v with_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n that_o god_n justify_v and_o save_v through_o christ_n all_o penitent_a believer_n we_o must_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n believe_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o a_o conditional_a assurance_n that_o god_n justify_v and_o will_v save_v we_o through_o christ_n if_o we_o be_v true_a penitent_a believer_n this_o conditional_a assurance_n with_o respect_n to_o ourselves_o upon_o supposition_n of_o our_o be_v true_a penitent_a believer_n be_v necessary_o include_v in_o the_o former_a absolute_a assurance_n that_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n justify_v and_o save_v all_o true_a penitent_a believer_n then_o for_o the_o second_o act_n of_o justify_v faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v on_o christ_n himself_o with_o fiducial_a consent_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n we_o free_o grant_v that_o it_o also_o be_v accompany_v with_o assurance_n but_o mark_v it_o not_o with_o a_o assurance_n that_o be_v essential_a to_o itself_o and_o essential_o include_v in_o itself_o but_o with_o the_o assurance_n the_o double_a assurance_n of_o the_o first_o assent_v act_n which_o though_o it_o go_v before_o yet_o it_o continue_v and_o accompany_v the_o second_o act_n of_o fiducial_a consent_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n we_o approve_v of_o that_o assertion_n of_o mr._n marshal_n in_o the_o 179_o page_n of_o his_o book_n that_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o salvation_n as_o free_o promise_v to_o we_o must_v needs_o include_v a_o dependence_n on_o christ_n with_o a_o persuasion_n that_o salvation_n shall_v be_v free_o give_v as_o it_o be_v free_o promise_v to_o we_o thus_o he_o and_o we_o subsume_v but_o it_o be_v free_o promise_v to_o we_o only_o on_o condition_n that_o we_o through_o grace_n be_v true_a penitent_a believer_n as_o we_o before_o prove_v at_o large_a therefore_o the_o persuasion_n or_o assurance_n of_o it_o which_o accompany_v our_o dependence_n on_o christ_n by_o the_o second_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o conditional_a persuasion_n or_o assurance_n as_o it_o concern_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o salvation_n in_o particular_a yet_o afterward_o when_o by_o reflex_n act_n of_o faith_n and_o self_n examination_n we_o clear_o perceive_v through_o the_o special_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o be_v indeed_o true_a penitent_a believer_n than_o our_o assurance_n become_v absolute_a and_o we_o be_v absolute_o persuade_v and_o assure_v that_o christ_n be_v we_o and_o that_o god_n be_v our_o god_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o through_o christ_n we_o be_v justify_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o the_o scripture_n hold_v forth_o to_o we_o as_o attainable_a in_o this_o life_n by_o the_o ordinary_a assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o grace_n and_o if_o any_o good_a man_n have_v at_o any_o time_n by_o extraordinary_a favour_n and_o privilege_n attain_v to_o any_o other_o or_o more_o assurance_n they_o have_v best_o keep_v it_o to_o themselves_o and_o be_v very_o humble_a under_o it_o and_o thankful_a to_o god_n for_o it_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o and_o essential_o necessary_a to_o the_o fiducial_o consent_v act_n of_o justify_v save_a faith_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n condemn_v all_o who_o have_v not_o that_o sort_n of_o assurance_n as_o have_v yet_o no_o justify_n save_n faith_n but_o as_o be_v still_o in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o child_n of_o wrath_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v if_o we_o have_v time_n and_o room_n for_o it_o here_o that_o all_o the_o reason_n scripture_n and_o example_n which_o mr._n marshal_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o a_o absolute_a assurance_n that_o christ_n be_v now_o we_o that_o our_o sin_n be_v now_o pardon_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o shall_v be_v eternal_o save_v be_v absolute_o and_o essential_o necessary_a to_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o justify_v faith_n whereby_o we_o first_o receive_v christ_n and_o trust_n on_o he_o for_o justification_n and_o salvation_n prove_v no_o such_o thing_n the_o utmost_a that_o they_o prove_v be_v that_o the_o foresay_a assurance_n which_o we_o willing_o admit_v be_v partly_o antecedent_n to_o and_o concomitant_a with_o and_o partly_o consequent_a upon_o the_o direct_a act_n of_o faith_n
then_o put_v it_o forth_o into_o act_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o single_a command_n of_o believe_v be_v safe_a and_o run_v no_o hazard_n of_o lose_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n although_o he_o live_v in_o the_o habitual_a constant_a omission_n of_o all_o other_o duty_n and_o in_o the_o habitual_a constant_a commission_n of_o all_o other_o sin_n except_o the_o sin_n of_o formal_a unbelief_n that_o be_v he_o be_v safe_a and_o run_v no_o hazard_n of_o lose_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n though_o he_o never_o love_v nor_o fear_n god_n and_o christ_n nor_o exercise_v any_o other_o grace_n or_o perform_v any_o other_o duty_n though_o he_o never_o love_v his_o neighbour_n nor_o deal_v just_o and_o honest_o by_o they_o yea_o upon_o this_o suppose_a principle_n he_o be_v safe_a and_o run_v no_o hazard_n of_o his_o salvation_n though_o he_o habitual_o and_o constant_o do_v the_o quite_o contrary_a and_o live_v in_o all_o other_o the_o most_o abominable_a sin_n against_o god_n and_o man_n except_o the_o sin_n of_o formal_a unbelief_n for_o though_o these_o be_v sin_n great_a abominable_a sin_n of_o omission_n and_o commission_n against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o to_o he_o who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o sincere_a believer_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o faith_n under_o all_o these_o sin_n of_o omission_n and_o commission_n the_o say_a duty_n be_v not_o command_v nor_o the_o sin_n forbid_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o lose_v his_o salvation_n or_o if_o the_o law_n strict_o consider_v as_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n command_v those_o duty_n and_o forbid_v those_o sin_n under_o that_o penalty_n yet_o from_o he_o be_v a_o believer_n the_o gospel_n take_v off_o the_o penalty_n as_o fast_o as_o the_o law_n lay_v it_o on_o or_o rather_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o the_o gospel_n bind_v the_o law_n hand_n so_o that_o though_o it_o will_v yet_o it_o can_v lay_v its_o penalty_n upon_o the_o man_n he_o be_v a_o believer_n although_o he_o never_o so_o much_o deserve_v it_o by_o the_o foresay_a abomination_n against_o god_n and_o man_n and_o consequent_o he_o may_v omit_v all_o duty_n except_o the_o duty_n of_o believe_v and_o commit_v all_o sin_n imaginable_a except_o the_o sin_n of_o formal_a unbelief_n and_o yet_o remain_v safe_a and_o run_v no_o hazard_n of_o lose_v the_o promise_a blessing_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o charge_v our_o author_n or_o any_o of_o his_o way_n with_o such_o abominable_a practice_n we_o abhor_v to_o charge_v any_o man_n with_o hold_v the_o absurd_a consequence_n of_o his_o opinion_n which_o he_o do_v not_o own_o we_o design_v no_o such_o thing_n nor_o indeed_o any_o reflection_n at_o all_o by_o this_o argument_n no_o but_o our_o real_a and_o whole_a design_n be_v to_o show_v the_o natural_a necessary_a consequence_n and_o danger_n of_o hold_v the_o opinion_n that_o no_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o christian_n by_o the_o covenant_n and_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n and_o thereby_o to_o evince_v that_o as_o be_v say_v it_o be_v false_a that_o no_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v be_v require_v as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n and_o this_o we_o think_v we_o have_v effectual_o do_v for_o if_o no_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v be_v require_v of_o christian_n by_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n than_o it_o be_v self-evident_a that_o they_o be_v safe_a and_o may_v obtain_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n if_o they_o have_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o obedience_n which_o by_o it_o they_o yield_v to_o the_o command_n of_o believe_v though_o they_o want_v all_o other_o sincere_a obedience_n and_o that_o be_v though_o they_o live_v in_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n except_o the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n obj._n 1_o if_o our_o author_n object_n 1._o that_o though_o sincere_a obedience_n distinct_a from_o faith_n be_v not_o require_v of_o christian_n as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n yet_o it_o be_v require_v as_o necessary_a to_o signify_v and_o evidence_n to_o a_o christian_a the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o faith_n which_o he_o can_v be_v sure_a of_o unless_o it_o be_v evidence_v to_o he_o by_o sincere_a obedience_n distinct_a from_o itself_o answ_n we_o answer_v 1._o we_o suppose_v he_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o hold_v the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v faith_n only_o which_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o a_o man_n obedience_n and_o not_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o evidence_n the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o faith_n 2._o be_v it_o so_o that_o sincere_a obedience_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o assure_v a_o christian_a of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o faith_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o likewise_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o his_o obtain_n eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n he_o may_v be_v real_o safe_a and_o in_o no_o danger_n of_o lose_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n if_o he_o have_v a_o sincere_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n indispensable_o necessary_a though_o he_o want_v all_o sincere_a obedience_n distinct_a from_o faith_n which_o be_v pretend_v not_o to_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v true_a the_o man_n can_v know_v that_o he_o be_v safe_a he_o can_v be_v sure_a and_o full_a of_o spiritual_a comfort_n without_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o faith_n that_o be_v without_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o for_o all_o that_o if_o he_o real_o have_v faith_n he_o be_v safe_a with_o respect_n to_o another_o world_n though_o he_o want_v sincere_a obedience_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o safety_n by_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v though_o he_o live_v in_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n both_o of_o omission_n and_o commission_n except_o the_o sin_n of_o formal_a unbelief_n which_o we_o think_v be_v a_o very_a great_a absurdity_n follow_v upon_o the_o foresay_a opinion_n obj._n 2._o if_o our_o author_n object_n 2._o that_o here_o we_o suppose_v a_o impossibility_n to_o wit_n that_o a_o sincere_a faith_n may_v be_v without_o any_o other_o sincere_a obedience_n whereas_o though_o sincere_a obedience_n be_v not_o require_v as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o obtain_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n yet_o there_o always_o be_v and_o will_v be_v sincere_a obedience_n where_o there_o be_v a_o sincere_a faith_n and_o can_v never_o be_v separate_v from_o it_o we_o answer_v 1._o that_o we_o do_v not_o argue_v from_o a_o impossibility_n as_o such_o but_o whole_o abstract_v from_o its_o be_v possible_a or_o impossible_a for_o a_o sincere_a faith_n to_o be_v without_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o lord_n in_o other_o thing_n require_v of_o christian_n we_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v false_a that_o no_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v under_o the_o gospel-covenant_n require_v of_o christian_n as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o obtain_v the_o promise_a blessing_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n because_o if_o that_o be_v not_o false_a than_o this_o will_v be_v necessary_o true_a that_o though_o a_o christian_n shall_v live_v in_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o other_o abomination_n yet_o if_o per_fw-la possibile_fw-la vel_fw-la impossibile_fw-it he_o retain_v but_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n he_o be_v safe_a and_o secure_a with_o respect_n to_o his_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o run_v no_o hazard_n of_o lose_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v only_o this_o consequence_n which_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o make_v good_a and_o that_o we_o have_v do_v but_o though_o the_o consequence_n and_o inference_n be_v good_a yet_o the_o consequent_a or_o thing_n infer_v we_o just_o account_v to_o be_v a_o very_a great_a absurdity_n and_o from_o that_o absurdity_n we_o prove_v the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o antecedent_n and_o principle_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o be_v the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o principle_n which_o say_v that_o no_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n 2._o we_o answer_v that_o though_o we_o suppose_v and_o grant_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o sincere_a faith_n to_o be_v without_o sincere_a obedience_n yet_o we_o may_v very_o well_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a falsehood_n that_o no_o other_o obedience_n but_o that_o of_o the_o formal_a elicit_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v require_v of_o christian_n as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o may_v prove_v it_o by_o this_o argument_n suppose_v
may_v be_v observe_v and_o remember_v that_o when_o we_o say_v sincere_a obedience_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n we_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v require_v as_o absolute_o and_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n that_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n be_v never_o at_o all_o interrupt_v by_o any_o act_n of_o disobedience_n but_o that_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o our_o obedience_n be_v at_o any_o time_n notable_o interrupt_v by_o act_n of_o wilful_a presumptuous_a sin_n it_o be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n that_o we_o renew_v our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o return_v to_o our_o obedience_n again_o and_o that_o we_o die_v in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n as_o for_o they_o who_o be_v call_v at_o the_o last_o hour_n who_o be_v first_o convert_v and_o justify_v a_o little_a before_o their_o death_n actual_a faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v require_v of_o they_o in_o their_o own_o person_n and_o as_o much_o more_o sincere_a obedience_n as_o they_o have_v time_n and_o strength_n to_o perform_v as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o penitent_a thief_n he_o perform_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o obedience_n in_o a_o little_a time_n he_o not_o only_o believe_v in_o christ_n with_o his_o heart_n but_o confess_v he_o with_o his_o mouth_n plead_v for_o he_o and_o vindicate_v he_o from_o the_o blasphemous_a aspersion_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o he_o he_o likewise_o take_v shame_n to_o himself_o and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o confess_v his_o own_o sin_n and_o withal_o he_o express_v his_o love_n to_o his_o fellow-thief_n by_o rebuke_v and_o admonish_v he_o last_o he_o trust_v in_o and_o pray_v unto_o christ_n as_o a_o lord_n and_o king_n who_o have_v a_o kingdom_n in_o another_o world_n and_o who_o can_v help_v and_o save_v he_o after_o this_o life_n luke_n 22.40_o 41_o 42._o this_o that_o penitent_a malefactor_n do_v at_o his_o death_n and_o true_o this_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n for_o he_o to_o do_v at_o such_o a_o time_n and_o when_o christ_n his_o lord_n and_o saviour_n be_v before_o his_o face_n in_o so_o low_a and_o miserable_a a_o condition_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n the_o obedience_n which_o that_o poor_a penitent_a believer_n yield_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o such_o circumstance_n may_v well_o be_v esteem_v equivalent_a to_o all_o that_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o in_o the_o space_n of_o many_o year_n other_o in_o better_a circumstance_n perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n thus_o we_o have_v at_o large_a prosecute_v and_o clear_v this_o argument_n for_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o for_o the_o conditionality_n of_o the_o covenant-promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n and_o the_o argument_n seem_v to_o we_o so_o clear_a and_o cogent_a that_o we_o do_v not_o see_v any_o thing_n of_o weight_n that_o can_v be_v object_v against_o it_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o sincere_a evangelical_n obedience_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o the_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o our_o part_n but_o upon_o other_o account_n also_o we_o hearty_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o express_v our_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n for_o their_o wonderful_a goodness_n and_o grace_n mercy_n and_o love_n to_o we_o as_o also_o it_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o please_a and_o glorify_v our_o god_n creator_n redeemer_n and_o sanctifier_n and_o that_o thereby_o we_o may_v profit_v and_o edify_v our_o neighbour_n but_o this_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n hinder_v its_o be_v likewise_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o our_o own_o salvation_n nay_o all_o this_o be_v a_o part_n of_o that_o obedience_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n if_o yet_o any_o shall_v further_o object_v and_o say_v that_o beside_o faith_n sincere_a obedience_n may_v be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o obtain_v salvation_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o do_v not_o love_v to_o contend_v with_o any_o about_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n condition_n if_o they_o will_v grant_v we_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o the_o word_n now_o by_o the_o word_n condition_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o obedience_n we_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o that_o sincere_a obedience_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n that_o god_n by_o his_o promise_n have_v suspend_v our_o obtain_n of_o salvation_n consummate_a salvation_n in_o heavenly_a glory_n till_o we_o have_v perform_v sincere_a obedience_n unto_o he_o assure_v we_o that_o if_o through_o grace_n we_o perform_v sincere_a obedience_n unto_o he_o we_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v but_o if_o not_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v save_v this_o be_v all_o we_o mean_v by_o sincere_a obedience_n its_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant-promise_n of_o salvation_n if_o our_o brethren_n agree_v to_o this_o they_o yield_v we_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o contend_v for_o and_o there_o remain_v no_o more_o difference_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n but_o about_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n condition_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o use_v that_o word_n we_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o liberty_n not_o to_o use_v it_o as_o we_o desire_v they_o will_v leave_v we_o to_o our_o liberty_n to_o use_v it_o as_o we_o have_v occasion_n for_o though_o the_o word_n be_v not_o in_o scripture_n yet_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o the_o word_n be_v manifest_o there_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o be_v also_o a_o word_n of_o ancient_a usage_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n even_o in_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n before_o ever_o we_o be_v bear_v why_o then_o shall_v we_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n condition_n or_o why_o shall_v any_o be_v offend_v at_o our_o use_n of_o it_o indeed_o we_o can_v forbear_v the_o use_n of_o it_o for_o the_o reason_n give_v we_o by_o some_o well-meaning_a man_n because_o it_o be_v not_o a_o scriptural-word_n for_o if_o that_o reason_n prove_v any_o thing_n it_o will_v prove_v too_o much_o to_o wit_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o use_v the_o word_n trinity_n incarnation_n satisfaction_n merit_n of_o christ_n sacrament_n infant-baptism_n etc._n etc._n and_o which_o be_v more_o that_o we_o shall_v whole_o give_v over_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o hereafter_o only_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n without_o expound_v it_o for_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o no_o man_n do_v or_o can_v preach_v one_o sermon_n without_o use_v some_o word_n or_o word_n that_o be_v not_o express_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o our_o sincere_a obedience_n may_v be_v and_o real_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n though_o it_o be_v not_o express_o call_v by_o that_o name_n in_o scripture_n so_o may_v it_o be_v and_o real_o it_o be_v a_o condition_n though_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n grace_n we_o know_v this_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n why_o our_o brethren_n think_v that_o neither_o our_o faith_n nor_o obedience_n can_v be_v a_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n because_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o by_o the_o special_a and_o effectual_a grace_n of_o god_n but_o we_o know_v also_o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a weak_a reason_n for_o 1._o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o that_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v the_o work_n and_o effect_v of_o god_n grace_n alone_o such_o be_v effectual_a call_v on_o god_n part_n and_o the_o infusion_n of_o the_o seminal_a abide_a principle_n of_o supernatural_a spiritual_a life_n it_o be_v god_n only_o who_o call_v we_o effectual_o and_o who_o infuse_v the_o say_a principle_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o we_o be_v mere_o passive_a in_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o we_o never_o say_v nor_o think_v that_o it_o be_v require_v of_o we_o by_o way_n of_o duty_n or_o condition_n that_o we_o shall_v effectual_o call_v ourselves_o and_o infuse_v a_o supernatural_a principle_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n into_o ourselves_o this_o indeed_o will_v be_v very_o absurd_a therefore_o we_o hold_v that_o our_o be_v effectual_o call_v and_o our_o have_v a_o abide_a principle_n of_o grace_n and_o life_n give_v in_o unto_o we_o be_v quid_fw-la praerequisitum_a something_a pre-required_n to_o our_o right_n perform_v the_o condition_n but_o not_o the_o condition_n itself_o that_o which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o by_o way_n of_o duty_n and_o condition_n on_o which_o god_n promise_v we_o the_o subsequent_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o resist_v his_o spirit_n and_o that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n we_o do_v actual_o believe_v and_o obey_v and_o persevere_v to_o the_o end_n now_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n whereby_o
to_o the_o end_n and_o then_o he_o proceed_v say_v this_o be_v the_o way_n belove_v wherein_o we_o find_v jesus_n christ_n our_o save_a health_n the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o offering_n the_o guardian_n and_o helper_n of_o our_o weakness_n last_o in_o page_n 102_o 105_o 106._o he_o that_o have_v love_n in_o christ_n let_v he_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n blessed_n be_v we_o beloved_n if_o we_o have_v do_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n in_o the_o concord_n of_o love_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o through_o love_n our_o sin_n may_v be_v forgive_v we_o for_o it_o be_v write_v bless_a be_v they_o who_o iniquity_n be_v forgive_v and_o who_o sin_n be_v cover_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n unto_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o sin_n neither_o be_v there_o guile_n in_o his_o mouth_n this_o blessedness_n have_v be_v unto_o those_o who_o be_v choose_v by_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n thus_o clement_n who_o be_v paul_n fellow-labourer_n phil._n 4.3_o and_o who_o may_v well_o be_v presume_v to_o know_v his_o mind_n as_o to_o these_o matter_n and_o we_o see_v evident_o by_o his_o word_n that_o he_o hold_v as_o we_o do_v that_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v both_o antecedent_o necessary_a to_o justification_n and_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o further_o that_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o christ_n commandment_n in_o a_o course_n of_o holy_a live_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o our_o most_o glorious_a god_n and_o saviour_n but_o some_o may_v possible_o say_v what_o do_v clement_n mean_v by_o write_v as_o he_o do_v that_o our_o sin_n be_v forgive_v we_o through_o love_n be_v that_o a_o orthodox_n expression_n we_o answer_v what_o do_v our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o say_v mat._n 6.14_o 15._o if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v you_o but_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n and_o again_o what_o do_v our_o saviour_n mean_v by_o say_v mark_v 11.25_o when_o you_o stand_v pray_v forgive_v if_o you_o have_v aught_o against_o any_o that_o your_o father_n also_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n may_v forgive_v you_o your_o trespass_n be_v these_o orthodox_n expression_n if_o they_o be_v orthodox_n as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v and_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o think_v otherwise_o then_o so_o be_v the_o expression_n of_o clement_n orthodox_n for_o the_o expression_n be_v alike_o upon_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o meaning_n be_v the_o same_o clement_n by_o say_v that_o our_o sin_n be_v forgive_v through_o love_n mean_v no_o more_o but_o that_o our_o forgive_n our_o neighbour_n his_o trespass_n against_o we_o which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o love_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o god_n appointment_n whereby_o we_o obtain_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n from_o god_n through_o christ_n we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o this_o be_v clement_n meaning_n and_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v our_o saviour_n when_o he_o say_v mark_v 11.25_o if_o you_o have_v aught_o against_o any_o forgive_v that_o your_o father_n also_o which_o be_v in_o heaven_n may_v forgive_v you_o our_o bless_a lord_n who_o be_v the_o faithful_a witness_n make_v god_n forgive_n we_o to_o be_v the_o end_n and_o our_o forgive_n our_o neighbour_n to_o be_v a_o mean_v indispensable_o necessary_a to_o be_v use_v by_o we_o for_o obtain_v that_o end_n so_o that_o we_o obtain_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n through_o love_n in_o a_o very_a sound_n and_o orthodox_n sense_n even_o as_o sound_v and_o orthodox_n as_o christ_n gospel_n be_v in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o bring_v the_o foresay_a testimony_n of_o origen_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o real_a change_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a to_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v we_o for_o obtain_v the_o promise_a blessing_n of_o pardon_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o justification_n it_o be_v in_o his_o three_o book_n against_o celsus_n of_o the_o cambridge_n edition_n pag._n 154._o the_o passage_n in_o origen_n begin_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n which_o we_o will_v give_v the_o sense_n of_o in_o english_a for_o the_o use_n of_o our_o author_n after_o these_o thing_n viz._n which_o have_v be_v object_v and_o answer_v before_o he_o celsus_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o charge_v we_o with_o that_o which_o be_v not_o grant_v by_o the_o more_o rational_a judicious_a believer_n though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v think_v so_o by_o some_o foolish_a or_o ignorant_a christian_n that_o as_o some_o man_n be_v overcome_v by_o and_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o a_o tender_a compassionate_a natural_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n so_o god_n be_v overcome_v by_o and_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o merciful_a compassionate_a nature_n towards_o they_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n he_o relieve_v and_o pardon_v miserable_a man_n though_o they_o be_v wicked_a if_o withal_o they_o be_v of_o a_o pitiful_a merciful_a natureâ—_n but_o though_o they_o be_v otherwise_o good_a man_n yet_o god_n reject_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o pitiful_a compassionate_a nature_n which_o be_v most_o unjust_a for_o according_a to_o our_o faith_n god_n do_v not_o relieve_v so_o as_o to_o pardon_v and_o receive_v into_o his_o favour_n any_o wicked_a man_n unless_o he_o be_v first_o turn_v unto_o virtue_n that_o be_v convert_v like_o as_o he_o do_v not_o reject_v any_o that_o be_v now_o become_v a_o good_a man._n but_o neither_o do_v he_o relieve_v or_o show_v mercy_n unto_o any_o man_n of_o a_o merciful_a nature_n mere_o because_o he_o be_v of_o a_o merciful_a nature_n take_v the_o word_n mercy_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o the_o vulgar_a or_o common_a people_n use_v it_o in_o but_o those_o that_o great_o condemn_v themselves_o for_o their_o sin_n so_o as_o thereupon_o to_o mourn_v and_o bewail_v themselves_o as_o lose_v and_o undo_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o evil_n they_o have_v do_v and_o withal_o give_v evidence_n of_o a_o signal_n change_n such_o as_o become_v true_a penitent_n god_n grant_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n that_o be_v the_o gracious_a fruit_n and_o benefit_n promise_v to_o repentance_n even_o to_o they_o who_o have_v change_v their_o most_o wicked_a course_n for_o unto_o such_o be_v give_v as_o by_o act_n of_o oblivion_n a_o pardon_n of_o their_o past_a sin_n through_o the_o virtue_n that_o come_v to_o dwell_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o cast_v out_o the_o vice_n and_o corruption_n that_o possess_v they_o before_o or_o if_o at_o first_o they_o attain_v not_o unto_o a_o confirm_a habit_n of_o virtue_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o notable_a change_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o it_o to_o purge_v out_o and_o take_v away_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o it_o before_o so_o as_o it_o can_v hardly_o ever_o get_v into_o the_o soul_n again_o thus_o far_o origen_n in_o which_o testimony_n of_o his_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n worthy_a of_o our_o observation_n 1._o origen_n do_v not_o write_v this_o mere_o as_o a_o private_a christian_a or_o teacher_n of_o the_o church_n declare_v what_o be_v his_o own_o private_a opinion_n but_o as_o the_o great_a and_o famous_a apologist_n in_o his_o time_n for_o christ_n the_o christian_a church_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o heatheus_n particular_o against_o celsus_n a_o very_a learned_a heathen_a who_o have_v write_v learned_o and_o spiteful_o against_o christ_n and_o against_o christian_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o whereas_o celsus_n have_v charge_v christian_n with_o a_o absurd_a impious_a opinion_n as_o that_o they_o believe_v that_o god_n pardon_v wicked_a man_n sin_n and_o receive_v they_o into_o his_o favour_n if_o they_o be_v of_o a_o good_a nature_n of_o a_o soft_a pitiful_a compassionate_a temper_n before_o there_o pass_v a_o real_a change_n upon_o they_o before_o they_o repent_v before_o they_o turn_v from_o sin_n and_o return_v unto_o god_n in_o heart_n and_o affection_n origen_n devy_v the_o charge_n and_o affirm_v that_o no_o rational_a intelligent_a judicious_a christian_a believe_v any_o such_o thing_n that_o if_o any_o christian_a do_v at_o all_o believe_v that_o god_n justify_v and_o pardon_v a_o wicked_a man_n before_o he_o have_v repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n they_o must_v be_v some_o foolish_a simple_a ignorant_a people_n and_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o absolute_o grant_v to_o his_o adversary_n that_o there_o
125._o and_o justify_v do_v sometime_o through_o their_o own_o default_n fall_v into_o heinous_a sin_n and_o thereby_o they_o do_v incur_v the_o fatherly_a anger_n of_o god_n they_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o a_o damnable_a guiltiness_n and_o lose_v their_o present_a â—tness_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n thon_n they_o prove_v their_o position_n it_o be_v manifest_a say_v they_o by_o the_o example_n of_o david_n and_o peter_n that_o the_o regenerate_v can_v throw_v themselves_o headlong_o into_o most_o grievous_a sin_n god_n sometime_o permit_v it_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v with_o all_o humility_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o not_o by_o their_o own_o strength_n or_o desert_n but_o by_o god_n mercy_n alone_o they_o be_v free_v from_o eternal_a death_n and_o have_v life_n eternal_a bestow_v upon_o they_o whilst_o they_o cleave_v to_o such_o sin_n and_o sleep_v secure_o therein_o god_n fatherly_a anger_n arise_v against_o they_o psal_n 89.31_o rom._n 2.9_o beside_o they_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o damnable_a gild_n so_o that_o as_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v without_o repentance_n in_o that_o state_n they_o neither_o aught_o nor_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o otherwise_o than_o that_o they_o be_v subject_a to_o eternal_a death_n rom._n 8.13_o if_o you_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n you_o shall_v die_v for_o they_o be_v bind_v in_o the_o chain_n of_o a_o capital_a crime_n by_o the_o desert_n whereof_o according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n they_o be_v subject_a to_o death_n although_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o give_v over_o to_o death_n nor_o about_o to_o be_v give_v over_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o fatherly_a love_n of_o god_n but_o be_v first_o to_o be_v rescue_v from_o this_o sin_n that_o they_o may_v also_o be_v rescue_v from_o the_o guilt_n of_o death_n last_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o present_a condition_n they_o lose_v the_o fitness_n which_o they_o have_v of_o entere_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n because_o into_o that_o kingdom_n there_o shall_v in_o no_o wise_n enter_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v defile_v 21.27_o rev._n 21.27_o or_o that_o work_v abomination_n for_o the_o crown_n of_o life_n be_v not_o set_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o any_o but_o those_o who_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n and_o have_v finish_v their_o course_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n 2_o tim._n 4.8_o he_o be_v therefore_o unfit_a to_o obtain_v this_o crown_n whosoever_o as_o yet_o cleave_v to_o the_o work_n of_o wickedness_n the_o four_o position_n be_v the_o unalterable_a ordinance_n of_o god_n do_v require_v that_o the_o faithful_a so_o stray_v out_o of_o the_o right_a way_n must_v first_o return_v again_o into_o the_o way_n by_o a_o renew_a performance_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n before_o he_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o way_n that_o be_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n the_o faithful_a be_v so_o predestinate_v to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o be_v as_o along_o the_o king_n highway_n to_o be_v lead_v to_o this_o appoint_a end_n no_o other_o way_n than_o by_o the_o mean_v ordain_v by_o god_n nor_o be_v these_o decree_n of_o god_n concern_v the_o mean_n manner_n and_o order_n of_o such_o event_n less_o fix_v and_o sure_a than_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o end_n and_o of_o the_o event_n themselves_o if_o any_o man_n therefore_o walk_v in_o a_o way_n contrary_a to_o god_n ordinance_n namely_o that_o broad_a way_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o impenitence_n which_o lead_v direct_o down_o to_o hell_n he_o can_v never_o come_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yea_o and_o if_o death_n shall_v overtake_v he_o wander_v in_o this_o by-path_n he_o can_v but_o fall_v into_o everlasting_a death_n this_o be_v the_o constant_a and_o manifest_a voice_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n except_o you_o repent_v you_o shall_v all_o likewise_o perish_v luke_n 13.3_o be_v not_o deceive_v neither_o fornicatour_n nor_o idolater_n etc._n etc._n shall_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o they_o be_v deceive_v therefore_o who_o think_v that_o the_o elect_n wallow_v in_o such_o crime_n and_o so_o die_v must_v notwithstanding_o needs_o be_v save_v through_o the_o force_n of_o election_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v sure_a indeed_o god_n so_o decree_a but_o withal_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o same_o our_o god_n it_o be_v not_o otherwise_o sure_a than_o by_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o holiness_n heb._n 12.14_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a and_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n 2_o tim._n 2.19_o again_o their_o five_o position_n be_v that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n between_o the_o gild_n of_o a_o grievous_a sin_n and_o the_o renew_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n such_o a_o offender_n stand_v by_o his_o own_o desert_n to_o be_v condemn_v by_o christ_n merit_n 127._o ibid._n art_n v._o pag._n 126_o 127._o and_o god_n decree_n to_o be_v acquit_v but_o actual_o absolve_v he_o be_v not_o until_o he_o have_v obtain_v pardon_n by_o renew_a faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o for_o proof_n of_o this_o position_n they_o say_v in_o page_n 128._o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n have_v set_v down_o this_o order_n that_o the_o act_n of_o repentance_n must_v go_v before_o the_o benefit_n of_o forgiveness_n psal_n 32.5_o ezek._n 18.27_o thus_o those_o excellent_a divine_n and_o judicious_a faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n by_o all_o which_o it_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n teach_v the_o conditionality_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o hold_v faith_n repentance_n sincere_a obedience_n and_o perseverance_n to_o the_o end_n to_o be_v the_o indispensable_o necessary_a condition_n of_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o partial_a intermission_n of_o sincere_a evangelical_n obedience_n for_o a_o time_n by_o christian_n fall_v into_o heinous_a wilful_a sin_n there_o must_v be_v a_o renew_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o a_o return_v to_o their_o obedience_n again_o before_o they_o can_v obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o those_o sin_n and_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o hold_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o it_o be_v alsert_v explain_v and_o solid_o prove_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o judicious_a dâ—â—â—â—â—ant_n who_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o dâ—â—_n in_o another_o book_n of_o he_o in_o these_o word_n bond_n opera_fw-la sunt_fw-la necessaria_fw-la ad_fw-la justificationis_fw-la statum_fw-la relinendum_fw-la 405._o praelect_v de_fw-fr justitiâ_fw-la habit._fw-la &_o act._n cap._n 31._o p._n 404_o 405._o &_o conservandum_fw-la non_fw-la ut_fw-la causae_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v good_a work_n be_v necessary_a to_o retain_v and_o preserve_v the_o state_n of_o justification_n not_o as_o cause_n which_o of_o themselves_o effect_n produce_v or_o merit_v this_o preservation_n but_o as_o mean_n or_o condition_n without_o which_o god_n will_v not_o preserve_v the_o grace_n of_o justification_n in_o men._n and_o here_o may_v be_v reckon_v up_o the_o same_o work_n which_o we_o mention_v in_o the_o forego_n conclusion_n for_o as_o no_o man_n receive_v that_o general_a justification_n which_o froe_n from_o the_o gild_n of_o all_o former_a sin_n unless_o repentance_n faith_n a_o purpose_n to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n and_o other_o action_n of_o that_o nature_n concur_v so_o no_o man_n retain_v a_o state_n free_a from_o gild_n with_o respect_n to_o follow_a sin_n but_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o same_o action_n of_o believe_v in_o god_n call_v upon_o god_n mortify_v the_o flesh_n continual_o repent_v and_o grieve_v for_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v continual_o commit_v the_o reason_n why_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v necessary_o require_v on_o our_o part_n be_v this_o because_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v always_o absent_a but_o their_o contrary_n will_v begin_v to_o be_v present_a which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o justify_v man_n for_o if_o you_o take_v away_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o prayer_n there_o succeed_v unbelief_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n name_n if_o you_o take_v away_o the_o endeavour_n of_o mortification_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n there_o break_v in_o upon_o the_o man_n predominant_a lust_n and_o sin_n waste_v the_o conscience_n therefore_o because_o it_o be_v not_o god_n will_n that_o man_n who_o be_v unbeliever_n obstinate_a carnal_a shall_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o justification_n he_o require_v continual_a work_n of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o mortification_n by_o who_o presence_n be_v thrust_v as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o door_n and_o drive_v far_o away_o unbelief_n obstinacy_n security_n and_o other_o poison_n of_o justify_v grace_n and_o also_o of_o particular_a sin_n there_o be_v a_o particular_a pardon_n
faith_n and_o consequent_o before_o justification_n we_o say_v let_v but_o any_o man_n read_v those_o two_o chapter_n of_o dr._n ames_n his_o book_n now_o mention_v and_o he_o will_v see_v it_o as_o clear_a as_o the_o sun_n that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o rollock_n and_o hold_v that_o a_o holy_a change_n be_v wrought_v on_o we_o and_o a_o seed_n or_o principle_n of_o holiness_n be_v put_v into_o we_o and_o some_o holy_a act_n be_v produce_v by_o we_o before_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o our_o sin_n be_v forgive_v we_o and_o as_o for_o dr._n twiss_n though_o the_o antinomian_o have_v lay_v claim_n to_o he_o and_o some_o of_o we_o have_v almost_o give_v he_o up_o to_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o expression_n of_o his_o which_z seem_v to_o favour_v they_o yet_o mr._n jessop_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o mr._n graile_n book_n have_v show_v that_o they_o have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o their_o so_o do_v and_o have_v prove_v as_o we_o have_v further_o do_v that_o he_o be_v on_o our_o side_n against_o they_o yea_o and_o against_o our_o author_n too_o we_o read_v that_o arminius_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o answer_n unto_o perkins_n complain_v that_o though_o mr._n perkins_n do_v not_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o other_o who_o do_v contend_v that_o repentance_n do_v not_o go_v before_o but_o follow_v after_o remission_n of_o sin_n fol._n twiss_n vind._n gratiae_fw-la resp_n ad_fw-la arminii_n praefat._n pag._n 17._o edit_fw-la amster_n 1648._o fol._n whereunto_o dr._n twiss_n answer_v by_o confess_v ingenuous_o that_o the_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o prove_v that_o repentance_n be_v before_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v &_o expressiora_fw-la &_o frequentiora_fw-la both_o more_o express_v and_o more_o numerous_a than_o those_o that_o seem_v to_o favour_v the_o other_o opinion_n and_o indeed_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o speak_v of_o people_n repent_v after_o their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v prove_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o what_o we_o and_o all_o sober_a christian_n grant_v that_o our_o repentance_n be_v to_o be_v continue_v all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n and_o that_o the_o repentance_n which_o be_v begin_v before_o justification_n and_o be_v but_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a be_v to_o be_v carry_v on_o through_o grace_n unto_o great_a perfection_n afterward_o by_o reduce_v our_o purpose_n into_o practice_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n meet_v for_o repentance_n to_o the_o do_v whereof_o the_o assurance_n of_o god_n special_a love_n to_o we_o in_o have_v pardon_v our_o sin_n and_o accept_v we_o as_o righteous_a unto_o life_n through_o jesus_n christ_n do_v not_o a_o little_a animate_v and_o excite_v we_o as_o to_o what_o twiss_n say_v there_o that_o it_o be_v without_o controversy_n that_o as_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o immanent_a act_n in_o god_n it_o be_v before_o both_o faith_n and_o repentance_n that_o be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o this_o that_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o decree_n to_o remit_v sin_n be_v before_o both_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v indeed_o very_o true_a for_o god_n and_o his_o decree_n be_v before_o this_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n but_o though_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o to_o speak_v proper_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o as_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n remission_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o a_o immanent_a act_n of_o god_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n which_o be_v eternal_a but_o the_o consequent_a and_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o decree_n which_o be_v temporal_a and_o be_v every_o where_o promise_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o thing_n future_a and_o to_o come_v upon_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o dr._n twiss_n himself_o express_o affirm_v most_o frequent_o over_o and_o over_o as_o we_o have_v show_v already_o and_o may_v do_v it_o yet_o far_o hereafter_o from_o single_a witness_n we_o pass_v to_o a_o whole_a assembly_n of_o divine_n who_o give_v in_o their_o testimony_n for_o we_o and_o it_o be_v the_o synod_n of_o dort_n the_o most_o famous_a assembly_n of_o divine_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n for_o it_o consist_v of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o learned_a man_n delegated_a and_o depute_a from_o all_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n in_o europe_n in_o the_o eleven_o and_o twelve_o canon_n on_o the_o three_o and_o four_o article_n their_o word_n be_v as_o follow_v 303._o act._n synodi_n dord_n part._n 1._o p._n 303._o but_o when_o god_n execute_v this_o his_o good_a pleasure_n in_o the_o elect_n or_o work_n in_o they_o true_a conversion_n he_o not_o only_o cause_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v outward_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n powerful_o enlighten_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v right_o understand_v and_o discern_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o also_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o same_o regenerate_a spirit_n he_o penetrate_v or_o pierce_v into_o the_o innermost_a part_n of_o man_n he_o open_v his_o close_a he_o soften_v his_o hard_a and_o circumcise_n his_o uncircumcised_a heart_n he_o infuse_v new_a quality_n into_o his_o will_n and_o of_o dead_a make_v it_o alive_a of_o evil_n make_v it_o good_a of_o unwilling_a make_v it_o willing_a of_o disobedient_a make_v it_o obedient_a and_o so_o act_n and_o strengthen_v it_o that_o as_o a_o good_a tree_n it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o good_a action_n and_o then_o the_o will_v now_o renew_v be_v not_o only_o act_v and_o move_v by_o god_n but_o be_v act_v by_o god_n it_o act_v itself_o wherefore_o even_o man_n himself_o by_o that_o grace_n receive_v be_v right_o say_v to_o believe_v and_o repent_v this_o be_v subscribe_v by_o the_o whole_a synod_n now_o here_o we_o have_v such_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n for_o a_o real_a change_n for_o holy_a qualification_n and_o disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n before_o justification_n as_o we_o be_v sure_a our_o author_n can_v never_o find_v the_o like_a to_o oppose_v against_o we_o for_o no_o real_a change_n no_o holy_a qualification_n or_o disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n before_o sustification_n and_o that_o the_o synod_n hold_v this_o real_a change_n those_o holy_a qualification_n or_o disposition_n to_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o justification_n be_v manifest_a because_o they_o affirm_v all_o this_o to_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o will_n may_v be_v able_a to_o act_v and_o that_o the_o man_n may_v produce_v the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o the_o very_a act_n itself_o of_o faith_n be_v before_o justification_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o so_o it_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v by_o the_o synodic_n therefore_o a_o fortiori_fw-la all_o that_o be_v before_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v also_o before_o justification_n this_o be_v enough_o if_o we_o can_v say_v no_o more_o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v we_o who_o cleave_v to_o the_o old_a receive_v protestant_n doctrine_n in_o this_o matter_n yet_o something_o more_o we_o will_v add_v from_o some_o of_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o college_n of_o divine_n record_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o synod_n and_o first_o we_o find_v that_o the_o embdane_a divine_n in_o their_o judgement_n concern_v the_o first_o article_n do_v very_o particular_o and_o clear_o set_v down_o the_o way_n and_o order_n of_o god_n bring_v his_o elect_n unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n their_o word_n be_v 77._o actor_n synodi_fw-la dord_n part_n 2._o pag._n 77._o via_fw-la inter_fw-la electionis_fw-la decretum_fw-la &_o decreti_fw-la finem_fw-la intermedia_fw-la quâ_fw-la deus_fw-la ex_fw-la mera_fw-fr gratiâ_fw-la peculiariter_fw-la electos_fw-la ad_fw-la salutem_fw-la provehit_fw-la est_fw-la 1._o christus_fw-la 2._o vocatio_fw-la ad_fw-la christum_fw-la efficax_n 3._o fides_n 4._o justificatio_fw-la per_fw-la fidem_fw-la etc._n etc._n the_o intermediate_v way_n between_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o decree_n by_o which_o god_n of_o mere_a grace_n bring_v to_o salvation_n those_o who_o he_o have_v peculiar_o choose_v be_v 1._o christ_n 2._o effectual_a vocation_n unto_o christ_n 3._o faith_n 4._o justification_n etc._n etc._n to_o these_o they_o speak_v particular_o one_o after_o another_o first_o they_o show_v that_o christ_n be_v deserve_o set_v in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o he_o be_v the_o second_o adam_n through_o who_o all_o the_o elect_n be_v save_v by_o unspeakable_a mercy_n what_o they_o say_v of_o christ_n there_o we_o all_o agree_v to_o and_o also_o that_o all_o the_o other_o particular_n be_v subordinate_a to_o he_o and_o through_o he_o then_o they_o speak_v to_o the_o second_o mean_n which_o be_v effectual_a call_v and_o that_o they_o say_v be_v quando_fw-la vox_fw-la dei_fw-la
but_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o spirit_n do_v otherwise_o help_v before_o he_o do_v inhabit_v and_o otherwise_o when_o he_o do_v inhabit_v in_o the_o soul_n for_o before_o be_v come_v to_o inhabit_v in_o the_o soul_n he_o help_v man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v believer_n but_o when_o he_o do_v inhabit_v and_o dwell_v in_o the_o soul_n he_o help_v they_o who_o be_v believer_n this_o one_o distinction_n of_o augustine_n attend_v unto_o will_v help_v people_n to_o understand_v this_o matter_n and_o to_o answer_v all_o that_o our_o author_n say_v against_o any_o real_a change_n or_o holy_a seed_n disposition_n or_o qualification_n wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n before_o it_o be_v justify_v for_o our_o bless_a lord_n by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n first_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v and_o make_v we_o meet_v to_o be_v a_o habitation_n for_o himself_o and_o then_o he_o come_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o same_o spirit_n and_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o abide_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o ephes_n 2.22_o and_o 3.17_o and_o 1_o cor._n 3.16_o now_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v in_o order_n before_o justification_n god_n by_o his_o spirit_n and_o word_n first_o make_v we_o such_o as_o his_o word_n require_v we_o to_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v justify_v he_o saving_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n and_o enlivens_fw-la our_o heart_n he_o give_v we_o a_o seed_n of_o faith_n and_o a_o holy_a principle_n of_o light_n lise_n and_o love_n and_o by_o a_o influence_n of_o actual_a grace_n cause_v we_o free_o to_o reduce_v the_o say_a seed_n and_o principle_n into_o act_n and_o so_o actual_o to_o believe_v and_o repent_v which_o when_o we_o do_v through_o grace_n than_o he_o justify_v we_o on_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n satisfactory_a meritorious_a righteousness_n impute_v to_o we_o and_o after_o that_o we_o be_v effectual_o call_v and_o thereupon_o be_v become_v penitent_a believer_n and_o be_v justify_v and_o reconcile_v the_o lord_n give_v we_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n he_o come_v and_o dwell_v in_o we_o he_o strengthen_v and_o increase_v the_o grace_n that_o he_o have_v begin_v in_o we_o and_o make_v we_o more_o and_o more_o holy_a in_o heart_n and_o life_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v sanctification_n and_o follow_v after_o justification_n and_o through_o christ_n dwelling_n in_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n be_v carry_v on_o from_o one_o decree_n to_o another_o till_o it_o have_v attain_v its_o gradual_a perfection_n and_o be_v consummate_v in_o glory_n 11._o let._n p._n 11._o but_o he_o object_n 2._o shall_v we_o tell_v man_n that_o unless_o they_o be_v holy_a they_o must_v not_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n nor_o venture_v on_o he_o for_o salvation_n till_o they_o be_v qualify_v and_o fit_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o he_o this_o be_v to_o forbear_v preach_v the_o gospel_n at_o all_o or_o to_o forbid_v all_o man_n to_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o never_o be_v any_o sinner_n qualify_v for_o christ_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o ever_o any_o sinner_n shall_v be_v qualify_v for_o christ_n we_o answer_v our_o author_n have_v say_v a_o little_a before_o in_o the_o same_o page_n that_o every_o one_o who_o believe_v on_o christ_n act_v that_o faith_n as_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n that_o be_v believe_v as_o a_o unbeliever_n as_o be_v before_o prove_v to_o be_v his_o meaning_n by_o his_o own_o express_a word_n if_o his_o word_n be_v expressive_a of_o his_o mind_n and_o now_o by_o the_o question_n which_o he_o put_v to_o we_o here_o he_o seem_v plain_o to_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o every_o man_n must_v believe_v as_o a_o unbeliever_n or_o else_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o believe_v at_o all_o and_o minister_n must_v give_v over_o preach_v the_o gospel_n for_o they_o can_v never_o preach_v it_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v preach_v unless_o they_o tell_v people_n that_o they_o must_v act_n their_o faith_n as_o the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n that_o be_v they_o must_v believe_v as_o unbeliever_n for_o either_o we_o must_v tell_v people_n that_o they_o must_v believe_v as_o unbeliever_n or_o else_o that_o they_o must_v not_o believe_v till_o they_o be_v first_o holy_a and_o that_o be_v that_o they_o must_v never_o believe_v at_o all_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v holy_a till_o after_o they_o have_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v unite_v unto_o he_o by_o faith_n this_o be_v plain_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o author_n word_n and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o reason_v which_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o what_o calvin_n say_v out_o of_o augustin_n the_o bono_fw-mi perseverantiae_fw-la cap._n 22._o 14._o calv._n instit_fw-la lib._n 3._o cap._n 23._o §_o 14._o that_o there_o be_v insulsi_fw-la doctores_fw-la gratiae_fw-la some_o foolish_a preacher_n of_o grace_n and_o sure_o if_o any_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v such_o preacher_n who_o in_o effect_n tell_v people_n that_o they_o must_v believe_v as_o unbeliever_n or_o else_o they_o must_v not_o believe_v till_o they_o be_v first_o holy_a and_o that_o be_v they_o must_v never_o believe_v at_o all_o but_o be_v there_o no_o way_n to_o avoid_v this_o foolish_a senseless_a way_n of_o preach_v our_o author_n think_v there_o be_v not_o we_o on_o the_o contrary_n be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o way_n to_o avoid_v it_o and_o in_o our_o judgement_n it_o may_v thus_o be_v easy_o do_v we_o tell_v people_n that_o they_o must_v believe_v in_o christ_n not_o as_o unholy_a unbeliever_n nor_o yet_o as_o holy_a with_o that_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o believe_v and_o follow_v after_o faith_n in_o christ_n but_o by_o cease_v to_o be_v unholy_a unbeliever_n and_o by_o become_v holy_a believer_n and_o if_o they_o ask_v we_o how_o this_o can_v possible_o be_v do_v we_o answer_v not_o by_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n special_a grace_n if_o they_o ask_v further_o how_o they_o can_v obtain_v that_o special_a grace_n before_o they_o believe_v and_o be_v in_o christ_n by_o faith_n since_o all_o grace_n be_v derive_v from_o christ_n by_o faith_n we_o answer_v that_o all_o grace_n indeed_o be_v derive_v from_o christ_n but_o it_o be_v a_o most_o notorious_a falsehood_n that_o all_o grace_n be_v derive_v from_o christ_n by_o faith_n for_o the_o first_o special_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o whereby_o we_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v not_o from_o christ_n by_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v from_o christ_n before_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v give_v we_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o christ_n to_o work_v faith_n in_o we_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o into_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o faith_n if_o they_o say_v that_o even_o according_a to_o this_o way_n people_n must_v still_o believe_v before_o they_o be_v holy_a and_o so_o must_v believe_v as_o not_o be_v yet_o holy_a we_o answer_v that_o be_v true_a in_o one_o respect_n and_o false_a in_o another_o it_o be_v true_a that_o people_n must_v believe_v before_o they_o be_v holy_a with_o that_o progressive_a holiness_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o justify_v faith_n and_o follow_v after_o justification_n but_o it_o be_v utter_o false_a that_o people_n do_v believe_v or_o can_v believe_v save_o before_o they_o be_v initial_o holy_a before_o they_o be_v holy_a with_o that_o first_o beginning_n and_o principle_n of_o holiness_n which_o consist_v in_o remove_v the_o ill_a disposition_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o in_o give_v our_o faculty_n a_o right_a spiritual_a supernatural_a disposition_n and_o fitness_n for_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v this_o holy_a principle_n concur_v to_o the_o produce_v of_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o must_v be_v in_o order_n before_o it_o and_o then_o the_o act_n itself_o of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o holy_a act_n must_v be_v in_o order_n before_o justification_n therefore_o it_o be_v utter_o false_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o holiness_n at_o all_o in_o any_o kind_n or_o degree_n before_o faith_n and_o justification_n by_o faith_n since_o before_o actual_a faith_n there_o be_v the_o holy_a seed_n and_o principle_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o of_o other_o grace_n too_o and_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o holy_a actual_a faith_n before_o justification_n and_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o clear_a that_o our_o author_n himself_o sometime_o can_v see_v it_o as_o pag._n 21._o where_o he_o say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a till_o gospel_n grace_n renew_v he_o and_o make_v he_o first_o a_o good_a man_n this_o be_v very_o true_a if_o it_o be_v right_o understand_v thus_o no_o man_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_o supernatural_o and_o save_o good_a till_o gospel_n grace_n that_o be_v internal_a special_a grace_n renew_v he_o and_o make_v he_o first_o a_o