sometime_o two_o as_o in_o act_n 20.20_o 21_o 27._o compare_v the_o apostle_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a counsel_n of_o god_n under_o repentance_n and_o faith_n also_o in_o that_o of_o solomon_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n eccles_n 12.13_o so_o that_o if_o you_o can_v suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o believer_n and_o to_o be_v a_o believer_n alone_o it_o will_v not_o save_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n james_n say_v chap._n 2.14_o what_o do_v it_o profit_v my_o brethren_n though_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o no_o no_o more_o than_o say_v be_v you_o warm_v will_v warm_v any_o or_o be_v you_o fill_v will_v fill_v any_o for_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a and_o what_o be_v say_v of_o this_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o salvation_n as_o annex_v to_o any_o one_o thing_n it_o suppose_v that_o to_o contain_v the_o rest_n the_o reason_n be_v evident_a for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o save_v be_v not_o part_v there_o be_v no_o believe_v to_o salvation_n without_o repentance_n nor_o no_o repentance_n to_o salvation_n without_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o call_n upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v save_v without_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n nor_o can_v they_o save_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n that_o call_v not_o on_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o be_v not_o any_o one_o thing_n but_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act_v 1.3_o it_o be_v not_o thing_n but_o thing_n that_o accompany_v or_o as_o it_o may_v be_v better_o read_v contain_v salvation_n heb._n 6.9_o and_o he_o that_o take_v one_o for_o all_o without_o all_o as_o our_o wise_a author_n do_v will_v find_v nothing_o at_o all_o a_o part_n be_v no_o portion_n the_o great_a fallacy_n with_o which_o satan_n delude_v many_o man_n be_v that_o which_o logician_n call_v à _fw-la benè_fw-la compositis_fw-la ad_fw-la malè_fw-la divisa_fw-la when_o he_o get_v they_o to_o take_v religion_n into_o piece_n and_o then_o take_v one_o piece_n for_o religion_n one_o cry_v up_o god_n another_o cry_v up_o christ_n another_o faith_n another_o love_n another_o good_a work_n but_o what_o be_v god_n without_o christ_n or_o christ_n without_o faith_n or_o faith_n without_o love_n or_o love_n without_o work_n but_o now_o take_v god_n in_o christ_n by_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n to_o the_o keep_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v pure_a religion_n it_o be_v the_o whole_a that_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man._n yet_o again_o though_o i_o have_v speak_v thus_o much_o to_o it_o let_v i_o make_v it_o clear_a than_o a_o demonstration_n that_o one_o be_v put_v for_o all_o and_o as_o contain_v all_o by_o compare_v these_o place_n of_o scripture_n in_o 1_o cor._n 7.19_o you_o read_v that_o circumcision_n be_v nothing_o and_o uncircumcision_n be_v nothing_o but_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n what_o be_v that_o why_o that_o be_v all_o in_o all_o in_o gal._n 5.6_o it_o be_v neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o faith_n which_o work_v by_o love_n that_o be_v that_o which_o avail_v or_o be_v all_o in_o all_o yet_o in_o gal._n 6.15_o he_o say_v neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n that_o be_v all_o in_o all_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o as_o if_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o col._n 3.11_o that_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o cashier_v both_o circumcision_n and_o uncircumcision_n as_o former_o now_o my_o belove_a if_o you_o shall_v take_v any_o one_o of_o these_o though_o each_o be_v say_v to_o be_v avail_v i_o say_v if_o you_o shall_v take_v any_o one_o and_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o your_o salvation_n upon_o it_o you_o be_v undo_v let_v our_o author_n and_o his_o proselyte_n look_v to_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n nor_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n nor_o the_o new_a creature_n no_o nor_o christ_n himself_o consider_v alone_o and_o apart_o that_o avail_v any_o thing_n but_o these_o in_o conjunction_n he_o name_v one_o only_o because_o where_o one_o be_v it_o be_v not_o only_o one_o there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o wherever_o one_o be_v saving_o there_o be_v all_o in_o their_o respective_a place_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v to_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o salvation_n thus_o you_o see_v that_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o work_n and_o work_v as_o well_o as_o faith_n every_o one_o in_o their_o own_o order_n be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o or_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n this_o rule_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n be_v one_o of_o venning_n thing_n that_o be_v well_o worth_a the_o think_n on_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v set_v it_o down_o at_o large_a if_o it_o be_v due_o attend_v to_o it_o will_v give_v light_a sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o darkness_n of_o our_o author_n ignorance_n or_o hypocrisy_n but_o he_o object_n further_o that_o no_o answer_n but_o this_o alone_a can_v right_o heal_v the_o wound_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n pag._n 15._o we_o reply_v that_o what_o he_o say_v be_v false_a and_o delusive_a in_o his_o sense_n take_v faith_n for_o one_o single_a act_n of_o one_o grace_n and_o duty_n exclusive_a of_o repentance_n and_o all_o other_o grace_n and_o duty_n but_o take_v it_o according_a to_o god_n usual_a way_n of_o speak_v much_o in_o a_o little_a and_o in_o a_o complex_fw-la comprehensive_a sense_n as_o take_v in_o or_o not_o exclude_v but_o rather_o suppose_v repentance_n and_o it_o be_v most_o true_a for_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n blood_n apply_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o faith_n to_o the_o soul_n prepare_v by_o repentance_n be_v indeed_o the_o only_a remedy_n that_o can_v heal_v it_o but_o if_o our_o author_n will_v say_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n alone_o and_o without_o repentance_n will_v heal_v the_o wound_n of_o awaken_v conscience_n in_o wicked_a man_n at_o their_o first_o conversion_n we_o can_v choose_v but_o rank_v he_o among_o those_o covetous_a deceitful_a prophet_n and_o priest_n who_o heal_v the_o hurt_n of_o the_o people_n slight_o say_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n jerem._n 6.13_o 14._o we_o be_v infallible_o sure_a from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o apostle_n commission_n be_v to_o preach_v repentance_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o man_n justification_n and_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v obedient_a to_o the_o command_v of_o their_o great_a and_o glorious_a lord_n and_o preach_v according_a to_o their_o commission_n for_o we_o read_v in_o god_n holy_a word_n that_o when_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o multitude_n of_o unbelieve_a jew_n who_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o the_o most_o barbarous_a murder_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o man_n be_v thorough_o awaken_v and_o their_o spirit_n be_v deep_o wound_v by_o the_o arrow_n of_o conviction_n which_o almighty_a god_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n have_v shoot_v into_o their_o soul_n they_o feel_v themselves_o prick_v in_o their_o heart_n say_v unto_o peter_n and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act_n 2.37_o then_o as_o follow_v vers_n 38._o peter_n say_v unto_o they_o repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v every_o one_o of_o you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n here_o we_o have_v a_o company_n of_o people_n in_o great_a distress_n of_o conscience_n as_o the_o gaoler_n be_v and_o in_o this_o their_o spiritual_a distress_n they_o do_v as_o the_o gaoler_n do_v as_o the_o gaoler_n seek_v advice_n of_o paul_n and_o silas_n and_o ask_v they_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o be_v save_v just_o so_o the_o awaken_v convince_a jew_n seek_v advice_n of_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o ask_v they_o what_o they_o shall_v do_v to_o who_o peter_n answer_v repent_v and_o be_v baptize_v etc._n etc._n whereupon_o we_o demand_v of_o our_o author_n be_v this_o answer_n of_o peter_n a_o right_a answer_n or_o not_o 1._o we_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o he_o dare_v not_o say_v it_o be_v not_o a_o right_a answer_n for_o peter_n be_v a_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o paul_n and_o at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o speak_v as_o he_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o say_v that_o peter_n do_v not_o give_v they_o a_o right_a answer_n because_o he_o do_v not_o say_v to_o they_o as_o paul_n say_v to_o the_o
spirit_n together_o because_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n aforesaid_a the_o write_a word_n be_v suppose_v to_o say_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o that_o matter_n therefore_o if_o ever_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o man_n and_o so_o if_o ever_o he_o be_v comfort_v in_o this_o world_n it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o spirit_n without_o the_o word_n and_o then_o all_o the_o poor_a disconsolate_a man_n ground_n of_o comfort_n must_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o that_o god_n will_v reveal_v it_o to_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n immediate_o without_o the_o write_a word_n but_o then_o we_o demand_v how_o our_o author_n will_v be_v able_a to_o assure_v the_o poor_a disconsolate_a die_a man_n that_o god_n will_v real_o do_v so_o that_o god_n will_v reveal_v it_o to_o he_o by_o his_o spirit_n immediate_o without_o the_o write_a word_n for_o that_o immediate_a extraordinary_a revelation_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o depend_v also_o upon_o god_n arbitrary_a free_a will_n he_o may_v do_v it_o or_o not_o do_v it_o as_o he_o please_v and_o if_o god_n may_v free_o not_o do_v it_o how_o can_v our_o author_n ever_o assure_v the_o man_n that_o he_o will_v do_v it_o that_o be_v that_o he_o will_v by_o his_o spirit_n immediate_o and_o extraordinary_o reveal_v to_o he_o without_o the_o write_a word_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v eternal_a life_n and_o not_o eternal_a death_n for_o his_o portion_n but_o now_o if_o our_o author_n shall_v say_v that_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o man_n a_o promise_n in_o his_o write_a word_n to_o ground_v his_o faith_n upon_o though_o he_o have_v not_o give_v a_o state_v rule_n and_o stand_v positive_a law_n according_a to_o which_o he_o will_v proceed_v with_o man_n at_o death_n and_o judgement_n we_o will_v ready_o reply_v thus_o either_o the_o promise_n in_o the_o write_a word_n make_v to_o the_o die_a disconsolate_a man_n be_v a_o absolute_a promise_n that_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n will_v give_v he_o eternal_a life_n however_o it_o be_v with_o he_o whether_o he_o be_v convert_v or_o unconvert_v penitent_a or_o impenitent_a believer_n or_o unbeliever_n and_o we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v no_o such_o promise_n in_o the_o bible_n and_o to_o tell_v he_o of_o such_o a_o promise_n will_v be_v at_o once_o to_o belie_v god_n and_o to_o delude_v the_o poor_a man._n or_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o conditional_a promise_n that_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n will_v give_v he_o eternal_a life_n if_o through_o grace_n he_o unfeigned_o repent_v of_o all_o his_o sin_n and_o believe_v on_o christ_n with_o a_o lively_a effectual_a faith_n a_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o eternal_a death_n if_o this_o be_v the_o promise_n that_o the_o poor_a die_a man_n must_v ground_v his_o faith_n upon_o that_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n will_v give_v he_o eternal_a life_n than_o this_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o dr._n twisse_n and_o we_o after_o he_o call_v the_o law_n according_a to_o which_o god_n proceed_v in_o dispense_n to_o his_o people_n the_o subsequent_a blessing_n of_o the_o covenant_n such_o as_o justification_n and_o glorification_n be_v and_o so_o our_o author_n come_v over_o into_o our_o camp_n which_o he_o must_v do_v at_o last_o and_o confess_v if_o not_o to_o we_o at_o least_o to_o god_n that_o he_o have_v gross_o misrepresent_v and_o false_o accuse_v christ_n faithful_a minister_n and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o delude_v the_o people_n and_o to_o render_v the_o minister_n odious_a to_o the_o people_n and_o thereby_o to_o hinder_v the_o success_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o he_o must_v sincere_o repent_v of_o have_v do_v so_o but_o if_o he_o will_v yet_o go_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n we_o shall_v be_v sorry_a for_o he_o and_o not_o cease_v to_o pray_v the_o lord_n if_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o have_v mercy_n on_o he_o and_o to_o give_v he_o repentance_n for_o the_o scandalous_a sin_n which_o he_o have_v commit_v in_o public_o slander_v christ_n minister_n and_o in_o bold_o assert_v a_o notorious_a falsehood_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n say_v that_o the_o new_a law_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o new_a word_n of_o a_o old_a but_o ill_a meaning_n and_o that_o he_o have_v real_o do_v so_o we_o have_v not_o only_o say_v but_o prove_v by_o the_o plain_a testimony_n of_o credible_a witness_n whereof_o two_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o their_o blood_n above_o fourteen_o hundred_o year_n ago_o sect_n ii_o of_o his_o second_o error_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v absolute_a and_o not_o conditional_a second_o the_o author_n of_o the_o letter_n assert_n that_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v absolute_a and_o not_o conditional_a as_o appear_v from_o page_n 18._o at_o the_o end_n and_z page_z 24._o and_o particular_o he_o deny_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o justification_n page_n 8._o some_o say_n that_o faith_n justify_v as_o it_o be_v a_o fulfil_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n if_o thou_o believe_v thou_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o he_o find_v fault_n with_o and_o oppose_v to_o it_o the_o old_a protestant_a doctrine_n as_o he_o call_v it_o that_o the_o place_n of_o faith_n in_o justification_n be_v only_o that_o of_o a_o hand_n or_o instrument_n etc._n etc._n where_o we_o observe_v 1._o that_o he_o make_v faith_n its_o be_v a_o condition_n and_o its_o be_v a_o hand_n or_o instrument_n to_o be_v two_o opposite_a thing_n the_o one_o whereof_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o other_o and_o so_o in_o this_o he_o not_o only_o fight_v against_o we_o but_o likewise_o against_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o westminster_n who_o hold_v faith_n to_o be_v both_o a_o instrument_n and_o a_o condition_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n as_o be_v show_v before_o 2._o he_o make_v it_o to_o be_v new_a doctrine_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o old_a protestant_a doctrine_n to_o hold_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n as_o a_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherein_o he_o make_v the_o assembly_n as_o well_o as_o we_o to_o be_v preacher_n of_o a_o new_a doctrine_n and_o corrupter_n of_o the_o gospel_n since_o they_o likewise_o hold_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o again_o in_o page_n 9_o we_o say_v that_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v neither_o work_n nor_o condition_n nor_o qualification_n in_o justification_n but_o be_v a_o mere_a instrument_n and_o he_o affirm_v that_o their_o say_n so_o be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o fire_n be_v kindle_v so_o that_o say_v he_o in_o page_n 10._o it_o be_v come_v to_o that_o as_o mr._n christopher_n fowler_n say_v that_o he_o that_o will_v not_o be_v antichristian_a must_v be_v call_v a_o antinomian_n here_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o he_o not_o only_o deny_v faith_n to_o be_v either_o work_n condition_n or_o qualification_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n but_o he_o also_o in_o effect_n affirm_v that_o it_o be_v antichristian_a to_o assert_v that_o faith_n be_v either_o work_n condition_n or_o qualification_n and_o that_o he_o will_v therefore_o rather_o choose_v to_o be_v call_v a_o antinomian_a for_o deny_v than_o to_o be_v a_o antichristian_a for_o affirm_v it_o this_o be_v and_o must_v be_v his_o meaning_n or_o else_o he_o be_v dream_v and_o know_v not_o what_o he_o do_v when_o he_o cite_v mr._n fowler_n and_o bring_v in_o his_o judicious_a say_n with_o a_o so_o that_o it_o be_v come_v to_o that_o as_o mr._n fowler_n say_v etc._n etc._n final_o in_o page_n 25_o at_o the_o beginning_n he_o say_v that_o faith_n in_o the_o office_n of_o justification_n be_v neither_o condition_n nor_o qualification_n but_o in_o its_o very_a act_n be_v a_o renounce_n of_o all_o such_o pretence_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o do_v not_o wrest_v his_o word_n nor_o charge_v he_o with_o a_o opinion_n which_o he_o do_v not_o hold_v for_o he_o so_o firm_o hold_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v absolute_a and_o not_o conditional_a and_o particular_o that_o faith_n be_v neither_o the_o condition_n of_o obtain_v justification_n nor_o a_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n then_o justify_v when_o he_o believe_v that_o he_o glory_v to_o be_v account_v a_o antinomian_a rather_o than_o renounce_v that_o opinion_n page_n 24._o and_o he_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v new_a and_o antichristian_a doctrine_n to_o maintain_v that_o faith_n be_v either_o a_o condition_n of_o obtain_v justification_n or_o a_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n justify_v or_o to_o be_v justify_v in_o that_o instant_n of_o time_n wherein_o he_o believe_v before_o we_o refute_v this_o opinion_n we_o will_v brief_o
it_o be_v the_o cause_n though_o calvin_n twiss_n ames_n rutherford_n etc._n etc._n have_v not_o spare_v to_o say_v and_o write_v that_o it_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n a_o cause_n a_o inferior_a dispose_n cause_n etc._n etc._n but_o a_o duty_n and_o condition_n until_o the_o perform_v whereof_o god_n have_v suspend_v the_o gift_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o the_o performer_n of_o which_o duty_n and_o condition_n he_o have_v free_o promise_v and_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n he_o gracious_o give_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n meritorious_a righteousness_n only_o and_o we_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v always_o remember_v that_o from_o this_o condition_n of_o sincere_a obedience_n we_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v but_o include_v the_o continue_a exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o that_o which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o it_o and_o which_o run_v through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o as_o also_o we_o hold_v that_o it_o comprehend_v the_o continue_a practice_n of_o repentance_n and_o love_n to_o god_n and_o man._n such_o sincere_a obedience_n we_o hold_v to_o be_v a_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o our_o part_n 10.38_o ezek._n 18.24_o 25._o heb._n 10.38_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n for_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n that_o if_o any_o of_o god_n people_n shall_v apostatise_v from_o faith_n in_o christ_n fall_v from_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n true_a religion_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o wilful_a commission_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o abomination_n and_o die_v in_o that_o state_n without_o repentance_n they_o will_v lose_v their_o right_n to_o eternal_a life_n be_v shut_v out_o of_o heaven_n and_o cast_v down_o to_o hell_n there_o to_o suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o that_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o repentance_n and_o evangelical_n obedience_n they_o have_v their_o right_n to_o life_n and_o glory_n still_o continue_v to_o they_o and_o shall_v through_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o merit_n be_v put_v into_o the_o full_a and_o eternal_a possession_n of_o it_o if_o our_o author_n shall_v object_v and_o say_v that_o we_o suppose_v a_o impossibility_n from_o whence_o there_o be_v no_o right_a argue_v for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n we_o desire_v he_o to_o consider_v what_o dr._n twiss_n say_v in_o the_o 29_o page_n of_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o book_n call_v the_o synod_n of_o dort_n and_o arles_n reduce_v to_o practice_n his_o word_n be_v when_o we_o say_v the_o elect_a saint_n can_v fall_v from_o grace_n this_o be_v speak_v not_o in_o respect_n of_o any_o absolute_a impossibility_n but_o mere_o upon_o supposition_n of_o god_n uphold_v they_o and_o according_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n unto_o salvation_n 1_o pet._n 1.5_o now_o this_o impossibility_n of_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n in_o scholastical_a account_n be_v but_o a_o impossibility_n secundum_fw-la quid_fw-la like_a as_o we_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o antichrist_n shall_v fall_v or_o the_o jew_n be_v call_v till_o the_o time_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v be_v come_v for_o bring_v forth_o these_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o he_o but_o the_o contrary_n be_v simple_o possible_a on_o either_o part_n thus_o twiss_n our_o answer_n then_o be_v that_o the_o apostasy_n of_o a_o saint_n be_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o impossible_a alas_o it_o be_v but_o too_o possible_a with_o respect_n to_o we_o consider_v in_o ourselves_o but_o it_o be_v only_o impossible_a in_o some_o respect_n to_o wit_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n purpose_n and_o promise_v and_o christ_n intercession_n etc._n etc._n and_o notwithstanding_o its_o be_v impossible_a in_o this_o sense_n yet_o we_o find_v it_o suppose_v and_o grant_v also_o to_o be_v possible_a in_o another_o sense_n and_o further_o we_o find_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n suppose_v great_a impossibility_n than_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v and_o rational_o argue_v from_o they_o too_o witness_v john_n 8.55_o gal._n 1.8_o if_o any_o shall_v further_o object_v and_o say_v that_o hereby_o we_o destroy_v the_o saint_n assurance_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n by_o hold_v that_o their_o obtain_n of_o it_o be_v suspend_v on_o a_o condition_n we_o answer_v the_o consequence_n be_v false_a because_o those_o who_o be_v assure_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o they_o be_v true_o convert_v and_o justify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ_n blood_n 2.19_o see_v 1_o joh._n 2.19_o may_v from_o holy_a scripture_n be_v assure_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o perseverance_n through_o grace_n in_o faith_n repentance_n and_o whatever_o god_n have_v make_v necessary_a to_o their_o obtain_n eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n indeed_o if_o our_o glorification_n depend_v upon_o a_o condition_n of_o which_o we_o can_v not_o be_v sure_a then_o neither_o can_v we_o be_v sure_a of_o glorification_n itself_o but_o we_o believe_v and_o maintain_v that_o through_o grace_n we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o condition_n to_o wit_n of_o perseverance_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v sure_a of_o our_o future_a glorification_n which_o be_v infallible_o promise_v to_o perseverance_n in_o faith_n and_o holiness_n we_o know_v the_o follower_n of_o luther_n who_o our_o author_n so_o much_o magnify_v as_o if_o he_o be_v for_o he_o and_o his_o party_n deny_v that_o a_o saint_n can_v be_v absolute_o sure_a ordinary_o in_o this_o world_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v it_o be_v true_a they_o maintain_v that_o a_o saint_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v absolute_o sure_a that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n for_o the_o present_a but_o they_o deny_v and_o on_o their_o principle_n must_v deny_v that_o he_o can_v have_v a_o absolute_a but_o only_o a_o conditional_a assurance_n of_o his_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o glorification_n because_o they_o say_v he_o can_v be_v absolute_o sure_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o fall_v total_o and_o final_o from_o the_o state_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o be_v now_o in_o if_o we_o shall_v follow_v luther_n or_o the_o lutheran_n in_o this_o what_o a_o clamour_n will_v our_o author_n raise_v against_o we_o how_o will_v he_o proclaim_v we_o to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v arminian_o or_o papist_n yet_o luther_n be_v a_o bless_a man_n and_o most_o orthodox_n divine_a because_o in_o his_o commentary_n on_o the_o galathian_o he_o seem_v to_o hold_v with_o our_o author_n in_o some_o thing_n though_o in_o other_o thing_n of_o great_a importance_n he_o be_v against_o he_o and_o we_o too_o but_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_v of_o our_o faith_n in_o these_o and_o all_o other_o religious_a matter_n and_o according_a to_o the_o prescript_n thereof_o we_o believe_v profess_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n that_o as_o christ_n purchase_v all_o grace_n for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n so_o he_o give_v it_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o appoint_a mean_n and_o what_o save_v grace_n he_o once_o give_v unto_o his_o people_n he_o never_o whole_o take_v away_o from_o they_o again_o and_o that_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o fall_v into_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n he_o raise_v they_o up_o again_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o renew_v their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o never_o whole_o leave_v they_o nor_o forsake_v they_o but_o give_v they_o still_o more_o grace_n according_a to_o their_o need_n and_o by_o grace_n prepare_v they_o for_o and_o at_o last_o bring_v they_o unto_o glory_n thus_o we_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o preach_v christ_n and_o now_o we_o appeal_v to_o all_o who_o have_v any_o conscience_n of_o truth_n and_o honesty_n whether_o we_o neglect_v to_o preach_v christ_n or_o whether_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o christ_n we_o set_v up_o any_o thing_n in_o co-ordination_a with_o he_o yea_o whether_o we_o be_v not_o so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o make_v all_o subordinate_a to_o he_o and_o derive_v all_o grace_n from_o he_o not_o only_o the_o grace_n of_o justification_n and_o glorification_n which_o be_v promise_v on_o condition_n of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o also_o the_o grace_n of_o effectual_a vocation_n faith_n and_o repentance_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o grace_n whereby_o we_o perform_v the_o whole_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n from_o first_o to_o last_o from_o the_o premise_n it_o may_v manifest_o appear_v to_o any_o that_o be_v not_o stark_o blind_a that_o we_o do_v not_o hold_v faith_n repentance_n and_o
he_o have_v a_o will_n in_o himself_o and_o if_o we_o must_v not_o altogether_o deny_v all_o freewill_n against_o faith_n and_o experience_n much_o less_o must_v we_o deny_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o as_o augustin_n say_v in_o the_o foresay_a 46_o epist_n ad_fw-la valent._n si_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la gratia_n dei_fw-la quomodo_fw-la deus_fw-la falvat_fw-la mundum_fw-la &_o si_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la liberum_fw-la arbitrium_fw-la quomodo_fw-la judicat_fw-la mundum_fw-la if_o there_o be_v no_o grace_n of_o god_n how_o do_v god_n save_o the_o world_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no._n freewill_n how_o do_v god_n judge_v the_o world_n the_o occasion_n of_o augustin_n writing_n thus_o be_v observable_a two_o young_a man_n cresconius_n and_o felix_n come_v to_o augustin_n from_o another_o congregation_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o there_o be_v a_o controversy_n among_o they_o in_o the_o manage_n whereof_o some_o have_v so_o preach_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o man_n have_v any_o freewill_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o they_o say_v that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n god_n will_v not_o render_v unto_o every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o work_n this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o augustin_n writing_n both_o that_o 46._o and_o the_o follow_v 47._o epistle_n to_o valentinus_n and_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 46._o epistle_n he_o give_v this_o prudent_a and_o wholesome_a advice_n vbi_fw-la sentitis_fw-la vos_fw-la non_fw-la intelligere_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o be_v where_o you_o perceive_v that_o you_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o grace_n and_o freewill_n consist_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n believe_v the_o divine_a oracle_n for_o there_o both_o be_v a_o freewill_n in_o man_n and_o also_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n without_o who_o help_n freewill_n can_v neither_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n nor_o yet_o grow_v up_o in_o god_n and_o what_o you_o pious_o believe_v pray_v that_o you_o may_v also_o wise_o understand_v this_o be_v the_o advice_n which_o st._n augustin_n give_v unto_o the_o disputer_n of_o his_o time_n and_o it_o be_v very_o good_a advice_n for_o certain_o where_o two_o thing_n be_v both_o clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v it_o very_o difficult_a to_o understand_v and_o explain_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n how_o they_o do_v consist_v and_o agree_v with_o one_o another_o we_o ought_v firm_o to_o believe_v they_o both_o upon_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n reveal_v though_o the_o mode_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o consistence_n in_o the_o same_o subject_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v yet_o what_o we_o do_v believe_v we_o may_v and_o aught_o humble_o and_o reverent_o to_o pray_v that_o if_o it_o be_v god_n will_n we_o may_v also_o more_o thorough_o understand_v so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n before_o we_o we_o ought_v firm_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n elect_n when_o they_o be_v effectual_o call_v and_o convert_v have_v freewill_n actual_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o also_o that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o special_a effectual_a grace_n of_o god_n that_o they_o do_v actual_o believe_v though_o we_o do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v how_o these_o two_o hang_v together_o how_o man_n freewill_n and_o god_n effectual_a grace_n consist_v and_o agree_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v for_o both_o be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v 8.36_o see_v joh._n 8.36_o but_o the_o mode_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o consistence_n and_o agreement_n be_v not_o clear_o reveal_v and_o therefore_o not_o so_o necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v yet_o may_v we_o humble_o pray_v and_o endeavour_n if_o the_o lord_n will_v so_o far_o to_o understand_v their_o consistence_n and_o concord_n as_o to_o be_v able_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o deny_v either_o one_o or_o other_o of_o they_o upon_o pretence_n that_o they_o can_v both_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n because_o they_o contradict_v and_o destroy_v each_o other_o and_o so_o if_o one_o be_v true_a the_o other_o must_v be_v false_a now_o we_o humble_o conceive_v that_o the_o great_a difficulty_n about_o the_o concord_n of_o the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n and_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o the_o act_n of_o believe_v arise_v from_o the_o false_a notion_n of_o freewill_n which_o the_o remonstrant_n have_v learn_v from_o the_o schoolman_n and_o from_o some_o of_o the_o greek_a father_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o formal_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o a_o absolute_a indifferency_n to_o act_v this_o or_o that_o or_o not_o to_o act_v at_o all_o as_o a_o man_n please_v and_o that_o even_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v put_v together_o which_o be_v pre-required_n to_o his_o act_n we_o must_v ingenuous_o confess_v that_o we_o do_v not_o see_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o reconcile_v this_o notion_n of_o freewill_n with_o the_o powerful_a efficacy_n of_o special_a grace_n but_o we_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n of_o liberty_n and_o that_o therefore_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v to_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o the_o reconcile_n of_o such_o a_o false_a notion_n of_o liberty_n with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o rather_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o liberty_n of_o will_n and_o to_o show_v its_o consistency_n with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n and_o we_o take_v this_o to_o be_v the_o formal_a nature_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n that_o it_o be_v a_o power_n with_o which_o god_n have_v endue_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o consider_v of_o and_o weigh_v the_o several_a thing_n propose_v to_o he_o and_o upon_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n that_o do_v or_o may_v appear_v to_o he_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o thing_n willing_o to_o choose_v or_o not_o choose_v or_o refuse_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o choose_v or_o embrace_v another_o now_o this_o notion_n of_o freewill_n be_v well_o enough_o consistent_a with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o effectual_a grace_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v a_o man_n from_o use_v this_o sort_n of_o freewill_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o mighty_o help_v he_o to_o use_v it_o aright_o for_o 1._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n spirit_n enlighten_v man_n mind_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o understand_v the_o thing_n propose_v by_o the_o word_n unto_o his_o choice_n and_o to_o see_v the_o great_a reason_n he_o have_v to_o choose_v they_o 2._o grace_n incline_v the_o will_n of_o man_n to_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o his_o enlighten_v understanding_n and_o willing_o to_o choose_v the_o best_a thing_n upon_o the_o best_a reason_n and_o motive_n thus_o god_n deal_v with_o man_n as_o a_o rational_a creature_n capable_a of_o moral_a government_n by_o law_n and_o exhortation_n promise_n and_o threaten_n god_n offer_v no_o violence_n to_o his_o faculty_n but_o influence_n he_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o his_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o help_v he_o to_o bring_v his_o judge_n and_o choose_v power_n into_o act_n so_o as_o not_o at_o all_o to_o hinder_v but_o rather_o further_o and_o promote_v his_o true_a liberty_n according_a to_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 8.36_o often_o use_v by_o holy_a augustin_n in_o this_o controversy_n if_o the_o son_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a you_o shall_v be_v free_a indeed_o and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n 2_o cor._n 3.17_o where_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v there_o be_v liberty_n there_o be_v liberty_n and_o freedom_n both_o from_o the_o do_n of_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o do_v of_o good_n this_o be_v visible_a in_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n in_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n undoubted_o he_o be_v a_o true_a man_n and_o have_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o humane_a nature_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o possible_a perfection_n consequent_o he_o have_v freewill_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a property_n and_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o he_o have_v not_o nay_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v any_o indifferency_n or_o undeterminedness_n of_o will_n to_o good_a or_o evil_a his_o mind_n do_v not_o hang_v in_o aequilibrio_fw-la in_o a_o even_a balance_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a so_o as_o to_o have_v a_o power_n to_o determine_v and_o incline_v himself_o to_o choose_v either_o therefore_o it_o be_v demonstrative_o evident_a that_o the_o formal_a essential_a nature_n of_o man_n freewill_n do_v not_o can_v consist_v in_o the_o foresay_a indifferency_n to_o good_a or_o evil._n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o most_o noble_a soul_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v certain_o endue_v with_o power_n to_o consider_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o several_a thing_n propose_v
scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o we_o be_v justify_v before_o we_o be_v sanctify_v in_o any_o kind_a or_o degree_n that_o be_v before_o there_o be_v any_o holy_a change_n wrought_v in_o we_o before_o we_o do_v begin_v to_o convert_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n before_o we_o have_v any_o holy_a inclination_n to_o believe_v or_o any_o holy_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o any_o holy_a purpose_n to_o lead_v a_o new_a life_n then_o may_v we_o continue_v to_o be_v actual_o justify_v and_o pardon_v without_o be_v in_o any_o kind_a or_o degree_n sanctify_v because_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o justification_n may_v be_v begin_v without_o any_o kind_a or_o degree_n of_o sanctification_n without_o any_o save_a faith_n and_o repentance_n it_o may_v be_v continue_v without_o they_o but_o all_o true_a protestant_n except_o antinomian_o even_o our_o author_n himself_o confess_v that_o justification_n can_v be_v continue_v without_o any_o sanctification_n without_o any_o true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n therefore_o justification_n can_v be_v begin_v before_o and_o without_o they_o if_o any_o shall_v say_v that_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v retort_v upon_o ourselves_o for_o we_o confess_v that_o sanctification_n begin_v in_o the_o seed_n principle_n and_o disposition_n with_o vital_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n flow_v from_o it_o can_v be_v continue_v without_o justification_n therefore_o it_o follow_v by_o our_o own_o way_n of_o reason_v that_o they_o can_v be_v begin_v before_o justification_n at_o first_o we_o answer_v by_o deny_v the_o consequence_n because_o god_n have_v express_o promise_v justification_n through_o christ_n to_o all_o that_o from_o a_o new_a heart_n believe_v and_o repent_v and_o such_o faith_n and_o repentance_n be_v the_o condition_n on_o which_o justification_n be_v promise_v but_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promife_v either_o initial_a or_o progressive_a sanctification_n on_o condition_n of_o justification_n this_o show_v that_o our_o argument_n can_v be_v just_o retort_v upon_o we_o because_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a a_o reason_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n that_o show_v sanctification_n and_o faith_n and_o repentance_n can_v possible_o be_v continue_v without_o justification_n whereas_o if_o justification_n may_v be_v begin_v without_o any_o degree_n of_o sanctification_n or_o faith_n and_o repentance_n there_o can_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n be_v give_v we_o think_v why_o it_o may_v not_o be_v long_o continue_v without_o any_o degree_n of_o sanctification_n or_o any_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n as_o for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o sanctify_v they_o who_o be_v justify_v it_o be_v make_v to_o and_o get_v by_o faith_n by_o our_o author_n own_o confession_n 12._o let._n p._n 12._o and_o so_o it_o presuppose_v faith_n and_o faith_n presuppose_v effectual_a call_v and_o a_o heart_n renovation_n and_o sanctification_n begin_v now_o this_o make_v for_o we_o and_o show_v that_o if_o sanctification_n begin_v in_o the_o first_o change_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o first_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n do_v not_o go_v before_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n after_o justification_n to_o carry_v on_o and_o perfect_v the_o begin_v sanctification_n because_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o promise_n be_v make_v to_o for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o sanctify_v we_o thorough_o after_o justification_n be_v make_v to_o true_a believer_n which_o none_o can_v be_v till_o they_o be_v first_o initial_o sanctify_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n not_o yet_o inhabit_v but_o fit_v up_o a_o spiritual_a house_n for_o himself_o to_o inhabit_v which_o when_o he_o have_v do_v and_o god_n have_v thereupon_o justify_v we_o through_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n impute_v to_o we_o then_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n he_o give_v we_o his_o sanctify_a spirit_n to_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n begin_v unto_o perfection_n thus_o we_o have_v make_v good_a what_o we_o undertake_v and_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v some_o preparation_n some_o holy_a disposition_n and_o qualification_n some_o holy_a principle_n wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n and_o some_o holy_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n produce_v by_o the_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o and_o before_o justification_n and_o that_o thereupon_o justification_n follow_v necessary_o and_o infallible_o according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n who_o can_v possible_o lie_v and_o deceive_v but_o as_o we_o say_v at_o the_o beginning_n we_o hold_v this_o priority_n of_o initial_a sanctification_n and_o of_o the_o first_o vital_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n no_o far_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o verify_v the_o expression_n and_o fence_n of_o holy_a scripture_n concern_v they_o and_o so_o we_o conclude_v this_o part_n of_o our_o answer_n with_o that_o of_o the_o learned_a turretine_n licet_fw-la poenitentiae_fw-la etc._n etc._n although_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v promise_v to_o repentance_n 744._o instit_fw-la theol._n elenct_n part_n 2._o p._n 744._o because_o it_o ought_v to_o accompany_v faith_n and_o to_o be_v in_o he_o who_o be_v justify_v as_o a_o certain_a condition_n require_v of_o he_o because_o god_n can_v pardon_v sin_n unto_o one_o who_o be_v impenitent_a it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o it_o can_v be_v say_v to_o justify_v with_o faith_n because_o it_o contribute_v nothing_o either_o meritorious_o or_o instrumental_o unto_o the_o act_n of_o justification_n that_o be_v because_o as_o we_o say_v repentance_n be_v only_o a_o qualify_a but_o not_o a_o receptive_a applicative_a condition_n of_o justification_n a_o appendix_n of_o the_o three_o section_n concern_v disposition_n previous_a to_o regeneration_n and_o through_o conversion_n we_o remember_v that_o in_o our_o preliminary_n to_o the_o foresay_a discourse_n concern_v the_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v antecedent_n to_o justification_n we_o say_v that_o as_o there_o be_v some_o which_o have_v a_o necessary_a infallible_a connection_n with_o justification_n of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o so_o there_o be_v other_o which_z have_v not_o such_o a_o necessary_a infallible_a connection_n with_o it_o as_o to_o this_o last_o sort_n we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o be_v disposition_n and_o preparation_n with_o which_o man_n be_v always_o and_o without_o which_o they_o be_v never_o nor_o ever_o can_v possible_o be_v justify_v yet_o we_o think_v that_o ordinary_o they_o do_v precede_v justification_n and_o effectual_a vocation_n too_o in_o all_o that_o be_v effectual_o call_v and_o justify_v all_o such_o disposition_n and_o preparation_n our_o author_n deny_v in_o the_o 12_o page_n of_o his_o letter_n and_o pretend_v that_o calvin_n the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o westminster_n assembly_n of_o divine_n do_v all_o concur_v with_o he_o therein_o we_o do_v not_o at_o all_o wonder_n that_o he_o deny_v all_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n before_o effectual_a call_v and_o the_o first_o save_v conversion_n since_o as_o we_o have_v see_v he_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o good_a wrought_v in_o we_o or_o do_v by_o we_o before_o justification_n and_o as_o for_o preparation_n and_o disposition_n before_o conversion_n if_o he_o will_v or_o can_v assure_v we_o that_o he_o deny_v they_o in_o no_o other_o sense_n than_o all_o his_o author_n calvin_n the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o assembly_n of_o divine_n do_v deny_v they_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o controversy_n with_o he_o about_o that_o matter_n but_o we_o think_v that_o he_o be_v of_o a_o different_a judgement_n and_o either_o do_v not_o understand_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o they_o deny_v they_o or_o if_o he_o understand_v they_o aright_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o or_o if_o he_o believe_v some_o part_n that_o he_o like_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v all_o that_o they_o say_v concern_v those_o disposition_n previous_a to_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n that_o it_o may_v be_v clear_o know_v what_o our_o judgement_n be_v concern_v those_o preparation_n that_o be_v ordinary_o previous_a to_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n we_o shall_v 1._o name_v they_o and_o show_v what_o they_o be_v 2._o declare_v what_o our_o opinion_n be_v concern_v they_o 3._o show_v that_o our_o opinion_n concern_v they_o be_v neither_o new_a nor_o singular_a but_o what_o we_o believe_v in_o this_o matter_n we_o have_v learn_v and_o receive_v from_o the_o most_o eminent_a pastor_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n whereof_o many_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o true_a faith_n before_o many_o of_o we_o be_v bear_v first_o then_o to_o name_v they_o there_o be_v 1._o a_o illumination_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o the_o word_n and_o
fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n which_o prepare_v for_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o the_o receive_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n by_o the_o gospel_n then_o in_o the_o preach_a the_o gospel_n the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o god_n display_v unto_o we_o and_o how_o ready_a be_v be_v to_o pardon_v sin_n in_o general_n and_o that_o of_o free_a grace_n may_v better_v our_o repentance_n and_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o by_o degree_n bring_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n to_o cry_v abba_n father_n than_o our_o repentance_n shall_v be_v most_o perfect_a as_o before_o i_o say_v and_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o he_o who_o we_o have_v pierce_v and_o can_v in_o assurance_n of_o faith_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n i_o live_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o this_o be_v of_o power_n to_o prick_v a_o master_n vein_n and_o make_v we_o bleed_v out_o repentance_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o our_o gracious_a god_n who_o we_o have_v offend_v and_o who_o yet_o in_o despite_n of_o our_o sin_n have_v love_v we_o more_o devout_o and_o affectionate_o than_o ever_o before_o yet_o be_v it_o true_a as_o he_o the_o arminian_n say_v that_o repentance_n be_v nothing_o worth_a without_o faith_n what_o think_v he_o of_o ahabs_n repentance_n when_o he_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o wallow_v in_o ash_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o judgement_n against_o his_o house_n bring_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o prophet_n eliah_n do_v we_o not_o know_v what_o the_o lord_n say_v hereupon_o unto_o eliah_n see_v thou_o how_o ahab_n be_v humble_v before_o i_o because_o he_o submit_v himself_o before_o i_o i_o will_v not_o bring_v that_o evil_n in_o his_o day_n the_o uttermost_a of_o the_o ninivites_n faith_n be_v but_o this_o that_o we_o read_v of_o who_o can_v tell_v if_o god_n will_v turn_v and_o repent_v and_o turn_v from_o his_o fierce_a wrath_n that_o we_o perish_v not_o yet_o their_o repentance_n be_v such_o that_o when_o god_n see_v their_o work_n that_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n he_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_n which_o he_o say_v that_o he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o jon._n 3.9_o thus_o dr._n twiss_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o be_v far_o from_o think_v that_o all_o which_o a_o man_n can_v do_v before_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dwell_v in_o he_o and_o that_o he_o may_v get_v a_o holy_a heart_n and_o a_o save_a faith_n and_o so_o be_v fit_v to_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n be_v nothing_o but_o vain_a labour_n and_o a_o act_n of_o sin_n object_n 2._o second_o our_o author_n object_n the_o seven_o article_n of_o the_o 16._o chapter_n of_o the_o westminster_n confession_n of_o faith_n and_o our_o answer_n be_v that_o that_o article_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n with_o the_o 13_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n to_o wit_n that_o the_o work_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n do_v before_o and_o without_o any_o grace_n of_o christ_n spirit_n though_o they_o may_v be_v material_o good_a yet_o they_o be_v formal_o so_o sinful_a that_o they_o do_v not_o make_v a_o man_n meet_v to_o receive_v any_o grace_n from_o god_n either_o the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n or_o justification_n and_o as_o for_o the_o work_n of_o unregenerate_a man_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o supernatural_a prevent_a common_a grace_n though_o they_o be_v better_a than_o the_o former_a which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o alone_a strength_n of_o nature_n yet_o they_o be_v sinful_a too_o they_o be_v so_o defile_v with_o sin_n as_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n that_o they_o can_v please_v god_n so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v a_o man_n meet_v to_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o justification_n from_o god_n nor_o do_v they_o make_v a_o man_n meet_v to_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n from_o god_n by_o way_n of_o reward_n due_a to_o they_o as_o congruous_o meritorious_a thereof_o yet_o in_o another_o sound_a sense_n they_o may_v make_v a_o man_n meet_v to_o receive_v the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n from_o god_n to_o wit_n as_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o man_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o according_a to_o the_o word_n and_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n to_o be_v mean_n of_o remove_v such_o thing_n as_o hinder_v conversion_n and_o of_o the_o help_a man_n forward_o in_o the_o way_n unto_o and_o of_o fit_v and_o prepare_v they_o for_o conversion_n as_o a_o gracious_a gift_n which_o ordinary_o god_n free_o give_v to_o those_o who_o be_v so_o prepare_v by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o this_o sound_a sense_n though_o not_o in_o the_o popish_a or_o semipelagian_a sense_n the_o foresay_a work_n do_v indeed_o make_v man_n meet_v to_o receive_v grace_n from_o god_n and_o the_o article_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n say_v nothing_o to_o the_o contrary_n yea_o it_o be_v plain_o against_o that_o absired_a opinion_n that_o all_o that_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n can_v do_v by_o any_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o the_o get_n of_o his_o heart_n save_o change_v and_o initial_o sanctify_v by_o the_o special_a effectual_a grace_n of_o the_o regenerate_a spirit_n of_o christ_n be_v vain_a labour_n and_o a_o act_n of_o sin_n we_o say_v that_o the_o foresay_a article_n of_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v plain_o against_o that_o absurd_a opinion_n for_o it_o say_v express_o that_o work_v of_o unregerate_v man_n be_v thing_n which_o god_n command_v and_o be_v of_o good_a use_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o one_o of_o the_o best_a use_n they_o can_v possible_o be_v of_o unto_o themselves_o be_v to_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v they_o for_o regeneration_n and_o conversion_n and_o to_o make_v they_o if_o not_o meet_v yet_o at_o least_o less_o unmeet_a to_o receive_v special_a save_v grace_n from_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o thus_o according_a to_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o our_o principle_n agreeable_a thereunto_o we_o can_v give_v encouragement_n to_o unregenerate_a man_n to_o attend_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o diligent_a use_n of_o mean_n for_o obtain_v the_o free_a and_o effectual_a grace_n of_o the_o regenerate_a spirit_n and_o so_o conversion_n thereby_o but_o our_o author_n seem_v to_o tell_v unregenerate_a man_n that_o all_o they_o can_v do_v before_o they_o be_v regenerate_v and_o have_v the_o holy_a spirit_n dwell_v in_o they_o which_o be_v get_v only_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n after_o faith_n in_o christ_n although_o they_o do_v it_o with_o a_o desire_n that_o they_o may_v be_v regenerate_v and_o may_v obtain_v a_o precious_a holy_a faith_n in_o christ_n and_o thereby_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v all_o vain_a labour_n and_o a_o act_n of_o sin_n now_o be_v not_o this_o great_a encouragement_n for_o man_n to_o wait_v upon_o god_n in_o the_o use_n of_o his_o appoint_a mean_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o convert_v grace_n and_o a_o new_a holy_a heart_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o all_o they_o can_v do_v in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n be_v vain_a labour_n and_o act_v of_o sin_n we_o hope_v such_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v our_o author_n but_o if_o they_o do_v there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o but_o that_o â—hev_n shall_v cast_v off_o all_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o give_v over_o all_o read_n hear_v and_o pray_v for_o why_o shall_v they_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o such_o religious_a exercise_n since_o all_o be_v a_o act_n of_o sin_n and_o lose_v labour_n too_o yet_o if_o our_o author_n shall_v intend_v to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o quietist_n the_o foresay_a doctrine_n may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o bring_v in_o disciple_n to_o he_o for_o he_o can_v tell_v they_o hold_o as_o his_o manner_n be_v that_o if_o they_o will_v become_v quietist_n he_o will_v show_v they_o a_o infallible_a way_n wherein_o they_o shall_v neither_o act_v sin_n nor_o yet_o lose_v their_o labour_n for_o if_o they_o will_v become_v right_a quietist_n they_o shall_v neither_o act_v nor_o labour_n but_o whole_o rest_v from_o action_n and_o labour_n and_o shall_v not_o act_v sin_n nor_o lose_v their_o labour_n because_o they_o shall_v not_o act_v nor_o labour_n at_o all_o but_o whole_o rest_v from_o action_n and_o labour_n and_o while_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a rest_n without_o any_o kind_n of_o action_n or_o labour_n at_o all_o then_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n shall_v fall_v upon_o they_o and_o regenerate_v and_o convert_v they_o 3d._a objection_n three_o he_o object_n the_o testimony_n of_o calvin_n who_o in_o his_o institution_n write_v thus_o
wherewith_o this_o man_n either_o malicious_o or_o ignorant_o asperse_v we_o especial_o when_o they_o may_v clear_o see_v that_o his_o calumny_n do_v not_o hang_v together_o but_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o contradict_v one_o another_o which_o be_v a_o sure_a mark_n whereby_o to_o know_v a_o calumniator_n and_o false_a witness_n mark_v 14.56_o we_o do_v not_o positive_o say_v that_o he_o do_v thus_o calumniate_v we_o out_o of_o mere_a malice_n but_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v and_o must_v be_v either_o out_o of_o malice_n or_o ignorance_n and_o we_o willing_o incline_v to_o the_o more_o charitable_a which_o be_v the_o safe_a side_n that_o he_o do_v it_o rather_o out_o of_o pure_a ignorance_n and_o blind_a zeal_n than_o out_o of_o mere_a malice_n and_o cain-like_a hatred_n of_o his_o brethren_n but_o whatever_o move_v he_o to_o it_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v unwarrantable_a and_o injurious_a for_o which_o he_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o infinite_o more_o judicious_a observer_n than_o he_o or_o any_o of_o his_o party_n and_o who_o as_o he_o observe_v all_o our_o opinion_n and_o practice_n so_o he_o judge_v always_o aright_o according_a to_o the_o true_a merit_n of_o every_o cause_n and_o in_o this_o cause_n we_o can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n lift_v up_o our_o face_n to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n thou_o who_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a and_o from_o who_o nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v and_o who_o have_v infinite_a power_n and_o right_a to_o punish_v we_o with_o everlasting_a destruction_n if_o we_o now_o lie_v to_o thou_o and_o dissemble_v with_o thou_o thou_o know_v that_o our_o cause_n be_v not_o coincident_a with_o the_o cause_n of_o pelagius_n and_o that_o this_o man_n do_v calumniate_v we_o in_o say_v that_o judicious_a observer_n can_v but_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v coincident_a to_o thou_o o_o god_n we_o appeal_v from_o this_o false_a accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n and_o unto_o thou_o we_o refer_v our_o cause_n to_o judge_v between_o we_o and_o this_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v coincident_a or_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o pelagius_n but_o it_o may_v be_v our_o author_n will_v object_v and_o say_v that_o if_o our_o cause_n be_v not_o coincident_a with_o that_o of_o pelagius_n yet_o it_o be_v at_o least_o coincident_a with_o that_o of_o arminius_n we_o answer_v that_o neither_o be_v that_o true_a for_o 1._o our_o author_n and_o those_o of_o his_o way_n common_o say_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o arminius_n and_o pelagius_n be_v all_o one_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o say_v true_a in_o that_o and_o do_v not_o calumniate_v arminius_n our_o cause_n can_v possible_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o cause_n of_o arminius_n unless_o it_o be_v also_o coincident_a with_o that_o of_o pelagius_n they_o be_v both_o one_o and_o the_o same_o 2._o our_o author_n say_v that_o we_o be_v for_o the_o middle-way_n between_o the_o arminian_o and_o the_o orthodox_n as_o he_o call_v they_o if_o that_o be_v true_a our_o cause_n must_v lie_v in_o the_o midway_n between_o the_o two_o extreme_n and_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o cause_n of_o arminius_n for_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o extreme_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o ocular_a demonstration_n that_o the_o middle_n can_v be_v the_o same_o with_o either_o of_o the_o side_n and_o so_o can_v be_v coincident_a with_o either_o of_o the_o extreme_n if_o our_o author_n say_v that_o we_o be_v come_v off_o from_o the_o middle-way_n and_o be_v come_v over_o to_o arminius_n and_o so_o be_v now_o on_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o wrong_a side_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o orthodox_n who_o be_v on_o the_o extreme_a right_a side_n we_o answer_v 1._o if_o that_o be_v true_a and_o he_o know_v it_o than_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o gross_a lie_n in_o say_v that_o our_o cause_n be_v coincident_a with_o that_o of_o arminius_n and_o so_o that_o we_o be_v arminian_o and_o yet_o that_o we_o be_v for_o a_o middle-way_n between_o the_o arminian_o and_o the_o orthodox_n if_o he_o will_v have_v we_o to_o be_v arminian_o he_o must_v not_o if_o he_o be_v a_o true_a honest_a man_n say_v that_o we_o be_v for_o a_o middle-way_n between_o the_o arminian_o and_o the_o orthodox_n 2._o if_o we_o be_v come_v over_o from_o the_o middle-way_n unto_o the_o arminian_n extreme_a we_o desire_v our_o author_n to_o tell_v we_o when_o it_o be_v and_o how_o long_o it_o be_v since_o and_o how_o he_o know_v that_o we_o be_v come_v over_o to_o the_o arminian_n extreme_a for_o we_o profess_v sincere_o that_o we_o know_v none_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o neither_o know_v when_o it_o be_v nor_o how_o long_o it_o be_v since_o nor_o do_v we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v yet_o come_v over_o or_o ever_o shall_v come_v over_o to_o the_o arminian_n extreme_a indeed_o we_o dare_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o future_a contingent_n that_o be_v not_o reveal_v to_o we_o yet_o we_o trust_v in_o our_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o spirit_n he_o will_v keep_v we_o so_o firm_a and_o fix_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o go_v over_o to_o the_o arminian_n extreme_a and_o since_o we_o know_v certain_o what_o we_o be_v for_o the_o present_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n we_o can_v safe_o and_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n call_v heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o record_v this_o day_n against_o this_o standerer_n that_o we_o be_v not_o arminian_o and_o that_o he_o do_v very_o sinful_o reproach_n and_o calumniate_v we_o in_o say_v that_o we_o corrupt_v christ_n pure_a gospel_n and_o obtrude_v on_o people_n a_o new_a arminian_n gospel_n to_o the_o certain_a peril_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o that_o our_o cause_n be_v coincident_a with_o that_o of_o arminius_n but_o 3._o though_o according_a to_o the_o light_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n we_o believe_v that_o the_o arminian_o err_v from_o the_o truth_n in_o many_o thing_n and_o we_o do_v from_o our_o heart_n dissent_v from_o their_o error_n yet_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n as_o we_o must_v answer_v to_o god_n at_o death_n and_o judgement_n not_o to_o calumniate_v they_o nor_o any_o other_o erroneous_a brethren_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v in_o conscience_n say_v that_o while_o the_o arminian_o keep_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o five_o article_n wherein_o they_o differ_v from_o our_o divine_n at_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n their_o cause_n be_v coincident_a with_o the_o cause_n of_o pelagius_n we_o do_v indeed_o think_v that_o something_o and_o too_o much_o of_o pelagianism_n or_o semipelagianism_n be_v imply_v in_o and_o by_o consequence_n follow_v from_o their_o principle_n but_o that_o do_v not_o make_v their_o cause_n to_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o cause_n of_o pelagius_n therefore_o our_o most_o judicious_a and_o conscientious_a divine_n do_v not_o scruple_n to_o declare_v pelagianism_n to_o be_v a_o heresy_n against_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o as_o for_o arminianism_n keep_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o five_o article_n their_o conscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v one_o or_o more_o fundamental_a error_n or_o heresy_n this_o may_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o many_o testimony_n of_o our_o divine_n but_o instead_o of_o all_o that_o may_v be_v allege_v we_o shall_v content_v ourselves_o at_o present_a with_o the_o testimony_n of_o that_o famous_a general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n which_o in_o the_o year_n 1638._o at_o glasgow_n depose_v all_o their_o bishop_n though_o that_o assembly_n have_v accuse_v many_o of_o their_o bishop_n of_o arminianism_n yet_o do_v they_o not_o say_v that_o arminianism_n be_v as_o bad_a as_o and_o coincident_a with_o pelagianism_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a heresy_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o say_v so_o that_o in_o the_o seven_o session_n november_n 28._o the_o moderator_n mr._n henderson_n in_o the_o face_n and_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o the_o assembly_n give_v this_o moderate_a answer_n unto_o a_o politic_a objection_n of_o dr._n balcanquel_n who_o appear_v there_o for_o the_o bishop_n controversias_fw-la omnes_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o all_o the_o controversy_n especial_o if_o they_o exceed_v not_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o five_o controvert_v article_n between_o the_o arminian_o and_o anti-arminians_a or_o calvinist_n neither_o be_v nor_o be_v about_o fundamental_a doctrine_n that_o indeed_o the_o arminian_o err_v grievous_o but_o that_o he_o and_o the_o synod_n be_v not_o yet_o persuade_v that_o all_o heterodoxy_n that_o be_v that_o all_o erroneous_a doctrine_n 101._o hist_o motuum_fw-la in_o regno_fw-la scotiae_fw-la dantisci_fw-la an._n 1641._o p._n 100_o 101._o be_v
that_o according_a to_o the_o description_n which_o he_o give_v of_o a_o middle-way-man_n 2._o let._n p._n 2._o we_o may_v safe_o and_o with_o a_o good_a conscience_n according_a to_o the_o light_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o deny_v that_o we_o be_v middle-way-man_n for_o he_o make_v a_o middle-way-man_n to_o be_v one_o who_o espouse_n defend_v and_o promote_v a_o middle-way_n betwixt_o the_o arminian_o and_o the_o orthodox_n but_o that_o we_o be_v middle-way-man_n in_o this_o sense_n we_o must_v deny_v for_o we_o can_v own_v ourselves_o to_o be_v such_o man_n without_o lie_v against_o our_o conscience_n and_o say_v that_o we_o be_v not_o orthodox_n or_o but_o half-orthodox_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o great_a falsehood_n if_o therefore_o our_o author_n will_v have_v we_o to_o confess_v that_o we_o be_v middle-way-man_n 1._o he_o must_v give_v we_o a_o better_a and_o true_a definition_n of_o a_o middle-way-man_n for_o this_o will_v not_o fit_v we_o at_o all_o belike_o he_o will_v have_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o we_o be_v half-arminians_a and_o half-orthodox_n but_o if_o that_o be_v his_o meaning_n in_o intimate_v that_o we_o steer_v a_o middle-course_n between_o the_o arminian_o and_o the_o orthodox_n it_o be_v a_o abominable_a calumny_n which_o we_o have_v already_o wipe_v off_o by_z solemnly_z and_o sincere_o declare_v that_o we_o do_v not_o participate_v of_o the_o arminian_n extreme_a at_o all_o we_o be_v no_o arminian_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n 2._o he_o will_v do_v well_o to_o tell_v we_o who_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o orthodox_n it_o may_v be_v that_o by_o the_o orthodox_n he_o mean_v chief_o himself_o and_o his_o small_a party_n exclusive_o of_o all_o other_o protestant_n if_o that_o be_v his_o meaning_n we_o say_v 1._o that_o he_o must_v not_o thus_o beg_v but_o prove_v his_o orthodoxy_n before_o we_o can_v own_v he_o to_o be_v thus_o very_a orthodox_n 2._o we_o think_v that_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o orthodoxy_n be_v too_o narrow_a and_o schismatical_a it_o be_v a_o monopolise_n of_o soundness_n in_o the_o faith_n to_o a_o party_n and_o that_o comparative_o a_o small_a party_n of_o christian_n too_o and_o a_o brand_a of_o all_o the_o rest_n with_o the_o mark_n of_o unsound_a and_o erroneous_a in_o the_o faith_n whereas_o the_o real_a difference_n between_o those_o call_v middle-way-man_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o most_o of_o those_o call_v orthodox_n on_o the_o other_o may_v not_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n strict_o so_o call_v but_o rather_o matter_n of_o opinion_n and_o so_o both_o party_n may_v be_v orthodox_n or_o sound_n in_o the_o faith_n that_o be_v notwithstanding_o some_o different_a sentiment_n in_o lesser_a thing_n they_o may_v both_o firm_o and_o full_o agree_v in_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o church_n communion_n on_o earth_n and_o to_o the_o obtain_v eternal_a salvation_n in_o heaven_n through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o father_n the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o son_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n three_o if_o he_o have_v show_v we_o in_o his_o letter_n wherein_o that_o middle-way_n do_v particular_o consist_v according_a to_o his_o opinion_n we_o shall_v have_v it_o may_v be_v either_o own_a or_o disow_v it_o in_o part_n or_o in_o whole_a according_a as_o we_o have_v find_v he_o to_o have_v true_o represent_v or_o misrepresent_v it_o to_o the_o world_n but_o since_o he_o have_v not_o do_v that_o we_o can_v know_v certain_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o that_o middle-way_n he_o talk_v of_o 4thly_a yet_o by_o some_o passage_n in_o his_o letter_n we_o guess_v that_o he_o point_v at_o the_o controversy_n about_o the_o extent_n of_o christ_n death_n which_o have_v be_v among_o protestant_a divine_n since_o the_o reformation_n or_o since_o the_o time_n that_o beza_n and_o piscator_fw-la begin_v to_o write_v on_o that_o head_n after_o the_o reformation_n and_o if_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o point_v at_o without_o name_v it_o we_o will_v first_o give_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n second_o declare_v brief_o what_o our_o opinion_n be_v as_o to_o that_o matter_n and_o for_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n first_n there_o be_v some_o divine_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v say_v to_o hold_v that_o christ_n die_v equal_o for_o all_o man_n elect_a and_o non-elect_a and_o that_o god_n on_o the_o account_n of_o christ_n death_n give_v a_o common_a sufficient_a grace_n to_o they_o all_o whereby_o they_o may_v all_o if_o they_o will_v apply_v to_o themselves_o the_o virtue_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o thereby_o obtain_v justification_n and_o salvation_n but_o that_o christ_n do_v not_o die_v for_o the_o elect_n out_o of_o any_o special_a love_n to_o they_o above_o other_o and_o that_o god_n through_o christ_n do_v not_o give_v any_o special_a effectual_a determine_v grace_n to_o the_o elect_a more_o than_o to_o the_o non-elect_a this_o be_v the_o arminian_n extreme_a second_o there_o be_v other_o divine_n who_o hold_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o the_o elect_a only_o and_o exclusive_o of_o all_o other_o and_o that_o he_o die_v not_o for_o any_o of_o the_o non-elect_a in_o any_o proper_a tolerable_a true_a sense_n that_o he_o no_o more_o die_v for_o any_o of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v not_o elect_v to_o eternal_a life_n than_o he_o die_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o such_o man_n have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o the_o satisfaction_n and_o meriâ—s_n of_o christ_n than_o the_o devil_n have_v this_o be_v the_o other_o extreme_a and_o we_o suppose_v that_o this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o author_n account_v the_o orthodex_fw-la side_n and_o that_o he_o be_v of_o this_o side_n himself_o but_o three_o between_o these_o two_o extreme_a opinion_n there_o be_v a_o golden_a mean_a there_o be_v a_o middâ—e-way_n which_o have_v be_v many_o hundred_o year_n ago_o and_o still_o be_v express_v in_o this_o form_n of_o word_n that_o christ_n die_v only_o for_o the_o elect-sinner_n of_o mankind_n both_o sufficient_o and_o efficacious_o but_o that_o he_o die_v for_o the_o non-elect_a only_o sufficient_o but_o not_o efficacious_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n 2._o if_o second_o it_o be_v now_o demand_v whether_o we_o be_v for_o this_o middle-way_n or_o not_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o demand_n we_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o of_o we_o who_o be_v calumniate_v by_o our_o author_n as_o corrupter_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o hold_v a_o conditional_a covenant_n and_o though_o we_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o foresay_a general_n form_n of_o word_n and_o in_o admit_v the_o distirction_n of_o christ_n die_v for_o the_o elect_a efficacicious_o and_o for_o the_o reprebate_n only_o sufficient_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o explain_v what_o we_o particular_o mean_v by_o christ_n die_a sufficient_o only_o for_o the_o non-elect_a there_o will_v be_v some_o little_a difference_n among_o we_o in_o some_o of_o our_o notion_n and_o expression_n and_o possible_o some_o of_o we_o may_v not_o in_o effect_n differ_v from_o our_o author_n further_o than_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o expression_n and_o in_o the_o method_n of_o our_o conception_n and_o notion_n but_o 1._o we_o be_v all_o of_o one_o mind_n and_o of_o one_o faith_n with_o respect_n to_o christ_n die_a efficacious_o for_o the_o elect_a only_o and_o we_o hope_v also_o that_o our_o author_n himself_o agree_v with_o we_o herein_o which_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n wherein_o our_o agreement_n be_v necessary_a and_o then_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o non-elect_a especial_o those_o of_o they_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v we_o hope_v all_o of_o we_o do_v and_o will_v agree_v to_o this_o that_o christ_n die_v for_o they_o sufficient_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o he_o do_v not_o die_v for_o the_o fall_v angel_n so_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n as_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o shall_v be_v save_v through_o christ_n and_o not_o perish_v as_o they_o do_v by_o persevere_v in_o unbelief_n and_o impenitence_n and_o be_v thus_o far_o agree_v we_o hope_v we_o shall_v keep_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o as_o to_o any_o little_a difference_n of_o judgement_n that_o may_v remain_v we_o shall_v bear_v with_o one_o another_o in_o love_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o famous_a synod_n of_o dort_n whereof_o the_o member_n differ_v in_o the_o synod_n upon_o this_o very_a point_n and_o yet_o they_o bear_v with_o one_o another_o and_o wise_o agree_v against_o the_o arminian_n extreme_a as_o most_o manifest_o appear_v from_o the_o act_n of_o
and_o preach_v a_o new_a gospel_n that_o can_v make_v it_o to_o be_v true_a or_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v so_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o change_v no_o thing_n will_v still_o remain_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v though_o weak_a passionate_a man_n shall_v never_o so_o often_o think_v and_o bold_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o what_o they_o be_v that_o which_o be_v once_o true_a will_v still_o remain_v true_a though_o man_n think_v and_o say_v ten_o thousand_o time_n over_o that_o it_o be_v false_a as_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o which_o be_v once_o false_a as_o it_o be_v most_o false_a that_o we_o preach_v a_o new_a gospel_n will_v still_o remain_v false_a though_o our_o author_n and_o his_o whole_a party_n shall_v ten_o thousand_o time_n over_o both_o think_v and_o say_v and_o swear_v too_o that_o it_o be_v true_a we_o therefore_o beseech_v all_o christian_a people_n neither_o to_o believe_v our_o author_n nor_o we_o upon_o our_o bare_a word_n he_o confident_o affirm_v that_o we_o preach_v a_o new_a gospel_n we_o deny_v it_o he_o bring_v no_o proof_n but_o his_o own_o reproachful_a word_n for_o what_o he_o say_v against_o we_o we_o bring_v scripture_n reason_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o ancient_a father_n and_o modern_a divine_n for_o what_o we_o say_v against_o he_o in_o vindication_n of_o our_o own_o innocency_n and_o for_o proof_n that_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o preach_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o always_o have_v be_v now_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v preserve_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n now_o we_o advise_v people_n not_o to_o trust_v either_o he_o or_o we_o without_o trial_n but_o to_o examine_v what_o be_v say_v on_o both_o side_n and_o then_o to_o trust_v those_o who_o they_o find_v upon_o trial_n to_o be_v most_o trusty_a and_o to_o have_v give_v the_o best_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v trust_v in_o these_o matter_n consider_v christian_n what_o our_o most_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n say_v matth._n 15.14_o that_o if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n it_o will_v not_o excuse_v people_n before_o god_n that_o they_o follow_v their_o leader_n for_o they_o be_v rational_a creature_n and_o they_o ought_v to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o not_o to_o follow_v their_o minister_n blind_o without_o consider_v and_o know_v whether_o they_o lead_v they_o right_a or_o wrong_n whether_o they_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o error_n or_o in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n therefore_o our_o saviour_n say_v again_o matth._n 24.4_o take_v heed_n that_o no_o man_n deceive_v you_o the_o like_a advice_n our_o lord_n great_a apostle_n give_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o who_o he_o write_v his_o epistle_n let_v no_o man_n say_v he_o deceive_v you_o with_o vain_a word_n 1_o cor._n 6.9_o 10._o ephes_n 5.6_o this_o advice_n he_o give_v with_o respect_n to_o some_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v controvert_v among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n and_o again_o let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o by_o any_o mean_n 2_o thes_n 2.3_o and_o as_o a_o preservative_n and_o antidote_n against_o be_v deceive_v he_o exhort_v they_o to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a 1_o thes_n 5.21_o moreover_o though_o he_o be_v extraordinary_o assist_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n yet_o he_o commend_v the_o berean_o as_o people_n of_o a_o noble_a generous_a mind_n for_o try_v his_o own_o doctrine_n by_o the_o touchstone_n of_o holy_a scripture_n before_o they_o believe_v it_o act_n 17.11_o it_o be_v not_o any_o slowness_n in_o they_o to_o believe_v which_o make_v they_o examine_v his_o doctrine_n but_o it_o be_v wisdom_n and_o prudence_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v they_o receive_v the_o word_n with_o all_o readiness_n of_o mind_n and_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o receive_v ready_o and_o yet_o search_v diligent_o make_v no_o more_o haste_n than_o good_a speed_n and_o by_o search_v they_o find_v all_o that_o paul_n preach_v to_o they_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o they_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n and_o believe_v in_o christ_n according_a to_o his_o doctrine_n ver_fw-la 12._o and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o paul_n commend_v they_o for_o that_o though_o he_o be_v a_o apostle_n inspire_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o infallibility_n and_o can_v and_o do_v work_n miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n yet_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n daily_o to_o see_v whether_o his_o doctrine_n be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n before_o they_o believe_v it_o and_o when_o by_o search_v they_o find_v it_o to_o be_v all_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n they_o immediate_o believe_v and_o ready_o receive_v it_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n because_o it_o be_v according_a to_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n and_o paul_n be_v of_o such_o a_o excellent_a spirit_n that_o if_o the_o berean_o or_o any_o other_o people_n have_v by_o diligent_a search_n find_v any_o part_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v real_o contrary_a unto_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v he_o will_v have_v commend_v they_o also_o for_o not_o believe_v it_o act_n 26.22_o 23._o 1_o cor._n 15.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o 1_o cor._n 7.25_o 40._o gal._n 1.8_o yea_o our_o bless_a lord_n himself_o when_o he_o be_v on_o earth_n in_o his_o state_n of_o humiliation_n as_o a_o man_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o circumcision_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v the_o promise_n make_v unto_o the_o father_n rom._n 15.8_o he_o do_v not_o desire_v that_o his_o hearer_n shall_v believe_v he_o upon_o his_o bare_a word_n john_n 5.31_o if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a that_o be_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o true_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o true_a with_o respect_n to_o you_o or_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v true_a and_o convince_a to_o you_o therefore_o as_o we_o read_v in_o that_o chapter_n and_o elsewhere_o our_o lord_n over_z and_z beside_o his_o own_o verbal_a testimony_n use_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o scripture_n and_o to_o confirm_v it_o by_o such_o miraculous_a work_n as_o can_v not_o be_v do_v but_o by_o the_o infinite_a power_n of_o god_n who_o neither_o will_v nor_o can_v give_v his_o seal_n to_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v a_o lie_n and_o thereupon_o he_o say_v unto_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n john_n 10.37_o 38._o if_o i_o do_v not_o the_o work_v of_o my_o father_n believe_v i_o not_o but_o if_o i_o do_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o and_o when_o convince_v by_o the_o notorlety_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o he_o do_v wonderful_a work_n above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n they_o be_v force_v by_o the_o evidence_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n to_o confess_v it_o yet_o be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v in_o he_o on_o that_o account_n they_o find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o elude_v the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n deduce_v from_o his_o miracle_n by_o raise_v a_o dispute_n about_o the_o invisible_a secret_a cause_n of_o they_o and_o by_o blasphemous_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n and_o not_o to_o god_n matth._n 12.24_o mark_v 3.22_o he_o do_v not_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o blasphemous_a cavil_v tell_v they_o that_o they_o must_v believe_v on_o his_o bare_a word_n that_o his_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o the_o devil_n but_o by_o plain_a reason_n and_o strong_a argument_n take_v from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o miracle_n he_o prove_v against_o they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v from_o the_o devil_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v from_o god_n mark_v 3.23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o with_o matth._n 12.25_o 26_o 28_o 29._o he_o say_v unto_o they_o how_o can_v satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n and_o if_o a_o kingdom_n be_v divide_v against_o itself_o that_o kingdom_n can_v stand_v etc._n etc._n the_o sum_n of_o our_o saviour_n argument_n be_v this_o that_o his_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o and_o destructive_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v devilish_a and_o wherever_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o faith_n and_o love_n there_o always_o the_o devil_n interest_n decay_v and_o himself_o be_v despise_v and_o abhor_v yea_o many_o of_o christ_n miracle_n be_v do_v immediate_o upon_o the_o devil_n himself_o and_o he_o be_v thereby_o cast_v out_o of_o that_o power_n and_o possession_n which_o he_o have_v get_v by_o