§. V.
II. A Condition attainable in this Life, from which there is no Falling away. But Secondly, It appears such a Condition is attainable, because we are exhorted to it; and, as hath been proved before, the Scripture never proposeth to us Things impossible. Such an Exhortation we have from the Apostle, 2 Pet. i. 10. Wherefore the rather, Brethren, give Diligence to make your Calling and Election sure. And though there be a Condition here proposed, yet since we have already proved that it is possible to fulfil this Condition, then also the Promise annexed thereunto may be attained. And since, where Assurance is wanting, there is still a Place left for Doubtings and Despairs, if we should affirm it never attainable, then should there never be a Place known by the Saints in this World, wherein they might be free of Doubting and Despair; which as it is most absurd in itself, so it is contrary to the manifest Experience of Thousands.
III. A certain Assurance and Establishment given of God to many of his Saints and Children.Thirdly, God hath given to many of his Saints and Children, and is ready to give unto all, a full and certain Assurance that they are his, and that no Power shall be able to pluck them out of his Hand. But this Assurance would be no Assurance, if those who are so assured were not established and confirmed beyond all Doubt and Hesitation: If so, then surely there is no Possibility for such to miss of that which God hath assured them of. And that there is such Assurance attainable in this Life, the Scripture abundantly declareth, both in general and as to particular Persons. As first, Rev. iii. 12. Him that overcometh will I make a Pillar in the Temple of my God, and he shall go no more out, &c. which containeth a general Promise unto all. Hence the Apostle speaks of some that are sealed, 2 Cor. i. 22. Who hath also sealed us, and given the Earnest of the Spirit in our Hearts: Wherefore the Spirit so sealing is called the Earnest or Pledge of our Inheritance, Ephes. i. 13. In whom ye were sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise. And therefore the Apostle Paul, not only in that of the Romans above noted, declareth himself to have attained that Condition, but 2 Tim. iv. 7. he affirmeth in these Words, I have fought a good Fight, &c. which also many good Men have and do witness. And therefore as there can be nothing more evident than that which the manifest Experience of this Time sheweth, and therein is found agreeable to the Experience of former Times, so we see there have been both of old and of late that have turned the Grace of God into Wantonness, and have fallen from their Faith and Integrity; thence we may safely conclude such a Falling away possible. We also see that some of old and of late have attained a certain Assurance, some Time before they departed, that they should inherit eternal Life, and have accordingly died in that good Hope, of and concerning whom the Spirit of God testified that they are saved. Wherefore we all see such a State is attainable in this Life, from which there is not a Falling away: For seeing the Spirit of God did so testify, it was not possible that they should perish, concerning whom he who cannot lie thus bare Witness.
PROPOSITION X.
Concerning the Ministry.
As by the Light or Gift of God all true Knowledge in Things spiritual is received and revealed, so by the same, as it is manifested and received in the Heart, by the Strength and Power thereof, every true Minister of the Gospel is ordained, prepared, and supplied in the Work of the Ministry; and by the Leading, Moving, and Drawing hereof ought every Evangelist and Christian Pastor to be led and ordered in his Labour and Work of the Gospel, both as to the Place where, as to the Persons to whom, and as to the Time wherein he is to minister. Moreover they who have this Authority may and ought to preach the Gospel, though without human Commission or Literature; as on the other Hand, they who want the Authority of this divine Gift, however learned, or authorized by the Commission of Men and Churches, are to be esteemed but as Deceivers, and not true Ministers of the Gospel. The Gospel to be preached freely. Mat. 10. 8.Also they who have received this holy and unspotted Gift, as they have freely received it, so are they freely to give it, without Hire or Bargaining, far less to use it as a Trade to get Money by: Yet God hath called any one from their Employment or Trades, by which they acquire their Livelihood, it may be lawful for such, according to the Liberty which they feel given them in the Lord, to receive such Temporals (to wit, what may be needful for them for Meat and Clothing) as are given them freely and cordially by those to whom they have communicated Spirituals.