The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

It is possible, that yet some will farther object against the Argument in hand; Unless the Saints be assured of the perpetuity of their standing, in the Grace and Favour of God, they must needs be under fears of falling away, and so of perishing; and fear we know is of a discouraging and infeebling nature; an enemy unto such actions, which men of confidence and courage are apt to undertake.

It is possible, that yet some will farther object against the Argument in hand; Vnlesse the Saints be assured of the perpetuity of their standing, in the Grace and Favour of God, they must needs be under feares of falling away, and so of perishing; and feare we know is of a discouraging and infeebling nature; an enemy unto such actions, which men of confidence and courage are apt to undertake.

Ans. What this objection maketh in this place, I know not; it neither asserteth any eminency in the Doctrine by Mr Goodwin opposed, as to the promotion of Godliness, nor immediately challengeth that, which he doth maintain of a contrary tendency, but only intimateth, that the Sts Consolation and peace is weakened by unnecessary fears, such as his opinion is apt to ingenerate in them; But however thus far I own it, as to the main of the Observation in hand, that the Doctrine of the Apostasy of Believers, is apt and suited to cut the Saints of God, and heirs of the Promise short of that strong Consolation, which he is so abundantly willing that they should ⟨p. 255⟩receive, and to fill their Souls, and perplex their consciences, with cares, fears, and manifold entanglements, suited to weaken their Faith, and Love, and alienate their hearts from that delight in God, which they are called, and otherwise would be carried forth unto. They being all of them, in some measure, acquainted with the strength, subtlety, and power of indwelling Sin, the advantages of Satan in his manifold Temptations, the eminent success, which they see every day the Principalities, and Powers in heavenly places which they wrestle withal, to have against them, and being herewithall taught, that there is neither Purpose, nor Promise of God for their Preservation, that there is nothing to that purpose in the Covenant of Grace the Consideration of their Condition must of necessity fill them with innumerable perplexities, and make them their own tormentors all their days; thus far (I say) I own the Objection; That is not properly courage, or confidence, but Faith, Love, and Reverence, that are the Principles of our Actions in walking with God, hath been declared.