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…

Yet it is remarkable, that he appeals to the judgement not of the best only, but the worst also in this: but something qualified I confess, to wit, provided that they stand indifferent to the entertainment of any truths. Mark it well, of any truths: and who are these? Not possessed with the entertainment of any Truths, but indifferent to the entertainment of them, I say who are these? The regenerate or unregenerate? Here I am at a stand, not knowing which way to take. But it may be this is spoken only in reference to our Doctrine of absolute Reprobation. But of whatsoever it be spoken, let him give instance in either or in both; it seems he is indifferent to have it take place either way, for he proposed it of best and worst. But why should he presuppose an unregenerate man to be indifferent, to the entertainment of any truth? Whereas the Apostle professeth of a natural man, that he cannot know the things of God, and he gives the reason of it, because they are spiritually discerned; and formerly said that they were foolishness unto him. Yet I willingly confess, the Doctrine of absolute Reprobation, is very harsh to the judgement and affections of carnal men; and such as we had never embraced, had it not been for the word of God, which plainly professeth, that election is not of (good) works; and that by such an argument, as whereby it is manifest, ¹1. That election is as well proved not to be of faith, as not of works. 2. That reprobation is not of evil works; yet the harshness hereof, is nothing like so much appearing in its proper colours, as upon their deciphering and blazing of it, who are as zealous for making election to be upon foresight of faith and works (though this latter member, they are loath to have the World take notice of) as they are opposite to the absoluteness of reprobation. Now whereas before I have showed, that there is a great deal of difference between absolute election unto salvation, and election unto salvation absolute: And that not one of our Divines doth maintain, that God doth elect men unto salvation absolute, but to obtain salvation upon their faith and repentance, and final perseverance therein: In like sort there is as great difference between absolute reprobation unto damnation, and reprobation unto damnation absolute.

Yet it is remarkable, that he appeals to the judgement not of the best only, but the worst also in this: but something qualified I confesse, to wit, provided that they stand indifferent to the entertainment of any truths. Marke it well, of any truths: and who are these? Not possessed with the entertainment of any Truths, but indifferent to the entertainment of them, I say who are these? The regenerate or unregenerate? Here I am at a stand, not knowing which way to take. But it may be this is spoken only in reference to our Doctrine of absolute Reprobation. But of whatsoever it be spoken, let him give instance in either or in both; it seems he is indifferent to have it take place either way, for he proposed it of best and worst. But why should he presuppose an unregenerate man to be indifferent, to the entertainment of any truth? Whereas the Apostle professeth of a naturall man, that he cannot know the things of God, and he gives the reason of it, because they are spiritually discerned; and formerly said that they were foolishnesse unto him. Yet I willingly confesse, the Doctrine of absolute Reprobation, is very harsh to the judgement and affections of carnall men; and such as we had never embraced, had it not been for the word of God, which plainly professeth, that election is not of (good) works; and that by such an argument, as whereby it is manifest,