A64002:1757
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.
Sect: 3.
2. Nor if this be true can sin be punished eternally, or that tribunal be just on which the sentence of eternal 1fire shall be denounced against the wicked at the last day. To this I have the fathers bearing witness generally and plainly. Tertullian hath there words; The recompense of God and evil can with no justice be given to him, who is good or evil, not freely but of necessity. Saint Hierome saith, where necessity domineers, 2there is no place for retribution. Epiphanius saith, the stars which impose upon men a necessity of sinning, may be punished with better justice then the men themselves. We place mens nativities under no fatal constellations, saith Saint Austin, that we may free the will by which a man liveth either well or ill, from all bands of necessity, because of the righteous judgment of God. Prosper speaking of the judgment of God, by which he decreed to render unto every man according to his works, saith, this judgment would never be if men did sin by the will and determination of God. Fulgentius also saith the same. It is great injustice in God, to punish him whom he doth not find, but make an offender. This was Saint Peruards opinion too; it is only a will free from compulsion and necessity saith he, which maketh a creature capable of reward & punishment Out of these restimonies laid together may be collected three things. 1. That the Ancients did use to call a necessity of humane actions good or bad, by the name of destiny, from what external cause soever this necessity did arise. 2. That they did use these two words (Necessity) and (Compulsion) promiscuously; and therefore thought that necessity as well as compulsion did take away the wills liberty. 3. (Which is for our present purpose) that they believed and contended that the judgments of God on sinners could not be just, if they were held by the Adamantine chains of any absolute necessity, under the power of their sins. I will therefore conclude this Argument with the words of Epiphanius writing of the error of the Pharisees, who believed the immortality of the soul, and the resurrection of the dead, & yet held that all things come to pass by necessity. It is, saith he, a point of extreme ignorance;