i_o know_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o freewill_n do_v encourage_v man_n to_o wickedness_n because_o they_o say_v it_o make_v many_o think_v that_o if_o god_n have_v give_v man_n a_o power_n to_o repent_v when_o they_o will_v that_o therefore_o they_o may_v sin_v as_o long_o as_o they_o please_v and_o repent_v at_o last_o but_o in_o this_o they_o be_v strange_o mistake_v for_o though_o we_o teach_v that_o man_n who_o have_v not_o harden_v their_o own_o heart_n by_o many_o repeat_v act_n of_o wilful_a and_o malicious_a sin_n against_o god_n may_v repent_v if_o they_o please_v at_o any_o time_n yet_o we_o do_v teach_v that_o man_n can_v live_v as_o long_o as_o they_o please_v and_o we_o know_v that_o when_o life_n cease_v than_o the_o opportunity_n of_o repentance_n cease_v also_o god_n that_o promise_n pardon_v whenever_o we_o sincere_o repent_v have_v not_o promise_v we_o a_o to_o morrow_n to_o repent_v in_o and_o no_o man_n who_o right_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v in_o man_n a_o freewill_n will_v be_v so_o mad_a to_o say_v i_o will_v yet_o sin_v on_o one_o week_n long_o and_o then_o repent_v when_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v his_o death_n may_v come_v this_o very_a day_n and_o prevent_v his_o so_o repent_v thus_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o no_o free-willer_n who_o true_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o profess_v can_v sin_v without_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o damnation_n whereas_o the_o opposite_a persuasion_n plain_o infer_v that_o disobedience_n can_v never_o make_v void_a the_o decree_n of_o god_n to_o save_v they_o that_o be_v elect_v or_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n even_o in_o spite_n of_o their_o own_o resistance_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a a_o predestinarian_a may_v sin_v with_o some_o confidence_n and_o comfort_n but_o the_o free-willer_n always_o sin_n under_o great_a discouragement_n from_o his_o own_o principle_n there_o be_v in_o his_o faith_n nothing_o that_o can_v yield_v he_o any_o security_n in_o his_o so_o do_v i_o will_v conclude_v this_o point_n by_o ask_v the_o predestinarian_o this_o one_o question_n as_o i_o before_o have_v do_v under_o some_o of_o the_o other_o head_n suppose_v all_o mankind_n that_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o endeavour_v to_o live_v up_o to_o it_o shall_v be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o those_o that_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o save_a grace_n to_o fall_v from_o it_o and_o shall_v they_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o persuasion_n be_v careful_a through_o the_o divine_a assistance_n not_o to_o fall_v from_o their_o own_o steadfastness_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 17._o nor_o fail_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n heb._n 12.15_o and_o so_o live_v good_a and_o pious_a life_n what_o hurt_n will_v this_o do_v either_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n where_o be_v the_o impiety_n or_o perniciousness_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o practice_n that_o the_o predestinarian_o shall_v so_o long_o and_o so_o loud_o exclaim_v against_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o faith_n that_o all_o true_o good_a man_n practice_v and_o which_o he_o adversary_n do_v themselves_o teach_v in_o all_o their_o exhortation_n to_o a_o virtuous_a and_o godly_a way_n of_o live_v of_o the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n the_o predestinarian_o teach_v likewise_o that_o the_o period_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v unchangeable_o fix_v by_o god_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v either_o live_v long_o or_o die_v soon_o than_o he_o do_v but_o this_o be_v also_o a_o unscriptural_a doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o unreasonable_a and_o therefore_o a_o error_n the_o scripture_n do_v plain_o imply_v that_o by_o wickedness_n man_n may_v cut_v their_o life_n short_a and_o that_o by_o righteousness_n man_n life_n may_v be_v prolong_v thus_o it_o be_v say_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n prolong_v day_n but_o the_o year_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v shorten_v prov._n 10.27_o again_o as_o righteousness_n tend_v to_o life_n so_o he_o that_o pursue_v evil_a pursue_v it_o to_o his_o own_o death_n prov._n 11.19_o again_o it_o be_v say_v evil_a doer_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o but_o those_o that_o wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n they_o shall_v inherit_v the_o earth_n psal_n 37.9_o beside_o these_o testimony_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n wickedness_n be_v threaten_v with_o a_o short_a life_n thus_o it_o be_v say_v bloody_a and_o deceitful_a man_n shall_v not_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n psal_n 55.28_o be_v not_o overmuch_o wicked_a neither_o be_v thou_o foolish_a for_o why_o shall_v thou_o die_v before_o thy_o time_n eccles_n 7.17_o long_a life_n be_v also_o promise_v to_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n as_o thus_o my_o son_n forget_v unto_o my_o law_n but_o let_v thy_o heart_n keep_v my_o commandment_n for_o length_n of_o day_n and_o long_a life_n and_o peace_n shall_v they_o add_v unto_o thou_o prov._n 3.1_o 2._o because_o he_o have_v set_v his_o love_n upon_o i_o therefore_o i_o will_v deliver_v he_o with_o long_a life_n will_v i_o satisfy_v he_o and_o show_v he_o my_o salvation_n psal_n 91.14_o 16._o happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o find_v wisdom_n and_o the_o man_n that_o get_v understanding_n she_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o thou_o can_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v unto_o she_o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n prov._n 3.13_o 15_o 16._o hear_v o_o my_o son_n and_o receive_v my_o say_n and_o the_o year_n of_o thy_o life_n shall_v be_v many_o prov._n 4.10_o honour_n thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n that_o thy_o day_n may_v be_v long_o in_o the_o land_n exod._n 20.12_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o scripture_n do_v plain_o confute_v this_o foolish_a notion_n and_o as_o the_o scripture_n confute_v it_o so_o the_o universal_a voice_n of_o nature_n be_v against_o it_o or_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o law_n of_o self-preservation_n and_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v utter_o in_o vain_a to_o make_v law_n to_o punish_v common_a murder_n yea_o and_o king-killer_n too_o with_o death_n if_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o those_o that_o be_v so_o kill_v to_o live_v any_o long_o and_o to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n that_o be_v execute_v upon_o a_o gibbet_n for_o any_o crime_n shall_v have_v die_v that_o very_a moment_n have_v he_o not_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o gallow_n be_v perfect_a nonsense_n and_o yet_o this_o must_v have_v be_v if_o the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v so_o irrevocable_o fix_v that_o he_o can_v neither_o live_v long_o nor_o die_v soon_o than_o he_o do_v beside_o this_o doctrine_n have_v be_v of_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o many_o who_o in_o sickness_n out_o of_o a_o false_a persuasion_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o die_v before_o their_o time_n as_o they_o call_v it_o have_v neglect_v to_o seek_v the_o mean_n which_o by_o god_n be_v appoint_v to_o heal_v the_o destructive_a infirmity_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o they_o have_v die_v before_o they_o attain_v to_o that_o extent_n of_o day_n which_o god_n have_v allow_v unto_o mankind_n even_o that_o period_n which_o end_v with_o old_a age_n in_o which_o through_o a_o natural_a decay_n of_o strength_n we_o be_v render_v unable_a any_o long_o to_o subsist_v and_o thus_o have_v go_v through_o what_o i_o do_v intend_v to_o say_v on_o these_o several_a head_n i_o shall_v conclude_v by_o only_o add_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o make_v this_o public_a to_o the_o world_n be_v not_o out_o of_o ill-will_n to_o any_o man_n person_n who_o do_v profess_v these_o doctrine_n but_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o convince_v they_o all_o of_o their_o error_n and_o that_o i_o may_v express_v that_o sincere_a love_n and_o just_a esteem_n which_o i_o bear_v to_o many_o of_o this_o persuasion_n who_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o so_o ill_a a_o faith_n do_v yet_o live_v a_o sober_a good_a life_n hope_v that_o hereby_o i_o may_v do_v some_o good_a to_o they_o for_o who_o i_o have_v so_o great_a a_o kindness_n by_o thus_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v they_o not_o to_o trust_v on_o such_o a_o unsecure_a foundation_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o doctrine_n herein_o confute_v beside_o all_o which_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v that_o hereby_o divers_a contend_v party_n may_v be_v induce_v to_o a_o more_o easy_a reconciliation_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n between_o they_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o peace_n and_o unity_n of_o this_o church_n may_v be_v advance_v which_o at_o this_o time_n be_v so_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v we_o better_a able_a to_o resist_v both_o the_o public_a and_o private_a enemy_n of_o this_o protestant_n
a_o doctrine_n proper_a to_o give_v man_n peace_n and_o comfort_n in_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o good_a men._n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o the_o scripture_n plain_o forewarn_v good_a man_n of_o the_o danger_n which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o good_a man_n to_o fall_v from_o a_o state_n of_o save_a grace_n beware_v say_v the_o scripture_n lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n 2_o pet._n 3.17_o let_v we_o not_o be_v weary_a in_o well-doing_n for_o in_o due_a time_n we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o gal._n 6.9_o and_o you_o that_o be_v alienate_v and_o enemy_n in_o your_o mind_n by_o wicked_a work_n yet_o now_o have_v he_o reconcile_v to_o present_v you_o blameless_a if_o you_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n ground_v and_o settle_v and_o be_v not_o move_v away_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n col._n 1.21_o 22_o 23._o if_o a_o man_n abide_v not_o in_o i_o he_o be_v cast_v forth_o as_o a_o branch_n and_o be_v wither_v joh._n 15.6_o now_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n but_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o heb._n 10.38_o let_v he_o therefore_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v so_o fast_o as_o that_o no_o sin_n shall_v move_v he_o take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v 1_o cor._n 10.12_o you_o do_v run_v well_o say_v st._n paul_n to_o the_o galatian_n who_o do_v hinder_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n gal._n 5.7_o second_o the_o scripture_n express_o declare_v that_o righteous_a man_n may_v become_v wicked_a and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v say_v thus_o that_o when_o the_o righteous_a turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n shall_v he_o live_v all_o the_o righteousness_n he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v in_o his_o trespass_n that_o he_o have_v trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o they_o he_o shall_v die_v ezek._n 18.24_o when_o a_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o die_v in_o they_o for_o his_o iniquity_n that_o he_o have_v do_v he_o shall_v die_v ezek._n 18.26_o and_o agreeable_a hereunto_o be_v the_o word_n of_o david_n to_o his_o son_n solomon_n and_o thou_o solomon_n my_o son_n say_v he_o know_v thou_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o father_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n if_o thou_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v cast_v thou_o off_o for_o ever_o 1_o chron._n 28.9_o it_o be_v impossible_a say_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n heb._n 6.4_o 5_o 6._o hence_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o young_a widow_n that_o be_v wanton_a that_o they_o have_v damnation_n because_o they_o have_v cast_v off_o their_o first_o faith_n 1_o tim._n 5.12_o now_o these_o and_o suchlike_a scripture-evidence_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o righteous_a man_n may_v fall_v from_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n which_o assert_n the_o contrary_a be_v certain_o a_o error_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a error_n because_o it_o give_v encouragement_n to_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n since_o it_o assert_n that_o no_o sin_n can_v provoke_v god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o save_a grace_n from_o they_o that_o be_v once_o saint_n but_o such_o presumption_n have_v doubtless_o ruin_v more_o soul_n than_o deep_a despair_n for_o how_o be_v bad_a man_n as_o there_o be_v many_o of_o this_o persuasion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o hereby_o encourage_v to_o do_v ill_a thing_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v persuade_v that_o no_o sin_n can_v deprive_v they_o of_o god_n favour_n who_o be_v once_o enrol_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a who_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v all_o certain_o of_o this_o number_n mere_o because_o they_o profess_v themselves_o predestinarian_n and_o therefore_o they_o comfort_v up_o themselves_o with_o this_o consideration_n that_o though_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o gross_a sin_n yet_o their_o salvation_n be_v still_o safe_a because_o their_o name_n be_v write_v as_o they_o think_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n than_o which_o no_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v more_o proper_a to_o encourage_v wickedness_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n which_o express_o affirm_v thus_o whosoever_o sin_v against_o i_o he_o will_v i_o blot_v out_o of_o my_o book_n exod._n 32.33_o which_o show_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o god_n book_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v afterward_o commit_v such_o sin_n as_o shall_v blot_v he_o out_o of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o man_n will_v much_o boggle_v at_o any_o matter_n of_o worldly_a advantage_n when_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o good_a work_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o justification_n for_o they_o think_v that_o justification_n be_v only_o the_o fruit_n of_o election_n and_o not_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n law_n and_o that_o be_v elect_v they_o be_v by_o consequence_n justify_v before_o they_o be_v sanctify_v or_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n before_o they_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n none_o be_v convert_v they_o say_v but_o those_o who_o be_v before_o in_o god_n love_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o decree_n of_o eternal_a election_n and_o that_o after_o conversion_n which_o do_v only_o manifest_v their_o be_v elect_v if_o they_o do_v happen_v to_o sin_n and_o fall_v very_o foul_o as_o david_n do_v yet_o god_n still_o love_v they_o as_o much_o under_o this_o their_o relapse_n as_o he_o do_v before_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o though_o such_o sin_n may_v bring_v upon_o they_o temporal_a misery_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o deprive_v they_o of_o eternal_a glory_n for_o they_o shall_v not_o die_v till_o by_o a_o unresistible_a power_n god_n have_v raise_v they_o up_o again_o by_o repentance_n they_o confess_v they_o may_v fall_v for_o a_o time_n but_o their_o fall_n shall_v not_o be_v final_a nor_o end_n in_o death_n eternal_a man_n i_o say_v that_o believe_v all_o this_o and_o believe_v withal_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o these_o elect_a one_o as_o great_a number_n do_v who_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n for_o their_o so_o do_v but_o selfconfidence_n and_o a_o erroneous_a persuasion_n that_o so_o it_o be_v these_o i_o say_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o encouragement_n not_o to_o boggle_v at_o such_o opportunity_n and_o action_n as_o other_o who_o real_o believe_v the_o contrary_a dare_v not_o either_o take_v or_o do_v for_o fear_v lest_o god_n shall_v cut_v they_o off_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o damn_v their_o soul_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o such_o have_v not_o those_o advantage_n of_o do_v ill_o afford_v they_o from_o their_o faith_n as_o the_o other_o have_v because_o they_o dare_v not_o do_v a_o ill_a thing_n lest_o they_o shall_v lose_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n they_o may_v sin_v by_o surprise_n but_o they_o dare_v not_o sin_n presumptuous_o but_o the_o other_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o eternal_a danger_n in_o it_o because_o those_o who_o god_n once_o love_v he_o love_v to_o the_o end_n and_o he_o will_v not_o so_o see_v sin_n in_o his_o elect_n as_o to_o damn_v they_o for_o it_o and_o this_o they_o call_v a_o doctrine_n full_a of_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n and_o indeed_o it_o do_v in_o this_o respect_n equal_a that_o of_o the_o papist_n for_o as_o a_o papist_n sin_n do_v not_o much_o terrify_v he_o because_o he_o believe_v the_o priest_n can_v forgive_v he_o upon_o confession_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o other_o because_o he_o believe_v god_n will_v not_o take_v away_o his_o life_n till_o he_o have_v bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n that_o there_o be_v wicked_a man_n among_o those_o who_o believe_v contrary_a to_o these_o predestinarian_a doctrine_n i_o ready_o grant_v but_o they_o have_v no_o encouragement_n to_o be_v wicked_a from_o any_o natural_a consequence_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o doctrine_n they_o believe_v they_o be_v plain_o self-condemned_n by_o their_o own_o principle_n in_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o they_o do_v allow_v themselves_o in_o some_o
that_o if_o through_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v give_v to_o every_o man_n to_o profit_v withal_o 1_o cor._n 12.7_o we_o do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n we_o shall_v live_v rom._n 8.13_o if_o a_o man_n purge_v himself_o from_o these_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o vessel_n unto_o honour_n sanctify_a and_o meet_v for_o the_o master_n use_n 2_o tim._n 2.21_o thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o god_n choose_v or_o elect_v he_o only_o have_v respect_n to_o they_o who_o by_o the_o due_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o common_a talon_n have_v make_v themselves_o fit_a for_o those_o joy_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o will_v hearty_o and_o sincere_o serve_v he_o the_o favour_n of_o election_n or_o choose_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o salvation_n be_v confer_v on_o none_o but_o those_o that_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n rev._n 22.14_o by_o virtue_n of_o those_o conditional_a promise_n which_o god_n out_o of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n have_v make_v to_o men._n his_o mercy_n be_v only_o on_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o throughout_o all_o generation_n luke_n 1.50_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n so_o as_o to_o forsake_v they_o he_o be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v we_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o his_o promise_n and_o to_o cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o vnrighteousness_n 1_o joh._n 1.9_o hence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o the_o wellgrounded_n hope_v that_o man_n can_v have_v in_o god_n mercy_n do_v whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o assurance_n of_o their_o have_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o power_n perform_v those_o condition_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o be_v merciful_a to_o mankind_n it_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o most_o general_a scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o god_n in_o his_o elect_v and_o choose_v be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o of_o qualification_n neither_o do_v he_o reprobate_v any_o man_n mere_o because_o he_o will_v do_v so_o but_o because_o they_o do_v wilful_o commit_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n that_o god_n decree_v to_o elect_v some_o and_o reprobate_v other_o be_v a_o most_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o these_o his_o decree_n be_v unalterable_a in_o themselves_o but_o yet_o conditional_a in_o respect_n of_o they_o on_o who_o they_o take_v place_n it_o be_v the_o stand_a law_n of_o heaven_n that_o if_o man_n live_v after_o the_o felsh_a they_o shall_v die_v or_o that_o damnation_n shall_v be_v inflict_v in_o case_n man_n will_v commit_v sin_n but_o if_o through_o the_o spirit_n they_o mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n they_o shall_v live_v rom._n 8.13_o here_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n be_v plain_o express_v these_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n different_a way_n of_o deal_n with_o mankind_n it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o he_o love_v one_o man_n and_o hate_v another_o that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o always_o love_v good_a man_n and_o hate_v the_o wicked_a if_o thou_o do_v well_o say_v he_o to_o cain_n shall_v thou_o not_o be_v accept_v and_o if_o thou_o do_v not_o well_o sin_n lie_v at_o thy_o door_n gen._n 4.7_o these_o thing_n well_o consider_v be_v a_o clear_a proof_n that_o the_o calvinist_n notion_n concern_v election_n be_v a_o error_n and_o that_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n be_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o god_n for_o certain_a i_o be_o that_o no_o man_n can_v prove_v it_o a_o dishonour_n to_o god_n to_o say_v that_o in_o his_o elect_v or_o choose_v he_o do_v not_o respect_v the_o mere_a person_n of_o any_o man_n but_o the_o fitness_n or_o meetness_n of_o man_n for_o the_o master_n use_n and_o that_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o or_o that_o he_o set_v apart_o the_o man_n that_o be_v godly_a for_o himself_o neither_o be_v the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n any_o way_n hinder_v by_o declare_v that_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o all_o man_n may_v be_v save_v if_o they_o will_v but_o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v their_o own_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a and_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o grieve_v the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o in_o other_o word_n not_o to_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a nor_o can_v it_o be_v any_o way_n injurious_a to_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n to_o tell_v man_n as_o christ_n have_v do_v that_o if_o they_o will_v enter_v into_o life_n they_o must_v keep_v the_o commandment_n and_o that_o god_n command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v and_o have_v repent_v to_o be_v steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a in_o their_o resolution_n of_o keep_v god_n command_n for_o the_o future_a and_o that_o they_o study_v how_o to_o abound_v more_o and_o more_o in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o know_v that_o their_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 15.58_o this_o doctrine_n be_v much_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o advance_v among_o man_n the_o practice_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o godliness_n than_o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n which_o teach_v that_o virtue_n and_o piety_n do_v not_o recommend_v we_o to_o god_n who_o it_o be_v say_v do_v first_o decree_n to_o save_v and_o then_o do_v irresistible_o sanctify_v righteousness_n not_o be_v as_o the_o predestinarian_o say_v the_o mean_n of_o man_n be_v elect_v or_o choose_v but_o that_o election_n be_v the_o mean_n or_o cause_n of_o their_o be_v make_v righteous_a by_o god_n if_o man_n be_v elect_v say_v they_o god_n will_v then_o sanctify_v they_o without_o their_o own_o endeavour_n that_o so_o the_o glory_n thereof_o may_v redound_v whole_o to_o himself_o which_o they_o think_v can_v not_o be_v shall_v god_n make_v man_n capable_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n towards_o the_o save_n of_o themselves_o so_o that_o the_o result_n of_o this_o opinion_n be_v that_o if_o god_n have_v elect_v any_o man_n he_o shall_v but_o not_o by_o any_o endeavour_n of_o his_o own_o be_v make_v a_o good_a man_n before_o he_o die_v and_o that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o elect_v all_o the_o endeavour_n he_o can_v use_v shall_v never_o reverse_v that_o decree_n to_o the_o save_n of_o his_o soul_n which_o plain_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o doctrine_n proper_a to_o encourage_v a_o licentious_a carelessness_n in_o great_a number_n of_o unthinking_a man_n and_o take_v other_o off_o from_o that_o holy_a care_n and_o caution_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o life_n eternal_a and_o doubtless_o this_o be_v that_o which_o encourage_v the_o loose_a sort_v who_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n to_o do_v many_o unjustifiable_a thing_n upon_o presumption_n that_o no_o sin_n can_v damn_v the_o elect._n and_o it_o be_v worth_a observe_v here_o that_o all_o do_v think_v themselves_o among_o the_o number_n of_o the_o elect_n that_o do_v believe_v this_o doctrine_n and_o this_o make_v great_a number_n of_o they_o so_o remiss_a and_o careless_a as_o they_o be_v for_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o before_o they_o die_v god_n will_v some_o way_n or_o other_o without_o their_o own_o endeavour_n irresistible_o sanctify_v they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o so_o many_o of_o they_o go_v on_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n and_o comfort_n in_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unsafe_a and_o unsecure_a of_o universal_a redemption_n the_o predestinarian_o teach_v that_o as_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n so_o neither_o do_v christ_n die_v for_o all_o so_o as_o to_o put_v all_o man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o obtain_v life_n eternal_a but_o this_o notion_n be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v undoubted_o false_a the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v universal_a that_o he_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o all_o 1_o tim._n 2.6_o that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n he_o taste_v death_n for_o every_o man_n heb._n 2.9_o that_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n 1_o joh._n 2.2_o that_o as_o in_o adam_n all_o die_n even_o so_o in_o christ_n shall_v all_o be_v make_v alive_a 1_o cor._n 15.22_o that_o as_o by_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o judgement_n come_v upon_o all_o man_n to_o condemnation_n so_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o one_o the_o free_a gift_n come_v upon_o all_o man_n to_o justification_n of_o life_n rom._n 5.18_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o his_o send_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o
he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n joh._n 3.16_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o to_o every_o one_o be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n eph._n 4.7_o and_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n tit._n 2.11_o that_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n 2_o pet._n 3.9_o that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 2.4_o beside_o all_o this_o we_o find_v the_o angel_n thus_o speak_v to_o the_o shepherd_n fear_v not_o say_v he_o for_o behold_v i_o bring_v you_o good_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n which_o shall_v be_v unto_o all_o people_n for_o unto_o you_o be_v bear_v this_o day_n in_o the_o city_n of_o david_n a_o saviour_n which_o be_v christ_n the_o lord_n luke_n 2.10_o 11._o and_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n psal_n 145.9_o for_o which_o reason_n he_o proclaim_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long_o suffer_v and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n exod._n 34.6_o which_o universal_a declaration_n of_o his_o goodness_n do_v make_v it_o most_o evident_a that_o the_o save_a intention_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v extend_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n god_n have_v thereby_o put_v all_o man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v make_v happy_a if_o they_o will_v but_o do_v on_o their_o part_n what_o he_o have_v command_v and_o what_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o able_a to_o perform_v and_o none_o can_v miss_v of_o salvation_n but_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a neglect_n if_o they_o will_v not_o come_v to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n the_o fault_n be_v their_o own_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v say_v the_o apostle_n if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n heb._n 2.3_o some_o i_o know_v be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o their_o notion_n of_o particular_a grace_n do_v magnify_v and_o more_o exalt_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n than_o it_o will_v be_v exalt_v be_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n universal_o extend_v to_o all_o men._n but_o the_o reason_n of_o every_o common_a man_n will_v serve_v to_o confute_v this_o for_o every_o one_o know_v that_o he_o who_o contribute_v towards_o the_o make_n a_o thousand_o person_n happy_a be_v much_o more_o good_a and_o gracious_a than_o he_o who_o be_v kind_a only_a to_o two_o or_o three_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v never_o a_o whit_n the_o less_o free_a for_o its_o be_v extend_v unto_o all_o but_o as_o for_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n to_o be_v make_v between_o that_o which_o be_v general_a and_o which_o be_v particular_a for_o the_o more_o universal_o the_o grace_n be_v extend_v the_o more_o rich_a in_o all_o respect_v it_o be_v which_o show_v that_o the_o predestinarian_a notion_n of_o god_n intend_v to_o be_v gracious_a through_o jesus_n christ_n but_o to_o a_o few_o man_n to_o the_o utter_a exclusion_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n do_v but_o tend_v to_o eclipse_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o free_a and_o undeserved_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o do_v so_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o error_n it_o be_v evident_a likewise_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o error_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o preacher_n that_o profess_v it_o for_o they_o often_o declare_v that_o god_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o therefore_o as_o ambassador_n for_o christ_n they_o pray_v the_o people_n in_o christ_n stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n that_o so_o their_o former_a trespass_n may_v not_o be_v impute_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o for_o say_v they_o as_o god_n have_v command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v act_v 17.30_o so_o we_o have_v a_o commission_n to_o preach_v repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n luke_n 24.47_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n you_o never_o hear_v they_o say_v belove_v do_v think_v that_o by_o this_o we_o preach_v that_o curse_a doctrine_n of_o universal_a redemption_n by_o christ_n as_o if_o by_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o mankind_n all_o be_v put_v into_o a_o new_a capacity_n of_o obtain_v life_n eternal_a no_o we_o declare_v the_o contrary_a that_o though_o by_o we_o god_n do_v command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v yet_o by_o his_o eternal_a decree_n he_o have_v make_v it_o impossible_a for_o all_o those_o to_o repent_v which_o be_v not_o first_o elect_v we_o may_v exhort_v you_o all_o to_o repent_v indeed_o because_o we_o do_v know_v who_o be_v elect_v and_o who_o be_v not_o but_o if_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o elect_a among_o you_o our_o exhortation_n will_v all_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o the_o non-elect_a can_v come_v to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n though_o he_o bid_v all_o come_v that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy-laden_a that_o they_o may_v find_v rest_n to_o their_o soul_n mat._n 11.29_o no_o man_n i_o say_v ever_o hear_v a_o predestinarian_a preacher_n speak_v thus_o but_o thus_o they_o ought_v to_o speak_v be_v their_o practice_n answerable_a to_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o hold_v but_o their_o not_o do_v so_o evident_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o true_a office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o minister_n and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n ought_v by_o all_o man_n to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o error_n of_o freewill_n the_o predestinarian_o teach_v that_o god_n have_v not_o give_v unto_o man_n such_o a_o freedom_n and_o power_n of_o will_n as_o do_v enable_v he_o either_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v what_o he_o require_v of_o he_o for_o they_o say_v that_o as_o one_o part_n of_o man_n be_v reprobate_v and_o the_o other_o be_v elect_v so_o he_o will_v unavoidable_o make_v they_o righteous_a who_o he_o decree_v to_o save_v and_o as_o unavoidable_o make_v they_o wicked_a who_o he_o decree_v to_o damn_v for_o as_o god_n have_v decree_v the_o end_n of_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v salvation_n or_o damnation_n so_o he_o have_v decree_v the_o mean_n that_o shall_v bring_v they_o thereunto_o these_o thing_n say_v they_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o choice_n neither_o be_v it_o in_o their_o own_o power_n to_o be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o absolute_o determine_v they_o to_o but_o this_o notion_n be_v contrary_a also_o to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o be_v therefore_o a_o error_n the_o general_a importance_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o man_n be_v a_o be_v to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v such_o power_n as_o do_v sufficient_o enable_v he_o either_o to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o else_o to_o disobey_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o make_v our_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a 2_o pet._n 1.10_o and_o to_o work_v out_o our_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a phil._n 2.12_o and_o to_o labour_v to_o enter_v into_o that_o rest_n heb._n 4.11_o and_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o and_o to_o cast_v away_o from_o we_o all_o our_o transgression_n and_o make_v we_o new_a heart_n and_o new_a spirit_n ezek._n 18.31_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n james_n press_v those_o to_o who_o he_o write_v say_v cleanse_v your_o hand_n you_o sinner_n and_o purify_v your_o heart_n you_o double-minded_n jam._n 4.8_o all_o which_o do_v clear_o imply_v that_o god_n have_v give_v man_n a_o power_n to_o do_v his_o will_n else_o he_o will_v not_o exhort_v they_o to_o do_v it_o as_o we_o see_v he_o have_v do_v and_o if_o he_o exhort_v all_o man_n to_o do_v this_o and_o yet_o they_o all_o do_v not_o do_v it_o as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v not_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o disobey_v and_o indeed_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o god_n be_v a_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a proof_n that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n be_v free_a for_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o oblige_v man_n by_o a_o law_n to_o do_v one_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o do_v another_o if_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a necessity_n that_o man_n must_v do_v these_o thing_n as_o there_o be_v no_o place_n then_o so_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o a_o obligation_n where_o there_o be_v