a_o doctrine_n proper_a to_o give_v man_n peace_n and_o comfort_n in_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v reject_v by_o all_o good_a men._n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o the_o scripture_n plain_o forewarn_v good_a man_n of_o the_o danger_n which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o good_a man_n to_o fall_v from_o a_o state_n of_o save_a grace_n beware_v say_v the_o scripture_n lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n 2_o pet._n 3.17_o let_v we_o not_o be_v weary_a in_o well-doing_n for_o in_o due_a time_n we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o gal._n 6.9_o and_o you_o that_o be_v alienate_v and_o enemy_n in_o your_o mind_n by_o wicked_a work_n yet_o now_o have_v he_o reconcile_v to_o present_v you_o blameless_a if_o you_o continue_v in_o the_o faith_n ground_v and_o settle_v and_o be_v not_o move_v away_o from_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o gospel_n col._n 1.21_o 22_o 23._o if_o a_o man_n abide_v not_o in_o i_o he_o be_v cast_v forth_o as_o a_o branch_n and_o be_v wither_v joh._n 15.6_o now_o the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n but_o if_o any_o man_n draw_v back_o my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o heb._n 10.38_o let_v he_o therefore_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v so_o fast_o as_o that_o no_o sin_n shall_v move_v he_o take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v 1_o cor._n 10.12_o you_o do_v run_v well_o say_v st._n paul_n to_o the_o galatian_n who_o do_v hinder_v you_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n gal._n 5.7_o second_o the_o scripture_n express_o declare_v that_o righteous_a man_n may_v become_v wicked_a and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v say_v thus_o that_o when_o the_o righteous_a turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n shall_v he_o live_v all_o the_o righteousness_n he_o have_v do_v shall_v not_o be_v mention_v in_o his_o trespass_n that_o he_o have_v trespass_v and_o in_o his_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o they_o he_o shall_v die_v ezek._n 18.24_o when_o a_o righteous_a man_n turn_v away_o from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n and_o die_v in_o they_o for_o his_o iniquity_n that_o he_o have_v do_v he_o shall_v die_v ezek._n 18.26_o and_o agreeable_a hereunto_o be_v the_o word_n of_o david_n to_o his_o son_n solomon_n and_o thou_o solomon_n my_o son_n say_v he_o know_v thou_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o father_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n if_o thou_o seek_v he_o he_o will_v be_v find_v of_o thou_o but_o if_o thou_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v cast_v thou_o off_o for_o ever_o 1_o chron._n 28.9_o it_o be_v impossible_a say_v the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n heb._n 6.4_o 5_o 6._o hence_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o young_a widow_n that_o be_v wanton_a that_o they_o have_v damnation_n because_o they_o have_v cast_v off_o their_o first_o faith_n 1_o tim._n 5.12_o now_o these_o and_o suchlike_a scripture-evidence_n be_v a_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o righteous_a man_n may_v fall_v from_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n and_o die_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o doctrine_n which_o assert_n the_o contrary_a be_v certain_o a_o error_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o foul_a error_n because_o it_o give_v encouragement_n to_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n since_o it_o assert_n that_o no_o sin_n can_v provoke_v god_n to_o withdraw_v his_o save_a grace_n from_o they_o that_o be_v once_o saint_n but_o such_o presumption_n have_v doubtless_o ruin_v more_o soul_n than_o deep_a despair_n for_o how_o be_v bad_a man_n as_o there_o be_v many_o of_o this_o persuasion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o hereby_o encourage_v to_o do_v ill_a thing_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v persuade_v that_o no_o sin_n can_v deprive_v they_o of_o god_n favour_n who_o be_v once_o enrol_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a who_o believe_v this_o doctrine_n be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v all_o certain_o of_o this_o number_n mere_o because_o they_o profess_v themselves_o predestinarian_n and_o therefore_o they_o comfort_v up_o themselves_o with_o this_o consideration_n that_o though_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o some_o gross_a sin_n yet_o their_o salvation_n be_v still_o safe_a because_o their_o name_n be_v write_v as_o they_o think_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n than_o which_o no_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v more_o proper_a to_o encourage_v wickedness_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n which_o express_o affirm_v thus_o whosoever_o sin_v against_o i_o he_o will_v i_o blot_v out_o of_o my_o book_n exod._n 32.33_o which_o show_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v in_o god_n book_n and_o yet_o he_o may_v afterward_o commit_v such_o sin_n as_o shall_v blot_v he_o out_o of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o man_n will_v much_o boggle_v at_o any_o matter_n of_o worldly_a advantage_n when_o they_o be_v real_o persuade_v that_o good_a work_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o justification_n for_o they_o think_v that_o justification_n be_v only_o the_o fruit_n of_o election_n and_o not_o the_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n law_n and_o that_o be_v elect_v they_o be_v by_o consequence_n justify_v before_o they_o be_v sanctify_v or_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n before_o they_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n none_o be_v convert_v they_o say_v but_o those_o who_o be_v before_o in_o god_n love_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o decree_n of_o eternal_a election_n and_o that_o after_o conversion_n which_o do_v only_o manifest_v their_o be_v elect_v if_o they_o do_v happen_v to_o sin_n and_o fall_v very_o foul_o as_o david_n do_v yet_o god_n still_o love_v they_o as_o much_o under_o this_o their_o relapse_n as_o he_o do_v before_o their_o first_o conversion_n and_o though_o such_o sin_n may_v bring_v upon_o they_o temporal_a misery_n yet_o they_o shall_v never_o deprive_v they_o of_o eternal_a glory_n for_o they_o shall_v not_o die_v till_o by_o a_o unresistible_a power_n god_n have_v raise_v they_o up_o again_o by_o repentance_n they_o confess_v they_o may_v fall_v for_o a_o time_n but_o their_o fall_n shall_v not_o be_v final_a nor_o end_n in_o death_n eternal_a man_n i_o say_v that_o believe_v all_o this_o and_o believe_v withal_o that_o they_o themselves_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o these_o elect_a one_o as_o great_a number_n do_v who_o have_v no_o other_o ground_n for_o their_o so_o do_v but_o selfconfidence_n and_o a_o erroneous_a persuasion_n that_o so_o it_o be_v these_o i_o say_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o encouragement_n not_o to_o boggle_v at_o such_o opportunity_n and_o action_n as_o other_o who_o real_o believe_v the_o contrary_a dare_v not_o either_o take_v or_o do_v for_o fear_v lest_o god_n shall_v cut_v they_o off_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o damn_v their_o soul_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o such_o have_v not_o those_o advantage_n of_o do_v ill_o afford_v they_o from_o their_o faith_n as_o the_o other_o have_v because_o they_o dare_v not_o do_v a_o ill_a thing_n lest_o they_o shall_v lose_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n they_o may_v sin_v by_o surprise_n but_o they_o dare_v not_o sin_n presumptuous_o but_o the_o other_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o eternal_a danger_n in_o it_o because_o those_o who_o god_n once_o love_v he_o love_v to_o the_o end_n and_o he_o will_v not_o so_o see_v sin_n in_o his_o elect_n as_o to_o damn_v they_o for_o it_o and_o this_o they_o call_v a_o doctrine_n full_a of_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n and_o indeed_o it_o do_v in_o this_o respect_n equal_a that_o of_o the_o papist_n for_o as_o a_o papist_n sin_n do_v not_o much_o terrify_v he_o because_o he_o believe_v the_o priest_n can_v forgive_v he_o upon_o confession_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o other_o because_o he_o believe_v god_n will_v not_o take_v away_o his_o life_n till_o he_o have_v bring_v he_o to_o repentance_n that_o there_o be_v wicked_a man_n among_o those_o who_o believe_v contrary_a to_o these_o predestinarian_a doctrine_n i_o ready_o grant_v but_o they_o have_v no_o encouragement_n to_o be_v wicked_a from_o any_o natural_a consequence_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o doctrine_n they_o believe_v they_o be_v plain_o self-condemned_n by_o their_o own_o principle_n in_o all_o the_o evil_n which_o they_o do_v allow_v themselves_o in_o some_o
god_n who_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 2.1_o 4._o and_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n tit._n 2.11_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n 1_o joh._n 2.2_o that_o he_o give_v himself_o a_o ranson_n for_o all_o 1_o tim._n 2.6_o that_o he_o taste_v death_n for_o every_o man_n heb._n 2.9_o and_o that_o as_o by_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o judgement_n come_v upon_o all_o man_n to_o condemnation_n even_o so_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o one_o the_o free_a gift_n come_v upon_o all_o man_n to_o justification_n of_o life_n rom._n 5.18_o now_o from_o thes_n plain_a scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o particular_a man_n damnation_n be_v unavoidable_o decree_v by_o god_n if_o man_n die_v the_o death_n eternal_a their_o destruction_n be_v from_o themselves_o and_o not_o from_o he_o when_o he_o make_v the_o generation_n of_o man_n to_o dwell_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n he_o make_v they_o free_a agent_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o give_v they_o a_o power_n either_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v intend_v to_o command_v they_o but_o withal_o he_o let_v they_o know_v that_o if_o they_o do_v disobey_v they_o shall_v be_v punish_v for_o their_o so_o do_v and_o that_o if_o they_o do_v obey_v they_o shall_v for_o ever_o be_v bless_v it_o be_v not_o his_o purpose_n therefore_o to_o damn_v any_o man_n absolute_o but_o conditional_o in_o case_n he_o shall_v so_o far_o abuse_v the_o power_n he_o have_v give_v he_o as_o wilful_o to_o commit_v sin_n when_o he_o may_v as_o well_o have_v forbear_v it_o now_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o many_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a testimony_n for_o eternal_a punishment_n be_v only_o denounce_v against_o man_n in_o case_n of_o wickedness_n god_n decree_n be_v that_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_n shall_v die_v ezek._n 18.4_o and_o that_o all_o shall_v be_v damn_v who_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o vnrighteousness_n 2_o thess_n 2.12_o and_o that_o if_o man_n live_v after_o the_o flesh_n they_o shall_v die_v but_o if_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o through_o the_o spirit_n do_v mortify_v the_o deed_n of_o the_o body_n they_o shall_v live_v rom._n 8.13_o and_o therefore_o he_o faith_n whosoever_o sin_v against_o i_o he_o will_v i_o blot_v out_o of_o my_o book_n exod._n 32.33_o by_o the_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n then_o which_o man_n commit_v they_o make_v themselves_o reprobate_n it_o be_v because_o of_o these_o thing_n say_v s._n paul_n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n come_v upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n eph._n 5.3_o 6._o god_n hathsworn_v that_o some_o shall_v notenter_v into_o his_o rest_n but_o to_o who_o swear_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o heb._n 3.18_o all_o which_o show_v that_o god_n reprobate_n none_o but_o suh_o as_o by_o sin_n be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o own_o damnation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o wicked_a jew_n o_o israel_n thou_o have_v destroy_v thyself_o hos_fw-la 13.9_o to_o say_v therefore_o that_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a or_o main_a cause_n of_o man_n eternal_a destruction_n be_v a_o notion_n you_o see_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n and_o be_v therefore_o a_o error_n it_o be_v also_o a_o error_n because_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o disbelieve_v for_o that_o can_v never_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o god_n word_n which_o natural_o tend_v to_o debase_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n but_o this_o those_o notion_n do_v which_o these_o man_n do_v build_v on_o these_o mistake_a sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o as_o god_n have_v decree_v the_o end_n of_o those_o who_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o reprobate_a so_o he_o have_v also_o decree_v the_o mean_n which_o shall_v bring_v they_o to_o that_o end_n that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o have_v decree_v that_o they_o shall_v unavoidable_o be_v sinner_n that_o so_o he_o may_v manifest_v the_o rigour_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o punish_v they_o for_o be_v wicked_a but_o be_v this_o true_a it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o exalt_v that_o it_o will_v plain_o debase_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n among_o man_n for_o according_a to_o all_o the_o notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o justice_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o unjust_a and_o cruel_a than_o first_o to_o lay_v a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n upon_o a_o man_n to_o do_v ill_a that_o so_o with_o a_o seem_a justice_n he_o may_v be_v torment_v for_o be_v wicked_a shall_v one_o man_n do_v so_o to_o another_o we_o shall_v count_v he_o unjust_a in_o the_o high_a and_o shall_v man_n be_v more_o just_a than_o god_n job_n 4.17_o then_o and_o then_o only_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n glorious_a when_o he_o punish_v man_n for_o wilful_o refuse_v to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v make_v they_o sufficient_o able_a by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o to_o perform_v this_o reprobate_v notion_n of_o they_o do_v make_v the_o gospel_n a_o mere_a piece_n of_o nonsense_n for_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o that_o repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n shall_v be_v preach_v in_o christ_n name_n to_o all_o nation_n luke_n 24.47_o and_o that_o god_n do_v command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v act_v 17.30_o but_o all_o this_o the_o predestinarian_a doctrine_n oppose_v as_o a_o impossible_a thing_n a_o useless_a precept_n for_o it_o declare_v that_o none_o of_o they_o who_o god_n have_v decree_v to_o reprobate_a can_v repent_v and_o become_v good_a man_n for_o he_o have_v decree_v they_o say_v that_o those_o man_n shall_v be_v sinner_n that_o so_o he_o may_v bring_v on_o they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o justice_n that_o eternal_a death_n to_o which_o he_o have_v foreappoint_v and_o design_v they_o all_o which_o say_v they_o no_o endeavour_n sof_o they_o can_v prevent_v for_o the_o most_o profound_a repentance_n which_o they_o can_v perform_v will_v never_o reverse_v what_o god_n have_v thus_o doom_v they_o to_o by_o a_o eternal_a and_o irreversible_a decree_n which_o doctrine_n be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o that_o express_a command_n of_o god_n that_o all_o shall_v repent_v they_o have_v be_v also_o the_o dreadful_a occasion_n of_o all_o that_o horror_n and_o despair_n which_o have_v be_v find_v in_o a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n who_o have_v be_v afflict_v with_o doubt_v and_o trouble_a mind_n and_o have_v occasion_v other_o to_o entertain_v in_o themselves_o very_o hard_a thought_n of_o god_n for_o such_o notion_n as_o these_o do_v make_v god_n seem_v worse_o to_o some_o man_n than_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o devil_n they_o know_v can_v force_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n he_o can_v only_o tempt_v and_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v but_o god_n according_a to_o these_o notion_n of_o the_o predestinarian_o do_v force_n and_o compel_v man_n to_o sin_n by_o a_o absolute_a decree_n that_o so_o the_o damnation_n he_o have_v design_v they_o to_o may_v appear_v more_o just_a all_o which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o very_o hard_a and_o evil_a thought_n concern_v god_n in_o those_o who_o under_o despair_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v themselves_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o he_o thus_o have_v reprobate_v which_o evil_a and_o wicked_a surmise_n concern_v god_n have_v for_o ever_o be_v prevent_v have_v not_o these_o doctrine_n be_v teach_v in_o the_o world_n on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o contradiction_n that_o the_o opposite_a doctrine_n do_v much_o more_o advance_v god_n honour_n because_o it_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o all_o man_n to_o repent_v and_o become_v good_a man_n and_o herein_o say_v christ_n be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n john_n 15.8_o it_o likewise_o tend_v more_o to_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n which_o consist_v in_o every_o man_n be_v be_v persuade_v to_o live_v a_o sober_a righteous_a and_o godly_a life_n and_o it_o be_v also_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v every_o way_n more_o true_o conducive_a to_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n because_o it_o declare_v that_o all_o man_n may_v be_v happy_a if_o they_o will_v but_o diligent_o improve_v that_o talon_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o in_o order_n to_o the_o work_n out_o of_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o the_o make_v their_o own_o call_v and_o election_n sure_a it_o be_v plain_a to_o every_o common_a man_n understanding_n that_o those_o doctrine_n which_o teach_v
a_o antidote_n against_o some_o principal_a error_n of_o the_o predestinarian_o a_o work_v design_v for_o the_o information_n of_o the_o common_a people_n belove_a believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n for_o many_o false_a prophet_n be_v go_v out_o into_o the_o world_n 1_o joh._n 4.1_o london_n print_v for_o richard_n cumberland_n at_o the_o angel_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1696._o a_o antidote_n against_o some_o principal_a error_n etc._n etc._n to_o convince_v those_o of_o their_o mistake_n who_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o great_a kindness_n and_o friendship_n that_o one_o man_n can_v do_v unto_o another_o be_v therefore_o full_o satisfy_v in_o myself_o that_o some_o of_o the_o predestinarian_a principle_n be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n i_o think_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v all_o that_o in_o i_o lie_v to_o convince_v they_o thereof_o who_o so_o believe_v by_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o sright_o understand_v the_o true_a intent_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o they_o err_v not_o know_v the_o scripture_n mat._n 22.29_o that_o be_v to_o say_v not_o know_v they_o right_o for_o they_o rely_v only_o upon_o here_o and_o there_o a_o place_n that_o seem_v to_o make_v for_o they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n overlook_v a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o scripture_n that_o very_o plain_o and_o clear_o do_v testify_v against_o they_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o where_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n seem_v to_o declare_v one_o thing_n and_o another_o part_n seem_v to_o declare_v quite_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v evident_a i_o say_v that_o there_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o one_o part_n be_v not_o that_o which_o the_o literal_a import_n of_o the_o word_n do_v express_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o two_o sense_n which_o do_v oppose_v each_o other_o can_v both_o be_v true_a in_o such_o case_n than_o it_o must_v be_v that_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o one_o part_n be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o then_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o other_o part_n must_v be_v mystical_a figurative_a or_o allusive_a or_o such_o as_o do_v seem_v to_o speak_v one_o thing_n but_o do_v real_o mean_a and_o intend_v another_o now_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o opinion_n to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v build_v on_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o such_o scripture_n as_o these_o who_o right_a meaning_n be_v not_o that_o which_o the_o word_n do_v at_o first_o sight_n seem_v to_o express_v wherefore_o before_o we_o presume_v to_o make_v any_o text_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o the_o sense_n which_o we_o take_v that_o text_n of_o scripture_n in_o be_v its_o true_a and_o right_a sense_n and_o the_o way_n to_o know_v this_o be_v to_o consider_v first_o whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o common_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o we_o must_v not_o understand_v any_o one_o scripture_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v contrary_n to_o a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o place_n the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v rather_o to_o be_v rely_v on_o than_o a_o particular_a sense_n of_o only_a three_o or_o four_o place_n again_o we_o must_v consider_v whether_o the_o sense_n a_o scripture_n be_v take_v in_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n for_o no_o sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v true_a that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o common_a and_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v as_o much_o from_o god_n as_o the_o law_n of_o revelation_n be_v and_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v that_o one_o part_n of_o god_n law_n can_v contradict_v another_o again_o no_o sense_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v the_o true_a sense_n if_o it_o any_o way_n natural_o tend_v to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o the_o care_n of_o holy_a live_n by_o nourish_v in_o they_o foolish_a presumption_n or_o else_o drive_v of_o they_o into_o miserable_a and_o deep_a despair_n now_o if_o these_o few_o particular_n be_v well_o consider_v they_o can_v but_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a and_o right_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o any_o sense_n be_v the_o true_a sense_n it_o must_v be_v that_o which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o great_a number_n seripture-testimony_n which_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v and_o which_o have_v no_o tendency_n in_o it_o to_o favour_v wickedness_n but_o be_v every_o way_n proper_a to_o urge_v and_o press_v mankind_n to_o a_o life_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o predestinarian_o do_v build_v many_o of_o their_o notion_n on_o scripture_n take_v in_o that_o sense_n which_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o far_o great_a number_n of_o testimony_n which_o declare_v the_o contrary_a and_o they_o be_v also_o take_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v contrary_n to_o all_o other_o evidence_n of_o truth_n deducible_a from_o humane_a understanding_n and_o which_o make_v many_o man_n false_o conceit_n themselves_o to_o be_v the_o belove_a of_o god_n and_o his_o elect_n even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o that_o have_v drive_v other_o into_o despair_n upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o they_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o god_n as_o they_o think_v have_v eternal_o reprobate_v all_o which_o clear_o prove_v that_o the_o sense_n they_o take_v these_o scripture_n in_o be_v a_o sense_n that_o be_v not_o the_o right_a and_o true_a sense_n and_o therefore_o that_o faith_n be_v a_o erroneous_a faith_n which_o they_o do_v build_v upon_o it_o and_o this_o by_o the_o divine_a assistance_n i_o will_v make_v evident_a in_o several_a particular_n and_o first_o of_o reprobation_n the_o true_a substance_n of_o the_o calvinist_n notion_n concern_v reprobation_n be_v that_o god_n have_v decree_v from_o eternity_n to_o reprobate_n or_o torment_v some_o man_n in_o hell_n for_o ever_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v make_v manifest_a the_o glory_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o punish_v some_o as_o well_o as_o his_o goodness_n in_o make_v other_o happy_a and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o fore-ordained_n to_o everlasting_a death_n be_v so_o certain_a and_o their_o fate_n be_v so_o unchangeable_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o this_o his_o unalterable_a decree_n that_o they_o can_v neither_o be_v increase_v nor_o diminish_v but_o this_o notion_n be_v contrary_a both_o to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o be_v therefore_o both_o a_o false_a and_o a_o impious_a opinion_n first_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o scripture_n i_o mean_v such_o scripture_n as_o be_v much_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v than_o those_o be_v upon_o which_o this_o fictionary_a faith_n be_v found_v god_n be_v love_n 1_o joh._n 4.8_o and_o in_o this_o be_v his_o love_n manifest_v in_o that_o he_o send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o ver_fw-la 9_o say_v unto_o they_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n ezek._n 33.11_o have_v i_o any_o pleasure_n at_o all_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v die_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n and_o not_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v ezek._n 18.23_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o he_o that_o die_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n wherefore_o turn_v yourselves_o and_o live_v you_o ezek._n 18.32_o now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n than_o to_o assert_v that_o he_o who_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n shall_v for_o his_o own_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n only_o to_o show_v his_o power_n decree_n to_o torment_n and_o damn_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n if_o he_o swear_v that_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o their_o death_n we_o may_v depend_v upon_o his_o word_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o predestinarian_o can_v urge_v to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v likewise_o record_v for_o a_o truth_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o that_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n psal_n 145.9_o that_o he_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n 2_o pet._n 3.9_o that_o his_o will_n be_v that_o supplication_n prayer_n intercession_n and_o give_v of_o thanks_o be_v make_v for_o all_o man_n for_o this_o be_v good_a and_o acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o
he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n joh._n 3.16_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o to_o every_o one_o be_v give_v grace_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o christ_n eph._n 4.7_o and_o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n tit._n 2.11_o that_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n 2_o pet._n 3.9_o that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n 1_o tim._n 2.4_o beside_o all_o this_o we_o find_v the_o angel_n thus_o speak_v to_o the_o shepherd_n fear_v not_o say_v he_o for_o behold_v i_o bring_v you_o good_a tiding_n of_o great_a joy_n which_o shall_v be_v unto_o all_o people_n for_o unto_o you_o be_v bear_v this_o day_n in_o the_o city_n of_o david_n a_o saviour_n which_o be_v christ_n the_o lord_n luke_n 2.10_o 11._o and_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n psal_n 145.9_o for_o which_o reason_n he_o proclaim_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long_o suffer_v and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n exod._n 34.6_o which_o universal_a declaration_n of_o his_o goodness_n do_v make_v it_o most_o evident_a that_o the_o save_a intention_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n be_v extend_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n god_n have_v thereby_o put_v all_o man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v make_v happy_a if_o they_o will_v but_o do_v on_o their_o part_n what_o he_o have_v command_v and_o what_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n have_v make_v they_o able_a to_o perform_v and_o none_o can_v miss_v of_o salvation_n but_o by_o their_o own_o wilful_a neglect_n if_o they_o will_v not_o come_v to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n the_o fault_n be_v their_o own_o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v say_v the_o apostle_n if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n heb._n 2.3_o some_o i_o know_v be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o imagine_v that_o their_o notion_n of_o particular_a grace_n do_v magnify_v and_o more_o exalt_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n free_a grace_n than_o it_o will_v be_v exalt_v be_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n universal_o extend_v to_o all_o men._n but_o the_o reason_n of_o every_o common_a man_n will_v serve_v to_o confute_v this_o for_o every_o one_o know_v that_o he_o who_o contribute_v towards_o the_o make_n a_o thousand_o person_n happy_a be_v much_o more_o good_a and_o gracious_a than_o he_o who_o be_v kind_a only_a to_o two_o or_o three_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v never_o a_o whit_n the_o less_o free_a for_o its_o be_v extend_v unto_o all_o but_o as_o for_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n to_o be_v make_v between_o that_o which_o be_v general_a and_o which_o be_v particular_a for_o the_o more_o universal_o the_o grace_n be_v extend_v the_o more_o rich_a in_o all_o respect_v it_o be_v which_o show_v that_o the_o predestinarian_a notion_n of_o god_n intend_v to_o be_v gracious_a through_o jesus_n christ_n but_o to_o a_o few_o man_n to_o the_o utter_a exclusion_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n do_v but_o tend_v to_o eclipse_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o free_a and_o undeserved_a grace_n of_o god_n and_o that_o which_o do_v so_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o error_n it_o be_v evident_a likewise_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o error_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o preacher_n that_o profess_v it_o for_o they_o often_o declare_v that_o god_n have_v commit_v unto_o they_o the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o therefore_o as_o ambassador_n for_o christ_n they_o pray_v the_o people_n in_o christ_n stead_n to_o be_v reconcile_v unto_o god_n that_o so_o their_o former_a trespass_n may_v not_o be_v impute_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n 5.18_o 19_o 20._o for_o say_v they_o as_o god_n have_v command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v act_v 17.30_o so_o we_o have_v a_o commission_n to_o preach_v repentance_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n luke_n 24.47_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n you_o never_o hear_v they_o say_v belove_v do_v think_v that_o by_o this_o we_o preach_v that_o curse_a doctrine_n of_o universal_a redemption_n by_o christ_n as_o if_o by_o what_o he_o have_v do_v for_o mankind_n all_o be_v put_v into_o a_o new_a capacity_n of_o obtain_v life_n eternal_a no_o we_o declare_v the_o contrary_a that_o though_o by_o we_o god_n do_v command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v yet_o by_o his_o eternal_a decree_n he_o have_v make_v it_o impossible_a for_o all_o those_o to_o repent_v which_o be_v not_o first_o elect_v we_o may_v exhort_v you_o all_o to_o repent_v indeed_o because_o we_o do_v know_v who_o be_v elect_v and_o who_o be_v not_o but_o if_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o elect_a among_o you_o our_o exhortation_n will_v all_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o the_o non-elect_a can_v come_v to_o christ_n that_o they_o may_v have_v life_n though_o he_o bid_v all_o come_v that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy-laden_a that_o they_o may_v find_v rest_n to_o their_o soul_n mat._n 11.29_o no_o man_n i_o say_v ever_o hear_v a_o predestinarian_a preacher_n speak_v thus_o but_o thus_o they_o ought_v to_o speak_v be_v their_o practice_n answerable_a to_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o hold_v but_o their_o not_o do_v so_o evident_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o true_a office_n and_o duty_n of_o a_o minister_n and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n ought_v by_o all_o man_n to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o error_n of_o freewill_n the_o predestinarian_o teach_v that_o god_n have_v not_o give_v unto_o man_n such_o a_o freedom_n and_o power_n of_o will_n as_o do_v enable_v he_o either_o to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v what_o he_o require_v of_o he_o for_o they_o say_v that_o as_o one_o part_n of_o man_n be_v reprobate_v and_o the_o other_o be_v elect_v so_o he_o will_v unavoidable_o make_v they_o righteous_a who_o he_o decree_v to_o save_v and_o as_o unavoidable_o make_v they_o wicked_a who_o he_o decree_v to_o damn_v for_o as_o god_n have_v decree_v the_o end_n of_o man_n whether_o it_o be_v salvation_n or_o damnation_n so_o he_o have_v decree_v the_o mean_n that_o shall_v bring_v they_o thereunto_o these_o thing_n say_v they_o be_v not_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o choice_n neither_o be_v it_o in_o their_o own_o power_n to_o be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o absolute_o determine_v they_o to_o but_o this_o notion_n be_v contrary_a also_o to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o be_v therefore_o a_o error_n the_o general_a importance_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o man_n be_v a_o be_v to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v such_o power_n as_o do_v sufficient_o enable_v he_o 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if_o he_o exhort_v all_o man_n to_o do_v this_o and_o yet_o they_o all_o do_v not_o do_v it_o as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v not_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o disobey_v and_o indeed_o the_o divine_a law_n of_o god_n be_v a_o clear_a and_o demonstrative_a proof_n that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n be_v free_a for_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o oblige_v man_n by_o a_o law_n to_o do_v one_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o do_v another_o if_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a necessity_n that_o man_n must_v do_v these_o thing_n as_o there_o be_v no_o place_n then_o so_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o need_n of_o a_o obligation_n where_o there_o be_v