The examination of Tilenus before the triers; in order to his intended settlement in the office of a publick preacher in the Common-wealth of Utopia. Whereunto are annexed the tenents of the remonstrants touching those five articles voted, stated and imposed, but not disputed, at the synod of Dort. Together with a short essay (by way of annotations) upon the fundamental theses of Mr. Thomas Parker.

The Third and Fourth Arti∣cles Controverted, which are touching the grace of God in the Conversion of Man. (Book 3-4)

What the Remonstrants hold.

I.

THey hold that a man hath not saving faith of himselfe, nor from the power of his own free will, seeing while he is in the state of sin, he cannot of himselfe, nor by himselfe, think or will, or do any saving good (in which kinde faith in Christ is eminent) but must needs, by God in Christ, through the power of the Holy Ghost, be regenerated and renew∣ed, in his minde, affections, will, and all his powers, that he may aright understand, will and meditate, and do that which is savingly good.

Proofs out of Holy Scripture.

Not faith or any saving good of himself, &c. Ephes. 5. 8. Ye were sometimes darkness: Rom. 7. 5. When we were in the flesh, the mo∣tions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members, to bring forth fruit unto death. Rom. 11. 32. God hath concluded all in unbe∣lief. Ephes. 2. 8. For by grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of your selves: it is the gift of God. Phil. 1. 8, 9. To you it is given—to believe. 1 Cor. 12. 3. None can say, that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost; (who is therefore called) the spirit of faith. 2 Cor. 4. 13. 2 Cor. 3. 5. Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing, as of our selves: but our sufficiencie is of God. Rom. 5. 6. For when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Iohn 15. 5. Without me, ye can do nothing. Iohn 6. 44, 45, 65. No man can come to me, except the Father draw him. Every man there∣fore, that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father cometh unto me.

Must needs be regenerated, &c. John 3. 6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh: and this I say brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inhe∣rit the Kingdome of God: 1 Cor. 15. Iohn 3. 3, 5. Except a man be born of water and of the

spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. 1 Cor. 6. 11. But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the spirit of our God: Tit. 3. 4, 5, 6. Not by works of righteousness which we had done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Savi∣our: 1 Pet. 1. 3, 23. The father of our Lord Jesus Christ hath begotten us again, not of cor∣ruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, &c. See Ezek. 36. 26, 27. Renewed in understanding, will, affections, &c. Ephes. 4. 23. Renewed in the spirit of your mindes: Col. 3. 10. In knowledge: See 1 Cor. 1. 4, 5. Tit. 2. 11. Acts 26. 18. To whom I send thee, to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God: Acts 15 9. God, through the Holy Ghost, purify∣ing their hearts by faith: Heb. 9. 14. The blood of Christ purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God: 1 Pet. 1. 22. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth, through the spirit, and the very God of peace sanctifie you wholly: 1 Thes. 5. 23.

To do that which is savingly good, &c. Mat. 7. 17, 18. and chap. 12. 33, 34, 35. Make the tree good, and his fruit good: Rom. 6. 22. But now being made free from sin, and

become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life: See verse 18.

II.

They hold, that the grace of God is the be∣ginning, proceeding, and fulfilling of all good, so as even the regenerate man himself, with∣out grace preventing, exciting, following, and co-working, cannot think, will, or do good, or resist any temptation to ill: so that the good deeds and actions which any man can conceive, are to be ascribed, to the grace of God in Christ.

Proofes out of holy Scripture.

That the grace of God is the beginning, &c. James 1. 17, 18. Every good gift, and e∣very perfect gift is from above: John 8. 36. [2 Cor. 4. 6.] If the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed: 2 Cor. 3. 17. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is libertie: Phil. 1. 6. & chap, 2. 13. It is God, which hath begun a good work in you, which worketh in you, to will, and to do, of his good pleasure: Heb. 12. 2. The author and finisher of our faith: 2 Thes. 2. 14. Whereunto he called you by our Gospel: See verse 15, 16, 17. & 1 Pet 5. 10. &c. 2 Pet. 1. 1, 3,—His divine power hath given us all

things that pertain to life and godliness.

Or resist any temptation to ill, &c. Where∣fore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand in the evil day: Ephes. 6. 13. Watch and pray, &c. Mat. 26. 41. Lead us not into temptation: Mat. 6. 13.

The good, we do, to be ascribed to the grace of God, &c. 1 Cor. 15. 10. By the grace of God, I am what I am: Gal. 2. 20. The life, that I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God: 1 Pet. 1. 3. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy, hath be∣gotten us again unto a lively hope, &c. 1 Pet. 5. 10, 11. But the God of all grace, who hath called us into his eternal glory, by Christ Jesus; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever, Amen: See Rom. 1. 8. 1 Cor. 1. 4, 5. Ephes. 1. 3. &c. Rom. 16. 25, 26, 27. Rev. 1. 5, 6.

III.

They hold, that to hear Gods word, to be sorry for sin committed, to desire saving grace, and the spirit of renovation (nothing of which, notwithstanding, can a man do without grace) is profitable and needful for the obtaining of faith, and the spirit of reno∣vation.

Proofes out of holy Scripture.

St. Luke 19. 13 Negotiamini dum venio: Trade, till I come; for whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance, Luke 19. 26. See Mat. 13. from v. 10, ro 17. Iohn 6. 45. [See Luke 16. 11, 12. chap. 19. 17.] Every man that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me: Rom. 10. 17. Faith cometh by hearing: Acts 17. 11, 12. They (of Berea) received the word with all readiness of minde, and searched the Scriptures, Therefore many of them believed: Iohn 7. 17. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrin, whether it be of God: See Psal. 25. 12, 14. Psal. 111. 10. Prov. 1. 7. 2 Cor. 7. 10. Godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation: See Acts 2. 37, 38. chap. 16. 29, 30 Prov. 2. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. If thou wilt incline thine ••ar un∣to wisdome, and apply thine heart to understand∣ing—If thou seekest her as silver—Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord: Prov. 8. 17. I love them that love me, and they that seek me early shall finde me: Luke 11. 13. Your heavenly Father will give the spirit to them that ask him: See the example of Sergius Pau∣lus: Acts 13. 7, 12. Especially that of Corne∣lius: Acts 10. 1, 2, 4, 5, 34, 35. See also Gal. 3. 24. Prov. 3. 32. Iob 28. 28. 2 Tim. 2.

21. James 1. 21. 2 Pet. 2. 1, 2. See the reason of the Negative, following.

IV.

They hold, that effectual grace whereby a man is converted is resistible: and though God doth so work upon the will by his word, and the inward operation of his holy spirit, as that he gives both power to believe, and supernatural abilities, and makes a man actual∣ly to believe; yet can man of himself, despise that grace, not believe, and so through his own default perish.

Proofs out of Holy Scripture.

Ezek. 11. 20. compared with the 21. verse. I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh. That they may walk in my statutes, and keep mine Ordinances and do them—But whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things, and their a∣bominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads: Mat. 11. 20, 21, 22, 23. Then began he to upbraid the cities, wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not. Woe unto thee Chorazin, woe un∣to thee Bethsaida: for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre

and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloath and ashes. And thou Capernaum, which art exalted unto Heaven shalt be brought down to Hell: for if the mighty works which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day: Ezek. 24. 13. I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged: Acts 2. 41. They that gladly received his word were baptized: 1 Thes. 2. 13, & 19. [See v. 19. & Acts 11. 21.] Ye received it, not as the word of man, but, (as it is in truth) the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe: See Rom. 1. 16. Acts 13. 46. & 48. Luke 14. 16. &c. Mat. 22. 4, 5. He sent out his servants, saying—All things are ready: coms unto the marriage. But they made light of it: Luke 10. 16. 1 Thes. 4. 8. He that despiseth you, despiseth me: he despiseth not man but God, who hath given us of his spirit: Mat. 23. 37. Luke 13. 34. How often would I have gathered thy children—and ye would not: John 5. 34, 40. These things have I spoken that ye might be saved. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. Prov. 1. 24. &c. Because I have called and ye refused, I have stretched out my hand and ye regarded not, &c. Rom. 2. 4, 5. Despisest thou the ri∣ches of his geodness and forbearance and long suf∣fering, not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Isa. 63. 10. They

rebelled and vexed his holy spirit: See Zach. 7. 11, 12, 13. Acts 5. 7, 51. Ye have alwayes re∣sisted the Holy Ghost, and done despight to the spirit of grace. Heb. 10. 29. And rejected the Counsel of God against themselves. Luke 7. 30. & turn the grace of our God into lascivious∣ness. Jude ep. v. 4. We then as workers toge∣ther with him▪ beseech you also, that ye receive not the grace of God in vain: 2 Cor. 6. 1. & Heb. 12. 15. Looking diligently, ne quis desit gratiae Dei, lest any man be wanting to the grace of God: See Psal. 78. 40. &c. 2 Cor. 3. 15. chap. 4. 4. Also see the Reason of the second Negative following: See Exod. 21. 5, 6. com∣pared with Isa. 61. 1, 2. & Rom. 6. 14, 16.

V.

They hold, that though grace be dispensed in differing measure, according to Gods most free will, yet on all those, to whom, the word of faith is preached, the Holy spirit bestows, or is ready to bestow, so much grace, as is sufficient, in fitting degrees, to bring on their conversion.

Proofs out of Scripture.

In differing measure, &c. Heb. 1. 1, 2. God, who at sundry times, and in diverse man∣ners—hath in these last dayes spoken to us by

his son: Mat. 12. 4. A greater than Jonas is here. Iohn 10. 10. I came that they might have life, and that they might have it more a∣bundantly: Heb. 2. 2, 3. How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation: Mat. 25. 15. To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one. 1 Cor. 12. 4. There are diversi∣ties of gifts. 1 Pet. 4. 10. The grace of God is manifold. Ephes. 4. 16. According to the effectual working in the measure of every part. Rom. 14. 1. Him that is weak in the faith re∣ceive you. 1 Cor. 8. 7. There is not in every man that knowledge.

So much grace as is sufficient, &c. Acts 3. 26. God having raised up his son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities. Acts 5. 31. Him hath God exalted, to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 1 Cor. 1. 30. Christ is made unto us wisdome and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. Tit. 2. 11, 12 [See 2 Chron. 24. 19.] The grace of God which bringeth sal∣vation hath appeared unto all men, &c. Acts 26. 18. To whom I send thee, to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance, &c. 2 Cor. 3. 5, 6. Our sufficiency is of God; who al∣so hath made us able Ministers,—not of the let∣ter,

but of the spirit. Mat. 28. 19, 20. Go ye and teach—and loe I am with you. [Mat. 18. 20.] 2 Cor. 5. 20. Now then we are ambassadours for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christs stead, be ye reconci∣led unto God. 2 Cor. 6. 1. receive not the grace of God in vain.

In fitting degrees, &c. St. Mark 4 33. With many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. Mat. 25. 15. And delivered to his servants his talents, to every one according to his several abilitie, [Agreeable to his capacitie, and competent to his office and imployment, and the exi∣gence of business intrusted to him of his Lord] see Heb. 5. 13, 14. Prov. 4. 18. The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Mat. 13. 12. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance. Luke 16. 10, 11, 12. He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much: If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous Mam∣mon, who will commit to your trust the true ri∣ches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is anothers, who shall give you that which is your own? [If you be not faithful in the use of things temporal, how shall God intrust you with things heavenly and spiritual? Wherefore let us have grace [hold it fast by

imploying it] whereby we may serve God accep∣tably. Heb. 12. 2. 8. and grow in it. 2 Pet. 3. 18.

VI.

They hold, that a man by the grace of the holy spirit, may do more good then indeed he doth, and omit more evil, than indeed he omitteth.

Proofs out of Scripture.

Iohn 15. 22, 24. If I had not come and spo∣ken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak [excuse] for their sin. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen, and hated, both me, and my father. Acts 17. 30. [1 King 21. 25. Zach. 1. 15.] The times of this ignorance God winked at. Deut. 30. 14. with Rom. 10. 6, 8. But the righteousness which is of faith, speaketh on this wise; the word is very nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. [Iohn 8. 32. with 36.] 2 Cor. 3. 17. Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is libertie. Rom. 6. 18. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. Rev. 3. 8. Thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Phil. 4. 13. I am able to do all things, through Christ, which strength∣neth

me. Matthew 11. 21, 23. If the mighty works, which have been done in you, had been done in Tyre, Sidon, or Sodom, they would have repented. See the 4. negative propositions.

VII.

They hold, that whomsoever God calls un∣to salvation, he calleth him seriously, that is, with a sincere, and unfeigned intention and will to save him.

Proofes out of Holy Scripture.

1. His command. Acts 17. 30. But now, he commandeth All men every where to repent.

2. His invitations. 2 Chron. 36. 14, 15, 16. [See 2 Chron. 24. 19.] And the Lord sent to them by his messengers, rising up betimes and sending: Mat. 22. 2, 4. &c. Luke 14. 21. And he sent out his servants—and he sent other ser∣vants, saying, go out quickly—and compel them to come in. Rev. 22. 17. The spirit and the Bride say, come. And let him that heareth, say, come. And let him that is athirst come. And whoso∣ever will, let him take the water of life freely. Isa. 55. 1. Ho every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters. Rev. 3. 20. Behold I stand at the door and knock. Prov. 1. 20. &c. Wisdome cri∣eth without: she uttereth her voice in the streets.

How long ye simple ones—Turn you at my re∣proof: Behold I will pour out my spirit unto you. &c.

3. His reception. Iohn 6. 37. Him that com∣eth to me, I will in no wise cast out. Mat. 11. 28. Come and I will refresh you. Rev. 3. 20. He shall sup with me.

4. His options. 1. For the time past. Psal. 81. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. But my people would not hear. O that my people had hearkned unto me. Isa. 48. 17, 18, 19. Thus saith the Lord thy Redeemer—I am the Lord thy God, which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest goe. O that thou hadst hearkened to my Commandements: then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the Sea. 2. For the future. Deut. 5. 29. O that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep my Com∣mandements alwayes, that it might be well with them. Deut. 32. 29. O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consi∣der their later end.

5. His precations and beseechings. Isa. 65. 2. Rom. 10. 21. I have spread out my hands [a posture of prayer Exod. 9. 29. Psal. 63. 5.] all the day unto a rebellious people. 2 Cor. 5. 20. God doth beseech you by us, we pray you in Christs stead, Be ye reconciled unto God.

6. His obtestations. Deut. 30. 19. I call

heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore chuse life that both thou and thy seed mayest live. Isa. 1. 2. Hear O hea∣vens, and give eare O earth &c.

7. His complaints Micha. 6. 3. O my people, what have I done unto thee, and wherein have I wearied thee? testifie against me. Ier. 2. 5. What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity and are become vain. Ier. 2. 31. Have I been a wilderness &c.

8. His Lamentations. Ier. 4. 14. O Ierusa∣lem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved, how long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee; Mat. 23. 37. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the Prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would not? Luke 19. 41, 42. He beheld the city and wept over it, saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things that belong unto thy peace!

9. His expostulations. Ezek. 18. 31, 32. Cast away from you all your transgressions, and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Ier. 13. last.

10. His increpations and exprobrations. Iohn 5. 40, with 34. These things I say, that

ye may be saved. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. Rom. 2. 4. Despisest thou the riches of his goodnes—not knowing, that the goodness of the Lord leadeth thee unto repen∣tance? Ier. 13. last. Woe unto thee, O Jerusa∣lem: wilt thou not be made clean? When shall it once be?

11. His Comminations and threatnings. Ezek. 18. 30. Therefore will I judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his wayes, saith the Lord God; repent and turn your selves from all your transgressions: so iniquity shall not be your ruine. Ier. 18. 10, 11. Now therefore go to, speak to the men of Judah—saying, thus saith the Lord, behold I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return ye now every one from his evil way, and make your wayes and your doings good.

12. His oath and Protestation. Ezek. 33. 11. As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil wayes; for why will ye die, O house of Israel? Are not these arguments of seriousness? Judg. 13. 23. If the Lord were pleased to kill us,—he would not have shewed us all these things, nor have told us such things as these. See the Reason of the fifth Negative.