A27064:436
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.
Object Mens first love to Christ, is not to him for what he hath done, but for what he can do for us, and as he is to us a desirable good; because it is but Amor Concupiscentiae.
Ans. It is also a love of gratitude: And all the good that we can expect from him for the future, or desire him for, is but the fruit of what he hath done for us already, and therefore presupposeth ⟨p. 154⟩it: And he that looketh for Mercy from Christ as not procured by his satisfactory sufferings, knows not the Gospel nor what he expecteth. The Gospel at its first Preaching is glad tidings, and brings news first of what Christ hath done for Men, and next, of what he will further do.
Object But it is not for Dying [for me in particular] that I am first obliged to love Christ; but for paying a sufficient price.
Ans. 1. If by [For me in particular] you mean [more for me then others] I grant it: But it is for dying and satisfying for fallen Mankind in general, of whom I am a Member. 2. I have showed that according to this New Doctrine, Christs Death is not sufficient to pardon all, if they did repent; nor formally a sufficient price but only materially or Aptitudinally, sufficient to have been a price. Now that this can engage any to love or thankfulness is past my reach to apprehend: For it is not a benefit, (to such as for whom it was no price.) If 100 Men lie in Prison for debt, and one shall pay as much for the debt and discharge often of them as was sufficient to have satisfied for the debts of them all, and yet would not pay it for them, but rather give it superfluously then that they should have any benefit by it, how doth this oblige these Prisoners to love and thankfulness to this Man? At least, not as any Redeemer or Friend of theirs? Rather they will think him envious and an Enemy to them, that would rather cast away his Money