Of free justification

Which things that they may be confirmed with the greater evidence and certainty, let us compare them with the most sure Oracles of Sacred Scripture. And ¹First, beginning at the very first Head of that Book, let us consider Adam, that Miserable Progenitor, and Overturner of our Nature. Who when he had both privately and publicly destroyed both himself and us all, by an abominable Wickedness, received at length the most Blessed Tidings of the promised Seed. What could the bounty of God have promised more firmly, or given more largely to any Man, though he had been most Holy? And what did that first and chiefest sinner deserve to receive? Abraham was commanded ²to leave his Native Country, and to go out whither God called him, thereunto was added a very glorious promise of giving him an Inheritance, and he obeyed him that called him. The promiser did not fail, he was increased and enriched above measure; but if I ask, by what Merit of his own, what can the Admirers of Works answer me here? Afterwards Isaac was born to him, when his ³Father and Mother were so Old, that there was no hope remaining of their begetting Children. Why so? But that God might make it manifest, that in the benefits of God, there is not left any thing for Human Pride, wherein it may ⁴glory? Joseph very kindly helped ⟨p. 260⟩his Brethren, who were in danger to Perish for Hunger, though they had very inhumanly Conspired his Destruction, neither did he only furnish them with plenty of Corn, but also promoted them to great Honours. And now what Merits did they bring with them, that they should be so Honourably Entertained? The same may be asked concerning the Israelites, who ⁵having slain a Lamb without blemish, were delivered from most grievous Bondage: for what Virtues of their own? Whether for keeping the Law? But the Law was not yet made, at least it was not yet written. Was it because they obliged the Prophet Moses with kindnesses, whom rather