LORD of All. Acts 10.36 And hath been and is and shall be so glorifyed in the hearts of many That they shall runne to him and bee by his Knowledge shall justify them Isai 55.5 53.11 And all the rest of men shall one day bee convinced of sinne because they have not Beleeved on Him John â—6 8 9. And All shall appeare before his Judgement-Seat and then and there shall confesse him LORD to the Glory of God Philip. 2.10 11. And there shall give Account to him Rom. 14.9.12 And He shall give the Judgement and that according to the Gospel Joh. 12.48 Rom. 2.16 And so shall be glorifyed together with his Father in the Declaration of the glorious goodnesse of his shining Truth Justice Mercy free and aboundant Love on those on his right hand and his unfailing truth with the Equity and Severity of his Justice on them on his left hand Matth. 25.31.46 By all which it will then appeare that his Ransome was effectuall with his Father and hath been effectuall with many and might have been with others So as All shall then know That by the Grace of GOD bee tasted Death for Every Man and gave himself a Ransome for All By vertue whereof hee then will shew himself both KING and Judge And so much for Proof of the Proposition CHAP. XXII Of the Removing some Doubts hindring some from Beleeving That which they confesse the Scripture plainely Affirmeth SOme doe confesse That they cannot denie but that the Scripture plainely Affirmeth That JESVS CHRIST gave himself a Ransome for All Men and by the grace of GOD tasted Death for Every Man and is the Saviour of and Propitiation for the Sinnes of the World but yet they are fearfull to beleeve the same in the Sense the words import because in other places it is said Faith is the gift of God Eph. 2.8 and all that the Father giveth Christ shall come to him Joh. 6.37 and as many at more ordained to Eternall Life beleeved Act. 13.48 Whence seeing all doe not beleeve They know not how to beleeve that CHRIST dyed for All. ANSWER This hath been fully answered before yet because it remaines as a Doubt in some it shall be Particularly with what is before said Ephes 2.8 For by grace yâ—â— are fiveâ—â— Through◠〈◊〉 and thee not of your selves it is the gift of God In these words there is a cleer distinction between the grace by which wee are saved and the Faith through which wee are saved And also here is a double affirmation One intimate and by the conjunction necessarily implyed Viz. That the grace by which we are saved is the Gift of God The other expresse Viz. That the Faith through which we are saved is also the Gift of God againe The saving here affirmed of is to be minded both in respect of that from which wee are saved and also in respect of 〈◊〉 Salvation it self It hath been before shewne how the Scripture distinctly setteth forth First a Reconciliation Redemption and Salvation which Iesus Christ by himself in his owne body wrought with God for men which was for all Men. And secondly a Reconciliation Redemption and Salvation which by his Spirit in applying the former hee worketh in men to God which though offered in some sort to All yet received only by beleevers as is shewne Chap. 1. which double Reconciliation and Redemption is suitable to the double enmity against God and the misery that mankind was fallen into First through mans falling into sinne there was enmity in the very condition of all Mankind which stood crosse to God to keep him from comming in to men and extending Mercy and Peace to them Isa 59.1 2. Secondly through mans falling into sinne there is an enmity in the very nature of all mankind which rules in the hearts and diffuseth it self through all the Powers of soul and body filling the man with aversenesse to God and so keepeth a man from submitting and comming in to God for Mercy and Peace Rom. 3.10.18 God might if it had so pleased him have throwne mankind for sinne into destruction with the Devills and their Angels that first sinned and then drew mankind into finne but hee had more love to mankind and being full of Pitty and Compassion towards men he was ready to shew Mercy and extend peace to mankind But man being fallen into sinne and sinning the Truth of God prest for man to die and his Justice for man to suffer Curse and if without imposing this death and curse mercy should be shewne and Peace extended to men it would blemish the truth and Justice of God and so be against him Psal 5.4 5. Such was the condition of mankind and so filled with enmity against God for remedying whereof JESUS CHRIST by his Fathers appointment became man a Publick Person in the room of All and so died for our sinnes and rose for our Justification and offered himself a Ransome and Propitiatory Sacrifice to God for All men So as in him the sinner hath dyed and the Curse is suffered and so Mercy and Truth are mett Psal 85.10 11. having slaine the Enmity which was in the condition of Mankind Ephes 2.16 and made Peace through the blood of his Crosse Coll. 1.20 which is intimated also Ephes 2.5 By grace yee are saved and yet there is another Reconciliation for Christ to worke Coll. 1.20 For notwithstanding this Reconciliation wrought by Christ for men yet there is an enmity in the nature of men still they being by nature dead in Trespasses and sinnes Ephes 2.1 2 3. alienated from and enemies to God in their mindes by wicked workes Col. 1.21 all out of the way c. Rom. 3.10 19. Such is the nature of mankind For remedying whereof God hath exalted JESUS CHRIST and filled him with Spirit to send forth in the Declaration of the former Reconciliation and Peace made by him thereby to convince and subdue the Rebellious and to worke repentance and faith in the subdued through which faith they receive this Salvation Psal 68.18.20 Act. 5.30 31 32. as is before shewne Chap. 1. 2. 3. 4. and so they are saved both from the enmity in their Condition by the grace of God in Christ and from the enmity in their nature by the same grace through faith wrought in their hearts whereby they beleeve this grace and therethrough depend on him and so receive remission of sinnes and life and the beginnings of Salvation from Jesus Christ And thus also there appeares a threefold salvation of the workeing of Jesus Christ 1. A Salvation which is altogether without man wrought by Jesus Christ himself in his owne body with God for men whereby the enmity in mens condition is slaine and so a way of Salvation opened for every man 1. Tim. 2.4 6. Heb. 2.9 2. A salvation which is in the hearts and soules of men discovering it self in some fruits in their mortall bodies which Jesus Christ worketh by his spirit making
salvation communicated unto them and they brought in and eternally saved The first of every of these is true in Christ for all Men Though the latter be yet wanting to most men and this is also evident by the Change of Persons and expressions and Tence the Scriptures useth 1. In a distinct mentioning the first It saith Hee hath given himself a Ransome 1 Tim. 2.6 hath made peace by his blood Col. 1.20 Slaine enmity â— Pet. â— 6 abolished death 2 Tim. 1.10 obtained eternall redemption Heb. 9.12 and God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself not imputing their Trespasses to them 1 Cor. 5.19 Hee is the Propitiation for our sinnes and not for our sinnes onely but also for the sinnes of the whole world 1 Joh. 2.2 and in him is Life and the life is the Light of men Joh. 1.4 In mentioning the Second of every of the fore-mentioned It saith That the World through him might be saved Joh. 3.17 That through him him in the meanes used all men might beleeve Joh. 1.7 That All Men through him should be raised and made alive 1 Cor. 15.21 22. That whosoever beleeves in Christ should not perish nor abide in darknesse but have everlasting life Joh. 3.16 12.46 That we being dead to sinne should live unto righteousnesse 1 Pet. 2.24 That they which live should not live unto themselves but unto him 2 Cor. 5.15 That hee might bring us to God 1 Pet. 3.18 That we might bee made the righteousnesse of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 which change of Speech shewes a difference between the former and latter of these things formentioned That the former truely is for those To whom the latter is yet justly wanting 2 It is Gods order and unchangeable Statute That all men shall first and for a time beare the Image of the first naturall and earthy Adam and once die 1 Cor. 15.46.49 Hebr. 9.27 And Christ did not die to give himself a Ransom to free men presently from sense of Weaknesse Sufferings Mortallity and death that they might not passe through it and so to break the order made and cancell the Statute appointed by God If any so conceive they are deceived Mat. 5.17 18. but to doe the will of God that sent him Joh. 6.38 So much whereof as belongs to the next and immediate end of his death and ransome given is comprehended in the seven Particulars before set down in all which appeareth that the abiding of Mortallity Paines in this life to be passed through is no blemish to the Justice of God nor argument of the failing of Christ Payment of the whole debt for these Ends. 3. The Scriptures sheweth That for removing from off men the curse forementioned and making knowne and tendring the Life unto men There is something else beside the death and Ransome of Christ and all those fore-mentioned Particulars obtained by him for Christ still and further to doe for which He is gone up to heaven and hath received Spirit That he might doe in which he neither is nor will be wanting in that which if not willingly resisted might be sufficient For hee there in some sort Interceeds for Transgressours Isai 5.3.12 So as by vertue of his ransom he doth procure the preservation of the Greatures for them Ps 75.3 Col. 1.18 and Patience and bounty by such goodnesse to give some Testimony of himself and to lead them to Repenâ—mee Act. 14.17 Rom. 2.4 and further interceeds by vertue of his Ransome for a blessing on his Servants and the Ministration of the Gospel by them That the World might be so brought through him to beleeve Joh. 1.7 17.21.23 and yet further sends forth Spirit at one time or other in the means to enlighten them That they might indeed beleeve Joh. 1.7 and so fulfills that part of his Fathers will 1 Tim. 2.4 That would have all men come to the knowledge of the Truth whence he is also said to be a Testimony in due time 1 Tim. 2.6 But now for mens participating of eternall life there is somewhat also both by the will of the Father and the Son required on their part to be done in them yeelded to by them Namely that they hearken to Christ in what he saith in the meanes Mat. 17.5 and turn at his reproof Pro. 1.23 and to suffer his Spirit to prevail in with them to repentance faith Mar. 1.15 in which he will not be wanting on his part that they might But if when light comes they love darknesse râ—ther and will none of him Joh. 3.19 And he besides the forementioned remaining mortallity doe for this heape greater Judgments This is just Ro. 1.17 and if when hee hath brought them out of the first death to acknowledge him Lord He send them to a second Death it is still justâ— and a Testimony of his before having sufficiently Ransomed them 4. The Scripture shewes That the speciall Salvation to Eternall Life was to bee and is by him here in a first fruits given to them that are Prevailed with to beleeve in him and so he is the Sauiour of All men but especially of them that beleeve in him 1 Tim. 4.10 But now if these Beleevers doe sinne against and walke contrary to the grace received and hee besides the mortallity remaining on them impose stripes This is also just and according to the will of God and argues no imperfection in Christs Payment Psal 89.30 34. So that in all this here is but one Payment for Propitiation Satisfaction and Ransome and that done at ones Perfectly by Christ Heb. 10 1 2 14. and no part thereof for that end left for any to pay nor paid againe for any Now if among them beleeving the record the Scripture beareth of Christ his death and Propitiation made and Satisfaction and Ransome given for all men and looking on the afflictions and death that men even Beleevers suffer Some say that Jesus Christ did bears the greatâ—st part of the Punishment wholly in regard of the Eternall and left some part of Temporary Punishments for his owne to beare in this life And others say That in regard of Propitiation Satisfaction and Ransome Jesus Christ did beare all and Paid the whole debt That he might have Power to free in his Season and according to his and his Fathers will And that his Season is not in this life to take all weaknesse and Mortallity no not from his owne and that besides He will and doth inflict punishments even on them for their out-goings from his grace I see no difference here in the intention or Substance of the Doctrine or issue of the businesse in both these sayings but they may well stand without contention Nor can the first of these sayings be paralleld with that I called the sayings of Papists for 1. Here is mentioned some part of punishment to be suffered in this life with an affirmation onely to be suffered Here which sufferings are also granted in the others sayings whereas the
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
remaining infirmities and causeth them to appeare beloved in the love wherewith the Father loveth him Hebr. 8. tot Jere. 31.34 Mic. 7.18 Isaiah 44.22 and 54.7 9. 1 Joh. 1.7 9. and 2.1 2. Jo. 17.23 II. Present before his Father and himself his Covenant of pretious Promises the Father hath made with him his owne fore put-forth and granted Petitions for them and his present good will and gratious thoughts to them and so procures the grant of dispensation so farre as is meet for them Psal 89.18 19.34 with Hebr. 8.1 6. and John 17.6.20 c. And this not by a submissive intreaty as wee supplicate one for another or yet in such manner as himselfe did interceede on earth by supplications with cryes and sufferings But with Power and Authority his Father having fore-accepted his sacrifice and given all power and authority to him He and his Father being one in will and in love to them so that it is Father I will that they also whom thou hast given mee be c. Joh. 17.24 Hebr. 7.28 and 8.1 III. By his Spirit enter into their hearts moving them with sorrow for to acknowledge confesse and turne from the offences he is taking away for them Acts 5.31 1 Ioh. 1.7 9. And to long and pray for the good things hee is presenting before his Father for them Rom. 8.26 Zach. 12.10 That so they may pray in the holy Ghost Ioh. 14.16 and 16.26 Jude 20. IV. Returning more abundance of the same holy Spirit upon them To answer their prayers Psal 85.8 To dwell in them To teach consolate sanctify support and leade them in Union and fellowship with him through all sufferings and services of love Ioh. 14.16 17 18.26 15.26 27. 16.13 14 15. Rom. 8.2.14 and so to subdue their lusts in them Mic. 7.19 To tread downe Sathan under their feet in due time Rom. 16.20 To answer their Adversaries for them Matth. 10.19 20. To encrease and perfect them in conformity to himself 2 Cor. 3.18 1 Ioh. 3.2 and to preserve them to the inheritance reserved in heaven for them 1 Pet. 1.4.5 And this is the salvation he worketh in his people which they are to suffer to have its perfect worke in them and by his grace shew it forth Rom. 12.1 2 3. Phil. 2.1 2. In which discourse of the Salvation which Christ worketh from heaven by vertue of that Salvation which he wrought in himself on earth appeareth a two-fold Salvation which he from heaven now worketh Viz. Oâ—â— Common The other Speciall and eternall of each it is fit distinctly a little to 〈◊〉 First there is a common Salvation which by vertue of his death and Resurrection and Sacrifice and the accept â—blenesse and effectuallnesse thereof with the Father he hath obtained and worketh for all men So as Scripture Affirming it 1. By him The earth and all the inhabitants thereof which by sin are dissolved hee doth bear up the pillars of it Psal 75.3 4. Hebr. 1.3 and all the frame of the Creatures the Aire to breathe in The Sun to shine the raine to fall and the residue of the Creatures for mans use preserved Psal 145.8 9. Matth. 5.45 Col. 1.18 And this expresly called and said to be a witnesse of his goodnesse Acts 14.17 and 17.24 31. 2. By him also is procured the Patience and long-suffering of God yea and much bounty in many mercies also to men 2 Pet. 3.9 Revel 2.21 Psal 17.14 and 136.25 And this expresly said to be to lead them to repentance Rom. 2.4 3. By him also is procured some meanes with some light therein and according thereto to â—â—de men to Repentance that they might come to the knowledge of him Though to some more darkly and to some more cleerly and sully Rom. 1.19 c. Acts 17.24 30. Matth. 28.19 Psalm 19. Rom. 10. 4. By him also 〈◊〉 sent forth at one time or other some secret supernaturall light and 〈◊〉 of his Spirit in and according to the meanes vouchsafed tending to and striving with them to reprove them of sinne moving to repentance and seeking after God with sâ—â—e motions tending to confession of sinne to Prayer Equity Mercy Moderation in use of outward things use of meanes to such God John 1.5 9. Prov. 1.23 Joh. 16.8 9. Gâ—ne 6.3 Mich. 2.7 And thus he calleth many yea in some degree or other All the 〈◊〉 of men Act. 17.30 Mat. 27.3 14. Prov. 8.4 5 3â— 34. Isai 4â— â—2 5. By him also is procured and sent forth to men while they yeeld too and doe that which by this sight and these motions of his Spirit hee 〈◊〉 and â—eadeth to an in reast of incrcies with more Light and goodnesse Gene. â—0 tot 2 Chron. 11.17 〈◊〉 10.30 Rom. 2.14 15. And if as light increaseth they abide in his Call and 〈◊〉 on in his Teachings be will poure 〈◊〉 his Spirit to their and make knowne his 〈◊〉 to them and they shall know the truth and the truth shall make them free Pro. 1.33 and 4.32.35 Joh. 8.31 32. Acts 10.1 6. 6. Yea with some where the Gospel comes he goeth farther so inlightning them to understand the truth of the report of the Gospel that they doe beleeve That through the Satisfaction made by Christ remission of sinnes past is procured and that in beleeving on him aeternall life is to be enjoyed where-through they are prevailed with to confesse this truth and to desire after him and to attend with his people in the use of meanes and in some fellowship and walking with them Tasting some sweetnesse of the good Word of God and yet not come into Onenesse with and rest and stablishing in him Isai 6.28 34. Gal. 3.1 2 3. and 4.11.19 and 5.4 Hebr. 6.4 5 6. and 10.29 Hos 11.3 4. And these are brought out of Aegyptian darknesse and so farre saved Though by departing from this grace or abusing of it to wantonnesse some of these may become ungodly and so perish through their owne folly and misse of aeternall life as was shadowed in our Types of old 1 Cor. 10.1 11. 1 Joh. 2.19 Jude 4.5 And as the reconciliation redemption and Salvation wrought by Christ in his owne body for men with God is in it self so perfect that in some sense and that in truth all may be said to have been reconciled redeemed and saved yea justifyed in him though most in themselves be destitute of every of these Rom. 3.22 23 24. and 5.14.18 And though this be mysterious yet may it be as well understood and beleeved as That all men were once made righteous in the first Adam and so were in him Truly righteous Eccles 7. â—9 of which righteousnesse he falling and loosing all and so all falling in him before they had beeing from him none of them ever felt or partaked of Rom. 5.12 for so though all againe recovered and made righteous in the second Adam yet of the choice benefit of this recovery and of this Righteousnesse many doe never partake of
2.14 15. Also he dyed and offered himselfe in Sacrifice To procure pardon and remission of sinnes and favour and life into his owne hands for mankind that hee might dispose thereof according to the Tenor of the Gospel For without shedding of blood is no remission of sinnes Hebrewes 9.22 And hee was delivered to death for our offences Rom. 4.25 Also that hee might open a way for men to come in and partake of this grace through his Spirit in the Gospel In which hee is set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood c. Rom. 3.25 In which Gospel hee hath brought life and Immortallity to light 2 Tim. 1.10 That in the Testimony thereof all men might through him beleeve John 1.7 and in beleeving have life Joh. 3.16 17 18. And all these three ends that in respect of God that in respect of Christ and that in respect of mankind are all for the good of mankinde and meet all in this one end of his death for ransome sacrifice propitiation And this is affirmed in the Scripture throughout And each particular in this generall to be for the world for all men for every man and so and for such ends and in such sense appeares 1 Tim. 2.4.6 Heb. 2.9 to be meant And so the Proposition is also to be taken yet are there other ends of his death and so The second end of the Death and blood-shedding of CHRIST was to seale rattify and confirme the New Testament of precious Promises whence it is called The New Testament in his blood which was shedd c. Luk. 22.20 and his blood called the blood of the New Testament Mat. 26.28 That Christ is come and hath dyed for our sinnes and rose for our justification and is the Propitiation for the sinnes of the World That he is the Lord and all men are his and ought to live to him and that there is life in him for them Is the affirmation and Declaration of the Gospel and shall one day be knowne to be true whether men will beleeve it or no But for such as through grace doe beleeve it so that in that beleeving they repent and come in to Christ and depend on him There are for them many precious and gracious Promises from Christ and his Father 2 Pet. 1.4 Hebr. 8.6 contained in one generall which is of aeternall life 1 Joh. 2.25 and branched into many particulars as remillion of sinnes subduing of lusts Sanctification hearing of Prayers preservation in this Grace and guidance and protect on of spirit through all seruices of him and suffesings for him and to the possession of the Inheritance c. as before instanced A I which being by Covenant or as in a Will and Testament plainly recorded are called the New Testament Gal. 3.17 18. of which Testament Christ is the Mediator Heb. 9.15 And where a Testament is there must also be the death of the Testator for a Testament is of force after men are dead otherwise it is of no strength at all while the Testator liveth Heb. 9.16 17. but the Testator once dead if it be but a mans Testament yet if it be confirmed no man disannulleth or addeth thereto Gal. 3.15 How much more this Testament of Christ sealed with his blood Hebr. 8. and 9 10. And this end peculiarly is for and belongeth to his Called and chosen ones That they which are called might receive the Promise c. Hebr. 9.15 and 10.19 Such as have in beleeving received the Atonement Rom. 5.1.3.11 This end joyned with the former is the ground of their hope The third end of the death of Christ was to be a witnesse-bearing and a seale of the witnesse he had borne to the Truth in his declaration and ministration of the Gospel as he saith To this end was I borne and for this cause came I into the world That I should beare witnesse to the Truth Joh. 18.37 so it 's said Hee before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession 1 Tim. 6.13 or profession And in this end was included the testimony of his faithfulnesse and obedience also to his Father Ioh. 12.50 Phil. 2.8 And the Testimony of his compassion and care for the good of All where he had preached the Gospel Matth. 9.35.38 And the Testimony of his more speciall love and tender care and faithfulness toward those given him in the heavenly Call by his ministration watching to preserve them in the Truth even to the Adventuring and laying downe his life for them Joh. 10.11 18. which end in respect of testimony more neerly respected them among whom hee ministred and by instruction us also But especiall is this end and the holding of it forth also for our example to lay downe our lives for the Brethren 1 Joh. 3.16 Pâ—â—â— not as a Propitiation for sinnes He only did that and is that for all men 1 Joh. 2.2 Nor yet as the seale of the New Testament Hee onely did that and his blood is that for all his called and chosen Ones Heb. 9.12 14 15 16 17. But in witnesse-bearing to the truth In love and testimony of faithfulnesse to Brethren To goe on and be faithfull in all services of love for edifying in faith and love even to the death and laying downe our lives for the Brethren Phil. 2.1 8. Now these ends the Scripture making distinct and offirming the first more large then either of the two latter It is not for man to confound them or limit the former to the latter And understanding 1 Tim. 2.6 Hebr. 2.9 to affirme of the first end onely as indeed they doe and so the Proposition likewise This Consideration also leades to a right stating the Quistion concerning the sense and proveth it also to be as before set downe And answeres the Objections that by abusing of placer speaking of the peculiar ends are framed to gaine say that which the Scripture affirmes of the generall end of Christs death CHAP. III. Of the divers manner of mentioning these ends in Scripture and in what manner mentioned here THe death of JESUS CHRIST in respect of these fore-mentioned ends is diversly mentioned in the Scripture as may be seen First sometime more ends of his death then one are mentioned together Sometime that end of his death which was for propitiation and ransome is coupled together with that end which was to testify love and faithfulnesse in his ministration propounded for our example And then such generall words as the World All men c. are not used because his ministration on earth did not reach to all the World nor to all men at that time in the world And yet such a word as though it may in some sense be peculiarly applyed to some yet in another sense it may be applyed to all and so because the Ministration was not to all and yet the ransome for all he useth such a word as may be applyed to the one or the other sense and so carry both senses in one as for
and death to be passed on them and through that one offence judgement to have come on all to condemnation Rom. 3.23 and 5.12.18 though this did not yet make them to partake of and feele this misery which comes by comming to partake of the humane namre though having a beeing from the first Adam by propagation yet this so opened the sluce or door of this misery that it laid such a necessity and unavoidable force on the Nature of mankind that no one can shift it but as soon as they doe through propagation come to have any being life from the first Adam they doe partake of this misery Jâ—h 14.4 and 15.14 Psal 51.5 Ephes 2.1 2 3. Rom. 5.19 Even so the effect and fruit of the Obedience of the Second Adam hath recovered and restored all mankind in him so as in him and by him in that done and wrought in his own body they are all again Redeemed and restored and made Righteous yea so as all that was contrary to them is taken out of the way wrath appeased Justice satisfyed Death abolished and Life obtained And that though secretly and invisibly and in some sort inexpressibly yet so vntually verily and indeed That it might be truly said as things are in Christ who was in the room of all that as in the former respect all have sinned and come short of the glory of God so in this latter respect being justifyed freely by his grace through the Redemption that is in Christ Jesus Rom. 3.24 The Righteousnesse of God which is by the Faith of Jesus Christ unto all vers 22. By the righteousnesse of one the free gift came upon all men to justification of life Rom. 5.18 Though this yet doth not make any to partake of and injoy and feel the benefit and blessednesse of the same which comes onely by comming through a spirituall application and operation to partake of the divine Nature in Christ in a new and spirituall birth that giveth a being in and maketh one in him Joh. 3.3.5 Rom. 3.22 25 26. yet hath this done in CHRIST for men and it's acceptance with the Father so opened the doore to life and put such a force in this grace discovered by the Gospel that whoever through the spirituall discovery and application thereof commeth so to beleeve as to have a being in Christ and to have him and be one in him he doth therein and thereby undoubtedly partake of the benefit and blessing of that done in and by Christ and so of eternall life Joh. 3.36 1 Joh. 5.10 11 12. so that in this respect also Christ is no whit inferiour to his Figure Fourthly in respect of the vertue power and operation of this publike businesse where it takes hold in all or any that come to the participation of the same no one excepted When any come by propagation to have a being from Adam they doe necessarily and naturally in that very participation of his nature and by vertue of his being in the room of all when he sinned and fell and by vertue of Gods account of his sinne as the sinne of all partake at once in themselves and all their powers of the guiltinesse of that first and great offence and of the corrupt sinfull poysonous and perverse disposition and inclination prone to all evill and averse to God and all goodnesse which entred the nature of man upon the fall and of that Subjection to weaknesse and mortallity then imposed on Adam And this evill whereof they partake from the first Adam doth pollute all their Powers and worke in their members to bring forth fruit unto death and so subjects them to misery and death more more Rom. 5.14 15 19.21 and 7.5 So when any come by a spiritvall birth to have a being in Christ and so receive this grace of the Attonement made in him then and in that very participation of that grace and the divine nature of him by vertue of that he hath done in the room of all and by vertue of Gods account thereof hee now freely imputing it to them the vertue and power of the Spirit of life that is in Christ doth so enter into their hearts and apply his blood therein that at once they partake of his Justification and righteousnesse and of his spirituall minde and disposition and of that aeternall and divine life that is in him in their spirits and this rich grace whereof they partake in and from Christ doth worke so mightily in them that it quickens them sweetning them with peace and joy and hope and purifieth and reneweth them to his likenesse and worketh forth in fruits of righteousnesse unto life Rom. 3.23 25 26. and 4.25 26. and 5.1 2 5 11 17 19 21. and 8.1 2. 2 Cor. 3.3.17 18. and this superabounding and being of greater power and efficacy then the former And yet still doth CHRIST exceed and goe beyond his Figure much 1. In that all be undertook was freely undertaken and all his obedience in dying for the sinnes of men and rising justifyed for them was altogether for them hee neither having sinne to suffer for or be justifyed from nor being ingaged to us by any naturall and necessary bond as the First Adam was who had our righteousness and lives in keeping and us in his loines and his business was for himself as well as us so that here appears glorious abounding grace to sinners 1 Cor. 15.3 4. 1 Pet. 2.24 and 3.18 Rom. 5.20 2. In that whereas the first Adam by fall brings none to partake of death in themselves but those that come to have being from him and so partake of his sinne Such is the power of the recovery wrought by Christ for all and the overthrow he hath given death that all shall be made alive thereby and brought before him to acknowledge him Lord even those that refuse to be brought to it in the day of grace that so they might be made in him and partake of the blessing shall one day be made alive and brought before him and rightly judged by him for that refusall 1 Cor. 15.21 22. Joh. 12.32 Rom. 14.9 12. 3. In that whereas the first Adam in his publike place stood and fell for all alike and threw thereby all alike into sinne and death such is the abounding grace of CHRIST that by vertne of that done in his publike place hee hath not onely wrought a generall recovery for all and made them saveable so as he will make them alive to acknowledge him LORD But for all his Called and Chosen that in the day of grace are prevailed with to acknowledge him Lord and come into him through his Spirit hee by vertue of the same blood of his that was shed for all is for them a High-Priest Prophet and King at his Fathers right hand in a more speciall manner and for more speciall favours then for the residue of the sonnes of men as hath been shewne before and here appeares the glory of his
sinnes and is He not without sinne even the just One 1 Joh. 3.5 and 2.1 2. and hath not God accepted him and his Sacrifice and Ransome given Matth. 17 5. Heb. 7.8 9 10. even for all that for which hee gave it and is not God Righteous to give his Sonne even all that which by vertue of his Ransome onely belonged to Jesus Christ Surely God is Righteous but that were injustice not onely to require the whole Debt againe but even any part thereof either of him or of any other that are discharged by him or to detaine from him or any of his any thing that by vertue of that Ransome onely is due to be conferred on them Isa 53.10 11. Yet Gods owne Children have complained and cryed out by reason of trouble with the law of sinne in their members Rom. 7.15.24 Gal. 5.17 and God saith of his owne Children that are the members of Christ Psal 89.32 I will visite their transgressions with the rod and their iniquity with stripes and saith expresly They suffer for the punishment of their sinne Lam. 3.22 39. and in their Repentance will have them accept the punishment of their iniquity Levit. 26.41 Mich. 7.9 Now to say the punishments upon Gods Children are not punishments for sinne but onely corrections for amendment they being both is too weak an evasion and contradictory to the Scripture Hos 5.15 and 6.1 2. and 12.1 Now is God unrighteous that punisheth God forbid Rom. 3.4 5. Psal 51.4 But how will the urgers of this Reason for justifying the two Propositions justify God and get out of this snare they have laid for others I hope they will not say with the * See the Postscript Papists that Jesus Christ onely paid the greatest part of the debt to his Father wholly in respect of eternall punishments and left a part of the debt in respect of Temporall punishments for his people to pay in bearing the same here in sufferings and Penitentiall Satisfactions and making up what is wanting thereof in Purgatory for this will exceedingly derogate from the Sufferings and Satisfaction made by Christ to his Father and flying this as they have good cause to doe they have by joyning this Reason with the two former Propositions charged God with unjustice and left no way to justify him in punishing any of his Elect for whom Christ dyed and paid the price they being already justifyed and to be saved from wrath through him as the Proposition affirmeth and what presumptuous rashnesse was this so to Reason and affirme for the maintenance of two falshods Neither doth Rom. 5.9 say That all that Christ dyed and paid the price for shall be saved from wrath through him But speaking of Beleevers that had experimented justification through his blood and it declares the more abundance of their confidence That they should now much rather be saved by his life and from wrath through him 2. Here appeareth gross ignorance about the End of the Death of Christ as the price Satisfaction for sinne and Ransome which hee gave himself to God for mankind which was not that by that Act of his with God men should without any more done by him See Postscript be presently possessed of all that Justification freedome from deaths and enjoyment of life that is in him or which he hath wrought or purchased No no there was something else to be done by him from heaven in application of the former to effect that it was not that by that Act dâ—ne by himself and in his owne body onely any of the Sonnes of men should receive either justification from sinne in their Consciences or purgation of sinne out of their Natures which is to be effected by his Spirit in application of that blood speaking Peace and purging and renewing Heb. 12.24 9.14 Tit. 3.4.5 7. or Redemption of their bodies in a through and perfect Freedome from all misery and Death and trouble and sorrow of Soul mortallity weaknesse affliction and Death of body which is to be affected at his pleasure through his Divine Power by vertue of his resurrection from the Dead 1 Cor. 15. tot or the bringing them to and possessing them of all the life Righteousnesse and Inheritance that he hath obtained which is to be effected through the vertue of his blood by his life Spirit and Divine Power Rom. 5.10 1 Pet. 1.5 Heb. 7.25 But the End of His Death in respect of the Ransome only as perfected in and by himself in his owne body was That he might be Lord of all men and have them in his dispose That hee might have all released to him and have the pardon in his hands and Spirit and Life and inheritance to give freely as hee should thinke fit who is of one minde with his Father That hee might have Power and Authority to ease them of as much trouble exercise as much patience and shew them as much mercy and bounty as might be meet to lead them to Repentance And also to use such meanes as hee pleaseth to Call and bring them to Repentance and Faith and to send forth his Spirit to move at their Hearts that they might Repent and Beleeve That by Spirituall Application of his Blood and exercise of his Divine Power hee might justifie purifie and bring to eternall life those that in submission to his Spirit in the meanes doe Repent and come in to beleeve on him To harden and give up the rest in his Season To raise all out of their graves at the last and to bring all before his Judgement-seat and then to possesse of the Inheritance all that in the day of grace have beleeved on him and to sentence to a second death all that throughout the day of grace have rebelled against him and for those ends hee gave the ransome and paid the whole debt himself alone and without requiring it againe or any part of it of Christ or any other God hath given all this over into the hands of Christ and will not neither doth deprive him of any part nor any other of any part of that which by the dispensation of Christ appertaines to them And all this is already shewn in Chap. 1. in the Reconciliation wrought by Christ with God for men and the common Salvation extended to men and in Chap. 2. in the first end of the death of Christ in the three respects thereof and in Chap. 3. the second head therof and in the latter end of the 6. Chapter in stating the Question and in Chap. 9. Now then that any mercy in patience and bounty is vouchsafed to men that any means is used and any motion of Spirit afforded is the fruit of the Ransome of Christ to lead to Repentance That any misery yet that lies on them it is from the Wisedome and Justice of Christ whose season is not yet come to free them But that which holdeth any under finne and wrath and condemnation and deprives them of the benefit of
raiseth the Conclusion of faith hee having now given us freely this his owne Sonne whom before when we were enemies hee delivered up to death for us How shall hee not now in giving him with him also freely give us all things Compare Rom. 4.24 25.5.1.5.10 11. and 1 Cor. 3.22 23. Gal. 3.29 with this Rom. 8.32 and all this will well appeare So that this Place gives no Proof to the Proposition and is dangerously abused to be cited to beare such a sense as shuts the doore against all the choice uses of it and opens a doore to horrible abuse for were it not wicked reasoning to say because the Apostle saith of and to Beleevers Rom. 14 10 12. VVee shall All stand before the Judgement-seat of Christ So that every one of us shall give an account of himself to God Therefore that he dyed for All and wee must All appear before the Judgement-seat of Christ is meant of the Beleevers and the Elect onely To prove the Assumption is cited Joh. 14.17 Even the Spirit of Truth whom the VVorld cannot receive c. vers 22. Judas saith unto him not Iscariot Lord how is it that thou wilt manifest thy self to us and not unto the world and 17.9 I pray not for the World But for them which thou hast given mee for they are thine Ans 1. These places speakes not of the Ransome and Propitiation only nor yet for that and the fruits thereof only but also of higher Communication of Spirit and Priviledges which Jesus Christ by vertue of his blood both as the ransome as the seal of the New Testament with which he is ascended doth from his Fathers right hand send forth to those that are Called doe beleeve on him and to no other though in the Counsell of God elected So that these Places prove not the Assumption but are abused in being cited to it without any distinction whereas Christ in the Scripture maketh a distinction of these things 1 Cor. 2.9 Heb. 9.14 Joh. 7.38 39. and 3.12 as is shewne Chap. 1.2.3 before 2. Neither doe these places say the World of the wicked and ungodly men as the Assumption doth and incited them to it would have them understand where if by wicked and ungodly be meant the seed of the Serpent which with an Emphasis are so called Then it overthrows the Proposition and conclusion and intimately confesseth what it openly denies For they are therefore even so called the wicked and ungodly and of the wicked One because they have refused to come in to God by yea have despised and abused those mercies and meanes Procured for and extended to them through the Death and Ransome of Christ for them and accompanied with some gift of his Spirit to turne them in to God as is evident by comparing Gen. 4.3.7 16. with 1 Joh. 3.12 and Gen. 6.2 3 5. with 1 Pet. 3.18 19 20. 2 Pet. 2.1.5 Prov. 1.23.25 Act. 7.51 But if by wicked and ungodly be meant the world of Mankind as they are Naturall men and unconverted Then it either excludes many of them from being wicked and ungodly in any sense and so contradicts the Scripture Ephe. 2.1 2 3. Tit. 3.2 3 4. Col. 1.22 Rom. 5.6 or else shuts them out all and every one Elect as well as others from being of the number of them for whom Christ dyed for they all are uncapable of receiving that Portion of Spirit here promised Nor are such manifestations and Priviledges here meant for any though Elect till they first so beleeve in Christ that they love him Joh. 7.38 39. 1 Cor. 2.9 15. and howsoever this Assumption mingles Naturall men together with and makes them one with the Seed of the Serpent and so sinfully abuseth the Places cited by Addition 3. This Assumption with the whole Argument denies the truth of the Gospel which the Scripture shewes plainly is to be Preached to all men even Every man Matth. 28.19 Mar. 16.15 16. Yea the Proclamation of love of God in Giving his Sonne to die for them Joh. 1.29 3.16 17. that thereby they may be shewne 1. The vilenesse of their sinnes needing such a Ransome Isa 2.6 Hebr. 9.22 Gal. 3.13 2. The emptinesse of all their self-wrought Righteousnesse to help them Gal. 3.21 Psal 49.7 3. The vanity of all worldly things to recover them Job 28. tot 1 Pet. 1.18 4. The Pardon Peace Spirit and life that is in Christ to Communicate to those that doe Repent submit to and beleeve on him Act. 10.43 and 13.38 Eph. 2.13.17 5. That it is the good will of God that they should Repent and beleeve Act. 3.19 26. 6. That hee hath shewed mercy already to the chief of sinners to encourage them to beleeve and turne in to him for the same 1 Tim. 1.14 15 16. 7. That even they if by this grace be wrought on to Repentance and overcome to beleeve on Christ they shall receive Remission of sinnes and favour with God yea Eternall life Acts 10.43 and 13.38 Joh. 3.15 16 36. 8. That their not beleeving makes them impenitent and till they doe Repent and Beleeve they abide under sinne condemnation and wrath Joh. 5.38 40. and 3.18.36 9. That if when light comes and Spirit moves at their hearts they doe yeeld and turne Spirit will farther come in and make them know the truth and the truth will make them free Prov. 1.23 Ioh. 8.31 32. but if then they refuse and harden their hearts against it that is great condemnation and if they so persist it endangers them to be given up of God and then there will be no Remedy but they will be judged to a second death by him that hath dyed for them and now calleth them and they will none of his Counsell Ioh. 3.19 Prov. 1.23 25. Psal 68.21 2 Thes 2.8 And all this is true Gospel whether men beleeve it or beleeve it not and on this ground and pressing all this as the Truth and Oracles of God are all men to be exhorted to Repentance of their sinnes to faith in Christ Jesus and so to be reconciled to God Mar. 1.15 Act. 2.37 and 3.2 Cor. 5.14 15 19 30. And till by the Spirit in this Gospel men be made Penitent and brought in to beleeve in Christ they are no better then naturall men and of the world though Elect and so uncapable of such receit of Spirit and manifestations as these Ioh. 14.17 22. 1 Cor. 2.14 which is also to be could them to bring them to Repentance and faith Act. 2.37 38. But when any are brought in by the Spirit in belief of this Gospel brought in to Christ and fastened in cenfidence and love to him Then may they look and waite even for this portion of Spirit also Joh. 14.17 and 7.38 39. Act. 2.38 and abiding and walking in faith and Love they shall receive the manifestations of more aboundant Love and Priviledges here promised Joh. 14.21 23. 1 Cor. 2.9 whereas the citing these places to the Assumption
not destroy mens lives was the Prime end of his first comming Luk. 9.56 and unlesse hee that came to save them doe for their Rebellion against him condemn them the Father will not condemne them having given all to the dispose and judgement of Christ 2 Cor. 5.10 3. That it affirmeth Jesus Christ to be exalted at Gods right hand and filled above measure with the Spirit to send forth to men to manifest himself in due season 1 Tim. 2.6 To send forth to the Rebellious that the Lord might dwell among them Psal 68.18 Joh. 16.8 10. and to such as are subdued and brought in to beleeve to lead them into all truth and make them usefull Joh. 16.13 14 15. Act. 2.32 33. Ephes 4.7 12. So as there is power in him to Call all and to bring all that heare his Word and submit themselves thereto to beleeve on him and so to Life in and by him Isal 45.22 24. 50.4 5. Prov. 8.32 35. 2 Cor. 5.14 21. 4. In that it affirmeth that all men not onely those that submit to his government in the day of grace but also all others shall one day appeare before the judgement-Seat of Christ and shall acknowledge him to be LORD to the glory of GOD and then receive the Sentence from him Isaiah 45.23 Philip. 2.10 11. 2 Cor. 5.10 This Answer or one of these dâ—e prove his Ransome effectuall with GOD for All Men How much more all of them together Secondly The Workes of God mentioned in Scripture proveth the same also 1. The Mercies of God who according to his holy Truth and Justice and his Word gone out of his month should be constantly testifying wrath and heaping Plague upon Plague destroying with Curse all that are found sinners against him and his holy Law Gen. 2.17 Deutr. 27. and 28. Gal. 3.10 If there were not some Ransome between him and Mankind But through JESUS CHRIST and his Ransome given and Propitiation made and accepted His Mercy is over all his Workes Psalm 145.8 9. And hence comes by CHRIST the Preservation of the Earth And Inhabitants thereof for men Gods Patience Long-suffering Bounty Meanes to lead to Repentance motion of Spirit in those meanes as is already shewed in Chap. 1. The Common Salvation 2. The wrath of God revealed from heaven against all unrighteousnesse and ungodlinesse of men who hold the truth in unrighteousnesse who will not yeeld to the Light and motion of the Spirit comming from Christ in the meanes but smother it and turne from it Rom. 1.16 17 18 21 24. and 2 4 5. Prov. 1.24 32. 8.36 and this wrath breaketh out most abundantly where this grace Procured by CARIST is with most light and meanes made knowne to leade men to Repentance and they refuse and turne from the same 2. Kings 17.7.23 2 Chron. 36.15 16.17 Amos 3.2 Isai 5.5 6. Mat. 23.37 38. Luke 12.47 48. The Lord with indignation revenging the wilfull sinning after knowledge of the truth vouchsafed against the grace offered in Christ by unkind requitalls and contempt thereof disobedience thereto and departure therefrom both in this World and in the world to come Nah. 1.2 9. Jo. 3.19 Mat. 12.32 Hebr. 10.26 29. 1 Pet. 3.19.20 2 Pet. 2.1 5 10 20 23. 2 Thess 1.8 Jude 15. The LORD the Judge of all the Earth being righteous and holy in all his Wayes Psalm 145.17 will nor thus deale with any for refusing an empty shew and bare Pretence of Good And both these his Workes of Mercy and wrath doe fully Prove The effectualnesse of the Ransome of CHRIST with GOD for men Thirdly Reasons from Scripture doe also confirme the same 〈◊〉 as to say REASON I. That as Jesus CHRIST hath abolished Death by his Comming Sufferings and Resurrection So hee hath brought Life and Immortallity to Light by the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10 REASON II. That the Grace of GOD appearing through this Gospel bringeth Salvation to all men and so appeareth to All Men to whom it so comes though teaching Beleevers Titus 2.11 REASON III. That the time of Gods Patience and shewing mercy bountifulnesse and sending his Servants with motions of his Grace in them and moving to the hearts of men to invite them to Repentance and turning to God is a Day of grace and Salvation in which God is neer and to be found and ready to receive and accept to Mercy any that obey his Call and turne to him 2 Cor. 5.14 â—1 and 6.1 2. Revel 3.20 Hebr. 3.13 15. And on this ground in these three Reasons are all men invited by Gods Servants and by CHRIST in them To look to CHRIST and be saved To seek him while hee may be sound yea even the Wicked and Vnrighteous To forsake their owne Way and turne to him and Hee will have mercy oâ— them and aboundantly Pardon them Isai 45.21 22. 42.1.8 and 55.1 2 3 6 7 8. And that also with this warning That if they now refuse and passe over the day of Grace The Axe is at the root of the trees and they will soon be out off and greater judgement befall them Prov. 1.25.29 Matth. 3.10 Acts 13.40.41 all which doe evidence the Ransome given by Christ to God for them To have been effectuall with God As for that great â—â—umble which many make to themselves to keep themselves out from Beleeving this Truth as that many perish and misse of Eternall Life and if CHRIST had so died and given himself a Ransome as were effectuall with his Father for them then JESUS CHRIST should loose the travell of â—is Soule in his Death and Ransome given This is Answered before in Chap. 1. The speciall Salvation and distinction between the Common and the Speciall Salvation and in Chapter 16. in Answer of the Third Objection The Spirit in the Scripture saith not that any perish or misse of Eternall Life because CHRIST did not die for them or because his Ransome given and Propitiation made was not sufficient or not effectuall with GOD for them No such matter but because when Light comes They will not Repent submit to him come to him receive him and beleeve on him Ioh. 1.11 and 3.19 and 5.40 2 Pet. 2.1 Besides Scriptures shewes something more required of men to be done in and upon them by CHRIST Then his Ransome and Propitiation by Death and Resurrection made with GOD for them That they be Justifyed and Eternally saved by him Even a Spirituall Application of and making them obedient to the Death and Blood-shedd of CHRIST That so they may be brought to beleeve on him and be sprinckled and washed from their sinnes with his Precious Blood 1 Pet. 1.2 as afore-shewne in Chapters aforesaid Whence so great wrath comes on them that despise and resist this Grace Yet there is no lesse on the part of CHRIST in respect of his Death and Ransome given for them For hee doth and shall see the Travell of his Soule Isaiah 53.11 and that so fully As That hee is the
6.40.45 and to these he maketh known his Fathers Name and giveth them his Words and eternall Life and will Preserve them and raise them up to glory at the last Day And this giving to Christ in and by the heavenly Call is that meant Ioh. 6.37.40 and most usually by our Saviour speaking of this businesse Ioh. 17.2.6 9.12.24 and elsewhere which is a good admonition to all of us to abide in and yeeld up to the heavenly Call and therein to give all diligence to make our Calling and Election sure Heb. 3.1.14 2 Pet. 1.10 But no colour to doubt of the Extent of the Ransome which is the ground thereof 2 Cor. 5.14.20 ANSWER Acts 13.48 And when th Gentiles heard this They were glad and glorified the Word of the Lord and as many as were ordained to eternall Life beleeved 1. This place speakes of a further business then the death of Christ as the Ransome and Propitiation only The next and immediate end thereof Not being the taking enmitie out of the Nature of men and giving them Eternall Life to all or any But the taking enmity out of the Condition of men and that so having them all given into his dispose He might open a doore of life to them and reconcile their Powers to God that through his Call beleeve on him and give them Eternall Life and judge and condemne those that refuse in his Call to submit to him Coll. 1.20 Ephes 2.16 17. Rom. 14.9.12 2 Cor. 5.10.20 Heb. 5.9 2 Thes 1.8 So that this Sentence gave no colour for the doubt it being neither here nor in any place of Scripture said That as many as Christ dyed and gave himself a Ransome for either have done shall or will beleeve on him and have Eternall Life 2. The words ordained to Eternall Life whence the doubt is raised It is to be feared are mistaken as if they signifyed onely the Prime Election to Sonneship and eternall Inheritance whereas it is not found in Scripture any one place where that onely Sense is set forth in the words ordaining to Life Of the word Ordaining Act. 13.48 The word ordaining being found in Scripture to have a further Sense and to signifie a great deale more Even the Ordination Constitution Preparation furniture and Consecration of the Elected both for the businesse and end for which they were elected whether it be applyed to JESUS CHRIST or to those Chosen in and by him to Life 1. Pet. 1.20 Acts. 10.42 Hebr. 10.5 Ephes 2.10 And this word ordaining is most frequently used in Scripture for an actuall Ordaining Constituting Preparing Furnishishing Consecrating and so making meet and giving Liberty and Authority for that to which one is ordained so it is with an actuall Election and Choice being also more then a Choice even a furnishing and consecrating to the businesse and end for which one is Chosen And for the word is used when it is spoken of the Church Act. 14.23 and 16.4 or of God his ordaining Rom. 13.1 1 Cor. 12.28 1 Tim. 2.7 and so our Saviour of his Disciples whom in his heavenly Call hee had actually chosen out of the World into Union and Fellowship with himselfe and one another and appointed and consecrated them to hold forth the Word of Life and serve him in the Gospel Joh. 15.15 I have Chosen you and ordained you that you should goe and bring forth fruit c. And this word ordaining in this businesse to be so taken for an actuall ordaining here is evident by the like use of it in places speaking of the like blessing Coll. 1.12 13. 1 Pet. 2.9 1 Joh. 5.11 12. Joh. 6.36 And so the Word ordaining Acts 13.48 Imports 1. The Abundance and Power of Spirit that went in the Word to their hearts Act. 11.21 2. The unfainednesse and effectualnesse of the Spirit wrought in them as 1 Thess 1.3 4 5. 3. The evidencing the effectualnesse of their Calling and Election as 1 Thess 1.3 4 5. 4. The aboundance of grace Powred into them as Rom. 5.15 Tit. 3 4 5 6. Such as was not usuall in the beginning and first comming of the Gospel to and in every one where the Spirit had any workings as may be seen in some that in some sort beleeved the report Ioh. 23 24. and 3.3 21. 6.21.38 Act. 2.31 and 3. and 5. 1 Cor. 14.24 25. Rom. 14. 15. 1 Cor. 3.1 2 3. So that here was more then usuall And here appeares some cause for this in Act. 13.48 for here was a great opposition contradiction and blasphemy of the Doctrine by the Jewes vers 45. and so God was pleased to send forth more aboundance of Spirit and grace in the Apostles ministration of the Gospel when it was most abundantly opposed and blasphemed and did effect more in the hearts of many at this and such Seasons then was otherwise usuall like that Act. 16.23 It may be some convincements and movings might touch the hearts of many yea it may be some of the opposers and blaspheamers But yet none so farre beleeved as to receive the report and yeeld to confesse it but onely such and those to whom this aboundance of Spirit in such evidence and effectuall operation did come and enter to prevaile in their hearts Not onely to beleeve the report and yeeld to confesse it as with many at some other Seasons But in Beleeving unfainedly to cleave to Christ and give up themselves to him In which their faith became effectuall and they at first partakers of the first fruits of Eternall Life So as that might be affirmed of them in their beginning which is said 1 Thess 1.3 4 5. 2 Thess 2.13 1 Pet. 1.1.2 So that here were neither Hypocrites nor feined Beleevers nor any lying under convincement nor hanging in the birth But all that were now brought in were thus ordained constituted prepared consecrated and brought to some enjoyment of Eternall Life So many as had such abundance of grace and so effectually beleeved at this time and no more and yet there were many of them which serveth to set forth the power of the Gospel Rom. 1.16 Gods Presence with his Servants in ministration thereof Matth. 28.19 20. 2 Cor. 3. and is a great encouragement to constancy in fighting the good fight and holding forth the Gospel in time of greatest opposition and Persecution when there may be greatest blessing 2 Tim. 4.1 and is very usefull many wayes but gives not the lest shew for the doubt about extent of the Ransome It neither being said how many as Christ dyed for beleeved nor yet so many as was in Gods Councell Elected to Life for then what becomes of all Beleevers since nor yet as many in that place nor which is lesse as many of that Society as were Elected to Life many such might be that were afterward Called and then thus effectually Chosen and ordained and so beleeved as these did So that the Words caused not the doubt but are abused to colour
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
to love none but ones friends of the same sort with him which sinners also doe Matth. 5.42.48 Wherefore I pray thee to lay aside not any righteous affections and 〈◊〉 but all this thy confidence made up thereby and 〈◊〉 to the Death of Christ which was for sinners that thou maist come in at that doore where thou shalt be found no better then others And let the Excellency of the grace of Christ prevaile with thee as it did with Paul Phil. 3.3 9. and doe not spend thy strength for that which satisfyeth not but encline thine eare and hearken to him and waite for Spirit and Peace from him Isa 55.1 2 3 4 5. Vse 5. If thou be one who being more enlightned with the Spirituality of the Law and more senseable of thy short-comming thereof so as in all thy zeal watchfulnesse and endeavours thou beholdest many failings and much sinfulnesse in thy self so as the Law hath Power to charge thee with much sinfulnesse and to sentence thee to death and curse which causeth in thee Amazement Fear Sorrow and Perplexity and thou strivest to ward and keep off these charges of the Law and to avoid these feares by setting thy self still to a more through observance of the Law to which thou canst by no means answer but that it still concludes thee a sinner puts thee in fear and affords thee no hope of obtaining by it the life it Promiseth But leaves thee in great distresse and yet in all this the Law is just and good and holy onely shewing thee that of which thou art indeed guilty and to which thouart indeed by desert lyable too and all this for good That thou being hereby slaine mightest see the greatnesse of the grace of God in making of his Sonne Jesus Christ to become under the Law and Sinne and a Curse for thee that thou mightest beleeve on him and receive Life and Spirit from him but now sinne shewes its sinnfulnesse and not the Commandement but sinne taking occasion by the Commandement to deceive thee As if it were not for such a sinner to look for love in God nor yet to beleeve in Christ till he be more conformed to the Law contrary to that Rom. 4.5 and so holds the captive under thee condemning Sentence of the Law and having thee there in this deceit sin reviveth and enclineth thy heart to hard thoughts of God As one that is an angry Judge and beares thee no good will and sometimes discontented thoughts against God As why did God make Adam seeing hee would not keep him and why hath he given such a Law as cannot be kept Nay it stops not here but moves to thinke Oh that there were no Law yea no Heaven nor Hell yea no God and then not able to look on the horridnesse of such thoughts desperate Imaginations arise as if now no more hope mothing now but Hell and what Temptations then followes let silence speake But stay stay I pray thee this is not the fruit of the Commandement but of the deceitfulnesse of sin taking occasion by the Command To which oh yeeld not at all but the reproof and convincement of the Commandement receive own the sinne say Amen to the Curse and behold him that came to save sinners and was made sin and a curse for thee 1 Tim. 1.15 Gal. 4.4 Say not I must be holy â—st that is impossible Say not I dare not my sinnes have been so great for it was for thy sinnes he dyed and where sinne aboundeth there will his grace abound much more and he that beleeveth in him that Justifieth the ungodly his faith is counted for righteousnesse Rom. 3.24.26 and 4.5 and 7.7.24 25. thy sinnes ought rather to be a spurre to thee to beleeve on him that came to save Sinners and takes occasion to commend his righteousnesse by the unrighteousnesse found in men Rom. 3.5 5.20 21. Thou canst not winde out thy selfe from being of the number of those for whom Christ dyed seeing it was for every man Heb. 2.9 Doe not now stand out against him through unbelief hee is no enemy of thine He hath laid aside emnity and is full of Love and compassion ready to Pardon abundantly Hee was in Christ reconciling the World to himself not imputing their trespasses to them I pray thee therefore lay aside thy emnity and hard conceits of him and let his love gaine thee in to beleeve his Goodnesse in Christ and depend on him for life and hee will verily shew thee mercy Isa 55.6 7. 2 Cor. 5.19 20. and 6.2 Taste and see that God is gratious Psal 34.6 Vse 6. If thou be one that hast been so farre enlightned by the Spirit in the Gospel of the grace of God that thou hast so seen and beleeved the report thereof that thou seest and knowest that Redemtion is wrought Ransome given Propitiation made with God for Mankind by CHRIST So at in him sinne is satisfyed for Wrath appeased Justice satisfyed Law answered and Death abolished favour and Life obtained and Spirit revived by CHRIST to conserre remission of sins Righteousnesse and Life on such as Beleeve in him and to Renew and Leade them in all Truth and bring them to the Inheritance So as hereby thou art convinced that thou art under both power and guilt of sinne because thou beleevest not on him and thy heart hereby gained to acknowledge him Lord and so let goe all other hopes and delights without desiring after them and to long after him and that hee by his Spirit would enable thee to beleeve on him But yet thou art not so farre overcome by his grace seen as to be drawne upon him so to beleeve in him as to receive remission of Sinnes and Peace in thy heart which still remaineth broken trembling not healed but gasping and panting after healing I pray thee remember what thou hast heard and what thou hast seen concerning the Propitiation made by Jesus Christ our Lord and the great Love of God in giving him to dye for sinners and waite with Patience at his Posts in the use of all such meanes as the Gospel hath set forth for thee Prov. 3.4 14. and 8.33 34 35. Resort to the Church Assemblies heare his Word remember meditate pray have fellowship with such as doe enjoy his grace pitty the distressed goe on in the ordinary imployments of thy Calling his Providence layeth before thee and be still desiring after him and waiting when hee will by discoveries of his grace come to thee and give thee Peace by his Spirit and through the blood of his Sonne It is a good thing for thee thus to hope and waite for the Salvation of God Lam. 3.26 but doe not thou point him his way and say it must be by such a one in such a word or Promise in such a manner c. Isa 40.13 but wait that it may be by his Spirit glorifying his grace and giving in Peace by his blood and so uniting thee to Christ Let the
or enjoy because they turne from grace offered and loose their own soules and dye before they come to have a beeing in him and so are dâ—â—arred thereof Prov. 1.24 32. and 8.36 Mat. 16.26 Eccles 11.3 Job 3.3.5 1 Joh. 5.11 12. Nor doth their never enjoyment any more prove that they were never recovered in the second Adam them their never enjoyment of the life and righteousness of the first Adam who was the figure of the second proveth them never to have bee made righteous and alive in him onely this dissimilitude the Scripture sheweth That as the first Adam being a living soul and of the darth he lost all our souls in his fall without remedy on his part Ro. 5.12 14 18 19. 1 Cor. 15.45 47. So the second Adam is a quickning Spirit and the Lord from heaven and so looseth none but whoever now perisheth destroyeth himself and looseth his owne soul Hose 13.9 Matt. 16.26 which farther proveth the perfection of the salvation wrought by himself in his own body and his faithfulnesse in his businesse he is to doe from heaven about bringing all so redeemed to the knowledge of the truth So that as he hath in himself so saved all men so being ascended he doth by vertue of his death and the redemption wrought in himself use such meanes and in some seasons so put forth Spirit therein That he makes all saveable so as there is a possibleness in through him and possibility with him for all men to come in to him to beleeve on him and in beleeving to be aeternally saved Job 3.16 17 18 19. whereby the effectualness of his ransome with his Father his faithfulness in his business in heaven his gracious minde good will in his Call by motions of his Spirit through his Word and workes and the destruction of all that perish to be of themselves is fully proved as also that all attending to this salvation doe beleeve on him shall have the speciall salvation in which is aeternal life And the faith of this common salvation is as the opening the doore to the speciall Jude 1.2 3. And of the salvation wrought by Christ in himself with God for men and by vertue thereof extending of this common salvation to men is meant 1 Tim. 2.4 6. In which sense let the proposition be understood And thus is Christ the Saviour of the World Joh. 4.42 The Saviour of all men 1 Tim. 4.10 but especially of them that beleeve of which speciall Salvation now Secondly there is a speciall and aeternall salvation which Jesus Christ by vertue of his death and resurrection doth in his spirituall application thereof to the heaâ—â—â— and consciences of man worke in men to God Hebr. 12.24 and 9.14 Such as in discovery of his grace in the fore-mentioned salvation are by his Spirit in the heavenly Call sent forth therein prevailed with to yeeld to his reproofes and so to beleeve and accept the Attonement made that forsaking all things else they come in to him and depend on him for life hee worketh in them 〈◊〉 his Spirit applying and sprinkling his blood on their hearts and extending the vertue of his resurrection in them An especiall Salvation that is aeternall such as is above all mentioned in the common salvation Prov. 1.23 Job 6.44 45. Rom. 5.4 11. 1 Pet. 3.21 whence he it said to be the Author of aeternall Salvation to all them that obey him Hebr. 5.9 And this obedience effected through the Spirit in their beleeving is said to be unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of JESUS CHRIST 1 Pet. 1.2 whence they are said to be come to the blood of sprinkling Hebr. 12.24 Whence however through his bloodsheading he hath interest in all men and right to dispose of them Rom. 14.9 yet have none any right in his speciall priviledges nor can have part with him therein unlesse hee by his Spirit wash them with his blood Tit. 3 4 5 6 7. That our Saviour said to Peter on mother occasion being true in this If I wash thee not thou hast no part with me Joh. 13.8 and so they confesse that beleeved in Christ he hath loved us and washed us from our sinnes in his owne blood Revel 1.5 And so they are affirmed to be washed in the Name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God 1 Gor. 6.11 because it is by his blood applyed by the vertue and power of his Spirit where through 1. He maketh the heavenly Call more powerfull and prevailing in their hearts for drawing them forth of the hopes condition fellowship service thraldomes and pollutions of the world to submit to looke on and seeke to injoy the grace of and life in Christ 2 Pet. 1.4 and 2.20 Joh. 6.44 45. 2 Tim. 1.9 Heb. 3. â— 6. 2. He more and more reconcileth their hearts and powers to God in sight and beleefe of his precious blood-shed for them overthrowing their pride and high thoughts of themselves and their stubborne reasonnings and evill and hard thoughts of God and their Inclinations of seeking content in other things or help by other meanes and raiseth them up to high esteemes of Christ and God in Christ and the grace Spirit righteousnesse and life in him with servent inelinations and desires after the some to be ever found in it and comforted and guided thereby 2 Cor. 5.18 19 20 21. and 10.4 5. Tit. 3.3 4 5 6. Zach. 9.12 13. Jâ—â— 6.45 Is 55.5 Psal 3.3.7 8 9 10. 3. He cleanseth and purisyeth their hearts and consciences through the sprinkling of this precious blood therein and â—â—shing them therewith making is effectuall in their beleeving through all their powers Hebr. 12.24 1 Pet. 1. â— and that both in regard of the guilt of sinne freeing them from the heavy charges and bondage of the law the feares of wrath and terrours by hell Hebr. 9.14 Rom. 5.1 2 11. and 7.4 5.25 and 8.2 And also in respect of the Tyrannicall pollution and service of sinfull lusts this blood beleeved in breedeth in the heart a loathing of sinne and self-wrought righteousnesse worldly and fleshly pleasures riches honour and same Zach. 12.10 Gal. 5.24 and 6.14 1 Joh. 1.7 and it also breedeth inward love and child-like affections to God and Christ and his government Gal. 2.20 1 Pet. 1.7 8. 1 John 4.19 and sinceere and member-like love to brethren 1 Pet. 1.21 22. Eph. 5.1 2. and compassionate to men 2 Cor. 5.14 with singleness of heart and spirituall frities of joy peace patience c. And heavenly desires after approbation and nighness with Christ in all services of love to God or brethren Acts 15.8 9. 2 Cor. 5.14 15. Col. 3.10 11 12. Phil. 2.1 2. 4. Hee marketh and sealeth them by his Spirit with his blood as once in Ceremony our Types of old Exod. 12.13 for deliverance in speciall manner and to the day of Redemption Eph. 1.13 and 4.30 and thereby strengtheneth their faith to rest an God in Christ for the
1.68 Let Israel rejoyce in him that made him Psal 149.2 so Isai 43.15 and sometime to the worser part The weak Brother perish for whom Christ dyed 1 Cor. 8.11 denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift destruction 2 Pet. 2.1 He that made them will not have mercy on them Isai 27.11 sure no sober-minded men will affirme that the sayings of any one of these parts will resolve the Question how many God made or Christ by death and ransome bought unlesse one put both parts together 5. Sometime in the third Person generally without any restraining Application Wee have seen and doe testify that the Father sent the Sonne to be the Saviour of the World 1 Joh. 4.14 and 2.2 And that he dyed for all 2 Cor. 5.14 15. hath made of one blood all Nations of men Acts 17.26 And such-like sayings doe directly and fully answer the Question How many God made and how many Christ dyed and gave himself a Ransome for And the like might be said for shewing how many have sinned how many shall dye how many shall rise againe how many shall appeare before Christs Judgement-seat All these are to be found answered in the Third Person generally without any restraining Application where it appeares to be All men and cannot rightly be opposed by places where they are spoken of in the first Person singular or in the first Person plurall or in the second Person with personall Application or in the third Person with any restrictive Application as all and every of them are in many places spooke of in that manner as well as the creation of men or Ransome given by Christ for them Now the 1 Tim. 2.6 and Hebr. 2.9 are spoken in the third Person generally without any restraining application and such places must settle us in the sense And so in this consideration we are led to see what expressions to finde the sense of the Proposition in and where proved Namely where the death of Christ as the Ransome and Propitiation is mentioned without other peculiar ends joyned with it and where that Propitiation is set forth as made by Christ and to be made knowne or offered so to be without the receite in gracious operations joyned with it And what is affirmed of it in places so speaking may not be denyed or straitned by any places otherwise speaking which puts by the most usuall Objections against it CHAP. IIII. Of the divers wayes of propounding the Sufferings and Death of CHRIST in the Scripture and how it is propounded here THE death of CHRIST is diversly propounded in Scripture and that as in respect of every end so in respect of this end of giving himself to the death as the Ransome and Propitiation and sometime coupled with other ends 1. Sometime it is propounded most especially and intentionally as and for an example to Beleevers to follow in love and in the fruits in sufferings and services thereof and as the motive thereto Eph. 5.1 2. 2 Cor. 8.9 In which if the love and services thereof be of Beleevers one to another then he is set forth as having loved us and given himself for us Joh. 15.12 1 Joh. 4.7 10 11. If the love and service thereof be to be enlarged according to any nigh relation between us as husband and wife then hee is set forth as having loved his Church and given himself for it Ephe. 5.25 If the love and service thereof in patience and suffering and in overcomming evill with good be to be exercised towards unbeleeving ones or Adversaries then he is set forth both as having so suffered for us 1 Pet. 2.18 24. and also as having suffered for the unjust 1 Pet. 3.14.18 which manner of propounding his death is used to prevaile with Beleevers to follow his example but doth nor shew how many he dyed for and so cannot with Justice be brought to answer that Question or to oppose it 2. Sometime it in propounded by and of Beleevers as the ground by which in discovery and beliefe thereof they were turned and brought into God and borne anew Tit. 2.11 14. and 3.4.5 with Joh. 3.16 And by which they are kept in dependance on him Rom. 5.6.11 Gal. 2.20 And by which their love is made operative to Brethren 1. Gor. 8.11.13 and all men 2 Cor. 5.14 3. Sometime it is propounded to Beleevers as the ground and motive To be more and more reconcil'd in their hearts and Powers to God 2. Cor. 5.21 To settle and bottome them in the faith of Christ Gal. 1.4 6. To strengthen and stablish their confidence and expectation Col. 1.20.23 To enhance and lead to the testification of love to Brethren Phil. 2.1.8 To preserve from pride carnall confidence in instruments and from schisme 1 Cor. 1.12 4. Sometime it is propounded to such as are Overseers of some Congregations or particular Assemblies of the Church for further end Act. 20.28 To admonish them to keep this doctrine firmly and teach it 1 Tim. 1.11.15 18 19. and 4.10 11. To provoke them to watchfulnesse over the flock over which they are made Overseers and faithfulnesse in declaring the Gospel to them Acts 20.28 To constancy in suffering and enduring hardship in their ministration 2 Tim. 2.3 8. All which wayes of propounding are marvellous profitable for our comfort instruction admonition and exhortation but not set forth as the places shewing how many he dyed for 5. Sometime it is propounded as the foundation laid and ground to offer life and bring in such as either know it not or beleeve it not to beleeve it being true whether they beleeve it or not and therefore as a Truth affirmed that they might beleeve it Joh. 1.29 and 3.16 17. And this propounded sometime to such as beleeve not that they might beleeve Act. 1.7.30 â—1 Sometime to such as doe already beleeve both in respect of themselves and of them which are weak in beleeving and of them which doe not as yet as all beleeve To shew what Gospel was preached among them and to others 1 Joh. 4.14 To shew what Gospel they have to Preach to the World Rom. 1.1 4 5. To be a ground and pattern to them of declaring the Gospel not onely to such as are weak and wavering but also to such as beleeve not 2 Cor. 5.10 11 19. To be a ground of Prayng for such as beleeve not 1 Tim. 2.1 4 5 6 7 8. Mat. 5.44 To be a ground of holding forth the Word of life in a good Profession and a good conversation toward them that beleeve not Phil. 2.6 16. To be a motive to doe all this as the meanes to bring them to God Mat. 5.13 16. with 1 Cor. 2.2 and with patience to beare their injuries and wait till God be pleased to give them Repentance Luk. 9.55 56. 2 Tim. 2.24 25. And as all these last wayes of propounding are of great usefulnesse so in such Places where the Gospel is so propounded shall wee finde resolution of
themselves understand nor will any spirituall good SCRIPTURE Turne you at my reproof behold I will powre out my Spirit unto you I will make knowne my words to you Prov. 1.23 QUEST X. What hope is there for them if they doe fubmit to his Call and so by his Spirit be drawn in to him to beleeve SCRIPTURE To him give all the Prophets witnesse that through his Name whoseever beleeveth in him shall receive remission of sinnes Acts 10.43 him that commeth to me I will in no wise cast out hee that beleeveth on me hath everlasting life Joh. 6.37 47. being made perfect hee became the Author of eternall salvation unto all them that obey him Hebr. 5.9 in beleeving on him Joh. 3.14 15 16 18. QUEST XI May this newes be plainly declared to all men SCRIPTURE Goe yee therefore and teach all nations Matth. 28.20 Goe yee into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature Mar. 16.15 QVESTION XII To what end will God and Christ have this Gospel declared and testified to and among all men SCRIPTVRE That all men through him might beleeve Joh. 1.7 And hee that beleeveth and is Baptized shall be saved but he that beleeveth not shall be damned Mar. 16.16 Joh. 3.18.36 So that by Scripture it plainly appeareth that Jesus Christ hath so dyed for every man that hee hath redeemed all Mankind and satisfyed God's Justice and is become the Propitiation for the sinnes of all men and hath made them saveable and hath opened the door that they might bee saved and is so faithfull and able and useth such means that whosoever perisheth it will be through their own fault And now the sense so explained and Question stated I will proceed to more enlarged proof CHAP. VIII An entrance to the more enlarged proof of the Proposition FOr the enlarging the proof of the Proposition first set down In the sense in the five first Considerations explicaâ—ed and according to the Question stated in the latter end of the sixth Chapter and opened and answered in the seventh Chapter I shall take this course keeping the bounds before hinted 1. By considering CHRIST as the common Person in the room of all Mankind in what hee did on earth of whom the First was a figure 2. By considering the joynt mentioning of Greation and Bedamption by Christ 3. By considering the constancy of the Scripture in changing the Person when having spoken of that which is generall it mentions any speciall 4. By considering the places themselves in the force of the words the scope and circumstances of the place whence the Proposit on is affirmed 5. By considering like places of Scripture speaking of like things in like manner 6. By answering the most usuall and strongest Objections frumed against it 7. By adding some Arguments to satisfie such as must have reason satisfyed 1. Of the consideration of Jesus Christ as the common and publike Person JESUS CHRIST in this great Worke of the Redemption of Mankind is set forth in the Scripture as a publike Person in the room and stead of all Mankind as the first Adam was whence the first Adam is affirmed to be the figure or Type of Christ Rom. 5.44 and so as the one is called the the first Adam and the other is called the last Adam The one the First man the other the Second man 1 Cor. 15.45 47. for our better understanding whereof there are three things to be premised before wee confider the Gomparison PREMISE I. That the businesse wee are here to view and deale about is the worke of Redemption of mankind wrought by Jesus Christ and so of those Workes of God that are from God outward and toward his Creatures and so not of that or those workes of God which are in himself and so onely in Christ and for Christ as his wonderfull and secret Counsells in the Election of Christ Man to Union of Person with the Sonne of God and so to Sonne-ship and aeternall inheritance And in that Election electing some to Sonneship and Inheritance in and with him And his praeterition and appointment of others to be servants to this his Sonne and those chosen in him for in respect hereof Christ was before Adam and all other Creatures yea so as Adam himself and all things were made by him and for him Col. 1.15 16 17. Rom 11.36 1 Pet. 1.20 Prov. 8.22 27. Ioh. 1.1 2 3. Where as in the businesse wee are now about It is expresly said That was not first which is spirituall but that which is naturall and afterwards that which is spirituall And Christ is called the last Adam the Second man 1 Cor. 15.45 47. and Adam is called the First Adam The First man and the figure of him that was to come Rom. 5.14 PREMISE II. That however Christ was figured by Adam in respect of the common place he stood in The publikenes and account of that in that publike place done by him and therefficacy and fruit thereof for and to all in whose place he stood And the prevailing power thereof in all that come to have being from him yet there is great difference between these two Adams and their work The first man was made a living soul who might have stood and so with him all naturally theseending from him but no power if fallen to rise and live again The last Adam was made a quickning Spirit so as he might be able not onely to rise from the death himself but to quicken and raise those fallen and dead The first man of the earth made of the dust and by his fall became more earthy returning to dust againe weak and mortall The Second Man the LORD from heaven who though for mankind dying yet could not be holden of death and being risen can die no more but liveth ever 1 Cor. 15.45 48. with Gene. 2.7 and 3.19 and Acts. 2.24 Revel 1.18 The worke of the First Adam should have been to have continved in that integrity and righteousnesse and likenesse of God in which God had made him and to have kept himself and all his Posterity that Sinne and death might not have entered on them But he did turne aside and so fell and lost himself and all his Posterity and so sinne and death entered and his worke is called disobedience Gene. 2.17 and 3.1 7. Eccles 7.29 Rom 5.12 19. The work of the Second Adam was to take away sinne and abolish death and destroy the worke of the Devill and so worke redemption for mankind that he might bring them all out of death and set them alive before him and that he may conferre aeternall life on such as beleeve on him in the day of grace And this worke fit for this end he hath perfectly done so that in him is no sinne and his worke is called Obedience 1 Joh. 3.5 8. Hebr. 9.26.2 Tim. 1.10 Rom. 3.22 24. and 5.18 19. And these and such-like differences and dissimilitudes the Scripture affirmeth PREMISE III. 3. In that and
rich grace to his chosen ones Hebr. 9.14 15. and 8. and 7 c. Now let the Apostles inferrences and conclusions in this comparison be heeded Rom. 5.18 As by the offence of one judgement came upon all men that is virtually as is before shewne and here are all men without exception as Vers 12. So by the righteousnesse of One the free Gift came upon all men c. that is virtually as before shewn and here are all men without exception as Rom. 3.24 Againe Rom. 5.19 As by one mans disâ—bedience many were made sinners that is also vertually without exception who are many indeed but all that having being from him are therethrough become dead so as death worketh in them as is before shewne and these are very many also Whence the word many that may beare both the senses is here used and not the word All which could beare but one sense so by the Obedience of One shall many be made righteous virtually all which are many but by In joyment onely so many as have being in him and that by that very being and these are many also And because of this as also in another rospect now to be named there is a change of another word in this latter sentence whereas onely that sense is of being made virtually righteous or sinners in first or second Aâ—am not onely the word All men is used but this expression judgment came on all men and the gift came on â—ll vers 18. Here where a farther sense is in the death and sinfulnesse spoken of and in the life and righteousnesse though the Word were made is kept still in respect of sinne because all that lived and had being from Adam were already so sinners yet in respect of righteousnesse the word is changed to shall be made Righteous because all that lived and had being from Adam were not new borne and so had not an actuall being in Christ and the like change of words may be discerned in the mention of a virtuall justification of men in Christ in that actuall of CHRIST for men and an actuall justification of men through CHRIST Rom. 3â—30 24 25 26. And another â—â—spâ— of such change of words may be because both that which is naturall is firste And of Gods Oâ—deâ— that all shall first heare the likenesse or Image of the earthly Adam 1 Cor. 15.46 and 48. and so the like change of words on the same grounds it there found where it is said in one verse since by man came death by man 〈◊〉 also the â—â—sâ—erection from the dead And in the 〈◊〉 verse For as in Adam all dye even so in Christ shall all be made alive 1 Cor. 15.21 â—2 And through this whole discourse is appeanes That what the Scripture affirmes of CHRIST being a Publike Person and of his likenesse to the first Adam in the publike place doth fully testify as much at 1 Tim. 2.6 and Hebr. 2.9 affirme And so justifyeth the Proposition CHAP. IX Of the Consideration of the joynt mentioning of Creation and Redemption by CHRIST IN the mentioning Creation with Redemption there are two things very observable that doe also prove the Proposition First the minde and good will of CHRIST to mankind that appeareth in that manner of joynt mentioning them wherein appeares 1. His great love and good will to mankind who were at first made by him not onely righteous but in that Nature and likenesse in Purity also which himself was to take And though Adam had lost himself and all mankind and all the righteousnesse given and nothing left but the very nature and likenesse of his owne Creation and that defiled also and subjected to misery and death in which it must have perished which might have provoked him to anger yet he beholding mankind in this hatefull and lost estate did so love him that his pitty and compassion did yearne towards him and would not suffer him to be lost or perish in this death and misery without helpe nor to be deprived of all the Creatures made for him but would worke a Redemption and recovery for him what ever it cost him And thus in the very beginning of the declaration of the Gospel and that life which was with God in Christ for men and now manifested to men in sending forth his Soune in good will to dye for our sinnes and having raised him for our Justification and filled him with life 1 Joh. 11.2 and 5.11 12. Rom. 5.25 Heb. 2.9 Ioh. 1.1 2. he puts in this at the very beginning All things were made hy him and without him was not any thing made that was made and then he joynes herewith in him was life and the life was the light of men Joh. 1.3 4. And what can be lesse seen or acknowledged in this manner of Connexion then 1. That he made all Creatures for man and man also so he loved man above all Creatures yea though man was fallen yet for the love he bare him bee would worke a Redemption and procure life and it is in him for mankind 2. That it is for men that were made by him men as men his Creatures not a part onely but the whole Life is in him for all men made by him whence All men and Every man is expressed vers 7.9 and the World vers 10 11. 2. Such is his love to mankind created by him that for his sake he hath restored and preserveth for mens use the residue of Creatures that were made for man and hath prepared a liberty for the Creation to returne to its first purity Psal 8. Rom. 8.20 Hebr. 2.6.9 When the Devill that without a Temptor of his own will forsook God and became enemy to him had by Temptation overthrowne mankind and got them in captivity for his slaves mankind then being under sinne and wrath and curse so as the very truth and justice of the God of Mercy and Peace stood against mankind and prest for his overthrow in execution of the Curse the Earth with all the Creatures that were made to serve Mankind were aâ—forfeited and dissolved so as their purity and service of man was departed and all turned in enmity against mankind that was turnedenemy to God The Angels of heaven having now no liberty or will to doe any service for mankind and Sath an ruling and carrying them with him according to his will Then was all out of Order before God and went crosse to his mind so as he could not rejoyce in his owne workes that he had created and made But behold so great the love of God and CHRIST to mankind That be would reconcile mankind in his Sonne And make a Peace for them in and by the blood of his Sonne And having made that Peace then by his Sonne that made it to reconcile all things to himself 2 Cor. 5.19 20. Joh. 3.17 Psal 85.10 and 75.3 Rom. 14.14 Mat. 28.20 Joh. 1.7 and 3.16 Hebr. 12.22 Mat. 18.10 In opening the way of life for mankind
setting him in such a state of favour againe That Mercy and Truth Righteousnesse and Peace might agree in one for the salvation of Mankind That the oreatures might againe be restored preserved and sanctifyed for the use of men and that the Gospel and good tydings of this grace of God might be declared to Mankind that they might through him beleeve And that in beleeving they might have everlasting life and that such at through his grace beleeve might be in union and fellowship with him and each other and the holy Angels And that the Angels may minister to them These being his Church of whom Christ is the Head who have thâ— specialty in his love And that the Heaven and Earth may be made new for these that they may therein with Him enjoy the inheritance and that Sathan may be wholly overthrowne and hee and all that will doe his will and be of his seed may be turned into the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone Ephes 4.7.16 1 Tim. 4.10 Isai 65.17 18. Revel 20.10.14 15. Jud. 15. And then is all right before God well-pleasing in his view and as he would have iâ— who will rejoyce in his workes Revel 21.5 and all this in love to mankind created by him hath Jesus Christ undertaken to â—â—e that whosoever of Mankind beleeveth on him may enjoy the benefit of it And is not all this affirmed in the Gospel where the Creation and Redemption are mentioned together Col. 1.16.20 where also the same generall words of All things are used in mentioning Creation vers 16. Reconciliation vers 20. and Preservation verse 17. And what lesse now doth all this iuferre then thus much That all Creatures could not content him while Mankind was in a Remedilesse Condition That all the Mercy shewed to Creatures is for the love he beareth to mankind That the Redemption and Peace wrought by Him for Mankind is as large as his Creation and Preservation of mankind That he is able and stands ready to Call and in their submission to his Call to bring them in to God and what great and unspeakable love to mankind is this 3. This his love to mankind is yet further confirmed by this that in such joynt mentioning of Creation and Redemption hee hath set a stampe or seal and written a Testimony for mankind to read of a Ransome given and Redemption wrought for mankind in that the earth dissolved by sinne is preserved and the continuall streams of wrath deserved are kept off Christ bearing up the Pillars of the Earth Psal 75.2 3. of a readinesse to doe them good in communicating grace to them Acts. 14.17 of Power to accomplish salvation in and upon them Isa 50.2 3. c. of his nigh comming to them in those workes to lead them to repentance Rom. 2.4 All which set forth the love of God to mankind 1 Tit. 3.4 Psal 19. Secondly That Gods being the Creator of man and mans being the Creature of God is used as an Argument to induce to faith to stirre up faith and to strengthen confidence in God in times of distresse and in Prayer and in holy waâ—king Job 10. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me c. verse 8.13 and Chapter 14 15. Thou wilt have a desire to the worke of thy hands so Psal 1.39.16 17. And commit the keeping of your soules to him as to a faithfull Creatour 1 Pet. 4.19 And it is coupled with Redemption in the ground of Confidence Isai 43.1 Now mankind having sinned and fallen by the Devills Temptation who though fallen are and were the Creatures of God If God had not respected mankind as his Creature more then the Angels that fell if his Sonne had not taken the nature of mankinde and therein suffered and made satisfaction for the sinne of mankind and so wrought a Redemption for mankind created by him that he might save mankind And this as large as all mankind created by him what force or strength could be in this Argument grounded upon his very Creation and workmanship To which also might be added That Gods Creation of all men by Christ of which it were Athisme to doubt sure Paganisme at least is set out nothing nie so often in the Scripture in those generall words All men Every man The world The whole world as the death of Christ as the Runsom and Propitiation to be the Saviour of All men 〈◊〉 Let any diligent Reader consider it CHAP. X. Of the Consideration of the constancy of the Scripture in changing the Person when having mentioned the generall it mentions the speciall AS the Scripture in mentioning onely that Redemption wrought by Christ in his own body with God for men and the common salvation comming to men thereby Doth ever when it propounds it to bring men to beleeve mention it in the third Person generally And when it doth mention those high and peculiar priviledges belonging to his chosen ones doth never propound them in such generall termes And when it closeth both together in one sentence or expression it useth such a word as may be applyed to both senses or either of them as Many and not such a word as cannot be rightly applyed to the speciall as All men The World c. nor such a word as straitens the generall sense as but many onely many c. so likewise wee shall find that when the Scripture speakes of the one and the other neere together however it expresse the one in the third Person generally yet in mentioning the other it changeth the Person and speaketh also ordinarily applicatively as to instance 2. Cor. 5.19 20 21. In the 19. verse speaking of the reconciliation God hath wrought for men in Christ he affirmes it for the world and in the 20. verse beseecheth men to be reconcil'd on that ground as himself and others were verse 18. but speaking of the priviledges by the death of Christ to those who in spirituall application thereof have beleeved and so received Christ the righteousnesse of God and Gods righteousnesse in him he changeth the Person and saith verse 21. he made him to be sinne for as who knew no sinne that wee hee saith not The World but wee that in beleeving are righteous in and before him might be made the righteousnesse of God in him even have all Gods Righteousnesse to him manifested in and upon us This is the hope of his called and chosen Gal. 4.4 5. Speaking of that which God hath done for all he saith God sent forth his Sonne made of a woman made under the Low to redeem them that were under the Law as all were Rom. 3.19 but mentioning the speciall Priviledges of Adoption hee changeth the Person and saith That we might receive the Adoption of sonnes not only The Spirit of Adoption as in beleeving at first but all the priviledges of Adoption Joh. 1.12 1 Pet. 3.18 Speaking of what Christ hath done for all men hee saith hee suffered the Just for the Vnjust But mentioning what
Secondly the Gospel of this Reconciliation wrought by God in Christ was Preached by Christ in the world that men might have beleeved it and in beleeving have been by him reconciled to God Joh. 1.4 5 7 9 10 11. And now Christ is gone up to heaven he hath left his Servants in the Work in his place for ministration and hath put his Word in their hearts that they might declare it in and to the World that men might beleeve this Reconciliation wrought with God for men in Christ and therethrough be reconciled to God by Christ verse 20 21. and chap. 6.1 2. compared with Joh. 17.15.18.21 23. So that this Reconciliation already wrought by God in Christ to be declared for so gracious an end Is without all Controvercy for the world but what World let the Text shew The world of mankind verse 11. Wee perswade men and that those men that must all appeare before the Judgement-seat of Christ verse 10. that were dead verse 14. and ought to live to Christ verse 15. whereof in hearing this report some are Reconciled to God by Christ vers 18. some not vers 11. some begun to be vers 20. some receive the grace of this Tidings profitably and some it 's to be feared receive in vaine Chap. 6.1 2. Joh. 1.9 He is the true light which lighteneth every man that commeth into the world here againe it is evident That through the Ransome given and propitiation made by Christ and the life light and redemption in him thereby for men There is life obtained and a doore of hope opened and some mercy extended and some light at some time vouchsafed to every one that commeth into the world But what World Let the Text shew The world of Mankind vers 4. which God made by Christ vers 3.10 Into which Christ came and which know him not vers 10. which were his owne by Creation and Purchase and mercy vouchsafed and yet received him not vers 3 4 5 7 1◠To as many of whom as did receive him he gave Power to become the Sonnes of God vers 12. But that this matter may yet more plainly appear let us view what the holy Ghost saith of the World in this respect and that 1. Of the world in generall Joh. 1.29 Behold the Lambe of God which taketh away the sinnes of the world Joh. 3.17 God sent not his Sonne into the world to condemne the world but that the world through him might be saved Joh. 4.42 This is indeed The CHRIST The Saviour of the World 1. Joh. 4.14 Wee have seen and doe restify that the Father sent the Sonne to be the Saviour of the world Joh. 6.51 My flesh which I give for the life of the world Joh. 12.46 I am come a light into the World 2. Of the World distributed into it's parts Some beleeving on the Sonne of God when the Gospel comes and some not beleeving Joh. 3.16.18 God so loved the World that hee gave his onely begotten Sonne that whosoever beleeveth on him should not perish but have everlasting life proved vers 17. and then it followes Hee that beleeveth 〈◊〉 him is not condemned but hee that beleeveth not is condemned already he saith not Because Christ died not for him or came not to save him but because hee hath not beleeved in the Name of the onely begotten Sonne of GOD. vers 19. And this is Condemnation that light is come into the world and men love darknesse rather c. and so verse 36. 3. Of the World opposed to Beleevers in the World whether Jewes or Gentiles both being the whole World 1 Joh. 2.1 Wee have an Advocate with the Father JESUS CHRIST the Righteous and this is true of Beleevers and peculiar to them but common to them all whether Jewes or Gentiles And he is the Propitiation for our sinnes and not for our sinnes onely but also for the sinnes of the whole World 4. Of the World divided and such particulars set out as cannot be the Elect and chosen Sonnes of God Joh. 18.47 48. If any man heare my words and beleeve not I judge him not for I came not to judge the World but to save the World He that rejecteth me 〈◊〉 and receiveth not my words The Word that I have spoken shall judge him at the last day Sure then this Word and Gospel of his was true and they shall be rightly Judged by it John 3.16.20 and 16.8 11. 5. Of the World as the Elect are in due season chosen and called forth of the state and fellowship of the World and so distinguished from it while many of the Elect are yet in with and of the World Joh. 15.19 I have chosen you out of the World therefore the World hateth you And thus of the World distinct it is said of it That it lyeth in wickednesse 1 Joh. 5.19 and doth not know the Sonnes of God 1 Joh. 3.1 Seeth not the Spirit nor knoweth him Joh. 14.17 nor can perceive or receive the things of the Spirit 1 Cor. 2.14 but doth persecute those that are led by that Spirit Joh. 16.1 2.33 Yet even among these and even in Fellowship with them also are many of the Elect Ones to whom yet all these sayings agree Though in due season they shall be called out of the Fellowship of the World as the Called ones have been who were once of them as these now are Acts 9.1 6. 1 Pet. 3 9 10 12. Ephes 2.1 2 3 4. Tit. 3.3 and so All men in generall and Beleevers and Unbeleevers Elect and Nonelect together called and uncalled to be called the World is frequent in Scripture And of it every way so called CHRIST is called the Saviour of the world and said to come That the world might be saved But the Elect called and chosen out of the World distinct they are called A peculiar People A chosen generation A Royall Priesthood An holy Nation 1 Pet. 2.9 The heavenly Jerusalem Zion The City of the Living God The Church and House of God Hebr. 12.22 23. and 3.6 Ephes 2.19 20. The Sonnes and Daughters of Almighty God 2 Cor. 6.18 A people chosen out of the world Joh. 15.19 Of whom Christ is not onely the Saviour but the head and Husband c. but that the Elect only or distinct should be called the world is such a thing as I never found in Scripture nor met with any that could produce the place where and prove it so And now if we couple with the death of Christ as the Ransome and Propitiation This end of it That he might be the Lord of All and that all might live to him and therein become saveable and so be made alive before him as to receive Absolution or condemnation from him what saith the Scripture Rom. 1 4.9 To this end Christ both dyed and rose and revived That he might be the Lord both of the dead and of the Living 2 Cor. 5.14 15. VVee thus judge that if One dyed for all then were
Number as in Dan. 12.2 Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake Rom. 15.19 Through the offence of one many be dead by one mans disibedience many were made sinners and in other places where many cannot nor is by any Christian understood for lesse then All men 2. This Reason is equivocall subtill and fraudulent seeing where All men and Every man is affirmed of The Death of Christ as the Ransome and Propitiation and the fruits thereof onely is affirmed for them But where the word many is in any place used in this businesse there are more ends of the Death of Christ then this one affirmed of as before is shewne at large in Chap. 2. and 3. 3. This Reason is false and ungodly for it is no where in Scripture said That Christ dyed or gave himself a Ransome but for many or onely for many or onely for his Sheep and it is ungodlinesse to adde to or diminish from the Words of GOD in SCRIPTVRE 4. This Reason is deceitfull and erroneous for the Scripture doth no where say Those many he dyed for are his Sheep much lesse his Elect as the Reason intends it As for the place Joh. 10.15 usually instanced to this end it 's therein much abused for our Saviour Joh. 10. Did not set forth the difference between such as he dyed for and such as he dyed not for or such as he dyed for so and so and not so and so but the difference between those that beleeve on him and those that beleeve not on him vers 4 5 14 26 27. one heare his voice and follow him the other not Nor did our Saviour here set forth the priviledges of All he dyed for or for whom he dyed for so and so but of those that beleeve on him through the Ministration of the Gospel and so to know him and approach to God and enter the Kingdome by him vers 3 4 9.27 Nor was our Saviour here setting forth the excellency of those for whom hee dyed or dyed for so and so onely wherein they are preferred before others but the excellency of his owne love with the fruits thereof to those not onely that he dyed for but also that are brought in by his Ministration to beleeve on him vers 11.27 Nor was our Saviour here treating so much of his Ransome giving and Propitiation making as of his Ministration of the Gospel and so of his love and faithfulnesse therein wherein hee laid downe his life for those ministred too and therein gave us example not to make Propitiation for sinne but to testify Love in suffering Besides the opposition appeares here to be not so much between Elect and Not-Elect as between Jewes called and Gentiles uncalled Besides there is in Scripture great difference between sheep and sheep of his flock and pasture of which he here speaketh vers 4 5 11 15 16. Besides sheep vers 4.5 11 15. are not mentioned as all those for whom he dyed but as those that by his ministration are brought in to beleeve and enjoy the benefit of his death and to whom hee ministreth and communicateth spirit vers 3 4 27. like that John 17.6 7 8. Besides here is more ends of his death mentioned then Ransom or Propitiation onely and yet it is not said onely for his sheep and when the Ransome or Propitiation is onely mentioned It is said for all men so that this reason appeares weak fraudulent ungodly and erroneous 4. For the Affirmation that there was great reason that such generall words as All men Every man and the World should be used in those times when Christ and his Apostles were upon the earth when they meant but some even Gods Elect and chosen among All Nations This is as evill as all the Reasons before and as grosse as the Objection it self for though there be a holy and spirituall wisedome and Prudence to be observed in speeches and carriages in respect of the evilnesse of some times Amos 5.13 Mic. 7.5 7. Matt. 3.13.16 Yet the holy Scripture doth furnish us hereto for all times and is able through Faith to make the Beleever wise unto Salvation and the man of God perfect to every good worke 2 Tim. 3.15 17. But that any other doctrine or contrary Words should be necessary to deliver the Gospel within these times Is monstrous to affirme and expresly contradictory to the Scripture Commands Besides according as it is written Those whose faith wee are to follow are such whose word and Conversation hath this end To hold forth in the Gospel JESUS CHRIST the same yesterday to day and for ever Heb. 13.7 8. And as Jesus Christ is that Essentiall Word of God which endureth for ever for is the Word of the Gospel which came forth of the mouth of God and declareth Christ That created and instrumentall Word of God which in the truth plainnesse certainty and goodnesse of it endureth for ever 1 Pet. 1.23 25. And though this Gospel came forth lesse largely and cleerly at the first Genes 3.15 1 Joh. 1.1 2. yet after more fully and clearly to Abraham Genes 12. and 15. and 17. Gal. 3.8 And then more cleerly still to Mases Deutr. 18.18 19. and 30.11 15. Acts 3.22 26. Rom. 10.6 10. and so more cleerly still to Isaiah and the residue of the Prophets Isai 53. and 55. Acts 2.16 36. Rom. 10.13 c. and yet still more cleerly by John Baptist Luk. 1.76 79. Matth. 11.9 10 11. But still more and most fully and cleerly by JESUS CHRIST and his Apostles Ioh. 1.16 17. and 3.15.17 Ephes 3.5 which Apostles of Jesus Christ in respect of Christ being come and having dyed and being risen and ascended and filled with spirit and for whom and to what end and what he is become for all men and what to and for those that beleeve on him They have laid the foundation and other foundation can no man lay then that which is by them laid 1 Cor. 3.11 Ephes 2.20 And this is done by them also in words of Wisedome 1 Cor. 2.4.7 And he that addeth to the words Christ hath already revealed by them God will adde to him all the Plagues recorded in that Book and he that taketh away from those words God will take away his part out of the Book of life Revel 22.18 19. And if any man or Apostle or Angel from heaven shall preach any other Gospel then that they have preached wee are to hold him accursed Gal. 1.8 9. And what shall we then account of this Reason Doth not the words of Christ and his Apostles express their meaning Or did their words serve but for those times Are they not necessary now have any of us found out fitter words to expresse the Gospel in these times now Christ and his Apostles are not upon the Earth shall mortall man be more just then God Shall a man be more pure then his Maker Job 4.17 shall any direct the spirit of the Lord and be his
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
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
But that Jesus Christ gave himself a Ransome and by the grace of God tasted Death for Every man is oft and plainly affirmed in Scripture as is before shewne Chap. 7. to the 13. Therefore the same is certainly a truth to be beleeved Joh. 20.31 Act. 26.22.27 ARGUMENT II. Those for whom Jesus Christ and his Apostles in plaine Termes without any exception or restraint affirme That Christ came to save and to that end Dyed and gave himself a Ransome for and is the Propitiation for the sinne hee certainly did come to save and gave himself a Ransome for them and is the Propitiation for their sinnes Matth. 26.24 Joh. 6.38 1 Cor. 15.3 4. Hebr. 10.7 Joh. 8.38.45 2 Pet. 1.16 Heb. 2.3 4. But Jesus Christ and his Apostles have in plaine termes affirmed that Christ came to save sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 The world Joh. 3.17 That he died for the unjust 1 Pet. 3.18 The ungodly Rom. 5.6 for Every man Heb. 2.9 gave himself a Ransome for All men 1 Tim. 2.6 and is the Propitiation for the sinnes of the whole World 1 Joh. 2.2 And every of these affirmations without any exception or restraint all being unjust ungodly sinners and men and of the World Rom. 3.10 19 20 23. Ephe. 2.1 2 3. Tit. 3.3 Joh. 3.4.6 Therefore Jesus Christ came to save dyed and gave himself a Ransom for all men and is the Propitiation for their sinnes Joh. 1.29 ARGUMENT III. That which the Scripture layeth forth as one end of the death of Christ and one ground and cause of Gods exalting Christ to be the Lord and Judge of all and of the equity of his â—udgeing That is certainly to be beleeved Psal 12.6 18.130 119.40 But the Scripture layeth forth this for one end of the Death and Resurrection of Christ That he might he the Lord of All. Ro. 14.9 2 Cor. 5.14 15. and for that Cause even his Death and Resurrection hath God exalted him to be the Lord and Judge of All men and his Judgements shall be just Rom. 14.9.11 12. 2 Cor. 5.10 Phil. 2.7 â— 1. Act. 17.31 Rom. 2.16 Therefore that Christ so died and rose againe for All is a Truth to be beleeved 1 Tim. 2.6 7. ARGUMENT IV. That which the Scripture so sets forth in generall for the World of mankind as a truth for them all That whosoever of the particulars so beleeve as to come in to Christ and receive the same shall not perish but have everlasting life is certainly a truth to be beleeved Act. 5.20 But that God sent forth his Sonne to be the Saviour of the World Is in Scripture so set forth in generall for all men That whosoever of the particulars so beleeve as they come in to Christ and receive the same they shall not perish but have Everlasting life Joh. 3.16 17 18.36 1.4.11 12. Therefore that God sent his Sonne to be the Saviour of the World is a certaine Truth 1 Joh. 4.14 ARGUMENT V. That which God will one day cause every man to confesse to the glory of God Is certainly a truth for God will owne no lie for his glory Joh. 13.3.9 Rom. 3.3 4. But God will one day cause every man to confesse Jesus by vertue of his Death and Ransome given to be the Lord Even to the glory of God Phil. 2.7 8 9 10 11. Isai 45.22 23. Rom. 14.9.12 Psal 86.9 Therefore it is certainly a truth That Jesus Christ hath given himself a Ransome for All men and hath thereby the right of Lordship over them and if any will not beleeve and come in to his Government yet hee abideth faithfull and cannot denie himself But will one day bring them before him and cause them to confesse him Lord to the glory of God when they shall be denyed by him for denying him in the daies of his Patience 2 Tim. 2.12 13 14. Matt. 10.32 33. 2 Cor. 5.10 ARGUMENT VI. That which may be proved in and by the Scripture both by plain Sentences therein and necessary consequences imported thereby without wresting wrangling adding to taking from or altering the Sentences and words of Scripture is a truth to be beleeved Matth. 22.29 32. Rom. 11.2.5 6. But that Jesus Christ gave himself a Ransome for all men and by the Grace of God tasted death for every man may be proved in and by the Scripture both by plaine Sentences therein and necessary Consequences imported thereby without wresting wrangling adding or taking away or altering the Words and Sentences as is already shewne Chap. 7. to the 13. which shall be now ordered into severall Proofe Therefore that Jesus Christ gave himself for all men and by the Grace of God tasted death for Every man is a truth to be beleeved Mar. 1.15 and 16.15 16. 1 Joh. 4.14 PROOF I. GOD so loved the World that hee gave his Sonne to be the Saviour of the World 1 Joh. 4.14 and sends his Servants to beare witnesse of his Sonne That all men through him might beleeve Joh. 1.4.7 That who soever beleeves on him might have Everlasting Life Joh. 3.16 17. And hee is willing that all should come to the Knowledge of the Truth 1 Tim. 2.4 and be saved 1 Tim. 1.15 Nor will hee be wanting in the sufficiency of helpfulnesse to them If as light comes they will suffer themselves to be wrought on and to receive it Prov. 1.23 8.4 5. and is not this plaine in Scripture PROOF II. Jesus Christ the Sonne of God came into the World to save the World Joh. 12.47 To save sinners 1 Tim. 1.15 To take away our sinnes and destroy the workes of the Devill 1 Joh. 3.5.8 To take away the sinnes of the World Joh. 1.29 and therefore dyed for all 2 Cor. 5.14 15. and gave himself a Ransome for All. 1 Tim 2.6 To save that which was lost Matth. 18.11 And so his Propitiation made was for the world 2 Cor. 5.19 The whole world 1 Joh. 2.2 and all this is full and plaine in the Scripture PROOF III. God in Christ doth in some meanes or other of his appointment give some witnesse to all men of his mercy and goodnesse procured by Christ Psal 19.1.6 Rom. 10.18 Act. 14.17 And there through at one time or other sendeth forth some stirrings of the Spirit to move in and knock at the hearts of men to invite them to Repentance and seeking God and so to lay hold on the grace and salvation offered And this not in a shew or Pretence but in truth and good will ready to bestow it on them And this is all fully Testified in Scripture Gen. 6.3 Isai 45.22 Act. 17.30 31. Joh. 1.19 PROOF IV. The holy Ghost that commeth from the Father and the Sonne shall reprove the World of sinne even that part of the World also that refuseth now to beleeve That they are under sinne because they beleeve not on Christ and that it is their sinne that they have not beleeved on him And how could it be their sinne not
to beleeve in Christ and they for that cause under sinne if there were neither enough in the Atonement made by Christ for them nor truth in Gods offer of mercy to them nor Will or Power in the Spirits moving in any sort sufficient to have brought them to beleeve at one time or other And yet is this evident in Scripture and shall be by the holy Spirit to be their great sinne That fastens all other sinnes on them Joh. 3.18 19. and 8.24 12.48 15.22.24 and 16.8 9 10.11 PROOF V. God hath testified both by his Word and his Oath That hee would that his Sonne should so farre save as to worke a Redemption for All men and likewise that he should bring all to the knowledge of the truth that there-through Redemption might be wrought in and upon them 1 Tim. 2.4 with Joh. 3.17 So hee willeth not nor hath any pleasure in the death of him even the wicked That dyeth But rather that be turne and live Ezek. 18.23.32 33.11 And dare any of us say The God of Truth saith and sweareth that of which hee hath no inward and serious meaning Oh farre be such blasphemy from us 1 Ioh. 5.10 PROOF VI. The very words and Phrases used by the holy Ghost in Scriptures speaking of the death of Christ and the Ransome and Propitiation To whom it belongs and who may seek it and in beleeving finde Life implyeth no lesse then all men As to instance All Nations Matt. 28.19 20. The ends of the Earth Isai 45.22 and 49.6 Every Creature Mar. 16.15 All. 2 Cor. 5.14 15. 1 Tim. 2.6 Every man Hebr. 2.9 The world Ioh. 3.16 17. 2 Cor. 5.19 The whole World 1 Ioh. 2.2 That which was lost Luk. 19.10 Sinners Matt. 9.13 unjust 1 Pet. 3.18 ungodly Rom. 5.6 and that whosoever of these repent and beleeve in Christ shall receive this grace Ioh. 3.16.18 Act. 10.43 Now all these so often and indifferently used were it not Pride and Errour to devise Glosses to restraine the Sense the Scripture holdeth forth so full and large for All men PROOF VII That whereas there are certaine high and peculiar Priviledges of the Spirit contained in the New Testament Sealed by the blood of Christ which belongs not to all men But onely to the Saints the Called and Chosen of the Lord And when they are alone distinctly mentioned They are even so spoken of as belonging to them onely Mat. 13.11 Ioh. 14.17.21 22 23. and 16.13 14 15. 17.9 20. Act. 2.38 39. 1 Cor. 2.9 14. Heb. 9.15 8. tot 1 Pet. 2.3.9 Yet when any of these Pecullar Priviledges are so spoken of as joyned together with the Ransome and Propitiation which belongs to all Then are they not spoken of in such a restraining and exclusive manner or with such appropriating words But so and with such words as room is left to apply the Ransome to all men in speech And withall so hold out the Priviledges to them that beleeve that are Proper to them That they may both have their comfort and speciall hope And also hould forth the Ransom and keep open the doore for others In beliefe and receit of the Propitiation To come in and partake with them And so it is said for his Sheep for many But no where But or onely for his Sheep or but or only for many which is a strong Proof of the Ransome being given for all men as is shewne Chap. 3.10 PROOF VIII The Restauration wrought by Christ in his owne body for Mankind is set forth in Scripture to be as large and full for all men and of as much force as the fall of the first Adam by and in himself for All men In which respect the first Adam is said to have been a Figure of Christ the second Adam Rom. 3.22 23 24. and 5.12 14.18 1 Corin. 1.21 22 45 46 47. as is before shewne Chap. 8. PROOF IX The Lord Jesus Christ hath sent and commanded his Servants to Preach the Gospel to All Nations to every Creature and to tell them withall That whoever beleeveth and is baptized shall be saved Matt. 28.19 20. Mar. 16.15 16. and his Servants have so Preached to all 2 Cor. 5.19 Rom 10.13.18 And our Lord JESUS will make it to appeare one Day that he hath not sent his Servants upon a false Errand Nor put a lie in their mouthes nor wished them to dissemble In offering that to all which they knew belonged but to some even to fewest of all But to speak the Truth Isai 44.26 61.8 1 Tim. 1.12 PROOF X. The Lord willeth Beleevers to Pray even for the unjust and their Persecuters Matth. 5.44.48 Luk. 6.28 Yea even for all men Yea even for Kings and all in Authority When few in Authority loved Christianity yet yet he said Not some of that sort but for All in Authority and that on this ground It is good in the sight of God who will have All men saved and come to the Knowledge of the truth Luke 10.5 1 Tim. 3.1.4 Surely there is a Door of life opened for All men 2 Tim. 1.10 for God hath not said to the Seed of Israel Seek ye me in vaine Isai 45.19 Hee will not have his Children pray for vaine things PROOF XI The Lord hath given forth his Word and Promise to be with his Servants so preaching the Gospel to all and with his People so Praying for all where they come That they may goe on with Confidence in both Matth. 28.20 1 Tim. 2 3 8. Luk. 10.6 Isaiah 54.17 PROOF XII The Lord hath already performed and made good his Word to his Servants and People upon some of all sorts of men and all sorts of Sinners Shewing them mercy To this very end that none might exclude themselves But all be encouraged to Repent Beleeve and hope thereby Act. 2. and 3. 8. 9. 10. 11. 16. 19.28 1 Cor. 6.10 11. 1 Tim. 1.13 14 15 16 17. PROOF XIII The blessing of Life hath streamed in this Doctrine of the Love of God to Mankind yea in the Tender and Spirituall discovery of the Grace of God to Mankind in the Ransome given and Atonement made by Christ for all men with the fruits thereof Hath God in the first place overcommed his Chosen Ones to beleeve and turne to God Act. 13.48 Tit. 2.11.13 and 3 4 5. PROOF XIV Those that when the Gospel comes and any Spirituall Light therein to them when they refuse to Beleeve and suffer themselves to be withdrawne by other things They are affirmed to Love or choose darkenesse rather then Light Joh. 3.19 which how could it bee if no Light in truth were for them in following lying vanities to forsake their owne Mercies Jonah 2.8 To harden their owne hearts Rom. 2.5 To loose their owne Soules Matth. 16.26 and to destroy themselves Hos 13.9 and they being from Adam fallen Into Darknesse hardnesse and their Souls lost and Death passed on them How could these
it 3. The Word or Doctrine that these did heare and in hearing were glad of and did glorify and praise it in their hearts for the truth and goodnesse of it and for the love of God and the Salvation in Christ manifested therein It was not that part of the Gospel which sets forth Gods Election of some to Life and his peculiar Love to them as this doubt pretends But even that part of the Gospel whereof the doubt is made it being the same Prophecyed in Isai 49.6 I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles That thou mayst be my Salvation to the ends of the Earth Where all the ends of the Earth called to look to him and be saved Isa 45.22 which is evident to be all men Prov. 8.45 In all the ends of the Earth Isai 4.28 Joh. 1.3 4 5 9. and so as large as 1 Tim. 2.6 Hebr. 2.9 So that this place well considered would have prevented or removed the doubt CHAP. XXIII Of some mention of the Benefit of this Doctrine held forth SOme not being able to gainsay the truth so plainly affirmed in Scripture but that it is plainly recorded That Jesus Christ did by the grace of God taste death for Every Man and gave himself a Ransome for All Men came into the World to be the Saviour of the World and is the Propitiation for the sinnes of the whole World yet are pleased to demand What profit is there in maintaining this so Plainly and in such a generall and large Sense as the Scripture expresseth it in To which this Answer might be given that as man beleeveth with the heart unto Righteousness So with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation and so I might say it is one part of the service of our Lord Jesus To hold forth the Word of life and to confesse him and not to be ashamed of his Words before men Rom. 10.9 10. Phil. 2.16 Matt. 10.27 Mar. 8.38 But farre be it that any of us should say What is the Almmighty that wee should serve him and what profit shall wee have Job 21.15 But hoping that this Question is moved with a more Christian mind I Answer to it ANSWER I. This is that Doctrine which our Saviour Jesus Christ in such generall words did himself Preach unto men to bring them to Repentance and faith Ioh. 3.16 17. 6.51 12.46 47 48. And which his Forerunner had also to that end declared Joh. 1.3 4 7 9 29. 2. The same doctrine in the same largenesse did hee put in the hearts of the Apostles and committed the ministration thereof to them to declare 2 Cor. 3.16.12 Acts. 13.47 48. Tit. 3.4 5. 3. The Confession of this Gospel in such generall words hath been an approved Confession of Beleevers Joh. 4.42 It is therefore unquestionable very profitable and if we should reject this Word of the Lord as unprofitable what wisedome would be in us Jere. 8.8 9. yea would not that heavie sentence be verified in us Isai 29.10 11. 28.12 13. 4. This Doctrine so held forth is very profitable for all men And that both first to convince them of the vilenesse of their sinne in which they have been the Crucifiers of Christ the emptinesse of their Righteousnesse the greatnesse of Gods love to them the horriblenesse of their Rebellion against so loving a God as is shewne in nine Particulars Chap. 17. in Answer of Objection 4. Secondly to allure and move them to Repentance of their sinnes and from dead Workes to belief of the Gospel and Faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and so to attend his Sayings and receive his reproofs and Councell as that which indeed appertaines to them So as his Death applyed to these ends may be said to be for All for us for you for me for thee and so left to every mans Conscience without peradventure Act. 2.3 Heb. 6.1 2. 2 Cor. 3. and 4.1.6 5.10 14 15 19. And one doubt put in about the truth of Christ's death and Ransome for all men layes a barre to keep them from being convinced indeed of the vilenesse of their sinnes and shuts the doore against them for comming in to Repentance and faith leaving them in the darke to muse upon Election or driving them with the Pharisee to seek some fleshly righteousnesse in which they may be better then others to claime Christ by 5. This Doctrine so beleeved is Profitable for Beleevers to keep them humble and Patient Rom. 3.9 Tit. 3.3 4. to move them with Love and Pitty towards others 2 Cor. 5.14 15. To preserve their Confidence in God for speciall favours Rom. 5.1 5 6 11. yea it teacheth to denie all ungodlinesse and worldly lusts and to live Soberly Righteously and Godly in this present Life Titus 2.11 12. 6. It is Profitable to the servants of Christ in respect of themselves and others in preserving a good estimate of Scripture and freeing from those fleshly reasonings and those false affirmations That all Christ dyed for shall be eternally saved and that hee shall justify by his knowledge as many as he dyed for And those rash Furies of confounding what the Scripture makes distinct yea it is profitable for Doctrine reproof correction instruction in righteousnesse 2 Tim. 3.16 But desiring it rather may be found Profitable then said so to be I intreat all that will vouchsafe the reading hereof to minde the Application in a few Uses in which especially in the Last this Question will be further answered And so give me leave to speake to thee Reader whosoever thou maist be as to one who I am sure Christ did indeed die and give himself a Ransome to God for CHAP. XXIV Of Vses of the Affirmation in 1 Tim. 2.6 Heb. 2.9 As the Proposition at first affirmed USE I. IF thou be one that as thou hast heard of the Death of JESUS CHRIST for All men so thou hast neither opposed the Doctrine nor yet set thy heart seriously to attend what grace is offered thee therein and what is required of thee but still livest in and allowest thy self to goe on in and serve divers lusts and Pleasures in Profanation of Gods holy Word Worship Name Sabbath or in abuse of thy members to cruelty uncleannesse fraud or of the Creatures of God to gluttony drunkennes wantonnes pride or any such like known sinnes surely in these days and this Nation thou canst not but know that these such like evills are the breaches of the holy and righteous law of God which even from thy Creation thou art bound to keep and so great is every sinne in the breach of that Law That all the Creatures in the World are insufficient to satisfy for So that if Jesus Christ had not in thy Nature and Place become under the Law and so borne thy sinnes and suffered the Curse for them Thou must have perished for ever but this hath Jesus Christ done to Redeem and Ransome thee Now I pray thee consider Was sinne so
odious and hatefull to God That no Sacrifices no Ransome nor Workes no Blood nor anything lesse then the Precious Blood of the Sonne of God could pâ—ease his wrath and satisfie his Justice and that the Punishment and Curse suffered for thy sinne was so great as to make such a Mighty One to be in an Agony and to sweat great drops of Blood and to cry out upon the Crosse because of the wrath that was executed on him yea to Die also and even thy sinnes also with the rest of us the Thornes the Speares the Nailes that pierced him the Mallady that caused him to sweat such drops of Blood and the very cause for which he suffered all these Stripes Behold what a share thou hast what a hand thou hast had in the shedding of the Blood of the Sonne of God In which Sufferings hee yet willingly did die and so gave himself a Ransome to God for thee to save and deliver thee from the Wrath of God and the Snare of the Devill and that himself might be thy Lord And shall neither the Blood he hath shed nor the Love hee hath Testifyed thereby melt and gaine in thy heart towards him Did he shed his Blood to satisfie for thy sinnes and wilt thou still goe on in sinne Canst thou delight and allow thy self in those sinnes for which the Lord Jesus was so wounded and suffered so much Did hee become under the Law for thee and for thy Debt Die and Rise that thou might'st come under his Government and wilt thou still yeeld to continue in servitude of sinne and Satan Is there through his blood so much Patience and Bounty vouchsafed to lead thee to Repentance and wilt thou still persist in impenitency wilt thou slight the meanes hee by his blood hath Procured to invite thee to Repentance Wilt thou make thy members which he by his blood hath purchased the Servants of sinne that drew forth his blood Wilt thou oppresse or defraud People purchased by his Blood Wilt thou abuse to gluttony Drunkennesse Wantonnesse or Pride those Creatures the liberty of Sober and moderate use whereof was purchased by his blood Wilt thou still passe on thy time securely without seeing the Peace and Life that is in him and was procured by his blood Is all the Sufferings and Death and Blood-shed of JESUS CHRIST of no more esteeme with thee Canst thou so contemne and tread under foot and cast as farthest off and least in thy thoughts the Precious blood of JESUS CHRIST shed for thy sinnes And wilt thou not suffer the application and beliefe thereof to rest and worke upon thy heart to melt thee and wash thee from thy sinnes to fill thy heart with sorrow for and loathing of thy sinnes to Crucifie the flesh with the affections and lusts thereof and to turne thee in to Christ whose blood would speak Peace to thee and purify thee Wilt thou so Persist Oh what wilt thou say or how wilt thou be able to endure when thou shalt be brought before this thy Lord that so dyed for thee and have his Precious Blood and all his Sufferings with all the Mercies extended therethrough to thee and all thy contempt and abuse thereof laid to thy Charge and then to be Judged by him that so dearly bought thee and thou would'st none of his Government but set light by all his Sufferings and Councells Oh that thou wert wise and wouldest consider thy latter End and who it is that Calleth thee to Repentance And is it not hee that dyed for thee and paid thy Debt That hath waited for thee and forborne thee so long that hee might be gracious to thee That hath Pardon and Peace and Life to bestow upon thee and that by all his mercies given thee and meanes he used toward thee and calleth on thee to forsake thy owne way and thoughts and turne to him and hee will have mercy on thee and aboundantly Pardon Isai 35.6 7. doth hee not complaine of it as that which is a new Piercing to him that thou wilt goe on still Pressing him with thy sinnes and not come in to him that thou mightst have Life Isa 43.24 Ioh. 5.39 40. Surely he came to save sinners hee dyed for the ungodly Say not therefore There is no hope in him for thee and therefore thou wilt doe as thou hast done and so refuse his Call Jer. 2.25 Neither say thou Seeing hee dyed for mee I shall have Peace Though I walke after the stubbornnesse of my owne heart for though he dyed for the Sinners Vnjust Vngodly and his enemies yet such shall not inherit his kingdome and have Eternall Life with him they that would enjoy this Life must suffer his Blood through his Word and Spirit to cleanse renew and bring them in and conforme them to himself therefore be not deceived God will not be mocked 1 Cor. 6.9 Ephes 5 6. his word is already gone forth that he that so turneth his Grace into wantonnesse and will persist in his evill way and still say hee shall have Peace notwithstanding The Lord will not be mercifull to such a one but all the Plagues written in his Book shall light upon such a man Deut. 29.19 20 21. and the Lord Jesus is a Righteous Judge and will wound the head of such as when this grace of his is made knowne will goe on still in their Trespasses Psal 63.21 Wherefore I beseech thee let the blood of Christ shed for thee and his love testified therein plevaile with thee to soften thy heart and to turne thee from all thy evill wayes into JESVS CHRIST And seek the Lord while he may be found turne and live for there is Mercy in him for thee It is no lying fable that is tould thee 2 Pet. 1.16 Hee hath sworne hee hath no pleasure in the death of the wicked but rather that the wicked turne from his way and Live Ezek. 33.11 and 18.23.32 Oh turne thee turne thee and Live why wilt thou die when hee delighteth not to have it so Behold hee hath given himself a Ransome for thee and received Spirit to send forth in the meanes Hee hath procueed Salvation and made thee saveable and calleth thee to Repentance and faith that thou mightest be saved And all this Treatise hath been to Prove the doore of Life open for thee How long wilt thou now deferre and stand out against so great grace wilt thou not be made cleane When shall it once be Jere. 13.27 Follow not lying vanities to the losse of thy owne mercies Jonah 2.8 Loose not thy owne soule now he hath Purchased it Doe not destroy thy selfe now hee hath wrought Redemption for thee Oh refuse not to accept his grace and submit to his government that hath so deerly bought thee Doe not denie him or despise his Councell Doe no longer persist in thy ownewayes least thou Provoke him to give thee up and so an irrecoverable downfall come upon thee 2 Pet. 2.1 2. which yet may be
toward a conclusion who ever thou be I pray thee let us take notice of the goodnesse excellency and Preciousnesse of this Gospel in this Declaration of the Death and Resurrection of Christ and the great love of God to Mankind in giving his Sonne to die for our Sinnes and the fulnesse and fitnesse of the Propitiation he made thereby and the life he is filled with at his Fathers right hand and the Spirit be hath received to send forth to the Sonnes of men and all still by vertue of the Precious blood of his once shed be not weary but take it well though I speake a word or two freely of this Declaration of the Gospel when it is spiritually enlightned to any heart and the heart enabled to perceive and beleeve 1. It is a true glasse in and through which the Beleevers looking may see First The hainousness of our sinnes which wee the chief whips Thornes Speare Nailes Crosse and malady that put the Sonne of God in our Nature to so much grievous sorrow shame paine agony and Death Esay 53.3.9 2 Cor. 5.19.21 Rom. 4.24 and the haynousness thereof appeares in this that nothing else nothing lesse then so great suffering and blood-shedding of the Sonne of God could satisfy for and take away sinne Heb. 9.9.12.22 24. 10.1.10 Mat. 26.29 and also in this that now they are against so good a God and so great goodnesse manifested not onely by Creation but now much more by and through a Redemption with such Precious blood Rom. 2.4 Acts. 17.14 2. The vanity worthlesness and inabilitie of all the Sonnes of Adam and of all their righteousness and best workings and of all Creatures with all their excellencies either to doe away sinne or to make man righteous or Procure life with God which if any or all of them could Then Gods onely begotten Sonne should have been spared Esai 59.16 and 50.2 and 63.5 Job 28.1.19 Hebr. 1.10 Gal. 2.21 Luk. 22.42 3. The woefull and unconceivable heavy condition of every man that commeth to hear the punishment of sinne in his own Person for when the first curse and death as the punishment of sinne borne by him for sinners who never did sinne did for a few houres Suffering put this strong Captaine to such an agony so to groane and cry out What will it doe to such when all their sinnes themselves have committed come to be agravated by dispising so great Patience and goodnesse procured by such a Redeemer and therein despising the Redemption it self and refusing to come in to their Lord that hath so dearly bought them and for all their contempt with all their sinnes therethrough abiding on them be cast into a Second death and suffer therein for ever and ever Luk. 22.44 23.30 31. 2 Pet. 2. 4. The holy nature and attributes of God as his exceeding hatred and indignation against sinne his wonderfull justice in fulfilling the Curse on all Transgressours of the Law and his truth in causing the sinner to dye all seen in this that he would not forbeare nor abate his owne Sonne that was but set in sinners Place for them any part of the debt but required it all of him Isai 53. and also his infinite mercy and compassionate love even to mankind fallen into sinne and enmity against him in providing and giving such a Ransome for them Joh. 3.16 17. 1 Tim. 2.4 5 6. his infinite wisedome in making Mercy and Truth Righteousnesse and Peace to meet in one for recovery of sinners Truth fulfilled and Justice satisfyed in the Curse imposed and death inflicted on his Sonne the Man Christ Jesus and so on all in him in the room of all and so mercy and Peace procured and ready for Mankind yea his Mercy and Truth in sending him forth to doe all this Psal 85.10 11. 2 Cor. 5.14 15 19 21. his infinite Power in raysing Christ from the death that dyed as the sinner in the room of all free from all those sinnes imputed to him and a Victorer over the Curse and Death imposed on him and over the Devills that conflicted with him Rom. 1.4 4.25 15.3 4.20.5 7. Col. 2.14 15. And so his Infinite Power Mercy Love Truth Justice Faithfulness in Calling to his Sonne Isai 33.3 Joh. 6.44 45. and dispencing Pardon Spirit and Life to those that in his Call are submitted too and brought to beleeve on his Sonne Isai 33.10 11. Joh. 7.9 5. The Three Persons in one God the Father that gave his Son Ioh. 3.16 1 Ioh. 4.14 and calleth to his Son Joh. 6.44 45. Matt. 16.16 2 Tim. 1.4 The Sonne that came forth from the Father and gave himself a Ransome for All Men and went againe to the Father Joh. 16.28 1 Tim. 2.4 5 6. Heb. 11.1 19. and receiveth those that in the heavenly Call are given him by the Father and maketh known his Father and his Fathers words to them and presenting them spotlesse in himself and giveth them the Priviledges of sonnes Joh. 6.37.8.17.4 9. Col. 1.21 22. Joh. 1.12 13 18. The holy Spirit that commeth from the Father and the Sonne with super-naturall and divine light and Power and teacheth and giveth in the words of Christ beareth witnesse of him and affecteth faith and a new heart and witnesseth Sonship and leadeth the Sonnes of God Joh. 14.2 6. 15.26 16.13 14 15. Joh. 5.6 7. Rom. 8.14 15 16. 6. The glorious Love Goodnesse Excellency beauty and Authority in Christ Iesus who is set forth herein to be God Isa 9.6 the Son of God Mat. 3.17 God made man Gal. 4.4 God man in one Person Joh. 1.1.14 God with us Mat. 1.25 whose Ransome given and Propitiation made is full and fit for us and effectuall with the Father 1 Tim. 2.4 6. 1 Joh. 2.2 Hebr. 10 1.10 who is the rightfull Lord of All. Act. 10.36 and Wisedome and Power of God and the Wisedome Righteousnesse Sanctification and Redemption unto all that beleeve on him 1 Cor. 1.24 30. the High-Priest Prophet and King Heb. 5.7 9. the Fountain of Life and Spirit ps 36.8 9. 7. The ground and certainty of the Resurrection from the dead 1 Cor. 15. tot and of the equity and certainty of Christs Judging All. Rom. 14.9.11 12. 2 Cor. 5.10 and of the equity and severity of the second Death Joh. 3.19 Lu. 19.27 2 Pet. 1.2 8. The certaine sure and unspeakable happy and blessed Estate of all those that in beleeving are made one with Christ who are therein one with God in him and with Brethren in him having the same Spirit and Priviledges now in first fruits and in due season of harvest Ioh. 1.12.16 17.20 in respect of all which and such discoveries by the Spirit in the Gospel beleeved I. The Gospel is rightly called a Glass 1 Co. 13.12 2 Co. 3 3.18 Ja. 1.2 3. II. It is a sweet Prevailing motive and powerfull load-stone to draw a man 1. To judge condemne and deny himselfe and his owne wisedome parts righteousnesse 2.
To run to Christ and waite and rest on seek and cleave to him desirously 3. To submit the will and all the Powers to Christ to be disposed directed and appointed by him in every thing Seeing he dyed for us to ransome us and is accepted of the Father and filled with love life and Spirit for us Ioh. 16.7.11 Phil. 3.7 8 9. Esai 64.3 8. Cant. 1 2 3. 2 Cor. 5.21 Gal. 2.19 20. Ro. 12.1 2. 14.8 9. 8.28 III. It is a sweet and healing medicine that will both Purge and restore and comfort our Spirits Isai 55.1.4 Yea healthfull food that begets and strengthens us to and in a good frame Ioh. 6.51 Yea so living and powerfull it is that 1. It quieteth the heart and Conscience from the terrours of the Law and feare of wrath and hell and breeds sweet healthfull Peace Rom. 2.8 7.8 5.1 2. Col. 1.21.2.14 2. It breakes the hardnesse of the heart and breeds sweet meltings and Godly sorrow that makes the Heart and all the Powers flexable to Christ Zach. 12.10 Act. 2.37 16 32 33. 3. It inclines the heart to a true and thorough hatred of every sinne for which Christ dyed and of all dishonours and Disobedience to him Rom. 7.15.24 Psal 119.103 104. 1 Cor. 16.22 4 It killeth the Power of Corruption so as it can neither hould a man from God nor command and governe by its Law Gal. 5.24 Rom. 8.2 6.16.22 Heb. 9.14 5. It taketh the affections from the world and things thereof and Crucifieth them thereto and maketh the World a Crucified thing to them Gal. 6.14 1 John 2.15 16 17. 6. It quickneth up child-like affections to God with readiness to pray to him praise and serve him 1 John 4.10 16.19 Rev. 5.9 10. and compassionate affections to men for whom Christ dyed with readiness to pitty them and seek their good 2 Cor. 5.11 14 15 19 20. and delightfull love to Brethren Partakers of the same grace and fellowship with them and services of Love for them Phil. 1.3.9 1 Iohn 3.4 7. 7 It breeds Patience and Constancie and Victory in Sufferings Heb. 12.2 7. Prov. 8.36 Rev. 12.11 8 It strengthens to Confidence in God for all good things in every condition and service of him therein Rom. 5.5 11. 8.32 and so makes strong Phil. 4.13 and in some degree Partakers of the Divine Nature c. 2 Pet. 1.3 4. IV. It is the right Season of all things to us when by faith we view them through Christ crucified for us as the Gospell sets him forth in which it will enable us 1. To see sinne foule and Pardonable and to look on it with loathing and hope 1 Ioh. 2.1 2. 9. 2. To receive favours both Spirituall and Temperall with high prizeing of his Love that purchased them with blood for us with low esteem of our selves and care of right use and returne of Praises to God Rev. 5.9 10. and 1 Chron. 17.17 3. To receive afflictions as turned from being Curses and signes of hatred to be instruments of blessing fruits of love and fatherly corrections to conforme to Christ who is acquainted with them and knoweth how to helpe being filled with Spirit and having been in soorer trialls himself Jam. 1.2.12 Heb. 12.7 2.18 4. To behold unbeleevers as obiects of Pitty and Compassion and to minde us of that wee once were and from what God hath freely delivered and what humility in our selves what thanks to God what mercy and Patience towards them and what acknowledgement of all this is in such spectacles required of us 2 Cor. 5. Tit. 3.3 4. 5. To behold beleevers as fit to be delightfulls loved tendred helped served entertained into fellowship being not onely purchased with the blood of Christ but there through partakers of his grace Act. 20.28 Ro. 14. Ep. 4.2 4. 6. To esteem highly and use reverently and confidently Prayer hearing the Word all spirituall Ordinances and fellowship with Brethren therein as things purchased for us given us and approach through them to God afforded us even through the Sufferings and Blood-shed of Jesus Christ Hebr. 9.10.19 26. 4.15 16. V. It is the opening of the doore and gate to the claiming Attainment and Possession of all the Priviledges of Sonnes Joh. 10.9 14.6 1.12 as first to receive remission of sinnes Act. 10.43 1 Joh. 1.9 and 2.1 2 Accesse to God Rom. 5.1 2. Eph. 2.18 3 To lay hold on the Promises 2 Cor. 1.20 5.20 21. 4 To receive the Spirit Joh. 7.38 39. Ephe. 1.13 Gal. 3.14 5 To newness and holiness of Life and Nature 2 Cor. 5.17 Eph. 4.20 24. Col. 3.10 11. 6 To pray with Confidence and assurance Heb. 10 19 22.7 To attaine to all things belonging to Eternall Life fully in Christ our head in a measure in our selves 2 Pet. 1.2 3 4. Eph. 1.4 7. VI. It is a sure cleere and perfect patterne for us to immitate Eph. 5.1 â— Of obedience to God Phil. 2.8 9. 2 Of love to Brethren Jo. 15.12 13. Eph. 5.2 1 Joh. 4.10 11. 3 Of humbling and abasing our selves Phil. 2.6 7. 4 Of loving Enemies and doing good to such as wrong us 1 Pet. 2.18 5 Of meekness and confidence and constancy in all Sufferings Temptations and Services and so of all holy walking with God Heb. 5.7 8. Eph. 5.1 2. VII It is a sure Refuge to fly unto Fort and Castle to hide ones self and dwell in a Rock 〈…〉 against which no Power of hell can 〈◊〉 It all so 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 with all supplies of 〈◊〉 and Assistance Isa 32.1 2 3 4 Hebr. 7.25 Rev. 12.11 Ephes 6. 〈…〉 8. Is 〈…〉 to cheere and guide us Psal 119.130.105 Clothing to cover our nakednesse and make 〈◊〉 comely Gal. 3.27 Esai 61.2 3. a Foutaine to 〈…〉 defilements Zach. 13.1 Râ—â— â—5 and 7.14 water of life to make and lively and fruitfull Râ—â— 22.19 and all that is good to make us safe and beautifull 2 Pet. 1.3 9. It brings us into a heavenly union and Fellowship with God and all his Holy Ones and all heavenly and durable Riches Eph. 2.17 22. Heb. 12.22.24 1 Pet. 2.3.5.6.9 That I say nothing of the discovery hope and dispensation of 〈…〉 of 〈…〉 Love to them their farre brought 1 Joh 3.1 2 3. But oh my childishnesse to darken Glory by striving to set it forth for beyond our conception is the Excellency of the Gospel enlightned to the heart and beleeved 1 Cor. 2.9 12. a Word of life of Grace and salvation indeed happy they who have it in their heart and walke therein and thereafter for this will evidence mysterie unto them and shew them the glory of God in the face of Christ and purge and heal them Allure feeâ— and strengthen them safe guard and guide them and being them to the Inheritance 2 Cor. 4.6 Joh. 15 1 10. And the very key of this knowledge the opening the doore to it the instrument in which the
of the Spirit to enlighten and convince them of their Sinnes and of the grace that is in him and to move them to Repentance and Faith and so to come into their right and Lawfull Lord. Prov. 1.8.8 Joh. 1.5.7.9 Isay 45.22 Gen. 6.3.5 That those whosoever they bee That in submission to the Spirit of Christ in the meanes doe come into Christ and through Repentance and Faith submit to and depend on Christ might have eternall Life Joh. 3.16 Heb. 5.9 6. That Christ and God through Christ may raise up all men from the first death in his season and so bring them before Christ to acknowledge him Lord to the glory of God Isa 45.23 Job 5.28.16.8 9.10 Phil. 2.8 9 10 11. And of all these Particulars I understand is meant in that is said 1 Tim. 2.4 God will have all men saved and so farre I understand hee hath saved all men In this Salvation wrought for man and the way and door thereto opened for men in and by himself and so much I understand to be comprehended in that it is said He gave himself a Ransome for All Men. 1 Tim. 2.6 Yet is there another Particular in this first end of the death and Ransome of Christ in which the truth of all the former will be one day manifested viz. 7. That Christ and God through Christ may Judge all men according to the Gospel Rom. 2.16 even according to the Satisfaction and Ransome He hath given to the Father Rom. 14.9.12 2 Cor. 5.10 14 15 19. and according to the meanes Hee hath used towards them Joh. 3.18 19 and 12.47 48 49. and 15.24 and according to the Power and Authority hee hath received of his Father Joh. 5.22.27 and according as in the day of his Patience and grace and meanes used They have accepted or refused him To reigne over them Joh. 5.29 Matt. 25.34 46. Luke 19.27 And all these Particulars are contained in the first and next and immediate end of the death of Christ as the Propitiation Satisfaction and Ransome and for effecting of this Justification of and in himself as the Publick Person and making such Peace and removing this enmity of the condition of mankind and himself becomming the Lord of All and obtaining such Power and fitnesse to shew mercy to men and call them into his Government and that he might give Eternall Life to all that come into him and raise All to acknowledge him Lord and Judge all according to his Gospel Hee had all our sinnes imputed to him and bare all our Sorrowes and Cuâ—sâ— and so died and rose and gave himself a Ransome for All Men and so paid for this end the whole debt and left no part thereof for this end or any Particular in it for any man to pay to make up any part of this Propitiation Satisfaction or Ransome Isai 53.2 8. 2 Cor. 5.19 Hebr. 10 12. 1 Tim. 2.6 And if any part of this businesse he came into the world to doe had been unperfected Hee had been a sinner but wee know that in him there is no sinne 1 Joh. 3.5 Heb. 9.26 Joh. 1.29 And Christ having perfected all this businesse If God should denie or hold from him any part of that he was presently to give him and to doe for his sake Then might there be some colour for men to say He were not just But the Scripture plainly affirmeth all this end and every particular in it to be fully obtained by Christ and given to him by God Joh. 5.20 28. and so he hath in his Word Testified of him and affirmed 1 That Hee is Just and his righteous Servant and the Holy One. Isai 53.11 1 Joh. 2.1.20 2 That in respect of the enmity of mans condition hee hath made Peace by his blood Col. 1.20 Slaine the enmity Ephes 2.16 abolished Death 2 Tim. 1.10 and taken out of the way that which was contrary to us all Col. 2.14 15. 3 That God hath made him Lord of All all are his and ought to live unto him that dyed for them and rose againe Act. 2.36 10.36 Rom. 14.8 9. 2 Cor. 5.14 15. 4 That God hath exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour and for to give Repentance and Remission of Sinnes Act. 5.31 And so hath furnished him with Spirit and Authority to preserve the Earth and the Inhabitants thereof Psal 75.3 Heb. 1.3 and to make knowne his grace Joh. 1.18 and send forth Spirit that men might be brought in Psal 68.18 Isai 42.1 That the World might be saved Joh. 3.17 5 That such as beleeve on Him should receive Remission of sinnes and Life Act. 10.43 6 That by him All shall be raised and made alive and acknowledge him Lord to the glory of God 1 Cor. 15.21 22. Phil. 2.9 10 11. 7 That all shall appear before his judgement seat 2 Cor. 5.10 and therefore God is very Just and Righteous and requires no more payment of the debt that Christ hath once Paid nor of any part thereof for the end for which he paid nor detaines Christ of any part of his right nor doth any man wrong Although most of those for whom Christ died and gave himself a Ransome to God doe yet still and for many dayes abide and remaine under the bondage and Thraldome of the Sence of that weaknesse and 1 Mortallity and Punishment that passed on them for sinne Rom. 5.12 14. 2 The blindnesse ignorance and enmity against God in their Nature Ephes 2.1 2 11. 3 The Condemnation and wrath unjustified in the Conscience and unjust in their particular Persons before God Joh. 3.18.36 Ioh. 5.12 Act. 13.40 41. 4 Destitute of eternall Life 1 Joh. 5.10 11 12. For the removing these evills from and communicating this life to men is another businesse and belongeth to the Second the mediate and ultimate end of the Death and Ransome of Christ there being more to be done by Christ then a Ransome giving to God even such an Interceeding with him by vertue of the Ransome given That mercy being indeed extended to men and means used and Spirit sent forth to make knowne and Tender this grace to make it operative that men might be saved which is accomplished in obtaining the last end mentioned For 1. There is a great difference and evident enough to a reasonable understanding Between making Satisfaction to God for mans sinnes That the punishment might bee lawfully taken off and the Taking it off in due time from men 2. Between the making Peace for men and the taking enmity out of their condition and the creating peace in men and taking enmity out of their natures 3. Between the justification of Christ as the Publick Person in the room of All men and giving it into his hands to dispence and the justification of men by and through Christ in his dispensation 4 Between a salvation obtained by Christ and a possibility of mens being saved and the door and way of Salvation opened for them And this
knowne and applying the former enabling men to beleeve and therethrough reconciling their hearts and Powers to God so slaying the enmity in Nature 2 Cor. 5.18 19 20 21. Colloss 1.20 21 22. 3. A totall compleat and Perfect Salvation both of soul and body made glorious for which the Beleevers doe yet waite Ro. 8.23 Phil. 3.20 21. And of the second of these it plainly appeares to be meant Ephes 2.8 So that by Scripture it appeares and in this Ephes 2. also That the comming of Jesus Christ into the World and the Propitiation made by him for the sinnes of the World is the grace of God and his gift Joh. 4.10 Ephes 2.12 13. The Patience and bounty of God procured hereby and witnessing his mercy and leading to Repentance is the grace of God and his gift through grace also Mat. 5.45.48 Act. 14.17 Rom. 2.4 Eph. 2.1.4.7 The Declaration of the Gospel is also the grace of God and his gift through grace Luk. 1.77.79 Joh. 1.7 Eph. 2.17 The sending forth of Spirit in the Gospel to convince and turne men in to Christ is also the grace of God and his gift through grace whether men turne at his reproof Yea or no. Prov. 1.23 Joh. 1.4 5 9. Ephes 2.17 The subduing of the heart and bringing it in to beleeve is also the grace of God and his gift through grace of which meant Ephes 2.8 Phillip â— 29. 1 Pet. 1.21 22. And the establishing a man in the faith is also the grace of God and his gift through grace 2 Cor. 1.21 22. Ephes 2.18 Now God hath sent his Sonne into the World to be the Saviour of the World and Christ hath given himself a Ransome for All men whether men beleeve or not Christ at one time or other enlightneth and so tendereth convincements and Calls to everyone that commeth into the World whether they submit to it or no. Prov. 1.23 and 4.45 Joh. 1.4 5 9. And thus doth God in the meanes and by his Spirit that is able to worke it offer to give and tender the working of faith in men at one time or other Rom. 2.4 Act. 17.30 31. Gen. 6.3 Mat. 23.37 which is an admonition to all to seek faith of God in the meanes to yeeld to his Spirit when hee is about to work it To give him the glory when it is wrought but no cause at all from hence to raise a doubt of the extent of the Ransome which is in the grace it self that faith receiveth and so intimate vers 1.4 5 7 12 17. ANSWER Joh. 6.37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me and him that commeth to me I will in no wise cast out Those that hence raise the Doubt about the extent of the Ransome doe it from the words giveth me though it be true that the words themselves give no cause thereof but let them be weighed 1. Giving as some would have it giving by Election to Sonship and eternall inheritance which election was in Christ without consideration or respect of good or evill righteousnesse or sinne and these are said to be chosen in Christ And so though not so spoken in Scripture may be truely said to be given him But not the onely number that were given him for as these are given him to be his members and Brethren and heires with him so were all the rest of mankind in the same Decree given him to serve him and his People as is before shewn Chap. 18. In Answer of Objection the Fift But where this Election and Decree is set forth under this terme of being given to Christ is hard to find in Scripture I cannot yet meet with two places nor with any that could shew me them and prove it so But surely in this place it neither is nor can be taken as so used Though such a groundlesse apprehension thereof is that whence some doe raise to themselves this Doubt 2. The Priviledges and life of all mankind was once put in the keeping of the first man that God made The first Adam a type of him that was to come and hee by one offence lost and overthrew himself and all mankind and God in his mercy to mankind Sent forth his owne Sonne made of a Woman in the likenesse of sinfull flesh and made him under the Law and laid on him the sinnes of the World and the curse due to Mankind That he might undertake for All Men to Ransome them and open a way for them to come to God againe And thus did God give All Men to Christ to Ransome them and pay the price for them and so worke a Redemption for them that they might be set alive before him Isai 49.6 Rom. 3.19.25 and 5.12.19 1 Cor. 15.21 22. 1 Joh. 4.14 Joh. 1.29 See Chap. 8. And giving may be found sometime though not often used in Scripture to set forth Gods giving of men to Christ to undertake for them to Ransome them and also given to him hee hath so payed the Price and satisfyed for that they shall all come to him and hee will raise them up and they shall acknowledge him Lord to the glory of God Isai 45.21 22 23. Joh. 12.22 Phil. 2.7.10 11. 1 Cor. 15.22 and of this giving is most likely to be meant Ioh. 6.39 Though giving be seldome so used 3. Giving is sometimes used to set forth that Act of God to Christ in respect of his acceptance of his Ransome and his victory in his Resurrection in which he hath given all men to Christ to be his and hee to be their Lord and they to live to him and hee to possesse them for an inheritance To give Inheritance to those that submit to his Government and judge the rest Rom. 14.9 2 Cor. 5.14 15. Acts 10.36 and in this sense the word Give is used Psal 2.6 8 9. and elsewhere in Scripture and in all these three Senses giving comprehends Adam and all that comes of him all men being given to Christ in every of these Senses as Scripture testifieth 4. Giving is sometime used for GOD'S giving Men to Christ in the heavenly Call when by his Spirit sent forth in the Gospel he not onely enlightens men in the knowledge of Christ and the Propitiation made by him and of Gods love therein and of that fulnesse of grace and truth that is in him to bestow So as thereby to convince them and begin to draw them with the bands of Love Taking the yoake from off the Jawes and laying meat before them without which none come to Christ Ioh. 6.45 and notwithstanding which many may draw back and not knowing aright this his goodnesse be yet unchosen Hos 11.2 3. Matth. 20.16 But in this heavenly Call giving them so to see the Excellency of Christ that all things else becomes as losse in comparrison of him and they so instructed and Prevailed with hereby that they come in to him and beleeve on him so as they are given up to him Phil. 3.7 8 9. Io.