scripture_n for_o a_o certain_a singular_a excellency_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v be_v worthy_a to_o be_v choose_v so_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v elect_v which_o be_v excellent_a and_o singular_a they_o i_o say_v be_v the_o author_n of_o fable_n and_o trifle_n with_o toy_n see_v that_o every_o man_n be_v esteem_v far_o otherwise_o in_o this_o civil_a and_o earthly_a court_n than_o he_o be_v or_o judge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n moreover_o no_o other_o cause_n of_o reprobation_n can_v be_v allege_v or_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o just_a and_o unchangeable_a will_n of_o god_n for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o in_o that_o his_o eternal_a and_o secret_a counsel_n have_v of_o himself_o and_o by_o himself_o adjudge_v some_o man_n unto_o eternal_a death_n &_o destruction_n and_o that_o before_o they_o be_v and_o have_v do_v any_o evil_n for_o sin_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o reprobation_n for_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o be_v alike_o pollute_v 2.3_o ephes_n 2.3_o and_o by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n so_o that_o all_o even_o every_o one_o shall_v have_v perish_v if_o sin_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o reprobation_n sin_n very_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o necessary_o follow_v reprobation_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o hereafter_o although_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v of_o man_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o just_a and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o damnation_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o reprobation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o in_o man_n but_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a cause_n thereof_o be_v even_o the_o free_a and_o righteous_a will_n of_o god_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o reprobate_n be_v damn_v that_o they_o have_v deserve_v by_o their_o own_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o just_a cause_n of_o damnation_n for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o sin_v they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v punish_v for_o god_n be_v every_o way_n so_o just_a that_o he_o punish_v none_o except_o he_o be_v enthral_v to_o sin_n and_o most_o worthy_a of_o punishment_n and_o now_o see_v that_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v praedestination_n and_o that_o the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o word_n and_o divers_a signification_n thereof_o be_v plain_o discuss_v and_o that_o the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v produce_v and_o lay_v open_a it_o remain_v that_o we_o shall_v plain_o define_v what_o this_o praedestination_n be_v which_o except_o it_o be_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o follow_v to_o be_v handle_v can_v be_v conceive_v and_o understand_v praedestination_n therefore_o be_v the_o eternal_a free_a just_a and_o unchangeable_a purpose_n of_o god_n by_o which_o of_o his_o mercy_n he_o have_v determine_v to_o adopt_v some_o man_n for_o son_n through_o christ_n and_o have_v appoint_v they_o to_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n and_o have_v not_o vouchsafe_v othersome_a that_o grace_n and_o favour_n but_o have_v reject_v they_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n and_o appoint_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n this_o definition_n many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v deliver_v and_o prove_v 1.3_o rom._n 9.13_o malac._n 1.3_o but_o chief_o the_o example_n of_o jacob_n and_o esau_n do_v wonderful_o declare_v it_o these_o two_o although_o they_o be_v brother_n bear_v of_o the_o same_o parent_n although_o they_o be_v sinner_n both_o alike_o and_o by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n yet_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v so_o discern_v between_o they_o that_o by_o his_o free_a grace_n he_o love_v and_o elect_a one_o of_o they_o and_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n hate_v and_o reject_v the_o other_o and_o that_o not_o according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a work_n foresee_v either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o but_o according_a unto_o his_o purpose_n he_o do_v choose_v jacob_n 9.11_o rom._n 9.11_o and_o hate_v esau_n and_o that_o when_o as_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o have_v do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a the_o scripture_n have_v set_v forth_o these_o two_o person_n as_o it_o be_v two_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a argument_n from_o which_o it_o infer_v two_o general_a proposition_n namely_o that_o almighty_a god_n from_o everlasting_a before_o all_o age_n have_v so_o discern_v between_o man_n by_o his_o firm_a and_o unchangeable_a wisdom_n that_o some_o without_o any_o merit_n of_o they_o shall_v obtain_v undeserved_a grace_n and_o that_o some_o shall_v have_v and_o undergo_v deserve_v justice_n and_o due_a punishment_n this_o praedestination_n be_v distinguish_v from_o providence_n as_o a_o special_a thing_n from_o a_o general_a or_o as_o a_o part_n from_o the_o whole_a see_v that_o predestination_n be_v not_o so_o common_a nor_o so_o large_a as_o providence_n for_o predestination_n have_v his_o operation_n and_o work_n either_o in_o the_o save_n or_o condemn_v of_o man_n although_o the_o create_a spirit_n namely_o the_o angel_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v refer_v hereunto_o but_o providence_n reach_v further_a spread_v and_o extend_v itself_o unto_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n so_o that_o praedestination_n be_v as_o well_o the_o just_a council_n of_o god_n in_o forsake_v the_o reprobate_n and_o cast_v he_o off_o into_o eternal_a punishment_n as_o the_o voluntary_a purpose_n of_o god_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a to_o be_v begin_v in_o this_o life_n and_o finish_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v also_o providence_n be_v the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o order_n and_o ratify_v government_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v create_v according_a to_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v direct_v and_o do_v fall_v out_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o profit_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a to_o this_o his_o government_n even_o the_o temptation_n and_o sleight_n of_o satan_n be_v hold_v in_o subjection_n which_o be_v so_o guide_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n that_o they_o still_o turn_v to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o saint_n although_o his_o devise_n be_v hurtful_a in_o themselves_o yet_o god_n know_v how_o to_o prevent_v they_o and_o to_o turn_v they_o to_o a_o contrary_a event_n therefore_o although_o the_o endeavour_n of_o satan_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n most_o pernicious_a yet_o by_o god_n direction_n they_o become_v wholesome_a unto_o his_o child_n for_o god_n be_v such_o a_o workemaister_n as_o be_v able_a to_o alter_v and_o withdraw_v the_o effect_n from_o the_o cause_n so_o as_o the_o effect_n by_o a_o accident_n become_v good_a and_o helpful_a who_o cause_n be_v most_o ill_a and_o hurtful_a this_o providence_n of_o god_n although_o it_o reach_v unto_o the_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o they_o yet_o it_o chief_o intend_v the_o counsel_n and_o action_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o be_v so_o intentive_a about_o they_o that_o although_o they_o be_v very_o much_o confuse_v and_o out_o of_o order_n yet_o it_o do_v most_o wise_o turn_v and_o bring_v they_o to_o those_o end_n which_o from_o everlasting_a be_v foreordayn_v and_o appoint_v for_o they_o so_o that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n from_o everlasting_a by_o his_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n do_v foresee_v and_o know_v before_o they_o be_v those_o thing_n by_o his_o wonderful_a and_o marvelous_a providence_n in_o the_o instant_n and_o moment_n of_o time_n appoint_v he_o do_v create_v order_v they_o be_v create_v maintain_v they_o be_v order_v govern_v they_o be_v maintain_v and_o in_o govern_v they_o he_o do_v so_o draw_v forth_o the_o course_n and_o line_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n that_o nothing_o can_v happen_v or_o be_v do_v in_o it_o then_o that_o which_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n do_v foreordayne_a and_o appoint_v all_o thing_n do_v so_o depend_v and_o hang_v upon_o this_o providence_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o without_o it_o not_o one_o action_n can_v be_v do_v nor_o one_o motion_n be_v produce_v in_o any_o creature_n for_o god_n be_v he_o by_o who_o power_n and_o work_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v all_o in_o all_o and_o that_o so_o as_o without_o this_o power_n and_o work_n of_o god_n neither_o the_o godly_a can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a nor_o the_o wicked_a commit_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a this_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o join_v and_o combine_v with_o his_o foreknowledge_n that_o the_o one_o of_o they_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o shake_v hand_n with_o the_o other_o for_o what_o thing_n soever_o god_n by_o this_o his_o unsearchable_a foreknowledge_n do_v from_o all_o age_n and_o from_o everlasting_a determine_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n be_v create_v in_o time_n he_o do_v by_o his_o infinite_a providence_n bring_v unto_o those_o appoint_a end_n even_o as_o he_o have_v decree_v from_o everlasting_a what_o and_o how_o many_o be_v the_o
hinder_v that_o they_o can_v come_v to_o their_o purpose_a and_o determine_v end_n so_o the_o effect_n and_o end_n do_v not_o always_o answer_v the_o purpose_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o doer_n because_o one_o thing_n be_v intend_v and_o a_o other_o thing_n happen_v but_o god_n do_v now_o see_v the_o future_a event_n of_o thing_n and_o behold_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v present_a and_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n can_v direct_v and_o bring_v they_o to_o their_o foreappoynted_a end_n and_o scope_n against_o all_o let_n and_o hindrance_n whatsoever_o the_o event_n therefore_o and_o end_n be_v always_o answerable_a to_o his_o eternal_a intent_n and_o purpose_n so_o that_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o time_n which_o he_o purpose_v to_o himself_o before_o time_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o precise_a and_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o thing_n as_o augustine_n elsewhere_o speak_v moreover_o although_o the_o first_o man_n can_v not_o of_o himself_o change_v his_o will_n that_o be_v create_v good_a into_o evil_n without_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n come_v in_o and_o concur_v with_o it_o for_o in_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v move_v and_o without_o he_o there_o be_v no_o motion_n yet_o the_o fault_n and_o crime_n that_o be_v commit_v by_o the_o first_o man_n can_v not_o nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n for_o that_o remain_v only_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n that_o this_o may_v be_v understand_v more_o plain_o and_o distinct_o of_o every_o man_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o sin_n to_o wit_n the_o action_n and_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v annex_v and_o knit_v unto_o the_o action_n for_o the_o action_n itself_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n and_o work_v be_v good_a and_o god_n do_v begin_v and_o finish_v it_o but_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v wicked_a and_o have_v evil_a annex_v unto_o it_o it_o proceed_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n moreover_o although_o god_n may_v produce_v and_o perform_v some_o work_n in_o the_o evil_a action_n of_o man_n yet_o god_n do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a therefore_o also_o out_o of_o he_o can_v proceed_v no_o work_n but_o good_a see_v therefore_o that_o he_o be_v whole_o good_a likewise_o must_v all_o his_o work_n be_v good_a also_o for_o the_o effect_n be_v wont_a to_o imitate_v and_o resemble_v their_o cause_n so_o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o their_o cause_n have_v be_v before_o they_o so_o that_o whomesoever_o god_n stir_v up_o and_o move_v he_o do_v it_o well_o and_o right_o wise_o although_o the_o creature_n so_o move_v by_o he_o may_v sin_v and_o so_o fall_v from_o he_o but_o man_n sin_v against_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o free_o choose_v the_o evil_a therefore_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v by_o he_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v proper_o to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o to_o be_v judge_v as_o proceed_v from_o it_o therefore_o although_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o first_o man_n do_v proceed_v of_o his_o own_o free_a and_o voluntary_a will_n yet_o can_v it_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v do_v without_o god_n eternal_a decree_n because_o that_o only_o fall_v out_o which_o god_n from_o everlasting_a do_v purpose_n and_o foresee_v but_o sin_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n contrary_n unto_o god_n do_v spring_n from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n approve_v and_o commit_v it_o god_n heavenly_a will_n suffer_v and_o permit_v it_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n that_o the_o first_o man_n be_v pliant_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v incline_v on_o either_o side_n for_o such_o a_o will_n be_v give_v he_o that_o if_o he_o will_v he_o may_v have_v stand_v still_o and_o remain_v innocent_a but_o he_o have_v no_o promise_n nor_o constancy_n give_v he_o to_o continue_v so_o and_o therefore_o do_v he_o fall_v so_o easy_o and_o take_v the_o fruit_n that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n and_o do_v eat_v it_o wherefore_o this_o change_n and_o fall_v from_o good_a to_o bad_a be_v by_o all_o mean_v necessary_a for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o god_n eternal_a counsel_n for_o by_o it_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o open_a door_n and_o a_o most_o fit_a occasion_n offer_v for_o god_n to_o show_v his_o mercy_n by_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o open_a gap_n and_o a_o most_o just_a cause_n give_v he_o to_o exercise_v his_o justice_n for_o as_o the_o elect_a can_v not_o have_v be_v save_v by_o mercy_n except_o they_o have_v first_o sin_v and_o thereby_o deserve_a god_n most_o just_a wrath_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n so_o likewise_o the_o reprobate_n can_v not_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o his_o justice_n except_o they_o have_v be_v first_o subject_n unto_o just_a condemnation_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o fall_v from_o god_n so_o god_n on_o the_o one_o side_n do_v erect_v his_o everlasting_a judgement_n seat_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n open_v and_o lay_v forth_o the_o infinite_a treasure_n of_o his_o mercy_n god_n therefore_o that_o he_o may_v show_v forth_o his_o power_n and_o his_o wisdom_n together_o with_o his_o unspeakable_a goodness_n think_v it_o better_o of_o evil_a thing_n to_o produce_v good_a thing_n then_o to_o suffer_v no_o evil_a thing_n at_o all_o 21._o in_o enchirid_n cap._n 21._o say_v saint_n augustine_n for_o what_o can_v be_v better_o and_o wise_a than_o he_o be_v who_o know_v how_o to_o bring_v forth_o exceed_o great_a goodness_n out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v very_o bad_a and_o to_o convert_v unto_o salvation_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v ready_a for_o destruction_n for_o except_o god_n can_v have_v produce_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a he_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v the_o evil_a to_o have_v be_v commit_v in_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o he_o hinder_v not_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o first_o man_n who_o shall_v call_v he_o into_o question_n and_o who_o can_v or_o dare_v accuse_v he_o of_o unrighteousness_n for_o by_o permit_v that_o fall_n he_o get_v a_o most_o ample_a occasion_n to_o show_v forth_o his_o glory_n by_o so_o that_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o first_o man_n adam_n be_v no_o less_o necessary_a than_o the_o manifestation_n and_o execution_n of_o god_n eternal_a purpose_n by_o all_o this_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o god_n be_v such_o a_o worker_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v and_o perform_v his_o good_a will_v even_o by_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a will_n of_o man_n not_o that_o the_o wicked_a have_v any_o purpose_n to_o be_v obedient_a unto_o god_n will_n but_o because_o by_o the_o secret_a work_n of_o god_n and_o his_o direction_n they_o be_v draw_v unto_o it_o themselves_o not_o know_v of_o it_o for_o god_n by_o his_o hide_a power_n as_o with_o a_o invisible_a cord_n do_v draw_v the_o wicked_a although_o they_o know_v it_o not_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o end_n which_o themselves_o never_o aim_v at_o so_o the_o ungodly_a be_v direct_v to_o a_o end_n which_o themselves_o know_v not_o of_o by_o the_o secret_a power_n of_o god_n without_o any_o purpose_n or_o endeavour_v of_o they_o like_v as_o arrow_n fly_v without_o any_o feel_n unto_o the_o mark_n to_o which_o the_o archer_n direct_v they_o here_o behold_v and_o admire_v god_n provident_a bounty_n and_o favour_n which_o disdain_v not_o for_o our_o sake_n to_o direct_v the_o wander_a step_n and_o endeavour_n of_o the_o wicked_a unto_o a_o wholesome_a end_n to_o turn_v the_o great_a hurt_n into_o the_o chief_a health_n and_o a_o desperate_a evil_n into_o good_a in_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o the_o wicked_a sin_n and_o do_v wicked_o it_o be_v their_o own_o work_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o bring_v to_o pass_v this_o or_o that_o by_o their_o sin_v that_o be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n say_v saint_n augustine_n l'incentium_fw-la epist_n 48._o ad_fw-la l'incentium_fw-la and_o although_o that_o god_n and_o wicked_a man_n seem_v to_o do_v one_o and_o the_o selfsame_o work_n yet_o the_o man_n be_v faulty_a and_o god_n only_o just_a because_o in_o that_o one_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v there_o be_v not_o one_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o do_v it_o arbitrio_fw-la lib._n 21_o de_fw-fr gratia_fw-la &_o libero_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la say_v augustine_n so_o the_o wicked_a do_v not_o become_v good_a nor_o be_v hold_v excuse_v although_o they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v have_v do_v because_o in_o their_o action_n they_o have_v not_o respect_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o a_o desire_n to_o obey_v it_o but_o follow_v their_o own_o lewd_a counsel_n and_o wicked_a desire_n so_o also_o god_n become_v not_o evil_a and_o unjust_a but_o remain_v good_a and_o
to_o the_o law_n and_o christian_a charity_n for_o the_o law_n command_v and_o charity_n will_v that_o there_o be_v no_o hurt_n do_v to_o any_o man_n but_o good_a unto_o all_o but_o there_o be_v no_o good_a but_o hurt_n do_v unto_o they_o which_o be_v ordain_v unto_o this_o miserable_a condition_n and_o curse_a estate_n therefore_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o charity_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n i_o answer_v god_n be_v not_o bind_v nor_o subject_n unto_o the_o law_n so_o that_o he_o give_v that_o commandment_n to_o man_n only_o and_o not_o to_o himself_o again_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v altogether_o infinite_a who_o greatness_n the_o shallownes_n of_o man_n capacity_n can_v contain_v nor_o search_v out_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n of_o civil_a justice_n for_o there_o be_v no_o consequence_n from_o a_o infinite_a thing_n unto_o a_o finite_a thing_n because_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o they_o therefore_o a_o man_n in_o this_o matter_n must_v renounce_v all_o natural_a reason_n and_o submit_v himself_o whole_o unto_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n know_v that_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v be_v examine_v or_o comprehend_v by_o the_o shallow_a conceit_n of_o man_n nor_o be_v measure_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o civil_a justice_n therefore_o it_o be_v extreme_a madness_n &_o blasphemous_a impiety_n not_o to_o attribute_v more_o wisdom_n &_o uprightness_n unto_o god_n than_o man_n can_v understand_v or_o imagine_v sure_o this_o be_v to_o erect_v and_o worship_v a_o vain_a idol_n in_o the_o steed_n of_o god_n or_o rather_o to_o deny_v god_n himself_o moreover_o there_o be_v certain_a particular_a work_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o equity_n as_o for_o example_n the_o fact_n of_o abraham_n who_o in_o his_o obedience_n unto_o god_n will_v have_v kill_v his_o son_n and_o have_v sacrifice_v he_o unto_o god_n when_o as_o notwithstanding_o the_o law_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n know_v that_o god_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n but_o that_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o man_n only_o so_o that_o he_o do_v not_o examine_v the_o special_a commandment_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v concern_v the_o sacrifice_a of_o his_o son_n according_a to_o the_o law_n but_o simple_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o desire_v to_o execute_v it_o with_o a_o ready_a and_o good_a will_n by_o this_o example_n we_o be_v teach_v first_o that_o god_n sometime_o do_v decree_n somewhat_o in_o his_o secret_a will_n which_o he_o prescribe_v not_o in_o his_o law_n second_o that_o we_o must_v obey_v this_o his_o secret_a will_n when_o god_n command_v though_o the_o law_n after_o a_o sort_n command_v the_o contrary_a otherwise_o the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n be_v the_o only_a continual_a rule_n of_o good_a life_n so_o there_o may_v be_v some_o work_n which_o god_n do_v not_o therefore_o will_v because_o it_o be_v just_a but_o it_o be_v therefore_o just_a because_o he_o will_v it_o and_o think_v it_o good_a furthermore_o although_o of_o two_o man_n of_o which_o neither_o have_v do_v any_o thing_n he_o have_v predestinate_v the_o one_o unto_o life_n &_o the_o other_o unto_o death_n and_o that_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o this_o predestination_n be_v no_o less_o just_a then_o if_o both_o have_v be_v create_v and_o commit_v many_o great_a offence_n but_o it_o appear_v manifest_o that_o reprobation_n be_v decree_v before_o all_o time_n and_o not_o ordain_v in_o time_n both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o also_o by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o appear_v because_o god_n do_v nothing_o with_o a_o new_a will_n but_o all_o thing_n by_o his_o everlasting_a will_n whatsoever_o therefore_o god_n do_v in_o time_n that_o do_v he_o determine_v to_o do_v before_o all_o time_n otherwise_o there_o shall_v manifest_v change_n be_v find_v in_o he_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v the_o least_o thing_n in_o time_n which_o he_o do_v not_o determine_v to_o do_v before_o time_n from_o everlasting_a by_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a because_o that_o every_o where_o as_o well_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o reprobation_n as_o election_n it_o reduce_v we_o unto_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n that_o man_n may_v certain_o be_v persuade_v that_o nothing_o happen_v unto_o they_o in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v not_o ordain_v and_o decree_v for_o they_o by_o god_n from_o everlasting_a so_o that_o that_o happen_v to_o they_o in_o time_n which_o god_n have_v foreordeyned_n before_o time_n moreover_o although_o the_o reprobate_n be_v reject_v from_o this_o mercy_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o just_a and_o eternal_a judgement_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o condemn_v but_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o misdeed_n by_o which_o they_o deserve_v and_o pull_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n the_o just_a wrath_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a destruction_n therefore_o although_o they_o be_v not_o reprobate_v &_o reject_v for_o any_o infidelity_n or_o wicked_a deed_n foresee_v but_o because_o god_n have_v so_o will_v it_o and_o decree_v it_o just_o yet_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v but_o for_o their_o own_o ungodliness_n to_o conclude_v as_o there_o be_v no_o merit_n forego_v in_o election_n so_o also_o be_v there_o no_o desert_n forego_v in_o reprobation_n but_o both_o do_v proceed_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n now_o here_o remain_v to_o be_v show_v brief_o for_o what_o cause_v the_o reprobate_n be_v subject_a and_o liable_a unto_o just_a condemnation_n the_o first_o cause_n of_o their_o destruction_n be_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n this_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v full_o sufficient_a for_o to_o condemn_v they_o just_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o death_n and_o condemnation_n of_o infant_n and_o little_a child_n that_o be_v reprobate_v who_o although_o they_o be_v pollute_v with_o few_o or_o none_o actual_a sin_n yet_o for_o the_o original_a corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n they_o be_v thrust_v headlong_o into_o everlasting_a destruction_n therefore_o this_o corruption_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o first_o and_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o damnation_n again_o god_n vouchsafe_v not_o to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o mercy_n of_o regeneration_n but_o leave_v they_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n in_o their_o former_a depravation_n of_o nature_n neither_o can_v god_n be_v accuse_v or_o charge_v with_o injury_n because_o he_o do_v not_o reform_v nor_o better_v they_o for_o god_n do_v not_o owe_v they_o so_o much_o because_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v it_o unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o perform_v it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o promise_n although_o by_o the_o public_a ministry_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v pronounce_v unto_o all_o that_o hear_v in_o general_a yet_o indeed_o and_o effectual_o they_o do_v proper_o pertain_v and_o belong_v unto_o the_o elect_a only_o for_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n they_o only_o obtain_v and_o enjoy_v again_o the_o promise_n do_v not_o declare_v what_o god_n have_v decree_v and_o determine_v concern_v every_o one_o but_o do_v show_v how_o he_o be_v affect_v towards_o they_o that_o believe_v therefore_o they_o belong_v to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o believer_n so_o that_o god_n owe_v nothing_o to_o the_o reprobate_n but_o deserve_v wrath_n and_o just_a indignation_n therefore_o in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o call_v they_o nor_o draw_v they_o to_o christ_n nor_o justify_v they_o in_o he_o nor_o create_v faith_n in_o they_o it_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n because_o he_o have_v not_o choose_v they_o so_o that_o when_o the_o cause_n be_v deny_v they_o the_o effect_n must_v needs_o be_v deny_v they_o also_o for_o to_o whomesoever_o he_o vouchsafe_v not_o election_n he_o also_o deny_v those_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o election_n these_o be_v by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n thus_o leave_v to_o themselves_o be_v harden_v daily_o more_o &_o more_o so_o that_o they_o fear_v not_o to_o commit_v great_a &_o detestable_a sin_n and_o iniquity_n neither_o stand_n in_o awe_n of_o god_n vengeance_n but_o nuzsle_n themselves_o in_o their_o sin_n with_o delight_n and_o love_n and_o commit_v sin_n willing_o and_o that_o so_o proud_o and_o secure_o as_o if_o god_n the_o avenger_n of_o wickedness_n do_v wink_v at_o they_o and_o will_v take_v no_o account_n of_o they_o for_o their_o life_n pass_v these_o god_n do_v not_o only_o reject_v and_o repel_v from_o all_o save_a grace_n and_o all_o the_o effect_n thereof_o but_o also_o in_o his_o just_a judgement_n do_v deliver_v they_o over_o be_v so_o reject_v partly_o
all_o sin_n and_o guiltiness_n not_o to_o punish_v he_o for_o his_o sin_n but_o to_o love_v he_o as_o dear_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o offend_v and_o that_o for_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n impute_v and_o bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o who_o god_n justifi_v he_o make_v equal_a to_o he_o which_o be_v just_a and_o have_v not_o sin_v therefore_o no_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o any_o other_o mean_v then_o by_o believe_v by_o apprehend_v the_o mercy_n of_o salvation_n by_o say_v and_o by_o apply_v it_o unto_o himself_o but_o they_o which_o desire_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o work_n shall_v never_o come_v unto_o righteousness_n for_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n by_o all_o mean_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o merit_v eternal_a life_n as_o a_o reward_n so_o that_o man_n be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n before_o god_n when_o he_o have_v obtain_v remission_n of_o his_o sin_n not_o for_o any_o worthiness_n of_o his_o own_o or_o for_o his_o own_o merit_n but_o for_o christ_n his_o sake_n his_o only_a mediator_n such_o a_o one_o be_v wipe_v out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o sinner_n and_o be_v esteem_v as_o righteous_a before_o god_n therefore_o whosoever_o god_n receive_v into_o favour_n for_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n he_o do_v he_o account_v for_o a_o righteous_a man_n and_o pronounce_v as_o righteous_a his_o sin_n and_o guiltiness_n be_v take_v away_o by_o this_o justification_n the_o godly_a do_v attain_v three_o great_a commodity_n and_o benefit_n first_o that_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o the_o severe_a strictness_n of_o the_o exact_a performance_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o attain_v of_o righteousness_n second_o because_o he_o have_v take_v away_o the_o curse_n due_a for_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n three_o in_o that_o he_o have_v bring_v unto_o they_o a_o great_a and_o a_o everlasting_a freedom_n so_o that_o they_o neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v condemn_v though_o they_o have_v not_o perfect_o nor_o absolute_o fulfil_v the_o law_n by_o these_o thing_n here_o speak_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v gather_v that_o justification_n be_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o the_o free_a remission_n of_o sin_n for_o christ_n his_o sake_n by_o this_o remission_n of_o sin_n we_o be_v cleanse_v from_o all_o our_o sin_n for_o this_o be_v our_o purity_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v not_o lay_v to_o our_o charge_n but_o pardon_v free_o the_o scripture_n use_v this_o word_n cleanse_v in_o this_o matter_n for_o john_n say_v plain_o 1.7_o 1._o john_n 1.7_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o place_n a_o little_a after_o he_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n 1.9_o 1._o john_n 1.9_o and_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n but_o lest_o the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o word_n may_v deceive_v any_o man_n we_o must_v declare_v the_o signification_n thereof_o first_o therefore_o and_o proper_o it_o appertain_v unto_o thing_n outward_a and_o unclean_a which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v cleanse_v when_o the_o spot_v and_o stain_n be_v wash_v out_o and_o take_v away_o then_o by_o a_o most_o fit_a resemblance_n this_o very_a same_o word_n be_v translate_v to_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o so_o sin_n and_o wicked_a action_n be_v most_o apt_o compare_v or_o resemble_v unto_o spot_n and_o stain_n with_o which_o whosoever_o be_v defile_v and_o pollute_v be_v filthy_a and_o nasty_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o also_o odious_a and_o abominable_a as_o long_o as_o their_o sin_n be_v not_o forgive_v they_o but_o they_o be_v then_o say_v to_o be_v cleanse_v when_o they_o be_v forgive_v and_o pardon_v for_o then_o be_v they_o take_v away_o and_o remain_v nor_o appear_v no_o more_o so_o that_o they_o be_v purge_v and_o cleanse_v from_o their_o sin_n 5.19_o psal_n 32.1_o rom._n 4.7.8_o 2._o cor._n 5.19_o or_o say_v to_o be_v cleanse_v from_o they_o who_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o cover_v and_o not_o impute_v unto_o they_o they_o therefore_o which_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v righteous_a before_o god_n not_o because_o they_o be_v without_o sin_n but_o because_o their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v they_o and_o not_o lay_v unto_o their_o charge_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o only_a and_o chief_a felicity_n of_o man_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v free_o and_o merciful_o forgive_v he_o so_o that_o god_n allow_v and_o accept_v they_o for_o righteous_a to_o who_o he_o impute_v righteousenes_n pardon_v their_o sin_n so_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o be_v guilty_a and_o shall_v be_v condemn_v before_o god_n who_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n be_v not_o pardon_v but_o impute_v unto_o they_o and_o to_o whosoever_o he_o impute_v righteousenes_n their_o sin_n be_v raze_v out_o they_o rejoice_v not_o with_o fade_a joy_n but_o be_v in_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o sound_a joy_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o rejoice_v as_o if_o they_o be_v carry_v into_o heaven_n already_o now_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o justification_n be_v the_o incredible_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n christ_n join_v they_o both_o together_o in_o s._n john_n 3.16_o john_n 3.16_o say_v god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n therefore_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a love_n towards_o we_o give_v we_o his_o son_n and_o the_o son_n of_o his_o unspeakable_a goodness_n towards_o we_o set_v forth_o his_o own_o body_n for_o the_o price_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o by_o his_o precious_a blood_n satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o by_o satisfy_v pacify_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o elect_a and_o reconcile_v the_o elect_a unto_o god_n here_o the_o word_n satisfy_v take_v according_a to_o divinity_n be_v add_v by_o a_o similitude_n for_o the_o better_a light_n and_o understanding_n sake_n and_o the_o similitude_n be_v take_v from_o creditor_n to_o who_o debtor_n make_v no_o satisfaction_n but_o with_o ready_a money_n now_o our_o sin_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v in_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o siriack_a tongue_n be_v call_v our_o debt_n because_o they_o make_v we_o debtor_n unto_o god_n for_o they_o which_o sin_n owe_v a_o punishment_n unto_o god_n but_o we_o as_o long_o as_o we_o sin_n do_v not_o pay_v that_o which_o we_o owe_v unto_o god_n but_o do_v much_o rather_o increase_v our_o debt_n and_o be_v more_o and_o more_o firm_o bind_v unto_o god_n as_o unto_o our_o creditor_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v take_v our_o debt_n upon_o himself_o and_o shall_v free_v we_o from_o the_o bond_n of_o sin_n he_o be_v worthy_o say_v to_o have_v satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o christ_n have_v take_v from_o we_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n sustain_v and_o pacify_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n here_o have_v he_o overcome_v sin_n death_n and_o the_o devil_n together_o with_o his_o angel_n who_o have_v we_o in_o their_o power_n and_o be_v most_o cruel_a adversary_n of_o our_o salvation_n he_o overcome_v they_o i_o say_v and_o that_o by_o his_o death_n contrary_a unto_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o other_o conqueror_n which_o be_v wont_v be_v alive_a and_o arm_v to_o assail_v their_o adversary_n and_o to_o subdue_v and_o overcome_v they_o by_o fight_v manful_o 2.14_o hebr._n 2.14_o but_o he_o overcome_v and_o subdue_v his_o enemy_n by_o death_n and_o when_o as_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v overcome_v and_o slay_v of_o they_o than_o do_v he_o conquer_v they_o and_o obtain_v the_o victory_n he_o pay_v our_o debt_n for_o we_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o pay_v he_o take_v away_o the_o hand-writing_n which_o be_v against_o we_o and_o accuse_v we_o of_o the_o debt_n 2.14_o col._n 2.14_o and_o urge_v we_o to_o the_o payment_n thereof_o and_o he_o cancel_v it_o be_v fasten_v unto_o his_o cross_n christ_n therefore_o overcome_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o lead_v they_o captive_a as_o a_o conqueror_n to_o disgrace_v they_o this_o victory_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o monument_n of_o a_o everlasting_a satisfaction_n for_o we_o and_o be_v as_o a_o pillar_n set_v up_o in_o token_n of_o victory_n therefore_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o a_o triumphant_a chariot_n in_o which_o he_o do_v open_o declare_v himself_o to_o have_v subdue_v and_o overthrow_v all_o our_o enemy_n see_v therefore_o that_o christ_n alone_o dye_v for_o our_o sin_n see_v that_o he_o alone_o have_v redeem_v we_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o have_v make_v most_o full_a satisfaction_n for_o we_o he_o be_v the_o only_a meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n by_o which_o he_o have_v satisfy_v for_o we_o be_v so_o farforth_o the_o only_a meritorious_a cause_n of_o our_o
justification_n and_o salvation_n that_o without_o it_o god_n will_v not_o be_v merciful_a and_o favourable_a no_o not_o to_o any_o one_o they_o therefore_o which_o do_v behold_v this_o victory_n of_o christ_n with_o a_o true_a faith_n have_v wherewith_o they_o may_v fortify_v themselves_o against_o the_o assault_n of_o satan_n they_o have_v whereby_o they_o may_v set_v light_n by_o his_o sleight_n and_o subtlety_n they_o have_v wherein_o they_o may_v place_v their_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o christ_n alone_o and_o in_o his_o merit_n only_o in_o this_o justification_n howbeit_o we_o be_v justify_v and_o acquit_v of_o our_o sin_n by_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o let_v but_o that_o the_o three_o holy_a and_o inseparable_a person_n of_o the_o trinity_n may_v have_v and_o execute_v their_o several_a action_n in_o it_o for_o the_o father_n be_v therefore_o say_v to_o justify_v we_o because_o that_o of_o his_o own_o mere_a grace_n and_o free_a love_n 4.4_o 1._o pet._n 1.20_o gal._n 4.4_o he_o have_v from_o everlasting_a foreappoynted_n his_o only_o beget_v son_n to_o redeem_v we_o and_o send_v he_o at_o the_o time_n appoint_v the_o son_n be_v therefore_o say_v to_o justify_v we_o because_o that_o for_o his_o incomprehensible_a and_o unspeakable_a goodness_n sake_n towards_o we_o vouchsafe_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o take_v man_n nature_n upon_o he_o he_o be_v obedient_a unto_o his_o father_n even_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n 2._o phil._n 2._o and_o so_o satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o we_o and_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o make_v amends_n for_o our_o sin_n the_o holy_a ghost_n also_o be_v say_v to_o justify_v we_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o he_o do_v beget_v in_o we_o true_a and_o steadfast_a faith_n by_o which_o we_o may_v apprehend_v and_o apply_v unto_o ourselves_o the_o righteousenes_n that_o be_v purchase_v by_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n therefore_o this_o free_a remission_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o only_a very_a form_n of_o justification_n by_o which_o justification_n be_v that_o which_o it_o be_v and_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o false_a and_o feign_a satisfaction_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o which_o sort_n the_o papist_n do_v invent_v many_o and_o offer_v they_o unto_o god_n and_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o justification_n be_v the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o the_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o excellent_a bless_a estate_n of_o those_o which_o be_v thus_o justify_v now_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o which_o move_v god_n to_o justify_v we_o but_o his_o own_o love_n towards_o we_o and_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o our_o misery_n but_o the_o instrumental_a cause_n be_v a_o true_a and_o a_o lively_a faith_n lay_v hold_n on_o and_o apply_v to_o itself_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n and_o righteousness_n purchase_v thereby_o and_o rely_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n upon_o the_o sole_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n this_o justification_n be_v then_o avayleable_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o we_o whenas_o every_o of_o we_o do_v stand_v as_o guilty_a before_o the_o heavenly_a judge_n and_o be_v careful_a of_o his_o acquittal_n do_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n humble_a and_o prostrate_v himself_o as_o unworthy_a and_o this_o be_v profitable_o do_v when_o a_o man_n do_v serious_o weigh_v and_o consider_v with_o himself_o the_o perfection_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n justice_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o multitude_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o sin_n on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o by_o such_o a_o consideration_n he_o be_v serious_o humble_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o his_o misery_n and_o right_o prepare_v to_o desire_v and_o embrace_v the_o mercy_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o every_o of_o we_o shall_v be_v severe_a in_o condemn_v himself_o by_o so_o much_o shall_v we_o find_v god_n more_o merciful_a and_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v for_o than_o will_v a_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n when_o he_o shall_v know_v himself_o and_o his_o whole_a nature_n to_o be_v full_a of_o uncleanenes_n and_o filthiness_n and_o shall_v condemn_v it_o for_o he_o which_o judge_v himself_o unworthy_a of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o one_o say_v he_o do_v god_n receyve_v into_o favour_n and_o make_v he_o worthy_a through_o christ_n but_o they_o which_o swell_v and_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o hunger_n not_o after_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n they_o perish_v in_o their_o misery_n and_o never_o come_v unto_o true_a righteousenes_n again_o they_o which_o be_v harden_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o sin_v and_o drunken_a with_o the_o delight_n of_o their_o vice_n do_v extenuate_v their_o fault_n and_o secure_o despise_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n they_o shut_v up_o from_o themselves_o the_o gate_n of_o mercy_n what_o manner_n of_o thing_n justification_n be_v where_o be_v set_v forth_o the_o three_o propriety_n thereof_o namely_o that_o it_o be_v free_a perfect_a and_o everlasting_a and_o withal_o there_o be_v refute_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o papist_n concern_v the_o merit_n of_o work_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o first_o propriety_n chap._n 27._o now_o we_o must_v lay_v open_a what_o manner_n of_o thing_n justification_n be_v and_o the_o quality_n thereof_o consist_v especial_o in_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v free_a for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o for_o any_o merit_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a grace_n and_o a_o undeserved_a mercy_n promise_v for_o christ_n his_o sake_n alone_o for_o god_n find_v nothing_o in_o a_o man_n who_o he_o justifi_v but_o a_o horrible_a sink_n of_o sin_n and_o extreme_a misery_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o affirm_v that_o christ_n only_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o the_o whole_a hope_n of_o our_o salvation_n consist_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n alone_o without_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n there_o can_v be_v no_o justification_n for_o he_o alone_o have_v deserve_v righteousenes_n for_o we_o and_o have_v deserve_v it_o he_o give_v and_o impute_v it_o unto_o us._n they_o therefore_o which_o desire_n to_o be_v righteous_a without_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v altogether_o without_o god_n and_o profane_a and_o they_o which_o dream_n that_o they_o be_v justify_v partly_o by_o grace_n and_o partly_o by_o merit_n be_v pelagian_n or_o papist_n the_o follower_n of_o their_o heresy_n but_o they_o which_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n be_v true_a christian_n these_o by_o believe_v and_o receive_v the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n purchase_v by_o his_o death_n as_o the_o righteousness_n of_o a_o other_o be_v justify_v indeed_o but_o they_o which_o by_o their_o work_n and_o merit_n do_v affect_v their_o own_o righteousness_n shall_v never_o attain_v unto_o it_o the_o papist_n therefore_o have_v forge_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o merit_n which_o be_v weak_a of_o itself_o but_o when_o it_o be_v dip_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v effectual_a and_o forcible_a and_o so_o they_o say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v partly_o justify_v by_o grace_n and_o partly_o by_o work_n but_o this_o can_v be_v because_o that_o grace_n and_o merit_n be_v two_o manifest_a contraries_n from_o which_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n can_v be_v bring_v forth_o for_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o rule_n of_o contraries_n that_o from_o contrary_a cause_n contrary_a effect_n proceed_v likewise_o moreover_o we_o be_v all_o debtor_n for_o we_o be_v oblige_v and_o bind_v unto_o god_n so_o that_o he_o may_v just_o challenge_v as_o his_o due_n whatsoever_o good_a thing_n can_v proceed_v or_o be_v perform_v of_o us._n now_o that_o which_o may_v be_v demand_v of_o we_o as_o duty_n that_o can_v not_o merit_v but_o christ_n say_v that_o what_o good_a thing_n soever_o we_o do_v or_o can_v do_v 17.10_o luk._n 17.10_o all_o that_o how_o much_o soever_o it_o be_v be_v our_o duty_n wherefore_o there_o be_v no_o merit_n at_o all_o again_o the_o cause_n of_o justification_n to_o wit_n eternal_a election_n in_o christ_n be_v free_a therefore_o likewise_o justification_n itself_o must_v needs_o be_v free_a for_o there_o can_v be_v more_o in_o the_o effect_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o cause_n thereof_o therefore_o the_o papist_n while_o that_o they_o dream_v of_o any_o merit_n in_o we_o they_o do_v commit_v a_o manifest_a fallacy_n from_o that_o which_o be_v no_o cause_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o cause_n for_o they_o remove_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o true_a cause_n of_o justification_n and_o set_v in_o the_o room_n thereof_o the_o merit_n
they_o with_o eternal_a torment_n this_o therefore_o must_v firm_o be_v resolve_v upon_o that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v either_o by_o god_n he_o himself_o effect_v they_o or_o which_o be_v do_v by_o other_o by_o his_o permission_n be_v not_o exempt_a from_o his_o providence_n but_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o his_o just_a judgement_n and_o god_n see_v he_o be_v the_o only_a and_o sovereign_a goodness_n can_v not_o but_o make_v man_n good_a at_o the_o first_o and_o like_v unto_o himself_o for_o every_o piece_n of_o work_n usual_o be_v like_o and_o correspondent_a to_o the_o workman_n because_o that_o every_o cause_n bring_v forth_o a_o effect_n like_o itself_o so_o that_o it_o be_v often_o see_v that_o a_o good_a cause_n general_o and_o natural_o bring_v forth_o a_o good_a effect_n and_o a_o evil_a cause_n likewise_o a_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a effect_n but_o when_o god_n by_o his_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a decree_n have_v appoint_v mankind_n for_o the_o manifestation_n partly_o of_o his_o mercy_n and_o partly_o of_o his_o justice_n it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v create_v such_o a_o one_o by_o god_n as_o shall_v be_v meet_a and_o fit_a to_o attain_v unto_o those_o end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v create_v therefore_o although_o man_n be_v create_v by_o god_n good_a and_o without_o sin_n yet_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v create_v good_a and_o without_o sin_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o of_o good_a he_o may_v become_v evil_a otherwise_o god_n can_v have_v neither_o manifest_v nor_o exercise_v his_o justice_n nor_o mercy_n in_o he_o and_o those_o end_n which_o be_v foreknown_a and_o appoint_v of_o god_n from_o everlasting_a have_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o have_v not_o come_v to_o their_o proper_a effect_n and_o purpose_n man_n therefore_o be_v to_o be_v create_v of_o god_n not_o necessary_o good_a but_o changeable_o so_o that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o happen_v in_o his_o way_n he_o may_v be_v change_v and_o become_v otherwise_o but_o if_o he_o have_v be_v create_v necessary_o and_o unchangeable_o good_a he_o have_v be_v rather_o a_o god_n than_o a_o creature_n for_o unchangeableness_n in_o itself_o be_v the_o propriety_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o creature_n which_o alone_o be_v or_o may_v be_v change_v but_o god_n only_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o always_o constant_a ever_o like_o himself_o and_o be_v never_o change_v and_o howsoever_o the_o holy_a angel_n be_v already_o and_o holy_a man_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v place_v in_o such_o degree_n of_o goodness_n as_o that_o they_o may_v by_o no_o mean_n fall_v from_o it_o into_o the_o contrary_a yet_o in_o both_o these_o this_o unchangeablenes_n be_v not_o a_o natural_a propriety_n but_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o free_a gift_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n moreover_o god_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a author_n of_o this_o change_n in_o man_n from_o god_n to_o evil_n for_o he_o create_v man_n such_o a_o one_o that_o if_o he_o will_v himself_o he_o may_v have_v remain_v without_o sin_n for_o as_o his_o will_n be_v make_v free_a by_o god_n so_o he_o also_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n without_o any_o outward_a constraint_n or_o compulsion_n choose_v the_o evil_a that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n and_o by_o choose_v that_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o sin_v but_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v make_v that_o change_n in_o man_n from_o good_a to_o evil_n certain_o he_o shall_v have_v be_v no_o less_o account_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o evil_a then_o if_o he_o have_v create_v it_o from_o the_o beginning_n for_o if_o he_o have_v either_o constrain_v man_n to_o do_v evil_a by_o some_o force_a and_o violent_a motion_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_v incline_v his_o will_n to_o this_o evil_a certain_o god_n himself_o have_v sin_v together_o with_o man_n yea_o have_v sin_v much_o more_o than_o man_n for_o there_o remain_v more_o evil_a in_o the_o cause_n that_o do_v compel_v then_o in_o the_o cause_n that_o be_v compel_v but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o man_n of_o his_o own_o accord_n lean_v unto_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o withal_o of_o his_o own_o free_a will_n without_o any_o outward_a compulsion_n desire_v the_o evil_a that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n and_o so_o fall_v from_o god_n this_o change_n therefore_o from_o good_a to_o evil_n do_v arise_v from_o satan_n persuasion_n and_o from_o man_n will_n free_o choose_v and_o commit_v the_o evil_a therefore_o adam_n free_a will_n and_o the_o devil_n motion_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o man_n misery_n so_o that_o although_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v create_v by_o god_n according_a to_o his_o own_o image_n in_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n both_o in_o body_n and_o mind_n and_o have_v free_a will_n give_v unto_o they_o yet_o this_o their_o free_a will_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o retain_v god_n image_n and_o original_a righteousness_n because_o they_o be_v overcome_v by_o temptation_n and_o sin_v but_o if_o the_o participation_n and_o aid_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n have_v uphold_v they_o they_o have_v not_o fall_v but_o have_v remain_v innocent_a as_o at_o the_o first_o they_o be_v create_v therefore_o although_o man_n be_v deceive_v by_o the_o temptation_n and_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n and_o bring_v into_o sin_n yet_o notwithstanding_o because_o that_o of_o his_o own_o free_a will_v he_o do_v assent_v and_o agree_v unto_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o devil_n therefore_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a cause_n of_o his_o own_o ruin_n and_o decay_v for_o satan_n may_v persuade_v a_o man_n to_o evil_a but_o he_o can_v by_o force_v draw_v or_o compel_v any_o man_n to_o evil_a therefore_o this_o willing_a revolt_n from_o good_a to_o evil_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o original_a corruption_n which_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o the_o first_o man_n will_n and_o afterward_o that_o infection_n and_o corruption_n by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n descend_v and_o be_v derive_v unto_o all_o and_o every_o of_o his_o posterity_n which_o have_v make_v they_o altogether_o and_o every_o one_o apart_o by_o himself_o subject_a to_o god_n just_a judgement_n and_o guilty_a of_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o that_o so_o that_o god_n the_o continual_a enemy_n and_o revenger_n of_o all_o evil_a may_v just_o suffer_v all_o and_o every_o of_o they_o to_o be_v destroy_v and_o to_o perish_v in_o that_o corruption_n without_o do_v injury_n to_o any_o of_o they_o because_o he_o be_v indebt_v to_o none_o of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o first_o man_n be_v so_o create_v of_o god_n and_o so_o leave_v unto_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o his_o own_o will_n that_o he_o may_v remain_v in_o his_o innocency_n or_o fall_v from_o it_o if_o he_o will_v himself_o although_o therefore_o that_o to_o fall_v and_o not_o to_o fall_v be_v unto_o man_n indifferent_a and_o contingent_a and_o either_o of_o they_o as_o well_o one_o as_o the_o other_o may_v have_v happen_v and_o fall_v out_o yet_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v otherwise_o mere_a matter_n of_o contingency_n that_o only_o fall_v out_o which_o god_n from_o everlasting_a have_v foresee_v and_o decree_v that_o it_o shall_v happen_v so_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n be_v doubtful_a and_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o fall_v out_o on_o either_o side_n which_o may_v happen_v or_o not_o happen_v or_o which_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v otherwise_o then_o man_n have_v purpose_v these_o very_a same_o thing_n i_o say_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n be_v certain_a and_o determine_v so_o that_o they_o can_v fall_v out_o otherwise_o than_o god_n from_o everlasting_a have_v fore-ordained_n hereby_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o thing_n that_o pertain_v unto_o man_n if_o a_o man_n respect_v the_o counsel_n and_o end_n of_o man_n they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o chance_n but_o if_o a_o man_n consider_v god_n decree_n and_o the_o end_n appoint_v of_o he_o there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o chance_n at_o all_o in_o inferior_a thing_n nor_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o whatsoever_o for_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v second_o cause_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o want_n of_o wisdom_n do_v not_o foresee_v and_o know_v the_o future_a event_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o peradventure_o they_o do_v foresee_v any_o yet_o they_o have_v they_o not_o in_o their_o power_n nor_o be_v endue_v with_o any_o such_o ability_n as_o to_o accomplish_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o their_o wish_a and_o appoint_a end_n wherefore_o many_o thing_n oftentimes_o fall_v out_o and_o happen_v contrary_a to_o their_o intent_n and_o meaning_n and_o even_o their_o settle_a counsel_n be_v many_o time_n break_v off_o and_o
will._n therefore_o the_o everlasting_a good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a unmooveable_a ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n so_o that_o our_o salvation_n be_v subject_a and_o in_o danger_n to_o none_o of_o the_o device_n of_o satan_n to_o no_o trouble_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o to_o no_o waver_n of_o the_o flesh_n because_o it_o have_v a_o most_o strong_a foundation_n upon_o god_n everlasting_a decree_n second_o this_o circumstance_n of_o eternal_a time_n have_v prevent_v the_o entrance_n of_o satan_n temptation_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v have_v take_v the_o first_o care_n of_o our_o salvation_n after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n be_v commit_v and_o have_v not_o think_v of_o it_o before_o then_o sure_o this_o will_n of_o god_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o satan_n may_v thereby_o take_v occasion_n malicious_o to_o allege_v against_o god_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v not_o certain_a and_o constant_a because_o that_o as_o it_o have_v a_o beginning_n so_o it_o may_v likewise_o have_v a_o end_n and_o we_o be_v prone_a unto_o all_o diffidence_n may_v quick_o have_v think_v it_o have_v be_v so_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n may_v have_v be_v in_o doubt_n of_o our_o salvation_n therefore_o god_n by_o his_o provident_a goodness_n have_v timely_o prevent_v these_o temptation_n and_o sleight_n of_o satan_n and_o have_v find_v out_o a_o excellent_a remedy_n for_o our_o diffidence_n teach_v we_o that_o his_o decree_n for_o our_o salvation_n be_v no_o sudden_a thing_n nor_o limit_v within_o the_o list_n of_o momentany_a time_n but_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a so_o our_o faith_n be_v then_o build_v and_o ground_v upon_o a_o strong_a and_o unmooveable_a foundation_n when_o we_o hear_v and_o know_v that_o our_o salvation_n be_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v of_o god_n from_o everlasting_a last_o this_o note_n of_o eternal_a time_n be_v profitable_a for_o this_o purpose_n namely_o to_o withdraw_v and_o reclaim_v we_o as_o well_o from_o all_o regard_n or_o respect_n of_o our_o own_o merit_n and_o worthiness_n as_o also_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o intercession_n of_o other_o man_n for_o us._n for_o god_n do_v know_v that_o the_o devilish_a opinion_n of_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o merit_n will_v often_o time_n steal_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o we_o shall_v think_v that_o there_o be_v some_o goodness_n in_o we_o by_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v gracious_a and_o acceptable_a before_o god_n for_o man_n do_v not_o willing_o humble_a and_o cast_v himself_o down_o thus_o far_o as_o to_o attribute_v all_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o salvation_n unto_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n only_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o like_a the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v prevent_v and_o dispel_v show_v that_o god_n have_v elect_v we_o from_o everlasting_a before_o we_o be_v and_o have_v give_v we_o salvation_n in_o christ_n and_o so_o do_v condemn_v we_o of_o foolishness_n and_o ungodliness_n if_o we_o now_o create_v will_v get_v or_o deserve_v our_o salvation_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n for_o such_o be_v the_o untowardness_n and_o blindness_n of_o man_n disposition_n because_o that_o wretched_a man_n be_v so_o bewitch_v of_o satan_n by_o sin_n that_o when_o there_o be_v any_o speech_n of_o salvation_n and_o everlasting_a felicity_n they_o will_v glad_o begin_v from_o themselves_o hence_o they_o frame_v to_o themselves_o divers_a preparation_n by_o which_o they_o strive_v to_o prevent_v and_o deserve_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o by_o what_o mean_n i_o pray_v you_o can_v they_o deserve_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o and_o what_o good_a work_n or_o merit_n of_o they_o can_v there_o be_v before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o before_o their_o own_o creation_n therefore_o the_o eternal_a election_n of_o god_n do_v every_o where_n throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n prove_v that_o this_o mercy_n be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n only_o be_v move_v to_o elect_v us._n so_o that_o this_o eternal_a election_n do_v not_o only_o set_v far_o aside_o all_o respect_n of_o man_n worthiness_n but_o also_o throw_v man_n down_o even_o to_o hell_n together_o with_o all_o his_o merit_n if_o he_o shall_v be_v deal_v withal_o according_a to_o his_o own_o desert_n and_o god_n just_a judgement_n here_o therefore_o be_v set_v down_o a_o continual_a contrariety_n and_o opposition_n between_o man_n merit_n and_o worthiness_n and_o god_n eternal_a election_n yea_o such_o and_o so_o great_a a_o opposition_n that_o the_o affirm_v of_o the_o one_o be_v the_o manifest_a denial_n of_o the_o other_o look_v how_o much_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o god_n election_n 2.9_o 2._o tim._n 2.9_o so_o much_o it_o detract_v from_o man_n worthiness_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v set_v that_o eternal_a election_n and_o man_n worthiness_n as_o two_o thing_n extreme_o contrary_a one_o to_o a_o other_o teach_v we_o that_o a_o man_n may_v soon_o and_o easy_o wring_v oil_n out_o of_o a_o flint_n stone_n or_o strike_v fire_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o ocean_n then_o that_o god_n shall_v find_v any_o thing_n in_o man_n nature_n worthy_a of_o his_o election_n they_o therefore_o which_o seek_v for_o salvation_n or_o the_o least_o part_n thereof_o without_o the_o eternal_a election_n of_o god_n they_o do_v not_o only_o seek_v life_n in_o death_n and_o salvation_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o condemnation_n but_o also_o they_o seek_v god_n without_o god_n and_o by_o such_o seek_v shall_v find_v nothing_o else_o but_o hell_n fire_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n because_o that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n can_v proceed_v from_o divers_a cause_n for_o god_n only_o be_v good_a and_o so_o good_a that_o he_o can_v find_v no_o good_a elsewhere_o at_o any_o time_n or_o in_o any_o place_n but_o only_o in_o himself_o and_o contrariwise_o man_n nature_n be_v so_o wicked_a and_o deprave_a that_o out_o of_o it_o can_v proceed_v nothing_o but_o wicked_a deed_n and_o ungodly_a practice_n but_o of_o this_o hereafter_o we_o will_v speak_v more_o large_o it_o be_v therefore_o the_o undeserved_a and_o altogether_o the_o free_a goodness_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o from_o everlasting_a ordain_v and_o appoint_v eternal_a salvation_n for_o we_o when_o we_o be_v not_o as_o then_o create_v and_o therefore_o of_o so_o good_a and_o bountiful_a a_o god_n who_o will_v not_o hope_v well_o moreover_o see_v god_n have_v elect_v we_o to_o salvation_n and_o life_n everlasting_a hence_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o none_o can_v be_v our_o intercessor_n to_o god_n for_o us._n because_o then_o there_o be_v no_o man_n beside_o god_n only_o and_o alone_o which_o be_v the_o whole_a cause_n of_o our_o election_n hence_o likewise_o as_o out_o of_o a_o most_o clear_a glass_n we_o may_v see_v what_o care_n god_n have_v of_o our_o salvation_n because_o that_o from_o everlasting_a he_o do_v so_o provident_o prevent_v and_o turn_v away_o all_o the_o hindrance_n of_o our_o salvation_n so_o the_o incredible_a and_o more_o than_o fatherly_a goodness_n of_o god_n be_v chief_o make_v know_v in_o this_o namely_o that_o he_o be_v careful_a for_o our_o salvation_n before_o we_o be_v and_o let_v these_o thing_n suffice_v to_o be_v brief_o compile_v concern_v the_o first_o propriety_n of_o election_n the_o second_o propriety_n of_o election_n be_v that_o election_n be_v a_o high_a and_o hide_a decree_n not_o only_o because_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n before_o any_o thing_n be_v create_v do_v foreordain_a and_o appoint_v it_o with_o himself_o but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v and_o ordain_v in_o that_o eternal_a decree_n which_o be_v so_o deep_a and_o hide_a in_o the_o meaning_n and_o understand_v of_o they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o far_o outstrip_v man_n capacity_n but_o also_o do_v as_o far_o exceed_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o angel_n themselves_o as_o the_o high_a heaven_n be_v distant_a from_o the_o low_a earth_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o redeem_v and_o save_v of_o mankind_n be_v so_o deep_a and_o secret_a that_o the_o very_a angel_n themselves_o can_v surmise_v the_o least_o of_o it_o much_o less_o consider_v and_o determine_v of_o it_o for_o this_o cause_n it_o be_v often_o call_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o mystery_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o god_n 1.26_o ephes_n 3_o 9_o col._n 1.26_o because_o it_o be_v manifest_a and_o know_v unto_o god_n only_o and_o because_o no_o creature_n can_v know_v it_o but_o by_o revelation_n and_o so_o it_o be_v call_v by_o paul_n to_o the_o roman_n 16.25_o cap._n 16.25_o the_o secret_a mystery_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o the_o creature_n in_o this_o great_a and_o secret_a consultation_n the_o son_n
say_v he_o ordain_v christ_n from_o everlasting_a to_o be_v the_o mediator_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v reconcile_v god_n unto_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n here_o behold_v and_o admire_v the_o inestimable_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o his_o own_o son_n shall_v die_v then_o that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v perish_v here_o again_o behold_v and_o reverent_o embrace_v the_o incomprehensible_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n towards_o wretched_a man_n in_o that_o he_o account_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n more_o precious_a than_o his_o own_o life_n christ_n himself_o have_v respect_n to_o this_o say_v in_o saint_n john_n 3.16_o john_n 3.16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o by_o he_o he_o may_v restore_v and_o bestow_v upon_o mankind_n life_n that_o be_v lose_v and_o salvation_n that_o be_v past_o hope_n therefore_o this_o provident_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v wonderful_o necessary_a for_o mankind_n and_o very_o profitable_a yea_o and_o in_o such_o sort_n that_o without_o it_o all_o mankind_n have_v perish_v so_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v adore_v and_o reverence_v of_o we_o and_o ought_v continual_o to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o wisdom_n and_o that_o so_o as_o that_o all_o other_o wisdom_n without_o it_o shall_v be_v base_a and_o of_o no_o value_n and_o be_v no_o more_o regard_v then_o mere_a folly_n and_o foolishness_n itself_o and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n find_v a_o mean_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o such_o a_o bottomless_a depth_n of_o misery_n hence_o shall_v the_o godly_a entertain_n and_o conceyve_v great_a hope_n in_o all_o their_o adversity_n for_o see_v he_o have_v find_v out_o a_o most_o wise_a mean_n and_o way_n out_o of_o so_o deep_a and_o intricate_a a_o mischief_n out_o of_o which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n nor_o angel_n can_v give_v no_o direction_n how_o to_o escape_v therefore_o sure_o he_o can_v very_o easy_o deliver_v we_o from_o any_o danger_n of_o this_o life_n how_o great_a soever_o they_o be_v for_o in_o his_o hand_n be_v many_o and_o incredible_a mean_n of_o delivery_n so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o counsel_n nor_o mean_n of_o delivery_n with_o man_n there_o be_v there_o a_o certain_a issue_n and_o ready_a way_n with_o god_n therefore_o in_o these_o danger_n which_o threaten_v assure_v death_n present_o and_o savour_n of_o nothing_o else_o but_o of_o the_o open_a grave_n and_o unavoidable_a destruction_n in_o these_o god_n most_o wise_a have_v many_o mean_n of_o help_n and_o deliverance_n from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n with_o he_o to_o make_v a_o issue_n where_o there_o be_v none_o soon_o than_o in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n if_o it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n this_o then_o be_v our_o only_a hope_n and_o strong_a consolation_n in_o our_o extreme_a temptation_n and_o trouble_n that_o we_o have_v god_n for_o our_o helper_n and_o deliverer_n which_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o death_n can_v stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o restore_v we_o to_o life_n and_o have_v many_o more_o mean_n to_o help_v we_o than_o there_o be_v creature_n in_o the_o whole_a universal_a world_n and_o thus_o far_o of_o the_o third_o propriety_n of_o election_n the_o free_a and_o undeserved_a mercy_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o election_n and_o that_o be_v great_a by_o many_o degree_n then_o that_o the_o great_a sinner_n can_v or_o ought_v right_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o though_o never_o so_o little_a much_o less_o despair_n of_o it_o chap._n xi_o the_o four_o propriety_n be_v that_o god_n election_n be_v altogether_o a_o merciful_a free_a and_o voluntary_a decree_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o induce_v he_o to_o choose_v miserable_a man_n but_o only_o his_o own_o mere_a mercy_n and_o favourable_a goodwill_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o predestination_n this_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v not_o any_o affection_n in_o god_n which_o begin_v of_o a_o sudden_a sometime_o and_o sometime_o end_v of_o a_o sudden_a neither_o be_v it_o any_o passion_n which_o sometime_o increase_v and_o sometime_o decrease_v for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o succeed_a change_n in_o god_n god_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v god_n but_o it_o be_v a_o eternal_a and_o a_o most_o ready_a good_a will_n to_o do_v good_a unto_o miserable_a man_n therefore_o this_o eternal_a good_a will_n in_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a and_o sole_a cause_n why_o he_o elect_v miserable_a man_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o salvation_n ask_v now_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o he_o have_v receyve_v this_o or_o that_o man_n into_o favour_n and_o have_v pardon_v his_o sin_n and_o remit_v the_o punishment_n and_o there_o can_v no_o other_o cause_n be_v render_v but_o even_o god_n undeserved_a mercy_n and_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v merciful_a to_o he_o who_o he_o vouchsafe_v his_o favour_n and_o grace_n such_o a_o favourable_a and_o gracious_a affection_n of_o his_o good_a will_n to_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v call_v mercy_n which_o in_o god_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o eternal_a and_o gracious_a purpose_n to_o have_v mercy_n on_o those_o on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o give_v they_o freedom_n from_o their_o misery_n this_o be_v always_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o in_o god_n which_o never_o alter_v but_o stand_v and_o abide_v continual_o in_o one_o state_n and_o degree_n for_o the_o name_n of_o these_o affection_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o god_n from_o the_o passion_n that_o be_v in_o man_n do_v not_o set_v forth_o any_o passion_n or_o change_n in_o god_n but_o paint_v out_o unto_o we_o his_o unspeakable_a like_n or_o hatred_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o then_o be_v in_o hand_n so_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v no_o new_a or_o sudden_a motion_n and_o affection_n in_o god_n but_o his_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a propriety_n which_o as_o it_o be_v once_o such_o it_o be_v always_o without_o which_o god_n can_v be_v god_n as_o often_o therefore_o as_o any_o man_n think_v of_o god_n let_v he_o remember_v his_o unspeakable_a goodness_n and_o readiness_n to_o help_v which_o can_v in_o no_o mean_n be_v separate_v nor_o dis-joined_n from_o god_n but_o many_o time_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v proper_a unto_o man_n be_v attribute_v unto_o he_o because_o his_o property_n can_v be_v comprehend_v of_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v shadow_v forth_o unto_o man_n by_o the_o property_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v through_o a_o lattice_n and_o so_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o he_o so_o god_n do_v after_o a_o sort_n represent_v unto_o we_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n his_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a mystery_n and_o hide_a decree_n by_o the_o speech_n or_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o thus_o god_n for_o his_o unspeakable_a love_n sake_n towards_o mankind_n do_v not_o think_v much_o to_o descend_v from_o his_o greatness_n and_o from_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o debase_v himself_o so_o low_o as_o to_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o rude_a and_o frail_a man_n and_o from_o hence_o be_v see_v better_a than_o in_o any_o glass_n how_o great_a care_n god_n take_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n this_o mercy_n be_v that_o most_o special_a goodness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o bound_v and_o restrain_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o this_o life_n but_o stretch_v and_o reach_v unto_o all_o eternity_n so_o that_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o everlasting_a life_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o contain_v and_o include_v those_o only_o which_o be_v elect_v from_o everlasting_a and_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v bless_v for_o evermore_o this_o differ_v very_o much_o from_o the_o general_a mercy_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v all_o live_a creature_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v a_o care_n over_o all_o live_a creature_n to_o provide_v thing_n necessary_a for_o they_o and_o merciful_o to_o guide_v and_o govern_v they_o so_o that_o although_o god_n in_o his_o fatherly_a care_n do_v not_o forsake_v even_o the_o bruit_n beast_n but_o care_v for_o each_o of_o they_o yet_o more_o especial_o god_n declare_v his_o goodness_n in_o mankind_n for_o he_o do_v good_a not_o only_o to_o the_o righteous_a and_o godly_a but_o also_o to_o the_o unjust_a and_o unthankful_a for_o he_o make_v the_o sun_n to_o rise_v upon_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a 6.23_o mat._n 5.45_o luke_n 6.23_o say_v christ_n in_o matthew_n and_o in_o luke_n such_o benefit_n of_o god_n be_v temporal_a and_o common_a to_o the_o godly_a and_o to_o the_o
most_o behoove_v they_o to_o know_v as_o often_o therefore_o as_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v of_o these_o mystery_n so_o often_o do_v they_o scatter_v abroad_o vain_a word_n of_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o neither_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o but_o god_n enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v at_o the_o length_n out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n right_o and_o sincere_o learn_v and_o know_v their_o own_o corruption_n that_o so_o they_o may_v give_v due_a honour_n unto_o god_n in_o confess_v that_o he_o for_o his_o own_o absolute_a mercy_n sake_n have_v choose_v man_n free_o unto_o salvation_n in_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o respect_n of_o man_n work_n either_o past_a or_o to_o come_v the_o five_o and_o sixth_o propriety_n of_o election_n be_v set_v down_o and_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_n remain_v safe_a against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o satan_n against_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o world_n and_o against_o all_o the_o waver_n of_o the_o flesh_n because_o that_o it_o be_v settle_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o ground_v on_o his_o everlasting_a decree_n chap._n 14._o the_o five_o propriety_n of_o election_n be_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n be_v a_o omnipotent_a decree_n not_o only_o because_o god_n be_v able_a to_o create_v and_o produce_v whatsoever_o he_o will_v only_o by_o his_o word_n and_o appointment_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n without_o any_o delay_n or_o difficulty_n but_o also_o because_o he_o be_v able_a indeed_o to_o perform_v and_o give_v we_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v for_o we_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o free_v we_o and_o deliver_v we_o from_o every_o evil_a although_o they_o be_v very_o great_a and_o fearful_a even_o by_o his_o least_o power_n because_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_o powerful_a therefore_o nothing_o be_v able_a any_o way_n to_o resist_v his_o power_n those_o therefore_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v it_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o he_o even_o in_o despite_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o all_o danger_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o eternal_a life_n so_o that_o the_o elect_n and_o such_o as_o believe_v be_v as_o sure_a to_o be_v save_v as_o god_n in_o his_o majesty_n and_o power_n be_v almighty_a and_o above_o all_o hence_o may_v all_o the_o godly_a conceive_v most_o sweet_a comfort_n in_o all_o their_o adversity_n see_v that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a so_o great_a but_o that_o god_n be_v able_a on_o a_o sudden_a even_o in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n by_o his_o mighty_a power_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o it_o so_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n child_n look_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n do_v rest_n and_o uphold_v itself_o by_o his_o omnipotency_n which_o be_v able_a to_o help_v then_o when_o as_o no_o way_n nor_o mean_n of_o help_n appear_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n for_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v such_o and_o so_o great_a that_o whatsoever_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v do_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o a_o moment_n so_o that_o the_o perfect_a work_n appear_v in_o the_o very_a deed_n do_v wherefore_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o death_n we_o may_v hope_v for_o life_n from_o his_o hand_n for_o his_o hand_n be_v furnish_v and_o instruct_v with_o mean_n of_o help_n and_o deliverance_n without_o number_n and_o wheresoever_o and_o whensoever_o he_o will_v he_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o deliver_v his_o child_n for_o this_o cause_n the_o very_a first_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n bring_v we_o to_o god_n omnipotency_n as_o unto_o a_o most_o strong_a ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o his_o promise_n in_o that_o god_n almighty_a can_v no_o more_o recall_v and_o break_v his_o promise_n than_o he_o can_v deny_v himself_o to_o be_v god_n or_o cease_v to_o be_v that_o which_o he_o be_v six_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n be_v a_o unchangeable_a decree_n for_o god_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o essence_n be_v most_o simple_a without_o any_o mixture_n in_o who_o as_o there_o can_v be_v find_v any_o mixture_n so_o likewise_o can_v there_o be_v find_v no_o change_n and_o that_o his_o essence_n and_o nature_n be_v unchangeable_a that_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n do_v plain_o declare_v first_o it_o do_v amplify_v his_o eternity_n 102.26_o psal_n 102.26_o from_o the_o time_n past_a and_o time_n to_o come_v namely_o that_o god_n alone_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n without_o any_o beginning_n second_o that_o he_o alone_o remain_v when_o all_o other_o thing_n perish_v and_o that_o he_o never_o cease_v to_o be_v and_o he_o that_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o shall_v be_v after_o all_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v eternal_a from_o this_o eternity_n of_o god_n his_o constant_a immutabilitie_n may_v clear_o be_v prove_v on_o this_o wise_a whosoever_o be_v without_o any_o beginning_n and_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o without_o any_o end_n he_o certain_o be_v not_o change_v but_o remain_v immutable_a but_o god_n be_v from_o everlasting_a without_o any_o beginning_n and_o remain_v for_o ever_o without_o end_n and_o therefore_o be_v he_o in_o his_o nature_n &_o essence_n unchangeable_a and_o remain_v always_o the_o same_o and_o shall_v for_o ever_o continue_v like_o himself_o if_o god_n be_v mutable_a he_o shall_v consist_v of_o part_n but_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o part_n because_o he_o be_v god_n from_o everlasting_a and_o nothing_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v before_o he_o again_o if_o he_o be_v make_v of_o part_n he_o shall_v consist_v of_o some_o matter_n that_o be_v before_o he_o but_o he_o consist_v not_o of_o any_o matter_n for_o he_o be_v of_o himself_o and_o take_v his_o whole_a essence_n and_o be_v from_o himself_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o proper_a to_o god_n then_o to_o be_v from_o everlasting_a of_o himself_o and_o not_o to_o be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o any_o other_o therefore_o he_o be_v call_v jehovah_n which_o name_n be_v proper_a unto_o his_o divine_a essence_n and_o do_v express_v the_o eternity_n of_o god_n that_o he_o alone_o from_o everlasting_a have_v be_v without_o any_o begin_n of_o be_v again_o if_o god_n be_v compose_v or_o make_v of_o part_n he_o may_v be_v dissolve_v again_o into_o those_o part_n for_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a and_o infallible_a rule_n that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o beginning_n both_o of_o composition_n and_o dissolution_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v may_v be_v change_v and_o dissolve_v into_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o it_o be_v make_v although_o it_o never_o be_v change_v and_o dissolve_v and_o so_o as_o god_n have_v a_o beginning_n he_o shall_v also_o have_v a_o end_n which_o be_v blasphemy_n but_o once_o to_o think_v for_o it_o can_v be_v that_o god_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v that_o which_o he_o be_v or_o begin_v to_o be_v that_o which_o he_o be_v not_o last_o if_o god_n do_v consist_v of_o any_o matter_n then_o shall_v he_o be_v subject_a unto_o these_o term_n of_o be_v soon_o &_o late_a for_o whatsoever_o be_v make_v of_o any_o thing_n it_o proceed_v from_o a_o not_o be_v unto_o a_o being_n and_o admit_v of_o distance_n of_o time_n but_o no_o success_n of_o time_n can_v be_v find_v in_o god_n for_o as_o in_o his_o essence_n he_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n so_o from_o the_o beginning_n he_o know_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n therefore_o nothing_o with_o he_o be_v past_a or_o to_o come_v but_o his_o proper_a time_n be_v always_o for_o ever_o and_o present_a see_v therefore_o that_o god_n be_v not_o include_v in_o any_o limit_n or_o space_n of_o time_n he_o be_v everlasting_a and_o unchangeable_a furthermore_o like_v as_o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a so_o that_o it_o neither_o increase_v nor_o be_v diminish_v nor_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o also_o his_o favourable_a good_a will_n and_o mercy_n be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a so_o that_o it_o neither_o do_v increase_n nor_o diminish_v nor_o ever_o cease_v to_o be_v for_o as_o god_n be_v so_o also_o be_v whatsoever_o be_v in_o he_o but_o he_o be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a such_o likewise_o be_v his_o favourable_a good_a will_n and_o mercy_n for_o the_o propriety_n of_o god_n be_v call_v essential_a because_o they_o do_v belong_v unto_o his_o essence_n and_o can_v be_v separate_v nor_o disjoin_v from_o it_o unless_o god_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n for_o without_o this_o favourable_a good_a will_n and_o fatherly_a compassion_n god_n can_v be_v god_n for_o the_o propriety_n of_o god_n be_v so_o in_o god_n that_o not_o one_o of_o the_o can_v be_v want_v but_o all_o of_o they_o must_v fall_v to_o decay_v and_o god_n cease_v to_o be_v god_n