CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

3 The means of grace are likewise differently administered, For although Christ died alike for all believers, yet the means of bringing them home are not alike, Some live under more powerful means then others, Some have not the Spurs and encouragement that others have to that which is holy; Again, some live in clearer and more evidencing times of Gods grace then others, all those that lived before Christs time are said to be in the dark in comparison of the Light that did arise by Christ; Many Kings and Righteous persons desired to see what the Apostles did, but could not; But though all have not the like means, yet there is not any one godly man, though in never such remote and dark corners, but the converting grace of God will find him out, and therefore that is not a sufficient reason which some, pleading for Christs death universal for all, when urged by this argument, That if Christ died for all, why then have not all the means of grace? why is not the Gospel preached to every one, if Christ died for every one? They answer thus, That even those who hold Christ died for all believers, yet grant that all believers have not the same means of grace, to some the Kingdom of heaven draweth nigh more manifestly and evidently then ⟨p. 531⟩to others; But this as I find is insufficient, because though the means of grace to one believer may be more then another in respect of measure and degrees of Light, yet not of efficacy; That little means they have is blessed by God to be as effectual as the most eminent and glorious means, whereas by their opinion Christ is supposed to die for such, who yet never were sanctified by any means, whether more or less they did enjoy.

3 The means of grace are likewise differently administred, For although Christ died alike for all beleevers, yet the means of bringing them home are not alike, Some live under more powerfull means then others, Some have not the Spurs and encouragement that others have to that which is holy; Again, some live in clearer and more evidencing times of Gods grace then others, all those that lived before Christs time are said to be in the dark in comparison of the Light that did arise by Christ; Many Kings and Righteous persons desired to see what the Apostles did, but could not; But though all have not the like means, yet there is not any one godly man, though in never such remote and dark corners, but the converting grace of God will finde him out, and therefore that is not a sufficient reason which some, pleading for Christs death universall for all, when urged by this argument, That if Christ died for all, why then have not all the means of grace? why is not the Gospel preached to every one, if Christ died for every one? They answer thus, That even those who hold Christ died for all beleevers, yet grant that all beleevers have not the same means of grace, to some the Kingdom of heaven draweth nigh more manifestly and evidently then