The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God…

Cor. a Lapide indeed affirms upon the Text, It is lawful for the salvation of many, for a man to wish his own damnation. As much as they are for the works of Supererogation, ⟨p. 21⟩I do not believe the Jesuit did ever heartily wish his own damnation upon this account; yet if so, (these Jesuits are so crafty) he makes his bargain so, that he will get by it; for saith he, God will reward such a generous and liberal soul, with heaps, and increase of love, grace, and other gifts. Yes, God doth use to fill those who are blotted out of the book of eternal life, and accursed from Christ, with increase of Love and Grace. Let him fry this.

Other Divines therefore do not understand the book of eternal life, or Divine Predestination, ¹but the Records of the Church, or Records of the people of Israel. The Jews were wont to number their families, and take their names; and God commanded a Record of the people of Israel to be written: Thus we read, David praying, Psal. 69.28. against his enemies, Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous: Would David pray to have any blotted out of the book of Divine Predestination? Therefore by the latter clause, the Church must be meant; they seemed once to be men of that Society, but they have discovered themselves to be of another alliance, blot them out, let not their names live in the Church. The 13. of Ezek. 9. seems to answer this of the Psalmist, They shall not live in the Assembly of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel.

1. 1See Mr. Coryl on Job cap. 24. v. 20.