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. XX.

Of the Arguments confirming the Truth of the Proposition, and that 1 Tim. 2.6. and Hebr. 2.9. have the Sense they import.

Now to satisfie such as desire to have reason satisfyed; I adde these REASONS.

Argument. I.

THat which the Scripture oft and plainly affirmeth in plaine words, is certainly true, and to be beleeved: Prov. 22.20.21. Isai. 8.20. 2 Pet. 1.19, 20.

But that Jesus Christ gave himself a Ransome, and by the grace of God, tasted Death for Every man; is oft and plainly af∣firmed in Scripture, as is before shewne, Chap. 7. to the 13.

Therefore the same is certainly a truth to be beleeved. Joh. 20.31. Act. 26.22.27.

ARGUMENT II.

Those for whom Jesus Christ and his Apostles in plaine Termes, without any exception or restraint affirme, That Christ came to save, and to that end Dyed, and gave himself a Ransome for, and is the Pro∣pitiation for the sinne; hee certainly did come to save, and gave himself a Ransome for them, and is the Propitiation for their sinnes. Matth. 26.24. Joh. 6.38. 1 Cor. 15.3, 4. Hebr. 10.7. Joh. 8.38.45. 2 Pet. 1.16. Heb. 2.3, 4.

But Jesus Christ, and his Apostles have in plaine termes affirmed; that Christ came to save sinners. 1 Tim. 1.15. The world. Joh. 3.17. That he died for the unjust, 1 Pet. 3.18. The ungodly. Rom. 5.6 for Every man. Heb. 2.9. gave himself a Ransome for All men. 1 Tim. 2.6.

and is the Propitiation for the sinnes of the whole World. 1 Joh. 2.2. And every of these affirmations, without any exception or restraint; all being unjust, ungodly, sinners, and men: and of the World. Rom. 3.10, 19, 20, 23. Ephe. 2.1, 2, 3. Tit. 3.3. Joh. 3.4.6.

Therefore Jesus Christ came to save, dyed, and gave himself a Ransom for all men; and is the Propitiation for their sinnes. Joh. 1.29.

ARGUMENT III.

That which the Scripture layeth forth, as one end of the death of Christ, and one ground and cause of Gods exalting Christ, to be the Lord and Judge of all; and of the equity of his ••udgeing; That is cer∣tainly to be beleeved. Psal. 12.6. & 18.130. & 119.40.

But the Scripture layeth forth this, for one end of the Death and Resurrection of Christ; That he might he the Lord of All. Ro. 14.9. 2 Cor. 5.14, 15. and for that Cause, (even his Death and Resurre∣ction,) hath God exalted him, to be the Lord and Judge of All men; and his Judgements shall be just. Rom. 14.9.11, 12. 2 Cor. 5.10. Phil. 2.7.•• 1. Act. 17.31. Rom. 2.16. Therefore that Christ so di∣ed, and rose againe for All, is a Truth to be beleeved. 1 Tim. 2.6, 7.

ARGUMENT IV.

That which the Scripture so sets forth in generall for the World of mankind, as a truth for them all: That whosoever of the particu∣lars, so beleeve, as to come in to Christ, and receive the same; shall not perish, but have everlasting life; is certainly a truth to be beleeved: Act. 5.20.

But that God sent forth his Sonne, to be the Saviour of the World; Is in Scripture so set forth in generall, for all men; That who∣soever of the particulars so beleeve, as they come in to Christ, and re∣ceive the same, they shall not perish, but have Everlasting life. Joh. 3.16, 17, 18.36. & 1.4.11, 12.

Therefore, that God sent his Sonne to be the Saviour of the World, is a certaine Truth. 1 Joh. 4.14.

ARGUMENT V.

That which God will one day cause every man to confesse, to the glory of God. Is certainly a truth; for God will owne no lie; for his glory. Joh. 13.3.9. Rom. 3.3, 4.

But God will one day cause every man, to confesse Jesus, (by vertue of his Death and Ransome given,) to be the Lord: Even to the glory of God. Phil. 2.7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Isai. 45.22, 23. Rom. 14.9.12. Psal. 86.9.

Therefore it is certainly a truth; That Jesus Christ hath given him∣self a Ransome for All men; and hath thereby the right of Lordship over them: and if any will not beleeve, and come in to his Government; yet hee abideth faithfull, and cannot denie himself; But will one day bring them before him, and cause them to confesse him Lord, to the glory of God; when they shall be denyed by him; for denying him in the daies of his Patience; 2 Tim. 2.12, 13, 14. Matt. 10.32, 33. 2 Cor. 5.10.

ARGUMENT VI.

That which may be proved in and by the Scripture, both by plain Sentences therein, and necessary consequences imported thereby: without wresting, wrangling, adding to, taking from, or altering the Sentences, and words of Scripture; is a truth to be beleeved. Matth. 22.29, 32. Rom. 11.2.5, 6.

But that Jesus Christ gave himself a Ransome for all men; and by the Grace of God, tasted death for every man, may be proved in and by the Scripture, both by plaine Sentences therein, and necessary Con∣sequences imported thereby; without wresting, wrangling, adding, or taking away, or altering the Words and Sentences; as is already shewne, Chap. 7. to the 13. which shall be now ordered into severall Proofe.

Therefore that Jesus Christ gave himself for all men; and by the Grace of God, tasted death for Every man; is a truth to be beleeved: Mar. 1.15. and 16.15, 16. 1 Joh. 4.14.

PROOF I.

GOD so loved the World; that hee gave his Sonne to be the Saviour of the World. 1 Joh. 4.14. and sends his Servants to beare witnesse of his Sonne, That all men through him might beleeve. Joh. 1.4.7. That who soever beleeves on him, might have Everlasting Life. Joh. 3.16, 17.

And hee is willing that all should come to the Knowledge of the Truth. 1 Tim. 2.4. and be saved. 1 Tim. 1.15.

Nor will hee be wanting in the sufficiency of helpfulnesse to them; If as light comes, they will suffer themselves to be wrought on, and to receive it. Prov. 1.23. & 8.4, 5. and is not this plaine in Scrip∣ture.

PROOF. II.

Jesus Christ, the Sonne of God came into the World, to save the World. Joh. 12.47. To save sinners. 1 Tim. 1.15. To take away our sinnes, and destroy the workes of the Devill. 1 Joh. 3.5.8. To take away the sinnes of the World. Joh. 1.29. and therefore dyed for all. 2 Cor. 5.14, 15. and gave himself a Ransome for All. 1 Tim 2.6. To save that which was lost. Matth. 18.11. And so his Propitiation made, was for the world. 2 Cor. 5.19. The whole world. 1 Joh. 2.2. and all this is full and plaine in the Scripture.

PROOF. III.

God in Christ, doth in some meanes or other of his appointment, give some witnesse to all men, of his mercy and goodnesse procured by Christ. Psal. 19.1.6. Rom. 10.18. Act. 14.17. And there through at one time or other, sendeth forth some stirrings of the Spirit, to move in, and knock at the hearts of men, to invite them to Repen∣tance, and seeking God; and so to lay hold on the grace and salvati∣on offered; And this not in a shew or Pretence, but in truth and good will, ready to bestow it on them; And this is all fully Testified in Scripture. Gen. 6.3. Isai. 45.22. Act. 17.30, 31. Joh. 1.19.

PROOF. IV.

The holy Ghost, that commeth from the Father and the Sonne, shall reprove the World of sinne (even that part of the World also that refuseth now to beleeve,) That they are under sinne, because they beleeve not on Christ, and that it is their sinne, that they have not beleeved on him: And how could it be their sinne, not to be∣leeve in Christ, and they for that cause under sinne, if there were neither enough in the Atonement made by Christ for them, nor truth in Gods offer of mercy to them; nor Will or Power in the Spirits moving, in any sort sufficient, to have brought them to be∣leeve at one time or other; And yet is this evident in Scripture; and shall be by the holy Spirit, to be their great sinne; That fastens all other sinnes on them. Joh. 3.18, 19. and 8.24. & 12.48. & 15.22.24. and 16.8, 9, 10.11.

PROOF. V.

God hath testified, both by his Word and his Oath, That hee would that his Sonne should so farre save, as to worke a Redemption for All men; and likewise that he should bring all to the knowledge of the truth: that there-through Redemption might be wrought in and upon them. 1 Tim. 2.4. with Joh. 3.17. So hee willeth not, nor hath any pleasure in the death of him, (even the wicked,) That dyeth, But ra∣ther that be turne and live. Ezek. 18.23.32. & 33.11. And dare any of us say, The God of Truth saith, and sweareth that; of which hee hath no inward and serious meaning; Oh farre be such blasphemy from us. 1 Ioh. 5.10.

PROOF. VI.

The very words and Phrases used by the holy Ghost in Scriptures speaking of the death of Christ, and the Ransome and Propitiation; To whom it belongs, and who may seek it, and in beleeving, finde Life, implyeth no lesse then all men; As to instance; All Nations. Matt. 28.19, 20. The ends of the Earth. Isai. 45.22. and 49.6. Every Crea∣ture. Mar. 16.15. All. 2 Cor. 5.14, 15. 1 Tim. 2.6. Every man. Hebr. 2.9. The world. Ioh. 3.16, 17. 2 Cor. 5.19. The whole World. 1 Ioh. 2.2. That which was lost. Luk. 19.10. Sinners. Matt. 9.13. unjust, 1 Pet. 3.18. ungodly, Rom. 5.6. and that whosoever of these repent and be∣leeve in Christ, shall receive this grace. Ioh. 3.16.18. Act. 10.43. Now all these so often and indifferently used: were it not Pride and Er∣rour to devise Glosses to restraine the Sense the Scripture holdeth forth; so full and large for All men.

PROOF. VII.

That whereas there are certaine high and peculiar Priviledges of the Spirit, contained in the New Testament: Sealed by the blood of Christ, which belongs not to all men; But onely to the Saints, the Called and Chosen of the Lord: And when they are alone distinctly mentioned; They are even so spoken of, as belonging to them onely. Mat. 13.11. Ioh. 14.17.21, 22, 23. and 16.13, 14, 15. & 17.9, 20. Act. 2.38, 39. 1 Cor. 2.9, 14. Heb. 9.15. & 8. tot. 1 Pet. 2.3.9.

Yet when any of these Pecullar Priviledges are so spoken of as joyned together with the Ransome and Propitiation which belongs to all: Then are they not spoken of; in such a restraining and exclu∣sive manner, or with such appropriating words: But so, and with

such words, as room is left to apply the Ransome to all men, in speech, And withall so hold out the Priviledges to them that beleeve, that are Proper to them: That they may both have their comfort and speciall hope: And also hould forth the Ransom, and keep open the doore for others. In beliefe, and receit of the Propitiation, To come in and partake with them: And so it is said, for his Sheep, for many: But no where, But, or onely for his Sheep; or but or only for many, which is a strong Proof of the Ransome, being given for all men, as is shewne, Chap. 3.10.

PROOF. VIII.

The Restauration wrought by Christ, in his owne body for Man∣kind, is set forth in Scripture, to be as large and full, for all men, and of as much force as the fall of the first Adam: by and in himself for All men; In which respect, the first Adam is said to have been a Figure of Christ, the second Adam. Rom. 3.22, 23, 24. and 5.12, 14.18. 1 Corin. 1.21, 22, 45, 46, 47. as is before shewne, Chap. 8.

PROOF. IX.

The Lord Jesus Christ hath sent and commanded his Servants to Preach the Gospel to All Nations, to every Creature, and to tell them withall; That whoever beleeveth, and is baptized, shall be saved. Matt. 28.19, 20. Mar. 16.15, 16. and his Servants have so Preached to all. 2 Cor. 5.19. Rom 10.13.18. And our Lord JESUS will make it to ap∣peare one Day, that he hath not sent his Servants upon a false Er∣rand; Nor put a lie in their mouthes, nor wished them to dissemble: In offering that to all, which they knew belonged but to some, even to fewest of all. But to speak the Truth. Isai. 44.26. & 61.8. 1 Tim. 1.12.

PROOF. X.

The Lord willeth Beleevers, to Pray, even for the unjust, and their Persecuters. Matth. 5.44.48. Luk. 6.28. Yea, even for all men: Yea, even for Kings, and all in Authority: When few in Authority loved Christianity yet; yet he said, Not some of that sort, but for All in Au∣thority: and that on this ground: It is good in the sight of God, who will have All men saved; and come to the Knowledge of the truth. Luke 10.5. 1 Tim. 3.1.4.

Surely there is a Door of life opened for All men: 2 Tim. 1.10. for God hath not said to the Seed of Israel, Seek ye me in vaine. Isai. 45.19. Hee will not have his Children pray for vaine things.

PROOF XI.

The Lord hath given forth his Word and Promise, to be with his Servants, so preaching the Gospel to all: and with his People so Praying for all, where they come. That they may goe on, with Con∣fidence in both. Matth. 28.20. 1 Tim. 2, 3, 8. Luk. 10.6. Isaiah 54.17.

PROOF. XII.

The Lord hath already performed and made good his Word to his Servants and People, upon some of all sorts of men, and all sorts of Sinners; Shewing them mercy, To this very end; that none might exclude themselves; But all be encouraged to Repent, Beleeve, and hope thereby. Act. 2. and 3. & 8. & 9. & 10. & 11. & 16. & 19.28. 1 Cor. 6.10, 11. 1 Tim. 1.13, 14, 15, 16, 17.

PROOF. XIII.

The blessing of Life hath streamed in this Doctrine of the Love of God to Mankind, yea in the Tender and Spirituall discovery of the Grace of God to Mankind, (in the Ransome given, and Atonement made by Christ, for all men; with the fruits thereof,) Hath God in the first place overcommed his Chosen Ones, to beleeve, and turne to God. Act. 13.48. Tit. 2.11.13. and 3, 4, 5.

PROOF. XIV.

Those, that when the Gospel comes, and any Spirituall Light therein to them: when they refuse to Beleeve, and suffer themselves to be withdrawne by other things; They are affirmed to Love, (or choose) darkenesse rather then Light. Joh. 3.19. (which how could it bee, if no Light in truth were for them,) in following lying vani∣ties to forsake their owne Mercies. Jonah 2.8. To harden their owne hearts. Rom. 2.5. To loose their owne Soules. Matth. 16.26. and to destroy themselves. Hos. 13.9. and they being from Adam fallen▪ In∣to Darknesse, hardnesse, and their Souls lost, and Death passed on them:

How could these things be: If by Jesus Christ, no life had been ob∣tained, no atonement made. No restauration of their Soules, nor meanes procured and used, that they might be saved: God is no hard master, to gather where he hath not strowne.

PROOF. XV.

God his earnest Expostulations, Contendings, Charges and Prote∣stations, even to such, as whereof many Perished. Rom. 11.27. Isai. 10.22. As to instance; Oh that there were such an heart in them, That they would feare mee, &c. That it might be well with them, &c. Deut. 5.29. What could have been done more for my Ʋineyard, that I have not done in it, &c. Isai. 5.4, 5. What iniquity have your Fathers found in me, that they are gone farre from me? Jere. 2.5. Have I been a wildernesse to Israel, a land of Darknesse; wherefore say my People, we are Lords; wee will come no more unto thee? ver. 31. Oh my People, what have I done unto thee? wherein have I we aryed thee? Thestifie a∣gainst me. Mich. 6.3. How often would I have gathered, &c. and yee would not. Matth. 23.37. Oh that my People had harkned unto mee, &c. I should soon have subdued their enemies, &c. Psal. 81.12, 13, 14. Because I have called, and ye refused, and no man regarded, &c. Prov. 1.24, 25, 32. because, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, and Rom. ••.21.28. Therefore thou art inexcusable oh man, &c. Thou after thy ••••ardnesse and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thy self wrath, &c. Rom. 2.1.5. No Christian, I hope, will reply against God, and say; Thou never meantest us good: there was no Ransome given for us; No Atonement made for us; No good done us, no mercy shewne us; nothing in truth, whereby we might have been saved; nothing but an empty shew, and a bare Pretence; But if any should reason so evilly, yet shall not such answeres stand. Jere. 2.25.

PROOF. XVI.

The Scriptures manner of setting forth the sinne of such as de∣spise and refuse this grace,—and their Estate, and the Persons pe∣rishing, as to say, They turne the grace of God into wantonnesse. Jude 4. Tread under foot the Sonne of God, Profane the blood of the Govenant, with which they were sanctified; offer despite to the Spirit of grace. Heb. 10.29. Denie the Lord that bought them. 2 Pet. 2.1. They perish for whom Christ died. 1 Cor. 8.11. Trees twice dead, plueked up by the roots. Jude 12.13. and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 Pet

2.1. And how could all this bee, if GOD had given his Sonne in no sort for them; if Christ had shed no blood for to procure Re∣mission for them; if hee had not bought them; nor had any grace or life, by his Spirit, to bestow on them:

PROOF. XVII.

JESUS CHRIST, by vertue of his Death, shall be their Judge, and by the Gospel, in which they might have been saved, will he Judge them to a second Death; and how can that be, if he ne∣ver died the first Death for them, and if there were not Truth in his Gospel, Preached to them. Rom. 14.9, 10, 11, 12. Phil. 2.7.11. Rom. 2.16. Joh. 12.47, 48, 50.

PROOF. XVIII.

Beleevers are exhorted to contend for the Faith of this Com∣mon Salvation, which was once delivered to the Saints; which some having heard, oppose, and others turne the offers of it into wan∣tonnesse: and through not heeding, and not walking in the faith of this Salvation already wrought by Christ for men: They deprive themselves of, and winde out themselves from that Salvation; which CHRIST by his Spirit, in Application of the former; would have wrought in them; and so deprive themselves of the Salvation to come. Jude 3.4, 5.

And every of these PROOF'S be plaine, and according to Scripture, and each of force; how much more altogether, still justi∣fying the sense, That 1 Tim. 2.6. and Hebr. 2.9. impor∣teth; and the truth of the Proposition. in the beginning.