kind_n of_o praedestination_n and_o by_o what_o propriety_n election_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o kind_n of_o praedestination_n be_v describe_v which_o that_o they_o may_v more_o large_o be_v explain_v they_o be_v divide_v into_o certain_a several_a chapter_n even_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v most_o affinity_n among_o themselves_o chap._n 8._o see_v then_o that_o praedestination_n have_v two_o kind_n or_o part_n which_o in_o their_o effect_n and_o end_n do_v much_o differ_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o to_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o divers_a object_n and_o contrary_a end_n one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v attribute_v nor_o give_v unto_o they_o it_o be_v behooveful_a therefore_o and_o necessity_n do_v require_v it_o also_o that_o for_o the_o more_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n sake_n every_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v handle_v several_o the_o order_n of_o teach_v therefore_o require_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o election_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o next_o of_o the_o rejection_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o wicked_a election_n be_v the_o eternal_a free_a and_o unchangeable_a purpose_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n will_v whereby_o god_n have_v decree_v with_o himself_o to_o convert_v unto_o christ_n some_o separate_v from_o out_o of_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o mankind_n and_o in_o he_o to_o save_v they_o and_o through_o he_o to_o give_v they_o everlasting_a life_n this_o definition_n as_o well_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o the_o manner_n and_o end_n we_o find_v express_o set_v down_o in_o saint_n paul_n to_o the_o ephesian_n where_o the_o apostle_n say_v 4.5_o cap._n 1._o vers_fw-la 4.5_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o he_o namely_o in_o christ_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n before_o he_o through_o love_n who_o have_v predestinate_v we_o into_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n by_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will._n whereas_o he_o say_v in_o he_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n he_o have_v choose_v we_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o express_o point_v at_o this_o eternal_a counsel_n for_o as_o much_o as_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n have_v by_o his_o determinate_a counsel_n foreordayned_n some_o man_n unto_o life_n eternal_a whereas_o he_o say_v in_o christ_n he_o show_v the_o mean_n whereby_o of_o unworthy_a he_o make_v we_o worthy_a to_o wit_n that_o salvation_n whole_o be_v get_v and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o through_o christ_n for_o he_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n turn_v unto_o himself_o we_o that_o be_v go_v astray_o and_o draw_v we_o unto_o he_o and_o graft_v we_o into_o himself_o by_o a_o true_a faith_n be_v graft_v into_o he_o do_v merciful_o and_o mighty_o preserve_v we_o in_o this_o life_n and_o do_v daily_o renew_v and_o fashion_v we_o more_o and_o more_o according_a to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n until_o at_o length_n we_o have_v put_v off_o this_o flesh_n and_o lay_v aside_o all_o other_o infirmity_n he_o may_v bring_v we_o into_o eternal_a life_n therefore_o although_o god_n have_v separate_v and_o choose_v into_o the_o fellowship_n of_o salvation_n man_n which_o in_o themselves_o be_v whole_o defile_v and_o most_o unworthy_a from_o among_o other_o to_o who_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o they_o be_v every_o way_n alike_o yet_o by_o elect_v they_o in_o christ_n of_o most_o unworthy_a he_o have_v make_v they_o most_o worthy_a through_o his_o worthiness_n whosoever_o therefore_o god_n have_v love_v from_o everlasting_a those_o he_o determine_v to_o make_v dear_a unto_o himself_o in_o christ_n their_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n as_o often_o therefore_o as_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o the_o eternal_a love_n and_o election_n of_o god_n so_o often_o as_o concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o execution_n of_o both_o there_o be_v understand_v and_o presuppose_v christ_n the_o mediator_n as_o the_o only_a ground_n and_o sure_a foundation_n of_o they_o both_o but_o that_o this_o definition_n of_o election_n may_v the_o more_o easy_o be_v conceyve_v and_o more_o plain_o be_v understand_v of_o every_o one_o the_o propriety_n thereof_o must_v orderly_o be_v set_v down_o and_o lay_v open_a as_o for_o the_o propriety_n of_o election_n although_o all_o of_o they_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o this_o short_a abridgement_n of_o the_o definition_n because_o usual_o the_o definition_n of_o thing_n be_v make_v of_o more_o general_a word_n which_o under_o they_o contain_v the_o more_o particular_a yet_o all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o contain_v as_o understand_v under_o these_o or_o do_v necessary_o follow_v they_o in_o the_o order_n of_o attain_v of_o salvation_n and_o do_v depend_v of_o they_o like_a as_o the_o link_n of_o any_o chain_n be_v combine_v one_o within_o a_o other_o here_o be_v a_o most_o strong_a foundation_n lay_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n child_n for_o as_o much_o as_o election_n and_o so_o consequent_o salvation_n that_o depend_v of_o it_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v annihilate_v and_o perish_v because_o it_o be_v stay_v &_o ground_v on_o the_o eternal_a good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n chap._n 9_o the_o first_o propriety_n therefore_o of_o election_n be_v the_o eternal_a decree_n which_o be_v beyond_o and_o before_o all_o age_n in_o as_o much_o as_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n do_v think_v of_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n before_o he_o have_v create_v any_o thing_n this_o circumstance_n of_o eternal_a time_n do_v declare_v that_o god_n alone_o do_v of_o himself_o bring_v to_o pass_v the_o work_n of_o our_o salvation_n according_a unto_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n this_o decree_n of_o election_n he_o do_v only_o once_o make_v before_o all_o beginning_n which_o always_o after_o remain_v firm_a for_o ever_o and_o continue_v unchangeable_a throughout_o all_o succeed_a age_n it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o this_o decree_n whereas_o the_o prophet_n say_v that_o god_n yet_o choose_v zion_n and_o jerusalem_n for_o such_o a_o election_n be_v the_o manifestation_n the_o continuance_n and_o the_o apply_v of_o that_o heavenly_a &_o eternal_a election_n for_o god_n in_o man_n judgement_n seem_v then_o to_o elect_v a_o man_n when_o he_o call_v he_o &_o bless_v he_o and_o make_v he_o partaker_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o of_o this_o eternity_n there_o be_v often_o mention_v make_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o all_o merit_n and_o all_o other_o mean_n whatsoever_o to_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o bind_v &_o attribute_v their_o salvation_n may_v be_v wipe_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n &_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n alone_o may_v only_o be_v acknowledge_v &_o honour_v for_o the_o sole_a cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n 1â—_n ephes_n 1â—_n so_o paul_n manifest_o and_o in_o express_a word_n affirm_v that_o we_o be_v choose_v in_o christ_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v 1.9_o 2._o tim._n 1.9_o &_o that_o god_n have_v call_v we_o with_o a_o holy_a call_n not_o according_a to_o our_o work_n but_o according_a to_o his_o purpose_n &_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o christ_n jesus_n before_o the_o world_n begin_v by_o these_o &_o the_o like_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n be_v teach_v that_o god_n decree_n touch_v our_o salvation_n be_v no_o new_a nor_o sudden_a thing_n but_o eternal_a and_o without_o any_o beginning_n and_o that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o regard_n of_o our_o merit_n or_o worthiness_n because_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o for_o as_o yet_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o create_v as_o often_o as_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n we_o be_v call_v unto_o this_o eternal_a election_n as_o to_o the_o fountain_n of_o salvation_n and_o that_o for_o sundry_a cause_n these_o be_v the_o especial_a cause_n why_o god_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o salvation_n reduce_v we_o to_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n first_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o change_n in_o god_n for_o if_o after_o sin_n commit_v he_o have_v be_v think_v himself_o of_o compassion_n towards_o we_o and_o have_v take_v no_o care_n for_o it_o before_o he_o may_v sure_o seem_v changeable_a as_o he_o that_o will_v and_o appoint_v one_o thing_n before_o sin_n and_o another_o thing_n after_o sin_n but_o see_v that_o god_n from_o everlasting_a have_v decree_v and_o ordain_v salvation_n for_o we_o long_o before_o sin_n be_v commit_v hereby_o be_v prove_v manifest_o the_o settle_a unchangeableness_n and_o continual_a constancy_n of_o his_o
best_a reject_v for_o there_o be_v many_o good_a man_n find_v which_o want_v those_o outward_a thing_n and_o many_o time_n they_o be_v wicked_a which_o overflow_n and_o abound_v with_o they_o therefore_o that_o objection_n of_o the_o accept_n of_o person_n be_v not_o simple_a but_o do_v comprehend_v many_o evil_n under_o it_o by_o which_o satan_n on_o the_o one_o side_n do_v with_o main_n force_n push_n at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n do_v open_o set_v himself_o against_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o labour_v to_o overthrow_v and_o hinder_v it_o for_o salvation_n can_v be_v obtain_v if_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o salvation_n be_v not_o understand_v and_o know_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v bring_v forth_o by_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o by_o his_o own_o proper_a and_o true_a cause_n but_o if_o this_o objection_n shall_v take_v place_n salvation_n shall_v be_v transport_v from_o the_o true_a cause_n thereof_o unto_o a_o false_a cause_n and_o so_o be_v in_o ieoperdy_o of_o lose_v moreover_o god_n when_o he_o elect_v we_o do_v call_v we_o as_o it_o be_v from_o nothing_o for_o there_o be_v no_o good_a thing_n in_o our_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v acceptable_a and_o approve_a unto_o he_o therefore_o of_o his_o free_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n he_o decree_v to_o adopt_v we_o for_o child_n by_o election_n by_o all_o these_o thing_n it_o evident_o appear_v and_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v absolute_a power_n and_o free_a will_n in_o the_o elect_n and_o reprobate_v of_o man_n for_o god_n be_v bereave_v of_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n unless_o this_o authority_n be_v grant_v he_o over_o man_n to_o be_v the_o only_a judge_n and_o disposer_n of_o life_n and_o death_n eternal_a although_o god_n from_o everlasting_a have_v in_o his_o just_a judgement_n cast_v away_o the_o reprobate_n from_o all_o hope_n of_o salvation_n yet_o they_o be_v condemn_v for_o nothing_o but_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o misdeed_n so_o that_o they_o can_v complain_v but_o of_o their_o own_o deserve_n chap._n 19_o eleventhly_o this_o decree_n of_o predestination_n be_v a_o just_a decree_n for_o god_n in_o his_o work_n be_v not_o only_o most_o free_a but_o also_o in_o the_o same_o be_v most_o just_a and_o upright_o therefore_o whatsoever_o he_o will_v and_o do_v he_o will_v and_o do_v just_o in_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o he_o have_v reprobate_v some_o man_n and_o appoint_v they_o to_o eternal_a damnation_n he_o have_v reprobate_v and_o decree_v to_o condemn_v they_o just_o but_o that_o this_o question_n may_v the_o more_o clear_o be_v discuss_v and_o the_o better_a understand_v we_o must_v note_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o god_n in_o his_o nature_n be_v just_a second_o that_o over_o and_o beside_o his_o nature_n he_o will_v and_o do_v nothing_o in_o his_o work_n but_o that_o which_o be_v just_a moreover_o god_n be_v so_o just_a in_o his_o nature_n as_o that_o his_o justice_n be_v not_o any_o accidental_a quality_n which_o be_v get_v and_o attain_a by_o such_o or_o such_o action_n or_o which_o sometime_o admit_v augmentation_n and_o sometime_o diminution_n but_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a propriety_n in_o god_n which_o can_v be_v absent_a from_o god_n except_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v god_n so_o that_o justice_n most_o proper_o agree_v unto_o god_n for_o he_o be_v just_a indeed_o proper_o and_o so_o just_a that_o not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o justice_n can_v be_v find_v to_o be_v which_o proceed_v and_o come_v not_o from_o god_n justice_n therefore_o the_o creature_n have_v so_o much_o justice_n and_o uprightness_n as_o it_o please_v god_n to_o instill_v and_o pour_v into_o they_o so_o that_o god_n justice_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o wellspring_n of_o all_o other_o justice_n certain_o god_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o will_n be_v so_o just_a that_o no_o unjust_a thing_n can_v not_o only_o be_v find_v in_o he_o but_o withal_o likewise_o he_o can_v endure_v no_o iniquity_n in_o his_o creature_n for_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o just_a continual_o but_o also_o it_o be_v the_o only_a imitable_a measure_n and_o rule_v of_o all_o other_o righteousness_n and_o that_o so_o that_o no_o other_o thing_n can_v be_v either_o just_a or_o unjust_a but_o those_o which_o god_n shall_v pronounce_v just_a or_o unjust_a therefore_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v judge_v unjust_a can_v in_o any_o wise_a be_v just_a and_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o thing_n which_o he_o shall_v esteem_v as_o just_a no_o man_n ought_v to_o think_v unjust_a therefore_o see_v that_o god_n both_o in_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o his_o will_n be_v exceed_o just_a it_o follow_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v and_o do_v must_v needs_o be_v just_a for_o as_o every_o cause_n do_v bring_v forth_o his_o effect_n so_o also_o that_o effect_n do_v declare_v of_o what_o sort_n the_o cause_n be_v for_o as_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o effect_n proceed_v from_o the_o cause_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v by_o his_o effect_n for_o such_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v such_o also_o must_v the_o effect_n need_v follow_v therefore_o from_o a_o just_a cause_n there_o must_v needs_o proceed_v just_a effect_n wherefore_o in_o that_o that_o god_n have_v reprobate_v many_o man_n and_o reject_v they_o from_o his_o grace_n he_o have_v reprobate_v they_o and_o reject_v they_o just_o for_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v just_a as_o the_o scripture_n say_v but_o reprobation_n be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v just_a for_o who_o will_v deny_v that_o to_o be_v in_o the_o species_n the_o species_n particular_a kind_n which_o be_v in_o the_o genus_fw-la the_o genus_fw-la general_a or_o who_o will_v say_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v not_o in_o the_o effect_n this_o justice_n or_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v altogether_o incomprehensible_a and_o stretch_v and_o enlarge_v itself_o as_o far_o as_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o god_n do_v therefore_o god_n can_v deliberate_v and_o do_v many_o and_o infinite_a thing_n far_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n and_o that_o most_o upright_o although_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n therefore_o howsoever_o god_n from_o everlasting_a have_v appoint_v certain_a man_n to_o eternal_a perdition_n before_o they_o be_v create_v or_o have_v do_v any_o evil_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o he_o can_v be_v convince_v of_o any_o injustice_n because_o that_o he_o have_v free_a power_n over_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o just_a will_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o he_o may_v just_o do_v in_o all_o his_o creature_n whatsoever_o he_o do_v or_o will_v do_v therefore_o in_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v some_o man_n unto_o everlasting_a destruction_n he_o have_v do_v just_o for_o he_o be_v a_o most_o free_a agent_n therefore_o though_o he_o take_v pity_n upon_o some_o and_o reject_v other_o though_o he_o regenerate_v some_o and_o harden_v other_o though_o he_o save_v some_o and_o destroy_v other_o yet_o these_o and_o such_o like_a work_n be_v the_o just_a work_n of_o god_n which_o he_o may_v do_v free_o be_v it_o not_o lawful_a form_n say_v that_o lord_n of_o the_o vineyard_n in_o the_o parable_n 20.15_o mat._n 20.15_o to_o do_v what_o i_o will_v with_o my_o own_o therefore_o those_o work_n as_o they_o be_v do_v of_o god_n be_v just_a and_o good_a work_n but_o if_o the_o same_o work_n or_o the_o like_a to_o these_o shall_v be_v do_v of_o man_n they_o be_v unjust_a and_o great_a offence_n because_o they_o will_v be_v manifest_o repugnant_a &_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o law_n command_v that_o man_n shall_v love_v other_o as_o themselves_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v at_o all_o time_n and_o by_o all_o mean_n and_o duty_n that_o they_o can_v save_v and_o defend_v they_o and_o not_o destroy_v they_o so_o that_o god_n give_v a_o law_n unto_o man_n to_o love_n and_o save_v other_o but_o he_o give_v not_o that_o law_n to_o himself_o for_o he_o may_v just_o hate_v they_o who_o man_n by_o the_o law_n be_v command_v to_o love_n therefore_o god_n be_v just_a at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o every_o place_n although_o some_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v and_o do_v seem_v very_o unjust_a unto_o flesh_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n for_o what_o can_v seem_v more_o unrighteous_a or_o unjust_a unto_o flesh_n then_o to_o condemn_v a_o man_n unto_o eternal_a destruction_n before_o he_o have_v do_v any_o evil_n when_o as_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v the_o just_a work_n of_o god_n which_o be_v therefore_o just_a because_o it_o be_v god_n will_n this_o work_n and_o decree_n of_o reprobation_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n seem_v contrary_a
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
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
moral_a work_n which_o by_o their_o own_o worth_n can_v make_v man_n gracious_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n before_o they_o have_v be_v regenerate_v and_o graft_v into_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o those_o merit_n they_o call_v merit_n ex_fw-la congruo_fw-la so_o call_v because_o that_o as_o they_o say_v by_o right_a and_o equity_n they_o deserve_v some_o reward_n which_o god_n by_o right_n be_v bind_v to_o repay_v they_o if_o this_o be_v true_a why_o then_o man_n belike_o shall_v not_o be_v whole_o infect_v and_o corrupt_v with_o original_a sin_n but_o man_n as_o we_o have_v testimony_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v whole_o infect_v and_o corrupt_v with_o original_a sin_n 51.7_o gen._n 6.5_o psal_n 51.7_o therefore_o that_o idle_a fiction_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mere_a invention_n of_o the_o devil_n sure_o those_o work_n which_o proceed_v from_o any_o man_n before_o his_o regeneration_n be_v every_o way_n foul_a and_o ugly_a sin_n to_o which_o by_o right_a and_o equity_n there_o be_v no_o reward_n else_o due_a but_o only_o everlasting_a torment_n but_o it_o go_v very_o well_o and_o fair_o with_o we_o if_o god_n do_v not_o punish_v they_o in_o we_o as_o they_o deserve_v again_o all_o those_o work_n of_o man_n although_o they_o seem_v fair_a and_o comely_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v skan_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n law_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v mere_a filth_n and_o unsavoury_a pollution_n and_o that_o as_o the_o star_n which_o although_o they_o seem_v most_o bright_a in_o the_o night_n time_n yet_o at_o the_o arise_v and_o presence_n of_o the_o sun_n they_o lose_v their_o brightness_n so_o likewise_o those_o work_n of_o man_n which_o in_o the_o common_a view_n seem_v to_o be_v right_a and_o beautiful_a shall_v be_v manifest_a iniquity_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n so_o laudable_a sincerity_n here_o shall_v be_v great_a uncleanenes_n there_o and_o that_o which_o here_o be_v approve_v as_o great_a glory_n shall_v there_o be_v reject_v as_o extreme_a shame_n and_o reproach_n far_o therefore_o be_v from_o we_o these_o faire-shewing_a and_o foule-meaning_n hypocrite_n which_o cover_v the_o corruption_n and_o wickedness_n that_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n with_o a_o vain_a flourish_n and_o feign_a mask_n and_o by_o their_o merit_n which_o be_v worse_a than_o extreme_a filthiness_n do_v labour_n to_o win_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v he_o behold_v unto_o they_o sure_o it_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n that_o they_o do_v provoke_v god_n more_o and_o more_o by_o these_o their_o work_n see_v that_o they_o be_v execrable_a sin_n again_o they_o do_v pluck_v upon_o their_o head_n the_o more_o grievous_a judgement_n and_o do_v aggravate_v their_o punishment_n in_o that_o they_o think_v that_o their_o work_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o damnable_a sin_n extreme_o contrary_a unto_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v please_v unto_o god_n and_o worthy_a of_o his_o favour_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v change_n god_n into_o a_o devil_n and_o make_v he_o the_o patron_n of_o sin_n to_o appoint_v a_o reward_n for_o they_o therefore_o far_o be_v from_o a_o christian_a man_n heart_n all_o those_o work_n which_o be_v thus_o far_o opposite_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o condemn_v of_o he_o as_o mere_a offence_n then_o after_o that_o god_n have_v begin_v to_o renew_v man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n of_o evil_n they_o become_v good_a and_o that_o but_o in_o part_n only_o for_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n be_v but_o only_o restrain_v and_o amend_v in_o some_o sort_n for_o as_o be_v aforesaid_a the_o elect_a be_v regenerate_v but_o imperfect_o in_o this_o life_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o whole_o good_a and_o conformeable_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n wherefore_o their_o work_n also_o can_v be_v good_a but_o in_o part_n only_o and_o not_o perfect_a for_o there_o can_v be_v more_o in_o the_o effect_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o cause_n but_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o cause_n much_o more_o therefore_o the_o work_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v partly_o good_a and_o partly_o evil_a they_o be_v good_a as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o operation_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v evil_a as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o flesh_n and_o unregenerate_a part_n and_o do_v decline_v and_o stray_v from_o the_o rule_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n law_n by_o this_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o no_o work_n of_o man_n be_v so_o praiseworthy_a as_o augustine_n say_v well_o which_o be_v not_o defile_v and_o stain_v with_o some_o blemish_n or_o other_o these_o work_n deserve_v nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o salvation_n because_o they_o be_v imperfect_a and_o stray_v and_o swarve_v very_o far_o from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o law_n require_v so_o great_a perfection_n as_o that_o it_o condemn_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o the_o least_o sin_n again_o unperfect_a work_n according_a unto_o the_o canonical_a rule_n which_o the_o lawyer_n so_o call_v be_v as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o do_v at_o all_o for_o such_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v such_o also_o must_v the_o effect_n need_v be_v see_v therefore_o that_o the_o cause_n be_v unperfect_a the_o effect_n must_v needs_o follow_v unperfect_a for_o it_o be_v extreme_a and_o ridiculous_a madness_n to_o look_v for_o a_o perfect_a and_o durable_a work_n from_o a_o imperfect_a and_o transitory_a cause_n therefore_o these_o work_n be_v prove_v and_o convince_v to_o be_v unperfect_a from_o their_o cause_n which_o be_v unperfect_a so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n seek_v for_o a_o reward_n by_o they_o he_o shall_v find_v punishment_n as_o saint_n augustine_n say_v for_o man_n in_o the_o least_o thing_n be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v so_o much_o as_o the_o law_n require_v therefore_o he_o can_v be_v think_v righteous_a and_o acquit_v before_o god_n and_o before_o his_o just_a judgement_n seat_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o own_o work_n wo_n therefore_o unto_o the_o life_n of_o man_n even_o the_o most_o commendable_a as_o the_o same_o augustine_n say_v if_o it_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a unto_o the_o strict_a rigour_n of_o the_o law_n without_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n moreover_o see_v these_o good_a work_n proceed_v not_o from_o man_n strength_n but_o do_v spring_v the_o power_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n man_n can_v deserve_v or_o get_v any_o thing_n by_o they_o see_v they_o be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o man_n do_v they_o not_o of_o himself_o but_o god_n do_v work_v they_o in_o he_o so_o that_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n command_v &_o to_o receive_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o promise_v be_v both_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o so_o man_n have_v no_o merit_n of_o his_o own_o therefore_o the_o free_a work_n of_o god_n fall_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o man_n merit_n because_o those_o work_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o the_o deed_n of_o man_n proceed_v from_o their_o own_o strength_n therefore_o the_o papist_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o hunt_v for_o salvation_n by_o these_o work_n be_v of_o all_o hunter_n the_o most_o vain_a for_o their_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n be_v always_o frustrate_a and_o without_o effect_n for_o they_o shall_v never_o attain_v unto_o that_o which_o they_o seek_v for_o by_o they_o and_o they_o play_v the_o fool_n more_o absurd_o then_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v able_a to_o strike_v fire_n out_o of_o the_o sea_n certain_o in_o this_o their_o foolhardy_a enterprise_n they_o do_v manifest_o tempt_v god_n in_o that_o they_o go_v about_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v thing_n that_o be_v infinite_o far_a great_a than_o their_o strength_n will_v suffer_v or_o permit_v again_o in_o that_o they_o boast_v their_o own_o desert_n so_o confident_o and_o bold_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v not_o regenerate_v and_o that_o they_o know_v not_o themselves_o at_o all_o for_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v he_o see_v and_o bewail_v his_o own_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n and_o so_o find_v and_o perceive_v by_o experience_n that_o he_o can_v do_v no_o good_a thing_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n therefore_o from_o his_o heart_n do_v he_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o in_o the_o grief_n of_o his_o heart_n with_o much_o lament_n do_v he_o earnest_o pray_v against_o those_o plague_n which_o he_o have_v deserve_v also_o he_o confess_v his_o
a_o reward_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o godly_a he_o do_v it_o not_o as_o if_o the_o work_n by_o their_o worth_n and_o dignity_n deserve_v any_o thing_n but_o as_o a_o good_a father_n he_o appli_v himself_o to_o the_o affection_n &_o desire_n of_o his_o child_n for_o he_o know_v that_o man_n be_v thus_o affect_v that_o they_o will_v take_v pain_n for_o no_o man_n free_o but_o that_o they_o look_v for_o some_o reward_n from_o he_o for_o who_o they_o labour_v and_o so_o that_o he_o may_v make_v his_o child_n diligent_a and_o obedient_a in_o his_o service_n he_o call_v his_o own_o free_a gift_n and_o undeserved_a benefit_n bestow_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o reward_n therefore_o god_n set_v the_o title_n of_o a_o reward_n before_o his_o benefit_n not_o to_o that_o end_n to_o obscure_v the_o praise_n of_o his_o bounty_n or_o any_o way_n to_o diminish_v it_o but_o to_o encourage_v his_o child_n and_o make_v they_o more_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o the_o sincere_a study_n of_o obedience_n and_o so_o that_o he_o may_v give_v they_o the_o more_o encouragement_n to_o live_v innocent_o he_o cast_v that_o upon_o their_o work_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o his_o own_o free_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o god_n promise_v or_o perform_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o saint_n he_o do_v it_o not_o for_o the_o perfection_n and_o worthiness_n of_o they_o but_o because_o he_o have_v justify_v they_o and_o perfume_v they_o with_o the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o he_o justifi_v their_o work_n and_o clease_v they_o from_o all_o the_o spot_n wherewith_o they_o be_v defile_v and_o pollute_v so_o that_o he_o give_v a_o reward_n unto_o they_o not_o as_o they_o be_v unperfect_a in_o themselves_o and_o do_v savour_n of_o the_o flesh_n but_o because_o by_o his_o grace_n he_o do_v account_v they_o just_a and_o righteous_a by_o this_o it_o be_v more_o clear_o apparent_a than_o the_o light_n at_o midday_n that_o the_o reward_n which_o god_n promise_v unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o to_o be_v refer_v unto_o the_o merit_n of_o man_n but_o unto_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n therefore_o whosoever_o god_n pardon_v to_o those_o also_o do_v he_o give_v and_o bestow_v the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n by_o which_o they_o be_v cleanse_v and_o make_v studious_a of_o good_a work_n therefore_o for_o this_o cause_n be_v the_o godly_a and_o their_o work_n wel-pleasing_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n because_o he_o do_v behold_v and_o accept_v they_o and_o their_o work_n together_o with_o his_o own_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n again_o he_o do_v appoint_v sure_a and_o great_a reward_n unto_o his_o child_n that_o so_o he_o may_v ease_v and_o assuage_v all_o the_o trouble_n all_o the_o injury_n and_o reproach_n to_o which_o they_o especial_o be_v subject_n and_o with_o which_o they_o be_v afflict_v in_o this_o life_n as_o in_o a_o miserable_a and_o sorrowful_a exile_n so_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o reward_n do_v contain_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o do_v exclude_v all_o worthiness_n of_o work_n otherwise_o if_o god_n will_v sift_v and_o examine_v the_o work_n of_o his_o child_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o law_n sure_o there_o can_v not_o be_v find_v among_o all_o mankind_n one_o work_n though_o perform_v of_o the_o very_o best_a which_o may_v seem_v worthy_a of_o the_o least_o reward_n here_o therefore_o we_o must_v neither_o dream_v of_o any_o relation_n between_o the_o reward_n and_o the_o merit_n nor_o yet_o of_o any_o recompense_n that_o shall_v be_v due_a unto_o us._n moreover_o if_o any_o mortal_a man_n can_v be_v find_v which_o have_v most_o perfect_o fulfil_v the_o law_n in_o every_o respect_n or_o can_v fulfil_v it_o yet_o can_v he_o deserve_v nothing_o for_o himself_o thereby_o nor_o just_o ask_v any_o reward_n at_o god_n hand_n for_o it_o 17.10_o luk_n 17.10_o because_o he_o have_v perform_v that_o only_a unto_o he_o which_o by_o the_o right_n of_o creation_n he_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v unto_o he_o wherefore_o although_o a_o man_n shall_v do_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v command_v he_o yet_o he_o be_v to_o be_v count_v as_o a_o unprofitable_a servant_n because_o he_o have_v do_v but_o that_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v &_o can_v interest_n or_o entitle_v himself_o unto_o any_o thing_n from_o god_n thereby_o so_o that_o they_o be_v all_o to_o be_v condemn_v of_o intolerable_a pride_n and_o extreme_a arrogancy_n which_o say_v that_o they_o that_o they_o can_v deserve_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n hand_n for_o the_o worthiness_n of_o their_o own_o work_n for_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n have_v no_o respect_n of_o any_o merit_n and_o worthiness_n of_o our_o own_o but_o be_v altogether_o a_o free_a debtor_n so_o that_o unto_o the_o godly_a which_o stand_v faithful_o and_o fight_v manful_o under_o his_o banner_n god_n be_v make_v a_o debtor_n not_o by_o receyve_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v bind_v unto_o they_o but_o by_o promise_v they_o that_o which_o please_v he_o thus_o the_o godly_a be_v they_o which_o say_v unto_o god_n thou_o be_v indebt_v unto_o we_o because_o thou_o have_v promise_v and_o the_o wicked_a be_v they_o which_o say_v unto_o god_n thou_o be_v indebt_v unto_o we_o because_o we_o have_v give_v unto_o thou_o as_o augustine_n speak_v 336._o serm._n 16._o col_fw-fr 336._o therefore_o all_o good_a work_n which_o the_o regenerate_a and_o the_o godly_a do_v be_v not_o work_n that_o deserve_v any_o thing_n but_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a unto_o god_n by_o the_o right_n of_o creation_n and_o redemption_n again_o although_o the_o scripture_n in_o some_o place_n do_v seem_v to_o ascribe_v salvation_n and_o life_n eternal_a unto_o good_a work_n this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v take_v as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o salvation_n but_o because_o they_o from_o who_o such_o work_n do_v proceed_v be_v justify_v through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o regenerate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o renew_v unto_o a_o diligent_a care_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o bring_v forth_o of_o good_a work_n second_o there_o be_v show_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o justification_n what_o be_v the_o part_n and_o exercise_n of_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a religion_n so_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o s._n matthew_n 25.35_o cap._n 25.35_o ascribe_v eternal_a life_n unto_o good_a work_n not_o because_o those_o work_n do_v deserve_v life_n eternal_a but_o because_o they_o be_v certain_a mean_n by_o which_o god_n bring_v his_o child_n into_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n so_o christ_n will_v teach_v we_o that_o this_o heavenly_a life_n &_o salvation_n be_v appoint_v and_o promise_v only_o unto_o they_o which_o with_o a_o ready_a and_o undaunted_a spirit_n give_v themselves_o unto_o good_a work_n and_o strive_v daily_o unto_o the_o price_n of_o their_o high_a call_v thus_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o true_a faith_n by_o that_o which_o follow_v namely_o by_o good_a work_n and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o and_o show_v certain_a token_n whereby_o man_n that_o be_v justify_v and_o regenerate_v may_v be_v discern_v hither_o appertain_v all_o such_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o attribute_v salvation_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o man_n so_o faith_n be_v not_o defyne_v by_o the_o cause_n from_o that_o which_o go_v before_o but_o be_v only_o describe_v by_o the_o effect_n from_o that_o which_o follow_v after_o let_v these_o thus_o suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o second_o thing_n now_o the_o three_o thing_n remain_v to_o be_v handle_v first_o here_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o we_o reject_v not_o the_o good_a work_n which_o god_n command_v and_o the_o law_n set_v down_o as_o certain_a popish_a divine_n with_o their_o lie_a lip_n do_v slander_v we_o but_o we_o admit_v here_o a_o wise_a and_o necessary_a distinction_n because_o that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v to_o that_o purpose_n that_o by_o they_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n may_v be_v satisfy_v and_o salvation_n attain_a for_o this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o deny_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n to_o mock_v god_n and_o lead_v man_n out_o of_o the_o true_a way_n to_o salvation_n see_v there_o be_v none_o to_o be_v find_v that_o can_v perform_v perfect_a work_n and_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o concern_v work_n this_o be_v the_o controversy_n and_o manifest_a difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o papist_n for_o they_o admit_v and_o defend_v work_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o grace_n but_o we_o embrace_v they_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n and_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o their_o opinion_n but_o only_o
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
thou_o with_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n against_o the_o common_a adversary_n as_o also_o very_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a point_n to_o comfort_v thy_o conscience_n against_o those_o same_o strong_a temptation_n of_o satan_n concern_v the_o assault_n of_o diffidence_n or_o distrust_n on_o these_o two_o head_n especial_o depend_v the_o matter_n and_o subject_n of_o this_o book_n which_o if_o it_o please_v thou_o to_o peruse_v thou_o shall_v find_v in_o it_o no_o doubt_n matter_n to_o thy_o edify_n and_o contentment_n we_o have_v take_v this_o pain_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o those_o which_o understand_v it_o not_o in_o the_o tongue_n wherein_o it_o be_v write_v but_o for_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v best_a for_o they_o if_o they_o please_v to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o original_a wherein_o it_o be_v write_v as_o wherein_o indeed_o it_o have_v the_o best_a grace_n both_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o elegant_a style_n and_o composition_n thereof_o as_o also_o because_o there_o be_v sundry_a term_n and_o word_n of_o art_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v familiar_o express_v or_o resolve_v by_o our_o idiom_n or_o dialect_n this_o i_o say_v gentle_a reader_n have_v we_o by_o the_o lord_n assistance_n both_o attempt_v and_o achieve_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o treatise_n and_o a_o good_a thing_n the_o more_o common_a and_o universal_a it_o be_v the_o more_o commendable_a and_o the_o better_a it_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n which_o do_v urge_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v write_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n do_v likewise_o proportional_o enforce_v that_o divine_a and_o godly_a treatise_n upon_o several_a passage_n and_o place_n of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v make_v familiar_a unto_o the_o unlearned_a and_o common_a people_n as_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o so_o to_o be_v further_v in_o their_o salvation_n so_o that_o if_o thou_o censure_v the_o translate_n of_o such_o author_n thou_o will_v very_o easy_o draw_v upon_o thou_o the_o blemish_n and_o suspicion_n of_o popery_n itself_o thou_o must_v not_o think_v gentle_a reader_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v among_o we_o now_o 11.7_o gen._n 11.7_o as_o he_o himself_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v among_o they_o which_o build_v the_o tower_n of_o babel_n who_o language_n be_v so_o confound_v that_o they_o perceyve_v not_o one_o another_o speech_n but_o that_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o to_o be_v in_o his_o church_n now_o as_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v say_v 2.11_o act_n 2.11_o we_o hear_v they_o speak_v in_o our_o own_o language_n the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n but_o i_o trust_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o make_v excuse_n for_o this_o our_o small_a labour_n but_o rather_o presume_v of_o thy_o love_a and_o friendly_a acceptance_n thereof_o whereof_o persuade_v myself_o i_o commend_v thou_o to_o the_o tuition_n of_o the_o almighty_a promise_v thou_o that_o if_o thou_o will_v by_o thy_o good_a endeavour_n so_o break_v the_o shell_n of_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n or_o language_n as_o that_o either_o myself_o or_o the_o church_n may_v by_o thy_o good_a mean_n come_v unto_o the_o sweet_a kernel_n of_o any_o good_a treatise_n i_o will_v give_v to_o god_n the_o glory_n and_o to_o thou_o thy_o due_a praise_n and_o so_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o thou_o will_v walk_v according_a to_o that_o upright_o rule_v set_v down_o by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o even_o so_o do_v you_o unto_o they_o 2.12_o mat._n 2.12_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n farewell_n the_o summarie_a content_n of_o this_o golden_a chain_n wherein_o consist_v man_n eternal_a happiness_n or_o everlasting_a woe_n chap._n 1._o fol._n 1._o the_o five_o link_n of_o this_o chain_n be_v 1._o god_n foreknowledge_n 2._o his_o predestination_n 3._o his_o call_n of_o man_n 4._o his_n justify_v they_o 5._o his_n glorify_v they_o chap._n 2._o fol._n 4._o that_o god_n exercise_v those_o who_o he_o call_v in_o continual_a affliction_n thereby_o to_o conform_v they_o to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n chap._n 3._o fol._n 9_o how_o many_o way_n the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n may_v be_v take_v and_o the_o use_n thereof_o chap._n 4._o fol._n 12._o distinction_n betwixt_o predestination_n and_o foreknowledge_n and_o of_o how_o many_o degree_n it_o consist_v chap._n 5._o fol._n 18._o of_o adam_n fall_n and_o god_n foreknowledge_n therein_o chap._n 6._o fol._n 23._o the_o cause_n of_o predestination_n the_o definition_n thereof_o and_o difference_n betwixt_o it_o and_o god_n providence_n chap._n 7._o fol._n 34._o the_o divers_a kind_n of_o predestination_n and_o property_n of_o election_n chap._n 8._o fol._n 40._o election_n whereon_o depend_v salvation_n be_v the_o chief_a foundation_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n chap._n 9_o fol._n 43._o of_o god_n wonderful_a mercy_n mix_v with_o his_o justice_n chap._n 10_o fol._n 49._o god_n free_a mercy_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o election_n chap._n 11._o fol._n 54._o the_o papist_n fiction_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n foresee_v confute_v chap._n 12._o fol._n 63._o the_o horrible_a offence_n of_o the_o papist_n touch_v faith_n and_o good_a work_n foresee_v by_o unanswerable_a argument_n confute_v chap._n 13._o fol._n 71._o the_o propriety_n of_o election_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a unmoveable_a chap._n 14._o fol._n 84._o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v by_o this_o doctrine_n strengthen_v most_o steadfast_o chap._n 15._o folly_n 94._o the_o strong_a comfort_n of_o the_o elect_a touch_v their_o salvation_n chap._n 16._o fol._n 98._o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n be_v most_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n chap._n 17._o fol._n 103._o god_n be_v debtor_n to_o no_o man_n therefore_o he_o may_v save_v or_o damn_v who_o it_o please_v he_o chap._n 18._o fol._n 119._o the_o reprobate_n have_v not_o to_o blame_v god_n but_o their_o own_o sin_n for_o their_o damnation_n chap._n 19_o fol._n 126._o the_o horrible_a damnation_n of_o the_o reprobate_n turn_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o elect._n chap._n 20._o fol._n 137._o that_o the_o elect_n can_v become_v reprobate_n nor_o the_o reprobate_n ever_o be_v elect_v chap._n 21._o fol._n 142._o in_o reprobation_n of_o the_o more_o part_n god_n great_a justice_n appear_v as_o in_o elect_v the_o few_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n and_o how_o man_n shall_v examine_v themselves_o chap._n 22._o fol._n 147._o how_o many_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n chap._n 23._o fol._n 152._o a_o passage_n from_o predestination_n unto_o vocation_n as_o from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n and_o how_o diverse_o vocation_n be_v understand_v chap._n 24._o fol._n 159._o the_o papist_n confute_v touch_v man_n strength_n and_o how_o far_o free_a will_n extend_v chap_n 25._o fol._n 171._o of_o free_a justification_n know_v by_o vocation_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v justify_v after_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o gospel_n chap_n 26._o fol._n 182._o what_o thing_n justification_n be_v with_o the_o three_o property_n thereof_o chapter_n 27._o fol._n 191._o what_o benefit_n come_v through_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o to_o who_o the_o same_o do_v proper_o appertain_v chap._n 28._o fol._n 207._o how_o to_o amend_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o to_o restore_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n chap._n 29._o fol._n 210._o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o godly_a though_o unperfect_a be_v accept_v of_o god_n the_o meaning_n and_o true_a use_n of_o good_a work_n chap._n 30._o fol._n 223._o why_o god_n accept_v of_o the_o unperfect_a work_n of_o his_o elect_n and_o call_v his_o own_o free_a gift_n our_o reward_n chap._n 31._o fol._n 233._o the_o great_a commodity_n both_o public_a and_o private_a come_v by_o the_o studious_a care_n of_o good_a work_n that_o the_o protestant_n do_v not_o reject_v good_a work_n chap._n 32._o fol._n 244._o regeneration_n be_v begin_v in_o this_o life_n though_o unperfect_o and_o without_o it_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v chap._n 33._o fol._n 251._o by_o what_o band_n the_o elect_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n by_o what_o sign_n they_o be_v know_v and_o how_o assure_v of_o salvation_n chap._n 34._o fol._n 255._o the_o effect_n and_o benefit_n of_o predestination_n chap._n 35._o fol._n 262._o how_o the_o link_n of_o this_o chain_n must_v be_v consider_v and_o how_o unseparable_a they_o be_v chap._n 36._o fol._n 265._o the_o world_n shall_v fade_v away_o but_o the_o gift_n of_o this_o chain_n be_v everlasting_a chap._n 37._o fol._n 268._o the_o effect_n of_o election_n and_o of_o reprobation_n be_v contrary_a what_o benefit_n of_o god_n common_a to_o both_o and_o what_o not_o and_o god_n judgement_n touch_v both_o unchangeable_a chap._n 38._o fol._n 270._o the_o conclusion_n exhort_v to_o
apostle_n purpose_n to_o exhort_v the_o godly_a to_o a_o invincible_a patience_n and_o a_o undaunted_a perseverance_n that_o be_v sustain_v with_o a_o certain_a hope_n and_o constant_a assurance_n they_o shall_v wait_v for_o a_o happy_a issue_n out_o of_o all_o their_o misery_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o lay_v open_v the_o true_a fountain_n and_o spring_n from_o whence_o salvation_n flow_v and_o spring_v forth_o and_o set_v down_o the_o first_o cause_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v derive_v point_v at_o they_o as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o finger_n and_o sure_o in_o every_o word_n of_o that_o place_n there_o be_v not_o only_o great_a importance_n and_o singular_a grace_n but_o also_o the_o word_n themselves_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n complete_a and_o perfect_a oracle_n and_o contain_v in_o they_o whole_a sentence_n i_o have_v think_v good_a therefore_o brief_o to_o run_v over_o and_o compendious_o to_o expound_v they_o but_o before_o i_o set_v upon_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o word_n the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n must_v serious_o be_v weigh_v and_o consider_v for_o the_o cause_n in_o regard_n of_o their_o coherence_n be_v range_v and_o display_v by_o saint_n paul_n by_o a_o most_o divine_a skill_n and_o a_o most_o exquisite_a and_o logical_a method_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o set_v down_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n as_o the_o first_o and_o sovereign_a cause_n then_o he_o proceed_v unto_o predestination_n as_o be_v next_o to_o that_o next_o he_o turn_v his_o course_n and_o manner_n of_o teach_v to_o the_o effect_n of_o both_o these_o as_o to_o the_o subordinate_a and_o second_o cause_n for_o god_n by_o his_o foreknowledge_n foresee_v all_o thing_n from_o before_o all_o beginning_n nothing_o be_v exempt_a from_o this_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n but_o all_o thing_n and_o every_o one_o thing_n be_v contain_v and_o comprehend_v in_o that_o after_o this_o he_o descend_v from_o this_o general_a and_o common_a foreknowledge_n of_o god_n as_o from_o a_o large_a and_o unlimited_a voice_n unto_o predestination_n as_o unto_o a_o more_o special_a kind_n include_v in_o this_o foreknowledge_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v from_o a_o generality_n unto_o a_o more_o certain_a and_o particular_a kind_n for_o the_o foreknowledge_n as_o in_o the_o large_a signification_n it_o be_v take_v for_o his_o providence_n be_v god_n eternal_a decree_n by_o which_o he_o determine_v to_o make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o and_o to_o make_v his_o glory_n manifest_a unto_o reasonable_a creature_n namely_o unto_o man_n and_o angel_n by_o the_o government_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v but_o predestination_n chief_o be_v refer_v and_o restreyn_v unto_o mankind_n which_o god_n by_o predestination_n have_v divide_v into_o two_o kind_n of_o man_n so_o that_o of_o his_o own_o sole_a and_o undeserved_a grace_n he_o have_v choose_v some_o from_o eternity_n who_o he_o will_v make_v his_o heir_n in_o christ_n and_o bring_v to_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o have_v appoint_v other_o some_o unto_o everlasting_a punishment_n and_o destruction_n to_o the_o which_o also_o he_o bring_v they_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n from_o their_o own_o desert_n then_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v unto_o the_o subordinate_a cause_n of_o salvation_n and_o show_v by_o what_o mean_n and_o degree_n the_o elect_a on_o the_o one_o side_n come_v to_o eternal_a life_n and_o the_o reprobate_n on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v bring_v to_o eternal_a torment_n as_o hereafter_o in_o the_o declaration_n hereof_o shall_v clear_o and_o plain_o appear_v furthermore_o also_o i_o think_v this_o worthy_a the_o observe_n to_o show_v in_o what_o order_n saint_n paul_n have_v dispose_v and_o place_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n in_o respect_n of_o time_n and_o he_o have_v digest_v they_o with_o such_o art_n and_o method_n as_o that_o he_o have_v divide_v they_o into_o three_o distinct_a difference_n of_o time_n for_o certain_a of_o they_o do_v far_o surpass_v and_o exceed_v all_o transitory_a time_n as_o god_n foreknowledge_n and_o predestination_n these_o two_o cause_n of_o salvation_n be_v from_o eternity_n appoint_v of_o god_n without_o any_o beginning_n certain_a of_o they_o be_v make_v and_o remain_v in_o time_n and_o in_o these_o succeed_a age_n as_o vocation_n and_o justification_n the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o outward_a preach_v of_o god_n word_n and_o the_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o will_n of_o man_n and_o the_o latter_a be_v get_v and_o bestow_v upon_o man_n by_o the_o only_a merit_n and_o power_n of_o christ_n his_o passion_n so_o these_o two_o cause_n do_v arise_v in_o this_o life_n and_o in_o our_o age_n certain_a of_o they_o be_v mix_v so_o that_o partly_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o this_o life_n partly_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v after_o this_o life_n as_o namely_o they_o which_o be_v begin_v here_o and_o finish_v there_o as_o glorification_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o depend_v thereof_o this_o glorification_n consist_v in_o the_o true_a image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conform_v of_o our_o will_n with_o his_o will_n and_o this_o image_n of_o god_n and_o fashion_v of_o our_o will_n with_o his_o will_n arise_v and_o spring_v from_o true_a and_o effectual_a regeneration_n and_o regeneration_n begin_v in_o this_o life_n present_o upon_o our_o vocation_n and_o be_v increase_v and_o continue_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n until_o at_o the_o last_o it_o be_v thorough_o consummate_v and_o finish_v in_o a_o other_o life_n therefore_o these_o inferior_a &_o second_o cause_n be_v as_o it_o be_v certain_a mean_n &_o interpose_v degree_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n by_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o full_a possession_n and_o fruition_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o salvation_n as_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v show_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o they_o in_o the_o next_o place_n these_o cause_n do_v as_o apt_o agree_v together_o between_o themselves_o in_o their_o order_n and_o place_v as_o the_o link_n of_o any_o chain_n so_o that_o no_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v move_v out_o of_o his_o place_n but_o the_o whole_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o they_o will_v be_v break_v and_o fall_v to_o nothing_o the_o order_n therefore_o and_o place_v of_o these_o cause_n be_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o golden_a and_o princely_a chain_n who_o link_n hang_v together_o so_o artificial_o and_o workemanlike_a that_o not_o one_o link_n can_v be_v take_v away_o without_o the_o break_n of_o the_o whole_a chain_n and_o this_o chain_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o excellent_a glass_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n for_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v make_v and_o link_v together_o this_o chain_n of_o the_o best_a and_o chief_a of_o god_n benefit_n and_o it_o be_v the_o high_a honour_n and_o incredible_a glory_n of_o god_n child_n with_o which_o they_o be_v beautify_v in_o this_o life_n and_o shall_v be_v crown_v like_o king_n in_o that_o life_n eternal_a which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o shall_v shine_v more_o bright_a than_o the_o sun_n itself_o in_o his_o chief_a glory_n and_o to_o conclude_v this_o chain_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o golden_a and_o celestial_a hook_n wherewith_o the_o son_n of_o god_n let_v it_o down_o from_o heaven_n draw_v his_o elect_a from_o out_o this_o world_n as_o out_o of_o a_o rage_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n and_o bring_v they_o into_o his_o heavenly_a and_o everlasting_a rest_n as_o into_o a_o harbour_n most_o safe_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o any_o storm_n and_o into_o a_o most_o pleasant_a place_n of_o refresh_v and_o freedom_n from_o all_o misery_n last_o the_o link_n of_o this_o chain_n be_v in_o number_n five_o in_o every_o of_o which_o what_o and_o how_o great_a benefit_n of_o god_n be_v contain_v and_o include_v in_o the_o declaration_n hereof_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v show_v these_o thing_n i_o think_v good_a for_o certain_a cause_n to_o set_v down_o as_o some_o brief_a and_o compendious_a preface_n before_o i_o will_v handle_v the_o exposition_n of_o the_o word_n which_o now_o be_v finish_v i_o do_v betake_v myself_o orderly_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o as_o yet_o remain_v to_o be_v handle_v and_o discuss_v now_o the_o holy_a spirit_n vouchsafe_v to_o be_v present_a with_o i_o by_o his_o holy_a inspiration_n and_o direction_n and_o to_o guide_v i_o that_o be_o to_o speak_v of_o such_o high_a and_o hide_a mystery_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n and_o so_o inlighten_v and_o direct_v my_o understanding_n by_o his_o bright-shining_a light_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v be_v speak_v concern_v the_o chief_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v so_o speak_v of_o i_o that_o they_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o
wicked_a so_o that_o out_o of_o they_o god_n save_v good_a will_n can_v be_v know_v for_o many_o abound_v here_o with_o riches_n and_o honour_n which_o yet_o come_v not_o to_o eternal_a life_n 13.19_o luk_n 13.19_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o rich_a glutton_n and_o in_o many_o other_o and_o it_o be_v a_o other_o thing_n to_o elect_v in_o christ_n those_o that_o be_v lose_v to_o forgive_v they_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o draw_v they_o unto_o christ_n by_o a_o effectual_a call_n to_o sanctify_v they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o crown_v they_o with_o eternal_a glory_n this_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v wonderful_o and_o singular_o extol_v and_o commend_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v erect_v as_o a_o heavenly_a banner_n unto_o which_o as_o to_o a_o sanctuary_n and_o a_o most_o safe_a haven_n the_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n be_v call_v by_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o excel_v and_o bear_v the_o prize_n among_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n this_o break_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o set_v open_a heaven_n door_n this_o be_v the_o only_a sacred_a refuge_n which_o whosoever_o lay_v hold_v upon_o swim_v happy_o out_o of_o the_o wave_n of_o every_o storm_n and_o avoyd_v the_o danger_n of_o death_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v at_o hand_n and_o escape_v without_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o salvation_n this_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v a_o most_o sovereign_n balm_n to_o a_o dismay_a mind_n which_o heal_v their_o wound_n without_o any_o pain_n to_o this_o appertain_v that_o golden_a sentence_n of_o augustine_n whereas_o he_o say_v when_o man_n praise_v himself_o there_o be_v vanity_n and_o pride_n when_o god_n praise_v himself_o there_o be_v grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o what_o he_o praise_v in_o himself_o that_o will_v he_o give_v to_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o as_o often_o therefore_o as_o he_o praise_v himself_o so_o often_o do_v he_o invite_v and_o call_v man_n unto_o his_o mercy_n in_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n there_o be_v two_o virtue_n to_o be_v consider_v the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o be_v by_o infinite_a degree_n great_a than_o can_v be_v in_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o kindness_n and_o mercy_n soever_o be_v in_o any_o creature_n it_o flow_v and_o issue_v only_o out_o of_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o out_o of_o the_o only_a live_a fountain_n so_o that_o although_o there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o earnest_a affection_n of_o kindness_n in_o many_o creature_n yet_o compare_v with_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n it_o will_v scarce_o be_v a_o little_a part_n or_o sparkle_v thereof_o 3.18.19_o psal_n 103.11.12_o ephes_n 3.18.19_o for_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o far_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o man_n mind_n but_o be_v also_o high_o broad_a and_o deep_a than_o the_o whole_a universal_a world_n wherefore_o although_o that_o love_n which_o be_v in_o parent_n be_v a_o most_o earnest_a and_o tender_a affection_n whereby_o they_o love_v and_o embrace_v their_o child_n as_o their_o own_o bowel_n yet_o that_o love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v far_o above_o and_o much_o exceed_v all_o the_o love_n of_o man_n this_o god_n himself_o testify_v in_o esay_n 49.15_o esa_n 49.15_o although_o a_o mother_n do_v forget_v her_o child_n yet_o will_v i_o not_o forget_v thou_o but_o will_v always_o be_v mindful_a of_o thou_o what_o compassion_n soever_o therefore_o can_v be_v find_v in_o man_n it_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o god_n mercy_n for_o look_v how_o great_a god_n himself_o be_v so_o great_a also_o be_v his_o mercy_n therefore_o like_a as_o god_n in_o his_o essence_n be_v infinite_a so_o likewise_o be_v he_o infinite_a in_o mercy_n for_o with_o it_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v fill_v say_v the_o psalmist_n 33.5_o psal_n 33.5_o it_o be_v give_v and_o aply_v unto_o all_o the_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o it_o be_v finite_a and_o bind_v unto_o one_o certain_a place_n but_o see_v that_o at_o one_o time_n it_o show_v forth_o the_o save_a virtue_n thereof_o in_o divers_a place_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o place_n this_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v too_o base_o and_o mean_o esteem_v of_o we_o except_o this_o praise_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o honour_n due_a unto_o it_o that_o it_o do_v infinite_o exceed_v all_o the_o sense_n of_o flesh_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n either_o of_o father_n or_o mother_n 27.10_o psal_n 27.10_o this_o the_o psalmist_n signify_v when_o he_o say_v my_o father_n and_o my_o mother_n have_v forsake_v i_o but_o the_o lord_n have_v gather_v i_o up_o this_o therefore_o be_v far_o above_o and_o exceed_v the_o compassion_n of_o all_o creature_n the_o other_o virtue_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v that_o it_o be_v altogether_o a_o free_a gift_n that_o god_n find_v in_o we_o nothing_o at_o all_o but_o most_o absolute_a and_o extreme_a misery_n and_o that_o he_o be_v induce_v by_o his_o own_o mere_a grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o save_v we_o that_o he_o elect_a man_n that_o in_o himself_o be_v utter_o a_o castaway_n and_o appoint_v he_o to_o salvation_n and_o that_o election_n be_v the_o free_a and_o undeserved_a gift_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o many_o reason_n and_o argument_n first_o because_o he_o elect_a man_n from_o everlasting_a before_o he_o be_v and_o have_v neither_o do_v good_a nor_o evil_a hence_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o in_o elect_a man_n god_n have_v no_o respect_n of_o his_o merit_n or_o worthiness_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o merit_n it_o shall_v necessary_o follow_v that_o man_n shall_v first_o have_v be_v and_o have_v do_v some_o good_a for_o the_o effect_n be_v not_o before_o their_o cause_n but_o after_o but_o see_v man_n be_v not_o then_o when_o he_o be_v elect_v unto_o life_n therefore_o also_o can_v there_o then_o be_v no_o work_n of_o he_o for_o the_o cause_n go_v before_o their_o effect_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o work_v and_o effect_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v produce_v except_o the_o cause_n first_o be_v by_o who_o power_n and_o virtue_n the_o effect_n be_v bring_v forth_o therefore_o out_o of_o this_o circumstance_n of_o eternity_n it_o be_v plain_o gather_v that_o election_n be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o man_n can_v do_v or_o deserve_v before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o before_o his_o own_o creation_n therefore_o whatsoever_o the_o papist_n dream_v of_o here_o concern_v godliness_n and_o faith_n foresee_v be_v absurd_a and_o false_a as_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v declare_v but_o that_o election_n be_v free_a and_o flow_v from_o the_o mere_a favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o exclude_v all_o the_o endeavour_n and_o work_n of_o man_n the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v express_o teach_v in_o many_o place_n for_o paul_n to_o timothy_n say_v 3.11_o 2._o tim._n 1_o 9_o rom._n 16.25_o ephes_n 3.11_o that_o god_n save_v we_o not_o according_a to_o our_o own_o work_n but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o through_o christ_n before_o the_o world_n be_v here_o saint_n paul_n for_o the_o better_a clear_n and_o express_v of_o it_o set_v down_o man_n work_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o two_o contraries_n opposite_a one_o against_o a_o other_o and_o sever_v salvation_n from_o man_n merit_n and_o attribute_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o again_o man_n take_v he_o at_o the_o best_a be_v so_o corrupt_a &_o pollute_v with_o sin_n that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a thing_n in_o he_o which_o remain_v unspotted_a &_o unstein_v from_o sin_n therefore_o whole_a man_n be_v not_o only_o turn_v away_o from_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n but_o withal_o be_v so_o prone_a unto_o evil_n in_o the_o whole_a affection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o that_o of_o himself_o he_o can_v bring_v forth_o nothing_o else_o but_o sin_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n that_o show_v itself_o even_o in_o his_o least_o thought_n because_o man_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o regeneration_n be_v so_o wicked_a and_o perverse_a that_o he_o can_v think_v much_o less_o do_v any_o good_a thing_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n testify_v and_o prove_v 3.5_o 2._o cor._n 3.5_o yea_o he_o be_v so_o far_o out_o of_o love_n with_o goodness_n 6.5_o genes_n 6.5_o that_o he_o can_v without_o offence_n endure_v that_o once_o it_o shall_v be_v mention_v for_o when_o some_o evil_n be_v forbid_v he_o of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a command_v then_o do_v he_o set_v himself_o whole_o against_o it_o and_o
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
the_o only_a author_n of_o all_o good_a and_o so_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v god_n except_o he_o alone_o be_v set_v up_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n for_o what_o manner_n of_o god_n shall_v he_o be_v if_o not_o the_o only_a author_n and_o sole_a effecter_n of_o all_o goodness_n but_o if_o the_o papist_n shall_v be_v urge_v somewhat_o near_o and_o hard_o as_o namely_o out_o of_o what_o fountain_n those_o work_n foresee_v shall_v slow_a and_o have_v their_o beginning_n if_o they_o answer_v from_o man_n nature_n and_o free_a will_n they_o be_v far_o deceive_v and_o be_v blind_a than_o the_o very_a mole_n for_o man_n whole_a nature_n with_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o either_o of_o soul_n or_o body_n even_o unto_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o his_o blood_n be_v so_o corrupt_a and_o defile_v with_o sin_n that_o all_o his_o thought_n and_o whatsoever_o proceed_v from_o he_o any_o manner_n of_o way_n be_v only_o evil_a 6.5_o gene._n 6.5_o and_o against_o god_n so_o that_o man_n nature_n after_o his_o fall_n neither_o will_v nor_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o strive_v and_o wrestle_v against_o god_n and_o that_o with_o a_o continual_a and_o earnest_a desire_n this_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o only_o testify_v but_o also_o experience_n prove_v to_o be_v so_o for_o man_n when_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o do_v not_o only_o not_o acknowledge_v their_o sin_n but_o also_o think_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a although_o they_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v pollute_v and_o defile_v with_o much_o uncleanenes_n and_o again_o this_o corruption_n and_o untowardnes_n of_o man_n have_v take_v so_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v pluck_v up_o by_o man_n power_n therefore_o the_o amendment_n of_o man_n nature_n do_v far_o exceed_v man_n power_n for_o the_o restore_n of_o god_n image_n be_v a_o far_o great_a and_o hard_a work_n than_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o man_n and_o as_o no_o man_n can_v create_v himself_o so_o also_o can_v no_o man_n by_o his_o own_o power_n amend_v his_o evil_a nature_n nor_o change_v his_o perverse_a will_n into_o good_a therefore_o see_v man_n in_o his_o whole_a nature_n be_v deprave_v and_o that_o he_o can_v change_v nor_o amend_v his_o corrupt_a nature_n whatsoever_o the_o papist_n do_v talk_v of_o work_n foresee_v be_v not_o so_o much_o their_o own_o vain_a fiction_n as_o the_o mischievous_a invention_n of_o the_o devil_n sure_o god_n from_o everlasting_a do_v foresee_v good_a work_n and_o know_v they_o very_o well_o but_o yet_o no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o he_o himself_o determine_v to_o work_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o man_n by_o these_o good_a work_n man_n can_v deserve_v nothing_o at_o god_n hand_n because_o they_o be_v his_o gift_n and_o benefit_n god_n bestow_v life_n and_o salvation_n upon_o man_n for_o his_o own_o everlasting_a goodness_n sake_n and_o not_o for_o any_o good_a deed_n which_o he_o himself_o work_v in_o his_o child_n these_o good_a work_n be_v the_o manifest_a effect_n and_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o his_o mercy_n by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o papist_n understand_v nothing_o right_o nor_o sound_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n for_o to_o understand_v a_o thing_n right_o be_v to_o know_v it_o by_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n thereof_o but_o they_o know_v not_o election_n by_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n thereof_o therefore_o they_o understand_v not_o election_n at_o all_o or_o if_o they_o understand_v it_o of_o mere_a malice_n they_o hide_v it_o and_o will_v not_o manifest_v it_o wherefore_o the_o papist_n do_v wander_v amiss_o beside_o their_o purpose_n and_o talk_v of_o a_o thing_n they_o know_v not_o much_o more_o ridiculous_o and_o foolish_o then_o if_o a_o shepherd_n or_o a_o neate-heard_a shall_v out_o of_o astrology_n describe_v the_o rise_n and_o the_o set_n of_o the_o star_n or_o out_o of_o geometry_n measure_v out_o all_o the_o situation_n and_o distance_n of_o place_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o either_o science_n therefore_o the_o papist_n when_o they_o refuse_v god_n free_a bounty_n as_o the_o first_o and_o proper_a cause_n of_o salvation_n and_o substitute_n faith_n foresee_v as_o a_o false_a and_o feign_a cause_n thereof_o they_o run_v into_o a_o gross_a 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 and_o so_o fall_v into_o a_o dangerous_a error_n and_o this_o fallacy_n be_v commit_v as_o often_o as_o for_o a_o true_a and_o natural_a cause_n of_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v assume_v that_o which_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v here_o in_o imagine_v and_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_v foresee_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o election_n whenas_o those_o good_a work_n be_v not_o apt_a nor_o fit_a to_o bring_v forth_o salvation_n for_o those_o good_a work_n which_o they_o dream_v of_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v produce_v or_o show_v in_o that_o sort_n as_o they_o do_v imagine_v therefore_o they_o do_v not_o only_o bring_v a_o false_a cause_n but_o that_o which_o be_v no_o cause_n at_o all_o a_o false_a cause_n be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o effect_v that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v purpose_v but_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o some_o other_o thing_n and_o so_o when_o in_o place_n and_o time_n convenient_a it_o be_v apply_v unto_o a_o thing_n that_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n thereof_o it_o may_v bring_v forth_o somewhat_o but_o no_o cause_n be_v that_o which_o can_v bring_v forth_o nothing_o because_o itself_o be_v nothing_o for_o those_o good_a work_n foresee_v which_o the_o papist_n so_o brag_v of_o and_o build_v election_n upon_o be_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v as_o be_v show_v before_o and_o to_o expect_v something_o from_o that_o which_o be_v nothing_o be_v extreme_a and_o ridiculous_a madness_n by_o which_o they_o mock_v god_n and_o deceive_v man_n but_o see_v they_o fain_o that_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o nor_o can_v be_v they_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o a_o manifest_a contradiction_n and_o make_v themselves_o a_o laugh_a stock_n for_o very_a child_n but_o if_o god_n infinite_o good_a and_o wise_a have_v not_o find_v out_o and_o show_v we_o a_o better_a cause_n and_o way_n to_o salvation_n than_o the_o papist_n have_v woe_n have_v it_o be_v unto_o mankind_n therefore_o far_o be_v from_o we_o that_o dream_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o the_o palpable_a invention_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o most_o manifest_a breake-necke_n of_o man_n salvation_n because_o it_o derogate_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o undermine_v and_o subvert_v the_o gospel_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o let_v all_o the_o godly_a reverence_n and_o adore_v the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o set_v down_o for_o the_o only_a and_o most_o true_a cause_n of_o salvation_n also_o man_n purpose_n when_o once_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v good_a be_v holpen_v indeed_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o here_o we_o must_v diligent_o mark_v and_o observe_v that_o this_o purpose_n of_o man_n can_v not_o be_v good_a if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v not_o go_v before_o and_o make_v it_o good_a 24.45_o col._n 1.21_o 2._o cor._n 3.5_o gen._n 6.5_o ephe._n 1.18_o eze._n 36.26_o 1._o joh._n 5.20_o luk._n 24.45_o for_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o himself_o and_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n be_v only_o bend_v unto_o evil_n so_o that_o he_o can_v have_v the_o least_o thought_n unto_o any_o goodness_n and_o so_o man_n purpose_n be_v always_o evil_a in_o itself_o but_o than_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v good_a when_o god_n enlighten_v his_o mind_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o change_v and_o renu_v his_o will_n furthermore_n it_o be_v god_n only_o that_o of_o unwilling_a make_v willing_a and_o of_o a_o stiffnecked_a man_n make_v he_o more_o tractable_a and_o mild_a this_o he_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o philippian_n 2.13_o phili._n 2.13_o where_o he_o say_v it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o you_o both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n even_o of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n here_o paul_n show_v that_o man_n by_o his_o own_o power_n be_v not_o fit_a either_o to_o begin_v or_o finish_v any_o good_a work_n but_o that_o all_o the_o power_n both_o of_o willing_a and_o do_v good_a proceed_v from_o god_n only_o free_a mercy_n because_o he_o of_o a_o evil_a will_n make_v a_o good_a will_n and_o turn_v and_o incline_v unto_o good_a man_n heart_n which_o be_v most_o prone_a unto_o evil_n
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
the_o selfsame_o thing_n say_v that_o god_n be_v gracious_a 4.2_o exod._n 34.6_o joel._n 2.13_o jonah_n 4.2_o merciful_a long-suffering_a abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n so_o look_v how_o many_o word_n be_v join_v together_o for_o to_o set_v forth_o god_n fatherly_a love_n so_o many_o mouth_n as_o it_o be_v and_o tongue_n have_v god_n sound_v from_o heaven_n by_o which_o as_o with_o the_o word_n of_o a_o father_n our_o merciful_a god_n invit_v and_o allure_v man_n unto_o his_o mercy_n by_o these_o so_o many_o praise_n of_o god_n mercy_n we_o be_v teach_v not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n but_o also_o this_o be_v likewise_o show_v that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o hardly_o persuade_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o praise_v of_o god_n mercy_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o reproof_n of_o man_n incredulity_n the_o scripture_n therefore_o with_o these_o praise_n of_o god_n goodness_n as_o with_o so_o many_o wedge_n do_v drive_v out_o and_o expel_v man_n unbelief_n but_o the_o papist_n here_o do_v most_o grievous_o offend_v in_o that_o they_o fain_a god_n to_o be_v other_o then_o indeed_o he_o be_v so_o that_o they_o bewray_v their_o own_o unbelief_n and_o malice_n in_o that_o they_o attribute_v and_o trust_v more_o in_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o work_n then_o in_o god_n infinite_o merciful_a otherwise_o they_o will_v leave_v this_o fable_n of_o work_n foresee_v and_o rest_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o god_n mercy_n but_o they_o shall_v sure_o feel_v though_o then_o too_o late_o when_o god_n come_v unto_o judgement_n that_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o other_o by_o these_o their_o feign_a and_o lie_a work_n for_o he_o that_o peevish_o resist_v god_n mercy_n be_v worthy_o deprive_v of_o it_o second_o they_o do_v gross_o offend_v against_o god_n justice_n because_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o bring_v before_o god_n most_o just_a their_o feign_a and_o defile_v work_n as_o if_o they_o be_v good_a &_o perfect_a as_o if_o god_n be_v blind_a &_o want_v judgement_n &_o discretion_n to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a betwixt_o perfect_a work_n and_o unperfect_a sure_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o respect_n do_v like_o those_o which_o take_v a_o false_a cause_n in_o hand_n and_o yet_o to_o make_v it_o good_a they_o labour_v to_o blindfold_a and_o corrupt_v the_o judge_n with_o bribe_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v that_o by_o deceit_n and_o bribery_n which_o by_o justice_n and_o equity_n they_o can_v not_o attain_v so_o the_o papist_n with_o their_o work_n foresee_v as_o with_o so_o many_o reward_n labour_v to_o corrupt_v god_n and_o to_o turn_v he_o from_o the_o right_n and_o draw_v he_o to_o the_o wrong_a cause_n and_o so_o do_v not_o only_o make_v god_n like_a unto_o a_o unjust_a judge_n but_o also_o much_o worse_o for_o choice_n gift_n and_o bountiful_a reward_n be_v usual_o bring_v unto_o a_o judge_n that_o he_o may_v the_o easy_o be_v corrupt_v to_o favour_v unjust_a cause_n but_o the_o papist_n bring_v unto_o god_n not_o perfect_a work_n but_o filthy_a and_o abominable_a sin_n for_o god_n as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o can_v foresee_v no_o good_a work_n but_o those_o which_o he_o himself_o wrought_v in_o man_n but_o of_o these_o the_o papist_n dispute_v not_o in_o this_o place_n we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o man_n not_o partly_o but_o whole_o take_v he_o at_o the_o best_a be_v corrupt_v and_o deprave_v through_o sin_n therefore_o all_o work_n which_o man_n of_o himself_o do_v or_o bring_v forth_o by_o his_o own_o proper_a and_o native_a virtue_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v good_a nor_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n for_o from_o a_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a man_n can_v proceed_v nothing_o but_o corrupt_v and_o wicked_a deed_n for_o the_o effect_n be_v usual_o like_o the_o cause_n such_o therefore_o as_o the_o cause_n have_v be_v such_o effect_n likewise_o must_v needs_o proceed_v and_o follow_v thereon_o therefore_o as_o out_o of_o a_o unclean_a fountain_n there_o proceed_v a_o unclean_a stream_n and_o as_o from_o a_o evil_a tree_n there_o grow_v evil_a fruit_n so_o also_o by_o a_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a man_n can_v be_v wrought_v nothing_o but_o corrupt_v and_o wicked_a deed_n and_o endeavour_n for_o the_o effect_n can_v not_o be_v better_a nor_o more_o excellent_a than_o their_o cause_n so_o that_o when_o the_o papist_n make_v such_o work_v the_o cause_n of_o election_n do_v they_o not_o after_o a_o sort_n turn_n god_n into_o a_o sinful_a man_n do_v they_o not_o make_v he_o the_o patron_n and_o allower_n of_o wickedness_n wherein_o be_v see_v their_o satanical_a blindness_n and_o devilish_a madness_n so_o that_o out_o of_o this_o fiction_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o out_o of_o a_o glass_n manifest_o appear_v what_o a_o terrible_a and_o dangerous_a mischief_n it_o be_v lewd_o to_o stray_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o whirl_v up_o and_o down_o in_o frantic_a speculation_n and_o to_o fain_v and_o suppose_v false_a cause_n for_o true_a again_o if_o god_n from_o everlasting_a can_v have_v foresee_v that_o very_o good_a and_o perfect_a work_n will_v proceed_v from_o man_n yet_o those_o by_o no_o mean_n can_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o deserve_v or_o get_v salvation_n by_o for_o a_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a life_n can_v be_v attain_a as_o a_o reward_n for_o a_o temporal_a labour_n and_o finite_a work_n because_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o just_a proportion_n between_o the_o labour_n and_o the_o hire_n that_o according_a as_o the_o labour_n be_v so_o also_o shall_v the_o wage_n be_v pay_v so_o that_o for_o a_o great_a labour_n there_o be_v usual_o allot_v and_o appoint_v a_o great_a reward_n but_o life_n eternal_a and_o heavenly_a glory_n be_v a_o far_o great_a and_o more_o excellent_a good_a thing_n then_o can_v be_v deserve_v by_o man_n labour_n or_o industry_n nay_o life_n eternal_a do_v in_o the_o worth_n greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o far_o exceed_v and_o surpass_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n nay_o nothing_o that_o be_v create_v may_v just_o be_v compare_v unto_o it_o so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o a_o temporal_a desert_n and_o a_o eternal_a benefit_n so_o also_o be_v there_o no_o proportion_n between_o a_o infinite_a good_a &_o a_o finite_a work_n whosoever_o therefore_o brag_v of_o his_o own_o work_n let_v he_o take_v heed_n that_o he_o be_v not_o punish_v rather_o then_o reward_v three_o they_o offend_v against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o show_v a_o other_o way_n to_o attain_v salvation_n than_o he_o have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n for_o god_n will_v have_v his_o mercy_n and_o free_a election_n to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o gate_n into_o eternal_a life_n that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v manifest_o in_o divers_a place_n say_v bless_a be_v all_o they_o who_o sin_n be_v forgive_v 8._o psal_n 32.1_o rom._n 4.6_o 7_o 8._o and_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o sin_n but_o the_o papist_n prefer_v their_o good_a work_n foresee_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n rather_o than_o god_n goodness_n so_o they_o will_v erect_v and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o righteousness_n which_o god_n bestow_v not_o upon_o they_o by_o faith_n neither_o have_v christ_n merit_v by_o his_o passion_n wherefore_o they_o do_v not_o obey_v god_n divine_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v subject_a unto_o it_o which_o in_o the_o end_n shall_v fall_v out_o evil_a for_o they_o and_o turn_v to_o their_o destruction_n for_o they_o which_o despise_v and_o cast_v off_o god_n counsel_n do_v loose_v his_o mercy_n and_o be_v condemn_v as_o augustine_n say_v in_o one_o place_n wherefore_o their_o wisdom_n be_v not_o only_o vain_a but_o also_o tend_v to_o destruction_n which_o be_v wise_a against_o god_n but_o sure_o such_o wisdom_n speak_v proper_o and_o according_a to_o divinity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v wisdom_n but_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n and_o craftiness_n of_o wicked_a man_n whereby_o they_o mock_v god_n &_o delude_v man_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v so_o the_o fountain_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o wisdom_n that_o no_o other_o live_v creature_n can_v have_v any_o great_a wisdom_n than_o god_n do_v communicate_v and_o bestow_v upon_o he_o look_v therefore_o how_o much_o wisdom_n god_n do_v work_v and_o preserve_v in_o a_o man_n so_o much_o wisdom_n he_o have_v and_o better_a or_o more_o wisdom_n he_o can_v have_v they_o therefore_o which_o will_v be_v more_o wise_a than_o god_n will_v have_v they_o their_o wisdom_n come_v not_o so_o much_o of_o god_n as_o of_o the_o devil_n therefore_o the_o superstitious_a and_o
blasphemous_a papist_n see_v in_o this_o point_n their_o wisdom_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v wise_a man_n but_o sot_n and_o fool_n for_o it_o be_v better_o for_o they_o that_o they_o have_v no_o wisdom_n at_o all_o and_o that_o they_o be_v more_o blockish_a than_o fool_n than_o thus_o to_o resist_v and_o rebel_v against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o talk_v of_o concern_v work_n foresee_v and_o our_o own_o merit_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a and_o manifest_a illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o most_o certain_a shipwreck_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n moreover_o in_o this_o they_o great_o offend_v in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o turn_v the_o great_a and_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o he_o and_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o they_o abuse_v their_o wisdom_n by_o which_o man_n do_v excel_v beast_n against_o god_n and_o against_o their_o own_o salvation_n for_o to_o this_o end_n god_n will_v have_v man_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o endue_v with_o reason_n that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o may_v acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v his_o creator_n and_o christ_n his_o redeemer_n and_o that_o he_o may_v honour_v god_n and_o attain_v salvation_n by_o meditate_v upon_o eternal_a life_n but_o they_o apply_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o wisdom_n to_o this_o namely_o to_o the_o invention_n and_o coin_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o they_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o of_o set_a purpose_n do_v convert_v those_o help_n which_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o unto_o hurtful_a impediment_n therefore_o this_o wisdom_n of_o the_o papist_n which_o be_v exercise_v about_o work_n foresee_v and_o about_o merit_n be_v not_o only_o carnal_a but_o also_o devilish_a because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o right_o differ_v from_o wrong_n so_o much_o do_v the_o papist_n differ_v from_o god_n because_o all_o their_o wisdom_n do_v make_v open_a war_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n while_o they_o set_v up_o their_o work_n foresee_v against_o his_o grace_n for_o they_o strive_v earnest_o for_o this_o to_o make_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n not_o altogether_o free_a but_o partly_o deserve_v and_o so_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o praise_n and_o glory_n be_v to_o god_n because_o he_o have_v prevent_v we_o by_o his_o free_a goodness_n and_o abundant_a grace_n and_o have_v predestinate_v we_o unto_o eternal_a life_n free_o and_o not_o for_o our_o work_n or_o merit_v foresee_v and_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a thing_n to_o hear_v that_o the_o papist_n be_v so_o fall_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o without_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n his_o spirit_n boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n for_o if_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n they_o will_v know_v as_o instruct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o be_v free_o elect_v by_o god_n from_o everlasting_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o think_v nor_o determine_v of_o election_n otherwise_o than_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o not_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o satan_n but_o now_o their_o whole_a study_n and_o wisdom_n consist_v in_o this_o to_o judge_v of_o what_o please_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n and_o so_o indeed_o do_v show_v that_o they_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o do_v whole_o detest_v it_o far_o therefore_o be_v from_o we_o this_o study_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v as_o the_o shop_n and_o illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n yea_o let_v it_o be_v from_o a_o christian_a heart_n far_o than_o the_o heaven_n be_v distant_a from_o the_o earth_n four_o they_o offend_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o that_o they_o affirm_v that_o work_v foresee_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o god_n have_v ordain_v jesus_n christ_n from_o everlasting_a that_o he_o shall_v make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n faith_n peter_n 1.20_o 1._o pet._n 1.20_o moreover_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o affirm_v often_o in_o the_o evangelist_n 3.36_o john_n 3.36_o that_o all_o which_o believe_v in_o he_o have_v eternal_a life_n 5.24_o john_n 5.24_o and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n for_o he_o be_v that_o lamb_n of_o god_n which_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n 9.12_o heb._n 9.12_o he_o suffer_v once_o for_o we_o and_o by_o suffering_n purchase_v for_o we_o eternal_a redemption_n therefore_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o passion_n our_o whole_a salvation_n and_o life_n consist_v these_o and_o the_o like_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n do_v ascribe_v life_n eternal_a unto_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n only_o as_o to_o a_o meritorious_a cause_n for_o god_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o will_v perform_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v faithful_o and_o true_o but_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o divers_a place_n that_o the_o only_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o only_a price_n of_o our_o redemption_n from_o all_o our_o sin_n for_o by_o isaiah_n he_o promise_v express_o that_o his_o servant_n meaning_n christ_n shall_v by_o his_o knowledge_n justify_v many_o because_o he_o have_v under-gone_a and_o bear_v their_o iniquity_n therefore_o how_o much_o soever_o the_o papist_n do_v attribute_n unto_o work_n foresee_v so_o much_o do_v they_o necessary_o detract_v from_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n because_o those_o work_n foresee_v and_o these_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v such_o contrary_n as_o that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n can_v be_v attribute_v to_o they_o both_o but_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a and_o most_o simple_a truth_n do_v every_o where_o ascribe_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o election_n unto_o god_n free_a bounty_n and_o likewise_o ascribe_v redemption_n and_o salvation_n that_o proceed_v and_o come_v thereof_o unto_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n therefore_o it_o do_v not_o only_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o their_o work_n foresee_v but_o do_v also_o convince_v they_o of_o falsehood_n and_o reject_v and_o condemn_v they_o as_o manifest_v wrong_n against_o christ_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o grace_n that_o be_v deadly_a and_o tend_v to_o damnation_n but_o these_o work_v foresee_v of_o the_o papist_n be_v not_o of_o grace_n for_o they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o humane_a nature_n therefore_o those_o work_n foresee_v be_v deadly_a and_o tend_v to_o damnation_n wherefore_o see_v they_o bring_v destruction_n with_o they_o these_o work_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v reject_v on_o the_o contrary_a christ_n his_o merit_n see_v they_o bring_v salvation_n with_o they_o be_v with_o heart_n and_o mind_n ready_o to_o be_v embrace_v but_o if_o the_o papist_n do_v believe_v god_n when_o he_o promise_v and_o do_v rest_v themselves_o only_o upon_o his_o word_n of_o truth_n they_o will_v let_v go_v their_o work_n foresee_v but_o see_v they_o do_v produce_v they_o they_o do_v manifest_o declare_v that_o they_o put_v more_o confidence_n in_o their_o work_n than_o they_o do_v in_o god_n or_o in_o his_o word_n and_o so_o they_o offend_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n before_o which_o they_o prefer_v their_o own_o work_n and_o merit_v foresee_v and_o do_v perverse_o accuse_v god_n of_o infidelity_n and_o falsehood_n for_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o constant_a in_o perform_v of_o his_o promise_n they_o will_v never_o fly_v unto_o work_n foresee_v as_o to_o the_o helper_n of_o his_o grace_n five_o they_o do_v offend_v against_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n because_o they_o presume_v and_o undertake_v thing_n that_o be_v far_o above_o their_o strength_n and_o power_n for_o god_n be_v only_o omnipotent_a and_o he_o be_v the_o only_a effecter_n and_o beginner_n of_o all_o power_n and_o strength_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v more_o powerful_a nor_o able_a to_o do_v or_o perform_v more_o than_o god_n have_v give_v he_o ability_n and_o force_n to_o do_v wherefore_o every_o creature_n can_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o perform_v so_o much_o as_o it_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o strength_n that_o god_n work_v and_o preserve_v in_o it_o but_o god_n give_v not_o infinite_a strength_n and_o omnipotency_n unto_o any_o creature_n for_o so_o of_o a_o creature_n he_o shall_v make_v he_o god_n and_o
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
teach_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n and_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o christian_n as_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v propound_v unto_o they_o and_o insist_v upon_o by_o the_o public_a ministry_n for_o without_o it_o they_o can_v have_v a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v certain_a of_o their_o salvation_n nor_o manful_o resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n they_o therefore_o which_o desire_n that_o this_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v scilence_v or_o suppress_v they_o do_v take_v away_o the_o chief_a comfort_n from_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o therein_o grievous_o offend_v chap._n 17._o ninthly_o this_o decree_n of_o election_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v for_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o we_o can_v not_o have_v a_o true_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n neither_o can_v we_o determine_v or_o define_v of_o any_o thing_n certain_o or_o sound_o concern_v salvation_n nor_o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o temptation_n for_o as_o often_o as_o he_o tempt_v our_o faith_n and_o indeed_o he_o tempt_v it_o very_o often_o so_o often_o ought_v we_o to_o have_v recourse_n unto_o election_n as_o unto_o the_o only_a strong_a foundation_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o we_o must_v most_o certain_o determine_v and_o set_v down_o with_o ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v free_o elect_v unto_o salvation_n and_o that_o we_o can_v fall_v away_o which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v god_n for_o our_o father_n and_o christ_n for_o our_o redeemer_n nor_o hope_v and_o look_v for_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o one_o and_o merit_n of_o the_o other_o whosoever_o therefore_o do_v true_o acknowledge_v and_o sound_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v his_o father_n and_o christ_n his_o redeemer_n and_o do_v place_n and_o ground_n all_o his_o faith_n and_o all_o his_o hope_n and_o confidence_n of_o salvation_n in_o he_o alone_o he_o may_v know_v as_o very_o that_o he_o be_v choose_v of_o god_n as_o god_n both_o in_o his_o essence_n and_o nature_n and_o in_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a for_o this_o sentence_n and_o promise_v of_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o true_a but_o also_o more_o steadfast_a than_o the_o frame_n of_o heaven_n 3.16_o john_n 3.16_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o i_o say_v christ_n shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n this_o faith_n which_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o lay_v hold_v upon_o christ_n be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o salvation_n therefore_o god_n election_n and_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o be_v the_o only_a strong_a foundation_n on_o which_o a_o christian_a and_o save_a faith_n may_v safe_o lean_v and_o remain_v constant_a against_o all_o the_o assault_n and_o temptation_n of_o satan_n wherefore_o see_v that_o election_n be_v as_o a_o strong_a and_o invincible_a fortress_n against_o all_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n against_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o world_n and_o against_o all_o the_o doubt_n and_o waver_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o knowledge_n thereof_o be_v very_o necessary_a for_o us._n again_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n be_v very_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o we_o for_o this_o cause_n because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n this_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v and_o express_v plain_o and_o express_o that_o we_o be_v therefore_o call_v and_o draw_v unto_o christ_n and_o unto_o salvation_n because_o that_o we_o be_v first_o predestinate_a and_o elect_a for_o they_o only_a and_o none_o other_o be_v call_v unto_o christ_n 13.48_o act._n 13.48_o and_o endue_v with_o true_a faith_n through_o he_o which_o be_v foreordeyned_n unto_o salvation_n therefore_o he_o which_o deny_v and_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n he_o deny_v and_o reject_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n but_o that_o we_o may_v know_v and_o understand_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o salvation_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o we_o than_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n for_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v it_o from_o everlasting_a for_o the_o only_a fountain_n of_o salvation_n and_o have_v reveal_v it_o and_o lay_v it_o open_a in_o his_o word_n they_o therefore_o which_o dream_n that_o there_o be_v no_o election_n they_o deny_v and_o reject_v god_n and_o his_o grace_n because_o that_o without_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o that_o infinite_o free_a god_n be_v not_o god_n moreover_o this_o decree_n be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v for_o this_o cause_n because_o it_o teach_v we_o true_a and_o profitable_a humility_n and_o that_o it_o set_v out_o and_o declare_v unto_o we_o on_o this_o manner_n in_o that_o salvation_n can_v beget_v and_o attain_a at_o any_o hand_n by_o our_o own_o work_n and_o endeavour_n because_o it_o be_v set_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n and_o power_n of_o all_o mortal_a man_n but_o much_o rather_o that_o we_o be_v miserable_a and_o sinner_n and_o that_o so_o as_o that_o of_o our_o own_o strength_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v no_o not_o the_o least_o thought_n tend_v unto_o good_a which_o may_v be_v acceptable_a or_o well_o please_v unto_o god_n whatsoever_o therefore_o of_o our_o own_o power_n we_o shall_v undertake_v or_o do_v either_o by_o thought_n word_n or_o deed_n we_o do_v offend_v in_o it_o and_o do_v draw_v unto_o ourselves_o deserve_o just_a and_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o have_v deserve_v it_o so_o often_o in_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v conceyve_v any_o thing_n in_o thought_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n either_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n yea_o and_o more_o often_o for_o albeit_o that_o no_o evil_a work_v either_o outward_a or_o inward_a be_v commit_v of_o we_o yet_o our_o corrupt_a and_o deprave_a nature_n do_v convince_v we_o all_o and_o find_v we_o guilty_a of_o most_o just_a damnation_n therefore_o this_o our_o most_o miserable_a estate_n and_o most_o desperate_a condition_n do_v make_v we_o much_o ashamed_a and_o confound_v and_o aught_o to_o humble_a and_o debase_v we_o with_o much_o meekness_n for_o man_n be_v then_o wont_a to_o blush_v for_o shame_n and_o to_o be_v humble_v when_o they_o be_v compel_v to_o confess_v &_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o misdeed_n they_o be_v many_o and_o great_a so_o that_o they_o can_v defend_v nor_o excuse_v they_o so_o they_o begin_v to_o be_v out_o of_o like_n with_o themselves_o &_o distrust_v themselves_o &_o be_v in_o despair_n as_o concern_v their_o own_o merit_n which_o despair_n be_v profitable_a for_o they_o for_o as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o they_o can_v do_v any_o good_a whereby_o to_o attain_v salvation_n so_o long_o they_o remain_v and_o abide_v stiff_a in_o their_o own_o conceit_n and_o do_v not_o distrust_v themselves_o as_o indeed_o they_o shall_v nor_o be_v not_o true_o humble_v before_o god_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o the_o flesh_n always_o sugge_v to_o a_o man_n that_o there_o be_v some_o good_a thing_n in_o he_o which_o go_v before_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o which_o he_o shall_v be_v elect_v and_o save_v and_o so_o think_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v dispense_v and_o give_v according_a unto_o man_n desert_n and_o so_o presuppose_v some_o natural_a or_o moral_a good_a thing_n to_o be_v in_o he_o or_o else_o think_v that_o he_o can_v prevent_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o some_o preparation_n or_o some_o good_a desire_n and_o by_o so_o think_v can_v never_o come_v to_o be_v save_v for_o god_n will_v save_v and_o bless_v man_n with_o his_o grace_n not_o by_o the_o half_n but_o whole_o that_o so_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n may_v redound_v unto_o god_n as_o unto_o the_o only_a author_n of_o salvation_n for_o god_n do_v not_o promise_v nor_o impart_v his_o grace_n unto_o any_o but_o to_o such_o as_o be_v in_o despair_n and_o out_o of_o hope_n in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o for_o man_n be_v then_o capable_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n when_o as_o he_o think_v himself_o not_o only_o void_a and_o destitute_a of_o all_o goodness_n but_o also_o replenish_v and_o overwhelm_v with_o all_o ungodliness_n wherefore_o if_o a_o man_n desire_v to_o be_v save_v he_o will_v suppose_v no_o good_a thing_n to_o be_v in_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o salvation_n but_o be_v thorough_o humble_v and_o deject_a will_v fly_v only_o to_o the_o incomprehensible_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o will_v know_v that_o his_o whole_a salvation_n depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n this_o humiliation_n from_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o salvation_n 145.14_o psal_n 145.14_o for_o the_o lord_n uphold_v such_o as_o fall_v and_z
unto_o satan_n &_o partly_o to_o their_o own_o concupiscence_n and_o desire_n so_o that_o they_o follow_v not_o so_o much_o the_o swinge_n of_o their_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n as_o the_o persuasion_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o which_o they_o be_v carry_v headlong_o into_o all_o filthiness_n and_o lust_n of_o sin_n 22.11_o 2._o tim._n 3.13_o apoc._n 22.11_o and_o be_v so_o besot_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o sin_v that_o be_v blind_v with_o it_o they_o wax_v daily_o worse_o and_o worse_o this_o harden_v and_o delight_n in_o sin_n be_v oppose_v as_o contrary_a unto_o true_a faith_n and_o save_a repentance_n and_o this_o inborn_a corruption_n be_v with_o actual_a sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o fuel_n augment_v and_o increase_v therefore_o the_o wicked_a be_v leave_v to_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o harden_v by_o the_o enticement_n of_o sin_n can_v do_v nothing_o else_o but_o sin_n so_o that_o these_o be_v those_o vessel_n which_o saint_n paul_n to_o timothy_n say_v 2.20_o 2._o epist_n 2.20_o be_v make_v and_o appoint_v to_o shame_n and_o dishonour_n so_o the_o reprobate_n by_o filthy_a and_o odious_a mean_n be_v bring_v to_o everlasting_a shame_n and_o dishonour_n for_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o end_n be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o mean_n by_o the_o end_n therefore_o although_o the_o reprobate_n do_v commit_v sin_n the_o affection_n and_o indevor_n of_o their_o whole_a nature_n tend_v hasty_o unto_o evil_n yet_o notwithstanding_o by_o sin_v free_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n they_o do_v accomplish_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v have_v do_v by_o they_o that_o by_o they_o they_o may_v just_o be_v condemn_v according_a to_o god_n purpose_n from_o everlasting_a for_o in_o their_o open_a misdemeanure_n god_n execute_v his_o hide_a and_o secret_a judgement_n as_o in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o each_o man_n else_o so_o that_o those_o sin_n which_o the_o wicked_a commit_v be_v the_o secondary_a cause_n by_o which_o they_o discend_v as_o by_o certain_a step_n into_o everlasting_a perdition_n therefore_o the_o reprobate_n although_o from_o everlasting_a they_o be_v ordain_v unto_o damnation_n yet_o they_o can_v just_o murmur_v against_o god_n nor_o excuse_v or_o defend_v themselves_o because_o they_o themselves_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o own_o damnation_n therefore_o they_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o guiltiness_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o and_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o condemnation_n be_v just_a but_o god_n be_v not_o therefore_o the_o author_n and_o causer_n of_o their_o perverseness_n because_o that_o he_o do_v not_o correct_v they_o and_o amend_v they_o for_o before_o that_o they_o be_v forsake_v and_o harden_v by_o god_n in_o their_o wickedness_n the_o root_n &_o wellspring_n of_o their_o corruption_n abide_v and_o stick_v fast_o within_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n which_o they_o procure_v unto_o themselves_o by_o their_o wilful_a fall_v away_o from_o god_n in_o the_o loin_n of_o adam_n but_o it_o be_v satan_n which_o do_v excite_v and_o stir_v up_o in_o they_o evil_a thought_n and_o wicked_a desire_n and_o do_v hurry_v they_o and_o incense_v they_o as_o his_o own_o bondslave_n at_o his_o pleasure_n into_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n whatsoever_o and_o do_v take_v from_o they_o all_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o their_o misery_n that_o they_o may_v consume_v and_o perish_v in_o it_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o they_o contemn_v and_o scoff_n at_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o extenuate_v their_o sin_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o mervayle_n though_o they_o perish_v in_o their_o evil_n because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o evil_n neither_o feel_v nor_o consider_v with_o themselves_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o yea_o they_o be_v so_o far_o off_o from_o seek_v to_o the_o physician_n for_o remedy_n against_o it_o as_o that_o they_o refuse_v it_o be_v offer_v moreover_o the_o reprobate_n by_o their_o free_a and_o voluntary_a will_v which_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n and_o original_n of_o all_o actual_a sin_n do_v choose_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o pursue_v they_o with_o a_o most_o eager_a desire_n and_o so_o be_v carry_v from_o sin_n into_o sin_n and_o daily_o even_o to_o their_o die_a day_n do_v add_v and_o heap_v sin_n upon_o sin_n until_o they_o fall_v into_o everlasting_a destrucction_n unto_o the_o which_o by_o such_o mean_v they_o be_v ordain_v by_o these_o thing_n it_o most_o evident_o appear_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n ought_v not_o be_v lay_v upon_o god_n but_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o they_o which_o have_v offend_v and_o although_o god_n for_o a_o while_o do_v seem_v to_o wink_v with_o his_o eye_n as_o it_o be_v close_v up_o at_o their_o great_a and_o detestable_a wickedness_n yet_o that_o temporal_a forbear_n of_o their_o wickedness_n be_v not_o the_o forgive_n and_o pardon_v they_o for_o ever_o but_o god_n for_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n sake_n do_v favour_v they_o many_o time_n in_o this_o life_n and_o deal_v gentle_o with_o they_o 2.4_o rom._n 2.4_o that_o so_o he_o may_v allure_v they_o unto_o repentance_n but_o they_o for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n come_v not_o unto_o this_o undeserved_a mercy_n therefore_o he_o come_v unto_o they_o at_o the_o length_n with_o deserve_a punishment_n these_o sin_n and_o evil_a deed_n which_o the_o reprobate_n commit_v do_v necessary_o follow_v their_o reprobation_n but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o but_o the_o reprobate_n do_v bring_v forth_o they_o of_o themselves_o and_o be_v proper_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o time_n when_o as_o they_o be_v reprobate_v of_o god_n before_o time_n therefore_o their_o condemnation_n be_v proper_o the_o wage_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o peculiar_a fruit_n of_o their_o evil_a deed_n so_o the_o wicked_a themselves_o be_v the_o first_o &_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o own_o destruction_n but_o god_n be_v a_o just_a judge_n which_o take_v from_o they_o nothing_o which_o be_v they_o but_o reward_v &_o pay_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o they_o by_o their_o enterprise_n &_o action_n have_v deserve_v therefore_o when_o he_o condemn_v they_o he_o do_v they_o no_o injury_n but_o do_v make_v and_o pronounce_v upon_o they_o the_o sentence_n of_o their_o deserve_a condemnation_n even_o for_o their_o own_o fact_n 25.43.44_o math._n 25.43.44_o so_o that_o such_o reward_n shall_v be_v render_v they_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n as_o their_o labour_n have_v be_v here_o and_o such_o wage_n shall_v be_v pay_v they_o there_o as_o their_o desert_n have_v be_v here_o so_o two_o beinning_n or_o cause_n do_v go_v before_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o wit_n the_o just_a decree_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o impiety_n god_n decree_n be_v the_o cause_n far_o remove_v which_o have_v just_o ordain_v and_o wise_o dispose_v this_o their_o condemnation_n their_o own_o corruption_n be_v the_o near_a cause_n which_o be_v still_o in_o operation_n and_o by_o that_o operation_n deserve_v condemnation_n moreover_o as_o often_o as_o two_o cause_n do_v concur_v to_o one_o effect_n than_o the_o effect_n take_v his_o nature_n and_o name_n of_o the_o near_a cause_n therefore_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o effect_n ought_v to_o proceed_v and_o be_v take_v from_o that_o now_o where_o there_o be_v stiffnecked_a incredulity_n and_o a_o wicked_a life_n see_v replenish_v and_o overwhelm_v with_o sundry_a sin_n and_o iniquity_n continual_o as_o long_o as_o life_n do_v last_o there_o do_v the_o token_n of_o reprobation_n appear_v yet_o notwithstanding_o sometime_o some_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n at_o the_o last_o gasp_n of_o death_n and_o attain_v salvation_n which_o through_o their_o whole_a life_n long_o have_v live_v dishonest_o &_o lewd_o in_o such_o god_n do_v manifest_v his_o incredible_a mercy_n and_o do_v indeed_o show_v more_o clear_o than_o the_o sun_n at_o midday_n that_o life_n eternal_a be_v by_o all_o mean_v his_o own_o mere_a gift_n and_o benefit_n so_o that_o god_n teach_v we_o in_o they_o that_o we_o shall_v hope_v well_o of_o every_o one_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v here_o but_o to_o denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n upon_o this_o or_o that_o man_n for_o such_o or_o such_o misdeed_n be_v a_o thing_n very_o rash_a and_o much_o dissonant_n from_o charity_n the_o horrible_a damnation_n of_o the_o reprobate_n by_o the_o wise_a and_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n turn_v unto_o the_o good_a of_o the_o elect_a and_o therefore_o ought_v public_o to_o be_v preach_v although_o some_o restless_a bust-body_n rage_n and_o storm_n thereat_o chap._n 20._o this_o most_o just_a and_o horrible_a condemnation_n of_o the_o wicked_a make_v for_o the_o best_a
of_o man_n a_o false_a and_o feign_a cause_n thereof_o and_o although_o the_o scripture_n do_v oftentimes_o promise_v a_o reward_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o godly_a yet_o from_o thence_o can_v be_v gather_v no_o merit_n wherein_o god_n as_o a_o debtor_n shall_v be_v bind_v unto_o we_o because_o that_o reward_n depend_v upon_o the_o mere_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o worthiness_n of_o the_o work_n therefore_o the_o papist_n whilst_o that_o in_o this_o question_n they_o do_v join_v the_o reward_n and_o merit_n in_o a_o mutual_a relation_n be_v very_o much_o deceive_v certain_o such_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o god_n which_o shall_v put_v the_o least_o part_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o work_n this_o do_v the_o son_n of_o god_n lively_o express_v and_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o pharisy_n 18.11_o luk._n 18.11_o moreover_o the_o papist_n get_v nothing_o in_o this_o when_o as_o they_o bring_v forth_o the_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n how_o that_o they_o oftentimes_o do_v free_o rehearse_v and_o plead_v their_o integrity_n &_o innocency_n before_o god_n this_o they_o do_v not_o to_o this_o end_n &_o purpose_n as_o if_o they_o will_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v free_a and_o exempt_a from_o all_o imperfection_n and_o stain_v of_o sin_n nor_o as_o if_o they_o hope_v that_o they_o can_v stand_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v endue_v with_o their_o own_o power_n but_o they_o do_v it_o to_o a_o far_a other_o end_n namely_o to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a &_o lawful_a cause_n against_o their_o adversary_n of_o who_o they_o be_v unjust_o hurt_v and_o oppress_v so_o that_o the_o holy_a man_n do_v not_o compare_v their_o own_o integrity_n by_o the_o square_a &_o rule_v of_o god_n justice_n but_o they_o oppose_v it_o against_o the_o violent_a injury_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o do_v call_v god_n as_o a_o just_a judge_n and_o the_o only_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n between_o themselves_o and_o their_o enemy_n therefore_o by_o that_o comparison_n make_v with_o their_o enemy_n by_o who_o they_o be_v unjust_o oppress_v they_o show_v forth_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n that_o by_o that_o reason_n they_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o persuade_v god_n to_o help_v they_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o holy_a man_n do_v labour_n so_o earnest_o in_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n so_o that_o in_o those_o speech_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n the_o question_n be_v not_o concern_v their_o whole_a life_n and_o continual_a perfection_n and_o innocency_n thereof_o but_o only_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v lay_v open_a and_o declare_v against_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o wicked_a again_o although_o the_o saint_n sometime_o lay_v open_a their_o good_a work_n 18.21_o 2._o king_n 20.4_o psa_fw-la 18.21_o that_o they_o have_v walk_v before_o god_n with_o a_o upright_o heart_n and_o have_v not_o depart_v from_o his_o commandment_n yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v not_o produce_v those_o work_n as_o meritorious_a but_o only_o bring_v they_o in_o as_o sign_n and_o fruit_n of_o their_o call_n that_o they_o may_v comfort_v themselves_o concern_v their_o free_a adoption_n and_o so_o do_v not_o extol_v and_o praise_v their_o own_o merit_n but_o the_o gift_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n and_o do_v testify_v that_o they_o do_v rely_v with_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n upon_o the_o only_a favour_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n also_o sometime_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o saint_n it_o distinguish_v they_o from_o hypocrite_n to_o who_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v a_o outward_a show_n of_o godliness_n so_o this_o integrity_n be_v not_o every_o way_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o whole_a life_n but_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o singleness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o dissimulation_n also_o the_o papist_n by_o their_o interpretation_n do_v corrupt_v all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o promise_v a_o reward_n unto_o good_a work_n and_o wrest_v they_o into_o a_o other_o sense_n 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 and_o further_o because_o they_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o the_o merit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v due_a alone_a unto_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n they_o mingle_v contrary_a cause_n together_o and_o out_o of_o they_o do_v frame_n and_o forge_v i_o know_v not_o what_o but_o to_o enforce_v some_o merit_n from_o a_o free_a reward_n they_o do_v not_o only_o make_v a_o foolish_a and_o rash_a consequence_n but_o also_o do_v deny_v god_n to_o be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o do_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v some_o good_a thing_n in_o wretched_a sinner_n which_o be_v whole_o corrupt_v furthermore_o that_o which_o they_o babble_v of_o inherent_a righteousness_n be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o foolish_a for_o the_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n his_o merit_n do_v quite_o overthrow_v as_o well_o this_o inherent_a righteousness_n as_o that_o righteousness_n of_o work_n for_o these_o be_v two_o contraries_n which_o can_v never_o stand_v together_o nor_o be_v attribute_v unto_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_o thing_n but_o one_o of_o they_o always_o confound_v and_o drive_v away_o the_o other_o sure_o such_o fiction_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o vain_a man_n be_v altogether_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o condemn_v which_o pull_v in_o piece_n the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o free_a remission_n of_o sin_n for_o they_o which_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o righteousness_n do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n 10.3_o rom._n 10.3_o they_o do_v not_o only_o deceive_v and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v condemn_v themselves_o and_o other_o but_o also_o they_o arrogate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n unto_o themselves_o or_o at_o the_o leastwise_o much_o weaken_v it_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o set_v up_o their_o own_o righteousness_n they_o throw_v down_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a beginning_n to_o obtain_v the_o righâ—…nes_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v altogether_o renouâ—â—â—â—heir_v own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v void_a of_o all_o righteousness_n for_o as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o have_v the_o least_o good_a thing_n of_o his_o own_o he_o be_v unfit_a to_o receive_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o give_v and_o impute_v free_o for_o god_n receive_v into_o favour_n and_o save_v none_o but_o sinner_n such_o as_o be_v void_a of_o all_o righteousness_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v set_v the_o only_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o sole_a merit_n of_o the_o messiah_n 1.15_o dan._n 9_o 1._o tim._n 1.15_o as_o contrary_a unto_o all_o the_o merit_n of_o man_n and_o all_o outward_a cause_n which_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o inconstancy_n and_o rash_a attempt_n do_v invent_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o man_n to_o become_v righteous_a and_o enter_v into_o heaven_n but_o the_o only_a and_o mere_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n alone_o again_o they_o teach_v we_o that_o all_o and_o singular_a the_o endeavour_n and_o merit_n of_o man_n by_o which_o man_n go_v about_o to_o deserve_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o manifest_a illusion_n and_o sleight_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o which_o ignorant_a man_n be_v make_v stranger_n from_o god_n and_o throw_v headlong_o into_o the_o deep_a pit_n of_o condemnation_n therefore_o this_o free_a justification_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v remember_v and_o think_v of_o for_o satan_n labour_v and_o watch_v for_o nothing_o more_o then_o that_o he_o may_v quite_o put_v out_o or_o at_o the_o least_o darken_v this_o free_a justification_n of_o faith_n this_o he_o have_v go_v about_o in_o all_o age_n and_o obtain_v in_o many_o place_n but_o let_v this_o suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o quality_n of_o justification_n second_o this_o justification_n be_v by_o all_o mean_v perfect_a and_o most_o absolute_a for_o god_n do_v not_o pardon_v one_o or_o two_o sin_n only_o but_o he_o forgive_v all_o and_o every_o sin_n neither_o do_v he_o only_o forgive_v sin_n that_o be_v already_o commit_v &_o pass_v but_o he_o do_v remit_v the_o daily_a fall_n of_o his_o child_n if_o they_o repent_v this_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o in_o many_o place_n and_o diligent_o urge_v john_n say_v plain_o 1.7_o 1._o john_n 1.7_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n s._n paul_n to_o the_o colossian_n
ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o us._n these_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o not_o one_o live_v here_o which_o be_v not_o a_o sinner_n so_o s._n austin_n say_v in_o a_o other_o place_n most_o fit_o to_o this_o purpose_n woe_n unto_o the_o life_n of_o man_n although_o most_o holy_a if_o it_o be_v examine_v &_o judge_v without_o god_n mercy_n but_o sure_o although_o regeneration_n be_v here_o but_o only_o begin_v and_o be_v unperfect_a yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unprofitable_a but_o be_v very_o commodious_a unto_o the_o elect_a for_o from_o thence_o a_o most_o sure_a and_o evident_a token_n of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n be_v minister_v unto_o they_o but_o of_o this_o matter_n shall_v be_v speak_v more_o large_o and_o purposely_o in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o treatise_n regeneration_n have_v also_o this_o commodity_n which_o be_v very_o great_a for_o when_o man_n be_v regenerate_v they_o be_v not_o only_o deliver_v from_o the_o most_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o tyranny_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o also_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n for_o then_o be_v they_o true_o graft_v into_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v join_v unto_o they_o again_o so_o that_o they_o be_v make_v one_o with_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o christ_n be_v make_v one_o with_o they_o also_o christ_n then_o live_v in_o they_o save_o and_o reign_v effectual_o so_o that_o he_o give_v and_o bestow_v upon_o they_o life_n everlasting_a for_o who_o he_o once_o have_v begin_v to_o renew_v those_o he_o never_o forsake_v for_o he_o leave_v not_o this_o holy_a and_o chief_a work_n of_o all_o his_o work_n as_o it_o be_v break_v of_o 138.8_o psa_fw-la 138.8_o but_o bring_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n and_o accomplishment_n thereof_o 3.6_o mala._n 3.6_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v make_v void_a because_o god_n do_v not_o change_v his_o nature_n nor_o disrobe_v himself_o of_o that_o goodness_n wherewith_o he_o be_v endue_v in_o this_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o salvation_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v ground_v and_o settle_v so_o that_o what_o the_o elect_n have_v once_o lay_v hold_v on_o by_o a_o steadfast_a faith_n that_o do_v god_n never_o take_v from_o they_o for_o the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v such_o as_o be_v without_o repentance_n for_o which_o cause_n paul_n say_v plain_o &_o bold_o 11.29_o rom._n 11.29_o that_o god_n will_v perform_v that_o which_o he_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o philippian_n 1.6_o phil._n 1.6_o and_o bring_v it_o unto_o the_o last_o end_n and_o perfection_n until_o at_o the_o last_o after_o their_o happy_a resurrection_n their_o vile_a body_n be_v fashion_v unto_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n so_o this_o regeneration_n be_v the_o near_a fellowship_n and_o strong_a band_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o regenerate_a and_o where_o this_o grace_n be_v effectual_a there_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o life_n and_o happiness_n everlasting_a follow_v and_o ensue_v for_o the_o old_a man_n with_o the_o concupiscence_n perish_v and_o be_v abolish_v 4.16_o 2._o cor._n 4.16_o but_o the_o new_a man_n be_v renew_a and_o fashion_v unto_o the_o image_n of_o god_n this_o grace_n therefore_o bring_v with_o it_o a_o double_a benefit_n for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o strength_n and_o body_n of_o sin_n be_v weaken_v and_o decay_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n our_o lose_a righteousness_n be_v repair_v and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n restore_v so_o that_o we_o proceed_v from_o the_o abolish_n and_o put_v away_o of_o the_o one_o unto_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o other_o as_o from_o one_o contrary_a unto_o a_o other_o therefore_o regeneration_n be_v the_o only_a remedy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o which_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n be_v here_o after_o a_o sort_n restrain_v and_o amend_v which_o renew_v of_o nature_n shall_v be_v whole_o perfect_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o than_o shall_v we_o necessary_o love_v that_o which_o be_v good_a with_o a_o perfect_a like_n and_o necessary_o hate_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n furthermore_o we_o must_v note_v here_o and_o diligent_o observe_v that_o this_o power_n of_o renew_v be_v in_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o be_v change_v by_o no_o outward_a cause_n or_o mutable_a occasion_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o be_v as_o sure_a and_o certain_a as_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o essence_n be_v everlasting_a for_o god_n be_v as_o constant_a in_o his_o promise_n as_o he_o be_v unchangeable_a in_o his_o essence_n so_o that_o see_v he_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o continual_o as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n and_o ever_o remain_v like_o himself_o therefore_o also_o do_v he_o true_o and_o indeed_o perform_v and_o fulfil_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o word_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v sure_a because_o that_o grace_n whence_o it_o depend_v and_o spring_v be_v sure_a and_o grace_n be_v only_o of_o that_o which_o be_v both_o by_o word_n promise_v and_o indeed_o perform_v free_o and_o merciful_o without_o any_o expectation_n of_o reward_n they_o therefore_o which_o doubt_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o they_o do_v rather_o by_o deed_n than_o word_n accuse_v and_o argue_v god_n of_o unconstancy_n and_o falsehood_n therefore_o the_o distrust_n of_o the_o good_a and_o favourable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o performance_n of_o thing_n promise_v be_v without_o doubt_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n for_o god_n by_o his_o almighty_a power_n do_v begin_v continue_v and_o end_v this_o his_o work_n of_o regeneration_n wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o be_v ground_v therefore_o this_o work_n can_v no_o more_o be_v break_v off_o and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n than_o god_n can_v of_o any_o man_n be_v vanquish_v and_o overcome_v the_o work_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o godly_a howsoever_o they_o be_v imperfect_a and_o interlace_v with_o divers_a blemish_n yet_o god_n in_o that_o his_o fatherly_a goodness_n love_v and_o accept_v they_o then_o some_o thing_n be_v propound_v and_o dilate_a somewhat_o large_o and_o plain_o concern_v the_o meaning_n and_o true_a use_n of_o good_a work_n that_o the_o papist_n error_n may_v be_v the_o more_o evident_a in_o any_o man_n sight_n chap._n 30._o fvrthermore_o see_v this_o regeneration_n be_v in_o this_o life_n maim_v and_o imperfect_a hence_o it_o follow_v necessary_o and_o infallible_o that_o all_o good_a work_n also_o which_o proceed_v out_o of_o it_o as_o stream_n out_o of_o a_o fountain_n be_v maim_v and_o imperfect_a for_o such_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v such_o a_o effect_n likewise_o usual_o follow_v therefore_o see_v those_o work_n be_v unperfect_a they_o can_v deserve_v nothing_o as_o due_a debt_n for_o to_o the_o produce_v and_o effect_v of_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v require_v necessary_o sound_a and_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o maim_a and_o mangle_a cause_n have_v never_o bring_v forth_o any_o thing_n for_o imperfect_a cause_n be_v esteem_v as_o no_o cause_n and_o although_o the_o work_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v interlace_v and_o stain_v with_o many_o blemish_n and_o imperfection_n yet_o they_o be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n because_o in_o they_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o image_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o make_v the_o person_n whence_o those_o work_n proceed_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o mix_v a_o good_a quality_n among_o their_o good_a work_n in_o which_o be_v dip_v as_o in_o a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a perfume_n god_n do_v approve_v and_o accept_v they_o god_n in_o his_o fatherly_a compassion_n do_v pardon_v the_o stain_n and_o defect_n of_o good_a work_n so_o that_o the_o work_n when_o the_o corruption_n of_o they_o be_v abolish_v and_o wipe_v away_o be_v account_v just_a and_o righteous_a and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v unto_o they_o for_o righteousness_n like_a as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o person_n from_o who_o they_o do_v proceed_v therefore_o as_o he_o do_v by_o his_o favour_n love_n and_o justify_v his_o saint_n unto_o death_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a man_n consist_v always_o in_o faith_n and_o the_o daily_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n so_o also_o with_o the_o same_o favour_n do_v he_o love_v and_o justify_v their_o work_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o blot_v out_o and_o wipe_v away_o the_o fault_n which_o remain_v in_o they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o impute_v righteousness_n unto_o they_o as_o therefore_o the_o moon_n do_v borrow_v and_o take_v her_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o also_o faith_n justifi_v the_o work_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o make_v they_o have_v a_o good_a savour_n therefore_o faith_n get_v the_o reward_n and_o name_n of_o righteousness_n both_o unto_o the_o work_n and_o also_o unto_o the_o person_n so_o that_o although_o those_o work_n
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
and_o so_o the_o good_a work_n of_o the_o best_a be_v partly_o imperfect_a and_o evil_a if_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o weigh_v in_o themselves_o and_o by_o themselves_o in_o the_o just_a balance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o almighty_a god_n be_v defile_v and_o pollute_v with_o their_o own_o uncleanness_n filthiness_n and_o deformity_n they_o will_v be_v find_v much_o more_o vile_a and_o unsavoury_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n than_o any_o leprosy_n by_o the_o uncleanness_n thereof_o can_v be_v unsightly_a and_o abominable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n this_o esayas_n do_v confess_v free_o of_o himself_o and_o other_o religious_a worshipper_n of_o god_n 64.6_o esay_n 64.6_o say_v we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o as_o a_o unclean_a thing_n and_o all_o our_o righteousness_n as_o a_o filthy_a and_o most_o vile_a cloth_n here_o rhe_n prophet_n although_o he_o have_v profit_v much_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o godliness_n and_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o confess_v that_o he_o be_v infect_v and_o pollute_v with_o many_o and_o filthy_a sin_n if_o the_o work_n of_o so_o great_a a_o prophet_n be_v defile_v with_o sin_n as_o with_o the_o uncleanness_n of_o leprosy_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o our_o own_o work_n which_o be_v in_o no_o sort_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o his_o certain_o he_o be_v altogether_o unclean_a that_o see_v not_o his_o own_o uncleanness_n but_o the_o more_o holy_a that_o a_o man_n be_v the_o more_o also_o do_v he_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v his_o own_o pollution_n and_o uncleanness_n as_o the_o example_n and_o confession_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v manifest_a and_o declare_v so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o free_a pardon_n and_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n except_o by_o a_o sound_a faith_n and_o steadfast_a assurance_n he_o do_v rely_v upon_o the_o sole_a and_o mere_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o consider_v with_o himself_o and_o detest_v his_o own_o imperfection_n and_o manifold_a sin_n for_o god_n do_v nothing_o by_o the_o half_n therefore_o he_o have_v determine_v either_o to_o save_v he_o whole_o or_o else_o be_v ready_a to_o condemn_v he_o whole_o so_o that_o work_v if_o they_o be_v consider_v in_o themselves_o and_o without_o mercy_n be_v worthy_a to_o be_v cast_v together_o with_o man_n into_o everlasting_a torment_n here_o the_o papist_n do_v again_o betray_v their_o own_o gross_a ignorance_n or_o obstinate_a malice_n in_o that_o they_o dream_v and_o dare_v affirm_v that_o the_o work_n of_o the_o saint_n be_v not_o only_o every_o way_n perfect_a in_o this_o life_n but_o also_o more_o exact_a than_o the_o law_n of_o god_n require_v to_o which_o god_n owe_v life_n everlasting_a and_o salvation_n and_o those_o work_n they_o call_v by_o a_o new_a find_v name_n merit_v ex_fw-la condigno_fw-la to_o which_o reward_n be_v due_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v pay_v even_o for_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o work_n according_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n so_o these_o will_v have_v the_o work_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v altogether_o perfect_a in_o this_o life_n and_o whole_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o they_o may_v by_o their_o inward_a virtue_n deserve_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o a_o reward_n for_o so_o they_o make_v a_o equality_n between_o those_o work_n and_o life_n eternal_a so_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v bind_v by_o right_a to_o yield_v a_o reward_n unto_o they_o this_o imagination_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v vain_a and_o fond_a because_o that_o bond_n in_o which_o god_n first_o bind_v himself_o be_v not_o meritorious_a of_o the_o least_o reward_n but_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o promise_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o the_o work_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o this_o life_n be_v unperfect_a and_o only_o but_o begin_v therefore_o there_o can_v be_v in_o they_o such_o force_n and_o power_n as_o that_o by_o they_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o godly_a shall_v be_v make_v a_o mean_n for_o and_o put_v away_o and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n attain_a as_o these_o will_v have_v it_o therefore_o this_o obligation_n or_o bond_n wherein_o god_n be_v bind_v can_v be_v prove_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o worth_n of_o their_o work_n and_o so_o this_o equality_n which_o they_o have_v forge_v and_o draw_v out_o of_o their_o own_o brain_n be_v altogether_o void_a so_o job_n be_v regenerate_v say_v most_o true_o and_o confess_v his_o own_o imperfection_n and_o frailty_n when_o he_o say_v if_o i_o will_v justify_v myself_o my_o own_o mouth_n shall_v condemn_v i_o if_o i_o shall_v say_v i_o be_o perfect_a he_o shall_v judge_v i_o wicked_a let_v every_o man_n therefore_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v unperfect_a that_o he_o may_v have_v passage_n and_o entrance_n unto_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n far_o therefore_o be_v the_o name_n of_o perfection_n and_o righteousness_n from_o those_o work_n which_o by_o god_n own_o mouth_n be_v convince_v to_o be_v full_a of_o pollution_n and_o uncleanness_n they_o add_v yet_o further_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v and_o do_v more_o and_o better_a work_n then_o the_o law_n prescribe_v and_o command_v for_o which_o cause_n they_o term_v they_o very_o impudent_o the_o work_n of_o supererogation_n and_o in_o these_o they_o do_v not_o only_o put_v much_o confidence_n but_o also_o do_v ascribe_v the_o praise_n of_o their_o righteousness_n unto_o they_o and_o do_v place_n no_o small_a part_n of_o their_o glory_n in_o they_o by_o this_o vain_a &_o wicked_a fiction_n they_o do_v offend_v most_o grievous_o first_o in_o that_o they_o dare_v fain_o that_o these_o work_n be_v whole_o consonant_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n yea_o more_o absolute_a than_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o stick_v not_o to_o vaunt_v and_o thrust_v out_o these_o feign_a work_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o church_n as_o if_o they_o be_v true_a and_o very_a work_n indeed_o second_o in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a by_o these_o work_n to_o dim_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v the_o merir_fw-fr of_o christ_n of_o none_o effect_n last_o in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o put_v and_o attribute_v that_o confidence_n and_o glory_n unto_o their_o execrable_a wickedness_n and_o great_a offence_n which_o be_v due_a and_o proper_a only_a to_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v altogether_o overthrow_n &_o batter_v down_o these_o work_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o well_o those_o of_o supererogation_n as_o those_o of_o congruity_n in_o the_o evangelist_n saint_n luke_n for_o he_o say_v flat_o unto_o his_o apostle_n 17.10_o luke_n 17.10_o when_o you_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v command_v you_o say_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n we_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o do_v therefore_o let_v that_o most_o vain_a dream_n of_o the_o papist_n and_o manifest_a invention_n of_o the_o devil_n with_o great_a detestation_n be_v hiss_v out_o of_o door_n and_o condemn_v unto_o the_o pit_n of_o hell_n because_o it_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o hazard_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o let_v the_o godly_a serious_o acknowledge_v and_o unfayned_o confess_v their_o own_o imperfection_n that_o they_o may_v be_v clothe_v and_o crown_v with_o true_a perfection_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o his_o bless_a come_n but_o the_o work_n of_o the_o papist_n by_o which_o they_o boast_v themselves_o and_o make_v such_o a_o show_n be_v chief_o these_o to_o interpret_v the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o god_n wicked_o and_o froward_o and_o wrest_v it_o into_o a_o contrary_a sense_n to_o add_v many_o hurtful_a opinion_n unto_o it_o and_o to_o take_v many_o wholesome_a thing_n from_o it_o and_o so_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o heap_v up_o idolatry_n and_o innumerable_a superstition_n without_o measure_n or_o end_n to_o waver_v up_o and_o down_o like_o a_o reed_n by_o unbelief_n to_o doubt_n and_o be_v uncertain_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o stagger_a faith_n and_o to_o despair_v of_o salvation_n to_o commit_v whoredom_n without_o fear_n or_o respect_n in_o the_o contempt_n of_o matrimony_n so_o that_o they_o fear_v not_o to_o exercise_v their_o most_o filthy_a lust_n and_o commit_v execrable_a wickedness_n these_o be_v the_o principal_a work_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o which_o they_o chief_o exercise_v and_o weary_v themselves_o so_o that_o they_o call_v they_o heretic_n which_o refuse_v to_o commit_v the_o like_a thing_n with_o they_o and_o persecute_v they_o with_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n and_o punishment_n until_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o they_o have_v take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o whereas_o god_n in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v promise_v
their_o most_o vain_a imagination_n but_o we_o for_o our_o opinion_n have_v the_o mouth_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o whole_a scripture_n as_o the_o only_a most_o faithful_a teacher_n moreover_o we_o separate_v good_a work_n from_o justify_v and_o not_o from_o the_o party_n justify_v but_o they_o place_v they_o as_o well_o in_o the_o act_n of_o iustifing_n as_o in_o the_o person_n justify_v we_o do_v this_o just_o because_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n nor_o acquit_v of_o his_o sin_n but_o by_o the_o only_a 4.12_o act_n 4.12_o &_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n alone_o but_o the_o papist_n do_v unjust_o because_o all_o and_o each_o of_o those_o work_n which_o they_o brag_v of_o and_o the_o moncke_n dream_v of_o be_v rather_o a_o hindrance_n than_o a_o furtherance_n unto_o justification_n therefore_o those_o work_n which_o follow_v a_o justify_v man_n &_o flow_v from_o true_a faith_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v embrace_v and_o do_v as_o far_o as_o man_n weakness_n can_v perform_v these_o work_n be_v necessary_a unto_o every_o christian_a because_o they_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o true_a faith_n for_o on_o whosoever_o god_n do_v bestow_v and_o inspire_v faith_n by_o his_o spirit_n through_o the_o word_n he_o also_o do_v he_o renew_v and_o make_v willing_a and_o fit_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o good_a work_n so_o that_o work_n do_v follow_v faith_n as_o the_o effect_n do_v follow_v the_o cause_n and_o as_o effect_n can_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o cause_n so_o neither_o can_n good_a work_n from_o faith_n here_o by_o evident_a reason_n be_v show_v how_o great_a both_o public_a and_o private_a commodity_n do_v flow_v from_o the_o studious_a care_n of_o good_a work_n and_o the_o unsavoury_a slander_n of_o the_o papist_n which_o say_v that_o good_a work_n be_v reject_v by_o the_o protestant_n be_v refute_v chap._n 32._o and_o why_o these_o good_a work_n shall_v be_v do_v the_o reason_n which_o follow_v in_o order_n will_v declare_v among_o these_o reason_n some_o appertain_v unto_o god_n some_o unto_o ourselves_o &_o some_o unto_o our_o neighbour_n therefore_o good_a work_n ought_v chief_o to_o be_v do_v for_o god_n cause_n for_o he_o command_v that_o we_o shall_v depart_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_a 37.29_o psal_n 37.29_o so_o that_o first_o of_o all_o good_a work_n be_v to_o be_v do_v because_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o that_o in_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v begin_v our_o new_a obedience_n that_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o and_o finish_v it_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v we_o be_v not_o leave_v unto_o our_o own_o self_n to_o do_v what_o seem_v good_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n but_o it_o stand_v we_o upon_o to_o do_v his_o will_n under_o who_o jurisdiction_n we_o be_v hence_o it_o be_v 15.12_o joh._n 15.12_o that_o christ_n in_o s._n john_n say_v this_o be_v my_o commandment_n that_o you_o love_v one_o another_o as_o i_o have_v love_v you_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n to_o obey_v god_n and_o his_o commandment_n for_o god_n be_v glorify_v by_o a_o godly_a life_n and_o a_o holy_a conversation_n for_o he_o that_o live_v godly_a honour_v god_n because_o he_o perform_v obedience_n unto_o he_o and_o express_v and_o resemble_v his_o image_n and_o give_v occasion_n that_o other_o may_v glorify_v god_n also_o 16._o mat._n 5_o 16._o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o which_o live_v a_o dissolute_a and_o a_o ungodly_a life_n do_v dishonour_n god_n for_o albeit_o they_o praise_v he_o with_o their_o lip_n and_o tongue_n yet_o by_o their_o wicked_a deed_n and_o ungodly_a life_n they_o speak_v evil_a of_o he_o though_o they_o keep_v silence_n and_o say_v not_o a_o word_n second_o good_a work_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o gospel_n sake_n that_o it_o may_v be_v beautify_v and_o adorn_v with_o good_a manner_n and_o virtuous_a and_o honest_a action_n 2.10_o tit._n 2.10_o for_o a_o godly_a and_o blameless_a life_n be_v a_o honour_n and_o ornament_n unto_o the_o gospel_n so_o by_o godly_a endeavour_n and_o holy_a work_n it_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v approve_v and_o well_o speak_v of_o among_o the_o adversary_n for_o often_o it_o happen_v that_o they_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v allure_v to_o the_o embrace_n of_o the_o gospel_n further_o good_a work_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n for_o it_o be_v a_o just_a and_o equal_a thing_n that_o we_o shall_v love_v and_o praise_v he_o by_o who_o we_o be_v redeem_v from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o who_o we_o have_v receyve_v and_o daily_o do_v receyve_v so_o many_o benefit_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o pure_a mind_n a_o holy_a life_n and_o chaste_a body_n for_o a_o impure_a and_o wicked_a life_n be_v rather_o the_o dishonour_v then_o praise_v of_o god_n again_o as_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o free_o make_v heir_n of_o the_o heavenly_a kingdom_n so_o also_o by_o a_o careful_a desire_n of_o good_a work_n we_o ought_v daily_o and_o continual_o to_o show_v &_o manifest_v ourselves_o to_o be_v thankful_a unto_o god_n for_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n these_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o good_a work_n be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o god_n sake_n now_o the_o reason_n follow_v why_o they_o be_v to_o be_v do_v for_o our_o own_o sake_n first_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v good_a work_n because_o they_o be_v sure_a and_o unfallible_a sign_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o as_o the_o tree_n can_v be_v know_v what_o manner_n of_o one_o it_o be_v but_o by_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o so_o also_o be_v faith_n know_v by_o a_o godly_a and_o holy_a life_n for_o although_o faith_n have_v her_o secret_a abide_n inward_o in_o the_o heart_n yet_o there_o it_o remain_v not_o idle_a but_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n outward_o and_o show_v itself_o unto_o man_n so_o that_o where_o honest_a action_n and_o a_o godly_a conversation_n be_v and_o appear_v in_o the_o outward_a work_n there_o must_v true_a faith_n need_v be_v likewise_o for_o dissimulation_n &_o hypocrisy_n do_v not_o long_o deceive_v and_o keep_v itself_o close_o therefore_o in_o who_o mind_n soever_o a_o sincere_a care_n and_o desire_v to_o do_v good_a dwell_v let_v he_o know_v that_o he_o have_v true_a faith_n for_o without_o faith_n there_o reign_v in_o man_n no_o care_n nor_o desire_n but_o only_o how_o to_o sin_v on_o the_o contrary_a faith_n be_v exercise_v and_o strengthen_v by_o good_a work_n 1.10_o 2._o pet._n 1.10_o so_o that_o continual_o by_o daily_a increase_n it_o be_v augment_v and_o grow_v great_a therefore_o paul_n admonish_v timothy_n 1.6_o 2._o tim._n 1.6_o to_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o he_o that_o it_o may_v increase_v more_o and_o more_o and_o make_v large_a proceed_n also_o it_o be_v seemly_a for_o a_o man_n to_o adorn_v and_o garnish_v his_o life_n and_o call_n with_o holy_a and_o religious_a manner_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n admonish_v and_o exhort_v 1._o ephes_n 4_o 1._o that_o every_o one_o shall_v so_o walk_v as_o beseem_v the_o call_v wherewith_o he_o be_v call_v likewise_o temporal_a punishment_n be_v often_o avoid_v by_o good_a work_n for_o where_o sin_n be_v commit_v and_o heap_v up_o with_o a_o strong_a hand_n there_o also_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o they_o sleep_v not_o for_o that_o tree_n which_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v cut_v down_o 7.19_o mat._n 7.19_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n by_o which_o saying_n we_o be_v teach_v that_o punishment_n be_v a_o unseparable_a companion_n of_o a_o ungodly_a life_n for_o the_o more_o secure_o that_o man_n sin_v the_o more_o severe_o god_n punish_v last_o by_o the_o serious_a and_o sincere_a study_n of_o good_a work_n the_o good_n both_o of_o the_o body_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n be_v augment_v for_o the_o more_o earnest_o that_o a_o man_n give_v himself_o unto_o godliness_n and_o strive_v unto_o integrity_n the_o more_o be_v his_o corrupt_a and_o sinful_a nature_n amend_v and_o he_o the_o more_o renew_v unto_o the_o image_n of_o god_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v so_o great_o exhort_v and_o urge_v man_n unto_o all_o godliness_n and_o innocency_n of_o life_n likewise_o good_a work_n be_v very_o profitable_a and_o much_o avayleable_a to_o the_o attaynement_n of_o prosperity_n in_o this_o life_n for_o god_n suffer_v not_o that_o his_o child_n shall_v languish_v and_o die_v be_v consume_v with_o want_n of_o which_o thing_n there_o be_v many_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n extant_a in_o divers_a place_n wherein_o he_o promise_v many_o and_o sundry_a good_a turn_n &_o
several_a branch_n have_v be_v by_o a_o divine_a order_n conceive_v before_o time_n be_v set_v down_o in_o time_n by_o a_o apostolic_a method_n and_o order_v and_o range_v with_o excellent_a skill_n and_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v more_o intentive_o and_o deep_o consider_v all_o the_o link_n of_o this_o chain_n the_o only_a will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o upon_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n depend_v and_o consist_v therefore_o the_o freewill_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o general_a cause_n for_o from_o it_o proceed_v the_o first_o motion_n and_o whole_a power_n of_o work_v so_o that_o without_o it_o in_o this_o matter_n nothing_o can_v be_v wrought_v or_o bring_v to_o pass_v and_o here_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a and_o artificial_a order_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n for_o from_o the_o first_o and_o high_a cause_n unto_o the_o secondary_a cause_n and_o from_o thence_o unto_o the_o effect_n there_o be_v a_o continual_a gradation_n until_o we_o come_v unto_o the_o last_o end_n whether_o all_o and_o every_o of_o they_o tend_v and_o have_v recourse_n what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o predestination_n and_o how_o great_a benefit_n come_v from_o it_o unto_o every_o believer_n next_o there_o be_v show_v that_o this_o cheyne_n of_o salvation_n be_v make_v of_o the_o mere_a benefit_n of_o god_n chap._n 35._o here_o now_o remain_v brief_o to_o be_v handle_v wat_fw-mi and_o how_o great_a effect_n and_o benefit_n do_v arise_v and_o come_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o predestination_n these_o effect_n may_v be_v declare_v and_o enlarge_v by_o sundry_a and_o several_a degree_n and_o they_o be_v in_o number_n ten_o all_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o order_n the_o first_o of_o they_o be_v christ_n the_o mediator_n the_o head_n and_o beginning_n of_o all_o the_o elect_a he_o in_o this_o doctrine_n of_o election_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v the_o only_a foundation_n and_o groundwork_n of_o salvation_n for_o without_o he_o there_o can_v be_v no_o election_n unto_o salvation_n so_o that_o of_o he_o depend_v the_o election_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o to_o become_v man_n that_o by_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o blood_n he_o may_v redeem_v and_o save_v other_o for_o ever_o the_o second_o effect_n be_v the_o creation_n and_o bring_v forth_o of_o every_o of_o the_o elect_a into_o this_o world_n the_o three_o be_v a_o effectual_a call_n unto_o christ_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o true_a conversion_n unto_o god_n the_o four_o be_v justification_n a_o steadfast_a faith_n and_o a_o certain_a hope_n which_o lay_v hold_v upon_o and_o appli_v unto_o itself_o christ_n and_o his_o merit_n and_o rely_v whole_o on_o he_o not_o desire_v nor_o long_v after_o any_o thing_n else_o the_o five_o be_v regeneration_n and_o the_o good_a work_n which_o necessary_o follow_v it_o for_o who_o god_n have_v appoint_v unto_o any_o end_n he_o also_o ordain_v and_o show_v he_o certain_a mean_n by_o which_o he_o may_v attain_v unto_o the_o end_n that_o he_o be_v appoint_v unto_o therefore_o good_a work_n be_v not_o the_o beginning_n and_o cause_n of_o election_n as_o the_o papist_n dream_n but_o they_o be_v only_o the_o effect_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o as_o by_o certain_a succeed_a degree_n the_o elect_a be_v bring_v unto_o life_n everlasting_a the_o sixth_o be_v the_o daily_a increase_n and_o access_n of_o faith_n and_o sanctification_n so_o that_o the_o work_n of_o charity_n and_o effect_n of_o faith_n do_v one_o after_o a_o other_o daily_o grow_v great_a and_o better_a for_o a_o man_n be_v not_o good_a except_o he_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o be_v make_v and_o become_v better_a and_o he_o that_o go_v not_o forward_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n go_v back_o from_o they_o as_o saint_n barnard_n say_v elsewhere_o the_o seven_o be_v invincible_a patience_n and_o courage_n in_o endure_a adversity_n quiet_o the_o eight_o be_v undaunted_a and_o perpetual_a constancy_n and_o final_a perseverance_n in_o faith_n and_o sanctification_n daily_o increase_v the_o nine_o be_v resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o reunite_a of_o body_n and_o soul_n the_o ten_o be_v glorification_n &_o life_n eternal_a that_o be_v to_o say_v spiritual_a joy_n in_o god_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o everlasting_a gladness_n in_o christ_n by_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v see_v clear_o what_o great_a and_o save_a gift_n and_o benefit_n be_v include_v in_o predestination_n only_o they_o therefore_o which_o feel_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n within_o themselves_o ought_v with_o great_a admiration_n to_o have_v they_o in_o continual_a remembrance_n &_o to_o consider_v of_o they_o within_o themselves_o for_o they_o which_o do_v acknowledge_v how_o great_o they_o be_v bind_v unto_o god_n for_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n which_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o choose_v they_o from_o out_o of_o such_o a_o number_n of_o wretched_a person_n and_o be_v elect_v to_o reform_v and_o renew_v they_o into_o his_o own_o image_n and_o heavenly_a glory_n let_v they_o then_o with_o certain_a hope_n &_o find_v confidence_n rely_v upon_o that_o free_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o that_o his_o unchangeable_a counsel_n concern_v their_o salvation_n and_o let_v they_o be_v as_o sure_o persuade_v and_o make_v as_o certain_a of_o their_o salvation_n as_o if_o they_o have_v it_o already_o lay_v down_o unto_o they_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o do_v enjoy_v it_o in_o full_a and_o present_a possession_n so_o that_o these_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v think_v upon_o serious_o and_o religious_o and_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o they_o do_v bring_v with_o they_o everlasting_a life_n and_o bless_a immortality_n but_o they_o which_o turn_v aside_o unto_o transitory_a and_o fade_a good_a thing_n be_v not_o wise_a for_o themselves_o for_o they_o perish_v at_o the_o last_o with_o certain_a destruction_n moreover_o these_o effect_n be_v some_o of_o they_o of_o one_o only_a respect_n and_o sort_n which_o be_v such_o effect_n as_o can_v never_o put_v on_o the_o nature_n nor_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o turn_n of_o a_o efficient_a cause_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v all_o the_o secundary_a effect_n from_o the_o first_o effect_n unto_o the_o last_o end_n other_o be_v of_o a_o twofold_a respect_n and_o sort_n which_o may_v sometime_o be_v effect_n and_o sometime_o efficient_a cause_n such_o be_v the_o first_o effect_n namely_o christ_n jesus_n which_o though_o he_o be_v god_n eternal_a and_o in_o this_o respect_n can_v be_v a_o effect_n unto_o nothing_o when_o as_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n yet_o as_o he_o be_v man_n and_o a_o mediator_n he_o be_v the_o first_o effect_n of_o predestination_n and_o he_o be_v such_o a_o effect_n thereof_o as_o notwithstanding_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v a_o operative_a and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v place_v between_o predestination_n and_o glorification_n which_o be_v the_o last_o of_o all_o for_o it_o be_v he_o which_o have_v call_v which_o have_v justify_v which_o have_v glorify_v us._n so_o that_o all_o the_o link_n of_o this_o whole_a chain_n be_v the_o mere_a benefit_n of_o god_n and_o no_o merit_n of_o man_n be_v find_v in_o it_o therefore_o he_o that_o reckon_v up_o man_n merit_n among_o these_o free_a benefit_n of_o god_n as_o he_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o bounty_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n so_o also_o do_v he_o hazard_v his_o own_o salvation_n but_o all_o they_o which_o love_n god_n and_o do_v seek_v for_o their_o salvation_n in_o his_o goodness_n and_o in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n do_v know_v for_o a_o assure_a truth_n that_o all_o the_o link_n of_o this_o chain_n be_v the_o very_a effect_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o mere_a benefit_n of_o god_n himself_o therefore_o to_o he_o only_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o they_o moreover_o out_o of_o this_o chain_n we_o may_v see_v that_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o salvation_n the_o scripture_n mention_v and_o speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n only_o and_o many_o other_o gift_n which_o proceed_v from_o that_o therefore_o also_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o the_o godly_a aught_o to_o receyve_v and_o acknowledge_v nothing_o beside_o they_o the_o link_n of_o this_o chain_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o a_o antithesis_fw-la that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n may_v the_o more_o appear_v and_o be_v magnify_v so_o that_o we_o proceed_v from_o the_o enjoy_n of_o the_o one_o contrary_a unto_o the_o remove_v of_o the_o other_o second_o the_o link_n hang_v together_o with_o a_o inseparable_a
justification_n and_o salvation_n that_o without_o it_o god_n will_v not_o be_v merciful_a and_o favourable_a no_o not_o to_o any_o one_o they_o therefore_o which_o do_v behold_v this_o victory_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o true_a faith_n have_v wherewith_o they_o may_v fortify_v themselves_o against_o the_o assault_n of_o satan_n they_o have_v whereby_o they_o may_v set_v light_n by_o his_o sleight_n and_o subtlety_n they_o have_v wherein_o they_o may_v place_v their_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o christ_n alone_o and_o in_o his_o merit_n only_o in_o this_o justification_n howbeit_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o acquit_v of_o our_o sin_n by_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o let_v but_o that_o the_o three_o holy_a and_o inseparable_a person_n of_o the_o trinity_n may_v have_v and_o execute_v their_o several_a action_n in_o it_o for_o the_o father_n be_v therefore_o say_v to_o justify_v we_o because_o that_o of_o his_o own_o mere_a grace_n and_o free_a love_n 4.4_o 1._o pet._n 1.20_o gal._n 4.4_o he_o have_v from_o everlasting_a foreappoynted_n his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o redeem_v we_o and_o send_v he_o at_o the_o time_n appoint_v the_o son_n be_v therefore_o say_v to_o justify_v we_o because_o that_o for_o his_o incomprehensible_a and_o unspeakable_a goodness_n sake_n towards_o we_o vouchsafe_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o take_v man_n nature_n upon_o he_o he_o be_v obedient_a unto_o his_o father_n even_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n 2._o phil._n 2._o and_o so_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o we_o and_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o make_v amends_n for_o our_o sin_n the_o holy_a ghost_n also_o be_v say_v to_o justify_v we_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o he_o do_v beget_v in_o we_o true_a and_o steadfast_a faith_n by_o which_o we_o may_v apprehend_v and_o apply_v unto_o ourselves_o the_o righteousenes_n that_o be_v purchase_v by_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n therefore_o this_o free_a remission_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o only_a very_a form_n of_o justification_n by_o which_o justification_n be_v that_o which_o it_o be_v and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o false_a and_o feign_a satisfaction_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o which_o sort_n the_o papist_n do_v invent_v many_o and_o offer_v they_o unto_o god_n and_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o justification_n be_v the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o the_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o excellent_a bless_a estate_n of_o those_o which_o be_v thus_o justify_v now_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o which_o move_v god_n to_o justify_v we_o but_o his_o own_o love_n towards_o we_o and_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o misery_n but_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o lively_a faith_n lay_v hold_n on_o and_o apply_v to_o itself_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o righteousness_n purchase_v thereby_o and_o rely_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n upon_o the_o sole_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n this_o justification_n be_v then_o avayleable_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o we_o whenas_o every_o of_o we_o do_v stand_v as_o guilty_a before_o the_o heavenly_a judge_n and_o be_v careful_a of_o his_o acquittal_n do_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n humble_a and_o prostrate_v himself_o as_o unworthy_a and_o this_o be_v profitable_o do_v when_o a_o man_n do_v serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v with_o himself_o the_o perfection_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n justice_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o multitude_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o by_o such_o a_o consideration_n he_o be_v serious_o humble_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o right_o prepare_v to_o desire_v and_o embrace_v the_o mercy_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o every_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v severe_a in_o condemn_v himself_o by_o so_o much_o shall_v we_o find_v god_n more_o merciful_a and_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v for_o than_o will_v a_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o shall_v know_v himself_o and_o his_o whole_a nature_n to_o be_v full_a of_o uncleanenes_n and_o filthiness_n and_o shall_v condemn_v it_o for_o he_o which_o judge_v himself_o unworthy_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o one_o say_v he_o do_v god_n receyve_v into_o favour_n and_o make_v he_o worthy_a through_o christ_n but_o they_o which_o swell_v and_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o hunger_n not_o after_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n they_o perish_v in_o their_o misery_n and_o never_o come_v unto_o true_a righteousenes_n again_o they_o which_o be_v harden_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o sin_v and_o drunken_a with_o the_o delight_n of_o their_o vice_n do_v extenuate_v their_o fault_n and_o secure_o despise_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n they_o shut_v up_o from_o themselves_o the_o gate_n of_o mercy_n what_o manner_n of_o thing_n justification_n be_v where_o be_v set_v forth_o the_o three_o propriety_n thereof_o namely_o that_o it_o be_v free_a perfect_a and_o everlasting_a and_o withal_o there_o be_v refute_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o papist_n concern_v the_o merit_n of_o work_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o first_o propriety_n chap._n 27._o now_o we_o must_v lay_v open_a what_o manner_n of_o thing_n justification_n be_v and_o the_o quality_n thereof_o consist_v especial_o in_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v free_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o for_o any_o merit_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a grace_n and_o a_o undeserved_a mercy_n promise_v for_o christ_n his_o sake_n alone_o for_o god_n find_v nothing_o in_o a_o man_n who_o he_o justifi_v but_o a_o horrible_a sink_n of_o sin_n and_o extreme_a misery_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o affirm_v that_o christ_n only_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o the_o whole_a hope_n of_o our_o salvation_n consist_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n alone_o without_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o justification_n for_o he_o alone_o have_v deserve_v righteousenes_n for_o we_o and_o have_v deserve_v it_o he_o give_v and_o impute_v it_o unto_o us._n they_o therefore_o which_o desire_n to_o be_v righteous_a without_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v altogether_o without_o god_n and_o profane_a and_o they_o which_o dream_n that_o they_o be_v justify_v partly_o by_o grace_n and_o partly_o by_o merit_n be_v pelagian_n or_o papist_n the_o follower_n of_o their_o heresy_n but_o they_o which_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n be_v true_a christian_n these_o by_o believe_v and_o receive_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n purchase_v by_o his_o death_n as_o the_o righteousness_n of_o a_o other_o be_v justify_v indeed_o but_o they_o which_o by_o their_o work_n and_o merit_n do_v affect_v their_o own_o righteousness_n shall_v never_o attain_v unto_o it_o the_o papist_n therefore_o have_v forge_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o merit_n which_o be_v weak_a of_o itself_o but_o when_o it_o be_v dip_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v effectual_a and_o forcible_a and_o so_o they_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v partly_o justify_v by_o grace_n and_o partly_o by_o work_n but_o this_o can_v be_v because_o that_o grace_n and_o merit_n be_v two_o manifest_a contraries_n from_o which_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n can_v be_v bring_v forth_o for_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o contraries_n that_o from_o contrary_a cause_n contrary_a effect_n proceed_v likewise_o moreover_o we_o be_v all_o debtor_n for_o we_o be_v oblige_v and_o bind_v unto_o god_n so_o that_o he_o may_v just_o challenge_v as_o his_o due_n whatsoever_o good_a thing_n can_v proceed_v or_o be_v perform_v of_o us._n now_o that_o which_o may_v be_v demand_v of_o we_o as_o duty_n that_o can_v not_o merit_v but_o christ_n say_v that_o what_o good_a thing_n soever_o we_o do_v or_o can_v do_v 17.10_o luk._n 17.10_o all_o that_o how_o much_o soever_o it_o be_v be_v our_o duty_n wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o merit_n at_o all_o again_o the_o cause_n of_o justification_n to_o wit_n eternal_a election_n in_o christ_n be_v free_a therefore_o likewise_o justification_n itself_o must_v needs_o be_v free_a for_o there_o can_v be_v more_o in_o the_o effect_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o cause_n thereof_o therefore_o the_o papist_n while_o that_o they_o dream_v of_o any_o merit_n in_o we_o they_o do_v commit_v a_o manifest_a 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 remove_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o true_a cause_n of_o justification_n and_o set_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o the_o merit_n