The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

Ans. The carriage of the Chapter throughout, is a weak proof of this Assertion; & (no doubt) fixed on, for want of particular instances, to give any light unto it: neither doth the carriage of the Chapter throughout, intimate any such thing in the least, but expressly manifesteth the contrary. It is universal desolation and utter Rejection, that is assigned as the portion of unbelievers as such, all along this Chapter. This Promise is made to them, whom God allureth into the Wilderness, and there speaketh comfortably to them: which what it doth import, shall be afterwards considered. Yea and which is more, the words of v. 23. which run on in the same tenor with the Promises particularly insisted on, and beyond all exception are spoken to, and of the same persons, are applied by the Apostle Paul, not to the whole Nation of the Jews, Idolaters and Unbelievers, but to them that were brought in unto the Lord Christ, and obtained the Righteousness of Faith, when the rest were hardened. Rom. 9. 26. From v. 24. to the 30. the Apostle by sundry instances from the Scripture of the Old Testament, manifesteth, that it was a Remnant of Israel according to the election of Grace, to whom the Promise was made; To us whom God hath called, not to the Jews only, but also to the Gentiles. For so (saith he) it is in Hosea, (instancing in the passage we insist on) I will call them my people, which were not my people, and her beloved which was not beloved, and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, You are not my people, there shall they be called the Children of the Living God. Which he farther confirmeth ⟨p. 148⟩firmeth by a Testimony out of Isaiah 10. 22, 23. manifesting, that it is but a Remnant, that are intended. Wherefore it is objected:

Ans. The carriage of the Chapter throughout, is a weake proofe of this Assertion; & (no doubt) fixed on, for want of particular instances, to give any light unto it: neither doth the carriage of the Chapter throughout, intimate any such thing in the least, but expressely manifesteth the contrary. It is universall desolation and utter Rejection, that is assigned as the portion of unbelievers as such, all along this Chapter. This Promise is made to them, whom God allureth into the Wildernesse, and there speaketh comfortably to them: which what it doth import, shall be afterwards considered. Yea and which is more, the words of v. 23. which runne on in the same tenor with the Promises particularly insisted on, and beyond all exception are spoken to, and of the same persons, are applied by the Apostle Paul, not to the whole Nation of the Jews, Idolaters and Unbelievers, but to them that were brought in unto the Lord Christ, and obtained the Righteousnesse of Faith, when the rest were hardened.