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.

What the Remonstrants do not hold, touching the said Ar∣ticles, viz. Gods grace and Mans Conversion.

I.

THey do not hold, that all Zeal, Care, and Study for the obtaining of Salvation, which a man shall use before he hath faith, and the spirit of renovation, is vain and to no purpose; much lesse, that 'tis rather hurtful, than profitable and fruitful to him.

The Reason.

1. The neglect hereof is complained of. Isa. 64. 7. There is none that stirreth up him∣self to take hold of thee. [Isa. 44. 19.] Iob 35. 10, 11. But none saith, where is God my maker?—Who teacheth us more then the beasts of the earth, and maketh us wiser then the fouls of hea∣ven? See Ier. 5. 24. & ch. 8. 6. No man re∣pented him of his wickednesse, saying, what have I done?

2. This neglect is threatned Luke 16. 10, 12. He that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much. If therefore you have not been faithful in that which is anothers &c. Rom. 1. 21. Be∣cause when they knew God, they glorified him not as God.

3. This is a duty expected even of the Heathens. Act. 17. 27. That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and finde him.

4. And 'tis commanded. He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear. Isa. 46. 8. Remem∣ber this, and shew your selves men. Jam. 1. 5. If any of you lack wisdome, let him aske of God. Strive to enter in at the streight gate [Ier. 4. 3.] Luke 3. 4, 6. Prepare the way of the Lord. Hos. 10. 12.

5. This is commended as a disposition and preparative to faith in Christ, and the spirit of renovation. Mat. 13. 10, 11, 12. To him that hath shall be given; To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdome of heaven. Mat. 11. 5, 25, 26. Thou hast revealed them to babes. Even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. [Iohn 10. 27.] Iohn 3. 21. But he that doth truth, cometh to the light. Luke 8. 15. That on the good ground, are they, which in an honest, and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. Mark 19. 14. Of such is the kingdome of God.

6. This care and study is incouraged. Mat. 12. 20. He will not quench the smoaking flax, nor break the bruised reed. Isa. 55. 1. Mat. 11. 28. Ho every one that thirsteth, that labours: Jam. 4. 8. Draw nigh unto God, and he will dnaw nigh to you. Neh. 1. 11. They that desire to fear thy Name. Psal. 38. 9.

7. He adjourns the judgment, upon Ahabs humiliation. 1 King. 21. 27, 29. [See 2 Chr. 12. 12. Exod. 1. 17, 20, 21.]

8. He sends direction to such as are prick∣ed to the heart, and inquire after him, Acts 2. 37, 38. To the Publicans and Souldiers, Luke 3. 8, 10. To the Jailor. Act. 16. 29, 30. To Cornelius after a most eminent and extraor∣dinary manner. Act. 10. 1. to 35.

9. He gives persons of such study and incli∣nations, satisfaction and a blessing. Mat. 5. 6. Blessed are they, that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled. See Luk. 1. 53. Mat. 11. 28. God is a rewarder of all them that diligently seek him. Heb. 11. 6. Arise therefore, and be doing, and the Lord be with thee. 1 Chr. 22. 16.

II.

They do utterly deny, that effectual grace, whereby a man is converted, is an unresistible power.

The Reason.

1. Conversion is injoyned us as our duty and we are exhorted to it with promises and threatnings. Prov. 1. 22. Ezek. 18. 30, 32. Ier. 7. 3. Turn ye, turn ye.

2. 'Tis a matter of Choice. Deut. 30. 19. Jos. 24. 15. Chuse whom ye will serve, chuse life. [2 Cor. 5. 20. Isa. 1. 19, 20.]

3. The duty and the grace enabling to it may be neglected. 2 Cor. 6. 1. Hebr. 2. 3. How shall we escape if we neglect so great salva∣tion. Jer. 36. 6, 7. Therefore we are admo∣nished. Hebr. 3. 7, 8. Psal. 95. 7, 8. Harden not your hearts. [Some temper of minde bet∣ter qualified: See the 1. Negat.

4. God requires our endeavours (1,) by way of preparation: laying aside the vail. 2 Cor. 3. 15. prejudice [John 7. 3. 4, 5, 52.] ambition. [Iohn 5. 44. ch, 12. 42, 43.] all ma∣lice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all superfluity of naughtiness. [See Act. 13. 45. Luke 16. 14.] that we may with meekness, [Psal. 25. 9, 12, 14. See Acts 2. 41.] as new born babes receive the ministeries of grace. Jam. 1. 21. 1 Pet. 2. 1, 2. And as many as [being in pur∣suit of the world to come] were [thus] ordained, [addicted, disposed] to eternal life, believed. Acts 13. 48.

5. When being wrought into this temper and frame of spirit, by Gods preventing grace, we are fit for the kingdome of Christ. [Luke 9. 62.] God requires our endeavours, by way of cooperation, to make his saving grace effectual (which argues 'tis not an unresistible power) Rev. 3. 20. Behold I stand at the doore and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door. [Which doore turns upon two hinges, faith and obedience, Rom. 1. 16. 1 Thess. 2. 13. Ephesians 3. 17. Romans 6. 17.] I will come in to him &c.

6. That this grace is not unresistible, ap∣pears further: By Gods option: O that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me &c. (as above.)

7. He complains also of mens perverseness and contumacy, obstructing the work of grace in themselves. [See Mark 6. 6.] Isa 5. 4. What could have been done more to my Vineyard that I have not done in it? [Mat. 3. 15.] Ezek. 12. 2. They have eyes to see, and see not: they have ears to hear, and hear not, for they are a rebellious house. Isa. 63. 7, 8, 9, 10. But they rebelled and vexed his holy spirit; & Zech. 7. 10, 11, 12. But they refused to hearken, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. Yea, they made their hearts as an Adamant-stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts hath

sent in his spirit, by the former Prophets.

8. Some are captivated to the obedience of this grace, whiles others stand out in rebellion against the power of it Act. 2. 41. ch. 13. 48 with 45. Some gladly receive it, others do thrust it from them, contradicting and blaspheming. See 1 Thess. 2. 13. with 2 Thess. 2. 10, 11. Ezek. 3. 5, 6, 7. Thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech—surely had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee: but the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee, Mat. 11. 20, 21, 22. Tyre and Sidon, and Sodome would have repented: but you will not. Matth. 12. 41. The men of Nineveh repented at the preaching of Jonas; but [you resist a greater light and force of grace] behold, a greater then Jonas is here. 2 Cor. 2. 14, 15, 16. To the one we are the savour of life unto life; and to the other the savour of death unto death.

9. The Lord punisheth the refractary, for resisting the work of his grace and spirit. Heb. 6. 7, 8. For the earth which drinketh in the rain—and bringeth forth fruit—receiveth bles∣sing from God. But that which beareth thorns and briars, is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing, whose end is to be burned. Prov. 1. 24. &c. Be∣cause I have called and ye refused &c. Zech. 7. 11, 12, 13. Therefore came a great wrath from the Lord. Iohn 3. 19. This is the condemnati∣on, that light is come into the world, and men

love darkness, rather than light. Ezek. 24. 13. [See Mat. 13. 15. &c. Acts 28. 24. &c. 2 Chron. 24. 19, 20.] In thy filthiness is lend∣ness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy fil∣thiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee: James 4. 6. God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. See the 4. and 7. Affirmatives.

III.

They do utterly denie, that God doth be∣stow grace sufficient for faith and couversion, only upon those, whom according to the de∣cree of his Election, he willeth to convert un∣resistibly, and that he neither doth, nor wil∣leth to bestow on the Reprobates grace neces∣sary to faith and salvation.

The Reason.

1. Psal. 145. 8, 9. The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. 1 Tim. 2. 3, 4. He will have all men to be saved. 2 Pet. 3. 9. He will not that any perish. Mark 16. 15. with 20. Go preach the Gospel to every Creature—and they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signes fol∣lowing.

Isa. 5. 4. What could have been done more. [See Mark 6. 6. & Jer. 36. 6, 7.] Ezek. 18. 31. Why will ye die. Ezek. 33. 11. As I live, saith the Lord, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, &c. See the proofs for conditionate Election, Administration of ne∣cessary and sufficient means, and the serious∣ness of Gods call: being the 7. affirm. pro∣pos. above.

2. He threatens to withdraw his grace from men, only for their stubbornness and rebellion against him and it. Mat. 21. 41, 43. There∣fore—the Kingdome of God shall be taken from you. Rev. 2. 5. Or else I will remove thy Candlestick out of his place. Luke 14. 24. None of those men which were bidden shall tast of my supper. Luke 13. 34. with chap. 19 42. How often would I, and ye would not?—But now are they hidden from thine eyes. Matth. 13. 12, 13, 14, 15. But whosoever hath not (made good use of preventing grace) from him shall be taken away, even that he hath. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing, see not: And in them is fulfilled the prophesie of Isaias, by hearing ye shall hear, and shall not under∣stand—for their eyes have they closed, lest at any times they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted and I should heal them. See Acts 28: 26. &c. Rom. 1. 18. 21,

24, 25, 28. Who hold the truth in unrighteous∣ness—and turn it into a lie, for this cause God gave them up to vile affections. 2 Thess. 2. 10, 11, 12. Because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved, for this cause God gave them up. Prov. 1. 24. &c. Because I have called, and ye refused—Ye also shall call and I will not answer you; I will laugh at your calamities. James 4. 6. God resisteth the proud but giveth grace to the humble. See the Texts cited against Absolute Reprobation. 1 Chron: 28. 9. 2 Chron. 15. 2. 1 Pet. 2. 7, 8. Zach. 9: 15. with 17. I will love them no more; because they did not hearken.

IV.

They do utterly denie, that God is simply unwilling that a man should do (1.) more good than he doth, or (2.) omit more evil than he omitteth; or that he hath precisely decreed from Eternitie, that both [Good and Evil] should be so done, as they are.

The Reason.

1. His command.

Thou shalt love the Lord thy God, with all thy heart, and with all thy minde and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength. 1 Thes. 5. 22.

Abstain from all appearance (kinde) of evil. Ephes. 5. 11. Have no fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. Mich. 6. 3. [See Phil. 3. 12, 13, 14, 15.] Wherein have I wearied thee? Mat. 11. 29. Myyoak is easie. 2 Cor. 6. 1. Re∣ceive not the grace of God in vain. 2 Pet. 3. 18. Grow in grace. Luke 19. 12, 13. &c. Negotiami∣ni dum venio. Trade till I come. Verse 20. &c. Wherefore (hast thou kept my talent in a napkin, and) gavest it not into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? &c. Cast that unprofitable servant, &c. Gal 5. 7. Ye did run well, who drive you back?

2. Jude Epist. verse 10. But what they know naturally, as bruit beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Eccles. 8. 11. Their heart is fully set in them to do evil. Mich. 2. 1. They devise iniquity upon their beds. Job 24. 13. They rebel against the light. Consider verse 15, 16, 17. [See Rom. 1. 32. and Isa. 30. 8, 9, 10, 11.] See the proofs of the Affirmative in the sixt Assertion.

V.

They do utterly denie, that God doth out∣wardly call some, whom he is unwilling in∣wardly to call, and truly to convert, and that before they have rejected the grace of conver∣sion.

The Reason.

1. 1 Tim. 1. 15. Luke 19. 10. This is a faithful saying, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Mat. 9. 13. To call sinners to repentance: Rom. 16. 25, 26. To call them to the obedience of faith. 1 Thes. 4. 7. Ʋnto ho∣liness. 1 Pet. 2. 9. [Ephes. 1. 12.] Out of dark∣ness, into his marvelous light, that we might set forth his praise. Why should he not be seri∣ous in all this, seeing 'tis according to his pur∣pose and grace? 2 Tim. 1. 9.

2. And the motive of it is, his Compassion. 2 Chron. 36. 15. The Lord sent to them by his messengers: because he had compassion on his peo∣ple. But they mocked the messengers, &c. [See 2 Chron. 24. 19. Mark 12. 6, 7. Rom. 1. 7. Isa. 63. 7, 8, 9, 10. Beloved, and called:] I will mention the loving kindness of the Lord—He was their Saviour in all their afflictions, he was afflicted—in his love and in his pity he re∣deemed them. But they rebelled and vexed his holy spirit. With this affection the Lord calls such as are finally disobedient. See 1 Pet. 3. 19. with chapter 4. 6. Till they provoke him to wrath, that there be no remedy left: 2 Chron. 36. 16. This affection is testified, by options, and intreaties, by expostulations and increpati∣ons, by his lamentations and oath. See the

proofes of the seventh Affirmative.

3. His charge: Acts 20. 28. Ezek. 33. 7. Son of man, I have set thee, a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from mee. When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou doest not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquitie: but his blood will I require at thine hand.

4. His expectation: [1 Pet. 3. 20.] Isa. 5. 2. He looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wilde grapes.

5. His appeal to our own judgement in the cases: Isa. 5. 3, 4. Judge I pray you betwixt me, and my vineyard. What could have been done more to my vineyard, (dare any man al∣ledge the want of a serious inward call?) That I have not done in it? Wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wilde grapes? [Luke 14. 21. He was angry at their refusal.] Ezek. 18. 29. &c. O house of Is∣rael, are not my waye equal? Are not your wayes unequal?

6. He charges their non-conversion (as was proved above) upon their own refractariness: and punisheth them for it: Jer. 25. 4. & cha. 35. 15. 1 Sam. 2. 30. (1.) with desertion: [Rom. 1. 28.] 2 Chron. 36. 16. & 2 Thes. 2. 10, 11, 12, & (2.) with destruction: 2 Thes. 1. 8. See

the proofes of the seventh Affirmative.

VI.

They do utterly denie, that there is a se∣cret will in God, so contrary to his will re∣vealed in his word, that according to his secret will he nilleth the conversion and salvation of the greatest part of those, whom by the word of his Gospel and revealed will, he seriously calleth and inviteth to faith and salvation; so as there should be acknowledged in God, a holy simulation and a double person.

The Reason.

1. He calls us out of compassion and accord∣ing to his purpose and grace: [See 2 Chron. 24. 19. Mark 12. 6.] 2 Chron. 36. 15. & 2 Tim. 1. 9.

2. He is a God of truth, and adds his oath for confirmation of our faith in this particular. He cannot lic, nor denie himself: Numb. 23. 19. Titus 1. 2. Heb. 6. 18. 2 Tim. 2. 13.

3. He condemneth a double heart and pu∣nisheth dissemblers and Hypocrites, no less then unbelievers: Mat. 24. 51. Luke 12. 46.

4. And besides, our conversion, sanctifica∣tion, and salvation, is according to his secret, acceptable and perfect will: Ephes. 1. 9. 1 Thes.

4. 3. Rom. 12. 2. See the proofs of the seventh affirmative: see 1 Tim. 2. 3, 4.

VII.

They do utterly denie, that God calleth Reprobates for these ends, viz. that he may harden them the more, make them unexcu∣sable, punish them the more grievously, ma∣nifest their weakness; and not, for this end, that they may be converted, believe and be sa∣ved.

The Reason.

See it in the Reasons of the 5. and 6. Nega∣tives, immediately foregoing; to which adde Ephes. 4. 1. I therefore the pri∣soner * 1.1 of the Lord, beseech you, that ye walk worthy of the vocati∣on, wherewith ye are called. And what answer doth such a call deserve, as is given to no other end then those now menti∣oned? But God calleth us with an holy calling. 2 Tim. 1. 9. And he saith unto me, write. Blessed are they, which are called unto the mar∣riage supper of the lamb. And he saith unto me, these are the true sayings of God: Rev. 19. 9. [Luke 10. 24. Mat. 16. 17.]

2. He upbraids such as make no better use of his calls, then to aggravate their own dam∣nation.

Deut. 29. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Ezek. 2. 5. John 15. 22, 24. & John 5. 34, 40. These things I say that ye might be saved. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. Rom. 2. 4, 5. Despisest thou the riches of his goodness—not knowing that the goodness of God, leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hard∣ness, and impenitent heart, treasurest up unto thy self wrath against the day of wrath? Se proofes of the 7. Affirm.

VIII.

They do utterly deny, that by the force and efficacy of the secret will and decree of God, not onely good things, but evill do ne∣cessarily come to pass.

The Reason.

1. 'Tis mans duty to eschew evil and doe good [Psal. 34. 13. 1 Pet. 3. 11.] (See 2 Sam. 24. 12, 13. 1 Sam. 23. 11, 12.) good being commanded upon promise of life, and evill forbidden under peril of damnation. Matth. 19. 17. If thou wilt enter into life keep the Com∣mandments. Rom. 1. 18. The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth of God in unrighte∣ousness. See verse 32.

2. The good and evil, which men do, are matters of choice, [See John 19. 11. Ios. 24. 15, 22.] Isa. 1. 19, 20. If ye be willing and obedient &c. But if ye refuse and rebel &c. Ezek. 2. 5. Whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, &c. See Ier. 36. 6, 7. Mic. 2. 1. Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil upon their beds: when the morning is light they practise it, because it is in the power of their hand. [Mat. 17. 12.] 1 Cor. 7. 36. Let him do what he will. See Deut 30. 19.

3. Gods exprobration. Ier. 5. 22, 23. under different lawes.

4. Good and evil are attended with praise and dispraise which such actions deserve not as come to pass Necessarily. The wise shall inhe∣rit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools. Prov. [Phil. 4. 8. Rom. 2. last.] Rom. 13. 3. Doe that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same. [1 Cor. 4. 5.] 1 Pet. 2. 19, 20. This is thank-worthy with God. Well done good and faithful servant. Luke 19. See Gal. 6. 4. Who seek for glory and honour and immortality. Rom. 2. 7.

5. God propounds examples to our imitation.

6. That is omitted which God loves, and that comes to pass which He hateth. [See Ier. 44. 4, 5.] Isa. 65. 12. & 66. 4. They did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that, wherein I delighted not. Zech. 8. 17. All

these are things that I hate. See Ier. 44. 4, 5. [1 King. 20. 42.]

7. Lastly, God is sometimes said to expect that which doth not come to pass. [See Mark 12. 6. Ezek. 22. 30.] 1 Pet. 3. 20. When once the long suffering of God waited, in the dayes of Noah. Isa. 5. 2, 4. He looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wilde grapes. See the places cited for Gods hatred of sin, and against Absolute, antece∣dent decrees.

The state of the Controversie, touching the work of grace, in the Conversion of man.

Whether a man, when God seriously wills that he believe, and be converted, can nill to believe and convert.

Notes

• * 1.1

  See. 2. Chron. 24. 19. His design is to re∣duce them. Mark 12. 6. Rom. 1. 7. Belo∣ved, and called.