LORD of All. Acts 10.36 And hath been and is and shall be so glorifyed in the hearts of many That they shall runne to him and bee by his Knowledge shall justify them Isai 55.5 53.11 And all the rest of men shall one day bee convinced of sinne because they have not Beleeved on Him John â—6 8 9. And All shall appeare before his Judgement-Seat and then and there shall confesse him LORD to the Glory of God Philip. 2.10 11. And there shall give Account to him Rom. 14.9.12 And He shall give the Judgement and that according to the Gospel Joh. 12.48 Rom. 2.16 And so shall be glorifyed together with his Father in the Declaration of the glorious goodnesse of his shining Truth Justice Mercy free and aboundant Love on those on his right hand and his unfailing truth with the Equity and Severity of his Justice on them on his left hand Matth. 25.31.46 By all which it will then appeare that his Ransome was effectuall with his Father and hath been effectuall with many and might have been with others So as All shall then know That by the Grace of GOD bee tasted Death for Every Man and gave himself a Ransome for All By vertue whereof hee then will shew himself both KING and Judge And so much for Proof of the Proposition CHAP. XXII Of the Removing some Doubts hindring some from Beleeving That which they confesse the Scripture plainely Affirmeth SOme doe confesse That they cannot denie but that the Scripture plainely Affirmeth That JESVS CHRIST gave himself a Ransome for All Men and by the grace of GOD tasted Death for Every Man and is the Saviour of and Propitiation for the Sinnes of the World but yet they are fearfull to beleeve the same in the Sense the words import because in other places it is said Faith is the gift of God Eph. 2.8 and all that the Father giveth Christ shall come to him Joh. 6.37 and as many at more ordained to Eternall Life beleeved Act. 13.48 Whence seeing all doe not beleeve They know not how to beleeve that CHRIST dyed for All. ANSWER This hath been fully answered before yet because it remaines as a Doubt in some it shall be Particularly with what is before said Ephes 2.8 For by grace yâ—â— are fiveâ—â— Through◠〈◊〉 and thee not of your selves it is the gift of God In these words there is a cleer distinction between the grace by which wee are saved and the Faith through which wee are saved And also here is a double affirmation One intimate and by the conjunction necessarily implyed Viz. That the grace by which we are saved is the Gift of God The other expresse Viz. That the Faith through which we are saved is also the Gift of God againe The saving here affirmed of is to be minded both in respect of that from which wee are saved and also in respect of 〈◊〉 Salvation it self It hath been before shewne how the Scripture distinctly setteth forth First a Reconciliation Redemption and Salvation which Iesus Christ by himself in his owne body wrought with God for men which was for all Men. And secondly a Reconciliation Redemption and Salvation which by his Spirit in applying the former hee worketh in men to God which though offered in some sort to All yet received only by beleevers as is shewne Chap. 1. which double Reconciliation and Redemption is suitable to the double enmity against God and the misery that mankind was fallen into First through mans falling into sinne there was enmity in the very condition of all Mankind which stood crosse to God to keep him from comming in to men and extending Mercy and Peace to them Isa 59.1 2. Secondly through mans falling into sinne there is an enmity in the very nature of all mankind which rules in the hearts and diffuseth it self through all the Powers of soul and body filling the man with aversenesse to God and so keepeth a man from submitting and comming in to God for Mercy and Peace Rom. 3.10.18 God might if it had so pleased him have throwne mankind for sinne into destruction with the Devills and their Angels that first sinned and then drew mankind into finne but hee had more love to mankind and being full of Pitty and Compassion towards men he was ready to shew Mercy and extend peace to mankind But man being fallen into sinne and sinning the Truth of God prest for man to die and his Justice for man to suffer Curse and if without imposing this death and curse mercy should be shewne and Peace extended to men it would blemish the truth and Justice of God and so be against him Psal 5.4 5. Such was the condition of mankind and so filled with enmity against God for remedying whereof JESUS CHRIST by his Fathers appointment became man a Publick Person in the room of All and so died for our sinnes and rose for our Justification and offered himself a Ransome and Propitiatory Sacrifice to God for All men So as in him the sinner hath dyed and the Curse is suffered and so Mercy and Truth are mett Psal 85.10 11. having slaine the Enmity which was in the condition of Mankind Ephes 2.16 and made Peace through the blood of his Crosse Coll. 1.20 which is intimated also Ephes 2.5 By grace yee are saved and yet there is another Reconciliation for Christ to worke Coll. 1.20 For notwithstanding this Reconciliation wrought by Christ for men yet there is an enmity in the nature of men still they being by nature dead in Trespasses and sinnes Ephes 2.1 2 3. alienated from and enemies to God in their mindes by wicked workes Col. 1.21 all out of the way c. Rom. 3.10 19. Such is the nature of mankind For remedying whereof God hath exalted JESUS CHRIST and filled him with Spirit to send forth in the Declaration of the former Reconciliation and Peace made by him thereby to convince and subdue the Rebellious and to worke repentance and faith in the subdued through which faith they receive this Salvation Psal 68.18.20 Act. 5.30 31 32. as is before shewne Chap. 1. 2. 3. 4. and so they are saved both from the enmity in their Condition by the grace of God in Christ and from the enmity in their nature by the same grace through faith wrought in their hearts whereby they beleeve this grace and therethrough depend on him and so receive remission of sinnes and life and the beginnings of Salvation from Jesus Christ And thus also there appeares a threefold salvation of the workeing of Jesus Christ 1. A Salvation which is altogether without man wrought by Jesus Christ himself in his owne body with God for men whereby the enmity in mens condition is slaine and so a way of Salvation opened for every man 1. Tim. 2.4 6. Heb. 2.9 2. A salvation which is in the hearts and soules of men discovering it self in some fruits in their mortall bodies which Jesus Christ worketh by his spirit making
raiseth the Conclusion of faith hee having now given us freely this his owne Sonne whom before when we were enemies hee delivered up to death for us How shall hee not now in giving him with him also freely give us all things Compare Rom. 4.24 25.5.1.5.10 11. and 1 Cor. 3.22 23. Gal. 3.29 with this Rom. 8.32 and all this will well appeare So that this Place gives no Proof to the Proposition and is dangerously abused to be cited to beare such a sense as shuts the doore against all the choice uses of it and opens a doore to horrible abuse for were it not wicked reasoning to say because the Apostle saith of and to Beleevers Rom. 14 10 12. VVee shall All stand before the Judgement-seat of Christ So that every one of us shall give an account of himself to God Therefore that he dyed for All and wee must All appear before the Judgement-seat of Christ is meant of the Beleevers and the Elect onely To prove the Assumption is cited Joh. 14.17 Even the Spirit of Truth whom the VVorld cannot receive c. vers 22. Judas saith unto him not Iscariot Lord how is it that thou wilt manifest thy self to us and not unto the world and 17.9 I pray not for the World But for them which thou hast given mee for they are thine Ans 1. These places speakes not of the Ransome and Propitiation only nor yet for that and the fruits thereof only but also of higher Communication of Spirit and Priviledges which Jesus Christ by vertue of his blood both as the ransome as the seal of the New Testament with which he is ascended doth from his Fathers right hand send forth to those that are Called doe beleeve on him and to no other though in the Counsell of God elected So that these Places prove not the Assumption but are abused in being cited to it without any distinction whereas Christ in the Scripture maketh a distinction of these things 1 Cor. 2.9 Heb. 9.14 Joh. 7.38 39. and 3.12 as is shewne Chap. 1.2.3 before 2. Neither doe these places say the World of the wicked and ungodly men as the Assumption doth and incited them to it would have them understand where if by wicked and ungodly be meant the seed of the Serpent which with an Emphasis are so called Then it overthrows the Proposition and conclusion and intimately confesseth what it openly denies For they are therefore even so called the wicked and ungodly and of the wicked One because they have refused to come in to God by yea have despised and abused those mercies and meanes Procured for and extended to them through the Death and Ransome of Christ for them and accompanied with some gift of his Spirit to turne them in to God as is evident by comparing Gen. 4.3.7 16. with 1 Joh. 3.12 and Gen. 6.2 3 5. with 1 Pet. 3.18 19 20. 2 Pet. 2.1.5 Prov. 1.23.25 Act. 7.51 But if by wicked and ungodly be meant the world of Mankind as they are Naturall men and unconverted Then it either excludes many of them from being wicked and ungodly in any sense and so contradicts the Scripture Ephe. 2.1 2 3. Tit. 3.2 3 4. Col. 1.22 Rom. 5.6 or else shuts them out all and every one Elect as well as others from being of the number of them for whom Christ dyed for they all are uncapable of receiving that Portion of Spirit here promised Nor are such manifestations and Priviledges here meant for any though Elect till they first so beleeve in Christ that they love him Joh. 7.38 39. 1 Cor. 2.9 15. and howsoever this Assumption mingles Naturall men together with and makes them one with the Seed of the Serpent and so sinfully abuseth the Places cited by Addition 3. This Assumption with the whole Argument denies the truth of the Gospel which the Scripture shewes plainly is to be Preached to all men even Every man Matth. 28.19 Mar. 16.15 16. Yea the Proclamation of love of God in Giving his Sonne to die for them Joh. 1.29 3.16 17. that thereby they may be shewne 1. The vilenesse of their sinnes needing such a Ransome Isa 2.6 Hebr. 9.22 Gal. 3.13 2. The emptinesse of all their self-wrought Righteousnesse to help them Gal. 3.21 Psal 49.7 3. The vanity of all worldly things to recover them Job 28. tot 1 Pet. 1.18 4. The Pardon Peace Spirit and life that is in Christ to Communicate to those that doe Repent submit to and beleeve on him Act. 10.43 and 13.38 Eph. 2.13.17 5. That it is the good will of God that they should Repent and beleeve Act. 3.19 26. 6. That hee hath shewed mercy already to the chief of sinners to encourage them to beleeve and turne in to him for the same 1 Tim. 1.14 15 16. 7. That even they if by this grace be wrought on to Repentance and overcome to beleeve on Christ they shall receive Remission of sinnes and favour with God yea Eternall life Acts 10.43 and 13.38 Joh. 3.15 16 36. 8. That their not beleeving makes them impenitent and till they doe Repent and Beleeve they abide under sinne condemnation and wrath Joh. 5.38 40. and 3.18.36 9. That if when light comes and Spirit moves at their hearts they doe yeeld and turne Spirit will farther come in and make them know the truth and the truth will make them free Prov. 1.23 Ioh. 8.31 32. but if then they refuse and harden their hearts against it that is great condemnation and if they so persist it endangers them to be given up of God and then there will be no Remedy but they will be judged to a second death by him that hath dyed for them and now calleth them and they will none of his Counsell Ioh. 3.19 Prov. 1.23 25. Psal 68.21 2 Thes 2.8 And all this is true Gospel whether men beleeve it or beleeve it not and on this ground and pressing all this as the Truth and Oracles of God are all men to be exhorted to Repentance of their sinnes to faith in Christ Jesus and so to be reconciled to God Mar. 1.15 Act. 2.37 and 3.2 Cor. 5.14 15 19 30. And till by the Spirit in this Gospel men be made Penitent and brought in to beleeve in Christ they are no better then naturall men and of the world though Elect and so uncapable of such receit of Spirit and manifestations as these Ioh. 14.17 22. 1 Cor. 2.14 which is also to be could them to bring them to Repentance and faith Act. 2.37 38. But when any are brought in by the Spirit in belief of this Gospel brought in to Christ and fastened in cenfidence and love to him Then may they look and waite even for this portion of Spirit also Joh. 14.17 and 7.38 39. Act. 2.38 and abiding and walking in faith and Love they shall receive the manifestations of more aboundant Love and Priviledges here promised Joh. 14.21 23. 1 Cor. 2.9 whereas the citing these places to the Assumption
toward a conclusion who ever thou be I pray thee let us take notice of the goodnesse excellency and Preciousnesse of this Gospel in this Declaration of the Death and Resurrection of Christ and the great love of God to Mankind in giving his Sonne to die for our Sinnes and the fulnesse and fitnesse of the Propitiation he made thereby and the life he is filled with at his Fathers right hand and the Spirit be hath received to send forth to the Sonnes of men and all still by vertue of the Precious blood of his once shed be not weary but take it well though I speake a word or two freely of this Declaration of the Gospel when it is spiritually enlightned to any heart and the heart enabled to perceive and beleeve 1. It is a true glasse in and through which the Beleevers looking may see First The hainousness of our sinnes which wee the chief whips Thornes Speare Nailes Crosse and malady that put the Sonne of God in our Nature to so much grievous sorrow shame paine agony and Death Esay 53.3.9 2 Cor. 5.19.21 Rom. 4.24 and the haynousness thereof appeares in this that nothing else nothing lesse then so great suffering and blood-shedding of the Sonne of God could satisfy for and take away sinne Heb. 9.9.12.22 24. 10.1.10 Mat. 26.29 and also in this that now they are against so good a God and so great goodnesse manifested not onely by Creation but now much more by and through a Redemption with such Precious blood Rom. 2.4 Acts. 17.14 2. The vanity worthlesness and inabilitie of all the Sonnes of Adam and of all their righteousness and best workings and of all Creatures with all their excellencies either to doe away sinne or to make man righteous or Procure life with God which if any or all of them could Then Gods onely begotten Sonne should have been spared Esai 59.16 and 50.2 and 63.5 Job 28.1.19 Hebr. 1.10 Gal. 2.21 Luk. 22.42 3. The woefull and unconceivable heavy condition of every man that commeth to hear the punishment of sinne in his own Person for when the first curse and death as the punishment of sinne borne by him for sinners who never did sinne did for a few houres Suffering put this strong Captaine to such an agony so to groane and cry out What will it doe to such when all their sinnes themselves have committed come to be agravated by dispising so great Patience and goodnesse procured by such a Redeemer and therein despising the Redemption it self and refusing to come in to their Lord that hath so dearly bought them and for all their contempt with all their sinnes therethrough abiding on them be cast into a Second death and suffer therein for ever and ever Luk. 22.44 23.30 31. 2 Pet. 2. 4. The holy nature and attributes of God as his exceeding hatred and indignation against sinne his wonderfull justice in fulfilling the Curse on all Transgressours of the Law and his truth in causing the sinner to dye all seen in this that he would not forbeare nor abate his owne Sonne that was but set in sinners Place for them any part of the debt but required it all of him Isai 53. and also his infinite mercy and compassionate love even to mankind fallen into sinne and enmity against him in providing and giving such a Ransome for them Joh. 3.16 17. 1 Tim. 2.4 5 6. his infinite wisedome in making Mercy and Truth Righteousnesse and Peace to meet in one for recovery of sinners Truth fulfilled and Justice satisfyed in the Curse imposed and death inflicted on his Sonne the Man Christ Jesus and so on all in him in the room of all and so mercy and Peace procured and ready for Mankind yea his Mercy and Truth in sending him forth to doe all this Psal 85.10 11. 2 Cor. 5.14 15 19 21. his infinite Power in raysing Christ from the death that dyed as the sinner in the room of all free from all those sinnes imputed to him and a Victorer over the Curse and Death imposed on him and over the Devills that conflicted with him Rom. 1.4 4.25 15.3 4.20.5 7. Col. 2.14 15. And so his Infinite Power Mercy Love Truth Justice Faithfulness in Calling to his Sonne Isai 33.3 Joh. 6.44 45. and dispencing Pardon Spirit and Life to those that in his Call are submitted too and brought to beleeve on his Sonne Isai 33.10 11. Joh. 7.9 5. The Three Persons in one God the Father that gave his Son Ioh. 3.16 1 Ioh. 4.14 and calleth to his Son Joh. 6.44 45. Matt. 16.16 2 Tim. 1.4 The Sonne that came forth from the Father and gave himself a Ransome for All Men and went againe to the Father Joh. 16.28 1 Tim. 2.4 5 6. Heb. 11.1 19. and receiveth those that in the heavenly Call are given him by the Father and maketh known his Father and his Fathers words to them and presenting them spotlesse in himself and giveth them the Priviledges of sonnes Joh. 6.37.8.17.4 9. Col. 1.21 22. Joh. 1.12 13 18. The holy Spirit that commeth from the Father and the Sonne with super-naturall and divine light and Power and teacheth and giveth in the words of Christ beareth witnesse of him and affecteth faith and a new heart and witnesseth Sonship and leadeth the Sonnes of God Joh. 14.2 6. 15.26 16.13 14 15. Joh. 5.6 7. Rom. 8.14 15 16. 6. The glorious Love Goodnesse Excellency beauty and Authority in Christ Iesus who is set forth herein to be God Isa 9.6 the Son of God Mat. 3.17 God made man Gal. 4.4 God man in one Person Joh. 1.1.14 God with us Mat. 1.25 whose Ransome given and Propitiation made is full and fit for us and effectuall with the Father 1 Tim. 2.4 6. 1 Joh. 2.2 Hebr. 10 1.10 who is the rightfull Lord of All. Act. 10.36 and Wisedome and Power of God and the Wisedome Righteousnesse Sanctification and Redemption unto all that beleeve on him 1 Cor. 1.24 30. the High-Priest Prophet and King Heb. 5.7 9. the Fountain of Life and Spirit ps 36.8 9. 7. The ground and certainty of the Resurrection from the dead 1 Cor. 15. tot and of the equity and certainty of Christs Judging All. Rom. 14.9.11 12. 2 Cor. 5.10 and of the equity and severity of the second Death Joh. 3.19 Lu. 19.27 2 Pet. 1.2 8. The certaine sure and unspeakable happy and blessed Estate of all those that in beleeving are made one with Christ who are therein one with God in him and with Brethren in him having the same Spirit and Priviledges now in first fruits and in due season of harvest Ioh. 1.12.16 17.20 in respect of all which and such discoveries by the Spirit in the Gospel beleeved I. The Gospel is rightly called a Glass 1 Co. 13.12 2 Co. 3 3.18 Ja. 1.2 3. II. It is a sweet Prevailing motive and powerfull load-stone to draw a man 1. To judge condemne and deny himselfe and his owne wisedome parts righteousnesse 2.
Spirit goeth forth to acquaint men with it is the Declaration of Gods love to Mankind in the gift of his Sonne and the Ransome given and Propitiation made by his Son and the report of all this lift and happinesse 〈◊〉 sure for them that repent and berlieve And of the heavy woe that abide them that hurden themselves and refuse and so to â—â—ire at them to Repent and Beleeve and this the Gospel 〈…〉 forth to and for All Men. 2 Cor. 5.10 11 14 15. 21. 1 Tim. 2.4 5 6. Every man Heb. 2.9 The World Joh. 3.16 19. 2 Cor. 5.19 The whole world 1 Joh. 2.2 4.14 Even for sinners 1 Tim. 1.16 and the straightning of this Common Salvation 〈◊〉 but for sonne and they such also or 〈…〉 tell who they bee I feare will prove the takeing away the Key of Knowledge and so keeping 〈◊〉 from 〈…〉 found it 〈◊〉 11 5◠〈◊〉 those whâ—â— in this Declaration of the Gospel are enlightned and brought in to 〈◊〉 shall experiment all aforesaid Canst have they to repent that say The Gospel is of it self a week and insufficions Dectrine or tending 〈…〉 all to blesse God for Christ by whom wee obtain all good things so to blesse him for his Gospel by which all thâ—sâ— Treasurie we discovered and brought to us and 〈…〉 for the plaine Expression of it in the Doctrine of the Church of England and to pray for the continuance of it and that many may submit too and receive â—t and that wee may walke worthy of it and for this cause let 〈◊〉 be constant in love and beleif of it in attending to and obeying it hearing reading meditating living and walking in it Let it dwell and rule in our hearts and let us bring forth the fruits of it and so speake seasonably and much thereof and Countenance all that thus doe And the God of all grace fill us full of the blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and by his Spirit guide us therein unto his Kingdome AMEN Finis The POSTSCRIPT containing a Declaration to cleare an Expression used in Answer of the 3. Objection mentioned in the Testification of the Truth of 1 Tim. 2.6 Heb. 2.9 * See page 98. line 15. c. THe end of the Death of Christ in respect of Propitiation made and Satisfaction and Ransome given by him to God for Mankind as I conceive and beleeve may without errour be considered in a double respect and so called a two-sould End 1. First in respect of that which according to the will of God and Christ which is one and may be looked at as the agreement between them God was upon the Satisfaction made and Ransom Given to doe Presently to Christ and for his sake 2. In respect of that which Christ by vertue of the said Propitiation Satisfaction and Ransome given to God should have Power fitnesse and Authority to doe in fit Season and so and then God to doe through him and for his sake And I conceive That without errour one may call the one The first the next and immediate end of his Propitiation Satisfaction and Ransome because it was to be done Presently and without any other medium even for and because of his Propitiation Satisfaction and Ransome given only The other The Second the Mediate and Vltimate End because it is that for the which by the first Hee is made perfect and fitted to accomplish And for accomplishing whereof Hee useth other meanes besides his Death Resurrection and Ascention all which are included in the offering himself Spotlesse as the Ransome Satisfaction and Propitiation for mankind The death mentioned being the death of him that is risen ascended and set at Gods right Hand Even his intercession and sending forth meanes and Spirit therein Thereby to make known this grace and so offer and apply the same to make it effectuall to this latter end in and by vertue of the former end obtained by Ransome given and by the Power and operation of this latter in sending forth meanes and Spirit for tender and application of the former And for amplication hereof I conceive one may safely say That in the first next and immediate and of the Ransome given many particulars are comprehended As 1. The Justification of Christ as the Publick Person that stood in the room of all Mankind and that from all the sinnes imputed to him and that in so full and fruitfull a Justification as all that are after brought into him by Spirit may not onely in him but with and through him be in their own particulars justified even as verily and as fully as the First Adam on the fall was sentenced a Sinner as the Publick Person in the room of all Mankind So that all that after come by Propitiation to have beeing from him are not only sinners in him but with and through him as is shewne Isai 53.6 7 8. with Rom. 3.22 23 24. and 5.12.18 19. 2. The removing of the Enmity of the Condition of Mankind So as a perfect Peace be acknowledged made and accepted and that all that lay in the way in mans Condition be so removed and the doore so opened That God according to his truth and Justice may extend mercy and offer grace and Life to man which without this Propitiation Satisfaction and Ransome given wold as God hath manifested himself in his word have been contrary to his truth and justice But now are therethrough agreeing in and therewith Joh. 1.29 Eph. 2.16 Col. 1.20 and 2.4.15 Psal 85.10 Mat. 3.17 3. The making of Jesus Christ the Lord of All and giving all over into the dispose of Christ as his purchased People That hee may Governe dispose and judge them all and that all may give account of themselves to Christ Rom. 14.9.12 2 Cor. 5.10.14 15. 4. The setting of Jesus Christ at his Fathers right hand and filling him with Spirit Power and Authority To execute That according to his will which is one and the same with the will of his Father And may be called the agreement between the Father and him who are one Psal 110.1 Hebr. 10.12 1 Pet. 3.18.22 1. Even so Hee and God for his sake might take off so much of the Punishment of sin into which man was taken and entend so much Patience Mercy and Bounty as may both beare forth some Testimony of his goodnesse and also be meet to move and lead men to Repentance Col. 1.17 Psal 75.3 Act. 14.17 17.29 Rom. 2.4 â— Hee and God for his sake might use such further meanes by sending forth the Gospel either by a Rumour Rom. 10.18 or plaine Declaration either more briefly or more amply as hee pleaseth to acquaint men with Christ and to call to Repentance and turning in to the Lord. Psal 68.11 Rom. 10.14 21. Prov. 8 ult 3 Hee and God for his sake might in some measure at one time or other and as often as he pleaseth Send forth in and according to the meanes some light and motion
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
sinnes and is He not without sinne even the just One 1 Joh. 3.5 and 2.1 2. and hath not God accepted him and his Sacrifice and Ransome given Matth. 17 5. Heb. 7.8 9 10. even for all that for which hee gave it and is not God Righteous to give his Sonne even all that which by vertue of his Ransome onely belonged to Jesus Christ Surely God is Righteous but that were injustice not onely to require the whole Debt againe but even any part thereof either of him or of any other that are discharged by him or to detaine from him or any of his any thing that by vertue of that Ransome onely is due to be conferred on them Isa 53.10 11. Yet Gods owne Children have complained and cryed out by reason of trouble with the law of sinne in their members Rom. 7.15.24 Gal. 5.17 and God saith of his owne Children that are the members of Christ Psal 89.32 I will visite their transgressions with the rod and their iniquity with stripes and saith expresly They suffer for the punishment of their sinne Lam. 3.22 39. and in their Repentance will have them accept the punishment of their iniquity Levit. 26.41 Mich. 7.9 Now to say the punishments upon Gods Children are not punishments for sinne but onely corrections for amendment they being both is too weak an evasion and contradictory to the Scripture Hos 5.15 and 6.1 2. and 12.1 Now is God unrighteous that punisheth God forbid Rom. 3.4 5. Psal 51.4 But how will the urgers of this Reason for justifying the two Propositions justify God and get out of this snare they have laid for others I hope they will not say with the * See the Postscript Papists that Jesus Christ onely paid the greatest part of the debt to his Father wholly in respect of eternall punishments and left a part of the debt in respect of Temporall punishments for his people to pay in bearing the same here in sufferings and Penitentiall Satisfactions and making up what is wanting thereof in Purgatory for this will exceedingly derogate from the Sufferings and Satisfaction made by Christ to his Father and flying this as they have good cause to doe they have by joyning this Reason with the two former Propositions charged God with unjustice and left no way to justify him in punishing any of his Elect for whom Christ dyed and paid the price they being already justifyed and to be saved from wrath through him as the Proposition affirmeth and what presumptuous rashnesse was this so to Reason and affirme for the maintenance of two falshods Neither doth Rom. 5.9 say That all that Christ dyed and paid the price for shall be saved from wrath through him But speaking of Beleevers that had experimented justification through his blood and it declares the more abundance of their confidence That they should now much rather be saved by his life and from wrath through him 2. Here appeareth gross ignorance about the End of the Death of Christ as the price Satisfaction for sinne and Ransome which hee gave himself to God for mankind which was not that by that Act of his with God men should without any more done by him See Postscript be presently possessed of all that Justification freedome from deaths and enjoyment of life that is in him or which he hath wrought or purchased No no there was something else to be done by him from heaven in application of the former to effect that it was not that by that Act dâ—ne by himself and in his owne body onely any of the Sonnes of men should receive either justification from sinne in their Consciences or purgation of sinne out of their Natures which is to be effected by his Spirit in application of that blood speaking Peace and purging and renewing Heb. 12.24 9.14 Tit. 3.4.5 7. or Redemption of their bodies in a through and perfect Freedome from all misery and Death and trouble and sorrow of Soul mortallity weaknesse affliction and Death of body which is to be affected at his pleasure through his Divine Power by vertue of his resurrection from the Dead 1 Cor. 15. tot or the bringing them to and possessing them of all the life Righteousnesse and Inheritance that he hath obtained which is to be effected through the vertue of his blood by his life Spirit and Divine Power Rom. 5.10 1 Pet. 1.5 Heb. 7.25 But the End of His Death in respect of the Ransome only as perfected in and by himself in his owne body was That he might be Lord of all men and have them in his dispose That hee might have all released to him and have the pardon in his hands and Spirit and Life and inheritance to give freely as hee should thinke fit who is of one minde with his Father That hee might have Power and Authority to ease them of as much trouble exercise as much patience and shew them as much mercy and bounty as might be meet to lead them to Repentance And also to use such meanes as hee pleaseth to Call and bring them to Repentance and Faith and to send forth his Spirit to move at their Hearts that they might Repent and Beleeve That by Spirituall Application of his Blood and exercise of his Divine Power hee might justifie purifie and bring to eternall life those that in submission to his Spirit in the meanes doe Repent and come in to beleeve on him To harden and give up the rest in his Season To raise all out of their graves at the last and to bring all before his Judgement-seat and then to possesse of the Inheritance all that in the day of grace have beleeved on him and to sentence to a second death all that throughout the day of grace have rebelled against him and for those ends hee gave the ransome and paid the whole debt himself alone and without requiring it againe or any part of it of Christ or any other God hath given all this over into the hands of Christ and will not neither doth deprive him of any part nor any other of any part of that which by the dispensation of Christ appertaines to them And all this is already shewn in Chap. 1. in the Reconciliation wrought by Christ with God for men and the common Salvation extended to men and in Chap. 2. in the first end of the death of Christ in the three respects thereof and in Chap. 3. the second head therof and in the latter end of the 6. Chapter in stating the Question and in Chap. 9. Now then that any mercy in patience and bounty is vouchsafed to men that any means is used and any motion of Spirit afforded is the fruit of the Ransome of Christ to lead to Repentance That any misery yet that lies on them it is from the Wisedome and Justice of Christ whose season is not yet come to free them But that which holdeth any under finne and wrath and condemnation and deprives them of the benefit of
not destroy mens lives was the Prime end of his first comming Luk. 9.56 and unlesse hee that came to save them doe for their Rebellion against him condemn them the Father will not condemne them having given all to the dispose and judgement of Christ 2 Cor. 5.10 3. That it affirmeth Jesus Christ to be exalted at Gods right hand and filled above measure with the Spirit to send forth to men to manifest himself in due season 1 Tim. 2.6 To send forth to the Rebellious that the Lord might dwell among them Psal 68.18 Joh. 16.8 10. and to such as are subdued and brought in to beleeve to lead them into all truth and make them usefull Joh. 16.13 14 15. Act. 2.32 33. Ephes 4.7 12. So as there is power in him to Call all and to bring all that heare his Word and submit themselves thereto to beleeve on him and so to Life in and by him Isal 45.22 24. 50.4 5. Prov. 8.32 35. 2 Cor. 5.14 21. 4. In that it affirmeth that all men not onely those that submit to his government in the day of grace but also all others shall one day appeare before the judgement-Seat of Christ and shall acknowledge him to be LORD to the glory of GOD and then receive the Sentence from him Isaiah 45.23 Philip. 2.10 11. 2 Cor. 5.10 This Answer or one of these dâ—e prove his Ransome effectuall with GOD for All Men How much more all of them together Secondly The Workes of God mentioned in Scripture proveth the same also 1. The Mercies of God who according to his holy Truth and Justice and his Word gone out of his month should be constantly testifying wrath and heaping Plague upon Plague destroying with Curse all that are found sinners against him and his holy Law Gen. 2.17 Deutr. 27. and 28. Gal. 3.10 If there were not some Ransome between him and Mankind But through JESUS CHRIST and his Ransome given and Propitiation made and accepted His Mercy is over all his Workes Psalm 145.8 9. And hence comes by CHRIST the Preservation of the Earth And Inhabitants thereof for men Gods Patience Long-suffering Bounty Meanes to lead to Repentance motion of Spirit in those meanes as is already shewed in Chap. 1. The Common Salvation 2. The wrath of God revealed from heaven against all unrighteousnesse and ungodlinesse of men who hold the truth in unrighteousnesse who will not yeeld to the Light and motion of the Spirit comming from Christ in the meanes but smother it and turne from it Rom. 1.16 17 18 21 24. and 2 4 5. Prov. 1.24 32. 8.36 and this wrath breaketh out most abundantly where this grace Procured by CARIST is with most light and meanes made knowne to leade men to Repentance and they refuse and turne from the same 2. Kings 17.7.23 2 Chron. 36.15 16.17 Amos 3.2 Isai 5.5 6. Mat. 23.37 38. Luke 12.47 48. The Lord with indignation revenging the wilfull sinning after knowledge of the truth vouchsafed against the grace offered in Christ by unkind requitalls and contempt thereof disobedience thereto and departure therefrom both in this World and in the world to come Nah. 1.2 9. Jo. 3.19 Mat. 12.32 Hebr. 10.26 29. 1 Pet. 3.19.20 2 Pet. 2.1 5 10 20 23. 2 Thess 1.8 Jude 15. The LORD the Judge of all the Earth being righteous and holy in all his Wayes Psalm 145.17 will nor thus deale with any for refusing an empty shew and bare Pretence of Good And both these his Workes of Mercy and wrath doe fully Prove The effectualnesse of the Ransome of CHRIST with GOD for men Thirdly Reasons from Scripture doe also confirme the same 〈◊〉 as to say REASON I. That as Jesus CHRIST hath abolished Death by his Comming Sufferings and Resurrection So hee hath brought Life and Immortallity to Light by the Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10 REASON II. That the Grace of GOD appearing through this Gospel bringeth Salvation to all men and so appeareth to All Men to whom it so comes though teaching Beleevers Titus 2.11 REASON III. That the time of Gods Patience and shewing mercy bountifulnesse and sending his Servants with motions of his Grace in them and moving to the hearts of men to invite them to Repentance and turning to God is a Day of grace and Salvation in which God is neer and to be found and ready to receive and accept to Mercy any that obey his Call and turne to him 2 Cor. 5.14 â—1 and 6.1 2. Revel 3.20 Hebr. 3.13 15. And on this ground in these three Reasons are all men invited by Gods Servants and by CHRIST in them To look to CHRIST and be saved To seek him while hee may be sound yea even the Wicked and Vnrighteous To forsake their owne Way and turne to him and Hee will have mercy oâ— them and aboundantly Pardon them Isai 45.21 22. 42.1.8 and 55.1 2 3 6 7 8. And that also with this warning That if they now refuse and passe over the day of Grace The Axe is at the root of the trees and they will soon be out off and greater judgement befall them Prov. 1.25.29 Matth. 3.10 Acts 13.40.41 all which doe evidence the Ransome given by Christ to God for them To have been effectuall with God As for that great â—â—umble which many make to themselves to keep themselves out from Beleeving this Truth as that many perish and misse of Eternall Life and if CHRIST had so died and given himself a Ransome as were effectuall with his Father for them then JESUS CHRIST should loose the travell of â—is Soule in his Death and Ransome given This is Answered before in Chap. 1. The speciall Salvation and distinction between the Common and the Speciall Salvation and in Chapter 16. in Answer of the Third Objection The Spirit in the Scripture saith not that any perish or misse of Eternall Life because CHRIST did not die for them or because his Ransome given and Propitiation made was not sufficient or not effectuall with GOD for them No such matter but because when Light comes They will not Repent submit to him come to him receive him and beleeve on him Ioh. 1.11 and 3.19 and 5.40 2 Pet. 2.1 Besides Scriptures shewes something more required of men to be done in and upon them by CHRIST Then his Ransome and Propitiation by Death and Resurrection made with GOD for them That they be Justifyed and Eternally saved by him Even a Spirituall Application of and making them obedient to the Death and Blood-shedd of CHRIST That so they may be brought to beleeve on him and be sprinckled and washed from their sinnes with his Precious Blood 1 Pet. 1.2 as afore-shewne in Chapters aforesaid Whence so great wrath comes on them that despise and resist this Grace Yet there is no lesse on the part of CHRIST in respect of his Death and Ransome given for them For hee doth and shall see the Travell of his Soule Isaiah 53.11 and that so fully As That hee is the