to pass upon all supposed conditions d; yet hath he not de

. creed any thing because he foresaw it as future, or as that which would come to pass upon such conditions €.

III. By the decree of God, for the manifestation of his glory, some men and angels f are predestinated unto everlasting life, and others foreordained to everlasting death 6.

IV. These angels and men, thus predestinated and foreordained, are particularly and unchangeably designed ; and their number is so certain and definite, that it cannot be either increased or diminished'.

V. Those of mankind that are predestinated unto life, God, before the foundation of the world was laid, accord

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cast into the lap; but the whole dis- Therefore hath he mercy on whom posing thereof is of the Lord. he will have mercy, and whom he will

II. d Acts xv. 18. Known unto God he hardeneth. are all his works from the beginning III. f 1 Tim. v. 21. I charge thee of the world. 1 Sam. xxiii. 11. Will before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, the men of Keilah deliver me up into and the elect angels, that thou observe his hand? Will Saul come down, as these things, without preferring one thy servant hath heard ? O Lord God before another, doing nothing by parof Israel, I beseech thee, tell thy ser- tiality. Matt. xxv. 41. Then shall he vant. And the Lord said, He will say also unto them on the left hand, come down. Ver. 12. Then said Da. Depart from me, ye cursed, into ever. vid, Will the men of Keilah deliver me lasting fire, prepared for the devil and and my men into the hand of Saul ? his angels. And the Lord said, They will deliver & Rom. ix. 22. What if God, will

to Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! his power known, endured with much for if the mighty works which were long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitdone in you had been done in Tyre and · ted to destruction : Ver. 23. And that Sidon, they would have repented long he might make known the riches of ago in sackcloth and ashes. Ver. 23. his glory on the vessels of mercy, And thou Capernaum, which art ex- which he had afore prepared unto glo. alted unto heaven, shalt be brought ry? Eph. i. 5. Having predestinated down to hell : for if the mighty works us unto the adoption of children by Jewhich have been done in thee had sus Christ to himself, according to the been done in Sodom, it would have good pleasure of his will, Ver. 6. To remained until this day.

the praise of the glory of his grace, e Rom. ix. 11. For the children he. wherein he hath made us accepted in ing not yet born, neither having done the Beloved. Prov. xvi. 4. The Lord any good or evil, that the purpose of hath made all things for himself; yea, God according to election might stand, even the wicked for the day of evil. not of works, but of him that calleth, IV. b 2 Tim. ii. 19. Nevertheless Ver. 13. As it is written, Jacob have the foundation of God standeth sure, I loved, but Esau have I hated, Ver. 'having this seal, The Lord knoweth 16. So then, it is not of him that will them that are his. And, let every one eth, nor of him that runneth, but of that nameth the name of Christ depart God that sheweth mercy: Ver. 18. from iniquityJohn xiii. 18. I speak

D

ing to his eternal and immutable purpose, and the secret counsel and good pleasure of bis will, hath chosen in Christ unto everlasting glory i, out of his mere free grace and love, without any foresight of faith or good works, or perseverance in either of them, or any other thing in the creature, as conditions, or causes moving him thereuntok; and all to the praise of his glorious grace!

VI. As God hath appointed the elect unto glory, so hath he, by the eternal and most free purpose of his will, foreordained all the means thereunto m. Wherefore they who are elected being fallen in Adam, are redeemed by Christ"; are effectually called unto faith in Christ by his Spirit working in due season ; are justified, adopted, sanctified', and not of you all ; I know whom I have VI. m 1 Pet. i. 2. Elect according chosen: but that ihe Scripture may be to the foreknowledge of God the Fafulfilled, He that eateth bread with me ther, through sanctification of the hath lifted up his heel against me. Spirit unto obedience, and sprinkling

V. i Eph. i. 4. According as he hath of the blood of Jesus Christ. Eph. i. chosen us in him before the founda- 4. According as he hath chosen us in tion of the world, that we should be him before the foundation of the holy, and without blame before him in world, that we should be holy, and love: Ver. 9. Having made known without blame before him in love : unto us the mystery of his will, accor- Ver. 5. Having predestinated us unto ding to his good pleasure, which he the adoption of children by Jesus hath purposed in himself: Ver. 11. In Christ to himself, according to the whon also we have obtained an in- good pleasure of his will. Eph. ii. 10. heritance, being predestinated accor- For we are his workmanship, created ding to the purpose of him who work- in Christ Jesus unto good works, eth all things after the counsel of his which God hath before ordained that own will. Řom. viii. 30. Moreover, we should walk in them. 2 Thes. ii. whom he did predestiðare, them he al. 14. But we are bound to give thanks so called; and whom he called, them alway to God for you, brethren, belohe also justified ; and whom he justi. ved of the Lord, because God hath fied, them he also glorified. 2 Tim. i. from the beginning chosen you to sal9. Who hath saved us, and called us vation, through sanctification of the with an holy calling, not according to Spirit, and belief of the truth. our works, but according to his own n 1 Thess y. 9. For God hath not purpose and grace, which was given appointed us to wrath, but to obtain us in Christ Jesus before the world be- salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, gan. 1 Thess. v. 9. For God hath not Ver. 10. Who died for us, that wheappointed us to wrath ; but to obtain ther we wake or sleep, we should live salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ. together with him. Tit. ii. 14. Who

& Rom. ix. 11, 13, 16 [See letter e gave himself for us, that he might re. immediately foregoing ] Eph. i. 4, 9. deem us from all iniquity, and purify See letter i immediately foregoing:] unto himself a peculiar people, zea

| Eph. i. 6. To the praise of the lous of good works. glory of his grace, wherein he hath o Rom. yüji. 30. Moreover, whom made us accepted in the Beloved. Ver. he did predestinate, them he also call.. 12. That we should be to the praise of ed; and whom he called, them he also his glory, who first trusted in Christ. justified; and whom he justified, them

kept by his power through faith unto salvation P. Neither are any other redeemed by Christ, effectually called, justified, adopted, sanctified, and saved, but the elect only 9. VII. The rest of mankind, God was pleased, according

. to the unsearchable counsel of his own will, whereby he extendeth or withholdeth mercy as he pleaseth, for the glory of his sovereign power over his creatures, to pass by, and to ordain them to dishonour and wrath for their sin, to the praise of his glorious justice r. he also glorified. Eph. i. 5. Having VII. , Matth. xi. 25. At that time predestinated us unto the adoption of Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, children by Jesus Christ to himself, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, according to the good pleasure of his because thou hast hid these things will. 2 Thess. ii. 13. But we are bound from the wise and prudent, and hast to give thanks alway to God for you, revealed them unto babes. Ver. 26. brethren, beloved of the Lord, because Even so, Father, for so it seemed good God hath from the beginning chosen in thy sight. Rom. ix. 17. For the you to salvation, through sanctifica. Scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even iion of the Spirit, and belief of the for this same purpose have I raised truth.

thee up, that I might shew my power p 1 Pet. i. 5. Who are kept by the in thee, and that my name might be power of God through faith unto sal- declared throughout all the earth. Ver. vation, ready to be revealed in the last 18. Therefore hath he mercy on whom time.

he will have mercy, and whom he will 2 John xvii. 9. I pray for them: 1 he hardeneth. Ver. 21. Hath not the pray not for the world, but for them potter power over the clay, of the which thou hast given me, for they are same lump to make one vessel unto thine. Rom. viji. 28. And we know honour, and another unto dishonour? that all things work together for good Ver. 22. What if God, willing to to them that love God, to them who shew his wrath, and to make his are the called according to his purpose, power known, endured with much &c (to tbe end of the Chapter. ] John long-suffering the vessels of wrath fit. vi. 61. But there are some of you that ted to destruction ? 2 Tim. ii. 19. Nebelieve not. For Jesus knew from the vertheless the foundation of God beginning who they were that believ- standeth sure, having this seal, The ed not, and who should betray him. Lord knoweth them that are his. Ver. 65. And he said, Therefore said And, let every one that nameth the I unto you, That no man can come un. name of Christ depart from iniquity. to me except it were given unto him V. 20 But in a great house there are of my Father. John X. 26, But ye be- not only vessels of gold and of silver, lieve not, because ye are not of my but also of wood and of earth; and sheep, as I said unto you. John viii some to honour, and some to disho. 47. He that is of God, heareth God's nour. Jude, Ver. 4. For there are cerwords : ye therefore hear them not, tain men crept in unawares, who were because ye are not of God. 1 John ii before of old ordained to this condem19. They went out from us, but they nation, ungodly men, turning the grace were not of as: for if they had been of our God into lasciviousness, and de. of us, they would no doubt have con. nying the only Lord God, and our tinued with us; but they went out, Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. ii. 8. And a that they might be made manifest stone of stumbling, and a rock of of that they were not all of us.

fence, even to them which stumble at

VIII. The doctrine of this high mystery of predestination is to be handled with special prudence and care, that

s men attending the will of God revealed in his word, and yielding obedience thereunto, may, from the certainty of their effectual vocation, be assured of their eternal election So shall this doctrine afford matter of praise, reverence, and admiration of God, and of humility, diligence, and abundant.consolation, to all that sincerely obey the Gospel w.

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CHAP. IV. Of Creation. T pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghosta, for

the manifestation of the glory of his eternal power, wis: dom, and goodness b, in the beginning, to create, or make of the word, being disobedient, whereun- i. 10. [See letter t immediately foregoto also they were appointed. ing:] Rom. viii. 33. Who shall lay any

VIII. s Rom. ix. 20. Nay, but, O thing to the charge of God's elect? man, who art thou that repliest a. It is God that justifieth. Luke x. 20. gainst God? shall the thing formed Notwithstanding in this rejoice not say to him that formed it, Why hast that the spirits are subject unto you ; thou made me thus ? Rom. xi. 33. O but rather rejoice, because your names the depth of the riches both of the are written in heaven. wisdom and knowledge of God! how I. a Heb. i. 2. Hath in these last insearchable are his judgments, and days spoken unto us by his Son, whom his ways past finding out! Deut. he hath appointed heir of all things, xxix. 29. The secret things belong by whom also he made the worlds. unto the Lord our God: but those John i. 2. The same was in the begin. things which are revealed belong unto sing with God. Ver. 3. All things us and to our children for ever, that were made by him ; and without him we may do all the words of this law.

was not any thing made that was t 2 Pet. i. 10. Wherefore the rather, made. Gen. j. 2. And the earth was brethren, give ali diligence to make without form and void ; and darkness your calling and election sure: for if was upon the face of the deep: and ye do these things, ye shall never fall. the Spirit of God moved upon the

u Eph. i. 6. To the praise of the face of the waters. Job xxvi. 13. By glory of his grace, wherein he hath his Spirit he hath garnished the heamade us accepted in the Beloved. vens; his hand hath formed the crooRom. xi. 33. (See letter s immediately ked serpent. Job xxxiii. 4. The foregoing ]

Spirit of God hath made me, and the w Rom. xi. 5. Even so then at this breath of the Almighty hath given present time also there is a remnant

me life. according to the election of grace. b Rom. ii 20. For the invisible Vér. 6. And if by grace, then is it no things of him from the creation of the more of works : otherwise grace is no world are clearly seen, being undermore grace. But if it be of works, stood by the things that are made, then it is no more grace : otherwise even his eternal power and Godhead; work is no more work. Ver. 20. so that they are without excuse. Jer. Well; because of unbelief they were x. 12. He hath made the earth by his broken off, and thou standest by faith. power, he hath established the world Be not high-minded, but fear. 2 Pet. by his wisdom, and hath stretched out

nothing, the world, and all things therein, whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days, and all very good

II. After God had made all other creatures, he created man, male and female d, with reasonable and immortal souls e, endued with knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness, after his own image f, having the law of God written in their hearts , and power to fulfil it h; and yet under a possibility of transgressing, being left to the liberty of their own will, which was subject unto change i. Beside this law

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the heavens by his discretion. Psal. And fear not them which kill the bociv. 24. O Lord, how manifold are thy dy, but are not able to kill the soul : works! in wisdom hast thou made but rather fear him which is able to them all: the earth is full of thy rich- destroy both soul and body in hell. es. Psal. xxxiii. 5. He loveth righte. ·f Gen. i. 26. And God said, Let ousness and judgment: the earth is us make man in our image, after our full of the goodness of the Lord. Ver. likeness; and let them have dominion 6. By the word of the Lord were the over the fish of the sea, and over the heavens made, and all the host of fowl of the air, and over the cattle, them by the breath of his mouth. and over all the earth, and over every

c[The whole first Chapter of Gen.] creeping thing that creepeth upon the Heb. xi. 3. Through faith we under- earth. Col. iii. 10. And have put on stand that the worlds were framed by the new man, which is renewed in the word of God, so that things which knowledge, after the image of him are seen were not made of things that created him. Eph. iv. 24. And which do appear. Col.i. 16. For by that ye put on the new man, which him were all things created that are in after God is created in righteousness heaven, and that are in earth, visible and true holiness. and invisible, whether they be thrones, & Rom. ii. 14. For when the Geroor dominions, or principalities, or pow. tiles, which have not the law, do ba ers; all things were created by him, nature the things contained in the law, and for him. Acts xyii. 24. God, these having noi the law, are a law that made the world, and all things unto themselves : Ver. 15. Which therein, seeing that he is Lord of hea- shew the work of the law written in ven and earth, dwelleth not in tem. their hearts, their conscience also ples made with hands.

bearing witness, and their thoughts II. d Gen. i. 27. So God created the mean while accusing or else excuman in his own image; in the image sing one another. of God created he him: male and fe- b Eccl. vii, 29. Lo, this only have male created he them.

I found, that God hath made man upe Gen. ï. 7. And the Lord God right; but they have sought out many formed man of the dust of the ground, inventions. and breathed into his nostrils the i Gen. jii. 6. And when the woman breath of life ; and man became a li- saw that the tree was good for food, ving soul. With Eccl. xii. 7. Then and that it was pleasant to the eyes, shall the dust return to the earth as it and a tree to be desired to make one was; and the spirit shall return unto wise ; she took of the fruit thereof, God who gave it. And Luke xxiii. and did eat, and gave also into her 43. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I husband with her, and he did eat. say unto thee, To-day shalt thou be Eccl. vii. 29. [See letter h immediately with me in paradise. And Mat, X. 28. foregoing. ]