own_o contempt_n themselves_o dâ—â—_n first_o reject_v god_n and_o by_o their_o wilful_a obstinacy_n refuse_v his_o grace_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v unto_o they_o how_o evident_o do_v these_o man_n oppugn_v the_o scripture_n of_o god_n for_o if_o election_n and_o rejection_n depend_v on_o the_o action_n of_o man_n after_o they_o be_v bear_v how_o can_v it_o be_v true_a which_o the_o apostle_n teach_v 4._o that_o we_o be_v elect_v before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o god_n 12_o elect_v jacob_n ad_fw-la hate_a esau_n before_o they_o be_v bear_v when_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a be_v not_o here_o a_o reject_v of_o esau_n before_o he_o by_o his_o own_o actual_a contempt_n reject_v god_n or_o despise_v his_o grace_n or_o do_v esau_n more_o than_o jacob_n reject_v god_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v or_o if_o we_o seem_v to_o any_o to_o straiten_v their_o opinion_n though_o their_o book_n and_o write_n do_v testify_v this_o to_o be_v their_o sense_n and_o meaning_n see_v our_o work_n commit_v actual_o in_o time_n can_v no_o way_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o decree_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o before_o all_o time_n let_v we_o proceed_v and_o see_v if_o the_o same_o work_n be_v from_o everlasting_a foresee_v &_o foreknow_v by_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v do_v may_v true_o be_v say_v as_o some_o 77._o of_o better_a note_n have_v teach_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n now_o if_o we_o will_v herein_o hearken_v to_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n we_o shall_v clear_o perceive_v that_o our_o faith_n sanctity_n and_o all_o our_o good_a work_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o election_n that_o they_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o very_a effect_n thereof_o for_o we_o be_v elect_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n ephes._n 1._o 4._o and_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o himself_o 1._o cor._n 7._o 25._o that_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n that_o he_o may_v be_v faithful_a whence_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o god_n do_v not_o first_o foresee_v we_o good_a and_o faithful_a and_o therefore_o elect_v we_o but_o first_o he_o elect_v we_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n decree_v to_o make_v we_o faithful_a good_a and_o holy_a in_o his_o sight_n and_o therefore_o saint_n austen_n have_v sometime_o teach_v 62._o that_o god_n do_v choose_v we_o because_o he_o foresee_v that_o we_o will_v believe_v afterward_o retract_v 19_o and_o recall_v this_o sentence_n as_o erroneous_a and_o deliver_v a_o true_a lesson_n that_o faith_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o predestination_n not_o the_o cause_n see_v the_o apostle_n faith_n not_o that_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n because_o he_o be_v faithful_a but_o he_o obtain_v mercy_n that_o he_o may_v be_v faithful_a for_o we_o be_v not_o call_v say_v he_o 19_o because_o we_o do_v believe_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v again_o when_o the_o apostle_n demand_v 1._o cor._n 4._o 7_o who_o separate_v thou_o which_o be_v a_o other_o and_o principal_a motive_n to_o saint_n austen_n to_o retract_v â—â—â—rem_fw-la his_o former_a error_n have_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o election_n be_v either_o our_o faith_n or_o good_a work_n foresee_v it_o will_v have_v be_v easy_o answer_v my_o own_o faith_n my_o own_o work_n my_o own_o good_a will_n to_o embrace_v god_n grace_n these_o be_v foresee_v by_o god_n separate_v i_o and_o move_v god_n to_o elect_v i_o rather_o than_o other_o but_o the_o apostle_n know_v all_o these_o to_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o effect_n of_o his_o free_a love_n and_o election_n refer_v whole_o our_o separate_n from_o the_o rest_n to_o the_o grace_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o he_o who_o say_v luk._n 12._o 32._o it_o be_v your_o father_n pleasure_n to_o give_v you_o the_o kingdom_n that_o so_o no_o man_n may_v boast_v of_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o glori_v may_v glory_v in_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o 9_o to_o the_o roman_n the_o apostle_n dispute_v this_o matter_n of_o set_a purpose_n and_o at_o large_a sheweth_z that_o though_o jacob_n and_o esau_n be_v in_o themselves_o alike_o before_o god_n not_o have_v do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n the_o one_o more_o than_o the_o other_o bear_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o of_o the_o same_o parent_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o equality_n god_n love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau._n and_o because_o this_o may_v seem_v uniustin_a the_o eye_n of_o man_n that_o of_o two_o be_v altogether_o equal_a and_o alike_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v love_v and_o the_o other_o hate_v of_o god_n the_o apostle_n propose_v to_o himself_o this_o great_a difficulty_n as_o s._n austen_n 98._o right_o call_v it_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n now_o if_o god_n have_v love_v and_o elect_a jacob_n for_o his_o good_a work_n or_o faith_n foresee_v or_o hate_v esau_n for_o his_o profaneness_n which_o from_o all_o eternity_n he_o do_v foreknow_v sure_o this_o question_n not_o only_a might_n easy_o be_v answer_v 9_o but_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n nor_o doubt_n at_o all_o therein_o for_o what_o unrighteousness_n can_v this_o sleme_v to_o any_o that_o god_n shall_v love_v jacob_n who_o he_o know_v will_v love_v and_o obey_v he_o or_o why_o shall_v he_o not_o hate_n esau_n of_o who_o he_o foreknow_v that_o he_o will_v be_v a_o wicked_a a_o profane_a person_n and_o one_o that_o will_v hate_v the_o lord_n but_o the_o apostle_n answer_v not_o in_o such_o wise_a but_o know_v right_o well_o that_o god_n without_o all_o respect_n to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a action_n foresee_v in_o the_o one_o more_o than_o in_o the_o other_o love_a jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n and_o know_v that_o the_o good_a action_n of_o the_o one_o be_v not_o cause_n but_o effect_n 14._o of_o that_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o in_o mercy_n give_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o the_o evil_a action_n of_o the_o other_o proceed_v from_o the_o want_n of_o god_n love_n and_o of_o his_o grace_n which_o he_o in_o justice_n deny_v or_o will_v not_o give_v unto_o the_o other_o he_o i_o say_v know_v all_o this_o give_v another_o and_o better_a answer_n that_o howsoever_o this_o may_v seem_v unjust_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n most_o righteous_a because_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n so_o to_o do_v for_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n say_v god_n on_o who_o i_o will_v and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v and_o that_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o any_o one_o which_o do_v or_o can_v move_v god_n to_o love_n and_o elect_v he_o rather_o than_o another_o the_o apostle_n add_v this_o conclusion_n as_o ensue_v necessary_o on_o that_o testimony_n of_o god_n so_o then_o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o in_o he_o that_o run_v but_o in_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n the_o true_a and_o certain_a cause_n then_o why_o god_n in_o particular_a elect_v these_o and_o reject_v the_o other_o be_v no_o way_n in_o themselves_o nor_o in_o their_o work_n either_o actual_o perform_v or_o foresee_v and_o foreknow_v by_o god_n but_o it_o be_v whole_o and_o sole_o in_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v even_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o will_n who_o as_o he_o elect_v we_o that_o be_v pull_v we_o out_o of_o that_o mass_n of_o perdition_n from_o the_o rest_n according_a to_o the_o good_a 5._o pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n so_o by_o the_o same_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o will_n do_v he_o leave_v other_o in_o that_o mass_n of_o sin_n who_o he_o make_v vessel_n 23_o of_o wrath_n and_o as_o saint_n jude_n say_v ordain_v to_o condemnation_n the_o reason_n of_o both_o which_o be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n express_v he_o show_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v with_o what_o reproachful_a speech_n this_o doctrine_n and_o the_o teacher_n therofare_v revile_v you_o be_v not_o ignorant_a &_o their_o book_n be_v too_o evident_a witness_n thereof_o and_o no_o marvel_n if_o they_o shoot_v their_o arrow_n of_o most_o venomous_a word_n against_o man_n see_v they_o fear_v not_o to_o open_v their_o mouth_n against_o heaven_n &_o in_o the_o insolent_a folly_n of_o their_o wit_n plead_v against_o god_n who_o most_o holy_a will_n &_o justice_n in_o this_o case_n they_o seek_v to_o overthrow_v first_o say_v they_o 24._o it_o can_v not_o withstand_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o ordain_v any_o to_o be_v vessel_n of_o wrath_n or_o to_o destruction_n for_o god_n witness_v and_o that_o also_o with_o a_o oath_n ezech._n 33._o 11._o that_o he_o desire_v not_o nor_o will_v the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o that_o the_o wicked_a
in_o that_o truth_n and_o point_n out_o unto_o they_o every_o part_n of_o that_o path_n which_o lead_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n yet_o let_v we_o even_o herein_o also_o behold_v and_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o most_o gracious_a god_n that_o howsoever_o those_o thing_n for_o the_o continual_a exercise_n of_o god_n child_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o sundry_a difficulty_n so_o that_o a_o elephant_n may_v swim_v therein_o yet_o withal_o they_o be_v so_o temper_v by_o god_n spirit_n and_o fit_v for_o our_o capacity_n that_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o one_o point_n of_o all_o our_o faith_n be_v without_o such_o evident_a &_o clear_a proof_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o that_o for_o the_o most_o a_o lamb_n may_v wade_v in_o they_o and_o for_o they_o all_o such_o as_o best_a serve_v for_o the_o instruct_n of_o god_n people_n and_o the_o full_a satisfy_n of_o any_o christian_a and_o believe_v soul_n for_o thy_o word_n 105_o be_v a_o light_n unto_o our_o foot_n and_o a_o lantern_n unto_o our_o step_n it_o give_v 7._o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n even_o unto_o the_o simple_a and_o it_o be_v true_o say_v by_o saint_n austen_n 9_o that_o whatsoever_o belong_v either_o to_o our_o faith_n or_o good_a life_n that_o be_v plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n wherefore_o they_o which_o affray_n the_o people_n of_o god_n with_o these_o difficulty_n do_v no_o otherwise_o then_o those_o messenger_n and_o spyer_v which_o moses_n send_v to_o see_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n sure_o say_v 32._o they_o the_o land_n flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n but_o the_o people_n be_v strong_a that_o dwell_v in_o the_o land_n they_o be_v giant_n and_o the_o son_n of_o anak_n and_o the_o city_n be_v wall_v and_o exceed_v great_a we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o go_v up_o against_o they_o for_o they_o be_v strong_a than_o we_o so_o they_o bring_v a_o evil_a report_n of_o the_o land_n cause_v the_o people_n to_o be_v fainthearted_a and_o murmur_v against_o the_o lord_n so_o these_o man_n have_v like_o diligent_a spy_n consider_v and_o view_v every_o part_n of_o this_o doctrine_n know_v right_o well_o that_o it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o exceed_a comfort_n and_o that_o it_o flow_v with_o milk_n and_o honey_n but_o they_o bring_v a_o evil_a report_n upon_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n when_o they_o affray_v god_n people_n from_o enter_v hereunto_o with_o the_o greatness_n of_o those_o difficulty_n as_o it_o be_v with_o so_o many_o giant_n and_o son_n of_o anak_n which_o they_o have_v spy_v and_o see_v herein_o let_v not_o we_o with_o those_o evil_a spy_n provoke_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n by_o our_o distrust_n &_o diffidence_n but_o with_o caleb_n &_o joshua_n man_n in_o this_o action_n high_o renown_v of_o god_n himself_o let_v we_o hearten_v and_o encourage_v the_o people_n and_o in_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n of_o the_o aid_n of_o our_o god_n say_v unto_o they_o let_v we_o go_v up_o at_o once_o and_o possess_v the_o land_n for_o undoubted_o we_o shall_v overcome_v it_o let_v we_o then_o in_o the_o name_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n enter_v into_o this_o doctrine_n be_v guide_v though_o not_o with_o caleb_n and_o joshua_n yet_o with_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o even_o lead_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o all_o by_o their_o teach_n and_o preach_v of_o this_o doctrine_n have_v chalk_v out_o the_o way_n unto_o we_o how_o we_o may_v enter_v into_o it_o and_o take_v full_a possession_n of_o those_o joy_n and_o comfort_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o meditation_n thereof_o in_o handle_v this_o doctrine_n of_o election_n i_o commend_v to_o your_o godly_a consideration_n these_o three_o point_n out_o of_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o first_o our_o election_n itself_o the_o second_o the_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n of_o our_o election_n both_o of_o they_o set_v down_o in_o these_o word_n give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v your_o election_n sure_a the_o three_o the_o mean_n of_o this_o assurance_n one_o of_o which_o be_v sanctity_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n the_o apostle_n express_v in_o these_o word_n for_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v concern_v election_n itself_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v first_o the_o party_n who_o be_v elect_v second_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o election_n touch_v the_o party_n elect_v i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o stay_v long_o in_o refute_v that_o no_o less_o impious_a then_o senseless_a opinion_n of_o some_o who_o teach_v vocat_fw-la that_o god_n election_n before_o the_o world_n be_v general_a to_o all_o man_n so_o that_o every_o one_o be_v alike_o choose_v by_o he_o unto_o eternal_a life_n which_o conceit_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v direct_o control_v by_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o be_v mention_n of_o some_o who_o be_v vessel_n 22._o of_o wrath_n prepare_v to_o destruction_n and_o as_o saint_n jude_n 4._o say_v ordain_v to_o condemnation_n so_o be_v it_o repugnant_a even_o to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n for_o who_o do_v not_o know_v that_o to_o elect_v or_o choose_v imply_v a_o reject_v and_o refuse_v of_o some_o other_o this_o very_a word_n of_o election_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o separate_n and_o cull_v out_o of_o some_o from_o the_o rest_n as_o our_o saviour_n say_v 19_o of_o his_o disciple_n that_o he_o choose_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n see_v then_o it_o be_v most_o â—leere_a that_o some_o be_v choose_v 13._o and_o elect_v by_o god_n unto_o salvation_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o god_n separate_v they_o for_o a_o peculiar_a people_n unto_o himself_o and_o pick_v they_o out_o from_o the_o rest_n which_o he_o refuse_v and_o leave_v in_o their_o sin_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o their_o own_o lust_n into_o that_o destruction_n which_o be_v ordain_v for_o they_o now_o as_o error_n never_o want_v some_o colour_n and_o show_v of_o truth_n so_o these_o man_n to_o maintain_v this_o fancy_n allege_v 15._o the_o word_n of_o saint_n paul_n rom._n 8._o 29._o where_o he_o say_v that_o who_o god_n know_v before_o they_o also_o be_v do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v make_v like_o to_o his_o son_n see_v thâ—n_o say_v they_o god_n know_v all_o man_n without_o exception_n before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o he_o do_v also_o predestinate_a and_o elect_v they_o all_o unto_o eternal_a life_n in_o which_o reason_n as_o if_o it_o be_v insoluble_a they_o boast_v and_o triumph_v but_o without_o all_o truth_n and_o substance_n of_o reason_n for_o they_o may_v easy_o have_v observe_v a_o double_a 8._o knowledge_n of_o god_n mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o one_o of_o behold_v and_o see_v only_o which_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o apprehension_n of_o which_o the_o apostle_n say_v heb._n 4._o 13._o that_o every_o creature_n be_v manifest_a in_o his_o â—ight_n and_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o his_o eye_n the_o other_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o love_v and_o like_n which_o the_o schoolman_n right_o term_v a_o knowledge_n of_o approbation_n of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v psal._n 1._o 6._o the_o lord_n know_v the_o way_n of_o the_o righteous_a not_o only_o the_o see_v and_o behold_v they_o for_o so_o he_o do_v know_v the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a also_o but_o he_o know_v the_o way_n of_o the_o righteous_a by_o love_v allow_a and_o approve_v their_o way_n in_o which_o sort_n he_o never_o know_v the_o way_n of_o any_o wicked_a man_n see_v both_o himself_o and_o his_o way_n be_v a_o abomination_n unto_o god_n now_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o all_o man_n even_o the_o reprobate_n be_v foreknow_v of_o god_n by_o his_o former_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v manifest_a and_o naked_a before_o his_o eye_n but_o this_o knowledge_n of_o apprehension_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 8._o to_o the_o roman_n for_o who_o god_n know_v in_o that_o place_n they_o he_o both_o justify_v in_o this_o and_o glorifi_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v as_o the_o apostle_n express_o witness_v in_o the_o same_o place_n now_o see_v he_o do_v not_o justify_v and_o glorify_v all_o but_o will_v say_v to_o some_o go_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n who_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o that_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n it_o remain_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v not_o of_o that_o former_a knowledge_n of_o apprehension_n but_o of_o the_o late_a of_o approbation_n by_o which_o i_o may_v true_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o god_n never_o know_v any_o reprobate_n or_o ungodly_a person_n our_o saviour_n teach_v in_o plain_a term_n the_o same_o mat._n 7._o 23._o
then_o will_v i_o profess_v to_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o intquity_n wherefore_o to_o return_v their_o own_o reason_n against_o themselves_o see_v god_n know_v that_o be_v love_v and_o approve_v all_o those_o who_o he_o elect_v as_o st_n paul_n teach_v but_o never_o know_v in_o this_o sort_n any_o reprobate_n or_o ungodly_a man_n as_o our_o saviour_n profess_v it_o remain_v true_a and_o certain_a even_o by_o that_o very_a text_n whereon_o they_o most_o rely_v that_o not_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n but_o only_o some_o be_v elect_v of_o god_n and_o ordain_v to_o everlasting_a life_n concern_v the_o number_n of_o which_o the_o massilian_n aug._n and_o some_o other_o trid._n most_o ignorant_o and_o impious_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v not_o define_v nor_o set_v down_o by_o god_n but_o leave_v so_o uncertain_a and_o depend_v on_o the_o will_n of_o man_n that_o according_a as_o they_o be_v either_o willing_a or_o unwilling_a to_o embrace_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n may_v be_v either_o augment_v or_o impair_v a_o conceit_n so_o repugnant_a to_o the_o truth_n that_o though_o their_o other_o error_n touch_v man_n will_n be_v admit_v yet_o can_v it_o no_o way_n stand_v with_o the_o prescience_n of_o almighty_a god_n who_o know_v 17._o all_o thing_n yea_o the_o very_a thought_n 2._o of_o man_n long_o before_o even_o before_o all_o eternity_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a either_o how_o many_o will_n or_o how_o many_o himself_o will_v have_v to_o embrace_v his_o grace_n and_o to_o be_v save_v some_o other_o have_v fancy_v that_o though_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n which_o the_o schoolman_n call_v numerum_fw-la formalem_fw-la be_v certain_a yet_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o make_v up_o this_o number_n call_v by_o they_o numerus_fw-la materialis_fw-la be_v uncertain_a 7._o and_o not_o define_v by_o god_n a_o fancy_n indeed_o see_v the_o scripture_n plain_o teach_v that_o god_n in_o his_o secret_a council_n have_v decree_v not_o only_a how_o many_o but_o in_o particular_a also_o who_o those_o be_v who_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o be_v heir_n with_o christ._n for_o when_o our_o saviour_n say_v 20_o that_o even_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o good_a shepherd_n call_v 3._o his_o sheep_n by_o name_n &_o that_o he_o know_v who_o 18._o he_o have_v choose_v and_o when_o the_o apostle_n 19_o say_v the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a and_o have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v he_o what_o else_o do_v or_o can_v these_o import_n but_o that_o god_n have_v most_o certain_o decree_v and_o set_v down_o in_o writing_n not_o only_a how_o many_o but_o even_o particular_o who_o they_o be_v yea_o and_o what_o their_o name_n be_v who_o he_o have_v choose_v and_o seal_v unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o number_n as_o saint_n austen_n 13._o say_v be_v so_o certain_o set_v down_o with_o god_n that_o neither_o any_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v take_v away_o nor_o any_o other_o can_v be_v add_v unto_o they_o now_o what_o this_o number_n in_o particular_a be_v â—as_v to_o set_v down_o be_v impossible_a for_o mortal_a man_n so_o to_o search_v it_o out_o be_v most_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a curiosity_n let_v this_o suffice_v we_o to_o know_v that_o though_o this_o number_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v but_o small_a see_v christ_n tell_v 14._o we_o that_o many_o be_v call_v and_o few_o choose_v and_o that_o many_o 13._o go_v the_o brâ—ad_a way_n which_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o few_o in_o the_o narrow_a which_o lead_v unto_o life_n few_o indeed_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o many_o ryet_n even_o those_o few_o consider_v in_o themselves_o be_v a_o exceed_o great_a number_n for_o the_o seed_n 12._o of_o abraham_n be_v like_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n or_o as_o the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n shore_n such_o as_o can_v not_o be_v number_v 10._o and_o i_o may_v true_o say_v of_o the_o elect_n they_o be_v a_o number_n numberless_a saint_n john_n himself_o warrant_v this_o say_n reu._n 7._o 9_o where_o beside_o those_o thousand_o thousand_o that_o be_v seal_v of_o the_o jew_n he_o see_v a_o great_a multitute_n which_o no_o man_n can_v number_v of_o all_o nation_n and_o kindred_n and_o people_n and_o language_n whâ—ch_o stand_v before_o the_o throne_n clothe_v with_o long_a white_a robe_n and_o have_v palm_n in_o their_o hand_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o infinite_a number_n our_o saviour_n tell_v 2._o his_o disciple_n that_o in_o his_o father_n house_n be_v many_o dwell_a place_n and_o let_v this_o suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o party_n which_o be_v elect_v the_o next_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o our_o election_n be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o where_o first_o it_o be_v undoubted_a that_o the_o declare_v and_o manifest_v of_o god_n glory_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o god_n in_o general_n will_v elect_v some_o and_o reject_v some_o other_o when_o all_o be_v alike_o before_o he_o in_o the_o same_o mass_n or_o lump_n of_o perdition_n that_o one_o say_v of_o solomon_n do_v sufficient_o prove_v this_o pro._n 16._o 4._o the_o lord_n have_v make_v all_o thing_n for_o his_o own_o sake_n that_o be_v for_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o honour_n for_o when_o we_o be_v all_o include_v in_o the_o same_o mass_n of_o sin_n out_o of_o whâ—ch_n 105._o god_n elect_v some_o and_o leave_v other_o therein_o if_o god_n have_v then_o refuse_v all_o as_o in_o justice_n if_o it_o have_v please_v he_o he_o may_v have_v do_v never_o can_v those_o glorious_a riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v be_v know_v unto_o we_o which_o now_o be_v manifest_a in_o save_v his_o elect_n by_o christ._n again_o if_o then_o by_o a_o general_a pardon_n he_o have_v release_v all_o as_o in_o mercy_n if_o it_o have_v please_v he_o he_o may_v have_v do_v then_o can_v we_o not_o have_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o justice_n which_o now_o in_o the_o deserve_a punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v mightly_a and_o manifest_o declare_v unto_o us._n so_o then_o to_o make_v know_v unto_o all_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n of_o his_o mercy_n in_o the_o one_o and_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o the_o other_o he_o frame_v of_o the_o same_o jump_v and_o mass_n of_o sin_n some_o to_o be_v vessel_n of_o mercy_n by_o elect_v they_o unto_o life_n and_o he_o leave_v other_o to_o be_v vessel_n of_o justice_n let_v they_o alone_o in_o that_o state_n of_o damnation_n into_o which_o all_o mankind_n have_v plunge_v itself_o but_o if_o we_o wade_v further_o into_o this_o doctrine_n and_o search_v not_o only_o why_o in_o general_a god_n elect_v some_o &_o refuse_v other_o but_o why_o in_o particular_a these_o be_v elect_v rather_o than_o the_o other_o as_o namely_o jacob_n rather_o than_o esau_n and_o st_n paul_n rather_o than_o judas_n see_v not_o only_o they_o both_o be_v in_o themselves_o alike_o but_o god_n glory_n have_v no_o less_o be_v see_v in_o elect_v the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o if_o it_o have_v so_o please_v he_o as_o now_o the_o cafe_z be_v more_o difficult_a so_o be_v there_o diverse_a man_n of_o diverse_a judgement_n most_o fond_a of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o dream_n of_o origen_n who_o think_v auituâ—_n that_o man_n soul_n be_v create_v long_o before_o their_o body_n and_o according_a to_o their_o good_a or_o ill_a desert_n before_o their_o unite_n to_o the_o body_n god_n elect_v some_o man_n unto_o life_n and_o appoint_v other_o unto_o death_n though_o none_o as_o he_o hier._n suppose_v to_o eternal_a death_n which_o error_n of_o origâ—ns_n be_v not_o only_o by_o all_o sound_a philosopher_n reject_v who_o right_o teach_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o create_v before_o but_o in_o the_o very_a instant_n of_o their_o couple_v to_o the_o body_n so_o be_v it_o 6._o together_o with_o origen_n the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o with_o the_o priscilian_a heretic_n who_o after_o origen_n revive_v the_o same_o most_o just_o condemn_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n true_o and_o constant_o teach_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o before_o their_o inspire_v into_o the_o body_n for_o this_o time_n content_v myself_o with_o that_o one_o clear_a testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n zech._n 12._o â—_o that_o god_n form_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n in_o he_o i_o will_v pass_v from_o this_o error_n as_o unworthy_a of_o any_o further_a expense_n of_o time_n other_o there_o be_v who_o have_v teach_v trid._n that_o god_n elect_v of_o these_o and_o reject_v the_o other_o depend_v whole_o on_o the_o will_n of_o man_n themselves_o and_o not_o of_o the_o decree_n or_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o reject_v of_o god_n â—â—ll_v by_o their_o
most_o happy_a blessing_n that_o we_o can_v wish_v or_o desire_n have_v make_v we_o vessel_n of_o love_n vessel_n of_o mercy_n and_o glory_n whereas_o if_o it_o haâ—_n please_v he_o he_o may_v have_v leave_v we_o to_o have_v be_v vessel_n of_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n as_o he_o leave_v the_o rest_n for_o there_o be_v no_o odds_n at_o aâ—l_n betwixt_o they_o and_o we_o in_o ourselves_o the_o only_a odd_a be_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o will_n even_o so_o o_o lord_n it_o be_v thy_o holy_a will_n who_o have_v say_v it_o and_o it_o shall_v stand_v for_o ever_o thou_o will_v hâ—ue_v mercy_n on_o who_o thou_o will_v and_o who_o thou_o will_v thou_o hardene_a and_o thus_o much_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o general_a point_n namely_o our_o election_n itself_o as_o well_o of_o the_o party_n who_o as_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o they_o be_v elect_v the_o second_o general_a point_n propose_v be_v the_o certainty_n of_o our_o election_n express_v in_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v make_v your_o election_n sure_a now_o our_o election_n be_v say_v to_o be_v sure_a or_o certain_a two_o manner_n of_o wave_n first_o it_o be_v sure_a and_o certain_a in_o itself_o second_o it_o be_v call_v sure_a and_o certain_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o and_o of_o our_o persuasion_n or_o knowledge_n concern_v the_o former_a certainty_n be_v not_o so_o proper_a to_o this_o place_n i_o will_v not_o have_v at_o all_o entreat_v if_o some_o malicious_a man_n have_v not_o with_o most_o venomous_a tongue_n oppugn_v and_o eager_o seek_v to_o disgrace_v this_o truth_n teach_v that_o predestinatio_fw-la god_n election_n be_v so_o uncertain_a and_o changeable_a as_o that_o the_o elect_n may_v become_v reprobate_n and_o the_o reprobate_n elect_v the_o elect_v be_v quite_o blot_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n and_o fall_v from_o their_o election_n the_o other_o receive_v the_o crown_n of_o glory_n which_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o elect_a but_o we_o be_v teach_v a_o far_o more_o comfortable_a doctrine_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o god_n election_n be_v most_o firm_a certain_a and_o unchangeable_a for_o it_o it_o the_o ordinance_n counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n who_o have_v choose_v we_o ephes._n 1._o 4._o who_o have_v predestinate_a that_o be_v fore-ordained_n we_o unto_o glory_n rom._n 8._o 29._o now_o if_o the_o ordinance_n and_o law_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n be_v such_o as_o may_v not_o be_v alter_v how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n be_v immutable_a of_o which_o himself_o say_v isaiah_n 46._o 10._o my_o counsel_n shall_v stand_v the_o firmness_n of_o this_o election_n our_o saviour_n teach_v john_n 6._o 37._o where_n speak_v of_o his_o choose_a servant_n which_o his_o father_n have_v give_v he_o he_o say_v they_o shall_v all_o come_v unto_o i_o and_o those_o that_o come_v unto_o i_o i_o cast_v not_o away_o and_o lest_o we_o shall_v imagine_v as_o they_o do_v that_o though_o christ_n will_v not_o put_v they_o away_o yet_o either_o themselves_o or_o some_o other_o may_v take_v they_o from_o he_o he_o add_v further_o john_n 10._o 28._o of_o the_o same_o choose_a sheep_n i_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v neither_o shall_v any_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n if_o not_o any_o than_o not_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o flesh_n nor_o satan_n with_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n no_o nor_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o pluck_v themselves_o from_o christ_n or_o take_v they_o out_o of_o his_o father_n hand_n and_o lest_o we_o shall_v think_v that_o though_o they_o can_v be_v pluck_v or_o by_o force_n draw_v from_o christ_n yet_o by_o some_o subtlety_n or_o craft_n of_o satan_n they_o may_v be_v ensnare_v and_o as_o it_o be_v steal_v from_o he_o our_o saviour_n prevent_v even_o this_o doubt_n also_o math._n 24._o 24._o tell_v we_o that_o the_o wonder_n and_o lie_a sign_n of_o satan_n shall_v be_v such_o and_o so_o great_a that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a manifest_o imply_v thus_o much_o that_o not_o all_o the_o sleight_n deceit_n and_o lie_v wonder_n of_o satan_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o deceive_v any_o one_o of_o his_o elect_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a by_o any_o mean_n whatsoever_o to_o take_v or_o steal_v they_o away_o from_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o watchman_n and_o good_a shepherd_n of_o israel_n can_v neither_o slumber_v nor_o sleep_n see_v then_o christ_n promise_v to_o receive_v all_o the_o elect_a and_o be_v once_o receive_v and_o come_v unto_o he_o neither_o himself_o will_v cast_v they_o away_o neither_o any_o force_n or_o violence_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o pull_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n nor_o any_o deceit_n or_o sleight_n of_o satan_n shall_v steal_v they_o from_o he_o that_o remain_v as_o undoubted_o true_a which_o saint_n paul_n teach_v rom._n 8._o 29._o that_o salvation_n and_o eternal_a glory_n be_v by_o a_o golden_a chain_n most_o infallible_o and_o inseparable_o link_v unto_o election_n for_o who_o god_n predestinate_v they_o also_o he_o effectual_o call_v and_o who_o he_o so_o call_v they_o also_o he_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o also_o he_o glorifi_v here_o again_o they_o open_v their_o mouth_n wide_a against_o god_n abuse_v their_o wit_n pervert_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o insolency_n of_o their_o folly_n even_o in_o most_o reproachful_a manner_n slander_v this_o holy_a truth_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n election_n yea_o and_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o predestination_n also_o as_o a_o dangerous_a pernicious_a and_o pestilent_a doctrine_n make_v man_n as_o they_o teach_v haeresin_fw-la secure_a and_o careless_a of_o well_o do_v and_o of_o their_o salvation_n for_o if_o i_o be_v say_v they_o predestinate_a to_o life_n what_o need_v i_o repent_v believe_v serve_v or_o love_n god_n let_v i_o wallow_v in_o sin_n yet_o see_v the_o elect_a can_v perish_v nor_o fall_v out_o of_o god_n favour_n i_o be_o certain_a i_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o if_o i_o be_v reject_v of_o god_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v i_o repent_v or_o amend_v my_o life_n for_o though_o i_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o statute_n of_o god_n yet_o can_v i_o not_o attain_v to_o life_n but_o must_v avoidable_o be_v condemn_v see_v how_o right_o the_o apostle_n doom_n be_v verify_v of_o these_o man_n when_o they_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n god_n make_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o flesh_n mere_a foolishness_n for_o know_v they_o not_o that_o this_o dispute_n of_o they_o be_v every_o way_n as_o effectual_a against_o the_o prescience_n and_o foreknowledge_n which_o yet_o themselves_o confess_v 18._o as_o it_o be_v or_o can_v be_v against_o the_o decree_n and_o predestination_n of_o god_n his_o prescience_n be_v as_o certain_o infallible_a as_o his_o decree_n be_v immutable_a if_o god_n then_o foreknow_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v save_v let_v i_o live_v as_o i_o list_v and_o pass_v my_o time_n in_o sin_n yet_o i_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v a_o heir_n of_o god_n kingdom_n but_o if_o god_n foreknow_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v damn_v to_o what_o end_n shall_v i_o fear_v or_o serve_v the_o lord_n for_o see_v god_n foreknow_v this_o and_o what_o he_o foreknow_v must_v avoidable_o come_v to_o pass_v though_o i_o shall_v whole_o devote_v both_o my_o soul_n and_o body_n to_o god_n service_n yet_o of_o necessirie_n i_o must_v at_o the_o last_o eternal_o perish_v let_v they_o now_o either_o in_o plain_a term_n profess_v atheism_n and_o deny_v proescience_n in_o god_n and_o so_o deny_v scot._n he_o to_o be_v god_n or_o let_v they_o cease_v with_o such_o vain_a dispute_n to_o oppugn_v the_o ordinance_n decree_n and_o predestination_n of_o god_n the_o selfsame_o difficulty_n as_o forcible_o overthrow_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o one_o which_o themselves_o confess_v as_o it_o do_v or_o can_v the_o immutabilitie_n of_o the_o other_o which_o we_o defend_v see_v again_o how_o satan_n have_v bewitch_v these_o man_n they_o seem_v witty_a to_o themselves_o in_o plead_v thus_o against_o their_o own_o salvation_n but_o this_o their_o reason_n be_v with_o they_o of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o to_o make_v they_o secure_v and_o careless_a in_o their_o bodily_a estate_n or_o worldly_a affair_n god_n do_v not_o only_o foresee_v but_o foreordaine_v also_o concern_v every_o man_n whether_o he_o shall_v be_v rich_a or_o poor_a sick_a or_o whole_a live_v or_o die_v for_o none_o of_o these_o come_v from_o the_o earth_n nor_o spring_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n as_o holy_a job_n 6._o speak_v that_o be_v they_o come_v not_o by_o chance_n or_o fortune_n unto_o any_o but_o as_o the_o prophet_n say_v lament_v 3._o 38._o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n from_o