Universal redemption of mankind, by the Lord Jesus Christ stated and cleared by the…

The Minor only requires proof, and here I have these three things to prove. 1. That Christ giveth mercies to all. 2. That these mercies are the effects of his Death and satisfaction. 3. That they are the effects of his Death for those Men to whom they are given. For I look to meet with three sorts of opposers. 1. Such as say, wicked Men have no mercy (viz. The Non-Elect) for all is given them in judgment and wrath, and shall but aggravate their condemnation. 2. Such as say, They have mercies, but it is from Gods common providence, and not from Christs Blood. 3. Such as say, their mercies are from Christs Blood, but only as shed for the Elect, and not for them.

1. For the first, It is so openly blasphemous against God and his providence, for Men to say, that God is merciful to none but the Elect, that one would think no Christian should ever own ⟨p. 205⟩such an Assertion. 1. If none but the Elect have any mercy from God, then none else are obliged by mercy to repentance: But the mercies of God lead others to repentance, Rom. 2. Even those that by hardheartedness and impenitency do heap up wrath against the day of wrath and Revelation of the righteous judgment of God. 2. Else none but the Elect should be obliged to love and thankfulness for mercy, which is false and wicked. 3. Else none but the Elect should be guilty of sinning against mercy, or should need to confess any such Sin, or need pardon of such, or can be accused, condemned or punished for any such, which are all false. 4. Their own words do confute themselves, for whereas they say, that Reprobates have no true mercy because all do but increase their condemnation and misery; It is evident that if they were not real mercies, no Mans condemnation or punishment could be aggravated by the abuse or rejecting of mercy, Jo•. 4. 2. God had mercy on more Ninevites then were Elect, Jon. 3. 10. and 4. 11