The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

Ans. That exception (in case they obstruct him not) is a Clew, to lead us into all the corners of of this Labyrinth, and a key to the whole design in hand. Such a supposal it is, as not only enervates the whole Discourse of the Apostle, and frustrates his design, but also opens a door for the Questioning of the Accomplishment of any Purpose, or Promise of God what ever; and in one word, rejects the whole Efficacy of the Grace of the Gospel, as a thing of nought. What strength is there in the Discourse and arguing of the Apostle from the Purpose, and ensuing Series of Gods Grace, to prove that all things Should work together for good to them that Love God, if the whole issue and Event of things mentioned to that end, depend not on the efficacy or effectual Influences of those Acts of God, one upon an other, and all upon the end; they being all and every one of them, Jointly, and severally suspended upon the wills of the Persons themselves, concerning whom they are, (which yet here is concealed and intimated in the least?) How doth it prove ⟨p. 61⟩at all, that they shall never be separated from the Love of Christ, that they shall be made conformable to him in Glory, notwithstanding all opposition, upon the account of the dispensation of Gods Eternal and Actual Love towards them, when the whole of their usefulness to the End proposed, is resolved ultimately into themselves and their endeavours; and not into any purpose or Act of God? Such as is the foundation, such is the strength of the whole building. Inferences can have no more strength, then the Principle from whence they are deduced; If a man should tell another, that if he will go a Journey of a hundred miles, at each twenty miles end, he shall meet with such and such refreshments: all the consolation he can receive upon the account of refreshment provided for him, is proportioned only to the thoughts he hath of his own strength for the performance of that Journey.

Ans. That exception (in case they obstruct him not) is a Clew, to lead us into all the corners of of this Labyrinth, and a key to the whole designe in hand. Such a supposall it is, as not only enervates the whole Discourse of the Apostle, and frustrats his designe, but also opens a dore for the Questioning of the Accomplishment of any Purpose, or Promise of God what ever; and in one word, rejects the whole Efficacy of the Grace of the Gospell, as a thing of nought. What strength is there in the Discourse and arguing of the Apostle from the Purpose, and insuing Series of Gods Grace, to proove that all things Should work together for good to them that Love God, if the whole issue and Event of things mentioned to that end, depend not on the efficacy or effectuall Influences of those Acts of God, one upon an other, and all upon the end; they being all and every one of them, Jointly, and severally suspended upon the wills of the Persons themselves, concerning whom they are, (which yet here is concealed and intimated in the least?) How doth it proove