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…

Again, if the glorifying of Christ were first in intention, then was it the end, and the generation of all mankind should be as the means tending to the furthering of that end; but what, I pray, doth the generation of a little child of mine tend to the furtherance of the glory of Christ, wherewith he was crowned above 1500. years ago? Come we to the permission of Adams fall: I say, the glorifying of Christ was not in intention before this, though it seems never so plausible in respect of congruity in execution; for, by reason of incongruity, in the very same kind, I disprove it thus; If the glorifying of Christ were in Gods intention before the permission of Adams fall, then ⟨p. 26⟩much more was it before the permission of other mens sins in Gods intention; but this is most untrue, upon the very same ground: For, if in comparison between the glorifying of Christ, and the permission of all mens sins to the end of the world, the glorifying of Christ were first in Gods intention, then should it be last in execution; which is most untrue: for the glorifying of Christ was accomplished above 1500. years ago, as hath been showed; but the permission of all mens sins, to the end of the world, is not yet in execution. Again, if the glorifying of Christ were first in intention, then should it have rationem finis, and the permission of all mens sins, to the end of the world, should be a congruous means to that end: but to aver this were most unreasonable; for what furtherance doth my sins this day and hour afford to the glorifying of the Son of God, which was accomplished 1500. years ago? If it be replied, that this glorifying of Christ is spoken in reference to a glory of Christ which is yet to come, to wit, the kingdom of Christ which we look for, 2 Tim. 4. 1. I answer, there is no reason why it should have any particular reference unto that; for as much as that glory shall have an end: For that kingdom shall continue but for a while; He must reign till he hath put all his enemies under his feet, 1 Cor. 15. 25. And, When all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son himself be subject to him that did subdue all things under him, that God may be all in all, Verse 28.

Again, if the glorifying of Christ were first in intention, then was it the end, and the generation of all mankind should be as the meanes tending to the furthering of that end; but what, I pray, doth the generation of a little child of mine tend to the furtherance of the glory of Christ, wherewith hee was crowned above 1500. years agoe? Come we to the permission of Adams fall: I say, the glorifying of Christ was not in intention before this, though it seems never so plausible in respect of congruity in execution; for, by reason of incongruity, in the very same kind, I disprove it thus; If the glorifying of Christ were in Gods intention before the permission of Adams fall, then