An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches

Ans. That there is a confirmed state or degree of Holiness that is never lost, I do hold; and that this is attainable, and in that state men may be certain of Salvation: But whether the least degrees of habitual grace be utterly loseable, which prove a present right to life, till they are lost, I must plainly profess I do not know; much may be said on both sides: And if my Ignorance offend any, it offendeth me more: but how shall I help it, I think it is not for want of study, nor of impartial willingness to know the Truth: And Ignorance of the two is safer than Error, by which we trouble and seduce those about us. And in this case so many great and excellent Men have erred (either Augustine, with the generality of the ancient Churches, or Calvin, Zanchy, and most of the Reformed) that my Ignorance is pardonable where their Error it self is pardoned. But let those that are wiser rejoice in the greater measure of their Wisdom: But yet think not, that taking up either Opinion upon the trust of their Party, is such.

Ans. That there is a confirmed state or degree of Holiness that is never lost, I do hold; and that this is attainable, and in that state men may be certain of Salvation: But whether the least degrees of habitual grace be utterly loseable, which prove a present right to life, till they are lost, I must plainly profess I do not know; much may be said on both sides: And if my Ignorance offend any, it offendeth me more: but how shall I help it, I think it is not for want of study, nor of impartial willingness to know the Truth: And Ignorance of the two is safer than Error, by which we trouble and seduce those about us. And in this case so many great and excellent Men have erred (either Augustine, with the generality of the ancient Churches, or Calvin, Zanchy, and most of the Reformed) that my Ignorance is pardonable where their Error it self is pardoned. But let those that are wiser rejoyce in the greater measure of their Wisdom: But yet think not, that taking up either Opinion upon the trust of their Party, is such.

§. 10. Q. V. To the next, some have said, That had Adam done but one act of Love or Obedience, he had been confirmed as the Angels in a state of Impeccability: And that so are all that once truly believe in Christ. But Experience utterly confuteth that: For all men sin after believing.