Of the redemption of mankind three bookes wherein the controuersie of the vniuersalitie of redemption and grace by Christ, and of his death for all men, is largely handled. Hereunto is annexed a treatise of Gods predestination in one booke. Written in Latin by Iacob Kimedoncius D. and professor of Diuinitie at Heidelberge, and translated into English by Hugh Ince preacher of the word of God.

CHAP. I. A transition vnto the examination of the arguments of the Aduersarie, and the distribution of them into certaine rankes or orders.

THose things being briefelie laied open, which we thought good first to handle touching the summe of the controuersie: let vs now goe to examine the arguments particular∣ly, whereupon the Aduersarie re∣steth for the defence of his opinion: afterward also we will confirme our opinion by fit testimonies and reasons of the sacred Scriptures.

Therefore that Christ dyed for all Adams posteritie, not one at all excepted of the whole vniuersalitie of mankinde, and so truely, that he hath satisfied for the sinnes of all effici∣ently (as they say) and not sufficiently onely, and that all, whether they doe beleeue or not beleeue, or neuer will be∣leeue, are equallie by the death of Christ from sinne and dam∣nation redeemed, restored into the bosome of grace, iustified, quickened, and lastly saued, they indeuour to proue and con∣uince by a threefold order or ranke of reasons.

The first order containeth those reasons, wherein vniuer∣salitie [ 1] is expresselie set downe.

[ 2] The second produceth such arguments, as speake ex∣presselie of reprobates, and testifieth (if we beleeue them) that Christ died no lesse effectuallie for them, then for Peter, Paul, and euery Saint.

[ 3] The third ranke hath wonderfull (as they say) absurdities, which they would make to follow of the contrarie opinion.

The Champion of this conflict trusting to this triple ranke, dealeth no more modestlie, nor lesse boasteth himselfe, and singeth the triumph before the victorie, then euen that fierce Goliath,* 1.1 arrogant and stout by reason of his sworde, speare and shield: or that proud Sanherib, or glorious Benhadad trusting in their horses and chariots to the reproach of Israel. For he boasteth boldly, that all attempt is in vaine of ouer∣throwing those rankes,* 1.2 vnles first they that assaie it, doe ac∣cuse and conuince the scripture of falsehoode. But oh sirtha of good fellowship,* 1.3 sing not your triumph before the victo∣rie: and as it is set downe in the sacred Scriptures: Let not him, that putteth on his armor, boast, as he that putteth it off, as we learne that Ahab long agoe wisely answered Benha∣dad.* 1.4 The Scripture with vs is of vndoubted credit, and con∣stant authoritie. But the question is not of the trueth of the Scriptures, which who so beleeueth not, is a Pagan and no Christian: but of the trueth of mans opinion, which too bold∣ly truely thou doest defend vnder pretence of Gods word, as we shall see. Wherefore we nothing regarde as well thine armies as thy triumphs.

Notes

• * 1.1

  1. Sam 17. 2. Paral. ••2. 1. ••eg. 20.
• * 1.2

  Comp. thes. 14.
• * 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.4

  1. Reg. 20.21.