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 utterly denie Concerning Predestination.

I.

They do utterly denie, that God decreed to elect some to eternal life, and to reprobate others from the same, before he decreed to create them.

The Reason of this.

Not to elect some, &c. For he hath chosen us in Christ. Ephes. 1. 4. But in Christ we can∣not be, unless we be considered, 1. As sin∣ners, 2. As believers; and therefore Crea∣tures, 1. As sinners. For 1 Tim. 1. 15. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, [See Mat. 1. 21. Iohn 1. 29. Mat. 18. 11. Luke 19. 10. John 6. 51. Heb. 2. 14. &c. 2 Cor. 5. 19. &c. See all the places cited for salvation by faith.]

2. As believers. For, John 1. 12. They that receive him are they that believe in his name. See Ephes. 3. 17.

Not to reprobate others, &c. For reproba∣tion is an act of Gods hatred, who hateth nothing but sin and for sin, which the creature could not be guilty of before it had a being. Exod. 32.

33. [See Ezek. 18. 23. Chap. 33. 11.] Whoso∣ever hath sinned him will I blot out. Ezek. 18. 4, 20. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. See all those places where damnation is said to be for sin, especially for infidelitie. See also those places cited to shew Gods hatred of sin, and his inclination to mercy, as Exod. 33. 18, 19. Chap. 34. 6, 7. Lam. 3. 33. Psal. 145. 8, 9. Ezek. 33. 11. 2 Pet. 3. 9. Ezek. 18. 23, 32. Mat. 25. 41. Hell made for Devils.

II.

They do not hold, that any such decree in order before the decree of Creation, was made for the demonstration of the glory of Gods mercy and justice, or power and abso∣lute dominion.

The Reason of this.

1. Ier. 18. 4. The vessel that he made of clay, was marred in the hand of the potter; so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. See to the 10, 1••. vers. [See Isa. 27. 11. last part. Hos. 9. 15.]

(2.) Isa. 49. 8, & 6. verses. I will give thee for a Covenant of the people to restore Israel, and inlighten the Gentiles. And verse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Thou art my servant, O Israel, [Christ] in whom

I will be glorified: [See Iohn 15. v. 8 & Pro∣verbs 14. 28.] Consider what is noted before, and what followeth, for further evidence of this.

III.

They do utterly denie, that God did, with this intent, create all men in Adam, ordain the fall and permission thereof, withdraw from Adam grace necessary and sufficient, or procureth the Gospel to be preached, and men to be externally called, and bestoweth certain gifts of the Holy Ghost upon them, (and all this with this intent) that these should be means whereby he would bring some unto life, and disappoint others of the benefit thereof according to such decree.

The reason hereof (in the several branches) is to be collected from the proof of the foregoing and following articles; yet that it may further appear.

1. That God did not create, &c. Consi∣der that He made man after his own image: Gen. 1. 27.

2. Gave him the tree of life. Gen. 2. 9.

3. That he hates sin: Psalm 5. 4, 5. Hab. 1. 13.

4. And cannot be tempted with evil James 1. 13, 14, 15, 17.

5. And desireth not the death of a sinner: Ezek. 18. 31. c. 33. 11.

6. That sin was from the suggestion of the Devil: Gen. 3. 1.

7. And mans voluntary compliance with him: Eccles. 7. 29.

2. That he procureth not the Gospel, &c. Consider,

1. He is merciful to all: Psalm 145. 8, 9. Acts 14. 16, 17. Chapter 17. 26, 27. Would not that any should perish: Ezek. 18. 23, 31. & Cha. 33. 11. [See John 3. 17. 2 Chron. 24. 19. But that all should come to faith and repentance: 1 Tim. 2. 4. 2 Pet. 3. 9. And,

2. Christ having died for all: 2 Cor. 5. 19, 20. Heb. 2. 9. He invites all: Mat. 11. 28. And upbraids such as wilfully refuse to embrace his offered grace and salvation: Iohn 5. 34, 40.

IV.

They do utterly denie, that Christ the Me∣diator is only the executor of the decree of E∣lection, and not the foundation thereof.

The places cited (above) in proof of the affir∣mative is sufficient reason hereof. And note here once for all, that whensoever the Affirma∣tive is sufficiently proved, the Negative is there∣by utterly overthrown; because both parts of a contradiction can never be true.

V.

They do utterly deny, that the cause why some are effectually called, justified, perse∣vere in faith, and are glorified is, because they are absolutely elected to eternal life.

The Reason.

Acts 10. 34, 35. [See Gen. 4. 6, 7.] God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him and worketh righteousness is accepted with him. Rom. 10. 11, 12. For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him, shall not be ashamed: for the same Lord over all, is rich un∣to all, that call upon him. See Jam. 2. 5. 2 Thes. 2. 13. and all the rest of those places cited above for the affirmative conditional Election.

VI.

They do utterly deny, that the cause why others are left in the lapse, and Christ not gi∣ven to them, and that they are not at all, or uneffectually called, and so hardened and damned, is, because they are reprobated from eternal life by an antecedent decree.

The Reason.

Prov. 5. 22. [See Mic. 7. 18.] His own ini∣quities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sin. Isa. 59. 2. But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you. See the places cited above for the affirmative, viz. for respective reprobation. Al∣so the Texts cited for Christs satisfaction, and the administration of necessary and sufficient means unto salvation.

VII.

They do utterly deny, that God did de∣cree, without respect unto actual sins com∣ing between, to leave in the fall of Adam, the far greater part of mankinde shut out of all hope of salvation.

The Reason.

Gen. 3. 15. ch. 9. 8, 9. Isa. 49. 8. Christ is promised and given for a Covenant and means of restauration. Gen. 22. 16, 18. [See Rom. 1. 18. chap. 2. 8. Deut. 24. 16. 2 King. 14. 6. Eph. 5. 7, 11.] See the Texts cited for his satisfaction. Ezek. 18. 2, 3, 4. What mean ye that ye use this proverb, The Fathers have eaten sowr grapes and the childrens teeth are set on edge? As I live saith the Lord God, ye shall not ha••e occasion any more to use this Proverb. Be∣hold

all souls are mine, as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die. Ier. 31. 29, 30. They shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sowr grape and the childrens teeth are set on edge. But eve∣ry one shall die for his own iniquity, every man that eateth the sowr grape, his teeth shall be set on edge. [See Isa. 27. 11. It is a people with∣out understanding, therefore he that made them will have no pity on them. Gen. 4. 6, 7.] Eph. 5. 5, 6. The wrath of God cometh upon the children of disobedience. Prov. 1. 24. &c. Because I have called and ye refused &c. 1 Cor. 9. 27. I keep under my body and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I my selfe should be a cast∣away. See Prov. 5. 22. Isa. 59. 2.

VIII.

They do utterly deny, that God did de∣stin by an absolute decree, to give Christ a Mediator only to the Elect, and to give faith to them alone by an effectual calling, to justifie and continue them in the faith, and glorifie them alone.

The reason of this appears in the Texts cited above for Christs satisfaction, and those which follow for the universality of his merit, in the Second Article or Question. To which nothing is needful to be added.

IX.

They do utterly deny, that many, even all the reprobates, are rejected from eternal life, and means lufficient thereunto by an ab∣solute and antecedent decree, so as neither the merit of Christ, nor vocation, nor any gift of the spirit, can, or do avail unto their Salvation.

The Reason.

Because God created man after his own image and approved him to be very good. Gen. 1. 27, 31. and to the judge of all the earth, the righte∣ous are not (dealt with) as the wicked. Gen. 18. 25. For he is good to all and his tender mer∣cy is over all his works. Psal. 145. 8, 9. He will not the death of a sinner. Ezek. 18. & ch. 33. almost throughout. [See Iob 34. 23.] 1 Tim. 2. 4. 2 Pet. 3. 9. Mans destruction is of himself. Hos. 13. 9. Rom 6. 23. ch. 1. 32. for he despiseth mercy. Rom. 2. 4, 5. Luk. 7. 30. Acts 13. 46. See Mat. 22. 2. to the 15. Luke 14. 24. Hebr, 10. 26. &c. Iohn 3. 19. [See 2 Chron. 24. 19. and 36. 15, 16.] This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world and men love darkness rather then light, because their deeds are evill. Ezek. 24. 13. In filthiness is lewdness, because I have purged

thee and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee. 2 Thess. 2. 10, 11, 12. [See Prov. 1. 29, 30, 31. Rom. 2. 8. c. 1. 18.] Because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved. For this cause, God shall send them strong delusions, that they should believe a lye: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. See likewise all the places cited for the affirmative, viz. respective reprobation.

X.

They do utterly deny, that God hath de∣stined Reprobates (as they are called) to infi∣delity, impiety, and sins, as means and causes of their damnation.

The Reason.

1. God himself hath stigmatized Jeroboam with this Character, (as a brand of infamy) 2 King. 23. 15. Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. And Hab. 2. 15. Wo unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that put∣test thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also; that thou mayest look on their nakedness.

2. If a Prince should make a decree to take away the life of his subject, and then necessi∣tate

him by force, or winde him in by subtle∣ty, to be instrumental (and subservient to his own ends) in the perpetration of an act, which, the said Prince himself, hath made to be cri∣minal, that the execution of his said subject might appear to be just; this argues cleerly, that his first decree against him, even by the verdict of his own conscience, was unjust, and so is his execution also.

3. It is accounted an act of horrid tyranny in Tiberius, who because it was unlawful to strangle Virgins, He caused the hangman first to defloure a virgin, and afterward to strangle her. See also the Reason of the next.

XI. They do utterly deny, that God is the Au∣thor of sin.

The Reason.

1. Because He is Holy and a pattern of holi∣ness. Lev. 11. 44. ch. 19. 2. 1 Pet. 1. 15, 16.

2. His wayes are right and equal and he can do no iniquity. Ezek. 18. 25, 29. Hos. 14. 19. Psal. 45. 7. & 92. 16. Zeph. 3. 5. Deut. 32. 4.

3. He hates sin. Psal 5. 4, 5. & 45. 7. Prov. 11. 20. Isa. 59. 2. Deut. 12. 31. Isa. 61. 8. Zee. 8. 17. Am. 6. 8. Ier. 44. 4. Hab. 1. 13.

4. 'Tis a burden to him. Isa 7. 13. ch. 43. 24.

5. He forbids sin. Exod. 20. 1. &c. Iob 36. 21. Ezek. 45. 9. Rom. 6. 12. 1 Cor. 15. 34.

6. He cannot be tempted with evil. Jam. 1. 13, 14, 15.

7. He is provoked to anger by it. Isa. 3. 8. Hos. 12. 14. Exod. 23. 21. Mark 3. 5.

8. 'Tis enmity to him. Rom. 8. 7.

9. 'Tis the work of the Devil. Ioh. 8. 44. Gen. 3. 1.

10. He sent his Son to destroy it. 1 Iohn 3. 8. Tit. 2. 14. 1 Pet. 1. 18.

11. He doth revenge it and punish the sinner for it. Jer. 5. 25, 29. Deut. 18. 12, 13. Rom. 1. 18. Eph. 5. 6. Psal. 11. 5, 6.

12. Mans destruction is from himself. Hos. 13. 9. Prov. 5. 22.

XII.

They do utterly deny, that election of particular persons is made without considera∣tion of faith and perseverance therein, as the condition prerequired in him that is to be cho∣sen [unto glory.]

The Reason.

Ps. 103. 17, 18. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him [considered as such] Ps. 3. 3. The Lord hath set apart the man that is godly for himself. Ps. 50. ult. To him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God, Rev. 3. 4. Thou

hast a few names, even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. Isa. 48. 10. I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. Jam. 1. 12. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Heb. 6. 12. Who through faith and patience inher it the promise. See Heb. 10. 36. Rev. 7. 14, 15. See also the proofes of the 2 and 4 affirmatives.

XIII.

They do utterly deny, that particular men are reprobated from eternal life without consi∣deration had of sin and infidelity, and perse∣verance therein, as going before.

The Reason.

Exod. 32. 33. Whosoever sinneth—Him will I blot out. [See the 2 & 4 Affirmative] Rev. 22. 15. Without are doggs. 1 Cor. 6. 9. The un∣righteous shall not inherit the kingdome of God See 2 Thess. 2. 12. Luke 14. 17, 21, with 24. verse.

A general reason of both the former Negatives.

The execution of Gods decree sheweth what the decree it selfe was; for God worketh (in time) all things according to the counsel of his own will [from eternity,] Eph. 1. 11. So that man must be considered in the decree, as he is considered in the execution of it; otherwise the act decreeing, and the act executing should have respect to different Objects, and Conse∣quently, this act could not properly be called the execution of that Decree. Ex. Gr. If a decree be past against T B as a Malefactor, and R S doth arrest T B being clear and innocent; this action cannot be said to be the execution of the former decree, which was made against T B the Malefactor, though R S pretends to do it in persuance of the same. So in other Cases, But in the executi∣on of the divine decree [of Election and Re∣probation] We see men are looked upon ac∣cording to their several qualifications Mat. 25. 31. & 41. Then shall the King say—Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdome pre∣pared for you: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat. Goe ye Cursed: For I was &c. Rom. 2. 6, 7, 8, 9. He shall render to every man according to his works. To them who by patient continuance in well doing, seek for glory, and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness; indignation

and wrath: Rom. 8. 13. For if ye live after the flesh ye shall die: but if ye through the spirit, do mortifie the deeds of the body ye shall live: See Psal. 11. 5. To the end; an Emphatical place.

Concerning Children, They hold.

That all the children of the faithful are san∣ctified in Christ; so as none of them depart∣ing this life, before they come to the use of reason, can perish.

Proofs out of Scripture.

Gen. 3. 15. The seed of the woman, shall bruise the Serpents head. This seed (which is Christ) was promised, before ever any seed of mankinde was conceived: Mat. 18. 11. Luke 19. 10. [See Mat. 18. 11, 12.] Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost: 1 John 3. 8. He came to destroy the works of the Devil: Rom. 5. 12, 18. As by the offence of one judge∣ment came upon all men to condemnation: even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life: Hebrews 2. 14, 15, 17. For as much as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself took part of the same, that through death he might de∣stroy

him who had the power of death, that is the Devil and deliver—and make reconciliation, &c. [Consider 1 John 2. 12. with Mat. 19. 14.] Suffer little children to come unto me, and for∣bid them not; for of such is the Kingdome of God. See Psal. 127. 3.