A90293:153
Theomachia autexousiastikē
Theomachia autexousiastikē: or, A display of Arminianism. Being a discovery of the old Pelagian idol free-will, with the new goddess contingency, advancing themselves, into the throne of the God of heaven to the prejudice of his grace, providence, and supreme dominion over the children of men. Wherein the main errors of the Arminians are laid open, by which they are fallen off from the received doctrine of all the reformed churches, with their opposition in divers particulars to the doctrine established in the Church of England. Discovered out of their own writings and confessions, and confuted by the Word of God. / By John Owen, Master of Arts of Queens College in Oxon.Theomachia autexousiastikē: or, A display of Arminianisme. Being a discovery of the old Pelagian idol free-will, with the new goddesse contingency, advancing themselves, into the throne of the God of heaven to the prejudice of his grace, providence, and supreme dominion over the children of men. Wherein the maine errors of the Arminians are laid open, by which they are fallen off from the received doctrine of all the reformed churches, with their opposition in divers particulars to the doctrine established in the Church of England. Discovered out of their owne writings and confessions, and confuted by the Word of God. / By Iohn Owen, Master of Arts of Queens Colledge in Oxon.
London: printed by I.L. for Phil. Stephens, 1643
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Secondly, in regard of their ends, for whereas his providence directeth all creatures in general, to those several ends to which at length they are brought, whether they are proportionated unto their natures, or exceeding the sphere of their natural activity: Predestination is exercised only in directing rational creatures, to supernatural ends: so that in general it is the counsel, decree, or purpose of Almighty God, concerning the last and supernatural end of his rational creatures, to be accomplished for the praise of his glory: But this also must receive a double restriction, before we come precisely, to what, we in this place aim at: and these again in regard of the objects or the ends thereof.
Secondly, in regard of their ends, for whereas his providence directeth all creatures in generall, to those severall ends to which at length they are brought, whether they are proportionated unto their natures, or exceeding the sphere of their naturall activitie: Predestination is exercised onely in directing rationall creatures, to supernaturall ends: so that in generall it is the counsell, decree, or purpose of Almightie God, concerning the last and supernaturall end of his rationall creatures, to be accomplished for the praise of his glory: But this also must receive a double restriction, before we come precisely, to what, we in this place aime at: and these againe in regard of the objects or the ends thereof.
The Object of Predestination is, all rational creatures; now these are either Angels or men, of Angels I shall not treat: Secondly, the end by it provided for them is either eternal happiness, or eternal misery: I speak only of the former, the act of Gods predestination, transmitting men to everlasting happiness: and in this restrained sense, it differs not at all from election, and we may use them as Synonyma, terms of the same importance: though by some affirming that God predestinateth them to faith whom he hath chosen, they seem to be distinguished as the decrees of the end, and the means conducing thereunto; whereof the first is Election, intending the end, and then takes place Predestination providing the means; but this exact distinction appeareth not directly in the Scripture.