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 second DOUBT.

Where have we, in Scripture, ground for this, That the Lords first and primary intention, in his decree of Predestination, was to set forth Grace and Justice? That the declaration of his justice was intended, is not doubted, but by the Apostle it seemeth, his primary aim was the declaration of the sovereignty, freedom, and dominion of God over the creature, in that he purposeth grace and power.

WHere have wee, in Scripture, ground for this, That the Lords first and primary intention, in his decree of Predestination, was to set forth Grace and Justice? That the declaration of his justice was intended, is not doubted, but by the Apostle it seemeth, his primary aime was the declaration of the soveraignty, freedom, and dominion of God over the creature, in that hee purposeth grace and power.

The Apostle throughout his whole discourse of Predestination, ¹doth no where oppose grace and power; for God showeth as much power, freedom, and dominion over the creature, in his grace toward the elect, as in his justice toward the world: The Apostle sets forth the like power and sovereign will of God, as well in showing mercy on whom he will, as hardening whom he pleaseth. Do not think he opposeth Gods power and sovereignty over Pharaoh, to his grace and love unto Jacob: for the power he there speaks of, is not sovereignty, but ability, might, and power, showing it self forth in the hardening and overthrow of Pharaoh; in Moses called the power of his wrath. Power natural is one thing, power civill, which we call sovereignty, another: the first is, ability to do a thing; the second is, liberty to do what naturally he can do, without sin. Undoubtedly, the power of God showed in Pharaoh, was in his overthrow, and answerable to the power of Gods wrath.