The first pinciples [sic] of the doctrine of Christ together with stronger meat for them that are skil'd in the word of righteousness, or, the doctrine of living unto God, wherein the body of divinity is briefly and methodically handled by way of question and answer / published at the desire and for the use of the Church of Christ in Norwich in New-England by James Fitch.

Quest. What is Application of Christs Redemption?

Answ. Application of Christs Redemption is the se∣cond part of mans recovery, whereby that which Christ hath done as a Mediator is applyed to those whom the Father hath elected, & made theirs effectually by the Spi∣rit, and giveth common gifts to others, in which let us consider.

1. What is applyed] that which Christ hath done as a Mediator. 1. That which he purchased by his humilia∣tion. 2. And possesseth in his Exaltation for his, Eph. 1. 3. 7.

2. To whom is this Application of Redemption made, it is applyed to those whom the Father hath elected. 1. The Father hath intended the salvation of a certain number of mankind, these are his by Election. 2. Those and those only he hath given to his Son, these are Christs by donation from his Father, Joh. 6. 37. 3. These Christ only intends to save, Joh. 17. 9, 10. 4. Hence no univer∣sal Redemption, for either these elected he intends only to redeem, or others besides them, then it should be un∣certain to God who shall be saved, which cannot be, Joh. 13. 1. and if it depends meerly upon the liberty of mans will, it should be uncertain whether any shall be saved, yea, it would be certain then none could be sa∣ved, for none by nature is sincerely willing, Psal. 110. 2. 3. but the Lords foundation remaineth sure, he know∣eth his own, 2 Tim. 2. 19.

2. Yet it may be granted, that which Christ hath done. 1. Is of universal value] hath worth enough in it for the salvation of all. 2. It is offered to all. 3. Man not knowing who are excluded out of, or included in Electi∣on, we ought to hope charitably, hence it followeth.

Herein appears Predestination, (namely) the Decree

of God concerning the manifestation of his glory in the everlasting state of man, electing some, and reprobating others. 1. Election. 1. He intends the glory of his mer∣cy. 2. He chuseth some to be Vessels of his mercy, Rom. 9. 23. 3. Hence willeth the means. 1. permits their fall. 2. Willeth their recovery by Redemption, and Ap∣plication.

2. Reprobation. 1. The Lord intends the glory of his Justice. 1. Some appointed for that end, Jude 4. Rom. 9. 22. 2. Permitted them to sin, and to continue hardened in sin to their destruction.

3. The Application it self, that which Christ hath done is made theirs effectually, for either it is made theirs by effectual Application to them, or it may be theirs be∣fore it is applyed to them, but that cannot be, for before Redemption be applyed to them, they are Children of wrath as others, Eph. 2. 3. the wrath of God abideth on them, Joh. 3. 36. they cannot be saved and damned at the same time, hence Election works no change in the per∣son, doth not change his state before effectual Applica∣tion.

4. By whom is this Application made, it is by the Spi∣rit sent from the Father and the Son.

1. As it requireth an almighty power, a divine pow∣er, so it is the work of all the three persons.

2. As they co-operate according to their manner of Subsistence and order of working, it is of the Father firstly by his Son and Spirit. 2. It is of the Son as he works from the Father by the Spirit. 3. It is of the Spirit as he worketh from the Father and the Son.

And hence salvation is of the Father intentionally in Election. 2. Of the Son virtually, as he hath purchased salvation. 3. Of the Spirit effectually, as he is sent to apply this, Joh. 16. 9, 10. and giveth common gifts to others for the sake of his Elect, Psal. 68. 18. Eph. 4. 8, 12.