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. Likewise touching the Fourth, whether this powerful work being denied to any, it is possible for such a one to believe, and repent unto salvation. Concerning the order here mentioned, though my opinion be, that the object of predestination is massa nondum condita, yet in no moment of nature, or reason, was the decree of God concerning Christs incarnation, and our salvation by him, before the decree of creation, and of permission of Adams fall, and consequently Election unto Salvation had the consideration of massa corrupta concomitant with it, though not precedent; only the consideration of massa nondum condita being antecedentall to all these decrees. Likewise, in my opinion, they do mistake, who take the Synod of Dort to maintain the consideration of massa corrupta, as precedent to Election, though they begin with signifying what God purposed to bring to pass, upon the fall of mankind, in Adam. And Galvin in his answer to Pighius confesseth, that the safest course is to treat of predestination, upon the consideration of the corrupt mass in Adam. As touching what you have delivered, touching Election in Christ our head, in the first place, that I have already examined.

4. Likewise touching the Fourth, whether this powerfull worke being denyed to any, it is possible for such a one to beleeve, and repent unto salvation. Concerning the order here mentioned, though my opinion be, that the object of predestination is massa nondum condita, yet in no moment of nature, or reason, was the decree of God concerning Christs incarnation, and our salvation by him, before the decree of creation, and of permission of Adams fall, and consequently Election unto Salvation had the consideration of massa corrupta concomitant with it, though not precedent; only the consideration of massa nondum condita being antecedentall to all these decrees. Likewise, in my opinion, they doe mistake, who take the Synod of Dort to maintaine the consideration of massa corrupta, as precedent to Election, though they beginne with signifying what God purposed to bring to passe, upon the fall of mankind, in Adam. And Galvin in his answere to Pighius confesseth, that the safest course is to treate of predestination, upon the consideration of the corrupt masse in Adam. As touching what you have delivered, touching Election in Christ our head, in the first place, that I have already examined.