Some _Sects_ are found, who so _believing_ be, They thinke themselves from _legall-workings_ free; And, so they live, as if they stood in feare That, with _Good-works_, their _God_ offended were. Another sort we know, who credit not, That any hope of _Mercie_ can be got, Till they themselves, by their _externall-deed_, Have _merited_ the favours they shall need: And, so they prize their _workings_; that, for _Grace_, They seeme to disallow all usefull place. Both sorts, their errours may be purged from, When to the _Fiery-tryall_ they shall come. So, likewise, may another _Faction_ too, That erre more deadly then these former doe. These doe (forsooth) affirme, that _God’s_ decree Before all _Worlds_ (what Words can fouler be?) Debarr’d the greatest part of _humane-race_, Without respecting sinne, from hope of _Grace_; And, that, howere this number shall indeaver, They must continue _Reprobates_, for ever. The first, are errours of Impiety; But, this, ascends the top of blasphemy; Dispoyles _Religion_ wholly of her fruits; And, wrongeth _God_ in all his _Attributes_. These _Errours_, therefore shunne; and, so _believe_, That wee thy _Faith_, may by thy _Workes_ perceive. So _worke_, that thy _believing_ may approve Thou wrought’st not for thy _Wages_; but, for _love_. For (whatsoe’re thou be) if thus thou doe, Thou mayst have _hopes_, and, _God_ will grant them too. _By =Wisedome=, things which passe away, Are best preserved from decay._ [Illustration: RERUM SAPIENTIA CUSTOS. ILLVSTR. VIII. _Book. 3_]