such or a sorer curse then that mentioned Deut. 28.27 28 29. and without any hope so not an estate of life whence also when men for their contempt of and resisting the meanes used for their repentance are given up of God so reprobated that there is no more hope for them Ier. 6.16 30. Ezek. 24.13 Rom. 1.18 28. Prov. 1.23 24. c. Their life is not then an estate of life though once it was but then also as well as in death such are said to be blotted out of the Book of life Psal 69.28 not though this seacible being of those reprobates after raised and made a live by Christ shall after his sentance remain in torment for ever yet is that no where called life as this life of men during the time of Gods patience and giving space and meanes is 2 Pet. 3.9 Rev. 2.21 Eecles 9.4 Job 33.30 Besides this life and eternall life are set forth indifferent expressions in Scripture this is a preservation from death that there may be a time to seek the other Eccles 11. and 12. Psalme 69.8 9 10. But eternall life is a life from the dead Rom. 11.15 This the life that now is but the other that which in its fulnesse and visibility is to come 1 Tim. 4.8 This the life or light of men John 1.4 But the other the life of Beleevers Col. 3.3 This is called the life of the world John 6 5.33 But eternall life is called the life of Jesus 2 Cor 4.11 and the life of God Ephes 4.18 the one affording a hope that men following lying vanities may deprive themselves of Prov. 1.23 24. Isay 55.6 Ionah 2.8 The other affording such blessednesse as preserves the honour for ever Iohn 10.27 28 29 30. yea the one vouchsafed to unbelievers that they might receive him though they doe not Iohn 1.4.11 but the other only to them that receive him Iohn 1.12 Now let us mind what life or living is here meant 2 Cor. 5.15 And this without any wresting by minding first the reading secondly the expression thirdly the dependency it bath with that fore declared fourthly the explanation and confirmation in other places speaking of the same things First for the reading eternall life sure by all confessed is even God living in his and so they living in God and to God and sure so farre not to themselves but to Christ and the text speaketh not in such tearmes that they which live unto God should not live c. But that they which live Secondly the expression is That they which live should not hence-forth after life vouchsafed though before they did 1 Peter 4.2 3 4. live unto themselves but unto him that dyed for them and rose again Now sure so much eternall life as is in any heart the spirit is life for righteousnesse sake Rom. 8.10 and so farre doth and can doe no other but live in God and to God and so farre not to themselves but to Christ Rom. 8.2 1 John 3.6.9 and 5.4 Thirdly the dependency of this with the first ground of the Apostles exhortation 2 Cor 5.10 That we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ that every one may receive the things done in his body according to that he hath done whether it be good or bad knowing therefore the terrour of the Lord wee perswade men c. And where in will either the equity or terrour of that judgement be if not in this that such as he dyed and rose for and hath offered them life when some light comes doe refuse to yeild to him and will still live to themselves I trow this will not be said of them that have eternall life And fourthly for the explanation and confirmation in other places of Scripture speaking of the very same businesse doth not the same Apostle speaking of Beleevers not living to God give a ground like this 2 Cor. 14.15 why all ought to do◠so Rom. 14 9. for to this end Christ both dyed and rose and revived That he might be the Lord both of the dead and living and doth he not on this ground diswade men from living to themselves and perswade to live to Christ and this also with the same motive that wee must be judged by him and give account to him verse 10 11 12. And doth not the Apostle Peter lead us to the same sense 1 Peter 4. For as much as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh arm◠your selves likewise with the same mind for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath seaced from sin that he no longer should marke here the living scope of live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lust of men but to the will of God for the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentils c. See how in all things the places agree and what life or living they speak of As for Mr. Garners pointing 1 John 6.51 to know the life here ment to be eternall life he is confuted by the place he points to which sheweth the life of the world to be procured and given by the death and Sacrifice of Jesus Christ offered to God by which they live but eternall life is received only in feeding on him which none doe till by grace drawn out of the fellowship of the world to beleeve on him John 6.27.29 40 51.53 c. So that in this beginning of his dealing with the quoted Scripture he hath preferred his reason as a light before the plain saying of the Scripture which indeed is a light though by him counted darknesse that his reason that should have submitted to be inlightened by it may inlighten it and so he useth here carnall reasoning before faith and acknowledgeth though weakly some part of truth to deny another part and takes the expression as independant and so forceth an unfound sense upon it and two other places together I hope M. Knowles nor Mr. Garner did not count the sense given by him on these words 2 Cor. 5.15 those that live to be one of the mysteries he unvailed for he hath striven in this to vaile that which is open and plain and discover in it a mystery of deceit that he might privily bring in a damnable heresie leading the greatest part of men to deny the Lord that bought them by denying his right of Lord-ship by purchase by denying his goodnes in proucring them thereby their lives with mercies a door of hope by denying their ingagement to him not to live to themselves but to him by denying the equity of his judgeing them Auill beginning And to save labour where like abuse of Scripture and reason and teaching such denyals are I shall but note them with this marke ☞ 1. 2. And in abusing three places to force sense on these words That liveth he doth the like by these words John 12.32 Will draw all men unto me which he limmiteth to this sense I will give
the hands of an Executor given to many to be given unto them when upon the publishing the Will they come in to the Executor and acknowledge the benefactor which if they refuse when so made known and tendered the refusers may be refused And so this Redemption life and justification is in Christ as in the giver some fruits whereof he extendeth to all men in preservation of creatures for them and their lives and giving meanes that they might know seek and receive the thing it selfe Psal 75.3 and 36.6 7. Acts 14.17 and 17.26 27 30 31. John 1 4 5 7 10 11. But the choyce fruites and the Redemption life and justification it selfe that is eternall he according to the Fathers appointment giveth to those that beleeve on him Iohn 17.2 and 6.40 and 1.12.12.33 But now this Redemption is in us not as such a manner of gift and in such a giver but as a gift in this gift first and then with and through this gift 2 Tim. 1.9 Rom. 8.32 and 7.25 and 8.1 2. And from the gift of this giver Jesus Christ Iohn 1 12. and 17.2 Ephes 5.14 Rev. 2.10 it is in us as a receit that wee have received of in with and through Jesus Christ in the receit of him Iohn 1 12 16. Acts 26.18 Rom. 1.5 and 5.11 1 Cor. 15.1 Gal. 4.5 Col. 2.6 7. This Redemption life and justification is in Christ Jesus before men either know it or beleeve in him so whether men beleeve in him or no set forth that men might beleeve Rom. 3.24 25. Iohn 1.4 5.7 1 Iohn 5.11 12. neither doth any mans beleeving make it the more in him nor any mans unbelefe make it the lesse in him who is alwaies and for ever the same 2 Tim. 2.10 11 12.13 Heb. 13.8 But now whatever all men or any man as they are in the nature Christ tooke and wrought Redemption in have by the gift and preparation of of God in Christ yet have they no enjoyment in themselves of the same no not before God or in Gods account till by grace they be brought to beleeve in Christ when there is not an imaginary change or a bare manifestation but are all change wrought in them Tit 3 4 5 6 7. a new birth John 3.5 1 Peter 1.23 a reall translation and change not in Christ but in them from the power of Satan and darknesse unto God and the Kingdome of Christ Acts 26.18 Col. 1.23 from children of wrath to be children of God Ephes 2.1 22. from darknesse to light 1 Peter 2.9 from death to life 1 Iohn 2.14 15 yea from being not his peculiar people nor so beloved to be his peculiar people and so beloved Rom. 9.25 26. And is not here a great difference between the same redemption as it is in Christ for men and as it is in and upon men or can such teachers of Israel be ignorant of these things or are they not willing to yeeld Jesus Christ the preheminence in all things as the Father willeth or if in other things will they needs deny it him in the largest of the Redemption that is in him But enough hath been said to this But that I must follow him in the veiw of the Scriptures abused by him Rom. 3.24 and 4.24 25. his abuse of these and the truth is cleared before Rom. 5.18 is quoted by me for the atonement made in and by Christ for men and Rom. 5.1 6 10 11. is for the same received which he in quoting and answering obscures and answers darkly like a man a fraid of the light in the text for what if the Apostle speaking of the receit of the atonement and justification speaketh of the receivers doth that prove there is no atonement made by Jesus Christ nor Justification in him for any more then had then received or that there was no atonement or justification in Christ for them before they receive it or had they received it from eternity Consider the text when Jesus Christ made the atonement they were without strength ungodly verse 6. sinners verse 8. enemies verse 10. But when the atonement was received by them sure they were friends and Saints c. as Scripture affirmeth besides it is not affirmed of them that beleeved verse 1. they had now received By Christ the atonement verse 11. and was not that by faith Rom. 4 22 23 24. and 5.1 John 1.12 and how could they receive the atonement if the atonement was not made compleat in Christ before how or could they truly say they received it yea that they have now received if they had it from eternity in themselves So that all the way the atonement received is held forth and yet as plainly the same atonement held forth and the foundation laid for such also as yet had it not that they might be brought in to beleeve and so receive the same and these receives propounded as an incouragement to them as in 1 Tim. 1.11 to 16. the Apostle first mentioning the Gospell verse 11. and then shewing what a great sinner he was and yet received mercy verse 12 13 14 he then layeth the foundation for others and that in generall and at large verse 15. and then affirmeth the mercy shown him was for an example or pattern of encouragement to them that should after beleeve c. verse 16. even so here in this Rom. 5. having shewn the rich grace received in such beleeving as in which the atonement is received verse 1 5 11 he both laieth and explicateth the foundation and sets it forth even for such also as had not received it and so verse 6. though he saith when we were without strength yet he speakes not there so applicatively Christ dyed for us much lesse as Mr. Garner would have it for us who have received the atonement and enjoy it in our selves for such if such before his death he needed not to have dyed But he speaketh indifferently and undeterminarly in generall and at large and that truly Christ dyed for the ungodly verse 6. and then his explication is sutable in which he setteth forth the disease as generall and opposeth the remmedy to it as generall verse 12. yea surpassing the disease and then he comes to distinguish between the remmedy and the receit of the remmedy verse 17. for if there be not grace and the gift of grace before receit there can be no receit and the Apostle saith not that all for whom there is grace and such a gift of grace prepared but all that receive the same shall raigne in life c. and then the Apostle gives a ground of all he had said in this businesse verse 18 19. in which the extent of the foundation and distinction between it and the receit or the truth of it before receit and the effecacy in receit is held forth in verse 18. read it in what translation you will and take the text only and forbeare the words added by translators to supply the
not be as their Fathers A stubborn and rebellious generation c. Now if any with a brazen face would say Might here had the force of an absolute certainty the sequele in both places will prove him false for they did not all so but to come to the very Text thus by him abused Joh. 3 17. For God sent not his Sonne into the world to condemne the world but that the world through him might be saved Here if Might have the force of an absolute certainty the world shall certainly be eternally saved or otherwise then in and by himselfe ransomed and preserved and means used that they might repent beleeve and so be saved How is that true our Saviour saith of the same world distributed into parts verse 18. He that beleeveth on him is not condemned but he that beleeveth not is condemned already c. vers 19 36. Where were Mr. Knowles and Mr. Garners eyes that durst presume to force such a contradictory sonse on this place But let us see this very word Might in this Evangelist and and take the interpretation from our Saviours own mouth Joh. 5 32 33 34 There is another that beareth witnesse of mee c. now did not John beare witnesse of the light that all men through him might beleeve Joh. 1.7 And are not here many of them to whom he did beare witnesse that did not beleeve Besides our Saviour in this John 5 farther instiucting and teaching these Jewes Doth he not say expressely vers 34. These things I say that Jee might be saved behold the same word that is in Iohn 3.17 and yet doth he not say to the same Jewes Ioh. 5.40 Yee will not come to me that yee might have life Oh how contrary is the mind and exposition of Christ to the mind and exposition of Mr. Garner whose corrupt sense is of ill consequence viz. 8. The words Gave Give Send Sent Joh. 3.16 17. we are every where in Scripture speaking of this businesse saith he pag. 79. To understand therein the everlasting blessednesse and salvation of those for whom God Gave Sent c. This is so contrary to Scripture and truth that nothing need be said thereof the next verses 18 19.36 confuting it 1 Cor. 6.8 Mark 12 2.8 and Joh. 6.32 My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven And what was this lesse then that John 3.16 17. and yet they mist that everlasting blessednesse c. Iohn 6.66 ☞ 1. 9. The words Taketh away in Joh. 1.29 Taketh away the sinne of the world Here and else-where he saith the words Taketh away is Hee certainly fully freely powerfully and for ever taketh them away and this in some sense might stand but he stops not here but proceedeth and saith it signifieth a perfect powerfull absolute and compleat removeall and that for ever yea of the dominion lordship merit wages power and strength of sinne so as the one or the other shall never returne any more yea so as makes to the perfection and salvation of those from whom hee taketh them away c. pages 66 67 68. Are not here glorious and high words Are his own sinnes thus taken away thinke you what ever they may be hereafter Is he already so much freer then the Apostles were in their times Ro. 7.15.24 and 8.1 2 23. Jam. 4. ◠1 Joh. 1 7 8 9. But let the businesse be weighed in the Ballance of the Sanctuary Taketh away both in Scripture and common use of speech may be truly and rightly understood 1. Of one that hath taken sinne out of the way 2. Of one that doth it that is ordained to and able for it and will do it in all them that come to him 3. Of one that hath done it in all that have come in to him And in all these senses it is meant of Jesus Christ First For Taking out of the way We have two things to note how sinne lyeth in the way between God and men to make a separation and so to stop the passages and make it impassible either for the mercies of God to bee extended to men or for mens approach to God And these are 1. That great offence of our first Father Adam by which sinne entred into the world and death by sin so as all have sinned and in their receiving of their being from him are guilty of and defiled with and under the power of sin and so subject to Law and Death Rom. 5.12.18 19 And the truth of God necessitates his Death and his Justice necessitates his suffering the curse and till both bee done and overcome there can no mercy bee shewne to men nor is there any passage open for their approach to God The Winter abides for impassibility of the way Heb. 9.22 Now Jesus Christ as a publike man in the nature and stead of all being manifested to take away our sins and being made a curse for us and in rising Just and a Conquerour offering himselfe a sacrifice to God hath done this work fulfilled truth and satisfie Justice and so mercy and truth meet and truth is sprung out of the earth and hee hath abolished death removed out of the way that which was contrary to us opened a gate to life procured mercy to be shewed us so as the Winter is past the way passible and righteousnesse flows down from heaven 1 Joh. 3.5.6 Psal 85.10.11 2 Tim. 1.9 Cant. 2.11 Psal 136. and 145. So far are all men indebted to Jesus Christ for so taking sn out of the way that mercies are shewne them through him and a gate opened that they might enter Psal 75.3 Rom. 14.9 which might move to submit to him Though Mr. Garner by denying this teach the greatest part of men to deny the Lord that bought them 2. This Doore opened through Christ and these mercies extended testifying of him and calling to him Act. 14 17. and 17.24.28 Rom. 2.4 God being well pleased in his Son and delighting in him lookes downe from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there bee any that by all this his goodnesse extended will understand and seeke after him but alas men comming to understanding and the light of his mercies shining on them they yet abide in darknesse impenitencie and unbeliefe hardning their hearts against his mercies c. Psal 14. and 53. with Rom. 3 10.19 And this most properly is called The sinne of the world John 1.4 5-10 11. 1 Joh. 5.19 And its terrible to persist therein Psal 68.18.21 For this provokes more highly then the former so as from the love God beares to his Son it would stop all continuance of mercies and meanes and cause the shutting of the doore to repentance and life but that even this Jesus against whom they so sin doth mediate for them by vertue of his sacrifice and takes this sin also out of the way that hee procures lengthening the dayes of his patience and continuace of mercies and meanes with some strife of spirit to them 1 Tim.
for the Sonnes of men And being made perfect 2. For the second he was made the author of eternall salvation is not that cleare also to be a further and distinct businesse are not the words plain And being made made perfect he became or was made the author of eternall salvation to them that obey him As he is the procurer He. 2.12 so he is the doner and giver of it John 1.12 and 6.14 and 17.2 And this saying eternall salvation unto all them that obey him doth impart that which Scriptures else where sheweth some salvation fore-wrought and vouchsafed that men might obey him in receite and exceptation whereof men doe obey him and in neglect and refusall or disobedience to him wherein also will appeare a distinction of salvation it selfe considerable if the sayings of the Scripture it selfe be heeded and believed which sheweth us 1. That Jesus Christ himselfe in his own body as the second publick man having in the nature of all mankind and for them dyed for our sinnes and risen for our justification and in the same nature being ascended exalted and filled with all fulnesse of grace 1 Pet. 2.24 Rom. 4.25 Hath so saved out nature in himselfe that all or any of that nature comming to him may and in union with him shall partake thereof Rom. 5.18 1 John 5.11 12. And he using meanes to that end that men might seek and come to him John 1.4 5 7 10.11 Pro. 8 4 9. Hee indeed is and truly so called The salvation and Gods salvation to the ends of the earth Acts 13 26. Isay 40.6 Gods salvation which he hath prepared before the face of all people A light to lighten c. Luke 2 30 31 32. A horne of salvation Luke 1.69 And I believe this is a true and a reall salvation and eternall and compleat in him before it be made known and the making known of him is the making known of salvation and that for remission of sinnes also though many receive it not Luke 1.77 79. Acts 13.38 39 And is not here a salvation a prepared salvation a salvation made known and set before men larger and farre more then have enjoyed it 2. The word that sets forth Jesus Christ the Sonne of God and saviour of the world and what he is hath done and doth in Heaven for us and is ready to bestow one all that doe believe and so calleth them and tendereth grace to them on believing It is called the word of salvation Acts 13.23 26 30 And they that neglect it are said to neglect great salvation Heb. 2.3 And is not here salvation even in the tender before and larger then the receipt and enjoyment 3. The extention and reaching forth of mercies to men Psal 145.8 9. as the persecution of their lives and so giving space for repentance Acts 17 27 28. 2 Pet. 3.9 Rev. 3.21 the preservation of the other creatures that they might serve for the good of mankind Mat. 5.45 Psal 36 5 6 7. and blessing these to men for the good and welfare of men in this life Acts 14.17 and all this extended through the Propitiation Christ hath made and ransome he hath given for men in which mercy and truth are so met that God without violation of truth and justice may shew mercy to sinners Psal 85.10.11 And he is not only good to all in that his mercy is over all his workes but also he is righteous in all his waies Psal 145.17 and so all these mercies are testimonies of his goodnesse Psal 19.1.6 Rom. 10.18 Acts 14.17 and that to lead to repentance and seeking of him Acts 17.27 28. Rom. 2.4 much more the word and Gospell where it comes discovering Christ which also is that all to whom it comes might believe Iohn 1.4 7 still further where his spirit comes in thâ— meanes striving with men Gen. 6.3 these with all the preservations and deliverances inlightenings and motions leading from any evill towards God as they come from and through a salvation effected in our nature by and in Christ and as they are witnesses of that salvation and come to lead to it that in receiving of it men might be saved so they are indeed and that truly called salvation or saving Exod. 14 13. Psal 144.10 and 36.6 7. Yea the Holy Ghost wils us to account that the long suffering of God is salvation 2 Pet 3.15 and thus in these respects he is the Saviour of al men 1 Tim. 4.10 Yea the salvation in Christ and love of God there-through appearing in all these fore mensioning mercies or saving or salvations doth come to men to call to reprove and so to allure to come to Christ The salvation of God and such as for love of other things doe refuse and come nor in are said truly to forsake their own mercies Iona 2.8 loose their own soules Mat. 16.24 Deny their right and lawfull Lord that bought them refusing his counsell and so bring upon themselve swift distruction 2 Pet 1.2 and are even for that cause given over to Satan and distruction not because he had not bought them but because they denyed him that bought them not because he had not loved them nor shewed love in doing good for them and to them but because they have been adversaries to him for his love and rewarded him evill for good and hatred for his love Psal 209.4 5. not because God sent not his Sonne that they might be saved and that Christ shed no blood for them nor extended meanes there through to them not any motions of spirit therein but because they have troden under foot the Sonne of God and counted the blood of the Covenant wherewith they were sanctifyed an unholy thing and have done despite to the spirit of grace Heb. 10.29 not because there were no truth in Christ for them nor love of the truth to them nor willingnesse and power in that love to save them nor it extended to them but because they received not the love of his truth that they might be saved 2 Thes 2.10 12. But held the truth in unrighteousnesse Rom. 1.18 Not because their was no propitiation made for them nor meanes used to purge them But because he purged them and they were not purged Ezek. 24.13 Not because he would not nor sought there returne But because they would not harken to his councell they would none of him Ezek. 33.11 Psal 18.11 Prov. 1.24 30. John 5.40 Mat. 23.37 no nor simply and absolutly in the first place because they could not But because when light came and power removing the yoake of the Jewes They regarded not his light and power that would have enabled them But loved darknesse rather and so were given up and then could not Hos 11.3 4. John 3.19 Rom. 1.18 28. now can any say he had no salvation in himselfe for them nor extended any to them and was no Saviour of them surely none can say so truly But they were rebellious and disobedient to him and
so deny him that was their rightfull Lord and distroyed themselves but now he is said especially to save them that beleeve Which is the next point 3. For the third He became the author of eternall salvation to all them that obey Is not here a distinct mention an especiall pointing out of the persons unto whom he is the author of eternall salvation namely them that obey him and all them and though it be a digression from this businesse yet a word may be noted what this obedience is It is the obedience of Christ The obedience of the Gospell 2 Thes 1.8 Rom. 6.17 The obedience of faith Acts 6.7 Rom. 16.26 and so it is one and the same with Beleeving compare Acts 5.32 with John 7.38 39. and so divers translators have indifferently used the word disobedience or unbeleife Ephes 5.6 and this will clearely appeare if we mind first the opposition between the law of workes and the law of faith and between the obedience of the one in doing and of the other in beleeving Rom. 3.27 and 10 5 8 9. Secondly the drawing nature of this faith when with the heart it s not only of righteousnesse but unto righteousnesse Rom. 10.10 and brings upon Christ 1 Pet. 3 4 5. having in it a discerning and approving beholding and understanding of Christ as he is the Sonne of God and our Saviour 1 John 5.20 An inward beleeving and hearty credit-giving to the testimony God hath in his word and by his spirit given of Christ 2 Thes 1.10 1 John 5 6 10. an high estimate of Christ as the perfect and sufficient propitiation wisdome Rock c. Phil. 3.7 8 9. An hearty trusting and resting on Christ and God in Christ for eternall life and all that is in it and appertaines thereto Rom. 4.22 23 24 25 26 and 6.8 10. A welleased submission to Christ or embracing and receiving him to be saved yeelding up to him in all the reproofe and assurement and love to him and his which his grace appeareth and moveth too Gal. 5.6 Acts 26.19 and all this is in unfained and cordiall beleiving Thirdly the commandements of Christ sutable to beleeve in him John 14.1 and to love one another as he hath loved us John 15.12 which the Father also commandeth in commanding all to hear him Mat. 3.17 And the not suffering the Grace of God manifested in his word and workes to prevaile to lead to this unfained faith that workes by love is the disobedience that brings condemnation John 3.18 19. 2 Thes 1.8 and 8.10 And the being thereby overcome to this faith is obedience Rom. 1.5 and 6.17 and mind that it is said He is the author of eternall salvation to all them that obey him But I beleeve that it is not in Scripture said nor that Mr. Gerner or Mr. Knowles either can shew it there That he is said to be the author of eternall salvation to the world or the whole world as he is said to be the Saviour of the world and the propitiation for the sinnes of the whole world nor is he said to be the author of eternall salvation to all men as he is said to dye for all and to have given himselfe a ransome for all nor is he said to be the author of eternall salvation to the unjust ungodly his enemies as he is said to have dy'd for them and til they can shew this they cannot disparage the distinction for we may see it all the way through the Gospell saying as in this Heb. 5 9 He is the author of eternal salvation to all them that obey him according to that is said of the wil of God concerning him namely That of all the Father hath given him to undertake for and upon the offering of his sacrifice he hath given him into his dispose to order and judge Pal. 2.7 9 10 Rom. 14 9 11 12. He should save them with such a salvation as may fore-run the knowledge of the truth and then bring them to the knowledge of the truth and loose none of them but raise them up at the last day 1 Tim. 2 4. Iohn 6.39 and this will be manifest one day that he hath done it when all shall by him be raised and come before him and acknowledge him Lord to the glory of God when it will be manifest that who ever of them be lost and perish he did not loose them but they lost themselves and brought distruction on themselves Iohn 6.39 1 Cor. 15 21 22. Phil. 2.10 11. Mat 16.26 2 Pet. 2.1 But now for eternall life it is not so said of all so given but of a giving upon or after a giving namely after all by vertue of his sacrifice are given in to his dispose then those that by discoveries of grace are in the heavenly call given him in being brought to and united in him in beleeving on him That he may give them eternall life Iohn 17.2 and so he saith Iohn 6.40 And this is the will of him that sent me that every one which seeth the Sonne and beleeveth on him may have everlasting life and I will raise him up at the last day Like to this also was 2. The end of the mission or sending him into the world that he should doe that for men and use such meanes towards them that the world through him might be saved But more that whosoever beleeveth on him should not perish as there may be a saving and yet an after perishing of some Jud. 5. but that they that beleeve shall have everlasting life Iohn 3.16 17 36. 3. Like to this also is the end of the power authority and spirit that the Father hath given to Christ his Sonne and our Saviour namely That he may rule over all flesh and be their right and lawfull Lord and so preach good tidings to them and shew mercy to them to comfort all that mourne Iohn 17.2 Acts 10.36 Mat. 28.18 19. Isay 61.1 2. and to raise them from the dead and judge them according to their obedience or disobedience to him Iohn 5.27 28 29. But to give eternall life to as many as by the heavenly call are brought in to see him and beleeve on him and so given him Iohn 17.2 with 6.4 The mourners in Syon to whom he is to give beuty for ashes Esay 61.3.4 4. Like to this also is the proclamation and doctrine of the Gospell declaring peace pardon and mercy in Christ for all and tendering it to all where it comes whether they accept or refuse Luke 10.5 with promise or acceptance Acts 13.32 38 39. But the promise of receit of forgivenesse and eternall life is ever and only to those that beleeve on him and harken to him Iohn 3 15 36. Isay 55.3 4 so that all the way through the doctrine of the Gospell the distinction between a salvation in Christ tendered to men and the same given into and working in men is cleare the former generally for all men to be tendered to them
hand of Godalive for evermore by vertue of his Sacrifice mediating for men with God his father so removing and taking away from before his face that ignorance unbeleife and rebellion of men that might justly procure the with holding all streames of mercy from them and the present giving them up to a reprobate scence and to Satan and so destroying them with his sorest judgements that still through Christ they are preserved alive patience mercies meanes and some light and motions of spirit are extended to lead them to repentance Rom. 3.10.22 and 2.4 Col. 1.18 20. Psal 75.3 And to those that through his grace are brought in by repentance and faith to Christ to take of their following evills to cleanse and purifie them to conformity with himselfe and to bring them to his inheritance 1 Iohn 1.7 Eph. 5.25 26 27. Heb. 9.14.15 but to proceed a little further and consider something in this businesse shadowed or typed in the Iewish high Priest and in a sort Priests and Levites also who was to beare the names and also the judgement of the Children of Israel upon his heart Exod. 28.29 30. To beare the iniquity of the Congregation to make an attonement for them before the Lord Yea the offerings fore offered were given them to eate before the Lord Levit. 10.17 Yea to beare the iniquity of the Sanctuary and to keep the charge of the Lord Numb 18.1.4 And to doe the service of the Tabernacle and so not the Children of Jsrael But they to beare the iniquity of the Children of Jsrael Numb 18.22 23. Now what bearing this was is to be considered Was it that the high Priest and Priests should have the sinnes of the people imputed to them and that they should be counted sinners for or in stead of the people and suffer the punishment the people should have suffered that so the people might have an escape I beleeve no such matter and yet it was thus with Jesus Christ when he was made flesh for us But sure there is another understanding of their bearing the peoples iniquity and judgement and yet nothing is therein shadowed but what in the truth of it is found in Jesus Christ our great high Priest also if translators of as great skill in the Hebrew as Mr Garner in the Greeke may be trusted they say the word to beare Lev. 10.17 is to beare or take away and that the Greek translateth it that yee should take away but whether they be credited or not doe not the word themselves give forth such a sense Num. 18.22.23 Neither must the children of Israel henceforth come nigh the Tabernacle of the congregation lest they beare sinne and dye but the Levits shall doe the service of the Tabernacle of the congregation and they shall beare their inquity It shall be a staiute for ever Now I pray what bearing of iniquity was this but a taking away of their iniquity by ministring about and ordering the holy things burning incense offering the Sacrifices c. which the people were not betrusted to doe that they might have Gods Ordinances and presence therein and mercies c. continued to them And how should the high Priest upon his heart beare the judgement of the children of Israel before the Lord continually Exod. 28.30 but in tender compassion and love to them and care for them so to minister in their behalfe c. And now is not the truth of all this found in our Lord Jesus Christ the great high Priest is not he the minister of the Sanctuary or holy things and of the true Tabernacle c. Heb. 8.2 the perfumer of his peoples prayers services Are any left to approach to God or do any thing in their own strength or name Is not all that is born of the flesh flesh John 3.6 shall not all flesh wither Isay 40.7.8 And is not Jesus Christ our high Priest full of love compassion and faithfulnesse Heb. 3.2 and 4.15 and 5.25 and is not he the Mediator between God and man 1 Tim. 2.5 and the advocate of beleevers 1 John 1.1 and is he not able to save them to the utmost that come to God by him or as in this Heb. 9.28 that looke waite for or expect him seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them Now the Apostle treating of the high Priest-hood of Christ and mentioning types in this chapter and shewing the truth of all to be in Christ where shall we find the truth of these things typed that have been mentioned about the Scape-Goat the Priest bearing or taking away the sinnes and judgements of the people in those respects fore-mentioned if not in the 26 this 28. verses and so I charge not M. Garners sense here with falsehood but imperfection I fault him not for saying the death of Christ and his offering as it is for propitiation and ransome is heerment but for his putting in only and so limmiting it to that only where as it appeares plainly by the whole chapter here is more ment But now I will veiw his second affirmation It is not in such generall words as the world all men c. for which veiw the words againe Heb. 9.28 So Christ was once offered to beare the sinnes of many and unto them that look for him shall he appeare the second time without sinne unto salvation mind it saith he and so I pray let us it is not said he was once offered to beare the sinnes of many and he shall appear the second time to them or to those many without sinne unto salvation But unto them that looke and waite for him as a speciall culled out of the generall and is not many here then as generall a word as the world of mankind or all men Let us a little mind the word many as it is here used and see Enough is shewed in the opposed Treatise chapter 3. page 22. chapter 8. page 48. and chapter 14. page 76 if compared together that is not at all answered by him And though the word many in divers places have a twofold sense one larger and another more speciall and in such places I did not parralell it with such generall words as all men every man when spoken in the largest sense yet in some sort and respect I did and do Rom. 5.15 through the offence of one many be dead and verse 19. By one mans disobedience many were made sinners And is not many here all and every man that had being by propogation from Adam Psal 29.3 The voice of the Lord upon many waters are not the waters peoples multitudes Nations and tongues Rev. 17,15 now doth not his Kingdome rule over all Psal 103.19 and 66 7. and 119.89.91 and is not many here as generall a word as the world or all men Micah 4.3 He shall judge among many people surely whatever be in the first fruits when this is compleatly fulfilled It will as large as that in Mat. 25.32 c. and is
dispense then he speakes untruly for though by and through be true and good words and included yet in him is the most proper tearme when wee speak of that in himselfe and so used by the Holy Ghost Iohn 1.4 1 Iohn 5.11 Rom. 3.24 Col. 1.19 and 2.3 9. But if he grant a redemption and life in this sense he overthroweth all he hath hitherto said if he deny it he denies the foundation laid by God in Sion to be such a foundation as may be for any that are not yet come in in the call of them a foundation for and of repentance faith c. or for any so coÌ„ming in to be built upon denieth him to be a dore of life for any not yet entered and the true Vine or Olive tree for any yet to be grafted in that are not in him already and so taketh away the key of knowledge from men and shuts the dore of life against them but if he mean it of the vertue and power of this redemption life in Christ in the fruites thereof inâ—dened to men as the preservation of their lives and mercies vouchsafed to lead to repentance Iohn 4.5 9. Act. 14 17. 17.26 27 Ro. 4.2 Then he saith right It 's most proper to say By or through for many enjoying these yet have not himselfe and so have not justification c. Iohn 1.5 9 10 11. But this sense holds not with his businesse nor after saying so that his meaning is of the redemption justification and salvation in Christ and which he is as it is given in or as he entereth and possesseth the hearts of such as in appearance of his grace are reconciled to God and so in abled to beleeve in him And this being his meaning his saying that IN doth properly signifie by and through doth give cause of suspition of ignorance and of errour First of Ignorance for this redemption Justification c. is not received in the receit of some discoveries or opperations only but in receit of himselfe The Scripture beareth witnesse of him and that which is in him Iohn 5.39 and so doth the holy Spirit also Iohn 15.26 1 Iohn 5.6 10. and the faith of the Spirits working looketh on him Zach. 12.10 Phil. 3.7 8 9. Beleeveth on him Iohn 3.36 and so receiveth him Iohn 1.12 and he even he himselfe is the Beleevers righteousnesse Jer. 23.6 and life Col. 3.4 made of God unto them whom he hath made in him wisdome righteousnesse sanctification and redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 and so as life is in him and he is life and they that have him have life 1 Iohn 5.12 So beleevers have their life in him and in the very having of him Ephes 1.7 11. whence their whole confidence and rejoycing is in Christ Jesus Phil. 3.3 whence though by and through in this sense be true good and proper also yet in Christ is as proper yea more proper of the two Secondly of errour for in receit of this redemption besides the faith and hope in him which it effecteth it doth worke in the beleever in all his faculties powers and members melting and softening the heart renewing the disposition and conversation and so redeemeth and saveth from the polutions of the World the tyranny of Satan hardnesse of heart and rebellious lusts and brings up and unto love of brethren and works of adoration and mercy Ezek. 36.27 28. Tit. 2.11 12 13. In which also the beleevers faith is justified to be unfained and lively Iames 2.19 c But I hope Mr. Garner will not say this is their life and justification before God in which they glory and rest and approach to God in confidence on though that for which they are thankfull to God and though they may be said to have this in Christ because it is effected in them from his presence by spirit in them and that which is borne of the spirit is spirit yet this is properly said to be by and through Christ and so this interpretation of in Christ by him remaines darke and boubtfull 5. Why doth he say the words hold forth a reall c. enjoyment by those of whom the things are spoken what meaneth this Doth any deny that when the redemption of Christ c. is applicatively spoken of concerning those which have received the same that the so speaking doth not imply a real enjoyment by those spoken of no sure the opposed Treatise every where acknowledgeth it and bringeth forth more testimony for it then Ephes 1.7 11. as he also might have done but that proves nothing for his businesse for it was in him before they received it and there is more in them then they are partakers of in themselves though by faith they have it in them and so his saying a reall glorious and sure enjoyment which they have of redemption Justification and salvation in Christ is good and true of beleevers if understood of having it by faith in Christ But if this reall glorious and sure enjoyment in Christ be understood according to his drift to confound the distinction and as he expresseth and explaineth himselfe page 10. and the three last lines which they are partakers of in themselves before God according to the riches of his grace by Jesus Christ then his saying is not Scripture-like nor savouring of the spirit by which the Apostle speake who acknowledgeth all fulnesse of redemption justification and life in Christ that by faith they had all in him and were compleat in him but in respect of a glorious enjoyment and participation in themselves they have not only confessed their life hid with God in Christ Col. 3.3 But that they had not yet attained Phil. 3.12 13 that though Sonnes yet it did not appeare they say not what wee are but what wee shall bee 1 John 2.2 And that they were carnall and though the spirit alive yet the body dead and that they had the first fruites of the spirit and waited for the redemption of their bodies Rom. 7 14 15 24 25. 8 2.10 23 such high flowne speeches of glorious partaking in themselves of all that is in Christ for them would more beleeve such as Himmeneu Philletus that say the resurrection is past all ready they enjoy all to be enjoyed 2 Tim. 2.18 But to passe by his saying in this sense What if the redemption Justification and salvation in Christ be spoken of Christ as it is in him and prepared by him for men and he and his preparation spoken of and men spoken to as Prov. 9.1 5. Mat. 22.1 7 John 1 4 11. and 3.16 17. what doth it signifie and hold forth then Doth it not signifie good will and rich provision in him and set forth him a light salvation and life that men might repent and come to him and have life doth not all the Scripture quoted to this end bear witnesse to this and doth not the opposed Treatise testifie the same and is not this that
he might limit the extent of truth delivered by them IV. Mystery That Manna was appropriated by God to the Jewish Nation only but this true Bread Jesus Christ hee is not limitted unto the Jewish Nation only as that Manna was but hee is sent of God to give life everlasting life unto the Nations of the Gentiles the Heathen the World p. 101 102. This he calls A glorious Mystery But sure had he understood it hee would have exprest it rightly and so I should have confessed his saying true but as he hath exprest it I know not well how to say it is truth for it s not proveably that Manna was restrained to the Jewish Nation only for a mixed multitude went up with them out of Egypt and they were not Israelites or Jewes neither by birth nor circumcision for then had they been counted the same but how to understand a mixed multitude distinct from Israel we see in comparing Exo. 12.38 Neh. 13.3 And this mixt multitude that also had of the Manna and did first loath and murmure did stir up the children of Israel to murmur Nu. 11.4.10 Egypt typing the worldly state If the fewest of all Nations be all Nations as Mr. Garner would have us understand how many Nations did then partake of Manna let him tell us next But againe that Jesus Christ was or is sent of God to give everlasting life unto the Nations of the Gentiles the Heathen the World he affirmes in his owne name as if he were God for hee hath no place of Scripture so saying for though he give life to the world yet everlasting life he neither giveth nor was sent or is appointed to give but only to those that by the heavenly call are brought in to beleeve on him who are therein chosen out of the world and from among the Nations and no Heathens then Joh. 3.16 and 6.40 and 17.2 14 yet sure there is a glorious Mystery unvailed in the Scripture shewing all that was typed or shadowed by Manna found and fulfilled in and by Christ Jesus 1. Manna was sent from Heaven corne of Heaven for which the People did neither Plow Sowe nor reap but it was prepared and freely given by God to relieve the people in a great straight Exod. 16.4 Psalme 78.24 So Iesus Christ was not of mans devising or getting but prepared and sent of God that the lost world might be saved 1 Peter 1.20 Iob 33.24 Iohn 3.16 17. 1 Iohn 4.14 And the same may be said both of the Gospell 2 Peter 1.16.20 and of that light and mercy vouchsafed through him to men Iohn 1 4 5 9. how much more of eternall life given to Beleevers 1 Iohn 5.11 12. Rom. 6.23 in with and by Iesus Christ our Lord. 2. Manna was both corporall meat in some sense to preserve the naturall life for a season that they might have time of repentance and seeking the Lord Exod. 16.35 Psalme 78.25 and in some sense it was spirituall meate being a type of Christ the bread of life Iohn 6.31 32 33. an ordinance or medium in eating whereof they might have looked up to Christ and fed on him and so shadowing the Gospell and supper of the Lord and other his ordinances more clear mediums 1 Cor. 10.1 5. And it was one instruction to live by faith and a probation whether they would or no Eezek 16.4 Deut. 8.1.2 3. even so Iesus Christ is hee that gives life light and mercy to the world that they may have space and means to repent come in to him Iohn 1.4 5-9 and 6.33 Acts 17.24 28. Col. 1.17 And he it is that hath given and giveth his Gospell the supper and other ordinances as spirituall meat and mediums in eating whereof men beleeving might even feed on him 1 Cor. 10.14.15 16 17. And he himselfe is that bread of life which whosoever feedeth on shall live for ever Iohn 6.48 49 50 58 And as all his Gospell ordinances and mercies instruct to so he himselfe leadeth those that feed on him to live by faith Gal. 2.20 And the teaching tender and offer of him is a probation of men Iohn 3 18 19 20. all this cleare in and by Christ 3. Manna was a healthfull and sufficient food spirituall meat for them all all Israel and the mixt multitude and common for them so as their naturall lives were preserved by it and they might have received instruction by it in eating it to have looked to Christ that was to come and learned to live by faith Exod. 16.4.18.35 Num. 11.4 8. Neh. 9 20. Devt 8.1 2 3 16. And yet with those that in eating this corporall and spirituall meat did not receive instruction to look to Christ and live by faith God was not wel pleased but they perished 1 Cor. 10 1-10 even so Jesus Christ is the saviour of All men 1 Tim. 4 10. and a sufficient Saviour for the World John 3.17 John 4.14 and he hath a common salvation Jude 3. His light mercy extendeth to all to preserve their naturall life and lead to repentance John 1.4 5 9. and 6.33 Rom. 4.2 His Gospell to be preached to all Marke 16.15 and that and his Ordinances spirituall meat for all that come out of Aegyptian darknesse to the acknowledgemēt of the Gospel that in eating such spirituall meat they might come to Christ and feed on him which those that in eating spirituall meat doe not God is not wel pleased with them Iudg. 3.4 5. 1 Cor. 10.1 11. but to all that come in by faith to feed on him he giveth eternall life John 6. 4. Manna was ground in a Mill or beaten in a morter and then Baked fryed or sodden and so was their meat to eate Ex. 16.23 Numb 11.8 So Jesus Christ suffered and dyed for our sinnes and rose for our justification and by the eternall Spirit offered up himselfe a spotlesse Sacrifice to God and by vertue of all this and nothing lesse then this is he the bread of life Iohn 6.48 62 63. and giveth life to the world Iohn 6.33 and eternall life to those that in beleeving feed on him Iohn 6.47 5. Manna fell and came down in and with the dew of Heaven Exod. 16.14 13. Numb 11.9 Even so Christ was freely given in the love of God Iohn 3.16 and all mercies extended through him are fruits of his grace Rom. 4.2 But he himselfe is made known and given to men in and with the Gospell 1 Peter 1.21 25. that is dew Deut. 32.2 3. and by the Spirit that is heavenly Dew Iohn 15 26. 1 Iohn 5 6. Isay 44.3 4. much more might be said as How Manna was gathered on the six daies and not on the Sabbath so Christ and his Gospell to be imbraced in this life or else he will not be found after and how that as Manna was sweet to the tast so Christ and his Gospell but I forbeare either further similitudes or dissimillitudes others have by the Scripture shewn them
nature and will and draw him God ward and for this Jesus Christ hath ascended to heaven and received spirit in the man to send forth even to the rebellious that the Lord God might dwell among them which he also doth send forth Psal 68 18. And so as in my Treatises may be seene I understand Jesus Christ makes men saveable 1. In himselfe as he is the second man the last Adam that stood in the place and undertook for the first publique man for him and all that were in him having taken the same nature and in it dyed fure for the first Adams sin or else for no mans sin and if for his sin then for all mens sin or else his sin was not al mens sin and he is in that nature risen just and hath offered up himselfe a Sacrifice for man and is now in mans nature glorified so that in him is peace righteousnesse c. So as in him as the publique man the nature of all mankind is as fully yea more abundantly saved restored and enriched with glorious salvation then it was fallen in the first Adam and this is as really in him for mankind as the fall and death of the former was 2. This salvation and life in Jesus the second publique man is as vertuous and more vertuous and powerfull in him and fuller of efficacie to make all that by grace come in to him like himselfe then the sin and death of the former to make those that by propagation come forth from him like him And both these are evident Rom. 5.12.14.18 19. 1 Cor. 15.45 46 47. 2 Cor. 3.18 And this is great salvation actuall salvation in Christ for men before it be preached or hee set forth as the propitiation Rom. 3.24 25. Heb. 2 2-4 3. He by vertue of this hee hath done and is become with God for men is now the Mediator between God and men and so procureth of God for men and extendeth towards them the preservation of the creatures for their use and space of repentance Psal 75.3 2 Pet. 3 9. which the Apostle cals Salvation and wills us so to account it 2 Pet. 3.15 The Dispensation of meanes and mercies as testimonies of his goodnesse Acts 14.17 which the Apostle saith is to lead to repentance and seeking the Lord Act. 17.26 27.30 31. Rom. 2.4 And with these means at some seasons some strift and motions of his Spirit to reprove c. Gen. 6 3. Prov. 12.23.24 And this with so much efficacy that at some or other enlightens every one in some measure that commeth into the world that was made by him Iohn 1.9.10 And by his workes manifesteth some truth in men Rom. 1.18 19. and so striveth with them But all this more openly and abundantly where he sends the Gospell which is a preaching of great salvation Heb. 2 3. wherein also is some presence of Christ by his Spirit to discover witnesse reprove draw to and apply salvation Though many breake all bands Joh. 15.26 27. 16. Mat. 28.20 Hosea 11.3 4 7. And this that they might beleeve Joh. 1 7 and be saved Joh. 5.34 And this with so much prevailency that he bringeth them in some measure to see and heare and toucheth their hearts Though divers like not the light and so willingly close their eyes and eares and harden their hearts Joh. 3.19 20 21. Act. 28.27 And all this is actuall salvation and extended that men might come in to him and partake of eternall 4. He hath eternall life and salvation to bestow on every one of them that in these his drawings come into him Joh. 17.3 Heb. 5 9. And all this was in and by Christ from the first beginning of his undertaking with God as is fore-shewne though since his comming in the flesh more manifest and in the fruits more abundant And this is meant by his making all men saveable so as those empty and undivine reasons of A purchasing only a possibility of salvation Of the ineffectualnesse of Christ his death before his acting it Of restraining the word Death to the act of his dying Of redeeming God of making salvation actuall by faith faith being neither Discoverer nor Applyer but only the receiver of what he by Spirit in the means discovers and applyes Of urging that if a potentiall wrought that should be the phrase Then no actuall as If he the God of the Valleys then not of the Mountaines are of no force and beseemed Lay-preachers better then Mr. T. W. As for the other objections of his owne framing I may leave them to his owne Answering though he might be bold There was a doore before so opened as 2 Tim. 1.10 as there was a well before Hagar saw it Genes 21.19 else not only some but all both Jewes and Gentiles before Christ came in the flesh are perished for ever But I may not slip over his Answer of his owne framed objection That if Christ Dyed not for all they want a foundation of faith To which he replyeth No. For the foundation of both our faith and obedience is not the secret but the revealed will of God which enjoynes every man to beleeve on him whom the Father hath sent c. Surely here he hath said something if he would either stand by it or make any thing of it But according to his direction wee must search to that in another place and here and there I will make the best of it that I can 1. As God is one so his will and though there be much more secret then is yet revealed yet hath he not in his word revealed any one thing for men to believe as his mind that is contrary to his will that is yet secret his sayings are all true certain c. Prov. 8.6 9. â—2 20 21. what an intimation of a heavy charge is this to the sayings of the God of truth 2. A Minister of the Gospell or a Beleever ought to meddle no farther about the will of God concerning any thing in their declaration then what by word or workes he hath revealed Deut. 29.29 to which those who are submitted when God saith his Sonne dyed for all will not conceit another secret meaning and use reasons to scare men from beliefe of his testimony 3. The foundation of Repentance faith and new obedience is not the injunction to beleeve c. But that which is to be beleeved even Jesus Christ as he is set forth in the Gospell Isay 28.16 Acts 4.10 11 12. 1 Cor. 3.11 And for whom there is not the Christ that hath dyed for their sinnes and rose for their justification there is no foundation for repentance or faith nor is there any injunction for or liberty to or hope in it for any man to repent or beleeve or to looke to Christ for salvation if where Gospell comes they doe not first beleeve that Christ dyed for their sinnes and rose for their justification 1 Cor. 15.1 4 17. so that in this grant Mr. T.W.