The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

That which remains to complete our intendment,¹ as to that Part of the work, which now draws towards a close, is, the importment of that Doctrine so long insisted on, (having in some measure vindicated and cleared up the Truth of it) as to the effectual influence it hath into the Obedience, and Consolation of them that are concerned therein; And this I shall do in the Order that I have named, giving the Preeminence unto their Obedience; which more immediately respecting the Glory of God, & the honour of the Gospel, is to be preferred before their Consolation; yea though God should never afford his Saints any drop of that Consolation, which we affirm to stream from the Truth discussed, yet it is Honour unspeakable for them, that he is pleased to admit them, and enable them, to do him Service in this life; and it will be their infinite Consolation, that they have done so, to Eternity.

THat which remaines to compleat our intendment,¹ as to that Part of the worke, which now drawes towards a close, is, the importment of that Doctrine so long insisted on, (having in some measure vindicated and cleared up the Truth of it) as to the effectuall influence it hath into the Obedience, and Consolation of them that are concerned therein; And this I shall do in the Order that I have named, giving the Preeminence unto their Obedience; which more immediately respecting the Glory of God, & the honour of the Gospell, is to be preferred before their Consolation; yea though God should never afford his Saints any drop of that Consolation, which we affirme to streame from the Truth discussed, yet it is Honour unspeakable for them, that he is pleased to admit them, and inable them, to do him Service in this life; and it will be their infinite Consolation, that they have done so, to Eternity.

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For the making our way clear to the demonstration of that influence, which the Doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints hath into their Obedience, and close-walking with God, and so to manifest, what weight is to be laid upon it, on that Consideration; I shall give some previous Observations, which may direct, and give us light in our passage, both concerning Gospel Truths, Gospel Obedience, and Gospel Motives thereunto; I hope it will not be thought amiss, if I look a little backwards to fortify and clear this part of our progress; there being no concernement of our Doctrine, that is more clamoured by the Adversaries of it; nor can any respect of it, or any Truth of God, more causelessly meet with such entertainment; as I hope will abundantly (in the progress of our business) be evinced, to the consciences of all, who know indeed, what it is to walk before God, in a course of Gospel Obedience, and who have their communion with the Father, and his Son Jesus Christ. For the first