The collegiat suffrage of the divines of Great Britaine, concerning the five articles controverted in the Low Countries VVhich suffrage was by them delivered in the synod of Dort, March 6. anno 1619. Being their vote or voice foregoing the joint and publique judgment of that Synod.

THE SECOND POSITION.

THis perswasion of faith can∣not come into the act and vi∣gor, without the endeavor of holi∣nesse, and use of the meanes.

THe firme perswasion of Gods bestowing the gift of perseverance, and of our attain∣ing of life everlasting, we attribute to the mer∣cy of God alone; and the intercession of Christ, as to the originall cause: but so, as we withall referre it to sanctification, as an unse∣parable companion, and a most sure signe. This is laid downe, as an evidence of a solid faith, 1 Iohn 2.3. Hereby we are sure, that wee know him, if we keepe his commandements. This is

set forth as the proper passion of justification, Rom. 8.1. There is no condemnation to them, that are in Christ Iesus, who walke not after the flesh, but after the spirit.

But we measure this holinesse, not by the degrees of it, but by the endeavor, and setled purpose of him, that hath it: and withall we professe, that this holinesse and perswasion of faith may and ought to bee forwarded and confirmed by watching, fasting, prayer, and mortifying the flesh, and other meanes there∣to appointed by God, Mat. 14. 38. Watch, and pray, lest ye enter into temptation, 1 Cor. 9.17. I beat downe my body, and bring it into subjection, lest I my selfe should be reproved. Notwithstanding in the meane while let us so reckon this our diligence, and pious use of these meanes; in the number of the exercises of our freed will, that withall wee account that very diligence and endeavour amongst the helpes of assisting grace and motions of the holy Spirit dwel∣ling in us.

Now it is certaine that this firme perswa∣sion, of which we speake, cannot put forth it selfe without these holy endeavors.

1 Because sanctification (the companion of justification) cannot consist without the intent of obedience: An habituall purpose whereof (although interrupted by many slips) is sufficient to the Elect for the main∣taining the state of justification entire in it selfe. But for the present comfort of this confidēce, is necessarily required an actuall purpose of such obediēce; neither can any man out of the testimony of the spirit speaking to his heart, say, I doe now confidently beleeve, that I shall remaine in the state of grace to the end, unless he also adde, out of the sincere intent of his minde, I doe now most constantly purpose with my selfe to walke in the wayes of Gods holy Commandements.

2 Much lesse can it be imagined, that this lively act of our confidence can stand with an actuall and direct purpose of sinning. For as one habit is opposed to another habit, so al∣so an act is opposed to an act. Neither can we, without a senselesse contradiction, ima∣gine a man concluding after this manner, I am confident, that life everlasting cannot be taken away from mee: and yet withall I resolve

with my selfe to be a slave to my alluring af∣fections. Our Saviour shewes that these con∣trary resolutions cannot stand together, Mat. 6.24 No man can serve two Masters.