The vniversallity of God's free-grace in Christ to mankind.: Proclaimed and displayed from 1 Tim. 2.6. and Hebr. 2.9. according to their genuine sense. That all might be comforted, encouraged; every one confirmed and assured of the propitiation and death of Christ for the whole race of mankind, and so for himself in particular. / Through urgent importunity, written by Thomas Moore.

CHAP. XVIII.

Of Answering a Fift OBJECTION.

Objection. V.

JESUS CHRIST dyed, and gave himself a Ran∣some for no more then the Father Elected to Sonship, and Eternall Inheritance; And this appeares by the conexion, or contentation of Election, Calling, Justifi∣fication, and Glorification. Rom. 8.28, 29. of Election, Adoption, Re∣demption, and eternall Inheritance. Ephes. 1.3.11. besides the often mentioning of Election of some to Salvation, and rejection of others in the Scripture.

But all are not Elected, some are Rejected, else there were no Ele∣ction; and to say, CHRIST dyed for All men, overthrowes Ele∣ction.

Therefore Christ did not die, and give himself a Ransome for All Men.

ANSWER.

The first Proposition is directly contrary to the Scripture. Hebr. 2.9. 1 Tim. 2.6.

If to possesse men of the Inheritance, had been the first and onely end of Christ his Death and Ransome; there might have been some colour to have paused on this bould and false assertion; But that is already proved false, in Chap. 2. and in Answer to the third Ob∣jection, and else-where.

2. There belongs more then the Death and Ransome of Christ, to bring men to the Inheritance, as is shewne Chapter 1. and else∣where.

3. The Scripture expresly affirms him, to have Dyed, and rose, and revived, to be Lord of all; and to have bought such as denie him, as is oft, and at large shewne before.

So as this Proposition is so groosly false, as it deserves abhorring rather then Answering; but the Reasons seems to have some weight for something, and therefore requires Answer: and so I returne Answer to it, as the first Proposition in this Argument, is an Inter∣rence Drawne from it.

ANSWER. I.

This is a farre-fetched, and mistaken Inferrence: evading the Bu∣sinesse in hand; for that opposed in the Inferrence, is the Redemp∣tion, Purchase, and Atonement, made by Christ in one body, for all men. And those places alledged, mention onely the benefits thereof and of somewhat before, and somewhat following, communicated to some, and in some measure enjoyed by them, yea with such an enjoyment, as was yet wanting to many Beleevers; To whom the Apostle writt; as appeares, by the distinction and change of Person in his writing. Rom. 8.13.15, 16. Ephes. 1.12, 13, 14. Neither is it said, doth and will Justifie, and Glorifie: But did, or hath Predestinated, Called, Justifi∣ed, Glorified, Rom. 8.30. hath Chosen, having Predestinated, Hath made us accepted; wee have Redemption, even forgivenesse. Ephes. 1.4, 5.6.7. which I hope none will affirme, of all the Elect, much lesse of All Christ hath dyed, and given himself a Ransome for; So that this is an evasion, and mistake.

ANSWER. II.

This Reason given to fortify the Proposition or Inferrence, hath mistaken the end and scope of the Apostles conexion of Priviledges; and of his words in both places: which is not to set forth, how ma∣ny Christ hath Dyed, and given himself a Ransom for: nor yet how ma∣ny, either have or shall receive some fruits of his Death and Ransome; But only to set forth the Priviledges of those that have begun to receive the Choise fruits of both his Propitiation and Advocation: And that to these Ends; to shew;

• 1. The ground of hopefulnesse to all that by the heavenly Call, are brought to beleeve in Christ.
• 2. The way how to be sure of the enjoyment of this hope.
• 3. And who have the full assurance of the same, and when they come to it. That so he might encourage, comfort, and lead on the Beleevers, as appears through. R. 8. Ep. 1.

1. The ground of hopefulnesse to them that by the heavenly Call are brought in to beleeve in Christ: Is this, That Jesus Christ is the first Elect and Chosen One, and so the rate in which all that are Elected and Chosen, were Elected and Chosen. Eph. 1.4. And that in him is the Image or Patterne, and lively being and appearing of all that, to which all that are Chosen in him, are Chosen and Predestinated. Rom. 8.16, 17, 23, 29, 30. So that, as Christ is the first Elect, so was hee Pre∣destinate, yea, and Called, to worke Redemption for the Sonnes of men: to take away sinne, and abolish Death, to offer the acceptable Sacrifice; and by vertue of his blood, to enter the Holy of Holies, there to send forth Spirit to Call the Sonnes of men: and to be the Head and High-Priest over all his House, that are partakers of the Heavenly Call, &c. Isai. 42.6. Heb. 5.4. & 10. Joh. 6.37.

And him hath God glorified at his Right hand: Heb. 2.9. and 7.25. and 8.1. So that all that are by the Spirit, In the Gospel, Cal∣led and enabled to beleeve in Jesus Christ, are called to him, that is the first, and Prime Elect, Chosen, Called, Justified and Glorified; That they might be conformed to him, in the Participation of the benefit of his Election, and of the mediation hee was Predestinate and Called to make, and of his Justification as hee was in their steads; And of his Glorification, as hee is Glorifyed and filled with Spirit for them; In which Participation abiding, hee will enable them to suffer for his sake, And to follow his Spirit, and to drink in the benefit of his Justification, in this knowledge of their own Justification, in and through him; and so in due season stablish them in his Everlasting Covenant, and knowledge of their Election in Him.

And this is conforme both to the Apostles Writing, and scope, as appeares in the view of Rom. 3.23, 25. and so an end, through the 4. and 5. and 6. and 7. and this 8. Chapter, and so to such as have acquaintance with spirituall Enlightning. Psal. 39.15.29. and Ephe. 1.1, 23.

2. The way to be sure of the enjoyment of this Hope, is by ab••∣ding in Jesus Christ, to whom they are called, (who is both the Prime Elect, and also the second Adam, Predestinate, Called, Justi∣fied, Glorified, as the Publick Person,) by abiding in his Doctrine, Teaching, and Spirituall leading to confidence in an Conformity to him. Ioh. 15.1, 10. Heb. 3.6.14. 1 Ioh. 2.24, 25, 28. 2 Ioh. 9. and this may be seen by the Apostles Admonition, and caution given to these. Rom. Chap. 6. and this 8. vers. 5, 13, 14, 18. and by his Prayers for the Ephesians. Chap. 1.17, 20. and 3.14.20. and his Profession to the Col∣lossians. Chap. 1.23.27. and 2.2.10. by all which it appeares also to be the scope of the Apostle, to direct them to this abiding, accor∣ding to that of ould, said to our Types. Exod. 19.3.6.

3. Who have the full assurance of all this; and when they come to it; and they are such, who are not onely called, but in that hea∣venly Call, through grace, beleeved, Drawne forth of themselves and the World, to take up their rest, and well-pleasednesse in him; and inflamed with likement and love of him, and his guidance; Not onely Justified, but having experimented their justification, not onely in Christ, but by the Spirit of Christ, filling with Peace and joy in the holy Ghost: and not onely hoping for the glory to come; but even a First-fruits of glory, in a portion of the Spirit, as the earnest of the Inheritance, whereby they discerne the hope of his Calling in his Election, and his Everlasting Covenant made with them, and see the glorious riches of his Inheritance, in the Saints and Justified ones; and are in a sort made Partakers of the Divine Nature, experi∣menting that Power by which Christ was raised, and exalted, expe∣rimenting that, Psal. 84.11. Heb. 4.3. and 9.15. 2 Pet. 1.3, 4. That prayed for, Ephes. 1.17, 20. And this affirmed. Rom. 8.28, 29, 30. and so come to this glorying of the Apostle, in the following verses, to the End.

Now this objected inference, crosseth the scope of the Apostles, and taketh away the ground of the Hope given, and shutteth the doore against the way, to the enjoyment, and thrusts men to wan∣der in dark reasonings for Election.

ASWER. III.

3. This Inferrence from these places, and the abuse of them, to fortify such a Proposition, destroyeth the distinction, between the

Gospel, and the communication of the speciall benefits of the Go∣spel, between the Atonement made by Christ, and the receit thereof by the Called Ones, and the common and speciall Salvation, which the Scripture distinguisheth, as is afore shewne, Chap. 1. and 2. and 10. and wholly denyeth and taketh away the Gospel, to be preached to unbeleevers, and all men, all Nations, and wholly confounds it into one with those high mysteries that are to be opened to Beleevers, yea, Beleevers growne, and it barres out all uncalled from beleeving: and all Beleevers from Consolation, till they know their particular Election; as all that view it, may see, and know it to be evill.

4. The Conexion it self, is wrested for this Inference; which hath no even rise thence, or from any other part of Scripture, where is no such conexion, as if all Christ dyed for, and Ransomed, must of ne∣cessity partake of all these Priviledges. Nor as if all that partake of some fruits of his Ransome, must needs partake of all these Privi∣ledges; Nor as if all that were called, must of necessity Partake of them all: Scripture sheweth the contrary: yea, the Epistle doth the same to the Romanes, also Chap. 14.9. Isai. 20. and this 8. Chap. verse 13. intimates the same: But the concatination of all these high favours, are made the peculiar Priviledges of Elect sonnes of God. Rom. 8.16, 17, 38, 39, 30. Ephes. 1.3.14. whence the Calling and Ele∣ction of Beleevers, is not made fully sure to them, Till in Gods Actu∣all Election, which followeth their Calling, they be established, and so in a First Fruits, made Partakers of all these Priviledges, as is shewne before; whence they are exhorted thereto, on that ground. 2 Pet. 1.3, 4, 5, 10, 11. And this appeares in the stile put on these. Rom. 8.28. and the Prayer for the Ephesians. Chap. 1.17. All which is ob∣scured by this Inference.

5. If that which is not, and which the Inference would have had, had been in the conexion; yet it would not have justified the Inferrence, as we may see in a conexion. Psal. 111.4, 5. The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion, and Righteous; Hee hath given meat to them that fear him: hee will ever be mindfull of his Covenant; Now if any should from this conexion, Inferre; That the Lordis gracious, and full of Com∣passion, and hath given meat to no other, but them that fear him. Then Psal. 145.8, 9. and 136.25. and 104.27, 28. and all Scripture, and com∣mon experience, would convince him of folly and falshood; and so

doth it in this Inferrence also. All that is in the common Salvation pertaines to the Speciall. But not all that is in the Speciall pertaines to the common Salvation: See the 1 Tim. 4.10.

So that the truth of. 1 Tim. 2.4.6. Heb. 2.9. 2 Cor. 5.14, 15.19. abi∣deth firme.

As for the Addition to this Reason, with all that follows, it is but a cavill, with a slander annexed, deserving no Answer. Where∣fore in stead of Answer, To take prejudice from the thoughts of any sober-minded: I will crave leave of the juditious, under correction, of better, and more enlightened Judgement, To set down briefly what I understand, and beleeve concerning this mystery.

I conceive the Scripture to set forth, an Election, of God, That is in and by God. And according, as I conceive, that I see and finde there, so I beleeve.

1. That God did Elect the man Christ, to union of Person, with the second Person, in the Divine Nature, and so to be the Sonne of God, and a mighty King, in and through whom, God would shew forth all his goodnesse, and confirre his Kingdome on him: Thus God calls him. Isa. 42.1. Mine Elect, in whom my soule delighteth. And the Spirit saith, He is (Col. 1.15.) the First-borne of every Crea∣ture.

And himselfe saith, Prov. 8.22, 30. The Lord Possessed me in the beginning of his way, before, &c. I was set up from everlasting, I was brought forth, &c. And so as all other Chosen, being affirmed to be chosen in him. Eph. 1.4. Hee must needs be first chosen; else, How they Chosen in him.

2. That in this very Election, God did Elect a certaine number of men. In this his Sonne, and to Sonship in him, a Conformity to him, and enjoyment of the Kingdome with him. Eph. 1.4. Rom. 8.29.

3. That at the same Election, God in his love to his Son Christ, and those chosen in him; Did appoint a great, yet a certaine num∣ber of other men, to be Servants to his Sonne Christ, and those Chosen in him. Psalm. 7.2.11. and 119.91. Isai. 60.12. Col. 1.16.27.

4. That to this end, God did Decree, to creat all Mankind in one Adam, and to set him forth, as the First man, and a publick Person,

in the room and place of all Mankind, to stand or fall, for all that were by Propagation to come of him, and in this Decree, hee decreed that all the rest of Mankind, except his Sonne Christ, should come forth of this First Adam, by Propagation; and in this Decree, hee decreed to make a World of Creatures, for the use and service of Mankind, and to doe all this, by and through, and for his Sonne Christ. Ioh. 1.1, 2, 3. Col. 1.16, 18, 19. Rom. 11.36. And,

All this Election and Decree was free, and freely decreed by God, without any respect, or motion from any fore-sight, of Good, or evill, righteousnesse or sinne in mankind, or in any of them, one or other. But according to Gods owne good pleasure, even because hee so willed, and for the Glory of his Goodnesse. Psal. 104.1, 24. Isa. 4.3.7. Rom. 9.11, 12. and 11.36.

5. That God fore-seeing, that the first man Adam would fall, and so loose himself, and all that were to come by propagation from him: and so all thr Priviledges of both Sonnes and Servants, that were put in his keeping (for Election to Sonneship, or appontment to service, were neither in him, nor put in his keeping,) Did Choose, Pre∣destinate, or Preordaine, his Sonne Jesus Christ, to be his Servant, by his Death and Resurrection, to ransome All men, and recover againe (as a Second Adam,) the Priviledges both of Sonnes and Servants; And by his Spirit and Power, to make it knowne to them all in Due season. Isai. 42.1.1 Pet. 1.20. 1 Tim. 2, 4, 5, 6. Heb. 10.5.10.

6. That GOD in this Decree or Predestination: did Predesti∣nate All his Elect Sonnes, to the Adoption of Sonnes, and Confor∣mity to his Sonne Jesus Christ. By and through his Sonne Jesus Christ: Not for any good seen in them, (who were now beheld fallen,) but for the Prayse of the glory of his Grace, Rom. 8.26. Ephes. 1.5.

And all the residue of the sonnes of men, He Destinated to be ser∣vants to Jesus Christ, and his People: in his Free-will, Not being moved thereto, with respect of either good, or evill in Them. Rom. 9.11, 12. and 14.9, 12.

7. That God to this end Decreed, To use such meanes as hee pleased, to some more, to some lesse, with some effectuall Power there∣in, To call both Sonnes and Servants to the acknowledgement of this their Lord.

In which they might be happy. To which end, his Spirit moves 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the meanes. Prov. 8.4, 5, 32. and 1.20, 23. Joh. 1.5.9.

8. God fore-seeing, that both Sonnes and Servants, would sinne against these meanes, and so not come in to the obedience of their Lord, but Rebell against him, Hee did freely, yet further Decree. Both:

First, To overcome his Elect and Predestinate Sonnes, (as Bullocks un∣accustomed to the yoke,) for the glory of his rich, and Free-Grace in Christ: and so freely to forgive their disobedience, and by his Spirit make them willing, and bring them in to his Sonne, and Sanctify and preserve them in and through his Sunne, and by his grace and Spirit, to His King∣dome. Jere. 31.18, 20. 2 Tim. 1.9. Tit. 3.3, 4, 5, 7.

Secondly, To harden the residue, and give them up, for their contempt of the means; and hardning their hearts there-against, and resisting his Spirit, moving to their hearts, through the meanes: And this for the glory and praise of the equity and security of his Justice. 1 Pet. 2.7, 8. Jer. 6.16.30.

9. That God decreed his Sonne. Jesus Christ, should be the Lord and disposer of All, the Head and Governour of the Church, and Kingdome; and the Judge of All men. That by him the glory of all the Kingdome, and Judgement may be given to God. Isa. 9.6, 7. Rom. 14.9.12. Act. 17.31. Phil. 2.10, 11. 1 Cor. 15.24, 27.

10. That all this whole Counsell of God (about Mankind; for There meddle no further) was in himself, and open before him, and decreed at once, before the World, or time was, there being neither first nor last, in respect of time in the Decree of God, but onely in Order, one thing decreed for another, though his Decree be larger then Election, and all his Decrees in one, ordered to, and for Ele∣ction, which obtaineth all for the Elected. Acts 15.18. Romanes 7.11.

And yet still agreeing with all hitherto said of Election; I finde mentioned in Scripture an Election not so high, as this before spo∣ken of, Namely an Election of some to be a Peculiar People, above all the People of the Earth, which though it includes the fore-men∣tioned Elected, yet it may also include more, even some of the Servants also. Deut. 6.6, 7.

And also, I find mentioned in Scripture, an Election of some, to

some Peculiar Office for, and Service for, or in the Church, and this also includes more then the Prime Elect. Isai. 45.1, 4. Iohn. 6.70.

And both these Elections are included in the former Decree, and are from Eternity also, but not to the injoyment of the Priviledges; by every one thus Elected, for ever, as the Prime Election, without Controversie is. Joh. 17.12. Act. 1.20. Act. 15.18.

And I am lead thus to conceive of the Election and Decree of God, both by the Scriptures alledged, and other-like Places, and also by Gods working with man, mentioned therein, being assured, that God worketh all things according to the Councell of his own will; so as look how his Word declareth him to proceed in his Workes, wee may be sure, such was his Purpose and Decree. Ephes. 1.11.

And so through this whole discourse it appears, That the Death and Ransome of Christ for All men, impeacheth not the Doctrine of Election or Predestination, or of Gods shewing mercy to whom he will, but agreeth very well therewith: and so is the whole Objecti∣on answered.

Onely now I will adde a few things appertaining to this business, by way of caution.

1. That the Prime Election, yea, or Predestination to Adopti∣on; Howsoever by way of Intimation, and consequence, it be found oft; yet in ten times reading, and much searching the Scripture, I cannot find it expresly mentioned, and set forth Ten times in all the Scripture.

2. That in respect of particulars, It is a Secret with God, till he doe make it knowne, so that we can not say; This or that man is, or is not Elected; but we may know of, and say to any man, Christ Dyed for him, and is the Propitiation for his sinnes, and if he Repent and Be∣leeve, hee shall receive Remission of sinnes. This being revealed. Now secret thing belongs to the Lord our God, But things revealed, to us and our Children for ever. Deut. 29.

3. That Howsoever all Gods Counsells shall stand, yet those that have very well known the same, have never made such use of it, as to put any impossibility upon God, To doe any of his Creatures good: John Baptist knew stones were not Elected, yet (not speaking of Gods Will, but of his Power) He said, God is able of these stones,

to raise up Children unto Abraham. Matth. 3.9. And Paul speaking of the rejected Jewes, saith, God is able to graft them in againe. Rom. 11.23. and our Saviour would not have his Disciples to think, That he could not have obtained by Prayer; more then Twelve Legions of Angels. Matt. 26.33. and plainly affirmeth to them, That with God all things are possible. Luk. 19.26.

It would therefore be an abuse of Election, in any sort to dar∣ken or weaken the Doctrine of the Gospel thereby, or the hope it giveth or setteth before any.

4. That in Scripture, there is mentioned an actuall Election, or Choice, which is in time, (though according to that before time,) in which God pulleth and choseth men from among others, to such good things as hee in his Counsell had prepared for them. Isai 14.1. Isai. 4.9.7. Zach. 1.17. and 2.12. And to speak of the choice part there∣of; It's manifest such an Election or Choice there is, Not onely be∣cause meneioned, but so mentioned in Scripture.

1. That it is called, an Election according to fore-knowledge. 1 Pet. 12. Foreknowledge in God, signifieth even the Prime Election to Sonship, when it is distinct from, and put before Predestination, and else-where. Rom. 8.29. compared with Ephes. 1.4, 5. But when it is said, according to fore-knowledge, It points out that Worke of God now done, according to that fore-knowledge of his, which worketh all things according to the Counsell of his own will. Act. 2.23. and 4.28. & 5.13.18. Eph. 1.11, 12. and so Election a worke.

2. That often, no more is mentioned in it, then what the Ele∣cted doe in some measure knowingly enjoy. Joh. 15.16, 19. and 17.6, 8. 1 Pet. 2.2. and 2.9. which is not usuall in the mentioning Ele∣ction in the Counsel of God. Rom. 8. Ephes. 1.

3. That this Election is in the heavenly Call; and follows it. 2 Pet. 1.10. Reu. 17.14. whereas Election in the Counsell of God is before the Call. 2 Tim. 1.9. Eph. 1.3.4. Yea this Election and Choice doth not alwayes so fasten on men, in the beginning of the Call: So as they (though Called) can be said to be Chosen. Matth. 20.16. Joh. 2.23, 24. Though sometime it doth so fasten on some, in the beginning of the Call, and so prevaile also, that they are said to be Chosen from the beginning (of the Gospels) Call unto Salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the Truth. 2 Thess. 2.13,

14. 1 Thess. 1.3, 4, 5. Act. 13.48. Coll. 1.4, 5, 6. and in due Season, it will fasten on all Elected in his Counsell, when they are Partakers of the Heavenly Call. Rom. 11.7.2. Tim. 1.9. yet is this actuall Ele∣ction in the Worke of GOD, in order of time after the Call.

4. They that in the heavenly Call, are in beleeving, so purged with the blood of Christ, that they are taken off themselves, and the World, and united to Christ, in confidence, love and delight, so as they are given up to him, for all Life, Guidance, Protection, and Hope: are affirmed to be actually Chosen out of the World unto Sal∣vation. Joh. 15.19. 2 Thess. 2.13, 14. 1 Thess. 1.3, 5.

5. There have been some found, in former and latter times, upon whom this Actuall Election hath passed, and they therefore called Gods Elect and Chosen Generation. Deut. 6.6, 7. 1 Thess. 1.3. 1 Pet. 1.2. Joh. 13.18.

6. They that are thus actually Chosen, and Prevailed with here∣by, are said to be biessed, and Called, and Chosen, and Faithfull. Psal. 65.4. Revel. 17.14.

And every one may know himself to be Elected in the Councell of God, before time, To all that, Hee finds himself in the Worke of God, Chosen unto in Time. Ephe. 1.3, 4.11.

5. That in Scripture is mentioned; an actuall refusall, Preterition or non-Election, according to the purpose of God also; in respect of some peculiar favour, or Priviledge: which yet may stand with Electi∣on to Sonship, and eternall Salvation Psal. 78.67, 68.

6. That in Scripture is mentioned an Actuall Reprobation, and rejection of some from the meanes, or from the blessing in the meanes of Eternall Life, and so from Eternall Life it self; and this for their contempt of the meanes, and resisting the holy Ghost. Jer. 6.16, 17, 27, 30. Prov. 1.24, 35. Rom. 1, 18.28.

The tearme Reprobation, Scarce otherwise used; and of this Actuall Choice, and Actuall Reprobation, the Scripture most speaks; Now the Gospel of CHRIST is a Truth to be Preached to all; and hope of Life tendered on Beleeving, and after entrance, this actu∣all Election to be so set forth, that men be exhorted to give all dili∣gence, in following the Spirit, to make it sure; and if any be sloth∣full and disobedient: warning given, least by contempt they

procure to themselves actuall Reprobation: which use the Scrip∣ture makes of them, and so they are very usefull to further the Gospel; which (by abuse,) This Objection turnes them a∣gainst.