A dialogue between Timothy and Titus about the articles and some of the canons of the Church of England wherein super-conformity is censured and moderation recommended : with a serious perswasive to all the inferiour clergy of that Church / by one that heartily wisheth union amongst Protestants.

Article 17.

Tim.

Predestination to life is the Everlasting purpose of God, whereby (before the Foundations of the World were laid) he hath constantly decreed by his Counsel, secret to us, to deliver from curse and damnation those whom he hath chosen in Christ out of Mankind; and to bring them by Christ to Everlasting Salvation, as Vessels made to Honour: wherefore they which be endued with so excellent a benefit of God, be called according to Gods purpose by his Spirit, working in due season; they through Grace 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 Je∣sus Christ, they walk Religiously in good works: and at length by Gods mercy, they attain to Everlasting Felicity.

As the Godly consideration of Predestination, and our Election in Christ is full of sweet, pleasant and unspeakable comfort to Godly Persons, and such as feel in themselves the working of the Spirit of Christ. mortifying the works of the Flesh, and their Earthly Members, and drawing up their mind to high and Heavenly things, as well because it doth greatly establish and confirm their Faith of Eternal Salvation, to be enjoyed through Christ, as because it doth fervently kindle their love towards God: So, for curious and carnal persons, lacking the Spirit of Christ, to have continually before their eyes the sentence of Gods predestination, is a most dan∣gerous downfall, whereby the Devil doth thrust them either into desperation, or into wretchles∣ness of most unclean living, no less perillous than desperation.

Furthermore, we must receive Gods promises in such wise as they be generally set forth to us in Holy Scripture: and in our doings, that will of God is to be followed, which we have ex∣presly declared unto us in the word of God.

Tit.

Bless me, what's the reason of this sudden paleness in your countenance? you look as though you were fainting away.

Tim.

Not so Sir, but I am stricken with a strange horror and astonishment, to think how our Pulpits ring of Doctrines directly contrary to this Article; for though I was so care∣less as never to read the Articles till now, yet I concluded these great Dons had, and ne∣ver questioning their honesty, I was confirmed in it, by their constant preaching, no such Article could possibly be: but now I see they are out as much as I, I pity them with all my heart.

Tit.

Pity thy self man.

Tim.

I do so, but them more, because I declare it, mine was a sin of Ignorance, I am afraid theirs is otherwise: and because, being leading men, they have drawn me and ma∣ny more into this error, by their authority.

Tit.

I am more than half of your opinion. For our Church (as fore-seeing how pr••••e men would be to dance after Arminius his Pipe) hath taken more pains in framing this Arti∣cle than ordinary, on purpose to prevent them; and 'tis so full, so plain and punctual,

that (one would think) no mistake can arise, but what is willfull.

Tim.

Full and punctual? there is all that ever can be thought on against Universal Re∣demption, Free Will, Falling away from Grace, and the use of those points, which are most what their subjects, especially on popular occasions.

Tit.

Take the contents of the Article, and you will be confirmed in your opinion—which are these,

• 1. There is a predestination of Men unto Everlasting Life.
• 2. Predestination hath been from Everlasting.
• 3. Not all men, but certain, are Predestinated to be saved.
• 4. They which are Predestinate unto Salvation, cannot perish.
• 5. In Christ Jesus, of the meer will and purpose of God some are Elected, and not others to Salvation.
• 6. They who are Elected unto Salvation, if they come unto years of discretion, are called both, outwardly by the word, and inwardly by the Spirit of God.
• 7. The Predestinate are both justified by Faith, sanctified by the Holy Ghost, and shall be glorified in the life to come.
• 8. The consideration of Predestination is to the Godly most comfortable, but to curious and carnal persons very dangerous.
• 9. The general promises of God, set forth in Holy Scripture, are to be embraced of us.
• 10. In our actions the word of God, which is his revealed will, must be our direction. These are the several Doctrines laid down and asserted in this Article.—Would you have any more?

Tim.

No, here is enough, and as much as all, that ever wrote for Predestination and Election, can say: and had our Church enlarged this Article to the bulk of the Common Prayer, she could not have spoke more to the purpose, than she hath in this one Page. I wonder the Reverend Fathers of the Church will suffer her Sons to wrong her, as they do dayly, openly making her speak through their Mouths, and often through the louder mouth of the press, those Tenets, which she never held, nay, which in the very body of her Articles, she so plainly disowns and contradicts.—

Tit.

I rejoyce at your Conviction: Now these being fundamental points, it may not be amiss, (I think) nor time ill spent, to see a little (for your fuller satisfaction and confir∣mation) what ground and footing each point in this Article hath in holy writ; the perfect Rule and Touchstone of all matters of Faith, and manners.

Tim.

No sure, no loss of time, but time well improved; and if you will take so much pains, I shall thankfully partake of it.

Tit.

For the vindication of our Church, reprehension of those men who have subscribed to her, and yet oppose her, and for thy establishment (Tim.) I will do it. To begin with the first then.

1. There is a Predestination of men unto life Everlasting. To sit on my Right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but shall be given to them, for whom it is prepared of my Father. For many are called but few chosen. But for the Elects sake those dayes shall be * 1.1 shortned. All that the Father hath given me shall come unto me. To this truth also doe the Evangelists St. Luke and St. Paul give witness: the former saith that of the Gentiles at Antioch, so many as were Ordained unto Eternal life believed: and the other saith, whom he foreknew he also did Predestinate. And Paul blesseth God for this, saying, Blessed * 1.2 be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, &c. hath chosen us in him, before the foun∣dation of the world; having Predestinated us unto the adoption of Children by Jesus Christ unto himself. Are not these Texts to the purpose? * 1.3

Tim.

As clear as can be.

Tit.

Besides the Example of the Elected Creatures, Men and Angels; of the two brethren Abel and Cain; Isaac and Ishmael; Jacob and Esau; of the two servants of King Pharaoh; of the two Kingdoms of Juda and Israel; the two peoples Jews and Gentiles: the two A∣postles Peter and Judas; the two thieves upon the Cross; the two men in the fields; the women at the Mill, are a great illustration to this truth.—The next is,

2. Predestination hath been from Everlasting, or before all times; Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, come ye blessed of my father: inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: which the Apostle understands to be * 1.4 from Everlasting, saying God hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world. Again, God hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, not accord∣ing to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ * 1.5

Jesus, before the world began.—And as good footing on the same word hath the following point, viz.

3. Not all men, but certain, are predestinated to be saved. Rejoyce that your names are * 1.6 written in heaven, saith our Saviour, and I know mine, and am known of mine. I suffer all things for the Elects sake. And our Church (in her order for burial of the dead) prayes * 1.7 for the accomplishment of the number of Gods Elect. And again in the same Office, come yea blessed, receive the Kingdom prepared for you. And in the form of Baptism, we pray that the infant (to be baptized) may remain in the number of thine Elect Children, &c. not all men, but a certain number are Elected or Predestinated to life.

4. They which are Predestinated unto Salvation cannot perish. All that the Father hath * 1.8 given me, shall come unto me, and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Fathers hand, who is greater than all. And the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. Moreover, whom he Predesti∣nated, * 1.9 them he also glorified. The gifts and calling of God are without repentance. They went out from us, because they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us.—So the next point (which these men so much stick at) is as cleerly taught in Gods word, as any of the former,—namely

5. That of the meer will and purpose of God, some men in Christ Jesus are Elected, and ••ot others, unto salvation. a 1.10 That the purpose of God according to Election might stand. b 1.11 Having Predstinated us according to the good pleasure of his will. c 1.12 Not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace. d 1.13 I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, &c. f 1.14 He hath chosen us in Christ, and Predestinated us through Christ. g 1.15 Ye e 1.16 are not redeemed with corruptible things, &c. but by the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb, &c. who verily was foreordained, before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. Who hath Predestinated us to the praise of the glory h 1.17 of his grace. The Lord hath made all things for himself, yea even the wicked for the * 1.18 day of wrath. Hath not the Potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one * 1.19 vessel unto honour, another unto dishonour?—was ever any thing more fully and plainly said in holy writ, than this part of our Article?

Tim.

I think not, or can be.

Tit.

These portions of Scripture (to which more might be added were it needfull) doe not barely assert a Predestination of some, and not of others, but assign also all the causes of such Predestination,—as

• 1. The Cause efficient, to be the everlasting purpose of God.
• 2. The Cause formal, Gods infinite goodness, mercy and free grace.
• 3. The Cause material, the blood of Christ.
• 4. The Cause final or end, (why both God the Father hath loved, and Christ for his Elect hath suffered) is, the glory of God and the salvation of men: so that I cannot see how any man, who is at enmity with this Article, can hold any good friendship with these Texts of Scripture: or with those that arise to prove the next point, which is this,

6. They, who are Elected unto salvation, if they come unto years of discretion, are cal∣led both outwardly by the word, and inwardly by the spirit of God. These things are most evident and clear in the Scriptures, where is set down, both the calling of the Predestinate, their obedience to the word being called, their adoption by the Spirit to be the chidren of God, and their holiness of life and conversation,—whom he did Predestinate, them he also * 1.20 called. God separated me from my mothers womb, Called me by his grace. Walk wor∣thy of God, who hath Called you to his Kingdom and glory. He hath saved us and called us with an holy calling, according to his own purpose and grace, &c. In whom also ye trusted, after ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Ye have re∣ceived the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba father, the same spirit bearing wit∣ness * 1.21 with your spirits, that we are the children of God. And for their being chosen and cal∣led to holiness of life and good works, the Apostle plainly enough asserts, saying we are his * 1.22 workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath ordained that we should walk in them. And the Grace of God hath appeared, &c. teaching us that deny∣ing * 1.23 ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and Godly in this present world.—yea saith the next Proposition.

7. The Predestinate are both justified by faith, sanctified by the Spirit, and shall be glo∣rified in the life to come. All these blessed effects of Predestination, doth the Scripture fully assert, for know (saith the Apostle) a man is not justified by the works of the Law,

but by the faith of Jesus Christ. Moreover whom he predestinated, &c. them he also glorified. If children then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. And as we * 1.24 have born the image of the earthly, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly. Now are not all these consequents of Predestination, viz. Justification, Sanctification, and Glo∣rification * 1.25 fully enough expressed in these Texts?

Tim.

Very fully, in my opinion.

Tit.

Therefore very well doth our Church say, in the next part of this Article, That

8. The consideration of Prodestination, is to the godly most comfortable; but to curious and carnal persons very dangerous. To the former, the Meditation of it must needs be exceeding sweet, pleasant and comfortable, because it greatly confirms their faith in Christ, and en∣creases their love towards God. I account the sufferings of this present time, are not worthy to be compared with the glory, that shall be revealed in us. If God be for us, who * 1.26 can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, how shall he not, with him, freely give us all things. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods Elect, it is God that justifi∣eth, who is he that condemneth? ye are sealed with the holy spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. And again, grieve not the holy Spirit whereby ye are sealed unto the * 1.27 day of Redemption. Here is a deep and large Well of Consolation to the godly; yet not affording the lest drop to carnal and wicked men. * 1.28

Tim.

But doth not this Doctrine lead towards Desperation?

Tit.

by no means; for no man, either from the word of God, or this Article of ou•• Church, can gather, that he is a vessel of wrath fitted for destruction; but contrariwise, by many and great arguments may perswade himself, that God wills not his destruction, as by the next proposition plainly appears, viz.

9. That the general promises of God, set forth in holy Scripture, are to be embraced of us, such are, Come unto me all ye that travel and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. * 1.29 God gave his onely beloved Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, &c. Who will have all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth. These and many more such general Promise•• of grace and favour to mankind are heartily to be em∣braced of us, as encouragements to faith, repentance and an holy life. So that whoever embraceth these promises, (and as our Church in the close of this Article saith.)

10. Will in his actions be directed by the revealed will of God, hath no ground to de∣spaire, or to exclude himself out of the number of Gods Predestinate or chosen ones. Thus you see the drift of this Article, comprehending most fully and clearly, that great doctrine of Predestination, with all its coherent doctrines, which is so much cryed down in our day; and (which is the wonder and shame of all) by some sons of our Church, who have subscribed it.

Tim.

I must confess I have been one of those, led by the example of the greater ones, rather than by the depth of my own knowledge. But surely these men have something to say for themselves; is not our Church single in this point.

Tit.

Admit she were, yet there are two weighty reasons, why they should not desert or oppose her in this: First, Because she hath the Scripture on her side; And Secondly, Because they have listed themselves her faithfull votaries, by subscription.

Tim.

That is true, these are plaguy strong tyes.

Tit.

But withall I say, she is not single in this point, for the Churches in Helvetia, Ba∣sil and France believe and hold the same, as their publick confessions bear witness, yea, all the reformed Church.

Tim.

Who then are the enemies to it?

Tit.

The Arminians, Socinians, Antinomians and Papists; amongst these last, the Je∣suits are the acutest and most malitious opposers of it.

Tim.

This is more than I understood before.

Tit.

It must needs, since you never inquired into it before, no, not so much as to con∣sult the Article, which of it self had been sufficient to have regulated you, both in your private opinion and publick Doctrine, whereby you have often brought your self under the lash of that severe reprehension of St. Jude, to those, who foam out their own sh••…••…, * 1.30 speaking evil of those things, they know not.

Tim.

I am convinced it had been as well, to have let these high points alone.

Tit.

As well? and much better: had you spent your time, and exercised your Ta∣lent [Tim] upon the 10 Commandments; Preached down Atheism, Idolatry, Drunk∣enness,

Whoredom, Swearing, and such immoralities; and in Preaching up Faith, Re∣pentance, Sobriety, Righteousness and Godliness, you would have done God better ser∣vice, and had more thanks from your Reverend Diocesan, than for your yelping against Predestination, Election, stability in grace, &c. without measure or reason, and (as you acknowledge your self) without understanding.—'Tis a miserable reproach to our Church, to see Buzards soaring at that, which is above the Eagles flight.

Tim.

I shall be more carefull for the time to come; and lay out more hours dayly in Reading than ever I have done.—

Tit.

'Tis well resolved, and to that forget not to add daily and serious praying; and it may not be amiss to insert into your private devotions, those requests of our Church.—Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee O Lord, and forgive us all our sins, negligences and ignorances—But 'tis time we dismiss this, and look to the next Article.—

Notes

• * 1.1

  Math. 20. 23. Math. 22. 14. Math. 24. 23. Joh. 6. 37.
• * 1.2

  Act. 13.48. Rom. 8. 29.
• * 1.3

  Eph. 1.3, 4, 5.
• * 1.4

  Math. 25. 34.
• * 1.5

  Eph. 1. 4.
• * 1.6

  Luk. 10.20. Joh. 10.14
• * 1.7

  2 Tim. 2. 10
• * 1.8

  Joh. 5.37.
• * 1.9

  Joh. 10. 28, 29. Math. 15.18. Rom. 8 30. Rom. 11.29.
• a 1.10

  Rom. 9.11.
• b 1.11

  Eph. 1.5.
• c 1.12

  2 Tim. 1.9.
• d 1.13

  Exod. 33.19.
• f 1.14

  Eph. 1.4, 5.
• g 1.15

  1 Pet. 1. 18, 19, 20.
• e 1.16

  Rom. 9. 15.
• h 1.17

  Eph. 1.5, 6.
• * 1.18

  Prov. 16.4.
• * 1.19

  Rom. 9.21.
• * 1.20

  Rom. 8.30. Gal. 1.15. 1 Thess. 2.12. 2 Tim. 1. 9. Eph. 1. 13.
• * 1.21

  Rom. 8.15, 16.
• * 1.22

  Eph. 2. 10.
• * 1.23

  Tit. 2. 11. 12.
• * 1.24

  Gal. 2. 16.
• * 1.25

  Rom. 8. 30. v. 17. 1 Cor. 15. 49.
• * 1.26

  Rom. 8. 18. v. 31, 32, 33, 34.
• * 1.27

  Eph. 1. 13, 14.
• * 1.28

  Eph. 4. 30.
• * 1.29

  Math. 11. 38. 39. Joh. 3. 16. 17. 1 Tim. 2. 4.
• * 1.30

  Jude 10 13.