hope_v well_o yea_o very_o well_o concern_v the_o infinite_a and_o free_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o to_o awayt_v the_o time_n of_o their_o vocation_n and_o calling_n and_o to_o attend_v upon_o god_n for_o his_o work_n both_o present_a and_o to_o come_v until_o he_o reveal_v his_o judgement_n and_o counsel_n by_o his_o call_n of_o they_o especial_o see_v that_o he_o call_v and_o save_v his_o child_n oftentimes_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n of_o their_o life_n and_o in_o the_o very_a agony_n of_o death_n at_o the_o last_o gasp_n so_o that_o although_o at_o this_o day_n they_o neither_o see_v nor_o feel_v in_o themselves_o any_o token_n of_o god_n love_n yet_o by_o god_n good_a gift_n they_o may_v see_v and_o feel_v they_o to_o morrow_n for_o although_o the_o sun_n shine_v not_o in_o the_o night_n time_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o it_o shall_v never_o shine_v nor_o show_v itself_o more_o but_o after_o a_o while_n the_o son_n will_v rise_v and_o disperse_v his_o light_n and_o his_o beam_n all_o about_o far_o and_o wide_o so_o likewise_o although_o man_n be_v unbelieve_v to_o day_n yet_o to_o morrow_n they_o may_v obtain_v faith_n by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n 36.26_o ezech._n 36.26_o and_o become_v sound_a believer_n god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o faith_n therefore_o we_o must_v pray_v unto_o he_o and_o patient_o awayt_v the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o faith_n for_o he_o will_v deny_v we_o nothing_o be_v ask_v earnest_o and_o hearty_o therefore_o it_o becommethall_a man_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v here_o not_o to_o despair_v but_o to_o have_v their_o hope_n in_o god_n their_o most_o merciful_a father_n for_o so_o great_a abundance_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v shed_v abroad_o through_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o equal_a unto_o sin_n to_o doubt_v thereof_o but_o go_v beyond_o it_o infinite_o therefore_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o these_o or_o any_o other_o sin_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n make_v glorious_a in_o their_o salvition_n and_o redemption_n for_o these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o can_v lie_v nor_o deceyve_v which_o the_o apostle_n pronounce_v plain_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n say_v where_o sin_n abound_v there_o grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v 5.20_o rom._n 5.20_o by_o these_o thing_n thus_o speak_v it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o the_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v of_o predestination_n be_v neither_o the_o cause_n of_o desperation_n nor_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o dissolute_a life_n but_o where_o that_o be_v not_o teach_v and_o diligent_o urge_v among_o man_n there_o they_o run_v out_o and_o let_v loose_v the_o reins_n to_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o run_v headlong_o into_o the_o lust_n of_o commit_v wickedness_n so_o that_o not_o only_o a_o window_n but_o even_o a_o great_a gate_n be_v leave_v wide_o open_a for_o they_o unto_o all_o manner_n of_o iniquity_n for_o where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o 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will_v a_o rock_n and_o shut_v up_o the_o entrance_n into_o it_o from_o other_o and_o so_o do_v injury_n unto_o man_n and_o diminish_v god_n glory_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v there_o most_o diminish_v whereas_o man_n be_v seduce_v by_o false_a opinion_n so_o that_o they_o can_v come_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o proper_a cause_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n but_o such_o do_v lead_v man_n away_o from_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o false_a and_o erroneous_a cause_n 2.13_o 2._o thes_n 2.13_o for_o salvation_n flow_v and_o proceed_v from_o no_o cause_n else_o but_o even_o from_o the_o free_a mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n do_v often_o reduce_v we_o to_o election_n as_o to_o the_o only_a true_a original_n of_o our_o salvation_n show_v thereby_o that_o salvation_n proceed_v not_o elsewhere_o but_o from_o the_o eternal_a election_n and_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n far_o therefore_o be_v from_o we_o these_o fanatical_a spirit_n which_o with_o a_o proud_a look_n and_o face_n of_o brass_n do_v reject_v and_o spurn_v at_o this_o most_o wholesome_a doctrine_n of_o predestination_n for_o of_o that_o which_o they_o think_v they_o know_v best_a they_o be_v most_o ignorant_a and_o when_o as_o in_o their_o own_o carnal_a sense_n they_o will_v seem_v most_o wise_a and_o most_o godly_a then_o be_v they_o of_o all_o other_o most_o vain_a and_o most_o profane_a but_o thou_o o_o man_n which_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a and_o fade_a shadow_n why_o do_v thou_o with_o thy_o impure_a lip_n and_o malicious_a tongue_n reproach_n or_o vilify_v the_o wholesome_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o lay_v it_o open_a to_o the_o common_a contempt_n and_o scorn_n of_o the_o disorder_a common_a people_n will_v thou_o be_v wise_a than_o god_n in_o that_o thou_o be_v not_o content_a with_o that_o mean_n of_o attain_v salvation_n which_o god_n from_o everlasting_a have_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v before_o thou_o be_v will_v thou_o have_v god_n which_o create_v thou_o subject_a unto_o thou_o will_v thou_o ask_v he_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o counsel_n acknowledge_v and_o bewail_v thy_o own_o wickedness_n and_o uncleanness_n and_o hearty_o detest_v and_o abhor_v those_o work_n foresee_v together_o with_o thy_o untowardness_n and_o pollution_n and_o humble_o fly_v unto_o &_o beseech_v the_o infinite_a free_a mercy_n of_o god_n that_o he_o take_v pity_n upon_o thou_o will_v vouchsafe_v in_o and_o through_o his_o son_n to_o receyve_v thou_o into_o his_o favour_n and_o to_o save_v thou_o otherwise_o thou_o and_o thy_o work_n foresee_v which_o be_v odious_a unto_o god_n must_v needs_o perish_v everlasting_o what_o be_v thou_o that_o forbidde_v that_o to_o be_v teach_v which_o god_n will_v have_v to_o be_v publish_v and_o preach_v all_o about_o think_v thou_o that_o he_o be_v foolish_a or_o ill_o advise_v that_o hitherto_o he_o know_v not_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v teach_v and_o what_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v teach_v that_o thou_o be_v become_v his_o master_n to_o prescribe_v a_o rule_n how_o to_o ordain_v thing_n &_o what_o to_o teach_v as_o though_o he_o know_v not_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v except_o thou_o shall_v instruct_v and_o teach_v he_o as_o if_o he_o be_v rude_a and_o unskilful_a ought_v the_o creator_n come_v to_o learn_v of_o thou_o be_v a_o unclean_a creature_n what_o be_v meet_v to_o be_v preach_v abroad_o tell_v i_o i_o pray_v thou_o where_o be_v thy_o face_n and_o conscience_n where_o be_v that_o fear_n and_o honour_n which_o the_o creature_n ought_v to_o give_v the_o creator_n sure_o it_o be_v not_o in_o thou_o for_o than_o thou_o will_v submit_v thyself_o to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o wisdom_n with_o all_o humbleness_n of_o mind_n and_o will_v with_o due_a reverence_n give_v deserve_v thanks_o unto_o he_o for_o this_o so_o merciful_a decree_n of_o he_o but_o it_o be_v no_o marvel_n that_o thou_o iudge_v so_o rash_o and_o wicked_o of_o predestination_n and_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o see_v that_o thou_o presume_v to_o search_v and_o find_v out_o that_o decree_n of_o god_n without_o the_o help_n of_o his_o word_n by_o thy_o own_o mad_a and_o distract_a speculation_n and_o therefore_o most_o fit_o have_v austin_n speak_v of_o thou_o 105._o epist_n 105._o and_o of_o such_o that_o be_v like_o thyself_o let_v he_o that_o can_v search_v this_o deep_a and_o hide_a mystery_n and_o pry_v into_o this_o great_a depth_n but_o let_v he_o take_v heed_n he_o fall_v not_o into_o it_o there_o the_o holy_a man_n speak_v of_o those_o which_o when_o they_o dispute_v or_o speak_v of_o god_n predestination_n do_v straggle_v beyond_o the_o compass_n and_o bound_n of_o god_n word_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o speculation_n and_o fantasy_n but_o thou_o if_o thou_o be_v wise_a
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
unto_o they_o be_v most_o profitable_a furtherance_n of_o their_o salvation_n therefore_o the_o affliction_n which_o be_v send_v of_o god_n unto_o his_o child_n be_v to_o be_v account_v and_o esteem_v in_o steed_n of_o a_o great_a blessing_n because_o that_o in_o they_o god_n more_o than_o fatherly_a goodness_n be_v see_v because_o when_o his_o child_n refuse_v to_o come_v unto_o he_o be_v call_v by_o the_o love_a voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o he_o cease_v not_o to_o seek_v they_o up_o but_o draw_v they_o unto_o he_o with_o his_o rod_n as_o it_o be_v against_o their_o will_n otherwise_o they_o will_v consume_v away_o and_o perish_v in_o their_o misery_n from_o whence_o may_v be_v note_v again_o that_o our_o merciful_a god_n be_v more_o desirous_a to_o save_v miserable_a sinner_n than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o so_o careful_o sometime_o by_o this_o and_o sometime_o by_o that_o mean_n seek_v their_o salvation_n so_o that_o when_o god_n do_v visit_v his_o child_n with_o these_o or_o those_o affliction_n he_o do_v then_o give_v they_o a_o inward_a taste_n of_o his_o fatherly_a good_a will_n towards_o they_o and_o so_o chastise_v they_o with_o his_o left_a hand_n and_o refresh_v and_o susteyn_v they_o with_o his_o right_a hand_n thus_o in_o their_o common_a misery_n they_o have_v a_o lively_a sense_n and_o experience_n that_o god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o they_o three_o he_o that_o will_v sound_o edify_v himself_o in_o this_o doctrine_n and_o well_o fortify_v and_o strengthen_v himself_o on_o every_o side_n against_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o satan_n he_o must_v contain_v himself_o within_o the_o compass_n and_o bound_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v a_o true_a rule_n for_o he_o to_o learn_v by_o and_o the_o utmost_a limit_n of_o his_o proceed_n but_o he_o that_o without_o the_o word_n will_v rush_v into_o the_o hide_a secret_n of_o so_o deep_a a_o mystery_n his_o proceed_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v in_o darkness_n out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o also_o shall_v be_v overcome_v of_o this_o so_o secret_a and_o hide_a mystery_n every_o man_n must_v therefore_o deal_v wise_o and_o wary_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o if_o a_o man_n with_o a_o foolhardy_a enterprise_n shall_v covet_v to_o climb_v up_o such_o a_o high_a and_o steep_a hill_n he_o may_v quick_o catch_v a_o headlong_a fall_n backward_o sure_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o pry_v into_o that_o secret_a decree_n without_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n they_o shall_v twine_v themselves_o into_o a_o endless_a labyrinth_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v ever_o err_v and_o never_o find_v issue_n out_o see_v that_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n do_v infinite_o far_o exceed_v all_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o angel_n for_o the_o angel_n themselves_o as_o peter_n witness_v 1.12_o 1._o pet._n 1.12_o do_v desire_n to_o look_v into_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v close_v up_o and_o hide_v from_o the_o angel_n which_o always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n how_o much_o less_o be_v they_o able_a to_o search_v out_o or_o understand_v that_o hide_a decree_n of_o predestination_n which_o be_v decree_v and_o ordain_v before_o they_o be_v create_v for_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o lesser_a can_v have_v notice_n &_o knowledge_n of_o the_o great_a therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a way_n which_o can_v bring_v every_o man_n safe_o and_o ready_o unto_o the_o find_n out_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v know_v and_o understand_v in_o this_o mystery_n of_o predestination_n so_o that_o where_o god_n have_v open_v his_o sacred_a mouth_n to_o teach_v there_o let_v man_n also_o open_v his_o ear_n to_o learn_v and_o where_o he_o have_v close_v up_o his_o holy_a mouth_n there_o must_v also_o all_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o enquiry_n be_v stop_v by_o man_n and_o where_o god_n cease_v to_o teach_v there_o let_v not_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o learn_v and_o know_v any_o more_o therefore_o when_o god_n make_v 〈…〉_o then_o let_v man_n also_o make_v a_o end_n of_o learning_n and_o so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v safe_a from_o all_o error_n and_o danger_n let_v he_o follow_v god_n go_v before_o he_o in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o most_o clear_a shine_a light_n to_o find_v out_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v concern_v predestination_n four_o and_o last_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n and_o to_o reap_v fruit_n thereby_o we_o must_v not_o begin_v at_o the_o first_o cause_n namely_o the_o cause_n and_o first_o beginning_n of_o election_n for_o all_o mean_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n that_o way_n be_v not_o only_o debar_v and_o shut_v up_o from_o we_o on_o every_o side_n but_o even_o from_o the_o angel_n themselves_o but_o we_o must_v learn_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o salvation_n from_o the_o late_a as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o effect_n but_o of_o this_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v speak_v more_o large_o and_o plain_o when_o all_o the_o link_n of_o this_o chain_n be_v handle_v and_o what_o those_o effect_n of_o election_n be_v which_o may_v thorough_o confirm_v we_o and_o make_v we_o sure_o of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n as_o most_o true_a and_o infallible_a argument_n we_o shall_v hear_v hereafter_o more_o at_o large_a when_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o vocation_n justification_n and_o glorification_n so_o hitherto_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o pertain_v unto_o it_o likewise_o of_o predestination_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o it_o now_o those_o thing_n which_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v follow_v orderly_a one_o by_o one_o in_o this_o chain_n which_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n here_o be_v a_o passage_n make_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n unto_o vocation_n as_o from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n and_o be_v show_v how_o the_o secret_a predestination_n of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o the_o elect_a by_o vocation_n in_o vocation_n first_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o word_n be_v express_v how_o many_o way_n it_o be_v take_v and_o how_o it_o be_v divide_v then_o be_v show_v by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v do_v chap._n 24._o now_o in_o paul_n chain_n vocation_n follow_v and_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v from_o the_o cause_n unto_o the_o effect_n and_o show_v how_o this_o secret_a predestination_n be_v reveal_v and_o apply_v unto_o man_n therefore_o vocation_n be_v the_o three_o link_n of_o the_o chain_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v set_v next_o to_o predestination_n in_o a_o order_n most_o convenient_a for_o by_o this_o god_n do_v give_v open_a testimony_n of_o his_o will_n and_o show_v who_o he_o do_v elect_v and_o mean_a to_o save_v before_o all_o age_n predestination_n indeed_o in_o a_o generality_n and_o universal_o do_v pronounce_v that_o some_o man_n be_v elect_v from_o everlasting_a unto_o salvation_n and_o that_o some_o be_v just_o appoint_v from_o everlasting_a unto_o destruction_n but_o vocation_n do_v open_a and_o reveal_v this_o hide_a decree_n of_o god_n unto_o every_o of_o the_o elect_a they_o be_v enlighten_v and_o regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v manifest_v how_o that_o of_o unworthy_a they_o be_v make_v worthy_a the_o remnant_n be_v forsake_v just_o in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o ignorance_n that_o be_v unregenerate_a they_o may_v perish_v and_o be_v damn_v but_o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v of_o the_o elect_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n fiâ—…â—ee_n set_v forth_o the_o incomparable_a favour_n and_o 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o the_o word_n 〈…〉_o second_o in_o this_o word_n vocation_n he_o comprehend_v and_o as_o it_o be_v point_v at_o with_o his_o finger_n unto_o the_o elect_a the_o great_a gift_n and_o excellent_a benefit_n which_o slow_a from_o predestination_n as_o from_o a_o bottomless_a fountain_n for_o god_n will_v make_v himself_o know_v and_o impart_v himself_o unto_o the_o elect_a by_o his_o benefit_n in_o which_o his_o lively_a image_n and_o shape_n appear_v for_o god_n can_v be_v search_v out_o and_o know_v of_o any_o man_n in_o his_o hide_a essence_n nnd_v secret_a predestination_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o orderly_o declare_v and_o reckon_v up_o certain_a mean_n and_o several_a way_n by_o which_o the_o elect_a be_v draw_v unto_o christ_n and_o bring_v unto_o life_n everlasting_a and_o so_o show_v that_o our_o whole_a salvation_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a and_o pertain_v unto_o it_o do_v depend_v and_o proceed_v from_o god_n eternal_a election_n concern_v vocation_n something_n must_v be_v speak_v more_o at_o large_a for_o our_o better_a
sincerity_n of_o life_n chap._n 39_o fol._n 273._o the_o golden_a chain_n of_o salvation_n contain_v and_o open_v all_o the_o cause_n thereof_o and_o orderly_o reckon_v up_o and_o display_v all_o god_n benefit_n that_o come_v unto_o we_o by_o the_o eternal_a election_n through_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n rom._n 8._o verse_n 29._o &_o 30._o for_o those_o who_o god_n know_v before_o etc._n etc._n the_o proem_n show_v wherein_o both_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o man_n consist_v and_o so_o way_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o present_a business_n that_o be_v in_o hand_n chap._n 1._o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v happen_v to_o a_o man_n more_o to_o be_v desire_v or_o more_o comfortable_a in_o this_o miserable_a life_n then_o for_o he_o well_o and_o plain_o to_o know_v the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o due_a worship_n so_o can_v there_o nothing_o befall_v he_o more_o miserable_a or_o hurtful_a then_o for_o he_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o due_a worship_n and_o as_o nothing_o can_v more_o effectual_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n than_o a_o good_a hope_n and_o a_o uncorrupted_a conscience_n for_o in_o a_o good_a conscience_n god_n himself_o live_v and_o in_o it_o christ_n dwell_v and_o work_v by_o his_o power_n unto_o eternal_a life_n so_o also_o be_v there_o nothing_o that_o more_o disturb_v a_o man_n or_o more_o sharp_o torment_v he_o than_o a_o evil_a and_o a_o desperate_a conscience_n for_o in_o it_o satan_n have_v the_o chief_a place_n and_o in_o it_o rule_v and_o work_v powerful_o unto_o eternal_a destruction_n wherefore_o every_o man_n ought_v daily_o through_o the_o course_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n earnest_o to_o weigh_v with_o himself_o and_o always_o with_o a_o deep_a and_o serious_a cogitation_n to_o consider_v by_o what_o mean_v he_o may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n again_o and_o so_o be_v free_v from_o the_o slavery_n and_o tyranny_n of_o the_o devil_n which_o that_o he_o may_v attain_v unto_o he_o must_v labour_v and_o strive_v to_o come_v to_o the_o true_a way_n to_o know_v god_n and_o the_o proper_a cause_n of_o the_o attain_v of_o salvation_n the_o former_a of_o which_o he_o shall_v find_v in_o god_n word_n alone_o and_o the_o latter_a in_o his_o goodness_n only_o for_o look_v what_o thing_n soever_o god_n will_v have_v know_v of_o man_n here_o concern_v his_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n those_o thing_n have_v he_o most_o plentiful_o and_o lively_o express_v and_o manifest_v in_o his_o word_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o that_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o that_o god_n himself_o will_v precise_o be_v acknowledge_v such_o a_o one_o and_o so_o be_v worship_v as_o he_o be_v reveal_v in_o his_o gospel_n they_o therefore_o do_v attribute_v due_a honour_n and_o glory_n unto_o god_n who_o do_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o and_o serve_v he_o in_o such_o manner_n only_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v set_v he_o forth_o in_o the_o holy_a gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o whosoever_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o worship_n and_o acknowledge_v god_n otherwise_o then_o he_o have_v manifest_v himself_o in_o his_o word_n they_o do_v not_o only_o swarve_v from_o the_o right_a way_n to_o salvation_n but_o also_o seek_v god_n without_o god_n and_o frame_v unto_o themselves_o a_o vain_a idol_n in_o steed_n of_o the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o intricate_a labyrinth_n where_o out_o they_o shall_v never_o find_v issue_n but_o eftsoon_o come_v to_o naught_o and_o utter_o perish_v in_o their_o error_n furthermore_o although_o god_n in_o his_o eternal_a essence_n and_o majesty_n be_v infinite_a and_o contain_v in_o no_o one_o natural_a place_n nor_o can_v be_v comprehend_v and_o perfect_o know_v of_o any_o creature_n either_o celestial_a or_o terrestrial_a for_o between_o a_o thing_n infinite_a and_o a_o thing_n finite_a there_o be_v no_o proportion_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o have_v so_o lively_a and_o manifest_o declare_v and_o lay_v open_v his_o wonderful_a goodness_n towards_o man_n in_o his_o son_n and_o in_o his_o merit_n that_o no_o man_n except_o he_o be_v altogether_o a_o infidel_n and_o a_o alien_a from_o god_n can_v doubt_v of_o it_o for_o god_n have_v send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n into_o this_o world_n 3.16_o john_n 3.16_o that_o in_o he_o he_o may_v give_v unto_o we_o true_a wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n true_a holiness_n and_o redemption_n whosoever_o therefore_o do_v true_o acknowledge_v and_o free_o confess_v his_o son_n to_o be_v their_o redeemer_n and_o saviour_n 1.30_o 1._o cor._n 1.30_o they_o do_v not_o only_o see_v the_o secret_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o open_a breast_n of_o god_n lay_v open_a unto_o they_o but_o also_o shall_v have_v he_o their_o merciful_a and_o love_a father_n who_o otherwise_o be_v a_o seveare_n and_o terrible_a judge_n and_o may_v be_v as_o sure_a and_o certain_a of_o their_o salvation_n if_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o and_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v constant_a and_o true_a in_o his_o word_n of_o promise_n as_o if_o they_o do_v sensible_o and_o full_o enjoy_v it_o already_o for_o christ_n by_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v shed_v upon_o the_o altar_n of_o the_o cross_n have_v set_v they_o free_a from_o the_o power_n and_o slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o god_n have_v take_v they_o to_o favour_n again_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n have_v renew_v and_o reform_v they_o and_o draw_v they_o to_o christ_n and_o plant_v they_o in_o he_o by_o a_o true_a and_o a_o lively_a faith_n and_o to_o conclude_v by_o his_o mighty_a power_n he_o do_v shield_n and_o defend_v they_o against_o all_o the_o deceit_n and_o assault_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o therefore_o go_v about_o to_o overthrow_v and_o destroy_v they_o must_v first_o overcome_v god_n himself_o and_o see_v that_o he_o can_v be_v vanquish_v of_o none_o therefore_o their_o salvation_n be_v so_o sure_a and_o firm_a as_o god_n in_o his_o heavenly_a majesty_n and_o mighty_a power_n be_v invincible_a here_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n with_o a_o brief_a declaration_n and_o division_n of_o it_o be_v contain_v chap._n 2._o but_o that_o all_o the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n may_v be_v lay_v open_a in_o order_n some_o place_n of_o scripture_n must_v be_v choose_v for_o declare_v of_o they_o and_o although_o the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n do_v offer_v themselves_o here_o and_o there_o in_o many_o place_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o do_v plain_o and_o distinct_o enough_o declare_v and_o substantial_o enforce_v all_o the_o part_n of_o this_o happiness_n yet_o among_o all_o other_o that_o place_n to_o the_o roman_n especial_o please_v i_o 30._o ca._n 8._o v._n 29._o &_o 30._o and_o seem_v fit_a for_o this_o purpose_n for_o that_o place_n contain_v and_o unfold_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attain_v of_o salvation_n the_o word_n of_o that_o place_n be_v these_o there_o the_o apostle_n among_o other_o thing_n say_v thus_o those_o who_o god_n know_v before_o he_o also_o do_v praedestinate_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o fashion_a unto_o the_o shape_n of_o his_o son_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o first_o beget_v among_o many_o brethren_n moreover_o who_o he_o do_v praedestinate_a they_o also_o he_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o also_o he_o iustify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o also_o he_o glorify_v there_o the_o apostle_n especial_o handle_v and_o discourse_v of_o the_o calamity_n and_o sorrow_n of_o the_o godly_a namely_o that_o they_o which_o be_v choose_v of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n unto_o the_o fellowship_n of_o salvation_n be_v neither_o at_o all_o adventure_n nor_o by_o chance_n nor_o by_o any_o their_o own_o loss_n afflict_v with_o these_o or_o these_o evil_n and_o inconvenience_n but_o that_o by_o the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a will_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o especial_a goodness_n they_o among_o all_o other_o be_v grieve_v and_o afflict_v with_o these_o misery_n for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v here_o undergo_v a_o long_a and_o grievous_a warrefare_n before_o they_o can_v come_v to_o the_o attain_v of_o victory_n and_o triumph_n therefore_o god_n bring_v they_o to_o the_o excellent_a and_o heavenly_a glory_n by_o a_o uneasy_a and_o a_o ignominious_a cross_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n here_o term_v this_o grievous_a cross_n continual_a persecution_n all_o manner_n of_o reproach_n and_o rebuke_n and_o all_o other_o injury_n and_o misfortune_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o shape_n or_o image_n of_o christ_n because_o the_o elect_n must_v endure_v they_o patient_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v even_o as_o christ_n have_v endure_v they_o therefore_o although_o it_o be_v the_o
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
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
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
open_a under_o our_o eye_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o little_a shall_v be_v exempt_a from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n his_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n shall_v not_o be_v infinite_a which_o ought_v to_o extend_v itself_o as_o well_o above_o all_o thing_n as_o through_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v god_n who_o knowledge_n be_v straighten_v unto_o a_o few_o thing_n and_o particular_a and_o not_o enlarge_v unto_o all_o thing_n and_o universal_a also_o here_o be_v further_a to_o be_v note_v brief_o and_o by_o the_o way_n that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o reprobate_v then_o elect_v this_o may_v first_o by_o most_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o by_o daily_a experience_n be_v true_o verify_v and_o declare_v christ_n himself_o plain_o affirm_v and_o pronounce_v in_o saint_n matthew_n that_o many_o be_v call_v 22.14_o mat._n 22.14_o but_o few_o be_v choose_v 12.32_o luke_n 12.32_o for_o this_o cause_n also_o in_o saint_n luke_n christ_n call_v the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n a_o little_a flock_n also_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o seed_n in_o saint_n matthew_n 13.4_o mat._n 13.4_o do_v in_o evident_a and_o express_a word_n explain_v and_o set_v forth_o this_o when_o as_o only_o the_o four_o part_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a seed_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n and_o the_o rest_n either_o do_v not_o receyve_v that_o spiritual_a seed_n 13.19_o mat._n 13.19_o or_o else_o suffer_v it_o not_o to_o grow_v but_o set_v their_o study_n and_o desire_n upon_o thing_n below_o which_o shall_v perish_v so_o that_o they_o neglect_v and_o and_o contemn_v the_o treasure_n of_o eternal_a life_n by_o this_o similitude_n christ_n himself_o declare_v who_o be_v elect_v and_o who_o reprobate_a the_o elect_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o good_a and_o fruitful_a ground_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n either_o more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o grace_n that_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o but_o the_o reprobate_n be_v compare_v either_o to_o barren_a and_o stony_a ground_n or_o to_o thorn_n which_o do_v choke_v the_o heavenly_a seed_n by_o one_o mean_n or_o a_o other_o and_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n so_o that_o in_o god_n just_a judgement_n they_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v not_o renew_v therefore_o they_o be_v reprobate_n and_o shall_v be_v condemn_v and_o although_o that_o there_o be_v more_o reprobate_v then_o elect_v yet_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o contain_v infinite_a million_o of_o man_n so_o that_o with_o moses_n they_o be_v compare_v unto_o the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n and_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n again_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o reprobate_n be_v great_a than_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a for_o how_o many_o and_o how_o great_a kingdom_n and_o region_n be_v there_o where_o the_o bless_a gospel_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v never_o preach_v nor_o hear_v of_o for_o none_o can_v attain_v true_a faith_n and_o salvation_n in_o christ_n without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n preach_v or_o teach_v for_o faith_n say_v the_o scripture_n 10.17_o rom._n 10.17_o come_v of_o hear_v and_o hear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o therefore_o which_v neither_o have_v not_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v attain_v unto_o faith_n and_o so_o to_o salvation_n and_o to_o dream_v of_o some_o secret_a inspiration_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v a_o harebrained_a conceit_n which_o need_v no_o confute_v for_o although_o god_n be_v not_o tie_v unto_o the_o outward_a word_n and_o that_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n may_v bring_v man_n unto_o faith_n yet_o he_o have_v so_o tie_v we_o unto_o the_o word_n that_o without_o it_o in_o this_o matter_n we_o can_v judge_v any_o thing_n therefore_o how_o many_o million_o of_o man_n as_o well_o young_a as_o old_a have_v depart_v out_o of_o this_o life_n before_o they_o have_v hear_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o concern_v christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n such_o aught_o rather_o to_o be_v leave_v unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n then_o to_o be_v judge_v by_o the_o censure_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o salvation_n come_v from_o nothing_o else_o but_o from_o faith_n and_o faith_n proceed_v from_o nothing_o 17.3_o tit._n 1.1_o john_n 17.3_o but_o from_o a_o true_a and_o sincere_a knowledge_n of_o god_n &_o of_o christ_n and_o this_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n can_v be_v have_v el_fw-es ewhere_o but_o from_o the_o gospel_n only_o therefore_o how_o can_v they_o obtain_v faith_n and_o salvation_n which_o have_v neither_o hear_v nor_o read_v the_o gospel_n but_o see_v this_o kind_n of_o man_n be_v one_o of_o the_o four_o secret_a mystery_n of_o god_n which_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o search_v out_o and_o determine_v as_o augustine_n elsewhere_o speak_v we_o must_v leave_v they_o to_o god_n and_o must_v hope_v that_o for_o his_o great_a mercy_n sake_n if_o they_o be_v not_o convert_v to_o day_n they_o may_v be_v to_o morrow_n convert_v concern_v false_a christian_n which_o be_v mingle_v among_o the_o true_a one_o as_o tare_n among_o the_o good_a corn_n i_o say_v nothing_o in_o this_o place_n that_o similitude_n of_o the_o seed_n and_o of_o the_o sour_a in_o saint_n matthew_n do_v plain_o show_v 13.3.4_o matt._n 13.3.4_o that_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o for_o we_o be_v teach_v by_o that_o similitude_n that_o all_o be_v not_o true_a christian_n before_o god_n which_o hear_v god_n word_n and_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v such_o for_o because_o that_o many_o brag_n and_o boast_v of_o the_o show_n and_o title_n of_o godliness_n who_o heart_n notwithstanding_o be_v most_o far_o from_o it_o therefore_o our_o faith_n will_v be_v shake_v and_o waver_v except_o we_o remember_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v false_a brethren_n which_o speak_v and_o boast_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n let_v not_o their_o fall_v away_o which_o sure_o will_v come_v overthrow_v our_o faith_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o ruin_v as_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v be_v damn_v the_o greatness_n of_o god_n wrath_n against_o they_o may_v be_v gather_v so_o also_o by_o the_o scarcity_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o abundance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o may_v be_v collect_v and_o man_n ought_v to_o examine_v by_o their_o faith_n in_o what_o account_n they_o be_v with_o god_n chap._n 22._o and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v more_o condemn_v then_o save_v it_o may_v from_o hence_o easy_o be_v gather_v how_o great_a the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v against_o rebellious_a and_o unrepentant_a person_n which_o be_v oftentimes_o admonish_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o endue_v with_o other_o good_a benefit_n or_o afflict_v with_o such_o or_o such_o calamity_n yet_o repent_v not_o nor_o cease_v from_o sin_n again_o by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a and_o more_o severe_a the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v against_o the_o rebellious_a &_o stiffnecked_a by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a and_o more_o notable_a be_v his_o love_n and_o mercy_n towards_o the_o penitent_a and_o such_o as_o cease_v from_o evil_a so_o that_o the_o few_o they_o be_v the_o dear_a they_o be_v unto_o god_n for_o rare_a thing_n be_v usual_o more_o fervent_o belove_v and_o more_o careful_o tender_v this_o scarcity_n of_o the_o elect_n and_o multitude_n of_o the_o reprobate_n aught_o to_o trouble_v no_o man_n nor_o weaken_v any_o man_n faith_n neither_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n for_o that_o to_o be_v think_v straighten_a into_o a_o narrow_a room_n and_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o despair_v for_o this_o cause_n but_o to_o be_v in_o the_o better_a hope_n for_o where_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v preach_v and_o teach_v and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v powerful_a by_o it_o there_o god_n have_v his_o elect._n therefore_o all_o they_o which_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o by_o a_o true_a faith_n put_v their_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n of_o the_o obtain_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o sole_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o only_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v not_o stranger_n from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o do_v bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o have_v a_o hearty_a desire_n and_o care_n to_o profit_v in_o true_a faith_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n they_o may_v sure_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o be_v elect_v from_o everlasting_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v for_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_o reduce_v man_n unto_o christ_n and_o to_o true_a faith_n in_o he_o that_o man_n may_v confirm_v themselves_o concern_v their_o election_n and_o pronouncerh_n such_o bless_a and_o
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
as_o it_o neither_o arise_v nor_o depend_v of_o any_o natural_a cause_n so_o also_o can_v it_o not_o be_v know_v by_o they_o again_o the_o knowledge_n thereof_o be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v in_o the_o secret_a &_o hide_a foreknowledge_n of_o god_n but_o to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o latter_a namely_o by_o the_o effect_n and_o sign_n thereof_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o preposterous_a nothing_o more_o dangerous_a then_o omit_v and_o neglect_v the_o effect_n of_o vocation_n to_o seek_v for_o the_o certaynety_n thereof_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o they_o which_o labour_n to_o do_v this_o enter_v into_o a_o endless_a labyrinth_n out_o of_o which_o the_o light_n of_o man_n reason_n can_v never_o rid_v or_o deliver_v they_o now_o the_o effect_n whereby_o every_o man_n may_v know_v his_o call_v be_v sundry_a and_o manifest_a first_o whosoever_o be_v call_v effectual_o unto_o christ_n 47._o john_n 8_o 47._o do_v desire_v earnest_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o profile_v true_o in_o it_o second_o 6._o gal._n 4_o 6._o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v stir_v up_o in_o they_o a_o diligent_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o do_v kindle_v and_o inflame_v their_o heart_n with_o the_o desire_n of_o think_v and_o do_v good_a work_n 2.14_o tit._n 2.14_o and_o do_v beget_v in_o they_o a_o true_a hatred_n of_o evil_a as_o to_o detest_v &_o avoid_v sin_n with_o all_o their_o strength_n they_o therefore_o which_o love_n god_n be_v call_v of_o he_o 8.3_o 1._o cor._n 8.3_o for_o no_o man_n can_v love_v he_o except_o first_o he_o be_v call_v and_o teach_v of_o he_o three_o god_n do_v beget_v in_o his_o child_n a_o hatred_n of_o this_o world_n and_o a_o love_n of_o their_o heavenly_a country_n which_o can_v be_v in_o none_o but_o in_o those_o that_o be_v call_v and_o regenerate_v so_o that_o faith_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a and_o infallible_a effect_n and_o sign_n of_o a_o save_a call_v all_o which_o as_o unseparable_a companion_n and_o undoubted_a witness_n do_v follow_v a_o effectual_a call_v by_o which_o be_v beget_v in_o a_o man_n a_o lively_a and_o a_o effectual_a feel_n of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n whereas_o otherwise_o if_o a_o man_n be_v not_o call_v and_o regenerate_v his_o whole_a mind_n and_o will_n will_v be_v set_v upon_o evil_a thing_n he_o shall_v feel_v no_o true_a taste_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v no_o good_a thing_n before_o god_n as_o furnish_v only_o with_o humane_a strength_n they_o therefore_o which_o do_v conceive_v in_o their_o mind_n any_o good_a thing_n and_o feel_v it_o in_o themselves_o all_o that_o have_v his_o beginning_n from_o god_n that_o call_v they_o which_o work_v in_o they_o every_o good_a thing_n that_o make_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n &_o justification_n before_o god_n for_o he_o only_o incline_v the_o will_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o think_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o just_a they_o therefore_o which_o have_v a_o hearty_a desire_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a howsoever_o the_o worthiness_n of_o their_o work_n answer_v not_o their_o will_n yet_o nevertheless_o they_o may_v know_v that_o they_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n within_o they_o which_o work_v effectual_o unto_o their_o salvation_n for_o where_o he_o stir_v up_o that_o spiritual_a contention_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n there_o do_v a_o effectual_a call_n manifest_v itself_o and_o declare_v and_o show_v the_o power_n that_o it_o have_v because_o that_o strive_v between_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o flesh_n can_v be_v in_o none_o but_o in_o those_o that_o be_v call_v and_o regenerate_v for_o sin_n do_v whole_o possess_v the_o unregenerate_a man_n but_o it_o do_v but_o only_o hinder_v the_o regenerate_v and_o set_v upon_o they_o with_o great_a and_o continual_a bicker_n they_o therefore_o which_o do_v acknowledge_v and_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v unperfect_a they_o may_v certain_o resolve_v with_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v call_v and_o renew_v for_o this_o be_v as_o one_o say_v the_o perfection_n of_o christian_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o imperfection_n but_o if_o man_n feel_v no_o such_o effect_n at_o all_o or_o very_o small_a and_o slender_a effect_n yet_o from_o thence_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v no_o occasion_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o of_o their_o call_n for_o god_n do_v not_o give_v all_o his_o gift_n and_o benefit_n at_o the_o first_o and_o in_o one_o day_n but_o enlarge_v and_o increase_v they_o by_o degree_n 1.17_o rom._n 1.17_o and_o by_o little_a and_o little_a again_o there_o be_v sundry_a and_o divers_a time_n of_o call_v forward_o matth._n 20._o vers_fw-la 1._o and_o so_o forward_o for_o some_o he_o call_v in_o their_o first_o age_n some_o in_o their_o middle_a age_n some_o in_o their_o old_a age_n &_o some_o for_o his_o great_a mercy_n sake_n he_o draw_v to_o himself_o in_o their_o last_o gasp_n of_o life_n so_o that_o they_o which_o as_o this_o day_n feel_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o vocation_n they_o may_v feel_v they_o to_o morrow_n or_o the_o day_n after_o but_o when_o god_n defer_v faith_n and_o repentance_n even_o unto_o the_o last_o pang_n of_o death_n then_o do_v he_o witness_v his_o singular_a love_n and_o mercy_n towards_o miserable_a sinner_n for_o by_o such_o example_n he_o comfort_v they_o who_o have_v fall_v into_o such_o or_o such_o sin_n and_o have_v remain_v in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v ensnare_v and_o lull_v a_o sleep_n for_o a_o long_a time_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o for_o those_o sin_n though_o grow_v old_a by_o long_a continuance_n be_v cast_v down_o and_o despair_n of_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o that_o the_o incomprehensible_a grace_n of_o god_n do_v remit_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n unto_o those_o which_o be_v penitent_a from_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o because_o that_o the_o greatness_n and_o power_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o far_o more_o force_n to_o save_v man_n than_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o iniquity_n be_v to_o condemn_v he_o as_o barnard_n elsewhere_o speak_v last_o we_o must_v think_v this_o that_o true_a conversion_n unto_o god_n and_o repentance_n be_v never_o too_o late_o whosoever_o therefore_o shall_v true_o and_o hearty_o repent_v even_o at_o the_o pang_n and_o point_n of_o death_n for_o he_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n prepare_v and_o he_o may_v hope_v for_o certain_a salvation_n again_o true_a and_o lively_a experience_n teach_v we_o by_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o god_n call_v even_o in_o the_o last_o gasp_n of_o life_n that_o salvation_n and_o life_n eternal_a be_v altogether_o free_a and_o every_o way_n a_o undeserved_a benefit_n therefore_o no_o man_n shall_v despair_v of_o the_o great_a grace_n of_o god_n but_o all_o shall_v be_v in_o very_o good_a hope_n of_o it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v here_o in_o this_o world_n and_o these_o thing_n be_v speak_v of_o vocation_n now_o it_o remain_v to_o speak_v of_o justification_n here_o be_v entreat_v of_o free_a justification_n and_o show_v how_o it_o may_v be_v know_v by_o vocation_n or_o call_v also_o what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v justify_v after_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o last_o what_o be_v the_o special_a cause_n of_o justification_n chap._n 26._o justification_n be_v the_o four_o link_n in_o paul_n chain_n and_o this_o be_v set_v under_o vocation_n or_o calling_n in_o a_o most_o convenient_a and_o methodical_a order_n for_o after_o that_o god_n have_v call_v a_o man_n unto_o himself_o and_o have_v wrought_v faith_n in_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n through_o the_o word_n straight_o way_n be_v show_v by_o the_o apostle_n those_o benefit_n which_o faith_n seek_v in_o god_n and_o receyve_v of_o he_o fayth_n therefore_o that_o arise_v from_o a_o effectual_a call_n have_v respect_n unto_o justification_n moreover_o faith_n do_v not_o by_o the_o proper_a merit_n and_o work_v thereof_o absolve_v and_o justify_v any_o man_n but_o it_o be_v say_v to_o justify_v a_o man_n because_o it_o behold_v and_o apprehend_v the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n so_o that_o true_a faith_n embrace_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v they_o unto_o itself_o be_v impute_v by_o god_n unto_o man_n for_o righteousness_n or_o that_o i_o may_v speak_v more_o proper_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n his_o death_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n through_o faith_n for_o our_o righteousness_n before_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n 4.6.7_o rom._n 4.6.7_o as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n unto_o the_o roman_n but_o the_o remission_n of_o our_o sin_n can_v not_o
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
do_v call_v upon_o god_n 4.6_o gal._n 4.6_o as_o our_o love_a and_o merciful_a father_n without_o tremble_v so_o that_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o rely_v upon_o god_n and_o love_v which_o we_o have_v towards_o god_n and_o prayer_n by_o which_o we_o call_v upon_o he_o be_v three_o most_o certain_a sign_n of_o our_o justification_n for_o these_o do_v necessary_o follow_v justification_n but_o of_o these_o more_o shall_v be_v speak_v hereafter_o in_o glorification_n last_o of_o all_o this_o justification_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o paul_n plain_o teach_v here_o while_o he_o say_v that_o god_n call_v and_o iustify_v those_o only_a who_o he_o have_v predestinate_a here_o therefore_o vocation_n and_o justification_n be_v set_v under_o predestination_n as_o the_o effect_n under_o their_o cause_n so_o that_o justification_n do_v not_o reach_v far_o than_o predestination_n for_o the_o effect_n can_v be_v large_a and_o reach_v far_o than_o their_o cause_n they_o therefore_o which_o think_v that_o justification_n belong_v unto_o all_o in_o general_a ought_v first_o to_o teach_v and_o prove_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o predestination_n or_o election_n be_v common_a to_o every_o one_o again_o 10.26_o act._n 13.48_o tit._n 1._o john_n 10.26_o the_o scripture_n plain_o teach_v we_o that_o justification_n be_v give_v and_o belong_v only_o unto_o those_o that_o be_v appoint_v before_o unto_o life_n eternal_a but_o this_o thing_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o manifest_a that_o it_o need_v no_o long_a proof_n let_v these_o thing_n therefore_o be_v speak_v here_o brief_o concern_v justification_n here_o be_v declare_v by_o what_o remedy_n the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v amend_v and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n restore_v in_o man_n and_o in_o what_o part_n especial_o regeneration_n be_v wrought_v likewise_o how_o gross_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o grosser_n sort_n of_o ubiquitaries_n do_v err_v which_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o hide_a power_n in_o the_o outward_a water_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v able_a to_o convert_v a_o man_n in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o baptise_v chap._n 29._o now_o glorification_n be_v the_o last_o link_n of_o paul_n chain_n this_o follow_v to_o be_v set_v under_o justification_n very_o fit_o for_o so_o paul_n teach_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o renew_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n unto_o the_o image_n of_o god_n do_v necessary_o follow_v our_o free_a receyve_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o it_o wherefore_o glorification_n follow_v justification_n in_o a_o most_o divine_a order_n because_o it_o be_v the_o final_a cause_n of_o it_o for_o therefore_o be_v this_o or_o that_o man_n justify_v that_o in_o the_o end_n he_o may_v be_v glorify_v therefore_o after_o paul_n have_v teach_v that_o sin_n be_v forgive_v man_n by_o the_o only_a free_a mercy_n of_o god_n now_o he_o proceed_v right_o to_o teach_v and_o declare_v how_o sin_n be_v abolish_v and_o purge_v and_o so_o show_v how_o glory_n and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n be_v recover_v in_o man_n this_o he_o show_v in_o the_o word_n glorify_v therefore_o to_o glorify_v be_v nothing_o else_o then_o to_o abolish_v the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o so_o to_o reform_v man_n unto_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o make_v he_o fit_a for_o eternal_a glory_n so_o that_o regeneration_n from_o the_o effect_n and_o last_o end_n thereof_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o glorification_n in_o asmuch_o namely_o as_o the_o elect_a by_o it_o be_v renew_v unto_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o then_o translate_v into_o everlasting_a glory_n for_o god_n will_v have_v his_o glory_n and_o holiness_n to_o shine_v in_o the_o elect_a here_o after_o a_o sort_n and_o faith_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n inflame_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o our_o call_n and_o our_o will_n somewhat_o change_v be_v here_o more_o inflame_v and_o change_v but_o this_o be_v perform_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n but_o only_o by_o our_o regeneration_n for_o god_n do_v not_o begin_v and_o finish_v the_o work_n of_o our_o regeneration_n in_o one_o day_n and_o at_o one_o instant_a but_o do_v continue_v and_o perfect_v it_o by_o little_a and_o little_a here_o therefore_o a_o few_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v speak_v concern_v regeneration_n which_o that_o they_o may_v be_v handle_v and_o entreat_v of_o the_o better_a and_o more_o plain_o with_o the_o great_a fruit_n we_o ought_v to_o consider_v these_o four_o several_a head_n first_o what_o regeneration_n be_v and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o come_v second_o in_o what_o part_n it_o consist_v and_o of_o what_o sort_n it_o be_v in_o this_o life_n three_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v and_o for_o what_o thing_n it_o be_v profitable_a four_o by_o what_o sign_n and_o token_n it_o may_v be_v know_v concern_v the_o first_o thing_n regeneration_n be_v not_o the_o abolish_n of_o the_o former_a substance_n and_o the_o establish_n again_o of_o a_o new_a neither_o be_v it_o the_o change_n of_o one_o substance_n into_o a_o other_o but_o it_o be_v the_o reform_v of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o repair_n and_o restore_v of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n so_o that_o in_o this_o regeneration_n there_o remain_v the_o same_o frame_n of_o the_o body_n and_o substance_n but_o the_o inward_a and_o wicked_a affection_n of_o the_o mind_n only_o be_v amend_v and_o change_v which_o see_v it_o be_v a_o spiritual_a change_n it_o be_v feel_v inward_o before_o it_o be_v learned_a as_o saint_n cyprian_n speak_v elsewhere_o and_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o amend_v and_o abolish_n of_o the_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a quality_n that_o remain_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o man_n therefore_o who_o god_n have_v justify_v those_o also_o he_o do_v regenerate_v and_o change_v unto_o his_o most_o bless_a glory_n and_o purity_n of_o life_n that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o former_a life_n that_o so_o they_o may_v betake_v themselves_o unto_o a_o better_a course_n for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o earnest_a desire_n unto_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n except_o first_o he_o know_v his_o sin_n and_o be_v displease_v with_o himself_o in_o they_o so_o that_o a_o renew_n be_v require_v for_o god_n will_v not_o have_v his_o elect_a to_o abuse_v his_o gentleness_n and_o long_a suffering_n and_o therefore_o do_v he_o renew_v and_o frame_v they_o to_o sincere_a manner_n and_o holy_a action_n therefore_o they_o which_o be_v effectual_o regenerate_v do_v begin_v to_o be_v displease_v with_o themselves_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o be_v grieve_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o have_v displease_v god_n and_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n do_v detest_v all_o wicked_a deed_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o hereafter_o they_o will_v not_o commit_v or_o do_v they_o and_o so_o do_v show_v their_o thankfulness_n by_o eschew_v of_o evil_a and_o do_v of_o good_a and_o there_o be_v in_o they_o a_o turn_v away_o from_o satan_n and_o evil_a deed_n and_o a_o turn_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o good_a work_n and_o although_o the_o regenerate_a do_v fall_v often_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o defend_v nor_o allow_v of_o their_o sin_n but_o desire_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o to_o hate_v and_o eschew_v they_o so_o they_o which_o be_v convert_v begin_v to_o savour_n of_o better_a thing_n and_o do_v change_v their_o evil_a custom_n and_o kind_a of_o life_n and_o revoke_v their_o former_a course_n of_o live_v and_o so_o convert_v their_o action_n and_o endeavour_n from_o evil_a unto_o good_a as_o from_o one_o contrary_a unto_o a_o other_o they_o which_o be_v thus_o affect_v do_v feel_v true_a joy_n in_o their_o heart_n in_o that_o they_o have_v god_n at_o one_o with_o they_o for_o their_o mediator_n sake_n from_o whence_o follow_v a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o obey_v god_n in_o all_o his_o commandment_n let_v the_o regenerate_v therefore_o know_v that_o now_o the_o time_n be_v come_v wherein_o they_o ought_v to_o approve_v and_o fulfil_v those_o most_o wholesome_a precept_n of_o divinity_n not_o so_o much_o by_o discourse_v of_o they_o as_o by_o perform_v they_o constant_o &_o live_v godly_a because_o they_o can_v by_o no_o other_o way_n obtain_v bless_v immortality_n &_o heavenly_a glory_n but_o only_o by_o true_a faith_n and_o ready_a obedience_n unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n therefore_o how_o much_o or_o little_a soever_o it_o be_v which_o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v and_o savour_n of_o regeneration_n to_o it_o they_o ought_v to_o frame_v their_o manner_n say_v augustine_n 694._o tom._n 7._o colum_fw-la 694._o now_o this_o renew_n as_o be_v abovesayd_a in_o the_o treatise_n of_o vocation_n be_v begin_v and_o finish_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n by_o
and_o exercise_v the_o strength_n thereof_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o administer_a they_o again_o they_o do_v offend_v and_o sin_v exceed_o and_o out_o of_o measure_n against_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o only_a efficient_a cause_n and_o principal_a worker_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n thereof_o therefore_o they_o attribute_v that_o unto_o the_o outward_a water_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v due_a only_a unto_o the_o holy_a spirit_n &_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n &_o so_o fall_v into_o a_o fallacy_n from_o that_o which_o be_v no_o cause_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o cause_n for_o they_o do_v cast_v that_o unto_o the_o false_a and_o feign_a cause_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v attribute_v unto_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n and_o so_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v do_v overthrow_n and_o undermine_v the_o principal_a head_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o whereas_o they_o infer_v that_o the_o pure_a and_o preciser_n sort_n of_o divine_n do_v deny_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o wash_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n 3.5_o tit._n 3.5_o as_o paul_n to_o titus_n speak_v this_o be_v a_o unsavoury_a and_o a_o vile_a cavil_n for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o admit_v and_o like_v of_o those_o word_n of_o paul_n in_o their_o true_a and_o natural_a meaning_n but_o do_v receive_v they_o as_o a_o most_o sound_a confirmation_n and_o strengthen_n of_o our_o cause_n for_o paul_n there_o plain_o pronounce_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v effect_n and_o work_v regeneration_n in_o us._n but_o our_o adversary_n do_v misunderstand_v those_o word_n of_o paul_n and_o do_v abuse_v they_o while_o they_o wrest_v they_o into_o a_o other_o sense_n as_o seducer_n use_v to_o do_v and_o apply_v they_o amiss_o and_o so_o do_v fall_v into_o a_o fallacy_n of_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o a_o word_n while_o they_o interpret_v that_o ill_a which_o they_o apply_v worst_a of_o all_o among_o true_a and_o sound_a divine_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n firm_o resolve_v and_o agree_v upon_o that_o the_o sacrament_n do_v not_o bring_v grace_n but_o do_v for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o faith_n seal_v up_o that_o which_o be_v bestow_v before_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o abraham_n 4.10_o rom._n 4.10_o as_o in_o the_o common_a example_n and_o father_n of_o all_o they_o which_o believe_v last_o they_o err_v not_o a_o little_a by_o this_o their_o most_o vain_a fiction_n while_o that_o they_o place_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o ground_n thereof_o in_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n for_o so_o they_o forge_v and_o frame_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n from_o the_o instrument_n that_o be_v use_v as_o mean_n and_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o apply_v they_o but_o with_o deep_a silence_n they_o do_v pass_v by_o and_o with_o wonderful_a craft_n neglect_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o salvation_n namely_o everlasting_a and_o free_a election_n and_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o deceive_v and_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o ignorant_a for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a nor_o more_o plentiful_a occasion_n to_o beguile_v and_o deceive_v then_o where_o false_a and_o imaginary_a cause_n be_v suppose_v for_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n moreover_o this_o regeneration_n here_o be_v always_o defective_a and_o imperfect_a and_o a_o small_a beginning_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o a_o certain_a onset_n unto_o it_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o also_o by_o daily_a experience_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v change_v into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 3.18_o 2._o cor._n 3.18_o 1.17_o rom._n 1.17_o and_o to_o go_v forward_o daily_a more_o and_o more_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n also_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o walk_v in_o his_o commandment_n 2.14_o eze._n 36.27_o tit._n 2.14_o and_o to_o keep_v his_o statute_n and_o to_o be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n these_o and_o the_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o elect_v be_v not_o the_o first_o day_n polish_v unto_o the_o high_a perfection_n but_o that_o by_o little_a and_o little_a as_o it_o be_v by_o degree_n they_o be_v bring_v from_o one_o virtue_n unto_o a_o other_o until_o after_o this_o life_n they_o shall_v come_v unto_o the_o high_a perfection_n for_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_a which_o must_v be_v change_v from_o one_o glory_n to_o another_o and_o go_v forward_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n second_o they_o which_o walk_v in_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o way_n and_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o race_n therefore_o they_o be_v unperfect_a for_o wayfaring_a man_n be_v often_o weery_v and_o now_o and_o then_o stumble_v and_o fall_v by_o reason_n of_o these_o or_o these_o let_n and_o hindrance_n so_o also_o the_o regenerate_a man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v weery_v in_o the_o course_n and_o study_v of_o godliness_n do_v slip_v often_o and_o fall_v into_o these_o and_o these_o sin_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n say_v plain_o 1.8_o 1._o john_n 1.8_o that_o they_o which_o say_v they_o have_v no_o sin_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o they_o also_o the_o most_o holy_a prophet_n do_v plain_o and_o free_o confess_v of_o themselves_o that_o their_o best_a work_n be_v pollute_v and_o stain_v with_o many_o and_o great_a imperfection_n 64._o esay_n 64._o for_o in_o they_o always_o the_o dregs_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n remain_v and_o abide_v and_o very_o often_o the_o sparkle_n of_o their_o lewd_a affection_n do_v break_v forth_o and_o show_v themselves_o but_o these_o hinder_v they_o not_o because_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o a_o pardon_n these_o thing_n the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n do_v only_o obtain_v some_o beginning_n of_o a_o new_a life_n here_o so_o that_o regeneration_n here_o be_v maim_v and_o unperfect_a for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v so_o illuminate_v and_o renew_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o elect_a 13.9_o 1._o cor._n 13.9_o that_o here_o they_o do_v know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o do_v so_o change_v and_o refine_v their_o will_n that_o they_o can_v will_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o in_o part_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o this_o life_n so_o that_o whether_o a_o man_n respect_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o regenerate_a or_o whether_o a_o man_n consider_v their_o will_n he_o shall_v easy_o find_v that_o they_o be_v unperfect_a for_o they_o which_o be_v renew_v still_o day_n by_o day_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o whole_o renew_v but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v here_o be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o perfect_a nor_o whole_o renew_v beside_o these_o there_o be_v many_o other_o token_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plentiful_a as_o which_o be_v wrought_v successive_o by_o the_o child_n of_o god_n either_o in_o rejoice_v at_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n or_o sorrow_v at_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o sure_o these_o do_v bewray_v their_o imperfection_n so_o that_o infirmity_n always_o abide_v and_o dwell_v in_o they_o with_o which_o they_o must_v strive_v even_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n with_o a_o intercourse_n of_o go_v backward_o and_o go_v forward_o as_o augustine_n say_v in_o one_o place_n second_o daily_a experience_n itself_o do_v convince_v and_o prove_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o godly_a for_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o age_n have_v offend_v and_o sin_v very_o often_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v unperfect_a for_o they_o which_o by_o regeneration_n be_v quite_o perfect_v be_v set_v out_o of_o all_o danger_n of_o sin_v any_o more_o furthermore_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v endue_v his_o child_n in_o this_o life_n with_o exquisite_a perfection_n therefore_o they_o can_v be_v make_v perfect_a here_o for_o god_n do_v not_o perform_v more_o in_o this_o work_n of_o regeneration_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n than_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o reveal_v word_n of_o promise_n and_o they_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o power_n can_v make_v themselves_o better_o and_o more_o holy_a then_o god_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v also_o the_o most_o holy_a apostle_n themselves_o say_v 3.2_o james._n 3.2_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o sin_v all_o john_n also_o in_o his_o epistle_n pronounce_v most_o plain_o say_v 1.8_o 1._o john_n 1.8_o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v
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