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. XXII.

Of the Removing some Doubts, hindring some from Beleeving; That which they confesse, the Scripture plainely Affirmeth.

SOme doe confesse; That they cannot denie, but that the Scripture plainely Affirmeth; That JESƲS CHRIST gave himself a Ransome for All Men, and by the grace of GOD, tasted Death for Every Man, and is the Saviour of, and Propitiation for the Sinnes of the World; but yet they are fearfull to beleeve the same in the Sense the words im∣port: because in other places, it is said, Faith is the gift of God. Eph. 2.8. and all that the Father giveth Christ, shall come to him. Joh. 6.37. and as many at more ordained to Eternall Life, beleeved Act. 13.48. Whence, seeing all doe not beleeve; They know not how to beleeve that CHRIST dyed for All.

ANSWER.

This hath been fully answered before; yet because it remaines as a Doubt in some, it shall be Particularly, with what is before said.

Ephes. 2.8. For by grace y•••• are five••••, Through•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and thee not of your selves, it is the gift of God: In these words there is a cleer distinction between the grace by which wee are saved, and the Faith through which wee are saved: And also here is a double affirmation; One intimate; and by the conjunction, necessarily implyed. Viz. That the grace by which we are saved, is the Gift of God: The other ex∣presse, Ʋiz. That the Faith through which we are saved, is also the Gift of God, againe, The saving here affirmed of, is to be minded, both in respect of that from which wee are saved; and also in respect of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Salvation it self.

It hath been before shewne how the Scripture distinctly setteth forth;

First, a Reconciliation, Redemption, and Salvation, which Iesus Christ by himself, in his owne body wrought with God for men; (which was for all Men.)

And secondly; a Reconciliation, Redemption, and Salvation, which by his Spirit, in applying the former; hee worketh in men to God, (which though offered in some sort to All,) yet received only by beleevers; as is shewne, Chap. 1. which double Reconciliation and Redemption, is suit∣able to the double enmity against God, and the misery that mankind was fallen into.

First, through mans falling into sinne, there was enmity, in the very condition of all Mankind; which stood crosse to God; to keep him from comming in to men; and extending Mercy and Peace to them. Isa. 59.1, 2.

Secondly, through mans falling into sinne, there is an enmity in the very nature of all mankind, which rules in the hearts, and dif∣fuseth it self through all the Powers of soul and body; filling the man with aversenesse to God, and so keepeth a man from sub∣mitting and comming in to God for Mercy and Peace. Rom. 3.10.18.

God might, if it had so pleased him; have throwne mankind for sinne, into destruction, with the Devills, and their Angels, that first sinned; and then drew mankind into finne; but hee had more love to mankind; and being full of Pitty and Compassion towards men, he was ready to shew Mercy, and extend peace to mankind; But man being fallen into sinne, and sinning; the Truth of God prest for man to die, and his Justice for man to suffer Curse, and if without impo∣sing this death and curse; mercy should be shewne, and Peace exten∣ded to men: it would blemish the truth and Justice of God, and so be against him. Psal. 5.4, 5. Such was the condition of mankind, and so filled with enmity against God: for remedying whereof, JESUS CHRIST by his Fathers appointment, became man, a Publick Person, in the room of All; and so died for our sinnes, and rose for our Justification, and offered himself a Ransome and Propitiatory Sacrifice to God for All men: So as in him the sinner hath dyed, and the Curse is suffered; and so Mercy and Truth are mett, Psal. 85.10, 11. having

slaine the Enmity (which was in the condition of Mankind,) Ephes. 2.16. and made Peace through the blood of his Crosse. Coll. 1.20. which is intimated also. Ephes. 2.5. By grace yee are saved: and yet there is another Reconciliation for Christ to worke. Coll. 1.20.

For notwithstanding this Reconciliation wrought by Christ for men; yet there is an enmity in the nature of men still, they being by nature dead in Trespasses and sinnes. Ephes. 2.1, 2, 3. alienated from, and enemies to God in their mindes, by wicked workes. Col. 1.21. all out of the way, &c. Rom. 3.10, 19. Such is the nature of mankind.

For remedying whereof, God hath exalted JESUS CHRIST, and filled him with Spirit to send forth in the Declaration of the former Reconciliation and Peace made by him, thereby to convince, and subdue the Rebellious, and to worke repentance and faith in the subdued; through which faith they receive this Salvation. Psal. 68.18.20. Act. 5.30, 31, 32. as is before shewne, Chap. 1. & 2. & 3. & 4. and so they are saved both from the enmity in their Condition, by the grace of God in Christ, and from the enmity in their nature, by the same grace, through faith wrought in their hearts; whereby they beleeve this grace, and there∣through depend on him; and so receive remission of sinnes, and life, and the beginnings of Salvation from Jesus Christ.

And thus also there appeares a threefold salvation of the worke∣ing of Jesus Christ.

1. A Salvation, which is altogether without man, wrought by Jesus Christ himself, in his owne body, with God for men, whereby the enmity in mens condition is slaine; and so a way of Salvation opened for every man. 1. Tim. 2.4, 6. Heb. 2.9.

2. A salvation which is in the hearts and soules of men; discovering it self in some fruits in their mortall bodies, which Jesus Christ worketh by his spirit; making knowne, and applying the former; enabling men to beleeve; and therethrough reconciling their hearts and Powers to God, so slaying the enmity in Nature. 2 Cor. 5.18, 19, 20, 21. Colloss. 1.20, 21, 22.

3. A totall, compleat, and Perfect Salvation, both of soul and body, made glorious; for which the Beleevers doe yet waite. Ro. 8.23. Phil. 3.20, 21.

And of the second of these, it plainly appeares to be meant. Ephes. 2.8.

So that by Scripture it appeares, and in this Ephes. 2. also, That the comming of Jesus Christ into the World, and the Propitiation made by him, for the sinnes of the World, is the grace of God, and his gift. Joh. 4.10. Ephes. 2.12, 13.

The Patience and bounty of God procured hereby; and wit∣nessing his mercy, and leading to Repentance, is the grace of God, and his gift through grace also. Mat. 5.45.48. Act. 14.17. Rom. 2.4. Eph. 2.1.4.7.

The Declaration of the Gospel is also the grace of God, and his gift through grace. Luk. 1.77.79. Joh. 1.7. Eph. 2.17. The sending forth of Spirit in the Gospel, to convince and turne men in to Christ, is also the grace of God, and his gift through grace, whether men turne at his reproof, Yea, or no. Prov. 1.23. Joh. 1.4, 5, 9. Ephes. 2.17.

The subduing of the heart, and bringing it in to beleeve; is also the grace of God, and his gift through grace; of which meant. Ephes. 2.8. Phillip. ••. 29. 1 Pet. 1.21, 22. And the establish∣ing a man in the faith; is also the grace of God, and his gift through grace. 2 Cor. 1.21, 22. Ephes. 2.18, &. Now God hath sent his Sonne into the World, to be the Saviour of the World; and Christ hath given himself a Ransome for All men, whether men beleeve or not, Christ at one time or other enlightneth, and so tendereth convincements and Calls to everyone that commeth into the World, whether they submit to it or no. Prov. 1.23. and 4.45. Joh. 1.4, 5, 9. And thus doth God in the meanes; and by his Spirit, that is able to worke it, offer to give, and tender the working of faith in men at one time or other. Rom. 2.4. Act. 17.30, 31. Gen. 6.3. Mat. 23.37. which is an admonition to all: to seek faith of God in the meanes; to yeeld to his Spirit, when hee is about to work it; To give him the glory, when it is wrought; but no cause at all from hence to raise a doubt of the extent of the Ransome, which is in the grace it self, that faith receiveth, and so in∣timate. vers. 1.4, 5, 7, 12, 17.

ANSWER.

Joh. 6.37. All that the Father giveth me, shall come to me; and him that commeth to me, I will in no wise cast out. Those that hence raise the Doubt about the extent of the Ransome, doe it from the words, giveth me; though it be true, that the words themselves give no cause thereof, but let them be weighed.

1. Giving, as some would have it, giving by Election to Sonship, and eternall inheritance; which election was in Christ without con∣sideration or respect of good or evill, righteousnesse or sinne, and these are said to be chosen in Christ; And so, (though not so spoken in Scripture,) may be truely said, to be given him; But not the onely number, that were given him; for as these are given him, to be his members, and Brethren, and heires with him; so were all the rest of mankind, in the same Decree given him, to serve him and his People; as is before shewn, Chap. 18. In Answer of Objection the Fift. But where this Election and Decree is set forth under this terme of being given to Christ, is hard to find in Scripture; I cannot yet meet with two places, nor with any that could shew me them, and prove it so. But surely in this place it neither is, nor can be taken, as so used; Though such a groundlesse apprehension thereof, is that, whence some doe raise to themselves this Doubt.

2. The Priviledges and life of all mankind, was once put in the keeping of the first man that God made, The first Adam, a type of him that was to come; and hee by one offence lost, and overthrew himself, and all mankind, and God in his mercy to mankind; Sent forth his owne Sonne, made of a Woman, in the likenesse of sinfull flesh, and made him under the Law, and laid on him the sinnes of the World; and the curse due to Mankind; That he might undertake for All Men, to Ransome them; and open a way for them to come to God a∣gaine.

And thus did God give All Men to Christ, to Ransome them; and pay the price for them, and so worke a Redemption for them, that they might be set alive before him. Isai. 49.6. Rom. 3.19.25. and 5.12.19. 1 Cor. 15.21, 22. 1 Joh. 4.14. Joh. 1.29. See Chap. 8.

And giving may be found sometime, though not often used in Scripture, to set forth Gods giving of men to Christ, to undertake for them, to Ransome them; and also given to him, hee hath so payed the Price, and satisfyed for, that they shall all come to him; and hee will raise them up; and they shall acknowledge him Lord, to the glory of God. Isai. 45.21, 22, 23. Joh. 12.22. Phil. 2.7.10, 11. 1 Cor. 15.22. and of this giving, is most likely to be meant. Ioh. 6.39. Though giving be seldome so used:

3. Giving is sometimes used, to set forth that Act of God to

Christ, in respect of his acceptance of his Ransome, and his victory in his Resurrection; in which he hath given all men to Christ, to be his, and hee to be their Lord, and they to live to him, and hee to possesse them for an inheritance; To give Inheritance to those that submit to his Government, and judge the rest. Rom. 14.9. 2 Cor. 5.14, 15. Acts 10.36. and in this sense the word, Give, is used. Psal. 2.6, 8, 9. and elsewhere in Scripture; and in all these three Senses, giving comprehends Adam, and all that comes of him; all men being given to Christ in every of these Senses, as Scripture testifieth.

4. Giving is sometime used for GOD'S giving Men to Christ, in the heavenly Call, when by his Spirit sent forth in the Gospel; he not onely enlightens men in the knowledge of Christ, and the Propitiation made by him; and of Gods love therein, and of that fulnesse of grace and truth that is in him to bestow; So as thereby to convince them, and begin to draw them with the bands of Love; Taking the yoake from off the Jawes, and laying meat be∣fore them; without which none come to Christ. Ioh. 6.45. and not∣withstanding which, many may draw back; and not knowing aright this his goodnesse, be yet unchosen. Hos. 11.2, 3. Matth. 20.16. But in this heavenly Call, giving them so to see the Excellency of Christ, that all things else becomes as losse in comparrison of him; and they so instructed, and Prevailed with hereby, that they come in to him, and beleeve on him, so as they are given up to him. Phil. 3.7, 8, 9. Io. 6.40.45. and to these he maketh known his Fathers Name; and giveth them his Words, and eternall Life, and will Preserve them, and raise them up to glory at the last Day; And this giving to Christ, in and by the heavenly Call; is that meant. Ioh. 6.37.40. and most usually by our Saviour, speaking of this businesse. Ioh. 17.2.6, 9.12.24. and else∣where, which is a good admonition to all of us to abide in, and yeeld up to the heavenly Call; and therein to give all diligence to make our Calling and Election sure. Heb. 3.1.14. 2 Pet. 1.10. But no colour to doubt of the Extent of the Ransome; which is the ground thereof. 2 Cor. 5.14.20.

ANSWER.

Acts 13.48. And when th, Gentiles heard this; They were glad, and glorified the Word of the Lord; and as many as were ordained to eternall Life, beleeved.

1. This place speakes of a further business then the death of Christ, as the Ransome and Propitiation only; The next and immediate end thereof: Not being the taking enmitie out of the Nature of men; and giving them Eternall Life to all, or any; But the taking enmity out of the Condition of men; and that so having them all given into his dispose; He might open a doore of life to them, and reconcile their Powers to God, that through his Call beleeve on him, and give them Eternall Life; and judge and condemne those that refuse in his Call, to submit to him. Coll. 1.20. Ephes. 2.16, 17. Rom. 14.9.12. 2 Cor. 5.10.20. Heb. 5.9. 2 Thes. 1.8. So that this Sentence gave no colour for the doubt, it being neither here, nor in any place of Scripture said, That as many as Christ dyed, and gave himself a Ransome for; either have done, shall or will beleeve on him; and have Eternall Life.

2. The words, ordained to Eternall Life, (whence the doubt is raised,) It is to be feared, are mistaken, as if they signifyed onely the Prime Election to Sonneship, and eternall Inheritance; whereas it is not found in Scripture any one place; where that onely Sense is set forth in the words, ordaining to Life;

(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.