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16,    17,

XVI.  Of Sin after Baptism.

      *Not every deadly sin willingly committed after Baptism, is **sin against the Holy Ghost, ***and unpardonable.

XVI.  De Peccato post Baptismum.

        Non omne peccatum mortale post Baptismum voluntarie perpetratum est peccatum in Spirttum Sanctum, et irremissibile:

      *The soul that sinneth, it shall die.  Ezek. 18:4.  The wages of sin is death, Rom. 6:23.  There is a sin unto death; – and there is a sin not unto death.  1 John 5:16, 17.  Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me.  Ps. 19:13.

      *They which in act or deed do sin after their baptism, when they turn again to God unfeignedly, they are likewise washed by this sacrifice (of Christ) from their sins, in such sort, that there remaineth not any spot of sin, that shall be imputed to their damnation.  Rom. 3:1.  See Article XXXI.

      We do not without a just cause detest and abhor the damnable opinion of them, (Novatians,) which do most wickedly go about to persuade the simple and ignorant people, that if we chance, after we be once come to God, and grafted in his Son Jesus Christ, to fall into some horrible sin, repentance shall be unprofitable unto us; there is no more hope of reconciliation, or to be received again into the favour and mercy of God.  And that they may give the better colour unto their pestilent and pernicious error, they do commonly bring in the sixth and tenth chapters of the Epistle to the Hebrews, and the second chapter of the second Epistle of Peter; not considering that in those places the holy apostles do not speak of the daily falls that we, as long as we carry about this body of sin, are subject unto; (Matt. 12:31.  Mark 3:28.) but of the final falling away from Christ and his Gospel, which is a sin against the Holy Ghost, that shall never be forgiven, because that they do utterly forsake the known truth, do hate Christ and his word, they do crucify and mock him but to their utter destruction, and therefore fall into desperation, and cannot repent.  And that this is the true meaning of the Holy Spirit of God, it appeareth by many other places of the Scriptures; which promise unto all true repentant sinners, and to them that with their whole heart do turn unto the Lord their God, free pardon and remission of their sins.  (Jer. 4:1.  Isa. 55:7.  Hos. 6:1.)  Hom. xxxii. 1.

      Sin is called either mortal or venial.  Mortal sin is every sin which is committed by an unfaithful person.  And venial sin is every sin which is committed by a faithful man.  But the sins which are in their own nature mortal, are through grace in the faith of Jesus Christ made venial: because they are through Christ forgiven by God’s great favour and mercy.  B. iii. 10.

      It is impossible without faith to please God.  Without faith there is no remission of sins.  Without faith there is no entrance into the kingdom of God.  But the sin against the Holy Ghost is mere apostasy and flat rebellion against the true faith, which the Holy Ghost by his illumination doth pour into our hearts.  Which illumination these untoward apostates do incessantly call darkness, they name it a mere seduction, and do with taunts blaspheme it openly.  Therefore this sin is never forgiven them.  For they tread under foot the grace of God, and do despise and make a mock of the way which leadeth to salvation.  B. iii. 10.

      To sin willingly, is not to sin through infirmity, or oftentimes to fall into one and the same sin: but to sin willingly, is with a most stubborn contempt to sin: as they are wont to do which wittingly and willingly do reject and spurn at the grace of God, not ceasing to make a mock at the death and cross of Christ, as though it were foolish and not sufficiently effectual to the purging of all our sins.  For to such there is prepared none other sacrifice for sins.  And such the apostle calleth the adversaries, that is the contemners and enemies of God.  He speaketh not here (Heb. 6:4–6.) of every fall of the faithful: but of willful and stubborn apostasy.  B. iii. 10.

      Now to mortal sins is that sin especially to be referred, which is called the sin against the Holy Ghost: which some do, not without a cause, suppose to be most properly called mortal sin.  The sin against the Holy Ghost is a perpetual blaspheming of the revealed and known truth, to wit, when we against our conscience, falsely revolting from the known truth, do without intermission both inveigh and rail against it.  We do especially blaspheme God, when we detract his glory, gainsay his grace, and of set purpose do stubbornly contemn and dispraise his truth revealed unto us, and his evident works declared to all the world.  Many do sin against the doctrine of the truth, because they either do neglect and not receive the truth: or because, when they have received it, they do not reverence and set it forth: but these kind of men, though they be sinners, do not yet deserve to be called blasphemers: but if they begin once with taunts to mock the doctrine, which they neglect, calling it heretical, schismatical, seditious, and devilish, then may they rightly be termed blasphemers.  Wherefore the property of sin against the Holy Ghost is, not only to revolt from the truth, but also against all conscience to speak against the truth, and with flouts incessantly to overwhelm, both the very work, and most evident revelation of the Lord.  It is said to be a continual fault-finding or reproach against the Holy Spirit of God, that is, against the inspiration, illumination, and works of the Spirit.  For when he doth so evidently work in the minds of men, that they can neither gainsay it, nor yet pretend ignorance, and that for all this they do resist, mock, despise, and continually snap at the truth, which they in their consciences do know to be most wholesome and true: in so doing they do blaspheme the Holy Spirit and power of God.  B. iii. 10.

      **For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.  Heb. 6:4–6.  If we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.  Heb. 10:26.  If after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.  But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.  2 Pet. 2:20–22.

      ***All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.  And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him; but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.  Matt. 12:31, 32.

      All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme: but he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation; because they said: He hath an unclean spirit.  Mar. 3:28–30.  Whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven.  Luke 12:10.

*Wherefore the grant of repentance is not to be denied to such as fall into sin after Baptism.

proinde lapsis a Baptismo in peccata locus penitentiae non est negandus.

      *If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death.  There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.  All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.  1 John 5:16, 17.  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9.  Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  Isa. 1:18.  Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, (or, censure,) which was inflicted of many.  So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.  Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.  2 Cor. 2:6–8.  Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. – The Lord turned and looked upon Peter. – And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.  Luke 22:31, 32, 61, 62.  Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.  Acts 8:22.

*After we have received the Holy Ghost,

Post acceptum Spiritum Sanctum.

      *The Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you.  Luke 22:31.  I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.  Luke 22:34.  Peter denied (Christ) before them all, saying, I know not what thou sayest. – Again he denied with an oath, I know not the man. – Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man.  Matt. 26:70, 72, 74.  When Solomon was old, his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God.  1 Kings 11:4.  His disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray: and he said unto them, When ye pray, say, – Lead us not into temptation.  Luke 11:1, 2, 4.  Many of the saints (being) compelled (did) blaspheme.  Acts 26:10, 11.  Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.  But exhort one another daily, while it is called today; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.  Heb. 3:12, 13.  Nathan said to David, Thou art the man.  And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD.  And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin.  2 Sam. 12:7, 13.  Wash me throughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.  For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.  Ps. 51:2, 3.  If thou wilt return, O Israel, saith the LORD, return unto me: and if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight, then shalt thou not remove.  Jer. 4:1.  Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.  Isa. 55:7.  Come, and let us return unto the LORD; for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.  Hosea 6:1.

      *It is most evident and plain that these things (see above, Jer. 4:1.  Isa. 55:7.  Hos. 6:1.) ought to be understood of them that were with the Lord before, and by their sins and wickedness were gone away from him.  Hom. xxxii. 1.

      Of Peter no man can doubt but that he was grafted in our Saviour Jesus Christ, long before his denial.  (John 6:67, 68.  Matt. 16:17.)  These words are sufficient to prove that Peter was already justified, through this his lively faith in the only-begotten Son of God, whereof he made so notable and so solemn a confession.  But did not he most cowardly deny his Master?  Hom. xxxii. 1.

      But as these examples are not brought in, to the end that we should thereby take a boldness to sin, presuming on the mercy and goodness of God; but to the end that if, through the frailness of our own flesh and the temptation of the devil, we fall into like sins, we should in no wise despair of the mercy and goodness of God; even so must we beware and take heed, that we do in no wise think in our hearts, imagine, or believe, that we are able to repent aright, or to turn effectually unto the Lord by our own might or strength.  Hom. xxxii. 1.  See Article X.

we may depart from grace given, and *fall into sin; and **by the grace of God we may rise again, and amend our lives:

possumus a data gratia recedere, atque peccare, denuoque per gratiam Dei resurgere, ac resipiscere:

      *From all evil and mischief, from sin, from the crafts and assaults of the devil, from thy wrath, and from everlasting damnation, Good Lord, deliver us.  From all blindness of heart, from pride, vain-glory, and hypocrisy, from envy, hatred, and malice, and all uncharitableness, Good Lord, deliver us.  From fornication, and all other deadly sin, and from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and the devil, Good Lord, deliver us.  Litany.

      **I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.  Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works.  Rev. 2:4, 5.  The cock crew; and Peter remembered the word of Jesus. – And he went out and wept bitterly.  Matt. 26:75.  Peter’s confession of Christ.  Acts 2:23, &c. 3:13, &c. 4:10, &c.

      I have thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.  I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments.  Ps. 119:59, 60.

      **We ought to learn by them (Noah and Lot) this profitable lesson, that if so godly men as they were, which otherwise felt inwardly God’s holy Spirit inflaming their hearts with the fear and love of God, could not by their own strength keep themselves from committing horrible sin, but did so grievously fall, that without God’s great mercy they had perished everlastingly; how much more ought we then, miserable wretches, which have no feeling of God within us at all, continually to fear, not only that we may fall as they did, but also be overcome and drowned in sin, which they were not; and so, by considering their fall, take the better occasion to acknowledge our own infirmity and weakness, and therefore more earnestly to call unto Almighty God with hearty prayer incessantly, for his grace to strengthen us, and to defend us from all evil.  And though through infirmity we chance at any time to fall, yet we may, by hearty repentance and true faith, speedily rise again, and not sleep and continue in sin, as the wicked doth.  Hom. xxii. 1.

      For when good men feel in themselves the heavy burthen of sin, see damnation to be the reward of it, and behold with the eye of their mind the horror of hell; they tremble, they quake, and are inwardly touched with sorrowfulness of heart for their offences, and cannot but accuse themselves, and open this their grief unto Almighty God, and call unto him for mercy.  Hom. xvi. 1.

      Almighty and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all them that are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts; that we worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Coll. for Ash Wednesday.

      Thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders.  Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults.  Restore thou them that are penitent; according to thy promises declared unto mankind in Christ Jesu our Lord.  Confession.

      Though the godly do fall, yet they walk not on purposely in sin; they stand not still to continue and tarry in sin; they sit not down, like careless men, without all fear of God’s just punishment for sin; but defying sin, through God’s great grace and infinite mercy, they rise again and fight against sin.  Hom. xxii. 2.

      What a shame were it for us, being thus so clearly and freely washed from our sin, to return to the filthiness thereof again!  What a folly were it, thus endowed with righteousness, to lose it again!  What madness were it to lose the inheritance that we be now set in, for the vile and transitory pleasure of sin!  And what an unkindness should it be, where our Saviour Christ of his mercy is come to us, to dwell within us as our guest, to drive him from us, and to banish him violently out of our souls; and instead of him, in whom is all grace and virtue, to receive the ungracious spirit of the devil, the founder of all naughtiness and mischief!  How can we find in our hearts to shew such extreme unkindness to Christ, which hath now so gently called us to mercy, and offered himself unto us, and be now entered within us?  Yea, how dare we be so bold to renounce the presence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; – for where one is, there is God all whole in majesty, together with all his power, wisdom, and goodness; – and fear not, I say, the danger and peril of so traitorous a defiance and departure?

      Good Christian brethren and sisters, advise yourselves; consider the dignity that ye be now set in: let not folly lose the thing that grace hath so preciously offered and purchased; let not willfulness and blindness put out so great light that is now shewed unto you.  Only take good hearts unto you, and put upon you all the armour of God, that ye may stand against your enemies, which would again subdue you, and bring you into their thraldom.  (Ephes. 6:11.).  Remember ye be bought from your vain conversation ; and that your freedom is purchased neither with gold nor silver, but with the price of the precious blood of that most innocent Lamb Jesus Christ; which was ordained to the same purpose before the world was made.  Hom. xxvi.

      In us all by the spot of original sin, is naturally grafted a certain kind of unbelief, and man’s mind is at no time so enlightened or confirmed, but that cloudy mists of ignorance and doubtings do sometimes arise.  Yet notwithstanding, faith yieldeth not to temptation, neither is drowned, nor sticketh in the mire of staggering.  But layeth hold on the promised word of truth, getteth up again by struggling, and is confirmed.  B. i. 4.

      But now most vain and the very messengers of Satan himself are the Novatians and Anabaptists, which feign that we are by baptism purged into an Angelical life, which is not polluted with any spots at all: but if it be polluted, then can he, that is so defiled, look for no pardon at all.  B. iv. 2.

and therefore *they are to be condemned, which say, they can no more sin as long as they live here, or **deny the place of forgiveness to such as truly repent.

ideoque illi damnnandi sunt, qui se, quamdiu hic viviant, amplius non posse peccare affirmant, aut vere resipiscentibus veniae locum denegant.

      *Brethren, if (or, although) a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.  Gal. 6:1.  In many things we offend all.  James 3:2.  Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?  Prov. 20:9.  For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.  Eccl. 7:20.

      *Therefore, dearly beloved, if we chance at any lime through frailty of the flesh to fall into sin – as it cannot be chosen, but we must needs fall often – and if we feel the heavy burden thereof to press our souls, tormenting us with the fear of death, hell, and damnation; let us then use that mean which God hath appointed in his word, to wit, the mean of faith, which is the only instrument of salvation now left unto us.  Hom. xxv. 2.

      Unto all them that will return unfeignedly unto the Lord their God, the favour and mercy of God unto forgiveness of sins is liberally offered.  Whereby it followeth necessarily, that although we do, after we be once come to God, and grafted in his Son Jesus Christ, fall into great sins, yet if we rise again by repentance, and with a full purpose of amendment of life do flee unto the mercy of God, taking sure hold thereupon, through faith in his Son Jesus Christ, there is an assured and infallible hope of pardon and remission of the same; and that we shall be received again into the favour of our Heavenly Father.  Hom. xxxii. I.

      As the opinion of them that deny the benefit of repentance unto those that, after they be come to God, and grafted in our Saviour Jesus Christ, do, through the frailness of their flesh, and the temptation of the devil, fall into some grievous and detestable sin, is most pestilent and pernicious ; so we must beware, that we do in no wise think, that we are able of our own selves, and of our own strength, to return unto the Lord our God, from whom we are gone away by our wickedness and sin.  Hom. xxxii. 2.

      And if we turn to him with an humble and a very penitent heart, he will receive us to his favour and grace for his holy name’s sake, for his promise sake, for his truth and mercies sake, promised to all faithful believers in Jesus Christ, his only natural son.  Hom. viii. 2.

      Hear what comfortable words our Saviour Christ saith unto all that truly turn to him: Come unto me, all that travail and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you.  Matt. 11:28.  So God loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, to the end that all that believe in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  John 3:16.  Hear also what St. Paul saith: This is a true saying, and worthy of all men to be received, That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.  1 Tim. 1:15.  Hear also what St. John saith: If any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins.  1 John 2:1, 2.  Priest.  Lift up your hearts.  Answer.  We lift them up unto the Lord.  Priest.  Let us give thanks unto our Lord God.  Answer.  It is meet and right so to do.  Communion Service.

      When the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.  Ezekiel 18:27.  I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.  Psalm 51:3.  Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities.  Psalm 51:9.  The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.  Psalm 51:17.  Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.  Joel 2:13.  To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him: neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in his laws which he set before us.  Daniel 9:9, 10.  O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.  Jer. 10:24.  Psalm 6:1.  Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.  Matt. 3:2.  I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.  Luke 15:18, 19.  Enter not into judgment with thy servant, O Lord; for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.  Psalm 143:2.  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us: but if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:8, 9.  Introductory sentences to the Morning Service.

      **It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do unto them; that they may return every man from his evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.  Jer. 36:3.  Repent ye, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.  Acts 3:19.  Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.  Acts 5:31.  The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind; to set at liberty them that are bruised; to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.  Luke 4:18, 19.  Isai. 61:1, 2.  Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.  Luke 15:7.

XVII.  Of Predestination and Election.

      *Predestination to life is the everlasting purpose of God,

XVII.  De Praedestinatione et Election.

        Praedestinatio ad vitam est aeternum Dei propositum

      *God hath not appointed (έθετο) us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Thess. 5:9.  Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he hath purposed (προέθετο) in himself. – Being predestinated according to the purpose (πρόθεσιν) of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.  Eph. 1:9, 11.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.  Rom. 8:29.  Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.  2 Tim. 1:9.  According to the eternal purpose which he purposed (εποίησεν) in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Eph. 3:11.  God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?  Numb. 23:19.  Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: – I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass: I have purposed it, I will also do it.  Isa. 46:10, 11.  The LORD of hosts hath purposed it, and who shall disannul it.  Isa. 14:27.  He is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.  For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.  Job 23:13, 14.  I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.  Eccl. 3:14.  There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.  Prov. 19:21.  The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.  Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD: and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.  Ps. 33:11, 12.  Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.  James 1:17.  The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.  2 Tim. 2:19.  Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  Luke 12:32.

      To sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.  Matt. 20:23.  As many as were ordained to eternal life believed.  Acts 13:18.

      *Before that the Lord God made heaven and earth, he determined to have to himself a certain most beautiful kingdom and most holy commonweal.  This the Apostles that wrote in Greek called Έκκλησία, which by interpreting the word may fitly be called a Congregation.  Into this, as into his own city, God did incorporate an infinite multitude of men, which must all be subject, serviceable, and obedient to Christ their only King, and which have all committed themselves to his protection, and of whom he hath taken upon him to be defender, and doth continually maintain and preserve them.  To this commonweal do all they properly belong, as many as truly fear, honour, and call upon God, altogether applying their minds to live holily and godly, and which putting all their trust and hope in God do most assuredly look for (certissime expectant) the blessedness of eternal life.  They that be steadfast, stable, and constant in this faith, were chosen and appointed, and (as we term it) predestinated to this so great felicity before the foundations of the world were laid, whereof they have a witness within them in their souls, the Spirit of Christ the author, and therewith also the most sure pledge of this confidence.  By the instinct of which divine Spirit, I do also most assuredly persuade myself that I am also, by God’s good gift through Christ, freely made one of this blessed city. – M.  It is sure a godly and most necessary persuasion.  Nowell, p. 63.

      We, by the kingdom of God, understand the congregation of Saints itself, the Catholic Church, I mean, and the power and administration reigning therein, that is preserving, governing, and glorifying the same.  And this kingdom of God is verily but only one, for there is but one God only, one king Christ only, one Church and life everlasting.  B. iv. 7.

      The doctrine of the foreknowledge and predestination of God, which hath a certain likeness with his providence, doth no less comfort the godly worshippers of God.  They call foreknowledge that knowledge in God, whereby he knoweth all things before they come to pass, and seeth even present all things that are, have been, and shall be.  For to the knowledge of God all things are present, nothing is past, nothing is to come.  And the predestination of God is the eternal decree of God, whereby he hath ordained either to save or destroy men; a most certain end of life and death being appointed unto them.  Whereupon also it is elsewhere called a fore-appointment.  Touching these points some have diversely disputed; and many verily, curiously and contentiously enough; and in such sort surely, that not only the salvation of souls, but the glory of God also, with the simple sort is endangered.  The religious searchers or interpreters of the scriptures confess, that here nothing is to be permitted to man’s wit; but that we must simply and wholly hang upon whatsoever the scripture hath pronounced.  B. iv. 4.

whereby *before the foundations of the world were laid, he hath **constantly decreed by His counsel, ***secret to us,

quo ante jacta mundi fundamenta, suo consilio, nobis quidem occulto, constanter decrevit,

      *Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world (απ αιωνός). Acts 15:18.  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places (or things) in Christ according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world (προ καταβολης κόσμου) that we should be holy and without blame before him in love having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the god pleasure of his will.  Eph. 1:3–5.  Names written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world (απο καταβολης κόσμου).  Rev. 13:8.  Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared (Greek word) for you from the foundation of the world.  Matt. 25:34.  Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to out works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began (προ χρόνων αιωνιων).  2 Tim. 1:9.  God hath from the beginning (απ αρχης) chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.  2 Thess. 2:13.  That the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. – for thou lovest me before the foundation of the world.  John 17:23, 24.

      *Q.  Can we not, therefore, prevent God with any works or deservings, whereby we may first provoke him to love us and be good unto us?  A.  Surely, with none.  For God loved and chose us in Christ, not only when we were his enemies, that is, sinners, but also before the foundations of the world were laid.  Nowell, p. 74.

      **God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath.  Heb. 6:17.

      ***He giveth not account of any of his matters.  Job 33:13.  Who hath stood in the counsel (or, ____) of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word and heard it?  Jer. 23:18.  Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?  Job 11:7.  It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.  Acts 1:7.  The secret things belong unto the LORD our God.  Deut. 29:29.  O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!  For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counselor?  Rom. 11:33, 34.

      ***This communion of saints cannot be perceived by our senses, nor by any natural kind of knowledge or force of understanding, as other civil communities and fellowships of men may be. – In the creed is properly entreated of the congregation of those whom God by his secret election hath adopted to himself through Christ; which Church can neither be seen with eyes, nor can continually be known by signs.  Nowell, p. 67.

*to deliver from curse and damnation those whom he hath **chosen ***in Christ out of mankind,

eos, quos in Christo elegit ex hominium genere, a maledicto et exitio liberare,

      *I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.  Hos. 13:14.  Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us.  Gal. 13:13.  Giving thanks unto the Father, – who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.  Col. 1:12, 13.  God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  John 3:16.

      **Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.  1 Pet. 1:2.  We are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: whereunto he called you by our Gospel.  2 Thess. 2:13, 14.  Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not, afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.  Acts 18:9, 10.  Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began.  Tit. 1:1, 2.  Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.  Rom. 11:5.

      **So great is the goodness of our good God, and most loving Father, that not he himself is desirous to live happily and blessedly alone, but moreover to bestow and pour upon us men his beloved creatures, all kind of blessedness, and that we should enjoy his goods by all means possible.  And for that intent he chooseth men to himself who live in this world, that he may once translate unto himself: in whom also (even while they live here) he may dwell, whom he may enrich with all his goods, in whom he may reign, and that they should be called by his name, to wit, a people, a house, a kingdom, an inheritance, a flock, a congregation or church of the living God.  B. v. 1.

      ***This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.  1 John 5:11, 12.  That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.  Eph. 1:10.  Our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.  1 John 1:3.  As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  1 Cor. 15:22.  We are made partakers (μέτοχοι γεγόναμεν) of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end.  Heb. 3:14.  But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: that according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.  1 Cor. 1:30, 31.  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.  Rom. 8:1.  Ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.  1 Cor. 12:27.  If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.  2 Cor. 5:17.  This is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.  John 6:40.  According to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.  2 Tim. 1:9.  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.  Eph. 4:16.  The Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.  Col. 2:19.  At that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.  Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.  Eph. 2:12, 13, 19.  Ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord.  Eph. 5:8.  Ye are a chosen generation, – that ye should shew forth the praises of him, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.  1 Pet. 2:9, 10.  Without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.  Rev. 22:15.  The fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.  Rev. 21:8.  If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.  John 15:19.

      ***Q.  Give me the definition of the church that thou speakest of.  A.  I may most briefly and truly say, that the church is the body of Christ.  Q.  Yea; but I would have it somewhat more plainly and at large.  A.  The church is the body of the Christian commonweal; that is, the universal number and fellowship of all the faithful, whom God through Christ hath before all beginning of time appointed to everlasting life.  Q.  Why is this point put into the Creed?  A.  Because if the church were not, both Christ had died without cause, and all the things which have been hitherto spoken of should be in vain, and come to nought.  Q.  How so?  A.  Because hitherto we have spoken of the causes of salvation, and have considered the foundation thereof, namely, how God by the deserving of Christ loveth us and dearly esteemeth us; how also by the work of the Holy Ghost we receive this grace of God, whereunto we are restored.  But of these this is the only effect, that there be a church, that is, a company of the godly, upon whom these benefits of God may be bestowed; that there be a certain city and commonweal, in which we ought to lay up, and as it were to consecrate all we have, and to give ourselves wholly unto it, and for which we ought not to stick to die.  Nowell, p. 64.  See Article XIX.

*and to bring them **by Christ

atque (ut vasa in honorem efficta) per Christum

      *Of God’s foreknowledge there are many testimonies, especially in the prophecy of Isaiah, chap, 41 and in the chapters following, whereby also the Lord doth declare that he is the true God.  Furthermore, God by his eternal and unchangeable counsel, hath foreappointed, who are to be saved and who are to be condemned.  Now the end or the decree of life and death is short and manifest to all the godly.  The end of predestination or foreappointment is Christ, the Son of God the Father.  For God hath ordained or decreed to save all, how many soever have communion and fellowship with Christ his only begotten Son: and to destroy or condemn all, how many soever have no part in the communion or fellowship of Christ his only Son.  Now the faithful verily have fellowship with Christ, and the unfaithful are strangers from Christ.  Ephes. 1:4–6.  Lo, God hath chosen us, and he hath chosen us before the foundations of the world were laid, yea, he hath chosen ns, that we should he without blame, that is, to be heirs of eternal life: howbeit in Christ, by and through Christ, hath he chosen us.  And yet again more plain, he hath predestinated us, saith he, to adopt us into his sons, but by Christ, and that too hath he done freely, to the intent that to his divine grace, glory might be given.  Therefore whosoever are in Christ are chosen and elected.  John 3:16; 6:40.  B. iv. 4.

      Beseeching thee, that it may please thee, of thy gracious goodness, shortly to accomplish the number of thine elect, and to hasten thy kingdom; that we, with all those that are departed in the true faith of thy holy name, may have our perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in thy eternal and everlasting glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Burial Service.

      **As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith.  Col. 2:6, 7.  Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  John 15:4.  Abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.  1 John 2:28.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.  John 17:16.  We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.  And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true; and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ.  1 John 5:19, 20.  Christ hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God.  1 Pet. 3:18.  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.  John 14:6.  I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.  John 10:9.  Through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.  Eph. 2:18.  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  Rom. 5:2.  Ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.  Col. 3:3, 4.  As the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself.  John 5:26.  Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost (or, evermore) that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.  Heb. 7:25.  Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.  1 Pet. 1:20, 21.  Who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ – predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ – hath made us accepted in the beloved – in whom we have redemption through his blood.  Eph. 1:3, 5, 6, 7.  To him (the Shepherd of the sheep) the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.  And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. – I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all: and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.  John 10:2, 3, 4, 28, 29.

      **He shall pronounce the judgment, in whose faith and protection we are, and which hath taken upon him the defense of our cause.  Yea, our consciences are cheerfully stayed with a most singular comfort, and, in the midst of the miseries and woes of this life, do leap for joy that Christ shall one day be the Judge of the world; for upon this hope we chiefly rest ourselves, that then at last we shall, with unchangeable eternity, possess that same kingdom of immortality and everlasting life, in all parts fully and abundantly perfect, which hitherto hath been but begun, and which was ordained and appointed for the children of God before the foundations of the world were laid.  Nowell, p. 61.  See also Article V.

      As the body is never without the head: so the kingdom of God is not without Christ the Prince.  And as the vital Spirit from the heart, and the power or virtue of feeling and moving from the head is poured into the body: so are we quickened or made alive by our Prince Christ: he justifying, preserving, comforting, confirming, and defending us from all evil.  As all the members are ruled by the head: so all the faithful, in the kingdom of Christ, are governed by their King Christ.  Eph. 2:20–23; 5:25–27.  B. iv. 7.

*to everlasting salvation, **as vessels made to honour.

ad aeternam salutem adducere.

      *Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it (or, will finish it) until the day of Jesus Christ.  Phil. 1:6.  In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.  Eph. 1:13, 14.  Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.  1 Pet. 1:5.  Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded, world without end.  Is. 45:17.  Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.  1 Cor. 15:57, 58.

      **Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?  And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, even us whom he hath called.  Rom. 9:21, 23, 24.  In a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.  2 Tim. 2:20, 21.

Wherefore they which be endued with so excellent a benefit of God, *be called according to God’s purpose,

Unde qui tam praeclaro Dei beneficio sunt donati, illi Spiritu ejus, opportuno tempore operante, secundum propositum ejus vocantur;

      *Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called.  Rom. 8:36.  It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God.  Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.  Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.  John 6:45, 65.  No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.  John 6:44.  I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee (or, have I extended loving kindness unto thee).  Jer. 31:3.  Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes; even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.  Matt. 11:25, 26.  That the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth. – For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.  So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.  Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.  Rom. 9:11, 15, 16, 18.  We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  Rom. 8:28.  We are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: hereunto he called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  2 Thess. 2:13, 14.  Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling.  Heb. 3:1.  Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises (or, virtues) of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.  1 Pet. 2:9.  God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath (gr. is he who hath) shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  2 Cor. 4:6.  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge (or, for the acknowledgment) of him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.  Eph. 1:17, 18.  Ye are called in one hope of your calling.  Eph. 4:4.  Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, &c.  2 Tim. 1:9. Ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.  1 Cor. 1:26.  The God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory.  1 Pet. 5:10.  God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.  1 Thess. 2:12.  Ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.  1 Pet. 3:9.  Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.  2 Pet. 1:10.  The gifts and calling of God are without repentance.  Rom. 11:29.  God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ.  1 Cor. 1:9.  They that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.  Rev. 17:14.  I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.  Isai. 65:1.  So shall thy word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.  Isai. 55:11.

      *The Christian faith professeth that a great number and infinite multitude of godly persons, gathered together out of all countries of the world, out of all parts of all nations every where, and all ages of all times, by the strength and power of his holy word and voice, and by the divine motion of his heavenly Spirit, is by God incorporated into this church as into his own city; which all agreeing together in one true faith, one mind and voice, may be in all things obedient to Christ their only King, as members to their head.  Nowell, p. 65.

      We exhort you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you have in remembrance, into how high a dignity, and to how weighty an office and charge ye are called: that is to say, to be messengers, watchmen, and stewards of the Lord; to teach and to premonish, to feed and provide for the Lord’s family: to seek for Christ’s sheep that are dispersed abroad, and for his children who are in the midst of this naughty world, that they may be saved through Christ for ever.  Ordination Service.

      God calleth forth from all parts of the wide world, and from the whole congregation of men, all believers together with their seed, that they may be his peculiar people, and he again may be their God, (that is to say) that they may be the church of the living God.  B. v. 1.

      Almighty and everlasting God, heavenly Father, we give thee humble thanks, that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of thy grace, and faith in thee: increase this knowledge, and confirm this faith in us evermore.  Bapt. Service.

      And I heartily thank our heavenly Father, that he hath called me to this state of salvation, through Jesus Christ our Saviour.  And I pray unto God to give me his grace, that I may continue in the same unto my life’s end.  Catechism.  See also Article XIX.  XXVI.

*by his Spirit **working in due season.

Spiritu ejus, opportuno tempore operante.

      *Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.  Zech. 4:6.  As the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.  Isa.55:10, 11.

      **The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.  John 3:8.  It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  Phil. 2:13.  God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace (or, by whose grace) ye are saved).  Eph. 2:4, 5.  Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures.  James 1:18.  According to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.  Tit. 3:5.  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  This is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto you.  1 Pet. 1:23, 25.  In demonstration of the Spirit and of power; that your faith should not stand (gr. be) in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.  1 Cor. 2:4., 5.  The kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.  1 Cor. 4:20.  Unto them which are called, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.  1 Cor. 1:24.  The last Adam was made a quickening Spirit.  1 Cor. 15:45.  The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.  John 6:63.  The word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.  1 Thess. 2:13.  Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  Rom. 10:17.  The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.  1 Cor. 1:18.  Our Gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance.  1 Thess. 1:5.  The entrance of thy words giveth light.  Ps. 119:130.  Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.  John 17:17.  The law of the Spirit of life in Jesus Christ hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  Rom. 8:2.  If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus.  Eph. 4:21.  Whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended to the things which were spoken of Paul.  Acts 16:14.

      **It is the holy Ghost which inwardly worketh the regeneration and new birth of mankind. – The more it (to regenerate) is hid from our understanding, the more it ought to move all men to wonder at the secret and mighty working of God’s Holy Spirit, which is within us.  For it is the Holy Ghost and no other thing that doth quicken the minds of men, stirring up good and godly motions in their hearts, which are agreeable to the will and commandment of God, such as otherwise of their own crooked and perverse nature they should never have.  Hom. xxviii. 1.  See Art. X.

      When thou art either by the preaching of God’s word, or by some inward motion of his Holy Spirit, or else by some other means called unto repentance, neglect not the good occasion that is ministered unto thee; lest, when thou wouldst repent, thou hast not the grace for to do it.  For to repent is a good gift of God, which he will never grant unto them, who living in carnal security, do make a mock of his threatenings, or seek to rule his Spirit as they list, as though his working and gifts were tied unto their will.  Hom. xxxii. 3.

*They through grace

vocationi per gratiam parent;

      *All that the Father giveth me shall come to me.  John 6:37.  Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts.  Ps. 65:4.  I have given unto them the words which thou gayest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me.  John 17:8.  Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice.  Ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep.  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  John 10:16, 26, 27, 23.  For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.  1 Thess. 2:13.  I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.  Rom. 1:16.  Bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.  2 Cor. 10:5.  By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.  Eph. 2:8.  According as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.  Rom. 12:3.  Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.  1 Thess. 5:24.  A man can receive (or, take unto himself) nothing, except it be given him from heaven.  John 3:27.  If God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.  2 Tim. 2:25.  To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.  Heb. 3:7.  Faith cometh, by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.  Rom. 10:17.  Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? – Neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.—For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry (or, tillage), ye are God’s building.  1 Cor. 3:5, 7, 9.  The hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.  Acts 11:21.  When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord; and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.  Acts 13:48.

      *Forasmuch as the word is the wisdom of God, men should vainly labour in either teaching or learning it, unless God would vouchsafe with the teaching of his Spirit to instruct our hearts, as Paul teacheth, that in vain is the planting and the watering, unless God give the increase.  Nowell, p. 6.

      The words of Holy Scripture be called words of everlasting life: for they be God’s instrument, ordained for the same purpose.  They have power to turn through God’s promise; and they be effectual through God’s assistance; and being received in a faithful heart they have ever an heavenly spiritual working in them.  Hom. i. 1.

      Grace is the favour and goodness of the eternal Godhead, wherewith he according to his incomprehensible goodness doth gratis, freely for Christ’s sake embrace, call, justify and save us mortal men. – The grace of God is altogether free, and unless it be so, I cannot see how it can be called grace.  B. iv. 1.

      By faith given us of God we embrace the promise of God’s mercy, and of the remission of our sins.  Hom. iii. 3.  Art. X.

      God instructing us with his word, and lightening our minds with his Holy Spirit, maketh us apt to learn those things that otherwise would be far from entering into the dull capacity of our wits; and sealing the promises of salvation in our souls, he so informeth us that we are most surely persuaded of the truth of them.  Nowell, p. 77.

*obey the calling:

vocationi – parent,

      *Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.  1 Pet. 1:2.  By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith (or, to the obedience of faith) among all nations.  Rom. 1:5.  Mystery – by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.  Rom. 16:26.  As soon as they hear (Heb. at the hearing of the ear) of me, they shall obey me.  Ps. 18:44.  Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.  Ps. 110:3.  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life.  John 10:27, 28.  They that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.  Rev. 17:14.  Ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.  Rom. 6:17.  He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.  Heb. 5:9.  Ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit.  1 Pet. 1:22.  In whom ye trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.  Eph. 1:13.  By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.  Heb. 11:8.  We are – of them that believe to the saving of the soul.  Heb. 10:39.  We through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.  Gal. 5:5.  Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; (or, a purchased people;) that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.  1 Pet. 2:9.  We pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of (or, vouchsafe you) this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.  2 Thess. 1:11, 12.

      *Almighty God, who didst give such grace unto thy holy apostle Saint Andrew, that he readily obeyed the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him without delay; Grant unto us all, that we being called by thy holy word, may forthwith give up ourselves obediently to fulfill thy holy commandments, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Coll. for St. Andrew’s Day.

      O Almighty God, who by thy blessed Son didst call Matthew from the receipt of custom to be an Apostle and Evangelist; Grant us grace to forsake all covetous desires and inordinate love of riches, and to follow the same thy Son Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth, with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.  Amen.  Coll. for St. Matthew’s Day.

      Grant, O merciful God, that as thine holy Apostle St. James, leaving his father and all that he had, without delay was obedient unto the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him; so we, forsaking all worldly and carnal affections, may be evermore ready to follow thy holy commandments, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Coll. for St. James’s Day.

      From hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word and Commandment, good Lord, deliver us.  Litany.

*they be justified freely

justificantur gratis;

      *And whom he called, them he also justified.  Rom. 8:30.  We have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law.  Gal. 2:16.  The righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: – being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.  Rom. 3:22, 24.  If by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.  But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.  Rom. 11:6.  The free gift is of many offences unto justification. – That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.  Rom. 5:16, 21.  To bring in everlasting righteousness.  Dan. 9:24.  That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  Tit. 3:7.  Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Rom. 5:1.  Every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.  This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.  Isa. 54:17.  Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect?  It is God that justifieth.  Rom. 8:33.  In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.  Isa. 45:25.

      *Justification is the office of God only, and is not a thing which we render unto him, but which we receive of him; not which we give to him, but which we take of him, by his free mercy, and by the only merits of his most dearly beloved Son, our only Redeemer, Saviour, and Justifier, Jesus Christ.  Hom. iii. 2.

      The gospel is a good and a sweet word, and an assured testimony of God’s grace to usward exhibited in Christ to all believers.  Or else, the Gospel is the most evident sentence of the eternal God, brought down from heaven absolving all believers from all their sins, and that too freely for Christ’s sake, with a promise of eternal life.  B. iv. 1.

      Justification doth God give us as a gift of his own dear love toward us, and of his liberality through Christ.  When I speak of God’s gift and liberality I mean it free and bountiful, without any our desert or merit: that it be God’s mere sincere liberality which he applieth to our salvation only, whom he loveth and which trust in him, not hired nor procured for wages, as it were a merchandize of his commodities and benefits, used by him for some profit to himself, requiring again of us some recompense or price, which once to think, were to abate both the liberality and majesty of God.  Nowell, p. 76.  See also Art. XI.

      We must flee to the mercy of God, whereby he freely embraceth us with love and good will in Christ, without any our deserving or respect of works, both forgiving us our sins, and so giving us the righteousness of Christ by faith in him, that for the same Christ’s righteousness he so accepteth us as if it were our own.  To God’s mercy therefore through Christ we ought to impute all our justification.  Nowell, p. 72.

      Q.  Thou sayest then that faith is not the cause, but the instrument of justification, for that it embraceth Christ, which is our justification, coupling us with so straight a bond to him, that it maketh us partakers of all his good things.  A.  Yea forsooth.  Nowell, p. 73.

*they be made sons of God by adoption:

adoptantur in filios Dei

      Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself.  Eph. 1:5.  Ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.  Gal. 3:26.  As many as received him, to them gave he power (or, the right, or, privilege) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.  John 1:12, 13.  Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.  1 John 3:1.  To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons: and because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.  Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.  Gal. 4:5–7.  He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.  Rev. 21:7.  As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God.  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God; and if children then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  Rom. 8:14–17.  It shall come to pass, that in the place where (or, instead of that) it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, Ye are the sons of the living God.  Hos. 1:10.

      *We are by the Spirit’s divine instinct and inspiration newly begotten, and therefore Christ said that we must be born again of water and the Spirit.  Also by his heavenly breathing on us, God the Father doth adopt us his children, and therefore he is worthily called the Spirit of adoption.  Nowell, p. 63.

      God hath freely through Christ made and adopted us his children. – The name of children by right of adoption is freely imparted to us through Christ.  Nowell, p. 44.

      As for those which the Son of God restoreth to freedom, they are partakers of the heavenly kingdom and fellow heirs with the Son of God.  But Christ maketh none free but them that are faithful: therefore the sons of God and fellow heirs of Christ are, for Christ’s sake their only deliverer, made free and set at liberty.  Neither is there any other on earth beside Christ Jesus which is able to set us at freedom and at liberty.  B, iii. 9.

*they be made like the image of his only begotten Son Jesus Christ:

unigeniti ejus filii Jesu Christi imagini efficiuntur conformes;

      *Whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among many brethren.  Rom. 8:29.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. – For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth (or, truly sanctified.) – And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. – I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it; that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.  John 17:16, 19, 22, 23, 26.  It pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me.  Gal. 1:15, 16.  Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him: – that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.  Phil. 3:8–11.  So many of us as were (or, are) baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death.  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  If we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection; knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  For he that is dead is freed from sin.  Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.  For in that he died, he died unto sin once; but in that he liveth he liveth unto God.  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Rom. 6:3–11.  Col. ii. 10-13. If any man be in Christ he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.  2 Cor. 5:17.  As many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.  Gal. 3: 27.  And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: – Christ is all, and in all.  Col. 3:10, 11.  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.  1 John 2:6.  If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.  1 John 1:7.  Righteousness shall go before him, and shall set us in the way of his steps.  Ps. 85:13.  Hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.  1 Pet. 2:21.  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.  Phil. 2:5.  Forasmuch as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.  1 Pet. 4:1, 2.  Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.  2 Cor. 4:10.  Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.  Eph. 5:1, 2.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.  Matt. 11:29.  A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.  John 13:34, 35.  Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; – even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  Col. 3:12, 13.  As we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.  1 Cor. 15:49.  We all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (or, of the Lord the Spirit).  2 Cor. 3:18.  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.  1 John 3:2.  As for me, 1 will behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.  Ps. 17:15.

      *Christ hath set himself for an example for us to follow, to frame our life according thereunto.  Where Christ died for sin and was buried, he but once suffered the same.  Where he once rose again and ascended into heaven, he but once rose again, and but once ascended; he now dieth no more, but enjoyeth eternal life, and reigneth in most high and everlasting glory.  So if we be once dead and buried to sin, how shall we hereafter live in the same?  If we be risen again with Christ, if by assured faith and stedfast hope we be conversant with him in heaven, then ought we from henceforth to bend all our cares and thoughts upon heavenly, divine, and eternal things, not earthly, worldly, and transitory.  And as we have heretofore borne the image of the earthly man, we ought from henceforth to put on the image of the heavenly man, quietly and patiently bearing, after his example, all sorrows and wrongs, and following and expressing his other divine virtues so far as mortal man be able.  And whereas Christ our Lord never ceaseth to do us good, continually to entreat for and to crave his Father’s mercy for us, to give us his holy Spirit, and wonderfully and continually to garnish his church with most liberal gifts; it is meet that we in like manner, with our whole endeavour, should help our neighbour, and that we be bound to all men in most straight bonds of love, concord, and most near friendship, so much as shall lie in us, and so to be wholly framed after the manners of Christ as our only exemplar.  Nowell, p. 59.

      And there should be no greater comfort to Christian persons, than to be made like unto Christ, by suffering patiently adversities, troubles, and sicknesses.  For he himself went not up to joy, but first he suffered pain; he entered not into his glory before he was crucified.  So truly our way to eternal joy is to suffer here with Christ; and our door to enter into eternal life is gladly to die with Christ; that we may rise again from death, and dwell with him in everlasting life.  Visitation of the Sick.

      Almighty God, who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life; Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen. Coll. for the second Sunday after Easter.

      Grant, O Lord, that as we are baptized into the death of thy blessed Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, so by continual mortifying our corrupt affections, we may be buried with him; and that through the grave and gate of death we may pass to our joyful resurrection; for his merits, who died and was buried, and rose again for us, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Coll. for Easter Even.

      O God, whose blessed Son was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil, and make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternal life; Grant us, we beseech thee, that having this hope, we may purify ourselves even as he is pure; that, when he shall appear again with power and great glory, we may be made like unto him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, he liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end.  Amen.  Coll. for the sixth Sunday after Epiphany.

*they walk religiously in good works,

in bonis operibus sancte ambulant;

      *The LORD knoweth the way of the righteous.  Ps. 1:6.  He hath chosen us in him, – that we should be holy and without blame before him in love.  Eph. 1: 4.  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.  John 15:16.  And purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.  Tit. 2:14.  We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained (or, prepared) that we should walk in them.  Eph. 2:10.  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished (or, perfected) unto all good works.  2 Tim. 3:17.  This is a faithful saying, and these things (see ver. 4–7) I will, that thou affirm constantly, that (ίνα) they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.  Tit. 3:8.  Adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.  Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.  Tit. 2:10, 12.  That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.  1 Thess. 2:12.  Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.  Eph. 4:1.  Let your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ.  Phil. 1:27.  Our conversation is in heaven.  Phil. 3:20.  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work.  Col. 1:10.  This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.  Acts 9:36.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  Matt. 5:16.  Charge them that are rich in this world – that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.  1 Tim. 6:17, 18.  Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.  2 Pet. 1:5–7.  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, (or, venerable), whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  Phil. 4:8.

      *God of his mercy and special favour towards them, whom he hath appointed to everlasting salvation, hath so offered his grace especially, and they have so received it fruitfully, that although, by reason of their sinful living outwardly, they seemed before to have been the children of wrath and perdition; yet now, the Spirit of God mightily working in them, unto obedience to God’s will and commandments, they declare by their outward deeds and life, in the shewing of mercy and charity – which cannot come but of the Spirit of God, and his especial grace – that they are the undoubted children of God, appointed to everlasting life.  And so, as by their wickedness and ungodly living they skewed themselves, according to the judgment of men, which follow the outward appearance, to be reprobates and castaways; so now, by their obedience unto God’s holy will, and by their mercifulness and tender pity – wherein they shew themselves to be like unto God, who is the fountain and spring of all mercy – they declare openly and manifestly unto the sight of men, that they are the sons of God, and elect of him unto salvation.  Hom. xxiii. 2.

      By faith we receive Christ such as he delivereth himself unto us.  But he doth not only set us at liberty from sins and death and make us at one with God, but also with the divine inspiration and virtue of the Holy Ghost doth regenerate and newly form us, to the endeavour of innocency and holiness, which we call newness of life. – Good works do stand upon faith as upon their root.  So far, therefore, is faith from withdrawing our hearts from living uprightly, that contrariwise it doth most vehemently stir us up to the endeavour of a good life; yea, and so far, that he is not truly faithful that doth not also to his power shun vices and embrace virtues, so living always as one that looketh to give an account.  Nowell, p. 73, 74.

      Good works are deeds or actions wrought by those, which are regenerate by the Spirit of God, through faith and according to the word of God, to the glory of God, the honesty of life, and the profit of our neighbour.  B. iii. 9.

      And reason it is that we being redeemed with the blood of Christ the Son of God, and having beside received innumerable and infinite benefits of God, should live and wholly frame ourselves after the will and appointment of our Redeemer, and so shew ourselves mindful and thankful to the Author of our salvation, and by our example procure and win other unto him.  Nowell, p. 76.

      Almighty and merciful God, of whose only gift it cometh that thy faithful people do unto thee true and laudable service; Grant, we beseech thee, that we may so faithfully serve thee in this life, that we fail not finally to attain thy heavenly promises; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Coll. for the thirteenth Sunday after Trinity.

      Merciful Lord, we beseech thee to cast thy bright beams of light upon thy Church; that it being enlightened by the doctrine of thy blessed Apostle and Evangelist Saint John, may so walk in the light of thy truth, that it may at length attain to the light of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Coll. for St. John the Evangelist’s Day.

      O Almighty God, who hast knit together thine elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord; Grant us grace so to follow thy blessed Saints in all virtuous and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Coll. for All Saints’ Day.

*and at length,

et demum,

      *And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  Gal. 6:9.  He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.  Ps. 126:6.  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.  Tit. 2:13.  Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.  Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.  John 17:11, 20.  As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My Spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seeds’ seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.  Isai. 59:21.  Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  Matt. 16:18.  Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.  John x. 16.

      *And as, while God reigneth by his Spirit in us, men have a certain community with God in this world, so we pray and wish that he will also by Christ communicate with us in heaven the joy of the most blessed kingdom, and the glory that in everlasting ages of worlds shall never be changed; that we may be not only children but also heirs of our heavenly Father; which desire also we verily nothing distrust or doubt, that our heavenly Father will one day grant us to enjoy.  Nowell, p. 90.

      He rose from death, and we also are risen again with him, being so made partakers of his resurrection and life, that from henceforth death hath no more dominion over us.  For in us is the same Spirit which raised Jesus Christ from the dead.  Beside that, since his ascension, we have most abundantly received the gifts of the Holy Ghost, he hath also lifted and carried us up into heaven with him, that we might, as it were with our head, take possession thereof.  These things indeed are not yet seen; but then shall they be brought abroad into light, when Christ which is the light of the world, in whom all our hope and wealth is set and settled, shining with immortal glory, shall shew himself openly to all men.  Nowell, p.58.

      God hath delivered all men that be his, by his Son Jesus Christ, from the spiritual thraldom of sin, and the tyranny of the devil, wherein else they had lain pressed and oppressed.  This kind of deliverance pertaineth indifferently to all men which put their trust in God their deliverer, and, to their power, obey his laws.  Nowell, p. 10.

      All they, which behold Christ crucified with a true and lively faith, shall undoubtedly be delivered from the grievous wounds of the soul, be they never so deadly or many in number.  Hom. xxv. 2.

      The faithful do wholly hang upon the grace of their king, they embrace continual repentance, and endeavour themselves to things of greater perfectness.  For they frame all that they do according to the laws of their king and prince.  For he reigneth in his elect by the word of truth, and by the Holy Ghost.  By the word of truth he teacheth what the Saints should do, and what they should avoid.  By his holy Spirit he moveth their hearts, and giveth strength to fly evil, and follow that is good. – The partakers of the kingdom of God, endued with the Spirit of God, do bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, not the works of the flesh, and to be short, are governed with the Spirit of God.  B. iv. 7.

      The faithful through the bountifulness and liberality of Christ their king, most abundantly obtain those good things, which the Prophets promised, namely, plentiful peace both with God and men, and all kind of felicity: always to be blessed, always to be safe (though they fight continually) from all enemies as well visible as also invisible, and to enjoy everlasting salvation.  B. iv. 7.

      If thou ask me, whether thou art elected to life or predestinate to death, that is whether thou art of the number of them that are to be damned, or that are to be saved, I answer simply out of Scripture, both of the evangelists and the apostles: If thou hast communion or fellowship with Christ, thou art predestinate to life, and thou art of the elect or chosen: but if thou art a stranger from Christ, howsoever otherwise thou seem to flourish in virtues, thou art predestinate to death, and foreknowledged, as they say, to damnation.  Higher and deeper I will not creep into the seat of God’s counsel.  B. iv. 4.

      Those whom our Lord and king hath sanctified on earth, and guided with his Spirit, yea and also justified, being delivered from the flesh and taken out of this world, he glorifieth in heaven, and receiveth them into joy, and into fellowship both of himself and of all the saints.  For the souls of the faithful, even as soon as they depart out of their bodies, are forthwith received into heaven to reign with Christ the everlasting king, and for ever to rejoice with all the Saints.

      Neither can the prince of darkness by his power pull away the partakers of the kingdom of Christ, into his kingdom of iniquity.  B. iv. 7.

*by God’s mercy, **they attain to everlasting felicity.

ex Dei misericordia pertingunt ad sempiternam felicitatem.

      *With great mercies will I gather thee. – With everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Loan thy Redeemer.  Is. 54:7, 8.  I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.  Is. 55:3.  The mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him.  Ps. 103:17.  It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.  They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.  Lam. 3:22, 23.  For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.  Mal. 3:6.  So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.  Rom. 9:16.  The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus. – The Lord grant unto him, that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day.  2 Tim. 1:16, 18.  Jude – to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called.  Jude 1.  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  John 10:27, 28.  For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.  Rom. 11:29.  Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.  Jude 21.

      *O God, who declarest thy almighty power most chiefly in shelving mercy and pity; Mercifully grant unto us such a measure of thy grace, that we, running the way of thy commandments, may obtain thy gracious promises, and be made partakers of thy heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Coll. for the eleventh Sunday after Trinity.

      Keep, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy Church with thy perpetual mercy: and because the frailty of man without thee cannot but fall, keep us ever by thy help from all things hurtful, and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Coll. for the fifteenth Sunday after Trinity.

      O Lord, raise up, we pray thee, thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through the satisfaction of thy Son our Lord, to whom with thee and the Holy Ghost be honour and glory, world without end.  Amen.  Coll. for the fourth Sunday in Advent.

      **He is the mediator of the New Testament, that – they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.  Heb. 9:15.  And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.  And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.  John 6:39, 40.  Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost (or, evermore) that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.  Heb. 7:25.  Much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.  Rom. 5:10.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.  John 6:47.  And shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.  John 5:24.  Even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life.  Rom. 5:21.  The gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Rom.6:23.  This is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life.  1 John 5:11.  My salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.  Is. 51:6.  Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.  Is. 45:17.  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him, who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.  Eph. 1:11.  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.  1 Pet. 1:3–5.  The LORD knoweth the days of the upright: and their inheritance shall be for ever.  Ps. 37:18.  Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.  Ps. 16:11.  The God of all grace – hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus.  1 Pet. 5:10.  He called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  2 Thess. 2:14.  And whom he justified, them he also glorified.  Rom. 8:30.  A partaker of the glory that shall be revealed.  1 Pet. 5:1.  I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  Rom. 8:18.  Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.  2 Cor. 4:17.  Father, I will that they also, whom thou Last given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.  John 17:24.  Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou Last given me.  John 17:11.  I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them (Heb. from after them) to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.  Jer. 32:40.  My grace is sufficient for thee.  2 Cor. 12:9.  The Loan will perfect that which concerneth me : thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.  Ps. 138:8.  Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it (or, will finish it) until the day of Jesus Christ.  Phil. 1:6.  The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.  Prov. 4:18.  He preserveth the way of his saints.  Prov. 2:8.  He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness.  1 Sam. 2:9.  Their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.  Is. 54:17.  Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world.  1 John 5:4.  The righteous shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.  Job 17:9.  The steps of a good man are ordered (or, established) by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.  Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.  Ps. 37:23, 24, 27.  I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.  Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.  Ps. 73:23, 24.  Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  Matt. 25:34.  Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.  Amen.  Jude 21, 25.

      **O God, the protector of all that trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing his holy; Increase and multiply upon us thy mercy; that, thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass though things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal: Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake our Lord.  Amen.  Coll. for the fourth Sunday after Trinity.

      Lord of all power and might, who art the author and giver of all good things; Graft in our hearts the love of thy Name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Coll. for the seventh Sunday after Trinity.

      Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy most gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Communion Service.

As the *godly consideration of predestination, and our election in Christ, is full of sweet, pleasant and unspeakable comfort to godly persons,

Quemadmodum praedestinationis et electionis nostrae in Christo pia consideratio, dulcis, suavis, et ineffabilis consolationis plena est vere piis,

      *What shall we then say to these things?  If God be for us, who can be against us?  Rom. 8:31.  The LORD is my light, and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?  Ps. 27:1.  Know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.  Ps. 4:3.  Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.  Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.  Is. 12:2, 3.  God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath (gr. interposed himself by an oath): that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay bold upon the hope set before us: which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.  Heb. 6:17–19.  Kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.  Wherein ye greatly rejoice.  1 Pet. 1:5, 6.  For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  Phil. 1:21.  Happy art thou, O Israel; who is like unto thee, O people, saved by the LORD, the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency?  Deut. 33:29.  We joy in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (or, reconciliation).  Rom. 5:11.  In whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.  1 Pet. 1:8, 9.  Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.  Luke 10:20.  That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ.  Col. 2:2.  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places (or, things) in Christ: according as he hath chosen us in him, &c.  Eph. 1:3, 4.  Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.  2 Thess. 2:16, 17.  Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.  Rom. 15:13.

*and such as feel in themselves the working of the Spirit of Christ,

et his, qui sentiunt in se vim Spiritus Christi,

      *Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.  Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?  2 Cor. 13:5.  Christ in you, the hope of glory.  Christ formed in you.  Col. 1:27.  Gal. 4:19.  If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.  Rom. 8:9, 10.  According to his working, which worketh in me mightily.  Col. 1:29.  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  Gal. 2:20.  Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.  1 John 3:3.  Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfill the lusts thereof.  Rom. 13:14.  The flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other.  Gal. 5:17.  Mortify your members which are upon the earth.  Col. 3:5.  That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith.  Eph. 3:17.  If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.  He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.  But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive.  John 7:37–39.  At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.  John 14:20.  And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.  And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.  1 John 3:21, 4:13.  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.  1 John 4:15.  He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.  John 6:56.  The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.  John 4:14.  Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.  Phil. 3:21.  Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.  2 Cor. 1:21, 22.  Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.  Eph. 4:30.  As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.  Rom. 8:14, 16.

      *Beside those outward marks of the church; which the true believers have in common with hypocrites, there are certain inward marks specially belonging only to the godly: or else if you will call them bonds or proper gifts. – Without these no man can please God: in these therefore is the true mark of God’s children.  And these be the fellowship of God’s Spirit, a sincere faith, and double charity. – The evangelical and apostolical doctrine doth teach us, that Christ is joined to us by his Spirit, and that we are tied to him in mind or spirit by faith, that he may live in us, and we in him.  B. v. 1.

      In them that through faith are of one body with Christ, crooked affections and corrupt desires, which we call the lusts of the flesh, are, as it were crucified with him, and die, so as they have no more dominion in our souls.  Nowell, p. 48.

      Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified; Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before thee for all estates of men in thy holy Church; that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may truly and godly serve thee; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen.  Coll. for Good Friday.

      Almighty God, who madest thy blessed Son to be circumcised, and obedient to the law for man; Grant us the true Circumcision of the Spirit; that our hearts and all our members being mortified from all worldly and carnal lusts, we may in all things obey thy blessed will; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Coll. for the Circumcision of Christ.

*mortifying the works of the flesh, and their earthly members,

facta carnis, et membra, quae adhuc sunt super terram, mortificantem,

      *Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.  I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection; lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (αδόχιμος).  1 Cor. 9:25, 27.  They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections (or, passions) and lusts.  Gal. 5:24.  Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.  Tit. 2:12.  If ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  Rom. 8:13.  It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: if we suffer, we shall also reign with him.  2 Tim. 2:11, 12.  Rom. 6:8.

      *They that are regenerate by the Holy Spirit of God are never so purged, that they feel no motions of the flesh, of sin, and of carnal affections.  There is always object to the eyes of the faithful this sentence of St. Paul, that cannot by any means be plucked out of their minds: I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, there dwelleth no good thing.  For to will is present with me, but I find no means to perform that which is good.  For the good, that I would, I do not, but the evil that I would not that do I.  For we bear about the relics of the flesh through all our life.  Whereupon it cometh, that in the Saints there is a perpetual and very sharp battle.  For they do partly obey the Spirit, and are partly weakened of the flesh.  By the Spirit they are lifted to the contemplation and desire of heavenly things.  But by the flesh they are thrust down to earthly things, and troubled with the allurements of this naughty world.  For even the apostle, feeling that combat in himself, said, the flesh lusteth contrary to the spirit, and the spirit contrary to the flesh.  For they are so at enmity betwixt themselves, that what ye would ye cannot do.  And in another place he saith: even I, the same, do in the mind serve the law of God, but in the flesh the law of sin.  B. iv. 2.

      The mortifying of the old man is unfeigned and sincere acknowledging and confession of sin, and therewith a shame and sorrow of mind, with the feeling whereof a person is sore grieved for that he hath swerved from righteousness, and not been obedient to the will of God.  For every man ought, in remembering the sins of his life past, wholly to mislike himself; to be angry with himself, and to be a severe judge of his own faults, and to give sentence and to pronounce judgment of himself, to the intent he abide not the grievous judgment of God in his wrath.  This sorrow some have called contrition, whereunto are joined in nearness and nature an earnest hatred of sin, and a love and desire of righteousness lost.  Nowell, p. 70.

      If we live after the flesh, and after the sinful lusts thereof, St. Paul threateneth, yea, Almighty God in St. Paul threateneth, that we shall surely die.  We can none otherwise live to God; but by dying to sin.  If Christ be in us, then is sin dead in us; and if the Spirit of God be in us, which raised Christ from death to life, so shall the same Spirit raise us to the resurrection of everlasting life.  (Heb. 6:6; Rom. 6:23, 8:10–13.)  But if sin rule and reign in us, then is God, which is the fountain of all grace and virtue, departed from us; then hath the devil and his ungracious spirit rule and dominion in us.  And surely, if in such miserable state we die, we shall not rise to life, but fall down to death and damnation, and that without end.  For Christ hath not so redeemed us from sin, that we may safely return thereto again; but he hath redeemed us, that we should forsake the motions thereof; and live to righteousness.  Yea, we be therefore washed in our baptism from the filthiness of sin, that we should live afterward in the pureness of life.  In baptism we promised to renounce the devil and his suggestions, we promised to be as obedient children, always following God’s will and pleasure.  Then, if he be our Father indeed, let us give him his due honour.  If we be his children, let us shew him our obedience.  Hom. xxv. 1.

*and drawing up their mind to high and heavenly things;

animumque ad coelestia et superna rapientem;

      *The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath.  Prov. 15:24.  Hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.  Eph. 2:6.  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.  Set your affection (or, mind) on things above, not on things on the earth.  Col. 3:1, 2.  For to be carnally minded (gr. the minding of the flesh) is death, but to be spiritually minded (gr. the minding of the Spirit) is life and peace.  Rom. 8:6.  Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens, that faileth not.  Luke 12:32, 33.  Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven – For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.  Matt. 6:20, 21.  Our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.  Phil. 3:20.  We walk by faith, not by sight.  2 Cor. 5:7.  Our light affliction which is but for a moment worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.  For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. – We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.  2 Cor. 4:17, 18; 5:1, 8.  Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee?  Ps. 73:25.  To do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.  Eph. 3:20.  That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his son Jesus Christ.  1 John 1:3.

      *The renewing of the Spirit or quickening of the new man is when faith cometh, and refresheth and lifteth up the mind so troubled, assuageth sorrow, and comforteth the person, and doth revoke and raise him up again from desperation, to hope of obtaining pardon of God through Christ, and from the gate of death, yea, from hell itself, unto life.  Nowell, p. 70.

      He sendeth down his Holy Spirit into our hearts, as a most sure pledge of his goodwill, by which Spirit he bringeth us out of darkness and mist into open light; he giveth sight to the blindness of our minds; he chaseth sorrow out of our hearts, and healeth the wounds thereof; and with the divine motion of his Spirit he causeth that looking up to heaven, we raise up our minds and hearts from the ground, from corrupt affections and from earthly things, upward to the place where Christ is at the right hand of his Father, that we thinking upon and beholding things above and heavenly, and so raised up and of upright mind, contemn these our base things, life, death, riches, poverty, and with lofty and high courage despise all worldly things.  Nowell, p. 56.  See also Art. V.

      Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that like as we do believe thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell; who liveth and reigneth, with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.  Amen.  Coll. for the Ascension-day.

as well because it *doth greatly establish and confirm their faith of eternal salvation, to be enjoyed through Christ;

tum quia fidem nostram de aeterna salute consequenda per Christum plurimum stabilit atque confirmat,

      *What shall we then say to these things?  If God be for us, who can be against us? – Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect?  It is God that justifieth.  Who is he that condemneth?  It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.  Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? – I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Rom. 8:31, 33–35, 38, 39.  The Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.  2 Thess. 3:3.  He which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God.  2 Cor. 1:21.  Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  1 Cor. 1:8, 9. – For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.  Rom. 11:29.  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.  Phil. 2:13.  I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.  2 Tim. 1:12.  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain.  John 15:16.  By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.  Rom. 5:2.  The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.  Is. 32:17.  We desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end.  Heb. 6:11.  Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.  2 Pet. 1:10.  If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.  Rom. 8:17.  We know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. – We that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life.  Now he that hath wrought us for the self-same thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.  2 Cor. 5:1, 4, 5.  Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.  Luke 12:32.  I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.  My Father which gave them me is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.  John 10:28, 29.  Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.  2 Tim. 4:8.  Hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure (gr. persuade) our hearts before him.  1 John 3:19.  Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end (gr. perfectly) for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.  1 Pet. 1:13.  Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense –to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven.  2 Thess. 1:6, 7.  Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.  John 17:21.  If by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.  Rom. 5:17.  Let no man glory in men: for all things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.  1 Cor. 3:21–23.  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.  1 John 3:2.  Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.  Tit. 2:13.  Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.  2 Thess. 2:16, 17.  I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another (Heb. a stranger); though my reins be consumed within me (or, my reins within me are consumed) with earnest desire [for that day].  Job 19:25–27.

      *Knowing that we be, by this benefit of his resurrection, risen with him by our faith unto life everlasting; being in full surety of our hope, that we shall have our bodies likewise raised again from death, to have them glorified in immortality, and joined to his glorious body; having in the mean while his Holy Spirit within our hearts, as a seal and pledge of our everlasting inheritance – by whose assistance we be replenished with all righteousness, by whose power we shall be able to subdue all our evil affections, arising against the pleasure of God – these things, I say, well considered, let us now, in the rest of our life declare our faith that we have in this most fruitful article, by framing ourselves thereunto, in rising daily from sin to righteousness and holiness of life.  If these and such other heavenly virtues ye ensue in the residue of your life, ye shall shew plainly that ye be risen with Christ, and that ye be the heavenly children of your Father in heaven; from whom, as from the Giver, cometh these graces and gifts. – Apply yourselves, good friends, to live in Christ, that Christ may still live in you; whose favour and assistance if ye have, then have ye everlasting life already within you; then can nothing hurt you.  (John 5:24.) – Thus shall we declare that Christ’s gifts and graces have their effect in us; and that we have the right belief and knowledge of his holy resurrection: where truly, if we apply our faith to the virtue thereof, and in our life conform us to the example and signification meant thereby, we shall be sure to rise hereafter to everlasting glory, by the goodness and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Hom. xxvi.

      A quick or lively faith is a true trust, and confidence of the mercy of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and a stedfast hope of all good things to be received at God’s hand: and that although we, through infirmity, or temptation of our ghostly enemy, do fall from him by sin; yet if we return again unto him by true repentance, that he will forgive and forget our offences for his Son’s sake, our Saviour Jesus Christ, and will make us inheritors with him of his everlasting kingdom; and that in the mean time, until that kingdom come, he will be our protector and defender in all perils and dangers, whatsoever do chance: and that though sometimes he doth send us sharp adversity, yet that evermore he will be a loving Father unto us, correcting us for our sin, but not withdrawing his mercy finally from us, if we trust in him, and commit ourselves wholly unto him, hang only upon him, and call upon him, ready to obey and serve him.  This is the true, lively, and unfeigned Christian faith, and is not in the mouth and outward profession only, but it liveth, and stirreth inwardly in the heart.  Hom. iv. 1.

      Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  The substance or hypostasis is the foundation, or the unmoveable prop which upholdeth us, and whereon we lean and lie without peril or danger.  The things hoped for are things celestial, eternal, and invisible.  And therefore Paul saith, Faith is an ummoveable foundation, and a most assured confidence of God’s promises, that is of life everlasting and all his good benefits.  Moreover Paul himself, making an exposition of that which he had spoken, immediately after saith: Faith is the argument of things not seen.  An argument or proof is an evident demonstration, whereby we manifestly prove that which otherwise should be doubtful, so that in him whom we undertook to instruct there may remain no doubt at all.  B. i. 4.

      Faith is a steadfast persuasion of the mind, whereby we do fully decree with ourselves that God’s truth is so sure, that he can neither will nor choose but perform that which he in his word hath promised to fulfill.  B. i. 4.

      Faith is a most assured sign that thou art elected, and whiles thou art called to communion of Christ and art taught faith, the most loving God declareth towards thee his election and good will.  B. iv. 4.

      All those therefore have great cause to be full of joy that be joined to Christ with true faith, stedfast hope, and perfect charity; and not to fear death, nor everlasting damnation.  For death cannot deprive them of Jesus Christ, nor can any sin condemn them that are grafted surely in him, which is their only joy, treasure, and life.  Let us repent of our sins, amend our lives, trust in his mercy and satisfaction; and death can neither take him from us, nor us from him.  Hom. ix. 2.

      Therefore if we have Christ, then have we with him, and by him, all good things whatsoever we can in our hearts wish or desire; as victory over death, sin, and hell: we have the favour of God, peace with him, holiness, wisdom, justice, power, life, and redemption; we have by him perpetual health, wealth, joy, and bliss everlasting.  Hom. ix. 1.

      The Holy Ghost is called the sealing up or earnest of our salvation.  For αρρα or αρραβων is a part of payment, which maketh assurance of the whole sum to be paid, to wit, a pledge.  And surely the Holy Ghost doth now testify, yea, it doth seal and assure us, that we are the sons of God, and that when time is we shall be received into the everlasting inheritance.  (Eph. 1:14.)  That assurance doth marvelously confirm and comfort the minds of the faithful in temptations, encourageth them besides that to patience in adversity and to holiness of life.  B. iv. 8.

as because it *doth fervently kindle their love towards God;

tum quia amorem nostrum in Deum vehementer accendit:

      *We love him, because he first loved us.  1 John 4:19.  If any man love God, the same is known of him.  1 Cor. 8:3.  Let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed, and in truth.  And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure (gr. persuade) our hearts before him.  1 John 3:18, 19.  We have known and believed the love that God hath to us.  God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.  He that feareth is not made perfect in love.  1 John 4:16–18.  Hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.  Rom. 5:5.  The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ (or, the patience of Christ).  2 Thess. 3:5.  We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.  Rom. 8:28.  Ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.  Jude 20, 21.  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.  James 1:12.

      *And seeing he hath so greatly loved thee, endeavour thyself to love him again, with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, that therein thou mayest appear not to be unworthy of his love.  Hom. xxv. 2.

      O Almighty God, who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men; Grant unto thy people that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise; that so among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Coll. for the fourth Sunday after Easter.

      O Lord, who never failest to help and govern them whom thou dost bring up in thy stedfast fear and love; Keep us, we beseech thee, under the protection of thy good providence, and make us to have a perpetual fear and love of thy holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Coll. for the second Sunday after Trinity.

      O God, who hast prepared for them that love thee such good things as pass man’s understanding; Pour into our hearts such love toward thee, that we, loving thee above all things, may obtain thy promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  Coll. for the sixth Sunday after Trinity.

so *for curious and **carnal persons, ***lacking the Spirit of Christ, to have continually before their eyes the sentence of God’s predestination, is a most dangerous down fall,

ita hominibus curiosis, carnalibus, et Spiritu Christi destitutis, ob oculos perpetuo versari praedestinationis Dei sententiam perniciosissimum est praecipitium,

      *Intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.  Col. 2:18, 19.  Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.  Col. 2:8.

      *The simpler sort verily are greatly tempted and exceedingly troubled with the question of election.  For the devil goeth about to throw into their minds the hate of God, as though he envied us our salvation, and had appointed and ordained us to death.  That he may the more easily persuade this unto us, he laboureth tooth and nail wickedly to enfeeble and overthrow our faith, as though our salvation were doubtful, which leaneth and is stayed upon the certain election of God.  Against their fiery weapons, the servants of God do arm their hearts with cogitations and comforts of this sort fetched out of the Scripture. – God’s predestination is not stayed or stirred with any worthiness or unworthiness of ours: but of the mere grace and mercy of God the Father, it respecteth Christ alone.  And because our salvation doth stay only upon him, it cannot but be most certain.  For they are wrong that think those that are to be saved to life are predestinate of God for the merit’s sake or good works which God did foresee in them  – Freely of his mere mercy, not for our deserts but for Christ’s sake, and not but in Christ, hath he chosen us, and for Christ’s sake doth embrace us: because he is our Father and a lover of men.  B. iv. 4.

      **Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  Rom. 8:7.  The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.  1 Cor. 2:14.

      ***These be – sensual, having not the Spirit.  Jude 19.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  John 3:6.  If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  Rom. 8:9.  LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself (Heb. walk) in great matters, or in things too high (Heb. wonderful) for me.  Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, (Heb. my soul,) as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.  Let Israel hope in the LORD from henceforth and for ever.  Ps. 131.

whereby the devil doth thrust them *either into desperation,

unde illos diabolus protrudit, vel in desperationem,

      *Thou saidst, There is no hope; No; for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go.  Jer. 2:25.  And they said, There is no hope; but we will walk every one after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart.  Jer. 18:12.  Will ye come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered to do all these abominations?  Jer. 7:10.  And he said, Behold this evil is of the LORD; what should I wait for the LORD any longer?  2 Kings 6:33.  O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, but in me is thine help.  Hos. 13:9.  Despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and long-suffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.  Hom. ii. 4.  Account that the long-suffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given unto him, hath written unto you; as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are sonic things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction.  2 Pet. 3:15, 16.  God our Saviour – will (θελει) have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.  1 Tim. 2:3, 4.  Not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  2 Pet. 3:9.  Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? – I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord God; wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.  Ezek. 18:23, 32.  Therefore, O thou son of man, speak unto the house of Israel; Thus ye speak, saying, if our transgressions and our sins be upon us, and we pine away in them, how should we then live?  Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel!  Ezek. 33:10, 11.  When the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.  Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, – ye put it (the word of God) from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life.  Acts 13:45, 46.  Because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith.  Be not high-minded, but fear.  Rom. 11:20.  With all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.  2 Thess. 2:10.  My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee.  Hos. 4:6.  Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.  2 Pet. 3:17.  The Pharisees and Lawyers rejected (or, frustrated) the counsel of God against themselves (or, within themselves), being not baptized of him.  Luke 7:30.  Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.  Acts 7:51.

or *into wretchlessness of unclean living, no less perilous than desperation.

vel in aeque perniciosam impurissimae vitae securitatem.

      *O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?  Acts 13:10.  The earth, which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: but that which beareth thorns and briars is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.  Heb. 6:7, 8.  There are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.  Jude 4.  A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.  1 Pet. 2:8.  If after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.  For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.  But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.  2 Pet. 2:20–22.  Ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh.  Gal. 5:13.  Looking diligently lest any man fail of (or, fall from) the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.  Heb. 12:15.

      *They therefore that have no mind at all neither to read, nor yet to hear God’s word, there is but small hope of them that they will as much as once set their feet, or take hold, upon the first staff or step of this ladder; but rather will sink deeper and deeper into the bottomless pit of perdition.  For, if at any time, through the remorse of their conscience, which accuseth them, they feel any inward grief, sorrow, or heaviness for their sins; forasmuch as they want the salve and comfort of God’s word, which they do despise, it will be unto them rather a mean to bring them to utter desperation, than otherwise.  Hom. xxxii. 2.

      He is set forth for the fall and rising again of many in Israel.  As Christ Jesus is a fall to the reprobate, which yet perish through their own default; so is his word, yea, the whole book of God, a cause of damnation unto them, through their incredulity.  And as he is a rising up to none other than those which are God’s children by adoption; so is his word, yea, the whole Scripture, the power of God to salvation to them only who do believe it.  Christ himself, the Prophets before him, the Apostles after him, all the true ministers of God’s holy word, yea every word in God’s book, is unto the reprobate the savour of death unto death. – Christ Jesus, the Prophets, the Apostles, and all the true Ministers of his word, yea, every jot and tittle in the holy Scripture, hath been, is, and shall be for evermore, the savour of life unto eternal life, unto all those whose hearts God hath purified by true faith.  Hom. xxii.

Furthermore *we must receive God’s promises in such wise as they be generally set forth to us in holy Scripture.

Deindo, promissiones divinas sic amplecti oportet, ut nobis in Sacris Literis generaliter propositae sunt;

      *The secret things belong unto the LORD our God; but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law.  Deut. 29:29.  The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.  Tit. 2:11.  Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature.  Mark 16:15.  Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.  Is. 45:22.  Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Matt. 11:28.  Let him that is athirst come.  And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.  Rev. 22:17.  Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.  Is. 55:7.  I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.  Rev. 2:21.  For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God?  1 Pet. 4:17.  Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my Gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith; to God only wise be glory, through Jesus Christ, for ever.  Amen.  Rom. 16:25, 26, 27.  Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye, from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?  Ezek. 33:11.  An oath for confirmation is an end of all strife.  Heb. 6:16.  Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus: who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.  1 Tim. 2:4–6.  God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.  Rom. 11:32.  That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations.  Luke 24:47.  The Lord – is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  2 Pet. 3:9.  See also Ezek. 18 and 33.  The times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.  Acts 17:30.  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom.  Col. 1:28.  Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.  Ps. 19:4.  I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way that was not good, after their own thoughts.  When I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not.  Isai. 65:2, 12.  O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not.  Matt. 23:37.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.  John 13:20.  God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  John 3:16, 17.  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. – And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life.  John 6:28, 29, 40.  Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.  Rom. 15:4.  All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.  John 6:37.  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.  For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.  Eccles. 12:13, 14.

      *St. Augustin saith, Although many things in the Scripture be spoken in obscure mysteries, yet there is nothing spoken under dark mysteries in one place, but the self-same thing in other places is spoken more familiarly and plainly, to the capacity both of learned and unlearned.  And those things in the Scripture that be plain to understand, and necessary for salvation, every man’s duty is to learn them, to print them in memory, and effectually to exercise them.  And as for the dark mysteries, to be contented to be ignorant in them, until such time as it shall please God to open those things unto him.  Hom. i. 2.

      That we may attain the wisdom of God, hidden in his word, we must with fervent prayer crave of God that with his Spirit he lighten our minds, being darkened with extreme darkness.  Nowell, p. 6.

      Let us beware therefore, good Christian people, lest that we, rejecting or casting away God’s word, (by the which we obtain and retain true faith in God,) be not at length cast off so far, that we become as the children of unbelief: which be of two sorts, far diverse, yea almost clean contrary, and yet both be very far from returning to God: the one sort, only weighing their sinful and detestable living with the right judgment and straitness of God’s righteousness, be so without counsel, and be so comfortless, (as they all must needs be, from whom the spirit of counsel and comfort is gone,) that they will not be persuaded in their hearts, but that either God cannot, or else that he will not, take them again to his favour and mercy.  The other, hearing the loving and large promises of God’s mercy, and so not conceiving a right faith thereof, make those promises larger than ever God did; trusting, that although they continue in their sinful and detestable living never so long, yet that God, at the end of their life, will shew his mercy upon them, and that then they will return.  And both these two sorts of men be in a damnable state: and yet nevertheless, God (who willeth not the death of the wicked) hath shewed means, whereby both the same (if they take heed in season) may escape.  The first, as they do dread God’s rightful justice in punishing sinners, (whereby they should be dismayed, and should despair indeed, as touching any hope that may be in themselves,) so if they would constantly or stedfastly believe that God’s mercy is the remedy appointed against such despair and distrust, not only for them, but generally for all that be sorry and truly repentant, and will therewithal stick to God’s mercy; they may be sure they shall obtain mercy, and enter into the port or haven of safeguard; into the which whosoever doth come, be they beforetime never so wicked, they shall be out of danger of everlasting damnation, as God by Ezekiel saith, What time soever a sinner doth return, and take earnest and true repentance, I will forget all his wickedness.  Ezek. 33:19.  Hom. viii. 2.

      For, as in all other things men’s hearts do quail and faint, if they once perceive that they travail in vain; even so most especially in this matter must we take heed, and beware that we suffer not ourselves to be persuaded that all that we do is but labour lost: for thereof either sudden desperation doth arise, or a licentious boldness to sin, which at length bringeth unto desperation.  Lest any such thing then should happen unto them, he doth certify them of the grace and goodness of God, who is always most ready to receive them into favour again, that turn speedily unto him.  Which thing he doth prove with the same titles, wherewith God doth describe and set forth himself unto Moses, speaking on this manner; For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil; (Exod. 34:6) that is, such a one as is sorry for your afflictions.  First, he called him gentle and gracious, as he who of his own nature is more prompt and ready to do good, than to punish.  Whereunto this saying of Isaiah the prophet seemeth to pertain, where he saith, Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous his own imaginations, and return unto the Lord, and he will have pity on him; and to our God, for he is very ready to forgive.  (Isaiah 55:7.)  Secondly, he doth attribute unto him mercy, or rather, according to the Hebrew word, the bowels of mercies; whereby be signified the natural affections of parents towards their children.  Which thing David doth set forth goodly, saying; As a father hath compassion on his children, so hath the Lord compassion on them that fear him: for he knoweth whereof we be made, he remembereth that we are but dust.  (Psalm 103:13.)  Thirdly, he saith, that he is slow to anger; that is to say, long-suffering, and which is not lightly provoked to wrath.  Fourthly, that he is of much kindness; for he is that bottomless well of all goodness, who rejoiceth to do good unto us: therefore did he create and make men, that he might have whom he should do good unto, and make partakers of his heavenly riches.  Fifthly, He repenteth of the evil; that is to say, he doth call back again and revoke the punishment which he had threatened, when he seeth men repent, turn, and amend.  Hom. xxxii. 1.

*And in our doings, that will of God is to be followed, which we have expressly declared unto us in the word of God.

et Dei voluntas in nostris actionibus ea sequenda est, quam in verbo Dei habemus diserte revelatam.

      *Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father.  Matt. 7:21.  He hath shelved thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?  Mic. 6:8.  If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God.  John 7:17.  His secret is with the righteous.  Prov. 3:32.  The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.  Ps. 25:14.  What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose.  Ps. 25:12.  The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children; to such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.  Ps. 103:17, 18.  And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the LORD, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.  Job 28:28.  Then shall we know, if  we follow on to know the LORD.  Hos. 6:3.  He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness.  John 8:12.  Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.  Mal. 4:2.  Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.  Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.  Phil. 3:15, 16.  Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.  James 1:22.  He that is of God heareth God’s words.  John 8:47.  These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so.  Therefore many of them believed.  Acts 17:11, 12.  Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.  Luke 11:28.  If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.  John 8:31, 32.  Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.  Ps. 37:27.  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.  Rev. 22:14.

      *For whereas God hath shewed to all them that truly believe his Gospel, his face of mercy in Jesus Christ, which doth so lighten their hearts, that they (if they behold it as they ought to do) be transformed to his image, be made partakers of the heavenly light, and of his holy Spirit, and be fashioned to him in all goodness requisite to the children of God  ; so, if they after do neglect the same, if they be unthankful unto him, if they order not their lives according to his example and doctrine, and to the setting forth of his glory, he will take away from them his kingdom, his holy word, whereby he should reign in them, because they bring not forth the fruit thereof that he looketh for.  Hom. viii. 1.

      God at length doth so forsake his unfruitful vineyard, that he will not only suffer it to bring forth weeds, briars, and thorns; but also further to punish the unfruitfulness of it, he saith he will not cut it, he will not delve it; and he will command the clouds that they shall not rain upon it: whereby is signified the teaching of his holy word, which St. Paul, after a like manner, expressed by planting and watering; meaning that he will take that away from them, so that they shall be no longer of his kingdom, they shall be no longer governed by his holy Spirit, they shall be put from the grace and benefits that they had, and ever might have enjoyed through Christ; they shall be deprived of the heavenly light and life, which they had in Christ, whilst they abode in him; they shall be (as they were once) as men without God in this world, or rather in worse taking.  And, to be short, they shall be given into the power of the devil, which beareth the rule in all them that be cast away from God, as he did in Saul and Judas, and generally in all such as work after their own wills, the children of mistrust and unbelief.  1 Sam. 15:23.  Hom. viii. 2.