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 end_n god_n will_v have_v man_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o endue_v with_o reason_n that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o may_v acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v his_o creator_n and_o christ_n his_o redeemer_n and_o that_o he_o may_v honour_v god_n and_o attain_v salvation_n by_o meditate_v upon_o eternal_a life_n but_o they_o apply_v the_o strength_n of_o their_o wisdom_n to_o this_o namely_o to_o the_o invention_n and_o coin_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o they_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n and_o of_o set_a purpose_n do_v convert_v those_o help_n which_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o unto_o hurtful_a impediment_n therefore_o this_o wisdom_n of_o the_o papist_n which_o be_v exercise_v about_o work_n foresee_v and_o about_o merit_n be_v not_o only_o carnal_a but_o also_o devilish_a because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o right_o differ_v from_o wrong_n so_o much_o do_v the_o papist_n differ_v 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 god_n they_o will_v know_v as_o instruct_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o be_v free_o elect_v by_o god_n from_o everlasting_a and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o think_v nor_o determine_v of_o election_n otherwise_o than_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o prescribe_v in_o his_o word_n and_o be_v regenerate_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n they_o will_v have_v a_o care_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o not_o be_v the_o servant_n of_o satan_n but_o now_o their_o whole_a study_n and_o wisdom_n consist_v in_o this_o to_o judge_v of_o what_o please_v they_o according_a to_o their_o own_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n and_o so_o indeed_o do_v show_v that_o they_o be_v altogether_o stranger_n from_o the_o spirit_n and_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o do_v whole_o detest_v it_o far_o therefore_o be_v from_o we_o this_o study_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o papist_n be_v as_o the_o shop_n and_o illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n yea_o let_v it_o be_v from_o a_o christian_a heart_n far_o 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
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
give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o which_o by_o the_o prophet_n esaias_n he_o flat_o deni_v to_o do_v say_v 48.11_o esay_n 48.11_o i_o will_v not_o give_v my_o glory_n to_o another_o that_o be_v god_n will_v not_o cause_n that_o any_o creature_n shall_v have_v infinite_a strength_n or_o infinite_a wisdom_n for_o of_o one_o self_n to_o perform_v and_o bring_v forth_o those_o work_n which_o may_v merit_v election_n and_o eternal_a life_n be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o creature_n for_o life_n eternal_a be_v a_o far_o more_o excellent_a good_a and_o great_a work_n than_o man_n strength_n be_v able_a to_o compass_v that_o life_n be_v heavenly_a and_o infinite_a and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v get_v or_o procure_v but_o by_o a_o heavenly_a and_o infinite_a power_n for_o as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n nor_o proportion_n between_o a_o infinite_a good_a thing_n and_o a_o finite_a work_n and_o merit_n therefore_o when_o as_o the_o papist_n brag_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v themselves_o worthy_a of_o their_o elelection_n by_o their_o own_o proper_a work_n and_o merit_n they_o do_v more_o foolish_o and_o fottish_o then_o if_o they_o shall_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o build_v and_o set_v up_o a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n with_o mallet_n and_o other_o tool_n for_o albeit_o that_o this_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v yet_o that_o other_o be_v far_o more_o hard_a and_o much_o more_o impossible_a for_o god_n the_o only_a almighty_a one_o be_v able_a to_o create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n by_o his_o word_n only_o without_o any_o difficulty_n but_o he_o can_v not_o redeem_v mankind_n from_o eternal_a damnation_n but_o by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o his_o son_n so_o the_o scripture_n call_v they_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v the_o choose_a in_o christ_n namely_o in_o that_o he_o have_v redeem_v they_o by_o his_o blood_n and_o restore_v god_n image_n in_o they_o wherefore_o see_v that_o salvation_n can_v not_o be_v recover_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o by_o the_o most_o bitter_a death_n and_o passion_n of_o christ_n hence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o there-obtayning_a of_o salvation_n do_v far_o exceed_v the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o any_o creature_n whatsoever_o wherefore_o it_o be_v most_o false_a and_o wicked_a which_o the_o papist_n dream_v of_o that_o man_n be_v elect_v unto_o salvation_n for_o such_o or_o such_o good_a work_n foresee_v because_o those_o work_n can_v pacify_v the_o exceed_a great_a wrath_n of_o god_n nor_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n for_o as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o they_o be_v altogether_o repugnant_a and_o contrary_a unto_o god_n therefore_o they_o do_v not_o pacify_v he_o but_o offend_v he_o and_o provoke_v he_o the_o more_o to_o anger_n sure_o the_o whole_a mass_n of_o the_o world_n may_v far_o more_o easy_o be_v stay_v up_o with_o a_o staff_n of_o reed_n than_o salvation_n can_v be_v get_v or_o obtain_v by_o the_o power_n of_o man_n but_o that_o fiction_n concern_v work_v foresee_v shall_v have_v the_o more_o likelihood_n of_o truth_n if_o they_o do_v bring_v forth_o such_o work_n to_o deserve_v salvation_n as_o be_v true_o good_a but_o they_o can_v bring_v forth_o no_o such_o for_o as_o we_o have_v say_v before_o man_n be_v whole_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a therefore_o there_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o nothing_o but_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a deed_n last_o by_o their_o work_n foresee_v they_o do_v manifest_o tempt_v god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o save_v his_o elect_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n by_o his_o mere_a grace_n be_v apprehend_v by_o faith_n unless_o they_o shall_v put_v to_o their_o own_o good_a work_n as_o helper_n and_o furtherer_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o sure_o by_o offer_v their_o work_n they_o show_v that_o they_o be_v in_o doubt_n whether_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v able_a and_o sufficient_a to_o save_v they_o and_o so_o deny_v god_n to_o be_v god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v god_n unless_o he_o be_v absolute_o good_a and_o infinite_o merciful_a otherwise_o he_o shall_v be_v imperfect_a and_o conditional_o good_a such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o papist_n do_v make_v he_o to_o be_v with_o their_o good_a work_n and_o merit_v foresee_v and_o a_o great_a dishonour_n can_v redound_v unto_o god_n then_o for_o a_o man_n to_o doubt_v of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o free_a mercy_n and_o god_n can_v be_v injure_v more_o then_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v prefer_v his_o own_o work_n foresee_v before_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o if_o by_o they_o god_n can_v be_v move_v or_o turn_v this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n like_o man_n certain_o whosoever_o he_o have_v not_o choose_v for_o his_o own_o mercy_n sake_n he_o will_v he_o not_o choose_v hereafter_o for_o any_o foresee_a good_a work_n of_o his_o own_o for_o it_o be_v all_o alike_o to_o choose_v a_o man_n to_o salvation_n for_o his_o own_o work_n as_o if_o god_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v choose_v a_o man_n for_o his_o work_n there_o will_v be_v find_v manifest_a change_n in_o god_n and_o so_o god_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n but_o they_o which_o think_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o election_n and_o yet_o do_v true_o and_o constant_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v from_o everlasting_a elect_v unto_o salvation_n by_o the_o free_a mercy_n of_o god_n they_o give_v unto_o god_n his_o deserve_a honour_n for_o a_o great_a honour_n can_v be_v give_v unto_o god_n then_o that_o he_o be_v much_o more_o good_a and_o merciful_a unto_o we_o in_o christ_n then_o if_o we_o have_v never_o sin_v at_o all_o for_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o by_o a_o true_a faith_n he_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v as_o true_o and_o certain_o attain_v life_n everlasting_a for_o his_o passion_n sake_n as_o god_n in_o his_o nature_n be_v everlasting_a and_o unchangeable_a in_o his_o will._n but_o the_o papist_n which_o make_n their_o own_o work_n and_o merit_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o election_n do_v labour_n to_o abolish_v his_o mercy_n and_o to_o establish_v their_o own_o integrity_n and_o righteousness_n as_o if_o god_n have_v choose_v man_n not_o because_o he_o himself_o be_v god_n and_o merciful_a but_o because_o man_n be_v think_v acceptable_a and_o approve_a of_o god_n for_o such_o or_o such_o good_a work_n foresee_v when_o as_o the_o gospel_n teach_v the_o clean_a contrary_n 18._o luke_n 18._o that_o before_o god_n judgement_n seat_n no_o work_n nor_o merit_n of_o man_n may_v be_v suffer_v to_o approach_v but_o that_o a_o lowly_a and_o humble_a prayer_n pour_v out_o in_o the_o blood_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v hear_v and_o accept_v therefore_o the_o least_o imagination_n or_o establishment_n of_o man_n merit_n be_v the_o manifest_a abolish_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o a_o most_o certain_a hazard_n and_o loss_n of_o eternal_a life_n by_o these_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v it_o appear_v evident_o enough_o that_o this_o fiction_n of_o work_n foresee_v be_v as_o a_o ill_a favour_a head_n which_o have_v many_o unseemly_a member_n under_o it_o for_o where_o one_o absurdity_n be_v grant_v a_o great_a many_o must_v needs_o follow_v after_o 2.17_o 2._o tim._n 2.17_o for_o error_n be_v as_o a_o fret_a canker_n for_o where_o the_o least_o chincke_n be_v open_v to_o error_n there_o the_o very_o great_a monster_n of_o error_n throng_v in_o by_o troop_n &_o other_o most_o ungodly_a sin_n be_v heap_v together_o upon_o they_o so_o out_o of_o this_o false_a opinion_n as_o out_o of_o pandora_n box_n there_o do_v fly_v horrible_a reproach_n and_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n for_o they_o which_o do_v misunderstand_v and_o false_o expound_v one_o place_n of_o scripture_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o they_o misinterpret_v and_o misunderstand_v many_o place_n because_o that_o all_o the_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v so_o artificial_o link_v together_o that_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v hurt_v but_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v wrong_v neither_o can_v one_o be_v take_v out_o from_o among_o the_o rest_n but_o the_o whole_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v be_v break_v and_o fall_v to_o nothing_o certain_o the_o papist_n be_v the_o subtle_a teacher_n and_o patroness_n of_o good_a work_n fore_o see_v do_v open_o declare_v that_o they_o neither_o know_v the_o strength_n of_o sin_n nor_o the_o untowardness_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n nor_o the_o justice_n and_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o so_o they_o be_v most_o ignorant_a of_o that_o which_o it_o
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