Touching the extent of the Covenant, all Mankind1 are not partakers of this benefit, but some certain men only: which certain men, though we cannot certainly define the number, are but a handful, in respect of the great multitude of those that perish, being elect before the World was, and given unto Christ: that in time, through faith incorporated into him: and becoming one with him, they might, as members, make that Body, whereof he is the Head: and so be quickened by his Spirit unto everlasting life. And this election of some, necessarily implieth the rejecting of other some. Wherefore here the whole doctrine of Gods holy Predestination is summarily comprehended: A matter above all other, most religiously and soberly to be dealt in: not so much for any hardness that is in it (which if we keep within the bounds and limits of the Word, is easy enough ⟨p. 284⟩to be conceived) as in regard partly of the curiousness of men, prying without all reverence into the secret Counsels of God, and climbing up by other steps then himself hath hallowed, and partly of their own corrupt affections, who either swelling with Pride, or cast down with fear, can hardly keep along the coast of this Doctrine, without wrecking themselves, either at the Rocks of Presumption, or the Flats of desperation. Wherefore, to avoid both these extremes, we are to hold such a middle course, as may not be after the random of our own wit, but at the direction of God in the wisdom of his Word: for as for them that think this Doctrine is not at all to be taught unto the people, it is manifest that they err very grossly, this being, as the rest, one part of the revealed will of GOD, whereof yMoses speaketh to the people, T[…] things belong to JEHOVAH our God, but the revealed things to us and our children for ever. And, as the zApostle saith, Whatsoever things are written, are written for our profit, that by patience and comfort of the Scriptures (which cannot be without knowing of them) we might have hope. This being written by the singer of GOD in the Table of his Word, must needs have a place in that number amongst the rest. And the speech aof our Saviour Christ is general, willing us to search the Scriptures for whatsoever things they bear record of. What?
Touching the extent of the Couenant, all Mankinde1 are not partakers of this benefit, but some certaine men onely: which certaine men, though wee cannot certainly define the number, are but a handfull, in respect of the great multitude of those that perish, being elect before the World was, and giuen vnto Christ: that in time, through faith incorporated into him: and becomming one with him, they might, as members, make that Bodie, whereof hee is the Head: and so bee quickened by his Spirit vnto euerlasting life. And this election of some, necessarily implyeth the reiecting of other some. Wherefore here the whole doctrine of Gods holy Predestination is summarily comprehended: A matter aboue all other, most religiously and soberly to be dealt in: not so much for any hardnesse that is in it (which if wee keepe within the bounds and limits of the Word, is easie enough ⟨p. 284⟩to bee conceiued) as in regard partly of the curiousnesse of men, prying without all reuerence into the secret Counsels of God, and climbing vp by other steps then himselfe hath hallowed, and partly of their owne corrupt affections, who either swelling with Pride, or cast downe with feare, can hardly keepe along the coast of this Doctrine, without wrecking themselues, either at the Rockes of Presumption, or the Flats of desperation. Wherefore, to auoyd both these extremes, wee are to hold such a middle course, as may not be after the randome of our owne wit, but at the direction of God in the wisedome of his Word: for as for them that thinke this Doctrine is not at all to bee taught vnto the people, it is manifest that they erre very grossely, this being, as the rest, one part of the reueiled will of GOD, whereof yMoses speaketh to the people, T〈…〉 things belong to IEHOVAH our God, but the reueiled things to vs and our children for euer. And, as the zApostle saith, Whatsoeuer things are written, are written for our profit, that by patience and comfort of the Scriptures (which cannot be without knowing of them) we might haue hope. This being written by the singer of GOD in the Table of his Word, must needs haue a place in that number amongst the rest. And the speech aof our Sauiour Christ is generall, willing vs to search the Scriptures for whatsoeuer things they beare record of. What?
- 1certain few men, whom God his Father hath chosen.certaine few men, whom God his Father hath chosen.
- yDeut. 30. 29.
- zRom. 15. 4.
- aJohn 5. 30.Iohn 5. 30.
