The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

Secondly, If to do the works of the flesh, imports with you, as indeed in it self it doth, the predominancy and dominion of the flesh in them that do the works thereof, we wholly deny that Believers can so do the works of the flesh, as upon other Reasons, so partly because they sin out of infirmity, which sufficiently argues that the Flesh hath not the dominion in them; for then they should not through Infirmity be captivated to it, but should willingly yield up their members, as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin.

Secondly, If to do the workes of the flesh, imports with you, as indeed in it selfe it doth, the predominancy and dominion of the flesh in them that doe the workes thereof, we wholly deny that Believers can so do the workes of the flesh, as upon other Reasons, so partly because they sinne out of infirmity, which sufficiently argues that the Flesh hath not the dominion in them; for then they should not through Infirmity be captivated to it, but should willingly yeild up their members, as instruments of unrighteousnesse unto sinne.

Thirdly, The description you give of a sin of infirmity from Gal 6. 1. Is that alone which we acknowledge may befall Believers, though it hath sometimes befallen them in greater sins. It is evident from hence, that a sin becometh a sin of infirmity, not from the nature of it, but from the manner of mens falling into it. The greatest actual sin, may be a sin of infirmity, and the least, a sin of Presumption. It is possible a Believer may be overtaken, or rather surprised, with any sin, so he be overtaken or surprised. A surprisal into sin through the power of Temptation, subtlety of Satan, strength of indwelling sin, contrary to the habitual standing frame of the heart, (not always neither through a defect of watchfulness) is all that we grant a Believer may be liable to: and so upon Mr Goodwins confession he sins only out of infirmity; such sins being not exclusive of the Love and Favour of God. And therefore

Thirdly, The description you give of a sinne of infirmity from Gal 6. 1. Is that alone which we acknowledge may befall Believers, though it hath sometimes befallen them in greater sinnes. It is evident from hence, that a sinne becometh asinne of infirmity, not from the nature of it, but from the manner of mens falling into it. The greatest actuall sinne, may be a sinne of infirmity, and the least, a sinne of Presumption. It is possible a Believer may be overtaken, or rather surprised, with any sinne, so he be overtaken or surprised. A surprisall into sinne through the power of Temptation, subtilty of Sathan, strength of indewlling sinne, contrary to the habituall standing frame of the heart, (not alwayes neither through a defect of watchfullnesse) is all that we grant a Believer may be lyable to: and fo upon Mr Goodwins confession he sins only out of infirmity; such sins being not exclusive of the Love and Favour of God. And therefore