make_v away_o themselves_o or_o destroy_v their_o own_o life_n though_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a decree_n of_o god_n to_o secure_v they_o in_o this_o behalf_n the_o natural_a desire_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o they_o easy_o over_o rule_v by_o the_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o it_o all_o motion_n â—or_a disposition_n towards_o self-destroying_a which_o be_v wont_a to_o arise_v from_o such_o occasion_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o strength_n of_o that_o inclination_n or_o desire_n which_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o very_o possible_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v may_v be_v in_o the_o saint_n to_o save_v their_o soul_n and_o consequent_o to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o apostasy_n be_v sufficient_a without_o any_o such_o decree_n in_o god_n as_o be_v mention_v to_o secure_v they_o both_o from_o all_o danger_n and_o from_o all_o fear_n of_o apostatise_v to_o destruction_n notwithstanding_o all_o weakness_n or_o infirmity_n that_o they_o be_v subject_a unto_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o the_o infirmity_n and_o weakness_n of_o the_o saint_n as_o such_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o necessary_a or_o just_a ground_n of_o fear_n unto_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o that_o the_o sense_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o they_o be_v most_o clear_a pregnant_a and_o effectual_a antidote_n and_o preservative_n against_o fall_v away_o for_o he_o that_o be_v inward_o and_o true_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o weakness_n and_o inability_n to_o stand_v will_n especial_o be_v a_o saint_n or_o believer_n most_o certain_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o strength_n who_o be_v both_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o supply_v and_o furnish_v he_o upon_o such_o term_n 3._o and_o last_o upon_o the_o former_a account_n and_o for_o a_o close_a of_o this_o chapter_n 36._o §._o 36._o i_o answer_v that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o fall_v away_o be_v so_o uncomfortable_a unto_o the_o saint_n as_o the_o objection_n pretend_v the_o truth_n be_v as_o we_o have_v in_o the_o premise_n of_o this_o chapter_n make_v it_o to_o appear_v they_o be_v not_o much_o relieve_v at_o this_o point_n by_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n for_o this_o doctrine_n as_o have_v be_v show_v scarce_o suffer_v any_o man_n to_o believe_v upon_o any_o rational_a competent_a or_o sufficient_a ground_n that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a saint_n or_o believer_n yea_o and_o do_v little_o less_o than_o tempt_v he_o to_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v exceed_o apt_a and_o likely_a to_o fill_v he_o with_o fear_n and_o questioning_n touch_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o what_o great_a comfort_n can_v it_o then_o be_v unto_o he_o to_o hear_v or_o believe_v that_o true_a believer_n can_v fall_v away_o or_o perish_v whereas_o the_o other_o doctrine_n leave_v they_o a_o good_a latitude_n of_o competent_a ground_n whereon_o to_o judge_v themselves_o true_a saint_n and_o true_a believer_n nor_o do_v it_o deprive_v they_o of_o sufficient_a ground_n on_o which_o to_o secure_v themselves_o both_o against_o the_o danger_n and_o against_o all_o fear_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o apostatise_v or_o fall_v away_o to_o perdition_n this_o doctrine_n therefore_o of_o the_o two_o be_v questionless_a of_o the_o more_o benevolous_a aspect_n and_o influence_n upon_o the_o peace_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o saint_n chap._n x._o a_o continuation_n of_o the_o former_a digression_n wherein_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n common_o allege_v to_o prove_v the_o impossibility_n of_o saint_n decline_v unto_o death_n be_v take_v into_o consideration_n and_o discharge_v from_o that_o service_n be_v occasion_v and_o after_o a_o sort_n necessitate_v for_o the_o secure_n of_o 1._o §._o 1._o some_o passage_n of_o interpretation_n cap._n 8._o be_v of_o main_a concernment_n to_o the_o principal_a cause_n undertake_v in_o this_o discourse_n to_o engage_v home_o in_o the_o question_n about_o preseverance_n i_o shall_v according_a to_o ordinary_a method_n and_o that_o hitherto_o observe_v in_o the_o traverse_n of_o the_o main_a doctrine_n first_o have_v argue_v my_o sense_n and_o judgement_n in_o the_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d assertive_o and_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n by_o answer_v such_o objection_n whether_o from_o scripture_n or_o otherwise_o which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v levy_v by_o man_n of_o contrary_a judgement_n in_o opposition_n thereunto_o but_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o weak_a man_n through_o too_o much_o fullness_n and_o abundance_n in_o their_o own_o sense_n in_o matter_n of_o controversy_n and_o this_o chief_o by_o mean_n of_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n run_v still_o and_o work_v in_o their_o head_n which_o in_o sound_n of_o word_n and_o surface_n of_o letter_n seem_v to_o stand_v by_o they_o in_o their_o sense_n and_o notion_n be_v under_o a_o very_a great_a disadvantage_n either_o for_o mind_v or_o understand_v such_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o information_n in_o the_o truth_n i_o think_v it_o best_o for_o their_o relief_n in_o this_o case_n to_o invert_v that_o method_n in_o the_o present_a dispute_n and_o first_o to_o endeavour_v to_o take_v from_o they_o those_o weapon_n whether_o of_o scripture_n or_o argument_n wherein_o they_o trust_v and_o afterward_o present_v they_o with_o such_o other_o scripture_n and_o ground_n which_o be_v able_a pregnant_a and_o proper_a to_o build_v they_o up_o and_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n we_o shall_v not_o tie_v ourselves_o to_o any_o rule_n or_o prescript_n of_o order_n in_o bring_v 2._o §._o 2._o those_o scripture_n upon_o the_o theatre_n of_o our_o discourse_n which_o man_n of_o differ_a judgement_n in_o the_o cause_n in_o hand_n be_v wont_a to_o plead_v in_o defence_n thereof_o themselves_o as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v observe_v none_o but_o shall_v produce_v they_o one_o by_o one_o as_o god_n shall_v please_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o mind_n unless_o haply_o two_o or_o more_o of_o they_o by_o reason_n of_o affinity_n or_o likeness_n in_o phrase_n or_o import_v may_v commodious_o enough_o be_v handle_v together_o most_o of_o the_o place_n compel_v to_o serve_v in_o this_o warfare_n i_o find_v situate_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o first_o that_o come_v to_o hand_n be_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n unto_o peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o 18_o it_o mat._n 16._o 18_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v argue_v that_o those_o that_o be_v once_o build_v by_o faith_n upon_o the_o rock_n christ_n or_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o in_o danger_n or_o in_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v prevail_v against_o viz._n to_o destruction_n by_o all_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n whatsoever_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o this_o promissory_a assertion_n of_o christ_n the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v 3._o §._o 3._o etc._n etc._n do_v not_o necessary_o respect_v every_o individual_a and_o single_a person_n who_o de_fw-fr praesenti_fw-la be_v a_o member_n of_o his_o church_n so_o as_o to_o secure_v he_o of_o his_o salvation_n against_o all_o possible_a sin_n or_o way_n of_o sin_v whereunto_o he_o may_v or_o can_v be_v draw_v by_o satan_n but_o may_v well_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a i._n e._n consider_v as_o a_o body_n of_o man_n separate_a and_o distinguish_v from_o the_o world_n now_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n may_v be_v say_v to_o stand_v and_o be_v secure_v against_o all_o the_o power_n and_o attempt_n of_o the_o devil_n though_o not_o only_o some_o but_o even_o all_o the_o particular_a saint_n of_o which_o this_o body_n consist_v at_o present_a shall_v be_v prevail_v against_o by_o satan_n to_o destruction_n because_o the_o ratio_fw-la formalis_fw-la or_o essence_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o sense_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o the_o person_n of_o those_o who_o do_v at_o present_a believe_v and_o so_o be_v member_n of_o it_o for_o then_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o in_o case_n these_o shall_v die_v or_o when_o they_o shall_v die_v christ_n shall_v have_v no_o church_n at_o all_o upon_o the_o earth_n in_o as_o much_o as_o nothing_o can_v be_v without_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o successive_a generation_n of_o those_o who_o in_o their_o respective_a time_n believe_v whether_o they_o be_v few_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v more_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o and_o such_o person_n or_o whether_o other_o as_o suppose_v there_o be_v not_o now_o one_o drop_n of_o that_o water_n in_o the_o channel_n of_o the_o river_n of_o thames_n as_o it_o be_v like_o there_o be_v not_o which_o be_v in_o it_o seven_o year_n since_o yet_o be_v it_o one_o and_o the_o same_o river_n which_o it_o be_v then_o and_o so_o put_v the_o case_n there_o be_v not_o one_o person_n now_o alive_a in_o any_o
of_o the_o company_n in_o london_n of_o which_o they_o respective_o consist_v 40._o year_n since_o yet_o be_v they_o the_o self_n same_o company_n which_o they_o be_v then_o so_o then_o the_o say_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n may_v stand_v clear_a and_o firm_a though_o many_o particular_a member_n thereof_o shall_v be_v overcome_v therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o scripture_n to_o evince_v that_o universal_a perseverance_n of_o all_o saint_n which_o be_v common_o teach_v and_o receive_v among_o we_o 2._o when_o our_o saviour_n promise_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v 4._o §._o 4._o against_o his_o church_n his_o meaning_n questionless_a be_v this_o that_o death_n or_o the_o grave_a which_o may_v very_o proper_o be_v call_v the_o gate_n of_o hell_n because_o they_o that_o go_v or_o be_v send_v to_o hell_n enter_v by_o they_o thereinto_o or_o else_o that_o hell_n itself_o shall_v not_o prevail_v i._n e._n shall_v not_o have_v a_o full_a or_o final_a conquest_n over_o those_o that_o shall_v die_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n he_o speak_v of_o by_o faith_n as_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o most_o formidable_a strength_n they_o be_v like_a to_o have_v over_o all_o other_o men._n according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n his_o meaning_n only_o be_v that_o those_o that_o shall_v continue_v firm_o build_v upon_o he_o by_o faith_n shall_v in_o time_n be_v rescue_v and_o deliver_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o adverse_a power_n yea_o from_o death_n and_o the_o grave_n themselves_o the_o most_o formidable_a of_o all_o other_o this_o exposition_n full_o accord_v with_o what_o chrysostome_n have_v upon_o the_o place_n 5._o §._o 5._o if_o say_v he_o paraphrase_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o my_o church_n much_o more_o shall_v they_o not_o prevail_v against_o i_o therefore_o he_o not_o trouble_v when_o thou_o shall_v hear_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v betray_v and_o crucify_a 〈◊〉_d crucify_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o word_n clear_o imply_v that_o by_o the_o prevail_a of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n the_o author_n understand_v the_o final_a prevail_a of_o death_n or_o the_o grave_a and_o not_o the_o prevail_a of_o satan_n by_o subtlety_n or_o temptation_n in_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o among_o our_o late_a protestant_a divine_n cameron_n who_o common_o strike_v as_o 6._o §._o 6._o happy_a a_o stroke_n in_o open_v the_o scripture_n which_o he_o undertake_v as_o any_o man_n do_v not_o only_o deliver_v but_o with_o a_o high_a hand_n assert_n argue_v and_o evince_v this_o interpretation_n this_o then_o say_v he_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o mind_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n let_v those_o who_o believe_v lie_v for_o a_o time_n dead_a let_v death_n have_v dominion_n over_o they_o let_v death_n exercise_v his_o right_n or_o execute_v his_o law_n upon_o they_o hold_v they_o fast_o shut_v up_o in_o the_o grave_a as_o in_o a_o prison_n bind_v with_o band_n or_o fetter_n yet_o shall_v he_o not_o always_o have_v his_o will_n over_o they_o he_o may_v or_o shall_v do_v much_o against_o they_o but_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o full_a conquest_n over_o they_o 〈◊〉_d they_o haec_fw-la ergo_fw-la christi_fw-la hoc_fw-la in_o loco_fw-la mens_fw-la fuisse_fw-la videtur_fw-la jaceant_fw-la fideles_fw-la ad_fw-la tepus_fw-la demortui_fw-la mors_fw-la in_o illos_fw-la dominetur_fw-la exerceat_fw-la jus_o suum_fw-la in_fw-la sepulchro_fw-la veluti_fw-la in_fw-la carcere_fw-la eos_fw-la teneat_fw-la conclusos_fw-la &_o vinculis_fw-la quasi_fw-la constrictâ—s_fw-la haud_fw-la tamen_fw-la usque_fw-la &_o usque_fw-la obtinebit_fw-la valebit_fw-la quidem_fw-la certè_fw-la at_o non_fw-la prevalebit_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o exposition_n he_o confirm_v 1._o by_o instance_v several_a other_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o job_n â—8_o 17._o psal_n 9_o 13._o psal_n 107._o 18._o in_o all_o which_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n or_o of_o death_n be_v clear_o mean_v the_o grave_a to_o which_o he_o add'_v psal_n 18._o 16._o &_o psal_n 116._o 3._o as_o place_n of_o affinity_n with_o these_o 2._o by_o show_v that_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o translate_v hell_n be_v never_o in_o scripture_n except_o once_o use_v to_o signify_v hell_n proper_o so_o call_v i_o e._n the_o place_n or_o state_n of_o the_o damn_a but_o constant_o either_o the_o grave_a or_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a 3._o by_o mind_v we_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o grave_a and_o death_n be_v elsewhere_o term_v the_o enemy_n of_o the_o church_n yea_o the_o last_o enemy_n as_o 1_o cor._n 15._o 26._o to_o which_o he_o add_v the_o consideration_n of_o their_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n revel_v 20._o 14._o 4._o and_o last_o by_o particular_a argument_n against_o every_o other_o interpretation_n offer_v by_o expositor_n musculus_fw-la though_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n he_o understand_v as_o well_o the_o policy_n 6._o §._o 6._o as_o power_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o devil_n yet_o by_o the_o relative_n particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o etc._n a_o mihi_fw-la videtur_fw-la certius_fw-la ut_fw-la ad_fw-la petram_fw-la â—d_a est_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la fundamentum_fw-la referamus_fw-la non_fw-la quod_fw-la dâ—bitem_fw-la de_fw-la ecclâ—siae_fw-la soli_fw-la ditate_fw-la sed_fw-la quâ—d_fw-la ea_fw-la si_fw-la ex_fw-la pâ—tra_fw-la super_fw-la quam_fw-la aedificaâ—a_fw-la est_fw-la quae_fw-la tam_fw-la est_fw-la robusta_fw-la etc._n etc._n he_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o church_n but_o the_o rock_n or_o foundation_n of_o doctrine_n on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v build_v so_o that_o his_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o that_o doctrine_n on_o which_o the_o church_n be_v build_v be_v so_o firm_a and_o strong_a that_o all_o the_o policy_n and_o power_n of_o satan_n though_o join_v together_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o it_o so_o as_o either_o to_o evict_v it_o of_o falsehood_n or_o otherwise_o to_o destroy_v and_o cast_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n none_o of_o all_o their_o interpretation_n suppose_v any_o such_o thing_n deducible_a from_o the_o place_n as_o this_o that_o those_o who_o be_v once_o believer_n or_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n shall_v never_o be_v seduce_v by_o satan_n to_o destruction_n the_o place_n speak_v nothing_o of_o satan_n much_o less_o of_o his_o subtlety_n policy_n or_o power_n to_o seduce_v the_o church_n but_o suppose_v the_o exceed_a great_a and_o formidable_a strength_n of_o death_n and_o the_o grave_a assert_v the_o glorious_a and_o final_a conquest_n of_o his_o church_n over_o they_o notwithstanding_o so_o that_o this_o passage_n of_o scripture_n perfect_o semble_v with_o these_o and_o the_o like_a he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o shall_v he_o live_v and_o whosoever_o live_v and_o believe_v in_o i_o shall_v never_o die_v 26._o die_v joh._n 11._o 25_o 26._o and_o again_o and_o this_o be_v the_o father_n will_n that_o have_v send_v i_o that_o of_o all_o which_o he_o have_v give_v i_o i_o shall_v lose_v nothing_o but_o shall_v raise_v it_o up_o again_o at_o the_o last_o day_n 39_o day_n joh_n 6._o 39_o see_v also_o joh._n 5._o 25._o 28_o 29_o etc._n etc._n that_o which_o be_v plead_v by_o some_o for_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n which_o carry_v 7._o §._o 7._o the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n in_o it_o be_v weak_a and_o value_n less_o whatsoever_o say_v these_o oppose_v the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o rock_n or_o the_o constant_a adhere_n of_o it_o unto_o christ_n be_v mean_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n prevail_v for_o in_o these_o word_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o christ_n must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o remove_v whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o which_o he_o have_v assert_v in_o those_o and_o upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n but_o the_o politic_a and_o subtle_a tentation_n of_o satan_n to_o seduce_v believer_n be_v opposite_a to_o the_o build_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o the_o rock_n and_o to_o the_o constant_a adhere_n of_o it_o unto_o christ_n therefore_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n must_v needs_o be_v mean_v the_o defeature_n or_o non-prevailing_a of_o the_o stratagem_n or_o counsel_n of_o satan_n against_o believer_n and_o consequent_o their_o persevere_v unto_o the_o end_n for_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o by_o deny_v the_o major_a proposition_n in_o the_o argument_n for_o that_o which_o christ_n take_v away_o in_o this_o clause_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o be_v not_o whatsoever_o oppose_v the_o build_n of_o his_o church_n upon_o the_o rock_n but_o
whatsoever_o oppose_v the_o happiness_n of_o it_o be_v so_o build_v and_o adhere_v constant_o and_o persevere_o unto_o he_o for_o the_o pronounce_v relative_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o verb_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o will_v build_v but_o to_o the_o substantive_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d church_n 2._o whereas_o in_o the_o say_a proposition_n christ_n building_n of_o his_o church_n be_v expound_v by_o the_o constant_a adhere_n of_o this_o church_n unto_o he_o that_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a thing_n in_o question_n be_v take_v for_o grant_v which_o be_v very_o in-argumentative_a for_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o member_n of_o it_o once_o build_v upon_o the_o rock_n must_v or_o do_v necessary_o so_o adhere_v to_o he_o 3._o and_o last_o the_o say_a exposition_n render_v a_o sense_n very_o preposterous_a and_o importune_a for_o upon_o this_o account_n christ_n shall_v speak_v at_o no_o better_a rate_n of_o of_o reason_n than_o thus_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v i._n e._n the_o subtlety_n policy_n and_o machination_n of_o satan_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o seduce_v those_o that_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o rock_n i._n e._n that_o constant_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n which_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o then_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o devil_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v those_o inconstant_a who_o shall_v be_v and_o remain_v constant_a or_o to_o cause_v those_o who_o shall_v firm_o adhere_v unto_o christ_n not_o to_o adhere_v firm_o to_o he_o which_o strain_n of_o discourse_n whether_o it_o become_v he_o who_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v i_o leave_v unto_o sober_a man_n to_o judge_n another_o argument_n urge_v by_o some_o against_o the_o interpretation_n give_v be_v 8._o §._o 8._o this_o if_o by_o the_o prevail_a of_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n be_v mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o eternal_a condemnation_n of_o or_o perpetual_a prevail_a of_o death_n against_o the_o church_n than_o christ_n here_o promise_v nothing_o but_o only_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a and_o consequent_o nothing_o but_o what_o may_v stand_v with_o a_o total_a defection_n of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n but_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o intention_n in_o the_o place_n ergo._n i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n to_o suppose_v or_o grant_v that_o christ_n in_o this_o place_n and_o in_o the_o promise_n here_o mention_v do_v not_o insure_v the_o perpetual_a continuance_n or_o residence_n of_o a_o church_n on_o earth_n no_o more_o than_o he_o do_v in_o many_o other_o promise_v which_o yet_o be_v of_o very_o high_a and_o bless_a importance_n in_o their_o respective_a kind_n in_o that_o great_a evangelicall_n promise_v whosoever_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v possible_o stand_v with_o a_o universal_a defection_n of_o a_o church_n on_o earth_n yet_o be_v the_o promise_v great_a and_o precious_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o instance_n many_o other_o of_o like_a nature_n but_o 2._o as_o in_o the_o promise_n last_o mention_v though_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o necessary_o include_v a_o uninterrupted_n succession_n of_o believer_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v there_o that_o which_o exceed_v much_o conduce_v towards_o the_o propagation_n and_o raise_n of_o such_o a_o succession_n as_o viz._n a_o promissory_a proposal_n of_o the_o great_a reward_n that_o be_v unto_o whosoever_o shall_v believe_v even_o no_o less_o than_o that_o of_o eternal_a life_n so_o may_v it_o be_v say_v concern_v this_o promise_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o here_o be_v enough_o say_v if_o man_n will_v but_o consider_v and_o quit_v themselves_o like_o man_n to_o replenish_v the_o earth_n with_o a_o generation_n of_o believer_n like_v unto_o the_o water_n of_o a_o river_n which_o fail_v not_o therefore_o 3._o and_o last_o it_o be_v not_o true_o say_v that_o this_o promise_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o sense_n assert_v relate_v only_o to_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a the_o truth_n be_v that_o if_o we_o speak_v proper_o neither_o this_o nor_o any_o other_o promise_v whatsoever_o relate_v only_o if_o at_o all_o unto_o the_o dead_a or_o be_v make_v only_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o dead_a the_o dead_a in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o promise_n though_o not_o of_o performance_n of_o promise_n but_o clear_o this_o and_o all_o other_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o the_o live_n and_o for_o their_o accommodation_n and_o comfort_n though_o for_o the_o letter_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v partaker_n hereof_o until_o they_o have_v undergo_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o death_n it_o be_v just_a matter_n of_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o glorious_a to_o he_o that_o be_v yet_o live_v to_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o though_o he_o die_v yet_o death_n shall_v not_o have_v any_o such_o dominion_n over_o he_o but_o what_o he_o shall_v shake_v off_o and_o that_o with_o a_o bless_a advantage_n and_o conquest_n in_o due_a time_n but_o this_o exception_n against_o the_o exposition_n assert_v be_v but_o like_o a_o moat_n in_o the_o sun_n which_o darken_v not_o at_o all_o the_o ray_n or_o light_n thereof_o but_o only_a gain_n by_o be_v here_o a_o discovery_n of_o it_o self_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n inconsiderable_a and_o next_o to_o nothing_o another_o passage_n of_o scripture_n compel_v to_o bear_v the_o cross_n of_o the_o same_o service_n 9_o §._o 9_o with_o the_o former_a be_v that_o mat._n 24._o 24._o for_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o so_o much_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v or_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a from_o hence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o the_o deceive_a or_o seducement_n of_o those_o who_o true_o believe_v be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a but_o whether_o the_o draw_v of_o such_o conclusion_n as_o this_o from_o such_o scripture_n as_o that_o be_v not_o a_o draw_v of_o darkness_n out_o of_o light_n the_o consideration_n ensue_v will_v be_v competent_a enough_o to_o determine_v 1._o in_o their_o notion_n who_o try_v to_o fetch_v the_o water_n of_o perseverance_n out_o of_o the_o flint_n of_o the_o scripture_n mention_v the_o word_n elect_a do_v not_o signify_v saint_n or_o true_a believer_n but_o such_o as_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v in_o a_o personal_a consideration_n choose_v by_o god_n from_o eternity_n out_o of_o the_o great_a body_n of_o mankind_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o save_v they_o against_o all_o possible_a interveniency_n or_o opposition_n whatsoever_o now_o that_o such_o as_o these_o at_o least_o before_o their_o call_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v or_o seduce_v as_o other_o man_n be_v their_o own_o confession_n without_o fear_n and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o who_o questionless_a they_o will_v not_o deny_v the_o grace_n of_o their_o election_n acknowledge_v himself_o with_o titus_n to_o have_v sometime_o be_v foolish_a disobedient_a and_o deceive_v 3._o deceive_v it_o be_v 3._o 3._o yea_o 2._o it_o be_v frequent_o confess_v by_o the_o same_o party_n that_o such_o elect_a as_o they_o mean_v and_o we_o late_o describe_v may_v even_o after_o they_o be_v call_v and_o have_v believe_v by_o the_o just_a and_o wise_a sufferance_n of_o god_n fall_v into_o heresy_n and_o this_o in_o fundamental_a point_n yea_o and_o into_o that_o fearful_a sin_n of_o a_o abnegation_n and_o abjuration_n of_o christ_n and_o christian_a religion_n if_o so_o then_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o impossibility_n of_o their_o seduction_n yea_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n which_o manage_v the_o conference_n at_o the_o hague_n about_o these_o question_n anno._n 1611._o acknowledge_v that_o even_o true_a believer_n may_v fall_v so_o far_o as_o that_o the_o church_n according_a to_o the_o command_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v compel_v to_o testify_v against_o they_o that_o they_o can_v bear_n or_o tolerate_v they_o in_o their_o outward_a communion_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o part_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n except_o they_o repent_v or_o be_v convert_v 399._o convert_v deign_v respondemus_fw-la ad_fw-la minorem_fw-la fieri_fw-la posse_fw-la ut_fw-la veer_fw-la fideles_fw-la eo_fw-la prolabantur_fw-la ut_fw-la ecclesia_fw-la ex_fw-la mandato_fw-la christi_fw-la cogatur_fw-la pronunciare_fw-la se_fw-la in_o externa_fw-la sva_fw-la communione_fw-la tolerare_fw-la non_fw-la posse_fw-la neque_fw-la choose_fw-la partem_fw-la in_o regno_fw-la christi_fw-la habituros_fw-la nist_n resipiscant_fw-la collat._n hag._n p._n 399._o doubtless_o they_o who_o have_v once_o true_o believe_v become_v
deliberate_a or_o elective_a act_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v positive_o peremptory_o or_o absolute_o decree_v by_o god_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o other_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o then_o what_o may_v very_o possible_o not_o be_v now_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o prevent_v seduction_n in_o the_o elect_n be_v such_o a_o act_n or_o series_n of_o action_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o deliberate_a act_n of_o their_o will_n at_o least_o so_o far_o that_o it_o can_v never_o take_v place_n or_o be_v without_o a_o deliberate_a concurrency_n hereof_o if_o it_o be_v yet_o further_o say_v though_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o prevent_v seduction_n in_o 17._o §._o 17._o the_o elect_n depend_v upon_o the_o deliberate_a motion_n and_o act_n of_o their_o will_n thus_o far_o that_o it_o can_v take_v place_n or_o be_v perform_v without_o they_o yet_o may_v it_o have_v such_o a_o relation_n unto_o or_o dependence_n upon_o the_o absolute_a will_n or_o decree_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v give_v certainty_n and_o infallibility_n of_o be_v unto_o it_o notwithstanding_o for_o god_n be_v able_a so_o to_o interpose_v by_o his_o excellency_n of_o power_n in_o all_o the_o deliberation_n of_o man_n as_o to_o carry_v and_o fix_v the_o issue_n and_o determination_n of_o they_o which_o way_n and_o upon_o what_o he_o please_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o god_n be_v able_a by_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o power_n to_o do_v in_o this_o kind_n but_o what_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v or_o what_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o do_v out_o of_o the_o counsel_n and_o liberty_n of_o his_o will._n and_o that_o which_o we_o affirm_v and_o plead_v in_o the_o cause_n depend_v be_v not_o that_o god_n be_v not_o able_a to_o determine_v the_o will_n of_o the_o elect_a to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n proper_a and_o sufficient_a to_o prevent_v their_o be_v deceive_v but_o that_o he_o have_v no_o where_o declare_v himself_o willing_a oâ—_n resolve_v to_o do_v it_o and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o conceit_n above_o what_o be_v write_v to_o think_v that_o he_o do_v it_o therefore_o until_o it_o be_v prove_v either_o from_o the_o scripture_n or_o by_o the_o light_n of_o some_o solid_a demonstration_n otherwise_o that_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v the_o non-seduction_a of_o the_o elect_n we_o still_o speak_v of_o a_o seduction_n to_o destruction_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o upon_o our_o adversary_n grant_v and_o plea_n late_o mention_v the_o determination_n of_o their_o will_n to_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n necessary_a to_o secure_v they_o against_o seduction_n we_o judge_v ourselves_o free_a in_o conscience_n to_o deny_v the_o pretend_a impossibility_n of_o the_o saint_n deception_n or_o seduction_n another_o scripture_n much_o discourse_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o common_a doctrine_n 18._o §._o 18._o of_o perseverance_n be_v 1_o pet._n 1._o 5._o who_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v frequent_o conclude_v that_o they_o who_o once_o true_o believe_v and_o be_v regenerate_v verse_n 3_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o engagement_n of_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n from_o fall_v away_o to_o destruction_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o here_o say_v that_o regenerate_v man_n be_v keep_v simple_o and_o absolute_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n but_o that_o they_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n which_o plain_o impli_v that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n here_o speak_v of_o engage_v for_o no_o man_n preservation_n or_o safeguard_v unto_o salvation_n but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o whit_n long_o than_o their_o faith_n shall_v continue_v now_o here_o be_v nothing_o say_v or_o imply_v touch_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n unto_o the_o end_n nor_o concern_v any_o engagement_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n for_o the_o perpetuation_n thereof_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o hence_o for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o say_a doctrine_n of_o perseverance_n but_o 2._o for_o the_o clear_a sense_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o place_n it_o be_v this_o that_o man_n once_o beget_v by_o god_n to_o a_o lively_a hope_n by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a have_v or_o may_v have_v the_o great_a security_n which_o the_o infinite_a power_n of_o god_n can_v afford_v that_o persevere_v in_o that_o faith_n from_o whence_o this_o hope_n issue_v unto_o the_o end_n they_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o place_n according_a to_o this_o interpretation_n run_v parallel_n in_o sense_n and_o import_n with_o these_o and_o their_o fellow_n but_o he_o that_o shall_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v save_v 13_o save_v mat._n 24._o 13_o viz._n against_o all_o opposition_n nnd_a contradiction_n of_o impediment_n whatsoever_o be_v thou_o faithful_a unto_o death_n and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o a_o crown_n of_o life_n 10_o life_n revel_v 2._o 10_o so_o with_o that_o late_o open_v upon_o this_o rock_n will_v i_o build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o 18_o it_o mat._n 16._o 18_o to_o which_o you_o may_v add_v joh._n 10._o 18_o 19_o eph._n 1._o 19_o with_o many_o other_o this_o exposition_n perfect_o accord_v with_o bullingers_n commentary_n upon_o the_o place_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n say_v he_o let_v this_o suffice_v we_o that_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v in_o safety_n for_o we_o or_o to_o we_o which_o not_o either_o man_n or_o devil_n can_v intercept_v or_o deprive_v we_o of_o unless_o faith_n fail_v we_o wherewith_o neglect_v the_o thing_n which_o mortal_a man_n so_o much_o seek_v after_o let_v we_o whole_o depend_v upon_o heaven_n coelo_fw-la heaven_n nobis_fw-la interim_n sit_fw-la satis_fw-la quôd_fw-la aeterna_fw-la faeâ—icitas_fw-la nobis_fw-la est_fw-la in_o tuto_fw-la quam_fw-la nullus_fw-la hominum_fw-la aut_fw-la daemonum_fw-la possit_fw-la intercipere_fw-la modò_fw-la ne_fw-la eos_fw-la nos_fw-la deficiat_fw-la fides_fw-la quâ_fw-la neglectis_fw-la rebus_fw-la mortalium_fw-la totipendeamus_fw-la à _fw-la coelo_fw-la in_o the_o clause_n modo_fw-la ne_fw-la nos_fw-la deficiat_fw-la fides_fw-la so_o that_o faith_n fail_v â—â—_o not_o he_o clear_o suppose_v 1._o a_o possibility_n that_o our_o present_a faith_n may_v fail_v we_o 2._o that_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v fail_v we_o we_o may_v perish_v notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n here_o deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n concern_v our_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n if_o against_o this_o interpretation_n it_o shall_v be_v object_v that_o it_o great_o depress_v 19_o §._o 19_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o consolation_n clear_o intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v administer_v unto_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o word_n and_o that_o it_o make_v very_o little_a for_o their_o comfort_n to_o hear_v of_o their_o be_v keep_v unto_o salvation_n by_o god_n or_o by_o his_o power_n in_o case_n this_o keep_n depend_v upon_o their_o continuance_n in_o faith_n especial_o if_o this_o also_o be_v uncertain_a and_o depend_v upon_o themselves_o their_o diligence_n and_o care_n to_o procure_v it_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o heart_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v break_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n 22._o chapter_n sect._n 21._o 22._o where_o we_o show_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o most_o desirable_a in_o thing_n appertain_v to_o this_o life_n yea_o as_o to_o life_n itself_o the_o most_o timorous_a and_o cautious_a man_n neither_o wish_n nor_o desire_v any_o great_a security_n then_o to_o have_v what_o they_o desire_v assure_v unto_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o willingness_n and_o care_n either_o for_o the_o procurement_n or_o the_o continue_a enjoyment_n of_o it_o the_o most_o impotent_a lover_n of_o life_n under_o heaven_n and_o he_o that_o live_v in_o the_o great_a bondage_n in_o the_o world_n through_o fear_n of_o death_n will_v both_o of_o they_o be_v high_o satisfy_v if_o god_n will_v but_o vouchsafe_v such_o a_o promise_n as_o this_o unto_o they_o that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o shall_v desire_v the_o continuance_n of_o their_o life_n and_o take_v heed_n of_o destroy_v they_o themselves_o by_o unnatural_a or_o desperate_a course_n as_o by_o cast_v themselves_o into_o the_o fire_n into_o the_o water_n down_o from_o high_a tower_n etc._n etc._n he_o will_v secure_v they_o against_o all_o other_o intervenience_n or_o mean_n of_o dissolution_n whatsoever_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v so_o esteem_v by_o the_o saint_n a_o consolation_n rich_a and_o glorious_a that_o god_n have_v undertake_v and_o engage_v himself_o by_o the_o