before_o the_o first_o come_v of_o christ_n and_o many_o fearer_n of_o god_n among_o the_o gentile_n both_o before_o and_o since_o christ_n appear_v to_o put_v away_o sin_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o himself_o mat._n 2._o 16_o 18._o with_o jer._n 31._o 15_o 17._o mat._n 19_o 14._o psal_n 11_o 5._o 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o but_o christ_n and_o through_o he_o and_o through_o his_o name_n power_n and_o authority_n and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o sacrifice_n they_o shall_v be_v save_v though_o no_o clear_a or_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o he_o be_v vouchsafe_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o want_n of_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o or_o charge_v upon_o they_o to_o their_o condemnation_n and_o this_o charity_n we_o desire_v to_o have_v because_o we_o thus_o judge_v that_o one_o die_v for_o all_o and_o rose_n again_o viz._n that_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n taste_v death_n for_o every_o man_n and_o be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a for_o their_o justification_n and_o hereby_o all_o that_o have_v sin_v in_o the_o first_o public_a man_n and_o come_v short_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v justify_v free_o by_o god_n grace_n through_o that_o redemption_n in_o christ_n jesus_n in_o a_o answerable_a sense_n as_o they_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o first_o man_n adam_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 14_o 15._o heb._n 2._o 9_o rom._n 3._o 23_o 24._o and_o 5._o 18._o so_o as_o no_o man_n shall_v perish_v in_o that_o first_o death_n for_o ever_o which_o be_v the_o wage_n of_o the_o disobedience_n of_o that_o one_o man_n nor_o in_o the_o eternal_a judgement_n shall_v there_o be_v any_o occasion_n for_o the_o use_n of_o that_o proverb_n the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v on_o edge_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 20_o 21._o jer._n 31._o 29_o 30._o ezek._n 18._o 2_o 4._o and_o in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n and_o virtue_n thereof_o we_o so_o see_v the_o admirable_a love_n of_o god_n to_o every_o sinful_a creature_n of_o mankind_n while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n aswell_o as_o also_o in_o plain_a intimation_n and_o instruction_n give_v we_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o can_v but_o judge_v that_o his_o requiring_n and_o expectation_n will_v be_v no_o other_o than_o according_a to_o his_o distribution_n and_o dispensation_n that_o be_v where_o much_o be_v give_v of_o they_o he_o will_v require_v the_o more_o and_o where_o little_a he_o will_v require_v but_o according_a thereto_o and_o where_o he_o have_v not_o sow_o he_o will_v not_o reap_v nor_o gather_v where_o he_o have_v not_o strowen_v and_o therefore_o all_o infant_n who_o die_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o be_v never_o guilty_a of_o that_o condemn_v sin_n of_o the_o world_n of_o love_a darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n after_o light_n be_v vouchsafe_v shall_v in_o the_o general_a resurrection_n have_v eternal_a life_n through_o christ_n name_n and_o all_o other_o who_o have_v not_o have_v any_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n through_o the_o mediator_n have_v be_v lead_v to_o repentance_n and_o have_v fear_v god_n and_o be_v worker_n of_o righteousness_n according_a to_o the_o mean_v vouchsafe_v and_o continue_v such_o to_o death_n shall_v also_o through_o christ_n have_v the_o reward_n of_o everlasting_a life_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 4_o 6._o 2_o pet._n 3._o 9_o 15._o rom._n 2._o 4_o 7_o 12_o 16._o luke_n 12._o 48._o mat._n 25._o 24_o 26._o rev._n 20._o 12_o 15._o but_o how_o can_v they_o have_v such_o charity_n or_o desire_v to_o have_v it_o who_o deny_v or_o believe_v not_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o speak_v and_o deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teacherh_n do_v man_n gather_v grape_n of_o thorn_n or_o fig_n of_o thistle_n mat._n 7._o 15_o 16._o those_o builder_n can_v never_o build_v well_o who_o disallow_a and_o reject_v the_o foundation_n 3._o nor_o do_v we_o believe_v that_o by_o the_o many_o call_v be_v mean_v all_o such_o as_o be_v call_v by_o realous_a teacher_n and_o such_o as_o name_v themselves_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n or_o however_o not_o such_o in_o this_o consideration_n as_o call_v by_o they_o for_o there_o be_v many_o such_o who_o in_o their_o evil_a doctrine_n rather_o call_v man_n from_o christ_n then_o to_o he_o how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o disciple_n man_n to_o antichrist_n instead_o of_o invite_v they_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n and_o steal_v away_o the_o word_n of_o god_n from_o the_o people_n in_o the_o record_n of_o they_o and_o how_o mavy_a other_o be_v there_o though_o not_o so_o gross_o evil_a yet_o as_o dangerous_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n who_o though_o they_o will_v have_v the_o scripture_n continue_v among_o man_n in_o such_o language_n as_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o yet_o they_o tell_v they_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o scripture_n and_o that_o be_v such_o as_o lie_v not_o in_o the_o plain_a import_n of_o the_o expression_n however_o not_o in_o many_o of_o the_o fundamental_a say_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o scripture_n some_o call_n a_o dead_a letter_n other_o some_o call_v it_o the_o letter_n and_o their_o gloss_n and_o interpretation_n be_v the_o spiritual_a meaning_n thus_o they_o call_v the_o world_n which_o god_n so_o love_v as_o to_o give_v his_o son_n to_o be_v and_o of_o which_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n the_o world_n of_o elect_n the_o all_o and_o every_o man_n for_o who_o christ_n dred_n some_o of_o all_o sort_n or_o every_o godly_a man_n etc._n etc._n thus_o endeavour_v to_o pervert_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o yet_o appear_v very_o zealous_a in_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o man_n which_o be_v indeed_o somewhat_o strange_a consider_v that_o they_o believe_v christ_n die_v for_o the_o few_o of_o man_n only_o and_o for_o who_o they_o know_v not_o as_o one_o of_o they_o late_o express_v himself_o in_o his_o prayer_n such_o a_o one_o as_o it_o be_v as_o i_o be_v instant_o inform_v by_o some_o credible_a person_n that_o hear_v he_o lord_n say_v he_o if_o there_o be_v any_o one_o soul_n in_o this_o congregation_n which_o be_v a_o great_a one_o for_o who_o christ_n have_v die_v let_v i_o not_o lose_v my_o labour_n and_o consider_v also_o that_o they_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o precise_a and_o certain_a number_n of_o person_n determine_v to_o salvation_n and_o these_o shall_v infallible_o be_v save_v though_o they_o hold_v their_o tongue_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n inevitable_o perish_v i_o say_v these_o thing_n consider_v it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o appear_o zealous_a in_o seek_v the_o good_a of_o man_n indefinite_o it_o may_v be_v fcare_v this_o zeal_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n constrain_v we_o say_v the_o apostle_n because_o we_o thus_o judge_v that_o if_o one_o die_v for_o all_o then_o be_v all_o dead_a and_o that_o he_o die_v for_o all_o etc._n etc._n which_o they_o believe_v not_o but_o that_o herein_o they_o be_v like_o they_o who_o do_v shut_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n against_o man_n neither_o enter_v in_o themselves_o nor_o suffer_v they_o that_o be_v enter_v to_o enter_v and_o yet_o for_o a_o pretence_n they_o make_v long_a prayer_n for_o their_o heart_n go_v after_o their_o covetousness_n and_o they_o do_v compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v a_o proselyte_n mat._n 23._o 13_o 14_o 15._o true_o concern_v such_o who_o preach_v and_o plead_v for_o such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o viz._n that_o christ_n die_v not_o for_o all_o man_n but_o for_o the_o few_o only_a that_o god_n have_v decree_v a_o set_n and_o determinate_a number_n of_o person_n in_o a_o personal_a consideration_n to_o believe_v and_o be_v save_v and_o these_o all_o shall_v insrustrable_o believe_v and_o be_v save_v and_o these_o only_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n must_v unavoidable_o perish_v that_o such_o as_o be_v once_o in_o christ_n can_v possible_o fall_v final_o from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n it_o may_v be_v say_v harken_v not_o to_o the_o word_n of_o these_o prophet_n they_o make_v you_o vain_a they_o speak_v a_o vision_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o not_o out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n jer._n 23._o 16._o 21._o 2_o pet._n 2._o 1._o for_o how_o much_o soever_o these_o thus_o call_v and_o how_o much_o soever_o other_o listen_v thereto_o and_o how_o reform_v and_o zealous_a soever_o they_o appear_o be_v come_v hereby_o they_o be_v not_o in_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o call_v here_o speak_v of_o much_o less_o of_o
these_o general_o come_v and_o so_o be_v the_o call_v but_o among_o they_o some_o be_v not_o choose_v the_o man_n be_v not_o which_o have_v not_o on_o a_o wedding_n garment_n and_o so_o all_o like_a unto_o he_o namely_o such_o as_o though_o they_o come_v in_o some_o sort_n into_o the_o house_n as_o the_o first-bidden_a guest_n refuse_v to_o do_v yet_o they_o let_v not_o go_v their_o own_o righteousness_n which_o be_v as_o filthy_a rag_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v through_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n even_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n that_o robe_n of_o righteousness_n phil._n 3._o 9_o isa_n 61._o 10._o or_o they_o so_o receive_v not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o in_o come_v to_o christ_n to_o be_v justify_v and_o cleanse_v as_o dan._n 8._o 14._o from_o their_o iniquity_n and_o idol_n and_o conform_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o image_n of_o christ_n but_o while_o they_o pretend_v to_o seek_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o christ_n they_o themselves_o be_v find_v sinner_n as_o gal._n 2._o 17._o and_o still_o remain_v altogether_o or_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n unsanctified_a in_o heart_n and_o unreformed_a in_o life_n while_o yet_o they_o profess_v to_o be_v christ_n disciple_n and_o believe_v his_o gospel_n these_o though_o of_o the_o call_v as_o the_o first-bidden_a guest_n be_v not_o so_o full_o yet_o be_v not_o choose_v or_o elect_a one_o and_o abide_v in_o this_o condition_n will_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n where_o their_o worm_n die_v not_o and_o their_o fire_n be_v not_o quench_v ver._n 8._o 14._o by_o all_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o elect_n be_v such_o as_o come_v to_o christ_n and_o so_o come_v to_o he_o as_o to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o prefer_v he_o before_o and_o part_n with_o all_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o this_o be_v also_o confirm_v by_o the_o like_a parable_n and_o our_o saviour_n instruction_n in_o luke_n 14._o where_o also_o after_o the_o supper_n be_v prepare_v the_o servant_n be_v send_v forth_o to_o say_v to_o they_o that_o be_v bid_v come_v for_o all_o thing_n be_v now_o ready_a and_o they_o all_o with_o one_o consent_n begin_v to_o make_v excuse_n the_o first_o say_v unto_o he_o i_o have_v buy_v a_o piece_n of_o ground_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o go_v and_o see_v it_o i_o pray_v thou_o have_v i_o excuse_v and_o another_o say_v i_o have_v buy_v five_o yoke_n of_o ox_n and_o i_o go_v to_o prove_v they_o i_o pray_v thou_o have_v i_o excuse_v and_o another_o say_v i_o have_v marry_v a_o wife_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v come_v so_o the_o servant_n come_v and_o show_v his_o lord_n these_o thing_n then_o the_o master_n be_v angry_a say_v unto_o his_o servant_n go_v out_o quick_o &_o â—_o to_o invite_v other_o and_o after_o he_o have_v signify_v his_o great_a displeasedness_n with_o those_o who_o refuse_v to_o come_v to_o christ_n when_o call_v say_v none_o of_o those_o man_n which_o be_v bid_v shall_v taste_v of_o my_o supper_n he_o turn_v and_o say_v unto_o the_o great_a multitude_n that_o go_v with_o he_o if_o any_o man_n come_v unto_o i_o and_o hate_v not_o comparative_o his_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o brethren_n and_o sister_n be_v yea_o and_o his_o own_o life_n also_o he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o whosoever_o do_v not_o bear_v his_o cross_n and_o come_v after_o i_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n and_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n luke_n 14._o 16_o 21_o 24_o 26_o 33._o which_o confirm_v what_o we_o have_v say_v and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o parable_n we_o be_v consider_v and_o show_v that_o these_o be_v the_o choose_a one_o who_o so_o come_v unto_o and_o after_o christ_n as_o that_o they_o sell_v all_o that_o they_o have_v that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o he_o and_o other_o that_o so_o do_v not_o but_o prefer_v other_o thing_n in_o general_a or_o something_o else_o in_o particular_a before_o he_o however_o they_o may_v be_v call_v or_o of_o the_o call_v yet_o be_v not_o while_o so_o do_v of_o the_o elect_a of_o choose_a generation_n or_o the_o subject_n of_o god_n election_n as_o we_o have_v often_o say_v but_o god_n assist_v we_o shall_v speak_v hereto_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o and_o show_v what_o election_n and_o elect_n signify_v in_o scripture_n and_o so_o we_o say_v first_o election_n do_v proper_o and_o frequent_o signify_v a_o choose_v out_o or_o take_v out_o some_o from_o other_o and_o the_o elect_a or_o choose_a be_v such_o as_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o or_o from_o other_o and_o so_o it_o be_v here_o and_o for_o our_o understanding_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o proper_a and_o direct_a signification_n of_o these_o word_n and_o thing_n we_o shall_v propound_v and_o give_v answer_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o these_o five_o follow_a query_n viz._n que._n 1._o what_o be_v the_o argument_n propound_v for_o the_o effect_v this_o election_n answ_n the_o grace_n or_o love_n of_o god_n manifest_v and_o everlasting_o commend_v to_o we_o in_o this_o that_o he_o send_v the_o son_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n even_o of_o mankind_n and_o according_a thereto_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o be_v make_v sin_n and_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n taste_v death_n for_o every_o man_n and_o be_v raise_v again_o for_o their_o justification_n and_o have_v redeem_a they_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o obtain_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o grace_n and_o truth_n into_o himself_o for_o they_o this_o grace_n as_o discover_v and_o make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o great_a king_n servant_n in_o and_o by_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n be_v the_o argument_n propound_v for_o elect_v man_n so_o in_o this_o parable_n to_o the_o end_n the_o invite_v guest_n may_v come_v into_o christ_n and_o so_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o god_n election_n the_o king_n command_v his_o servant_n to_o tell_v they_o behold_v i_o have_v prepare_v my_o dinner_n my_o ox_n and_o fatling_n be_v kill_v and_o all_o thing_n be_v ready_a come_v to_o the_o marriage_n mat._n 22._o 3_o 4_o 8_o 9_o with_o luke_n 14._o 16_o 17._o to_o this_o also_o agree_v what_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v even_o so_o then_o there_o be_v a_o remnant_n according_a to_o the_o election_n or_o out-chusing_a of_o grace_n a_o remnant_n like_a unto_o the_o seven_o thousand_o man_n in_o elias_n his_o day_n who_o have_v not_o bow_v the_o knee_n to_o baal_n not_o idolater_n and_o false_a worshipper_n as_o the_o elect_n some_o man_n speak_v of_o may_v be_v and_o continue_v a_o considerable_a time_n but_o such_o as_o be_v free_v from_o and_o choose_v out_o of_o such_o pollute_a one_o and_o pollution_n and_o that_o not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o they_o have_v do_v but_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v save_v or_o bring_v salvation_n to_o all_o man_n rom._n 11._o 4_o 6._o and_o so_o the_o be_v save_v viz._n from_o man_n sin_n and_o idol_n be_v the_o same_o with_o this_o be_v elect_v or_o outchosen_a compare_n and_o consider_v 2_o thes_n 2._o 10_o 12._o with_o ver._n 13._o and_o it_o be_v by_o the_o same_o mean_n or_o argument_n effect_v viz._n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n signify_v to_o the_o ephesian_n for_o after_o he_o have_v declare_v what_o pollute_v one_o they_o be_v in_o time_n past_a namely_o before_o they_o hear_v and_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n he_o than_o put_v they_o in_o remembrance_n how_o they_o get_v a_o escape_n from_o their_o pollution_n by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v and_o again_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v ephes_n 2._o 1_o 2_o 5_o 8_o 9_o with_o rom._n 11_o 6._o yea_o the_o lover_n of_o god_n and_o god_n elect_n be_v signify_v to_o be_v the_o same_o person_n compare_n and_o consider_v rom._n 8._o 28._o with_o ver._n 33._o now_o how_o come_v man_n to_o be_v lover_n of_o god_n certain_o by_o the_o grace_n or_o love_n of_o god_n even_o his_o first_o love_n discover_v to_o they_o as_o the_o apostle_n john_n say_v he_o that_o love_v be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o know_v god_n for_o god_n be_v love_n but_o how_o do_v this_o appear_v and_o whereby_o iâ—_n iâ—_n evidence_v that_o he_o be_v love_n in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o that_o god_n send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o he_o send_v the_o son_n the_o
in_o he_o hebr._n 10._o 38._o with_o ver_fw-la 26._o those_o that_o die_v for_o their_o unbelief_n and_o murmur_n when_o they_o be_v almost_o come_v to_o the_o border_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o typical_a rest_n as_o well_o as_o they_o who_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n cut_v off_o present_o after_o they_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n though_o they_o have_v continue_v long_o in_o follow_v the_o lord_n and_o endure_v much_o more_o hardship_n than_o the_o latter_a even_o so_o such_o as_o have_v put_v their_o hand_n to_o the_o blow_n and_o continue_v it_o there_o a_o good_a while_n and_o suffer_v many_o thing_n will_v yet-deprive_a themselves_o of_o the_o reward_n if_o they_o bring_v not_o forth_o fruit_n unto_o the_o end_n all_o their_o former_a hear_n believe_a profess_v well_o do_v and_o suffer_v will_v in_o conclusion_n be_v in_o vain_a to_o such_o as_o these_o gal._n 3._o 4._o phil._n 2._o 12-16_a luke_n 9_o 62._o oh_o that_o the_o consideration_n hereof_o may_v admonish_v and_o provoke_v we_o all_o to_o be_v steadfast_a unmoveable_a always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n know_v in_o thus_o do_v and_o continue_v our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n but_o christ_n will_v present_v we_o in_o the_o body_n of_o his_o flesh_n unblameable_a and_o unrebukeable_a if_o we_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n root_v and_o ground_v and_o be_v not_o move_v from_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 15._o 58._o col._n 1._o 22_o 23._o gal._n 6._o 9_o so_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v like_o the_o thorny-ground_n hearer_n last_o some_o there_o be_v who_o receive_v the_o word_n into_o the_o good_a ground_n even_o such_o as_o hear_v the_o gospel_n and_o understand_v and_o therein_o they_o be_v better_a than_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o hearer_n compare_v to_o the_o way_n side_n and_o they_o receive_v the_o seed_n in_o a_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n and_o therein_o they_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o hearer_n who_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o stony_a ground_n yea_o and_o also_o they_o keep_v it_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n and_o perseverance_n in_o a_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n they_o seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o unto_o they_o in_o due_a season_n god_n will_v render_v eternal_a life_n rom._n 2._o 6_o 7._o these_o all_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o perfection_n though_o not_o all_o alike_o but_o some_o a_o hundred_o fold_n some_o sixty_o and_o some_o thirty_o yet_o they_o continue_v keep_v the_o seed_n the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o suffer_v it_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n in_o they_o and_o to_o make_v they_o fruitful_a even_o unto_o the_o end_n and_o herein_o they_o be_v difference_v from_o and_o do_v more_o worthy_o then_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o hearer_n compare_v to_o the_o thorny_a ground_n though_o they_o indeed_o for_o some_o time_n yea_o possible_o for_o some_o considerable_a space_n of_o time_n some_o of_o they_o however_o do_v retain_v the_o word_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o before_o the_o harvest_n come_v they_o grow_v weary_a &_o faint_v in_o their_o mind_n &_o so_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o that_o reward_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v and_o shall_v have_v partake_v and_o so_o be_v compare_v to_o and_o in_o conclusion_n become_v like_o the_o thorny_a ground_n compare_v matth._n 13._o 18-23_a with_o mark_n 4._o 14-20_a &_o luke_n 8._o 11-15_a now_o in_o this_o parable_n our_o lord_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o affirm_v in_o the_o parable_n we_o be_v consider_v a_o part_n of_o to_o wit_n that_o few_o of_o the_o many_o who_o be_v call_v be_v choose_v among_o the_o many_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o kingdom_n there_o be_v three_o sort_n that_o in_o conclusion_n receive_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o vain_a and_o one_o sort_n only_o that_o receive_v and_o retain_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v save_v thereby_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o parable_n of_o the_o several_a ground_n speak_v not_o of_o the_o heathen_a who_o have_v not_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n commit_v to_o they_o nor_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n plain_o preach_v among_o they_o nor_o of_o such_o as_o hear_v such_o instruction_n as_o cause_n to_o err_v from_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n and_o such_o foolish_a one_o as_o have_v not_o the_o lip_n of_o knowledge_n for_o no_o good_a fruit_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o such_o foolish_a person_n and_o such_o doctrine_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v counsel_v we_o to_o go_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o such_o vain_a talker_n and_o to_o cease_v to_o hear_v such_o instruction_n which_o be_v so_o hurtful_a prov._n 14._o 7._o &_o 19_o 27._o but_o he_o speak_v of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v hearer_n of_o the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v speak_v unto_o they_o and_o sow_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o they_o by_o the_o good_a sour_a the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o among_o these_o hearer_n there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o be_v the_o call_v according_a to_o purpose_n oh_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o be_v indeed_o redeem_v from_o the_o earth_n and_o from_o among_o man_n and_o who_o faithful_o cleave_v unto_o and_o follow_v the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v whithersoever_o he_o go_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o few_o choose_a be_v not_o as_o we_o have_v say_v and_o may_v again_o also_o show_v because_o the_o most_o be_v reprobate_v or_o pass_v by_o in_o a_o personal_a consideration_n from_o eternity_n or_o because_o no_o true_a and_o save_a grace_n be_v vouchsafe_v unto_o they_o for_o both_o these_o be_v false_a but_o because_o they_o strive_v not_o or_o abide_v not_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n but_o against_o all_o the_o discovery_n convincement_n reproof_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o gospel_n walk_v on_o in_o or_o return_v again_o unto_o the_o broad_a way_n in_o which_o there_o be_v such_o multitude_n who_o hold_v fast_o deceit_n and_o refuse_v to_o come_v unto_o christ_n in_o his_o way_n so_o much_o our_o saviour_n signify_v when_o he_o say_v unto_o his_o disciple_n enter_v you_o in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o wide_a be_v the_o gate_n and_o broad_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o many_o there_o be_v that_o go_v in_o thereat_o why_o so_o because_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a it_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o matth._n 7._o 13_o 14._o and_o again_o when_o one_o say_v unto_o christ_n lord_n be_v there_o few_o that_o be_v save_v though_o our_o saviour_n give_v not_o a_o direct_a answer_n yet_o he_o signify_v in_o his_o answer_n that_o few_o comparative_o be_v so_o and_o intimate_o declare_v that_o man_n not_o be_v willing_a to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n or_o not_o to_o do_v it_o in_o the_o present_a time_n be_v the_o reason_n for_o he_o say_v not_o to_o he_o only_o that_o propound_v the_o question_n but_o indefinite_o unto_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a luke_n 13._o 22-24_a he_o do_v not_o here_o signify_v that_o there_o be_v no_o gate_n for_o such_o as_o in_o the_o event_n go_v to_o destruction_n nor_o that_o it_o be_v not_o open_v but_o plain_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v a_o gate_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o open_v that_o any_o man_n may_v enter_v therein_o joh._n 10._o 9_o yea_o that_o it_o be_v hold_v open_a all_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n mediation_n in_o that_o it_o present_o follow_v when_o once_o the_o master_n of_o the_o house_n be_v rise_v up_o and_o have_v shut_v to_o the_o door_n etc._n etc._n luke_n 13._o 25._o clear_o imply_v that_o the_o door_n be_v not_o shut_v until_o that_o time_n to_o wit_n while_o the_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o patience_n be_v continue_v and_o man_n be_v join_v to_o all_o the_o live_n but_o he_o evident_o signify_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o few_o be_v save_v be_v because_o they_o strive_v not_o or_o will_v not_o strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o this_o strait_a gate_n ezek._n 33._o 31_o 32._o the_o gate_n be_v indeed_o straight_o a_o man_n in_o enter_v must_v deny_v and_o renounce_v himself_o daily_o his_o sinful_a and_o fleshly_a lust_n that_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n his_o wisdom_n righteousness_n will_n design_n and_o erterprise_n his_o covetousness_n and_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o thing_n thereof_o his_o
true_a that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o christ_n except_o the_o father_n who_o have_v send_v christ_n draw_v he_o joh._n 6._o 44._o but_o it_o be_v also_o as_o true_a that_o god_n in_o and_o by_o christ_n in_o due_a time_n do_v draw_v they_o that_o come_v not_o he_o draw_v all_o man_n to_o himself_o joh._n 12._o 31_o 32._o he_o draw_v they_o who_o refuse_v to_o come_v with_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n and_o band_n of_o love_n and_o because_o he_o know_v what_o a_o yoke_n be_v upon_o they_o without_o the_o removal_n whereof_o they_o will_v be_v hinder_v therefore_o he_o take_v off_o the_o yoke_n on_o their_o jaw_n etc._n etc._n hos_fw-la 11._o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o since_o christ_n have_v finish_v the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n give_v he_o to_o do_v in_o his_o own_o personal_a body_n on_o the_o earth_n since_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n and_o be_v raise_v again_o he_o have_v now_o glorious_o and_o most_o immeasurable_o receive_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o have_v more_o abundant_o pour_v it_o forth_o on_o his_o servant_n in_o their_o faithful_a declare_v the_o gospel_n then_o in_o former_a time_n so_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o spirit_n and_o life_n yea_o and_o the_o spirit_n also_o 2_o cor._n 3._o 6-8_a phil._n 2._o 16._o so_o that_o it_o be_v only_a man_n own_o wilful_a and_o stubborn_a refusal_n and_o rejection_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o call_n which_o hinder_v their_o come_n unto_o and_o be_v choose_v by_o christ_n they_o close_v their_o eye_n when_o open_v and_o stop_v their_o ear_n lest_o they_o shall_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o he_o shall_v heal_v they_o mat._n 13._o 15._o and_o this_o also_o show_v unto_o we_o how_o provoke_v and_o excuseless_a a_o iniquity_n it_o be_v that_o the_o call_v be_v not_o choose_v 4._o and_o last_o this_o also_o further_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o good_a will_n and_o gracious_a intention_n of_o the_o caller_n in_o call_v man_n by_o his_o gospel_n who_o love_n and_o gracious_a heart_n towards_o sinner_n be_v most_o clear_o manifest_v and_o perpetual_o commend_v to_o we_o in_o the_o cross_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n rom._n 5._o 6-8_a joh._n 3._o 16_o 17._o heb._n 2._o 9_o he_o therefore_o call_v and_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n that_o they_o may_v come_v to_o the_o feast_n he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o he_o do_v not_o therefore_o call_v that_o he_o may_v leave_v man_n without_o excuse_n though_o they_o will_v be_v so_o they_o will_v be_v speechless_a who_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o gospel_n nor_o be_v his_o end_n in_o call_v they_o to_o aggravate_v their_o condemnation_n though_o their_o condemnation_n will_v be_v aggravate_v who_o when_o they_o be_v thus_o call_v unto_o the_o most_o high_a will_v not_o at_o all_o exalt_v he_o hos_n 11._o 2-4-7_a but_o he_o therefore_o declare_v his_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o therewith_o councel_v they_o to_o come_v unto_o himself_o that_o they_o may_v listen_v unto_o and_o obey_v he_o that_o it_o may_v go_v well_o with_o they_o for_o ever_o thus_o our_o saviour_n gracious_o acquaint_v the_o jew_n who_o seek_v to_o kill_v he_o with_o his_o gracious_a end_n in_o speak_v and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n unto_o they_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v that_o you_o may_v be_v save_v joh._n 5._o 16-34_a and_o by_o his_o apostle_n the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v according_a to_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o mystery_n and_o according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n make_v know_v to_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n rom._n 16._o 25_o 26._o he_o indeed_o that_o hate_v dissemble_v with_o his_o lip_n and_o lay_v up_o deceit_n within_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v fair_a or_o make_v his_o voice_n gracious_a believe_v he_o not_o for_o there_o be_v seven_o abomination_n in_o his_o heart_n prov._n 26._o 24-26_a but_o far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o thus_o to_o think_v of_o the_o almighty_a who_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n just_a and_o right_o be_v he_o deut._n 32._o 2-4_a he_o be_v not_o like_o he_o that_o faith_n eat_v and_o drink_v but_o his_o heart_n be_v not_o with_o thou_o prov._n 23._o 6_o 7._o he_o say_v not_o come_v eat_v of_o my_o bread_n and_o drink_v of_o the_o wine_n i_o have_v mingle_v when_o either_o he_o have_v prepare_v none_o for_o thou_o or_o have_v no_o cordial_a desire_n and_o intention_n thou_o shall_v partake_v thereof_o but_o his_o gracious_a will_n be_v that_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n prov._n â—_o 15_a with_o 1_o tim._n 2._o 4-6_a and_o therefore_o he_o thus_o expostulate_v wherefore_o when_o i_o come_v be_v there_o no_o man_n when_o i_o call_v be_v there_o none_o to_o answer_v but_o how_o appear_v it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o answer_v his_o call_n this_o be_v declare_v to_o we_o in_o another_o scripture_n they_o do_v evil_a before_o my_o eye_n and_o choose_v that_o in_o which_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o which_o be_v plain_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o his_o end_n in_o come_v and_o call_v be_v that_o they_o may_v have_v do_v what_o be_v good_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o choose_v that_o in_o which_o he_o delight_v that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v be_v of_o his_o choose_a once_o indeed_o compare_v and_o consider_v isa_n 50._o 2._o with_o chap_a 66._o 3_o 4._o &_o chap_v 65._o 12-15_a by_o all_o which_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v their_o great_a iniquity_n who_o be_v call_v by_o the_o servant_n in_o their_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o answer_v not_o his_o call_n who_o accompany_v they_o and_o so_o be_v not_o choose_v this_o be_v that_o iniquity_n which_o be_v so_o great_o provoke_v unto_o the_o great_a king_n that_o he_o thus_o threaten_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o therefore_o will_v i_o number_v you_o to_o the_o sword_n and_o you_o shall_v all_o bow_v down_o to_o the_o slaughter_n because_o when_o i_o call_v you_o do_v not_o answer_v when_o i_o speak_v you_o do_v not_o hear_v but_o do_v evil_a before_o my_o eye_n and_o do_v choose_v that_o wherein_o i_o delight_v not_o therefore_o behold_v my_o servant_n my_o choose_a once_o who_o do_v answer_v my_o call_n shall_v eat_v but_o you_o shall_v be_v hungry_a behold_v my_o servantâ—_n shall_v drink_v but_o you_o shall_v be_v thirsty_a behold_v my_o servant_n shall_v rejoice_v but_o you_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a behold_v my_o servant_n shall_v sing_v for_o joy_n of_o heart_n but_o you_o shall_v cry_v for_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v howl_v for_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o you_o shall_v leave_v your_o name_n for_o a_o curse_n unto_o my_o choose_a etc._n etc._n isa_n 65._o 12-15_a with_o prov._n 1_o 24-32_a &_o mat._n 22._o 13_o 14._o and_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o inexcusable_a iniquity_n that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o call_v be_v not_o choose_v there_o will_v be_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n they_o can_v plead_v that_o christ_n never_o die_v for_o they_o or_o that_o save_a grace_n be_v not_o afford_v to_o they_o for_o both_o these_o be_v false_a as_o we_o have_v say_v and_o show_v but_o they_o will_v be_v convince_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o their_o destruction_n and_o nonelection_n be_v whole_o of_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v be_v find_v speechless_a as_o the_o man_n be_v who_o have_v not_o on_o the_o wedding_n garment_n let_v the_o consideration_n then_o of_o all_o say_v move_v and_o prevail_v with_o we_o all_o so_o to_o receive_v the_o elect_v grace_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v of_o the_o number_n according_a to_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n and_o let_v we_o not_o listen_v to_o such_o desperate_a say_n as_o these_o if_o i_o be_v elect_v no_o sin_n can_v bereave_v i_o of_o heaven_n if_o i_o be_v reprobate_v no_o good_a deed_n can_v help_v i_o to_o heaven_n but_o be_v we_o well_o assure_v that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o none_o as_o the_o subject_n of_o god_n election_n to_o salvation_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o their_o natural_a condition_n and_o filthiness_n nor_o of_o any_o reprobated_a before_o they_o be_v bear_v or_o christ_n preach_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o their_o spirit_n but_o all_o man_n while_o it_o be_v the_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o patience_n towards_o they_o may_v through_o his_o grace_n which_o bring_v salvation_n to_o they_o come_v to_o christ_n the_o prime_a elect_a one_o and_o root_n of_o election_n and_o so_o be_v reckon_v