blasphemous_a papist_n see_v in_o this_o point_n their_o wisdom_n be_v contrary_a to_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v wise_a man_n but_o sot_n and_o fool_n for_o it_o be_v better_o for_o they_o that_o they_o have_v no_o wisdom_n at_o all_o and_o that_o they_o be_v more_o blockish_a than_o fool_n than_o thus_o to_o resist_v and_o rebel_v against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n therefore_o whatsoever_o they_o talk_v of_o concern_v work_n foresee_v and_o our_o own_o merit_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a and_o manifest_a illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o a_o most_o certain_a shipwreck_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n moreover_o in_o this_o they_o great_o offend_v in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o turn_v the_o great_a and_o excellent_a gift_n of_o god_n to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o he_o and_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o devil_n for_o they_o abuse_v their_o wisdom_n by_o which_o man_n do_v excel_v beast_n against_o god_n and_o against_o their_o own_o salvation_n for_o to_o this_o 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from_o god_n because_o all_o their_o wisdom_n do_v make_v open_a war_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n while_o they_o set_v up_o their_o work_n foresee_v against_o his_o grace_n for_o they_o strive_v earnest_o for_o this_o to_o make_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n not_o altogether_o free_a but_o partly_o deserve_v and_o so_o do_v derogate_v from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n but_o praise_n and_o glory_n be_v to_o god_n because_o he_o have_v prevent_v we_o by_o his_o free_a goodness_n and_o abundant_a grace_n and_o have_v predestinate_v we_o unto_o eternal_a life_n free_o and_o not_o for_o our_o work_n or_o merit_v foresee_v and_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o grievous_a thing_n to_o hear_v that_o the_o papist_n be_v so_o fall_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o without_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n his_o spirit_n boast_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n for_o if_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o 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than_o the_o heaven_n be_v distant_a from_o the_o earth_n four_o they_o offend_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o that_o they_o affirm_v that_o work_v foresee_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o god_n have_v ordain_v jesus_n christ_n from_o everlasting_a that_o he_o shall_v make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n faith_n peter_n 1.20_o 1._o pet._n 1.20_o moreover_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o affirm_v often_o in_o the_o evangelist_n 3.36_o john_n 3.36_o that_o all_o which_o believe_v in_o he_o have_v eternal_a life_n 5.24_o john_n 5.24_o and_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o condemnation_n for_o he_o be_v that_o lamb_n of_o god_n which_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n 9.12_o heb._n 9.12_o he_o suffer_v once_o for_o we_o and_o by_o suffering_n purchase_v for_o we_o eternal_a redemption_n therefore_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o his_o passion_n our_o whole_a salvation_n and_o life_n consist_v these_o and_o the_o like_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n do_v ascribe_v life_n eternal_a unto_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n only_o as_o to_o a_o meritorious_a cause_n for_o god_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o will_v perform_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v promise_v faithful_o and_o true_o but_o he_o have_v promise_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o divers_a place_n that_o the_o only_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o only_a price_n of_o our_o redemption_n from_o all_o our_o sin_n for_o by_o isaiah_n he_o promise_v express_o that_o his_o servant_n meaning_n christ_n shall_v by_o his_o knowledge_n justify_v many_o because_o he_o have_v under-gone_a and_o bear_v their_o iniquity_n therefore_o how_o much_o soever_o the_o papist_n do_v attribute_n unto_o work_n foresee_v so_o much_o do_v they_o necessary_o detract_v from_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n because_o those_o work_n foresee_v and_o these_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v such_o contrary_n as_o that_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n can_v be_v attribute_v to_o they_o both_o but_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a and_o most_o simple_a truth_n do_v every_o where_o ascribe_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o election_n unto_o god_n free_a bounty_n and_o likewise_o ascribe_v redemption_n and_o salvation_n that_o proceed_v and_o come_v thereof_o unto_o the_o only_a merit_n of_o christ_n therefore_o it_o do_v not_o only_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o their_o work_n foresee_v but_o do_v also_o convince_v they_o of_o falsehood_n and_o reject_v and_o condemn_v they_o as_o manifest_v wrong_n against_o christ_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o grace_n that_o be_v deadly_a and_o tend_v to_o damnation_n but_o these_o work_v foresee_v of_o the_o papist_n be_v not_o of_o grace_n for_o they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o virtue_n of_o humane_a nature_n therefore_o those_o work_n foresee_v be_v deadly_a and_o tend_v to_o damnation_n wherefore_o see_v they_o bring_v destruction_n with_o they_o these_o work_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v reject_v on_o the_o contrary_a christ_n his_o merit_n see_v they_o bring_v salvation_n with_o they_o be_v with_o heart_n and_o mind_n ready_o to_o be_v embrace_v but_o if_o the_o papist_n do_v believe_v god_n when_o he_o promise_v and_o do_v rest_v themselves_o only_o upon_o his_o word_n of_o truth_n they_o will_v let_v go_v their_o work_n foresee_v but_o see_v they_o do_v produce_v they_o they_o do_v manifest_o declare_v that_o they_o put_v more_o confidence_n in_o their_o work_n than_o they_o do_v in_o god_n or_o in_o his_o word_n and_o so_o they_o offend_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n before_o which_o they_o prefer_v their_o own_o work_n and_o merit_v foresee_v and_o do_v perverse_o accuse_v god_n of_o infidelity_n and_o falsehood_n for_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o constant_a in_o perform_v of_o his_o promise_n they_o will_v never_o fly_v unto_o work_n foresee_v as_o to_o the_o helper_n of_o his_o grace_n five_o they_o do_v offend_v against_o the_o omnipotency_n of_o god_n because_o they_o presume_v and_o undertake_v thing_n that_o be_v far_o above_o their_o strength_n and_o power_n for_o god_n be_v only_o omnipotent_a and_o he_o be_v the_o only_a effecter_n and_o beginner_n of_o all_o power_n and_o strength_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v more_o powerful_a nor_o able_a to_o do_v or_o perform_v more_o than_o god_n have_v give_v he_o ability_n and_o force_n to_o do_v wherefore_o every_o creature_n can_v bring_v to_o pass_v and_o perform_v so_o much_o as_o it_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o strength_n that_o god_n work_v and_o preserve_v in_o it_o but_o god_n give_v not_o infinite_a strength_n and_o omnipotency_n unto_o any_o creature_n for_o so_o of_o a_o creature_n he_o shall_v make_v he_o god_n and_o
between_o they_o than_o there_o be_v between_o fire_n and_o water_n or_o then_o can_v be_v show_v between_o any_o other_o natural_a disagree_a contrary_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o one_o must_v needs_o be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o other_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n do_v not_o please_v nor_o agree_v to_o they_o both_o nor_o one_o and_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n can_v in_o no_o sort_n be_v attribute_v and_o give_v to_o both_o they_o therefore_o which_o follow_v the_o one_o must_v needs_o shun_v and_o fly_v from_o the_o other_o and_o they_o which_o shun_v and_o fly_v from_o the_o one_o must_v needs_o follow_v and_o embrace_v the_o other_o for_o there_o can_v come_v no_o mean_a between_o two_o thing_n so_o extreme_o contrary_a and_o let_v this_o suffice_v to_o be_v brief_o touch_v and_o speak_v by_o the_o way_n concern_v the_o first_o link_n of_o saint_n paul_n chain_n of_o predestination_n how_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o foreknowledge_n how_o 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
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 look_v how_o many_o word_n be_v join_v together_o for_o to_o set_v forth_o god_n fatherly_a love_n so_o many_o mouth_n as_o it_o be_v and_o tongue_n have_v god_n sound_v from_o heaven_n by_o which_o as_o with_o the_o word_n of_o a_o father_n our_o merciful_a god_n invit_v and_o allure_v man_n unto_o his_o mercy_n by_o these_o so_o many_o praise_n of_o god_n mercy_n we_o be_v teach_v not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v the_o sole_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n but_o also_o this_o be_v likewise_o show_v that_o we_o be_v not_o so_o hardly_o persuade_v of_o any_o thing_n as_o to_o know_v and_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a unto_o we_o for_o the_o praise_v of_o god_n mercy_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o reproof_n of_o man_n incredulity_n the_o scripture_n therefore_o with_o these_o praise_n of_o god_n goodness_n as_o with_o so_o many_o wedge_n do_v drive_v out_o and_o expel_v man_n unbelief_n but_o the_o papist_n here_o do_v most_o grievous_o offend_v in_o that_o they_o fain_a god_n to_o be_v other_o then_o indeed_o he_o be_v so_o that_o they_o bewray_v their_o own_o unbelief_n and_o malice_n in_o that_o they_o attribute_v and_o trust_v more_o in_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o work_n then_o in_o god_n infinite_o merciful_a otherwise_o they_o will_v leave_v this_o fable_n of_o work_n foresee_v and_o rest_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o god_n mercy_n but_o they_o shall_v sure_o feel_v though_o then_o too_o late_o when_o god_n come_v unto_o judgement_n that_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o other_o by_o these_o their_o feign_a and_o lie_a work_n for_o he_o that_o peevish_o resist_v god_n mercy_n be_v worthy_o deprive_v of_o it_o second_o they_o do_v gross_o offend_v against_o god_n justice_n because_o they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o bring_v before_o god_n most_o just_a their_o feign_a and_o defile_v work_n as_o if_o they_o be_v good_a &_o perfect_a as_o if_o god_n be_v blind_a &_o want_v judgement_n &_o discretion_n to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a betwixt_o perfect_a work_n and_o unperfect_a sure_o the_o papist_n in_o this_o respect_n do_v like_o those_o which_o take_v a_o false_a cause_n in_o hand_n and_o yet_o to_o make_v it_o good_a they_o labour_v to_o blindfold_a and_o corrupt_v the_o judge_n with_o bribe_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v that_o by_o deceit_n and_o bribery_n which_o by_o justice_n and_o equity_n they_o can_v not_o attain_v so_o the_o papist_n with_o their_o work_n foresee_v as_o with_o so_o many_o reward_n labour_v to_o corrupt_v god_n and_o to_o turn_v he_o from_o the_o right_n and_o draw_v he_o to_o the_o wrong_a cause_n and_o so_o do_v not_o only_o make_v god_n like_a unto_o a_o unjust_a judge_n but_o also_o much_o worse_o for_o choice_n gift_n and_o bountiful_a reward_n be_v usual_o bring_v unto_o a_o judge_n that_o he_o may_v the_o easy_o be_v corrupt_v to_o favour_v unjust_a cause_n but_o the_o papist_n bring_v unto_o god_n not_o perfect_a work_n but_o filthy_a and_o abominable_a sin_n for_o god_n as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o can_v foresee_v no_o good_a work_n but_o those_o which_o he_o himself_o wrought_v in_o man_n but_o of_o these_o the_o papist_n dispute_v not_o in_o this_o place_n we_o have_v show_v before_o that_o man_n not_o partly_o but_o whole_o take_v he_o at_o the_o best_a be_v corrupt_v and_o deprave_v through_o sin_n therefore_o all_o work_n which_o man_n of_o himself_o do_v or_o bring_v forth_o by_o his_o own_o proper_a and_o native_a virtue_n can_v in_o no_o wise_n be_v good_a nor_o acceptable_a unto_o god_n for_o from_o a_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a man_n can_v proceed_v nothing_o but_o corrupt_v and_o wicked_a deed_n for_o the_o effect_n be_v usual_o like_o the_o cause_n such_o therefore_o as_o the_o cause_n have_v be_v such_o effect_n likewise_o must_v needs_o proceed_v and_o follow_v thereon_o therefore_o as_o out_o of_o a_o unclean_a fountain_n there_o proceed_v a_o unclean_a stream_n and_o as_o from_o a_o evil_a tree_n there_o grow_v evil_a fruit_n so_o also_o by_o a_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a man_n can_v be_v wrought_v nothing_o but_o corrupt_v and_o wicked_a deed_n and_o endeavour_n for_o the_o effect_n can_v not_o be_v better_a nor_o more_o excellent_a than_o their_o cause_n so_o that_o when_o the_o papist_n make_v such_o work_v the_o cause_n of_o election_n do_v they_o not_o after_o a_o sort_n turn_n god_n into_o a_o sinful_a man_n do_v they_o not_o make_v he_o the_o patron_n and_o allower_n of_o wickedness_n wherein_o be_v see_v their_o satanical_a blindness_n and_o devilish_a madness_n so_o that_o out_o of_o this_o fiction_n of_o the_o papist_n as_o out_o of_o a_o glass_n manifest_o appear_v what_o a_o terrible_a and_o dangerous_a mischief_n it_o be_v lewd_o to_o stray_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o to_o whirl_v up_o and_o down_o in_o frantic_a speculation_n and_o to_o fain_v and_o suppose_v false_a cause_n for_o true_a again_o if_o god_n from_o everlasting_a can_v have_v foresee_v that_o very_o good_a and_o perfect_a work_n will_v proceed_v from_o man_n yet_o those_o by_o no_o mean_n can_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o deserve_v or_o get_v salvation_n by_o for_o a_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a life_n can_v be_v attain_a as_o a_o reward_n for_o a_o temporal_a labour_n and_o finite_a work_n because_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o just_a proportion_n between_o the_o labour_n and_o the_o hire_n that_o according_a as_o the_o labour_n be_v so_o also_o shall_v the_o wage_n be_v pay_v so_o that_o for_o a_o great_a labour_n there_o be_v usual_o allot_v and_o appoint_v a_o great_a reward_n but_o life_n eternal_a and_o heavenly_a glory_n be_v a_o far_o great_a and_o more_o excellent_a good_a thing_n then_o can_v be_v deserve_v by_o man_n labour_n or_o industry_n nay_o life_n eternal_a do_v in_o the_o worth_n greatness_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o far_o exceed_v and_o surpass_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n nay_o nothing_o that_o be_v create_v may_v just_o be_v compare_v unto_o it_o so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o a_o temporal_a desert_n and_o a_o eternal_a benefit_n so_o also_o be_v there_o no_o proportion_n between_o a_o infinite_a good_a &_o a_o finite_a work_n whosoever_o therefore_o brag_v of_o his_o own_o work_n let_v he_o take_v heed_n that_o he_o be_v not_o punish_v rather_o then_o reward_v three_o they_o offend_v against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o show_v a_o other_o way_n to_o attain_v salvation_n than_o he_o have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n for_o god_n will_v have_v his_o mercy_n and_o free_a election_n to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o gate_n into_o eternal_a life_n that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v manifest_o in_o divers_a place_n say_v bless_a be_v all_o they_o who_o sin_n be_v forgive_v 8._o psal_n 32.1_o rom._n 4.6_o 7_o 8._o and_o to_o who_o the_o lord_n impute_v not_o sin_n but_o the_o papist_n prefer_v their_o good_a work_n foresee_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o salvation_n rather_o than_o god_n goodness_n so_o they_o will_v erect_v and_o set_v up_o their_o own_o righteousness_n which_o god_n bestow_v not_o upon_o they_o by_o faith_n neither_o have_v christ_n merit_v by_o his_o passion_n wherefore_o they_o do_v not_o obey_v god_n divine_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v subject_a unto_o it_o which_o in_o the_o end_n shall_v fall_v out_o evil_a for_o they_o and_o turn_v to_o their_o destruction_n for_o they_o which_o despise_v and_o cast_v off_o god_n counsel_n do_v loose_v his_o mercy_n and_o be_v condemn_v as_o augustine_n say_v in_o one_o place_n wherefore_o their_o wisdom_n be_v not_o only_o vain_a but_o also_o tend_v to_o destruction_n which_o be_v wise_a against_o god_n but_o sure_o such_o wisdom_n speak_v proper_o and_o according_a to_o divinity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v wisdom_n but_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n and_o craftiness_n of_o wicked_a man_n whereby_o they_o mock_v god_n &_o delude_v man_n for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v so_o the_o fountain_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o wisdom_n that_o no_o other_o live_v creature_n can_v have_v any_o great_a wisdom_n than_o god_n do_v communicate_v and_o bestow_v upon_o he_o look_v therefore_o how_o much_o wisdom_n god_n do_v work_v and_o preserve_v in_o a_o man_n so_o much_o wisdom_n he_o have_v and_o better_a or_o more_o wisdom_n he_o can_v have_v they_o therefore_o which_o will_v be_v more_o wise_a than_o god_n will_v have_v they_o their_o wisdom_n come_v not_o so_o much_o of_o god_n as_o of_o the_o devil_n therefore_o the_o superstitious_a and_o
word_n do_v signify_v a_o most_o firm_a stable_n and_o permanent_a thing_n because_o that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o constant_a promise_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v to_o be_v more_o constant_a and_o certain_a than_o god_n promise_n and_o plight_a faith_n so_o also_o be_v there_o nothing_o either_o in_o heaven_n above_o or_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o in_o which_o we_o may_v more_o safe_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o belief_n then_o in_o god_n and_o in_o his_o word_n for_o if_o a_o man_n do_v more_o thorough_o look_v and_o more_o intentive_o search_v into_o the_o true_a interpretation_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n he_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o word_n do_v not_o signify_v every_o truth_n but_o that_o truth_n only_o which_o be_v indeed_o firm_o ground_v and_o establish_v and_o so_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n have_v his_o strength_n settle_v and_o ground_v on_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o on_o a_o everlasting_a foundation_n never_o to_o be_v subvert_v therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v not_o any_o quality_n get_v by_o some_o action_n which_o appertain_v not_o unto_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a propriety_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n this_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v only_o the_o most_o strong_a ground_n and_o never-failing_a foundation_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o god._n hence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o and_o in_o deed_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o most_o true_a which_o shall_v certain_o have_v their_o issue_n and_o accomplishment_n and_o do_v always_o carry_v with_o they_o their_o everlasting_a and_o infallible_a amen_o so_o that_o god_n as_o well_o in_o the_o second_o act_n 1.20_o 2._o cor._n 1.20_o in_o his_o word_n of_o promise_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o as_o in_o his_o first_o act_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o essence_n be_v true_a yea_o everlasting_a and_o infallible_a truth_n itself_o for_o see_v that_o god_n be_v truth_n itself_o and_o can_v lie_v therefore_o whatsoever_o he_o either_o speak_v or_o promise_v be_v true_a and_o infallible_a 31.6_o psal_n 31.6_o hence_o be_v god_n in_o the_o scripture_n term_v faithful_a and_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n because_o he_o promise_v nothing_o but_o that_o which_o be_v true_a and_o because_o he_o fulfil_v and_o perform_v that_o which_o he_o promise_v in_o deed_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o most_o strong_a prop_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sacred_a anchor_n for_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a that_o god_n be_v not_o deceitful_a but_o true_a that_o he_o give_v and_o perform_v in_o deed_n what_o he_o offer_v and_o promise_v in_o word_n and_o deceive_v not_o any_o man_n with_o vain_a and_o empty_a word_n that_o he_o speak_v nothing_o in_o vain_a nor_o boast_v not_o of_o his_o bounty_n above_o measure_n when_o he_o promise_v any_o thing_n large_o and_o liberal_o but_o that_o he_o will_v true_o and_o without_o doubt_n perform_v that_o which_o he_o determine_v with_o himself_o to_o give_v therefore_o what_o he_o promise_v in_o word_n shall_v at_o length_n be_v fulfil_v in_o deed_n for_o this_o infallible_a truth_n sake_n the_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v call_v pure_a word_n 12.7_o psal_n 12.7_o and_o silver_n try_v and_o fyned_fw-we seven_o time_n therefore_o this_o unmoveable_a truth_n and_o settle_a constancy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n be_v and_o shall_v be_v a_o most_o strong_a instrument_n and_o fit_a engine_n and_o the_o best_a weapon_n to_o expel_v and_o drive_v away_o all_o distrust_v and_o wicked_a doubt_n that_o may_v arise_v in_o we_o concern_v god_n and_o his_o will_n for_o our_o nature_n be_v most_o prone_a unto_o diffidence_n and_o distrust_n and_o many_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a doubt_n concern_v the_o will_n of_o god_n do_v steal_v upon_o we_o and_o work_v we_o much_o hurt_n and_o vexation_n therefore_o if_o then_o god_n truth_n do_v not_o confirm_v and_o uphold_v we_o be_v weak_a and_o frail_a man_n we_o shall_v fall_v into_o despair_n and_o be_v swallow_v up_o with_o it_o a_o hundred_o time_n in_o a_o day_n wherefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o heavenly_a and_o infallible_a truth_n be_v most_o profitable_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o for_o it_o be_v as_o a_o celestial_a shield_n strong_a than_o brass_n whereby_o all_o noisome_a distrust_n and_o doubt_n of_o god_n mercy_n like_v unto_o the_o pernicious_a fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o devil_n may_v be_v quench_v and_o drive_v back_o wherefore_o in_o adversity_n and_o temptation_n we_o must_v have_v recourse_n and_o refuge_n unto_o this_o assure_a truth_n of_o god_n as_o to_o our_o only_a and_o safe_a sanctuary_n and_o that_o with_o our_o whole_a mind_n and_o by_o a_o steadfast_a faith_n and_o fervent_a prayer_n that_o in_o the_o daily_a meditation_n thereof_o we_o may_v strengthen_v our_o faith_n and_o add_v peace_n unto_o our_o conscience_n otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o strength_n nor_o steadfastness_n whereby_o to_o uphold_v ourselves_o whosoever_o therefore_o do_v true_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o his_o word_n and_o have_v a_o hearty_a desire_n daily_o to_o profit_n and_o proceed_v in_o that_o faith_n more_o and_o more_o he_o do_v not_o only_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o attain_v unto_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o they_o the_o better_a thereby_o but_o also_o by_o that_o faith_n build_v and_o frame_v out_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n truth_n have_v conquer_v and_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o all_o evil_n contain_v in_o it_o so_o that_o he_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v account_v a_o citizen_n and_o heir_n of_o heaven_n than_o a_o pilgrim_n or_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o hope_n and_o faith_n have_v cast_v anchor_n and_o fix_v it_o upon_o the_o heavenly_a sanctuary_n as_o on_o a_o foundation_n of_o adamant_n wheresoever_o therefore_o he_o be_v in_o his_o more_o excellent_a and_o better_a part_n there_o also_o be_v he_o say_v to_o be_v whole_o after_o a_o figurative_a manner_n of_o speak_v synecdoche_n synecdoche_n for_o that_o which_o in_o itself_o be_v weak_a and_o feeble_a be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n as_o with_o steel_n from_o heaven_n get_v great_a strength_n and_o become_v invincible_a for_o whereas_o that_o promise_n of_o god_n be_v there_o follow_v true_a and_o and_z absolute_a victory_n for_o the_o spiritual_a truth_n become_v conqueror_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o trial_n yea_o in_o death_n itself_o it_o promise_v life_n and_o get_v the_o victory_n therefore_o they_o which_o praise_n god_n for_o his_o truth_n honour_v he_o great_o for_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o more_o wicked_a contumely_n and_o reproach_n nor_o a_o great_a injury_n &_o blasphemy_n commit_v against_o god_n then_o for_o man_n to_o account_v he_o flexible_a and_o unconstant_a in_o his_o promise_n for_o he_o that_o do_v so_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n 5.10_o 1._o joh._n 5.10_o and_o make_v he_o a_o liar_n as_o s._n john_n say_v which_o sure_o be_v a_o most_o horrible_a and_o grievous_a sin_n woe_n therefore_o unto_o the_o popish_a fool_n divine_v which_o say_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v vain_a and_o of_o none_o effect_n except_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o father_n as_o if_o there_o be_v more_o credit_n to_o be_v give_v unto_o man_n by_o nature_n subject_a to_o frailty_n and_o lie_v then_o unto_o god_n who_o by_o nature_n be_v only_o true_a and_o constant_a certain_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n do_v outweigh_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o man_n as_o much_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v better_o than_o man_n here_o by_o the_o premise_n be_v infallible_o infer_v that_o the_o elect_a and_o the_o godly_a may_v in_o all_o their_o trouble_n strong_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o salvation_n because_o god_n do_v as_o true_o perform_v his_o promise_n as_o he_o in_o his_o nature_n be_v eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a chap._n 16._o eightly_o this_o decree_n be_v a_o comfortable_a decree_n for_o what_o can_v so_o refresh_v a_o miserable_a and_o sorrowful_a man_n and_o bring_v he_o into_o hope_n and_o consolation_n as_o the_o doctrine_n and_o knowledge_n of_o free_a election_n for_o our_o whole_a salvation_n and_o all_o thing_n that_o belong_v necessary_o unto_o it_o do_v depend_v upon_o the_o free_a mercy_n and_o election_n of_o god_n so_o that_o salvation_n and_o life_n everlasting_a be_v certain_a unto_o a_o man_n and_o can_v fail_v he_o because_o that_o god_n from_o everlasting_a before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n have_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v it_o for_o he_o and_o that_o of_o his_o own_o free_a mercy_n without_o any_o of_o the_o work_n and_o merit_n of_o man_n own_o do_v
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
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