The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

For the Close,¹ I shall a little consider that lean and hungry Exposition of these words, which is given in the place before mentioned Ch. 11. Sect: 8. pag. 229. I will betroth them unto me in Righteousness, and in Judgement, and in Loving-kindness, and Mercy: so the words are expressed in a different Character, as the very words of the Promise in the Text. 1. (Thee) that is, the Church, is changed into (Them) that is, the Jews, and their Children or carnal seed, as a little before was expressed: and then that emphatical expression (for ever) is quite thrust out of the Text, as a stubborn word, not to be dealt withal upon any fair terms. Let us see then, how that which remaineth is treated and turned off. (I will betroth thee) that is, I will engage and attempt to insure both them, and their affections to me, by all variety of ways, and means, that are proper and likely to bring such a thing to pass: But who knoweth not that this is wooing, and not betrothing? we need not go far to find out men learned in the Law, to inform us, that to try, and attempt to get and assure the affections of any one, is not a Betrothment. This then is the first part of this Exposition: (I will betroth) that is, I will woo and essay, attempt and endeavour to get their affections: which besides the forementioned absurdity, is attended with another sore oversight, (to wit) that God promiseth to do this very thing in the last words of v. 20. which is affirmed, that he doth but attempt to do.

For the Close,¹ I shall a little consider that leane and hungry Exposition of these words, which is given in the place before metioned Ch. 11. Sect: 8. pag. 229. I will betroth them unto me in Righteousnesse, and in Judgement, and in Loving-kindnesse, and Mercy: so the words are expressed in a different Character, as the very words of the Promise in the Text. 1. (Thee) that is, the Church, is changed into (Them) that is, the Jewes, and their Children or carnall seed, as a little before was expressed: and then that emphaticall expression (for ever) is quite thrust out of the Text, as a stubborne word, not to be dealt withall upon any faire termes. Let us see then, how that which remaineth is treated and turned off. (I will betroth thee) that is, I will engage and attempt to insure both them, and their affections to mee, by all variety of waies, and meanes, that are proper and likely to bring such a thing to passe: But who knoweth not that this is wooing, and not betrothing? we need not goe farre to find out men learned in the Law, to informe us, that to try, and attempt to get and assure the affections of any one, is not a Betrothment. This then is the first part of this Exposition: (I will betroth) that is, I will wooe and essay, attempt and endeavour to get their affections: which besides the forementioned absurdity, is attended with another sore oversight, (to wit) that God promiseth to doe this very thing in the last words of v. 20. which is affirmed, that he doth but attempt to doe.