The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

Ans. I confess this demur outruns my understanding, Equis albis neither can I by any means, overtake it, to pin any tolerable sense upon it; though I would allow it to be suited only to M. Goodwins principles, and calculated for the Meridian of Arminianism: for, who (I pray) are they, in any sense, (in M. Goodwins) that do so love God, as to fall under, as he speaks, that pendulous Decree of Predestination, and to whom this promise here is made? Are they not Believers? Are any others Predestinated in our Authors judgement, but those who are actually so? is not the Decree of Predestination, Gods Decree or Purpose of saving Believers by Jesus Christ? Or can any love God to Acceptation, without Believing? If then they are Believers, can they alter that condition before they are Called? We supposed that Faith had been by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, ¹and that it is of necessity (in order of nature) that Calling should precede Believing. What are men called to? Is it not to Believe? Here is then a new sort of men discovered, that believe, and fall from Faith, Love God and forsake him, all antecedently to their Vocation and Calling. I am confident that M. Goodwin may be persuaded to withdraw this demurrer, or if not, that he will be over-ruled in it, before the judgement seat of all unprejudiced men. It will scarcely as yet pass currently, that men are borne Believers, and after such and such a time of their continuance in that estate of belief, and being Predestinated thereupon, God then Calls them. Neither do I understand the meaning of that phrase, [never come to be called] used by Him, who maintains all to be called, but this is but a demurrer. the Answer follows.

Ans. I confesse this demurre outrunnes my understanding, Equis albis neither can I by any meanes, overtake it, to pinne any tollerable sence upon it; though I would allow it to be suited only to M. Goodwins principles, and calculated for the Meridian of Arminianisme: for, who (I pray) are they, in any sence, (in M. Goodwins) that doe so love God, as to fall under, as he speakes, that pendulous Decree of Predestination, and to whom this promise here is made? Are they not Believers? Are any others Predestinated in our Authors judgement, but those who are actually so? is not the Decree of Predestination, Gods Decree or Purpose of saving Believers by Jesus Christ? Or can any love God to Acceptation, without Believing? If then they are Believers, can they alter that condition before they are Called? Wee supposed that Faith had been by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,