A treatise of Mr. Cottons clearing certain doubts concerning predestination together with an examination…A treatise of Mr. Cottons clearing certaine doubts concerning predestination together with an examination…

4. That those, whom he so calleth, he preserveth by some powerful work of his spirit to himself in Christ, so as they never fall from him totally, or finally: Only herein take it not amiss, if I place the subject of Election in Persons considered in Christ, before the world, or themselves were, and not in massa corrupta, with the late venerable Synod. For though herein they follow Augustine, and Zanchy, and some others; yet have they dissented from the chief instruments, of the reformation of our Religion. And, with reverence I speak it, as I am led to conceive, that it need not trouble any, if, taking Christ to be the head of the elect, I conceive him to be first thought upon, and chosen, and we in him. Mr. Baynes, followeth the school in so expressing it; and the reasons delivered above in the first point, have carried me with them: and the difference lieth in opening the purpose of Reprobation. But see here how far I go with the stream•, and, •hen I go aside, how little, and upon what ground.

4. That those, whom he so calleth, he preserveth by some powerfull worke of his spirit to himselfe in Christ, so as they never fall from him totally, or finally: Only herein take it not amisse, if I place the subject of Election in Persons considered in Christ, before the world, or themselves were, and not in massa corrupta, with the late venerable Synod. For though herein they follow Augustine, and Zanchy, and some others; yet have they dissented from the chiefe instruments, of the reformation of our Religion. And, with reverence I speake it, as I am led to conceive, that it need not trouble any, if, taking Christ to be the head of the elect, I conceive him to be first thought upon, and chosen, and we in him. Mr. Baynes, followeth the schoole in so expressing it; and the reasons delivered above in the first point, have carryed me with them: and the difference lyeth in opening the purpose of Reprobation. But see here how farre I goe with the stream•, and, •hen I goe aside, how little, and upon what ground.