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

This Doctrine is plentifully laid down in the Scripture, comfortable is the place, ^uBefore they had done good or evil (that the purpose of God might remain firm) according to the election, not by works, but by grace, it was said, The elder should serve the younger. As many words, so many Arguments for the unchangeable hold of our Election; first, because it was the Decree and Purpose of. Whom? Of God, particularly made of Jacob and Esau. For what cause? Not of works, but of his own grace. Therefore doth the Lord, after a most wise and wonderful manner, cause all things to fall out unto the best to those that love God, which are called according to his purpose: by afflictions, & by divers lets keepeth them from sinning, and after sins committed, draweth them home again. So he saith in ^xHoshea of his Spouse which purposed to follow after Idolatry, He would hedge her way with Thorns, that she should not bring her desire to pass, and by that means would bring her to Repentance, that voluntarily she should say, I will go and return unto my former Husband. And then he saith, He will receive her home unto ⟨p. 296⟩himself. Lo, the certainty of the Salvation of Gods Elect, through those certain means and remedies, whereby they are led forward into Salvation, not violently compelled, but by the sweet instinct of Gods Spirit returning willingly to the Lord; whereas contrariwise, unto the Reprobate all things serve for the hardening of their hearts.

This Doctrine is plentifully layd downe in the Scripture, comfortable is the place, ^uBefore they had done good or euill (that the purpose of God might remayne firme) according to the election, not by workes, but by grace, it was said, The elder should serue the yonger. As many words, so many Arguments for the vnchangeable hold of our Election; first, because it was the Decree and Purpose of. Whom? Of God, particularly made of Iacob and Esau. For what cause? Not of workes, but of his owne grace. Therfore doth the Lord, after a most wise and wonderful manner, cause all things to fall out vnto the best to those that loue God, which are called according to his purpose: by afflictions, & by diuers lets keepeth thē from sinning, and after sinnes committed, draweth them home againe. So he saith in