The main principles of Christian religion in a 107 short articles or aphorisms, generally…

Expl. 20. In which A. we have (1st,) Gods eternal purpose, and absolute decree, whereby he hath singled out or chosen some of mankind, upon whom he is resolved to bestow eternal life, and that out of his mere free grace, without any foresight of faith, obedience, perseverance, or any other condition, as a cause or motive inducing him to make this choice; nay, the decree it self is not founded in the merits of Christ, but purely in the love of God; though as for all the blessed effects of this decree (as reconciliation, pardon, justification, adoption, sanctification, salvation, &c.) are actually received and enjoyed, by the elect, only upon the consideration of the merits, righteousness, and satisfaction of Christ. Yet more distinctly, and for order sake, we may conceive ⟨p. 37⟩of these two things in Gods decree of Election, (1.) Gods most wise design, to advance the glory of his free-grace, in bringing many sons to glory. (2.) That God of his free grace had singled and culled out a certain distinct number of persons for the enjoyment of this glory. Now this very act of Gods picking and culling out those particular persons whom he designed to save, is that we call very properly Election. Neither did this grace of God only appear in making this choice, and then in leaving his chosen ones to get eternal life and heaven as they could; but (2dly,) He did also pitch upon an effectual means, or contrive a way whereby his chosen people should effectually and infallibly obtain eternal life; and this was by entering into a Covenant of Grace, with Christ the second Adam, and the Mediator of the new Covenant; and in Christ with all believers, that whosoever should believe on the Son of God, he would give unto them eternal life; and that they should never enter into condemnation. Hence I infer, (1.) That it is the free grace of God, and not the free will of man that maketh one man to differ from another, Paul from Judas. (2.) That the praise and glory of this difference is to be ascribed not unto man, but unto God, Not unto us, O Lord, &c.

Expl. 20. In which A. we have (1st,) Gods eternal purpose, and absolute decree, whereby he hath singled out or chosen some of mankind, upon whom he is resolved to bestow eternal life, and that out of his meer free grace, without any foresight of faith, obedience, perseverance, or any other condition, as a cause or motive inducing him to make this choice; nay, the decree it self is not founded in the merits of Christ, but purely in the love of God; though as for all the blessed effects of this decree (as reconciliation, pardon, justification, adoption, sanctification, salvation, &c.) are actually received and enjoyed, by the elect, only upon the consideration of the merits, righteousness, and satisfaction of Christ. Yet more distinctly, and for order sake, we may conceive