Having spoken of that Security, which is natural, in all the kinds of it: it now in 1the last place remaineth, that we briefly entreat of that Security which is supernatural, divine and holy. For as all Security is not commendable, but only when a man, as he ought, layeth aside all care; so on the other side, all Security is not to be condemned, but when he assumeth it as he ought not; namely, such a Security as is built on an ill foundation, and upon false and deceitful grounds; which as it proceedeth from evil causes, so it always produceth evil and pernicious effects, as hath sufficiently been showed in the former discourse. But besides this, there is a Security which is good and warrantable, commendable, and to be desired and embraced of us, grounded on just causes, and rightly assumed of those unto whom of due it appertaineth; namely, the security of the faithful, having its foundation not upon any thing in themselves, or any inferior means and secondary causes, but upon God alone his Power, Providence and Promises, made unto them in Jesus Christ. For after that we are regenerate by the Spirit of God, and being reconciled, are become his Children by adoption and grace, and so like Children in the favour of our heavenly Father, and received under the covert of his protection, then beginneth that created Security, which was in the state of Innocency, to be renewed in us; the which though we cannot attain unto in the ⟨p. 86⟩highest perfection in this life, because our knowledge, faith and love, which should cast out all fear, are imperfect; yet is it much firmer, surer, and more permanent, then that of our first Parents, because that rested on the condition of their obedience, and this upon the freedom of their will, which was mutable and changeable; but this renewed security, resteth upon the covenant of Grace made in Christ and his Righteousness and Obedience, which are unchangeable and everlasting, and hath no condition on our part, but a lively faith, bringing forth fruits of unfeigned repentance; and these Graces also are the free gifts of God, which after he hath once bestowed, he never again taketh 2from us.
HAuing spoken of that Securitie, which is naturall, in all the kinds of it: it now in 1the last place remayneth, that we briefly intreate of that Securitie which is supernaturall, diuine and holy. For as all Securitie is not commendable, but onely when a man, as he ought, layeth aside all care; so on the other side, all Securitie is not to bee condemned, but when hee assumeth it as hee ought not; namely, such a Securitie as is built on an ill foundation, and vpon false and deceitfull grounds; which as it proceedeth from euill causes, so it alwayes produceth euill and pernicious effects, as hath sufficiently beene shewed in the former discourse. But besides this, there is a Securitie which is good and warrantable, commendable, and to be desired and imbraced of vs, grounded on iust causes, and rightly assumed of those vnto whom of due it appertayneth; namely, the securitie of the faithfull, hauing its foundation not vpon any thing in themselues, or any inferiour meanes and secundarie causes, but vpon God alone his Power, Prouidence and Promises, made vnto them in Iesus Christ. For after that wee are regenerate by the Spirit of God, and being reconciled, are become his Children by adoption and grace, and so like Children in the fauour of our heauenly Father, and receiued vnder the couert of his protection, then beginneth that created Securitie, which was in the state of Innocency, to be renued in vs; the which though we cannot attayne vnto in the ⟨p. 86⟩highest perfection in this life, because our knowledge, faith and loue, which should cast out all feare, are imperfect; yet is it much firmer, surer, and more permanent, then that of our first Parents, because that rested on the condition of their obedience, and this vpon the freedom of their will, which was mutable and changeable; but this renued securitie, resteth vpon the couenant of Grace made in Christ and his Righteousnesse and Obedience, which are vnchangeable and euerlasting, and hath no condition on our part, but a liuely faith, bringing forth fruits of vnfayned repentance; and these Graces also are the free gifts of God, which after he hath once bestowed, he neuer againe taketh 2from vs.
- 1Non quaelibet securitas est laudabilis: sed qua•do deponit a•iquis curam pout deb•t. Th. Aquin. 2. 2. quaest. 129. art. 7.Non quaelibet securitas est laudabilis: sed qua•do deponit a•iquis curam p•out deb•t. Th. Aquin. 2. 2. quaest. 129. art. 7.
- 2Rom. 11. 29.
