the_o confession_n of_o so_o many_o reform_a church_n from_o which_o that_o this_o one_o of_o the_o low-countries_n shall_v be_v separate_v it_o neither_o will_v seem_v safe_a nor_o pious_a unto_o those_o who_o have_v any_o grain_n of_o wisdom_n or_o spark_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o this_o our_o most_o gracious_a and_o mighty_a king_n of_o great_a britain_n defendor_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o most_o earnest_a maintainer_n of_o it_o out_o of_o his_o hearty_a wish_n that_o in_o these_o flourish_a province_n the_o faith_n may_v remain_v sincere_a and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o commonweal_n be_v entire_o preserve_v have_v especial_o aim_v at_o when_o he_o give_v in_o charge_n to_o we_o appoint_v to_o be_v send_v hither_o that_o we_o shall_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v by_o our_o moderate_a advice_n set_v forward_o the_o public_a peace_n of_o your_o church_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v exhort_v our_o reverend_a brethren_n assemble_v in_o this_o celebrious_a synod_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o synodical_a suffrage_n which_o may_v thwart_v the_o receive_a doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v establish_v in_o so_o many_o public_a confession_n of_o the_o church_n this_o receive_a doctrine_n have_v not_o long_o since_o seem_v distasteful_a to_o the_o palate_n of_o some_o ill-affected_a to_o innovation_n which_o doctrine_n though_o they_o have_v by_o all_o mean_n and_o help_v endeavour_v to_o disgrace_n and_o suppress_v yet_o nevertheless_o like_o a_o kind_n of_o heavenly_a fire_n it_o have_v send_v forth_o the_o clear_a ray_n by_o the_o very_a motion_n and_o agitation_n we_o true_o with_o from_o our_o heart_n unto_o our_o brethren_n call_v remonstrant_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n may_v be_v enlighten_v and_o that_o their_o mind_n may_v not_o be_v estrange_v from_o the_o study_n of_o peace_n as_o also_o unto_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o reverend_a brethren_n such_o charitable_a affection_n towards_o they_o that_o they_o may_v not_o cease_v to_o wish_v well_o unto_o the_o person_n of_o those_o man_n who_o error_n they_o oppugn_v and_o here_o we_o crave_v leave_v a_o little_a to_o turn_v our_o speech_n to_o the_o most_o illustrious_a and_o mighty_a state_n and_o to_o their_o most_o judicious_a delegate_n and_o final_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o sit_v at_o the_o stern_a of_o the_o commonweal_n in_o this_o country_n it_o be_v your_o part_n most_o noble_a lord_n no_o less_o to_o take_v care_n lest_o the_o orthodox_n religion_n than_o the_o commonweal_n commit_v to_o your_o trust_n shall_v receive_v any_o damage_n for_o magistrate_n serve_v god_n in_o this_o when_o for_o his_o service_n they_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o none_o can_v do_v but_o magistrate_n in_o this_o case_n therefore_o there_o needs_o not_o only_o your_o piety_n and_o good_a example_n but_o also_o your_o power_n and_o command_n let_v your_o power_n restrain_v that_o which_o here_o go_v by_o the_o name_n of_o liberty_n of_o prophesy_v upon_o presumption_n whereof_o some_o be_v wont_a first_o light_o to_o nibble_n at_o then_o open_o to_o impugn_v and_o at_o last_o to_o cry_v down_o the_o most_o establish_a ground_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o every_o one_o to_o impeach_v the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n approve_v by_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o who_o through_o the_o connivance_n of_o the_o magistrate_n have_v begin_v to_o innovate_v in_o the_o church_n will_v afterward_o against_o his_o prohibition_n as_o occasion_n may_v serve_v attempt_v the_o like_a in_o the_o commom-wealth_n but_o they_o little_o need_v our_o exhortation_n who_o to_o their_o great_a pain_n and_o cost_n have_v already_o take_v the_o best_a course_n that_o can_v be_v wish_v for_o the_o renovation_n and_o consummation_n of_o peace_n and_o truth_n in_o these_o church_n therefore_o we_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o doubt_v of_o their_o constancy_n of_o who_o singular_a prudence_n piety_n and_o care_n we_o have_v have_v experience_n and_o will_v pray_v unto_o god_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v proceed_v from_o they_o with_o a_o pious_a intention_n may_v be_v finish_v with_o happy_a success_n and_o now_o belove_a brethren_n and_o fellow_n minister_n we_o will_v also_o in_o a_o few_o word_n address_v ourselves_o to_o you_o from_o who_o wisdom_n it_o can_v be_v hide_v that_o among_o these_o principal_a controversy_n so_o much_o discuss_v there_o be_v sometime_o slight_a question_n intermingle_v which_o neither_o have_v the_o same_o certainty_n of_o belief_n nor_o be_v of_o any_o great_a moment_n to_o true_a piety_n but_o as_o for_o those_o which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o unless_o they_o be_v maintain_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o provision_n for_o man_n salvation_n be_v infirm_v and_o the_o free_a will_n of_o man_n set_v up_o in_o god_n throne_n for_o those_o you_o ought_v constant_o to_o stand_v as_o for_o the_o freehold_n of_o religion_n neither_o by_o any_o mean_n ought_v you_o to_o endure_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o salvation_n shall_v be_v revoke_v from_o the_o stability_n of_o god_n purpose_n to_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o man_n freewill_n but_o if_o among_o these_o any_o question_n come_v in_o which_o be_v not_o yet_o determine_v by_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v probable_o dispute_v by_o godly_a and_o learned_a man_n either_o way_n without_o any_o damage_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o become_v not_o grave_a and_o moderate_a divine_n to_o thrust_v upon_o other_o man_n conscience_n as_o determination_n of_o faith_n their_o own_o private_a opinion_n herein_o in_o such_o tenet_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n so_o long_o as_o you_o take_v heed_n that_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n do_v not_o either_o among_o the_o minister_n dissolve_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n or_o among_o the_o people_n sow_v the_o seed_n of_o faction_n moreover_o that_o we_o may_v give_v no_o further_o caution_n among_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v certain_a and_o sound_o ground_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n some_o there_o be_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v inculcate_v to_o every_o auditory_a without_o difference_n but_o only_o to_o be_v touch_v wary_o in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n among_o these_o be_v that_o high_a mystery_n of_o predestination_n a_o most_o sweet_a doctrine_n and_o full_a of_o comfort_n but_o to_o those_o only_a who_o be_v root_v in_o faith_n and_o exercise_v in_o piety_n to_o which_o kind_n of_o man_n in_o great_a conflict_n of_o conscience_n it_o may_v be_v instead_o of_o a_o strong_a tower_n of_o defence_n but_o when_o they_o who_o have_v not_o yet_o well_o learned_a the_o first_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o who_o mind_n be_v whole_o carry_v away_o by_o their_o carnal_a affection_n be_v by_o the_o indiscretion_n of_o some_o preacher_n call_v on_o to_o dive_v into_o this_o depth_n this_o come_v of_o it_o that_o while_o they_o brabble_n about_o the_o secret_a decree_n of_o predestination_n they_o neglect_v the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o while_o they_o dream_v of_o nothing_o else_o but_o predestination_n unto_o life_n they_o never_o care_v to_o set_v foot_n in_o that_o way_n in_o which_o they_o must_v walk_v who_o be_v predestinate_v unto_o life_n and_o concern_v the_o mystery_n of_o reprobation_n great_a care_n be_v to_o be_v have_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o handle_v spare_o and_o prudent_o but_o also_o in_o the_o explication_n thereof_o those_o fearful_a opinion_n and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o ground_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v careful_o avoid_v which_o tend_v rather_o unto_o desperation_n than_o edification_n and_o do_v bring_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n a_o grievous_a scandal_n last_o we_o be_v so_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o precious_a merit_n of_o christ_n death_n that_o we_o neither_o sleight_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n nor_o yet_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n nor_o which_o be_v the_o most_o principal_a point_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n weaken_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o be_v propound_v universal_o in_o the_o church_n these_o brief_a admonition_n be_v here_o give_v by_o we_o rather_o that_o we_o may_v testify_v our_o love_n towards_o our_o venerable_a brethren_n then_o that_o we_o think_v they_o need_v this_o our_o advice_n there_o remain_v nothing_o now_o but_o that_o we_o humble_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o state_n the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o minister_n the_o assistance_n of_o foreign_a divine_n and_o the_o endeavour_n of_o all_o may_v aim_v at_o this_o and_o obtain_v this_o end_n that_o the_o church_n of_o the_o low_a country_n all_o error_n be_v root_v out_o and_o dissension_n compose_v may_v enjoy_v the_o orthodox_n faith_n and_o a_o settle_a peace_n for_o ever_o
faithful_a on_o that_o side_n our_o pledge_n keep_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n on_o this_o side_n god_n earnest_a penny_n lay_v up_o in_o our_o heart_n a_o double_a pledge_n be_v give_v for_o the_o secure_v not_o both_o party_n but_o one_o only_a to_o wit_n we_o and_o this_o double_a pledge_n although_o it_o be_v possess_v on_o both_o side_n yet_o be_v sure_o keep_v by_o the_o fidelity_n of_o one_o part_n only_o to_o wit_n of_o god_n of_o the_o former_a saint_n paul_n treat_v in_o the_o 2_o tim._n 1.12_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a for_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v unto_o he_o against_o the_o last_o day_n that_o which_o i_o have_v commit_v there_o be_v the_o pledge_n of_o salvation_n able_a to_o keep_v there_o be_v a_o sure_a preserver_n i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v faith_n i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a there_o be_v confidence_n concern_v the_o latter_a pledge_n leave_v with_o we_o the_o apostle_n speak_v ephes._n 1.13_o 14._o you_o be_v seal_v with_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o promise_n which_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n and_o 2_o cor._n 1.22_o who_o have_v give_v the_o earnest_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o heart_n but_o if_o god_n have_v once_o give_v this_o earnest_n shall_v not_o also_o give_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o inheritance_n he_o shall_v undergo_v the_o loss_n of_o his_o earnest_n as_o chrysostome_n most_o elegant_o and_o fond_o argue_v in_o his_o three_o sermon_n upon_o the_o 2_o cor._n 1._o and_o likewise_o in_o his_o second_o sermon_n upon_o the_o ephes._n 1_o they_o that_o true_o partake_v of_o the_o spirit_n know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o our_o inheritance_n the_o second_o position_n this_o persuasion_n of_o faith_n can_v come_v into_o the_o act_n and_o vigour_n without_o the_o endeavour_n of_o holiness_n and_o use_v of_o the_o mean_n the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o god_n bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o perseverance_n and_o of_o our_o attain_n of_o life_n everlasting_a we_o attribute_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o the_o intercession_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o original_a cause_n but_o so_o as_o we_o withal_o refer_v it_o to_o sanctification_n as_o a_o unseparable_a companion_n and_o a_o most_o sure_a sign_n this_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o a_o solid_a faith_n 1_o john_n 2.3_o hereby_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n this_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o the_o proper_a passion_n of_o justification_n rom._n 8.1_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n but_o we_o measure_v this_o holiness_n not_o by_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o but_o by_o the_o endeavour_n and_o settle_a purpose_n of_o he_o that_o have_v it_o and_o withal_o we_o profess_v that_o this_o holiness_n and_o persuasion_n of_o faith_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v forward_v and_o confirm_v by_o watch_v fast_a prayer_n and_o mortify_v the_o flesh_n and_o other_o mean_n thereto_o appoint_v by_o god_n mat._n 14._o 38._o watch_n and_o pray_v lest_o you_o enter_v into_o temptation_n 1_o cor._n 9.17_o i_o beat_v down_o my_o body_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o subjection_n lest_o i_o myself_o shall_v be_v reprove_v notwithstanding_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n let_v we_o so_o reckon_v this_o our_o diligence_n and_o pious_a use_n of_o these_o mean_n in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o free_a will_n that_o withal_o we_o account_v that_o very_a diligence_n and_o endeavour_n among_o the_o help_n of_o assist_a grace_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v in_o we_o now_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v can_v put_v forth_o itself_o without_o these_o holy_a endeavour_n 1_o because_o sanctification_n the_o companion_n of_o justification_n can_v consist_v without_o the_o intent_n of_o obedience_n a_o habitual_a purpose_n whereof_o although_o interrupt_v by_o many_o slip_n be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o elect_a for_o the_o maintain_v the_o state_n of_o justification_n entire_a in_o itself_o but_o for_o the_o present_a comfort_n of_o this_o confidence_n be_v necessary_o require_v a_o actual_a purpose_n of_o such_o obedience_n neither_o can_v any_o man_n out_o of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n speak_v to_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o do_v now_o confident_o believe_v that_o i_o shall_v remain_v in_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n to_o the_o end_n unless_o he_o also_o add_v out_o of_o the_o sincere_a intent_n of_o his_o mind_n i_o do_v now_o most_o constant_o purpose_v with_o myself_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n holy_a commandment_n 2_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o this_o lively_a act_n of_o our_o confidence_n can_v stand_v with_o a_o actual_a and_o direct_a purpose_n of_o sin_v for_o as_o one_o habit_n be_v oppose_v to_o another_o habit_n so_o also_o a_o act_n be_v oppose_v to_o a_o act_n neither_o can_v we_o without_o a_o senseless_a contradiction_n imagine_v a_o man_n conclude_v after_o this_o manner_n i_o be_o confident_a that_o life_n everlasting_a can_v be_v take_v away_o from_o i_o and_o yet_o withal_o i_o resolve_v with_o myself_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o my_o allure_a affection_n our_o saviour_n show_v that_o these_o contrary_a resolution_n can_v stand_v together_o mat._n 6.24_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n the_o three_o position_n this_o persuasion_n have_v not_o that_o degree_n of_o certitude_n that_o can_v always_o shut_v out_o all_o fear_n of_o the_o contrary_a but_o be_v sometime_o lively_a sometime_o languish_v sometime_o as_o in_o great_a temptation_n none_o at_o all_o in_o spiritual_a gift_n with_o which_o we_o be_v furnish_v in_o this_o life_n sincerity_n be_v require_v perfection_n of_o degree_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v even_o that_o gift_n which_o be_v the_o hand_n by_o which_o we_o lay_v hold_v on_o all_o the_o rest_n have_v its_o disease_n and_o weakness_n so_o that_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o faithful_a concern_v their_o own_o salvation_n and_o perseverance_n can_v always_o enjoy_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o certitude_n 1_o the_o first_o infirmity_n arise_v out_o of_o the_o ground_n itself_o whereupon_o this_o personal_a confidence_n be_v build_v which_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o low_a degree_n than_o the_o certitude_n of_o dogmatic_a faith_n for_o the_o article_n of_o the_o catholic_a faith_n do_v work_n upon_o our_o assent_n as_o immediate_a and_o original_a principle_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o special_a faith_n be_v not_o enforce_v thence_o as_o a_o necessary_a consequent_a but_o be_v add_v thereto_o by_o way_n of_o assumption_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a certainty_n of_o that_o conclusion_n which_o frame_v this_o persuasion_n than_o such_o as_o be_v in_o the_o weak_a of_o the_o premise_n but_o that_o assumption_n be_v ground_v upon_o experimental_a argument_n weigh_v and_o apply_v by_o a_o man_n private_a conscience_n which_o argument_n or_o mark_n since_o they_o be_v sometime_o question_v whether_o or_o no_o they_o be_v true_a and_o conclude_a evidence_n nay_o often_o time_n be_v hide_v under_o the_o cloud_n of_o temptation_n so_o that_o they_o the_o while_n can_v shine_v forth_o to_o our_o present_a comfort_n what_o wonder_n if_o so_o bethe_v faithful_a have_v not_o always_o at_o hand_n a_o lively_a and_o firm_a persuasion_n concern_v their_o eternal_a salvation_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o the_o catholic_a faith_n howsoever_o they_o be_v by_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n clear_a in_o themselves_o yet_o for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o certainty_n not_o of_o evidence_n but_o only_o of_o adhesion_n they_o do_v not_o procure_v in_o we_o a_o assent_n of_o such_o uniform_a stability_n as_o be_v yield_v unto_o mathematical_a demonstration_n and_o inbred_a notion_n admit_v by_o all_o man_n but_o in_o our_o contemplate_v these_o reveal_v principle_n our_o of_o the_o remainder_n of_o our_o carnal_a diffidence_n sometime_o there_o arise_v as_o we_o may_v so_o say_v certain_a vapour_n or_o mist_n through_o which_o the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n in_o itself_o immutable_a to_o our_o weak_a eye_n seem_v to_o tremble_v and_o suffer_v a_o kind_n of_o refraction_n how_o much_o more_o frequent_a and_o more_o last_a be_v that_o mistake_n which_o may_v betide_v any_o of_o the_o faithful_a in_o the_o view_v his_o own_o personal_a confidence_n their_o eye_n true_o will_v always_o waver_v except_o both_o this_o common_a revelation_n of_o the_o catholic_a faith_n and_o also_o that_o personal_a application_n make_v by_o the_o conscience_n be_v confirm_v and_o seal_v unto_o our_o heart_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n
bearing_z witness_n to_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o this_o very_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n although_o the_o seed_n thereof_o be_v never_o utter_o extinguish_v yet_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o fruit_n and_o sense_n thereof_o sometime_o it_o either_o withdraw_v itself_o so_o that_o our_o own_o infirmity_n may_v be_v evident_a to_o we_o or_o else_o for_o a_o time_n it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v rake_v up_o under_o the_o ash_n by_o our_o rebellion_n and_o ingratitude_n 2_o therefore_o that_o other_o weakness_n do_v arise_v from_o temptation_n by_o which_o this_o persuasion_n be_v assault_v and_o those_o be_v partly_o affliction_n which_o seem_v to_o menace_v we_o with_o the_o evil_a of_o punishment_n and_o partly_o our_o own_o perverse_a concupiscence_n which_o do_v brand_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o guilt_n thereof_o and_o partly_o the_o snare_n and_o assault_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o which_o he_o do_v set_v upon_o we_o in_o both_o those_o kind_n but_o the_o main_a skirmish_n consist_v in_o the_o mutual_a wrestle_a and_o struggle_v of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n while_o this_o wrestle_a last_n our_o faith_n be_v weak_a but_o if_o so_o be_v the_o spirit_n overcome_v the_o flesh_n than_o our_o spirit_n cheer_v up_o and_o triumph_v in_o this_o manner_n who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n but_o if_o which_o often_o fall_v out_o the_o spirit_n thus_o weary_v and_o weaken_a receive_v the_o foil_n for_o a_o time_n be_v either_o overbear_v with_o the_o load_n of_o affliction_n or_o taint_v with_o the_o spot_n of_o heinous_a sin_n than_o there_o remain_v no_o such_o actual_a persuasion_n a_o stop_n be_v make_v of_o all_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o the_o light_n of_o god_n countenance_n be_v hide_v from_o we_o hence_o those_o mournful_a complaint_n of_o holy_a man_n job_n 6.4_o the_o arrow_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v within_o i_o the_o poison_n whereof_o drink_v up_o my_o spirit_n the_o terror_n of_o god_n set_v themselves_o in_o array_n against_o i_o lament_n 3.42_o we_o have_v transgress_v and_o rebel_v thou_o have_v not_o pardon_v thou_o have_v cover_v thyself_o with_o a_o cloud_n that_o our_o prayer_n shall_v not_o pass_v through_o but_o if_o the_o wave_n of_o temptation_n arise_v yet_o high_o and_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n do_v wound_v the_o conscience_n already_o press_v down_o with_o its_o own_o burden_n than_o not_o only_o this_o sweet_a persuasion_n be_v banish_v but_o also_o a_o persuasion_n utter_o contrary_a come_v in_o stead_n thereof_o by_o force_n whereof_o holy_a man_n thus_o affright_v do_v apprehend_v god_n as_o a_o angry_a judge_n and_o seem_v to_o themselves_o to_o be_v now_o fall_v headlong_o into_o the_o open_a gate_n of_o hell_n this_o case_n be_v set_v down_o in_o those_o almost_o despair_a speech_n of_o job_n 3.2_o let_v the_o day_n perish_v wherein_o i_o be_v bear_v and_o that_o of_o david_n i_o say_v in_o my_o haste_n 31.22_o i_o be_o cut_v off_o from_o before_o thy_o eye_n the_o four_o position_n when_o a_o faithful_a man_n after_o much_o struggle_n have_v get_v the_o upper_a hand_n of_o these_o temptation_n that_o act_n by_o which_o he_o do_v apprehend_v the_o fatherly_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o and_o eternal_a life_n to_o be_v confer_v without_o fail_n upon_o he_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o float_a opinion_n or_o of_o conjectural_a hope_n such_o as_o may_v be_v build_v on_o a_o false_a ground_n but_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n stir_v up_o and_o seal_v in_o his_o heart_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n as_o it_o fare_v in_o nature_n so_o in_o grace_n after_o the_o cloud_n be_v remove_v the_o day_n be_v the_o clear_a and_o certain_a disease_n after_o they_o be_v overcome_v prove_v occasion_n of_o future_a health_n a_o faithful_a man_n escape_v out_o of_o the_o wave_n of_o great_a tentation_n do_v not_o only_o receive_v the_o confidence_n which_o be_v almost_o extinguish_v but_o gain_v a_o great_a measure_n thereof_o for_o he_o be_v make_v strong_a by_o the_o conflict_n and_o more_o cheerful_a by_o the_o conquest_n nay_o if_o in_o this_o wrestle_v some_o of_o his_o bone_n be_v break_v after_o they_o be_v set_v again_o they_o will_v knit_v the_o strong_a psal._n 51.10_o the_o bone_n which_o thou_o have_v break_v shall_v rejoice_v 1_o because_o the_o life_n and_o state_n of_o a_o regenerate_a man_n be_v spiritual_a he_o may_v be_v say_v while_o he_o be_v transport_v by_o the_o force_n of_o sin_n or_o tentation_n to_o be_v withhold_v from_o his_o natural_a place_n the_o spirit_n therefore_o do_v easy_o return_v back_o again_o to_o his_o own_o bent_n and_o again_o acknowledge_v his_o former_a confidence_n in_o the_o fatherly_a mercy_n of_o god_n this_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o the_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n who_o have_v express_v their_o own_o vehement_a conflict_n still_o end_v in_o the_o lively_a voice_n of_o faith_n 2.5_o so_o jonas_n be_v in_o the_o belly_n of_o the_o whale_n say_v i_o be_o cast_v out_o of_o thy_o sight_n yet_o i_o will_v look_v again_o towards_o thy_o holy_a temple_n 7.24_o and_o saint_n paul_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n i_o thank_v god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n in_o they_o both_o their_o conquest_n follow_v their_o conflict_n break_v forth_o into_o a_o vigorous_a act_n of_o faith_n 2_o because_o the_o pant_a soul_n thirst_v for_o god_n fatherly_a reconciliation_n do_v run_v more_o greedy_o to_o the_o fountain_n of_o live_a water_n and_o relish_v more_o sweet_o that_o whereof_o it_o perceive_v itself_o for_o a_o time_n debar_v namely_o the_o fruition_n of_o god_n appease_v thence_o it_o acknowledge_v in_o itself_o the_o seed_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o force_n whereof_o it_o arise_v again_o to_o repair_v the_o very_a breach_n make_v upon_o faith_n who_o root_n indeed_o spread_v the_o further_a by_o this_o loosen_a and_o send_v forth_o new_a tendrell_n from_o which_o sprout_n our_o new_a shoot_n of_o great_a certainty_n by_o this_o conflict_n and_o affliction_n the_o faithful_a christian_a learn_v patience_n by_o which_o he_o mortify_v himself_o 5._o by_o patience_n probation_n by_o which_o he_o search_v himself_o from_o probation_n he_o mount_v up_o to_o a_o hope_n of_o overcome_a likewise_o future_a tentation_n 1.10_o who_o deliver_v we_o from_o so_o great_a a_o death_n and_o will_v deliver_v we_o in_o who_o we_o trust_v that_o he_o will_v yet_o deliver_v we_o and_o of_o persevere_v and_o consequent_o attain_v eternal_a life_n 1_o cor._n 1.18_o who_o shall_v confirm_v you_o unto_o the_o end_n that_o you_o may_v be_v blameless_a in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n and_o this_o same_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o same_o apostle_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o fleet_a opinion_n or_o uncertain_a conjecture_n but_o a_o hope_n which_o as_o it_o spring_v from_o faith_n so_o it_o have_v the_o same_o certainty_n with_o faith_n and_o therefore_o be_v solid_a and_o undeceivable_a we_o have_v in_o david_n a_o example_n of_o this_o renew_v and_o confirm_v confidence_n after_o that_o his_o spot_n of_o that_o great_a sin_n be_v wash_v away_o psal._n 51._o after_o that_o the_o assault_n of_o that_o dangerous_a temptation_n be_v abate_v psal._n 73._o in_o both_o these_o case_n there_o be_v to_o be_v see_v clear_o shine_v forth_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n spiritual_a joy_n and_o the_o seal_n of_o adoption_n take_v not_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n from_o i_o thou_o have_v hold_v i_o by_o the_o right_a hand_n thence_o proceed_v that_o confident_a conclusion_n it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o to_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n erroneous_a opinion_n reject_v by_o we_o the_o first_o that_o the_o perseverance_n of_o those_o who_o be_v true_o faithful_a be_v not_o a_o effect_n of_o election_n but_o a_o benefit_n offer_v equal_o to_o all_o upon_o this_o condition_n namely_o if_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v want_v unto_o sufficient_a grace_n we_o have_v confute_v the_o first_o part_n hereof_o at_o the_o first_o article_n in_o our_o three_o position_n and_o in_o the_o three_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o also_o in_o this_o five_o article_n in_o the_o eight_o position_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o perseverance_n in_o itself_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o opinion_n contain_v many_o incongruity_n 1_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o perseverance_n be_v a_o gift_n only_o offer_v and_o not_o give_v also_o for_o the_o scripture_n witness_v that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o offer_v unto_o his_o the_o grace_n of_o perseverance_n but_o also_o that_o he_o give_v it_o they_o and_o put_v it_o into_o their_o heart_n jer._n 32.40_o i_o
alone_o the_o elect_n of_o god_n do_v god_n justify_v paul_n only_o or_o do_v christ_n make_v intercession_n for_o paul_n alone_o since_o therefore_o out_o of_o these_o premise_n common_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o the_o elect_n saint_n paul_n in_o that_o place_n infer_v that_o confident_a conclusion_n who_o shall_v separate_v we_o and_o i_o be_o persuade_v etc._n etc._n certain_a it_o be_v that_o other_o believer_n also_o who_o have_v interest_n to_o the_o same_o mean_n of_o salvation_n may_v hence_o deduce_v and_o apply_v unto_o themselves_o this_o full_a persuasion_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o perseverance_n the_o same_o conclusion_n every_o faithful_a soul_n be_v able_a to_o make_v out_o of_o other_o ordinary_a premise_n 1_o from_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 10.13_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o will_v not_o suffer_v etc._n etc._n 2_o from_o experience_n of_o his_o former_a good_a will_n phil._n 1.6_o be_v confident_a of_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o he_o which_o have_v begin_v a_o good_a work_n in_o you_o will_v also_o perfect_v it_o etc._n etc._n 3_o from_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n perform_v in_o faith_n 2_o pet._n 1.10_o if_o you_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o shall_v never_o fall_v and_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v it_o be_v evident_a out_o of_o the_o 5._o and_o 6._o verse_n 4_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o conscience_n 1_o john_n 3.21_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n 5_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o former_a lead_v life_n 2_o tim._n 4.7_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n hence_o forth_o be_v there_o a_o crown_n lay_v up_o for_o i_o 6_o last_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v seal_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o we_o rom._n 8.16_o the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_v with_o our_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n these_o and_o other_o evidence_n of_o the_o like_a kind_n be_v obvious_a to_o every_o faithful_a soul_n and_o therefore_o likewise_o the_o conclusion_n but_o if_o this_o certainty_n shall_v issue_v only_o from_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n saint_n peter_n shall_v in_o vain_a exhort_v all_o the_o faithful_a thus_o 2_o pet._n 1.10_o give_v diligence_n to_o make_v your_o call_n and_o election_n sure_a the_o five_o that_o as_o often_o as_o any_o grievous_a carnal_a sin_n be_v commit_v so_o often_o be_v the_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o adoption_n lose_v against_o this_o opinion_n these_o argument_n beside_o other_o be_v of_o force_n 1_o man_n can_v by_o any_o sin_n make_v void_a any_o act_n of_o go_n but_o justification_n and_o adoption_n be_v god_n act_n and_o those_o flow_n from_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n ergo._fw-la when_o therefore_o it_o be_v question_v whether_o or_o no_o there_o may_v be_v a_o intercision_n of_o justify_v grace_n cause_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o question_n be_v not_o only_o whether_o a_o man_n can_v lose_v any_o quality_n by_o sin_n but_o we_o must_v fetch_v this_o question_n much_o further_o to_o wit_n whether_o man_n sin_n be_v of_o force_n to_o make_v void_a god_n act_n or_o to_o alter_v that_o doom_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o in_o himself_o have_v already_o pronounce_v we_o just_a and_o adopt_v we_o into_o the_o right_n and_o title_n of_o son_n in_o vain_a in_o this_o case_n some_o oppose_v against_o we_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o subject_n or_o fail_v on_o man_n part_n whereas_o god_n do_v continual_o repair_v the_o subject_n which_o of_o itself_o without_o doubt_n will_v fail_v by_o give_v the_o faithful_a perseverance_n that_o they_o may_v not_o fail_v for_o to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o faith_n he_o may_v keep_v we_o he_o keep_v also_o that_o very_a faith_n in_o we_o gratioe_n as_o elegant_o that_o reverend_a late_a bishop_n of_o salisbury_n 2_o so_o far_o it_o be_v that_o every_o grievous_a sin_n of_o the_o flesh_n shall_v altogether_o divest_v a_o faithful_a soul_n of_o the_o state_n of_o justification_n and_o adoption_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v hold_v especial_o by_o practical_a divine_n that_o god_n do_v permit_v those_o sin_n very_o often_o in_o justify_v and_o adopt_v person_n that_o both_o their_o justification_n and_o adoption_n may_v be_v afterward_o the_o more_o confirm_v unto_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n psal._n 119.71_o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o thou_o have_v humble_v i_o that_o i_o may_v learn_v thy_o statute_n this_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o fall_v not_o only_o of_o david_n but_o also_o of_o hezekias_n and_o peter_n whereby_o occasional_o the_o endeavour_n of_o holiness_n the_o acknowledgement_n of_o their_o own_o infirmity_n and_o a_o more_o vehement_a suit_n unto_o god_n for_o the_o gift_n of_o perseverance_n be_v increase_v in_o they_o we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o neither_o justification_n be_v break_v off_o nor_o yet_o adoption_n lose_v by_o the_o fall_v of_o the_o saint_n but_o that_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o rise_v again_o they_o do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o wary_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a the_o six_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o perseverance_n and_o salvation_n be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n both_o hurtful_a unto_o true_a piety_n and_o pernicious_a every_o way_n to_o religion_n both_o god_n truth_n and_o man_n experience_n easy_o wipe_v off_o this_o aspersion_n for_o this_o christian_a persuasion_n of_o perseverance_n and_o salvation_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o also_o according_a to_o the_o very_a event_n in_o the_o church_n do_v by_o god_n blessing_n produce_v a_o quite_o contrary_a effect_n 1_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o end_n do_v not_o take_v away_o but_o establish_v the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o same_o holy_a man_n who_o upon_o sure_a ground_n promise_v unto_o themselves_o both_o constancy_n in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o pilgrimage_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n in_o their_o everlasting_a home_n know_v also_o that_o these_o be_v not_o obtain_v without_o performance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n and_o the_o avoidance_n of_o contrary_a vice_n and_o therefore_o they_o turn_v not_o their_o back_n from_o these_o mean_n but_o industrious_o embrace_v and_o prosecute_v they_o 1_o john_n 3.3_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o himself_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a isaiah_n 38.5_o when_o hezekiah_n have_v receive_v that_o promise_n of_o god_n of_o a_o addition_n of_o fifteen_o year_n to_o his_o life_n he_o do_v not_o therefore_o neglect_v the_o use_n of_o medicine_n or_o meat_n but_o that_o this_o promise_a event_n may_v be_v bring_v into_o act_n he_o apply_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o his_o body_n the_o plaster_n which_o be_v prescribe_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o prophet_n the_o apostle_n do_v altogether_o reject_v this_o consequence_n of_o carnal_a security_n impute_v to_o this_o doctrine_n and_o that_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o indignation_n rom._n 6.1_o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n forbid_v how_o shall_v we_o which_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n live_v any_o long_a therein_o as_o if_o saint_n paul_n will_v intimate_v unto_o we_o not_o only_o the_o incongruity_n but_o also_o impossibility_n of_o such_o a_o sequel_n 2_o as_o touch_v the_o event_n true_a it_o be_v that_o any_o the_o most_o wholesome_a truth_n of_o god_n may_v be_v pervert_v by_o the_o abuse_n of_o man_n but_o upon_o this_o doctrine_n we_o can_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o grow_v any_o such_o inconvenience_n no_o not_o the_o facto_fw-la that_o be_v in_o the_o event_n itself_o let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n in_o which_o this_o confidence_n of_o perseverance_n and_o inviolable_a adoption_n be_v believe_v and_o maintain_v do_v we_o find_v that_o thereupon_o the_o bridle_n be_v let_v loose_a unto_o riot_n that_o piety_n be_v trample_v down_o we_o give_v thanks_n unto_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o among_o we_o who_o enjoy_v this_o full_a persuasion_n of_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o be_v confident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o inheritance_n which_o can_v be_v lose_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o in_o heaven_n there_o be_v not_o find_v less_o care_n of_o godliness_n nor_o less_o endeavour_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o man_n infirmity_n will_v suffer_v to_o live_v a_o unblameable_a life_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o any_o sort_n of_o those_o who_o pin_n their_o perseverance_n on_o their_o own_o free_a will_n and_o will_v not_o grant_v it_o to_o flow_v from_o any_o forego_n election_n of_o god._n thus_o have_v we_o set_v down_o our_o joint_a suffrage_n concern_v these_o five_o controvert_v article_n which_o our_o judgement_n we_o believe_v to_o be_v agreeato_fw-mi the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o suitable_a to_o