The sum of sacred divinity briefly & methodically propoundedThe summe of sacred diuinitie briefly & methodically propounded

The means to make the Covenant effectual unto us,¹ is Faith, the condition of the Covenant; Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, Acts 16. 31.

The meanes to make the Couenant effectuall vnto vs,¹ is Faith, the condition of the Couenant; Beleeue in the Lord Iesus Christ, and thou shalt bee saued, Acts 16. 31.

1. 1(that is, by apprehending of the Covenant)(that is, by apprehending of the Couenant)

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