A27064:1326
Universal redemption of mankind, by the Lord Jesus Christ stated and cleared by the…
Universal redemption of mankind, by the Lord Jesus Christ stated and cleared by the late learned Mr. Richard Barter [sic] ; whereunto is added a short account of Special redemption, by the same author.
London: printed for John Salusbury, 1694
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Ans. No such matter: For though they had no assurance, they had both Gods Command to seek more Grace, and sufficient encouragement ⟨p. 438⟩thereto: They had such as Mr. Cotton calls half promises, that is a discovery of a possibility, and high degree of probability of obtaining; as Peter to Simon [Pray if perhaps the thoughts of thy heart may be forgiven.]
They may think God will not appoint men vain means, and he hath appointed some means to all men to get more grace, and bring them nearer Christ than they are. Yea, no man can name that man since the World was made, that did his best in the use of these means, and lost his labour.
So that if all men have not Faith, it is their own fault; not only as Originally Sinners, but as rejecting sufficient Grace to have brought them nearer Christ than they were; for which it is that they justly perish (as is more fully opened in the Dispute of sufficient Grace.
I think now I may safely conclude, that there is no proof yet brought that Christ will give Faith to all that he dyed for, but the contrary I have proved.