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
hinder_v that_o they_o can_v come_v to_o their_o purpose_a and_o determine_v end_n so_o the_o effect_n and_o end_n do_v not_o always_o answer_v the_o purpose_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o doer_n because_o one_o thing_n be_v intend_v and_o a_o other_o thing_n happen_v but_o god_n do_v now_o see_v the_o future_a event_n of_o thing_n and_o behold_v they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v present_a and_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n can_v direct_v and_o bring_v they_o to_o their_o foreappoynted_a end_n and_o scope_n against_o all_o let_n and_o hindrance_n whatsoever_o the_o event_n therefore_o and_o end_n be_v always_o answerable_a to_o his_o eternal_a intent_n and_o purpose_n so_o that_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o time_n which_o he_o purpose_v to_o himself_o before_o time_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o precise_a and_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o thing_n as_o augustine_n elsewhere_o speak_v moreover_o although_o the_o first_o man_n can_v not_o of_o himself_o change_v his_o will_n that_o be_v create_v good_a into_o evil_n without_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n come_v in_o and_o concur_v with_o it_o for_o in_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v move_v and_o without_o he_o there_o be_v no_o motion_n yet_o the_o fault_n and_o crime_n that_o be_v commit_v by_o the_o first_o man_n can_v not_o nor_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v unto_o god_n for_o that_o remain_v only_o in_o the_o will_n of_o man_n that_o this_o may_v be_v understand_v more_o plain_o and_o distinct_o of_o every_o man_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o sin_n to_o wit_n the_o action_n and_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v annex_v and_o knit_v unto_o the_o action_n for_o the_o action_n itself_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n and_o work_v be_v good_a and_o god_n do_v begin_v and_o finish_v it_o but_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v wicked_a and_o have_v evil_a annex_v unto_o it_o it_o proceed_v and_o flow_v from_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n moreover_o although_o god_n may_v produce_v and_o perform_v some_o work_n in_o the_o evil_a action_n of_o man_n yet_o god_n do_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v good_a for_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a therefore_o also_o out_o of_o he_o can_v proceed_v no_o work_n but_o good_a see_v therefore_o that_o he_o be_v whole_o good_a likewise_o must_v all_o his_o work_n be_v good_a also_o for_o the_o effect_n be_v wont_a to_o imitate_v and_o resemble_v their_o cause_n so_o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o their_o cause_n have_v be_v before_o they_o so_o that_o whomesoever_o god_n stir_v up_o and_o move_v he_o do_v it_o well_o and_o right_o wise_o although_o the_o creature_n so_o move_v by_o he_o may_v sin_v and_o so_o fall_v from_o he_o but_o man_n sin_v against_o the_o express_a commandment_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o free_o choose_v the_o evil_a therefore_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v by_o he_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v proper_o to_o his_o own_o will_n and_o to_o be_v judge_v as_o proceed_v from_o it_o therefore_o although_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o first_o man_n do_v proceed_v of_o his_o own_o free_a and_o voluntary_a will_n yet_o can_v it_o by_o no_o mean_n be_v do_v without_o god_n eternal_a decree_n because_o that_o only_o fall_v out_o which_o god_n from_o everlasting_a do_v purpose_n and_o foresee_v but_o sin_n itself_o as_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n contrary_n unto_o god_n do_v spring_n from_o the_o will_n of_o man_n approve_v and_o commit_v it_o god_n heavenly_a will_n suffer_v and_o permit_v it_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v gather_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n that_o the_o first_o man_n be_v pliant_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v incline_v on_o either_o side_n for_o such_o a_o will_n be_v give_v he_o that_o if_o he_o will_v he_o may_v have_v stand_v still_o and_o remain_v innocent_a but_o he_o have_v no_o promise_n nor_o constancy_n give_v he_o to_o continue_v so_o and_o therefore_o do_v he_o fall_v so_o easy_o and_o take_v the_o fruit_n that_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n and_o do_v eat_v it_o wherefore_o this_o change_n and_o fall_v from_o good_a to_o bad_a be_v by_o all_o mean_v necessary_a for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o god_n eternal_a counsel_n for_o by_o it_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o open_a door_n and_o a_o most_o fit_a occasion_n offer_v for_o god_n to_o show_v his_o mercy_n by_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n a_o open_a gap_n and_o a_o most_o just_a cause_n give_v he_o to_o exercise_v his_o justice_n for_o as_o the_o elect_a can_v not_o have_v be_v save_v by_o mercy_n except_o they_o have_v first_o sin_v and_o thereby_o deserve_a god_n most_o just_a wrath_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n so_o likewise_o the_o reprobate_n can_v not_o have_v be_v condemn_v by_o his_o justice_n except_o they_o have_v be_v first_o subject_n unto_o just_a condemnation_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o fall_v from_o god_n so_o god_n on_o the_o one_o side_n do_v erect_v his_o everlasting_a judgement_n seat_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n open_v and_o lay_v forth_o the_o infinite_a treasure_n of_o his_o mercy_n god_n therefore_o that_o he_o may_v show_v forth_o his_o power_n and_o his_o wisdom_n together_o with_o his_o unspeakable_a goodness_n think_v it_o better_o of_o evil_a thing_n to_o produce_v good_a thing_n then_o to_o suffer_v no_o evil_a thing_n at_o all_o 21._o in_o enchirid_n cap._n 21._o say_v saint_n augustine_n for_o what_o can_v be_v better_o and_o wise_a than_o he_o be_v who_o know_v how_o to_o bring_v forth_o exceed_o great_a goodness_n out_o of_o that_o which_o be_v very_o bad_a and_o to_o convert_v unto_o salvation_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v ready_a for_o destruction_n for_o except_o god_n can_v have_v produce_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a he_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v the_o evil_a to_o have_v be_v commit_v in_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o he_o hinder_v not_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o first_o man_n who_o shall_v call_v he_o into_o question_n and_o who_o can_v or_o dare_v accuse_v he_o of_o unrighteousness_n for_o by_o permit_v that_o fall_n he_o get_v a_o most_o ample_a occasion_n to_o show_v forth_o his_o glory_n by_o so_o that_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o first_o man_n adam_n be_v no_o less_o necessary_a than_o the_o manifestation_n and_o execution_n of_o god_n eternal_a purpose_n by_o all_o this_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o god_n be_v such_o a_o worker_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o fulfil_v and_o perform_v his_o good_a will_v even_o by_o the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a will_n of_o man_n not_o that_o the_o wicked_a have_v any_o purpose_n to_o be_v obedient_a unto_o god_n will_n but_o because_o by_o the_o secret_a work_n of_o god_n and_o his_o direction_n they_o be_v draw_v unto_o it_o themselves_o not_o know_v of_o it_o for_o god_n by_o his_o hide_a power_n as_o with_o a_o invisible_a cord_n do_v draw_v the_o wicked_a although_o they_o know_v it_o not_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o end_n which_o themselves_o never_o aim_v at_o so_o the_o ungodly_a be_v direct_v to_o a_o end_n which_o themselves_o know_v not_o of_o by_o the_o secret_a power_n of_o god_n without_o any_o purpose_n or_o endeavour_v of_o they_o like_v as_o arrow_n fly_v without_o any_o feel_n unto_o the_o mark_n to_o which_o the_o archer_n direct_v they_o here_o behold_v and_o admire_v god_n provident_a bounty_n and_o favour_n which_o disdain_v not_o for_o our_o sake_n to_o direct_v the_o wander_a step_n and_o endeavour_n of_o the_o wicked_a unto_o a_o wholesome_a end_n to_o turn_v the_o great_a hurt_n into_o the_o chief_a health_n and_o a_o desperate_a evil_n into_o good_a in_o as_o much_o therefore_o as_o the_o wicked_a sin_n and_o do_v wicked_o it_o be_v their_o own_o work_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o bring_v to_o pass_v this_o or_o that_o by_o their_o sin_v that_o be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n say_v saint_n augustine_n l'incentium_fw-la epist_n 48._o ad_fw-la l'incentium_fw-la and_o although_o that_o god_n and_o wicked_a man_n seem_v to_o do_v one_o and_o the_o selfsame_o work_n yet_o the_o man_n be_v faulty_a and_o god_n only_o just_a because_o in_o that_o one_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v there_o be_v not_o one_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o do_v it_o arbitrio_fw-la lib._n 21_o de_fw-fr gratia_fw-la &_o libero_fw-la arbitrio_fw-la say_v augustine_n so_o the_o wicked_a do_v not_o become_v good_a nor_o be_v hold_v excuse_v although_o they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v have_v do_v because_o in_o their_o action_n they_o have_v not_o respect_n unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o a_o desire_n to_o obey_v it_o but_o follow_v their_o own_o lewd_a counsel_n and_o wicked_a desire_n so_o also_o god_n become_v not_o evil_a and_o unjust_a but_o remain_v good_a and_o
wicked_a so_o that_o out_o of_o they_o god_n save_v good_a will_n can_v be_v know_v for_o many_o abound_v here_o with_o riches_n and_o honour_n which_o yet_o come_v not_o to_o eternal_a life_n 13.19_o luk_n 13.19_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o rich_a glutton_n and_o in_o many_o other_o and_o it_o be_v a_o other_o thing_n to_o elect_v in_o christ_n those_o that_o be_v lose_v to_o forgive_v they_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o draw_v they_o unto_o christ_n by_o a_o effectual_a call_n to_o sanctify_v they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o in_o the_o end_n to_o crown_v they_o with_o eternal_a glory_n this_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v wonderful_o and_o singular_o extol_v and_o commend_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n this_o be_v erect_v as_o a_o heavenly_a banner_n unto_o which_o as_o to_o a_o sanctuary_n and_o a_o most_o safe_a haven_n the_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n be_v call_v by_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o excel_v and_o bear_v the_o prize_n among_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n this_o break_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o set_v open_a heaven_n door_n this_o be_v the_o only_a sacred_a refuge_n which_o whosoever_o lay_v hold_v upon_o swim_v happy_o out_o of_o the_o wave_n of_o every_o storm_n and_o avoyd_v the_o danger_n of_o death_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v at_o hand_n and_o escape_v without_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o salvation_n this_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v a_o most_o sovereign_n balm_n to_o a_o dismay_a mind_n which_o heal_v their_o wound_n without_o any_o pain_n to_o this_o appertain_v that_o golden_a sentence_n of_o augustine_n whereas_o he_o say_v when_o man_n praise_v himself_o there_o be_v vanity_n and_o pride_n when_o god_n praise_v himself_o there_o be_v grace_n and_o mercy_n for_o what_o he_o praise_v in_o himself_o that_o will_v he_o give_v to_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o as_o often_o therefore_o as_o he_o praise_v himself_o so_o often_o do_v he_o invite_v and_o call_v man_n unto_o his_o mercy_n in_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n there_o be_v two_o virtue_n to_o be_v consider_v the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o be_v by_o infinite_a degree_n great_a than_o can_v be_v in_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o kindness_n and_o mercy_n soever_o be_v in_o any_o creature_n it_o flow_v and_o issue_v only_o out_o of_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o out_o of_o the_o only_a live_a fountain_n so_o that_o although_o there_o be_v a_o great_a and_o a_o earnest_a affection_n of_o kindness_n in_o many_o creature_n yet_o compare_v with_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n it_o will_v scarce_o be_v a_o little_a part_n or_o sparkle_v thereof_o 3.18.19_o psal_n 103.11.12_o ephes_n 3.18.19_o for_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o far_o exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o man_n mind_n but_o be_v also_o high_o broad_a and_o deep_a than_o the_o whole_a universal_a world_n wherefore_o although_o that_o love_n which_o be_v in_o parent_n be_v a_o most_o earnest_a and_o tender_a affection_n whereby_o they_o love_v and_o embrace_v their_o child_n as_o their_o own_o bowel_n yet_o that_o love_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v far_o above_o and_o much_o exceed_v all_o the_o love_n of_o man_n this_o god_n himself_o testify_v in_o esay_n 49.15_o esa_n 49.15_o although_o a_o mother_n do_v forget_v her_o child_n yet_o will_v i_o not_o forget_v thou_o but_o will_v always_o be_v mindful_a of_o thou_o what_o compassion_n soever_o therefore_o can_v be_v find_v in_o man_n it_o be_v far_o inferior_a to_o god_n mercy_n for_o look_v how_o great_a god_n himself_o be_v so_o great_a also_o be_v his_o mercy_n therefore_o like_a as_o god_n in_o his_o essence_n be_v infinite_a so_o likewise_o be_v he_o infinite_a in_o mercy_n for_o with_o it_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v fill_v say_v the_o psalmist_n 33.5_o psal_n 33.5_o it_o be_v give_v and_o aply_v unto_o all_o the_o elect_a child_n of_o god_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o can_v not_o be_v if_o it_o be_v finite_a and_o bind_v unto_o one_o certain_a place_n but_o see_v that_o at_o one_o time_n it_o show_v forth_o the_o save_a virtue_n thereof_o in_o divers_a place_n it_o follow_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o place_n this_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v too_o base_o and_o mean_o esteem_v of_o we_o except_o this_o praise_n be_v give_v unto_o it_o as_o a_o honour_n due_a unto_o it_o that_o it_o do_v infinite_o exceed_v all_o the_o sense_n of_o flesh_n and_o all_o the_o affection_n either_o of_o father_n or_o mother_n 27.10_o psal_n 27.10_o this_o the_o psalmist_n signify_v when_o he_o say_v my_o father_n and_o my_o mother_n have_v forsake_v i_o but_o the_o lord_n have_v gather_v i_o up_o this_o therefore_o be_v far_o above_o and_o exceed_v the_o compassion_n of_o all_o creature_n the_o other_o virtue_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v that_o it_o be_v altogether_o a_o free_a gift_n that_o god_n find_v in_o we_o nothing_o at_o all_o but_o most_o absolute_a and_o extreme_a misery_n and_o that_o he_o be_v induce_v by_o his_o own_o mere_a grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o save_v we_o that_o he_o elect_a man_n that_o in_o himself_o be_v utter_o a_o castaway_n and_o appoint_v he_o to_o salvation_n and_o that_o election_n be_v the_o free_a and_o undeserved_a gift_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o many_o reason_n and_o argument_n first_o because_o he_o elect_a man_n from_o everlasting_a before_o he_o be_v and_o have_v neither_o do_v good_a nor_o evil_a hence_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o in_o elect_a man_n god_n have_v no_o respect_n of_o his_o merit_n or_o worthiness_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o merit_n it_o shall_v necessary_o follow_v that_o man_n shall_v first_o have_v be_v and_o have_v do_v some_o good_a for_o the_o effect_n be_v not_o before_o their_o cause_n but_o after_o but_o see_v man_n be_v not_o then_o when_o he_o be_v elect_v unto_o life_n therefore_o also_o can_v there_o then_o be_v no_o work_n of_o he_o for_o the_o cause_n go_v before_o their_o effect_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o work_v and_o effect_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v produce_v except_o the_o cause_n first_o be_v by_o who_o power_n and_o virtue_n the_o effect_n be_v bring_v forth_o therefore_o out_o of_o this_o circumstance_n of_o eternity_n it_o be_v plain_o gather_v that_o election_n be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o man_n can_v do_v or_o deserve_v before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o before_o his_o own_o creation_n therefore_o whatsoever_o the_o papist_n dream_v of_o here_o concern_v godliness_n and_o faith_n foresee_v be_v absurd_a and_o false_a as_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v declare_v but_o that_o election_n be_v free_a and_o flow_v from_o the_o mere_a favour_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o exclude_v all_o the_o endeavour_n and_o work_n of_o man_n the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v express_o teach_v in_o many_o place_n for_o paul_n to_o timothy_n say_v 3.11_o 2._o tim._n 1_o 9_o rom._n 16.25_o ephes_n 3.11_o that_o god_n save_v we_o not_o according_a to_o our_o own_o work_n but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o purpose_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o through_o christ_n before_o the_o world_n be_v here_o saint_n paul_n for_o the_o better_a clear_n and_o express_v of_o it_o set_v down_o man_n work_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o two_o contraries_n opposite_a one_o against_o a_o other_o and_o sever_v salvation_n from_o man_n merit_n and_o attribute_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o again_o man_n take_v he_o at_o the_o best_a be_v so_o corrupt_a &_o pollute_v with_o sin_n that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a thing_n in_o he_o which_o remain_v unspotted_a &_o unstein_v from_o sin_n therefore_o whole_a man_n be_v not_o only_o turn_v away_o from_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n but_o withal_o be_v so_o prone_a unto_o evil_n in_o the_o whole_a affection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o that_o of_o himself_o he_o can_v bring_v forth_o nothing_o else_o but_o sin_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n that_o show_v itself_o even_o in_o his_o least_o thought_n because_o man_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o regeneration_n be_v so_o wicked_a and_o perverse_a that_o he_o can_v think_v much_o less_o do_v any_o good_a thing_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n testify_v and_o prove_v 3.5_o 2._o cor._n 3.5_o yea_o he_o be_v so_o far_o out_o of_o love_n with_o goodness_n 6.5_o genes_n 6.5_o that_o he_o can_v without_o offence_n endure_v that_o once_o it_o shall_v be_v mention_v for_o when_o some_o evil_n be_v forbid_v he_o of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a command_v then_o do_v he_o set_v himself_o whole_o against_o it_o and_o
ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o us._n these_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o not_o one_o live_v here_o which_o be_v not_o a_o sinner_n so_o s._n austin_n say_v in_o a_o other_o place_n most_o fit_o to_o this_o purpose_n woe_n unto_o the_o life_n of_o man_n although_o most_o holy_a if_o it_o be_v examine_v &_o judge_v without_o god_n mercy_n but_o sure_o although_o regeneration_n be_v here_o but_o only_o begin_v and_o be_v unperfect_a yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unprofitable_a but_o be_v very_o commodious_a unto_o the_o elect_a for_o from_o thence_o a_o most_o sure_a and_o evident_a token_n of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n be_v minister_v unto_o they_o but_o of_o this_o matter_n shall_v be_v speak_v more_o large_o and_o purposely_o in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o treatise_n regeneration_n have_v also_o this_o commodity_n which_o be_v very_o great_a for_o when_o man_n be_v regenerate_v they_o be_v not_o only_o deliver_v from_o the_o most_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o tyranny_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o also_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n for_o then_o be_v they_o true_o graft_v into_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v join_v unto_o they_o again_o so_o that_o they_o be_v make_v one_o with_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o christ_n be_v make_v one_o with_o they_o also_o christ_n then_o live_v in_o they_o save_o and_o reign_v effectual_o so_o that_o he_o give_v and_o bestow_v upon_o they_o life_n everlasting_a for_o who_o he_o once_o have_v begin_v to_o renew_v those_o he_o never_o forsake_v for_o he_o leave_v not_o this_o holy_a and_o chief_a work_n of_o all_o his_o work_n as_o it_o be_v break_v of_o 138.8_o psa_fw-la 138.8_o but_o bring_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n and_o accomplishment_n thereof_o 3.6_o mala._n 3.6_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v make_v void_a because_o god_n do_v not_o change_v his_o nature_n nor_o disrobe_v himself_o of_o that_o goodness_n wherewith_o he_o be_v endue_v in_o this_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o salvation_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v ground_v and_o settle_v so_o that_o what_o the_o elect_n have_v once_o lay_v hold_v on_o by_o a_o steadfast_a faith_n that_o do_v god_n never_o take_v from_o they_o for_o the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v such_o as_o be_v without_o repentance_n for_o which_o cause_n paul_n say_v plain_o &_o bold_o 11.29_o rom._n 11.29_o that_o god_n will_v perform_v that_o which_o he_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o philippian_n 1.6_o phil._n 1.6_o and_o bring_v it_o unto_o the_o last_o end_n and_o perfection_n until_o at_o the_o last_o after_o their_o happy_a resurrection_n their_o vile_a body_n be_v fashion_v unto_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n so_o this_o regeneration_n be_v the_o near_a fellowship_n and_o strong_a band_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o regenerate_a and_o where_o this_o grace_n be_v effectual_a there_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o life_n and_o happiness_n everlasting_a follow_v and_o ensue_v for_o the_o old_a man_n with_o the_o concupiscence_n perish_v and_o be_v abolish_v 4.16_o 2._o cor._n 4.16_o but_o the_o new_a man_n be_v renew_a and_o fashion_v unto_o the_o image_n of_o god_n this_o grace_n therefore_o bring_v with_o it_o a_o double_a benefit_n for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o strength_n and_o body_n of_o sin_n be_v weaken_v and_o decay_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n our_o lose_a righteousness_n be_v repair_v and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n restore_v so_o that_o we_o proceed_v from_o the_o abolish_n and_o put_v away_o of_o the_o one_o unto_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o other_o as_o from_o one_o contrary_a unto_o a_o other_o therefore_o regeneration_n be_v the_o only_a remedy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o which_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n be_v here_o after_o a_o sort_n restrain_v and_o amend_v which_o renew_v of_o nature_n shall_v be_v whole_o perfect_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o than_o shall_v we_o necessary_o love_v that_o which_o be_v good_a with_o a_o perfect_a like_n and_o necessary_o hate_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n furthermore_o we_o must_v note_v here_o and_o diligent_o observe_v that_o this_o power_n of_o renew_v be_v in_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o be_v change_v by_o no_o outward_a cause_n or_o mutable_a occasion_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o be_v as_o sure_a and_o certain_a as_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o essence_n be_v everlasting_a for_o god_n be_v as_o constant_a in_o his_o promise_n as_o he_o be_v unchangeable_a in_o his_o essence_n so_o that_o see_v he_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o continual_o as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n and_o ever_o remain_v like_o himself_o therefore_o also_o do_v he_o true_o and_o indeed_o perform_v and_o fulfil_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o word_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v sure_a because_o that_o grace_n whence_o it_o depend_v and_o spring_v be_v sure_a and_o grace_n be_v only_o of_o that_o which_o be_v both_o by_o word_n promise_v and_o indeed_o perform_v free_o and_o merciful_o without_o any_o expectation_n of_o reward_n they_o therefore_o which_o doubt_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o they_o do_v rather_o by_o deed_n than_o word_n accuse_v and_o argue_v god_n of_o unconstancy_n and_o falsehood_n therefore_o the_o distrust_n of_o the_o good_a and_o favourable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o performance_n of_o thing_n promise_v be_v without_o doubt_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n for_o god_n by_o his_o almighty_a power_n do_v begin_v continue_v and_o end_v this_o his_o work_n of_o regeneration_n wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o be_v ground_v therefore_o this_o work_n can_v no_o more_o be_v break_v off_o and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n than_o god_n can_v of_o any_o man_n be_v vanquish_v and_o overcome_v the_o work_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o godly_a howsoever_o they_o be_v imperfect_a and_o interlace_v with_o divers_a blemish_n yet_o god_n in_o that_o his_o fatherly_a goodness_n love_v and_o accept_v they_o then_o some_o thing_n be_v propound_v and_o dilate_a somewhat_o large_o and_o plain_o concern_v the_o meaning_n and_o true_a use_n of_o good_a work_n that_o the_o papist_n error_n may_v be_v the_o more_o evident_a in_o any_o man_n sight_n chap._n 30._o fvrthermore_o see_v this_o regeneration_n be_v in_o this_o life_n maim_v and_o imperfect_a hence_o it_o follow_v necessary_o and_o infallible_o that_o all_o good_a work_n also_o which_o proceed_v out_o of_o it_o as_o stream_n out_o of_o a_o fountain_n be_v maim_v and_o imperfect_a for_o such_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v such_o a_o effect_n likewise_o usual_o follow_v therefore_o see_v those_o work_n be_v unperfect_a they_o can_v deserve_v nothing_o as_o due_a debt_n for_o to_o the_o produce_v and_o effect_v of_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v require_v necessary_o sound_a and_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o maim_a and_o mangle_a cause_n have_v never_o bring_v forth_o any_o thing_n for_o imperfect_a cause_n be_v esteem_v as_o no_o cause_n and_o although_o the_o work_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v interlace_v and_o stain_v with_o many_o blemish_n and_o imperfection_n yet_o they_o be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n because_o in_o they_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o image_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o make_v the_o person_n whence_o those_o work_n proceed_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o mix_v a_o good_a quality_n among_o their_o good_a work_n in_o which_o be_v dip_v as_o in_o a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a perfume_n god_n do_v approve_v and_o accept_v they_o god_n in_o his_o fatherly_a compassion_n do_v pardon_v the_o stain_n and_o defect_n of_o good_a work_n so_o that_o the_o work_n when_o the_o corruption_n of_o they_o be_v abolish_v and_o wipe_v away_o be_v account_v just_a and_o righteous_a and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v unto_o they_o for_o righteousness_n like_a as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o person_n from_o who_o they_o do_v proceed_v therefore_o as_o he_o do_v by_o his_o favour_n love_n and_o justify_v his_o saint_n unto_o death_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a man_n consist_v always_o in_o faith_n and_o the_o daily_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n so_o also_o with_o the_o same_o favour_n do_v he_o love_v and_o justify_v their_o work_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o blot_v out_o and_o wipe_v away_o the_o fault_n which_o remain_v in_o they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o impute_v righteousness_n unto_o they_o as_o therefore_o the_o moon_n do_v borrow_v and_o take_v her_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o also_o faith_n justifi_v the_o work_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o make_v they_o have_v a_o good_a savour_n therefore_o faith_n get_v the_o reward_n and_o name_n of_o righteousness_n both_o unto_o the_o work_n and_o also_o unto_o the_o person_n so_o that_o although_o those_o work_n
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
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
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 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
unto_o satan_n &_o partly_o to_o their_o own_o concupiscence_n and_o desire_n so_o that_o they_o follow_v not_o so_o much_o the_o swinge_n of_o their_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n as_o the_o persuasion_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o which_o they_o be_v carry_v headlong_o into_o all_o filthiness_n and_o lust_n of_o sin_n 22.11_o 2._o tim._n 3.13_o apoc._n 22.11_o and_o be_v so_o besot_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o sin_v that_o be_v blind_v with_o it_o they_o wax_v daily_o worse_o and_o worse_o this_o harden_v and_o delight_n in_o sin_n be_v oppose_v as_o contrary_a unto_o true_a faith_n and_o save_a repentance_n and_o this_o inborn_a corruption_n be_v with_o actual_a sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o fuel_n augment_v and_o increase_v therefore_o the_o wicked_a be_v leave_v to_o the_o corruption_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o harden_v by_o the_o enticement_n of_o sin_n can_v do_v nothing_o else_o but_o sin_n so_o that_o these_o be_v those_o vessel_n which_o saint_n paul_n to_o timothy_n say_v 2.20_o 2._o epist_n 2.20_o be_v make_v and_o appoint_v to_o shame_n and_o dishonour_n so_o the_o reprobate_n by_o filthy_a and_o odious_a mean_n be_v bring_v to_o everlasting_a shame_n and_o dishonour_n for_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o end_n be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o mean_n by_o the_o end_n therefore_o although_o the_o reprobate_n do_v commit_v sin_n the_o affection_n and_o indevor_n of_o their_o whole_a nature_n tend_v hasty_o unto_o evil_n yet_o notwithstanding_o by_o sin_v free_o and_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n they_o do_v accomplish_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v have_v do_v by_o they_o that_o by_o they_o they_o may_v just_o be_v condemn_v according_a to_o god_n purpose_n from_o everlasting_a for_o in_o their_o open_a misdemeanure_n god_n execute_v his_o hide_a and_o secret_a judgement_n as_o in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o each_o man_n else_o so_o that_o those_o sin_n which_o the_o wicked_a commit_v be_v the_o secondary_a cause_n by_o which_o they_o discend_v as_o by_o certain_a step_n into_o everlasting_a perdition_n therefore_o the_o reprobate_n although_o from_o everlasting_a they_o be_v ordain_v unto_o damnation_n yet_o they_o can_v just_o murmur_v against_o god_n nor_o excuse_v or_o defend_v themselves_o because_o they_o themselves_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o own_o damnation_n therefore_o they_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o own_o guiltiness_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o and_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o condemnation_n be_v just_a but_o god_n be_v not_o therefore_o the_o author_n and_o causer_n of_o their_o perverseness_n because_o that_o he_o do_v not_o correct_v they_o and_o amend_v they_o for_o before_o that_o they_o be_v forsake_v and_o harden_v by_o god_n in_o their_o wickedness_n the_o root_n &_o wellspring_n of_o their_o corruption_n abide_v and_o stick_v fast_o within_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n which_o they_o procure_v unto_o themselves_o by_o their_o wilful_a fall_v away_o from_o god_n in_o the_o loin_n of_o adam_n but_o it_o be_v satan_n which_o do_v excite_v and_o stir_v up_o in_o they_o evil_a thought_n and_o wicked_a desire_n and_o do_v hurry_v they_o and_o incense_v they_o as_o his_o own_o bondslave_n at_o his_o pleasure_n into_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n whatsoever_o and_o do_v take_v from_o they_o all_o sense_n and_o feel_n of_o their_o misery_n that_o they_o may_v consume_v and_o perish_v in_o it_o hence_o be_v it_o that_o they_o contemn_v and_o scoff_n at_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o extenuate_v their_o sin_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o mervayle_n though_o they_o perish_v in_o their_o evil_n because_o they_o know_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o evil_n neither_o feel_v nor_o consider_v with_o themselves_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o yea_o they_o be_v so_o far_o off_o from_o seek_v to_o the_o physician_n for_o remedy_n against_o it_o as_o that_o they_o refuse_v it_o be_v offer_v moreover_o the_o reprobate_n by_o their_o free_a and_o voluntary_a will_v which_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n and_o original_n of_o all_o actual_a sin_n do_v choose_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o pursue_v they_o with_o a_o most_o eager_a desire_n and_o so_o be_v carry_v from_o sin_n into_o sin_n and_o daily_o even_o to_o their_o die_a day_n do_v add_v and_o heap_v sin_n upon_o sin_n until_o they_o fall_v into_o everlasting_a destrucction_n unto_o the_o which_o by_o such_o mean_v they_o be_v ordain_v by_o these_o thing_n it_o most_o evident_o appear_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n ought_v not_o be_v lay_v upon_o god_n but_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v in_o they_o which_o have_v offend_v and_o although_o god_n for_o a_o while_o do_v seem_v to_o wink_v with_o his_o eye_n as_o it_o be_v close_v up_o at_o their_o great_a and_o detestable_a wickedness_n yet_o that_o temporal_a forbear_n of_o their_o wickedness_n be_v not_o the_o forgive_n and_o pardon_v they_o for_o ever_o but_o god_n for_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n sake_n do_v favour_v they_o many_o time_n in_o this_o life_n and_o deal_v gentle_o with_o they_o 2.4_o rom._n 2.4_o that_o so_o he_o may_v allure_v they_o unto_o repentance_n but_o they_o for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n come_v not_o unto_o this_o undeserved_a mercy_n therefore_o he_o come_v unto_o they_o at_o the_o length_n with_o deserve_a punishment_n these_o sin_n and_o evil_a deed_n which_o the_o reprobate_n commit_v do_v necessary_o follow_v their_o reprobation_n but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o but_o the_o reprobate_n do_v bring_v forth_o they_o of_o themselves_o and_o be_v proper_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o that_o in_o time_n when_o as_o they_o be_v reprobate_v of_o god_n before_o time_n therefore_o their_o condemnation_n be_v proper_o the_o wage_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o peculiar_a fruit_n of_o their_o evil_a deed_n so_o the_o wicked_a themselves_o be_v the_o first_o &_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o own_o destruction_n but_o god_n be_v a_o just_a judge_n which_o take_v from_o they_o nothing_o which_o be_v they_o but_o reward_v &_o pay_v unto_o they_o that_o which_o they_o by_o their_o enterprise_n &_o action_n have_v deserve_v therefore_o when_o he_o condemn_v they_o he_o do_v they_o no_o injury_n but_o do_v make_v and_o pronounce_v upon_o they_o the_o sentence_n of_o their_o deserve_a condemnation_n even_o for_o their_o own_o fact_n 25.43.44_o math._n 25.43.44_o so_o that_o such_o reward_n shall_v be_v render_v they_o before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n as_o their_o labour_n have_v be_v here_o and_o such_o wage_n shall_v be_v pay_v they_o there_o as_o their_o desert_n have_v be_v here_o so_o two_o beinning_n or_o cause_n do_v go_v before_o the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o wit_n the_o just_a decree_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o corruption_n and_o impiety_n god_n decree_n be_v the_o cause_n far_o remove_v which_o have_v just_o ordain_v and_o wise_o dispose_v this_o their_o condemnation_n their_o own_o corruption_n be_v the_o near_a cause_n which_o be_v still_o in_o operation_n and_o by_o that_o operation_n deserve_v condemnation_n moreover_o as_o often_o as_o two_o cause_n do_v concur_v to_o one_o effect_n than_o the_o effect_n take_v his_o nature_n and_o name_n of_o the_o near_a cause_n therefore_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o effect_n ought_v to_o proceed_v and_o be_v take_v from_o that_o now_o where_o there_o be_v stiffnecked_a incredulity_n and_o a_o wicked_a life_n see_v replenish_v and_o overwhelm_v with_o sundry_a sin_n and_o iniquity_n continual_o as_o long_o as_o life_n do_v last_o there_o do_v the_o token_n of_o reprobation_n appear_v yet_o notwithstanding_o sometime_o some_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n at_o the_o last_o gasp_n of_o death_n and_o attain_v salvation_n which_o through_o their_o whole_a life_n long_o have_v live_v dishonest_o &_o lewd_o in_o such_o god_n do_v manifest_v his_o incredible_a mercy_n and_o do_v indeed_o show_v more_o clear_o than_o the_o sun_n at_o midday_n that_o life_n eternal_a be_v by_o all_o mean_v his_o own_o mere_a gift_n and_o benefit_n so_o that_o god_n teach_v we_o in_o they_o that_o we_o shall_v hope_v well_o of_o every_o one_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v here_o but_o to_o denounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o damnation_n upon_o this_o or_o that_o man_n for_o such_o or_o such_o misdeed_n be_v a_o thing_n very_o rash_a and_o much_o dissonant_n from_o charity_n the_o horrible_a damnation_n of_o the_o reprobate_n by_o the_o wise_a and_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n turn_v unto_o the_o good_a of_o the_o elect_a and_o therefore_o ought_v public_o to_o be_v preach_v although_o some_o restless_a bust-body_n rage_n and_o storm_n thereat_o chap._n 20._o this_o most_o just_a and_o horrible_a condemnation_n of_o the_o wicked_a make_v for_o the_o best_a
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
scripture_n for_o a_o certain_a singular_a excellency_n whereby_o a_o man_n may_v be_v worthy_a to_o be_v choose_v so_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v elect_v which_o be_v excellent_a and_o singular_a they_o i_o say_v be_v the_o author_n of_o fable_n and_o trifle_n with_o toy_n see_v that_o every_o man_n be_v esteem_v far_o otherwise_o in_o this_o civil_a and_o earthly_a court_n than_o he_o be_v or_o judge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n moreover_o no_o other_o cause_n of_o reprobation_n can_v be_v allege_v or_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o the_o just_a and_o unchangeable_a will_n of_o god_n for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o in_o that_o his_o eternal_a and_o secret_a counsel_n have_v of_o himself_o and_o by_o himself_o adjudge_v some_o man_n unto_o eternal_a death_n &_o destruction_n and_o that_o before_o they_o be_v and_o have_v do_v any_o evil_n for_o sin_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o reprobation_n for_o all_o have_v sin_v and_o be_v alike_o pollute_v 2.3_o ephes_n 2.3_o and_o by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n so_o that_o all_o even_o every_o one_o shall_v have_v perish_v if_o sin_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o reprobation_n sin_n very_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o necessary_o follow_v reprobation_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v speak_v more_o hereafter_o although_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v of_o man_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o just_a and_o efficient_a cause_n of_o damnation_n yet_o the_o cause_n of_o reprobation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o in_o man_n but_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a cause_n thereof_o be_v even_o the_o free_a and_o righteous_a will_n of_o god_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o reprobate_n be_v damn_v that_o they_o have_v deserve_v by_o their_o own_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o just_a cause_n of_o damnation_n for_o if_o they_o have_v not_o sin_v they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v punish_v for_o god_n be_v every_o way_n so_o just_a that_o he_o punish_v none_o except_o he_o be_v enthral_v to_o sin_n and_o most_o worthy_a of_o punishment_n and_o now_o see_v that_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o evident_a testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v praedestination_n and_o that_o the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o word_n and_o divers_a signification_n thereof_o be_v plain_o discuss_v and_o that_o the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v produce_v and_o lay_v open_a it_o remain_v that_o we_o shall_v plain_o define_v what_o this_o praedestination_n be_v which_o except_o it_o be_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o follow_v to_o be_v handle_v can_v be_v conceive_v and_o understand_v praedestination_n therefore_o be_v the_o eternal_a free_a just_a and_o unchangeable_a purpose_n of_o god_n by_o which_o of_o his_o mercy_n he_o have_v determine_v to_o adopt_v some_o man_n for_o son_n through_o christ_n and_o have_v appoint_v they_o to_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n and_o have_v not_o vouchsafe_v othersome_a that_o grace_n and_o favour_n but_o have_v reject_v they_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n and_o appoint_v they_o to_o eternal_a death_n this_o definition_n many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v deliver_v and_o prove_v 1.3_o rom._n 9.13_o malac._n 1.3_o but_o chief_o the_o example_n of_o jacob_n and_o esau_n do_v wonderful_o declare_v it_o these_o two_o although_o they_o be_v brother_n bear_v of_o the_o same_o parent_n although_o they_o be_v sinner_n both_o alike_o and_o by_o nature_n the_o child_n of_o wrath_n yet_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v so_o discern_v between_o they_o that_o by_o his_o free_a grace_n he_o love_v and_o elect_a one_o of_o they_o and_o by_o his_o just_a judgement_n hate_v and_o reject_v the_o other_o and_o that_o not_o according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a work_n foresee_v either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o of_o the_o other_o but_o according_a unto_o his_o purpose_n he_o do_v choose_v jacob_n 9.11_o rom._n 9.11_o and_o hate_v esau_n and_o that_o when_o as_o yet_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o have_v do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a the_o scripture_n have_v set_v forth_o these_o two_o person_n as_o it_o be_v two_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a argument_n from_o which_o it_o infer_v two_o general_a proposition_n namely_o that_o almighty_a god_n from_o everlasting_a before_o all_o age_n have_v so_o discern_v between_o man_n by_o his_o firm_a and_o unchangeable_a wisdom_n that_o some_o without_o any_o merit_n of_o they_o shall_v obtain_v undeserved_a grace_n and_o that_o some_o shall_v have_v and_o undergo_v deserve_v justice_n and_o due_a punishment_n this_o praedestination_n be_v distinguish_v from_o providence_n as_o a_o special_a thing_n from_o a_o general_a or_o as_o a_o part_n from_o the_o whole_a see_v that_o predestination_n be_v not_o so_o common_a nor_o so_o large_a as_o providence_n for_o predestination_n have_v his_o operation_n and_o work_n either_o in_o the_o save_n or_o condemn_v of_o man_n although_o the_o create_a spirit_n namely_o the_o angel_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v refer_v hereunto_o but_o providence_n reach_v further_a spread_v and_o extend_v itself_o unto_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n so_o that_o praedestination_n be_v as_o well_o the_o just_a council_n of_o god_n in_o forsake_v the_o reprobate_n and_o cast_v he_o off_o into_o eternal_a punishment_n as_o the_o voluntary_a purpose_n of_o god_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a to_o be_v begin_v in_o this_o life_n and_o finish_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v also_o providence_n be_v the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n and_o such_o a_o order_n and_o ratify_v government_n in_o thing_n that_o be_v create_v according_a to_o which_o all_o thing_n be_v direct_v and_o do_v fall_v out_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o profit_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_a to_o this_o his_o government_n even_o the_o temptation_n and_o sleight_n of_o satan_n be_v hold_v in_o subjection_n which_o be_v so_o guide_v by_o the_o most_o wise_a god_n that_o they_o still_o turn_v to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o saint_n although_o his_o devise_n be_v hurtful_a in_o themselves_o yet_o god_n know_v how_o to_o prevent_v they_o and_o to_o turn_v they_o to_o a_o contrary_a event_n therefore_o although_o the_o endeavour_n of_o satan_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n most_o pernicious_a yet_o by_o god_n direction_n they_o become_v wholesome_a unto_o his_o child_n for_o god_n be_v such_o a_o workemaister_n as_o be_v able_a to_o alter_v and_o withdraw_v the_o effect_n from_o the_o cause_n so_o as_o the_o effect_n by_o a_o accident_n become_v good_a and_o helpful_a who_o cause_n be_v most_o ill_a and_o hurtful_a this_o providence_n of_o god_n although_o it_o reach_v unto_o the_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o the_o order_n and_o government_n of_o they_o yet_o it_o chief_o intend_v the_o counsel_n and_o action_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o be_v so_o intentive_a about_o they_o that_o although_o they_o be_v very_o much_o confuse_v and_o out_o of_o order_n yet_o it_o do_v most_o wise_o turn_v and_o bring_v they_o to_o those_o end_n which_o from_o everlasting_a be_v foreordayn_v and_o appoint_v for_o they_o so_o that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n from_o everlasting_a by_o his_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n do_v foresee_v and_o know_v before_o they_o be_v those_o thing_n by_o his_o wonderful_a and_o marvelous_a providence_n in_o the_o instant_n and_o moment_n of_o time_n appoint_v he_o do_v create_v order_v they_o be_v create_v maintain_v they_o be_v order_v govern_v they_o be_v maintain_v and_o in_o govern_v they_o he_o do_v so_o draw_v forth_o the_o course_n and_o line_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n that_o nothing_o can_v happen_v or_o be_v do_v in_o it_o then_o that_o which_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n do_v foreordayne_a and_o appoint_v all_o thing_n do_v so_o depend_v and_o hang_v upon_o this_o providence_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o without_o it_o not_o one_o action_n can_v be_v do_v nor_o one_o motion_n be_v produce_v in_o any_o creature_n for_o god_n be_v he_o by_o who_o power_n and_o work_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v all_o in_o all_o and_o that_o so_o as_o without_o this_o power_n and_o work_n of_o god_n neither_o the_o godly_a can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a nor_o the_o wicked_a commit_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a this_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o join_v and_o combine_v with_o his_o foreknowledge_n that_o the_o one_o of_o they_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v to_o shake_v hand_n with_o the_o other_o for_o what_o thing_n soever_o god_n by_o this_o his_o unsearchable_a foreknowledge_n do_v from_o all_o age_n and_o from_o everlasting_a determine_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n be_v create_v in_o time_n he_o do_v by_o his_o infinite_a providence_n bring_v unto_o those_o appoint_a end_n even_o as_o he_o have_v decree_v from_o everlasting_a what_o and_o how_o many_o be_v the_o
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
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
mercy_n of_o god_n and_o may_v so_o much_o the_o more_o strong_o be_v confirm_v second_o the_o election_n may_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o make_v know_v and_o manifest_a for_o contrary_n be_v set_v one_o against_o a_o other_o and_o compare_v together_o be_v make_v the_o more_o apparent_a and_o familiar_a unto_o we_o as_o also_o that_o man_n may_v know_v that_o this_o world_n be_v so_o govern_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o else_o can_v happen_v unto_o man_n but_o that_o which_o be_v foreordayned_n and_o appoint_v for_o they_o by_o god_n before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v last_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v urge_v that_o the_o elect_n may_v so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_o eschew_v and_o avoid_v sin_n and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o also_o that_o the_o reprobate_n may_v know_v what_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o thing_n shall_v fall_v to_o their_o share_n and_o what_o they_o have_v deserve_v by_o their_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n so_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v very_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a on_o both_o side_n therefore_o it_o ought_v daily_o and_o diligent_o to_o be_v propound_v and_o preach_v both_o to_o the_o godly_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a therefore_o let_v all_o religious_a and_o godly_a minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n apply_v themselves_o to_o this_o namely_o to_o preach_v this_o decree_n of_o god_n public_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o scripture_n command_v and_o let_v they_o not_o esteem_v nor_o care_n for_o the_o pope_n censure_n and_o curse_n which_o be_v like_o lightning_n break_v forth_o without_o any_o natural_a cause_n appear_v and_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v but_o the_o papist_n with_o their_o conventicle_n cry_v out_o that_o this_o be_v a_o horrible_a opinion_n and_o not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n and_o this_o they_o do_v very_o crafty_o for_o they_o see_v that_o by_o this_o doctrine_n that_o fable_n which_o they_o have_v disperse_v concern_v free_a will_n and_o many_o other_o trifle_n which_o they_o chant_v out_o in_o their_o synagogue_n with_o big_a word_n and_o lofty_a sentence_n will_v altogether_o vanish_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n therefore_o they_o go_v about_o to_o wound_n and_o stab_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o christ_n concern_v reprobation_n through_o the_o side_n of_o the_o minister_n other_o pretend_v a_o shadow_n of_o desperation_n and_o that_o this_o doctrine_n shall_v not_o be_v preach_v lest_o man_n shall_v be_v cast_v down_o and_o fall_v into_o desperation_n this_o danger_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v but_o that_o the_o minister_n may_v pronounce_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n i_o do_v confess_v indeed_o that_o they_o must_v speak_v wise_o of_o reprobation_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o i_o think_v also_o that_o a_o wary_a caveate_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o the_o preach_n thereof_o lest_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o profitable_a doctrine_n by_o evil_a deal_n and_o preposterous_a handle_n shall_v be_v spoil_v and_o make_v unprofitable_a and_o yet_o so_o that_o nothing_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v that_o matter_n shall_v be_v omit_v by_o silence_n let_v the_o whole_a world_n go_v to_o wrack_n rather_o than_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v diminish_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n let_v the_o minister_n therefore_o faithful_o and_o diligent_o handle_v that_o doctrine_n and_o commit_v the_o event_n unto_o god_n and_o let_v they_o know_v that_o the_o papist_n or_o other_o can_v nor_o ought_v not_o to_o forbid_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v have_v open_v before_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o be_v they_o the_o master_n and_o teacher_n of_o god_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o teach_v and_o prescribe_v unto_o he_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v preach_v this_o decree_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n be_v so_o sure_a and_o certain_a on_o both_o side_n that_o none_o of_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v reprobate_v and_o condemn_v nor_o any_o of_o the_o reprobate_n can_v be_v elect_v and_o save_v and_o it_o be_v show_v by_o sure_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o reprobate_n then_o of_o the_o elect._n chap._n 21._o twelfthly_o this_o decree_n of_o predestination_n be_v a_o sure_a and_o certain_a decree_n because_o that_o with_o god_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o set_a number_n as_o well_o of_o the_o reprobate_n as_o of_o the_o elect_n so_o that_o the_o number_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o can_v neither_o increase_v nor_o be_v diminish_v for_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o be_v a_o unchangeable_a order_n so_o that_o the_o reprobate_n can_v be_v elect_v and_o save_v nor_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v reprobate_v and_o condemn_v otherwise_o god_n decree_n concern_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o can_v not_o be_v constant_a and_o faith_n itself_o want_v a_o sure_a groundwork_n shall_v be_v waver_v in_o continual_a suspense_n and_o shall_v no_o where_n have_v any_o certain_a prop_n whereon_o safe_o to_o rely_v and_o so_o shall_v become_v rather_o a_o unconstant_a and_o waver_a opinion_n than_o a_o settle_a and_o steadfast_a faith_n therefore_o as_o his_o fatherly_a good_a pleasure_n of_o election_n be_v unchangeable_a so_o also_o be_v his_o severe_a decree_n of_o reprobation_n 25.46_o mat._n 25.46_o so_o that_o the_o elect_n shall_v go_v forth_o into_o everlasting_a life_n and_o joy_n and_o the_o reprobate_n shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a death_n and_o torment_n now_o the_o scripture_n plain_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o elect._n 17._o john_n 10.14_o 17._o christ_n himself_o in_o saint_n john_n express_o and_o plain_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v his_o sheep_n that_o be_v his_o elect_n and_o that_o none_o be_v able_a to_o take_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n if_o christ_n as_o he_o say_v know_v his_o sheep_n therefore_o every_o one_o by_o himself_o be_v know_v of_o he_o so_o that_o with_o he_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o they_o for_o if_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v uncertain_a he_o can_v not_o be_v able_a direct_o to_o know_v they_o for_o of_o a_o thing_n uncertain_a none_o can_v have_v certain_a knowledge_n so_o also_o saint_n paul_n say_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a and_o have_v this_o seal_n 2.19_o 2._o tim_n 2.19_o the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o god_n also_o have_v number_v all_o the_o hair_n of_o the_o head_n of_o his_o child_n how_o much_o more_o therefore_o do_v he_o know_v how_o many_o be_v he_o furthermore_o god_n know_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n before_o they_o be_v create_v and_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o escape_v or_o be_v hide_v from_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n how_o therefore_o shall_v he_o not_o discern_v and_o know_v all_o his_o elect_n &_o choose_v in_o general_a and_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a who_o he_o love_v and_o tender_v with_o singular_a care_n above_o all_o thing_n sure_o if_o he_o shall_v not_o know_v they_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a he_o can_v have_v no_o great_a care_n of_o they_o and_o so_o they_o shall_v of_o necessity_n perish_v but_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v therefore_o they_o be_v know_v of_o he_o and_o preserve_v unto_o salvation_n moreover_o the_o scripture_n manifest_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v a_o set_a number_n of_o the_o reprobate_n 25.32_o mat._n 25.32_o for_o christ_n shall_v separate_v they_o from_o the_o elect_n and_o condemn_v they_o in_o the_o last_o &_o great_a judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n therefore_o he_o know_v several_o and_o distinct_o who_o they_o be_v otherwise_o he_o can_v not_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o elect_n unless_o they_o be_v know_v to_o he_o by_o their_o particular_a person_n several_o every_o one_o by_o himself_o and_o further_o god_n which_o number_v and_o know_v the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n from_o the_o least_o unto_o the_o great_a and_o from_o the_o great_a unto_o the_o least_o know_v they_o also_o for_o he_o that_o know_v great_a and_o infinite_a thing_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o lesser_a and_o finite_a thing_n and_o for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o set_a number_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_n that_o be_v to_o deny_v god_n and_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o agreeable_a or_o proper_a unto_o god_n then_o to_o discern_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n in_o general_a and_o every_o thing_n in_o particular_a far_o more_o plain_o and_o distinct_o than_o we_o can_v know_v those_o thing_n that_o lie_v
chap._n 23._o fvrthermore_o that_o every_o man_n may_v the_o more_o safe_o exercise_v himself_o in_o this_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n and_o profit_v sound_o in_o it_o these_o four_o head_n must_v always_o be_v know_v and_o consider_v first_o that_o eternal_a and_o free_a election_n in_o christ_n be_v account_v to_o be_v the_o only_a groundwork_n of_o all_o salvation_n and_o that_o so_o that_o not_o the_o least_o part_n of_o salvation_n be_v seek_v elsewhere_o then_o from_o that_o one_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v seek_v elsewhere_o the_o true_a &_o natural_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n will_v not_o only_o be_v miss_v and_o the_o conscience_n out_o of_o quiet_a and_o torment_v be_v vex_v as_o well_o with_o continual_a fear_n as_o doubt_v but_o also_o salvation_n itself_o will_v be_v hazard_v but_o see_v that_o i_o have_v speak_v more_o full_o of_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o chapter_n foregoing_a and_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v confirm_v by_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n i_o think_v there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o it_o in_o this_o place_n second_o that_o concern_v god_n he_o conceive_v nothing_o but_o a_o most_o sure_a and_o strong_a hope_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o be_v most_o certain_o persuade_v in_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o let_v no_o sin_n or_o continual_a slip_n weaken_v his_o faith_n or_o discourage_v his_o hope_n concern_v his_o election_n for_o oftentimes_o many_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a which_o live_v a_o very_a bad_a life_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n through_o who_o patience_n they_o be_v not_o take_v out_o of_o this_o life_n in_o the_o very_o commit_v of_o their_o wickedness_n that_o it_o may_v be_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o and_o their_o fellow_n heir_n out_o of_o how_o great_a a_o mischief_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n can_v deliver_v they_o as_o augustine_n speak_v moreover_o 8._o tom._n 7._o colum._n 170_o rom._n 8._o although_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v govern_v the_o child_n of_o god_n yet_o many_o time_n it_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v into_o great_a sin_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o and_o more_o humble_v and_o be_v so_o humble_v they_o may_v repent_v the_o more_o hearty_o and_o have_v a_o fellow_n feel_v of_o other_o that_o fall_v and_o yet_o afterward_o he_o bring_v they_o again_o into_o the_o right_a way_n to_o salvation_n by_o true_a repentance_n and_o if_o a_o man_n believe_v not_o that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a he_o shall_v sure_o do_v great_a injury_n against_o god_n as_o if_o he_o will_v mock_v any_o man_n or_o call_v any_o man_n unto_o christ_n in_o vain_a again_o although_o many_o more_o be_v ordain_v unto_o destruction_n then_o to_o salvation_n yet_o that_o ought_v not_o to_o move_v or_o trouble_v any_o man_n because_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v no_o where_n say_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n in_o particular_a be_v a_o reprobate_n therefore_o let_v not_o this_o or_o that_o man_n think_v himself_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o reprobate_n which_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v and_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o reprobate_n he_o be_v injurious_a against_o god_n and_o envious_a of_o his_o own_o salvation_n but_o let_v he_o much_o diligent_o betake_v himself_o unto_o continual_a prayer_n and_o give_v himself_o to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o exercise_v his_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n and_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 17.5_o luke_n 17.5_o lord_n increase_v my_o faith_n and_o then_o in_o the_o end_n he_o shall_v true_o feel_v in_o his_o soul_n more_o and_o more_o that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_a furthermore_o let_v no_o man_n presuppose_v that_o he_o be_v hate_v or_o detest_v of_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o any_o affliction_n how_o great_a or_o how_o last_a soever_o they_o be_v for_o god_n be_v then_o most_o ready_a to_o bestow_v life_n everlasting_a when_o he_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v contrary_o mind_v as_o augustine_n elsewhere_o well_o observe_v so_o that_o when_o he_o afflict_v christian_n with_o these_o or_o those_o troubl_n he_o do_v either_o chastise_v their_o sin_n or_o else_o they_o be_v exercise_v in_o a_o spiritual_a trial_n and_o such_o be_v propose_v unto_o other_o as_o valiant_a and_o worthy_a captain_n either_o for_o their_o willing_a obedience_n or_o else_o for_o their_o invincible_a patience_n and_o strength_n and_o they_o be_v strike_v with_o these_o affliction_n as_o with_o god_n rod_n be_v reduce_v unto_o a_o more_o sober_a carriage_n and_o right-course_n of_o life_n so_o the_o fatherly_a love_n of_o god_n strive_v with_o the_o perverse_a wickedness_n of_o man_n until_o at_o the_o last_o it_o soften_v it_o and_o make_v it_o better_o and_o so_o s._n augustine_n right_o witness_v elsewhere_o the_o common_a cross_n and_o calamity_n of_o the_o godly_a 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and_o also_o that_o the_o stubbornness_n of_o the_o flesh_n may_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o be_v subdue_v and_o bring_v under_o by_o the_o remedy_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o last_o that_o they_o may_v be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o concupiscence_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v incite_v to_o the_o meditation_n and_o search_n of_o heavenly_a thing_n know_v that_o their_o felicity_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n by_o this_o it_o may_v be_v plain_o gather_v that_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v unto_o they_o as_o it_o be_v spiritual_a provokement_n to_o call_v upon_o god_n and_o most_o wholesome_a remedy_n and_o medicine_n for_o their_o sin_n in_o which_o respect_n those_o thing_n which_o man_n think_v many_o time_n to_o be_v noisome_a evil_n
in_o themselves_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o themselves_o be_v infect_v and_o stain_v with_o many_o fault_n and_o blemish_n yet_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n which_o wipe_v away_o all_o those_o blemish_n they_o be_v holy_a and_o righteous_a and_o so_o their_o righteousness_n do_v much_o more_o consist_v in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n then_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o virtue_n and_o good_a work_n as_o augustine_n in_o one_o place_n say_v very_o well_o the_o scripture_n in_o some_o place_n compare_v this_o favour_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o compassion_n which_o a_o father_n have_v towards_o his_o son_n for_o father_n do_v so_o love_v their_o child_n that_o albeit_o they_o see_v such_o or_o such_o blemish_n in_o their_o body_n they_o do_v not_o yet_o thrust_v or_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o door_n yea_o rather_o if_o they_o have_v child_n that_o be_v lame_a or_o tender_v eye_v or_o otherwise_o mark_v or_o misshape_v by_o any_o other_o blemish_n their_o fatherly_a love_n and_o natural_a affection_n be_v stir_v up_o &_o break_v forth_o so_o much_o the_o more_o unto_o pity_n &_o compassion_n of_o they_o and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o not_o cease_v to_o love_v they_o but_o also_o they_o be_v much_o more_o careful_a for_o their_o health_n &_o welfare_n then_o for_o other_o which_o be_v not_o so_o disease_v so_o also_o god_n the_o most_o merciful_a father_n of_o all_o father_n do_v pardon_v our_o fault_n when_o he_o have_v adopt_v we_o for_o his_o child_n therefore_o he_o will_v neither_o drive_v we_o out_o of_o door_n though_o we_o be_v unperfect_a nor_o cast_v our_o work_n out_o of_o his_o sight_n though_o they_o be_v stain_v with_o many_o spot_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o scripture_n say_v in_o plain_a word_n though_o the_o righteous_a fall_n that_o be_v 37.24_o psal_n 37.24_o though_o he_o sin_v thus_o or_o thus_o yet_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v cast_v off_o let_v the_o godly_a therefore_o remember_v though_o they_o stumble_v and_o fall_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n that_o god_n remember_v and_o will_v not_o forsake_v his_o work_n so_o that_o god_n will_v finish_v the_o beginning_n of_o salvation_n which_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o work_v in_o they_o 1.6_o phil._n 1.6_o because_o god_n love_v and_o accept_v both_o they_o and_o their_o work_n therefore_o although_o god_n do_v punish_v the_o sin_n and_o transgression_n of_o his_o child_n by_o sundry_a way_n and_o divers_a affliction_n yet_o do_v he_o not_o execute_v revenge_n upon_o they_o in_o that_o extremity_n as_o he_o do_v upon_o the_o reprobate_n but_o use_v towards_o they_o a_o fatherly_a and_o mild_a chastisement_n as_o a_o most_o wholesome_a medicine_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o most_o comfortable_a promise_n psalm_n 89._o verse_n 31._o and_o so_o forward_o furthermore_o see_v the_o work_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v unperfect_a their_o obedience_n also_o which_o they_o perform_v and_o yield_v unto_o god_n must_v needs_o be_v unperfect_a but_o although_o it_o be_v such_o yet_o god_n not_o for_o any_o inward_a merit_n and_o worthiness_n of_o it_o but_o for_o his_o own_o grace_n and_o mercy_n sake_n do_v no_o less_o approve_v and_o accept_v it_o then_o if_o it_o be_v altogether_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a in_o every_o point_n as_o a_o father_n be_v content_v with_o any_o endeavour_n of_o his_o son_n and_o require_v not_o of_o he_o a_o exact_a perfection_n of_o work_n so_o that_o he_o see_v he_o obedient_a and_o dutiful_a from_o his_o heart_n so_o god_n also_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o earnest_n and_o sincere_a study_n and_o endeavour_v of_o obedience_n in_o his_o child_n but_o god_n do_v approve_v it_o as_o perfect_a because_o he_o esteem_v a_o obedient_a will_n as_o a_o work_n do_v for_o that_o cause_n he_o do_v accept_v and_o like_v of_o any_o care_n of_o obedience_n so_o that_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o proceed_v from_o the_o heart_n and_o albeit_o that_o care_n be_v defective_a and_o unperfect_a which_o in_o itself_o deserve_v rather_o to_o be_v reject_v then_o favour_v yet_o god_n do_v behold_v it_o with_o a_o merciful_a countenance_n and_o fatherly_a love_n this_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n the_o prophet_n malachy_n set_v down_o in_o plain_a word_n 3.17_o mal._n 3.17_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v unto_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n in_o that_o day_n for_o a_o flock_n and_o i_o will_v spare_v they_o as_o a_o man_n spare_v his_o own_o son_n that_o serve_v he_o as_o therefore_o a_o father_n do_v not_o require_v full_a and_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o his_o son_n so_o likewise_o god_n do_v not_o demand_v exact_a and_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o his_o child_n but_o be_v content_a with_o such_o as_o they_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o humane_a fraylety_n be_v able_a to_o perform_v therefore_o whatsoever_o god_n promise_v unto_o the_o keeper_n of_o his_o law_n that_o he_o will_v give_v they_o this_o do_v the_o regenerate_a and_o godly_a obtain_v and_o come_v unto_o not_o that_o their_o work_n deserve_v this_o in_o their_o worth_n and_o excellency_n but_o because_o the_o infinitenes_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n have_v so_o dispose_v and_o appoint_v it_o to_o conclude_v although_o the_o work_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v imperfect_a and_o can_v merit_v salvation_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o be_v not_o unprofitable_a nor_o to_o be_v leave_v undo_v for_o they_o may_v be_v profitable_a for_o other_o end_n many_o of_o which_o be_v ordain_v for_o one_o thing_n here_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v it_o very_o fit_a and_o not_o unprofitable_a if_o i_o speak_v somewhat_o large_o and_o plain_o concern_v good_a work_n and_o that_o for_o the_o papist_n sake_n who_o do_v whole_o corrupt_v and_o quite_o overthrow_v the_o use_n of_o these_o work_n as_o also_o of_o all_o the_o scripture_n beside_o but_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o a_o brief_a summary_n and_o set_v down_o in_o a_o plain_a method_n may_v the_o more_o orderly_o be_v handle_v of_o i_o and_o the_o more_o easy_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o reader_n these_o three_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o mark_n set_v before_o us._n first_o what_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o work_n there_o be_v in_o this_o life_n and_o whether_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v be_v attain_a and_o get_v by_o they_o or_o no._n second_o see_v that_o life_n everlasting_a be_v by_o all_o mean_v the_o mere_a and_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n why_o the_o scripture_n in_o many_o place_n do_v promise_v a_o reward_n and_o ascribe_v salvation_n unto_o they_o three_o why_o good_a work_n be_v to_o be_v do_v see_v salvation_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n attain_a by_o they_o that_o the_o first_o may_v right_o be_v understand_v we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o work_n of_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o divers_a condition_n be_v diverse_o to_o be_v consider_v for_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o the_o effect_n by_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o cause_n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v a_o diversity_n find_v in_o the_o cause_n it_o ought_v likewise_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o effect_n for_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_o thing_n can_v be_v speak_v and_o affirm_v of_o divers_a matter_n and_o of_o unlike_a thing_n the_o judgement_n must_v likewise_o be_v unlike_a therefore_o man_n as_o touch_v his_o nature_n be_v wicked_a and_o untoward_a yea_o and_o so_o wicked_a that_o he_o be_v extreme_o contrary_a unto_o god_n and_o his_o will_n so_o that_o his_o work_n also_o before_o regeneration_n must_v needs_o be_v evil_a for_o from_o a_o evil_a cause_n there_o can_v proceed_v and_o be_v expect_v nothing_o but_o a_o evil_a effect_n because_o the_o effect_n differ_v not_o from_o the_o cause_n so_o that_o these_o work_n be_v worthy_o reject_v of_o god_n as_o worthy_a of_o eternal_a death_n and_o the_o punishment_n thereof_o and_o be_v so_o reject_v be_v most_o just_o condemn_v because_o they_o be_v extreme_o contrary_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n thus_o man_n and_o his_o work_n be_v so_o contrary_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o extreme_o contrary_a how_o then_o can_v man_n perform_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o estate_n of_o corruption_n and_o iniquity_n which_o may_v be_v approve_v or_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n when_o as_o man_n in_o the_o corruption_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o all_o his_o thought_n and_o action_n be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o god_n how_o can_v he_o deserve_v any_o thing_n at_o god_n hand_n therefore_o as_o man_n in_o this_o estate_n be_v whole_o corrupt_a and_o evil_a so_o likewise_o do_v he_o bring_v forth_o evil_a and_o corrupt_a work_n by_o which_o he_o can_v deserve_v nothing_o else_o of_o god_n but_o eternal_a death_n but_o here_o the_o papist_n with_o all_o their_o wit_n be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o that_o they_o fain_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a
moral_a work_n which_o by_o their_o own_o worth_n can_v make_v man_n gracious_a and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n before_o they_o have_v be_v regenerate_v and_o graft_v into_o christ_n by_o faith_n and_o those_o merit_n they_o call_v merit_n ex_fw-la congruo_fw-la so_o call_v because_o that_o as_o they_o say_v by_o right_a and_o equity_n they_o deserve_v some_o reward_n which_o god_n by_o right_n be_v bind_v to_o repay_v they_o if_o this_o be_v true_a why_o then_o man_n belike_o shall_v not_o be_v whole_o infect_v and_o corrupt_v with_o original_a sin_n but_o man_n as_o we_o have_v testimony_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v whole_o infect_v and_o corrupt_v with_o original_a sin_n 51.7_o gen._n 6.5_o psal_n 51.7_o therefore_o that_o idle_a fiction_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mere_a invention_n of_o the_o devil_n sure_o those_o work_n which_o proceed_v from_o any_o man_n before_o his_o regeneration_n be_v every_o way_n foul_a and_o ugly_a sin_n to_o which_o by_o right_a and_o equity_n there_o be_v no_o reward_n else_o due_a but_o only_o everlasting_a torment_n but_o it_o go_v very_o well_o and_o fair_o with_o we_o if_o god_n do_v not_o punish_v they_o in_o we_o as_o they_o deserve_v again_o all_o those_o work_n of_o man_n although_o they_o seem_v fair_a and_o comely_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v skan_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o god_n law_n they_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v mere_a filth_n and_o unsavoury_a pollution_n and_o that_o as_o the_o star_n which_o although_o they_o seem_v most_o bright_a in_o the_o night_n time_n yet_o at_o the_o arise_v and_o presence_n of_o the_o sun_n they_o lose_v their_o brightness_n so_o likewise_o those_o work_n of_o man_n which_o in_o the_o common_a view_n seem_v to_o be_v right_a and_o beautiful_a shall_v be_v manifest_a iniquity_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n so_o laudable_a sincerity_n here_o shall_v be_v great_a uncleanenes_n there_o and_o that_o which_o here_o be_v approve_v as_o great_a glory_n shall_v there_o be_v reject_v as_o extreme_a shame_n and_o reproach_n far_o therefore_o be_v from_o we_o these_o faire-shewing_a and_o foule-meaning_n hypocrite_n which_o cover_v the_o corruption_n and_o wickedness_n that_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n with_o a_o vain_a flourish_n and_o feign_a mask_n and_o by_o their_o merit_n which_o be_v worse_a than_o extreme_a filthiness_n do_v labour_n to_o win_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o make_v he_o behold_v unto_o they_o sure_o it_o be_v without_o all_o doubt_n that_o they_o do_v provoke_v god_n more_o and_o more_o by_o these_o their_o work_n see_v that_o they_o be_v execrable_a sin_n again_o they_o do_v pluck_v upon_o their_o head_n the_o more_o grievous_a judgement_n and_o do_v aggravate_v their_o punishment_n in_o that_o they_o think_v that_o their_o work_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o damnable_a sin_n extreme_o contrary_a unto_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v please_v unto_o god_n and_o worthy_a of_o his_o favour_n for_o by_o this_o mean_n as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v change_n god_n into_o a_o devil_n and_o make_v he_o the_o patron_n of_o sin_n to_o appoint_v a_o reward_n for_o they_o therefore_o far_o be_v from_o a_o christian_a man_n heart_n all_o those_o work_n which_o be_v thus_o far_o opposite_a unto_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o condemn_v of_o he_o as_o mere_a offence_n then_o after_o that_o god_n have_v begin_v to_o renew_v man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n of_o evil_n they_o become_v good_a and_o that_o but_o in_o part_n only_o for_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n be_v but_o only_o restrain_v and_o amend_v in_o some_o sort_n for_o as_o be_v aforesaid_a the_o elect_a be_v regenerate_v but_o imperfect_o in_o this_o life_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o whole_o good_a and_o conformeable_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n wherefore_o their_o work_n also_o can_v be_v good_a but_o in_o part_n only_o and_o not_o perfect_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 but_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o cause_n much_o more_o therefore_o the_o work_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v partly_o good_a and_o partly_o evil_a they_o be_v good_a as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o operation_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v agreeable_a unto_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v evil_a as_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o flesh_n and_o unregenerate_a part_n and_o do_v decline_v and_o stray_v from_o the_o rule_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n law_n by_o this_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o no_o work_n of_o man_n be_v so_o praiseworthy_a as_o augustine_n say_v well_o which_o be_v not_o defile_v and_o stain_v with_o some_o blemish_n or_o other_o these_o work_n deserve_v nothing_o at_o all_o towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o salvation_n because_o they_o be_v imperfect_a and_o stray_v and_o swarve_v very_o far_o from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o the_o law_n require_v so_o great_a perfection_n as_o that_o it_o condemn_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o the_o least_o sin_n again_o unperfect_a work_n according_a unto_o the_o canonical_a rule_n which_o the_o lawyer_n so_o call_v be_v as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o do_v at_o all_o for_o such_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v such_o also_o must_v the_o effect_n need_v be_v see_v therefore_o that_o the_o cause_n be_v unperfect_a the_o effect_n must_v needs_o follow_v unperfect_a for_o it_o be_v extreme_a and_o ridiculous_a madness_n to_o look_v for_o a_o perfect_a and_o durable_a work_n from_o a_o imperfect_a and_o transitory_a cause_n therefore_o these_o work_n be_v prove_v and_o convince_v to_o be_v unperfect_a from_o their_o cause_n which_o be_v unperfect_a so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n seek_v for_o a_o reward_n by_o they_o he_o shall_v find_v punishment_n as_o saint_n augustine_n say_v for_o man_n in_o the_o least_o thing_n be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v so_o much_o as_o the_o law_n require_v therefore_o he_o can_v be_v think_v righteous_a and_o acquit_v before_o god_n and_o before_o his_o just_a judgement_n seat_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o own_o work_n wo_n therefore_o unto_o the_o life_n of_o man_n even_o the_o most_o commendable_a as_o the_o same_o augustine_n say_v if_o it_o shall_v be_v judge_v according_a unto_o the_o strict_a rigour_n of_o the_o law_n without_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n moreover_o see_v these_o good_a work_n proceed_v not_o from_o man_n strength_n but_o do_v spring_v the_o power_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n man_n can_v deserve_v or_o get_v any_o thing_n by_o they_o see_v they_o be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o the_o work_n of_o god_n for_o man_n do_v they_o not_o of_o himself_o but_o god_n do_v work_v they_o in_o he_o so_o that_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n command_v &_o to_o receive_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o promise_v be_v both_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o so_o man_n have_v no_o merit_n of_o his_o own_o therefore_o the_o free_a work_n of_o god_n fall_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o man_n merit_n because_o those_o work_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o not_o the_o deed_n of_o man_n proceed_v from_o their_o own_o strength_n therefore_o the_o papist_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o hunt_v for_o salvation_n by_o these_o work_n be_v of_o all_o hunter_n the_o most_o vain_a for_o their_o labour_n and_o endeavour_n be_v always_o frustrate_a and_o without_o effect_n for_o they_o shall_v never_o attain_v unto_o that_o which_o they_o seek_v for_o by_o they_o and_o they_o play_v the_o fool_n more_o absurd_o then_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v they_o be_v able_a to_o strike_v fire_n out_o of_o the_o sea_n certain_o in_o this_o their_o foolhardy_a enterprise_n they_o do_v manifest_o tempt_v god_n in_o that_o they_o go_v about_o to_o bring_v to_o pass_v thing_n that_o be_v infinite_o far_a great_a than_o their_o strength_n will_v suffer_v or_o permit_v again_o in_o that_o they_o boast_v their_o own_o desert_n so_o confident_o and_o bold_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v not_o regenerate_v and_o that_o they_o know_v not_o themselves_o at_o all_o for_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o a_o man_n be_v regenerate_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v he_o see_v and_o bewail_v his_o own_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n and_o so_o find_v and_o perceive_v by_o experience_n that_o he_o can_v do_v no_o good_a thing_n without_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n therefore_o from_o his_o heart_n do_v he_o humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o in_o the_o grief_n of_o his_o heart_n with_o much_o lament_n do_v he_o earnest_o pray_v against_o those_o plague_n which_o he_o have_v deserve_v also_o he_o confess_v his_o
condemnation_n or_o salvation_n according_a to_o their_o work_n so_o that_o none_o shall_v then_o be_v save_v except_o he_o be_v endue_v and_o clothe_v with_o good_a work_n by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v manifest_o with_o what_o a_o unjust_a and_o undeserved_a slander_n the_o papist_n do_v accuse_v and_o backbite_v we_o among_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a common_a sort_n of_o man_n when_o with_o open_a and_o impudent_a mouth_n they_o cry_v out_o upon_o we_o that_o we_o despise_v and_o reject_v good_a work_n when_o as_o they_o rather_o be_v they_o which_o do_v this_o for_o they_o reject_v and_o despise_v those_o work_n which_o be_v acceptable_a and_o well_o please_v unto_o god_n and_o out_o of_o their_o own_o brain_n do_v forge_n and_o invent_v work_n of_o their_o own_o by_o which_o they_o say_v they_o can_v prevent_v and_o deserve_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n with_o these_o feign_a work_n they_o vaunt_v themselves_o unto_o the_o rude_a and_o simple_a that_o they_o can_v attain_v unto_o glory_n by_o they_o but_o see_v they_o have_v not_o true_a work_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o renew_n of_o grace_n or_o at_o the_o least_o do_v not_o teach_v the_o right_a use_n of_o true_a work_n they_o lose_v their_o glory_n with_o god_n and_o here_o a_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n thus_o speak_v brief_o as_o by_o the_o way_n concern_v good_a work_n now_o return_v we_o unto_o the_o further_o handle_v of_o regeneration_n although_o the_o regeneration_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v unperfect_a and_o but_o only_o begin_v in_o this_o life_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a unto_o every_o christian_a as_o that_o without_o it_o not_o one_o can_v be_v save_v second_o although_o it_o he_o unperfect_a yet_o it_o be_v never_o at_o a_o end_n last_o it_o be_v declare_v by_o the_o scripture_n unto_o who_o regeneration_n happen_v chap._n 33._o although_o regeneration_n be_v unperfect_a and_o be_v but_o only_o begin_v in_o this_o life_n so_o that_o the_o godly_a can_v never_o in_o deed_n and_o in_o act_n perform_v so_o much_o as_o in_o will_v they_o be_v press_v to_o do_v 12.14_o heb._n 12.14_o yet_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a unto_o every_o one_o that_o without_o it_o no_o man_n can_v attain_v unto_o salvation_n for_o the_o generation_n of_o every_o one_o be_v condemn_v in_o adam_n as_o in_o the_o common_a father_n of_o we_o all_o for_o which_o cause_n as_o augustine_n say_v 336._o tom._n 10._o col_fw-fr 336._o every_o one_o that_o be_v beget_v be_v condemn_v except_o he_o be_v beget_v again_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n say_v plain_o and_o absolute_o that_o no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n except_o he_o be_v bear_v again_o 12.14_o john_n 3.3_o heb._n 12.14_o their_o eye_n only_o shall_v see_v god_n which_o have_v be_v renew_v unto_o his_o image_n for_o man_n in_o his_o nature_n be_v whole_o corrupt_v and_o a_o stranger_n from_o god_n 4.18_o ephes_n 4.18_o and_o from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o sin_n do_v whole_o possess_v he_o by_o this_o it_o be_v clear_a enough_o 7.16_o rom._n 7.16_o how_o necessary_a regeneration_n be_v and_o a_o new_a creature_n in_o christ_n jesus_n moreover_o although_o regeneration_n in_o this_o life_n be_v very_o small_a and_o unperfect_a continual_o yet_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n it_o be_v make_v so_o great_a in_o the_o elect_a as_o that_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n be_v restrain_v and_o weaken_v in_o they_o that_o it_o bear_v not_o the_o whole_a sway_n nor_o reign_v and_o rule_v at_o large_a so_o that_o although_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o regenerate_a do_v fall_v now_o and_o then_o into_o such_o or_o such_o sin_n 7.18_o rom._n 7.18_o yet_o they_o never_o sin_v with_o all_o their_o mind_n and_o with_o their_o whole_a will_n but_o do_v so_o resist_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o never_o full_o approve_v and_o do_v that_o which_o it_o persuade_v and_o bid_v so_o that_o in_o they_o there_o be_v such_o reluctation_n and_o strive_v 7.25_o rom._n 7.25_o that_o the_o reform_v will_n desire_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n persuade_v another_o thus_o they_o do_v not_o that_o which_o they_o will_v but_o that_o which_o they_o hate_v that_o do_v they_o so_o with_o their_o mind_n they_o serve_v and_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n but_o with_o their_o flesh_n the_o â—â—â—w_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o in_o they_o there_o be_v in_o a_o divers_a respect_n both_o a_o will_n and_o no_o will_n there_o be_v a_o will_n as_o they_o be_v reform_v and_o renew_v by_o the_o heavenly_a grace_n there_o be_v no_o will_n in_o they_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v not_o regenerate_v and_o obey_v the_o flesh_n in_o they_o the_o reform_v and_o renew_v will_n fight_v and_o strive_v with_o the_o unregenerate_a part_n that_o at_o the_o length_n it_o become_v conqueror_n and_o overcommer_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n that_o persuade_v and_o invit_v man_n unto_o goodness_n be_v more_o mighty_a than_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n that_o tempt_v unto_o evil_n and_o thus_o far_o of_o the_o second_o point_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o this_o regeneration_n now_o the_o three_o remain_v brief_o to_o be_v unfold_v and_o declare_v this_o regeneration_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v afford_v unto_o none_o but_o unto_o the_o elect_a only_o this_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a word_n say_v and_o plain_o prove_v that_o they_o only_o be_v enlighten_v and_o do_v come_v unto_o faith_n which_o be_v ordain_v unto_o eternal_a life_n 15.48_o act._n 15.48_o for_o faith_n proceed_v and_o come_v from_o regeneration_n and_o both_o be_v contain_v under_o election_n therefore_o none_o be_v regenerate_v but_o the_o elect_a and_o again_o none_o be_v elect_v but_o they_o which_o shall_v be_v regenerate_v and_o endue_v with_o faith_n here_o therefore_o be_v convertible_a term_n which_o be_v equal_a one_o to_o a_o other_o and_o may_v one_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o other_o also_o paul_n in_o this_o cheyne_n affirm_v plain_o that_o the_o elect_v only_o be_v glorify_v for_o so_o he_o say_v who_o he_o predestinate_v those_o also_o he_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v those_o also_o he_o iustify_v and_o who_o he_o iustify_v those_o also_o he_o glorify_v therefore_o this_o glorification_n happen_v unto_o none_o but_o unto_o those_o that_o be_v predestinate_v by_o this_o most_o heavenly_a gradation_n from_o the_o high_a unto_o the_o low_a it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n answer_v and_o agree_v very_o fit_o unto_o the_o preface_n or_o beginning_n thereof_o now_o they_o which_o be_v glorify_v be_v first_o regenerate_v unto_o a_o sincere_a and_o holy_a life_n then_o they_o be_v renew_v more_o full_o and_o perfect_o daily_a by_o continual_a proceed_n towards_o the_o attaynement_n of_o everlasting_a life_n until_o that_o their_o glorification_n be_v full_o end_v and_o finish_v they_o be_v make_v happy_a both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n together_o and_o translate_v into_o the_o heavenly_a rest_n so_o god_n do_v prepare_v man_n and_o make_v he_o fit_a by_o regeneration_n for_o the_o heavenly_a inheritance_n which_o can_v neither_o perish_v nor_o be_v defile_v 1.4_o 1._o pet._n 1.4_o nor_o fade_v away_o therefore_o who_o he_o adorn_v in_o this_o world_n with_o his_o grace_n those_o also_o he_o crow_v in_o heaven_n with_o glory_n this_o regeneration_n howsoever_o in_o respect_n of_o man_n it_o be_v very_o weak_a yet_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o foundation_n and_o beginning_n thereof_o it_o be_v far_o more_o firm_a than_o the_o frame_n of_o heaven_n for_o it_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o almighty_a god_n for_o the_o effector_n and_o preserver_n thereof_o he_o therefore_o which_o will_v disannul_v and_o overthrow_v that_o must_v first_o vanquish_v god_n and_o thrust_v he_o from_o his_o throne_n for_o god_n do_v not_o only_o glorify_v his_o child_n but_o also_o do_v preserve_v they_o in_o that_o glorification_n and_o other_o spiritual_a gift_n until_o at_o the_o length_n he_o final_o glorify_v and_o crown_v they_o both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n for_o after_o that_o true_a faith_n have_v once_o begin_v to_o be_v in_o a_o man_n it_o can_v never_o fall_v quite_o away_o and_o whole_o decay_v for_o it_o be_v ground_v and_o prop_v up_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 1.5_o 1._o pet._n 1.5_o and_o in_o it_o it_o have_v a_o most_o strong_a foundation_n indeed_o it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o course_n and_o fervency_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v much_o interrupt_v and_o allay_v by_o this_o or_o that_o fall_n but_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n be_v fasten_v and_o plant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o bud_n that_o spring_v from_o thence_o can_v never_o be_v quite_o supplant_v and_o clean_o root_v out_o and_o if_o that_o faith_n once_o give_v
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
to_o redeem_v and_o save_v us._n see_v therefore_o that_o christ_n as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o out_o of_o augustine_n be_v the_o head_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v predestinate_a and_o that_o all_o they_o that_o do_v fly_v unto_o he_o as_o unto_o their_o only_a refuge_n be_v redeem_v of_o he_o and_o do_v attain_v unto_o everlasting_a salvation_n sure_o i_o see_v not_o how_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n shall_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o desperation_n especial_o see_v that_o salvation_n which_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o and_o bestow_v upon_o we_o be_v altogether_o of_o free_a gift_n but_o if_o that_o our_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v merit_v and_o get_v by_o our_o own_o ability_n or_o work_n then_o sure_o a_o man_n may_v fear_v certain_a and_o present_a danger_n of_o desperation_n for_o we_o be_v all_o sinner_n and_o not_o able_a to_o fulfil_v the_o least_o tittle_n of_o the_o law_n much_o less_o can_v we_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o redeem_v ourselves_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n moreover_o although_o we_o be_v perfect_a at_o this_o day_n yet_o we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n satisfy_v for_o the_o sin_n that_o we_o have_v commit_v already_o for_o sin_n do_v most_o grievous_o offend_v god_n and_o deserve_v his_o wrath_n and_o his_o curse_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n which_o no_o creature_n as_o it_o be_v bare_o a_o creature_n can_v turn_v away_o or_o put_v off_o for_o the_o wrath_n and_o curse_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o not_o to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o angel_n themselves_o without_o all_o doubt_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n a_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o despair_n and_o yet_o to_o hope_v well_o concern_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o merit_n whereby_o to_o attain_v salvation_n he_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o great_a despair_n because_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o shall_v never_o come_v unto_o salvation_n but_o concern_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v free_a he_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o very_o good_a hope_n especial_o see_v that_o god_n do_v more_o willing_o afford_v and_o bestow_v salvation_n upon_o man_n then_o miserable_a man_n can_v require_v or_o wish_v that_o salvation_n may_v be_v impart_v or_o bestow_v upon_o he_o for_o god_n for_o his_o unspeakable_a goodness_n sake_n do_v make_v man_n earnest_a and_o desirous_a of_o his_o salvation_n which_o be_v a_o enemy_n of_o his_o salvation_n also_o god_n do_v prevent_v a_o man_n and_o seek_v he_o out_o man_n seek_v not_o for_o god_n but_o hate_v he_o extreme_o and_o do_v dread_a and_o shun_v he_o as_o a_o terrible_a judge_n therefore_o in_o this_o work_n of_o salvation_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v so_o great_a as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v great_a therefore_o there_o arise_v no_o desperation_n at_o all_o out_o of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o election_n if_o it_o be_v well_o and_o true_o understand_v and_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n expound_v but_o contrariwise_o great_a consolation_n come_v there_o from_o which_o if_o it_o be_v well_o teach_v unto_o man_n and_o diligent_o insist_v upon_o a_o admirable_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o a_o most_o certain_a hope_n of_o salvation_n proceed_v and_o come_v out_o of_o it_o therefore_o have_v god_n appoint_v the_o holy_a ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o man_n may_v diligent_o be_v inform_v of_o his_o so_o great_a mercy_n also_o he_o will_v that_o admonition_n and_o threaten_n shall_v be_v draw_v from_o thence_o and_o be_v propound_v unto_o man_n for_o they_o be_v certain_a mean_n by_o which_o god_n be_v powerful_a and_o expel_v all_o drowsiness_n from_o his_o child_n and_o strike_v in_o they_o a_o serious_a fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o himself_o so_o god_n by_o this_o mean_n do_v bring_v man_n unto_o salvation_n ordain_v for_o they_o from_o everlasting_a they_o therefore_o which_o suppose_v that_o the_o course_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v overthrow_v or_o hundred_o by_o this_o doctrine_n of_o election_n be_v gross_o deceyve_v but_o of_o all_o they_o do_v most_o grievous_o sin_n which_o reason_n thus_o if_o i_o be_v predestinate_v unto_o salvation_n then_o howsoever_o i_o live_v i_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o if_o i_o be_v appoint_v to_o destruction_n it_o will_v nothing_o avayle_n i_o to_o live_v well_o yea_o though_o i_o shall_v exercise_v myself_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n yet_o it_o will_v do_v i_o no_o good_a but_o in_o the_o end_n i_o shall_v of_o necessity_n be_v condemn_v and_o perish_v everlasting_o why_o therefore_o shovid_v i_o be_v careful_a of_o the_o course_n and_o order_n of_o good_a live_n and_o exercise_v myself_o one_o while_n with_o this_o and_o a_o other_o while_n with_o that_o kind_n of_o labour_n or_o study_v this_o be_v not_o a_o speech_n of_o the_o child_n of_o god_n but_o of_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n 2.10_o ephes_n 2.10_o for_o whosoever_o god_n have_v elect_v those_o also_o do_v he_o call_v to_o repentance_n although_o some_o soon_o some_o late_a and_o do_v regenerate_v they_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o good_a work_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v here_o begin_v to_o study_v how_o to_o hate_v and_o shun_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a and_o love_n and_o practice_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a but_o they_o which_o remain_v obstinate_a in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o stubborn_a in_o the_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o do_v prostitute_v and_o sell_v themselves_o unto_o all_o kind_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n bold_o without_o any_o fear_n or_o reverence_n of_o god_n divine_a majesty_n and_o continue_v as_o it_o be_v bury_v in_o they_o without_o any_o fear_n neither_o will_n by_o admonition_n be_v bring_v to_o leave_v they_o they_o be_v to_o be_v warn_v that_o they_o shall_v watch_v for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o hang_v over_o they_o to_o destroy_v and_o condemn_v they_o sleep_v not_o neither_o be_v idle_a so_o that_o in_o their_o objection_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o any_o strength_n but_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a fallacy_n in_o it_o in_o that_o a_o suppose_a and_o false_a cause_n be_v of_o they_o put_v for_o a_o true_a cause_n so_o that_o of_o the_o contrary_a side_n they_o shall_v conclude_v thus_o change_v the_o former_a sentence_n or_o proposition_n in_o this_o wise_a if_o i_o be_v predestinate_a unto_o eternal_a life_n i_o must_v call_v upon_o god_n and_o live_v godly_a because_o to_o this_o end_n be_o i_o elect_v of_o god_n that_o i_o may_v live_v godly_a and_o holy_o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v 1.4_o ephes_n 1.4_o god_n do_v elect_v we_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o unblameable_a before_o he_o through_o love_n therefore_o the_o elect_n must_v shun_v wickedness_n and_o not_o commit_v it_o again_o they_o which_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v reprobate_n must_v not_o for_o that_o cause_n do_v wicked_o but_o ought_v rather_o to_o hate_v and_o fly_v all_o ungodliness_n lest_o that_o by_o their_o more_o grievous_a wickedness_n they_o do_v likewise_o pluck_v more_o grievous_a condemnation_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n for_o they_o shall_v be_v far_o more_o gentle_o deal_v withal_o which_o do_v avoid_v these_o or_o those_o sin_n and_o defile_v not_o themselves_o with_o all_o wickedness_n and_o all_o pollution_n of_o sin_n then_o with_o they_o who_o do_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o all_o wickedness_n and_o ungodliness_n and_o wallow_v and_o defile_v themselves_o in_o it_o as_o a_o sow_n in_o the_o mire_n for_o this_o be_v a_o perpetual_a law_n and_o unchangeable_a rule_n of_o god_n justice_n that_o punishment_n shall_v be_v proportion_v unto_o sin_n so_o that_o more_o grievous_a and_o more_o heinous_a sin_n shall_v be_v torment_v with_o more_o grievous_a and_o more_o heinous_a torment_n wherefore_o to_o avoid_v evil_a and_o to_o do_v good_a be_v profitable_a unto_o the_o reprobate_n for_o so_o their_o punishment_n of_o condemnation_n be_v ease_v and_o make_v more_o gentle_a again_o they_o do_v great_o offend_v because_o they_o do_v think_v themselves_o reprobate_n from_o everlasting_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v damn_v for_o ever_o for_o so_o they_o will_v prevent_v god_n judgement_n for_o he_o have_v foreappoynted_n a_o set_n and_o certain_a time_n to_o call_v his_o elect_n in_o which_o see_v they_o expect_v not_o but_o do_v judge_n and_o condemn_v themselves_o they_o do_v not_o only_o prevent_v god_n and_o his_o judgement_n but_o also_o by_o their_o rash_a attempt_n they_o go_v about_o to_o prescribe_v god_n a_o time_n and_o mean_n to_o call_v they_o and_o do_v invade_v and_o arrogate_v the_o part_n of_o that_o work_n unto_o themselves_o therefore_o they_o ought_v while_o they_o live_v here_o to_o