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…

but chiefly upon consideration that the word of this covenant is a word of power mastering their corruption, and enabling to perform faith, repentance, and Evangelical obedience in an acceptable manner unto the Lord. Subservient to the purpose of reprobation may be the Law, only written in mens hearts, which very obscurely, intimateth (if at all) any covenant made of everlasting life between God and man. Where the word is revealed, that in general comprehending both Law and Gospel, is subservient thereunto in the way of instruction and exhortation, and the like, thereby taking away all excuse.

but chiefely upon consideration that the word of this covenant is a word of power mastering their corruption, and inabling to perform faith, repentance, and Evangelicall obedience in an acceptuble manner unto the Lord. Subservient to the purpose of reprobation may bee the Law, only writen in mens hearts, which very obscurely, intimateth (if at all) any covenant made of everlasting life between God and man. Where the word is revealed, that in generall comprehending both Law and Gospel, is subservient thereunto in the way of instruction and exhortation, and the like, thereby taking away all excuse.

Of any other end intended towards them I know not, except sometimes, as Austin observeth, Ut proficiant ad exteriorem vitae emendationem quo mitius puniantur. And why I pray may not the covenant of works promise life upon condition of obedience, notwithstanding the purpose of reprobation hath absolutely determined death, upon all them within the Covenant: as well as the Covenant of grace threatens death upon condition of disobedience of faith and repentance: notwithstanding that the purpose of election hath absolutely determined life upon all them within that Covenant. And yet like ⟨p. 263⟩as in election we acknowledge a respect to obedience, consequent thereunto, in as much as it includes a purpose to give grace to work them to obedience, though not any respect thereto, as antecedent to the decree it self; how much more may you easily conceive, that in reprobation we deny not a respect to disobedience consequent, for as much as it includes a purpose to deny grace, which alone can prevent disobedience, though not any respect to disobedience as antecedent to the decree of reprobation? And to repeat by the way, that which formerly hath been delivered.