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Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
cause_n	faith_n	instrumental_a	justification_n	4,270	5	9.5416	5	true

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ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A35959	Truths victory over error, or, An abridgement of the chief controversies in religion which since the apostles days to this time, have been, and are in agitation, between those of the Orthodox faith, and all adversaries whatsoever, a list of whose names are set down after the epistle to the reader : wherein, by going through all the chapters of The confession of faith, one by one, and propounding out of them, by way of question, all the controverted assertions, and answering by yes, or no, there is a clear confirmation of the truth, and an evident confutation of what tenets and opinions, are maintain'd by the adversaries : a treatise, most useful for all persons, who desire to be instructed in the true Protestant religion, who would shun in these last days, and perillous times, the infection of errors and heresies, and all dangerous tenets and opinions, contrary to the word of God.	Dickson, David, 1583?-1663.; Sinclair, George, d. 1696.	1684 (1684)	Wing D1412; ESTC R3405	145,943	378

and propriety which they had to them Acts 5. 4. 2 Because the eight command which is of perpetual use to all men supposeth a distinction and propriety of Goods For if all Goods were common it were impossible to steal 3 Because there should be no giving of Almes there should be no Hospitality which is contrary to the Apostle Eph. 4. 28. Heb. 13. 2. CHAP. XXVII Of the Sacraments Question I. ARE the Sacraments holy signs and seals of the Covenant of Grace immediatly instituted by GOD to represent Christ and his benefits and to confirm our interest in him Yes Do the Sacraments put a visible difference between those that belong unto the Church and the rest of the World Yes Do the Sacraments solemnly engage men and women to the service of God in Christ according to his word Yes Rom. 4. 11. Gen. 17. 7 10. Matth. 28. 19. 1 Cor. 11. 23. 1 Cor. 10. 16. 1 Cor. 11. 25 26. Gal. 3. 7. Rom. 15. 8. Exod. 12. 48. Gen. 34. 14. Rom. 6. 3 4. And 1 Cor. 10. 16 21. Well then do not the Socinians err with the Anabaptists who maintain that the Sacraments are not seals of the Covenant of Grace instituted by God to represent Christ and his benefits but only bare tokens and Tests of our Christian profession Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Circumcision is expresly called a sign and seal of the righteousness of Faith Rom. 4. 11. Now if Circumcision was a seal and sign why ought not Baptism and the Lords Supper to be signs and seals also 2 Because the names and properties of the things signified are given to the Sacramental signs Thus Circumcision is called the Covenant Gen. 17. 10. The bread is called the Body of Christ Matth. 26. 26. And Baptism is called the washing of regeneration Titus 3. 5. For no other reasons but because they represent and confirm things spiritual to Believers 3 Because the cup of blessing in the Sacrament is the communion of the blood of Christ and the bread is the communion of the body of Christ 1 Cor. 10. 16. 4 Because the Sacraments bring into our memories Christ and his benefits and therefore as it were they set him before our eyes and so increase and confirm our faith 1 Cor. 11. 24 25. Quest. II. IS the Grace which is exhibited in or by the Sacraments rightly used conferred by any power in them No. Rom. 2. 28 29. 1 Peter 3. 21. Well then do not the Papists and Lutherians err who maintain that the Sacraments of themselves are true immediate and effectual causes of our Iustification and give life Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the holy Scripture attributes our Justification to Faith only as an instrumental cause and to no other thing Rom. 1. 17. Rom. 3. 28. Gal. 2. 16. And therefore the Sacraments cannot be the efficient causes of our Justification and life 2 Because the Scripture makes an express difference between the work of a man dispensing the Sacraments and the work of the holy Ghost Matth. 3. 11. 3 Because signs and seals of Grace cannot confer and effectuat Grace But the Sacraments are but signs and seals of Grace because to signifie and to have vertue and power to do differ in nature and in kind 4 Because many are partakers of the Sacraments who yet are not partakers of the Grace of GOD as Simon Magus Acts 8. 13. Ananias and Saphira Acts 5. 4 9. And how many thousands do eat and drink unworthily drinking and eating damnation to themselves 1 Cor. 11. 29. 5 Because many have been justified before ever they did partake of a Sacrament as Abraham Rom. 4. 11. And Cornelius with his fellows Acts 10. 46. Quest. III. DOTH the efficacy of a Sacrament depend upon the piety or intention of him that doth administer it No. Matth. 3. 11. 1 Cor. 12. 13. Well then do not the Donatists and Anabaptists err who maintain that the Sacraments dispensed by a wicked and graceless Minister are of no vertue or efficacy Yes Do not also some others now a days err who are not far from the same opinion Yes Do not lastly the Papists err who maintain that to the perfection of a Sacrament the actual intention of the Minister at least his vertual intention of doing that which the Church doth is necessary Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Iudas who was a Thief and a Traitour did according to the command of Christ baptize as well as the rest yet Christ never called in question his Baptism 2 Because the efficacy of the Word doth not depend upon the piety goodness worthiness or good intention of the Instrument Phil. 1. 16 Therefore neither doth the efficacy of a Sacrament depend upon the intention of him that doth administer it 3 If the efficacy of Baptism depended upon the good intention of the Minister then no Christian could be sure that he is baptized seeing no man can be sure of or know the Ministers intention 4 Because the operation and efficacy of the Sacraments depend upon the operation of the Holy Ghost and the Word of institution Matth. 3. 11. 1 Cor. 12 13. 5 Because the Papists themselves which is argumentum ad hominem cannot be sure that the bread in the Eucharist is Transubstantiat into the Body of Christ. And therefore in their Adoration and falling down to the Host they commit most damnable Idolatry in worshipping that which is neither GOD nor any divine thing I say they cannot be sure because the Priests intention may be deficient while he is consecrating the Bread Quest. IV. ARE there only two Sacraments ordained by Christ in the Gospel I answer two only namely Baptism and the Lords Supper Matth. 28. 19. 1 Cor. 11. 20 23. Well then do not the Romanists err who make seven Sacraments by adding to Baptism and the Lords Supper Confirmation Pennance Extream Unction Ordination and Matrimony Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because no other Sacraments save Baptism and the Lords Supper are instituted by Christ in all the holy Scripture 2 Because the description and definition of a Sacrament as you will find it in the first Question doth agree only to Baptism and the Lord Supper 3 Because Christ was a Copartner and sharer of Baptism and the Lords Supper which in his own person he did sanctifie and by them did testifie and profess his communion with his people of the New Testament but never was a sharer of any of these five Bastard Sacraments Quest. V. MAY Baptism and the Lords Supper be dispensed by any but by a Minister of the Word lawfully ordained No. Matth. 28. 19. 1 Cor. 11. 20 23. 1 Cor. 4. 1. Heb. 5. 4. Well then do not the Anabaptists err who maintain that the Sacraments may be dispensed and administred by any Believer Yes Do not likewise the Papists and the Lutherians err who maintain that it is lawful for Laicks or Women to administer the

or shall be in time Acts 15. 18. Iohn 21. 17. Heb. 4. 13. But all things which come to pass in time could not have been infallibly known from eternity but in the Decree of his divine Will 2. From Gods natural way of working in time 1 Cor. 12. 6. Rom. 11. 36. whence it is evident that God worketh effectually and immediately in time all things which are done but he worketh by his will those things which he will have to be in time after that manner and in that time how and when they come to pass Psal. 115. 3. But that Act of willing cannot happen to God in time but hath been in him from all eternity because God is unchangeable Iames 1. 17. 3 By enumerating several instances concerning which the Scripture affirms particularly that they have been decreed by GOD as the sufferings and death of Christ Acts 2. 23. The glorifying of those that are to be saved Eph. 1. 4 5. 1 Thes. 5. 9. And the foreordaining the rest to damnation to be punished for their sin Iude v. 4. The like may be said of other things which come to pass in time see Psalm 33. 11. Psalm 115. 3. Isaiah 46. 10. Prov. 19. 21. That the Liberty and Freedom of the will and contingency of events is consistent with the Decree is clear from Acts 2. 23. Acts 3. 17 18. Acts 4. 27 28. Gen. 45. 5. Quest. II. IS the Decree of Predestination namely the Decree of Election and Reprobation absolute from the meer good will and pleasure of God Yes And is it particular concerning a certain number of Persons Yes 2 Tim. 2. 19. Iohn 13. 18. Well then do not the Lutherians and Arminians err who maintain the Decree of Predestination to be general and conditional depending upon persevering Faith which they affirm depends upon the will of man and foreseen infidelity and want of faith Yes Do not likewise the Papists and Socinians err who maintain the Decree of Predestination to be general and to depend upon good and evil works with Perseverance in them Yes By what arguments are they confuted 1 From the Apostle Paul who maketh the good will and pleasure of God the only cause why this man is chosen and another as worthy rejected and casten off Rom. 9. 11 12 13 14 15. Where he moves an objection against the justice of God and answers it 2 Because our blessed Saviour assignes it to the good will and pleasure of God that to some the mysteries of Faith for their conversion are revealed and that they are hid from many others who are nothing worse but in some respect better Matth. 11. 25 26. 3 Because a man of himself hath no good thing in him whereby he may be differenced from another but what he hath freely gotten from God 1 Cor. 4. 7. 4 Because the grace of Regeneration justifying Faith effectual Calling and perseverance to the end are given to all the Elect and to them only according to the eternal Decree of God and therefore are Effects not Causes or pre-required conditions of Election Rom. 8. 30. Acts 13. 48. Matth. 24. 24. 2 Tim. 1. 9. Iohn 15 16. Eph. 1. 3 4 5. Matth. 13. 11. Rom. 11. 6 7. Quest. III. HAth it pleased God according to the unsearchable Counsel of of his own will whereby he extendeth or withholdeth mercy as he pleaseth for the glory of his Soveraign power over his creatures to pass by and to ordain the rest of mankind to dishonour and wrath for their sin to the praise of his glorious Iustice Yes Rom. 9. 17 18 21 22. Iude verse 4 Matth. 11. 25 26. 2 Tim. 2. 19 20. Well then do not many of the Quakers and others err who maintain that God never ordained any man to perish eternally Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1. Because Christ thanked his Father Lord of Heaven and Earth because he had hid those things from the wise and prudent and had revealed them unto Babes Matth. 11. 25 26. 2 Because the Scripture faith to Pharo even for this same purpose have I raised thee up that I might shew my power in thee and that my name might be declared throughout all the Earth Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will he hardneth Hath not the Potter power over the clay of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour and another unto dishonour What if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction Rom. 9. 17 18 21 22. 3. Because in a great house there are some vessels to honour some to dishonour 2 Tim. 2. 19 20. 4. Because the Apostle Iude says there are some who of old were ordained to this condemnation ungodly men Note that the cause of this reprobation is not mans sin but the absolute will and good pleasure of God Mans sin indeed is the cause why God will punish but no occasion why he did ordain to pass by or to punish man This Decree is just because God has power over man as the Potter hath power over the clay Neither is the end of this Decree the condemnation of the creature but the manifestation of Gods Justice Lastly sin is the effect of mans free will and condemnation is the effect of Justice but the Decree of God is the cause of neither Quest. IV. ARE any other redeemed by Christ effectually called justifyed adopted sanctifyed and saved but the Elect only No Iohn 17. 9. Rom. 8. 28. Iohn 6. 64 65. Iohn 10. 26. Iohn 8. 47. 1 Iohn 2. 19. Well then do not the Papists Quakers Socinians and Arminians err who maintain That all men even Reprobates are redeemed by Christ and that many Reprobates are effectually Called Iustified Sanctified and Adopted Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 From the Golden Chain which cannot be loosed mentioned by the Apostle Paul Rom. 8. 30. Whom he did predestinate them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified 2 Because those and those only believe whom GOD hath ordained to Life Eternal Acts 13. 48. Titus 1. 1. 3 Because Christ himself says to the Iews but ye believe not because ye are not of my Sheep My Sheep hear my voice and I know them Iohn 10. 26 27 28. Ye are not of my Sheep that is of the Elect which the Father hath given me 4 Because Christ would not pray for the World but for the Elect only Iohn 17. 9. 5 Because the Election or Elect have obtained it and the rest were blinded namely who are not elected and effectually called Rom. 11. 7. 6 Because Christ says greater love hath no man than this that a man should lay down his life for his Friends Such a love he never had to Reprobates whom he professes he never knew Iohn 15. 13. with Matthew 7. 23. 7 Because according to the Scripture Christ died

Grace the Doctrine whereof is to be preached by every Minister of the Gospel as well as that of Faith in Christ Yes Ezek. 12. 10. Acts 11. 18. Luke 24. 47. Make 1. 15. Acts 20. 21. Well then do not the Antinomians err who maintain That repentance is not an Evangelical grace and that it ought not to be preached by any Minister of the Gospel seing it leads us away from Christ and is many wayes hurtful and dangerous to us Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because GOD hath promised in the Covenant of Grace that he will pour upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Ierusalem the spirit of Grace and Supplication which shall cause Christians under the Gospel to repent and mourn for their sins Zech. 12. 10. 2 Because Repentance is numbered among the saving graces which shall be bestowed and conferred upon Converts under the Gospel and is sometimes put for the whole Conversion of a man to GOD Acts 11. 15 16 17 18. 3 Because the Ministers of the Gospel ought to instruct those with meekness who oppose themselves if GOD peradventure will give them Repentance to the acknowledging of the Truth 2 Tim. 2. 25. 4 Because Repentance from dead works is among the principles of the Doctrine of Christ and is a foundation which ought to be layed before the Hearers of the Gospel can go on into perfection I say layed by the Ministers of the Gospel Heb. 6. 1. 5 Because Christ himself appointed Repentance no less to be preached through the world than Remission of sins Luke 24. 47. 6 Because Christ and his Apostles preached Repentance no less than Faith Mar. 1. 15. Mat. 3. 2. Nay the whole sum of the Gospel is placed in preaching Faith and Repentance Acts 20. 20 21. Quest II. DOth a sinner namely by Repentance out of the sight and sense not only of the danger but also of the filthiness and odiousness of his sins as contrary to the holy Nature and righteous law of God and upon the apprehension of his mercy in Christ to such as are penitent so grieve for and hate his sins as to turn from them all unto God Yes Ezek. 18. 30 Ezek. 36 31. Isai. 30. 22. Ier. 31. 18 19. Ioel 2. 12 13. Amos 5. 15. Psalm 119. 6. 59. 106. Well then do not the Antinomians err who maintain we ought not by Repentance to hate our sins to mourn for them and turn from them to God but only to believe that Christ in our stead and for us hath Repented Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because Repentance being a turning from our sins and evil ways and a turning to God and Christ being without sin could not be capable to repent in our stead 1 King 8. 35. Heb. 7. 26 27. Ioel 2. 12 13. 2 Because they that repent confess their sins and are grieved for them Ezra 10. 1. Mark 14. 72. They hate their sins 2 Cor. 7. 11. They are ashamed and confounded for them Ier. 31. 19. 3 Because Repentance is a sorrow after a Godly manner in the same very Persons that Repent wrought by God by the preaching of the Word 2 Cor. 7. 9. Acts 11. 18. 4 Because Repentance is called a renting of the heart Ioel 2. 12. And they that Repent hate and loath themselves for their abominations Ezek. 36 31. They are ashamed and confounded Ier. 31. 19. They are grieved and pricked in their Reins Psal. 73. 21 5 Because God promising Repentance to the people of the Jews being converted to Christ after their backsliding says I will pour out upon the house of David and upon the inhabitants of Ierusalem the Spirit of Grace and Supplication and they shall look upon me whom they have peirced and they shall mourn for him as one mourneth for his only Son Zech. 12. 10 And shall be in bitterness for him as one that is in bitterness for his first born But is any man so foolish as to affirm that when a man doth mourn for his first born he believes only that another man hath mourned in his stead 6 Because Faith is one thing and Repentance specially so called is another thing Mark 1. 15. Acts 20. 21. Heb. 11. 6. In which places Faith and Repentance are numbred two diverse things And it is evident likewise that Faith is the cause of Repentance but nothing can be the cause of it self Do not likewise the Papists err who maintain that we are not by Repentance converted from our sins to God which they only make an endument or quality fitting and disposing us for conversion and meriting it which say they consists in heart contrition mouth confession absolution and satisfaction By the first They have heart sorrow for sin By the second They confess their sins to the Preist By the third Which can be no part of Repentance seeing it is not a thing done by the sinner they are absolved by the Priest from theirsins By the fourth they make satisfaction for former sins in performing some good work willingly undertaken or enjoyned by the Priest after absolution as Fastings Chastising of their own bodies Pilgrimages and hearing of many Masses Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Word of God asserts no meritorious Work in us to go before our conversion Not by Works of righteousnss which we have done but according to his mercy he saved us Titus 3. 4 5 6. 2 Because the only merit of Christ is the meritorious cause of our Conversion Heb. 9. 14. 1 Cor. 6. 11. 3 Because true Repentance is the infallible Antecedent and forerunner of life 2 Cor. 7. 10. Acts 11. 18. And they who truely Repent have all their sins pardoned Acts 2. 38. Acts 3. 19. Nay Repentance is a peice of the exercise of the life of Grace here and worketh unto life and salvation hereafter But of no foregoing disposition or qualification previous to Repentance can these forecited places of Scripture be understood 4 Because Repentance and turning to God are sometimes put for the same thing and the Prophets while they study to excite and stir up the people to Repentance they signifie it by the word Conversion and turning to GOD Acts 11. 15 16 17 18 21. Ioel 2. 12 13 Esek 18. 31 32. 5 Because Whatsoever goes before our conversion to God it cannot be of Faith and therefore it must displease God Rom. 8 8 Rom. 14. 23. But true Repentance is of Faith and God delighteth in it Ier. 31. 18 19 20. 6 Because in very many places of Scripture Repentance is described by a departing from evil and a turning to God Isa. 1. 16 17. Isaiah 55. 7. Psalm 34. 14. Hos. 6. 1. 7 Because heart contrition mouth confession and satisfaction for former sins which they call Pennance as they are explained by the Papists may be found in Hypocritical Repentance as is evident from the example of Iudas and Abah Matth. 27. 4 5 6. 1 Kings 21. 27. There may be true

children for their faults yet he will never take away his mercy and loving kindness from them Psalm 89. 30 31 32 33 34. Ier. 32. 38 39 40. 8 Because that Golden chain that Paul speaks of cannot be broken Rom. 8. 30. Whom he did predestinate them also he called c. 9 Because Christs says this is the Fathers will which hath sent me that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing Iohn 6. 39. 10 Because we are keeped by the power of God through Faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time 1 Peter 1. 5. 11 Because he hath prayed for us that our Faith fail not Luke 22. 32. Iohn 17. 20. Quest. II. CAN Believers by reason of their sins and failings incurr GODS displeasure and grieve his holy Spirit come to be deprived of some measure of their Graces and Comforts have their hearts hardned and their consciences wounded hurt and scandalize others and bring temporal judgements upon themselves Yes Isaiah 64. 5 7 9. Ephes. 4. 30. Psal 51. 8 10 12. Rev. 2. 4. Cant. 5. 2 3 4 6. Isa 63. 17. Psalm 37. 3 4. 2 Sam. 12. 14. Psal. 89 31 32. Mark 16. 14. 1 Cor. 11. 32. Well then do not the Antinomians err who maintain That the sins of the Regenerate do not displease GOD and cannot grieve his holy Spirit and that Believers are not chastised in any wise for their sins Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Prophet says thou art wroth for we have sinned Isai. 64. 5. 2 Because it is said that the thing which David had done namely his Murder and his Adultery displeased the Lord 2 Sam. 11. 27. 3 Because the Scripture testifies that the sins of Believers grieve his holy Spirit Eph. 4. 30. 4 Because the Saints by reason of their sins are deprived of some measure of grace and consolation Psalm 51. 8 9. Rev. 2. 4 5. 5 Because the Lord hath inflicted temporal punishments upon Believers for their faults Psalm 89. 31 32. 2 Sam. 12 11. and 24 15. 1 Cor. 11. 30. CHAP. XVIII Of assurance of Grace and Salvation Question I. MAY they who truely believe in the Lord Iesus and love him in sincerity and endeavour to walk in all good conscience before him May they I say be certainly assured in this life that they are in the state of Grace and being enabled by the Spirit to know the things which are freely given them of GOD may they without extraordinary revelation attain thereunto Yes 1 Iohn 2. 3. 1 Iohn 3. 14 18 19 21 24. 1 Iohn 5. 13. 1 Cor. 2. 12. Heb. 6. 11 12. Ephes. 3. 17 18. Well then do not the Papists err who maintain that no man can be sure namly sure by divine Faith of Gods peculiar favour towards himself without extraordinary revelation Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Apostle commands us saying Brethren give all diligence to make your calling and election sure for if you do these things ye shall never fall for so an entrance shall be ministred unto you aboundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ 2 Peter 1 10. 11. Heb. 6. 11. 2 Because the Apostle commands the Corinthians to examine themselves whether they be in the Faith 2 Cor. 13. 5. 3 Because the Scripture proposes and setteth forth sure Marks and Tokens by which a Believer may be infallibly assured that he is one of the number of Christs sheep Iohn 10. 4 5 27 28. And that he is one of Christs Disciples Iohn 13. 35. Nay it is the scope of the whole first Epistle of Iohn to propose such sure Marks to Believers whereby they may know that they have life eternal 1 Iohn 5. 13. 4 Because the true Believer may be perswaded that neither death nor life nor any other thing can separate him from the love of Christ Rom. 8. 38. 39. Where the Apostle not only speaketh of himself but of them to whom he writes 5 Because Believers have received the Spirit of Adoption whereby they cry Abba Father and he himself witnesseth with their Spirit that they are the children of God Rom. 8. 15. 16. 6 Because Believers have received not the Spirit of the World but the Spirit which is of God that they might know the things that are freely given to them of God 1 Cor. 2. 12. Quest. II. IS this certainty a bare conjectural and probable perswasion grounded upon a fallible hope No. But is it an infallible assurance of Faith Yes Heb. 6. 11. 19. Heb. 6. 17 18. Well then do not the Papists and Arminians err who maintain that the assurance of salvation is only conjectural or at the most only probable which hath for its foundation a failling and fadeing Faith Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because assurance is from the testimony of the Holy Spirit witnessing with our Spirits that we are the Children of God Rom. 8. 16. 2 Because this assurance is founded upon the promises of God who cannot lie Isai. 54. 10. Iohn 3. 36. 3 Because Believers are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise which is the earnest of their inheritance but he that receiveth the earnest not only hath right to the possession but knows assuredly that he hath that right and shall be put in the actual possession thereof Eph. 1. 13 14. 4 Because God willing more aboundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel confirmed it by an oath that by two immutable things in which it was impossible to God to lie we might have a strong consolation Heb. 6. 17 18. Quest. III. IS the infallible assurance of Faith founded upon the divine truth of the promises of Salvation and upon the inward evidence of those Graces unto which these promises are made Yes Heb. 6. 17 18. 2 Peter 1. 4 5. 1 Iohn 2 3 and 1 Iohn 3. 14. 2 Cor. 1. 12. Well then do not the Antinomians err who maintain that none ought or can gather any comfort or assurance of Salvation from his own works of holiness but that a Believer ought to lean and rest upon the alone testimony of the Spirit without any Marks or Signs from which testimony he may say they be fully assured of the remission of his sins and of his own salvation Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 From the example of the Saints who gathered their comfort from the fruits of Faith and works of holiness as David did Psalm 119. 6. And as Paul did 2 Cor. 1. 12. 2 From the reckoning up of Marks which are held out in Scripture by which Believers may be known from unbelievers as mutual love Iohn 13. 35. Observing and keeping his Commandments 1 Iohn 2. 3. Doing of righteousness 1 Iohn 3. 14. And loving the Brethren 3 Because unless Faith be proven by Marks true Faith cannot be discerned from presumption neither can assurance rightly founded be discerned from a delusion of Satan 1

Iohn 4. 2. 4 Because reason requires that from the knowledge of the effect we should come to the knowledge of the cause according to that of Matth. 7. 16. 5 Because marks of Grace have so much clearness in themselves that they will even beget in others a judgement according to charity concerning the Election of others therefore much more in those same very Persons who are able to discern and know better their own hearts 1 Thes. 1. 3 4. Quest. IV. DOTH this infallible assurance belong to the essence of Faith No. May a true Believer wait long and conflict with many difficulties before he be partaker of it Yes 1 Iohn 5. 13. Isai. 50. 10. Mark 9. 24. Psalm 88 throughout Psalm 77 to the 12. verse Well then do not the Antinomians err who maintain That the assurance of Salvation is Faith it self And that Faith is nothing els but the Eho of the Soul answering the holy Spirit my sins are forgiven me Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the sealing of the Holy Spirit which is the Earnest of our inheritance is given to Believers after they have believed Eph. 1. 13 14. 2 Because Believers may sometimes not know that they have eternal life 1 Iohn 5. 13. And he that feareth the Lord obeying the voice of his servant may walk in darkness Isaiah 50. 10. 3 Because if this assurance which takes away all doubting as the Antinomians affirm were of the Essence of faith there should not be any degrees of faith which is contrary to Mark 9. 24. Matth. 8. 10. Matth. 15. 28. 4 Because there are evident examples in Scripture from the Experience of the Saints as that of faithful Heman who thus complained Psalm 88. Why casteth thou off my soul why hidest thou thy face from me And of faithful Asaph under very sad exercise Psalm 77. to the 10 verse Quest. V. DOTH this assurance of Salvation incline men to loosness No. 1 Iohn 2. 1 2. Rom 8 1 12 1 Iohn 3 2 3 1 Iohn 1 6 7 Rom 6 1 2 Titus 2 11 12 14 2 Cor 7 1 Well then do not the Papists err who maintain That the Doctrine of Assurance of Salvation is of its own nature hurtful to true Piety and inclines men to sin and wickedness Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because the Apostle Peter argues the contrary way and infers a far other conclusion namely because Believers know they are redeemed by the pretious blood of Christ they ought to pass the time of their sojourning here in fear 1 Peter 1. 17 18 19. 2 Because the Apostle Paul who was certainly perswaded of his interest in Christ rejects and abominats that conclusion with indignation and wrath Rom. 6. 1 2. 3 Because from the promise that God is the Father of Believers the Apostle exhorts the Corinthians by consequence to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and Spirit and to perfect holiness in the fear of God 2 Cor. 7. 1. 4 Because they who are in Christ to whom there is no condemnation and are assured of it walk not after the Flesh but after the Spirit Rom. 8. 1. 12 38 39. 5 Because a Believer knowing God to be merciful concludes that God ought to be feared Psalm 130. 4. 6 Because whosoever hath that hope namely that he shall see Christ and be made like unto him he purifies himself as he is pure 1 Iohn 3. 3. 7 Because it is evident from the example of those who were perswaded of their salvation who yet lived piously and holily As Paul Rom. 8. 38 39. compared with 2 Cor. 1. 12. Acts 24. 16. Next we have the example of Abraham Gen. 17. 1. compared with Rom. 4. 18 19 20. Quest VI ARE true Believers when they fall into some special sin which woundeth the Conscience and grieveth the Spirit destitute of the seed of GOD and life of Faith No. 2 Iohn 3 9 Luke 22 32 Well then do not the Quakers and others err who maintain That true Believers falling into some special sin can have nothing of the life of faith and seed of GOD in them Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 Because whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God 1 Iohn 3. 9. For his seed remaineth in him that is doth not totally perish but abideth thenceforeward working the fruits of regeneration once begun in them Phil. 1. 6. 2 Because although Peter fell into that grievous sin of denying his Master thrice yet he still retained that seed of God and life of Faith and love to Christ because Christ had said to him I have prayed for thee that thy Faith fail not Luke 22. 32. The like may be said of David and others of the Saints of GOD who by falling into some special sins have wounded the Conscience and grieved the holy Spirit CHAP. XIX Of the Law of GOD. Question I. DID GOD give to Adam a Law as a Covenant of Works by which he bound him and all his Posterity to Personal Entire Exact and Perpetual obedience Yes Did he promise life upon the fulfilling and did he threatten death upon the breach of it Yes Was Adam endued with Power and Ability to keep it Yes Gen 1 26 27 Gen 2 17 Rom 2 14 15 Rom 5 12 19 Gal 3 10 12 Eccl 7 29 Iob 28 28 Well then do not the Socinians err who maintain that God made no Covenant with Adam in his integrity in which he promised to him and his posterity life eternal Yes By what reasons are they confuted 1 From those places of Scripture where the righteousness of the Law is described Lev. 18. 5. Rom. 10. 5. Gal. 3. 12. Ezek. 20. 11. 13. Whosoever therefore keepeth my Statutes and Judgements saith the Lord shall live in them And to whom life is promised for ever upon their perfect obedience and continuance in all things written in the Book of the Law And from those places in which death is threatned to them that in the least transgress the Law of God Deut. 27. 26. Gal. 3. 10. Ezek. 18. 4. 2 From the words of our Saviour who spoke to the Young man according to the Covenant of Works in which the Lord promiseth life eternal to such as shall fulfil the Law Matth. 19. 17. Luke 10. 28. Observe that Christ answereth here according to the question and opinion of this young man who thought he was able to obtain salvation by his own good works and therefore Christ directs him to the Law thereby to bring him to the acknowledgement of his own imperfection and afterwards to Faith in himself 3 Because man was created by God in righteousness holiness and immortality according to the similitude and image of God Gen. 1. 26. Gen. 9. 6. Eccl. 7. 29. Eph. 4. 24. Col. 3. 9 10. And received from him the Law of Nature naturally ingraven upon his heart Rom. 2. 14. 15.