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.

(Of the word Ordaining. Act. 13.48.)

The word ordaining, being found in Scripture, to have a further Sense, and to signifie a great deale more; Even the Ordination, Con∣stitution, Preparation, furniture, and Consecration, of the Elected, both for the businesse and end, for which they were elected, whether it be applyed to JESUS CHRIST, or to those Chosen in and by him, to Life. 1. Pet. 1.20. Acts. 10.42. Hebr. 10.5. Ephes. 2.10. And this word ordaining, is most frequently used in Scripture, for an actuall Ordaining, Constituting, Preparing, Furnishishing, Conse∣crating, and so making meet, and giving Liberty and Authority for that to which one is ordained, & so it is with an actuall Election, and Choice, being also more then a Choice, even a furnishing, and con∣secrating to the businesse, and end for which one is Chosen; And for the word is used; when it is spoken of the Church. Act. 14.23. and 16.4. or of God his ordaining, Rom. 13.1. 1 Cor. 12.28. 1 Tim. 2.7. and so our Saviour of his Disciples, whom in his heavenly Call, hee

had actually chosen out of the World, into Union and Fellowship with himselfe, and one another; and appointed and consecrated them to hold forth the Word of Life. and serve him in the Gospel. Joh. 15.15. I have Chosen you, and ordained you, that you should goe, and bring forth fruit, &c.

And this word ordaining, in this businesse, to be so taken for an actuall ordaining here, is evident by the like use of it in places speak∣ing of the like blessing. Coll. 1.12, 13. 1 Pet. 2.9. 1 Joh. 5.11, 12. Joh. 6.36. And so the Word ordaining, Acts 13.48. Im∣ports.

1. The Abundance and Power of Spirit, that went in the Word to their hearts. Act. 11.21.

2. The unfainednesse and effectualnesse of the Spirit, wrought in them, as, 1 Thess. 1.3, 4, 5.

3. The evidencing the effectualnesse of their Calling and Electi∣on, as 1 Thess. 1.3, 4, 5.

4. The aboundance of grace Powred into them, as Rom. 5.15. Tit. 3, 4, 5, 6. Such as was not usuall in the beginning, and first comming of the Gospel, to and in every one, where the Spirit had any work∣ings, as may be seen in some that in some sort beleeved the report. Ioh. 23, 24. and 3.3, 21. & 6.21.38. Act. 2.31. and 3. and 5. 1 Cor. 14.24, 25. Rom. 14. & 15. 1 Cor. 3.1, 2, 3. So that here was more then usuall.

And here appeares some cause for this in Act. 13.48. for here was a great opposition, contradiction, and blasphemy of the Do∣ctrine, by the Jewes. vers. 45. and so God was pleased to send forth more aboundance of Spirit and grace in the Apostles ministra∣tion of the Gospel, when it was most abundantly opposed and blasphemed, and did effect more in the hearts of many, at this and such Seasons, then was otherwise usuall, like that Act. 16.23.

It may be some convincements, and movings might touch the hearts of many; yea, it may be some of the opposers and blas∣pheamers; But yet none so farre beleeved, as to receive the report, and yeeld to confesse it, but onely such, and those, to whom this aboundance of Spirit, in such evidence, and effectuall operation did come and enter, to prevaile in their hearts; Not onely to be∣leeve

the report and yeeld to confesse it, (as with many at some other Seasons,) But in Beleeving unfainedly, to cleave to Christ, and give up themselves to him; In which their faith became effectuall, and they at first partakers of the first fruits of Eternall Life; So as that might be affirmed of them in their beginning, which is said. 1 Thess. 1.3, 4, 5. 2 Thess. 2.13. & 1 Pet. 1.1.2.

So that here were neither Hypocrites, nor feined Beleevers, nor any lying under convincement, nor hanging in the birth; But all that were now brought in, were thus ordained, constituted, prepared, consecrated, and brought to some enjoyment of Eternall Life; So many as had such abundance of grace, and so effectually beleeved at this time, and no more, and yet there were many of them: which serveth to set forth the power of the Gospel. Rom. 1.16. Gods Pre∣sence with his Servants in ministration thereof. Matth. 28.19, 20. 2 Cor. 3. and is a great encouragement to constancy in fighting the good fight, and holding forth the Gospel, in time of greatest oppo∣sition and Persecution, when there may be greatest blessing. 2 Tim. 4.1. and is very usefull many wayes, but gives not the lest shew for the doubt about extent of the Ransome: It neither being said, how ma∣ny as Christ dyed for, beleeved; nor yet so many as was in Gods Councell Elected to Life; for then what becomes of all Beleevers since; nor yet as many in that place, nor which is lesse, as many of that Society, as were Elected to Life; many such might be, that were afterward Called; and then thus effectually Chosen and ordained; and so beleeved as these did. So that the Words caused not the doubt, but are abused to colour it.

3. The Word or Doctrine that these did heare, and in hearing, were glad of, and did glorify, and praise it in their hearts, for the truth and goodnesse of it, and for the love of God, and the Salvati∣on in Christ, manifested therein, It was not that part of the Go∣spel, which sets forth Gods Election of some to Life, and his peculiar Love to them, (as this doubt pretends,) But even that part of the Gospel, whereof the doubt is made; it being the same Prophecyed in Isai. 49.6. I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, That thou mayst be my Salvation to the ends of the Earth. Where all the ends of the Earth called to look to him, and be saved. Isa. 45.22. which is evident to be all men. Prov. 8.45. In all the ends of the Earth. Isai. 4.28.

Joh. 1.3, 4, 5, 9. and so as large, as 1 Tim. 2.6. Hebr. 2.9. So that this place well considered, would have prevented, or removed the doubt.