learning_n and_o understand_v sake_n but_o least_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v deceive_v by_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o word_n the_o signification_n thereof_o must_v be_v unfold_v and_o distinguish_v for_o vocation_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v signify_v oftentimes_o the_o very_a action_n of_o call_v otherwhiles_o it_o signify_v that_o happiness_n to_o which_o man_n be_v call_v namely_o everlasting_a life_n and_o heavenly_a glory_n then_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o twofold_a kind_n of_o man_n there_o be_v likewise_o a_o twofold_a kind_n of_o vocation_n the_o one_o be_v unto_o some_o office_n and_o not_o unto_o salvation_n so_o saul_n be_v call_v to_o a_o kingdom_n so_o judas_n be_v call_v to_o the_o apostleship_n when_o notwithstanding_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v ordain_v unto_o salvation_n in_o these_o and_o such_o like_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o vouchsafe_v oftentimes_o a_o honest_a call_n even_o to_o the_o most_o wicked_a man_n the_o other_o 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not_o into_o the_o heart_n and_o have_v no_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a root_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o vocation_n be_v not_o durable_a but_o continue_v only_o for_o a_o time_n and_o be_v like_a unto_o the_o corn_n that_o fall_v upon_o the_o stony_a ground_n 13.6_o math._n 13.6_o which_o because_o it_o have_v not_o sufficient_a moisture_n under_o it_o it_o can_v not_o fasten_v and_o take_v deep_a root_n but_o when_o the_o sun_n rise_v and_o parch_v it_o it_o be_v dry_v up_o and_o wither_v away_o from_o this_o vocation_n the_o reprobate_n themselves_o be_v not_o exclude_v but_o many_o of_o they_o also_o be_v call_v by_o it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o elect_a and_o although_o that_o some_o of_o the_o reprobate_n do_v come_v unto_o some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o consent_v thereunto_o and_o be_v enlighten_v therewith_o yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o never_o come_v unto_o the_o true_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o to_o the_o plain_a confession_n of_o a_o 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judgement_n be_v in_o such_o sort_n temper_v and_o dispose_v on_o both_o side_n that_o it_o be_v no_o less_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n unto_o the_o reprobate_n than_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n unto_o the_o elect_a so_o by_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_o word_n of_o god_n the_o reprobate_n be_v as_o well_o distress_v unto_o condemnation_n as_o the_o elect_v refresh_v unto_o salvation_n this_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v a_o fearful_a and_o a_o very_a great_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o that_o many_o of_o the_o damn_a be_v call_v by_o the_o outward_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n as_o the_o child_n of_o light_n and_o be_v adorn_v and_o endue_v with_o some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n which_o notwithstanding_o afterward_o be_v separate_v and_o reject_v from_o the_o church_n as_o the_o child_n of_o darkness_n and_o the_o bondslave_n of_o satan_n but_o the_o sound_n and_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o elect_a only_o this_o christ_n himself_o do_v express_v and_o declare_v in_o matthew_n say_v 4.11_o mat._n 13.11_o mark_n 4.11_o to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v to_o know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n unto_o other_o it_o be_v not_o so_o also_o in_o john_n he_o say_v 17.6_o john_n 17.6_o i_o have_v declare_v thy_o name_n unto_o the_o man_n which_o thou_o give_v i_o so_o likewise_o the_o prophet_n david_n say_v 25.14_o psal_n 25.14_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v make_v know_v his_o covenant_n unto_o they_o by_o these_o three_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o elect_v only_o be_v enlighten_v into_o the_o true_a and_o save_a knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n &_o to_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o christ_n of_o such_o do_v the_o church_n of_o god_n consist_v which_o be_v call_v the_o pillar_n and_o foundation_n of_o truth_n these_o love_n the_o pure_a doctrine_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o keep_v it_o safe_a and_o unpolluted_a from_o all_o error_n and_o corruption_n 4.3_o 2._o cor._n 4.3_o but_o unto_o the_o rest_n the_o gospel_n be_v cover_v and_o hide_a and_o therefore_o they_o remain_v and_o perish_v in_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o ignorance_n of_o god_n that_o vocation_n which_o be_v inward_a and_o effectual_a unto_o salvation_n be_v the_o powerful_a motion_n and_o work_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o man_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v enlighten_v to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o will_v renew_v to_o like_v well_o of_o god_n good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o this_o vocation_n five_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v consider_v and_o mark_v first_o how_o god_n reveal_v his_o eternal_a election_n unto_o us._n second_o by_o what_o and_o how_o many_o mean_v this_o call_n to_o christ_n be_v wrought_v three_o that_o it_o be_v set_v far_o out_o of_o our_o power_n and_o only_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god._n four_o how_o it_o may_v be_v certain_o acknowledge_v and_o know_v of_o us._n five_o that_o the_o time_n of_o this_o call_n be_v sundry_a and_o divers_a for_o the_o first_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o eternal_a election_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v unto_o we_o two_o manner_n of_o way_n to_o wit_n by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n deliver_v unto_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o the_o elect_a be_v illuminate_v unto_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o unto_o everlasting_a life_n for_o although_o that_o all_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v have_v know_v in_o this_o life_n concern_v he_o and_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o the_o attain_v of_o salvation_n be_v absolute_o and_o perfect_o
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many_o way_n it_o be_v take_v of_o how_o many_o degree_n it_o consist_v what_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o foreknowledge_n chap._n 5._o the_o second_o link_n of_o paul_n chain_n be_v predestination_n and_o this_o predestination_n be_v put_v under_o foreknowledge_n as_o under_o the_o first_o and_o large_a cause_n for_o god_n foreknowledge_n stretch_v itself_o unto_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o the_o universal_a world_n and_o to_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o and_o to_o all_o the_o quality_n and_o action_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o as_o well_o to_o those_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v make_v as_o unto_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v and_o behold_v and_o comprehend_v as_o well_o the_o evil_a work_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o the_o good_a work_n of_o god_n but_o predestination_n be_v restrain_v and_o bind_v unto_o reasonable_a creature_n who_o see_v not_o therefore_o that_o foreknowledge_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o large_a signification_n and_o predestination_n a_o word_n of_o a_o strict_a signification_n yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o apostle_n do_v restrain_v this_o general_a word_n unto_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_n in_o this_o present_a place_n and_o therefore_o right_o affirm_v that_o who_o god_n know_v before_o that_o be_v who_o he_o determine_v to_o save_v those_o also_o have_v he_o predestinate_a that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v like_o unto_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n to_o wit_n first_o in_o the_o cross_n and_o afterward_o in_o glory_n for_o god_n choose_a child_n must_v undergo_v and_o suffer_v many_o reproach_n and_o slander_n a_o hard_a warre-fare_a and_o conflict_n and_o diverse_a and_o sundry_a persecution_n and_o oppression_n as_o long_o as_o they_o remain_v in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o profession_n thereof_o before_o they_o can_v come_v to_o that_o joyful_a triumph_n and_o heavenly_a glory_n there_o also_o shall_v they_o be_v like_a unto_o christ_n as_o they_o have_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o cross_n here_o in_o this_o life_n but_o before_o we_o begin_v or_o declare_v the_o definition_n of_o predestination_n three_o thing_n must_v be_v clear_v first_o whether_o there_o be_v predestination_n or_o no_o second_o in_o how_o many_o degree_n this_o word_n predestination_n be_v contain_v and_o express_v and_o last_o how_o many_o way_n it_o be_v take_v first_o therefore_o we_o must_v diligent_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v predestination_n or_o no_o lest_o this_o labour_n and_o treatise_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v undertake_v and_o pursue_v in_o vain_a but_o that_o there_o be_v predestination_n it_o appear_v and_o may_v evident_o be_v prove_v first_o by_o diverse_a and_o pregnant_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o also_o by_o famous_a miracle_n the_o scripture_n certain_o in_o many_o place_n proove_v and_o declare_v that_o god_n do_v always_o choose_v some_o certain_a flock_n out_o of_o the_o whole_a company_n of_o mankind_n which_o he_o love_v adorn_v and_o beautify_v with_o eternal_a blessing_n over_o and_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o many_o manifest_a place_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v produce_v and_o cite_v as_o namely_o these_o many_o be_v call_v 16._o cap._n 20._o vers_fw-la 16._o cap._n 15._o vers_fw-la 16._o cap._n 10._o vers_fw-la 16._o but_o few_o be_v choose_v say_v christ_n in_o saint_n matthew_n and_o again_o you_o have_v not_o choose_v i_o but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o say_v christ_n in_o saint_n john_n and_o again_o and_o other_o sheep_n i_o have_v which_o be_v not_o of_o this_o fold_n they_o also_o must_v i_o bring_v and_o they_o shall_v hear_v my_o voice_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o fold_v and_o one_o shepherd_n say_v christ_n in_o saint_n john_n also_o he_o have_v choose_v we_o in_o he_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v lay_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_n before_o he_o through_o love_n 4._o cap._n 1._o v._n 4._o say_v saint_n paul_n to_o the_o ephesian_n again_o i_o have_v much_o people_n in_o this_o city_n say_v the_o lord_n unto_o paul_n in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n many_o such_o testimony_n may_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o clear_o and_o plain_o show_v and_o teach_v that_o god_n have_v merciful_o choose_v some_o to_o salvation_n and_o have_v just_o reject_v some_o from_o it_o neither_o of_o which_o come_v by_o any_o chance_n of_o fortune_n or_o will_v of_o man_n but_o both_o proceed_v from_o god_n eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a decree_n and_o where_o election_n be_v allow_v there_o can_v be_v allow_v or_o approve_v the_o accept_n of_o all_o furthermore_o there_o be_v almost_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o say_n and_o sentence_n all_o about_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o a_o few_o even_o to_o such_o as_o love_v he_o eternal_a joy_n such_o as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n have_v hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n hither_o belong_v all_o those_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o preach_v and_o teach_v of_o free_a remission_n of_o sin_n of_o vocation_n of_o justification_n and_o of_o sanctification_n they_o therefore_o which_o doubt_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o predestination_n and_o election_n or_o no_o do_v call_v in_o question_n the_o whole_a scripture_n of_o god_n and_o do_v defame_v and_o accuse_v it_o of_o manifest_a untruth_n and_o further_o they_o seem_v to_o accuse_v of_o lightness_n and_o to_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o promise_n concern_v eternal_a life_n and_o the_o heavenly_a glory_n which_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v and_o bestow_v as_o though_o they_o be_v old_a wife_n fable_n as_o if_o god_n have_v insert_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a word_n in_o his_o holy_a scripture_n which_o shall_v feed_v man_n with_o vain_a hope_n and_o not_o perform_v and_o make_v good_a the_o promise_v indeed_o and_o to_o conclude_v they_o which_o waver_v and_o remain_v doubtful_a concern_v election_n do_v also_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a judgement_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o know_v and_o discern_v as_o by_o a_o true_a and_o infallible_a mark_n the_o godly_a from_o the_o wicked_a and_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v from_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v damn_v and_o by_o make_v a_o doubt_n of_o that_o they_o make_v a_o doubt_n whether_o god_n be_v god_n or_o no_o which_o thing_n see_v they_o be_v false_a and_o absurd_a we_o must_v conclude_v as_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o know_a truth_n that_o election_n be_v a_o thing_n certain_a and_o undoubted_a of_o over_o and_o beside_o these_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o promise_n there_o be_v divers_a and_o sundry_a miracle_n of_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o godly_a find_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n whereby_o it_o be_v clear_o and_o undoubted_o confirm_v that_o there_o be_v some_o choose_v of_o god_n from_o among_o the_o rest_n and_o belove_v of_o he_o more_o than_o other_o hither_o belong_v the_o save_n of_o noah_n in_o the_o flood_n 13._o gen._n 6.7_o gen._n 13._o the_o deliver_v of_o lot_n from_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n the_o bring_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n 12.13.14_o exod._n 12.13.14_o hither_o also_o belong_v all_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o we_o read_v that_o god_n have_v defend_v the_o good_a and_o beat_v down_o and_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a these_o miracle_n and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n do_v confirm_v more_o clear_o than_o the_o noone-light_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a flock_n which_o above_o the_o rest_n god_n love_v with_o a_o most_o tender_a affection_n and_o with_o his_o fatherly_a care_n do_v conserve_v and_o keep_v wonderful_o in_o this_o life_n and_o which_o he_o defend_v and_o
ourselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o us._n these_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o not_o one_o live_v here_o which_o be_v not_o a_o sinner_n so_o s._n austin_n say_v in_o a_o other_o place_n most_o fit_o to_o this_o purpose_n woe_n unto_o the_o life_n of_o man_n although_o most_o holy_a if_o it_o be_v examine_v &_o judge_v without_o god_n mercy_n but_o sure_o although_o regeneration_n be_v here_o but_o only_o begin_v and_o be_v unperfect_a yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v not_o unprofitable_a but_o be_v very_o commodious_a unto_o the_o elect_a for_o from_o thence_o a_o most_o sure_a and_o evident_a token_n of_o their_o election_n and_o salvation_n be_v minister_v unto_o they_o but_o of_o this_o matter_n shall_v be_v speak_v more_o large_o and_o purposely_o in_o the_o end_n of_o this_o treatise_n regeneration_n have_v also_o this_o commodity_n which_o be_v very_o great_a for_o when_o man_n be_v regenerate_v they_o be_v not_o only_o deliver_v from_o the_o most_o miserable_a slavery_n of_o sin_n and_o tyranny_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o also_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o life_n of_o god_n for_o then_o be_v they_o true_o graft_v into_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v join_v unto_o they_o again_o so_o that_o they_o be_v make_v one_o with_o christ_n by_o the_o spirit_n and_o christ_n be_v make_v one_o with_o they_o also_o christ_n then_o live_v in_o they_o save_o and_o reign_v effectual_o so_o that_o he_o give_v and_o bestow_v upon_o they_o life_n everlasting_a for_o who_o he_o once_o have_v begin_v to_o renew_v those_o he_o never_o forsake_v for_o he_o leave_v not_o this_o holy_a and_o chief_a work_n of_o all_o his_o work_n as_o it_o be_v break_v of_o 138.8_o psa_fw-la 138.8_o but_o bring_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n and_o accomplishment_n thereof_o 3.6_o mala._n 3.6_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v make_v void_a because_o god_n do_v not_o change_v his_o nature_n nor_o disrobe_v himself_o of_o that_o goodness_n wherewith_o he_o be_v endue_v in_o this_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o salvation_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v ground_v and_o settle_v so_o that_o what_o the_o elect_n have_v once_o lay_v hold_v on_o by_o a_o steadfast_a faith_n that_o do_v god_n never_o take_v from_o they_o for_o the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n be_v such_o as_o be_v without_o repentance_n for_o which_o cause_n paul_n say_v plain_o &_o bold_o 11.29_o rom._n 11.29_o that_o god_n will_v perform_v that_o which_o he_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o philippian_n 1.6_o phil._n 1.6_o and_o bring_v it_o unto_o the_o last_o end_n and_o perfection_n until_o at_o the_o last_o after_o their_o happy_a resurrection_n their_o vile_a body_n be_v fashion_v unto_o the_o glorious_a body_n of_o christ_n so_o this_o regeneration_n be_v the_o near_a fellowship_n and_o strong_a band_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o regenerate_a and_o where_o this_o grace_n be_v effectual_a there_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o life_n and_o happiness_n everlasting_a follow_v and_o ensue_v for_o the_o old_a man_n with_o the_o concupiscence_n perish_v and_o be_v abolish_v 4.16_o 2._o cor._n 4.16_o but_o the_o new_a man_n be_v renew_a and_o fashion_v unto_o the_o image_n of_o god_n this_o grace_n therefore_o bring_v with_o it_o a_o double_a benefit_n for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o strength_n and_o body_n of_o sin_n be_v weaken_v and_o decay_a and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n our_o lose_a righteousness_n be_v repair_v and_o the_o image_n of_o god_n restore_v so_o that_o we_o proceed_v from_o the_o abolish_n and_o put_v away_o of_o the_o one_o unto_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o other_o as_o from_o one_o contrary_a unto_o a_o other_o therefore_o regeneration_n be_v the_o only_a remedy_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n by_o which_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n be_v here_o after_o a_o sort_n restrain_v and_o amend_v which_o renew_v of_o nature_n shall_v be_v whole_o perfect_v in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o than_o shall_v we_o necessary_o love_v that_o which_o be_v good_a with_o a_o perfect_a like_n and_o necessary_o hate_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n furthermore_o we_o must_v note_v here_o and_o diligent_o observe_v that_o this_o power_n of_o renew_v be_v in_o god_n by_o nature_n and_o be_v change_v by_o no_o outward_a cause_n or_o mutable_a occasion_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o be_v as_o sure_a and_o certain_a as_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o essence_n be_v everlasting_a for_o god_n be_v as_o constant_a in_o his_o promise_n as_o he_o be_v unchangeable_a in_o his_o essence_n so_o that_o see_v he_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o continual_o as_o good_a as_o his_o word_n and_o ever_o remain_v like_o himself_o therefore_o also_o do_v he_o true_o and_o indeed_o perform_v and_o fulfil_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o his_o word_n for_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v sure_a because_o that_o grace_n whence_o it_o depend_v and_o spring_v be_v sure_a and_o grace_n be_v only_o of_o that_o which_o be_v both_o by_o word_n promise_v and_o indeed_o perform_v free_o and_o merciful_o without_o any_o expectation_n of_o reward_n they_o therefore_o which_o doubt_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o they_o do_v rather_o by_o deed_n than_o word_n accuse_v and_o argue_v god_n of_o unconstancy_n and_o falsehood_n therefore_o the_o distrust_n of_o the_o good_a and_o favourable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o performance_n of_o thing_n promise_v be_v without_o doubt_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n for_o god_n by_o his_o almighty_a power_n do_v begin_v continue_v and_o end_v this_o his_o work_n of_o regeneration_n wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o be_v ground_v therefore_o this_o work_n can_v no_o more_o be_v break_v off_o and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n than_o god_n can_v of_o any_o man_n be_v vanquish_v and_o overcome_v the_o work_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o godly_a howsoever_o they_o be_v imperfect_a and_o interlace_v with_o divers_a blemish_n yet_o god_n in_o that_o his_o fatherly_a goodness_n love_v and_o accept_v they_o then_o some_o thing_n be_v propound_v and_o dilate_a somewhat_o large_o and_o plain_o concern_v the_o meaning_n and_o true_a use_n of_o good_a work_n that_o the_o papist_n error_n may_v be_v the_o more_o evident_a in_o any_o man_n sight_n chap._n 30._o fvrthermore_o see_v this_o regeneration_n be_v in_o this_o life_n maim_v and_o imperfect_a hence_o it_o follow_v necessary_o and_o infallible_o that_o all_o good_a work_n also_o which_o proceed_v out_o of_o it_o as_o stream_n out_o of_o a_o fountain_n be_v maim_v and_o imperfect_a for_o such_o as_o the_o cause_n be_v such_o a_o effect_n likewise_o usual_o follow_v therefore_o see_v those_o work_n be_v unperfect_a they_o can_v deserve_v nothing_o as_o due_a debt_n for_o to_o the_o produce_v and_o effect_v of_o any_o thing_n there_o be_v require_v necessary_o sound_a and_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o maim_a and_o mangle_a cause_n have_v never_o bring_v forth_o any_o thing_n for_o imperfect_a cause_n be_v esteem_v as_o no_o cause_n and_o although_o the_o work_n of_o the_o godly_a be_v interlace_v and_o stain_v with_o many_o blemish_n and_o imperfection_n yet_o they_o be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n because_o in_o they_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o image_n of_o his_o spirit_n which_o make_v the_o person_n whence_o those_o work_n proceed_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n and_o mix_v a_o good_a quality_n among_o their_o good_a work_n in_o which_o be_v dip_v as_o in_o a_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a perfume_n god_n do_v approve_v and_o accept_v they_o god_n in_o his_o fatherly_a compassion_n do_v pardon_v the_o stain_n and_o defect_n of_o good_a work_n so_o that_o the_o work_n when_o the_o corruption_n of_o they_o be_v abolish_v and_o wipe_v away_o be_v account_v just_a and_o righteous_a and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v unto_o they_o for_o righteousness_n like_a as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o person_n from_o who_o they_o do_v proceed_v therefore_o as_o he_o do_v by_o his_o favour_n love_n and_o justify_v his_o saint_n unto_o death_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a man_n consist_v always_o in_o faith_n and_o the_o daily_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n so_o also_o with_o the_o same_o favour_n do_v he_o love_v and_o justify_v their_o work_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o blot_v out_o and_o wipe_v away_o the_o fault_n which_o remain_v in_o they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o impute_v righteousness_n unto_o they_o as_o therefore_o the_o moon_n do_v borrow_v and_o take_v her_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o also_o faith_n justifi_v the_o work_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o make_v they_o have_v a_o good_a savour_n therefore_o faith_n get_v the_o reward_n and_o name_n of_o righteousness_n both_o unto_o the_o work_n and_o also_o unto_o the_o person_n so_o that_o although_o those_o work_n
glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o edification_n and_o profit_n of_o my_o brethren_n that_o god_n do_v exercise_v his_o with_o continual_a affliction_n for_o their_o amendment_n and_o health_n and_o make_v they_o conformeable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n in_o affliction_n here_o and_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v in_o glory_n chap._n 3._o first_o we_o must_v understand_v that_o saint_n paul_n purpose_n be_v strong_o to_o comfort_v the_o faithful_a and_o to_o raise_v they_o up_o in_o hope_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v faynt-hearted_n and_o fall_v into_o desperation_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o infirmity_n and_o daily_a slip_n without_o which_o they_o can_v live_v as_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o calamity_n and_o misery_n to_o which_o they_o be_v daily_o subject_a and_o afflict_a which_o that_o he_o may_v thorough_o confirm_v and_o evident_o prove_v by_o substantial_a cause_n and_o reason_n he_o set_v forth_o the_o most_o constant_a and_o unchangeable_a will_n of_o god_n and_o his_o most_o favourable_a and_o wonderful_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n towards_o the_o faithful_a as_o a_o most_o strong_a and_o invincible_a bulwark_n and_o rock_n of_o defence_n and_o bring_v this_o forth_o as_o a_o strong_a and_o unresistable_a argument_n that_o god_n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n do_v willing_o and_o easy_o forgive_v the_o weak_a fall_n of_o his_o child_n next_o that_o the_o calamity_n and_o other_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n be_v nothing_o else_o than_o god_n fatherly_a correction_n and_o wholesome_a chasticement_n and_o therefore_o he_o send_v affliction_n to_o his_o child_n that_o they_o may_v know_v their_o sin_n and_o know_v they_o may_v detest_v they_o and_o seek_v and_o have_v remedy_n for_o they_o in_o his_o more_o than_o fatherly_a compassion_n therefore_o god_n correct_v and_o beat_v his_o child_n with_o one_o rod_n or_o other_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o he_o may_v better_v they_o and_o he_o better_v they_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o he_o may_v save_v they_o wherefore_o to_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n do_v he_o chastise_v and_o exercise_v his_o child_n with_o these_o outward_a affliction_n as_o with_o a_o fatherly_a correction_n that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o hate_v their_o inward_a sin_n and_o abhor_v they_o and_o decline_v from_o they_o by_o how_o much_o therefore_o he_o send_v more_o and_o great_a affliction_n to_o they_o in_o this_o life_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v he_o declare_v and_o show_v himself_o to_o be_v careful_a of_o their_o amendment_n and_o salvation_n for_o such_o be_v the_o sluggishness_n and_o stubburnesse_n of_o man_n nature_n that_o unless_o it_o be_v subdue_v and_o bring_v under_o by_o sundry_a and_o hard_a affliction_n it_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v her_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n nor_o desist_v from_o they_o by_o this_o mean_n god_n indeed_o do_v declare_v that_o he_o have_v great_a care_n of_o their_o salvation_n than_o they_o themselves_o because_o he_o not_o only_o draw_v they_o and_o invite_v they_o to_o his_o favour_n be_v as_o it_o be_v unwilling_a and_o struggle_v against_o he_o by_o his_o more_o than_o fatherlike_a voice_n sound_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o he_o awaken_v they_o with_o sharp_a correction_n and_o terrible_a threaten_n and_o force_v and_o compel_v they_o to_o fly_v to_o his_o mercy_n behold_v how_o great_a god_n goodness_n &_o mercy_n be_v towards_o miserable_a man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o of_o his_o own_o abundant_a grace_n save_o he_o than_o for_o man_n sin_n though_o never_o so_o great_a and_o horrible_a to_o condemn_v he_o he_o therefore_o that_o do_v not_o weigh_v and_o think_v of_o his_o affliction_n to_o this_o end_n and_o with_o this_o meditation_n be_v scarce_o a_o christian_n neither_o have_v he_o as_o yet_o much_o profit_v in_o god_n school_n nor_o in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o cross_n paul_n therefore_o from_o this_o chain_n of_o god_n benefit_n do_v substantial_o prove_v and_o sound_o conclude_v that_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o reject_v of_o god_n for_o their_o infirmity_n and_o slip_n because_o that_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o office_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o blot_v and_o wipe_v out_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o child_n so_o that_o not_o the_o least_o remaynder_n of_o they_o shall_v remain_v uncancel_v and_o then_o again_o out_o of_o this_o very_a same_o chain_n he_o clear_o proove_v and_o conclude_v that_o the_o godly_a be_v not_o separate_v nor_o withdraw_v from_o god_n by_o any_o misery_n and_o affliction_n how_o many_o or_o how_o great_a soever_o they_o be_v especial_o see_v that_o these_o calamity_n be_v not_o only_o as_o ladder_n and_o fit_a grief_n set_v up_o into_o heaven_n but_o also_o see_v these_o calamity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o god_n love_a rod_n and_o correction_n and_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a heavenly_a hammer_n under_o which_o the_o godly_a as_o it_o be_v under_o god_n anvil_n be_v prepare_v and_o fit_v for_o that_o heavenly_a glory_n and_o life_n eternal_a saint_n paul_n therefore_o intend_v to_o comfort_v the_o weak_a and_o fearful_a conscience_n of_o the_o godly_a and_o to_o ease_v and_o assuage_v their_o affliction_n with_o this_o meditation_n namely_o that_o god_n for_o the_o bowel_n of_o his_o compassion_n be_v natural_o most_o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o free_o to_o remit_v the_o sin_n of_o they_o that_o repent_v next_o that_o the_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n which_o man_n suffer_v for_o the_o confession_n and_o defence_n of_o god_n heavenly_a truth_n be_v no_o sign_n of_o god_n hatred_n but_o much_o rather_o most_o certain_a testimony_n and_o infallible_a token_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o persuade_v every_o godly_a man_n and_o exhort_v they_o all_o to_o put_v on_o the_o armour_n of_o christian_a warrefare_n and_o pass_v the_o course_n and_o race_n of_o this_o life_n manful_o and_o faithful_o resist_v the_o sundry_a sleight_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o manifold_a injury_n of_o this_o present_a world_n and_o faithful_o and_o constant_o bear_v the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v stay_v up_o with_o this_o hope_n and_o fortify_v with_o this_o confidence_n that_o in_o that_o cross_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v certain_a victory_n and_o eternal_a triumph_n here_o follow_v the_o exposition_n of_o the_o word_n and_o first_o of_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n how_o many_o way_n it_o may_v be_v take_v and_o for_o what_o it_o serve_v chap._n 4._o now_o it_o remain_v that_o according_a to_o the_o ability_n of_o my_o wit_n and_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v take_v a_o view_n of_o every_o link_n of_o paul_n chain_n and_o diligent_o weigh_v and_o consider_v what_o they_o promise_v in_o the_o beginning_n what_o in_o the_o middle_n and_o what_o in_o the_o end_n the_o first_o link_n therefore_o of_o paul_n chain_n be_v the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n but_o least_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o the_o word_n shall_v deceyve_v any_o man_n and_o cause_v he_o to_o err_v we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n be_v take_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n for_o sometime_o it_o be_v use_v general_o and_o sometime_o particular_o of_o both_o the_o signification_n i_o think_v good_a to_o speak_v a_o few_o thing_n the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n take_v general_o be_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o the_o most_o profound_a and_o immeasurable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o now_o know_v and_o from_o before_o the_o beginning_n foresee_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n or_o which_o be_v now_o do_v or_o which_o hereafter_o shall_v be_v do_v and_o therefore_o have_v relation_n not_o only_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v already_o do_v or_o do_v now_o or_o hereafter_o will_v do_v but_o also_o to_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o all_o the_o creature_n together_o or_o any_o one_o by_o itself_o as_o well_o good_a as_o evil_a either_o do_v now_o or_o hereafter_o will_v do_v neither_o do_v it_o belong_v only_o unto_o the_o outward_a endeavour_n and_o work_v which_o now_o be_v and_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n but_o it_o have_v relation_n also_o unto_o the_o most_o secret_a affection_n and_o corner_n of_o our_o heart_n to_o our_o pryvy_a consultation_n and_o to_o our_o most_o inward_a and_o hide_a thought_n for_o as_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n in_o his_o majesty_n be_v altogether_o infinite_a and_o spread_v through_o and_o above_o all_o thing_n so_o be_v his_o foreknowledge_n also_o altogether_o incomprehensible_a which_o stretch_v itself_o through_o and_o beyond_o all_o age_n and_o always_o see_v perfect_o from_o the_o beginning_n all_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o as_o if_o they_o lie_v present_a before_o his_o eye_n and_o foresee_v and_o know_v they_o before_o they_o be_v