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…

The truth is, our Divines have a long time erred in making different decrees of those which are but one (I mean formal) decree, to wit, of the means, though materially different, which is nothing strange: For, why should it seem strange that many means should be required to the same end? We commonly say, that Gods decree to give salvation is the decree of the end; and his decree to give faith and repentance is the decree of the means: yet they dare not say commonly, that Gods decree to inflict damnation is the decree of the end; and Gods decree to deny grace is the decree of the means: And so they are driven to overthrow all Analogy between Election and Reprobation. I say that Gods decree of giving faith and salvation unto sinners, are but one formal decree of God concerning the means; the end whereof is, the manifestation ⟨p. 145⟩of Gods glory in the way of mercy mixed with justice. And, indeed, nothing can be the end of Gods actions but his own glory; for he made all things for himself, and as all things are from him, so all things must be for him; for the supreme efficient must be the supreme end. Now if God at once, and in one moment of nature, decreeth to give salvation by way of reward of faith, judge you, or let any indifferent Reader judge, whether this decree of salvation be not necessarily conjunct with the foresight of saith.

The truth is, our Divines have a long time erred in making different decrees of those which are but one (I mean formall) decree, to wit, of the meanes, though materially different, which is nothing strange: For, why should it seeme strange that many meanes should be required to the same end? Wee commonly say, that Gods decree to give salvation is the decree of the end; and his decree to give faith and repentance is the decree of the meanes: yet they dare not say commonly, that Gods decree to inflict damnation is the decree of the end; and Gods decree to deny grace is the decree of the meanes: And so they are driven to overthrow all Analogie between Election and Reprobation. I say that Gods decree of giving faith and salvation unto sinners, are but one formall decree of God concerning the meanes; the end whereof is, the manifestation ⟨p. 145⟩of Gods glory in the way of mercie mixt with justice. And, indeed, nothing can be the end of Gods actions but his owne glory; for hee made all things for himselfe, and as all things are from him, so all things must be for him; for the supreame efficient must be the supreame end. Now if God at once, and in one moment of nature, decreeth to give salvation by way of reward of faith, judge you, or let any indifferent Reader judge, whether this decree of salvation be not necessarily conjunct with the foresight of saith.