faederall_a offspring_n according_a to_o that_o second_o sense_n of_o covenant-interest_n new_o lay_v down_o neither_o because_o they_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n by_o natural_a descent_n be_v they_o all_o child_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o scripture_n testimony_n settle_v the_o covenant_n upon_o isaac_n and_o his_o posterity_n exclude_v ishmael_n believer_n ishmael_n christ_n with_o all_o believer_n but_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v call_v then_o verse_n 8._o make_v a_o exposition_n of_o that_o text_n of_o scripture_n where_o the_o child_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o seed_n by_o natural_a descent_n and_o the_o seed_n the_o same_o with_o the_o child_n of_o the_o promise_n or_o covenant_n viz._n they_o in_o who_o the_o covenant_n shall_v effectual_o be_v make_v good_a and_o both_o these_o the_o same_o with_o the_o child_n of_o god_n three_o he_o confirm_v his_o exposition_n verse_n 9_o quote_v gen._n 18.10_o the_o sum_n of_o his_o confirmation_n come_v to_o this_o that_o as_o isaac_n be_v bear_v not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n for_o abraham_n loin_n and_o sarahs_n womb_n be_v now_o dead_a but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o promise_n so_o it_o be_v with_o all_o the_o faederall_a offspring_n of_o abraham_n not_o in_o that_o they_o be_v from_o he_o by_o natural_a descent_n and_o therefore_o not_o all_o that_o natural_o descend_v from_o he_o but_o in_o that_o they_o be_v his_o offspring_n according_a to_o the_o promise_n and_o only_o to_o some_o the_o promise_n belong_v be_v they_o the_o bless_a seed_n the_o observation_n 1._o the_o main_a intention_n of_o abraham_n covenant_n be_v eternal_a life_n 2._o they_o who_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n and_o true_a heir_n of_o this_o covenant_n do_v effectual_o obtainlife_o 3._o it_o be_v in_o the_o tenure_n of_o this_o covenant_n not_o only_o to_o give_v life_n upon_o condition_n but_o withal_o effectual_o to_o fulfil_v that_o condition_n 4._o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o the_o outward_a administration_n of_o the_o covenant_n fall_v short_a of_o life_n yet_o do_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n remain_v inviolable_a forasmuch_o as_o all_o the_o true_a subject_n and_o proper_a heir_n of_o the_o covenant_n do_v certain_o obtain_v life_n these_o be_v all_o clear_a from_o the_o objection_n that_o if_o the_o jew_n fall_v from_o the_o state_n of_o life_n the_o covenant_n be_v void_a and_o the_o answer_n preserve_v the_o firmness_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o that_o the_o proper_a heir_n of_o it_o have_v life_n the_o three_o instance_n follow_v in_o isaac_n family_n in_o the_o 10_o 11_o 12_o and_o 13._o verse_n take_v out_o of_o that_o history_n gen._n 25._o v._n 23._o where_n first_o the_o apostle_n clear_v it_o of_o those_o exception_n which_o may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o former_a instance_n vers_fw-la 10._o second_o he_o lay_v down_o the_o same_o difference_n tend_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n betwixt_o jacob_n and_o esau_n the_o son_n of_o isaac_n that_o he_o have_v former_o lay_v down_o betwixt_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n the_o son_n of_o abraham_n v._o 12._o &_o 13._o three_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o difference_n vers_fw-la 11._o where_o he_o open_v the_o great_a mystery_n of_o predestination_n 1._o for_o exception_n against_o the_o former_a instance_n these_o two_o may_v be_v make_v first_o isaac_n be_v bear_v of_o the_o freewoman_n ishmael_n of_o the_o bondwoman_n second_o after_o ishmael_n be_v bear_v be_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o bless_a seed_n make_v and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o covenant_n be_v settle_v in_o isaac_n posterity_n only_o but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o jacob_n posterity_n the_o common_a father_n of_o the_o israelite_n these_o exception_n be_v prevent_v vers_fw-la the_o 10_o jacob_n and_o esau_n be_v both_o by_o one_o father_n and_o one_o mother_n at_o one_o birth_n yet_o as_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n unto_o sarah_n settle_v it_o upon_o isaac_n and_o his_o posterity_n so_o the_o word_n of_o the_o oracle_n to_o rebecca_n upon_o jacob_n and_o he_o 2._o the_o difference_n be_v lay_v down_o vers_n 12._o where_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n 1._o that_o this_o difference_n be_v not_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o jacob_n with_o all_o his_o posterity_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o esau_n with_o all_o his_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n because_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o difference_n that_o have_v place_n in_o the_o posterity_n of_o jacob_n himself_o all_o be_v not_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o civil_a as_o a_o spiritual_a difference_n because_o that_o which_o conclude_v jacob_n in_o the_o save_a covenant_n and_o with_o he_o that_o seed_n of_o he_o that_o not_o only_o be_v of_o israel_n but_o be_v israel_n exclude_v esau_n and_o his_o posterity_n that_o covenant_n it_o be_v the_o main_a instance_n vindicate_v the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o make_v good_a that_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o the_o jew_n general_o fall_v from_o the_o state_n of_o life_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o remnant_n among_o they_o obtain_v life_n this_o difference_n be_v further_a both_o confirm_v and_o clear_v that_o it_o be_v spiritual_a the_o servitude_n of_o esau_n import_v his_o exclusion_n from_o that_o covenant_n he_o in_o this_o answer_a ishmael_n in_o the_o former_a instance_n vers_fw-la 13._o their_o different_a condition_n proceed_v from_o the_o law_n of_o god_n to_o jacob_n and_o his_o hatred_n of_o esau_n which_o love_n and_o hatred_n apply_v to_o the_o question_n in_o hand_n be_v manifest_a to_o be_v eternal_a love_n and_o hatred_n in_o order_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o death_n the_o apostle_n singular_o teach_v of_o god_n see_v more_o in_o this_o hatred_n of_o god_n towards_o esau_n than_o the_o desolation_n of_o his_o earthly_a inheritance_n express_v by_o the_o prophet_n 1_o mal._n 3._o nay_o in_o that_o desolation_n as_o a_o outward_a pledge_n he_o read_v the_o lord_n eternal_a hatred_n which_o be_v yet_o further_o manifest_a by_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o difference_n which_o now_o come_v to_o be_v consider_v 3._o the_o ground_n of_o this_o difference_n vers_n 11._o where_o the_o apostle_n first_o deny_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o difference_n to_o be_v in_o their_o work_n which_o he_o confirm_v by_o observation_n of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o different_a condition_n be_v give_v they_o be_v yet_o unborn_a etc._n etc._n 2._o he_o so_o deny_v it_o to_o their_o work_n as_o he_o ascribe_v it_o unto_o god_n not_o of_o their_o work_n but_o of_o he_o that_o be_v of_o god_n therefore_o so_o deny_v of_o their_o work_n as_o likewise_o of_o themselves_o the_o original_a and_o supreme_a ground_n of_o their_o difference_n not_o be_v of_o themselves_o but_o of_o god_n 3._o it_o be_v so_o of_o god_n as_o that_o it_o be_v of_o his_o purpose_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n for_o the_o purpose_n of_o election_n it_o be_v here_o lay_v down_o the_o purpose_n according_a to_o election_n be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o purpose_n of_o election_n or_o that_o purpose_n whereby_o god_n elect_v for_o the_o purpose_n of_o reprobation_n it_o be_v here_o divers_a way_n insinuate_v 1._o in_o the_o specify_v of_o this_o purpose_n of_o election_n which_o because_o it_o be_v a_o purpose_n of_o choice_n in_o regard_n of_o jacob_n must_v therefore_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o purpose_n of_o refusal_n in_o regard_n of_o esau_n which_o purpose_n of_o refusal_n be_v the_o purpose_n of_o reprobation_n 2._o in_o the_o removal_n of_o work_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o difference_n as_o well_o evil_a work_n deny_v the_o supreme_a ground_n of_o esau_n servitude_n as_o good_a of_o jacob_n dominion_n of_o esau_n hatred_n as_o of_o jacob_n love_n therefore_o another_o ground_n must_v be_v find_v for_o esau_n condition_n as_o well_o as_o for_o jacob_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v hint_v concern_v esau_n in_o that_o which_o be_v express_v concern_v jacob._n 3._o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o party_n here_o instance_a if_o only_o the_o purpose_n of_o election_n as_o it_o be_v here_o express_v have_v be_v understand_v well_o may_v belove_v jacob_n as_o the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v mention_v but_o what_o place_n for_o hate_v esau_n in_o reference_n to_o election_n that_o the_o apostle_n than_o give_v this_o double_a and_o contrary_a instance_n remove_v what_o may_v be_v imagine_v ground_n in_o themselves_o from_o both_o from_o esau_n especial_o that_o which_o alone_o may_v be_v conceive_v a_o ground_n in_o he_o ascribe_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o one_o express_o to_o god_n purpose_n as_o the_o original_a ground_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o the_o contrary_a purpose_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o the_o original_a ground_n
we_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o which_o many_o be_v likely_a most_o dangerous_o to_o abuse_v some_o to_o licentiousness_n other_o to_o insolent_a murmur_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o indeed_o according_a to_o this_o difference_n betwixt_o man_n and_o man_n hold_v forth_o in_o this_o doctrine_n this_o doctrine_n itself_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o it_o be_v like_a to_o have_v a_o different_a work_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o some_o strike_v other_o blind_a than_o they_o be_v soften_a some_o harden_v other_o but_o first_o forasmuch_o as_o god_n have_v in_o his_o word_n reveal_v it_o we_o may_v and_o must_v inquire_v into_o it_o only_o stint_v our_o inquiry_n by_o the_o word_n 2._o this_o mystery_n true_o conceive_v be_v of_o most_o excellent_a use_n the_o spring_n of_o true_a comfort_n the_o foundation_n of_o true_a humility_n that_o which_o give_v light_n to_o other_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v very_o much_o for_o clear_v the_o free_a and_o peculiar_a grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v indeed_o the_o life_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o maul_n to_o beat_v in_o piece_n the_o rock_n to_o split_v many_o the_o most_o dangerous_a error_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o therefore_o so_o much_o in_o all_o age_n oppose_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o agent_n 3._o there_o be_v the_o same_o different_a fruit_n of_o all_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v preach_v they_o be_v to_o some_o the_o favour_n of_o life_n to_o life_n to_o other_o of_o death_n to_o death_n yet_o be_v we_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n in_o preach_v of_o they_o unto_o god_n a_o sweet_a savour_n in_o christ_n both_o in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o they_o that_o perish_v 4._o the_o child_n of_o god_n must_v not_o therefore_o be_v deny_v any_o part_n of_o their_o food_n because_o the_o child_n of_o the_o wicked_a one_o will_v poison_v themselves_o with_o it_o much_o less_o must_v they_o be_v deny_v their_o chief_a food_n these_o thing_n thus_o premise_v we_o return_v to_o the_o doctrine_n the_o confirmation_n whereof_o depend_v upon_o the_o description_n first_o of_o election_n then_o of_o reprobation_n as_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v to_o be_v gather_v and_o by_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v open_v but_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o the_o 9th_o to_o the_o rom._n this_o mystery_n be_v most_o full_o speak_v to_o both_o for_o election_n and_o reprobation_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o 24_o vers_fw-la and_o what_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v in_o the_o 11_o chapter_n have_v dependence_n upon_o what_o he_o have_v dispute_v in_o the_o 9th_o chapter_n it_o therefore_o seem_v very_o expedient_a brief_o to_o open_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o to_o descend_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n apart_o confirm_v each_o particular_a as_o we_o go_v along_o out_o of_o the_o 9th_o to_o the_o rom._n first_o open_v add_v as_o occasion_n shall_v be_v other_o scripture_n testimony_n now_o for_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n prevent_v and_o answer_v the_o objection_n former_o mention_v as_o in_o the_o 11._o chap._n resume_v which_o be_v make_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n from_o the_o jew_n rejection_n of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o 23_o verse_n arise_v in_o his_o answer_n to_o this_o great_a mystery_n which_o he_o first_o assert_n and_o then_o clear_v all_o the_o way_n by_o propound_v and_o refel_v objection_n against_o it_o in_o the_o five_o first_o verse_n and_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o six_o we_o have_v the_o objection_n not_o in_o term_n propound_v but_o in_o the_o answer_n insinuate_v the_o sum_n of_o they_o be_v this_o though_o the_o jew_n general_o refuse_v the_o gospel_n fall_v short_a of_o eternal_a life_n and_o be_v indeed_o accurse_v from_o christ_n yet_o the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n make_v betwixt_o god_n and_o they_o with_o their_o father_n stand_v firm_a and_o god_n fulfil_v his_o covenant_n to_o the_o utmost_a whence_o it_o be_v manifest_v what_o the_o objection_n be_v to_o which_o this_o answer_n be_v give_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v former_o mention_v viz._n if_o that_o be_v the_o gospel_n which_o the_o jew_n refuse_v and_o by_o refuse_v miss_n eternal_a life_n then_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n in_o which_o objection_n there_o be_v first_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o jew_n rejection_n 2._o a_o inference_n thereupon_o of_o god_n unfaithfulness_n the_o apostle_n grant_v the_o supposition_n deny_v the_o inference_n grant_v the_o supposition_n in_o the_o five_o first_o verse_n not_o express_o affirm_v the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o rather_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v express_v his_o marvellous_a grief_n for_o it_o in_o the_o three_o first_o verse_n where_o observe_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o three_o verse_n covert_o show_v what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o that_o people_n in_o wish_v himself_o accurse_v from_o christ_n for_o their_o sake_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v wish_v himself_o in_o their_o stead_n so_o they_o may_v thereby_o have_v become_v heir_n of_o blessing_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o man_n only_o shall_v be_v man_n redeemer_n yet_o so_o high_a a_o strain_n of_o love_n do_v the_o apostle_n here_o run_v that_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o will_v undergo_v that_o wrath_n which_o for_o man_n lay_v upon_o man_n redeemer_n a_o love_n so_o like_a to_o the_o mediator_n love_n be_v in_o that_o breast_n as_o sometime_o the_o like_a in_o moses_n towards_o the_o same_o people_n moses_n their_o sometime_o typical_a mediator_n the_o apostle_n have_v thus_o express_v his_o grief_n show_v the_o special_a reason_n of_o it_o partly_o his_o interest_n in_o they_o vers_n the_o three_o partly_o their_o interest_n in_o god_n in_o those_o many_o precious_a privilege_n they_o receive_v peculiar_o from_o god_n vers_fw-la the_o four_o and_o 5_o and_o have_v thus_o grant_v the_o supposition_n he_o deny_v the_o inference_n vers_fw-la the_o 6_o not_o as_o though_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v take_v none_o effect_n this_o word_n be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n i_o will_v be_v thy_o god_n and_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o seed_n gen._n 7.7_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a discourse_n the_o meaning_n than_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n remain_v firm_a notwithstanding_o the_o general_a apostasy_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o the_o apostle_n prove_v by_o a_o threefold_a instance_n all_o tend_v to_o this_o to_o limit_v the_o covenant_n to_o the_o true_a heir_n of_o it_o the_o first_o instance_n in_o the_o posterity_n of_o jacob_n the_o common_a father_n of_o the_o jew_n all_o be_v not_o israel_n that_o be_v of_o israel_n israel_n in_o the_o first_o place_n signify_v jacob_n genuine_a posterity_n according_a to_o the_o purport_n of_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o signify_v jacob_n himself_o the_o meaning_n than_o be_v that_o for_o jacob_n posterity_n all_o be_v not_o faederal_o his_o child_n that_o be_v his_o child_n natural_o they_o be_v not_o all_o his_o child_n as_o he_o be_v israel_n the_o name_n of_o his_o prevail_a with_o god_n for_o the_o blessing_n that_o be_v his_o child_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n but_o for_o light_n to_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a instance_n let_v we_o observe_v how_o a_o people_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o a_o double_a sense_n according_a to_o one_o of_o which_o all_o jacob_n posterity_n general_o be_v in_o covenant_n but_o according_a to_o the_o other_o only_o the_o remnant_n according_a to_o election_n a_o people_n therefore_o may_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n 1._o according_a to_o the_o outward_a and_o common_a administration_n of_o it_o so_o all_o jacob_n posterity_n be_v in_o covenant_n separate_v by_o outward_a call_n and_o seal_v up_o by_o circumcision_n to_o the_o lord_n 2._o according_a to_o the_o special_a and_o primary_n intention_n of_o it_o which_o be_v eternal_a life_n and_o all_o blessing_n effectual_a thereunto_o and_o so_o not_o all_o the_o posterity_n of_o jacob_n be_v in_o covenant_n the_o former_a may_v fall_v short_a of_o life_n notwithstanding_o that_o covenant-interest_n as_o not_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o latter_a can_v the_o covenant_n for_o they_o undertake_v the_o condition_n and_o therefore_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v not_o only_o to_o give_v they_o life_n upon_o believe_v but_o to_o give_v they_o to_o believe_v unto_o life_n the_o second_o instance_n be_v in_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n 3.8_o covenant_n gen._n 12.3_o galat._n 3.8_o in_o who_o all_o the_o family_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v here_o the_o apostle_n again_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o natural_a and_o
creature_n but_o single_a above_o all_o respect_n and_o thence_o conclude_v that_o not_o man_n consider_v as_o fall_v but_o consider_v as_o not_o yet_o create_v must_v be_v the_o object_n of_o predestination_n will_v here_o likewise_o conclude_v 4._o this_o absolute_a and_o arbitrary_a pleasure_n of_o god_n be_v real_o and_o experimental_o make_v manifest_a in_o his_o dispensation_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n why_o do_v he_o choose_v one_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v the_o only_a nation_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o therefore_o the_o people_n among_o who_o general_o his_o secret_a election_n reign_v overlook_a all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o do_v he_o foresee_v independent_o upon_o his_o decree_n great_a inclinableness_n to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n in_o they_o then_o in_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o i_o think_v no_o man_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o own_o so_o wild_a a_o conceit_n i_o be_o sure_a moses_n tell_v they_o the_o contrary_a deut._n 9.4.5_o why_o do_v he_o send_v the_o gospel_n since_o the_o door_n of_o faith_n have_v be_v open_v to_o the_o gentile_n to_o such_o a_o people_n rather_o than_o to_o another_o be_v he_o not_o therein_o find_v of_o those_o that_o seek_v he_o not_o why_o do_v he_o in_o such_o a_o age_n first_o make_v know_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o for_o life_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o mystery_n till_o that_o time_n be_v keep_v secret_a from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n rom._n 16.25.26_o what_o be_v here_o to_o be_v say_v but_o even_o so_o o_o father_n because_o so_o it_o seem_v good_a in_o thy_o eye_n 5._o it_o be_v the_o election_n of_o grace_n rom._n 11.5_o and_o therefore_o not_o of_o work_n vers_fw-la the_o 6._o if_o election_n not_o of_o work_n than_o not_o of_o work_n fore-seen_a for_o election_n be_v god_n eternal_a purpose_n as_o former_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o the_o apostle_n in_o his_o whole_a discourse_n dispute_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o grant_v principle_n there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v suppose_v of_o work_n then_o of_o work_n fore-seen_a if_o not_o of_o work_n fore-seen_a than_o not_o of_o faith_n fore-seen_a because_o faith_n here_o put_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o work_n as_o be_v a_o qualification_n in_o ourselves_o commend_v we_o to_o god_n by_o that_o which_o have_v prevent_v his_o free_a gift_n hence_o 6._o upon_o the_o supposal_n of_o faith_n and_o work_v or_o faith_n alone_o fore-seen_a the_o doctrine_n of_o free_a grace_n be_v whole_o undermine_v in_o the_o foundation_n nothing_o more_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n then_o that_o our_o call_n be_v of_o grace_n 2_o tim._n 1._o &_o 9_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n ephe._n 2.8_o grace_n always_o so_o interpret_v as_o to_o shut_v out_o work_v to_o forbid_v glorify_v yet_o matter_n of_o glorify_v grant_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o before_o it_o be_v give_v of_o god_n to_o commend_v we_o to_o he_o now_o to_o what_o end_n be_v all_o this_o if_o we_o have_v prevent_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n even_o from_o all_o eternity_n by_o fore-seen_a faith_n and_o work_v engage_v his_o purpose_n for_o we_o 7._o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o the_o instance_n of_o christ_n the_o head_n of_o the_o elect_n that_o god_n proceed_v in_o his_o election_n according_a to_o his_o absolute_a and_o arbitrary_a pleasure_n what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v other_o then_o mere_o the_o absolute_a will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n that_o the_o man_n christ_n conceive_v of_o the_o god_n of_o david_n a_o mortal_a man_n shall_v in_o the_o womb_n be_v make_v the_o head_n of_o the_o angel_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n the_o image_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n the_o light_n righteousness_n and_o life_n of_o the_o world_n can_v any_o man_n make_v himself_o believe_v there_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n foresee_v in_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n to_o move_v the_o lord_n thus_o to_o purpose_n concern_v he_o in_o the_o church_n head_n say_v s._n austin_n we_o have_v a_o most_o clear_a evidence_n of_o most_o free_a election_n that_o it_o be_v thus_o of_o mere_a love_n and_o arbitrary_a pleasure_n not_o of_o faith_n or_o work_v fore-seen_a be_v yet_o further_o manifest_a by_o the_o next_o main_a particular_a 8._o god_n in_o his_o purpose_n of_o election_n decree_n as_o life_n so_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n make_v for_o life_n to_o be_v free_o give_v we_o in_o christ_n rom._n 8.29.30_o there_o the_o whole_a method_n of_o salvation_n be_v derive_v from_o election_n in_o the_o 1.3.4.5_o we_o be_v bless_v with_o all_o spiritual_a blessing_n according_a to_o election_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o and_o of_o the_o give_v of_o christ_n in_o who_o we_o receive_v all_o thence_o our_o holiness_n vers_fw-la 4._o our_o adoption_n vers_fw-la 5._o our_o redemption_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n vers_fw-la 7._o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o gospel_n mystery_n vers_fw-la 9_o our_o title_n to_o eternal_a life_n vers_fw-la 11._o the_o word_n there_o use_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o be_v take_v by_o lot_n or_o have_v our_o lot_n assign_v we_o further_o hint_v to_o we_o how_o little_a the_o will_n of_o man_n have_v here_o to_o do_v object_n we_o be_v elect_v in_o christ_n but_o we_o be_v no_o otherwise_o in_o christ_n then_o by_o faith_n ergo_fw-la our_o faith_n fore-seen_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o election_n ans_fw-fr 1._o we_o shall_v give_v the_o true_a meaning_n we_o be_v elect_v in_o christ_n that_o be_v we_o be_v elect_v to_o receive_v in_o he_o unite_v to_o he_o as_o the_o member_n to_o the_o head_n all_o blessing_n prepare_v for_o we_o in_o our_o election_n christ_n be_v not_o the_o motive_n of_o god_n decree_n but_o the_o mean_n of_o accomplish_v it_o thus_o the_o apostle_n 1_o thes_n 5._o and_o 9_o 2._o we_o shall_v confirm_v it_o that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o understand_v 1._o christ_n himself_o be_v ordain_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a covenant_n by_o virtue_n of_o election_n rom._n 4.16_o the_o apostle_n there_o show_v that_o god_n in_o contrive_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n whereby_o christ_n be_v the_o head_n and_o mediator_n have_v a_o special_a eye_n to_o the_o elect_a seed_n that_o seed_n to_o who_o to_o all_o who_o the_o covenant_n shall_v be_v sure_a for_o life_n christ_n be_v not_o then_o the_o motive_n to_o god_n decree_n but_o for_o their_o sake_n to_o who_o he_o have_v dreree_v life_n do_v he_o ordain_v christ_n a_o mediator_n and_o in_o his_o hand_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 2._o i'faith_o whereby_o we_o may_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o decree_a eye_n of_o god_n as_o in_o christ_n be_v give_v we_o by_o virtue_n of_o election_n therefore_o no_o otherwise_o fore-seen_a in_o we_o then_o in_o that_o decree_n whereby_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o give_v it_o we_o act_v 13.48_o john_n 10._o vers_n 26.27_o because_o they_o be_v christ_n sheep_n they_o hear_v his_o voice_n and_o believe_v in_o their_o effectual_a call_n therefore_o his_o sheep_n before_o their_o call_n that_o be_v according_a to_o election_n whence_o it_o proceed_v original_o that_o they_o hear_v and_o obey_v his_o call_n hence_o tit._n 1.1_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_n as_o faith_n so_o holiness_n or_o whatsoever_o may_v be_v imagine_v to_o commend_v we_o to_o god_n 1._o all_o depend_v upon_o faith_n therefore_o if_o faith_n be_v not_o praevious_a to_o the_o decree_n neither_o be_v holiness_n 2._o we_o have_v see_v before_o our_o holiness_n depend_v upon_o our_o predestination_n thereto_o 3._o otherwise_o we_o rather_o choose_v god_n in_o christ_n than_o god_n we_o john_n 15.16_o 4._o then_o be_v election_n of_o work_n contrary_a so_o express_o to_o rom._n 9_o 11._o hence_o we_o learn_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n 2_o thes_n 2._o and_o 13._o and_o 1_o pet._n 1.2_o in_o both_o which_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v choose_v in_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_a etc._n etc._n that_o be_v we_o be_v choose_v that_o by_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n to_o which_o sanctification_n we_o be_v likewise_o choose_v we_o may_v obtain_v glory_n from_o this_o particular_a then_o thus_o conclude_v it_o be_v further_a manifest_a both_o that_o election_n be_v of_o person_n and_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_a 9_o as_o it_o be_v for_o life_n and_o all_o blessing_n make_v for_o life_n so_o it_o be_v effectual_a unto_o life_n not_o one_o nor_o other_o of_o god_n elect_n shall_v ever_o final_o miscarry_v but_o as_o only_o they_o so_o every_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v most_o certain_o have_v life_n 1._o the_o purpose_n of_o election_n be_v firm_a
of_o sin_n so_o they_o conclude_v if_o this_o be_v just_a argue_v there_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n but_o god_n must_v be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o whether_o he_o will_v it_o or_o not_o if_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n permit_v sin_n beside_o his_o will_n for_o it_o be_v sin_n in_o man_n to_o permit_v another_o to_o sin_n when_o he_o have_v power_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o that_o without_o the_o least_o trouble_n to_o himself_o to_o prevent_v it_o 2._o be_v there_o the_o same_o kindred_n and_o consanguinity_n betwixt_o god_n and_o all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o man_n without_o exception_n that_o there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o live_a creature_n and_o their_o young_a one_o it_o be_v true_a we_o be_v his_o offspring_n or_o of_o his_o kind_n act._n 17.29_o inasmuch_o as_o we_o have_v our_o life_n and_o be_v in_o he_o and_o be_v create_v in_o his_o image_n but_o to_o be_v his_o son_n and_o daughter_n depend_v upon_o his_o covenant_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n make_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o peculiar_a and_o choose_a seed_n now_o for_o they_o let_v the_o whole_a world_n perish_v not_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v miscarry_v rom._n 4.16_o joh._n 8.35_o joh._n 11.52_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o esay_n 53.10_o 3._o their_o own_o objection_n fall_v in_o full_a weight_n upon_o their_o own_o head_n who_o teach_v that_o ruinous_a doctrine_n of_o final_a apostasy_n that_o they_o who_o be_v true_o the_o child_n of_o god_n have_v embrace_v his_o covenant_n by_o true_a faith_n may_v yet_o fall_v from_o the_o state_n of_o life_n total_o and_o final_o and_o so_o perish_v for_o ever_o 4._o wherein_o do_v this_o cruelty_n appear_v that_o god_n shall_v condemn_v harden_v sinner_n be_v that_o cruelty_n no_o that_o he_o shall_v harden_v wilful_a sinner_n viz._n give_v they_o up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n as_o a_o punishment_n of_o their_o former_a sin_n be_v that_o cruelty_n no_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o recover_v from_o sin_n all_o the_o son_n and_o daughter_n of_o adam_n without_o exception_n be_v that_o cruelty_n no_o that_o he_o suffer_v adam_n to_o sin_n and_o impute_v his_o sin_n to_o his_o posterity_n be_v that_o cruelty_n no_o all_o these_o thing_n they_o grant_v scripture-evidence_n be_v so_o clear_a for_o they_o though_o some_o of_o they_o true_a son_n of_o their_o father_n pelagius_n will_v glad_o if_o for_o shame_n they_o dare_v and_o some_o have_v put_v shame_n here_o deny_v the_o imputation_n of_o adam_n sin_n and_o so_o original_a sin_n in_o one_o of_o these_o two_o then_o or_o in_o both_o together_o must_v be_v the_o cruelty_n that_o unto_o adam_n be_v deny_v that_o aid_n of_o grace_n without_o which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v as_o to_o the_o event_n that_o he_o shall_v stand_v that_o god_n decree_v antecedent_o to_o the_o foresight_n of_o sin_n the_o sin_n of_o man_n but_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v already_o that_o this_o be_v no_o cruelty_n in_o god_n but_o the_o charge_n of_o cruelty_n hereupon_o be_v blasphemy_n in_o man_n instance_n but_o at_o the_o least_o god_n be_v not_o so_o merciful_a according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n as_o the_o scripture_n set_v he_o forth_o reply_v 1_o and_o how_o be_v he_o so_o powerful_a and_o so_o perfect_a as_o the_o scripture_n represent_v he_o if_o any_o thing_n fall_v out_o beside_o his_o decree_n and_o the_o full_a purpose_n of_o his_o will_n 2._o the_o scripture_n which_o speak_v most_o this_o way_n have_v be_v clear_v already_o and_o therein_o we_o have_v discover_v how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o the_o nature_n and_o happiness_n of_o god_n that_o in_o any_o thing_n his_o will_n shall_v be_v frustrate_a 3._o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o mercy_n 1._o common_a in_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n these_o be_v to_o all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n act_n 14.16.17_o 2_o peculiar_a in_o the_o blessing_n of_o eternal_a life_n those_o which_o shall_v sure_o make_v for_o it_o here_o the_o apostle_n avouch_v a_o difference_n rom._n 9.18_o and_o this_o found_v mere_o in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n vers_fw-la 11.13_o these_o be_v only_o to_o the_o elect_n ephe._n 1.3.4_o and_o how_o clear_a the_o current_n of_o scripture_n be_v for_o this_o have_v former_o be_v abundant_o make_v good_a the_o greatness_n of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n be_v declare_v extensive_o in_o the_o former_a that_o they_o be_v to_o all_o even_o to_o those_o who_o live_v and_o die_v his_o enemy_n intensive_o in_o the_o latter_a 1._o that_o they_o be_v so_o excellent_a in_o their_o nature_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v so_o peculiar_a as_o we_o have_v former_o see_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o sermon_n so_o that_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n know_v by_o what_o argument_n to_o commend_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o man_n he_o that_o deny_v the_o former_a mercy_n to_o belong_v to_o all_o or_o affirm_v the_o latter_a to_o belong_v to_o all_o derogate_v from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n indeed_o these_o be_v the_o two_o main_a objection_n make_v against_o the_o former_a doctrine_n accuse_v god_n a_o three_o now_o follow_v tend_v to_o excuse_v man_n object_n 3._o the_o former_a doctrine_n take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n and_o so_o quit_v he_o of_o all_o sin_n liberty_n of_o will_n be_v necessary_a to_o every_o sinful_a action_n upon_o two_o ground_n do_v they_o conceive_v the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n overthrow_v 1._o in_o that_o god_n have_v decree_v his_o sin_n 2._o in_o that_o god_n move_v his_o will_n when_o he_o will_v sinful_o the_o motion_n that_o be_v from_o god_n upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n determine_v it_o in_o its_o operation_n whence_o man_n must_v sin_v of_o necessity_n and_o therefore_o not_o free_o and_o so_o his_o sin_n be_v no_o sin_n the_o objection_n against_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n be_v the_o same_o in_o action_n not_o sinful_a ans_fw-fr 1._o for_o the_o decree_n 1._o it_o be_v most_o clear_a by_o scripture_n and_o have_v be_v former_o prove_v that_o the_o action_n of_o man_n will_n both_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v decree_v by_o the_o lord_n let_v we_o here_o only_o give_v some_o special_a and_o remarkable_a instance_n 1._o for_o good_a action_n embracing_z the_o call_v of_o god_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v decree_v rom._n 9.11_o rom._n 8.28_o 30._o act_n 13.48_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o convert_a sinner_n in_o a_o holy_a course_n be_v decree_v ephe._n 1.4_o 2_o thes_n 2.13_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o perform_v the_o great_a work_n of_o man_n redemption_n be_v decree_v 1_o pet._n 1.20_o heb._n 10.7_o for_o evil_a action_n the_o crucify_a christ_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o roman_n be_v decree_v acts._n 4.27_o absoloms_n incest_n be_v decree_v as_o be_v manifest_a in_o that_o it_o be_v foretold_v by_o god_n 2_o sam._n 12.11_o and_o general_o whatsoever_o be_v foretold_v as_o that_o which_o shall_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o not_o conditional_o as_o nineve_n his_o destruction_n must_v needs_o be_v decree_v for_o if_o god_n have_v not_o determine_v that_o either_o by_o his_o work_n or_o permission_n whatsoever_o he_o have_v foretold_v shall_v come_v to_o pass_v then_o may_v his_o word_n be_v falsify_v hence_o than_o the_o bitter_a persecution_n of_o the_o church_n by_o her_o wicked_a adversary_n the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o martyr_n in_o all_o age_n be_v decree_v to_o instance_n in_o the_o rage_n of_o mystical_a babylon_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o virgin-company_n the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n overcome_v her_o temptation_n to_o instance_n further_o in_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n first_o subject_v themselves_o unto_o that_o whore_n afterward_o hate_v and_o destroy_v she_o in_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o with_o they_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n these_o be_v all_o foretold_a as_o those_o thing_n which_o shall_v certain_o be_v and_o therefore_o be_v they_o all_o decree_v and_o how_o much_o of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o the_o working_n thereof_o be_v in_o all_o these_o thing_n who_o can_v but_o see_v 2._o yet_o hence_o be_v no_o infringement_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n because_o the_o decree_n as_o such_o be_v a_o action_n in_o the_o breast_n of_o god_n make_v no_o change_n in_o man_n or_o in_o his_o condition_n till_o it_o come_v to_o execution_n 3._o the_o decree_n establish_v man_n liberty_n forasmuch_o as_o god_n have_v decree_v that_o man_n shall_v will_v it_o be_v now_o beyond_o all_o peradventure_o that_o he_o shall_v will_v for_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n shall_v stand_v but_o how_o certain_a soever_o it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v will_v so_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v work_v free_o for_o to_o will_n be_v in_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o will_v to_o