The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

What Mr Goodwin hath to plead in this Case he insists on,¹ Chap. 9. Sect. 24, 25, 26, 27. Pag. 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172. The sum and aim of his Discourse, is to Apologize for his Doctrine against sundry Objections, which in the Observations of men it is liable and obnoxious unto. Now these are such as whatever the Issue of their Consideration prove, doubtless it can be of no Advantage unto his Cause, that his Doctrine is so readily exposed to them.

What Mr Goodwin hath to plead in this Case he insists on,¹ Chap. 9. Sect. 24, 25, 26, 27. Pag. 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172. The summe and aime of his Discourse, is to Apologize for his Doctrine against sundry Objections, which in the Observations of men it is lyable and obnoxious unto. Now these are such as whatever the Issue of their Consideration prove, doubtlesse it can be of no Advantage unto his Cause, that his Doctrine is so readily exposed to them.

1. 1§. 4.

The first of these is,¹ that the Doctrine he Opposeth, and in Opposition whereunto that is set up, which he so industriously asserts, hath generally been received and embraced, by men eminent in Piety and Godliness, famous on that account in their Generations, with the generality of the People of God, with them. And this is attended with that which naturally ensues thereon, viz. The Scandalousness of the most of them (yea of them all of this Nation is it spoken, who have formerly asserted the Doctrine which Mr Goodwin hath lately espoused; Whereunto in the third place an Observation is subjoined, of the Ordinary defection of men to loose and unsavoury practises, after they have once drunk in the principles of that opinion, which he now so industriously mixeth and tempereth for them; It is usually said there is no smoke, but where there is some fire; It would be strange if such Observations as these, should be readily and generally made by men, concerning the Doctrine under Contest, unless there were some evident occasion Administered by it thereunto. And I must needs say, that if they prove True, and hold under Examination, they will become as urging a prejudice, as can lightly be laid against any cause in Religion whatsoever. The Gospel being a Doctrine according unto Godliness, several persuasions pretending to be parts and portions thereof, if one shall be found to be the constant Faith, and profession of those, who also have the life and power of Godliness in them; the other to be maintained by evil men and seducers, who upon their receiving it, do also wax worse and worse; it is no small advantage to the first, in its plea for admittance to the right and title of a truth of the Gospel.