on_o direct_v and_o send_v the_o poor_a sinsick_a wound_a sinner_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o his_o wound_n and_o plague-sore_n to_o be_v heal_v press_v he_o to_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n out_o of_o who_o no_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v find_v hereto_o i_o add_v the_o peremptory_a command_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o the_o poor_a despair_a soul_n believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 1_o jo._n 2.23_o mark_v 16.16_o by_o these_o method_n and_o way_n of_o god_n own_o appointment_n god_n be_v please_v to_o work_v save_v conversion_n and_o effectual_a faith_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o elect_a sinner_n to_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v out_o of_o god_n own_o word_n to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o particular_a election_n before_o time_n i_o here_o set_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o orthodox_n protestant_n church_n concern_v the_o same_o not_o that_o i_o think_v the_o word_n of_o god_n stand_v in_o any_o need_n of_o humane_a testimony_n to_o help_v it_o out_o but_o rather_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o sweet_a harmony_n which_o be_v between_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o their_o holy_a and_o orthodox_n confession_n of_o their_o faith_n concern_v the_o present_a so_o much_o controvert_v and_o impugn_a doctrine_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n before_o time_n as_o also_o to_o shame_v those_o nominal_a protestant_n both_o non._n and_o conformist_n who_o have_v so_o apparent_o turn_v the_o back_n upon_o their_o own_o article_n of_o faith_n whereby_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o party_n have_v not_o a_o little_a strengthen_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o jesuit_n hope_v of_o bring_v england_n neck_n once_o more_o under_o the_o papal_a yoke_n from_o which_o i_o hearty_o wish_v and_o sincere_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v ever_o keep_v we_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n predestination_n to_o life_n be_v the_o everlasting_a purpose_n of_o god_n whereby_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v he_o have_v constant_o decree_v by_o his_o counsel_n secret_a to_o we_o to_o deliver_v from_o curse_n and_o damnation_n those_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v in_o christ_n out_o of_o mankind_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o by_o christ_n to_o everlasting_a salvation_n as_o vessel_n make_v to_o honour_n wherefore_o they_o which_o be_v endue_v with_o so_o excellent_a a_o benefit_n of_o god_n be_v call_v according_a to_o god_n purpose_n by_o his_o spirit_n work_v in_o due_a season_n they_o through_o grace_n obey_v the_o call_v they_o be_v justify_v free_o they_o be_v make_v son_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n they_o be_v make_v like_o the_o image_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n jesus_n christ_n they_o walk_v religious_o in_o good_a work_n and_o at_o length_n by_o god_n mercy_n they_o attain_v to_o everlasting_a felicity_n see_v 39_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n article_n 17_o of_o predestination_n and_o election_n second_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n some_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v predestinate_v to_o everlasting_a life_n and_o other_o to_o everlasting_a death_n 1_o tim._n 5.21_o mat._n 25.41_o rom._n 9.22_o these_o angel_n and_o man_n thus_o predestinate_v and_o fore_o ordain_v be_v particular_o and_o unchangeable_o design_v and_o their_o number_n be_v so_o certain_a and_o definite_a that_o it_o can_v be_v either_o increase_v or_o diminsh_v those_o of_o mankind_n that_o be_v predestinate_v unto_o life_n god_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v according_a to_o his_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a purpose_n and_o the_o secret_a counsel_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n have_v choose_v in_o christ_n unto_o everlasting_a glory_n out_o of_o his_o mere_a free_a grace_n and_o love_n without_o any_o foresight_n of_o faith_n or_o good_a work_n or_o perseverance_n in_o either_o of_o they_o or_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o creature_n as_o condition_n or_o cause_n move_v he_o thereunto_o and_o all_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o elect_a unto_o glory_n so_o have_v he_o by_o the_o eternal_a and_o most_o free_a purpose_n of_o his_o will_n foreordain_v all_o the_o mean_n thereunto_o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o ephes_n 1.4_o 5._o ephes_n 2.10_o 2_o thes_n 2.13_o wherefore_o they_o who_o be_v elect_v be_v fall_v in_o adam_n be_v redeem_a by_o christ_n be_v effectual_o call_v unto_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n work_v in_o due_a season_n be_v justify_v adopt_a sanctify_a and_o keep_v by_o his_o power_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n 1_o thes_n 5.9_o 10._o tit._n 2.14_o rom._n 8.10_o ephes_n 1.5_o 1_o pet._n 1.5_o neither_o be_v any_o other_o redeem_a by_o christ_n effectual_o call_v justify_v adopt_a sanctify_a and_o save_v but_o the_o elect_a only_o jo._n 17.9_o rom._n 8.28_o jo._n 10.26_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n god_n be_v please_v according_a to_o the_o unsearchable_a counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n whereby_o he_o extend_v or_o withhold_v mercy_n as_o he_o please_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n over_o his_o creature_n to_o pass_v by_o and_o to_o ordain_v they_o to_o dishonour_v and_o wrath_n for_o their_o sin_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glorious_a justice_n mat._n 11.25_o 26._o rom._n 2.12_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o 1_o pet._n 2.8_o see_v the_o assembly_n confession_n of_o faith_n chap._n 3._o of_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n to_o this_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v full_o agree_v with_o this_o also_o agree_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ireland_n in_o bishop_n vsher_n time_n see_v those_o article_n and_o vsher_n body_n of_o divinity_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o part_n of_o predestination_n answ_n election_n and_o reprobation_n 1_o thes_n 5.9_o rom._n 9.13_o 22_o 23._o quest_n what_o be_v election_n answ_n it_o be_v the_o everlasting_a predestination_n or_o fore-appointing_a of_o certain_a angel_n and_o man_n unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o blessedness_n for_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n 1_o tim._n 5.21_o jo._n 15.16_o rom._n 9.22_o 23._o ephes_n 1.4_o 5_o 6_o 9_o quest_n what_o be_v reprobation_n answ_n it_o be_v the_o eternal_a predestination_n or_o fore-appointment_n of_o certain_a angel_n and_o man_n unto_o everlasting_a dishonour_n and_o destruction_n god_n of_o his_o own_o freewill_n determine_v to_o pass_v they_o by_o refuse_v or_o cast_v they_o off_o and_o for_o sin_n to_o condemn_v and_o punish_v they_o with_o eternal_a death_n prov._n 16.4_o exod._n 9.16_o rom._n 9.17_o 22._o 2_o tim._n 2.20_o mat._n 25.41_o see_v vsher_n body_n of_o divinity_n pag._n 91_o 92._o the_o church_n of_o france_n in_o the_o 12_o article_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o her_o faith_n have_v these_o word_n viz._n we_o believe_v that_o god_n out_o of_o that_o corruption_n and_o general_a curse_n into_o which_o all_o man_n be_v plunge_v do_v free_a those_o who_o in_o his_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a counsel_n he_o elect_v of_o his_o mere_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n without_o the_o consideration_n of_o work_n leave_v the_o rest_n in_o the_o same_o corruption_n and_o damnation_n to_o show_v forth_o in_o these_o his_o justice_n and_o in_o they_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n for_o none_o of_o they_o be_v better_o than_o other_o because_o god_n have_v separate_v they_o etc._n etc._n the_o synod_n of_o dort_n in_o the_o seven_o canon_n do_v lay_v down_o this_o plain_a and_o clear_a definition_n of_o election_n thus_o viz._n election_n be_v the_o unchangeable_a purpose_n of_o god_n by_o which_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o free_a good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n of_o his_o mere_a grace_n he_o have_v choose_v out_o of_o all_o mankind_n to_o salvation_n in_o christ_n a_o certain_a and_o set_v number_n of_o man_n neither_o better_a nor_o more_o worthy_a than_o other_o but_o lie_v in_o the_o common_a misery_n with_o other_o and_o fall_v from_o original_a righteousness_n into_o sin_n and_o destruction_n by_o their_o own_o fault_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 15_o canon_n of_o reprobation_n they_o say_v thus_o viz._n the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v manifest_a and_o commend_v unto_o we_o this_o eternal_a and_o free_a grace_n especial_o when_o it_o do_v far_a witness_n that_o not_o all_o man_n be_v elect_v but_o that_o some_o be_v not_o elect_v or_o be_v pass_v by_o in_o the_o eternal_a election_n of_o god_n viz._n those_o who_o god_n according_a to_o his_o free_a just_a unreprovable_a and_o immutable_a good_a pleasure_n decree_v to_o leave_v in_o the_o common_a misery_n into_o which_o they_o have_v cast_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o not_o to_o
and_o the_o world_n have_v hate_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n even_o as_o i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o world_n here_o be_v two_o distinct_a party_n describe_v by_o christ_n the_o one_o be_v pray_v for_o the_o other_o be_v not_o the_o one_o be_v hate_v the_o other_o hate_v the_o very_a practice_n of_o the_o latter_a denote_v the_o person_n to_o be_v child_n of_o another_o father_n distinct_a from_o those_o they_o hate_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o discover_v man_n to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n than_o their_o hate_v righteousness_n and_o not_o love_v those_o who_o appear_v to_o be_v godly_a 1_o jo._n 3.10_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n neither_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n as_o love_n to_o god_n his_o truth_n and_o such_o as_o bear_v his_o image_n be_v a_o infallible_a character_n of_o a_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n jo._n 13.35_o 1_o jo._n 3.14_o 1_o jo._n 4.7_o so_o to_o hate_n god_n his_o truth_n and_o such_o as_o bear_v his_o holy_a image_n be_v the_o indelible_a character_n of_o a_o reprobate_n design_v for_o eternal_a destruction_n 1_o jo._n 3.10_o the_o second_o thing_n in_o the_o proposition_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o god_n in_o that_o act_n of_o he_o in_o elect_v and_o choose_v which_o be_v twofold_a first_o as_o it_o respect_v the_o creature_n elect_v viz._n that_o they_o may_v partake_v of_o the_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n here_o on_o earth_n and_o of_o eternal_a glory_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n through_o christ_n his_o son_n according_a to_o that_o of_o paul_n ephes_n 1.4_o according_a as_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o he_o 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 in_o love_n 2_o thes_n 2.13_o because_o god_n have_v from_o the_o beginning_n choose_v you_o to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n verse_n 14._o whereunto_o he_o call_v you_o by_o our_o gospel_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 1_o thes_n 5.9_o for_o god_n have_v not_o appoint_v we_o to_o wrath_n but_o to_o obtain_v salvation_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n second_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n elect_v viz._n that_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o sovereign_n free_a and_o rich_a grace_n may_v be_v extol_v and_o praise_v for_o ever_o according_a as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o in_o ephes_n 1.6_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n wherein_o he_o have_v make_v we_o accept_v in_o the_o belove_a verse_n 11_o 12._o in_o who_o also_o we_o have_v obtain_v a_o inheritance_n be_v predestinate_a according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o he_o who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glory_n who_o first_o trust_v in_o christ_n the_o three_o thing_n in_o the_o proposition_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o property_n in_o that_o act_n of_o god_n elect_v those_o property_n be_v in_o number_n three_o first_o god_n in_o elect_v and_o choose_v some_o sinner_n to_o himself_o out_o of_o the_o corrupt_a mass_n of_o fall_a mankind_n on_o who_o he_o purpose_v to_o show_v mercy_n he_o do_v elect_a and_o choose_v they_o most_o free_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o the_o object_n elect_v and_o choose_v that_o can_v move_v god_n wherefore_o he_o shall_v elect_v one_o sinner_n more_o or_o soon_o than_o another_o for_o as_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o equal_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v be_v all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o adam_n look_v on_o by_o god_n when_o he_o fix_v his_o elect_v love_n on_o some_o and_o actual_o reject_v and_o pass_v other_o by_o on_o who_o the_o most_o high_a god_n as_o a_o uncontrollable_a sovereign_n purpose_v to_o execute_v the_o fierceness_n of_o his_o wrath_n for_o sin_n the_o reason_n or_o impulsive_a cause_n of_o this_o difference_n which_o the_o tremendous_a god_n see_v fit_a to_o make_v between_o sinner_n equal_o guilty_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o curse_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v out_o of_o god_n himself_o a_o example_n and_o lively_a instance_n hereof_o we_o have_v in_o rom._n 9.11_o which_o the_o wise_a god_n have_v see_v fit_a shall_v be_v record_v on_o purpose_n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o carnal_a reason_n which_o be_v so_o wretched_o prone_a to_o question_v and_o dispute_v against_o his_o sovereignty_n over_o his_o creature_n the_o child_n be_v not_o yet_o bear_v neither_o have_v do_v any_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n according_a to_o election_n may_v stand_v not_o of_o work_n but_o of_o he_o that_o call_v it_o be_v say_v unto_o she_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a as_o it_o be_v write_v jacob_n have_v i_o love_v but_o esau_n have_v i_o hate_v the_o wise_a god_n foresee_v the_o purblind_a reason_n and_o cavilling_n of_o carnal_a man_n unsanctified_a brain_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n absolute_a sovereignty_n in_o dispose_v of_o the_o eternal_a concern_v of_o his_o rational_a creature_n fall_v by_o sin_n into_o a_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o misery_n through_o their_o own_o default_n have_v see_v good_a for_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o own_o prerogative_n to_o make_v know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o that_o by_o the_o unerring_a wisdom_n and_o unquestionable_a authority_n of_o so_o great_a a_o man_n as_o paul_n the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o reason_n of_o god_n method_n in_o proceed_v to_o elect_a some_o of_o fall_v mankind_n to_o a_o state_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n through_o a_o redeemer_n and_o reprobate_v other_o leave_v they_o for_o ever_o to_o perish_v in_o that_o sin_n and_o misery_n into_o which_o they_o do_v without_o any_o constraint_n wilful_o plunge_v themselves_o to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o his_o own_o most_o free_a and_o holy_a will_n see_v that_o he_o alone_o be_v the_o undoubted_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v a_o indisputable_a right_n to_o determine_v what_o to_o do_v with_o or_o how_o to_o dispose_v of_o sin_v rebel_n without_o be_v any_o way_n liable_a to_o the_o controlment_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n especial_o such_o of_o they_o as_o by_o sin_n have_v forfeit_v their_o very_a be_v to_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o who_o while_o in_o a_o unreconciled_a state_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o know_v he_o or_o of_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o divine_a law_n the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n then_o of_o the_o bless_a god_n be_v the_o source_n and_o fountain_n whence_o the_o great_a disparity_n between_o the_o elect_a and_o the_o reprobate_a world_n do_v spring_n not_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o creature_n themselves_o as_o arminian_n caviller_n dream_n and_o conceit_n it_o do_v this_o will_v evident_o appear_v if_o the_o reader_n will_v but_o with_o a_o become_a modesty_n and_o unprejudiced_a judgement_n read_v the_o whole_a chapter_n at_o length_n and_o with_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o spirit_n look_v narrow_o into_o and_o with_o sobriety_n consider_v the_o 11_o and_o the_o 16_o verse_n where_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o two_o conceit_a qualification_n of_o which_o the_o enemy_n of_o election_n be_v usual_o proud_a and_o which_o they_o hold_v and_o teach_v be_v the_o procure_a cause_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a man_n on_o earth_n viz._n the_o free_a will_n in_o man_n and_o the_o good_a work_n which_o unregenerate_a man_n do_v but_o conceit_n they_o do_v they_o be_v both_o meet_v with_o and_o equal_o discard_v by_o god_n from_o have_v any_o room_n or_o place_n among_o the_o cause_n which_o put_v god_n either_o upon_o choose_v the_o elect_a or_o reject_v the_o reprobate_n mark_v the_o 11_o verse_n that_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n according_a to_o election_n may_v stand_v not_o of_o work_n but_o of_o he_o that_o call_v with_o this_o agree_v ephes_n 2_o 8.9_o for_o by_o grace_n be_v you_o save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v and_o tit._n 3.5_o not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o have_v save_v we_o etc._n etc._n vain_a unregenerate_a man_n will_v fain_o persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v worse_a than_o threadbare_a rag_n of_o his_o pollute_a morality_n negative_a and_o positive_a be_v a_o cover_v sufficient_a
counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n stand_v for_o ever_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o all_o generation_n what_o be_v god_n election_n of_o some_o to_o life_n eternal_a and_o the_o mean_n lead_v thereto_o but_o the_o birth_n or_o product_n of_o his_o own_o counsel_n rom._n 9.11_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n according_a to_o election_n must_v stand_v and_o oh_o what_o a_o unspeakable_a cause_n of_o rejoice_v be_v this_o very_a consideration_n to_o that_o man_n or_o woman_n who_o find_v in_o themselves_o the_o fruit_n or_o effect_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n to_o think_v and_o believe_v that_o they_o in_o particular_a be_v choose_v to_o life_n eternal_a by_o he_o who_o can_v change_v that_o purpose_n of_o he_o wherewith_o he_o have_v purpose_v to_o save_o so_o poor_a and_o miserable_a a_o sinner_n as_o the_o effectual_o call_v sinner_n look_v on_o himself_o to_o be_v neither_o be_v the_o poor_a weak_a believer_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o those_o sin_n and_o backslideing_n both_o of_o 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knowledge_n and_o right_n believe_v this_o doctrine_n will_v be_v and_o therefore_o for_o prevent_v hereof_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o must_v be_v expose_v in_o the_o black_a hue_n as_o a_o doctrine_n which_o make_v man_n proud_a secure_a and_o careless_a of_o good_a work_n and_o which_o lead_v man_n to_o loose_v live_v and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o final_a desperation_n and_o as_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o be_v shoot_v at_o by_o the_o romish_a and_o arminian_n archer_n so_o the_o most_o zealous_a and_o bold_a assertor_n and_o maintainer_n of_o it_o be_v set_v out_o in_o the_o most_o odious_a and_o black_a colour_n which_o envy_n and_o malice_n itself_o can_v devise_v but_o maugre_o all_o the_o craft_n and_o envy_n of_o devil_n and_o his_o most_o subtle_a and_o industrious_a tool_n the_o doctrine_n of_o particular_a election_n before_o time_n be_v plain_o hold_v forth_o and_o assert_v in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o in_o case_n divine_a providence_n call_v to_o a_o suffer_a condition_n for_o defence_n of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o god_n have_v a_o seal_a number_n in_o these_o kingdom_n know_v to_o himself_o who_o will_v be_v enable_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o with_o their_o dear_a blood_n a_o objection_n or_o two_o lie_n in_o the_o way_n to_o be_v answer_v before_o i_o can_v proceed_v to_o what_o remain_v behind_o object_n 1._o the_o doctrine_n of_o particular_a election_n puff_v man_n with_o pride_n answ_n the_o contrary_a to_o this_o the_o devil_n himself_o know_v to_o be_v true_a for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o satan_n have_v make_v his_o observation_n that_o none_o of_o all_o god_n call_v child_n have_v more_o abound_v with_o humility_n and_o self_n abasement_n than_o those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o high_a assurance_n of_o god_n elect_v love_n none_o but_o these_o can_v right_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o i_o who_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o saint_n be_v this_o grace_n give_v etc._n etc._n cry_v that_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n ephes_n 3.8_o this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n of_o who_o i_o be_o the_o chief_a 1_o tim._n 1.15_o for_o i_o be_o the_o least_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o be_o not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v a_o apostle_n because_o i_o persecute_v the_o church_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 15.9_o but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o verse_n 10._o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o among_o all_o the_o apostle_n none_o be_v more_o high_o advance_v in_o respect_n of_o extraordinary_a manifestation_n and_o gospel_n revelation_n than_o paul_n be_v and_o yet_o among_o all_o the_o apostle_n none_o more_o abase_v no_o great_a admirer_n of_o free_a grace_n than_o he_o be_v and_o indeed_o not_o only_a paul_n but_o other_o also_o both_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o under_o the_o new_a who_o free_a grace_n single_v out_o to_o be_v vessel_n of_o mercy_n these_o be_v still_o addict_v to_o go_v out_o of_o themselves_o in_o a_o way_n of_o self_n abasement_n and_o cry_v up_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n every_o way_n free_a and_o undeserved_a by_o they_o and_o herein_o i_o appeal_v most_o free_o to_o the_o personal_a experience_n of_o every_o regenerate_a believer_n now_o live_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o find_v in_o themselves_o that_o the_o near_o they_o come_v to_o know_v and_o perceive_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o themselves_o in_o particular_a the_o more_o vile_a they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o esteem_n and_o the_o more_o the_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o nothingness_n grow_v and_o abound_v the_o more_o be_v they_o
hell_n in_o my_o own_o apprehension_n while_o i_o border_v so_o near_o the_o confine_n of_o final_a desperation_n find_v in_o myself_o how_o vast_o short_a my_o personal_a qualification_n come_v of_o answer_v the_o law_n demand_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n i_o find_v that_o nothing_o can_v possible_o quiet_a or_o satisfy_v my_o wound_a despair_a conscience_n but_o what_o do_v effectual_o appease_v and_o satisfy_v that_o holy_a god_n against_o who_o i_o have_v so_o many_o thousand_o of_o time_n offend_v which_o can_v be_v nothing_o short_a of_o a_o infinite_a righteousness_n which_o righteousness_n can_v be_v have_v no_o where_o but_o in_o christ_n god_n man_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v have_v but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o believe_v of_o which_o mystery_n my_o blind_a and_o pervert_v reason_n be_v as_o ignorant_a as_o a_o beast_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o my_o heart_n and_o soul_n be_v zealous_o set_v against_o look_v for_o life_n and_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o that_o of_o freewill_n and_o general_a redemption_n this_o principle_n so_o every_o way_n quadrate_v with_o my_o legal_a frame_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v act_v by_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o do_v and_o live_v here_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o or_o unseasonable_a for_o the_o relief_n and_o encouragement_n of_o a_o poor_a tempt_v soul_n who_o as_o touch_v this_o very_a point_n of_o election_n may_v be_v walk_v in_o darkness_n have_v no_o light_n of_o comfort_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o answer_v or_o resolve_v this_o needful_a question_n how_o shall_v a_o poor_a bewildered_a tempt_a soul_n come_v to_o know_v that_o itself_o in_o particular_a be_v elect_v of_o god_n before_o time_n to_o this_o question_n about_o which_o many_o of_o god_n call_v once_o be_v not_o a_o little_a distress_a in_o their_o own_o spirit_n i_o shall_v answer_v in_o three_o particular_n first_o the_o way_n to_o know_v thou_o be_v elect_v before_o time_n be_v to_o go_v about_o it_o in_o a_o right_a way_n or_o manner_n by_o this_o i_o mean_v thou_o be_v not_o to_o attempt_v to_o pry_v into_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o the_o most_o high_a concern_v this_o matter_n know_v that_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o to_o none_o else_o until_o he_o please_v to_o reveal_v they_o deut._n 29.29_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o know_v this_o mystery_n to_o thy_o comfort_n do_v as_o thou_o will_v do_v if_o thou_o be_v to_o bring_v both_o end_n of_o a_o bottom_n of_o thread_n or_o yarn_n to_o meet_v together_o the_o way_n be_v not_o to_o begin_v at_o that_o end_n which_o be_v hide_v in_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o the_o bottom_n but_o to_o take_v the_o end_n which_o be_v outmost_a and_o next_o to_o thou_o and_o by_o thus_o do_v thou_o will_v soon_o bring_v both_o end_n to_o meet_v whereas_o if_o thou_o go_v about_o it_o in_o any_o other_o way_n as_o by_o cut_v or_o ravel_v the_o bottom_n to_o hasten_v the_o work_n thou_o will_v but_o fret_v and_o vex_v thyself_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o thou_o will_v mar_v and_o spoil_v the_o work_n do_v not_o then_o attempt_v as_o the_o devil_n and_o carnal_a reason_n will_v have_v thou_o to_o climb_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o inform_v thyself_o of_o this_o matter_n god_n work_n must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n which_o be_v that_o thou_o begin_v first_o with_o thy_o own_o heart_n see_v examine_v and_o search_v thy_o own_o soul_n to_o find_v out_o whether_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v ever_o be_v at_o work_n there_o the_o cause_n must_v be_v know_v by_o its_o proper_a effect_n not_o the_o effect_n by_o the_o cause_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o gal._n 6.4_o 2_o pet._n 1.10_o election_n the_o thing_n thou_o will_v fain_o be_v resolve_v about_o be_v the_o cause_n this_o be_v a_o secret_a in_o god_n breast_n which_o can_v be_v know_v by_o thou_o no_o other_o way_n ordinary_o but_o by_o its_o effect_n which_o be_v faith_n in_o thy_o heart_n and_o obedience_n to_o christ_n command_n in_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v call_v thou_o to_o embrace_v and_o close_v with_o christ_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o thy_o close_n with_o christ_n do_v discover_v themselves_o in_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n thou_o have_v no_o ground_n or_o reason_n to_o question_v thy_o election_n but_o what_o the_o devil_n and_o thy_o carnal_a reason_n suggest_v act_n 13.48_o and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v jo._n 10.26_o but_o you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o my_o sheep_n as_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o scripture_n now_o quote_v election_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v hold_v forth_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o faith_n or_o believe_v in_o jesus_n as_o the_o undoubted_a fruit_n or_o effect_n of_o election_n second_o be_v thou_o frequent_o tempt_v to_o doubt_v of_o and_o question_v thy_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v a_o undoubted_a argument_n that_o the_o devil_n discern_v in_o thou_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o god_n elect_v love_n to_o thy_o person_n which_o put_v he_o upon_o tempt_v thou_o to_o question_n and_o doubt_n of_o god_n love_n to_o thou_o where_o the_o devil_n know_v he_o have_v the_o full_a and_o quiet_a possession_n of_o a_o sinner_n there_o he_o suggest_v that_o the_o man_n be_v a_o good_a christian_a his_o faith_n be_v a_o good_a faith_n and_o god_n be_v his_o father_n and_o that_o he_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v notwithstanding_o he_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n on_o the_o contrary_a where_o the_o devil_n see_v and_o discover_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o love_n appear_v there_o he_o pester_n the_o soul_n with_o infernal_a suggestion_n and_o temptation_n to_o put_v the_o soul_n on_o misbelieve_a and_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n grace_n bestow_v on_o the_o sinner_n thou_o be_v but_o a_o paint_a hypocrite_n thou_o be_v none_o of_o god_n elect_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o thou_o to_o hope_n or_o expect_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n thus_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o believer_n redeemer_n mat._n 4.3_o 6._o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o the_o adversary_n have_v do_v this_o to_o the_o green_a tree_n what_o will_v he_o not_o attempt_v to_o do_v to_o the_o dry_a luke_n 23.31_o three_o do_v thou_o find_v thy_o heart_n fix_o resolve_v come_v life_n come_v death_n to_o cast_v thy_o soul_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o divine_a sovereignty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n shun_v all_o know_a sin_n and_o press_v after_o holiness_n rest_v entire_o on_o the_o grace_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n after_o life_n and_o salvation_n thou_o be_v to_o know_v for_o thy_o everlasting_a comfort_n and_o encouragement_n that_o no_o reprobate_n ever_o be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o time_n will_v discover_v that_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o god_n elect_n go_v on_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o thy_o god_n fear_v not_o chap._n ii_o of_o reprobation_n by_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v the_o act_n of_o god_n election_n of_o some_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n it_o unavoidable_o and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n follow_v that_o the_o same_o sovereign_a god_n have_v reprobate_v or_o reject_v the_o rest_n not_o so_o elect_v and_o that_o from_o all_o eternity_n have_v decree_v never_o to_o recover_v they_o by_o convert_v grace_n but_o have_v fix_o purpose_v for_o sin_n to_o damn_v they_o and_o that_o for_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o justice_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o if_o god_n have_v elect_v and_o choose_v a_o certain_a number_n out_o of_o the_o whole_a corrupt_a mass_n or_o lump_n of_o fall_a mankind_n in_o who_o salvation_n he_o have_v purpose_v to_o glorify_v his_o mercy_n and_o free_a grace_n by_o jesus_n christ_n then_o have_v he_o refuse_v or_o pass_v by_o the_o rest_n as_o will_v most_o evident_o appear_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o the_o decree_n of_o reprobation_n have_v in_o it_o four_o part_n to_o each_o of_o which_o i_o will_v speak_v as_o plain_o and_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v first_o god_n have_v refuse_v or_o reject_v some_o particular_a person_n on_o who_o he_o purpose_v never_o to_o have_v mercy_n this_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n follow_v jo._n 10.26_o but_o you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o my_o sheep_n as_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o rom._n 11.7_o but_o the_o election_n have_v obtain_v it_o and_o the_o rest_n be_v blind_v rom._n 9.18_o therefore_o have_v