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WE are next to proceed to the confirmation of this Truth,* 1.1 which though it may seem needless, in regard of its own clearness and certainty, yet in regard of our distance and infidelity, nothing more necessary. But you will say, To whom will this endeavour be use∣full? They who believe the Scriptures are convinced already;* 1.2 and for those who be∣lieve it not, how will you convince them? Answ. But sad expe∣rience
tels us, that those tha•• believe, do believe but in part, and therefore have need of further confirmation; and doubtless God hath left us Arguments sufficient to convince unbelievers them∣selves, or else how should we preach to Pagans? Or what should we say to the greatest part of the world, that acknowledg not the Scriptures? Doubtless the Gospel should be preacht to them; and though we have not the gift of miracles to convince them of the truth, as the Apostles had, yet we have arguments demonstra∣tive and clear, or else our preaching to them would be vain, we having nothing left but bare affirmations.
Though I have all along confirmed sufficiently by testimony of Scripture what I have said, yet I will here briefly add thus much more; That the Scripture doth clearly assert this Truth in these six wayes.
1 1.31. It affirms, That this Rest is fore-ordained for the Saints, and the Saints also fore-ordained to it. Heb. 11.16. God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he hath prepared for them a City. 1 Cor. 2.9. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor heart conceived what God hath prepared for them that love him: which I conceive must be meant of these preparations in heaven; for those on earth are both seen and conceived, or else how are they enjoyed? Mat. 20.23. To sit on Christs right and left hand in his Kingdom, shall be given to them for whom it is prepared. And themselves are called Vessels of mercy, before prepared unto glory. Rom 9.23. And in Christ we have obtained the inheritance, being predestinated accord∣ing to the purpose of him, who worketh all things after to the counsel of his own will. Ephes. 1.11. And whom he thus predestinateth, them he glorifieth. Rom. 8.30. For he hath from the beginning chosen them to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth. 2 Thes. 2.13.
And though the intentions of the vnwise and weak may be fru∣strated, and without counsel purposes are disappointed (Prov. 15.22.) yet the thoughts of the Lord shall surely come to passe, and as he hath purposed, it shall stand.* 1.4 The Counsel of the Lord standeth, for ever, and the thoughts of his heart to all generations: Therefore, blessed are they whose God is the Lord, and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. Psal. 33.11, 12. Who can bereave his people of that Rest which is designed them by Gods eternall purpose?
§. 1. Confirmation from other Scriptures.
The Truth confirmed from other Scriptures.
Affirming the Saints to have been pre∣destinate to this glory.
Isa. 14.24.