a_o sober_a letter_n touch_v predestination_n and_o obduration_n send_v to_o a_o minister_n in_o the_o city_n of_o bristol_n london_n print_v for_o jonathan_n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1679._o a_o sober_a letter_n touch_v predestination_n and_o obduration_n sect._n 1_o sir_n although_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n eternal_a predestination_n be_v a_o offence_n to_o many_o some_o abuse_v it_o to_o carnal_a liberty_n and_o other_o to_o despair_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a and_o useful_a doctrine_n which_o upon_o all_o occasion_n ought_v to_o be_v utter_v with_o much_o reverence_n and_o circumspection_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o the_o same_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n without_o some_o taste_n of_o this_o divine_a doctrine_n of_o predestination_n there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a faith_n but_o either_o a_o doubtful_a and_o waver_a opinion_n lead_v to_o despair_n or_o else_o a_o vain_a presumption_n of_o feign_a holiness_n whilst_o man_n rest_v upon_o their_o own_o work_n and_o performance_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god._n there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n that_o do_v more_o beat_v down_o the_o pride_n of_o the_o flesh_n that_o do_v more_o exalt_v the_o riches_n of_o god_n grace_n or_o more_o establish_v and_o support_v the_o saint_n in_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n than_o this_o doctrine_n of_o god_n eternal_a predestination_n if_o right_o apprehend_v and_o improve_v the_o scripture_n do_v usual_o allege_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n for_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o do_v not_o rest_n in_o second_o cause_n or_o in_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o vocation_n but_o ascend_v up_o to_o christ_n himself_o in_o who_o as_o in_o the_o head_n we_o be_v elect_v and_o predestinate_v to_o grace_n and_o glory_n yea_o it_o raise_v we_o up_o to_o that_o everlasting_a purpose_n and_o decree_n which_o be_v in_o god_n himself_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n ephes_n 1.4_o 5._o matth._n 11.25_o 26._o rom._n 8.29_o 30._o rom._n 9.11_o 16_o 18_o 23.2_o tim._n 1.9.2_o tim._n 2.19.1_o pet._n 1.20_o sect._n 2._o as_o in_o other_o point_n of_o divinity_n so_o more_o especial_o in_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o predestination_n we_o shall_v avoid_v vain_a and_o curious_a question_n and_o speculation_n use_v such_o word_n and_o expression_n concern_v the_o same_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o who_o so_o fit_a to_o reveal_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o this_o great_a mystery_n as_o god_n himself_o and_o not_o according_a to_o our_o corrupt_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v best_a and_o safe_a for_o we_o to_o ascend_v from_o the_o low_a degree_n to_o the_o high_a as_o st._n paul_n do_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n speak_v first_o of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o so_o proceed_v on_o to_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o justification_n by_o christ_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o god_n eternal_a predestination_n whether_o we_o go_v up_o from_o the_o low_a step_n to_o the_o high_a or_o descend_v from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a we_o must_v take_v heed_n that_o we_o run_v not_o from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o omit_v and_o pass_v by_o the_o middle_a cause_n or_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v due_o consider_v and_o place_v between_o god_n eternal_a decree_n and_o the_o final_a execution_n thereof_o nor_o shall_v the_o decree_n of_o preterition_n or_o reprobation_n be_v apply_v to_o any_o sinner_n in_o particular_a so_o long_o as_o he_o live_v without_o special_a extraordinary_a revelation_n see_v god_n who_o grace_n and_o mercy_n be_v infinite_a and_o boundless_a may_v call_v and_o convert_v he_o even_o at_o the_o eleven_o hour_n though_o his_o sin_n be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o heinous_a it_o be_v observable_a that_o all_o those_o act_n in_o god_n which_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o reprobation_n go_v before_o sin_n be_v describe_v rather_o after_o a_o negative_a than_o positive_a manner_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o not_o write_v their_o name_n in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n rev._n 13.8_o they_o be_v not_o find_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n rev._n 20.15_o you_o be_v not_o of_o my_o sheep_n joh._n 10.26_o i_o never_o know_v you_o matth._n 7.23_o the_o election_n have_v obtain_v it_o the_o rest_n i_o e._n those_o who_o be_v not_o elect_v be_v blind_v rom._n 11.7_o sect._n 3_o god_n decree_n of_o reprobation_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n but_o man_n himself_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n eccles_n 7.29_o ezek._n 36.31_o 32._o jam._n 1.14_o reprobation_n be_v part_n of_o the_o decree_n and_o the_o decree_n nothing_o else_o but_o god_n himself_o decree_a can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o god_n who_o be_v holiness_n itself_o his_o decree_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o antecedent_n of_o sin_n and_o sin_n to_o be_v the_o consequent_a of_o the_o decree_n not_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o decree_n upon_o this_o occasion_n we_o shall_v always_o remember_v that_o approve_a distinction_n between_o a_o proper_a cause_n and_o a_o antecedent_n life_n be_v the_o antecedent_n of_o death_n and_o sight_n of_o blindness_n and_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v death_n where_o there_o have_v not_o be_v life_n or_o blindness_n where_o there_o have_v not_o be_v sight_n forego_v so_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o either_o life_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o death_n or_o sight_n the_o cause_n of_o blindness_n follow_v god_n will_v not_o sin_n as_o sin_n therefore_o reprobation_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n god_n will_v the_o permission_n of_o sin_n therefore_o reprobation_n be_v the_o antecedent_n thereof_o for_o the_o better_a guide_n and_o regulate_v our_o judgement_n in_o this_o great_a point_n we_o must_v consider_v three_o distinction_n 1._o between_o god_n willing_a sin_n as_o sin_n and_o his_o will_v the_o be_v or_o permission_n or_o the_o order_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o mercy_n 2._o between_o a_o cause_n and_o a_o antecedent_n 3._o between_o a_o consequent_a and_o a_o effect_n sect._n 4._o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o punishment_n and_o damnation_n god_n punish_v no_o man_n condemn_v no_o man_n but_o for_o sin_n original_a or_o actual_a or_o both_o gen._n 2.17_o rom._n 5.12_o ezek._n 18.20_o 25_o 28._o though_o sin_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n for_o that_o which_o be_v temporal_a can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a yet_o it_o be_v the_o only_a proper_a cause_n of_o punishment_n and_o damnation_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o god_n decree_n of_o nonelection_n or_o reprobation_n and_o his_o destinate_v man_n to_o punishment_n or_o preparation_n to_o punishment_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v praedamnation_n as_o for_o the_o former_a it_o depend_v sole_o upon_o the_o sovereign_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n but_o the_o latter_a be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n justice_n the_o one_o flow_v from_o god_n as_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o absolute_a power_n and_o sovereignty_n the_o other_o flow_v from_o god_n as_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o justice_n the_o decree_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n be_v a_o immanent_a act_n in_o god_n alone_o as_o in_o the_o subject_a and_o from_o god_n alone_o as_o from_o the_o original_a cause_n but_o damnation_n be_v neither_o original_o from_o god_n nor_o subjective_o in_o god_n but_o be_v a_o transient_a act_n of_o his_o justice_n god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a propound_v to_o himself_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n as_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a end_n appoint_v and_o make_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr thereunto_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o yea_o even_o the_o wicked_a for_o the_o day_n of_o evil_n prov._n 16.4_o and_o thus_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o learned_a bishop_n usher_n and_o other_o protestant_a divine_n to_o be_v that_o act_n whereby_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n according_a to_o his_o free_a will_n do_v by_o his_o unchangeable_a counsel_n and_o purpose_n fore-appoint_a and_o certain_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n together_o with_o their_o cause_n effect_n circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o be_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o own_fw-mi glory_n nor_o shall_v we_o go_v about_o to_o subject_a this_o divine_a decree_n to_o our_o shallow_a capacity_n or_o measure_v it_o by_o our_o deprave_a reason_n consider_v that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o the_o decree_n come_v be_v unsearchable_a it_o be_v true_a
that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v necessary_o according_a to_o god_n eternal_a decree_n they_o shall_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o any_o other_o place_n or_o time_n than_o he_o have_v ordain_v but_o yet_o this_o decree_n of_o god_n do_v not_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o constraint_n but_o only_o of_o immutability_n nor_o do_v the_o decree_n take_v away_o either_o liberty_n from_o the_o reasonable_a creature_n or_o contingency_n from_o second_o cause_n but_o only_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o certain_a order_n that_o be_v direct_v they_o to_o the_o determine_a end_n whereupon_o the_o effect_n and_o event_n of_o thing_n be_v contingent_a or_o necessary_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o second_o cause_n be_v thus_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o divine_a decree_n die_v necessary_o act._n 4.28_o act._n 17.3_o but_o yet_o willing_o if_o we_o respect_v the_o temperature_n of_o christ_n body_n he_o may_v have_v live_v long_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v die_v contingent_o sect._n 5._o the_o doctrine_n of_o god's-eternal_a predestination_n right_o understand_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o prejudice_n or_o hindrance_n to_o the_o use_v of_o mean_n tend_v to_o holiness_n and_o sanctification_n as_o that_o the_o use_n of_o the_o mean_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o right_a knowledge_n and_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o a_o constant_a and_o conscionable_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o therefore_o that_o be_v a_o most_o wicked_a speech_n which_o impli_v a_o mere_a contradiction_n if_o i_o be_v elect_v howsoever_o i_o live_v i_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o if_o i_o be_v not_o elect_v live_v i_o never_o so_o well_o i_o shall_v be_v damn_v satan_n by_o this_o wicked_a suggestion_n divide_v the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n asunder_o which_o god_n have_v join_v together_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o only_o of_o the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n nor_o of_o the_o mean_n without_o the_o end_n but_o of_o both_o together_o god_n have_v choose_v we_o to_o salvation_n through_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n 2_o thes_n 1.13_o sect._n 6._o the_o command_n and_o invitation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o not_o the_o secret_a decree_n of_o god._n nor_o must_v we_o confound_v the_o decree_n of_o predestination_n with_o the_o precept_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n god_n reveal_v preceptive_a will_n show_v what_o the_o lord_n approve_v as_o good_a in_o itself_o and_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o we_o not_o that_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v shall_v have_v effectual_a grace_n to_o perform_v it_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o to_o repent_v and_o believe_v on_o jesus_n christ_n and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o gospel_n the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n as_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v command_v to_o be_v teach_v and_o learn_v and_o be_v sober_o and_o wise_o handle_v be_v very_o useful_a both_o to_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o wicked_a but_o the_o personal_a application_n thereof_o before_o faith_n in_o point_n of_o election_n or_o during_o this_o life_n in_o point_n of_o reprobation_n be_v unwarrantable_a and_o many_o way_n hurtful_a and_o true_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n against_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o any_o man_n or_o woman_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o or_o she_o be_v a_o reprobate_n because_o final_a unbelief_n and_o disobedience_n the_o consequent_a of_o reprobation_n can_v be_v know_v before_o death_n no_o man_n know_v who_o be_v reprobate_a but_o god_n and_o those_o to_o who_o god_n reveal_v it_o in_o his_o word_n but_o the_o reprobation_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n now_o live_a be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v it_o reveal_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n to_o we_o sect._n 7._o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n first_o or_o last_o shall_v true_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o be_v convert_v to_o he_o save_v faith_n be_v the_o effect_n or_o fruit_n of_o election_n all_o that_o the_o father_n have_v give_v to_o christ_n shall_v come_v to_o he_o joh._n 6.37_o joh._n 10.36_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v rom._n 8.30_o the_o election_n have_v obtain_v it_o rom._n 11.7_o and_o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v act._n 13.48_o it_o be_v call_v the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect._n tit._n 1.1_o it_o be_v according_a to_o election_n rom._n 11.5_o in_o which_o respect_n it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o all_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o unbeliever_n shall_v believe_v and_o be_v save_v as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v save_v who_o be_v already_o in_o heaven_n as_o for_o other_o god_n who_o may_v do_v with_o his_o own_o what_o he_o please_v just_o withold_v from_o they_o grace_n to_o cure_v their_o unbelief_n and_o impenitency_n to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o give_v matth._n 13.11_o moral_a impenitency_n and_o enmity_n of_o man_n will_n against_o god_n be_v common_a both_o to_o the_o elect_a and_o reprobate_n they_o be_v alike_o sinful_a and_o corrupt_a by_o nature_n only_a god_n be_v please_v to_o cure_v the_o one_o and_o not_o the_o other_o of_o their_o natural_a unbelief_n and_o impenitency_n touch_v the_o latter_a sort_n god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o physical_a cause_n not_o of_o their_o unbelief_n but_o why_o their_o unbelief_n remain_v uncured_a as_o a_o physician_n able_a to_o cure_v a_o disease_n which_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o cure_v be_v the_o cause_n not_o of_o the_o disease_n itself_o but_o why_o the_o disease_n be_v not_o cure_v yet_o be_v he_o not_o the_o moral_a and_o unblamable_a but_o the_o physical_a and_o unblameable_a cause_n thereof_o because_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o cure_v it_o this_o cure_n can_v be_v effect_v in_o the_o unregenerate_a only_o by_o outward_a mean_n without_o the_o internal_a efficatious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god._n the_o israelite_n have_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n the_o great_a sign_n and_o miracle_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v for_o they_o yet_o withal_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v not_o give_v they_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v nor_o eye_n to_o see_v nor_o ear_n to_o hear_v unto_o this_o day_n deut._n 29.3_o 4._o that_o be_v he_o have_v not_o cure_v they_o of_o their_o spiritual_a blindness_n and_o unbelief_n by_o the_o inward_a illumination_n and_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n for_o as_o augustine_n say_v well_o 4._o quantam_fw-la libet_fw-la praebuerit_fw-la patientiam_fw-la nisi_fw-la deus_fw-la dederit_fw-la quis_fw-la apat_z penitentiam_fw-la contr._n julian_n pelag_n lib._n 5._o c_o p._n 4._o though_o god_n afford_v never_o so_o great_a patience_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a mean_n yet_o unless_o god_n give_v grace_n who_o can_v true_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n and_o this_o grace_n he_o give_v to_o one_o and_o not_o to_o another_o according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n the_o bless_a apostle_n in_o answer_v that_o great_a objection_n rom._n 9.19_o why_o do_v god_n yet_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o hardness_n and_o rebellion_n of_o man_n heart_n see_v no_o man_n can_v resist_v the_o divine_a will_n nor_o can_v he_o cure_v himself_o of_o this_o hardness_n of_o heart_n have_v recourse_n for_o satisfaction_n not_o to_o the_o ill_a desert_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o man_n but_o to_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n over_o his_o creature_n which_o sure_o be_v as_o great_a and_o absolute_a as_o that_o which_o the_o potter_n have_v over_o the_o clay_n who_o make_v vessel_n of_o what_o fashion_n he_o will_v and_o for_o what_o end_n he_o will._n so_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 and_o who_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n that_o reply_v against_o god_n shall_v the_o thing_n form_v say_v to_o he_o that_o form_v it_o why_o have_v thou_o make_v i_o thus_o it_o become_v not_o the_o creature_n to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n or_o dispute_v with_o he_o concern_v this_o matter_n though_o the_o creature_n can_v comprehend_v the_o reasonableness_n thereof_o this_o may_v well_o satisfy_v and_o silence_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o justify_v god_n course_n here_o mention_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o man_n sinfulness_n but_o only_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n and_o supreme_a dominion_n over_o his_o creature_n and_o as_o god_n free_o give_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n to_o some_o man_n and_o not_o to_o other_o to_o raise_v they_o out_o of_o
sin_n so_o god_n give_v corroborate_n confirm_v grace_n to_o some_o angel_n and_o not_o to_o other_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o his_o will_n without_o reference_n to_o their_o desert_n this_o grace_n god_n grant_v to_o the_o elect_a angel_n who_o have_v one_o of_o the_o ancient_n due_o observe_v be_v amplius_fw-la adjuti_fw-la more_o assist_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n than_o the_o other_o that_o fall_v and_o what_o reason_n can_v be_v allege_v for_o this_o but_o mere_o the_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o free_a pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o here_o we_o must_v acquiesce_v after_o all_o our_o vain_a and_o tedious_a dispute_n behold_v in_o this_o thou_o be_v not_o just_a god_n be_v great_a than_o man_n why_o do_v thou_o strive_v against_o he_o for_o he_o give_v not_o account_n of_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n job_n 33.12_o 13._o will_v thou_o condemn_v he_o that_o be_v most_o just_a be_v it_o fit_a to_o say_v to_o a_o king_n thou_o be_v wicked_a how_o much_o less_o to_o he_o that_o accept_v not_o the_o person_n of_o prince_n nor_o regard_v the_o rich_a more_o than_o the_o poor_a job_n 34.17_o 18_o 19_o yea_o indeed_o this_o great_a god_n who_o govern_v all_o person_n and_o thing_n be_v most_o just_a his_o will_n be_v the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n justice_n may_v be_v consider_v two_o way_n the_o one_o be_v when_o thing_n be_v carry_v towards_o man_n according_a to_o their_o work_n the_o other_o be_v when_o a_o man_n do_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o he_o have_v power_n to_o do_v as_o in_o execute_v the_o power_n that_o god_n have_v give_v he_o over_o the_o inferior_a creature_n thus_o we_o be_v just_a though_o we_o kill_v sheep_n or_o ox_n etc._n etc._n not_o in_o reference_n to_o any_o work_n of_o they_o but_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o own_o necessary_a use_n and_o that_o lawful_a power_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o creature_n and_o to_o serve_v our_o own_o turn_n of_o they_o and_o thus_o god_n be_v not_o unjust_a or_o unrighteous_a but_o most_o righteous_a and_o just_a in_o show_v mercy_n on_o some_o and_o not_o on_o other_o in_o give_v the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n to_o some_o and_o not_o to_o other_o when_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o sect._n 8._o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n and_o concernment_n of_o all_o those_o person_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v be_v they_o rich_a or_o poor_a noble_a or_o ignoble_a learned_a or_o unlearned_a moral_a or_o profane_a to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o everlasting_a life_n and_o salvation_n without_o question_v the_o secret_a eternal_a decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n concern_v they_o in_o particular_a when_o man_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o drown_v if_o a_o rope_n be_v cast_v out_o with_o a_o command_n that_o they_o shall_v lay_v hold_n on_o it_o for_o their_o safety_n will_v any_o of_o they_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o safety_n till_o the_o secret_a purpose_n and_o meaning_n of_o he_o that_o cast_v out_o the_o rope_n be_v particular_o know_v concern_v they_o or_o if_o a_o rich_a man_n throw_v money_n among_o the_o poor_a require_v they_o to_o accept_v of_o it_o will_v any_o of_o they_o refuse_v it_o till_o he_o certain_o know_v the_o secret_a intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n concern_v he_o in_o particular_a although_o the_o gospel_n do_v not_o express_o fignifie_v that_o this_o or_o that_o man_n shall_v in_o the_o event_n actual_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o be_v save_v yet_o the_o gospel_n make_v know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o accept_v and_o embrace_v the_o lord_n jesn_v as_o he_o be_v free_o offer_v to_o sinner_n and_o that_o whosoever_o will_v be_v justify_v and_o save_v must_v believe_v on_o he_o he_o that_o have_v the_o son_n have_v life_n but_o he_o that_o have_v not_o the_o son_n have_v not_o life_n he_o that_o believe_v on_o christ_n shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v faith_n and_o salvation_n be_v so_o indivisible_o join_v together_o that_o wheresoever_o the_o one_o be_v there_o the_o other_o necessary_o and_o infallible_o follow_v consider_v 1._o that_o where_o god_n afford_v the_o mean_n of_o grace_n there_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v alike_o to_o all_o both_o elect_a and_o reprobate_n we_o invite_v we_o woo_v we_o entreat_v all_o to_o come_v in_o and_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n not_o know_v in_o particular_a who_o be_v elect_v of_o reprobate_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n we_o offer_v christ_n free_o to_o all_o that_o will_v come_v whosoever_o will_v let_v he_o take_v the_o water_n of_o life_n free_o rev._n 22.17_o christ_n be_v tender_v as_o a_o all_o sufficient_a saviour_n to_o all_o that_o hear_v the_o gospel_n with_o a_o command_n to_o believe_v and_o a_o promise_n that_o whosoever_o none_o except_v believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o though_o none_o can_v save_o believe_v without_o god_n special_a grace_n yet_o all_o those_o that_o final_o reject_v this_o tender_a of_o the_o gospel_n be_v leave_v without_o excuse_n 2._o as_o none_o of_o we_o be_v express_o mention_v by_o name_n in_o the_o gospel_n so_o neither_o be_v we_o exclude_v by_o name_n there_o we_o find_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o the_o world_n for_o sinner_n for_o the_o ungodly_a for_o enemy_n rom._n 5.6_o 8_o 10._o joh._n 3.16_o 17.1_o tim._n 1.15.1_o joh._n 2.2_o which_o word_n be_v comprehensive_a and_o will_v take_v in_o all_o sort_n of_o sinner_n that_o will_v hearty_o receive_v and_o embrace_v the_o lord_n jesus_n he_o that_o come_v to_o i_o say_v our_o bless_a saviour_n i_o will_v in_o no_o wise_a cast_v out_o joh._n 6.37_o and_o what_o though_o our_o sin_n be_v exceed_o great_a and_o heinous_a yet_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o forgiveness_n and_o pardon_n of_o all_o sin_n of_o what_o number_n or_o nature_n foever_o they_o be_v be_v free_o offer_v and_o promise_v to_o every_o one_o that_o shall_v cordial_o accept_v thereof_o so_o that_o it_o matter_n not_o so_o much_o what_o our_o sin_n have_v former_o be_v as_o whether_o we_o be_v now_o hearty_o willing_a to_o close_v with_o jesus_n christ_n for_o pardon_n of_o and_o power_n against_o sin._n 3._o we_o can_v perform_v a_o more_o acceptable_a service_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n than_o to_o believe_v on_o christ_n and_o hearty_o embrace_v the_o offer_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o be_v poor_a lose_v condemn_a sinner_n in_o ourselves_o joh._n 6.29_o without_o this_o all_o other_o work_n be_v but_o dead_a work_n heb._n 9.14_o heb._n 11.4_o 5_o 6._o he_o that_o believe_v not_o do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o make_v god_n a_o liar_n 1_o joh._n 5.10_o and_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a joh._n 3.33.4_o such_o as_o have_v true_o repent_v of_o their_o sin_n and_o do_v cast_v and_o roll_n themselves_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o unworthiness_n upon_o the_o perfect_a righteousness_n and_o merit_n of_o christ_n as_o hold_v forth_o in_o the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o themselves_o of_o their_o election_n justification_n and_o adoption_n and_o be_v free_a from_o the_o danger_n of_o reprobation_n and_o final_a obduration_n though_o at_o present_a they_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o do_v groan_n under_o much_o hardnss_n of_o heart_n and_o corruption_n it_o be_v god_n that_o justify_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v for_o they_o who_o therefore_o shall_v condemn_v they_o who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o their_o charge_n rom._n 8.1_o 32._o sect._n 9_o whereas_o god_n be_v often_o say_v in_o scripture_n to_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n exod._n 4.21_o exod._n 9.16_o deut._n 2.30_o rom._n 9.18_o certain_o god_n do_v not_o harden_v man_n heart_n as_o augustine_n right_o observe_v infundendo_fw-la malitiam_fw-la but_o non_fw-la infundendo_fw-la gratiam_fw-la it_o be_v not_o by_o infuse_v any_o evil_n into_o the_o heart_n but_o by_o withhold_v and_o not_o communicate_v his_o grace_n to_o it_o as_o the_o water_n be_v congeal_v and_o freeze_v by_o the_o absence_n of_o the_o sun_n how_o not_o by_o impart_v coldness_n but_o by_o not_o impart_v heat_n and_o influence_n hardness_n of_o heart_n as_o it_o be_v sin_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n so_o god_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o it_o must_v be_v put_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n god_n harden_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o own_o people_n as_o he_o harden_v the_o reprobate_n for_o though_o he_o hide_v his_o face_n and_o suspend_v the_o comfortable_a