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…

Last of all, as touching the motions of the Spirit, if they are no other then moral invitations, they tend to no other end then to bring all men alike unto salvation, in case they are obeyed; and to expose all alike unto condemnation, in case they are disobeyed. If we speak of other motions making the former effectual unto obedience and repentance, these being found only in the Elect, are documents of Gods will and purpose to save them to whom they are granted; and as manifest a document, that Gods will and purpose is not to save them to whom they are denied.

Last of all, as touching the motions of the Spirit, if they are no other then morall invitations, they tend to no other end then to bring all men alike unto salvation, in case they are obeyed; and to expose all alike unto condemnation, in case they are disobeyed. If wee speake of other motions making the former effectuall unto obedience and repentance, these being found onely in the Elect, are documents of Gods will and purpose to save them to whom they are granted; and as manifest a document, that Gods will and purpose is not to save them to whom they are denyed.

As for the harmony you speak of, between Gods Purpose and Covenant, herein is your error two-fold: First, in that you apply this wholly to the world, to Reprobates; whereas it concerns, as I have showed, the Elect as well as the Reprobate; the reason whereof is, because it respects only the collating of salvation, and inflicting of condemnation, which have their course upon condition. But there is another work of Gods Providence, concerning the giving or denying of grace for performing the condition of life: And this work is not performed upon any condition, but merely according to the good pleasure of God, in showing mercy to whom he will, and hardening whom he will. And, the Purpose of God for the execution of these is clearly absolute, without all colour of condition. And whereas you conceive this Purpose of God, thus absolute, concerns only the Elect, that is your second error: For, God doth not more absolutely grant the gift of obedience and repentance unto his Elect, than he doth deny it unto Reprobates; as I doubt not but will be made clearly to appear, if you should come to a Collation hereabout. But I do not think you have any purpose to deal upon this, but carry your self in a way of your own, not exactly considered, wherein confusion, of things that are to be distinguished, doth afford you the best service. As for the third, which this harmony you speak of comprehends, to wit, the Providence of God, I left that out, because you shape to your self such a Providence of God, as whereby God did provide for all men, in all ages, sufficient