An exposition upon the thirteenth chapter of the Revelation by that reverend and eminent…

These are principles of Religion; and he that hath any understanding to hear what the holy Ghost saith in this case, may easily perceive the truth of what we speak. In very truth you will find that all which they hold, is but in a tenor of the Covenant of works. Their election they hold is from works and faith foreseen: Some of them indeed are afraid of it, as the Dominicans; but the most prevailing are those that think Gods electing love, is but out of faith and works foreseen. They look as the grace of effectual calling to be founded upon the good inclination of a mans will, and co-operation of it with the grace of Gods calling. They profess that Simon Peter had no more grace given him then Simon Magus to become a christian. And what cut the scantling between the one, and the other? Peter had received so much grace, that if he would, he might be saved; and so they say, Simon Magus did receive the same, but God did not bow & change his will, or reason, but left them both so far suffered, as they might believe if they would. How comes it then, that Simon Peter did believe, and was saved? and Simon Magus did not believe (with a lively faith) and was damned? They will confess it really (the body of them) that it did spring from Peters will; he did out of the freeness of his will choose it. This is vocation from the working of a mans will: whereas the Covenant of Grace doth confess, that it is not of our will, but of the Lords, that takes away our strong heart, and gives us a soft heart before any preparation.

These are principles of Religion; and he that hath any understanding to hear what the holy Ghost saith in this case, may easily perceive the truth of what we speak. In very truth you will finde that all which they hold, is but in a tenor of the Covenant of works. Their election they hold is from works and faith foreseen: Some of them indeed are affraid of it, as the Dominicans; but the most prevailing are those that think Gods electing love, is but out of faith and works foreseen. They look as the grace of effectuall calling to be founded upon the good inclination of a mans will, and co-operation of it with the grace of Gods calling. They professe that Simon Peter had no more grace given him then Simon Magus to become a christian. And what cut the scantling between the one, and the other? Peter had received so much grace, that if he would, he might be saved; and so they say, Simon Magus did receive the same, but God did not bow & change his will, or reason, but left them both so far suffered, as they might beleive if they would. How comes it then, that Simon Peter did beleive, and was saved? and Simon Magus did not beleive (with a lively faith) and was damned? They will confesse it really (the body of them) that it did spring from Peters will; he did out of the freenesse of his will choose it. This is vocation from the working of a mans will: whereas the Covenant of Grace doth confesse, that it is not of our will, but of the Lords, that takes away our strong heart, and gives us a soft heart before any preparation.