SECTION I.

HAving out of this Verse in severall Ser­mons, A generall Hint of such points as have been hand­led out of this Text. already (after a gene­rall and Methodicall de­ciphering of Happinesse, according as the Scriptures speake diversly of it) con­sidered 1. Of the things to be knowne, and that [Page 22]both according to their re­straint, onely things revea­led, and specification here, namely dueties of love and humility; 2. Of our duty and the necessity of know­ing them; 3. Of our du­ty in believing, willing, and affecting the things known; 4. The necessity of practise to be added to knowledge.

Whence we concluded, that true knowledge is not bare knowledge, but such as is accompanied with good and answerable af­fections and actions.

Wee are now in the 5th and last place to consider of that blessednesse, or at least assurance of Blessednesse, which results out of such practise, as a strong motive to excite and stir up to the practise of things knowne, [Page 23]and that out of these last words: Happy are yee if yee doe them. And so from thence to try our know­ledge, by our practise and obedience.

Where it would be con­sidered that wee must con­ceive of doing here, Doing here under­stood E­vangelical­ly, and so as to bee extended to Conver­sion, Faith, & Repen­tance, &c. not legally, according to the rigour of the Law; For so should never any man be happy, (And Christ onely performed that perfect o­bedience to Gods will, and wee onely in him:) but Evangelically, according to the equity of the Gospel, and according to a weaker degree of obedience, per­formed in sincerity, Faith, and constancy, and such as God will graciously accept of in Christ; So that wee may and must also extend [Page 4]this Doing more largely as having reference to Gods whole will, revealed and made known unto us.

Now God manifests his will either by his words o [...] workes; By word: 1. O [...] Command, both Legall and Evangelicall; And so no [...] onely obedience, Gods will how ma­nifested. but Faith. Repentance, Conversion &c. come within the Com­passe of Gods command▪ This is his commandement▪ that we should believe on the Name of his Son Je [...]us Christ, and love one another, &c. And this is the worke o [...] God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. 1 Ioh. 3.23. Ioh. 6.29. Isa. 1.16.17

2. Of Restraint, and threatning; and so our Do­ing is indeed our not doing▪ of evill forbidden, accor­ding to that, Cease to do [...] evill, [Page 5]learne to doe well.

3. Of Promise; whether [...]osolute or Conditionall; [...]o that our obedience and [...]oing according to this [...]ord wil be also our Faith, [...]nd our keeping, and ob­ [...]erving the Conditions, of [...]epentance, Obedience, [...]c. Upon which the pro­ [...]ises are made.

2. By Worke, and by the [...]vent experimentally ac­ [...]ording to his word; which [...]it be good, then the thing [...]quired is our thankful­esse: if evill, befalling our [...]lves, our Doing is our pa­ [...]ent suffring, as wee are [...]ught to pray: Thy will be [...]ne (which includes also a [...]illing suffring) and to say, [...]e will of the Lord bee [...]one; if it befall others, A [...]. [...] our [...]oing is Fearing, [...] [Page 6]And our amendmēt, Lu. 13.5.

Now before I urge the further necessity of this do­ing from the motive of hap­pinesse in the Text, The [...]ule of our doing, is onely Gods will made knowne. consi­der wee briefly from th [...] words, the rule of our acti [...] ons and obedience, which wee may consider of fro [...] the last word in the Tex [...] [...], Them. For wee th [...] are directed to Gods one [...] Will and to things reve [...]led and made knowne u [...] to us; which as wee ha [...] heard are, according [...] their restraint onely thin [...] revealed, and which w [...] are bound (and here su [...]posed) to know; our D [...] ­ings must be squared, a [...] ­cording to the things w [...] know; and this [...] he [...] must answer that [...], [...] that our Doings should [...] [Page 7]her be scanter, nor larger, [...]hen these things which [...]re made knowne and re­ [...]ealed.

For 1. Wee must doe all [...]e know to be done, other­wise wee should live in sins [...]gainst knowledge and [...]onscience, and so should [...]nne more damnably and [...]excusably, and be beaten [...]ith more strips.

2. And in Doing we must [...]ot (especially in matters [...]f Gods worship) doe any [...]ing but according to that [...]e and will of God made [...]nowne, and that both for [...]atter and manner: I [...]. 2.12. We [...]ust set that onely rule be [...]re us, and make it the [...]quare and Line, the Samp­ [...]r and the Coppy, accor­ [...]ing to which we must di­ [...]ect and order not only our [Page 8]Faith, but all our Doing not following such othe [...] rules as will not warran [...] our actions. N [...]t 1 His secret will.

Now these Rules are, [...] The secret will of God, [...] The will and Example [...] other, 3. Our own will an [...] wisdome.

1. Gods secret will, thoug [...] we doe conformably there unto, will not justifie o [...] actions, either good or bad Not good, because the [...] are not of Faith; and so may say that Gods writte [...] Word, not understood a [...] right, is for the true me [...]ning of it secret to us. S [...] that though we doe acco [...] ­ding to the true meanin [...] of it, yet doing it with doubtfull conscience, [...] a [...] not of Faith and certai [...] knowledge, it is sin to us.

[Page 9] 2. Not bad, To doe ac­cording to that rule, will not justify our actions, ei­ther good or bad. for so might Herod and Pontius Pilate, [...]nd the people of Israel [...]ave beene excused when [...]hey crucified Christ, seeing [...]ey were gathered toge­ [...]her for to doe whatsoever [...]he hand and counsell of [...]od determined before to [...]e done, to justify our [...]ctions from Gods secret [...]il, were too saucy; Neither [...]ust we desperatly live by [...]hat rule, saying: If I be [...]aedestinat to Life, live as I [...]st, I shall not misse of Lif; [...]f not, all my endeavours are a vaine, I cannot alter Gods [...]ounsell. Wretched Crea­ [...]ure art thou, who so rea­ [...]nest; Dost thou not make Gods secret will thy rule?

Suppose there were no­ [...]ing else to stop thy [...]outh, tell me: how know­est [Page 10]thou thy selfe to be [...] probated? Yea, or elected For so thou must needs a [...] sume. But I am reprobate [...] Yea, or I am elected; B [...] when did ever God te [...] thee, (if any,) that thou a [...] a reprobate? that conce [...] ning particular persons, [...] a secret kept to himself till the event and end d [...] clare it; And no man c [...] know himself elected wh [...] lest hee lives so careles [...] and reasons so prophanel [...] Thy rule then is, believ [...] repent, &c. And so th [...] shalt be saved, and happ [...] are yee, if yee doe the things.

2. The will and conmmand of others, 2 Not the will & command of others. Mar. 15.12, 13, 15. will not e [...] cuse us, neither must be a [...] rule unto us, as yet Pila [...] made it to himselfe, in delivering [Page 11]Christ to the Jewes [...]o be crucified, saying, What [...]ill yee that I doe unto him? &c. And they cryed: Crucify him, Crucify him. So he [...]elivered him to be cru­ [...]fied.

So Math. 28.18. the Soul­ [...]iers hired for money, did [...]s they were taught, &c. [...] the [...].

The like I may say con­ [...]erning the Example of o­ [...]her men, many or great, ill [...]r good; Yea of Christ him­ [...]elfe simply, without his [...]ord, see Mat. 23.3. And [...]uke 9.5. Will thou that wee­ [...]mmand Fire to come downe [...]om Heaven and consume [...]em? even as Elias did.

3. Our owne will and [...]isdome, as to say, Neither our owne will or wisdome. we will [...]ertainly doe whatsoever [...]ing goeth forth out of [...]ur owne mouth, &c. as [Page 12] Ier. 44.17. So Paul befor [...] his Conversion (as man [...] now in like case) I veri [...] thought with my selfe,Acts 26.9.10.14.that [...] ought to doe many things con­trary to the Name of Iesus [...] Nazareth, which thing I al [...] did, &c. And yet so doin [...] he persecuted Christ, an [...] kicked against the pricks.

The things made know [...] to us then, being the rule o [...] our practise, wee are to b [...] excited to live, practise, and doe according to that rule▪ and that the rather, that we thus may get some com­fortable testimony, that ou [...] knowledge and profession is sound; Yea especially be­cause as here we are told, Happy are we if we doeso.

SECTION 2.

BUt here, 1. Two main doubts propoun­ded & an­swered in this Trea­tise. 1. Whether Gods pro­mises be doubtfull, because conditio­nall? It may be objected: of what vali­dity is this motive from blessednesse, or what com­fort or encouragement to weldoing can this be, when blessednesse here is promi­sed only upon condition: [...]f ye doe them? What bles­sednesse is this, which (seemes) thus to depend on [...]ffs and Ands?

2. It may be asked, Whether it be in our power to keepe the conditiōs, and to doe the things required. And if not, to what end are such pre­cep [...]s & [...] ­hortations. whe­ther it be in our power to keepe and performe these Conditions, and indeed to doe these things, seeing its here required of us; and [...]f we be not able of our selves to doe such things, to what end is it that God re­quires them at our hands, [Page 14]or exhorts and excites us to the doing of them?

To the former I answer: This Cōdition here seemes indeed to make the Hap­pinesse of Saints doubtfull, seeing Happine is not here or elsewhere in the Gospell promised, but upon Con­dition, and that both of our doing (as doing hath been explained already) and of our continuance and per­severance in weldoing. Concer­ning the validity of Gods con­ditionall promses & force of the motives thence to w [...]ldoing, [...]c. Ge. 4.7 J [...]hn 7.17. Happ [...]nesse from sed [...] weldoing. La. 13 9.2 I et. 1.10 And to constance therem. Gas. 6.9.

For the first, if thou dosi [...] well, (that is, repentest, be­lievest, and becomest sin­cere,) shalt thou not be ac­cepted? Or shall there not be a r [...]mission, said God to Caine? who yet not do­ing well, found no accep­tation.

[Page 15] And saith our Saviour Christ: If any man will doe [...]is will, hee shall know of the Doctrine, &c. And if it beare [...]ruit, well, (thou maist spare [...]t) and if not, then after that [...]hou shalt cut it downe; [...]nd if yee doe these things, [...]ee shall never fall. And for perseverance: be not wea­ [...]y of weldoing, for in due [...]eason, we shall reape if we faint [...]ot.

But not withstanding such [...]onditionall promises wee [...]re taught by the same mouth and pen, Yet is not the Happi­nesse of the Elect un­certaine either in it selfe. that the [...]eaping the blessednesse, [...]he acceptation here, and [...]he Eternal [...] Salvation of Gods people and Elect is not barely doubtfull, either [...]n it selfe, or yet alwayes to them [...]fter their effectuall ca [...]ling.

[Page 16] 1. Not in it selfe, seeing i [...] depends not on man bare­ly, but upon another cause and ground; namely, on Gods eternall and immu­table decree of Election, 2 Thess. 2.13. who hath from the begin­ning chosen them to salva­tion through sanctification of the Spirit, and beliefe of the truth. Which two (sanctification and Faith▪ and so repentance, obedi­ence, and perseverance in them all) as hee requireth them of us, as Condition [...] and Meanes of Life and Salvation; so doth hee also promise, and by vertue o [...] his election effect these con­ditions in us; as wee shal [...] anon see in the particulars.

2. Not to them, Or to them alwayes after Con­version. after their effectuall calling; And that the Conditions fore [Page 17]named, (not of their Electi­on, but) of their Salvation, be fulfilled in them; And, through Gods grace, by them: For so their Election (yea and Salvation unto which they are elected) is also sure to them; For (sith S Peter) if ye doe these things yee shall never fall, (as wee heard even now.

So that here wee may take notice, How Gods word speakes differently of the same things. that the Scrip­ture speakes of the same things differently, some times as required of us, o­therwhiles as promised by himselfe; sometimes as duties and as our workes, other whiles as blessings and his owne workes; some­times as the graces requi­red, & the glory promised, may be called the Fruit of the Gospell, and the effects [Page 18]of the Ministery, as the in­strument, otherwhiles as effects of his owne eternall decree of Election, and good purpose towards us in Christ; and so sometimes as belonging to the execu­tion of his eternall decree, otherwhiles as belonging to his eternall decree to be executed; sometimes as he is pleased to make them knowne to us in his word and will revealed, shewing what he requires of us, and what is and will be pleasing unto him, otherwhiles as he hath purposed in him­selfe from all eternity to worke them; sometimes as in common propounded to all in the Church, other­whiles as proper to his own peculiar, in whom he will glorify his mercy; And [Page 19] [...]ence it is that sometimes [...]is promises are propoun­ [...]ed with condition, other­whiles without condition [...]bsolutly and indepen­ [...]antly.

God knowes who are his, [...]nd what he will doe him­selfe, and accordingly hee workes all his workes, as [...]epending meerely on his owne, most wise, just, gra [...]ious, and good will and pleasure, which nothing can or shall hinder, or dis­appoint; And so with re­ference to his owne coun­sell and purpose, he speaks absolutely, and as things shall be: Yet for the effect­ing of his purpose, hee dispenseth things in his word▪ as he pleaseth by pro­pounding things generally to all promiscuously in the [Page 20]Church, (passing by others as hee pleaseth) and that with and under condition, and so as (for ought at least wee know) they may or may not be, as the event also doth declare, and yet in regard of his elect ones all his purposes (and pro­mises) of grace and glory shall most undoubtedly take place, and they shall not misse of that Salvati­on, whereunto (through Faith and Sanctification of the Spirit) they were elected.

This course (because w [...] see it and doe observe it in the Scripture) wee must conceive God hath thought fittest for the manifesta­tion of his glory, by shew­ing forth his mercy, Justice▪ Liberty, and other his attri­butes.

[Page 21] Now if wee understand and conceive it not so well as wee would, yet should wee not by any meanes question it, or frame things as we please accor­ding to our easiest appre­hension, but rather rest (denying our owne reason, judgement, will,) in that wee see to bee the course which God pleaseth to take.

And this is that which now wee come particu­ [...]arly to shew and prove [...]ut of his Word, Two con­siderations for the clearing of the first doubt. preparing [...]he way, and endeavour­ [...]ng to make all plaine, by [...]andling of two maine Considerations.

SECT. 3.

First, Gods pro­mises di­stingu [...] shed: some are of the End, or of Happ [...] ­nesse. Acts 16.21 Re. 2.10. And these are condi­tion all. Psal. 1.1. Psal. 119.1.2. Ich. 20.19. Ro. 4.7.8. Psal. 32.1. 2. Mat. 24.26. Consider that God promises in Scripture a [...] either of the End, or [...] the meanes leading to th [...] end.

Now first the promise concerning the End, as es­pecially concerning Salva­tion and blessednesse, an [...] with Condition, as: Believ [...] and thou shalt be saved; [...] thou faithfull unto death, an [...] I will give thee a Crowne [...] Life; Or because here i [...] mention of blessednesse, thi [...] happinesse is promised with Condition of Doing and o [...] Evangelicall obedience [...] Happy are yee if you doe them. So elsewhere upon the condition of obedience, negative; Blessed is the man that walketh not in the coun­sell [Page 23]of the ungodly, &c.

2. Affirmative: Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walke in the Law of the Lord. So it is promised upon the condition of Faith; Blessed are they that have (not seene and yet have) beleeved; of the pardon of sinne: Blessed are they whose iniquities are for­given, and whose sinnes are covered; And of perseve­rance and constancy untill the day of Jesus Christ; Blessed is that servant whom his Lord when he commeth shall finde so doing.

Now these promises be­ing conditionall, all partake not of the End (which is Salvation) because all (par­take not of, nor) keepe the condition, none indeed being able of himselfe to keepe any of those conditi­ons; [Page 24]It is not in mans power to doe good, to believe, Repent, Persevere, as of him­selfe, (the proofe of this wil [...] follow anon) and God is not now bound to give thi [...] power to all, but to whom only he pleaseth.

2. But now God hath also made promises, Some are of the Meanes, and they are abso­lute. which are most free and absolute, of giving where and to whom hee pleaseth all the Conditions and Meane [...] themselves of Life, which he himselfe worketh in us▪ that so by these meanes we might attaine to the End, as Deut. 30.6. The Lord thy God will circumcise thy heart, and the heart of thy Seed to love the Lord thy GOD, with all thy heart and with all thy soule, that thou mayst live.

[Page 25] Where the end promised [...]s life, Suffrag. Britannor [...] de 5. Artic. Thes. He­terodoxa. 1. which the Israelites shall never attaine, unlesse [...]his Condition of loving God were kept; But God doth here absolutely pro­ [...]nise, that hee himselfe will give unto them this Con­dition, and accordingly wil circumcise their hearts to love the Lord.

So, in like manner as we have heard, God promiseth Blessednesse, to weldoing, to Faith, Repentance, Per­severance, &c. which are also Conditions required of us; And this is the tenor of the Gospell, yet hee also promiseth to give Faith, Repentance, power to doe well, with the act of weldo­ing and perseverance, with all other Meanes and Con­ditions, and that without [Page 26]Condition, without Iffs and Ands, and absolutely.

So that these Graces and Meanes of salvation are no [...] gifts given or promised, and offred upon Condition but absolutely; Gods promises concerning these Meanes of salvation and blessednes▪ as is said, are absolute, and are of such gifts and graces as which God (seeing ou [...] impotency and inability to attaine the End without the meanes, as also to per­forme the Conditions, and to use the Meanes as of our selves, and by our owne strength and power) doth promise to performe, or wi [...] enable us to performe. This will also bee more evident anon in the particular in­stances.

SECT. 4.

But before I further pro­ [...]eed, A digres­sion fur­ther clea­ring, and justifying the afore­said di­stinction from the imput [...]iō of Liberti­nisme. it will be needfull to [...]indicate what hath beene [...]ught from such inferences [...]s some mistaking or rather [...]avelling at this Doctrine [...]nd difference of the pro­ [...]nises, may make, yea have [...]lready made; As if be­cause it is said (as shall be proved anon) that the graces of Faith, repentance, &c. are promised absolutely, without Iffs and Ands, or without respect to Condi­tions in man, that therefore a dore is hence opened to Libertinisme and Swenckfel­ [...]dianisme, whereby the foun­dations of Christianity are overthrown, in asmuch as men are thus taught to neg­lect the hearing of Gods Word and of the Gospell [Page 28]preached, not to regard meekenesse in receiving the Word and Humility, unto which grace is promised▪ Yea even as they would have it, the grace of Electi­on.

I answer: No such thing [...] can rightly without wilful [...] cavilling be inferred hence.

For first, That life is not pre­mised but upon con­dition, doth ex­clude all neglect of means. (not to speake that none oppose Liberti­nisme, Familisme, and con­tempt or neglect of the meanes of the hearing and reading of the Gospell more then those that use this distinction of the pro­mises) this very Doctrine (that the promise of salva­tion is made upon conditi­on, and made good to none (being otherwise capable) but to those that carefully use all the meanes ordained [Page 29] [...]nd appointed to salvati­ [...]n) excludes all carelessenes [...]nd neglect of meanes, one [...]r other, seeing wee teach [...]en according to the [...]criptures; Gal. 6.7.8.9. That whatsoever [...] man soweth, that shall hee [...]ap, &c. And that we are [...]t to bee weary of weldoing. Without which constancy [...]o reaping can be expected; [...]nd that wee ought to give [...]rnest heed to the things wee [...]are, for how else can we es­ [...]pe if we neglect so great Sal­ [...]tion? &c. Heb. 2.1.2.3. This we shall [...]rther shew and urge in [...]e Conclusion of all.

2 But now chiefly con­ [...]rning the absolute pro­ [...]ise of giving the meanes [...]d effecting the Conditi­ [...]ns, concer­ning the absolute promises of the meanes. on which blessednesse [...]d Salvation is promised. [...] I say, 1. Seeing salvation [Page 30]and blessednesse is the mai [...] end instanced in, and the chiefe end respecting ma [...] that the meanes appointe [...] of God thereunto, The meanes being ma­ny, must not be di­vided. bein [...] many, are not to bee seve­red and divided one fro [...] another, but to be consid [...] ­red conjoynedly and all [...] them, with relation to the [...] maine end, and that ther [...] ­fore as they are meanes [...] Salvation, (whether the have a nearer connexi [...] with life, as Faith, Repe [...] ­tance [...], Justification, & [...] Or be further off, as t [...] Gospell it selfe, our heari [...] of it, and common and g [...] ­nerall grace wrought by [...] they all of them conjoy [...] ­edly and with respect [...] their maine end, are p [...] ­mised absolutely and wit [...] ­out condition, though [...] [Page 31] [...] selfe, as mans chiefe end, [...]e not promised in the Gospell, but upon such [...]onditions.

2 Wee may yet consider [...]hat these same conditions, Yet they may and must be compared, & so some graces may be considered as Ends & effects of former & more com­mon graces such as is the Go­spell, &c. which all of them have [...]heir reference to Salvati­ [...]n, as the Meanes thereof, [...]ay yet be compared one [...]ith another; And so some, [...] regard of such relation, [...]ay be considered as par­ [...]ular & Meane Ends, and [...]ffects of some preceding [...]uifts, which God hath or [...]ained as Meanes more im­ [...]ediately of such graces, [...]t as meanes also more re­ [...]otely of the maine End, [...]d of salvation: So Faith, [...]epentance, Holinesse, [...]erseverance, which are [...]eanes of blessednesse and [...]lvation, and Conditions [Page 32]of eternall Life, may be [...] considered also as the End [...] and effects of other grace [...] and guifts of God; and [...] not given or promised b [...] upon some Conditions which must be used [...] meanes more immediately respecting those mean [...] ends, and which have refe­rence not onely further o [...] to the maine end, Salvat [...] ­on, but more nearly to the [...] intermidle ends, of Fait [...] Repentance, &c. For L [...] ­gick and nature teache [...] us, that there is the le [...] and utmost end, which [...] chiefly intended & ayme [...] at, Finis ulti­mus, [...]; or [...] and unto which all mean [...] are ordained, and there an intermidle end: a mai [...] end, & a meane end, whi [...] is the Act and instrument [...] the efficient cause, by whi [...] [Page 33] [...]e in tends to attaine to the maine and last end.

The former in this busi­ [...]esse now in hand, Finis in­termedius ro finis ad finem, fine propter fi­nem. is eter­ [...]all Life, unto which wee [...]re elected; The latter are [...]aith, and other graces [...]named, which as they are [...]meanes of Life and blessed, [...]esse, so are they effects and [...]nds intended, which God workes and intends by the Gospell and word sent, preached, and received, or [...]ttended to: So that the Gospell is the meanes by which we attaine first to these graces, and then to Salvation, by which God [...]rings us to, and worketh Faith, Rom. 10.17 Ioh 17.17. Luke 3.5.1 Cor. 10.4.5. (for Faith commeth by [...]earing, and hearing by the Word of God,) and so Sancti­fication; So saith Christ: Sanctify them through thy [Page 34]truth, thy word is truth. And so Humility, for it is God [...] voyce in and by the Mini­stery, whereby every m [...] ­taine and hill is brough [...] low, &c.

This is one of those wea­pons, if not chiefe, which puls downe strong hold [...] and casts downe imaginati­ons, and every high thing which exalteth it selfe a­gainst the knowledge [...] God.

Thus then the Gospelli [...] a meanes of these and othe [...] graces, as the next end thereof, as of Salvation i [...] selfe more remotely; and these graces being conside­red as the next and more immediate Ends of the Gospell, have their condi­tions, which must not bee [...] neglected, as the hearing of [Page 35] [...]he word, and attending [...]ereunto, &c. Yet the same [...]aces of Faith, &c. are to [...]e considered also, and [...]hiefly as meanes of eter­ [...]all Life, and as Conditi­ [...]ns thereof; which there­ [...]re as meanes of Life and [...]essednesse, and as Condi­ [...]ons of the new Covenant [...] Life, are promised by [...]od absolutely and with­ [...]t condition; though as [...]bordinate & intermidle [...]ds, they depend also (or­ [...]narily) on their Meanes [...]d Conditions.

Thirdly, I say, Yet the promises of the end, whether maine end or meane end, [...]s [...] end, are ever Con­ditionall. And the promises of the mean [...]s as meanes ever absolute, whe­ther they be remote or nearer. yet that [...]hether we speake of the [...]iefe and last end, or of [...]e meane and midle end, [...]at it is true which was [...]d: That the promise of [...]e end, as it is the end, is [...]th Condition; and the [Page 36]promise of the Meane (whether nearer or furthe [...] off) as meanes is absolute and without condition; S [...] that let the Condition b [...] what it will be, whether [...] the maine end, or meane [...] midle ends, yet God do [...] both freely promise, an [...] freely give and effect i [...] and that whether it have more necessary and infa [...] ­lible connexion with i [...] end, as true Faith, Remi [...] ­sion & Sanctification have or doubtfull onely and un­certaine (inregard of us) a [...] the preaching of the Go [...] ­pell) by which yet all and each are not converted which yet in regard o [...] Gods Elect, and of h [...] chiefe intent in sending it is made effectuall by God, and so promised withou [...] condition.

[Page 37] Fourthly, then I avow [...]oncerning the Gospell, The Gos­pell it selfe is absolute­ly. Rom 10.17 1 Ioh. 1.9. Iames 2.6 the [...]earing, and receiving of [...], (as also concerning all [...]uch things as may be called [...]ore remote meanes of [...]fe, or conditions of Faith, which hearing; is of Remis­ [...]on, which Confession is; [...]f more grace, which Hu­ [...]ity is, &c.) that it (as [...]ese other) is both freely [...]omised, and freely given, [...]th in regard of the out­a [...]d means, and of the in­ [...]a [...]d work and effect of it.

1 The Gospell and out­ [...]ard meanes are freely and [...]solutely promised (even [...] was Christ himselfe the [...]essed Seed, Gen. 3.15.) 1 Promi­sed. and [...] the calling of us Gentiles, [...] partake of it. In the last [...]yes the mountaine of the [...]rds House shall be established [Page 38]in the top of the Mountaines;I [...]a. 2, 2, 3.and all Nations shall flow un­to it, &c. So Christ is pro­mised to be given for a Covenant of the people: For a light to the Gentiles, Isa. 2.6, 7 & 49.5, 6. &c. [...]. 66.18.13.20.to open the blinde eyes, &c. I will gather all Nations and Tongues, and they shall com [...] and see my glory; and I wi [...] set a signe among them; an [...] they shall bring all your bre­thren for an offring unto th [...] Lord out of all Nations, &c.

Secondly, Freely gi­ven [...] [...] the out w [...]rd mi­n [...]stery. R [...]. 10 1 [...] 1 [...]. the Gospel [...] and the preaching there [...] is freely given of God and sent, without which, how should men come to Faith or calling upon God, or ye [...] any other grace? For h [...] shall they call on him in who [...] they have not beleeved? & he [...] shall they beleeve in him, [...] whom they have not heard [...] [Page 39] [...]nd how shall they heare with­ [...]ut a preacher? and how shall [...]ey preach, except they bee [...]nt?

Therefore saith our Sa­viour to his Apostles: Mat. 28, 19 20. Mare. 16, 15, Goe [...]e and teach all Nations, &c. [...]nd goe ye into all the World, [...]d preach the Gospell to eve­ [...] Creature.

Yet this is done, Which is directed by speciall choyce, and sent to some, not to all. both [...]eely (in regard of the first [...]oving cause, Gods onely [...]mpassion and love,) and [...]th choyce, in regard of [...]e Nations, to which in [...]eir severall and fit times [...]e Gospell is sent, not to [...]ch Nation at once, and [...] some scarce at all. Yet [...]hosoever they are that at [...]y time enjoy the Gospell [...]d outward meanes, they [...]ve them from the free [...]ercies and goodnesse of [Page 40]God, they were not mo [...] worthy then others; Nei­ther is it because God di [...] foresee they would prof [...] by the Gospell more the [...] others. Why was it the [...] sent and preached first t [...] Israel, a gainsaying people (otherwise then for the [...] further conviction,) & n [...] to the Tyrians and Sydon [...] ­ans, who (if like migh [...] works, which were wrough [...] to confirme the Gospe [...] had beene done amon [...] them which were done [...] Corazin and Bethsaid [...] would have repented lo [...] agoe; Math. 1 [...].21. Which yet Israel d [...] not.

But this is from Gods fre [...] choyce, who (according [...] his wise and just Counsel [...] sendeth it to this or th [...] place (where he hath mu [...] [Page 41]people, Act. 18.9, 10. at least some, to call and gather by it) and purposely as hee pleaseth, will not, (or will not as yet) have it come to some other people.

Thus when Paul and Sylas had gone throughout Phry­gia, Act. 16.6 7. and the region of Galla­tia, (preaching the Go­spell,) they were forbidden of the holy Ghost to preach the Word in Asia; after they were come to Misia, they assayed to goe into Bithinia, but the Spirit suffred them not.

3 Among those, And for th' inwa [...] work & o­wer of [...] whi­ther the Gospel is sent, God giveth grace effectually to receive, and with meeke, humble, and good hearts, to entertaine it, not to all, but to whom he pleaseth. Thus among those that [Page 42]heard Paul preach at Philip­pi, Act. 16.14 its noted (onely) of Ly­dia, that the Lord opened her heart, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.

And who are called ef­fectually (as being vessels of mercy, which God had a fore prepared unto glory,) not all Iewes, not all Gen­tiles, but us, saith Paul, whom he hath called of the Jewes and of the Gen­tiles, and not of the Iewes onely, but also of the Gen­tiles.

Therefore the Light of the Gospell, Rom. 9 23. [...] and saving re­velation of the mystery of it, and the giving of wise­dome by it is made to bee the guift of Gods free grace by Christ: In whom we have redemption through his bloo [...], [Page 43] [...]he forgivenesse of sinnes,Eph. 1.7, 8, 9.ac­cording to the riches of his grace, wherein he hath aboun­ded towards us in all wisdome and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purpo­sed in himselfe, &c. So, Mat. 11.25, 26. I thanke thee, Oh Father, saith Christ, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them to Babes; Even so Fa­ther, for so it seemed good in thy sight.

Now if Gods Word prove fruitfull, L [...]k. 8.15. Iam. 1.17 and the effect of it shew it selfe onely in those who receive and heare it in an honest and good heart. I would aske from whom is this good heart? Is it not from him from whom is every good guift, and every perfect guift, &c.?

[Page 44] Wee conclude then this digression (occasioned by an unjust cavill) and say, What God requires as a Conditi­on, he al­so workes in the E­lect. that though Gods promise of Salvation, yea and of Faith, and other graces, wrought ordinarily by the ministery, bee propounded with Condition, yet the Conditions themselves and the Meanes of Salvation whether more immediate as our effectuall calling, Repentance, Faith, rege­neration, justification, &c. or mediate and remote, are both promised and effected in us, without Condition, as being not made to de­pend upon man, Mediasa­lutis im­mediata, & u [...]dis mediorum. either for the giving or the working and effecting of them in him, and so for other like particulars; God promiseth forgivenesse of sinne, to [Page 45]such as doe confesse, for­sake, and repent thereof; but who giveth repen­tance, &c. doth not God? Ezek. 36.26.31. and Zach. 12 10. God requires our pray­ers, and will scarce give us any good thing, unlesse we ask it, Matt. 7.7. Aske and it shall be given you; As Con­fession. 1 Ioh. 1.9 And Ezek. 36. after a most free and gracious promise made by God of working all grace in our hearts, and giving both Spirituall and Temporall Blessings. Vers. 25.26. and 27. &c. Yet thus saith the Lord: Prayer. Rom. 10.14. & 8.26. I will yet for this be enquired of by the house of Israel to do it for them. But who gives this gift of pray­er? onely hee that gives Faith, out of which prayer flowes, onely God by his Spirit; Zach. 12.10. Rom. 8.26. [Page 46] We know not what we [...] should pray for as we ought; but the spirit it selfe maketh inter­cession for us, &c.

Lastly, God gives grace [...] the humble; that is, more grace, Iames 4.6. But whe [...] gives the grace of Humili­ty? Humility. Doth not the Spirit [...] Gal. 5.22. Of which more afterwards.

I say then of all these though God promise not good things to his Church but upon Conditions, and in the use of Meanes, which to neglect, and yet to ex­pect the end, were presūp­tion and to tempt God, yea to come short of it, yet Go­freely and absolutely pro­miseth to give, Heb. 4▪ 1.2. and make effectuall the Condition and Meanes themselves.

Let this suffice for the [Page 47]present, till wee make it more evident anon.

SECTION. 5.

TO proceed: These promises cōcerning the meanes depend on Gods ele­ction. these promi­ses of the meanes, and of fulfilling the conditions in [...]s, depend upon Gods de­ [...]ree and Election, which is [...]ot conditionall, though [...]is word be. His order in [...]ecting us to life is not the [...]me which hee observeth [...] promising and giving [...]fe; He promiseth it upon [...]ondition, and gives it not [...]ut upon performance of [...]ch Condition; But hee [...]ust not therefore bee [...]ought to elect us conditi­onally, or upon the fore­ [...]ght of such conditions [...]rought in us, or by us. Which his electiō is not con­ditionall.

To teach (which yet some [Page 48]teach) that God is so to be conceived to decree, as he doth execute his decree were to invert the order [...] things.

Indeed in the executi [...] and in the Gospell, Armin. contra Iun. proposit. 19 he w [...] have no man to attaine [...] end without the mean [...] and without such conditi­ons as hee requireth, yea [...] he may and doth require [...] all; (which is one reas [...] why the promises are, [...] they should bee, propo [...] ­ded in Scripture, Though his Word be. and [...] the Gospell preached, generally and promiscuou [...] to all in the Church;) a [...] God hath also so decre [...] to bring men to Salvatio [...] by such meanes; But [...] this is not the whole a [...] entire decree of Go [...] which implies his predes [...] [Page 49]nation of certaine singular and definite persons, who are knowne to God, and se­ [...]ered from others by the decree of his election, whereby he hath absolute­ly and onely according to [...]is owne counsell chosen [...]em to Salvation; unto which yet he (for the exe­cution of his Decree) will [...]ring them by meanes, and by the observation of such Conditions, as he will pro­ [...]ound and require in the Gospell, on the perfor­ [...]ance of which hee promi­ [...]eth this salvation to all in [...]he Church, but worketh [...]hem onely in his Elect. Concerning which Election we thus read: Mat 20. [...]6. Many are cal­ [...]ed, but few are chosen. And the foundation of God standeth sure, having this Seale, the [Page 50]Lord knoweth them that a [...] his;2 Tim. 2.19 Rom. 11.5And so wee are told of Remnant according to the [...] lection of Grace.

Otherwise (if God Election were onely condi­tionall) it might so fall ou [...] that all might bee reprob [...] ­ted, that his Church migh [...] faile on earth, yea an [...] Christ should be no certai [...] Head, as having no certain [...] members assigned unt [...] him.

But God in the matter [...] our Salvation doth also u [...] his absolute will in bring­ing his Elect to the end ap­pointed, powerfully an [...] most infallibly.

Christ saith, Lu [...]e 12.32. it is you Fathers good pleasure [...] give you a Kingdome; and you have not chosen me, b [...] J have chosen you.

[Page 51] This could not be true, Iohn 15, 16 [...] Gods will were in this [...]ase onely conditionall. For [...]ough God in his word [...]romiseth life and blessed­ [...]esse under condition of [...]aith and Holinesse, yet he [...]ecrees nothing under any [...]oubtfull or uncertaine [...]ondition.

God in his word tells us [...]hat wee should doe, and [...]ow wee may hope to at­ [...]ine to salvation, & to assu­ [...]ance of our Election; but [...] his decree he sets downe [...]hat he himselfe will doe, [...]ccording to which hee workes and effects that grace in his Elect, which he [...]equires of them (yea of [...]ll) leaving others in his [...]ustice, to their owne hard­ [...]esse.

SECT. 6.

YEt first hee doth no [...] mock such as doe not through their owne obsti­nacie or inability keepe the conditions; Yet first, God mocks none in his Word. But most cer­tainly if they doe keep and doe that which is required (as once they were able to have obeyed God in hi [...] hardest command, and sti [...] stand bound so to doe) they shall undoubtedly bee sa­ved; therefore was it said even to Cain: Gen. 4.7.If thou do [...] well, shalt thou not be accepted [...] Gods promises of life are conditionall.

Yea in such command [...] God doth not delude, bu [...] reprove and convince such men of unbeleefe, and tha [...] in his Justice.

[Page 53] And secondly, His Word and decree are not contrary one to ano­ther. neither are [...]he decree and Word of [...]od contrary or repugnant [...]ch to other, but onely [...]bordinate. God makes [...]s word subservient to his [...]ecree, & reveales so much [...] his owne counsell and [...]rpose, and in that man [...]er as hee pleaseth, and so [...] may best serve his owne [...]ds, which if wee cannot [...]e by his Word, yet must [...]e not search, much lesse [...]arrel, with God therea­ [...]ut, or frame his decrees [...]cording to our own con­ [...]its.

God in commanding du­ [...]es at mens hands, hath [...]metimes other ends, then [...]edience, (though that [...]ely bee the thing which [...] are to looke unto, as re­ [...]ired of us, in and by his [Page 54]word,) his precepts are also sometimes for tryall, as th [...] commandement given t [...] Abraham, Gen. 22.2. of Sacrificing h [...] Sonne.

Sometimes for Convicti [...] on, whereby he intends [...] convince his Creature [...] disobedience, yea of i [...] owne inability, &c. as [...] bidding Pharaoh, let th [...] people goe.

These Ends hee keepe secret to himselfe, Exod. 8.1 (as the [...] may respect this or th [...] particular person,) an [...] therefore though his pr [...] ­cept seeme to crosse h [...] secret pleasure & purpo [...] (which the event decla [...] at length what it was,) [...] our ignorāce must not cau [...] us quarrell with God, b [...] Faith should reconcile th [...] seeming contrarietie.

[Page 55] The like is true in Gods [...]ormises and threats where [...]he exceptions and Condi­ [...]ions are often concealed [...]nd kept secret to God [...]imselfe. If God then re­ [...]eales part of his will and [...]onceales part, this is nei­ [...]her to contradict himselfe, [...]or to deale doubly and [...]eceitfully with his Crea­ [...]ure. He speakes not one [...]hing and meanes another; [...]ut speaks that which con­ [...]erneth us to take notice [...]f, & conceales that which [...]e will doe himselfe, and which hee hath absolutely [...]et downe with himselfe, [...]specially concerning the [...]alvation of those whom [...] mercy he will save, and [...] time effectually call; and [...]he just desertion of those [...]hom hee in justice will [Page 56]leave in the masse of perdi­tion, See who list Dr. Crac­kanthorpes Sermon of praedestina­tion, pag. 15, 16. and therefore not give his grace effectually unto them. I may therefore sa [...] the Conditionall part o [...] Gods will is set downe i [...] his word; But what he hat [...] set downe absolutely, and whom in particular he wi [...] save, and imprint Faith an [...] Holinesse in their heart [...] he hath reserved to him selfe, (as not being boun [...] to reveale it till the eve [...] shew it,) onely that there such an absolute will i [...] God, is revealed, as we have already shewed.

SECT. 7.

SO that now, though [...] regard of the word a [...] worke of the minister things may goe with [...] [Page 57]and Ands, and that the con­ditions in regard of man whose actions proceeding [...]f judgement, and having [...]heir beginning from with­ [...]n his will, are voluntary) [...]ay, or may not be done or [...]erformed; Yet as they are Gods workes (though re­quired of us) and effects of [...]is Election, (who chan­ [...]eth without violence our [...]ills) hee speakes of them without Iffs, and promiseth [...]hem absolutely, yea and [...]ccordingly worketh and [...]ffecteth them himselfe.

And so againe things may [...]emaine in themselves in­ [...]ifferent, to fall out this [...]ay or that way, notwith­ [...]tanding Gods decree or working infallibly this or [...]hat.

The certainty of Gods [Page 58]decree doth not abolish the consent of mans will, Gods de­cree doth not take away the consent & liberty of mans will. bu [...] rather order it, and milde­ly incline or draw it forth [...] mans freedome of will ma [...] well stand, with that neces­sitie which is of infallibili­ty, or of consequence, and mans actions may bee free, though otherwise in re­spect of Gods will they be of unchangeable necessity.

Gods decree takes not away all possibility to the contrary event, [...] voluntarii [...]i [...]iscie [...]e & volunta­rio commit­tatur, Greg. Armin. lib. 2. dist. 29. in fine. but onely the contrary event it selfe, as his decree before all worlds, that at this timel [...] should preach in this place on this argument, at this time, did not take from me, ever since, all possibility of not preaching at this time; (for I might have beene absent, or otherwise deter­mined;) [Page 59]But it tooke from me the actuall not prea­ching at this time.

I doe this certainly and infallibly, but yet freely; Gods decree takes from me the contrary event; so that (in sensu composito) these two cannot stand together, God hath decreed that at this moment, I should bee preaching these things; and I doe not at this moment, preach these things; But (in sensu diviso) these two may consist together; God decreed that I should preach these things at this moment, and I had power not to preach these things at this moment if I had pleased.

Now if this sound harsh [Page 60]to any, Praescientia Dei falli non potest. let it be considered the like inconvenien [...] would follow upon God bare prescience, (which none denyes,) and his pre­science may as well hen [...] be denyed as his praede fi [...] ­tions; Seeing Gods presci­ence is as infallible as hi [...] Decree is immutable. And thus much for the first con­sideration.

SECT. 8.

2 WE may now se­condly consi­der, The se­cond consi­deration making good the former. that in Gods new Covenant of Grace, the condition required of us, [...] also part of Gods Covenan [...] and promise made unto us. So that this is one maine difference betweene the Law (strictly taken accor­ding [Page 61]to the Condition of workes,) and the Gospell preached both before and after the death of Christ, that the Law promiseth Life, and requires perfect obedience, but neither pro­miseth nor gives power to performe what it requires; [...]t leaves a man wholly to himselfe, and to his owne power.

But the Gospell and new Covenant promiseth the [...]ame life upon new and o­ther conditions, The condi­tions re­quired of us, are also part of Gods Co­venant and promise made unto us. Difference betweene the Law and the Gospell. no lesse (I [...]ke) hard in themselves [...]nd impossible to us to per­forme aright by our owne [...]rength then the other, and [...]hat is upon condition of [...]aith, Repentance, Holi­ [...]esse, and Perseverance in [...]em all; Yet so as that it [...]oth promiseth and gives [Page 62]power to keepe and per­forme the Conditions (this latter depending on Gods Election) in which regard it is said, that the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did, and that Christ is the Mediatour of a better Co­venant, which is established on better promises, And why better? But because wh [...] the Law could not doe,Heb. 7.19 and 8.6. Rom. 8.2.3in th [...] it was weake, through the flesh is done by the Law of the Spiri [...] of Life in Christ Iesus, who [...] God sent, &c.

The first Covenant [...] said to be faulty, yet not [...] it selfe, for saith the Scrip­ture, the Lord finding fau [...] with them, (not with [...] barely) saith, the day [...] come when I will make new Covenant with th [...] [Page 63]house of Israel & Iudah; Heb. 8, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, &c. not according to the Covenant which I made with their Fa­thers, because they continued not in my Covenant (lo, there [...]s the fault of it) I regarded [...]hem not, saith the Lord; For this is the Covenant that I will make with the House of Israell, after those dayes, saith the Lord; I will put my Lawes [...]nto their minde, and write [...]hem in their hearts, &c.

Thus God promiseth to [...]oe for us what he requires [...]f us: At least hee requires [...]he Fact (or act) of us, and [...]e promiseth the ability, or [...]ather indeed he promiseth [...]nd effecteth the act also, [...]e promiseth both, to write [...]s Lawes in our hearts, and to [...]orke all our workes for us; as [...]rticularly, not onely po­wer to beleeve, but the ve­ry [Page 64]act of beleeving, not onely [...] posse Credere, but according to that [...] unto you it is given to be­leeve on him,Phil. 1.29.and not onely [...] beleeve on him (Christ) [...] also to suffer for his sake. So not onely the power, abili­ty, and will to doe good but the will, power & dee [...] too; For it is God that wor­keth in you, saith Paul, both [...] will and to doe.

SECT. 9.

NOw all that is sai [...] both in the form [...] and in this latter Conside­ration, What God requires, he both pro­miseth and worketh in the Elect. will better & mo [...] ­fully appeare by particul [...] instances and proofes, Go [...] promising Blessednesse a [...] Salvation by Christ, 1 re­quires some Conditions [Page 65]us, yet, 2. hee promiseth to worke and effect the said Conditions in us; and 3. he doth also indeed worke the same, and that by ver­tue of his new Covenant, wee will instance in some principall graces.

1 Faith God (promising Salvation and Happinesse) doth first require Faith, This is shewed in divers gra­ces, as in Faith. Which God Rom. 10.9.1 requires Marke 9.23 as the Condition; and so pro­miseth life upon that Con­dition▪ and that with an Iff, (as in my Text) saying: If thou shalt confesse with thy mouth the Lord Iesus, ‘and if thou shalt beleeve in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. So elsewhere, If thou canst beleeve, all things are possible to him that be­leeveth. So also Ioh. 3.16, [Page 66]& Act. 16.30.31. Be­leeve on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt bee saved.’ Promiseth Ier. 31.33. Isa. 53.11.

2. Yet God also doth promise Faith; For is not Faith one of those lawes, which God hath promised to put into our hearts? By his knowledge shall my righteous Servant justifie many; That is, by the knowledge of him, by which knowledge is ment faith, or at least such a knowledge as is not with­out Faith, which is also promised elsewhere, they shall all know me, of which know­ledge that is true, this is life eternall that they might know thee the onely true God, Ier. 31.34. Ioh. 17 3. Worketh. Eph. 2.8. Phil. 2.13.and Iesus Christ whom thou hast sent.

Yea 3. Hee worketh it both for habit and for act. [Page 67]So we read, by grace yee are saved through Faith, and that not of your selves; For it is the gift of God, and as wee heard, unto you it is given (not onely) to beleeve on him, &c.

SECT. 10.

2. REmission of sins, Remission of sinnes which re­quires we should seek 1 Cor. 6.9. with 11. Ioh. 8.24. which God requires wee should seeke after, Luke 11.4. and without which (wee know) no Salvation, no bles­sednesse, for as blessednesse is made to belong to such Rom. 4.7, 8. So we know that there can be no blessed­nes, no salvation, without it. Know ye not that no unrighte­eous (that is, such as are not washed and justified,) shall inherit the Kingdome of God, and to dye in our sinnes, is [Page 68]threatned: if we believe not It then hath God appointed as a meanes of life.

2. God promiseth it, 2 Promi­seth. Ier. 31.34. say­ing, I will forgive their ini­quitie, and I will remember their sinne no more. And this is my Covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sinnes.

3. He also worketh it, 3 Worketh. Isa. 43.35. I even I am he, that blotteth ou [...] thy transgressions for min [...] owne sake, and I will n [...] remember thy sins. And wh [...] is a God like unto thee,Micah. 7.18 19.that pardoneth iniquity, &c. Hee will subdue our iniquities, &c And of Christ, it is said: Him hath God exalted with his right hand, to be a Prince, and a Saviour, for to give Repentance to Israel and for­givenes of sins. Acts 5.31.

SECT. 11.

3. ANd so for Repen­tance 1. Repen­tance which God requires. Ezek. 18.21. Ier. 4.1. God requires [...]t, as without which no [...]ife, Luke 13.3. Except you [...]epent yee shall all likewise [...]erish; God promiseth life [...]nto it, and upon condition of it with an Iff: ‘If the wicked will turne from all his sinnes that he hath committed, and keepe all my Statutes, and doe that which is lawfull & right, he shall surely live; he shal not dye; And, if thou wilt returne Oh Israel, saith the Lord, returne unto me; and, if thou wilt put away thine abomina­tions out of my sight, then shalt thou not remove. So Mat. 3.2.8.’

3. Yea he also works [...] hee gives it as is now sa [...] ‘out of Acts. 5.31. and else where: Worketh. Then hath Go [...] also to the Gentiles gra [...] ­ted repentance unto life and it is preached in h [...] name. Luke 24.47. that i [...] by his power, Acts 11.18. Acts 3.12.1 [...]’ So that he both appointe [...] [Page 71] [...]t, to be preached, and works it by preaching.

SECT. 12.

[...]. SO for new Obedience, New obedience which God requires. and walking in the wayes of God in all since­ [...]ity and holinesse, without which no man shal see God, [...]eb. 12.14.

3. Yea he performes it i [...] us, Worketh. (and for us) according to that: Thou hast wrough [...] all our workes in us (or fo [...] us) Isa. 26.12. causing us in­deed to walke in his Sta­tutes, and to bring for [...] good Fruit; ‘For, saith Christ: As the branc [...] cannot beare Fruit of [...] selfe, except it abide i [...] the vine; Io [...] 15.4.5. No more can y [...] except ye abide in me; [...] am the vine, ye are the [Page 73]branches; He that abi­deth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much Fruit, for without me ye can doe nothing.’

SECT. 13.

[...] SO, Persever­ance which God re­quires. Gal 6 9. for Perseverance and Constancy with­ [...]ut which no Crowne, no [...]eward; 1. God requires ‘as a Condition of Life and Happinesse; be thou Faithfull unto the death, and I will give thee Crowne of life, Rev. 2.10. In due season wee shall reape if we faint not. And Christ is said to reconcile us: that he might present us holy and unblamable, and unproveable in his sight, (especially) at the day of judgment, (if saith [Page 74]the Apostle) ye contin [...] in the Faith, Col. 1.22.23. Iohn 15.6, 7. grounde [...] and setled, and be no [...] moved away from th [...] hope of the Gospell, &c. And elsewhere sai [...] Christ: if a man abide no [...] in me, he is cast for [...] &c. And, if ye abide i [...] me, and my words a bi [...] in you, ye shall aske wh [...] yee will, and it shall b [...] done unto you.’

2. He yet promiseth i [...] to the great comfort of hi [...] people saying: Promiseth. ‘I wi [...] make an everlasting Co­venant with them, that [...] will not turne away from them to doe them good but I will put my feare i [...] their heart, Ier 3.2.40. that they shall not depart from mee▪’ so God will neither turne [...] from us, nor suffer [...] [Page 75] [...]o turne from him, though [...]thers fall away, and erre [...]oncerning the truth, as did Hymeneus and Philetus; ne­ [...]erthelesse saith th'Apostle, 2 Tim. 2.18, 19. [...]he foundation of the Lord [...]emaines sure, (or steady) [...]aving this Seale: The Lord [...]noweth who are his. No [...]emptation shall finally pre­ [...]aile against such; 1 Cor. 10.13. For God [...]s faithfull, who will not suffer [...]ou to be Tempted above that [...]ee are able, but will with the Temptation also make a way [...]o escape, that ye may be able [...]o beare it. Yea when such [...]s trust in God, Ieremy 20, 8.9. are ready [...]o yeeld (as Ieremy; who because Gods Word was made a reproach to him, and he was had in derision dayly, said he would no longer make mention of him, nor speake any more [Page 76]in his name,) yet God [...] word and Spirit quicke [...] them up againe, as they d [...] him; Yea God hath sai [...] and promised: Isalme 125.3. ‘The ro [...] of the wicked shall no [...] rest upon the Lot of th [...] righteous, least the righte­ous put forth their hand unto iniquity.’

And so Christ hath pro­mised the continuance, an [...] abode of his grace and hol [...] Spirit; Iohn 4.14. saying: The Wat [...] that I shall give him, shall [...] in him a Well of Water, spring­ing up into everlasting Li [...] See also Iohn 14.16.17. an [...] 1 Joh. 2.27. and 3.9.

3. He accordingly work [...] it; Worketh Phil. 1.6. Heb. 12.2. beginning and perfec [...] ­ing his owne worke; He [...] which hath begunne a goo [...] worke in you, will perform [...] it, untill the day of Ies [...] [Page 77]Christ. This Jesus Christ is [...]lled the authour (or be­ [...]nner) and also the fi­ [...]sher of our Faith; Yea [...] us he speakes most com­ [...]rtably: Iohn 6.37. All that the Father [...]eth mee, shall come unto [...], and him that cometh to [...], I will in no wise cast out.

SECT. 14.

He like I may say for all [...] other Graces (unto [...]ich Life is promised) [...]d works all, So in other graces: As more espe­cially, hu­mility and meekenesse which God requireth: Iames 2.6. 1 Pet. 5.5, 6 as the feare God; Ier. 32.40. Know­ [...]ge of God, which is re­ [...]red, as in the Text: if know these things; pro­ [...]sed. Ier. 31.34. Given Mat. 27, 28. So for humility & [...]ekenesse, which makes [...]argues) men blessed; Bles­ [...] are the meeke; Mat. 5.5. [...]. It is required, and Gods [Page 78]promises are made to [...] God giveth grace (1. mo [...] grace) to the humble. A [...] elswhere. ‘Humble yo [...] selves therefore under [...] mighty hang of God, th [...] hee may exalt you in d [...] time.’And see Isa. 57. [...] and 66.2. Mat. 18.3.

2. It is promised: Promiseth Isa. 11.6 & 65.25, ‘T [...] Wolf shall dwell with [...] Lamb, and the Leopa [...] shall lye downe with [...] Kidd; and the Calfe a [...] the yong Lyon, and [...] Fatling together;’ Yea a [...] a little Child shall [...] them; (thus shal the sto [...] bee brought downe by [...] Ministery and Ministe [...] (otherwise but weake c [...] dren, in compariso [...] those who are humbled their Ministery.)

3. Worketh. Yet it is Gods Wo [...] [Page 79] [...]nd gift, as are all good [...]ings else: Iames 1.17. Every good and very perfect gift is from a­ [...]ve; &c. Now if it be not perfect gift, yet its a good [...]ft, and therefore from the other of Lights, and given [...] from without; being a [...]od giving, yea a good [...]ft; its not called a habit, if we had it of our selves, [...]d from our owne indu­ [...]y, [...], not [...]. as Philosophy calls ver­ [...]es, which it ascribes to [...]ns own power.

[...]o generally it is said (and [...]y most truly be applied [...] this differencing grace [...] Humility, as some would [...]ke it) who maketh thee [...] differ from another? and [...]at hast thou that thou didst [...] receive? 1 Cor. 4.7. And for this [...]ekenesse the Apostle [...]kes it with love, joy, [Page 80]peace, long suffring, gentle­nes, goodnes, Faith and tem­perance, a fruit of Gods sa­ving and Sanctifying Spir [...] (as these graces are oppose [...] to the workes of the flesh Gal. 5.22.23. 1 Pet. 5.6. Yea it is ma [...] the worke of Gods migh [...] Hand, and a gift of Go [...] power, Phil. 4.12. (not of mans) [...] when Paul saith, I kn [...] how to be abased, that [...] how to carry my selfe, hum­bly, and meekely, un [...] Gods Hand: When I a [...] want, when I am hungry, [...] suffer need, this is no other [...] effect then that, 1 Peter▪ [...] Humble your selves un [...] the mighty Hand of God.

But could Paul doe [...] of himselfe; Verse. 13 No, there [...] he addes concerning [...] (and by occasion of [...] concerning all things [...] [Page 81]sides,) saying: I can doe all [...]ings through Christ that [...]engthens me. Nay I wil ad, is meekenesse and humi­ [...]y is a grace flowing from [...]ection, (not preceding [...] going before it,) which [...]erefore we as the Elect of [...]d are bid to put on with [...]er graces; For so Paul, put [...] therefore as the Elect of [...]d holy and beloved bow [...]ls [...]nercy, kindnesse, humble­ [...]sse of minde, meekenesse, &c. [...]nd so wee will conclude [...]is point, and say, that not [...]ely humility and those [...]aces mentioned, even [...]w out of Col. 3.12.13. Col. 3.12. [...]. [...]t all other gifts, graces, [...]d blessings (which have, [...]d so farre as they have [...]ecessary connexion, with [...]ernall life, as being ni­ [...]ssary meanes and con [...]d­tions [Page 82]of life, Yea all graces gi­ven us in time, are according to Gods Election of us be­fore time. Eph. 1.3, 4. Iohn 15.16. &c.) which doe come to us, and are gi­ven to us in time, are ac­cording to Gods Election of us before time, as it is said, Eph. 1.3, 4. That Ge [...] hath blessed us with all Spiri­tuall blessings in Heavenly places in Christ, (1. with Faith, Justification, Sancti­fication, Adoption, Saving Knowledge, &c.) according [...] he hath chosen us in hi [...] before the foundation of t [...] World, that we should be Holy and without blame before hi [...] in love; Particularly; abi­lity to doe good, and to bring forth good Fruit [...] constantly, For so saith our Saviour: ‘Yee have not chosen mee, but I have chosen you, and ordained you that you should goe, and bring forth Fruit, and [Page 83]that your Fruit should remaine.’

Hence we are said to be praedestinated, according to the purpose of him, Eph. 1.11.who worketh all things according to the counsell of his own will, and thus God fulfills all the good pleasure of his good­nesse, 2 Thes. 1 [...] and the worke of Faith with power. For it it is God (saith Paul) which worketh in you, Phil. 2.13.hath to will and to doe of his good plea­sure.

SECT. 15.

ANd this leads the way to (and in part resolves) the second Objection or question propounded, The se­cond main doubt re­solved and it first shewed. whe­ther it be in our power to performe what God com­mands and exhorts to, and [Page 82] [...] [Page 83] [...] [Page 84]if not, whether such com­mands and exhortations be in vaine, or no. Seeing then this blessednesse here is urged as a motive to weldoing; It would (a lit­tle further) be considered, whether the doing of these things (such as is named) be in our power or no; and whether such bare mo­tives, be enough to enable us hereunto, and to cause us to doe that which is ou [...] duty in believing, Con­verting, Obeying, and Per­severing? It may seem [...] to be in our power thus to doe, seeing the doing of these things is ascribed to us: Happy are yee if yee doe them.

I answer: That it is not in mās power as of himselfe to doe well, and Con­vert, &c. No, iis not i [...] our power to doe such things as yet God requires [Page 85]of us by way of com­mand and exhortation: hee requires,‘That wee should believe in God, and in Christ, and that we love one another, 1 Iohn 3.23. That we turne un­to him, Ioel. 2.12.13. Iere. 4.1. That wee mortifie the flesh Col. 3.5. That we cease to doe evill, and learne to doe well, Isa. 1.16, 17. and that we worke out our Salvation, Phil. 2.12.’ But yet wee have no power as of our selves to doe any of these things; where yee see I speake not of actions civill, or mo­rall only, according to man; Concerning which, though the bare doing of them be in the power of mans will; yet to doe them well in respect of all circumstances [Page 86]required, especially in re­gard of the end Gods glory (seeing all things, 1 Cor. 10.31. even our eating, sleeping, recrea­tions must be done to that end (it may be doubted whether that they may be without sinne, and accep­ted of God, more then com­mon providence and ge­nerall assistance be not re­quired.

Thus I may grant, What power hee hath in civill Actions. it is in mans power to goe to Church, or not, and when the Bell rings to a Sermon or Service, whether he will repaire to the Church upon that Summons, or goe to a Taverne, or walke in the Fields, taking his going to the place of Gods worship or Temple, as a meere na­turall action, and as it may bee a removall from one [Page 87]place to another; But to goe to the Church, as to the Church, that is, to that place where God hath appointed us to meete him, to heare our prayers, and to give us instructions and directions for the health of our Soules, and to goe w [...] a desire, hope, and intent thus to be instructed, and to get good; This I say must come from more speciall grace; So that if two or more being together, one of them when the Bell alike calls and summons all, should leave the Company, and goe to Church, as to Gods House, (as it is said) this must pro­ceed from more then his owne naturall power of will, even from such spe­ciall grace as was denyed to those others.

[Page 88] But we speake of morall actions, according to God, and grace, and of actions supernaturall, such as have reference to Gods glory, and to our Heavenly life of grace and glory.

SECT. 16.

NOw if wee looke to what is done, Rom 3.12. Seven de­grees to be con [...]idered in the per­fecting of every good worke. Whereof not any one is in manspow­er the is not able and that by man left to himselfe, we find it most true which is said: There is none that doth good, no not one. Yea and if we looke into Gods Word, we shall find the Scriptures strangely to disable the best of us all, beeing consi­dered of and in our selves, and left to our owne strength, For whereas there are Seven degrees to be con­sidered, in the effecting o [...] [Page 89] [...]ny good thing (as some [...]ood Divines have obser­ [...]ed) 1, The accomplishing [...]r perfecting of it, 2. The [...]oing or working of the [...]hing required. 3. The be­ [...]inning to doe it, 4. To [...]peake that which is good, [...]. To will, desire, and chuse [...], 6. To understand it, 7. To [...]hinke it, we shall find, that [...]ot so much as the least of [...]hese can be ascribed to our [...]wne power without Gods [...]peciall grace.

1. To perfect, finish, 1 To Per­fect it. or performe a good worke throughly so as to answer our desire and purpose, or [...]o persevere in a good work [...]o the end; is not from us, [...]ut from God; For it is God, Phil. 1, 6. who having begun a good worke in you (saith Paul to the Philippians) will per­forme [Page 90]it untill the day of Iesus Christ. So Paul concerning himselfe, to will is present with me, but how to performe that which is good (that is▪ how fully to finish it) I find not. Rom. 7.18. Yea men cannot finish their owne evill worke al­wayes according to their intent; how much Iesse good workes, Gen. 50.20. as Iosephs Bre­thren; they thought evill a­gainst him, but God ment it unto good; and so overrea­ched them, so that they came short of their pur­pose;) So Paul going to­wards Damascus, with a pur­pose to fetch thence, and bring bound to Ierusalem the Disciples of Christ, Act. 9.1.2. Yet was taken short in the way, fell downe; and in stead of finishing his own wicked intent, hee is turned [Page 91] [...]o the Obedience of Christ, [...]ot to doe or finish his own will, but Christs; saying: Lord, Acts 9.6.what wilt thou have mee [...]o doe?

2. 2 To doe it We cannot so much as [...]oe that which is good without Christ, yea unlesse we be ingrafted into him: as [...]he Branch cannot beare [...]ruit of it selfe, Iohn 15.4, 5 except it a­ [...]ide in the vine; no more can [...]ee, except yee abide in me; For without mee (or severed from [...]ee) yee can doe nothing. The [...]ay of man is not in himselfe, it is not in man that walketh [...]o direct his steppes, Ier. 10 23. [...]. 10 23. Pro. 16.9. A mans heart may devise his way, but the Lord directeth his steps.

We may know (as in my Text) what to doe, but we, [...]s of our selves are not able to doe according to our [Page 92]knowledge; Therefore prayeth David; saying, not only; Teach me the way of th [...] Statutes, and give me under­standing,Psal. 119.33, 34, 35.but make mee to go [...] in the path of thy Commande­ments. For wee are of our selves not onely blind, bu [...] lame; and God must teach us, not only to know, but [...] doe; Psal. 143.10. Therefore said David againe: Teach mee to doe th [...] will. Wee have that in us which till it be removed, hinders us from doing that which otherwise we would doe.

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit. Gal. 5.17. Rom. 7. [...]9.So that (saith Paul) yee cannot doe the things th [...] yee would. So hee himself [...] found it; The good that I would (saith he) I doe not. Isa. 26.12. [...] therefore ought bee done that is good; It is God th [...] [Page 93]worketh (as formerly is said) [...]ll our workes for us and in us.

3 To begin a good work, 3 To be­gin it. Phil. 1.6. is not from us (though we [...]urpose it) but from the Lord; It is hee that begin­ [...]eth a good worke in us.

4 To sp [...]ake what wee have thought on and pre­ [...]ared, 4 To speak good. is also from the Lord [...]nd not from us; For so wi [...]e [...]alomon concerning them [...]oth: The preparation of the [...]eart in man and the answer [...]f the Tongue,Pro. 16.1.is from the Lord; And who (what mi­ [...]ister especially) finds it not [...]hus?

5 As we cannot doe, or [...]peake and utter; 5 To will it. so can we [...]ot so much as will any [...]hing truly and spiritually good, as not our owne Con­version or Salvation; For It [...] God (saith Paul to the [Page 94]Philippians) which worket [...] in you both to will and to doe; Phil. 2.13. But of this more large [...] anon.

6 How should man wi [...] that which is good, 6 To con­ceive it. as [...] himselfe, when hee cann [...] so much as understand o [...] perceive it; For so wee are taught: 1 Cor. 2.14. The naturall man re­ceiveth not the things of [...] Spirit of God, for they are fo [...] ­lishnes unto him; neither [...] he know them, because they [...] spiritually discerned; Rom, 8.7. Yea th [...] carnall minde is enmity a­gainst God.

7 Lastly, 7 To thinke it. 2 Cor. 3. [...]. 1 Cor. 3.19, 20. Psal. 94. Nay hee can­not thinke any thing that i [...] good; So Paul: We are no [...] sufficient of our selves to thinke any thing as of ou [...] selves, but our sufficiency i [...] from God; Yea mans be [...] thoughts are vaine; the [Page 95]wisdome of the World is foolishnesse with God; And, the Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise that they are vaine.

All these put together: what is it that man is able as of himselfe to doe, with­out Gods speciall and effe­ctuall grace, especially in the matter of Conversion, Repentance, Faith, &c.

SECT. 17.

NOw the reasons of this our inability to doe good, Reasons hereof. 1 His ig­norance. may partly bee gathered and considered [...]ut of the foregoing dis­ [...]ourse; where we may take [...]otice: First of that Igno­ [...]ance (that ill disposed Ig­ [...]orance) which is in us all [...]aturally; whereby Re­pentance, [Page 96]Faith, with the power and life of Godli­nesse, is accounted foolish­nesse to the naturall man▪ At which, being called to them he scoffeth and mo [...] ­keth. Hence it was tha [...] when Hezechiah King of Ju­dah sent out messenge [...] with letters, to call those of Israel to turne againe unt [...] the Lord; 2 Chron. 30.6, 7, 8, 9, 10. inviting by man [...] faire & gracious promises; in the name and according to the Word of the Lord▪ they laughed the messen­gers to scorne and mocked them.

And doe not too many now adayes in like manner scoffe and laugh at such teachers as are most earnes [...] with them to call them from their sinnes to a new course of Life and wel-do­ing? [Page 97]Though yet diverse of [...]sher, Manasseth, Vers. 11. & Zebulon [...]umbled themselves, and [...]ame to Ierusalem;. But what? By their owne po­ [...]wer? No; no otherwise [...]hen those of Judah hum­ [...]bled themselves; of whom with those others it is said, and added, that the hand (this notes the worke, yea and power) of God was to give them (that is, all of them both of Judah and Asher, &c.) one heart to do the commandement of the King and of the Princes, And 12: by the word of the Lord; But whence was this back­wardnesse in others (whose hearts the Lord had not touched otherwise then by those common motives and exhortations used alike to them all because their cor­ruption [Page 98](unto which they were left) told them as the like corruption (where spe­ciall grace overcomes not) tells men now that God calls them to forsake their owne wayes which they have chosen, and so to de­ny their own wil & choyce, to forgoe their sweet sins, and so to undergoe such afflictions and reproach as commonly attends upon Godlinesse; and a stricter course of Sanctification▪ Yea the nature of Gods perswasions is such, as that for the most part they ra­ther disswade a naturall man, (left to himselfe) a [...], whosoever will come after me, let him deny himselfe, and take up his crosse and follow me.

And, whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the [Page 99]Gospels, the same shall save it. Marke 8.34, 35. This to fleshly, yea to natu­rall understanding, is as much as if Christ should have said: Fly from mee.

2 Secondly, 2 His un­beleefe. to Ignorance wee may adde naturall un­beleefe, which makes us with Adam rather flye from God as from a consuming Fire, Heb. 12.29. then come to him by Faith, Repentance, and by a totall resignation of our selves unto his will.

3 But chiefly, 3 His na­turall im­potency. when God doth informe our ignorāce by his word, and also by it gives hope, and proclaimes a pardon freely to the peni­tent, and to such as shall be­leeve & become new men. Yet there is that naturall impotency in man, where­by hee wants power (now since the Fall) to returne or [Page 100]to doe any thing w^ch is truly & spiritually good. There­fore saith God: Can the E­thiopian change his skin, [...]er. 13.23. o [...] the Leopard his spots? then may yee also doe good that are accustomed (or as it is in the Hebrew, taught) to doe e­vill. The estate of each man before his Con­version. In a word, we are dead in sinne, and by it; So that if wee would know what our naturall estate is before we by Gods special [...] grace be effectually called, the Scripture will plainly and fully tell us, which calls us Servants of sinne. Rom. 6.20. And tells us:‘Wee are sold under sinne, Rom. 7.14. That wee are by nature the Children of Wrath, Eph. 2.3. Concei­ved in sin, Psal. 51.7. That wee drinke iniquitie as water. Iob. 15.16. That our [Page 101]thoughts are onely and alwayes evill.’ Gen. 6.5.

That our heart is stony. Ez [...]k. 36.26. that it is per­verse & deceitfull above all things, and desperate­ly wicked. Ier. 17.9. that our carnall minde is en­mity against God, & not [...]ubject to the Law of God, neither can bee. Rom. 8.7. Yea that out of Christ we can doe no­ [...]hing. Ioh. 15.5. And as [...]s said, (which may in­clude all) we are dead in [...]respasses and sinnes. Eph. [...].1. Dead in sinnes, and [...]n the uncircumcision of [...]he flesh, Col. 2.13.

[...]ow surely all these shew [...]tous, that mans ability [...]d power of his own free­ [...]ll, especially in the busi­ [...]sse of his owne Salvation. [Page 102]is none at all. For if we be [...] Servants of sinne, how c [...] Libertie stand with this se [...] vitude? If sold under th [...] power of sinne, must n [...] the Son onely make us free [...] If we be conceived in sin [...] naturally, then surely th [...] remedy of sinne must be sought and found, not [...] nature, but without it. [...] our thoughts and imagin [...] ­tions bee wholly and one [...] evill, Shewing how un­able he is to doe good. can they at all rea [...] and lead us to that which truly good? If our hearts [...] naturally stony hearts; [...] they, so remaining admit [...] the Seed of Gods Wo [...] and prove fruitfull? M [...] they not be made both [...] & good hearts before th [...] keepe the word, they hea [...] and bring forth Fruit w [...] Patience? Luke 8.15. If o [...] [Page 103]hearts bee deceitfull above all things, and desperately wicked, what soundnesse, sinceritie, or rectitude can [...]e imagined in us natural­ [...]y? If nature cannot submit [...]t selfe to the Law of God, [...]an it (thinke wee) as of it [...]elfe either thinke or doe what is truly good? If out of Christ wee can doe no­ [...]hing, can any thinke that [...]ee can doe that which is [...]hiefe of all, even returne [...]gaine to God? And if wee [...]e dead in sin, what sense [...]r motion can we have, to [...]oe any thing that is truly [...]ood?

SECTION. 18.

HEnce wee are taught humility, and not to [...]lory in our selves, but on­ly [Page 104]in God; Vse of this his impo­ [...]encie to teach us humility; to ascribe all to Gods power, s [...]bduing our Rebel­lion. Yea hence we [...] see that man brings nothing to his owne Conversion besides the bare faculty [...] Willing or nilling, which power if hee had not, hee should not bee so much as [...] man, but as a block or stoc [...] uncapable of Gods grace [...] But, when a man obe [...] Gods call, the Spirit [...] God so mightily and po­werfully perswades, th [...] the will of man being el [...] ­vated above it selfe, is bo [...] withdrawne from evill, an [...] drawne to God and good­nesse, without any finall [...] sistance.

‘As, [...] [...].13. when wee are bo [...] again, this is not of blo [...] nor of the will of the fiel [...] nor of the will of ma [...] but of God; (w [...] worketh in us both to [...] end to d [...].)’ So when G [...] [Page 105]worketh, it is not left to mans power to use grace well, or to beleeve, Repent, & do good or no; as if when God hath done all he mea­neth to doe, mans will is left in an equipage & even Ballance to move it selfe [...]his wayes or that wayes, as [...]t listeth; For so Gods grace should not bee praedomi­ [...]ant; and the Conversion of the Elect should bee meerely contingent: but when God worketh the will, wee cannot but will; It is not left to us to resist; For God especially in the worke of our Conversion, workes so powerfully, as that our naturall resistibili­ [...]y, yea and that actuall resi­stance which wee make, doth not prevaile; neither [...]oth it alwayes actually re­sist; [Page 106]but at that time the wi [...] yeelds its consent. So th [...] when we will actually th [...] which is good, (supposi [...] that God doth give us a [...] ability to will) yet that wil­ling is not from our selves.

It is true we (suppose i [...] our Conversion) doe freel [...] assent and will and yeeld to the motions of Gods grace [...] But the chiefe question i [...] not, Posse velle. Though we will freely, yet power and act are from him. Sec Doct. Ward; de grat. discri­minant. pag. 23. whether the will do [...] freely yeeld and give assent to the first motion and at­traction of grace; but whence is that free assent [...] not whether we will freely, but whence it is that wee will freely; whether from our owne will, or from Gods effectuall grace? It is man that formally willeth in every good worke, (yea and this his will it is which [Page 107]doth bring & draw out the [...]ormall act of willing,) but [...]t is God that so effectually [...]nd powerfully moveth the will; that when he Worketh, then the will most certain­ [...]y is wrought and brought [...]nto act. C [...]rtit [...] caus [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] [...] nos [...] [...]n fa [...]imus, Sed ille facit ut saciamuspre be [...]do [...] voluntati. Aug [...]e gratt [...], & lib. aroit. [...]. 16. So saith S. Augu­ [...]tine: It is certaine that wee [...]ur selves doe will, when we will, but yet God ma­ [...]eth us will that which is good.

And it is certaine, Nos ergo volu [...]s, sed Deus in n [...]is opera­tur & [...]lle; Nos ergo op [...]ramur, s [...] [...] no [...]s [...]p [...]ra­tur & ope­rari. Aug. [...] bono per se v [...]ranti [...], c. 13. that it [...]s wee our selves which doe [...]ny good when wee doe it, [...]ut it is hee that maketh us doe it, by giving us most effectuall ability to our will; and it is wee that will, out God worketh in us to will; therefore we worke, [Page 108]but it is God that worke [...] in us to worke, or the ven [...] act of working.

SECT. 19:

WEe must not think [...] with some, th [...] God gives onely a general and common grace; and by it gives to us posse si velim [...] power to worke if we wi [...] (though in some sense thi [...] may be true, seeing there [...] a certaine power ove [...] which the will (where it is) rules, and which it com­mands; God denyes not th [...] facultie of willing to th [...] wickedst; which make [...] their condemnation the more just: For if they ha [...] not such a power, so farr [...] they could not have sinne [...] so that there is no man bu [...] [Page 109]may be good, or hath a po­wer to be good, if he could will to bee good;) But to thinke wee can will of our selves what is good, is erro­ [...]eous; so especially to will, [...]s also not to will, or to nill, [...]nd by nilling to resist de [...]cto, and indeed Gods [...]race.

Gods grace then is more [...]hen a gentle swasion, Gods grace is more then a gen [...] swasion [...] common influence. and [...]ommon influence, giving [...]s a power which wee may [...]se [...]r not use at our plea­ [...]re; So that we may if we will, be redeemed, Beleeve, [...]epent, Persevere. No, God [...]ves also the will it selfe, [...]nd his grace (as also his in­ [...]ention to save & redeeme) [...]epends not upon conditi­ [...]n, neither is suspended [...]pon the contingent act of mans Faith and Will.

[Page 110] Grace hath its first act i [...] the will it selfe, Haee gratia, a nul lo duro corde res­puitur: ideo quippe tri­buitur ut cordis duri­ritia primi­tus aufera­tur. Aug. de prae­destin. San­ctor. cap. 8. which therefore cannot bee re­sisted, because it first works in it the will not to resist; And surely, that can resist no more, from which is ta­ken away the will to resist; thus to will is an effect of Grace, and not Grace a [...] effect of the will not resi­sting. And thus God of un­willing makes us willing Man doth not first will, and then God make him to wi [...] for so we might runne bac [...] in infinitum Infinitly.

To will then is a worke of Gods speciall and effe­ctuall Grace and power, un­to which his workes [...] Grace are ascribed; He be­ing able to doe exceeding [...] dantly above all th [...] [...] thinke, accor­ding [Page 111]to the power that wor­keth in us; Eph. 3.10. 2 Thes. 1.11 The po­wer of Gods grace in giving Faith & working conversion shewed out of Scrip­ture. unto which po­wer or effectuall grace not onely Faith it selfe and Conversion, but the fulfil­ [...]ing of it also is ascribed; For it is God that fulfills all [...]he good pleasure of his good­nesse, and the worke of Faith with power.

Now the power of grace appeares in giving the act of faith, and the giving of the act of Faith, (especially [...]f withall we consider the manner of giving it, and of Conversion; by which all resistance is subdued) proves the power of grace; seeing the act is not pre­sently given when [...] posse, or the power to beleeve if we will, is given; yea though wee should grant that the inward and out­ward [Page 112]swasion and fit object may carry a man to that which is good, Quoad spe­cificationem non quoad exercitium actus. and from that which is evill, (to ap­prove and preferre the one before the other,) yet they carry him not to the acting of that which is good, or to the exercise of the act. God exerciseth his omnipotenc [...] in giving the act of Faith and Conversion. Eph. 1: 19.20. There­fore the Apostle tells us of the exceeding greatnesse of his power to us ward, who beleeve, according to the working of his mighty po­wer, which he wrought in Christ, when hee raised hi [...] from the dead. Here wee heare of a power, of the greatnesse of his power, [...] the exceeding greatnesse of h [...] power; yea of the might of hi [...] power. Whereof such as [Page 113]beleeve have an experimē ­tall feeling & knowledge; it being no other power which raiseth up the Soule by a spiritull resurrection from the death of sinne by Faith, then that which rai­sed our blessed Saviour in his body out of the grave; For the Apostle speakes there of a present effect, and not onely of Gods power in raising the dead.

This is that divine po­wer which gives unto us all things that pertaine to life and godlinesse. 2 P [...]t. 1.3. Luke 11.21.22. 2 Pet. 5.9. Eph. 6.16. By this power of Christs grace, the strong man armed is over­come and disarmed, yea cast out; And so Peter would have us resist Satan, strong and stedfast in the Faith; this is that shield wherewith we shall bee able to quench [Page 114]all the fiery darts of the wicked, and the Gospell in the power of it, that is, the preaching of the Word to­gether with the Sword of the Spirit, are the weapons of our warfare, 2 Cor. 10.4.5. Theophylact. Cajetan. and Anselme in locum. which are mighty through God to the pulling downe of strong holds, casting downe imaginations, &c. By these weapons were vanquished and brought to the Faith: Dionysius the Areopagite, Iustin the Philo­sopher, and Martyr; Pantaenus, & those many who had used curious arts, who brought their bookes together, and burned them, Act. 19.15 the value of which amounted to fifty thousand peeces of silver, that is, to some eight hun­dred pounds of our mony.

And thus doe many finde by comfortable experiēce, [Page 115]the power of Gods Word and grace converting them to God from such sinnes as were very powerfull and strong in them; Act. 26.18. Rom. 1.16. 1 Cor. 1.18. and from the power of Satan; In which regard the preaching of the Gospell is called, the power of God to salvation, to every one that beleeveth, though to them that perish it be foolishnes; 2 Cor. 2.4.5 Phil. 1.29. Yet unto us (saith Paul) that are saved it is the power of God; what is? the preaching of the Crosse; which was not (saith Paul againe) with the inticing words of mans wisedome, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your Faith should not stand in the wise­dome of men, but in the po­wer of God. And seeing it is given to us not onely to beleeve on Christ, but also [Page 116]to suffer for his sake, not onely the Act of Faith, is the worke of Gods power, but also our actuall suffring with patience for our faith▪ Hence Paul to Timothy: 2 Tim 1.8.Bee not as [...]amed of the Testimony of the Lord, nor of mee his pri­soner, but bee thou partaker of the affliction of the Gos [...]ll, ac­cording to the power of God So hee prayes that the Co­lossians might be streng then­ed with all might,C. l. 1 11.according to (Gods) glorious power, unto all patience and long suffring with joyfulnesse.

SECT. 20.

NOw for conclusion of this point; Foure ab­surdities, issuing out of the Doctrine of common grace. if Faith, Re­pentance, and generally the Fruit of Christs death an [...] passion be onely. Condi­tionall; [Page 117] if we will believe, if we will Repent, if wee will apply the Fruit of Christs death unto our selves, then will these g [...]osse absurdi­ties (among many others) follow.

For then first, Our be­nefit by Christ shou'd be no more certaine then that which we had and lost in A­dam. the Benesit we have by Christ, shall be as uncertaine as that wee had in and by Adam, which wee lost when it was left to his owne keeping. Happinesse was set before him, and propounded to him with Condition (which was re­newed to the Jewes in the giving of the morall Law) doe this and live. Yea God gave him (and us in him) power to have kept that Condition, If hee had would; but he gave him not the power and grace that he should infallibly in very [Page 118]deed keepe the same; Ad [...] (as we in him) had powe [...] to stand and not fall; ye [...] power was never granted to him or any (by vertue of the first Covenant) to rise againe, Bernard. if hee or they did fall. But God now gives more grace, and workes in us the Conditions of his new Covenant, which con­sists chiefly (not in Com­mandements, but in his most gracious and free promises▪

Secondly, 2 God should be no more effectuall in good t [...]n Satan in evill. if Gods gra [...] and the efficacy of it reach no further then to moral [...] swasion, (outwardly and inwardly) what doth God more towards the Conver­sion then the devil to wards subversion of asinner?

Thirdly, 3 Mans goodnesse should be more ascri­bed to him selfe then to God. in the Conver­sion of a sinner, more shoul [...] be ascribed to nature the [...] [Page 119]to grace; to mans will then to God; because God (by common grace) onely moves, but man obeyes; Now no man is good in that barely, he is moved to his duety and admonished, but in that hee obeyes the ad­monition, motive, or per­swasion. And thus should man be good and doe good; (be Converted, have Faith, [...]nd continue in weldoing) especially because hee so wills, not because God made him good, or gave [...]im Faith and Repentance, &c. but onely because God [...]dmonished him that hee hould be good, and called [...]pon him by precepts, ex­ [...]ortations, and promises, to believe and to be holy.

Lastly, hence also it would follow, that the dif­ference [Page 120]betweene the go [...] and the bad, The dif­ference be­tween the good and bad should be made by man him­selfe and by nature. betweene the Children of God and [...] this World, as suppose be­tweene Peter and Iud [...] should be wholy made fr [...] nature, not from gract [...] because to use grace arig [...] (that is, to yeeld consent and to will our owne Co [...] ­version) is from mans [...] will, and that is from m­ture; and so grace shou [...] conferre, and afford [...] more to Peter, who converts then to Iudas, who remain [...] unconverted; which is co [...] ­trary to that of the Apost [...] saying, and asking: W [...] distinguisheth thee, or mak [...] thee differ from another And, what hast thou that th [...] didst not receive?1 Cor. 47.Now [...] thou didst receive it, why do [...] thou glory as if thou hadst n [...] received i [...]?

[Page 121] This Text cutts the broat of free will, And the co [...]erted should have just cause to glory even in Gods sight and o [...]erthrowes the errour of [...]niversall or cōmon grace. [...]or so might Peter boast [...]nd glory, and that justly with God; for if God by [...]is common grace give on­ [...]y a possibility to will our owne Conversion or not, and mans will afford the [...]ct, or to be willing to con­ [...]ert, then grace grants no [...]ore to Peter then to Iudas; [...]nd therefore Peter diffe [...]enceth him selfe from Iudas, [...] as all true Converts from others) by something of his owne, and proper to him­selfe; for they differ not [...]eally by any grace of God, which they afore hand have [...]eceived, wherewith they might freely worke and to operate with Gods grace, [Page 122]or not. For both receive the same grace in common, and a power to will their own Conversion, So as that they may also nill it; This grace being thus farre com­mon, puts no difference betweene them. What doth it then? Peter wills what Iudas wills not: Hee will make use of that common helpe afforded of God, and that out of his owne Liber­ty of will and power of nature, Iudas (having the same Liberty and power) will not; Dr. Ward in Con­ciore de gratia dis­criminante. So that the dif­ference betweene them is in the last place brought to that free Co-operation and working, which each of them hath from his natu­rall power and inbred Li­berty of will; So that it will invincibly follow that Peter [Page 123]may glory in Gods sight after this manner, as even a Popish Writer (handling this argument against the Iesuites) brings him in thus speaking: Lord I give thee thankes that thou hast in mer­cy conferred unto mee super­naturall helpe; namely, to be able to will mine owne Con­version;Bannez. in 2. q. 10. art. 1. document 30.but yet thou hast af­forded the like and equall helpe unto Iudas, my fellow Disci­ple; Howbeit J have added to that thou hast given mee, that which by the supernatural power thou didst not give me; namely, the will (actually) to convert; and where as I re­ceived no more then he, yet I have done & wrought more thē he, in asmuch as I now be come justified, and hee remaines in his sinnes; Therefore I owe no more to thee and to thy grace [Page 124]then this Judas who is not Converted.

Now, Sic Au­gusti [...]. d [...] praedestinat. Sanctor. c. 5. saith this Authour, and so say I, Christian E [...] abhor to heare this boast­ing; For it were pride is the highest so to thinke, and extreame blasphemy so to speake. Hence wee con­clude, that Peter, and so all true Converts, doe receive from God, not only a power to convert if they will, but the very good will it selfe, whereby they consent and accept of grace offered; yea they receive not onely common grace, but that grace which eminently doth difference them from others, and that grace is from Gods predestination.

SECT. 21.

[...]F now we further take a view, It is fur­ther shew­ed whence mans con­version is. It is from Gods spe­ciall grace, who re­moves the aforesaid impedi­ments. 2 T [...]. 2.25. As and aske whence [...]is power of thinking, con­ [...]iving, Willing, speaking, be­ [...]nning, doing, and perfecting good worke is (for such [...]ings are done as wee see [...]he Faith full, and in such [...]ive and dye in the Faith [...] feare of God) the an­ [...]er is readily given; It is not from our selves so) [...]m God and his effectuall [...]ee; for hee it is that re­ [...]oves the first. Obstacle spoken of) which is our [...]turall Ignorance, by re­ [...]ling his will effectually those that are hi [...], giving [...]em Repentance, to the ac­ [...]owledgement of the Truth. Which effect, though to [Page 126]the Ministers and Teachers of the Truth (who know not before-hand the effec [...] of their ministery in regard especially of particular per­sons) it goe with a perad­venture, Our ig­norance. yet in regard [...] God, and of those who [...] God hath given unto Christ it is without all peradven­ture; and given according to Gods good pleasure, with speciall choyce [...] some, not al, and that by the free gift and gracious work­ing of Christ, according to that of Christ him selfe ‘I thanke thee O Father because thou hast hi [...] these things from the wi [...] and prudent, Mat. 11.25, 26, 27. and hast re­vealed them unto Babe [...] Even so Father, for so [...] seemed good in thy sight [...] All things are delivere [...]’ [Page 127]to me of my Father; And no man knoweth the Son but the Father; Neither knoweth any man the Fa­ther save the Sonne, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveale him. See Iohn 6.45.

The second impediment which was our naturall un­ [...]eliefe, Our un­beliefe. Ephes. 2.13. making us fly from God) he removes by giving is Sonne Christ, and offring [...]imselfe propitious to us in [...]im, there by holding out [...]e Golden Scepter; yea [...]aking us (who sometimes [...]ere farre off) nigh by the [...]oud of Christ.

But thirdly and chiefely, Our na­turall in­ability. [...]e takes away that naturall [...]ability which is in us, by [...]abling and giving not [...]ely power to Repent, Be­ [...]ve, and doe good, and to [Page 128]persevere therein, but the very act of al these, (as is of­ten noted) Is. 26.12. Phi. 2.1 [...]. So that now Paul, who look­ing to his owne strength, could say for himselfe and others, We are not sufficient of our selves, to thinke any thing as of our selves; yet else where can say, 2 Cor. 3.5. Phil. 4.13. I can doe all things through Christ which strengtheneth me [...] and our sufficiency is of G [...] ▪ Which w [...]rk [...] of God is di­verly called in Scrip­ture.

Now this sufficient grace of God is his efficient or ef­fectuall grace, as is proved. In which regard the worke of Gods grace and spir [...] in Scripture is called [...] Creation, Psal. 51 12. Eph. [...].10. Vivification, Ephes. 2. [...] ‘Regeneratiō, Ioh. 3.5. Re­novation, Eph. 4.23. Th [...] taking a way of the sto [...] heart and giving a hea [...] [Page 129]of Flesh. Ezek. 36.26. Con­version Ier. 31.18. A Draw­ing. Ioh. 6.44. A pulling a man out of the Kingdome of Darkenesse, into the Kingdome of Light. Col 1.13. I Peter 2.9. Acts 26.18. A working of the will and deed. Phil. 2.13. A writing of the Law in the heart. Ier. 31.33. In a word A rai­sing from the dead John 5.25 Eph. 2.5.’

SECT. 22.

THerefore all this grace and power is from God, and not from us; For, who can make or Create himselfe? Or who can raise himselfe from death by his owne power?

Objection: Yea, but wee are not wholy dead, but [Page 130]have some free-will. What may be ascribed to man, what must be ascrided to God. I an­swer: We indeed will free­ly what we will, but we can­not attaine to will that which is savingly good; Our will is not corrupt or dead, in regard of the roote and beginning of such actions as are within its reach and power, but in regard of the Terme or Object: So that though it hath some Liber­ty in things within the com­passe of reason, Non quoad vadicem a­gendi, sed [...]erminum. yet it can no more reach to its owne conversion, or to doe things truely and Spiritualy good, as of it selfe, then the thing created to its owne Crea­tion, or then the Child that is borne to its owne beget­ting, or then Lazarus did to the raising of hims;elfe from death.

This Worke (especially [Page 131]of Conversion and Faith) as we have heard, is ascri­bed to the same power which raised Christ from the dead, Eph. 1.19.20. And it is said by Christ: Iohn 6 44. No man can come unto mee, except the Father, which hath sent mee, draw him. And I will raise him up at the last day. Noting that both these require the same power, and that wee are as unable to doe the one, or to come to Christ, as the other; namely, to raise our selves from the dead; As then it was Gods power, and it onely which did at first create the World by his Word, which was opera­tive, whereby God said: G [...]. 1.3. Let there be Light, and there was Light, &c.) So it must be, and is the same mighty power, which by his word [Page 132]begets, and creates us anew [...] Yea a greater power seeme [...] to be required; because i [...] our Creation nothing re­sisted, whereas in our repa­ration and new Creatie [...] our wicked wills resist and with stand as much as is them lyeth, so that Gods power appeareth in subdu­ing and taking away this evill disposition of our wills, making us of unwil­ling and rebellious, most willing and obsequious.

The grace then afforded us, (which is as S. Angustin calls it, the grace of God by Jesus Christ,) is not onely a monitory grace whereby (whether outwardly or in­wardly) hee would by his suasions incline us (for this is not enough, unlesse God first create in us spirituall [Page 133]Life, whereby wee may heare and yeeld to his mo­ [...]ives: For where there is no Life, swasions can take no place, no more then if Cicero with his eloquence should seeke to move the affecti­pns of a dead man;) neither [...]s it a common universall grace, assisting all and each [...]like; but it is such a grace [...]s gives to the Soule a spi­rituall and divine being, which is to the Soule as health to the body, (yea more,) and which hath mans Liberty under the power of it, [...] so as to make use of it, and to rule in mans will as it pleaseth, without offring any violence there­unto, and without prejudi­cing the Liberty of it, or its free manner of working, In a word, this grace is [...] [Page 134]which first workes thi [...] good will, and then workes by it. It is that in ward mo­ving, and effectuall grace, which is both praevenie [...] quâ velimus, & subsequens [...] ­srustra velimus; That is, it both prevents us whereby we will, and it followes [...] (and accompanieth us con­tinually) that wee will no [...] in vaine; (or that we fall no [...] a way from our stedfast­nesse;) What our Churches Dectrine is herein. This is also the Doctrine of our Church in the tenth Article, which te [...] us, wee cannot turne and prepare our selves by ou [...] naturall strength and good workes to Faith and calling upon God, and that we have no power to doe good works pleasant and accep­table to God, without the grace of God preventing [...] [Page 135] [...]hat wee may have a good will, land working in us, when we have that good Will.

SECT. 23.

This Doctrine (being the very plaine and evident [...]uth of God, Vse hereof. as wee have [...]eene) both lets us see what [...]ur duty is towards him, [...]also what is the immuta­ [...]lity of his counsell and [...]ood purpose to us.

1. Hence we learne to give all glory to God, and not to [...] selves. We are hence taught [...] give all glory unto God, [...]d not to glory in our [...]lves; and for ever to re­ [...]ember that of the Apostle, [...]at we learne not to think of others or of our selves) [...]ove that which is written, [...] [...]at no one of you (saith [...]ee) bee puffed up for ont [Page 136]against another, (much les [...] ­then against God himself [...] for who maketh thee t [...] differ from another, and what hast thou that thou [...] not received; Now if th [...] didst received it, why dost [...] glory, as if thou hadst not re­ceived it? Let God th [...] have all the glory of tha [...] grace and goodnesse wher­by thou differest from [...] ­nother; for it is hee wh [...] hath predestinated us, un [...] the adoption of Childre [...] by Jesus Christ, to himself according to the good pl [...] sure of his will; Ephes. 1.5. To the Pra [...] of the glory of his grace, [...] But in such case, let us w [...] the Psalmist in another ca [...] say, Ps. 115.1. and that from the hear [...] Not unto us O Lord, not [...] us, but to thy name g [...] glory.

[Page 137] Thus to doe is truely Christian; Thus to do is Chri­stian. For God hath so (according to his eternall Counsell) disposed of all things here below, 1 Cor. 1.29. I [...]r. 9.24. Rom. 3▪27. Rom. 4.2. that no fle [...]s should glory in his pre­sence. Let him then that glori­eth, glory in this, saith the Lord, that he understandeth and knoweth me that I am the Lord that exerciseth loving kindnesse, &c. The Law or Faith excludes all boasting in our selves: otherwise if wee will bring ought of our owne, we may rejoyce and glory, but not before God. To glory in our selvs is heathe­n [...]th. Bet us then leave all glory­ing to the prophane Hea­then, who indeed, wholy ignorant of Gods grace, have avouched, that we tru­ly and justly may glory of our vertue; Which say they wee would never doe if it [Page 138]were the gift of God, and not a thing of our own; And saith another, it is one prin­cipall step to happinesse, for a man to admire himselfe, that is, to doate upon his owne excellency.

Let us then give glory to God, Ci [...]ro de nat. Deorú, lib. 3. Sene­ca de vita Beata, c. 8. Popish. and depend wholy upon him, and on his grace. Papists (not to say others) will be as little beholding to Gods grace as may bee, where they imagine their owne will and naturall strength to bee sufficient, there they think not the gift of speciall grace to be so necessary: they thinke it need full to make us to doe good duties, Bellarm [...]de gratia, &c. [...]ib. 5. c. 7. more easily & readily; So that to over­come tentations, that no sin be committed, they doe not alwayes require Gods spe­ciall [Page 139]helpe, that is internall illumination, and superna­turall motion, but any help whatsoever; But what a­vailes it to be a Christian, if this be so? The Heathen indeed thinke they may come to happinesse, and a­voyd all sinne, by the good Husbanding of their owne Freewill; and therefore flat­ter themselves, saying, it is enough that they pray to Jupiter, for long Life and riches; As for a good mind and vertue, they wold give that to themselves, (and so not be beholding to Jupiter f [...]r it,) Herat. Ep. 18. Lib. 1. so one flattered a great man, saying: The Gods grant thee long life, for as for other things, thou wilt give them to thy selfe.

Now these are no Poeti­call flourishes, but agree­able [Page 140]to the Doctrine and most serious meditations of their best Philosophers; Dit tibi de [...]t annos, tran­quille caetera sm [...]es, sint m [...]do virtu­ti tempora long a tuae Ovid. lib. 2. de ponto Eleg. 1. a [...] Germanic. Aris [...]ot. in Ethic. Sene [...]. Ep. 31. Ep. 54. Iemish. seeing great Aristotle, the Master of morality tells us, that both vertue and vice are in our power, or else we were neither to be prai­sed for weldoing, nor dis­praised for ill-doing; and that every man is the for­ger of his owne Fortune Hence Seneca is angry with those that trouble the Gods with their prayers, that they might bee happy; say­ing withall, make thy selfe happy: Ye [...] hee tells u [...] moreover, that in some re­sp [...]ct man hath the [...]d van­tage of God himselfe, see­ing God is happy by the benefi [...] of nature, but man is happy by his owne good Husbanding of his min [...] [Page 141]that is, God is happy, and cannot be otherwise; He is happy of necessity, but a good man is so by his owne Election & choyce, (whēce by the way wee see from whose forge wee receive those Doctrines, w^ch dayly do somagnifie mans power▪ [...]gainst Gods grace, even frō Philosophers & Poets) hereun­ [...]o ad what I read cōcerning [...]ne Barcozba a Jew, Morn. de veritate re­ligions Christ. c. 29. who would make himselfe Christ though it were forty yeares [...]fter the destruction of the [...]econd Temple,) & who hav­ [...]g gathered ahūdred thou [...]nd men about him did so rust to their invincible [...]rēgth, as that he did cut off [...]e of each of their singers; [...]d going to battell he was [...]ōt to say, Prophane. help us not thou [...]ord of the World, seeing [...]ou hast forsaken us, &c.

[Page 142] Answerable to which arto­gancy is that of the gre [...] Turke of late, who at­tempting against Polan [...] presumed even without▪ Gods assent, that they we [...] able to destroy that Nati­on; for when the chie [...] Muphty, at the instance [...] Scander Basha, Generall [...] ­gainst the Polonians, ap­pointed solemne prayers i [...] their Meschites, for the good successe of his Army; the Great Turke did forbi [...] them; saying, that without any ayde from God, the [...] were able by their own [...] forces to destroy the Polo­nians; as was intimated [...] our late Soveraigne of f [...] mous and happy Memery King Iames by the Cou [...] George Ossolniski Ambas­sadour of the King; of Po­land, [Page 143]in his Oration to him.

See from these Exam­ples what a height of pride men, who admire them [...]elves, and trust in their [...]wne strength, may attaine [...]nto; Even to think them­ [...]elves, if not in whole, yet [...]n part sufficient without God; every one carries an [...]dol in his heart, which is a [...]ans owne selfe, whom he [...]eft to himselfe) would set [...]p against God himselfe [...]sse or more.

To conclude this applica­ [...]on, wee see how justly S. [...]ustin of old, and wee now [...]ay challenge the enemies [...]f Gods grace, with mani­ [...]st dishonour done unto [...]od, & monstrous pride, [...]hich appears from hence; [...]ecause in very deed, such [...]n neither pray aright, Such can never pray [...]right. nor [Page 144]give thankes unto God fe [...] any good thing; For sar [...] S. Austin, August. de nat. & gra­tia. c. 18. what is more foo­lish then to pray for th [...] which I have in mine ow [...] power? And so may I s [...] to our new Masters, what [...] that which I am to begg [...] and aske of God? Is it su [...] cient grace? Nay they w [...] tell mee, I enjoy that alrea­dy, by Covenant (in Ba [...] ­tisine, D. Prid. lect. 4. in which is given [...] each sufficiēt grace to ser [...] God if they will) and this have with such Hypocrit [...] as never begge it. Is it th [...] the good use of that grace [...] But this I can draw into A [...] by mine owne endeavou [...] out of the inbred indi [...] rencie of mine owne free [...] will. Nor be tru­ly thankef [...]ll Now who I pray y [...] can seriously begge that [...] another, which hee hath [...] [Page 145]possesseth already? yea or [...]ew can any be truly thāk­ [...]ll for that which hee hath [...]ot so much received as gi­ [...]en and himselfe afforded? [...]ow can wee glorifie God [...]y offering him praise when [...]ee aseribe (though but in [...]art and in the second [...]lace) the praise and power [...]f weldoing to our selves? [...]et them see to it who will [...]ave Gods grace in mans Conversion to be common, [...]niversall and such as they also partake as truly of, yea [...]nd as effectually, who re­ [...]maine unconverted.

SECT. 24.

SEcondly, the aforesaid Doctrine lets us see the immutability of Gods good [Page 146]purpose, Vse 2, To com­fort us from the immuta­bility of Gods pur­pose and promises. manifested by his promises towards those that are his; And so (to our unspeakable comfort) armes us against all doubt and conceits of our own unworthinesse, inability, frailty, and readinesse to fall from his grace, for a [...] the freenesse of his promi­ses and grace prevents our pride, so the firmnesse of his purpose, and most cer­taine, powerfull, and inde­pendant performance of his promises should preve [...] our feares. For Gods pur­pose according to Election, doth and will stand, not of our workes (or of any thing or power in man) but of him that calleth. Rom. 9.11. Though then Gods promises of Life and Salvation doe in Scripture runne with Condition, and [Page 147] [...]o are made generally to all [...] at least to all in the (Church,) that none may [...]ave just cause to complain [...]r blame God, but them­selves if they attaine not to [...]ife; Yet the performance of the Condition, On which and not on our selves, his grace and our salvation depends. and con­sequently the thing promi­sed are made (in regard of [...]he Elect) to depend upon Gods most free grace and power, and so the effects of Gods grace and love are in [...]u [...] but the free grace, favour and love it selfe, together with the power working these, are in God, & there­fore are immutable, and consequently our happy estate, and our Salvation (which depends not on our selves, but on these) is infi­nitly more safe, being thus in God, then it could be in [Page 148]us our Justification, Faith, Sanctification and Perseve­rance, and so our Salvation should bee most mutable, if they de pēded on our selves, (so that wee may give such men leave to hold a falling a way frō grace, who make it to depēd on themselves, on their owne acceptation or rejection,) but blessed be God who hath underta­ken for these also, and will accordingly as he hath most absolutely promised, so ef­fectually worke in us, what­soever he hath promised.

If any should a [...]ke con­cerning the World, why it continueth so long? Why the Sunne doth cons [...]antly rise and set, and why night and day, with the Seasons of the yeare doe so constāt­ly succeed one another? [Page 149]The answer is, that the wis­ [...]ome, power, and provi­ [...]ence, by which the World [...] governed, is not in the [...]reatures themselves, nei­ [...]eer depends on them, ei­ [...]er Angels or Men, but on [...]e most immutable God, [...]se all things would soone [...]ll into confusion & ruine; [...]en so is it in this busines [...]ere of mans Salvation (so [...]ten mentioned) Happy [...]en are wee, and most safe, [...] in matters of this nature [...]ee (not neglecting the [...]eanes) do ascribe nothing [...] our selves but all to [...]od. Tutiores v [...] ­vimus si to­tum Deo damus, &c. August. It is most dangerous [...] ascribe too little to the [...]ace of God; (said a wise [...]d Learned Prelat;) for [...]en wee robbe him of [...]is [...]ry. But if we ascribe too [...]le to our selves, there i [...] [Page 148] [...] [Page 149] [...] [Page 051]no danger; To ascribe all to God the safest. for whatsoever we take from our selves, it cannot hinder us from be­ing true Christians; But if wee ascribe that to the strength of our owne na­ture, which is the proper worke of grace, then doe we blemish Gods glory.

SECT. 25.

THere remaines yet one maine question, To what end then are Gods precepts S [...] exhor­tations? and doubt to be resolved, and so wee will conclude: [...] things be thus, why the [...] doth God command an [...] exhort us to that which [...] not in our power to per [...] forme? This question is ne [...] needlesse, seeing from suc [...] exhortations & command in Scripture: 1 Commo [...] Christians doe gather [Page 151] [...] bility in us to keep all Gods commandments. 2. The need­fulnesse of this que­stion. The Lutherans and others would conclude universall grace, and the like possibility, to doe or not to do the things commanded and exhorted [...]unto, seeing such commāds and exhortations are made to all, (especially in the Church,) in common to good and bad. 3 Both they in part, and chiefely Papists would hence establish (be­sides the other) freedome of will, which we hitherto have overthrowne.

I answer then in particu­ [...]ar to the doubt propoun­ded: The an­swer. 1 Our strength now is not to be mea­sured by Gods com­mande­ments. Three things; first [...]wee must not measure our strength by Gods commād­nents, so much wee may [...]nd must learne out of Scripture; God commands [Page 152]us to love him, saying: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart & with all thy soule, Mat. 22.37.and with all thy minde. So also wee may read in Deut. Deut. 30.6. 6.5. Yet the same Lord tells us also, that hee himselfe must first Cir­cumcise our hearts to love him Saying by Moses: The Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy Seed, to love the Lord thy Ge [...] with all thine heart and wif [...] all thy seule, that thou ma [...] live. And to the like effect are all those places named concerning Faith, remiss [...] of sin, Repentance, new ob [...] ­dience, Perseverance, yea [...] humility; all which God re­quires at our hands, yea and exhorts us unto; yet as we [...] have seene, See Sect. 9, 10, 11, 12 13, 14. we worke no [...] these, but God by his effe­ctuall [Page 153]grace, and according to his promise, worketh them in us. So to specifie [...]it, and to shew it in some of these more expressy, Christ saith: Come unto mee all yee that labour; yet the same mouth saith: Mat. 11.28. No man [...]an come unto mee,Iohn 6.44.except the Father which hath sent mee draw him. So God bids us [...]urne: Turne ye even unto me [...]ith all your heart &c. Ioel 2.12. Yet [...]aith Ephraim: Ier. 31.18. Turne thou [...]e, & I shall bee turned. And [...]he Church, Lament. 5.21. [...]urne thou us unto thee O [...]ord, and we shall bee turned; [...]nd in very deed wee can­ [...]ot suspirare, sigh for sin, [...]nlesse God doe first in pi­ [...]are, inspire and breathe it [...], Rom. 8.26. God must [...]ause his winde to blow, & breath into us the Spi­rit [Page 154]of Life) before these waters (of repētant teares) doe flow. Psal. 147.18 So againe: Learne to doe well. Isa. 1.17. and Ia. 2.12. So doe as they, &c. And here: Happy are ye if y [...] doe them. And yet saith our Saviour Christ: Without me ye can doe nothing. Iohn 15.6. And so for knowledge David spea­keth thus: 1 Chrs. 28.9 And thou Solo­mon my Son, know thou the God of thy Father &c. And here: If we know these things, &c. [...]at. 11.27 And yet saith Christ: No man knoweth the Father save the son, and hee to when­soever the Son will reveal [...] him. And John 6.46.

SECT. 26.

SEcondly, Gods precepts and exhor­tations are grounded on his pro­mise. such Exhorta­tions and Precepts have their foundation & ground, [Page 155]not on our naturall power, but on Gods promises, as is said, 1 Thes. 5.23, 24. and on the new Cove­nant. So, the very God of peace sanctifie you wholly; and I pray God, your whole spirit and soule and body, bee preser­ved blamelesse unto the com­ming of our Lord Iesus Christ; then it followes: Faithfull is he that calleth you, who will also doe it. Phil. 2.12. 13. So worke out your owne Salvation with feare and trembling; For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to doe of his good pleasure. So, Wash yee, make yee cleane, Isa. 1.16. Ezek. 36.2 [...] saith God by his Prophet Isa. But by his Prophet Ezekiel: I will sprin­kle Water upon you, and yee shall be cleane; and I will clense you. So, walke before me, Gen. 17.1. Ezek 36.27 Rom. 6.12.14.an bee thou perfect. And, I wild cause you to walke in my sta­tutes. [Page 156]Lastly, Let not sinne reigne in your mortall bodies. And, Rom. 6.12.14. sinne shall not reigne or have Dominion over you, &c. Rom. 6.12.14.

SECT. 27.

THirdly, These exhortati­ons are not yet in vain. 1. Not in regard of the repro­bate, who thus are told what they shold have done. Luke 12.47. and lastly: I [...] say, that yet such Ex­hortations and Command­ments are not in vaine, but serve for very good ends, and that both in regard of the reprobate and Elect.

1 The reprobate, are hence put in minde what they should doe, or should have done, and what once they had power to have done.

Secondly thus they are left without excuse, They are thus convinced as was Pharach. Exod. 8.1. as knowing Gods will, but not doing it; and Gods justice is thus made more manifest [Page 157]in their condemnation, they cannot say they now perish for want of meanes, but because they are awanting to the meanes. Such com­mands then are not in vain, though the thing comman­ded bee not performed; for God hath other ends, (which hee is not bound to make knowne to us) why [...]he commands such things. God sends Moses to Pharaoh, [...]bidding him say unto him: Let my people goe, that they may serve me [...]; Which was often repeated, yet the e­ [...]ent shewed that the secret pleasure and purpose of God was, that hee should not let them goe: yea God also told Moses so much say­ing: Exod. 11.10 Pharaoh shall not hear­ [...]en unto you, (and a reason [...]s given,) that my wonders [Page 158]may be multiplied in the Land of Egypt. (And see Rom. 9.17. and Exod. 9.16. (And then it is added: & the Lord hardened Pharaohs heart, so that he would not let the Chil­dren of Israel goe out of his Land.

Now though Pharaoh (as others his like now) stood bound to obey this Com­mandement, And the Cōmand­ment in regard to God is not in vaine. yet Gods chief ayme herein was not Ph [...] ­raohs obedience, but to con­vince him of Rebellion and hardnesse of heart; and so according to Gods inten­tion it was properly a Com­mandement of Conviction, so I may say as sound Di­vines have said before me [...] Gods Word in the ministe­ry of it, where the command is given to all to Repent and believe, is not to delud [...] [Page 159]men, though effectuall grace be not given to all so to doe; That Commande­ment, though it should of all in duty be obeyed, and though in the intent of the Minister (who is to preach Faith and Repentance, 2 Tim. 2.25 and to call them thereunto, even those that oppose themselves) it have onely one end; namely, the Salva­tion of those hee preaches unto, yet (as the event makes it plaine, by which God declares at length what his purpose was) in the intention and counsell of God it hath diverse ends; in them that are ordained [...]o eternall Life it is a pre­cept of obedience, because God will fully enable them to doe that which hee com­mandeth: In the rest, it is [Page 160]a Commandement of tryall or conviction; that to un­believers, their sin might be discovered, and all ex­cuse cut off. Thus when the precept is given to be­lieve, but not the grace of Faith, God doth not delude, but reprove and convince men of unbeliefe, and that in his justice, because when they believe not, they sinne against grace offered them, and in some measure given them. So that from such Exhortations made in com­mon to all, wee may not conclude, that God hath the same and alike good minde and intent infallibly to save all.

Object. Yet God is not un­just in so doing. Though God thus should attaine his end, and so in regard of him the Commandement should [Page 161]not be in vaine; Yet should not this savour of great in­justice and cruelty, to re­quire a thing impossible to man left to himselfe?

I answer, True, Why? 1. 2. 3. 4. if God had not given man power and a possibility. 2. If Man had not willingly disabled himselfe, and drawne it up­on himselfe, by his owne fault. 3. If man should now by grace aske (as he should) this ability to obey God, and to acknowledge his owne impotency, and be­waile it. Yea 4. If God were bound to give it without asking; for man was at first made according to the Image of God, and had power sufficient given him, to have done whatsoever God should at any time have required of him. So[Page 162]that if man through his own default hath lost this power to obey God, yet God hath not lost his right to require his Obedience, w^ch he may justly doe, though he know man unable to discharge it. Hee may require it of a proud sinner to convince him, and to leave him with­out excuse, as a man may require, and call for a debt of a great valew, which the debtor (falling into decay through his own ryotous­nes & carelessenes) cannot now repay, especially if the debtour carry himselfe in­solently and malepartly against the Creditour (as such men doe against God,) who may thus stoppe his mouth, and put him to si­lence, yea to shame. But seeing they, in a sense of [Page 163]their own inability, doe not aske this grace and power from God, God is not bound to give it unto them. But fifthly the truth is, man in the Gospell is not left wholly to himselfe: God both offers and gives more grace then he answers▪ so that if man repent and be­lieve not when God calls him to it, hee sinnes against grace offered him, and a­gainst the Gospell through his owne default (whether contempt or negligence) and so incurres greater condemnation then such as have not the same helpes meanes and grace offered them. 3. 3 They are thus re­strained, and the godly live more peaceably by them. These Exhorta­tions and precepts (unto which are annexed curses and punishments upon dis­obedience) are howsoever [Page 164]to restraine their naturall corruption (as in Herod) which else would breake out unto all outrage; So that there would be no living for the godly in the world if the feare of punishments upon their disobedience did not restraine the wick­ [...]d Or howsoever, God 4. (in his justice) may doe this for the increase of their sin, their further hardning (after they have once hardned themselves against his grace) and just Condemna­tion, as Isa 6.9.10. Heare ye. but understand not; and make the heart of this people fat.

SECT. 28.

SEcondly, Such pre­cepts are not in vaine, in regard of the elect. 1. Vncon­verted, who thus: 1. Are taught to deny them­selves, and fiye to Christ. the Elect may be considered first as un­converted; And first then, [Page 165]such Exhortations and Cōmands are not in vaine; [...]inasmuch, 1. As they prove to be the meanes of their Conversion; whilest seeing▪ [...]hereby, and finding (upon [...]riall) their own impotency [...]o doe the thing required, [...]nd consequently their mi­ [...]ery if the things be not done, they are forced to fly [...]ut of themselves, to seeke [...]elpe where helpe may be [...]ad, and that is from Christ [...] who is also preached and [...]ffered to such as thus [...]roaning under their owne [...]urthen seeke and come to [...]im for ease, Mat. 11.28. [...]ome unto mee all yee that la­ [...]ur and are heavy laden, &c.) thus the very Law is [...]id to be our Schoolema­ [...]er to Christ, Gal. 3.24. seeing it [...]oves a preparation to [Page 166]Conversion, by accident, yet by Gods singular provi­dence towards his elect­ones, who in a manner are forced to acknowledge their own unrighteousnesse and impotency, to despair of themselves, and to seeke righteousnesse and life i [...] Christ the redeemer by Faith, Gal. 3.21. & 22. according to that: [...] there had beenè a Law give [...] which could have given life ver [...]y, righteousnesse sho [...] have beene by the Law. But to Scripture hath concluded [...] under finne, that the prom [...] by Faith of Iesus Christ mi [...] be given to them that believ [...]

This then teacheth the [...] what especially to beg [...] Gods hand, And to seek help where it only may be had. namely, there newing of their nature b [...] his power; Yea and stirre [...] them up to beg the same [Page 167]to pray for grace, and to use all good meanes besides, as the Word and Sacraments whereby they might attaine to saving and effectuall grace.

Thus God bids his people turne unto him, saying: Ezck. 33.11. Turne yee, turne yee from your evill wayes, for why will yee dye Oh house of Israel? And they pray to him now (sen­sible of their owne inabi­lity) saying: Lam. 5.21 Turne thou us [...]ob Lord, and we shalbe turned. Let us runne, Heb. 12.1. 1 Cor. 9.24. saith the Apostle, with patience the [...]ace that is set before us: And, so runne that yee may obtaine; Now the affection of Gods people is expressed in that of David: Ps. 119.32.I will runne the way of thy Commandements when thou shalt enlarge my [...]eart; And by that of the [Page 168]Church: Cant. 1.4. Draw me, and we will runne after thee.

Thus againe David speak­ing to God: Psal. 119.4.5. Thou hast com­manded us to keepe thy pre­cepts diligently. (It seemes then it is in our power so to doe; No, therefore hee knowing his own impoten­cy, flyes to God, by prayer, saying:) O that my wayes were directed to keepe thy statuter; And, thus the Imperative in Scripture doth not beget the Potentiall, but only the optative.

Hence, Da Domine quod jubes, & jube quod vis, & non frustra subebis. Au. de bono per­sever. ca 20. S. Austin: Lor [...] give mee power to doe wh [...] thou commandest, then con­mand and require of me wh [...] thou pleasest, and thou sh [...] not require it in vaine. And accordingly it may be no­ted, that there is not any thing required of us in all [Page 169]Gods Commandements, [...]oth Legall and Evangeli­ [...]all, but for the effect of it, [...]ve are directed, enjoyned, [...]nd called upon to seeke [...]he same of God by prayer, [...]n some or other of the pe­ [...]tions of the Lords Prayer; [...]s might be at large decla­ [...]ed, and as I elsewhere have [...]hewed; So that if God [...]quire our obedience, as every where hee doth both for matter and manner, say [...]ng, So speake yee, Iam. 2 12.and so doe [...]ee, &c. And here: Happy are yee if yee doe them. This should but stirre us up to pray, as in the Lords prayer: Thy will bee done in Earth as it is in Heaven; Psa. 143.10 and as David prayeth, Teach mee to doe [...]hy will, for thou art my God Wee may then very truely say, that for God thus to [Page 170]require of us things to us impossible, is a very grea [...] Benefit, because it is the way for us to attaine to a possibility and power to doe what he commands.

SECT. 29.

ANd this now is second­ly to be considered, 2 Are in­deed con­verted. tha [...] by such Exhortations and Commands the Elect are indeed converted. Seeing these are Sanctified of God as meanes to this end, Such pre­cepts and exhortati­ons being sanctified of God as means of convertion. Heb. 4 12£ and as instruments by which the Holy ghost renewes the will, and doth convert it [...] for by the meanes of such his precepts and Exhorta­tions the Holy Ghost uset [...] to shew forth its power i [...] the Conversion of sinners With his Commandement [Page 171]and Exhortations God [...]oucheth the heart, and o­peneth it, to attend, to re­ [...]eive the Word, and to [...]bey it, as in those converts, Acts 2.37. and in Lydia, Acts 16.14. Yea with his Word (which is operative) he gives grace, strength, and power, Acts 3.6.7. & 12.16. and himselfe performes [...]hat which hee requires. As when Peter said to the lame man: Rise up and walke; Immediatly his feete and ancle [...]ones received strength, and be leaped up stood and walked, &c. But by whose power? His owne? Nay, not by the power of Peter, much lesse by his owne power; But onely by the name and power of Jesus, who wrought with Peters word. Thus Christ cryed to La­zarus, who had beene dead [Page 172]foure dayes, saying, Lazarus come forth, But what po­wer had dead Lazarus so to doe? Yet Lazarus, even hee that was dead, came forth, &c. He arose from the dead (as wee shall all doe hereafter) but not by his owne power, but Christs Yet the rising is ascribed unto him, though the pow­er by which hee arose was onely Christs. So wee are taught to preach and speak even to such as are dead in sinne, and to say to them: Awake thou that sleepest, Ephes. 5.14.and arise from the dead. And yet though they bee dead, our exhortation is not in vaine, where it pleaseth God to make it effectuall (whose Spirit as the winde, bloweth and, worketh where it will, in every one that is borne [Page 173]of God, Joh. 3.8.) & Christ gives unto them Light and Life.

This at once shewes that [...]uch precepts and exhorta­ [...]ons doe neither imply any [...]ower in us, now as of our [...]lves, to Convert, Repent, [...]d to Beleeve, and do well, [...]hough wee are said to [...]onvert, Repent, and Be­ [...]ve) neither are they in [...]ine, seeing though God [...]quire, that which is im­ [...]ssible to us, yet he gives [...] power to us to doe that [...]ich he requires; namely, Repent and Beleeve, and [...]obey; this hee doth in [...] here, and will fully [...]ish and perfect in his [...]od time hereafter.

SECTION. 30.

BUt now, Con­verted, who are put in mind to stirre up grace in them. 2 Tim. 1.6. lastly, let u [...] consider the Elect a [...] thus already converted, and then such precepts and ad­monitions are not in vaine For 1. now having receive [...] a new Life, they are th [...] put in minde to stirre [...] (as one would do fire) God grace in them; which with out such Exhortations, [...] a weake fire under gree [...] wood would soone decay And to worke out the Salvation with feare a [...] trembling, that is, w [...] much humility, and w [...] as little selfe-confidence.

2 They are thus ad [...] ­nished to seeke after pe [...] ­ction, To seek after per­fection, and to be thankfull. to seek to Christ [...] for their preservation [...] [Page 175] [...]erseverance; And to consi­ [...]er what Christ hath done [...]or them, that so they [...]ight bee more thankfull [...]nd carefull, by all holy & [...]ood endeavours, to doe [...]nd performe what God on [...]eir parts doth and may [...]astly require by way of re­ [...]itall at their hands.

Such Exhortations then [...] them doe help to keepe [...] this Heavenly fire; For [...]od preserves thē by such [...]eanes, who otherwise of [...]emselves are ready to de­ [...]rt from, yea and to fall [...]om grace received.

Therefore is that Caveat, [...]e heed Brethren,Heb. 3.12.13.least there [...] any of you an evill heart [...] beleefe, in departing from [...] God; But exhort [...] the [...] daily, while it is [...]ed to day, least any of you [Page 176]be hardned through the deceit­fulnesse of sinne. 2 Cor. 6.1. Thus also doth Paul and Timothy ex­hort the Corinthians, say­ing: We beseech you, that ye [...] receive not the grace of God i [...] vaine. Such exhortation [...] are not to insinuate tha [...] men may or shall at lea [...] fall from the grace of pra [...] destination, or from th [...] grace of Gods effectua [...] calling, which proceed from God, and comes to [...] by way of Gods eterna [...] purpose; for this is mo [...] constant and unchangabl [...] Rom. 11.29. But least the fall away, God preser [...] them by such exhortati [...] (his owne and others) as [...] the meanes of their safe [...]

And God may justly [...] quire of those whom [...] hath once effectually call [...] [Page 177] [...]nd quickned by grace, the [...]ight use and employment of such talents as they have [...]eceived. Yea it would [...]ow bee greater shame to [...]hem, if being made strong, [...]nd furnished with Spiritu­ [...]ll Weapons, they should [...]ot resist Satan, sinne, and [...]mptation, but suffer the [...]heefe to robbe, & spoyle [...]em of their graces.

SECT. 31:

TO conclude all; These ex­hortations expell se­curity, though Gods grace work all. these Exhortations and com­ [...]ands, though they be not [...] our owne power to doe [...]d keepe accordingly, yet [...]e see they are not in vaine [...]t have their speciall use any wayes, yea we are by [...] meanes to neglect them, [...]lesse we will neglect our [Page 178]owne Salvation. Though the power be Gods, yet th [...] duty is ours; And God pro­mising his power, require yet of us our endevours▪ Therefore saith he, Labo [...] or worke not for the meat th [...] perisheth,Iohn 6.27.but for that whic [...] endureth to everlasting Life which the Sonne of Man sh [...] give unto you. Though th [...] Sonne will give it us, ye [...] not without our labour so worke cut your Salvation For it is God that worketh? Philia. 12.13.you, &c. Though it be God that workes, yea an [...] will worke in us, yet we must not neglect to work [...]

As wee Ministers the [...] must labour and still cast [...] our Nets, Ministers must ex­hort. yea bee patie [...] though of a long time we catch nothing, in meekn [...] instructing those that op­pose [Page 179]themselves, (expecting if God peradventure will give them repentance, to the acknowledging of the Truth; 2 Tim. 2.25 and must rest as­sured, that we bring glory to God even in those that perish, and that the peace which we preach in and by the Gospell, (whereof they judge themselves unwor­thy,) shall returne to us a gaine, and our worke still be with the Lord.

So all generally are hence taught to depend on the publike ministery, And the people must de­pend on the pub­lick mini­stery. and on the Word of Exhortation, seeing God compels us not, but gently drawes us; and neither to expect that God by Enthusiasme and imme­diate revelation without the word should inspire us, or yet so farre to presume [Page 180]on Gods decree of praede­stination of us (either the one way or the other) as either to expect and hope to attaine eternall Life, (be­ing the end) without a care­ [...]ll, conscionable, & con­stant use of the Meanes, or yet to despaire of attaining [...]nto Life, if wee with any good conscience doe use the Meanes.

SECT. 32.

THe consideration o [...] our Election, The cer­tainty of Gods ele­ction and of Gods grace, shold whet our dili­gence to all good duties. whether we have the knowledge o [...] it or no, and the certaine and infallible performance of all Gods promises (which wee have so fully proved) should whet our diligence in all good duties, teaching us to labour earnestly for [Page 181]Faith and all other saving graces, which as they are the meanes of our Salvati­on, so are they the evidence of our Election; As we are chosen to Salvation (and to attaine it) through sanctifi­cation of the Spirit and be­leef of the Truth; So are we to give all diligence to make our calling and Election sure; 2 Thes. 2.13 2 Pet. 1.10. For, saith S. Peter, if yee doe these things, ye shall never fall. As Faith and Repentance, & like graces are blessings, in regard of God, & so doe befall the Elect, most cer­tainely; whereof also hee gives them assurance, by his most free and absolute pro­mises, Ephes. 1.3. and by his Covenant of Grace: So are they (most of them at least) duties, in regard of us, being requi­red of all (living especially [Page 182]in the Church) and such as from which none may ex­empt themselves.

Though then we should know our selves to be ele­cted to life, Such as know their ele­ction, must not neglect the means. yet wee are by no meanes to neglect the meanes of Life; as hearing of the word Faith, Repen­tance, prayer, perseverance, &c. Seeing God hath as well foreordained us to the meanes as to the end, to these as well as to life; yea to life by these meanes; so that if any will neglect the meanes, let him never look to attaine the end. So that I avow it, and say, that if it were possible that the Elect should not bee sanctified, should not beleeve, or not use the meanes (being cal­led to the use of them) upon that supposall they should [Page 183]never attaine to life, but perish eternally; So Paul concluded in a like case; Hee was assured of safety for himselfe, and those that sailed with him; yet said he most truly, except these (the mariners) abide in the ship, and so use the meanes of safety appointed of God yee cannot be saved. Hebr. 12.14 See Acts 27.22.24.25. with verses 30.31. Luke 13.3. Therefore say I to such: Follow peace and holi­nesse, without which no man shall see the Lord. And, Iohn 8.24. ex­cept ye repent, yee shall all like­wise perish. And if ye beleeve not, saith Christ, that I am he, yee shall dye in your sinnes, Iohn 3.36.and hee that beleeveth not the Sonne shall not see Life.

On the other hand, Much Iess [...] should such as know it not a [...] yet. let not the wickedest that tru­ly repent and beleeve, des­paire [Page 184]of Life; Let them do well, and they most un­doubtedly shall have well; God himselfe could say to Cain, whom yet hee knew to be a reprobate: Gen. 4.7. if thou dost well, shalt thou not be ac­cepted? And I as truly may say to all (one and other) as our Saviour in my Text: If yee know these things, happy are ye if ye doe them. Exclude not thou thy selfe, & Gods Word will not exclude thee; doe thou thy duty, and attend to the Word; (as for Gods secret coun [...]ll meddle not with it, nei [...]er search into it, and I am sure God hath not revealed to any in particular aforehād, that they are reprobates) and flye to God, though he seeme an enemy unto thee; at least put it to this adven­ture, [Page 185]and say to God as the Lepers reasoned concerning the Syrians: if he kill us, we shall but dye; See 2 Kings 7.3.4. And with the Nini­vites, saying when they heard a terrible threatning absolutely (for the forme of it) denounced: Iona 3.9. who knoweth if God will returne & repent, &c. Repent thou, and put it to the tryall (otherwise thou shalt most undoubted­ly perish) & thou shalt finde unexpected successe. Oh that we durst or would but take tryall of Gods Truth, and promised mercies. Oh that God would make this exhortation (working po­ [...]erfully by it) effectuall to [...]he calling home of his owne.

But howsoever let us all know that wee must expect [Page 186]an end answerable to our doings. All must expect an end answe­rable to their do­ings. If then, saith Paul, yee live after the flesh, yee shall dye; but if through the Spirit yee doe mortifie the deeds of the body, yee shall live; Be not deceived, God is not mocked; For whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reape; Rom. 8.13. For he that soweth to the flesh, Gal. 6.7, 8. shall of the flesh reape cor­ruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reape Life everla­sting. Cease then to doe evill, learne to doe well; If ye be willing and obedient, Isa. 1.16, 17, 19.20. ‘yee shall eate the good of the Land; But if ye refuse and rebell, ye shall be de­voured with the Sword; for the month of the Lord hath spoken it. Know it then for a certainty, that [Page 187]God will render to every man according to his deeds,’ to them who by pa­tient continuance in weldoing seeke for glory, honour,Rom. 2.6, 7, 8, 9, 10.and immortality, eternall Life; But to them that are contenti­ous and do not obey the Truth, but obey unrighteousnesse, In­dignation and Wrath, Tribu­lation and anguish upon every soule of man that doth evill; But glory, honour and peace to every man that worketh good. And so I conclude, saying with my Text: If ye know these things, happy are yee if ye doe them.

A COROLLARIE.

SECT. 33.

WHereas Truth is e­ver consonant to it [Page 188]selfe, A generall inference from the foregoing discourse. and that there is no reall and true contradicti­on in the Scriptures, but a sweet Harmony and Ana­logie, proportion, and cor­respondence, betweene and among all the parts there­of; and seeing the Scrip­tures are so evident and ex­ceeding plaine, pregnant and full. For the proofe of the powerfull determi­ning, and most effectuall operation of Gods grace, and of the most certaine performance of Gods con­ditionall promises, by his undoubted working and effecting of the required Conditions themselves, ac­cording to his most abs [...] ­lute and free promises, and his new Covenant made in Christ, as now hath beene shewed; we may from such [Page 189]pregnant proofes and evi­dence of Scripture cōceive of the truth of such other points and articles, Teaching us how to conceive of other con­troverted points. as have either dependance on, or reference unto the afore­said evident doctrin, which (some of them especially) perhaps are not so cleare unto us, partly through the doubtfullnesse & seeming obscurity of some texts of Scripture; partly and espe­cially by reason of the blindnesse, and yet selfe wisedome of mans corrupt reason, who is ready to conceive of God onely, ac­cording to his owne fancy, or at least not willing to entertaine any thought of God, but such as hee can well in reason conceive of.

Now these other points [Page 190]are especially the Doctrine of predestination, As of pre­destinati­on, the end of Christs death, cer­tainty of salvation and perse­verance. namely of election and reprobati­on, the efficacy, intention, & end of Christs death, the certainty of Salvation, both in it selfe and to us, with the perseverance of the Saints in grace, without falling away from it, either finally or totally, with o­ther lesser, yet like points which our Church of Eng­land and other Reformed Churches doe hold and maintaine against Pelagians▪ Papists, Semipelagians, Re­monstrants, or Arminians, and Socinians.

SECT. 34.

ITs true, all other points doe chiefely depend up on the Doctrine or Gods [Page 191]predestination; All other points are framed, ac­cording to the do­strine of Gods pre­destinati­on. and as it is conceived of by either party, so and accordingly all other heads of Doctrine are framed. But whereas our Adversaries charge us with an unwillingnesse in handling that Controversie, they doe it very falsly. For our men begin with it and prove it substantially out of holy Scriptures, to the full Conviction (though not satisfaction) of our re­fractory Adversaries; And doe accordingly thence conclude against universall grace and redemption, (which extend not them­selves beyond the Decree, Collat. Ha­giens. p. 489. and are no more Conditi­onall then the Decree it selfe, which Gods Word makes absolute and inde­pendant;) So against the [Page 192] Apostasie of the Saints, and uncertainty of Salvation▪ &c.

But yet it is as true, that there is that necessary a­greement amongst all these points of Controversie, that holding any of these latter points as we, according to Scripture, doe hold and maintaine them; Predesti­nation (as those other points also) must be main­tained just in that manner, and no otherwise then wee hold and teach it, (which yet is according to the Scriptures,) Ibid. Though the Re­monstrants make free­will their Helena, and according­ly frame other points. which the same our Adversaries cannot (wholy) deny.

Though to speake as the thing is, the Remonstrants, pretending to make the Doctrine of predestination the sole and onely contro­versie, [Page 193]and accordingly to reduce and frame all other controverted points there­unto; hoping for great advantage hereby, and pre­suming to make their Doctrine, especially concer­ning reprobation, passe for current amongst the vulgar or most, because of the plausiblenesse thereof; and because every common understanding cannot clear it so easily, of the odious, though most unjust, impu­tations laid upon it, as, that it makes God the Author of mans sin, unjust, cruell, and tyrannicall. &c. Yet I say in very deed, the onely Helena, which they as their Friends the Papists, doe so earnestly strive and con­tend for, is the power of nature and liberty, indif­ferency, [Page 194]and freedome of mans will, and naturall power in workes and acti­ons supernaturall; This they doe, will, and must maintaine, and accordingly they frame their predesti­nation, and all their other Tenets, opposing mainely the Doctrine so clearely laid down in the Scripture, and now taught (though by me but weakly) in this present Treatise. Against this especially they bend all their forces, (though in vaine) as knowing that if this free, powerfull and determining grace of God in mans conversion espe­cially) be granted and suf­fred to stand, then of neces­sity the whole Fabricke of their predestination and other Tenets must all of [Page 195]them fall before it, as Dagon before the Arke of God.

SECT. 35.

SEeing then that (as our Churches Doctrine is) the Church may not so ex­pound one place of the Scripture, Artic. 20. From the Doctrine taught of Gods free and effe­ctual grace we may in­ferre, that it be repug­nant to another; And that the places brought for proof of this one point, are so pregnant, we are there­fore to conclude also,

1. That Gods eternall decree of Election is as ab­solute as are his promises, That his election is not condi­tionall, or of all, but absolute & indepen­dant. for effecting in us what hee requires of us; (on which indeed the promises de­pend;) and that his election is not of al, with Condition of their workes, (as the Papists would have it) of [Page 196]Faith, (as the Arminians would have it,) or of humi­lity and meekenesse (as our new refiners frame it,) but of those few only, to whom hee hath absolutely in his new Covenant promised, and in whom he effectually in time worketh all these, both Faith, Humility, and other graces.

2. That Gods effectuall grace, That grace and redempti­on are not universall. and the Redemption wrought by Christ, is not (in the Arminian sence) universall and common, equally intended for all, and that Christ by his death hath not obtained Recon­ciliation and remission of sinne, for all and each. So that if any place of Scrip­ture to us see me to import otherwise; it must be ex­pounded (as indeed the [Page 197]hardest places of all may) agreeable to such most e­vident Texts, as whereon the foregoing discourse is built, and must admit of such an exposition, as is agreeable to the Analogy of Faith, and not repugnant thereunto.

3. That, That the salva­tion and finall per­severance of the Saints is certaine. as Gods promises of grace are most free, and absolute, and doe infallibly and necessarily take place; So also, not onely the Election, but Salvation, and so the finall perseverance in grace of Gods Children, [...]s most certaine and infal­ [...]ible, as not depending on man himselfe, but on Gods purpose, promise, That the faith­full may be assured of their salvation. and power.

4. That consequently the Elect, after Conversion, may be assured and ascer­tained [Page 198]by their Faith, in these absolute promises (to their unspeakable comfort) of their Election and Sal­vation, and not only of their present estate and being in grace.

[...].