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
salvation_n be_v in_o the_o almighty_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o have_v her_o abiding-place_n in_o his_o unchangeable_a counsel_n and_o be_v reserve_v by_o god_n for_o man_n therefore_o how_o can_v a_o faithful_a man_n more_o certain_o comfort_n and_o refresh_v himself_o then_o by_o this_o mean_n namely_o by_o consider_v that_o god_n the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o mercy_n have_v choose_v he_o before_o he_o be_v and_o have_v so_o love_v he_o 3.16_o rom._n 8.32_o john_n 3.16_o that_o he_o spare_v not_o to_o bestow_v his_o only_a be_v get_v son_n for_o his_o life_n and_o salvation_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v miserable_a and_o wretched_a man_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o bring_v he_o into_o life_n eternal_a do_v not_o god_n by_o this_o inestimable_a benefit_n show_v that_o he_o love_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n better_o than_o his_o own_o son_n see_v that_o he_o have_v rather_o that_o his_o son_n shall_v suffer_v and_o die_v than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v and_o perish_v for_o ever_o how_o can_v a_o man_n more_o effectual_o and_o more_o strong_o comfort_v himself_o then_o with_o this_o meditation_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v suffer_v and_o endure_v the_o pain_n and_o torment_n of_o hell_n in_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o in_o body_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o man_n do_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n thereby_o show_v that_o he_o account_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n more_o precious_a than_o his_o own_o life_n while_o he_o have_v rather_o to_o die_v for_o miserable_a man_n then_o that_o he_o shall_v die_v everlasting_o how_o can_v a_o man_n more_o strong_o raise_v himself_o up_o in_o hope_n then_o by_o this_o mean_n that_o he_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n with_o that_o love_n wherewith_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n be_v belove_v 17.23.26_o john_n 17.23.26_o and_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v love_n and_o esteem_v he_o no_o less_o than_o his_o own_o member_n and_o his_o own_o bowel_n how_o can_v a_o man_n more_o true_o rejoice_v with_o true_a joy_n 25.40_o math._n 25.40_o then_o by_o this_o assure_a and_o infallible_a meditation_n that_o god_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v far_o more_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a unto_o he_o then_o if_o he_o have_v never_o offend_v and_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o that_o god_n do_v more_o willing_o and_o more_o love_o bestow_v salvation_n upon_o man_n than_o man_n can_v desire_v it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o admirable_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o convert_v his_o enemy_n unto_o he_o and_o of_o rebellious_a to_o make_v he_o loyal_a by_o this_o mean_n he_o plain_o declare_v that_o he_o take_v more_o care_n for_o man_n salvation_n than_o man_n do_v for_o himself_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v better_o comfort_v then_o by_o this_o most_o certain_a hope_n that_o his_o salvation_n be_v certain_a and_o sure_a and_o that_o salvation_n can_v no_o more_o fall_n from_o he_o than_o he_o can_v fall_v from_o christ_n certain_o who_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o who_o god_n have_v take_v to_o mercy_n who_o shall_v hurt_v or_o condemn_v except_o first_o he_o make_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n of_o none_o effect_n and_o first_o vanquish_v and_o overcome_v god_n himself_o but_o neither_o the_o whole_a world_n nor_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o therefore_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o believer_n be_v as_o firm_a and_o as_o sure_a as_o the_o omnipotent_a nature_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a and_o invincible_a last_o a_o faithful_a man_n may_v worthy_o triumph_v with_o incredible_a joy_n and_o gladness_n that_o all_o his_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o pardon_v unto_o he_o even_o for_o and_o by_o the_o only_a sacrifice_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o not_o the_o least_o sign_n of_o they_o remain_v nor_o appear_v for_o christ_n have_v satisfy_v for_o they_o by_o his_o death_n he_o have_v pay_v the_o uttermost_a farthing_n and_o by_o his_o blood_n have_v cancel_v the_o hand-writing_n that_o be_v against_o we_o be_v fasten_v to_o his_o cross_n therefore_o see_v that_o christ_n have_v pay_v the_o whole_a price_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o have_v sustain_v god_n anger_n against_o sin_n and_o take_v it_o away_o for_o ever_o i_o know_v not_o anything_o whereby_o a_o faithful_a man_n may_v more_o confirm_v himself_o and_o add_v more_o perfect_a peace_n and_o rest_n unto_o his_o conscience_n then_o by_o this_o see_v therefore_o that_o god_n justice_n be_v satisfy_v the_o everlasting_a throne_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v so_o erect_v that_o it_o work_v effectual_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o do_v mighty_o show_v and_o declare_v the_o strength_n thereof_o against_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o so_o that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n or_o any_o other_o danger_n be_v they_o never_o so_o great_a shall_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v able_a to_o hinder_v or_o annihilate_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n for_o god_n with_o his_o almighty_a hand_n do_v so_o govern_v all_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o not_o hurtful_a and_o noisome_a unto_o man_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a 8.28_o rom._n 8.28_o shall_v tend_v to_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o he_o so_o that_o rank_n and_o deadly_a poison_n shall_v become_v wholesome_a physic_n unto_o he_o and_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o this_o life_n shall_v become_v as_o spiritual_a chariot_n to_o carry_v he_o into_o heaven_n for_o god_n be_v almighty_a therefore_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o he_o be_v a_o merciful_a and_o a_o most_o love_a father_n therefore_o he_o will_v not_o think_v much_o to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o everlasting_a felicity_n and_o incomparable_a glory_n shall_v ensue_v and_o follow_v after_o the_o misery_n and_o the_o danger_n which_o the_o godly_a do_v endure_v in_o this_o life_n therefore_o the_o godly_a believer_n have_v wherewith_o to_o comfort_v themselves_o most_o certain_o and_o whereof_o to_o rejoice_v in_o that_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 2.19_o ephe._n 2.19_o and_o the_o brethren_n of_o christ_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n they_o have_v also_o cause_n to_o praise_n and_o glorify_v god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n to_o praise_n god_n i_o say_v for_o his_o so_o great_a love_n towards_o they_o in_o that_o by_o his_o eternal_a love_n he_o do_v choose_v they_o unto_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o to_o praise_v and_o glorify_v christ_n for_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n in_o that_o by_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n he_o redeem_v we_o from_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n from_o eternal_a death_n and_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o redeem_v for_o ever_o and_o so_o may_v as_o certain_o rejoice_v of_o their_o salvation_n and_o of_o eternal_a life_n as_o christ_n himself_o who_o have_v take_v their_o burden_n upon_o he_o and_o pay_v their_o debt_n far_o therefore_o be_v from_o a_o christian_a man_n heart_n all_o troublesome_a doubt_n concern_v his_o election_n and_o salvation_n because_o those_o doubt_n have_v a_o distrustful_a nature_n and_o satan_n himself_o for_o their_o author_n which_o can_v do_v nothing_o else_o but_o lie_n and_o deceive_v yea_o much_o rather_o let_v every_o christian_a man_n with_o a_o steadfast_a faith_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v elect_v unto_o salvation_n from_o everlasting_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v bless_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o that_o faith_n and_o persuasion_n have_v god_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o a_o author_n who_o can_v promise_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o will_v fulfil_v and_o perform_v their_o promise_n because_o they_o can_v lie_v for_o this_o be_v the_o high_a step_n and_o the_o sure_a stay_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n faith_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o he_o and_o well_o please_v in_o his_o son_n christ_n this_o be_v a_o great_a glory_n unto_o god_n than_o which_o man_n can_v give_v he_o a_o great_a firm_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v elect_v by_o god_n through_o christ_n unto_o salvation_n this_o faith_n be_v the_o certain_a salvation_n of_o christian_n this_o hope_n be_v the_o high_a glory_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o their_o everlasting_a triumph_n that_o they_o be_v elect_v of_o god_n and_o redeem_v by_o christ_n and_o so_o elect_v and_o redeem_v as_o that_o they_o shall_v remain_v so_o for_o ever_o in_o despite_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o they_o need_v no_o more_o to_o fear_v the_o danger_n of_o fall_v away_o and_o perish_v then_o that_o god_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n and_o christ_n be_v of_o none_o effect_n here_o be_v
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