understood as if God had not punished them here and in Hell for their Idolatry and other Sins But the meaning is that God let them alone to walk in their Blindness and Ignorance Gods Election then ran chiefly and almost wholly amongst the Jews but now that Gods Election runneth among the Gentiles Now the time is come to visit the Gentiles to take out of them a People for his Name he commandeth Men every where in all Nations where we his Ministers come to repent of their Idolatries and other Sins in a more especial manner than ever he did before that Men turn from Idols to serve the living God and this is a notable startling Argument to move them to Repent and turn to God For there is a Terrible Day of Judgment to come when God will Judge the World in Righteousness by that Man Christ whom he hath ordained to be Judge of the quick and the dead What is this to Christs dying for all Adams Posterity but against it For we see there how God suffered the Nations to walk in their Idolatrous courses and did not send any to Preach the way of Salvation to them And whereas now God commanded Men to Repent by the Preaching of the Apostles this was to bring in the Elect among the Gentiles and observe that as to the Elect the Lord doth not only command them to Repent by the Preaching of his Ministers but gives them Repentance it self by his Spirit 10. The next place is Rom. 5.18 As by the Offence of one Judgment came upon all Men to Condemnation even so by the Righteousness of one the free gift came upon all Men unto justification of Life For the understanding of this Text. 1. Consider that the first Man Adam and the second Man the Lord from Heaven were both publick persons The first Adam stood in the room of his Seed The second Adam in the room of his Seed 2. Consider that the Apostles scope in this Text and Context is not at all to compare the two Adams as to the number of their Seed as if Christs Seed were equal in number with the first Adams Seed but the Apostles intent is only to compare the Power and Influence of the first Adams sin to bring Condemnation upon all his Seed with the power Efficacy and Vertue of the Second Adams Righteousness to bring the justification of Life And to that end the Apostle shews that the first Adam by one sin by one offence brought his Seed into a State of Condemnation And the Second Adam by his Active and Passive Obedience did take away for his Seed not only the Sin that came upon them by the first Adam but their many Offences committed in their own persons v. 16. So that let it be well observed the scope of the Apostle is to shew that as Death and ondemnation came inevitably upon all the first Adams Posterity by his fall so shall the free gift of Righteousness come infallibly upon all in whose room and stoad Christ dyed as their second Adam their Surety and Mediator The first Adams all was all Mankind the second Adams all was all the Elect and most certainly and infallibly shall both Justification and Sanctification come upon all Christs Seed whose publick person he was all for whom he obeyed the Law and bare the Curse of it So that tho' every ordinary reader may not be able to take up the right sense of this place the Apostles scope is that as Death came in by one publick person so Life and Salvation came in by another publick person And that the Lord Jesus will infallibly justifie and save his all for whom he undertook and dyed as their Head Representative second Adam Surety and Mediator This Text and Context rightly understood throws down the conceit of Universal Redemption to the ground 11. then the Author puts two Scriptures together but nothing to the purpose 1 Cor. 15.22 For as in Adam all dye even so in Christ shall all be made alive And John 5.29 They that have done good unto the Resurrection of Life and they that have done evil unto the Resurrection of Damnation As to the first Text. As in Adam all dye so in Christ shall all be made alive The Apostle there is speaking of the Resurrection of the Body and though all shall be raised up at the second coming of Christ yet in this 22 v. and the next the Apostle is speaking only of the Resurrection of the Bodies of the Saints He first shews how Man came to be liable to natural Death and saith in Adam all dye by his sin and fall Man came to be liable to natural Death as it was penal indeed not only natural but spiritual and liableness to Eternal Death came upon us by Adam But the Apostle here is speaking only of Natural Death well saith the Apostle in Christ shall all be made alive But saith he in the next Verse every one in his own order Christ the first Fruits and afterward they that are Christs at his Coming Christ the Head of the Church He was the first that rose from the dead by his own power as he was God and he was the chief the most excellent person that ever was or shall be raised from the Dead and then he saith that they that are Christs they shall be raised at his coming as Christ the Head is raised from the Dead So they that are Christs all that are the Members of his Mystical Body they shall be raised at his second coming And the other Text John 5.29 shews that as Believers shall be raised at the last day that they may be glorified not only in their Souls but in their Bodies too So the wicked they shall be raised too at the day of Judgment that in their Bodies as well as in their Souls they may be punished for ever I wonder that this Author should so much as name these two Texts for Universal Redemption 12. The next place is 2 Pet. 2.1 But there were false Prophets also among the People even as there shall be false Teachers among you who privily shall bring in Damnable Heresies even denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift Destruction As to this place 1. T is very considerable what is said by the Learned Dr. Ames for the understanding of these words that is that the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 here used is not wont to be applyed to the Son but appropriated to the Father and that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is constantly given to the Son the Lord Christ And so he Explains it by Deut. 32.6 Is not he thy Father that has bought thee Hath he not made thee and established thee So that the words may be understood of God as Creator and common Benefactor that had bought them by outward and common Mercies as he is said to ahve bought Israel of old Others take notice that the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which we translate bought doth
Thess 1.9 Then this Author goes on Sir shew me if you can where the Scripture saith that Christ died but for some only not for all I answer this is but strife of words Christ did not die only for some of the Elect but for all the Elect but he died not for all Adam's Posterity as hath been sufficiently demonstrated He goes on and saith to this person Seeing you think that Christ died but for some shew me sufficient testimony from the Scripture that he died for your self I pray what Call hath this Author to put this Person upon declaring to him sufficient Testimony that Christ died for him and what is this to the purpose if this person had not yet attained what Paul saith Gal. 2.20 He loved me and gave himself for me But I hope this Person hath a comfortable assurance that Christ died for him Christ died for all Believers and if he finds upon Self-examination that he is in the Faith and Christ lives in him he may conclude that Christ died for him But why he should give this Author sufficient Testimony of his Faith I know not It may be some will say this is but a hectoring boysterous way of dealing The Author concludes his Letter saying to this Person Name one in this great City for whom Christ died not What is this to the purpose to prove Universal Redemption Tho' Christ did not die for all Adam's Posterity and tho' there be in this City many ignorant and prophane People yet it would be presumption to say of any particular person in this City yea in the whole World that Christ did not die for that Person except one knew that the Person had committed the sin against the Holy Ghost which is a sin which few are guilty of and for such we are not to pray for them 1 John 5.16 but for any other particular person tho' for the present he be never so ignorant of God and abound in Transgressions who can say but that this person may be one of those that God hath ordained to Eternal Life and that Christ hath died for and therefore we are to exhort them to Repentance and pray for them and if it be so that they be such as God hath chosen to Salvation and that Christ hath dyed for them the Lord will at one time or other before they dye turn them from Darkness unto Light Deliver them from the Power of Darkness and Translate them into the Kingdom of his dear Son CHAP. III. Ten Arguments from the Scripture to prove that those that Christ dyed for shall all of them be called justified and glorified in Heaven I have said enough already I hope to clear those Scriptures that this Author brings for Universal Redemption Now through the Lords Assistance I shall shew that though Arminians make such a poor low common thing of the precious Blood of Jesus Christ who was God as well as Man That they say that Men may be Damn'd in Hell for ever notwithstanding Christ dyed for them I shall prove the contrary by many Scriptures 1. John 10.15 16. I lay down my Life for the Sheep and other Sheep I have which are not of this Fold Them also I must bring and they shall hear my Voice and there shall be one Fold and one Shepherd 1. Observe that there are some that are called Christs Sheep before their Conversion given to Christ that he should be the Shepherd and Bishop of their Souls in the appointed time to bring them to Grace and Glory 2. These Sheep are the Elect both of Jews and Gentiles some are of the Fold of the Jews some of the Fold of the Gentiles 3. That Christ laid down his Life for these Sheep 4. That Christ hath undertaken to bring in and Convert those Sheep that he laid down his Life for that not one of them be missing and Perish Therefore Christ puts a must upon it I must bring as if he had said because of my engaging to the Father in the Covenant of Redemption to bring them to Grace and Glory as also because of my own free and everlasting love to them I must bring them home Ay but some might say True Christ may use some means outward and inward to bring in these Sheep that he dyed for but peradventure they will stop the Ear and their wills be rebellious Ay but saith Christ they shall hear my Voice that is they shall certainly and infallibly be Converted 2. Rom. 5.10 For if when we were Enemies we were reconciled to God by the Death of his Son much more being reconciled we shall be saved by his Life 1. Observe that those that Christ dyed for he Reconciled them to God made Satisfaction and Reconciliation for all their Sins Christ dying was no small matter It was not a thing of small Power and Vertue it was not to make God meerly Reconcileable but it was a perfect and eternal Reconciliation Though the benefit of his Reconciliation is given out in a certain order and manifested by degrees as seemed good to the Counsel of Gods Will yet Christ did all by way of Merit and satisfaction for sin when he dyed upon the Cross 2. Observe that such a Reconciliation being made by the Death of Christ the Apostle saith how much more shall we be saved by his Life That is by his Resurrection and Ascension and Intercession for them for whom he dyed Those for whom Christ dyed for them he rose again Rom. 4. and last v. Who was delivered for our offences and was raised again for our Justification Christ as the Head and Surety for those for whom he dyed was discharged of the debt of their sins by his Resurrection So that as he dyeth no more death hath no more Dominion over him So all that he dyed and rose again for shall be brought into such a state by Vertue of his Death and Resurrection that death shall not have Dominion over them Christ also ascended into Heaven as a publick person and Representative of those for whom he dyed For all them whose high priest he was Heb. 6.20 Whither the forerunner is for us entred even Jesus made a high Priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec for them he ever liveth to make Intercession until they be all brought to Glory he presents his Merits his Blood his Satisfaction in the Holy of Holies for them So that unless Men will say that Christ did not rise again and ascend into Heaven and doth not ever live to make intercession it must needs be that all that he dyed for shall be eternally saved For saith the Apostle if we were Reconciled to God by the Death of his Son how much more being Reconciled shall we be saved by his Life If there were such Merit in his Death as to Reconcile us to God Then Christ rising again ascending into Heaven and ever living to make Intercession for those for whom he dyed they shall all be certainly and infallibly
brought to Glory 3. Rom. 8.32 He that spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all how shall be not with him also freely give us all things 1. Observe the all here is not all Adams Posterity but all that God hath an Eternal purpose of Grace to which are in due time called according to his purpose viz. the Elect v. 33. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect Those whom he did predestinate to be conformed to the Image of his Son v. 29. 2. The Apostle makes this to be a wonderful thing that God should not spare his Son but deliver him up to Death as Mediator and Surety for us In this was manifested the Love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son into the World that we might live through him 1 John 4.9 God manifests his love in giving other things but in this the love of God was most of all manifested that God sent his Son to dye for us that he spared not his Son but delivered him up to bear the Curse of the Law in our stead Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift 2 Cor. 9.15 Consider the person that he delivered up to dye for us he was his own Son his proper natural Son and t is said he spared him not he spared him not from nor in dying but made him to bear unutterable grief in Soul and Body as Surety and Mediator for those for whom he dyed 3. The Apostle doth positively conclude that all those that God hath such love to as not to spare his own Son but to deliver him up to Death for them that God would certainly and infallibly and freely give them all things that is all things necessary to their Eternal Happiness Those for whom God would give his Son to them he will freely give Faith Grace and Glory The new Heart is the gift of God and a great gift but nothing to Gods not sparing his own Son but giving him to dye for us Gods giving his Son to dye for any person was the highest expression of his love to that person that ever was or ever could be If God had such a love to give his Son to dye for a Man he will stick at nothing to bring about the Eternal Happiness of that person He spared not his Son that he might spare that person He punished his Innocent Son as Surety that he might not punish that person for his Sins He was at cost indeed to Redeem a person by the price of the Blood of his own Son But as to giving that person a new Heart He can more easily do it than we can speak a word There is such strength in the Apostles arguing as carries all before it throws down all Cavils and Objections whatsoever 4. We may draw another Invincible Argument from Rom. 8.34 Who shall Condemn Christ hath dyed yea rather is risen again who is even at the Right Hand of God who also maketh intercession for us 1. The Apostle here shews that those that Christ dyed for he rose again for them he sits at Gods Right Hand for them he makes Intercession for them that they may infallibly obtain all that he Merited and Purchased for them by his Death 2. The Apostle in the Name of all that Christ dyed for makes a challenge Who saith he shall Condemn Christ hath dyed Ay but the Law and Justice may Condemn no Christ hath dyed Christ hath delivered them for whom he dyed from the Curse of the Law being made a Curse for them Gal. 3.13 he hath made satisfaction for their Sins by his Death But those that hold universal Redemption may say O Paul why do you Argue thus that if Christ dyed for us we cannot be Condemned to Hell Ay but Paul knew what he said he knew how to argue from Christ dying for us that we shall never be Condemned to Hell Those that hold that Christ dyed for all Adams Posterity of which the greatest number are or shall be Condemned to Hell for ever make nothing or next unto nothing of Christs dying for a person But Paul makes it such a great thing for Christ to dye for us that he is bold to say who shall Condemn Christ hath dyed 5. John 17.2 As thou hast given him power over all Flesh that he should give Eternal Life to as many as thou hast given him Our Saviour often speaks of them that were given him of the Father that is the Elect people there was a Covenant of Redemption between the Father and Christ wherein he undertook to bring them to Glory and that he might not fail of saving every one of them Christ as the Mediator had power given over all Flesh Yea over all Devils too that nothing should hinder but that he should infallibly give Eternal Life to as many as the Father had given him to Redeem and Save Christ as God had all power of himself Christ as Mediator had power given him over all persons and things in such a perfect manner that nothing should hinder the Salvation of those that were given him Christ as Mediator hath absolute power over the Hearts and Wills of Men to alter change and frame the Wills of all that the Father hath given him to bring every thought into Obedience to him that all the Elect shall be a willing people in the day of his power he puts forth his power irresistibly so far as infallibly to Convert them and puts forth his power after their Conversion irresistibly so far as to preserve them to the Heavenly Kingdom Christ is mighty as God and mighty as Mediator Hath absolute power over all Flesh over their very Hearts and Wills to open their Hearts to receive him to work their Wills to embrace him whensoever he pleases and will certainly do it for those that the Father hath given him to Redeem and Save 6. John 17.19 And for their sakes I sanctifie my self that they may be Sanctified through the truth Our Saviour being now near his Death he declares who he was to dye for not for all Adams Posterity but for those whom the Father had given him to be the Mystical Body whereof he is the Head and declares v. 9. I pray for them I pray not for the World but for them whom thou hast given me for they are thine As if Christ had said I am so far from dying for all Adams Posterity that I will not so much as pray as Mediator for any but those whom thou hast given me I dye to bring the many Elect Sons to Glory and for their sakes sanctifie I my self that is I Consecrate and Dedicate my self as their High-Priest to offer my self a Sacrifice for them that they may be sanctified through the Truth that is that they may be justified and sanctified through him that they might not any one of them miss of Eternal Salvation 7. Gal. 2.20 Who loved me and gave himself for me The Apostle Paul
is here setting forth the Love of Christ to him and as an Astonishing Demonstration and proof of the for ever to be adored love of Christ to him he saith that Christ gave himself for me that amongst those that Christ had such great and special love 's to as to dye for them He was one he gave himself for me Paul thought that Christ dying for him was the greatest Love that Christ could shew to him But now those that hold that Christ dyed for all Adams Posterity might say O Paul do you make such a great business of Christs giving himself for you and that this shall secure your Salvation We hold he dyed for Multitudes that are and shall be in Hell for ever Ay but Paul knew better than Arminians do both what unspeakable love it was for Christ to die for a person and he knew the certainty of the Eternal Salvation of all those for whom Christ died he rejoices and triumphs in this that he knew he was one of those whom Christ loved and gave himself for 8. Ephes 5.25 26 27. Husbands love your Wives as Christ also loved his Church and gave himself for it that he might sanctifie and cleanse it with the washing of Water by the Word that he might present it to himself a glorious Church not having Spot or Wrinkle or any such thing but that it should be Holy and without blemish Here the Apostle exhorts Husbands to love their Wives and with a great and special Love as Christ loved his Church and gave himself for it Now if Christ had loved all Adam's Posterity so as to give himself for them this had been no Argument for Husbands to love their Wives with a great and special Love but rather an allowance to Husbands to love other Women with as great and special Love as their Wives But the Apostle shews it was a great and special Love that Christ had to his Church such a Love as he gave himself for it By the Church here is meant all the Elect all that by the Decree of God from Eternity were to be the Lord's the Lamb's Spouse for this Church only that Christ as Mediator was to be Head and Husband of did Christ give himself This Church he was to Sanctifie this Church he was to wash from their Sins in his own Blood and whatsoever they were in themselves polluted defiled with Sin yet he undertook both to Justifie them and Sanctisie them who also will infallibly do it 9. The ninth Argument to prove that all that Christ died for shall certainly be saved shall be taken from those Scriptures that make it manifest that those that Christ died for he purchased Faith and Sanctification for them as well as Reconciliation for their Sins Gal. 1.4 Who gave himself for our Sins that he might deliver us from this present evil World according to the Will of God and our Father 1. Observe that those that Christ died for the Heart of the Father was in this thing it was from the Will the great Love and good Pleasure of the Father that he should give himself for them 2. That Christ did give himself for their Sins that is to take away their Sins and that he might deliver them from this present evil World that is not only from the Guilt and Punishment due to them for their Sins that so they might not be condemned with the World but that he might deliver them from the evil Manners of the World from the wickedness of this present evil World and to make them new Creatures he purchased Sanctification for them to be certainly and infallibly bestowed upon them Titus 2.14 Who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all Iniquity and purifie to himself a peculiar people zealous of good works See in the Verse before who it was that gave himself for us the Apostle calls him the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ Ay this puts infinite value into his dying for us that he is God as well as Man and so cannot be frustrated in the Ends which he had in his Death and the Apostle here shews that his End was to purifie to himself a peculiar People zealous of good Works He intended for all for whom he died not only to redeem them from the guilt of all their Sins but purchased Sanctifying Grace for them whereby they might be made a peculiar People zealous of good Works which according to his mighty Power whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself he will certainly do 1 Pet. 1.18 19. For as much as ye know that you were not redeemed with corruptible things as Silver and Gold from your vain Conversation received by Tradition from your Fathers but with the precious Blood of Christ as a Lamb without blemish and without spot Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ shed his precious Blood not only to take away the guilt of Sin but to Sanctifie them to deliver them for whom he died from the Vanity of their Minds and from their Vain Conversation that so they may be brought to walk with God here and come to Heaven hereafter and all that do partake of Mortification of Sin and Vivification in Grace it is by Vertue from the Death of Christ he hath given Sin a mortal wound by his Death he hath nailed it to his Cross that at last all that he died for shall be wholly freed from it for ever 10. The last Argument that all those that Christ died for shall certainly be saved is taken from several passages in the 53th Chap. of Isaiah where we have such an illustrious Prophesie of Christ 1. There the Prophet speaks of the great Sufferings of Christ the Mediator He was wounded for our Transgressions he was bruised for our Iniquities v. 4. and the Iniquities of all the Israel after the Spirit that is all the Elect of God were laid upon him to bear the Punishment due to their Sins 2. The Prophet shews the effects of Christ's Death what benefit comes to them for who he died he saith by his Stripes they are healed v. 5. He shews what Grief and Sufferings he went through to make Satisfaction for Sin and compares our Saviour in his Death to a Woman in Travail Ay Christ had a hard Travail and sore Pains in Soul and Body to expiate Sin but he saith He shall see his Seed v. 10. he shall see of the travail of his Soul and be satisfied he shall not bring forth Wind such a windy empty poor Redemption as Arminians talk of who say that notwithstanding any thing that Christ did in the Work of Redemption there might not one Man or Woman in the World have been saved but he brought forth a Perfect Glorious Eternal Redemption so that all the Children of his Cross all that he had that hard travail for upon the Cross shall be eternally saved and so as the Apostle saith Heb. 12.2 For the Joy that was set before him he endured the
enquire in what Sense we are to understand Christ's dying that we may know what we dispute about Let us consider 1. Who it was that dyed for Sinners and this may give light into this Controversie tho' it was only the Humane Nature of Christ that dyed or was capable of dying yet the Person was God the fellow of the Lord of Hosts therefore God is said to purchase the Church with his own Blood Act. 20. 28. If Christ indeed had not been God by nature then People might have had such low undervaluing thoughts of his Death as that he might dye in vain as to some yea as to all he dyed for But we that do believe he was God-man cannot believe but that he will infallibly save all that he dyed for Indeed if we did not believe the Doctrine of the Trinity and that Christ is the second Person of the for ever blessed and glorious Trinity and that he is the Son of God by Ineffable Eternal Generation very God as the Father is and that he took upon him Human Nature that he might suffer the Punishment of our Sins and redeem and save us we would never contend about his Death who he dyed for because if he had not been the Brightness of the Father's Glory and the express Image of his Person he could never by himself have purged away our Sins by the Sacrifice of himself It is to be feared that some Arminians are Socinians too Antitrinitarians as Michael Servetus was of whom I shall speak afterwards if God permit And indeed Arminianism prepares the way to Socinianism if God does not graciously stop Men in the way of Errour So that this I lay down as a Basis and Foundation for an Enquiry who Christ dyed for that all would consider the Eminency yea the Infiniteness of the Person that dyed for us It was he that was in the form of God and thought it not robbery to be equal with God tho' he took upon him the form of a Servant and was found in fashion as a Man and was obedient to Death even the Death of the Cross to redeem his Church This was the greatest wonder that ever was done in this World It is the astonishment of Angels and Men to Eternity and can any imagin that God was manifest in the Flesh and dyed in vain for any for whose sake he bare the Punishment of their Sins and went through unutterable pain and suffering for their Redemption 2. Let us consider what is the sense and meaning of Christ's dying for us It is that Christ dyed in our stead as our Surety and as a proper Sacrifice for our Sins Christ dyed not only for our good as the Socinians speak but in our stead as well as for our good Our Iniquities were laid upon him Isai 53.6 He bare our Sins in his own Body upon the Tree 1 Pet. 2.23 He suffered for Sins the Just for the Vnjust 1 Pet. 3.18 for all the Sins whatsoever of them for whom he dyed Rom. 4. ult Who was delivered for our Offences and was raised again for our Justification Those for whom Christ dyed he made an absolute perfect satisfaction for all their 〈◊〉 yea purchased Converting and Keeping Grace for them here and Glory hereafter He did not do the work of Mediator and Saviour by halves He obtained Eternal Redemption for those for whom he dyed Heb. 9.12 he gave himself for those for whom he dyed to Merit and Purchase for them Faith Repentance Grace and Glory to be infallibly bestowed upon them in the Lords appointed time and season 1 Pet. 1.18 19. Titus 3.13 14. as I shall endeavour to shew in a Chapter by it self But as for this Author and those of his way though they make a great noise about Christs dying for all Adams Posterity Yet they do really deny that Christ dyed for any Man or Woman in the World in a true Scripture Sense that is that Christ so dyed for any as to make Satisfaction for all their Sins and to purchase saving Grace here and Glory hereafter to be infallibly bestowed upon their particular persons For they say that notwithstanding Christs Death there might not one Man or Woman in the World have been saved The truth is though some may mean well and think they exalt Christ by the Doctrine of Universal Redemption Yet they do debase and dishonour Christ and bring all at last to Mans Meriting his own Salvation 1. I say that Arminians do Debase Disgrace and Dishonour Christ and that Glorious and for ever to be adored Redemption by him They talk indeed of Universal Redemption by Christ but indeed it is an Vniversal nothing in comparison of that True Perfect and Eternal Redemption that our Lord Jesus Christ hath wrought for those for whom he dyed which shall infallibly bring them to Grace here and Glory hereafter as shall God willing be manifested afterwards 2. I say that Arminians whether they do really intend it or no bring all at last to Man Meriting his own Salvation For if God the Father did no more in Electing a particular person to Grace and Glory and the Son of God in Redemption and the Holy Ghost in infusing a new Heart for those that are Saved than for those that perish for ever Then those that are Saved it is by their own Merits Worthiness Towardliness and Goodness above others and so they are not Saved by meer Grace not by any Special Discriminating Grace from the Father Son and Holy Ghost to them and so whereas God hath ordered it so that no Flesh should glory and boast in his presence These lay a Foundation for pride and self-conceit and make poor provision for admiring free special Discriminating Grace here and to Eternity in Heaven Yea one of the Arminians in answer to that question who maketh thee to differ would not mince the matter as some others do But boldly and roundly answered to the Apostles question I make my self to differ These things being premised I shall now close with you upon the Scriptures you bring and shall make it manifest if the Lord put in by his Spirit to give Light they do not hold forth that Christ dyed for all Adams Posterity 1. The first you name is Hebrews 29. We see Jesus made a little lower than the Angels for the suffering of Death Crowned with Glory and Honour that he by the Grace of God should tast death for every Man This Scripture this Author cites in the first place and Mr. J. C. in his Book called Redemption redeemed counts this Text the fullest of all other places for Universal Redemption but indeed 't is a notable Text against it and may give us much light how to understand the word all and every Man and the World in other places of Scripture 1. The Apostle shews what was the cause of Gods giving his Son to tast Death for us it was the grace of God the for ever to be Adored grace of God the exceeding
Riches of his grace that ever was or can be to those persons that God gave his Son to dye for 2. He expresseth what Christ suffered for them in pursuance of Gods eternal and infinite grace to those persons whose Surety and Mediator he was and that is set forth by tasting of Death for them whereby is meant the bitter Passion of Christ suffering in his Soul and Body to bear the Curse of the Law the Wrath of God due to their Sins that so they might not bear it themselves 3. He shews who it was that Christ tasted Death for this bitter Death in the Greek it is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which lest any should think is meant of all Adam's Posterity it is restrained by the Apostle himself he shews it was only for the Elect for it follows v. 10. For it became him for whom are all things in bringing many Sons unto Glory to make the Captain of their Salvation perfect through Sufferings So that the Apostle shews that the all that Christ tasted Death for are all the Sons that are to be brought to Glory all that God hath Predestinated to the Adoption of Children Christ tasted Death for all them and only them Again he shews who were intended by the all that Christ tasted Death for by calling him The Captain of their Salvation that those that Christ as their Captain and Leader would infallibly conduct to Salvation v. 11. For both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of one The all and every one that Christ tasted Death for is restrained by the Apostle again to all those that are or shall be sanctified by the Blood and Spirit of the Lord Jesus their Sanctifier and in the end of v. 11. it is said For which cause he is not ashamed to call them Brethren and v. 12. I will declare thy Name unto my Brethren in the midst of the Church will I sing Praise unto thee So that the all that Christ tasted Death for is all that he makes Believers makes his Brethren makes his Church and v. 13. Behold I and the Children which God hath given me So that those that Christ tasted Death for is limited to those that the Father hath given him and are the Children of God by Faith in Jesus Christ such as are given to Christ to bring all of them at last to be actually the Children of God So that all things considered as I said before we have the Apostles example in enquiring into the true meaning of any Scripture that speaks of Christ's dying for all giving himself a Ransom for all his being a Propitiation for the Sins of the whole World to restrain and limit such Expressions to the Sons that were to be brought to Glory to those that Christ was to make Brethren to those that are or shall be sanctified by him to his Church to those that were given him of the Father to be certainly and infallibly brought to Glory 2. The next place this Author bringeth for Universal Redemption is 1 John 2.2 Who is a Propitiation for our Sins and not for ours only but also for the Sins of the whole World Now for the finding out the true meaning of this Scripture 1. Observe that this Epistle was written to the Jews v. 7. Brethren I write no new Commandment unto you but an old Commandment which ye had from the beginning It was the Jews that had the Commandments of God the sum of which old Commandments was Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine Heart and thy Neighbour as thy self Matth. 22.37 38 39. As for the Gentiles they had not the written Law committed to them Psal 147.19 20. He sheweth his Word unto Jacob his Statutes and his Judgments unto Israel He hath not dealt so with any Nation and as for his Judgments they have not known them 2. Consider that when the time came that the Lord would visit the Gentiles and that the Gospel should be preached unto them it was expedient that there should be such Expressions used that Christ was the Propitiation for the Sins of the whole World not only to encourage the Gentiles to look after Christ but also in respect of the Jews who did generally despise the other Nations of the World and thought the Messiah was only for them yea for a time the Jews that believed could hardly bear to hear of the calling of the Gentiles Therefore the Apostle shews that Christ was not only a Propitiation for the Sins of Believers amongst the Jews but for the Believers amongst the Gentiles throughout the whole World 3. The word Propitiation will give light into the meaning of the place and determine the true sense and meaning of it for what is it for Christ to be a Propitiation for our Sins it is to make Satisfaction and Reconciliation for our Sins an absolute and perfect Satisfaction for all our Sins to the Law and Justice of God and this is laid up with the Faithfulness of the Father to be certainly and infallibly bestowed upon us in the Lord 's appointed time Those that Christ hath died for he hath made such an absolute and eternal Satisfaction and Reconciliation for their Sins for all their Sins that they shall certainly be Called Sanctified and Eternally Saved So that as Divines have observed the true sense and meaning of this place before us is the same with what we have John 11.51 52. And this spake he not of himself but being High-Priest that year he prophesied that Jesus should die for that Nation that is the Nation of the Jews and not for that Nation only but that also he should gather together in one the Children of God that were scattered abroad that is the Elect amongst the Gentiles throughout the whole World 3. Then he cites 1 Tim. 2.6.7 Who gave himself a Ransom for all to be testified in due time whereunto I am ordained a Preacher and an Apostle I speak the truth and lie not a Teacher of the Gentiles in Faith and Verity for the understanding of this Scripture 1. Consider that when the Apostle wrote this Epistle the Magistrates were Gentiles and not Jews and they were generally wicked Persecutors whereupon the Professors of the Gospel through their Corruption and Weakness did many of them neglect to pray for them but rather prayed against them Now the Apostle puts them upon Prayer for these Magistrates and shews them that if God do not please to Convert them yet he can so over-rule them that they may live peaceable lives and enjoy the liberty of God's Worship in their Dominions yea the Apostle goes further he would have them pray for the Conversion of those Wicked Persecuting Magistrates and saith v. 4. That God would have all Men to be saved and to come unto the knowledge of the Truth Some of all sorts and ranks some Kings and great ones as well as mean People and that for any thing they know God will save and bring
perfect Redemption Propitiation and Satisfaction for all the Sins of the whole World both Original and Actual They having before asserted the Doctrine of God's Eternal Election of some this Article may fairly be interpreted that Christ is a perfect Redemption Propitiation and Satisfaction for all the Sins of the whole World of the Elect or of all the Elect in all Ages and of all Nations throughout the whole World and for them only and their words being well considered will constrain such an Interpretation To be sure they did not hold that all Mankind should be saved and therefore saying that Christ is a perfect Redemption Propitiation and Satisfaction for all the Sins of the whole World they cannot be understood to mean any more than this that there is no other name under Heaven by which Men can be saved but the name of Jesus Christ there is not Salvation in any other It is he alone that is a Perfect Redemption Propitiation and Satisfaction for Sin so that whoever are saved in any Age or Place throughout the whole World are saved by him only 2. The first Articles of the Church of England being not so explicit and plain about Predestination and Arminianism being broached there was a meeting at Lambeth-house on the 20th Day of November 1595. now almost an hundred Years since There was John Archbishop of Canterbury Richard Bishop of London Richard Elect Bishop of Bangor Dr. Tindal Dean of Ely Dr. Whitaker Professor of Divinity in Cambridge and sundry other Reverend and Learned Divines there present with the concurrent Approbation of of the Right Reverend and Learned Prelate Matthew Archbishop of York for the determining certain Arminian Points of Controversie they composed agreed upon and published these Nine Assertions following 1. Deus ab aeterno praedestinavit quosdam ad vitam quosdam reprobavit ad mortem 1. God from Eternity hath predestinated certain Men to Life he hath reprobated some unto Death 2. Causa movens aut efficiens Praedestinationis ad vitam non est praevisio fidei aut bonorum operum aut ullius rei quae insit in personis praedestinatis sed sola voluntas beneplaciti Dei 2. The moving or efficient cause of predestination unto Life is not the foresight of Faith or of good Works or of any thing that is in the persons predestinated but only the good Will and Pleasure of God 3. Praedestinatorum praefinitus certus est numerus qui nec augeri nec minui possit 3. There is a predetermined and certain number of the predestinated which can neither be augmented nor diminished 4. Qui non sunt praedestinati ad salutem necessario propter peccata sua damnabuntur 4. Those that are not predestinated to Salvation shall be necessarily damned for their Sins 5. Vera viva ac justificans fides Spiritus Dei justificantis non extinguitur non excidit non evanescet in electis aut finaliter aut totaliter 5. A true living and justifying Faith is not extinguished it fails not it vanisheth not away in the Elect either finally or totally 6. Homo vere fidelis id est fide justificante praeditus certus est plerophoria fidei de remissione peccatorum suorum salute sempiterna sua per Christum 6. A true believer that is such a one as is endued with a justifying Faith is certain with the full assurance of Faith of the pardon of his Sins and of his Everlasting Salvation by Christ I suppose they did not mean that a true Believer may not have doubts and fears whether he be in Christ or no but that he may have a full assurance of his Justification without such extraordinary Revelation as the Papists speak of This Article is directed especially against the Papists whose Doctrine is that no Believer can attain a full assurance of his Salvation in this Life except he have an extraordinary Revelation from God 7. Gratia Salutaris non tribuitur non communicatur non conceditur universis hominibus qua Servari possint si velint 7 Saving Grace is not given is not communicated is not granted to all Men by which they may be saved if they will 8. Nemo potest venire ad Christum nisi datum ei fuerit nisi pater eum traxerit Et omnes homines non trahuntur a Patre ut veniant ad filium 8. No Man can come unto Christ unless it shall be given unto him and unless the Father shall draw him and all Men are not drawn of the Father that they may come unto the Son 9. Non est positum in arbitrio aut potestate unius cujusque hominis servari 9. It is not in the Will and Power of every one to be saved 3. I come to the Articles of Religion agreed upon by the Archbishops Bishops and the rest of the Clergy of Ireland in the Convocation holden at Dublin 16.5 Article 11. God from all Eternity did by his unchangeable Counsel ordain whatsoever in time should come to pass yet so as no Violence is offered to the Wills of the Reasonable Creatures and neither the Liberty nor the Contingency of second causes is taken away but rather Established Article 12. By the same Eternal Counsel God hath predestinated some unto life and reprobated some unto Death of both which there is a certain number known only to God which can neither be encreased nor diminished Article 13. Predestination unto Life is the everlasting purpose of God whereby before the Foundations of the World were laid he hath constantly Decreed in his Secret Counsel to deliver from Curse and Condemnation those whom he hath chosen in Christ out of Mankind and to bring them by Christ unto everlasting Salvation as Vessels made to Honour Article 14. The cause moving God to Predestinate unto Life is not the foreseeing of Faith or Perseverance or of good works or of any thing which is in the person Predestinated but only the good pleasure of God himself For all things being ordained for the manifestation of his glory and his glory being to appear both in the works of his mercy and of his justice It seemed good to his Heavenly Wisdom to choose out a certain number towards whom he would extend his undeserved Mercy leaving the rest to be spectacles of his Justice Article 15. such as are predestinated unto Life be called according to Gods purpose his Spirit working in due Season and through Grace they obey the calling they be justified freely they be made Sons of God by Adoption they be made like the Image of his only begotten Son Jesus Christ they walk Religiously in good Works and at length by Gods Mercy they attain to everlasting felicity but such as are not predestinated to Salvation shall finally be condemned for their Sins Article 25. The condition of Man after the fall of Adam is such that he cannot turn and prepare himself by his own natural strength and good works to Faith and calling upon God wherefore we
Christ for all that If Christ have a few names in a Church that degenerates those shall be safe whatsoever becomes of the rest as to their Church Estate and Eternal-state Revel 3.4 Thou hast a few Names even in Sardis which have not defiled their Garments and they shall walk with me in white i. e. they shall walk with Christ in the white of Grace here to their lives end and in the white of Glory for ever Tho' the Lord do remove the Candlestick the Church-Estate and will not own a People any longer to be a True Church yet if there be any sound Christians amongst them they shall never be cast off Therefore how vainly doth this Author say from this passage of the Assemblies Confession of Faith here is too much to prove the Point when there is not the least shadow of any thing they say to prove that any True Believer may fall totally and finally Tho' those that were Professors of the Gospel and were in Churches may so degenerate as to lose their Church-estate yet if there were any in those Churches that were True Believers the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against them A Degenerate Church may Excommunicate the Sound Members may prosecute them to Death but can never separate them from the Love of Christ The truth is when a Church doth so wofully degenerate as to be accounted no longer a Church of Christ but the Synagogue of Satan the Lord is pleased many times to stir up those that are Sound Christians amongst them that they are more Lively and Spiritual than ever they were and love not their Lives unto the Death in bearing witness to the Truth Now let us hear this Author declare what his Opinion is about the Saints Perseverance Saith he Pag. 20. For my part tho' I doubt not but there is a State attainable in this Life from which by the Grace of God Christians shall not fall yet I hold it a vanity for any Man to affirm of himself or of any other person in particular that it is impossible for him to fall I hold it far better for the best as well as others to take heed lest they fall I answer This passage is very dark and ambiguous wherein this Author rather hides than declares his Judgment about the Point in hand The word Christian may be taken largely for those that are Christians by Profession only no doubt but they may fall from their Profession or the word Christian may be taken strictly for those who are Christians inwardly in the Heart and in the Spirit as well as outwardly by Profession Now this we maintain from the Scripture as hath been declared before that all such have attained such an Estate by their Vnion with Christ by their Justification Adoption and Regeneration that they shall never fall totally or finally This Author must intend some new Notion if he understand himself which must be that though every one that is Really and Spiritually in Christ is not in such an Estate as that he shall certainly persevere in Grace yet he who hath attained an extraordinary degree of Grace or to an absolute Perfection such as the Quakers talk of may by the Grace of God keep his standing This is a wondrous dark Passage and I shall leave the Author in his Clouds but we maintain 1. That none attain to an absolute perfection in this life Rom. 7. Gal. 5.17 Eccles 7.20 2. That the strongest Saints in the World cannot keep themselves one day but are upheld by the secret Influences and Supplies of the Spirit Phil. 1.13 1 John 5.5 2 Cor. 3.5 3. That the Lord who keeps strong Believers keepeth also the weakest True Believer most certainly and infallibly Phil 1.6 where he hath begun the good work of Special Saving Grace he will perform it to the day of Jesus Christ that the weakest of Christ's Sheep and Lambs shall have Eternal Life and shall never perish John 10.27 28. that Christ will not break nor suffer to be broken the bruised Reed nor quench the smoking Flax Matth. 12.20 that is where there is but a little Special Grace that can but smoke though it cannot flame Christ will keep it that it shall never be quenched but shall at last flame out in Love and Praise and singing in Heaven to all Eternity God keeps True Believers in a state of Grace till they come to Glory not because they are strong but because they are his Elect because they are redeemed by the Blood of his Son and at their effectual Calling adopted to be his Children and saith the Apostle If Children then Heirs of God and joint Heirs with Christ Rom. 8.17 The least Babe in Christ is God's Child as well as the Eldest and strongest Believer and shall infallibly be an Heir of God and joint Heir with Christ For as many as believed to them he gave power to become the Sons of God John 1.12 The same Day and Hour that a Soul truly receiveth Christ the Lord doth actually adopt that Soul though it be a secret thing to the Soul yet it is as if God should say I did predestinate thee to the Adoption of my Child by Christ and now I do adopt thee to be my Child to be an Heir of Eternal Life and such shall certainly be preserved to the Heavenly Kingdom 1 Pet. 1.4 5. The Inheritance is reserved in Heaven for all that are begotten again to a lively Hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and they are kept whilst they are in this World by the Power of God through Faith till they come to the Heavenly Inheritance 2. This Author saith I hold it a Vanity for any Man to say of himself it is impossible for him to fall I answer 1. It is a Vanity indeed for any Man to say of himself it is impossible for him to fall taking it for falling into Sin at all for there is no Man that liveth and sinneth not yea it would be Vanity Pride and Presumption for the best Saint on Earth to say it is impossible for him to fall into gross Sins seeing David and Peter fell so foully though they were graciously recovered again 2. It would be great Vanity for the best Saint on Earth to say in any the least Confidence in his own Strength that it is impossible for him to fall away totally and finally for indeed if they were left to themselves it is impossible that they should stand in a state of Grace one day if everlasting Arms were not underneath them if they were not kept by the Power of God If Christ did not hold them fast it were impossible that any of the Saints should stand 3. I say That it is no Vanity but a Triumph of Faith and Thankfulness to the God of all Grace for a True Christian when God sheds abroad his Love in his Heart by the Holy Spirit to say Who shall separate me from the Love of Christ Was it Vanity in David to say Surely