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…

To make this objection colourable, we need not say as you seem to imply, that the Apostle gave occasion of it, by ascribing the hardening of Pharaoh and other reprobates to Gods absolute will, and without all respect to sin; yet the creature hardened, is wont to plead with God about it, Esa. 63. 17. you shall there see Gods own people to err, and upon their error, to have their hearts hardened from Gods fear, and both done by God, and yet the people expostulate with God about it, which if Gods own people may do reverently, is it any wonder if the reprobates do the same upon the same occasion petulantly and profanely?

To make this objection colourable, wee need not say as you seem to imply, that the Apostle gave occasion of it, by ascribing the hardning of Pharaoh and other reprobates to Gods absolute will, and without all respect to sin; yet the creature hardned, is wont to plead with God about it, Esa. 63. 17. you shall there see Gods own people to erre, and upon their error, to have their hearts hardned from Gods feare, and both done by God, and yet the people expostulate with God about it, which if Gods own people may doe reverently, is it any wonder if the reprobates doe the same upon the same occasion petulantly and profanely?

But the answer of the Apostle to the objection propounded, cleareth the whole matter; For, as a man would justify the severe proceedings of a Master of a College, in refusing to elect an unworthy person, and in stead thereof expelling him the College by pleading, first, the liberty or authority of his negative voice: Secondly, the desert of the person refused and expelled. So the Apostle beateth down the insolency of the objection, and pleadeth the justice of Gods proceedings against Reprobates hated and hardened, from, first, the Sovereignty of God over his creature, ver. 20, 21. secondly, the due deserts of persons being vessels of wrath, and fitted for destruction, ver. 22.

But the answer of the Apostle to the objection propounded, cleareth the whole matter; For, as a man would justifie the severe proceedings of a Master of a Colledge, in refusing to elect an unworthy person, and in stead thereof expelling him the Colledge by pleading, first, the liberty or authority of his negative voyce: Secondly, the desert of the person refused and expelled. So the Apostle beateth down the insolency of the objection, and pleadeth the justice of Gods proceedings against Reprobates hated and hardned, from, first, the Soveraignty of God over his creature, ver. 20, 21. secondly, the due deserts of persons being vessels of wrath, and fitted for destruction, ver. 22.