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…

Of the cause of the death of a sinner there needeth not to be any question; for undoubtedly, the sin of man is the cause thereof, in the way of a cause meritorious; but not in the way of a cause naturally efficient. And as undoubted it is, that Gods will is ⟨p. 62⟩the cause thereof, as a Judge, in the way of a cause naturally efficient; but not in the way of a cause meritorious. And as clear it is, that only the meritorious cause is the chief cause in this kind; for as much as by the rendering thereof alone, satisfaction is made to him that demands the reason, why such a one suffereth death. But I wonder what you mean to change the former Translation of the Text, thus, I have no pleasure in the wicked mans death, into another, thus, I will not the death of a sinner; For, is it not God that inflicteth death? and doth he not do all things according to the counsel of his will? Ephes. 1. 11. Yet if it were so to be rendered, it will nothing advantage you. And in no other sense can it be said, that he doth not will it; then in that in which he is said, not to punish willingly, Lam. 3. according to the Latin phrase, when he doth not punish, Animi causa, but by reason of some provocation, the sin of man urging and moving him thereunto; as is fairly intimated in that, Hos. 11. 8. How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? And, Isaiah 3. They provoke the eyes of his glory.

Of the cause of the death of a sinner there needeth not to be any question; for undoubtedly, the sinne of man is the cause thereof, in the way of a cause meritorious; but not in the way of a cause naturally efficient. And as undoubted it is, that Gods will is ⟨p. 62⟩the cause thereof, as a Judge, in the way of a cause naturally efficient; but not in the way of a cause meritorious. And as cleare it is, that onely the meritorious cause is the chiefe cause in this kind; for as much as by the rendring thereof alone, satisfaction is made to him that demands the reason, why such a one suffereth death. But I wonder what you meane to change the former Translation of the Text, thus, I have no pleasure in the wicked mans death, into another, thus, I will not the death of a sinner; For, is it not God that inflicteth death? and doth hee not doe all things according to the counsell of his will?