hence_o it_o be_v clear_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v foresee_v no_o good_a thing_n in_o man_n but_o that_o which_o he_o himself_o do_v work_v in_o he_o therefore_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o point_n do_v betray_v their_o own_o gross_a ignorance_n or_o wicked_a malice_n in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o affirm_v and_o to_o defend_v that_o god_n foreknowledge_n be_v contrary_a to_o his_o grace_n especial_o see_v that_o we_o hear_v nothing_o throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n but_o only_a god_n good_a purpose_n and_o mere_a mercy_n and_o concern_v work_v foresee_v and_o man_n merit_n there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n speak_v therefore_o the_o papist_n see_v that_o they_o wrest_v this_o word_n of_o foreknowing_a from_o the_o true_a and_o natural_a sense_n thereof_o into_o a_o strange_a and_o mischievous_a understanding_n by_o a_o gloss_n of_o their_o own_o interpretation_n and_o understand_v not_o the_o propiety_n of_o the_o phrase_n they_o fall_v into_o a_o error_n of_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n and_o through_o the_o likeness_n of_o word_n bring_v in_o a_o fallacy_n and_o by_o their_o like_a kind_n of_o speak_v as_o with_o a_o cloak_n they_o hide_v the_o colour_n of_o their_o mistake_n of_o the_o word_n and_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v suppress_v and_o diminish_v the_o truth_n out_o of_o this_o which_o be_v speak_v may_v be_v gather_v not_o dark_o nor_o doubtful_o but_o clear_o and_o plain_o what_o be_v the_o disposition_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n which_o because_o they_o be_v enemy_n unto_o god_n and_o do_v hate_v he_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o darken_v and_o obscure_v his_o glory_n wheresoever_o they_o may_v and_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o show_v their_o malice_n two_o manner_n of_o way_n first_o in_o that_o they_o do_v most_o earnest_o hate_v and_o detest_v that_o which_o most_o especial_o please_v god_n and_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o he_o second_o in_o that_o they_o only_o love_v and_o most_o desire_n those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v in_o the_o great_a hatred_n and_o abomination_n so_o likewise_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v most_o against_o that_o which_o please_v god_n most_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a side_n do_v most_o approve_v and_o desire_v that_o which_o god_n hate_v for_o god_n be_v most_o delight_v with_o this_o and_o this_o be_v his_o certain_a will_n that_o the_o elect_v shall_v attain_v salvation_n by_o his_o only_a free_a mercy_n but_o the_o papist_n pleasure_n be_v that_o the_o elect_v shall_v be_v save_v by_o their_o own_o worthiness_n and_o merit_n again_o god_n do_v reject_v and_o altogether_o exclude_v man_n merit_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n but_o the_o papist_n like_v of_o they_o and_o make_v they_o the_o cause_n of_o election_n &_o salvation_n so_o that_o betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o papist_n there_o be_v a_o most_o manifest_a and_o vehement_a contrariety_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o lover_n of_o god_n but_o his_o swear_a enemy_n and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o they_o do_v sufficient_o declare_v by_o this_o in_o that_o they_o make_v work_v foresee_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n in_o which_o thing_n they_o commit_v two_o grievous_a offence_n namely_o first_o in_o that_o they_o set_v nothing_o by_o the_o first_o and_o true_a cause_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o so_o erect_v a_o imaginary_a and_o false_a cause_n thereof_o second_o in_o that_o they_o labour_v to_o withdraw_v mankind_n from_o god_n and_o have_v withdraw_v they_o from_o he_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v sell_v they_o as_o bondslave_n to_o the_o devil_n so_o that_o the_o papist_n on_o the_o one_o side_n be_v cruel_a and_o injurious_a against_o man_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n sacrilegious_a and_o blasphemous_a against_o god_n because_o they_o always_o hinder_v his_o glory_n and_o derogate_v from_o his_o majesty_n as_o much_o as_o their_o ability_n can_v stretch_v unto_o on_o the_o contrary_a s._n paul_n although_o before_o his_o conversion_n he_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a profession_n unreprovable_a and_o after_o his_o conversion_n far_o more_o holy_a than_o all_o the_o popeling_n yet_o he_o to_o the_o philippian_n 3.6.8_o phi._n 3.6.8_o not_o only_o constant_o and_o bold_o exclude_v all_o work_n and_o merit_n as_o well_o go_v before_o as_o follow_v after_o faith_n but_o also_o account_v they_o for_o dung_n that_o in_o steed_n of_o they_o have_v gain_v christ_n of_o a_o ungodly_a and_o wretched_a man_n he_o may_v become_v just_a and_o rich_a here_o also_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o papist_n as_o they_o do_v forsake_v god_n and_o resist_v his_o grace_n so_o also_o they_o do_v not_o only_o shut_v up_o the_o door_n of_o his_o mercy_n against_o themselves_o but_o even_o pluck_v on_o their_o own_o neck_n a_o horrible_a curse_n and_o most_o certain_a destruction_n for_o curse_a be_v he_o say_v jeremy_n 17.5_o jere._n 17.5_o that_o trust_v in_o man_n therefore_o this_o gloss_n of_o the_o papist_n concern_v good_a work_n foresee_v be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o wicked_a and_o blasphemous_a because_o it_o be_v not_o only_o not_o find_v in_o all_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o also_o be_v most_o extreme_o contrary_a unto_o they_o for_o god_n in_o the_o elect_n of_o man_n have_v respect_n unto_o himself_o and_o have_v no_o regard_n unto_o work_n either_o past_a or_o to_o come_v which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n deliver_v in_o express_a word_n 1.5_o ephes_n 1.5_o say_v he_o have_v predestinate_v we_o who_o he_o have_v adopt_v through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n in_o that_o he_o say_v in_o himself_o he_o teach_v that_o god_n in_o choose_v we_o see_v nothing_o but_o himself_o which_o he_o make_v any_o account_n of_o therefore_o god_n goodness_n and_o love_n be_v the_o only_a root_n of_o our_o election_n whereas_o he_o say_v according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n that_o be_v put_v down_o for_o the_o better_a clear_n and_o express_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o by_o that_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o god_n free_a goodness_n can_v not_o but_o with_o great_a difficulty_n by_o persuasion_n have_v be_v beat_v into_o us._n and_o what_o i_o pray_v you_o can_v god_n foresee_v in_o we_o in_o our_o election_n see_v that_o our_o whole_a be_v 17.28_o act._n 17.28_o and_o what_o good_a thing_n so_o ever_o we_o have_v 4.7_o 1._o cor._n 4.7_o we_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o enjoy_v it_o by_o he_o only_o wherefore_o that_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o election_n may_v be_v hold_v of_o we_o we_o must_v in_o no_o wise_a frequent_a the_o school_n of_o the_o papist_n but_o we_o must_v search_v and_o follow_v the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v the_o only_a schoolmaster_n and_o the_o most_o faithful_a expositor_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n satan_n have_v inspire_v and_o suggest_v into_o the_o papist_n this_o opinion_n of_o work_n foresee_v that_o by_o it_o he_o may_v withdraw_v man_n from_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o so_o cast_v they_o headlong_o into_o eternal_a destruction_n for_o satan_n well_o know_v that_o man_n whole_a salvation_n will_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n except_o it_o be_v whole_o fetch_v and_o derive_v from_o god_n sure_o there_o can_v be_v give_v unto_o mankind_n a_o great_a nor_o more_o pernicious_a hurt_n than_o this_o opinion_n be_v and_o there_o be_v no_o vice_n worse_o than_o this_o devilish_a pride_n which_o snatch_v from_o god_n his_o chief_a honour_n and_o steal_v away_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o mercy_n therefore_o this_o more_o than_o frantic_a opinion_n of_o faith_n foresee_v be_v utter_o to_o be_v cast_v off_o and_o refuse_v here_o be_v show_v by_o clear_a and_o unanswereable_a argument_n how_o horrible_o and_o grievous_o the_o papist_n do_v offend_v against_o god_n divine_a majesty_n by_o their_o pestilent_a opinion_n of_o faith_n or_o work_v foresee_v chap._n 13._o for_o the_o papist_n in_o that_o devilish_a opinion_n do_v offend_v against_o god_n &_o against_o his_o majesty_n many_o way_n and_o do_v commit_v many_o sacrilegious_a offence_n first_o they_o do_v offend_v against_o the_o fatherly_a goodness_n &_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n for_o god_n mercy_n be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a which_o may_v any_o where_o be_v find_v but_o it_o flow_v and_o spring_v of_o that_o fountain_n moreover_o god_n be_v so_o good_a and_o merciful_a that_o he_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o honour_v for_o no_o other_o virtue_n nor_o property_n more_o then_o for_o his_o free_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o it_o speak_v of_o god_n mercy_n do_v heap_n and_o reckon_v up_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o catalogue_n many_o word_n signify_v one_o and_o the_o selfsame_o thing_n say_v that_o god_n be_v gracious_a 4.2_o exod._n 34.6_o joel._n 2.13_o jonah_n 4.2_o merciful_a long-suffering_a abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n so_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
mercy_n of_o god_n and_o may_v so_o much_o the_o more_o strong_o be_v confirm_v second_o the_o election_n may_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o make_v know_v and_o manifest_a for_o contrary_n be_v set_v one_o against_o a_o other_o and_o compare_v together_o be_v make_v the_o more_o apparent_a and_o familiar_a unto_o we_o as_o also_o that_o man_n may_v know_v that_o this_o world_n be_v so_o govern_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o nothing_o else_o can_v happen_v unto_o man_n but_o that_o which_o be_v foreordayned_n and_o appoint_v for_o they_o by_o god_n before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v last_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v urge_v that_o the_o elect_n may_v so_o much_o the_o more_o careful_o eschew_v and_o avoid_v sin_n and_o exercise_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o study_n of_o godliness_n and_o also_o that_o the_o reprobate_n may_v know_v what_o and_o what_o manner_n of_o thing_n shall_v fall_v to_o their_o share_n and_o what_o they_o have_v deserve_v by_o their_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n so_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v very_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a on_o both_o side_n therefore_o it_o ought_v daily_o and_o diligent_o to_o be_v propound_v and_o preach_v both_o to_o the_o godly_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a therefore_o let_v all_o religious_a and_o godly_a minister_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n apply_v themselves_o to_o this_o namely_o to_o preach_v this_o decree_n of_o god_n public_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o scripture_n command_v and_o let_v they_o not_o esteem_v nor_o care_n for_o the_o pope_n censure_n and_o curse_n which_o be_v like_o lightning_n break_v forth_o without_o any_o natural_a cause_n appear_v and_o not_o to_o be_v fear_v but_o the_o papist_n with_o their_o conventicle_n cry_v out_o that_o this_o be_v a_o horrible_a opinion_n and_o not_o to_o be_v tolerate_v in_o the_o church_n and_o this_o they_o do_v very_o crafty_o for_o they_o see_v that_o by_o this_o doctrine_n that_o fable_n which_o they_o have_v disperse_v concern_v free_a will_n and_o many_o other_o trifle_n which_o they_o chant_v out_o in_o their_o synagogue_n with_o big_a word_n and_o lofty_a sentence_n will_v altogether_o vanish_v and_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n therefore_o they_o go_v about_o to_o wound_n and_o stab_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o christ_n concern_v reprobation_n through_o the_o side_n of_o the_o minister_n other_o pretend_v a_o shadow_n of_o desperation_n and_o that_o this_o doctrine_n shall_v not_o be_v preach_v lest_o man_n shall_v be_v cast_v down_o and_o fall_v into_o desperation_n this_o danger_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v but_o that_o the_o minister_n may_v pronounce_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n i_o do_v confess_v indeed_o that_o they_o must_v speak_v wise_o of_o reprobation_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o i_o think_v also_o that_o a_o wary_a caveate_n shall_v be_v use_v in_o the_o preach_n thereof_o lest_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o profitable_a doctrine_n by_o evil_a deal_n and_o preposterous_a handle_n shall_v be_v spoil_v and_o make_v unprofitable_a and_o yet_o so_o that_o nothing_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v that_o matter_n shall_v be_v omit_v by_o silence_n let_v the_o whole_a world_n go_v to_o wrack_n rather_o than_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v diminish_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n let_v the_o minister_n therefore_o faithful_o and_o diligent_o handle_v that_o doctrine_n and_o commit_v the_o event_n unto_o god_n and_o let_v they_o know_v that_o the_o papist_n or_o other_o can_v nor_o ought_v not_o to_o forbid_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n will_v have_v open_v before_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o be_v they_o the_o master_n and_o teacher_n of_o god_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o teach_v and_o prescribe_v unto_o he_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v preach_v this_o decree_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n be_v so_o sure_a and_o certain_a on_o both_o side_n that_o none_o of_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v reprobate_v and_o condemn_v nor_o any_o of_o the_o reprobate_n can_v be_v elect_v and_o save_v and_o it_o be_v show_v by_o sure_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v more_o of_o the_o reprobate_n then_o of_o the_o elect._n chap._n 21._o twelfthly_o this_o decree_n of_o predestination_n be_v a_o sure_a and_o certain_a decree_n because_o that_o with_o god_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o set_a number_n as_o well_o of_o the_o reprobate_n as_o of_o the_o elect_n so_o that_o the_o number_n both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o can_v neither_o increase_v nor_o be_v diminish_v for_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o be_v a_o unchangeable_a order_n so_o that_o the_o reprobate_n can_v be_v elect_v and_o save_v nor_o the_o elect_n can_v be_v reprobate_v and_o condemn_v otherwise_o god_n decree_n concern_v the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o can_v not_o be_v constant_a and_o faith_n itself_o want_v a_o sure_a groundwork_n shall_v be_v waver_v in_o continual_a suspense_n and_o shall_v no_o where_n have_v any_o certain_a prop_n whereon_o safe_o to_o rely_v and_o so_o shall_v become_v rather_o a_o unconstant_a and_o waver_a opinion_n than_o a_o settle_a and_o steadfast_a faith_n therefore_o as_o his_o fatherly_a good_a pleasure_n of_o election_n be_v unchangeable_a so_o also_o be_v his_o severe_a decree_n of_o reprobation_n 25.46_o mat._n 25.46_o so_o that_o the_o elect_n shall_v go_v forth_o into_o everlasting_a life_n and_o joy_n and_o the_o reprobate_n shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a death_n and_o torment_n now_o the_o scripture_n plain_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o the_o elect._n 17._o john_n 10.14_o 17._o christ_n himself_o in_o saint_n john_n express_o and_o plain_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v his_o sheep_n that_o be_v his_o elect_n and_o that_o none_o be_v able_a to_o take_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n if_o christ_n as_o he_o say_v know_v his_o sheep_n therefore_o every_o one_o by_o himself_o be_v know_v of_o he_o so_o that_o with_o he_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o they_o for_o if_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v uncertain_a he_o can_v not_o be_v able_a direct_o to_o know_v they_o for_o of_o a_o thing_n uncertain_a none_o can_v have_v certain_a knowledge_n so_o also_o saint_n paul_n say_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a and_o have_v this_o seal_n 2.19_o 2._o tim_n 2.19_o the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o god_n also_o have_v number_v all_o the_o hair_n of_o the_o head_n of_o his_o child_n how_o much_o more_o therefore_o do_v he_o know_v how_o many_o be_v he_o furthermore_o god_n know_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n before_o they_o be_v create_v and_o nothing_o be_v able_a to_o escape_v or_o be_v hide_v from_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n how_o therefore_o shall_v he_o not_o discern_v and_o know_v all_o his_o elect_n &_o choose_v in_o general_a and_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a who_o he_o love_v and_o tender_v with_o singular_a care_n above_o all_o thing_n sure_o if_o he_o shall_v not_o know_v they_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a he_o can_v have_v no_o great_a care_n of_o they_o and_o so_o they_o shall_v of_o necessity_n perish_v but_o they_o shall_v never_o perish_v therefore_o they_o be_v know_v of_o he_o and_o preserve_v unto_o salvation_n moreover_o the_o scripture_n manifest_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v a_o set_a number_n of_o the_o reprobate_n 25.32_o mat._n 25.32_o for_o christ_n shall_v separate_v they_o from_o the_o elect_n and_o condemn_v they_o in_o the_o last_o &_o great_a judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n therefore_o he_o know_v several_o and_o distinct_o who_o they_o be_v otherwise_o he_o can_v not_o separate_v they_o from_o the_o elect_n unless_o they_o be_v know_v to_o he_o by_o their_o particular_a person_n several_o every_o one_o by_o himself_o and_o further_o god_n which_o number_v and_o know_v the_o star_n of_o the_o sky_n the_o sand_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n from_o the_o least_o unto_o the_o great_a and_o from_o the_o great_a unto_o the_o least_o know_v they_o also_o for_o he_o that_o know_v great_a and_o infinite_a thing_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o lesser_a and_o finite_a thing_n and_o for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v or_o say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o set_a number_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_n that_o be_v to_o deny_v god_n and_o to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o agreeable_a or_o proper_a unto_o god_n then_o to_o discern_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n in_o general_a and_o every_o thing_n in_o particular_a far_o more_o plain_o and_o distinct_o than_o we_o can_v know_v those_o thing_n that_o lie_v
salvation_n be_v in_o the_o almighty_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o have_v her_o abiding-place_n in_o his_o unchangeable_a counsel_n and_o be_v reserve_v by_o god_n for_o man_n therefore_o how_o can_v a_o faithful_a man_n more_o certain_o comfort_n and_o refresh_v himself_o then_o by_o this_o mean_n namely_o by_o consider_v that_o god_n the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o mercy_n have_v choose_v he_o before_o he_o be_v and_o have_v so_o love_v he_o 3.16_o rom._n 8.32_o john_n 3.16_o that_o he_o spare_v not_o to_o bestow_v his_o only_a be_v get_v son_n for_o his_o life_n and_o salvation_n that_o he_o may_v deliver_v miserable_a and_o wretched_a man_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o bring_v he_o into_o life_n eternal_a do_v not_o god_n by_o this_o inestimable_a benefit_n show_v that_o he_o love_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n better_o than_o his_o own_o son_n see_v that_o he_o have_v rather_o that_o his_o son_n shall_v suffer_v and_o die_v than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v condemn_v and_o perish_v for_o ever_o how_o can_v a_o man_n more_o effectual_o and_o more_o strong_o comfort_v himself_o then_o with_o this_o meditation_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v suffer_v and_o endure_v the_o pain_n and_o torment_n of_o hell_n in_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o in_o body_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o man_n do_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n thereby_o show_v that_o he_o account_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n more_o precious_a than_o his_o own_o life_n while_o he_o have_v rather_o to_o die_v for_o miserable_a man_n then_o that_o he_o shall_v die_v everlasting_o how_o can_v a_o man_n more_o strong_o raise_v himself_o up_o in_o hope_n then_o by_o this_o mean_n that_o he_o be_v belove_v of_o god_n with_o that_o love_n wherewith_o his_o only_a beget_v son_n be_v belove_v 17.23.26_o john_n 17.23.26_o and_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v love_n and_o esteem_v he_o no_o less_o than_o his_o own_o member_n and_o his_o own_o bowel_n how_o can_v a_o man_n more_o true_o rejoice_v with_o true_a joy_n 25.40_o math._n 25.40_o then_o by_o this_o assure_a and_o infallible_a meditation_n that_o god_n by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v reconcile_v unto_o he_o and_o make_v far_o more_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a unto_o he_o then_o if_o he_o have_v never_o offend_v and_o sin_v against_o god_n and_o that_o god_n do_v more_o willing_o and_o more_o love_o bestow_v salvation_n upon_o man_n than_o man_n can_v desire_v it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o admirable_a goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o convert_v his_o enemy_n unto_o he_o and_o of_o rebellious_a to_o make_v he_o loyal_a by_o this_o mean_n he_o plain_o declare_v that_o he_o take_v more_o care_n for_o man_n salvation_n than_o man_n do_v for_o himself_o how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v better_o comfort_v then_o by_o this_o most_o certain_a hope_n that_o his_o salvation_n be_v certain_a and_o sure_a and_o that_o salvation_n can_v no_o more_o fall_n from_o he_o than_o he_o can_v fall_v from_o christ_n certain_o who_o christ_n have_v redeem_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o who_o god_n have_v take_v to_o mercy_n who_o shall_v hurt_v or_o condemn_v except_o first_o he_o make_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n of_o none_o effect_n and_o first_o vanquish_v and_o overcome_v god_n himself_o but_o neither_o the_o whole_a world_n nor_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v this_o therefore_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o believer_n be_v as_o firm_a and_o as_o sure_a as_o the_o omnipotent_a nature_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a and_o invincible_a last_o a_o faithful_a man_n may_v worthy_o triumph_v with_o incredible_a joy_n and_o gladness_n that_o all_o his_o sin_n be_v forgive_v and_o pardon_v unto_o he_o even_o for_o and_o by_o the_o only_a sacrifice_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o not_o the_o least_o sign_n of_o they_o remain_v nor_o appear_v for_o christ_n have_v satisfy_v for_o they_o by_o his_o death_n he_o have_v pay_v the_o uttermost_a farthing_n and_o by_o his_o blood_n have_v cancel_v the_o hand-writing_n that_o be_v against_o we_o be_v fasten_v to_o his_o cross_n therefore_o see_v that_o christ_n have_v pay_v the_o whole_a price_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o have_v sustain_v god_n anger_n against_o sin_n and_o take_v it_o away_o for_o ever_o i_o know_v not_o anything_o whereby_o a_o faithful_a man_n may_v more_o confirm_v himself_o and_o add_v more_o perfect_a peace_n and_o rest_n unto_o his_o conscience_n then_o by_o this_o see_v therefore_o that_o god_n justice_n be_v satisfy_v the_o everlasting_a throne_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v so_o erect_v that_o it_o work_v effectual_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o do_v mighty_o show_v and_o declare_v the_o strength_n thereof_o against_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o so_o that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n or_o any_o other_o danger_n be_v they_o never_o so_o great_a shall_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v able_a to_o hinder_v or_o annihilate_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n for_o god_n with_o his_o almighty_a hand_n do_v so_o govern_v all_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o not_o hurtful_a and_o noisome_a unto_o man_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a 8.28_o rom._n 8.28_o shall_v tend_v to_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o he_o so_o that_o rank_n and_o deadly_a poison_n shall_v become_v wholesome_a physic_n unto_o he_o and_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o this_o life_n shall_v become_v as_o spiritual_a chariot_n to_o carry_v he_o into_o heaven_n for_o god_n be_v almighty_a therefore_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o he_o be_v a_o merciful_a and_o a_o most_o love_a father_n therefore_o he_o will_v not_o think_v much_o to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o everlasting_a felicity_n and_o incomparable_a glory_n shall_v ensue_v and_o follow_v after_o the_o misery_n and_o the_o danger_n which_o the_o godly_a do_v endure_v in_o this_o life_n therefore_o the_o godly_a believer_n have_v wherewith_o to_o comfort_v themselves_o most_o certain_o and_o whereof_o to_o rejoice_v in_o that_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 2.19_o ephe._n 2.19_o and_o the_o brethren_n of_o christ_n and_o heir_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n they_o have_v also_o cause_n to_o praise_n and_o glorify_v god_n and_o his_o son_n christ_n to_o praise_n god_n i_o say_v for_o his_o so_o great_a love_n towards_o they_o in_o that_o by_o his_o eternal_a love_n he_o do_v choose_v they_o unto_o everlasting_a salvation_n and_o to_o praise_v and_o glorify_v christ_n for_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n in_o that_o by_o his_o most_o precious_a blood_n he_o redeem_v we_o from_o the_o anger_n of_o god_n from_o eternal_a death_n and_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o the_o devil_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o redeem_v for_o ever_o and_o so_o may_v as_o certain_o rejoice_v of_o their_o salvation_n and_o of_o eternal_a life_n as_o christ_n himself_o who_o have_v take_v their_o burden_n upon_o he_o and_o pay_v their_o debt_n far_o therefore_o be_v from_o a_o christian_a man_n heart_n all_o troublesome_a doubt_n concern_v his_o election_n and_o salvation_n because_o those_o doubt_n have_v a_o distrustful_a nature_n and_o satan_n himself_o for_o their_o author_n which_o can_v do_v nothing_o else_o but_o lie_n and_o deceive_v yea_o much_o rather_o let_v every_o christian_a man_n with_o a_o steadfast_a faith_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v elect_v unto_o salvation_n from_o everlasting_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v bless_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o that_o faith_n and_o persuasion_n have_v god_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o a_o author_n who_o can_v promise_v nothing_o but_o truth_n and_o will_v fulfil_v and_o perform_v their_o promise_n because_o they_o can_v lie_v for_o this_o be_v the_o high_a step_n and_o the_o sure_a stay_n of_o a_o christian_a man_n faith_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v merciful_a unto_o he_o and_o well_o please_v in_o his_o son_n christ_n this_o be_v a_o great_a glory_n unto_o god_n than_o which_o man_n can_v give_v he_o a_o great_a firm_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v elect_v by_o god_n through_o christ_n unto_o salvation_n this_o faith_n be_v the_o certain_a salvation_n of_o christian_n this_o hope_n be_v the_o high_a glory_n of_o the_o elect_a and_o their_o everlasting_a triumph_n that_o they_o be_v elect_v of_o god_n and_o redeem_v by_o christ_n and_o so_o elect_v and_o redeem_v as_o that_o they_o shall_v remain_v so_o for_o ever_o in_o despite_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o that_o they_o need_v no_o more_o to_o fear_v the_o danger_n of_o fall_v away_o and_o perish_v then_o that_o god_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n and_o christ_n be_v of_o none_o effect_n here_o be_v
of_o man_n a_o false_a and_o feign_a cause_n thereof_o and_o although_o the_o scripture_n do_v oftentimes_o promise_v a_o reward_n unto_o the_o work_n of_o the_o godly_a yet_o from_o thence_o can_v be_v gather_v no_o merit_n wherein_o god_n as_o a_o debtor_n shall_v be_v bind_v unto_o we_o because_o that_o reward_n depend_v upon_o the_o mere_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o worthiness_n of_o the_o work_n therefore_o the_o papist_n whilst_o that_o in_o this_o question_n they_o do_v join_v the_o reward_n and_o merit_n in_o a_o mutual_a relation_n be_v very_o much_o deceive_v certain_o such_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o god_n which_o shall_v put_v the_o least_o part_n of_o their_o confidence_n in_o their_o own_o work_n this_o do_v the_o son_n of_o god_n lively_o express_v and_o teach_v we_o in_o the_o example_n of_o the_o pharisy_n 18.11_o luk._n 18.11_o moreover_o the_o papist_n get_v nothing_o in_o this_o when_o as_o they_o bring_v forth_o the_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n how_o that_o they_o oftentimes_o do_v free_o rehearse_v and_o plead_v their_o integrity_n &_o innocency_n before_o god_n this_o they_o do_v not_o to_o this_o end_n &_o purpose_n as_o if_o they_o will_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v free_a and_o exempt_a from_o all_o imperfection_n and_o stain_v of_o sin_n nor_o as_o if_o they_o hope_v that_o they_o can_v stand_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n be_v endue_v with_o their_o own_o power_n but_o they_o do_v it_o to_o a_o far_a other_o end_n namely_o to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a &_o lawful_a cause_n against_o their_o adversary_n of_o who_o they_o be_v unjust_o hurt_v and_o oppress_v so_o that_o the_o holy_a man_n do_v not_o compare_v their_o own_o integrity_n by_o the_o square_a &_o rule_v of_o god_n justice_n but_o they_o oppose_v it_o against_o the_o violent_a injury_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o do_v call_v god_n as_o a_o just_a judge_n and_o the_o only_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n between_o themselves_o and_o their_o enemy_n therefore_o by_o that_o comparison_n make_v with_o their_o enemy_n by_o who_o they_o be_v unjust_o oppress_v they_o show_v forth_o their_o own_o righteousness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n that_o by_o that_o reason_n they_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o persuade_v god_n to_o help_v they_o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o holy_a man_n do_v labour_n so_o earnest_o in_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o own_o righteousness_n so_o that_o in_o those_o speech_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n the_o question_n be_v not_o concern_v their_o whole_a life_n and_o continual_a perfection_n and_o innocency_n thereof_o but_o only_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v lay_v open_a and_o declare_v against_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o wicked_a again_o although_o the_o saint_n sometime_o lay_v open_a their_o good_a work_n 18.21_o 2._o king_n 20.4_o psa_fw-la 18.21_o that_o they_o have_v walk_v before_o god_n with_o a_o upright_o heart_n and_o have_v not_o depart_v from_o his_o commandment_n yet_o notwithstanding_o they_o do_v not_o produce_v those_o work_n as_o meritorious_a but_o only_o bring_v they_o in_o as_o sign_n and_o fruit_n of_o their_o call_n that_o they_o may_v comfort_v themselves_o concern_v their_o free_a adoption_n and_o so_o do_v not_o extol_v and_o praise_v their_o own_o merit_n but_o the_o gift_n and_o benefit_n of_o god_n and_o do_v testify_v that_o they_o do_v rely_v with_o a_o quiet_a conscience_n upon_o the_o only_a favour_n of_o god_n and_o obedience_n of_o christ_n also_o sometime_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o saint_n it_o distinguish_v they_o from_o hypocrite_n to_o who_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v a_o outward_a show_n of_o godliness_n so_o this_o integrity_n be_v not_o every_o way_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o whole_a life_n but_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o singleness_n of_o heart_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o dissimulation_n also_o the_o papist_n by_o their_o interpretation_n do_v corrupt_v all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o promise_v a_o reward_n unto_o good_a work_n and_o wrest_v they_o into_o a_o other_o sense_n and_o so_o do_v fall_v into_o a_o fallacy_n of_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o a_o word_n and_o further_o because_o they_o ascribe_v that_o unto_o the_o merit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v due_a alone_a unto_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n they_o mingle_v contrary_a cause_n together_o and_o out_o of_o they_o do_v frame_n and_o forge_v i_o know_v not_o what_o but_o to_o enforce_v some_o merit_n from_o a_o free_a reward_n they_o do_v not_o only_o make_v a_o foolish_a and_o rash_a consequence_n but_o also_o do_v deny_v god_n to_o be_v the_o only_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o do_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v some_o good_a thing_n in_o wretched_a sinner_n which_o be_v whole_o corrupt_v furthermore_o that_o which_o they_o babble_v of_o inherent_a righteousness_n be_v altogether_o vain_a and_o foolish_a for_o the_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o imputation_n of_o christ_n his_o merit_n do_v quite_o overthrow_v as_o well_o this_o inherent_a righteousness_n as_o that_o righteousness_n of_o work_n for_o these_o be_v two_o contraries_n which_o can_v never_o stand_v together_o nor_o be_v attribute_v unto_o one_o and_o the_o selfsame_o thing_n but_o one_o of_o they_o always_o confound_v and_o drive_v away_o the_o other_o sure_o such_o fiction_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o vain_a man_n be_v altogether_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o condemn_v which_o pull_v in_o piece_n the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o free_a remission_n of_o sin_n for_o they_o which_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o righteousness_n do_v not_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n 10.3_o rom._n 10.3_o they_o do_v not_o only_o deceive_v and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v condemn_v themselves_o and_o other_o but_o also_o they_o arrogate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n unto_o themselves_o or_o at_o the_o leastwise_o much_o weaken_v it_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o set_v up_o their_o own_o righteousness_n they_o throw_v down_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o only_a beginning_n to_o obtain_v the_o righâ—…nes_n of_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v altogether_o renouâ—â—â—â—heir_v own_o righteousness_n and_o to_o confess_v and_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v void_a of_o all_o righteousness_n for_o as_o long_o as_o a_o man_n think_v that_o he_o have_v the_o least_o good_a thing_n of_o his_o own_o he_o be_v unfit_a to_o receive_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o give_v and_o impute_v free_o for_o god_n receive_v into_o favour_n and_o save_v none_o but_o sinner_n such_o as_o be_v void_a of_o all_o righteousness_n hence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v set_v the_o only_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o sole_a merit_n of_o the_o messiah_n 1.15_o dan._n 9_o 1._o tim._n 1.15_o as_o contrary_a unto_o all_o the_o merit_n of_o man_n and_o all_o outward_a cause_n which_o profane_a and_o wicked_a man_n in_o their_o inconstancy_n and_o rash_a attempt_n do_v invent_v for_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o man_n to_o become_v righteous_a and_o enter_v into_o heaven_n but_o the_o only_a and_o mere_a goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n alone_o again_o they_o teach_v we_o that_o all_o and_o singular_a the_o endeavour_n and_o merit_n of_o man_n by_o which_o man_n go_v about_o to_o deserve_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o manifest_a illusion_n and_o sleight_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o which_o ignorant_a man_n be_v make_v stranger_n from_o god_n and_o throw_v headlong_o into_o the_o deep_a pit_n of_o condemnation_n therefore_o this_o free_a justification_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v remember_v and_o think_v of_o for_o satan_n labour_v and_o watch_v for_o nothing_o more_o then_o that_o he_o may_v quite_o put_v out_o or_o at_o the_o least_o darken_v this_o free_a justification_n of_o faith_n this_o he_o have_v go_v about_o in_o all_o age_n and_o obtain_v in_o many_o place_n but_o let_v this_o suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o first_o quality_n of_o justification_n second_o this_o justification_n be_v by_o all_o mean_v perfect_a and_o most_o absolute_a for_o god_n do_v not_o pardon_v one_o or_o two_o sin_n only_o but_o he_o forgive_v all_o and_o every_o sin_n neither_o do_v he_o only_o forgive_v sin_n that_o be_v already_o commit_v &_o pass_v but_o he_o do_v remit_v the_o daily_a fall_n of_o his_o child_n if_o they_o repent_v this_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o in_o many_o place_n and_o diligent_o urge_v john_n say_v plain_o 1.7_o 1._o john_n 1.7_o that_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n s._n paul_n to_o the_o colossian_n
and_o exercise_v the_o strength_n thereof_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o administer_a they_o again_o they_o do_v offend_v and_o sin_v exceed_o and_o out_o of_o measure_n against_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v the_o only_a efficient_a cause_n and_o principal_a worker_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n thereof_o therefore_o they_o attribute_v that_o unto_o the_o outward_a water_n of_o baptism_n which_o be_v due_a only_a unto_o the_o holy_a spirit_n &_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n &_o so_o fall_v into_o a_o fallacy_n from_o that_o which_o be_v no_o cause_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o cause_n for_o they_o do_v cast_v that_o unto_o the_o false_a and_o feign_a cause_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v attribute_v unto_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n and_o so_o as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v do_v overthrow_n and_o undermine_v the_o principal_a head_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o whereas_o they_o infer_v that_o the_o pure_a and_o preciser_n sort_n of_o divine_n do_v deny_v that_o baptism_n be_v the_o wash_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n 3.5_o tit._n 3.5_o as_o paul_n to_o titus_n speak_v this_o be_v a_o unsavoury_a and_o a_o vile_a cavil_n for_o they_o do_v not_o only_o admit_v and_o like_v of_o those_o word_n of_o paul_n in_o their_o true_a and_o natural_a meaning_n but_o do_v receive_v they_o as_o a_o most_o sound_a confirmation_n and_o strengthen_n of_o our_o cause_n for_o paul_n there_o plain_o pronounce_v that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v effect_n and_o work_v regeneration_n in_o us._n but_o our_o adversary_n do_v misunderstand_v those_o word_n of_o paul_n and_o do_v abuse_v they_o while_o they_o wrest_v they_o into_o a_o other_o sense_n as_o seducer_n use_v to_o do_v and_o apply_v they_o amiss_o and_o so_o do_v fall_v into_o a_o fallacy_n of_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o a_o word_n while_o they_o interpret_v that_o ill_a which_o they_o apply_v worst_a of_o all_o among_o true_a and_o sound_a divine_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n firm_o resolve_v and_o agree_v upon_o that_o the_o sacrament_n do_v not_o bring_v grace_n but_o do_v for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o faith_n seal_v up_o that_o which_o be_v bestow_v before_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o abraham_n 4.10_o rom._n 4.10_o as_o in_o the_o common_a example_n and_o father_n of_o all_o they_o which_o believe_v last_o they_o err_v not_o a_o little_a by_o this_o their_o most_o vain_a fiction_n while_o that_o they_o place_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o salvation_n and_o the_o ground_n thereof_o in_o the_o water_n of_o baptism_n for_o so_o they_o forge_v and_o frame_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n from_o the_o instrument_n that_o be_v use_v as_o mean_n and_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o apply_v they_o but_o with_o deep_a silence_n they_o do_v pass_v by_o and_o with_o wonderful_a craft_n neglect_v the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o salvation_n namely_o everlasting_a and_o free_a election_n and_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o deceive_v and_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o ignorant_a for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a nor_o more_o plentiful_a occasion_n to_o beguile_v and_o deceive_v then_o where_o false_a and_o imaginary_a cause_n be_v suppose_v for_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n moreover_o this_o regeneration_n here_o be_v always_o defective_a and_o imperfect_a and_o a_o small_a beginning_n of_o a_o new_a life_n and_o a_o certain_a onset_n unto_o it_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o manifest_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o also_o by_o daily_a experience_n of_o the_o godly_a the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v change_v into_o the_o image_n of_o god_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n 3.18_o 2._o cor._n 3.18_o 1.17_o rom._n 1.17_o and_o to_o go_v forward_o daily_a more_o and_o more_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n also_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o walk_v in_o his_o commandment_n 2.14_o eze._n 36.27_o tit._n 2.14_o and_o to_o keep_v his_o statute_n and_o to_o be_v zealous_a of_o good_a work_n these_o and_o the_o like_a place_n of_o scripture_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o elect_v be_v not_o the_o first_o day_n polish_v unto_o the_o high_a perfection_n but_o that_o by_o little_a and_o little_a as_o it_o be_v by_o degree_n they_o be_v bring_v from_o one_o virtue_n unto_o a_o other_o until_o after_o this_o life_n they_o shall_v come_v unto_o the_o high_a perfection_n for_o they_o be_v not_o perfect_a which_o must_v be_v change_v from_o one_o glory_n to_o another_o and_o go_v forward_o from_o faith_n to_o faith_n second_o they_o which_o walk_v in_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o way_n and_o be_v not_o come_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o their_o race_n therefore_o they_o be_v unperfect_a for_o wayfaring_a man_n be_v often_o weery_v and_o now_o and_o then_o stumble_v and_o fall_v by_o reason_n of_o these_o or_o these_o let_n and_o hindrance_n so_o also_o the_o regenerate_a man_n be_v as_o it_o be_v weery_v in_o the_o course_n and_o study_v of_o godliness_n do_v slip_v often_o and_o fall_v into_o these_o and_o these_o sin_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n saint_n john_n say_v plain_o 1.8_o 1._o john_n 1.8_o that_o they_o which_o say_v they_o have_v no_o sin_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o they_o also_o the_o most_o holy_a prophet_n do_v plain_o and_o free_o confess_v of_o themselves_o that_o their_o best_a work_n be_v pollute_v and_o stain_v with_o many_o and_o great_a imperfection_n 64._o esay_n 64._o for_o in_o they_o always_o the_o dregs_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n remain_v and_o abide_v and_o very_o often_o the_o sparkle_n of_o their_o lewd_a affection_n do_v break_v forth_o and_o show_v themselves_o but_o these_o hinder_v they_o not_o because_o they_o have_v a_o promise_n of_o a_o pardon_n these_o thing_n the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n do_v only_o obtain_v some_o beginning_n of_o a_o new_a life_n here_o so_o that_o regeneration_n here_o be_v maim_v and_o unperfect_a for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v so_o illuminate_v and_o renew_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o elect_a 13.9_o 1._o cor._n 13.9_o that_o here_o they_o do_v know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o do_v so_o change_v and_o refine_v their_o will_n that_o they_o can_v will_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a but_o in_o part_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v in_o this_o life_n so_o that_o whether_o a_o man_n respect_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o regenerate_a or_o whether_o a_o man_n consider_v their_o will_n he_o shall_v easy_o find_v that_o they_o be_v unperfect_a for_o they_o which_o be_v renew_v still_o day_n by_o day_n be_v not_o as_o yet_o whole_o renew_v but_o the_o child_n of_o god_n as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v here_o be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o as_o yet_o perfect_a nor_o whole_o renew_v beside_o these_o there_o be_v many_o other_o token_n whereof_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o plentiful_a as_o which_o be_v wrought_v successive_o by_o the_o child_n of_o god_n either_o in_o rejoice_v at_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n or_o sorrow_v at_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o sure_o these_o do_v bewray_v their_o imperfection_n so_o that_o infirmity_n always_o abide_v and_o dwell_v in_o they_o with_o which_o they_o must_v strive_v even_o unto_o the_o death_n of_o the_o body_n with_o a_o intercourse_n of_o go_v backward_o and_o go_v forward_o as_o augustine_n say_v in_o one_o place_n second_o daily_a experience_n itself_o do_v convince_v and_o prove_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o godly_a for_o the_o most_o holy_a man_n of_o all_o age_n have_v offend_v and_o sin_v very_o often_o which_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v unperfect_a for_o they_o which_o by_o regeneration_n be_v quite_o perfect_v be_v set_v out_o of_o all_o danger_n of_o sin_v any_o more_o furthermore_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v endue_v his_o child_n in_o this_o life_n with_o exquisite_a perfection_n therefore_o they_o can_v be_v make_v perfect_a here_o for_o god_n do_v not_o perform_v more_o in_o this_o work_n of_o regeneration_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n than_o he_o have_v declare_v in_o the_o reveal_v word_n of_o promise_n and_o they_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o power_n can_v make_v themselves_o better_o and_o more_o holy_a then_o god_n will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v also_o the_o most_o holy_a apostle_n themselves_o say_v 3.2_o james._n 3.2_o that_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o sin_v all_o john_n also_o in_o his_o epistle_n pronounce_v most_o plain_o say_v 1.8_o 1._o john_n 1.8_o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v