The sinners safetie, if heere hee looke for assurance by Richard Barnerd ...

The Sinners safetie , if here he seeke for assurance . 2. PET. 1. 10. Wherefore , Brethren , giue rather diligence to make your calling and election sure : for if ye doe these things , ye shall neuer fall .

THE Apostles desire The Apostles drift , with the coherence . is , that with Profession , men should ioyne Sanctification : & therfore in the 5. verse he exhorteth those , to whom hee writ , that they should giue all diligence to fly the corruption which is in the world through lust ; & this is the maine proposition or lesson intended . And to bring them therunto , he first teacheth them the meanes how to attain to a holy conuersation , by adding vertue to vertue , one grace to another , as hee sheweth in the An instruction to ministers . 5. 6. and 7. verses . A duetie of a minister who is a spirituall Physician of the soule , not only to shew the malady , or aduise his Patient to haue care to his health ; but also to prescribe the meanes how diseases may bee remoued , and health preserued . Salomon commendeth the feare of God . Pro. 1. 7. The feare of God is the beginning of Wisdome : and in Chap. 2. prescribes the meanes to come to the vnderstanding thereof , in the 1. 2. 3. and 4. verses : My sonne , if thou wilt receiue my words , and hide my commandements within thee , &c. In the fifth verse hee concludeth , and saith , Th●n shalt thou vnderstand the feare of the Lord , and find the knowledge of God . In like manner Peter , ( in Act: 2 ) after he had accused the Iewes for putting Christ to death , resteth not in manifesting their miserie ; but readily teacheth them how they may acquite themselues , and escape the deserued , iudgement for such a sinne .

To shew miserie , without remedy ; is to lodge the heart in sorrowe , without reliefe : meanes must be shewed with the matter ; the way with the appointed iourney : the minde possessed with the one , testeth not content without the other . Therefore must ministers after the Apostles example obserue this order ; as both reason and necessity it selfe requireth .

After the Apostle hath prescribed the meanes , hee vrgeth reasons to inforce the practise of the doctrine , by vse of the meanes : the reasons are , because wee should not be idle and without fruit in our profession , verse 8. because else we are blinde , and cannot see afarre of , and also forgetfull of a great and incomparable benefite , that wee are purged from our old sinnes , verse 9. because otherwise wee cannot haue assurance of our saluation ; which reason is in my text , verse , 10.

In which againe to vs ministers is An other instruction to ministers . commended with the Apostles wisedom ( to be able to shew meanes to attaine to that he would haue them doe ) his godly care also , to haue them to vse and not to neglect the meanes which hee hath prescribed vnto them . Therefore doth hee presse them with so many reasons , and vrge them with such arguments , least they should bee wanting in this duety . For indeed men are loath to lay good things to heart ; and more loath to practise .

Wee are like Balaam ; heauen can we wish , O that we might die the death of the righteous : but wee would not liue their life . Flesh seeketh after ease , & the way to life is strait : we would not be as Lazarus here , but like Diues fare deliciously euery day , and yet like Lazarus looke for heauen at our ending . Therefore it is needfull for ministers to vrge and to set vs on forward , & to follow our sluggish nature with reason vpon reason , as so many goades pricking our consciences , to cause vs to stirre our feete , and so go on in the way of saluation .

Bare narrations to slowe dispositions are of no force . And , if words take place without waight of reason , it is either the worke of faith , which is rare ; or leuity of affection , which is too common ; and to which agreeth well the prouerb , Soone ripe , soone rotten : A Iewish intertainment of Christ , to day Hosannah , to morrow Crucifie .

Let vs then say , & shew why : that vnderstanding may be informed , & iudgement setled with reason .

Suspect the ground sandy , where the house is built with sound of words : a little storme will shake it , and easily ouerthrow it .

Such as are won soundly ( as a diseased member perfectly healed ) will abide constant . And thus much for the Coherence .

The words diuide themselues into The diuision of the Text. two generall parts :

1. An exhortation : wherein note , 1. The ground of it , in the word ; Wherefore . 2 The parties exhorted ; Brethren . 3 The matter of the exhortation , in the words following ;

Giue diligence to make your calling and election sure .

2 A reason , wherin is contained a promise : wherein note , 1 The condition thereof : If yee doe these things . 2 The thing promised , in these words ; Ye shall neuer fall .

Doctrine . Of these , as the words lie in order . But first it is not to bee omitted , that the Apostle vsing , in this verse , a reason to enforce the embracing of vertue , as is aforesaid , doth not barely set it downe , as the former , but deliuereth it by way of exhortation : which argueth the Apostles affection in speaking ; desiring that this reason might not onely bee vnderstoode , but also embraced with affection . For exhortations are to enflame the affection to make men zealous , as doctrine is to make them iudicious ; both necessarie to feede the soule . Vnderstanding without feruencie of affection is cold entertainment : such growe sooner full of policie , then pietie , the best is luke-warmenes ; a burthen that God cannot beare , but must needes spue them out of his mouth : Vse . for either the Lord or Baal . And if affection be alone , it is but folly , running into schisme or superstition . Therefore must men be vrged to affect that which is taught .

Doctrine . But in that the Apostle is so earnest in this reason , that they may get assurance of saluation , he commendeth vnto vs , the waight of this argument , chiefly of all other to bee affected : And indeede , if wee consider that without assurance wee are altogether comfortlesse , who would not hereby be moued to embrace vertue , and exercise himselfe therein ?

Without assurance , though we haue possession of the best good , wee are not in perfect ioy . Vncertainty of cont●nuance of happinesse in a happy estate , maketh the same lesse comfortable , the minde often charged with feare of too sodaine an end . No man hireth , but hee seeketh to know a certaine terme : and hee that hath a Lease for many yeares , would also make it his owne by purchase for better assurance .

Assurance is a salue to cure feare , it is a stay in wauering and distrust , & the best safety against desperation , that dreadfull soules miserie .

Vse . Therefore let it moue vs to be vertuous , that so wee may get assurance .

For assurance of Land , wee will be at cost to pay money : for certaine gaine , wee do trauell farre : to bee sure of promotion , wee will serue long , euen hard Masters , in drudgery ; great men , & not without slauerie . And is a vertuous life , a seruice to the Almightie , the father of mercy , nothing worth ? is it so loathsom or irksome that we cannot indure it , to haue assurance of heauen , the gaine of Glory , and the honour of Angels with Christ for euer ?

Oh! hearken and consider the one and the other . What is the assurance of all the world without hope of heauen ? The bodies blisse ; caryon : the soules death ; damnation . Now to the words .

Wherefore : that is , because , vnles you 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Paraphrase , explaining the word , for to raise the doctrine haue these vertues , you shall be but idle professors , fruitlesse , blinde , vnthankfull to God , and without any assurance of saluation : therefore giue diligence to liue vertuously , and to make your calling & election sure . It is a word , shewing how that which followeth , doth depend on that which goeth before : from which we learne , That the discommodities The doctrine . of the want of these vertues , and the good insuing by them , should make vs seeke to be endued with them .

To auoid danger bodily , and to get Reasons to inforce it . aduantage to our selues in earthly commodities , wee are moued to seeke after those things , by which wee may escape losse , and gaine some good .

Men studie to become learned , men labour for friends , they trauel for riches , and seeke for promotion , onely for that the benefite of them is so much for mans welfare ; and the want thereof held so greatly hurtfull , as without them , men are but iudged miserable : and yet learning and friends , riches and honour , are nothing at all either so auaileable to make him happy that hath them , as hee that hath grace ; or so miserable , that wanteth them , as hee which is without grace .

Holy vertues are a pledge of Gods loue , the fruits of the spirit , the hand writing The benefit of ver●he benefit of vertues & heauenly graces & what they ●re . of God in our hearts , witnessing his loue , and confirming his couenant with vs . They be so many staies from slyding in slippery prosperity ; so many potions , purging out vices ; so many pull-backs from vanity ; and so many comforts in aduersitie . They be marks of Gods children , and pleasant flowers to decke vp sweetely our Temples the dwelling of the holy Ghost .

What comparison betweene humane learning , and heauenly vertues ? betweene riches of the world , and this wealth of the soule ? betweene these friends here , and Gods good fauour ? between earthly greatnes , & spirituall grace ? none at all . And is there any equality in the losse ? nothing lesse . A man that hath grace and vertue , may be and is happy , though he want learning , riches , honour and friends : But enioy all these without grace ; see the ende . Hamans honour occasioned his hanging : Absoloms beautie was his bane : the young mans wealth held him from Christ : Achitophels learning and wisedome was his destruction ; and all this came to passe through want of grace and these heauenly vertues . To conclude , when men are wicked , yea in a high degree of vngodlinesse , we shewe the cause in one word , when wee say they are gracelesse .

Therefore , if the feare of the greatest The vse with exhortation . discommoditie , or desire of the benefit of the greatest good in anie thing may moue vs to seeke for it , to auoide the one , and possesse the other ; let then the goodnes of vertues moue vs to seeke after them , to attaine vnto them : let vs embrace them , and euermore liue in the holy practise of them : for , nothing worse then to want them ; and nothing more profitable then to haue them . It followeth ;

Brethren ; The parties exhorted : all those hee meaneth as had attained 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fratres vterini . to faith in Christ , and did make profession of the Lord Iesus , verse the first , whome here hee calleth by The meaning . the name of brethren ; as vsuallie the Apostle Saint Paule also doth in his Epistles , who tearmeth those to whom he writ ( euen the Gentiles ) brethren ; not by nature , not by nation , nor by kindred , but by profession .

Doctrine . The Prophets before Christs comming ( a thing to be noted ) though they spake vnto their owne nation , and people of one stock ; yet in their prophecying Note well . they did call vpon the people by the name of Israel : Children of Israell , Inhabitants of the land , and so forth : but neuer by the name of brethren , as Peter begun in the Act. 2. 19. and the Apostles elsewhere : to shew a difference of the lawe and the Gospell euen in the messengers : the one sort , messengers of the lawe , were seuere , and spake further off from affection of loue : the other , publishers of glad tydings , were louing messengers of peace , & spake as to children of their father , and brethren in Christ , as the Apostle doth here . In which hee sheweth first his loue to them whome hee wrote vnto : In which grace , ministers must Instruction for ministers . teach , if euer they will do good .

Rancor and malice are not fit for preachers of peace : neither cholerick passions , in proclaiming ioy by the promises of the Gospell : loue abandoneth the one , & bridleth the other ; yet so as there remaineth a godly zeale to rebuke sinne , as we see the Apostles did .

Doctrine . Secondly , he declareth his great humility , equalizing the saints all of them , the meanest as the greatest , with himself ; an other vertue for ministers : a vertue A pattern for ministers . of incomparable estimation : It is the stadle where God will cock vp his graces ; a chest for his secrets , his owne lodging place , there delighteth he to dwell . It is Humility commended . Esa. 57. 15 Mat. 11. 29 the grace which hath the promise of grace ; and one of the vertues by which Christ himself commended himselfe vnto his disciples , & therein to bee followed of them . It procureth loue , it allureth mens hearts to haue a good liking of such , yea and winneth reuerence : for he that humbleth himselfe shall bee exalted .

This is not spoken to take away order Preuention of an obiection . in superiority ; but onely to beate downe pride , that men may walk in humility . Neither may hence the inferiour presume to chalenge equalitie , because the superiour descendeth lower then his place . It is humility in the better , when he maketh himselfe meaner then hee is : but it is arrogancie in the other to aduance themselues thereby beyond that they are . If men in authority finde any so presumptuous ; let them claime their due , to suppresse that pride : which they may doe with commendation .

Doctrine . Againe , hence may bee noted , that men by profession of Christ become conioyned Iam. 1. 18. in a fraternity and brotherhood . They haue God to their father , who hath begotten them by his word ; the Church is their mother that bare them , for she is called his wife : they haue all one elder brother the Lord Iesus , & al in him taught by Christ to call God , father .

Mat. 6. Therefore let vs acknowledge this brotherhoode , not onely by calling so Vse and exhortation . one another , as the custome was in the primitiue Church , but by liuing as brethren in the dueties of loue . Let vs not be called Rabbi , for wee are brethren : Mat. 23. 8 Let there be no dissension amongst vs , as Abraham said , for we are brethren : Be Gen. 13. 8. at peace one with another : O how amiable Psal. 133. 〈◊〉 a thing is it for brethren to dwell together in vnity !

But ah alafle ! hath our profession brought vs to any such practise ? where is any thing lesse then loue ? seeke for vnity , and behold enmitie . Loue is not Euery man for himselfe , as we now vse : but it is carefull for other , whom wee little regard .

The life of loue is brotherly kindnes : but what shall I say more ? we haue lost this goodnes : kind to none , no not to our owne kindred ; carefull for none , but for our selues .

Selfe loue hath withered vp all brotherly compassion , that we cannot shew forth any workes of mercy with commisseration . But where loue is wanting , there God is lost , for God is loue : where this brotherhoode is neglected , there the commandement of loue is not regarded ; and where this is out of vse , there is nothing rightly performed .

Therefore let vs better bethinke our selues hereof , remembring our profession , to minde this duetie : beleeue wee cannot our vnion with Christ , without communion of his Church : and pray wee cannot to GOD , but with regard of brotherhood , saying , Our father . If then wee haue either truth in professing , soundnes in beleeuing , or a right minde in praying , wee must walke in loue towards our brethren for preseruation of this holy fellowship , e●en vnto the end , Amen .

Giue rather diligence . This word rather 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . The exposition . Luk. 11. 28 is not here a note of choise , as if men might choose whether they would bee diligent or no : but it is a preferring of one thing before another ; and is also a secret correction of the ill disposition of na●ure , which hath a rather , that is a will and desire to the things of this life , then to seeke diligently after heauenly vertues , the good things of the life to come . And it is , as if hee had said ; Though by A Paraphrase . nature you be apt to bee diligent for the things here , for bodies welfare ; yet I aduise you for soules safetie , to giue rather diligence to get heauenly graces . Doctrine . In which hee teacheth , that men naturally make an ill choise preferring things of the world which haue an end , before things spiritual which haue no end . And this we suck from the breasts of our first parents Adam and Eue , who beleeued Satan before God , in hope of earthly good ; & aduentured the Lords displeasure , and the losse of Paradise for the gaine of an apple . Esau would despise his birth right , for a mease of pottage : the Gadar●●s would want Christ , rather then their swine : Israelites desire the flesh pots in Egypt , before the heauenly Manna : Demas biddeth adue to the Gospell , and embraceth the present world : And the Rulers loue the praise of men more then the praise of God .

Thus hold wee byasse in this course , as we haue a naturall inclination : but to heauenly things wee may finde altogether in vs an indisposition : yet ought we rather to giue diligence vnto that which may better our estate hereafter for euer , as Abraham did , who respected Heb. 11. not the world ; and therefore obeyed he the voice of the Lord , and went hither and thither as a stranger and a pilgrime whither God thought good . And assuredly , till we can preferre heauen before earth , grace before goods , happines before honour , we neither will nor can be zealous in profession , nor vpright in practise .

This Rather giuing diligence to heauenly things , and nothing else , made Enoch walke with God , Noah to liue righteously , Moses to refuse his honour , to fly the pleasures of sinne , and to suffer rather affliction with the people of God .

This preferring of soule before the Dan. 3. bodie , and eternitie before mortalitie , made Daniel resolute without daunt of spirit to serue his God ; and the three children not to bee fearefull to answere the king boldly , euen when his countenance was changed for anger against them . And therefore let vs here take The exhortation and vse . the Apostles counsell , and follow after a true and perfect good , rather then that which is false and but deceiueable .

The more wee loue that which is aboue vs , the lesse shall we like that which is belowe . Encrease in the spirit , killeth the flesh : and a desire to bee with Christ , worketh a contempt of the world . Chuse rather the better , and it will withdraw easily affection from the worse . Affect to be with the faithfull , and thou wilt soone hate the society of the wicked . Light wil not indure darkenesse , truth falshoode , vertue vice : Christ will not suffer communion with Beliall : where the Arke commeth , Dagon ●alleth downe .

We see then to conclude , If we be ill ; why we are no better , the cause is , for that we care not to bee diligent for the best things : the vertue whereof is such , as it euer forceth men to amend that which is amisse , more or lesse , at one time or another . And of this , thus much .

Diligence . The Apostle vseth a 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ‑ 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Exposition . Paraphrase . word of great emphasis ; Study , do your endeuour , and seriously : as if hee had said , bend your wits to bring this matter about , set your mindes vpon it , bee musing of it , and do your endeauour , go about it as much as lyeth in you , and that in good earnest , attending thereto ; considering it not as a light thing , but as a matter of great weight and importance . Doctrine . Whence he would teach vs ; that euery kinde and manner of going about the matters of our saluation , is not inough : but God requireth therin our earnest endeuor . He commandeth vs to loue him , but also with all our Heart , with all our Deut. 6. 5. Minde , with all our Soule , and with all our Strength . Dauid saith : O my soule , Psal , 103. 1. praise the Lord : and hee addeth , and all that is within me praise his holy name . Deut. 4. 9 Moses commandeth to keep our soule , but addeth with diligence . This Apostle willeth vs to fly the corruptions which are in the world , verse 4. and he exhorteth to doe it with all diligen●e , verse 5. so as our best endeuour is required . Vse . And therefore let vs be diligent herein ; let vs seriously be emploid in the holy exercises of religion . All that thine hand shall Eccles. 9. 10 find to do , doe it with all thy power : and the reason is giuen , because there is neither worke , nor inuention , nor knowledge , nor wisedome in the graue whither thou goest . Bee not lither , saith the Apostle , in thy busines , Rom. 12. 11 but feruent in the spirit seruing the Lord . Cursed , saith the Prophet Ieremie , is hee Ier. 48. 10. that doth the worke of the Lord negligently .

We see then that we are bound , vpon a great penalty , to bee diligent in the Lords busines . Wee should so loue the house of God , that the zeale thereof ( with Dauid ) should eat vs vp . It should , ( as Christ said of himselfe ) be foode vnto vs , to doe the will of our father . We must not only desire , but hunger after righteousnes .

We are not onely to take occasions to serue God , when they are offered , but seeke till we find the meanes . Seeke the Mat. 6. kingdome of God , saith our sauiour : labour for the foode that endureth to eternall life . Ioh. 6. 27 Seeke those things , saith the Apostle , which are aboue : so as wee are to take great Col. 3. 1 paines to go to God , and ardently affect good things without wearysomenesse , Therefore Salomon , in exhorting men to get the feare and knowledge of God , Prou. 2. doth vse words of great force , with instances of likenesse in things wherein men do vse the greatest endeauour to attaine them , Pro. 2. 2. 3. 4. he saith not Heare , But cause thine eare to hearken ; not haue a liking , but incline thine heart , force it with violence & might ; not pray for know●edge , but call for it ; not speake , but cry for vnderstanding : not get wisedome , if thou maist carelesly stumble vpon it , but seeke her as fil●er and search for her as treasure : then shalt thou vnderstand the feare of the Lord , and come to the knowledge of the most highest .

Wherefore , hence iustly are reproued Vse of reproofe to diuerse worldlings . diuerse sorts of ill disposed persons . First those that are vp earely and do go to bed late , eating the bread of carefulnes for the world : to it , they are violent in affection ; for it they neglect no time , they omit no season ▪ they muse vpon it ; they , like moles , make their habitation in the earth , and can sauour nothing but it ; day and night these wormes doe worship this their God Mammon , and in their trauell they haue all their wits about them ( as we say ) to manage their businesse : But for their future beeing in blisse hereafter , they haue no care , they thinke all time misspent that way ; of religious dueties they make no conscience at all : If they speake of religion , it is but by the way , no point of set purpose ; If they pray , it is but in words , their hearts are farre from it , fast a sleepe in their bed-ridden prayers , before they haue halfe made an end ; wander they doe in their thoughts , no stabilitie of minde towards GOD . They are ripe of tongue in worldly affaires : and for witte therein , can none go beyonde them ; but in matters of religion , they bee as Idols , or as the people that haue eies and see not , eares Mat. 13. 14. 15. and heare not , and hearts but perceiue not : But why is all this ? Least they should see with their eies , and heare with their eares , and should vnderstand with their hearts , and should returne , that God might heale them . So then , if wee be such , it plainly appeareth , that wee runne the way of death , and walke in the path of perdition , except we do amend .

Let such worldlings consider that the world they must leaue , going as they came , naked , with nothing ; and then receiue , not as they were in wealth here , a place there : but as they were religious , so shall they be rewarded . And therfore sith this world vanisheth , and cannot help , but euen as wee haue sought the Lord , so shall wee find comfort ; let vs be more diligent in seeking after that , which will maks vs euer happy without alteration euerlastingly .

Againe , the voluptuous liuer is nothing Voluptuous liuers . lesse , then of this minde to seeke diligently those things that are aboue : but hee , as a beast , maketh his bellie his God ; and the satisfying of his lust , his chiefest life . Nothing sauours with him but pleasures : therefore spendeth hee his daies in cursed delights , and saith as the carelesse Rich man , Soule liue at ease , eat , drinke , and take thy Luke . 12. 19 pastime : when in his strength , and in the midst of his pleasures hee thinketh of death , he thereby stirs vp his minde the more to his euils , saying as an Epicure and Atheist , Let vs eate and drinke , for 1 Cor. 15. to morrowe we shall die : hee maketh a league with death , and a couenant with the graue : if all die , he dreameth to liue ; though God threaten damnation , yet he will presume of mercie , vntill the verie daies of euill come , wherein he will be forced to say , I haue no pleasure in them . When sicknes hath sommoned him , and feare of present death hath taken possession , then happely wil he say : Oh I haue sinned , pray for me ; I haue spent my daies leudly , what shall I doe ? and if in this agony , conscience seaze vpon him , then he will roare for feare of hell , then houle and cry out in dread of damnation , oh saue ; but none shall succour : oh heare , but God will not hearken ; woe is Pro. 1. 28. me for my wantonnesse , wo is me that I haue wrought such wickednesse : goodnes I regarded not , I therefore now feele no comforts of grace : oh that GOD would let me liue againe , how would I then seek after him ? fie vpon filthy lust , cursed pleasures a due , vanitie of vanities and vexation of spirit .

Beloued , if we but felt what men feele for sinne in trouble of conscience and without comfort , we would not for the world be in their place : wee escaping the danger would soone leaue sinne , & giue all diligence to doe good , in which onely resteth all our comfort ; then with gladnes and alacrity of spirit wee would set forward to the worke of the Lord , embrace goodnes and liue vertuously , that wee might not come into the like miserie any more .

Therefore let the feare of it aforehand moue vs to giue all diligence to do wel , that we may neuer taste of that dreadfull torment , the apprehension of Gods wrathfull displeasure , for which Christ sinneles , for our sinnes sustaining , fell into such an agony , as in the garden hee swet drops of bloud ( wretched man remember thou this ) and on the crosse cryed , My God , my God , why hast thou forsaken Mat. 27. 46 me ? and shall we sinne rebelliously , and presume of mercie ? shall hee ( forsaken , as it were ) feare , who was without sinne , and that day and night sought after good things ? and may we be drowned in voluptuousnesse , and ( carelesse of religion ) bee wholly without dread ? O vaine imagination , Sathanicall delusion , cursed presumption ! Let vs bee otherwise minded I beseech you , & think better of it .

There are also an other sort ( to conclude ) Carelesse professours , cold Protestants . who though , as these forenamed ▪ they bee not wretchedly addicted to their wils , running headlong into wickednesse , and wholy careless of religion to the very end : yet are they idle i● their profession , and not carefull to vse their time so well as they might , but will be content to let occasions , offered , slip ; and do thinke that men may be too curious , too precise , making more adoe then needeth , that they can serue God and heare not the word twise on the Sabbaoth : once a forthnight , or once a moneth may content them : that businesses may withdraw from these too sometime ; so as a little liketh them well , yea and lesse then nothing now & then shall not displease them . But these worke not out their saluation with feare and trembling : these doe forget how the fiue foolish virgins let their lamps go out for want of watchfulnesse , and did knock too late when the gates were Mat. 25. 11 12. shut .

The spouse in the Canticles , losing the Cant. 5. 3. 6. 7. present opportunity , in her sluggish & carelesse disposition , had almost lost Christ : who yet after sought him , and found him ; but not without strokes and wounds giuen by the watchmen .

It will bee iust with God to punish our carelesnesse : we haue the word offered , we may enioy it : bee not loathing of this Mannah , be diligent in searching the soules safety . It may come to passe , that when we would , we shall not haue it : and whilst we seeke and happily find , we shall haue no small trouble before wee enioy againe our peace .

We should followe religion and religious exercises ( in the compasse of our calling ) as Elisha did Eliah ; neither tarrie at Gilgall , nor at Bethel , nor at Iericho , 2 Kings . 2. though wee be entreated : that is , by no means , nor by any occasion to leaue off , for feare of losing the blessing , if wee be but a while absent .

Let vs , as Ruth protested to Naomi , Ruth . 1. 16 17. so say for religion , wee wil not be intreated to leaue it , nor depart from it , whither it goeth wee will go ; the Lord do so to vs , and more also , if ought but death depart it and vs . It is Eliah to double blessings vpon thee : It is Naomi faire and beautifull to the soule , though sometime Marah to the flesh . Hence is it , that Dauid Psa. 1. 2. saith , Blessed is he that meditateth in the lawe of God both day and night . He was not of the minde of these vaine professours , nor of their practise : who , not content with the day , would rise vp at midnight to praise the Lord . The spirit of God in godly men hath taught them to thinke , that they should giue all diligence to be religious , & that they should not content themselues with formal and customarie seruice , nor at their leisure now or then from worldly businesse or carnall delights , to thinke of heauen ; but daily were they in exercise of religion , what estate & calling so euer they were in . Dauid a King did not neglect it : Cornelius a Captaine was a deuout man , and Act. 10. 2. 30 prayed God continually : Hannah was in the Temple day and night : Peter was in his holy meditation and prayers at noone : and Daniel a great States-man , Dan. 6. became so curiously precise in his holy deuotion and seruice vnto God , that he would not , ( in the perill of his life , plotted by all the Nobles of Persia by an irreuocable decree ) cease off to pray , as he was wont to doe , three times a day : and yet was he not ( as men religiously affected now are tearmed ) a good plain simple man , one of Gods fooles , of a good meaning , but of no great witte ; for by Ezechiel the Prophet , hee was called the wise Daniell . Indeede he imployed not wholly his wisedome after the world , as men now doe : hee suffered religion to haue in him the rule ; which men in these daies haue least regard of : Hee would not be politick to lose the peace of a good conscience , which carnall men for honour and wealth care not to make shipwrack of .

If these examples be of no force to perswade men to thinke that wee can neuer be religious enough , nor ouer-precise , so wee keepe within the compasse of the word for a warrant ; let them consider the Lord Iesus , who was without sinne , vncapable of euill , & prone to all goodnes , yet did hee addict himselfe to holy exercises , praying whole nights thorow ; then assuredly ought we to doe much more then wee doe , yea more then we can should we doe , and as much as we can is too little : for when we haue done all that ; yet still are we vnprofitable seruants .

For the world , we thinke wee doe We keepe no measure in earthly things . neuer enough : to satisfie our wils , or our selues in wilfull pleasures , wee iudge it not amisse to keepe no measure : delight draweth vs to spend much time , to bee at much cost ; yet nothing too much , nothing too deare : ●ustfull appetites set vs to labour , both long and tedious ; yet to attaine the purpose proposed , we can endure the paines : in a word , nothing after our corruption is at any time beyond that which is meete : where Will ruleth and the heart delighteth , there nothing for that is vntunable , nothing vnmeasurable , though in superstition & setting vp of Idols . Israelites will giue their earerings , & appoint a day for cost and expenses , because they will haue a golden calfe . Papists practise herein doth shewe this plaine : they go farre on pilgrimage ; they burthen themselues with infinit number of prayers ; they are at great cost to maintaine many Priests and many orders of their religion ; they night and day ty themselues to their taske ; thrice a weeke they fast ; many daies in a yeare they keepe ( after their fashion ) holie , and doe striue to doe more then euer God commanded , that they might merit . And shall the pure religion of Christ , the truth of God be held so little worth , as wee wickedly should imagine that wee therein can doe too much ? that we may therein be too holy ? Surely these enemies of God , this antichristian generation , shall rise vp in iudgement against vs , except religion be of more precious accompt , we better in practise , and cease to be so too too prophane , as too many be ; whom the Lord God of heauen amend in his due time , Amen .

To make your calling & election sure .

THere are diuerse ends of our vertuous 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Firmam vel certam , ratam vestram vocationem , & electionem faccre . Eight ends of good workes . liuing in religion ; To shew our loue and thankfulnesse to God in obedience ; to winne such as are not yet called ; to confirme the conuerted ; to stop the mouthes of the wicked , shaming them by wel doing when they speake ill of vs ; to make our calling and election sure , as the Apostle here exhorteth ; to assure to our selues that inward graces in vs are true , and not counterfait ; to shew that we are truly ingrafted into Christ ; and lastly , for the mutuall benefit one of another , for our quiet peaceableness in the Church and Common-wealth . These ends of good workes wee finde in the word : these we acknowledge & know to be attained by well liuing ; but that popish point of good workes wee may not approue , to doe good workes to merit heauen by in any sort , a deuise of man without the word . It taketh away Many reasons against iustification by works . from the sufficiency of Christs satisfaction : it lifteth vp the heart of man in the imagination of his owne worthines : it is contrary to Christs words , When you haue done all you can , you are vnprofitable seruants .

The godly are commended for good workes , but not said thereby to merit ; rewarded they are , but it is onely in mercy : our best deedes are imperfect ; & so farre as wee rely vpon workes of the lawe , so farre are we accursed , and haue lost righteousnes by faith in Christ : before God we stand iust in Christs iustice , the forme of our iustification is the imputation of Christs righteousnes , or the mutuall donation and acception ( the giuing and receiuing ) of Christ Iesus , betweene God in his mercie and a poore sinner by faith . Our goodnes is a menstruous cloth , and none wholly sanctified in perfection . In Adam we lost our spirituall life : In Christ and by him only and alone , wee purchase our primarie happines , but not perfectly till wee be in heauen in our owne persons . Accursedly blinde , therefore , as beetles are our Antichristian aduersaries , who hauing so many ends of good workes prescribed plainely by the Word , yet cannot see them , but haue added one of their owne , against all truth , against the honour of Christ , yea and a mans owne saluation .

And thus much to preuent the aduersarie in his heresie of merit by workes : of which wee had occasion to speake both from the Apostles scope , vrging to a vertuous life by the argument here laid downe , the gaining of assurance of saluation thereby ; as also from the diuerse reading of this text ; for in some copies 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . it is thus : To make sure by good works your calling and election , and so it is in the vulgar which is commonly called Ieromes translation : which may well stand with the drift of the text and truth of diuinity in this point ; as that very reason added to this exhortation sufficiently confirmeth . Let the aduersarie peruert good things as he pleaseth , veritie is warrantable : Words of good workes sound well euer to religious mindes , though peruerse spirits wrest them heretically to an ill end . But to proceede ;

Two generall lessons may be collected from this matter of the exhortation :

Doctrine . First , that it is no easie thing to be in our selues sure of our saluation , and setled in the way of life ; because the Apostle vrgeth vs to so great diligence , care , and endeauour about it : which if it were easie needed not . Light things aske not much labour ; easie things are soone done , and wisedome requireth not to be much about a little : therefore in that , whereunto the spirit presseth with such reason , & vrgeth with so earnest an exhortation , as here ; there is difficultie , & to attaine thereunto it is not easie ? And for proofe of this doctrine , let vs weigh I beseech you , how hard a thing it is to enter How this doctrine is confirmed . into the way ; to abide in it being entred ; how easie to decline from the right way ; & what trouble is in the recouery , if euer we returne back at all .

Before we come to God , sure wee are Iohn . 8. Ephe. 2. 1. 2. 3. 2. Tim. 2. 26 the diuels ; no child so like his father , as we be like Satan our grand fire , who doth rule vs , & that as he pleaseth : strong hold he hath of vs : easily he wil not let vs go . In our sauiours time , he tormented , rent & tore the bodies of men , whom he possessed , before he would let go his hold ; so loth is he to lose vs , not of loue , but to deuoure vs . If thus he striue to keep possession of the body , how hard it is to win out of his hands bodie and soule ? wherto if wee adde our owne madnes herein , that we vnwillingly are deliuered , rather resisting the meanes , and persecuting the messengers sent to recouver vs that would bring vs into the state of grace , then any way willingly yielding our selues for our bettering ; wee cannot but graunt it true , that it is hard for vs to enter into the way of saluation .

We are naturally like wilde beasts , Hard to win men to God . loth to be tamed ; we can better away to be sauages , to liue in our corruptions after our lusts , then walke in any orderly course , if vnpleasing to the flesh . What adoe is there to winne men from their wickednes ? some of vs from our whordome , some from drunkennesse , some from blasphemous oathes , some from greedy couetousnes , some from superstition , some from one thing , some from an other , but especially from our beloued personall sinne ? God may thunder from heauen against rebellious Israelites , but they will not amend : Christ may lay lode vpon the conscience of Iudas , and tell him , that it were better he had neuer beene borne , then to bee a traytor to the sonne of man ; but it cannot stay him , couetousnes so hath taken hold vpon him : Iohn Baptist may call the Pharises a generation of vipers , yet will they still eate out their Mothers side , and keepe their conditions : And he may perhaps by long and much labour bring Herod to doe this and that , but Herodias will he not forsake : So loue we to liue in sinne , least Sathan should wholy lose v 〈…〉 and God fully enioy vs . Wee neede n 〈…〉 her confirmation herein , but the witnes of our owne hearts . Many Sermons haue we heard , some after one manner , some after an other , to bring vs into the right way : our consciences haue accused vs often , & caused vs to feare wrath and destruction : good examples of other before vs ; Gods mercies motiues ouer vs ; his chasticements vpon vs ; & the rule of reason within vs to reduce vs ; yet haue we not left off to doe wickedly : as if wee had sworn with a high hand to resist both God and all good men , to bring vpon our selues deserued damnation : forlorne caitifs & accursed wights may wee thinke our selues , and hence condiscend to this infallible truth , that it is very hard to begin to be good .

As it is not easie to enter into the Men hardly abide in the way ; when they are entred . straite gate : so is it a thing of no lesse difficultie to abide , hauing set foote into that path of peace . For we beeing in the state of grace , though wee haue true graces , yet are we not therein perfect ; and the imperfection of good argueth so much of corruption ; this affecteth corrupt things , and pulleth vs from the desire of that which is holy . Hence is it , that a man findeth in him a continuall combat , sometime the flesh preuailing , sometime the spirit : with faith is doubting : with will is an vnwillingnes , a pronesse to euill ; but to doe good is not present with vs : whereupon it commeth to passe , that we sinne often , and euery sin interrupteth the comforts of a peaceable conscience ; which maketh vs call into question the assurance of saluation , and worketh much sorrowe of heart : so that euery man may with the Apostle cry out saying , O miserable man that I am , Rom. 7. who shall deliuer me from the bodie of this death ? Vpon this our imperfect state & corruption , Satan doth take aduantage , hee layeth baites to allure vs , and snares to entrap vs , according to our personall infirmities , from our natural disposition ; he maketh motions by internall suggestions , or else prepareth externall obiects for the senses to drawe away the heart : by both or either are wee deceiued ; hee tempting , and wee either yielding , or but weakely resisting . Thus brought he out of the way perfect Adam , iust Lot , faithfull Abraham , meeke Moses , holie Aaron , zealous Dauid , strong Sampson , and that wise Salomon . What man was euer encountred and not ouercome , if GOD did not aide the best graces with his second grace ? We then see it to bee as hard , to abide , as to make entrance into the way of saluation .

Easily wee slippe out of the way , Hard to recouer after relapse . hardly go wee on , back can wee run fast : but when wee are gone from home , wee make small haste to returne againe : long lay Dauid in his sinne , ere hee recouered , till the Prophet Nathan came and awoke him in these plaine tearmes saying , thou art the man . Sathan giueth such attendance , 2 Sam. 12. 7 if a childe of God bee taken wandring , as he can scarcely finde the way home againe : He either bewitcheth vs so with pleasures , that we cannot returne , or affrigheth vs with feare , as Adam , that we dare not . If we get out of his hands againe , and by Gods good mercie outrunne him , yet is it with such striuing , as wee almost faint betweene feare to be held , and hope to escape : weighing Gods iustice with our sinne , we dread damnation ; considering our back slyding , scarcely dare we looke for mercy , but with sighs , grones , & teares , wee come lamenting to the throne of grace , confessing sometime with the prodigall sonne , Father I haue sinned against Luke 15. heauen and against thee , I am not worthy to be called thy sonne , make mee as one of thy hyred seruants : sometime confessing Luke 18. with the Publicane and crying , Lord haue mercie vpon me a sinner , acknoledging with Esra our vnworthinesse , saying , O my God I am confounded , and ashamed Esdra . 9. 6. 7 to lift vp mine eies vnto thee , ô my God : and praying with Dauid , Haue Psal. 6. 2. 4. mercie vpon me ( O Lord ) for I am weake : O Lord heale me for my bones are vexed : returne , O Lord , deliuer my soule , saue me for thy mercies sake . And thus it may be , after many teares , lowd cries bitter weeping , and long sute made , we find at the length fauour and pardon : Hee that commeth the easiliest , returneth with confession of vanity of vanities ; all is but vanitie in his mouth , and with vexation of spirit in the heart : but many cry , and weepe . powring downe many a salt teare from the eie for their former folly , before they obtaine mercie . Much trouble then and difficulty is in the recouery of a sinner .

To conclude , many men of excellent Many of singular note haue fallen , and neuer could returne againe . 2. Kings . 9 10. gifts , of great note in the Church , famous for worthy acts , haue falne , & neuer returned againe : as appeareth in couragious and valiant Iehu , a captaine for the Lord of hostes against the house of Ahab , who slew two kings , Iehoram and Ahaziah , of Iuda and Israell : by him was Iezabel cast downe that cursed Queene , and the dogs did eat her in the gates of Isreel ; hee ouerthrew Baall , his Priests and temple , he was zealous for the Lord and tooke Ionadab to bee a witnesse thereof with him . So Demas Col. 4. 14. intertained the Gospell , accompanied the Apostle in his afflictions , saluted the Saincts , and was famous in Churches . Ioash long liued religiously ; he honoured 2. Kin. 12. godly Iehotada , and was counselled by him , he repaired the Temple , and did many things worthy praise . Iudas was a follower of Christ three yeares , he preached Christ ; in his name cast out diuels , Mat. 10. and was an Apostle , one of the twelue , chosen by Christ out of all the world ; yet was not Iehu his heart vpright , but he embraced Ieroboams calues , and fell from God and claue to his Idolatrie : yet did D●mas forsake the Gospell and entertained this present world , and no mention of his returne againe : yet did Ioash fall to Idolatrie and cruelty , ouerthrowing Gods worship , and persecuting yea murthering his prophets without repentance : And lastly Iudas became a miserable miscreant , a thiefe , a traytor , and in horrour of mind so desperat , as after the fact , being hopelesse of mercy he hanged himself : Who readeth & feareth not ? who heareth and trembles not ? we see our beginning ; is it easie thence to conclude our ending . Doe wee see such , so qualified , so famous men to fa●● vtterly ? & shal we presume of a better end without any such tokens of grace ?

Vse . By all this which hath beene said , it The● are deceiued that think assurance of saluation easily atteined . is more then manifest that it is not easie to attaine assurance of saluation . It is therefore altogether a fault in such , as labor the least in this matter . Of the world we feare to want : heauen wee make no question of . For the body here wee take care , and doe vpon euery light occasion distrust & fall to shifts in feare of want : but for the soule wee make our selues sure that it is well , albeit it doth want all the meanes of saluation , and we our selues liue in our naturall corruption vnreformed . What is this but carnall presumption ? it commeth from Sathans suggestion ; A motion from the diuine spirit it is not , where this giueth hope of heauen , there it moueth to goodnesse ; this teacheth that the assurance of things aboue after death is beyond reason , and therefore more hard to bee attained , then things belowe in this life present . Many waies are here to make supply for the bodie in earthly things ; but one way for heauenly . Men may bestow vpon thee for this time ▪ but God onely for the time to come : Thine own labour here may procure thee maintenance ; and what thou canst not get , other may giue thee : but no man can redeeme a soule and giue life , man must let that alone for euer : here wee are led by sense , but in the other by faith : money can here purchase , but onely mercy there : man may deserue well of man , but nothing can he merit of God : We may be superiours amongst men , and yet touching the future good of the soule may be worse then beasts : Diues may fare deliciously euery day , and yet bee so farre from assurance of life , as that he is damned at his death : All the world may we winne , yet lose our owne soules : Dauid can tell vs , that hee neuer sawe the righteous forsaken touching the things of this life , but the wicked flourishing , & yet come to a fearefull end . The way is brode , and the gate wide , that leadeth to destruction , and many runne that way ; but the gate to heauen is straight , and the passage narrow , leading to life , and many seeke it , but fewe finde it : many set foote in the way , few go on any time ; and of these fewe , some turne back againe , and a very small number perseuere to the end . Of the world wee are , and the world will loue her owne : but we are vncapable of grace , and enemies to goodnes , so as God in iustice abhorreth vs . In the world we may liue , thogh we haue offended in many things , ( keeping them secret from men ) and neuer make satisfaction , but in an other wee cannot , if but one sinne be vnrepented of and God not satisfied , and the price of blood payed to redeeme vs by faith in Christ . Here offences committed , may bee pardoned by many ( the King not taking notice of them ) but there is no euill in the soule ( though neuer so secret ) but the King of heauen is acquainted with the same , and a pardon must be procured from his owne person , and by none but by his own sonne : else that offendor shall vtterly be condemned , and pay the punishment duely for euer , according to the trespasse . Therefore if all these things be well considered , and the weight of the reasons seriously weighed , we may rather suppose our selues to be deluded by imagination , to thinke the assurance of saluation to be so easily attayned , then to be the settlednes of our iudgement from a grounded perswasion . And thus much for the first lesson .

Doctrine . The second lesson is this ; that yet there is in this life a true assurance of saluation , in a certaine measure , to euery one in time ordained to be saued : else the Apostle Peter here would not haue exhorted vs to labour for this assurance ; which the Apostle S. Paule attayned also Rom. 8. 38 vnto in this life : which hee publisheth not onely singularly in the behalfe of himselfe , but plurally for the rest of all those whom God loueth in Christ Iesus . Neither doe I say that it is that fulnesse 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . of faith , but a certaine measure ; nor at once , but by little and little ; nor to euery professour , but to such as are ordained to eternall life . And this is effected by How to get assurance . By meditation . meditation , inspiration , & sanctification .

To haue assurance , we must meditate of Gods inchangeablenes , both in his owne nature ( Iam. 1. 17. ) as also in his gifts and calling which are without repentance ( Rom. 11. 29 ) we must think vpon Gods euerlasting decree without alteration : of his promises made irreuocably with the manner of deliuery , in the time present ( Ioh. 3. 36 ) He that beleeueth Ioh. 3. 36. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . in the sonne hath euerlasting life , to take away doubting , and to establish our harts in an assured possession thereof .

No lesse gaine ariseth , by remembring the Lords couenant which hee maketh with his , & how it is a couenant euerlasting , Ier. 32. 40 not for a time : and with such as he maketh it , he giueth them grace , & putteth his feare in their hearts , that they neuer depart from him . Ier. 32. 40.

Lastly we may establish our thoghts vpon the ground of a mans saluation : The foundation of God remaineth sure , his 2. Tim. 2 19. free mercie in Christ Iesus chusing some to euerlasting life : no inducement in man : before we haue being , our end is appointed : nothing good foreseene in vs mouing God : no way in vs is there cause at all of our happines , but begun from Gods free good pleasure , and established in Christ ; out of whom wee may not suppose any least thing that may be beneficiall to worke mans saluation , or to procure good to vs , which is not freely giuen of God , and obtained by Christ alone without any respect of vs at all . Whence , a penitent sinner may thus confortably reason ; Gods I was , before I had my beeing , in my beeing by corruption of nature hee found me his enemy , yet did he not hate me , but shewed his mercie vnto me : he ordained me before the world , that caused him in time to bring me into the world : my sinnes did not hinder the passage of mercy , because in Christ he would be satisfied for mee : I will therefore surely conclude , that God remaining one in mercie , & Christ Iesus alway wel-pleasing to his father , the cause of my saluation beeing stil one and the same , I will not doubt damnation , for falles of infirmity ; when as Gods mercie and Christes merit preuented the same in mine obstinate standing in rebellion . Thus by meditation may wee strengthen and settle our selues in assurance to be saued . Praise the Lord .

It pleaseth God to afford his children By diuine inspiration more in musing on heauenly comforts , then when mens thoughts are bestowed vpon other things : he aydeth them with his spirit , who openeth our eies to see the secrets of the kingdome of God , and to know the things that are giuen vs of God : 1 Cor. 2. 12. Rom. 8. 10. who giueth testimony to our spirit , that we are the children of God : which witnes also is true and not lying , ( as Iohn saith ) . This is the spirit of adoption , by which we are sealed ; and the earnest which he giueth , when he taketh vs to be his . Haue I then the spirit of Christ ? I am Christs ; and in him there is no condemnation ▪ ( Rom. 8. 1. )

Now least we be misled by Satans delusion , and take it for the holy spirits inspiration , By sanctification . How to know the perswasion of Gos spirit , from Sathans delusion . see Rom. 〈◊〉 . 2. 5. 11. 15. 16. there is a third thing to be added , that is sanctification . For if we haue the spirit of God , we are led by it ; wee walke not after the flesh , but sauour the things of the spirit , which quickneth our mortall bodies ; by it wee doe mortifie the deedes of the flesh ; by it we are without feare , and dare come to God & cry Abba father : this spirit helpeth our infirmities in prayer , it maketh request for vs with sighes that cannot be expressed . This is the witnessing of Gods spirit with our spirit : it is not a bare motion , but a true perswasion from the effectuall graces which it worketh in vs , causing vs to liue in newnesse of life . This spirit witnesseth not to our spirit , if it bee adulterous , nor to our drunken spirit , nor to our sweating , lying , blasphemous and rayling spirit , nor to our prophane and mocking spirit ( if such we be ) that we are the sonnes of God : no , no , for our conscience telleth vs , that such are the sonnes of the Diuel , and all perswasion of saluation is but Sathans deceiueable delusions to secure vs in sin .

The holie spirit will not say wee are coheires with Christ & certaine of heauen , whilst we walke on in wickednes ; hee teacheth in the scripture the contrarie , and sheweth that there is no peace Esai . 57. 21. Psal. 9. 17. Mat. 25. to the wicked , they shall go into hell , and all the workers of in●quity .

Vse . Therefore let vs not think otherwise , but it is the spirit of Sathan , and not the holy Ghost , that worketh an imagination of any certaintie of sal●ation , whilst wee liue vnsanctified , in our thoughts , vnchanged in our speech , and vnreformed in our conuersation .

We see , that assurnace may bee had by the foresaid meanes , it must make vs striue by these means for it : which if we obtaine ; O blessed are we , saluation is come vnto vs , the comfort of all comforts . Through this assurance , thogh we fall , we rise againe , and doubt not of The benefits which arise vnto vs by hauing assurance . mercie when we repent . We ioy to heate of death , because we are perswaded to be with Christ , which is best of all ; we feare not man , that onely can kill the bodie , for that our soules are in safety : This maketh vs desire to bee taken from hence , and to be dissolued : This maketh vs loue and long after the comming of the Lord Iesus ; saying how long Lord , when Lord , O come Lord Iesus , come quickly : Reue. 6. 10. 22. 20. This ( to conclude ) freeth vs from all dread of any euil that may befall vs , from the rigour of the law : it cannot condemne vs ; if it do , Christ Iesus acquiteth vs ▪ from terror of conscience : it dare not accuse vs ; if it do , Christ will speak for vs : from deaths sting & dead stroke ; it hath not right to rule ouer vs : if it do , it s but a while , Christ hath got the victory : from the fierce wrath of the Iudge in the last day , when he shal be before vs , Angels on one hand ; diuels on an other ; about vs the world burning ; in million● of thousands conscience accusing , crying out to the mountains to couer them ; hell gaping ready to deuoure all to whome Christ shall say , Go ye cursed with the Diuell & his angels : Math. 25 . But what terrour can this be to the penitent , assured of life ? none at all . The Diuels cannot daunt vs , the repentant hath his pardon : Angels will not disclaime vs , they here haue waited vpon vs : God will acknowledge vs , we haue his spirit the assurance of his loue : And can the Iudge Iesus Christ condemne vs , who is our sauiour , and hath by his death acquited vs ?

Lastly , we are freed from the horrour of hell , where Diuels & damned ghosts bee ; where paine is endless ; the place darknesse ; the persons punished with fire and brimstone remedilesse ; their noise is hydeous ; weeping and wayling for time lost and not recouerable ; howling & lamentably crying for time present and paines intollerable , they gnash with their teeth one vpon an other , their conscience accusing & conntinually tormenting : They languish with paine , wishing to die : but they shall remaine and euer bee , though liueles●e , that their torment may be endless .

Sithen assurance of saluation here deliuereth vs from the dread of these things , what cause haue wee to vse all meanes to get so great and vnspeakable a good ? Oh let vs then meditate seriously , pray for the spirit ardently , and liue here conscionably , that wee may bee therefore certaine of our saluation , and so liue eternally , Amen .

Your calling and election sure .

Doctrine . YOur calling , that is , which you haue tasted of by the ministry & preaching of Gods word ; giue all diligence to make it sure , see it be not vocall , but effectuall ; not a calling to an externall profession , but to an internall sanctification blossoming forth in good workes . Make this sure : but doe you aske how ? How to make our calling sure . by good workes , that is by knowing , feeling , and euer retaining such graces as are Gods good workes , wrought in a man effectually called , at the time of his conuersion . The true knowledge of By knowledge . the Lord Iesus is a worke of God in a mans conuersion ( Act. 9. 5. 18 ) who openeth the eies of the blinde , turneth men Ier. 31. 33 from Satan to God , from darknes to the light ( Act. 26. 18 ) True sight of sinne , with humiliation for the same is an other : Humiliation . when certaine were conuerted , they saw their sinnes , confessed them , & left them . Act. 2. 37. and. 19. 18. Faith in the Lord Iesus is an other ; the first grace of one truly standing in the state of grace : for he is not by the word called effectually , that beleeueth not faithfully ; for hearing brings beleeuing : and such as are Rom. 10 , 14 called of God , beleeue in the sonne ( Ioh. 8. 30. Act. 8. 37 ) . After this followeth a plyable hart to obey God : the stony heart remoued , in stead thereof God giueth a heart of flesh , yielding subiection to God , his word and spirit . ( Eze. 36. 26. 27. ) This will make Paul going to persecute , ignorant of Christ , after one question made and answered , ( Who art thou Lord ? I am Iesus whom thou persecutest ) , Act. 9. in the next place to say , Lord what wilt thou that I doe ? not making any more resistance . This made Dauid ready to do any thing willingly at Gods bidding ; yea , and it causeth vs humbly to condiscend to his good pleasure , and say with Ezechias , The word of the Lord is good ; with Ely , It s the Lord let him do what seemeth him good ; and alwaies with Iesus Christ , Father not my w●●●ut thy will be fulfilled . Lastly , the Vnion with Christ . Lord worketh an vnion of hart & spirit with other in Christ * * ●er. 32. 40 : wherby it commeth to passe that we do conioine in one together one with another : thus , Act. 2 , 42 , the church is set forth , & in that verse are 8 : graces of the Church ; their constancy in this word they continued , in the next word The eight graces of the Church . daily their seruencie , with one acord their vnitie , in the Temple their audacitie , in other words following , their charity , familiarity , alacrity & sincerity , vnto which by the voice of Christ they were called , and wherewith we must be endued and therein continue , else we cannot make our calling sure .

Vse . Therfore such as remaine in blindnes , such as are not humbled for sins , neuer came to the sight of them , neuer sorrowed or sought for pardon for them , but liue in their lusts , & loden themselues with iniquity ; such as giue not credyt to the word of God , beleeue not his faithfull messengers ; such as be obstinate & stubborne , refusing the easie yoke of Christ , or to draw with the godly therin , but rather mocke at holy exercises , raile on such as desire to please God , endeuor to bring trouble vniustly vpon them : these though they be come to externall bare profession , yet sithen they are not come to reformation , by their calling , they cannot bee sure that they are saued : they may liue in the Church , but yet are none of it ; tares they be , but none of the Lords wheat : they are in that number of the many called , but not of the fewe that shall bee saued : they are like the guest comming in without his wedding garment , whom the Lord one day will command to bee bound hand and foote , and to be cast into vtter darkenes , where is weeping and wayling , and gnashing of teeth .

Calling and election . In the order of Exposition . causes , election is before vocation : for therefore are we called , because wee are elected . Rom. 8. but in searching out our saluation , according to the work wroght vpon vs , and the same felt in vs , calling must be before election ; so is it in iustification and sanctification , that is before this , if we note the cause and effect ; but this must wee finde in vs , before the other , for our owne assurance : sanctified we be in our owne persons , but iustified onely in Christs righteousnes : Election is secret in God , and by effectuall vocation knowne and reuealed to vs , and the first sensible worke of GOD vpon vs touching soules safety : God commeth forward , beginning in and from himselfe to doe vs good ; wee , to find this , must goe backward , from within our selues , by sanctification to iustification , by vocation to election , and thence conclude our eternall saluation . Therefore Esay , 43. 1. is it that here the holy Ghost hath thus set downe the words , and the like else where . The wisedome of God doth nothing without iust cause : he breaks not order , as ignorant of order : neither sets downe matter as mistaken ; but euer to teach vs from thence somewhat , which by the help of Gods spirit we understanding may further to saluation .

Doctrine . From this order first wee learne , how to make sure our election , if wee haue made sure our vocation . There is no doubt of the former , where wee make certaine the latter : and hee that cannot finde himselfe called , cannot possibly be truly perswaded , that he is one of the elect : for he hath not the next and immediate worke of God following election , & going before iustification . Vse . Therfore to know our election , watch for our Rom. 8. 30. calling , follow the meanes , the ministry and preaching of Gods word ; the ordinary means to bring men to Christ . It pleaseth him by the foolishnes thereof to 1 Cor. 1. 21. Rom. 1. 16 saue them that beleeue . It is the power of God to saluation : where this is carelesly neglected , such shall finde no other means to be saued ; and such as persecute it , may feare iustly to be damned .

Sythen our election is made sure by our calling , and our calling confirmed to vs , as is said ; I neede not say more of this : yet because the word affordeth vs more marks to settle our selues in better assurance , a word thereof or two , also .

Our election is further made sure by Markes of election . other markes of the elect , if we find them in vs , & they euer remain vpon vs : which is , to be sanctified ( 1. Pet. 1. 2 ) fruitfull in good things , ( Ioh●● . 16 ) sequestred from the world ( Ioh. 17. 6. & 15. 19 ) a note which is notto be loued of the men of the world , perseuerance ( Ioh. 15. 16 ) following after Christ ( Ioh. 10. 28 ) without departing from him ( 1. Ioh. 2. 19 ) loue to the godly , ( 1. Ioh. 3. 14 ) faith in Gods promises , and a holy reuerence to Gods ordinances , his word and sacraments : and he that continueth herein vnto the end shal be saued .

Again this order obserued preuenteth Another vse , how to preuent the abuse of that holy doctrine of Predestination . presumption in the doctrine of predestination . If I be ordained to a certain end , saith the wicked wight , and that Gods decree must stand , then it s no matter how I liue , it s all one to serue God or to liue as I like best : if I be ordained to be saued I shall not be damned ; if to damnation , it s in vaine to hope for heauen . It is true that Gods decree shall stand , but it s a desperat spirits collection , to hold therefore that we may liue as we list . Election is secret , & so Gods decree , his will vnreuealed : whence wee may gather nothing , but as the scripture , the written word , his reuealed will teacheth . It auoucheth predestination , & Gods vnchangeable decree : but it saith , Work out your saluation with feare & trembling , & so beareth downe presumption . It talketh of reprobation , but not to make men desperat : for touching euery mans self in particular , he is to hope the best , & may say with the king of Niniuie , Who can tell if God wil turne and repent and turne away Ionah . 3. 9. from his fierce wrath that we perish not ? Euery man in particular by the reuealed will of God is commanded to liue religiously , and so bound to beleeue his owne saluation : this word are wee to liue after , and striue we must to go in at the strait gate , hoping to finde passage . Math. 7. No man is to iudge himselfe to be damned , whilst he here liueth in the way to be saued , if hee wilfully refuse not the meanes . None will so reason from Gods decree concerning the bodie ; It is said , that mans daies are determined , the number Iob. 14. 5. of his monthes are with God , & that hee hath appointed the bounds which man cannot passe : who hereupon will thus resolue ? then will I be carelesse of my life , I will neither eate nor drinke , nor vse meanes of life , because I cannot liue beyond my appointed time . Herein is none so madde ; but for all this , will vse the meanes which God hath appointed to liue by , for that his time is kept secret from him , and onely knowne to God : euen so should we do in this case , for our soules , vse the meanes to liue for euer , so are wee commanded : this wee know ; but whither God hath reiected vs before the end , we know not : neither may any one herein make search , but vnderstand in sobrietie that which is meet , obey what is commanded , beleeue what is promised , and cease to imagined desperately , and sinne not presumptuously , & hope well in the end . And so shall wee make sure to ourselues that which is euer certaine and vnchangeable with God : this note . And thus much for the exhortation : the reason followeth .

For ; a note of a reason of the exhortation 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Enim . which goeth before , concluded as an vse from the former arguments : a grammaticall obseruation in this coniunction , to be well marked ; there is difference between for & therefore ; both in this verse : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Quapropter . for sheweth the reason of that which goeth before , & therfore concludeth somewhat from the antecedent by necessarie consequent . The thing chiefly herein to What to be obserued as the doctrine , from the Apostles practise . be marked is , that the Apostle neither ex●or●eth to practise , but vpon manifold instructions before ; neither endeth the vse in the exhortation , without shewing also further reason why : Thus he guardeth before and behinde his words , vrging by reason as did Iohn Baptist and our Sauiour , to well doing ; that so they might take place . He well kn●w mens slownes to practise , and that they neede haue good grounds laid before them to build thereon the exhortation to obey , and also reasons after to perswade thervnto . All of vs naturally affect to know ; but without loue to doe : whence it is , that men vnregenerate can run to heare sermons of controuersies , ( such as preach by sentences , that can now and then satisfie fantasie with some noueltie ) & returne with their mouthes full of praise , applauding the person , who hath ●ailed happily to presse all to practise , and sanctification of life . Learning is Gods good gift , eloquence a singular blessing , wit and memorie rare ●auours , to make men amongst men honourable : but vnlesse these be employed in the ministry to make men vertuous , as the Apostle doth here , Saint Paule in his Epistles , & as the Prophets did , and profound I see with his admirable eloquence , we may heare , learne , speake and admire , as without obedience , so without hope of that heauenly inheritance . Vse . Therefore let our wit for inuention of reasons , our learning to collect sound grounds , bee guides to our liberty of speech in vtterance , and this gift end in exhortation to good workes , and to make men zealous . So deale we faithfully , the people shall reape benefite , and we that preach gaine great comfort by our labours in winning soules , which onely we ought to aime at , and therein reioice .

If yee doe these things . The conditionall word , If , in the Original is not expressed , nor the person Yee ; the words 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Haec faciet●s . beeing , These doing : but the person and the condition is necessarily vnderstood , and therefore expressed in the translation very fitly : which wee following in the diuision of the Text , do take as granted implied in the text . Doctrine . Whence we learne , that God so promiseth assurance of saluation , as we haue care in vs , to liue well and to keepe the condition : the one cheareth the heart ; but least we be wanton , the other is added to keepe vs in awe : but neuerthelesse , here may we not thinke therefore , that Gods gift is not free , or that it is changeable , except we make it sure : no such end of the condition .

GOD first bestoweth freely , without any thing on mans p●●t : so hee gaue Adam first 〈◊〉 preheminence ouer all his other creatures , and placed Gen. 1. 26 him freely in Paradise , without any forenamed condition , then afterward expresseth he mans duetie to be performed , not as a cause procuring or continuing Preuention . goodnes , but as an effect of loue in harty thankfulnes , or as a token and signe by which we may know God to be so long in vs , and with vs ▪ God promised Christ , of his mere good pleasure ; Adam neuer once desiring , no● at all deseruing Ioh. 3. 16. that fauour● Christ came in the appointed time , and was freely giuen for vs , of loue in mercie and compassion ; all this done truely , fully , and absolutely on Gods part : yet after commanded hee the obedience of faith , and promiseth saluation , with condition of beleeuing , Mark . 16. 16. on our behalfe ; not as a cause , but as a signe by which men may know to whom Christ is freely giuen of the father , and in him haue eternall life .

It is then , as if ●eter had said ; If ye do these things , you thereby haue a true signe and token from God of his loue euerlasting and shall neuer fall from him : the like is that in the Psalme 15 , 6. He that doth these things shall neuer fall .

Vse . Therefore to attaine to the benefite of this promise , let vs here looke to the condition ; which is , carefully to exercise our selues in these vertues afore mentioned . First well doing , keepeth vs from euill ; euery gift of grace is a sentinell to First reason . watch against the opposite vice , seeking entrance to the heart . Hold sobriety , drunkennesse getteth no place : chastity preserueth from dishonesty ; feruency of spirit cannot abide luke-warme to lodge with it ; light liketh not of darknes ; righteousnes of vnrighteousnes ; knowledge of Ignorance ; nor godly humility of Sathanicall pride and arrogancie ; & looke how much we haue of goodnes , so much aduantage get we against wickednes : euery vertue aduancing it selfe and keeping it proper place in the soule , when the contrary vice as●aileth it ; Sathan suggesting , and by outward obiects inticing the heart to yield thereunto .

Secondly , these vertues are the fruits Second reason . of the spirit : whence a man may conclude , that hee hath the spirit ; and hee which hath this hath Christ , without whom no redemption , no saluation . These vertues are pleasant flowers , which gathered , are asweete nosegay to garnish our soules with , for the Lords delight . They are the guarison of the holy Ghost lodged in the soule , to keepe out such euils , as yet haue not entrance , and to bridle ill motions of the heart , daily arising , that we perish not . Thus much of them in generall . But let vs , if but briefly weigh them in particular ; and the goodness of them , will more allure vs to loue them .

Faith is the crowne of graces , and the The commendations of seuerall vertues : Faith . roote of vertues ; it maketh morality by the lawe , to turne into Christianity by the Gospell : without it we cannot please God : by it we make the word preached profitable : and by it wee apprehend Christ , who satisfieth iustice , asswageth wrath , bringeth downe mercy , and heauen gates are open for vs , and wee enter , and take possession .

Vertue , integrity ; the generall word Vertue . for a speciall , which is the brest-plate of righteousness , keeping countenance without blushing ; it is the ioy of the spirit , and maketh men bold as a Lyon : it dare answere at the barre to the best , & say truely , Not guilty ; it desireth tryall , and therein alwaies getteth approbation , and credite of euerie cause ; not fearing malice , though lying and deceipt manage the matter with all the friends that may be made : it maketh man looke vp chearefully vnto God , and so resteth quiet in his owne innocency .

Knowledge ; it is the candle of the soule , Knowledge . the rule of actions , the discerner of causes , the Iudge of controuersies , the guide of affection , the bridle for the tongue , and the life of conscience , and the first motor to obedience : it saueth from errour , condemneth heresie , and standeth alwaies for verity , if peruersenesse of spirit turne it not into sophistry .

Temperance ; knowledge is the first motor , this is moderator : it qualifieth & Temperance . allayeth extreames ; it is in nothing violent : it preuenteth liking before lookeing ; it stoppeth rage of lust , and brideleth appetite ; it discusseth causes with deliberation ; it ordereth words with discretion ; hot spirits by it may expostulate iniuries done without contention : by it , knowledge telleth his tale wisely , and integrity is bold with safety .

Patience , is the mother of peace , a strong back to beare all burthens ; it Patience . saith nothing to reuiling speeches , and is not an auenger of priuate iniuries : it waiteth for accomplishment of promises long ; it is the daughter of humility , and the safe conductor of integrity : by it we possesse our soules , and the enemy getteth not aduantage ; it is neuer in want , dwelling alwaies with contentment .

Godliness , this is the chiefe goodness ; Godliness . by sense we are better then the creature sensless ; by reason , better then the beast ; by religion , better then man onely hauing reason ; but godlynesse is the quintessence of religion : it is the especiall fruit of faith , sincerities comfort , the principall end of all learning , the perfection of all knowledge , the creatures admiration , and here to the mightiest in the world their highest exaltation : godlinesse is great gaine ; it hath the promise of this life , and of the life to come .

Brotherly kindnes , the procurer of loue , Brotherly kindness . the disposition of the heart , to doe good to other ; it graunteth fauour to euerie frined ; it liueth euer in charity ; it is mercifull and lendeth , it is ready to doe pleasures , and liberall without delay ; it is the goodnes of a mercifull heart , pliable to euery good worke .

Loue is the last , which is the fruit of Loue . 1. Cor. 13. brotherly kindness ; the grace which the Apostle so highly extolles , and neede not here to be stoode vpon : but I will conclude it , with that absolute commendation , that Loue is the fulfilling of the lawe . And thus we see , what reason there is for vs to haue these excellent vertues , and to exercise our selues in them , that we may neuer fall : otherwise we are without certainty of our saluation and tokens of eternall comfort .

The loose and careless liuer , the vicious Reproofe to the leud & vicious . and leud man is heere vtterly left hopeless ; he cannot looke for heauen ; the scripture tels him , that there hee hath no enheritance : he that committeth sin is of the Diuel , the reward is death , the 1. Iohn . 3. 8 Rom. 6. 23. Psal. 9. 17. wicked shall goe into hell and all the people that forget God . If any , for better satisfaction , would know for what sinnes in particular death is threatned , and for which men are denyed heauen ; they shall finde , that euery sinne vnrepented of procureth damnation ; but it pleaseth the holy Ghost to number vp many particulars : the places not vnfit to be mentioned , to see and consider of them , Rom. 1. 29. 30 , are reckoned vp Rom. 1. 29. 30. reckoned vp 23 sins . three and twenty sins , Vnrighteousness , fornication , wickedness , couetousness , maliciousness , full of enuie , of murther , of debate , of deceipt , taking all things in euill part , whisperers , backbiters , haters of God , doers of wrong , proud , boasters , inuenters of euill things , disobedient to parents , without vnderstanding , couenant breakers , without naturall affection , such as can neuer be appeased , mercilesse ; for which , not onely they that doe them , but also that fauour them that doe them are worthy of death . In 1. Cor. 6. 9. 10. are set downe ten kindes 1 Cor. 6. 9. 10. ten sorts of vicious persons . of vicious persons ; Fornicators , idolaters , adulterers , wantons , buggerers , theeues , couetous , drunkerds , raylers , and extortioners , which shall not inherit the kingdome of God . In Galathians . 5. 19. 20. Gal. 5. 19 20 , workes of the flesh 17. are particularized seauenteene workes of the flesh ; Adulterie , fornication , vncleannesse , wantonnesse , idolatry , witchcraft , hatred , debate , emulations , wrath , contentions , seditions , heresies , enuie , murthers , drunkennesse , gluttonie : which who-so doth , shall not inherite life . In the second of Timothie , 3. 2. 3. 4. 5. are reckoned vp nineteene sorts of the 2. Tim. 3. 2. 3 4. 5. Ni●eteene sorts of vngodly . wicked and vngodly , who will rise vp in the last daies , when times shall be perillous : louers of themselues , couetous , boasters , proud , cursed speakers , disobedient to parents , vnthankfull , vnholy , without naturall affection , truce breakers , false accusers , intemperate , fierce , no louers at all of them which are good , traytors , headie , hye minded , louers of pleasures more then louers of God , hauing a shewe of godlinesse but haue denyed the power thereof : from whom , such as truly professe Christ must turne away . In the Reuelations , 21. 8. there are eight sortes threatned with the second death , and Reu. 21. 8. Eight sorts . to be tormented in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone : Fearefull , vnbeleeuing , abhominable , murtherers , whoremongers , sorcerers , idolaters , and lyers . The spirit saith , Reuelations , 21. 20 , None defiled shall enter into heauen . But our sauiour in Mark. 7. 21. Mark . 7. 21 , 22. are 14. 22. whereto ad Math. 15. 19 , telleth vs of foureteene euils which defile a man . Euill thoughts , adulteries , fornications , murthers , thefts , couetousness , wickedness , deceipts , vncleannesse , a wicked eie , backbiting , pride , foolishnes , false testimonies , and slaunders . And therefore such shall not inherit the kingdome of God and of Christ . These six be the chiefest places Sixtie and od distinct sins mentioned in six places . in all the newe testament , setting forth so many particular vicious persons & hate ful sinnes : wherein albeit , in some the same be againe repeated ; yet in all , there be distinct and seuerall in number three score and odde , besides other sinnes mentioned in seuerall places elsewhere , which without repenting of and forsaking , depriue men of life and saluation . If any of vs yet blesse our selues in our hearts hearing so plainly these things , then consider what the Lord saith to such , Deut. 29. 20. Great and fierce is the wrath of God against such a one . Ma●ke and consider thou that readest , & presume not . First he saith plainly that he will not be mercifull vnto him : secondly , that his wrath and his iealousie shall smoke against that man : thirdly , that euery curse written in the booke shall light vpon him : as if the curses in the former chapter mentioned , aboue forty and three , were too few to plague such a presumptuous Catiffe ; but all the curses in the booke must light vpon him ; and lastly , the Lord will roote out his name from vnder heauen , and separate him vnto euil out of all the tribes of Israel . What is this , but to depriue him of the communion of saincts , and to pronounce sentence of damnation against him , in the last day ? O therfore thou that hearest consider , as some that haue heard it : If Gods truth herein may be taken for truth with thee , if the anger of God may preuaile to feare thee , if the fierce-wrath of God may terrifie thee , if all the curses in Gods booke denounced may worke any dread in thee ; hope not vainly of mercy whilst thou liuest vnrepentant of any sinne : let not conceipt of pardon make thee put farre from thee the euil day ; for , surely else in one sinne thou shalt bee punished , and thine end confusion : marke , vnderstand and pray .

Ye doe . The condition is , if wee doe Doctrine . these things ; not heare , learne , professe them : doing is that which hath with God approbation ; after our deedes shall we be rewarded , Rom. 2. 6. Math. 16. 27. 2. Cor. 5. 10. Math. 25. 35. 42. Vse . Therfore let vs hope well , if we be doers : here is approued the reading in the exhortation , make your calling and election sure by good workes : for the reason of assurance here , is from deedes : If ye doe these things ; that is , If ye shew the fruits of these eight Christian vertues in good works , ye shall neuer fall .

This is seriously to be noted ; for that most thinke to haue eternall life , and yet are no doers of these things ; but vpon false euidences claime a right in that which without good workes they shall neuer enioy . For as assurance here , is vpon condition , that we be doers : so there is nothing otherwise approued , though wee doe bring in many things to perswade Eighteene deceiue able euidences which men presume to clame heauen by , without good workes . vs otherwise . 1 Thou art baptised , what then ? Neither circumcision auaileth any thing , nor vncircumcision , but the keeping of the commandements . 1. Cor. 7. 19 , but a new creature . Gal. 6. 15. 2 Thou art a hearer : what of this ? Not the hearers but the doers of the Law shall be iustified . Rom 2. 13. He that heareth & doeth not , is a foole . Math. 7. 26 , & deceiueth himselfe , ●ames . 1. 22. Thou knowest the wil of God . neuer a whit better without obedience , thou shalt be beaten with many stripes , Luke 12. 47. thou increasest thy sinne . Ia. 4. 17. and the scripture saith : Hee that saith hee knoweth me , & keepeth not my commandements is a lyer & there is no truth in him . Thou beleeuest : so do the diuels , and more also ; they feare & tremble , which thou dost not & so art worse then a diuell : but if thou hast faith , shew it by thy works , Iam. 2. 8 : els its dead , and thou a dry tree for the fire . Thou louest God : then hearken : This is the loue of God , that we keepe his commandements . 1. Ioh. 5. 3. Thou hopest yet well ; but without cause at all : for he that hath this hope in him purgeth himself as he is pure . 1. Iohn . 3. 3 Thou fearest God : then thou must ad with Eccle. 12. 12. Salomon to it , feare God & keep his commandements ; for they are neuer separated . Thou dost profess Christ the Lord : so did the diuels ; but , Not euery one that saith vnto me Lord , lord , shal enter in●o the kingdome of Mat. 7. 21 heauen , but he that doth the wil of my father which is in heauen . Thou canst preach : a sounding brasse & tinkling Cymball without workes : many will say in the day of the Lord that they haue prophecied and cast out diuels , yet as workers of iniquitie , God will reiect them , & send them packing with diuels . Mat. 7. 23. Thou vsest to pray : but where no practise is , there is but hypocrisie ; Let euery one that calleth on the name of Christ , depart from iniquitie . 2. Tim. 3. 19 : else may we call , but God will not heare vs . Isai. 1. 15. Thou happily dost fast : but it is no fast that God requireth , without obedience . Isa. 58. 6. 7. Thou commest orderly to the Church ; more of fashion then of sincerity , without doing Gods will : God requireth it not at thine hands to treade in his courts , whilst thou liuest vnreformed ●●ai . 1. 12. Thou makest the house of God a denne of theeues . Ier. 7. 10 , 11. Thou payest duely tithes and offerings , and obseruest the appointed daies to keepe them holy : Without subiection to Gods will and commandement ; he is wearied with them , he cannot suffer them , and to thy selfe they are iniquity , Isa. 1. 13. Thou hast often good motions and flashes , making thee wish well to thy selfe ; so had & did Balam that wicked wisard . Thou hast more then so , Thou canst be moued to weepe now and then : so could Saule . 1. Sam. 24. 17 , and Esau found no place to repentance , though hee sought the blessing with teares . Heb. 12 , 17. Thou canst bow at the name of Iesus and often be made sad by the word , and canst in countenance and gesture carry thy selfe religiously : So Diuels did fall downe and worship Christ . Felix , he at the word trembled , and Ahab humbled himselfe before the Lord . 1. King . 21 27. 29. Scribes and Pharises looked sad , and were in shew full of grauitie & holiness . Iudas did shewe reuerence to Christ and said , Haile master : yet Diuels are damned spirits : Felix a heathen miscreant , Ahab an accursed Idolater , who had sold himselfe to worke wickedly in the sight of the Lord , Scribes and Pharisees notorious hypocrites , and sworne enemies of Christ , and Iudas was a diuell and a traytor . And therfore it s not bowing nor becking , nor lookeing sowrely vpon the matter , neither any gesture or fawning fashions , that can without holy obedience make men perswade themselues truly of their happynesse .

Thou dost speake well of God and his ministers , praise them and commend them as they deserue : So did the Herodians commend Christ , with most high commendations , Mark . 12. 14. so as they could not speake better : So did the Pythonist so commend Act. 16. Paule and Barnabas , as no man can say more of the worthiest seruants of God , nor more truly ; yet the one sorte Christ his enemies and the other possessed with a diuell . Good words then cannot go away with it : wee may like Sermons now and then , wee may commend the preachers of Gods word , and yet be out of the state of grace : to conclude , Thou musest of thy good meaning , though thou dost amisse : but remember , Vzza had 2. San. 6. 7. no ill meaning , To saue the arke from falling , yet against Gods word ; for which it cost him his life . Meane well , but let the word rule thee , and liue thereafter , and then doubt not to finde peace for euer .

Vse . This I haue vrged , thus much : first to pull downe the presumption of common and time seruing protestants ; and secondly against the Papists , who doe say we allow not good workes , but do make our religion a religion of liberty & of faith without workes .

Doing . The word is in the time present , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Doctrine . Exod. 3. to shew that onely present doers may looke for a blessing ; God is I am ; not I was , or wil be : so must wee all bee now , that which wee ought to be , Psal. 15 , the question pronounced in the first verse , Lord who shall dwel in thy tabernacle , Psal. 15. who shall rest in thy holy hill ? the answere is made in the time present , he that walketh , worketh & speaketh ; to shew , that such ( as is in the verse 5 ) shall neuer be moued .

This serues to reproue two sortes of Vse of reproofe against backslyders . persons : first such as haue done wel , men of the time past , but haue falne away from that which they were ; these are hopeless of heauen , except they returne againe , because they haue lost that which shold giue them assurance , Well doing ; also for that the scripture saith , that such can looke for nothing but vengeance : Heb. 6. 10. Therefore if we haue left off , either in whole or in part , let vs returne to our first loue , else wee shall neuer be able to Reue. 2 5 answere it ; for what do wee dislike , that maketh vs not either at all religious , or not so much as we haue ben ? the Author , Nothing in religion should cause vs to leaue it . that is God , the euerliuing God : matter , that is Iesus Christ , verity & holiness & vertue : maner , that is , in spirit & truth : the end , that is Gods glory & our eternal sasafety : wee therefore haue no cause from religion it selfe to leaue it ; but the cause must be found , to be either the diuell , as in Iudas : or in the world , as in Demas , or the cursed corruption of our flesh , as in Salomon , that hath drawne vs away from God to the Diuell , from heauen to the earth , from the spirit to the flesh , a madde and miserable exchange : neither let any of vs dreame to bee better for that we haue beene , except wee be as we ought : For the righteousness of Eze. 33. 12 the righteous shall not deliuer him in the day of his transgression . They that forsake the Ier. 17. 13 Lord shall bee confounded : they that depart from him shall be written in the earth . Dogs are such as returne to their vomit , 2. Pet. 2. and swine to wallow againe in the mire . It will not serue Iudas turne to say , I was an Apostle , no● Demas that he was a disciple , nor Iehu that hee had a zeale for the Lord God of hoasts , nor Ioash that he was a good king for a time : for then would Sathan shuffle in amongst the rest & hope to haue a share , & might say ; Lord let me haue entrance , for I was an Angell in heauen , and so neuer were any of them . Brethren know this , If our lamps light goe out before the bridegroome come , wee may call , the gates being shut ; but the Lord will say , Go ye cursed I know you not . Therefore let Heb. 3. 12. vs take heede brethren , least at any time , there be in any of vs an euell heart of infidelity to depart from the liuing God .

Second sort are such as be all for the time to come , who haue not yet attained Reproofe to such as deferre off their amendement . to well doing , liuing in hope for hereafter ; youth dreaming to see olde age , and then thinke they , it is time enough to repent , as if it were not said : Remember thy creatour in the daies of thy Eccles. 12. 1. youth , while the euill daies come not , nor the yeares approache wherin thou shalt say I haue no pleasure in them . May we giue the first of our life and best of our yeares to the seruice of Sathan ? and thinke wee that God will receiue vs in old age , when sin hath forsaken vs and not we it ? old persons suppose to liue yet longer , and so deferre off till the last gaspe , when the generall sūmoner hath called them vppon their death bed ; but late and constrayned repentance is seldome true . Our time is not , when we will , but when God doth call ; heare we must when he Pro● . 1. 28 speaketh , or else hee will not hearken when we pray . The first and best is his due ; the last & worst of vs , he iustly may reiect ; our yielding to his will by his word , is voluntarie subiection , which he accepteth ; but to his wil by his work , is constrained obedience for feare of destruction , which he little regardeth . God indeede receiued to mercie the thiefe in the last houre ; this cannot be denyed ; but yet one onely , though there were two ; one , that a true penitent sinner may not despaire ; & but one , that vngodly wilfull trangressours , may not presume . Many cannot heare the threats of the Law , for feare of desperation : yet can they willingly run on in sin , & so perish by presumption . By this , many millions of thousands haue fallen headlong downe into hell ( remember what Christ said of Luke . 17. 27 28. Sodom & the old world ) but the Scripture mentioneth few that haue gone to destruction by desperation , Cain , Sau●e , Achitophel , & Iudas . Dost thou hope , to speede as did the good thiefe ? and why rather dost thou not feare to be like the bad thiefe ? they both were in one case , had the like punishment , Christ betweene them , and death before them : nay the worse thiefe had the good thieues rebuke & admonition to warne him of his wickedness , and to cease to sin ; yet he had no grace to repent . Meanes wil not preuaile in the latter end , where God vouch safeth not the gift to amend : If thou dost perswade thy selfe , that God wil giue thee grace then to repent ; thou art deceiued , if now hee offer grace and thou refuse it . At what time so-euer a sinner doth repent from the bottome of his heart , at that time will GOD freely forgiue ; but that time is not when we lift , God is not at our beck , but the time is at his call . To day if ye will heare Heb. 3. Psal. 95. his voice harden not your harts : to day if we be not ready , wee shall be lesse apt to morrowe : the longer we continue in sinne the older it is , and the more strength it getteth : It is not as other things , the older the weaker ; but daily it groweth stronger . If we say we can repent when we wil , that is not in our power : and if it be , then if thou dost not repent now , and can , thou encreasest sin by wilfull transgression , and so makest more iust thy deserued damnation .

Therfore let vs now amend , & not deferre Conclusion . off till he eafter , when at death there is no remedie but either to heauen or to hell , to God or to the diuell ; in which case men hardly or neuer finde that confort which presumptuously they haue exp●cted , but doe dye as they haue liued in sinne without sense or taste of ioies euerlasting , prepared onely for the righteous : for , Hee that beleeueth in Iohn . 3. 36 the sonne hath euerlasting life ; but he that obeyeth not the sonne , hath not life , but the wrath of God abideth vpon him .

These things : that is which before he 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . hath mentioned . Men do many things ; some , the inuentions of their owne braine ; some , the custome of forefathers ; some one thing , some another : but not these things , that is which the word teacheth , Men do , but not what they should doe . the perfect rule of righteousnes , from which we may not decline to the right hand or to the left ; neither adding thereto nor taking there from : for if wee doe , we keepe not our standing , we lose our comfort , and wander without our guide we know not whither ; some wholy as Aposta●ates ; some in part persisting obstinately as hereticks ; some against loue as schismaticks ; and most as lawlesse , for our liues like prophane Esaus , will despise our birthrights and sell heauen , soules health , conscience comfort , the words of eternal life for a mease of pottage , euen for our momentanie pleasures , lusts and liking in this life .

Many there are which will doe this Men doe some things but not all things . thing and that thing : these singularly , but not these things plurally ; when a man desirous of the assurance of saluation , must be studious of euery vertue , which helpeth thereunto : It is the nature of vertue to loue vertue : whence it is that one vertuous man imitateth an other , wherein one seeth another to go before him any way . One , two , or few vertues cannot liue , where other vertues are either hated or not sought after : one dependeth vpon another , as links in a chaine , and cannot be sundred ; we may not be like Agryppa almost a Christian , for almost is not a Christian ; neither content our selues with many things , as Herod , though with gladness ; whilst we nourish some sinne , and be infected but with one notorious vice . God will haue all of vs or none of vs ; though Sathan desireth but any least part , he wel knowing that where he hath any thing at all , God will haue there nothing at all . He that breaketh one of the least of these commandements shal be the least in the Mat. 5. kingdome of God : Iames saith , He that Iames. 2. breaketh one is guilty of all ; and one vice is enough to ouerthrow●s , though wee haue some vertues : one sinne of couetousness ouerthrew Iudas ; the desire of a bribe got Gehezi the leprosie ; Sampson his lust , lost him his strength and eies : Caines enuie made him so to sinne as hee became accursed : Ismaels mocking cast him forth : Esaus prophanenesse lost him his birth-right : Ely his indulgency was his breaknecke : Michols deryding spirit made her barren : and Ananias , for hypocrisie , was a spectacle of iudgement to others : Herod , albeit he doe many things , yet will haue his Herodias , his beloued sinne still , for enioying whereof wee are content to leaue other vices . I Wee will leaue any sin to keepe our beloued sin . will , saith the boone companion , doe any thing and let me bee but drunke : And I saith the carnall caitiffe , and let mee but satisfie my lust , bee wanton , liue in dalliance and commit filthynesse : And I saith the couetous man , and let mee gaine goods and wealth : And I saith the proud man , and yield me honour ; little knowing that such a maister-sinne is not without his many attendants : It ruleth ; but the other haue their power , to which the miserable is also in bondage vnwittingly : for we must know that no one vice wil be singled out from his fellowes : but if one get head , other haue gone before as harbengers , and other waite and followe after as Assistants : one breedeth an other , and one nourisheth an other continuallie . Examples hereof , not onely in the wicked , who heape sinne vpon sinne , as Ioash murther to his Idolatrie , Iudas treason to his couetousnesse : but euen in the falles of the faithfull children of GOD ; Dauid his lying in the bed and gazing idlely abroad , bred his lust , lust adulterie , and adultery murther .

Therefore such as suppose to walke with a partie coloured coate , betweene vertue and vice , or rather with some vertues , and some vices , these men yet know not that vertue will dwell alone , as God ; or vice alone ; they are contraries , they neuer can accord in one ; where vertues are carelesly neglected , there no one vertue hath full possession ; and where any one sinne beareth sway , there viciousnesse is Lord & master .

Therefore let vs not doe this or that The meere ciuill honest man is no commendable Christian . vertue , for so may we sinisterly ; but endeuour to doe all , and this is right . Many men go vnder a good name by ciuil honesty , either thorow restrayned nature , or good education in commendable maners of ciuility , who are farre from sanctification and the graces of the spirit . They doe many actions of vertue , either of a custome or by imitation , or respectiuely for this or that person , for this or that by-end ; but not for vertue it selfe : neither doe they shew fruits of vertue , other then may preserue common honesty , their credit to liue amongst men , & to procure them praise ; secret or lesse publick they regard not : dueties of holinesse , prayer , reading the scripture , sanctifying of the Sabaoth , instruction of their family , countenancing of the word preached , and such like , they be so farre from , as they mock at men herein zealously affected : for vices which they shunne , they be such onely , as be discommodious , or odious amongst men that haue but common honesty : but to sweare in ordinary communication , to be companions with men superiour in place , how wicked soeuer , they make no conscience of , neither of many other euils which by the rule of godliness are odious to God and such as sincerely seeke him . A sanctified spirit doth not thus shuffle things together , neither maketh a mixture of that which cannot be compounded : but they truly hate all vice , & are affected to euery good thing ; and become in their place , after the measure of grace giuen them , doers of these things .

But least naturall men should carp & Preuention of obiection . say , Belike I wold haue men here without sinne , or else to be without grace ; & vnlesse we do all things , we do nothing : I answere , It is not mine intendment to teach any such thing ; but that men should leaue sin to the vtmost , & not dally with any ; that they should doe vertuously & liue in purpose of heart , and will , without sinne . Legal obedience is beyond what is legal obedience . our power to performe , which is after the exactnesse of the law , the commanders holiness , and mans perfection by creation , which we haue lost , and is not here in our owne persons recouerable , whatsoeuer the Phari●a●cal Papists say to the contrary : but I speake of obedience Euangelical obedience . and vertuous liuing Euangelically ; which is an earnest endeuour in loue & thankfulnes to God for his mercies in Christ , in faith apprehending his merits , in whom we be acceptable and wel-pleasing to God , in truth and sincerity of heart to doe whatsoeuer we are commanded , and is commended vnto vs : which will appeare by our ioy in well Sig●es of 〈…〉 rity . doing , by our prayers and holy desires to doe well , by our feare to offend , & by our sorrow when we faile in our dueties ; wherein stands the perfection of the best Christian : wee can neither be equall to the lawe to fulfill it , nor go beyond to do more any way to merit . S. Paule in his Apostolical estate found imperfections : And Hezechias could speak of vprightness , but of no perfection . And thus much for the condition of the promise .

Ye shall neuer fall . Ye shall neuer s●ip or slide downe , ye shall not come to any 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . The exposition . hurt : the word here vsed is drawne from the bodie to the minde , and is diuersly taken in scripture ; sometime for sinne ; Prou. 24. 16. therefore is the word so translated in the vulgar translation : sometime for destruction . 2. Sam. 3. 38. 1. Cor. 10. 8. sometime to be downe on a sodaine , so as a standing and course is not kept ; which is the common signification thereof . All these three may here very fitly stand , Ye shall not sinne , ye shall not be destroyed , ye shall not decline from your standing , to fall away from the state of grace , whereunto ye are called . And therefore here I wil speake of them all , as reasons to spur vs on to a vertuous life , which is the scope of the words .

Doctrine . Ye shall not sinne . Vertuous men sinne 1. Iohn . 3. not . He that committeth sinne is of the Diuel , and he that is borne of GOD sinneth not : yet he that saith hee hath 1. Iohn . 1. no sinne ●s a ●yer , and the truth is not in him . It is true neuerthelesse , that he which abideth in Christ sinneth not , such do commit Psal. 119. 3 none iniquity ; to wit , first in Gods acceptation , according to that saying , He saw none iniquity in Iacob , nor transgression How godly are said not to sin . Num. 23. 21. Ier. 50. 20. in Israel : their sins shall not bee found saith Ieremie : and the reason is , because the Lord will be mercifull vnto them ; secondly in Christs satisfaction , in whom we are the righteousness of God , and in him there is no condemnation . Thirdly 2 Cor 5. 21 Rom. 8. 1 Rom. 7. in a godly mans will ; for as the Apostle saith , good they would doe ; and wherein they doe euill , they sorrowe and would not doe ; and herein the will stands for the deede . Lastly in respect of time ; for as the child of God sinneth not wholly , so neither finally ; for God hath put his feare into him , that hee shall Ier. 32. 40. Ps. 37. 24. neuer depart from him ; but if he fall , he shall not be cast off , for the Lord putteth vnder his hand . Thus the vertuous sinne not : and this grace shall be attained vnto by such as doe these things , saith Peter .

Vse . Now this reason hath great force to perswade vs to be vertuous : to bee free from sinne is blessednesse , as Dauid affirmeth in Psal. 32. 1. 2. This blessing can we not better know , then to consider What it is to sin , and to liue therein . what it is to sinne , and to liue in it . It is the state of corruption , seruice to the Diuell , contempt of Christs death , the resistance of grace , the racing out of Gods image , the bearing vpon vs the D●uels likenesse : it is cause of calamities , the curse in our calling , the eating canker in the soule ; the obiect of Gods wrath , and deaths sting : it breaketh the vnion betweene God and vs , it maketh conscience to accuse , and the lawe to condemne , it maketh our life miserable , death fearefull and the last day terrible : and to conclude , by it we lose heauen , Angels attendance , saincts society , and all celestiall comforts eternally ; and we purchase hell ; fiends attend vs , diuels accompany vs , the cursed crue of damned soules abide with vs , and we vtterly depriue our selues of all good , & liue in woe and paines euerlastingly ; This is to sinne , this is to liue in sinne ; and not to sinne is to be acceptable to God , in Christ righteous , our will plyable to his bidding , and our end comfortable as we to goodnes are conformeable .

Doctrine . Ye shall not be destroyed . The vertuous , as they sinne not , so they perish not . Godliness hath the promise of this life , and of the life to come : there is no cause of feare then ; A great inducement to liue vertuously , wee all naturally feare destruction , we desire to preuent it no greater ioy then to be sure of safe●● Vse . then let vs liue vprightly , embrace vertue , & shun vice carefully : destruction remaineth for the vngodly , but peace and Gal. 6. 16. mercie to Syon and vpon the Israell of God . Let Pharao be drowned , the Israelites shall passe ouer safely : wicked Israelites may be destroyed , yet faithfull Caleb and Iosua shall liue : Lotte shall escape , when Sodome shall flame with fire , and all the inhabitants therof : And Noah with his shall be aliue in the Arke , when the whole world shal haue an end .

Thus , vertuous men haue a Supersedeas against Gods iustice , not of merit but in mercie : their soules be sprinkled with the blood of the Lamb , so that the Angell of wrath must passe ouer their persons : they are aforehand marked Eze. 9. in the forehead , for that they mourne & cry for the abhominations which they see : these , the Angel must not so much as touch , when they be commanded to smite other without pittie . O let vs therfore liue vertuously , and be doers of these things .

Ye shall not leaue your standing . You D 〈…〉 e. Psa. 15. 5 shall neuer , as Dauid saith , be moued , you shall not like dogs returne to the vomite againe , nor like swine to the Ioh. 10. 28 myre : it is Christs promise , None shall pluck them out of his hands whom hee hath chosen : the more they exercise vertue , the more they loue it , and grow more zealous in it . Dauid findeth the Psa. 19. words of God sweeter then honey , and the keeping of the commandements more precious then pearles : so is it with euerie one , that seeketh GOD in righteousnesse .

Vse . This keeping of our standing that we fall not away , is also a forcible reason to moue vs to exercise our selues in these vertues . What more comfort then euer to abide with God in the state of grace ? to call God father , Christ ( the Iudge ) our blessed sauiour , the holy Ghost our comforter , glorious Angels our fellow seruant● , earth our right , and heauen our inheritance ? And what more vncomfortable , then by falling away to bid adue to God , to grace & to goodnesse ? It is to cause the Lord to abhorre vs and to bid the Diuell take vs : It is to runne from vnder Gods protection , and to seeke death and destruction : who therefore would not liue in doing vertuously , to keepe his standing in the state of grace that hee fall not away ?

Doubt not of falling , if thou liue in Euangelicall obedience , & in these vertues : thou hast a perpetuall pledge of Gods loue , euen by thy godly life , his promises are annexed to such a one ; by well doing thou hast assurance of deliuerance , and art in Gods seruice ; and he that hath called thee , will mercifully reward thee in the end . But many haue falne thou wilt say : true ; from what they Obiection answered . seemed to bee , but not indeede from what they were : their gifts were common fauours , but not the speciall graces of election : they neuer attained vnto the aforenamed Euangelicall obedience ; secretly they were hypocrites : none fall finally , but the good things they do , are done sinisterly , as appeareth in Iehu ; and they nourish some sinne which doth breake out at the length openly , as in Iudas is manifest . Search therefore thy self how thou standest : if vprightly with feare , loue , and in humility ; feare not to fall finally . The elect fall for a time , as we see in Dauid : but they so continue not euer ; this is the fall of a reprobate .

If you demand how in falling we may know the difference betweene the elect A quest. and reprobate , it may appeare thus to a man ; first by the truth of grace before the fall ; by the remainder of grace in falling , with a kind of feare and with some struggling vnwilling to yield , and yet through infirmity & violence of affection , forced to yield ; for the godly truely conuerted cannot sin after , with full consent : Lastly , after the fall to be checked in conscience ; and though for a time they do lie in sin , yet then , not without the Lords externall chastisements to make them remember themselues , & when a faithful messenger commeth , as Nathan , to say thou art the man , Dauid yieldeth and saith I haue sinned ; which the reprobate do not .

If further through feare , thou that art in the state of grace dost obiect Sathans Elect neede not to fear , they shall no way be ouercome . powre ; hee shall not preuaile ; Christ hath ouercome him . Math. 4. And his triumph is thy victorie , so read it and beleeue . If thou dread the world , Christ saith , Be of good comfort I haue ouercome the world . Iohn . 16. 33. If the flesh which ouerthrew Salomon , & conquered Sampson : hee that is in Christ hath mortified Rom. 6. the deedes of the flesh ; and why was Christ pure , but to subdue thy corruption ? If yet thou say , But for all this , thou maist be ouercome by many temptations & fall away in time of persecution , remember that God wil not try thee aboue thy strength . 1. Cor. 10. 13. And for other afflictions for Christ , in them thou shalt be more then a conqueror through him that loued vs . Rom 8. 37. And I am perswaded that neither death nor life , nor Angels , nor principalities , nor powers , nor things present , nor things to com , nor height , nor depth , nor any other creature shall bee able to separate vs from the loue of God which is in Christ Iesus . verse . 38. 39. But many false teachers shall arise : true to deceiue certainly the reprobate , and to beguile the elect , if it were possible . Math 24. 24. But therefore it may bee inferred that it is an vnpossible thing ; bee humble and meeke , for them that be m●●ke will he guide in iudgement , and teach the humble his way . Psal. 25. 9. Loue the truth for the truthes sake , & God wil not giue thee ouer to beleeue lies , as hee doth those that haue not a loue of the truth . 2. Thes. 2. 10. Oh , but I feare , my daily offences wil cause the Lord to cast me off , to take his grace from me , & so shall I fall finally . For this know , that the best sinneth often ▪ & it is not sinning but the lying in sin that damneth : If thou canst confesse sin & forsake Pro. 28. 13. it , thou shalt haue mercie . Prou. 28. 13. though thou dost fall , thou shalt not be cast off , for the Lord putteth vnder his hand . Psal. 37. 24. To conclude , the Lord wil not forsake his people for his great names sake , because it hath pleased the Lord to make them his people . 1. Sam. 12. 22. Thus said Samuel to Israel to confort them , euen when they had greatly offended God .

Therefore let Sathan roare , and compasse the earth , Iob is hedged about : let A comfortable conclusion . the world lie in wickednesse , the elect shall see light to come out ; the flesh is strong , but the spirit of God is stronger to cast it out , to subdue and kil it : persecution shall not ouercome ; the loue of Christ wil constraine vs to hold . False teachers shall not mislead vs so , but wee shall see & returne , or preuent them before : & though we sin , yet this doth not condemne vs , for no Christians ; but that we are weake , and not wholly freed from corruptions . Here is no perfection , here is vprightnesse to bee had ; hold this , beware of hypocrisie ; striue to perfection , that thou maist after attaine it in glory . So beloued shall no sin raigne over vs , grace shall grow in vs , peace shal be vpon vs , faith shal set comfort before vs , this wretched worlde shall not bewitch vs , pleasures shall not deceiue vs , nor any thing cause vs to miscarie , but that wee shall run on & run out our race with ioy , vntill the full end of our daies . Which , the Father of mercy , & the God of all comforts graunt vnto vs , for his sonnes sake , Christ Iesus . To whom with the Father , and the holy Spirit , be euerlasting praise and glory , for this his grace , and all other his mercies , now and henceforth for euermore .

Amen .

FINIS .