word_n do_v signify_v a_o most_o firm_a stable_n and_o permanent_a thing_n because_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o constant_a promise_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v to_o be_v more_o constant_a and_o certain_a than_o god_n promise_n and_o plight_a faith_n so_o also_o be_v there_o nothing_o either_o in_o heaven_n above_o or_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o in_o which_o we_o may_v more_o safe_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o belief_n then_o in_o god_n and_o in_o his_o word_n for_o if_o a_o man_n do_v more_o thorough_o look_v and_o more_o intentive_o search_v into_o the_o true_a interpretation_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n he_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o word_n do_v not_o signify_v every_o truth_n but_o that_o truth_n only_o which_o be_v indeed_o firm_o ground_v and_o establish_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n have_v his_o strength_n settle_v and_o ground_v on_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o on_o a_o everlasting_a foundation_n never_o to_o be_v subvert_v therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v not_o any_o quality_n get_v by_o some_o action_n which_o appertain_v not_o unto_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a propriety_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n this_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v only_o the_o most_o strong_a ground_n and_o never-failing_a foundation_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god._n hence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o deed_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o most_o true_a which_o shall_v certain_o have_v their_o issue_n and_o accomplishment_n and_o do_v always_o carry_v with_o they_o their_o everlasting_a and_o infallible_a amen_o so_o that_o god_n as_o well_o in_o the_o second_o act_n 1.20_o 2._o cor._n 1.20_o in_o his_o word_n of_o promise_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o as_o in_o his_o first_o act_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o essence_n be_v true_a yea_o everlasting_a and_o infallible_a truth_n itself_o for_o see_v that_o god_n be_v truth_n itself_o and_o can_v lie_v therefore_o whatsoever_o he_o either_o speak_v or_o promise_v be_v true_a and_o infallible_a 31.6_o psal_n 31.6_o hence_o be_v god_n in_o the_o scripture_n term_v faithful_a and_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n because_o he_o promise_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v true_a and_o because_o he_o fulfil_v and_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o promise_v in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o most_o strong_a prop_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sacred_a anchor_n for_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o god_n be_v not_o deceitful_a but_o true_a that_o he_o give_v and_o perform_v in_o deed_n what_o he_o offer_v and_o promise_v in_o word_n and_o deceive_v not_o any_o man_n with_o vain_a and_o empty_a word_n that_o he_o speak_v nothing_o in_o vain_a nor_o boast_v not_o of_o his_o bounty_n above_o measure_n when_o he_o promise_v any_o thing_n large_o and_o liberal_o but_o that_o he_o will_v true_o and_o without_o doubt_n perform_v that_o which_o he_o determine_v with_o himself_o to_o give_v therefore_o what_o he_o promise_v in_o word_n shall_v at_o length_n be_v fulfil_v in_o deed_n for_o this_o infallible_a truth_n sake_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v call_v pure_a word_n 12.7_o psal_n 12.7_o and_o silver_n try_v and_o fyned_fw-we seven_o time_n therefore_o this_o unmoveable_a truth_n and_o settle_a constancy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v a_o most_o strong_a instrument_n and_o fit_a engine_n and_o the_o best_a weapon_n to_o expel_v and_o drive_v away_o all_o distrust_v and_o wicked_a doubt_n that_o may_v arise_v in_o we_o concern_v god_n and_o his_o will_n for_o our_o nature_n be_v most_o prone_a unto_o diffidence_n and_o distrust_n and_o many_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a doubt_n concern_v the_o will_n of_o god_n do_v steal_v upon_o we_o and_o work_v we_o much_o hurt_n and_o vexation_n therefore_o if_o then_o god_n truth_n do_v not_o confirm_v and_o uphold_v we_o be_v weak_a and_o frail_a man_n we_o shall_v fall_v into_o despair_n and_o be_v swallow_v up_o with_o it_o a_o hundred_o time_n in_o a_o day_n wherefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o heavenly_a and_o infallible_a truth_n be_v most_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o for_o it_o be_v as_o a_o celestial_a shield_n strong_a than_o brass_n whereby_o all_o noisome_a distrust_n and_o doubt_n of_o god_n mercy_n like_v unto_o the_o pernicious_a fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v quench_v and_o drive_v back_o wherefore_o in_o adversity_n and_o temptation_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n and_o refuge_n unto_o this_o assure_a truth_n of_o god_n as_o to_o our_o only_a and_o safe_a sanctuary_n and_o that_o with_o our_o whole_a mind_n and_o by_o a_o steadfast_a faith_n and_o fervent_a prayer_n that_o in_o the_o daily_a meditation_n thereof_o we_o may_v strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o add_v peace_n unto_o our_o conscience_n otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o strength_n nor_o steadfastness_n whereby_o to_o uphold_v ourselves_o whosoever_o therefore_o do_v true_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o his_o word_n and_o have_v a_o hearty_a desire_n daily_o to_o profit_n and_o proceed_v in_o that_o faith_n more_o and_o more_o he_o do_v not_o only_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o attain_v unto_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o the_o better_a thereby_o but_o also_o by_o that_o faith_n build_v and_o frame_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n truth_n have_v conquer_v and_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o all_o evil_n contain_v in_o it_o so_o that_o he_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v account_v a_o citizen_n and_o heir_n of_o heaven_n than_o a_o pilgrim_n or_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o hope_n and_o faith_n have_v cast_v anchor_n and_o fix_v it_o upon_o the_o heavenly_a sanctuary_n as_o on_o a_o foundation_n of_o adamant_n wheresoever_o therefore_o he_o be_v in_o his_o more_o excellent_a and_o better_a part_n there_o also_o be_v he_o say_v to_o be_v whole_o after_o a_o figurative_a manner_n of_o speak_v synecdoche_n synecdoche_n for_o that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v weak_a and_o feeble_a be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n as_o with_o steel_n from_o heaven_n get_v great_a strength_n and_o become_v invincible_a for_o whereas_o that_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v there_o follow_v true_a and_o and_z absolute_a victory_n for_o the_o spiritual_a truth_n become_v conqueror_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o trial_n yea_o in_o death_n itself_o it_o promise_v life_n and_o get_v the_o victory_n therefore_o they_o which_o praise_n god_n for_o his_o truth_n honour_v he_o great_o for_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o more_o wicked_a contumely_n and_o reproach_n nor_o a_o great_a injury_n &_o blasphemy_n commit_v against_o god_n then_o for_o man_n to_o account_v he_o flexible_a and_o unconstant_a in_o his_o promise_n for_o he_o that_o do_v so_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n 5.10_o 1._o joh._n 5.10_o and_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n as_o s._n john_n say_v which_o sure_o be_v a_o most_o horrible_a and_o grievous_a sin_n woe_n therefore_o unto_o the_o popish_a fool_n divine_v which_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v vain_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n except_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o father_n as_o if_o there_o be_v more_o credit_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o man_n by_o nature_n subject_a to_o frailty_n and_o lie_v then_o unto_o god_n who_o by_o nature_n be_v only_o true_a and_o constant_a certain_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n do_v outweigh_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o man_n as_o much_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v better_o than_o man_n here_o by_o the_o premise_n be_v infallible_o infer_v that_o the_o elect_a and_o the_o godly_a may_v in_o all_o their_o trouble_n strong_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o salvation_n because_o god_n do_v as_o true_o perform_v his_o promise_n as_o he_o in_o his_o nature_n be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a chap._n 16._o eightly_o this_o decree_n be_v a_o comfortable_a decree_n for_o what_o can_v so_o refresh_v a_o miserable_a and_o sorrowful_a man_n and_o bring_v he_o into_o hope_n and_o consolation_n as_o the_o doctrine_n and_o knowledge_n of_o free_a election_n for_o our_o whole_a salvation_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o belong_v necessary_o unto_o it_o do_v depend_v upon_o the_o free_a mercy_n and_o election_n of_o god_n so_o that_o salvation_n and_o life_n everlasting_a be_v certain_a unto_o a_o man_n and_o can_v fail_v he_o because_o that_o god_n from_o everlasting_a before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n have_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v it_o for_o he_o and_o that_o of_o his_o own_o free_a mercy_n without_o any_o of_o the_o work_n and_o merit_n of_o man_n own_o do_v
hence_o it_o be_v clear_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v foresee_v no_o good_a thing_n in_o man_n but_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o do_v work_v in_o he_o therefore_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o point_n do_v betray_v their_o own_o gross_a ignorance_n or_o wicked_a malice_n in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o affirm_v and_o to_o defend_v that_o god_n foreknowledge_n be_v contrary_a to_o his_o grace_n especial_o see_v that_o we_o hear_v nothing_o throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n but_o only_a god_n good_a purpose_n and_o mere_a mercy_n and_o concern_v work_v foresee_v and_o man_n merit_n there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n speak_v therefore_o the_o papist_n see_v that_o they_o wrest_v this_o word_n of_o foreknowing_a from_o the_o true_a and_o natural_a sense_n thereof_o into_o a_o strange_a and_o mischievous_a understanding_n by_o a_o gloss_n of_o their_o own_o interpretation_n and_o understand_v not_o the_o propiety_n of_o the_o phrase_n they_o fall_v into_o a_o error_n of_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n and_o through_o the_o likeness_n of_o word_n bring_v in_o a_o fallacy_n and_o by_o their_o like_a kind_n of_o speak_v as_o with_o a_o cloak_n they_o hide_v the_o colour_n of_o their_o mistake_n of_o the_o word_n and_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v suppress_v and_o diminish_v the_o truth_n out_o of_o this_o which_o be_v speak_v may_v be_v gather_v not_o dark_o nor_o doubtful_o but_o clear_o and_o plain_o what_o be_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n which_o because_o they_o be_v enemy_n unto_o god_n and_o do_v hate_v he_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o darken_v and_o obscure_v his_o glory_n wheresoever_o they_o may_v and_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o show_v their_o malice_n two_o manner_n of_o way_n first_o in_o that_o they_o do_v most_o earnest_o hate_v and_o detest_v that_o which_o most_o especial_o please_v god_n and_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o second_o in_o that_o they_o only_o love_v and_o most_o desire_n those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v in_o the_o great_a hatred_n and_o abomination_n so_o likewise_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v most_o against_o that_o which_o please_v god_n most_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n do_v most_o approve_v and_o desire_v that_o which_o god_n hate_v for_o god_n be_v most_o delight_v with_o this_o and_o this_o be_v his_o certain_a will_n that_o the_o elect_v shall_v attain_v salvation_n by_o his_o only_a free_a mercy_n but_o the_o papist_n pleasure_n be_v that_o the_o elect_v shall_v be_v save_v by_o their_o own_o worthiness_n and_o merit_n again_o god_n do_v reject_v and_o altogether_o exclude_v man_n merit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n but_o the_o papist_n like_v of_o they_o and_o make_v they_o the_o cause_n of_o election_n &_o salvation_n so_o that_o betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o papist_n there_o be_v a_o most_o manifest_a and_o vehement_a contrariety_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o lover_n of_o god_n but_o his_o swear_a enemy_n and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o they_o do_v sufficient_o declare_v by_o this_o in_o that_o they_o make_v work_v foresee_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n in_o which_o thing_n they_o commit_v two_o grievous_a offence_n namely_o first_o in_o that_o they_o set_v nothing_o by_o the_o first_o and_o true_a cause_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o so_o erect_v a_o imaginary_a and_o false_a cause_n thereof_o second_o in_o that_o they_o labour_v to_o withdraw_v mankind_n from_o god_n and_o have_v withdraw_v they_o from_o he_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v sell_v they_o as_o bondslave_n to_o the_o devil_n so_o that_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n be_v cruel_a and_o injurious_a against_o man_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n sacrilegious_a and_o blasphemous_a against_o god_n because_o they_o always_o hinder_v his_o glory_n and_o derogate_v from_o his_o majesty_n as_o much_o as_o their_o ability_n can_v stretch_v unto_o on_o the_o contrary_a s._n paul_n although_o before_o his_o conversion_n he_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a profession_n unreprovable_a and_o after_o his_o conversion_n far_o more_o holy_a than_o all_o the_o popeling_n yet_o he_o to_o the_o philippian_n 3.6.8_o phi._n 3.6.8_o not_o only_o constant_o and_o bold_o exclude_v all_o work_n and_o merit_n as_o well_o go_v before_o as_o follow_v after_o faith_n but_o also_o account_v they_o for_o dung_n that_o in_o steed_n of_o they_o have_v gain_v christ_n of_o a_o ungodly_a and_o wretched_a man_n he_o may_v become_v just_a and_o rich_a here_o also_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o papist_n as_o they_o do_v forsake_v god_n and_o resist_v his_o grace_n so_o also_o they_o do_v not_o only_o shut_v up_o the_o door_n of_o his_o mercy_n against_o themselves_o but_o even_o pluck_v on_o their_o own_o neck_n a_o horrible_a curse_n and_o most_o certain_a destruction_n for_o curse_a be_v he_o say_v jeremy_n 17.5_o jere._n 17.5_o that_o trust_v in_o man_n therefore_o this_o gloss_n of_o the_o papist_n concern_v good_a work_n foresee_v be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o wicked_a and_o blasphemous_a because_o it_o be_v not_o only_o not_o find_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o also_o be_v most_o extreme_o contrary_a unto_o they_o for_o god_n in_o the_o elect_n of_o man_n have_v respect_n unto_o himself_o and_o have_v no_o regard_n unto_o work_n either_o past_a or_o to_o come_v which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n deliver_v in_o express_a word_n 1.5_o ephes_n 1.5_o say_v he_o have_v predestinate_v we_o who_o he_o have_v adopt_v through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n in_o that_o he_o say_v in_o himself_o he_o teach_v that_o god_n in_o choose_v we_o see_v nothing_o but_o himself_o which_o he_o make_v any_o account_n of_o therefore_o god_n goodness_n and_o love_n be_v the_o only_a root_n of_o our_o election_n whereas_o he_o say_v according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n that_o be_v put_v down_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n and_o express_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o god_n free_a goodness_n can_v not_o but_o with_o great_a difficulty_n by_o persuasion_n have_v be_v beat_v into_o us._n and_o what_o i_o pray_v you_o can_v god_n foresee_v in_o we_o in_o our_o election_n see_v that_o our_o whole_a be_v 17.28_o act._n 17.28_o and_o what_o good_a thing_n so_o ever_o we_o have_v 4.7_o 1._o cor._n 4.7_o we_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o enjoy_v it_o by_o he_o only_o wherefore_o that_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o election_n may_v be_v hold_v of_o we_o we_o must_v in_o no_o wise_a frequent_a the_o school_n of_o the_o papist_n but_o we_o must_v search_v and_o follow_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o only_a schoolmaster_n and_o the_o most_o faithful_a expositor_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n satan_n have_v inspire_v and_o suggest_v into_o the_o papist_n this_o opinion_n of_o work_n foresee_v that_o by_o it_o he_o may_v withdraw_v man_n from_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o so_o cast_v they_o headlong_o into_o eternal_a destruction_n for_o satan_n well_o know_v that_o man_n whole_a salvation_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n except_o it_o be_v whole_o fetch_v and_o derive_v from_o god_n sure_o there_o can_v be_v give_v unto_o mankind_n a_o great_a nor_o more_o pernicious_a hurt_n than_o this_o opinion_n be_v and_o there_o be_v no_o vice_n worse_o than_o this_o devilish_a pride_n which_o snatch_v from_o god_n his_o chief_a honour_n and_o steal_v away_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o mercy_n therefore_o this_o more_o than_o frantic_a opinion_n of_o faith_n foresee_v be_v utter_o to_o be_v cast_v off_o and_o refuse_v here_o be_v show_v by_o clear_a and_o unanswereable_a argument_n how_o horrible_o and_o grievous_o the_o papist_n do_v offend_v against_o god_n divine_a majesty_n by_o their_o pestilent_a opinion_n of_o faith_n or_o work_v foresee_v chap._n 13._o for_o the_o papist_n in_o that_o devilish_a opinion_n do_v offend_v against_o god_n &_o against_o his_o majesty_n many_o way_n and_o do_v commit_v many_o sacrilegious_a offence_n first_o they_o do_v offend_v against_o the_o fatherly_a goodness_n &_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n for_o god_n mercy_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a which_o may_v any_o where_o be_v find_v but_o it_o flow_v and_o spring_v of_o that_o fountain_n moreover_o god_n be_v so_o good_a and_o merciful_a that_o he_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o honour_v for_o no_o other_o virtue_n nor_o property_n more_o then_o for_o his_o free_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o god_n mercy_n do_v heap_n and_o reckon_v up_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o catalogue_n many_o word_n signify_v one_o and_o
unto_o they_o be_v most_o profitable_a furtherance_n of_o their_o salvation_n therefore_o the_o affliction_n which_o be_v send_v of_o god_n unto_o his_o child_n be_v to_o be_v account_v and_o esteem_v in_o steed_n of_o a_o great_a blessing_n because_o that_o in_o they_o god_n more_o than_o fatherly_a goodness_n be_v see_v because_o when_o his_o child_n refuse_v to_o come_v unto_o he_o be_v call_v by_o the_o love_a voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o he_o cease_v not_o to_o seek_v they_o up_o but_o draw_v they_o unto_o he_o with_o his_o rod_n as_o it_o be_v against_o their_o will_n otherwise_o they_o will_v consume_v away_o and_o perish_v in_o their_o misery_n from_o whence_o may_v be_v note_v again_o that_o our_o merciful_a god_n be_v more_o desirous_a to_o save_v miserable_a sinner_n than_o they_o be_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o so_o careful_o sometime_o by_o this_o and_o sometime_o by_o that_o mean_n seek_v their_o salvation_n so_o that_o when_o god_n do_v visit_v his_o child_n with_o these_o or_o those_o affliction_n he_o do_v then_o give_v they_o a_o inward_a taste_n of_o his_o fatherly_a good_a will_n towards_o they_o and_o so_o chastise_v they_o with_o his_o left_a hand_n and_o refresh_v and_o susteyn_v they_o with_o his_o right_a hand_n thus_o in_o their_o common_a misery_n they_o have_v a_o lively_a sense_n and_o experience_n that_o god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o they_o three_o he_o that_o will_v sound_o edify_v himself_o in_o this_o doctrine_n and_o well_o fortify_v and_o strengthen_v himself_o on_o every_o side_n against_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o satan_n he_o must_v contain_v himself_o within_o the_o compass_n and_o bound_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v a_o true_a rule_n for_o he_o to_o learn_v by_o and_o the_o utmost_a limit_n of_o his_o proceed_n but_o he_o that_o without_o the_o word_n will_v rush_v into_o the_o hide_a secret_n of_o so_o deep_a a_o mystery_n his_o proceed_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v in_o darkness_n out_o of_o the_o way_n but_o also_o shall_v be_v overcome_v of_o this_o so_o secret_a and_o hide_a mystery_n every_o man_n must_v therefore_o deal_v wise_o and_o wary_o in_o this_o matter_n for_o if_o a_o man_n with_o a_o foolhardy_a enterprise_n shall_v covet_v to_o climb_v up_o such_o a_o high_a and_o steep_a hill_n he_o may_v quick_o catch_v a_o headlong_a fall_n backward_o sure_o whosoever_o desire_v to_o pry_v into_o that_o secret_a decree_n without_o the_o light_n of_o god_n word_n they_o shall_v twine_v themselves_o into_o a_o endless_a labyrinth_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v ever_o err_v and_o never_o find_v issue_n out_o see_v that_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n do_v infinite_o far_o exceed_v all_o the_o understanding_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o angel_n for_o the_o angel_n themselves_o as_o peter_n witness_v 1.12_o 1._o pet._n 1.12_o do_v desire_n to_o look_v into_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v close_v up_o and_o hide_v from_o the_o angel_n which_o always_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n how_o much_o less_o be_v they_o able_a to_o search_v out_o or_o understand_v that_o hide_a decree_n of_o predestination_n which_o be_v decree_v and_o ordain_v before_o they_o be_v create_v for_o he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o lesser_a can_v have_v notice_n &_o knowledge_n of_o the_o great_a therefore_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a way_n which_o can_v bring_v every_o man_n safe_o and_o ready_o unto_o the_o find_n out_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v know_v and_o understand_v in_o this_o mystery_n of_o predestination_n so_o that_o where_o god_n have_v open_v his_o sacred_a mouth_n to_o teach_v there_o let_v man_n also_o open_v his_o ear_n to_o learn_v and_o where_o he_o have_v close_v up_o his_o holy_a mouth_n there_o must_v also_o all_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o enquiry_n be_v stop_v by_o man_n and_o where_o god_n cease_v to_o teach_v there_o let_v not_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o learn_v and_o know_v any_o more_o therefore_o when_o god_n make_v 〈…〉_o then_o let_v man_n also_o make_v a_o end_n of_o learning_n and_o so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v safe_a from_o all_o error_n and_o danger_n let_v he_o follow_v god_n go_v before_o he_o in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o shall_v be_v unto_o he_o as_o a_o most_o clear_a shine_a light_n to_o find_v out_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v concern_v predestination_n four_o and_o last_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n and_o to_o reap_v fruit_n thereby_o we_o must_v not_o begin_v at_o the_o first_o cause_n namely_o the_o cause_n and_o first_o beginning_n of_o election_n for_o all_o mean_n of_o learning_n and_o knowledge_n that_o way_n be_v not_o only_o debar_v and_o shut_v up_o from_o we_o on_o every_o side_n but_o even_o from_o the_o angel_n themselves_o but_o we_o must_v learn_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o salvation_n from_o the_o late_a as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o effect_n but_o of_o this_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v speak_v more_o large_o and_o plain_o when_o all_o the_o link_n of_o this_o chain_n be_v handle_v and_o what_o those_o effect_n of_o election_n be_v which_o may_v thorough_o confirm_v we_o and_o make_v we_o sure_o of_o our_o election_n and_o salvation_n as_o most_o true_a and_o infallible_a argument_n we_o shall_v hear_v hereafter_o more_o at_o large_a when_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o vocation_n justification_n and_o glorification_n so_o hitherto_o we_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o pertain_v unto_o it_o likewise_o of_o predestination_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o it_o now_o those_o thing_n which_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v follow_v orderly_a one_o by_o one_o in_o this_o chain_n which_o we_o have_v in_o hand_n here_o be_v a_o passage_n make_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n unto_o vocation_n as_o from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n and_o be_v show_v how_o the_o secret_a predestination_n of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v unto_o the_o elect_a by_o vocation_n in_o vocation_n first_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o word_n be_v express_v how_o many_o way_n it_o be_v take_v and_o how_o it_o be_v divide_v then_o be_v show_v by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v do_v chap._n 24._o now_o in_o paul_n chain_n vocation_n follow_v and_o the_o apostle_n proceed_v from_o the_o cause_n unto_o the_o effect_n and_o show_v how_o this_o secret_a predestination_n be_v reveal_v and_o apply_v unto_o man_n therefore_o vocation_n be_v the_o three_o link_n of_o the_o chain_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v set_v next_o to_o predestination_n in_o a_o order_n most_o convenient_a for_o by_o this_o god_n do_v give_v open_a testimony_n of_o his_o will_n and_o show_v who_o he_o do_v elect_v and_o mean_a to_o save_v before_o all_o age_n predestination_n indeed_o in_o a_o generality_n and_o universal_o do_v pronounce_v that_o some_o man_n be_v elect_v from_o everlasting_a unto_o salvation_n and_o that_o some_o be_v just_o appoint_v from_o everlasting_a unto_o destruction_n but_o vocation_n do_v open_a and_o reveal_v this_o hide_a decree_n of_o god_n unto_o every_o of_o the_o elect_a they_o be_v enlighten_v and_o regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v manifest_v how_o that_o of_o unworthy_a they_o be_v make_v worthy_a the_o remnant_n be_v forsake_v just_o in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o ignorance_n that_o be_v unregenerate_a they_o may_v perish_v and_o be_v damn_v but_o the_o apostle_n show_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v of_o the_o elect_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n fiâ—…â—ee_n set_v forth_o the_o incomparable_a favour_n and_o 〈◊〉_d of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o the_o word_n 〈…〉_o second_o in_o this_o word_n vocation_n he_o comprehend_v and_o as_o it_o be_v point_v at_o with_o his_o finger_n unto_o the_o elect_a the_o great_a gift_n and_o excellent_a benefit_n which_o slow_a from_o predestination_n as_o from_o a_o bottomless_a fountain_n for_o god_n will_v make_v himself_o know_v and_o impart_v himself_o unto_o the_o elect_a by_o his_o benefit_n in_o which_o his_o lively_a image_n and_o shape_n appear_v for_o god_n can_v be_v search_v out_o and_o know_v of_o any_o man_n in_o his_o hide_a essence_n nnd_v secret_a predestination_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o orderly_o declare_v and_o reckon_v up_o certain_a mean_n and_o several_a way_n by_o which_o the_o elect_a be_v draw_v unto_o christ_n and_o bring_v unto_o life_n everlasting_a and_o so_o show_v that_o our_o whole_a salvation_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a and_o pertain_v unto_o it_o do_v depend_v and_o proceed_v from_o god_n eternal_a election_n concern_v vocation_n something_n must_v be_v speak_v more_o at_o large_a for_o our_o better_a
of_o man_n a_o false_a and_o feign_a cause_n thereof_o and_o although_o the_o scripture_n do_v oftentimes_o promise_v a_o reward_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o godly_a yet_o from_o thence_o can_v be_v gather_v no_o merit_n wherein_o god_n as_o a_o debtor_n shall_v be_v bind_v unto_o we_o because_o that_o reward_n depend_v upon_o the_o mere_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o worthiness_n of_o the_o work_n therefore_o the_o papist_n whilst_o that_o in_o this_o question_n they_o do_v join_v the_o reward_n and_o merit_n in_o a_o mutual_a relation_n be_v very_o much_o deceive_v certain_o such_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o god_n which_o shall_v put_v the_o least_o part_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o work_n this_o do_v the_o son_n of_o god_n lively_o express_v and_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o pharisy_n 18.11_o luk._n 18.11_o moreover_o the_o papist_n get_v nothing_o in_o this_o when_o as_o they_o bring_v forth_o the_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n how_o that_o they_o oftentimes_o do_v free_o rehearse_v and_o plead_v their_o integrity_n &_o innocency_n before_o god_n this_o they_o do_v not_o to_o this_o end_n &_o purpose_n as_o if_o they_o will_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v free_a and_o exempt_a from_o all_o imperfection_n and_o stain_v of_o sin_n nor_o as_o if_o they_o hope_v that_o they_o can_v stand_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v endue_v with_o their_o own_o power_n but_o they_o do_v it_o to_o a_o far_a other_o end_n namely_o to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a &_o lawful_a cause_n against_o their_o adversary_n of_o who_o they_o be_v unjust_o hurt_v and_o oppress_v so_o that_o the_o holy_a man_n do_v not_o compare_v their_o own_o integrity_n by_o the_o square_a &_o rule_v of_o god_n justice_n but_o they_o oppose_v it_o against_o the_o violent_a injury_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o do_v call_v god_n as_o a_o just_a judge_n and_o the_o only_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n between_o themselves_o and_o their_o enemy_n therefore_o by_o that_o comparison_n make_v with_o their_o enemy_n by_o who_o they_o be_v unjust_o oppress_v they_o show_v forth_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n that_o by_o that_o reason_n they_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o persuade_v god_n to_o help_v they_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o holy_a man_n do_v labour_n so_o earnest_o in_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n so_o that_o in_o those_o speech_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n the_o question_n be_v not_o concern_v their_o whole_a life_n and_o continual_a perfection_n and_o innocency_n thereof_o but_o only_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v lay_v open_a and_o declare_v against_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o wicked_a again_o although_o the_o saint_n sometime_o lay_v open_a their_o good_a work_n 18.21_o 2._o king_n 20.4_o psa_fw-la 18.21_o that_o they_o have_v walk_v before_o god_n with_o a_o upright_o heart_n and_o have_v not_o depart_v from_o his_o commandment_n yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v not_o produce_v those_o work_n as_o meritorious_a but_o only_o bring_v they_o in_o as_o sign_n and_o fruit_n of_o their_o call_n that_o they_o may_v comfort_v themselves_o concern_v their_o free_a adoption_n and_o so_o do_v not_o extol_v and_o praise_v their_o own_o merit_n but_o the_o gift_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n and_o do_v testify_v that_o they_o do_v rely_v with_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n upon_o the_o only_a favour_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n also_o sometime_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o saint_n it_o distinguish_v they_o from_o hypocrite_n to_o who_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v a_o outward_a show_n of_o godliness_n so_o this_o integrity_n be_v not_o every_o way_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o whole_a life_n but_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o singleness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o dissimulation_n also_o the_o papist_n by_o their_o interpretation_n do_v corrupt_v all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o promise_v a_o reward_n unto_o good_a work_n and_o wrest_v they_o into_o a_o other_o sense_n and_o so_o do_v fall_v into_o a_o fallacy_n of_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o a_o word_n and_o further_o because_o they_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o the_o merit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v due_a alone_a unto_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n they_o mingle_v contrary_a cause_n together_o and_o out_o of_o they_o do_v frame_n and_o forge_v i_o know_v not_o what_o but_o to_o enforce_v some_o merit_n from_o a_o free_a reward_n they_o do_v not_o only_o make_v a_o foolish_a and_o rash_a consequence_n but_o also_o do_v deny_v god_n to_o be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o do_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v some_o good_a thing_n in_o wretched_a sinner_n which_o be_v whole_o corrupt_v furthermore_o that_o which_o they_o babble_v of_o inherent_a righteousness_n be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o foolish_a for_o the_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n his_o merit_n do_v quite_o overthrow_v as_o well_o this_o inherent_a righteousness_n as_o that_o righteousness_n of_o work_n for_o these_o be_v two_o contraries_n which_o can_v never_o stand_v together_o nor_o be_v attribute_v unto_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_o thing_n but_o one_o of_o they_o always_o confound_v and_o drive_v away_o the_o other_o sure_o such_o fiction_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o vain_a man_n be_v altogether_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o condemn_v which_o pull_v in_o piece_n the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o free_a remission_n of_o sin_n for_o they_o which_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o righteousness_n do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n 10.3_o rom._n 10.3_o they_o do_v not_o only_o deceive_v and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v condemn_v themselves_o and_o other_o but_o also_o they_o arrogate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n unto_o themselves_o or_o at_o the_o leastwise_o much_o weaken_v it_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o set_v up_o their_o own_o righteousness_n they_o throw_v down_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a beginning_n to_o obtain_v the_o righâ—…nes_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v altogether_o renouâ—â—â—â—heir_v own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v void_a of_o all_o righteousness_n for_o as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o have_v the_o least_o good_a thing_n of_o his_o own_o he_o be_v unfit_a to_o receive_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o give_v and_o impute_v free_o for_o god_n receive_v into_o favour_n and_o save_v none_o but_o sinner_n such_o as_o be_v void_a of_o all_o righteousness_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v set_v the_o only_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o sole_a merit_n of_o the_o messiah_n 1.15_o dan._n 9_o 1._o tim._n 1.15_o as_o contrary_a unto_o all_o the_o merit_n of_o man_n and_o all_o outward_a cause_n which_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o inconstancy_n and_o rash_a attempt_n do_v invent_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o man_n to_o become_v righteous_a and_o enter_v into_o heaven_n but_o the_o only_a and_o mere_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n alone_o again_o they_o teach_v we_o that_o all_o and_o singular_a the_o endeavour_n and_o merit_n of_o man_n by_o which_o man_n go_v about_o to_o deserve_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o manifest_a illusion_n and_o sleight_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o which_o ignorant_a man_n be_v make_v stranger_n from_o god_n and_o throw_v headlong_o into_o the_o deep_a pit_n of_o condemnation_n therefore_o this_o free_a justification_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v remember_v and_o think_v of_o for_o satan_n labour_v and_o watch_v for_o nothing_o more_o then_o that_o he_o may_v quite_o put_v out_o or_o at_o the_o least_o darken_v this_o free_a justification_n of_o faith_n this_o he_o have_v go_v about_o in_o all_o age_n and_o obtain_v in_o many_o place_n but_o let_v this_o suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o quality_n of_o justification_n second_o this_o justification_n be_v by_o all_o mean_v perfect_a and_o most_o absolute_a for_o god_n do_v not_o pardon_v one_o or_o two_o sin_n only_o but_o he_o forgive_v all_o and_o every_o sin_n neither_o do_v he_o only_o forgive_v sin_n that_o be_v already_o commit_v &_o pass_v but_o he_o do_v remit_v the_o daily_a fall_n of_o his_o child_n if_o they_o repent_v this_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o in_o many_o place_n and_o diligent_o urge_v john_n say_v plain_o 1.7_o 1._o john_n 1.7_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n s._n paul_n to_o the_o colossian_n
and_o exercise_v the_o strength_n thereof_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o administer_a they_o again_o they_o do_v offend_v and_o sin_v exceed_o and_o out_o of_o measure_n against_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o only_a efficient_a cause_n and_o principal_a worker_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n thereof_o therefore_o they_o attribute_v that_o unto_o the_o outward_a water_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v due_a only_a unto_o the_o holy_a spirit_n &_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n &_o so_o fall_v into_o a_o fallacy_n from_o that_o which_o be_v no_o cause_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o cause_n for_o they_o do_v cast_v that_o unto_o the_o false_a and_o feign_a cause_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v attribute_v unto_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n and_o so_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v do_v overthrow_n and_o undermine_v the_o principal_a head_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o whereas_o they_o infer_v that_o the_o pure_a and_o preciser_n sort_n of_o divine_n do_v deny_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o wash_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n 3.5_o tit._n 3.5_o as_o paul_n to_o titus_n speak_v this_o be_v a_o unsavoury_a and_o a_o vile_a cavil_n for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o admit_v and_o like_v of_o those_o word_n of_o paul_n in_o their_o true_a and_o natural_a meaning_n but_o do_v receive_v they_o as_o a_o most_o sound_a confirmation_n and_o strengthen_n of_o our_o cause_n for_o paul_n there_o plain_o pronounce_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v effect_n and_o work_v regeneration_n in_o us._n but_o our_o adversary_n do_v misunderstand_v those_o word_n of_o paul_n and_o do_v abuse_v they_o while_o they_o wrest_v they_o into_o a_o other_o sense_n as_o seducer_n use_v to_o do_v and_o apply_v they_o amiss_o and_o so_o do_v fall_v into_o a_o fallacy_n of_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o a_o word_n while_o they_o interpret_v that_o ill_a which_o they_o apply_v worst_a of_o all_o among_o true_a and_o sound_a divine_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n firm_o resolve_v and_o agree_v upon_o that_o the_o sacrament_n do_v not_o bring_v grace_n but_o do_v for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o faith_n seal_v up_o that_o which_o be_v bestow_v before_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o abraham_n 4.10_o rom._n 4.10_o as_o in_o the_o common_a example_n and_o father_n of_o all_o they_o which_o believe_v last_o they_o err_v not_o a_o little_a by_o this_o their_o most_o vain_a fiction_n while_o that_o they_o place_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o ground_n thereof_o in_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n for_o so_o they_o forge_v and_o frame_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n from_o the_o instrument_n that_o be_v use_v as_o mean_n and_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o apply_v they_o but_o with_o deep_a silence_n they_o do_v pass_v by_o and_o with_o wonderful_a craft_n neglect_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o salvation_n namely_o everlasting_a and_o free_a election_n and_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o deceive_v and_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o ignorant_a for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a nor_o more_o plentiful_a occasion_n to_o beguile_v and_o deceive_v then_o where_o false_a and_o imaginary_a cause_n be_v suppose_v for_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n moreover_o this_o regeneration_n here_o be_v always_o defective_a and_o imperfect_a and_o a_o small_a beginning_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o a_o certain_a onset_n unto_o it_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o also_o by_o daily_a experience_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v change_v into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 3.18_o 2._o cor._n 3.18_o 1.17_o rom._n 1.17_o and_o to_o go_v forward_o daily_a more_o and_o more_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n also_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o walk_v in_o his_o commandment_n 2.14_o eze._n 36.27_o tit._n 2.14_o and_o to_o keep_v his_o statute_n and_o to_o be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n these_o and_o the_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o elect_v be_v not_o the_o first_o day_n polish_v unto_o the_o high_a perfection_n but_o that_o by_o little_a and_o little_a as_o it_o be_v by_o degree_n they_o be_v bring_v from_o one_o virtue_n unto_o a_o other_o until_o after_o this_o life_n they_o shall_v come_v unto_o the_o high_a perfection_n for_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_a which_o must_v be_v change_v from_o one_o glory_n to_o another_o and_o go_v forward_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n second_o they_o which_o walk_v in_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o way_n and_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o race_n therefore_o they_o be_v unperfect_a for_o wayfaring_a man_n be_v often_o weery_v and_o now_o and_o then_o stumble_v and_o fall_v by_o reason_n of_o these_o or_o these_o let_n and_o hindrance_n so_o also_o the_o regenerate_a man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v weery_v in_o the_o course_n and_o study_v of_o godliness_n do_v slip_v often_o and_o fall_v into_o these_o and_o these_o sin_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n say_v plain_o 1.8_o 1._o john_n 1.8_o that_o they_o which_o say_v they_o have_v no_o sin_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o they_o also_o the_o most_o holy_a prophet_n do_v plain_o and_o free_o confess_v of_o themselves_o that_o their_o best_a work_n be_v pollute_v and_o stain_v with_o many_o and_o great_a imperfection_n 64._o esay_n 64._o for_o in_o they_o always_o the_o dregs_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n remain_v and_o abide_v and_o very_o often_o the_o sparkle_n of_o their_o lewd_a affection_n do_v break_v forth_o and_o show_v themselves_o but_o these_o hinder_v they_o not_o because_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o a_o pardon_n these_o thing_n the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n do_v only_o obtain_v some_o beginning_n of_o a_o new_a life_n here_o so_o that_o regeneration_n here_o be_v maim_v and_o unperfect_a for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v so_o illuminate_v and_o renew_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o elect_a 13.9_o 1._o cor._n 13.9_o that_o here_o they_o do_v know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o do_v so_o change_v and_o refine_v their_o will_n that_o they_o can_v will_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o in_o part_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o this_o life_n so_o that_o whether_o a_o man_n respect_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o regenerate_a or_o whether_o a_o man_n consider_v their_o will_n he_o shall_v easy_o find_v that_o they_o be_v unperfect_a for_o they_o which_o be_v renew_v still_o day_n by_o day_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o whole_o renew_v but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v here_o be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o perfect_a nor_o whole_o renew_v beside_o these_o there_o be_v many_o other_o token_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plentiful_a as_o which_o be_v wrought_v successive_o by_o the_o child_n of_o god_n either_o in_o rejoice_v at_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n or_o sorrow_v at_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o sure_o these_o do_v bewray_v their_o imperfection_n so_o that_o infirmity_n always_o abide_v and_o dwell_v in_o they_o with_o which_o they_o must_v strive_v even_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n with_o a_o intercourse_n of_o go_v backward_o and_o go_v forward_o as_o augustine_n say_v in_o one_o place_n second_o daily_a experience_n itself_o do_v convince_v and_o prove_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o godly_a for_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o age_n have_v offend_v and_o sin_v very_o often_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v unperfect_a for_o they_o which_o by_o regeneration_n be_v quite_o perfect_v be_v set_v out_o of_o all_o danger_n of_o sin_v any_o more_o furthermore_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v endue_v his_o child_n in_o this_o life_n with_o exquisite_a perfection_n therefore_o they_o can_v be_v make_v perfect_a here_o for_o god_n do_v not_o perform_v more_o in_o this_o work_n of_o regeneration_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n than_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o reveal_v word_n of_o promise_n and_o they_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o power_n can_v make_v themselves_o better_o and_o more_o holy_a then_o god_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v also_o the_o most_o holy_a apostle_n themselves_o say_v 3.2_o james._n 3.2_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o sin_v all_o john_n also_o in_o his_o epistle_n pronounce_v most_o plain_o say_v 1.8_o 1._o john_n 1.8_o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v