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…

Pag. 262. lin. 31, 32. that they may profit to the outward amendment of their life, to the end that their punishment may be the milder.

Pag. 263. l. 24. the will of suffering sin, and inflicting damnation for their sin.

Pag. 283. lin. 31, &c. what is this that you say, [when they are said to be given over to their lusts, they are to be understood, as men left by divine patience, not compelled into sins by Gods power] as if the Apostle had not put both these together, both patience and power, when he saith, But if God willing to show wrath, and demonstrate his power, suffered in much patience the vessels of Gods wrath, fitted, or prepared, for destruction. Yet which of these two do you say is that which is written? And the Prophet if he shall err, and speak, I the Lord have deceived that Prophet: and I will ⟨image 140⟩stretch out mine arm upon him, and cut him off out of the midst of my people Israel. Is this patience, or power? choose which you will, or confess both. Yet you see, that the sin of him who prophecieth falsely, is also a punishment of sin. And when it is said, I the Lord have deceived that Prophet: will you say here also, that this is to be understood as if it were said, I have deserted him, that by reason of his merits he is seduced that he might err? Be it so, if you will; yet after this manner he was punished for his sins, that by prophesying that which was false he might sin. But look unto that which the Prophet Micah saw; to wit, The Lord sitting upon his throne, and the whole army of heaven stood about him, on his right hand, and on his left: And the Lord said, Who shall persuade Ahab the King of Israel, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead? and one spake on this manner, and another on that. And there came forth a Spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will persuade him. And the Lord aid unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and will be a lying Spirit in the mouth of all his Prophets. But this very thing was also a punishment of sin; God judging, God sending an evil Angel: That we may more clearly understand, how it is said in the Psalm, that he sent the wrath of his indignation by evil Angels. But did God err in this? did he judge or do ought unjustly or rashly in this? Far be it from us so to think. But the Prophet spake not in vain, when he said, Thy judgements are a great depth. The Apost be doth not cry out in vain, when he saith, O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgements, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord?