of beatitude they loue darkenesse rather then light because their x Iohn 3.19 deedes are euill 3 There is in the truth as in y Mat. 5.13 salt holesomenesse but ioyned with tartnesse the two witnesses z Apoc. 11.10 vexe them that dwell vpon the earth No maruell if they ioy and solace themselues in their disgrace That they might bee saued Quest Had they beene saued if they had admitted loue of trueth Resp Who doubts vpon that Hypothesis Tyre and Sidon had a Mat. 11.21.23 repented in case meanes of Capernaites had beene vouchsafed them Quest But could they receiue it Resp Why are we curious God puts not into any auersenesse from any goodnesse In the tender of grace and iniunction of duties respects them as he first made them Expects they should render him the good dispositions and abilities and pliablenesse to his instructions hee gaue in their first creation Iustly sith he b Eccles 7.29 made them righteous at the first and they haue sought them many inuentions Arminius too sawcily forceth on God necessitie and obligation to restoring of abilities lost by mans wilfulnesse too grosly denies abilitie to euery thing enioyned or to bee enioyned giuen vnto Adam But why meddle we with those intricacies Fluently we haue it from the Apostle that loue of truth is amongst those vertues which accompany saluation Therefore Ieremie pleades it as part of his righteousnesse claimes thereby interest to blessings conueyed in couenant of Grace Thy c Iere. 15.16 words were found with mee and I did eat them and thy word was vnto me the ioy and reioycing of my heart See Iob 23.12 Psal 119. And who so considers 1 d Rom. 8.7 Enmitie of depraued nature against the Law of God 2 That this loue issues from the e 1. Pet. 2.3 comforts our consciences haue tasted the power of it our soules haue experimented f 1. Cor. 10.5 in subduing the high thoughts to obedience of Christ and the blessed g Psal 19.7 change it hath wrought easely acknowledgeth the gift supernaturall farre aboue what nature eleuated to her highest pitch if subsisting within boundes of nature can possibly reach vnto Vse 1 Blest is the soule that feeles it hee hath Heauen vpon earth thus discerne it and rest assured of thy gracious estate 1 The rate it s h Mat. 13.46 Psal 119.72 valued at is aboue that of Gold and Siluer 2 The soule that tasts it i Pro. 2 4. searcheth for it as for Siluer withall the might gets this vnderstanding 3 k Psal 84 42. Mournes for depriuall as Rachel for her children 4 Is in a measure satisfied neuer l Psal 84.2 1. Pet. 2.2.3 sated with the pleasures of it 5 A m Rom. 10.15 beautie it sees in the very feet of them that preach it loues the ground they goe on 6 Hates as Hell the adulteraters n Gal. 2.5 opposeth to euery opposite of the trueth and proceedings of it You that loue your soules fasten on them this loue of truth 1 If depth of learning profound mysteries bee it that your mindes affect loe here what o 1 Pet. 1.12 Angels themselues loue to pry into reioyce to p Ephes 3.10 learne in the Church 2 Pleasing to the vnderstanding is the knowledge of trueth Verum is bonum intellectus the halfe happinesse and perfection of the vnderstanding Here see such as no science else reueales God is he knowes and reueales his owne being and manner of existence The true meanes of reconciling man to God and what all the wits of the World in vaine turmoiled and puzled themselues to finde out the way and meane of true tranquillitie 3 Oh q Psal 34.8 tast and see how gracious the Lord is experiment a while the power of this truth What wonders will it worke in thy soule may it there sway Those turbulent 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 passions of sensualitie which wisedome of morall heathens laboured vainely to captiuate to right reason this shall r 2 Cor. 10 5. subdue the miserable bondage vnder sinne and Satan whereunder who groanes not This ſ Iohn 8.32 17.9 truth shall free thee from 4 And if 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 true tranquillitie of minde t Phil. 4.7 pacification of conscience be that we long for behold it published conuyed wrought by the Gospel of peace the word of faith teacheth to vs wherewith we u 1. Iohn 3.19 may assure our hearts in the very terrour of the last day 5 And this is that * Rom. 1.16 power of God to saluation the word of saluation of life Reuealing working the x Iohn 17.3 knowledge of God in Christ leading to the beatificall vision the fruition of the glorious God-head If these amiable fruites sway vs not Oh yet let the terrour of the Lord mooue vs thus it s specified VERS 11.12 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion that they should beleeue a lie That they all might be damned who beleeued not the truth but had pleasure in vnrighteousnesse THE words seeme intended to farther explication of the miserable estate of men seduced by Antichrist for not receiuing the loue of truth And for the maine to worke in vs the more feare of slighting such grace of God offered in the Gospel The argument drawne from the punishment dreadfull and to be trembled at wherewith God plagues such as regard not the Gospel the word of truth For this God shall send them strong delusion c. Particulars considerable are 1 The iudgement 2 The inflicter 3 The issue 4 The cause meritorious 1 The iudgement is strong delusion to beleeue a lie Greeke 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which some interpret Efficacissimam quandam deceptionis vim Others Vim intus efficacem operatricem Our English strong delusion Whether 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 actiuely denote imposture or passiuely the fruit of such deception Errour is not curiously to be disputed The words to my apprehension sound strongest impressions of errour fastened vpon their mindes by that great Imposture the instrument of the Lords vengeance Conceiue it to imply two things 1 Infatuation and besottednesse so great as that errours palpable and such as may be selt are entertained for trueth 2 Pertinacie and stifnesse in adhearing to them incorrigible that no perswasion nor affright from God or man can reclaime them from De primo Infatuation Haue you euer read the Lord describing the sottish dotage of idolatrous Iewes He y Esay 44. burneth part thereof in the fire with part thereof hee eateth flesh he rosteth rost and is satisfied hee warmeth himselfe c. And the residue thereof hee maketh a god euen his grauen Image hee falleth downe to it and worshippeth it and prayeth vnto it and saith deliuer me for thou art my god And none considereth in his heart neither is there knowledge or vnderstanding to say I haue burnt part thereof in the fire I haue
baked bread vpon the coles thereof I haue rosted flesh and eaten thereof And shall I make the residue an abomination Shall I fall downe to the stocke of a tree A deceiued heart hath turned him aside c. No whit lesse is Popish infatuation Semble to your selues a Papist prostrate before his breaden god Hee knowes it the Bakers composition sees toucheth tasts it bread cannot be ignorant it goes out at the draught Yet adores and prayeth vnto it saying deliuer mee for thou art my God So hath God z Isai 44.18 shut their eyes that they cannot see and their hearts that they cannot vnderstand Like may be obserued in many other their absurd opinions contrary to sense reason all sound Authoritie See it in that grand gull mother of all infatuation to the people 1 As an article of faith it must be holden that the Pope cannot erre dogmaticè in matter of faith propounded to the people to be beleeued though in life he may be a deuill incarnate in his studie and priuate iudgement an heretique yet in his publike decisions pronounced e Cathedrá hee is as Prophets and Apostles of vnerring spirit Such vertue hath that chaire had euer since the dayes of Pope Ioane 2 Next that to the Pope so resoluing the people owe caecam fidem as regulars to superiours blinde obedience what is if this be not strong infatuation 2 Pertinacie and incorrigible stifnesse paralell to that of hardened Iewes whom neither fulfilling of Prophecies nor power of Christs miracles nor euidence of truth nor sanctitie of his life nor blushing of heauen nor quaking of earth nor renting of temple nor any thing could bring from perswasion of the Messiahs temporall kingdome nor win to embracing of Iesus for the Christ of the Lord. No lesse is stiffenesse of errour in the vassals of Antichrist May we say in Papists Whom neither euidence of Scripture nor suffrage of Fathers nor consent of Councils nor blood of Martyres nor sword of Magistrate nor discouery of Antichrist nor consumption of his kingdome nor I am perswaded ruine of that Babylon can win from palpablest errour Vse 1 Wonder not to see Papists vnreclaimeable its strong delusion sent vpon them I know not how their very pertinacie preuailes with many and halfe perswades they haue cleare euidence of truth suffering for their religion to losse of goods of libertie of countrie of life Let me relate what once passed from a Papist after much conference and hot dispute brought to stagger halfe inclined to change his Religion that if he turned he would sure turne Puritan Sic vitant stulti vitia And why In them onely of all the party aduerse to Popery he had obserued some conscience because some suffering for their profession the rest he obserued slanderously I hope Time seruers In Religion as Cushi in policy a 2. Sam. 16.18 whom the Lord and this people and the men of Iudah shall choose his will I be Oh woe is me that euer it should be heard in Gath or published in the streets of Ascalon I hope I perswad my selfe better things of many That delusion should preuaile more with Papists then cleare reuelation of the truth with vs whose stile is Protestants But to the point 1 Not all stiffenesse is constancy there is pertinacy in errour witnesse those Priscillianists and Donatists of Austins time who chose rather to leaue life then to correct their heresie which gaue him occasion to remember from Cyprian Not the punishment but the cause was it that made the Martyr 2 And consider 1 how potently shame of seeming inconstant preuailes with many through ambition and vaine-glory to perish in their errour 2 How fitted to humour of nature that whole Religion is 1 giuing it share in the glory of Saluation 2 loosing those strict bonds of Sanctity wherewith truth bindes 3 how deepely fastned in their mindes that Principle is It s of necessitie to saluation to liue and dye in the Romish faith in subiection to the Bishop of that See What will not loue of Beatitude doe Skin for skin and all that a man hath will he giue for his life much more for his soule That no man should stagger because they are setled vpon their Lees the delusion is strong which is sent vpon them But obsecro per Iesum beware how you be carried away with the errour of the wicked and fall from your owne stedfastnesse least the Lord giue you vp to like infatuation and pertinacie in Errour There may be obserued in many that infidelis fiducia Bernard speakes of to complement with the Times in hope to keepe the minde free from taint of errour in confidence of at least Timely Reuocation But 1 hast thou a promise of returne 2 and not rather dreadfull threats of permitting to finall Apostasie 3 It s easie to headlong thy selfe as the Diuell tempted Christ from the pinacle of the Temple But canst thou then without miracle stay thy selfe from irrecouerable falling It goes as a Iudgement on their soules who thus run into errour to be giuen vp to pertinacie stiffenesse therein so stiffe as can neuer be altered Errare possum saith Saint Austin meaning through ignorance Haereticus esse nolo pertinacious he meanes in errour But if we sinne willingly after we haue receiued the knowledge of the Truth what lesse b 2 Pet. 3.17 c Heb. 10.26 iudgement may we expect then strongest delusion sottishest infatuation pertinacie incorrigible 2 The inflicter of the Iudgement God God shall send them strong delusion like phrases see frequent Isai 6.10 44. Exod. 9.3 doth God lead into errour or confirme therein Resp Efficaciter meane you Absit he neither deuiseth the errour nor propounds it to be belieued he is God of Truth louer of it Errour of d Iohn 8.44 lies haue another father 2 Nor inclines he the minde to assent or the will to embrace it God is not Author of that whereof he is vltor Fulgentius But when he is said to harden to blinde to deceiue vnderstand it thus As a iust Iudge 1 he giues libertie to Satan and his instruments to attempt to impresse it It s said the Lord was angrie with Israel e 2 Sam. 24.1 he moued Dauid to say Goe number Israel and Iudah yet elsewhere it s said f 1 Chro. 21.1 Acts 14.16 Satan stood vp against Israel and hee prouoked Dauid to number Israel g God permissiue Satan efficaciter or 2 Denies or withholds Grace which should hinder their giuing way to errour or 3 Withdrawes Grace giuen which onely hinders preuailing of Satan or inclination of nature to such errour or pertinacie therein Schooles thus God concurs to euill not positiuè but priuatiuè not efficienter but deficienter his Acts in these panae mirabiles as Caietane tearmes them which are so Gods punishments that they are also mans sinnes are three 1 g 2 Chro. 32.31 Desertion leauing to our selues 2 h Rom. 1.24.26 28. Tradition deliuery
Churches Councels Popes Authentique of selfe credit or must Faith be resolued vltimatè to them To the l Isai 8.20 Law and Testimonie Search Scriptures though k Acts 17.11 Apostles l Gal. 1.8 Angels teach you The foolish will belieue euery thing But the prudent considers his steps 3. Be not wise in your owne eyes but feare the Lord and depart from euill Pride securitie sensuality hazard to misbeliefe of such condition and quality haue bin antique Heretiques That they all might be damned c. 2 The penall issue damnation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 iudged for condemned frequent in Scripture Iohn 3.17 alibi passim shewes it their issue or Gods intention Resp. You may without errour thinke it spoken intentionaliter and not onely consecutiue God intends punishment of sinne and not onely orders a connexion betwixt them Howsoeuer it should seeme Antichristian errours Popish misbeliefe is such as shall damne their sectaries except perhaps God giue m 2 Tim. 2.25.26 Repentance to come out of the snare of the Diuell Saint Peter cals them n 2 Pet. 2 1. damnable heresies the words may be rendred damning or destroying heresies 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Saint Paul o 1 Tim. 4.1 Doctrines of Diuels Are any such taught and belieued of Romanists Resp What thinke you of Iustification in part by workes of the Law Is it not a damned a damning lye who so is in this Article but so erroneous if Paul say true he is fallen from p Gal. 5.4 Grace and Christ shall profit him nothing What of congruent merits afforded by nature of freedome and power natiue in the will excited to apply and determine it selfe to Gods gracious perswasion Is it not more then halfe Pelagianisme what of expiating sinnes of quicke and dead by pretended vnbloudy offering of Christ in their Masses I spare mention of errours in practise whose grounds yet doctrined are no lesse then hereticall to commit fornication is not heresie but vnchastity But to doctrine that its lawfull to commit fornication is to doctrine heresie to belieue it is to belieue the damned heresie of q Apoc. 2.15 Nieolaitans To worship God in an Image is not heresie but Idolatrie But to teach or belieue that God must may so be worshipped is to teach and belieue no lesse then destroying herefie To murther Kings supposed hereticall or Tyrannous is not heresie but Sacrilegious cruelty But to teach or belieue it lawfull or meritorious to doe violence to the Lords annointed is cursedly hereticall c. Vse 1 You may in foolish or rather cruell pitie promise life to impenitent Papists I meane that repent not their Papaisme besides all their other sinnes nor reuoke their errours for my part I belieue Saint Paul their errours in faith are such as shall damne them Saint Iohn that the r Apoc 19 20. Beast and false Prophet with all their impenitent sectaries shall be cast into the Lake of fire I aduise as Saint Iohn ſ Apoc. 18.4.2 Come out of her keepe out of her al ye the Lords people that loue your soules Saue your selues from that vntoward that cursed generation If Papists may be saued we haue needlesly separated if they hold the head the foundation in such sort and degree as to be capable of saluation Antichrist may be as Christ a Iesus to Gods people Their end if Paul say true is damnation 4 The cause is euident and the crime 's of that high nature that Iustice of God in inflicting such vengeance is easely discerned for 1 they belieue not the Truth 2 Haue pleasure in vnrighteousnesse De primo who belieued not the Truth Truth to which beliefe is denied vnderstand not euery Truth What if a man held as Anaxagoras that the Snow is blacke could he not be induced to belieue it white or as Copernicus that the heauens stand still without motion the earth moues and were refractary to all contrary perswasion Heretiques or Infidels you might call such in Philosophy howbeit diseredence of such truths doth not preiudice any in his saluation Truth vnderstand as Paul interprets the Gospell the word of truth which is the t Col 1 5. Gospell Eph. 1.13 so stiled either 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as the most excellent eximious comfortable truth God euer reuealed to man else in opposition to those shadowie resemblances wherein God presented Christs merits and benefits to the faith of Iewes in Sacrifices and other Ceremonies whereas to vs nakedly he hath afforded the realtie and truth of what they foreshadowed see Iohn 1.17 Grace and Truth came by Iesus Christ. Infidelity is of two sorts 1 of pure Negation such in Pagans and Turkes to whom God neuer yet vouchsafed the word or meanes of faith 2 of euill disposition when the price is put into the hands of fooles to get knowledge but they haue no heart the doctrine of faith vouchsafed but credence denied vnto it Such in children of the Church whereof apertly this Scripture must be vnderstood There are two kindes or degrees of it 1 Totall respecting the whole word of God all Articles of faith 2 Partiall where part of the Gospell some Articles of faith or something belonging to euery Article is belieued howbeit towards some points or the ful sentence of some one or more men are incredulous Example That faith in Christ was necessary to saluation false Apostles amongst Iewes denied not But that it alone or the obiect of it Christs merit entered our Iustification or made it perfit without workes of the Law they belieued not were therefore in part Infidels c. But is infidelity in any sort chargeable on Papists Behold they confesse to belieue the whole word of God in old and new Testament The three Creeds they admit entire into their faith how then may we charge infidelity on them Resp Two things I commend to euery one desirous herein to expedite himselfe 1 As in an oath imposed the forme is to speak Truth the whole truth nothing but the truth So in faith it s required that Truth whole truth nothing but truth be belieued If any thing but the truth be belieued they are falsified in their faith vt supra they belieue a lye If the whole Truth be not belieued they are culpable so far of Infidelity How Papists are falsified in their faith so as they are chargeable with damned heresie we haue shown before how they are Infidels notwithstanding their professed beliefe of all Articles of the Creed you may thus conceiue inasmuch as they belieue not all Articles in their full sense taken Thus in a word 1 The all-sufficiency of Christs meritorious passion they belieue not 2 Nor his propriety incommunicable in his office of mediation Exemp That Christ suffered vnder Pontius Pilate was crucified dead and buried went downe to hell Papists belieue but did not doe not Iewes so who doubts but they belieue the generall history of Christs passion as
it is articled in our Creed recorded in the Gospell yet are Iewes Infidels in those very Articles Why they belieue nor cause nor auaile of his passion which is the life of Euangelicall truth couched in those Articles the cause u Rom. 4.25 our sinnes not his owne the auaile our * Heb. 9.12 Redemption and Iustification Yet its true both cause and auaile Papists in a sort belieue that he died an Innocent for the Nocent to expiate our sinnes Where then is their Infidelity that in suffering he intended expiation of all sinnes mortall and veniall discharged vs of all guilt and obligation to all punishment temporall and eternall they stiffely deny our selues must satisfie for veniall sinnes procure discharge from temporall punishments by our owne voluntary passions and penous good workes That Christ is mediatour of Intercession and Redemption Papists belieue herein are orthodoxe in faith that he is the * 1. Tim. 2.5 1. Iohn 2.1 2. sole meritorous mediatour of Intercession and impetration they belieue not herein they are Infidels Saints and Angels meritoriously intercede for vs that is the lye of their faith sic de Reliquis 2 Next let be cousidered the generall acknowledgement of Scripture and all doctrines contained in Scripture to be of God acquits not of particular Infidelity for what if hereticall sense be forced vpon the letter and in that false sense be belieued there is a lye vnder that faith there is infidelity if to Scriptures in right sense taken credence be denied Exemp That the Text in Iohn Father Word and Spirit are y 1. Iohn 5.7 one is Gods word no Antitrinitary denieth but that onenesse is by consent of will puts the lye in their faith not by identitie of Essence is their Infidelity that faith iustifieth in the sight of God Papists deny not But as a quality principall in vs and as the beginning and first step to iustice which they imagine inherent in vs that 's the lye in their faith That as an instrument apprehending and applying the righteousnesse of Christ for which we are accounted righteous by which alone we stand iust in Gods sight this they belieue not in this they are Infidels 3 Lastly let that be weighed that in the points which orthodoxly they professe to belieue the formall obiect of their faith is not veritas prima but the testimony of the Church humane faith makes not a Christian he is no better then an Infidell in respect of diuine faith who hath no higher reason then humane Authority or Reason of his belieuing Summe vp all the result in this who so denies credence to any part of Truth couched in any Article is in that respect an Infidell who so belieues the letter of Scripture not belieuing the sentence flowing from right Interpretation is so farre an Infidell who so belieues the Gospell onely because the Church testifies it to be Gospell not because the Author reuealing it giues such Testimony is neuer a whit lesse then an Infidell Such are Papists Ergo Infidels that is culpable of partiall Infidelitie Vse My hearts desire and prayer to God for Papists is that they may be saued my hope that many yet Papists shall be saued Howbeit of them which liue and dye Papists I must professe my charity cannot be so charitable as to thinke they shall be saued 1 They are falsified in their faith belieue lyes no lesse then damnable heresies 2 They are without faith in the points which are the very heart and soule of the Gospell The good Lord giue them eyes to see hearts to bewaile and forsake their heresie their infidelity that so they may come out of snare of the diuell flye from the wrath to come 2 Their second sinne making lyable to damnation is taking pleasure in vnrighteousnesse Theophilacts interpreter renders qui oblectati sunt in iniustitia The word signifies a willing pleasing selfe-propention not without much contentment vnrighteousnesse take as before to denote vniuer salem iniustitiam sinne and wickednesse such should the sectaries of Antichrist be men finding pleasance taking delight in their owne and others viciousnesse A vice or degree of viciousnesse incompatible with Grace Salomon notes it the property of the wicked to z Pro. 10.23 reioyce in doing euill to delight in the frowardnesse of the wicked Saint Paul makes it a Rom. 1.32 more heinous then doing euill Saint Bernard to Eugenius noting the seuerall steps whereby men descend to the depth and bottome of desperate contempt rankes this in the middle when a man first enters into a course of sinning especially against conscience he finds his first fact a burthen intolerable 2 let him iterate it of intolerable it becomes grauy onely frequent it of graue it s made 3 leue custome it it proues 4 insensible 5 not long ere it s made delectable 6 The taste of pleasure makes it desirable 7 That excusable 8 By and by desensible 9 Till at last it becomes gloriabile matter of boasting to which what can be added in the measure of sinfulnesse Is it chargeable on Papists Resp On no Christians more I spare mention of their exulting in their owne impieties and Idolatries perhaps the people thinke they ought so to serue God But who euer knew Papist other then practiser abettor triumpher in the vilest pollutions of that day of rest which God hath sanctified to himselfe from the beginning And what ioy is it to see or heare the exorbitancies of men of the contrary Religion what Dauid with b Psal 119.136 Riuers of waters bewailed Lot c 2 Pet 2.8 vexed his soule from day to day to behold and heare partly for the dishonour of God partly through compassion of the sinners miserie these ioy in with the ioy of haruest or such as they are affected withall that diuide the spoile But out vpon filthinesse of fornication the companion of Popish Idolatry was euer Papist knowne to scruple this sinne not to extenuate it as veniall not to excuse it as a tricke of youth to ioy and glory therein as in a point of manhood But scatter Lord scatter our cruel enemies that delight in bloud strong must the infatuation be to no lesse then extinction of the light of nature from which issues reioycing in massacres of Christians and in spilling of bloud wherein yet the scarlet Whore and her Sectaries ioy euen to laughter and as Cannibals finde sweetnesse in no liquor inebriating more then in bloud Vse And yet must we hope Papists so liuing and dying may be saued Summe vp the whole thus is their description by properties 1 Falsified in their faith 2 Faithlesse towards the Truth 3 Sporting themselues in their deceiuing taking pleasure in vnrighteousnesse Belike Heretiques Infidels Impenitents may be saued yet said our Sauiour He that e Marke 16.16 belieues not shall be damned and f Luke 13.3.5 except yee repent yee shall all perish or what thinke we is false faith sauing is faithlesnesse towards
any necessary Euangelicall truth capable of saluation may impenitents hope for saluation or is it penitence to delight in sinne or rather as g 2. Cor. 7. Gregorie Comissa flere flenda non committere Thus I conclude When Heretiques Infidels Impenitents are saued then shall Papists also be partakers of saluation In hac fide viuo spero moriar And of Antichrist thus farre as also of the two first maine parts of the Chapter Cauâ—at and Confutation of Errour followes the Comfort occasionally subioyned VERS 13 14. But we are bound to giue God thankes alwayes for you Brethren Beloued of the Lord because God hath from the beginning chosen you to saluation through sanctification of the Spirit and beliefe of the Truth Whereunto he called you by our Gospell to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Iesus Christ TExt apparently intended to preuent the discomfort and feare of Gods people likely to arise from meditating 1 heauy wrath falling vpon sectaries of Antichrist 2 And potency of Antichrist to entangle in the Snare The ground of Comfort is their election forme the comfortable Argument thus if you please those whom God hath chosen to saluation shall not be seduced by Antichrist God hath chosen you to saluation Ergo feare not seducement by Antichrist The maior hath not onely amplification but as I conceiue implicite proofe from meanes which Election to saluation puts in all the vessels of honour to prepare them to glory they are 1 sanctification of the Spirit and 2 faith of Truth Graces opposite to the quality of Antichrists sectaries They are all 1 falsified in their faith 2 faithlesse towards Truth 3 such as finde pleasure in vnrighteousnesse and by consequent not elect to saluation Thus you may conceiue the frame Men sanctified by the Spirit and belieuing the Truth are out of gunshot of seducement by Antichrist sith he preuailes onely with men faithlesse and vnsanctified But all the elect are sanctified and belieue the Truth Ergo The minor whither of the principall or of the prosyllogisme hath proofe ver 14. They are called to sanctity and faith Ergo elected or ergo sanctified and faithfull supposing the calling to be effectuall Out of the text in grosse arise these documents 1 How carefull a Minister in prudence should be to anticipate the feares and discomforts of Gods children arising or likely to issue from mention of things so frightfull Speake to the heart of Ierusalem h Iude ver 22. put difference comfort the feeble minded so is the charge such the practise of the i Luke 12.32 great Shepheard of the sheepe of his holy Apostles and Prophets especially when iudgements spirituall that coast vpon certaine damnation are mentioned see Heb. 6.9 10.39 2 Tim. 2.18 19. 1 Iohn 5.16 18. Reasons 1 this part of the k 2 Tim. 2.15 Right cutting of the word sharing to euery one his owne portion 2 Necessity in respect of Gods children in whose cares the noise of things so frightfull is as the sound of thunder partly 1 through conscience of merits to share in like Iudgements 2 partly through feare of owne infirmity and naturall mutability 3 Remembrance or sight of many eminent in gifts become Apostles 4 Weake apprehension and assurance of Gods loue and their owne sharing in election 5 Dwelling too much on thought of potent Aduersaries weake measure of Grace 6 Forgetfulnesse or not considering the potency of their supporter with the like 3 And it s not our least inducement that hereby they are occasioned and excited to glorifie the grace of God in exempting them from that fearefull condition Vse The times I confesse are such as require the spirit of Iames and Iohn the l Mar. 3.17 sonnes of thunder to be doubled vpon Ministers so not secure onely but senslesse are most growne of spirituall misery and danger Howbeit there be that mourne in Sion that tremble at the word of God for such is requisite the temper and spirit of Barnabas the m Act. 5.36 sonne of consolation promiscuous promulgation of terror or comfort sorts not with that prudence God requires in his Ministers Next you may notice the maine ground of comfort Election so often in like case applied see 2 Tim. 2.19 Rom. 8.30 Luk. 12.32 Most fitly to seale vp solid comfort to Gods children sith they easely apprehend that n 2 Tim. 2.19 foundation sure that decree immutable and of infallible accomplishment Vse That me thinkes they are imprudently proudly cautionate who by their good wils will haue all mention thereof enclosed to the chaire in Schooles not once to be whispered in our Homiles ad Populum when yet 1 Gods Spirit is plentifull in publishing this part of Gods counsell to the people 2 Nothing more 1 deiects mans pride or 2 extols glory of Gods Grace in our saluation 3 Nothing is greater incentiue to Sanctitie 4 nor filles the new soule with more solid comfort Prudence in publishing none but allowes But they are ouer wise who wholly conceale it Nor doe they lesse erre and hinder comfort of Gods people who make the knowledge of it impossible in state of this life for then how comforts it It s not the decree but our apprehension of owne sharing in that grace that yeelds comfort to the soule what when the Maior is assented to the Elect shall not be seduced except I may assume I am elected how feeles my soule the comfort But de bis alibi The generall of the ground for comfort is this the Elect are out of gunshot of seducement by Antichrist and other heretiques compare 2. Tim. 2.17.19 Apo. 13.8 Mat. 24.24 1 Against such gates of hell preuaile not Mat. 16.18 2 Such sinne not vnto death Yet thus vnderstand 1 In matters of inferiour nature they may be mistaken building hay and stuble vpon the foundation 1. Corinth 3.12.15 2 In fundamentals also erre for a time but herein if they mistake sooner or later God reduceth See promise Phil. 3.15 Iohn 16.13 Finaliter they erre not in truths of necessary faith Vse I say as Peter o 2 Pet. 3.10 giue diligence to make calling and election sure that ye may haue comfort to hold fast the hope set before you p 2 Tim. 2.19.20 c. The foundation stands sure But haue eye to the seale it leaues this stampe or impression they depart from iniquitie purge themselues from these who are vessels of honor prepared to glory Thus of generals from the body and scope of the text particulars you may thus number 1 Besides the manner of propounding with 1 thankesgiuing to God and acknowledgement of obligation to that dutie whereof before There is 1 The blessing Election 2 The authour God 3 The time from the beginning 4 The motiue Loue. 5 The meanes of execution sanctification and Faith To which you may adde 6 The euidence effectuall Vocation verse 14. Q. What is election Resp The generall notion of the word in common apprehension is the
the Gospel Sonne thy sinnes bee forgiuen thee Else what is the particular word we want to breed particular assurance A word perhaps particular to mee to tell me I beleeue or Repent Resp Is that the matter 1. Hitherto it hath bin vnderstood of a word testifying Gods Act to man in pardoning sinnes Iustifying the sinner c. not of a word testifying the Act of man 2. Need I a particular Word of God to tell mee I beleeue Why more then to tell me I loue I feare I hope c. when as the soule f 1 Cor. 2.11 knowes it owne Acts or motions by its owne imbred facultie themselues acknowledge in the vnderstanding Actum Reflexum And why not my Acts vertuous or gratious for my comfort and thankfulnesse as well as my vitious Actions to breed mee terrour and Repentance Quest But the rectitude of these Acts the soundnes of these graces can my soule know Resp Thy minde informed by the word of God vpon due examination may as well know rectitude as discerne the Acts. I may as well know that my faith rests vpon the first veritie as that I beleeue quocunque modo for knowes not my minde her motiues as well as her motions Or if by imperate Acts of faith which infallibly testifie presence of true Faith I would iudge may I not say I haue a word particular to testifie truth of my Faith As when my Faith t Act. 15.9 purifies my heart u Gal. 5.6 workes by loue haue I not a word to testifie that my Faith is vnfained As punctuall it is to me and as particular to testifie the soundnes of my Faith As if an Angel should say to me as to Cornelius * Act. 10.4 Thy prayers and Almes-deeds thy faith and Repentance are come vp in remembrance before God Howbeit from Pauls example Ministers of the Church haue their direction to apply the generals of promise and comfort to their people prouided alwaies they bee qualified to partake them See Act. 2.39 13.38 2 Sam. 12.13 Such Application hath warrant from example of Prophets and Apostles from intention of the promiser and tends much to comfort of weake consciences Considering they know or may know their ministers as Gods mouth And his instruments x Ioh. 20.23 Authorized to remit sinnes and to seale vp to them life and saluation Vse What will our scoffing Catholiques say if from the ordinance and vse of the ministerie as it s exercised amongst themselues wee deriue a particular word for particular Faith to rest on generale applicatuÌ„ ad hunc hunc is it not particular when in their foruÌ„ paenitentiale they pronounce the senteÌ„ce of absolution vpon the penitent Ego absoluo te c. do they giue him a particular word for faith to rest on or doe they require diuine Faith or onely humane to bee giuen to their testimonie so particularized Will they say humane onely Apage for how settles that the conscience Or where is qui vos audit me audit Or how say they when they remit God remits If diuine then there is a Word of God particular for it to rest on and so particular Faith is no longer presumption sith it hath a particular Word of God to build on as apparently it hath when generall promises are Regularly applyed and by authority delegate from God And what 's the ods tell me betwixt this priuate absolution and that publique in our preaching for the matter of particularitie When Peter tould beleeuing Iewes that the y Act. 2.39 promises were made to them was it not all one as if he had said to euery particular of them beleeuing to thee and thee But in Application of generall promises or comforts let prudence make vs cautionate so as first to discerne as far as we may their qualification To you is this Saluation sent But you must beware of that in the Prophet z Act. 13.41 Behold yee despisers and wonder The charge is to a Iud. ver 22. put difference to b Ier. 15.19 take away the pretious from the vile for will you c Ezech 13.18.19.22 giue life to the soules of them that should not liue or will you slay the soules of them that should not dye To kill the hearts of the Righteous To strengthen the hands of the wicked To condemne the iust to iustifie the wicked are both equally abominable To your comfort I speake it saith the Apostle because our testimony was beleeued amongst you Our Testimonie was beleeued Something pertaining to the Nature of Faith discriminating it from other habits and Acts of the vnderstanding might heere bee obserued As that it hath for the materiall obiect something testified for the formall obiect the verity and Authority of the Testis This being the Reason of assenting the Real or supposed truth and authority of him that testifieth Intellectus they say is of principles whose light is so cleere that there needes no medium to induce their entertainement for true Science of Conclusions by force of a medium necessary and demonstratiue Faith of things ineuident in themselues indemonstrable by Arguments necessarie of Conclusions or Articles aboue Reason in diuine faith infused the assent being wrought not by argument or other euidence but onely by authority and verity of him that testifieth What moues me to assent to the Article of the Trinity Onely the Testimony of God who alone knowes himselfe and the manner of his owne existence Now whither this Testimony diuine be immediate or mediate it matters not to the nature of diuine Faith so it be a diuine Testimony whereon we rest Not onely that voice of God from heauen This is my beloued Sonne But that also of Prophets and Apostles speaking as they were d 2 Pet. 1.21 inspired by the holy Ghost is this diuine Testimony Whither that also of the Church ordinary that now is is matter of question but impertinent to this occasion At that day Returne to specification of the Time before mentioned which before he had thus periphrased At the Reuelation of the Lord Iesus from heauen ver 7. When hee shall come to be glorified in the Saints ver 10. I say at that day shall tribulation be rendred to them that trouble you Rest to you that are troubled I say as the Apostle Be still and patient your hearts vntil the comming of the Lord So much the rather for that that day draweth nigh VERS 11 12. Wherefore also we pray â—lwayes for you that our God would count you worthy of his calling and fulfiâ— all the good pleasure of his goodnesse and the worke of faith with power That the Name of our Lord Iesus Christ may be glorified in you and you in him according to the grace of our God and the Lord Iesus Christ ANnexed to the other grounds of Comfort is this prayer of the Apostle and his associates on their behalfe And it is certainly full of comfort to partake in the prayers
pretious it tends in the degree to persect y Ioh. 17.17 to sanctifie the vnderstanding least errours are maculae though not vulnera intellectus 2. And know you not saith Saint Paul z Gal. 5.9 a little leauen leauens the whole lumpe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 such speech a 2 Tim. 2.17 18 frets as a Gangrene and will encrease to more vngodlinesse of them which denyed not the Resurrection but affirmed it past already Vse 'T is strange liberty men take to themselues in Articles of inferiour Nature if in the substantialls of Faith such as wee call fundamentalls they keepe sound indifferent they seeme or tempered rather to take impression of inferiour errors turbulent they are indeed that oppose or contradict So we hold Christs presence in the Sacrament What matters it for the Modus Whither it bee Sacramentaliter and spiritualiter onely or Modo substantiae Whither by Transubstantiation or Consubstantiation What matters it to dispute Who but fooles are not indifferent to resolue Oh foolish yet holy Martyrs that to this errour opposed euen to the shedding of bloud In the Article of Iustification so all bee resolued to Christ what folly is it to tumble our selues in inquiring after the manner of Application or efficacie of his meritorious Passion Whither by it imputed to vs wee stand iust in GODS sight or Whither it auaile by procuring to vs the gift of Charity and other infused vertues to formallize vs internally to Iustice in Chaos antiquum confundimur for ought I see the more implicite our Faith is the better A few maine generalls let vs hold for distinctnesse in knowledge and Faith though vouchsafed vs in the meanes let that be referred to our scientia oblectans But 1. Haue wee forgotten who said though keeping the foundation wee may bee saued yet by b 1 Cor. 3.15 building hay or stubble wee suffer losse So farre impaire the fulnesse of our reward 2. Are these inferiour truths amongst the things reuealed Then they c Deut. 29.29 belong to vs wofully vnthankfull hee who ouer-slights them 3. Such wantonnesse in playing with pretious truth occasions the Lord to permit vs to grosser errors 4. The error heere mentioned ouerthrowes not the maine yet with what earnestnesse doth Paul Caution against it VERS 2. That yee bee not soone shaken in minde or bee troubled neither by spirit nor by word nor by letter as from vs as that the day of Christ is at hand THe greater matter of the Caueat 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to bee mooued from your minde It likes Master Beza best to interpret after the proper signification of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In his apprehension it sounds putting beside their minde or right wits as if some dementia should seize them when once they gaue way to vnsound doctrine instances hee giues many in antient and latter Heretickes and their Sectaries so inchanted and madded when once throughly possessed with errour that except furious obstinacie be Reason there seemed left nothing of Reasonable creatures in them Indeed Saint Paul stickes not to impute d Gal. 3.1 demencie to seduced Galathians and conceits a kinde of Witcheraft and strong inchantment to possesse them To Timothie mentioning such hee saith they e 2 Tim. 2.8.9 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In his losse imputes no lesse then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 amentiam madnesse or losse of wits vnto them Gods Iudgements are sometimes open sometimes secret alwaies iust strong was the infatuation cast vpon Gentiles for f Rom. 1.28 detayning truth naturall in vnrighteousnesse If Christians to whom the light of Gods glorious Gospel hath shined yet grow to maintaine errors bee stricken with blindnesse of minde possessed with a spirit of giddinesse I wonder not But singularity is dangerous the next step to madnesse Minde it Brethren you that itch after nouelties least you loose your mindes when once that spiritus vertiginis spoken of in the Prophet hath possessed you But why not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tropically for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sentence or Iudgement the trope is not infrequent Wee haue g 1 Cor. 2.16 the minde of Christ that is his sentence and iudgement by himselfe declared vnto vs. Bee knit together in the same h 1 Cor. 11.10 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 minde and in the same Iudgement the latter added 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that Pauls meaning may be this bee not soone mooued from your minde bee not easily altered from that sentence you haue entertained touching the time of Christs second comming no small matter should shake or cause to waue or wauer their iudgement so well before enformed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 perhaps heere signifies the same that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The euill Paul cautions against is leuity or instability of Iudgement in matter of Faith farre be it from vs. Ob. To bee i Ephes 4.14 wherried about wethercock-like with euery blast of vaine doctrine is childish It s good that the heart bee k Heb. 13.9 stablished to hold fast the confession of our Faith l Heb. 10.23 without any so much as wauering 1. Truth is but one in re qualibet though errours bee various and manisold m Gal. 1.7 It is not another Gospel to which you are transported And when our wilde witts haue tyred themselues in wandring to that antient and first truth they must retyre if euer we will finde n Ier. 6.16 rest to our soules And how can we thinke to escape If we shall o Heb. 2.3.4 despise so great saluation 1. Preached by the Lord 2. Testified by Apostles 3. Confirmed by miracles 4. Attended with gifts of the holy Ghost Is it not to despise to p 2 Tim. 4.1 turne away our eares from the truth and to attend to Fables That scabies scalpenda the skiruy q 2 Tim. 4.3 itch of the eares how hath it infected our Auditors That scarce any thing can now please but what sauours of nouelty And heerein who so is not palpably Hereticall bee hee neuer so extrauagant shall be a Prophet for this people who so illiterate but may make a faction So odd but may draw Disciples after him I would this euill staid among our virgine vulgus onely that are yet to choose their Religion The okes of Bashan the tall Cedars of Lebanon are become as Reedes so shaken with euery blast of vaine doctrine so ready to be transported to another Gospel I spare particularizing onely I say vetera vera the old r Ier. 6.16 way is the good way Lord that our giddy braines were once setled 1. 'T will neuer bee so long as wee haue mens persons in admiration neuer till wee haue learned to giue Faith her solefooting on that most sure word of the Prophets 2 Pet. 1.19 2. Neuer till we studie to liue rather then to dispute to practise rather then to contemplate Ioh. 13.17 Mat. 7.24.25 3. Neuer till wee haue receiued the loue as well
of vs ouer to the power of Satan and swing of our owne corrupt inclinations 3 And which results of both voluntarie i Acts 14.16 permission not hindering the errours or sinnes which except he hinder will be Thus and no otherwise sends God delusion And thus hath God his singer in these spirituall Iudgements these sinfull penalties or penall sinnes Doe we prouoke the Lord to Anger are wee stronger then he Behold what varietie of plagues he hath in store for the children of disobedience plagues for body for soule which are the most dreadfull thus number them 1 desperate horror 2 Hardnesse of heart 3 Blindnesse of minde 4 Obstinacie in errour in euill At these tremble they are in their height plagues peculiar to reprobates the vessels of wrath prepared to destruction It s fearefull when God permits a man to errour damnable in the merit much more to be trembled at when he intercludes all possibilitie or hope for returne out of errour Amongst other causes that 's a principall reiecting loue of Truth 3 The issues of the Iudgement 1 Beliefe of lies 2 And which followes it eternall damnation De primo To belieue a lye where are two things 1 Their Act beleeuing 2 The matter or obiect a lye whereof first It presents to vs in shortest compendium description of Antichristian faith and Religion reduced to a word it s in plaine English a lye Take it as Nomen speciei A Religion a doctrine compacted of leasing They speake k 1 Tim. 4.2 lyes in hypocrisie particularize where they dissent from vs. It s a lye that God loues to be suited vnto by Saints and Angels mediatours his charge is l Psal 50.15 Call on me his encouragment to goe m Heb. 4.16 boldly to Throne of Grace to draw n 10.22 neare with a true heart in full assurance of faith nor hath he ordained vs any other mediatour of o 1 Iohn 2.1 2. 1 Tim. 2.5 6. Intercession but the same that is of Redemption euen the man Christ Iesus the high Priest p Heb. 2.17 18. 4.15 sensible of our infirmities compassionate far aboue the measure of men and Angels A lie that our workes are meritorious being done in Grace The staines of our righteousnesse are no lesse then q Isal 64.5 menstruous by the Prophets confession and he speakes saith Bernard non minus vere quam humiliter A lye too palpable that man may supererogate exceede what in duetie he owes vnto God When r Mar. 12.30 all in our power is commanded and in doing what is commanded we doe Å¿ Luk. 17.10 but duetie nay when in t Iac. 9.2 many things we sinne all in our best performances are defectiue in the degree and measure of doing A lye against Sense Scripture all sound authoritie that Baptisme takes away all whatsouer hath proper reason and nature of sinne When still in experience remaine u Gal 5.17 propensions to euill and Pauls stile of Concupiscence is still sinne somewhere the sinning sinne not onely because punishment of sinne and cause of sin but because it selfe is sinne as Saint Austins sentence is A lye that soules passe hence to paines of Purgatorie when Scripture auoucheth they are x Luc. 16.23 25. in Refrigerio receiue comfort y Apoc. 14.13 and rest from labours A lye too derogatorie to the perfection and fulnesse of Christs once offering himselfe that thereby mortall sins onely are expiated and commutation onely of eternall into temporall punishment merited by his passion when the z 1 Iohn 1 9. bloud of the sonne of God purgeth from all sinnes that one oblation a Heb. 10.14 perfits for euer them that are sanctified and his being made curse for vs hath redeemed vs from the whole b Gal. 3.13 curse of the Law I spare farther particularizing But why haue they taught their tongues to speake lyes Or why hath Satan filled their hearts to lye vnto the holy Ghost Me thinkes I may dare say In many their Assertions their lying is as Austin describes it in strictest sense a going against their owne mindes in vttering vntruths the more abhorrent let it make vs from their doctrines of Diuels 2 Their behauiour towards these lyes is to belieue them Belieuing implies two things 1 Firmenesse of Assent 2 Setlednesse of adherence de primo There are foure degrees by which the minde proceeds to Assent of Faith 1 Doubtfulnesse when the minde hangs in aequilibrio in euen poiâ—e without propension to either part as in Israelites c 1 Reg 18.21 halting betwixt two opinions 2 Suspition or coniecture when it begins tremblingly to incline rather to one part then the other supposing perhaps possibilitie of truth in the Article propounded as in Agrippa d Acts 26 28. Almost thou perswadest mee to be a Christian Opinion when the Assent is for the time somewhat * Rom 7.8 9.11.13 setled from apprehension of probabilitie in the proposition opined yet not without feare least the contradictory be more true As in Temporaries Mat. 13.21 4 Faith wherein is firmenesse of Assent and perswasion that the doctrine taught is vndoubtedly true And of this nature is that which is here made issue of strong delusion 2 Whereto if be added Resolued adherence yee haue the full and entire generall nature of faith And its applicable as well to falshood as to truth whence faith according to the double obiect is made two-fold 1 False faith when the matter or thing belieued is false then be the perswasion neuer so firme yet the faith is false though not in the act yet in the obiect 2 True Faith when the obiect is true and the assent and adherence firme and vnwauering The miserie of Papists here pointed is that they belieue a lye A miserie indeed when God giues ouer a man to be falsified in his Faith 1 Into what e Acts 26.9 Iohn 16.2 enormities of sinful practise doth blinde zeale for supposed truth transport many 2 What wonderfull f 1 Reg. 18.28 paines take such to goe to Hell Once fasten the perswasion that its lawfull or meritorious to murther Heretiques they spare not Kings the Lords annointed Settle them in beliefe that Faith plight to Heretiques needes not be kept swearing forswearing is not scrupled dummodo ob Rem Quid multa I doe not think Papists sinne all as Pauls monisht Heretiques g Tit. 3.10 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rather as Pauls selfe before Conuersion h Acts 26.9 thinking they ought to do what they doe against the cause of truth But such are the fruits of falsified faith Vse The more heedfull should we be against causes and meanes of it Thus you may number them 1 Shut we our eyes against light our hearts to loue of Truth It s iust with God to giue ouer to beliefe of lyes 2 And why so slightfully regard we euidences or authorities brought to auouch doctrines as being de fide Are
so the purification procured by the second Adam extends to the whole man 2 The more humble the more holy Matth. 1 1. suspect the gifts that i 1 Cor. 8.1 puffe vp and cause to swell the exercise which naught k Mat. 6.1.5 but vaine glory drawes out 3 The more sensible of defects the more holy with graces of sanctification growes vp and encreaseth sight and sense of wants wherefore the more perfect the more l Phil. 3.12.13 acknowledging imperfection 4 It s much to m Phil. 3 7 8. Psal 4 6. Colos 3 2. vnderualue all earthly blessings to fruits of the spirit the kingdome of grace and regeneration who but Gods spirit can so farre eleuate man aboue himselfe the rest see supra And faith or beliefe of truth the second meane ordered to the atainement of saluation Nature of it and what the truth mentioned is hath beene before explicated thâ—t it is a meane necessarie to saluation Scriptures are pregnant Mar. 16.16 Rom. 10.10 Apoc. 21.8 Act. 15.9 Whether sufficient and so a marke of election if any aske Resp Not seuered from sanctification can that faith saue him Iac. 2. Saint Paul intends it not This rule remember when gifts common are made euidences of saluation vnderstand them copulatiuely so that they haue connexion with other graces See 1. Iohn 4.15 and 5.5 Else as Halensis explicates intelâ—ectuall vertues faith knowledge are then sauing when they are affectiue haue influence vpon the affection command and draw the will See 1. Ioh. 2.3 Gal. 5.6 2 Consider it gradu eminenti though thou vnderstand it generall faith so its marke of saluation gift peculiar to Gods children who onely feele the conuerting and confuting power of the word and haue to their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ioyned Phil. 1.9 3 Take it cum exercitio efficatia in artibus elicitis aut Imperatis so a marke of election when it u Gal. 5.6 workes by loue o Act. 15.9 purifieth the heart emboldens to confession p Rom. 10.13.14 excites to deuotion c. 4 Propositions of the Gospel propounded in termes generall are intentionally particular and so to bee vnderstood hee beleeues not as the Gospel requires it selfe to be belieued who onely belieues Christ gaue himselfe a price of Redemption for sinners except as Paul hee belieue Christ loued him and gaue himselfe for him Galat. 2.20 Who so belieues the Gospel as true to him and particularizeth the generall to his owne person he onely belieues modo competenti And thus is beliefe of trueth a marke of election it being impossible for any reprobate or deuill thus applicatiuely to belieue because they want euidence q Rom. 8.16 testimonie of spirit whereout it issues Vse Pretious is faith more then gold that perisheth 1 Interessing vs to Christs righteousnesse 2 r Ephes 6.16 Quenching the fiery darts of the deuill 3 Å¿ 1 Ioh. 5.4.5 Conquering the world 4 Euidencing election 5 Making acceptable our weake seruices c. More then any grace assaulted by Satan in Gods children which is not the lest euidence of the excellencie of it the greater should be our care to nourish it Meanes are first meditations of Gods t Rom. 4.21 faithfulnesse and power Secondly obseruation of Gods mercifull dealing with others Thirdly registring our u 2 Cor. 11.10 owne experiences Fourthly vse of Word Sacraments Prayer and other deuotion VERS 14. Whereunto he called you by our Gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Iesus Christ THE second ground of comfort is their vocation a consequent and fruit of election yea euidence of it when its efficacious amplified first by the meane or instrument our Gospel Secondly the issue and last terme obtaining glory 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the which thing whither to saluation or sanctification and faith is no matter of curious inquirie refer it you may to the whole terme of election to sanctification faith so to the state of saluation 1 * 1 Ioh. 3.3 Inchoate fruition of it 2 Title and x Rom. 8.24 Rom. 5.2 certaine hope of consummate beatitude for so it followes to obtaine the glory of our Lord Iesus Christ. Intended it is to fill vp their comfort in assurance of election and perhaps anticipates what ignorance or infirmitie might obiect That the elect are secured from finall seducement wee easily belieue but are wee elected Resp Doubt not for God hath called you and thereby giuen euidence that he hath chose you to Saluation It s a certaine trueth efficacious calling is vndoubtful euidence of election See Rom. 8.30 2 Tim. 1.8 9. 2 Pet. 1.10 Those whom hee predestinated hee called all and onely with that calling which Saint Augustin out of Paul calles the calling secundum propositum perhaps intimating that the rest are outwardly called obiter onely for the elect sake with whom they liue intermingled hence in calling he is said to saue vs to set vs after a sort in possession of saluation vnderstand it when he calles vs vocatione sancta that is as I interpret sanctificanâ—e making vs holy therefore Peter bids make calling and election sure first calling from it thou maist easily ascend to assurance of election Calling implies two things 1. Inuitement to partake the grace of God offered in the Gospel formes of it yee haue euery where in Scripture y Isai 55.1 Hoe euery one that thirsteth come and buy without money z Pro. 1.22.23 Oh ye foolish how long will you loue foolishnesse Oh turne you at my correction I will powre out my soule vnto you this by the ministerie of man And who doubts but in many castawayes there is a secret according perswasion of Gods spirit to embrace grace offered I a Apoc. 3.19 20. stand at the doore and knocke b Isai 30 21. here is the way walke in it Farthered also many times by first benefits Secondly corrections outward inward but all in vaine to them in whom the seed of election is not That made our Sauiour say many are called few chosen inuited hee meanes but not preuailed withall so as to bee brought out of the power of darkenesse 2 Preualence and efficacious perswasion of the heart which in some degrees yee may obserue to haue place in castawayes 1 They c Heb. 6.4 are illightened brought to knowledge 2 To d 1 Tim. 1.19 generall faith 3 To a e Heb. 6.5 tast of the good word of God whence issues f Mat 13.20 receiuing it with ioy 4 Feeling powers of the world to come So that 5 there is in them velleitus g Num. 23 10. a willingnesse somewhat faine to bee saued 6 Outward h 2 Pet. 2.18.20 reformation for the time 7 Seeking and striuing to enter yet without successe Luke 13.24 What then is that worke of calling that seales to vs our election Resp When the heart is so preuailed withall that it s made what it s inuited to be