thou_o with_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n against_o the_o common_a adversary_n as_o also_o very_o sweet_a and_o comfortable_a point_n to_o comfort_v thy_o conscience_n against_o those_o same_o strong_a temptation_n of_o satan_n concern_v the_o assault_n of_o diffidence_n or_o distrust_n on_o these_o two_o head_n especial_o depend_v the_o matter_n and_o subject_n of_o this_o book_n which_o if_o it_o please_v thou_o to_o peruse_v thou_o shall_v find_v in_o it_o no_o doubt_n matter_n to_o thy_o edify_n and_o contentment_n we_o have_v take_v this_o pain_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o those_o which_o understand_v it_o not_o in_o the_o tongue_n wherein_o it_o be_v write_v but_o for_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v best_a for_o they_o if_o they_o please_v to_o read_v it_o in_o the_o original_a wherein_o it_o be_v write_v as_o wherein_o indeed_o it_o have_v the_o best_a grace_n both_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o elegant_a style_n and_o composition_n thereof_o as_o also_o because_o there_o be_v sundry_a term_n and_o word_n of_o art_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v familiar_o express_v or_o resolve_v by_o our_o idiom_n or_o dialect_n this_o i_o say_v gentle_a reader_n have_v we_o by_o the_o lord_n assistance_n both_o attempt_v and_o achieve_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o treatise_n and_o a_o good_a thing_n the_o more_o common_a and_o universal_a it_o be_v the_o more_o commendable_a and_o the_o better_a it_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n which_o do_v urge_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v write_v in_o a_o know_a tongue_n do_v likewise_o proportional_o enforce_v that_o divine_a and_o godly_a treatise_n upon_o several_a passage_n and_o place_n of_o scripture_n shall_v be_v make_v familiar_a unto_o the_o unlearned_a and_o common_a people_n as_o whereby_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o so_o to_o be_v further_v in_o their_o salvation_n so_o that_o if_o thou_o censure_v the_o translate_n of_o such_o author_n thou_o will_v very_o easy_o draw_v upon_o thou_o the_o blemish_n and_o suspicion_n of_o popery_n itself_o thou_o must_v not_o think_v gentle_a reader_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v among_o we_o now_o 11.7_o gen._n 11.7_o as_o he_o himself_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v among_o they_o which_o build_v the_o tower_n of_o babel_n who_o language_n be_v so_o confound_v that_o they_o perceyve_v not_o one_o another_o speech_n but_o that_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o to_o be_v in_o his_o church_n now_o as_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v say_v 2.11_o act_n 2.11_o we_o hear_v they_o speak_v in_o our_o own_o language_n the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n but_o i_o trust_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o make_v excuse_n for_o this_o our_o small_a labour_n but_o rather_o presume_v of_o thy_o love_a and_o friendly_a acceptance_n thereof_o whereof_o persuade_v myself_o i_o commend_v thou_o to_o the_o tuition_n of_o the_o almighty_a promise_v thou_o that_o if_o thou_o will_v by_o thy_o good_a endeavour_n so_o break_v the_o shell_n of_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n or_o language_n as_o that_o either_o myself_o or_o the_o church_n may_v by_o thy_o good_a mean_n come_v unto_o the_o sweet_a kernel_n of_o any_o good_a treatise_n i_o will_v give_v to_o god_n the_o glory_n and_o to_o thou_o thy_o due_a praise_n and_o so_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o thou_o will_v walk_v according_a to_o that_o upright_o rule_v set_v down_o by_o our_o saviour_n christ_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o even_o so_o do_v you_o unto_o they_o 2.12_o mat._n 2.12_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n farewell_n the_o summarie_a content_n of_o this_o golden_a chain_n wherein_o consist_v man_n eternal_a happiness_n or_o everlasting_a woe_n chap._n 1._o fol._n 1._o the_o five_o link_n of_o this_o chain_n be_v 1._o god_n foreknowledge_n 2._o his_o predestination_n 3._o his_o call_n of_o man_n 4._o his_n justify_v they_o 5._o his_n glorify_v they_o chap._n 2._o fol._n 4._o that_o god_n exercise_v those_o who_o he_o call_v in_o continual_a affliction_n thereby_o to_o conform_v they_o to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n chap._n 3._o fol._n 9_o how_o many_o way_n the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n may_v be_v take_v and_o the_o use_n thereof_o chap._n 4._o fol._n 12._o distinction_n betwixt_o predestination_n and_o foreknowledge_n and_o of_o how_o many_o degree_n it_o consist_v chap._n 5._o fol._n 18._o of_o adam_n fall_n and_o god_n foreknowledge_n therein_o chap._n 6._o fol._n 23._o the_o cause_n of_o predestination_n the_o definition_n thereof_o and_o difference_n betwixt_o it_o and_o god_n providence_n chap._n 7._o fol._n 34._o the_o divers_a kind_n of_o predestination_n and_o property_n of_o election_n chap._n 8._o fol._n 40._o election_n whereon_o depend_v salvation_n be_v the_o chief_a foundation_n of_o a_o christian_n faith_n chap._n 9_o fol._n 43._o of_o god_n wonderful_a mercy_n mix_v with_o his_o justice_n chap._n 10_o fol._n 49._o god_n free_a mercy_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o election_n chap._n 11._o fol._n 54._o the_o papist_n fiction_n of_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n foresee_v confute_v chap._n 12._o fol._n 63._o the_o horrible_a offence_n of_o the_o papist_n touch_v faith_n and_o good_a work_n foresee_v by_o unanswerable_a argument_n confute_v chap._n 13._o fol._n 71._o the_o propriety_n of_o election_n the_o faith_n of_o the_o elect_a unmoveable_a chap._n 14._o fol._n 84._o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v by_o this_o doctrine_n strengthen_v most_o steadfast_o chap._n 15._o folly_n 94._o the_o strong_a comfort_n of_o the_o elect_a touch_v their_o salvation_n chap._n 16._o fol._n 98._o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n be_v most_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n chap._n 17._o fol._n 103._o god_n be_v debtor_n to_o no_o man_n therefore_o he_o may_v save_v or_o damn_v who_o it_o please_v he_o chap._n 18._o fol._n 119._o the_o reprobate_n have_v not_o to_o blame_v god_n but_o their_o own_o sin_n for_o their_o damnation_n chap._n 19_o fol._n 126._o the_o horrible_a damnation_n of_o the_o reprobate_n turn_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o elect._n chap._n 20._o fol._n 137._o that_o the_o elect_n can_v become_v reprobate_n nor_o the_o reprobate_n ever_o be_v elect_v chap._n 21._o fol._n 142._o in_o reprobation_n of_o the_o more_o part_n god_n great_a justice_n appear_v as_o in_o elect_v the_o few_o god_n infinite_a mercy_n and_o how_o man_n shall_v examine_v themselves_o chap._n 22._o fol._n 147._o how_o many_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n chap._n 23._o fol._n 152._o a_o passage_n from_o predestination_n unto_o vocation_n as_o from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n and_o how_o diverse_o vocation_n be_v understand_v chap._n 24._o fol._n 159._o the_o papist_n confute_v touch_v man_n strength_n and_o how_o far_o free_a will_n extend_v chap_n 25._o fol._n 171._o of_o free_a justification_n know_v by_o vocation_n and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v justify_v after_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o gospel_n chap_n 26._o fol._n 182._o what_o thing_n justification_n be_v with_o the_o three_o property_n thereof_o chapter_n 27._o fol._n 191._o what_o benefit_n come_v through_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o to_o who_o the_o same_o do_v proper_o appertain_v chap._n 28._o fol._n 207._o how_o to_o amend_v our_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o to_o restore_v the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o man_n chap._n 29._o fol._n 210._o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o godly_a though_o unperfect_a be_v accept_v of_o god_n the_o meaning_n and_o true_a use_n of_o good_a work_n chap._n 30._o fol._n 223._o why_o god_n accept_v of_o the_o unperfect_a work_n of_o his_o elect_n and_o call_v his_o own_o free_a gift_n our_o reward_n chap._n 31._o fol._n 233._o the_o great_a commodity_n both_o public_a and_o private_a come_v by_o the_o studious_a care_n of_o good_a work_n that_o the_o protestant_n do_v not_o reject_v good_a work_n chap._n 32._o fol._n 244._o regeneration_n be_v begin_v in_o this_o life_n though_o unperfect_o and_o without_o it_o be_v no_o salvation_n to_o who_o it_o belong_v chap._n 33._o fol._n 251._o by_o what_o band_n the_o elect_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n by_o what_o sign_n they_o be_v know_v and_o how_o assure_v of_o salvation_n chap._n 34._o fol._n 255._o the_o effect_n and_o benefit_n of_o predestination_n chap._n 35._o fol._n 262._o how_o the_o link_n of_o this_o chain_n must_v be_v consider_v and_o how_o unseparable_a they_o be_v chap._n 36._o fol._n 265._o the_o world_n shall_v fade_v away_o but_o the_o gift_n of_o this_o chain_n be_v everlasting_a chap._n 37._o fol._n 268._o the_o effect_n of_o election_n and_o of_o reprobation_n be_v contrary_a what_o benefit_n of_o god_n common_a to_o both_o and_o what_o not_o and_o god_n judgement_n touch_v both_o unchangeable_a chap._n 38._o fol._n 270._o the_o conclusion_n exhort_v to_o
rage_v and_o be_v angry_a against_o god_n and_o his_o wicked_a affection_n break_v forth_o open_o like_a unto_o wild_a and_o untamed_a beast_n and_o run_v out_o like_o wild_a horse_n and_o the_o more_o severe_o that_o god_n forbid_v any_o evil_a the_o more_o eager_o do_v miserable_a man_n rage_n and_o resist_v it_o so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v soon_o wring_v oil_n out_o of_o a_o hard_a stone_n then_o that_o a_o man_n not_o regenerate_v shall_v do_v any_o good_a thing_n that_o shall_v please_v god_n or_o be_v avayleable_a for_o his_o salvation_n see_v then_o that_o man_n in_o his_o whole_a nature_n and_o will_n be_v a_o foe_n and_o a_o enemy_n to_o god_n i_o see_v not_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o may_v deserve_v life_n at_o god_n hand_n moreover_o see_v that_o man_n be_v drench_v through_o sin_n in_o so_o deep_a a_o pit_n and_o bottomless_a gulf_n of_o damnation_n that_o he_o can_v not_o understand_v nor_o comprehend_v it_o therefore_o also_o he_o have_v perish_v for_o ever_o in_o it_o if_o god_n by_o his_o grace_n have_v not_o pluck_v he_o out_o of_o it_o and_o deliver_v he_o through_o christ_n his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o miserable_a man_n be_v so_o blind_v through_o sin_n that_o he_o can_v understand_v his_o own_o evil_a much_o less_o can_v he_o cure_v it_o sin_n therefore_o as_o a_o unavoidable_a destruction_n lurk_v in_o man_n nature_n as_o in_o a_o deep_a pit_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o in_o his_o law_n and_o withal_o find_v a_o remedy_n for_o it_o in_o his_o gospel_n man_n altogether_o ignorant_a of_o his_o mystery_n have_v run_v headlong_o into_o eternal_a destruction_n again_o the_o least_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v so_o ugly_a that_o it_o redound_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n and_o deserve_v his_o fierce_a indignation_n the_o greatness_n whereof_o no_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o suffer_v and_o overcome_v as_o a_o man_n may_v see_v in_o the_o angel_n that_o fall_v and_o be_v condemn_v so_o that_o man_n have_v for_o ever_o perish_v in_o his_o misery_n if_o god_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n have_v not_o draw_v he_o out_o of_o it_o this_o untowardnes_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o backwardness_n to_o all_o good_a do_v wonderful_o set_v forth_o god_n mercy_n and_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v free_a because_o god_n in_o choose_v man_n be_v such_o as_o he_o be_v unto_o life_n do_v declare_v his_o free_a bounty_n and_o undeserved_a mercy_n upon_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v ground_v the_o hope_n and_o consolation_n of_o all_o the_o faithful_a wherefore_o although_o they_o excel_v in_o no_o worthiness_n nor_o have_v any_o merit_n which_o they_o may_v bring_v unto_o god_n yet_o this_o one_o thing_n may_v be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o come_v to_o all_o happiness_n namely_o that_o god_n in_o his_o nature_n be_v good_a and_o merciful_a and_o so_o far_o forth_o good_a and_o merciful_a as_o that_o he_o will_v rather_o help_v and_o advance_v unto_o happiness_n miserable_a man_n such_o as_o be_v almost_o past_a help_n than_o those_o that_o be_v of_o great_a account_n and_o trust_v in_o their_o own_o strength_n they_o therefore_o which_o trust_n that_o god_n will_v be_v their_o saviour_n even_o for_o his_o own_o free_a goodness_n sake_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o have_v their_o faith_n ground_v upon_o and_o correspondent_a unto_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o which_o trust_v in_o their_o own_o merit_n think_v that_o god_n will_v be_v their_o rewarder_n have_v their_o hope_n in_o no_o wise_a frame_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o they_o waver_v in_o doubtful_a and_o hurtful_a perplexity_n till_o be_v at_o the_o length_n overcome_v they_o be_v at_o the_o last_o cast_v down_o and_o swallow_v up_o of_o desperation_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o mutual_a and_o continual_a relation_n between_o a_o christian_a man_n faith_n and_o god_n free_a bounty_n that_o a_o humble_a and_o prostrate_a sinner_n shall_v by_o faith_n lie_v hold_v on_o god_n mercy_n though_o he_o bring_v nothing_o else_o unto_o god_n but_o a_o contrite_a and_o a_o break_a heart_n 51.17_o psa_fw-la 51.17_o for_o he_o exact_v this_o one_o thing_n and_o require_v nothing_o else_o therefore_o out_o of_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n miserable_a sinner_n may_v suck_v this_o most_o sweet_a comfort_n that_o by_o their_o humble_a and_o lowly_a confession_n and_o loathe_n of_o their_o sin_n they_o have_v god_n exceed_v mercy_n prepare_v and_o exhibit_v unto_o they_o as_o a_o certain_a and_o present_a remedy_n for_o all_o their_o evil_n also_o here_o be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a to_o be_v note_v that_o god_n who_o of_o his_o undeserved_a favour_n do_v deliver_v miserable_a mankind_n from_o so_o great_a a_o mischief_n do_v teach_v and_o command_v we_o by_o his_o example_n that_o to_o our_o power_n we_o shall_v help_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n yea_o and_o the_o great_a that_o their_o misery_n be_v the_o more_o shall_v every_o of_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v unto_o god_n for_o to_o help_v they_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o help_v they_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v when_o need_n require_v by_o that_o we_o show_v ourselves_o to_o be_v enemy_n and_o adversary_n to_o god_n for_o they_o which_o be_v wicked_a against_o god_n can_v not_o be_v good_a towards_o man_n and_o they_o do_v indeed_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v mansleyers_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o if_o other_o shall_v forsake_v they_o likewise_o and_o not_o help_v they_o they_o shall_v decay_v and_o perish_v in_o their_o misery_n and_o so_o they_o be_v the_o occasion_n and_o cause_n of_o their_o death_n as_o farforth_a as_o in_o they_o lie_v and_o therefore_o be_v judge_v and_o shall_v be_v condemn_v of_o god_n as_o manifest_v mansleyers_a this_o the_o scripture_n set_v down_o in_o express_a word_n say_v that_o judgement_n merciless_a shall_v be_v to_o he_o that_o show_v no_o mercy_n here_o the_o wicked_a and_o fond_a fiction_n of_o the_o papist_n concern_v faith_n and_o good_a work_n foresee_v which_o they_o dream_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o election_n be_v confute_v as_o false_a by_o plain_a testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n 12._o now_o whatsoever_o the_o papist_n do_v talk_v of_o concern_v faith_n and_o godliness_n foresee_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o most_o vain_a dream_n and_o foolish_a fiction_n for_o in_o that_o they_o say_v that_o god_n from_o everlasting_a know_v such_o or_o such_o that_o they_o will_v be_v good_a and_o that_o they_o will_v deserve_v election_n by_o their_o good_a work_n it_o be_v to_o forge_v a_o weak_a and_o fond_a fable_n about_o which_o they_o may_v trifle_v at_o their_o pleasure_n and_o without_o fear_n for_o god_n be_v so_o the_o cause_n and_o beginning_n of_o all_o good_a that_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o goodness_n can_v any_o where_n be_v find_v of_o which_o he_o be_v not_o the_o only_a author_n and_o finisher_n the_o papist_n in_o this_o doctrine_n be_v confute_v by_o many_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o manifest_a untruth_n for_o holiness_n and_o a_o godly_a life_n be_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o election_n for_o god_n do_v elect_v his_o from_o everlasting_a not_o because_o they_o will_v be_v good_a in_o themselves_o and_o worthy_a of_o their_o election_n but_o he_o elect_v they_o be_v evil_a that_o afterward_o by_o his_o grace_n they_o may_v become_v good_a this_o the_o scripture_n do_v testify_v in_o manifest_a and_o express_v word_n when_o it_o say_v that_o god_n have_v choose_v we_o 1.4_o ephes_n 1.4_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n before_o he_o through_o love_n here_o we_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o god_n do_v not_o find_v such_o as_o shall_v be_v elect_v good_a but_o that_o be_v elect_v of_o he_o he_o make_v they_o good_a so_o that_o integrity_n of_o life_n and_o good_a work_n do_v follow_v election_n as_o the_o true_a effect_n thereof_o and_o go_v not_o before_o it_o as_o the_o cause_n and_o if_o good_a work_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o election_n man_n shall_v have_v choose_v god_n and_o god_n shall_v not_o have_v choose_v man_n so_o salvation_n shall_v be_v man_n merit_n and_o not_o god_n gift_n and_o election_n shall_v be_v not_o because_o god_n be_v merciful_a but_o because_o man_n be_v good_a and_o just_a again_o the_o papist_n in_o set_v up_o work_v foresee_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n deny_v god_n to_o be_v god_n and_o make_v his_o grace_n of_o no_o account_n for_o god_n alone_o be_v good_a 1.17_o jam._n 1.17_o and_o the_o only_a fountain_n of_o goodness_n therefore_o whosoever_o think_v that_o they_o have_v the_o very_a least_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o without_o god_n do_v deny_v he_o to_o be_v
the_o only_a author_n of_o all_o good_a and_o so_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v god_n except_o he_o alone_o be_v set_v up_o and_o acknowledge_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n for_o what_o manner_n of_o god_n shall_v he_o be_v if_o not_o the_o only_a author_n and_o sole_a effecter_n of_o all_o goodness_n but_o if_o the_o papist_n shall_v be_v urge_v somewhat_o near_o and_o hard_o as_o namely_o out_o of_o what_o fountain_n those_o work_n foresee_v shall_v slow_a and_o have_v their_o beginning_n if_o they_o answer_v from_o man_n nature_n and_o free_a will_n they_o be_v far_o deceive_v and_o be_v blind_a than_o the_o very_a mole_n for_o man_n whole_a nature_n with_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o either_o of_o soul_n or_o body_n even_o unto_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o his_o blood_n be_v so_o corrupt_a and_o defile_v with_o sin_n that_o all_o his_o thought_n and_o whatsoever_o proceed_v from_o he_o any_o manner_n of_o way_n be_v only_o evil_a 6.5_o gene._n 6.5_o and_o against_o god_n so_o that_o man_n nature_n after_o his_o fall_n neither_o will_v nor_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o strive_v and_o wrestle_v against_o god_n and_o that_o with_o a_o continual_a and_o earnest_a desire_n this_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o only_o testify_v but_o also_o experience_n prove_v to_o be_v so_o for_o man_n when_o they_o be_v leave_v to_o themselves_o do_v not_o only_o not_o acknowledge_v their_o sin_n but_o also_o think_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o holy_a although_o they_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o that_o which_o be_v pollute_v and_o defile_v with_o much_o uncleanenes_n and_o again_o this_o corruption_n and_o untowardnes_n of_o man_n have_v take_v so_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v pluck_v up_o by_o man_n power_n therefore_o the_o amendment_n of_o man_n nature_n do_v far_o exceed_v man_n power_n for_o the_o restore_n of_o god_n image_n be_v a_o far_o great_a and_o hard_a work_n than_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o man_n and_o as_o no_o man_n can_v create_v himself_o so_o also_o can_v no_o man_n by_o his_o own_o power_n amend_v his_o evil_a nature_n nor_o change_v his_o perverse_a will_n into_o good_a therefore_o see_v man_n in_o his_o whole_a nature_n be_v deprave_v and_o that_o he_o can_v change_v nor_o amend_v his_o corrupt_a nature_n whatsoever_o the_o papist_n do_v talk_v of_o work_n foresee_v be_v not_o so_o much_o their_o own_o vain_a fiction_n as_o the_o mischievous_a invention_n of_o the_o devil_n sure_o god_n from_o everlasting_a do_v foresee_v good_a work_n and_o know_v they_o very_o well_o but_o yet_o no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o he_o himself_o determine_v to_o work_v and_o bring_v forth_o in_o man_n by_o these_o good_a work_n man_n can_v deserve_v nothing_o at_o god_n hand_n because_o they_o be_v his_o gift_n and_o benefit_n god_n bestow_v life_n and_o salvation_n upon_o man_n for_o his_o own_o everlasting_a goodness_n sake_n and_o not_o for_o any_o good_a deed_n which_o he_o himself_o work_v in_o his_o child_n these_o good_a work_n be_v the_o manifest_a effect_n and_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o his_o mercy_n by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o papist_n understand_v nothing_o right_o nor_o sound_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n for_o to_o understand_v a_o thing_n right_o be_v to_o know_v it_o by_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n thereof_o but_o they_o know_v not_o election_n by_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n thereof_o therefore_o they_o understand_v not_o election_n at_o all_o or_o if_o they_o understand_v it_o of_o mere_a malice_n they_o hide_v it_o and_o will_v not_o manifest_v it_o wherefore_o the_o papist_n do_v wander_v amiss_o beside_o their_o purpose_n and_o talk_v of_o a_o thing_n they_o know_v not_o much_o more_o ridiculous_o and_o foolish_o then_o if_o a_o shepherd_n or_o a_o neate-heard_a shall_v out_o of_o astrology_n describe_v the_o rise_n and_o the_o set_n of_o the_o star_n or_o out_o of_o geometry_n measure_v out_o all_o the_o situation_n and_o distance_n of_o place_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o either_o science_n therefore_o the_o papist_n when_o they_o refuse_v god_n free_a bounty_n as_o the_o first_o and_o proper_a cause_n of_o salvation_n and_o substitute_n faith_n foresee_v as_o a_o false_a and_o feign_a cause_n thereof_o they_o run_v into_o a_o gross_a fallacy_n from_o that_o which_o be_v no_o cause_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o cause_n and_o so_o fall_v into_o a_o dangerous_a error_n and_o this_o fallacy_n be_v commit_v as_o often_o as_o for_o a_o true_a and_o natural_a cause_n of_o some_o thing_n there_o be_v assume_v that_o which_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v here_o in_o imagine_v and_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_v foresee_v as_o the_o cause_n of_o election_n whenas_o those_o good_a work_n be_v not_o apt_a nor_o fit_a to_o bring_v forth_o salvation_n for_o those_o good_a work_n which_o they_o dream_v of_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v produce_v or_o show_v in_o that_o sort_n as_o they_o do_v imagine_v therefore_o they_o do_v not_o only_o bring_v a_o false_a cause_n but_o that_o which_o be_v no_o cause_n at_o all_o a_o false_a cause_n be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o effect_v that_o for_o which_o it_o be_v purpose_v but_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o some_o other_o thing_n and_o so_o when_o in_o place_n and_o time_n convenient_a it_o be_v apply_v unto_o a_o thing_n that_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n thereof_o it_o may_v bring_v forth_o somewhat_o but_o no_o cause_n be_v that_o which_o can_v bring_v forth_o nothing_o because_o itself_o be_v nothing_o for_o those_o good_a work_n foresee_v which_o the_o papist_n so_o brag_v of_o and_o build_v election_n upon_o be_v not_o at_o all_o neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v as_o be_v show_v before_o and_o to_o expect_v something_o from_o that_o which_o be_v nothing_o be_v extreme_a and_o ridiculous_a madness_n by_o which_o they_o mock_v god_n and_o deceive_v man_n but_o see_v they_o fain_o that_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o nor_o can_v be_v they_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o a_o manifest_a contradiction_n and_o make_v themselves_o a_o laugh_a stock_n for_o very_a child_n but_o if_o god_n infinite_o good_a and_o wise_a have_v not_o find_v out_o and_o show_v we_o a_o better_a cause_n and_o way_n to_o salvation_n than_o the_o papist_n have_v woe_n have_v it_o be_v unto_o mankind_n therefore_o far_o be_v from_o we_o that_o dream_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o the_o palpable_a invention_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o most_o manifest_a breake-necke_n of_o man_n salvation_n because_o it_o derogate_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o undermine_v and_o subvert_v the_o gospel_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o let_v all_o the_o godly_a reverence_n and_o adore_v the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o set_v down_o for_o the_o only_a and_o most_o true_a cause_n of_o salvation_n also_o man_n purpose_n when_o once_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v good_a be_v holpen_v indeed_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o here_o we_o must_v diligent_o mark_v and_o observe_v that_o this_o purpose_n of_o man_n can_v not_o be_v good_a if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v not_o go_v before_o and_o make_v it_o good_a 24.45_o col._n 1.21_o 2._o cor._n 3.5_o gen._n 6.5_o ephe._n 1.18_o eze._n 36.26_o 1._o joh._n 5.20_o luk._n 24.45_o for_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o himself_o and_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n be_v only_o bend_v unto_o evil_n so_o that_o he_o can_v have_v the_o least_o thought_n unto_o any_o goodness_n and_o so_o man_n purpose_n be_v always_o evil_a in_o itself_o but_o than_o it_o begin_v to_o be_v good_a when_o god_n enlighten_v his_o mind_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o change_v and_o renu_v his_o will_n furthermore_n it_o be_v god_n only_o that_o of_o unwilling_a make_v willing_a and_o of_o a_o stiffnecked_a man_n make_v he_o more_o tractable_a and_o mild_a this_o he_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o philippian_n 2.13_o phili._n 2.13_o where_o he_o say_v it_o be_v god_n which_o work_v in_o you_o both_o the_o will_n and_o the_o deed_n even_o of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n here_o paul_n show_v that_o man_n by_o his_o own_o power_n be_v not_o fit_a either_o to_o begin_v or_o finish_v any_o good_a work_n but_o that_o all_o the_o power_n both_o of_o willing_a and_o do_v good_a proceed_v from_o god_n only_o free_a mercy_n because_o he_o of_o a_o evil_a will_n make_v a_o good_a will_n and_o turn_v and_o incline_v unto_o good_a man_n heart_n which_o be_v most_o prone_a unto_o evil_n
hence_o it_o be_v clear_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v foresee_v no_o good_a thing_n in_o man_n but_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o do_v work_v in_o he_o therefore_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o point_n do_v betray_v their_o own_o gross_a ignorance_n or_o wicked_a malice_n in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o affirm_v and_o to_o defend_v that_o god_n foreknowledge_n be_v contrary_a to_o his_o grace_n especial_o see_v that_o we_o hear_v nothing_o throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n but_o only_a god_n good_a purpose_n and_o mere_a mercy_n and_o concern_v work_v foresee_v and_o man_n merit_n there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n speak_v therefore_o the_o papist_n see_v that_o they_o wrest_v this_o word_n of_o foreknowing_a from_o the_o true_a and_o natural_a sense_n thereof_o into_o a_o strange_a and_o mischievous_a understanding_n by_o a_o gloss_n of_o their_o own_o interpretation_n and_o understand_v not_o the_o propiety_n of_o the_o phrase_n they_o 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desire_n those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v in_o the_o great_a hatred_n and_o abomination_n so_o likewise_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v most_o against_o that_o which_o please_v god_n most_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n do_v most_o approve_v and_o desire_v that_o which_o god_n hate_v for_o god_n be_v most_o delight_v with_o this_o and_o this_o be_v his_o certain_a will_n that_o the_o elect_v shall_v attain_v salvation_n by_o his_o only_a free_a mercy_n but_o the_o papist_n pleasure_n be_v that_o the_o elect_v shall_v be_v save_v by_o their_o own_o worthiness_n and_o merit_n again_o god_n do_v reject_v and_o altogether_o exclude_v man_n merit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n but_o the_o papist_n like_v of_o they_o and_o make_v they_o the_o cause_n of_o election_n &_o salvation_n so_o that_o betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o papist_n there_o be_v a_o most_o manifest_a and_o vehement_a contrariety_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o lover_n of_o god_n but_o his_o swear_a enemy_n and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o they_o do_v sufficient_o declare_v by_o this_o in_o that_o they_o make_v work_v foresee_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n in_o which_o thing_n they_o commit_v two_o grievous_a offence_n namely_o first_o in_o that_o they_o set_v nothing_o by_o the_o first_o and_o true_a cause_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o so_o erect_v a_o imaginary_a and_o false_a cause_n thereof_o second_o in_o that_o they_o labour_v to_o withdraw_v mankind_n from_o god_n and_o have_v withdraw_v they_o from_o he_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v sell_v they_o as_o bondslave_n to_o the_o devil_n so_o that_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n be_v cruel_a and_o injurious_a against_o man_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n sacrilegious_a and_o blasphemous_a against_o god_n because_o they_o always_o hinder_v his_o glory_n and_o derogate_v from_o his_o majesty_n as_o much_o as_o their_o ability_n can_v stretch_v unto_o on_o the_o contrary_a s._n paul_n although_o before_o his_o conversion_n he_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a profession_n unreprovable_a and_o after_o his_o conversion_n far_o more_o holy_a than_o all_o the_o popeling_n yet_o he_o to_o the_o philippian_n 3.6.8_o phi._n 3.6.8_o not_o only_o constant_o and_o bold_o exclude_v all_o work_n and_o merit_n as_o well_o go_v before_o as_o follow_v after_o faith_n but_o also_o account_v they_o for_o dung_n that_o in_o steed_n of_o they_o have_v gain_v christ_n of_o a_o ungodly_a and_o wretched_a man_n he_o may_v become_v just_a and_o rich_a here_o also_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o papist_n as_o they_o do_v forsake_v god_n and_o resist_v his_o grace_n so_o also_o they_o do_v not_o only_o shut_v up_o the_o door_n of_o his_o mercy_n against_o themselves_o but_o even_o pluck_v on_o their_o own_o neck_n a_o horrible_a curse_n and_o most_o certain_a destruction_n for_o curse_a be_v he_o say_v jeremy_n 17.5_o jere._n 17.5_o that_o trust_v in_o man_n therefore_o this_o gloss_n of_o the_o papist_n concern_v good_a work_n foresee_v be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o wicked_a and_o blasphemous_a because_o it_o be_v not_o only_o not_o find_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o also_o be_v most_o extreme_o contrary_a unto_o they_o for_o god_n in_o the_o elect_n of_o man_n have_v respect_n unto_o himself_o and_o have_v no_o regard_n unto_o work_n either_o past_a or_o to_o come_v which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n deliver_v in_o express_a word_n 1.5_o ephes_n 1.5_o say_v he_o have_v predestinate_v we_o who_o he_o have_v adopt_v through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n in_o that_o he_o say_v in_o himself_o he_o teach_v that_o god_n in_o choose_v we_o see_v nothing_o but_o himself_o which_o he_o make_v any_o account_n of_o therefore_o god_n goodness_n and_o love_n be_v the_o only_a root_n of_o our_o election_n whereas_o he_o say_v according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n that_o be_v put_v down_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n and_o express_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o god_n free_a goodness_n can_v not_o but_o with_o great_a difficulty_n by_o persuasion_n have_v be_v beat_v into_o us._n and_o what_o i_o pray_v you_o can_v god_n foresee_v in_o we_o in_o our_o election_n see_v that_o our_o whole_a be_v 17.28_o act._n 17.28_o and_o what_o good_a thing_n so_o ever_o we_o have_v 4.7_o 1._o cor._n 4.7_o we_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o enjoy_v it_o by_o he_o only_o wherefore_o that_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o election_n may_v be_v hold_v of_o we_o we_o must_v in_o no_o wise_a frequent_a the_o school_n of_o the_o papist_n but_o we_o must_v search_v and_o follow_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o only_a schoolmaster_n and_o the_o most_o faithful_a expositor_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n satan_n have_v inspire_v and_o suggest_v into_o the_o papist_n this_o opinion_n of_o work_n foresee_v that_o by_o it_o he_o may_v withdraw_v man_n from_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o so_o cast_v they_o headlong_o into_o eternal_a destruction_n for_o satan_n well_o know_v that_o man_n whole_a salvation_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n except_o it_o be_v whole_o fetch_v and_o derive_v from_o god_n sure_o there_o can_v be_v give_v unto_o mankind_n a_o great_a nor_o more_o pernicious_a hurt_n than_o this_o opinion_n be_v and_o there_o be_v no_o vice_n worse_o than_o this_o devilish_a pride_n which_o snatch_v from_o god_n his_o chief_a honour_n and_o steal_v away_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o mercy_n therefore_o this_o more_o than_o frantic_a opinion_n of_o faith_n foresee_v be_v utter_o to_o be_v cast_v off_o and_o refuse_v here_o be_v show_v by_o clear_a and_o unanswereable_a argument_n how_o horrible_o and_o grievous_o the_o papist_n do_v offend_v against_o god_n divine_a majesty_n by_o their_o pestilent_a opinion_n of_o faith_n or_o work_v foresee_v chap._n 13._o for_o the_o papist_n in_o that_o devilish_a opinion_n do_v offend_v against_o god_n &_o against_o his_o majesty_n many_o way_n and_o do_v commit_v many_o sacrilegious_a offence_n first_o they_o do_v offend_v against_o the_o fatherly_a goodness_n &_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n for_o god_n mercy_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a which_o may_v any_o where_o be_v find_v but_o it_o flow_v and_o spring_v of_o that_o fountain_n moreover_o god_n be_v so_o good_a and_o merciful_a that_o he_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o honour_v for_o no_o other_o virtue_n nor_o property_n more_o then_o for_o his_o free_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o god_n mercy_n do_v heap_n and_o reckon_v up_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o catalogue_n many_o word_n signify_v one_o and_o
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
the_o only_a strong_a anchor_n which_o fasten_v and_o preserve_v the_o ship_n of_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o heavenly_a sanctuary_n as_o in_o a_o haven_n most_o sure_o from_o all_o the_o danger_n of_o storm_n against_o all_o the_o rage_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o turbulent_a motion_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o no_o flood_n nor_o no_o tempest_n can_v arise_v and_o swell_v so_o great_a as_o by_o which_o this_o anchor_n may_v be_v loose_v and_o the_o ship_n break_v and_o drown_v also_o this_o chain_n be_v as_o a_o strong_a engine_n to_o destroy_v all_o the_o loftiness_n of_o man_n which_o do_v arrogate_v any_o thing_n as_o proper_a unto_o itself_o and_o it_o be_v as_o a_o sharp_a sword_n to_o stab_v and_o quell_v their_o presumption_n and_o pride_n which_o do_v extol_v and_o lift_v up_o itself_o more_o than_o it_o shall_v last_o it_o be_v as_o a_o long_a and_o golden_a line_n which_o stretch_v itself_o from_o one_o part_n of_o the_o heaven_n unto_o a_o other_o that_o every_o of_o the_o elect_a wheresoever_o may_v lay_v sure_a hold_n upon_o it_o and_o very_o well_o apply_v it_o unto_o themselves_o therefore_o as_o be_v say_v before_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o he_o that_o desire_v to_o profit_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o chain_n and_o to_o confirm_v himself_o in_o it_o fruitful_o must_v above_o all_o thing_n take_v heed_n that_o he_o begin_v not_o at_o the_o high_a cause_n of_o predestination_n that_o lie_v hide_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n but_o that_o he_o ascend_v by_o little_a and_o little_a as_o it_o be_v by_o degree_n from_o the_o last_o effect_n thereof_o unto_o the_o first_o cause_n so_o that_o he_o begin_v at_o regeneration_n from_o thence_o that_o he_o go_v to_o justification_n from_o thence_o unto_o true_a faith_n from_o that_o unto_o vocation_n from_o this_o unto_o eternal_a election_n from_o that_o let_v he_o pass_v and_o ascend_v unto_o the_o gracious_a will_n of_o god_n that_o effect_v all_o these_o thing_n there_o must_v he_o settle_v and_o ground_v the_o anchor_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o god_n begin_v a_o contrary_a way_n in_o descend_v unto_o we_o for_o he_o begin_v at_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o proceed_v through_o mean_n unto_o the_o last_o effect_n until_o he_o bring_v and_o draw_v we_o unto_o himself_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o reprobation_n which_o be_v contrary_a unto_o the_o effect_n of_o election_n also_o what_o benefit_n of_o god_n the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_n have_v common_a and_o what_o not_o and_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n concern_v both_o be_v steadfast_a and_o eternal_a chap._n 38._o now_o the_o effect_n of_o election_n be_v set_v down_o and_o declare_v the_o effect_n of_o reprobation_n be_v brief_o to_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o election_n can_v right_o be_v understand_v unless_o the_o opposite_a effect_n of_o reprobation_n be_v likewise_o weigh_v and_o consider_v that_o so_o one_o contrary_a may_v be_v more_o illustrate_v and_o make_v more_o plain_a by_o a_o other_o now_o certain_a effect_n be_v common_a unto_o the_o reprobate_n with_o the_o elect_n as_o namely_o creation_n and_o other_o both_o many_o and_o great_a temporal_a blessing_n and_o help_n of_o this_o life_n as_o food_n and_o apparel_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n which_o belong_v rather_o to_o the_o body_n then_o the_o soul_n but_o of_o those_o blessing_n that_o belong_v unto_o salvation_n the_o reason_n be_v far_o otherwise_o they_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a opposition_n and_o contrariety_n for_o the_o elect_n be_v call_v unto_o christ_n by_o grace_n the_o reprobate_n be_v deprive_v of_o that_o grace_n whereas_o the_o elect_n be_v enlighten_v &_o convert_v unto_o god_n there_o the_o reprobate_n be_v blind_v and_o harden_v whereas_o these_o hate_n sin_n and_o depart_v from_o it_o there_o they_o give_v themselves_o over_o unto_o it_o and_o continue_v in_o it_o where_o these_o be_v raise_v up_o unto_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o be_v endue_v with_o everlasting_a life_n there_o they_o arise_v unto_o judgement_n and_o be_v cast_v into_o everlasting_a torment_n so_o that_o the_o reprobate_n remain_v harden_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o stranger_n from_o god_n therefore_o by_o these_o note_n and_o infallible_a token_n god_n do_v point_n at_o as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o finger_n what_o manner_n of_o judgement_n be_v prepare_v for_o they_o and_o do_v distinguish_v they_o from_o his_o child_n who_o he_o have_v beget_v again_o this_o be_v in_o a_o generallitie_n true_a of_o all_o but_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o conclude_v this_o of_o any_o one_o in_o particular_a for_o many_o of_o the_o elect_a be_v oftentimes_o endue_v with_o faith_n even_o in_o the_o agony_n of_o death_n be_v convert_v unto_o christ_n in_o the_o last_o gasp_n of_o life_n both_o these_o come_v to_o pass_v thus_o god_n so_o willing_a and_o dispose_v they_o he_o bring_v some_o unto_o repentance_n through_o his_o compassionate_a goodness_n and_o bring_v not_o other_o according_a to_o his_o just_a judgement_n that_o in_o the_o one_o we_o may_v perceive_v his_o undeserved_a grace_n in_o the_o other_o his_o just_a judgement_n and_o their_o deserve_a punishment_n as_o augustine_n say_v sixtum_fw-la in_o epist_n ad_fw-la sixtum_fw-la this_o condition_n on_o both_o side_n be_v steadfast_a for_o god_n be_v eternal_a so_o likewise_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n be_v everlasting_a and_o unchangeable_a therefore_o none_o of_o the_o elect_n shall_v perish_v neither_o shall_v any_o of_o the_o reprobate_n be_v save_v let_v no_o man_n hence_o take_v occasion_n to_o live_v licentious_o because_o the_o condition_n of_o both_o be_v unchangeable_a for_o that_o predestination_n be_v a_o cause_n to_o every_o man_n why_o he_o shall_v stand_v fast_o 7.1244_o tom._n 7.1244_o but_o unto_o none_o a_o cause_n why_o he_o shall_v fall_v say_v augustine_n these_o thing_n come_v necessary_o to_o pass_v on_o both_o side_n god_n so_o dispose_v the_o matter_n and_o can_v happen_v otherwise_o because_o no_o other_o efficient_a cause_n can_v be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o only_o the_o free_a and_o righteous_a will_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o without_o god_n which_o may_v move_v he_o to_o this_o or_o that_o thing_n so_o that_o god_n will_v a_o thing_n and_o direct_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n because_o it_o so_o please_v and_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o so_o he_o alone_a and_o none_o other_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o his_o will_n for_o none_o can_v prescribe_v any_o thing_n unto_o he_o because_o no_o man_n be_v superior_a or_o equal_a unto_o he_o therefore_o in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o save_v some_o by_o grace_n and_o condemn_v other_o in_o justice_n we_o ought_v to_o seek_v no_o other_o cause_n hereof_o but_o only_o his_o determinate_a will_n and_o absolute_a good_a pleasure_n and_o that_o he_o have_v ordain_v certain_a unto_o destruction_n it_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o god_n himself_o be_v god_n for_o if_o he_o be_v willing_a simple_o and_o absolute_o to_o save_v all_o and_o every_o one_o then_o sure_o he_o will_v give_v all_o man_n all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n but_o he_o give_v not_o all_o man_n all_o thing_n necessary_a unto_o salvation_n therefore_o he_o will_v not_o save_v all_o and_o every_o one_o for_o he_o that_o deny_v a_o man_n the_o mean_n to_o attain_v unto_o some_o end_n do_v much_o more_o deny_v he_o the_o end_n itself_o for_o he_o that_o bestow_v not_o the_o lesser_a upon_o a_o man_n how_o will_v he_o bestow_v that_o which_o be_v great_a a_o short_a conclusion_n of_o this_o work_n show_v the_o chief_a use_n thereof_o and_o exhort_v every_o of_o the_o godly_a unto_o thankfulness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o life_n chap._n 39_o the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v very_o great_a and_o above_o all_o most_o wholesome_a first_o that_o all_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o salvation_n shall_v be_v whole_o attribute_v unto_o god_n only_o in_o that_o he_o of_o his_o merciful_a goodness_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o choose_v we_o miserable_a sinner_n unto_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o to_o adopt_v we_o for_o child_n through_o jesus_n christ_n when_o as_o he_o have_v a_o thousand_o most_o just_a occasion_n for_o which_o he_o may_v worthy_o condemn_v we_o and_o whenas_o there_o be_v not_o one_o cause_n in_o we_o wherefore_o he_o shall_v give_v we_o no_o not_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o cold_a water_n so_o that_o by_o choose_v we_o altogether_o most_o unworthy_a he_o have_v make_v we_o worthy_a through_o the_o worthiness_n of_o his_o son_n therefore_o this_o free_a and_o everlasting_a election_n have_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o worthiness_n thereof_o for_o his_o sure_a foundation_n and_o ground_n for_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v and_o satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o impute_v this_o his_o satisfaction_n unto_o we_o for_o righteousness_n not_o one_o of_o we_o have_v be_v elect_v unto_o salvation_n but_o every_o one_o have_v be_v condemn_v unto_o everlasting_a death_n so_o that_o in_o this_o election_n the_o great_a and_o incredible_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o most_o vehement_a and_o affectionate_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o do_v appear_v as_o in_o a_o most_o clear_a mirror_n second_o all_o that_o embrace_v the_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v by_o a_o true_a faith_n believe_v in_o christ_n and_o persevere_v in_o he_o have_v strong_a and_o excellent_a consolation_n from_o hence_o in_o that_o they_o be_v elect_v from_o everlasting_a unto_o eternal_a salvation_n without_o any_o merit_n either_o forego_n or_o follow_v and_o that_o this_o bless_a and_o save_a decree_n concern_v our_o salvation_n be_v unchangeable_a and_o therefore_o that_o they_o can_v no_o more_o fail_v and_o be_v prevent_v of_o salvation_n and_o heavenly_a glory_n than_o god_n can_v be_v separate_v from_o his_o godhead_n for_o as_o god_n be_v everlasting_a and_o unchangeable_a by_o nature_n so_o also_o that_o his_o decree_n and_o good_a pleasure_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v everlasting_a and_o unchangeable_a for_o the_o unchangeableness_n sake_n of_o this_o decree_n all_o and_o every_o of_o they_o which_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v most_o strong_a and_o certain_a consolation_n with_o which_o they_o may_v comfort_v and_o refresh_v themselves_o in_o adversity_n and_o other_o spiritual_a temptation_n wherefore_o all_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n all_o hypocrisy_n and_o unbelief_n all_o false_a doctrine_n and_o desperation_n be_v condemn_v and_o set_v aside_o let_v we_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o inward_a affection_n give_v thanks_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o his_o son_n because_o that_o we_o be_v free_o elect_v by_o god_n from_o everlasting_a and_o full_o redeem_v by_o christ_n from_o all_o evil_a and_o shall_v so_o remain_v elect_v and_o redeem_v for_o ever_o without_o any_o disturbance_n let_v we_o therefore_o all_o and_o every_o of_o we_o with_o the_o whole_a affection_n of_o our_o mind_n hearty_o with_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o mouth_n beseech_v the_o most_o merciful_a son_n of_o god_n our_o redeemer_n that_o he_o will_v purge_v we_o from_o the_o filthiness_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o renew_v and_o fashion_v we_o daily_o more_o and_o more_o unto_o his_o own_o image_n that_o by_o live_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n here_o we_o may_v walk_v faithful_o and_o constant_o in_o his_o holy_a commandment_n and_o in_o the_o true_a path_n of_o the_o elect_n until_o we_o come_v unto_o the_o price_n of_o our_o high_a call_v and_o to_o that_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o bless_a life_n to_o come_v where_o abound_v in_o great_a and_o unspeakable_a gladness_n no_o trouble_n or_o sorrow_n be_v mix_v with_o it_o we_o shall_v triumph_v with_o gladsome_a countenance_n and_o joyful_a heart_n and_o possess_v unspeakable_a joy_n world_n without_o end_n amen_n *_o âŽ_o *_o to_o god_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v give_v all_o praise_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n
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
uphold_v by_o his_o mighty_a power_n against_o all_o the_o sleight_n of_o satan_n and_o against_o the_o device_n and_o injury_n of_o his_o instrument_n these_o and_o such_o like_a unusual_a work_n and_o more_o than_o marvellous_a wonder_n of_o god_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o manifest_a that_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o they_o though_o never_o so_o little_a except_o he_o desire_v willing_o and_o obstinate_o to_o be_v blind_a and_o ignorant_a now_o of_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v here_o it_o may_v clear_o and_o strong_o be_v gather_v and_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v predestination_n and_o these_o thing_n shall_v suffice_v concern_v the_o first_o thing_n now_o we_o must_v speak_v something_o of_o the_o second_o to_o predestine_v therefore_o be_v to_o purpose_n and_o determine_v something_o with_o one_o self_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o be_v before_o such_o time_n that_o it_o be_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o withal_o it_o be_v the_o set_v apart_o and_o ordain_v of_o that_o thing_n unto_o some_o certain_a end_n this_o belong_v not_o peculiar_o only_a to_o god_n himself_o but_o also_o aught_o to_o have_v relation_n unto_o every_o wise_a and_o prudent_a man_n which_o before_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n to_o bring_v to_o pass_v any_o thing_n be_v wont_v serious_o and_o advise_o to_o have_v some_o consultation_n concern_v the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o will_v bring_v that_o thing_n to_o pass_v but_o when_o this_o be_v attribute_v unto_o god_n it_o be_v also_o very_o large_a and_o be_v extend_v general_o unto_o all_o creature_n which_o god_n from_o everlasting_a by_o his_o certain_a decree_n have_v ordain_v and_o dispose_v to_o this_o or_o that_o use_n and_o end_n before_o they_o be_v create_v but_o here_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o mankind_n and_o their_o end_n this_o word_n of_o predestination_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v unto_o that_o deep_a and_o hide_a counsel_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o have_v from_o everlasting_a firm_o decree_v and_o appoint_v what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v with_o every_o particular_a man_n further_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o predestination_n may_v the_o more_o right_o be_v understand_v it_o must_v be_v explain_v by_o certain_a degree_n the_o first_o degree_n therefore_o of_o predestination_n be_v that_o god_n from_o everlasting_a before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v decree_v to_o create_v mankind_n in_o true_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n according_a to_o his_o own_o image_n and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o the_o scripture_n witness_v in_o many_o place_n and_o the_o event_n itself_o confirm_v it_o by_o experience_n of_o the_o deed_n do_v the_o second_o degree_n of_o predestination_n be_v whereby_o god_n in_o his_o most_o just_a and_o most_o wise_a judgement_n determine_v to_o permit_v and_o suffer_v that_o mankind_n shall_v be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o shall_v fall_v into_o sin_n and_o eternal_a destruction_n here_o be_v insert_v a_o certain_a digression_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n which_o although_o they_o consent_v unto_o the_o serpent_n persuasion_n by_o their_o own_o proper_a and_o voluntary_a will_n and_o so_o fall_v from_o god_n yet_o this_o their_o fall_v away_o be_v not_o altogether_o without_o god_n eternal_a purpose_n chap._n 6._o as_o god_n from_o everlasting_a do_v foresee_v and_o ordain_v all_o other_o thing_n so_o among_o these_o this_o fall_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o all_o other_o eville_n which_o follow_v and_o flow_v from_o thence_o so_o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o suffer_v and_o not_o to_o hinder_v this_o fall_n that_o it_o may_v be_v do_v by_o other_o and_o not_o by_o himself_o otherwise_o it_o have_v be_v even_o as_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o have_v keep_v our_o first_o parent_n from_o fall_v as_o it_o be_v to_o create_v they_o for_o look_v how_o easy_a it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o will_v so_o easy_a likewise_o be_v it_o for_o he_o to_o hinder_v that_o which_o he_o will_v not_o as_o saint_n augustine_n say_v 96._o lib._n the_o corrept_v &_o great_a ca._n 96._o neither_o be_v it_o any_o injustice_n in_o he_o but_o altogether_o just_a in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o keep_v they_o from_o fall_v but_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o the_o serpent_n persuasion_n and_o so_o to_o fall_v into_o eternal_a death_n for_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v unto_o they_o that_o he_o shall_v preserve_v they_o and_o keep_v they_o from_o fall_v because_o he_o do_v not_o promise_v it_o nay_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v unto_o they_o to_o create_v they_o according_a unto_o his_o own_o image_n because_o he_o be_v a_o most_o free_a agent_n therefore_o much_o less_o be_v he_o bind_v unto_o they_o to_o save_v they_o from_o fall_v yea_o our_o first_o parent_n of_o their_o own_o voluntary_a and_o freewill_n without_o any_o constraynt_n do_v treacherous_o fall_v away_o from_o god_n and_o so_o fall_v away_o do_v infect_v both_o themselves_o and_o all_o their_o posterity_n with_o sin_n and_o make_v they_o alliable_a unto_o eternal_a destruction_n but_o god_n not_o unwilling_o but_o willing_o permit_v they_o to_o fall_v otherwise_o if_o any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o little_a can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v god_n not_o be_v willing_a thereunto_o then_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v god_n our_o first_o parent_n therefore_o in_o regard_n of_o themselves_o do_v that_o which_o god_n will_v not_o have_v they_o but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n do_v it_o wherefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o god_n do_v righteous_o in_o suffer_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v wicked_o 100_o lib._n the_o corrept_v &_o great_a capit_fw-la 100_o as_o s._n augustine_n say_v and_o although_o god_n do_v suffer_v this_o or_o that_o evil_a to_o be_v commit_v and_o not_o hinder_v it_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o he_o do_v not_o of_o himself_o bring_v to_o pass_v that_o evil_a nor_o allow_v of_o it_o but_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v conformable_a to_o his_o heavenly_a wisdom_n those_o he_o foresee_v from_o everlasting_a and_o decree_v to_o bring_v to_o pass_v and_o effect_v they_o therefore_o god_n by_o himself_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o only_a effecter_n of_o these_o thing_n because_o that_o good_a thing_n spring_n and_o flow_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o his_o divine_a providence_n as_o out_o of_o the_o only_a fountain_n that_o be_v never_o dry_v up_o but_o evil_a thing_n although_o god_n also_o foresee_v they_o from_o everlasting_a and_o know_v that_o they_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v yet_o he_o himself_o neither_o approove_v they_o nor_o further_v they_o nor_o help_v they_o nor_o bring_v they_o to_o pass_v direct_o but_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n suffer_v they_o to_o be_v commit_v and_o do_v by_o other_o therefore_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v count_v as_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o effecter_n of_o they_o but_o satan_n himself_o and_o man_n freewill_n do_v begin_v they_o and_o end_v they_o so_o that_o satan_n and_o wicked_a man_n be_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o evil_a all_o thing_n therefore_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v although_o they_o be_v do_v by_o god_n providence_n from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v exempt_v yet_o some_o of_o they_o be_v do_v his_o providence_n effect_v they_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v do_v his_o providence_n permit_v apoynt_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o their_o proper_a end_n therefore_o all_o evil_a and_o wicked_a deed_n whatsoever_o be_v commit_v and_o do_v god_n providence_n not_o effect_v but_o suffer_v they_o because_o that_o god_n decree_v not_o that_o he_o will_v himself_o effect_v they_o from_o everlasting_a but_o because_o he_o decree_v to_o suffer_v and_o not_o to_o hinder_v they_o to_o be_v do_v of_o other_o so_o that_o god_n not_o unwilling_o but_o willing_o suffer_v our_o first_o parent_n to_o sin_n they_o therefore_o which_o attribute_n unto_o god_n a_o permission_n which_o shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o his_o will_n they_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v omnipotent_a for_o he_o that_o permit_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v which_o by_o no_o mean_n he_o will_v have_v do_v sure_o he_o be_v not_o of_o such_o power_n as_o to_o let_v and_o hinder_v that_o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v therefore_o what_o thing_n soever_o god_n suffer_v to_o be_v do_v he_o suffer_v they_o willing_o for_o nothing_o can_v possible_o be_v do_v if_o he_o be_v unwilling_a or_o against_o it_o hence_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o god_n allow_v and_o approve_v sin_n in_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v thing_n simple_o evil_a and_o contrary_n unto_o his_o will_n but_o rather_o he_o hate_v they_o with_o his_o whole_a will_n and_o nature_n and_o except_o he_o merciful_o pardon_v they_o he_o revenge_v and_o punish_v
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
holy_a although_o he_o will_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o ungodly_a do_v because_o god_n will_v they_o with_o a_o far_o other_o manner_n of_o counsel_n and_o end_n than_o the_o ungodly_a do_v will_n and_o do_v they_o so_o in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o action_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v so_o evil_a that_o in_o respect_n of_o they_o it_o can_v not_o be_v worse_o nor_o more_o vile_a for_o they_o slay_v the_o innocent_a and_o kill_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n and_o intend_v in_o that_o one_o consent_n and_o outrage_n of_o they_o to_o hinder_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n yet_o that_o very_o same_o action_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n be_v so_o good_a and_o holy_a that_o no_o other_o can_v be_v better_o nor_o more_o holy_a because_o he_o by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n will_v redeem_v miserable_a sinner_n from_o eternal_a death_n and_o translate_v they_o into_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o eternal_a life_n wherefore_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a man_n oftentimes_o unwitting_o and_o intend_v some_o other_o thing_n do_v fulfil_v and_o perform_v the_o good_a and_o righteous_a will_n of_o god_n yet_o notwithstanding_o afterward_o god_n just_o punish_v &_o condemn_v they_o because_o they_o pursue_v their_o own_o wicked_a desire_n and_o ungodly_a enterprise_n and_o respect_v not_o nor_o regard_n god_n will_v at_o all_o they_o prefer_v their_o own_o perverse_a affection_n before_o god_n and_o before_o his_o will_n so_o the_o action_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o of_o wicked_a man_n differ_v by_o their_o diverse_a purpose_n and_o be_v distinguish_v one_o from_o another_o in_o their_o diverse_a end_n so_o also_o at_o this_o day_n god_n suffer_v many_o sin_n to_o be_v commit_v of_o wicked_a man_n throughout_o sundry_a nation_n and_o in_o the_o great_a kingdom_n where_o he_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o word_n nor_o reform_v they_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o do_v not_o enlighten_v their_o mind_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o nor_o govern_v and_o incline_v their_o will_n and_o affection_n so_o that_o they_o may_v propose_v to_o themselves_o this_o principal_a end_n as_o their_o only_a mark_n namely_o to_o endeavour_v to_o execute_v god_n know_v will_v earnest_o and_o continual_o and_o to_o frame_v and_o fashion_n themselves_o their_o life_n and_o their_o manner_n unto_o it_o as_o unto_o a_o continual_a rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o to_o honour_n god_n by_o their_o obedience_n in_o eschew_v of_o evil_a and_o do_v of_o good_a these_o thing_n except_o god_n work_v in_o they_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n whatsoever_o they_o intend_v or_o do_v howsoever_o before_o man_n it_o may_v seem_v good_a and_o just_a yet_o all_o that_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o ugly_a and_o execrable_a sin_n for_o god_n do_v not_o at_o all_o regard_n nor_o respect_v the_o outward_a work_n except_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o heart_n go_v with_o they_o and_o appear_v in_o they_o therefore_o where_o that_o want_v there_o sin_n be_v account_v for_o no_o sin_n and_o virtue_n with_o vice_n and_o one_o thing_n with_o a_o other_o be_v confound_v and_o so_o there_o will_v be_v but_o little_a difference_n between_o honesty_n and_o dishonesty_n here_o the_o author_n return_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o join_v the_o three_o degree_n of_o praedestination_n than_o the_o cause_n of_o praedestination_n be_v unfold_v next_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o be_v give_v and_o last_o praedestination_n be_v distinguish_v from_o providence_n chap._n 7._o these_o thing_n it_o seem_v good_a to_o touch_v by_o the_o way_n and_o light_o to_o handle_v concern_v permission_n which_o be_v the_o second_o degree_n of_o predestination_n now_o we_o must_v come_v unto_o the_o three_o degree_n of_o predestination_n three_o to_o predestine_v here_o be_v nothing_o else_o then_o to_o purpose_n to_o choose_v some_o and_o to_o adopt_v they_o for_o son_n in_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o universal_a company_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o god_n by_o his_o merciful_a foresight_n do_v ordain_v and_o appoint_v from_o among_o sinful_a man_n and_o such_o as_o be_v past_a cure_n in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o to_o receive_v some_o unto_o mercy_n without_o any_o merit_n of_o they_o to_o redeem_v they_o through_o christ_n and_o by_o he_o also_o to_o bring_v they_o unto_o eternal_a life_n but_o here_o more_o proper_o and_o peculiar_o be_v mean_v the_o other_o acceptation_n of_o this_o word_n election_n as_o in_o the_o definition_n hereof_o a_o little_a before_o we_o have_v declare_v this_o word_n election_n be_v take_v diverse_o in_o the_o scripture_n so_o that_o sometime_o it_o have_v reference_n unto_o some_o office_n or_o duty_n and_o sometime_o to_o life_n eternal_a after_o the_o former_a manner_n saul_n and_o judas_n be_v elect_v the_o one_o of_o which_o be_v choose_v to_o a_o kingdom_n and_o the_o other_o to_o a_o apostleship_n neither_o of_o they_o to_o eternal_a life_n but_o see_v that_o no_o definition_n can_v right_o be_v make_v or_o understand_v unless_o the_o cause_n of_o which_o it_o be_v compound_v and_o make_v be_v well_o perceive_v and_o know_v therefore_o i_o think_v i_o shall_v not_o do_v amiss_o if_o first_o i_o lie_v open_a the_o cause_n of_o predestination_n before_o i_o set_v down_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o efficient_a and_o first_o move_v cause_n of_o predestination_n there_o can_v no_o other_o be_v set_v down_o and_o appoint_v but_o only_o the_o eternal_a and_o only_a purpose_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o god_n only_o be_v he_o which_o by_o his_o most_o wise_a counsel_n and_o judgement_n do_v discern_v between_o man_n and_o man_n and_o have_v decree_v from_o everlasting_a what_o shall_v become_v of_o every_o man_n god_n have_v lively_o express_v and_o declare_v this_o in_o his_o word_n manifest_o and_o plain_o for_o man_n consider_v in_o themselves_o and_o by_o themselves_o be_v all_o alike_o corrupt_v so_o that_o some_o be_v no_o whit_n better_o than_o other_o some_o therefore_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o man_n some_o can_v be_v prefer_v before_o other_o because_o there_o be_v one_o and_o the_o selfsame_o condition_n of_o all_o but_o god_n the_o high_a judge_n of_o all_o have_v elect_v some_o man_n to_o eternal_a life_n in_o christ_n and_o have_v in_o his_o just_a judgement_n appoint_v other_o to_o everlasting_a destruction_n and_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v unto_o salvation_n those_o have_v he_o choose_v by_o his_o own_o mere_a mercy_n and_o undeserved_a grace_n he_o regard_v nothing_o that_o be_v without_o himself_o but_o who_o he_o have_v elect_v he_o do_v only_o for_o himself_o and_o in_o himself_o and_o not_o for_o any_o other_o cause_n moreover_o he_o can_v find_v nothing_o in_o those_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v that_o may_v be_v worthy_a of_o election_n because_o they_o be_v all_o defile_v and_o stranger_n from_o god_n also_o he_o can_v foresee_v no_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o as_o proceed_v from_o they_o for_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v choose_v if_o he_o foresee_v any_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o himself_o wrought_v it_o whole_o and_o altogether_o in_o they_o for_o there_o can_v be_v find_v no_o good_a thing_n in_o they_o nor_o elsewhere_o of_o which_o god_n be_v not_o the_o sole_a author_n and_o only_a effector_n therefore_o what_o good_a thing_n so_o ever_o be_v and_o abide_v in_o they_o that_o god_n himself_o whole_o begin_v and_o finish_v in_o they_o and_o he_o begin_v and_o finish_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o he_o decree_v from_o everlasting_a that_o he_o will_v begin_v it_o and_o finish_v it_o in_o they_o for_o if_o in_o time_n he_o shall_v work_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o how_o little_a soever_o which_o he_o decree_v not_o before_o time_n then_o shall_v there_o be_v find_v manifest_a change_n in_o god_n which_o shall_v do_v some_o thing_n by_o a_o new_a will_n and_o not_o by_o his_o eternal_a will_n those_o thing_n which_o the_o papist_n prattle_n of_o here_o concern_v work_n foresee_v who_o cause_n and_o beginning_n shall_v be_v man_n be_v vain_a and_o frivolous_a fiction_n which_o after_o in_o their_o place_n shall_v more_o large_o be_v confute_v and_o reject_v see_v the_o efficient_a and_o first_o move_v cause_n of_o election_n be_v only_o and_o alone_a god_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n he_o by_o his_o bountiful_a and_o more_o than_o fatherly_a good_a will_n have_v from_o everlasting_a make_v and_o finish_v the_o whole_a decree_n of_o election_n 2.5_o ephes_n 2.5_o moreover_o election_n be_v altogether_o the_o free_a and_o undeserved_a favour_n of_o god_n for_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v whole_o corrupt_v and_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n therefore_o in_o they_o god_n can_v foresee_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o extreme_a and_o most_o absolute_a wretchedness_n they_o also_o which_o take_v the_o name_n of_o election_n which_o be_v find_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o
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
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
the_o selfsame_o thing_n say_v that_o god_n be_v gracious_a 4.2_o exod._n 34.6_o joel._n 2.13_o jonah_n 4.2_o merciful_a long-suffering_a abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n so_o look_v how_o many_o word_n be_v join_v together_o for_o to_o set_v forth_o god_n fatherly_a love_n so_o many_o mouth_n as_o it_o be_v and_o tongue_n have_v god_n sound_v from_o heaven_n by_o which_o as_o with_o the_o word_n of_o a_o father_n our_o merciful_a god_n invit_v and_o allure_v man_n unto_o his_o mercy_n by_o these_o so_o many_o praise_n of_o god_n mercy_n we_o be_v teach_v not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n but_o also_o this_o be_v likewise_o show_v that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o hardly_o persuade_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o praise_v of_o god_n mercy_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o reproof_n of_o man_n incredulity_n the_o scripture_n therefore_o with_o these_o praise_n of_o god_n goodness_n as_o with_o so_o many_o wedge_n do_v drive_v out_o and_o expel_v man_n unbelief_n but_o the_o papist_n here_o do_v most_o grievous_o offend_v in_o that_o they_o fain_a god_n to_o be_v other_o then_o indeed_o he_o be_v so_o that_o they_o bewray_v their_o own_o unbelief_n and_o malice_n in_o that_o they_o attribute_v and_o trust_v more_o in_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o work_n then_o in_o god_n infinite_o merciful_a otherwise_o they_o will_v leave_v this_o fable_n of_o work_n foresee_v and_o rest_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o god_n mercy_n but_o they_o shall_v sure_o feel_v though_o then_o too_o late_o when_o god_n come_v unto_o judgement_n that_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o other_o by_o these_o their_o feign_a and_o lie_a work_n for_o he_o that_o peevish_o resist_v god_n mercy_n be_v worthy_o deprive_v of_o it_o second_o they_o do_v gross_o offend_v against_o god_n justice_n because_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o bring_v before_o god_n most_o just_a their_o feign_a and_o defile_v work_n as_o if_o they_o be_v good_a &_o perfect_a as_o if_o god_n be_v blind_a &_o want_v judgement_n &_o discretion_n to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a betwixt_o perfect_a work_n and_o unperfect_a sure_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o respect_n do_v like_o those_o which_o take_v a_o false_a cause_n in_o hand_n and_o yet_o to_o make_v it_o good_a they_o labour_v to_o blindfold_a and_o corrupt_v the_o judge_n with_o bribe_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v that_o by_o deceit_n and_o bribery_n which_o by_o justice_n and_o equity_n they_o can_v not_o attain_v so_o the_o papist_n with_o their_o work_n foresee_v as_o with_o so_o many_o reward_n labour_v to_o corrupt_v god_n and_o to_o turn_v he_o from_o the_o right_n and_o draw_v he_o to_o the_o wrong_a cause_n and_o so_o do_v not_o only_o make_v god_n like_a unto_o a_o unjust_a judge_n but_o also_o much_o worse_o for_o choice_n gift_n and_o bountiful_a reward_n be_v usual_o bring_v unto_o a_o judge_n that_o he_o may_v the_o easy_o be_v corrupt_v to_o favour_v unjust_a cause_n but_o the_o papist_n bring_v unto_o god_n not_o perfect_a work_n but_o filthy_a and_o abominable_a sin_n for_o god_n as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o can_v foresee_v no_o good_a work_n but_o those_o which_o he_o himself_o wrought_v in_o man_n but_o of_o these_o the_o papist_n dispute_v not_o in_o this_o place_n we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o man_n not_o partly_o but_o whole_o take_v he_o at_o the_o best_a be_v corrupt_v and_o deprave_v through_o sin_n therefore_o all_o work_n which_o man_n of_o himself_o do_v or_o bring_v forth_o by_o his_o own_o proper_a and_o native_a virtue_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v good_a nor_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n for_o from_o a_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a man_n can_v proceed_v nothing_o but_o corrupt_v and_o wicked_a deed_n for_o the_o effect_n be_v usual_o like_o the_o cause_n such_o therefore_o as_o the_o cause_n have_v be_v such_o effect_n likewise_o must_v needs_o proceed_v and_o follow_v thereon_o therefore_o as_o out_o of_o a_o unclean_a fountain_n there_o proceed_v a_o unclean_a stream_n and_o as_o from_o a_o evil_a tree_n there_o grow_v evil_a fruit_n so_o also_o by_o a_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a man_n can_v be_v wrought_v nothing_o but_o corrupt_v and_o wicked_a deed_n and_o endeavour_n for_o the_o effect_n can_v not_o be_v better_a nor_o more_o excellent_a than_o their_o cause_n so_o that_o when_o the_o papist_n make_v such_o work_v the_o cause_n of_o election_n do_v they_o not_o after_o a_o sort_n turn_n god_n into_o a_o sinful_a man_n do_v they_o not_o make_v he_o the_o patron_n and_o allower_n of_o wickedness_n wherein_o be_v see_v their_o satanical_a blindness_n and_o devilish_a madness_n so_o that_o out_o of_o this_o fiction_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o out_o of_o a_o glass_n manifest_o appear_v what_o a_o terrible_a and_o dangerous_a mischief_n it_o be_v lewd_o to_o stray_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o whirl_v up_o and_o down_o in_o frantic_a speculation_n and_o to_o fain_v and_o suppose_v false_a cause_n for_o true_a again_o if_o god_n from_o everlasting_a can_v have_v foresee_v that_o very_o good_a and_o perfect_a work_n will_v proceed_v from_o man_n yet_o those_o by_o no_o mean_n can_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o deserve_v or_o get_v salvation_n by_o for_o a_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a life_n can_v be_v attain_a as_o a_o reward_n for_o a_o temporal_a labour_n and_o finite_a work_n because_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o just_a proportion_n between_o the_o labour_n and_o the_o hire_n that_o according_a as_o the_o labour_n be_v so_o also_o shall_v the_o wage_n be_v pay_v so_o that_o for_o a_o great_a labour_n there_o be_v usual_o allot_v and_o appoint_v a_o great_a reward_n but_o life_n eternal_a and_o heavenly_a glory_n be_v a_o far_o great_a and_o more_o excellent_a good_a thing_n then_o can_v be_v deserve_v by_o man_n labour_n or_o industry_n nay_o life_n eternal_a do_v in_o the_o worth_n greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o far_o exceed_v and_o surpass_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n nay_o nothing_o that_o be_v create_v may_v just_o be_v compare_v unto_o it_o so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o a_o temporal_a desert_n and_o a_o eternal_a benefit_n so_o also_o be_v there_o no_o proportion_n between_o a_o infinite_a good_a &_o a_o finite_a work_n whosoever_o therefore_o brag_v of_o his_o own_o work_n let_v he_o take_v heed_n that_o he_o be_v not_o punish_v rather_o then_o reward_v three_o they_o offend_v against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o show_v a_o other_o way_n to_o attain_v salvation_n than_o he_o have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n for_o god_n will_v have_v his_o mercy_n and_o free_a election_n to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o gate_n into_o eternal_a life_n that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v manifest_o in_o divers_a place_n say_v bless_a be_v all_o they_o who_o sin_n be_v forgive_v 8._o psal_n 32.1_o rom._n 4.6_o 7_o 8._o and_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o sin_n but_o the_o papist_n prefer_v their_o good_a work_n foresee_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n rather_o than_o god_n goodness_n so_o they_o will_v erect_v and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o righteousness_n which_o god_n bestow_v not_o upon_o they_o by_o faith_n neither_o have_v christ_n merit_v by_o his_o passion_n wherefore_o they_o do_v not_o obey_v god_n divine_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v subject_a unto_o it_o which_o in_o the_o end_n shall_v fall_v out_o evil_a for_o they_o and_o turn_v to_o their_o destruction_n for_o they_o which_o despise_v and_o cast_v off_o god_n counsel_n do_v loose_v his_o mercy_n and_o be_v condemn_v as_o augustine_n say_v in_o one_o place_n wherefore_o their_o wisdom_n be_v not_o only_o vain_a but_o also_o tend_v to_o destruction_n which_o be_v wise_a against_o god_n but_o sure_o such_o wisdom_n speak_v proper_o and_o according_a to_o divinity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v wisdom_n but_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n and_o craftiness_n of_o wicked_a man_n whereby_o they_o mock_v god_n &_o delude_v man_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v so_o the_o fountain_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o wisdom_n that_o no_o other_o live_v creature_n can_v have_v any_o great_a wisdom_n than_o god_n do_v communicate_v and_o bestow_v upon_o he_o look_v therefore_o how_o much_o wisdom_n god_n do_v work_v and_o preserve_v in_o a_o man_n so_o much_o wisdom_n he_o have_v and_o better_a or_o more_o wisdom_n he_o can_v have_v they_o therefore_o which_o will_v be_v more_o wise_a than_o god_n will_v have_v they_o their_o wisdom_n come_v not_o so_o much_o of_o god_n as_o of_o the_o devil_n therefore_o the_o superstitious_a and_o
blasphemous_a papist_n see_v in_o this_o point_n their_o wisdom_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v wise_a man_n but_o sot_n and_o fool_n for_o it_o be_v better_o for_o they_o that_o they_o have_v no_o wisdom_n at_o all_o and_o that_o they_o be_v more_o blockish_a than_o fool_n than_o thus_o to_o resist_v and_o rebel_v against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o talk_v of_o concern_v work_n foresee_v and_o our_o own_o merit_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a and_o manifest_a illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o most_o certain_a shipwreck_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n moreover_o in_o this_o they_o great_o offend_v in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o turn_v the_o great_a and_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o he_o and_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o they_o abuse_v their_o wisdom_n by_o which_o man_n do_v excel_v beast_n against_o god_n and_o against_o their_o own_o salvation_n for_o to_o this_o end_n god_n will_v have_v man_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o endue_v with_o reason_n that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o may_v acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v his_o creator_n and_o christ_n his_o redeemer_n and_o that_o he_o may_v honour_v god_n and_o attain_v salvation_n by_o meditate_v upon_o eternal_a life_n but_o they_o apply_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o wisdom_n to_o this_o namely_o to_o the_o invention_n and_o coin_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o they_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o of_o set_a purpose_n do_v convert_v those_o help_n which_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o unto_o hurtful_a impediment_n therefore_o this_o wisdom_n of_o the_o papist_n which_o be_v exercise_v about_o work_n foresee_v and_o about_o merit_n be_v not_o only_o carnal_a but_o also_o devilish_a because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o right_o differ_v from_o wrong_n so_o much_o do_v the_o papist_n differ_v from_o god_n because_o all_o their_o wisdom_n do_v make_v open_a war_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n while_o they_o set_v up_o their_o work_n foresee_v against_o his_o grace_n for_o they_o strive_v earnest_o for_o this_o to_o make_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n not_o altogether_o free_a but_o partly_o deserve_v and_o so_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o praise_n and_o glory_n be_v to_o god_n because_o he_o have_v prevent_v we_o by_o his_o free_a goodness_n and_o abundant_a grace_n and_o have_v predestinate_v we_o unto_o eternal_a life_n free_o and_o not_o for_o our_o work_n or_o merit_v foresee_v and_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a thing_n to_o hear_v that_o the_o papist_n be_v so_o fall_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o without_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n his_o spirit_n boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n for_o if_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n they_o will_v know_v as_o instruct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o be_v free_o elect_v by_o god_n from_o everlasting_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o think_v nor_o determine_v of_o election_n otherwise_o than_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o not_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o satan_n but_o now_o their_o whole_a study_n and_o wisdom_n consist_v in_o this_o to_o judge_v of_o what_o please_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n and_o so_o indeed_o do_v show_v that_o they_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o do_v whole_o detest_v it_o far_o therefore_o be_v from_o we_o this_o study_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v as_o the_o shop_n and_o illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n yea_o let_v it_o be_v from_o a_o christian_a heart_n far_o than_o the_o heaven_n be_v distant_a from_o the_o earth_n four_o they_o offend_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o that_o they_o affirm_v that_o work_v foresee_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o god_n have_v ordain_v jesus_n christ_n from_o everlasting_a that_o he_o shall_v make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n faith_n peter_n 1.20_o 1._o pet._n 1.20_o moreover_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o affirm_v often_o in_o the_o evangelist_n 3.36_o john_n 3.36_o that_o all_o which_o believe_v in_o he_o have_v eternal_a life_n 5.24_o john_n 5.24_o and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n for_o he_o be_v that_o lamb_n of_o god_n which_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n 9.12_o heb._n 9.12_o he_o suffer_v once_o for_o we_o and_o by_o suffering_n purchase_v for_o we_o eternal_a redemption_n therefore_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o passion_n our_o whole_a salvation_n and_o life_n consist_v these_o and_o the_o like_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n do_v ascribe_v life_n eternal_a unto_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n only_o as_o to_o a_o meritorious_a cause_n for_o god_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o will_v perform_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v faithful_o and_o true_o but_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o divers_a place_n that_o the_o only_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o only_a price_n of_o our_o redemption_n from_o all_o our_o sin_n for_o by_o isaiah_n he_o promise_v express_o that_o his_o servant_n meaning_n christ_n shall_v by_o his_o knowledge_n justify_v many_o because_o he_o have_v under-gone_a and_o bear_v their_o iniquity_n therefore_o how_o much_o soever_o the_o papist_n do_v attribute_n unto_o work_n foresee_v so_o much_o do_v they_o necessary_o detract_v from_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n because_o those_o work_n foresee_v and_o these_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v such_o contrary_n as_o that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n can_v be_v attribute_v to_o they_o both_o but_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a and_o most_o simple_a truth_n do_v every_o where_o ascribe_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o election_n unto_o god_n free_a bounty_n and_o likewise_o ascribe_v redemption_n and_o salvation_n that_o proceed_v and_o come_v thereof_o unto_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n therefore_o it_o do_v not_o only_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o their_o work_n foresee_v but_o do_v also_o convince_v they_o of_o falsehood_n and_o reject_v and_o condemn_v they_o as_o manifest_v wrong_n against_o christ_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o grace_n that_o be_v deadly_a and_o tend_v to_o damnation_n but_o these_o work_v foresee_v of_o the_o papist_n be_v not_o of_o grace_n for_o they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o humane_a nature_n therefore_o those_o work_n foresee_v be_v deadly_a and_o tend_v to_o damnation_n wherefore_o see_v they_o bring_v destruction_n with_o they_o these_o work_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v reject_v on_o the_o contrary_a christ_n his_o merit_n see_v they_o bring_v salvation_n with_o they_o be_v with_o heart_n and_o mind_n ready_o to_o be_v embrace_v but_o if_o the_o papist_n do_v believe_v god_n when_o he_o promise_v and_o do_v rest_v themselves_o only_o upon_o his_o word_n of_o truth_n they_o will_v let_v go_v their_o work_n foresee_v but_o see_v they_o do_v produce_v they_o they_o do_v manifest_o declare_v that_o they_o put_v more_o confidence_n in_o their_o work_n than_o they_o do_v in_o god_n or_o in_o his_o word_n and_o so_o they_o offend_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n before_o which_o they_o prefer_v their_o own_o work_n and_o merit_v foresee_v and_o do_v perverse_o accuse_v god_n of_o infidelity_n and_o falsehood_n for_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o constant_a in_o perform_v of_o his_o promise_n they_o will_v never_o fly_v unto_o work_n foresee_v as_o to_o the_o helper_n of_o his_o grace_n five_o they_o do_v offend_v against_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n because_o they_o presume_v and_o undertake_v thing_n that_o be_v far_o above_o their_o strength_n and_o power_n for_o god_n be_v only_o omnipotent_a and_o he_o be_v the_o only_a effecter_n and_o beginner_n of_o all_o power_n and_o strength_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v more_o powerful_a nor_o able_a to_o do_v or_o perform_v more_o than_o god_n have_v give_v he_o ability_n and_o force_n to_o do_v wherefore_o every_o creature_n can_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o perform_v so_o much_o as_o it_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o strength_n that_o god_n work_v and_o preserve_v in_o it_o but_o god_n give_v not_o infinite_a strength_n and_o omnipotency_n unto_o any_o creature_n for_o so_o of_o a_o creature_n he_o shall_v make_v he_o god_n and_o
give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o which_o by_o the_o prophet_n esaias_n he_o flat_o deni_v to_o do_v say_v 48.11_o esay_n 48.11_o i_o will_v not_o give_v my_o glory_n to_o another_o that_o be_v god_n will_v not_o cause_n that_o any_o creature_n shall_v have_v infinite_a strength_n or_o infinite_a wisdom_n for_o of_o one_o self_n to_o perform_v and_o bring_v forth_o those_o work_n which_o may_v merit_v election_n and_o eternal_a life_n be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o creature_n for_o life_n eternal_a be_v a_o far_o more_o excellent_a good_a and_o great_a work_n than_o man_n strength_n be_v able_a to_o compass_v that_o life_n be_v heavenly_a and_o infinite_a and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v get_v or_o procure_v but_o by_o a_o heavenly_a and_o infinite_a power_n for_o as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n nor_o proportion_n between_o a_o infinite_a good_a thing_n and_o a_o finite_a work_n and_o merit_n therefore_o when_o as_o the_o papist_n brag_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v themselves_o worthy_a of_o their_o elelection_n by_o their_o own_o proper_a work_n and_o merit_n they_o do_v more_o foolish_o and_o fottish_o then_o if_o they_o shall_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o build_v and_o set_v up_o a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n with_o mallet_n and_o other_o tool_n for_o albeit_o that_o this_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v yet_o that_o other_o be_v far_o more_o hard_a and_o much_o more_o impossible_a for_o god_n the_o only_a almighty_a one_o be_v able_a to_o create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n by_o his_o word_n only_o without_o any_o difficulty_n but_o he_o can_v not_o redeem_v mankind_n from_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o his_o son_n so_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o choose_a in_o christ_n namely_o in_o that_o he_o have_v redeem_v they_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o restore_v god_n image_n in_o they_o wherefore_o see_v that_o salvation_n can_v not_o be_v recover_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o by_o the_o most_o bitter_a death_n and_o passion_n of_o christ_n hence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o there-obtayning_a of_o salvation_n do_v far_o exceed_v the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o wherefore_o it_o be_v most_o false_a and_o wicked_a which_o the_o papist_n dream_v of_o that_o man_n be_v elect_v unto_o salvation_n for_o such_o or_o such_o good_a work_n foresee_v because_o those_o work_n can_v pacify_v the_o exceed_a great_a wrath_n of_o god_n nor_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n for_o as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o they_o be_v altogether_o repugnant_a and_o contrary_a unto_o god_n therefore_o they_o do_v not_o pacify_v he_o but_o offend_v he_o and_o provoke_v he_o the_o more_o to_o anger_n sure_o the_o whole_a mass_n of_o the_o world_n may_v far_o more_o easy_o be_v stay_v up_o with_o a_o staff_n of_o reed_n than_o salvation_n can_v be_v get_v or_o obtain_v by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n but_o that_o fiction_n concern_v work_v foresee_v shall_v have_v the_o more_o likelihood_n of_o truth_n if_o they_o do_v bring_v forth_o such_o work_n to_o deserve_v salvation_n as_o be_v true_o good_a but_o they_o can_v bring_v forth_o no_o such_o for_o as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o man_n be_v whole_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a therefore_o there_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o nothing_o but_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a deed_n last_o by_o their_o work_n foresee_v they_o do_v manifest_o tempt_v god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o save_v his_o elect_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n by_o his_o mere_a grace_n be_v apprehend_v by_o faith_n unless_o they_o shall_v put_v to_o their_o own_o good_a work_n as_o helper_n and_o furtherer_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o sure_o by_o offer_v their_o work_n they_o show_v that_o they_o be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v able_a and_o sufficient_a to_o save_v they_o and_o so_o deny_v god_n to_o be_v god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v god_n unless_o he_o be_v absolute_o good_a and_o infinite_o merciful_a otherwise_o he_o shall_v be_v imperfect_a and_o conditional_o good_a such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v make_v he_o to_o be_v with_o their_o good_a work_n and_o merit_v foresee_v and_o a_o great_a dishonour_n can_v redound_v unto_o god_n then_o for_o a_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o free_a mercy_n and_o god_n can_v be_v injure_v more_o then_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v prefer_v his_o own_o work_n foresee_v before_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o if_o by_o they_o god_n can_v be_v move_v or_o turn_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n like_o man_n certain_o whosoever_o he_o have_v not_o choose_v for_o his_o own_o mercy_n sake_n he_o will_v he_o not_o choose_v hereafter_o for_o any_o foresee_a good_a work_n of_o his_o own_o for_o it_o be_v all_o alike_o to_o choose_v a_o man_n to_o salvation_n for_o his_o own_o work_n as_o if_o god_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v choose_v a_o man_n for_o his_o work_n there_o will_v be_v find_v manifest_a change_n in_o god_n and_o so_o god_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n but_o they_o which_o think_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o election_n and_o yet_o do_v true_o and_o constant_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v from_o everlasting_a elect_v unto_o salvation_n by_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n they_o give_v unto_o god_n his_o deserve_a honour_n for_o a_o great_a honour_n can_v be_v give_v unto_o god_n then_o that_o he_o be_v much_o more_o good_a and_o merciful_a unto_o we_o in_o christ_n then_o if_o we_o have_v never_o sin_v at_o all_o for_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o by_o a_o true_a faith_n he_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v as_o true_o and_o certain_o attain_v life_n everlasting_a for_o his_o passion_n sake_n as_o god_n in_o his_o nature_n be_v everlasting_a and_o unchangeable_a in_o his_o will._n but_o the_o papist_n which_o make_n their_o own_o work_n and_o merit_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o election_n do_v labour_n to_o abolish_v his_o mercy_n and_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o integrity_n and_o righteousness_n as_o if_o god_n have_v choose_v man_n not_o because_o he_o himself_o be_v god_n and_o merciful_a but_o because_o man_n be_v think_v acceptable_a and_o approve_a of_o god_n for_o such_o or_o such_o good_a work_n foresee_v when_o as_o the_o gospel_n teach_v the_o clean_a contrary_n 18._o luke_n 18._o that_o before_o god_n judgement_n seat_n no_o work_n nor_o merit_n of_o man_n may_v be_v suffer_v to_o approach_v but_o that_o a_o lowly_a and_o humble_a prayer_n pour_v out_o in_o the_o blood_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v hear_v and_o accept_v therefore_o the_o least_o imagination_n or_o establishment_n of_o man_n merit_n be_v the_o manifest_a abolish_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o most_o certain_a hazard_n and_o loss_n of_o eternal_a life_n by_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v it_o appear_v evident_o enough_o that_o this_o fiction_n of_o work_n foresee_v be_v as_o a_o ill_a favour_a head_n which_o have_v many_o unseemly_a member_n under_o it_o for_o where_o one_o absurdity_n be_v grant_v a_o great_a many_o must_v needs_o follow_v after_o 2.17_o 2._o tim._n 2.17_o for_o error_n be_v as_o a_o fret_a canker_n for_o where_o the_o least_o chincke_n be_v open_v to_o error_n there_o the_o very_o great_a monster_n of_o error_n throng_v in_o by_o troop_n &_o other_o most_o ungodly_a sin_n be_v heap_v together_o upon_o they_o so_o out_o of_o this_o false_a opinion_n as_o out_o of_o pandora_n box_n there_o do_v fly_v horrible_a reproach_n and_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n for_o they_o which_o do_v misunderstand_v and_o false_o expound_v one_o place_n of_o scripture_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o they_o misinterpret_v and_o misunderstand_v many_o place_n because_o that_o all_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v so_o artificial_o link_v together_o that_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v hurt_v but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v wrong_v neither_o can_v one_o be_v take_v out_o from_o among_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o whole_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v be_v break_v and_o fall_v to_o nothing_o certain_o the_o papist_n be_v the_o subtle_a teacher_n and_o patroness_n of_o good_a work_n fore_o see_v do_v open_o declare_v that_o they_o neither_o know_v the_o strength_n of_o sin_n nor_o the_o untowardness_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n nor_o the_o justice_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o so_o they_o be_v most_o ignorant_a of_o that_o which_o it_o
lifteth_z up_o such_o as_o be_v down_o but_o he_o which_o think_v there_o be_v any_o goodness_n in_o himself_o strive_v against_o humbleness_n of_o mind_n and_o be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o secret_a adversary_n against_o god_n and_o proud_o set_v against_o his_o own_o salvation_n but_o predestination_n bring_v down_o a_o man_n that_o it_o may_v lift_v he_o up_o again_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o the_o least_o goodness_n in_o man_n be_v repugnant_a against_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n therefore_o this_o must_v first_o be_v take_v away_o and_o drive_v out_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v take_v place_n furthermore_o the_o decree_n of_o election_n be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v for_o this_o cause_n also_o because_o that_o it_o edifi_v and_o build_v up_o our_o faith_n strong_o and_o sure_o and_o make_v we_o most_o certain_a that_o salvation_n can_v fail_v us._n for_o there_o be_v no_o better_o nor_o fit_a mean_n for_o the_o build_n up_o of_o our_o faith_n then_o free_a election_n which_o do_v consist_v in_o the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a decree_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n so_o that_o salvation_n which_o depend_v thereupon_o can_v be_v intercept_v or_o take_v from_o we_o by_o any_o creature_n for_o therefore_o salvation_n be_v certain_a &_o unmooveable_a because_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o be_v reserve_v and_o keep_v untouched_a against_o all_o the_o assault_n and_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n here_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v that_o salvation_n proceed_v from_o two_o distinct_a cause_n first_o it_o flow_v from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n as_o from_o a_o heavenly_a fountain_n and_o then_o it_o be_v purchase_v by_o the_o blood_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n christ_n join_v both_o these_o cause_n together_o say_v god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n 3.16_o joh._n 3.16_o that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o all_o which_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n upon_o this_o therefore_o be_v our_o whole_a salvation_n and_o the_o unfallible_a hope_n and_o safety_n thereof_o settle_v and_o ground_v in_o that_o god_n the_o most_o mighty_a have_v give_v we_o unto_o his_o son_n as_o his_o own_o proper_a good_n and_o do_v justify_v we_o in_o he_o and_o do_v not_o suffer_v we_o be_v justify_v 10.29_o joh._n 10.29_o to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n hence_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o the_o faithful_a steadfast_a and_o sure_a therefore_o this_o doctrine_n of_o election_n see_v it_o be_v the_o only_a gate_n unto_o righteousness_n the_o only_a way_n unto_o god_n and_o the_o only_a entrance_n into_o heaven_n it_o be_v not_o as_o some_o false_o think_v the_o occasion_n of_o desperation_n the_o breake-necke_n of_o salvation_n and_o as_o it_o please_v some_o the_o deep_a pit_n of_o perdition_n neither_o be_v it_o a_o subtle_a and_o dangerous_a speculation_n as_o other_o report_v which_o tyre_v man_n mind_n without_o any_o fruit_n and_o beguile_v and_o deceyve_v they_o with_o vain_a word_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sound_n and_o profitable_a doctrine_n which_o tend_v unto_o godliness_n and_o to_o a_o serious_a fear_n of_o god_n and_o chief_o it_o be_v profitable_a to_o repress_v and_o keep_v under_o the_o pride_n and_o arrogancy_n of_o man_n for_o what_o thing_n can_v more_o ravish_v we_o with_o the_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o god_n exceed_v great_a goodness_n towards_o we_o than_o god_n free_a and_o more_o than_o fatherly_a election_n in_o that_o of_o his_o abundant_a grace_n and_o mercy_n he_o have_v appoint_v certain_a salvation_n for_o we_o before_o we_o be_v and_o stay_v not_o so_o long_o till_o we_o come_v unto_o he_o and_o desire_a salvation_n of_o he_o be_v it_o not_o a_o mercy_n above_o all_o mercy_n in_o that_o he_o ordain_v salvation_n for_o we_o which_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o embrace_v his_o gospel_n before_o he_o have_v create_v we_o be_v not_o this_o also_o a_o singular_a and_o inestimable_a mercy_n above_o all_o mercy_n in_o that_o he_o have_v elect_v we_o in_o christ_n and_o adopt_v we_o for_o son_n which_o be_v in_o ourselves_o altogether_o wretched_a and_o unworthy_a and_o deserve_v rather_o to_o be_v condemn_v then_o to_o be_v save_v be_v it_o not_o a_o honour_n above_o all_o honour_n in_o that_o of_o the_o child_n of_o wrath_n he_o make_v we_o the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o brethren_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o this_o nobleness_n above_o all_o nobility_n and_o dignity_n above_o all_o dignity_n to_o have_v god_n for_o our_o father_n to_o have_v christ_n for_o our_o brother_n and_o to_o hear_v his_o church_n as_o our_o mother_n and_o to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o lively_a member_n thereof_o this_o doctrine_n of_o election_n be_v not_o only_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o issue_n and_o chief_a point_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o augustine_n of_o the_o predestination_n of_o saint_n 15._o cap._n 15._o do_v express_o teach_v that_o christ_n himself_o be_v predestinate_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v our_o head_n and_o redeemer_n and_o we_o be_v predestinate_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v his_o member_n so_o that_o see_v christ_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o singular_a light_n of_o predestination_n and_o the_o same_o be_v the_o head_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n therefore_o the_o whole_a gospel_n do_v flow_v and_o depend_v from_o nothing_o else_o but_o from_o predestination_n together_o with_o christ_n for_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n and_o there_o it_o be_v call_v gospel_n that_o be_v joyful_a tiding_n because_o it_o witness_v unto_o man_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o pardon_v through_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n without_o any_o respect_n have_v unto_o their_o work_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v free_o justify_v and_o absolve_v and_o deliver_v from_o their_o sin_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o this_o justification_n proceed_v from_o predestination_n as_o from_o the_o first_o fountain_n of_o salvation_n as_o paul_n in_o this_o his_o chain_n do_v express_o teach_v say_v that_o those_o only_o be_v justify_v which_o be_v predestine_v before_o of_o god_n therefore_o free_a justification_n can_v be_v hold_v and_o maintain_v except_o free_a predestination_n be_v first_o grant_v and_o defend_v wherefore_o see_v that_o predestination_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o original_n of_o justification_n it_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a to_o be_v conceal_v or_o suppress_v but_o ought_v public_o and_o open_o to_o be_v publish_v and_o preach_v free_o without_o restraint_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o this_o exceed_v and_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o man_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o know_v unto_o they_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o distrust_v themselves_o and_o to_o put_v their_o confidence_n in_o god_n that_o they_o may_v seek_v for_o salvation_n and_o find_v it_o not_o in_o themselves_o nor_o by_o their_o own_o merit_n but_o in_o god_n and_o from_o his_o goodness_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o also_o the_o prophet_n have_v teach_v and_o stand_v upon_o this_o doctrine_n public_o in_o the_o whole_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n the_o scripture_n of_o both_o the_o testament_n be_v full_a of_o this_o matter_n especial_o the_o gospel_n of_o saint_n john_n be_v as_o a_o clear_a glass_n wherein_o predestination_n be_v represent_v and_o publish_v abroad_o for_o there_o be_v no_o chapter_n in_o that_o book_n where_o there_o be_v not_o mention_v of_o predestination_n either_o in_o express_a word_n or_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o although_o there_o have_v be_v always_o some_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o persuade_v by_o the_o allurement_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n have_v think_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n shall_v not_o be_v open_o teach_v and_o publish_v abroad_o because_o they_o fear_v that_o it_o will_v be_v the_o occasion_n and_o mistress_n of_o desperation_n or_o of_o a_o dissolute_a life_n yet_o they_o be_v in_o no_o sort_n to_o be_v believe_v nor_o follow_v for_o the_o cause_n which_o they_o allege_v although_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n they_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v some_o colour_n or_o weight_n yet_o indeed_o they_o do_v but_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o be_v of_o no_o importance_n for_o the_o danger_n which_o they_o fear_v be_v vain_a and_o almost_o none_o at_o all_o for_o predestination_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n &_o the_o absolute_a matter_n of_o our_o great_a hope_n and_o sweet_a consolation_n 1.20_o 1._o pet._n 1.20_o in_o that_o god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n from_o eternity_n have_v ordain_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n
be_v create_v of_o he_o unto_o destruction_n by_o this_o most_o fit_a example_n we_o be_v teach_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o god_n only_o to_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o man_n and_o by_o his_o wisdom_n to_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v with_o every_o one_o so_o that_o god_n do_v love_n and_o choose_v most_o free_o whomesoever_o he_o love_v and_o choose_v as_o also_o he_o do_v refuse_v and_o condemn_v most_o free_o whomesoever_o he_o refuse_v and_o condemn_v for_o this_o be_v the_o force_n and_o liberty_n of_o predestination_n namely_o that_o god_n have_v freewill_n to_o save_v and_o choose_v that_o man_n who_o of_o his_o mere_a grace_n he_o choose_v and_o save_v so_o also_o that_o he_o have_v free_a liberty_n to_o reject_v and_o condemn_v whomesoever_o in_o his_o just_a judgement_n he_o will_v have_v refuse_v and_o condemn_v so_o that_o this_o be_v the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a will_n of_o god_n of_o his_o undeserved_a favour_n to_o choose_v and_o save_v some_o and_o in_o his_o just_a judgement_n to_o cast_v other_o off_o from_o all_o mercy_n and_o to_o condemn_v they_o this_o will_n of_o god_n in_o both_o these_o decree_n be_v most_o absolute_a and_o simple_a which_o have_v no_o other_o cause_n so_o that_o he_o save_v some_o because_o it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n and_o will_n and_o he_o condemn_v other_o because_o it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n likewise_o therefore_o it_o be_v at_o god_n free_a choice_n to_o show_v or_o deny_v mercy_n to_o whomesoever_o he_o will_n it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v 9.18_o rom._n 9.18_o and_o who_o he_o will_v to_o harden_v and_o he_o take_v mercy_n of_o his_o own_o great_a goodness_n only_o and_o harden_v with_o no_o injustice_n that_o he_o that_o be_v save_v shall_v not_o boast_v of_o his_o own_o merit_n and_o he_o that_o be_v condemn_v shall_v complain_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o his_o own_o desert_n 99_o in_o euchiriad_n laurentium_fw-la ca._n 99_o as_o augustine_n say_v so_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n above_o god_n will_n but_o that_o be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n that_o unto_o we_o it_o may_v be_v in_o steed_n of_o all_o cause_n so_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a determiner_n of_o our_o election_n and_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n therefore_o the_o only_a absolute_a will_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o suffice_v every_o one_o as_o the_o most_o weighty_a cause_n and_o the_o chief_a reason_n of_o every_o thing_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o execrable_a wickedness_n to_o ask_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n see_v that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o only_a sufficient_a of_o all_o other_o cause_n which_o have_v no_o other_o cause_n above_o it_o 1.9_o lib._n de_fw-fr pradestina_fw-la sanc_fw-la 1.9_o wherefore_o saint_n augustine_n say_v most_o true_o and_o most_o right_o call_v not_o into_o question_n why_o god_n choose_v this_o man_n or_o reprobate_v that_o man_n except_o thou_o will_v fall_v into_o error_n for_o this_o will_n of_o god_n be_v sure_a and_o constant_a because_o he_o have_v create_v mankind_n 9.22_o rom._n 9.22_o partly_o to_o show_v his_o free_a mercy_n and_o partly_o to_o declare_v his_o justice_n for_o he_o be_v unmerciful_a if_o he_o shall_v condemn_v all_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o may_v seem_v unmindful_a of_o his_o justice_n if_o he_o shall_v save_v all_o therefore_o god_n create_v man_n such_o that_o they_o may_v fall_v that_o by_o their_o fall_n he_o may_v show_v what_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v able_a to_o do_v of_o which_o read_v augustine_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr correp_n &_o great_a and_o this_o ought_v not_o to_o trouble_v the_o godly_a because_o that_o all_o be_v not_o appoint_v to_o salvation_n and_o but_o a_o few_o only_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o they_o know_v and_o believe_v have_v learn_v it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o all_o have_v fall_v into_o most_o just_a condemnation_n and_o why_o all_o man_n be_v not_o deliver_v from_o thence_o be_v not_o in_o man_n power_n to_o determine_v and_o judge_v but_o must_v be_v leave_v whole_o to_o the_o judgement_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n further_n it_o do_v hence_o appear_v that_o all_o be_v not_o elect_v because_o that_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v in_o many_o place_n that_o some_o only_o be_v elect_v and_o the_o rest_n reject_v again_o the_o scripture_n say_v manifest_o that_o he_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v â—8_o rom._n 9_o â—8_o and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v again_o if_o all_o be_v elect_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v preach_v every_o where_n throughout_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o faith_n shall_v be_v give_v at_o randam_fw-la to_o all_o and_o every_o one_o 1.1_o cap._n 1.1_o for_o paul_n to_o titus_n teach_v that_o faith_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o elect_a but_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o preach_v through_o all_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n 3.2_o 2._o thes_n 3.2_o and_o faith_n be_v not_o give_v to_o all_o man_n therefore_o all_o man_n be_v not_o appoint_v unto_o salvation_n and_o that_o faith_n be_v not_o give_v unto_o all_o man_n it_o be_v evident_a 25.46_o mat._n 25.46_o because_o many_o shall_v be_v condemn_v and_o go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a pain_n again_o it_o may_v hence_o appear_v that_o all_o be_v not_o elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v because_o that_o election_n or_o choose_n be_v of_o some_o and_o not_o of_o all_o for_o if_o all_o be_v receive_v there_o be_v no_o election_n so_o that_o there_o be_v some_o elect_a and_o some_o reprobate_n but_o they_o which_o have_v a_o true_a and_o a_o lively_a faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n our_o only_a saviour_n and_o do_v put_v their_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n of_o salvation_n in_o he_o alone_o they_o be_v the_o very_a elect_a for_o to_o this_o end_n be_v they_o elect_v of_o god_n that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o shall_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o in_o he_o obtain_v salvation_n and_o let_v such_o embrace_v with_o thankful_a heart_n the_o incomparable_a goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o and_o free_o with_o their_o mouth_n make_v the_o same_o know_v unto_o other_o praise_v god_n and_o although_o god_n have_v not_o ordain_v every_o one_o unto_o salvation_n but_o have_v appoint_v some_o unto_o eternal_a destruction_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o accept_n of_o person_n with_o he_o as_o if_o god_n do_v elect_v and_o save_v this_o or_o that_o man_n for_o any_o outward_a good_a thing_n such_o as_o be_v riches_n honour_n nobleness_n of_o birth_n country_n comely_a proportion_n beauty_n excellent_a knowledge_n and_o learning_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o the_o like_a sort_n these_o thing_n albeit_o among_o man_n they_o be_v in_o great_a estimation_n yet_o with_o god_n they_o be_v of_o no_o account_n for_o god_n respect_v and_o esteem_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o innocency_n of_o life_n although_o that_o as_o concern_v the_o decree_n of_o election_n he_o respect_v not_o these_o neither_o but_o these_o outward_a good_a thing_n howsoever_o they_o be_v most_o precious_a and_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o the_o good_a gift_n of_o god_n and_o his_o name_n ought_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o they_o yet_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o election_n he_o set_v nothing_o by_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o of_o such_o worth_n as_o that_o any_o for_o they_o shall_v be_v elect_v unto_o eternal_a life_n if_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o election_n it_o will_v manifest_o follow_v that_o everlasting_a salvation_n may_v be_v attain_a by_o the_o good_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o study_n and_o merit_n of_o man_n wherefore_o they_o which_o here_o make_v a_o question_n of_o the_o accept_n of_o person_n do_v neither_o know_v themselves_o nor_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n right_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o do_v grievous_o offend_v herein_o because_o that_o in_o this_o matter_n they_o stick_v not_o to_o liken_v and_o compare_v god_n with_o lie_v and_o deceivable_a man_n who_o often_o time_n be_v blind_v with_o the_o outward_a hue_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o right_a way_n so_o that_o they_o give_v their_o verdict_n and_o sentence_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o unjust_a cause_n moreover_o they_o fall_v into_o a_o fallacy_n full_a of_o ignorance_n or_o else_o of_o wickedness_n for_o they_o foist_v in_o feign_a and_o imaginary_a cause_n in_o stead_n of_o true_a and_o necessary_a cause_n as_o if_o they_o shall_v set_v mouse-doong_a to_o sale_n in_o stead_n of_o pepper_n for_o if_o those_o outward_a good_a thing_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o these_o or_o these_o shall_v be_v choose_v then_o sure_o oftentimes_o the_o worst_a shall_v be_v elect_v and_o the_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
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
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
the_o word_n he_o show_v we_o what_o thing_n he_o will_v have_v do_v or_o not_o do_v by_o we_o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n there_o be_v strength_n minister_v unto_o we_o to_o perform_v they_o this_o regeneration_n be_v especial_o wrought_v &_o continue_v in_o the_o mind_n will_n and_o heart_n of_o man_n so_o that_o god_n show_v forth_o and_o declare_v his_o goodness_n towards_o his_o child_n here_o three_o manner_n of_o way_n first_o he_o do_v enlighten_v and_o dispel_v the_o blindness_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o sunshine_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o whatsoever_o man_n savour_v of_o his_o own_o self_n 7._o rom._n 8.6_o 7._o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n &_o bring_v death_n with_o it_o this_o blindness_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o simple_o the_o ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o himself_o but_o it_o be_v a_o stubborn_a rebellion_n and_o proud_a presumption_n against_o god_n so_o that_o by_o how_o much_o a_o man_n excel_v and_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o great_a quickness_n of_o nature_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v he_o resist_v and_o strive_v against_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o own_o salvation_n because_o such_o a_o one_o fear_v not_o to_o charge_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n with_o extreme_a folly_n for_o all_o man_n as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v not_o renew_v with_o this_o new_a and_o heavenly_a light_n do_v think_v the_o holy_a mystery_n of_o god_n to_o be_v foolishness_n so_o paul_n whilst_o he_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o grecian_n say_v 1.23_o 1._o cor._n 1.23_o that_o to_o they_o he_o preach_v foolishness_n so_o that_o the_o enlighten_v of_o this_o rebellious_a and_o hurtful_a blindness_n be_v a_o great_a and_o inestimable_a benefit_n of_o god_n after_o this_o enlighten_v follow_v a_o right_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o god_n of_o his_o will_n and_o of_o his_o work_n because_o that_o then_o man_n begin_v to_o know_v god_n right_o and_o to_o judge_v of_o he_o according_o when_o they_o be_v enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n second_o it_o change_v and_o reform_v the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o be_v extreme_o contrary_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o of_o evil_n it_o make_v it_o good_a and_o of_o unwilling_a and_o stubborn_a it_o make_v it_o ready_a and_o obedient_a 2.13_o phil._n 2.13_o so_o the_o will_n of_o man_n do_v then_o begin_v to_o be_v good_a when_o it_o be_v reform_v and_o renew_v by_o god_n here_o also_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o god_n show_v itself_o while_o that_o it_o make_v man_n of_o a_o adversary_n and_o foe_n to_o become_v a_o friend_n and_o heir_n of_o heavenly_a glory_n which_o otherwise_o in_o himself_o be_v so_o corrupt_a and_o deprave_a that_o he_o have_v mind_n to_o nothing_o but_o evil_a and_o hate_v god_n extreme_o this_o will_n of_o man_n howsoever_o by_o nature_n it_o be_v so_o wicked_a and_o perverse_a as_o to_o resist_v and_o withstand_v god_n and_o his_o will_n yet_o no_o will_n can_v be_v so_o wicked_a and_o stubborn_a but_o god_n if_o he_o will_v can_v mollify_v it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a as_o augustine_n say_v well_o now_o god_n will_v do_v this_o in_o the_o elect_n 27._o ezech._n 36.26_o 27._o because_o that_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n he_o have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o three_o it_o convert_v and_o renew_v the_o stubborn_a unapt_a and_o disobedient_a heart_n and_o so_o do_v weaken_v and_o debilitate_v the_o strength_n of_o sin_n in_o his_o child_n and_o do_v create_v in_o they_o a_o earnest_a study_n and_o desire_v to_o live_v godly_a and_o make_v they_o altogether_o forward_o unto_o all_o piety_n last_o it_o stir_v up_o in_o they_o good_a work_n and_o endu_v they_o with_o sincere_a and_o holy_a behaviour_n 2.13_o phil._n 2.13_o so_o god_n work_v in_o they_o both_o to_o will_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a so_o that_o all_o power_n to_o live_v godly_a proceed_v and_o come_v not_o from_o their_o own_o power_n but_o from_o god_n only_o which_o work_v in_o they_o effectual_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o this_o spiritual_a renew_n be_v call_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o a_o excellency_n the_o creation_n and_o work_n of_o god_n because_o that_o it_o be_v his_o work_n to_o illuminate_v the_o blind_a understanding_n of_o man_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o to_o change_v their_o crooked_a will_n and_o hard_a heart_n and_o to_o frame_v they_o unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o own_o will_n for_o these_o be_v so_o hard_a and_o difficult_a work_n that_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o effect_v by_o none_o other_o but_o by_o god_n only_o therefore_o the_o lord_n by_o ezechiel_n promise_v that_o he_o will_v cause_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o his_o commandment_n show_v that_o regeneration_n and_o power_n to_o do_v well_o be_v a_o work_n far_o surmount_v all_o creature_n the_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v divers_a first_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o which_o only_o the_o elect_n be_v change_v into_o new_a creature_n may_v be_v maintain_v against_o that_o devilish_a invention_n of_o free_a will_n which_o the_o papist_n dream_v of_o but_o here_o the_o papist_n offend_v grievous_o for_o look_v how_o much_o they_o attribute_v unto_o the_o power_n of_o man_n so_o much_o do_v they_o detract_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o man_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n two_o contrary_n which_o can_v be_v maintain_v of_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o subject_n at_o one_o time_n therefore_o saint_n austin_n in_o one_o place_n say_v very_o well_o that_o that_o be_v not_o free_a which_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n have_v not_o make_v free_a for_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o do_v not_o leave_v a_o man_n so_o much_o as_o a_o good_a thought_n which_o be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o a_o good_a work_n 3.5_o 2._o cor._n 3.5_o for_o such_o be_v the_o blindness_n and_o frailty_n of_o man_n wit_n that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o unable_a to_o conceyve_v and_o bring_v forth_o of_o itself_o any_o thing_n right_o or_o true_o but_o also_o that_o it_o frame_v and_o invent_v to_o itself_o many_o and_z most_o dangerous_a error_n even_o from_o most_o true_a principle_n a_o evident_a example_n of_o this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o freewill_n of_o the_o papist_n but_o that_o most_o fond_a dream_n of_o they_o vanish_v like_o a_o vapour_n by_o this_o doctrine_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n only_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v the_o only_a beginning_n and_o true_a cause_n of_o every_o good_a work_n again_o see_v god_n do_v regenerate_v man_n and_o make_v he_o fit_a for_o good_a work_n that_o other_o fiction_n which_o the_o papist_n have_v dream_v concern_v work_n foresee_v be_v overthrow_v and_o beat_v to_o piece_n for_o see_v no_o man_n can_v do_v good_a except_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o be_v change_v into_o a_o new_a creature_n it_o thence_o follow_v that_o god_n can_v foresee_v no_o other_o work_n in_o man_n but_o such_o as_o he_o himself_o shall_v work_v in_o he_o whence_o a_o man_n may_v easy_o gather_v which_o consider_v the_o matter_n any_o thing_n at_o all_o that_o this_o opinion_n concern_v work_v foresee_v be_v a_o mere_a and_o forge_a fable_n moreover_o the_o papist_n and_o the_o more_o gross_a sort_n of_o ubiquitary_n do_v in_o this_o place_n after_o their_o manner_n err_v and_o invent_v a_o new_a fiction_n whenas_o they_o think_v that_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a and_o hide_a power_n in_o tne_n water_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v able_a to_o convert_v and_o renew_v a_o man_n and_o from_o thence_o they_o labour_v to_o infer_v that_o they_o which_o be_v baptize_v be_v regenerate_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o baptism_n this_o unsavoury_a invention_n be_v the_o fosterer_n of_o noisome_a error_n but_o the_o falsehood_n thereof_o be_v find_v first_o in_o this_o that_o it_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o all_o be_v not_o regenerate_v which_o be_v baptize_v as_o we_o may_v see_v not_o only_o in_o simon_n magus_n but_o also_o in_o many_o other_o either_o open_o wicked_a or_o hypocrite_n under_o hand_n and_o secret_o which_o although_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o receyve_v baptism_n as_o a_o true_a mark_n of_o their_o regeneration_n yet_o their_o life_n sufficient_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v not_o regenerate_v for_o although_o that_o the_o sacrament_n be_v mean_n or_o instrument_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v effectual_a in_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o in_o his_o power_n and_o efficacy_n he_o have_v not_o tie_v himself_o unto_o they_o neither_o do_v he_o so_o work_v by_o they_o that_o that_o work_a shall_v always_o show_v itself_o
and_o exercise_v the_o strength_n thereof_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o administer_a they_o again_o they_o do_v offend_v and_o sin_v exceed_o and_o out_o of_o measure_n against_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o only_a efficient_a cause_n and_o principal_a worker_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n thereof_o therefore_o they_o attribute_v that_o unto_o the_o outward_a water_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v due_a only_a unto_o the_o holy_a spirit_n &_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n &_o so_o fall_v into_o a_o fallacy_n from_o that_o which_o be_v no_o cause_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o cause_n for_o they_o do_v cast_v that_o unto_o the_o false_a and_o feign_a cause_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v attribute_v unto_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n and_o so_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v do_v overthrow_n and_o undermine_v the_o principal_a head_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o whereas_o they_o infer_v that_o the_o pure_a and_o preciser_n sort_n of_o divine_n do_v deny_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o wash_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n 3.5_o tit._n 3.5_o as_o paul_n to_o titus_n speak_v this_o be_v a_o unsavoury_a and_o a_o vile_a cavil_n for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o admit_v and_o like_v of_o those_o word_n of_o paul_n in_o their_o true_a and_o natural_a meaning_n but_o do_v receive_v they_o as_o a_o most_o sound_a confirmation_n and_o strengthen_n of_o our_o cause_n for_o paul_n there_o plain_o pronounce_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v effect_n and_o work_v regeneration_n in_o us._n but_o our_o adversary_n do_v misunderstand_v those_o word_n of_o paul_n and_o do_v abuse_v they_o while_o they_o wrest_v they_o into_o a_o other_o sense_n as_o seducer_n use_v to_o do_v and_o apply_v they_o amiss_o and_o so_o do_v fall_v into_o a_o fallacy_n of_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o a_o word_n while_o they_o interpret_v that_o ill_a which_o they_o apply_v worst_a of_o all_o among_o true_a and_o sound_a divine_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n firm_o resolve_v and_o agree_v upon_o that_o the_o sacrament_n do_v not_o bring_v grace_n but_o do_v for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o faith_n seal_v up_o that_o which_o be_v bestow_v before_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o abraham_n 4.10_o rom._n 4.10_o as_o in_o the_o common_a example_n and_o father_n of_o all_o they_o which_o believe_v last_o they_o err_v not_o a_o little_a by_o this_o their_o most_o vain_a fiction_n while_o that_o they_o place_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o ground_n thereof_o in_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n for_o so_o they_o forge_v and_o frame_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n from_o the_o instrument_n that_o be_v use_v as_o mean_n and_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o apply_v they_o but_o with_o deep_a silence_n they_o do_v pass_v by_o and_o with_o wonderful_a craft_n neglect_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o salvation_n namely_o everlasting_a and_o free_a election_n and_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o deceive_v and_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o ignorant_a for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a nor_o more_o plentiful_a occasion_n to_o beguile_v and_o deceive_v then_o where_o false_a and_o imaginary_a cause_n be_v suppose_v for_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n moreover_o this_o regeneration_n here_o be_v always_o defective_a and_o imperfect_a and_o a_o small_a beginning_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o a_o certain_a onset_n unto_o it_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o also_o by_o daily_a experience_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v change_v into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 3.18_o 2._o cor._n 3.18_o 1.17_o rom._n 1.17_o and_o to_o go_v forward_o daily_a more_o and_o more_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n also_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o walk_v in_o his_o commandment_n 2.14_o eze._n 36.27_o tit._n 2.14_o and_o to_o keep_v his_o statute_n and_o to_o be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n these_o and_o the_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o elect_v be_v not_o the_o first_o day_n polish_v unto_o the_o high_a perfection_n but_o that_o by_o little_a and_o little_a as_o it_o be_v by_o degree_n they_o be_v bring_v from_o one_o virtue_n unto_o a_o other_o until_o after_o this_o life_n they_o shall_v come_v unto_o the_o high_a perfection_n for_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_a which_o must_v be_v change_v from_o one_o glory_n to_o another_o and_o go_v forward_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n second_o they_o which_o walk_v in_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o way_n and_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o race_n therefore_o they_o be_v unperfect_a for_o wayfaring_a man_n be_v often_o weery_v and_o now_o and_o then_o stumble_v and_o fall_v by_o reason_n of_o these_o or_o these_o let_n and_o hindrance_n so_o also_o the_o regenerate_a man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v weery_v in_o the_o course_n and_o study_v of_o godliness_n do_v slip_v often_o and_o fall_v into_o these_o and_o these_o sin_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n say_v plain_o 1.8_o 1._o john_n 1.8_o that_o they_o which_o say_v they_o have_v no_o sin_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o they_o also_o the_o most_o holy_a prophet_n do_v plain_o and_o free_o confess_v of_o themselves_o that_o their_o best_a work_n be_v pollute_v and_o stain_v with_o many_o and_o great_a imperfection_n 64._o esay_n 64._o for_o in_o they_o always_o the_o dregs_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n remain_v and_o abide_v and_o very_o often_o the_o sparkle_n of_o their_o lewd_a affection_n do_v break_v forth_o and_o show_v themselves_o but_o these_o hinder_v they_o not_o because_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o a_o pardon_n these_o thing_n the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n do_v only_o obtain_v some_o beginning_n of_o a_o new_a life_n here_o so_o that_o regeneration_n here_o be_v maim_v and_o unperfect_a for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v so_o illuminate_v and_o renew_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o elect_a 13.9_o 1._o cor._n 13.9_o that_o here_o they_o do_v know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o do_v so_o change_v and_o refine_v their_o will_n that_o they_o can_v will_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o in_o part_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o this_o life_n so_o that_o whether_o a_o man_n respect_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o regenerate_a or_o whether_o a_o man_n consider_v their_o will_n he_o shall_v easy_o find_v that_o they_o be_v unperfect_a for_o they_o which_o be_v renew_v still_o day_n by_o day_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o whole_o renew_v but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v here_o be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o perfect_a nor_o whole_o renew_v beside_o these_o there_o be_v many_o other_o token_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plentiful_a as_o which_o be_v wrought_v successive_o by_o the_o child_n of_o god_n either_o in_o rejoice_v at_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n or_o sorrow_v at_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o sure_o these_o do_v bewray_v their_o imperfection_n so_o that_o infirmity_n always_o abide_v and_o dwell_v in_o they_o with_o which_o they_o must_v strive_v even_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n with_o a_o intercourse_n of_o go_v backward_o and_o go_v forward_o as_o augustine_n say_v in_o one_o place_n second_o daily_a experience_n itself_o do_v convince_v and_o prove_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o godly_a for_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o age_n have_v offend_v and_o sin_v very_o often_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v unperfect_a for_o they_o which_o by_o regeneration_n be_v quite_o perfect_v be_v set_v out_o of_o all_o danger_n of_o sin_v any_o more_o furthermore_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v endue_v his_o child_n in_o this_o life_n with_o exquisite_a perfection_n therefore_o they_o can_v be_v make_v perfect_a here_o for_o god_n do_v not_o perform_v more_o in_o this_o work_n of_o regeneration_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n than_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o reveal_v word_n of_o promise_n and_o they_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o power_n can_v make_v themselves_o better_o and_o more_o holy_a then_o god_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v also_o the_o most_o holy_a apostle_n themselves_o say_v 3.2_o james._n 3.2_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o sin_v all_o john_n also_o in_o his_o epistle_n pronounce_v most_o plain_o say_v 1.8_o 1._o john_n 1.8_o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v