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

But that this cannot be the meaning of our Saviour is evident, because the ground of Christs Prayer even in respect of those who shall believe is, because They were given to him by the Father, as appeareth vers. 9. I pray not for the world but for them which thou hast given me; Seeing therefore the Foundation of Christs Intercession is because they were given by Election to Christ as a people to be saved through him, it's plain, that Christ prayed not because he foresaw that they would believe, but because they were Elected: It's true, the Arminians do in a most violent and strange manner wrest that phrase of being given to Christ; They understand it not of an action of the Father, but of the disposition of the Subject; Hence it is they speak so much of a probum ingenium, or a docilis indoles, as if it were some towardly disposition in man, that fitted him for grace, but thus it would be rather who have given themselves to Christ rather then that the Father had given them, and indeed this is such a thorn in their sides, that they cannot pull out, if by such who shall believe were to be understood, those that upon Gods foresight were known to improve the means of Faith better then others, then all the difference from others, and the utmost resolution of salvation, yea and Election would be unto a mans self, when yet the Apostle doth expressly stop such mouths, What hast thou that thou hast not received? and who made thee to differ from another, 1 Cor. 4.7.

But that this cannot be the meaning of our Saviour is evident, because the ground of Christs Prayer even in respect of those who shall beleeve is, because They were given to him by the Father, as appeareth vers. 9. I pray not for the world but for them which thou hast given me; Seeing therefore the Foundation of Christs Intercession is because they were given by Election to Christ as a people to be saved through him, it's plain, that Christ praied not because he foresaw that they would beleeve, but because they were Elected: It's true, the Arminians do in a most violent and strange manner wrest that phrase of being given to Christ; They understand it not of an action of the Father, but of the disposition of the Subject; Hence it is they speak so much of a probum ingenium, or a docilis indoles, as if it were some towardly disposition in man, that fitted him for grace, but thus it would be rather who have given themselves to Christ rather then that the Father had given them, and indeed this is such a thorn in their sides, that they cannot pull out, if by such who shall beleeve were to be understood, those that upon Gods foresight were known to improve the means of Faith better then others, then all the difference from others, and the utmost resolution of salvation, yea and Election would be unto a mans self, when yet the Apostle doth expresly stop such mouths, What hast thou that thou hast not received? and who made thee to differ from another,