CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

First, The Question is not of the possibility of a believers total and final perishing; If we consider him in himself, if we behold him in his own power not as elected and covenanted with in Christ, then it's not only possible, but even necessary, that he should eternally perish: This is evidenced in the apostate Angels and Adam, there grace was amissible, yea they did actually lose it, when yet they had not a corrupt nature within to betray them, as we have. Therefore they did not necessarily, but by a voluntary choice fall into their own destruction: How much more would this terrible apostasy be in godly men, ⟨p. 350⟩though sanctified, seeing there are the powerful relics of corruption abiding in them, and withal many violent temptations without to overwhelm them, if left to themselves. When therefore we say, the true believer cannot perish, it's not to be attributed to his strength and power, but solely to the grace of God, which as at first wrought conversion; so it doth also perseverance and continuance in that estate; for as the removal of the pillars doth immediately make the house to fall, being it's natural motion is to descend downwards; so the withdrawing of Gods gracious power would immediately cause the most holy man to fall into his old rubbish and filthy vomit of sin; it's not therefore only possible, but certain and inevitable, that every converted man, would be apostate from God; did not a mighty grace daily preserve him; and this is fully evidenced by that prayer; all are taught to pray, though never so holy, that God would not lead us into temptation, doth not that plainly teach us, That we are so weak and infirm, that there is no temptation, if left to our selves, but it would wholly overcome us: Oh then, Let the most eminent and chiefest believers daily pray, that God would not leave them to their own strength and temptation, for this is to be left in hells mouth.

First, The Question is not of the possibility of a believers total and final perishing; If we consider him in himself, if we behold him in his own power not as elected and covenanted with in Christ, then it's not only possible, but even necessary, that he should eternally perish: This is evidenced in the apostate Angels and Adam, there grace was amissible, yea they did actually lose it, when yet they had not a corrupt nature within to betray them, as we have. Therefore they did not necessarily, but by a voluntary choice fall into their own destruction: How much more would this terrible apostasie be in godly men,