A27064:447
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.
These Texts and many other do propound the consideration of Gods love, in Redeeming them, to Men before Conversion (as might abundantly be proved) and that must need intimate their duty of love and gratitude, or else the Law of nature is abrogated, which bindeth us to return love and thankfulness for love and benefits. 2. Let me add one other Argument for the Minor (viz. that the Elect are bound to love and gratitude to Christ as their Redeemer, before they know themselves to be Elect) and it is such a one, as I think, makes the case so clear, that it will be hard for the most prejudiced not to discern it, if they will consider it.
These Texts and many other do propound the consideration of Gods love, in Redeeming them, to Men before Conversion (as might abundantly be proved) and that must need intimate their duty of love and gratitude, or else the Law of nature is abrogated, which bindeth us to return love and thankfulness for love and benefits. 2. Let me add one other Argument for the Minor (viz. that the Elect are bound to love and gratitude to Christ as their Redeemer, before they know themselves to be Elect) and it is such a one, as I think, makes the case so clear, that it will be hard for the most prejudidiced not to discern it, if they will consider it.
If the Elect are not bound to love and gratitude for Christs Redeeming them, before they know themselves to be Elect, then they are never bound to it at all, (and so never ought to perform it) But the consequent is intolerable, Ergo, &c.
If the Elect are not bound to love and gratitude for Christs Redeeming them, before they know themselves to be Elect, then they are never bound to it at all, (and so never ought to perform it) But the consequent is intollerable, Ergo, &c.
The consequence is proved thus. They cannot know themselves to be elect (unless by extraordinary Revelation) till they first know their love and gratitude to Christ for Redeeming them; Therefore if they are not bound to love and gratitude before they know themselves Elect, then they are never bound to it. The reason of the consequence is, that the same thing cannot be, [Before] and [Not before] before their knowledge of Election, and not before it. If it must go before the knowledge of Election, then they were obliged to it before (for that we are not obliged to, is no duty and that which is no duty, is no Mark of Election:) but it must go before, Ergo &c.