Reprobation asserted, or, The doctrine of eternal election & reprobation promiscuously handled in eleven…

Many Opinions have passed through the hearts of the Sons of men concerning Reprobation; most of them endeavouring so to hold it forth, as therewith they might, if not heal their Conscience slightly, yet maintain their own Opinion, in their Judgement, of other things; still wringing, now the Word this way, and anon again that, for their purpose: also framing within their Soul such an imagination of God and his acts in Eternity, as would suit with such Opinions, and so present all to the world. And the rather they have with greatest labour strained unweariedly at this above many other Truths, because of the grim and dreadful face it carrieth in most mens apprehensions. But none of these things, however they may please the Creature, can by any means in any measure, either cause God to undo, unsay, or undetermine what he hath concerning this decreed and established.

MAny Opinions have passed through the hearts of the Sons of men concerning Reprobation; most of them endeavouring so to hold it forth, as therewith they might, if not heal their Conscience slightly, yet maintain their own Opinion, in their Judgement, of other things; still wringing, now the Word this way, and anon again that, for their purpose: also framing within their Soul such an imagination of God and his acts in Eternity, as would suit with such Opinions, and so present all to the world. And the rather they have with greatest labour strained unweariedly at this above many other Truths, because of the grim and dreadful face it carrieth in most mens apprehensions. But none of these things, however they may please the Creature, can by any means in any measure, either cause God to undo, unsay, or undetermine what he hath concerning this decreed and established.

First, Because they suit not with his nature, especially in these Foundation-acts: The Foundation of God standeth sure, even touching Reprobation, that the purpose of God according to Election might stand. I know (saith Solomon) that whatsoever the Lord doth, it abideth for ever; nothing can be put unto it, nor anything taken from it, &c. Hath he said it, and shall he not do it? Hath he spoken, and shall he not bring it to pass? His Decrees are composed according to his eternal Wisdom, established upon his unchangeable Will, governed by his Knowledge, Prudence, Power,