THE VNIVERSALLITY OF GOD'S FREE-GRACE IN CHRIST TO MANKIND PROCLAIMED and DISPLAYED From 1 Tim. 2.6 and Hebr. 2.9 according to their genuine sense THAT ALL MIGHT BE COMFORTED Encouraged every one confirmed and assured of the Propitiation and Death of Christ for the whole Race of Mankind and so for himself in particular Through urgent importunity Written by Thomas Moore Joh. 3.14 15 16. And as Moses lifted up the Serpent in the Wildernesse Even so must the Sonne of Man be lifted up that whosoever beleeveth in him should not perish but have Everlasting life Heb. 2.9 But we see JESUS who was made a little lower then the Angels for the suffering of Death crowned with glory and honour that he by the grace of God should taste Death for Every Man LONDON Printed in the Yeer of the Patience and Forbearance of our Lord. 1646. TO THE CHRISTIAN READER Christian Reader IF wee beleeve the great love of GOD to Mankind fallen into sinne and enmity against him manifested in the gift of his Son to be the Saviour of the World who by the grace of God tasted death for Every man And became the Propitiation for the sinnes of the whole world and the fruits hereof so great for all men that they extend as large as the heaven and the earth bearing forth their Testimony with more brightnesse then the Sunne and working on every mans sense to lead to Repentance Psal 19.1 7. Rom. 10.18 Acts 14.17 Rom. 2.4 and so precious in those to whom through the Gospel it spiritually appeareth That it converteth and bringeth in to Christ and also teacheth to deny ungodlinesse and worldly lusts and to live soberly righteously and godly in this present life c. Tit. 3.4.5 and 2.11 12 13. Then I hope thou wilt not count it strange if some be heartily grieved when in a Church where this great Love is testified And set forth in the authorized Doctrine thereof many professing themselves zealous to see them 1. So denying and blaspheming this great love of God to mankind in Scripture affirmed Joh. 3.16 17. 1 Joh. 4.14 as if God ever and from all eternity hated the greatest number of men so as they neither are beholden to him for any good will or love nor have any doore of Repentance or meanes of life opened and afforded by him in truth for them 2. So contradicting and blaspheming the plain sayings of the Gospel of Christ as that he gave himself a Ransome for All Men 1 Tim. 2.6 and by the grace of God tasted death for Every Man Heb. 2.9 as to affirme plainly and directly contrary as That Jesus Christ did not die or shâ—d his blood for every man 3. Calling the Expression in the Doctrin of the Church of England that saith Jesus Christ God the Sonne hath Redemed me and all mankind a flat lye affirming the truth to be hee hath redeemed none but the Elect. 4. Running into so many long agoe condemned evill and Papisticall wayes and arguings to maintaine their Contradictions of Truth Yea I suppose it would be grievous to thee also to perceive the same Neither I am perswaded wilt thou count it strange that this Love of God beleeved should constraine the Beleever in love to beare forth the testimony thereof and also maintaine it against opposition yea and when to the godly and sober-minded the same is plainly testifyed and the testimony subscribed and yet by others in heat and rashnes traduced Then on the importune request of many to permit it to more open view that it may be rightly knowne and so tryed and either approved or the errours found therein discovered and confuted which done in love and by faire dealing with the Scripture will be lovingly accepted though the fury of such as have no way but by incensing Authority with false suggestions and evill Reports however garnish'd to overcome those they oppose cannot be justified as Christian Wherefore Christian and Juditious Reader if thou conceivest me to erre I hope thy love will leade thee in a Christian way to shew it me by the Scripture which I will thankfully imbrace and if thou wilt endeavour the same I then entreat but these foure things of thee which I know the grace of Christ beleeved and heeded will teach thee not to denie mee And they are these First that thou answer to the businesse about the matter affirmed as namely about the Redemption Reconciliation and Propitiation wrought by Christ in his owne body for men distinct from that he by his Spirit in application thereof worketh in men and so according to the distinction the Scripture maketh and â—â—ntioned in the five first Chapters of this ensuing Treatise Secondly that thou adde not to that I have affirmed of the Death of Christ for All Men such things as I neither affirme nor by any necessary or reasonable consequence can be said to be included in or to arise from my Affirmation as some have done As that Christ should die for all men alike or that all men shall be Eternally saved or that all or any man hath by Nature Free-will to that which is spiritually good or that all that beleeve Christ dyed for All Men shall be saved all which the Truth affirmed and the Treatise every where condemneth Thirdly that in answering thou be pleased to use spiritual weapons and right Arguing from plain places of Scripture compared with other like places and so forbeaâ— those carnall and Popish wayes and manner of Reasonnings faulted by so many Worthies in this Church As 1. Pretending insufficiency in the Scripture to be the determiner of all matters of Faith but that how plainly soever the Scripture affirmes yet the matter is but sub judice without some other determination 2. Pretending darknesse in the Scripture yea in Fundamentalls and that of themselves however compared with other-like places they are full of obscurity 3. Use of carnall Reasons to frame absurdities to follow if the truth the plain sayings of Scripture import be received and professed 4. Imposing strange senses on plaine sayings of Scripture without proof 5. Devising wayes to maintaine such senses that they might appeare as if they were proved by Scripture as to instance the most common of these wayes 1. To restraine a generall sense to be meant only of a particular as the Papists have done in some places to maintaine the supremacy of the Pope and the Socinians or new Arrians have restrained those generall words of all things and the world made by Christ to be meant only of a new Creation And all things to be only all the Elect And the world to mean the Church or a World of Beleevers thereby to denie the being of Christ before he took flesh and so his being God also 2. To avoid places speaking of the same businesse to invent reasons against the true sense and frame another sense out of Places treating of another business as some have done to deny the Resurrection and others to deny their Brethren
the reading of the Scriptures and use of spirituall gifts 3. To compare words spoken by and of God and acts done by him with words spoken by and of men and acts done by them as of like large extent and signification as some have done to dishonour God and to flatter and Idolize men 4. To addde too diminish from or alter and mingle the sense and sentences of Scripture as some for their own ends doe and the Devill did 5. To set one place of Scripture against and in contrariety with another to make voide the appearing sense in one that they might choose that which best liketh them as hath been usuall with many Adversaries to the Truth 6. To turne plain places and Narrations of Scripture into Allegories it is usuall with such as use to denie the truth of the litterall Sense of the Scripture and of the Resurrection and of serving God with our bodies 7. To confound together in one without distinction such things and in such respects as the Scripture maketh cleerly distinct as to instance some of them The end of Christ's Death and the Application of his Death And the salvation wrought on earth by Christ in his own body with God for men and the salvation in the application thereof he worketh from heaven by his Spirit inmen to God And God his love of Compassion and his love of delight And Election to Sonship and Predestination to the Adoption of Sonnes And Secret Election in God and Actuall Election of and by God And the manner of the Declaration of the Gospel and the manner of outward Worship The portion of Spirit sent forth before Christ came in the flesh and since his comming and Ascention And spirituall gifts graces Administrations Operations and outward Callings and Offices in the Church c. All which the Scriptu e maketh distinct but they are usually confounded by the inconsiderate and such as denie and darken things appertaining to the Foundation 8. To make sayings in first and second Person and restrictive Applications and Propositions for example of like large extent with sayings in the Third Person generally and propositi ns for the ground of Faith and usuall course of the unlearned and inconsid rate 9. To alleadge the change of times to justifie a contrary Sense or Doctrine or way to that plainly appearing in the Scriptures as an order of Fryars did for their by them called Eternall Gospel for these times In which they said That delivered by Christ and his Apostles must give place as the Old rights and Ceremonies did at Christ his Ascention And other Papists doe for blotting out the second Commandement and having Images in the worshipping of God because they say No such feare of Idolatry and Superstition in these times as when that command was given And so doe the Rhemists for their Translation use such Allegations 10. To invent lyes and slanders to make infamous such as will not be of the same opinion with themselves In which the Antichristian brood abounds And so have too many done in thiâ— very businesse also inventing and conceiting to themselves and giving it out to others That whosever beleeveth and confesseth that Christ is the Saviour of the World that he gave himself a Ransome for All men and by the grace of God tasted death for Every Man and alledgeth for the same Joh. 4.42 1 Tim. 2.6 and Heb. 2.9 They are false witnesses against Christ and his Apostles And they are Papists or at the best Arminians and Time-servers and of loose lives And doe and must of necessity hold that Christ dyed alike for all men that all by nature have free will to spirituall good That there is no Election That there is no grace here attaineable but what a man may fall from That whosoever beleeveth that Christ dyed for all men shall undoubtedly be saved and such like loathsome opinions as the Doctrine such slanderers oppose condemnes and the slandered abhorres In use of which corrupt wayes and dealing with the Scripture and with Beleevers and that all under colour of Allegation and right Interpretation of Scriptures how God is dishonoured and the Scripture made of no force I hope thy self discerneth But when this is done so to shut the door of Repentance and Faith against All Men as withall to teach them to abuse Scriptures to denie Gods Creation of all men and to deny that All men have sinned and shall dye and rise againe and come to Judgement or that it is their duty to speake the truth and render their dues to every man and withall opens a way for ushering all manner Heresies and Popish Superstitions as in the ensuing Discourse will in some measure appeare this is still worse for which cause I have to my utmost shunned all these wayes and observed carefully all I have requested of thee And this being granted thy answer will be very acceptable and received so farre as truth appeareth in it to me and all others that desire not to close our eyes or harden our heart against any truth testified by Scripture fairely dealt withall Lastly I desire thou take not this I have said as a challenge of thee or any to answer what is written in this Treatise but onely as a Testimony of my willingnesse to 〈…〉 I have written to be by Scripture thyed and if errour be the 〈…〉 to be discovered that I may see and confesse it that so nothing may be done through strife and contention â—â—riving not for Victory but truth nor desiring any Victory but from being also encouraged hereto likewise by this perswasion That in some sort duety doth engage me for by Authority I was lead to make Protestation to maintaine so farre as lawfully I may the true Protestant Religion as it is exprest in the Doctrine of the Church of England against all Popery and Popish Innovations To which both the Tenet of Christ not dying for every Man and the abuse of Scripture and manner of arguing by which some would prove that contradictory Tenet doth set wide open the doore which is shut by the Doctrine of the Church of England which saith expresly Article 6. Holy Scripture containeth all things necessary for salvation so that whatsoever is not read therein nor may be proved thereby is not to be required of any man that it should be beleeved as an Article of the Faith or be thought requisite necessary to Salvation Article 20. It is not lawfull for the Church to ordaine any thing that is contrary to Gods Word Neither may it so expound one place of Scripture that it be repugnant to another wherefore although the Church be a witnesse and a keeper of holy Writt yet as it ought not to decree any thing against the same so besidâ—s the same ought it not to enforce any thing to be beleeved for necessity of Salvation Article 2. One Christ very God and very man who Suffered was Crucifyed dead and buryed to reconcile his Father to us and to
or the hope it giveth or setteth before any 4. That in Scripture there is mentioned an actuall Election or Choice which is in time though according to that before time in which God pulleth and choseth men from among others to such good things as hee in his Counsell had prepared for them Isai 14.1 Isai 4.9.7 Zach. 1.17 and 2.12 And to speak of the choice part thereof It 's manifest such an Election or Choice there is Not onely because meneioned but so mentioned in Scripture 1. That it is called an Election according to fore-knowledge 1 Pet. 12. Foreknowledge in God signifieth even the Prime Election to Sonship when it is distinct from and put before Predestination and else-where Rom. 8.29 compared with Ephes 1.4 5. But when it is said according to fore-knowledge It points out that Worke of God now done according to that fore-knowledge of his which worketh all things according to the Counsell of his own will Act. 2.23 and 4.28 5.13.18 Eph. 1.11 12. and so Election a worke 2. That often no more is mentioned in it then what the Elected doe in some measure knowingly enjoy Joh. 15.16 19. and 17.6 8. 1 Pet. 2.2 and 2.9 which is not usuall in the mentioning Election in the Counsel of God Rom. 8. Ephes 1. 3. That this Election is in the heavenly Call and follows it 2 Pet. 1.10 Reu. 17.14 whereas Election in the Counsell of God is before the Call 2 Tim. 1.9 Eph. 1.3.4 Yea this Election and Choice doth not alwayes so fasten on men in the beginning of the Call So as they though Called can be said to be Chosen Matth. 20.16 Joh. 2.23 24. Though sometime it doth so fasten on some in the beginning of the Call and so prevaile also that they are said to be Chosen from the beginning of the Gospels Call unto Salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the Truth 2 Thess 2.13 14. 1 Thess 1.3 4 5. Act. 13.48 Coll. 1.4 5 6. and in due Season it will fasten on all Elected in his Counsell when they are Partakers of the Heavenly Call Rom. 11.7.2 Tim. 1.9 yet is this actuall Election in the Worke of GOD in order of time after the Call 4. They that in the heavenly Call are in beleeving so purged with the blood of Christ that they are taken off themselves and the World and united to Christ in confidence love and delight so as they are given up to him for all Life Guidance Protection and Hope are affirmed to be actually Chosen out of the World unto Salvation Joh. 15.19 2 Thess 2.13 14. 1 Thess 1.3 5. 5. There have been some found in former and latter times upon whom this Actuall Election hath passed and they therefore called Gods Elect and Chosen Generation Deut. 6.6 7. 1 Thess 1.3 1 Pet. 1.2 Joh. 13.18 6. They that are thus actually Chosen and Prevailed with hereby are said to be biessed and Called and Chosen and Faithfull Psal 65.4 Revel 17.14 And every one may know himself to be Elected in the Councell of God before time To all that Hee finds himself in the Worke of God Chosen unto in Time Ephe. 1.3 4.11 5. That in Scripture is mentioned an actuall refusall Preterition or non-Election according to the purpose of God also in respect of some peculiar favour or Priviledge which yet may stand with Election to Sonship and eternall Salvation Psal 78.67 68. 6. That in Scripture is mentioned an Actuall Reprobation and rejection of some from the meanes or from the blessing in the meanes of Eternall Life and so from Eternall Life it self and this for their contempt of the meanes and resisting the holy Ghost Jer. 6.16 17 27 30. Prov. 1.24 35. Rom. 1 18.28 The tearme Reprobation Scarce otherwise used and of this Actuall Choice and Actuall Reprobation the Scripture most speaks Now the Gospel of CHRIST is a Truth to be Preached to all and hope of Life tendered on Beleeving and after entrance this actuall Election to be so set forth that men be exhorted to give all diligence in following the Spirit to make it sure and if any be slothfull and disobedient warning given least by contempt they procure to themselves actuall Reprobation which use the Scripture makes of them and so they are very usefull to further the Gospel which by abuse This Objection turnes them against CHAP. XIX Of Answering a Sixt and Seaventh OBJECTION Objection VI. THe Ransome and Mediation of Christ is no larger then his Office of Pâ—iest Prophet and King But those Offices prtaine to his Church and Chosen c. ANSWER This sober Objection doth not denie the Death of Christ for All men But onely seems to deny his Ransome and Mediation for All Men. Though indeed as he is set forth in Scripture Hee should not be the Lord of All men nor challenge their submission and living to him Nor shew mercy nor offer hope of life to them nor convince them of sinne for not beleeving on him nor raise them out of their graves nor cause them to confesse him Lord nor judge them according to the Gospel if hee had not Ransomed them and paid the Price and mediated for them Rom. 1 4.8 9 10 12. 2 Cor. 5.10 14 15 19. Phil. 2.7 8 9 10 11. But the Answer to this Objection is easie and plain in Scripture for as the Mediation of CHRIST is both more generall and more speciall more generall as Hee is the One MEDIATOUR between God and man 1 Tim. 2.5 more speciall as hee is the Mediatour of the New Testament c. That they which are Called might receive the Promise of Eternall Inheritance Heb. 9.14 according to that is said Hee is the Saviour of All men specially of those that beleeve 1 Tim. 4.10 So as in all the Offices of Christ as the Priest the Prophet the King there is both that which is more generall and also that which is more speciall and Peculiar 1. As a Priest hee offered Sacrifice in respect of one end That is Propitiation for All men Heb. 9.26 and 2.9 Io. r. 29. 1 Joh. 2.2 In respect of all the ends Propitiation and Sealing the New Testament and Testification to the Truth and of the uttermost end in all for his Called and and Chosen Ones Heb. 9.14 15. Matt. 26.26 As the High-Priest at his Fathers Right-hand hee in some sort interceeds and puts in for Transgressors and the World Isai 53.12 Joh. 17.21 23. but his speciall businesse and Advocation is for his Called and Chosen ones Hebr. 3.1.6 8. 1 Joh. 2.1 2. As the great Prophet hee calls all men and enlightens every one that comes into the World Prov. 8.4.32 Isai 45.22 Joh. 1.4 5 6. But makes knowne his Fathers Name Words and Gouncells in the secret of the Covenant onely to his Called and Chosen ones Ioh. 15 16 19 20. 16.13.15.17 and 6.7 8. Psal 24.14 3. As the King Hee ruleth over all Psal 103.19 and will convince All men of sinne for
Counsellor to teach Him Isai 40.13 Doth he need us Or shall not his Excellency make us afraid Job 1 4.9 11. Shall any presume to prescribe him fitter words for these times and then pull down his meaning to their owne and say What ever his words are they have not the meaning they seem to import but their words have and he meant as they doe O yee Heavens be astonished at this But here is not all the evill of this Reason for it doth not onely deny the truth and fitnesse of the words of the Gospel and dishonour God to put honour upon man but it pleadeth for and justifieth many ungodly and profane men for when Beleevers plead for their Brethrens waiting and praying for the spirit of grace to be more abundantly given them Luk. 11.13 Joh. 7.38 39. Acts 3.38 And to desire to have spirituall and gifted men to Preach the Gospel 1 Cor. 12.3 11. 1 Tim. 3.2 and to have much Preaching and praying 2 Tim. 4.2 Col. 4.2 and to have good order in our Assemblies 1 Cor. 14.40 and frequent Assemblies Hebr. 10.25 and brotherly Society 1 Pet. 2.17 and 4.8 11. and patient enduring the reproaches the World casteth on Christ and his Gospel Hebr. 13.13 and holding forth the Word of Life in the midst of a crooked generation Phil. 2.15 16. and having all demeanours in the Church and among Beleevers as like those approved in the Apostles time as wee can 1 Cor. 11.1 2. And alledge the Scripture for all these Doe not many oppose and put by all these things with this You must consider the difference of Times Those things were not only good but necessary in the Apostles times But they are not so necessary in these times And this Reason not onely justifieth their Plea but exceeds it in evill for it saith as much even of the words of the Doctrine of the Gospel Neither is this all but this Reason opens the door to prefer humane Reason before the Divine Testimony of Scripture and to yeeld rather to Reason then to Faith and so opens the door to all Superstition Yea what Heresy will not carnall Wisedome thus bring in of which wee are warned to take heed Col. 2.8 18 23. So that this Reason proves nought Yet that none be wronged I will set down what this Reason is and that to the full as serue have expressed it Who write thus THE REASON For did it not seeme by Christs owne words Matth. 15.24 That he was sent to none but the lost sheep of the House of Israel and Matth. 10.5 JESUS commanded his Apostles not to go into the way of the Gentiles nor enter into any City of the Samaritanes so Acts 16.6 7. They were forbidden of the holy Ghost to preach the Word in Asia They assayed to goe into Bithinia but the Spirit suffered them not ANSWER This is the first part of the Reason but it is very weak and frothy For it is evident to a mean understanding that our Saviour spake not in Matth. 15.24 of his mission to dye and give himself a ransome for men but of his mission for his ministration here on earth which was for the Jews the Circumcision Rom. 8.9 which mission with greater enlargednesse at his departure hee left with his Disciples Matth. 28.30 Ioh. 17.18 And yet this restraint of his mission to the Jewes not wholly exclusive for then the woman could not have been commended for her faith which shee still held and received helpe thereby Matth. 15.24 28. and of the same nature was the sending his Disciples and of no farther extent as yet Matth. 10. â— And this could be no Reason to darken or straiten the extent of the Death and Ransome of Christ much lesse a Reason of using such generall words as All men Every man The World when they meant but some onely For 1. Before either this mission of the Disciples by Christ or his so speaking to the Woman of Canaan hee was said to be sent into the World That the World through him might be saved Joh. 3.17 To be the Saviour of the World Joh. 4.42 To give his flesh for the life of the World Joh. 6.51 To take away the sinne of the World and to enlighten every man that commeth into the World Jo. 1.9 29. therefore those things which followed after could not be the cause or occasions of this manner of speaking that was so long and oft before 2. Their mission was after enlarged to goe into all the World and to preach the Gospel to every creature Mat 28.20 Mar. 16.15 and so then no necessity of using words importing more then truth nor before 3. While these generall words were frequent in use the same is still affirmed of the ministration of Christ That it was of or for the Jewes the Circumcision and that for the good of the Gentiles and so affirmed to them Rom. 15.8 9. so that hitherto this great Reason is reasonlesse As for that Act. 16.6 7. Paul had his Gospel revealed to him long before that time and that by Christ himself and was sent to the Gentiles And hee was kept back from those places but at that time because it was not Gods season or he had prepared other instruments for that People many of whom ere long received the Gospel sweetly Acts 19.10 1 Pet. 1.1 So as this gives no cause at all to doubt of the extent of that Ransome much lesse to use words inporting more then truth for all places could not be ministred to at once nor are the servants to appoint which first and which after That belongs to God So as yet the Reason gets no strength I will therefore adde the refidue of it to see if that will REASON III. And had not the Jewes for a long time been the onely people of God and might not other Nations think themselves excluded being called Strangers and Alians and was not this a mystery newly revealed to the Apostles themselves Act. 10.45 They of the Circumcision which beleeved were astonished because that on the Gentiles also was powred forth the gift of the holy Ghost Likewise Acts 11.18 they admired Now was there not great reason to make it knowne that Christ was come to be a Saviour of the World not of Jewes only but Gentiles also of all other Nations that hee gave himself a Ransom for all not onely the Jewes but also the Gentiles That the Elect throughout the whole world might the better be incouraged to take hold on Christ according to the saying Isai 45.22 Look unto me and 〈◊〉 ye saved all the ends of the Earth and without doubt this was one reason that the words All men and Every man the World and the whole World are so frequent in Scripture ANSWER This is the summe and the whole strength of the Reason which â—â—ll appears very weak and frothy for the ignorance of some in the mysteries of grace is no proof That the God of Truth will speak beyond the bounds
is no Reason to affirm that without doubt this mentioned in the latter part of the Reason should be one Reason of the frequent mentioning of those generall words All men For on whose part should it be a reason for such an end On the part of the Jewes in respect of themselves it could be no Reason because they reckoned themselves the People of God and seed of Abraham and for the Iewes in respect of the Gentiles it could be no reason while the Ministration of the Gospel was not sent to the Gentiles If any say Yes to prepare them to receive the Gentiles Wee see it had not that effect with the beleeving Jewes who were not with such words prevailed withall in that wherein they did stumble and yet to the Jewes is the Gospel of Christ being the Saviour of All men Every man the World frequently set forth before the Commission of the Ministration of the Gospel to the Gentiles Joh. 1.4.7 9.29 and 3.16 17. and 6.51 and 12.46 47 48. and 8.13 And on the part of such Gentiles as were brought in to beleeve before the mentioning the use of such words to them it could not be a Reason and yet to them also is the Gospel so set forth in such generall words Rom. 3.22 and 5.12.18 and 14.9 12. 1 Cor. 15.22 2 Cor. 5.14 15 19. 1 Tim. 2.4 5. And even so is it set forth both to beleeving Jewes and Gentiles and that as the Gospel they had to declare to such as yet beleeved not whether Jewes or Genâ—iles Hebr. 2.9 1 Joh. 2.2 and 4.14 and Jewes and Gentiles and all Nations containe all and every man Even the who World and it is no where said of the death of Christ it was for some Jewes and some Gentiles some of all Nations much lesse can it be said onely for the Elect of all Nations So that this whole Reason is proved to be but a meer fancy purposely framed to colour the unbelief of That which cannot be denyed to be plainly testifyed in Scripture And now let the Objection with the Three Arguments and this great reason be truly considered apart and together and the dealing with the Scripture according thereto and this appeares therein That it endeavours to make the Sentences and words of Scripture of no force at all and so addes strength to the blasphemy of those that have said That the Scripture is but a dumbe Letter Incky Divinity a noose of wax that may be bended every way according to the will of the Interpreter whose blasphemous mouthes by this meanes opened will not be stopped till the words and sayings of Scripture be stood too in the sense they expresse and import 2. From the grant of this Objection and the use of such reasonings by which it is fortified hath been the opening of the doore for men to abuse the Scripture to the countenanceing of every Herecy and sinne and for the deniall of truth affirmed and duty commanded 3. This is also that which hath given the strength to some to plead the Church to give authority to the Scripture and the need of a Pope to determine the sense and others of divers Sects to acknowledge no truth in any sentence of Scripture but according to the Interpretation and judgements of the Masters of their Sects and and others to look for vaine and santasticall Revelations not heeding the Letter of Scripture and so to fasten on any pleasing fancy though without or against the sayings of Scriptures 4. Yea this is the root and preserver of all falsities devisions and contentions But that it may appeare I justly charge this Objection with such use of Arguments and Reasons to fortify the same I will give a little instance of such manner estimate of and dealing with the Scripture These then are found plain sayings of Scripture in generall words 1. God that made the World and hath made of one blood all Nations of men Act. 17.24 26. 2. All have sinned Rom. 3.23 Through the offence of One judgement came upon all men to condemnation All have sinned Rom. 5.18.12 3. Death is passed upon all men Rom. 5.12 it is appointed to men once to die Hebr. 9.27 4. All that are in the graves shall heare his voice and come forth Joh. 5.29 5. All Nations shall be gathered before him Matth. 25.32 to judgement 2 Cor. 5.10 And as these are points of faith so for points of practice 1. Let all the Earth feare the Lord let all the Inhabitants of the World stand in awe of him Psal 33.8 2. If it be possible as much as lieth in you Live peaceably with all men Rom. 12.18 Honour all men 1 Pet. 2.17 3. Let every soul be subject to the higher Powers Ro. 13.1 Tit. 3.1 4. Render to all their due tribute to whom tribute and Rom. 13.7 5. Let us doe good unto all men Gal. 6.10 shewing meeknesse to All. Tit. 3.2 Now let us see what this Objection with the former Reasons will doe with all these plaine sayings of Scripture in such generall words OBJECTION The Scripture in such places as speakes so generally are not to be understood in the sense the words seem to import REASON I. The words in Scripture cannot be alwayes taken in the sense they seem to import The Door the Vine and c. REASON II. The words All men and Every man are often found in Scripture to mean but some even Gods Elect and Chosen REASON III. It is said Through the offence of One many be dead byone mans disâ—bedience many were made sinners Rom. 5.15 19 many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake Dan. 12.2 And Beleevers have said One God hath created us Mal. 2.10 and in many things we offend all Jam. 3.2 And every one of us shall give account of himself to God Rom. 14.12 And lye not one to another Col. 3.9 Speak every man truth with his Neighbour for wee are members one of another Ephes 4.25 Be ye kindly affected one to another with Brotherly Love in honour preferring one another Rom. 12.10 For bearing one another forgiving one another Col. 3.13 That no man goe beyond or defraud his Brother 1 Thes 4.6 In which places you may see who the many are that God both 〈◊〉 and that have sinned and that shall dye and come to Judgement to whom we are to give honour and render their dues c. even the Beleevers and Gods Elect and Chosen REASON IV. And there was great reason why in those times they should use such generall words as All Men Every man when they meant but some for was it not said Hee shewed his words unto Iacob and his Statutes and Iudgements unto Israel He bath not dealt so with any Nation as Psal 147.19 20. That now by these generall words the Elect among the Gentiles might be encouraged to feare the Lord and stand in awe of him according to that in Psal 33.8 Is not this ungodly dealing with and profaning of the
Scripture and if the words doe not beare the sense they import who shall tell us what the sense is and what a gap is here to all wickednesse Yet those generall words All men Every Man and the World are not so often found in Scripture in affirmation of any of the forementiontioned particulars As in affirming the death of Christ as the Ransome And surely hee that will not beleeve the same for the testimony the Scripture giveth of it doth not beleeve any of the former for the testimony of Scripture but for some other cause that is moveable If any say what need of Interpreters if the Scriptures have the sense the words thereof import I Answer they are very needfull not to Straighten or take away the sense the words import or to devise another But to open and explaine That sense the words beares and to cleerand evidence out of the words themselves and confirm it by other-like places and so to presse it on us and apply it to us for admonition Instruction Dehortation Exhortation Consolation and so to root out this evill estimate of the Scriptures and evill dealing with it from the hearts and mouthes of all Christians that the Scripture may be esteemed meet to answer words of truth with as is said Prov. 22.21 CHAP. XV. Of Answering a second OBJECTION Objection II. SAint JOHN makes it an infallible marke of the love of CHRIST to them for whom he laid down his life 1 Joh. 3.16 But God hath not loved every man in the World For he hated Esau Rom. 9.13 but his Church and his owne whom he loves to the end Ephes 5.25 Joh. 13.1 Therefore Christ dyed not for Every man ANSWER 1 Joh. 3.1 Being spoken in the first Person and applicatively of perception of love in the Death of Christ propounded for example and motive It is much abused in being cited to this end as may be seen Chap. 3. and 4. and 5. and so the Proposition is of no force for it is a proof of the Love of God to the World That hee sent his Sonne to be the Saviour of the World Joh. 3.16 and 1 Joh. 4.14 and so of the Love of Christ to mankind To give himself a Ransome for all men 1 Tim. 2.6 and yet a proof of more especiall Love To choose and bring any in the perception of this Love to Union and Fellowship with himself Joh. 15.15 16. and Tit. 3.4 7. as in our Types the bringing out of Egypt was a proof of his Love to all so brought out but yet more especiall love to those that hearkened to his Judgements and did them Deut. 7.8 12 13 14. Besides the Apostles doe not there propound the Death of Christ to shew how many he dyed for or as the foundation to bring in unbelievers to beleeve or to shew how many God loves but onely speaking of the perception of Love by Beleevers He sheweth wherein they perceived it and that was in that he laid down his life for us and this was sure when wee were his enemies and so found when he called us also Rom. 5.8 10. Ephes 1.2 4. And that to this end to move us even so to love our Brother who without question is beloved whereas this Objection shuts the door of loving any till or farther then we know his Election Though the Gospel this Objection opposeth giveth a certaine ground for loving all men with Love of Compassion 2 Cor. 5.14 15. Tit. 3.2 3 4. and for Loving Beleevers with Love of delight Psalm 16.2 Coloss 1.4 5. Phil. 1.3 4 5 8 9. This Assumption is full of infidelity and Blasphemy If it had been that God doth not love every man in the World It might have been granted and proved But to say God hath not loved any but his Church and chosen whom he loves to the end is a blasphemy so great that the same may be said of it which is spoken of that Apostacy Jere. 2.10 11 12. For this with one breath both blasphemeth and contradicteth our Saviours affirmation of Gods love of the World some part whereof will notwithstanding perish Joh. 3.16 17 18 19. The Prophets affirmation That the Lord is good to All and his tender mercies are over all his Workes Psalm 145.8 9. and 136.25 Yea the truth and force of all Gods earnest Expostulation Intimation of Love Exhortations and Call to such as refused Deutr. 5.29 Hosea 5. and 7.1 Isa 5.4 Prov. 1.23 24. Luke 19.42 Matth. 23.37 Hos 13.19 Yea the truth and force of our Saviours Exhortation to his Disciples for being like their heavenly Father in Love and mercy to enemies Matth. 5.44.48 The Testimony of Gods goodnesse in all his Works Act. 14.17 Rom. 2.4 Yea this Assumption goeth yet further in that it doth not onely say God doth not now love them while they walk in sin But God hath not loved every man in the World no not any time since Adams fall So as to give any Ransome for them and so denyeth Heb. 2.9 Nay it stops not here except his Elect whom he loves for ever It saith Hee hath not loved any other of mankind no not when he made and beheld them all righteous in Adam as the Publick Person and blessed them and avouched all his workes good Eccl. 7.29 Gen. 1.27 31. It saith God hath not loved but hated them oh fearfull To say that God hateth the Righteous Psal 45.7 and so they could not fall from the love of God in the fall of Adam since his Love was never towards them nor could they fall under the hatred of God by sinne either Originall or Actuall since they were under it before if this Assumption were true for it saith hee hath not loved them and if any should tell them Their sinnes are very great for offending so loving a God for despising so rich a Ransome and refusing the grace offered them in the meanes and giving way to serve sinne that cost Christ Jesus his blood to satisfie for them And that they forsake their owne mercies by following lying vanities And so warne them of the great condemnation that will befall them for the same if they perish in their evills and entreat them by all the Mercies of God and sufferings of Christ for them To hearken to the Gospel Repent and beleeve and turne unto Christ This assumption holds them back and saith It is all Lyes for God hath not loved them Oh whether will this blasphemy reach But to give some satisfying Answer to this Objection Let the Scripture be viewed what it saith of Love or Hatred which there appeares two-fold First the Scripture mentions a divers kind or degree of Love in God towards men shewne in the fruits thereof as to say 1. A Love of Compassion Pitty and Mercy Psal 136.25 and 145.8 9. Such a Love as extendeth it self so farre for the good of man loved in good things afforded That a man is made saveable and so much is done for him and to him That in
Prevented The LORD in Mercy give thee so to beleeve minde and acknowledge the Death and Lordship of JESUS CHRIST that this with all such warnings and entreaty may timely take place in thy heart USE II. If thou be one that hast more attentively heeded the report of the Gospel and hast so framed thy self that thou art not onely free from walking in such open and manifest evill wayes as the former but art also more dilligent in frequenting the Church Assemblies and sometimes reading the Scriptures and using some Prayers and shewest some mercy to the Poore and livest justly and peaceably amongst thy Neighbours and herein concludest Peace to thy self and trustest hereby to come to Eternall Life Not yet having received any supernaturall light and motion of the Spirit in the Gospel applying the precious Blood of Christ to thy heart and so speaking Peace to thy soul and purifying thy nature thereby and bringing thee in to God to take comfort in him and seek the things of him that are above But that thou dost yet minde the things that are below and art inwardly most busied and carefull to keep and preserve to thy self a Name or Riches or Promotion amongst men and so taken up with cares thoughts and exercise this way That there is not room enough for the Word of the Gospel to take place and root in thee nor for thee so to heed and give up to it that thou mightest receive from the holy Spirit in the Word the forceable application and effecacy of the Blood of JESUS CHRIST so that by reason of this thy neglect thou art not yet through the Grace discovered in his blood made penitent and so united to CHRIST nor hath received of the Spirit of Christ to fasten thy confidence in him alone that hee might be all in all to thee I pray thee also mind the scope of this Treatise and especially Chap. 1. 2. and what the Scripture saith of this businesse It is a truth that God hath given us Eternall life and that this Life is in his Sonne But if thou have not this his Sonne and be not by an unfained faith united to him thou hast not yet that Eternall Life that is in him Joh. 1.11 12 13. and 3.18 1 Joh. 5.11 12. It is a truth That Jesus Christ hath shed his blood for thee but if by his Spirit thou be not sprinkled and washed therewith thou hast no part with him in his speciall Priviledges 1 Pet. 1.2 Truth it is hee by his blood hath bought thee and procured Life for thee and meanes to use and seek life and so hee is Lord over thee Acts 10.36 But if thou have not his Spirit to keep thee to him and in his Government thou art yet none of his Peculiar Ones Rom. 2.5.9 10 14. I pray thee set thy heart to this businesse it is no vaine word nor falshood that hath been told thee That Iesus Christ did Die for thee and hath life in himselfe to bestow on thee and in him is all fulnesse of heavenly Treasures and riches of Everlasting life freely to bestow on all that come in to submit to and beleeve on him Deut. 30.11.12 20. Rom. 10.7.11 doe not therefore suffer thy self to be detained and kept off from these heavenly riches by seeking worldly and fading things It will be no rejoycing Profit to thee if thou shouldest winne the whole World and loose thy owne Soul Mat. 16.26 be not so unwise as by following lying vanities the goodliest flourishings of the World being no better To forsake thy owne Mercies Joh. 2.8 nor feed on ashes till a deceived heart turne thee aside Isai 44.20 Remember that there is a way that seemeth right to a man and yet the Issues thereof are the issues of Death Prov. 16.25 There is a generation that are Pure in their owne eyes and yet are not washed from their filthinesse Prov. 30.12 Doe not thou therefore by any of thy doings speake Peace and conceive Etaernall Life to thy self before Christ by his Spirit in the Word of Grace make his blood effectuall in thee and thereby speak Peace to thee and so by Spirit give into thy heart the beliefe of his goodnesse and the hope of eternall life renewing thee and seeing there is such Mercy and Hope and Life in him that Dyed for thee Beware thou doe not faile nor come short thereof Let the Love of Christ and his Precious blood he shed for thee and the hope Procured therethrough and in the Gospel set forth for thee bee of more account and force with thee then so But seek him and rest not till hee by his Spirit hath applyed his blood to thee and washed and sealed thee therewith Heb. 4.1 and 12.15 Remember I pray thee that wholsome warning of him that Dyed for thee Matth. 7.21 Nvt every on that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdome of heaven but he that doth the will of my Father which is in Heaven and is it not the will of our heavenly Father that wee should heare his Sonne and beleeve on him Matth. 3.17 Joh. 6.20 and is not JESUS CHRIST the Authour of Salvation to them that obey him Heb. 5.9 and is not this Obedience to obey his Gospel 2 Thess 1.8 Rom. 6.17 and is that all Obedience to heare it Preached often and to read it and to live honestly amongst men and so to hope for Eternall life Surely no This Obedience is in beleeving on him and submission to him and it beginnes in obedience to his death and bloodshed both in acceptance of it and of what it requires and Promiseth and submission thereto and to be conformed to him in it 1 Pet. 1 2. Phil. 2.5.8 Now I pray thee hath not the Gospel affirmed that Christ dyed and gave himself a Ransome for thee and is he not set forth in the Gospel as the Propitiation for thy sinnes through faith in his blood 1 Joh. 2.2 Rom. 3.25 Now doth not this blood of his so shed for thee if ever it were Spiritually hinted to thy heart require of thee and offer to worke in thee a sight and acknowledgement of the multitude and heynousnesse of thy sinnes that were laid on Christ Isai 53.2.6 Joh. 1.9 with a sensible sorrow and a piercing heart for them Zath 12.10 and killing the very Life and delight in them Gal. 5.24 Rom. 6.6 with an abasing and loathing thy self as that cursed one for whom he was made a Curse Gal. 3.10 13. and doth not the Spirit by this blood require and offer to worke in thee a renouncing of trust or reliance in or thinking to come before God in any Changes Righteousnesse or workes of thy owne which is of the Law Gal. 2.20 Phil. 3.7 8 9. And doth it not likewise require and offer to work in thee a contempt and disrespect of all the glory and appearing Excellency of the Fame Riches Pleasures and Promotions of this World Gal. 6.14 Phil. 3.6.8 and doth it
and heare and speake whom though thou may not worship yet thou maist shew thy Love to him in loving and doing good to them men and women of the same flesh and blood with thee who are his Creature made in his Image Jam. 3.9 and some of these that are Partakers of his grace and Spirit and thereby conformed to him in some measure and shew forth his vertues 2 Cor. 3.3 1 Pet. 2.9 and these are lively Images and representations of him on these look for these be at cost to Pitty and helpe them to feed the hungry and cloath the naked for whom Christ dyed doing good to all especially to them of the houshold of Faith and this done for Christ's sake is to feed Christ and to cloathe Christ c. Gal. 3.8 9 10. Matt. 25.40 and these hath hee left with us to this end Joh. 12.8 doe not so dishonour him to lay out thy cost on mens livelesse Images Is not he that only Mediatour and High Priest that by his owne blood hath entered into the holy of holyes and opened the way for us to approch with holy boldnesse remaining himself there as our Advocate with the Father who hath wrought redemption for us and is the Propitiation for our sinnes having left his Promise for that according to his will wee aske in his Name Heb. 9.12 24. and 10 19 20. 1 Joh. 2.1 2. 5.14 15. Joh. 16.23 24. And why turnest thou aside to others to mediate for thee and do him that dishonour But if thou sayest no thou seekest no Mediatour between God and thee but Jesus Christ but Angels and Saints departed to enterceed to Christ for thee I aske where hath he will'd thee so to doe Nay hee hath bid thee Seek the Prayers of the Church and the Saints that thou knowest To whom thou may'st make knowne thy griefes and that are here on the Earth James 6.13.18 And not to them that have no Portion in the things done under the Sunne Eccles 9.5 6 10. Isa 63.16 who can neither heare nor answer thee Is not hee the great Prophet and Teacher of his Church and hath hee not left his Spirit and Word therewith to teach the same and sealed his care thereof and love there to by his blood-shed Isa 55.4 Acts 3.22 Matth. 28.20 Isai 59.21 2 Pet. 3.2 Joh. 10.15 Ephes 5.22 25. and can any Worship be pleasing to him but that which is through Faith in him confidence in his blood and guidance of his Spirit according to his Word Jam. 1.6 Heb. 10.19 24. Rom. 8.26 1 Pet. 1.21 25. and 2.1 3. 1 Joh. 5.20.21 and thinkest thou hee wanted Wisedome Love or care why then followest thou Humane Devises in Worshipping him Againe is this the way to Life or Death to serve and feare and worship him after thy owne or other mens devises according to the Doctrines and Precepts of men Hath not himselfe said It is in vain so to worship him Mat. 15.9 and hee will chuse delusions for such Isai 66 3 4. and that hee will blast and curse them Isai 27.13 14 15. As thou therefore esteemest the blood of CHRIST shed for thee and his Love testified therein as thou heedest his honour and tenderest thy owne Life Turn from these deceivable follyes and abominations and submit to the Gospel and Spirit of Christ therein and seek him as thon art thereby directed and there is hope of Pardon and life to be mett with for thee As for those that are enamoured with the Golden Cup that is in the hand of the Whore and so given up through desire of her beauty riches honour to Worship the Beast I am not here lead to speak to them they may heare and see what is said of them Revel 14.9.10 11. be not deceived by them USE IV. If thou be one that hast never yet experimented any Spirituall discoveries of the Preciousnesse of the blood of Christ shed for thee so as through the Gospel to be therewith convinced of thy being under sinne for not beleeving in Christ and through the grace righteousnesse and good will of Christ appearing therein bowed to Repentance and overcome to beleeve in him but only having heard that Christ Dyed for sinners and thou not knowing for which nor how many of them but as thou supposest Sure onely for the Elect and not knowing who these Elect are Thou hast found in the Scriptures set forth a holy righteous Law of Precepts discovering such righteousnesse as is verily due from Man the Creature of God to be performed to God his Creator and each to other for Gods sake and to the keepers and fulfillers of this Law thou findest a promise of Life and to the Transgressors thereof a threatning of death and curse and upon this ground thou hast studied the Law and seriously attended good Sermons and read good Bookes Commenting on the same thereby to find out what sinne is and what righteousnesse is and so to escape death and that Life might be attained and by motives from the Law so urged haste endeavoured to worke sorrow upon thy heart for thy sinnes by this Law discovered in thee and to doe thy utmost to avoid every sinne that by the Law thou knowest to be sinne to worke thy heart to likement of every good duty thou knowest the Law to require of thee and to doe thy utmost to performe the same and where thou against thy will commest short to confesse it to be thy sinne and aske Pardon and strive to doe better and then from some attainements in affections and conversation Perceivest in thy selfe a change of Judgement Affection and Conversation from what thou wert to what thou art and from what the most of other men are to that thy self and some few others are and desires to encrease in the same still and from this thy change and desire of Perseverance therein and the approbation of others so changed of the truth and goodnesse of this thy Conversation and Conversion thou gatherest Peace in thy heart and countest thy self more holy and much better then others not so changed and thereupon conceivest thy self to be Elected and so one of those for whom Christ dyed and therefore restest perswading thy self that thou art justifyed by his Blood and one of the Children of God that shall be saved from wrath through him Now it being thus with thee I must needs cleer thee from that grosse bypocrisie and those appearing evills of those that pretend the same Conversion and Conversation and boost of the same Confidence who yet are found to make sport of the ignorance Profanness open sinnes and follyes of others in rymes jeasts and scoffes which they cannot but know to be evill Prov. 13.9 and who are found to slander their Brethren and to speak faire and pretend Love to their faces and to lay waite to catch them and to traduce and cast false aspertions on them behind their backs Psal 35.11 16. who can raile equivocate and dispense with known