A Golden Chain, Selection 8 – Title page 6

A Golden Chain · Selection 8 – Title page 6

p. 695A BRIEFE DISCOVRSE, TAKEN OVT OF THE writings of Hier. Zanchius. Wherein the aforesaid case of Conscience is disputed and resolued.

Assertion. I.

OnelyOnly the elect, and all of them: not onelyonly truely may bee, but also are in that time which god hath appointed them in this life, indeed assured of their Election to eternal life in Christ: and this is done not one way, but many waies.

WEe say that the Elect alone may bee, and indeede are made sure of their election: that so wee may exclude the reprobate hypocrites: for considering they are not elected, they can neuer be truely perswaded that they are elected. I say truely: because it may come to passe that many in their owne thinking shall be predestinate: yet in trueth they are not perswaded so: for they are deceiued. We hauehave an example in temporarie Christians, who thinke of thēselues that they beleeue in Christ, but truely doe not beleeue:1. Cor. 2. 10. Mat. 11.271 Cor 2:10Matt 11:27 for their faith is in hypocrisie: and for a time onelyonly. Wherefore a true and certaine perswasion of election can neuer befall any of the reprobates: because the true perswasion of heauenly matters, commeth of the holy Ghost; which neuer perswadeth any false matter. Wherefore how can reprobates be perswaded that they are elected? This cōsidered, it is not amisse, that we attribute this perswasion (of which we now speake) to the elect alone. Wee adde further, that all the elect, not onelyonly may bee, but are indeed made sure of their Election: which must bee demonstratiuely confirmed against Schoole-men, and other our aduersaries. Wee say, this is done in the time appointed; because the elect, before they be called to Christ, are neuer sure of their election: nay they neuer thinke of it; as appeareth in Paul before hee was called, and in others. Againe in like manner after they hauehave beene called; yet not presently are made sure of their election: but some sooner, some p. 696later. Lastly wee adde, that this is done many waies, what they are, (if not perfectly, yet in part I will afterward shewe.) Nowe let vsus come to the matter.

…. Cor. 2.16. Ro. 12. 34. The elect by the testimony of the holy Ghost are m…de sure of …heir election.Rom 12:34The Schoolemen demaund whether a man may be made sure of his Election? And they determine that a man cannot, except it be by diuine reuelation: because Predestination is in God, and not in vsus. And no man knoweth the things of God, but the spirit of God: as no man knoweth the things of man, but the spirit of man which is in him. Againe, who knoweth the minde of the Lord? therefore (say they) some speciall reuelation is needfull: if any desire to be certified, either of his owne or of any other mans predestination, their sayings are not simplie to be disliked: but in that meaning, in which they vnderstand them, they are no waie to be approoued. For they take a special reuelation to be this, if God shall signifie and say expresly to any: either by some Angel outwardly, or by his spirit inwardly, that he is predestinate to life: after which sort, they hold that Paul and a fewe other Saints had their predestination reuealed to them. So they conclude that, because euerie man hath not his election reuealed to him after this manner, that all men cannot bee assured of their election. But they are deceiued; for God, not onelyonly by this one manner which they speake of, doth reueale his will and his counsels; but by many: for God reuealeth things, either by the inward inspiration of his spirit, or outwardly by his word: or both inwardly and outwardly by inward and outward effects. By his spirit he did inspire his Prophets, and open many things to come. And Christ said to his Apostles, as concerning the holy Ghost:Ioh. 16. 13.John 16:13 Hee shall lead you into all trueth. By his word hee spake vntounto the prophets, and in like manner, by his word he teacheth vsus his will. Also by diuers effects, he declareth either his merciemercy or his iustice: as it is knowne. The same must bee thought of the reuealing of his election: to wit, that God reuealeth the same to the elect, by the holy Ghost, by the word, and by the most certaine effects of predestination.

The first testimonie, by which God assureth vsus of our election, is the inward testimonie of the spirit, of which the Apostle saith: The spirit (of God) testifieth vntounto our spirits, that we are the children of God. Nowe what is it to be the sonne of God, but first of all to be predestinated to be the child of God by adoption: and then to be made actually the sonne of God by faith: & lastly by the same spirit also to be regenerate as Gods children are, & to put on the nature of the sonne of God, or rather the son of God himselfe, as the Apostle speaketh. Therefore the holy Ghost, whilest he inwardly beareth record vntounto our spirits, that is, to our minds being inlightened by his light, that we are the sons of God, most plainely reuealeth that we were predestinate from all eternitie to adoption: for men are not made the sonnes of God by faith, nor regenerate to be the sons of God, nor put on Christ; except they be first of all predestinated to adoption. And there can be nothing more certaine then this testimonie: for who better knoweth the things o… god, his counsels & decrees, then the spirit of God,1. Cor. 2.10.1 Cor 2:10 which searcheth all things, yea the deepe things of god: therefore he can most truly reueale vntounto eueryevery one of vsus the certaintie of our election.Ioh. 16.13.John 16:13 And he cannot deceiue vsus in reuealing it: for he is the spirit of trueth p. 697which can neither deceiue nor be deceiued. If an angel from heauen should be sent to thee, as he was sent to Marie, and as he spake vntounto the fathers, & should tel thee in the name of God, that thou wert elected to life euerlasting: wouldst not thou say that thou couldst not then doubt any longer of thy election? But so much the more certaine is the testimony of the spirit, which beareth record to our spirit, that we are the sonnes of god: by how much the holy ghost doth more know the things of God then any angel: and can lesse deceiue then an angel. And so much the more sure is this testimonie, considering it is not kept in the bodily eares, where it might soone vanish away, but in our minde and spirit: because the spirit beareth record to our spirit. And further, that the holy Ghost neuer departeth from our spirit, but dwelleth in vsus, abideth in vsus, speaketh in vsus,Rom. 8. 15. Gal. 4.6.Rom 8:15Gal 4:6 sheweth forth his power in vsus, prayeth in vsus. Therefore the Apostle saith, that we hauehave receiued the spirit of adoption, by which we crie Abba, father: as though he should say, this testimonie of the spirit is altogither so sure, by which he beareth vsus record that we are the sonnes of God: that presently without doubting, we can call vponupon God, and crie, Abba, Father. And all the elect hauehave this testimonie, being made the sonnes of God by faith, and being renued by the holy ghost:Rom. 8.9.Rom 8:9 and ingraffed into Christ. For so the Apostle speaketh, if any man hauehave not the spirit of Christ, he is not his: therefore, whosoeuer is Christs, and is ingraffed into Christ, it is necessarie hee should hauehave the spirit of God. And whosoeuer hauehave receiued and doe inioy the spirit of Christ; to their mindes the same spirit beareth recorde, that they are the sonnes of God, and maketh them to crie Abba, Father. And it is certaine, that no man is renued by the holy Ghost, which is not perswaded that God is his most mercifull and most louing father: and therefore can call vponupon him as a father. Therefore although all men in that they are assured by the certaintie of f…ith, that God is their Father, and they are his sonnes, do not thereby argue and conclude that they are elected to eternall life; yet all men indeede hauehave thereby a sure testimonie of their election to glorie: because if they be the sonnes of God, they are also heires of eternall life. This testimony I will briefly comprise within this Demonstration: Whosoeuer call vponupon god and in their hearts crie Abba, Father, they are the sonnes of God: and it is certaine that they thus crie by the spirit of God. And they which are the sonnes of God, are also heires of eternall life, and they hauehave beene predestinate to adoption: therefore it must needes be, that all they which are perswaded, that they are the sonnes of God by the holy ghost, are predestinate to eternall life, and must be perswaded of it. This is the first testimonie and the first way, by which God reuealeth to eueryevery Elect man his predestination: namely, by the holy ghost within our hearts, bearing record vntounto vsus, that we are the sonnes of God in Christ, and by Christ. And let this be the first argument, also seruing to confirme our assertion.

The second waie,Vers. 2. The elect out of the word of God their conscience making the assumption, at length they may be certainly perswaded of their predestination. by which God reuealeth to eueryevery man his predestination, is by his word. I meane not any particular word, by which hee doeth declare to any outwardly in priuate and speciall manner, and that in expresse wordes, his election: but the generall word of the Gospell, by which Christ p. 698calleth all them which beleeue in him, elect, both by himselfe and by his Apostles, as in the new Testament eueryevery where is most manifest. For although in particular propositions he say not to thee, or to him particularly, Thou art elect to eternall life: yet by meanes of generall propositions, he doeth as well conclude in the heart of eueryevery one that beleeueth, that hee is elected: as any man shall be able to conclude vntounto particular men, that eueryevery one of them is a liuing creature indued with reason by this generall proposition: EueryEvery man is a reasonable creature indued with reason: the assumption beeing suppressed. Therefore after this manner dealeth God; He hath chosen all and eueryevery seuerall man whome hee was to indue with faith, to hauehave the euerlasting inheritance.

Furthermore, he publisheth it to all the Elect by the Apostles in this generall proposition, that all the faithfull are elect to eternall life: aaThat whereby a man applies the generall promi…e to him…elfe.the assumption is concealed in the word of God. But when he giueth vsus faith, he maketh eueryevery one of vsus to make an assumption by himselfe in his minde: But I am of the faithfull: for I finde in my selfe that I truely beleeue in Christ. Therefore who is it that maketh this conclusion for thee, that thou art predestinate to euerlasting life? euen God himselfe: the proposition beeing taken forth of the gospell, and the assumption proceedeth of the gift of faith. But that indeede by which we properly attaine to the knowledge of the matter contained in the conclusion, is the middle tearme, as they call it. Wherefore it is manifest, that God by the word of his gospell, where hee saith; that all the faithfull are elect: doth reueale to eueryevery faithfull man his owne predestination. OnelyOnly this one thing is to be required, that the faithfull man hearing the vniuersall propopositions, in his mind should make an assumption: But I am faithfull by the gift and grace of God. And is not God said to hauehave reuealed to eueryevery mā his speciall malediction in this generall proposition, Curs… …is eueryevery one that doth not continue in all things that are written in this booke: Deut. 27.26Deut 27:26although he say to no man specially, thou art accursed: for eueryevery one doeth make this assumption, that he is accursed: because he knoweth most certainly that he doth not continue in all things that are written in the booke of the lawe. Therefore the Schoole-men are deceiued, when they say, it may be that eueryevery man may be sure of his election: namely, if GOD which is able, will reueale it to him: yet; that he doth only reueale it to a very fewe, as the Apostles: for God (as hath bin prooued and declared) euen by his worde, in generall propositions doth reueale to eueryevery man his predestination: for what can be more certaine then this demonstration? Whosoeuer doe truely beleeue in Christ, they are elect to eternall life in Christ: but I truely beleeue in Christ; therefore I am elected. But some make an exception and say, that this were a demonstration, and that most certaine and euident, if a man might bee able to knowe that he were indued with true faith in Christ: but here lieth all the difficultie. For many thinke that they truely beleeue in Christ, whereas neuerthelesse their faith is hypocriticall and temporarie: as appeareth by the Euangelists.

They which doe truly beleeue, know that they beleeue.Answere. We graunt that they which beleeue by such a faith… which is in hypocrisie & only lasteth for a time; that they are deceiued whilst they think that they doe truely beleeue, and yet doe not indeede: for they are like them p. 699which dreame that they are kings, when as they very beggers: but we say, that they which beleeue by a true faith, doe know whether they truly beleeue or no: and they are not deceiued when they say and thinke that they truly beleeue. For they are like vntounto them, which handling a pretious stone, by reason that they are indued with sense, know and say, that they handle it. And if no man might certainly know, whether he beleeued truly or not: why doth the Apostle say,2. Cor. 15. 65. Trie your selues whether you be in the Faith? And if it be so, no man can euer certenly know, whether he be iustified: considering that they onelyonly which truly beleeue, can be iustified. And if a man giuing credit to an other mans words, doth certēly know that he beleeueth him: how much more doth he know it, which beeing indued with true faith by the holy Ghost, beleeueth the Gospel? In a word, godly writers hauehave prooued against Schoolemen, that they which are indued with true faith in Christ, can not be ignorant of it. But (say they) no man is certaine of his perseuerance in faith: and therefore out of this vniuersall proposition, He which beleeueth, namely, with a true and constant faith, is elected to life, no man c…n conclude that he is elected, by reason that albeit he may know, that he is indued with true faith, yet he can not tell whether it shall be perpetuall. This collection is absurd, and the learned hauehave fully prooued, that true faith is perpetual. And therfore they which certenly know, that they beleeue in a true faith, are also certaine, that the same their true faith shall neuer perish in this world: partly for the promise of God, I will put my feare into their hearts, that they may neuer depart from me: Ier. 32.40. Luk. 22. 32.Jer 32:40Luke 22:32and partly for the praier of Christ, I hauehave prayed for thee Peter, that thy faith doe not faile. Seeing it is so, it is very certaine, that God by his word, in which generally he saith, that all the faithfull are elect, doth reueale to eueryevery man his election: considering that the proposition taken out of the Gospel, is most certaine, and eueryevery faithfull man may certainly assume to himselfe, that he is indued with true faith in Christ.

The third way by which God reuealeth to eueryevery one of vsus his Predestination,Vers. 3. …y the effects of prede…tination a man may gather his predestinatiō. is by the effects of predestination, as well inward in vsus, as outward: by which, as by certaine markes imprinted in vsus, he doth seale vsus to himselfe in Christ: and doth so seale vsus, that if we shall giuegive diligent heede, we may thereby euidently perceiue, that we are set apart from the common sort of men, which is often called by the name of the world: that we are foreknowne for his sonnes, and loued in Christ, and predestinated to eternall life; yea, and that we appe…taine no longer to the world, but to that citie which is aboue, that hath his foundation as the Apostle saith.Heb. 11.10.Heb 11:10 And we hauehave a twofold reason of this argument: one, because these effects (of which we speake, and which we will afterward handle) God worketh not in any, but in his elect: as also afterward we will shew. Therefore by right a man may, by a true feeling and experience of these effects in himselfe, be assured of his particular election and predestination,The effects of predestination which are in vsus, are like se…l…s imp…inting the im…ge of Gods … lecti…n in vsus. to hauehave fellowship with Christ in all his graces. For if predestination (as Augustine witnesseth) be a preparation to the blessings of God, by which most certainely they are made free, whosoeuer are made free; therefore whosoeuer feeleth himselfe freed through these graces of God, may be assured and certified of his predestination. The other reason is, that p. 700these effects are not onelyonly the effects simplie of predestination, but also such effects they are, that may also be seales of it: namely in printing in vsus a liuely forme and image of GOD, foreknowing vsus, louing vsus, electing vsus. And therefore, albeit we cannot see the purpose, the foreknowledge, the election and predestination of God as concerning our selues, in God himselfe foreknowing, willing, and electing vsus: yet wee may beholde in our selues some sure representations of all these imprinted, and euen stamped in vsus by the worde: and so by the beholding of these formes and impressions in our selues, wee shall easily be brought to the knowledge of those patterns, (as it were) which are in the Lord himselfe. The matter (by reason it is verie good and comfortable) may be declared by a similitude: God is like vntounto the sunne in regard of vsus: the sunne when it shineth vponupon vponupon vsus, and after a sort looketh vsus in the face, it doth after such a sort imprint an image of his light in our eies, that wee also in like manner beeing made partakers of his light, may looke againe vponupon the sunne it selfe, and vponupon his light: for the light of the sunne and his beames beeing sent downe vponupon vsus, are bea…en backe and reflected againe towards the sunne. So in like manner the foreknowledge of God, by which he hath and would acknowledge for his from all extremitie, it alwaies resteth in God, and cannot of it selfe be perceiued of vsus. But yet whilest God doeth acknowledge vsus for his, he doth portrait in vsus his elect, a certaine forme and image of his foreknowledge: by which hee maketh vsus, renouncing all other gods, to acknowledge him for our only true God. Thus it commeth to passe, through this true knowledge of God, which he vouchsafeth vsus and by which we do acknowledge God for our God and father: we may after a sort behold in God himselfe his foreknowledge, by which he hath foreknowne vsus for his fonnes. For first of all, God doth acknowledge vsus for his, & then the elect being made partakers of this his light and knowledge, he causeth vsus in like manner to acknowledge him. To this purpose serueth that which our Sauiour Christ saith:Ioh. 10. 14.John 10:14 first, (saith he) I know my sheep, after he addeth, and againe, I am known of mine. As though he should say, whiles I acknowledge them for my sheepe, I make them by meanes of this my light and knowledge that they also can acknowledge me for their pastor. So the Apostle saith to the Galathians: when ye shall know God, or rather are known of him: he teacheth therefore, that God knew the Galathians, because he had first acknowledged them for his,Gal. 4.9.Gal 4:9 in his eternall predestination: & by giuing vntounto them this his wisdome he made them acknowledge the true God for their God. The same may bee said of the louelove of God, by which he loued vsus in Christ to euerlasting life, before the foundatiō of the world: god by louing vsus doth print in our hearts the image of his louelove, by which we may louelove him againe frō our hearts: and as it were by the reflection of the funne beames sent down into our hearts, we may be prouoked to louelove againe. For the louelove of God to vsus being eternall, & causing eternall life, begetteth in the time appointed a certaine louelove in vsus, seruing for his eternall glorie. And to his purpose is that of S. Iohn:1. Ioh. 4. 10. 1. Ioh. 4.7. Rom. 5.51.1 John 4:101 John 4:7Rom 5:51 not that we first loued God, but because he first loued vsus As though he had said, therefore wee louelove GOD; because hee first, that is before the foundation of the world louing vsus in Christ, by the ingrauing of his louelove in our hearts, causeth vsus to louelove him againe p. 701as a father. So louelove is said, (to wit, that louelove by which wee louelove God) to be of God: that is, to proceede of the louelove of God towards vsus. And Paul writeth that the louelove of God, (namely, that louelove by which he loued vsus) to be shed in our hearts by the holy Ghost which is giuen vsus: and by this shedding of the louelove of God in our hearts, it commeth to passe that louelove is also wrought in our hearts towards God. And therefore by that sound louelove by which we seele our selues to louelove God, we are made to know how great that louelove of God is, by which hee loued vsus from all eternitie in Christ. And what is that louelove else but predestination?

In like manner, election by which he singled vsus from the rest of the world in Christ, that we might be holy before him; begets in vsus a certain image euen of God himselfe, that is, another election, by which we renouncing all other Gods which are worshipped in the world, make our choice of this our true God Iehouah, to be our god, that he may be alwaies before our eies, he which sanctifieth vsus, and the author of our whole saluation. Wherefore through this constant election which is in vsus, we perceiue, that the election which is in god, as concerning vsus, is firme and sure: not onelyonly as we gather the cause by the effect, but also as we gather the patterne by the picture: like as by the similitude of the forme of a seale fashioned in waxe, we doe easily vnderstand what is the very forme and fashion of the seale. Therefore it is manifest, that it is the manner of God by the effects of his election & predestination imprinted in vsus, to reueale to eueryevery one of vsus his own election and predestination: And that two waies, both because there are certaine eff…cts of predestination, and by the effects, the causes are known: and also because there are certaine liuely types of Gods foreknowledge and election, by which we are sealed vp vntounto God.

Now by the imprinting of these formes & types in vsus, as the seale is in wax: the very first patterns themselues are knowne what they are.

Furthermore, that there is no man elected to eternall life, which shal not be sealed vp in the time appointed with these markes of Gods election: It is manifest out of these places of scripture, which treat of election and predestination. The Apostle teacheth,Eph. 1.4. Rom. 8. 3….Eph 1:4Rom 8:3 that we were elected, that wee might be holy and without blame. Also he teacheth, that all they whome God hath predestinated, are likewise called and iustified, and by consequent indued with faith and knowledge of God, by which they take him for their father: with louelove also, wherewith they louelove him as a father: Also with a good will and constant purpose, by which they desire constantly his glorie. Againe, he saith in another place, the foundation standeth sure, hauing this seale (in respect of GOD) the Lord knoweth who are his. 2. Ti. 2.19.Nowe in respect of vsus, hee putteth downe another seale, saying: let him depart from iniquitie which calleth vponupon the name of the Lord: for with this marke, all the elect are branded. They call vponupon the name of the Lord, and depart from iniquitie: seeking after holinesse and a good conscience.Apoc. 2.3. Ioh. 6.27. 2. Cor. 1.21. Eph. 1.13. & 4.30.Rev 22 Cor 1:21Eph 1:13Eph 4:30 And this is that sealing which is so often mentioned in the scriptures: As when in the Apocalyps it is said, that an innumerable multitude was sealed to the Lord. For, like as the father sealed Iesus Christ as hee was man & Mediator; so also the rest of his children he hath sealed, & doeth daily seale with sure notes and seales to distinguish them from other men, & the childrē p. 702of this age. For God is said to hauehave annointed vsus, and sealed vsus, and giuen vsus the earnest of his spirit in our hearts. And again, to hauehave sealed vsus with the holy spirit of promise, and that to the daie of redemption. As it is easie to discerne a right seale from a counterfeit, so the true soules of God (by the sealing of the spirit) are distinguished from hypocrits, & lawful children frō bastards.

The chief effects of prede…ination by which the elect are discerned frō the reprobate.It remaineth, that we should declare some effects of predestination: by which, as by markes and seales, the Elect may be discerned from Reprobates. The first effect of Predestination, is Christ himselfe; as he is a Mediator and a Sauiour, dwelling in our hearts by his holy spirit. For as we are elected in him and by him redeemed; so by the sprinkling of his blood, wee are clensed and sealed: and by his dwelling in vsus quickened, (for hee is our life, and that eternall) and therefore wee are seuered from Reprobates which alwaies remaine in death, as in the holy Scriptures we are taught. Wee say that this is the first effect of Predestination, because we can enioy none of the gifts of god, either of election, vocation or iustification, except in Christ, and by Christ: For hee hath poured out all the effects of predestination into vsus. In that therefore euerie elect faithfull man feeleth Christ to dwell in him, and to quicken him; hee hath a seale in himselfe, by which he may know that he was elected to euerlasting life in the same Christ: A part and beginning of which life, is this spirituall life, by which we now liue to God. And as euerie man knoweth himselfe to be the sonne of God in Christ, because he calleth vponupon God from his heart as a father: he may conclude, that hee is predestinated to be the sonne of God for Christs cause. And that by this first note the faithfull may know that they are elect to eternall life: the Apostle sheweth,2. Cor. 13.5.2 Cor 13:5 Know ye not (saith he) your selues that Iesus Christ is in you, except ye be Reprobates? And no doubt a Type of this kind of sealing, was that sealing which was done in Egypt, by the blood of the Lambe: namely, when the houses of the Israelites were sprinkled with this blood, that they might be discerned from the houses of the Egyptians: and so be passed ouer vntouched of the Angel. And by Christ, as by the chiefe effect: yea and the cause too of all the effects which followe: all other effects of Predestination are put into vsus, and we are sealed with them.Rom. 8. 30.Rom 8:30 The Apostle nameth three principals, our calling, (to wit effectuall) our iustification and glorification. This third effect, we shall obtaine in the life to come, the two first in this life. And to these two may verie well be referred all other, which we receiue in this life by Christ, with the effectuall, we ioyne a sound hearing of the word of God, and the vnderstanding of it, accompanied with great and constant delight and ioie: faith also and a true knowledge of the deitie, humanitie, and office of Christ. VntoUnto iustification, we referre a perswasion of the remission of our sinnes by Christ (for by this we are iustified:) and regeneration too, or sanctification, and renouation of life, a good conscience, louelove not faigned, a pure heart and cleane, patience in aduersitie, and boasting in tribulation, all good works and fruits of the spirit: adde herevnto the crosse it selfe, which we beare for the trueth of the gospel; wherefore, whosoeuer feeleth that hee is effectually called, that hee doth willingly heare the word, that hee doth beleeue the gospell, that he is sure of the remission of his sinnes, that hee burneth with true louelove to his neighbour, that hee is bent to eueryevery good worke: hee cannot p. 703but must needes bee perswaded of his election: for God onelyonly doeth communicate these vntounto the elect. Therefore it is plaine, that the elect are confirmed in the assurance of their election, by the effects of Predestination, and that there is a threefold waie, by which God reuealeth to eueryevery man his Predestination.

But if any shall take an occasion the rather of doubting of his election, then 111of confirming himselfe in it,The weaknes of our faith as touching our eternal elec…ion, by what staies it may bee held vp. Ioh. 16. 13. Eph. 1.5.John 16:13Eph 1:5 of that which hath beene spoken as concerning the fruites of the spirit, and the effects of predestination: and that peraduenture because he can feele in himselfe few & verie weake fruits of regeneration and election: yet let him not be discouraged, neither let him doubt of his election: but let him vnderset himselfe with these proppes. First of all, if euer hee truely felt in himselfe that testimonie of the spirit (which before I mentioned) namely that hee is the sonne of GOD: let him knowe vndoubtedly, that he is such a one, and therefore elected to eternall life. For the holy ghost neuer beareth record, or perswadeth a man of that which is false, for he is the spirit of trueth. And they are not the sonnes of God, except they hauehave beene predestinate (as the Apostle saith) to adoption by Christ: and none that is the Sonne of God and a man elected, can be made a reprobate, and the childe of the deuill. Therefore, albeit hee feele in himselfe both few and feeble effects of regeneration, yet let him not doubt of his election: otherwise hee shall disgrace the testimonie which he hath receiued of the holy Ghost, yea and that too which as yet hee enioyeth: although peraduenture by reason that his minde is troubled by euill affections, that testimonie of the holy spirit can scarse be heard in him. For the true testimonie of our adoption by the holy Ghost, being once giuen vntounto our spirit, lasteth for euer: although it is otherwhiles heard more plainely,Howe a man may knowe whether the testimonie which is giuen of the spirit, be of the spirit or no…. and at other times is more slenderly and scarce perceiued. But howe (say you) may I knowe, whether the testimonie doeth proceede from the holy Ghost, and therefore whether it bee a true and certaine testimonie. I answer first by the perswasion: secondly, by the manner of the perswasion: lastly, by the effects of this testimonie and perswasion. For the first, the holy Ghost doeth not simplie say it, but doth perswade with vsus, that we are the Sonnes drawne of God; and no flesh can doe this. Againe hee perswades vsus by reasons drawn not from our workes, or from any worthinesse in vsus; but from the alone goodnesse of God the Father, and grace of Christ. In this manner the deuill will neuer perswade any. Lastly, the perswasion of the holy Ghost is full of power, for they which are perswaded that they are the sonnes of God, cannot but needes must call him Abba, Father, and in regard of louelove to him, doe hate sinne, and whatsoeuer is disagreeing to his will: and on the contrarie, they hauehave a sound and a heartie desire to doe his will. If at any time thou hast felt in thy selfe any such testimonie, perswade thy selfe it was the testimony of the holy ghost: and that very true and certain too: and therefore that thou art the child of God, and predestinate to eternall life. This is the prop by which wee must vnderset that weake beleefe wee hauehave of our certaine election to eternal life. Againe, hold this without wauering whatsoeuer thou art, that art tempted to doubt of thy election: euen as nothing is required at our hands to worke our election, (for God chose vsus of his onelyonly p. 704meere goodnes) so, that we may truly know whether we be elect or not: this one thing shall be sufficient, namely, if we shall attaine to the certaine knowledge of this, that we are in Christ, and partakers of him: for, he that is now ingrafted in Christ, and is iustified, it cannot be, but that he was elected in Christ before the foundation of the world. And that we may be in Christ, faith is both required, and is sufficient: not perfect faith, but true faith, though it be so little as a graine of mustard seede, and feeble like a young borne babe, and that sore diseased too. Now that faith, which is a liuely & a true faith lasteth alwaies as hath beene before declared, neither can it at any time altogether faile. And so it commeth to passe, that they which once hauehave beene truly ingrafted into Christ, remaine alwaies and continue in him, according to that saying; All that my Father giueth me, shall come to me: and he which commeth vntounto me I will not cast forth. That is true no doubt, that looke how much the faith is more perfect, so much the greater power it hath, to knit vsus more and more to Christ: and therefore we must alwaies endeauour to encrease in faith. Yet for all that, this is most certaine; one little sparkle of true faith is sufficient to engraft vsus into Christ. And for that cause, we must in no wise doubt of our engrafting into Christ, and of our election too by reason of the weaknesse of faith, and the small and slender fruits it bringeth out.

Whereby a man may know whether his f…ith be true faith or not.But how shall I certenly know (say you) whether my faith be a true and liuely faith, or not? Out of the same grounds, from whence the testimonie of our adoption is perceiued. First of all, if you shall truly feele, that you are perswaded of the truth of the Gospel, yea and that all your sinnes are pardoned you for Christ, and you receiued to fauour. Againe, if you see that this perswasion is grounded not vponupon any merits of yours, but on the sole goodnes of God, and grace of Christ.

Lastly, if you feele such a confidence to approach vntounto, and call vponupon the Father, and such a louelove towards him & his Sonne Iesus Christ, that ye do hate and detest whatsoeuer is against his glorie (as all sinne is) and on the contrarie, be carried away with a desire to doe those things which serue for the aduancing of his glorie: and therefore that you louelove all those, which desire and seeke the same, as the brethren and friends of Christ. For these be the effects which can neuer be seuered from true faith. And this is the disposition of true faith: therefore as long as thou feelest these effects in thy selfe, albeit very slender and greatly languishing, yet assure thy selfe thou art indued with true faith, although it be weake: and therefore thou art in Christ, yea and in Christ elected too. Wherefore thou must not doubt of thy saluation and election, by reason of thy daily slippes, proceeding from thy weaknes of faith, no not for hainous crimes: like as neither Dauid for his adulterie and murder, not Peter for his threefold deniall, did despaire of their election: which appeareth, in that beeing plunged in the very gulfes of their temptations, they held fast their faith as an anker, and called vponupon God. This is the second prop. Lastly, in no wise we must forget, namely that our election is certen and immutable: and therefore, as it is done without respect of any works of ours: so in like sort it can neuer be changed by any of our euill deserts. For as it first proceeded frō the onelyonly free purpose of God; so it is grounded theron. True it is: we prouoke Gods wrath p. 705against vsus by our sinnes, and neither will God let them escape vnpunished, but he chastiseth vsus by diuerse, both inward and outward scourges: as may appeare in Dauid aboue all other. Yet for all that, it is his good pleasure, that for his goodnes sake & truth, for the obedience of Christ, that his purpose should remaine sure, and our election. So it commeth to passe, that he giueth vsus repentance anew, to raise vsus vp, and to receiue vsus to fauour. Therfore, although for the present, thou feelest thy selfe to be of weake faith, and to hauehave fallen to diuers sinnes: yet wheras hertofore thou hast had many & euident testimonies of thy election, as the testimonie of the holy Ghost, & the testimonie taken from faith, and the effects of faith: at this present assuredly thou canst not doubt of thy election, for thy sinnes committed, but thou shalt much derogate from this free election, & also from the testimonies of thy election heretofore enioied, yea & those which yet thou enioyest. For if thy sins displease thee, and thou desirest to liue without blame, only for that thy sinns displease thee: why now thou hast a new testimonie of thy election: for such repentance as this is, is only proper vntounto the elect. Therfore, by these three props we must vphold our faith, as touching eueryevery ones particular election. And thus much as concerning the certentie, with the which eueryevery man must be perswaded that he is elected in Christ to eternall life, before the foundation of the world.

Assertion. II.

Whosoeuer are predestinated to the end, they are also predestinate to the meanes without which they cannot attaine to the end: and therefore as the elect necessarily at length doe come vntounto the ende, by reason of the certentie of their election; so also by reason of the same certentie, it is necessarie that they should be traced through those meanes which tend to the same ende.

VVE must marke the ende to which we are predestinate,The end of our predestination. and to which we say that one day we shall be brought: for there is a double end of our election: the one concerneth the elect themselues, namely their glorification, or their eternall life and glorie in heauen. Of which is spoken, Rom. 8. The other concerneth God himselfe which chuseth, namely, the glorie of God: that is, that the glorie of his grace may be knowne, and eternally made manifest, of which is mention made, Eph. 1. Both of them are so coupled together, that whosoeuer are praeelected to the first, are also predestinate to the latter, and the latter followeth of the former. For the more we shall be made partakers of the grace of God and the heauenly glorie: so much also more and more shall the glorie of God be made manifest in vsus. But because the ende which concerneth God, is almost all one in the reprobation of the wicked, and in the predestination of the Saints: namely, that by the saluation of these which proceedeth of his meere goodnes, the glorie of his grace is made manifest: so also by the iust damnation of the other, the glorie of his diuine iustice may be made knowne to all. Neuerthelesse, considering that the ende, to which the elect shall attaine, is farre diuers from that (for it is eternall life) vntounto which the reprobates are appointed (for that is eternall death:) therefore the ende of which we treat in this assertion, is our eternall glorification and euerlasting life in heauen.

Let vsus now see in the second place, what are those meanes, by which the p. 706elect are brought vntounto this end: and therefore to which meanes we hold, that all are predestinate whosoeuer are predestinate to the ende.The meanes to which we are predestinate, how many they be, and which. And they are of two sorts, some of them are so necessarie vntounto all, that without them no man simply can attaine vntounto eternal life and glorie: and they are Christ, as he is mediatour and high priest, and his obedience and iustice (for without Christ no man can be saued:) also our effectuall calling to Christ by the holy Ghost: and that which followeth this, is our iustification, yea and our regeneration too. For these foure, predestination, vocation, iustification, and glorification, are so linked togither, that it is not possible to seuer the one from the other. And therefore no man can be glorified, which is not iustified, and no man can be iustified, which is not effectually called, as also no man can be effectually called which is not predestinate: therefore without these, not so much as children and infants can be brought to this ende of eternall glorie. And therefore euen all the elect infants are inwardly, in a certaine peculiar manner, by the holy Ghost, called, and iustified, and glorified. Now there are some certain meanes annexed vntounto these, which albeit they hauehave no place in infants, by reason of their age, yet they belong to all other elect, howsoeuer they are found in some more plenteous & liuely, and in other some more slender & weake. As namely, a liuely faith, the hearing of the word, a detestation of sinne, the louelove of righteousnes, patience in aduersitie, a care to doe good workes (and such like) all which the Apostle comprehendeth vnderunder the name of good works; when he saith, that we are created, that is, borne a new in Christ,Eph. 2.20.Eph 2:20 vntounto good works, which God hath prepared, that we might walke in them, that is, that we might lead our liues in them, and so walking at length might come to eternall life: for without them, we cannot come to eternall glorie; but by them God trayleth vsus thither. Therefore we say, that all which are elect to that ende, are also predestinate to the same meanes. For predestination is not onelyonly of the ende, but also of the meanes which concerne the end: and all, as well the ende as the meanes are the effects of predestination. And therefore it is very true which Augustine saith: Predestination (saith he) is a preparation to the graces of God, by which they indeed are freed, whosoeuer are freed.

The first benefit of God, predes…nat…ng vsus is Christ.Therefore, the first gift of God (that we may briefly consider the effects of predestination) prepared for all the elect, without which they can in no wise come to the ende: and therefore the first effect of predestination is our Lord Iesus, with his obedience, merits, death, resurrection, glorie: namely, in that respect he is made mediatour betweene God the father and vsus, and the head of all the elect. And therefore, in as much as he is such a one, he is also the cause of all other graces and benefits, which come vntounto vsus by the free predestination of God. For the effects of predestination are so ordered among themselues that the first, which goe before, are the causes efficient, or (if we will so speake) the materiall causes of the latter, and those that follow. Therefore, seeing Christ is the first effect of predestination, he is also the cause of all other effects, by whome we are made partakers of them.Eph. 1.4. &cEph 1:4 The Apostle therefore saith very well to the Ephesians: In the first place (saith he) we are elected in Christ, namly as in the head, to be his members. Secondly, he writeth that we are predestinate to adoption by Christ, namely to obtaine it: for we are adopted into the sonnes of God in p. 707Christ, the first begotten sonne of God, and by making vsus partakers of his son…hip, we are really made the sonnes of God, yea, and we are also indued with his spirit too, that we might be borne anew. Thirdly,Gal. 4…6.Gal 4:6 (saith he) we are made acceptable and beloued vntounto the father, and his beloued sonne, namely, Christ. Fou…thly, that we hauehave our redemptiō in the same Christ, by his blood, and hauehave obtained remission of sinnes, and all wisdome and vnderstanding, as well in heauen, as in earth. In a word, the Apostle sheweth there (as also else where) that whatsoeuer benefits we doe, or shall hereafter obtaine, counting from our eternall election, euen vntounto our glorification: all those we now doe, and shall obtaine hereafter, in Christ, and by Christ. Therefore, whosoeuer are elected to eternall life, besides this that they are elected in Christ, they are also predestinate to Christ, that is, to hauehave fellowship with him, that they may by him enioy all other benefits.2. Tim. 1.9. Rom. 8. 30.2 Tim 1:9Rom 8:30 The second ben…fit of God and effect of our predestination, is our effectuall calling to Christ, and to his Gospel, in which the elect are onelyonly called: because it is by the purpose and grace of God, which is giuen vsus in Christ. And an effectuall calling is knowne by the effects, two of which proceed directly from …t: a heartie kind of hearing the word, and the conceiuing of it with a very great, constant, and continuall delight, and a true and sure beleefe of the word of the Gospel. Thence it is that Christ saith,Ioh. 8.47.John 8:47 Who is of God (saith he) namely, by election and effectuall calling, heareth the word of God, very willingly, and from his heart, and that continually: but ye heare not, because ye are not of God. And this calling is wrought not onelyonly of the preaching of the word (as it is in all that be of yeares) but also (and that chiefly) with the inward inspiration of the holy Ghost, whiles that the Father draweth them by his spirit, whome he will hauehave to come to Christ: Which also was said to be done in infants. For this calling is the beginning of saluation euen in this life: and therefore it is the Apostles manner, in the beginning of his Epistles, to make mention of this calling, naming all the faithfull,Rom. 1.7. 1. Cor. ….… Tit. 1.1.Rom 1:7Titus 1:1 The saints called: Therefore it must needes be, that all they which are elected in Christ, must also at length effectually be called and drawne to Christ. After an effectuall calling followeth Faith, the effect of predestination, which is said to be peculiar vntounto …he elect: And without which (as the Apostle saith) it is not possible to please God.Heb. 11.6.Heb 11:6 For by it we are ingrafted into Christ, and are made the members of Christ, and without faith no man can be sau…d.

And that this is an effect of Predestination the Apostle plainly sheweth,1. Cor. 7.25.1 Cor 7:25 when he saith, that he had obtained merciemercy, (namely in Gods eternall predestination) that he might beleeue. Wherefore, whosoeuer are predestinate to obtaine eternall life in Christ and by Christ, they are also elect to hauehave the very gift of faith. Therefore it must needs be, that at length they shall beleeue in Christ. The fourth benefit is Iustification, that is, a free pardoning of our sinnes, and the imputation of the righteousnes of Christ, for it followeth Faith: because whosoeuer are indued with true faith in Christ, are also iustified. Rom. 8.…0. Eph. 1.4.Rom 8Eph 1:4And that iustification is an effect of predestination; the Apostle sheweth when he putt…th it after calling, before which he setteth predestination. And when he saith, that we are elect in Christ, that we might be holy and without spot or blame in the presence of God: and that this is not done while we are in this world, but by p. 708the pardoning of all our faults, and by the imputation of his perfect obedience. Wherefore it must needs be, that all the elect shall be iustified, and be taken for most pure and without blame in Gods presence. With iustification is ioyned regeneration, and sanctification by the holy Ghost: namely, whiles we are made new creatures by him, and the sonnes of God too: not onelyonly by adoption, but also by regeneration. For when Christ iustifieth vsus, he doth not onelyonly forgiue vsus our vnrighteousnes, & impute his righteousnes to vsus, but also he taketh from vsus our stonie heart, & giueth vsus a fleshie heart of his owne: and he strips vsus of our old man, & puts on his new man. Lastly, he taketh away the corruption of our nature, and makes vsus partakers of his diuine nature:Eph. 1.4,5. Ioh. 3.6.Eph 1:4Eph 1:5John 3:6 and so indeed of the sonnes of men, he makes vsus the sonnes of God, and his brethren too. Therefore it is saide, that we are predestinated to adoption by Iesus Christ and elect, that we may be holy without blame, and that which is borne of the spirit is called spirit. Therfore the elected to eternall life, must needs be begotten anew to be the sonnes of God, and be made partakers of the diuine nature, and be a new creature in Christ. Hence issueth the sixt effect of predestination, which is heedfully to be regarded: the louelove of righteo…unesse, and the detestation of sinne. For in regeneration, the affections are principally chaunged. Namely, the affections of the corrupt nature and flesh, into the affections of the diuine nature and spirit. Hence it is, that the Apostle saith,Rom. 8.1. and 5.Rom 8:1Rom 8:5 that they which are borne anew, doe walke according to the spirit, and not after the flesh: and not to sauour the things of the flesh, but the things of the spirit. And the chiefe affections of the flesh, are the louelove of sinne, that is, the concupiscence of the flesh: and contrariwise the hatred of righteousnesse, and the law of God, which are not of the Father, but of the world. Therefore the chiefe affections of regeneration and the spirit, are the louelove of righteousnesse and of the law of God, and the hatred of sinne. For that which is spoken chiefly of Christ: Thou hast loued righteousnesse and hated iniquitie;Psal. 45. 8.Ps 45:8 is to be vnderstood of all the members of Christ, endued with his spirit, because it is truly accomplished in them. Hence it is, that Dauid who in himselfe did represent the disposition of all the regenerate, saide of himselfe,Psal. 119. 113. & 40. 5. & 101.3. & 26.5. Rom. 7.22.Ps 119:113Ps 40:5Ps 101:3Ps 26:5Rom 7:22 I hauehave loued thy law, thy law is in the middle of my heart, I hauehave hated all the workers of iniquitie, I will not sitte with the wicked. Also Paul, I am delighted, saith he, in the law of God, according to the inner man: that is, in as much as I am borne anewe. And no man doubteth, but that both these affections are the effects of predestinatiō, except he be ignorant that all these are the gifts of God: which as in time he bestoweth on his, so also he hath decreed to bestow them on them before the foundation of the world. And from these two affections, beeing the first fruits of regenerati…n, ariseth a care and endeauour to doe good workes, that is, to flie sinne, and to fulfill the law of God: which is the seauenth effect of predestination. For he which hateth any thing from his heart, he taketh heede of it as much as he can, and he fleeth from it, and escheweth it: and on the contrarie, he which loueth any thing from his heart, that also he seeketh after, and endeauoureth himselfe to the compassing of it. Therefore the Apostle Iohn,1. Ioh. 3.7.1 John 3:7 maketh this a chiefe difference betweene the sonnes of God, and the children of the deuill, that is, betweene them that are borne anew, and them that are not borne anew: that the children of God both louelove p. 709and doe righteousnesse, and the children of the deuill louelove sinne, and doe it: as also the deuill sinned from the beginning: and Christ came to dissolue the workes of the deuill, namely, in his elect; for in the reprobate he leaueth them vntouched, because they are not giuen him of the father to be purged, borne anew, and saued. Therefore seeing Christ was before ordained and predestinate to the doing of all these workes, and that there is no good wrought in vsus, which was not prouided for vsus in Christ from all eternitie: it is a cleare case, that the care also of doing good workes, is an effect of predestination. And the Apostle plainely teacheth it when he saith,Eph. 2.10.Eph 2:10 that we were created in Christ to good workes, which God hath prepared that we might walke in them. To this purpose serueth that which the Apostle deliuereth of louelove vnfained, Eph. 1.4. 1. Ti. 1. 19. Tit. 1.15.Eph 1:4Eph 1:1Titus 1:15to which he sheweth, that we were elect; and of a good conscience: which he makes the inseparable companion of the faith of the elect. Lastly, of a pure heart, which he ascribeth to the elect, considering the vnfaithful hauehave nothing cleane in them, and that their minde and conscience is defiled. Now that this care to doe good workes,2. Pet. 1.10.2 Pet 1:10 is necessarie in all the elect, Peter sheweth it, when he bids vsus endeauour to make our election and calling sure by good workes, as some copies hauehave it. But to whom shall we make it sure? not vntounto God, (for it was sure vntounto him before the foundation of the world) but vntounto our selues, and to our neighbours. And this is one of the chiefest vses of good workes, that by them, not as by causes, but as by effects of predestination and faith, both we, and also our neighbours are certified of our election, and of our saluation too. Furthermore, considering whiles we hauehave a care to glorifie God, to doe good works, and we will not be conformable to the world in the wickednes of it, neither submit our selues to our flesh and Sathan: the flesh, the world, and Sathan, doe perpetually warre against vsus; and therewithall it commeth to passe, they beeing most valiant enemies, that either we are ouercome, or at the least in fight are foiled.

And therfore we are constrained to flie vntounto the Lord, and to craue his assistance: therefore the eight effect of our predestination is the calling vponupon God, that in this fight he would giuegive vsus ayd against the Deuill, the world, and the flesh. For this is the propertie of the spirit, which the elect hauehave to stir them vp to praier: for the spirit it selfe maketh request for vsus, with gronings that cannot be vttered, that is to say, it mooueth vsus to make request. And because we are sonnes,Rom. 8.20. Gal. 4.6. Psal. 50.15.Rom 8:20Gal 4:6Ps 50:15 God hath sent the Spirit of his sonne into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. And God biddeth vsus cal vponupon him in the day of tribulation, promising to heare vsus. From these proceedeth the ninth effect of predestination, namely, a perpetuall repentance for our daily slippes, and a continuall desire to be bettered in godlinesse. So that also, for this cause chiefly, we heartily desire to be dissolued out of this world, and to be with Christ for this end, that we might sinne no more. For this is a thing proper to the elect of God euen now borne anew: as we may see in the Apostle, who speaketh thus in the name of all the regenerate: O miserable man that I am,Rom. 7.27. Phil. 1. 23. 10.Rom 7:27Phil 1:23Phil 1:10 who shall deliuer me from the bodie of this death? And again, I desire to be dissolued, and to be with Christ. From this ninth effect proceedeth the tenth, namely, a desire that Christ may come, and make an end of all our miseries and 10sinnes, and perfectly restore his owne kingdome. 2. Tim. 4…1….2 Tim 4:1That this is proper to the elect, p. 710the Apostle sheweth, when he saith, that they louelove the comming of the Lord: and Iohn bringeth in the spouse of Christ, crying,Apoc. 22. 17,20. Mat. 6.10. Ps. 50.15.Rev 22:17Rev 22:20Matt 6:10Ps 50:15 Come, Lord Iesus, come quickly. Yea, and Christ himselfe hath taught vsus to pray: Let thy kingdome come. And because that they which pray on this wise, are also heard according to Gods promise: In the day of tribulation call vponupon me, and I will heare thee: hence appeareth 11the eleuenth effect of Predestination, true patience, that is, not onelyonly true comfort, but also a reioycing in aduersitie:Rom. 3.5. and 8.28.Rom 3:5Rom 8:28 as the Apostle describeth it. And therefore a certaine taking vp of courage and recouerie of strength against his enemies: whereby it commeth to passe, that all things turne to the saluation of the elect. For the elect, albeit they be often beaten downe in fight, yet because Christ speedily sendeth ayd from heauen vntounto them, they rise vp couragiously, and begin againe the fight against sinne and the deuill, and all other the enemies of Christ: and they 12fight so long, till they be made conquerours, and are assured of the victorie, and of the crowne: which assurance also is an effect of Predestination giuen to all the elect. For what (saith the Apostle) shall we say to these things? If God be on our side, who can be against vsus?Rom. 8. 31. Mat. 24.24.Rom 8:31Matt 24:24 Therefor… our Lord Iesus teacheth, that the elect can not be seduced, and so perish, no not by the cunning of Antichrist, and his miracles. 13And lastly, hence, appeareth that last effect of Predestination, which we can obtaine in this life, the gift of perseuerance, vntounto the ende, in faith and a true confession of Christ, ioyned with a manifest care to liue a godly life, and a desire to glorifie him. For this gift is bestowed vponupon all the elect, as the Lord promiseth by Ieremie:Ier. 23.40.Jer 23:40 I will put my feare into their hearts, that they may not depart from me. And when they shall come to the end of their liues, they shall be receiued into the heauenly glorie, vntill such time, as their bodies also beeing raised vp, they may take full possession of eternall life. Thus we see that it is very certaine, that those which are elected to eternall life, are also predestinate to vse those meanes, by which, as by certaine steps and staires, they climbe into that heauenly dwelling place. And therefore that we were predestinate to these meanes, namely Faith, Iustification, and good workes, because we were elected to eternall life, according to the purpose and grace of God.

IIIWherefore by this meanes the doctrine also of the Pelagians is confuted as touching predestination to life,The vse of this doctrine. by our faith and workes, which God foresaw we should doe. Whereas on the contrarie, therefore God did predestinate vsus to faith and good workes, because he did choose vsus to eternall life. For the Apostle saith not, I obtained merciemercy, because I was faithfull, or because I should be faithfull,1. Cor. 7.25. Eph. 1.4. & 2.1 Cor 7:25Eph 1:4Eph 1:2 but that I might be faithfull. Neither, saith he, that we are elected in Christ, because we should be holy and without blame, but that we might be holy and without blame. Neither doth he say, that we were created in Christ, because we did or should doe good works: but we were created to good works:Tit. ….11. which God prepared that we might walke in them. Lastly, he saith not, that the grace of Christ appeared, because we were to liue soberly, iustly, and godly, but that it therefore appeared, that we denying all vngodlines, and the lusts of this world, might liue soberly, iustly, and godly i… this present world. We see therefore, that by this doctrine, that wicked opinion is ouerthrowne, which teacheth, that we doe preuent the grace of God by our merits which God foresaw. And on the contrarie, here we see, how foully the bellygods of this world are p. 711deceiued, which reason thus: if we be predestinate to eternall life, and our predestination be certaine and vnchangeable, what neede wee endeauour our selues, beleeue or doe good workes? for howsoeuer it fall out, and howesoeuer the elect doe liue, vndoubtedly they cannot perish, because they are predestinate to eternall life. Alas poore wretches, they see not, that they seuer those things that are to be conioyned, namely the ende and the meanes of the ende: & that they breake the chaine, which in no wise either can or must be loosed, whilst that they seuer their calling & iustification: yea and Faith too & good workes, from predestination and glorification. As though God did glorifie them whome he did predestinate, before he called and iustified them: yea and before they can beleeue, and shewe their quicke and liuely faith by workes. Contrariwise, let vsus learne what our dutie is. If any be elect to eternall life, they also are predestinate to the meanes by which they come vntounto it. And wee beleeue (as wee are bound to doe) that wee are predestinate to eternall life: and therefore we must also beleeue, that we hauehave beene elected to faith and good workes: that by them, as by certaine steps, wee might bee brought to eternall life. And therefore so farre must we be from neglecting Faith, and the meanes of good works, & of a holy life; that contrariwise, it is rather our dutie, to keep Faith in a good conscience, and to be conuersant in good workes, which God hath prepared, that we might walke in them. And because we can neither attaine to the ende, nor the meanes that bring vsus therevnto of our selues: Therfore it is our part to craue them at Gods hands by praier, that hee would giuegive vsus faith, and a care to doe good workes, and increase them in vsus. Neither must we onelyonly aske them, but also certainely trust that wee shall obtaine them for Christ his cause. For, if for all them which are predestinated to eternall life, God hath prepared faith, by which they may beleeue, and good workes to walke in: therefore if we beleeue (as by Gods commandement we are bound) that we are in Christ elected to eternall glorie: wee must also be perswaded, that before we depart hence, hee wil giuegive vsus true repentance, encrease true faith, inflame vsus with louelove: lastly, that hee will minister vntounto vsus aboundantly all things in Christ, to obtaine the ende. Yea this confidence also and praier, it is one effect of predestination, by which wee get the rest. Therefore this doctrine we must hold, that predestination to eternall life doth not take away the meanes of obtaining it, but rather establish them. And therfore both these principles are true, namely, that the elect to life cannot perish: and vnlesse a man beleeue in Christ, and perseuere vntounto the ende in this faith working by louelove,Ioh. 3.36.John 3:36 he shall perish. The reason is, because in predestination, the means & the end of it are so ioyned togither, that the one can not be seuered from the other. Wherefore whosoeuer holdeth not the meanes vntounto the ende (amongest which faith is one) it is manifest, that he was neuer predestinate, and therefore must needes perish: as on the contrarie, he which holdeth faith, must needes be saued. So the truth of these propositions is euident: He which beleeueth in the Sonne hath eternal life: contrariwise, he which beleeueth not in the sonne, the anger of God remaineth vponupon him, because as a constant faith is a signe of election: so obstinate infidelitie is a token of reprobation.

FINIS.

Bradfords answer to Careles.

Careles.

I Am troubled with feare that my sinnes are not pardoned.

Bradford.

They are: for God hath giuen thee a penitent and beleeuing heart: that is an heart, which desireth to repent and beleeue. For such an one is taken of him (he accepting the will for the deede) for a penitent and beleeuing heart indeede.

Trin-vni Deo gloria.

A DIRECTION FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE TONGVE according to Gods word.

Printed by Iohn Legate, Printer to the Vniuersitie of Cambridge. 1600.