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

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 ^a