on_o direct_v and_o send_v the_o poor_a sinsick_a wound_a sinner_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o his_o wound_n and_o plague-sore_n to_o be_v heal_v press_v he_o to_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n out_o of_o who_o no_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v find_v hereto_o i_o add_v the_o peremptory_a command_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o the_o poor_a despair_a soul_n believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 1_o jo._n 2.23_o mark_v 16.16_o by_o these_o method_n and_o way_n of_o god_n own_o appointment_n god_n be_v please_v to_o work_v save_v conversion_n and_o effectual_a faith_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o elect_a sinner_n to_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v out_o of_o god_n own_o word_n to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o particular_a election_n before_o time_n i_o here_o set_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o orthodox_n protestant_n church_n concern_v the_o same_o not_o that_o i_o think_v the_o word_n of_o god_n stand_v in_o any_o need_n of_o humane_a testimony_n to_o help_v it_o out_o but_o rather_o to_o show_v forth_o the_o sweet_a harmony_n which_o be_v between_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n in_o their_o holy_a and_o orthodox_n confession_n of_o their_o faith_n concern_v the_o present_a so_o much_o controvert_v and_o impugn_a doctrine_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n before_o time_n as_o also_o to_o shame_v those_o nominal_a protestant_n both_o non._n and_o conformist_n who_o have_v so_o apparent_o turn_v the_o back_n upon_o their_o own_o article_n of_o faith_n whereby_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o party_n have_v not_o a_o little_a strengthen_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o jesuit_n hope_v of_o bring_v england_n neck_n once_o more_o under_o the_o papal_a yoke_n from_o which_o i_o hearty_o wish_v and_o sincere_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v ever_o keep_v we_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n predestination_n to_o life_n be_v the_o everlasting_a purpose_n of_o god_n whereby_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v he_o have_v constant_o decree_v by_o his_o counsel_n secret_a to_o we_o to_o deliver_v from_o curse_n and_o damnation_n those_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v in_o christ_n out_o of_o mankind_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o by_o christ_n to_o everlasting_a salvation_n as_o vessel_n make_v to_o honour_n wherefore_o they_o which_o be_v endue_v with_o so_o excellent_a a_o benefit_n of_o god_n be_v call_v according_a to_o god_n purpose_n by_o his_o spirit_n work_v in_o due_a season_n they_o through_o grace_n obey_v the_o call_v they_o be_v justify_v free_o they_o be_v make_v son_n of_o god_n by_o adoption_n they_o be_v make_v like_o the_o image_n of_o his_o only_o beget_v son_n jesus_n christ_n they_o walk_v religious_o in_o good_a work_n and_o at_o length_n by_o god_n mercy_n they_o attain_v to_o everlasting_a felicity_n see_v 39_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n article_n 17_o of_o predestination_n and_o election_n second_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n by_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n some_o man_n and_o angel_n be_v predestinate_v to_o everlasting_a life_n and_o other_o to_o everlasting_a death_n 1_o tim._n 5.21_o mat._n 25.41_o rom._n 9.22_o these_o angel_n and_o man_n thus_o predestinate_v and_o fore_o ordain_v be_v particular_o and_o unchangeable_o design_v and_o their_o number_n be_v so_o certain_a and_o definite_a that_o it_o can_v be_v either_o increase_v or_o diminsh_v those_o of_o mankind_n that_o be_v predestinate_v unto_o life_n god_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v according_a to_o his_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a purpose_n and_o the_o secret_a counsel_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n have_v choose_v in_o christ_n unto_o everlasting_a glory_n out_o of_o his_o mere_a free_a grace_n and_o love_n without_o any_o foresight_n of_o faith_n or_o good_a work_n or_o perseverance_n in_o either_o of_o they_o or_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o creature_n as_o condition_n or_o cause_n move_v he_o thereunto_o and_o all_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o elect_a unto_o glory_n so_o have_v he_o by_o the_o eternal_a and_o most_o free_a purpose_n of_o his_o will_n foreordain_v all_o the_o mean_n thereunto_o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o ephes_n 1.4_o 5._o ephes_n 2.10_o 2_o thes_n 2.13_o wherefore_o they_o who_o be_v elect_v be_v fall_v in_o adam_n be_v redeem_a by_o christ_n be_v effectual_o call_v unto_o faith_n in_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n work_v in_o due_a season_n be_v justify_v adopt_a sanctify_a and_o keep_v by_o his_o power_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n 1_o thes_n 5.9_o 10._o tit._n 2.14_o rom._n 8.10_o ephes_n 1.5_o 1_o pet._n 1.5_o neither_o be_v any_o other_o redeem_a by_o christ_n effectual_o call_v justify_v adopt_a sanctify_a and_o save_v but_o the_o elect_a only_o jo._n 17.9_o rom._n 8.28_o jo._n 10.26_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n god_n be_v please_v according_a to_o the_o unsearchable_a counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n whereby_o he_o extend_v or_o withhold_v mercy_n as_o he_o please_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n over_o his_o creature_n to_o pass_v by_o and_o to_o ordain_v they_o to_o dishonour_v and_o wrath_n for_o their_o sin_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glorious_a justice_n mat._n 11.25_o 26._o rom._n 2.12_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o 1_o pet._n 2.8_o see_v the_o assembly_n confession_n of_o faith_n chap._n 3._o of_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n to_o this_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n have_v full_o agree_v with_o this_o also_o agree_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n of_o ireland_n in_o bishop_n vsher_n time_n see_v those_o article_n and_o vsher_n body_n of_o divinity_n quest_n what_o be_v the_o part_n of_o predestination_n answ_n election_n and_o reprobation_n 1_o thes_n 5.9_o rom._n 9.13_o 22_o 23._o quest_n what_o be_v election_n answ_n it_o be_v the_o everlasting_a predestination_n or_o fore-appointing_a of_o certain_a angel_n and_o man_n unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o blessedness_n for_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o goodness_n 1_o tim._n 5.21_o jo._n 15.16_o rom._n 9.22_o 23._o ephes_n 1.4_o 5_o 6_o 9_o quest_n what_o be_v reprobation_n answ_n it_o be_v the_o eternal_a predestination_n or_o fore-appointment_n of_o certain_a angel_n and_o man_n unto_o everlasting_a dishonour_n and_o destruction_n god_n of_o his_o own_o freewill_n determine_v to_o pass_v they_o by_o refuse_v or_o cast_v they_o off_o and_o for_o sin_n to_o condemn_v and_o punish_v they_o with_o eternal_a death_n prov._n 16.4_o exod._n 9.16_o rom._n 9.17_o 22._o 2_o tim._n 2.20_o mat._n 25.41_o see_v vsher_n body_n of_o divinity_n pag._n 91_o 92._o the_o church_n of_o france_n in_o the_o 12_o article_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o her_o faith_n have_v these_o word_n viz._n we_o believe_v that_o god_n out_o of_o that_o corruption_n and_o general_a curse_n into_o which_o all_o man_n be_v plunge_v do_v free_a those_o who_o in_o his_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a counsel_n he_o elect_v of_o his_o mere_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n without_o the_o consideration_n of_o work_n leave_v the_o rest_n in_o the_o same_o corruption_n and_o damnation_n to_o show_v forth_o in_o these_o his_o justice_n and_o in_o they_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n for_o none_o of_o they_o be_v better_o than_o other_o because_o god_n have_v separate_v they_o etc._n etc._n the_o synod_n of_o dort_n in_o the_o seven_o canon_n do_v lay_v down_o this_o plain_a and_o clear_a definition_n of_o election_n thus_o viz._n election_n be_v the_o unchangeable_a purpose_n of_o god_n by_o which_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o free_a good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n of_o his_o mere_a grace_n he_o have_v choose_v out_o of_o all_o mankind_n to_o salvation_n in_o christ_n a_o certain_a and_o set_v number_n of_o man_n neither_o better_a nor_o more_o worthy_a than_o other_o but_o lie_v in_o the_o common_a misery_n with_o other_o and_o fall_v from_o original_a righteousness_n into_o sin_n and_o destruction_n by_o their_o own_o fault_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 15_o canon_n of_o reprobation_n they_o say_v thus_o viz._n the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v manifest_a and_o commend_v unto_o we_o this_o eternal_a and_o free_a grace_n especial_o when_o it_o do_v far_a witness_n that_o not_o all_o man_n be_v elect_v but_o that_o some_o be_v not_o elect_v or_o be_v pass_v by_o in_o the_o eternal_a election_n of_o god_n viz._n those_o who_o god_n according_a to_o his_o free_a just_a unreprovable_a and_o immutable_a good_a pleasure_n decree_v to_o leave_v in_o the_o common_a misery_n into_o which_o they_o have_v cast_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o not_o to_o
the_o obtain_n from_o god_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n so_o much_o boast_v of_o he_o will_v plain_o see_v how_o egregious_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o for_o neither_o do_v god_n intend_v the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n for_o salvation_n to_o any_o of_o adam_n child_n save_o those_o who_o he_o elect_v and_o from_o eternity_n choose_v in_o christ_n neither_o do_v god_n make_v such_o a_o universal_a tender_a of_o it_o to_o all_o man_n as_o the_o quaker_n rash_o and_o bold_o affirm_v he_o do_v this_o lie_v on_o i_o to_o demonstrate_v and_o make_v good_a against_o these_o boast_a universalist_n the_o which_o that_o i_o may_v do_v to_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o judicious_a and_o unprejudiced_a reader_n i_o shall_v propound_v my_o argument_n dilemma-wise_a thus_o the_o term_n all_o any_o and_o every_o on_o which_o they_o ground_n their_o unscriptural_a assertion_n they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v either_o in_o a_o universal_a sense_n intend_v every_o individual_a of_o mankind_n or_o else_o they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o limit_a and_o restrain_v sense_n as_o intend_v some_o of_o all_o sort_n rank_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n indifferent_o if_o by_o the_o universal_a term_n above_o name_v some_o of_o all_o sort_n rank_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n indifferent_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v than_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o adversary_n be_v manifest_o false_a and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n of_o particular_a election_n be_v true_a if_o by_o those_o universal_a term_n all_o man_n and_o woman_n without_o exception_n be_v intend_v as_o the_o adversary_n will_v have_v it_o then_o must_v i_o be_v allow_v to_o demand_v of_o they_o how_o any_o of_o adam_n child_n come_v to_o be_v damn_v for_o see_v that_o god_n will_v that_o christ_n shall_v redeem_v all_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n who_o fall_v by_o his_o transgression_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o any_o create_a power_n can_v effect_v the_o hinder_v god_n of_o bring_v about_o his_o own_o purpose_n or_o frustrate_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n in_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o undoubted_o if_o god_n shall_v absolute_o will_v and_o purpose_n the_o salvation_n of_o every_o individual_a son_n and_o daughter_n of_o adam_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v question_v but_o that_o he_o be_v the_o elshaddai_n the_o mighty_a god_n every_o way_n perfect_a and_o all_o sufficient_a will_v find_v out_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o effect_n and_o bring_v about_o his_o own_o purpose_n see_v that_o he_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o most_o holy_a will_n as_o paul_n witness_v ephes_n 1.11_o it_o be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o first_o creation_n 〈◊〉_d clothes_n his_o word_n with_o a_o create_a power_n so_o that_o whenever_o and_o wherever_o he_o send_v forth_o that_o create_a voice_n of_o his_o mighty_a spirit_n neither_o devil_n nor_o self_n nor_o any_o other_o enemy_n or_o impediment_n whether_o internal_a or_o external_a shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o stop_n to_o his_o intend_a work_n as_o the_o lord_n himself_o tell_v his_o church_n by_o the_o prophet_n esa_n 43.13_o yea_o before_o the_o day_n be_v i_o be_o he_o and_o there_o be_v none_o that_o can_v deliver_v out_o of_o my_o hand_n i_o will_v work_v and_o who_o shall_v let_v it_o who_o god_n in_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n will_v damn_v and_o sentence_n to_o the_o flame_n of_o his_o deserve_a wrath_n for_o sin_n who_o can_v rescue_v and_o save_v they_o who_o god_n in_o sovereign_a mercy_n and_o grace_n purpose_v to_o save_v and_o deliver_v who_o can_v hinder_v or_o prevent_v he_o jo._n 10.27_o my_o sheep_n say_v the_o lord_n jesus_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o i_o know_v they_o and_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o i_o give_v unto_o they_o eternal_a life_n and_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v neither_o shall_v any_o man_n pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o hand_n my_o father_n which_o give_v they_o i_o be_v strong_a than_o all_o and_o no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o pluck_v they_o out_o of_o my_o father_n hand_n i_o and_o my_o father_n be_v one_o here_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o from_o the_o invincible_a power_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n the_o cortainty_n of_o the_o life_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v infer_v and_o prove_v that_o many_o of_o adam_n child_n be_v already_o in_o hell_n and_o that_o many_o more_o will_v be_v lodge_v there_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v and_o the_o quaker_n can_v deny_v how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v see_v god_n if_o we_o must_v believe_v the_o quaker_n design_v a_o general_a redemption_n for_o all_o mankind_n and_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o ransom_n they_o from_o the_o curse_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n due_a for_o their_o sin_n to_o say_v that_o god_n will_v their_o salvation_n but_o that_o their_o own_o obstinacy_n and_o wickedness_n hinder_v that_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v on_o they_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o god_n do_v serious_o and_o efficacious_o will_n and_o purpose_n that_o all_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o indeed_o the_o grant_n est_fw-fr part_n of_o adam_n posterity_n fall_v by_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o their_o own_o rebellious_a will._n now_o whether_o to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o either_o the_o power_n of_o the_o serpent_n or_o the_o corruption_n in_o a_o sinner_n nature_n can_v or_o ever_o do_v or_o shall_v overturn_v or_o prevent_v the_o efficacious_a will_n of_o god_n be_v accomplish_v be_v not_o impious_a and_o blasphemous_a i_o leave_v to_o every_o impartial_a and_o sober_a reader_n to_o judge_v thus_o the_o first_o member_n or_o branch_n of_o the_o objection_n appear_v to_o be_v rot_v and_o unsound_a neither_o be_v the_o second_o any_o better_a which_o affirm_v that_o god_n make_v a_o general_a offer_n of_o that_o salvation_n to_o every_o individual_a sinner_n in_o the_o world_n the_o which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o the_o quaker_n affirm_v they_o be_v high_o oblige_v to_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o far_o shall_v remain_v in_o darkness_n i_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o very_a external_a mean_n of_o salvation_n the_o which_o god_n have_v see_v sit_v to_o deny_v to_o many_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n to_o which_o also_o the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n bear_v witness_v a_o few_o instance_n hereof_o i_o lay_v down_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v plain_o see_v how_o vain_a these_o foolish_a beaster_n be_v in_o their_o imagination_n who_o will_v fain_o impose_v on_o all_o that_o god_n do_v love_v all_o the_o child_n of_o adam_n with_o a_o equal_a love_n and_o that_o the_o offer_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o general_n be_v make_v to_o all_o without_o any_o exception_n or_o limitation_n wherein_o they_o prove_v themselves_o as_o false_a in_o their_o say_n as_o they_o appear_v vain_a in_o their_o delude_a imagination_n they_o say_v and_o bold_o affirm_v that_o the_o tender_a of_o salvation_n be_v make_v to_o all_o alike_o i_o say_v they_o belie_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o pretence_n of_o plead_v for_o god_n by_o who_o instinct_n and_o immediate_a inspiration_n they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v they_o themselves_o above_o all_o man_n be_v guide_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o they_o egregious_o thwart_v and_o contradict_v the_o very_a letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v holy_a true_a and_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o trial_n of_o all_o matter_n in_o religion_n wherein_o they_o and_o christian_n differ_v for_o satisfaction_n herein_o let_v the_o reader_n peruse_v and_o with_o serious_a consideration_n weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o god_n sanctuary_n what_o be_v record_v in_o psal_n 147_o 19.20_o he_o show_v his_o word_n unto_o jacob_n his_o statute_n and_o his_o judgement_n unto_o israel_n he_o have_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o any_o nation_n and_o as_o for_o his_o judgement_n they_o have_v not_o know_v they_o praise_v you_o the_o lord_n whether_o the_o place_n now_o quote_v do_v not_o evident_o prove_v that_o when_o god_n choose_v call_v and_o settle_v a_o church_n unto_o his_o own_o peculiar_a use_n and_o service_n to_o who_o he_o give_v his_o word_n and_o ordinance_n for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o holy_a obedience_n he_o do_v not_o leave_v the_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n out_o of_o who_o he_o choose_v his_o people_n with_o a_o peculiar_a love_n and_o favour_n in_o their_o native_a darkness_n and_o blindness_n be_v a_o matter_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n in_o mat._n 20.16_o many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o choose_v do_v also_o
hell_n in_o my_o own_o apprehension_n while_o i_o border_v so_o near_o the_o confine_n of_o final_a desperation_n find_v in_o myself_o how_o vast_o short_a my_o personal_a qualification_n come_v of_o answer_v the_o law_n demand_v as_o a_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o salvation_n i_o find_v that_o nothing_o can_v possible_o quiet_a or_o satisfy_v my_o wound_a despair_a conscience_n but_o what_o do_v effectual_o appease_v and_o satisfy_v that_o holy_a god_n against_o who_o i_o have_v so_o many_o thousand_o of_o time_n offend_v which_o can_v be_v nothing_o short_a of_o a_o infinite_a righteousness_n which_o righteousness_n can_v be_v have_v no_o where_o but_o in_o christ_n god_n man_n and_o no_o way_n to_o be_v have_v but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o believe_v of_o which_o mystery_n my_o blind_a and_o pervert_v reason_n be_v as_o ignorant_a as_o a_o beast_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o my_o heart_n and_o soul_n be_v zealous_o set_v against_o look_v for_o life_n and_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o that_o of_o freewill_n and_o general_a redemption_n this_o principle_n so_o every_o way_n quadrate_v with_o my_o legal_a frame_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v act_v by_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o do_v and_o live_v here_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o or_o unseasonable_a for_o the_o relief_n and_o encouragement_n of_o a_o poor_a tempt_v soul_n who_o as_o touch_v this_o very_a point_n of_o election_n may_v be_v walk_v in_o darkness_n have_v no_o light_n of_o comfort_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n to_o answer_v or_o resolve_v this_o needful_a question_n how_o shall_v a_o poor_a bewildered_a tempt_a soul_n come_v to_o know_v that_o itself_o in_o particular_a be_v elect_v of_o god_n before_o time_n to_o this_o question_n about_o which_o many_o of_o god_n call_v once_o be_v not_o a_o little_a distress_a in_o their_o own_o spirit_n i_o shall_v answer_v in_o three_o particular_n first_o the_o way_n to_o know_v thou_o be_v elect_v before_o time_n be_v to_o go_v about_o it_o in_o a_o right_a way_n or_o manner_n by_o this_o i_o mean_v thou_o be_v not_o to_o attempt_v to_o pry_v into_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o the_o most_o high_a concern_v this_o matter_n know_v that_o secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o to_o none_o else_o until_o he_o please_v to_o reveal_v they_o deut._n 29.29_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o know_v this_o mystery_n to_o thy_o comfort_n do_v as_o thou_o will_v do_v if_o thou_o be_v to_o bring_v both_o end_n of_o a_o bottom_n of_o thread_n or_o yarn_n to_o meet_v together_o the_o way_n be_v not_o to_o begin_v at_o that_o end_n which_o be_v hide_v in_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o the_o bottom_n but_o to_o take_v the_o end_n which_o be_v outmost_a and_o next_o to_o thou_o and_o by_o thus_o do_v thou_o will_v soon_o bring_v both_o end_n to_o meet_v whereas_o if_o thou_o go_v about_o it_o in_o any_o other_o way_n as_o by_o cut_v or_o ravel_v the_o bottom_n to_o hasten_v the_o work_n thou_o will_v but_o fret_v and_o vex_v thyself_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o thou_o will_v mar_v and_o spoil_v the_o work_n do_v not_o then_o attempt_v as_o the_o devil_n and_o carnal_a reason_n will_v have_v thou_o to_o climb_v up_o to_o heaven_n to_o inform_v thyself_o of_o this_o matter_n god_n work_n must_v be_v do_v in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o appointment_n which_o be_v that_o thou_o begin_v first_o with_o thy_o own_o heart_n see_v examine_v and_o search_v thy_o own_o soul_n to_o find_v out_o whether_o his_o holy_a spirit_n have_v ever_o be_v at_o work_n there_o the_o cause_n must_v be_v know_v by_o its_o proper_a effect_n not_o the_o effect_n by_o the_o cause_n 2_o cor._n 13.5_o gal._n 6.4_o 2_o pet._n 1.10_o election_n the_o thing_n thou_o will_v fain_o be_v resolve_v about_o be_v the_o cause_n this_o be_v a_o secret_a in_o god_n breast_n which_o can_v be_v know_v by_o thou_o no_o other_o way_n ordinary_o but_o by_o its_o effect_n which_o be_v faith_n in_o thy_o heart_n and_o obedience_n to_o christ_n command_n in_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v call_v thou_o to_o embrace_v and_o close_v with_o christ_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o thy_o close_n with_o christ_n do_v discover_v themselves_o in_o thy_o life_n and_o conversation_n thou_o have_v no_o ground_n or_o reason_n to_o question_v thy_o election_n but_o what_o the_o devil_n and_o thy_o carnal_a reason_n suggest_v act_n 13.48_o and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v jo._n 10.26_o but_o you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o my_o sheep_n as_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o in_o the_o scripture_n now_o quote_v election_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v hold_v forth_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o faith_n and_o faith_n or_o believe_v in_o jesus_n as_o the_o undoubted_a fruit_n or_o effect_n of_o election_n second_o be_v thou_o frequent_o tempt_v to_o doubt_v of_o and_o question_v thy_o election_n to_o eternal_a life_n this_o be_v a_o undoubted_a argument_n that_o the_o devil_n discern_v in_o thou_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o god_n elect_v love_n to_o thy_o person_n which_o put_v he_o upon_o tempt_v thou_o to_o question_n and_o doubt_n of_o god_n love_n to_o thou_o where_o the_o devil_n know_v he_o have_v the_o full_a and_o quiet_a possession_n of_o a_o sinner_n there_o he_o suggest_v that_o the_o man_n be_v a_o good_a christian_a his_o faith_n be_v a_o good_a faith_n and_o god_n be_v his_o father_n and_o that_o he_o be_v elect_v and_o shall_v be_v save_v notwithstanding_o he_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n on_o the_o contrary_a where_o the_o devil_n see_v and_o discover_v the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o love_n appear_v there_o he_o pester_n the_o soul_n with_o infernal_a suggestion_n and_o temptation_n to_o put_v the_o soul_n on_o misbelieve_a and_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n grace_n bestow_v on_o the_o sinner_n thou_o be_v but_o a_o paint_a hypocrite_n thou_o be_v none_o of_o god_n elect_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o thou_o to_o hope_n or_o expect_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n thus_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o believer_n redeemer_n mat._n 4.3_o 6._o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o the_o adversary_n have_v do_v this_o to_o the_o green_a tree_n what_o will_v he_o not_o attempt_v to_o do_v to_o the_o dry_a luke_n 23.31_o three_o do_v thou_o find_v thy_o heart_n fix_o resolve_v come_v life_n come_v death_n to_o cast_v thy_o soul_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o divine_a sovereignty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o duty_n shun_v all_o know_a sin_n and_o press_v after_o holiness_n rest_v entire_o on_o the_o grace_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n after_o life_n and_o salvation_n thou_o be_v to_o know_v for_o thy_o everlasting_a comfort_n and_o encouragement_n that_o no_o reprobate_n ever_o be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o time_n will_v discover_v that_o thou_o be_v one_o of_o god_n elect_n go_v on_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o thy_o god_n fear_v not_o chap._n ii_o of_o reprobation_n by_o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v the_o act_n of_o god_n election_n of_o some_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o grace_n it_o unavoidable_o and_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n follow_v that_o the_o same_o sovereign_a god_n have_v reprobate_v or_o reject_v the_o rest_n not_o so_o elect_v and_o that_o from_o all_o eternity_n have_v decree_v never_o to_o recover_v they_o by_o convert_v grace_n but_o have_v fix_o purpose_v for_o sin_n to_o damn_v they_o and_o that_o for_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o justice_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o if_o god_n have_v elect_v and_o choose_v a_o certain_a number_n out_o of_o the_o whole_a corrupt_a mass_n or_o lump_n of_o fall_a mankind_n in_o who_o salvation_n he_o have_v purpose_v to_o glorify_v his_o mercy_n and_o free_a grace_n by_o jesus_n christ_n then_o have_v he_o refuse_v or_o pass_v by_o the_o rest_n as_o will_v most_o evident_o appear_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o the_o decree_n of_o reprobation_n have_v in_o it_o four_o part_n to_o each_o of_o which_o i_o will_v speak_v as_o plain_o and_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v first_o god_n have_v refuse_v or_o reject_v some_o particular_a person_n on_o who_o he_o purpose_v never_o to_o have_v mercy_n this_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o scripture_n follow_v jo._n 10.26_o but_o you_o believe_v not_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o my_o sheep_n as_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o rom._n 11.7_o but_o the_o election_n have_v obtain_v it_o and_o the_o rest_n be_v blind_v rom._n 9.18_o therefore_o have_v
he_o mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v in_o which_o scripture_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o conspicuous_a to_o every_o one_o saving_o enlighten_v that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a or_o differ_v party_n intend_v or_o speak_v of_o some_z who_o christ_n choose_v to_o himself_o know_v and_o distinguish_v by_o the_o term_n sheep_n and_o other_o who_o christ_n deny_v to_o be_v so_o these_o be_v those_o intend_v in_o mat._n 25.32_o 33._o term_a goat_n oppose_v to_o the_o sheep_n of_o christ_n some_o who_o understanding_n be_v save_o enlighten_v to_o know_v the_o glorion_n mystery_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o other_o not_o at_o all_o enlghten_v but_o left_a to_o abide_v in_o that_o spiritual_a darkness_n and_o blindness_n of_o mind_n which_o they_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n with_o they_o some_o who_o god_n powerful_a grace_n mollify_v and_o soften_v to_o save_a repentance_n in_o order_n to_o mercy_n and_o other_o who_o god_n see_v fit_a to_o harden_v that_o be_v to_o leave_v they_o to_o that_o sin_n of_o their_o own_o which_o harden_v they_o second_o god_n have_v from_o eternity_n reject_v or_o refuse_v these_o this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o scripture_n follow_v judas_n 4._o there_o be_v certain_a man_n creep_v in_o unaware_o who_o be_v before_o of_o old_a ordain_v to_o this_o condemnation_n rev._n 17.8_o who_o name_n be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n 1_o pet._n 2.8_o and_o a_o stone_n of_o stumble_v and_o a_o rock_n of_o offence_n even_o to_o they_o which_o stumble_v at_o the_o word_n be_v disobediem_n whereunto_o also_o they_o be_v appoint_v from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o god_n do_v as_o a_o just_a judge_n purpose_n and_o decree_n to_o give_v up_o the_o reprobate_n to_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o their_o wilful_a disobedience_n against_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o only_o ripen_v themselves_o for_o but_o even_o pull_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o themselves_o three_o god_n have_v decree_v to_o damn_v these_o person_n for_o sin_n this_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o follow_a scripture_n prov._n 16.4_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o yea_o even_o the_o wicked_a for_o the_o day_n of_o evil._n 2_o pet._n 2.12_o but_o these_o as_o natural_a brute_n beast_n make_v to_o be_v take_v and_o destroy_v four_o god_n reprobate_v some_o person_n from_o eternity_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o damn_v they_o for_o sin_n be_v for_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o justice_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o obvious_a that_o he_o who_o run_v may_v read_v it_o rom._n 9.22_o what_o if_o god_n willing_a to_o show_v his_o wrath_n and_o to_o make_v his_o power_n know_v endure_v with_o much_o long_o suffer_v the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v to_o destruction_n against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n of_o particular_a person_n the_o quaker_n papist_n arminian_o free-willer_n and_o other_o who_o in_o this_o point_n be_v all_o one_o with_o they_o object_n several_a thing_n out_o of_o which_o i_o will_v single_a out_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o material_a of_o their_o objection_n which_o to_o ignorant_a and_o injudicious_a mind_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o great_a force_n against_o the_o doctrine_n now_o lay_v down_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v plain_a and_o clear_a answer_n from_o god_n word_n to_o the_o end_n the_o fallaciousness_n and_o deceit_n of_o these_o man_n may_v appear_v open_a face_a to_o all_o men._n object_n 1._o they_o object_n that_o to_o hold_v and_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v from_o eternity_n elect_v and_o choose_v a_o particular_a number_n to_o himself_o out_o of_o the_o corrupt_a mass_n of_o fall_a mankind_n on_o who_o he_o decree_v unchangeable_o to_o show_v mercy_n leave_v the_o rest_n with_o a_o full_a purpose_n never_o to_o recover_v they_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n reflect_v on_o god_n the_o high_a cruelty_n imaginable_a answ_n to_o this_o seem_v plausible_a objection_n i_o shall_v reply_v in_o the_o particular_n follow_v first_o i_o have_v make_v it_o evident_a from_o god_n own_o word_n that_o god_n have_v undeniable_o elect_v a_o certain_a particular_a number_n to_o himself_o out_o of_o the_o corrupt_a mass_n of_o fall_a mankind_n on_o who_o he_o unchangeable_o decree_v to_o show_v mercy_n leave_v the_o rest_n not_o so_o elect_v in_o that_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n into_o which_o they_o voluntary_o run_v themselves_o second_o by_o way_n of_o query_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v by_o what_o scripture_n divine_a the_o quaker_n or_o any_o who_o be_v their_o abettor_n in_o this_o point_n can_v justify_v their_o bring_n in_o lie_n to_o plead_v for_o god_n or_o wherein_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o truth_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o be_v uphold_v by_o the_o figment_n of_o their_o vertiginous_a brain_n job_n put_v such_o a_o like_a question_n to_o his_o three_o friend_n who_o all_o seem_v to_o take_v part_n with_o god_n against_o himself_o job_n 13.7_o will_v you_o speak_v wicked_o for_o god_n and_o talk_v deceitful_o for_o he_o verse_n 8._o will_v you_o accept_v his_o person_n will_v you_o contend_v for_o god_n verse_n 9_o be_v it_o good_a that_o he_o shall_v search_v you_o out_o or_o as_o one_o man_n mock_v another_o do_v you_o so_o mock_v he_o what_o do_v these_o heretical_a pretender_n to_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n less_o than_o mock_n god_n who_o in_o pretence_n of_o make_v god_n more_o merciful_a and_o pitiful_a than_o he_o himself_o have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n he_o will_v be_v or_o than_o the_o wicked_a in_o hell_n will_v find_v he_o to_o be_v strike_v at_o and_o audacious_o dispute_v against_o the_o justice_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n these_o pleader_n for_o god_n they_o will_v forsooth_o have_v god_n to_o be_v so_o tender_a compassionate_a and_o kind_a as_o to_o love_v all_o his_o creature_n with_o a_o equal_a love_n and_o consequent_o that_o to_o six_o his_o love_n on_o a_o small_a and_o particular_a number_n to_o who_o his_o special_a grace_n and_o favour_n shall_v be_v extend_v and_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o great_a number_n on_o who_o to_o resolve_v never_o to_o show_v mercy_n be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o tender_a kind_a and_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n now_o whether_o these_o man_n do_v not_o in_o pretence_n of_o plead_v for_o god_n cause_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v both_o his_o attribute_n his_o counsel_n and_o his_o word_n to_o clash_v and_o contradict_v each_o other_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o judicious_a and_o unprejudiced_a reader_n to_o judge_v i_o demand_v from_o john_n burnyeat_v and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o quaker_n who_o join_v with_o he_o in_o challenge_v i_o to_o make_v out_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o doctrine_n which_o i_o be_o now_o defend_v against_o they_o why_o or_o wherefore_o god_n be_v so_o strict_a and_o severe_a as_o to_o confine_v those_o angel_n which_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n fall_v from_o that_o state_n of_o innocency_n and_o blessedness_n wherein_o they_o be_v create_v to_o those_o chain_n of_o darkness_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o be_v keep_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o that_o without_o extend_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o redeemer_n to_o they_o be_v it_o because_o the_o angel_n be_v not_o his_o creature_n certain_o they_o will_v not_o say_v so_o for_o without_o dispute_v the_o angel_n be_v in_o their_o nature_n far_o more_o glorious_a and_o excellent_a creature_n than_o be_v adam_n and_o his_o posterity_n in_o their_o state_n of_o innocency_n be_v it_o because_o god_n arm_v can_v not_o reach_v to_o help_v and_o deliver_v they_o they_o dare_v not_o say_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o because_o god_n have_v no_o bowel_n of_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n in_o he_o towards_o his_o creature_n this_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n for_o alas_o this_o viz._n the_o tender_a and_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n to_o his_o creature_n in_o general_n be_v the_o argument_n whereby_o they_o will_v overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o particular_a election_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n then_o do_v the_o angel_n fall_v by_o sin_n and_o apostasy_n yes_o they_o can_v deny_v it_o unless_o they_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v those_o angel_n all_o of_o they_o send_v forthwith_o to_o hell_n for_o their_o apostasy_n and_o rebellion_n this_o they_o can_v deny_v be_v not_o the_o least_o dram_n of_o mercy_n show_v to_o one_o of_o that_o numberless_a number_n which_o fall_v they_o dare_v not_o affirm_v there_o be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v if_o they_o do_v it_o lie_v at_o their_o door_n to_o prove_v