reward_n unto_o the_o religious_a worshipper_n of_o he_o of_o which_o we_o may_v read_v moses_n his_o book_n 28._o deut._n 28._o sure_o such_o like_a promise_n be_v like_o so_o many_o heavenly_a spur_n by_o which_o all_o and_o every_o one_o be_v prick_v on_o to_o the_o do_v of_o good_a as_o if_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n shall_v collect_v &_o conclude_v thus_o 4.6_o 1._o tim._n 4.6_o whatsoever_o thing_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v think_v upon_o and_o to_o be_v do_v above_o all_o thing_n but_o the_o work_n of_o godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v therefore_o those_o work_n above_o all_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v think_v upon_o and_o do_v in_o this_o world_n god_n give_v unto_o the_o godly_a some_o taste_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o temporal_a blessing_n that_o by_o such_o a_o taste_n he_o may_v allure_v and_o whet_v they_o on_o more_o and_o more_o unto_o the_o desire_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n s._n paul_n have_v respect_n unto_o this_o 4.8_o 1._o tim._n 4.8_o write_v unto_o timothy_n that_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v the_o promise_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v by_o this_o say_n he_o do_v stir_v up_o all_o the_o godly_a unto_o true_a and_o sincere_a religion_n for_o the_o great_a goodness_n sake_n of_o god_n in_o as_o much_o as_o god_n suffer_v nothing_o to_o be_v want_v unto_o they_o which_o love_v the_o way_n of_o god_n therefore_o paul_n set_v down_o godliness_n alone_o to_o be_v the_o beginning_n &_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a life_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v whosoever_o attain_v unto_o true_a godliness_n indeed_o possess_v god_n himself_o and_o all_o good_a thing_n do_v attend_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o scripture_n require_v nothing_o else_o at_o his_o hand_n see_v therefore_o that_o faith_n be_v nourish_v by_o good_a work_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v cherish_v in_o man_n and_o that_o god_n be_v move_v &_o stir_v up_o unto_o a_o large_a measure_n of_o liberality_n every_o man_n shall_v daily_o take_v heed_n that_o the_o transitory_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o study_n and_o course_n of_o godliness_n so_o the_o godly_a and_o holy_a man_n by_o give_v themselves_o daily_a unto_o good_a work_n 2.15_o phil._n 2.15_o and_o by_o serve_v god_n faithful_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n by_o the_o good_a work_n that_o they_o do_v they_o do_v set_v forth_o and_o further_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o do_v adorn_v his_o gospel_n and_o enlarge_v it_o unto_o other_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o do_v mutual_o edify_v and_o benefit_n both_o themselves_o and_o other_o together_o with_o they_o therefore_o good_a work_n be_v precious_a ointment_n which_o send_v forth_o their_o savour_n far_o and_o wide_o unto_o other_o and_o do_v allure_v they_o unto_o it_o by_o the_o pleasant_a odour_n who_o wound_n it_o cure_v and_o heal_v like_o balm_n and_o thus_o much_o of_o this_o matter_n now_o we_o must_v brief_o run_v over_o the_o reason_n why_o good_a work_n be_v to_o be_v do_v 2.4_o phil._n 2.4_o for_o our_o neighbour_n sake_n a_o christian_a man_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o think_v on_o and_o be_v careful_a of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v his_o own_o but_o also_o on_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v concern_v his_o neighbour_n for_o what_o good_a thing_n soever_o a_o man_n receyve_v of_o god_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o suppress_v and_o conceal_v they_o in_o his_o own_o power_n as_o if_o he_o may_v enjoy_v they_o alone_o but_o be_v bind_v to_o stretch_v and_o enlarge_v they_o further_o to_o the_o benefit_v of_o other_o and_o so_o he_o shall_v endeavour_v himself_o to_o be_v profitable_a unto_o his_o neighbour_n not_o only_o by_o good_a counsel_n and_o other_o temporal_a commodity_n but_o much_o rather_o by_o a_o good_a and_o godly_a example_n of_o life_n that_o he_o may_v either_o be_v more_o further_v and_o edify_v in_o true_a faith_n or_o convert_v unto_o the_o faith_n and_o continue_v therein_o for_o this_o often_o be_v effect_v by_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o a_o honest_a conversation_n that_o man_n which_o be_v altogether_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convert_v unto_o the_o love_n and_o like_n thereof_o so_o that_o the_o very_a infidel_n by_o a_o godly_a speech_n or_o by_o one_o good_a work_n and_o holy_a example_n or_o other_o be_v gain_v to_o christ_n and_o do_v attain_v salvation_n again_o good_a work_n ought_v to_o be_v do_v lest_o other_o be_v offend_v with_o such_o or_o such_o fault_n shall_v start_v back_o from_o the_o love_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o shall_v be_v discourage_v from_o embrace_v it_o for_o they_o think_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o as_o their_o manner_n be_v which_o profess_v it_o for_o the_o world_n be_v wont_a to_o measure_v all_o religion_n by_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n if_o then_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n then_o do_v they_o commend_v and_o praise_v the_o gospel_n itself_o but_o if_o they_o live_v wicked_o after_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n their_o mind_n be_v change_v and_o they_o dissallow_v and_o reject_v the_o gospel_n which_o certain_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o for_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o this_o or_o that_o event_n or_o upon_o any_o manner_n of_o man_n but_o upon_o god_n himself_o and_o have_v authority_n from_o it_o own_o nature_n so_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v holy_a and_o remain_v true_a yea_o though_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v abandon_v itself_o unto_o the_o commit_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o shall_v with_o one_o consent_n condemn_v the_o whole_a worship_n of_o god_n together_o with_o the_o gospel_n unto_o hell_n and_o utter_a darkness_n notwithstanding_o they_o which_o live_v wicked_o and_o dissolute_o be_v infectious_a and_o bring_v assure_v destruction_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o so_o a_o wicked_a and_o profane_a life_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o shame_n and_o reproach_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o it_o give_v matter_n and_o occasion_n unto_o other_o to_o scorn_v and_o eschew_v the_o gospel_n for_o they_o which_o profess_v and_o embrace_v that_o have_v after_o a_o sort_n the_o name_n of_o god_n engrave_v in_o their_o forehead_n as_o often_o therefore_o as_o they_o do_v wicked_o so_o often_o do_v they_o by_o their_o uncleanenes_n disgrace_v the_o very_a face_n of_o god_n and_o make_v his_o bless_a gospel_n a_o reproach_n and_o laughingstock_n unto_o other_o and_o all_o they_o work_v wickedness_n and_o live_v ungodly_a 2.24_o rom._n 2.24_o not_o only_o which_o commit_v evil_a and_o thing_n that_o be_v forbid_v of_o god_n but_o also_o which_o neglect_v good_a and_o thing_n command_v by_o god_n both_o which_o god_n have_v decree_v to_o punish_v for_o the_o lord_n say_v in_o matthew_n i_o thirst_v 25.35_o mat._n 25.35_o and_o you_o give_v i_o not_o to_o drink_v and_o so_o forth_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n for_o which_o good_a work_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o all_o they_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o a_o man_n of_o a_o ripe_a age_n 25.42_o mat._n 25.42_o that_o without_o they_o not_o one_o can_v enter_v into_o eternal_a life_n not_o that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n for_o of_o it_o there_o be_v not_o neither_o can_v be_v any_o other_o cause_n but_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n alone_o and_o god_n only_a goodness_n again_o man_n be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n and_o iustify_v before_o they_o have_v do_v any_o good_a work_n for_o first_o their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o pardon_v they_o second_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o they_o be_v renew_v unto_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o the_o do_v of_o good_a work_n be_v give_v unto_o they_o so_o that_o in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n justification_n do_v go_v before_o the_o renew_n of_o man_n and_o the_o perform_v of_o good_a work_n therefore_o the_o papist_n which_o seek_v for_o justification_n by_o good_a work_n do_v make_v a_o cause_n of_o the_o effect_n and_o change_v the_o cause_n into_o the_o effect_n but_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a unto_o man_n of_o ripe_a age_n as_o certain_a mean_n without_o which_o man_n can_v attain_v unto_o salvation_n for_o god_n do_v acquit_v and_o justify_v man_n free_o but_o he_o will_v not_o have_v man_n to_o abuse_v his_o grace_n by_o ungodly_a live_n 2.10_o ephes_n 2.10_o therefore_o he_o have_v ordain_v good_a work_n for_o man_n that_o they_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o again_o in_o the_o last_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n he_o will_v pronounce_v either_o the_o sentence_n of_o
will._n therefore_o the_o everlasting_a good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a unmooveable_a ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n so_o that_o our_o salvation_n be_v subject_a and_o in_o danger_n to_o none_o of_o the_o device_n of_o satan_n to_o no_o trouble_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o to_o no_o waver_n of_o the_o flesh_n because_o it_o have_v a_o most_o strong_a foundation_n upon_o god_n everlasting_a decree_n second_o this_o circumstance_n of_o eternal_a time_n have_v prevent_v the_o entrance_n of_o satan_n temptation_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v take_v the_o first_o care_n of_o our_o salvation_n after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n be_v commit_v and_o have_v not_o think_v of_o it_o before_o then_o sure_o this_o will_n of_o god_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o satan_n may_v thereby_o take_v occasion_n malicious_o to_o allege_v against_o god_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v not_o certain_a and_o constant_a because_o that_o as_o it_o have_v a_o beginning_n so_o it_o may_v likewise_o have_v a_o end_n and_o we_o be_v prone_a unto_o all_o diffidence_n may_v quick_o have_v think_v it_o have_v be_v so_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n may_v have_v be_v in_o doubt_n of_o our_o salvation_n therefore_o god_n by_o his_o provident_a goodness_n have_v timely_o prevent_v these_o temptation_n and_o sleight_n of_o satan_n and_o have_v find_v out_o a_o excellent_a remedy_n for_o our_o diffidence_n teach_v we_o that_o his_o decree_n for_o our_o salvation_n be_v no_o sudden_a thing_n nor_o limit_v within_o the_o list_n of_o momentany_a time_n but_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a so_o our_o faith_n be_v then_o build_v and_o ground_v upon_o a_o strong_a and_o unmooveable_a foundation_n when_o we_o hear_v and_o know_v that_o our_o salvation_n be_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v of_o god_n from_o everlasting_a last_o this_o note_n of_o eternal_a time_n be_v profitable_a for_o this_o purpose_n namely_o to_o withdraw_v and_o reclaim_v we_o as_o well_o from_o all_o regard_n or_o respect_n of_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o worthiness_n as_o also_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o intercession_n of_o other_o man_n for_o us._n for_o god_n do_v know_v that_o the_o devilish_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o merit_n will_v often_o time_n steal_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o we_o shall_v think_v that_o there_o be_v some_o goodness_n in_o we_o by_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v gracious_a and_o acceptable_a before_o god_n for_o man_n do_v not_o willing_o humble_a and_o cast_v himself_o down_o thus_o far_o as_o to_o attribute_v all_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o salvation_n unto_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n only_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o like_a the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v prevent_v and_o dispel_v show_v that_o god_n have_v elect_v we_o from_o everlasting_a before_o we_o be_v and_o have_v give_v we_o salvation_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o do_v condemn_v we_o of_o foolishness_n and_o ungodliness_n if_o we_o now_o create_v will_v get_v or_o deserve_v our_o salvation_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n for_o such_o be_v the_o untowardness_n and_o blindness_n of_o man_n disposition_n because_o that_o wretched_a man_n be_v so_o bewitch_v of_o satan_n by_o sin_n that_o when_o there_o be_v any_o speech_n of_o salvation_n and_o everlasting_a felicity_n they_o will_v glad_o begin_v from_o themselves_o hence_o they_o frame_v to_o themselves_o divers_a preparation_n by_o which_o they_o strive_v to_o prevent_v and_o deserve_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o by_o what_o mean_n i_o pray_v you_o can_v they_o deserve_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o and_o what_o good_a work_n or_o merit_n of_o they_o can_v there_o be_v before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o before_o their_o own_o creation_n therefore_o the_o eternal_a election_n of_o god_n do_v every_o where_n throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n prove_v that_o this_o mercy_n be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n only_o be_v move_v to_o elect_v us._n so_o that_o this_o eternal_a election_n do_v not_o only_o set_v far_o aside_o all_o respect_n of_o man_n worthiness_n but_o also_o throw_v man_n down_o even_o to_o hell_n together_o with_o all_o his_o merit_n if_o he_o shall_v be_v deal_v withal_o according_a to_o his_o own_o desert_n and_o god_n just_a judgement_n here_o therefore_o be_v set_v down_o a_o continual_a contrariety_n and_o opposition_n between_o man_n merit_n and_o worthiness_n and_o god_n eternal_a election_n yea_o such_o and_o so_o great_a a_o opposition_n that_o the_o affirm_v of_o the_o one_o be_v the_o manifest_a denial_n of_o the_o other_o look_v how_o much_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o god_n election_n 2.9_o 2._o tim._n 2.9_o so_o much_o it_o detract_v from_o man_n worthiness_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v set_v that_o eternal_a election_n and_o man_n worthiness_n as_o two_o thing_n extreme_o contrary_a one_o to_o a_o other_o teach_v we_o that_o a_o man_n may_v soon_o and_o easy_o wring_v oil_n out_o of_o a_o flint_n stone_n or_o strike_v fire_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o ocean_n then_o that_o god_n shall_v find_v any_o thing_n in_o man_n nature_n worthy_a of_o his_o election_n they_o therefore_o which_o seek_v for_o salvation_n or_o the_o least_o part_n thereof_o without_o the_o eternal_a election_n of_o god_n they_o do_v not_o only_o seek_v life_n in_o death_n and_o salvation_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o condemnation_n but_o also_o they_o seek_v god_n without_o god_n and_o by_o such_o seek_v shall_v find_v nothing_o else_o but_o hell_n fire_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n because_o that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n can_v proceed_v from_o divers_a cause_n for_o god_n only_o be_v good_a and_o so_o good_a that_o he_o can_v find_v no_o good_a elsewhere_o at_o any_o time_n or_o in_o any_o place_n but_o only_o in_o himself_o and_o contrariwise_o man_n nature_n be_v so_o wicked_a and_o deprave_a that_o out_o of_o it_o can_v proceed_v nothing_o but_o wicked_a deed_n and_o ungodly_a practice_n but_o of_o this_o hereafter_o we_o will_v speak_v more_o large_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o undeserved_a and_o altogether_o the_o free_a goodness_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o from_o everlasting_a ordain_v and_o appoint_v eternal_a salvation_n for_o we_o when_o we_o be_v not_o as_o then_o create_v and_o therefore_o of_o so_o good_a and_o bountiful_a a_o god_n who_o will_v not_o hope_v well_o moreover_o see_v god_n have_v elect_v we_o to_o salvation_n and_o life_n everlasting_a hence_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o none_o can_v be_v our_o intercessor_n to_o god_n for_o us._n because_o then_o there_o be_v no_o man_n beside_o god_n only_o and_o alone_o which_o be_v the_o whole_a cause_n of_o our_o election_n hence_o likewise_o as_o out_o of_o a_o most_o clear_a glass_n we_o may_v see_v what_o care_n god_n have_v of_o our_o salvation_n because_o that_o from_o everlasting_a he_o do_v so_o provident_o prevent_v and_o turn_v away_o all_o the_o hindrance_n of_o our_o salvation_n so_o the_o incredible_a and_o more_o than_o fatherly_a goodness_n of_o god_n be_v chief_o make_v know_v in_o this_o namely_o that_o he_o be_v careful_a for_o our_o salvation_n before_o we_o be_v and_o let_v these_o thing_n suffice_v to_o be_v brief_o compile_v concern_v the_o first_o propriety_n of_o election_n the_o second_o propriety_n of_o election_n be_v that_o election_n be_v a_o high_a and_o hide_a decree_n not_o only_o because_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n before_o any_o thing_n be_v create_v do_v foreordain_a and_o appoint_v it_o with_o himself_o but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v and_o ordain_v in_o that_o eternal_a decree_n which_o be_v so_o deep_a and_o hide_a in_o the_o meaning_n and_o understand_v of_o they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o far_o outstrip_v man_n capacity_n but_o also_o do_v as_o far_o exceed_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o angel_n themselves_o as_o the_o high_a heaven_n be_v distant_a from_o the_o low_a earth_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o redeem_v and_o save_v of_o mankind_n be_v so_o deep_a and_o secret_a that_o the_o very_a angel_n themselves_o can_v surmise_v the_o least_o of_o it_o much_o less_o consider_v and_o determine_v of_o it_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v often_o call_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o mystery_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o god_n 1.26_o ephes_n 3_o 9_o col._n 1.26_o because_o it_o be_v manifest_a and_o know_v unto_o god_n only_o and_o because_o no_o creature_n can_v know_v it_o but_o by_o revelation_n and_o so_o it_o be_v call_v by_o paul_n to_o the_o roman_n 16.25_o cap._n 16.25_o the_o secret_a mystery_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o creature_n in_o this_o great_a and_o secret_a consultation_n the_o son_n
rage_v and_o be_v angry_a against_o god_n and_o his_o wicked_a affection_n break_v forth_o open_o like_a unto_o wild_a and_o untamed_a beast_n and_o run_v out_o like_o wild_a horse_n and_o the_o more_o severe_o that_o god_n forbid_v any_o evil_a the_o more_o eager_o do_v miserable_a man_n rage_n and_o resist_v it_o so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v soon_o wring_v oil_n out_o of_o a_o hard_a stone_n then_o that_o a_o man_n not_o regenerate_v shall_v do_v any_o good_a thing_n that_o shall_v please_v god_n or_o be_v avayleable_a for_o his_o salvation_n see_v then_o that_o man_n in_o his_o whole_a nature_n and_o will_n be_v a_o foe_n and_o a_o enemy_n to_o god_n i_o see_v not_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o may_v deserve_v life_n at_o god_n hand_n moreover_o see_v that_o man_n be_v drench_v through_o sin_n in_o so_o deep_a a_o pit_n and_o bottomless_a gulf_n of_o damnation_n that_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v nor_o comprehend_v it_o therefore_o also_o he_o have_v perish_v for_o ever_o in_o it_o if_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n have_v not_o pluck_v he_o out_o of_o it_o and_o deliver_v he_o through_o christ_n his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o miserable_a man_n be_v so_o blind_v through_o sin_n that_o he_o can_v understand_v his_o own_o evil_a much_o less_o can_v he_o cure_v it_o sin_n therefore_o as_o a_o unavoidable_a destruction_n lurk_v in_o man_n nature_n as_o in_o a_o deep_a pit_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o in_o his_o law_n and_o withal_o find_v a_o remedy_n for_o it_o in_o his_o gospel_n man_n altogether_o ignorant_a of_o his_o mystery_n have_v run_v headlong_o into_o eternal_a destruction_n again_o the_o least_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v so_o ugly_a that_o it_o redound_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o deserve_v his_o fierce_a indignation_n the_o greatness_n whereof_o no_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o suffer_v and_o overcome_v as_o a_o man_n may_v see_v in_o the_o angel_n that_o fall_v and_o be_v condemn_v so_o that_o man_n have_v for_o ever_o perish_v in_o his_o misery_n if_o god_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n have_v not_o draw_v he_o out_o of_o it_o this_o untowardnes_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o backwardness_n to_o all_o good_a do_v wonderful_o set_v forth_o god_n mercy_n and_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v free_a because_o god_n in_o choose_v man_n be_v such_o as_o he_o be_v unto_o life_n do_v declare_v his_o free_a bounty_n and_o undeserved_a mercy_n upon_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v ground_v the_o hope_n and_o consolation_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a wherefore_o although_o they_o excel_v in_o no_o worthiness_n nor_o have_v any_o merit_n which_o they_o may_v bring_v unto_o god_n yet_o this_o one_o thing_n may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o come_v to_o all_o happiness_n namely_o that_o god_n in_o his_o nature_n be_v good_a and_o merciful_a and_o so_o far_o forth_o good_a and_o merciful_a as_o that_o he_o will_v rather_o help_v and_o advance_v unto_o happiness_n miserable_a man_n such_o as_o be_v almost_o past_a help_n than_o those_o that_o be_v of_o great_a account_n and_o trust_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o therefore_o which_o trust_n that_o god_n will_v be_v their_o saviour_n even_o for_o his_o own_o free_a goodness_n sake_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o have_v their_o faith_n ground_v upon_o and_o correspondent_a unto_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o which_o trust_v in_o their_o own_o merit_n think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v their_o rewarder_n have_v their_o hope_n in_o no_o wise_a frame_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o waver_v in_o doubtful_a and_o hurtful_a perplexity_n till_o be_v at_o the_o length_n overcome_v they_o be_v at_o the_o last_o cast_v down_o and_o swallow_v up_o of_o desperation_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o mutual_a and_o continual_a relation_n between_o a_o christian_a man_n faith_n and_o god_n free_a bounty_n that_o a_o humble_a and_o prostrate_a sinner_n shall_v by_o faith_n lie_v hold_v on_o god_n mercy_n though_o he_o bring_v nothing_o else_o unto_o god_n but_o a_o contrite_a and_o a_o break_a heart_n 51.17_o psa_fw-la 51.17_o for_o he_o exact_v this_o one_o thing_n and_o require_v nothing_o else_o therefore_o out_o of_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n miserable_a sinner_n may_v suck_v this_o most_o sweet_a comfort_n that_o by_o their_o humble_a and_o lowly_a confession_n and_o loathe_n of_o their_o sin_n they_o have_v god_n exceed_v mercy_n prepare_v and_o exhibit_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o certain_a and_o present_a remedy_n for_o all_o their_o evil_n also_o here_o be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a to_o be_v note_v that_o god_n who_o of_o his_o undeserved_a favour_n do_v deliver_v miserable_a mankind_n from_o so_o great_a a_o mischief_n do_v teach_v and_o command_v we_o by_o his_o example_n that_o to_o our_o power_n we_o shall_v help_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n yea_o and_o the_o great_a that_o their_o misery_n be_v the_o more_o shall_v every_o of_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v unto_o god_n for_o to_o help_v they_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o help_v they_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v when_o need_n require_v by_o that_o we_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v enemy_n and_o adversary_n to_o god_n for_o they_o which_o be_v wicked_a against_o god_n can_v not_o be_v good_a towards_o man_n and_o they_o do_v indeed_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v mansleyers_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o if_o other_o shall_v forsake_v they_o likewise_o and_o not_o help_v they_o they_o shall_v decay_v and_o perish_v in_o their_o misery_n and_o so_o they_o be_v the_o occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o their_o death_n as_o farforth_a as_o in_o they_o lie_v and_o therefore_o be_v judge_v and_o shall_v be_v condemn_v of_o god_n as_o manifest_v mansleyers_a this_o the_o scripture_n set_v down_o in_o express_a word_n say_v that_o judgement_n merciless_a shall_v be_v to_o he_o that_o show_v no_o mercy_n here_o the_o wicked_a and_o fond_a fiction_n of_o the_o papist_n concern_v faith_n and_o good_a work_n foresee_v which_o they_o dream_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o election_n be_v confute_v as_o false_a by_o plain_a testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n 12._o now_o whatsoever_o the_o papist_n do_v talk_v of_o concern_v faith_n and_o godliness_n foresee_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o most_o vain_a dream_n and_o foolish_a fiction_n for_o in_o that_o they_o say_v that_o god_n from_o everlasting_a know_v such_o or_o such_o that_o they_o will_v be_v good_a and_o that_o they_o will_v deserve_v election_n by_o their_o good_a work_n it_o be_v to_o forge_v a_o weak_a and_o fond_a fable_n about_o which_o they_o may_v trifle_v at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o without_o fear_n for_o god_n be_v so_o the_o cause_n and_o beginning_n of_o all_o good_a that_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o goodness_n can_v any_o where_n be_v find_v of_o which_o he_o be_v not_o the_o only_a author_n and_o finisher_n the_o papist_n in_o this_o doctrine_n be_v confute_v by_o many_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o manifest_a untruth_n for_o holiness_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n be_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o election_n for_o god_n do_v elect_v his_o from_o everlasting_a not_o because_o they_o will_v be_v good_a in_o themselves_o and_o worthy_a of_o their_o election_n but_o he_o elect_v they_o be_v evil_a that_o afterward_o by_o his_o grace_n they_o may_v become_v good_a this_o the_o scripture_n do_v testify_v in_o manifest_a and_o express_v word_n when_o it_o say_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v we_o 1.4_o ephes_n 1.4_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n before_o he_o through_o love_n here_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o god_n do_v not_o find_v such_o as_o shall_v be_v elect_v good_a but_o that_o be_v elect_v of_o he_o he_o make_v they_o good_a so_o that_o integrity_n of_o life_n and_o good_a work_n do_v follow_v election_n as_o the_o true_a effect_n thereof_o and_o go_v not_o before_o it_o as_o the_o cause_n and_o if_o good_a work_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o election_n man_n shall_v have_v choose_v god_n and_o god_n shall_v not_o have_v choose_v man_n so_o salvation_n shall_v be_v man_n merit_n and_o not_o god_n gift_n and_o election_n shall_v be_v not_o because_o god_n be_v merciful_a but_o because_o man_n be_v good_a and_o just_a again_o the_o papist_n in_o set_v up_o work_v foresee_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n deny_v god_n to_o be_v god_n and_o make_v his_o grace_n of_o no_o account_n for_o god_n alone_o be_v good_a 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o and_o the_o only_a fountain_n of_o goodness_n therefore_o whosoever_o think_v that_o they_o have_v the_o very_a least_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o without_o god_n do_v deny_v he_o to_o be_v
give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o which_o by_o the_o prophet_n esaias_n he_o flat_o deni_v to_o do_v say_v 48.11_o esay_n 48.11_o i_o will_v not_o give_v my_o glory_n to_o another_o that_o be_v god_n will_v not_o cause_n that_o any_o creature_n shall_v have_v infinite_a strength_n or_o infinite_a wisdom_n for_o of_o one_o self_n to_o perform_v and_o bring_v forth_o those_o work_n which_o may_v merit_v election_n and_o eternal_a life_n be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o creature_n for_o life_n eternal_a be_v a_o far_o more_o excellent_a good_a and_o great_a work_n than_o man_n strength_n be_v able_a to_o compass_v that_o life_n be_v heavenly_a and_o infinite_a and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v get_v or_o procure_v but_o by_o a_o heavenly_a and_o infinite_a power_n for_o as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n nor_o proportion_n between_o a_o infinite_a good_a thing_n and_o a_o finite_a work_n and_o merit_n therefore_o when_o as_o the_o papist_n brag_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v themselves_o worthy_a of_o their_o elelection_n by_o their_o own_o proper_a work_n and_o merit_n they_o do_v more_o foolish_o and_o fottish_o then_o if_o they_o shall_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o build_v and_o set_v up_o a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n with_o mallet_n and_o other_o tool_n for_o albeit_o that_o this_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v yet_o that_o other_o be_v far_o more_o hard_a and_o much_o more_o impossible_a for_o god_n the_o only_a almighty_a one_o be_v able_a to_o create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n by_o his_o word_n only_o without_o any_o difficulty_n but_o he_o can_v not_o redeem_v mankind_n from_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o his_o son_n so_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o choose_a in_o christ_n namely_o in_o that_o he_o have_v redeem_v they_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o restore_v god_n image_n in_o they_o wherefore_o see_v that_o salvation_n can_v not_o be_v recover_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o by_o the_o most_o bitter_a death_n and_o passion_n of_o christ_n hence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o there-obtayning_a of_o salvation_n do_v far_o exceed_v the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o wherefore_o it_o be_v most_o false_a and_o wicked_a which_o the_o papist_n dream_v of_o that_o man_n be_v elect_v unto_o salvation_n for_o such_o or_o such_o good_a work_n foresee_v because_o those_o work_n can_v pacify_v the_o exceed_a great_a wrath_n of_o god_n nor_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n for_o as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o they_o be_v altogether_o repugnant_a and_o contrary_a unto_o god_n therefore_o they_o do_v not_o pacify_v he_o but_o offend_v he_o and_o provoke_v he_o the_o more_o to_o anger_n sure_o the_o whole_a mass_n of_o the_o world_n may_v far_o more_o easy_o be_v stay_v up_o with_o a_o staff_n of_o reed_n than_o salvation_n can_v be_v get_v or_o obtain_v by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n but_o that_o fiction_n concern_v work_v foresee_v shall_v have_v the_o more_o likelihood_n of_o truth_n if_o they_o do_v bring_v forth_o such_o work_n to_o deserve_v salvation_n as_o be_v true_o good_a but_o they_o can_v bring_v forth_o no_o such_o for_o as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o man_n be_v whole_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a therefore_o there_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o nothing_o but_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a deed_n last_o by_o their_o work_n foresee_v they_o do_v manifest_o tempt_v god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o save_v his_o elect_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n by_o his_o mere_a grace_n be_v apprehend_v by_o faith_n unless_o they_o shall_v put_v to_o their_o own_o good_a work_n as_o helper_n and_o furtherer_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o sure_o by_o offer_v their_o work_n they_o show_v that_o they_o be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v able_a and_o sufficient_a to_o save_v they_o and_o so_o deny_v god_n to_o be_v god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v god_n unless_o he_o be_v absolute_o good_a and_o infinite_o merciful_a otherwise_o he_o shall_v be_v imperfect_a and_o conditional_o good_a such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v make_v he_o to_o be_v with_o their_o good_a work_n and_o merit_v foresee_v and_o a_o great_a dishonour_n can_v redound_v unto_o god_n then_o for_o a_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o free_a mercy_n and_o god_n can_v be_v injure_v more_o then_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v prefer_v his_o own_o work_n foresee_v before_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o if_o by_o they_o god_n can_v be_v move_v or_o turn_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n like_o man_n certain_o whosoever_o he_o have_v not_o choose_v for_o his_o own_o mercy_n sake_n he_o will_v he_o not_o choose_v hereafter_o for_o any_o foresee_a good_a work_n of_o his_o own_o for_o it_o be_v all_o alike_o to_o choose_v a_o man_n to_o salvation_n for_o his_o own_o work_n as_o if_o god_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v choose_v a_o man_n for_o his_o work_n there_o will_v be_v find_v manifest_a change_n in_o god_n and_o so_o god_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n but_o they_o which_o think_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o election_n and_o yet_o do_v true_o and_o constant_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v from_o everlasting_a elect_v unto_o salvation_n by_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n they_o give_v unto_o god_n his_o deserve_a honour_n for_o a_o great_a honour_n can_v be_v give_v unto_o god_n then_o that_o he_o be_v much_o more_o good_a and_o merciful_a unto_o we_o in_o christ_n then_o if_o we_o have_v never_o sin_v at_o all_o for_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o by_o a_o true_a faith_n he_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v as_o true_o and_o certain_o attain_v life_n everlasting_a for_o his_o passion_n sake_n as_o god_n in_o his_o nature_n be_v everlasting_a and_o unchangeable_a in_o his_o will._n but_o the_o papist_n which_o make_n their_o own_o work_n and_o merit_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o election_n do_v labour_n to_o abolish_v his_o mercy_n and_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o integrity_n and_o righteousness_n as_o if_o god_n have_v choose_v man_n not_o because_o he_o himself_o be_v god_n and_o merciful_a but_o because_o man_n be_v think_v acceptable_a and_o approve_a of_o god_n for_o such_o or_o such_o good_a work_n foresee_v when_o as_o the_o gospel_n teach_v the_o clean_a contrary_n 18._o luke_n 18._o that_o before_o god_n judgement_n seat_n no_o work_n nor_o merit_n of_o man_n may_v be_v suffer_v to_o approach_v but_o that_o a_o lowly_a and_o humble_a prayer_n pour_v out_o in_o the_o blood_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v hear_v and_o accept_v therefore_o the_o least_o imagination_n or_o establishment_n of_o man_n merit_n be_v the_o manifest_a abolish_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o most_o certain_a hazard_n and_o loss_n of_o eternal_a life_n by_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v it_o appear_v evident_o enough_o that_o this_o fiction_n of_o work_n foresee_v be_v as_o a_o ill_a favour_a head_n which_o have_v many_o unseemly_a member_n under_o it_o for_o where_o one_o absurdity_n be_v grant_v a_o great_a many_o must_v needs_o follow_v after_o 2.17_o 2._o tim._n 2.17_o for_o error_n be_v as_o a_o fret_a canker_n for_o where_o the_o least_o chincke_n be_v open_v to_o error_n there_o the_o very_o great_a monster_n of_o error_n throng_v in_o by_o troop_n &_o other_o most_o ungodly_a sin_n be_v heap_v together_o upon_o they_o so_o out_o of_o this_o false_a opinion_n as_o out_o of_o pandora_n box_n there_o do_v fly_v horrible_a reproach_n and_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n for_o they_o which_o do_v misunderstand_v and_o false_o expound_v one_o place_n of_o scripture_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o they_o misinterpret_v and_o misunderstand_v many_o place_n because_o that_o all_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v so_o artificial_o link_v together_o that_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v hurt_v but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v wrong_v neither_o can_v one_o be_v take_v out_o from_o among_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o whole_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v be_v break_v and_o fall_v to_o nothing_o certain_o the_o papist_n be_v the_o subtle_a teacher_n and_o patroness_n of_o good_a work_n fore_o see_v do_v open_o declare_v that_o they_o neither_o know_v the_o strength_n of_o sin_n nor_o the_o untowardness_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n nor_o the_o justice_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o so_o they_o be_v most_o ignorant_a of_o that_o which_o it_o
to_o the_o law_n and_o christian_a charity_n for_o the_o law_n command_v and_o charity_n will_v that_o there_o be_v no_o hurt_n do_v to_o any_o man_n but_o good_a unto_o all_o but_o there_o be_v no_o good_a but_o hurt_n do_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v ordain_v unto_o this_o miserable_a condition_n and_o curse_a estate_n therefore_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o charity_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n i_o answer_v god_n be_v not_o bind_v nor_o subject_n unto_o the_o law_n so_o that_o he_o give_v that_o commandment_n to_o man_n only_o and_o not_o to_o himself_o again_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v altogether_o infinite_a who_o greatness_n the_o shallownes_n of_o man_n capacity_n can_v contain_v nor_o search_v out_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o civil_a justice_n for_o there_o be_v no_o consequence_n from_o a_o infinite_a thing_n unto_o a_o finite_a thing_n because_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o they_o therefore_o a_o man_n in_o this_o matter_n must_v renounce_v all_o natural_a reason_n and_o submit_v himself_o whole_o unto_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n know_v that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v be_v examine_v or_o comprehend_v by_o the_o shallow_a conceit_n of_o man_n nor_o be_v measure_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o civil_a justice_n therefore_o it_o be_v extreme_a madness_n &_o blasphemous_a impiety_n not_o to_o attribute_v more_o wisdom_n &_o uprightness_n unto_o god_n than_o man_n can_v understand_v or_o imagine_v sure_o this_o be_v to_o erect_v and_o worship_v a_o vain_a idol_n in_o the_o steed_n of_o god_n or_o rather_o to_o deny_v god_n himself_o moreover_o there_o be_v certain_a particular_a work_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o equity_n as_o for_o example_n the_o fact_n of_o abraham_n who_o in_o his_o obedience_n unto_o god_n will_v have_v kill_v his_o son_n and_o have_v sacrifice_v he_o unto_o god_n when_o as_o notwithstanding_o the_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n know_v that_o god_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n but_o that_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o man_n only_o so_o that_o he_o do_v not_o examine_v the_o special_a commandment_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v concern_v the_o sacrifice_a of_o his_o son_n according_a to_o the_o law_n but_o simple_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v to_o execute_v it_o with_o a_o ready_a and_o good_a will_n by_o this_o example_n we_o be_v teach_v first_o that_o god_n sometime_o do_v decree_n somewhat_o in_o his_o secret_a will_n which_o he_o prescribe_v not_o in_o his_o law_n second_o that_o we_o must_v obey_v this_o his_o secret_a will_n when_o god_n command_v though_o the_o law_n after_o a_o sort_n command_v the_o contrary_a otherwise_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n be_v the_o only_a continual_a rule_n of_o good_a life_n so_o there_o may_v be_v some_o work_n which_o god_n do_v not_o therefore_o will_v because_o it_o be_v just_a but_o it_o be_v therefore_o just_a because_o he_o will_v it_o and_o think_v it_o good_a furthermore_o although_o of_o two_o man_n of_o which_o neither_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n he_o have_v predestinate_v the_o one_o unto_o life_n &_o the_o other_o unto_o death_n and_o that_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o this_o predestination_n be_v no_o less_o just_a then_o if_o both_o have_v be_v create_v and_o commit_v many_o great_a offence_n but_o it_o appear_v manifest_o that_o reprobation_n be_v decree_v before_o all_o time_n and_o not_o ordain_v in_o time_n both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o also_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o appear_v because_o god_n do_v nothing_o with_o a_o new_a will_n but_o all_o thing_n by_o his_o everlasting_a will_n whatsoever_o therefore_o god_n do_v in_o time_n that_o do_v he_o determine_v to_o do_v before_o all_o time_n otherwise_o there_o shall_v manifest_v change_n be_v find_v in_o he_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v the_o least_o thing_n in_o time_n which_o he_o do_v not_o determine_v to_o do_v before_o time_n from_o everlasting_a by_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a because_o that_o every_o where_o as_o well_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o reprobation_n as_o election_n it_o reduce_v we_o unto_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n that_o man_n may_v certain_o be_v persuade_v that_o nothing_o happen_v unto_o they_o in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v not_o ordain_v and_o decree_v for_o they_o by_o god_n from_o everlasting_a so_o that_o that_o happen_v to_o they_o in_o time_n which_o god_n have_v foreordeyned_n before_o time_n moreover_o although_o the_o reprobate_n be_v reject_v from_o this_o mercy_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o just_a and_o eternal_a judgement_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o condemn_v but_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o misdeed_n by_o which_o they_o deserve_v and_o pull_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n the_o just_a wrath_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a destruction_n therefore_o although_o they_o be_v not_o reprobate_v &_o reject_v for_o any_o infidelity_n or_o wicked_a deed_n foresee_v but_o because_o god_n have_v so_o will_v it_o and_o decree_v it_o just_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v but_o for_o their_o own_o ungodliness_n to_o conclude_v as_o there_o be_v no_o merit_n forego_v in_o election_n so_o also_o be_v there_o no_o desert_n forego_v in_o reprobation_n but_o both_o do_v proceed_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n now_o here_o remain_v to_o be_v show_v brief_o for_o what_o cause_v the_o reprobate_n be_v subject_a and_o liable_a unto_o just_a condemnation_n the_o first_o cause_n of_o their_o destruction_n be_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n this_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v full_o sufficient_a for_o to_o condemn_v they_o just_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o death_n and_o condemnation_n of_o infant_n and_o little_a child_n that_o be_v reprobate_v who_o although_o they_o be_v pollute_v with_o few_o or_o none_o actual_a sin_n yet_o for_o the_o original_a corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n they_o be_v thrust_v headlong_o into_o everlasting_a destruction_n therefore_o this_o corruption_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o first_o and_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o damnation_n again_o god_n vouchsafe_v not_o to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o mercy_n of_o regeneration_n but_o leave_v they_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n in_o their_o former_a depravation_n of_o nature_n neither_o can_v god_n be_v accuse_v or_o charge_v with_o injury_n because_o he_o do_v not_o reform_v nor_o better_v they_o for_o god_n do_v not_o owe_v they_o so_o much_o because_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o perform_v it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o promise_n although_o by_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v pronounce_v unto_o all_o that_o hear_v in_o general_a yet_o indeed_o and_o effectual_o they_o do_v proper_o pertain_v and_o belong_v unto_o the_o elect_a only_o for_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n they_o only_o obtain_v and_o enjoy_v again_o the_o promise_n do_v not_o declare_v what_o god_n have_v decree_v and_o determine_v concern_v every_o one_o but_o do_v show_v how_o he_o be_v affect_v towards_o they_o that_o believe_v therefore_o they_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o believer_n so_o that_o god_n owe_v nothing_o to_o the_o reprobate_n but_o deserve_v wrath_n and_o just_a indignation_n therefore_o in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o call_v they_o nor_o draw_v they_o to_o christ_n nor_o justify_v they_o in_o he_o nor_o create_v faith_n in_o they_o it_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n because_o he_o have_v not_o choose_v they_o so_o that_o when_o the_o cause_n be_v deny_v they_o the_o effect_n must_v needs_o be_v deny_v they_o also_o for_o to_o whomesoever_o he_o vouchsafe_v not_o election_n he_o also_o deny_v those_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o election_n these_o be_v by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n thus_o leave_v to_o themselves_o be_v harden_v daily_o more_o &_o more_o so_o that_o they_o fear_v not_o to_o commit_v great_a &_o detestable_a sin_n and_o iniquity_n neither_o stand_n in_o awe_n of_o god_n vengeance_n but_o nuzsle_n themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n with_o delight_n and_o love_n and_o commit_v sin_n willing_o and_o that_o so_o proud_o and_o secure_o as_o if_o god_n the_o avenger_n of_o wickedness_n do_v wink_v at_o they_o and_o will_v take_v no_o account_n of_o they_o for_o their_o life_n pass_v these_o god_n do_v not_o only_o reject_v and_o repel_v from_o all_o save_a grace_n and_o all_o the_o effect_n thereof_o but_o also_o in_o his_o just_a judgement_n do_v deliver_v they_o over_o be_v so_o reject_v partly_o
and_o be_v very_o profitable_a for_o the_o elect_a and_o the_o godly_a for_o they_o be_v affright_v by_o the_o hurt_n and_o example_n of_o other_o be_v thereby_o more_o humble_v in_o spirit_n and_o the_o more_o move_v and_o stir_v up_o to_o the_o better_a acknowledgement_n and_o more_o earnest_a desire_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n again_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v the_o more_o diligent_o and_o studious_o to_o hate_v and_o eschew_v sin_n which_o have_v procure_v so_o great_a damage_n and_o such_o fearful_a condemnation_n unto_o other_o and_o hearty_o to_o abhor_v it_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o they_o may_v frame_v and_o apply_v their_o whole_a study_n and_o endeavour_n to_o this_o namely_o to_o the_o care_n of_o conform_v themselves_o their_o life_n and_o manner_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o there_o may_v be_v between_o their_o god_n and_o they_o one_o and_o the_o same_o will_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o unwillingness_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o there_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v between_o mutual_a and_o faithful_a friend_n so_o that_o no_o evil_a can_v be_v so_o great_a so_o noisome_a or_o hurtful_a but_o god_n know_v how_o to_o order_v and_o direct_v it_o unto_o the_o edify_n and_o salvation_n of_o his_o choose_a whereby_o every_o man_n may_v easy_o perceyve_v with_o what_o tender_a affection_n god_n love_v his_o child_n when_o as_o out_o of_o deadly_a poison_n he_o produce_v instruction_n and_o wholesome_a medicine_n for_o they_o let_v they_o therefore_o with_o fervent_a prayer_n give_v great_a thanks_n to_o god_n their_o so_o good_a and_o merciful_a father_n in_o that_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o save_v they_o from_o eternal_a death_n and_o confusion_n and_o to_o elect_v they_o unto_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o glory_n before_o other_o who_o they_o excel_v neither_o by_o nature_n nor_o birth_n nor_o be_v in_o the_o least_o respect_n better_o than_o they_o from_o hence_o it_o clear_o appear_v and_o be_v without_o all_o controversy_n true_a that_o the_o reprobate_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v condemn_v have_v not_o only_o any_o just_a cause_n for_o which_o they_o shall_v murmur_v against_o god_n and_o fret_v at_o his_o so_o severe_a judgement_n but_o far_o contrariwise_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o praise_n and_o thank_v god_n for_o his_o benefit_n receyve_v partly_o because_o they_o be_v by_o he_o create_v man_n partly_o because_o he_o have_v forbear_v they_o here_o a_o long_a time_n 2.4_o rom._n 2.4_o with_o much_o patience_n and_o long_o suffer_v and_o have_v bestow_v sundry_a and_o great_a benefit_n upon_o they_o fill_v they_o and_o refresh_v their_o heart_n with_o meat_n and_o drink_n 14.17_o act_n 14.17_o partly_o because_o he_o have_v beautify_v &_o adorn_v many_o of_o they_o with_o notable_a and_o excellent_a gift_n while_o he_o have_v make_v some_o excellent_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o narurall_a thing_n some_o he_o have_v not_o debar_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o word_n but_o have_v wrought_v in_o they_o a_o certain_a consent_n unto_o religion_n and_o beget_v in_o they_o some_o show_n of_o faith_n as_o appear_v in_o judas_n the_o traitor_n and_o in_o balaam_n and_o in_o many_o other_o of_o who_o christ_n speak_v in_o saint_n matthew_n 7.22_o cap._n 7.22_o but_o when_o these_o do_v wicked_o abuse_v those_o benefit_n and_o spiritual_a gift_n they_o do_v turn_v to_o they_o to_o their_o great_a damnation_n therefore_o by_o how_o much_o they_o have_v receyve_v from_o god_n the_o great_a benefit_n and_o more_o excellent_a gift_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o grievous_a judgement_n and_o more_o bitter_a punishment_n do_v they_o by_o their_o own_o default_n deserve_v and_o pluck_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n further_o likewise_o the_o long_a that_o their_o life_n last_v here_o the_o great_a curse_n be_v there_o prepare_v for_o they_o but_o in_o that_o he_o forbear_v they_o here_o so_o long_o and_o bestow_v on_o they_o so_o many_o good_a turn_n it_o be_v his_o incredible_a goodness_n and_o admirable_a clemency_n and_o in_o condemn_v of_o they_o on_o the_o one_o side_n he_o show_v his_o justice_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o set_v forth_o his_o power_n his_o justice_n in_o that_o he_o hth_n condemn_v they_o for_o sin_n which_o his_o holy_a nature_n and_o will_n can_v suffer_v unpunished_a and_o his_o power_n in_o this_o that_o he_o can_v impose_v and_o inflict_v upon_o they_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n last_o the_o reprobate_n while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o life_n do_v hate_n god_n their_o creator_n cast_v away_o and_o make_v no_o account_n of_o his_o word_n and_o grace_n and_o do_v deride_v and_o mock_v at_o the_o whole_a religion_n and_o worship_n of_o his_o divine_a majesty_n and_o so_o honour_n and_o love_v not_o god_n but_o the_o devil_n rather_o again_o many_o time_n they_o do_v most_o cruel_o persecute_v the_o religious_a worshipper_n of_o god_n which_o profess_v and_o embrace_v his_o holy_a gospel_n that_o so_o they_o may_v satisfy_v their_o hatred_n they_o bear_v against_o god_n and_o do_v molest_v and_o kill_v they_o with_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n so_o that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o trouble_n unto_o the_o godly_a in_o this_o life_n and_o incense_v and_o arm_v the_o hatred_n and_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n against_o they_o all_o which_o thing_n notwithstanding_o god_n for_o his_o unspeakable_a goodness_n and_o love_n sake_n towards_o the_o elect_n do_v so_o guide_v and_o direct_v that_o by_o they_o their_o faith_n be_v the_o more_o edify_v and_o their_o salvation_n further_v for_o all_o thing_n both_o external_a and_o internal_a must_v needs_o turn_v and_o work_v together_o for_o the_o best_a to_o they_o which_o have_v the_o most_o mighty_a god_n for_o their_o father_n for_o although_o that_o godly_a man_n be_v predestinate_v by_o god_n and_o elect_v unto_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n through_o christ_n from_o everlasting_a yet_o they_o can_v come_v unto_o that_o glory_n by_o no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o the_o bitter_a cross_n and_o sundry_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n 34.20_o 2._o tim._n 3_o 2d_o psal_n 34.20_o for_o although_o that_o god_n do_v love_v they_o with_o his_o most_o tender_a love_n that_o surmount_v all_o thing_n yet_o such_o a_o lot_n and_o condition_n be_v assign_v and_o appoint_v unto_o they_o in_o this_o life_n that_o a_o heavy_a and_o a_o continual_a cross_n be_v join_v as_o a_o unseparable_a companion_n unto_o that_o his_o more_o than_o fatherly_a love_n for_o god_n love_v his_o child_n not_o with_o a_o please_a but_o with_o a_o severe_a love_n so_o that_o he_o chasten_v they_o sharp_o here_o for_o their_o great_a profit_n that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n but_o this_o be_v their_o only_a hope_n and_o most_o strong_a consolation_n that_o the_o fatherly_a will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o verifing_n and_o performance_n of_o their_o salvation_n be_v more_o strong_a than_o a_o unbatterable_a wall_n of_o brass_n this_o reprobation_n ought_v to_o be_v preach_v abroad_o as_o well_o as_o election_n because_o that_o this_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v to_o be_v propound_v whole_o and_o not_o piece_n meal_n 9.18_o rom_n 9.18_o so_o saint_n paul_n flat_o and_o free_o affirm_v that_o god_n harden_v who_o he_o will_n so_o the_o same_o paul_n affirm_v 2.20_o 2._o tim._n 2.20_o that_o in_o a_o great_a house_n there_o be_v some_o vessel_n for_o dishonour_n so_o the_o same_o paul_n say_v that_o pharaoh_n be_v raise_v up_o and_o appoint_v for_o this_o 9.21_o rom._n 9.21_o that_o god_n may_v show_v his_o power_n in_o he_o 9.12_o rom._n 9.12_o so_o also_o he_o affirm_v that_o esau_n be_v reprobate_v of_o god_n 9.11_o rom._n 9.11_o before_o he_o have_v do_v any_o evil_n so_o also_o christ_n himself_o deny_v 10.26_o john_n 10.26_o that_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n be_v any_o of_o his_o stock_n 22.11_o matth._n 22.11_o so_o likewise_o he_o affirm_v in_o matthew_n that_o to_o they_o which_o be_v without_o it_o be_v not_o give_v to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n so_o also_o in_o the_o same_o gospel_n of_o saint_n matthew_n 13.19_o cap._n 13.19_o he_o do_v by_o sure_a sign_n and_o infallible_a token_n discern_v and_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o elect_a and_o the_o reprobate_n and_o there_o call_v the_o elect_n the_o wheat_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reprobate_a the_o tare_n of_o the_o devil_n these_o and_o the_o like_a say_n and_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o reprobation_n ought_v public_o to_o be_v propound_v and_o preach_v and_o that_o for_o these_o cause_n first_o that_o the_o elect_n may_v so_o much_o the_o more_o certain_o and_o sure_o repose_v themselves_o in_o the_o free_a
chap._n 23._o fvrthermore_o that_o every_o man_n may_v the_o more_o safe_o exercise_v himself_o in_o this_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n and_o profit_v sound_o in_o it_o these_o four_o head_n must_v always_o be_v know_v and_o consider_v first_o that_o eternal_a and_o free_a election_n in_o christ_n be_v account_v to_o be_v the_o only_a groundwork_n of_o all_o salvation_n and_o that_o so_o that_o not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o salvation_n be_v seek_v elsewhere_o then_o from_o that_o one_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v seek_v elsewhere_o the_o true_a &_o natural_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n will_v not_o only_o be_v miss_v and_o the_o conscience_n out_o of_o quiet_a and_o torment_v be_v vex_v as_o well_o with_o continual_a fear_n as_o doubt_v but_o also_o salvation_n itself_o will_v be_v hazard_v but_o see_v that_o i_o have_v speak_v more_o full_o of_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o chapter_n foregoing_a and_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n i_o think_v there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o it_o in_o this_o place_n second_o that_o concern_v god_n he_o conceive_v nothing_o but_o a_o most_o sure_a and_o strong_a hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o be_v most_o certain_o persuade_v in_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o let_v no_o sin_n or_o continual_a slip_n weaken_v his_o faith_n or_o discourage_v his_o hope_n concern_v his_o election_n for_o oftentimes_o many_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a which_o live_v a_o very_a bad_a life_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n through_o who_o patience_n they_o be_v not_o take_v out_o of_o this_o life_n in_o the_o very_o commit_v of_o their_o wickedness_n that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o fellow_n heir_n out_o of_o how_o great_a a_o mischief_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n can_v deliver_v they_o as_o augustine_n speak_v moreover_o 8._o tom._n 7._o colum._n 170_o rom._n 8._o although_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v govern_v the_o child_n of_o god_n yet_o many_o time_n it_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o great_a sin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o humble_v and_o be_v so_o humble_v they_o may_v repent_v the_o more_o hearty_o and_o have_v a_o fellow_n feel_v of_o other_o that_o fall_v and_o yet_o afterward_o he_o bring_v they_o again_o into_o the_o right_a way_n to_o salvation_n by_o true_a repentance_n and_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v not_o that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a he_o shall_v sure_o do_v great_a injury_n against_o god_n as_o if_o he_o will_v mock_v any_o man_n or_o call_v any_o man_n unto_o christ_n in_o vain_a again_o although_o many_o more_o be_v ordain_v unto_o destruction_n then_o to_o salvation_n yet_o that_o ought_v not_o to_o move_v or_o trouble_v any_o man_n because_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_n say_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n in_o particular_a be_v a_o reprobate_n therefore_o let_v not_o this_o or_o that_o man_n think_v himself_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o reprobate_n which_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v and_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o reprobate_n he_o be_v injurious_a against_o god_n and_o envious_a of_o his_o own_o salvation_n but_o let_v he_o much_o diligent_o betake_v himself_o unto_o continual_a prayer_n and_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o exercise_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n and_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 17.5_o luke_n 17.5_o lord_n increase_v my_o faith_n and_o then_o in_o the_o end_n he_o shall_v true_o feel_v in_o his_o soul_n more_o and_o more_o that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a furthermore_o let_v no_o man_n presuppose_v that_o he_o be_v hate_v or_o detest_v of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o any_o affliction_n how_o great_a or_o how_o last_a soever_o they_o be_v for_o god_n be_v then_o most_o ready_a to_o bestow_v life_n everlasting_a when_o he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v contrary_o mind_v as_o augustine_n elsewhere_o well_o observe_v so_o that_o when_o he_o afflict_v christian_n with_o these_o or_o those_o troubl_n he_o do_v either_o chastise_v their_o sin_n or_o else_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o spiritual_a trial_n and_o such_o be_v propose_v unto_o other_o as_o valiant_a and_o worthy_a captain_n either_o for_o their_o willing_a obedience_n or_o else_o for_o their_o invincible_a patience_n and_o strength_n and_o they_o be_v strike_v with_o these_o affliction_n as_o with_o god_n rod_n be_v reduce_v unto_o a_o more_o sober_a carriage_n and_o right-course_n of_o life_n so_o the_o fatherly_a love_n of_o god_n strive_v with_o the_o perverse_a wickedness_n of_o man_n until_o at_o the_o last_o it_o soften_v it_o and_o make_v it_o better_o and_o so_o s._n augustine_n right_o witness_v elsewhere_o the_o common_a cross_n and_o calamity_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o a_o sentence_n to_o punish_v but_o a_o affliction_n to_o heal_v therefore_o he_o often_o punish_v his_o child_n to_o drive_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o draw_v they_o to_o himself_o hither_o appertain_v that_o of_o s._n austin_n which_o say_v elsewhere_o the_o affliction_n that_o oppress_v we_o compel_v we_o to_o go_v to_o god_n to_o this_o also_o belong_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n amos_n 4.9_o amos._n 4.9_o who_o say_v i_o have_v smite_v you_o with_o blast_a and_o mildew_n your_o great_a garden_n and_o your_o vineyard_n and_o your_o figge-tree_n and_o your_o olive-tree_n do_v the_o palmerworm_n devour_v yet_o have_v you_o not_o return_v unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n by_o these_o thing_n therefore_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n afflict_v his_o child_n that_o he_o may_v amend_v they_o and_o he_o amend_v they_o for_o this_o cause_n to_o save_v they_o therefore_o let_v all_o the_o godly_a not_o only_o submit_v both_o their_o hand_n but_o also_o their_o whole_a body_n and_o soul_n under_o his_o rod_n especial_o see_v that_o the_o affliction_n that_o be_v send_v unto_o they_o be_v as_o god_n hammer_n by_o which_o as_o upon_o a_o anvil_n they_o be_v form_n and_o make_v fit_a for_o his_o kingdom_n and_o celestial_a glory_n see_v then_o that_o affliction_n be_v as_o spiritual_a chariot_n to_o carry_v man_n into_o heaven_n they_o do_v minister_v much_o better_a matter_n to_o trust_v well_o in_o god_n than_o any_o matter_n at_o all_o to_o despair_v so_o that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v account_v the_o medicine_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o remedy_n of_o our_o fall_n again_o out_o of_o they_o the_o godly_a learn_fw-mi that_o god_n do_v not_o grant_v nor_o promise_n unto_o his_o child_n a_o freedom_n from_o punishment_n but_o that_o he_o only_o promise_v they_o a_o fatherly_a moderation_n in_o their_o punishment_n that_o he_o will_v not_o execute_v vengeance_n on_o they_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n so_o that_o between_o this_o great_a gentleness_n of_o god_n which_o otherwise_o may_v be_v some_o allurement_n unto_o sin_n and_o his_o extreme_a rigour_n which_o will_v cast_v man_n headlong_o into_o destruction_n this_o middle_a chastisement_n of_o he_o be_v put_v as_o wholesome_a temperature_n so_o also_o must_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o inward_a temptation_n with_o which_o as_o often_o as_o god_n do_v prick_v and_o urge_v his_o child_n so_o often_o do_v he_o try_v their_o faith_n &_o prove_v their_o patience_n and_o stir_v they_o up_o unto_o earnest_a prayer_n therefore_o god_n will_v have_v his_o child_n to_o live_v here_o under_o a_o continual_a cross_n both_o that_o be_v convict_v of_o their_o own_o infirmity_n they_o may_v be_v humble_v and_o that_o be_v humble_v they_o may_v learn_v to_o seek_v strength_n and_o help_n from_o god_n for_o if_o thing_n go_v always_o well_o with_o they_o according_a unto_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o weakness_n nor_o think_v that_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o god_n help_n and_o also_o that_o the_o stubbornness_n of_o the_o flesh_n may_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o be_v subdue_v and_o bring_v under_o by_o the_o remedy_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o last_o that_o they_o may_v be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o concupiscence_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v incite_v to_o the_o meditation_n and_o search_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n know_v that_o their_o felicity_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n by_o this_o it_o may_v be_v plain_o gather_v that_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v unto_o they_o as_o it_o be_v spiritual_a provokement_n to_o call_v upon_o god_n and_o most_o wholesome_a remedy_n and_o medicine_n for_o their_o sin_n in_o which_o respect_n those_o thing_n which_o man_n think_v many_o time_n to_o be_v noisome_a evil_n
understand_v &_o right_o expound_v it_o be_v the_o effectual_a &_o wholesome_a instrument_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o convert_v &_o save_v man_n so_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n &_o his_o spirit_n be_v the_o singular_a and_o inestimable_a treasure_n and_o the_o excellent_a &_o peculiar_a good_n of_o the_o church_n of_o which_o the_o church_n according_a to_o that_o promise_n ought_v never_o to_o be_v deprive_v but_o to_o be_v always_o beget_v of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v continual_o direct_v and_o preserve_v by_o it_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o beget_n cause_n of_o faith_n he_o do_v create_v and_o work_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o by_o the_o daily_a proceed_n and_o increase_n thereof_o do_v augment_v and_o preserve_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n but_o the_o steadfast_a apprehension_n and_o apply_v of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o express_a form_n and_o lively_a image_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o consist_v the_o whole_a force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n 2.20_o gal._n 2.20_o so_o s._n paul_n do_v in_o express_a word_n set_v down_o say_v the_o son_n of_o god_n love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o so_o true_a faith_n do_v behold_v the_o general_a promise_n of_o god_n and_o apprehend_v it_o and_o make_v particular_a application_n to_o itself_o certain_o set_v down_o this_o that_o that_o promise_v of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n do_v no_o less_o appertain_v unto_o it_o then_o unto_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o believer_n for_o then_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v effectual_a in_o man_n and_o come_v to_o the_o proper_a end_n and_o issue_n of_o itself_o when_o it_o be_v apprehend_v by_o a_o true_a faith_n again_o the_o word_n public_o preach_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o instrumental_a cause_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o that_o word_n be_v call_v by_o paul_n the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n 10.17_o rom._n 1.16_o rom._n 10.17_o unto_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v because_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n work_v by_o it_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o elect_a so_o that_o faith_n spring_v from_o the_o preach_n &_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o whatsoever_o the_o elect_n do_v hear_v with_o their_o outward_a ear_n from_o the_o public_a preach_n of_o the_o word_n that_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v fruitful_a and_o effectual_a in_o their_o heart_n furthermore_o a_o steadfast_a confidence_n and_o a_o true_a hope_n in_o christ_n a_o fervent_a love_n towards_o god_n also_o a_o son-like_a fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n a_o sincere_a love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o other_o honest_a and_o holy_a action_n be_v such_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o do_v accompany_v and_o attend_v upon_o true_a faith_n as_o natural_a and_o inseparable_a virtue_n so_o true_a faith_n do_v rest_n self_n upon_o the_o fatherly_a love_n of_o god_n and_o do_v hearty_o reverence_n and_o worship_n god_n as_o a_o good_a and_o love_a father_n and_o do_v continual_o study_v how_o to_o please_v he_o and_o cleave_v unto_o he_o and_o careful_o avoyd_v whatsoever_o may_v offend_v he_o and_o last_o do_v steadfast_o hope_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v partaker_n together_o with_o christ_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o heavenly_a glory_n but_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o faith_n be_v 1.9_o 1._o pet._n 1.9_o the_o comprehend_v and_o conceyve_v of_o good_a thing_n to_o wit_n life_n eternal_a and_o bless_a immortality_n and_o if_o any_o shall_v here_o subtle_o object_v unto_o a_o man_n and_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v always_o here_o lame_a and_o unperfect_a and_o therefore_o can_v make_v a_o man_n perfect_a and_o happy_a for_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o save_v one_o must_v be_v every_o way_n perfect_a and_o absolute_a we_o must_v answer_v he_o that_o faith_n as_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o abide_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o in_o the_o subject_n thereof_o be_v always_o imperfect_a here_o and_o scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o virtue_n but_o as_o it_o behold_v and_o apprehend_v christ_n so_o it_o be_v effectual_a and_o make_v man_n of_o the_o son_n of_o perdition_n the_o child_n of_o god_n then_o great_a power_n and_o save_a action_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o it_o by_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o it_o justifi_v man_n that_o it_o quikn_v they_o and_o save_v they_o so_o that_o faith_n do_v not_o save_v and_o make_v happy_a any_o man_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o subject_n in_o which_o it_o remain_v but_o it_o be_v say_v to_o save_v and_o justify_v a_o man_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o object_n whither_o it_o tend_v and_o which_o it_o apprehend_v for_o christ_n be_v lay_v hold_v on_o by_o faith_n save_v a_o man_n whether_o that_o faith_n be_v great_a or_o small_a and_o that_o christ_n be_v apprehend_v with_o a_o little_a and_o slender_a faith_n do_v yet_o save_v and_o justify_v a_o man_n the_o example_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n declare_v manifest_o enough_o for_o that_o ruler_n in_o john_n although_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o very_a slender_a and_o weak_a faith_n in_o christ_n 4.49.53_o john_n 4.49.53_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o christ_n reject_v he_o not_o but_o justify_v and_o save_v both_o he_o and_o his_o son_n with_o all_o his_o household_n so_o likewise_o he_o in_o mark_n 9.24.25_o mark_v 9.24.25_o although_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o mean_a and_o a_o weak_a faith_n yet_o christ_n be_v lay_v hold_v on_o by_o it_o take_v pity_n upon_o he_o and_o heal_v his_o son_n that_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o devil_n here_o be_v notwithstanding_o diligent_o to_o be_v mark_v that_o in_o these_o manner_n of_o speech_n wherein_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o save_v be_v attribute_v unto_o faith_n the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o the_o efficient_a cause_n be_v attribute_v unto_o the_o instrument_n by_o which_o it_o work_v and_o be_v effectual_a so_o that_o when_o justification_n &_o salvation_n be_v ascribe_v unto_o faith_n as_o unto_o the_o cause_n than_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v understand_v for_o christ_n can_v be_v apprehend_v but_o by_o say_v only_o as_o by_o the_o instrument_n wherewith_o it_o be_v do_v furthermore_o here_o be_v careful_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o save_n call_v be_v produce_v and_o wrought_v more_o by_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n then_o by_o the_o outward_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n for_o although_o god_n by_o his_o minister_n shall_v speak_v and_o call_v unto_o we_o a_o thousand_o time_n by_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o ministry_n yet_o unless_o we_o be_v draw_v inward_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v never_o come_v unto_o he_o many_o and_o most_o wonderful_a example_n of_o all_o age_n have_v sufficient_o declare_v this_o and_o do_v yet_o at_o this_o day_n declare_v it_o whereby_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o this_o call_v be_v place_v in_o the_o good_a will_n and_o hand_n of_o god_n only_o far_o out_o of_o our_o own_o reach_n for_o he_o alone_o can_v illuminate_v we_o and_o convert_v and_o change_v we_o into_o new_a creature_n for_o in_o this_o call_n the_o whole_a man_n be_v repugnant_a unto_o god_n that_o call_v 51.12_o john_n 6.44_o psal_n 51.12_o therefore_o christ_n in_o s._n john_n use_v this_o word_n draw_v &_o david_n use_v this_o word_n create_v speak_v of_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n christ_n by_o the_o word_n draw_v show_v that_o this_o heavenly_a grace_n can_v be_v conceyve_v of_o the_o natural_a man_n but_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o new_a mind_n and_o a_o new_a understanding_n to_o conceive_v it_o and_o david_n by_o the_o word_n create_v will_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o renew_n and_o amendment_n of_o man_n be_v so_o difficult_a &_o hard_a a_o work_n that_o it_o can_v be_v wrought_v or_o bring_v to_o pass_v by_o no_o creature_n bara_n bara_n this_o he_o show_v by_o the_o hebrew_n word_n bara_n he_o create_v which_o proper_o signify_v he_o make_v a_o thing_n of_o nothing_o which_o which_o be_v not_o before_o second_o it_o signify_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v some_o singular_a and_o wonderful_a work_n out_o of_o some_o matter_n already_o create_v which_o can_v possible_o be_v imitate_v by_o any_o creature_n so_o that_o this_o regeneration_n of_o man_n be_v a_o certain_a spiritual_a creation_n by_o which_o the_o regenerate_a be_v transport_v into_o a_o new_a life_n and_o prepare_v for_o that_o heavenly_a glory_n which_o never_o shall_v have_v end_n here_o be_v refute_v the_o error_n of_o the_o papist_n concern_v the_o strength_n that_o be_v in_o man_n and_o show_v in_o what_o thing_n a_o unregenerate_a man_n have_v freewill_n and_o in_o what_o not_o and_o how_o far_o freewill_n stretch_v itself_o and_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n or_o manifest_a impiety_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v disclose_v
between_o they_o than_o there_o be_v between_o fire_n and_o water_n or_o then_o can_v be_v show_v between_o any_o other_o natural_a disagree_a contrary_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o one_o must_v needs_o be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o other_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n do_v not_o please_v nor_o agree_v to_o they_o both_o nor_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n can_v in_o no_o sort_n be_v attribute_v and_o give_v to_o both_o they_o therefore_o which_o follow_v the_o one_o must_v needs_o shun_v and_o fly_v from_o the_o other_o and_o they_o which_o shun_v and_o fly_v from_o the_o one_o must_v needs_o follow_v and_o embrace_v the_o other_o for_o there_o can_v come_v no_o mean_a between_o two_o thing_n so_o extreme_o contrary_a and_o let_v this_o suffice_v to_o be_v brief_o touch_v and_o speak_v by_o the_o way_n concern_v the_o first_o link_n of_o saint_n paul_n chain_n of_o predestination_n how_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o foreknowledge_n how_o many_o way_n it_o be_v take_v of_o how_o many_o degree_n it_o consist_v what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o foreknowledge_n chap._n 5._o the_o second_o link_n of_o paul_n chain_n be_v predestination_n and_o this_o predestination_n be_v put_v under_o foreknowledge_n as_o under_o the_o first_o and_o large_a cause_n for_o god_n foreknowledge_n stretch_v itself_o unto_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o the_o universal_a world_n and_o to_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o and_o to_o all_o the_o quality_n and_o action_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o as_o well_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v as_o unto_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v and_o behold_v and_o comprehend_v as_o well_o the_o evil_a work_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o the_o good_a work_n of_o god_n but_o predestination_n be_v restrain_v and_o bind_v unto_o reasonable_a creature_n who_o see_v not_o therefore_o that_o foreknowledge_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o large_a signification_n and_o predestination_n a_o word_n of_o a_o strict_a signification_n yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o apostle_n do_v restrain_v this_o general_a word_n unto_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_n in_o this_o present_a place_n and_o therefore_o right_o affirm_v that_o who_o god_n know_v before_o that_o be_v who_o he_o determine_v to_o save_v those_o also_o have_v he_o predestinate_a that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n to_o wit_n first_o in_o the_o cross_n and_o afterward_o in_o glory_n for_o god_n choose_a child_n must_v undergo_v and_o suffer_v many_o reproach_n and_o slander_n a_o hard_a warre-fare_a and_o conflict_n and_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a persecution_n and_o oppression_n as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o profession_n thereof_o before_o they_o can_v come_v to_o that_o joyful_a triumph_n and_o heavenly_a glory_n there_o also_o shall_v they_o be_v like_a unto_o christ_n as_o they_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o cross_n here_o in_o this_o life_n but_o before_o we_o begin_v or_o declare_v the_o definition_n of_o predestination_n three_o thing_n must_v be_v clear_v first_o whether_o there_o be_v predestination_n or_o no_o second_o in_o how_o many_o degree_n this_o word_n predestination_n be_v contain_v and_o express_v and_o last_o how_o many_o way_n it_o be_v take_v first_o therefore_o we_o must_v diligent_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v predestination_n or_o no_o lest_o this_o labour_n and_o treatise_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v undertake_v and_o pursue_v in_o vain_a but_o that_o there_o be_v predestination_n it_o appear_v and_o may_v evident_o be_v prove_v first_o by_o diverse_a and_o pregnant_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o also_o by_o famous_a miracle_n the_o scripture_n certain_o in_o many_o place_n proove_v and_o declare_v that_o god_n do_v always_o choose_v some_o certain_a flock_n out_o of_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o mankind_n which_o he_o love_v adorn_v and_o beautify_v with_o eternal_a blessing_n over_o and_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o many_o manifest_a place_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v produce_v and_o cite_v as_o namely_o these_o many_o be_v call_v 16._o cap._n 20._o vers_fw-la 16._o cap._n 15._o vers_fw-la 16._o cap._n 10._o vers_fw-la 16._o but_o few_o be_v choose_v say_v christ_n in_o saint_n matthew_n and_o again_o you_o have_v not_o choose_v i_o but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o say_v christ_n in_o saint_n john_n and_o again_o and_o other_o sheep_n i_o have_v which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o fold_n they_o also_o must_v i_o bring_v and_o they_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o fold_v and_o one_o shepherd_n say_v christ_n in_o saint_n john_n also_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n before_o he_o through_o love_n 4._o cap._n 1._o v._n 4._o say_v saint_n paul_n to_o the_o ephesian_n again_o i_o have_v much_o people_n in_o this_o city_n say_v the_o lord_n unto_o paul_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n many_o such_o testimony_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o clear_o and_o plain_o show_v and_o teach_v that_o god_n have_v merciful_o choose_v some_o to_o salvation_n and_o have_v just_o reject_v some_o from_o it_o neither_o of_o which_o come_v by_o any_o chance_n of_o fortune_n or_o will_v of_o man_n but_o both_o proceed_v from_o god_n eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a decree_n and_o where_o election_n be_v allow_v there_o can_v be_v allow_v or_o approve_v the_o accept_n of_o all_o furthermore_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o say_n and_o sentence_n all_o about_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o a_o few_o even_o to_o such_o as_o love_v he_o eternal_a joy_n such_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n have_v hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n hither_o belong_v all_o those_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o preach_v and_o teach_v of_o free_a remission_n of_o sin_n of_o vocation_n of_o justification_n and_o of_o sanctification_n they_o therefore_o which_o doubt_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o predestination_n and_o election_n or_o no_o do_v call_v in_o question_n the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o god_n and_o do_v defame_v and_o accuse_v it_o of_o manifest_a untruth_n and_o further_o they_o seem_v to_o accuse_v of_o lightness_n and_o to_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o promise_n concern_v eternal_a life_n and_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n which_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v and_o bestow_v as_o though_o they_o be_v old_a wife_n fable_n as_o if_o god_n have_v insert_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a word_n in_o his_o holy_a scripture_n which_o shall_v feed_v man_n with_o vain_a hope_n and_o not_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a the_o promise_v indeed_o and_o to_o conclude_v they_o which_o waver_v and_o remain_v doubtful_a concern_v election_n do_v also_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a judgement_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o know_v and_o discern_v as_o by_o a_o true_a and_o infallible_a mark_n the_o godly_a from_o the_o wicked_a and_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v from_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o by_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o that_o they_o make_v a_o doubt_n whether_o god_n be_v god_n or_o no_o which_o thing_n see_v they_o be_v false_a and_o absurd_a we_o must_v conclude_v as_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o know_a truth_n that_o election_n be_v a_o thing_n certain_a and_o undoubted_a of_o over_o and_o beside_o these_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o promise_n there_o be_v divers_a and_o sundry_a miracle_n of_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o godly_a find_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n whereby_o it_o be_v clear_o and_o undoubted_o confirm_v that_o there_o be_v some_o choose_v of_o god_n from_o among_o the_o rest_n and_o belove_v of_o he_o more_o than_o other_o hither_o belong_v the_o save_n of_o noah_n in_o the_o flood_n 13._o gen._n 6.7_o gen._n 13._o the_o deliver_v of_o lot_n from_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n the_o bring_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n 12.13.14_o exod._n 12.13.14_o hither_o also_o belong_v all_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o we_o read_v that_o god_n have_v defend_v the_o good_a and_o beat_v down_o and_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a these_o miracle_n and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n do_v confirm_v more_o clear_o than_o the_o noone-light_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a flock_n which_o above_o the_o rest_n god_n love_v with_o a_o most_o tender_a affection_n and_o with_o his_o fatherly_a care_n do_v conserve_v and_o keep_v wonderful_o in_o this_o life_n and_o which_o he_o defend_v and_o
holy_a although_o he_o will_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o ungodly_a do_v because_o god_n will_v they_o with_o a_o far_o other_o manner_n of_o counsel_n and_o end_n than_o the_o ungodly_a do_v will_n and_o do_v they_o so_o in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o action_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v so_o evil_a that_o in_o respect_n of_o they_o it_o can_v not_o be_v worse_o nor_o more_o vile_a for_o they_o slay_v the_o innocent_a and_o kill_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n and_o intend_v in_o that_o one_o consent_n and_o outrage_n of_o they_o to_o hinder_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n yet_o that_o very_o same_o action_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n be_v so_o good_a and_o holy_a that_o no_o other_o can_v be_v better_o nor_o more_o holy_a because_o he_o by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n will_v redeem_v miserable_a sinner_n from_o eternal_a death_n and_o translate_v they_o into_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o eternal_a life_n wherefore_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a man_n oftentimes_o unwitting_o and_o intend_v some_o other_o thing_n do_v fulfil_v and_o perform_v the_o good_a and_o righteous_a will_n of_o god_n yet_o notwithstanding_o afterward_o god_n just_o punish_v &_o condemn_v they_o because_o they_o pursue_v their_o own_o wicked_a desire_n and_o ungodly_a enterprise_n and_o respect_v not_o nor_o regard_n god_n will_v at_o all_o they_o prefer_v their_o own_o perverse_a affection_n before_o god_n and_o before_o his_o will_n so_o the_o action_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o of_o wicked_a man_n differ_v by_o their_o diverse_a purpose_n and_o be_v distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o in_o their_o diverse_a end_n so_o also_o at_o this_o day_n god_n suffer_v many_o sin_n to_o be_v commit_v of_o wicked_a man_n throughout_o sundry_a nation_n and_o in_o the_o great_a kingdom_n where_o he_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o word_n nor_o reform_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o do_v not_o enlighten_v their_o mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o nor_o govern_v and_o incline_v their_o will_n and_o affection_n so_o that_o they_o may_v propose_v to_o themselves_o this_o principal_a end_n as_o their_o only_a mark_n namely_o to_o endeavour_v to_o execute_v god_n know_v will_v earnest_o and_o continual_o and_o to_o frame_v and_o fashion_n themselves_o their_o life_n and_o their_o manner_n unto_o it_o as_o unto_o a_o continual_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o to_o honour_n god_n by_o their_o obedience_n in_o eschew_v of_o evil_a and_o do_v of_o good_a these_o thing_n except_o god_n work_v in_o they_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n whatsoever_o they_o intend_v or_o do_v howsoever_o before_o man_n it_o may_v seem_v good_a and_o just_a yet_o all_o that_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o ugly_a and_o execrable_a sin_n for_o god_n do_v not_o at_o all_o regard_n nor_o respect_v the_o outward_a work_n except_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o heart_n go_v with_o they_o and_o appear_v in_o they_o therefore_o where_o that_o want_v there_o sin_n be_v account_v for_o no_o sin_n and_o virtue_n with_o vice_n and_o one_o thing_n with_o a_o other_o be_v confound_v and_o so_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a difference_n between_o honesty_n and_o dishonesty_n here_o the_o author_n return_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o join_v the_o three_o degree_n of_o praedestination_n than_o the_o cause_n of_o praedestination_n be_v unfold_v next_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o be_v give_v and_o last_o praedestination_n be_v distinguish_v from_o providence_n chap._n 7._o these_o thing_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o touch_v by_o the_o way_n and_o light_o to_o handle_v concern_v permission_n which_o be_v the_o second_o degree_n of_o predestination_n now_o we_o must_v come_v unto_o the_o three_o degree_n of_o predestination_n three_o to_o predestine_v here_o be_v nothing_o else_o then_o to_o purpose_n to_o choose_v some_o and_o to_o adopt_v they_o for_o son_n in_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o universal_a company_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o god_n by_o his_o merciful_a foresight_n do_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v from_o among_o sinful_a man_n and_o such_o as_o be_v past_a cure_n in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o to_o receive_v some_o unto_o mercy_n without_o any_o merit_n of_o they_o to_o redeem_v they_o through_o christ_n and_o by_o he_o also_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o eternal_a life_n but_o here_o more_o proper_o and_o peculiar_o be_v mean_v the_o other_o acceptation_n of_o this_o word_n election_n as_o in_o the_o definition_n hereof_o a_o little_a before_o we_o have_v declare_v this_o word_n election_n be_v take_v diverse_o in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o sometime_o it_o have_v reference_n unto_o some_o office_n or_o duty_n and_o sometime_o to_o life_n eternal_a after_o the_o former_a manner_n saul_n and_o judas_n be_v elect_v the_o one_o of_o which_o be_v choose_v to_o a_o kingdom_n and_o the_o other_o to_o a_o apostleship_n neither_o of_o they_o to_o eternal_a life_n but_o see_v that_o no_o definition_n can_v right_o be_v make_v or_o understand_v unless_o the_o cause_n of_o which_o it_o be_v compound_v and_o make_v be_v well_o perceive_v and_o know_v therefore_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v not_o do_v amiss_o if_o first_o i_o lie_v open_a the_o cause_n of_o predestination_n before_o i_o set_v down_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o efficient_a and_o first_o move_v cause_n of_o predestination_n there_o can_v no_o other_o be_v set_v down_o and_o appoint_v but_o only_o the_o eternal_a and_o only_a purpose_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o god_n only_o be_v he_o which_o by_o his_o most_o wise_a counsel_n and_o judgement_n do_v discern_v between_o man_n and_o man_n and_o have_v decree_v from_o everlasting_a what_o shall_v become_v of_o every_o man_n god_n have_v lively_o express_v and_o declare_v this_o in_o his_o word_n manifest_o and_o plain_o for_o man_n consider_v in_o themselves_o and_o by_o themselves_o be_v all_o alike_o corrupt_v so_o that_o some_o be_v no_o whit_n better_o than_o other_o some_o therefore_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n some_o can_v be_v prefer_v before_o other_o because_o there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o selfsame_o condition_n of_o all_o but_o god_n the_o high_a judge_n of_o all_o have_v elect_v some_o man_n to_o eternal_a life_n in_o christ_n and_o have_v in_o his_o just_a judgement_n appoint_v other_o to_o everlasting_a destruction_n and_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v unto_o salvation_n those_o have_v he_o choose_v by_o his_o own_o mere_a mercy_n and_o undeserved_a grace_n he_o regard_v nothing_o that_o be_v without_o himself_o but_o who_o he_o have_v elect_v he_o do_v only_o for_o himself_o and_o in_o himself_o and_o not_o for_o any_o other_o cause_n moreover_o he_o can_v find_v nothing_o in_o those_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v that_o may_v be_v worthy_a of_o election_n because_o they_o be_v all_o defile_v and_o stranger_n from_o god_n also_o he_o can_v foresee_v no_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o as_o proceed_v from_o they_o for_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v choose_v if_o he_o foresee_v any_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o himself_o wrought_v it_o whole_o and_o altogether_o in_o they_o for_o there_o can_v be_v find_v no_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o nor_o elsewhere_o of_o which_o god_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a author_n and_o only_a effector_n therefore_o what_o good_a thing_n so_o ever_o be_v and_o abide_v in_o they_o that_o god_n himself_o whole_o begin_v and_o finish_v in_o they_o and_o he_o begin_v and_o finish_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o he_o decree_v from_o everlasting_a that_o he_o will_v begin_v it_o and_o finish_v it_o in_o they_o for_o if_o in_o time_n he_o shall_v work_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o how_o little_a soever_o which_o he_o decree_v not_o before_o time_n then_o shall_v there_o be_v find_v manifest_a change_n in_o god_n which_o shall_v do_v some_o thing_n by_o a_o new_a will_n and_o not_o by_o his_o eternal_a will_n those_o thing_n which_o the_o papist_n prattle_n of_o here_o concern_v work_n foresee_v who_o cause_n and_o beginning_n shall_v be_v man_n be_v vain_a and_o frivolous_a fiction_n which_o after_o in_o their_o place_n shall_v more_o large_o be_v confute_v and_o reject_v see_v the_o efficient_a and_o first_o move_v cause_n of_o election_n be_v only_o and_o alone_a god_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n he_o by_o his_o bountiful_a and_o more_o than_o fatherly_a good_a will_n have_v from_o everlasting_a make_v and_o finish_v the_o whole_a decree_n of_o election_n 2.5_o ephes_n 2.5_o moreover_o election_n be_v altogether_o the_o free_a and_o undeserved_a favour_n of_o god_n for_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v whole_o corrupt_v and_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n therefore_o in_o they_o god_n can_v foresee_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o extreme_a and_o most_o absolute_a wretchedness_n they_o also_o which_o take_v the_o name_n of_o election_n which_o be_v find_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o
scripture_n for_o a_o certain_a singular_a excellency_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v be_v worthy_a to_o be_v choose_v so_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v elect_v which_o be_v excellent_a and_o singular_a they_o i_o say_v be_v the_o author_n of_o fable_n and_o trifle_n with_o toy_n see_v that_o every_o man_n be_v esteem_v far_o otherwise_o in_o this_o civil_a and_o earthly_a court_n than_o he_o be_v or_o judge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n moreover_o no_o other_o cause_n of_o reprobation_n can_v be_v allege_v or_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o just_a and_o unchangeable_a will_n of_o god_n for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o in_o that_o his_o eternal_a and_o secret_a counsel_n have_v of_o himself_o and_o by_o himself_o adjudge_v some_o man_n unto_o eternal_a death_n &_o destruction_n and_o that_o before_o they_o be_v and_o have_v do_v any_o evil_n for_o sin_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o reprobation_n for_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o be_v alike_o pollute_v 2.3_o ephes_n 2.3_o and_o by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n so_o that_o all_o even_o every_o one_o shall_v have_v perish_v if_o sin_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o reprobation_n sin_n very_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o necessary_o follow_v reprobation_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o hereafter_o although_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v of_o man_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o just_a and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o damnation_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o reprobation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o in_o man_n but_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a cause_n thereof_o be_v even_o the_o free_a and_o righteous_a will_n of_o god_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o reprobate_n be_v damn_v that_o they_o have_v deserve_v by_o their_o own_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o just_a cause_n of_o damnation_n for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o sin_v they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v punish_v for_o god_n be_v every_o way_n so_o just_a that_o he_o punish_v none_o except_o he_o be_v enthral_v to_o sin_n and_o most_o worthy_a of_o punishment_n and_o now_o see_v that_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v praedestination_n and_o that_o the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o word_n and_o divers_a signification_n thereof_o be_v plain_o discuss_v and_o that_o the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v produce_v and_o lay_v open_a it_o remain_v that_o we_o shall_v plain_o define_v what_o this_o praedestination_n be_v which_o except_o it_o be_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o follow_v to_o be_v handle_v can_v be_v conceive_v and_o understand_v praedestination_n therefore_o be_v the_o eternal_a free_a just_a and_o unchangeable_a purpose_n of_o god_n by_o which_o of_o his_o mercy_n he_o have_v determine_v to_o adopt_v some_o man_n for_o son_n through_o christ_n and_o have_v appoint_v they_o to_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n and_o have_v not_o vouchsafe_v othersome_a that_o grace_n and_o favour_n but_o have_v reject_v they_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n and_o appoint_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n this_o definition_n many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v deliver_v and_o prove_v 1.3_o rom._n 9.13_o malac._n 1.3_o but_o chief_o the_o example_n of_o jacob_n and_o esau_n do_v wonderful_o declare_v it_o these_o two_o although_o they_o be_v brother_n bear_v of_o the_o same_o parent_n although_o they_o be_v sinner_n both_o alike_o and_o by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n yet_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v so_o discern_v between_o they_o that_o by_o his_o free_a grace_n he_o love_v and_o elect_a one_o of_o they_o and_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n hate_v and_o reject_v the_o other_o and_o that_o not_o according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a work_n foresee_v either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o but_o according_a unto_o his_o purpose_n he_o do_v choose_v jacob_n 9.11_o rom._n 9.11_o and_o hate_v esau_n and_o that_o when_o as_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o have_v do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a the_o scripture_n have_v set_v forth_o these_o two_o person_n as_o it_o be_v two_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a argument_n from_o which_o it_o infer_v two_o general_a proposition_n namely_o that_o almighty_a god_n from_o everlasting_a before_o all_o age_n have_v so_o discern_v between_o man_n by_o his_o firm_a and_o unchangeable_a wisdom_n that_o some_o without_o any_o merit_n of_o they_o shall_v obtain_v undeserved_a grace_n and_o that_o some_o shall_v have_v and_o undergo_v deserve_v justice_n and_o due_a punishment_n this_o praedestination_n be_v distinguish_v from_o providence_n as_o a_o special_a thing_n from_o a_o general_a or_o as_o a_o part_n from_o the_o whole_a see_v that_o predestination_n be_v not_o so_o common_a nor_o so_o large_a as_o providence_n for_o predestination_n have_v his_o operation_n and_o work_n either_o in_o the_o save_n or_o condemn_v of_o man_n although_o the_o create_a spirit_n namely_o the_o angel_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v refer_v hereunto_o but_o providence_n reach_v further_a spread_v and_o extend_v itself_o unto_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n so_o that_o praedestination_n be_v as_o well_o the_o just_a council_n of_o god_n in_o forsake_v the_o reprobate_n and_o cast_v he_o off_o into_o eternal_a punishment_n as_o the_o voluntary_a purpose_n of_o god_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a to_o be_v begin_v in_o this_o life_n and_o finish_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v also_o providence_n be_v the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o order_n and_o ratify_v government_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v create_v according_a to_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v direct_v and_o do_v fall_v out_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o profit_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a to_o this_o his_o government_n even_o the_o temptation_n and_o sleight_n of_o satan_n be_v hold_v in_o subjection_n which_o be_v so_o guide_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n that_o they_o still_o turn_v to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o saint_n although_o his_o devise_n be_v hurtful_a in_o themselves_o yet_o god_n know_v how_o to_o prevent_v they_o and_o to_o turn_v they_o to_o a_o contrary_a event_n therefore_o although_o the_o endeavour_n of_o satan_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n most_o pernicious_a yet_o by_o god_n direction_n they_o become_v wholesome_a unto_o his_o child_n for_o god_n be_v such_o a_o workemaister_n as_o be_v able_a to_o alter_v and_o withdraw_v the_o effect_n from_o the_o cause_n so_o as_o the_o effect_n by_o a_o accident_n become_v good_a and_o helpful_a who_o cause_n be_v most_o ill_a and_o hurtful_a this_o providence_n of_o god_n although_o it_o reach_v unto_o the_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o they_o yet_o it_o chief_o intend_v the_o counsel_n and_o action_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o be_v so_o intentive_a about_o they_o that_o although_o they_o be_v very_o much_o confuse_v and_o out_o of_o order_n yet_o it_o do_v most_o wise_o turn_v and_o bring_v they_o to_o those_o end_n which_o from_o everlasting_a be_v foreordayn_v and_o appoint_v for_o they_o so_o that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n from_o everlasting_a by_o his_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n do_v foresee_v and_o know_v before_o they_o be_v those_o thing_n by_o his_o wonderful_a and_o marvelous_a providence_n in_o the_o instant_n and_o moment_n of_o time_n appoint_v he_o do_v create_v order_v they_o be_v create_v maintain_v they_o be_v order_v govern_v they_o be_v maintain_v and_o in_o govern_v they_o he_o do_v so_o draw_v forth_o the_o course_n and_o line_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n that_o nothing_o can_v happen_v or_o be_v do_v in_o it_o then_o that_o which_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n do_v foreordayne_a and_o appoint_v all_o thing_n do_v so_o depend_v and_o hang_v upon_o this_o providence_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o without_o it_o not_o one_o action_n can_v be_v do_v nor_o one_o motion_n be_v produce_v in_o any_o creature_n for_o god_n be_v he_o by_o who_o power_n and_o work_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v all_o in_o all_o and_o that_o so_o as_o without_o this_o power_n and_o work_n of_o god_n neither_o the_o godly_a can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a nor_o the_o wicked_a commit_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a this_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o join_v and_o combine_v with_o his_o foreknowledge_n that_o the_o one_o of_o they_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o shake_v hand_n with_o the_o other_o for_o what_o thing_n soever_o god_n by_o this_o his_o unsearchable_a foreknowledge_n do_v from_o all_o age_n and_o from_o everlasting_a determine_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n be_v create_v in_o time_n he_o do_v by_o his_o infinite_a providence_n bring_v unto_o those_o appoint_a end_n even_o as_o he_o have_v decree_v from_o everlasting_a what_o and_o how_o many_o be_v the_o
hence_o it_o be_v clear_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v foresee_v no_o good_a thing_n in_o man_n but_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o do_v work_v in_o he_o therefore_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o point_n do_v betray_v their_o own_o gross_a ignorance_n or_o wicked_a malice_n in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o affirm_v and_o to_o defend_v that_o god_n foreknowledge_n be_v contrary_a to_o his_o grace_n especial_o see_v that_o we_o hear_v nothing_o throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n but_o only_a god_n good_a purpose_n and_o mere_a mercy_n and_o concern_v work_v foresee_v and_o man_n merit_n there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n speak_v therefore_o the_o papist_n see_v that_o they_o wrest_v this_o word_n of_o foreknowing_a from_o the_o true_a and_o natural_a sense_n thereof_o into_o a_o strange_a and_o mischievous_a understanding_n by_o a_o gloss_n of_o their_o own_o interpretation_n and_o understand_v not_o the_o propiety_n of_o the_o phrase_n they_o fall_v into_o a_o error_n of_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n and_o through_o the_o likeness_n of_o word_n bring_v in_o a_o fallacy_n and_o by_o their_o like_a kind_n of_o speak_v as_o with_o a_o cloak_n they_o hide_v the_o colour_n of_o their_o mistake_n of_o the_o word_n and_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v suppress_v and_o diminish_v the_o truth_n out_o of_o this_o which_o be_v speak_v may_v be_v gather_v not_o dark_o nor_o doubtful_o but_o clear_o and_o plain_o what_o be_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n which_o because_o they_o be_v enemy_n unto_o god_n and_o do_v hate_v he_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o darken_v and_o obscure_v his_o glory_n wheresoever_o they_o may_v and_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o show_v their_o malice_n two_o manner_n of_o way_n first_o in_o that_o they_o do_v most_o earnest_o hate_v and_o detest_v that_o which_o most_o especial_o please_v god_n and_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o second_o in_o that_o they_o only_o love_v and_o most_o desire_n those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v in_o the_o great_a hatred_n and_o abomination_n so_o likewise_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v most_o against_o that_o which_o please_v god_n most_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n do_v most_o approve_v and_o desire_v that_o which_o god_n hate_v for_o god_n be_v most_o delight_v with_o this_o and_o this_o be_v his_o certain_a will_n that_o the_o elect_v shall_v attain_v salvation_n by_o his_o only_a free_a mercy_n but_o the_o papist_n pleasure_n be_v that_o the_o elect_v shall_v be_v save_v by_o their_o own_o worthiness_n and_o merit_n again_o god_n do_v reject_v and_o altogether_o exclude_v man_n merit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n but_o the_o papist_n like_v of_o they_o and_o make_v they_o the_o cause_n of_o election_n &_o salvation_n so_o that_o betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o papist_n there_o be_v a_o most_o manifest_a and_o vehement_a contrariety_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o lover_n of_o god_n but_o his_o swear_a enemy_n and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o they_o do_v sufficient_o declare_v by_o this_o in_o that_o they_o make_v work_v foresee_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n in_o which_o thing_n they_o commit_v two_o grievous_a offence_n namely_o first_o in_o that_o they_o set_v nothing_o by_o the_o first_o and_o true_a cause_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o so_o erect_v a_o imaginary_a and_o false_a cause_n thereof_o second_o in_o that_o they_o labour_v to_o withdraw_v mankind_n from_o god_n and_o have_v withdraw_v they_o from_o he_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v sell_v they_o as_o bondslave_n to_o the_o devil_n so_o that_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n be_v cruel_a and_o injurious_a against_o man_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n sacrilegious_a and_o blasphemous_a against_o god_n because_o they_o always_o hinder_v his_o glory_n and_o derogate_v from_o his_o majesty_n as_o much_o as_o their_o ability_n can_v stretch_v unto_o on_o the_o contrary_a s._n paul_n although_o before_o his_o conversion_n he_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a profession_n unreprovable_a and_o after_o his_o conversion_n far_o more_o holy_a than_o all_o the_o popeling_n yet_o he_o to_o the_o philippian_n 3.6.8_o phi._n 3.6.8_o not_o only_o constant_o and_o bold_o exclude_v all_o work_n and_o merit_n as_o well_o go_v before_o as_o follow_v after_o faith_n but_o also_o account_v they_o for_o dung_n that_o in_o steed_n of_o they_o have_v gain_v christ_n of_o a_o ungodly_a and_o wretched_a man_n he_o may_v become_v just_a and_o rich_a here_o also_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o papist_n as_o they_o do_v forsake_v god_n and_o resist_v his_o grace_n so_o also_o they_o do_v not_o only_o shut_v up_o the_o door_n of_o his_o mercy_n against_o themselves_o but_o even_o pluck_v on_o their_o own_o neck_n a_o horrible_a curse_n and_o most_o certain_a destruction_n for_o curse_a be_v he_o say_v jeremy_n 17.5_o jere._n 17.5_o that_o trust_v in_o man_n therefore_o this_o gloss_n of_o the_o papist_n concern_v good_a work_n foresee_v be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o wicked_a and_o blasphemous_a because_o it_o be_v not_o only_o not_o find_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o also_o be_v most_o extreme_o contrary_a unto_o they_o for_o god_n in_o the_o elect_n of_o man_n have_v respect_n unto_o himself_o and_o have_v no_o regard_n unto_o work_n either_o past_a or_o to_o come_v which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n deliver_v in_o express_a word_n 1.5_o ephes_n 1.5_o say_v he_o have_v predestinate_v we_o who_o he_o have_v adopt_v through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n in_o that_o he_o say_v in_o himself_o he_o teach_v that_o god_n in_o choose_v we_o see_v nothing_o but_o himself_o which_o he_o make_v any_o account_n of_o therefore_o god_n goodness_n and_o love_n be_v the_o only_a root_n of_o our_o election_n whereas_o he_o say_v according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n that_o be_v put_v down_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n and_o express_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o god_n free_a goodness_n can_v not_o but_o with_o great_a difficulty_n by_o persuasion_n have_v be_v beat_v into_o us._n and_o what_o i_o pray_v you_o can_v god_n foresee_v in_o we_o in_o our_o election_n see_v that_o our_o whole_a be_v 17.28_o act._n 17.28_o and_o what_o good_a thing_n so_o ever_o we_o have_v 4.7_o 1._o cor._n 4.7_o we_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o enjoy_v it_o by_o he_o only_o wherefore_o that_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o election_n may_v be_v hold_v of_o we_o we_o must_v in_o no_o wise_a frequent_a the_o school_n of_o the_o papist_n but_o we_o must_v search_v and_o follow_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o only_a schoolmaster_n and_o the_o most_o faithful_a expositor_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n satan_n have_v inspire_v and_o suggest_v into_o the_o papist_n this_o opinion_n of_o work_n foresee_v that_o by_o it_o he_o may_v withdraw_v man_n from_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o so_o cast_v they_o headlong_o into_o eternal_a destruction_n for_o satan_n well_o know_v that_o man_n whole_a salvation_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n except_o it_o be_v whole_o fetch_v and_o derive_v from_o god_n sure_o there_o can_v be_v give_v unto_o mankind_n a_o great_a nor_o more_o pernicious_a hurt_n than_o this_o opinion_n be_v and_o there_o be_v no_o vice_n worse_o than_o this_o devilish_a pride_n which_o snatch_v from_o god_n his_o chief_a honour_n and_o steal_v away_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o mercy_n therefore_o this_o more_o than_o frantic_a opinion_n of_o faith_n foresee_v be_v utter_o to_o be_v cast_v off_o and_o refuse_v here_o be_v show_v by_o clear_a and_o unanswereable_a argument_n how_o horrible_o and_o grievous_o the_o papist_n do_v offend_v against_o god_n divine_a majesty_n by_o their_o pestilent_a opinion_n of_o faith_n or_o work_v foresee_v chap._n 13._o for_o the_o papist_n in_o that_o devilish_a opinion_n do_v offend_v against_o god_n &_o against_o his_o majesty_n many_o way_n and_o do_v commit_v many_o sacrilegious_a offence_n first_o they_o do_v offend_v against_o the_o fatherly_a goodness_n &_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n for_o god_n mercy_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a which_o may_v any_o where_o be_v find_v but_o it_o flow_v and_o spring_v of_o that_o fountain_n moreover_o god_n be_v so_o good_a and_o merciful_a that_o he_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o honour_v for_o no_o other_o virtue_n nor_o property_n more_o then_o for_o his_o free_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o god_n mercy_n do_v heap_n and_o reckon_v up_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o catalogue_n many_o word_n signify_v one_o and_o
mercy_n of_o god_n and_o may_v so_o much_o the_o more_o strong_o be_v confirm_v second_o the_o election_n may_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o make_v know_v and_o manifest_a for_o contrary_n be_v set_v one_o against_o a_o other_o and_o compare_v together_o be_v make_v the_o more_o apparent_a and_o familiar_a unto_o we_o as_o also_o that_o man_n may_v know_v that_o this_o world_n be_v so_o govern_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o else_o can_v happen_v unto_o man_n but_o that_o which_o be_v foreordayned_n and_o appoint_v for_o they_o by_o god_n before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v last_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v urge_v that_o the_o elect_n may_v so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_o eschew_v and_o avoid_v sin_n and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o also_o that_o the_o reprobate_n may_v know_v what_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o thing_n shall_v fall_v to_o their_o share_n and_o what_o they_o have_v deserve_v by_o their_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n so_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v very_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a on_o both_o side_n therefore_o it_o ought_v daily_o and_o diligent_o to_o be_v propound_v and_o preach_v both_o to_o the_o godly_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a therefore_o let_v all_o religious_a and_o godly_a minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n apply_v themselves_o to_o this_o namely_o to_o preach_v this_o decree_n of_o god_n public_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o scripture_n command_v and_o let_v they_o not_o esteem_v nor_o care_n for_o the_o pope_n censure_n and_o curse_n which_o be_v like_o lightning_n break_v forth_o without_o any_o natural_a cause_n appear_v and_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v but_o the_o papist_n with_o their_o conventicle_n cry_v out_o that_o this_o be_v a_o horrible_a opinion_n and_o not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n and_o this_o they_o do_v very_o crafty_o for_o they_o see_v that_o by_o this_o doctrine_n that_o fable_n which_o they_o have_v disperse_v concern_v free_a will_n and_o many_o other_o trifle_n which_o they_o chant_v out_o in_o their_o synagogue_n with_o big_a word_n and_o lofty_a sentence_n will_v altogether_o vanish_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n therefore_o they_o go_v about_o to_o wound_n and_o stab_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o christ_n concern_v reprobation_n through_o the_o side_n of_o the_o minister_n other_o pretend_v a_o shadow_n of_o desperation_n and_o that_o this_o doctrine_n shall_v not_o be_v preach_v lest_o man_n shall_v be_v cast_v down_o and_o fall_v into_o desperation_n this_o danger_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v but_o that_o the_o minister_n may_v pronounce_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n i_o do_v confess_v indeed_o that_o they_o must_v speak_v wise_o of_o reprobation_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o i_o think_v also_o that_o a_o wary_a caveate_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o the_o preach_n thereof_o lest_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o profitable_a doctrine_n by_o evil_a deal_n and_o preposterous_a handle_n shall_v be_v spoil_v and_o make_v unprofitable_a and_o yet_o so_o that_o nothing_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v that_o matter_n shall_v be_v omit_v by_o silence_n let_v the_o whole_a world_n go_v to_o wrack_n rather_o than_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v diminish_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n let_v the_o minister_n therefore_o faithful_o and_o diligent_o handle_v that_o doctrine_n and_o commit_v the_o event_n unto_o god_n and_o let_v they_o know_v that_o the_o papist_n or_o other_o can_v nor_o ought_v not_o to_o forbid_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v have_v open_v before_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o be_v they_o the_o master_n and_o teacher_n of_o god_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o teach_v and_o prescribe_v unto_o he_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v preach_v this_o decree_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n be_v so_o sure_a and_o certain_a on_o both_o side_n that_o none_o of_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v reprobate_v and_o condemn_v nor_o any_o of_o the_o reprobate_n can_v be_v elect_v and_o save_v and_o it_o be_v show_v by_o sure_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o reprobate_n then_o of_o the_o elect._n chap._n 21._o twelfthly_o this_o decree_n of_o predestination_n be_v a_o sure_a and_o certain_a decree_n because_o that_o with_o god_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o set_a number_n as_o well_o of_o the_o reprobate_n as_o of_o the_o elect_n so_o that_o the_o number_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o can_v neither_o increase_v nor_o be_v diminish_v for_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o be_v a_o unchangeable_a order_n so_o that_o the_o reprobate_n can_v be_v elect_v and_o save_v nor_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v reprobate_v and_o condemn_v otherwise_o god_n decree_n concern_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o can_v not_o be_v constant_a and_o faith_n itself_o want_v a_o sure_a groundwork_n shall_v be_v waver_v in_o continual_a suspense_n and_o shall_v no_o where_n have_v any_o certain_a prop_n whereon_o safe_o to_o rely_v and_o so_o shall_v become_v rather_o a_o unconstant_a and_o waver_a opinion_n than_o a_o settle_a and_o steadfast_a faith_n therefore_o as_o his_o fatherly_a good_a pleasure_n of_o election_n be_v unchangeable_a so_o also_o be_v his_o severe_a decree_n of_o reprobation_n 25.46_o mat._n 25.46_o so_o that_o the_o elect_n shall_v go_v forth_o into_o everlasting_a life_n and_o joy_n and_o the_o reprobate_n shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a death_n and_o torment_n now_o the_o scripture_n plain_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o elect._n 17._o john_n 10.14_o 17._o christ_n himself_o in_o saint_n john_n express_o and_o plain_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v his_o sheep_n that_o be_v his_o elect_n and_o that_o none_o be_v able_a to_o take_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n if_o christ_n as_o he_o say_v know_v his_o sheep_n therefore_o every_o one_o by_o himself_o be_v know_v of_o he_o so_o that_o with_o he_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o they_o for_o if_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v uncertain_a he_o can_v not_o be_v able_a direct_o to_o know_v they_o for_o of_o a_o thing_n uncertain_a none_o can_v have_v certain_a knowledge_n so_o also_o saint_n paul_n say_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a and_o have_v this_o seal_n 2.19_o 2._o tim_n 2.19_o the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o god_n also_o have_v number_v all_o the_o hair_n of_o the_o head_n of_o his_o child_n how_o much_o more_o therefore_o do_v he_o know_v how_o many_o be_v he_o furthermore_o god_n know_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n before_o they_o be_v create_v and_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o escape_v or_o be_v hide_v from_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n how_o therefore_o shall_v he_o not_o discern_v and_o know_v all_o his_o elect_n &_o choose_v in_o general_a and_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a who_o he_o love_v and_o tender_v with_o singular_a care_n above_o all_o thing_n sure_o if_o he_o shall_v not_o know_v they_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a he_o can_v have_v no_o great_a care_n of_o they_o and_o so_o they_o shall_v of_o necessity_n perish_v but_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v therefore_o they_o be_v know_v of_o he_o and_o preserve_v unto_o salvation_n moreover_o the_o scripture_n manifest_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v a_o set_a number_n of_o the_o reprobate_n 25.32_o mat._n 25.32_o for_o christ_n shall_v separate_v they_o from_o the_o elect_n and_o condemn_v they_o in_o the_o last_o &_o great_a judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n therefore_o he_o know_v several_o and_o distinct_o who_o they_o be_v otherwise_o he_o can_v not_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o elect_n unless_o they_o be_v know_v to_o he_o by_o their_o particular_a person_n several_o every_o one_o by_o himself_o and_o further_o god_n which_o number_v and_o know_v the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n from_o the_o least_o unto_o the_o great_a and_o from_o the_o great_a unto_o the_o least_o know_v they_o also_o for_o he_o that_o know_v great_a and_o infinite_a thing_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o lesser_a and_o finite_a thing_n and_o for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o set_a number_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_n that_o be_v to_o deny_v god_n and_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o agreeable_a or_o proper_a unto_o god_n then_o to_o discern_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n in_o general_a and_o every_o thing_n in_o particular_a far_o more_o plain_o and_o distinct_o than_o we_o can_v know_v those_o thing_n that_o lie_v
open_a under_o our_o eye_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o little_a shall_v be_v exempt_a from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n his_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n shall_v not_o be_v infinite_a which_o ought_v to_o extend_v itself_o as_o well_o above_o all_o thing_n as_o through_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v god_n who_o knowledge_n be_v straighten_v unto_o a_o few_o thing_n and_o particular_a and_o not_o enlarge_v unto_o all_o thing_n and_o universal_a also_o here_o be_v further_a to_o be_v note_v brief_o and_o by_o the_o way_n that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o reprobate_v then_o elect_v this_o may_v first_o by_o most_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o by_o daily_a experience_n be_v true_o verify_v and_o declare_v christ_n himself_o plain_o affirm_v and_o pronounce_v in_o saint_n matthew_n that_o many_o be_v call_v 22.14_o mat._n 22.14_o but_o few_o be_v choose_v 12.32_o luke_n 12.32_o for_o this_o cause_n also_o in_o saint_n luke_n christ_n call_v the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n a_o little_a flock_n also_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o seed_n in_o saint_n matthew_n 13.4_o mat._n 13.4_o do_v in_o evident_a and_o express_a word_n explain_v and_o set_v forth_o this_o when_o as_o only_o the_o four_o part_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o the_o rest_n either_o do_v not_o receyve_v that_o spiritual_a seed_n 13.19_o mat._n 13.19_o or_o else_o suffer_v it_o not_o to_o grow_v but_o set_v their_o study_n and_o desire_n upon_o thing_n below_o which_o shall_v perish_v so_o that_o they_o neglect_v and_o and_o contemn_v the_o treasure_n of_o eternal_a life_n by_o this_o similitude_n christ_n himself_o declare_v who_o be_v elect_v and_o who_o reprobate_a the_o elect_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o good_a and_o fruitful_a ground_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n either_o more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o but_o the_o reprobate_n be_v compare_v either_o to_o barren_a and_o stony_a ground_n or_o to_o thorn_n which_o do_v choke_v the_o heavenly_a seed_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o a_o other_o and_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n so_o that_o in_o god_n just_a judgement_n they_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v not_o renew_v therefore_o they_o be_v reprobate_n and_o shall_v be_v condemn_v and_o although_o that_o there_o be_v more_o reprobate_v then_o elect_v yet_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o contain_v infinite_a million_o of_o man_n so_o that_o with_o moses_n they_o be_v compare_v unto_o the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n and_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n again_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o reprobate_n be_v great_a than_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a for_o how_o many_o and_o how_o great_a kingdom_n and_o region_n be_v there_o where_o the_o bless_a gospel_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v never_o preach_v nor_o hear_v of_o for_o none_o can_v attain_v true_a faith_n and_o salvation_n in_o christ_n without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v or_o teach_v for_o faith_n say_v the_o scripture_n 10.17_o rom._n 10.17_o come_v of_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o therefore_o which_v neither_o have_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v attain_v unto_o faith_n and_o so_o to_o salvation_n and_o to_o dream_v of_o some_o secret_a inspiration_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o harebrained_a conceit_n which_o need_v no_o confute_v for_o although_o god_n be_v not_o tie_v unto_o the_o outward_a word_n and_o that_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n may_v bring_v man_n unto_o faith_n yet_o he_o have_v so_o tie_v we_o unto_o the_o word_n that_o without_o it_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o can_v judge_v any_o thing_n therefore_o how_o many_o million_o of_o man_n as_o well_o young_a as_o old_a have_v depart_v out_o of_o this_o life_n before_o they_o have_v hear_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o concern_v christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n such_o aught_o rather_o to_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n then_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o censure_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o salvation_n come_v from_o nothing_o else_o but_o from_o faith_n and_o faith_n proceed_v from_o nothing_o 17.3_o tit._n 1.1_o john_n 17.3_o but_o from_o a_o true_a and_o sincere_a knowledge_n of_o god_n &_o of_o christ_n and_o this_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n can_v be_v have_v el_fw-es ewhere_o but_o from_o the_o gospel_n only_o therefore_o how_o can_v they_o obtain_v faith_n and_o salvation_n which_o have_v neither_o hear_v nor_o read_v the_o gospel_n but_o see_v this_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v one_o of_o the_o four_o secret_a mystery_n of_o god_n which_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o search_v out_o and_o determine_v as_o augustine_n elsewhere_o speak_v we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o god_n and_o must_v hope_v that_o for_o his_o great_a mercy_n sake_n if_o they_o be_v not_o convert_v to_o day_n they_o may_v be_v to_o morrow_n convert_v concern_v false_a christian_n which_o be_v mingle_v among_o the_o true_a one_o as_o tare_n among_o the_o good_a corn_n i_o say_v nothing_o in_o this_o place_n that_o similitude_n of_o the_o seed_n and_o of_o the_o sour_a in_o saint_n matthew_n do_v plain_o show_v 13.3.4_o matt._n 13.3.4_o that_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o for_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o that_o similitude_n that_o all_o be_v not_o true_a christian_n before_o god_n which_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o for_o because_o that_o many_o brag_n and_o boast_v of_o the_o show_n and_o title_n of_o godliness_n who_o heart_n notwithstanding_o be_v most_o far_o from_o it_o therefore_o our_o faith_n will_v be_v shake_v and_o waver_v except_o we_o remember_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v false_a brethren_n which_o speak_v and_o boast_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n let_v not_o their_o fall_v away_o which_o sure_o will_v come_v overthrow_v our_o faith_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o ruin_v as_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v damn_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n wrath_n against_o they_o may_v be_v gather_v so_o also_o by_o the_o scarcity_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o abundance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o may_v be_v collect_v and_o man_n ought_v to_o examine_v by_o their_o faith_n in_o what_o account_n they_o be_v with_o god_n chap._n 22._o and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v more_o condemn_v then_o save_v it_o may_v from_o hence_o easy_o be_v gather_v how_o great_a the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v against_o rebellious_a and_o unrepentant_a person_n which_o be_v oftentimes_o admonish_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o endue_v with_o other_o good_a benefit_n or_o afflict_v with_o such_o or_o such_o calamity_n yet_o repent_v not_o nor_o cease_v from_o sin_n again_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a and_o more_o severe_a the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v against_o the_o rebellious_a &_o stiffnecked_a by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o more_o notable_a be_v his_o love_n and_o mercy_n towards_o the_o penitent_a and_o such_o as_o cease_v from_o evil_a so_o that_o the_o few_o they_o be_v the_o dear_a they_o be_v unto_o god_n for_o rare_a thing_n be_v usual_o more_o fervent_o belove_v and_o more_o careful_o tender_v this_o scarcity_n of_o the_o elect_n and_o multitude_n of_o the_o reprobate_n aught_o to_o trouble_v no_o man_n nor_o weaken_v any_o man_n faith_n neither_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o that_o to_o be_v think_v straighten_a into_o a_o narrow_a room_n and_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o despair_v for_o this_o cause_n but_o to_o be_v in_o the_o better_a hope_n for_o where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v and_o teach_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v powerful_a by_o it_o there_o god_n have_v his_o elect._n therefore_o all_o they_o which_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o a_o true_a faith_n put_v their_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n of_o the_o obtain_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o sole_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o only_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v not_o stranger_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o do_v bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o have_v a_o hearty_a desire_n and_o care_n to_o profit_v in_o true_a faith_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n they_o may_v sure_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v elect_v from_o everlasting_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v for_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_o reduce_v man_n unto_o christ_n and_o to_o true_a faith_n in_o he_o that_o man_n may_v confirm_v themselves_o concern_v their_o election_n and_o pronouncerh_n such_o bless_a and_o
say_v express_o 2.13_o cap._n 2.13_o that_o god_n pardon_v all_o our_o trespass_n i_o have_v put_v away_o say_v god_n by_o isayas_n all_o thy_o sin_n as_o a_o cloud_n and_o thy_o iniquity_n as_o a_o mist_n 44.22_o isay_n 44.22_o again_o in_o the_o same_o prophet_n he_o speak_v thus_o i_o be_o he_o which_o put_v away_o thy_o iniquity_n 43.25_o isay_n 43.25_o and_o that_o for_o my_o own_o sake_n and_o will_v remember_v thy_o sin_n no_o more_o so_o also_o david_n teach_v we_o 103.12_o psal_n 103.12_o that_o god_n remove_v our_o sin_n as_o far_o from_o we_o as_o the_o east_n be_v from_o the_o west_n so_o also_o michah_n teach_v we_o 7.19_o michah_n 7.19_o that_o god_n will_v cast_v all_o our_o sin_n into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o blot_v they_o quite_o out_o likewise_o s._n john_n in_o the_o revelation_n affirm_v 1.5_o revel_v 1.5_o that_o christ_n have_v love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o blood_n the_o same_o isayas_n likewise_o affirm_v 1.18_o isay_n 1.18_o say_v though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o crimson_a they_o shall_v be_v make_v white_a as_o snow_n though_o they_o be_v red_a as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o wool_n so_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n speak_v all_o as_o with_o one_o mouth_n and_o constant_o affirm_v that_o not_o some_o of_o our_o sin_n only_o be_v forgive_v we_o of_o god_n but_o that_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v pardon_v unto_o we_o how_o great_a and_o fearful_a how_o many_o and_o sundry_a soever_o they_o be_v but_o god_n do_v not_o only_o wipe_v out_o those_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v and_o pass_v but_o do_v also_o pardon_v the_o daily_a slip_n of_o the_o penitent_a this_o let_v no_o man_n storm_n at_o as_o a_o paradox_n unheard_a of_o for_o if_o god_n will_v punish_v the_o daily_a fall_n of_o his_o child_n and_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o yet_o pardon_v those_o that_o be_v past_a what_o will_v it_o profit_v i_o pray_v you_o so_o that_o the_o great_a and_o incredible_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v extend_v and_o stretch_v itself_o as_o well_o to_o the_o pardon_v of_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o come_v as_o to_o the_o remit_v of_o those_o that_o be_v past_a otherwise_o the_o mercy_n of_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v but_o half_a a_o mercy_n only_o and_o not_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a none_o of_o we_o ought_v to_o take_v unto_o himself_o liberty_n to_o sin_n from_o this_o fatherly_a compassion_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o god_n and_o to_o tread_v his_o grace_n under_o foot_n and_o to_o show_v that_o a_o man_n be_v a_o stranger_n from_o god_n and_o from_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o least_o sin_n can_v be_v commit_v of_o any_o man_n without_o manifest_a contempt_n of_o god_n but_o it_o shall_v rather_o be_v a_o encouragement_n and_o provocation_n unto_o we_o to_o the_o more_o earnest_a study_n of_o godliness_n for_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a benefit_n god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a obedience_n be_v we_o bind_v to_o yield_v he_o which_o we_o can_v perform_v without_o a_o studious_a care_n to_o avoid_v evil_a and_o to_o do_v good_a they_o therefore_o which_o sin_n rash_o and_o secure_o do_v indeed_o show_v that_o they_o be_v profane_a and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o god_n 4._o jude._n 4._o this_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v plain_o say_v that_o they_o be_v appoint_v of_o old_a unto_o condemnation_n which_o from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n take_v to_o themselves_o liberty_n to_o sin_n secure_o and_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_n to_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o obey_v they_o for_o they_o which_o so_o abuse_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o his_o lenity_n in_o pardon_v unto_o wantonness_n do_v not_o only_o abrogate_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o also_o do_v show_v that_o they_o be_v whole_o give_v over_o unto_o satan_n as_o his_o very_a bondslave_n but_o the_o godly_a which_o do_v fear_n and_o obey_v god_n as_o their_o father_n and_o lord_n though_o there_o be_v no_o hell_n nor_o punishment_n to_o be_v fear_v yet_o they_o will_v utter_o abhor_v to_o sin_n and_o displease_v god_n wherefore_o that_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n in_o forgive_a sin_n shall_v be_v unto_o no_o man_n a_o enticement_n to_o sin_n but_o a_o teacher_n unto_o every_o one_o to_o live_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n for_o he_o which_o live_v wicked_o lose_v the_o price_n of_o his_o redemption_n and_o belong_v not_o unto_o christ_n as_o long_o as_o he_o sin_v secure_o and_o defile_v and_o polute_v himself_o with_o abomination_n but_o they_o which_o earnest_o labour_n to_o order_n and_o frame_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n law_n they_o do_v indeed_o and_o lively_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o belong_v unto_o christ_n moreover_o it_o ought_v to_o move_v nor_o trouble_v no_o man_n because_o that_o some_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n before_o rehearse_v be_v speak_v without_o any_o general_a note_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v particular_a so_o that_o we_o must_v know_v that_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v indeed_o universal_a and_o general_a for_o indefinite_a proposition_n be_v equal_a unto_o general_a proposition_n this_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o do_v argue_v and_o show_v or_o if_o a_o particular_a word_n or_o a_o word_n that_o signify_v but_o one_o thing_n be_v set_v down_o 1.29_o john_n 1.29_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o general_a word_n be_v signify_v which_o contain_v under_o it_o all_o and_o every_o particular_a kind_n and_o he_o that_o take_v away_o the_o general_a thing_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o he_o must_v take_v away_o also_o all_o and_o every_o particular_a kind_n thereof_o for_o sin_n that_o be_v here_o put_v in_o the_o singular_a number_n although_o it_o be_v refer_v by_o some_o unto_o the_o common_a vice_n &_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o not_o amiss_o yet_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v take_v figurative_o for_o every_o iniquity_n synecdoche_n synecdoche_n as_o if_o the_o evangelist_n shall_v have_v say_v whatsoever_o corruption_n or_o unrighteousness_n be_v among_o man_n by_o which_o god_n may_v be_v offend_v or_o alienate_v from_o man_n all_o that_o be_v take_v away_o and_o satisfy_v for_o everlasting_o by_o the_o only_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n make_v once_o for_o all_o this_o benefit_n of_o christ_n ought_v to_o be_v enlarge_v and_o apply_v as_o well_o unto_o all_o actual_a sin_n as_o unto_o the_o original_a sin_n and_o corruption_n of_o nature_n that_o all_o occasion_n of_o cavil_v shall_v be_v shut_v up_o from_o the_o papist_n which_o in_o their_o synagogue_n do_v babble_n and_o blatter_fw-la that_o christ_n have_v satisfy_v only_o for_o original_a sin_n &_o not_o for_o actual_a for_o which_o they_o impudent_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o make_v satisfaction_n so_o that_o sin_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n with_o the_o evangelist_n be_v as_o a_o ill-favoured_n head_n under_o which_o many_o unseemly_a member_n be_v couch_v and_o it_o be_v as_o a_o unclean_a fountain_n out_o of_o which_o many_o unclean_a channel_n do_v spring_n &_o flow_v and_o as_o a_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a tree_n out_o of_o which_o much_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a fruit_n do_v bud_n and_o grow_v all_o which_o and_o every_o of_o which_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n have_v take_v away_o with_o his_o precious_a blood_n in_o this_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n the_o most_o excellent_a glory_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n shine_v bright_o and_o triumph_v infinite_o over_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o prophet_n say_v in_o express_a word_n 145.9_o psal_n 145.9_o god_n be_v love_v unto_o every_o one_o but_o his_o mercy_n be_v above_o all_o his_o work_n for_o the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o the_o prophet_n use_v in_o the_o place_n rehearse_v signify_v a_o inward_a mercy_n such_o as_o remain_v in_o the_o very_a bowel_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v wont_a to_o use_v when_o there_o be_v any_o speech_n of_o the_o freemercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o receyve_v of_o a_o wretched_a sinner_n unto_o grace_n therefore_o the_o prophet_n do_v prefer_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n far_o before_o all_o temporal_a benefit_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a in_o that_o he_o merciful_o uphold_v this_o world_n in_o that_o he_o favourable_o provide_v for_o all_o creature_n and_o maintain_v and_o keep_v they_o in_o their_o estate_n but_o that_o goodness_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o pluck_v miserable_a man_n out_o of_o
everlasting_a death_n and_o redeem_v and_o save_v he_o in_o christ_n be_v by_o infinite_a degree_n great_a and_o more_o excellent_a this_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a refuge_n for_o miserable_a sinner_n a_o most_o sure_a sanctuary_n from_o all_o danger_n and_o a_o most_o welcome_a refresh_n the_o whole_a scripture_n teach_v we_o and_o daily_a experience_n proove_v it_o true_a that_o god_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v and_o merciful_a unto_o none_o but_o unto_o such_o only_a which_o reverent_o and_o humble_o fly_v unto_o his_o mercy_n with_o a_o unfeigned_a confession_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o bewail_v of_o their_o guiltiness_n whosoever_o therefore_o seek_v for_o acquittal_n from_o sin_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n do_v set_v light_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o shall_v never_o attain_v to_o the_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o no_o plead_n of_o a_o man_n own_o worthiness_n have_v any_o place_n before_o god_n heavenly_a judgement_n seat_n 18.14_o luke_n 18.14_o but_o a_o humble_a deplore_a of_o sin_n be_v there_o accept_v they_o therefore_o which_o desire_n to_o be_v justify_v and_o to_o be_v acquit_v both_o from_o the_o punishment_n and_o from_o the_o offence_n must_v altogether_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o righteousness_n of_o work_n and_o betake_v themselves_o whole_o unto_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n only_o for_o he_o alone_o can_v put_v away_o sin_n and_o wipe_v out_o the_o guiltiness_n thereof_o for_o whosoever_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o deliver_v from_o sin_n let_v he_o see_v and_o try_v what_o it_o be_v that_o can_v set_v he_o free_a from_o the_o law_n and_o the_o penalty_n thereof_o from_o this_o it_o may_v be_v conclude_v for_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o a_o approve_a thing_n that_o wretched_a man_n can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v free_v from_o their_o sin_n but_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n only_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a prop_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o salvation_n that_o we_o be_v accept_v of_o god_n not_o that_o we_o deserve_v this_o by_o our_o own_o worthiness_n but_o that_o our_o sin_n be_v forgive_v we_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o not_o lay_v to_o our_o charge_n so_o that_o god_n do_v justify_v his_o child_n by_o forgive_a they_o their_o sin_n and_o impute_v the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n his_o life_n unto_o they_o for_o righteousness_n now_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o marvel_n that_o we_o be_v just_a before_o god_n not_o by_o our_o own_o inherent_a righteousness_n but_o by_o that_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v impute_v unto_o we_o through_o faith_n certain_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v unrighteous_a and_o can_v by_o any_o power_n of_o our_o own_o attain_v unto_o righteousness_n before_o god_n but_o christ_n satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o death_n bring_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o satisfaction_n shall_v be_v impart_v unto_o we_o and_o that_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o shall_v be_v account_v just_a before_o god_n for_o even_o as_o he_o make_v our_o sin_n his_o so_o also_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o make_v his_o righteousness_n our_o righteousness_n 22._o in_o psal_n 22._o as_o saint_n augustine_n say_v as_o therefore_o christ_n in_o our_o sin_n be_v guilty_a so_o likewise_o we_o in_o his_o righteousness_n purchase_v by_o he_o in_o his_o death_n be_v repute_v and_o become_v righteous_a this_o the_o apostle_n plain_o testify_v when_o he_o say_v 1.30_o 1._o cor._n 1.30_o that_o christ_n be_v make_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n righteousness_n by_o which_o word_n he_o signify_v that_o christ_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n for_o we_o a_o priest_n and_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o wit_n that_o by_o offer_v up_o himself_o he_o may_v purge_v our_o sin_n and_o obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n for_o we_o in_o which_o our_o righteousness_n consist_v before_o god_n and_o also_o that_o this_o obedience_n which_o he_o yield_v unto_o his_o father_n by_o taste_v of_o death_n for_o we_o shall_v be_v impute_v unto_o we_o for_o righteousness_n and_o although_o this_o obedience_n of_o christ_n his_o death_n be_v proper_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v impute_v unto_o we_o of_o god_n for_o righteousness_n as_o which_o god_n esteem_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v do_v by_o we_o and_o that_o we_o ourselves_o have_v satisfy_v his_o just_a judgement_n yet_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o yield_v unto_o the_o law_n by_o live_v holy_o and_o that_o holiness_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o he_o be_v holy_a from_o his_o conception_n be_v not_o by_o this_o altogether_o exclude_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n for_o that_o holiness_n of_o christ_n both_o of_o his_o nature_n and_o life_n be_v necessary_a for_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v impute_v and_o impart_v unto_o we_o for_o righteousness_n for_o christ_n can_v not_o have_v satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o so_o have_v obtain_v remission_n of_o they_o for_o we_o if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v a_o holy_a priest_n and_o also_o offer_v up_o a_o holy_a sacrifice_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o saint_n paul_n unto_o the_o hebrew_n say_v 27._o hebr._n 7.26_o 27._o such_o a_o high_a priest_n become_v we_o which_o be_v holy_a harmless_a undefiled_a separate_a from_o sinner_n and_o make_v high_a than_o the_o heaven_n which_o need_v not_o daily_o as_o those_o high_a priest_n namely_o the_o leviticall_a to_o offer_v up_o sacrifice_n first_o for_o his_o own_o sin_n and_o then_o for_o the_o people_n for_o that_o do_v he_o once_o when_o he_o offer_v up_o himself_o behold_v a_o most_o clear_a and_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o our_o priest_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o our_o sacrifice_n 19_o 1._o pet._n 1_o 18_o 19_o saint_n peter_n speak_v when_o he_o say_v that_o we_o be_v not_o redeem_v with_o gold_n nor_o silver_n but_o with_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o christ_n as_o of_o a_o lamb_n undefiled_a and_o without_o spot_n by_o these_o word_n saint_n peter_n signify_v that_o those_o lamb_n which_o be_v kill_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o do_v resemble_v christ_n as_o type_n and_o figure_n ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v without_o blemish_n that_o by_o this_o the_o innocency_n and_o holiness_n of_o christ_n our_o sacrifice_n shall_v be_v shadow_v forth_o unto_o us._n for_o christ_n as_o john_n baptist_n say_v be_v that_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o sacrifice_n ordain_v of_o god_n to_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n by_o these_o thing_n it_o may_v now_o be_v understand_v how_o and_o how_o far_o forth_o the_o holiness_n both_o of_o the_o life_n and_o nature_n of_o christ_n appertain_v unto_o this_o matter_n of_o justification_n namely_o how_o far_o forth_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o this_o purpose_n that_o christ_n by_o his_o holy_a sacrifice_n or_o obedience_n of_o his_o death_n may_v deserve_v remission_n of_o sin_n for_o we_o in_o which_o remission_n of_o sin_n consist_v our_o righteousness_n before_o god_n as_o we_o may_v understand_v by_o the_o word_n of_o paul_n to_o the_o roman_n 5.19_o rom._n 5.19_o and_o hence_o also_o may_v this_o be_v gather_v whenas_o paul_n to_o the_o roman_n say_v that_o by_o the_o obedience_n of_o one_o to_o wit_n christ_n we_o be_v make_v righteous_a that_o he_o mean_v it_o of_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o death_n which_o christ_n yield_v to_o his_o father_n by_o taste_v of_o death_n for_o us._n for_o we_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n 10_o rom._n 5_o 9_o 10_o and_o justify_v by_o his_o blood_n as_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n furthermore_o this_o justification_n be_v not_o only_o free_a and_o perfect_a but_o also_o everlasting_a in_o as_o much_o as_o sin_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v unto_o they_o that_o be_v justify_v any_o more_o for_o ever_o for_o who_o god_n have_v once_o receyve_v into_o favour_n have_v blot_v out_o their_o sin_n and_o offence_n those_o do_v he_o still_o preserve_v in_o his_o favour_n as_o righteous_a so_o that_o they_o can_v fall_v from_o grace_n and_o perish_v by_o no_o manner_n of_o sin_n they_o be_v and_o remain_v pardon_v in_o they_o for_o god_n will_v never_o remember_v those_o sin_n to_o which_o the_o regenerate_a be_v as_o yet_o subject_a this_o the_o scripture_n express_v and_o diligent_o affirm_v in_o many_o place_n for_o god_n by_o isaias_n say_v i_o will_v remember_v thy_o iniquity_n no_o more_o 43.12_o isay_n 43.12_o again_o he_o say_v by_o jeremie_n 31.34_o jerem._n 31.34_o i_o will_v be_v merciful_a unto_o their_o iniquity_n and_o remember_v their_o sin_n and_o transgression_n no_o more_o these_o
the_o word_n he_o show_v we_o what_o thing_n he_o will_v have_v do_v or_o not_o do_v by_o we_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v strength_n minister_v unto_o we_o to_o perform_v they_o this_o regeneration_n be_v especial_o wrought_v &_o continue_v in_o the_o mind_n will_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n so_o that_o god_n show_v forth_o and_o declare_v his_o goodness_n towards_o his_o child_n here_o three_o manner_n of_o way_n first_o he_o do_v enlighten_v and_o dispel_v the_o blindness_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o sunshine_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o whatsoever_o man_n savour_v of_o his_o own_o self_n 7._o rom._n 8.6_o 7._o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n &_o bring_v death_n with_o it_o this_o blindness_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o simple_o the_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o himself_o but_o it_o be_v a_o stubborn_a rebellion_n and_o proud_a presumption_n against_o god_n so_o that_o by_o how_o much_o a_o man_n excel_v and_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o great_a quickness_n of_o nature_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v he_o resist_v and_o strive_v against_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o own_o salvation_n because_o such_o a_o one_o fear_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n with_o extreme_a folly_n for_o all_o man_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o renew_v with_o this_o new_a and_o heavenly_a light_n do_v think_v the_o holy_a mystery_n of_o god_n to_o be_v foolishness_n so_o paul_n whilst_o he_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o grecian_n say_v 1.23_o 1._o cor._n 1.23_o that_o to_o they_o he_o preach_v foolishness_n so_o that_o the_o enlighten_v of_o this_o rebellious_a and_o hurtful_a blindness_n be_v a_o great_a and_o inestimable_a benefit_n of_o god_n after_o this_o enlighten_v follow_v a_o right_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o god_n of_o his_o will_n and_o of_o his_o work_n because_o that_o then_o man_n begin_v to_o know_v god_n right_o and_o to_o judge_v of_o he_o according_o when_o they_o be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n second_o it_o change_v and_o reform_v the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o be_v extreme_o contrary_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o evil_n it_o make_v it_o good_a and_o of_o unwilling_a and_o stubborn_a it_o make_v it_o ready_a and_o obedient_a 2.13_o phil._n 2.13_o so_o the_o will_n of_o man_n do_v then_o begin_v to_o be_v good_a when_o it_o be_v reform_v and_o renew_v by_o god_n here_o also_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n show_v itself_o while_o that_o it_o make_v man_n of_o a_o adversary_n and_o foe_n to_o become_v a_o friend_n and_o heir_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n which_o otherwise_o in_o himself_o be_v so_o corrupt_a and_o deprave_a that_o he_o have_v mind_n to_o nothing_o but_o evil_a and_o hate_v god_n extreme_o this_o will_n of_o man_n howsoever_o by_o nature_n it_o be_v so_o wicked_a and_o perverse_a as_o to_o resist_v and_o withstand_v god_n and_o his_o will_n yet_o no_o will_n can_v be_v so_o wicked_a and_o stubborn_a but_o god_n if_o he_o will_v can_v mollify_v it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a as_o augustine_n say_v well_o now_o god_n will_v do_v this_o in_o the_o elect_n 27._o ezech._n 36.26_o 27._o because_o that_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n he_o have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o three_o it_o convert_v and_o renew_v the_o stubborn_a unapt_a and_o disobedient_a heart_n and_o so_o do_v weaken_v and_o debilitate_v the_o strength_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o child_n and_o do_v create_v in_o they_o a_o earnest_a study_n and_o desire_v to_o live_v godly_a and_o make_v they_o altogether_o forward_o unto_o all_o piety_n last_o it_o stir_v up_o in_o they_o good_a work_n and_o endu_v they_o with_o sincere_a and_o holy_a behaviour_n 2.13_o phil._n 2.13_o so_o god_n work_v in_o they_o both_o to_o will_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a so_o that_o all_o power_n to_o live_v godly_a proceed_v and_o come_v not_o from_o their_o own_o power_n but_o from_o god_n only_o which_o work_v in_o they_o effectual_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o this_o spiritual_a renew_n be_v call_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o a_o excellency_n the_o creation_n and_o work_n of_o god_n because_o that_o it_o be_v his_o work_n to_o illuminate_v the_o blind_a understanding_n of_o man_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o to_o change_v their_o crooked_a will_n and_o hard_a heart_n and_o to_o frame_v they_o unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o own_o will_n for_o these_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n that_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o effect_v by_o none_o other_o but_o by_o god_n only_o therefore_o the_o lord_n by_o ezechiel_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v cause_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o his_o commandment_n show_v that_o regeneration_n and_o power_n to_o do_v well_o be_v a_o work_n far_o surmount_v all_o creature_n the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v divers_a first_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o which_o only_o the_o elect_n be_v change_v into_o new_a creature_n may_v be_v maintain_v against_o that_o devilish_a invention_n of_o free_a will_n which_o the_o papist_n dream_v of_o but_o here_o the_o papist_n offend_v grievous_o for_o look_v how_o much_o they_o attribute_v unto_o the_o power_n of_o man_n so_o much_o do_v they_o detract_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o man_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n two_o contrary_n which_o can_v be_v maintain_v of_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o subject_n at_o one_o time_n therefore_o saint_n austin_n in_o one_o place_n say_v very_o well_o that_o that_o be_v not_o free_a which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v not_o make_v free_a for_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o do_v not_o leave_v a_o man_n so_o much_o as_o a_o good_a thought_n which_o be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o a_o good_a work_n 3.5_o 2._o cor._n 3.5_o for_o such_o be_v the_o blindness_n and_o frailty_n of_o man_n wit_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o unable_a to_o conceyve_v and_o bring_v forth_o of_o itself_o any_o thing_n right_o or_o true_o but_o also_o that_o it_o frame_v and_o invent_v to_o itself_o many_o and_z most_o dangerous_a error_n even_o from_o most_o true_a principle_n a_o evident_a example_n of_o this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o freewill_n of_o the_o papist_n but_o that_o most_o fond_a dream_n of_o they_o vanish_v like_o a_o vapour_n by_o this_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n only_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o only_a beginning_n and_o true_a cause_n of_o every_o good_a work_n again_o see_v god_n do_v regenerate_v man_n and_o make_v he_o fit_a for_o good_a work_n that_o other_o fiction_n which_o the_o papist_n have_v dream_v concern_v work_n foresee_v be_v overthrow_v and_o beat_v to_o piece_n for_o see_v no_o man_n can_v do_v good_a except_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o be_v change_v into_o a_o new_a creature_n it_o thence_o follow_v that_o god_n can_v foresee_v no_o other_o work_n in_o man_n but_o such_o as_o he_o himself_o shall_v work_v in_o he_o whence_o a_o man_n may_v easy_o gather_v which_o consider_v the_o matter_n any_o thing_n at_o all_o that_o this_o opinion_n concern_v work_v foresee_v be_v a_o mere_a and_o forge_a fable_n moreover_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o more_o gross_a sort_n of_o ubiquitary_n do_v in_o this_o place_n after_o their_o manner_n err_v and_o invent_v a_o new_a fiction_n whenas_o they_o think_v that_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a and_o hide_a power_n in_o tne_n water_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v able_a to_o convert_v and_o renew_v a_o man_n and_o from_o thence_o they_o labour_v to_o infer_v that_o they_o which_o be_v baptize_v be_v regenerate_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o baptism_n this_o unsavoury_a invention_n be_v the_o fosterer_n of_o noisome_a error_n but_o the_o falsehood_n thereof_o be_v find_v first_o in_o this_o that_o it_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o all_o be_v not_o regenerate_v which_o be_v baptize_v as_o we_o may_v see_v not_o only_o in_o simon_n magus_n but_o also_o in_o many_o other_o either_o open_o wicked_a or_o hypocrite_n under_o hand_n and_o secret_o which_o although_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o receyve_v baptism_n as_o a_o true_a mark_n of_o their_o regeneration_n yet_o their_o life_n sufficient_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v not_o regenerate_v for_o although_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v mean_n or_o instrument_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v effectual_a in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o his_o power_n and_o efficacy_n he_o have_v not_o tie_v himself_o unto_o they_o neither_o do_v he_o so_o work_v by_o they_o that_o that_o work_a shall_v always_o show_v itself_o
and_o exercise_v the_o strength_n thereof_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o administer_a they_o again_o they_o do_v offend_v and_o sin_v exceed_o and_o out_o of_o measure_n against_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o only_a efficient_a cause_n and_o principal_a worker_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n thereof_o therefore_o they_o attribute_v that_o unto_o the_o outward_a water_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v due_a only_a unto_o the_o holy_a spirit_n &_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n &_o so_o fall_v into_o a_o fallacy_n from_o that_o which_o be_v no_o cause_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o cause_n for_o they_o do_v cast_v that_o unto_o the_o false_a and_o feign_a cause_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v attribute_v unto_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n and_o so_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v do_v overthrow_n and_o undermine_v the_o principal_a head_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o whereas_o they_o infer_v that_o the_o pure_a and_o preciser_n sort_n of_o divine_n do_v deny_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o wash_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n 3.5_o tit._n 3.5_o as_o paul_n to_o titus_n speak_v this_o be_v a_o unsavoury_a and_o a_o vile_a cavil_n for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o admit_v and_o like_v of_o those_o word_n of_o paul_n in_o their_o true_a and_o natural_a meaning_n but_o do_v receive_v they_o as_o a_o most_o sound_a confirmation_n and_o strengthen_n of_o our_o cause_n for_o paul_n there_o plain_o pronounce_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v effect_n and_o work_v regeneration_n in_o us._n but_o our_o adversary_n do_v misunderstand_v those_o word_n of_o paul_n and_o do_v abuse_v they_o while_o they_o wrest_v they_o into_o a_o other_o sense_n as_o seducer_n use_v to_o do_v and_o apply_v they_o amiss_o and_o so_o do_v fall_v into_o a_o fallacy_n of_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o a_o word_n while_o they_o interpret_v that_o ill_a which_o they_o apply_v worst_a of_o all_o among_o true_a and_o sound_a divine_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n firm_o resolve_v and_o agree_v upon_o that_o the_o sacrament_n do_v not_o bring_v grace_n but_o do_v for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o faith_n seal_v up_o that_o which_o be_v bestow_v before_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o abraham_n 4.10_o rom._n 4.10_o as_o in_o the_o common_a example_n and_o father_n of_o all_o they_o which_o believe_v last_o they_o err_v not_o a_o little_a by_o this_o their_o most_o vain_a fiction_n while_o that_o they_o place_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o ground_n thereof_o in_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n for_o so_o they_o forge_v and_o frame_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n from_o the_o instrument_n that_o be_v use_v as_o mean_n and_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o apply_v they_o but_o with_o deep_a silence_n they_o do_v pass_v by_o and_o with_o wonderful_a craft_n neglect_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o salvation_n namely_o everlasting_a and_o free_a election_n and_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o deceive_v and_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o ignorant_a for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a nor_o more_o plentiful_a occasion_n to_o beguile_v and_o deceive_v then_o where_o false_a and_o imaginary_a cause_n be_v suppose_v for_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n moreover_o this_o regeneration_n here_o be_v always_o defective_a and_o imperfect_a and_o a_o small_a beginning_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o a_o certain_a onset_n unto_o it_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o also_o by_o daily_a experience_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v change_v into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 3.18_o 2._o cor._n 3.18_o 1.17_o rom._n 1.17_o and_o to_o go_v forward_o daily_a more_o and_o more_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n also_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o walk_v in_o his_o commandment_n 2.14_o eze._n 36.27_o tit._n 2.14_o and_o to_o keep_v his_o statute_n and_o to_o be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n these_o and_o the_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o elect_v be_v not_o the_o first_o day_n polish_v unto_o the_o high_a perfection_n but_o that_o by_o little_a and_o little_a as_o it_o be_v by_o degree_n they_o be_v bring_v from_o one_o virtue_n unto_o a_o other_o until_o after_o this_o life_n they_o shall_v come_v unto_o the_o high_a perfection_n for_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_a which_o must_v be_v change_v from_o one_o glory_n to_o another_o and_o go_v forward_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n second_o they_o which_o walk_v in_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o way_n and_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o race_n therefore_o they_o be_v unperfect_a for_o wayfaring_a man_n be_v often_o weery_v and_o now_o and_o then_o stumble_v and_o fall_v by_o reason_n of_o these_o or_o these_o let_n and_o hindrance_n so_o also_o the_o regenerate_a man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v weery_v in_o the_o course_n and_o study_v of_o godliness_n do_v slip_v often_o and_o fall_v into_o these_o and_o these_o sin_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n say_v plain_o 1.8_o 1._o john_n 1.8_o that_o they_o which_o say_v they_o have_v no_o sin_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o they_o also_o the_o most_o holy_a prophet_n do_v plain_o and_o free_o confess_v of_o themselves_o that_o their_o best_a work_n be_v pollute_v and_o stain_v with_o many_o and_o great_a imperfection_n 64._o esay_n 64._o for_o in_o they_o always_o the_o dregs_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n remain_v and_o abide_v and_o very_o often_o the_o sparkle_n of_o their_o lewd_a affection_n do_v break_v forth_o and_o show_v themselves_o but_o these_o hinder_v they_o not_o because_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o a_o pardon_n these_o thing_n the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n do_v only_o obtain_v some_o beginning_n of_o a_o new_a life_n here_o so_o that_o regeneration_n here_o be_v maim_v and_o unperfect_a for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v so_o illuminate_v and_o renew_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o elect_a 13.9_o 1._o cor._n 13.9_o that_o here_o they_o do_v know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o do_v so_o change_v and_o refine_v their_o will_n that_o they_o can_v will_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o in_o part_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o this_o life_n so_o that_o whether_o a_o man_n respect_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o regenerate_a or_o whether_o a_o man_n consider_v their_o will_n he_o shall_v easy_o find_v that_o they_o be_v unperfect_a for_o they_o which_o be_v renew_v still_o day_n by_o day_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o whole_o renew_v but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v here_o be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o perfect_a nor_o whole_o renew_v beside_o these_o there_o be_v many_o other_o token_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plentiful_a as_o which_o be_v wrought_v successive_o by_o the_o child_n of_o god_n either_o in_o rejoice_v at_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n or_o sorrow_v at_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o sure_o these_o do_v bewray_v their_o imperfection_n so_o that_o infirmity_n always_o abide_v and_o dwell_v in_o they_o with_o which_o they_o must_v strive_v even_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n with_o a_o intercourse_n of_o go_v backward_o and_o go_v forward_o as_o augustine_n say_v in_o one_o place_n second_o daily_a experience_n itself_o do_v convince_v and_o prove_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o godly_a for_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o age_n have_v offend_v and_o sin_v very_o often_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v unperfect_a for_o they_o which_o by_o regeneration_n be_v quite_o perfect_v be_v set_v out_o of_o all_o danger_n of_o sin_v any_o more_o furthermore_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v endue_v his_o child_n in_o this_o life_n with_o exquisite_a perfection_n therefore_o they_o can_v be_v make_v perfect_a here_o for_o god_n do_v not_o perform_v more_o in_o this_o work_n of_o regeneration_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n than_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o reveal_v word_n of_o promise_n and_o they_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o power_n can_v make_v themselves_o better_o and_o more_o holy_a then_o god_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v also_o the_o most_o holy_a apostle_n themselves_o say_v 3.2_o james._n 3.2_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o sin_v all_o john_n also_o in_o his_o epistle_n pronounce_v most_o plain_o say_v 1.8_o 1._o john_n 1.8_o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v
in_o themselves_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o be_v infect_v and_o stain_v with_o many_o fault_n and_o blemish_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n which_o wipe_v away_o all_o those_o blemish_n they_o be_v holy_a and_o righteous_a and_o so_o their_o righteousness_n do_v much_o more_o consist_v in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n then_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o good_a work_n as_o augustine_n in_o one_o place_n say_v very_o well_o the_o scripture_n in_o some_o place_n compare_v this_o favour_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o compassion_n which_o a_o father_n have_v towards_o his_o son_n for_o father_n do_v so_o love_v their_o child_n that_o albeit_o they_o see_v such_o or_o such_o blemish_n in_o their_o body_n they_o do_v not_o yet_o thrust_v or_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o door_n yea_o rather_o if_o they_o have_v child_n that_o be_v lame_a or_o tender_v eye_v or_o otherwise_o mark_v or_o misshape_v by_o any_o other_o blemish_n their_o fatherly_a love_n and_o natural_a affection_n be_v stir_v up_o &_o break_v forth_o so_o much_o the_o more_o unto_o pity_n &_o compassion_n of_o they_o and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o not_o cease_v to_o love_v they_o but_o also_o they_o be_v much_o more_o careful_a for_o their_o health_n &_o welfare_n then_o for_o other_o which_o be_v not_o so_o disease_v so_o also_o god_n the_o most_o merciful_a father_n of_o all_o father_n do_v pardon_v our_o fault_n when_o he_o have_v adopt_v we_o for_o his_o child_n therefore_o he_o will_v neither_o drive_v we_o out_o of_o door_n though_o we_o be_v unperfect_a nor_o cast_v our_o work_n out_o of_o his_o sight_n though_o they_o be_v stain_v with_o many_o spot_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o plain_a word_n though_o the_o righteous_a fall_n that_o be_v 37.24_o psal_n 37.24_o though_o he_o sin_v thus_o or_o thus_o yet_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v cast_v off_o let_v the_o godly_a therefore_o remember_v though_o they_o stumble_v and_o fall_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n that_o god_n remember_v and_o will_v not_o forsake_v his_o work_n so_o that_o god_n will_v finish_v the_o beginning_n of_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o work_v in_o they_o 1.6_o phil._n 1.6_o because_o god_n love_v and_o accept_v both_o they_o and_o their_o work_n therefore_o although_o god_n do_v punish_v the_o sin_n and_o transgression_n of_o his_o child_n by_o sundry_a way_n and_o divers_a affliction_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o execute_v revenge_n upon_o they_o in_o that_o extremity_n as_o he_o do_v upon_o the_o reprobate_n but_o use_v towards_o they_o a_o fatherly_a and_o mild_a chastisement_n as_o a_o most_o wholesome_a medicine_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o most_o comfortable_a promise_n psalm_n 89._o verse_n 31._o and_o so_o forward_o furthermore_o see_v the_o work_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v unperfect_a their_o obedience_n also_o which_o they_o perform_v and_o yield_v unto_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v unperfect_a but_o although_o it_o be_v such_o yet_o god_n not_o for_o any_o inward_a merit_n and_o worthiness_n of_o it_o but_o for_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o mercy_n sake_n do_v no_o less_o approve_v and_o accept_v it_o then_o if_o it_o be_v altogether_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a in_o every_o point_n as_o a_o father_n be_v content_v with_o any_o endeavour_n of_o his_o son_n and_o require_v not_o of_o he_o a_o exact_a perfection_n of_o work_n so_o that_o he_o see_v he_o obedient_a and_o dutiful_a from_o his_o heart_n so_o god_n also_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o earnest_n and_o sincere_a study_n and_o endeavour_v of_o obedience_n in_o his_o child_n but_o god_n do_v approve_v it_o as_o perfect_a because_o he_o esteem_v a_o obedient_a will_n as_o a_o work_n do_v for_o that_o cause_n he_o do_v accept_v and_o like_v of_o any_o care_n of_o obedience_n so_o that_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o proceed_v from_o the_o heart_n and_o albeit_o that_o care_n be_v defective_a and_o unperfect_a which_o in_o itself_o deserve_v rather_o to_o be_v reject_v then_o favour_v yet_o god_n do_v behold_v it_o with_o a_o merciful_a countenance_n and_o fatherly_a love_n this_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n the_o prophet_n malachy_n set_v down_o in_o plain_a word_n 3.17_o mal._n 3.17_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n in_o that_o day_n for_o a_o flock_n and_o i_o will_v spare_v they_o as_o a_o man_n spare_v his_o own_o son_n that_o serve_v he_o as_o therefore_o a_o father_n do_v not_o require_v full_a and_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o his_o son_n so_o likewise_o god_n do_v not_o demand_v exact_a and_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o his_o child_n but_o be_v content_a with_o such_o as_o they_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o humane_a fraylety_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v therefore_o whatsoever_o god_n promise_v unto_o the_o keeper_n of_o his_o law_n that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o this_o do_v the_o regenerate_a and_o godly_a obtain_v and_o come_v unto_o not_o that_o their_o work_n deserve_v this_o in_o their_o worth_n and_o excellency_n but_o because_o the_o infinitenes_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n have_v so_o dispose_v and_o appoint_v it_o to_o conclude_v although_o the_o work_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v imperfect_a and_o can_v merit_v salvation_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o be_v not_o unprofitable_a nor_o to_o be_v leave_v undo_v for_o they_o may_v be_v profitable_a for_o other_o end_n many_o of_o which_o be_v ordain_v for_o one_o thing_n here_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v it_o very_o fit_a and_o not_o unprofitable_a if_o i_o speak_v somewhat_o large_o and_o plain_o concern_v good_a work_n and_o that_o for_o the_o papist_n sake_n who_o do_v whole_o corrupt_v and_o quite_o overthrow_v the_o use_n of_o these_o work_n as_o also_o of_o all_o the_o scripture_n beside_o but_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o a_o brief_a summary_n and_o set_v down_o in_o a_o plain_a method_n may_v the_o more_o orderly_o be_v handle_v of_o i_o and_o the_o more_o easy_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o reader_n these_o three_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o mark_n set_v before_o us._n first_o what_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o work_n there_o be_v in_o this_o life_n and_o whether_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v attain_a and_o get_v by_o they_o or_o no._n second_o see_v that_o life_n everlasting_a be_v by_o all_o mean_v the_o mere_a and_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n why_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n do_v promise_v a_o reward_n and_o ascribe_v salvation_n unto_o they_o three_o why_o good_a work_n be_v to_o be_v do_v see_v salvation_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n attain_a by_o they_o that_o the_o first_o may_v right_o be_v understand_v we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o work_n of_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o divers_a condition_n be_v diverse_o to_o be_v consider_v for_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o effect_n by_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o cause_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o diversity_n find_v in_o the_o cause_n it_o ought_v likewise_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o effect_n for_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_o thing_n can_v be_v speak_v and_o affirm_v of_o divers_a matter_n and_o of_o unlike_a thing_n the_o judgement_n must_v likewise_o be_v unlike_a therefore_o man_n as_o touch_v his_o nature_n be_v wicked_a and_o untoward_a yea_o and_o so_o wicked_a that_o he_o be_v extreme_o contrary_a unto_o god_n and_o his_o will_n so_o that_o his_o work_n also_o before_o regeneration_n must_v needs_o be_v evil_a for_o from_o a_o evil_a cause_n there_o can_v proceed_v and_o be_v expect_v nothing_o but_o a_o evil_a effect_n because_o the_o effect_n differ_v not_o from_o the_o cause_n so_o that_o these_o work_n be_v worthy_o reject_v of_o god_n as_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a death_n and_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o and_o be_v so_o reject_v be_v most_o just_o condemn_v because_o they_o be_v extreme_o contrary_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n thus_o man_n and_o his_o work_n be_v so_o contrary_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o extreme_o contrary_a how_o then_o can_v man_n perform_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o estate_n of_o corruption_n and_o iniquity_n which_o may_v be_v approve_v or_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n when_o as_o man_n in_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o all_o his_o thought_n and_o action_n be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o god_n how_o can_v he_o deserve_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n hand_n therefore_o as_o man_n in_o this_o estate_n be_v whole_o corrupt_a and_o evil_a so_o likewise_o do_v he_o bring_v forth_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a work_n by_o which_o he_o can_v deserve_v nothing_o else_o of_o god_n but_o eternal_a death_n but_o here_o the_o papist_n with_o all_o their_o wit_n be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o that_o they_o fain_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a
sin_n which_o be_v many_o and_o grievous_a and_o be_v silent_a as_o concern_v his_o merit_n which_o be_v none_o at_o all_o such_o humble_v of_o one_o self_n be_v the_o exalt_v of_o god_n that_o be_v he_o which_o think_v himself_o unworthy_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n god_n make_v he_o worthy_a and_o exalt_v he_o to_o heaven_n for_o a_o unfeigned_a acknowledge_v and_o confession_n of_o a_o man_n own_o humility_n have_v the_o compassion_n of_o god_n as_o a_o remedy_n prepare_v for_o it_o as_o augustine_n in_o one_o place_n speak_v so_o that_o by_o how_o much_o a_o man_n be_v the_o more_o weak_a in_o himself_o by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v the_o lord_n sustain_v he_o therefore_o a_o true_a confession_n of_o their_o own_o imperfection_n be_v the_o chief_a perfection_n of_o the_o godly_a as_o be_v aforesaid_a but_o they_o which_o with_o full_a and_o open_a mouth_n boast_v and_o praise_v their_o own_o worthiness_n and_o strength_n be_v not_o regenerate_v at_o all_o neither_o do_v right_o know_v their_o own_o sin_n nor_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n for_o then_o be_v man_n wont_a to_o humble_v themselves_o before_o he_o when_o they_o see_v and_o know_v their_o own_o corruption_n but_o if_o they_o shall_v make_v a_o argument_n of_o contraries_n and_o conclude_v thus_o evil_n work_v condemn_v therefore_o good_a work_n save_v because_o that_o contraries_n have_v contrary_a consequence_n by_o conclude_v thus_o they_o conclude_v nothing_o &_o talk_n much_o to_o no_o effect_n because_o these_o be_v not_o true_a contraries_n for_o evil_a work_n be_v perfect_o evil_a but_o good_a work_n be_v but_o partly_o good_a only_o so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o equal_a on_o both_o side_n nor_o stretch_v not_o one_o so_o far_o as_o another_o which_o be_v require_v in_o true_a contraries_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o they_o for_o see_v that_o evil_a work_n be_v perfect_o evil_a there_o be_v more_o evil_a in_o they_o unto_o death_n because_o they_o be_v altogether_o contrary_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o see_v that_o good_a work_n be_v but_o only_o good_a in_o part_n therefore_o there_o be_v less_o good_a in_o they_o unto_o life_n because_o they_o be_v not_o every_o way_n agreeable_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o this_o it_o be_v manifest_o prove_v that_o these_o contraries_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v not_o every_o way_n equal_a so_o that_o the_o objection_n and_o conclusion_n of_o they_o proove_v nothing_o at_o all_o because_o it_o be_v whole_o sophistical_a and_o in_o no_o wise_a according_a to_o a_o syllogism_n and_o let_v it_o not_o trouble_v any_o man_n that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o work_n be_v say_v to_o be_v good_a and_o bad_a at_o one_o time_n because_o the_o respect_n have_v relation_n and_o reference_n unto_o divers_a head_n it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v evil_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o flesh_n from_o which_o it_o proceed_v and_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v good_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o who_o motion_n it_o come_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o this_o because_o good_a and_o bad_a may_v be_v in_o one_o thing_n both_o at_o once_o in_o a_o divers_a respect_n and_o let_v these_o thing_n suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o see_v the_o work_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v here_o always_o imperfect_a why_o god_n do_v ascribe_v salvation_n unto_o they_o and_o call_v his_o own_o free_a gift_n our_o reward_n chap._n 31._o now_o the_o second_o thing_n remain_v to_o be_v handle_v in_o a_o few_o word_n namely_o why_o the_o scripture_n do_v ascribe_v life_n and_o salvation_n unto_o imperfect_a and_o maim_a work_n see_v that_o they_o also_o be_v the_o free_a and_o undeserved_a gift_n of_o god_n here_o therefore_o we_o must_v know_v that_o god_n do_v oftentimes_o call_v his_o own_o free_a gift_n our_o reward_n not_o because_o they_o be_v due_a unto_o our_o merit_n and_o good_a deed_n but_o because_o they_o be_v add_v as_o supply_n unto_o the_o grace_n that_o have_v former_o be_v bestow_v upon_o us._n for_o to_o who_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v his_o election_n which_o be_v the_o first_o grace_n those_o also_o do_v he_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v with_o all_o other_o benefit_n which_o follow_v and_o depend_v thereof_o so_o that_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v be_v induce_v thereunto_o by_o his_o own_o mercy_n those_o also_o do_v he_o justify_v by_o the_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v justify_v he_o call_v they_o be_v call_v he_o regenerate_v they_o and_o be_v regenerate_v he_o glorifi_v they_o with_o these_o benefit_n do_v god_n enrich_v and_o adorn_v his_o child_n that_o nothing_o may_v be_v want_v in_o they_o unto_o salvation_n and_o these_o be_v with_o such_o a_o unseparable_a knot_n link_v one_o within_o a_o other_o that_o he_o which_o receyve_v one_o of_o they_o become_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o this_o respect_n these_o latter_a benefit_n be_v after_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o reward_n and_o wage_n of_o the_o former_a not_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n that_o deserve_v they_o but_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n that_o give_v they_o so_o that_o god_n take_v occasion_n to_o give_v these_o latter_a benefit_n unto_o man_n not_o for_o such_o or_o such_o merit_n of_o they_o but_o for_o his_o own_o former_a benefit_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v and_o pour_v upon_o they_o therefore_o the_o schoolman_n do_v in_o this_o point_n err_v gross_o in_o that_o they_o make_v these_o latter_a benefit_n to_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o man_n merit_n and_o that_o because_o they_o have_v use_v those_o former_a grace_n well_o and_o wise_o sure_o we_o must_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o god_n do_v reward_v the_o right_a use_n of_o his_o gift_n with_o great_a grace_n but_o we_o must_v always_o take_v heed_n that_o man_n merit_n be_v not_o oppose_v unto_o god_n bounty_n so_o that_o the_o reward_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v unto_o good_a work_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o their_o perfection_n and_o worthiness_n but_o descend_v from_o the_o greatness_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o from_o his_o bountiful_a liberality_n therefore_o as_o augustine_n in_o one_o place_n speak_v very_o well_o god_n crow_v not_o our_o merit_n but_o his_o own_o gift_n in_o us._n therefore_o whatsoever_o reward_n be_v give_v unto_o our_o good_a deed_n it_o be_v much_o rather_o in_o regard_n of_o undeserved_a grace_n then_o of_o a_o deserve_a reward_n for_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o flesh_n hinder_v we_o that_o we_o can_v merit_v grace_n &_o everlasting_a life_n therefore_o all_o obedience_n which_o we_o yield_v unto_o god_n deserve_v not_o the_o worth_n of_o a_o hair_n for_o which_o cause_n no_o reward_n can_v be_v appoint_v unto_o our_o work_n as_o due_a by_o desert_n or_o equity_n and_o when_o as_o god_n call_v his_o free_a gift_n our_o reward_n he_o seem_v to_o put_v on_o the_o person_n of_o man_n and_o as_o a_o father_n to_o make_v much_o of_o we_o to_o who_o nothing_o be_v please_v but_o reward_n and_o think_v not_o much_o as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o us._n he_o sure_o for_o his_o part_n do_v not_o only_o not_o owe_v we_o any_o thing_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a hold_v we_o all_o bound_n and_o indebt_v unto_o he_o and_o so_o bind_v as_o that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pay_v the_o least_o part_n again_o when_o as_o god_n ascribe_v that_o unto_o the_o godly_a beyond_o their_o desert_n which_o he_o give_v free_o he_o show_v how_o acceptable_a &_o wel-pleasing_a a_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o live_v well_o be_v unto_o he_o therefore_o by_o this_o term_n of_o reward_n he_o do_v inflame_v and_o stir_v they_o up_o unto_o the_o great_a study_n of_o godliness_n so_o that_o they_o employ_v themselves_o whole_o in_o his_o service_n therefore_o the_o reward_n be_v not_o promise_v and_o give_v unto_o the_o godly_a for_o their_o merit_n or_o desert_n but_o for_o the_o undeserved_a favour_n of_o god_n otherwise_o the_o most_o absolute_a observe_v of_o the_o law_n can_v not_o deserve_v the_o least_o reward_n for_o god_n have_v all_o mankind_n every_o way_n so_o bind_v and_o indebt_v unto_o he_o that_o he_o may_v right_o challenge_v for_o his_o own_o whatsoever_o proceed_v as_o well_o from_o each_o man_n in_o particular_a as_o from_o all_o man_n in_o general_n again_o the_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v so_o great_a that_o even_o the_o most_o perfect_a miss_v much_o and_o come_v far_o short_a of_o it_o in_o this_o life_n for_o as_o he_o leave_v undo_v many_o thing_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v so_o he_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o he_o shall_v have_v leave_v undo_v again_o among_o those_o good_a work_n which_o he_o do_v the_o flesh_n always_o mix_v some_o evil_n
condemnation_n or_o salvation_n according_a to_o their_o work_n so_o that_o none_o shall_v then_o be_v save_v except_o he_o be_v endue_v and_o clothe_v with_o good_a work_n by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v manifest_o with_o what_o a_o unjust_a and_o undeserved_a slander_n the_o papist_n do_v accuse_v and_o backbite_v we_o among_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a common_a sort_n of_o man_n when_o with_o open_a and_o impudent_a mouth_n they_o cry_v out_o upon_o we_o that_o we_o despise_v and_o reject_v good_a work_n when_o as_o they_o rather_o be_v they_o which_o do_v this_o for_o they_o reject_v and_o despise_v those_o work_n which_o be_v acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o out_o of_o their_o own_o brain_n do_v forge_n and_o invent_v work_n of_o their_o own_o by_o which_o they_o say_v they_o can_v prevent_v and_o deserve_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o these_o feign_a work_n they_o vaunt_v themselves_o unto_o the_o rude_a and_o simple_a that_o they_o can_v attain_v unto_o glory_n by_o they_o but_o see_v they_o have_v not_o true_a work_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o renew_n of_o grace_n or_o at_o the_o least_o do_v not_o teach_v the_o right_a use_n of_o true_a work_n they_o lose_v their_o glory_n with_o god_n and_o here_o a_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n thus_o speak_v brief_o as_o by_o the_o way_n concern_v good_a work_n now_o return_v we_o unto_o the_o further_o handle_v of_o regeneration_n although_o the_o regeneration_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v unperfect_a and_o but_o only_o begin_v in_o this_o life_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a unto_o every_o christian_a as_o that_o without_o it_o not_o one_o can_v be_v save_v second_o although_o it_o he_o unperfect_a yet_o it_o be_v never_o at_o a_o end_n last_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o scripture_n unto_o who_o regeneration_n happen_v chap._n 33._o although_o regeneration_n be_v unperfect_a and_o be_v but_o only_o begin_v in_o this_o life_n so_o that_o the_o godly_a can_v never_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o act_n perform_v so_o much_o as_o in_o will_v they_o be_v press_v to_o do_v 12.14_o heb._n 12.14_o yet_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a unto_o every_o one_o that_o without_o it_o no_o man_n can_v attain_v unto_o salvation_n for_o the_o generation_n of_o every_o one_o be_v condemn_v in_o adam_n as_o in_o the_o common_a father_n of_o we_o all_o for_o which_o cause_n as_o augustine_n say_v 336._o tom._n 10._o col_fw-fr 336._o every_o one_o that_o be_v beget_v be_v condemn_v except_o he_o be_v beget_v again_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n say_v plain_o and_o absolute_o that_o no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n except_o he_o be_v bear_v again_o 12.14_o john_n 3.3_o heb._n 12.14_o their_o eye_n only_o shall_v see_v god_n which_o have_v be_v renew_v unto_o his_o image_n for_o man_n in_o his_o nature_n be_v whole_o corrupt_v and_o a_o stranger_n from_o god_n 4.18_o ephes_n 4.18_o and_o from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o sin_n do_v whole_o possess_v he_o by_o this_o it_o be_v clear_a enough_o 7.16_o rom._n 7.16_o how_o necessary_a regeneration_n be_v and_o a_o new_a creature_n in_o christ_n jesus_n moreover_o although_o regeneration_n in_o this_o life_n be_v very_o small_a and_o unperfect_a continual_o yet_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v make_v so_o great_a in_o the_o elect_a as_o that_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n be_v restrain_v and_o weaken_v in_o they_o that_o it_o bear_v not_o the_o whole_a sway_n nor_o reign_v and_o rule_v at_o large_a so_o that_o although_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o regenerate_a do_v fall_v now_o and_o then_o into_o such_o or_o such_o sin_n 7.18_o rom._n 7.18_o yet_o they_o never_o sin_v with_o all_o their_o mind_n and_o with_o their_o whole_a will_n but_o do_v so_o resist_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o never_o full_o approve_v and_o do_v that_o which_o it_o persuade_v and_o bid_v so_o that_o in_o they_o there_o be_v such_o reluctation_n and_o strive_v 7.25_o rom._n 7.25_o that_o the_o reform_v will_n desire_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n persuade_v another_o thus_o they_o do_v not_o that_o which_o they_o will_v but_o that_o which_o they_o hate_v that_o do_v they_o so_o with_o their_o mind_n they_o serve_v and_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o with_o their_o flesh_n the_o â—â—â—w_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o in_o they_o there_o be_v in_o a_o divers_a respect_n both_o a_o will_n and_o no_o will_n there_o be_v a_o will_n as_o they_o be_v reform_v and_o renew_v by_o the_o heavenly_a grace_n there_o be_v no_o will_n in_o they_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v not_o regenerate_v and_o obey_v the_o flesh_n in_o they_o the_o reform_v and_o renew_v will_n fight_v and_o strive_v with_o the_o unregenerate_a part_n that_o at_o the_o length_n it_o become_v conqueror_n and_o overcommer_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n that_o persuade_v and_o invit_v man_n unto_o goodness_n be_v more_o mighty_a than_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n that_o tempt_v unto_o evil_n and_o thus_o far_o of_o the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o regeneration_n now_o the_o three_o remain_v brief_o to_o be_v unfold_v and_o declare_v this_o regeneration_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v afford_v unto_o none_o but_o unto_o the_o elect_a only_o this_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a word_n say_v and_o plain_o prove_v that_o they_o only_o be_v enlighten_v and_o do_v come_v unto_o faith_n which_o be_v ordain_v unto_o eternal_a life_n 15.48_o act._n 15.48_o for_o faith_n proceed_v and_o come_v from_o regeneration_n and_o both_o be_v contain_v under_o election_n therefore_o none_o be_v regenerate_v but_o the_o elect_a and_o again_o none_o be_v elect_v but_o they_o which_o shall_v be_v regenerate_v and_o endue_v with_o faith_n here_o therefore_o be_v convertible_a term_n which_o be_v equal_a one_o to_o a_o other_o and_o may_v one_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o other_o also_o paul_n in_o this_o cheyne_n affirm_v plain_o that_o the_o elect_v only_o be_v glorify_v for_o so_o he_o say_v who_o he_o predestinate_v those_o also_o he_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v those_o also_o he_o iustify_v and_o who_o he_o iustify_v those_o also_o he_o glorify_v therefore_o this_o glorification_n happen_v unto_o none_o but_o unto_o those_o that_o be_v predestinate_v by_o this_o most_o heavenly_a gradation_n from_o the_o high_a unto_o the_o low_a it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n answer_v and_o agree_v very_o fit_o unto_o the_o preface_n or_o beginning_n thereof_o now_o they_o which_o be_v glorify_v be_v first_o regenerate_v unto_o a_o sincere_a and_o holy_a life_n then_o they_o be_v renew_v more_o full_o and_o perfect_o daily_a by_o continual_a proceed_n towards_o the_o attaynement_n of_o everlasting_a life_n until_o that_o their_o glorification_n be_v full_o end_v and_o finish_v they_o be_v make_v happy_a both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n together_o and_o translate_v into_o the_o heavenly_a rest_n so_o god_n do_v prepare_v man_n and_o make_v he_o fit_a by_o regeneration_n for_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n which_o can_v neither_o perish_v nor_o be_v defile_v 1.4_o 1._o pet._n 1.4_o nor_o fade_v away_o therefore_o who_o he_o adorn_v in_o this_o world_n with_o his_o grace_n those_o also_o he_o crow_v in_o heaven_n with_o glory_n this_o regeneration_n howsoever_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n it_o be_v very_o weak_a yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o beginning_n thereof_o it_o be_v far_o more_o firm_a than_o the_o frame_n of_o heaven_n for_o it_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o effector_n and_o preserver_n thereof_o he_o therefore_o which_o will_v disannul_v and_o overthrow_v that_o must_v first_o vanquish_v god_n and_o thrust_v he_o from_o his_o throne_n for_o god_n do_v not_o only_o glorify_v his_o child_n but_o also_o do_v preserve_v they_o in_o that_o glorification_n and_o other_o spiritual_a gift_n until_o at_o the_o length_n he_o final_o glorify_v and_o crown_v they_o both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n for_o after_o that_o true_a faith_n have_v once_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o a_o man_n it_o can_v never_o fall_v quite_o away_o and_o whole_o decay_v for_o it_o be_v ground_v and_o prop_v up_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 1.5_o 1._o pet._n 1.5_o and_o in_o it_o it_o have_v a_o most_o strong_a foundation_n indeed_o it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o course_n and_o fervency_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v much_o interrupt_v and_o allay_v by_o this_o or_o that_o fall_n but_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n be_v fasten_v and_o plant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o bud_n that_o spring_v from_o thence_o can_v never_o be_v quite_o supplant_v and_o clean_o root_v out_o and_o if_o that_o faith_n once_o give_v