A64002:1333
The riches of Gods love unto the vessels of mercy, consistent with his absolute…The riches of Gods love unto the vessells of mercy, consistent with his absolute…
The riches of Gods love unto the vessels of mercy, consistent with his absolute hatred or reprobation of the vessels of wrath, or, An answer unto a book entitled, Gods love unto mankind ... in two books, the first being a refutation of the said book, as it was presented in manuscript by Mr Hord unto Sir Nath. Rich., the second being an examination of certain passages inserted into M. Hord's discourse (formerly answered) by an author that conceals his name, but was supposed to be Mr Mason ... / by ... William Twice ... ; whereunto are annexed two tractates of the same author in answer unto D.H. ... ; together with a vindication of D. Twice from the exceptions of Mr John Goodwin in his Redemption redeemed, by Henry Jeans ...The riches of Gods love unto the vessells of mercy, consistent with his absolute hatred or reprobation of the vessells of wrath, or, An answer unto a book entituled, Gods love unto mankind ... in two bookes, the first being a refutation of the said booke, as it was presented in manuscript by Mr Hord unto Sir Nath. Rich., the second being an examination of certain passages inserted into M. Hords discourse (formerly answered) by an author that conceales his name, but was supposed to be Mr Mason ... / by ... William Twisse ... ; whereunto are annexed two tractates of the same author in answer unto D.H. ... ; together with a vindication of D. Twisse from the exceptions of Mr John Goodwin in his Redemption redeemed, by Henry Jeanes ...
Oxford: printed by L.L. and H.H. for Tho. Robinson, 1653
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
All that he can say is, Be of good comfort, you are a believer, you are a true repenting sinner; therefore no reprobate; for faith and repentance are fruits of election, and arguments of a state contrary to that which you fear. But this the tempted will deny, he will say that he is no believer, &c. And how will the Minister convince him that he is? He must prove to him by the outward acts of faith and repentance, (for they are only apparent to him,) that he doth repent and believe, but this proof is not demonstrative, doth not convince him, because opera virtutum simulari possunt, the externall acts of saith, repentance or any other grace, may be counterfeited; The Devil may seem to be an Angel of light, Wolves may go in Sheep's clothing; Judas may make the World believe by his Preaching and following Christ, that he is a true Apostle; And Simon Magus (though he remain in the gall of bitterness, and bond of iniquity,) may be thought by his receiving of Baptism, to be a true believer; And so may any Hypocrite by some exterior act, of faith and repentance, cozen the best discerner of spirits among men, and gain the opinion and esteem of a true penitent and believer. Actions externally good or good in appearance, may be evil indeed for want of a good rule, a good manner, a good end, & some other good circumstances, with which an action which is good must be clothed [For bonum non oritur nisi ex integris.] and so by consequence cannot certainly prove the man that doth them to be a good man, or to have the grace of faith, repentance, or any other, truly planted in his heart.
All that he can say is, Be of good comfort, you are a believer, you are a true repenting sinner; therefore no reprobate; for faith and repentance are fruits of election, and arguments of a state contrary to that which you feare. But this the tempted will deny, he will say that he is no believer, &c. And how will the Minister convince him that he is? He must prove to him by the outward acts of faith and repentance, (for they are only apparent to him,) that he doth repent and believe, but this proofe is not demonstrative, doth not convince him, because opera virtutum simulari possunt, the externall acts of saith, repentance or any other grace, may be counterfeited; The Devill may seeme to be an Angell of light, Wolves may goe in Sheepes cloathing; Judas may make the World believe by his Preaching and following Christ, that he is a true Apostle; And Simon Magus (though he remaine in the gall of bitternesse, and bond of iniquity,) may be thought by his receiving of Baptisme, to be a true believer; And so may any Hypocrite by some exterior act, of faith and repentance, cosen the best discerner of spirits among men, and gaine the opinion and esteeme of a true penitent and believer. Actions externally good or good in appearance, may be evill indeed for want of a good rule, a good manner, a good end, & some other good circumstances, with which an action which is good must be cloathed [For bonum non oritur nisi ex integris.] and so by consequence cannot certainly prove the man that doth them to be a good man, or to have the grace of faith, repentance, or any other, truly planted in his heart.