understand_v it_o as_o i_o have_v say_v unless_o they_o will_v have_v the_o roman_a unity_n to_o be_v the_o matter_n intend_v which_o such_o as_o it_o be_v be_v maintain_v by_o persecution_n massacre_n and_o blood_n a_o union_n more_o suit_v brute_n than_o christian_n man_n but_o we_o shall_v one_o day_n know_v that_o the_o dreadful_a division_n among_o profess_a christian_n be_v not_o for_o wan_n of_o a_o mediator_n but_o from_o our_o own_o sinful_a self_n christ_n i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o you_o have_v say_v about_o this_o matter_n in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o give_v i_o some_o further_a instruction_n by_o way_n of_o inference_n for_o my_o learning_n herein_o min._n 1._o you_o may_v learn_v what_o bad_a and_o sad_a work_n they_o make_v who_o deny_v the_o general_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o man_n and_o the_o general_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o world_n cast_v contempt_n and_o reproach_n thereupon_o call_v and_o account_v they_o adversary_n that_o believe_v and_o own_v it_o when_o themselves_o it_o be_v that_o teach_v a_o doctrine_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n the_o scripture_n know_v not_o viz._n that_o god_n love_v but_o a_o few_o only_o in_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o son_n and_o that_o christ_n die_v only_o for_o a_o few_o and_o reprobate_v all_o the_o rest_n to_o eternal_a destruction_n so_o deny_v the_o scripture_n and_o root_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o gospel_n faith_n and_o salvation_n 2._o of_o the_o impossibility_n for_o any_o person_n thereby_o to_o have_v any_o gospel_n ground_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o salvation_n though_o they_o talk_v high_a from_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n but_o not_o from_o scripture_n ground_n for_o from_o that_o notion_n no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o scripture_n ground_n of_o hope_n it_o be_v so_o exceed_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o say_v thereof_o the_o say_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n there_o can_v be_v no_o ground_a hope_n of_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o faith_n thereof_o 3._o it_o justifi_v the_o practice_n and_o take_v off_o the_o reproach_n cast_v upon_o such_o as_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o general_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o man_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v adversary_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v all_o for_o that_o doctrine_n and_o discourse_n as_o if_o their_o religion_n consist_v whole_o therein_o i_o say_v it_o be_v no_o marvel_n it_o be_v so_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o gospel_n faith_n and_o without_o it_o can_v be_v none_o in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o even_o those_o who_o oppose_v it_o be_v behold_v to_o it_o if_o they_o hold_v to_o their_o own_o principle_n without_o contradiction_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o most_o irreligious_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o world_n call_v christian_n but_o they_o can_v preach_v to_o the_o world_n without_o the_o help_n of_o general_a grace_n though_o they_o preach_v it_o in_o the_o high_a contradiction_n to_o their_o own_o principle_n which_o if_o plain_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n as_o hold_v and_o print_v will_v affright_v the_o people_n and_o shame_n themselves_o out_o of_o their_o work_n if_o they_o shall_v tell_v the_o people_n that_o they_o bring_v they_o tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n to_o all_o people_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v but_o for_o a_o very_a few_o the_o elect_a world_n only_o and_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v reprobate_v before_o the_o world_n be_v that_o they_o be_v make_v to_o sin_n and_o be_v damn_v and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o more_o power_n to_o believe_v unto_o life_n than_o brute_n beast_n than_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n or_o a_o dead_a corpse_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o believe_v and_o they_o must_v be_v damn_v the_o deep_a in_o hell_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v and_o yet_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v if_o they_o be_v not_o elect_a they_o be_v but_o hypocrite_n and_o must_v be_v damn_v this_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o life_n of_o that_o principle_n and_o of_o their_o gospel_n in_o the_o plain_a truth_n thereof_o which_o if_o they_o deal_v honest_o with_o their_o hearer_n they_o ought_v to_o preach_v it_o be_v their_o gospel_n and_o faith_n as_o in_o print_n and_o discourse_n be_v full_o manifest_a so_o that_o do_v they_o not_o mix_v their_o doctrine_n with_o general_a grace_n though_o not_o in_o love_n thereto_o stand_v in_o direct_a opposition_n thereof_o to_o make_v it_o savoury_a without_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v loathsome_a unto_o all_o and_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o general_a grace_n of_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o alone_a foundation_n savoury_n and_o save_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n christian_n instruct_v therein_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o reproach_n thereof_o but_o to_o glorify_v god_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o other_o may_v learn_v to_o be_v silent_a for_o shame_n and_o will_v when_o they_o understand_v the_o truth_n and_o worth_n of_o this_o glorious_a doctrine_n 4._o you_o may_v learn_v from_o hence_o where_o the_o difference_n about_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n lie_v and_o why_o all_o be_v not_o save_v a_o matter_n it_o be_v of_o great_a and_o weighty_a concern_v unto_o all_o and_o that_o be_v in_o believe_v or_o not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v faith_n and_o unbelief_n that_o make_v the_o difference_n and_o not_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n and_o want_v of_o a_o saviour_n as_o some_o unjust_o and_o untrue_o assert_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o gospel_n and_o wrong_v of_o man_n the_o condemnation_n will_v not_o be_v for_o want_v of_o love_n in_o god_n or_o for_o want_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o saviour_n â—_o but_o for_o man_n wilful_a and_o choose_a wickedness_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v one_o day_n know_v joh._n 3._o 16_o 19_o and_o therefore_o let_v the_o fomenter_n of_o this_o unholy_a doctrine_n be_v ashamed_a any_o more_o to_o lay_v the_o sin_n and_o damnation_n of_o the_o world_n on_o the_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n it_o be_v so_o apparent_a from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n that_o its_o obedience_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n that_o make_v the_o difference_n and_o not_o the_o want_n of_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o saviour_n 3._o it_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o vanity_n of_o that_o doctrine_n that_o teach_v justification_n and_o salvation_n by_o a_o inconditional_a covenant_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o general_a part_n thereof_o be_v whole_o inconditional_a both_o in_o promise_n and_o performance_n as_o before_o have_v be_v show_v and_o that_o part_v only_o that_o assure_v salvation_n to_o sinner_n with_o eternal_a glory_n be_v conditional_a which_o be_v alone_o plead_v for_o to_o be_v inconditional_a i_o may_v safe_o say_v there_o be_v no_o man_n on_o earth_n can_v show_v any_o promise_n of_o salvation_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v whole_o inconditional_a but_o that_o the_o condition_n iâ—_n either_o express_v or_o employ_v mar._n 16._o 15_o 16._o which_o be_v the_o commission_n for_o gospel_n preach_v and_o salvation_n and_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o whole_a according_a to_o which_o all_o promise_n may_v and_o shall_v be_v understand_v and_o be_v so_o by_o the_o apostle_n act._n 2._o 38._o &_o 16._o 31._o jam._n 1._o 25._o rev._n 2._o 7_o 11_o 17_o 26._o &_o 3._o 5_o 12_o 21._o &_o 21._o 7._o &_o 22._o 14._o so_o that_o this_o inconditional_a covenant_n in_o the_o sense_n plead_v for_o be_v that_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o christ_n some_o will_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v conditional_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n but_o withal_o there_o be_v absolute_a inconditional_a promise_n for_o performance_n thereof_o as_o sovereignty_n pag._n 295._o call_v conditional_a promise_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o condition_n those_o name_v be_v ezek._n 36._o 25._o jer._n 31._o 32._o ezek._n 11._o 19_o &_o 36._o 26._o with_o other_o of_o like_a import_n min._n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o full_o believe_v that_o god_n grant_v a_o sufficiency_n of_o power_n for_o performance_n of_o what_o he_o require_v or_o i_o must_v be_v like_o that_o evil_a servant_n that_o say_v he_o be_v a_o hard_a master_n math._n 25._o 24_o 28._o yet_o 2._o i_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n in_o the_o application_n of_o those_o absolute_a promise_n to_o the_o present_a time_n and_o state_n which_o be_v all_o promise_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o be_v perform_v at_o their_o restitution_n and_o redemption_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v when_o they_o shall_v all_o return_n to_o the_o lord_n
of_o our_o nature_n thereby_o whatever_o it_o be_v without_o act_n or_o consent_v to_o sin_n shall_v bring_v under_o the_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o second_o death_n the_o contrary_a be_v unscriptural_a and_o irrational_a to_o be_v imagine_v chap._n vii_o of_o the_o apostasy_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n christ_n i_o desire_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o apostasy_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n what_o you_o understand_v it_o be_v and_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v min._n that_o there_o be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o the_o faith_n prophetical_o foretell_v in_o scripture_n i_o think_v be_v that_o which_o few_o do_v doubt_n or_o question_n but_o what_o it_o be_v and_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v i_o fear_v but_o few_o do_v right_o inquire_v into_o but_o all_o be_v willing_a to_o excuse_v themselves_o and_o put_v it_o upon_o other_o as_o adam_z upon_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o woman_n upon_o the_o serpent_n so_o it_o be_v put_v all_o upon_o the_o pope_n and_o upon_o the_o devil_n far_o enough_o from_o ourselves_o neither_o papist_n nor_o protestant_n will_v have_v any_o share_n therein_o but_o put_v it_o upon_o each_o other_o thou_o be_v the_o man_n and_o not_o i._o christ_n the_o case_n be_v so_o on_o what_o particular_a sort_n or_o sect_n of_o people_n by_o name_n may_v it_o be_v fix_v min._n i_o shall_v not_o fix_v it_o only_o on_o any_o particular_a sort_n or_o sect_n of_o people_n by_o name_n but_o give_v some_o account_n what_o it_o be_v and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o where_o the_o mark_v thereof_o be_v find_v there_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v though_o i_o can_v leave_v out_o the_o turkish_a alkoran_n and_o mahometan_a religion_n nor_o the_o papal_a profession_n as_o chief_a and_o head_n in_o this_o apostasy_n the_o one_o profess_v to_o own_o christ_n but_o only_o as_o a_o great_a prophet_n but_o mahomet_n to_o be_v great_a the_o other_o to_o own_o christ_n real_o in_o word_n but_o the_o pope_n â—â—_o be_v his_o vicar_n great_a high_a priest_n and_o head_n of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o true_o and_o real_o in_o act_n and_o deed_n to_o be_v above_o he_o as_o be_v manifest_a by_o all_o his_o do_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o have_v spread_v itself_o so_o universal_o and_o contain_v such_o variety_n of_o part_n i_o shall_v only_o endeavour_v its_o discrimmation_n leave_v the_o application_n to_o all_o concern_v therein_o 1._o then_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o apostasy_n speak_v of_o in_o scripture_n consist_v in_o depart_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n but_o chief_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o faith_n include_v practice_n and_o practice_n follow_v faith_n and_o that_o it_o be_v state_v in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a scripture_n 2_o thes_n 3._o to_o 12._o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o by_o any_o mean_n for_o that_o day_n shall_v not_o come_v except_o there_o be_v a_o fall_v away_o first_o etc._n etc._n which_o fall_v away_o as_o it_o be_v explain_v to_o relate_v to_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v to_o believe_v lie_n vers_n 3_o 11._o &_o 1_o tim._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o now_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 1_o to_o 9_o this_o know_v also_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v and_o vers_fw-la 8._o they_o be_v reprobate_a or_o of_o no_o judgement_n concern_v the_o faith_n ch_n 4._o 4._o they_o shall_v turn_v away_o their_o ear_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v turn_v unto_o fable_n now_o our_o search_n must_v be_v to_o find_v out_o where_o these_o thing_n real_o be_v and_o there_o the_o apostasy_n be_v where_o ever_o lie_v be_v believe_v in_o stead_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o truth_n thereby_o deny_v such_o be_v in_o the_o apostasy_n that_o consist_v in_o believe_a lie_n 1._o whosoever_o deni_v jesus_n christ_n crucify_v for_o our_o sin_n raise_v and_o ascend_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o david_n true_o god_n and_o man_n and_o as_o so_o to_o be_v the_o alone_a foundation_n of_o gospel_n faith_n grace_n and_o glory_n deny_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o faith_n thereof_o and_o be_v in_o the_o apostasy_n 1_o cor._n 3._o 11._o &_o 2._o 2._o &_o 15._o 3._o 4._o luk._n 2._o 32._o 2._o who_o ever_o deny_v in_o word_n or_o deed_n jesus_n christ_n crucify_v raise_v and_o ascend_v to_o be_v the_o alone_a head_n lord_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o and_o to_o his_o church_n and_o that_o subjection_n in_o all_o thing_n do_v not_o of_o right_a belong_v to_o he_o be_v deep_o in_o the_o apostasy_n eph._n 5._o 23_o 24._o col._n 1._o 18._o act._n 3._o 22._o luk._n 19_o 14._o 27._o christ_n but_o few_o profess_a christian_n will_v in_o word_n deny_v these_o thing_n but_o all_o profess_v to_o own_v he_o as_o the_o foundation_n head_n and_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n min._n notwithstanding_o person_n may_v in_o word_n confess_v he_o so_o to_o be_v yet_o whoever_o lay_v any_o other_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n than_o jesus_n christ_n crucify_v or_o choose_v to_o themselves_o or_o submit_v to_o any_o other_o lord_n or_o law_n giver_n in_o thing_n true_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a viz_o in_o matter_n of_o gospel_n say_v and_o worship_n beside_o christ_n the_o lord_n whether_o papal_a or_o other_o do_v real_o and_o indeed_o deny_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n or_o to_o be_v the_o head_n and_o lord_n of_o his_o church_n and_o whoever_o accept_v such_o a_o headship_n execute_v thereof_o usurp_v his_o authority_n of_o who_o the_o papal_a head_n have_v be_v chief_a and_o leader_n in_o this_o matter_n the_o exercise_n of_o human_a coercive_a power_n in_o thing_n proper_o belong_v to_o jesus_n christ_n viz._n all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o worship_n wherein_o conscience_n towards_o god_n and_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n alone_o be_v concern_v be_v that_o which_o do_v real_o out_o and_o end_v his_o lordship_n and_o rule_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o in_o this_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o place_v the_o head_n of_o the_o apostasy_n at_o which_o door_n most_o of_o the_o error_n both_o in_o faith_n and_o worship_n have_v be_v usher_v in_o 2_o thes_n 2._o 4._o give_v we_o a_o full_a description_n of_o this_o who_o oppose_v and_o exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o that_o be_v worship_v so_o that_o he_o as_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n viz_o he_o set_v himself_o and_o sit_v where_o god_n alone_o shall_v rule_v viz_o in_o and_o over_o the_o conscience_n in_o divine_a thing_n which_o be_v proper_a only_o to_o jesus_n christ_n give_v law_n to_o man_n on_o this_o account_n which_o must_v be_v submit_v to_o whatever_o jesus_n christ_n the_o lord_n have_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o wherever_o and_o as_o long_o as_o this_o spirit_n live_v and_o work_v the_o pope_n nor_o apostasy_n will_v not_o die_v 3._o who_o ever_o deny_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v the_o alone_a ground_n and_o rule_v of_o christian_a faith_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o gospel_n faith_n and_o worship_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a in_o itself_o to_o wise_a and_o instruct_v we_o therein_o without_o man_n invention_n addition_n and_o harsh_a interpretation_n be_v deep_o in_o the_o apostasy_n the_o reason_n there_o of_o be_v 1._o because_o it_o be_v the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o be_v sufficient_a in_o itself_o for_o our_o instruction_n to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n isa_n 8._o 20._o ps_n 119._o 98_o 99_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 15_o 16_o 17._o 2._o because_o otherwise_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n must_v depend_v on_o human_a authority_n and_o not_o on_o the_o divine_a word_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o must_v be_v a_o human_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o not_o divine_a and_o how_o far_o this_o be_v from_o the_o popish_a faith_n to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v and_o worship_n as_o the_o church_n require_v be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o a_o weak_a capacity_n 3._o because_o without_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o these_o matter_n we_o must_v have_v be_v as_o other_o gentile_a nation_n that_o be_v without_o it_o and_o never_o hear_v thereof_o and_o therefore_o in_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o submit_v thereto_o in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o our_o knowledge_n therein_o have_v no_o other_o rule_n to_o submit_v unto_o that_o be_v divine_a in_o thing_n of_o gospel_n concern_v so_o that_o if_o we_o turn_v away_o from_o this_o we_o turn_v away_o from_o christianity_n itself_o in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o thereby_o declare_v ourselves_o
just_a and_o good_a a_o god_n to_o make_v creature_n design_o for_o so_o bad_a a_o end_n and_o whether_o this_o principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a manifest_a design_n of_o god_n therein_o quer._n 2._o whether_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n love_v not_o the_o world_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o son_n but_o a_o few_o only_o and_o that_o christ_n give_v not_o himself_o for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o a_o ransom_n for_o all_o but_o for_o a_o few_o only_a iâ—_n not_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a letter_n reason_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n joh._n 6._o 51._o 1_o tim._n 2._o 6._o and_o whether_o so_o to_o believe_v do_v not_o root_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o gospel-faith_n 2_o cor._n 2._o 2._o &_o 15._o 3_o 4_o 11._o quer._n 3_o whether_o we_o have_v not_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o general_a love_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o gift_n of_o his_o son_n and_o the_o general_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o world_n be_v the_o alone_a foundation_n of_o the_o general_a commission_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n if_o so_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o the_o commission_n mar._n 16._o 15._o be_v general_a and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v then_o whether_o to_o understand_v the_o commission_n for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v large_a than_o the_o foundation_n and_o basis_n thereof_o viz._n the_o father_n love_n and_o the_o son_n sacrifice_n without_o which_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o commission_n tend_v not_o to_o null_n and_o make_v void_a the_o commission_n itself_o for_o gospel_n preach_v it_o out-running_a of_o and_o be_v large_a than_o the_o foundation_n thereof_o or_o at_o least_o to_o render_v the_o lord_n inconsiderate_a in_o state_v so_o large_a a_o commission_n on_o so_o narrow_a a_o foundation_n it_o behoove_v those_o who_o deny_v the_o general_a love_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o ponder_v this_o quer._n 4._o whether_o to_o believe_v that_o man_n have_v no_o power_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n with_o its_o own_o help_n without_o a_o mighty_a miraculous_a and_o irresistible_a power_n which_o god_n do_v not_o effect_n and_o yet_o will_v damn_v people_n eternal_o for_o not_o believe_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a reason_n light_n and_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o contrary_n to_o the_o whole_a name_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n place_v in_o man_n by_o god_n then_o whether_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o meet_v to_o be_v explode_v by_o all_o true_a christian_n quer._n 5._o whether_o to_o believe_v any_o other_o term_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n about_o the_o work_n of_o gospel_n redemption_n and_o salvation_n than_o what_o be_v the_o express_v term_n thereof_o in_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o tend_v to_o null_n and_o make_v void_a the_o gospel_n itself_o or_o at_o least_o and_o best_o render_v it_o uncertain_a if_o we_o suppose_v any_o other_o secret_a term_n beside_o and_o contrary_a to_o what_o be_v express_v or_o a_o secret_a will_v contrary_v to_o his_o revealed_z will._n quer._n 6._o whether_o to_o deny_v jesus_n christ_n in_o his_o person_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o david_n the_o true_a messiah_n promise_v and_o as_o crucify_a raise_a and_o ascend_v to_o be_v the_o alone_a foundation_n of_o gospel-faith_n head_n lord_n and_o lawgiver_n to_o his_o church_n without_o man_n invention_n or_o addition_n and_o whether_o to_o deny_v he_o in_o word_n or_o deed_n in_o any_o of_o these_o be_v not_o deep_o dangerous_a quer._n 7._o whether_o to_o assert_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o god_n as_o love_n or_o a_o natural_a propensity_n to_o do_v we_o good_a from_o his_o goodness_n or_o any_o other_o property_n and_o that_o he_o intend_v not_o as_o he_o speak_v either_o in_o his_o precept_n or_o his_o promise_n that_o they_o declare_v our_o duty_n not_o his_o intention_n be_v not_o whole_o contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o right_n and_o reverend_a thought_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o god_n and_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o tend_v to_o root_v up_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n of_o all_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o real_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n if_o his_o command_n and_o promise_n be_v not_o his_o intention_n quer._n 8._o whether_o to_o believe_v that_o when_o christ_n the_o lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n come_v again_o from_o heaven_n to_o raise_v and_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o when_o that_o be_v over_o will_v burn_v up_o the_o world_n so_o as_o not_o to_o restore_v it_o and_o make_v it_o new_a and_o carry_v away_o the_o saint_n with_o he_o to_o heaven_n and_o send_v all_o the_o world_n beside_o to_o hell_n with_o the_o devil_n there_o to_o be_v torment_v eternal_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n contradict_v the_o restitution_n world_n to_o come_v and_o the_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n therein_o with_o his_o church_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o great_a undertake_n for_o the_o world_n and_o if_o so_o whether_o this_o faith_n be_v right_a or_o vain_a quer._n 9_o whether_o those_o who_o grant_v the_o thousand_o year_n reign_n and_o limit_v the_o restitution_n world_n to_o come_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o estate_n to_o the_o thousand_o year_n be_v not_o much_o mistake_v and_o whether_o the_o kingdom_n and_o glory_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v shall_v not_o be_v eternal_a dan._n 7._o 14_o 27._o mar._n 10._o 30._o and_o whether_o they_o do_v well_o to_o confine_v the_o eternal_a kingdom_n life_n and_o glory_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n there_o be_v no_o other_o world_n life_n and_o glory_n promise_v beyond_o that_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v quer._n 10._o whether_o those_o who_o grant_v that_o after_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n by_o fire_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n follow_v wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n after_o the_o judgement_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n 2_o pet._n 3._o 13._o and_o yet_o affirm_v that_o christ_n will_v send_v away_o all_o the_o wicked_a of_o the_o world_n to_o hell_n with_o the_o devil_n eternal_o to_o be_v torment_v and_o carry_v away_o all_o the_o saint_n with_o he_o to_o heaven_n i_o say_v whether_o they_o have_v consider_v who_o shall_v be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o new_a and_o restore_v world_n wherein_o shall_v dwell_v righteousness_n or_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o habitation_n only_o of_o bird_n and_o beast_n or_o of_o nothing_o and_o whether_o it_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o prudent_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o traditional_a faith_n of_o go_v away_o to_o heaven_n have_v not_o lead_v we_o beside_o and_o so_o in_o our_o faith_n lose_v the_o true_a inheritance_n and_o heirship_v promise_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v quer._n 11._o whether_o it_o be_v to_o any_o sort_n of_o faith_n that_o own_v christ_n in_o name_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n of_o life_n be_v make_v or_o to_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o life_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o to_o any_o faith_n that_o own_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n then_o why_o may_v not_o all_o the_o world_n call_v christian_n be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o any_o if_o not_o but_o that_o the_o life_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o true_a faith_n thereof_o call_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect._n then_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o great_o concern_v all_o without_o delay_n to_o endeavour_v to_o come_v right_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v and_o not_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o any_o sort_n of_o faith_n and_o life_n quer._n 12._o whether_o bad_a and_o corrupt_a principle_n of_o faith_n though_o attend_v with_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o as_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a as_o good_a principle_n of_o faith_n attend_v with_o a_o bad_a life_n rom._n 10._o 2._o phi._n 3._o 4_o 5_o 6._o quer._n 13._o whether_o some_o of_o those_o principle_n of_o faith_n before_o mention_v viz._n the_o reprobation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o eternal_a decree_n both_o to_o sin_n and_o judgement_n do_v not_o real_o tend_v to_o render_v god_n to_o be_v most_o cruel_a most_o unholy_a most_o unrighteous_a and_o most_o false_a etc._n etc._n in_o decree_v and_o so_o in_o be_v the_o first_o and_o foundation_n cause_n of_o all_o the_o cruelty_n unholiness_n unrigheousness_n falseness_n and_o wickedness_n either_o in_o devil_n or_o man_n it_o be_v a_o maxim_n that_o the_o
themselves_o to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o they_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o they_o and_o the_o gospel_n teach_v the_o same_o mat._n 22._o 37._o to_o 40._o and_o 7._o 12._o and_o this_o be_v write_v in_o all_o man_n by_o nature_n and_o be_v true_a rational_a and_o moral_a philosophy_n and_o true_a gospel_n divinity_n and_o where_o it_o be_v not_o effect_v it_o be_v by_o the_o soul_n captivation_n by_o irrational_a immoral_a and_o sensual_a lust_n and_o how_o will_v the_o divine_a law_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o gospel_n unite_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o reason_n effect_v it_o if_o take_v heed_n unto_o a_o sin_n and_o shame_v it_o be_v and_o dreadful_a will_v be_v the_o issue_n thereof_o that_o many_o learned_a man_n who_o account_v themselves_o above_o other_o both_o in_o philosophy_n and_o divinity_n and_o yet_o be_v more_o immoral_a than_o many_o moral_a heathen_n and_o as_o both_o moral_a philosophy_n and_o gospel_n divinity_n unite_v in_o teach_v the_o abhorrency_n of_o all_o ungodliness_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o duty_n so_o will_v it_o teach_v we_o to_o abhor_v all_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n if_o attend_v to_o it_o will_v teach_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o the_o contrary_a being_n not_o only_o unchristian_a but_o irrational_a no_o man_n in_o his_o right_a reason_n will_v be_v content_a to_o be_v force_v to_o believe_v and_o worship_n god_n as_o other_o do_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o light_n and_o conscience_n such_o in_o justice_n reason_n itself_o and_o light_n of_o nature_n abhor_v and_o it_o be_v likewise_o contrary_a to_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n and_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o scripture_n our_o rule_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o not_o to_o be_v compel_v to_o believe_v as_o the_o church_n believe_v which_o be_v condemn_v by_o protestant_n to_o be_v the_o popish_a faith_n and_o not_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o strange_a it_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o learned_a man_n who_o profess_v themselves_o to_o have_v most_o both_o of_o philosophy_n and_o divinity_n shall_v be_v so_o great_a miscarrier_n herein_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v say_v without_o all_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n that_o throughout_o all_o age_n of_o christianity_n learned_a man_n have_v lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o most_o of_o the_o persecution_n for_o conscience_n sake_n sure_o it_o come_v not_o from_o their_o philosophy_n or_o divinity_n but_o from_o their_o enmity_n pride_n and_o profaneness_n ps_n 10._o 2._o or_o from_o some_o carnal_a and_o corrupt_a end_n within_o themselves_o must_v be_v irrational_a and_o irreligious_a or_o at_o best_o from_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a zeal_n joh._n 16._o 2._o phi._n 3._o 6._o it_o be_v true_a the_o scripture_n warn_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v spoil_v by_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ_n col._n 2._o 8_o i_o e._n when_o our_o reason_n turn_v we_o aside_o from_o the_o gospel_n either_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n be_v corrupt_o exercise_v and_o so_o become_v vain_a and_o deceitful_a and_o be_v not_o pure_a reason_n that_o submit_v itself_o to_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o it_o understand_v it_o and_o although_o rational_a and_o moral_a philosophy_n be_v and_o yet_o be_v excellent_a in_o its_o time_n and_o place_n and_o in_o itself_o in_o its_o degree_n spiritual_a be_v of_o and_o from_o god_n yet_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o spiritual_a and_o by_o it_o man_n former_o arrive_v to_o much_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o so_o to_o a_o good_a life_n in_o moral_a virtue_n and_o yet_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o same_o and_o doubtless_o be_v then_o accept_v of_o god_n and_o may_v yet_o be_v so_o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o know_v yet_o where_o the_o gospel_n come_v it_o will_v not_o serve_v or_o avail_v we_o without_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o life_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o if_o it_o be_v captivate_v by_o sensual_a lust_n reject_v or_o neglect_v the_o grace_n of_o life_n it_o render_v such_o the_o more_o liable_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o damnation_n threaten_v therein_o learned_a sir_n the_o reason_n of_o my_o dedicate_a the_o ensue_a christian_a discourse_n unto_o you_o be_v 1._o because_o the_o thing_n discourse_v on_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a if_o not_o of_o great_a concern_v to_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n and_o the_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a of_o man_n and_o therefore_o of_o weight_a concern_n to_o have_v the_o precedency_n in_o your_o meditation_n 2._o because_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n discourse_v on_o be_v not_o novel_a but_o the_o controvert_v thing_n of_o the_o past_a and_o present_a time_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n as_o exercise_v towards_o man_n the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n the_o general_a and_o special_a grace_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o that_o on_o which_o all_o depend_v the_o eight_o chapter_n may_v at_o first_o probable_o with_o some_o seem_v most_o difficult_a yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o be_v found_v in_o and_o full_o comport_v with_o the_o universal_a design_n of_o god_n and_o undertake_v of_o christ_n in_o the_o general_a grace_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o restitution_n and_o world_n to_o come_v in_o time_n to_o be_v effect_v and_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o very_o great_a weight_n to_o be_v understand_v and_o to_o have_v room_n in_o our_o christian_a faith_n as_o the_o top-stone_n and_o glory_n thereof_o and_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v lose_v the_o understanding_n of_o and_o faith_n in_o the_o great_a if_o not_o the_o most_o glorious_a part_n of_o scripture_n and_o gospel_n truth_n in_o the_o discourse_n i_o sometime_o mention_v what_o some_o other_o have_v say_v about_o some_o of_o the_o thing_n discourse_v on_o and_o especial_o two_o book_n viz._n the_o practical_a discourse_n of_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o death_n of_o death_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n not_o design_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o they_o nor_o have_v i_o at_o all_o mention_v they_o have_v they_o not_o be_v send_v in_o by_o some_o design_o to_o lead_v we_o aside_o from_o that_o which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o have_v state_v the_o truth_n about_o these_o matter_n to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n from_o scripture_n light_n which_o if_o true_a the_o substance_n of_o both_o be_v answer_v and_o must_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o let_v none_o count_v it_o strange_a or_o tautology_n that_o i_o so_o often_o go_v over_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o discourse_n it_o be_v to_o show_v the_o incongruity_n of_o those_o invent_a principle_n and_o practice_n with_o scripture_n light_n and_o right_a reason_n in_o all_o the_o way_n mention_v it_o likewise_o be_v the_o method_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n frequent_o to_o mention_v the_o same_o thing_n over_o and_o over_o again_o design_o thereby_o to_o inculcate_v it_o on_o the_o memory_n and_o heart_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v forget_v 3._o because_o i_o think_v we_o have_v ground_n enough_o at_o least_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostasy_n from_o the_o primitive_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v then_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n have_v be_v too_o much_o usher_v in_o by_o learned_a â—â—â—en_n i_o suppose_v that_o it_o will_v easy_o appear_v that_o in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o whether_o the_o papabor_n other_o some_o learned_a man_n or_o man_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n thereof_o and_o likewise_o have_v be_v chief_a actor_n in_o its_o propagation_n and_o therefore_o it_o great_o concern_v you_o now_o at_o last_o to_o be_v at_o work_n for_o god_n christ_n the_o gospel_n and_o good_a of_o man_n in_o good_a earnest_n for_o discovery_n thereof_o and_o reformation_n therein_o o_o that_o you_o may_v have_v your_o share_n in_o this_o matter_n how_o may_v you_o honour_v god_n and_o season_v the_o nation_n with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o in_o faith_n and_o life_n have_v the_o great_a opportunity_n and_o advantage_n in_o order_n thereunto_o in_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o which_o you_o may_v expect_v divine_a direction_n assistance_n and_o blessing_n and_o o_o that_o this_o little_a essay_n may_v tend_v to_o encourage_v herein_o it_o be_v the_o common_a advantage_n and_o good_a of_o all_o i_o real_o design_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v not_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o will_v not_o follow_v cunning_a devise_v fable_n for_o the_o world_n and_o if_o i_o be_o in_o any_o
matter_n of_o election_n that_o be_v state_v upon_o the_o eternal_a decree_n as_o some_o affirm_v that_o election_n and_o reprobation_n of_o person_n be_v equivalent_a and_o both_o determine_v in_o the_o eternal_a decree_n i_o desire_v to_o hear_v what_o you_o say_v to_o it_o min._n as_o to_o this_o i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o it_o elsewhere_o yet_o now_o on_o this_o occasion_n i_o shall_v add_v something_o further_o what_o be_v it_o you_o desire_v satisfaction_n in_o christ_n whether_o you_o do_v real_o own_o election_n of_o person_n before_o time_n and_o if_o so_o your_o scripture_n ground_n for_o it_o min._n that_o god_n elect_v or_o give_v some_o to_o his_o son_n from_o of_o old_a as_o the_o most_o special_a peculiar_a and_o certain_a reward_n of_o his_o undertake_n in_o behalf_n of_o man_n who_o he_o have_v do_v and_o will_v in_o time_n call_v justify_v and_o supply_v with_o persevere_v grace_n through_o the_o gospel_n till_o they_o come_v to_o glory_n i_o believe_v and_o own_v my_o scripture_n ground_n be_v joh._n 6._o 37_o 39_o rom._n 8._o 29_o 30._o and_o indeed_o it_o suit_v not_o only_o with_o scripture_n and_o so_o be_v divine_a but_o with_o reason_n also_o it_o be_v rational_a that_o god_n in_o his_o wonderful_a undertake_n for_o man_n by_o his_o son_n design_v a_o especial_a espouse_v relation_n to_o reign_v with_o he_o in_o the_o special_a glory_n shall_v not_o leave_v it_o altogether_o contingent_a and_o at_o uncertainty_n but_o determine_v some_o without_o fail_n for_o that_o relation_n and_o glory_n 2._o that_o this_o peculiar_a gift_n to_o christ_n be_v a_o secret_a know_v only_o to_o god_n 2_o tim._n 2._o 9_o all_o must_v be_v save_v by_o the_o law_n of_o gospel_n grace_n persevere_v therein_o to_o the_o end_n mar._n 16._o 16._o rev._n 2._o 10._o and_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o boast_v or_o neglect_n to_o any_o 3._o nor_o do_v this_o personal_a election_n in_o the_o least_o derogate_a from_o the_o general_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o man_n nor_o do_v it_o in_o the_o least_o import_n or_o imply_v that_o all_o the_o rest_n or_o any_o be_v decree_v from_o the_o sovereign_n and_o eternal_a will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v damn_v otherwise_o than_o as_o for_o transgress_v his_o law_n persevere_v therein_o to_o the_o end_n that_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n and_o wrong_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n but_o that_o the_o general_a love_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n as_o proclaim_v in_o the_o gospel_n stand_v free_a and_o clear_a notwithstanding_o this_o election_n and_o that_o all_o that_o true_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n persevere_v therein_o to_o the_o end_n be_v the_o elect_a and_o choose_v of_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o that_o the_o final_o unbeliever_n and_o disobedient_a be_v therefore_o reprobate_v and_o must_v be_v damn_v christ_n this_o be_v the_o great_a matter_n i_o desire_v to_o be_v clear_v in_o viz._n how_o particular_a election_n of_o person_n and_o general_a grace_n may_v stand_v together_o and_o therefore_o do_v desire_v you_o to_o give_v your_o ground_n for_o this_o with_o as_o much_o evidence_n of_o light_n from_o the_o word_n as_o possible_a you_o can_v min._n if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n be_v and_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o personal_a election_n beforetime_n which_o i_o suppose_v none_o dare_v deny_v than_o 2._o that_o he_o be_v capable_a to_o elect_v some_o person_n without_o any_o wrong_n at_o all_o to_o his_o general_a grace_n to_o all_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v evince_v from_o his_o manner_n and_o method_n of_o elect_v person_n throughout_o all_o age_n in_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o election_n attend_v with_o the_o reprobation_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o in_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v 1._o instance_n more_o remote_a as_o that_o which_o may_v tend_v to_o help_v and_o clear_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o 2._o such_o as_o be_v more_o immediate_a and_o full_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n christ_n what_o be_v your_o more_o remote_a instance_n to_o illustrate_v this_o thing_n min._n 1._o the_o election_n of_o person_n to_o particular_a office_n and_o work_n as_o jeremiah_n the_o lord_n say_v to_o he_o before_o i_o form_v thou_o in_o the_o belly_n i_o know_v thou_o and_o before_o thou_o come_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n i_o sanctify_v thou_o and_o ordain_v thou_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n to_o the_o nation_n jer._n 1._o 5._o this_o preordain_v and_o set_v a_o part_n of_o jeremiah_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n to_o the_o nation_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o imply_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o other_o prophet_n beside_o jeremiah_n neither_o do_v it_o at_o all_o derogate_a from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o other_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o who_o we_o read_v nothing_o of_o such_o a_o preordain_v neither_o may_v we_o affirm_v they_o be_v so_o ordain_v the_o scripture_n be_v silent_a herein_o so_o the_o like_a of_o cyrus_n who_o be_v ordain_v by_o name_n to_o a_o great_a and_o noble_a work_n long_o before_o he_o be_v bear_v isa_n 44._o 28._o and_o 45._o 1_o yet_o this_o decree_n no_o whit_n hinder_v other_o that_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o set_v a_o hand_n to_o the_o same_o work_n of_o who_o we_o read_v of_o no_o such_o preordination_n thereunto_o as_o not_o only_a cyrus_n ezra_n 1._o but_o darius_n ch_n 6._o and_o artaxerxes_n ch_n 7._o so_o that_o particular_a decree_n be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o other_o in_o that_o which_o be_v good_a so_o the_o like_a of_o paul_n who_o say_v gal._n 1._o 15._o that_o he_o be_v separate_v to_o his_o apostleship_n from_o his_o mother_n womb_n yet_o other_o of_o who_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o such_o testimony_n be_v not_o at_o all_o prohibit_v from_o preach_v the_o same_o gospel_n i_o may_v instance_n among_o the_o lord_n choose_v people_n of_o old_a there_o be_v several_a election_n yet_o without_o wrong_n but_o rather_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o rest_n as_o david_n be_v his_o choose_a king_n ps_n 78._o 68_o and_o his_o posterity_n till_o the_o kingdom_n come_v to_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o david_n ps_n 89._o 29_o to_o 36._o and_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n set_v apart_o for_o priest_n and_o minister_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n to_o come_v near_o to_o he_o yet_o in_o all_o it_o be_v without_o any_o wrong_n but_o for_o advantage_n to_o the_o rest_n these_o be_v election_n more_o remote_a and_o of_o another_o kind_n yet_o of_o use_n to_o illustrate_v in_o this_o matter_n christ_n what_o be_v your_o more_o immediate_a instance_n and_o full_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n min._n the_o first_o election_n and_o choice_n we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n be_v that_o of_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n who_o be_v choose_v out_o from_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o to_o be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o the_o lord_n yet_o this_o election_n do_v not_o reprobate_a all_o the_o world_n beside_o to_o eternal_a death_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v more_o say_v of_o the_o specialness_n and_o peculiarity_n of_o this_o election_n as_o distinct_a from_o all_o the_o world_n than_o be_v of_o his_o personal_a election_n under_o the_o gospel_n gen._n 17._o 7_o 19_o exod._n 19_o 5_o 6._o deut._n 7._o 6_o 7_o 8._o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o special_a and_o personal_a choice_n alone_o from_o free_a grace_n and_o love_n be_v without_o any_o wrong_n at_o all_o to_o or_o reprobation_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n only_o leave_v out_o of_o that_o choice_n for_o 1._o the_o world_n be_v leave_v in_o no_o worse_a condition_n than_o before_o this_o election_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n 2._o a_o liberty_n be_v leave_v for_o any_o other_o to_o become_v profelite_n and_o so_o partake_v in_o the_o same_o covenant_n and_o privilege_n and_o many_o of_o they_o do_v so_o act._n 2._o 10._o &_o 13._o 43._o &_o 10._o 27._o a_o lively_a pattern_n of_o gospel_n election_n take_v it_o in_o what_o sense_n you_o will_v it_o hinder_v none_o but_o rather_o further_v the_o salvation_n of_o other_o 3._o notwithstanding_o this_o election_n god_n still_o retain_v his_o real_a property_n in_o the_o world_n as_o his_o own_o as_o much_o as_o before_o abraham_n be_v choose_v out_o from_o they_o and_o that_o not_o to_o destroy_v and_o damn_v they_o but_o to_o do_v they_o good_a ex._n 9_o 5._o ps_n 145._o 9_o 15_o 16._o if_o god_n in_o this_o election_n have_v reprobate_v all_o the_o world_n to_o the_o second_o death_n wo_n bad_a be_v to_o we_o sinner_n of_o the_o gentile_n there_o can_v then_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o gospel_n grace_n or_o election_n to_o we_o and_o this_o controversy_n have_v be_v over_o and_o end_v 4._o and_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o god_n have_v many_o precious_a people_n in_o the_o
world_n out_o of_o that_o election_n as_o job_n of_o who_o be_v not_o the_o like_a on_o the_o earth_n job_n 23._o who_o be_v of_o the_o land_n of_o 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o east_n and_o may_v be_v of_o abraham_n posterity_n of_o one_o of_o the_o son_n he_o have_v by_o keturak_fw-mi who_o he_o send_v eastward_o into_o the_o east_n country_n gen._n 25._o 6._o and_o likewise_o his_o three_o friend_n of_o the_o same_o country_n job_n 2._o 11._o and_o elihu_n which_o make_v a_o four_o ch_z 32._o 2._o and_o loâ—_n who_o be_v not_o within_o this_o election_n and_o rahab_n the_o harlot_n canonize_v for_o a_o saint_n for_o hide_v the_o spy_n with_o other_o that_o may_v be_v mention_v 5._o and_o abraham_n himself_o that_o be_v first_o and_o chief_a in_o this_o election_n be_v so_o far_o from_o monopolise_v all_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o natural_a seed_n that_o it_o be_v apparent_a he_o expect_v many_o righteous_a person_n to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o himself_o as_o appear_v in_o his_o prayer_n for_o sodom_n gen._n 18._o he_o begin_v at_o fifty_o righteous_a suppose_v that_o to_o be_v but_o a_o few_o though_o in_o his_o love_n to_o lot_n he_o descend_v by_o degree_n to_o ten_o account_v that_o so_o few_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o mention_v a_o lesser_a number_n 6_o and_o more_o than_o this_o he_o believe_v for_o the_o world_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v gen._n 1._o 2_o 3._o &_o 15._o 5_o 6._o &_o 18._o 18._o &_o 22._o 18._o if_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v this_o promise_n of_o a_o son_n and_o seed_n in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n shall_v be_v bless_v i_o know_v no_o ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o can_v have_v arrive_v to_o the_o dignity_n of_o be_v the_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n or_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a rom._n 4._o 11_o 12_o 13._o and_o how_o they_o will_v prove_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o child_n or_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n with_o he_o as_o all_o true_a believer_n be_v rom._n 4._o 16._o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o his_o faith_n as_o that_o they_o believe_v the_o damnation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o eternal_a decree_n it_o behoove_v they_o to_o consider_v in_o time_n 2._o to_o prosecute_v this_o election_n when_o it_o must_v pass_v upon_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n be_v leave_v out_o it_o be_v without_o any_o wrong_n to_o he_o god_n make_v large_a provision_n for_o he_o elsewhere_o gen._n 21._o 13_o 18._o beside_o those_o two_o with_o their_o mother_n be_v a_o allegory_n of_o the_o two_o covenant_n with_o their_o seed_n gal_n 4._o 22_o 25._o and_o ishmael_n rejection_n be_v not_o to_o the_o second_o death_n but_o from_o be_v heir_n with_o isaac_n gen._n 21._o 10._o gal._n 4._o 30._o so_o likewise_o esau_n when_o jacob_n be_v fix_v on_o and_o esau_n leave_v it_o be_v not_o with_o any_o wrong_n to_o he_o the_o promise_n hitherto_o reside_v in_o the_o free_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o not_o by_o successive_a inheritance_n upon_o the_o elder_a while_o it_o be_v confer_v on_o abraham_n seed_n the_o promise_n be_v exact_o perform_v and_o that_o without_o any_o wrong_n at_o all_o to_o esau_n especial_o god_n make_v large_a provision_n for_o he_o elsewhere_o gen._n 36._o 6_o 7._o his_o rejection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o promise_n be_v not_o to_o the_o second_o death_n which_o i_o suppose_v none_o dare_v to_o affirm_v it_o be_v though_o on_o jacob_n and_o all_o his_o posterity_n god_n settle_v the_o promise_n gen._n 26._o 2_o 3_o 4._o so_o that_o this_o election_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reprobate_v the_o world_n or_o any_o part_n thereof_o to_o the_o second_o death_n or_o to_o any_o other_o wrong_n that_o it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o 1._o thereby_o a_o liberty_n and_o advantage_n be_v give_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o come_v to_o know_v and_o worship_n god_n in_o become_a proselyte_n 2._o he_o make_v large_a provision_n for_o the_o world_n in_o common_a and_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o by_o the_o common_a mean_n and_o light_n afford_v to_o the_o world_n have_v many_o precious_a people_n therein_o and_o 3._o one_o must_v come_v of_o abraham_n seed_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 14._o in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v gen._n 22._o 18._o so_o that_o the_o world_n lose_v nothing_o but_o gain_v by_o that_o election_n and_o for_o any_o to_o imagine_v a_o election_n in_o the_o gospel_n by_o eternal_a decree_n so_o as_o to_o reprobate_v all_o the_o world_n beside_o to_o eternal_a damnation_n be_v both_o unscriptural_a and_o irrational_a tend_v to_o undo_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o render_v the_o design_n of_o god_n therein_o to_o be_v more_o for_o damnation_n than_o for_o salvation_n and_o to_o render_v this_o his_o election_n therein_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o any_o sort_n of_o his_o election_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n all_o his_o act_n towards_o man_n in_o such_o case_n have_v be_v in_o itself_o for_o good_a to_o man_n and_o not_o for_o hurt_v what_o of_o hurt_n come_v to_o man_n be_v of_o themselves_o 4._o election_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n take_v in_o the_o strict_a sense_n be_v not_o where_o so_o state_v as_o to_o give_v we_o any_o ground_n of_o supposition_n that_o all_o the_o rest_n must_v be_v damn_v but_o it_o keep_v the_o door_n wide_o open_a for_o all_o comer_n that_o come_v right_o mar._n 16._o 15._o joh._n 3._o 16_o 17._o &_o 6._o 40._o rev._n 22._o 17._o whence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o wide_a door_n shall_v be_v so_o strange_o shut_v up_o and_o bar_v against_o the_o world_n we_o may_v easy_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o 20._o but_o from_o the_o prince_n and_o power_n of_o darkness_n 2_o cor._n 4_o 3_o 4._o 5._o though_o i_o own_o particular_a and_o personal_a election_n as_o before_o i_o say_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o as_o some_o sovereign_a discourse_n p._n 55._o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n contain_v the_o whole_a sum_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o p._n 69._o that_o election_n be_v the_o great_a fundamental_a institute_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o supreme_a law_n i_o say_v as_o hold_v by_o he_o viz._n with_o the_o absolute_a reprobation_n of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o it_o be_v no_o gospel_n at_o all_o nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n and_o call_v that_o gospel_n which_o the_o scripture_n so_o call_v luk._n 2._o 10._o behold_v i_o bring_v you_o glad_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n which_o shall_v be_v to_o all_o people_n mar._n 16._o 15._o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v gospel_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o election_n as_o plead_v for_o be_v not_o where_o call_v gospel_n nor_o mention_v at_o all_o in_o the_o scripture_n no_o if_o it_o be_v which_o be_v far_o from_o it_o it_o will_v be_v the_o sad_a tiding_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o the_o world_n worse_o than_o the_o sin_n and_o fall_v of_o the_o first_o man_n which_o bring_v the_o world_n under_o the_o first_o death_n only_o if_o the_o second_o come_v only_o to_o raise_v the_o world_n to_o eternal_a damnation_n the_o second_o death_n which_o be_v far_o worse_a than_o the_o first_o o_o woe_n will_v be_v to_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o christ_n come_v which_o be_v indeed_o the_o best_a tiding_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o the_o world_n and_o if_o man_n lose_v the_o advantage_n thereof_o it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n joh._n 3._o 19_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v where_o it_o be_v that_o election_n be_v call_v a_o gospel_n law_n either_o in_o term_n or_o in_o the_o true_a sense_n thereof_o much_o less_o the_o supreme_a law_n especial_o as_o hold_v if_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o law_n of_o damnation_n far_o more_o than_o of_o salvation_n but_o the_o supreme_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o whoso_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mar._n 16._o 16._o this_o be_v the_o supreme_a law_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o we_o must_v all_o at_o last_o stand_v or_o fall_v and_o against_o which_o there_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v no_o decree_n joh._n 12._o 48._o i_o have_v often_o think_v that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o merciless_a as_o to_o damn_v the_o world_n by_o eternal_a decree_n think_v themselves_o sure_a by_o their_o law_n of_o election_n but_o i_o do_v earnest_o advise_v they_o to_o see_v they_o stand_v clear_a in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o life_n of_o the_o gospel_n without_o which_o there_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v no_o safety_n 6._o and_o so_o from_o the_o whole_a
the_o christ_n the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n in_o who_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o son_n of_o david_n the_o true_a messiah_n promise_v that_o god_n in_o love_n send_v he_o and_o that_o he_o in_o love_n give_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v raise_v and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o performance_n of_o his_o mediatory_a office_n for_o man_n and_o shall_v come_v again_o from_o thence_o to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a and_o to_o perfect_v the_o restitution_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o bring_v in_o the_o new_a and_o restore_v world_n in_o and_o over_o which_o shall_v be_v his_o eternal_a kingdom_n and_o glory_n and_o that_o whoever_o do_v sincere_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o in_o this_o his_o grace_n shall_v live_v and_o reign_v with_o he_o in_o his_o glory_n mar._n 16._o 15_o 16._o heb._n 5._o 9_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o the_o salvation_n thereof_o be_v promise_v which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n which_o doctrine_n and_o faith_n shall_v be_v more_o precious_a to_o we_o than_o our_o life_n or_o more_o brief_o thus_o whoever_o come_v right_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o all_o i_o seek_v or_o plead_v for_o it_o be_v that_o which_o deep_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o come_v right_a in_o which_o life_n be_v call_v a_o life_n of_o faith_n heb._n 10._o 38._o a_o life_n of_o holiness_n 1_o pet._n 1._o 15._o a_o life_n of_o humility_n 1_o pet._n 5._o 5._o a_o life_n of_o love_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 16_o 20_o 21._o mat._n â—_o 44_o to_o 48._o which_o faith_n and_o life_n shall_v certain_o issue_v a_o glory_n chap._n v._n of_o the_o power_n and_o will_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o this_o grace_n and_o of_o regeneration_n and_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o possibility_n of_o fall_v from_o faith_n and_o grace_n after_o believe_v christ_n in_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v differ_v apprehension_n about_o the_o power_n and_o will_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n some_o affirm_v a_o power_n to_o â—e_v in_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o some_o deny_v thereof_o i_o desire_v your_o apprehension_n therein_o it_o be_v i_o suppose_v of_o weighty_a concern_v to_o be_v right_o understand_v min._n in_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v differ_v apprehension_n about_o the_o power_n and_o will_n of_o man_n though_o i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o it_o elsewhere_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o weighty_a concern_v i_o shall_v on_o this_o occasion_n say_v something_o further_o to_o it_o 2._o touch_v the_o power_n that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o man_n to_o believe_v with_o the_o common_a help_n by_o god_n afford_v especial_o where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n come_v i_o â—â—â—ert_v as_o a_o great_a truth_n though_o in_o this_o methinks_v shall_v be_v â—o_o room_n for_o a_o difference_n in_o this_o i_o think_v all_o agree_v that_o all_o power_n be_v of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v act._n 17._o 28._o we_o can_v live_v nor_o act_n think_v nor_o speak_v without_o he_o all_o natural_a and_o all_o spiritual_a power_n both_o of_o motion_n and_o action_n be_v of_o he_o and_o from_o he_o in_o and_z by_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v but_o one_o holy_a spirit_n eph._n 4._o 4._o who_o have_v his_o operation_n and_o work_n in_o the_o creation_n gen._n 1._o 1_o 2._o job_n 26._o 13._o ps_n 104._o 30._o and_o be_v the_o influencer_n thereof_o still_o by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o redeemer_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 6._o and_o the_o same_o spirit_n it_o be_v that_o influence_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n and_o empower_n man_n thereunto_o joh._n 3._o 3_o 5._o and_o so_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n to_o all_o that_o do_v believe_v rom_n 1._o 16._o and_o in_o this_o i_o suppose_v that_o all_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o be_v of_o god_n christ_n i_o suppose_v that_o the_o great_a question_n about_o this_o matter_n be_v whether_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n afford_v a_o sufficiency_n of_o power_n where_o it_o be_v publish_v in_o the_o truth_n thereof_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v it_o unto_o life_n min._n to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n so_o to_o believe_v except_v infant_n idiot_n and_o distract_a person_n who_o have_v not_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o reason_n though_o no_o scripture_n say_v it_o in_o express_a term_n yet_o the_o reason_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n speak_v it_o in_o fullness_n and_o plainness_n as_o appear_v 1._o from_o the_o constant_a converse_n of_o god_n with_o man_n ever_o since_o the_o creation_n not_o only_o in_o the_o perfect_a but_o in_o the_o fall_v state_n in_o make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o give_v law_n to_o man_n both_o precept_n and_o promise_n especial_o under_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v most_o to_o our_o case_n and_o for_o we_o to_o imagine_v man_n not_o to_o be_v suitable_o influence_v by_o he_o with_o understanding_n and_o power_n to_o answer_v his_o will_n therein_o no_o more_o than_o brute_n as_o some_o affirm_v i_o think_v be_v brutish_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o of_o man_n it_o will_v be_v great_o dishonourable_a to_o man_n to_o give_v law_n to_o brute_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a much_o more_o dishonourable_a be_v it_o to_o god_n to_o affirm_v that_o he_o give_v law_n to_o man_n that_o be_v by_o he_o make_v no_o more_o capable_a to_o perform_v they_o than_o brute_n 2._o it_o appear_v in_o that_o he_o blame_v and_o punish_v and_o will_v punish_v those_o that_o wilful_o transgress_v his_o will_n and_o pity_v and_o bemoan_v those_o that_o rebel_n against_o he_o psal_n 81._o 13._o luk._n 13._o 34._o and_o have_v make_v great_a promise_n to_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o obey_v he_o all_o which_o be_v render_v to_o be_v incredible_a if_o person_n be_v not_o capacitate_v by_o he_o to_o answer_v his_o will_n therein_o 3._o the_o contrary_n render_v god_n to_o be_v unjust_a and_o unrighteous_a in_o the_o judgement_n to_o punish_v man_n for_o not_o do_v what_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o do_v through_o impotency_n and_o weakness_n which_o be_v hard_a and_o untrue_a thought_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o holy_a god_n impossible_a command_n constitute_v no_o duty_n nor_o can_v the_o not_o performance_n thereof_o just_o incur_v any_o punishment_n either_o from_o god_n or_o man._n christ_n but_o you_o know_v what_o be_v usual_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n viz._n that_o man_n have_v once_o a_o power_n in_o adam_n and_o listen_v it_o by_o transgression_n so_o that_o though_o man_n have_v lose_v his_o power_n to_o obey_v yet_o god_n have_v not_o lose_v his_o right_n to_o command_v min._n this_o i_o know_v be_v a_o common_a plea_n but_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o weight_n in_o it_o for_o 1._o though_o adam_n have_v a_o power_n to_o have_v yield_v perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o maker_n in_o his_o first_o and_o sinless_a estate_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o power_n then_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v our_o command_n neither_o be_v he_o capable_a thereof_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o saviour_n it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o law_n give_v to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o obey_v it_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o lose_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o nor_o we_o in_o he_o but_o indeed_o after_o his_o sin_n and_o fall_v and_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o saviour_n it_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o fall_v needy_a estate_n he_o have_v power_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n thereof_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n of_o adam_n loss_n of_o what_o he_o have_v nor_o and_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o have_v our_o power_n in_o he_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v after_o his_o sin_n and_o fall_v when_o he_o need_v a_o saviour_n and_o if_o so_o let_v it_o be_v prove_v when_o he_o lose_v it_o and_o that_o we_o lose_v it_o in_o he_o 2._o if_o this_o suffice_v not_o let_v it_o be_v prove_v that_o since_o the_o first_o sin_n and_o fall_v god_n have_v give_v or_o give_v his_o command_n to_o the_o lose_a power_n and_o that_o he_o will_v judge_v and_o condemn_v man_n for_o not_o improve_n a_o power_n which_o they_o have_v not_o but_o as_o they_o say_v be_v lose_v long_o before_o when_o this_o be_v do_v it_o will_v be_v of_o weight_n but_o not_o till_o then_o 3._o
as_o it_o be_v unscriptural_a and_o irrational_a so_o to_o affirm_v so_o it_o be_v great_o dishonourable_a unto_o god_n and_o his_o gospel-grace_n to_o man_n and_o indeed_o null_v and_o end_v it_o render_v it_o to_o be_v no_o grace_n at_o all_o to_o suppose_v that_o after_o such_o provision_n and_o declaration_n of_o gospel-grace_n to_o man_n in_o so_o wonderful_a a_o way_n that_o he_o shall_v state_n the_o obtain_n a_o interest_n therein_o to_o a_o power_n lose_v for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n before_o which_o be_v indeed_o to_o state_n it_o on_o impossible_a term_n be_v dishonourable_a unto_o god_n render_v his_o design_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o grace_n to_o man_n to_o be_v but_o a_o fable_n and_o of_o none_o effect_n yea_o to_o be_v pernicious_a as_o a_o trap_n or_o snare_n to_o catch_v man_n instead_o of_o free_a grace_n to_o damn_v they_o for_o what_o they_o can_v not_o do_v which_o dishonourable_a dreadful_a and_o dangerous_a notion_n be_v to_o be_v abhor_v by_o all_o that_o love_v the_o name_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n so_o that_o a_o power_n in_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n with_o the_o help_v therein_o afford_v which_o be_v all_o of_o god_n be_v without_o all_o just_a ground_n of_o doubt_n christ_n some_o affirm_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n believe_v not_o be_v not_o because_o they_o can_v though_o they_o can_v but_o because_o they_o will_v not_o viz._n if_o they_o can_v yet_o they_o will_v not_o therefore_o their_o damnation_n be_v just_a min._n it_o be_v true_a they_o will_v not_o who_o wilful_o refuse_v and_o reject_v the_o grace_n on_o the_o holy_a term_n thereof_o and_o therefore_o their_o damnation_n be_v just_a yet_o 2._o to_o say_v the_o reason_n why_o man_n believe_v not_o be_v not_o because_o they_o can_v though_o they_o can_v be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v the_o reason_n why_o a_o blind_a man_n do_v not_o see_v be_v not_o because_o he_o be_v blind_a and_o can_v but_o because_o he_o will_v not_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o a_o dead_a man_n do_v not_o live_v move_v and_o act_n as_o live_v man_n do_v be_v not_o because_o he_o can_v though_o he_o can_v but_o because_o he_o will_v not_o especial_o their_o opinion_n be_v that_o man_n by_o nature_n be_v as_o dead_a blind_a and_o uncapable_a to_o understand_v move_v or_o act_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n as_o a_o dead_a corpse_n a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n be_v in_o natural_a thing_n and_o also_o that_o god_n have_v destinate_a they_o that_o believe_v not_o by_o a_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a decree_n thereunto_o which_o import_v a_o impossibility_n for_o any_o such_o to_o believe_v and_o be_v save_v be_v by_o eternal_a decree_n determine_v to_o sin_n and_o be_v damn_v but_o that_o all_o man_n be_v capable_a with_o the_o common_a help_n afford_v of_o god_n to_o believe_v and_o be_v save_v be_v most_o apparent_a or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o in_o justice_n be_v capable_a to_o be_v damn_v christ_n i_o be_o well_o satisfy_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o it_o be_v so_o that_o god_n afford_v a_o sufficiency_n of_o power_n to_o do_v his_o will_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o man_n unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n arise_v if_o not_o from_o want_n of_o power_n min._n all_o unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o the_o will_n and_o not_o from_o want_n of_o power_n to_o will_n for_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o if_o the_o defect_n lie_v in_o want_n of_o power_n to_o will_n joh._n 5._o 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n it_o be_v wilfulness_n and_o not_o weakness_n that_o will_v prove_v to_o condemnation_n joh._n 3._o 19_o as_o all_o power_n be_v of_o god_n the_o power_n of_o all_o action_n both_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a so_o in_o all_o the_o will_n be_v leave_v free_a and_o not_o force_v by_o any_o coercive_a power_n but_o by_o voluntary_a choice_n as_o in_o the_o low_a so_o in_o the_o high_a thing_n the_o will_n determin_n the_o choice_n which_o i_o think_v have_v be_v the_o understanding_n of_o christian_n throughout_o all_o age_n since_o the_o primitive_a time_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v indeed_o both_o divine_a and_o rational_a i_o know_v many_o cry_n out_o upon_o this_o as_o free_a will_n as_o if_o it_o be_v reproach_n enough_o to_o use_v that_o term_n in_o way_n of_o reproach_n but_o right_o understand_v viz._n that_o man_n have_v a_o power_n from_o god_n to_o will_n and_o be_v leave_v free_a for_o its_o exercise_n by_o he_o and_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v improve_v their_o power_n in_o will_v the_o best_a good_a not_o that_o they_o do_v will_v it_o than_o the_o work_n will_v be_v do_v this_o be_v most_o apparent_a from_o scripture_n to_o this_o purpose_n read_v and_o ponder_v well_o isa_n 55._o 6_o 7._o rev._n 22._o 17._o those_o call_v and_o invitation_n will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n but_o indeed_o mockinvitation_n have_v not_o man_n power_n and_o freedom_n of_o will_n to_o answer_v they_o and_o not_o only_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o clear_a for_o it_o but_o though_o i_o be_o not_o verse_v in_o history_n yet_o i_o shall_v here_o relate_v what_o i_o have_v take_v out_o of_o a_o modern_a author_n on_o this_o same_o account_n and_o i_o suppose_v credible_a and_o not_o to_o be_v contradict_v viz._n the_o discourse_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a impotency_n pag._n 58._o speak_v of_o the_o ancient_n near_o the_o primitive_a time_n say_v all_o man_n verse_v in_o their_o write_n know_v and_o confess_v that_o all_o the_o father_n and_o whole_a church_n nemine_fw-la contradicente_fw-la of_o the_o pure_a age_n next_o after_o the_o apostle_n after_o a_o controversy_n be_v move_v concern_v it_o in_o the_o second_o and_o three_o century_n do_v maintain_v free_a will_n as_o a_o foundation_n principle_n of_o all_o religion_n against_o the_o manichee_n and_o other_o heretic_n that_o deny_v it_o and_o indeed_o the_o follow_a age_n do_v also_o maintain_v it_o whatever_o any_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o pag._n 52._o that_o augustin_n lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr precat_fw-la merit_n remiss_a cap._n 6._o affirm_v it_o as_o undoubted_a that_o god_n command_v no_o man_n any_o thing_n which_o he_o can_v do_v and_o pag._n 53._o he_o call_v it_o blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o god_n command_v any_o thing_n that_o man_n in_o particular_a can_v do_v ser._n 191._o de_fw-fr tempore_fw-la and_o pag_n 153._o that_o augustine_n tell_v we_o lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr precat_fw-la merit_n chap._n 18._o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a care_n of_o every_o orthodox_n teacher_n in_o his_o time_n to_o take_v heed_n lest_o they_o do_v so_o defend_v grace_n as_o to_o deny_v free_a will_n and_o lest_o they_o shall_v so_o defend_v free_a will_n as_o to_o deny_v grace_n and_o a_o good_a care_n it_o be_v and_o further_o the_o author_n say_v neither_o be_v there_o i_o think_v to_o be_v find_v one_o of_o the_o ancient_n account_v orthodox_n that_o do_v maintain_v in_o the_o strict_a sense_n oppose_v that_o god_n command_v man_n what_o they_o can_v do_v but_o all_o abhor_v it_o as_o a_o opinion_n lay_v a_o high_a accusation_n upon_o god_n till_o after_o many_o hundred_o year_n of_o this_o age_n of_o augustine_n by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v no_o new_a notion_n that_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o man_n be_v from_o their_o own_o wilfulness_n and_o not_o from_o weakness_n they_o shall_v blame_v themselves_o and_o not_o god_n in_o their_o cendemnation_n that_o free_a grace_n and_o free_a will_n must_v stand_v together_o and_o indeed_o to_o deny_v the_o power_n and_o freedom_n of_o will_n be_v to_o deny_v all_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v no_o grace_n but_o a_o mock_n if_o there_o be_v no_o power_n possible_o to_o accept_v it_o and_o that_o those_o that_o be_v contrary_a mind_v in_o the_o more_o pure_a time_n be_v account_v heretic_n and_o blasphemer_n and_o how_o they_o will_v acquit_v themselves_o therefrom_o that_o now_o own_o and_o maintain_v the_o same_o it_o behoove_v themselves_o well_o to_o consider_v and_o indeed_o be_v there_o no_o power_n in_o man_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o lord_n which_o his_o common_a help_n afford_v they_o can_v then_o be_v capable_a of_o neither_o vice_n nor_o virtue_n but_o must_v be_v as_o the_o brute_n without_o sin_n and_o how_o honourable_a this_o be_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o weak_a capacity_n yet_o in_o this_o matter_n two_o thing_n have_v need_v prudent_o to_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o perfect_a and_o sinless_a obedience_n that_o be_v require_v or_o that_o man_n be_v impower_v to_o perform_v but_o universal_a and_o sincere_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o
to_o be_v hypocrite_n 2._o we_o may_v not_o understand_v john_n so_o as_o to_o contradict_v himself_o who_o plain_o state_v the_o danger_n and_o the_o way_n of_o safety_n and_o preservation_n 1_o joh._n 2._o 28._o &_o 2_o joh._n vers_fw-la 8._o in_o which_o he_o speak_v very_o much_o as_o christ_n do_v iâ—_n the_o same_o matter_n 3._o therefore_o we_o may_v understand_v john_n to_o intend_v either_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o when_o they_o go_v out_o from_o they_o if_o they_o have_v they_o will_v not_o doubt_v have_v continue_v with_o he_o he_o say_v not_o that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o they_o or_o 2._o if_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o of_o they_o but_o hypocrite_n which_o be_v not_o affirm_v he_o may_v speak_v in_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n as_o sometime_o peter_n do_v of_o ananias_n act._n 5._o 3_o 4._o which_o be_v no_o common_a rule_n for_o we_o but_o that_o person_n have_v and_o may_v fall_v from_o grace_n in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n be_v so_o apparent_a if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v past_o all_o just_a ground_n of_o doubt_n and_o may_v warn_v we_o not_o to_o be_v high_o mind_v but_o fear_n ro._n 11._o 20._o 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o 2_o pet._n 2._o â—8_o 20_o 21._o &_o 3._o 17._o 3._o yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o safety_n and_o certain_a preservation_n to_o the_o glory_n promise_v state_v in_o the_o scripture_n viz._n if_o we_o with_o purpose_n of_o heart_n cleave_v to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o faith_n love_n and_o life_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o way_n he_o will_v accept_v we_o assist_v and_o preserve_v we_o to_o the_o glory_n his_o grace_n and_o our_o duty_n unite_n will_v be_v our_o safety_n there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o preservation_n out_o of_o but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o gospel-faith_n and_o obedience_n christ_n some_o will_v say_v this_o be_v nonsense_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v keep_v and_o preserve_v yourselves_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v preserve_v continue_v yourselves_o in_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v keep_v min._n this_o reproach_n light_v on_o christ_n and_o scripture_n who_o will_v take_v it_o all_o away_o joh._n 15._o 7._o if_o you_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o my_o word_n abide_v in_o i_o and_o my_o word_n abide_v in_o you_o etc._n etc._n verse_n 5._o he_o that_o abide_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o the_o same_o bring_v forth_o much_o fruit_n verse_n 6._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 that_o wither_v and_o vers_fw-la 10._o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o abide_v in_o christ_n if_o you_o keep_v my_o commandment_n you_o shall_v abide_v in_o my_o love_n not_o else_o 1_o pet._n 4._o 19_o let_v they_o that_o suffer_v according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n commit_v the_o keep_n of_o their_o soul_n to_o he_o in_o a_o way_n of_o well_o do_v and_o in_o this_o way_n he_o will_v keep_v they_o judas_n vers_fw-la 21._o keep_v yourselves_o in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n so_o to_o do_v see_v joh._n 15._o 10._o &_o 14._o 21_o 23._o so_o that_o the_o scripture_n justifi_v this_o great_a and_o needful_a truth_n to_o be_v know_v and_o take_v away_o the_o reproach_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v let_v we_o look_v to_o our_o duty_n therein_o look_v for_o and_o believe_v divine_a acceptance_n and_o assistance_n therein_o and_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v we_o psal_n 125._o 1._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 5._o but_o keep_v we_o safe_a to_o the_o glory_n promise_v joh._n 10._o 27_o 28_o 29._o where_o christ_n state_v the_o certainty_n of_o our_o preservation_n in_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o follow_v of_o he_o such_o shall_v never_o perish_v it_o stand_v both_o with_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o god_n grace_n and_o our_o duty_n unite_v there_o be_v no_o promise_n of_o safety_n or_o salvation_n out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o gospel-duty_n rev._n 22._o 14._o bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_a unto_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o right_n by_o any_o gospel-law_n of_o grace_n and_o as_o faith_n and_o obedience_n constitute_v right_a by_o divine_a ordination_n so_o perseverance_n therein_o continue_v that_o right_a by_o the_o same_o law_n of_o grace_n without_o which_o can_v be_v no_o entrance_n mat._n 10._o 22._o luk._n 9_o 62._o and_o mercy_n it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v assure_v we_o of_o acceptance_n assistance_n and_o preservation_n in_o his_o son_n in_o this_o way_n of_o gospel-faith_n and_o obedience_n isa_n 64._o 5._o heb._n 5._o 9_o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o original_a defilement_n thereof_o christ_n in_o as_o much_o as_o there_o be_v differ_v notion_n about_o the_o defilement_n of_o our_o nature_n some_o affirm_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o be_v so_o defile_v by_o the_o first_o transgrassion_n as_o that_o simple_o from_o its_o original_a it_o be_v a_o sink_n of_o filth_n and_o abomination_n and_o lay_v liable_a to_o the_o second_o death_n other_o think_v nature_n in_o itself_o to_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a thing_n i_o desire_v your_o apprehension_n in_o this_o matter_n min._n that_o there_o be_v a_o defilement_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n i_o suppose_v be_v most_o evident_a and_o that_o both_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n 1._o from_o scripture_n job_n 14._o 4._o &_o 15._o 14._o psal_n 71._o 5._o 2._o from_o reason_n which_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o in_o as_o much_o as_o by_o the_o first_o transgression_n we_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o weakness_n mortality_n and_o death_n our_o nature_n must_v needs_o be_v weak_a and_o defile_v and_o so_o more_o liable_a to_o sin_n than_o before_o yet_o what_o the_o defilement_n be_v and_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v itself_o be_v that_o which_o i_o think_v none_o can_v true_o determine_v yet_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o whole_o free_a from_o original_a defilement_n from_o the_o ground_n mention_v nor_o that_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o all_o occasion_n of_o further_a defilement_n so_o bad_a as_o some_o do_v render_v it_o christ_n i_o desire_v you_o to_o give_v your_o apprehension_n herein_o with_o as_o much_o light_n and_o evidence_n as_o you_o can_v min._n 1._o i_o doubt_v whether_o any_o be_v capable_a to_o determine_v of_o adam_n nature_n before_o his_o fall_n and_o so_o of_o our_o nature_n in_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v so_o be_v we_o or_o else_o we_o can_v not_o have_v fall_v in_o he_o nor_o have_v suffer_v loss_n by_o his_o sin_n and_o fall_v though_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o he_o be_v create_v in_o a_o upright_a sinless_a estate_n and_o so_o we_o in_o he_o yet_o that_o his_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o defilement_n and_o sin_n be_v likewise_o apparent_a else_o he_o have_v not_o sin_v 2._o what_o act_v he_o do_v in_o resist_v the_o temptation_n before_o be_v sin_v or_o whether_o the_o first_o temptation_n be_v not_o too_o hard_o for_o he_o we_o find_v not_o in_o scripture_n record_n but_o most_o probable_o that_o he_o fall_v by_o the_o first_o temptation_n 3_o what_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o badness_n of_o his_o nature_n after_o his_o fall_n more_o than_o before_o or_o of_o the_o badness_n of_o his_o action_n i_o think_v we_o find_v nothing_o of_o either_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o we_o may_v not_o in_o charity_n suppose_v that_o he_o learn_v by_o his_o sin_n and_o fall_v to_o be_v more_o wise_a and_o â—eedful_a than_o he_o be_v before_o as_o david_n peter_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n have_v do_v and_o so_o do_v better_a after_o his_o fall_n then_o before_o 4._o if_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o its_o original_a defilement_n do_v become_v such_o a_o heap_n of_o filth_n and_o sin_n as_o some_o pretend_v then_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o christ_n have_v so_o much_o respect_n to_o little_a infant_n and_o direct_v we_o to_o become_v as_o such_o mat._n 18._o 3_o 4._o and_o that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n mat._n 19_o 4._o if_o the_o nature_n be_v thus_o defile_v what_o pattern_n do_v the_o lord_n direct_v we_o to_o in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o further_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v innocent_a jer._n 19_o 4_o 5._o they_o have_v fill_v the_o place_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o innocent_n and_o chap._n 2._o 34._o in_o thy_o skirt_n be_v find_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o poor_a innocent_n then_o they_o be_v not_o such_o a_o sink_n of_o filth_n and_o abomination_n as_o some_o pretend_v but_o such_o aâ—_n god_n account_v innocent_a yet_o 5._o doubtless_o there_o be_v something_o in_o this_o matter_n something_o of_o defilement_n