Rome ruin'd by VVhite Hall, or, The papall crown demolisht

SECT. 3. Against election by works fore-seene.

1 Inst. AGain, that God hath not elected or made choyse of any for good workes fore-seene in them, may evidently appeare by divers places of Scripture. As for instance in Simeon and Levi, who were two fathers in Israel, the one chosen from amongst his brethren to execute the Priests Office, and yet we see they were guilty of much blood; so that we may perceive, that God chose them not for any vertue or worthinesse in them, but for his owne mercies sake. And Moses telleth the Israelites, that God did not set his love upon them, because they were more holy then other Nations, for saith he, you are a rebellious people, but because the Lord loved you, therefore he hath done this unto you, Deut. 7. 8.

2. Inst. Neither did Joseph obtaine that great favour with God to have the preheminence over his Brethren by any merit, or worthinesse in himself, but of Gods meere mercy, grace, and favour towards him, for as yet Joseph had not shewed his faithfulnesse and chastity in Potiphers house; the purpose of God then to exalt Joseph (revealed to him in his dreame) Gen. 37. 6. went be∣fore

any merit on Josephs part, so also Gods free and gracious election, in setting us apart to everlasting salvation is without all respect or workes in us, as the Apostle toucheth, Rom. 9. 15.

3. Inst. Yea, the Book of Exodus sheweth us on the one side the ingratitude, and disobedience of the people of Israel; and on the other side the stedfast love of God towards them, which offer∣eth unto us an evident argument of Gods free election, without any respect to workes; the Apostle likewise to the same purpose alleadgeth that notable Text, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, Rom. 9. 15.

4. Inst. Neither did the Lord look upon us Gentiles, in make∣ing of us his people, for any worthinesse in us, but for his owne mercies sake, he hath called us to the knowledge of his truth; for otherwise what we are in our selves, the Apostle sheweth out of the fourteenth Psalm, where it is said, that they are all gone astray, &c. there is none that doth good, no not one.

So then it is most evident that Gods election changeth not, but* 1.1 whatsoever he hath decreed concerning any mans Salvation shall stand, for the gift and calling of God are without repentance, Rom. 11. 29. And the Apostle sheweth us, that the Lord hath chosen us, that we should be holy, not that because we were holy; so that good works is no precedent cause of our election, but a consequent effect thereof.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Good workes is no precedent cause, but a consequent ef¦fect of ele∣ction.