bounty_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n which_o god_n will_v have_v we_o as_o we_o may_v perceive_v by_o by_o his_o command_v of_o we_o to_o believe_v to_o give_v free_a and_o full_a consent_n unto_o as_o for_o the_o condition_n they_o speak_v of_o we_o tell_v they_o that_o be_v adjoin_v to_o the_o promise_n not_o as_o to_o make_v the_o promise_n more_o strong_a in_o themselves_o or_o as_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n for_o so_o they_o be_v always_o sure_a and_o certain_a but_o the_o better_a to_o seal_v up_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o they_o in_o our_o heart_n while_o we_o be_v enable_v by_o god_n in_o some_o measure_n to_o accomplish_v &_o perform_v the_o same_o we_o assure_v our_o own_o heart_n that_o since_o we_o can_v perfect_o fulfil_v they_o ourselves_o &_o yet_o be_v fulfil_v by_o another_o for_o we_o we_o shall_v in_o his_o absolute_a accomplishment_n thereof_o &_o righteousness_n have_v a_o plentiful_a supply_n for_o all_o our_o defect_n whatsoever_o we_o know_v further_o that_o if_o many_o a_o compassionate_a man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o take_v all_o advantage_n of_o breach_n of_o covenant_n or_o condition_n that_o another_o have_v make_v with_o he_o god_n who_o be_v compassion_n itself_o will_v not_o deal_v so_o with_o his_o servant_n who_o he_o have_v single_v out_o unto_o himself_o and_o separate_v to_o eternal_a life_n notwithstanding_o their_o weakness_n and_o want_n and_o condition_n in_o this_o case_n god_n propound_v none_o unto_o we_o by_o the_o gospel_n but_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n both_o which_o be_v wrought_v in_o we_o in_o some_o measure_n by_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o grace_n and_o therefore_o we_o comfort_v ourselves_o that_o be_v his_o own_o work_n he_o will_v not_o reject_v it_o but_o accept_v it_o rather_o notwithstanding_o our_o weakness_n and_o want_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o remainder_n of_o our_o corruption_n adjoin_v thereto_o as_o for_o the_o explanation_n or_o exposition_n follow_v it_o have_v receive_v a_o full_a answer_n before_o and_o therefore_o we_o let_v it_o pass_v and_o come_v to_o a_o second_o exception_n that_o they_o make_v against_o this_o truth_n thus_o we_o be_v not_o sure_o say_v they_o whether_o we_o perform_v these_o condition_n that_o be_v whether_o we_o sufficient_o repent_v we_o of_o our_o sin_n or_o do_v sufficient_o believe_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o be_v not_o assure_v concern_v god_n promise_n but_o this_o we_o answer_v be_v the_o same_o poison_n that_o have_v be_v propound_v in_o some_o of_o their_o argument_n before_o put_v down_o and_o answer_v whether_o we_o may_v remit_v the_o reader_n how_o be_v it_o in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o we_o will_v say_v somewhat_o and_o first_o we_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o their_o consequent_a be_v good_a &_o and_z forcible_a if_o they_o have_v prove_v or_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o truth_n &_o certainty_n of_o god_n holy_a and_o heavenly_a promise_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o our_o faith_n &_o repentance_n but_o that_o be_v not_o prove_v be_v of_o no_o importance_n nay_o we_o say_v further_o that_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v because_o god_n in_o his_o word_n have_v not_o prescribe_v a_o limit_a and_o determine_v measure_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n which_o whosoever_o have_v not_o attain_v unto_o he_o can_v be_v certify_v or_o assure_v of_o god_n grace_n and_o his_o own_o salvation_n but_o therein_o only_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n faith_n and_o repentance_n both_o which_o grace_n as_o all_o other_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v in_o some_o more_o and_o in_o some_o less_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n thereof_o give_v unto_o man_n from_o god_n and_o this_o may_v appear_v because_o christ_n simple_o and_o plain_o say_v he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n not_o express_v how_o much_o or_o how_o little_a faith_n be_v requisite_a to_o that_o work_n so_o it_o be_v sound_a and_o true_a and_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o pray_v for_o augmentation_n and_o increase_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o use_v all_o good_a mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v build_v up_o therein_o and_o so_o proceed_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n etc._n etc._n so_o may_v we_o yea_o so_o ought_v we_o to_o pray_v for_o increase_v of_o repentance_n &_o other_o fruit_n &_o of_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o yet_o when_o we_o have_v attain_v through_o god_n goodness_n towards_o we_o a_o good_a measure_n yet_o we_o shall_v have_v our_o lack_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a then_o that_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o woman_n luke_n 7._o thy_n say_v have_v save_v thou_o although_o we_o doubt_v not_o the_o place_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o consider_v to_o affirm_v that_o she_o have_v not_o sufficient_a either_o faith_n or_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o though_o we_o believe_v weakelie_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v true_o and_o right_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v forgive_v we_o for_o jesus_n christ_n sake_n &_o we_o make_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o fruit_n and_o merit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n beside_o what_o a_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v this_o conceit_n of_o sufficiency_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o since_o no_o man_n live_v can_v either_o sufficient_o be_v sorrowful_a for_o his_o sin_n or_o make_v any_o answer_n or_o satisfaction_n unto_o god_n for_o they_o or_o sure_o determine_v concern_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o repentance_n because_o god_n have_v reveal_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o his_o word_n and_o to_o fetch_v it_o from_o his_o own_o head_n or_o heart_n will_v not_o be_v fit_a for_o that_o be_v deep_a and_o deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v hope_v for_o salvation_n but_o rather_o despair_v of_o it_o which_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a be_v both_o ungodly_a and_o uncomfortable_a also_o but_o if_o they_o will_v yet_o further_o object_n and_o say_v that_o no_o man_n know_v whether_o he_o do_v true_o repent_v and_o believe_v or_o else_o whether_o he_o ascribe_v unto_o himself_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v not_o we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o untrue_a assertion_n to_o say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v whether_o he_o do_v true_o repent_v believe_v etc._n etc._n for_o though_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o teach_v we_o to_o know_v whether_o our_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a or_o our_o repentance_n weighty_a enough_o yet_o have_v it_o give_v we_o certain_a infallible_a note_n by_o which_o we_o may_v discern_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n both_o of_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o as_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o faith_n general_o be_v sure_a seal_n and_o pledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o more_o particular_o our_o holy_a prayer_n to_o god_n according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v say_v rom._n 10._o how_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o who_o they_o believe_v not_o so_o in_o the_o fruit_n and_o effect_n follow_v our_o repentance_n seal_v up_o also_o the_o sincerity_n and_o soundness_n thereof_o in_o our_o several_a soul_n now_o what_o these_o be_v we_o may_v see_v large_o recite_v 2._o cor._n 7._o as_o great_a care_n clear_v of_o ourselves_o indignation_n fear_n desire_v zeal_n revenge_n etc._n etc._n and_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o or_o may_v we_o not_o say_v that_o if_o in_o the_o little_a light_n of_o nature_n that_o remain_v in_o we_o untainted_a we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v of_o some_o sin_n we_o may_v by_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n beginning_n and_o advaunce_v our_o regeneration_n be_v able_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o judge_v of_o our_o own_o faith_n repentance_n etc._n etc._n that_o a_o believe_a man_n may_v know_v that_o he_o do_v believe_v the_o apostle_n i_o think_v do_v plain_o show_v it_o in_o his_o own_o example_n when_o he_o say_v 2._o tim._n 1.2_o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v and_o when_o philip_n act._n 8._o say_v unto_o the_o eunuch_n if_o thou_o do_v believe_v with_o all_o thy_o heart_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o answer_v i_o believe_v that_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v that_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o the_o eunuch_n both_o know_v and_o feel_v faith_n the_o apostle_n tell_v us._n rom._n 10._o that_o with_o the_o heart_n we_o believe_v to_o justification_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n make_v confession_n to_o salvation_n and_o 2._o cor._n 13._o why_o do_v the_o apostle_n command_v or_o exhort_v to_o try_v ourselves_o whether_o we_o be_v in_o the_o faith_n sure_o he_o will_v not_o have_v enjoin_v or_o provoke_v man_n to_o this_o duty_n unless_o they_o may_v through_o the_o power_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o manner_n certain_o know_v it_o
sound_n and_o steadfast_a faith_n there_o follow_v a_o certain_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o comfort_n and_o joy_n according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v say_v 2._o chro._n 20._o put_v your_o trust_n in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v assure_v and_o these_o motion_n sense_n or_o feeling_n be_v not_o certain_o of_o humane_a reason_n or_o of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o we_o say_v for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o all_o man_n alike_o or_o else_o nature_n shall_v be_v a_o unequal_a distributer_n of_o her_o favour_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v prop_v also_o up_o with_o some_o outward_a experience_n but_o that_o be_v not_o so_o for_o they_o be_v stay_v upon_o the_o word_n &_o promise_n of_o god_n &_o that_o not_o only_o without_o respect_n of_o outward_a and_o natural_a thing_n but_o even_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o nature_n and_o flesh_n which_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o martyrdom_n of_o god_n people_n who_o run_v through_o fire_n and_o water_n be_v support_v with_o the_o power_n of_o a_o mighty_a persuasion_n from_o god_n of_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o this_o world_n know_v nothing_o or_o understand_v so_o we_o may_v behold_v it_o likewise_o in_o abraham_n the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o not_o once_o and_o away_o as_o we_o say_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o wither_a body_n and_o his_o wife_n sarahs_n barren_a womb_n conceive_v hope_n of_o have_v a_o son_n according_a to_o promise_n rom._n 4.19.8_o but_o also_o in_o the_o offering_n of_o isaac_n his_o son_n he_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o after_o a_o sort_n he_o receive_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n note_v in_o the_o 11._o chap._n of_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n verse_n 19_o 13_o there_o remain_v the_o thirteen_o or_o last_o argument_n which_o they_o usual_o make_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o their_o corrupt_a doctrine_n touch_v doubt_v which_o though_o it_o come_v in_o the_o last_o place_n have_v as_o little_a force_n as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a if_o not_o less_o and_o they_o frame_v it_o after_o this_o manner_n the_o doctrine_n that_o beget_v or_o brinforth_o carnal_a carelessness_n and_o fleshly_a security_n be_v not_o to_o be_v common_o propound_v and_o deliver_v to_o the_o people_n the_o doctrine_n that_o teach_v certainty_n and_o assurance_n of_o salvation_n and_o god_n grace_n concern_v the_o same_o and_o manifold_a favour_n beside_o in_o very_a many_o beget_v and_o bring_v forth_o carnal_a security_n therefore_o though_o it_o be_v true_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o deliver_v unto_o the_o people_n we_o answer_v first_o unto_o the_o mayor_n that_o look_v what_o doctrine_n in_o and_o of_o itself_o breed_v or_o bring_v forth_o such_o bad_a effect_n it_o shall_v at_o no_o hand_n be_v deliver_v because_o man_n through_o their_o corruption_n and_o satan_n malice_n prone_a &_o ready_a enough_o to_o sin_n and_o condemnation_n shall_v not_o by_o false_a &_o erroneous_a opinion_n in_o themselves_o or_o by_o dangerous_a consequence_n from_o they_o be_v thrust_v headlong_o into_o eternal_a judgement_n as_o for_o example_n the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n merit_n among_o papist_n and_o the_o satisfy_n of_o sin_n &_o delivery_n of_o soul_n special_o out_o of_o purgatory_n by_o mass_n diriges_fw-la trental_n etc._n etc._n because_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n they_o make_v man_n presumteous_a and_o careless_a also_o while_o by_o other_o man_n their_o sin_n may_v be_v answer_v &_o god_n judgement_n satisfy_v shall_v not_o be_v either_o public_o or_o private_o propound_v and_o the_o same_o may_v we_o affirm_v of_o all_o other_o doctrine_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o true_a and_o holy_a doctrine_n upon_o which_o this_o blame_n light_v or_o be_v say_v through_o the_o malice_n and_o transgression_n of_o man_n or_o by_o occasion_n as_o we_o say_v or_o through_o the_o fault_n negligence_n or_o ignorance_n of_o they_o that_o abuse_v it_o or_o be_v offend_v at_o it_o or_o by_o it_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n it_o shall_v be_v silent_a or_o dumb_a as_o we_o may_v say_v then_o that_o the_o sun_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o we_o because_o it_o annoy_v sore_a eye_n yea_o sometime_o increase_v the_o infection_n of_o the_o plague_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o bad_a body_n that_o be_v taint_v therewith_o or_o that_o meat_n and_o drink_n shall_v be_v with_o hold_v from_o all_o because_o some_o eat_v to_o surffet_v and_o drink_n to_o drunkenness_n to_o make_v this_o plain_a by_o some_o example_n out_o of_o the_o word_n what_o be_v more_o sweet_a than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o yet_o because_o some_o turn_n it_o into_o wantonness_n as_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o our_o day_n shall_v it_o not_o therefore_o be_v hear_v sound_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n what_o be_v more_o comfortable_a than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o forgiunesse_fw-fr of_o sin_n through_o christ_n obedience_n and_o yet_o because_o some_o then_o and_o now_o adays_o also_o hear_v this_o that_o where_o sin_n have_v abound_v there_o grace_n have_v abound_v much_o more_o do_v and_o do_v shameless_o and_o graceles_o utter_v these_o word_n let_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v abound_v shall_v not_o therefore_o this_o be_v propound_v unto_o the_o people_n the_o like_a may_v we_o say_v of_o this_o point_n controvert_v it_o be_v to_o much_o indignity_n and_o dishonour_n offer_v unto_o god_n to_o make_v his_o truth_n subject_a unto_o man_n corruption_n and_o it_o be_v to_o much_o injury_n and_o injustice_n to_o man_n special_o to_o the_o godly_a and_o among_o they_o to_o those_o that_o mourn_n in_o zion_n to_o have_v with_o hold_v from_o their_o eye_n ear_n and_o heart_n the_o very_a life_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o better_a half_o as_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o doctrine_n i_o mean_v of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n for_o as_o this_o be_v true_a that_o the_o abuse_n of_o true_a doctrine_n do_v not_o abolish_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o because_o it_o be_v sure_a and_o permanent_a even_o as_o god_n the_o author_n thereof_o be_v &_o can_v be_v better_v or_o make_v worse_o be_v humane_a corruption_n special_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o it_o own_o nature_n so_o this_o be_v certain_a also_o that_o in_o all_o godly_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n rather_o the_o abuse_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o than_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o with_o hold_v or_o if_o that_o can_v be_v yet_o the_o same_o deliver_v with_o such_o holy_a caution_n as_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o ungodly_a that_o they_o be_v charge_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n but_o to_o lay_v unclean_a or_o violent_a hand_n upon_o the_o sacred_a truth_n of_o god_n not_o belong_v unto_o they_o and_o such_o comfort_n to_o the_o godly_a that_o it_o shall_v rather_o speak_v in_o a_o clear_a and_o loud_a voice_n then_o be_v mute_a and_o dumb_a as_o we_o say_v in_o the_o church_n and_o this_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v god_n own_o ordinance_n and_o therefore_o shall_v prevail_v it_o be_v more_o equal_a in_o all_o upright_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o also_o to_o be_v embrace_v to_o the_o minor_a affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v certainty_n of_o salvation_n etc._n etc._n make_v man_n secure_a and_o careless_a we_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o if_o they_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n either_o as_o it_o come_v from_o god_n or_o in_o itself_o or_o own_o nature_n for_o so_o it_o give_v great_a glory_n unto_o god_n to_o who_o alone_o belong_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o minister_v much_o comfort_n unto_o we_o while_o the_o assurance_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o see_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o upon_o ourselves_o but_o upon_o god_n alone_o otherwise_o if_o they_o regard_v it_o in_o the_o fault_n of_o man_n abuse_v the_o same_o as_o we_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o there_o be_v that_o so_o abuse_v it_o so_o yet_o we_o can_v consent_v unto_o this_o that_o for_o this_o their_o foul_a fault_n and_o sin_n other_o man_n that_o have_v better_a grace_n shall_v be_v punish_v with_o the_o want_n or_o lack_v of_o this_o truth_n of_o god_n no_o more_o than_o we_o will_v approve_v of_o this_o that_o because_o in_o some_o great_a person_n house_n one_o be_v give_v to_o drunkenness_n and_o another_o to_o gourmandise_n therefore_o they_o that_o sober_o and_o temperate_o use_v the_o plenty_n of_o the_o family_n shall_v not_o have_v meat_n or_o drink_v or_o that_o daily_o alloweance_n which_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o enjoy_v but_o indeed_o it_o be_v much_o more_o safe_a and_o equal_a either_o to_o expel_v they_o that_o
do_v so_o sin_v in_o superfluity_n lest_o their_o evil_a example_n may_v infect_v other_o or_o else_o to_o have_v some_o when_o they_o eat_v and_o drink_v to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n to_o put_v a_o knife_n unto_o their_o throat_n or_o to_o allow_v they_o less_o that_o so_o they_o may_v not_o by_o abuse_v of_o god_n creature_n increase_v their_o own_o sin_n and_o hale_v judgement_n upon_o the_o whole_a house_n and_o the_o like_a may_v we_o affirm_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n which_o be_v or_o at_o the_o least_o shall_v be_v the_o spiritual_a food_n and_o drink_v of_o our_o soul_n and_o thus_o hitherto_o we_o have_v not_o only_o large_o but_o true_o i_o be_o sure_o answer_v whatsoever_o they_o have_v object_v at_o the_o least_o wise_a the_o most_o material_a and_o forcible_a argument_n that_o they_o make_v either_o to_o uphold_v their_o own_o vanity_n or_o error_n or_o to_o assault_v the_o inviolable_a and_o invincible_a truth_n of_o god_n now_o there_o remain_v a_o answer_n to_o such_o place_n as_o they_o cite_v or_o quoate_v out_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n or_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n which_o labour_n special_o as_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o ignorant_a who_o be_v not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o write_n we_o may_v very_o well_o spare_v be_v it_o not_o that_o we_o will_v glady_n stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o their_o adversary_n in_o all_o that_o they_o do_v or_o can_v bring_v for_o themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o substance_n or_o show_v how_o be_v it_o herein_o to_o put_v down_o every_o particular_a place_n &_o doctor_n that_o they_o use_v or_o abuse_v rather_o i_o mind_n not_o for_o beside_o that_o it_o will_v be_v infinite_o tedious_a it_o will_v be_v also_o unnecessary_a or_o superfluous_a for_o the_o answer_v of_o one_o or_o two_o all_o the_o rest_n say_v nothing_o at_o the_o leastwise_o for_o matter_n though_o now_o and_o then_o they_o vary_v in_o the_o manner_n but_o what_o other_o have_v say_v shall_v be_v the_o answer_v of_o they_o all_o and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v be_v best_o herein_o to_o be_v as_o short_a as_o we_o may_v convenient_o yet_o as_o plain_a as_o possible_o we_o can_v that_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v break_v forth_o and_o be_v embrace_v in_o her_o glory_n 1_o the_o first_o father_n that_o they_o do_v allege_v be_v augustine_n and_o out_o of_o he_o a_o place_n in_o his_o 23._o tractat_fw-la upon_o john_n where_o he_o say_v the_o mind_n be_v toss_v between_o hope_n and_o despair_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v lest_o hope_v hurt_v or_o kill_v thou_o that_o while_o thou_o hope_v much_o concern_v god_n mercy_n thou_o shall_v fall_v into_o his_o judgement_n and_o again_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v least_o desperation_n shall_v destroy_v thou_o that_o while_o thou_o think_v the_o great_a and_o grievous_a sin_n which_o thou_o have_v commit_v be_v not_o pardon_v thou_o shall_v not_o repent_v and_o so_o incur_v his_o judgement_n we_o may_v frame_v diverse_a answer_n to_o this_o place_n as_o for_o example_n when_o he_o say_v it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v lest_o hope_v hurt_v thou_o etc._n etc._n he_o use_v the_o name_n of_o hope_n not_o in_o his_o good_a and_o natural_a meaning_n as_o it_o be_v both_o use_v and_o press_v upon_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o by_o abusion_n as_o s._n james_n do_v the_o word_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o second_o chapter_n or_o else_o according_a to_o that_o conceit_n or_o imagination_n that_o these_o secure_a man_n have_v of_o that_o which_o in_o themselves_o they_o take_v to_o be_v hope_n and_o though_o this_o be_v true_a and_o may_v sufficient_o answer_v the_o place_n yet_o further_o i_o say_v that_o augustin_n in_o these_o word_n do_v not_o speak_v simple_o against_o christian_n hope_n for_o that_o have_v be_v to_o have_v condemn_v that_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v commend_v and_o to_o have_v disproove_v that_o which_o he_o approove_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o word_n but_o against_o such_o a_o conceit_a hope_n if_o i_o may_v give_v it_o the_o name_n of_o hope_n or_o idle_a conceit_n rather_o &_o swim_v imagination_n as_o make_v man_n secure_a careless_a and_o negligent_a in_o the_o obedience_n or_o keep_n of_o god_n commandment_n for_o first_o this_o be_v augustin_n drift_n and_o purpose_n namely_o to_o admonish_v man_n of_o boldness_n or_o licenciousnes_n in_o sin_v which_o arise_v in_o man_n either_o from_o a_o false_a hope_n of_o easy_o obtain_v pardon_n or_o else_o from_o the_o contrary_a that_o be_v distrust_n of_o salvation_n or_o from_o imagination_n that_o sin_n be_v but_o some_o light_n and_o trifle_a thing_n and_o that_o this_o be_v his_o meaning_n indeed_o it_o may_v appear_v by_o some_o speech_n that_o go_v not_o much_o before_o these_o that_o our_o adversary_n allege_v as_o when_o he_o say_v wherefore_o from_o either_o of_o they_o that_o be_v to_o say_v both_o hope_v and_o despair_v which_o be_v contrary_a affection_n man_n be_v in_o danger_n by_o hope_v a_o man_n be_v deceive_v when_o he_o say_v god_n be_v good_a god_n be_v merciful_a i_o will_v do_v whatsoever_o please_v i_o or_o like_v i_o i_o will_v give_v my_o lust_n the_o reins_n and_o lay_v the_o bridle_n in_o their_o neck_n why_o so_o because_o god_n be_v merciful_a gracious_a etc._n etc._n these_o man_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o hope_n as_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o desperation_n who_o when_o they_o have_v fall_v into_o grievous_a sin_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o father_n by_o which_o we_o may_v see_v what_o manner_n of_o hope_n it_o be_v that_o he_o condemn_v not_o the_o certainty_n which_o we_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n teach_v be_v to_o be_v fix_v in_o christ_n alone_o and_o his_o merit_n or_o god_n mercy_n through_o he_o and_o which_o for_o the_o certainty_n and_o assuredness_n of_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o word_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o all_o they_o that_o abuse_v god_n grace_n unto_o wantonness_n and_o sin_n do_v wicked_o forge_v &_o frame_v unto_o themselves_o to_o be_v short_a he_o shut_v up_o in_o this_o place_n or_o matter_n with_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o adulterous_a woman_n neither_o do_v i_o condemn_v thou_o but_o be_v make_v sure_a for_o that_o which_o be_v past_a be_v heedy_a for_o thing_n to_o come_v neither_o will_v i_o condenne_v thou_o for_o some_o small_a good_a that_o thou_o have_v omit_v keep_v that_o which_o i_o have_v command_v thou_o that_o so_o thou_o may_v have_v perform_v that_o which_o i_o have_v promise_v thou_o by_o which_o word_n appear_v that_o he_o mind_v not_o here_o to_o establish_v doubt_v or_o distrustfulness_n touch_v salvation_n neither_o yet_o to_o deliver_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o assure_a hope_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o if_o he_o have_v do_v so_o he_o have_v speak_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n but_o that_o he_o labour_v to_o remove_v the_o one_o and_o indeed_o to_o establish_v &_o confirm_v the_o other_o while_o he_o assay_v as_o to_o humble_v the_o hard_a &_o stony_a heart_a so_o to_o instruct_v the_o tender_a and_o afflict_a conscience_n which_o he_o will_v not_o or_o can_v not_o have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v mean_v to_o have_v approve_v of_o distrust_n or_o doubt_v for_o how_o can_v the_o conscience_n buffet_v and_o beat_v with_o fear_n receive_v consolation_n thereby_o 2_o second_o they_o allege_v another_o say_n which_o the_o same_o augustine_n have_v in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n chap._n 12._o where_o he_o say_v speak_v even_o of_o good_a and_o holy_a man_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v who_o though_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o reward_n of_o their_o perseverance_n yet_o be_v become_v uncertain_a concern_v perseverance_n itself_o for_o what_o man_n be_v he_o that_o know_v he_o shall_v continue_v in_o the_o action_n of_o welldoing_a and_o proceed_v in_o righteousness_n unto_o the_o end_n unless_o by_o some_o special_a or_o particular_a revelation_n he_o be_v thereof_o certify_v from_o he_o who_o in_o his_o just_a judgement_n do_v not_o instruct_v all_o man_n concern_v this_o matter_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o fail_v or_o deceive_v none_o here_o say_v our_o adversary_n augustine_n plain_o deni_v that_o the_o saint_n be_v sure_a of_o their_o perseverance_n and_o continuance_n even_o unto_o the_o end_n but_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o continue_v unto_o the_o end_n augustine_n therefore_o deni_v that_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v assure_v concern_v their_o salvation_n to_o all_o this_o we_o answer_v that_o augustine_n speak_v here_o of_o such_o a_o uncertainty_n and_o ignorance_n as_o be_v opposite_a not_o unto_o
body_n unto_o the_o edify_n of_o itself_o in_o love_n and_o cor._n 2._o we_o be_v root_v &_o build_v in_o he_o and_o establish_v in_o faith_n whereof_o all_o the_o body_n furnish_v and_o knit_v together_o by_o joint_n and_o band_n increase_v with_o the_o increase_n of_o god_n last_o in_o as_o these_o sin_n do_v not_o reign_v in_o i_o or_o over_o rule_n by_o that_o but_o that_o they_o be_v master_v and_o beat_v down_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o spirit_n plentiful_o shed_v abroad_o in_o into_o my_o heart_n and_o powerful_o prevail_v against_o my_o corruption_n one_o while_n while_o it_o do_v in_o a_o notable_a measure_n subdue_v iniquity_n present_a in_o i_o and_o another_o while_n while_o after_o sin_n commit_v it_o raise_v i_o up_o to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n so_o that_o i_o lie_v not_o sleep_v and_o snort_v in_o sin_n as_o the_o wicked_a but_o these_o sin_n be_v through_o the_o mighty_a operation_n and_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a chost_n daily_o by_o little_a and_o little_o more_o and_o more_o purge_v in_o i_o &_o scour_v from_o i_o in_o this_o life_n by_o beginning_n if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v here_o and_o by_o consummation_n &_o perfection_n in_o the_o life_n that_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v 4_o and_o therefore_o the_o assault_n that_o he_o make_v against_o we_o be_v by_o a_o argument_n frame_v thus_o innumerable_a man_n and_o woman_n perish_v and_o be_v condemn_v as_o who_o christ_n and_o righteousness_n do_v no_o whit_n at_o all_o profit_n but_o thou_o be_v of_o that_o number_n as_o appear_v by_o this_o because_o thou_o be_v no_o whit_n better_o than_o they_o that_o worse_v rather_o therefore_o thou_o be_v damn_v hereunto_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n i_o willing_o consent_v unto_o namely_o that_o innumerable_a person_n perish_v and_o be_v condemn_v but_o yet_o with_o this_o exception_n that_o the_o cause_n thereof_o be_v not_o in_o any_o impotency_n or_o weakness_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o righteousness_n for_o that_o be_v of_o most_o large_a yea_o of_o infinite_a merit_n as_o have_v be_v show_v already_o but_o by_o reason_n that_o they_o themselves_o do_v not_o believe_v fos_n as_o that_o be_v true_a in_o the_o faithful_a which_o our_o saviour_n utter_v in_o a_o most_o vehement_a affirmation_n say_v joh._n 5._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o hear_v my_o word_n and_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o send_v i_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n but_o have_v pass_v from_o death_n unto_o life_n so_o that_o again_o must_v be_v verify_v in_o the_o unbeliever_n which_o he_o say_v else_o where_o joh._n 3.18_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o be_v condemn_v already_o because_o he_o have_v not_o believe_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o minor_a i_o charge_v it_o with_o two_o fault_n first_o that_o it_o be_v false_a as_o when_o he_o say_v thou_o be_v one_o of_o that_o number_n and_o very_o uncerten_a in_o the_o other_o word_n or_o if_o thou_o will_v reason_v of_o the_o assertion_n because_o thou_o be_v no_o whit_n better_o than_o they_o but_o worse_a rather_o for_o first_o when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o one_o of_o they_o he_o do_v not_o only_o evil_a as_o in_o regard_n of_o himself_o take_v god_n office_n upon_o he_o to_o who_o alone_o as_o vengeance_n so_o all_o true_a &_o sound_a judgement_n appertain_v but_o affirm_v false_o that_o which_o he_o can_v never_o prove_v nay_o the_o contrary_a whereof_o i_o be_o able_a to_o show_v and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o my_o own_o judgement_n which_o happy_o may_v be_v suspect_v in_o my_o own_o cause_n and_o yet_o speak_v the_o truth_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o i_o shall_v not_o as_o well_o be_v believe_v for_o myself_o as_o satan_n against_o i_o but_o even_o from_o the_o testimony_n and_o witness_n of_o god_n holy_a word_n i_o know_v i_o be_o faithful_a and_o i_o be_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o persuasion_n because_o i_o do_v not_o in_o a_o evil_a or_o idle_a opinion_n but_o in_o true_a and_o certain_a faith_n lie_v hold_v of_o christ_n and_o stay_v and_o settle_v myself_o whole_o and_o only_o upon_o he_o this_o no_o heathen_a idolater_n can_v do_v because_o he_o be_v not_o only_o without_o christ_n but_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n this_o no_n mahometist_n or_o jew_n can_v perform_v because_o they_o deny_v he_o and_o defy_v he_o from_o their_o heart_n this_o no_v counterfeit_v or_o corrupt_a christian_n can_v accomplish_v for_o the_o false_a christian_n as_o papist_n join_v their_o work_n at_o the_o least_o with_o he_o and_o the_o carnal_a professor_n in_o the_o corrupt_a course_n of_o his_o conversation_n deny_v his_o power_n to_o mortification_n and_o sanctification_n therefore_o i_o separate_v from_o all_o and_o everye_o one_o of_o they_o in_o strength_n of_o persuasion_n in_o particular_a application_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o faith_n and_o bless_a obedience_n can_v perish_v but_o may_v truelye_o and_o effectual_o say_v that_o christ_n jesus_n dwell_v in_o my_o heart_n and_o make_v i_o fruitful_a to_o good_a work_n and_o i_o again_o be_v thereby_o in_o he_o there_o be_v no_o condemnation_n to_o i_o nor_o any_o such_o yea_o i_o be_o thorough_o and_o certain_o persuade_v that_o neither_o life_n nor_o death_n height_n nor_o breadth_n thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v i_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o i_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n as_o for_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o confirmation_n it_o be_v apparent_a by_o this_o that_o though_o satan_n know_v we_o all_o to_o be_v taint_v in_o adam_n yet_o he_o know_v not_o in_o who_o the_o power_n of_o corruption_n prevail_v most_o or_o more_o the_o wicked_a can_v discern_v of_o they_o of_o another_o no_o not_o one_o of_o they_o well_o of_o their_o heart_n as_o we_o see_v even_o particular_o by_o this_o that_o many_o time_n they_o be_v not_o only_o blind_v but_o senseless_a also_o and_o yet_o a_o man_n will_v think_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o well_o able_a either_o to_o know_v the_o height_n and_o heinousness_n of_o one_o another_o corruption_n or_o their_o own_o as_o satan_n shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o if_o satan_n can_v tell_v whether_o i_o be_v worse_o than_o they_o he_o less_o know_v whether_o i_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n of_o mercy_n better_o than_o they_o for_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o his_o own_o corruption_n he_o can_v much_o better_o discern_v of_o evil_a than_o any_o whit_n at_o all_o of_o good_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o adversnesse_n and_o waye-wardnesse_n and_o unto_o wardness_n thereto_o but_o be_v it_o as_o it_o may_v be_v we_o will_v yield_v he_o the_o hard_a that_o i_o be_o such_o a_o one_o to_o wit_n by_o nature_n yet_o be_o i_o another_o man_n by_o grace_n and_o adoption_n which_o vari_v the_o state_n and_o though_o i_o be_v in_o myself_o &_o of_o myself_o no_o whit_n better_o than_o other_o nay_o i_o will_v say_v more_o worse_a than_o other_o if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o account_v otherwise_o of_o i_o what_o be_v that_o to_o satan_n since_o god_n will_v have_v mercy_n upon_o whosoever_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n &_o will_v cause_v i_o and_o other_o to_o feel_v and_o find_v that_o true_a in_o ourselves_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o the_o word_n where_o sin_n have_v abound_v there_o grace_n have_v over_o abound_v and_o free_o confess_v of_o himself_o that_o god_n have_v mercy_n on_o he_o the_o chief_a of_o all_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o so_o far_o of_o from_o despair_n in_o myself_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o that_o respect_n i_o may_v cover_v my_o face_n with_o shame_n that_o i_o may_v rather_o great_o comfort_v myself_o because_o in_o this_o life_n god_n favour_n and_o good_a will_n do_v not_o in_o any_o thing_n so_o plain_o appear_v as_o in_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o my_o sin_n but_o satan_n will_v yet_o again_o press_v and_o urge_v this_o further_a thus_o the_o faithful_a very_o be_v not_o damn_v but_o save_v by_o christ_n but_o thou_o be_v not_o faithful_a or_o have_v not_o faith_n therefore_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v save_v by_o christ_n but_o must_v notwithstanding_o for_o the_o want_n of_o thy_o faith_n remain_v still_o under_o condemnation_n for_o answer_v whereto_o i_o say_v still_o notwithstanding_o all_o thy_o opposition_n satan_n that_o i_o have_v faith_n and_o do_v believe_v and_o if_o thou_o will_v ask_v how_o i_o know_v it_o or_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o it_o i_o will_v show_v thou_o christ_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o tree_n by_o the_o fruit_n from_o the_o effect_n