A Treatise Touching Falling from Grace, Treatise

A Treatise Touching Falling from Grace · Treatise

p. 1A TREATISE TOUCHING Falling from Grace. OR Thirteen Arguments tending to prove that Believers cannot fall from Grace, Examined and Anſwered.

THe Poſition: That Juſtified perſons cannot totally nor finally, fall from the grace of Ʋnion with the Lord Jeſus.

The firſt Argument is drawn from Matthew 24.24. thus.

If any could prevail upon the Elect, it is like they might be falſe Prophets that might do it.

But they cannot ſeduce them.

Therefore muchleſſe can any totally draw them.

Anſwer. Firſt conſider that the Lord Jeſus doth ſpeak in the former part of this chapter (Matthew 24.24.) touching the ſigns of his coming, it being deſired of him by his Diſciples verſe 3. our Lord in his anſwer (the beginning thereof) gives them (as an introduction unto his anſwer) this p. 2charge, viz. that they take heed that none deceive them verſe 4. it ſeems then his Diſciples might be deceived, and that by men to, or elſe needleſs was this caveat take heed: the reaſons why they muſt is, becauſe many falſe Prophets ſhall ariſe and deceive many v. 11. therfore take you heed; what Diſciples of Chriſt muſt they take heed? they that are juſtified perſons, or elſe lyable to be deceived? yea they muſt, for they onelyonly that endure to the end the ſame ſhall be ſaved v. 13. it ſeems it is not impoſſible for falſe prophets to deceive juſtified perſons, as appears in this chapter, and alſo in 2 Pet. 2.1, 2. But there were falſe Prophets alſo among the people, even as there ſhall be falſe Teachers among you, who privily ſhall bring in damnable hereſies even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themſelves ſwift deſtruction, and many ſhall follow their pernicious waies by whom the way of truth ſhall be evil ſpoken of, and through covetouſneſſe ſhall they with fained words make merchandize of you: of who? why of juſtified perſons, ſuch as had obtained like precious faith, through the righteouſneſſe of God and our Saviour Jeſus Chriſt 2 Pet. 1.1.

Again, Paul in the 20. of Acts calleth the Elders of the Church at Epheſus together v. 17. and in the 28. v. he exhorteth them to take heed unto themſelves and to all the Flock &c. here the choſen or Elect Elders, choſen of God and purchaſed by his blood Eph. 1.4. are commanded to take heed to themſelves, and to the Flock: why what is the matter? why after Pauls departure ſhall grievious wolves enter in not ſparing the Flock, and p. 3of their own ſelves men ſhall ariſe ſpeaking perverſe things to draw away Diſciples after them, therefore they muſt watch, v. 29, 30, 31. or elſe they may be deceived or drawn away: therefore Chriſt ſaith▪ beware of falſe Prophets &c. Mat. 7 15. yea and Peter in his ſecond Epiſtle 3.17. exhorteth them that have like precious faith, chap. 1.1. to beware ſaying, leaſt ye alſo being led away with the errour of the wicked, fall from your own ſtedfaſtneſſe: Juſtified perſons may fall, and be deceived by falſe Prophets, elſe how uſeleſſe were theſe ſayings of Chriſt and his ſervants unto us in theſe and many more places of Scripture? this premiſed. Now to the Argument; and firſt let me inquire whether by the Elect is intended ſuch as Paul, who had fought a good fight, who had finiſhed his courſe, who kept the faith? it ſuch, I grant an impoſſibility of being ſeduced by falſe Prophets. But if by Elect be meant ſuch as Paul in his warfare. The Minor propoſition is denied, viz. that they cannot fall away nor be ſeduced: for Paul having kept the faith, could ſay, henceforth is laid up for me a Crown of righteouſneſſe, &c. 2 Tim. 4.8. But in his warfare he ſaith otherwiſe, I therefore ſo run not as uncertainly: ſo fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I keep under my body, and bring it into ſubjection, least that by any means when I have preached to others, I my ſelf ſhould be a caſtaway, 1 Cor. 26, 27. thus much to the Argument: now to the text from whence the argument is drawn, I anſwer,

Firſt, ſuch as keep the faith are the Elect, that p. 4ſhall not be deceived by falſe Prophets and falſe Chriſts, although they ſhould come with all deceiveableneſſe of unrighteouſneſſe in them that periſh, 2 Theſ. 2.10. thoſe that doe wickedly againſt the Covenant, ſhall be corrupt by flatteries: but the people that know their God, ſhall be ſtrong, and do exploits. Dan. 1….32. They that give diligence to make their calling and election ſure, in ſo doing ſhall never fall, 2 Pet. 1.10.

Secondly, by the word Elect is ſometimes meant Iſrael after the fleſh; for they are called the choſen of God, Deut. 7.6. chap. 14.2. Exod. 19.5, 6. yet notwithſtanding becauſe of unbelief they were cut off, Rom. 11.20. yet not for ever; for he is able to graffe them in again v. 23. compared with v. 24. God will not forget the Covenant made with them. Jer. 31. v. 31. to 34. There ſhall come a deliverer out of Syon that ſhal turn ungodlineſſe from Jacob, &c. Rom. 11.26. though as concerning the Goſpel they are enemies for your ſakes; yet as touching the election they are beloved for the Fathers ſake, v. 28. although they are now deceived, yet then it ſhall be impoſſible to deceive them; for they ſhal ſee him whom they have pierced and mourn, &c. Zach. 12.10. Rev. 1.7. Mat. 24.30.

Thirdly, by Elect ſometimes is meant Jeſus Chriſt, for he is the very Elect: behold ſaith God my ſervant, mine elect in whom my ſoul delighteth, Iſ. 42.1. he is the chief corner ſtone, Elect, precious, &c. 1 Pet, 2.6. Mat. 21.42. he ſaith the Lord ſhall not fail nor be diſcouraged, Iſaiah p. 542.4. he is the beloved Epheſ. 1.6 neither falſe Prophets, nor falſe Chriſts ſhall deceive him, it is impoſſible, for the Lord hath ſaid he ſhall not fail nor be diſcouraged.

Now if by the Elect be meant either ſuch as keep the faith, or Iſrael as to their future condion, or Chriſt; I grant an impoſſibility of their being deceived: but if by elect it be the ſence of the Opponent that believers in their warfaring eſtate cannot fall, and that to be the ſence of this text, it is a thing I want proof of, which till I have I muſt deny as beforeſaid.

The ſecond Argument is taken from the unchangeable love of God towards his people Iſa. 54.17. Pſa. 1. Jer. 31.1.

2. Arg. Though there is unconstancy in the creature, yet in the firſt of Pet. 1.5. We are kept by the power of God: and least that keeping ſhould be for a little while, he tells you it is an inheritance that fadeth not away, Rom. 8.30.

Anſ. The ſtrength of this Argument lyeth in two particulars.

Firſt, Gods unchangeableneſſe.

Secondly, in believers being kept by his power.

Firſt, Therefore to the unchangeableneſſe of God, I grant that he changeth not, and yet it doth not follow but juſtified perſons may fall totally and finally, For

Union and ſalvation are conditional.

Firſt their entrance into it is conditional; he that believeth and is baptized ſhall be ſaved, Mark p. 616.16. being juſtifyed by faith &c. Rom. 5.1. without faith it is impoſſible to pleaſe God, Heb. 11.6. if by faith they are juſtifyed then not without it, he that believeth not is condemned John 3.18, 19.

But ſome may ſay we are juſtified before in Gods account.

I anſwer, then we were his people in his account alſo, without or before believing, which to ſay were to contradict the Scripture 1 Pet. 2. which in time paſt were not a people, yet are now the people of God, which were not under mercy, but now have obtained mercy Rom. 9.25, 26. Hoſea 2.23. the Apoſtle Paul ſaith that Andronicus and Junia were in Chriſt before him Rom. 16.7. the Apoſtle John ſaith if we ſay we have fellowſhip with him, and walk in darkneſſe we ly and do not the truth 1 John 1.6. and again, He that ſaith he knoweth him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a lyar and the truth is not in him ch. 7.4. by all which appears that we are not the juſtifyed ones, neither have we union with Chriſt, without believing and doing his commandements, 1 John 1.7.

Secondly, we are continued in union with Chriſt on condition of believing and perſevering in the doing the will of God and not without: this the word of God doth teach us in many places.

For we are made partakers of Chriſt: [mark] if we hold faſt the beginning of our confidence ſtedfaſt to the end Heb. 3.14. Paul ſaith to the Coloſſians p. 7that Chriſt hath reconciled them in the body of his fleſh through death to preſent them holy, and unblameably and unreprovable in his ſight, if ye continue in the faith, grounded and ſettled, and be not mov'd away from the hope of the Goſpel which ye have heard Col. 1.21.22.23. mark, they then ſhall be preſented holy, unreprovable, unblameable: upon what terms? why if they continue &c. and ſo ſaith the Spirit unto the Angells of the Church in Smyrna, be thou faithfull unto death, and I will give the Crown of life Rev. 2.10. and ſo unto the Church in Thyatira, he that overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations, verſe 25, 26.27. he that overcometh the ſame ſhall be clothed in white raiment, and I will not blot his name out of the book of life, but I will confeſſe his name before my father, and before his holy Angels, cha. 2 5. our Lord Chriſt ſaith in the fifteenth of John the ſecond, every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: ſome branches in Chriſt may become fruitleſſe and ſo taken away by the Father; ſo the Author to the Heb. ſaith, that which beareth thornes and bryers is rejected and is nigh unto curſing Heb. 6.8.

By this which hath been ſaid it appears that we have no union with Chriſt but by believing and doing the will of God, and that union with Chriſt is continued by perſevering in doing the will of God and not otherwiſe: God having promiſed eternal life upon no other terms. Now this conſidered we may plainly ſee that although perſons p. 8which have union with Chriſt may fall from it by not holding faſt unto the end: yet God never the more changeable becauſe juſtification, union and ſalvation, are conditionall, as hath been ſhewed: God hath bound himſelf (as I may ſay) to give life to overcomming Saints: but if any man draw back his ſoul ſhall have no pleaſure in him, Heb. 10.39. he hath promiſed his bleſſing unto fruitfull branches in Chriſt: but fruitleſſe ones he will take away John 15.2.3.

So much to the Argument. Now to the Scriptures alleged.

The firſt is Iſa. 54.17. the ſuppoſed ſtrength which is in this text, lyeth in theſe words, No weapon formed againſt them ſhall proſper. Let us examine now, who it ſhall not proſper againſt: why ſaith the Lord, this is the heritage of the Lords ſervants: now the Lords ſervants are they that ſtill overcome, againſt whom no weapon ſhall proſper; not they that fight for a time and are overcome at laſt; let not him that girdeth on his armor, boaſt himſelf as he that putteth it off, 1 Kin. 20.11. in ſerving the Lord, we have a promiſe, as the Apoſtle ſaith, who is it that will harm you if you be followers of that which is good 1 Pet. 3.13. ſo that this doth not prove but that believers may fall and ſo ceaſe to be what they were, and God not engaged in promiſe unto them, for he ſaith Ezek. 18.24. but when the righteous man turneth away from his righteouſneſſe and committeth iniquity, and doth according to all the abomination p. 9that the wicked man doth, ſhall he live, all his righteouſneſs that he hath done ſhall not be mentioned, in his treſpaſſe that he hath treſpaſſed, and in his ſin that he hath ſinned, in them he ſhall dy &c.

Again, this is a promiſe made unto Iſrael, of, and concerning their being eſtabliſhed in righteouſneſſe after their ſcattering and rejection for their not receiving Chriſt; for it relates to Gods performing Covenant with them, in which Covenant they ſhall all be taught of God, ſee verſe 13. and all thy children ſhall be taught of the Lord, and great ſhall be the peace of thy children (but not a promiſe made to any in the time of their warfare without the condition of ſtanding faſt, taking heed, overcoming, and the like, for otherwiſe there be weapons, viz the firy darts of Satan, and the like may and do proſper againſt many, and we no promiſe to the contrary) which proves that God one day will look upon Iſrael, though now toſſed and afflicted, and turn ungodlyneſſe from Jacob, in which day, or at which time, no weapon formed againſt him ſhall proſper, for the Lord will aſſuredly eſtabliſh Iſrael a people before him, therfore this text doth not ſo much as ſeem to prove the thing it is brought for.

The ſecond place alleged is Pſal. 125.1. they that truſt in the Lord ſhall be as mount Sion, that cannot be moved, but abideth for ever, &c.

I grant as before that perſons that truſt in the Lord, ſhall be (as Mount Sion) unmovable, ſo long as they continue truſting in him: but ſome that p. 10truſt in the Lord may let go their confidence, as hath been ſhewed: yea ſome have ſo done Jer. 2.5. compared with verſe 12.13. thus ſaith the Lord what iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity: and are become vain: be aſtoniſhed oh ye heavens at this: and be horribly afraid, be ye very deſolate ſaith the Lord, for my people have committed two evills, they have forſaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out Ciſterns, broken Cisterns that will hold no water &c.

The laſt place is Jer. 31.1.

The ſtrength of which place lyeth in theſe words, I will be a God of all the Families of Iſrael and they ſhall be my people.

We muſt have reſpect in this place to two things.

Firſt to the perſons Iſrael.

Secondly to the time when, that is after thoſe daies, or the daies comming verſ. 27.31. Heb.. 10 which is the time God will make a covenant with Iſrael, in the performance of which Covenant God will eſtabliſh Iſrael in righteouſneſs, although now they are ſeperated from him they are branches cut off, but they ſhall be grafted in again, and then ſhall they be his people, and he will be their God, and he will make an everlaſting covenant with them; that he will never turn away from them to do them good; but he will put his fear in their hearts that they ſhall not depart from him, Jer. 32., and let not any ſay, that although it be p. 11not yet performed to Iſrael, yet it is performed to believers.

I anſwer, then believers may not teach every man his neighbour, ſaying, know the Lord, for the covenant ſaith, they ſhall not teach them after thoſe daies, ſo, they ſhall not depart from him after thoſe daies, for then he will write his law in their hearts, they ſhall all know the Lord from the leaſt unto the greateſt of them: And moreover believers now may fall, as hath been ſhewed, which the ſpirit hath likewiſe expreſſely ſaid, that in the latter daies men ſhall depart from the faith, giving heed to ſeducing ſpirits & doctrines of devils 1 Tim. 4.1. but then they ſhall not; and therefore thoſe daies there ſpoken of are not yet come.

Thus theſe Scriptures which are here alledged: or rather the ſuppoſed ſtrength in them tending to the proof of the affirmation, is taken away and removed.

The ſecond thing is, Gods keeping Juſtifyed perſons by his power: the places alledged is 1. Pet. 1.5. and Rom. 8.30.

Unto which place in Peter I thus anſwer, the Apoſtle takes an occaſion to bleſſe God, for his abundant mercy by which they were begotten again unto a lively hope, by the reſurrection of Chriſt from the dead, in the fourth verſe he tells them to what they were begotten, viz. to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, that fadeth not away, reſerved in the heavens, for you ver 5. who are kept by the power of God through p. 12faith to ſalvation; mark I pray, here are two things conſiderable.

Firſt, the inheritance is for thoſe who are kept by the power of God.

Secondly the power God keepeth, or begetteth by, it is not a forcible or compulſive power, as ſome ſuppoſeth, but the powerful means that he uſeth as to both: therefore the Apoſtle ſaith, I am not aſhamed of the Goſpel of Chriſt, it is the power of God to ſalvation to every one that believeth Rom. 1.16. but we preach Chriſt crucified, to the Jewes a ſtumbling ſtone, and unto the Greeks fooliſhneſſe, but unto them that are called both Jew and Greeks we preach (for ſo it is impli'd) Chriſt the power of God & the wiſdom of God 1 Cor. 1 23, 24. hence it is (ſaith Paul) my ſpeech, and my preaching was not with inticing words of mens wiſdome: but in the demonſtration of the ſpirit, and power chap. 2.4. the word of God is powerful &c. Heb. 4.12. hence it is ſaid, we are begotten with the word Jam. 1.18 being born again not of corruptible ſeed, but by the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever, 1 Pet. 1.23. ſo that the word or Goſpel, is the powerful means by which we are begotten to a lively hope: ſo likewiſe is it the powerfull means by which they that are begotten are kept, and ſo are ſaid to be kept by his power: for it is the word by which they muſt grow, as new born babes deſiring the ſincere milk of the word that they may grow thereby 1 Pet. 2.2. all Scripture is given by inſpiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for p. 13reproof, for correction, for inſtruction in righteouſneſſe [mark] that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furniſhed unto every good work, 2 Tim. 3.…6.17, this powerful word the Scripture ſaith is of this tendancy, as to the perfecting of the man of God, Paul therefore laboured in the word Col. 28.29. David ſaith, thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not ſin againſt thee Pſal. 119.11. and again, thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my pathes ver. 105. thus you ſee what it is by which we are kept, viz. his word, it is Gods power, or powerful means by which he keeps thoſe that are kept. Now there is an inheritance reſerved in the heavens for them that are kept by this word (by his power) and do not turn from his commandments, as ſome do 2 Pet. 2, 19.20.26. who ſo deſpiſeth the word ſhall be deſtroyed, he that feareth the commandement ſhall be rewarded Prov. 13.13. therefore as the fire devoureth the ſtubble, and the flame conſumeth the chaff, ſo their root ſhall be rottenneſſe, and their bloſſome ſall go up as duſt, becauſe they have caſt away the law of the Lord of Hoſts, and deſpiſed the word of the holy one of Iſrael, and therefore is the anger of the Lord kindled againſt his people &c. Iſa. 5.24.25. Mat. 10.33. Mark 8.38. men that deſpiſe the word, diſpiſe the power of God. as hath been ſhewed, and therfore it is through faith, this power keepes us, as Peter there ſaith 1 Pet. 1.…. but ſome do not mix the word with faith, and ſo are not kept by the power of God, for it is through faith, and not without faith &c, now they that fall from the p. 14faith, (as hath been ſhewed ſome do) are not kept by the power of God (for unto us was the word preached as well as unto them; but the word preached, did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it Heb. 4.2.) and ſo conſequently they may fall from the grace of union with the Lord Jeſus, buy diſpiſing the growing word 1 Pe. 2.2. which is the power of God, by which he keepeth men through faith to ſalvation &c.

The third Argument followeth.

Arg. 3. The ſame perſons that are predesſtinated, the ſame are called, they that are called, the ſame are juſtified, the ſame that are justified the ſame are glorified, therefore called perſons cannot fall away becauſe they ſhall be glorifyed.

Let us firſt (for anſwer to this Argument) conſider the text with the coherence Rom. 8.30. in the twenty ninth verſe, the ſpirit of God ſaith, whom he did foreknow he did alſo predeſtinate to be conformed to the image of his Son &c.

Wherein take notice of two things,

Firſt Gods foreknowledge,

Secondly, what they that are foreknown are predeſtinated unto.

Let us examine whether God doth not foreknow all men, yea ſure no man nor no thing can be hid from his eyes: ſhall we conclude then that all men are predeſtinated, no, but rather that God did foreknow ſome men in Chriſt, by or through faith, and obedience, 1 Pet. 1.2.2. Theſſ, 2.13. Eph, 1.4. and theſe that are ſo known or foreknown in Chriſt by believing, he doth approve of, for ſo p. 15is the knowledge of God to be underſtood, if not he muſt of neceſſity be concluded, to foreknow all men even the wicked, with this foreknowledge mentioned in this text, and then it neceſſarily followeth, that all men are predeſtinated (which will not be granted) for thoſe he doth foreknow, in the ſenſe of this text, even all of them he predeſtinated.

Again Chriſt at the laſt day is ſaid not to know ſome Mat. 7.25. and then will I profeſſe unto them I never knew you, depart from me ye workers of iniquity, what did not Chriſt know them? what he that made them, not know them? John 1.7. O no! he knew them not, they were workers of iniquity, he did not know them, i. e. he did not approve of them, nor their works, therfore faith he, depart from me, by this we may ſee who God foreknoweth, they are believers, workers of righteouſneſſe Iſa. 64.5. and who he did never know (ſo as to approve of them) even workers of Iniquity.

Believers then are the foreknown of God, in the ſence of this text, and no others, as for others he knoweth not, Mat. 7.25. now whom he did foreknow, he alſo did predeſtinate, viz. believers to be conformable to the image of Chriſt Ephs 2.10. 1 John 2.6. moreover whom he did predeſtinate, them he alſo called to this conformity to Chriſts image, therefore ſaith Peter in his firſt Epiſtle, firſt ch. and fifteenth ver. but as he that hath called you is holy, ſo be you holy in all manner of converſation, I therefore the priſoner of the Lord beſeech p. 16you that ye walk worthy of the vocation where with you are called, &c chap. 1.4. for God hath not called us (viz. believers) to uncleanneſſe: but to holineſſe 1 Theſ. 4.7.

Now thoſe that are the called according to Gods purpoſe (that is ſuch as walk worthy of his calling by making their calling and election ſure, 2 Pet. 2.10.) he alſo juſtifies, and them he alſo glorifies: that is, ſuch as indure to the end they ſhall be ſaved, and glorified, yea and they only, as hath been ſhewed.

But ſaith the Argument, Called perſons cannot fall away, becauſe they ſhall be glorified.

Sure this concluſion is to large, if by called perſons be meant all called perſons: for the Lord Chriſt ſaith, many are called, but few are choſen, Mat. 22.18. ſome that are called comes ſhort of glory, for want of walking worthy of their calling: for ſome turn the grace of God into wantonneſſe; and ſome that are righteous or juſtified may be condemned, for their non-continuance in the workes of righteouſneſſe, as appears Ezek. 18.24. 2 Pet. 2.21 therefore all that are called are not glorified: but ſuch onelyonly who by patient continuance in well doing ſeek for glory, and honour, and immortality, eternall life, Rom. 2.7. So much for that argument. Now to the fourth.

Arg. Is ſtated thus: In the 4. John 14. he tels us it is a living fountain that can never be dryed up. Grace as it is a creature, might doe as others might doe; but becauſe the fountain doth ſtrive to maintain the ſtreams, therefore it cannot be dried up. Therefore &c,

p. 17Anſwer, How little this is to the purpoſe may be eaſily ſeen, for our controverſie is not about the fountain, whether that may be dryed, or no: but whether believers may not fal away from their fountain, unleſſe it be concluded that they▪ viz believers be the fountain, which cannot be granted for Chriſt is that fountain Jer. 2.5. Zack. 13.1.Jer 2:5my people, ſaith the Lord, have committed two evils, they, have forſaken me the fountain of living water, &c.

But the text alleged ſaith, Whoſoever drinketh of the water which I ſhall give him ſhall never thirst, Obj.but the water that I ſhall give him, ſhall be in him a well of water ſpringing up unto everlasting life.

Chriſt muſt needs be underſtood to intend here continuing believers,Anſ. ſuch as continually drink in the ſpirit; for the ſpring ariſeth not from them, but ſhall be in them (being received by them) believers are wells, but ſuch wells as may be dry if they continue not drinking, therfore Chriſt ſaith, whoſoever drinketh of this water that I ſhall give him ſhall never thirſt &c. the Apoſtle Peter ſpeaketh of ſome 2 Pet. 2.17.2 Pet 2:17who are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempeſt: ſo doth Jude in his Epiſtle v. 12. Clouds, ſaith he, that are without water carried about of winds, trees whoſe fruit withereth, without fruit twice dead, plucked up by the roots, by which appears that there muſt be a continuation of drinking, viz. believing, or elſe they will prove but dry wells. Yet let it not be ſ…id that theſe were alwaies dry wells, for it may be as well ſaid they were alwaies dead trees: which cannot be concluded, for then it p. 18could not be ſaid they were twice dead, which plainly implies they were twice alive.

But ſaith the Argument, The fountain striveth to maintain the ſtreams, therefore it cannot be dryed up &c.

I grant the fountain [Christ] doth: but he ſaith ccGen. 6.3.Gen 6:3his ſpirit ſhall not alwaies strive with man. Men may forſake the fountain of living water ddJer. 12.13 2 Chr. 15.2. Jer. 2.17. Eſ. 1.28.Jer 12:132 Chr 15:2Jer 2:17Isa 1:28if ye forſake him, he will forſake you [e] O Lord the hope of Iſrael, all they that forſake thee ſhall be aſhamed, and they that depart from me ſhall be written in the earth, becauſe they have forſaken the Lord the fountain of living waters.

Wells may become dry that once had water in them by forſaking the fountain. And thus in this Argument diſſolved alſo.

Arg. 5.The fift Argument is ſtated upon the interceſſion of the Lord Jeſus as appears in the 17. of John he making prayers that his father would keep them; and Chriſt was heard in the prayer that was made: therefore &c.

The ſtrength of this Argument lyeth in this, viz. That Chriſt was heard in the prayer that he made.

Anſw.Which is granted, and yet I deny that believers cannot fall totally for this reaſon.

Becauſe Chriſt in his prayers hath reſpect to ſomething or other, and doth not pray abſolutely or poſitively that ſo it muſt be, and no otherwiſe, as for example.

Chriſt prayed that the cup ſhould paſſe from him, but he prayed as having reſpect to his Fathers p. 19will, not my will, but thy will: now if we ſhould conclude, that his prayer was poſſitive, that ſo it muſt be, then he was not heard; for the Cup did not paſſe from him: but he praying with reſpect and ſubmiſſion to his fathers will, he was heard, inaſmuch as the Will of God concerning him was accompliſhed.

Again, Chriſt prayed for the world, that they might know him: Now,Joh. 17.21 23.John 17:21 if Chriſts prayer had been abſolute, without reſpect to this or that, then they muſt know him, and believe in him, which to doe is life eternall. verſ. 3. Chriſt therefore in his prayer had reſpect to the meanes, by which they ſhould come to know him, which if the means were uſed by them, the end might be effected in them; for the meanes was of this tendance, and every way correſpondent, as to the bringing them even all the world to the knowledg of Chriſt: in which Chriſt was heard: for ſuch meanes God hath afforded the world, that would accompliſh the end, did they not put it from them.

Thirdly, Chriſt prayed that the Jewes who crucified him ſhould be forgiven.Luke 23.24.Luke 23:24

Now, It Chriſt here had been abſolute and poſitive, viz. it muſt be ſo without reſpect to this or that, then it ſhould have been ſo; viz. they ſhould be forgiven, and then they could not have been cut off, for not receiving Chriſt, becauſe their ſinne was forgiven: Chriſt therefore in this prayer muſt be underſtood to have reſpect to the way, in which forgiveneſs was promiſed unto p. 20them,Act. 2.39.Acts 2:39 viz. repentance, faith and baptiſme; in doing of which, they, to wit, ſo many as did repent of their ſheding the innocent blood, and were accordingly baptized, did receive forgiveneſs, as Chriſt had prayed they ſhould; but as for the reſt, all the blood that was ſhed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel, Mat. 23.35.Matt 23:35unto the blood of Zacharias ſhall be upon them, yea, and the innocent blood of Chriſt alſo, which they deſired might be on them and their Children.

Mat. 27.25.Matt 27:25Now to come cloſe to the argument, Chriſt prayeth for his Diſciples, that they ſhould be kept from the evill of the world, in which he is heard. I grant, conſidering his prayer (as before) to have reſpect to their abiding in him, by keeping his commandements; for, he ſaith. If ye love me, keep my Commandements, Joh. 14.15.16.John 14:15John 14:16and I will pray the Father, and he ſhall give you another Comforter, that ſhall abide with you forever: Chriſt in this prayer therefore is not abſolute, that is to ſay, they are my Diſciples, thou haſt given them me, and now I pray thee to keep them although they doe not keep my Commandements; but this prayer is with reſpect to their abiding in him, which if they doe (as ſome have not done that were in him) they have the benefit of his prayer, but if otherwiſe, they have no benefit thereof, no more then they that doe never believe in him, have the benefit of his interceſſion, but are cut off as unfruitfull branches from the Vine: therefore notwitſtanding Chriſt doth pray for them, it doth not follow but that believers may fall totally and finally.

p. 21If neither ſinne, nor ſuffering can ſeperate us from the Lord, then nothing can ſeperate us, Arg. 6.for ſin Rom. 8.39. for ſuffering 35, 36. ve. and concluds the 38, 39. that nothing can ſeperate us.

Therefore nothing can. Only Firſt, we grant that the Saints of God may fall away from the degrees of Grace, from the ſtrength of faith, to a weake faith, to ſome meaſure of hardneſſe of heart.

Secondly, we grant they may fall from the com… of the Spirit, as in Pſal. 51.2.8.12.

Thirdly, From common gifts of the Spirit, as a Spirit of government as Saul did, &c.

This Argument hath a large latitude,Anſw. and muſt in part be denyd viz. ſin unrepented of may ſeperate, unfruitfulneſſe and ſuch like, hath a cutting off following it. Therefore upon examination, we ſhall find that this will not prove the Aſſertion.

Firſt, I ſuppoſe, that it will not be owned that Paul doth intend here denying Chriſt, or any ſinne unrepented of, for that may ſeperate aa2 Tim. 2.12 Mat. 10.33.2 Tim 2:12Matt 10:33If we ſuffer, we ſhall alſo reign with him, if we deny him, he will alſo deny us: [yea we] I Paul and thou Timothy, if we deny him, he will alſo deny us; for ſo he himſelf ſaid, bbLuke 12.8. chap. 9 26. Mar. 8.38.Luke 12:8Mark 8:38But whoſoever ſhall deny me before men, him will I alſo deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Again, the Apoſtle doth not ſay,Rom. 8.39.Rom 8:39 that ſin ſhall not ſeperate, and therefore the argument is ſtretched beyond what the Text will prove, I rather think the 33. ver. had been more pertinent to p. 22the busineſs, where the Apoſtle makes this holy challenge, Who ſhall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect? &c. Now to know who are the Elect of God will be the ſolution of this matter (for which I refer you to my anſwer to the firſt argument) thoſe that are called according to Gods purpoſe, ver. 28. who they are ſee my anſwer to the third Argument? they that make their Calling and Election ſure, by adding to their faith, virtue, &c. who ſhall lay any thing to their charge, it is God that justifies, &c.

Again, Who ſhall ſeperate them that ſo do? no thing, nor no man can b)b)Joh. 10.28.John 10:28no nor none of theſe things, viz. tribulation or diſtreſs, or perſecution, or famine, or nakedneſs, or perill, or ſword, nay, in all theſe things, they are more then Conquerours, through him that loved them; but this doth not prove, but that perſons in Chriſt may fal and be ſeperated from Chriſt, by denying Chriſt, although none of theſe can, if they be not overcome by them, to forſake and deny him, &c.

Now the queſtion is, whether perſons in Chriſt may hot be overcome by theſe?

2 Pet. 2, 20.2 Pet 2:20I Anſwer, the Scripture ſaith they may, for if after they have eſcaped the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chriſt, they are again intangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worſe then the beginning d)d)Gal. 5.1.Gal 5:1Therefore Paul exhorteth the Galathians, to ſtand faſt in the liberty wherewith Chriſt hath made them free, and not to be intangled again in the Yoak of bondage e)e)Rev. 17.26. chap 3.5.12.21.Rev 17:26Chriſt ſaith p. 23he that overcometh and keeps my words to the end, to him will I give power over the Nations Chap. 21.7. Chap. 2.10.he that overcometh the ſame ſhall be cloathed in white rayment: to him that overcomes will I grant to ſit with me in my throne (g) he that overcometh ſhall inherit all things; I will be his God, and he ſhall be my Sonne. God will not diſown us becauſe of perſecution, &c. but will reward us for our ſufferings, if we are not overcome by them, be thou faithfull unto the death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life; ſo much for this Argument: now to to the next.

The ſeventh Argument from Joh. 10.28. my ſheep heare my voyce, 7. Arg.&c. none are able to pluck the ſheep of Chriſt out of the hands of Chriſt: therefore they cannot fall totally nor finally

This Argument being the ſame,Anſw. or of the like import with the ſixth, I ſhall ſay little to it, for if nothing can ſeperate them, then none can pluck them cut of his hands.

Only this, My ſheep (ſaith Chriſt) heare my voyce, and I know them, and they follow me; ſuch we grant cannot be plucked out of the hands of Chriſt, that hear his voyce, and follow him, and he gives them eternall life, and they ſhall never periſh if they be [ever] followers of that which is good h)h)1 Theſſ. 5 15.1 Thess 5:15and follow the Lamb whereſoever he goes, iiRev. 14.4.Rev 14:4no man as the Text ſaith, can pluck them out of Chriſts hands: but the queſtion is, whether Chriſts ſheep may not refuſe to hear Chriſts voyce? the time ſhall come, ſaith Paul, when they will not indure ſound doctrine, but after their owne luſts, ſhall they heap to themſelves Teachers having p. 24itching eares (i) therfore it doth not follow but thoſe that are the ſheep of Chriſt may ceaſe to be his ſheep, by refuſing to heare his voyce, and by not following of him, and ſo as unfruitfull branches, be cut off from Chriſt: ſo much as to that: now to the next.

Arg. 8.Becauſe in the greateſt temptation, the Lord is pleaſed to give ſuch aſſiſtance, that they ſhall not be tempted above their abilities, 1 Co. 10.13. therefore.

Anſw.The Apoſtle in the beginning of the Chapter puts the Corinthians in mind of mercies that were injoyed by the Jews, from the firſt veſe to the fifth, but ſaith he, with many of them God was not well pleaſed, for they were overthrown in the Wilderneſs v. 5. Now theſe things were our examples, to the intent we ſhould not luſt after evill things, as they luſted, &c. Pray conſider, was their overthrow our enſamples, and cannot we luſt, be Idolaters, tempt Chriſt, murmour as they did, and ſo be overthrown as they were? yea, ſure it is poſſible, for ſo the Apoſtle telleth the Hebrewes likewiſe,Heb. 41. Verſ. 11. let us therefore fear, leſt a promiſe being left us of entring into his reſt, any of you ſhould ſeem to come ſhort of it: let us labour therefore to enter into that Reſt, leſt any man fall after the ſame enſample of unbelief, ſo that it is very poſſible we may luſt, and be overthrown as they were; for all theſe things hapned unto them for enſamples, and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come:1 Cor. 10.11, 12.1 Cor 10:111 Cor 10:12 wherefore ſaith he, let him that thinketh he ſtandeth, take heed leſt he fall, you that think p. 25you ſtand ſo as it is impoſſible you ſhould fall, take heed, be not too high minded, but fear: for if God ſpared not the naturall branches, take heed least he ſpare not you.

Now leaſt they ſhould complain that their temptations were great, and ſo if they did fall they were ſomething excuſable, he tels them, that there hath no temptation taken them, but ſuch as was common to man, and therefore they muſt look to it: and beſides, God is faithfull who will not ſuffer you to be tempted above what you are able to bear: but will with the temptation alſo make away to eſcape, that you may be able to bear it; wherefore (ſeeing it is ſo) my deerly beloved flee from Idolatry: for if you do not, God will overthrow you as he did them.

Thus may you ſee that this text is far from proving that Saints cannot fall: but doth plainly prove they may. Now to the Argument, the Conſequence drawn from the Reaſon muſt needs be denyed to be naturally deducted, for Saints muſt make uſe of the means, viz. the way that God will make for them to eſcape, or elſe the means will not profit; for the tempter and his temptations muſt be reſiſted with ſtedfaſt faith,1 Pet. 5.8.9. Jam. 5.7▪ ch. 1.2, 3, 4.1 Pet 5:81 Pet 5:9Jas 5:7 reſist the Divel and he will flee from you, therefore bleſſed are ye when ye endure temptation chap. 1.12. men muſt reſiſt by faith, and endure temptation with patience, or elſe they may be overcome: thus is this argument too light alſo. Now to the next.

Arg. 9.The ninth argument is taken from the preſent p. 26joy that Saints have in believing, which they could never have, if they were not aſſured to perſevere for the future, as well as of their ſtanding for the preſent. Therefore, &c.

The affirmitive part of this argument is denyed, viz. they could have no joy,Phil. 4.4.Phil 4:4 if they were not aſured to perſevere for the future as wel as of their ſtanding for the preſent; for Saints ought to rejoice in the Lord,Rom. 11.20, 21. 1 Kin. 20.11. 2 Pet. 1.10. 1 Pet. 1.10. 1 Pet. 1.8, 9.Rom 11:20Rom 11:211 Kgs 20:112 Pet 1:101 Pet 1:101 Pet 1:81 Pet 1:9 yet it is a duty to fear, and not to boaſt as he that putteth off his armour, they are aſſured to ſtand, if they give dilligence to make their calling and election ſure, in ſo doing they have aſſurance, and no other wayes, in which they may rejoice, receiving the end of their faith, the ſalvation of heir ſouls: what no joy for the preſent? I no conſolation in Chriſt? no comfort of the Spirit?Rom. 3.11.Rom 3:11 what becauſe we muſt hold out to the end,Rom. 2.7.Rom 2:7 or elſe loſe our crown? Yea much joy in this, that if in patient continuance in well doing, we ſeek for glory, honour, and immortality we ſhal have eternall life: perſons may have joy for the preſent, and yet that not hinder, but that they may have no aſſurance to ſtand for the future, but by taking heed &c. therefore this argument is too light to prove the affirmation. So much as to that: now to the next.

10. Argu.Preſent keeping from falling with preſentment of unſpottedneſſe at the coming of Jſus Chriſt goeth together. Therefore, &c.

Anſwer.Firſt let us examine the text, Secondly the Argument.

Saith the text, Now unto him that is able to keep p. 27you from falling, and to preſent you faultleſſe before the preſence of his glory with exceeding joy: what doth this prove that preſent keeping from falling with preſentment of unſpottedneſſe goeth together? no ſure, there is not ſuch a concluſion to be drawn from the text. But this it proves (which we do not deny) that God is able to keep them that will be kept by him; and that thoſe that will be kept by him, he is able to preſent faultleſs before his glory: I ſay, that will be kept by him; for ſome will not,Col. 1.22.23. Jer. 17. Eſay 1.28.Col 1:22Col 1:23Jer 17Isa 1:28 as hath been ſhewn: the argument therefore muſt be denyed even all of it as too light, and not true: he will preſent us unſpotted in the preſence of his glory, if we continue in the faith, and not elſe. So much to this argument. To the next.

The eleventh argument is taken from theſe words, Becauſe in the greateſt falls, Arg 11.the Lord is pleaſed to put unto his hand, that the Saints cannot fall to deſtruction, Pſal. 37.24.52.8. Job 17.9.

I grant that the Lord doth ſet to his hand to this end, that they, viz. believers,Anſ. might not fall to deſtruction: but that he ſetteth to his hand ſo that they cannot fall to deſtruction, I deny.

Let us conſider what is to be underſtood by the Lords hand, for the more clear underſtanding of this argument (although the text alledged doth not mention it) by the Lords hand is underſtood the Lords power: when Moſes doubted in himſelf how ſo many thouſands ſhould be fed a monethmonth with fleſh in the wilderneſſe, the Lords anſweris, Is the Lords hand waxd ſhort? as if he ſhould p. 28ſay,Eſay. 50.2.56.1.Isa 50:2Isa 50:56Isa 50:1 is my power leſſened, thou ſhalt ſee now whether my word ſhall come to paſſe unto thee, or not: now conſider, the Lords hand being his power, whether he doth not ſet to his hand to thoſe that do fall to this end, that they might not fall to deſtruction, ſee Jer. 2.5.3.12, 13, 14. compared with Rom. 10.20, 21.

Again we have ſhewed what Gods power is, by which he keeps men to ſalvation through faith in the anſwer to the ſecond Argument, to which I refer you for a more full anſwer to this; the power of God,1 Pet. 1.5. Eſay 51.2.2, 3, 4.1 Pet 1:5Isa 51:2Isa 51:3Isa 51:4 as hath been ſhewed, by which he keepeth men, or his hand he ſets to believers to the end they might not fall to deſtruction, is his word which is the powerfull means that he uſeth to that end, in which means he is not wanting to any that do fall: for the Reaſon of their fall is not becauſe the Lord is wanting in the meanes,Jer. 17.23. Zach. 7.11.12.Jer 17:23Zech 7:11Zech 7:12 but …cauſe they reject his word.

Thus is this Argument found too light: now to the next.

Arg. 12.The 12th. Argument is taken from theſe words The path of Juſt men is still increaſing and growing, therefore they cannot totally nor finally fall away Pſal. 1. &c.

Anſw.Men that are juſt and ſo continue are like unto a tree that is planted by the Rivers of waters, that bringeth forth his fruit in his ſeaſon, and they that do ſo I grant cannot fall totally and finally: but what is this to prove the aſſertion: doth it therfore follow that juſt men cannot become unjuſt, by their forgetting they were once purged p. 29from their old ſins, and ſo become unfruitful men that are blind and cannot ſee;2 Pet. 1.9. Pſal. 1.2.3. Joſ. 1.8. Pſal. 119.1.2.3-2.12. Jer. 17.8.2 Pet 1:9Ps 1:2Ps 1:3Josh 1:8Ps 119:1Ps 119:2Ps 119:3Jer 17:8 but men that have their delight in the law of the Lord and in it do meditate day and night, will be fruitfull: This book of the Law ſhall not depart out of thy mouth, but thou ſhall meditate therein day and night, that thou mayeſt obſerve to do all that is written therein, for then, if thou ſo doeſt, thou ſhalt make thy way proſperous, and then thou ſhalt have good ſucceſſe, but if otherwiſe ſee Iſa. 1.19, 20.

Thus is this Argument weighed in the ballance alſo, and found too light.

The thirteenth Argument is ſtated upon theſe words,Arg. 13. The gifts and calling of God being without repentance Rom. 11.29. therfore they cannot totally nor finally fall John 5.24. 1 John 2.19. 2 John 2. v.

The propoſition I grant,Anſw. viz the gifts and callings of God are without repentance: but what doth this prove that believers cannot fall totally nor finally? no, the Apoſtle brings it for another end, viz. to prove that God wil perform covenant with Iſrael.

But leſt this ſhould not do it,Rom. 11.25 26, 27, 28, 29.Rom 11:25 you allege three places of Scripture to prove your concluſion: I ſhall therfore examine them in order and ſee whether they are of that weight to this thing as to prove it. The firſt place is Joh. 5.…4. the words are theſe, Ʋerily, Ʋerily, I ſay unto you he that heareth my word, and believeth on him that ſent me hath everlaſting life, and ſhall not come into condemation but is paſſed from death to life: what doth this prove p. 30that believers cannot fall, it is true they that believe ſhall not come into condemnation if they continue believing, for ſo Chriſt is to be underſtood, which as I ſuppoſe will not be denyed.

Obj.But it may be objected they ſhall continue becauſe Chriſt ſaith they ſhall not come into condemnation.

Anſw.They that do continue believing ſhall not come into condemnation I grant: but that this proves a neceſſity of continuing I deny, for we find that ſome that believed did not continue, as ſaith the Evangeliſt from that time many of his diſciples went back and walked no more with him,Joh. 6 66. 1 Tim. 1 20, ch. 5.15. 2 Tim. 1.15, ch. 2.18.John 6:661 Tim 1:202 Tim 1:15 ſee here that ſome that were Chriſts diſciples, and thereby under the promiſe of everlaſting life, yet they ſhall come unto condemnation becauſe they do not continue: Hymeneus and Alexander believed and thereby were under the promiſe, yet they made ſhipwrack of faith and a good conſcience and ſo come under condemnation, for they were delivered to Satan that they might learn not to blaſpheme, ſome are already turned aſide after Satan, this thou knoweſt that all they that are in Aſia be turned away from me, of whom is Phyletus and Hermogenes, who concerning the truth have erred, ſaying that the reſurrection is paſt already, and overthrow the faith of ſome, viz. Hymenues and Phyletus, but they that do believe and do continue according to the text ſhall not come into condemnation.

Your ſecond place is 1 John 2.19. the words are p. 31theſe, They went out from us, but they were not of us for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us, but they went out from us that they might be made manifeſt that they were not all of us.

What doth this text prove that believers cannot fall away? or doth it prove that ſome have fallen away? ſure it rather proves the latter then the former, for they were with them and they did go out from them.

But it may be objected,Obj. that they never were of them, and therefore they went out from them, ſo that they fell not from the faith but from a ſeeming faith.

I anſwer,Anſw. that they never were of them the text doth not ſay for then they would never have been with them.

Again, when they went out from them they were not of them I grant, but that they never were of them I deny, thoſe that depart from the faith are not of thoſe that keep the faith: they that go from the Churches are not of them that continue with the Churches, but they have received another ſpirit, viz the ſpirit of Antichriſt, and therfore they go out from them that are of the ſpirit of Chriſt: but that they never were of them, is more then the text will prove: the Apoſtle telleth them in verſe 18. that there are many Antichriſts, they ſaith he went out from us▪ viz. thoſe Antichrists, according to the Apoſtle Acts 20. alſo of your own ſelves ſhall men ariſe (mark well) of your own ſelves, thoſe were of them, and they ſhall ſpeak perverſe things to draw diſciples alter them, thus p. 32is this Scripture found not ſufficient to prove that which it is brought for.

Your laſt place alleged is 2 John 2. the words are theſe, for the truths ſake which abideth in us, and ſhall be in us for ever.

I anſwer, the truth will abide with thoſe that do abide in it I grant, but ſome do erre from the truth,2 Tim. 2.18 2 Pet. 3.17. Joh. 8.32. 2 Joh. 8.9.2 Tim 2:182 Pet 3:17John 8:32 therefore Saints muſt beware leaſt being lead away with the error of the wicked, they fall from their own ſtedfaſtneſſe, but if they abide in the truth, the truth ſhall make them free: ſo that you may ſee that if they abide in that truth, that truth will abide with them for ever, and not otherwiſe: and therefore the Apoſtle exhorts the elect Lady, looke to your ſelfe (ſaith he) that we looſe not the things that we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward, whoſoever tranſgreſſeth and abideth not in the doctrine of Chriſt hath not God; he that abides in the doctrine of Chriſt hath both the father and the Son, thus may we plainly ſee that the truths abiding with us, is upon condition of our abiding in it? Thus have you theſe Arguments all weighed in the ballance of the ſanctuary, and found too light to prove the affirmation.

p. 33The abſurdities that do naturally flow from the doctrine of impoſſibility, for believers to fall totally and finally from grace.

If believers cannot fall away then there is no uſe Abſurd. 1 of feeding miniſters, as Paſtors, and Elders and Teachers, whoſe work is to take the overſight of the flock to feed them, to take heed of them;1 Pet. 5.2.1 Pet 5:2 now this is altogether uſeleſſe if they cannot fall away:Act. 20.28.30.Acts 20:28Acts 20:30 if they muſt be fed, it imports they cannot live without feeding, but will ſtarve and dy, if they muſt be overſeen, and heed taken of them, it imports they may ſtray and be drawn away: they muſt feed the flock and take heed of it becauſe of wolves, which are mortal enemies to ſheep; now if ſheep cannot be deſtroyed by wolves, that is, cannot be ſeduced, nor drawn away, nor fal, then there is no uſe of the Shepheard, he may be ſpared.

If believers cannot fall away, then as the feeder Abſurd. 2 is uſeleſs, ſo is his food alſo, I mean the growing word, and Goſpel ordinances, and duties, as breaking of bread,1 Pet. 2.2.1 Pet 2:2 Church aſſembling, and communion, which we are commanded not to forſake, but to deſire after,Heb. 10.25.Heb 10:25 as new born babes deſire p. 34the ſincere milk of the word, that they may grow thereby, now if believers cannot fall what need is there or what uſe can we make of it, what ſerves it for? eſtabliſh us it cannot, for we cannot fall, we are eſtabliſhed from the beginning, dy we cannot, what uſe of food? overcome we cannot be, what uſe of ſtrengthning? thus then may we ſay in vain have we ſerved God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinances,Mal. 3.14.Mal 3:14 and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of Hoſts if believers cannot fall away?

Abſurd. 3 If believers cannot fall away, then is a great part of the Scripture uſeleſſe unto them, as take heed, ſtand faſt, beware, and ſuch like ſaying, which are very plentiful in the Scriptures: and ſo likewiſe the many exhortations uſed by Chriſt and his Apoſtles to watchfulneſſe,ſee Mat. 24.4, 5. Act. 20.28. Heb. 3.17. Col. 2.8.17. &c.Matt 24:4Matt 24:5Acts 20:28Heb 3:17Col 2:8Col 2:17 to ſobriety, to prayer, to ſtability, which are very plentiful in the Scripture, what uſe are theſe and ſuch like places to us? what ſhould we take heed, watch beware, take care to ſtand faſt in the faith? for 1 Cor. 16.13.14. if we cannot fall what do they ſerve for? why do we read them? what do they teach us, muſt we take heed and beware, and no danger neer us? nor can come to us? muſt we watch and no Enemy to approach us? muſt we arme our ſelves, when none can overcome us? if it be impoſſible to fal there is no need of all this, theſe duties are out of date, it is enough for them to do theſe things that may fall, but as for them that cannot they are uſeleſſe unto them.

Abſurd. 4 If believers cannot fall away, then is the expreſs p. 35ſayings of the ſpirit contradicted, which ſaith in the latter daies ſome ſhall depart from the faith 1 Tim. 4.1.

If believers cannot fall away, it opens a gap Abſurd. 5 to lukewarmneſſe, to prophaneneſſe, to neglect of duty, as of hearing, reading, praying, cloſe-walking, watchfulneſſe, fruitfulneſſe and the like: for if believers cannot fall, why ſhould any of theſe things be done? for ſuch as cannot poſſibly fall, need not pray, hear, need not read, nor watch &c. nor do any of theſe things, they are ſure to ſtand: finne cannot ſeperate them, nor nothing, let them do what they will, delight in the law of God, or not delight in it all is alike caſe if it be true that believers cannot fall away

It hardens and incourages looſe profeſſors in Abſurd. 6 their looſe walking in the profeſſion of the Goſpel, for if they that once believed cannot fal away they will be hardned, and incouraged to go on, why ſay they, once in Chriſt and ever in Chriſt, it is impoſſible that I, which once believed ſhould fall away, let me do what I will, nothing can ſeperate me from Chriſt, God is not bound to ordinances, nor to this way, or that way, he will keep me although I do not walk ſo ſtrictly as I have done, or as others do, and therefore what need I care for Church fellowſhip, or hearing, or any of theſe things? thus may looſe profeſſors be incouraged, and imboldn'd in their looſe way by this doctrine of impoſibility of falling away from grace.

It hardneth looſe profeſſors and diſorderly Abſurd. 7 walkers againſt reprehenſion, and admonitions of p. 36their Rulers, and their brethren, and hardens them againſt the danger laid before them for their ſo doing,Rom. 11.21.Rom 11:21 and the judgements and ſeverity of God againſt them that ſo do: for if believers cannot fall from grace, then may they ſlight reprehenſions, and ſay, take no care for me, I know I ſhal never fal totally, and finally, therefore tell not me of the danger that is, I know none there is, no ſeverity in God againſt me, for my ſins are pardon'd and ſhall never be laid to my charge, God will not enter into judgement with me, ſay you what you will: thus may diſorderly perſons be hardned againſt reprehenſions, if believers cannot fall from grace.

Abſurd. 8 It hardeneth them alſo againſt Church cenſures that are ſentenced for their impenitency, for what will they ſay, what need I matter your cenſures? though you excommunicate me, and caſt me out from you, yet I know God will not, for he will not forſake me, I ſhall not be ſeperated from him, for nothing can do that. Thus doth this doctrine of impoſſibility of falling from grace harden impenitent ſiners againſt Church cenſures which are ratifyed in heaven, Mat. 18.18. by Chriſt himſelf.

Abſurd. 9 It gives Satan an advantage againſt believers, when he tempts them to ſin he can back it with this encouragement, viz. it is impoſſible to fall, with this bait he deceived Eve, and the Serpent ſaid unto the woman ye ſhall not ſurely dy, and thus he deceived her;Gen. 3 4, 5.Gen 3:4Gen 3:5 ſo it is impoſſible to fal, may he ſay, therefore eate, take delight, ſeek after pleaſure p. 37and profit, take thy fill, walk not ſo preciſely, ſatisfie thy ſelf with this luſt, or that luſt, for thou canſt not fall from grace.

It rendereth believers uncapable of withſtanding Abſur. 10 Satan in his temptations, for who more uncapable of withſtanding a potent enemy then he that ſuppoſes himſelf to be ſecure, and that he cannot be prevailed againſt? his enemy then will take him at unawares, and overcome him: ſo they that ſuppoſe that they cannot fall, may grow ſecure and ſo uncapable of withſtanding Satan when he aſſaults them at unawares, and ſo may be overcome immediatly by him.

It renders them uncapable of ſuffering perſecution Abſur. 11 likewiſe for the name of Chriſt, for what ſhould they ſuffer reproaches, impriſonments or any ſuch thing, for, ſeeing nothing can ſeperate them from Chriſt, no not ſin (as is affirmed) what if I ſhould (may ſome ſay) conform a little to men and ſo keep my ſelf out of trouble? I know I ſhall not be ſeperated from Chriſt, that is impoſſible that I that have once believed ſhould fall away. Thus may Satan get in a litle at firſt, and ſo by degrees take full poſſeſſion.

It is a let to fruitfulneſſe, for if believers cannot Abſur. 12 fall from grace, what need they endeavour after fruitfulneſſe or good works? what may the rich man ſay? I will keep my money, what need I be ſo rich in good works?1 Tim. 6.171 Tim 6:17 I know I cannot fall away, nothing can ſeperate me from Chriſt: thus may it obſtruct fruitfulneſſe.

It opens a gap to all Licentiouſneſſe: for if Abſur. 13 p. 38believers cannot fall away, what looſeneſſe is it they may not run into? what need they watch, pray, hear, or doe any thing? let us eat and Abſurd. 13 drink for to morrow we ſhall die: what matter for following peace and holineſſe? what matter for abſtaining from fleſhly luſts, or for cleanſing our ſelves from filthineſſe of fleſh and ſpirit? they cannot fall, nothing can ſeperate them from Chriſt? no not ſin, being once in Chriſt, if this doctrine of impoſſibility of falling from grace be true.

Thus may it be eaſily ſeen that this doctrine which is ſo contended for, with ſo much pretended ſtrength, is not Gods holy mind; but an opinion taken up and endeavoured to be maintained but cannot by written verity; let it therefore be weighed in the ballance and it will be found too light,Rom. 11.12 Phil. 2.12. Cor. 16.13. Heb. 10.36. Luk. 21.26. 1 Pet. 5.8. Heb, 3.12. Col. 2.8. Mat. 7.15. Cant. 2.15. Act. 20.29.Rom 11:12Phil 2:12Heb 10:36Luke 21:261 Pet 5:8Col 2:8Matt 7:15Song 2:15Acts 20:29 how it can be cleared from theſe abſurdities laid down I know not, which are very dangerous, and is indeed that which will deſtroy and diſſolve the very life of a Chriſtians warfare and pilgrimage, which all that wil go to bliſs muſt paſſe thorow with fear and trembling, with ſtedfaſt faith, with patience, with watchfulneſſe, with ſobriety, with taking heed, with being beware of men, of falſe prophets, ſeducers, little Foxes, Wolves in ſheeps cloathing, grievious wolves; perverſe ſpeakers, falſe teachers and ſuch like; for ſure we are fallen into the perilous times, when men ſhall be lovers of themſelves more then lovers of God, therefore we have need to take to us the whole armour of God that we may be able to p. 39withstand in the evil day, and having done all to ſtand.

Now theſe arguments being anſwered, and the abſurdities of that doctrine ſhewn, it remains for me to betake myſelf to my propoſition as it was then ſtated by me: but denied by the other at our conference.

Thirteen Reaſons by which its plainly proved that Believers in Chriſt may fall from Grace.

MY firſt reaſon is becauſe they are commanded to take heed.

The Apoſtles of Chriſt were truly believing Reaſon 1 men, and yet our Lord ſaith unto them, take heed that no man deceive you; and the reaſon is, becauſe many falſe Chriſts ſhall come in his name, ſaying, I am Christ, and ſhall deceive many, therefore take you heed that no man deceive you:Mat. 24.4, 5. Mark 13.33. Lu. 21.34.Matt 24:4Matt 24:5Mark 13:33 take yee heed, watch and pray, for ye know not when the time is: Take heed to your ſelves leaſt at any time your hearts he overcharged with ſurfeting and drunkenneſs, and cares of this life, and ſo that day come upon you unawares. Theſe ſayings doe plainly teach us that they might be deceived by falſe Chriſts, and p. 40be overcome by ſuffering, if they did not take heed unto themſelves: or elſe needleſſe were theſe ſayings; for if they could not be deceived and ſo fall, they had no need to take heed? where there is no danger there needs no caution: theſe Scriptures with many others of like import, may be croſſed out of our Bibles if there be no danger of falling from the faith; Chriſt tels his Diſciples that they are the Salt of the earth, Mat. 5.13. Luk. 14.33, 34, 35.Matt 5:13Luke 14:33Luke 14:34Luke 14:35but if the ſalt have lost its ſavour, wherewith ſhall it be ſalted, it is thenceforth good for nothing but to be caſt out and trodden under foot of men. Now were it not an abſolute contradicting of Chriſt to ſay, we cannot loſe our favour, its impoſſible we ſhould, and a making of his words impertinent, his cautions uſeleſſe?

Again, the Apoſtle gives the like cautions to the Churches,Heb. 3:12, 23. Act. 20.Heb 3:12Heb 3:23Acts 20 Take heed brethren, leaſt there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God: but exhorting one another daily while its called to day, least any of you be hardned through the deceitfulneſſe of ſin. They muſt take heed, or elſe there may be in them an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; and therefore they muſt exhort one another, leaſt they be hardned &c. looking diligently leaſt any man fail of the grace of God; leaſt any root of bitterneſſe ſpring up and trouble you, and thereby many be defiled, leaſt there ſhould be any fornicators or prophane perſons as Eſau, Heb. 12.15, 16.Heb 12:15Heb 12:16who for one morſel of meat ſold his birth-right. It ſeems Saints may fall from grace and become prophane perſons, fell their birth-rights, &c. therefore believers in Chriſt may fall away.

p. 41The ſecond Reaſon is, becauſe the Scripture Reaſon. 2 fore-telleth, that many ſhall be deceived, and drawn away by men ſpeaking perverſe things,Mat. 24.5.Matt 24:5 and made merchandize of by falſe teachers,Act. 10.29.30. 2 Pet. 2.1, 2 3.-1.1-3.17. Col. 2 8.18 Rev. 3.11.Acts 10:29Acts 10:302 Pet 2:12 Pet 2:2Col 2:8Col 2:18Rev 3:11 even thoſe that have obtained like precious faith, and therefore ſaith he unto them, beware leaſt alſo ye being led away by the error of the wicked, fall from your own ſtedfaſtneſſe, again, beware leaſt any man ſpoil you through Philoſophy and vain deceit, after the Traditions of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Chriſt, let no man beguile you &c. and again, behold I come quickly, hold faſt that which thou haſt let no man take thy crown: all which teacheth us, that believers may fall away if they do not take heed, beware and ſtand faſt &c. and that the Scripture did fore-ſee that ſome ſhould fall, be ſpoiled, and deceived, through their not taking heed, therefore believers in Chriſt may fall away.

The third reaſon is, becauſe ſome have fallen Reaſon 3 away from the faith, Paul exhorts Timothy to war a good warfare, holding faith and a good conſcience,2 Tim. 2.15 17.18. 1 Tim. 5.15. Jer. 2.5. com. 11.12.13 27, 13.-18 14, 15, 16, 17.2 Tim 2:151 Tim 5:15Jer 2:5 which ſome have put away, concerning faith, have made ſhipwrack, of whom is Hemeneus and Alexander.

But ſome may ſay, that faith they fell from was not a true faith but a ſeeming faith.

I anſwer if that were ſo, Paul did Hemeneus and Alexander great wrong, for he delivered them to Satan, now if they did but ſeem to have faith, but had no true faith, then when they fell they were better then when they ſtood, becauſe when they p. 42ſtood they ſeemed to be what they were not, but when they fell they appeared to be what indeed they were, now if Paul delivered them to Satan for falling from a ſeeming faith, he ſurely did them wrong, viz. they were delivered to Satan for dealing plainly, which they did when they fell, but were diſſemblers when they ſtood at the beſt, if they had but a ſeeming faith, which is none, & how they could make ſhipwrack of that they never had is a paradox to me.

Again, it was a true faith, no ſeeming faith, becauſe that which they made ſhipwrack of, the ſame he exhorts Timothy to hold, holding faith and a good conſcience, which ſome having put away, &c. ſo that the ſame faith the one muſt hold (which cannot be denyed but it was a true faith) that the other put away: which if the ſame, it muſt needs be as true, therefore no ſeeming faith.

Again, they that fall from the faith, are ſaid to depart from the living God: now it is contrary to all reaſon to ſay, they do depart from him, who never were with him: and that which brings perſons to God can be no ſeeming faith but a true faith, ſee Heb. 10.22. therefore that faith that is fallen from in departing from the living God, muſt be a true faith.

Again, that faith which is accompanied with a good conſcience is a true faith.

But the faith which Hemeneus and Alexander made ſhipwrack of was accompanied with a good conſcience (holding faith and a good conſcience which ſome having put away, viz. faith and a good conſcience.)

p. 43Therefore that faith which they put away was a true faith.

The fourth Reaſon is, becauſe we are commanded, Reaſon 4 not to be high minded, but to fear (ſaith the ſpirit) becauſe of unbelief they were broken off; and thou ſtands by faith, be not highminded, but fear, and the reaſon is,Ro. 11.20.21.Rom 11:20Rom 11:21 becauſe if God ſpared not the natural branches, take heed leaſt he ſpare not thee, we muſt fear: why what is the matter? what need we fear if we cannot fall? what need we take heed if there be no danger? but there is need & therfore danger, for we ſtand by faith, and if we let go our faith, as we may, we let go all; God will ſpare us no more then he did the natural branches:Heb. 4.11.Heb 4:11 let us labour therefore to enter into that reſt, leaſt any man fall after the ſame example of unbelief; therfore believers in Chriſt may fall away

The fift Reaſon is becauſe the ſpirit ſaith expreſſely Reaſon 5 that in the Latter daies ſome ſhall depart from the faith,1 Tim. 4.1.2. 2 Theſ. 2.3.1 Tim 4:11 Tim 4:22 Thess 2:3 giving heed to ſeducing ſpirits and doctrine of devils, ſpeaking lyes in hypocryſie, have their conſcience feared with a hot iron, therefore believers in Chriſt may fall away.

The ſixth reaſon is, becauſe perſeverance hath Reaſon 6 the promiſe of the Crown as a condition of it, now if believers cannot fall, perſeverance cannot be a condition of happineſſe,Re. 2, 10.17. becauſe that which is a condition by which we obtain the thing promis'd or do not obtain it: may be done or not done: now that it is a condition is plain in ſcripture, be thou faithful unto death, and I wil give thee a Crown of life, to him that overcomes will I give to eat of the p. 44hidden Manna, and will give him a white ſtone, and in the ſtone a new name written which no man knoweth, ſaving he that receiveth it, v. 17.

Rev. 2.26.27, 28.3.5.Rev 2:26Rev 2:27Rev 2:28Rev 2:3Rev 2:5And he that overcommeth and keeps my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations, and he ſhall rule them with a rod of Iron, as a veſſel of a potter ſhall they be broken to ſhivers, even as I received of my father, and I will give him the morning ſtar.

Heb. 3.12, 13, 14. Col. 1.22, 23. Ro. 11.22.Heb 3:12Heb 3:13Heb 3:14Col 1:22Col 1:23Rom 11:22Again further, it is a condition of happineſſe, as theſe places prove: for we are made partakers of Chriſt if we hold the beginning of our confidence ſtedfaſt to the end, Chriſt will preſent us holy, unblameable and unreproveable, if we continue in the faith, behold (ſaith the Apoſtle Paul) therefore the goodneſſe and ſeverity of God, to them as fell ſeverity, but towards thee goodneſſe if thou continue in his goodneſſe, otherwiſe thou alſo ſhalt be cut off: (mark well) it is on condition of continuance, it is if we continue otherwiſe we alſo ſhall be cut off, God will be as ſevere to us, if we continue not, as he was to them, viz. Iſrael, who fell from him, therfore believers in Chriſt may fall away.

Reaſon. 7 The ſeventh Reaſon is, becauſe the Lord threatneth ſore puniſhment in caſe of non-continuance, which if there were no ſuch thing as falling from grace, how could puniſhment be threatned? for where there can be no offence there can be no puniſhment, becauſe puniſhments are threatned where there are offences committed, or at leaſt may be: that puniſhments are threatned in this caſe conſider theſe places, for if we ſin willfully p. 45after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, their remains no more ſacrifice for ſins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgement,Heb 10.26 27.-6.4, 5, 6.Heb 10:26 and firy indignation, which ſhal devour the Adverſaries.

Again, Peter ſaith that the latter end (of men that are intangled and overcome of the world again, that have once eſcaped,2 Pet. 2.20.21.2 Pet 2:202 Pet 2:21 through the knowledge of Jeus Chriſt) is worſe with them then the begining. for it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteouſneſſe, then after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandments delivered unto them. Now if there be no poſſibility of comming to the worſt eſtate by falling from the commandments, and being over come, then could not this be threatned as before: therefore believers in Chriſt may fall and become culpable of judgement, and firey indignation, and come into a worſe eſtate then ever they would have been in, had they never known him.

The eighth Reaſon is,Jer. 2.5.11.12.13.-17.13. Rom. 3.4.Jer 2:5Jer 2:11Jer 2:12Jer 2:13–17Jer 2:13Rom 3:4 becauſe the Lord complains Reaſon 8 of his people for forſaking him the Fountain of living waters, now doth God take up a complaint becauſe of this, and is there no ſuch thing, did they not forſake him: and yet doth he ſay they did? ſhall we give God the ly? no God forbid … let God be true and ever man a lyar, therfore believers in Chriſt may fal away.

The ninth Reaſon is,Epheſ. 2.1.2. Jude 12. Se 2 Pet. 2.17.Eph 2:1Eph 2:2Jude 1:122 Pet 2:17 becauſe Trees may dy Reaſon 9 that had life, viz. men that were quickned by the Lord may become dead by turning the grace of God into wantonneſſe, or Laciviouſneſſe, of p. 46theſe Jude ſpeaks of,Jude 12 2 Pet. 2.17.Jude 1:122 Pet 2:17 theſe are ſpots in your feaſts of Charity, they feaſt with you feeding themſelves without fear, clouds they are without water, caried about with winds, trees whoſe fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots, theſe were twice dead, and therfore twice alive, for it cannot be ſaid that any thing can dy that vvas not alive, theſe therefore were dead in ſinnes, and made alive in Chriſt, and dyed again, twice dead, and ſo fall totally and finally, for they are plucked up by the roots: now we know when Trees are plucked up by the roots they die,Heb. 6.7.8.Heb 6:7Heb 6:8 and cannot have life in them again, but are fit for burning: therefore believers in Chriſt may fall away.

Reaſon 10 The tenth Reaſon is, becauſe branches in the Vine may be taken away,John 15▪ 2.9.10.John 15:2John 15:9John 15:10 viz. men united to Chriſt, as the branches are to the Vine, may be taken away or diſunited, becauſe they die or bear no fruit: I am the vine (ſaith Chriſt) and my father is the husbandman, every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh away: therefore ſaith he, continue in my love, and leaſt they ſhould not know how, he ſaith, if ye keep my commandments ye ſhall abide in my love, even as I have kept my fathers commandments and abide in his love: therefore believers in Chriſt may fall away, be cut off, die, bear no fruit, &c.

Reaſon 11 2 Pet. 1.1.10.2 Pet 1:12 Pet 1:10The eleventh Reaſon is, becauſe they that have obtained like precious faith, muſt give diligence to make their calling and election ſure: it followes then, that believers may fall, even ſuch as have precious p. 47faith; and that their calling and election is not ſure, without their giving dilligence to make it ſo: therefore believers in Chriſt may fall away.

The twelfth Reaſon is, becauſe Believers, choſen Reaſon 12 perſons,Eph. 1.4.— 6.11.12.13 Cor. 16.13.Eph 1:4 are exhorted to put on the whole armour of God, that they may be able to ſtand againſt the wiles of the Divel: Now we know that when men arme themſelves, it is becauſe of ſome enemy, yea and ſuch an enemy as may overcome them, ſlay them, ſpoile them, vanquiſh them, &c. therefore they muſt ſtand faſt, quit themſelves like men, be ſtrong: now if believers cannot fall from the faith, nor be overcome, they have no need of armour, if the Divels wiles cannot prevail they need not arm themſelves: but they muſt take to them the whole armour of God: therefore believers in Chriſt may fall away.

The thirteenth reaſon is▪ becauſe men that have their names written in the book of life and their Reaſon 13 part in the holy City, which none but believers have, may by tranſgreſſion have their names blotted out, and their part taken away out of the City: For I teſtifie unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man ſhall adde unto theſe things, God ſhall adde the plagues that are written in this book,Rev. 22.18.Rev 22:18 and if any man ſhall take away from the words: of the book of this Propheſie, God ſhall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy City, and from the things that are written in this book: thus men whoſe names are written in the book of p. 48life may have their name blotted out,Exo. 32.32. Heb. …0.26. Rev. 3.5.Exod 32:32Rev 3:5 and their part taken out of the holy City, that do ſin wilfully, but thoſe that overcome, Chriſt will not blot their names out of the book of life, but will confeſſe them before his father, and before his Angels, therefore believers may fall away.

I leave theſe Reaſons to the ſerious and unbiaſed Reader to weigh in the ballance of the ſanctuary. I ſhal now come to ſhew the uſe and profitableneſſe of this doctrine of perſeverance, or the poſſibility that Saints ſtand in to be deceived and ſo fall if they do not take heed, uſe the means, ſtrive and labour after the obtaining the Crown, which they cannot have if they do not fight the good fight and finiſh their courſe, keep the faith to the end, as ſaith the ſpirit, be thou faithful unto death,Rev. 2.10. 2 Tim. 4.8.Rev 2:102 Tim 4:8 and I will give thee the Crown of life, which God will give unto all them, that ſo do, and love his appearing.

p. 49The profitable uſes that flow from this doctrine, that tis posſible for the Saints to fall finally, if they take not heed.

IT teacheth the Saints to be watchfull over Ʋſe 1 themſelves, their words, thoughts and actions,Mat. 25.13. Mar. 13 33. Mat. 26 41. Eph 6.8. Col. 4.2. 1 Cor. 16.13. 1 Theſ. 5.6. 2 Tim. 4.5. Hab. 2. 1. Pſalm 130.6. Re. 16.15.Matt 25:13Mark 13:33Matt 26:41Eph 6:8Col 4:21 Cor 16:131 Thess 5:62 Tim 4:5Hab 2:1Ps 130:6 leaſt they ſhould be over taken; this duty is much urged in Scripture, watch therefore, for you know not the day nor the hour wherein the ſon of man cometh: watch and pray that you fall not into temptation: watch ye, ſtand fast in the faith, be ſtrong: Therefore let us not ſleep as do others, but watch and be ſober. So Paul exhorteth Timothy: but watch thou, in all things indure affliction: in this duty were the Saints much exerciſed: the Prophet Habakkuk ſaith, I will ſtand upon my watch and ſet me upon the tower, and will watch to ſee what he will ſay unto me, and what I ſhall anſwer, when I am reproved: So was that gracious ſoul the Prophet David exerciſed, when he ſaid, My ſoul waiteth for the Lord, more then they that watch for the morning, I ſay, more then they that watch for the morning: there is a bleſſedneſs annexed to this duty of watchfulneſs, they are reckoned amongſt the bleſſed ones that ſhall p. 50inherit the earth: Behold I come as a theef, bleſſed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments lest he walk naked, and they ſee his ſhame: but in the neglect of this duty there may be great loſſe. Be watchfull, and ſtrengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die, &c. If therefore thou wilt not watch, I will come on thee as a theef, and thou ſhalt not know what houre I will come upon thee: by this we may ſee how neceſſary this duty is,1. Pet 5.8.1 Pet 5:8 and likewiſe how it flowes from the aforeſaid doctrine as a ſtreame from the fountain: for we muſt watch, becauſe we have an adverſarie that ſeeks to devour us, be ſober, be vigilent becauſe your adverſary the devil, as a roaring Lion, walketh about ſeeking whom he may devour.

Lets conſider what need the ſervants of Chriſt have to watch, to take heed, and to beware; their enemies are many and great, as the devil a potent adverſarie, and his baits very deceiving, as the world,Mat. 4 9.Matt 4:9 and the pleaſures thereof, when he tempted Chriſt our beloved Lord, what was his baits? why the world, all this will I give thee, ſaith he, if thou wilt fall down and worſhip me. If I ſhould inquire into the experience of the Servants of Chriſt, they would tell me, that the adverſary of their peace layeth this bait before them alſo, ſuggeſting unto them, and ſetting before them the glory, riches, greatneſſe, and honor of the world ſaying, if thou forſake this way of Religion thou art in, which thou mayeſt do, and yet go to heaven,**The devill oft times perſwades men notwithſtanding they forſake the truth, they ſhall go to heaven. but beware of him for he is a lyar. ſaith he, then friends will cleave to thee, the world will love thee, whereas now they deſpiſe thee, p. 51then wilt thou be in the way of profiting thy ſelf by thy trade, and make the beſt of it, though by lying and diſſembling a little,Joh 15.19.John 15:19 ſaying to the Selller it is nought, but when he is gone thou praiſeth it, and by this means mayeſt thou become rich,Pro. 14.20.Prov 14:20 and ſo have many friends, and be in repute and in the way of preferment, and come to places of honour in the world, and be called of men Rabby; thou art a fool to dote upon this diſpiſed way of Religion thus as thou doeſt, and be made a ſcorn and a deriſion of all: do not ſo, thou maieſt delight thy ſelf in pleaſures, and fleſhly luſts too, and ſpend thy time merily while thou art here &c. With theſe and ſuch like temptations, doth Satan aſſault Chriſts ſervants, as he did him: what need then have they to ſtand upon their watch, and to ſet themſelves upon their watch tower leaſt they be catched by theſe baits, and ſo be overcome by him? therefore, ſaith the Apoſtle,Heb. 2.1.Heb 2:1 put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to ſtand againſt the wiles of the devil, and again,Eph. 6.11.16.18.Eph 6:11Eph 6:16Eph 6:18 above all taking the ſhield of faith, wherewith ye ſhall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. What need have they then to pray alwaies, watching thereunto with all perſeverance; ſeeing they have to deal with ſo potent an adverſary, which otherwiſe may overcome them? what need have the ſervants of Chriſt to watch over their words and conſider what they ſpeak,1 Cor. 15.33. Jam. 2.26.1 Cor 15:33Jas 2:26 ſeeing evill communication corrupts good manners, and ſeeing likewiſe that he that bridleth not his tongue his Religion is vain? therfore David deſired the Lord to ſet a watch before p. 52Pſa. 144.3.Ps 144:3his mouth, and to keep the door of his lips.

Again, what need have the ſervants of Chriſt to ſet a watch over their thoughts alſo, ſeeing luſt when it is conceived it brings forth ſin, Jam. 1.15.Jas 1:15and ſin when it is finiſhed brings forth death? therfore ſaith David, Pſ. 133.133Ps 133:133I hate vain thoughts; but I love thy law: ſuffer not thy thoughts then to runne after vanity, thou ſeeſt there is danger in it: but make this good uſe (thou knowing there is danger) of this truth, let it teach thee to ſtand upon thy watch, as our Lord ſaith,Marr 14.57. what I ſay unto you, I ſay unto all men, watch.

Ʋſe. 2 Heb. 12.1.Heb 12:1It teacheth us to run with patience the race that is ſet before us, becauſe it is not for a time that we muſt run, or part of the way: but it muſt be the whole race to the end,Jam. 1.4.Jas 1:4 till death, and the like: therefore the Apoſtle ſaith, let patience have her perfect work;He. 6.11.12 we deſire that every one of you do ſhew the ſame diligence to the full aſſurence of hope unto the end, that ye be not ſloathfull, but followers of them, who through faith and patience inherit the promiſe: the many reproaches, temptations, afflictions, ſufferings,2 Tim. 3.12.2 Tim 3:12 perſecutions, impriſonments, yea and death it ſelf, which they that will live godly in Chriſt Jeſus are liable to ſuffer, and to paſſe through here, for the teſtimony of Chriſt muſt be endued with patience, thou therefore endure hardneſſe as a good Souldier of Jeſus Christ, Mat. 24.13Matt 24:13theſe things muſt be indured if we will have the Crown, and that to the end too; for he that endureth to the end, ſhall be ſaved: if we faint in our minds and caſt of our confidence and ſo caſt of Chriſt becauſe of the croſſe, we ſhall p. 53not reap, let us not be weary of well doing, Gal. 6.9.Gal 6:9for in due ſeaſon we ſhall reap if we faint not; if we ſuffer for Chriſt with patience, and indure the Croſs, Heb. 12.2. 2 Tim. 2.12Heb 12:22 Tim 2:12and deſpiſe the ſhame as he did, we ſhall be glorifyed with him, but if in our ſufferings we are overcome and do deny him, he alſo will deny us, Heb. 12.3.Heb 12:3therfore let us conſider him that ſuffered ſuch contradictions of ſinners, least we be wearied and faint in our minds, and take (as the Apoſtle of our Lord ſaith) my brethren, the Prophets, Jam. 5, 10.Jas 5:10who have ſpoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of ſuffering, affliction, and of patience; if we do not add patience to our faith, we may faint under our burden: let this truth therfore teach the Servants of the Lord to ſuffer afflictions with patience, knowing that we ſhall not reap if we faint: it is not ſufficient that we be faithful for a year nor years, it muſt be unto death, Rev. 2.10.Rev 2:10if we will receive the Crown of life:Heb. 10 36.Heb 10:36 we have therefore need of patience that after we have done the will of God, we may receive the promiſe, but if we ſhall ſay in our hearts: the Lord delaies his comming, Luk. 12.45.46.Luke 12:45Luke 12:46and ſhall begin to beat the man ſervants and maydens, and to eat and drink and to be drunken, Jam. 5.8.Jas 5:8the Lord will come in a day we look not for him, and at an hour when we are not aware, and will cut us a ſunder, and appoint us our portion with unbelievers, therefore let us be patient ſtabliſhed in our hearts, for the comming of the Lord draweth nigh.

It teaches the ſervants of the Lord to walk Ʋſe 3 humbly with their God, fearing, and not high minded, they knowing that God reſiſteth the proud, 1 Pet. 5.6.1 Pet 5:6but he gives grace to the humble: God will as it were p. 54ſet himſelf againſt the proud man whoſoever he be,Jam. 4.6. Prov. 3.34Jas 4:6Prov 3:34 ſurely he ſcorneth the ſcorner: but he giveth grace to the lowly, we muſt not be high minded, but fear, for this cauſe, for he ſpared not the natural branches,Rom. 11.20 Mat. 11.29. Col. 3.12. 1 Pet. 5.5.Rom 11:20Matt 11:29Col 3:121 Pet 5:5 therefore take heed, leſt he ſpare not thee: we muſt learn of Chriſt to be of a meek and lowly ſpirit, put on humbleneſſe, of mind, meekneſs, long ſuffering & be clothed with humility as with a garment, therefore Paul, that faithful ſervant of the Lord, humbled himſelf: I ſaith he, keep under my body, 1 Cor. 9.271 Cor 9:27and bring it into ſubjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I my ſelf ſhould be a cast away. This ſervant of the Lord knew full well if he did not keep himſelf low and humble, but give way to the fleſh, and the juſts thereof, he might miſcarry, be a caſt away: wherefore he▪ ſtirred up the ſervants of the Lord to cloth themſelves with this comly ornament which becomes believing men, let nothing be done through ſtrife, Eph. 2.3.Eph 2:3or vain glory, but in lowlineſſe of mind, let each eſteem others better then themſelves: and this he ſtrives to faſten upon them from the graciouſneſſe and never to be forgotten example of our dear Lord, who though he was equall with God, yet he left that glory and humbled himſelf, for our ſakes, and became obedient to death, that we might live: and therefore we muſt be humble,Iſa. 57.15.Isa 57:15 elſe God will not exalt us, God will not dwel with a proud perſon, but he will dwell with him that is of a contrite and humble ſpirit; he hath ſhewed thee oh man, what is good, Mich. 6.8. verſe 4.Mic 6:8and what the Lord requires of thee, but to do juſtly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.

p. 55It teaches the ſervants of the Lord to give diligence Ʋſe 4 to make their calling and election ſure, 2 Pet 2.10.2 Pet 2:10and to work out their ſalvation with fear and trembling, becauſe otherwiſe they may become unfruitful and barren, and ſo be taken away from the vine;Phil. 2.12. Joh. 15.2.Phil 2:12John 15:2 they muſt therefore give diligence to make their caling and election ſure, for if they ſo do they ſhall never fall; they muſt work, the Lord doth require it, and work out their ſalvation too with fear & trembling,Iſa. 64.5.Isa 64:5 for to ſuch the Lord hath promiſed his preſence, thou meetest him that rejoiceth and worketh righteouſneſſe, thoſe that remember thee in thy wayes: God doth expect that his people ſhould be a willing people: a people fruitful: a people giving all dilligence to add to their faith vertue: and to vertue knowledge, 2 Pet. 1.5.6 7.8.2 Pet 1:52 Pet 1:6and to knowledge temperance, and to temperance patience, and to patience godlineſſe, and to godlineſſe brotherly kindneſſe, and to brotherly kindneſſe charity, thus doing, ye ſhall neither be barren nor unfruitfull in the knowledge of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt: but he that lacketh theſe things, is blind, and cannot ſee a far off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old ſins: But let the ſervants of the Lord do ſo, and they ſhall never fall viz. give diligence to make their calling and election ſure, by giving dilligence to add theſe to their faith, &c.

It teacheth them to eſteem highly of the miniſtry Ʋſe 5 of Chriſt, and ſo conſequently of his miniſters, who are ſet over them as their feeders, knowing that without they are fed, they may pine and and ſo die, this is a duty that the Lord doth enjoin p. 56his people to do,1 Theſſ. 5.12.13.1 Thess 5:121 Thess 5:13 and we beſeech you brethren to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admoniſh you, and eſteem them very highly in love, for their works ſake &c. this it teaches Saints to do, and joyfully to receive from them that food, that is appointed for their ſpiritual nouriſhment and growth, and not to ſlight their profitable admonitions, which tend to the taking away any infection that may ariſe in them; which if not prevented in time may grow to a conſumption, and ſo inſtead of thriving under the miniſtry, they pine and waſt, and ſo at laſt die, (not) for want of food, but becauſe of an infection that may hinder the concoction, and ſo the food become unprofitable unto them; which may be occaſioned by their ſlighting them that are over them in the Lord,Heb. 13.7.Heb 13:7 viz. by ſlighting their labour and admonitions, and therefore the Hebrew Saints were put upon this duty, remember them which have the rule over you who have ſpoke unto you the word of God, whoſe faith follow, conſidering the end of their converſation; and again, obey them that have the rule over you, and ſubmit your ſelves, for they watch for your ſouls, as they that muſt give an account, Heb. 13.17.Heb 13:17that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you &c.

Ʋſe 6 It teacheth the ſervants of the Lord to ſet a high eſtimation on the word of God▪ they knowing that to be ſincere milk by which they muſt be fed and grow,1 Pet. 2.2.1 Pet 2:2 the good ſervant of the Lord the Prophet David, did highly eſteem of the word of the Lord:Pſalm. 119 161.162.Ps 119:161Ps 119:162 ſaith he, princes have perſecuted me without p. 57cauſe: but my heart ſtandeth in awe of thy word, ver. 148.I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great ſpoil: again, mine eyes prevent the night watches, Jer. 15.16.Jer 15:16that I might meditate in thy word: ſo likewiſe the Prophet Jeremiah, thy words were found, and I did eat them, Jam. 1.21Jas 1:21and thy words were unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart &c. to this duty the Apoſtle of our Lord doth preſſe believers, wherefore laie apart all filthineſſe and ſuperfluity of naughtineſſe, 119.103.and receive with meekneſſe the ingraffed word which is able to ſave your ſouls;Prov. 13.13Prov 13:13 how ſweet are thy words unto my tast: ſaith David, thus to do doth this truth teach us, becauſe whoſo deſpiſeth the word ſhall be destroyed: Iſa. 30.12.Isa 30:12but he that feareth the commandements ſhall be rawarded; and again, wherefore thus ſaith the holy one of Iſrael, Iſa. 66.2.5Isa 66:2Isa 66:5becauſe ye have diſpiſed this word, and trust in oppreſſion, and perverſeneſſe, and stay thereon, therefore this iniquity ſhall be to you as a breach ready to fall, ſwelling out in a high wall, whoſe breaking commeth ſuddenly at an inſtant, for all thoſe things hath mine hand made, and all thoſe things have been, ſaith the Lord: but to this man will I look, even to him that is pure, and of a contrite ſpirit and trembleth at my word: the Lord is pleaſed to make gracious promiſes to ſuch as highly eſteem of his word, but if we deſpiſe it we ſhall be deſtroyed:1 Sam. 3.1.1 Sam 3:1 oh how precious is the word of the Lord? how ſhould it then be diſgeſted and received into our very hearts as our food, our councel, our light our lanthorn leſt it be deſpiſed, ſo we pine, ſtarve, dy and be deſtroyed.

It teacheth the ſervants of Chriſt to eſteem Ʋſe 7 p. 58highly of Goſpel ordinances of the precious inſtitutions of their precious lord, becauſe they know that they are the conveyances in which God is pleaſed to convey himſelf unto them, and becauſe without their obedience unto and faithfull walking in them they are in unſpeakable danger of falling to deſtruction, therefore ſaith the Apoſtle John, whoſoever tranſgreſſeth and abideth not in the doctrine of Chriſt hath not God, he that abideth in the doctrine of Chriſt,2 Joh. 9. Joh. 15.10.-14.21.242 John 1:9John 15:10–14John 15:21John 15:24 hath both the father and the ſon: again Chriſt ſaith, if ye keep my commandements, ye ſhall abide in my love &c. he that hath my commandments and keepeth them,Pſal. 119.70.72.77.78.79.Ps 119:70Ps 119:72Ps 119:77Ps 119:78Ps 119:79 he it is that loveth me, he that keepeth my ſayings, &c. the ſervants of Chriſt then muſt highly eſteem of Chriſts ſayings, doctrines, commandements &c. for ſo did they of old, the proud have forged a ly againſt me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart, their heart is as fat as greaſe, but I delight in thy law; the law of thy mouth is better to me then thouſonds of gold and ſilver: and again, O how thy commandements have made me wiſer then al my teachers, for thy teſtimonies are my meditations: I underſtand more then the antients, becauſe I keep thy precepts: here may we ſee how this ſervant of the lord did eſteem of the precepts of the lord and likewiſe what profit he received by his ſo doing; what a ſad eſtate, and condition are they in that ſet light by ordinances that caſt them behind them and break the commandements of the Lord and teach men ſo to do! the lord Chriſt will make p. 59as little account of them one day, for he ſaith, why call you me lord lord and do not the things that I ſay? as if Chriſt ſhould ſay you call me lord,Luke 6.46.Luke 6:46 but why do you ſo? how am I your lord, and you keep not my ſayings? If I were your lord you would keep my words, my commandements, you would ſet an high eſteem of my ordinances, and the like, how many is there at this day that call Chriſt lord, and yet have no love to his teſtimonies? how many that have owned Chriſt in his inſtitutions, and yet have tranſgreſſed and abide not in his doctrine but ſlight his ordinances ſaying they are low things, as if they were too high to ſubmit to them, or having ſubmitted to them were grown too high to continue in them? and yet they call him Lord, the Apoſtle Paul praiſ'd the Corinthians for keeping the ordinances as he had delivered them unto them▪ 1 Cor. 11.2 2 Joh. 6.9.1 Cor 11:2let this uſe be made therefore of this truth ſeeing if we tranſgreſſe and abide not in the doctrine of Chriſt we have not God.

It teacheth the ſervants of the Lord to continue Ʋſe 8 inſtant in prayer praying fervently becauſe otherwiſe they may enter into temptation and ſo be in danger of being overcome:Rom. 12.12 Jam. 5 16. Mat. 16 41. Mat. 6.13. Mar. 13 33. Mat. 24 42. 1 The. 5.17. Jam. 5.13.Rom 12:12Jas 5:16Matt 16:41Matt 6:13Mark 13:33Matt 24:42Matt 24:1Jas 5:13 therefore ſaith Chriſt watch and pray that ye enter not into temptation; ſo Chriſt taught his diſciples to pray, lead us not into temptation.

Again take ye heed watch and pray for ye know not when the time is, to this duty we are exhorted by the Apoſtles of Chriſt, to be inſtant in prayer, without ceaſing, is any afflicted, let him p. 60pray,Col. 4.2.Col 4:2 continue in prayer, and watch in the ſame with thankſgiving, be ye therefore ſober, watch unto prayer: and he ſpake a parable unto them to this end,Luke 18.1.Luke 18:1 that men ought alwais to pray, & not to faint, the good Lord will be ſought unto for ſtrength againſt temptations, prayer is one of the weapons which we muſt overcome temptations withall,Epheſ. 6.18Eph 6:18 and overcome Satan, yea and prevail with God, through bis dear Son, for ſupplies of grace, that we may be able to ſtand againſt our enemies in the day of tryal and adverſity: let us therefore learn this good leſſen,Pſal. 65.2.Ps 65:2 to be inſtant in prayer:Dan. 9.21.Dan 9:21 for God is a God hearing prayer, and will anſwer while we are yet ſpeaking, and what ſoever we ask in his Sons name,Joh. 15.7.John 15:7 he will give it unto us, if we abide in him, and his word abide in us.

Ʋſe 9 It teacheth the Servants of the Lord to be conſtant in hearing, and in reading the Scriptures, and to meditate in the law of the Lord they knowing that it is a means by which they ſhal be ſtrengthned, fed and refreſhed, and without which they may grow feeble, therefore ſaith the wiſdome of God,Prov 8.32, 33, 34.Prov 8:32Prov 8:33Prov 8:34 now therefore hearken to me O ye children, for bleſſed are they that keep my waies: hear inſtruction, and be wiſe and refuſe it not, bleſſed is the man that heareth me,Prov. 1.5.Prov 1:5 watching dayly at my gates, waiting at the poſts of my dores: a wiſe man will hear and increaſe learning,Eccleſ. 5.1.Eccl 5:1 be more ready to hear then to give the ſacrifice of fools, for they conſider not that they do evil,Eſa. 55.3.Isa 55:3 hear and your ſoul ſhall live: again, be ſwift to hear and ſlow to ſpeak, ſlow to wrath:Jam. 1.19.Jas 1:19 thus doth this truth teach us to p. 61hear conſtantly, yea ſo to hear as to do what the the will of God is:Jam. 1.22.Jas 1:22 for otherwies we deceive our ſelves; it is not the hearer of the law which is juſtifyed, but the doer, therefore ſaith Chriſt,Rom. 2.12.Rom 2:12 he that heareth theſe ſayings of mine and doth them,Mat. 7.24.Matt 7:24 I will liken him to a wiſeman &c. but if we refuſe to hear, God will ſend a famine,Luke 6.47.Luke 6:47 not a famine of bread nor of thirſt, but of hearing the word of the Lord: how doth it then behove the ſervants of Chriſt to be diligent hearers of the word in theſe daies of plenty,Amos. 8.11.Amos 8:11 and to walk thankfully towards God in all well pleaſing, leaſt he ſhould deprive them of ſo great, rich and unſpeakable a mercy?

It obligeth and incourageth the ſervants of the Ʋſe 10 Lord to ſuffer perſecution conſtantly for the teſtimony of Chriſt,2 Tim. 2.12.2 Tim 2:12 they knowing that if they ſuffer they ſhall be glorifyed with him, but if they deny him; he will alſo deny them, this is that which the word of God doth much mind us of, viz. that they muſt ſuffer perſecution,Rev. 2.10.Rev 2:10 fear none of theſe things which thou ſhalt ſuffer, behold the devill ſhall caſt ſome of you into priſon, that ye may be tryed, and ye ſhall have tribulation ten daies, be thou faithfull unto death, and I will give thee a Crown of life. The Lord, here gives a gracious encouragement, fear not, ſaith he, none of theſe things which thou ſhalt ſuffer, as if the Lord ſhould ſay, ſuffer thou muſt, but be thou faithfull unto death, and I will give thee a Crown of life, thou ſhalt be rewarded with a ſufficient recompence, for our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far p. 62more exceeding and eternall weight of glory, 2 Cor. 4 172 Cor 4:17what an incouragement is this now, not to forſake nor deny Chriſt ſeeing there is a Crown,Luk. 12.13. 1 Co. 9.25. Mat. 16.26Luke 12:131 Cor 9:25Matt 16:26 an eternal weight of glory too, for them that are faithful unto death, and do not deny Chriſt; what would not a man ſuffer for a Crown, for glory, for a kingdome? who would forſake a Crown of glory, a Kingdome, an incorruptible one alſo, for the ſuffrings the light & momentary affliction that may be ſuffered here? what is it for a man to gain the whole world and loſe his own ſoul? or what ſhall a man give in exchange for his Soul? therefore he that will ſave his life ſhall loſe it, that is, he that to ſave his life here will deny Chriſt, and not ſuffer for his ſake, ſhall loſe his life in that to come: therefore nothing will be our gain if we do not hold faſt, but great will be our loſs, viz. our ſouls our lives, a Crown, a kingdome of glory: oh how ſhould the ſervants of the lord be filling their hearts with the conſideration of the excellency and glory of that kingdom,Rev. 3.11— 2.17.26.27 28.-3.5.2.21—21.7.Rev 3:11 that they may hold faſt that no man take their Crown, knowing that the promiſe is to him that overcommeth.

Ʋſe 11 It teacheth them to reſiſt Satan ſtedfaſtly, they knowing that he goeth about as a roaring lion ſeeking whom he may devour, and that he is an enemy that muſt be reſiſted, otherwiſe he may prevaile againſt them and overcome them: this may teach the ſervants of the lord to ſtand upon their guard,Epheſ. 4.27Eph 4:27 and to reſiſt every temptation wherewith he doth indeavour to ſurprize p. 63them, and narrowly to watch againſt his ſuggeſtions, for they are to give no place to the devill, but to learn with the Apoſtle not to be ignorant of his deviſes, that ſo having on the whole armor of God they may be able to quench his fiery darts by reſiſting of him with ſtedfaſt faith, ſeeing elſe they may be overcome by him, and catched in his ſnares, like the ſilly bird, who is catched in the net of the fowler.

It teacheth them to mortifie the deeds of the Ʋſe 12 fleſh, they knowing that that is alſo an enemy to them, to which duty we are exhorted,Col. 3.5.Col 3:5 mortifie your members that are upon the earth,Rom. 8.13.Rom 8:13 for if ye live after the fleſh ye ſhall dy: but if ye through the ſpirit do mortifie the deeds of the body,1 Cor. 9.271 Cor 9:27 ye ſhall live; the ſervants of Chriſt muſt not live after the fleſh,1 Pet. 2.11.1 Pet 2:11 they wil then come under condemnation, verſ. 1. therefore the Apoſtle Paul kept under his body, and brought it under ſubjection; and the reaſon was, leſt he ſhould be a caſt away: the fleſh and the luſts therof do make war againſt the ſoul, they muſt not be ſuffered to be predominant in the ſervants of Chriſt, for they are ſtout warriers and will ſlay, if they be not ſlayed.

It teacheth the ſervants of Chriſt to follow after Ʋſe 13 peace and holineſſe, knowing that without it no man ſhall ever ſee the Lord,Heb. 12.14. Pſal. 93.5 Luke 1.73.Heb 12:14Ps 93:5Luke 1:73 holyneſs becomming the houſe of the Lord for ever, to this end was their Redemption wrought that they ſhould ſerve him in holineſſe and righteouſneſſe all the daies of their life; even ſo now yield your members ſervants unto righteouſneſſe unto holineſſe, p. 64but now being made free from ſin,Ro. 6.19.22Rom 6:19Rom 6:22 and become ſervants to God, ye have your fruit unto holineſſe,1 Theſ. 4.7.1 Thess 4:7 and the end everlaſting life, for God hath not called us unto uncleanneſſe,Iſay 6.3.Isa 6:3 but unto holineſſe, without holineſſe there is no ſight of God,1 Joh. 3.3.1 John 3:3 how then ſhould the ſervants of Chriſt labour after holineſs,2 Cor. 7.1.2 Cor 7:1 otherwiſe they are unlike God he is holy,Rev. 22.14.Rev 22:14 holy, holy, holy is the Lord, therefore they muſt be holy as he is holy, and he that hath this hope in him purifieth himſelf even as he is pure:Joh. 2.6.John 2:6 Heb. 7.26.Heb 7:26therefore having theſe promiſes let us clenſe our ſelves from all filthyneſſe, both of fleſh and ſpirit,2 Cor. 6.17.2 Cor 6:17 perfecting holineſſe in the fear of God,Rev. 18.4.Rev 18:4 bleſſed are they that do his commandment that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in thorow the gates into the City:Epheſ. 5.11.Eph 5:11 he that ſaith he is in him ought to walk even as he walked:Rev. 3.2.Rev 3:2 now Chriſt was holy, for ſuch an high Prieſt became us,Jude 0.21. who is holy, harmleſſe▪ undefiled,Iſay 61.3.Isa 61:3 ſeperate from ſinners, and made higher then the heavens, we muſt be holy, harmleſſe, undefiled,Rev. 6.16.Rev 6:16 ſeperate from ſinners as he was, for we muſt walk as he walked;Heb. 12.14.Heb 12:14 therefore we are commanded to come out from amongſt them and be ſeperate and touch no unclean thing,2 Pet. 1.10.2 Pet 1:10 and have no fellowſhip with unfruitful works of darkneſs, but rather reprove them:Heb. 2.1, 2.Heb 2:1Heb 2:2 to follow holineſſe will bring peace to the conſcience,1 Pet. 5.8.1 Pet 5:8 glory to God, adorn truth,Epheſ. 6.13Eph 6:13 keep Satan at a diſtance, ſtrengthen the the things that remain, keep us in the love of God,He. 13.7.17 make us appear to be trees of righteouſneſſe of the Lords planting,1 Pet. 2.2.1 Pet 2:2 that he might be glorified, p. 66but if we be not followers after holineſſe we ſhall never ſee the Lord in peace,Pſal. 1.9.105.Ps 1:9Ps 1:105 but rather be of that number that deſire the rocks to fall on them to hide them from the face of the lamb;Eph. 6.17.Eph 6:17 let the ſervants of the moſt high God look about them,2 Pet. 2.17.2 Pet 2:17 it will be worth their while to make their calling and election ſure,Mat. 24 4.5▪Matt 24:4Matt 24:5 and to ſtand upon their watch tower, they have many enemies who Lion-like go about ſeeking whom they may devour:2 Pet. 2.1.2 Pet 2:1 what need have they to take to them the whole armour of God that they may be able to ſtand, and having done all to ſtand? how ſhould they eſteem of them that are ſet over them, in the Lord: and their faith follow conſidering the end of their converſion, how ſhould they eſteem of the word which is their milk, their light, their Lanthorn, their ſword, with which they muſt fight, and contend againſt all oppoſitions both of the devil and the fleſh, the world, pleaſures, profits, and preferments thereof, how ſhould they make the word their councel in all their actions, and not dare to preſume in any thing above what is written, leaſt they be overtaken with the error of the wicked and ſo fall from their own ſtedfaſtneſſe: how ſhould they beware, and take heed of men, falſe Chriſts, falſe prophets, and falſe teachers, how ſhould they try the ſpirits whether they be of God or no, ſeeing many falſe Chriſts, and prophets are already riſen,1 Joh. 4.1.-2.18.1 John 4:1–21 John 4:18 which deceive and beguile the hearts of the ſimple: how ſhould they meditate in the law of the Lord,Pſa. 119.78Ps 119:78 ſtand faſt in the faith without wavering, remember God in his p. 66way,1 Co. 16.13. Iſa. 64.5. Mich. 6 8. Jam. 1.12. Mat. 10 38. 1 The. 5.17. Luk. 21.36. Mat. 26.41. 2 Pet. 1.5.6.7, 8.9, 10.11.1 Cor 16:13Isa 64:5Mic 6:8Jas 1:12Matt 10:38Matt 10:1Luke 21:36Matt 26:412 Pet 1:52 Pet 1:62 Pet 1:72 Pet 1:82 Pet 1:92 Pet 1:102 Pet 1:11 eſteem of Chriſts inſtitutions or Goſpel ordinances, they are Gods conveyances in which he doth convey himſelf unto them: how ought they to walk humbly with their God, and to indure affliction patiently, to deny themſelves, take up their croſs and follow Chriſt, otherwiſe they cannot be his diſciples: how ſhould they be fervent in prayer without ceaſing, leaſt they enter into temptation; to conclude, how ſhould they follow after fruitfulneſſe, holineſſe, faith, vertue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godlyneſſe, brotherly kindneſſe, charity, for if theſe things be in them and abound, they will make them that they ſhall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord Jeſus Chriſt: but he that lacketh theſe things, is blind and cannot ſee afarr off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old ſins; wherefore the rather brethren give diligence to make your calling and election ſure, for if ye do theſe things ye ſhall never fall, for ſo an entrance ſhall be miniſtred unto you abundantly into the everlaſting kingdome of our Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chriſt.

FINIS

POST-SCRIPT.

ALbeit it is moſt undeniably evident that we are now fallen into thoſe last and moſt perillous times, wherein it was foreſeen and accordingly foreſhewn expreſſely by the ſpirit that ſome ſhould depart from the faith 1 Tim. 4, 1. and we ſee it verified alſo by dayly experience men, ſometimes eminent in religion, becoming lovers of themſelves, and lovers of pleaſures more then lovers of God, and ſtrangely mannered in every reſpect according as twas foretold they ſhould in the latter ages by Paul 2 Tim. 2.1, 2. &c. yet I know this doctrine will not be received for truth by many: nevertheleſſe I have diſcharged my conſcience as in the preſence of God, that believers therby might be put in mind to hold faſt that they have, the ſucceſſe of which I leave to the Lord.

End of the text · John Griffith, A Treatise Touching Falling from Grace (1653)