A64002:1448
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.
it is in his power to take any man off from any sinful course by repentance, if he will; but he is bound to none, he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will he hardeneth; and in all this he is not culpable.
it is in his power to take any man off from any sinfull course by repentance, if he will; but he is bound to none, he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will he hardeneth; and in all this he is not culpable.
In the next place he tells us; It is contrary to God's nature but what? To damn men for their sins never broken off by repentance? for all our divines maintain that God is Author of damnation to none but such; and to such God is not merciful nor gracious, nor suffers them any longer, nor shows any goodness towards them; while they lived he did; yea much long suffering and patience, inviting them thereby to repentance; yea and by his; word also inviting many; but after they dye in sin, therewithal an end is set to the dispensation of Gods gracious proceedings with them. Much less do we deny him to be good and merciful and of great kindness to all that call upon him. For Gods mercy doth not exercise it self by necessity of nature, but by freedom of will; yet he heareth the cry of Ravens and not a Sparrow falleth to the ground without the providence of our heavenly father, and the very Lyons roaring after their prey, do seek their meat at the hands of God: These mercies are temporal; but as for spiritual mercies, for the working and cherishing of Sanctification these are not extended unto all, but to some only, even to whom he will. And accordingly the elect of God are called vessels of mercy. Yet to the 1execution of damnation on any he proceeds not till after death, and stays no longer; so slow to wrath he is towards the worst, and no more slow to the best of them. Who is a God like unto thee, saith Micah, that taketh away iniquity? here this Author out of wisdom maketh a stop, leaving out that which followeth and passing by the transgressions of the remnant of his heritage: That restriction belike he did not so well brook; but having leapt over that; he is content to take in that which followeth, he retaineth not his wrath for ever, because mercy pleaseth him: to wit, towards the remnant of his heritage, of his people. But I hope nought of this can hinder God from being the Author of damnation to all that dye in sin without repentance without any prejudice to his holiness, though he retaineth wrath for ever against them.