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

Wherein, for a better light of that which followeth, it is necessary I should first define Predestination. Predestination is one principal branch of Gods purpose, or eternal Decree concerning the final estate of the most excellent creatures, Angels and men: The parts whereof are, Election and Reprobation: Election, which is of some certain ones unto Salvation: of men, but few, in respect of those that are to perish. Reprobation, which is of some certain ones unto damnation. The weight and degree of both, aswell of glory as of shame, to some in a less, to some in a greater measure.

Wherein, for a better light of that which followeth, it is necessarie I should first define Predestination. Predestination is one principall branch of Gods purpose, or eternall Decree concerning the finall estate of the most excellent creatures, Angels and men: The parts whereof are, Election and Reprobation: Election, which is of some certaine ones vnto Saluation: of men, but few, in respect of those that are to perish. Reprobation, which is of some certaine ones vnto damnation. The waight and degree of both, aswell of glorie as of shame, to some in a lesse, to some in a greater measure.

To explain this a little better, God, who only is eternal, the Father, Son and holy Spirit, purposing before all times the glorifying of himself, as is most meet, and the declaration of those wonderful things that are in him, which by no other way then this could be made known, appointed first, beside the setting forth of his power, patience, hatred of sin, love of righteousness, and other virtues, to manifest the riches of his Mercy in certain both Angels and men, known unto himself who should be saved; and in like sort, the greatness of his Justice in certain, both Angels and men to be ⟨p. 286⟩condemned: wherein, in looking to nothing else either present or to come, within us or without us, in Heaven or in Earth, but to himself alone, he chose us of his free good-will and pleasure. After which (for men themselves, the All-wise God much more, advise of nothing but they set the end before them, and first the end, then the means concurring to it.) After this therefore, in order of the causes, not in course of time (all his purposes being from eternity, and none before or after other) he purposed to create them both holy and righteous, like unto himself, who having free-will to embrace either good or evil, and a nature subject to temptation, should of their own accord voluntarily fall away, thereby subjecting themselves to his wrath and indignation.