The substance of Christian religion soundly set forth in two bookes, by definitions and partitions, framed according to the rules of a naturall method, by Amandus Polanus professor of diuinitie. The first booke concerneth faith. The second concerneth good workes. The principall pointes whereof are contained in a short table hereunto annexed. Translated out of Latin into English by E.W.

Hitherto concerning our communion with Christ: now concerning our preser∣uation in this communion.

The preseruation of the elect in their com∣munion with Christ, is a benefite of God, whereby he doth preserue the elect euen to the end, that they should not perish, but that they should remaine in the fellowship of Christ. 1. Pet. 1.5.

The parts thereof are, consolation, the hea∣ring of the electes prayers, defence against their enemies, deliuerance out of dangers, and the gift of perseuerance.

Consolation, is a benefit of God, whereby he doth strengthen vs, to the suffering of ad∣uersities, with an vnspeakeable ioye of hart ioyned thereunto. Psal. 94.19. and 119.76.77. 2. Cor. 1.3. 1. Cor. 10.13.

And that is either common in euery affli∣ction, or particular in death.

The common consolation in euery affli∣ction, is manifold.

• 1. Because affliction proceedeth from the diuine prouidence of our most mercifull and heauenly father. 2. Sam. 16.10. Ier. 14.22.
• 2. Because affliction serueth to the good & saluation of the elect. Rom. 8.28. Psal. 119.71. Reuel. 3.10.
• 3. Because affliction bringeth foorth pati∣ence

• Iam. 12.3. Rom. 5.3.
• 4. Because they who suffer affliction for godlinesse, and the truths sake are blessed. Matth. 5.10.11. Luke. 6.22. Iam, 1.12. 1. Pet. 3.14. and 4.14.
• 5. Because affliction, bideth but for a while. 2. Cor. 4.17.
• 6. Because God himselfe putteth an end to affliction. 1. Cor. 10.13.
• 7. Because affliction cannot separate vs frō Gods loue. Rom. 8.39.
• 8. Because affliction is not a testimony of Gods wrath.
• 9. Because affliction is a testimony of Gods loue. Prou. 3.11.13. Heb. 12.6. 1. Pet. 2.19.20.
• 10. Because he that is proued by affliction, shall receiue the crown of life, which God hath promised to those that loue him. Iam. 1.122. Tim. 2.11. Mat 5.12. Reuel. 2.10.
• 11. Because it cannot ouerthrow the elect. 2. Cor. 4.8.
• 12. Because the end of affliction wilbe ioy∣full Luke. 6.21 Mat. 5. vers. 4.
• 13. Because other Saints also haue bene sub∣iect alwayes to afflictio. Iam. 5.11. Mat. 5.12.
• 14. Because the spirite of God resteth on those that beare affliction. 1. Pet. 4.14.
• 15. Because by affliction we must enter into the kingdome of God. Rom. 14.22.
• 16. Because by affliction we must be confor∣mable to the image of the sonne of God. Rom. 8.28. 1. Pet. 4.13.
• ...

• 17. Because they that beare afflictiō shall not be cōdemned with the world. 1. Cor. 11.32.
• 18. Because Christ himselfe hath sustained affliction. Heb. 12.2.
• 19. Because the eternall ioye which we shall reape in the kingdome of God, shall ex∣cell by many degrees the griefe of afflictiō in this life.
• 20. Because affliction shall not endure for euer.
• 21. Because by affliction our heauēly father hath appointed to make triall of his elect.
• 22. Because by daily affliction, we being ad∣monished of our weaknesse and fraylty, might be hūbled, & so being humbled, we do learne to call for Gods assistance.
• 23. Because in affliction, we haue experience of the louing presence of God.
• 24. Because affliction is a token of obtay∣ning eternall inheritance.
• 25. Because our hope is strēgthened by affli∣ction.
• 26. Because by affliction we learne due obe∣dience to God.
• 27. Because affliction doth get in vs contēpt and lothing of this present life.
• 28. Because affliction admonisheth vs of the vanity of this present life.
• 29. Because affliction doth inuite vs to the meditation of the life to come.
• 30. Because at the lēgth God freeth vs from all euill.