the Death and Ransome of Christ is their unbelief Not simply because they were sinners but because by Repentance and faith they come not in to him that hath made Satisfaction for their sinnes Joh. 3.18.36 and 8.12 and this is Just and according to Gods mind Joh. 3.16 And so to Answer the Objection All men were bound by vertue of the grace of God in the Creation to Love God with all their heart minde soule and strength and their Neighbours as themselves and to walke in that love and the least variation or short comming thereof leaves them under sinne curse and death and helplesse they having no power to fulfill this Law having lost it in the fall and so hopelesse And by vertue of the grace of God in the Redemption wrought by Christ all men are againe farther bound to this former love and walking in it and short-comming thereof leaves them also under sinne curse and death Gal. 3.10 And power thereto they yet have none yet notwithout hope in that the Propitiation is made by him for them Joh. 1.29 1 Joh. 2.2 and hee it filled with Spirit to send forth to them and will enlighten every of them Psal 68.18 By vertue of that common Salvation extended to all men by Christ the doore to repentance and faith is opened and they in the meanes and in some sort by Spirit at one time or other called to Repentance and howsoever God seems to winck it their follies till then yet then hee warneth them to repent that so repenting and comming in to beleeve in Christ they may through him receive remission of sinnes and be enabled to love God in Christ and one another as Christ hath loved them and to walke in that Faith and Love Act. 14.17 and 17.30 31. and for want of this they remaine under sinne and wrath and in danger of a Second Death Joh. 3.17 18 19. and this is a new Debt Now if Jesus Christ send forth more light and meanes and strive farther with them and they be found hardning themselves and rebelling against him It increaseth still their debt Rom. 2.4 5. And if he visite with punishments he is just and Righteous and there is mercy also in it Joh. 33.14.23 And if hee still strive and they still refuse both instruction and correction and will not submit and come in to their lawfull Lord that bought them and called them if hee give them up to Sathan and destruction Is not this just Joh. 3.19 Jere. 6.16.28 30. And thus wee find in Scripture set forth That All smarting corrections on Beleevers are for sinne against Grace Goodnesse and Spirit in the means vouchsafed Levit. 26.11.14 All heavy judgements on others for imprisoning the knowne truth in unrighteousnesse Rom. 1.16 17. and refusing to be gathered by Christ Mat. 23.37 the great condemning evills are set downe Heb. 6.4 5. and 10.29 By our Saviours Affirmation Joh. 3.18 19. and the Spirits convincements Joh. 16 8 11. Unbelief is the main sinne and the cause why so many abide under the guilt of sinne and the cause that sinne hath such Power and brings forth so many evill fruits in men and it is the root and nurse of more grievous sinnes that they fall into and all may be concluded in one word Not obeying the Gospel of God and this is the debt which God requires and for which men shall suffer in everlasting fire 2 Thes 1.8 So that here is not two payments of one debt but a new debt in spising the Goodnesse of GOD in the Remedy provided including the old Debt in a new manner of guiltinesse for despising the Remedy not seeking nor accepting the Release procured by Christ Joh. 5.40 And here is another even a Second death when all are raised out of the first even that which was not primely prepared for mankind but for the Devill and his Angells Matth. 25.41 And it is justice with God to give over all into the hands of his Sonne who will judge them All according to the Gospel in which he was set forth to them and they would not that he should Reign over them Joh. 12.48 Rom. 2.16 Luke 19.14 22 27. And is not God and Christ just in all this Surely among men this would be understood If some Subjects had committed Treason against their King and offered indignity to his Crowne and had wasted his treasure and were for this banished from the Court deprived of their Estates confined to darke Prison among slaves and enjoyned to suffer stripes every day and at a certaine time to suffer a shamefull and tormenting death If the Kings soul longed to shew them mercy and his Justice not permitting and the Kings Sonne with his Fathers consent would undertake for these Traitors to bring them before the King againe and should for them lay downe his Crowne suffer the punishment due to them and give a sufficient Ransome to the King for them all that hee may have the Pardon for them all and have them all released to him that Hee may bee their Lord and bring them out of Prison at his Pleasure and bestow the Inheritance on as many of them as would accept his grace and willingly come under his Government and judge the rest And that hee might have Liberty to ease them of so much of their daily paines in the Prison and shew them what favours and use what meanes hee pleased to perswade and allure them to come under his Government And the King professes himselfe to bee fully satisfyed with his Sonnes Ransome and setts him on his Throne and gives all this into his hands and sends word of this new Treaty to the Imprisoned Traytors and bids them to hearken and submit to his Sonne And the Kings Sonne begins to take Order for them so that the greatest of their daily Torments and Paines is taken away many sweet refreshings and Liberties afforded them in the Prison to winne them to good estimate of the Prince who sends his Ambassadours amongst them with the Proclamation of the Pardon and invitation to come in to the Government of the Prince and Promise that whosoever so did should both have the Pardon given him and be made an Heire with the Prince If any of these preferre their Fellowship with the Slaves and Liberties given them in Prison before these offers of the Prince and refuse to come under his gracious Government And then at the appointed time hee call them all out of Prison and adjudge them a Double Punishment and a more grievous death then that he delivered them from and aggravate their Rebellions against him By all the Evills they were found in when hee undertook for them and all the cost hee was at for them and all the meanes hee used towards them and all the Circumstances of their Rebellion against him and so judge them to Punishment accordingly Will any reasonable man say now That this were injustice now in the King or the Kings Sonne or two payments of one debt
fulfill all righteousnesse even all the Law requireth and freely carries to more Love holinesse and services of Love then in thy understanding the Law required and then and so far thou art free indeed Ro. 8.1 2 13 14. and 5.1.5 and 13.9 10. Joh. 8.36 But if without this Thou make thy self free thy freedome is but an abuse of Liberty for an occasion to the flâ—sh Gal. 5.13 and a turning the Grace of God into lasciviousnesse Jude 4. No better then that boasted of 2 Pet. 3.18 19. Remember and take heed thou be not of that Generation that is lofty Prov. 30.13 And let the Grace and Blood-shed of Jesus Christ prevaile with thee to Repent and Submitt and turne into him Which Grace if submitted unto will teach thee to denie all ungodlinesse and worldly Luste and to live soberly righteously and Godly c. Tit. 2.11 12 13. And till thou by this grace be brought hereto I know no Liberty thou hast from God either for thy glorying of thy faith or for thy so much Speakings and Declaration of the Gospel for the charge is that none presume above the Grace received or speake beyond the measure of Faith that God hath dealt to him Rom. 12.6.13 and how wilt thou avoide that heavy Challenge What hast thou to doe to declare my Statutes Or that thou shouldest take my Covenant in thy mouth Seeing thou hatest Instruction and castest my words behind thee Psal 50.16 17. Surely through thee the Name and Doctrine of Christ is by many blasphemed and many that have their Life and Teaching from Christ are heavily slandered Doe not say thou beleevest rightly and wouldest but canst live no better for is the Spirit of the Lord straightned are these his doings Doe not his words dee good to them that walke uprightly Mich. 2.7 Stand no longer out against his grace therefore but humble thy self and seek him in truth and that in time Vse 8. If thou be one that in the Perception of the greatnesse of Gods love in Christ and the Propitiation made by his death and the fulnesse of grace and truth that is in him art drawne to loath thy self thy sinne thy self-wrought righteousnesse with worldly Pomps and allurements and by that grace of his spiritually discovered in the Gospel to thee overcome to submit to Christ Crucifyed and to depend on him for Righteousnesse Life and Spirituall Guidance and there through hath experimented Peace and newnesse of heart and art carried to glorifie him in walking suitable to his grace and seeking for the union and fellowship with and conformity to Christ with desire of the good of others in compassion to the ignorant and hearty love to beleevers But yet dost not see and so not beleeve the largenesse of the extent of the death of Christ and the ransome given and Propitiation made by him that it should be for All men for the world for the whole world and Every man as it is possible that through the many oppositions in these latter times against the same thou maist be darkened therein as some were about the free Communication of the Gospel to the Gentiles without undering them to the Jewes Observances in the Apostles times yet notwithstanding I both acknowledge and thanke God for his love so graciously made knowne to thee and for thy unfained faith and his good worke begun in thee and I pray God increase and perfect this worke in thee more and more and I kindly accept even thy Prayers for the same in me also and in love and for his sake that hath loved us I pray thee without prejudice consider the Answers to this businesse in this Treaâ—â—e and though thou dost not receive them yet whereto wee have already attained let us walke by the same Rule of faith and loves in Christ as we have received him Col. 2.6 and minde the same things for the glory of Christ and good of others with our owne even perfection in Union with injoyment of Conformity to Christ in his Death and Resurrection and Spirit and if either of us be in this matter of the extent of the Ransom otherwise minded then is right God will also in due season reveale even this unto us Phil. 3.7.15 26. for which let us waite in love and in the meane time let me request this of thee That for the love and Reverence thou bearest to the Gospel in which Christ was made knowne to thee and to the Scriptures in which this Gospel is set forth That thou doe not oppose nor set thy reason awork to finde absurdities in that which is often in many places with joynt consent plainly affirmed in the Scriptures nor prefer humane glosses before the plaine sayings often affirmed therein but rather beleeve the Testimony of them in Prov. 8.8 9. 22.21 nor let this be a stumble to thee that multitudes of all sorts doe beleeve that Jesus Christ dyed for All Men in comparison of those few that beleeve hee onely dyed for his Elect ones for this rather shews the glory and victory of the truth that begets a kind of Credence in those that yet obey it not in this as it doth in other parts of truth that are fundamentall as to instance that there is a God is by his Power in his workes so manifest That all Nations are constrained to acknowledge it and though many know not who and what a one this God is yet in this knowledge that there is a God they fancy some This Some That to be He and in their errours devise similitudes to worship him by and those grosse Atheists that conceit no God to bee are yery few to be found in any age or among any Nations againe That this GOD is one is generally held where any face of a Christian Church is whether true or false and few if any will be found among these multitudes to hold a Plurallity of Gods againe that this one God is the Creator of the heaven and the Earth and Sea and all Creatures contained in them is held by all both good and bad among us I suppose I should not say few but none holding the contrary opinion Againe That this one God is distinct in three Persons the Father Sonne and holy-Ghost is beleeved of us all even multiudes and very few of some sort of familists that hold this to be a humane device and that there is no such thing again that the second Person in the holy Trinity did take mans Nature and not the Father or the Holy-Ghost and suffered and dyed for our sinnes and rose againe and ascended to heaven and from thence shall come againe to judge is beleeved generally among all professed Christians and very few of some sorts of familists that are of another opinion again That Jesus Christ the Son of the Virgin Mary that was borne in Bethlehem in Judea in the dayes of Herod the King when Augustus was Emperour of Rome is the very Christ the Saviour of the World is generally
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
Promises of the New Testament Hebr. 9.14 15 16. Rom. 5.5 11. for his performance to thâ—â— all he hath promised to conferre on them Râ—â— 4.18 25. and working in them all his grace requires of them Psalm 138.8 Is 26.12 as also faith for standing in the dayes of Temptation and overcomming Revel 12.11 and so to live by Faith Gal. 2.20 and walke in love 2 Cor. 5.14 which worketh sweetly Gal. 5.6 1 Cor. 13. 5. Hee bringeth them in to approach with holy boldnesse to God and liberty in use of his Ordinances and to Union and fellowship with himself and his people Rom. 5.2 3. Ephe. 2.13 17 18 19 22. Hebr. 10â— 9.22 and 12.22 24. 1 John 1.1 2 3 7. and so guiding them to some to the Spirit he enters them into his rest and Kingdome and causeth them of the Spirit to reape life everlasting Hebr. 4.3 a â—et â— 11 Gal. 5.18 and 6.8 6. Hee having thus fitted them gives them 〈◊〉 experiment all those things mendoned in 〈◊〉 speciall Intercession and Advocation with many unutterable discoveries of Love and 〈◊〉 of Spirit Câ—â— 1.2 3 4. and 2.5 and 5.10 c. Epâ—es 1.17 â—0 which 〈…〉 with assurance of his 〈◊〉 and of the inheritance Rom. â— 32 36. and makes their hearts to glory in God and to love long and waite for the comming againe of Jesus Christ who will come in due time and free them of all trouble and possesse them of the inheritance and crown them and make them glorious like himself in soul and body 1 Joh. 3.2 Revel 22.17 20. 2 Tim. 4.8 Phil. 3.21 And this is a little discovery of that speciall salvation he worketh in Beleevers unto God of which confession is made Rev. 5.9 Now between those two salvations that with God for men and that in men to God The common and the speciall The Scripture doth often and many wayes distinguish and that very clearly as to instance 1. The former is called a reconciling by his death The other a saving by his life Rom. 5.10 The former a reconciliation wrought for the world by God in Christ The latter a Reconciliation of some by Christ to God God was in Christ reconciling the World to himself God hath reconciled us to himself by Christ 2 Cor. 5.18 19. 2. For effecting the former Christ came from the Father and came into the world Job 16.28 1 Tim. 1.15 and was made poore 1 Cor. 8 9. and made low and abased Rom. 8.3 For effecting the other Hee left the world and went againe to the Father Job 16.28 and was exalted and glorified by and at the right hand of God Acts 5.31 3. In effecting the former he was abased more and more till in his resurrection it was perfect and wee despised him also Phil. 2.7 8. Isai 53.3 4 5. In effecting the other Hee is exalted and glorified more and more till that be perfected and is precious in our hearts Isai 4. â— and 55.5 1 Pet. 1.21 22. and 2.4 7. Phil. 3.7 8 9. Cant. 5.10 c. 4. The one is a Redemption for us in Christ Jesus Rom. 3.24 the other is a Redemption of us in our soules and bodies Luke 1.74.79 Rom. 8.23 5. The former was by blood-shedding for which he went out of the City Hebr. 9.12 and 13.12 the other is by presenting his blood before his Father and by his Spirit sprinkling the same on the heart and conscience of his people for which he entred into the holy of holyes Hebr. 9.14.24 and 12.24 Revel 1.5 6. The former is already perfectly wrought and done and finish'd in himself and so accepted with the Father that he hath made him Lord and extends through him fruites of patience and goodness to men without mens knowledge of him or what he hath done even while they are enemies and without strength Ioh. 17.4 and 19.30 Rom. 5.6.8 10. and 3.11 12. Act. 14.17 but the other is begun in the making known him in the salvation wrought and perfected in the knowledge of him in both that and the aeternall Salvation Tit. 2.11 12. and 3 4 5 6. 2 Pet. 1.2 3 4. 7. The former hath prevailed with God for men so as hee hath accepted the sacrifice of Christ and given over all into his dispose and made him Lord of all Hebr. 10.12 Psal 110.1 and 2.7 8. and doth prevaile in that God for his sake extendeth patience and bounty to men with means to leade them to Repentance Rom. 2.4 The latter prevaileth in and with men to God Psal 110.3 Isai 55.5 Ioh. 6.44 45. Tit. 3 4 5. 8. The former is affirmed in Scripture to be for all men Ioh. 3.17 but the latter is only for and to beleevers Ioh. 3.16 Act. 10.43 Hebr. 5.9 Thus are the common and speciall Salvation distinct and the former first and generall for all and the latter following and peculiar to beleevers And that which the Scripture distinguisheth it becomes no man to confound Now what the Scripture maketh distinct and putteth difference in we may safely so view and speak of them and so the death of Jesus Christ at the ransome and Propitiation being affirmed in Scripture to be for sinners for the world of mankind for all men and every man and this that common Salvation wrought for all men in his owne body and so the ground of that salvation extended to all wherein all are made so saveable that they might be aeternally saved and this declared that they might beleeve it and in beleeving repent and come in to Christ and so be eternally saved It appearâ—â— to be the sense of 1 Tim. 2.4.6 Hebr. 2.9 And in such and so large a sense is the Proposition and no larger And so this first Consideration hath lead to right stating of the Question for the sensâ—â— and afforded proof also and answer to most of the Objections that â—y â—buse of reason and some places of Scripture speaking of the 〈◊〉 Salvation 〈…〉 against it CHAP. II. Of the divers distinct ends of the Death and blood-shodding of JESUS CHRIST mentioned in the Scripture and of which of them is here meant THere are in Scripture set forth and plainly affirmed divers distinct ends of the death and blood-shead of Christ in his laying downe his life The first end and that which is generall and common of the largest extent was to be a Ransome a sacrifice and Propitiation or a propitiatory Sacrifice for sinfull mankind To take away sinne before God for men He appeared to put away sinne by the sacrifice of himself Hebr. 9.36 The Lambe of God which taketh away the sinne of the world John 1.29 Hee dyed for our sinnes according to the Scripture 1 Cor. 15.3 And he is the Propitiation for our sinnes and not for ours only but also for the sinnes of the whole world 1 John 2. â— And in this generall and common end are included three distinct yet inseparable ends The first in respect of God that was offended from whom man was fallen and
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
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
accepting and holding the same and yeelding thereto and therethrough to God Hee might be saved Psal 36.5 6 7. And lesse love then this was not to the Angels before they fell Jude 6. Nor lesse love to all Mankind before they fall Eccl. 7.29 Gen. 1.2 Yea it was not taken away from Mankind upon the fall though the fall deserved it Gene. 3.15 but in this Love Did God give his Sonne to be the Saviour of the Worid Isa 4.14 Joh. 3.16 And in this Love doth GOD for his Sonnes sake who gave himself a Ransome for all men preserve them Col. 1.16 20. and therein giveth a witnesse of his Mercy Act. 14.17 and that to lead them to Repentance Rom. 2.4 2. A love of delight and pleasance taking in the beloved an abounding flowing and honouring Love that resteth not till the Beloved be brought into Union Fellowship and Possession of it self and all its own Priviledges Num. 14.8 Psal 18.19 and 36.8 And in this Love doth God love his Son Jesus Christ Pro. 8.30 Isa 42. 1 Jo. 5.20 16.15 And in this Love doth Jesus Christ Love all his Elect and chosen Children Psal 149.4 and 147.11 Joh. 15.9 and 17.21 23. yet so as this peculiar love is not manifested to them till in sight and belief of the former Love their hearts be overcome to beleeve in JESUS CHRIST and to love Him and their Brethren and to walk in that love 1 Joh. 4.14 16 19. 1 Cor. 2.9 Joh. 14.21 23. Secondly the Scripture mentions a divers kind or degree of hatred both in God and man Shewn in the fruits as to say 1. A not so much loving as others are beloved and this expresly called Hatred Genes 29.30.31.33 and so intimated Luk. 14.26 and thus it is said of God Hee refused the Tabernacle of Joseph and chose not the Tribe of Ephraim Psal 78.67 and so he is said to abhorre Israel vers 59. and to have been an Enemy to Israel Lam. 2.5 2. An Hatred that is furious positive tending to and moving for the overthrow and destruction of the hated Deut. 19.11 Psal 78.76 Now the love of Compassion and the Hatred that is in a lesse degree of Love may very well stand together both in God Hos 11.5.8 9. and in man Jere. 9.1 2. and so God may Love with the Love of Compassion and shew tender mercies waiting with long suffering and patience for and towards such as he hides himself from and is angry with and speakes in words and workes against Isai 57.17 18. and 63.10 11. Jere. 18.7 Isa 31.2 And such kind of Love are his People commanded to follow and be like him in even towards such as for whom they cannot but mourne and with whom they cannot have intimate Union and Fellowship with Gods allowance who yet bids them love them Prov. 14.7 and 23.20 Ephes 5.11 Matth. 5.44.48 And to say whosoever God Loves with this Love of Compassion hee loves for ever or to say he hateth with any other hatred then that which may be in that lesser degree of Love any before they have hardned their hearts against him and turned from him in abusing of and rebelling against the fruits of his Love vouchsafed is plainly contrary to the Scripture Hos 9.10 I found Israel like grapes c. to vers 15. All their wickednesse is in Gilgall for there I hated them for the wickednesse of their doings I will drive them out of my House I will love them no more So Zach. 7.11.13 and 1.18 28. and 2.4 5. And that this Love to mankind may not be undervallewed This I adde that the discovery of this love of God to mankind in the gift of and Propitiation made by his Sonne and fruits thereof is That in and by which the Holy Spirit doth usually first overcome a man convince him and enable him to beleeve and sâ—renew and bring him in to God Psal 36.5 6 7. and 107.1.8.15 So Christ set the same before Nicodemus to that end Joh. 3.5.15.20 and Paul the same to the Corinthians 2 Cor. 5.19 20 21. and confesseth himself and the rest of Beleevers to be so brought in to God Tit. 3.3 4 5. And those that have experimented this can set forth the same Hope for others that are in no worse case then themselves once were 1 Tim. 1.14 16. Tit. 3. And as for the love of delight that is peculiar and appeares not usually to any till in beliefe of the former they be brought to love God and therefore even so to be waited for Joh. 14.21.23 and so intimated toward Brethren Ephe. 5.1 2. But now for such as while the love of Gods Compassion flowes towards them in his use of meanes to them and moving his People with Compassion to endeavour to doe them good and by his Spirit knocks at their hearts If some of these doe and will persist in rebellion till he give them up to Satan such are Reprobated of God and so hated of him yea and so farre as they are known to be such they are so accounted and hated of his People And none but such set forth in Scripture to be so hated of God Prov. 1.23.33 Ezek. 24.13 Iere. 6.16.27 30. 1 Joh. 5.18 which overthrowes the Assumption and the Objection As for the instances Rom. 9.13 although for the Elder to serve the younger be hated in respect of peculiar love Psal 78.67 yet it stands well enough with the love of Compassion and as for any other hatred of Esau the Scripture mentions none untill it was for the contempt of his Birth-right Heb. 12.17 like that Hos 9.14 15. which is used to warne us that wee slight not the Grace of Christ As for the Hatred mentioned Rom. 9.13 If laying his Mountaines waste which was the fruit of it did witnesse such hatred Did not the before giving him those Mountaines Testify like love though not such as to Iacob Mal. 1.2 3. As for Ephe. 5.25 It speakes of the peculiar love of Christ to his Church and so of higher ends of giving himself then Ransom and Propitiation which the Church hath received even of the speciallâ— fruits of Spirituall Application vers 26. Nor is this here set forth as a Proposition for faith But for an example for beleeving Husbands and Wives to follow in love and if he had been exhorting to love of Compassion and patience towards the unjust and enemies Hee would have said who suffered the just for the unjust 1 Pet. 3.18 So that here he was not shewing how many God loves and Christ Dred for which other Places shewn to be All men of which before Chap. 4. As for Ioh. 13.1 will any argue hence That because our Saviour loved his Apostles and his Disciples that by the heavenly Call were drawne in to him and followed him in this World and that as hee having loved them so he loved them to the end and shewed it in his care of them ministration to them and Prayers for them for of those and
such love it is evident he meanes Ioh. 13.14 and 15. 16. and 17. Therefore he neither did nor doth love any but his Called ones and so all must first love him before they be at all loved of him which is contrary to 1 Ioh. 4.10 19. The Citation of Ioh. 13.1 to this Assumption implyeth so much but falsly for it cannot be proved That Judas Iscariot was none of those that were Adversaries to Jesus Christ for his Love and rewarded him evill for good and hatred for his Love Psal 109.4 5. Joh. 6 70. and 17.12 and so the Assumption abides false To let passe the confounding the Love of God and the preception thereof in one without distinction and the making the extent of the Love of Compassion and fruits thereof and the extent of the love of Delight and fruits thereof one and of like largenesse without distinction Both which the Scripture distinguisheth besides the shutting the doore against any more comming in to God or loving any which are not already come in c. which are the least evills of this Objection CHAP. XVI Of Answering a Third OBJECTION Objection III. ALL those for whom JESUS CHRIST did Die and pay the price and Ransome which God required to satisfie his Justice are justified by his blood 1 Joh. 1.7 and shall be saved from wrath through him Rom. 5.9 God being a Most Just GOD cannot require the Debt twice Viz. of Christ and of those for whom he paid it But All men and Every man is not justified by his Blood nor shall be saved from wrath through him Therefore you must needs yeeld That Christ Dyed but for some even his Elect unlesse you will denie God to be just ANSWER This Objection hath all its strength in the first Proposition with the reason annexed to it and to that I will bend the Answer First in the Proposition are two notorious untruth's as to say 1. That all that Christ did Die and pay the price and Ransome for which GOD required to satisfie his Justice are justified by His Blood 1 Joh. 1.7 This is so contradictory to the Scripture that little need be said thereof enough is already shewn in the 8. Chap. from the comparison between Christ and Adam and how that all men fell and became under sinne and death in the first Adam at once Yet none by or through him partake of that misery in sinfulnesse and death Till they come to have a beeing from him And so though all men be in Christ as the Publick Person restored and justified yet by and through him of the benefit of that restauration in justification by his blood Doe none partake till they come to have a beeing in him and that which is Naturall is first as is there shewn Besides what ever justification be in Christ through his bloodshed for men yet he is set forth to be a Propitiation through faith in his blood for the Remission of Sinnes Rom. 3.25 And it is evident that the Justification by his blood mentioned Rom. 5.9 Is a justification received by faith in his blood of such as have received the Atonement in beleeving as is evident Rom. 5.1.3.11 neither is it any where said by the Spirit of God nor did hee ever teach any to say That all that Christ Dyed and gave himself a Ransome for either so are or shall be justifyed by his blood Hee ever affirmes that Justification to be by blood but not by blood-shed onely but by and in the application of the blood-shed the sprinkling or washing therewith Heb. 12.24 1 Pet. 1.2 And so have the justified ones confessed Revel 1.5 and this is to be redeemed unto God and justified by his blood Revel 5.9 of which Justification by his blood many that have it had their time here on this Earth in which they wanted it Col. 2.13 and many of the Elect in Gods Counsell that yet want it for whom by this Objection Christ should not have Dyed As for that cleansing 1 Joh. 1.7 and forgivenesse vers 9. it speakes of a farther cleansing and dispensation of grace to such as are in Christ and walke in Christ and so already justifyed by his blood and so not to this purpose unlesse to make the Objection vile But this untruth is not onely false and grosse in it self but opposeth and denyeth many sayings of the Truth for it denies the truth of our Saviours sayings Joh. 3.17 18. and 8. â—4 and the truth of the Spirits convincements Joh. 16.8.11 and the truth of many Affirmations of Scriptures as that all shall beare the Image of the first Adam 1 Cor. 15 46. that all are by nature Dead in Trespâ—sses and sinnes and so walke till they be borne againe Ephes 2.1 2 3. Col. 1.21 That God justifyeth the ungodly in their comming in to beleeve on him Rom. 4.5 Yea this untruth denyeth that men are justifyed by faith so much as by an Instrument receiving it but onely discerning it Seeing this ununtruth affirmeth them justified not onely in but by his Blood before they came to beleeve on him and so contradicts Act. 10.43 and 13.38 Rom. 3.25 26 28. and 4.24 25. and 5.1.11 So that the contrary to this affirmation is true namely That many for whom JESUS CHRIST did Die and shed his blood remaine yet without that Justification that is in him by vertue of his blood-shed for them and so are not justified by his blood because they beleeve nor on him Act. 13.38 Joh. 3.18 1 Tim. 1.12 13 14 15. 2. That all that Christ did die and pay the price and Ransome for which God required to satisfie his Justice shall be saved from wrath through him This likewise is very false and plainly contradictory to the Scripture that saith in expresse termes there will be many even denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift destruction 2 Pet. 1.1 2. And this untruth denieth the Lordship of Christ grounded on his death for All and the equity of his Judgement and sentence of any to a second death Rom. 14.9.12 Phil. 2.8 11. Act. 17.30.31 2 Cor. 5.10 14 15. as is shewn Chap. 2. before And this untruth denyeth that aggravation of sinne which Scripture useth when it chargeth with such an evill as causing to perish the weake Brother for whom Christ Dyed Rom. 14.15 1 Cor. 8.11 So that the contrary to this Affirmation is true That many for whom Christ dyed and gave himself a Ransome that he might be their Lord and they live to him shall one day be overthrowne in wrath or fire unquenchable because they would not submit to him nor suffer him to Reigne over them 2 Thes 1.8 Secondly In the Reason annext to the Proposition is both presumptuous rashnesse and gross ignorance declared as to say 1. A presumptuous rashnesse in an intimate charging God with unjustice for did not God lay on Christ the iniquity of us all Isai 53.2 6. 2 Cor. 5.19 was not Christ manifested to take away our
I am perswaded not Though no comparrison can fully set forth but darkly hint this businesse And enough to Answer the Objection which was directly framed to gain-say the expresse and plaine Sayings of Scripture CHAP. XVII Of Answering a Fourth OBJECTION Objection IV. THose for whom Christ would not vouchsafe to manifest himself to or to pray for He would not die for Rom. 8.32 Joh. 14.17 22. and 17.9 But Christ will not manifest himself to nor pray for the world of the ungodly and wicked men Therefore hee never dyed for them ANSWER This Objection is very false and many wayes faulty For 1. It were neither right nor good reasoning to say God would never make the Heavens and the Earth and a World of Creatures in both for that man and make that man in His own Image Righteous and put him in a Paradise and give him a Tree of Life and provide him a Sabboath and make him Lord of the Workes of his hands and put the Life and Priviledges of all Mankind in his keeping whom he would not preserve in that good estate yet hath this Argument the same though in a lesse degree of strength to deny God's creating all men yea or the first Adam righteous That this Objection hath to denie the Death of Christ as a Ransome for All. Eccl. 7.29 1 Pet. 4.19 2. The Objection expresseth not what manifestation it meaneth and this is sure Christ will so manifest himself to All men that they shall see what right of Lordship he had over them by vertue of his Death and Ransome given and Conquest made for them Even so that they shall see the greatnesse of their sinne in despising and rebelling against Him and Persecuting His and shall come before his Judgement-seat and acknowledge him Lord to the glory of God Isa 45.23 and 66.14 Psal 86.9 Matth. 25.31 Ezek. 35.11 12. Rom. 14.19.12 2 Cor. 5.10 Phil. 2.10 11. 3. If Jesus Christ had any where said That hee never did nor ever would pray for the World which he never said yet it were evill in us to use that as a Reason to denie the truth of his owne words That said he would give his flesh for the life of the World Joh. 6.51 and that he dyed for all 2 Cor. 5.14 15. and every man Heb. 2.9 and gave himself a Ransome for All. 1 Tim. 2.6 4. This Argument confounds into one without difference or distinction First Gods love of Compassion which belongs to all Psal 145.8 9. Joh. 3.16 and his love of Delight which only belongs to all those which in beliefe of his former Love are brought in to love him Joh. 21.23 1 Cor. 2.9 Prov. 8.17 Secondly The Death of Christ as the Propitiation and Ransome which is for All. Heb. 2.9 1 Tim. 2.6 1 Joh. 2.2 and the advacation of Christ that is onely for Beleevers 1 Joh. 2.1 Joh. 14.16 Thirdly Christ sending his Spirit to enlighten every man Joh. 1.9 and 16.8 11. and his Peculiar giving of Spirit to comfort and lead Beleevers into all Truth Joh. 14.17 and 16.14 15. All which things the Scripture maketh distinct as is shewne Chap. 1. and 2. and 3. and 10. 5. Those to whom Christ doth graciously manifest himself are in his first manifesting himself to them found sinners and ungodly and of the World as they were when he Dyed for them Isa 55.5 and 65. 1 Matth. 9.13 Act. 9.3 4 5. and 26.13 18. 1 Tim. 1.13.16 Tit. 3.3 4 5. So that this whole Argument is fallen without farther Answer yet the Proofs are to be considered to see whether they countenance it or be abused by it To prove the first Proposition is cited Rom. 8.32 Hee that spared not his owne Sonne but delivered him up for us all how shall be not with him freely give us all things also ANSWER I. This is not spoken in the third Person nor of the Ransome onely nor as a Proposition for unbeleevers to bring them in to beleeve and so gives not Answer to the Question for how many be dyed and so is dangerously abused in being brought to that end as is shewne Chap. 3.4 This being applicatively spoken of and to Beleevers to confirme them in that abundant hope which they had and which no other had or could have till they beleeved and so were in Christ as they were 1 Joh. 5.10.13 2. This is not spoken so as may serve the Proposition viz. Hee that spared not his owne Sonne but delivered him up for us all how shall Hee not freely give us all things It is not said so But how shall hee not with him also freely give us all things So speaking of his free giving him to us and with him all things also Wee that beleeve doe through the grace and mercy of God in some measure know that Jesus Christ having made the Propitiation in being delivered up to death for our sinnes and raised for our Iustification Rom. 4.25 Is now exalted at Gods right hand unmeasurably filled with the Holy Ghost in our nature glorified The Advocate high Priest Prophet and King Act. 2.32.33 1 Joh. 2.12 Heb. 5.7 8. The Wisedome of God the Power of God the Sonne of God and Heire of the Kingdome 1 Cor. 1.24 Matth. 13.17 Heb. 1.2 The brightnesse of his glory and the expresse Image of his Person by whom hee upholdeth all things and that is one with the Father and in whom the Father dwells Heb. 1.3 Joh. 10.30 and 14.9 10 11 20. whos 's all that is the Fathers is 1 Ioh. 16.15 Who is made of God to us wisedome righteousnesse Sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 Who is the Fountaine of Life and spirit out of whom it aboundantly floweth to all that beleeve on him and walke in that saith to make them Sonnes to witnesse their Sonship to confirme them to Christ To lead them into all Truth to preserve them to cause all to worke for good to them to bring them to the Inheritanc and Kingdome with himself Psal 36.8 9. Act. 2.33 Joh. 7.38 39. Tit. 3.4.7 Joh. 1.12 Rom. 8.16 2 Cor. 3.3.18 Joh. 16.13 14. Rom. 8.28.17 1 Pet. 1.3.5 Now when God by his Spirit so makes known his grace in Christ through the Gospel that he enters the heart with the grace of Christ enabling it to beleeve and so receive the Attonement That the Beleever is enabled thereby to depend on Christ for the hope Discovered in him Then and therein is the Beleever drawne and given to Christ Ioh. 6.44 45. 1 Pet. 1.21 22. and Christ in and by his Word and Spirit is given to the Beleever Tit. 3 4 5 6. So as the Beleevers may say Not onely unto us a Sonne is borne but also unto us a Sonne is given Isai 9.6 They now by free-gift and by beleeving receit having Christ and having life by having him and being Sonnes also thereby 1 Joh. 5.10 11 12 13. Joh. 1.12 13. which giveth them hope of all good 1 Ioh. 3.1 2. And hence the Apostle
hath shut the doore against this also leaving no way for any to know Christ Dyed for him till hee have some speciall manifestation which in this sense is not first given Joh. 14.17 Nor any hope of this unlesse ones particular Election be knowne and so opens a way for men to look for and be deluded by passionate fancies and Satanicall Enthusiasmes Jere. 2.8 and 8.8 9. 4. For the particular instance of Joh. 17.9 It is also much abused for 1. This Text saith not the world of the wicked and ungodly as the assumption doth but the world and by world it is evident is meant Naturall men unregenerated not yet called by grace and in that heavenly Call given to Christ and so had not received his words and the manifestation of his Fathers Love Power and goodnesse in sending Christ so as to beleeve on him as it is expresse these prayed for vers 9. and vers 6 7 8 9. So that the world world vers 9. includeth all the Elect that were yet in the world and uncalled forth And this also farther appears in that That for the same things he prayes for these that through his Preaching did now beleeve on him vers 6.9 Hee also after prayes for the same for so many as shall through their Preaching beleeve on him vers 20. But all the way from vers 9. to vers 20. no Petition for any thing for any before they beleeve or yet that might bring them to beleeve So that the Assumption rendring the word world for the wicked not Elect opposed to the Elect it makes two sorts of Elect one sort prayed for vers 9. another sort prayed for vers 20. or else it grants a sort of People in the World that are neither of the Elect nor of the world mentioned vers 9. that were prayed for vers 20. And which way soever the Assumption will have it yet it holds forth this falshood That none of the Elect were are or shall be beholding to the Prayer of Christ for all or any of that Patience and goodnesse of God extended before their faith or for the means and grace by which they were brought to beleeve or for their faith it self seeing no such things are here prayed for for any but the World vers 21.23 Even the World opposed to and distinct from these called out of the world both vers 9. and vers 20. 2. This Text saith not hee will not pray for the World as the Assumption saith but in the Present tense in that very time I pray not for the VVorld It 's not in Preterperfect-tense nor in the Future-Tense and surely to any common understanding I doe not I have not done I will not doe are of a various and divers sense Christ saith Joh. 13.18 to his Twelve Disciples I speak not of you All yet in Joh. 6.70 Saying I have chosen you Twelve hee spake of them all and so it is evident That as the Ransome-giver he did pray for such as were none of These prayed for vers 9.6 7 8. nor such as those prayed for vers 20. but even the Transgressours Isa 53.12 and his Crucifiers Luk. 23.34 such as the VVorld vers 24.25 3. The word Not in the Text appeareth not to be so exclusive as the Assumption with the whole Argument would make it to be few can be so ignorant as not to know that either in Scripture or common speech Not doth not signifie not at all in every Place Sentence or Businesse but sometimes only Not so much not so privily and chiefly and this also discernable enough in the Places Sentences in which it is so used Christ of his Ministration on earth which was chiefly and primely for the Jewes Ro. 15.8 Saith to the Woman of Canaan Mar. 15.24 I am not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel and yet he did helpe her And occasionally Preach the Gospel in Samaria also Joh. 4. and not without mission sure so Paul saith 1 Cor. 1.17 Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach c. And yet baptire some he did and surely not without mission also verse 14.16 And it is most like to be in such a sense here that Not is used as appeares vers 21.23 where the world is put in for 4. The things here prayed for from verse 9. to vers 20. as Preservation in their gratious Estates keeping them in the world and from from the evill of the world that hated them and out of which they were chosen Sanctification of them for carrying forth the Gospel to the world and perfecting them in union and Conformity with himself and one another in him and his Father Are of a higher nature then those things we are to pray for the world or any in it Till they be called and chosen out of the world as these were 1 Cor. 1.9 Joh. 14.16 17 21.23 16.14 15. Phil. 2.8 9 10 11. Short of which things are those which wee are to pray for for the World 1 Tim. 2.1.4 6 7 8. as is seen in that which our Saviour doth intimately pray for for the World vers 21.23 5. In this Ioh. 17. our Saviour prayed not onely as a Ransome-giver and Mediatour between God and man as 1 Tim. 2.4 5 6. but also as a Prince and High-Priest over the House of God The Mediatour and Minister of the New Testament for all his Called and Chosen ones such as these prayed for were Heb. 3.1.6 8.1 6. 9.14 15. And his praying here is the same with his Advocation mentioned 1 Joh. 2.1 which is no where said to be for All men and the whole World as his Propitiation is So this Argument crosseth the Scripture in saying Hee Died for no more then he so prayed for or is such an Advocate for Ioh. 1.29 Heb. 3.9 1 Ioh. 2.1 2. As this Argument doth crosse and denie our Saviours gracious End and Intention in this Prayer Ioh. 17. which appeares to be for the furnishing of his chosen Ones to be in his place of Ministration in the World as the light of the World to declare the Gospel to the World vers 11.17 19 20. And this also to this very end That through the grace of God appearing in them and through their Ministration the World might beleeve that God hath sent Christ vers 21. as these prayed for did already beleeve vers 8. And that the World might know that God loveth those that are in Beleeving come in to Christ and made one with him even with such peculiar love as hee loved Christ his Sonne vers 23. That so such as by their Ministration are brought in this sight and Belief To submit to and be one with Christ and with them may partake of this Prayer and all the things here prayed for vers 20. And those that when this light commeth love Darknesse rather shall be left excuselesse and in another day made to see and confesse the same to the glory of God and their own confusion
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
and heare and speake whom though thou may not worship yet thou maist shew thy Love to him in loving and doing good to them men and women of the same flesh and blood with thee who are his Creature made in his Image Jam. 3.9 and some of these that are Partakers of his grace and Spirit and thereby conformed to him in some measure and shew forth his vertues 2 Cor. 3.3 1 Pet. 2.9 and these are lively Images and representations of him on these look for these be at cost to Pitty and helpe them to feed the hungry and cloath the naked for whom Christ dyed doing good to all especially to them of the houshold of Faith and this done for Christ's sake is to feed Christ and to cloathe Christ c. Gal. 3.8 9 10. Matt. 25.40 and these hath hee left with us to this end Joh. 12.8 doe not so dishonour him to lay out thy cost on mens livelesse Images Is not he that only Mediatour and High Priest that by his owne blood hath entered into the holy of holyes and opened the way for us to approch with holy boldnesse remaining himself there as our Advocate with the Father who hath wrought redemption for us and is the Propitiation for our sinnes having left his Promise for that according to his will wee aske in his Name Heb. 9.12 24. and 10 19 20. 1 Joh. 2.1 2. 5.14 15. Joh. 16.23 24. And why turnest thou aside to others to mediate for thee and do him that dishonour But if thou sayest no thou seekest no Mediatour between God and thee but Jesus Christ but Angels and Saints departed to enterceed to Christ for thee I aske where hath he will'd thee so to doe Nay hee hath bid thee Seek the Prayers of the Church and the Saints that thou knowest To whom thou may'st make knowne thy griefes and that are here on the Earth James 6.13.18 And not to them that have no Portion in the things done under the Sunne Eccles 9.5 6 10. Isa 63.16 who can neither heare nor answer thee Is not hee the great Prophet and Teacher of his Church and hath hee not left his Spirit and Word therewith to teach the same and sealed his care thereof and love there to by his blood-shed Isa 55.4 Acts 3.22 Matth. 28.20 Isai 59.21 2 Pet. 3.2 Joh. 10.15 Ephes 5.22 25. and can any Worship be pleasing to him but that which is through Faith in him confidence in his blood and guidance of his Spirit according to his Word Jam. 1.6 Heb. 10.19 24. Rom. 8.26 1 Pet. 1.21 25. and 2.1 3. 1 Joh. 5.20.21 and thinkest thou hee wanted Wisedome Love or care why then followest thou Humane Devises in Worshipping him Againe is this the way to Life or Death to serve and feare and worship him after thy owne or other mens devises according to the Doctrines and Precepts of men Hath not himselfe said It is in vain so to worship him Mat. 15.9 and hee will chuse delusions for such Isai 66 3 4. and that hee will blast and curse them Isai 27.13 14 15. As thou therefore esteemest the blood of CHRIST shed for thee and his Love testified therein as thou heedest his honour and tenderest thy owne Life Turn from these deceivable follyes and abominations and submit to the Gospel and Spirit of Christ therein and seek him as thon art thereby directed and there is hope of Pardon and life to be mett with for thee As for those that are enamoured with the Golden Cup that is in the hand of the Whore and so given up through desire of her beauty riches honour to Worship the Beast I am not here lead to speak to them they may heare and see what is said of them Revel 14.9.10 11. be not deceived by them USE IV. If thou be one that hast never yet experimented any Spirituall discoveries of the Preciousnesse of the blood of Christ shed for thee so as through the Gospel to be therewith convinced of thy being under sinne for not beleeving in Christ and through the grace righteousnesse and good will of Christ appearing therein bowed to Repentance and overcome to beleeve in him but only having heard that Christ Dyed for sinners and thou not knowing for which nor how many of them but as thou supposest Sure onely for the Elect and not knowing who these Elect are Thou hast found in the Scriptures set forth a holy righteous Law of Precepts discovering such righteousnesse as is verily due from Man the Creature of God to be performed to God his Creator and each to other for Gods sake and to the keepers and fulfillers of this Law thou findest a promise of Life and to the Transgressors thereof a threatning of death and curse and upon this ground thou hast studied the Law and seriously attended good Sermons and read good Bookes Commenting on the same thereby to find out what sinne is and what righteousnesse is and so to escape death and that Life might be attained and by motives from the Law so urged haste endeavoured to worke sorrow upon thy heart for thy sinnes by this Law discovered in thee and to doe thy utmost to avoid every sinne that by the Law thou knowest to be sinne to worke thy heart to likement of every good duty thou knowest the Law to require of thee and to doe thy utmost to performe the same and where thou against thy will commest short to confesse it to be thy sinne and aske Pardon and strive to doe better and then from some attainements in affections and conversation Perceivest in thy selfe a change of Judgement Affection and Conversation from what thou wert to what thou art and from what the most of other men are to that thy self and some few others are and desires to encrease in the same still and from this thy change and desire of Perseverance therein and the approbation of others so changed of the truth and goodnesse of this thy Conversation and Conversion thou gatherest Peace in thy heart and countest thy self more holy and much better then others not so changed and thereupon conceivest thy self to be Elected and so one of those for whom Christ dyed and therefore restest perswading thy self that thou art justifyed by his Blood and one of the Children of God that shall be saved from wrath through him Now it being thus with thee I must needs cleer thee from that grosse bypocrisie and those appearing evills of those that pretend the same Conversion and Conversation and boost of the same Confidence who yet are found to make sport of the ignorance Profanness open sinnes and follyes of others in rymes jeasts and scoffes which they cannot but know to be evill Prov. 13.9 and who are found to slander their Brethren and to speak faire and pretend Love to their faces and to lay waite to catch them and to traduce and cast false aspertions on them behind their backs Psal 35.11 16. who can raile equivocate and dispense with known
not require of thee and offer to worke conformity to him in death in being as dead to sinne and to all the life and glory in humane and worldly parts righteousnesse fame riches pleasures friendship and life and submission to be deprived of any of them as Hee and the Gospel shall require That thou mightest finde and receive all thy wisedome righteousnesse and life in and from him Matth. 16.24 25. Phil. 3.3.7 8 9. and doth it not likewise promise in this submission to him and dependance on him Romission of sinnes Peace Righteousnesse and life Acts 10.43 and 13.36 38. and doth not the great love of God testified in his blood-shed sometime move at thy heart to yeeld to all this and let all â—oe to come to him who in this thy obedience to the blood of Christ will by his Spirit sprinckle the same blood in thy heart and thereby speake Peace to thee and purify thee and consolate thy heart and shed abroad his love in thee by his Spirit and so acquint thee with heavenly hope and riches Heb. 12.14 1 Pet. 1.2 Tit. 3.4.7 Rom. 5.15 and till this be Though Christ dyed for thee and life be in him for thee yet thou hast not Life Therefore I pray thee be not deceived say not Thou art rich when thou art yet poor Revel 3.17 but rather seek that which is true riches indeed and seek it of Christ in whom it is and rest not till thou be submitted to him and that he by his Spirit take knowledge of thee enable thee to beleeve and justifie thee Joh. 10.27 1 Pet. 1.21 22. Rom. 3.26 So as thou in some measure experiment that in Rom. 5.1 2. It will bee to thee-ward but a heavy knowledge to stand before him one Day and know that be shed his blood for thee and Redeemed thee that hee might be thy Lord and that true Gospel was Preached to thee when all that blood shed for thee and all the Gospel with all the entreaties of his Servants and motions of his Spirit and all his Patience and Bounty shall be laid to thy charge and come in as witnesse against thee because thou hast not come in to his Regiment and submitted to his Death set forth in his Gospel Rom. 14.9 12. Matth. 11.20.24 Now is the time in which hee is to be found and submitted too and Spirit received from him Hee now offers thee grace 2 Cor. 5.19 20. 6.2 Matth. 25 1 13. Doe not fore-slow till it be too late till the door be shutt for then it will not availe thee to say LORD open unto us wee have eate and drurke in thy Presence and thou hast taught in our streets Remember the Five foolish Virgins Luke 13.2 5 26. Matth. 25.1.13 And deferre not till it be too late which GOD in Mercy prevent but seek in this time of finding which God in mercy grant thee USE III. If thou be one that holdest That Christ dyed and wrought Redemption for All Men and dost desire to Partake of the benifit of his Death and to have Eternall Life with him and for that end makest Images to thy self to put thee in mind of him and makest interceeding Mediatours of Angels and Saints departed to entreat his love for thee and devisest Penitentiall abasements and mortifications as wareing haire garments lying on bare boards or chopt straw going barefoot on Pilgrimage willfull Poverty and usest dilligence in use of humane devises and mens Precepts to Worship God withall and are at labour and cost and usest and dost many Workes of Devotion and of Mercy and Equity to make thy self worthy of Christ and life by him and through all these to make up a Confidence of life to thy selfe I pray thee what wrong should be done thee if one shall charge thee with the sinne of the Heathen in a higher degree then those Rom. 1.18 22. for dost not thou herein hold the Truth in unrighteousnesse and professing to know GOD thou dost not glorifie him as GOD but becommest vaine in thy immaginations and professing thy self to be wise thou becomest most foolish for even in this way wherein thou thinkest to serve and honour him and to have life by him thou dost directly disobey and dishonour him and provokest him to curse thee I pray thee consider and let thy heart answer without stop is this obedience or disobedience to the death and bloodshed of Jesus Christ To be so alive to thy owne wisedome thoughts wayes and workes to choose thy own wayes and put confidence therein See and consider what is said before to such as are not gone a whoring in thy way and what is written Jer. 9.23 24. 1 Cor. 1.29 30 31. 2 Cor. 10.17 18. 1 Joh. 5.20 21. Isai 66.1 2 3. and thou shalt see thy way sinfull is this to honour him or to dishonour him To advance thy self in a Will-worship and in Observation of things that Perish in thousing Coll. 3.18.23 Doth not his blood spiritually applyed to the heart humble and melt mortifie sinne appease the Conscience and purify the heart Zach. 12.10 1 Pet. 1 2. Hebr. 9.14 Why seekest thou this in other things devised by thy self or other men Is not hee full of Spirit to imprint his Word in thy heart and is not his Spirit of devine force and doe not his Words doe good to them that walke uprightly Isai 68.18 Acts 2.32 Heb. 8.1 2 6 10. Jam. 4.5 Mal. 2.7 Joh. 1.14 16 17. Why seekest thou to be minded of him and to serve him by humane devises Is not hee the brightnesse of his Fathers glory and the expresse Image of his Fathers Person Even the Hee that upholds all things by the Word of his Power who when he had by himself purged our sinnes sate downe on the right band of the Majesty on high Hebr. 1.3 Who beareth and seeth all things Hebr. 4.12 13. Whose lippes are full of grace being also the most Excellent in Beauty Psalm 45.2 Cant. 5.10 and who breatheth forth Spirit to reprove to comfort to teach and help to Pray and returne answeres of Prayers Joh. 14.26 and 15.26 and 16.13 15. Romanes 8.26 Psalm 85.8 Why dotest thou then on dead things Images of mens making that can neither heare nor see nor taste nor smell nor speake nor goe nor doe good nor evill but must be borne and so makest thy self in respect of spirituall life like them Psal 115.4 8. If thou say no thou wilt have no Image of God the Father whose Image Christ is but of Christ himselfe as he was Man to mind thee of him sure Thou knowest thou hast no Word of his so to doe and what dishonour doest thou to him who hath promised by his Word and Spirit to be with his to the Worlds end and to manifest himself to such as in beleeving dâ—e honour and love him and walke in that love Matth. 28.20 Joh. 14.21 22 23. and if thou wilt have Images of him hee hath pointed such as can live and breathe