A compend of the controversies of religion wherin the trueth is confirmed, and errour convinced, by authoritie of Scripture, witnessing of antiquitie, and confession of partie. Most necessary for all, in this backe-slyding age. By W.G. minister of God's word.

1. Authoritie of Scripture.

EPhes. 2.8. For by Grace ye are saved through Faith, & that not of your selues, it is the gift of God: Not of vvorks, lest anie man should boast: for vvee are his vvorkmanship, created in Christ Iesus vnto good vvorks, which God hath before ordained, that vvee should vvalke in them.

Note then, That good works (as Ber∣nard sayeth) are the way where-in wee must walke to the kingdome, but not the cause, why either in election, or glo∣rificat••on, it is bestowed vpon vs.

Eph. 1.4. According as hee hath chosen vs in Him, before the foundation of the World, that vvee should bee holie, and vvithout blame, before Him in loue: Having prede∣stinated vs vnto the adoption of chil∣dren, by Iesus Christ, to Himselfe, according to the good pleasure of His Will, To the praise of the glorie of His grace, vvherein Hee hath made vs accepted, in His beloved.

Marke then, That our election is not for our fore-seene holinesse, but that we should bee holie: and the ground there-of is set downe therefore to bee the good pleasure of the Lord's will: and the ende of all is, the praise onelie of the glorie of His owne grace: and so no praise to vs for anie fore-seene merit.

Rom, 9.15. For hee sayeth to Moses, I vvill haue mercie, on whom I vvill haue mercie; and I vvill haue compassion, on vvhom I vvill haue compassion, So then, it is not of him that vvilleth, nor of him that run∣neth, but of God, that showeth mercie.

Note then, That the cause of our ele∣ction is in God himselfe, to wit, free mercie, and not in man, of fore-seene merit.