Obj. CHrist is said to pray for his enemies, Luke 23. 34. viz. which was actors in the crucifying of him.
Ans. It is likely that some of the Elect, not being as then cal∣led* 1.1 out of their natural state, and condition, might consent unto his death, and be as fierce and violent in that act as any other a∣mongst the multitude, yea more violent, not knowing what they did, as may be collected from the words of Christ in his prayer for them. Father forgive, &c. which was made manifest in many of them, after Peters Sermon, Act. 2. 36. where it is said, (that hearing of what they had done to the Lord of Life) they were pricked in their hearts, and cryed out, Men, and Brethren, what shall we doe to be saved. The like forwardnesse was also in the Apostle Paul, Act. 9. 15. (before his conversion) in persecu∣ting of Christ in his members, yea who more fierce and violent a∣gainst Christ, then Paul, and yet a chosen vessell to salvation, and a choyce instrument to gaine Soules to Christ, it being meerly out of ignorance, that he made such havock of the Church, Act. 8. 1. & 9. 1, 2. The like may be also said of the St. Theife, who as it