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. XXIII.

Of some mention of the Benefit of this Doctrine held forth.

SOme not being able to gainsay the truth so plainly affir∣med in Scripture, but that it is plainly recorded, That Jesus Christ did by the grace of God, taste death for Every Man; and gave himself a Ransome for All Men; came into the World, to be the Saviour of the World, and is the Propitiation for the sinnes of the whole World; yet are pleased to demand, What profit is there in maintaining this so Plainly, and in such a generall and large Sense; as the Scripture expresseth it in?

To which this Answer might be given, that as man beleeveth with the heart unto Righteousness; So with the mouth confession is made unto Salvation; and so I might say, it is one part of the service of our Lord Jesus. To hold forth the Word of life, and to confesse him, and not to be ashamed of his Words before men: Rom. 10.9, 10. Phil. 2.16. Matt. 10.27. Mar. 8.38.

But farre be it, that any of us should say, What is the Almmighty, that wee should serve him? and what profit shall wee have? Job 21.15. But hoping that this Question is moved with a more Christian mind; I Answer to it.

ANSWER. I.

This is that Doctrine, which our Saviour Jesus Christ, in such generall words, did himself Preach unto men, to bring them to Re∣pentance and faith. Ioh. 3.16, 17. & 6.51. & 12.46, 47, 48. And which his Forerunner had also to that end declared. Joh. 1.3, 4, 7, 9, 29.

2. The same doctrine in the same largenesse did hee put in the hearts of the Apostles; and committed the ministration thereof to them, to declare. 2 Cor. 3.16.12. Acts. 13.47, 48. Tit. 3.4, 5.

3. The Confession of this Gospel, in such generall words, hath been an approved Confession of Beleevers. Joh. 4.42. It is therefore unquestionable very profitable; and if we should reject this Word of the Lord, as unprofitable, what wisedome would be in us? Jere. 8.8, 9. yea, would not that heavie sentence be verified in us. Isai. 29.10, 11. & 28.12, 13.

4. This Doctrine so held forth, is very profitable for all men; And that, both first to convince them of the vilenesse of their sinne, in which they have been the Crucifiers of Christ, the emptinesse of their Righteousnesse, the greatnesse of Gods love to them; the horrible∣nesse of their Rebellion against so loving a God; as is shewne in nine Particulars. Chap. 17. in Answer of Objection 4.

Secondly, to allure and move them to Repentance, of their sinnes; and from dead Workes; to belief of the Gospel, and Faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord; and so to attend his Sayings, and receive his re∣proofs and Councell, as that which indeed appertaines to them; So as his Death applyed to these ends, may be said, to be for All; for us, for you, for me, for thee, and so left to every mans Conscience, with∣out peradventure. Act. 2.3. Heb. 6.1, 2. 2 Cor. 3. and 4.1.6. & 5.10, 14, 15, 19. And one doubt put in about the truth of Christ's death and Ransome for all men; layes a barre to keep them from being convin∣ced indeed of the vilenesse of their sinnes, and shuts the doore against them, for comming in to Repentance and faith; leaving them in the darke to muse upon Election; or driving them, with the Pharisee, to seek some fleshly righteousnesse, in which they may be better then others; to claime Christ by.

5. This Doctrine, so beleeved, is Profitable for Beleevers, to keep them humble and Patient. Rom. 3.9. Tit. 3.3, 4. to move them with Love and Pitty towards others. 2 Cor. 5.14, 15. To preserve their Confidence in God, for speciall favours. Rom. 5.1, 5, 6, 11. yea, it teacheth to denie all ungodlinesse and worldly lusts; and to live Soberly, Righteously, and Godly in this present Life. Titus. 2.11, 12.

6. It is Profitable to the servants of Christ, in respect of them∣selves,

and others, in preserving a good estimate of Scripture; and freeing from those fleshly reasonings, and those false affirmations; That all Christ dyed for, shall be eternally saved; and that hee shall justify by his knowledge, as many as he dyed for; And those rash Furies of confounding what the Scripture makes distinct; yea, it is profitable for Doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righte∣ousnesse. 2 Tim. 3.16. But desiring it rather may be found Profitable, then said so to be; I intreat all that will vouchsafe the reading here∣of, to minde the Application in a few Uses; in which, especially in the Last, this Question will be further answered.

And so give me leave to speake to thee, Reader, whosoever thou maist be, as to one, who I am sure Christ did indeed die, and give himself a Ransome to God, for.