The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

3. His Permanency in this work and efficacy by it; this living Water springs up to everlasting Life: He ceases not, until our Spiritual Life be consummated in Eternity. This then is the sum of this Promise of our Saviour; He gives his holy Spirit to his, who lives in them, and gives them such continual supplies of Grace, that they shall never come to a total want of it; as they do of Elementary Water, who have once drank thereof. And from this spring doth this Argument flow. They on whom the Spirit is bestowed to abide with them for ever, and to whom he constantly yields such supplies of Grace, as that they shall never be reduced to a total want for ever, they shall certainly and infallibly persevere: but that this is the Condition of all that come to Christ by Believing, or that Christ hath promised, that so it shall be with them, is clear from his own Testimony now insisted on: Ergo.

3. His Permanency in this worke and efficacy by it; this living Water springs up to everlasting Life: He ceases not, untill our Spirituall Life be consummated in Eternity. This then is the summe of this Promise of our Saviour; He gives his holy Spirit to his, who lives in them, and gives them such continuall supplies of Grace, that they shall never come to a totall want of it; as they doe of Elementary Water, who have once dranke thereof. And from this spring doth this Argument flow. They on whom the Spirit is bestowed to abide with them for ever, and to whom he constantly yeildes such supplyes of Grace, as that they shall never be reduced to a totall want for ever, they shall certainely and infallibly persevere: but that this is the Condition of all that come to Christ by Believing, or that Christ hath promised, that so it shall be with them, is cleare from his owne Testimony now insisted on: Ergo.

Unto their Argument from the Promise of our Saviour,¹ Mr Goodwin endeavours an Answer, Ch. 11. Sect: 10. 11. 12. pag. 232. 233. and in the Preface of it tells us, that this Scripture doth but face (if so much) the business in hand; To face it I suppose, is to appear at first view in its defence; and this indeed cannot well or colourably be denied, the words of it punctually expressing the very Truth we intend to prove thereby: And this notwithstanding the allaying qualification (if so much) must needs somewhat prejudice the ensuing evasions; But we are yet farther confident, that upon the more diligent and strict examination, it will be found, to speak to the very heart and soul of the business in hand: and the Considerations of his Reasons to the contrary, doth seem only to give us farther light herein, and assurance hereof. He says then,