The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

9, 10, are sufficient proof of his faith herein: That he built up others in the same persuasion, to the enjoyment of the same peace and Assurance with himself, is undeniable. And if there be any demonstration to be made of the belief of the first Christians, of any evidence comparable unto this, I shall not deny but that it ought to be attended unto. But that we may not seem willing to decline the Consideration of what those who went before us in the several Ages and Generations past, apprehended, and have by any means communicated unto us, of their thoughts about the business of our contest, (having no reason so to be) I shall after a little preparation made to that work, present the Reader with something of my Observations to that end and purpose.

9, 10, are sufficient proof of his faith herein: That he built up others in the same perswasion, to the enjoyment of the same peace and Assurance with himselfe, is undenyable. And if there be any demonstration to be made of the beliefe of the first Christians, of any evidence comparable unto this, I shall not deny but that it ought to be attended unto. But that we may not seem willing to decline the Consideration of what those who went before us in the several Ages and Generations past, apprehended, and have by any means communicated unto us, of their thoughts about the businesse of our contest, (having no reason so to be) I shall after a little preparation made to that work, present the Reader with something of my Observations to that end and purpose.

Of the Authority of the Ancients in matters of Religion and worship of God, of the Right use and improvement of their writings, of the several Considerations that are to be had and exercised by them who would read them with profit and Advantage, after many disputes and contests between the Papists, and Divines of the Reformed Churches, the whole concernment of that Controversy, is so clearly stated, Managed and resolved by Monsieur Dalie in his Book of the Right use of the Fathers, that I suppose all farther labour in that kind may be well spared. Those who intend to weigh their Testimony to any head of Christian Doctrine, do commonly distinguish them into three greater periods of time: The first of these is comprehensive of them, who lived and wrote before the Doctrine, concerning which they are called out to give in their thoughts and verdict, had received any signal opposition, and eminent discussion in the Church on that account. Such are the Writers of the first 300 years, before the Nicene Counsel, in reference to the Doctrine of the Trinity: and so the succeeding writers, before The stating of the Macedonian, Eutychian, and Nestorian Heresies. In the next are they ranked who bare the burden and heat of the Opposition made to any Truth, and