The entrance into an answer to Mr. G.'s arguments against the doctrine of the saints' perseverance: his sixth argument about the usefulness of the doctrine under consideration to the work of the ministry, proposed. His proof of the minor proposition; considered and answered. Many pretenders to promote godliness by false doctrines. Mr. G.'s common interest in this argument. His proofs of the usefulness of his doctrine unto the promotion of godliness; considered and answered. The inconsequence of his arguing discovered. The doctrine by him opposed, mistaken, ignorantly or wilfully. Objections proposed by Mr. G. to himself to be answered. The objection as proposed, disowned. Certainty of the love of God, in what sense a motive to obedience. The doctrine of apostacy denies the unchangeableness of God's love to believers: placeth qualifications in the room of persons. How the doctrine of perseverance promiseth the continuance of the love of God to believers. Certainty of reward, encouraging to regular actions. Promises made to persons qualified, not suspended upon those qualifications. Means appointed of God for the accomplishment of a determined end, certain. Means not always conditions. Mr. G.'s strange inference concerning the Scripture, considered. The word of God by him undervalued, and subjected to the judgment of vain men, as to its truth and authority. The pretended reason of the former proceeding discussed. The Scripture the sole judge of what is to be ascribed to God, and believed concerning him. The doctrine of the saints' perseverance, falsely imposed on, and vindicated. Mr. G.'s next objection made to himself, against his doctrine: its unseasonableness, as to the argument in hand, demonstrated. No assurance of the love of God, nor peace left the saints by the doctrine of apostacy. The ground of peace and assurance by it taken away. Ground of Paul's consolation; 1 Cor. ix. 27. The meaning of the word ádókiμos. Another plea against the doctrine attempted to be proved by Mr. G. That attempt considered. Not the weakness of the flesh naturally, but the strength of lust spiritually pretended. The cause of sin in the saints farther discussed. The power ascribed by Mr. G. to men, for the strengthening and making willing the Spirit in them, considered. The aptness of the saints to perform, what, and whence. The opposition they have in them thereunto. Gospel obedience how easy. The conclusion, Ant swer to chap. xiii. of his book proposed.
THE argument, wherein Mr. Goodwin exposeth the doctrine under contest to the trial, concerning its usefulness, as to