The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

Now that I may lay a more clear Foundation for what doth ensue,¹ I shall briefly deduce, not only the Doctrine it self, but also the Method, wherein I shall handle it, from a portion of Scripture, in which the whole is summarily comprised, and branched forth into suitable Heads, for the Confirmation and vindication thereof. And this also is required to the main of my design, being not so directly to Convince stout Gain-sayers, in vanquishing their Objections, as to Strengthen Weak Believers, in helping them against Temptations, & therefore shall at the entrance hold out that, whereinto their Faith must be ultimately resolved; the Authority of God in his Word, being that Ark alone whereon it can rest the sole of its foot. Now this is the Fourth chap. of Isaiah, of which take this short account: It is a Chapter made up of Gracious Promises, given to the Church, in a Calamitous season: the Season it self is described, verses 25, and 26. of the third Chapter, and the first of this; all holding out, a distressed estate, a low condition; it is indeed Gods Method, to make out gracious Promises to his People, when their condition seems most deplored, to sweeten their souls with a sense of his Love, in the multitude of the perplexing thoughts, which in distracted times, are ready to tumultuate in them.

Now that I may lay a more cleere Foundation for what doth insue,¹ I shall briefely deduce, not only the Doctrine it selfe, but also the Method, wherein I shall handle it, from a portion of Scripture, in which the whole is summarily comprized, and branched forth into suitable Heads, for the Confirmation and vindication thereof. And this also is required to the mayne of my designe, being not so directly to Convince stout Gaine-sayers, in vanquishing their Objections, as to Strengthen Weak Believers, in helping them against Temptations, & therefore shall at the entrance hold out that, whereinto their Faith must be ultimately resolved; the Authority of God in his Word, being that Arke alone whereon it can rest the sole of its foot. Now this is the Fourth chap. of Isaiah, of which take this short account: It is a Chapter made up of Gracious Promises, given to the Church, in a Calamitous season: the Season it selfe is described, verses 25, and 26. of the third Chapter, and the first of this; all holding out, a distressed estate, a low condition; it is indeed Gods Method, to make out gracious Promises to his People, when their condition seems most deplored, to sweeten their soules with a sence of his Love, in the multitude of the perplexing thoughts, which in distracted times, are ready to tumultuate in them.