An end of doctrinal controversies which have lately troubled the churches

§. 13. In the Controversy, Whether Christ died for the Elect only, or for all Mankind, it seemeth to me, that we little differ about the matter, but only strive about ambiguous Words; even about one Syllable [for.] If to die [for] signify [for their sins,] under the reason of a Cause of Christ's Death, so (as Paraeus doth) we must all grant, that Christ died [for] all.

§. 13. In the Controversie, Whether Christ died for the Elect only, or for all Mankind, it seemeth to me, that we little differ about the matter, but only strive about ambiguous Words; even about one Syllable [for.] If to die [for] signifie [for their sins,] under the reason of a Cause of Christ's Death, so (as Paraeus doth) we must all grant, that Christ died [for] all.

2. If (for) signifie [eorum loco] in their stead, so the Phrase hath yet great Ambiguity, and will require a great deal of distinguishing for its due Explication: The various kinds and degrees of Benefits to which the Intention is limited, do leave the word liable to various Senses. Christ died so far in the stead of all Mankind, as to suffer Death (by his voluntary sponsion) as a punishment deserved to themselves by sin, to free them all from it, on condition of their suitable acceptance of his Grace. But if by [for] be meant (in the civil person of all men, as representing them) the Word is still among Lawyers and all Writers, ambiguous. In a large sense he may be said to (personate or represent) another who doth it but secundum quid, and not simpliciter, in parte aliqua, vel in tantum & ad hoc, and not in omni, vel ad omne. And if any will so far stretch the Phrase, and because Christ suffered in the common Nature of man, will say that he suffered in every man's Person; or because he had a special purpose of saving his Elect, will thence say, He died in the person of Peter, John, and every elect Sinner; I will not strive against mens Phrases, if they will explain them soundly: But in strict Sense, as Representing a man, or doing it in his Person, signifieth, that Christ so died (and merited) in several ⟨p. 158⟩mens Persons, as that the Law or Lawgiver doth take it to have been in sensu civili, their own suffering, and doing, and meriting, or to all intents, purposes, and uses, all one to them, as if they had so died and merited themselves:] thus Christ neither died, nor obeyed for any man (as shall be hereafter proved.)