The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

Cyprian is express to our purpose: saith he, nemo existimet bonos de Ecclesiâ posse disecdere. tritioum non rapit ventus, nec arborem solidâ radice fundatam procella subvertit, inanes paleae tempestate metantur; inva•••e arbours tutbinis incursion evertuntur. Hos execratur & percutit ⟨image 21⟩Apostolus Johannes, dicens, ex nobis exierunt, sed non fuerunt ex nobis, si enim fuissent ex nobis, mansissent utique nobiscum. Cyp: de Unita: Eccles: The whole Doctrine we contend for, is plainly, and clearly asserted, and bottomed on a text of Scripture, which in a special manner (as we have cause) we do insist upon; all that is lost by temptations in the Church, was but Chaff, the Wheat abides, and the rooted Tree is not cast down. Those fall away, who indeed were never true believers in heart and union, what ever their profession was. And yet, we are within the compass of that span of time, which our adversaries, without proof, without shame, claim to be theirs. One Principal foundation of our Doctrine, is the bestowing of the holy Ghost upon Believers by Jesus Christ. Where he is so bestowed, there say we he abides: for he is given them for that end. viz: to abide with them for ever. Now concerning him Basil tells us, that though in a sort, he may be said to be present with all, that are baptised yet he is never mixed with any that are not worthy, that is, he dwells not with any that obtain not salvation. Basil Lib: de Spir: Sanc: Cap: 16. [Greek or Hebrew]. By that seeming presence of the holy Ghost, with hypocrites that are baptized professors, he evidently intends the common gifts & graces that he bestows upon them, and this is all he grants to them who are not at last (for such he discourses of•) found worthy.

Cyprian is express to our purpose: saith he, nemo existimet bonos de Ecclesiâ posse disecdere. tritioum non rapit ventus, nec arborem solidâ radice fundatam procella subvertit, inanes paleae tempestate metantur; inva•••e arbores tutbinis incursione evertuntur. Hos execratur & percutit ⟨image 21⟩Apostolus Johannes, dicens, ex nobis exierunt, sed non fuerunt ex nobis, si enim fuissent ex nobis, mansissent utique nobiscum. Cyp: de Unita: Eccles: The whole Doctrine we contend for, is plainly, and clearly asserted, and bottomed on a text of Scripture, which in a special manner (as we have cause) we do insist upon; all that is lost by temptations in the Church, was but Chaffe, the Wheat abides, and the rooted Tree is not cast down. Those fall away, who indeed were never true believers in heart and union, what ever their profession was. And yet, we are within the compass of that span of time, which our adversaries, without proof, without shame, claime to be theirs. One Principal foundation of our Doctrine, is the bestowing of the holy Ghost upon Believers by Jesus Christ. Where he is so bestowed, there say we he abides: for he is given them for that end. viz: to abide with them for ever. Now concerning him Basil tells us, that though in a sort, he may be said to be present with all, that are baptised yet he is never mixed with any that are not worthy, that is, he dwells not with any that obtaine not salvation. Basil Lib: de Spir: Sanc: Cap: 16. . By that seeming presence of the holy Ghost, with hypocrites that are baptized professors, he evidently intends the common gifts & graces that he bestowes upon them, and this is all he grants to them who are not at last (for such he discourses of) found worthy.