choose_v he_o and_o the_o apostle_n john_n 1_o ep._n 4.10_o say_v this_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n first_o but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n send_v his_o son_n not_o as_o foresee_v our_o affection_n but_o as_o pursue_v the_o intent_n and_o procure_v in_o we_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o own_o and_o the_o apostle_n paul_n do_v every_o where_n assert_v faith_n to_o be_v a_o fruit_n and_o not_o a_o cause_n of_o election_n that_o we_o be_v choose_v unto_o good_a work_n not_o for_o they_o i._n e_o that_o they_o who_o be_v predestine_v shall_v certain_o believe_v not_o they_o who_o believe_v be_v therefore_o predestine_v which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o his_o discourse_n eph._n 1._o so_o that_o in_o the_o act_n of_o election_n man_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o mere_o passive_a i._n e_o as_o creature_n not_o as_o believer_n as_o such_o who_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v dispose_v by_o god_n how_o he_o please_v but_o have_v no_o possibility_n of_o merit_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o this_o be_v affirm_v of_o the_o israelite_n in_o general_n deut._n 7._o that_o god_n choose_v they_o not_o because_o they_o be_v better_o or_o more_o righteous_a than_o other_o people_n but_o because_o he_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o they_o and_o lest_o they_o shall_v perhaps_o pride_n themselves_o with_o a_o conceit_n that_o for_o their_o own_o worth_n and_o excellence_n this_o privilege_n be_v give_v they_o they_o be_v express_o tell_v there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n for_o they_o be_v a_o stiffnecked_a and_o rebellious_a people_n deut._n 9.6_o able_a rather_o to_o thwart_v and_o if_o possible_a to_o undo_v god_n election_n then_o to_o procure_v it_o thus_o we_o find_v math._n 11._o that_o christ_n preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o bethsaida_n and_o to_o they_o of_o capernaum_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o merit_v that_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v of_o they_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n have_v they_o enjoy_v the_o like_a favour_n will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o repentantant_n than_o they_o and_o to_o conclude_v in_o particular_n the_o apostle_n paul_n handle_v this_o very_a argument_n and_o intend_v for_o ever_o so_o far_o as_o scripture_n evidence_n will_v reach_v to_o silence_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n that_o god_n alone_o may_v have_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n he_o instance_n in_o jacob_n who_o be_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o absolute_a election_n prefer_v before_o esau_n the_o temporal_a condition_n serve_v to_o shadow_n out_o the_o eternal_a for_o lest_o any_o imagination_n shall_v arise_v as_o if_o jacob_n in_o himself_o be_v the_o more_o deserve_v of_o the_o two_o he_o say_v it_o be_v do_v before_o any_o of_o they_o have_v do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a rom._n 9.11_o and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o one_o be_v take_v and_o the_o other_o leave_v what_o do_v induce_v god_n to_o put_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o two_o who_o be_v moral_o equal_a and_o naturally_n esau_n be_v to_o have_v the_o advantage_n the_o apostle_n add_v that_o it_o be_v do_v to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n according_a to_o election_n may_v stand_v not_o of_o work_n but_o of_o he_o that_o call_v wherein_o the_o apostle_n plead_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n honour_n and_o be_v jealous_a of_o his_o prerogative_n resolve_v all_o thing_n into_o god_n purpose_n and_o refer_v we_o thither_o to_o seek_v the_o ultimate_a difference_n of_o man_n either_o temporal_a or_o eternal_a condition_n and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o acquiesce_v when_o he_o thus_o find_v it_o write_v but_o will_v bring_v his_o wit_n to_o strive_v and_o wrestle_v against_o the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o can_v alter_v that_o but_o only_o do_v unhappy_o evince_v to_o himself_o that_o while_o he_o continue_v that_o humour_n he_o be_v not_o of_o the_o number_n of_o god_n elect_n for_o all_o that_o be_v a_o willing_a humble_a and_o obedient_a people_n against_o this_o which_o have_v be_v urge_v there_o be_v that_o i_o know_v of_o but_o one_o considerable_a objection_n and_o that_o be_v if_o the_o number_n of_o those_o which_o shall_v be_v save_v be_v limit_v and_o certain_a so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n for_o more_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n be_v so_o importunate_a with_o all_o indifferent_o to_o come_v in_o and_o repent_v that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v and_o god_n himself_o be_v often_o bring_v in_o in_o scripture_n chide_v and_o expostulate_v with_o sinner_n for_o destroy_v themselves_o and_o for_o refuse_v salvation_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o ludicrous_a thing_n if_o the_o number_n be_v so_o set_v already_o that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o more_o this_o objection_n be_v yet_o make_v more_o tragical_a by_o the_o many_o heavy_a charge_n and_o enditement_n which_o be_v draw_v up_o against_o this_o as_o some_o stile_n it_o partial_a and_o cruel_a deal_n from_o the_o common_a place_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o mercy_n which_o man_n who_o love_v themselves_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o enlarge_v and_o therefore_o easy_o hearken_v to_o those_o who_o dare_v declaim_v upon_o such_o subject_n but_o these_o vain_a and_o empty_a flourish_v however_o insoluble_a they_o may_v seem_v to_o some_o who_o be_v guide_v by_o the_o first_o impression_n and_o sound_n of_o word_n be_v of_o no_o importance_n if_o we_o fix_v election_n only_o upon_o god_n will_n for_o this_o will_v present_o cut_v off_o all_o witty_a cavil_n if_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o god_n will_v indeed_o have_v it_o so_o and_o therefore_o i_o look_v upon_o the_o former_a objection_n as_o their_o main_a strength_n because_o it_o immediate_o tend_v to_o practise_v and_o seem_v to_o beget_v this_o opinion_n that_o god_n secret_a and_o reveal_v will_v do_v thwart_v &_o contradict_v each_o other_o therefore_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o though_o few_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o those_o few_o determine_v yet_o because_o they_o be_v unknown_a to_o we_o we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o in_o a_o saveable_a condition_n thus_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n do_v in_o their_o so_o frequent_a and_o repeat_v instance_n with_o those_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v and_o their_o example_n we_o be_v to_o follow_v for_o peremptory_o to_o conclude_v against_o any_o and_o to_o deny_v they_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n because_o they_o be_v not_o elect_v be_v a_o uncharitable_a presumption_n in_o we_o which_o we_o shall_v more_o heavy_o account_v for_o than_o they_o will_v do_v for_o their_o disobedience_n and_o unbelief_n 2._o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o those_o who_o be_v elect_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o by_o a_o general_n proposal_n of_o it_o indifferent_o to_o all_o which_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n in_o those_o many_o parable_n which_o intimate_v a_o promiscuous_a call_n from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o though_o many_o be_v call_v yet_o few_o be_v choose_v and_o we_o may_v invert_v the_o proposition_n thus_o though_o few_o be_v choose_v yet_o many_o must_v be_v call_v in_o this_o world_n the_o tare_n and_o the_o wheat_n must_v be_v equal_o tend_v and_o though_o they_o grow_v together_o with_o some_o discernible_a difference_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o minister_n business_n to_o make_v a_o final_a sepatation_n last_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a end_n in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o first_o and_o principal_n be_v to_o bring_v in_o god_n elect_n but_o secondary_o it_o serve_v to_o condemn_v the_o reprobate_n and_o to_o make_v their_o damnation_n just_n .._o for_o what_o can_v they_o plead_v at_o the_o last_o day_n to_o justify_v their_o unbelief_n since_o when_o they_o be_v call_v as_o it_o be_v by_o name_n yet_o they_o do_v willing_o exclude_v themselves_o and_o thereby_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o jew_n here_o judge_v themselves_o unworthy_a of_o eternal_a life_n thus_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o god_n divinity_n and_o spiritual_a be_v be_v discover_v in_o the_o creation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v to_o what_o purpose_n since_o so_o few_o do_v either_o believe_v or_o worship_v he_o as_o they_o ought_v he_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 1.20_o that_o they_o may_v have_v nothing_o to_o plead_v no_o quirk_n nor_o apology_n leave_v to_o excuse_v their_o atheism_n and_o idolatry_n and_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v say_v he_o it_o be_v hide_v to_o those_o which_o be_v lose_v 2_o cor._n 4.3_o discover_v to_o they_o but_o hide_v in_o they_o because_o they_o do_v not_o take_v pain_n as_o they_o shall_v to_o search_v out_o its_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a meaning_n so_o we_o be_v say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o sweet_a smell_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n 2_o cor._n
work_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a for_o jacob_n be_v love_v and_o esau_n hate_v even_o before_o they_o have_v do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n vers_fw-la 11._o this_o doctrine_n so_o much_o detract_n from_o the_o merit_n and_o thereby_o abase_v the_o pride_n of_o man_n the_o apostle_n foresee_v will_v not_o be_v easy_o digest_v and_o therefore_o he_o repeat_v and_o answer_v the_o most_o obvious_a of_o those_o objection_n which_o be_v likely_a upon_o a_o rational_a account_n to_o be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o which_o in_o short_a do_v contain_v the_o sum_n of_o whatever_o can_v be_v urge_v in_o this_o point_n the_o first_o objection_n be_v couch_v vers_n 14._o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v you_o may_v object_v if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o one_o man_n believe_v and_o another_o do_v not_o and_o consequent_o that_o one_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o another_o damn_a be_v only_o from_o god_n election_n and_o not_o from_o their_o merit_n do_v not_o this_o argue_v some_o unrighteousness_n in_o god_n a_o kind_n of_o injust_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o respect_n of_o person_n thus_o to_o prefer_v one_o man_n before_o another_o for_o as_o all_o man_n be_v equal_a by_o nature_n so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v equal_a in_o condition_n too_o &_o not_o this_o vast_a difference_n as_o to_o their_o final_a estate_n to_o be_v put_v between_o they_o without_o any_o desert_n or_o merit_n of_o the_o party_n to_o the_o objection_n thus_o frame_v the_o apostle_n return_v a_o double_a answer_n 1._o in_o a_o phrase_n of_o abhorrency_n be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v let_v not_o such_o a_o thought_n enter_v into_o our_o heart_n for_o whatever_o the_o issue_n of_o god_n deal_n may_v be_v yet_o as_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o this_o foundation_n stand_v sure_a that_o god_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o do_n and_o will_v be_v justify_v when_o he_o be_v judge_v 2._o by_o instance_v in_o the_o example_n of_o pharaoh_n who_o god_n say_v he_o raise_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n to_o manifest_v his_o glory_n from_o whence_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v v._n 18._o that_o god_n have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v i._n that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o look_v for_o any_o outward_a cause_n of_o god_n act_n for_o he_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o man_n endeavour_n since_o all_o our_o good_a be_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o can_v merit_v nothing_o at_o his_o hand_n he_o ordain_v happiness_n and_o bestow_v holiness_n on_o who_o he_o please_v they_o be_v both_o free-gift_n we_o can_v natural_o deserve_v the_o one_o nor_o be_v we_o willing_a to_o desire_v the_o other_o god_n therefore_o harden_v i._n he_o let_v the_o sinner_n be_v a_o sinner_n still_o he_o do_v not_o remove_v the_o stone_n but_o let_v we_o man_n persist_v and_o go_v on_o in_o their_o natural_a hardness_n for_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o his_o creature_n but_o act_v all_o thing_n both_o in_o mercy_n or_o otherwise_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o absolute_a sovereign_a and_o vnaccountable_a will._n this_o answer_n be_v so_o strict_a and_o severe_a as_o leave_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o a_o hopeless_a and_o irrecoverable_a condition_n it_o be_v object_v again_o v._o 19_o thou_o will_v then_o say_v unto_o i_o why_o do_v he_o yet_o find_v fault_n for_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n i._o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o in_o he_o that_o run_v but_o only_o in_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n if_o by_o any_o action_n of_o we_o bare_o as_o such_o we_o can_v neither_o merit_v heaven_n nor_o escape_v hell_n if_o our_o will_n be_v tie_v up_o so_o close_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o like_o lesser_a wheel_n they_o move_v only_o as_o that_o great_a mover_n do_v guide_v they_o then_o why_o be_v god_n so_o angry_a with_o sin_n and_o sinner_n why_o do_v he_o forbid_v dehort_v and_o threaten_v by_o his_o prophet_n to_o what_o end_n serve_v all_o those_o example_n of_o vengeance_n which_o we_o tremble_v to_o read_v of_o for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o we_o we_o may_v be_v miserable_a but_o we_o can_v be_v sinful_a if_o our_o spirit_n be_v put_v into_o a_o unsuitable_a frame_n so_o as_o that_o we_o walk_v contrary_a to_o god_n it_o be_v our_o sad_a necessity_n and_o not_o our_o fault_n since_o none_o can_v alter_v much_o less_o resist_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o alone_o have_v make_v we_o so_o and_o now_o the_o objection_n be_v press_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o impiety_n that_o it_o do_v tacit_o lay_v the_o guilt_n of_o all_o man_n transgression_n upon_o god_n the_o apostle_n think_v it_o high_a time_n to_o cut_v off_o all_o far_a argue_n which_o he_o do_v in_o these_o word_n nay_o but_o what_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n who_o reply_v against_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v do_v thou_o know_v who_o thou_o be_v thou_o bold_a inquisitive_a creature_n or_o who_o it_o be_v thou_o deal_v with_o consider_v that_o thou_o be_v but_o a_o man_n and_o will_v thou_o question_v thy_o maker_n justice_n forbear_v vain_a presumptuous_a man_n stand_v off_o and_o lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o thy_o mouth_n for_o god_n be_v in_o the_o bush_n god_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o this_o dispute_n and_o therefore_o admire_v with_o reverence_n what_o thou_o can_v not_o comprehend_v with_o reason_n so_o that_o the_o word_n be_v a_o short_a but_o yet_o sharp_a confutation_n of_o all_o carnal_a reason_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n such_o debate_n be_v evince_v not_o only_o to_o be_v sinful_a but_o likewise_o unreasonable_a by_o a_o threefold_a argument_n lie_v in_o these_o word_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v take_v from_o the_o meanness_n and_o contemptiblenesse_n of_o the_o person_n dispute_v and_o that_o be_v man_n the_o apostle_n bring_v he_o in_o with_o a_o quis_fw-la tu_fw-la what_o be_v thou_o as_o if_o he_o be_v of_o so_o slight_a a_o make_v and_o value_n that_o he_o fall_v under_o no_o definition_n what_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n 2._o from_o the_o greatness_n and_o incomprehensible_a excellence_n of_o the_o person_n dispute_v against_o and_o that_o be_v god_n a_o name_n able_a to_o strike_v dumb_a and_o coufound_a the_o most_o exalt_a reason_n what_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n who_o dispute_v against_o god_n 3._o from_o the_o absurd_a saucy_a and_o malapert_a manner_n of_o carry_v on_o the_o dispute_n it_o be_v not_o modest_o make_v a_o objection_n or_o propose_v a_o doubt_n and_o so_o away_o but_o a_o resolve_v persist_v in_o the_o cavil_v a_o kind_n of_o challenge_v god_n to_o vy_z argument_n with_o he_o the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o answer_v again_o and_o again_o never_o to_o give_v over_o to_o chap_v logic_n with_o god_n to_o seek_v to_o nonplus_n he_o and_o to_o drive_v his_o almighty_a power_n and_o wisdom_n to_o a_o absurdity_n so_o that_o here_o be_v man_n vain_a man_n not_o dispute_v but_o cavil_v and_o that_o not_o with_o his_o fellow-creature_n but_o with_o god_n put_v all_o this_o together_o empty_v ignorant_a wretched_a man_n contest_v with_o a_o perfect_a wise_a and_o almighty_a god_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o way_n too_o as_o if_o man_n be_v the_o better_a &_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o too_o strange_a folly_n madness_n &_o impudence_n this_o &_o yet_o whoever_o give_v his_o reason_n the_o reins_n &_o will_v resolve_v to_o dispute_v when_o he_o shall_v obey_v must_v needs_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o the_o word_n thus_o explain_v and_o divide_v may_v be_v sum_v up_o in_o this_o one_o proposition_n or_o doctrine_n viz._n doct._n man_n in_o whatever_o capacity_n consider_v be_v not_o a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o equity_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o proceed_n way_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o the_o dispese_n and_o order_v of_o his_o creature_n this_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v two_o way_n 1._o first_o from_o the_o quality_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o person_n judge_v and_o that_o be_v man._n 2._o second_o from_o the_o quality_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v judge_v the_o way_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o man_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o judge_n in_o the_o second_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n neither_o do_v nor_o can_v fall_v under_o man_n judgement_n for_o the_o first_o viz._n that_o man_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o judge_n it_o will_v be_v clear_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n especial_o requisite_a to_o qualify_v a_o man_n to_o be_v a_o judge_n 1._o
to_o that_o alone_o i_o will_v resign_v and_o give_v up_o my_o faith_n and_o not_o willing_o suffer_v myself_o to_o partake_v either_o of_o their_o fate_n or_o of_o their_o folly_n who_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v teach_v but_o in_o spiritual_a and_o therefore_o inconceivable_a thing_n will_v fain_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v for_o that_o there_o be_v a_o set_a and_o limit_a number_n appoint_v to_o salvation_n appear_v from_o scripture_n in_o that_o god_n be_v say_v to_o know_v who_o be_v his_o 2_o tim._n 2_o 19_o i.e._n not_o their_o nature_n only_a but_o their_o name_n also_o for_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n luc._n 10.20_o bid_v his_o apostle_n rejoice_v in_o that_o their_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n put_v into_o god_n musterroll_n and_o catalogue_n of_o eternity_n from_o whence_o they_o can_v never_o be_v blot_v out_o know_a unto_o the_o lord_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v all_o his_o work_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o ever_o act._n 15.18_o i_o e._n so_o know_v as_o to_o be_v dispose_v and_o order_v by_o he_o nay_o therefore_o know_v because_o order_v for_o so_o to_o distinguish_v between_o god_n knowledge_n and_o his_o power_n as_o in_o his_o action_n ad_fw-la extrà _fw-la to_o separate_v one_o from_o the_o other_o be_v to_o speak_v neither_o sense_n nor_o scripture_n for_o who_o god_n for_o know_v they_o all_z they_o &_o only_o they_o not_o in_o their_o qualification_n but_o in_o their_o respective_a person_n do_v he_o predestine_v to_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n rom._n 8.29_o 10.30_o math._n 10.30_o and_o if_o of_o a_o elect_a person_n all_o the_o hair_n be_v number_v how_o much_o more_o of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n be_v all_o the_o member_n number_v which_o body_n be_v already_o complete_a as_o to_o god_n purpose_v concern_v it_o and_o to_o imagine_v that_o any_o shall_v fill_v a_o place_n there_o who_o god_n do_v not_o already_o know_v as_o particular_o as_o if_o they_o be_v actual_o exist_v be_v to_o measure_v eternity_n by_o time_n and_o to_o make_v god_n like_o ourselves_o frail_a and_o fallible_a the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o every_o act_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_a as_o his_o nature_n be_v so_o be_v the_o action_n which_o flow_v from_o it_o unconditionall_a and_o irrespective_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o reason_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o explain_v in_o the_o act_n of_o election_n 1._o how_o god_n who_o elect_v 2._o how_o man_n who_o be_v elect_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o the_o first_o many_o there_o be_v that_o think_v god_n in_o the_o act_n of_o election_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o judge_n and_o hence_o argue_v against_o this_o absolute_a and_o irrespective_a election_n from_o those_o know_a and_o obvious_a place_n of_o scripture_n 10.30_o gen._n 18.25_o &_o rom._n 3.5_o act._n 10.30_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n os_fw-la all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a shall_v god_n accept_v person_n or_o prefer_v one_o before_o another_o when_o all_o be_v equal_a how_o be_v this_o reconcileable_a to_o his_o justice_n i_o answer_v that_o in_o the_o act_n of_o election_n god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o judge_n because_o 1._o a_o judge_n as_o a_o judge_n be_v tie_v to_o a_o rule_n which_o he_o may_v not_o transgress_v but_o what_o rule_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o tye_n god_n except_o what_o he_o have_v set_v himself_o which_o in_o the_o act_n of_o election_n that_o be_v eternal_a and_o flow_v only_o from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v rational_o be_v suppose_v 2._o the_o business_n of_o a_o judge_n as_o a_o judge_n be_v to_o bestow_v reward_n and_o punishment_n according_a to_o merit_n but_o in_o election_n the_o motive_n only_o on_o god_n part_n be_v grace_n and_o the_o end_n be_v glory_n 3._o god_n be_v not_o at_o all_o oblige_a to_o man_n he_o that_o make_v man_n may_v free_o appoint_v he_o to_o what_o end_v he_o please_v without_o do_v he_o any_o injury_n for_o have_v not_o the_o potter_n power_n over_o his_o clay_n though_o for_o a_o man_n to_o plead_v with_o god_n in_o this_o case_n be_v somewhat_o a_o worse_a solecism_n then_o for_o clay_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o potter_n since_o there_o matter_n strive_v only_o with_o its_o fashioner_n but_o here_o nothing_o contend_v with_o its_o maker_n there_o the_o clay_n though_o it_o be_v not_o a_o vessel_n of_o honour_n yet_o remain_v clay_n still_o but_o here_o not_o the_o quality_n only_o but_o the_o substance_n likewise_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o its_o framer_n last_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o difference_n between_o one_o man_n and_o another_o ascribe_v it_o altogether_o to_o god_n good_a pleasure_n and_o for_o a_o proof_n of_o that_o assertion_n he_o allege_v a_o say_v of_o god_n himself_o rom._n 9.15_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n so_o that_o the_o act_n of_o god_n in_o choose_v some_o to_o everlasting_a life_n and_o refuse_v other_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n for_o they_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v deserve_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o proper_o a_o act_n of_o mercy_n for_o that_o any_o shall_v be_v save_v at_o all_o be_v mere_o from_o mercy_n but_o that_o these_o rather_o than_o other_o be_v not_o proper_o from_o mercy_n '_o because_o mercy_n be_v equal_a to_o all_o that_o equal_o deserve_v it_o or_o equal_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o but_o here_o between_o equal_v a_o distinction_n be_v make_v election_n therefore_o be_v a_o act_n of_o sovereign_a will_n the_o apostle_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eph._n 1.5_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n will_v which_o as_o none_o can_v resist_v so_o none_o ought_v to_o question_v for_o neither_o be_v man_n strong_a than_o god_n nor_o ought_v he_o to_o think_v himself_o wise_a thus_o god_n in_o the_o act_n of_o election_n be_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v ut_fw-la judex_n sed_fw-la ut_fw-la dominus_fw-la as_o a_o judge_n but_o as_o a_o sovereign_n for_o the_o second_o viz._n how_o the_o person_n who_o be_v elect_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v some_o affirm_v they_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o believer_n viz._n that_o god_n foresee_v some_o will_v embrace_v faith_n and_o salvation_n when_o it_o be_v offer_v they_o he_o do_v therefore_o choose_v some_o unto_o everlasting_a life_n and_o this_o conceit_n be_v not_o only_o maintain_v by_o our_o modern_a arminian_n but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o mince_v the_o matter_n be_v in_o general_a the_o opinion_n of_o almost_o all_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n except_o only_a austin_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o pure_a time_n they_o who_o have_v read_v they_o will_v affirm_v as_o much_o and_o they_o who_o doubt_n may_v read_v their_o say_n to_o this_o purpose_n faithful_o collect_v by_o vossius_fw-la in_o his_o historia_n pelagiana_n but_o this_o supposition_n however_o plausible_a as_o indeed_o what_o be_v not_o that_o give_v man_n a_o power_n and_o though_o back_v with_o so_o much_o authority_n yet_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v direct_o contrary_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n first_o to_o reason_n because_o 1._o this_o put_v something_o as_o a_o cause_n to_o move_v god_n will_n for_o if_o faith_n foresee_v in_o man_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o god_n choose_v he_o than_o something_o without_o god_n shall_v have_v a_o influence_n upon_o he_o which_o certain_o be_v very_o absurd_a if_o not_o blasphemus_fw-la for_o if_o god_n shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o take_v a_o reason_n of_o his_o act_n from_o something_o without_o himself_o that_o thing_n must_v needs_o alter_v he_o and_o consequent_o be_v great_a than_o he_o second_o because_o this_o very_a faith_n thus_o foresee_v be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n affirm_v eph._n 2.8_o and_o none_o that_o i_o know_v deny_v it_o so_o that_o if_o faith_n foresee_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o choose_v any_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n must_v thus_o be_v order_v i_o foresee_v that_o i_o will_v give_v such_o a_o one_o faith_n therefore_o i_o decree_v that_o i_o will_v save_v he_o i.e._n i_o decree_v to_o give_v the_o mean_n before_o i_o have_v yet_o appoint_v the_o end_n which_o be_v a_o method_n of_o marshal_n god_n decree_n that_o a_o know_v heathen_a will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o think_v of_o more_o may_v be_v urge_v but_o i_o hasten_v to_o scripture_n confutation_n we_o find_v our_o saviour_n say_v of_o his_o disciple_n which_o who_o see_v not_o how_o applicable_a it_o be_v to_o all_o the_o elect_a that_o he_o choose_v they_o they_o have_v not_o choose_v he_o joh._n 15.16_o but_o if_o faith_n foresee_v be_v a_o cause_n he_o must_v have_v say_v the_o clean_a contrary_n for_o than_o he_o will_v have_v choose_v they_o because_o they_o have_v first_o
11.13_o both_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o save_v and_o in_o the_o lose_v i_o e._n we_o do_v god_n good_a and_o acceptable_a service_n when_o we_o preach_v the_o word_n whether_o it_o serve_v to_o save_o or_o to_o condemn_v for_o in_o the_o one_o god_n mercy_n in_o the_o other_o god_n justice_n be_v manifest_v those_o that_o come_v in_o will_v find_v mercy_n for_o thereto_o they_o be_v appoint_v those_o that_o stand_v out_o shall_v be_v sure_a of_o justice_n because_o when_o they_o be_v summon_v as_o well_o as_o other_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o because_o they_o will_v not_o they_o do_v voluntary_o contemn_v the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o therefore_o can_v blame_v none_o but_o themselves_o if_o at_o last_o they_o find_v it_o a_o word_n of_o death_n if_o any_o think_v this_o harsh_a and_o severe_a i_o can_v deny_v but_o it_o be_v so_o and_o thus_o the_o apostle_n think_v it_o rom._n 9.22_o when_o he_o say_v that_o god_n herein_o do_v manifest_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o anger_n as_o well_o as_o his_o power_n nay_o he_o go_v somewhat_o far_o and_o speak_v of_o the_o same_o decree_n rom._n 11.22_o he_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o extreme_a rigour_n and_o sharp_a severity_n of_o god_n but_o from_o thence_o he_o do_v not_o take_v occasion_n to_o inveigh_v against_o it_o as_o our_o bold_a and_o blasphemous_a disputer_n do_v but_o conclude_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o rapture_n v._o 33._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oh_o the_o depth_n etc._n etc._n as_o for_o those_o many_o expression_n wherein_o god_n be_v say_v to_o declare_v his_o willingness_n that_o all_o shall_v be_v save_v as_o 1_o tim._n 2.4_o etc._n etc._n they_o may_v either_o be_v interpret_v of_o god_n will_v as_o declare_v by_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o which_o be_v indefinite_a to_o all_o that_o believe_v and_o repent_v or_o else_o they_o may_v be_v understand_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v eye_n and_o ear_n and_o other_o bodily_a part_n whereby_o he_o be_v please_v to_o render_v himself_o intelligible_a by_o we_o for_o if_o god_n do_v indeed_o will_v the_o salvation_n of_o all_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o all_o will_v be_v save_v for_o god_n can_v do_v whatever_o he_o will_v but_o since_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o be_v not_o save_v it_o be_v evident_a likewise_o that_o god_n do_v not_o will_v all_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n as_o for_o that_o velleity_n i.e._n a_o kind_n of_o long_v wish_v or_o would_v disposition_n in_o god_n which_o some_o rash_o bring_v in_o to_o salve_v their_o phenomena_n by_o since_o it_o be_v ineffectual_a and_o consequent_o imperfect_a it_o be_v altogether_o unfit_a to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o infirmity_n and_o want_n of_o power_n in_o man._n so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o observation_n d._n 2._o the_o second_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o one_o man_n believe_v i._n e._n embrace_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o another_o do_v not_o be_v final_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o god_n eternal_a election_n of_o the_o one_o and_o reprobation_n of_o the_o other_o or_o more_o brief_o thus_o that_o only_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v unto_o eternal_a life_n either_o do_v or_o can_v believe_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v brief_o this_o because_o only_o those_o who_o be_v design_v to_o the_o end_n shall_v be_v make_v effectual_a partaker_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o lead_v unto_o it_o thus_o our_o saviour_n math._n 13._o render_v a_o reason_n why_o some_o do_v not_o understand_v his_o doctrine_n he_o give_v this_o because_o to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o give_v and_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o gospel_n a_o savour_n of_o life_n only_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o save_v 1_o cor._n 1_o i._n e._n actual_o design_v to_o salvation_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n exhort_v the_o thessalonian_o to_o faith_n and_o love_n he_o give_v this_o as_o a_o motive_n 1_o thes_n 9_o because_o they_o be_v not_o appoint_v to_o wrath_n but_o to_o obtain_v salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n where_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o our_o eternal_a election_n be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v any_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o godliness_n that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o apostle_n use_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o quicken_v their_o endeavour_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v because_o god_n have_v appoint_v you_o unto_o eternal_a life_n therefore_o labour_v after_o the_o mean_n which_o lead_v unto_o it_o there_o be_v a_o settle_a chain_n and_o connexion_n of_o cause_n which_o do_v immutable_o infer_v one_o another_o to_o be_v save_v presuppose_n obedience_n that_o faith_n that_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o that_o run_v up_o to_o the_o high_a link_n which_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o every_o poor_a believer_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o have_v not_o the_o grace_n because_o they_o want_v the_o gift_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v not_o throw_v at_o random_n on_o all_o but_o reserve_v as_o a_o peculiar_a blessing_n for_o god_n choose_v once_o and_o they_o he_o call_v while_o he_o leave_v other_o to_o their_o natural_a hardness_n and_o impenitence_n it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a or_o figurative_o speak_v only_o 2_o cor._n 5.17_o that_o every_o believer_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v to_o be_v new_o bear_v again_o create_v and_o fashion_v etc._n etc._n but_o these_o phrase_n imply_v this_o necessary_a truth_n that_o as_o none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v create_v man_n can_v put_v forth_o the_o act_n of_o man_n and_o such_o creation_n they_o can_v not_o procure_v nor_o contribute_v to_o themselves_o because_o as_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o none_o but_o those_o who_o be_v create_v unto_o good_a work_n can_v live_v in_o they_o because_o natural_o they_o want_v a_o principle_n whereby_o they_o shall_v understand_v or_o relish_v they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o eternal_a election_n whereby_o god_n work_v in_o all_o that_o he_o love_v all_o their_o work_n both_o in_o they_o and_o for_o they_o phil._n 2.13_o that_o they_o may_v know_v and_o confess_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o glorious_a grace_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o he_o that_o will_n nor_o in_o he_o that_o run_v but_o only_o in_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n rom._n 9.16_o before_o i_o make_v any_o use_n i_o must_v prevent_v a_o objection_n which_o every_o man_n naturally_n be_v ready_a to_o urge_v and_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o be_v to_o prevaricate_v with_o the_o truth_n the_o objection_n be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v so_o that_o some_o and_o that_o a_o limit_a number_n be_v appoint_v to_o life_n and_o only_o such_o can_v believe_v than_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o may_v live_v as_o we_o listen_v for_o if_o we_o be_v appoint_v to_o life_n we_o shall_v be_v save_v god_n will_v in_o his_o good_a time_n accomplish_v his_o purpose_n concern_v we_o which_o all_o our_o endeavour_n can_v neither_o promote_v nor_o alter_v to_o this_o objection_n which_o most_o carnal_a mind_n do_v not_o only_a reason_n but_o live_v by_o i_o may_v answer_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v when_o have_v assert_v the_o freeness_n of_o grace_n and_o how_o altogether_o undeserved_a it_o be_v on_o our_o part_n he_o bring_v in_o a_o profane_a person_n ask_v this_o question_n shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v abound_v rom._n 6._o i.e._n what_o shall_v we_o put_v god_n to_o it_o and_o try_v if_o we_o can_v outsin_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o this_o the_o apostle_n reply_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d let_v it_o not_o be_v or_o it_o may_v not_o be_v such_o a_o thought_n can_v never_o arise_v in_o any_o one_o heart_n who_o do_v true_o understand_v what_o mercy_n mean_v so_o may_v i_o say_v here_o if_o any_o who_o conceive_v himself_o elect_v shall_v draw_v this_o conclusion_n from_o hence_o because_o god_n have_v choose_v i_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o my_o salvation_n therefore_o i_o will_v run_v on_o and_o provoke_v he_o daily_o and_o strive_v as_o it_o be_v to_o blot_v out_o and_o across_o his_o decree_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thou_o can_v not_o do_v it_o thou_o can_v not_o apprehend_v that_o god_n love_v thou_o with_o a_o everlasting_a love_n and_o single_v thou_o out_o from_o the_o lump_n of_o mankind_n when_o so_o many_o million_o be_v to_o be_v undo_v eternal_o but_o it_o will_v work_v upon_o thou_o and_o melt_v all_o thy_o affection_n into_o a_o grateful_a return_n