be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n but_o to_o answer_v more_o full_o i_o hope_v the_o papist_n will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o abraham_n and_o david_n have_v as_o well_o moral_a work_n as_o ceremonial_a work_n if_o they_o do_v they_o deny_v the_o plain_a truth_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o the_o apostle_n say_v rom._n 4.4_o 5_o 6._o these_o two_o holy_a man_n they_o be_v not_o justify_v or_o save_v by_o any_o thing_n do_v by_o themselves_o but_o even_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v impute_v unto_o they_o for_o righteousness_n object_n 2_o again_o say_v the_o papist_n we_o grant_v they_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n why_o then_o faith_n be_v a_o work_n and_o therefore_o work_v have_v some_o stroke_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n i_o answer_v answ_n it_o be_v true_a faith_n be_v a_o work_n it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n christ_n call_v it_o so_o joh._n 6.29_o when_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n say_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v that_o we_o may_v do_v the_o work_n of_o god_n christ_n say_v believe_v in_o god_n that_o be_v a_o work_n of_o all_o work_n the_o best_a work_n but_o we_o must_v know_v that_o faith_n do_v not_o justify_v as_o it_o be_v a_o work_n no_o not_o by_o the_o worth_n and_o goodness_n of_o faith_n the_o very_a act_n of_o believe_v justifi_v not_o for_o the_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o but_o it_o justifi_v relatiuè_fw-la as_o a_o instrument_n or_o hand_n apply_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o so_o do_v faith_n justify_v apprehend_v christ_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n yet_o further_o they_o object_n say_v the_o papist_n in_o the_o place_n allege_v where_o object_n 3_o there_o be_v a_o opposition_n between_o grace_n and_o work_n the_o holy_a ghost_n mean_v work_n of_o nature_n such_o as_o be_v do_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o of_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n no_o these_o two_o may_v well_o stand_v together_o work_n that_o come_v from_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o grace_n these_o two_o may_v well_o stand_v together_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o salvation_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v answ_n i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v with_o i_o that_o place_n in_o ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o where_o the_o apostle_n say_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n then_o he_o subjoin_v not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v of_o what_o work_n do_v the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o work_n of_o nature_n no_o such_o matter_n but_o work_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n how_o may_v that_o appear_v in_o the_o ten_o verse_n he_o say_v we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o good_a work_n plain_o teach_v we_o that_o the_o work_v he_o speak_v of_o be_v work_n do_v by_o we_o frame_v anew_o in_o christ_n jesus_n by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n we_o be_v in_o christ_n make_v new_a creature_n so_o to_o leave_v the_o papist_n be_v it_o so_o that_o god_n eternal_a election_n of_o his_o choose_a before_o all_o time_n and_o use_v 2_o effectual_a calling_n in_o time_n be_v mere_o and_o only_o of_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o favour_n and_o not_o of_o the_o work_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o ground_n we_o must_v learn_v our_o lesson_n and_o duty_n howsoever_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o the_o do_v of_o good_a work_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o kind_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n both_o duty_n of_o piety_n to_o god_n duty_n of_o love_n equity_n mercy_n and_o justice_n to_o man_n and_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v rich_a and_o plentiful_a in_o all_o good_a work_n for_o necessary_a use_n that_o they_o may_v be_v fruit_n of_o faith_n evidence_n of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n unto_o we_o in_o christ_n testimony_n of_o our_o thankfulness_n unto_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o necessary_a antecedent_n to_o god_n before_o the_o reward_n of_o life_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n so_o that_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a yet_o mark_v the_o lesson_n howsoever_o we_o be_v thus_o bind_v to_o good_a work_n yet_o we_o must_v renounce_v the_o merit_n of_o they_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o rest_v not_o upon_o the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n we_o must_v renounce_v all_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o they_o and_o stick_v only_a and_o whole_o to_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o our_o justification_n our_o comfort_n here_o and_o happiness_n hereafter_o all_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o consummation_n from_o predestination_n to_o glorification_n be_v all_o of_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n many_o silly_a ignorant_a people_n there_o be_v that_o say_v they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v but_o ask_v they_o the_o question_n how_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o blind_a answer_n by_o their_o good_a deal_n by_o their_o good_a serve_v of_o god_n and_o by_o their_o good_a prayer_n they_o be_v just_a and_o true_a and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v they_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n but_o that_o which_o be_v mere_o natural_a popish_a and_o carnal_a and_o do_v shoulder_n and_o thrust_v out_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n alas_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o come_v to_o heaven_n but_o by_o our_o good_a deal_n and_o good_a serve_v of_o god_n woe_n be_v unto_o we_o for_o than_o no_o flesh_n shall_v ever_o be_v save_v no_o mere_a man_n shall_v ever_o come_v to_o heaven_n if_o all_o our_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o our_o own_o goodness_n all_o our_o comfort_n be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o the_o best_a of_o our_o work_n be_v stain_v like_o menstruous_a clout_n your_o hear_v the_o word_n our_o preach_n and_o prayer_n they_o be_v but_o as_o menstruous_a and_o filthy_a clout_n and_o have_v many_o imperfection_n cleave_v unto_o they_o and_o herein_o learn_v a_o trick_n and_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n if_o satan_n can_v prevail_v with_o a_o man_n to_o be_v abominable_a and_o vile_a in_o his_o life_n to_o be_v a_o debauch_a creature_n but_o that_o he_o will_v live_v civil_o and_o orderly_o and_o will_v be_v do_v good_a thing_n than_o he_o will_v temper_v with_o he_o and_o stir_v he_o up_o to_o be_v conceit_v of_o his_o goodness_n and_o to_o rest_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o comfort_n when_o a_o man_n do_v avoid_v the_o bloody-faced_a sin_n of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o devil_n make_v he_o to_o think_v he_o be_v a_o right_n honest_a man_n and_o make_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o salvation_n but_o this_o be_v as_o please_v to_o the_o devil_n as_o a_o lewd_a and_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n for_o assure_o the_o trust_n and_o ground_n of_o comfort_n in_o any_o thing_n do_v by_o we_o shall_v assoon_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o hell_n as_o the_o most_o vile_a and_o debauch_a course_n of_o life_n oh_o then_o trust_v perfect_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o pet._n 1.13_o the_o word_n be_v very_o significant_a and_o signify_v sound_o holy_o and_o solid_o trust_v to_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n for_o if_o thou_o trust_v upon_o any_o thing_n else_o it_o will_v plunge_v thy_o soul_n into_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n of_o hell_n yea_o if_o we_o rest_v upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n though_o the_o lord_n do_v afflict_v and_o bring_v we_o under_o in_o grievous_a affliction_n yet_o happy_a be_v we_o we_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o he_o will_v never_o take_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n from_o we_o as_o he_o say_v to_o david_n 2_o sam._n 7.14_o 15._o if_o thy_o son_n sin_n against_o i_o i_o will_v correct_v he_o with_o the_o rod_n of_o man_n but_o my_o mercy_n will_v i_o never_o take_v from_o thou_o thou_o be_v in_o a_o bless_a estate_n that_o rest_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n verse_n 12._o it_o be_v say_v unto_o she_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a in_o this_o verse_n our_o apostle_n put_v down_o the_o speech_n of_o god_n unto_o rebekah_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o gen._n 25.23_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o that_o chapter_n tell_v we_o that_o rebekah_n have_v conceive_v twin_n two_o child_n in_o her_o womb_n and_o feel_v the_o child_n to_o strive_v in_o her_o womb_n she_o go_v to_o ask_v counsel_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n touch_v that_o matter_n and_o the_o text_n say_v god_n give_v she_o this_o answer_n two_o nation_n be_v in_o thy_o womb_n rebekah_n two_o manner_n of_o people_n shall_v be_v divide_v out_o of_o thy_o bowel_n and_o the_o one_o people_n shall_v be_v mighty_a than_o the_o other_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a these_o be_v the_o very_a word_n of_o
whatsoever_o they_o be_v doctrine_n no_v not_o the_o good_a work_n of_o man_n have_v any_o hand_n or_o stroke_n in_o god_n election_n of_o some_o to_o life_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n and_o his_o effectual_a call_n of_o some_o in_o time_n these_o two_o thing_n they_o be_v mere_o and_o only_o of_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o the_o work_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o their_o work_n be_v be_v they_o never_o so_o good_a or_o excellent_a work_n in_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v the_o proposition_n that_o it_o may_v right_o be_v conceive_v and_o that_o we_o err_v not_o in_o the_o beginning_n we_o must_v know_v that_o god_n grace_n in_o scripture_n have_v a_o threefold_a acception_n first_o it_o be_v take_v for_o god_n free_a favour_n which_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o essential_a unto_o he_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v obvious_a and_o plain_a unto_o we_o second_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o some_o divine_n take_v it_o for_o the_o operation_n extend_v and_o reach_v out_o that_o free_a favour_n unto_o other_o three_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n whether_o those_o gift_n be_v habitual_a or_o actual_a as_o faith_n love_n joy_n hope_v peace_n patience_n and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v style_v by_o the_o name_n of_o grace_n now_o the_o proposition_n that_o we_o deliver_v be_v that_o god_n election_n be_v of_o his_o free_a grace_n my_o meaning_n be_v it_o be_v not_o the_o gift_n of_o grace_n but_o by_o grace_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o free_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reach_a and_o extend_v of_o that_o grace_n in_o time_n so_o that_o this_o be_v premise_v the_o point_n be_v to_o be_v thus_o conceive_v that_o god_n eternal_a election_n of_o some_o to_o life_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v of_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v extend_v and_o reach_v out_o to_o his_o choose_a and_o not_o of_o the_o work_n of_o man_n be_v they_o never_o so_o good_a or_o excellent_a though_o they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o grace_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o rom._n 11.5_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o at_o this_o very_a day_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a remnant_n of_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n then_o he_o subjoin_v in_o the_o six_o verse_n now_o if_o it_o be_v of_o grace_n than_o not_o of_o work_n for_o than_o be_v grace_v no_o grace_n and_o if_o of_o work_n than_o not_o of_o grace_n for_o than_o be_v work_n no_o more_o work_n so_o that_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o flat_a opposition_n and_o a_o contrariety_n between_o work_n and_o grace_n that_o the_o one_o of_o these_o be_v admit_v and_o grant_v the_o other_o can_v stand_v but_o must_v fall_v grace_n and_o work_n can_v stand_v together_o in_o the_o same_o case_n ephes_n 2.8_o 9_o say_v the_o apostle_n by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o then_o he_o subjoin_v not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v 2_o tim._n 1.9_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o god_n say_v he_o have_v save_v we_o and_o call_v we_o with_o a_o holy_a call_n not_o according_a to_o our_o work_n but_o according_a to_o his_o own_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o grace_n and_o titus_n 3.4_o 5._o when_o the_o bountifulness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n towards_o man_n appear_v not_o by_o the_o righteousness_n that_o we_o have_v do_v but_o of_o his_o own_o mere_a mercy_n he_o save_v we_o these_o and_o many_o other_o do_v sufficient_o evidence_n unto_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n that_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o favour_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o eternal_a election_n and_o not_o the_o work_n of_o man_n which_o be_v but_o splendida_fw-la peccatam_fw-la glitter_v sin_n because_o god_n will_v have_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o good_a that_o come_v to_o his_o reason_n 1_o choose_a or_o be_v do_v to_o they_o he_o will_v not_o impart_v his_o glory_n unto_o any_o other_o he_o will_v have_v the_o beginning_n the_o increase_n and_o consummation_n of_o it_o to_o come_v of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o not_o of_o the_o work_n of_o man_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v take_v any_o part_n of_o the_o glory_n to_o himself_o ephes_n 2.9_o no_o not_o of_o the_o best_a work_n lest_o they_o shall_v pride_n presume_v and_o magnify_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o good_a work_n and_o so_o detract_v from_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o so_o man_n mouth_n may_v be_v stop_v reason_n 2_o the_o lord_n will_v have_v his_o choose_v to_o have_v sound_a and_o solid_a comfort_n in_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o election_n and_o of_o their_o effectual_a call_n not_o a_o comfort_n upon_o a_o rot_a ground_n but_o sound_a comfort_n when_o god_n choose_v come_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_v and_o have_v evidence_n that_o they_o be_v effectual_o call_v god_n will_v have_v that_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n of_o they_o to_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o sure_a ground_n namely_o upon_o his_o own_o free_a grace_n which_o be_v indeed_o unchangeable_a as_o his_o own_o bless_a majesty_n and_o essential_a in_o he_o and_o so_o a_o ground_n immovable_a not_o build_v upon_o any_o work_n of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v variable_a and_o changeable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o faith_n shall_v never_o fall_v away_o not_o by_o any_o immutability_n in_o faith_n itself_o but_o because_o grace_n do_v continual_o support_v and_o uphold_v it_o but_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n of_o man_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v variable_a and_o changeable_a weak_a and_o imperfect_a corruption_n cleave_v unto_o they_o and_o unchangeableness_n belong_v neither_o to_o saint_n nor_o angel_n nor_o any_o thing_n but_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v his_o attribute_n so_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n we_o may_v resolve_v that_o god_n election_n and_o effectual_a call_n be_v only_o of_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o not_o of_o man_n work_n use_v 1_o first_o of_o all_o this_o truth_n be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o bear_v strong_o against_o the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n which_o be_v hold_v and_o teach_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n grace_n those_o of_o the_o antichristian_a synagogue_n of_o rome_n whether_o it_o be_v merit_n of_o congruity_n or_o merit_n of_o condignity_n for_o this_o be_v their_o tenant_n the_o good_a thing_n do_v by_o man_n before_o their_o conversion_n those_o do_v merit_n ex_fw-la congruo_fw-la but_o such_o as_o be_v do_v after_o call_v those_o they_o magnify_v and_o say_v they_o merit_v ex_fw-la condigno_fw-la by_o a_o kind_n of_o dignity_n equal_a to_o the_o work_n of_o glory_n that_o it_o be_v just_a with_o the_o lord_n to_o give_v they_o salvation_n for_o it_o yea_o the_o point_n now_o deliver_v meet_v direct_o with_o that_o popish_a conceit_n that_o grace_n and_o work_n do_v concur_v say_v they_o and_o so_o make_v a_o mingle_v mangle_v and_o hotchpotch_n grace_n and_o work_n do_v concur_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o the_o justification_n and_o salvation_n of_o a_o sinner_n they_o be_v good_a friend_n and_o at_o amity_n in_o flat_a opposition_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o do_v teach_v that_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o justification_n and_o salvation_n these_o two_o be_v at_o odds_o in_o matter_n of_o good_a life_n faith_n and_o good_a work_n must_v be_v but_o not_o in_o matter_n of_o justification_n or_o salvation_n as_o they_o teach_v again_o we_o find_v that_o justification_n and_o salvation_n they_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n derive_v and_o fetch_v from_o the_o very_a same_o beginning_n and_o cause_n namely_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o eternal_a love_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o election_n and_o vocation_n rom._n 8.30_o who_o he_o predestinate_v they_o he_o call_v who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o justify_v who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v so_o that_o election_n vocation_n justification_n and_o glorification_n come_v all_o from_o the_o same_o ground_n object_n 1_o but_o yet_o further_o the_o papist_n do_v seek_v to_o elude_v and_o to_o put_v out_o the_o clear_a light_n by_o many_o shift_n as_o first_o of_o all_o say_v they_o the_o place_n allege_v in_o rom._n 11._o ephes_n 2._o and_o other_o where_o the_o scripture_n make_v a_o antithesis_fw-la and_o opposition_n between_o grace_n and_o work_n you_o must_v know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n his_o meaning_n be_v ceremonial_a work_n not_o moral_a work_n ceremonial_a work_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o justification_n answ_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o apostle_n speak_v indefinite_o shut_v out_o all_o work_n whatsoever_o they_o
and_o weakness_n and_o can_v have_v any_o assurance_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o if_o so_o be_v that_o our_o hope_n of_o salvation_n stand_v build_v upon_o the_o weak_a ground_n of_o our_o own_o good_a work_n but_o mark_v their_o subtlety_n when_o they_o speak_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o church_n they_o plead_v imbecility_n and_o weakness_n but_o when_o they_o plead_v for_o their_o own_o doctrine_n than_o they_o say_v they_o ground_n their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n upon_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n god_n require_v of_o they_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v they_o what_o a_o madness_n be_v this_o in_o they_o thus_o to_o contradict_v themselves_o and_o belove_v to_o apply_v it_o to_o ourselves_o be_v there_o not_o many_o among_o we_o as_o mad_a as_o the_o papist_n foolish_a ignorant_a sot_n that_o thus_o reason_n i_o know_v i_o must_v love_v god_n above_o all_o and_o my_o neighbour_n as_o myself_o and_o if_o i_o do_v my_o best_a endeavour_n to_o do_v these_o thing_n i_o hope_v god_n will_v be_v merciful_a unto_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v our_o own_o work_n of_o good_a the_o ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o to_o ground_v the_o hope_n and_o certainty_n of_o heaven_n upon_o their_o own_o well_o do_v their_o conclusion_n be_v so_o simple_a and_o so_o foolish_a that_o upon_o love_a god_n and_o their_o neighbour_n they_o shall_v come_v to_o heaven_n make_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o salvation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o willing_a and_o work_v of_o good_a come_v from_o a_o right_a radix_fw-la they_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o assurance_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o if_o we_o build_v our_o salvation_n upon_o our_o best_a good_a work_n yea_o upon_o save_v and_o justify_v faith_n or_o the_o best_a good_a thing_n we_o can_v perform_v we_o delude_v and_o deceive_v ourselves_o neither_o our_o well_o willing_a nor_o well_o work_v be_v not_o the_o cause_n or_o ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n himself_o luk._n 17.10_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v and_o all_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v we_o to_o do_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a yet_o we_o must_v say_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n and_o we_o must_v say_v so_o not_o only_o for_o modesty_n sake_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v absurd_o gloss_n upon_o that_o text_n for_o modesty_n and_o humility_n sake_n say_v they_o we_o must_v say_v so_o why_o belove_v the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v not_o teach_v we_o to_o lie_v and_o to_o say_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a for_o modesty_n sake_n no_o but_o he_o teach_v we_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n for_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o that_o for_o all_o our_o well_o willing_a and_o well_o do_v we_o be_v unprofitable_a servant_n yet_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o hereupon_o cast_v off_o all_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o well_o do_v no_o we_o be_v careful_o and_o conscionable_o to_o do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v that_o be_v good_a and_o know_v that_o work_v of_o good_a come_v from_o the_o root_n of_o save_v and_o sanctify_a faith_n it_o be_v profitable_a and_o necessary_a to_o heaven_n for_o it_o be_v the_o beat_a high_a way_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n it_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n for_o his_o mercy_n and_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o make_v much_o for_o the_o illustration_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o proper_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a it_o be_v a_o fruit_n ever_o flow_v from_o save_v and_o justify_v faith_n and_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a antecedent_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a glory_n in_o heaven_n yet_o if_o we_o do_v advance_v this_o do_v of_o good_a beyond_o this_o strain_n to_o merit_v salvation_n we_o do_v build_v it_o upon_o a_o rot_a and_o unsound_a foundation_n now_o further_o observe_v we_o the_o apostle_n make_v a_o opposition_n between_o man_n willing_a and_o run_v and_o god_n show_v mercy_n hence_o i_o may_v note_v these_o particular_n first_o of_o all_o that_o god_n mercy_n be_v the_o sole_a and_o whole_a and_o alsufficient_a cause_n of_o man_n election_n and_o not_o man_n well_o willing_a or_o work_v good_a either_o foresee_v as_o the_o arminian_o teach_v or_o the_o present_a act_n and_o be_v and_o second_o that_o god_n free_a grace_n and_o the_o merit_n or_o work_n of_o man_n do_v not_o concur_v and_o meet_v together_o in_o man_n salvation_n as_o the_o papist_n teach_v but_o these_o thing_n i_o have_v handle_v before_o and_o hence_o note_v we_o in_o a_o word_n thus_o much_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o eternal_a election_n and_o salvation_n of_o some_o among_o man_n be_v not_o in_o man_n themselves_o but_o in_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n hence_o observe_v that_o the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o man_n be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o merciful_a powerful_a doctrine_n and_o gracious_a hand_n of_o god_n it_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n which_o be_v essential_a with_o god_n himself_o col._n 3.3_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o colossian_n that_o their_o life_n be_v bid_v with_o christ_n in_o god_n and_o hence_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o glory_n ephes_n 1.17_o because_o glory_n be_v as_o it_o be_v beget_v of_o he_o and_o in_o 1_o tim._n 6.5_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o only_o dwell_v in_o immortality_n the_o lord_n which_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n he_o do_v give_v it_o to_o who_o he_o will_v and_o he_o will_v give_v it_o in_o his_o due_a time_n and_o therefore_o he_o will_v certain_o give_v it_o to_o his_o choose_a use_v then_o what_o a_o ground_n of_o sweet_a and_o excellent_a comfort_n be_v this_o to_o every_o one_o that_o find_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o god_n choose_v have_v thou_o good_a evidence_n of_o it_o that_o thou_o belong_v to_o god_n election_n oh_o then_o consider_v thy_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o not_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o creature_n no_o it_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o gracious_a and_o powerful_a god_n and_o no_o enemy_n whatsoever_o can_v wrest_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n if_o it_o be_v commit_v to_o thy_o own_o trust_n than_o thou_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v whether_o thou_o can_v keep_v it_o or_o no_o nay_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o thou_o will_v lose_v it_o adam_n in_o his_o state_n of_o innocency_n be_v trust_v with_o it_o witting_o and_o willing_o lose_v it_o but_o thy_o salvation_n be_v keep_v by_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o keep_v it_o 2_o tim._n 1.12_o and_o not_o the_o force_n fraud_n or_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o world_n without_o can_v fetch_v it_o from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o keeper_n of_o it_o no_o nor_o our_o own_o flesh_n can_v prevail_v to_o the_o overcome_v of_o he_o oh_o than_o if_o thou_o have_v evidence_n of_o thy_o salvation_n comfort_v up_o thyself_o let_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n spit_v their_o malice_n and_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n they_o can_v they_o can_v possible_o deprive_v thou_o or_o dispossess_v thou_o of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o powerful_a creator_n and_o they_o can_v take_v it_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n how_o then_o may_v a_o child_n of_o god_n cheer_v up_o himself_o upon_o this_o consideration_n verse_n 17._o for_o the_o scripture_n say_v unto_o pharaoh_n even_o for_o this_o same_o purpose_n have_v i_o raise_v thou_o up_o that_o i_o may_v show_v my_o power_n in_o thou_o and_o that_o my_o name_n may_v be_v declare_v through_o all_o the_o earth_n therefore_o have_v he_o mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v in_o these_o two_o verse_n the_o lord_n show_v by_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o be_v just_a in_o cast_v off_o some_o man_n and_o reject_v of_o they_o the_o apostle_n have_v clear_v god_n from_o the_o imputation_n of_o injustice_n in_o choose_v some_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n and_o pass_v over_o other_o out_o of_o his_o own_o free_a will_n though_o they_o be_v all_o one_o in_o regard_n of_o nature_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v absolute_a power_n and_o free_a liberty_n to_o show_v compassion_n to_o who_o he_o will_n now_o the_o apostle_n clear_v god_n from_o be_v unjust_a in_o reject_v of_o some_o particular_a person_n of_o equal_a estate_n and_o condition_n with_o the_o elect_a in_o regard_n of_o nature_n every_o way_n equal_a unto_o they_o in_o themselves_o and_o the_o apostle_n prove_v the_o lord_n not_o to_o be_v unjust_a in_o so_o do_v by_o a_o testimony_n of_o
of_o justice_n and_o of_o mercy_n it_o be_v as_o possible_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v merciful_a to_o a_o man_n that_o he_o send_v to_o hell_n as_o to_o be_v just_a to_o a_o man_n that_o he_o give_v salvation_n unto_o these_o two_o can_v never_o stand_v together_o revenge_a justice_n and_o save_a mercy_n for_o the_o lord_n vouchsafe_v salvation_n that_o his_o mercy_n may_v be_v glorify_v and_o not_o his_o justice_n so_o that_o mercy_n come_v not_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o justice_n but_o of_o mercy_n again_o in_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o god_n declare_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o the_o elect_n hence_o i_o may_v note_v that_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v unto_o his_o choose_a it_o be_v full_a and_o perfect_a fullness_n of_o mercy_n and_o perfect_a mercy_n when_o god_n forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o choose_a he_o forgive_v they_o not_o in_o part_n or_o by_o the_o half_n as_o the_o papist_n teach_v that_o god_n forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o choose_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n but_o he_o leave_v the_o temporal_a punishment_n for_o they_o to_o do_v penance_n for_o in_o the_o time_n of_o lent_n whereas_o god_n do_v give_v unto_o his_o child_n full_a and_o perfect_a remission_n full_a and_o perfect_a justification_n full_a and_o perfect_a glorification_n heb._n 7.25_o he_o be_v able_a perfect_o to_o save_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o say_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n not_o to_o give_v a_o half_a salvation_n but_o a_o full_a salvation_n but_o to_o pass_v from_o that_o and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n observe_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v it_o of_o god_n choose_v that_o they_o be_v vessel_n of_o mercy_n prepare_v unto_o glory_n that_o be_v god_n in_o his_o eternal_a decree_n have_v ordain_v they_o to_o everlasting_a glory_n so_o that_o hence_o i_o may_v show_v that_o some_o particular_a person_n among_o man_n be_v appoint_v of_o god_n to_o salvation_n in_o heaven_n but_o that_o i_o have_v often_o meet_v withal_o and_o therefore_o pass_v by_o it_o but_o hence_o we_o may_v true_o take_v up_o this_o observation_n that_o life_n and_o glory_n and_o happiness_n in_o heaven_n it_o come_v unto_o god_n choose_v in_o time_n doctrine_n most_o free_o from_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n without_o any_o merit_n or_o desert_n of_o they_o at_o all_o it_o be_v prepare_v for_o they_o and_o they_o for_o it_o before_o they_o have_v a_o be_v and_o before_o the_o world_n be_v matth._n 25.34_o come_v you_o bless_v inherit_v a_o kingdom_n prepare_v for_o you_o before_o the_o world_n be_v or_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o this_o truth_n the_o scripture_n say_v in_o ephes_n 2.8_o by_o grace_n yau_fw-mi be_v save_v and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o in_o titus_n 3.5_o not_o according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n that_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o have_v save_v we_o still_o run_v upon_o the_o free_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o luke_n 12.32_o fear_v not_o little_a flock_n say_v christ_n it_o be_v your_o father_n pleasure_n to_o give_v you_o a_o kingdom_n it_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o your_o father_n without_o any_o of_o your_o desert_n and_o also_o in_o rom._n 6.23_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n then_o present_o he_o subjoin_v unto_o it_o not_o as_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o text_n do_v require_v as_o the_o remist_n themselves_o do_v confess_v in_o their_o annotation_n he_o say_v not_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n and_o the_o wage_n of_o holiness_n be_v salvation_n but_o he_o change_v the_o term_n say_v he_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n but_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a life_n thereby_o evidence_v that_o the_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n of_o the_o godly_a in_o heaven_n it_o come_v free_o without_o any_o merit_n or_o desert_n of_o they_o at_o all_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o eternal_a life_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o inheritance_n in_o coloss_n 1.12_o give_v thanks_o that_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o a_o inheritance_n 1_o pet._n 1.4_o a_o inheritance_n immortal_a and_o undefiled_a now_o who_o know_v not_o this_o that_o a_o inheritance_n come_v to_o a_o child_n from_o the_o father_n out_o of_o the_o mere_a love_n of_o the_o father_n when_o the_o child_n it_o may_v be_v be_v not_o bear_v and_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o merit_v it_o so_o the_o inheritance_n of_o heaven_n be_v prepare_v for_o the_o godly_a and_o they_o for_o it_o it_o must_v needs_o come_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n reason_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o be_v because_o that_o the_o whole_a glory_n of_o this_o may_v be_v unto_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n will_v have_v the_o glory_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o choose_a in_o ephes_n 2.9_o you_o be_v save_v by_o grace_n through_o faith_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v and_o brag_v of_o it_o that_o he_o bring_v something_o to_o his_o salvation_n now_o this_o be_v so_o it_o meet_v direct_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o our_o adversary_n the_o papist_n use_v those_o of_o the_o antichristian_a synagogue_n of_o rome_n it_o quite_o over_o turn_v their_o opinion_n in_o that_o they_o hold_v &_o teach_v that_o life_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n belong_v to_o such_o as_o be_v first_o of_o all_o justify_v by_o christ_n as_o admit_v for_o the_o merit_n and_o desert_n of_o their_o own_o good_a work_n and_o it_o belong_v to_o they_o for_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o own_o good_a work_n now_o this_o error_n beside_o the_o error_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o suppose_v a_o twofold_a justification_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n which_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n when_o god_n justifi_v he_o justifi_v once_o for_o all_o beside_o this_o error_n in_o the_o ground_n it_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n now_o deliver_v for_o if_o so_o be_v life_n and_o glory_n come_v unto_o god_n choose_v in_o time_n most_o free_o than_o not_o for_o their_o desert_n for_o free_a gift_n and_o due_a debt_n can_v stand_v together_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o same_o subject_n but_o say_v the_o papist_n life_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n it_o be_v call_v a_o reward_n therefore_o merit_v to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o distinguish_v of_o reward_n as_o twofold_n in_o rom._n 4.4_o and_o that_o be_v either_o of_o favour_n or_o of_o debt_n now_o eternal_a life_n be_v a_o reward_n indeed_o not_o of_o debt_n but_o of_o favour_n but_o whereas_o the_o papist_n further_a reply_n christ_n have_v merit_v that_o the_o good_a work_n of_o his_o choose_a shall_v be_v meritorious_a to_o life_n and_o salvation_n a_o mere_a idle_a shift_n we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n have_v merit_v for_o his_o choose_a and_o die_v for_o their_o sin_n but_o we_o never_o find_v he_o die_v for_o their_o good_a work_n to_o make_v they_o meritorious_a no_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o impossible_a that_o the_o best_a work_n of_o god_n choose_v shall_v have_v in_o they_o the_o true_a and_o whole_a nature_n of_o merit_n because_o they_o be_v imperfect_a and_o they_o be_v stain_v with_o sin_n the_o best_a work_n that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v when_o he_o have_v strive_v to_o do_v his_o best_a he_o must_v go_v to_o god_n to_o crave_v pardon_n for_o his_o imbecility_n now_o these_o two_o can_v possible_o stand_v together_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n and_o yet_o be_v meritorious_a yea_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o do_v not_o abuse_v this_o doctrine_n of_o use_n 2_o god_n and_o savour_v it_o to_o our_o destruction_n and_o hereupon_o do_v as_o many_o do_v cast_v off_o all_o care_n of_o good_a work_n because_o they_o do_v not_o merit_v yet_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o show_v unto_o god_n our_o thankfulness_n for_o his_o mercy_n unto_o we_o in_o give_v we_o right_a and_o title_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n unto_o he_o in_o all_o holy_a obedience_n yea_o without_o question_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o thankfulness_n for_o external_a and_o temporal_a good_a thing_n because_o we_o find_v that_o the_o use_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o come_v from_o god_n oh_o much_o more_o be_v we_o then_o to_o be_v thankful_a unto_o god_n for_o heaven_n and_o in_o give_v we_o hope_n of_o inheritance_n in_o heaven_n and_o now_o because_o every_o one_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o soothe_v up_o himself_o and_o to_o say_v i_o hope_v i_o shall_v come_v to_o heaven_n and_o i_o be_o thankful_a for_o it_o
matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o believe_a soul_n and_o particular_o comfort_v those_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o comfort_n he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o believe_v in_o these_o promise_n shall_v certain_o be_v save_v for_o thus_o run_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o gospel_n whosoever_o true_o believe_v in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v certain_o be_v save_v hereupon_o the_o minister_n stand_v in_o the_o room_n and_o place_n of_o christ_n be_v his_o ambassador_n do_v make_v this_o particular_a application_n and_o draw_v out_o this_o conclusion_n the_o text_n say_v he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v the_o minister_n say_v believe_v thou_o richard_n thomas_n william_n or_o whatsoever_o thou_o be_v and_o thou_o shall_v sure_o be_v save_v and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o christ_n himself_o do_v preach_v by_o his_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n for_o why_o christ_n have_v commit_v to_o we_o preacher_n the_o delivery_n of_o his_o word_n as_o appear_v 2_o cor._n 5.19_o 20._o and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o believe_v the_o general_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o such_o shall_v be_v save_v they_o may_v assure_v themselves_o they_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o a_o man_n find_v faith_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o soul_n which_o he_o may_v prove_v by_o the_o fruit_n and_o work_n of_o faith_n may_v thereupon_o assure_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o god_n choose_v and_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v and_o thereupon_o we_o may_v see_v it_o be_v but_o a_o cavil_n that_o these_o enemy_n of_o god_n affirm_v that_o the_o minister_n know_v not_o whether_o a_o man_n belong_v to_o god_n election_n or_o no_o when_o the_o minister_n assure_v he_o not_o upon_o that_o ground_n but_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o believe_v be_v this_o so_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n must_v not_o only_o make_v know_v use_v 2_o general_a doctrine_n but_o particular_o apply_v they_o sure_o then_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o word_n must_v not_o only_o hear_v the_o general_a truth_n of_o the_o word_n make_v know_v unto_o they_o but_o they_o must_v also_o be_v content_a to_o have_v those_o truth_n apply_v unto_o they_o particular_o by_o way_n of_o instruction_n by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n and_o by_o way_n of_o just_a reproof_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o belove_v man_n must_v not_o start_v aside_o and_o fret_v and_o chafe_v and_o take_v on_o when_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o word_n be_v bring_v home_o unto_o they_o and_o apply_v particular_o unto_o their_o soul_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o their_o particular_a sin_n as_o their_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o apparel_n or_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v no_o they_o must_v willing_o cheerful_o and_o ready_o yield_v and_o submit_v themselves_o unto_o it_o and_o not_o begin_v to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o preacher_n and_o say_v now_o he_o speak_v out_o of_o malice_n and_o spleen_n and_o distemper_n and_o now_o he_o speak_v against_o such_o a_o man_n as_o if_o the_o man_n and_o the_o sin_n be_v one_o substance_n the_o minister_n can_v speak_v against_o pride_n garishness_n of_o apparel_n long_o shag_v hair_n but_o he_o speak_v against_o the_o man_n as_o if_o the_o sin_n be_v the_o man_n and_o the_o man_n and_o the_o sin_n all_o one_o therefore_o take_v heed_n of_o be_v in_o a_o chafe_n when_o thy_o sin_n be_v reprove_v and_o know_v that_o if_o thou_o thus_o do_v fret_v and_o chafe_v it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o argument_n that_o thou_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o a_o spiritual_a frenzy_n and_o madness_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n heavy_a wrath_n and_o judgement_n ready_a to_o break_v out_o upon_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o man_n that_o so_o fret_v and_o chafe_v and_o take_v on_o in_o impatiency_n it_o be_v a_o immediate_a forerunner_n of_o god_n heavy_a wrath_n when_o man_n can_v abide_v to_o be_v touch_v or_o to_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n apply_v particular_o they_o be_v impatient_a of_o reproof_n and_o must_v have_v the_o preacher_n to_o speak_v please_a thing_n and_o to_o daub_v they_o up_o with_o untempered_a mortar_n this_o bring_v upon_o they_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n unto_o remediless_a and_o easless_a destruction_n esay_n 30.13_o 14._o of_o say_v the_o prophet_n this_o be_v a_o foul_a sin_n when_o man_n teach_v their_o preacher_n what_o to_o say_v it_o be_v like_o the_o break_n of_o a_o high_a wall_n that_o be_v sudden_a or_o like_o a_o bump_n in_o a_o wall_n a_o swell_a knob_v that_o upon_o a_o sudden_a fall_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o be_v break_v all_o to_o piece_n like_o a_o potter_n vessel_n that_o be_v break_v in_o shiver_n and_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o leave_v as_o to_o hold_v fire_n or_o water_n so_o it_o be_v with_o those_o that_o repine_v at_o the_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o word_n their_o destruction_n be_v sudden_a again_o further_a consider_v we_o if_o so_o be_v we_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o comfort_n apply_v unto_o we_o though_o it_o belong_v not_o unto_o we_o and_o we_o can_v accumulate_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o put_v away_o from_o we_o the_o word_n of_o reproof_n we_o can_v endure_v that_o sure_o the_o lord_n will_v then_o punish_v we_o in_o the_o same_o kind_n he_o will_v deal_v with_o we_o proportionable_o and_o according_o he_o will_v make_v his_o word_n of_o comfort_n that_o we_o so_o eager_o take_v hold_v on_o a_o unprofitable_a word_n and_o a_o word_n that_o shall_v yield_v no_o comfort_n unto_o we_o when_o we_o lie_v on_o our_o sick_a bed_n and_o in_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n because_o we_o receive_v the_o word_n of_o comfort_n that_o appertain_v not_o unto_o we_o and_o put_v away_o the_o word_n of_o reproof_n therefore_o he_o will_v make_v the_o word_n of_o comfort_n comfortless_a consider_v to_o this_o purpose_n the_o example_n of_o herod_n mark_v 6.20_o herod_n hear_v and_o do_v many_o thing_n glad_o that_o john_n baptist_n teach_v and_o find_v much_o comfort_n in_o hear_v of_o he_o but_o when_o john_n come_v to_o touch_v he_o and_o to_o hit_v he_o on_o the_o bare_a his_o belove_a sore_n and_o please_a dalilah_n that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o he_o to_o have_v his_o brother_n wife_n then_o herod_n show_v what_o he_o be_v he_o carry_v then_o a_o splenative_a mind_n and_o a_o grudge_n in_o his_o heart_n and_o never_o leave_v till_o he_o have_v his_o head_n what_o touch_v my_o belove_a sin_n and_o the_o lord_n deal_v with_o herod_n according_o for_o those_o comfort_n that_o he_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o from_o john_n preach_v be_v fruitless_a he_o go_v on_o in_o his_o sin_n and_o perish_v fearful_o in_o his_o folly_n then_o learn_v we_o to_o hear_v the_o word_n not_o cunning_o for_o our_o instruction_n and_o comfort_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o exhortation_n and_o just_a reproof_n to_o be_v tax_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o when_o the_o lord_n meet_v with_o we_o in_o his_o word_n for_o our_o particular_a sin_n to_o say_v it_o be_v his_o mercy_n and_o his_o blessing_n and_o to_o thank_v god_n that_o we_o have_v minister_n which_o do_v not_o daub_v we_o with_o untempered_a mortar_n and_o to_o say_v as_o david_n say_v in_o psal_n 141.5_o let_v the_o righteous_a smite_v i_o it_o be_v a_o precious_a balm_n this_o be_v the_o affection_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o if_o we_o do_v accumulate_v to_o ourselves_o the_o comfort_n that_o be_v promulgate_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o cast_v away_o the_o reproof_n denounce_v against_o our_o sin_n god_n will_v then_o make_v his_o comfort_n comfortless_a and_o they_o shall_v do_v we_o no_o good_a so_o then_o it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v but_o of_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n have_v former_o handle_v the_o reference_n this_o verse_n have_v with_o precedent_a matter_n i_o now_o come_v to_o handle_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o verse_n itself_o and_o first_o of_o all_o we_o see_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o place_n do_v deny_v god_n eternal_a election_n of_o some_o to_o life_n and_o salvation_n to_o be_v in_o he_o that_o will_v good_a or_o work_v good_a and_o so_o the_o observation_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o nothing_o in_o man_n or_o do_v by_o man_n come_v from_o he_o doctrine_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o ground_n of_o man_n election_n or_o salvation_n neither_o any_o man_n willing_a of_o good_a or_o work_v of_o good_a no_o not_o the_o willing_a or_o work_v of_o good_a by_o a_o regenerate_a person_n by_o a_o person_n true_o sanctify_v and_o in_o the_o estate_n of_o grace_n not_o his_o willing_a or_o work_v of_o good_a that_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o ground_n of_o his_o election_n or_o salvation_n and_o so_o to_o prevent_v a_o