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
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
say_v he_o ordain_v christ_n from_o everlasting_a to_o be_v the_o mediator_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v reconcile_v god_n unto_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n here_o behold_v and_o admire_v the_o inestimable_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o his_o own_o son_n shall_v die_v then_o that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v perish_v here_o again_o behold_v and_o reverent_o embrace_v the_o incomprehensible_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n towards_o wretched_a man_n in_o that_o he_o account_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n more_o precious_a than_o his_o own_o life_n christ_n himself_o have_v respect_n to_o this_o say_v in_o saint_n john_n 3.16_o john_n 3.16_o so_o god_n love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n that_o by_o he_o he_o may_v restore_v and_o bestow_v upon_o mankind_n life_n that_o be_v lose_v and_o salvation_n that_o be_v past_o hope_n therefore_o this_o provident_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v wonderful_o necessary_a for_o mankind_n and_o very_o profitable_a yea_o and_o in_o such_o sort_n that_o without_o it_o all_o mankind_n have_v perish_v so_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v adore_v and_o reverence_v of_o we_o and_o ought_v continual_o to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o wisdom_n and_o that_o so_o as_o that_o all_o other_o wisdom_n without_o it_o shall_v be_v base_a and_o of_o no_o value_n and_o be_v no_o more_o regard_v then_o mere_a folly_n and_o foolishness_n itself_o and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n find_v a_o mean_n to_o deliver_v we_o from_o such_o a_o bottomless_a depth_n of_o misery_n hence_o shall_v the_o godly_a entertain_n and_o conceyve_v great_a hope_n in_o all_o their_o adversity_n for_o see_v he_o have_v find_v out_o a_o most_o wise_a mean_n and_o way_n out_o of_o so_o deep_a and_o intricate_a a_o mischief_n out_o of_o which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n nor_o angel_n can_v give_v no_o direction_n how_o to_o escape_v therefore_o sure_o he_o can_v very_o easy_o deliver_v we_o from_o any_o danger_n of_o this_o life_n how_o great_a soever_o they_o be_v for_o in_o his_o hand_n be_v many_o and_o incredible_a mean_n of_o delivery_n so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o counsel_n nor_o mean_n of_o delivery_n with_o man_n there_o be_v there_o a_o certain_a issue_n and_o ready_a way_n with_o god_n therefore_o in_o these_o danger_n which_o threaten_v assure_v death_n present_o and_o savour_n of_o nothing_o else_o but_o of_o the_o open_a grave_n and_o unavoidable_a destruction_n in_o these_o god_n most_o wise_a have_v many_o mean_n of_o help_n and_o deliverance_n from_o they_o for_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n with_o he_o to_o make_v a_o issue_n where_o there_o be_v none_o soon_o than_o in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n if_o it_o be_v his_o pleasure_n this_o then_o be_v our_o only_a hope_n and_o strong_a consolation_n in_o our_o extreme_a temptation_n and_o trouble_n that_o we_o have_v god_n for_o our_o helper_n and_o deliverer_n which_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o death_n can_v stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o restore_v we_o to_o life_n and_o have_v many_o more_o mean_n to_o help_v we_o than_o there_o be_v creature_n in_o the_o whole_a universal_a world_n and_o thus_o far_o of_o the_o third_o propriety_n of_o election_n the_o free_a and_o undeserved_a mercy_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o election_n and_o that_o be_v great_a by_o many_o degree_n then_o that_o the_o great_a sinner_n can_v or_o ought_v right_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o though_o never_o so_o little_a much_o less_o despair_n of_o it_o chap._n xi_o the_o four_o propriety_n be_v that_o god_n election_n be_v altogether_o a_o merciful_a free_a and_o voluntary_a decree_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o induce_v he_o to_o choose_v miserable_a man_n but_o only_o his_o own_o mere_a mercy_n and_o favourable_a goodwill_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o predestination_n this_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v not_o any_o affection_n in_o god_n which_o begin_v of_o a_o sudden_a sometime_o and_o sometime_o end_v of_o a_o sudden_a neither_o be_v it_o any_o passion_n which_o sometime_o increase_v and_o sometime_o decrease_v for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o succeed_a change_n in_o god_n god_n shall_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v god_n but_o it_o be_v a_o eternal_a and_o a_o most_o ready_a good_a will_n to_o do_v good_a unto_o miserable_a man_n therefore_o this_o eternal_a good_a will_n in_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o only_a and_o sole_a cause_n why_o he_o elect_v miserable_a man_n to_o the_o attainment_n of_o salvation_n ask_v now_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o he_o have_v receyve_v this_o or_o that_o man_n into_o favour_n and_o have_v pardon_v his_o sin_n and_o remit_v the_o punishment_n and_o there_o can_v no_o other_o cause_n be_v render_v but_o even_o god_n undeserved_a mercy_n and_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v merciful_a to_o he_o who_o he_o vouchsafe_v his_o favour_n and_o grace_n such_o a_o favourable_a and_o gracious_a affection_n of_o his_o good_a will_n to_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v call_v mercy_n which_o in_o god_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o eternal_a and_o gracious_a purpose_n to_o have_v mercy_n on_o those_o on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o give_v they_o freedom_n from_o their_o misery_n this_o be_v always_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o in_o god_n which_o never_o alter_v but_o stand_v and_o abide_v continual_o in_o one_o state_n and_o degree_n for_o the_o name_n of_o these_o affection_n that_o be_v give_v unto_o god_n from_o the_o passion_n that_o be_v in_o man_n do_v not_o set_v forth_o any_o passion_n or_o change_n in_o god_n but_o paint_v out_o unto_o we_o his_o unspeakable_a like_n or_o hatred_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o then_o be_v in_o hand_n so_o this_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v no_o new_a or_o sudden_a motion_n and_o affection_n in_o god_n but_o his_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a propriety_n which_o as_o it_o be_v once_o such_o it_o be_v always_o without_o which_o god_n can_v be_v god_n as_o often_o therefore_o as_o any_o man_n think_v of_o god_n let_v he_o remember_v his_o unspeakable_a goodness_n and_o readiness_n to_o help_v which_o can_v in_o no_o mean_n be_v separate_v nor_o dis-joined_n from_o god_n but_o many_o time_n those_o thing_n that_o be_v proper_a unto_o man_n be_v attribute_v unto_o he_o because_o his_o property_n can_v be_v comprehend_v of_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v shadow_v forth_o unto_o man_n by_o the_o property_n of_o man_n as_o it_o be_v through_o a_o lattice_n and_o so_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o he_o so_o god_n do_v after_o a_o sort_n represent_v unto_o we_o as_o in_o a_o glass_n his_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a mystery_n and_o hide_a decree_n by_o the_o speech_n or_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o thus_o god_n for_o his_o unspeakable_a love_n sake_n towards_o mankind_n do_v not_o think_v much_o to_o descend_v from_o his_o greatness_n and_o from_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o debase_v himself_o so_o low_o as_o to_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o rude_a and_o frail_a man_n and_o from_o hence_o be_v see_v better_a than_o in_o any_o glass_n how_o great_a care_n god_n take_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n this_o mercy_n be_v that_o most_o special_a goodness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o bound_v and_o restrain_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o this_o life_n but_o stretch_v and_o reach_v unto_o all_o eternity_n so_o that_o it_o bring_v with_o it_o everlasting_a life_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o contain_v and_o include_v those_o only_o which_o be_v elect_v from_o everlasting_a and_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v bless_v for_o evermore_o this_o differ_v very_o much_o from_o the_o general_a mercy_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v all_o live_a creature_n for_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o have_v a_o care_n over_o all_o live_a creature_n to_o provide_v thing_n necessary_a for_o they_o and_o merciful_o to_o guide_v and_o govern_v they_o so_o that_o although_o god_n in_o his_o fatherly_a care_n do_v not_o forsake_v even_o the_o bruit_n beast_n but_o care_v for_o each_o of_o they_o yet_o more_o especial_o god_n declare_v his_o goodness_n in_o mankind_n for_o he_o do_v good_a not_o only_o to_o the_o righteous_a and_o godly_a but_o also_o to_o the_o unjust_a and_o unthankful_a for_o he_o make_v the_o sun_n to_o rise_v upon_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a 6.23_o mat._n 5.45_o luke_n 6.23_o say_v christ_n in_o matthew_n and_o in_o luke_n such_o benefit_n of_o god_n be_v temporal_a and_o common_a to_o the_o godly_a and_o to_o the_o
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
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there_o as_o glorification_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o depend_v thereof_o this_o glorification_n consist_v in_o the_o true_a image_n of_o god_n and_o the_o conform_v of_o our_o will_n with_o his_o will_n and_o this_o image_n of_o god_n and_o fashion_v of_o our_o will_n with_o his_o will_n arise_v and_o spring_v from_o true_a and_o effectual_a regeneration_n and_o regeneration_n begin_v in_o this_o life_n present_o upon_o our_o vocation_n and_o be_v increase_v and_o continue_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n until_o at_o the_o last_o it_o be_v thorough_o consummate_v and_o finish_v in_o a_o other_o life_n therefore_o these_o inferior_a &_o second_o cause_n be_v as_o it_o be_v certain_a mean_n &_o interpose_v degree_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n by_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o full_a possession_n and_o fruition_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o salvation_n as_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v show_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o they_o in_o 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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 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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
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