APracticalDiscourseonGod's

Sovereignty

byElishaColes

TableofContents

TotheReaderbyWilliamRomaineTotheChristianReaderbyThomasGoodwinTheThirdForwardbyJohnOwenFourthForwardbyUnknownAuthorTheAuthor'sPrefaceTheIntroductionChapter1:RighteousnessofGodChapter2:ElectionChapter3:RedemptionChapter4:EffectualCallingChapter5:Perseverance

ToTheChristianReader

ByWilliamRomaine

CHRISTIANREADER,

ThisbookisastudyofthedoctrinesofGrace.ThesedoctrinesarethetruthsofGod.Theauthorofthisbookhasdefendedthemmasterfully.HehasnotonlyprovedthemtobeplainlyrevealedintheScriptures,buthasalsoshownthattheyareofgreatimportancetothechildrenofGodfordailyuse.IfChristiansdidnotbelievethemstronglytheywouldnotbeabletogoontheirwayrejoicing.Itisfromunderstandingthesedoctrines

alonethatasettledpeacecanruletheconscience,theloveofGodbemaintainedintheheart,andaholywalkiskeptupandChristianwarfarethatreflectstheGospelisseen.Itisfromthemthatallgoodworksproceed,andthatallfruitsofholinessabound,tothepraiseofthegloryofthegraceofGod.

InthepracticalviewofthesepointsElishaColesissingularlyexcellent.HehasbroughtthesedeeptruthsintotheChristian’sdailyuse,andhasprovedthemtobeabsolutelynecessaryindailyexperience.Soweseethesedoctrinesarenotonly“truths,”butare“usefultruths”totheChristian.OnthesetwoaccountshisbookhasbeengreatlyesteemedbytrueChristians.OntheseIwouldrecommendit(asapprovedinmyownjudgment):thatitisanexcellentstudyofWordofGod,andthatthesetruthsaresousefulthatuntilIreceivedtheminmyheartIcouldnotenjoytheblessingsandcomfortsofthepreciousGospel.

Oppositiontothesedoctrineswillalwaysbemadeaslongastherearepeopleintheworldwhoplacesomeconfidenceintheflesh.Thesepeoplearepleasedwiththeirownworks,andfondoftakingcredittothemselves.ButthewordofGodisnotofdoubtfulinterpretationtothosewhorejoiceinChristJesus.Theyarethankfulforafreegracesalvation,andwhiletheyenjoythethingsthataccompanyit,withtheirlipsandlivestheydesiretoblesstheGodofalltheirmercies.

ThisisaneweditionandIrecommendittomyfriendsfrommyheart.Iwishitmightbeasusefultoallwhoreadit,asithasbeentome.MaytheLordblessit,andallowittobethemeansofbuildinguphispeopleintheirmostholyfaith!

WILLIAMROMAINE.

ToTheChristianReader

ByThomasGoodwin

TOTHECHRISTIANREADER

Thisexcellentstudysufficientlycommendsitselftothosethatareacquaintedandexercisedintruereligion.Itcontainsallthatthebeliever’ssoulswillliveoneveryday.Itisalife-givingapplicationofthetruthsoftheBibleforeveryChristian.Here,childrenoftheMostHighwillenjoyandexercisesweetcommunionwithGodtheFather,andhisSonJesusChrist,theMediatorofthenewcovenant.Heretheywillfindbetterhopesandsurerpromisesofthedoctrinesofgrace.

IhaveknowntheAuthorforaverylongtime(about28years).Hehasaspiritthatisgreatlyaddictedto,andaffectedwith,thesavoryknowledgeofthetruthsdeliveredhere.TheDoctrinesofgracehavebeenwrittenonwidelyinscholarlycircles.Eventhoughhehasnothadtheuseandhelpofforeignlanguages,yetImaycomparehimwiththatofTimothyin1Timothy4:6,“Hehasbeenlongnourishedupinthewordsoffaithandgooddoctrine.”HereheissowellversedintheBiblethatheisabletocutthestrongestsinewsoftheirbestobjectionsandestablishthetruthsinthisbook.Also,inordertoestablishthepositivetruth,hehasbackedandconfirmedthesedoctrinesbysolidargumentsandpertinentscripturesgenuinelyexplainedandopened.Evenmoreso,heissogiftedinhiswriting,thatheopensupthelovelinessofspiritualtruthsofelection,andquickeningcordialsofthedoctrinesofgracethatnoChristiancanbebutcomforted.HeexhortsanddirectsthewholecompanyandbodyofthemonhowtomanagetheirfaithbetweenGodandtheirownsoulsinpointingtoelection.HepersuadesthemalltocommitandgivethemselveswhollytoGod’sworkintheirsalvationbyexplainingthewayofelection.Indoingthis,hehassprinkledthroughthisbookusefulexhortationsandapplicationsofthedoctrinesheexplains.Healsomixesinapplicationforpracticewiththerationaldiscussionsandthemoredifficultandcontroversialsubjects.Othermenhavenotdonethis,andtothedetrimentofthedoctrineitself.Thesedoctrinesaretheverylife-bloodoftheChristian.Onthese,andotherconsiderations,Iheartilycommendthisstudytothewell-intentionedreader.IdonotdoubtthatitwillsatisfytheweakestChristians,asithasapproveditselftoseveralsolidpreachers.Icertainlyhopethatthiseditionwilldoasmuchgoodtomen’ssoulsastheformereditionshavedone.Theblessingsofheavengo

withit.

THOMASGOODWIN,April12,1678

ToTheChristianReader

ByJohnOwenandSamuelAnnesley

TOTHECHRISTIANREADER

Thedoctrinesinthisstudythataredeclaredandproven,haveexercisedthethoughtsandbestabilitiesofmanylearnedmen.TheoppositionmadeagainstthembythePelagiansofold,excitedmanygoodpreachersandtheologianstotheirjustdefense.Heretheyreceivedthelightandpoweroftheirtruths,andthechurchremainedinaquietpossessionandbeliefofthemformanyages.However,lately,theJesuits,andSocinians,andsomeothers,conspiredagainstthedoctrinesofgracetooverthrowthemandtheywouldhave,probably,prevailedevennowiftheLordhadnotstirredupthespiritofmanyandgreatwriterstofightforthetruthofHisestablishedcovenant.Weshouldnotice,thoughresent,howzealouslyaffectedsomemenareinbehalfofsuchdoctrinalpointsthatstandindirectoppositiontothegraceofGod,andtheirowneternalhappiness.Thesemendonotspareanythingagainstthosegodlymenwhoupholdtheverytruthsthatmakeupthemysteryofgodliness.ThesewickedmenevenscandalizeandsuppressthetruthsthemselvesasifreasonandlearningweregiventothensothattheycouldsimplyvilifythetruereligionofGod.Also,howconsistentlyaddictedmenarewhohavetakenholdoftheArminianpoints,andthriveonthemostfatalconsequencesofthem.Thesepointsoferroraresofarawayfromtheprinciplespftruththattheydonotyieldanyeffectualinfluencetowardsholiness,orwellgroundedpeace,eventhoughtheArminianspretendthattheydo.Icouldprovethis,butImustbebrief.Whatevertheendsofthesemenare,or

theirinterestindefamingthewisdom,sovereignty,andgraceofGod,Godallowsiteventhoughtheirendsmaybewicked.Godwilluseitallforgood;theLord’sendsinpermittingthemarealwaysholyandgood.Weareassuredthathewouldnotputupwiththosedangerouserrorsandallowthemtoreinvadehischurch.Hewillnotallowhisglorioustruthstobesoroughlytreated.Hewillordertheirfurtherconquest.Thoughtherearemanyouttherewhowouldliketoeradicatethesetruthsfromtheearth,Godwillraiseupmentodefendthemandpromotetrueholinessandgodliness.

ItiseasytoseethatthewriterofthisworkusedtheBiblealoneanddidnotconsultwithmanybooksonthesubject.ImentionthisinordertomagnifythegraceofGodthatwaswithhim.Ifthispointisunderstoodasamazing,thenanyonewouldunderstandthattoaccomplishaworklikethisisduetohumblesubmissiontoGod,andbyaseriousanddiligentstudyoftheWordofGod.Thisstudyongracedemonstratesthegreatimportance,bestuseandsurestmeansofinstruction.IttouchesthemysteryofGod’swillwithanorderlyandflowingconnectionofthedivineattributesforrecoveringapostatecreaturesfromtheirdreadfullapseintosin.Itplacestheminaconditiontranscendentlybetterthantheirfirststate.Theauthor,inmakingthisstudy,reducesthePelagianarticlestonothing.

Therearesomeveryimportantadvantageswhichcomeoutofthisstudy.First,thatitisfoundedandbuiltonthetestimonyofGodalonewhoseauthorityandtrutharetheonlyperfectruleandimmoveablebasisofdivinefaith.Itisitsbestbenchmark.Secondly,thatthedoctrinesbeingdeclaredandvindicatedhereisthroughthebestuseofthemtoexciteandinfluenceourheartsandlivesaccordingtothegenuinetenorandimportofthosetruths.Thisisinoppositiontowhatthecontrarydoctrineshaveeverpretendedtobethemselves.Itmaybeasupplementtootherbooks,wherethesametruthsareworthilycontendedfor,butmaybedefectiveinthisapplicationofthetruthstotheChristianlife.So,itisnotonlyaworkofgooduseinandofitself,butitalsorescuesthesedoctrinesfromoneoftheworstscandalsthattheyhavebeenderogatedin.Variousotherreasonsmightbementionedforreadingthisstudy.Wecouldsaymanymorethingsthatareofhelp.But,forbrevity’ssake,thereaderisreferred

tohisgoodsensewhilereadingthebook.

Wehopethatthebookmaybeentertainedbymenaccordingtoitsdeserts,andblessedofGodintheendsitisdesignedandsuitedto,is,andshallbethedesireof,

JOHNOWENSAMUELANNESLEY

Thefourth“forward”addressedtothereader.

ByAuthorUnknown

Sir,

AlthoughIamastrangertoyou,yethavingreadyourexcellentbook(whichIborrowedfromsomeone)IthoughtitwouldbegoodtoletyouknowhowmuchIenjoyedit,andalsohowmuchsatisfactionandcomfortIreceivedbyit.Istudiedthesepointsseveralyearsagoverydiligently,havingbeenatthattimeforcedintodefendingthembyastrongadversary;oneofsubtleprowess,thoughotherwiseaverycommonandmeanman.ButIhaveoftensaid,thatIamindebtedtohimforhisoppositionforIwouldneverhavestudiedsohardandhavelearnedsomuchonthesubject.IgainedsomuchbeforeGodinunderstandingthedoctrinesofgracebyreasoningwiththisman.Ithinkthatthen,andsince,Ihavereadmostofthebestbooksthathavebeenwrittenonthosepoints,butespeciallythatbookofbooks,theBible.However,afterallthoseotherbooks,Imustconfess,thatyourshasgivenmethemostcontentandsatisfaction.Foryouhavemostzealouslyandpowerfullylaidopenthetruthandstrenuouslyrefutedtheobjections.IblessandadorethatdivinegraceoftheLord,whoofhisrichgoodnessandmercytohispoordistressedanddistractedchurchinthisnation,hasraisedyouupinaspecialmannertobesuchaninstrumentofhisgloryinvindicatingHissovereignty.Youhavedonethisespeciallywellinthehighandmysteriouspointsofpredestination,particularredemption,theefficacyofgraceinconversion,andtheperseveranceofthesaintsinholiness.Concerningtheabsolutenessofthecovenantofgrace,IcannotbutadmiretoseehowyouandIagree.Iusedtosayoften,severalyearsago,whatIfindnowinyourbook,thatifthecovenantofgracewerenotabsolute,salvationwouldbeasdifficultbyit,asbythecovenantofworksbecauseitisashardforanaturalmantobelieveandlive,asitisforhimtodoandlive.Wellyouhave,inmyjudgment,performedyourbusinessmostpiously,practically,andstrongly,andyourargumentsareinvincible

–manyofwhichIhadneverseenbefore.IdonotdoubtthatyoureturnthepraiseandgloryofalltoourgreatandgraciousLord,whobyhismerefreegracehasenabledyoutoperformthisworkwhichissomuchforthegloryofhisholyname.Icommendyou,withyourlabors,tothegraceofourmercifulFather,andrest,yourmostaffectionatefriend,

W.W.

October16,1667

TheAuthor’sPreface

ByElishaColes

Anaccountofthestudyandpublication:

Themainpointsofthefollowingstudy,(generallybelievedbythechurchesofBritain,)theauthorwassomewhatinstructedinfromhischildhood.Untilrecently,afewyearsago,manyhaveintroducedanewdoctrinethatsaysthatthegraceofGodinChristisgenerallydesignedanddispensedtoeverymaninthesameway.Asaresultofthis,thewholevirtueandsuccessofsalvationissetonthehumanwill.Thereisnospecialrespectorassistancegiventoanymaninparticular,butallmenaregivensomecommonaspectsofgrace.Thisdoctrinemightbetterbetermed“general,”referringtothegeneralityofmeninnature,sincetheyarepatronsandabettorsofit.Notthathethinksthatallwhoholditareintheirnaturalstate,for,asofmost,theirjudgmentisbetterthantheirpractice.Soofsomehehopestheirpracticemaybesounderthantheirjudgment.Ifamanweretoholdthedoctrinesthenpracticallyapplythemtohimself,hecannotthinkthatmenareinanextremelyperiloussituationinrespecttotheirsouls.TheAuthorhadanumberofmeetingswiththesemen,accidentally.Inallofthemhefoundtheirpositiontoinsinuatethatprinciple.Theyreallydidnotcaretotalkabou8tthe

subjectatlength,andtheywerealwayspoorexegetesoftheBible.ThathasremindedthisauthorappliesthatironicalspeechofJobtohisfriendsassomethingtooapplicabletothem,“Nodoubtyearethepeople,andwisdomshalldiewithyou(Job12:2).”Healsofoundtheirpointstobemereopinionsandnotgroundedonthetext.TheyquotedmanyScripturesthatseemedasthoughtheywouldsupporttheirposition.NotthatanyScriptureisdoubtfulinitself,orinconsistentwithothers.Thiswouldbeseenevenonasimplestudy.But,thesemendisregardedthesamewordbeingusedondifferentoccasionstoadifferentpurposesanddidnotgiveanyattentiontothecontext.Obviouslythiscausesanyversequotedtoloseitsproperintention.

Itistruethattheauthorfoundageneralagreementamongthemagainstourdoctrineofelection.Buttheydifferedasmuchinthemidstoftheirownopinionsastheyalldidfromours.Thoughtheydisagreedwitheachother,theybeareachother’sdissentmorequietlythanourown.Someofthemholdelectiononforeseenwork.Othersholdthatmenareelectedwhentheyactuallybelieve,andnotbefore.Othersholdthatnomaniselecteduntilhehasperseveredinbelievingtotheverylastmomentofhislife.Othersbelievethatthereisnoelectionofparticularpersonsatall,butoftheentirespeciesofmenfrometernity.Thismovedtheauthortosearchthescripturesmorefreelyconcerningthedoctrineofelection.Thefurtherhewent,themorehewasconfirmedinwhathehadfirstbelieved.Andasheproceeded,hefoundthoseotherpointsofparticularredemption,effectualcalling,andfinalperseveranceinterwovenwiththatofelection,andcompletelydependantonit.Aspreparatorytounderstandingallthis,itseemedhelpfultoprefacethewholestudywiththedoctrineofGod’ssovereigntytogetherwithhisrighteousness.Thereasonfordoingthis,andapplyingittothelifeoftheChristian,willbeseenwhilereadingthebookitself.Italsoseemedgoodtotheauthortoobservewhatusefulinstructionscameupfromthesedoctrinesoverandabovethoseoftheopposition.Hehopestheywillnotprovetoodifficulttothosewhohavetheirsensesspirituallyexercisedtodiscernthetruth.

Thisworkwasfrequentlysuspendedandlaidasidewiththeintentionofnotproceedinginit.Thiswasnotbecausehedidnotwanttodoit,butfounditdifficulttoorganizethewholebookandcauseittoflowfreely.

Butafterawhileofslowlypickingatitandstudyingitdiligently,itcametofruition.Andwhenthishappened,manygoodtheologiansandpreachersgotwindofit,readit,andthoughitwouldbehelpfulfortheChristiancommunityatlarge.Onewhoreaditbeforeitwaspublishedthought,becauseofitsimplicity,itwouldbeagreathelptotheChristian,sincesomanybookshadbeenwrittenthatweretoodifficulttounderstand(especiallysurrounding“free-will”).AnotherconsiderationtopublishingthissprungfromthinkingabouttheyoungChristianprofessorwhoisjustlearning.HehasbarelybeenaChristianforashortwhileandhebeginsthinkingabout,andacting,asifhemustearnhissalvationbyhisownworks.

Itwasrecommendedtobepublishedanumberoftimesitgainedrecommendationfromsomeworthytheologians.Fromtheotherprefaces,thisworkhasreceivedtheirrecommendation.However,thisauthorretainsadeepsenseofhismanyinsufficienciesforwritingsuchabook,andhepraysthathispersonalweaknessandobscuritymaynotprejudicethetruth.

Thisbeingtheaccountformerlygiven,somelateroccurrenceshaveinducedthisfartheraddition.Afterthefirstimpression,theauthorwasfrequentlyencounteredbypersonsofthecontrarypersuasion;bywhichhecametoknowmoreoftheirspiritandprinciplesthanbefore,butnottohisbetterlikingofeither.Hespeaksbutofeachashehimselfconversedwith.

Somanypeoplebelievetheycanworkfortheirsalvation,andthattheirnaturalabilityaffordsthemsomespecialpowertoreacttograce.WheredoestheBiblesaythis?Ifthosewhoassertthishavesucha“talent,”theyshouldnothideitintheearth.Itisnopointofhonororprudencetoboastofpossessions,andallthingsatwill;andliveattherateofanunderlingtenant,whoholdshisallatthewillofanother.Itisarationalthing,that,“towhommuchisgiven,ofhimthemoreshouldberequired.”Itshouldmoveustopondertheseseriousquestions:“Whatsingularthingdoye?”and,“Whatdoyemorethanothers?”

WhenScripturesispresseduponthoseoftheopposition,theycannotanswer,andtheydonotunderstand.Itmostlybearsthenameof

unintelligiblenotion.Thevanityofavoidingdisputeslikethisisobvioustoanyonewhowillconsiderit.IfyoudonotknowthebasicsoftheBiblicalrecord,howwillyoubeabletopresenttheharderthings?Anotherthingisthattheyseemtomixandconfusesecretthingswiththoserevealed.WhiletheycannotbeignorantthattheeternaldecreeisGod’srule(whichcannotbeknowntousbutbytheevent)thelawandthetestimonyisours.AllthedoctrinesmencomeupwitharetobetriedbytherevealedwillofGod.ThewholecourseofaChristian’slife,bothofjudgmentandpractice,istoberegulatedhereandjudgedbyGodonthelastday.Weacknowledgedarksayingsinscriptureandthingshardtobeunderstood.Butthedifficultiesrisenotsomuchfromtheword,asanaturalunbelief,prejudice,anddarknesswithin;withthosecrooked,wrinkled,ordiscoloredmediums,mencommonlylookthroughatspiritualthings,andwhichmustneedsrendertheobjecttheylookatunliketothemselves.

Thereisalsoanothersnare,ascatchingasanyother,andaworthytobecautionedagainst.Thedoctrineoffreegrace,beingsoillustriousinthescripturesasnottobespokenagainst,theywilltalkashighlyforitingeneralterms,asanyother,andtelluswhatgreatpretensionstheirdoctrinehastomagnifygrace,andthattheydesignnothingmorethanthehonorofit;while,indeed,itisnotgrace,butacontrarythingsetupwiththatname;for,followthestream,eitherupwardordownward,andasitallrisesfrom,soitalsorunsinto,freedomofwill,andadvancementofself,asisobvioustoanyimpartialobservance

Ishallfartheronlynoticeatpresent,certainseeminglyaccidentalqueries,modestlypretended,forargument’ssake,toclearupobscurities,andreconcilecontradictions;which,thoughagoodworkinitself,iforderlymanaged,theyfollowsofar,andinsuchmanner,thattheydo,ineffect,bringprinciplesintoquestion,anderasetheverygroundworkofreligion.

Thesethingsarementioned,nottouncovertheweaknessofpersons,butofprinciples,andthatonlyastheyderogatefromthehonoroffreegrace,andtendtosubvertthemind;andtheendofitis,topreventsuchasmaybehoveringabout,asnotknowingwheretosettle,frombeingcaughtbytheenticementofwords,contrarytothesimplicityofthegospel.

Whatremainsthen,butthatweblessGod,adoringhisgloriouswisdomandgrace,thatmattersofpresentduty,andgreatestimportancetous,aresoplainlyrevealed,andeternalsalvationsolittleconcernedinthepresentconciliatingofseemingdiscord.Thereisenoughmanifestedtotakeupourtimeandstrength;andourlivinguptothatweknow,isthereadiestwaytoknowmore.“Hethatwilldohiswill,shallknowofhisdoctrine.”And,inthefilingsoftime,thoseseemingdiscordancesshallhaveanillustriousreconcilement;andtheythathavemostfirmlybelievednow,againstalltheircarnalreasoning,and:unreasonablecontradictions,shallnothavetheweakestreflectionsandraysofgloryfromthelusterofthatday:andthis,Isuppose,hehadaneyeto,(apersonofnoordinaryrankforhumanaccomplishments,)who,treatingofGod’sdecrees,didfreelyconfess,“Thathecouldnotindeedcomprehendthem,butwouldcaptivatereasontotheobedienceoffaith.”WiththisIclose,subjoiningonlyawordofreligiousexhortation;namely,thatthoughitdonotconfergrace,itmayprove,asithasprovedtomany,agoodpreservativefromevilsinpractice,anderrorsinjudgment,whichothers,whohadnotthatgraciousprivilege,havemorenaturallyfalleninto.Besides,whenGodcomestoworkeffectually,thosenotionsofsin,ofChrist,andofgrace,ofwhichbeforetheyhadbuttheform,haveprovedofsingularusetofacilitatethework.ThattheLordwillvouchsafehisblessingwithitistheprayerofhisservant.

ELISHACOLES.

TheIntroduction

Introduction:APracticalDiscourseOfGod’sSovereignty

Thishighandtremendousattribute,beinganoceanthathasneitherbanknor bottom,maynot be lightly launched into by any, however stronglybuiltandwellmanned,much lessbysoweakavessel,withoutadivine

compose,andananchorwithintheveil.Thattheauthorofthisdiscoursecame into it, was not of choice or design, but of course and emergentnecessity.Couldhehavefoundanotherbasistoreposethatdoctrineon,whichwas,atfirst,hisonlyintendedsubject,hehadnottouchedonthis.But,apparentlytohim,nogroundwouldbeartheweightofElection,butthat of Sovereignty, and there it fixed as on a rock; all the lines of itswholecircumferencerunningthere,andrestingthere,asintheircenter,where also the scripture had laid it; Romans 9, Ephesians 1, etc. And,howeveritbeafoundationdisallowedofmen,everyobservingChristianshall find, that without acknowledging divine Sovereignty, for theoriginal,supreme,andunaccountabledisposerofpersonsandthings,heshall want a principal means of supporting his faith, and quieting hisunderstanding, in the course of common providences; much more ofthose mysterious occurrences, and supernatural truths, which he iscertainlyconcernedabout.

In this preface I shall treat first of God’s sovereignty, and then of hisrighteousness, as its natural adjunct. The sum of the first lies in thisproposition, namely, “That the great God, blessed forever, has anabsolutepowerandrightofdominionoverhiscreatures,todisposeanddeterminethemasseemshimgood.”

Thatthereissuchapower,andthatthispowerbelongstoGod,nootherreasonneedsbeassigned,but,that“heisGod,andthereisnonebesideshim:“therecanbenomore,because,1.Therecanbebutoneinfinite;forsuchabeingfillsheavenandearth;andsothereisnoplaceorroomforanother.2.Therecanbebutoneomnipotent;forhethatissuch,hasallothers under his feet: besides, where one can do all, more would beimpertinent. 3. There can be but one supreme; supreme power mayreside in many, as in mixed monarchies and commonwealths; but aslawmakersandsupreme,theyarebutone.4.Therecanbebutonefirstcause,fromwhichallbeingselsederivetheiroriginal;“ofwhom,andforwhom,areallthings,”1Corinthians8:6.AndifheistheAuthorofall,heneedsmusthaveasovereignrightandpowertodetermineall;bothastotheirbeing,order,efficacy,andend.

“ThatsovereignpowerbelongstoGod,”isatruthsonatural,andobviousto reason, that other proof seems as needless, as that the sun is the

fountain of light: nor shall I suppose that any who will read thisdiscourse,cansofarforgetthemselvestobecreatures,astoseekaproofof their Creator’s sovereignty; “the things that are seen so loudlyproclaiming his eternal power and Godhead.” But since, with our easyadmittingthenotion,itisnoneofthesmallestdifficultiestoownitinourpractice,andbearourselvesanswerablytowardshim:sincealsosohugeaweightisborneontheshouldersofthisdivineattribute,andoursoulsaresohighlyconcerned in the interestand influenceof it, itneedsmustbeourduty,andwellworthyofourtime,tolookovertheinstancesofit,andto mark and consider them well, as things greatly importing ourinstruction; whereby we may know something of the greatness of thatGod inwhosehandsour soulsare;asalsoofour infinitedistance fromhim,andnothingnesstohim;andso,withthemorehumblenessofmind,and self-abasement; as also with the more faith, and creature likeaffiance, submit to him, and bear ourselves on him. To this end, thescriptureshaveenrolledseveralensignsofsovereignty;bywhich,asbysomanyfootsteps,weareledtotheabsolutewillandpowerofGod,asthesupremecauseanddisposerofall.

ThegreatactofsovereigntywasGod’sdecreeformakingtheworld,andofdoing,orpermittingtobedone,whatevershouldbeinit,tothefoldingofitup.Theheavensandtheearth,andallthehostsofthem,asyethadnobeing:itwasathispleasure,whetherhewouldmakethemornot:andifhewould,whatbeinghewouldgivethem;towhatend,andhowthatendshouldbeaccomplished.Andthat thesewereallascertainedbythedecreeisevident,for“knowntoGodwereallhisworks(whichhewoulddointime)fromthebeginningoftheworld.”Acts,15:18.Theschemeandsubstancewhereof(andIhopewithout intrusion)maybedrawnto thiseffect: “That the great God, most high and holy, being infinitely good,happyandblessedinhimself,wasalsoinfinitelypromptandwellpleasedtocommunicatethereoftoothers;towhichend,hedesignedtoraiseupcreatures,angelsandmen:thatforthemanifestationofhissovereignty,he would confirm a certain number of those angels in their primitivestate; leavingtherest tothemselves;who falling fromthatstate,shouldbecastdown,and“reservedinchainsofdarkness,tothejudgmentofthegreatday,” that inthis lowerworld,hewouldsetupthefirstmantobethe head and representative of all that should come of him; that this

single person should be created in the image of God, fit to enjoycommunionwithhim,andenduedwithpower to abide therein: that tomanifest theweaknessof creatures, and their perpetual dependence onGod,hewouldthusleavehimtohisfirststock,withaperfectfreedomofwill, to retain,or lose athis own choice; butnotwithout settingbeforehimthehappinessorruinthatwouldcertainlyfollowhiswellorillusingthat freedom; and, being so left, the fallen angel tempting him todisobedience, and also prevailing, both himself and all his posterityshouldbythisrevoltfallunderthecurse:that,forthedeclarationofhissovereigngrace,hewould,andaccordinglydid,chooseacertainnumberof Adam’s posterity (in themselves all alike depraved and lost), andordainthemtoeternal life;andtomakeknownthepowerofhiswrath,andhisjustdispleasureagainstsin,hewouldleavetherestinthatstateof perdition they would bring themselves into: that of those vessels ofwrath,Satanhimself(whomtheychosetofollow)shouldbetheheadandruler: as alsoover them thatwere elected, for a time,namely,until theMessiah, their true and proper Head, and into whom he had chosenthem,shouldrescuethemoutofhispower;thattothisend,andthathemightbeknowntobejust,aswellasmerciful,injustifyingofthem,theSonofGod should take onhim theplace of a secondAdam, and comeinto the world with a human body; in which he should fulfill allrighteousness,and,by the infinitevirtueandmeritofhisdeath, shouldsatisfy the law in all its demands, destroy thedevil, dissolvehisworks,and reconcile theelect toGod: thathe shouldbe raisedagain from thedead,andinvestedwithallpowerbefittingtheCaptainoftheirsalvation;so that he might effectually minister to them whatsoever should berequisiteforbringinghissonstoglory.”ThisItaketobethesumofGod’sdecree;thegreatensignorstandardroyalofsovereignty,ofwhichalltheothersarebutconsequents,andtowhichtheyarcsubordinate.

The firstvisibleensignof sovereignty,wascreation,orGod’sgiving theworld an actual existence in time, according to his decree fromeverlasting;bringingthathuge,yetvoidandformlessmass,atfirstoutofnothing;andthen,thisgloriousfabricoutofthatconfusion:hishangingtheearthonnothing:hisassigningtoeverysortofcreaturesouchformandstation,toorder,use,andefficacy,andimpressingonthemsuchlawsand instincts of nature, as seemed to him good, (but all in a regular

subservience to the good of thewhole,) which also was effected by hisword.Whathewould,wasdonewithsuch immediatesuddenness,as ifthethingsthemselvesbadproceededwithhisbreath:“Forhespake,anditwasdone;hecommanded,anditstoodfast,”Psalm38:9.Alsonotetheinstant production of light inGenesis 1:3 and 9. Thewaters separatingfromtheotherelements,andgathering intoabody, and their goingupanddowntotheplacehehadfoundedforthem,Psalm.104:8,withmanyothers,ofwhichyouhaveanindexinthefirstofGenesis,arewitnessesofit:asalsohissofixingthisestablishment,thattheycontinuetothisdayaccordingtothatordinance,Psalm119:91.

Consequent to this, as a second ensign of sovereignty, is that universalprovidence, by which the creation is sustained, and all inferior causesguided to their designed end; and this, notwithstanding all supposableaccidents,whichmightpossiblyhappen,toobstructordivertthem.Andthat the creatures have at times deviated from their first rules andsettlement, isnoderogationfromthedoctrineofGod’ssovereignty,butratheran illustrationof it;asshowing, that thecreaturesarestill inhishand,asclayinthepotter’s.Hencewefindtheirinnatepropensitiestobesometimes suspended; at other times overacted; and at times, again,quitecontrarytothelawofnature:andthisnotcasually,norbytheforceof created powers, nor yet for any private or self concern, but to servesome special and superior end, which their Lord had to be done. Toinstanceafew:and,

1.Of thecreatureswithout life:Asthewindowsofheavenopening,andthe fountains of the great deep breaking up, notwithstanding thefirmamentaboveandtheboundsbeneath,todrowntheworldofungodlymen,Genesis7:11.TheRedSea’sdividing,andstandingupasawall, tomake way for his people’s escape, Exodus 14:22. The sun and moon’sstanding still till they were avenged of their enemies, Josh. 10:13. Thestars to the same end fighting against Sisera, Judges 6:20. The sun’sgoing back in Ahaz’s dial, to help Hezekiah’s faith, 2 Kings 20:11. Thefiery furnace devouring those at a distance, who cast in the holyconfessors, and not so much as touching them that were cast into it,Daniel3:22,27.Thewindsandsea,whicharesuchimpetuous,and,onewouldthink,evenlawless,creatures,stirnot,norbreathe,buttofulfillhis

word,Psalms148:8;Mark4:30,42.

2.Oflivingcreatures,thathavenottheuseofreason.HowreadilywenttheybypairsintoNoah’sark,atGod’sappointment!Genesis7:8,9.Thefrogs,lice,locusts,etc.withwhatsupernaturalboldnessdidtheyassaultand perplex the Egyptians so that the magicians themselves confessedthatthefingerofGodwasinit,Exodus8:19!(andasstrangelywithdrewwhen theirworkwasdone,verse13).Witnessedalsoby thedumbass’sreproving the prophet’s madness, 2. Pet 2:16. The lion’s killing theseducedprophetforbreakingGod’scommand,yetnoteatingthecarcass,nortearinghisass,1Kings13:26,28.AravenousbirdbringingElijahfoodinhis solitary condition, 1Kings 17:6. The great fish’s receiving Jonah,and,atGod’s command, castinghimondry land,withoutharm,Jonah1:17,withchapter2:10.Thelions’alsonothurtingDanielintheirden,yetgreedily devouring his accusers, Daniel 6:22, 24. It must needs be asovereign power, which thus superintends, restrains, and inverts thecourseofnatureathiswill.

Thirdly. Another ensign, asserting God’s supremacy, and rightfuldominion, is the general vote and subscription of men, especially themostknowing,andsuchasbestunderstandhim.1.Theyownitintheirpracticeoractions.AbeloffersthefirstlingsofhisflocktoGod,Genesis4:4. Abraham leaves his native country at God’s command, to go “heknewnotwhither,”Genesis12:4.HealsooffershisonlyandinnocentsonIsaac,inwhoselifeand“posterityallnationsweretobeblessed,”Genesis22:2.10. Job, when stripped of all, falls down and worships, Job 1:21.WhenAaron’stwosonsweredestroyedbyfirefromheaven,heheldhispeace, Lev. 10:2, 8. Eli, when the tingling sentence was denouncedagainst his house, said, “It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth himgood,1Samuel9:18.David,whendriven fromGod’ssanctuary,andhisthronewasusurpedbyAbsalom,said,“Behold,hereIam,lethimdotomeasseemethgoodtohim,”2Samuel16:26.ThemenofNineveh,theirdestructionbeingpronouncedpositively,ofwhichtheyhadnopromiseofremission,andconsequentlynovisiblegroundofhope,yetbelievedGod,fasted,“layinsackcloth,andturnedfromtheirevilway,”Jonah3:5,8.2.They likewise own it in their confessions and attestations.Melchizedekand Abraham do both style him “The Most High God, possessor of

heavenandearth,”Genesis14:19.22.Jobprofesses,thatthoughhewererighteous, yet if God will contend with him, “he will not contend withhim,butmakesupplicationtohisJudge,”Job9:15.“TheLordhasmadeallthingsforhimself,”Proverbs16:4.“Forhispleasuretheyareandwerecreated,”Revelation4:11. “Weare theclay,and thouourpotter,” Isaiah64:8,“Heworkethallthingsafterthecounselofhisownwill,”Ephesians1:11.“Hegivethnotaccountofanyofhismatters,”Job33:3.“Inhishandisthesoulofeverylivingthing,”Job12:10.“HeistheGodofthespiritsofall flesh,”Numbers16:22.“Allnationsbeforehimare less thannothingandvanity,”Isaiah40:17.“Hestillsthetumultofthepeople,”Psalm16:7.“If itbeofGod,yecannotoverthrow it,”Acts5:89. “The counselof theLord,itshallstand,”Proverbs19:21.Psalm38:11,“Thelotiscastintothelap,butthewholedisposingthereofisoftheLord,”Proverbs16:38.Thekingdom is the Lord’s, and he is Governor among the nations,” Psalm22:28. Nebuchadnezzar, that proud and potent monarch, whose“greatness reached to the heaven, and his dominion to the end of theearth,Daniel4:22,allnations trembledbeforehim:whomhewouldbeslew, and whom he would he kept alive, Daniel 5:19, who said in hisheart,Iwillascendintoheaven,IwillexaltmythroneabovethestarsofGod,IwillbelikethemostHigh:andwhoisthatGodthatshalldeliveroutofmyhand!”Daniel3:15.Yetevenhe,thischildofpride,ismadetoconfessOnehigherthanhimself,andtobowbeforehim;proclaimingtotheworld,that“themostHighdothaccordingtohiswill,inthearmyofheaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, andnone can stay hishand,orsaytohim,Whatdoestthou?andthosethatwalkinprideheisable to abase,” Daniel 4:37. “For thou hast said in thine heart, I willascendintoheaven,IwillexaltmythroneabovethestarsofGod:Iwillalsositonthemountofthecongregation,inthesidesofthenorth:Iwillascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”Isaiah14:13,14.Itmight furtherbe instancedinCain,Pharaoh,Balaam,andotherwickedmen,howtheywereevenconstrainedtoacknowledgethesovereigntyofGod;asappearsbycomparingExodus6:2,with9:27,28,andNumbers22:18.Darius,also,inDaniel6:26-28.

Fourthly.Anotherevidence,orwitness,wehavefromtheangels,whoare“great in power;” notwithstanding which, they do perfectly own andsubmit to the sovereignty of God.Where subjects are numerous, wise,

andmagnanimous,andwithalperfectlysubmittothewilloftheirLord,itargues their Lord is an absolute sovereign: and such subjects are theangels. 1. The elect or good angels: these show it by their readysubmissiontoanyservicetheirLordispleasedtoappointthem.Theyarehis intelligencersinthis lowerworld.“Andtheangelansweredandsaidto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth fromstanding before the Lord of all the earth. The black horses which aretherein, go forth into the north country, and the white go forth afterthem; and the grisled go forth toward the south country. And the baywentforth,andsoughttogo,thattheymightwalktoandfrothroughtheearth:andhesaid.Getyehence;walkyetoandfrothroughtheearth.Sotheywalkedtoandfrothroughtheearth,”Zechariah6:5-7.“TherewasadaywhenthesonsofGodcametopresentthemselvesbeforetheLord,”Job2:1.Notthatheneedstheiradvice,buttoshowalittleofthemajestyof his kingdom. They are also his messengers: he sends them on hiserrands,tonegotiatehisaffairsamongmen,andtorevealhispurposes,both concerning his church and the world. Daniel 2:19 and 8:13, 16,chapter1:21,chapter11;Ezekiel1:4.Theyarehischariots,Psalm68:17.His reapers,Matthew 13; 89, 49. The executioners of his judgments, 2Samuel 24:16, 2 Kings 19:35. And Christ’s attendants at his coming,Matthew25:31.

2.Theapostateangels,orwickedspirits.Thoughthetestimonywehavefromtheseisnotfromloveorgoodwill,yetitisasgreatanevidenceofGod’ssovereigntyastheother;inthat,beingenemiestoGod,proudandimperious,theyareyetoverawed,andcompelledtosubmit.Andhenceitwas, that thedevil darednot to answer again,when that fatal sentencewaspronouncedonhimforseducingourfirstparents,Genesis3:15.WehavehimalsopresentinghimselfbeforetheLord,togiveaccountofhisactions;andtotouchJob,oranythinghehad,hedurstnot,withoutleavefromGod,norvaryajotfromtheruleprescribedhim.“Therewasadaywhen thesonsofGodcame topresent themselvesbefore theLord, andSatancamealsoamongthem,topresenthimselfbeforetheLord.AndtheLord said to Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life,” Job2:1,6. In the Evangelists are many instances of Christ’s commandingthemforthwithauthority;yeaawholelegionatonce,Luke8:30,33.Norcouldtheysomuchasenterintotheswinewithouthisleave,Mark5:12.

And,which ismore, theyweresubjectedto theapostles,whohadbutadelegated,orsecondhandpoweroverthem,Luke10:17.

Fifthly.WehavetheLordhimselfassertinghissovereignprerogative.Inhowloftyastyle,andwithwhatimperialauthority,dothheutterhimselftoPharaoh!“Andinverydeed,forthiscausehaveIraisedtheeup,fortoshowmypower on thee,”Exodus9:16. The apostle quotes the place toprove, thatGodmay raise upmen, and appoint them towhat use andservicehewill:“ForthescripturesaithtoPharaoh,EvenforthispurposehaveIraisedtheeup,thatImightshowmypowerinthee,andthatmynamemight be declared throughout all the earth,”Romans 9.17. “Whohasmadetheseeing,ortheblind?havenotItheLord?”Exodus4:6,11.“IkillandImakealive,”Deuteronomy32;39.“IwillshewmercyonwhomIwill shewmercy,” Exodus 33:19. “I am the first and I am the last, andbesidesmethereisnoGod:andwho,asI,shallcall,andshalldeclareit,andsetit inorderbeforeme?sinceIappointedtheancientpeople,andthe things thatarecoming,andshall come,” Isaiah44:6,7. “Mycounselshall stand; I will do all my pleasure,” Isaiah 46:10. “My word shallaccomplishallthatwhichIplease;itshallprosperinthethingwheretoIsend it,” Isaiah55:11. “And if the prophet be deceived, I the Lord havedeceivedthatprophet,andIwilldestroyhim,”Ezekiel14:9.Aremarkablestoryisthatofthelyingspirit,andtheeffectualcommissionhehadfromGod, to persuade, and also to prevail: “And the Lord said, Who shallpersuadeAhab, thathemaygoupand fallatRamothGilead?Andonesaidonthismanner,andanotheronthatmanner.Andtherecameforthaspirit,andstoodbeforetheLordandsaid,Iwillpersuadehim.AndtheLordsaid,wherewith?Andhesaid, Iwillgo forth,andIwillbea lyingspiritinthemouthofallhisprophets.Andhesaid,Thoushaltpersuadehim, andprevail also: go forth anddo so.” 1Kings 22:20, 21, 22.HowshouldwetremblebeforeGod,atthehearingofsuchaword!Butyet,Idonot reckon the last two as acts of pure sovereignty, hut rather of hisjustice;aspunishingonesin,byleavingtoanother;accordingtothat inRomans1:21.28.“Because thatwhen theyknewGod, theyglorifiedhimnotasGod,nor liked to retainhim in their knowledge,God gave themover to a reprobate mind.” And yet there is here an impression ofsovereignty,inthathedealsnotsowithallwhoarealikeobnoxioustoit.

Sixthly.Anotherensignofsovereigntyisformedofthoseseveralactsandinstitutes,whichcannotbederived(atleastnotsoimmediately)fromanyother attribute than that of sovereignty. I shall instance a few, namely,Theputtingofman’severlastingconditiononhiseatingornon-eatingthefruitof sucha tree,Genesis2; 17. InnotdestroyingAdampresentlyonhisdisobedience;andinthefreepromiseofaSavior,unsoughttoforit,Genesis3:15.InprotectingCainwhenhehadforfeitedhislifetojustice,Genesis 4:15. In preserving Ham from the deluge, though he was aswickedas those thatperished,Genesis7:13.In ordering the blessing toJacob, who sought it unduly; and denying it to Esau, who sought itdiligently, and towhom it belongedof natural right,Genesis 27:19, 34.38. In the sudden turning of Esau’s heart to love Jacob,whomhe hadinveterately hated, and came with full purpose to destroy; yet in amomenthisheartismelted;heweepsonhisneck,andoffershimselfandsoldierstobehisconvoy,Genesis27:41,withchapter32:6,and33:4,12.IncausingafeattobeontheAmorites, thattheydidnotpursueJacob,when highly provoked by his sons’ cruelty on the men of Shechem,Genesis 36:5. In sending a message of peace to Sihon, whom he haddeterminedtodestroy;andtothatendhadhardenedhisspirit,andmadehim obstinate,Deuteronomy 2:26. In causing those nations to destroyoneanother,whocameleaguedtodestroyhispeople,2Chronicles20:1,22,23.IndestroyingEsau’smountirreparably,andforever:whileIsrael,whoselandalsowasfullofsin,shallnotbeforsaken,Obad.verse8-9.16,18,21.Mal.1:4.especiallyconsideringthattheseweretheseveraleffectsofhislovingtheone,andhatingtheother,andthat“beforetheyhaddoneeithergoodorevil,”Mal.1:2,3.Romans9:11,13.InsendingEzekieltoarebellious house, that “would not hear;” and not sending him to themthat would: “Not to many people of a strange speech, and of an hardlanguage,whosewordsthoucanstnotunderstand:surely,hadIsenttheetothem,theywouldhavehearkenedtothee.ButthehouseofIsraelwillnothearkentothee;fortheywillnothearkentome;forallthehouseofIsraelareimpudentandhardhearted,Ezekiel3:6,7,andMatthew11;21.Inhidingthemysteriesofhiskingdom“fromthewiseandprudent,andrevealingthemtobabes,”Matthew11:25,andspeakinginparablestothemultitude,“lesttheyshouldbeconverted,”Mark4:11,12;Acts16;6,7.

It is further manifest, by the Lord’s punishing sometimes lesser

trespasses,andthatseverely,andinhisown;whilewinkingatthoseofagreatermagnitude in othermen.Moses is excludedCanaan for a hastyword,thoughsmartlyprovoked,Deuteronomy32:51,52,whenJonah isbutmildlyreprovedforpassionatelyexpostulating,Jonah4.Uzziahdiesforbuttouchingtheark,1Chronicles13:9,10,whilethePhilistinesboreit away in triumph, 1Samuel5:1.Hezekiahbut shows theambassadorsfromBabylonhishouseandtreasures,andforthishissonsandallmustgointocaptivity,“AndHezekiahhearkenedtothem,andshewedthemallthehouseofhispreciousthings,thesilver,andthegold,andthespices,and thepreciousointment, andall thehouseofhis armor, andall thatwasfoundinhistreasures:therewasnothinginhishouse,norinallhisdominion,thatHezekiahshewedthemnot.Beholdthedayscome,thatallthatisinthinehouse,andthatwhichthyfathershavelaidupinstoretothis day, shall be carried into Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith theLord,” 2Kings 20:13,17.Not that any sin is little in itself, or punishedbeyonditsdemerit;buttheLordispleasedthustodo,partlytoshowhisdispleasureagainst sin, and that hewill not bearwith it, even in thosethataredearesttohim,butpartlyalso,ifnotchieflyinsuchlikecases,toset forth his sovereign greatness, and the uncontrolableness of hismatters.“Whydostthoustriveagainsthim?forhegivethnotaccountofanyofhismatters,”Job33:13.Psalm73isfulltothesamepurpose.Thatalsoof Job, and themannerofGod’s dealingswithhim, ismuch to beremarked:hehadlivedaverystrictandholylife;(“notamanlikeJobinall the earth;” the Lord himself seems to glory in him;) to which alloutwardblessingswerepromised,andfreedomfromsuchsufferings;andwhenbereftofall,“heldfasthisintegrity,”Job1:8and2:3,yet theLordgoeson toafflicthim,and leaveshimwholly (savinghis life) inSatan’spower. Had he been a wicked man, as his friends objected, thosesufferings had evidenced the justice of God; but now his sovereignty:whichalsoseems tobe intendedby thatspeechofGod toSatan,“Thoumovestmeagainsthim,todestroyhimwithoutcause,”Job2:3.

Seventhly.Thereareyetotherfootstepsofsovereigntybywhichthathighand holy attribute is further illustrated to us, namely, “The Lord’soverrulingthedesignsandactionsofmen, tobringhisowncounselstopass;” although improper in their own nature, yea, disservient thereto;and sometimes by men contrived on purpose to prevent them. The

projectofbuildingBabel’stower,tokeepthatrebelliousrouttogether,isturned to their utter dispersion, Genesis 11;4, 8. Jacob’s dissimulation,andpalpableabuseofhis father’s infirmity,provedthemeanstoobtainhisblessing,andthatcontrarytohissettledintention,Genesis27:18,29.LabandealthardlywithJacob,tokeephimlow,andtoservehimselfofhim,butGod takesoccasion thence togivehimLaban’s substance,andthatbyLaban’sconsentandagreement,Genesis29.ToobviateJoseph’sdreams, his brethren sell him into Egypt: and by this means the Lordkeepsthemallalive,andaccomplishesthathonortoJoseph,whichtheyintended toprevent,Genesis 37:9, 20, 28; 42:6, 1:18, 20. Pharaoh laysinseparable burdens on the people, to diminish them; and the Lordmultipliesthemunderit.“Themoretheywereoppressed,thefastertheygrew,”Exodus1:12.Moses,akeeperofsheep,amanofslowspeech,andonethathadnomindtothework,Exodus4:10,13,yetheshallbeGod’sambassador toPharaoh, (the proudest andmost inflexiblemonarch onearth,)andbringIsraeloutofbondage.Andwhoshallbehiscommanderinchief,todeliverhispeoplefromtheirpotentoppressors,butDeborah,awoman,Judges4:9!Atanothertime,Gideon,“whosefamilywaspoorin Manasseh, and he the least in his father’s house,” Jud. 6:15, andthoughhehad a numerous andpowerful enemy to dealwith, and, onewouldthink,hadneedofallthehandshecouldmaketofightthem,yethisarmyoftwoandthirtythousand,mustbereducedtothreehundredmen, and they tohavenoother armsbut trumpets, and lamps in theirpitchers;andbythesehedeliversthemfromthathugehost,Judges7:3,6-7.AndmuchliketothiswasShamgar’skillingsixhundredmenwithanoxgoad,Judges3:31,andSamsonathousandwithajawboneofanass,chapter10:15.Itmayfurtherbetracedinhisproducingcontraryeffectbythe same cause; and then again the same effects by causes contrary,Exodus4;6,7.SoDaniel andhis fellowshad a fairer countenancewithvegetables and water, than those who eat of the king’s own provision,Daniel1:16.It is further evidenced, byhis causing thewrathofman toturntohispraise;which, in thenatureand tendencyof it, is todestroythem that praise him, Psalm 76:10. By his catching “the wise in theircraftiness,andcausingthemtofallbytheirowndevices,”Job5:12,13,cf.Psalm5:10.WitnessAhab,1Kings22:20,22,andHaman,Esth.7:10.Thepersecution of the saints at Jerusalem was designed to suppress thedoctrineofChrist;whichyetwastherebydispersedintomanycountries,

and caused “to grow mightily,” Acts 8:1, 4. So the preacher’simprisonment proved to the furtherance of the gospel, Philippians1:12.14.And since theScriptureswere finished,human stories, andourown observation, do abundantly prove the matter in hand. Do butconsider how it prevailed to the dethroning of Satan, and turning theworldupsidedown,andthisbymeansoftheweakestandmostunlikely,toreason,thatcouldbepitchedon:notbytheswordandspear,thebowandbattleaxe,thebarbedhorse,andthemartialheroesoftheearth,butbythebarewordofGod;andthis,notbythehandoflearnedscribesandPharisees,lawyers,doctors,poets,orphilosophers,butbypoor illiteratefishermen, carpenters, publicans, tentmakers. And who shall be thesubjectsandpartymilitantof thisnevertobeconqueredkingdom?Not“the wise and prudent, mighty and noble; but babes, the poor, weak,despised,andthingsthatarenot;andbytheseheconfoundsthethingsthatare,”1Corinthians1:27.Andbywhatarms?“patience,andfaith inthebloodoftheLamb,”Revelation12:11and14:12.

Consider,also,theconstantpersecutionofthechurch,andthatbymenofall sorts, especially those of greatest power and policy; the barbarousdevastationsthathavebeenmadeonit;andwithwhatimplacableenmitytheworldisedgedagainstit;andthatyetitstandsinvincible,andisstillgetting ground: you cannot but acknowledge the evident footsteps ofsovereignpower,“thatthemostHighbearethruleoverall,”Daniel4:25,26,andasforthecounselsofthewise,heturneththembackward,”Isaiah44:25.

Eighthly. An especial ray of this glorious power shines forth in God’sactualpredominatingoverandsubduingthespiritsofmen,incallingandconvertingwhomhewill.Onewould think thata rationalbeing shouldbetterdiscernhisowninterest,andoutofchoicecomplywiththewillofhisMaker, aswhomust needs knowwhat is beat for his creature, andwhoinreasoncanhavenootherdesignonhimbuthisgood:butwefindotherwise;thebestthingsdegeneratedturntheworst,andarehardesttoreduce.Ofallcreatures,manfallen,dothmostavert,impugnandresist,whenGodwouldturnhimoutofhisnaturalcourse;notwithstandingthesorest of evils do attend his present state, and all desirable happinesswouldapparentlyfollowhischange;yetsoweddedishetohislusts,and

headstronginhisownwill,thatnoneofthesethingsmovehim:butonhegoes,andonhewill,yea,thoughanincensedangelwithadrawnswordshouldwithstandhim.Tocrushthemtonothing,orbreakthemtopieces,wereeasilyeffected;alittleofdivinepowerwoulddothat.Buttohumbleaproudand lofty spirit; to softenandmeltanobdurateheart; to tame,meeken,andreconcileasanguinaryrebel;tochangetheveryinwardsofonehabituatedinsinandenmityagainstGod,andmakehimpliable todivine impressions: thishighlyproclaims theexceedinggreatnessofhispower;itisaglorioustrophyofdivinesovereignty.Whichisalsofartherconspicuous,andgreatlyillustrated,inmaintainingtheworkbegun,andbearing it on through all opposition. For there needs the sameAlmightinessofpowertopreservethenewcreation,asatfirsttoraiseit.Theway of God being altogether upwards and supernatural, there is agreatpronenessincreaturestorevoltfromit, likearollingstoneonthesteepofahill.Theremainsofoldnaturewould,torrentlike,beardownall,ifsovereignpowerdidnotbaruptheone,andsustaintheother.Forasparkofdivinenaturetoliveinthebreastofalapsedcreature,isasgreatamiracle,andashighaneffectof sovereignpower,asall the instancesbeforeenumerated,andmore.

Ninthly. The sovereignty of God displays itself with a yet moreastonishingglory,inhiseternaldisposureofmen’severlastingcondition.To show,ornot to showmercy, topersonsequallydignified, (or ratherundignified.) in themselves; to make of the same lump one vessel tohonor,andanothertodishonor,isthesublimestact,andmostapparentdemonstrationofsovereignpowerconcerningmen.Thereasonofwhich,andthattosatisfaction,mighthavebeengiven,andwould,haditbefittedthegreatnessofGod,orthetrustandreverenceweowehim;butforthepresentheispleasedtogivenoneotherbutthatofhis light;hemaydowhathewillwithhisown,Romans9:18.

Lastly. Most transcendently glorious, and for ever adorable, is thesovereignty of God, in his ordaining the man Jesus, “who was holy,harmless,undefiled,andseparate fromsinners,”andwasalsounitedtothesecondperson,“tomakehissoulanofferingforsin.”ThattheLordofgloryshouldbemadesin,andacurse;thatwassuchatremendousactofdivinesovereigntyasnevershallbeparalleled,andshould therefore for

ever seal up our lips from replying againstGod, about his disposing ofsinfulworms;whichthing,wheneverwehearorthinkon,weshouldputourmouthsinthedust.

BeforeIcometotheinferences,Iwouldaddacautionortwo,topreventthosesinisterdeductionswhichourdeceitfulheartsmaybereadytodrawfromthissovereigntruth.

Caution1.See thatyoumakenotGodtheauthorofsinbycharginghissacred decree, with men’s miscarriages, as if that were the cause oroccasionofthem;whichwearesureitisnot,norcanbe,anymorethanthesuncanbethecauseofdarkness.Beitalwaysremembered,thattheLord’s rejectingofmenputsnothingof evil into them,nornecessitatesthewill;itonlyleavesthemtotheirownways,whichtheyfreelychoose,yetbankingthemin,andstoppingthemup,ashedidthefountainsofthegreatdeep,lesttheydelugetheworldwithsin.

CautionII.Gonotabout topalliate,nor thinktoextenuateyoursin,byargumentsfetchedfromGod’sdecree.ThesinoftheJews,in“crucifyingtheLordof glory,”was innowise lessenedbecause the counsel ofGodhaddeterminedthethingtobedone,fortheyperpetrateditwithwickedhands.Nor ismen’s unbelief ever the less culpable, fromGod’s eternaldisposementof their conditions; for it isnot on that consideration thattheystumbleattheword,orturnthedeafeartoit,orresistit,butfromtheirownnaturalblindness,andenmityagainstit.

AndsoIcometotheinferencesofthisgreatlyimportantdoctrine;and,

First. From the scriptures so copiously holding it forth, I infer that thedoctrine of God’s sovereignty is a very teaching doctrine, and full ofinstruction;and, consequently, that it isbothaduty, andmuch forourprofit,tobewellacquaintedwithit.AndgreatconfidenceIhave,thatthefartheryougoinanhumblefiducialdisquisitionandcontemplationofit,the clearerwillbe the reason thereof, and themoreusefulnesswill stillappeartobeinit.Letreasonbutkeepitsownplace(thatis,letitgobythe rules of right and reason,) and nothing wilt be more consonantthereto, than that “the Most High should bear rule over all, and doaccordingtohiswill,”andthatmen,whoareatomsofclayanimatedby

his breath, should own him for their sovereign Lord, and accordinglysubmittohim;yea,thoughsoitwerethatourownpersonalwelfarewerenot concerned in it, itwill be of singular use andmoment to us in thewhole of our lives. Nothing like this will allay those carnal reasonings,whicharesounreasonablypronetoputintheirverdictofspiritualthings,whichyetcarnalreasonhasnocognizanceof,andwillindeedbesilencedbynothingelse;theapostle,therefore,thinksthemnotworthyafurtherreply, whose captious inquiries the sovereignty of God will not satisfy:“Thou wilt say then to me, Why doth he yet find fault? for who hasresistedhiswill?Nay,but,Oman,whoartthouthatrepliesagainstGod?Shallthethingformedsaytohimthatformedit.Whyhastthoumademethus?Hasnotthepotterpowerovertheclay,ofthesamelumptomakeonevesseltohonor,andanothertodishonor?”Romans9:19-21.Ohthatthegloryofthishighattributemighthidepridefrommen!

Secondinference,whichnaturallyflowsfromthisdoctrine,isthatofthepsalmist: “Ocome, letusworship,andbowdown,andkneelbefore theLord, our maker.” Psalm 95:6. Let us give him the glory of this greatattribute, by a real and practical owning that indispensable bond ofobedience which it lays on every creature: we are highly obliged by it,bothinpointofsubjection,andinpointoffaith.

First, inpointofsubjection,tohislaws,ordinance?,andprovidences.1.For the laws of God, and his appointments. These we are to attend,observe, and obey; I cannot say, “For the Lord has need of them;” forneithercanourrighteousnessprofithim,norourwickednessimpairhim,Job 22:2, 3, chapter 24:7. “He is the Lord thy God, and worship thouhim,” Psalm. 45:12. This is that strong reason bywhich he has backedbothcommandsandprohibitions:“IamtheLordthyGod.”Exodus20:2.Thoushalldothus:andthusthoushaltnotdo,“IamtheLord:“thishesetsinthefrontofall;andwiththishecloseththerear,andguardsthemoneveryside.Mosesbrings it inasaconvincingreasonwhywe shouldlove God with our whole heart, and keep his commandments, namely,becauseheistheLord,andheonly,Deuteronomy6:4.Noone,therefore,maypretendtoarightofgivinglawstomen,ortoaninterestintheirloveand obedience, save with respect to God, and the authority they havefrom him. And though he sometimes is pleased (and it is a great

condescensioninthegreatGod,)byargumentstakenfromourowngood,todrawustoobedience:“Doit,foritisforyourlife.”Deut32:37.Yet inourspirits,thatofhissovereigngloryshouldhavethepreference.TocastoutIshmaelwasathinggrievoustoAbraham;butbeingcommandedofGod,he“debatesitnot,nordelaystodoit.”Thereforeholdonyourway,thoughneversogreatobscurityisonitatpresent:mindyourdutyinthemidst of discouragements, go as Peter,who, though he had labored allnight, and caughtnothing, yet says, “Master, at thy command Iwill letdownthenetagain.”Luke5:5.

2.Besubjecttohisordinances.Ifhepleasetocommandtheusingsuchmeans as have no natural virtue towards such an effect, as in Mosesstretching his hand over the sea, and smiting the rockwith his rod; sowaterinbaptism,andbreadandwineintheLord’ssupper,presumenottosay,“Whatisthereinthese?”Godlinessisamystery,whichonlyfaithcanunderstand:thereisnodivineinstitutionbuthasmeatinitthatyouknownot of,which, if rightly used,will speak for itself. If he please tomakeclayofdustandspittle,contemnitnot,butsubjecttohiswillandway,andbethankfulforthycure.

Samson’s hair was an ordinance to him, which when he alighted, thespirit ofGod left him, andhebecameas othermen, and recoverednotuntilitwasgrownagain:“Lo,thoushallconceive,andbearason;andnorazorshallcomeonhishead;forthechildshallbeaNazaritetoGodfromthewomb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hands of thePhilistines,”Judges18:5.“AndDelilahmadeSamsonsleeponherknees;andshecalledforaman,andshecausedhimtoshaveoffthesevenlocksofhishead;andshebegantoafflicthim,andhisstrengthwentfromhim.Howbeit thehairofhisheadbegantogrowagainafterhewasshaven,”chapter16:19.22.

3. As touching the providences of God: observe them, and submit tothem. Look not on them as empty things; the least may yield youinstruction,asalsothemostunlikely:“Outoftheeatercomesforthmeat,and out of the strong, sweetness,” Judges 14:14, though the thing be ariddletoaheartuncircumcised,ploughwithhisheifer,andyeshallfindit.Neither lookonthemas things impertinent;butsayrather, “Is therenotacause,”thoughIseeitnot?theLorddoesnothinginvain.Neither

yet look on them as things contingent; a sparrow falls not without hiswill,and“thehairsofyourheadareallnumbered,”Matthew10:29,30.David was “dumb, and opened hot his mouth.” Why? “Because thou,Lord,didstit,”Psalm39:9,andShimei’scursinghebearspatientlyonthesameaccount,“TheLordhasbiddenhim,”2Samuel16:10,11.

There may be such a mixture and confusion of things, and yourexpectationsodelayedandfrustrated,thatyourwilduntamedheartmaybe ready to wrangle it out. “Why falls it alike to all? why to the justaccordingtotheworkofthewicked;andtothewickedaccordingtothework of the righteous?” Ecclesiastes 8:14. or, “Why one event to themboth?” This is not to inquire wisely; you should rather conclude, “TheLordhasneedofthem;”thatis,hehasoccasiontousesuch&providenceto fulfill a word, or purpose: and that of greater importance than tosatisfyyourprivateconcern,orpresentexpectation.Ifyouwouldcast,soas to lie by yourmark, this attribute of sovereignty gives you the bestground.Searchandobserveasmuchasyouwill,soyoutakefaithalongwithyou,withoutwhichyoucandonothingwarrantable.Faithisaswornofficer to the great king, and has a key for every lock that is fit to beopened:itforcesnothing,butwhereitcannotenter,itstayswithout,andwaitsabetterseason.Letfaithalsobechiefspeakerinallyourdebates;andthentheresultwillbe,thatcarnalreasonandpresentsense(thoughverytenaciousandstubborn)shallyieldthecause,andletyougo.

Thesumofallthisis,thatthoughyoubenotconscioustoyourselfofanyparticularcauseormiscarriage,besideswhat iscommontomen(whichwasthecasewithJob,)“Layyourhandonyourmouth,”asJobdid,Job40:4.“ThemostHighdothaccordingtohiswill:“thiseventheproudestofkingsacknowledged,Dan3:34,35,“whenhisunderstandingreturnedtohim,”andsowillyou:andknow,thatifyourspiritbeoutofframeinyourpresentcondition,itwouldnot,atpresent,bebetterinanyother.

Secondly,ourfaithalsoishighlyconcernedinthesovereigntyofGod:foritbothobligestobelieveinhim,andalsoaffordsmatterforfaithtoworkon.TotheseendstheLordholdsitforthtoAbraham;“IamtheAlmightyGod;walkbeforeme,andbe thouperfect,”Genesis17:1.Thiswaswhatenabledhimtobelieveheshouldhaveason,evenwhilethedeadnessofhisownbody,andofSarah’swomb,wroughtstronglyagainstit,Romans

4:19.Thisalsowaswhatmadehimsoreadilyassenttotheofferingupofhisson,whenhehadhim.Hehadasmuchtosayagainstit,ascouldwellbe supposed; for the promisewas, that “in Isaac all the families of theearth should be blessed,” Genesis 28:14, which promise, and thiscommand, Abraham’s reason could not reconcile. The contradictionwouldsurelyhaverunhimdown,hadnothisfaithinthisgreatattributeheldfast,andguidedthereins;suggestingtohim,thathewhogaveIsaacabeingfromawitheredstock,wasalsoabletoraisehimfromthedead,Hebrews11:19.Abrahamthereforedisputesitnot;standsnotsomuchastoconsiderofit,butuphegetsearlytodoit,Genesis22:3,andhenceheobtained that honorable title, to be called “the friend of God!” James2:23.

YehaveseennowwhatAbrahamdid,“Goyeanddolikewise;”takeholdofGod’ssovereigntyasyourown,engagedbyacovenantofgrace,andsotobeexertedforyourgood.Faithgivesproprietyinanyattributeitlookson,anddrawsout thevirtues thereof for itself.Andtherefore,whateverdifficultiesareinyourway,benotdisheartenedatthem;butcall inthissovereignpower,by faith, toyourhelp.Rememberthereadysubjectionwhichallcreaturesdopaytohisword;bywhichalone(withoutcreatures’service) he can level themountains, andmake crooked things straight;restrain,alter,invert,andturnupsidedowntheverycourseofnature;sothatwhich is death in itself, shall be life to you.New cords andwitheswhentouchedbyhisword,areasflaxandtowwhentouchedbythefire;ironshallbeasstraw,andbrassasrottenwood,Judges16:7;Job41:27.Thereforelengthenthecords,andstrengthenthestakesofyourfaith;youcannotbelievegreaterthings,orbetterthanGodcandoforyou.Evensinitself,whichisthegreat(andreallytheonly)evil;itishisenemyasmuchasyours:andyoumaybesurehewouldnothavesuffereditsbeingintheworldifhehadnotapowertocorrectandcurbit,yea,andtodestroyittoo,athispleasure:takeholdofhissovereignstrength,andyourworkisdone.

Butherealsoacautionortwomayseasonablybeadded,forsuchreasonsasaremixedwiththem.

1.Ifdeathinthepothasoncebeenhealed,andyourborrowedaxehead(sunkonce,pasthopesofrecovery)broughtagaintoyourhand,2Kings

6:6,see that remissness grownot on it, lest at another turn thehandledropafterthehead.Gathernotwildgourdsasecondtime,2Kings4:39,etc., lest your prophet be absent, or meal denied you. Presume not todally with temptations (as Samson did,) and then think to go out andshakeyourself,asatothertimes,Judges16:20.Thedivinepower is toogreatathingtobetrifledwith,ormadetoservewiththefolliesofmen.

2. Never look on this great attribute of sovereignty without yourmediator. As without him, it cannot but be matter of terror andamazement to sinners; it is he only can render it propitious to you.AsnothingispleasingtoGodbutinandthroughChrist,sonothinginGodiscomfortable tomen, or for their eternal good, but as it comes to themthroughhim;aswatersoutoftheseaimmediatelyarenotpotable,unlesstheybefirstdecoctedbythesun,orpassthroughsomeveinofearth,tomakethemcongruoustoournature.

Ishallherementiontwoparticularsofnearestconcernmenttous,whereweareinaspecialmannertohaverespecttothesovereigntyofGod.

1.As touchingyourowncondition, (youreverlastingcondition,) submitto mercy, to sovereign mercy; that is, yield yourself to God withoutcapitulating, ormaking termswithhim.ThoseSyrianswell understoodthemeaningofthis;theyputropesontheirheads,andthemselvesintheconqueror’sbands,onanuncertainconjecture,[“peradventure theywillsaveusalive,”]1Kings30:31.Sodoye,althoughyehavebuta[maybe]“weshallbehid,”Ephesians2:8.mindyourduty,andleavetheissuetoGod;

believe above hope, and against hope: followGod in the dark, as yourfatherAbrahamdid,notknowingwhitherhewouldleadhim:thustodo,istogiveglorytoGod.Therefore,“feartheLord,andobeythevoiceofhisservant;”eventhen,“whenyeareindarkness,andhavenolight,”Isaiah50:10. (namely, of his special favor and love to you in particular.) Andthoughneversogreatdiscouragementsarebeforeyou,fromtheguiltofsins committed, the power of indwelling corruptions, and your presentaverseness to believing; and here withal, that faith is the greatcommandment;letyourheartanswer,Isitmydutytobelieve?Nay,thenI must. Remember his greatness, his absolute dominion, the

uncontrolableness of hismatters; that hehas concluded all in unbelief,that he might have mercy on all,” Romans 11:32. (that is, that thesalvationofthosewhoshallbesavedmightappeartobeofmercy,andtobesoacknowledged:)tohimthereforecommityourcause,andcommitittohimasyoursovereignlord,andsoleaveitwithhim;andseethatyoutake it not out of his hand again, by your doubting the issue of it: andknow, that then is your soul nearest to peace and settlement, whenbroughttothissubmission.“Beinsubjectiontothefatherofspirits,andlive,”Hebrews13:9.

Butletnotthewordbemisconstrued.Idonotmean,bysubmission,thatyoushouldbesatisfiedunderadenialofmercy,ontheaccountofGod’sabsolutedominion:Icannotthinkthatanecessarytermorqualificationin your treating with God for salvation: for, 1. I do not find that Godrequiressuchasubmission,astheconditionofobtainingmercy;northathehasmadeanypromisetogivesuchasubmission,inordertothatend;noranyinstanceinscriptureofthesaintshavingorendeavoringsuchaframeofspiritinthatbusiness;noryetthatmenareanywheretaxedfornot attaining to it. They are blamed, indeed, and thatworthily, for notsubmittingtotherighteousnessofGod;(thatis,fornotrenouncingtheirown,andflyingtothatofChrist;)andthisblameworthinessyoucannotescape,iffindingyourselflostandundone,youwillnotpresentlyruntoChrist, without first finding in yourself something that may seem tocommend you to him. 2. Such a submission seems repugnant toGod’srevealedwill.For,ifthisbethe“willofGod,evenoursanctification,”thatweshouldbelieveonhisSon,andlovehimwithourwholeheart,thenitcannotbehiswillthatweshouldbewillingtoremaininanunsanctifiedstate, in unbelief and enmity against him; which are the inseparableconjuncts of willingness to be separated from God. 3. Because thepromiseofpeaceandrestismadetothewearyandheavyladen,comingtoChrist;nottoacontentednesstobedividedfromhim:andthepromiseofsatisfactionistoyourhungeringandthirstingafterrighteousness;nottothecessationofyourdesire,withoutthethingwhichonlycansatisfy.4.Because,tobesatisfiedwithoutobtainingmercy,istobesatisfiedwithanutterincapacitytoglorifythegraceofGod,andtoenjoycommunionwithhim,which are the principal end andduty ofmen. 5. It is cross to thegenuineandconcretedprincipleof thereasonablecreature,whichis, to

seek its own happiness; in any thing short of which it ought not toacquiesce.6.Suchasubmissioncannotberequisiteinpreparatorywork;becausethatwouldsupposethehighestpitchofgraceattained(ifityetbeagrace,andattainable,)beforeyoubelieve;andconsequently, that it isnotagraceoutofChrist’sfullness;foryearesupposedtohaveitbeforeye go to him. And therefore, when I say, ye must submit, withoutcapitulatingormakingterms,mymeaningis,yearenottotreatontermsofyourownmaking,notpropoundanythingtoGod,butwhatsovereignmercypropoundstoyou,asthe

wayandmeansofobtainingyourgreatend;andgreatreasonyehaveforthis submission; for herein lies your interest; those being, in truth, theonlytermsbywhichalostandsinfulcreaturecanberenderedsolvable,or capable of being saved; as will further appear in the sequel of thisdiscourse.

I think, with humble submission, that if any point of time may besupposed before the decree, it was then that absolute dominion boresway; but ever since election came in, it is grace that reigns: not thatsovereigntyisceased,buttransferred:beforeitwasinpower,butnowingrace, as touching theelect, and in justice, respecting the rest.Grace isthe attribute God delights to honor, and all the other are, if I may sospeak, as subjects of this: even Christ himself was made a servant, toperformthepleasureofhisgrace:“Beholdmyservant,whomIuphold;mineelect,inwhommysouldelighteth:Ihaveputmyspiritonhim:heshallbringforthjudgmenttotheGentiles,”Isaiah42:1.Sothen,thatyouare tosubmit to, is thegoodpleasureofGod’swill,asheld forth in thecovenantofgrace,undertakingfor,andperfectlyabletohaveyou;andashaving his sovereign power engaged tomake it good.Which seems thescope of that passage in Moses’ prayer for the people, when they hadhighlyprovokedGod: “Let thepowerofmyLordbegreat,accordingasthouhastspoken,”etc.Numb.14:17,18,19.Itwastopardon,andstilltoownthemforhispeople.AndtothisagreeallthosescriptureswhichholdforththepowerofGodasthegroundoffaith;asthatbywhichheisabletopardonsin,tosubdueiniquity,andtoholdyoursoulsinlife.Youaretherefore directed, if youwill have peacewithGod, to take hold of hisstrength,” Isaiah 27:5, which cannot be meant of a contentedness in

havingthatstrengthputforthtodestroy,butasbeingperfectlyableandengagedbyhiscovenant tosaveyou.As to the timewhentheLordwillmanifest his love to you; as also the manner and measure of hisdispensing it; the good pleasure of his will is expressly, and with allquietnessofspirit,tobesubmittedto:butastothethingitself,yououghtnot to be said nay but do as he did, who had power with God, andprevailed. “He wept, and made supplication,” Hosea 12:4. but stillresolved,“Iwillnotlettheego,exceptthoublessme,”Genesis32:26.

2.Asfortheothernearestconcernment,touchingyourchildren,dealinlikemannerforthem,bysubmittingthemtothesamemercy.It istrue,that next to your own personal salvation, there cannot be a greaterevidenceofGod’slovetoyou,thantochooseyourchildrenafteryou,noranythingmoredesirabletoyou:therefore,“commandthem,andinstructthemtokeepthewayof theLord,”Genesis18:19, thathemaybringonthem theblessing youmostdesire for them:butbenotover solicitous,and cast down,because you seenot yet themarks of electionon them.TheLorddothnot indeedbindhimself to takeall abeliever’s children,nor doth he limit himself from taking any others. There is nothingdeclaredtouchinghispurposetotakealltheone,lesttheyshouldthencetake occasion to be remiss in their duty (which, till conversion, is verynaturaltous)nordothheexcludethechildrenofothers:forthatmightdiscourage,andweakentheirhandstothatwhichisgood.Inthisvariousdispensingofhiseverlasting love,he ispleasedso to reservehis libertyandsovereignprerogative,thathegreatlymanifestshislovetobelievers,insofrequentchoosingoftheirseed;andthefreenessofhisgrace,innotrejectingwhollytheseedofothers.

Infer. 3. How happy and sovereignly blessed are those who have aninterest in this great and sovereignLord!Be the earth ever sounquiet,and the tumult of it ever so boisterous and unruly, the Lord is abovethem.Hesitsonthewaters,asaprince inhischariot,guidingallashewill;heisthatgreatdictator,whosewordisthelawindeed:ifhebutsay,Come,Go,Dothis,thereneedsnomore.Whowouldnotbethesubjectofsuch a prince andmuchmore his favorite? and yet, this high privilegeeverysoul isblessedwith, thathas its truth takenholdofhiscovenant:forthattakesinallbetweenthetwoeternities,andeternityitselfwithal;

and the spirit or strength of the whole lies in those few (but verycompendious)words,“IwillbeyourGod.”WhentheLordwouldcomforthis people to purpose, and put on their eagles’ wings, what a gloriousnarrativedothhemakeofhispowerand sovereigngreatness, in Isaiah40,fromverse12toverse26!Andthentellsthem,thatallthisistheirs,verse27.AndifGodbeyours,allthingsareyours.Who,andwhereishethatcansupplantyouofhisblessing?youmayrejoiceinhishighness,thethoughtswhereofarematterofterrortoothermen.Aftertherehearsalofallthehappinessandglorythatmenorangelsarecapableof,itshallallbe comprised in this, as the original thereof, and sum of the whole,“HappyaretheywhoseGodistheLord,”Psalm144:15.

Infer.4.Wemayseehere thereasonwhyGoddothsometimesdefer toanswerthedoubtsandquerieswestickat,andmostdesiretoberesolvedabout:itisnotonlytoshewhissovereignty,buttobringourheartstoapractical acknowledgmentof it.Moseswas veryunwilling to go on thismessagetoPharaoh:manypretenceshehadtoputitby:whilethedangerhemightbeinforkillingtheEgyptianwasthebottomobjection,thoughhespeaksitnotout.Indeed,themenwhosoughthislifewerenowdead,which if he had known before, all those excuses had probably beenspared: but the Lord was pleased to conceal it from him until he hadbroughthimtoafullcompliancewithhiswill,andthenrevealsittohimunmasked,Exodus3:11,and4:10,13,19.So,likewise,hewouldnottakeoffhishandfromJob,untilhehadwelllearnedhimthislesson,Job42:2,etc. Say not therefore (because you have not returned so soon as youwould,) “TheLordhas forsakenme;myLordhas forgottenme,” Isaiah49:14.Butfollowthatgreatresolutionrecordedofold,“IwillwaitontheLord,whohidethhisface(atpresent)fromthehouseofJacob,andIwilllookforhim,”Isaiah8:17.

Infer.5.Letnoman,then,whowillsay,“theLordheisGod,”presumetoentrenchonhissacredroyalty,byseekingareasonofhisdecrees,beyondorbesidesthegoodpleasureofhiswill.Evensovereignsofdustwillnotadmitit insubjects,thoughofthesamemouldwiththemselves.It isanimperialsecret,“thechiefofthewaysofGod;”itbelongstohimselfalonetoknowit;andtheknowledgethereofwouldnotprofitusnow.Besides,thereisenoughrevealed,ofgreatimportancetousatpresent,onwhich

toemploytheutmostofourtimeandstrength.Byovergrasping,wemaysprain our hands, and unfit them for service, otherwise within theircompass, but we gain nothing. Therefore go not about to fathom thisgreat deep. Who, but one of shallow understanding, would think tomeasure the sea by handfuls? or to give a demonstrative reason of itsvarious and convertible courses! Remember that you may magnify hisword, Job 36:24. But lessen it not, by pretending to comprehend it,Ecclesiastes8:17,“SanctifytheLordinyourhearts,andfearbeforehim,”Isaiah8:13.

Infer.6.Thisgivesareason,whymenofthelargestcapacity,forlearningand natural understanding are so mightily puzzled and labyrinthed inspiritual matters, particularly the doctrine of election: why they do sostronglyopposeit,andaresohardlyreconciledwithit.Theyarenot, intruth,subduedtothedoctrineofGod’ssovereignty:andtherefore,whilein discussing those points of faith, they judge as their natural opticsrepresent them, they lose both themselves and the truth; which yet, insome degree, “ismade known to babes,” (men of low stature to them)whose spirits the Lord has subdued to rest contented with what theirFather is pleased to tell them; and for the rest (as namely, themannerandreasonofGod’sdisposementsanddispensations)theylivebyfaithinhis righteousness;waiting for the day that shall reveal all things,whenthe tabernacleofGod,whichyet is inheaven, shall be letdownamongmen,ortheytakenupintoit,andthesehiddenthingsofsovereigntyshallbemoreopenlyknownamongthem.

Lastly, This doctrine of God’s absolute dominion, clears away all thatmadegroundandrubbish,whichtheprinciplesoffreewillgracedofoundtheir election on; and shewsus the only true andproper foundation ofscriptureelection;withthoseotherimportanttruthswhichholdonit,orareconsequentsofit:allwhichhavetheirheadinthesovereigntyofGod,andarederivedthence,asriversarefromthesea:asthroughhisblessingandgracemayappearafterwards.AndsoIshallcloseupthisfirstpartofthe preface, with that holy rapture of the Psalmist: “Be thou exalted,Lord,inthineownstrength;sowillwesing,andpraisethypower,”Psalm21:13.“TheLordhaspreparedhisthroneintheheavens,andhiskingdomrulethoverall.BlesstheLord,yehisangels,thatexcelinstrength!Bless

the Lord, all ye his hosts, ye ministers that do his pleasure,” Psalm103:21.

Chapter1:TheRighteousnessofGod

HavingfoundedthisdiscourseontheSovereigntyofGod,asthebestandmostnatural groundof satisfaction (or captivation) to reason, touchingElection,nowasameanstoqualifyourspirits,andreconcilethemwiththe doctrine of Sovereignty, it seemeth expedient to annex that of hisRighteousness:and,Ithink,thereisnotamorerationalproposition,orone more clearly requiring submission than, “That there is nounrighteousness with God.” This is the natural adjunct of divinesovereignty, which, as we are indispensably bound to believe, so to bewellgroundedinthefaithofit,willbeofexceedinggreatusefulnesstousin every condition; especially under those darker administrations, ofwhich we do not see at present the cause, reason, or tendency; whenmattersofgreat importanceseemtobeconfusedorneglected;whenallthings in view fall out alike to all; andyou cannotknoweither goodorevil, by all that is before you. I shall therefore collect some of thoseconsiderations, fromwhich youmay find some light and influence in adarkandcloudyday;andbywhich,asameans, Imyselfwasdrawn inand guided to this determination, before I had searched the scripturesexpresslyconcerningthissubject:andtheymayserve,bothasargumentstodemonstratetheproposition,andasantidotesagainstthosepoisonouscontradictions,whichcarnalreasonandunbeliefwillbetoooftenforgingandflinginginonus.And,

Argument 1. It is founded on that infinite blessedness,which themosthighGodwaspossessedof inhimself,beforetheworld,oranycreaturewasmade.Hedidnotmakethemforanyneedhehadofthem,butforhispleasure,Revelation4:11,and ifheneeded themnot, therecouldbenoneed,orreasonwhyheshouldmakethemsuch,ortosuchanendasnotto bewisely overruled, and their end attained, without doingwrong toany. Themotives bywhichmen are swayed to wrongdoing, are chieflytwo: 1. To obtain something they have not. Ahab slew Naboth for hisvineyard,1Kings,21;andAthaliahalltheseedroyal,togetthethrone,2Kings11:1.2.To securewhat theyhave.Pharaohoppressed thepeople,lestgrowingmightytheyshouldshakeoffhisyoke,andgetthemoutof

hisservice,Exodus1:10.Jeroboamsetuphiscalvestokeepthepeopleathome,andfirmtohimself,1Kings,12:27,28,andtheJewsputChristtodeath, lest the Romans should come and take away their place andnation, John, 11:48. These two have shared the parentage of all theoppressionandwrongdoingthathavebeenintheworld:neitherofwhichis compatible with our great and blessed God: for all things are hisalready; he possesseth the heavens and the earth, and all the hosts ofthem,with an absolutepower and right to dispose of them.And as forsecuringwhathehas,ofwhomshouldhebeafraid?So,

1.“ThereisnoGodbesideshim;”theLordhimself,whoneedsmustknowit, if therewereanother,processeth solemnly, that “heknowsnotany,”Isaiah44:6,8.And,

2.Asforcreatures,theyareallmoreabsolutelyunderhissubjection,thanthesmallestdustunderourfeetisitus.“Thenationsaretohimlessthannothing and vanity.” Isaiah 40:17. He needs not so much as to touchthem,tobringthemdown:itisbut“gatheringtohimselfhisspiritandhisbreath,andtheyperishtogether,”Job34:14,15.IftheLordbutwithholdhissustaininginfluence,theyfallofthemselves;butheremainsthesametoallgenerations.

Argument2.Another argument is foundedon the infiniteperfectionofhisnature.Thisthoseseraphicheraldsproclaimunderthenotionofholy,holy, holy, Isaiah 6:2. Its reduplication imports the highest perfection.AndMoses,whoofallmortals,hadnearestaccesstoGod,putsit inthefront of his triumphal titles, Exodus 15:11. “Glorious in holiness!” It isthat whereby all the divine excellencies are summarily expressed. TherighteousLordwilldonoiniquity:heisofpurereyesthantolookonit.Itisanhighdemonstrationofhisexcellency,thathecannotdenyhimself:thatis,hecannotdoanythingthatisintheleastdegreecontrarytohisholynature;nothingthatneedstoberetracted,ortoalterhismindaboutit.Hiswillistheruleofrighteousness,andrighteousnessistheruleofhiswill.Thesaintsofoldwereperfectlyofthismind:“ShallnottheJudgeofall the earth do right?” Genesis 18:25. And the apostle puts it as aquestion not to be answered, that if Godwere unrighteous, “How thenshallheJudgetheworld?”Romans3:6.

Argument3. It isalsoapparent, fromtheconstant ruleandmeasureofGod’s dispensements, which are not done fortuitously, nor rashly, butwith deliberation and exactness. “He lays judgment to the rule, andrighteousnesstotheplummet,”Isaiah28:7.Hewillnotpunishwithoutacause,normorethanisdeserved.TouchingthesinsofSodom,“Iwillgodown,” says God, “and see whether they have done, [altogether]according to the cry of it,” Genesis 18:21. “He renders to every oneaccording to their deeds,” Romans 2:6. “and gives them [a just]recompenseofreward,”Hebrews2:2.“Hewillnotcastawaytheperfectman,norhelpthewicked,”Job8:20.Eliphazputsthequestionwithgreatconfidence,(aswellhemight,)“Whoeverperishedbeinginnocent?”Job,4:7. His righteousness is such, that it even holds his hands until theinnocentbeoutofdanger.Theangelswerestraightlycommanded,nottobegin the execution of God’s wrath on the wicked world, “until hisservantsweremarkedout,”Revelation7:3,andwhen theLord came todestroy Sodom, he hastens righteous Lot to Zoar, with this onlyargument, “I cannot do any thing until thou be come thither,”Genesis19:22.

Argument4.Itisfurtherevidenced,bythelawshehasgiventomen;thesumofwhich is, to do righteously; and the end of them, the good andwelfare of the creature. After a thousand years’ experience of these,comparedwith the issueofmen’s inventions, theyareacknowledged tobe “right judgments, good statutes, and laws of truth,” Nehemiah 9:3.What an admirable catalogue havewe in Romans 12:12, and Galatians5:22!

1.Of suchasconcernourduty towardshimself immediately, this is thesum; “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thouserve,” Matthew 4:10. There is nothing more equal and just than toworshipandservehim,whoseweare:toloveandtolivetohim,wehaveour lifeandbreath;especially considering that “his commandmentsareourlife,”Deuteronomy,16:18,19.

2.Suchasrefermoreimmediatelytoourselves,astemperance,chastity,moderation,sobriety,etc.These,asisevidenttoall,dogreatlyconducetoouroutwardwelfare,bothinpointofhealth,estate,prosperity,etc.Andwhatevilconsequentsdoattendthecontrariesofthosevirtues,mightbe

every day’s observation;more especially such as relate to our spiritualstateandwelfare:ofwhichmoreparticularlyunderthenextargument.

3.Suchcommandsalsoasrespectourdutytowardsmen:astodojustly;toshewmercy;to“followpeacewithallmen,”everyonetomindhisownbusiness, and not intermeddle with others: so, “to be subject to thepowers that be;” and to “pray for those in authority,” (the neglect ofwhichdutymaybeacauseofourdisquietmentfromthem,atleastitmayproveaneclipseofourjoyfulnessinsufferingunderthem,etc.;)thesumof this kind of duties we have in that standing uncontrollable rule, of“doingtoothersaswewouldtheyshoulddotous.”Onthecontrary,thereis nothing forbidden but what tends to our hurt; as if it were needful,mightbedemonstratedbyinstancesinnumerable.

4.Tothisalsomightbeadded,thestrictinjunctionsthatGodhaslaidonthe subordinate dispensers of his law; as, namely, “to judge the peoplewith just judgment; not to wrest judgment, nor respect persons,”Deuteronomy 16:18, 19. “yea, he curseth them that pervert judgment,”chapter 27:19, “andwill surely reprove them that accept persons,” Job,13:10,etc.And“shallmortalmanbemorejustthanGod?”chapter4:17.Willhe,undersuchpenalties,commandmentodothus,andnotmuchmoredosohimself?

Argument5.Anotherbeamof the righteousnessofGod, shines forth inhisputtingthematterofourdutyintosuchawayandmethod,asrendersitmorefacile,andmostlyconducethtoourchiefend.

As, 1. “TorememberourCreator in thedaysofouryouth,”Ecclesiastes12:12. For the work of conversion, and turning to God,must needs bemuch easier then, than when habituated in an evil course: for longimpenitency (besides the provocation it is to God,) estranges themindmore from him: makes the spirit more inflexible, and harder to bewroughton; itmultiplies ourwork, and subtracts our strength: for oneaccustomedineviltolearntodowell,andforablackmoortochangehisskin,arethingsofalikepossibility:itisaveryrareanddifficultthingfor“amantobebornagainwhenheisold.”

2.Towatchagainst,andsuppress the firstmotionsof sin,and toavoid

whatevermightbeanoccasion,orhavetendencytowardsit.Andinorderthereto,to“takeheedtoourspirit.”Mal.2:15.“Tokeeptheheartwithalldiligence,” Proverbs 4:23: “To abstain from all appearances of evil,” 1Thessalonians 5:22. “To hate the garment spotted by the flesh,” Jude,verse23.“Andtomakeacovenantwithoureyes.”asJobdid,Job,31:1.For the professed practice of some saints is directive to others, andequivalenttoacommand.Tokeepanenemyfromrising,ismucheasierthantoquellhimwhenhe isup;yea, tonipsinwhenit isyoung, is thereadyway,notonlytokeepitlow,buttokillit;asthecontinualpluckingoffbudsfromatreeorplant,destroystheroot.

3.Nottodoanything,thelawfulnesswhereofisdubioustous;which,asitisasininitself,(aseverythingiswhichisnotoffaith,)Romans14:23,soittendstoobscuretousthetruesightofotherthings,andemboldensto further attempts. Yea, farther, not to mind only the lawfulness ofthings,buttheirexpediency,1Corinthians6:12,thenotheedingofwhichprovesoftenanoccasionofsintoothers,whereofwecannotbeguiltless.So, likewise, to cherish allmotions to good; not to quench the Spirit, 1Thessalonians 5:19, and to hearken, or listen diligently what the LordGodwillspeak,Exodus15:26.whoofttimesdelivershismindwith“astillandsmallvoice,”1Kings19:12,whichdoublyobligethourattention.

4.Inhispressing,withsomuchweightandnecessity,thosegreatdutiesof faith, love, patience, self-denial, etc. (1.) Faith, which consists insubmittingtothe“righteousnessofGod,”takingholdofhisstrength,andfollowingtheconductofhiswisdom:andinorderthereto,shewingusourown sinfulness, weakness, and folly, with the vanity of all createdbottoms,whichhavealways failedat thegreatestneed;andsodrawingourheartstoleanonhimselfonly,inwhomalonewehaverighteousnessand strength, Isaiah45:24.(2.) Love: this is a powerful, active, candid,andobligingprinciple:itbearsallthings;thinksnoevil;takesallingoodpart, 1 Corinthians 13:5,makes that both portable and pleasant, whichwithout love,would be both harsh and burdensome. (3.) Patience, andmeekness of spirit; thesemitigate the dolor of any suffering, and oftenprevent or allay the storm that is rising. “A soft answer turneth awaywrath,”Proverbs15:1.Judges8:3.Italsobreedsexperience;1.Thatanyafflictionsmaybebornethroughhimthatstrengthensus,2Corinthians

12:9.2.Thatafflictionsareall forourprofit,Hebrews12:10.3.Thatwecouldnotwellhavebeenwithoutthem,1Peter1:6,7.4.ItalsogivestounderstandtheLord’smeaning in them,which thenoiseof tumultuouspassionswoulddrowninus.And,asameanstoworkthispatience, theLordsetsbeforeus,1.Thatthereisacauseofeverychastening;andthatcause is fromourselves;andthereforenocausetocomplain.2.Thatheafflicts not willingly, but only when there is need, and no more thanneedsmust.3.Thathehasmanygraciousends inafflicting: as, (1.)Tohumble for sin committed; as in Joseph’s rough dealing with hisbrethren, Genesis 42:21. (2.) To purge out dross; as in the case ofManasseh,2Chronicles33:11.13,andthewholechurch,Isaiah27:9.(3.)To prevent sins we should otherwise fall into: thus he kept Paul frombeing exalted abovemeasure, 2Corinthians 12:7. (4.) Towean us fromtheworld;thisheexpectedfromBaruch,Jeremiah45:4,5,andthiseffectithadonAsaph,Psalm73:35.(5.)Toexerciseourgraces;asAbraham’sgreat faith, by his various temptations; and Paul was much underinfirmities, that hemight “magnify the power of Christ,” 2 Corinthians12:9.(6.)Bylessertemptations,anddeliverancesfromthem,wearefittedforgreater,andour faithstrengthened,both tobearandtoget throughthem;whichgreaterhadtheycomebefore,mighthaveoverturnedus.4.Self-denial:thisisadutyofnearestconcernmenttous,sincewehavenoenemies sogreatas self love,and fleshly lusts towaragainstour souls.These things considered,will shew thatDavid’s conclusion is right andgenuine;“GoodanduprightistheLord,thereforewillheteachsinnersinthe way,” Psalm 25:8, Even reason itself might tell us (to be suresanctifiedreasonandexperiencewill,)thatthustocommandanddirect,is to lead in the right way; and it highly commends to us therighteousnessofGod.

Argument6.TherighteousnessofGodisfarthermadeout,byhisaffixingrewardsandpunishments,togoodandevilworksrespectively,accordingtowhatistheproperresultandnaturalproductofthem:“Whatsoeveraman sows, that shall he reap,”Galatians6:7. “Every seed shall have itsownbody,”1Corinthians15:38. “Hewill give to everyoneaccording tohis ways, and the fruit of his doings,” Isaiah 3:10,11. Jeremiah 32:19.Holinesshasinitanaturaltendencytolifeandpeace:itisatreeoflife,Proverbs3:18.Graceandglorygrowfromthesameroot:salvationisthe

end of faith; the flower that grows on it, 1 Peter 1:9. “The work ofrighteousnessispeace,andtheeffectthereofquietnessandassuranceforever,” Isaiah 32:17. It is sometimes called, “the way of life,” Proverbs12:28. Sometimes “the fountain andwellspring of life,” Proverbs 14:27.Andittendethtolife,”Proverbs19:23.Foriftherootbeholy,thebranchcannotbeotherwise,Romans,11:16.

Itissolikewisewithsin:deathfollowssin,notonlyasapunishmentfordelinquency, but as its natural offspring, Proverbs 23:29. Originalcorruptionistheroot;sinthestalkthatgrowsnextonit;anddeaththefinishing,orfullcornintheear,James,1:14,15.Iftherebenojusticetorevengesin,sinwouldbevengeancetoitself:“Sinnerslieinwaitfortheirown blood,” Proverbs 1:18. “It is their own wickedness that correctsthem,”Jeremiah2:19.“Thewayofsininclinethtodeath,anditsfootstepstothedead:itsstepstakeholdonhell,”Proverbs2:18,and5:5.Unbeliefmaybeaninstanceforall;asoutofwhichallsinselsearederived:thiswastheroofofAdam’sapostasy,Genesis3.ofallthatpeople’srebellionsinthewilderness,Numb.14:11.oftheJews’rejectingtheMessiah,John,19:7.12.FaithisthatwhichholdsthesoultoGod,itslifeandblessedness:unbelief isdeparting fromhim,or lettinggo itshold; the loosingof theknot,onwhichthesoulfallsoffofitsownaccord:andthefirststepfromGodsetsinawayofdeath:asabranchbreakingofffromitsstockdiesofitself.ThiswasAdam’sunbelief:inallmensince,itisarefusingtoreturn.

Argument 7. This doctrine is further confirmed, by the generalunanimousconsentandaffirmationofthosebestabletojudge.(1.)Theyassertit.Job,amanofgreatwisdomandintegrity,“nothislikeinalltheearth,” Job 1:8, and none so sorely afflicted; yet, says Elihu to him, byway of counsel (as what himself would do in like case), “I will ascriberighteousness to my maker,” chapter 36:3, and “surely God will notpervertjudgment,”chapter34:12.“Godisknown(thatis,heisknowntobeGod)bythejudgmentswhichheexecuteth,”Psalm19.6.“TheLordisupright; there is no unrighteousness in him,” Psalm 92:15. “He lovethrighteousness,andhatethiniquity.Thescepterofhiskingdomisarightscepter,”Psalm45:6,7.“Righteousnessandjudgmentarethehabitationofhisthrone,”Psalm97:2.Deuteronomy32:4.That“trueandrighteousarehis judgments,” isthevoiceofthoseinheaven,Revelation19:2.(2.)

They submit to it, even then when most provoked by men’s injuriousdealingswiththemforhissake;andwhentheLord’sownhandhasbeenmost severe towards them. “Aaronheldhis peace,”Lev.10:3. “It is theLord,” saith Eli, “let him do what seemeth him good,” 1 Samuel 3:18.Hezekiahalso,“Goodis thewordof theLord,”2Kings20:19.Yea, theyhave done thus, when by the light of natural reason they could see noreasonforit;witnessJob;who,whenplunderedofall,because“hefearedGod,andeschewedevil,”andcouldjustifyhimselftotheheight,astoanyhypocrisy;yet,sayshe,“Iwillmakesupplicationtomyjudge,”Job9:15.LookonourLordandSaviorhimself,andseehisconfession:“Ourfatherscried to thee, andweredelivered;but I, thoughdaynornight I amnotsilent,thouhearestmenot.”Howdoesheclosehiscomplaint?Not,Thoudealestmorehardlywithme,who lesshavedeserved it; but, “Thouartholy,”Psalm22:2, 3, 4. Jeremiah, indeed, began to object, because the“way of the wicked prospered, and they were happy that dealttreacherously: “but he presently bethinks himself, withdraws his plea,and yields the cause: “Righteous thou art, O Lord, when I plead withthee,”Jeremiah12:1.Imightinstancethesuffragesofwickedmen,andofthe most obdurate among them, whose consciences, at times, haveenforcedtheirconfessionofthistruth;andthetestimonyofanadversaryproves strongly.Pharaoh subscribes to it: “TheLord is righteous, I andmypeoplearewicked,”Exodus9:27.AsalsodothAdonibezek,andSaul,Judges 1:7. 1 Samuel 24:17. 19. (3.) the saints triumph in therighteousnessofGod,aswelltheymay,andcallonotherstodothelike:“The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice,” Psalm 93:97. 99. “O let thenationsbeglad%(,)(?)andsing for joy; for thoushalt judge thepeoplerighteously,”Psalm92:4.“Lettheheavensrejoice,andtheearthbegladbeforetheLord:forhecomethtojudgetheearth,”Psalm96:11.13.etc.And hence it was that Paul, and the rest of them, though the presentsense of their sufferings was grievous, yet they gloried in them, andrejoicedgreatlyinhopesofthatgloryand“crownofrighteousness,whichGod,asarighteousjudge,hadpreparedforthem,”2Timothy4.8.

Argument 8. The righteousness ofGod is yet farther illustrated, by theissueandeventofhisdarkestdispensations.“Theconsumptiondecreedshalloverflowwithrighteousness,”Isaiah10:22,andnothingelseshallbeinit.Hispeople,thoughlongunderoppression,hebroughtthemforthat

last, with the greater substance. His leading them about in thewilderness,asitwereinamaze,fortyyearstogether;andbringingthembacktowhere theyhadbeenmanyyearsbefore;yetproved it tobe theright way, Psalm 107:7, and it was for “their good in the latter end,”Deuteronomy8:16.David’slongpersecutionbySaul,madehimthefitterforthekingdom,andadaptedhimfortheofficeofprincipalsecretarytothe great King; opportunely acquainting himwith all the affairs of theheavenlystateandcouncil,thatarefittobeknownonearth:andbyhishandandexperiencetheyareconfirmedtous;andthisamongtherest.“Blessedisthemanwhomthouchastenesthandteachesthimoutofthylaw,”Psalm94:12.WeseeitalsobytheendtheLordmadewithJob;“hebrought him forth like gold,” and doubled his blessings on him, Job43:12. The basket of good figs were sent into captivity for their good,Jeremiah24:5.Paul’safflictionsturnedtohissalvation,Philippians1:19.Even the temptations, sorrows, and sufferings of Christ himself, whichweresuchasneverwereknownbymen,wereintended,andaccordinglydid,perfectandenablehimforhisofficeofmediator:“Wherefore inallthingsitbehoovedhimtobemadeliketohisbrethren,thathemightbeamerciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to makereconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hassuffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted,”Hebrews2:17,18.

Argument9.AnothergreatinstanceandevidenceoftherighteousnessofGod appears in the manner of his procedure in reference to the elect.Thoseprecioussouls,thosehelovedfromeverlasting,anddeterminedtobring to glory: yet, having sinned, not one of them shall enter there,withoutsatisfactionmadetohisjustice;eventhosehewillnotjustify,butso as to be just in doing of it,Romans 8:3, 8:26, themercy seat beingsprinkled with blood, Lev. 16:14.was evidently a shadow of it; for thegloryofGoddoesnotconsistonlyinshewingmercy,buttodoitinsuchamannerasnottoclashwithhisjustice.Itisapartofhisnameandglory,that “hewill bynomeans clear the guilty,” Exodus 34:7. butwho thenshallbesaved,since“alltheworldisfoundguiltybeforeGod?”Romans3:19.Yea,thereisyetawaytoshewmercy(whichiseveradorable,)andtherein is shown the manifold wisdom of God, as well as hisrighteousness, in the contriving a way for “mercy and truth to meet

together,”Psalm85:10.whichwas done by transferring the guilt of hischosenonanother,whowasabletobearit,andtogiveamoreadequatesatisfaction to his justice, than they ever could have done by theirpersonal sufferings: this also was typified by the law of the scapegoat:“AndAaronshallcastlotsonthetwogoats,onelotfortheLord,andtheother lot for the scapegoat.But thegoat,onwhich the lot fell tobe thescapegoat, shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make anatonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into “thewilderness.Andhethatletgothegoat forthescapegoat,shallwashhisclothes,andbathehisfleshinwater,andafterwardcomeintothecamp.”Lev.16:8.10.26.

ArgumentX.ConsiderespeciallythatgreatinstanceofChristhimself,thefirst elect, andheadof all the family; and the compactmadewith him;who,thoughhewereason,“Hisbelovedson,inwhomhissouldelighted:“yetifhewillundertakeforsinners,hemuststandintheirstead.Alltheirsinsmustmeetonhim,”andhemustbearthepunishmentduetothem,Isaiah53:4,5.Itwasnot“possible thatcupshouldpass fromhim:”no,“thoughhe sought itwith strong cries and tears;” and that of himwhowasabletosavehimfromdeath,whoalsolovedhimashisownsoul:hewasnot,hemightnotbereleased,untilhehadpaidtheutmostmite.Foralthoughgraceisperfectlyfreetomen,inpardoningandsavingofthem;yet justice must be satisfied, and Christ was abated nothing. This lastunparalleled instance of incomparable justice doth highly illustrate thepointinhand,namely,“ThatourgreatandsovereignLordcannotbutdoright.”

InferencesfromtheRighteousnessofGod

Infer. 1. May this doctrine prove an eternal blast to the vain andpresumptuous confidence of impenitent sinners, who, “becausevengeanceisnotspeedilyexecuted,havetheirheartsfullybentandsetinthemtodoevil,”Ecclesiastes8:11.BecausetheLord(atpresent)holdshispeace, they think he is like themselves, Psalm 50:21, etc. Let themcertainlyknow, thathe is able todealwith them: and, further, thathisrighteousnessobligethhimtovindicatehimself:hewillbynomeanscleartheguilty,norbealwayssilent:thoughslow,yetsure;andstrikeshomeatlast, Psalm 2:9. “He will arise to judgment, and set their sins in order

beforethem,”andreckonwiththemforallthehardspeecheswhichthey,ungodlysinners,haveutteredagainsthim:thesightwhereofshallstriketheirtremblingsouls(notwithstandingtheirstoutnessnow)withhorrorandamazement;andmakeevenall theirbowelsreadytogushout.“Hewillwoundthehairyscalp(theproudandpresumptuoushead)ofeveryone that goes on in his wickedness,” Psalm 68:21. “A dart shall strikethrough his liver,” Proverbs 7:23, and down with him to hell, thenethermosthell, inamoment.Whythenwillyou“runagainstthethickbossesofhisbucklers?”Job 15, 26. “and set briers and thorns in arrayagainst a devouring flame?” Isaiah 33:14. Can dried stubble dwell with“everlasting burnings?” Did “ever any harden himself against God andprosper!”Job9:4.No,nornevershall.Wherewillhishopebe,whenGodtakethawayhissoul!Job27:8.Thereforetakeupbetimes,leaveoff,andknowthatheisGod,Psalm46:10.

Infer. 2. Let this doctrine for ever vindicate the holy and goodways ofGod (both thosehewalks in towardsus, and thosehe commandsus towalk in towards himself,) from all those senseless imputations ofharshness, moroseness, nicety, preciseness, or whatever else theprofanenessorignoranceofmencantaxthemwith:for,asitissaid,soitis found by the certain and sober experience of all that fear him (andagainstsuchexperiencenoreasonistobeadmitted;)Isay,itisageneralinfallible experiment, that “all theways ofwisdom and pleasantness tohim that walks in them,” Proverbs 3:17. which argues, that those whothink otherwise, are ignorant of them, and therefore not competentjudges. It is granted, indeed, that thosewhosehearts are in these goodwaysofGod,havetheirstepstoooftenturnedaside,andgohaltinglyinthem:but, intruth, thefault isnot intheway,but in themen.There issome fracture in their bones, dislocation of joints, or evil tumor;something is out of order, and needs looking to. A cripplewill limp inSolomon’sporch,onthesmoothestpavement,whenonethatissoundinhis limbs will walk with delight on rougher ground. The law, and ourhearts, were once at perfect agreement; the discord came in by ourfreewill deviations, and swerving from our firstmake. Therefore admitnot the least motion that looks but awry on the commands ordisposementsofGod;but justify themto theheight,andtake shame toyourself, as Paul himself did, “The commandment is holy, but I am

carnal,”Romans7:12.14.

Infer.3. If theLordcannotbutdoright, then letusall (andeveryone)takeheedofsin,whichtheholinessandjusticeofGodaresoinexorablybentagainst:hewillnotpardonwithoutsatisfaction.Yea,bewareoflittlesins (little, I mean, in esteem with men, or in comparison of someothers.)YournearnesstoGodwillnotexcuseyou;for,“YouonlyhaveIknownofallthefamiliesoftheearth;ThereforeIwillpunishyouforallyour iniquities.” Amos 3:2. EvenMoses, his servant, for once speakingunadvisedly, was shut out of Canaan,Numb. 20:10. 12, and though hewould fainhave gone into that good land, and solicited theLordmuchaboutit,asifhewouldhavenodenial;yettheLordwouldnothearhim:“Speaknomoretomeofthismatter,”Deuteronomy3:26.Tomakelightof the leastsin,becausegraceabounds, is tosinagainstyourownsoul,andtomakethepreciousbloodofChristacommonthing(theleastistheprice of blood.)Althoughhe love thee, and that so asnever to takehisloving kindness from thee, yet he will not let thee go altogetherunpunished;yea,theLordmayhidefromtheethesenseofhislove,andmaketheefeelhisdispleasure,eventothebreakingofthybones,etc.Forhemustdiscountenancesin,andthatforourgood,aswellastovindicatethehonorofhisrighteousness.

Infer.4.You thatacknowledgeGod’suprightness,andprofess tobehischildren, convince the world of the truth of your principles by yourpractice.Shewyourselvestobehisoffspring,byyourlikenesstohim:“dojustly, lovemercy, walk humbly.” To “be blameless, and harmless, andwithout rebuke,” Philippians 2:15, is your best argument to refute theworld’scalumnies,andtoproveyourselvestobethesonsofGod.Shewitalso,byyourjustifyingGod,evenwhile“hewrapshimselfinacloud,”Job22:13,14. “andhis footstepsarenotknown,”Psalm77:19.He that ownsnotGod’shand ineverydispensement,disownshissovereignty; andhethatrepines,denieshisrighteousness:acquityourselfinboth.

Infer.5.Thenletnonestumbleatpresentadministrations,noradmitofasinisterorsuspiciousthoughttouchingthisholyLordGod.Thereasonofhiswaysmaybeunknown,butcannotbeunjust:heseesthroughthedarkcloud, though you and I cannot. We know “the Lord doth not afflictwillingly,”Lam.3:33, andhis people are in heaviness but for a season,

and ifneedbe, 1Peter1:6, then, surely, “it ismeet tobe said toGod, Ihavebornechastisement,”(thatis,mysinprocureditforme,andIhavenocausetocomplain;)“Iwilloffendnomore,”Job84:31.Acknowledgehisuprightness,andhewillbe“gracioustothee,”chapter23:24.Anddoit when thou canst not see the reason of his judgments, nor theirtendency;takingitstill forarule,“Thatall thewaysofGodareperfect:nothingcanbeputtothem,noranythingtakenfromthem,”Ecclesiastes3:14.ItwasagoodresolutioninJob,that,“thoughhewererighteous,yetwouldhenotanswerGod;butmakesupplicationtohisjudge,”Job9:15,andthoughheshouldslayhim,“yetwillhetrustinhim,”chapter13:15,andthiswouldhedo,evenwhilehethoughthemightmaintainhisownwaysbeforehim.Bepatient,therefore:“thecomingoftheLorddrawethnigh,”James5:7. “whowill judge theworldwith righteousness,”Psalm9:8.Letneitherthewicked’sprosperity,northedailychasteningsofhisown people, be an offence to thee; go up “into the sanctuary of God,”Psalm73:17.therethoushaltknowtheend.Itshallnotalwaysbecarriedthus; there will be a reckoning for the good things they had in theirlifetime;whenthosethathavelivedinpleasure,willwishthattheirsoulshad been in thy soul’s stead, under all its pressures: and it shall be nogriefofhearttothee,torememberthymortalandmomentarysufferings,Romans 8:18, when thou seest such peaceable fruits of righteousnessbrought forth thereby,Hebrews 12:18,when thou shalt be wrapped upwithholy amazement, and shall say in thine heart, “I lostmy children,and lwasdesolate; a captive, and removing toand fro (hadnoabidingplace,) who has begotten me these?” Isaiah 49:21, and chapter 60.Whencecamethey!whatrootsprangtheyfrom?Mylightafflictionswerenotworthy to be comparedwith this glory! 2 Corinthians 4:17.Hewillnever repent thathe sowed in tears,whobringshomehis sheaveswithsuchjoy.Butasyougoalongtothisyourblessedhome,andsweetplaceofeternalrest,itmaybeworththewhiletoruminatesuchscripturesasthese: “Though a sinner do evil a hundred times, and his days beprolonged(hegoesunpunished,)yetsurelyitshallbewellwiththemthatfearGod:but it shallnotbewellwith thewicked,”Ecclesiastes8:12,13.“Verily, there is a reward for the righteous: Verily, he is a God whojudgeth in the earth,” Psalm 58:11. “And his judgment is according totruth,” Romans 2:2, “and blessed are they that wait for him,” Isaiah30:18.

Infer.6.Lastly,Alltheobjectionsthatarebroughtagainstthedoctrineofelection’s absoluteness, personality, and eternity; the peculiarity ofredemption; the efficacious predominance of grace in calling; andbelievers’ invincible perseverance in faith and holiness, would all bedisbanded,andsenttotheirownplace,werethisonetruth(whichnoneinwordswilldeny)buttrulybelievedandreceivedinlove;namely,“ThatGodhasanabsoluterightofdominionoverhiscreatures,todisposeanddetermineofthemasseemethhimgood;andthatinthedoingthereofhecannotbutdoright.”

AndsoIcometothematterfirstintended.

Chapter2:Election

ThedoctrineofElectioncontaineththewholesumandscopeofthegospel;andourminds,ifhonestlysubduedtothedoctrineofGod’ssovereignty,cannotbeemployedaboutamoreexcellentsubject.Itiscalled“ThefoundationofGod,”notonlybecauseofthesupereminencyofit,butasafoundationofhislaying,whichGodhimselfistheauthorof,andhealone;andthebasiswhereofishimself:itisthatfoundationwhich

standethsure,andkeepsallthemsurewhostandonit.

Electionisthepitchingofeverlastinglove,orthegoodpleasureofGod,choosinganddecreeing to eternal life: it is thegreat charterofheaven,God’sspecialandfreegracedeedofgifttohischosenones,madeoverintrust toJesusChrist, for theiruseandbenefit.Now, indeedsofgift (tomakethemauthentic)theremustbeinsertedthenameofthedonor,orpersonthatgives;thenameofthedonor,orpersontowhom;thequalityand extent of the thing that is given; the time when it was done; theconsideration thatmoved thereto;and, incaseof impotency, it is usualandnecessarytoordainsomefriendasintrust,whoistostandseizedorpossessedofthegiftforthedonor’suse:allwhichareevidentlyfoundinscriptureelection,andmaybesummedintothisproposition.

Prop.“Thatthereisapeculiarpeople,whowerepersonallychosenofGodin Christ, according to his own good pleasure, and ordained to eternallife,beforetheworldbegan.”

BeforeIcometoadownrightproofoftheproposition,Ishallfirstexplaintheterms,andthenproducesomeinstancesofa lowerkindofelection,thatis,tomattersofalowerconcernthanthatofeternal life;whichyetmaybereckonedatypeandshadowofit.

1. For explanation. This word ‘peculiar’ denotes the exemption orprivileging of a person or thing from the power of another, in whosejurisdiction it was, or seemed to be: it sometimes signifies riches, orsubstance,whichisofaman’sownpropergetting,bylaborandindustry:it is also used to denominate such a part of aman’s inheritance as hekeeps in his own hands; which our law calls his demesne lands. In allwhich respects, the elect are aptly termed a peculiar people: for, (1.)Though Satan be prince of the world, and rules on every side; yet, astouchingtheelect,itisbutanusurpedandtemporaryjurisdictionthathehasoverthem:theydo,indeed,belongtoanotherprince,towhomtheirchief Lord has given them; who therefore (in the appointed time) willrescue them from thatusurpation. (2.)They are theLord’s treasure, orinheritance,obtainedbylaborindeed,withsweatandblood;thanwhichnothing is more a man’s own, nor hardlier parted with; such was theportion bestowedby Jacob onhis beloved Joseph, “even thatwhichhegotwithhissword,andwithhisbow,”Genesis48:22.And,(3.)TheyaretheLord’sdemesnes:hekeeps theminhisownhands, tendersthemastheappleofhiseye,andwillnotentrusttheminthehandsofothers:no,notoftheirownselves.

‘Chosenorelected:’ theproper importof theword is, to selectormakechoiceofoneormoreoutofagreaternumber. ‘Personallychosen,’thatis,theyweresingledforth,orpitchedonbyname;andchoseninChrist,orintoChrist,astheirheadandmediator;thatbeinginhim,allthegraceandglorytheywerechosentomightberightfullytheirs,andaccordinglyappliedtothem.

‘Toordain’isthesamehereastopredestinate,appoint,prepare,decree,orforedetermineofthingstocome:whichwasinsuchmannerdone,that

the event always has, does, and ever shall, justly succeed according todesignment. In this sensemen cannot be said to predestinate, becausetheycannot,withanycertainty,determineofthingsnotyetinbeing:butall thingswere presentwithGod from eternity, and his decreewas thecauseoftheirafter-existence.

By ‘eternal life’ I understand, not only the saints’ actual possession ofblessednessandglory;whichconsistsintheirperfectconformitytoGod,andunionwithhim(accordingtothe17thofJohn,)butalso,whateverisrequisite thereto, byway of right, preparation, or otherwise; where arecomprised, the mediation of Christ, effectual calling, and finalperseveranceinfaithandholiness;whichareindeedbutsomanypartsorsubdivisionsofelection:youhavethemallconjoinedinoneverse,bothasappropriate to the same persons, and as being inseparable, in Isaiah62:12.wherethoseforwhomthehighwayiscastup,aretermed“theholypeople;”thereistheirelection;the“redeemedoftheLord;”thatisplainlytheir redemption: they are also said to be “sought out;” which importstheireffectualcalling:and“acitynottobeforsaken,”whichimpliesnotlessthanperseverance.Andtheyarehereputinsuccession,astheyfallinorderoftime:electionisthereforecalled“apreparingtoglory,”Romans9:23.

‘Beforetheworldbegan.’Thesamething, forbrevitysake, iscommonlycalledeternity;andinScripturephrase,fromeverlasting.

‘Accordingtohisowngoodpleasure.’Thisshewstherootofelection;thegreatbottomgroundonwhichitisfounded,exclusivetoallthingselse,asbeinganywaycasual,contributory,ormotivethereto.

2.Forinstancesofalowerkindofelection:considerhereGod’schoosingor destinating certain persons by name (and some of thembefore theywereborn,)tosignalandeminentserviceintheworld;wheretheywerepatternsof theelectionwearetreatingof,andmaywellbeaccountedacollateralproofandevidenceofit.

Abraham was pitched on to be the root and father of God’s peculiarpeople;whomhewouldownandhonorabovethenationsof theworld;andthat inhim“all familiesof theearthshallbeblessed,”Gen12:1—3.

which contains a promise, that the Messiah, or Saviour of the world,shouldcomeofhisposterity:awonderfulhighhonor;butwhatwasthereinAbraham,thatmightmoveGodthustopreferhimabovetherestofhiskindred?washeanythingmoretoGod?orhadheservedhimbetterthanotheridolaterswithwhomhehadlived?No,innowise;andyettheLordsingled him forth, and called him alone, Isaiah 51:2. And, in truth, noother reason can be given for it, than what is given for his love toAbraham’s posterity; “he loved them because he loved them,”Deuteronomy 7:7, 8. Nor was he pitched on to be the father of manynations,norSarahtobethemotherofthem,foranynaturalfruitfulnessin them above others; for Abraham’s body was now dead; and Sarah,besideshernaturalbarrenness,waspast theageofchildbearing;whichoccasioned her to laugh at the promise: for who, indeed, would makechoice of a dried stock, and barren soil, to begin his nursery withal insuchmaterialsthereisnothingtoinducetoit.

The same courses he was pleased to take with Abraham’s immediateseed: he takes not all of them; but, “in Isaac shall thy seed be called,”Genesis 21:12. Thus, Isaac was taken, and Ishmael left. And thoughAbraham’sprayerwasheardforIshmael,soastohavehimblessedwithoutwardthings;yet,astothemainthing,Godrejectshim,andresolvestoestablishhiscovenantwithIsaac,chapter17:9.whowasyetunborn.

The like he also doth by Isaac’s children. “Jacobhe loved, butEsauhehated,”Mal.1:2,3.Romans9.whichisboththeprophet’sandapostle’sexposition of thosewords, “The elder shall serve the younger,”Genesis25:23, and this difference was put before they were born; yea, andentailed also on their posterities: the one are “the people of his wrath,againstwhomhehasindignationforever,”Mal1:4,“theircaptivityshallnotreturn.”“Whenthewholeearthrejoiceth,theyshallbedesolate,”etc.Ezekiel35:3.14.But for Jacob, “the Lordwill bring themback to theirownland,andplantthem,andbuildthemassuredly;anddothemgoodwithhiswholeheart,”Jeremiah31:37.41.But let itbeobserved, itwasnot Jacob’s more worthy demeanor, whether foreseen or acted, thatprocured him the blessing. Esau did more for it than he, and moresincerely:hehuntedforvenison,andfortruevenison,suchashisfatherloved; which he also makes ready, and brings with speed, big with

expectation of his blessing; which also he seeks importunately, “withtearsandbittercrying,”Genesis27:4,5.38.Now,whatgoodthingsdoesJacob do to inherit the blessing? 1. He goes about to invade another’sright;fortheblessingbelongedtothefirstborn.2.Heseekstoperverttheknownintentionofhisfather,whichwastoblessEsau.3.Heabusethhisfatherwithcounterfeitvenison.4.HetakesthenameofGodinvain, tomake his dispatch themore probable,Genesis 27:28. 5.He seeks it byfraud,anddownrightlying:heclotheshisneckandhandswiththekid’sskin, and roundly affirms himself to be Esau (very impropermeans toobtainablessing!) itneednotbeasked,whichof the two’sdeportmentwasmostdeserving?OnewouldeasilyconcludetheblessingtobeEsau’s:butseetheevent!hethatcarrieshimselfsounworthily,carriesawaytheblessing; he that behaves himself dutifully to obtain it, is dismissedwithout it; and though his father blessed Jacob unwillingly, and bymistake,yetwhenhecametoknowit,hewassofarfromreversingwhathehaddone,thatheearnestlyaffirmsit:“Ihaveblessedhim;yea,andheshallbeblessed,”Genesis27:33.Wouldweknow,now,thereasonofthisstrange(andaccordingtomen)irrationalevent?itwas,“thatthepurposeof God according to election might stand, (the elder must serve theyounger,)notofworks,butofhimthatcalleth,”Romans9:11.And it iswonderful to observe, how God ordered the whole course of thistransaction, as intending it a full and pregnant example of eternalelection: for it holds forth plainly the sovereignty of God over hiscreatures, in takingwhomhewill; the freenessofhisgrace in choosingthosethatarelessdeserving;thesureeffectofhispurposes;withhiswiseand certain ordering of things relating to his end: as also of his usingmeansandinstrumentstherein,quitebesidesthenaturalscopeofthem,andcontrarytotheirowndetriments.

Then for the Israelites:—This people the Lord chose in Abraham fourhundredyearsbeforehepubliclyownedthem:theyareexpresslytermed,“anelectnation,”asbeingseparatedfromtherestoftheworld;“anholy,special,peculiarpeopletoGod.”Hetookthemfor“hisownportion,thelotofhis inheritance:”readhisownwords(for theyarepreciouswordswiththosetowhomtheyappertain):“Yeshallbeholy tome; forIhaveseveredyoufromotherpeople,thatyeshouldbemine,”Leviticus20:26.“The Lord thy God has chosen thee to be a special people to himself,

aboveallthepeoplethatareonthefaceoftheearth,”Deuteronomy7:6.“TheLord thisdayhas avouched thee tobehis peculiarpeople, and tomake thee high above all nations,” chapter 26:18, 19. “The Lord had adelight in thy fathers, to love them,andhechose theirseedafter them,evenyouaboveallpeople,”chapter10:15.etc.Butweretheyasfaraboveothernationsingoodness,ingreatness,orexcellentdemeanor?hadtheybetter improved theirpart in thecommonstock?andwas that itwhichentitled them to this honor? No such matter, as appears, (1.) By thereason there assigned; “Ye shall be a peculiar treasure tome, above allpeople, foryeshallbemine,”Exodus19:5.It isas if theLordhadsaid,there is no difference between you and other nations: all the earth ismine,andImaytakewhereIwill:Iamnottiedtoany:Imighttakeofthem, and discard you; they cannot carry itmore unworthily than youhavedone,andwilldo.Ilookedfromheaven,andconsideredtheirworksandyours,Iseethatyourheartsarefashionedalike.And,(2.)Theirafter-demeanordidabundantlyverifyit;andtheLordforesawit;“Iknewthatthouwouldstdealtreacherously,andwastcalledatransgressorfromthewomb; that thouwouldstbeobstinate, thyneck an iron sinew, and thybrowbrass;andthat thouwouldstdoonlyevil fromthyyouthup,”etc.Isaiah48:4,8;Jeremiah32:30.What thenwas the cause andmotive ofGod’schoosingthemaboveothers?Itwashisundeservedloveandfavortothem;“Helovedthembecausehelovedthem,”Deuteronomy7:8and9:4.

CometoDavid:GodhasprovidedhimselfakingamongJesse’ssons,andSamuel must go to anoint him: but it must be “him whom the Lordshouldnametohim:”not theeldestorgoodliestperson;and therefore,sayshe(whentheypassbeforehim),TheLordhasnotchosenthis,northis, nor these, butDavid. It is true, the Lord did notmentionDavid’snametoSamuel;buthedidwhatwasequivalent;forwhenDavidcomesin,hetellshim,“Thisishe,anointhim.”1Samuel16:1.12.Andobserve,thiswastheyoungest,themeanestandmostunlikely;scarcereckonedasoneofthefamily;forhewasnotbroughtinamongsttherest.Then,notehis circumstances;his employmentwas tokeep the sheep:his exercise,whatwas it but such as is reckoned effeminate?he addicted himself tomusic.Seealsohiscomplexionorconstitutionofbody,whiteandruddy;nopromisingcharacterofamartialspirit:andyetthisman(orratherthis

lad and stripling) thus qualified, and thus educated, he must be thecaptainoftheLord’shost;whoyethadthegreatestenemiestodealwith,andthereforehadneedofamanofcourageandconducttobeoverthem.Well, let David’s birth, complexion, employment, education, bewhat itwill,eversounlikelyinallhumanrespects,yetthisDavidis,andmustbethe man whom the Lord will honor to rule his people, to fight theirbattles, and to do exploits. In this choice the Lord is pleased to set bywhatever is taking with men: “he seeth not as man seeth,” that is heregards notmen for their natural accomplishments: if for any thing, itmustbe(probably)forsomeexcellentendowmentofthemind;andthatofwisdomisofasweightyconsiderationinthechoiceofaprince,asanyother:butthis isno inducementormotivetoGod;“herespectsnotanythatarewiseinheart:”Job37:24,andifhedid,itwasnotheretobehad.Davidhadnoprince-likequalitiesabovehisbrethren,untilafterwards;asisplainlyintimatedinthesewords,“TheSpiritoftheLordcameonhimfromthatdayforward,”1Samuel16:13.

ThenforJeremiah:TheLordordainshimtobeaprophet,setshimovernationsandkingdoms,commissionateshimtorootoutandpulldown,tobuildandtoplant,etc.why?whathadJeremydone,thattheLordshouldcall him to so imperial a work? Sure no great matter; for this he wasordainedtobeforehewasborn;“BeforeIformedtheeinthebelly,Iknewthee; I sanctified thee,andordained theeaprophet: “italsoappearsbyhisownconfession,howunfithewasforsuchawork:andhowunwilling;“Icannotspeak,forIamachild,”Jeremiah1:5,6.

Another instancemay be Cyrus: Thisman was decreed to a great andnoblework.Itwas,inbrief,todestroythegoldenmonarchy;tobreakinpieces the hammer of the whole earth, to release God’s people out ofcaptivity,andtobuildhistemple:andthiswasprophesiedofhimmorethan anhundred years beforeCyruswasborn.TheLord styleshimhisanointed, his elect, his shepherd, and one that should “perform all hispleasure:”andhecallshimbyhisnametoo;whichistwicerepeated,asathing to be remarked: and to enforce it the more, he adds a note ofnarrower observance; “I have called thee, even thee by name,” Isaiah44:48,and45:1,2,3,4,5,6.13.

WasCyrus thus chosen, becausehewouldbe apuissantprince?ordid

theLordmakehimpuissantandvictorious,becauseappointedtosuchawork?hearwhattheLordhimself(whobestknowsthegroundofhisowndesignation)saysofhim:“ThussaiththeLordtohisanointed,toCyrus,whoserighthandIhaveholden,”(thatis,Igavehimstrength,andtaughthimhowtouseit)“Iwillloosetheloinsofkings,andopentohimthetwoleaved gates; I will go before him:—Iwill break in pieces the gates ofbrassandcutinsunderthebarsofiron,”etc.ButwhatshallCyrushavedone,thatthegreatGodshoulddohimthishonor?hedidnotsomuchasknow the Lord; which is also twice repeated, as a matter worthy ourobservation,Isaiah45:1-5.

Lastly. paul: The Lord from heaven commissions him his preachergeneralamongtheGentiles;tobearhisnamebeforeKings;tomaulandransackthedevil’skingdom;andtoturntheworldupside-down;witnesshisdoingsatEphesus,Athens,andotherplaces.Andthishewascalledto,evenwhileintheheatofhispersecutingfuryagainstthatname,whichhe is now sent to preach: and that therewasnomotive onPaul’s part,himself iswitness,where speaking of that his call, he ascribes it to thepleasure and power of God, as much as he doth his natural birth,Galatians1:15.Theoriginalofallwhichiscouchedinthatword,“Heisachosenvesseltome,”Acts9:15.

Imight also bring in the stories of Samson, Josiah, John Baptist, andothers to thesameeffect,but that timewould fail.Nowthese instancesmaynotbevaluedashistoricalrelationsonly;(thatwouldbetoonarrowameaningforthem),butaccordingtothescripturewayofinferring,andimprovingtospiritualuses;andsotherewillbeagoodpreparatoryproofofthebusinessinhand:Foriftherebeanelectionpersonaltothingsoflesseminentconcernment;andthatso longbeforesomeof thepersonswere in being; if also there be an absoluteness in God’s decreesconcerningthese;howmuchmoreinmattersofeternalweight!AndiftheLorddidnot lookoutofhimself forthemovingconsiderationonwhichheselectedthosepersonstotheirseveralhonors,andachievements,(andifhehad,heshouldhave foundnone,)much lessanelection toeternalsalvation,andunionwithhimself,befoundedinthecreature.DothGodtake care for an ox? from the less to the greater is a scriptural way ofarguing,andprovesstrongly. I comenow toamoredirect andpositive

provingtheproposition,wheremypresentscopeisnotsomuchtoprovethat there isanelection,aswhat thiselection is;viz.how it isqualifiedand circumstanced: and this respects the objects of election, with themanner,time,andmotivesofit.Andyet,asintroductivetothese,itmaybe expedient to touch on the other; and so, for the clearer discussionthereof,Icastthepropositionintosixbranches.

1.ThatthereisanElectionofmentoSalvation.

2.ThatthisElectionisabsolute.

3.Thatitispersonal.

4.ThatitisfromEternity.

5.ThattheElectwerechoseninChrist.

6.ThatElectionisfoundedongrace.

Thesebeingmadegoodbypositivescripture,orargumentstakenthence;itwillnotmuchconcernuswhat isalleged to thecontrary:Theyareofthe deep things of God, and discoverable only by scripture light; andtherefore invainare theybrought toanyother touchstone; forwhohasknownthemindof theLord,orcan,butashimselfhasbeenpleasedtorevealit?

1.ThereisanElectionofMentoSalvation.

Thatis,therearesome,acertainremnant,thatshallbesaved:andthisbyvirtueofelection.

Thisisclearlyimpliedinthosenotedandcompendioussentences,vesselsof mercy, afore prepared to glory, Romans 9:23. The election hasobtained,Romans11:7.TheLordaddedtothechurchsuchasshouldbesaved,Acts2:47.Andasmanyaswereordainedtoeternallife,believed,Acts 13:48. But more expressly in Romans 11:5. There is a remnantaccording to the election of grace, 1 Thessalonians 5:9. God has notappointedustowrath;buttoobtainsalvation:And2Thessalonians2:13.Godhas fromthebeginningchosenyoutosalvation,etc.Andtheseare

calledtheelection,orpartyofelectones;asthosecircumcised,arecalledthecircumcision;andtheangelsthatstood,aredistinguishedfromthosethat fell, by the title of elect. They are also said to be chosen vessels,vessels of mercy; as those that are left, vessels of wrath, and sons ofperdition:thescripturestillsetsthemforthbydistinguishingcharacters.

1.Asapartyseparatefromtheworld;I(saysChrist)havechosenyououtof theworld, John 15:19. I pray not for the world, but for themwhichthouhastgivenme,John17:9.Andtheyarenotof theworld,evenas Iamnotoftheworld,John17:16.ToyouitisgiventoknowthemysteryofthekingdomofGod;buttothemwithoutallthingsaredoneinparables,Mark 4:11. Of Jacob and Esau, (who were an evident type of thisseparation)itissaidofRebecca,“twonationsareinthywomb,andtwomannerofpeople,”Genesis25:23,AndofJacob’sposterity, “thepeopleshalldwellaloneandshallnotbereckonedamongthenations,”Numb.23:9.Andthis“people(saysGod)haveIformedformyself,”Isaiah43:21.“These are thepeopleofhisholiness; the rest are adversaries,” chapter63;18.2Peter2:9.

2.Asmenofanotherraceorkindredandasspringingfromanotherroot.WeareofGod,andthewholeworldliethinwickedness,”1John5:19.(orin thatwickedoneas their rootandhead: ) “He that isofGodhearethGod’s words; ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God,”John7:47.Theonepartyaresaidtobe“childrenoflight,”theotherofthenight,1Thessalonians5:5,theoneofGod,theotheroftheworld,1John4:4—6.theoneisfromabove,theotherfrombeneath:John7:23.GodistheFatheroftheone,andthedeviloftheother,chapter8:41,42.44.

3. Asmen subject to another head. “We are thine,” says the church toGod; “thou never bearest rule over them,” Isaiah 63:19. “all that theFather givethme (saithChrist) shall come tome, John6:37.my sheephearmyvoice;Iknowthem,andtheyfollowme,andastrangertheywillnot follow,” John 10:27, and this, “because one is their master, evenChrist,”Matthew23;8.Of others, he saith, that “theywill not come tohim,”John5:40.TheonepartyarefollowersoftheLamb,theotheroftheprinceofdarkness,ledcaptivebyhimathiswill.

4.Asbelongingtoanotherworld.“Thegoodseedarethechildrenofthe

kingdom,”Matthew13:38,andtheyaredistinguishedfromthechildrenofthisworld,asapartyaccountedworthytoobtaintheworldtocome,”Luke20:35,andaccordinglywefind,thatnoneareadmittedintothenewJerusalem but “whose names are found written in the book of life,Revelation21:27,andwhosename“soeverwasnotwrittenthere,wascastintothelakeoffire,”chapter20:15.OnthesameaccountJudasissaidtogotohisownplace,Acts1:25,andtheelect into“thekingdompreparedforthem,”Matthew25:35.Ishallbringbutoneonlyargumentforproofof this branch, and it is of such weight, that there needs not another,namely,thatexcepttheLordhadthusreservedaremnant,nofleshhadbeensaved:thewholeworldwouldhavebeenasSodom,Isaiah1:9.

2.Electionisabsolute.

Inthisaretwothingsofgreatimport,irrevocableness,andindependency.The decree is irrevocable onGod’s part, and independent as to humanperformances. The Lord will not go back from his purpose to save hispeople;norshalltheirunworthinessoraversionmakevoid,orhinderhismostgraciouspurpose.Andhencethosevariousexpressionsofthesamething, namely, predestinate, ordain, prepare, appoint, have nothingsubjoinedthatislikeacondition.Thereisindeedakindofconditions(orrather qualifications) that must, and always do, precede the finalcompletion of election; as “repentance towards God, and faith towardsour Lord Jesus Christ: which therefore, may be called conditions ofsalvation;butnotsotoelection.

Electionisthegreatfundamentalinstituteofthegospel:itisthatwhichinhumanstates iscalled thesupreme law;which isboth irreversible initself, and requires that all inferior administrations may beaccommodatedthereto:sothesalvationofGod’selectbeingthehighestlawof theheavenly state andkingdom,must on the same (and firmer)groundremaininviolable.It isthatforwhichall thingselsehavebeing;theplotwherebyGoddesignstohimself,thehighestglory,andforwhichhe has been at such cost, that should his design miscarry, the wholecreationcouldnotcountervailthedamage.Hecouldnottherefore,–forGodcannotdenyhimself– I say,hecouldnot socontrive thegrandestdesignofhisglory,asthat itshouldeverneedtoberevokedoraltered:norcouldheleaveitobnoxioustodisappointment;asitmusthavebeen,

if ventured on a created bottom: yea, it behooved him, as supremelawgiver,sotodetermineandsubjugateall,thatthegreatendofallmightnotbe frustrated.And thusanyprudent founderofa statewoulddo, ifthe utmost of his skill and power would extend to it: but from theirdefectiveness in these, the best founded states on earth are subject tomutation: princes die, and their thoughts perish; theirminds alter anddepart from their first intentions; successors drive a contrary interest;unlockedforaccidentsentanglethem;foreignenemiesencroachonthem,andobstructtheirwork:orthepeople’sownfollymaybesuch,astomaranddefeat thebest laid designs for their own good.Human affairs areexposed to thousand incidents, which human prudence can neitherpreventnorprovideagainst.ButwithGod it isnot so:noevent canbenewtohim:“Hedeclarestheendfromthebeginning,”Isaiah46:10.hisjudgmentandpurposecannotalter,“heisofonemind,andwhocanturnhim?”Job23:13,heisalsoimmortal,and“thethoughtsofhisheartstandfasttoallgenerations,”Psalm33:11.nocreaturecanseclude itself fromhis government; “In his hand is the soul of every living thing,” Psalm145:16.yea,themostcasual(tous)andoppositeemergencies,arebyhispower, and wisdom reducible to his purpose, and cannot resist theirbeing made subservient to his will. And this may be one reason whyelection is so often said to be “from the beginning, and from thefoundation of the world,” namely, to show that whatever should be intime, should be subordinate to election, which is all one as tomake itabsolute. And further, this absoluteness may be evinced by suchargumentsasthese:

Argument 1. If election were not absolute, it would be but after thecovenant of works; which being conditional, how soon was it broken,evenbyonewhohadpowertokeepit!andifmaninthathonordidnotabide in it, how should he now,when so strong a bias is grown on hisheart,thatherunscountereversince?Genesis6:5.“If therehadbeenalawgiven that couldhavegiven life, righteousness shouldhavebeenbythe law,”Galatians3:2.which shows, that thenewcovenantdoesmorefor us than the old; for it giveth life; and then it must give theperformanceof theconditionwhich that lifedependson: it also shows,thatthefirstcovenantdidnotgive life,andthat it failedbecause itwasconditional.Thelawshowsourduty,butgivethnotwherewithtoperform

it:thenewcovenantdoesboth,bywritingthelawintheheart.Allunderthe covenant of works are without God, without Christ, without hope,Ephesians2:12,and this,becausestrangers to thecovenantofgrace,orgrace of election. If therefore the elect shall be in a better state thanbefore, theirelectionmustbeabsolute:and that itmightbeso thenewcovenantwasmadewithChristontheirbehalf;andis,“thatgracegivenusinhimbeforetheworldbegan,”2Timothy1:9;Titus1:2.

Argument 2. Election must be absolute; because whatever can besupposed theconditionof it, isapartof the thing itself:much like thatpromiseofGodtoAbraham,“TothyseedwillIgivethis land,”Genesis12:7. Inwhich promise the Lord undertakes aswell to giveAbraham aseedtoinheritthatland,asthatlandtohisseed:andaccordinglywefindthat the next head of that seed was born by virtue of the promise,Galatians4:23.28,sothewholecourseandseriesofthingsconducingtothefinalaccomplishmentofelection,isincludedinit,andascertainedbyit;andthatwithsuchfirmnessandsecurity,asiftheenditselfhadbeenattained when the decree wasmade; as, namely, redemption from sin,effectual calling, and perseverance to glory (of whichmore fully underthoseheads);whichalsoseemstobethemeaningof theapostle,wherehemakeseternallifeitselftobethesubstanceofthepromise:“Andthisisthepromisethathehaspromisedus,eveneternallife,”1John2:25.

Argument 3. Itmust be absolute, because by such an election only cansalvationbeensured.ThisbottomAdamhadnotinhisprimitivestate;hewasmadeupright,buthiscontinuinginthatstate,dependedonhiswellusingofwhathehad,withoutanyadditionalhelp. Inhimmaybe seentheutmostthatcreatedgraceofitselfcando,eveninastateofperfection;towhichbeingleft,howsoondidhedegenerate,andcometoruin?andallhisposteritywouldhaverunthesamecourse,ifplacedinhisstead;asweknowtheyhavedone(onebyone)notwithstandingallthehelpswhicharegivenincommontomen.Anditisnowonder,sincenowtheyhavesostrongabenttoevil,whichAdamhadnot.Andiftherebeanyadvantagecastin,(whichsomedoaffirm,andcallitthenewcovenant,)themoreisour doctrine confirmed: for the more; helps they have, if yet they fallshort, (astheydo,) themoreevident it is, thatnothingshortofsuchanelectionwill secure them.An example of thiswe had in the oldworld;

who, by their natural ingenuity, and long lives to improve it, togetherwithNoah’ssixscoreyears’preaching,andtheSpirit’sstriving,werenotledtoGod,butstillgrewfrombadtoworse,untilall“theimaginationsoftheirheartswereonly evil, and that continually,”Genesis6:8.And thiswasnotthecaseonlyofsome,butofthewholeraceuniversally:“Allfleshhad corrupted his way,” chapter 6:12. It is true, that Noah was foundrighteous;andastrue it is, thatelectionwas it thatmadehimso.Noah“foundgraceintheeyesoftheLord,”verse8inthesamesensethatPaulobtainedmercy,1Timothy1:16.viz.,bymercy’sobtaining,ortakingholdofhim.ItmayalsobeseeninthepeopleofIsrael;who,overandabovetheir common and natural grace, had many helps and additions thatothers had not: “the Lord dealt not so with any nation as with them,”Psalm147:19,20,andyetthegeneralityofthemsobad,thattheyjustifiedtheirsisterSodom,Ezekiel16:51.

Thefirstcovenantthusfailing,suchwasthegraceofourLord(foreseeingit)astodetermineonasecond,ornewcovenant;bywhichhewouldfixand secure a remnant, and that infallibly: and hence it is termed, Thecovenantofgrace,asnotdependingatallonworks;andthisisthatgracethat saves, and “reigns to eternal life,” Romans 5:21, Ephesians 2:5. 8.Andthesearethe“suremerciesofDavid,”recordedinthe55thofIsaiah:itistheabsolutenessofitthatmakesitabettercovenant.

Arg.4.Thereisthesamereasonfortheabsolutenessofmen’selection,asofChrist’s.Thatman,orhumanbody,which the secondpersonwas toassume and unite to himself was not ordained to that union on anycondition whatever as, namely, if he should fulfill all righteousness,destroy the devil, dissolve his works, and make atonement for sin forthesecouldnothavedonewithoutit:andthathisordinationtheretowasabsolute,asseenbyHebrews10:5.“Abodyhastthanpreparedme;”andLuke1:35.“ThatholythingwhichshallbebornoftheeshallbecalledtheSonofGod,”Matthew1:21.“Heshallsavehispeoplefromtheirsins.”Inwhichplacestheabsolutenessofthedecreeforthatman’sbeingunitedtothe Son ofGod, is evidently set forth. And that our election (as to thiscircumstance of it) holds proportion with that of Christ, you shall seemore fully afterwards. Take only (at present) those gracious words,which,doubtless,heutteredwithgreatsatisfactiontohimselfinthe17th

ofJohn,verse8,21.“Thouhastlovedthemasthouhastlovedme.”

Argument5.Itwasrequisitethatelectionshouldbeabsolute,becauseoftheabsolutenessofGod’sdecreetouchingthedeathofhisSon,towhichhe was foreordained unrepealably, 1 Peter 1:20, and all that he savedbefore he suffered, were saved on the credit of that decree, Romans3:25,26.Thescripturealsosaysplainlythathewas“theLambslainfromthefoundationoftheworld,”Revelation13:8,andthatitwasnotpossiblethatcupshouldpassfromhim,Matthew26:#9.42.And if itbea thingbelow the prudence ofmen to lay down the pricewithout securing thepurchase;then,surely,thewisdomofGodcouldnotdeterminethedeathofhisSon formen’s salvation,andyet leave the salvationof those verymenatanuncertainty:whichitmusthavebeen,iftheirelectionwerenotabsolute.

Argument 6. Lastly, Itmight also be argued from the nature of divinepromises;whicharepatterns,ordeclarativecopiesofthedecree.Nowthepromisestouchingspiritualblessingsareabsolute;theyareofthatwordwhich is“foreversettled inheaven,”Psalm119:89.See thepromisesofsendingChristtobearedeemer,Genesis3:15.theHolyGhosttosanctify,and lead into all truth, John16:13. to sprinkle cleanwater on them; togivethemanewheart;tocausethemtowalkinhisstatutes;thathewillbetheirGod,andtheyshall,behispeople,andshallnotdepartfromhim,Jeremiah24:7.Ezekiel36:26,thatiftheysin,hewillchastisethemwiththerodsofmen,buthiseverlastingkindnesshewillnottakefromthem,Psalm89:30-34,andthatatlasthewill“presentthemfaultlessbeforethepresenceofhis glory,”Jude24.These all,with others of like tenor, aredeliveredinpositiveandabsoluteterms,withoutanyshewofreservation,proviso,orcondition.Andifthese,whicharetranscriptsofthedecree,beabsolute,itfollowsthatthedecreealsoisthesame:andonthisgrounditis theapostle standswhenhe challengeth all theworld tonullifyGod’selection, Romans 8:33, 34, which he could not have done, had notelectionbeensovereignlyabsolute.

III.Electionispersonal:and,

IV.Itisfrometernity.

ThesetwoIput together inproof,becausetheyare frequently joinedinscripture. Itwasnot thewhole lumpofmankind thatwas theobject ofelection; neither was election, as some say, a decree to elect such asshould happen to be thus and so qualified: but certain determinatepersonswerechosenbyname,orsingledout fromamong therest, andordainedtoeternallife.OurSaviorstylesthemthe“menthatweregivenhimoutof theworld,”John17:6,and theyweregivenhimbyname,aswellasbynumber;andbythosenamesheknowsthem,chapter10:3.14.Itisnotunworthyourdeepestattention,howtheLordtakesnoticeofthenames of his people; as intending it, doubtless, a signal token of thespecialregardhehastotheirpersons.HethereforetellsMoses,“Iknowthee by thy name,” Exodus 33:17. It is an appropriating of them tohimself, Isaiah 43:1. “I have called thee by name; thou art mine.”Sometimes also,when he calls to those he eminently owns, he doublestheirnameby repetition: thus to his friendAbraham,Genesis 22:11, toMoses,hisservant,Exodus3:4,andothers.ButIfindnoinstanceofhisspeakingsotoothermen:andthese,Isuppose,arerecordedasworthyofspecialremark;andthatitisnolightmatter(muchlesstobescoffedat,as it isbysomefrothyspirits,) that theelectwerechosenbyname,andthattheirnamesarewritteninheaven.Andthat itwastransactedfrometernity,isevidentfromJohn17:23,24.Ephesians1:4,Revelation13:8,and17:8;andotherscriptures.

The personality of election, with its eternity, may be evinced by suchargumentsasthese:

Argument 1.From theexampleofChrist’s election. Itwasnotapersonuncertain that was to be Lord and Christ; but the second person inhumannature:andthiscapacityhesustainedfromeverlasting,Proverbs8:23.—31.1Peter1:20.Norwasitanybodywhichhemightassume,buttheverynumericalbodythatwaspreparedforhim,Hebrews10:5,Psalm40:7.“Andthisverypersonhelovedbeforethefoundationoftheworld,”John 17:24. It isworthy of observation, howparticular the decreewas,eveninthingscircumstantial,toourLordChrist;asthatheshouldcomeofAbraham’sstock,ofJudah’stribe,ofDavid’slineage,beconceivedofavirgin,bornatBethlehem;andthiswhenthescepterwasdepartingfromJudah;thatheshouldbebuffeted,scourged,spiton,hangedonatree,his

hands and feet pierced; that gall and vinegar should be given him todrink;thataboneofhimshouldnotbebroken(evenwhileonbothsidesofhimothers’were;)thathisgarmentsshouldbeparted,andlotscastonhisvesture;asalsothatheshouldriseagainthethirdday,etc.Andthatthesewerealldecreed,appearsbythepropheciesofthem,whicharethedecree exemplified, or drawn out of the register. As touching hisresurrection, it issaidexpressly inPsalm2:7.“Iwilldeclarethedecree:“andthesameisastrueofalltherest.Andiftheelectionoftheheadwaspersonal,andfrometernity,whynottheirsthatshouldmakeuphisbody,since they did as really exist then, as the humannature of Christ, did?Besides,itwasveryagreeablethatheandtheyshouldbothbeappointedtogether:forhecouldnotbeahead,butwithrespecttoabody:andthattheywereexpresslydeterminedof,appearsbyPsalm139:16.“Inthybookwere allmymemberswritten,when as yet therewasnone of them.” Ifyou say, that was meant of David’s members; I answer, that if Godthoughtthemembersofanearthlybodyworthyhisregistering,hecouldnot be less particular and exact about the mystical body of his son:besides,Davidwashistype.

ChristalsowasordainedtobeaSavior,andthatbyhisdeath,andboth“from the foundation of the world,” 1 Peter 1:20. It was thereforeexpedientthenalsotobedeterminedhowmany,andwhoinparticular,shouldhavesalvationbyhim.Hewasnottodieforhimself;butforthosewhose security he undertook. Now it is not a thing proper to speak ofsecurity,orbail,butwithrespecttoadebtor,oroffender;andthatdebtororoffendermustbeknown too, andnamed, or else the enteringof thebailisaninsignificantact;especiallywherethesuretyhasdebtordefaultofhisowntobechargedwith.OurLordandSaviordidnotmakehissoulanofferingtosomebody’ssins,butuncertainwhose.Aaronknewwhosetrespassesheofferedfor:theirnamesweregravenonhisbreastplate:nottheirnational name or qualification (namely, Israelite, or believer,) buttheirpersonalnames,Reuben,Simeon,Levi,etc.Sohadourgreathighpriest, or he could not have made atonement for us: and that place,Revelation13:8,pointsatthesametimeforboth.Thosewords“fromthefoundationoftheworld,”doreferaswelltothewritingoftheirnamesinthebookof life, as to the lamb’sbeing slain;as is evident from the8thverse of the 17th chapter, where, deciphering those “who shall wonder

afterthebeast,”hesays,theyaresuchwhose“nameswerenotwritteninthebookoflife,[fromthefoundationoftheworld,”]asweretheirswhofollowed theLamb, andwhom “Godhad from the beginning chosen tosalvation,”2Thessalonians2:13.

Argument 2. The design of God, in the death of Christ, could nototherwise be secured. Had the design been, to purchase salvation forbelievers, without ascertaining the persons that should believe, it hadbeenuncertainwhetheranywouldbesaved,becauseuncertainwhetheranywouldbelieve.Ifcertainthatsomewouldbelieve,thiscertaintymustbedecreed: fornothing futurecouldbecertainotherwise.And if itwasdecreed that someshouldbelieve, the individualsof that somemustbedecreedalso:forfaithisthegiftofGod,andcouldnotbeforeseeninany,butwhomhehaddecreed togive it to.Which laid together,area gooddemonstration, that those Christ should die for, Were as wellpreordained,as thatheshoulddie for them;andthatdefinitely,andbyname.

Argument 3. It may be further argued, from the Father’s “preparing akingdomfromthefoundationoftheworld,”andmansionsorplacesinit.Toprepare thewayof this argument; consider thepunctualityofGod’sdisposementinthingsofalowerconcern:hedidnotcreatetheearthinvain(that is, tostandemptyandvoid,asat its first formation;)northeseveral quarters thereof to be inhabited indefinitely, by somenation orother,whoshouldhappentogetpossessionof them,but“hedividedtothe nations their inheritance, and the bounds of their habitation,”Deuteronomy32:8.Acts17:26.MountSeirwasgiventoEsau,andAitothechildrenofLot,chapter2:5.9.eachnationhaditslimitsstakedout,andthisfromthedaysofold.Andifwemaydistinguishofacts inGod,andoftimeineternity;hispurposetoformandbringforththosenations,mustneedsbeasearlyastocreateandfurnishthosepartsof theworldwhich they should inhabit. Now, earthly settlements being of trivialmomenttotheheavenlymansions;itseemsagoodconsequent,thatifyetparticularnationswere foreappointed forparticularprovincesonearth;muchmore should particular persons be designed for those particularmansions in heaven: and if either were appointed first, it must be theperson: for, “the sabbath was made for man, and not man for the

sabbath.”Heavenwasmadeat thebeginningof theworld;but electionwasbefore.

The domestics of God’s house, or place of glory, are a sacred state ororder of kings and priests; and each individual personhas his place orapartment setout forhim.Thosegloriousplaceswerenotprepared forbelievers indefinitely; but for certain determinate persons particularly:thetwelveapostlesshallhavetheirtwelvethrones,andeachonehisown.This is evident by our Savior’s answer to the mother of Zebedee’schildren:“tositonmyrighthand,andonmyleft,isnotminetogivebutitshallbegiventothemforwhomitispreparedofmyfather,”Matthew20:23. If for believers indefinitely, why not for these two brethren,especially since they firstmade re. quest for them? The truth is, thoseplaces were not now to be disposed of; it was determined who shouldhavethemlongbefore,even“fromthefoundationoftheworld,”chapter25:34.Thescopeofthisanswerwasnottoshewthattheplacesrequestedwere prepared for believers indefinitely (for these were believers whomade request for them;) but that they were appointed for certainparticularpersons,and theymusthave them.Muchmightbeadded, inconfirmation hereof; but by these (I hope) it is clear, that election ispersonal,andfrometernity.

V.ElectionisinChrist:or,theelectwerechoseninChrist.

Itwas requisite thenewcovenant shouldhaveaheadandmediator, aswellastheold; thatrighteousnessandlifemightflowfromhimintoalltheelectseed,assinanddeathhaddonefromAdam:inwhichrespect,Christandhearesetforthasparallels,inRomans3,fromverse12to21.Thebenefitswhichtheelectwerechosento,theyaremadepartakersof,bytheirunionwithChrist:heistheroot,inwhomallfullnessdwells.Notonly the foundation on which the church is built; but the rock whichaffordsallthespiritualmaterialsoftheheavenlytemple;eventhecementthat holds one part to another, and the whole to himself: and this byvirtueofthedecree.Forwearetoconsiderthatthereisadecretiveunionbeforetheactual;andtheoneinfluenceththeotherintobeing;andthatasreally,asthedetermineddeathofChristdidthesalvationofthosewhodiedbeforehim.ThoughChristbenotthecauseofelection,yetheisthegrandmeans,bywhomweobtaintheblessednesswewerechosento:by

himitis,that“wehaveaccesstothatgracewherewestand,”Romans5:2.Andweshallfind,thattheepistlesgenerally,whentheyspeakofthegreatthings relating to salvation, do still bring in Christ, as the personprincipallyconcernedabout it.Salvation, indeed, isagift; it isperfectlyfree; yet not to be had, but in Christ: “It comes on us through hisrighteousness;asbyoneman’sdisobediencemanyweremadesinners;soby the righteousnessofone (bymeansof theironenesswithhim) shallmanybemaderighteous,”Romans5:18,19.Mankind(bytheirapostasyinAdam)haddestroyedinthemselvesthewholeofthatprinciplewhichwould have led them to God, as their life and blessedness: and had,withal, contracted such an enmity against him, and repugnancy to allovertures for returning to him (and this gulf was so fixed,) as wouldforever have kept God and us asunder, had not that blessed project ofchoosinginChristbeensetonfoottodissolveit.Itcouldnotbedonebyanycreatedpower;norcouldcreaturessomuchaspropoundawayforit:andif theycould,whodurstsohardenhimself,as tomention the thingwhichonlycoulddoit?ButthegreatGod,blessedforever,hefindsoutawayforit:andthesamelovethatordainedtoeternallife,wouldalsoputit in such away, as should surely take effect.And to this end (namely,thatthoseordainedtosalvationmightbebothrightfullyentitledthereto,andsuccessivelybroughtintoit,)theywereputintoChristbyelection:hewas the chief and eminent elect one; the firstborn, and prince of thefamily:andalltheelectbesidesweregiventohim,asyoungerbrethren,tobemaintainedonhisinheritance.Itisplaintohimthatreads,thatthewholeof salvationwas laidonChrist; thathebearsup thepillarsof it,andthatallshoulderselsehadbeentooweak:heisboththemeansandcenter,bywhom,andinwhom,Godwillhaveallthingsgatheredtogetherinone.Hewasmade“Godwithus.”thatwemightbemadeoneinGod;as appears by the scope of his prayer in the 17th of John. In him thefatheriswellpleased;andoutofhimthereisnothingpleasingtoGod,oreternally good for men: we are therefore said to be chosen in him,Ephesians1:4.tobecalledinhim,Philippians3:14.tobecreatedinhim,Ephesians2:10.tobepreservedinhim,Jude2,andinhimtobeblessedwithallspiritualblessings,Ephesians1:4.Blessingsinthemselveswouldnotbeso tous, ifnot inChrist;andbeing inhim,all thingsare turnedinto blessings to us: for now nothing can come at us, but as comingthrough him: and whatever so comes, is tinctured by his divine

excellence,andmadepropitioustous:andherebyitis,thatthethingwewerechosento,iseffectuallyandinfalliblyprovidedfor.TherearediversgoodreasonsandendsforGod’schoosingtheelectinChrist.As,

Argument1.Thatbybringinginman’srestorationthisway,hemight,asitwere,bafflehisgreatadversary,andoutshoothiminhisownbow:andit well became the wisdom and grace of God thus to do. The devilthought, by poisoning the root, to vitiate and ruin thewhole stock andprogeny; and he failed not of his design. The Lord would thereforeretrieve that ruin, by putting his elect into an head incapable ofdegeneracy; and not only recover them, but bring them into a betterestatethantheyhadlost:hewouldsetupamanthatshouldbetoohardforthedevil,andbeablebothtodestroyhim,anddissolvehisworks;andhehasaccordinglydoneit.Inwhichmethodofman’srecovery,isagreatanswerablenesstothemethodofhisruin:anditisathingtheLordwouldhave us tomind, as appears by the parallel beforementioned,Romans3:12—21.

Argument2.Thatbyshewingushisrighteousnessinthewayandmannerofourrecovery,wemightthemorereadilysubscribetohisrighteousnessintheimputationofAdam’ssin:for,withoutasightandknowledgeoftheone,wecannot,withanyheartiness,submittotheother.Hence,some,intheirtooboldarguingsagainstelection,havealleged,thatwhatAdamdidwaswithout theirconsent:butwill theyabideby thisallegation? In thematter of Achan, each single person stood in the place of the wholenation;andsoonthetrespassofone,wrathcameonall;yethadnotthatconfidentpeoplethehardinesstoplead, thatAchan’sactconcernednotthem;theydidnotconsentto it:but let themtakeheed, lestwhile theythus excuse themselves from Adam’s sin, they do not, by parity oftreason, seclude themselves from the righteousness of Christ: since thesetting up the secondAdamwas asmuchwithout their consent as thefirst.

Argument 3. If the elect had not been in Christ, the satisfaction heundertookforsinnerscouldnothaveavailedthem.AsAdam’ssincouldnothavebeenours,ifnotinhim;soneithertherighteousnessofChrist,ifnot in him. Divine justice could not have punished him for us, norabsolvedusthroughhim;wecouldnothavebeenjustifiedandreconciled

bythebloodofhiscross,hadnothesustainedourpersons,andstoodinourstead;another’sactcannotbemine,eitherinprofitorloss,iftherebenotalegalonenessbetweenus.

Argument4.IfnotinChrist,wecouldnothavebeensanctified.Thelumpwas sanctified in the first fruits and so is the church in Christ, 1Corinthians 1:2. The wild olive nature could not be suppressed andchanged,butbygrafting intothetrue:“For if the first fruitbeholy, thelumpisalsoholy:andiftherootbeholy,soarethebranches,”Romans11:16. Aman cannot be naturally born, but from Adam, as his naturalhead; and as impossible it is to be born again, without a like relativeuniontoChrist,asourspiritualhead.Thereisnobeinganewcreature,butbybeinginChrist:“TheythatarejoinedtotheLord(andtheyonly,)are one spirit with him,” 1 Corinthians 6:17. 2 Corinthians 5:17. Thebranchmustbeinthevine,beforeitssapcanbederivedintoit:hethatsanctifieth, and they that are sanctified,must be one. Theremust be acontact(atouchingofhim,)beforethisvirtuecancomefromhim:forthepromisesbeingallmadetoChrist,Galatians3:16,cannotdescendtous,butasbeinginhim;itisthatmakesusheirsofpromise:theHolyGhost,in whom all promises are virtually contained, “is shed on us throughJesusChrist,”Tit.3:10.

Argument 5. Lastly, By this choosing in Christ, salvation itself isinvinciblysecured;andcouldnototherwisebe.ThefirstAdamhadbutaconditional life; it depended on his own personal obedience, andthereforesubjecttolosing:andhadhekeptit,hecouldhavederivedtousbutthesamethathimselfhad;whichstillmusthavebeenamutablestate(forthisAdam,whileapublicperson,andassuchcouldnotbesaidtobeinChrist;ifhehad,heshouldnothavefallen:)butthesecondAdamhaslifeinhimself:“ForastheFatherhaslifeinhimself,sohashegiventotheSon to have life in himself,” John 5:26, and that absolutely: he is the“prince of life,” Acts 3:15, and implantation into him inspires hisbranches with his own life. And “the law of that spirit of life in him,makesfreefromthelawofsinanddeath,”Romans8:2.“HethatthushastheSon,haslife,”1John5:12.“andshallhaveitmoreabundantly,”John10:10.“Becausehelives,theyshilllivealso,”chapter14:19.Itisabottomthatcannotmiscarry;astheyaresanctifiedinChristJesus,soinhimthey

arepreserved,Jude1.Tothisend,“itpleasedtheFather,thatinhimallfullness shoulddwell,”Colossians 1:19, and to put those hewould saveinto him as their head; that being incessantly influenced from animmortalroot,theymighteffectuallybekept fromwitheringandfallingoff; and grow up to that state and glory they were designed for byelection.Thisisthegrandrecord,andgroundofoursafety,“thatGodhasgiventouseternallife,andthislifeisinhisSon,”1John5:11.

Having gone these steps towards the compass and extent of election, itconcernsustoknowwherethisbroadriverhasitshead;whatrockit isthat this immense fabric is built on; lest we give the honor of it toanother; or endanger ourselves by settling on a wrong foundation: toshewwhich is the scope of the last particular under this general head:namely, 1. That election is founded on grace; or, the good pleasure ofGod’swillistheonlyoriginalcauseandmotiveofelection.

Electionisa“promotionthatcomethneitherfromtheeast,norfromthewest, or south,” but fromGod;who, as he puts down one, and sets upanother:sosomehechooseth,andothershepassethby,asseemethhimgood; and none can say to him, What doest thou? or, Why hast thoumademethus?forelection,asitalwayssupposethagreaternumberoutofwhichthechoiceismade,soanarbitrarypowerinhimthatchooseth,tochoosewhomhewill,withoutgivingaccounttoanyforwhathedoeth.But the ground or motive of divine election is very different from themanner of men; for they commonly pitch on things for some naturalaptnessofthemfortheirworks:theywillnottakeaknotty,cross-grained,orwind shaken piece of timber, tomake a pillar of state: but theLordpitchesonsuch(andsuchtochoose,)thepoor,base,weak,foolishthingsoftheworld;theworstofmen,andchiefofsinners:theinstancesofPaul,Manasseh,MaryMagdalene,andothers,makeitevident:andoftheseheispleased tomake lively imagesofhis son, andpillars for thehouseofGod (columns of state indeed!) whereon to write his own name; tomanifest thereby his sovereignty, holiness, wisdom, power,righteousness,andfreegracetoeternity.

The Lord’s way and method in bringing his sons to glory, is the bestdemonstration of the right order of causes; for though there be aconcurrenceofmanythings,ascausesandeffects,oneofanother,yet,if

observedintheirorder,theywillstill leadusuptothegoodpleasureofGod,asfirstandsupreme,andperfectlyindependent.AndthisItermtheonly original cause of election, to shut out allworks andworthiness ofmen from being any way causal, influential, ormotive thereto; and sofromsharinginthegloryofGod’sgrace,whichheisveryjealousof,andwill not impart to any. TheNewTestament current runs evidently thisway, making the whole of salvation, both means and end, to dependexpresslyonthedivinewill.“ItisyourFather’sgoodpleasuretogiveyouthekingdom,”Luke12:32.“Thouhasthidthesethingsfromthewise,andrevealedthemtobabes;forsoitseemedgoodinthysight,”chapter10:21.“A remnant according to the election of grace,” Romans 11:5.“Predestinatetotheadoptionofchildren,accordingtothegoodpleasureof his will,” Ephesians 1:5. “Redemption also, and forgiveness of sins,accordingtotherichesofhisgrace,”Ephesians1:7.(Thesamegracethatelected:)themakingknownthemysteryofhiswill:thisalsoisaccordingto that which he has purposed in himself,” verse 8, 9. Yea, all theoperationsofGod,whetherforus,onus,orbyus,theyallhavetheirrisefromthesamespring,andarecarriedbythesamerule:“Heworkethallthings after the counsel of his own will,” verse 8, 11. And for the OldTestament, you have it sufficiently exemplified there in the instancesbefore given, and especially touching the ground of God’s love to thepeopleofIsrael(who,inthatrespect,werethearchetypeofthespiritualelection;)namely,that“hisowngoodpleasure”wastheonlycauseofhischoosing them above other nations: “He loved them, because he lovedthem,”Deuteronomy7:8,and9:4,and10:15.And,whichisyetmore,theelectionofChristhimselfwasofgrace:“Itpleasedthefather,thatinhim(themanJesus)shouldallfullnessdwell,”Colossians1:19.

And good reasons there are,why election should be founded on grace;and why it could not, with respect either to God’s glory, or the elect’ssecurity,befoundedotherwise.And

Argument 1. Is from the sovereignty of God; whose will being thesupreme law, admits not a coordinacy, much less will it stand withsovereignpowertoberegulatedbythewillofanother.Thatwouldbeacontradictiontosovereignty;forthatwhichregulates,mustbesuperiortothatwhichisregulatedbyit.Sovereignprinces,toshewtheirprerogative,

affirmtheiractsofgracetobeoftheirownmeremotion:andtheirgrantsare reputed themoreauthentic,beingsoexpressed.The likewe find inscripturefrequentlyascribedtoGod;that“hewillhavemercyonwhomhewillhavemercy,”Romans9:18. that “heworkethall things,” (notbymotivesfromwithout,but)“afterthecounselofhisownwill,”Ephesians1:11,that“itisnotofman’swillingorrunning;butofGod,whoshowethmercy,” Romans 9:16, and, indeed, his own mere motion was both anobler and firmer consideration than any desert on the creature’s part.When theworldhadbeendrowned for theirobdurate impenitency, thefew that remained were as bad as before; and those that should comeafter, the law foresaw would be the same. One would think, now, thenatural resultof this experiment shouldbe, “Iwill utterly cut themoff,andbetroubledwiththemnomore;”buttheLord’sthoughtsarenotasourthoughts;hearguesandconcludesinanothermode:“Iwillnotagainanymorecursethegroundforman’ssake.”Andheispleasedtogivethesamereasonherewhyhewillnot,asbeforeWhyhewould;asisseenbycomparingGenesis6:5,and7.withchapter8:21.SeealsotheinstanceofGod’sdealingWithEphraim;hewaswrothwithhim,andsmotehim;andEphraim, so far from relenting, that “he went on frowardly,” (that is,stubbornly,asresolvedinhiscourse;)“Ihidme(saystheLord,)andwaswroth,”Isaiah57:16. this, onewould think, if Ephraimhad had in himbuta sparkof ingenuity, or love tohimself, shouldhavemovedhim toalterhiscourse:butwhatcaresEphraim?hestillkeptthesameway;andit was the way of his heart: not an inconsiderate pot, or suddentemptation,butnaturalandfixed:allwhichtheLordseesandconsiders;andhavinglaidall together,resolvestohealhim,and“restorecomfortstohim,”Isaiah57:18.On theotherhand, those good souls “who fearedthe Lord, and obeyed the voice of his servants, they yet walked indarkness, and had no light,” Isaiah 50:10. Yemay be sure, they wouldgladly haveunderstood their condition, namely, that theywere such as“feared the Lord;” theirwill could not bewanting to a thing so greatlyimportingtheircomfort;norweretheyidleinseekingforit;theywalked,thoughinthedark,butcouldnotwalkthemselvesoutofit;theyarestillastheywere;theyhadnolight.BythesedifferentexamplesitisevidentthatthesovereigntyofGodstillkeepsthethrone,andhisdispensationsofmercy,whether inpurposeor inact,arenotgovernedbythewillsofmen:theyarethingstoolowtobecounselorstoGod.Andifitbethusin

things of a lower concernment, much more in that great business ofeternal election, which is the sublimest act of sovereign power: fornonelection is not a punishment, but the withholding of a free favor,whichGod,asasovereign lord,may justlydeny toonesinner,whilehegivesittoanother.Andyetthishindersnot,butthateveryman,atlast,shallbejudgedaccordingtohisworks.

Argument2.Electionmustbefoundedonlyongrace,becausegraceandworks are inconsistent in the cause of salvation. The scripture is verycautious of admitting any thing as a concomitant with grace in thismatter;yea,althoughitbeathingthatdothalwaysaccompanygrace,andthat without which a man cannot be saved. The apostle puts them inopposition, and is very intent on the argument, as a thing of greatmoment, inRomans 11:where, first, he shews, that amidst the generaldefectionoftheJewishnation,therestillwasaremnantwhomGodhadreserved:theseheterms“theforeknown,”verse2,andinthe7thversehecallsthemplainly,“theelection;”andthen,lestanyshouldascribeittoafalsecause,asinthatparallelcaseheresemblesitto,namely,that“theyhad not bowed the knee to Baal,” but stuck to the true religion, whenothersfelloff;hetellsus,No;theirelectionwasfoundedongrace:andasforworks,theyhadnoplaceinthecausingofit.Bygrace,hemeansthefree favor ofGod,who is notmoved by any thingwithout himself; butwhathedoeshedoes freely,without respect tomen’sdesert:nay, theirundesert rather, is an expedient consideration in this act of grace. Byworks, Iunderstandall thatself-righteousness,goodness, conformity tothe law, orwhatever else is performable bymen. These (namely, graceandworks)heprovesas inconsistentascontrariescanbe;and that theleastmixturewouldvarythekind:ifbutascrupleofworksbetakenin,grace is no more grace; for, “to him that worketh, is the reward notreckoned of grace, but of debt,” Romans 4:4.Grace and faith are wellagreed; these both have the same scope and end: but grace andworkshave always clashed: the setting up of the one, is the deposing of theother: either the arkmust be out, or Dagon down; one temple cannothold them both. To the same effect is the drift of that discourse inGalatians5.ItappearsfromActs15:1.thatsometherewerewhotaughtanecessity of circumcision; as without which they could not be saved:seemingly willing they were to admit of Christ, so they might join

circumcisionwithhim,andkeepingthelawofMoses:butthisdangerousdaubingwiththingsunmixable,ourholyapostlecouldnotbrook;bothasreflecting on the honor of his master, and undermining their onlyfoundation; and therefore to keep them from, or bring them off thatperilous quicksand, he tells them expressly, these two cannot standtogether in thatmatter; for if theybe “circumcised, they aredebtors tothe whole law, and Christ is become of none effect to them,” because“theyarefallenfromgrace.”Itisasifhehadsaid,Ifyoutakeinanypart,though never so little, of legal observances, as necessary to your beingjustified,yeforfeitthewholebenefitofgospelgrace:thegraceofChristissufficient for you; he is a Savior complete in himself; and if you look,thoughbutaglance,atanythingelse,itisarenouncingofhim:hewillbeaSavioraltogether,ornotatall;andthereforehe tells themagain,andthatwithakindofvehemency,that“if theybecircumcised,Christshallprofitthemnothing,”Galatians5:2.

Andasamanmaynotputinhisclaimforjustificationonaccountofhisworks,soneitherofhisfaith,asifthatwerematerially,ormeritoriously,causal of justification: for faith itself, as it is the believer’s act, comesunderthenotionofawork.Letusthereforeconsiderwhatpartitisthatfaithholdsinthismatter; lest,whilewecastourworks,asnotstandingwithgrace,wemakeaworkof faith. It is faith’soffice tomake thesoullivewhollyonthepowerandgraceofanother;whichistorenounceselfability,asmuchasselfdesert:toapprehendthatrighteousnessbywhichgrace justifies: not only to be justified thereby on our believing, but toworkinuseventhatfaithbywhichweapprehendit,Romans5:2.Hethatwillbe saved,must come,notonlyasanungodlyperson,butasamanwithoutstrength,chapter5:6,andassuch,inhimself,hemust,cometobejustifiedfreelybythegraceofGod,chapter3:24.Forinhim,only,canhehavestrengthtobelieve,evenasrighteousnessonhisbelieving,Isaiah45:24.hemustreckonhimselfanungodlyman,totheveryinstantofhisjustification. “The just indeed shall live by faith;” but it is not his ownfaith, or act of believing, that he lives by, thoughnotwithout it;whichalso seems to be the apostle’smeaning, where he says, “The life that Inow live, I liveby the faithof the sonofGod: and I live, yetnot I, butChristlivethinme,”Galatians2:20.Wherenote,thatasfaithisthelifeofabeliever,soChrististhelifeofhisfaith;andhelivesonChrist,byvirtue

ofChrist’slivinginhim.

Notwithstanding all which, it is evidently true, andmust constantly beaffirmed, that grace and works will still be together in the way ofsalvation(theonedothnotExcludetheother;)onlynotascolleaguesorjoint causers thereof; but rather as a workman and his tools, whichhimself firstmakes, and thenworkswith them. “Bygraceareye saved,throughfaith;andthatnotofyourselves,itisthegiftofGod.”Ephesians2:18.Eventhisbelievingoractingfaculty isacreatureofgrace’sraisingup;andtherefore,inthethroneitismeetthatgraceshouldbeaboveit.Works,therefore,howgoodsoever,arenotthecauseofsalvation:andifso,notthecauseofelection;forthis, indeed, isthecauseofthemboth:and works, if right and truly good, will always be ready to own theiroriginal, and to keep in their own place; where also they will bemostconsiderable,anddothebestservice.

Argument3.Thatelectionhasnootherfoundationbutthegoodpleasureof God’s will, is further argued, from man’s incapacity to afford anyground ormotive toGod for such a gift. Adam stoodnot so long as tobegetasoninhisownimage:itisseenbyhisfirst-bornCain,whatallhisnatural seed would naturally be. And though some do presume tomagnifyman, and to speak of him at another rate; yet evident it is byscripture light, and the experience of those renewed, thatman fallen ispoor,blind,naked,andatenmitywithallthatistrulygood;andthatheisnevermoredistantfromGodandhisownhappiness,thanwhileinhighthoughts of himself, glorying in his own understanding, strength,worthiness,freedomofwill,improvementofcommongrace,andthelike;forthesemakehimproudandpresumptuous,andtohaveslightthoughtsofthatspecialandpeculiargrace,bywhichhemust,ifever,berenewedandsaved.ButtheLordhimself,whobestknowshim,reportsthematterquiteotherwise,andweknow thathiswitness is true;namely, that “allthe imaginations of their hearts are only evil continually,” Genesis 6:5.that“theirinwardpartisverywickedness,”Psalm5:9,that“everymanisbrutish inhisknowledge;altogetherbrutishandfoolish;yea,eventheirpastors,”Jeremiah10:8.14.21,thatis,theverybestandmostintelligentamong them: that “their hearts are full of madness,” Ecclesiastes 9:3,“wise todoevil,but todogoodhavenounderstanding,” etc., Jeremiah

4:22.AnditwasnotthusonlywiththeGentilenations,whowerelefttowalkintheirownway;butevenwiththeJewswhohadallthemeansofbecoming better that could be devised, Isaiah 5:4. excepting that ofelecting grace, which took in but a remnant: “they were called Jews,rested in the law,made theirboastofGod,knewhiswill, approved thethings thatwereexcellent;wereconfident that theywereaguideof theblind,andalighttothemthatwereindarkness,instructorsofthefoolish,teachers of babes,” Romans 2:7. 21. And yet all this while, and in themidstofallthesehighattainments,didnotteachthemselves:andwherethey are ranked together, he proves them to be “all under sin, nonerighteous, none that understandeth, none that seeketh after God, nonethat doeth good, no, not one, chapter 3:10—18. Yea, this depravity ofnaturewassodeepandindeliblyfixed,thattheLordhimselftellsthem,“TheEthiopianmightassoonchangehisskin,astheylearntodowell,”Jeremiah13:23.Allwhich,withabundantlymore,bespeaksa conditionextremely remote from yielding a cause or motive for this blessedelection.

Argument4. IfGod’s love tomenhad its rise fromtheir love tohim, itwouldnothavethatsingulareminencyinit,thatis justlyascribedto it:“Godsolovedtheworld,”John3.16.Soasnottobeexpressed;so,asnottobeparalleled;so,asnottobeunderstood,untilwecometothatstatewhereweshallknowasweareknown;northenneitherfully,becauseitisinfinite. By this it is that God’s love to man is so highly celebrated;“Hereinislove;notthatweloveGod,butthatGodlovedus,”1John4:10.And, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us!”chapter3:1,whichsurely then isnotafter themannerofmen; forevenpublicansdoso,Matthew5:46,and“sinners lovethosethat lovethem,”Luke6:32.buttoloveenemies,andwhileenemies(astoloveawifethatisanadulteress;andsotoloveher,astowinherheartbackagain;)thisisGod’slovetohischosen.

But,notwithstandingthesescriptures,withmanyothers,seempurposelywrittentoobviatesuchconceptionsandwouldfeignourlovingofGodtobethegroundandmotiveofhislovetous;yet,greatendeavorsthereareto father election on foreseen faith andworks,which that they call thecovenant of grace, has, they say, qualified and capacitated allmen for;

and which certainmore pliant, ingenious, and industrious persons (astheyspeak)wouldattainto,bythehelpstheyhaveincommonwithothermen:butthispedigreeofelectionisexceptedagainst,asbeingnotrightlyinduced:for,1.Menhaving(inAdam)divestedthemselvesofallthatwasholyandgood,theLordcouldnotforeseeinthemanythingofworthordesirableness,butwhathehimselfshouldworkinthemanew,andthatofpuregraceandfavor;forsinanddeformitycouldnotbemotivesoflove.Andthattheelect,ofthemselves,wereinnowisebetterthanothermen,isevidentbythescriptures latequoted;wheretheHolyGhostassertingthe universal depravity of human nature, exempts not one. But if suchexcellentanddistinguishingqualificationsasfaithandholinesshadbeenforeseen, and so imputable to them, the spirit of truthwould not haverankedthemevenwiththechildrenofwrath,Ephesians2:3.ashedoth.But,2. If theywereotherwise,whatcouldtheyaddtoGod?orwherebycouldtheyobligehim?“Herespectethnotanythatarewiseinheart,”Job37:24.“Ifthouberighteous,whatgivestthouhim?”chap,35:7,and,“whohas prevented me, (says the Lord,) that I should repay him?” chapter41:11.thatis,whoishethatisbeforehandwithGod,indoingaughtthatmightinducehisfavor?“Heregardethnotpersons,nortakethrewards,”Deuteronomy10:17.heisnotpropitioustoanyforwhattheycandoforhim,orbringtohim.TakePaulforaninstance:hewalkeduptothelighthe had; was blameless; lived in all good conscience; knew no evil byhimself–araredegreeof legalrighteousness!–butthatitwasnotthismovedGod tomakehima chosenvessel, he thankfully acknowledgeth,with self-abasement, on every occasion, Tit. 3:5. 1 Timothy 1:14; 2Timothy1:9.3.Faithfollowselection:Godrespectsthepersonbeforehisoffering.ButwasnotAbelrespectedasabeliever,andhisofferingforhisfaith? yea, but that faith of his was not the primary cause of God’srespecting him. If Abel’s personhadnot been respected first, Abel hadneverbeenabelieversforfaithistheworkandgiftofGod;and,accordingtothecourseofalljudiciousagents,hethatwillwork,mustfirstpitchonthesubjecthewillworkon;andhethatgives,onthepersonhewillgiveto.Besides,Abel coulddonothingbeforehebelieved, thatmightmoveGodtogivehimfaith;for,tillthenhewasintheflesh,andtheythatareinthe flesh cannot please God,” Romans 8:8. Hebrews 11:6, therefore itcouldnotbeAbel’sforeseenfaiththatwasthecauseofGod’srespectinghim.Thescripturespeaksoftenofiron-sinewednecks,andbrazenbrows;

andofmen’sbeingintheirblood,whentheLordsaid,theyshouldlive:asalso thatGod lovedJacobbeforehehaddoneanygood thing;and thatthesaintsloveGodbecausehelovedthemfirst:butnowhereofforeseenfaithandholiness,asthecauseandgroundofGod’slovetomen.4.Faithandholinessaremiddle things: theyareneither the foundationnor topstoneofelection.Theyaretosovereigngrace,asstalksandbranchesareto a root: by which the root conveys its virtues into its principal fruit.Ephesians 2:8, “By grace are ye saved, through faith.” 2 Thessalonians2:13.“Chosentosalvation,throughsanctificationoftheSpirit,andbeliefofthetruth.”Theyarenomorethecauseofelection,thanthemeansofan end are the first cause of purposing that end: nay, no more thanTatnai’s propensity (or aversion rather) to build the temple, and toprovidesacrificesfortheGodofheaven,wasthecauseofDarius’sdecree,thatthosethingsshouldbedone,andthatbyhim.Ezra5and6,chapters,5. Ifmenbepredestinated to faith andholiness, (as they are,)Romans8:29:30.1Peter1:2,thentheywerenotseentobesoqualifiedbeforethatpredestination:or if theywere, thentheirelection,as to thatparticular,would seem impertinent. There can no rational account be given, whymen foreseen to be such, should be so solemnly predestinated thereto.Besides, if salvation be the inseparable product of faith and holiness,accordingtoJohn5:24.“Hethatbelievethhaseverlastinglife,andshallnot come into condemnation,” 1 Peter 1:9. “Receiving the end of yourfaith, the salvation of your souls;” then to ordain to salvation thoseforeseen to be so qualified, would seem a thing both needless andinsignificant:itwouldlookliketheendingofmenwheretheywouldhavegoneofthemselves.

Suchsapless, irregular, and injudiciousnotions,areveryunworthy thatcelebratedandeveradorableactofpredestination:andifdulyweighed,would set us farther off from the doctrine of self advancement, whichstandsinpointblankoppositiontothedoctrineofGod’sgrace.

Argument5.ItcouldnotstandwiththewisdomandgoodnessofGod,tofound the salvation of his people on a fallible! bottom; which it wouldcertainlybe, ifdependantonany thingbesideshisown immutablewill.Forwhateveritwasthatelectionhadbeingfrom,bythatalsoitmustbemaintained: what, then, would become of it, if built on that goodness

which is as the morning cloud and the early dew? Hosea 6:4. Thecreature’swill, even in a state of perfection,was too slight and fickle athingtobuildthiseternalweighton:andifamanathisbestestatewasvanity,howmuchmoreafterwards,whensostrongabentofvanitycameonhiswill?

Argument6.ToderiveelectionfromanyrootbesidesthegoodpleasureofGod,istofrustratetheprincipalendofman’ssalvation,namely,“Theglory of God’s grace,” Ephesians 1:6, and 2:7. This attribute, of all therest,hewillnothaveeclipsed,norentrenchedon:itissodivinelysacred,asnottoadmittheleasthumantouch;forwhichverycause,theLordhassocontrivedthatblesseddesignandplotofhisglory,thatall“boastingisexcluded;andnofleshshallgloryinhispresence,”1Corinthians1:29.Butifany thing in thecreaturebeentitled to thecausalityofelection, fleshwill glory; and instead of excludingman’s boasting, grace itself will beexcluded,Romans11:6.whichisfarfromaglorifyingof it.Iwouldhereresolveaqueryortwo,whichsomehaveurgedfromscripture:as,

1.Howcan thisdoctrine standwith the [general] love andgoodwill ofGodtowardsmen;who,itissaid,willhavealltobesaved?1Timothy2:4.2Peter3:9.

Answer:1.Iftheword[all]betakenuniversally,ittakesinunbelieversaswell as others; (which cannot be the meaning: ) therefore, the literalsense of words is not to be rested on, when the like phrase of speechelsewhereused, or evident scopeof the sameor other scripture, agreesnottoit:thedesignandcurrentofthewholemustguidetheconstructionofparticularparts.2.Thoughthedoctrineofgenerallovewillnotstandwiththatofspecialelection;yet thedoctrineof special electionwillnotstandwithoutthat,andagainstit:for,thereisnothingmoreplain,thanthat there is an election ofmen to salvation; as also, that the genuineimport of election, is, to choose one or more out of many: whichnecessarilyimpliestheleavingornotchoosingofsome;andconsequentlythenotwillingofsalvationtoalluniversally.3.ThewillofGodcannotberesisted;becausewithhiswilling theend,hewillsalso themeans; .andthose such as shall compass his end; Isaiah 46:10. “My counsel shallstand,Iwilldoallmypleasure;”i.e.whatIpleasetowill,thatIwillhavedone. 4.The apostle is not herediscoursing the extent ofGod’s special

love; whether all men universally are interested in it: but exhortingbelievers to a general duty; namely, to give thanks for kings and all inauthority;becauseofthebenefitswehavebygovernment:andtoprayforthem;notonlyfortheirpeaceablegoverningofus;butifotherwise,thatGod would turn their hearts and make them nursing fathers to hischurch.Andtoenforcetheduty, tellsus, there isnodegreenorstateofmenexempted fromsalvation;Godhas chosen someof every sort; andthereforeweoughtnottoshutanyoutofourprayers.5.Theword[all]isoftenused,whenbutapartandsometimes the lesserpart,of the thingspokenof,isintendedbyit:asonthecontrary,whentheuniversalityofthesubjectisintended,itisexpressedbysingulars;as,hethatbelievethshallbesaved;andhimthatcomethtome,Iwill innowisecastout.Itsometimessignifiesallofsuchasort;soEvewassaidtobethemotherofallliving;notofalllivingcreatures,butallofherownkind.Itothertimesintendssomeofallsorts:aswhereitissaid,allthecattleofEgyptdied,Exodus9:6.“andthehailsmoteeverytreeandeveryherb,”verse23.Andyetothercattlearementionedafter,andaresidueoftreesaresaidtobeescaped, verse 19. 25, and 10:5. So here, God will have all men to besaved; that is, someof every sort anddegree;Gentiles aswell as Jews;kings and men in authority, as well as those of a meaner rank; as isevidentbycomparingthe1,2,and4verse8together.ThesameinJoel;“Iwillpouroutmyspiritonallflesh,”etc.Joel2:29,thatis,onsomeofevery age, sex, and degree, without distinction; young, old, masters,servants, sons, daughters, etc. as it follows there. 6. To these universalterms do belong divers restrictions, which must be gathered from thescopeand context: as,where the gospel is said to be preached to everycreatureunderheaven,Colossians1:23,andyetmenonlyare intended,andnotallofthemneither:forthegospelhadreachedbutasmallpartoftheworldat that time,andnot thewholeof it yet.So,Moses is said tohave in every city them that preach him, Acts 15:21. it must beunderstood only of cities where the Jews dwelt, and had synagogues;whichwerebutfewincomparison.Thosealsothatwerescatteredabroad,wenteverywherepreachingtheword,Acts8:4;i.e.theyavoidednoplacenorperson,butpreachedwherevertheycame.AtfirstitwasconfinedtotheJews,butnowwithoutlimit.“EverymanshallhavepraiseofGod,”1Corinthians4:5,itcanbemeantonlyofgoodandfaithfulservants;whicharebutaremnanttothewholepiece.So,GodissaidtobetheFatherof

all,Ephesians4:6,andyetSatan,weknow,isthefatherofthefargreaterpart of theworld. And Christ is said to reconcile all things, Colossians1:20,andyetall theangelsmustbeexempted:thegoodangels,becausetheyneverwere at enmity; and the evil ones, because not reconcilable,Ephesians 1:10. “That he might gather together in one, all things inChrist:“Thisallthingsseemsplainlytointendtheelect;fortheyarethesubject discoursed of in the whole chapter: and in Matthew, thosegatheredtogetherarestyledtheelect,chapter24:31.InHebrews12:8,allare said to be partakers of chastisements; and yet sons only can beintended: forbastards arenotpartakers of it, as it follows there. “Theyshall be all taught of God,” John 6:45. It respects only the sons of thechurch,(i.e.suchasareelected,)whoseiniquitiesareforgiventhem,andtheirsinsrememberednomore,Jeremiah31:34.Itisthetenorofthenewcovenant,whichismadewiththehouseofIsrael,thatis,Jewsinspirit,ortheelectnation,Hebrews8:10,11.And if these termsuniversal,allandevery,aresometimesappliedtotheelect,exclusiveofothers,whynotaswell in the placewhence the query is taken? I have instanced these, toshowwhatcontradictorynotionswouldfollowshouldthevocalsoundofwordsbeadheredto:whatasandyfoundationuniversalelectionisbuilton:andhowlikelywearetolosethetruth,whilewelistentoanuncertainsound; the meaning whereof may yet be had from the context, andgeneral current of scripture. 2. How shall this kind of election bereconciledwithActs10:34.“ThatGodisnorespecterofpersons?”

Answer:1.Thisshowsthe inconvenienceofminding the literalsenseofthewordsabovethescope:theformerexceptiontakesinall;andnowthisexcludes all: for, if literally taken, God should have respect to none. 2.TheJewswereanelectnation;andso,thisobjectionwilllieagainsttheirelection as much as this we are on. 3. The scope of the place plainlyintends, thatGodrespectsnoman’sperson,either lessormore, forhisoutward condition, or carnal privileges. Till then the partition was up,and the Lord seemed only to regard the Jewish nation, suffering allbesides towalk in their ownways,Acts14:16.But nowhadGod to theGentilesalsograntedrepentancetolife,Acts11:18.Youwillsay,perhaps,theywerefearersofGodwhomhethusaccepted.True;butthatwasnotitwhichfirstinducedhisacceptance,orentitledthemtoit;althoughitwastheirinletintoit,andevidenceforit.IfmenfearnotGodtillhehasput

his fear within them: then their fearing of him doth not precede hisrespect towards them: but follows on it, and this is the favorwhich hebearstohischosen,Psalm106:4.But,

3.Ifmenbeordainedtosalvationabsolutely,whatneedoruseisthereofgoodworks?

Goodworkshavediversgoodusesandends,andgoodreasonsthereareforGod’sordainingthemtobewalkedin:withoutsupposingourwalkinginthemtobetheground,condition,ormotiveofourelection:as,1.TotestifyourlovetoGod;ofwhichwehavenosuchevidence,asthekeepingofhis commandments, 2John5:3. 2. To show forth his virtues,whoseoffspringweprofessourselvestobe,Matthew5:45.Thatyemaybe(i.e.yemayappearandapproveyourselvestobe)“thechildrenofyourFatherwhichisinheaven.”3.Toconvincethosewithout,thatthey,byourgoodconversation,maybewonover,andlearntodowell;orelsebecompelledtoglorifyGodinthedayofvisitation.4.ForencouragementandexampletoweakerChristians;whoareyetchildreninthegoodwaysofGod,andaremoreaptlyledbyexamplethanprecept.5.Thatbyhavingoursensesexercisedaboutholy things,wemightbecomemoreholy, and so,morecapable of communion with God here, and prepared for our heavenlyinheritance. 6. Good works are a part of election, and the elect are asabsolutelyordainedtothem,astosalvationitself,John15:16.

Objections I did not intend to meddle with: but considering that thatwhichfollowsofthiskind(thoughdoneforanotheroccasion)mayhelptodiscoverthelightnessofwhatisallegedagainstourdoctrineofelection,Ihave therefore inserted it here; and hope it shall prove to its furtherconfirmation.

Objection: There is no election, nor decree of election, of particularpersonsassuch:butoftheentirespeciesofmenfrometernity.

Answer: Election is the choosing of some from among others, and italwayssupposethagreaternumberoutofwhichthechoiceismade;and,consequently,thetaking(orchoosing)ofallisquitebesidesthenotionofelection:thescripturesays,theyarechosenoutoftheworld,John15:19.thentheworldisnotchosen:thatis,theentirespeciesofmenisnotthe

objectofelection.

Objection: God has not decreed from eternity to elect any person ofmankindonanyterms,butthatincasehelivethtoyearsofdiscretionhemaypossiblyperish.

Answer:Thisisexceptedagainst:1.BecausethepersonofChristhimselfisnot exempted.2.Becauseaspossibly thedeathofChristmightbe invain.3.Itmakesthedecreeandelectiontwothings,anddiversinrespectoftime.Thatelectionwasfrometernity,isprovedbefore,Ephesians1:4,andthattheelectshallnotperish,isabsolutelypromised,John16:28.

Objection:Threateningsofdamnationareabsolutelyinconsistentwithaperemptorydecreetoconfersalvation.

Answer: No more than the threatening of death on Adam wasinconsistentwithGod’spurposetosendhimaSavior,Genesis2:17,withchapter 3:15. That caution also, that “except the mariners staid in theship, they couldnot be saved,” aswell consistentwith that peremptorypromise,“thatthereshouldbenolossofanyman’slife,”Acts27:22.31.Thepromiseofsafetywasabsolute,buttheiractualobtainmentofitwasconditional.Yetso,asthattheperformanceoftheconditionontheirpart,wasascertainbythedecree,assafetyontheirperformanceof it: forhethatdeterminedthesafetyof their lives,determinedalso, that itshouldbe effected by their abiding in the ship; and that this caution, orthreateningofdanger,incasetheywentout,shouldbeameanstoprevailwiththemforthatabiding;andso itdid.In likemanner, that sayingofthe apostle, that “if they lived after the flesh, they should die, Romans8:13.wasveryconsistentwithwhathehadsaidbefore,namely,“thatsinshould not have dominion over them,” Rom: 16:14, and that “nothingshould separate them from the love of God,” chapter 8:39. For as theLord deals with reasonable creatures, so he makes use of rationalarguments,motives,andcautionstoworkonthem:bothendandmeans,andinducementstotheuseofthosemeans,werealldeterminedtogether.

Objection:Wejudgeitaverysenselesspartinafather,togivehischildcompleteassurance,underhandandseal,thathewillmakehimhisheir,againstallpossibleinterveniencies;andyetpresentlythreatenhim,ifhe

benotdutiful,todisinherithim.

Answer: Undutiful children may dare to judge thus of their father’sactions; and children, that otherwise are dutiful and good, yet, whilechildren,mayhavechildishconceptionsofwhattheireldersdo:butmengrownup,andacquaintedwiththeirfather’sprudenceandgoodness,willhave theirhandson theirmouths.ThepromiseandpurposeofGod, togiveCanaan toAbraham’s seed,was soabsolute, that,by theobjector’sownconfession,alltheirunworthinesscouldnotdeprivethemofit:itisalsoevidentbytheirdemeanor,andtheeventatlast:yethowoftendoestheLord threaten todisinherit them?and to “blotout theirname fromunder heaven,” Exodus 32:10. Numb. 14:12. Deuteronomy 9:14. DidMoses now go and “charge God foolishly?” did he tell him, It is asenseless part thus to threaten, after so absolute an engagement to thecontrary?No;heputstheLordinmindofhispromisetotheirfathers;ofhismercyinpardoningthemaforetime;whatreflectionitwouldhaveonhishonoramongtheEgyptians,ifheshouldnowdestroythem,etc.Notaword of complaint, that first to promise, and then to threaten, is asenselessthing:ithadbeensenselessinMosesthustodo,andinnowiseconsistentwithhisduty.Batmoredirectly;itwerenosenselesspartinafather,topurchaseanofficeforhisson,andsotosettleitonhim,thatitshallnotbeinhisownpowertoreverseit;andyet,keepingtohimselftheknowledgeofthatsettlement,proposetheenjoymentthereofconditional,namely,ontermsofobediencetohisfather’scommand:thetendencyofallwhichisbuttoprovehimselfthesonofsuchafather,andtopreparehimforhisplace:and,themoretoobligehissontoastudiouspreparinghimselfforit,tolaybeforehimtheevilanddangerofanegligentcourse;bywhich,ifpersistedin,hemightrenderhimselfincapable.But,surely,supposing this father to have the samepower over his son, asGodhasovertheheartandspiritofhispeople;hewillsoorderhimbyinstruction,discipline, and good principles, that he shall not run into a forfeiture.Besides, threatenings of damnation are not properly applicable tobelievers,whoknowthemselvessotobe:for“hethatbelieveth,ispassedfrom death to life, and shall not come into condemnation, John 5:24,however, at times, for want of a thorough knowing their state,unthankfulness for it,or someothermiscarriage, theybring themselvesunder doubtings of it: but for such as have complete assurance under

God’shandandseal(astheobjectionspeaks,)theyare“sealeduptothedayofredemption,”Ephesians4:30.Romans8:15,withasealthatnevershallbeloosed.

Objection: In case any person were so adjudged to eternal life frometernity, that there is no possibility of miscarrying, then there was nonecessityofChrist’sdyingforhim.

Answer:The asserters of absolute electiondohold,with the scriptures,thatelectionis“inandthroughChrist:”thesamedecreethatordainedtosalvation, ordained also the mediation of Christ in order thereto: thatGodmightbe“justinjustifying,hehasappointedustoobtainsalvationbyourLordJesusChrist,”2Thessalonians5:9.Yemight,withasmuchshewofreason,infer,thatifsuchanendbeappointedtobewroughtbysuchameans,thenthatmeansisunnecessarytothatend:thatifGodhadchosenmentosalvationthroughsanctificationoftheSpirit,andbeliefofthe truth, thenholinessand faithareneedless things.Theseareabsurdreasonings,whichthetruthneitherownsnorneeds.

Objection:Wejudgesuchanelectiontobeanopenenemytogodliness:for who will strain and toil himself for that which he knows he shallobtainbyaneasypace?

Answer: The doctrine of conditional election can be no friend togodliness,whateveritmaypretendto;sinceallthatamandoethonthataccountterminatesinself.GodlinessistoaimatGodasourchiefendinallthatwedo:nowonethatholdstheelectsureofsalvation,andbelieveshimself to be oneof them, and yet goes on to fearGod, andobey him,glorifiesGodmorethanhethatperformsthesameduties forkind(andperhaps greater in bulk,) in expectation of life thereby. The Phariseesfasted oftener than Christ’s disciples; butwere not such real friends togodlinessasthey.Longprayers,fastings,andalmsdeeds,areallnothingwithoutlove:andwho,doyouthink,willloveGodmore,hethatbelieveshimselfsureofGod’sloveunchangeably,oronethatholdsthat,afterallhistoilingandstraining,hemaypossiblyruninvain,andloseallatlast?If ye speak thus, ye cross the experience ofGod’s children; yea, and ofnaturetoo;forwhocountsitatoiltoeathismeatwhennaturerequiresit, especially when it is most agreeable both to his palate and

constitution?“AllthewaysofGodarepleasantnesstothemthatwalkinthem:” and these would not leave them again, although their futurehappinesswerenotconcernedinit:iftheybegrievoustoany,itisfromtheirunacquaintednesswithhislove,1John5:3:

Object, Itmustneedsmakemenveryremissand loose intheserviceofGod.

Answer: A strange assertion! that the assurance of God’s love shouldmakemencarelessinservinghim:theythatsojudge,canneverbeoverdiligent to make their calling and election sure. Christ knew that the“angels had charge over him,” and that “he should not dash his footagainst a stone;” yet was nevertheless careful of his own preservation.Paulwassureofthecrownofrighteousness;andyetasdiligentinbeatingdownhisbody,andstrainedashardinrunninghisrace,asanyofthosewholaythestressofsalvationontheirworks.

Objection:Suchanotion,ofelectionlaysthehonorandnecessityofthatgreat ordinance of preaching the gospel in the dust: for if the elect (socalled)shallascertainlybesavedbyaweak,simple,orcorruptministry,andthis,itmaybe,enjoyedbutadayortwoinallaman’slife,orlooselyattendedon,whereistheministryofthegospeltobeesteemed?

Answer: That peremptory decree, that “summer and winter, day andnight,shallnotcease,”takesnotawaythenecessityofthesun’sbeingintheworld,norof itsdailyrising,setting,andvariousrevolutions; forbythese,asthenecessarymeansthereof,mustthedecreebemadegood.Sothe absoluteness of that other part of the promise, that “seedtime andharvest shall not cease,” doth not a whit discharge the husbandmaneitherofhisusefulnessorduty;butevinceththeone,andenforceththeother; giving also encouragement to him in hiswork. The force of thisanswer will not be evaded, by alleging, that God affords them meansproperandsufficientforseedtimeandharvest,(thatis,theyhavefittingseasons, with seed corn, horses, ploughs, and other utensils ofhusbandry;)andthatisallthepromiseintends;andiftheyimprovethemnot, the fault is their own.True, it is so, and they shall smart for theirneglect: but what will become of the promise, and sureness of thecovenant?ThereforethisisnotallthatGoddoethformeninthispoint.

He that decreed how long the earth shall endure, andwhat number ofmenhewillraiseonit,didalsodecreehisownupholdingthereofduringthattime,andbywhatmeansthosemenshouldbepropagated,andkeptalive; and did accordingly put into them the principles of self-preservation;bywhichtheyarenaturallypromptedtousethem,astheyare to eat, drink, and sleep: “He has set the world in their hearts,”Ecclesiastes3;11.Astheelectshallcertainlybesaved,andalsopreparedforthatsalvation;sohastheLordappointedthemsuchaministry,andforsolongatime,andtheirattendancethereoninsuchamanner,asbestagreeswithhisownintention,andwhichhewillblessandmakeeffectualfor that end; as is seen by his sending Paul to certain placeswhere hemust preach, and not hold his peace: Why? Because God had muchpeoplethere,(thatis,ofhiselectones,)whomustbebroughtinbyPaul’sministry.Bythinia,andotherplaces,heisnotsufferedtogointo,thoughhewould;Godhadnotyetanyworkforhimthere.Thosethataretobetaken,theLordwillbringthemunderthemeans,ashedidthatshoaloffishesunderPeter’s net, John 21:6.Witness the eunuch, Cornelius, thejailer,andothers.Andthismeans,whetherpowerfulorsimpleinman’sesteem,itisallonetoGod;hiswordshallaccomplishthathesendsitfor;andtheweakerthemeansare,themoreisthepowerofGodmagnified.See Acts, chapter 2, how by illiteratemen’sministry, he took them bythousands,and“addedtohischurchdailysuchasshouldbesaved,”Acts2:9, 10,11, 47. So, then, the ministry of the gospel is in no wise madeuselessordisestimablebythedoctrineofabsoluteelection,butisratherheightenedthereby,asbeingthe“powerofGodtothatsalvationhehaschosenusto.”

Objection:Ofwhatgreatconsequencetotheworldaretherichestgiftsofwisdom,knowledge,utterance,etc.,ifallthosewhoareinanypossibilityof being saved by them, may and shall as certainly be saved withoutthem?

Answer:Thattherichestgiftsofwisdom,knowledge,utterance,areofnogreat consequence to the world, is no consequent of the doctrine ofabsoluteelection;fortheyaregiven“fortheperfectingofthesaints,andedifying the body of Christ,” that is, the elect: and all the diversities ofgifts,manifestations,andoperations,doconcurtothesameend,sinceit

is the sameGodwhoworketh all in all: That is, he appointethmen tosalvation,thesegifts,asameanstopreparethemforit,andmakesthemeffectualthereto.Butthatthoserichestgiftsofwisdom,knowledge,andutterance, are of no great use or consequence to the world, is a verynatural consequent of thatdoctrine,which tells theworld that the sun,moon,andstars,dopreachthegospelsufficientlyforsalvation:whichiftheydo,where,indeed,arethoserichestgiftstobeesteemed,andtowhatend is this waste? Why should the best of men suffer stripes,imprisonments,anddeath,fordoingthatwhichmightbedonebythoseabovethereachofdanger?And,withal,itistoowellknownandobvious,thatmenofgreatestknowledge,utterance,anddepthofreason,suchasarestyledtheprincesof thisworld,arenotalways,nay,areveryrarely,thefastestfriendsoftruthandgodliness;andthosefewthatare,arenotalways most successful in their work, Ecclesiastes 9:11. while someothers,meanly furnished in comparison, have turned theworld upsidedown, 2 Corinthians 12:10. Acts 17:6. 2 Corinthians 10:10, The Lordofttimes rejects thewise and prudent, and reveals himself by babes, totakefrommenoccasionofboasting,andtomakeitappear,thatthefaithofhispeopledoesnotstand in thewisdomofmen,but in thepowerofGod,1Corinthians2:5.“Whoseweakness isstrongerthanmen,andhisfoolishnesswiser,”chapter1:25.

Objection:Onwhataccountcanmenbepressed toa frequent,diligent,conscientiousattendanceontheministry, ifsalvation,andconsequentlypreparation, andmeetness for salvation, shall as certainly be had by abroken,careless,superficialattendanceinthiskind?

Answer: On what account did the Lord so frequently admonish hispeople, “to keep the law, without turning aside; to circumcise theirhearts;andtobenomorestiff-necked;”andthis,astheconditionoftheirobtaining Canaan? if all their unworthiness could not deprive them ofCanaan,whichtheauthorofthisobjectionelsewhereaffirmstheycouldnot.Butfurther,asmenarecreatures,itistheirdutytoserveandhonorGod; and, in order thereto, towait on him in his ordinances, and thatwith all diligence, although the business of their salvation was notconcernedinit,butmuchmoresinceitis,ifanythingofselfconcernmayenforceaduty:andtrulythepresentsweetnessthatisinthegoodwaysof

God, is argument sufficient to induce our most serious attendancethereon.Butthatsalvationormeetnessforsalvation,mayascertainlybehad by a careless attendance, it is far from the doctrine of absoluteelectiontoassert:foritpressethitstillasanimportantduty,to“givealldiligencetomakeourcallingandelectionsure.”But,really,remissnessinduty is the natural result of that doctrine which teacheth That a manpossiblymay loseallhehas run forat the last step: forwhowill strainandtoilhimself,astheytermit,foranuncertainty?Andiftherebeanysuchwhoneglecttheirduty,becauseifelectedtheyaresuretobesaved,theygivebutasorryevidenceoftheirstate;andare,commonly,suchasopposethedoctrineofelection,andnotofthosewhoholdforit.

Objection: Such an election as we contend against, we judge to be themostunworthy themostexcellentnatureofGod;and tobeatmanifestdefiancewithhiswisdom,holiness,mercy,justice,etc.

Answer. If the election contended against be such as the objector’sargumentsarepointedat,itissuchasIsupposeneverwasheldbyany;andthenitisillspenttimetosetupcounterfeitnotions,andmakeagreatbusinessofconfutingthem.Butitisabsoluteelection,withoutrespecttomen’s works, that is striven against: and for this we say, 1. Absoluteelection is noway contrary to thewisdomofGod, butmost consonantthereto;forhowcanitstandwithhiswisdom,todeterminethedeathofhis Son for the salvation of men, and leave it undetermined, andconsequentlyuncertain,whetheranyonepersonshallhave salvationbyit?Forsoitmustbe,ifelectionbenotabsolute.2.ItissofarfrombeingatmanifesthostilitywiththemercyofGod,thatitismostcongruousandsuitable to theverynatureof it.Toshewmercy, is toopen theheart tooneindistress;toloveanddogoodtoenemies,whomhemightasjustlyhavedestroyed,andwasnowayobligedtospare,much less toadvancethem:nay, perhaps theywere deeper involved in guilt than othermen,even the chief of sinners;which is, certainly, the highest illustration ofmercy,and far fromamanifestdefianceof it.3. Itdothnotoppose thejusticeofGod; for, towhom ishedebtor,or canbe?Allhada stock inAdam; and having lost it by their own default, God is not obliged torestoreit;thereforenoinjusticetorepairone,andnotanother.

Objection:Dothitargueanysovereignorhighstrainofgrace,whenten

thousand have equally offended, to pardon one or two, and implacablyresolvetopunishandtormentall theresttotheutmostextremity?Andthisagainstallpossibleinterveniencyofsorrowandrepentancefortheirfaults?

Answer:Itwereverydesirablethatmen,whiletheypretendtoargueforthe truth, would order their speech as becomes the gravity of such asubject,Eccl5:1,andmuchmore,thattheycomenotsonearadownrightreproachingthatgloriousgrace,ofwhichwecannothaveapprehensionsawful enough. Themen who thus speak, had need to try their spirits,whether they be of God; since from the same premises they drawconclusionsquitecontraryto those,who,weknow,“spakeas theyweremovedbytheHolyGhost.”Inscriptureaccount,itisnoderogationfromthegraceofGod,thathecalledAbrahamalone,leavingmillionsbesidetotheirperishingcondition.NorcanIbelievethatMosesunderstooditasdisparagingGod’s love tomankind,whenhe tells us, that he chose thepeopleofIsrael forhisownpeculiarpeople;whoyetwere the fewestofanypeople,Deuteronomy7:7.Oneofacity,andtwoofafamily,werelessinproportionthanoneortwooftenthousand;yetnocomplaintonit,bythose interested in that grace. It is the property of God’s children toadmirethathelovesany,andespeciallythemselves;andnottofindfaultbecausehe lovesnot all alike. “Who am I, (saysDavid,) that thou hastbrought me hitherto!” And Christ’s disciples, “Lord, why wilt thoumanifestthyselftous(ustwelve)andnottotheworld?”John14:22.Itistherefore strange toconsider,whyandhow,any that call themselvesofthe brotherhood, came so to espouse the quarrel of thosewithout; andthat with such eagerness, as to strive and fall out among themselvesabouttheother’sconcerns.Itweremoreadvisabletoleaveoffdisputing,andfalltopractice.But,toanswermoredirectly:1.Thisremnant isnotso contemptibly to be spoken of; they are “Ten thousand times tenthousand,andthousandsofthousands,”Revelation5:11.Andhowsmallsoever thenumberbe, (if itwerebutone, itweremorebyonethanthewhole creation could deserve,) I say, how few soever they are, nomanknowsbuthimselfmaybeoneofthem;unlessbydespisingthegraceofGod inelection,hehasproved itotherwise tohimself. 2.TopitchonafewwhileintheirbloodandenmityagainstGod,andresolveeventhentomakethemeverlastinglyhappy,andthatagainstthenaturalbentoftheir

ownwill,wasagracemuchmorehighandsovereign,thantosavethemfor their own better improvement of what they have in common withothermen; for that would not be of grace, but of debt. Or if the Lordshould bring ten thousand times that number into a salvable state, (astheyspeak,)butsoas,verypossibly,notoneofthemshalleverbesaved,itwould not bring the thousandth part of that glory to his grace, as tosaveafewinvincibly.3.IftheLorddidforeseethatbutfewwouldbelieve,and yet resolve to save none but such as should believe; then theobjection,astofewness,fallsontheobjector’sdoctrineasmuchasours.4.Asforgodlysorrow,faith,andrepentance,theyarethegiftofGod,andproper to the elect: and so, no reason to suppose the interveniency oftheseinthemthatareleft;ortofearanimplacableresolutiontopunishandtormentanyinwhomthesepossibilitiesgoforthintoact.

Other allegations they have against the doctrine of election, whichwilladmitof asplaina solutionas thoseabove;but it beingmypurposetocollectwhatIshallfindinthescripturesforit,andnottocontrovertthepoint; Iproceedno further,butgoon to theusefulnessof thedoctrine;onlybythewayletmepremiseacautionortwo.

1.LetnomantaxGodwithinjusticeorpartialitybecausehetakesnotall;orbecausenotthoseofhighestesteemamongmen.Donottheprincesofthe world exercise dominion over men like themselves? Or is there asubject so mean, but will think himself wronged, if questioned fordisposingofhisown(whichyetishisownbutareborrowed?)Andshallvain man presume to arraign his sovereign Lord! “Woe to him thatstrivethwithhisMaker,”Isaiah45:9. Ifyoumustbemeddling, let itbewithpotsherdsofearthlikeyourselves.

2.Lotnomandepreciatethedoctrineofelectionbecauseittakesinbutaremnant.Whyaretheystyled,“thelittleflock,”buttoheightenthemercyand privilege of it in their esteem?Noah did not contemn the grace ofGodtohimselfandhissons,becausetheworldofungodlywereexcludedfromtheark;northeremnantthatescapedtheswordinEgypt,Jeremiah44:28,reckon their owndeliverance the lessmercy, because the rest oftheircountrymenhadnotashareinit.Mendonotusetoslighttheirownimpunities for others not being interested in them; but rather to valuethemselvesthemoreonit.

Andnow, as ameans topreventor remove the evil surmises cautionedagainst;withthoseothersinisterdeductionswhichcarnalreasonmaybeapt to suggest; let us draw up a few of those many and worthyimprovements thisdoctrine is capableof, aboveandbeyond thatof thecontrarytenor;asalsoofthoselawsofdutywhichitlaysonus.AndhereIwouldsee,first,whatfruitmaybegatheredfromtheseveralbranchesofthe proposition; and then, what from the gross or whole of itpromiscuously.

3.Since there isanelectionofmentosalvation,putyourheart in forapartandinterestinit:thoughtheirnumberbebutsmall,castinyourlot,andmakeoneamongthem.Mymeaningis,thatthougheversofewaretheobjectsofelection,youwillmakeityourbusinesstoproveyourselfofthatfew.Ifbuttwointhewholeworld,whoknowsbutthouinterestbeone of them?And do it the rather, for fewness’ sake: it is our Savior’sargument, “They are hut few that go in at the straight gate;” thereforestrive. TheNinevites had not that ground to believeGod would acceptthemthatyouhave;fortheirruinwaspronouncedinperemptorywords,and no room expressly left for repentance; and yet they bumbledthemselves,andturnedfromtheirevilways,onthisonlyconsideration,“WhocantellifGodwillturnawayhisfierceanger,thatweperishnot?”Jonah8:9,10.It isahappinessworthyourventuringfor:for,1.Youcanlose nothing by endeavoring. 2. You can hardly have a more solidevidence of your being elected, than to have your heart taken withelectinglove,andcastingyourselfonit:and3.Neverdidanyperishwhoventuredonthisbottom.

4.Fromthedoctrineofelection’sabsoluteness isevinced theexceedingriches of the grace ofGod, in that he has not left this great concern tohuman contrivance, but has laid it more sure and safe than menthemselveswouldhavedone:foritistooevident,(bythereasoningsthatareusedtomakeelectiondependantandconditional,)howitwouldhavegone, if left to thewisdomofmen.But I shallnotdoubt toaffirm, thatthis doctrine of election’s absoluteness is much beforehand with thatwhichteachethittobeconditional,bothinpointofencouragement,andotherwise;andthataswellbeforebelievingasafterwards.

1. Before a man comes to believe; supposing him to be notionallyinstructedthereinbefore,Forbeingunderconvictionofthegreatnessandmultitudeofhissins,andfindingthepowerofindwellingcorruptionssoinsuperable,havingalso some sightof theholinessofGod,and thathewillbynomeanscleartheguilty,itneedsmustproveadifficultmatter,tobelievethatthereismercyandpardonforsuchaoneashe;orthateverthosedomineeringlustsshouldbemadetosubmit:butthenconsidering,1.Thatelecting lovepitcheson thechiefof sinners.2.That it flowsnotfrom,norisfoundedon,anyconditiontobeperformedbymen.And,3.That election has in it all that conduceth to life and godliness: thesethings(Isay)considered,itcannotbuthaveafargreaterinfluenceonthesoul,tocleavetoGod,andfollowhardafterhim,thanifhiselectionweresuspended on his doing that which he finds in himself no power toperform:forheseesbyexperience(andyet,throughgrace,happy),thatas the law is made weak through the weakness of the flesh; so also,setting aside the absoluteness of electing love, all the means of grace,whicharegivenincommonamongmen,wouldbewholly ineffectual tosalvation: which difficulties, electing love in its absoluteness willsupersede,andsethimabovethemall;especiallyconsidering,thatfaithandholinessareasabsolutelypromisedandprovidedfor inelection,assalvationitself,astheendoffaith.

2.After aman comes to believe, this doctrine of absolute election is ofsingularuseandbenefittohim,bothastendingtokeephimonhisfeet,andtoraisehimwhenheisdown.1.Itisagreatpreservativeintimeoftemptation.Theremembranceofthatlovewhichlookedonhimwhenhewasinhisblood,andsaidheshouldlive,andhasnowalsomadegooditswordtohim,mustneedsoperatestronglywithagraciousheart,againstwhatevermight be unworthy of such love: let the bait be ever so aptlysuited,hewill turn fromit inaholydisdain,asgoodJosephdid, “HowcanIdothisgreatwickedness,andsinagainstGod!”Genesis39:9.whohasdealtsobountifullywithme!2.Nothingmoretendstorecoveryafterafall,thantheconsiderationofthefreenessofGod’sloveatfirst,andhismightypowerinquickening,whenaltogetherdead;andthatboththese,namely,hisloveandhispower,areengagedbyanabsolutecovenant,tobringeveryonethattakesholdthereoftoglory;andthereforewillreceivehim, not only after, on return to his duty, but in the midst of his

backslidings,hewillcomeandhealhim.TheLord’swayofdealingwithEphraimisaninstancepertinenttothecaseinhand:“FortheiniquityofhiscovetousnesswasIwroth,andsmotehim:Ihidme,andwaswroth,andhewentonfrowardly in thewayofhisheart. Ihaveseenhisways,andwillhealhim:Iwillleadhimalso,andrestorecomfortstohim,andtohismourners,”Isaiah57:17,18.Andinthe44thchapter,hedoth,asitwere,clenchandfastenthisnailinasureplace:“Remember,OJacob,Ihave formedthee; thoushaltnotbe forgottenofme: Ihaveblottedoutthy sins; therefore return to me.” And Jeremiah 3:14. “Return, Obackslidingchildren,forIammarriedtoyou,”(towit,byhiscovenantofelection.)TothispurposealsoistheedgeofSamuel’sargumentappliedin 1 Samuel 12:20-22. “Fear not; ye have done all this wickedness; yetturn not aside from following the Lord:” as if he had said, yourwickedness indeed is great, ye have highly provoked the Lord, by yourcastinghimoff:yet,benotdiscouraged,asiftheLordwouldcastyouoff:“For the Lord will not forsake his people;” but why? “Because it haspleased the Lord tomake you his people.” And in verse 24, he furtherbacksitwiththeremembranceofthegreatthingsGodhasdoneforthemaforetime: thanwhich there is nothing of stronger tendency to a soul’srecovery.

3. From the personality of election: and, 4. From the eternity of itsoriginal,Igatheringeneral,

That, since the scriptures have so highly renowned these twocircumstantialpartsofelection,bysofrequentamentioningofthem:andthatonoccasionsofthesolemnestimport,weoughtnottopassthemby,as things of an indifferent notice; but as being diversely instructive,worthy tobekept,andsoberlycontended for.TheHolyGhostdothnotuse to inculcatemattersof ordinaryobservance, or little import; but asnotingtoassomegreatimportanceinthem:astaxingalsooursloth,andaptness to neglect them; and to stir up our minds to make the morediligentsearch,what,andwhatmannerofthingstheyare,andhowtobeimproved:inparticular,

FromthepersonalityofelectionIinfer:

Infer.1.Thatitoughttobemindedasmatterofthehighesthonortothe

partiesconcerned.TheLordillustratesMosesatnoordinaryrate,whenhe tells him, “I know thee by name:” Exodus 33:17, and, doubtless,intended that Moses himself should so account of it, and be highlysatisfiedtherewith,thoughdeniedsomeotherthingshewouldfainhavehad.ThusalsoPaulsignalizeththoseeminentsaints,whowerehisfellowlaborers in the gospel; that “their names were in the book of life,”Philippians4:3.AndourSaviorpropoundsittohisdisciples,asmatterofthehighest exaltation, that “theirnameswerewritten inheaven,”Luke10:20. That our poor insignificant names should be written in God’sbook,andlaidupamonghistreasuresinheaven,whenthegeneralityofnames(evennamesofnote,)arewritteninthedust,letitnotseemalightmattertous:forthisisthat“everlastingname,whichnevershallbecutoff,”Isaiah56:5.

Infer.2.Theknowledgeofthis,namely,thatGodhasthustakennoticeofourname,isagreatprivilegetothemthatknowit.Itenlargesthehearttohigherexpectations;itgivesboldness,orfreedomofspeechtowardsGod;asifnothingweretoogreatforsuchaonetoask.SeehowMosesgrowson it; no sooner, says God, “I know thee by name,” but Moses (aswrappedintothesecond,andfainwouldbeinthethirdheaven)presentlyreplies,“Ibeseechthee,shewmethyglory.”

Infer,3.Asitisamatterofhonorandprivilege,soitwillproveoneofthebesttitlestoyourheavenlyinheritance.Itwillsignifysomethingoneday,(howeverbysome too lightlyesteemednow,)when it shallbe thegreatdistinguishingcharacterbetweenyouandtheworld:whoeverhebethatderivesnothisgenealogyfromthisregister,willbeputfromtheheavenlypriesthood,Nehemiah 7:64. The new Jerusalem admits none but thosewhose“namesarewritteninthebookoflife,”Revelation21:27.yea,everyone that is not found written there, shall be cast into a lake of fire,chapter20:15.therefore“givealldiligencetomakeyourelectionsure.”

Infer.4.Italsoimportsmatterofdutyfromus.Whenprincesconfertitlesofhonor,lands,orimmunities;theyusetoreservesomekindofrentorotherservice,tomindtheirsubjects,thoughfavorites,ofwhomtheyhold.Youhavenosuchwayofowningyourgreatbenefactor,norsuchmeansofbeingconsiderableintheworld;asbybearingthebadgeandimpressof him who gave you this name of honor. Let his name therefore be

namedonyou;carryhisnameinyourbosom;bearitonyourshoulders,and the “palms of your hands:” let the choicest of your affections, thechiefofyourstrength,andthewholeofyouractivity,beemployedforhishonor;leteverythingyoudo,bearanimpressionofhimwhosenameisholy.

Thenfromtheantiquityofelection.

Infer.1.Lettheancientnessofelectinglove,drawupourheartstoaverydear and honorable esteem of it. Pieces of antiquity (though of basemetal,andotherwiseof littleuseorvalue)howvenerableare theywithlearned men? and ancient charters, how careful are men to preservethem;althoughtheycontainbuttemporaryprivileges,andsometimesbutoftrivialmoment?howthenshouldthegreatcharterofheaven,somucholderthantheworld,andcontainingmattersofeternalweightandglory;which also has been confirmed by so many promises; exemplified bymultitudesofcases;withasealaffixedmorepreciousthanheavenitself,allwhichproclaimtheeternalvalidityofit;howshouldthis,Isay,behadineverlastingremembrance,andthethoughtsthereofbeveryprecioustous;lyingdown,risingup,andallthedaylongaccompanyingus!andhowcarefulshouldwebe,notonlytokeepthischarteruncancelled,butalsotokeep it clean fromall sortsofdustandsoil,bywhich the legiblenessthereofmight anywaybeobscured to ourselves or others! Infer. 2. Letelection’seternaloriginbeanargumentfor itseternalduration;andso,of the saints’ invincible perseverance to glory. That which is fromeverlasting, shall be to everlasting; if the root be eternal, so are thebranches.Surely,forthisgoodend(amongothers,)itistwicerecordedintheRevelation, that “theirnameswerewritten in thebookof life, fromthe foundation of the world,” Revelation 13:8, and 17: 8. namely, tosignify and assure, that the elect shall be safely and surely kept fromthosedreadfulapostasies,whichtherestoftheworldshallfallinto,andbeoverwhelmedwith.Andhence,perhaps, it is thatwereadofnothingdoneineternity,butelection,andthingsappendant,orpeculiarthereto;asthepromiseofeternallife,theLambslain,thekingdomprepared,etc.Electionisaneternalfountain,thatneverleavesrunningwhileavesselisempty, or capable of holding more; and it stands open to all comers:therefore, come; and if you have not sufficient of your own, go and

borrowvessels, emptyvessels,nota few; “payyourdebtsoutof it, andliveontherest”toeternity,2Kings4:7.

V.FromthedoctrineofchoosinginChrist.

Infer.1.ItisanhighdemonstrationofGod’slovetohischosen.WemaysayofitasHuramtoSolomon,“BecausetheLordlovedhispeople,hesethisSonoverthem,”2Chronicles2:11.It isalsoaneminentproofofhismanifold wisdom, to contrive the blessedness of his people in such amanner, as should most certainly secure their obtainment of it; mostsignally illustrate his love to them; and so, most affectionately win ontheirhearts,andtoobligethemtohimselfforverse8.Wemayhencealsodiscernsomethingof that immensegreatnessandholinessofGod; thatthough he so loved his elect, as to make them “one in himself,” John17:21, that union could not be admittedwithout amediator equalwithhimself.

Infer. 2. Gather hence your stability and safety: whatever strait ordifficultyyouareenteringon,“drinkofthisbrookintheway,”andliftupyourhead.Whateverpertainstolifeandgodliness,graceandglory,thislifeandthattocome,isalllaidupinChrist(asallsortsoffoodintheark,for those who found grace in his sight,) all fullness dwells in him,Colossians2:9.John1:16,andthatforyou.Heisnotonlyarootstableinhimself,butestablishingtoyou;communicatingsapandspirittoallhisbranches:whilethereislifeinhim,youcannotdie.Thisitisthatmakesthe saints stand firm and secure in themidst of dangers; “the evil onetoucheththemnot,”1John5:18.Letalltherebelsandadversaries(Satan,the world, and your own evil hearts) associate themselves, and takecounsel together, it all comes to naught: let their assaults be renewedagainandagain, theyare still beatenoff: theygird themselves, andarebroken in pieces; they gird again, and again they are broken in pieces:thusitis,andthusitshallbe,totheendofourwarfare;“forGodiswithus,”Isaiah8:9,10.Thiswas itmadeDavid fearless, even “in the valleyand shadow of death; the Lord was with him,” Psalm 23:4. And thosethreenobleconfessors, theywalkedsecure in the fiery furnace,because“the Son of God was among them,” Daniel 3:25. Therefore do all,surrenderall, andexpect all, asbeing inChrist, andnot otherwise: butwoetohimthatisalone,who,whenhefalls,hasnotChristtohelphim

up.

Infer.3.LetthisyourrelationtoChristbeevidencedbyyourlikenesstohim:Hethatisjoined“totheLord,isonespirit,”1Corinthians6:17.“Theholy oil that was poured on your head, runs down to the skirts of hisgarments;”that is, to the verymeanest of his followers; and they carryalong the pleasant scent with themwherever they go, or should do, asPauldid,2Corinthians2:14. It is natural to thesemarried to Christ tobringforthfruittoGod,Romans7:4,andseeitbesuchaswillabidethetest,endureallsortsofweather,andbebetteredbyit.

Infer. 4.Thisdoctrine illustrates thatof justification; as shewingwherethetruematterofjustifyingrighteousnessdothconsist,andhowitcomestobeused.Ourfaith(oractofbelieving)cannotbethematterof it, forthat it is an imperfect thing; and so cannotbe reckoned in theplaceofperfectrighteousness:foritmustbearighteousnessperfectlyperfectthatjustifies, as it was a sin perfectly sinful that condemned. Thisrighteousnessalsomustbeourown,inawayofright,asAdam’ssinalsowas,thoughperformedinthepersonofanother.ChristandAdambeingparallelsintheirheadship,theimputationofone’sguiltiness,andoftheother’s righteousness, are righteously applied to their respective seeds.AndthiswasamainendoftheLord’sputtingthosehewouldjustifyintoChrist:thathe“beingmadesin,andacurseforthem,theymightbemadetherighteousnessofGodinhim;andso,Godmightbejustinjustifyingthem.Faith in thismatterholds theplaceofanevidenceorsealof thatrighteousnesswhichbelongedtousasbeinginChrist,beforewebelieved(asCanaandidtoAbraham’sseedbeforetheywereborn;)andisgivenuson account of our interest therein, Philippians 3:12. that we mightapprehend it, and enjoy the benefits of it, Philippians 1:29. which issurelyafarbettergroundtobuildourjustificationon,thanourweakandimperfectfaith,whichstandsinneeddailyofrighteousnessofGodforitsownsupport.Butletnotfaithloseofitsduerespect:itisapreciousgrace,andmaynotsufferdisparagement.Thoughitdothnotoriginateyourtitletojustification,itisthebestevidenceyecanhaveforit;thoughitbenotyourpeacemaker(primarily,) it isyetof that importantusefulness, thatyour peace cannot be completed, nor can you know that your peace ismade,without it.Yourrecord is inheaven,andcannotbepleadedhere

(thecourtofconsciencetakesnonoticeofit,)untilexemplifiedunderthesealof faith. It is somewhat like the instrumentumpads,where partieshavebeen at variance; though the peace bemade, and terms agreed, ithas not its full effect until ratified on both sides, and exchanged.Therefore,

Infer. 5. Make it the main part of your care and business to get intoChrist,andtoabideinhim.

VI. The founding of election on grace, affords us divers usefulinstructions:as,

Infer. 1. To fall down and adore the great God, for this unspeakablediscoveryofhislovetomen.Itisoneoftherichestmerciesthathewouldnotentrustusinourownkeeping:thatanother(andheonethathadnottheleastneedofus)shouldbemoreprovidentforusthanwewouldhavebeen for ourselves: that our chiefest interest should have the highestsecurity:thatitshouldbefoundedongrace;theattributewhichourgreatKingmostdelightstohonor:andthatheshoulddoit,asitwere,againstourwills; for so it is, inasmuchas tograft ourhappinesson thewill ofanother,iscontrarytonature;ofallbottoms,weshouldnothavepitcheditthere;andyet,intruth,noothergroundwouldholdus:hisnamemaywellbecalledWonderful; “It isnotafter themannerofmen,this is theLord’sdoing,andletitbemarvelousinoureyes,”Psalm118:23.

Infer.2.Itshewswhatreasonwehavetodiscardandcashierforeverthatgroundlessandblindfoldopinion,whichlaysthestressofsalvationonathingofnought: forwhatelse is thewillofa frailandmutableman?toforsake a living fountain, and rest on a cistern, a broken cistern, whatfolly is it! tocastoureagle’swings,andtrusttoa footoutof joint;whowoulddoitthatisnotvoidofunderstanding?surelyJobwasawareofit,whenheprofesseth,“Hewouldnotvaluealifethatdependedonhisownrighteousness,”Job9:15.21.

ThegraceofGodislittlebeholdentothatdoctrinewhichwouldgivethegloryofittoagracelessthing;andaslittlehavethesoulsofmentothankit for: it feeds themwithdreamsand fancies;which,when they awake,will leave them“hardlybestead, andhungry: and it shall come topass,

thatwhentheyshallbehungry,theyshallfretthemselves,andcursetheirking and their God, and look upward,” Isaiah 8:21. Therefore, sit notdownundertheshadowofthatgourd;ithasawormattheroot;andtheywillnotbeheldguiltless,norkeptfromthescorchingsun,whoevertheybe,thatshelterthemselvesinthecovertofit.Itisasparkofmen’sownkindling, wherewith, though compassed round, they will lie down insorrow, chapter 50:11. Therefore let those who disrelish this doctrine,because it foundsnot salvationon self, lookwell to their standing, andshiftfromitintime.

Infer. 3. Fall in practicallywith the doctrine of election, as founded ongrace.As itwasgracewhichgaveyouyourelectbeing, so let itbeyourspirit and utmost endeavor to improve this your being to the praise ofthat grace. 1. Give it the sole honor of election’s original: suffer notfreewillgrace,oranythingelse,topretendtoashareintheparentageofit: let not your faith, whether foreseen or perfected, be reckoned thegroundwork, or motive of your electron: it is a branch of it; and thebranch,youknow,“cannotbeartheroot,”Romans11:18.Evenfaithitselfmust not (and if it be right faith, it will not,) “gatherwhere it has notstrewed.”Ownnothing,therefore,thatmaydetractfromthehonorthatisdue to sovereign grace. 2. Bear yourself on this grace, against all yourweakness and unworthiness: let not these discourage you, but ratherplead them as occasions by which grace will be manifested andmagnified,andshewitselftobewhatit is.ThusdidDavid;“Pardonmysin; for it is great,” Psalm 25:11, and Moses, when all the people’sobediencecouldnotfurnishhimwithanargumentforGod’scontinuinghispresencewiththem,whatishisplea?Theyareanhonestingenuouspeople;tractabletothycommands;plianttothywill:theyareworthyforwhom thou shouldstdo this; for they love thy company, andhavebuilttheeatabernacle?No,thereisnoneofthisstuffinit:but,“LetmyLord,Ipraythee,gowithus;foritisastiff-neckedpeople;theirneckisanironsinew,andtheirbrowbrass,”Exodus34:9,thereforegothouwithus, tobetterus,tosoftenus,andtopardonus:andbythisshallthefreenessofthy grace appear tous: for, “howelse shall it be known that I and thispeoplehavefoundgraceinthysight?”Exodus33:16.butyet,withal,(1.)Lookthatyemakenotalightmatterofyoursins,orofyoursinfulness:you cannot think bad enough of yourself, or of them;nor be toomuch

humbled; only, be not cast down. (2.) Use the means that grace hasappointed; “Watch, and be sober; watch to prayer; put on the wholearmorofGod,”andkeepitcloseaboutyou;yourswordandshieldbesureyou forget not: but still let your eyes be towards the hand of grace,throughChrist,forcounsel,strength,agency,andeverygoodthing;anddependonitforconservingandactuatingthegraceithaswroughtinyou,asplantsdoontheirroots:thespouse,aftermarriedtoChrist,praystobe“drawn to him,” Cant.(?) 1:4. (3.) Whatever belays you, remember thegoodpleasureofGodisinit;holdyourpeace,asAarondid,Lev.10:3.orifyoumustspeak,“letyourspeechbeseasonedwithsalt: it istheLord,lethimdoasitseemethhimgood,”1Samuel3:18.

Other useful instructions from the doctrine of election in general, andtogether:

1.Itbeingadoctrineofsogreatimportance,benotindifferentabout it:putyourselfonthetrialtouchingyourinterestinit,andbringforthyourevidencesforit:observewhatarethepropertiesofGod’select,andseeiftheystandonyourside.

2. As touching the great business of salvation, do you submit tomercywithoutindenting,andmakingtermswithGod?haveyoulaidyourselfathisfeet,with“peradventurehewillsavemealive;”andifhesay,Ihavenopleasureinthee;Lo,hereIam,andhereIwilllie:ifImustperish,Iwillperishhere;Icannotdieinabetterplaceorposture.ThusdidJob,whentheLordseemedtosethimselfagainsthim,asresolvedtodestroyhim,yet still he resolved to trust in him, and to hold fast his integrity, Job13:15.Thisisalovemorenoble,andofanhigherextract,thanthoseareacquaintedwith,whoconclude,thatontheirdoingthisandthat(whichtheysupposeeverymanhaspower todo,) theyshallbesaved; forsuchkindofloveismercenary:hewillnotstir,norlooktowardsthevineyard,untilhehasagreedforhispenny;theothergoesin,andfallstohiswork,andleavesittohismastertogivehimwhatismeet,Matthew20:2,7,11,whichalsoheleavestohismaster’sjudgment,andnothisown:andtrulyhe speeds not the worse for his so doing. But I would not be taken tointend a contentedness or willingness to be destroyed: this I hope ispleadedbefore,underthefirstgeneralhead.

3.DoyouownGod’ssovereigncommands,withoutdisputing?Abrahamdid thus in the business of Isaac; although he could not see how thepromiseofGodandthekillingofhissoncouldstandtogether;andsowillAbraham’s children do. They know that their Lord is a greatKing, hasabsolute dominion, giveth account of none of his matters: what he ispleasedtocommand,theirdutyistoobey,withoutaskingareasonwhy?or,howwill these thingsconsist? suchdemandsbecomenot the lipsofthosewholiveongrace.

4. Doth your love towardsGod hold the same course that his love hasdonetowardsyou?AllthatGodhasdone,orwilldo,forhischosen,istheproduct of electing love. Does all your obedience arise from love? anddoesthisloveofyoursgrowoutofhis?ishiselectinglovetherootofit?isall that you do towards God in a way of gratitude and duty, and withdesigntoglorifyhisgrace?andwhentheLordseemstogofromyou,doyou follow the harder after him, as he for a long time followed you,waitingthathemightbegracioustoyou?thisistrulyaGodlikelove;theeminencywhereof lies in this, that “he loveduswhen enemies tohim;”and lovedus into a likeness tohimself; answerablewhereto,we shouldlovehim,evenwhileourfearsmayapprehendhimtobeourenemy;,and,throughthepowerofhislovesecretlyworkinginourhearts,goontolovehim,until thegloryof theLordberisenonus.Youcouldnot thus loveGod,ifhehadnotlovedyoufirst,1John2:19.

5.Doyourejoiceinthethoughtsofelectinglove,whatitis,andwhenceitcame?whatithasdesignedyoufor,andwillbringyoutoatlast?isityourdelight to conversewith the book of life? anddo you rejoicemore that“your names arewritten in heaven, than if devilswere subject toyou;”whenyour fleshandyourheart failyou,doyou look toelecting loveasyourstrengthandportion,andcountitagoodlyheritage?Psalm16:6.Doyou aim at that which electing love designed you for; and because sodesigned, if by any means you may attain to it? and are you bettersatisfiedtobeatthegoodpleasureofGod,thanatyourown?andblesshis wisdom and grace for undertaking the disposure of your eternalinterest?suchfruitcouldnotbe,butfromthatseedofGod.

Let me add a few tokens more of true love, according to its ordinaryacceptation and conduct among men. 1. He that loves another, will

delight in his presence, and seek occasions of conversing with him. 2.Beingabsent,hethinksmuchonhim,andgiveswelcomeentertainmentto whatever may be a remembrance of him. 3. He will seek the well-pleasedness of him who is the object of his love, by presenting thingslovely to him; by avoiding whatever may disgust him: by a warypreventing,oraspeedyremoving,whatmightgivetheotheroccasiontobejealousofhislovetohim.4.Hewillcandidlyinterpretwhatevermightseemadecliningoftheother’slovetohim;andnotbesatisfieduntilitberecovered,orbetterunderstood.

6.Ifyoubeofthishappyremnantofelection,thenlookforillusagefromtheworld.ThemenoftheworldhavealwayshatedGod’select,andwill:whydidEsauhateJacob?becauseoftheblessing,Genesis27:41.AndourSaviorexpresslysaystohisdisciples,“Ihavechosenyououtoftheworld,thereforetheworldhatesyou,”John15:19.Whileinnature,theylovetheworld,and theworld them:butwhenelectionbreaks forth in its fruits,whenonce theyarecalledaccording topurpose, then“aman’senemieswillbethoseofhisownhouse,”Micah7:6.Andhenceitis,thattheverydoctrineofelectionissodisgustfultotheworld,andcontendedagainst;where I wish that some of the elect themselves were not (unwittingly)involved. Therefore think it not strange, but take it as an appendix ofelection,John15:17,18,19,asapartof thatyouwerechosento;andasthat by which, partly, youmust be fitted for the main end: your Lordhimself wasmade perfect through sufferings, Hebrews 2:10, and thoseforeknown, were predestinated to be conformed to their head, insufferingaswellasglory,Romans8:29,and6:5.

7.Havingtrustedelectingloveforeternalsalvation,seeyoudistrustitnotfor things of lesser moment. When the Lord ordained you to life! heordainedalso to those variousoccurrences,windings and turnings, youshould be exercised with in your way thither; and, it is sure, he doesnothinginvain?Thereisneedofallsortsofweatherfortheearth’sgood;all fair would destroy it. Know it therefore of a truth, that all yourconcerns were foredetermined of God; and that so well, that all yourprudenceandlovetoyourselvescouldnotmendit:norcanallyourcareandsolicitudealteranyof them,eitheras tomatteror form;no,not tochangethecolorofahair:“Takethereforenothoughtforthemorrow:for

themorrowshalltakethoughtforthethingsofitself.Sufficienttothedayistheevilthereof,”Matthew6:34.

But whence is it that believers, who have trusted God for their souls,shouldyetmakeadifficultyoftrustinghimfortheiroutwardman?andsocumberthemselveswithunprofitableburdens?

Earthlythingsareneareroursenses;andthencewearemoresensibleofthecomfortofthem,asalsooftheirwant:theyalsoseemmorewithinourline and compass; and sowe reachmore earnestly after them, and areanswerably troubledwhenwe fall short:whereaswe should carry it fortemporals as we do (or should do rather) for our souls and spiritualportion; that is, look to our present duty, be diligent in our place, andcontentwith such things aswe have,Hebrews 13, bearing ourselves asbecomes the children of such a Father, so rich,wise, bountiful, tender,andfaithfultous;whoalwaysgivesthebestsupply;andthatinthebestproportion,manner,andtime.

Have therefore your faith exercised, as about the greater, so also aboutthe smallest and commonest matters; use grace, and have grace: it iswantofusemakesyoulameofyourrighthand;andmuchusingrendersitmoreuseful.Faith is theheadof your spiritual senses; and if thatbeactive, the rest cannot be idle, normuch at a loss. Faith also is a plaindealer: it represents things as they are; shews them in their truedimensions,withtheiruseandend.Seethereforethatyouneverholdaconsultationunless faithbepresent,yea,andpresident too,elseallwillbeindisorderatonce:oneactoffaithshallsoonerremovethemountain,thanallthecattleonathousandhills.

Lastly. You that have closed with this truth, and havingmade diligentsearch, do find in yourselves thosemarks of God’s elect, sit down andtakethecomfortofit;letthisjoyoftheLordbeyourstrength:“eatyourbread,anddrinkyourwine”(orwatereither)“withamerryheart,sinceGod has accepted you,” Ecclesiastes 9:7. If David’s heart was so takenwiththattemporalfavorwhichchosehimtobekingbeforethehouseofSaul, 2 Samuel 6:21. how should our souls be wrapped into the thirdheaven,thatwe(poor,unworthy,wretchedwe)shouldbetakenintothatpeculiar favor, inwhichthegeneralityofmenhavenothingtodo?How

should it affect our hearts, and raise up our spirits, both in all activeobedience,asDavid,whodancedbefore thearkwithallhismight, andalso to all longsuffering, with joy fullness; as Paul, and other chosenvessels,who rejoiced in tribulation;because this “loveofGodwas shedabroadintheirhearts,”Romans5:3,4.

Artthouofthosewhoarewiseandnobleaccordingtotheflesh?Befilledwith an holy amazement, and exultation together, rejoicing withtrembling,thatthegreatGod(towhomthouwastnomorethanothers,thy consorts that are left, and who commonly chooses the base andfoolish,therebytomagnifyhisgrace)shouldthusgooutofhiswaytocallinthee;andhasalsomadehiscalleffectualtothee,eventhenwhenthouwastenvironedwithaworldoftemptationstoobstructit.Andifthoubeamanoflowdegree,poor,weak,foolish,ofnoaccountamongmen,evenasonethat isnot;andhastheLordregardedtheeInthy lowstate,andmagnifiedthee,bysettinghisloveonthee?Hashetakentheefrom,thedunghill, to set thee among princes, even the princes of the world tocome? This is that exaltation which the poor should always rejoice in.Were you the head instead of being the tail; were the necks of yourenemiesunderyourfeet;yea,werethedevilsthemselvesmadesubjecttoyou;itcouldnotaffordyouthethousandthpartofthatcauseofrejoicing,asthat“yournamesarewritteninheaven.”Areothermenprosperousintheworld,and free fromtrouble,whileyouarereducedtoa lowestate,andchastenedeverymorning?have,perhaps,butahandfulofmeal,andalittleoilinacruse,etc.yetthinknotyourportionmean,orhardlydealtout:yourgoodthingsaretocome;theyaregrowingintheotherworld;andatthetimeofharvesttheLordwillsendhisangelsforyou:yea,yourLordhimselfwillcomeandfetchyouthither;and“youshallbeforeverwithhim, inwhosepresence is fullnessof joy,andatwhose righthandareriversofpleasuresforevermore:“andthenyouwillsing,.“Thelinesarefallentomeinpleasantplaces;”atleastsaysonow.AsAbrahamdealtbyhisconcubines’children,sodothGodbytheIshmaelsoftheworld,hegives them portions, and sends them away, Genesis 25:6. But theinheritance he reserves for his Isaacs; to themhe gives all thathehas,yea,evenhimself;andwhatcanwehavemore!

Chapter3:Redemption

InthispointweareequallyconcernedwiththatofElection,asthegreatcomprehensive means of bringing about the greatest end, namely theglory ofGod in the salvation of his chosen.Redemption is not anotherfoundationdistinctfromelection;butthechiefcornerstonethatelectionhaslaidoftheworldtocome.

ThatourLordJesusChristhasabodyorchurch,towhomheisHeadandSavior, isnot supposed aquestion: but,who they are thatmakeuphisbody; whether the whole of mankind universally, or some particularpersons?Whetherhehadinhisdeaththesamerespecttoallastosome?Andwhetheranyofthosehediedfor,maymissofthebenefitaccruingbyhis death? are questions of great import, and worthy a seriousdeliberation: and the rather, because they are points too lightlydiscoursed of by many. To resolve which is the scope of the presentdiscourse;whichIcastintothreebranches:

I.Thatthebody,orchurchofChrist,consistsofelectpersons.

II.Thatfortheseitwasthathelaiddownhislife.

III.Thattheintentofhisdeathcannotbefrustrated.

1. That this body, or church of Christ consists of elect persons. By thisbody, or church, I understand the designed subjects of his spiritualkingdomormembersofhismysticalbody,towhomhewasappointedbythe Father to beHead and Savior, and they to stand related to him astheirProphet,Priest,andKing:whichthreefoldofficehebearspeculiarlytowardstheelect,thechurchofthefirstborn,andheirsofthatworldtocome.Andofthesedothhisbodyconsist,thatis,itismadeupofthese,exclusive to others; their number is certain and entire, and cannot bebroken, either by addition or diminution: of this the tabernacle was afigure,1.Inrespectofitssymmetryorproportionofparts,whichinducedasingularbeautyonit; towardswhichnothingcouldbeadded,noranything abated. 2. In that all the parts and dimensions thereof were

predeterminedofGod;andnotleft,intheleast,tohumanarbitrementorcontingency:andtheseareexpresslysaidtobe“patternsofthingsintheheavens,”Hebrews9:23,thatis,oftheheavenlytemple,orchurchofthefirstborn,which arewritten there, chapter 12:23, and in the appointedtime shall be gathered together to him, as the materials of Solomon’stempleweretomountMoriah,2Chronicles3:1.

ThatthebodyorchurchofChristconsistsofelectpersons,isdrawnfromsuchpremisesasthese.

1.InthatourLordandSaviorsomanifestlyshewshimselfconcernedforthe elect, as having some peculiar instance and propriety in them, andchargeof them.Withthesehisdelightswere fromeverlasting,Proverbs8:31. (a manifest proof of Christ’s divinity!) and as soon as they wereactuallyinbeing,beganhisactualconverseswiththem;andthereindidevenconfinehimself to theelect seed.Withwhatunbelievablepatienceandgoodnessdidbesuperintendthechurch,orelectnation,fortyyearstogether in the wilderness, Acts 7:36, 38, bearing them as on eagle’swings,andtenderingthemastheappleofhiseye!Andwhenhedweltonearth,hewentnotbeyondtheboundsoftheHolyLand;wherealsoallhisdelightwas among the saints, Psalm16:3. These hemade his consorts,andmenofhiscouncil:andwhenyoufindhimwithothers,itwasfortheelect’ssakethatwereamongthem.Howfrequently,andwithwhatwell-pleasednessdothhespeakofthese!professinghislovetothem,andthataccording to the highest pattern! even as the Father loved him, “so helovedthem!”John15:9,andhowgreatthingshewoulddoforthem!notto thehalvingofhiskingdom,but the layingdownofhis life for them!chapter 10:14,16, and 6:40. gathering them in, raising them up, andgiving them to sit with him in his throne! Revelation 3:21. But for theworldhetakes littlenoticeofthem,exceptwithakindofcontemptandcomminution; “Let them alone,”Matthew 15:14. “Shake off the dust ofyour feet,” chapter 10:14. “Give not that which is holy to dogs,” etc.chapter7:6. “Yea, though theyseekhim, theyshallnot findhim,”John7:34.Butforhiselect,heisfoundofthem,evenwhiletheythinknotofhim,Isaiah65:1.The instancesofMatthew, thewomanofSamaria, thepossessedGadarene,hispeopleatCorinth,arerecordsofit.Andallthis,because these are “his portion, and the lot of his inheritance,”

Deuteronomy32:9.“TheyarethemenwhichtheFathergavehimoutofthe world,” John 17:6. for as Christ, our Head, is not of this world,chapter18:36.soneitherishiskingdom,northesubjectsofit.

Itistrue,theFatherhasgivenChristtobeHeadoverall:buthislordshipover men in general, and his headship over the church, have a fardifferent respect and consideration: he is God of the whole earth, butJeshuron’s God in a way peculiar to his chosen, Deuteronomy 32:26.Isaiah44:2.Aheadshipof dominionhehas over rebels, and servicehehas from them, though they think not so, nor intend any thing less.NebuchadnezzarwashishireddaysmanagainstTyre,Ezekiel26:18,andCyrus againstBabylon, Isaiah45,whose right handheheld, thoughheknewhimnot;soMoabwashiswashpot,Psalm60:8.Butfortheelect,they are his natural subjects (though not naturally so;) they are his byanothertitle,andtoanotherend:andsointimateistherelationbetweenhimand them, that they are said tobe “ofhis flesh, andof his bones,”Ephesians5:30. They both have one soul and spirit; he and theymakeoneperfectman,Eph,4:13.

ThatthewholeworldisputinsubjectiontoChrist,isfortheelect’ssake;thepowerhehasoverothers, is inordertotheirsalvation;“HeisHeadoverallthingstothechurch,”Ephesians1:22.thatis,tosubject,dispose,andorderallforthechurch’sgood:“Hehaspoweroverallflesh,thathemightgiveeternal life (not toallhehaspowerover,but) toasmanyastheFatherhasgivenhim,”John17:2.which giving imports election; asgoingbeforeit:andthereforehesays,“Ihavemanifestedthynametothemenwhichthougavestmeoutoftheworld,thinetheywere,(thatis,byelection,)andthougavestthemme,”John17:6.ThatinHebrews10:5,“Abodyhastthoupreparedme;”thoughchieflyintendedthereofhishumannature,holdstrueofhisbodymystical;“AllthemembersofwhichwerewritteninGod’sbook(ofelection)whenasyettherewerenoneofthem”actually existing,Psalm139:16.He therefore prays for these, as a partydistinctfromtheworld,andgiventohimforanhigherend;asappearsbycomparingthe2d,6th,9th,24th,and26thversesofthe17thchapterofJohn.

2.Wefind,byscriptureusages,thatchurch,andelect,arebuttwoseveraltitlesofthesamepersons,inaseveralrespect;elect,aschosenofGodto

salvation; and so they are called the church of God, and said to besanctifiedbyGodtheFather,Jude,verse1,andthechurchofChrist,asgivenorcommittedtohimbytheFather,inordertothatsalvation,John17:6.Of this church were those particular congregations, to whom theapostlesinscribedtheirepistles;wherewehavethemsometimesentitled,“beloved of God,” Romans 1:7, sometimes, “the church of God,” and“sanctified in Christ,” 1 Corinthians 1:2. at other times, “saints andfaithfulbrethreninChrist,”Colossians1:2.then“churchesofthesaints,”1 Corinthians 14:33, and “church of the firstborn,”Hebrews 12:23, andsometimesexpressly,“elect,”1Peter1:2.Byallwhichissignified,thatthechurchofChristconsistsofelectpersons;thatthesevariousappellationsarebutsomanytermsindifferentlyaskedaboutthesamesubject,andallasnotesofdistinctionfromtheworld.

When Christ shall appear in his glory, then shall all his members begathered tohim: “TheLordmyGod shall come, andall the saintswiththee,” says Zacharias, Zechariah 14:5. And Paul, discoursing the samething, says, “They that areChrist’s at his coming,” 1 Corinthians 19:23.which shows that they are Christ’s so as others are not. And that it ismeant of elect persons, appears by our Saviour’s own words, whenspeakingofhiscoming,andofthesamepersonswhoaresaidtobehis,and tocomewithhim,hegives themexpressly thatdenomination, “Heshall send forth his angels, and they shall gather together his elect,”Matthew24:31.“butasfortherestofthedead,theylivednotagainuntilathousandyearsafter,”Revelation20:5.thereforethesewerenopartofthis body, it may also be noted, that those who did not rise with thesaints, are specified here by the same word, or note of distinction, asthosenot elected are, in another place; “the election has obtained, andtherestwereblinded,”Rom;11:7,andthatthosewhohadpartinthefirstresurrection,arethesamepersonsthatare“writtenintheLamb’sbookoflife,”isevident,bycomparingRevelation20:4,withchapter13:8.

3.Itisnecessary,thatthebodyorchurchofChristshouldbecomposedoftheelectseed;1.Becausenoneelsewerefittobeofthisbody,butsuchasshould be like the Head. Carnal members would be as uncomely to aspiritualhead,asoneofthebrutestobeAdam’scompanion:Theking’sdaughter-elect, tomake her a suitablematch for his Son,must be “all

gloriouswithin:”notonlyof thesameoutwardmetal(forsowerethoseother creatures with Adam) butmade in the samemould, and enduedwiththesamespiritandunderstanding:theremustbeacongruityinallthepartsthroughout:theymustbecopiesofhim;“eachoneresemblingthechildrenofaking,”Judges8:18.Iftheheadbeheavenly,somustthemembers: theycannotwalktogether, ifnotthusagreed.2.BecausethislikenesstoChristispropertotheelect:itisaroyalprivilegeentailedonthem, and cannot descend or revert to any out of that line. That thislikenesstoChristisrequisitetoallhismembers,andalsopeculiartoelectpersons,arebothattestedinRomans8:29.“Whomhedidforeknow,healso did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that hemightbe the firstborn among;manybrethren:”which implies, that theforeknown,orelect,onlyarepredestinatedthereto;andthat,wereitnotfor predestination, the firstborn should have but a thin assembly topresideamong; indeed,nothingbutblanks forhisgreatadventure,andlong expectation. InEphesians 1:3, 4, 5,He further appropriates thosespiritual blessings, bywhichmen are conformed toChrist, to the samepersons?“BlessedbetheGodandFatherofourLordJesusChrist,whohas blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ:accordingashehaschosenusinhim:—havingpredestinatedustotheadoption of children.” By these two scriptures it appears, that God’schildren,andChrist’sbrethrenarethesamepersons:andthattheyweresomadebyelection.But,areChrist’sbrethrenandhischurchthesamepersons?takeyoursolutionfromHebrews2:12.“Iwilldeclarethynametomybrethren; inthemidstof thechurchwillIsingpraisetothee.”3.ThislikenesstoChristisnotattainablebyany,withoutfirstbeinginhimas theirhead: forwhich cause the electwere chosen inhim,Ephesians1:4.ItisoutofChrist’sfullnessthatallgraceisreceived:andinordertothatreception,theremustbeunion:thebranchcannotbearfruitofitself,nor indeedbeabranch,unless itgrowoutof thevine.Forwhichcauseand end, the designedmembers of his bodywere decretively separatedfrom their wild olive root, and put into Christ by election: and in thefullness of time actually. And hereby they are made partakers of thefatnessofthatheavenlyroot;thatis,oftheSpiritofChrist,whichiscalledtheanointing,1John2:27.Inthisrespect,thefirstandsecondAdamsareset forth as parallels, touching headship to their respective bodies. AsfromAdam, their natural head, allmankind have derived their natural

being; so fromChrist, their spiritual head, do all the elect seed receivetheir spiritual being and nature: on which account he is styled “theeverlasting Father,” and they “his children,” Isaiah 9:6; Hebrews 2:13.TheywereallinChristfrometernityastruly(butspiritually)asmankindinAdamwhenhefell;orLeviinAbraham’sloinswhenMelchizedekmethim.Eve’sproduction,astothemannerof it,wasapatternof this: shewasmadeofAdam’ssubstance;butshecamenotoutofhisloins,butoutof his side, Genesis 2:21. 23. so is the new creature extracted out ofChrist’s: they are “bone of his bones, and flesh of his flesh,” spirituallyunderstood.Andnonecan thusproceed fromhim, but such aswere inhim decretively before the world: men are blessed with these spiritualblessings,asbeinginChrist,andnototherwise,Ephesians1:4.Tit.3:5,6.

Inferences

Infer.1.LetnomanpretendtothishonorablerelationofmembershiptoChrist,withoutsomethingtoshow,bywhichhemaywarrantablyavouchit.Themostcurrentmarkwillbeyourconformity,nottomen,orself,butto Christ Jesus your head: it is that must denominate you Christiansindeed.At the latter dayChristwill knownone but such as havemade“theirrobeswhiteinthebloodoftheLamb.”Allhangby’sandivyclasperswillthenbeshakenoff”,andthoseonlyretainedthathavehissubstanceinthem.Manyshallcome,andpleadtheirworks,what theyhavebeen,andwhattheyhavedone;andtheiroldhypocrisywillbesoimmoveableandimpudent,thattheywillevenexpostulatethematterwithhim;“Havewenotprophesiedinthyname,andinthynamecastoutdevils,anddonemanywonderfulworks!”Matthew7:22.ofwhomourLordwill profess,thatheknowsthemnot;“no,norheneverknewthem.”verse23.Hisownheknows,bytheirlikenesstohim:heknows,andcannotbutknow,themembersofhisbody:“mysheepIknow,butwhoareye?”willhethensaytoall thatarebutprofessingmembersofhim;whichwill (indeed)beadolefulconclusionoftheirgroundless(thoughspecious)confidence:looktoitthereforeintime.

Infer.2.Wegatherhencethesafeandhonorableestateofthechurch.

First.Theirstate ishonorable.If thewoman’sdignityrise inproportionwith that of her lord; how highly dignified is the spouse of Christ, in

having the Son of God for her head! that seed of Abraham, which thesecondpersontookonhimwasinstantlyennobledwithaglorybecomingtheSonofGod,andtheheadofprincipalitiesandpowers;andnomoretobe considered merely after the flesh: in like manner, having acceptedthose his church is composed of, he communicates to themof his owncondition and nature; “the glory his Father had given him, he gives tothem,” John 17:22, and notwithstanding their former and naturalbaseness, he reckons them now as one with himself; and according towhathewillmakethemat last.Atincturethereofhegavethemhere inregeneration; which also he carries on from glory to glory, and at hisappearing it shall be perfected: they “shall be like him” indeed, 1 John3:2.TosayoftheChurch’sHead,thatheistheSonofGOD,istogivehimalltitlesofstateandhonor:itisthatwhicheverykneemustbowto.Hisglory is so incomprehensibly glorious, that we shall sooner be lost insearching into it, than compass encomiumsworthy of such a subject: 1thereforesaynomoreof it;norcanmorebesaid, insomanywords,toillustrate the church’s glory, than that she is the spouse of CHRIST.Hencethegloryofourreligion,andof itsrealconfessors.And, let itbenoted, that it is not a bare titular or temporary dignity they are vestedwith; but thatwhich is real, solid, and durable. Princes confer titles ofhonor,butcannotinfusedispositionsworthythosetitles,norkeepthemfromdegenerating:CHRIST,asHeadofthechurch,doesboth:hederivesinto his own, his own prince-like virtues; and that as really, andintelligiblytoo,tothosethatpartakeofthem,1John1:1,2,3.asthevineitssapintoitsnaturalbranches.Whatalabyrinthisit,bothofhonorandconsolation, that theblood royalofheaven runs in theirveins,andwillneverrunout!buttrueasit is,howfewdobelieve it?andof thosefew,whoisitthatlivesuptothefaithofit?Twoends,therefore,Imentionitfor:

[1.] To bear up your spirits against the world’s frown and calumnies,which the serious thoughts of your relation to such a Head, may wellcounterbalance and relieve you against. Princes in exile, (or, if in theirowncountry,unknownandmeanlyattended,)arebutcoarselyused:andwemarvelnotat thematter,whichyet the thoughtsof theirhighbirth,and confidence of restoration, do mightily support them under. Muchmore should the sonsofGod, (whosedescent isnot reckoned from the

kingsof the earth,)have still in their eye theirdivine extract,with thatcircumferentrewardthatiscoining,andbearuptheirheadsinaprince-likemanner! and for “the joy that is set before them, both endure thecross, and despise the shame;” until they come to be exalted, not onlyabovethosenicknamestheworld imposesonthem,butabovethemosthonorablenames, andmost serene tithes that are foundunderheaven!Thenshallitbeknown“whoseyeare;”yourlustershallbenolongerhid:thosethatdespiseyounow,shall“lickthedustofyourfeet,”Isaiah49:23.Psalm 72:9, and then shall be accomplished that great word of yourSavior (and that as surely as if itweredone already,) “The glorywhichthougavestme, I have given them,” John17:22. yea, you shall sitwithyourLordinhisthrone,Revelation3:21.Besides,(whichalsoshalladdtothatday’ssolemnity,) thisthingshallnotbedoneinacorner;butasyehavebeenopenlyreviled,soshallyehaveapublicvindication.“Thegreattrumpetshallbeblownintheland,”Isaiah27:13.Thearchangel,withthetrumpetofGod,1Thessalonians4:16,shallcome,andthatwithsoshrillanote,thatheavenandearthshallringagain;andthisshallbethetenorofhissong,“Arise,shine,forthylightiscome,andthegloryoftheLordisrisen on thee,” Isaiah 60:1.20, and shall set nomore, “thus shall it bedonetoZion,whomnoman(now)seekethafter.”Jeremiah30:17.

[2.] To mind you that your honorable state obliges to an honorabledeportment, both towards your Head, yourselves, and your fellowmembers.

(1.) As touching your Head. 1. Own his supremacy, giving himpreeminenceinallthings;callnomanonearthMaster;thatis,inpointoffaith:givetoCaesarthethingsthatbelongtohim;onlyrespectChristassupremelawgiver.2.Submittohisgovernment;steeryourcoursebyhiscounsels,andfollowhisconduct;goafterhimwhereverheshallleadyou;let all your senses have their seat in your Head; let every thing beunderstoodbyyouaccordingtohissenseandinterpretationofit;andifthere needs an argument to back the exhortation, that ordinance, “thydesireshallbetothyhusband,andheshallruleoverthee,”Genesis3:16isastrueandcogentconcerningChristandthechurch,Ephesians5:24.3.Exposeyourselfforhim;standbetweenhimandwrongs;preservehishonorandinterestwiththeutmosthazardofyourself;letlifeanddeath

be as things indifferent to you, so “Christ may be magnified in you,”Philippians1:20.4.Look toyourHead for supplyof all grace; fromhisfullnessitistobehad,andnowhereelse:holdtoyourHead,lestnotionsbeguile you of your reward, Colossians 2:18, 19. Be also sure that youkeep to your place and duty, lest you miss of the nourishment thatbelongstoyou,John14:4,5.amemberoutofitsplace,is,forthetime,asamembercutoff.5.Lastly.AdornyourHead,byyourdailyaspiringtoanearerresemblanceofhim:showforthhisvirtues:beholyashewas:letallyourfruitsbesuchasaremeetforsucharoot.GodtheFatheristheHeadofChrist,andheboretheexpressimageofhisperson,Hebrews1:3.inall thathedid:HecoulddonothingbutwhathesawtheFatherdo,”John5:19.SodoyoubyyourHeadChrist:makehimyourexample;and,inorder thereto, live onhimas your immediate root, and givehim thehonor of his own productions; remembering withal, that every slip ofyourscastssoilonhim.

(2.)Thereisarespectduetoyourselves:(asuperfluousitem,onewouldthink,thoughneedful.)Thereisaptitudeenoughtohonorourselves,but,asbelongingtosuchanHead,istoomuchunthoughtof.Thingsthatwellenough beseem the common rank, would be a disgrace to persons ofhonor: the king’s daughter should be known by her outward garb,gloriouswithin,andclothingofwroughtgold,decipherthesameperson,andmaynotbeseparated.Yehavean“highcalling,”walkworthyof it,Philippians 3:24. Colossians 1:10, and show your thankfulness, by anhumbleretribution:honorthatwhichhonorsyou,ofcomportingwithitsend: make not yourself cheap; stoop not beneath your degree: makeChristalonetheobjectofyourlove,delight,dependence;todootherwiseis to debase yourself, Isaiah 57:9. The church is the glory of Christ; itsmembers, therefore,shouldthinkthemselves toogoodandtoogreat, tobespentontheworldandtheworldtoomeanandempty,toaffordthemeither satisfaction or adornment. A circumspect walking, soberness ofmind, humility, self-denial, with ameek and quiet spirit, are jewels ofprice, and ornaments indeed: by these the invited guests shoulddistinguishthemselves from intruders; and realChristians frommerelynominal.InChristianity,itisnobadgeofprideorillhusbandry,towearyourbesteveryday;weshouldnotbeseenwithoutit;muchwearingwillbetterit,anditcannotbedamagedbutbylyingby.Yourbodiestooare

worthyofconsideration,andnota little: theyare the figuresofChrist’shumanity, and temples of the Holy Ghost; therefore keep themunspotted,andprofanethemnot,eitherbyfashioningthemtotheworld,orsubjectingthemtoservileuses.ButIwouldnotcauseanytoerr:these,though ornaments, are not your righteousness: when ye stand beforeGod, yemust put over all the righteousness of ourLord andMediator;(the priest’s holy garments were to be sprinkled with blood, Exodus20:21.)Thiswasthatthespeechlessguestwanted,andwasthereforecastout; though not discriminable by them that stood by: Abraham wasjustifiedbyworksbeforemen,butbeforeGod,itwastherighteousnessofChristwherebyfaithheshroudedhimself:faithjustifiestheperson,andworksjustifyhisfaith,bothtohimselfandothermen.(3.)Thencarryittowardsbrethrenasmembersofthesamebody.1.Usurpnotonthem,asifmorethanfellowmemberwiththem:judgenotthestrong;despisenotthe weak: who made thee a judge? There is none but has need offorbearance from others; though, for the most part, they that need itmost,aremostbackwardtoyieldit:butthistakeforarule,thatthelessyou see your need, the more need you have of it. 2. Intrude not inanother’splaceandoffice:eachmemberhasitsown,towhichitisfitted:this it best becomes, and here it ismost useful; elsewhere it would bebothuseless,andadeformity:asafingertransposed,andoutof itsownjoint.3.

Show your comembership, by your love and tender regard towardsothers: have compassion on the ignorant, and those out of the way,Hebrews5:2.asyourheadtowardsyou.Ifonebeweakorwounded, lethimthatisstrongandwholesupportandbinditup:ifonefootstumble,the other steps in for its help: “Consider thyself, lest thou also betempted,” Galatians 6:1. Members of the same natural body need noarguments topersuade to thisduty; they do it by instinct.Ourwant ofcompassionateness towardsothers, though it shallnotdryup, yet,maymuchrestrain,at leastinourapprehensions,thespringsofChrist’spitytowardsourselves. 4.Lastly.Let the goodof thewholehavepreferencebefore a particular part; and let that of a lower use deny itself for thesafetyandassistanceof thatwhich ismorenoble: this, inadegree is tolay down our life for “the brethren.” He that in “these things servethChristisacceptabletoGod,andapprovedofmenandagoodevidenceit

isofyourmembershiptoChrist.

Secondly. The church is safe. The Son of God being their Head andSavior,bespeaksaloudtheirsecurity.Theyare indeedcompassedaboutwith difficulties, dangers, and deaths, and yet they live; yea, theyovercome,andshall intheendprovemorethanconquerors:thereasonof all is, their Head is in heaven, whence all relief comes; and that, avenuecannotbestopped.Ifyespeakofprincipalitiesandpowers,whichruleintheair;Christhasapowerabovethem;“theyareunderhis feet,”Hebrews1:13,and2:8.Theirpowerofhurtingliesmuchintheirsubtlety;buteveninthistheyarestillcircumvented;hecatchesthemintheirownnet:andhenceit is, thatthedevilhasfromthebeginningbeena liartohimself.Hisfirstbaitintemptingwas,“yeshallbeasgods,”Genesis3:5.whenhismeaningwas, tomakeus likehimself;but thewisdomofGodturnsthetemptationintoaprophecy,andChristwillmakeitgood,John17:21.ashealsodid thatperniciouscounselofCaiaphas, chapter11:50.TheserpentinbruisingChrist’sheel,gotabruiseinhisownhead;thatallhisdeviceshavestillprovedabortive,orturnedonhimself:hestirredupJudas to betray Christ, the Gentiles and Jews to condemn and crucifyhim;andwhatgothebyit,butthelossofhisempire?Ifyespeakofhisseed, the same infatuation has descended to them: this nothing makesplainerthantheirstillmakingittheirinteresttoexterminatethechurch:withasmuchreasontheymightthinktounhingetheworld,orunbottomtherockofages.Buttheirprojectshaveeverbeendefeated,andshall;asmenmistaking theirmeasures, andmade to subserve the interest theydesign to crush. The Egyptians’ dealings with Israel, and nominalChristians’ with those that are really such, are instances abovecontradiction. It is a considerationofno small importance to our faith,that all thingsweremade forChrist, and are at his disposal: therefore,whatever the church’s enemies have, they have it from the Church’sHead;who knowing his own interest and intent,will give out nomorethan to serve that turn;nor can theyactwhat theyhave, but underhisgovernment.HeisPrinceofthekingsoftheearth,herulethamongthegods, sits at the helm invisibly, steers the most secret and violentcounsels,andcarriesthecastingvoice.Amongotherobservablethingsitismatterofwonder,1.Thatthedivinepresciencehassointerwoventhesecularinterestwiththatofhischurch,asinducethakindofnecessityto

protect the church for theworld’s support. 2. That ourLord frequentlycompassethhisworkbylettinghisenemiesdotheirown,Exodus1:11,12.And,3.That inall theirdevices,hestill countermines them;andeithertakesouttheirpowder,orblowsthemupwiththeirowntrain:“Thenthekingof Syriawarred against Israel, and took counselwithhis servants,saying,Insuchandsuchaplaceshallbemycamp.AndthemanofGodsenttothekingofIsrael,saying,Bewarethatthoupassnotsuchaplace;forthithertheSyriansarecomedown,”2Kings6:8,9.“Theheathenaresunkdown in thepit that theymade: in thenetwhich theyhid is theirownfoottaken.TheLordisknownbythejudgmentwhichheexecuteth:the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands,” Psalm 9:15,16, 2Chronicles20:22,23.

Butsupposethathellbebrokeloose,andlegionsoflocusts,belchedoutofthebottomlesspit,comeupagainstthem,armedwithstrength,wingedwithfury,ambuscadedwithpolicy,edgedwithenmity,andheadedbythered dragon; and by these is besieged the camp of the saints and thebelovedcity,andthechurchasunabletoresistasawomanthatisreadytotravail:andnowsaytheirenemies,whatwillbecomeoftheirdreams?Takethis foryourcomfort:1.Therestillhangsacloudbetweenthetwocamps, and its bright side is towards the church,Exodus14:20. 2. Theenemy’scampisagainsurroundedbythechurch’ssuccors,andkeptinapound,asby“chariotsandhorsemenoffire,”2Kings6:17.And,3.That“he who sits in the heavens, will have them in derision,” Psalm 2:4.Jerusalemwillproveaburdensomestone toall that trouble themselveswithit:andifothermeansfail,andtomakeatotalend,“firecomesdownfromGodoutofheaven,anddevoursthem,”Revelation20:9.

Butthereisyetamoredreadfulsortofenemiesthanthese;thedevil,intheheadoforiginalsin,isabeastnottobedealtwith.Thechurchitself,reflectingon self, and lookingnohigher,may cry outwith amazement,“Who is able to make war with the beast?” Indeed the whole of yournativemilitia,withallthetroopsoffreewillauxiliaries,willnotdoit;theyarebutmercenaries;andifyoutrustthem,theywillturnagainstyouinthebattle;or,iftheystandtoit,accordingtotheirbestskill,itshallnotavail you; theyarewith thisbeastbutas stubble tohisbow;yetbenotdiscouraged, but renounce them all, and depend on the triple league

above,thatomnipotentandinviolableconfederation,ofallwhoseforcestheLordiscommanderinchief.ThislionofthetribeofJudahisabletodealwiththatbeast,andtotearhiminpieces;yea,hehasdoneitalready“Onhiscrosshetriumphedoverthem,”Colossians2:15.yea,andwhichismore,hefollowedtherouttothegatesofhell;thereheshutthemin,andcarriesthekeyonhisshoulder:theycannotwagbutbylicensefromhim,nortarryamomentbeyondhisprescript.Tobeshort,theonlydreadfulthingissin;thedevil,death,andhell,arebutsubordinateattendants,aseffects on their causes, and therefore that taken away, the rest areunstung, they have lost their power of hurting: so that the church stillremains invincible; and the reason of all is, “It is founded on a rock,”Matthew 16:18. “and that rock is Christ,” 1 Corinthians 10:4. All whichbeingtrue,notonlyofthechurchingross,butofmembersinparticular.Therefore,

Infer.3.Leteveryonethatisofthisbodybewellpleasedwithhislot;beglad, and rejoice for ever in this yourportion: this is the exaltation thebrotherof lowdegreeshouldvaluehimselfby,James1:9.Be your rankand condition ever so mean in the world, care not for it; but restcontentedwithyourplace,andbe thankful for it:desirenotyourself tochange it,butstrive to fill itup,andbeasuseful in itasyoucan.Lookalsofortroubles,andthinkthemnotstrange,1Peter4:12.the“Captainofyoursalvationwasmadeperfectthroughsuffering,”Hebrews2:10,“andtheservantmaynotlooktofarebetterthanhisLord,”Luke23:41.

Infer. 4. If Jesus Christ be your head, be confident, then, of all love,counsel,care,andprotectionfromhim;unionwithhimentitlestoallthatishis. It isnatural to thehead to love and cherish thebody, and everymemberofit;tocontriveandcastaboutforitswelfareandsafety:“Asaman cherisheth his, own flesh, so doth Christ his church,” Ephesians5:29.Whatthoughthoube,inthyself,anuncomelymember?Hewillputthemorecomelinessonthee,1Corinthians12:23.hewillclothethee,andfeed thee, and physic thee. “Hewill give grace and glory, and no goodthingwillhewithholdfromthee,”Psalm84:11.Forhebeingthefirstborn,prince, and head of the family, all the younger brethren are to bemaintainedonhisinheritance.

Infer. V. Rest also assured of safe conduct to the promised land.

Adversaries and difficulties you will certainly meet with; remainingcorruptions,likethemixedmultitude,willbetumultuatingandtemptingwithin; theAmalekites, andpeopleofhiswrath,will stand in yourwaywithout,andbefallingonyourrear,tocutofftheweakandfeeble;andtheserpentwillyetbenibblingandbruisingyourheel;buthigherthanthat he toucheth not: your heart and your head are out of his reach,thereforesafe:ifitcometotheworst,yecanbutdie,anddeathitselfshallnot hurt you: nay, you conquer in dying: it shall but mend your paceheavenwards,andhastenyouuptothethroneofGod.Thereforequityoulikemen,andasmenofnearestrelation,bybloodandspirits,tothemanChrist Jesus: for, “God shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly,”Romans16:20.Come(willyourcaptainsaytoyou,come,)“setyourfeetontheneckofthiskingofpride,”Josh.10:24,anddobyhimashehasdone by others, and would have done also by you; give him doubleaccording tohisworks,Revelation 18:6. This is the timewhen ye shalljudge angels, 1 Corinthians 6:3, and all under the conduct of this yourhead and captain,whowill now “present you faultless, even before thepresenceofhisglory,withexceedingjoy,”Jude,verse24.

2.ThatourLordJesusChristgavehislifearansomfortheelect.

That the elect are Christ’s peculiar portion is shown before; and whatengagements were on him, on that account, for their redemption, willappearafterwards.By“givinghimselfaransom,”Iunderstandthewholeof his humiliation, whatever he did or suffered as Mediator, from hisincarnation to his resurrection; all which are summarily expressed by“the blood of his cross;” as all the precious fruits of his death are by“forgiveness of sins, and reconciliation with God.” That was the pricewherewithheboughtthemthatshouldbesaved;andthisthesalvationhebought for them, and them for it. For although Satan (through theirfreewill failings in Adam) had got a temporary mortgage on the electthemselves, they are not his; the fee simple, or right of inheritance,remainsinChrist;andtherefore,attheyearofjubilee,theyreturntohim,astherightheir;thoughnotwithoutbothconquestandfullprice;whichtwotogethermakeredemptioncomplete.

My scope here is to shew that “the body, or church of Christ, areespecially concerned and interested in redemption: “and, in order

thereto, I would consider two other of the divine works, both whichrespect the world universally, as redemption doth, and yet have aspecialty in them, as redemption also has, namely, creation andprovidence.

1.Creation:oneGodwasthemakerofall;butallwerenotmadeforthesameuseandend:hehadapeculiarscopeinthemakingofsome,whichwasnotcommontothewhole;yea, thewholewasmadefor thesakeofthat some. As in the great house aremany vessels (all of onemaster’sproviding, and all for his own service,) “some to honor, and some todishonor;”sointheworld,someGodraiseduptobemonumentsofhispowerandjustice,Exodus9:16,Jude4,Romans9:22,1Peter2:8,calledtherefore“vesselsofwrath,”Romans9:22.Othersare“vesselsofmercy,”whomheformedforhimself,Isaiah43:7,21,andarethereforesaidtobe“aforepreparedtoglory,”Romans9:33.

2. Providence: this also extends to all, and to each individual: he haspoweroverall,anddothgovernthemintheirmostungoverneddesignsand actions: but as touching his church, the “people of his holiness,”Isaiah 63:18. he holds a peculiar kind of government over them, andsteerage of their concerns: and this so far exceeds the other, that, incomparison, it is said, “He never bore rule over them,” verse 19, and,whichisstill toberemarked,theothers’concernsaremadesubservientto theirs; “He is head over all to the church,” Ephesians 1:22. in likemannerredemptionmaybesaidtobegeneral,andyettohaveaspecialtyin it: it isgeneral, 1. Inrespectofpersons.2. Inrespectof things.Bothwhich are true apart, though not conjunctly: it purchaseth some goodthings for all; and all good things for some. As it respects persons, itobtainsageneral reprieve,extensive toall the sonsofAdam: the sinoftheworldwassofarexpiated,thatvengeancewasnotpresentlyexecuted;whichmust have been, hadnot the SonofGod interposed himself: hisbeingslain fromthe foundationof theworld,was the foundationof theworld’s standing, andof all the good thingswhich theworld in generalarepartakersof.Allthatorderandusefulnesswhichyetsurvivesamongthecreatures,withalltheremainsofourprimitivestate,waspreserved,or rather restored, by redemption: Christ is “that light which lightethevery one that cometh into the world,” John 1:9, that is, the light and

blessingswhichanymanhas,hehas themfromChrist,asaRedeemer;“by him all things consist,” Colossians 1:17. Thus far redemption wasgeneralastopersons;andinthissenseChrististheSaviorofallmen.Butletusnotomit,thatallthishadaspecialrespecttotheChurchelect:forthemitwasthattheworldwasmade:theyarethesubstanceofit,Isaiah6:13,andbutforthemithadbeendissolvedintoalakeoffire.Whattheprophet speaks of Israel, was true of the universe, “Except the Lord ofhostshadleftusaremnant,wehadbeenasSodom,”chapter1:9.asthosedays of tribulationwere shortened for the elect’s sake,Matthew 24:22.(notyetinbeing)soforthemitwas,thatwhensincamein,destructionwaswardedoff.

Buttemporarythings,thougheversogreatandgood,wereoftoolowanalloytobethepurchaseofdivineblood;theirlineistooshorttomeasureredemptionby,andtheirbulktoonarrowtofilluptheheightanddepthof that great abyss: theremust, by that glorious achievement, be somenoblerobtainmentthanshort-livedblessings;andanhigherendthantobringmen intoamerepossibilityofbeing saved.The lifeof the Son ofGod was infinitely too precious to be given for perishing things; norwould it be consistent with divine wisdom to venture it for anuncertainty, It had been a light thing for Christ, and not worthy hissufferings, to raise up the ruins made by Adam to such a degree ofrestorationaswouldonlyhave sethim inhis former state, and thatontermsmoreunlikelytosucceed:thishadbeentogiveagreatervalueforthingsoflessermoment;foritneedsmustbeahappierstate,tobemadeupright, without bias to evil, than to be moved with all manner ofmotives,while fetteredbyunbelief,andanaturalbenttorevolt further;fornotwithstandingallthosemotivesandmeans,notthemajorityonly,but theuniversality ofmankindmight haveperished, and gone tohell;whichwould innowisehaveansweredGod’send inmaking theworld,muchlessinredeemingit.Itwasthereforenecessaryredemptionshouldhave a further reach than to bringmen into amere salvable state, andthatcouldnotbe less thanastateofcertainsalvation.And, inorder tothis,redemptionwasgeneralastothings,evenallthatpertainethtolifeandgodliness;eternallife,andwhateverconduceththereto,aswillafterbemadeevident.Andthisisthatredemptionwearetreatingof;andthisis the sense of the present position, namely, that redemption, thus

qualified, is peculiar to the church; and that election is the pattern bywhichredemptionis tobemeasured:“theSoncandonothingbutwhatheseestheFatherdo,”John5:19.

To make redemption larger than electing love, is to overlay thefoundation;which(allmenknow)isaverymomentouserrorinbuilding,especiallyof sucha towerwhose topmust reach toheaven. It thereforebehoovesus toseethatweseparatenotwhatGodhasconjoined,eitherby stretching or straining the bounds he has set. The Jews were ofopinionthatthepromiseoftheMessiahbelongedonlytothem,exclusiveto the Gentiles: others since would extend it to all the sons of menuniversally, and alike;not considering the reasonwhy thepromisewasmadetothewoman’sseed,andnottoAdam’s:buttheMessiahhimself,whobestknewthelineofthepromise,andendofhismission,exemptednone; but extends it to “all nations” indifferently; yet so as that herestrains it to the elect among them, describing them still by suchappellationsas importaselectparty: theyarecalled“hisseed,”andthe“travailofhissoul;”with respect towhomheshould “makehis soulanoffering for sin,” Isaiah 53:10, 11. these also he terms “his sheep,” andhimself “the good shepherd” (as he wellmight) “whose own the sheepare,andforwhomhelaiddownhis life,”John10:15,andthathemightnotbetakentointendthoseonlyoftheJewishnation,hepresentlyadds,“And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them alsomust Ibring,” verse 16.Theevangelist, expounding thehighpriest’s prophecy,“that it was expedient one man should die for the people,” delivers itthus:that“heshould.notdieforthatnationonly,butalso,thatheshouldgather together in one the children of God that are scattered abroad,”chapter11:52,inconsequencewhereof,theyaresaidtobe“madenighbythebloodofChrist,”Ephesians2:13.thoughbeforeafaroff:andthat“hereconciledboth(thatis,JewsandGentiles,ortheelectscatteredamongstboth,) inonebodybythecross,”verse16,andthis inpursuanceof thatblessedcompactmadewithhim,forrestoringthepreservedofIsrael,asyou find it recorded in Isa. 49:6. It further appears by Jam. 53:6. thattheywere“sheepwhoseiniquitieswerelaidonChrist:”andagain,verse8.“Forthetransgressionofmypeoplewashestricken.”Andhereletmenote (for it is very remarkable,) that we read not of any party of mentermed sheep, the people of God, and his children, in distinction from

others,butwithrespecttosomeparticularinteresthe,hasinthemaboveothers;andwhatthatinterestmaybe,exceptingelection,dothnotappearto us; for those other sheep were not yet called, and therefore not yetbelievers,andsheeponthataccount;butastheywereofGod’select.For,though allmenwere lost, Christwas “sent but to the lost sheep of thehouseof Israel;” that is, those persons of the lost and perishingworld,whom God has chosen peculiarly, as he did the house of Israel fromamong thenations;andwho, in that respect,werea special typeof thespiritualelection.And,onthisaccount,thepromisesofthenewcovenantweremadetothechurchundersuchnamesandtitlesaswerepropertothatpeople,asdistinguishedfromothernations.

In Isaiah 62, we find holy and redeemed applied to the same persons;whether it bemeant of electiveholiness, or actual, it comes to one; forbothofthem,togetherwithredemption,dorefertothesamesubject:forasactualsanctificationisthenextfruitandconsequentofredemption,soelection is the root of themboth; as ye have it in 1 Peter 1:2. “Elect toobedienceandsprinklingofthebloodofJesusChrist.”1Peter1:2.Tobeholy,istobesacred,selected,andsetapartforholyuses,byappointmentof God; and they were actually sanctified by the “sprinkling of blood,”Hebrews9:19.inbothwhichrespects,thepeopleofIsrael,thetabernacle,temple,priests,altars,etc.areallsaidtobeholy.

InLuke1:72.God’ssendingofChristissaidtobe,“inperformanceofhisholycovenant,”whichwasfirstproclaimedinParadise,asmadewiththewoman’s seed, Genesis 3:15, and afterwards renewed with Abraham,Genesis12:3,andisthereforetermed,“ThemercypromisedtoAbraham,and to his seed: “And who are Abraham’s seed? Not the world, butbelievers;thatis,theelect:fortheseonlyobtainfaith,Romans11:7,andGalatians 3:29. saith plain, “If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’sseed.”Wealsoread,thatitwasapeculiarpeoplethatChrist“gavehimselffor,andpurchased,”Tit.2:14.itdenotessomespecialproprietyhehasinthemaboveothers;andso,aspecialcauseforhisgivinghimselfforthem.It also seems thatpeculiar andpurchasedare sonearly allied, that onewordisusedtosignifyboth,1Peter2:9.Accordingwiththis,isthatin1Peter 1:20. where Christ is said to be “verily foreordained, andmanifested,” for those hewrites that epistle to: that theywere persons

elected, is evident by the first and second verses; and elect to the“sprinklingofhisblood”:andastheywereelectedtoit,soinJohn17,heprofessestomakeitgood;“fortheirsakes(saysChrist)Isanctifymyself;”and twice in John 10, “that he laid down his life for the sheep,” John10:11. 15. which is as exclusive of others, as where he saith, “Myrighteousnessextendstothesaints;andhethatbelievethshallbesaved;”thatis,such,andnoneelse.

It further appears from Acts 20:28. that it was “the church of God hepurchased with his own blood.” Now, the church and the world areplainlydistinct,asagardenenclosedisfromthecommonfields.Thatthechurch consists of elect persons is proved before; and that it was thechurch he died for, is proved by this scripture; as also fromEphesianschapter 5, where husbands are required to love their wives, as “Christlovedthechurch,andgavehimselfforit,”Ephesians5:25.whichshows,thatasthehusband’slovetohiswifeisanotherkindoflove,thanthathebears to others of the same sex; so Christ’s love to his church; andthereforehisdeath,whichwasthespecialeffectofthatlove,ispeculiartothe church only. The elders about the throne sing a new song to theLamb,because“heredeemedthemtoGodbyhisblood,”Revelation5:9,amongother reasons for that styleof elders, thismaybeone, that they“werechosenfromthedaysofold,andtheirnameswritteninhisbookoflifefromthefoundationoftheworld,”chapter17:8.Theyarealsosaidtobe“redeemedoutofeverykindred,andtongue,andpeople,andnation;”whichrationally implies,thatthebulkofthosepeopleandnationswerenotredeemedwiththem.Wealsoread,thatacertainnumberaresaidtobe redeemed“from theearth, and fromamongmen,” chapter 14:3,4. Ifsomeareredeemedamongothers,itfollows,ofcourse,thatthoseotherswere exempted. Here note, by the way, that these elders were now inheaven,abovethecloudsofmisconceptionandprejudicedopinion;andtherefore no reason to doubt their testimony. And further, theseredeemedonesare therealsostyled,“The first fruitstoGod,andtotheLamb,” Revelation 14:4, which appellation insinuates, that they wereseparated from the rest, as the first fruits under the law were by Godhimself,whotookthemforhisownportion,Numb.3:18,and8:16.Theyarelikewisesaidtohavethe“Father’snamewrittenintheir foreheads,”Revelation14:1.(electionmarkedthemoutforChrist)andtobe“written

intheLamb’sbookoflife;”andthatasalambslain;whoonthatAccountsays to his Father, “Thine they were, and thou gavest themme,” John17:6.Where also in his prayer to those whose sacrifice he was now tooffer,hestylesthem,“themenwhomtheFatherhadgivenhimoutoftheworld;”andinverse10.“allminearethine,andthinearemine:“thatis,all thatwereChrist’s in order to redemption,were first theFather’s byelection. It isas ifhehadsaid,All that Iundertake for,are thineelect;andallthineelectIundertakefor.Hethereforereciprocatesthetermsofrelation, turns them toandagain, to show the samenessof thepersonsconcernedinboth.Fromallwhichitseemsundeniablyevident,thatasacertain numberwere, elected, so a certain number, and those the verysamepersons,wereredeemed.

The ground and truth of this assertion, is further confirmed by suchargumentsasthese:

Argument1.TheLeviticalsacrificeswereofferedforthehouseofIsrael,exemptive of other nations: and these being a type of the spiritualelection,itfollows,thatthissacrificeifChrist(typifiedbytheirs)wasalsopeculiar to Jews in spirit, or spiritual Jews: “for he only is reckoned aJew,thatissuchinwardlyinthespirit,”Romans2:29.SoAaron’smakingatonementforhishousehold,andbearingthenamesofthetwelvetribeson his breastplate, were typical of our great High Priest’s bearing thenames,andsustainingthepersonsofthoseforwhomheofferedhimselfonthecross:ofallthoselegalshadows,Christandthechurchofthefirstbornarethebodyandsubstance.

Argument2.TherightofredemptionamongtheJews(whichshadowedthis) was founded on brotherhood: hence I infer, that that relation,spiritually taken, was both the ground and limit of Christ’s office as aRedeemer.Theapostle’sdiscourseinHebrewschapter2,seemstopointat this, where he says “they were brethren, children, and sons, whomChrist should deliver from bondage,make reconciliation for their sins,and bring to glory.” But how came they to be God’s children, and thebrethrenofChrist,aboveothers?Itwasbypredestination;andthatitwasit entitled them to redemption; as is evident by comparing the 5th and7th verses of Ephesians 1. “Having predestinated us to the adoption ofchildren by Jesus Christ: in whom we have redemption through his

blood.”Anditisworthyofyournotice,thatbythelawofredemption,astranger(one thatwasnotof thebrotherhood)mightnotberedeemed;butone thatwas, thoughnot redeemed,mustyetgo free in theyearofjubilee,Lev.25:46,48.with41:54,whichshewsthepeculiarrespecttheLordhasforhispeculiarpeople.

Argument 3. The saving benefits of redemption do not redound to anybutelectpersons,whateverinoneplaceifascribedtoredemption,asthespecial fruit and consequent thereof, is elsewhere ascribed to election,andtothisasthefirstandoriginalroot:and,thatredemptionitselfisthefruit of electing love, is evident by 1 Pet 1:2. (quoted before) “Elect toobedience,andsprinklingofthebloodofJesusChrist.”Theyarealsosaidtobe “blessedwithall spiritualblessings inChrist,accordingashehadchosen them in him,” Ephesians 1:3, 4, and if all spiritual blessings bedispensed by the law of election, then all the saving benefits ofredemption (which are the same with those of election) must bedispensedby the same rule; and so, to the samepersons only.We alsofind thatChrist’s actual distributionof the giftshe received formen, isguided answerably: hemanifests the Father’s name to themen he hadgiven him out of the world,” John 17:6, to these he expounds that inprivate,which toothershe spake inparables: and thushedid,because“tothemitwasgiventoknowthemysteriesofthekingdomofGod;buttothemultitudeitwasnotgiven,”Matthew13:34.36,andelectionwasthatwhich gave it them, as it follows there, “for so it seemed good in thysight.” In like manner, the apostle, in Romans 8, puts election andredemptiontogether,aspertainingtothesamepersons,andjustification,whichisthenexteffectofredemption,hemakesalsoanunquestionableconsequentof election; “Whoshall layany thing to the chargeofGod’select?ItisGodthatjustifieth:Whoshallcondemn?ItisChristthatdied,”Romans8:33,34.ThequestionbeingputconcerningGod’select,andtheanswer referring to those for whomChrist died; is a plain implication,that redemptionand justification are commensuratewith election; thateither of them concerneth only the same persons; and that neither ofthemextendstoany,butwhomtheotheralsotakethin.

Argument4.Thepriceofredemptionwasofthatpreciousandmatchlessvalue,thatitcouldnotbepartedwith,butwithrespecttothecertaintyof

the end for which it was paid. Now, the end of redemption was thesalvationofmen:belowwhichtherecouldnotbeanendworthythedeathof Christ; and this nothing could secure but election, The elect alwayshaveobtained,andshall: this isaruleaffirmedinRomans11:7.But forthe rest, they are blinded; that is, they are left to their own voluntarymisunderstanding; and being so left, not only they do not, but theycannot believe. AndChrist knowing from the beginningwho theywerethatbelievednot,butwouldcertainlyrejecthim,towhatendshouldhemakehis soul an offering for them?Why for theworld of theungodly,whose spiritswere in prison some thousands of years before? the Lordintends to save alive, he appoints an atonement to bemade for them,”Numb. 16:46, 47, but for those he intends to destroy (which is alwaysdone justly,) hewill not accept anoffering, judges 13:23, and thereforenotappointit:ashedidnotunderthelaw,forthosecrimeswhichmenweretodiefor.

Argument5.Iconfineredemptiontoelectpersons,becauseintercession,whichisofequal latitudewithredemption, is limitedtothem,exclusiveofothers.Thepriestsunderthelawweretoprayforthosewhosesacrificethey offered; and what they did, was a pattern of our Savior’s priestlyoffice; whom likewise we find to sacrifice and pray only for the samepersons;heisanadvocateforthoseforwhosesinheisapropitiation,1John 2:1, whose transgressions hewas smitten for, for them hemakesintercession,Isaiah63:8.12.fortheirsakeshesanctifiedhimself,andforthemitwasthathemadethatsolemnprayerinthe17thofJohn.Andhethen prayed for them, as being just then on offering their sacrifice: healsoshutsouttheworldexpresslyfromhavinganyinterestinit:“Ipraynotfortheworld,butforthemwhichthouhastgivenme,”John17:9.Andheaddsthereason,thefoundationreason,whyhewouldprayforthese,“fortheyarethine;”thatis,theyweretheFather’sbyelection:forinallother respects, “the earth is theLord’s and the fullness thereof,” Psalm24:1.

Argument 6.Another argument for peculiar redemption, is founded onthemeritofChrist’sdeath,togetherwithitsefficacy.Hewasnotcutofffor himself, Daniel 9:26. but those he undertook for: and it was toprocurethemarighttothosegloriousprivilegeswhichelectionordained

themto.HenceIargue,1.ThatwhichChristlaiddownhislifefor,thathemerited; and, 2. What he merited, is due to those for whom it wasmerited.Now,theprincipalthingintendedandmeritedbyhisdeath,wasthe justificationof sinners; and “thatGodmightbe just in justifyingofthem,” Romans 3:26, and, finally, that they might have “eternal life,”John17:2.If,therefore,hemeritedthisforall,thenallmustbejustifiedandsaved,Romans5:8,9,1.0,anditcannotbejustlydeniedtoany:foritis theirdue,byvirtueofaprice:andthatpricewellworthyof it;whichalso was paid to that very end, and this by the Creditor’s ownappointment;whocannotcondemnany forwhomChrist died,Romans8:34.Hisjusticeshallnotbeliabletosuch.Whereveritmayrationallybeconcluded,that ifallmenarenot justified, justificationdothnotbelongtoalland,consequently,thatChristdidnotgivehimself forall.And,asforefficacy,Adam’stransgressionwasefficaciousonthewill,andwholeman, to deprave; why not then the righteousness of Christ to restore,sincethepreeminence,inthatverything,isgiventohim?“Forifbyoneman’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receiveabundanceofgrace,andofthegiftofrighteousness,shallreigninlifebyone,JesusChrist,”Romans5:17.

Argument 7.Thedoctrineof special andpeculiar redemption is furtherconfirmed by those perilous consequents which attend the doctrine ofgeneral redemption, as it is commonly held forth; for, 1. It seems toreflectonthewisdomofGod;asimputingtohimsuchacontrivanceformen’s salvation, as might be possibly frustrated; which is far fromconvincingtheworldthatChristcrucifiedisthewisdomofGod.2.Italsoseems to tax God with injustice, as not discharging those whosetransgressions are answered for by their Surety; or else, that thesufferingsofChristwerenotsufficienttomakeadischargeduetothem.Or, 3. It insinuates a deficiency of power, or want of good will, toprosecutehisdesigntoperfection.4.Itmakesmenboasters;suspendingthevirtueandsuccessofallthatChristhasdoneforthem,onsomethingtobedonebythemselves,whichheisnotthedoerof;andconsequently,thatmenareprincipals inprocuring their own salvation; and soChristshallhavebuthisthousands, intruthhisnothing,whilefreedomofwillshallhaveitstenthousandstocryupthepraisesofmen.Thisisnot“thattheLordaloneshouldbeexalted.”5.Itwouldalsofollow,thatthosewho

aresavedandgonetoheaven,havenothingmoreofChrist’stogloryin,andpraise him for, than thosewho areperished and gone tohell. For,according to theprinciplesofgeneral redemption,hedidanddoeth forall alike; and no more for one than for another. 6. It. makes menpresumptuous, and carnally secure: how many have soothed upthemselves in their impenitency and hardness of heart, and fencedthemselvesagainst theword,on this very supposition,ThatChristdiedfor all; and why then should not they look to be saved as well as anyother? and so they lean, pretendedly, on the Lord, and transgress; notconsidering, that those forwhomChrist died, he purchased for them afreedom from sin, and not a liberty of sinning; nor impunity, but ontermsoffaithandrepentance.Andthatthetempterdisturbsthemnotintheir rest on such a foundation,may be one reasonwhymen so stifflyadhere to it; and that those of the general principle are so seldomtroubledwithterrorsofconscience.

Lastly.TherewasyetanotherreasonofChrist’sdyingpeculiarly for theelect; theywerehisdesigned spouse; and thatbroughtonhimpeculiarengagements todie for them.1.Asbeinghisspouse,hewaschargeablewith their debts: they beingmade under a law, and he assuming themintoaspousalrelation,madehimselfonewiththem,andanswerableforthem: itwas, in the law’s account, aswell as his own intent, amakinghimself their Surety, Isaiah 53:8. 11. and, consequently, in case offorfeiture, his lifemust go for theirs.He is therefore said to be “madeunder the law,”Galatians4:4,5. as theywere, and to be “made sin forthem,”1Corinthians5:21,andbeingso,“itbehoovedhimtosuffer,”Luke24:46,anditcouldnotbeavoided,Acts17:3.Forthelawbeingjustandholy, its violationmust be answered for, either by principals or surety:and here it was that mercy and truth, grace and justice met together;making thatdue temperamentwhichanswered the endsofboth.GracetakesholdofhimasaSurety,thatthesinnermightgofree;andjusticeasof the most responsible party, for none else could answer the law’sdemands,andbeingapprehended,hereadilyyieldstomakesatisfaction,and says to the law, as once to the Jews,when hewas on the point ofsufferingforhisspouse,“Ifyeseekmeletthesegotheirway,”John18:8.2.Anotherengagementwastheloveheboretothem;ifpossiblyhemighthavebeenquitofthatsuretyshipengagement,thisofhislovewouldhave

held him to it; he could not bear to see his beloved fast chained, likeslaves, to the devil’s galleys, and forced to serve against their naturalLord:andthis.bondagetheycouldnotbefreedfrom,butbyconqueringhimwhosebondslavestheywere;norcouldthatbedone’,butbyhisowndeath,Hebrews2:14.John12:31,33.And thishis love constrainedhimto,Ephesians5:25.Revelation 1:5,Galatians 2:20, “for love (to be surehislove)isstrongerthandeath,”Cant.8:6,andaccordinglywefindthatthis isstillmadethegroundandmotiveofhisdying.3.Asthecontractcouldnotbedissolved,forhehatesputtingaway;norhislovetakenoff,for he changeth not; so neither as the case stood, could he and theycohabit and dwell together. Creatures defiled with sin, were not meetconsortsfortheLordofglory:norcouldtheybebroughttoameetness,butbybeingwashedinhisblood;ashesaystoPeter,“IfIwashtheenot,thouhastnopartwithme,”John13:8. The churchmust be “sanctifiedand cleansed, without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing,” Ephesians5:26,beforetheyarefitforthepresenceofChristinglory;andthiscouldnotbeeffected,butby“hisgivinghimselfforthem:”tothis,therefore,thespiritsof justmenmadeperfect,doascribetheirbeing inheaven:“Andtheysunganewsong,saying,Thouartworthy to take thebook,and toopenthesealsthereof:forthouwastslain,andhastredeemedustoGodbythyblood,outofeverykindred,andtongue,andpeople,andnation,”Revelation5:9.

Whethertheymightpossiblyhavebeensavedsomeotherway,istomeaneedlessinquiry:butitseemstheimportofourSavior’sownspeech,thatif hehadnot thusdone,hemusthavebeen inheavenwithout suitablecompany;where, speaking of himself, he says, “Except a corn ofwheatfallintothegroundanddie,itabidethalone,”John12:24.Butitwasnotgoodthatthemanshouldbealone;no,not“themanChristJesus.”Itwasthereforeordained,thatheshouldhaveaseedtoservehim;achurchtopresideover; in themidstofwhomheshouldsingpraise tohisFather,Hebrews2:12,whoarealsocalledhisfellows,Hebrews1:9,buthisbloodmust be the seed of that church, Isaiah 53:10. the price of theirredemption, Revelation 5:9, the laver of their regeneration, Ephesians5:26. And so dear is the church to Christ, that he thinks himself notcompletewithout them,Ephesians1:23. Itwas one of the last requestsbeforehedied,thattheymightbewithhim,John17:24.Andifthebody

mustbewith itsHead, theholiestofholiesmustbe theirmansion:butsuch is that place’s holiness, as not to admit them, without a perfectpurity;norcouldthey,ifnotsopurified,beartheholinessoftheplace.Allwhichconsidered together, shewsucha reasonofChrist’sdying for theelect,aswasnotpredicableofothermen.

Fortherestoftheworld,theyweregivenashandmaidstohisspouse:byvirtue of which donation, they also are his; “He is head overall to thechurch,”Ephesians1:22.Theyarehis,butnotashisspouse;asSodom’sdaughtersandSamaria’swere toJerusalem; “butnotbyher covenant,”Ezekiel 16:61. His relation to them was not such as to make himresponsiblefortheirdefaults,ortoobligehimfortheirrecovery:yet,thepricewherewithheransomedhisspouse,tookinherhandmaidsalso;asAbraham’s rescuing his brother Lot, brought back the Sodomites withhim.Allthebenefits theworldhavebyredemption,theymaythankthechurchfor,nexttoChristhimself;fortheyhaveitonheraccount,astheSodomites theirs from Lot’s. And, to speak freely, the spouse of Christcould not well have been without her handmaids: we little think whatservicetheworlddoesforthechurch;although,becausetheyintendnotso, they are not rewardable for it, Isaiah 10:5-12. I shall only add ourSavior’sownassertion in the 17thof John,where speakingof thosehisFather had given him, that he might give them eternal life, he saithexpressly,thatfor“theirsakeshesanctifiedhimself,”John17:19.Whichwastosay,ineffect,thathaditnotbeenforthem,hehadnotstirredoutofheavenfortherest.

I shouldnowcome to the inferences:but finding thisdoctrineasmuchopposedas thatofelection;observingalsoagreatproneness inmen toembrace the notion of general and conditional redemption (whichproceeds, partly, from nature’s inability to discern a reason, why oneshould be redeemed, and not another; partly, for that it is grateful tolapsedcreatures,tofancythemselvesactiveintheirownrecovery;partlyalso, fromanaptness tocatchatany thing thatbut seems togivequietunder convictions,) I hope it shall not be time lost to weigh theirexceptions and our reply together: in doing which, I shall not answereverytextthatismadetoserveinthatcause;thesensetheygiveofsome,beingrefuted,mayserveformany.

Objection:InRomans5:18,therestorationbyChristismadeaslargeandasextensiveasAdam’ssin.

Answer:Thecomparisontherestatedisnotputextensively,asrespectingthe objects of sin and grace; but intensively, as respecting thedifferentefficacy of the several means by which those contrary effects wereproduced:theapostle,therefore,toobviatesuchobjections,restrainsitinverse15.“Butnotastheoffence,soalsoisthefreegift.”Thefreegiftofrighteousness and life doth not extend to mankind universally andefficaciously, as sin and death did; and he adds a reason to it; “For ifthroughtheoffenceofonemanybedead,muchmorethegraceofGod,andthegiftbygracehasaboundedtomany,”Romans5:15.whichisasifhehad said, if the freegifthad taken inall, as theoffencedid, thenallshould have been saved; for that grace has abounded more than theoffence:whichsuperaboundingofgrace,mustbemeantoftheprevalentefficacyofgrace(for,astotheobjectsofit,itcouldnottakeinmorethanall;)andtherefore,thosetowardswhomithassoabounded,shallsurelypartakeofthebenefitsof it.Andfurther,thatthewordallmightnotbetaken universally, he presently varies the term of comprehension, andrenders that all by many: “As by one man’s disobedience many weremadesinners,sobytheobedienceofoneshallmanybemaderighteous,”Romans5:19.“AsallinAdamdied,soallinChristshallbemadealive,”1Corinthians15:22.

Objection: But redemption is often set forth in terms importinguniversality,namely,“ThatChristgavehimselfaransomforall; thathetakesawaythesinoftheworld;andisthepropitiationforthesinsofthewholeworld,”1Timothy2:6.John1:29.1John2:2.whichwecannotbuttakeinaliteralsense.

Answer:Bothsacredwritandcommondiscoursedofrequentlyspeakingeneralterms,whennothingislessintendedbyitthanuniversality.John4:20.“Come,seeamanthattoldmeall thingsthateverIdid!”whenitwasbuthowmanyhusbandsshehadhad,andthatherpresentmanwasnotone.1Corinthians10:23,Paul issaidtopleaseallmeninallthings;whereas,infact,hepleasedbutfewinanything,andinallthingsnexttonone.Colossians1:6,thegospelissaid“tobecomeintoalltheworld,andtobringforthfruitasitdidinthem;”whenyet,itwasbutacornerofthe

world, and but few, very few, in whom it brought forth as in them:examples are endless. It is therefore to be noted, that where thosegeneral, or rather indefinite, terms are used about redemption, it ismostly to shew, that the churchofGod,whichChrist,was togather in,wasnotconfinedtotheoffspringofanyparticularhead,norconsistedofany separate sort or rank of persons, exclusive of others; but some ofeverykindredandnationunderheaven,classesanddegreesamongmen:the church of God takes in of all, and so doth redemption; howeverdifferent in other respects, they are “all one in Christ,” Galatians 3:28.And where this is not the scope, these the persons concerned aredescribedbyanarrowerlist;asthathegavehislifearansomformany,Matthew20:28,and26:28,andthathewasonceofferedtobearthesinsofmany,Hebrews9. 28. that he laiddownhis life for the sheep, John10:15. that they are redeemed “from the earth, and from amongmen,”Revelation 14:3, 4. “and out of every kindred, tongue, people, andnation,” chapter 5:9. That in Timothy, “who gave himself a ransom forall?”givestheobjectionnosupport; forall inthe6thversemust intendthe same as all in the 1st verse, which the text itself expounds to be“kings,andmeninauthority.”Asfortheworld,ithasmanyandvariousacceptations in scripture: it isnotalwaysmeantofmen;andofmen, itseldom intends the universality; yea, it is often meant of very few, incomparisonof thewhole: itwould, therefore,beunanswerablerashnesstolimitsoindefiniteatermtoanyparticularconstruction,as,inpart, isseenbythefollowinginstances:itsometimesintendstheplaceofmen’shabitationhereonearth,Nehemiah1:5,thetimeandstateofthings,afterthedissolutionofthepresentframe,Luke20:35,theextentandcompassoftheRomanempire,chapter2:1,thereligionandmannersoftheworld,Acts 17:6, the troubles which in this world do attend the disciples ofChrist,John16:33,thesplendor,wealth,honor,orwhateverelseistakingwith the hearts of men, Galatians 6:14, to set forth the greatness ofsomethingthatcannotbewellexpressed,John21:25,fortheGentiles,indistinction from the Jews,Romans 11:12. for the numerous increase ofsome particular party, John 12:19.Moremight be cited, but thesemaysufficetoshewhowmuchitbehoovesustoconsiderwell thescopeandcontextofscripture,andnottobeledbythevocalsoundsofwords.Thereareyettwointerpretations,whichcomenearerthematterinhand:oneisthat which takes in the whole party of wicked men alone, and by

themselves; as where it is said, “That saints shall judge the world,” 1Corinthians6:2.itmustbemeantoftheworldofungodly,forthesaintsshallnotjudgeoneanother:so,“Alltheworldwonderedafterthebeast,andworshipped the dragon,”Revelation 13:3, 4. This alsomust intendthe herd of idolaters, exemptive of those who followed the Lamb,Revelation14:4. It is also said, “thewholeworld lieth inwickedness,” 1John 5:19, here ye have the verywords, and alike connected, as in theplace objected; which therefore may as well be supposed of the samecomprehension; and yet it may not be understood of mankinduniversally, but such of them as are under the power and conduct ofSatan,whichthesaintsarenot,andthereforearenopartoftheworld,orwholeworldthereintended.Theotherinterpretationofthewordseemscouchedintheplacesobjected,whereChristissaidto“takeawaythesinsoftheworld,andtobeapropitiationforthesinsofthewholeworld:“forwhymaynottheworldbetakeninarestrictedandlimitedsensehere,asin the places quoted? If by world is sometimes meant the world ofungodly, as separated from the saints; by like reason, at other times, itmay be meant of the world of saints, as separated from the wicked,especiallywhennothinginthescopeorcontextcontradictsit.Andwhatthenshallhinder,butthatworld,intheplacesobjected,maybeintendedoftheelect,exclusivetoothers;astheworldthatliesinwickedness,isofthoseothersexclusiveoftheelect?Tobesuretherecanbenoperilinsounderstanding it; for we know that Christ is the propitiation for theirsins: but to affirm it of the bulk of mankind, has many unruly andunworthy consequences attending it, some of which are shown before.ButwhatworldwasitthatChristwouldnotprayfor?Itcouldnotbethatforwhichhedied, for thepriestwasboundtopray for thoseheofferedfor?Itmustthenbeanother;andthenitwillfollowthattherearetwo:1.Alesser,whichconsistsofaselectparty,andwastakenoutoftheworlduniversal,astheIsraelitishnationwasoutoftheEgyptian,Deuteronomy4:34.orastheChristianchurch,atfirst,wasoutoftheJewish,Acts2:44—47.TheseourSaviorstyles“themenwhichhisFathergavehimoutoftheworld,”John17:6.Fortheseitwasthathesanctifiedhimself,thatis,sethimselfaparttosufferforthem,andfortheseheprayed,andoftheseismadeupthatworldwhosesinhetakethaway,andforwhosesins,evenofthewholeofthem,heisthepropitiation.Thesearethementhatshallbe counted worthy of the world to come, Luke 20:35, and they are as

properly termed a world, as that blessed state and place of glory theyshallbetakeninto;orasthedwellersoneartharedenominatedaworld,fromtheplaceof theirhabitation,Romans13:3,4.8.2.There is also aworld of ungodly, from among whom that lesser world was taken andrated, John 15:19, 17:6, of whom it is said, “the devil is their god,” 2Corinthians4:4,andthat“theirnamesarenotintheLamb’sbookoflife,”Revelation13:8, but, “thewhole of it lieth inwickedness,” 1 John 5:19.And this is that world for whom Christ professedly says, “He did notpray;” surely, then, he “would not make his soul an offering for theirsins.”

Butbecausesogreatastressislaidontheliteralsenseoftheword,letusscanalittlefurtherthisworldwhosesinistakenaway.Ithinkitcannotintendtheuniversalityofmankind,because,thoughtheworldingeneralbe concerned in redemption, those general concerns are too light tobalancetheweightofthetext;temporarythingscouldinnowiseanswerthe end and worth of eternal redemption; which being the mosttremendous act that ever the sunhad seen, or shall, the effectsthereofmust be answerably great and glorious; and, consequently, it mustpeculiarlyrespecttheelect,foritsuitsadequatelytononealso.Tomakeoutthis,letusinquirewhatthesinoftheworldis,andwhattheimportoftaking it away, Psalm 103:12. For the first: it is either some one grandtransgression, or thewhole body of sins together: if a particular sin, itmustbeunbelief;forthatwasthefirst,andparenttoalltherest;anditisthusmarkedout,theorthatsinoftheworld;1.Becauseitwasthesinofthewhole,bothJewsandGentiles.2. Itgaveentrance toallother sins;theysprangfromitastheirroot.And,3.Itisthecondemningsin;nomanperisheth but for unbelief; where the gospel is not, they perish for notbelieving inGod;andwhere it is, fornotbelieving inChrist.Or if itbemeant of all sins universally, then the text considers them as puttogether;andtakenawayatonce,asifbutone.Butbeitunbeliefsinglyand specially, or the whole body of sins conjunct, it comes to one; forunbeliefisamemberofthatbody,andacapitalone;andsothatbetakenaway,itmattersnot,thisworldissafe:thereasonis,thatChrist,insavingfrom unbelief, saves from all: for as faith is a complex of grace, so isunbelief of sins; take away this, and the gulf is shut, all other sinsdisappear; there isanendof them,bothas toguiltandprevalency;“he

that believes shall be saved.” For the second, touching the import oftakingaway;1.Theputtingofit inthepresenttense,impliesaconstantandcontinuedact,stillpursuingthesameend; italso importsaperfectact,notapartial takingaway,or frustrableendeavor,butcompleteandcertain,asamantakesawayanythinguntilitallbegone.2.ThatChristalone,andbyhimself,performsthiswork.3.Thathetakesawaysin,asalambslain;notforhimself(forhewaswithoutspot,)butforthosewhosesurety he was. And, 4. As the Lamb of God; a lamb of God’s ownproviding,tosavethelivesofhisIsaacs.Thistakingawayisnolessthanatotalremovingofsin,asettingitattheutmostdistance,andplacingitinthe“landof forgetfulness,”Jeremiah31:34.Andfurther, toassureusofitsutterabolition,thistakingawayistermeddestruction, thecrucifyingof the old man; slaying the enmity, and destroying the body of sin,Ephesians 2:16.Romans 6:6, thiswas thework of the devil, which theSonofGodcame todestroy; anddestroy ithehas,by “nailing it tohiscross,” Colossians 2:14. The blood of the Lamb has so overcome, thatthereneedsnomoresacrifice forsin;norany thingexterior to itself, tomakeitsredemptioneternal.Andtohavesinthustakenaway,cannotbesaidoftheworlduniversally:thereasonisplain,becausesinbeinggone,nothingremains tocharge theworldwith.Butnothing ismoreevident,thanthatthegeneralityofmenlieplungedinsin,andarebondslavesofcorruption to the last: it must therefore be another world, or tribe, towhom this great blessingmust be assigned, and ofwhom verified: andsincethereisbutonemore(whoarecalledGod’select,)Iconcludethattheyare themen,and theworld intended in the text: forweknowthatthey“areofGod;andthatthewholeworldbesidesliesinwickedness,”1John5:19.

Objection: But if some only are redeemed, and those but few incomparison,thenallgroundofbelievingistakenawayfromthemostofmen.

Answer: 1. ThatChrist didnot die for all, hindersnone frombelieving,any more than that many of those he died for are not saved: or thatbecauseonlyonecanwintheprize,hindersothersfromrunning.Nay,toteach(as theydo) thatChristdied forall,and thatyet thegenerality ofmenshalldieintheirsins,andperishforever,isagreaterimpedimentto

believing, than that he died only for some; and that every one of thatsome shall certainly be saved. 2. If we judge of trees by their fruit,weshall find, that the generality of men (such as reckon the matters ofreligionworthspeakingofholdstiff for thegeneralpoint;whichshews,thatthatnotionhasnogreatinfluencetowardstheworkingoffaith:ifithad, thenumberofconvertswouldnotbeso thin. It isalso found, thatthe generality of carnalmen, and such as hate to be reformed, are thegreatest despisers of peculiar redemption, as well as of election. 3. Tomake faith an evidence of aman’s interest in redemption, puts by theclaim of unbelievers, asmuch as if it were a condition. 4.He that willknowhisownparticularredemptionbeforehewillbelieve,beginsatthewrong end of his work, and is very unlikely to come that way to theknowledgeofit.Thefirstactoffaithisnot,thatChristdiedforall,orforyou inparticular: the one is not true; the other not certain to you, norcan, until after you have believed. He that would live, must submit tomercy,with“peradventurehewillsavemealive.”5.Anymanthatownshimselfasinner,hasasfairagroundforhisfaith,asanyintheworldthathasnotyetbelieved;yea,asanybelieverhadbeforehebelieved:normayanyperson,onanyaccount,excludehimselffromredemption;unless,byhis obstinate and resolved continuance in unbelief, he hasmarked outhimself.

There are reasons enough, and of greatest weight, to induce men tobelieve,without layinggeneralredemptionforthegroundoftheir faith:as, (1.) That “faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that JesusChristcameintotheworldtosavesinners,”2Timothy1:15,andsuchareyou. (2.)Thathe gavehis life a ransom formany,Matthew 20:28, andyoumaybeofthatnumber,aswellasanyother.(3.)Thatthosehediedfor,shallbejustifiedontheirbelieving,Romans5:9,andshallhavefaithalso,on their seeking for it, as apartofhispurchase, andgivenonhisbehalf,Philippians1:29. (4.) That to believe on his Son, is thewill andcommandmentoftheeverlastingGod,Romans16:26.1John3:23,whomweoughttoobeythoughsoitwerethatsalvationwerenotconcernedinit. (5.) Those many faithful promises, assuring salvation to them thatbelieve,John3:16,36,andchapter6:47.Lastly.Theremedilessdangerofunbelief,Mark16:16;John8:24.Andifsuchconsiderationsasthesewillnot prevail with you to believe; the notions of general redemption,

togetherwiththegeneralfailureofsuccessofit,willneverdoit.

Objection: The extending of redemption to thewhole race ofmankind,tends tomagnify thegraceofChrist;butconfining it toaremnant, isalesseningofit.

Answer: It nomoredisparages the graceofChrist, todiepeculiarly forthatremnant,thanhischoosingasinglenation,andfewestinnumberoftheuniverse,andgivingthemlawsthattendedtolife;whilehesufferedall besides to run wild in the broad way, which inevitably leads todestruction. And as for redemption made general, with conditionsannexed; it is so far frommagnifying thegraceofChrist, that itplainlycontradicts it; for if he knew from the beginning who they were thatbelievednot,norwouldeverbelieve;itwouldratherhavearguedadegreeof grace and favor, not to die for them, than that their sin andcondemnation should be thereby so greatly aggravated; as it had beenbetterforsome,theyhadneverknownthewayofrighteousness,thantodepartfromit,2Peter2:21.

Objection:Thisleavesthemostofmenwithoutremedy.

Answer: The fallen angels were higher than we, yet have no cause tocomplain, thatnoMediatorwas appointed for them, and if theybe leftremediless, the fault is their own. For, if freedom of will, as now it is,empowersmen tomakea remedy, (viz.byacceptanceandapplication,)much more, as it was, it might have kept them, if they would, fromneedingaremedy.Youwillsay,perhaps,assomedo,whyweremenleftto this freedom of will, if foreseen thus to use it? Nay, rather, why domen,aftersojoyfulanexperiment,choosetobesoleft?Theyhavetheiroption,letthemlooktoit.

And so I leave their objections; for I heartilywish, both for the truth’ssake,andforpeace,toseethesecontestsburied,ratherthanagitated,lestthey eat out the life of religion. (They breathe in a breathless air,whomake them their element.) And I verily think, that if the controvertedtextsweredulyweighed,—thatis,ifspiritualthingswerecomparedwithspiritual, and fleshly consultations laid aside,—the present differenceswould be quickly composed, being mostly fomented by a loose and

luxuriantwayofphilosophizingindivinity;andbyholdingtowordsofanindefinitesignification,morethantothescopeandcontext.

Inferences

Infer. 1.Onwhat has been said of thework and ends of redemption, Iwouldturn,awhile,tothoseofthegeneralpoint;Imeannotsuchasaremenprofessinggodliness, (toomanyofwhomareyet leavenedwith it,)but those very sordid anddisingenuous spirits,whopretend to generalransom, (covering themselves with the shadow of it,) and yet studynothinglessthantoansweritsend:whodreamofredemptionfromhell;butforredemptionfromsin,itcomesnotintotheirmind;theycontend,thatChristdiedforall;andyetcarryitasifhediedfornone:atleast,notfor them: for they have no mark or tincture of such a redemption onthem;butremainevidentlybondslavesofcorruption.CanyouthinkthattheSonofGoddiedforyou,whileyoudespise livingtohim,hatethemthatlovehim,opposewhateverisdeartohim,andpersecutetothedeath(if your line would reach it) those that have any special mark ofredemptiononthem?Didhemakehissoulanofferingforsin,toprocuremen a liberty of sinning? or, was Christ crucified, that the body of sinmightremainunmortified;yea,getground,andbethemorerampantonit?Isthisyourkindnesstoyourfriend,tobesoinlovewithhisenemies(the spear and the nails that pierced him,) that you will spend and bespentfortheserviceofyourlusts?Hedied,thatthosehediedformightlive:livetowhom?Nottothemselves,buttohimthatdiedforthem:anddidyoureallybelievethathediedforyou,youcouldnotbutsojudge;hislovewould constrain you. Redeemed ones are the Lord’s freemen; andyou are free to nothing but the devil and sin. Is this the badge of yourfreedom?thecognizancebywhichthesubjectsofChristareknownfromrebels?No;itistherebel’sbrand,andyouwillfinditatlast.Thisiswhatwill aggravate your condemnation, and make it a condemnation topurpose, thus todeny theLord thatboughtyou:youarehatersofGod,andhewillmakeyoutofeelit:wrathwillcomeonyoutotheuttermost.IfGodsparednothisownSon,whohadnosin(butbyimputation)howshallhespareyou,thatarenothingelsebutsin?“HethatdespisedMoseslaw, died without mercy: of how much sorer punishment shall he bethoughtworthy,whohastroddenunderfoottheSonofGod;andcounted

thatblood(whichyoupretendtobelievewasshedforyourredemption)anunholything?”Hebrews10:28,29.ThewrathoftheLambisdreadful;hewill tear you inpieces, andnone shalldeliver you.Bethinkyourself,therefore, in time; consider how you shall bear that weight of wrathwhich the Son of God sunk under! There is yet hope concerning thisthing:andifyehaveanymindtoescape,delayitnot:“Ifyewillinquire,inquiretopurpose;return,andcome.”Isaiah21:12.

Infer. 2. The doctrine of peculiar redemption may not be taken todiscourage or weaken the hopes of any in their coming to Chris! forsalvation;anymorethanthat“manyshallseek,andshallnotbeabletoenter,” shouldkeepmen fromstriving:but,on thecontrary,whichalsowasChrist’s intent in telling us so, it should quicken our diligence andspeed in going to him, lest the door should be shut; which is certainlyopenwhilehecalls.Supposetheworst:suppose,Isay,thatyour interestin redemptionwere only as it is, general, that is, for temporalmercies,even that deserves all you can do, andmore.What criminal is it, thatlyingathisprince’smercy,wouldnotthinkhimselfobligedtospendthetime of his reprievement in his prince’s service; especially considering,that even that service shall have its reward?Butwhywill you shut outyourself?nomanisnamelyexempted;andforanytoexcludehimself,istosinagainsthisownsoul;andtobeasecondtimeguiltyofdestroyinghimself. Put it on the trial: you can lose nothing by venturing: but allwithout.Whocantell,butyournamemaybewrittenontheHighPriest’sbreastplate;aswellasReuben’sorJudah’s?besides,youhavenowaytoprove it,butbygoing to see;whichneverany, ingoodearnestdid,buttheyfounditso.

Infer.3.Fromwhathasbeensaidofredemption,aspeculiartotheelect,with the plausible shows brought against it; I infer, the importantnecessityof“tryingthespiritsandthedoctrinestheybring,whethertheybe of God.” A plausible outside, and fair show in the flesh, are noarguments of truth in the bottom: agreeableness with nature, shouldrender things suspicious to us, rather than approved. Our best rule ofjudgment in this ease, is that of our Savior, “The tree is known by itsfruits.” And if by this we measure the general point, it will be foundwantinginwhatitpretendsto,andnotalittlereprovable:for,1.Instead

ofmagnifyingthegraceofChrist,andmeritofhissufferings, itdoes, ineffect,nullifyboth:itmakesredemptiongeneral,astopersons,butnotasto things; it redeemsthewholeofmankind frompartof theirbondage,butnopartofthemfromthewhole;oronsuchaconditionasnomaninnature is able to perform: which is too defective to be the device ofsovereign wisdom and grace. That cannot be called a catholicon, orgeneralremedy,thatsuffersitselftobegenerallyworstedbythedisease:northataperfectredemption,whichleavesstillunderbondage.Idoubtnot at all, that the blood of the Son of God in our nature is of infinitemerit; but withal, that it is of like infinite virtue and efficacy, and willforeveroperateaccordingly.But,ifthesuccessandsavingeffectsthereofshoulddependonsomethingtobedonebymen,whichredemptionitselfdothnotinvestthemwith;thenwillmencomeinforasharewithChrist,in the glory of their salvation: yea, in this case, any additionofhumanabilityannihilatesthegraceofChrist,Galatians5:2,whereas, todependonChristforsanctification,aswellasrighteousness;toexpectfromhimapower to repent and believe, as well as acceptance on your believing,giveshimhistruehonor,asentitlinghimtothewholeofyoursalvation;whichisindeedhisproperdue,findduetohimalone.Andthismaybeamain reason, whymen professing the name of Christ, are so generallystrangerstofaithandholiness:theydonotseekitatthehandsofChrist,John 5:10, as a part of his purchase; but rely on their own ability, 2.Instead of laying a foundation for faith, and a help to believing: thegeneral doctrine muzzles the soul in its unbelief, on a presumption ofpower in himself to believe, when he will. We little think how muchpresumptionandcarnalsecurityderivefromthisroot;whereaspeculiarredemption,inthevigorandlatitudeofit,namely,asprocuringforusaright to faith and holiness, with the Spirit of Christ to work themeffectuallyinus,isfargreaterencouragementtoapplyourselvestoChristfor them as apart of his purchase, Philippians 1:29, and that withoutwhichwecannotpartakeoftheotherbenefitsofhisdeath.AndIcannotbutthink,thatanymaninhisrightmind,Luke8:35.ondueinquiry,anda thoroughconsiderationof thematter,wouldratherdependon sucharedemptionasredeemsfromall iniquity, thoughthepersonsconcernedinthatredemptionbebutfew,thanonthatwhichissupposedtoredeemalluniversally,onconditionoffaithandrepentance,butdoesnotredeemfrom impenitencyandunbelief. In that redemption letmypartbe, that

saves fromsin, that slays theenmity, that reconciles toGodeffectually,thatmakes an end of sin, and brings in everlasting righteousness; thatdoesnotonlybringintoasalvablestateconditionally,butworksalsoandmaintains thoseconditionsandqualifications thathave salvationat theendofthem.

Infer.4.IfChristgavehimselfaransomfortheelect,thenisredemptionalsoofgrace,andfreeaselectionitself;whichbespeaksbothourthankfulremembrance, andall self-denial.There is agreat aptness to forgetouroriginal;topaytributewhereitisnotdue,andtowithholditwhereitis.Itwasneedfulcounselofold,andnolessatthisday,“Yethatfollowafterrighteousness, looktotherockwhenceyewerehewn,”Isaiah51:1.YourRedeemer first brought you out of nothing; and when you had soldyourselvesfornought,hehimselfbecameyourransom,thoughheneededyou not; see therefore that ye ascribe all to his love. It was not anyexcellence of yours that gave you preference in redemption, nor was ityouringenuouscompliancethatmaderedemptioneffectualtoyou,(theseareslightpretences.)HadnotyourRedeemerboughtyoufromyourself,releasedyoufromyourimaginaryfreedom,andsavedyoufromunbelief,youhadneverknownwhatthisredemptionhadmeant,norwhatitistobefreeindeed.No,itwaspurelyyourRedeemer’slove:hevaluedyouasbeinghisFather’sgift;andasgiventobeonewithhimself;“Hethereforelovedyou,andgavehimselfforyou.”Whenyouwereinyourblood,andnoeyepitiedyou,no,notyourown;thenwasthetimeofhislove;eventhenheaccepted themotionmadebyhisFatherandyours,andsignedthe contract. He knew both your weight and your worth; your naturalunfitnessforhim,andaversiontothematch:healsoknewwhatitmustcost him to make you both meet and willing; and that it was sostupendousawork,thatallthehostsofheavenwouldhavebrokenunder.Hefurtherknew,thatafterallheshoulddoandsufferforyou,youcouldnot advantage him in the least; only he should have the satisfaction tohavemadeyouhappyagainstyourunrenewedwill;andyethedeclineditnot:hecame“leapingonthemountains,andskippingoverthehills”ofdeathanddifficulties,aslongingfor,anddelightingtobeinthatwork:hewasstraiteneduntilitwasaccomplished;suchwastheintensenessofhislovetoyou!Andagreatdealadohehadwithyourwills,beforeyouweremadewilling.Andforallthisheonlyexpectsyouwillcarryitworthyofso

greatalover,andsuchmannerof love:whichis, ineffect,buttoacceptof,andtocontinueinhislove,andbewillingheshouldsaveyoufreely;and own this love of his, as the immediate fountain whence yourhappinessisderived.

Infer.5.Sinceyourpropriety inredemption is founded inelecting love,“give all diligence tomake your election sure”: spare not for pains; itsfruitwillbeworthallthelaborandcostyoucanlayoutonit;ifclearinthispoint,thewholebodywillbefulloflight.Andamongotherevidencesofelection,reviewthemarksspecifiedbeforeunderthathead.Makeoutalso your interest in redemption,bywalkingworthyof redeeming love;which cannot be, but by doing and being somethingmore than others;some singular thingmustwarrant your claim to that singularprivilege:holdforth,therefore,inyourlife,theeffectsofyourunionwithChristinhisdeath:letthescopeofredemptionbethescopeofyourconversation.Youhavenosuchway,ifImaysospeak,togratifyyourRedeemer,asbylettinghimseethetravailofhissoul:athoroughnewnessoflife,withatotaldevotingyourselftoGod,willillustrateredemptionnotalittle,andproclaimconvincinglyboth itsmerit andefficacy. Itwill alsobeagoodoffice done to yourselves, as an evidence of your special concern inredemption; and much more vindicate your Christianity, than formalprofessions,oreagercontests.Andinordertothis,1.Determineto“knownothing but Jesus Christ, and him crucified;” count all things else notworth your knowing; for, in truth, all knowledge else will come tonothing. Let all, therefore, be “loss and dung, for the excellency of theknowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord,” Philippians 3:8. And study thedoctrine of his cross; that yemaynot standby andhearhimdefamed,andnothaveawordtosayforhim:soalsoobservehim,thatwhentheworld and he part, youmay know your ownMaster, and be known byhim: 2. Let nothing be so dear to you, as not to part with it for yourRedeemerwhencalledfor;andriseearlytodoit:takeupyourcross,andinure yourself to thebearingof it, before it be laidon: theLordpartedwithhisdelightforyoufrometernity;thereisnothingmorereasonable,nothingmorenaturaltoaheartrightlypostured,thantoloveandlivetohimwhodiedforyou:andwhoeverhasknownthegraceofGod,andtheloveofChristintruth,cannotbutsojudge.3.Dealwithsinaccordingtoitskind;thedreadfulnaturewhereofnothingdiscovers,norcan,buthell

itself, and the sufferings ofChrist, andmostly these: let it dienootherdeathbutthatofthecross,andthemoreitcriesouttobespared,doyoucry out themoreurgently that itmay be crucified. 4. Let notChrist bedivided: his offices are requisitely conjoined, and cannot be separatedwithoursecurity;nay,notwithoutourcertainruin.Knowhim,therefore,for your Prophet and Lord, as well as your Redeemer; and for yourwisdom and sanctification, as well as your righteousness; one and all.TakeordersfromhimasyourCaptain-general;receiveyourlawfromhismouth;whateverhebidsyoudo,doit:followhimwhereverhegoes,andcarry it asbecomeshis attendants: thearmies inheaven followhimonwhitehorses,andarrayedinwhite:benotyourowndirectorinanything,nor overhasty; stir not up your beloved until he please, but await hiscounselandconduct,aspreferringhisknowledgeof timesandseasons,withthemannerandmethodofhisworkingandprescribing,beforeyourown.5.LetnothingdivideyoufromChrist:Letnothingbutdeath,yea,letnotdeath itself separatebetweenyouandhim.Nothing, you see, couldseparatehimfromyou,nay,haditnotbeenforyou,andsuchasyouare,he had not died: “We are not our own, we are bought with a price,” 1Corinthians 6:20. which is the highest engagement in every state andduty,whetherlivingordying,tobetheLord’s,Romans14:8.

Infer.6.Christ’sgivinghimselfa ransomforyou,warrantsyour largestexpectationofgoodthingsfromhim:whatsinstoogreattobepardoned?oriniquitiessostubbornasnottobesubdued?Hebrews9:14.orgracesso precious as not to be obtained? The Lord delights in nothing morethanmercy;theonlybarwassin;whichbeingdissolvedbythebloodofChrist, grace and glory run freely. Themaking us kings and priests toGod,yea,“oneintheFatherandhimself,”John17:21.beingthethinghedied for, no inferior good thing can be withholden from us. Faith andholinessaregreatthingsindeed,andhighlytobevalued:yet,letmesay,thateventhese,andallothergoodthingslaidtogether,willbebutaverylittleheap,tothatgracewhichputusintoChrist;thehonorandprivilegeofunionwithhim;andthepricehehaspaidforourransom:“Hereinislove,“ThatGodsenthisSontobethepropitiationforoursins!”1John4:10.Thepurchaseispaid,releasesaresealed,andheinpossession;allthings are ready: it is nowbut his giving forth the revenue that lies byhim,whichalsohedelightstodo.

Other notes of use this doctrine affords, which I can but touch, asJonathan the honey: 1. It shews the high esteem that God has for hischosen;whom“hewenthimselftoredeem,andpurchasedwithhisownblood,” 2 Samuel 7:23. Acts 20:28. 2. That by this standard thosefavorites of heaven should value themselves; not weighing the world’scontempt, nor clouding those marks of worth redemption has put onthem.3.Itshewsthecontagiousnatureofsin;thedeadlyvenomwhereofnothingbutthepreciousbloodoftheholyonecouldpossiblysubdue,norwithstand the torrentof that fiery lake; as also itsdreadfulness, in thatthe Son of God died in the conflict. 4. It argues the greatness andpreciousnessofthesoul;theredemptionwhereofhadceasedforever, ifChrist, theSonofGodhadnotmadehis own soul anoffering for it. 5.That theworld is not a little beholden toGod’s people for all the goodthings they possess; for they have them on their account, and shouldthereforesufferforthem.6.ThatGodwillnotlightlypassbythewrongsdone to his people: redemption hasmade them kings,Revelation 5:10.againstwhomevenhardspeechesarecriminal:howseverelythenwillhemake inquisition forblood!Psalm9:12.7.It argues the absoluteness ofelection, for that an infinite price was irrevocably decreed and paid toconfirm its title. 8. It also evinceth the absolute freeness andindependencyofelectinglove,sincecreaturescouldnotpossiblydeserveorbeworthyofsogreataransom.9.Itinferstheexceedingweightinessofthatglory,whichrequiredsovastaprice,andcouldnotbehadforless.Lastly, It furtheryieldsa chief cornerstone for the saints’perseverance:for,1.Theyarenotnowattheirowndisposal;redemptionhastransferredtheirtitletoanother,wholovesthembetterthantoleavethemexposedto a second lapse, from which there is no recovering. 2. Redemptionbeingavaluableconsideration,andsoaccepted,even therighteousnessofGodisengagedtosavethem;andmustthereforeprevent,remove,oroverrule whatever would hinder that salvation. On all which accounts(andothers)redemptionshouldbemuchthesubjectofourdiscourseandcontemplation: it was the firstborn promise after the fall; by therepetitionswhereof,andfurtherexplanations,theLordhasperfumedthebreath of all his holy prophetswhichhave been since theworld began.OurLordandSaviorhimselfwasfrequentlyspeakingofit;whichshewsthathismindwasmuchonit,andthatthesamemindshouldbeinus.Itisathemethatglorifiedsaintstakepleasuretodilateon;witnessMoses

andEliasontheholymount,Luke9:31,andJohn,wrappedintoheavenon theLord’sday, found themat this servicebefore the throneofGod,Revelation1:10,chapter5:9.12,13,whereIcannotbutmake,bytheway,threeobservations,1.Thatthesaintsinheavenwerecelebratingtheworkofcreation,andthatofredemption,bothinoneday;anditwastheLord’sday:agoodargumentforourLord’sdaysabbath!2.ThattheyascribethesamegloryandhonortotheLambthatwasslain,astohimthatsitsonthethrone;anevidentproofofChrist’sdivinity!And,3.Thatthegroundof their triumphandexultationwasnot thegeneralpoint (nospeechofthat in heaven,) but peculiar redemption: a good confirmation of thepresenttruth.Andfurther,ourLordandSaviorstillbearsabouthimthemarks of his crucifixion; he appears “as a Lamb that had been slain,”Revelation5:6,andheglories in it.“Iamhethatwasdead,”Revelation2:8, and 1:18, andwith thesemarks hewill appearwhenhe cometh tojudgetheworld,Zechariah12:10.Tillwhen,theLord’sday,anditsmostsolemn ordinance, are for an unchangeable remembrance of him, 1Corinthians 12:26. Whatever therefore befalls us, should remind us ofthisglorioustransaction:ifitbeevil,thatredemptionhassavedfromtheevil of it; if good, redemptionhaspurchased it forus;whether goodorbad in itself, redemption will sanctify it to us. But when ye think ofheaven,andtheheavenofheavens,asyourportion,withallthatheavenlyviaticum(angelsfood,andbetter)thatattendsyouateverystage,“untilye appear before God in Zion,” Psalm 84:7, especially when ye areadmiring,forwhatitisyecannotthink,Isay,whenyeareadmiringthattranscendent glory which shall arise from that ineffable oneness, to bethencompletedbetween theFatherandChrist, andhis saints, saywiththat heaven born psalmist, “What shall I render to the Lord for all hisbenefits?”And answer yourself with him; “I will take (not this or thatsinglebenefit,but,)thecupofsalvation(gloriousredemption,whichthatcupsignifieth,)andcallonthenameoftheLord.”Allthedivineattributescenter in redemption, as light and heat in the sun, and are thencesavinglyreflectedonmenredeemed:andthisthemostcompendiouswayof beholding the glory of God, and of celebrating our dear boughthappiness.Something,perhaps, likethismaythat“fruitof thevine”be,thoughunspeakablybeyondit,whichChristandhisdisciples“shalldrinknewinhisFather’skingdom,”Matthew26:29.“whenhethatsowed,andwe that reap, shall rejoice together,”John4:36.Therefore, “tohimthat

loved us, andwashed us from our sins in his own blood, be glory anddominion forever, Amen.” Revelation 1:5, 6. 11. That the purpose orintent of Christ’s death cannot be frustrated; that is, those for whomChristdiedshallcertainlyobtainallthebenefitsaccruingbyhisdeath.

All thecounselsofGod frometernity;allhispromisesanddeclarationsholding forth those counsels; andallhisdispensations inorder to theiraccomplishment;haveaspecialrelationtoChristasdyingforhispeople,andtheiractualsalvationthereby,as theendthereof.Nowtheendofathing, is that forwhich the thing itself is; andbut forwhich, ithadnotbeen;itisthatthechiefagentprincipallypurposeth,andaimsat;andifhebewise,hewillcertainlyuseandappointsuchmeans,andordertheminsuchmanner,thatthethingdesignedshallnotmiscarry.Menindeedmay miss of their end; they aim at this, and that is produced, as inbuilding the tower of Babel: but this is still from some imperfection inthemselves; either the thing itself is not feasible, or the way to itimprudentlycontrived,orthemeansundulyapplied;theirmindsalter,orthey aremade to desist by a power above them, etc. Butwith the onlywiseandalmightyGoditisnotso,noneofthosethingswhichimpedethedesignsofmencanhappen tohis; there canbenoothereventof thembut what he intended; the least of his purposes shall not sufferdisappointment,much less that great design of men’s salvation by thedeath of his Son. That the thing itself is feasible, is attested by thatinnumerablecompanyalreadyinheavenonhisaccount.Itwassowiselycontrived, that all interests concerned are secured and satisfied:God isjust in justifying; the sinner saved,whilevengeance is takenonhis sin;andChristwellpleasedwithaseedtoservehim.Thewayofobtainmentissuchaswillcertainlycompasstheend;thedivinepowerisengagedinit; which rests not in the least on the concourse or compliance of anymutable agent, or frustrable instrument. His heart cannot be taken offfrom it; it is that his blessed thoughts have run on from eternity; andthosethoughtsofhisstandfast toallgenerations.And lastly,nohigherpowercansupersedehisdecree;heissovereignLord,andcontrollethall.

Toconfirmthepoint,takethefollowingarguments.

Arg,1.Isfromredemptionitself;where,1.Thegreatnessoftheprice;2.The kind or manner of payment; and, 3. The scriptural import of the

word,arenotalittleconsiderable.

1.Fortheprice:itwasthelifeoftheSonofGod;whosepersonaldignitywassuchasputa transcendencyofmeritonhisdeath,which thereforecouldnotbepartedwithforadoubtfuloruncertainpurchase;norcouldanyobtainment, inferior to salvation, compensate theprice. In this liesthestressoftheapostle’sargument;who,tosetforththehappystateofGod’select,andtoprovethemoutofdanger,bringsinthepriceoftheirredemption;“Whoshallcondemn?It isChristthatdied,”Romans8:33.Theeminencyoftheperson,andthesufferingshesubmittedto,astheygreatlyillustratehis lovetomen;sotheystronglyaffirmandensuretheevent of his death: “For, if reconciled toGod, by the death of his Son,muchmoreshallwebesavedbyhislife,”chapter5:10.

2.Thekindormannerofpayment;itwasbysuffering.Hadtheransombeenofthenatureofdepositablethings(namely,tosecuresatisfaction,incasethetreatytookeffect,andtoberesumed,incaseitsucceedednot,)ithadmuchalteredthematter;therehadnogreatdamageaccruedtothedepositor; he might have received his own again, though not withadvantage:butsufferingsonceundergonecannotberecalled:theyareaswater spilt on the ground; they cannot be gathered up again, unless intheirfruits,namely,intheaccomplishmentoftheendtheyweredesignedfor;which,dulyweighed,willnotallowredemptiontobeconditional,noritsintendedeffectstodependonthingscontingent.Besides,thatwhichisinfinite, will not admit of addition; nor can that which has all worthentirelywithinit,findanythingofworthwithoutitselftodependon.Butthis,methinks,shouldnotneedarguing,sinceitissoapparent.

3.Fromthescripturalusageand importof theword:whichshews, thatredemption has made eternal life our due; and that all supposableconditions, all manner of graces, means, and helps, which must comebetween our natural state and glory, with glory itself, were allintentionally in thedesignof it,purchasedby it,andcontained in it;asthestalkwhichtheflowermustgrowon,isvirtuallyinthesameseedwiththe flower itself. Redemption doth not only allowmen their book, andsavethemincasetheycanread(that isaheartlessnotion,)butenablesthemtoread,andthat inpointofwill,aswellasknowledge.Faith is tosalvation,as liveryandseizinare topossession; theyarenopartof the

pricenorconditionofyourright,butalegalandnotifyingintroductiontoyouractualenjoyment;yea,thepurchasemoneyentitlesyoutothem,aswell as to the inheritance. As we can ask nothing of God eitherwarrantablyorsuccessfully,butasentitledtheretobyredemptionso,onredemption’s account, yemay ask any thing that has a tendency to itsend;yemayclaimfaith inordertosalvation,aswellassalvationastheendofyourfaith.

And now, that redemption doth not barely make men releasable, orcapableofbeingsaved,butdoth,by itsownpropervirtue,prosecute itsendtoperfection,thattheactualcompletesalvationofredeemedonesisboundupinit,andwhatevermighthinderittakenoutoftheway,Ishallclear by a short induction of particulars. 1. Redemption importssatisfaction.Withoutthistheworldhadnotbeenreconciled;norcoulditbesaid,“Thepleasureof theLordhasprospered inhishand;”butboththese are affirmed, Isaiah53:10.“It pleased theLord to bruise him.” Itdoesnotintendonly,thatitwasthepleasureorwillofGodthat,thethingshouldbedone,butthathewaswellpleasedbythedoingofit;thatis,hewas again pacified towards us, in whose stead he suffered; his justicebeing thereby atoned. And this very reason ye have annexed in Isaiah42:21. “The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness” sake; he shallmagnifythe law,andmakeithonorable;” that is,by levyingsatisfactiononChrist:which also accordswith and explicates that inRomans 3:31.“Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, weestablishthelaw.”Itisfurtherconfirmedby2Corinthians5:19.“Godwasin Christ reconciling the world to himself:” this must be reciprocallyunderstood, for else the breach had continued: but, surely, the Lordwould not be at such cost to have his work but half done; for what isreconciliation,buttherenewaloffriendshiponbothsides!andthatthisisChrist’sownsenseontheword,isevidentbyMatthew5.23,24.“Ifthybrotherhasaughtagainst thee, goandbe reconciled to thybrother.” Itmust,therefore,takeinGod’sreconcilementtous,aswellasourstohim;whichcouldnotbewithoutsatisfaction;his justicewouldnotpermit it;hewillbynomeansclear theguilty.And, toput itbeyonddispute,ourgrandcreditorproclaimshim.selfsatisfied,byhissendingfromheaventoreleaseoursurety,Matthew28:2.Itwastosay, ineffect, thathehadno farther demands onus. 2.Redemption also imports justification, or

freedom from guilt, Ephesians 1:7, “In whom we have redemptionthroughhisblood,theforgivenessofsins,”Romans3:24.“Beingjustifiedfreely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ,”Romans5:9,Galatians3:13.“Christ has redeemedus from the curse ofthe law,beingmadeacurse forus:heblottedout thehandwriting thatwasagainstus,nailingittohiscross;”Colossians2:14.3.It importstheeviction,vanquishing,orbindingofthestrongman,whowouldnotelsehaveletgotheprey,norhavelefthispossession;“Bydeathhedestroyedhimwhohadthepowerofdeath;thatis,thedevil,”Hebrews2:14.“Bythebloodofhis cross,he spoiledprincipalities andpowers, and triumphedoverthem,”Colossians2:15.4.Itimportsfreedomfromthepowerofsin,Romans6:6.“OuroldmanwascrucifiedwithChrist,thatthebodyofsinmightbedestroyed;thathenceforthweshouldnotservesin:“onwhichitfollows,“Hethatisdead,namely,withChrist,isfreedfromsin,”verse7.And “sin shall not have dominion over you,” verse 14. 5. It importsinherent holiness, or sanctification, Colossians 1:21. “You, who weresometimesenemiesinyourminds,nowhashereconciled,inthebodyofhis flesh, throughdeath, topresentyouholy,”verse22.Hebrews10:10,We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ,”Romans6:18.“Beingthenmadefreefromsin,yebecametheservantsofrighteousness.” And that it was by virtue of Christ’s death, appears byverse8.“ForifwebedeadwithChrist,weshallalsolivewithhim.”It ishis blood which “purges the conscience from dead works, to serve thelivingGod,”Hebrews9:14.6.Itlikewiseimportsresurrection,John6:54,55.“Iwillraisehimupatthelastday;formyfleshismeatindeed,”(thatis, as crucified.) Christ dying,was the death of death,Hosea 13:14. “InChristshallallbemadealive,”2Corinthians15:22.7.It furtherextendsto the actual possession of redeemed ones with blessedness and glory,Romans8:30“Whomhejustified,themheglorified.”Libertyofenteringinto the holiest, is by the blood of Jesus, Hebrews 10:19. “Thou hastredeemedustoGodbythyblood,”Rev:5:9,10.Itisthevoiceofthoseinheaven.Now,thatalltheseareinredemption,isevident;andasevidentit is, that redemption, thus qualified, is not, cannot be, liable tofrustration, for itbringsus toheaven;and thenwearesurebeyond thereachofdanger.AndforthisitwasthatPaulcarednot(heneednotcare)“toknowanything,incomparison,butJesusChrist,andhimcrucified,”1Corinthians2:2.Itistrue,theresurrectionofChrist,hisascension,sitting

atGod’srighthand,andintercession,havetheirrespectiveinfluenceintoallthesegloriousprivilegesandpartsofeternalglory;buttheyallspringfromhiscrucifixion;ifhehadnotdied,hehadnotbeenapriestforever,asheis.

Argument 2. The end of redemption cannot be frustrate, because therighteousnessofChristis,atleast,asprevalentandeffectualtohisseed,as Adam’s transgression was to his. All his posterity, indeed, wereinvolved in the curse; yet, so that there still remained, through theintervention of grace, a possibility of release; but the righteousness ofChrist has so perfectly recovered and established his seed, that theirjustified state can never be lost: and the reason is, because grace hasoutdone sin, and gone beyond it; “grace has abounded much more,”Romans 5:20. Which superabounding of grace cannot refer to thesubjectsofgrace,asiftheyweremoreinnumberthanthesubjectsofsin;for sin cameon all, and grace cannot comeonmore than all: but. it ismeantoftheprevalentefficacyofgrace,andthepermanencyofitseffectstowardsallthatarethesubjectsofit:andthenceitis,thatgraceissaidtoreignthroughrighteousness,andthattoeternallife,Romans5:21.

Argument3. If the endofChrist’sdeathmightpossiblybe frustrate, aspossibly might the main end of God’s making the world sufferdisappointment.Allthingsweremadeforhimself;andbythisscaletheyascendtohim;theworldfortheelect,andtheelectforChrist;andChristforGod.Allhisworkspraisehim;butaboveallthatofredemption,asofhighest note and eminency.Most conspicuously doth the glory of Godshineforth in the faceofChristasdying,andasdying forsuchanend,namely,thesalvationofhispeople.ItisthechiefofthewaysofGod,theverymeridian and height of his glory, (not essential, but manifestive,)bothinthisworld,andthattocome.Redemptionwasdesignedtoglorifyallthedivineattributes;itthereforebehoovedsotobelaid,thatofallhisdesigns,thismightbesuretosucceed:fordobutsubtractthecertaintyofitseffect,andleavehisredeemedinaperishablecondition,anditdrawsablemish,insteadofbeauty,onallthedivineattributes.For,1.TheendofGod’s setting forth Christ as a propitiation, was to declare hisrighteousness in the “remission of sins,” Romans 3:25. which it doesdoubly,1.Thatwithoutsatisfaction,sinwouldnotbe justlyremitted.2.

Thatsatisfactionbeinggiven,itcouldnotjustlybeimputed,chapter8:34.Butifthoseforwhomsatisfactionhasbeengiven,shouldnotbejustifiedand saved, divine justicewould be as liable to impeachment, as if theyhadbeensavedwithout:andso the thingdesigned for thehonorofhisrighteousness, would turn to its disparagement. 2. It would not accordwiththeloveandgoodnessofGodtowardshiselect,thatthatwhichwasmeantfortheirrecovery,andwasalsoapricewellworthytheirransom,shouldpossiblyturntotheirdeepercondemnation;forsoitmustiftheybenoteffectuallysaved,John3:19.ThiscouldnotbethatpleasureoftheLord, which should prosper in the hands of Christ. 3. It would not beaccordingtothefaithfulnessandtruthofGod,thatChristshouldfailofthat he was promised, and earnestly looked for, as the fruit of hissuffering;whichwasa“seedtoservehim,”Isaiah53:10.Thethoughtsofwhich were matter of complacency to him from everlasting, Proverbs8:11. But if those he died for, should not only abide in the samecondemnation he came to deliver them from, but under a much sorervengeancethanifhehadnotundertakenforthem:howgrievouswoulditbetohim,andcontradictorytothefaithfulnessofGod:4.Anotherendofredemptionwas, that themanifoldwisdomofGodmight shine forth inthe sight of angels andmen. “Christ crucified is thewisdomofGod,” 1Corinthians 1:24. But if it were so contrived, that the thing chieflydesignedmightpossiblymiscarry,itwouldbenoillustrationofwisdom.Willoneofcommonprudencepartwithhisjewelsandchoicesttreasure,and leave his purchase knowingly under hazard? Men, indeed, maypossiblywastetheirestatesintrialsandessaysthatcometonothing;butdid they foresee the event they would not so expose their prudence toreproach, chapter 5. The greatness and power of God would suffer aneclipse if itwere in the power of creatures to defeat hismostwise andholydesigns;andhindertheaccomplishmentofhisgreatestwork.WhatwouldtheEgyptianssay,butthathedestroyedthem,becausenotabletogothroughwith that he undertook?Lastly. If the end of Christ’s deathmightpossiblybe frustrated, then thatblessedproject forglorifying thegrace of God might possibly be disannulled and come to nothing; fornonebutsavedonesdo,orcan,glorifythatgrace.

Argument4.Another argument for the sure effects ofChrist’s death, isthathehasthemanagementofthewholeworkcommittedtohimself;as

well the application of redemption, as the procurement of it.He is therepository, root, and treasury,where all the benefits of redemption arelaidup;andthegreatAlmonerbywhosehandtheyaredispensed.Adamwas no more a public person after his fall: the new stock was notentrusted with him, but put into the hands of Christ, who will give abetteraccountofit.

Argument5.ThereisnothingwantingtoourLordandRedeemer,whichmightanywayconducetothefinalcompletionofhiswork.Therearefivethingsmainlyrequisite tomakeagreatundertakingsuccessful,namely,authority, strength, understanding, courage, and faithfulness: allwhichtheCaptainofoursalvationiseminentlyinvestedwith:TheFatherloveththeSon,andhasgivenallthingsintohishands,”John3:35.

1.Authority:hewasappointedtohisoffice,for,asMediator,theFatherisgreaterthanhe:“Hecamenotofhimself,buttheFathersenthim,”John9:42. He was “called of God,” Hebrews 5:4, 5. It was laid on him andundertakenbyhim,inthewayofcovenant,Isaiah42:6,andconfirmedbyanoath,Hebrews7:21,nevertobereversed;whichalsomaypartlybethemeaningofGod theFathersealinghim,John6:27. “Thegovernment islaidonhisshoulder,”Isaiah9:6.Hehas thekeyofDavidcommitted tohim, Revelation 3:7, which shows the absoluteness of his authority:withouthim,nomancanliftuphishand,orhisfoot,inalltheearth.

2. Strength, or power: these cannot bewanting to him, if all in heavenandearthbesufficientforit:forthishehas,Matthew28:18,andhehasittothisend,thathemightgiveeternallifetoasmanyasheundertookfor,John17:2,whichiftheyshouldmissof,itwouldbesaidthatallhispowerwasnotabletosavethem.Hethatmadetheworld,issurelywellabletogovernit,andtooverrule“whatevercomesintoit:hewouldneverhavesufferedsin,theonlyenemy,toinvadeit,ifhecouldnothavequelleditatpleasure; their “Redeemer is strong: the Lord of hosts is his name; heshallthoroughlypleadtheircause,”Jeremiah50:14.Hemust“reignuntilhe shall have put all enemies both under his own feet and ours,” 1Corinthians15:25.

3.Understanding,orknowledge: this cannotbewanting tohim,who isthe wisdom of the Father: the Lord has given him the “tongue of the

learned,thathemightspeakwordsinseasontohimthatisweary,”Isaiah50:4.Heknowshiswork;whatitis;howtoeffectit;andwhotheybethatareconcernedinit.1.Heknowswhathisworkis;itwas,inshort,“toseekand to save that which was lost: “not to bring them into a salvablecondition, as some speak, but to save them, and that from their sinsMatthew1:21.Hecametoopentheblindeyes;andtoborethedeafears;to restore thewithered limbs; to cleanse the lepers; toheal the sick; toraisethedead;tocastoutdevils;topreachthegospel;andtocausethoseit belongs to, to hear and receive it: he knows they are dead, and heknowsaswellthatheistoquickenthem;andthencewehaveitinJohn5:25. the “dead shall hear and live;” and chapter 10:16. “Other sheep Ihave;themalsomustIbring,andtheyshallhearmyvoice.”Heisalsotokeep them, and to look to them, so asnot onebe lost, John 17:12. 2.2.chapter6:39, and, finally, to raise themupat the lastday: and so takethemtoheavenwithhim:allwhichhe isperfectlyacquaintedwith; hisworkisbeforehim,Isaiah40:10.2.Asheknowshiswork,whatit is,sothebestseasonandmethodforitsperformance.Hecameinthefullnessoftime;whenthingswereripeforhiscoming:Hecamethenwhentherewasmostneedofhim;thedevil’skingdomatthehighest;hisoraclesingreatest credit; the world overwhelmed by the Roman power; and thetrue religion almost totally depraved among the Jews. It argues adexterousundertaking,totakeanenemyinhisrough,athishighestpitchof strength and confidence, and throw him on his back; to succor adistressed friend or ally, when brought under foot, and set him on hishigh places. This the scripture calls, “a strengthening of the spoiledagainstthestrong,”Amos5:9,andthusdothourLordJesusChrist,whoispartly,therefore,saidtobeofquickunderstanding,Isaiah11:3.Inallhisundertakingshedealsprudently,chapter52:13.AndtothisitisthatHannahascribedsuccess:“TheLordisaGodofknowledge,andbyhimactionsareweighed,”1Samuel2:3.Heknowswhotheyareforwhomheistodoit.Thefruitsofhisdeatharenottobegivenincommon;theyfallnotindifferentlyonmen,asrainonallsortsofground:heknowswhomhecametoredeem;nottheirnumberonly,buttheirpersons;theywereallwritteninhisbook:andsowellisheversedinit,that“hecalleththemall by their names,” John 10:3. he does not omit any, nor call one foranother: he knows whom the Father has chosen and given to him,chapter 17:2.6.hecanneither forget them,normistake them; theyare

writteninhisbreast,andonthepalmsofhishands,Isaiah49:16.

4. To a great undertaking is required courage or greatness of spirit, toconfrontopposition,andcutthroughdifficulties:andifthisbewanting,all other endowmentswill signify little as to success.And howwas ourLordandRedeemerqualifiedas to this!Whenhewasentering intohispassion,againstwhichheprayed,“Ifitwerepossiblethatthiscupmightpassfromhim;”hethenneededcourageintheabstract,andwefindthathehaditanswerably.Inthe50thofIsaiah,theprophetbringshiminasputtingonhisarmorofproof;“thereforehaveIsetmyfaceasaflint,andIknowthat I shallnotbeconfounded,”Isaiah50:7.In the greatness ofthishisstrengthdidhetravelthroughallthosecontradictionsofsinners,temptations,reproaches,blasphemies,etc.Andwhenhishourwascome,hedidnotrecoil,norhidehimselffromthem;no,norstaytilltheycamewherehewas,butgoes tomeet them,John18:4.And thoughhemighthavehadmore than twelve legionsofangels forasking,hewaives theirassistance,andhisownsinglepersonundertakesboththisworldandthepowersofdarkness,yea,andthewrathofhisFathertoo,whichwasmuchmoregrievous,andoffargreaterterrorthanalltherest:andinallthishewasalone,therewasnonewithhim;andthatanangelappearedtohimfromheaven strengthening him, Luke 22:43, itwas rather a token andpartofhisdeephumiliation(thatthemightyGodshouldseemtowant,andsoadmittheprofferedserviceofhiscreature),thanalesseningofhissufferings.Nowallthiswasfortheprocurementofredemption;andcanhethenbewantingtotheeffectualapplicationofit?Hecannotshrinkatthe sight of straggling parties, that has won the pitched battle, andremainsabsolutemasterofthefield;forthisalso,wehaveasurewordofprophecy, “He shall not fail nor be discouraged, until he have setjudgmentintheearth,”Isaiah42:4.

5.Faithfulness;thisalsoisagrandandnecessaryqualificationforahighundertaking; and for thisourRedeemer is also signally eminent.TodotheFather’swill,wasthathecameaboutfromheaven:andthiswashiswill, “That of all he had given him he should lose nothing; but shouldraiseitupatthelastday,”John6:38,39.thatis,thatheshouldgivethemeternallife,chapter17:2.Andwefindhimprofessing,thathehaddoneitaccordingly,verse12,andthathewilldoit,verse8.26.accordingtohis

promisesooftenrepeatedinthe39th,40th,44th,45thversesofthe6thofJohn.Andhekeepstheminfaithfulnesstohistrust,namely,“ThattheScripturemightbefulfilled,”John17:12.Judaswas letgo, to fallbyhisowntransgression;whomdoubtlesshecouldandwouldhavekeptashedidtherest,hadhebeen,astheywere,committedtohischarge: forhegives to every one according as he received for them, as is seen bycomparingPsalm6818,withEphesians4:8.Intheoneplaceitissaid,hereceived gifts for men; and in the other (which is a quotation of theformer) he gave gifts to men: those, therefore, for whom he receivedeternal life, cannot fail of it, unless he should fail of his trust; which,indeed,hecannotdo; for,he is faithful inallhishouse,Hebrews 3:5,6,andthatasaSon;andjointinterest,youknow,isanaturalandprevalentobligationtofaithfulness.Ifanyshouldoffertodispossesshim,hewouldanswer as Naboth did Ahab; “God forbid that I should part with theinheritance of my fathers,” 1 Kings 21:3. And this faithfulness furtherappears,inthathemakesitamainpartofhisbusiness,nowinheaven,tohavethisworkperfected;“heeverlivethtomakeintercessionforthem,”Hebrews7:25.Thereisgreatweightputonthis,inRomans8:34.“Whoishethatcondemneth?ItisChristthatdied;yea,rather,thatisrisenagain—whoalsomakethintercessionforus;”andthesumofhisprayeris,thatthosegiventohimmight,bekeptfromevil;thattheymightbeoneintheFather and himself; and that they may be where he is, to behold hisglory,”John17:24.21.15.Now,then,ifthesalvationofthosehediedforwas the end of his death: and the price that he paid well worthy thepurchase:if itbetheFather’swill thattheyshouldbesaved: ifalsothissalvationbe the thing forwhich he prays, andwhatsoever he asketh ofGod,hewillgiveit,John11:22.Itneedsmust follow,“thatthe intentofhisdeathcannotbefrustrated.”

Yetdoesnotthistruthgounopposed;notforanyfaultofitsown,butthatitwillnot giveplace toanother,whichundulyaffects thepreeminence.Denied in terms it is not; nonewill say directly, that Christ’s intent indyingmaybefrustrated:but,thatintentofhisisso,narrowedbysome,and clogged with conditions, as would bring it to nothing. The risewhereof,oritsuse,Iunderstandnot;butsupposethatnecessitydrovetoit,forwantofabetter,toshoreupthegeneralpoint.Ithought,atfirst,ofnoobjectionhere;but,havingsincefoundthisintheway,Iwouldputit

inthesacredbalance,andtryitsweight.Thesumallegedisthis,

Objection:ThattheintentofChrist’sdeathwasonlytobringmenintoasaleablestate;withsuchmeansandhelpsaswillbringthemtosalvation,iftheywillusethem;andthatanyarenotsaved,isfromtheirunbelief.

Answer1.Thatunbeliefisthecondemningsin,needsnoproof;butmen’snot believing in Christ is not the only, or first procuring cause of theircondemnation; but their apostasy and rebellion against God: althoughthe condemnation of those who believe not, is greatly aggravated byrejectingtheremedy;asonecondemnedfortreason,refusinghispardon,thatrefusalis,indeed,thenextandimmediatecauseofhisexecution,andperhapsshallheightentherigorofit;buthistreasonablepracticewasthefirstprocuringcauseofhisdeath;whichalsoheshouldhavesufferedfor,ifnosuchpardonhadbeenoffered.TherewillneednoaccusationfromChristtojustifythecondemnationofsinners.Moses,whoselawtheyhavebroken,shallwitnessagainsttheJews;andthelawofnatureagainsttheGentiles. That faith is the one thing necessary on our part, in order tobeingsaved,isafoundationtruth,andmostnecessarytobeknown;andas true it is, that faith adds nothing of merit or virtue to the cross ofChrist.Wheremenaresaidtobejustifiedorsavedbyfaith,itismeantoftheobjectoffaith,andnotoftheact,thoughnotwithoutit.Forasbreadmust be eaten, and taken in, before it can nourish; so must therighteousness of Christ be apprehended by faith, before we can bejustifiedbyit.Butastheactionofeatingorchewingisnotthematterorsubstanceofournourishment,butthebreadweeat;soneitherisouractofbelieving,buttherighteousnessofChristalone,apprehendedbyfaith,thematterofourjustification.But,

2.Whyshouldredemptiondependonasovereignpowertobringaboutits end?Why should so great a thing be left in the hands of a humanarbitrement,tosucceed,orbedefeated,atthepleasureofaperversewill?ThatChristshoulddie,oughtrathertohavebeenconditional,andnotthesalvation of those he should die for; and so, in prudence, should havebeendeferreduntiltheendoftheworld,toseeifanyfruitwouldcomeofit;andifnot,thennottodieatall;forwhyshouldhedieinvain?ButthatChrist should die, and that at the very time when he did, wasforedetermined of God, and confirmed with an oath; whereby it was

madenecessary,andimpossibletobereversed.Itcouldnot,then,standwiththewisdomortruthofGod,thattheendofhisdeathshouldpossiblymiscarry,orbefrustrable:whichitmustbeobnoxiousto,ifdependantonthe humanwill; a thing so fickle and uncertain, that it knows not thismomentwhatitwilldo,orpitchonthenext;besidesanaturalantipathytothethingitself:butevidentitis,thattheendhasthesameinsuranceasthemeans,namely,decree,promises,andoath.Andnow,shallsogreatsolemnity,andexpectationonitevaporate intocontingency?Christwaspromisedaseedtoservehim,andsuchasightofthetravailofhissoul,asshould satisfy him: That he “should divide the spoil with the strong,”Isaiah53:10,11.“Thattheheathenshouldbehis inheritance,Psalm2:8.“That kings should see and arise; princes also should worship,” Psalm49:7,“andhisenemiesbecomehisfootstool,”Psalm110:1.Andthis,asarewardofhissufferings;andhesitsinheaven,expectinguntilitbedone,Hebrews10:13.Andnow,shalllapsedcreaturesusurpanegativevotetotheirsovereign’swill?Shallitbeattheirpleasure,whetherhewhoisheirofallthings,shallpossesshispatrimony?Shallsinfuldustsoarrogatetoitself as to say, My Creator’s will shall be done, so mine may be thestandardofit?Shallthosestatutesofheaven,infavoroftheconditionaldoctrine,runthus?Thestrongmanarmedshallbespoiledandcastout,ifhewill:Theheathen,whosegodisthedevil,shallrenouncehim,andturntenants to Christ, if he will consent to it, and they also think it theirinterest: Kings and princes shall arise and worship him, if their owngrandeurwillbearit;andenemiesbecomehis footstool, incasetheybefreetosubmittoit,etc.WhowouldnottrembletohearsuchindignitiesputonChrist?3.TherewasnoreasonwhyChrist,theSonofGod,shoulddie for so small apurchase, as tomakemenbut conditionally salvable:thatthegreatest thing intheworldshouldbehungonsoweakapinaswouldnotbeartheweightofanapple.Icallitasmallpurchase,becausetheyhadmorethanthisinAdam:theyhadthenapurefreedomofwill,without bias to evil. But now, say you, they are helped bymotives andarguments from the danger they are in, and the benefits attainable bychanging their course: but what are these as the case stands? Whatmotiveswillmove,while insensible of that danger, and ignorant of thebenefitsproposed?Suchmotivesalso theyhadbefore, andmoreamplythannow;inasmuchasthepresentsenseofahappyconditionwasmoreattractive andprevalent to keep it, than themere proposal of a distant

andunknownprivilege canbe to attain it (for of thingsunknown,menare not desirous;) especially when things that are more suitable topresentsensearetheirs inpossession;and to leave these for those theyunderstoodnot, iscontrary to their reason: theyseeneitherdangernorprivilege, and therefore despise both. Or if they have skin-deepconvictions at times, the present content they dream to have in theirlusts,carriesthemheadlong,aswindandtide.

4.Ifrationalmotivesandargumentationswereofthatweightandefficacyfortheworkingoffaith,assomehavepretended;thenthoseofthelargestendowments of nature should be the most capable subjects, and mostlikelytobewroughton.ButdoanyofthePhariseesbelieveonhim?Donot the princes of worldly wisdom account the preaching of the crossfoolishness? Do we see men of renown for human sapience, highlypretending to moral sanctity, and the highest flown in their freewillprinciples, nevertheless to despise theways of holiness; yea, despoilingChristhimselfofhisdeity,andtheChristianreligionofitschiefestglory?Nothingmoreplaintocommonobservance!Surely,then,itcouldnotbereasonable, that this glorious redemption shall lie at the mercy of aperversewill;sincethatisthethingwhichhashindered,andwillhinder,untilitbetakenoutoftheway.Christwasbutoncedeliveredtothewillsof men, and then they crucified him, Luke 23:24, and ever since theycrucifyhiscross.“HadtheyknownhimtheywouldnothavecrucifiedtheLordofglory,”1Corinthians2:8.butsoit isinthewisdomofGod,that“theworldbywisdomknewnotGod,”chapter1:21.Thewisdomofmenneverwastheauthoroffaith,eithertothemselvesorothers,chapter2:5,the preaching of the cross is to the Jewish legalists a stumbling block,chapter 1:23, and foolishness to the rational philosopher, and those atAthens,Acts17:11.

5.ConditionalitywillnotconsortwiththescopeofChrist’sredemption,noryetwiththenatureofthebondageitrefersto:itissummarilytermed,the bondage of corruption: in parcels, it bears the name of blindness,darkness, death, hardness, unbelief, enmity, etc. And that, deliverancefromthesewastheveryscopeandendofredemption,mightbemadeoutparticularly:Ishallinstanceonlytwoorthreegenerals:“ForthispurposetheSonofGodwasmanifested, thathemightdestroy theworks of the

devil,”1John3:8.“OuroldmanwascrucifiedwithChrist,thatthebodyof sinmightbedestroyed,”Romans6:6.“God senthis ownSon, in thelikenessofsinfulflesh,andforsin,condemnedsinintheflesh,”chapter8:3.Whichtext, lest theymightseemdefective forwantofuniversality,thatalsoissuppliedinTit.2:14.“Whogavehimselfforus,thathemightredeemusfromalliniquity,”Ephesians5:25,26,27.Christgavehimselffor the church, thathemight sanctify and cleanse it, “andpresent it tohimselfagloriouschurch,nothavingspotorwrinkle,oranysuchthing.”Butwasitnotathingindesignonly,andliabletofrustration?No,itwasdeterminedandfixed;for,“heshallredeemIsraelfromallhisiniquities,”Psalm130:8,andthebloodofJesusChristhisSon“cleansethusfromallsin,”1John1:7. it is spokenof in thepresent tense,asa thingstill andalways indoing.Andthisallheremustbetakenuniversally;because, ifnotsaved from all, itwould be, in the end, as if saved fromnone: onemiteleftonthescore,bindsovertowrath;especiallyunbelief,John3:18.Whythenshouldtheyofalltherestbeexemptedordisputed?isit,thatwethinkfaithsoeasyamatter,thatweneednottroubleourmasteraboutit?Fewbelievershavefounditso:ordowethinkourselvesbetterabletodealwithourownhearts,ortruertoourinterestthanhe?Isitourhearts’deceitfulness that makes us think so: or shall we impose on Christsomethingofourstoincreasehismerits,ortomakethemeffectual?Heabhors it; for “if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing,”Galatians 5:2. or do we aspire to sit on his right hand in the glory ofredemption;Iknownotwhatitis;butamsure,thatsomethingnotrightliesinthebottom,thoughunseen.Forsincethehonorofredemptionliesin saving from sin, he that saves from unbelief, which is the capital,shares deepest in that honor: unbelief is the lock of our chain andbondage; and till that be unshot, there is no getting loose. Christ’sredemptionisnotlikethoselawsofmen,whoholdthesmall,butletthegreatonesbreakthrough:no,redemptionaimsatthehead,anditwassodesigned from the first, Genesis 3:15. But how are men saved fromunbelief?isittheirownact,oranother’s?iftheirown,thenitisofworks:whichwillnotconsortwithgrace,Rom,4:4,andchapter11:6.ifanother’sthat other does it either absolutely, or conditionally: if absolutely, theobjectionceases:ifconditionally,whatwastheconditionofit?Itcouldbenothinginusbeforewebelieved;for“whatsoever isnotof faith, issin,”Romans14:23.Itmustthenbeforanothercause,andwithoutcondition,

andthatcanbeonlyredemptionitself,fornothingelsecanpretendtoit;andthepretensionsofthataregood,forChristisexpresslysaidtobetheauthor of our faith, Hebrews 12:2, and the evangelist John affirms allgrace to be out of his fullness, John 1:16. Paul also shows, that Christapprehends us, not because we do, but that wemight apprehend him,Philippians 3:12. And further, the Holy Ghost, who is the immediateoperatorofallgrace,isshedonus,throughJesusChristourSavior,Tit.3:6.That faithwhich isnot fromChristentirely,as itsauthorandroot,willnever lead thesoul toChristas itsobjectandcenter.Butmethinksthe doctrine of conditional redemption should be for ever silenced, bythat one declaration of our Savior himself, “I am found of them thatsoughtmenot,”Isaiah65:1.Nowshallthistruthbeyielded,namely,thatChrist’sredemptionmadeanendofsin?orshallwesaythatouroldmanwas crucified all but his vital parts? that all the works of the devil aredestroyed, except hismasterpiece? that Israel is redeemed from all hisiniquities,saveonlytheworstandmostcondemning?Doesthescripturespeakfallaciously? or does vainmandeal deceitfully in his covenant? Iwouldask(withgreatseriousness,forthematterrequiresit,)whatgoodshallredemptiondous,ifitsavesonlyfromsomesins,andnotfromall?oriffromallexceptingunbelief?thiswouldtoomuchresembleapardonforpetty trespasses (petty incomparison)while theguiltofour treasonlies still on us: to purchase salvation on terms of believing, withoutpurchasing faith also, is too like an undertaking to cure a man of hisfrenzy, on condition he will be sober: what will they do, who contentthemselveswithsucharedemptionasthis?

Lastly.Considerredemptioninitstype:thepeople’ssins,underthelaw,hadnotbeenexpiatedbythesacrifice,withoutsprinklingtheblood;anditwasnot themselves that sprinkled it, but thepriest; and canwe thenthink,thatChristshedhisbloodforthoseonwhomhewillnotsprinkleit? thathewillnotgivea little faith to thosehedied for,whenwithoutthat, all thathedoethbesideswill not, profit them?hashewrought sogreat a deliverance for his servants, and now shall they die for thirst?Judges10:18.Itisimpossiblethathisloveshouldbesocooled(sincehisgoingtoheaven,)astobeindifferenttouchingthetravailofhissoul:shallheperishforwhomChristdied,forwanttoagoodword?especiallywhenthatwordcanbespokeneffectuallybynobodyelse:ifanysay,hewould,

but theywillnot; I answer, thiswillnot is theirunbelief, and thegreatthingtheyaretobesavedfrom;hethatissavedfromthat,issavedeverywhit;andthisChrististodobymakingthemwilling:awilltobelieve,isbelieving;andinthedayofhispowertheyfindit.Andforanytosay,thata will to believe is not purchased by Christ, and effectually applied byhim,butdependsonsomethingtobedonebymen,isagreatderogationfromthemeritofhissufferings; it is, ineffect, tosteala jewel fromoursovereign’scrown,andtowreathitonafool’scap.

Inferences

Infer. 1. The impossibility of frustrating the end of Christ’s death, is amanifestproofandargumentofpeculiarredemption.Forifthesalvationofthosehediedforwastheendofhisdying,andtheintentofhisdeathcannotbefrustrate,thenhehadnotinhiseyeanddesignthesalvationofthosethatarenotsaved.

Infer.2.Takeheedwhatyouhear,andhow.Bewarnofthosedoctrineswhichtendtoenervatethecovenantofgrace,reducingittoacovenantofworks,orsomewhatmoredifficult:aprincipaloneis, thatwhichmakesredemptionconditional,anddependantonsomethingtobedonebymen,whichChrist isnot thedoerof:of itsevil consequences I shallmentiontwo.

1.Itbereavesusofthatsolidgroundofcomfort(forthejoyoftheLordisourstrength)whichtheabsolutenessofredemptionintendsandofferstous, exposing our naked skin to every blast of temptation. Who canpromisethestandingofthatfabricwhichrestsonadoubtfulfoundation?Tobuildhayandstubbleontherock,hasnothalfthatdangerinitasgoldandsilveronthesand.Theoneshallbesaved,thoughwithdifficulty;theotherlosesbothhisworkandhimself:forletredemptionbeeversofirmandsolidinitself,ifyetitsstandingandefficacydependonthatwhichisfleetingandunfixed,thegroundofourconfidenceisgone:itislikethosepumpsthathavewaterwithin,butyieldyounone,unlessyoufirstputinsomeofyourown,whichyetyehavenot:likeJacob’swell,butnothingtodrawwith.Butformentoannexconditions,istoofferabartotheirownpardon;and, insteadofamendment, toaddadestructiveproviso to thebilloffreegracesthatparadoxofthepreacherseemspertinenthere:“Be

not righteousovermuch, neithermake thyself overwise:why shouldstthoudestroythyself?”Ecclesiastes7:16.

2. To make redemption dependant on our faith, attributes to createdgraceandhonorwhatisdueonlytoChrist,whichredeemedonesshouldbe very tender of.Was he alone in the obtainment of redemption, andshallwethinkheneedsacoadjutorinitsapplication?Shallweimputetothatgloriousachievementaneedofourhelptomakeitsuccessful?No!whatevergracesyehave,youmustthankredemption“forthem,andnotthem for your being redeemed. The whole constellation shines by aborrowed light they have none of their own, but what the sun ofrighteousnesscommunicatestothem.Hastthoufaith?Haveittothyself,andknowitforthygood;takeitasaneffectandevidence,butnotasthecauseofyourinterestinredemption.Eachgraceisofuseinitsplace,andbeautiful;aseachstarhasanorbofitsown;andtomoveoutofthat,istobreaktheharmonyofthespheres:evengospelgraceslegalized,losetheirexcellency. Imust say to faith in this case,Friend, sit down lower; thisplace belongs to your author; you are redemption’s creature; from thatyouhadyourbirth;andinthatyou liveandmove:yearewelcomeasaguest, yea, as a chief ruler of the feast, thoughnot as the bridegroom’scompeer.Buttruefaith,andunclouded,ismoreingenuousthantoincursucharebuke.

Infer. 2. If all merit and grace be virtually in redemption, and thencedispensed by the hand of our Redeemer himself, this yields both afriendlyreproofanddirectiontogether:reproof toexpectancyanywhereelse;anddirectiontopoorthirstingsouls,whereandhowtobesatisfied.Undoneyouareinyourselves,thatyefind;andwouldgladlyputthisruinunderthehandofChrist,Isaiah3:6,asonethatisabletorepairit.Thusfaryearerightbutsomethingyouseek inyourself thatmaystrengthenyourhope, and inducehis favor to you.Awaywith suchpretences, andfleetoyourRedeemerasyouare;for“fromhimaloneisthatfruittobefound,”Hosea14:8.Beassensibleofyourdeformityandunworthinessasyoucan,andwalkhumblyunderthesenseofit;butletitnotslackenyourpace,norabateyourhope.Ifanythingmayrenderyouworthy,thatis,asuitableobjectofmercy, it isyourcomingboldly to the throneofgracewithallyourunworthinessaboutyou.Itisadisgustfulmodestytobeshy

inacceptingfromthoseaboveus:itlooksasifwewouldnotbethoughttoneedtheirkindness;orelse,asifwethoughttheyneededourrequital;or,at least, as if we were unwilling to be obliged by them: much moreunbecomingitis,tobebackwardinacceptingtheoffersofgracefromsogreat a person as ourLord andRedeemer.O, the unnaturalnessofournaturalhearts,eventoourowngood!Wearepitifulobjectsofcharity:allfullnessisinChrist,andmaybehadforgoingfor;andyet,asifhewantedclients, he is fain tomake proclamation; “Hoi every one that thirsteth,comeye to thewaters;andhe thathasnomoney;” Isaiah65:1, and, “ifanymanthirst,lethimcometome,anddrink,”John7:37.Greatthingsare proffered; andwhat is the price?Nothing: it is but come and take;andyetthisnothingwillbefoundtobesomething;yea,athingbothofthegreatestmomentanddifficulty:itisoneofthehardestunderthesunto become nothing (nothing in ourselves,) and to fly directly to Christ,thatwemaybesomething:butgotohimevenforthis.Hadtheprodigaldeferred his return till he had better clothes on his back, and a visagemorelikethesonofsuchafather,ragsmuststillhavebeenhisclothing,andhuskshisentertainment.Dobutconsiderhowitis:JesusChristcallsyou,becauseyouareblind,tocometohimforeyesalve;andyouwillnotgountilyoucanseebetter:youarenaked,andhecallsyoutocomeandreceive change of raiment; and youwill not go until better arrayed: heoffersyougold,forheknowsyourpoverty,andyouwillnottakeituntilyouhavesomethingofyourowntogiveforit.Lookoveritagain,andseeifthisbehandsomedealingeitherwithyourselvesorhim.Itisfreegraceinredemption that is tobeglorified;but somethingof yourownwouldlessen your need of Christ, and lower your esteem of his grace; nay, itwould be a means to keep you from him, as farms and oxen did theinvitedguests from thewedding supper. Consider further; nomanwaseveracceptedofChristforwhathebroughttohim:theyarebestwelcomethatbringnothing,andyetexpectallthings.WhatdidyougivetoChrist,orwhatdidyouforhim,orevencan,thatmightmovehimtodieforyou?Yea,tobemadesin,andacurseforyou?Didhegointohelltofetchyouhence,andpawnhis soul (hisprecioussoul) foryour ransom?Andcanyouthinkthathewillstickatpettymatters?DeservedlymayyouandIbeupbraidedwith,“Ofools,andslowofhearttobelieve”Heknowswehavenothing,andwouldhaveusknowit;andwithalthathehasallthingsforus; and, for our invincible encouragement, that all things are ours in a

wayofright;hispurchasehasmade themso:wearehis invitedguests,andshallnotneedto,bringourseatandprovisionwithus.Ishalladdbutoneconsiderationmore;namely,whetheryourkeepingoff fromChrist,until fit forhispresence(asyetermit,)bethewaytobetteryourstate:search,andsee,ifsomethinglikepridebenotatthebottom:somethingyouwouldhave,ereyoucome,thatmightrenderyouacceptable;andthatyou can only have from him; and you cannot have it, but by comingwithout it.Redemptionhas in it infinitetreasuresofwhatwewant;ourRedeemerisinfinitelymorepleasedtogivethemforth,thanwetoreceivethem.Think,therefore,youarealwayshearingthatjoyfulsound,“Cometome, all ye that labor, and are heavy laden, and Iwill give you rest,”Matthew 11:28. “and he that cometh tome I will in nowise cast out,”John6:37.

Infer. 3. This gives to believers the highest encouragement in theirspiritualconflict.“For ifouroldmanwascrucifiedwithChrist, thatthebody of sinmight be destroyed,” and the intent of his death cannot befrustrate,then,“sinshallnothavedominionoveryou,”Romans6:6,12,22.thanwhichthereisnothingmorefortifiesourfaithinfightingagainstsin;nothingmorecomfortsthesoul“concerningtheworkandtoilofhishands,”Genesis5:29.For,totakeawaysinbeingtheendofredemption;tomake thework sure, Christ himself wasmade sin, imputatively, notinherently:allthesinsofthosehediedformetonhim;heandtheyweresoincorporated,asnottobeseparatedbydeath;sincouldnotdie,unlessChristdied;Christ could not diewithout beingmade sin; nor could hedie, but sinmust die with him: whole Christ, both head andmembersuniversally, were all crucified together, and they all rose together; all,excepting sin, and that he left in his grave; and let us remember it isthere.Sothatnowwehavenothingtodo,incomparison,buttotaketheprey;fortheenemyisbeatentoourhands:Eleazerslew,andthepeoplereturnedafterhimonly to spoil,2Samuel28:10, and so it ishere: andherein is the saying verified, “One soweth, and another reapeth,” John4:37.Ourbusinessnowistodisplayourgeneral’strophies;totellofhisvictories;andprepareourselvesforhistriumph,thatwemaybesuitableattendants on him at that, glorious and longed for day. There arestragglingparties, indeed,whowatch for ourhalting, and seldom, else,can they have advantage against us: but their heart is broke; and if

followed in our Captain’s victorious name, they will still be recoiling;nothing daunts themmore than to see you stand to it. Your adversarywouldmake you a bridge of gold, or any thing, even to the half of hiskingdom,soyouwouldsoundaretreat,orspeaknomoreinthatname,“Gird up, therefore, the loins of your mind;” let an holy magnanimitypossess you; asknowingyour conflict shall end in yourbeing crowned.Yourunnot foranuncertainty, therefore fightnotas theythatbeattheair: for it is nevertheless true that your enemy is stubborn; and yourconstantpursuitwillmakehimdesperate;sincehemaynothavequarter,hewilldoallhecannottodiealone;hewillstandonhisstumpswhenhislegsareoff,or lieonhisbackandfight, forhismaliceisimplacable:hewill never give over until quite out of breath: which yet he will not bewithout,whilewehave any:we expire together.Buthere lies theodds,that we, in the conflict, shall rise again withmarks of honor, and ourlaurelholdgreen toeternity;yea,weshallsitwithourgloriousCaptainin,histriumphalchariot,Revelation3:21.Butourenemy lies ineternalsilence, and his name forgot; or remembered only to heighten ourexultationandglory:only,asbefore,besureandstandtoit;setyourfaceas a flint, as your Lord andmaster did; and know, that as he was notconfounded,soneithershallyou:all.thathehad,youhaveonyourside,and themerit of his improvement added to it; what power the Fathergavetohim,hedelegatestoyou;evena“poweroverallthepoweroftheenemy: “as itwere an antidote supersedes, to invalidate all that comesagainstyou.Whereforethenshouldyoudoubt:thoughtheycomeaboutyou likebees, “in thenameof theLord you shall destroy them,”Psalm118:12.Remembertheadvantagesyouhave;besidesthebruisingofyourenemy’shead,andthatincurably,yourownHeadisinheaven;andheisthereasonamount,tobeholdbothyoursandyourenemy’sposture,andto send in relief,which he never fails to do at a dead lift, Isaiah 41:17,chapter26:4.And“hemakesintercessionforyou,”Hebrews7:25.Whileyou are fighting, his hands are up, andneverweary, and therefore youmay be confident of success. Itwas by virtue of his prayer that Peter’sfaithdidnot fail,whentherewasbutahair’sbreadthbetweenhimanddeath;thedevilwinnowed,butChriststoodby,and“heldthewindinhisfists,”Proverbs30:4.Jeremiah31:11.But,

Lastly.Supposeyoubefoiled;thingsgonotwithyouastheywerewont,

asyouexpected;andthatcastsyoubackinyourfaith;makesyoucryout,“Ifitbeso,whyamIthus?”Genesis25:22.HeretheLordsaystoyou(asonce to his servant Joshua,) “Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thusdiscouragedonthyface,”Josh.7:10.Thereissomethingtobedone;findoutthetroublerofthypeace,andgiveitnoquarter;andifitbetoohardforthee,ascertainlyitwill,callinthemercypromisedinPsalm12.“Fortheoppressionofthepoor,forthesighingoftheneedy,nowwillIarise,saiththeLord,andsethiminsafetyfromhimthatpuffethathim,”verse5.Andthengoonwithyourwork:letnothingstopyouofyourboastinginthisregion,thisupperregionofgracethatisinChristJesus;inthatletyour strength be renewed, the journey else will be too great for you, 1Kings19:7,8,andinthatstrengthsoaraloft;takethewingsofthateagle,andmount towards heaven; above all the smoke and dust both of selfabilityandselfweakness.Makeyour“boastofGodallthedaylong:intheLordhaveIrighteousnessandstrength:“OfmyselfIcandonothing;butthroughChrist(thestrengthIhavefromhisredemption)nothingshallbetoohardforme.“Odeath,whereisthysting?Ohell,whereisthyvictory?Thestrengthofdeathissin,andthestrengthofsinisthelaw:butthanksbe to God, who giveth us the victory, through our Lord Jesus Christ.Amen,”ICorinthians15:55,56,57.

Chapter4:EffectualCalling

ThedoctrineofCalling,(whichItermEffectual,distinguishitfromthatwhichisoutwardonly,andprevailsnot)respectsthemeanswhereby,andthemannerhow,God’selectareactuallyprepared for that salvation hehaschosenthemto:itisGod’srevealinghisSoninthem;andhedoethitby the Holy Ghost, whose office is to sanctify whom the Father haselected,andChristredeemed,1Peter1:2,Judeverse8.Thesethreeactsof grace are peculiar to the three persons of the sacred Trinity,respectively, and are all predicated of the same subjects; and that as aparty select, anddistinguished fromothers: theyare “chosenoutof theworld,”John15:19. “redeemed fromamongmen,”Revelation 14:4, andtaken“fromamongtheGentiles,”Acts15:14.

Next to the glory of his grace, and the honor of his Son, the Lord hasplacedtheblessednessofhischosenasthatprincipalscopeandendofallhehasdoneintheworld,orwilldo.Itcouldnot,therefore,standwithhisholywisdom,toleavethosehewaspleasedtochoosetosalvation,totheconductoftheirownunderstandingandwill,withsuchmeansandhelpsas they have in common with other men, and thereon to suspend thewholeofhisgreatdesign;forbysuchacourseitwouldnotonlybeliabletofrustration,butbecertainlydefeated.Forpreventionwhereof,andthatthepurposeofhisgracemightstand,hehasmadeitofthesubstanceofpredestination,toprepareandapplythemeans,aswellastoappointtheend;whichinsacredlanguageistermeda“givingofallthingspertainingtolifeandgodliness.”2Peter1:3.

The sum of what I intend on the present subject is comprised of thefollowingproposition;namely,

Prop. Thatwhatever things are requisite to salvation, are given ofGodfreely to all the elect; and wrought in them effectually, by the divinepowerinordertothatsalvationtowhichhehasappointedthem.

By salvation here, I understand the saints’ perfect settlement inblessedness and glory: and, by things requisite thereto, all those gifts,

graces, and operations, that are any where necessary to their actualobtainment of that state. The divine power, is that ability of workingwhichGodhasreservedtohimself;andisnotmovedorgovernedbythecreature’sact,butbythegoodpleasureofhisownwill.

Thatdiversthingsarerequisitetosalvation,needsnoproof:mybusinessthereforeistoshow,

1.Whattheserequisitestosalvationare.

2.WhatrootitistheyproceedRomans

3.Whomtheydobelongto,andbywhatright.

IV.ThewayandmannerofGod’sdispensingthem.

1.Whattheserequisitestosalvationare.

Theyare threesorts;sometobedone forus;someonus,or inus;andothersbyus;yet soasnotwithout thespecialaidandassistanceof thefirstagent, thatgoodSpiritwhobeganthework,andworkethall in all.Thegreatthingtobedoneforus(nextafterelection,)isredemptionfromsin:thiswasaworkofinfinitemoment,andasfarabovetheundertakingofcreatures,’for,1.ThejusticeofGodthatmustbesatisfied,bybearingthe curse due to transgressors: by this we are saved from wrath; andwithoutthis,divinejusticewillnotopenthehouseofhisprisoners.2.Allrighteousnessmust be fulfilled by an absolute perfect subjection to thelaw:bythis,weareinterestedineternallife;andwithoutthis,thereisnoentering into rest. 3. The devil, who had the power of death, must bedestroyed, and hisworks of darkness (bywhich he leads captive at hiswill)dissolved; that lifeand immortalitymightbebrought to light, andthepreydelivered.Noneofwhichworks could everhavebeeneffected,butbyoneofthesamenaturewiththeaggressing,andyetequalinpowerand dignity with themajesty offended; for which cause and end, “Godsent forth his Son, made of a woman, and made under the law,” etc.Galatians4:4,5.thatwhatthelawcouldnotdo,becauseofitsweaknessthrough the flesh, theSonofGod, in the likeness of sinful flesh,mightperform; and so condemn sin in that flesh which gave it entrance,

Romans 8:3. This was the proper subject of the former head, namelyredemption: the end of which, partly, was, to bring in the next sort ofthingsrequisitetosalvation,thatis,suchasaretobedoneonandintheelect,namely,theirreconcilementtoGod,andreceivingtheadoptionofsons.Thisistheactualperformanceofwhatwasintentionallyinelection,andvirtually in thedeathofChrist, as thenecessarywayandmeans totheir ultimate end. The sum of these requisites consists in faith andsanctification,2Thessalonians2:13.theoneimportsourright,theotherour capacity; faith entitles, and holiness meetens: both which, thoughexpressedastwo,goalwaystogether,asifbutone;andareasinseparableaslightfromthesun:and,withoutthese,ourlittleworldwouldstillbeindarkness,notwithstandingallthelightthatshinesaboutus,orwithinus;neitherknowingourdanger,norhowtoescapeit.

1.Faith.This,ingeneral,isthatspirituallightinwhichweseeourselvesbynaturechildrenofwrath,andwhollyunabletochangeourstate,andwithal, do apprehend “God justifying freely by his grace, through theredemptionthatisinJesusChrist,”Romans3:24,andtothatend,dorollourselvesonhim,andgiveupourselvestohislawandgovernment.Itisoftheessenceoffaith,toemptythesoulofselfability.And,1.Ofitsownunderstanding.Itisabeamofdivinelight,whichevidencethallaman’snatural knowledge to be ignorance anddarkness, as to spiritual things.Theapostlespeaksofitasofafacultynewlygiven,1John5:20,andthenatureof itsnewobjectsrequiresit; forthenaturalmancannotdiscernthethingsofGod,1Corinthians2:14.Theythathavethebesteyesnow,weresometimesdarkness.Faithemptiesthesoul.Faithemptiesthesoulof itsown righteousness, 1.Bydiscovering theuncleanness of it, Isaiah64:6.2.Byshowingthenecessityofabetter,Romans3:20.3.Inwhomthisbetter righteousness is tobe found,chapter10:4.4.That itmaybeattained andhad, chapter 3:21. 5. That being attained, the soul is safe,andmay triumph over all, chapter 8:34, and chapter 7:25. 6. That thisbetter righteousness and its own cannot stand together, Galatians 5:2.Romans10:3.Andthen,3(?).Thenextworkoffaithis,toemptythesoulof its own strength; that is, of all confidence in himself, as to theobtainment of that better righteousness. He makes it, indeed, hisbusinesstogetridofhisown,andmostgladlywouldhebeinvestedwiththerighteousnessofGod;butfindsitamatteroftranscendentdifficulty.

Nowheisconvinceditisnoeasymattertobesaved;sincetobelieve,andtokeepthewholelaw,arethingsofanequalfacility;thatis,theyarebothalikeimpossibletohim;butnothing,heknows,istoohardforGod,andthereforetakesholdofhisstrength,Isaiah27:5.toworkthisfaithinhim;andso,byafaithunseen,believestoafaiththatisvisible,Romans1:17.Itis faith that is at work all this while, though the soul knows it not tillafterwards. 2.(There’s no number 1) The other grand requisite tosalvation,issanctification,orpersonalinherentholiness.Justificationisbyarighteousnessimputed;sanctificationinfused;theformer is first inorderofnature;theycommencetogetherinpointoftime;evenaslightinthe air at the sun’s approach; or as the reversing an outlawry instantlyreinstatesthepartyinhisformerprivileges;orasthecancelingabillofattinder(?) restores the blood(?). Sanctification is the divine naturecommunicated; bywhich thewholeman is expelled,with his deeds, orrathersubduedandbroughtunder;fortheyarenottotallynulledinthislife;onlyproudfleshisputdownfromitsseat,andthatisagreatmatter,itsdominionis takenaway,andtheseedofGodenthroned in itsstead:and so we are said to be translated out of Satan’s kingdom, orgovernment, into Christ’s, Colossians 1:13. It is sometimes calledregeneration,orabeingbornagain,John3:3.theseparatingamanfromhiswildstock,andgraftinghiminthetrue,Romans11:17.theformingofChrist in us, and the law written in the heart, Hebrews 8:10. that is,dispositionsaccordingtoGod,oraheartafterhisown.Itisalsotermed,thepassingawayofoldthings,andabecomingnewofall,2Corinthians5:17.thereisachangeofprinciples,scope,andendofman’slife.Notthatthe old faculties are blotted out or destroyed, but reduced or renewed,accordingtothe“imageofhimthatcreatethit,”Colossians3:10.Romans8:29. As the body,when it is regenerated, or raised again, shall be thesamethatwassown;butsochanged,anddignifiedinitsqualities,asifitwere another; so, in the soul’s regeneration, the same understanding,will, and affections do remain, but quite otherwise disposed andqualified,accordingtothenewobjectstheyaretoconversewith.Andthisis so main a requisite to salvation, that we are not capable of heavenwithoutit.

Even the local heaven would not be a place of happiness to a soulunsanctified; no communion there without concord; and that is the

reasonwhyspiritualnotionsaresodisgustfultocarnalmen;andiftheycannotenduretheshadow,howshouldtheybearthesubstanceandthingitself? In thiswork thesoul ispassive;butbeing thusquickenedby theSpirit of life from God, and set on their feet, they are capacitated foraction.Andnow(saythey,asDaniel,now)“letmyLordspeak,forthouhast strengthened me,” Daniel 10:19. And thenceforth their work andbusinessis,“towalkworthyoftheLord;”toglorifythatgracewhichhassaved them; towalkbeforeGod in thedaily exerciseof thosegraceshehasgiventhem;andtopressafterperfection,thatis,aripenessofgrace,ormeetnessforthatstateofglorywhichall thesearepreparatoryto; toshow forthhispraises; thevirtuesofhim thathas called them;makinghis law their rule, andhis glory their endaboveall; andall in awayofdutifulgratitude.For thoughyemay,andought tohaverespect toyourownsalvation,peace,andcomfort;yetso,astosubstitutealltothegloryofthegraceofGod.Andtakethisbytheway, toencourageyouinyourduty, that the glory of God, and his peoples’ blessedness are sointerwoven, as never to be divided:while ye keep thatmost directly inyoureyeandscope,yourownconcernsaremostcurrentlygoingon;theyfallintogether,andkeepinthesamechannel.

2.Whencetheserequisitestosalvationdoproceed.

Thatmenmightknowthemselvestobecreatures,itwasneedfultoknowtheworld had a beginning, bywhom, and how: and no less needful toknowtheoriginaloftheworldrenewed.Thenotmindingofwhich,mayhave been the occasion of men’s ascribing the new creation to theconcourse of freewill atoms: which seems at least, as irrational as thecontingentcomingtogetherofthevisibleframe.

Our present inquiry therefore is, touching the author of faith andholiness:whatroottheyspringfrom;who,orwhat,istheefficientcauseof regeneration;what power it is bywhich thenew creature is formed,and brought forth. Our assertion is, that the new creature is God’sworkmanship, entirely and alone. This the scripture seems evident for,anddeliversinpositivetermsinJames1:17.“Everygoodgift,andeveryperfectgift, isfromabove,andcomethdownfromtheFatherof lights:”whichissofullananswertothequestion,asonewouldthinkadmitsofno reply. But being a truth unacceptable to nature, and such striving

amongmentoentitlethehumanpowerandwilltothefatherhoodofthisnewcreation,itmustbeargued:andourargumentforitisthis;thatthenewcreaturemustbewrought,eitherbyadivinepower,orbyanaturalpower,oraconcurrenceofbothtogether.But,

First.Itcannotbewroughtbyanaturalpower,andthatforsuchreasonsasthese:

Argument1.Becauseitisacreature;and,ofallcreatures,thenoblestandmostexcellent.Allthevirtuosiintheworldarenotabletomakeanatom:theymayrefineandsublimate things thatare,butcannotgivebeing totheleastthingthatisnot.Howthenshouldthenaturalmangivebeingtothenewcreation!Tosupposesucha thingwouldbeadegrading to thedivine nature; a setting the image of the heavenly below that of theearthly:forhethatbuilds,isworthyofmorehonorthanthethingthatisbuiltbyhim,Hebrews3:3.

Argument2.Nothingcanaffordwhatithasnotinitself.Now,everysoul,innature,isdarkness,andpossessedwithahabitualaversionfromGod:butlightisnotbroughtoutofdarkness,norfriendshipoutofenmity:nomanwillexpectgrapesfromthorns;theproductwillbeaccordingtothatofwhichitisproduced;everyseedwillhaveitsownbody,1Corinthians15:38.aneviltreecannotbringforthgoodfruit,Matthew7:18.thatwhichisbornofthefleshisflesh,John3:6,andwillneverbebetter:thereforethe new creature, being a divine thing, cannot be educed of naturalprinciples.

Argument3.Thenaturalmanisnotonlyvoidofallvirtueandpropertythattendstoregeneration;butisoppositethereto.Tobegraftedintothetrueolive free, iscontrary tonature,Romans11:24. “the carnalmind isenmityagainstGod,”Romans8:7,andenmitybeingaprincipleuneatableofreconciliation,itcannotbesupposeditwillhelptodestroyitself:“theywillnotsomuchasseek;nor(?)God,nortakehimintotheirthoughts,”Psalm10:4.They followwithnaturalmotion,John8:44.But as for theword of the Lord, they profess stoutly, they “will hot hearken to it,”Jeremiah49:6.“Theyhavelovedstrangers,andafterthemtheywillgo,”chapter2:25.Sodesperatelywickedaretheheartsofmen,chapter17:9.theyare evenmadeupof fleshly lusts,whichwar against the soul, and

whatever has respect to his happy restoration. And this enmity ismaintainedandanimated,(1.)Bythedarknessthatisinthem;whichallmen in nature are filled with; or with false lights, which are equallypernicious and obstructive to this work: by reason whereof; the mostgloriousobjects,thoughjustbeforethem,arehidfromtheireyes;theydonot,nor theycannotdiscern the thingswhichareofGod,1Corinthians2:14. theyhave false conceptionsof every thing; call goodevil: andevilgood; put light for darkness, and darkness for light; and the mostexcellentthingsarecommonlyfartherofftheirapprobation.Itisaknownexperiment, that the more spiritual any truth is, the more will carnalreasonobjectagainst it:“howcanthesethingsbe?”John3:9,and“howcan this man give us his flesh to eat?” chapter 6:52. By all theunderstanding that men have before conversion, they are but morestrongly prejudiced against the truth,Acts 17:18 1 Corinthians 1:19. 23,(2.)Thisenmityisfurtherconfirmedandfixedbythenaturalnessofit.Ifitwereanadventitiousqualityitmightpossiblybeseparated;butnowitcannotbyanyhumanpower.Andthat it isnatural,appears, inthattheuniversalityofmenareinfectedwithit:itisnothereandthereone,butall and every one, Jews and Gentiles, are all under sin; “none thatunderstandeth; none that seeketh afterGod;none that doeth good, no,notone,”Romans 3:0— 18. “all flesh had corrupted hisways,”Genesis6:12.“everyimaginationoftheirheartisonlyevil,andthatcontinually,1′chapter 8:21. “every man is brutish and altogether filthy,” Jeremiah10:14. “and this is their root; conceived in sin,” Psalm 51:5. “they goastrayfromthewomb,”Psalm58:3.Italsogrowsupwiththem;andthelongeritlives,theworseitis,andthemoreimpregnable,Jeremiah13:23.“itisnotsubjecttothelawofGod,neitherindeedcanbe,”Romans8:7.Andthough,attimes,theylookanotherway,likebulletsofstoneorlead,which, actuated by a foreign power, are mounted into the air, theirupwardmotion quickly ceaseth, because it was not natural; they comeagaintotheircenter,oftheirownaccord,andtheretheyliveanddie:aswasverifiedinSaul,Ahab,Agrippa,andothers.

Argument4.Thenewcreature cannotbe theproductofnaturalpower,becauseeverythingisreceivedandimprovedaccordingtothenatureofthat, which receives it. Plants, and other creatures, turn all theirnourishment into their own species and property. A vine and a thistle,

both planted in one soil, have the same sun, dew, air, and otherinfluences common to both, yet each one converts the whole of that itreceives into itsownsubstanceandkind.Youmayplantandprune,digand dung an evil tree, bestowwhat pains youwill on it, it does all butenablethemorepregnantproductionofevilfruit:justsodoththenaturalman,eventurnthegraceofGodintolasciviousness,Judeverse8(?)4.astothepureallthingsarepure;sototheimpureallthingsaredefiled,Tit.1:15.“David,byhisafflictions,learnedtokeepGod’slaws,”Psalm119:6,7.butAhaztrespassedyetmore,2Chronicles28:22.GoodJosiah’sheartmelts at reading the law, he humbles himself, and falls to reforming,chapter34:27.31.butwickedJehoiakim,hecuts the roll inpieces, andbumsit,Jeremiah36:23.thussin,thatis,corruptnature,worksdeathbythatwhichisgood,Romans7:8,10.

Secondly. That the new creature is not wrought by the concurrence ofdivineandnaturalpowertogether,thefollowingargumentsshew.

Argument 1.TheHolyGhostneedsno assistance inhiswork:whoandwhereishethatstoodupforhishelpwhenhemovedonthewaters,andbrought forth this world into form? Genesis 1:2. Job 38:4. when heweighedthemountainsinscales,andthehillsinabalance?Isaiah40:12.14.He thatmadeall thingsofnothing, cannotbesupposed toneed theaidofany.AsmanhadnothingtodointheconceptionofChrist’shumannature,butthepoweroftheMostHighwasaloneinthatwork;soalsoitisinformingChristwithinus.Whyshouldhecall intheaidofanother,unlessdeficientinhimself?andhemustbegreatlyputtoit,thattakesinthehelpofanenemy.

Argument2.IftheHolyGhosthadneedofhelp,thefleshaffordsnottheleast help, nor can. For, (1.) The natural man is “without strength,”Romans5:6.Thebestnaturedmanintheworld(untilregenerate)isbutflesh;and“all fleshisgrass,andthegloryof itastheflowerofgrass,”1Peter1:24.which fades inamoment; it isanarmthathasnostrength,Job26:2.makesashow,butcandonothing.

And it is not only weak in itself, but it renders weak and impotentwhateverreliesonit,ormaybeusedbyit,foranyspiritualend:astrawinthehandofagiantwillmakenodeeperimpressionthanifinthehand

of a stripling: the law itself, “whichwas ordained to life, ismadeweakthrough the flesh,” Romans 7:10. with chapter 8:3. The flesh is on anopposite principle, at perfect enmity against the holy seed; as you seebefore: it answers, as Pharaoh, “Who is the Lord, that I should obeyhim?” Exodus 5:2. its whole business is to crush the workings of thespirit;andtheconflictceasethnot,butinthetotaloverthrowoftheoneparty.Thefleshandthespiritalwayshavebeen,are,andwillbetwo;yea,evenwheretheenmityhaslostitsdominion,itwillmaintainaconflicttothe last;andif theonefightsagainsttheotherafterthenewcreature isformed,itwilldoubtlessopposethefirstformationofit.(3.)Ifweshouldsupposethefleshable,inanyrespect,togiveassistanceinthiswork,theHolyGhostwould none of it: “what concord has ChristwithBelial?” 2Corinthians6:2.Suchmixturesareanabominationtohim:hewouldnotpermit his people to yoke an ox and an ass together in ploughing,Deuteronomy22:10.nortosowtheirlandwithdiversseeds,verse9,andifinbuildinganaltartheirtoolswerelifteduponit,theLordreckonsitdefiled, Exodus 20:’25. (4.) Suppose a possibility of conjunction: whatwouldbetheissueofit?“whenthesonsofGodwentintothedaughtersofmen, giantswere born to them,”Genesis 6:4. If creatures of severalkindsshouldcouple together,whatcouldbeproducedbutamonster innature? such monsters in spirituals are hypocrites and temporarybelievers: in whom there is something begotten on their wills, by thecommonstrivingsandenlighteningsoftheSpirit,whichattainstoakindofformality,butproves,intheend,alumpofdeadflesh:itnevercomesto be a new creature: as you see in Herod and Agrippa. An owl’s egg,thoughhatchedbyadoveoreagle,willprovebutanightbird:theseedofthebondwomanwillbecarnal,thoughAbrahamhimselfbethefatherofit.

To illustrate this a little farther, I would briefly recount what mostprobably should influence the hearts of men, and lead them torepentance;withtheircommon,ifnotconstanteffect,whenlefttotheirfreewill improvements. I reduce them to five: a prosperous condition;afflictions; thewordofGod; the strivingsof theSpirit; andmiracles. 1.Prosperity:this,wefind,hasnotdoneit.Howmanyhavebeentheworse,and how few, if any, the better for it? even “Jeshurun waxed fat andkicked,”Deuteronomy 32:15. In the time of the Judges, whenever they

hadrespitefromtrouble,theypresentlyfelltoidolatry:“whenUzziahwasstronghisheartwas liftedup todestruction,”2Chronicles26:16.Sometherebethatarenotintroublelikeothermen;theireyesstandoutwithfatness;theyhavemorethanheartcanwish,etc.Butaretheybetteredbyit? no; “pride compasseth them about like a chain, and they set theirmouthsagainsttheheavens,”Psalm73:3-9.sotrue is that,maxim,“Letfavorbeshowntothewicked,yetwillhenotlearnrighteousness:inthelandofuprightnesswillhedealunjustly,”Isaiah26:10.

2.Afflictionsandjudgmentswillnotdoit.ItappearsbyAmos,thatthatpeoplewere loadedwithavarietyof judgments, “yet they turnednottohimthatsmotethem,”Amos4:&-12(?)“themoretheywerestricken,themoretheyrevolted,”Isaiah1:5.“TheLordwaswrothwithEphraim,andsmote him: he hid his face from him, and was wroth,” (which, if anything, shouldhavemovedhim: )butwhat caresEphraim?“hewentonfrowardlyinthewayofhisheart,”Isaiah57:7.TheJewscontinuetothisdayintheirunbelief,though“wrathbecomeonthemtotheuttermost.”Theantichristianworld,whenvialsofwrathwerepouredforthonthem,“theyblasphemedGod,andrepentednot,”Revelation16:9-11.Hosea7:910..thus“brayafoolinamortar,yethisfoolishnesswillnotdepartfromhim,”Proverbs22:27.itisnaturaltohim,andthereforeinseparable.

3.ThewordofGod,andhisordinances.—Neitherisitinthesetoturntheheartbackagain.Ofthis,thepeopleofIsraelareapregnantexample;“tothemwere committed the oracles of God,” Romans 3:2. no nation hadGodsonighthemasthey,Deuteronomy4:7,andyetthemoststubborn,stiff-necked people that ever the earth bore. “The Lord sends themhisprophets,risingearlyandsending,”2Chronicles36:15,16,andseehowthey are used! first, “they slight his messengers, and send them awayempty,”Jeremiah25:3,4. they then fall to “beating and imprisoningofthem,” Jeremiah 37:15. yea, they proceeded farther (for this enmityknowsnobounds,)sometheystoned,othersthey“slewwiththesword,”Luke20:10—15.whenwasthereonethatescapedthem?AtlasthesendsthemhisSon;surely“theywillreverencehim!”No,thisistheheir;come,letuskillhim,Matthew21:38,andthustheywenton,“untiltherewasnoremedy,”2Chronicles36:16.

4.TheworldofungodlyinNoah’stime.—Afterwarningoftheflood,they

had the “Spirit of God striving with them sixscore years together,”Genesis6:3,andyet,notamaninthewholeuniverseprevailedon.Thepeopleinthewilderness—howmanywaysdidtheLordstrivewiththem,by mighty deliverances, terrible appearances, merciful providences,dreadfuljudgments;andthisfortyyearstogether!andyet,stilltheywenton“rebellingagainsthim,andvexinghisHolySpirit,”Isaiah63:10.

5. Miracles will not do it.—What a multitude of these, mingled withjudgments, were shewn on Pharaoh! all which did but further hardenhim,Exodus7:14—22.chapter6:19.chapter9:7,etc.Thenthepeopleofthewilderness:takebutthatoneinstanceofKorahandhiscompany;“theearthclaveasunder,andswallowedupthechiefofthemutineers,withallthattheyhad: theywentalive into thepit,’.Numb. 16:32. twohundredandfiftymorewereconsumedbyfirefromheaven,verse8(?)35.whichonewould think should cause them to fear the Lord, and do nomorepresumptuously; and yet the next thing we hear of them, on the verymorrow,theyareatitagain;andthatnotapartyofthem,butthewholecongregation, verse 8 41.(punctuation?) All which considered and laidtogether,itfollows,withmuchevidence,

Thirdly, That the new creature is the product of divine power alone. Apointofgreatconcernment,ifdulyconsidered.

The evangelist John is clear on our side touching this original andpedigreeofit,bothwhenceit isnot,andwhenceit is:“it isborn,notofblood;”thatis,itbelongsnotto,norisbroughtforthinany,astheyaremenmadeoffleshandblood;norastheyare“Abraham’sseedaccordingto the flesh,” Romans 9:7. nor is it born “of the will of the flesh;” thecarnal and sensual affections have nothing to do in the spiritual birth:“norofthewillofman;”therationalfaculties,bywhichmenaresetabovetherankofothercreatures, even thesecontributenothing toourdivinesonship:“butitisofGod,”John1:13.thatis,itishisworkalone;andthenaturalmanhasnothingtodoinit:heisasperfectlyunactiveinit,asthedrybonesincausingthemselvestolive,Ezekiel37:5.9.14.orasLazarusin reviving himself; of whom it is said, “He that was dead came forthboundhand and foot,” John 11:44.whichwas such a demonstration ofdivinepower,thatthePhariseesthemselvesacknowledge,“iftheynowlethimalone,allmenwillbelieveinhim,”John11:48.(Andifitwerenotso,

the Lord alone should not be exalted.) Andwith this falls in the otherbeloveddisciple,James;“Ofhisownwillbegatheus,”James1:11.2Peter1:8. that is,byhisowndivinepowerhe formsandbrings forth thenewcreation,withoutanyassistance fromtheold,or cooperationof it: theycontributenomore to it, than thosewhosleep in thedust to theirownresurrection.Peteralsotellsus,“Itisbornofincorruptibleseed,”8Peter1:23,andJohn,again,“itisbornoftheSpirit,”John3:8.whichisplainlytobetheoffspringofGod.Ofliketenoristhatoftheprophet,“Thouhastwroughtallourworkswithinus,”Isaiah26:12,andthatofPaul,“Wearehisworkmanship,”Ephesians2:10.asalsothatofthePsalmist,“It ishethat hasmade us, and notwe ourselves, his people,” Psalm 100:2.Wefind it here, and in John, expressed both negatively and positively; aspurposelyandforevertoexcludewhateverisinmanfrombeingsomuchas thought contributary to the new creation; and that the whole workmightbefatheredonGodonly;whichis,indeed,thenaturalresultofallthosescriptureswhichspeakof itunderthenotionofacreature;whichnecessarilyimplies,thatthewholeofit,bothmatterandform,isfromtheCreator:for,intruth,acreature’sfoundationisnothing,besidesthegoodpleasureofGod. Itmay furtherbenoted, that inJames, “theFatheroflights”issaidtobegetit;andintheGalatians,“Jerusalemwhichisabove”tobethemotherofit;andinJohn,asbefore,thatitisbornoftheSpirit.Now,iffatherandmother,begetterandbringerforth,arebothinheaven,whatshallthemanofearthfoundhispretensionson,astotheparentageofthenewcreature?

And further, it is worthy of remark; 1. What sort of instruments weremostlyusedinthiswork.Notthelearned,butilliteratemen:andofthese,such most eminently as had neither elegancy of speech, nor majesticpresence, 2 Corinthians 10:10, and the end of this was, that it mightappear,andmenmightbeconvinced,that“theirfaithstoodnotin(wasneithermadenormaintainedby) thewisdomofmen,but thepowerofGod,”1Corinthians2:3,4,5.

Thenaturalunaptnessof thepersonscommonlywroughton, to receivethosehighbornprinciples:notmanyofthewiseandnoble,butthepoor,base,andfoolish;thatis,incomparisonofothers.Andwhythese?Trulyitwastomakegoodthetruththatishereasserted,namely,“Thatnoflesh

might glory in his presence,” chapter 1:26—29. And yet likewise takenotice, that the wise and noble were not excluded; witness the wife ofHerod’s steward, Joseph, Nicodemus, and Sergius Paulus, a prudentman:whichfurtherillustratesthepowerofGod,andthathedid,bythoseweakandcontemptiblemeans,bringinalsosuchasthese.

3.ThescriptureissoemphaticallyascribingthisworktoGod:whichkindof ascription were very improper, if faith and holiness were things socommon,andeasilyattained,andthenaturalmansoableandvirtuousanengineinthatwork,asmostmenimagine.Paulstylesit,“ThefaithoftheoperationofGod,”Colossians2:12.Isaiahmakesitdependantonthe“armoftheLordrevealed,”Isaiah53:1.thatis,madebare,andputforthto the utmost. Our Savior attributes it to God the Father, as Lord ofheaven and earth, Matthew 11:25. And Paul, again, to the “exceedinggreatnessofhismightypower,even the samebywhichhe raisedJesusChristfromthedead,”Colossians1:12.eventhen,whenthesinsofallhispeoplelayonhim;andallthemalice,strength,andsubtletyofthepowersof darkness were up in arms against it: which was indeed the highestindicationofdivinepowerthateverwasputforth,orshallbe.

3. Thenext thing to be shown is,who those blessed ones are towhomtheserequisitestosalvationdobelong;andbywhattitle.

The answer is, they all do belong to elect persons, and that in right oftheirelection.Electandbelieverareconvertible terms:everybeliever isan elect person, and every elect person is a believer, or shall be in histime. This right, indeed, is neatly founded on redemption; but beingoriginally fromelection,Ishallspeakhereonlyto thatToputeffects intheplaceofcauses,andcausesofeffects, isagreatabsurdity innaturalthings,andyethowpronearewetoitinmattersofdivineconcernment!which chiefly comes from the pride of our spirits, who fain would besomebodyinprocuringourownhappiness;anddothereforeascribeittoanycause,ratherthanthatwhichispropertoit.Thisisagreatevil;andthemoreperilousandcatching,becauseespousedbysomeofnocommonprofession,andthatwithgreatpretencesofreasonforit.Torefutewhich,yourmost rational coursewill be to search and consult the scriptures;whosetestimony,andrightreason,doalwayssorttogether:andifbythisascentyoufollowsalvation,andalltheconducementsthereto,uptotheir

head, you shall find them all to be entirely and absolutely ofGod, andcontainedinthesamedecree;and,consequently,thatfaithandholinessaretheeffectsandcertainconsequencesofelection.

Thegenuineimportofscripture’ssalvationisbroadandcomprehensive,extending to all manner of requisites which any way conduce to theperfectaccomplishmentof the thing itself.Outwardsalvation,whateverbelongs to the outward man’s preservation; as water, bread, walls,bulwarks, etc. Isaiah 26:1. “Salvationwill appointwalls and bulwarks;”that is, the promise of salvation implies and carries in it all thingspertaining to safety: so spiritual salvation, whatever pertains toblessedness and glory; as redemption from sin, faith, holiness, andholdingouttotheend:anyofwhichbeingabsent,wouldinvalidatealltherest,asoneroundofaladderpluckedout,hindersyourascenttothetop.Ifonegivesmeapieceoflandthatisallaroundenclosed,thelawgivesmeawaytoit(thoughnoexpressmentionhereof inmydeed,)soastotaketheprofits;hisgiftwouldotherwiselittleavailme.Salvationisthattheelectareendowedwith;faithandholinessthenecessarywaytotheiractual possession; and, therefore, these theymust be ordained to, andare,aswellastosalvationitself:for,being“predestinatetotheadoptionof sons,” Ephesians 1:5. “and to be conformed to the image of Christ,”Romans8:28.(whichisnotperfectlyaccomplisheduntilhisappearinginglory) 1 John 3:2. they must be predestinated also to all thoseintermediatedispensationsand graceswhich are requisite thereto. For,right to the end, gives right to themeans; they are therefore said tobe“chosentosalvation,throughsanctificationoftheSpirit,andbeliefofthetruth,”2Thessalonians2:13.Inorderofintention,Godwillstheendfirst,andthenthemeans:inorderofexecution,themeansfirst,asdirectivetothatend,Romans8:30.Theendisthecauseofthemeans,Ephesians2:4,5,andelectionthecauseofthemboth,chapter2:8.10.

ThepromiseofCanaantoAbraham’sseed,didvirtuallycontainwhatevermust come between the making of the promise, and the finalperformance of it: as, 1. Tomultiply his seed into a nation. 2. To keepEsau,Laban, andothers, fromhurting them.3.Toprovide for them intime of famine. 4. To preserve and increase them in Egypt,notwithstandingtheEgyptians’craftandcrueltytosuppressthem.5.To

bring them forth with an high hand, in contempt of Pharaoh’sresolvednessagainstit,andhispotencytowithstandit.6.Todividetheseabeforethem,andprovidethematableinthewilderness.7.Tocausetheirenemies’heartstofaint,andbecomeaswater.8.Tosendthehornetbeforethem,andtofightforthem,etc.(ForotherwisetheLord’sgivingthemCanaan,hadbeenbutasthepope’sgivingEnglandtotheSpaniard,that,is,ifhecouldgetit.)And,lastly,topardontheirmanifoldgreatandhigh provocations; by which they exposed themselves to wrath andextirpationdaily.Soisitinthecaseofelection;itdrawswithitevenallthat is tendent to the saints’ actual investiturewith glory. The apostle,therefore, linketheternitypastwitheternitytocome:hemakeselectionand glorification the two extreme points of the compass; calling andjustification (which are parts intermediate) he founds on the first, inordertothelast;andgivesyoutheirsetcourse.InRomans8.“Whomhedidforeknow,themalsohedidpredestinate(towhat?)tobeconformedto the image of his Son; and whom he did predestinate, them also hecalled,”Romans8:29.Andwhatdidhecall themto?Hecalled themtoholiness,togloryandvirtue,2Peter1:3,and“whomhecalled,themalsohejustifiedandglorified,”Romans8:30.Thesealldobelongtothesamepersons,andthatbyvirtueofthedecree,andnooneofthemdidevergoalone.

Thelikesuccessionofcausesandeffectsyehaveinthe16thofEzekiel,6—12. The Lord finds them in their blood, that is, in their natural lostcondition:heentersintocovenantwiththem,andmakesthemhisown;thereistheirelection:thenhewashesthem,andthatthoroughly;thereistheir justification: and then adorns them; there is their sanctification,whichalways is consummated inglory. In the 17thof theActs, yehavePaulpreachingatThessalonica, verse8(?) 1—4.Thesamedoctrinewaspropoundedtoallindefinitely;anditmustbeso,fortheministerknowsnottheelectfromothermen:buttheHolyGhost,whosearcheththedeepthingsofGod,andhasthemanagementofthisworkcommittedtohim,he knew the elect by name, John 10:3, and accordingly took them,“gatheredthemonebyone,”Isaiah17:12. (eachone inhisproper time)“andopenedtheirearstodiscipline,”Job.26:10.Makingthemwhattheywere chosen to be. And the same apostle, in his epistle to theThessalonians,wherehe celebrates theeffectsof this sermon,brings in

their election as the cause of their conversion; “Knowing, brethren,beloved, your election of God; for our gospel came not to you inwordonly (as it did to others,) but in power,” 1Thessalonians4:5. So in theActs,“Asmanyaswereordainedtoeternallife,believed,”Acts13:48,and“theLordaddedtothechurchdaily(whomdidheadd?)suchasshouldbe saved,” chapter 2:47. Effectual calling is a sure demonstration ofelection,andthefirsteffectbywhichitcanbeknown.

Thatpreciousfaiththroughwhichwearesaved,isobtained“throughtherighteousnessofGod, andourSavior JesusChrist,” 2.Peter 1:1. 1. It isgiven through the righteousness of God the Father; and so, it eitherrespects his ordaining us to eternal life; in which act he did implicitlyengagehimselftogiveusfaith,whichmaythereforebe“calledthefaithofGod’select,”Tit.1:1.orelseitrespectshispromisemadetoChrist,“thatmakinghissoulanofferingforsin,heshouldseehisseed,”Isaiah53:10.Tit. 1:2. with 2 Timothy 1:9, or it may be intended of both. 2. TherighteousnessofChristisconcernedinittwoways:1.Asthemeritingorprocuringcausethereof;andsothisfaithbelongsofrighttoeveryonehediedfor,Philippians1:29.Or,2.Asheisthatfaithfulservant,whogivesto every one according as he has received of the Father for them,Ephesians4:7,8.inallwhichrespectsitevidentlyflowsfromelection.Toconfirmwhich,Petersaysexpressly,inhisformerepistle,thattheywere“electedtoobedience,andsprinklingofthebloodofJesusChrist,”1Peter1:2. So the mystery of his will is made known, according to his goodpleasure, which he had purposed in himself, Ephesians 1:9. The sameintentionwehave in theCorinthians; “thepreachingof thegospel is tothemthatperish,foolishness:buttouswhoaresaved,itisthepowerofGod,”1Corinthians1:18,andinTimothy,“Whohassavedus,andcalleduswithaholycalling,”2Timothy1:9.inbothplacessavingisputbeforecalling,andthenitmustbebeforefaith:andhowmenaresavedbeforetheybelieve,unlessbyelection,or redemption,which is commensuratewith election, doth not appear to us. To this purpose it is furtherobservable, that inRomans8:30. the apostle sets predestinationbeforecalling; as in Timothy and the Corinthians, he doth saving: and inRomans 9:23, 24. he puts calling in a tense subsequent to election, orpreparingtoglory.TheapostleJude,inhissentencealsoaccordswithit:hedirectshisepistle“tothemthataresanctifiedbyGodtheFather,and

preservedinJesusChrist,andcalled,”verse8(?)1.where,bysanctifiedhemeanselected,separated,orsetapart: inthissensethewordisusedelsewhere,where itwillnotadmitof anyother,Exodus3:13. “I am theLord that doth sanctify you” andmore plainly in Numb. 8:17. “all thefirstbornofthechildrenofIsraelaremine:onthedaythatIsmoteeveryfirstborninthelandofEgypt,Isanctifiedthemformyself:“herenootherthingbutchoosing,selecting,orsettingapart,canbeintended:andIseenoreasonwhyitshouldnotbesounderstoodinthatofJude.

Anditistermedaholycalling,notonlyasitcallethustoholiness;butasit is sacred, peculiar, set apart, and appropriated to a holy people,namely, those whom the Lord set apart for himself: whose eternalsanctifying them in his decree, was the original cause of their beingsanctifiedactually;“helovedthemwithaneverlastinglove,andthereforewith lovingkindnessdothhedrawthem,”Jeremiah31:3,and this theiractualsanctificationissoindubitableaconsequentofthedecretive,andsoappropriatetothesamepersons,thatthesamewordisusedforboth;as it is also for redemption: “for their sakes (says Christ) I sanctifymyself,”John17:19.AlikeinstanceofthiswehaveinEldadandMedad,whothoughtheycamenotuptothetabernaclewiththeirbrethren,yet,being of them that were written, “the Spirit came on them, and theyprophesiedinthecamp,”Numb.9:26..Electionfindsoutmenwhentheythinknotofit.SotheLordfirstdeterminesJeremytohisoffice;thenputsforth his hand, and fits him for his work, Jeremiah 1:9. Even Christhimselfwas first appointed to hismediatory office; and then the Spiritcameonhim,becausesoappointed,Isaiah61:1.

Quer.Inthe1stofJohn,16.itissaid,that“tothemwhichreceivedhim,he gave power to become the sons of God;” which seems to put theirbelievingbeforetheirsonship.

Solu.Althoughfaithgoesbeforethemanifestationofoursonship,yetnotbefore our sonship itself; “the adoption of sons is (hat we werepredestinated to before the foundation of theworld,” Ephesians 1:4, 5.ThatthereforeinJohn,mustbeunderstoodwiththatofMoses,whenhepleads with God for his presence with his people; “so shall we beseparated fromall thepeople that areon the faceof the earth”Exodus33:13.not that thisseparationwasnowtobemade; itwasdonebefore,

Lev.20:24.buthismeaning is, thatbytheLord’sgoingwiththem,thistheirseparationshouldbemanifested.ThissenseofthewordyehaveinMatthew5:“Loveyourenemies;blessthemthatcurseyou;thatyemaybe(thatis,thatyemayappeartobe)thechildrenofyourfatherwhichisin heaven,” Deuteronomy 7:6. Matthew 5:44, 45. in like manner webecome“thesonsofGodbyfaith,”Galatians3:26.

ThebuddingofAaron’srodwasnotthecauseofGod’schoosinghimtothepriesthood,Numbers17:5,8.nor the falling of the lot on Saul, andafterwardsonMatthias, the reasonwhyGoddesigned them, theone tothekingdom,andtheothertotheapostleship;theywerebothappointedbefore, and those eventswere but the effects of their foreappointment,andevidencesof it, 1Samuel9:16.with chapter 10:21.Acts1:24,26. SothegivingoftheSpiritisthatwhichfollowselection;“becausesons,Godhassent theSpiritofhisSon intoyourhearts,”Galatians4:6. Althoughthe manifestation of our adoption, and our actual enjoyment of itsprivileges, are in time; yet the thing itself we u ere(?) predestinated tofromeverlasting,Ephesians1.4,f,0,11.(?)Pursuanttothis,ourSaviormanifeststheFather’snametothemenhehadgivenhimoutoftheandthesereceive it,John17:6.8.Thesheephearhisvoice,and followhim,chapter10:27.Ofothershesaithexpressly,“yebelievenot,becauseyearenotofmysheep,”verse826.“HethatisofGod,hearethGod’swords;yethereforehearthemnot,becauseyouarenotofGod,”chapter8:47.Thesamereasonhegivesforhisdifferentministrationtowardshisownandothers: totheone itwasgiventoknowthemysteriesof thekingdomofGod;totheotheritwasnotgiven,Matthew13:11,and,therefore,havingended his parables, he dismisses themultitude, as having nomore forthem; but to his disciples he expounded every thing in private, Mark4:34,andyeseeheputs itonelection,asthatwhichhadinvestedthemwith this prerogative above the rest. “To you it is given;” that is, itbelonged to them by God’s donation and appointment. They are firstsaintsbyelection,thensaintsbycalling,Romans1:7.

WhenChrist appeared to Paul going toDamascus, they thatwerewithhimwereall inamaze; a voice theyheard,butknewnotwhat it spake.Whyso,sincetheywereaslikelytoyieldashe?Itwasnotintendedforthem,andthereforetheirearswerenotbored,northespeechdirectedto

them,buttoPaul,andtoPaulbyname.ButwhytoPaulabovetherest,since hewas the ringleader and chief persecutor in the company? Paulwasachosenvessel;andthis,inbrief,wasthereasonofit,asyouhaveitrecorded in Acts 22:14. “The God of our fathers has chosen thee, thatthoushouldestknowhiswill.”TheJewshadmanymeansofknowingtheMessiah,andinducementstobelieveinhim,whichthe“Gentileshadnot;and yet these embrace the gospel, while the Jews reject it. Those whosoughtafterrighteousness,fellshortofit;whenthosewhosoughtitnot,attainedit, Romans 9:30, 31. For the bottom reason ofwhich differentdispensation,wearereferredtoelection;“Theelectionhasobtained,andtherestwereblinded,”chapter11:7.

Howvariously are severalmenaffected inhearing the sameword?Thesheepand the resthaveboth the sameoutwardmeans;oneneglects it,attendsnotatall,orregardsnotwhathehears;asecondquarrelsatit;astheJewsoftendid;athirdispersuadedalmost,asAgrippawas,andthosethatwouldhearPaulagainofthatmatter:afourthisprickedintheheart,andpersuadedaltogether.Itisastumblingblocktosome,foolishnesstoothers,andtosomeitisthepowerofGod:andthesesomewereelected;of those to whom the promise wasmade, Acts 2:39, and are thereforetermed the called according to his own purpose, Romans 8:28, andaccordingtohisownpurposeandgrace,whichwasgiventheminChristbefore theworld began, 2 Timothy 1:9. they are first chosen, and thencausedtoapproachtoGod,Psalm65:4.

Thereisalmostnoendofscripturestothispurpose:Ishallinstanceonemore,andsocloseup thisparticular.All theblessingswhich the saintsare blessed with, in time, are bestowed according to God’s decree ofelection before time; as is manifest from Ephesians 1:3, 4. 5. Where fobserve(?), 1. That election goes before the actual donation of spiritualblessings: for these are given in time, that was before time; and thatwhichcomesafter,cannotbethecauseofthatwhichwentbeforeit:oneeffect may be the cause of another; but not the cause of that whichcauseth itself. 2. That the actual donation of spiritual blessings isaccording to election; that is, election is the rule by which thedispensation is guided; it is adequate with election, and answerablethereto;evenastheimpressionistotheprintingtypes;orasthefashion

of David’s body, to the platform thereof in God’s book; and thetabernacle, to the pattern shown in the mount, according to which allthingsaremade,aswell in respectofnumber,weight, andmeasure,asformandfigure.Spiritualblessingsarenotgiventoonemoreorfewer,orin other manner, but just, as election had laid it forth: which also isfurther confirmed by Revelation 21:27. where we find, that none areadmitted into theholy city,but such “whosenameswerewritten in thebookof life; andwhoeverwasnot foundwritten in that book,was castintothelakeoffire,”Revelation20:15.whichshows,thatatthelatterdayitwillbetakenforgranted,that“asmanyaswereordainedtoeternallife,believed;”andthatallandeveryonewithoutthelistofelection,diedinunbelief; that “the election obtained,” Acts 13:48. “and the rest wereblinded,”Romans11:7.thereforefaithandholinessarenotthecause,butthecertaineffectsandconsequentsofelection.

Nowifanyshouldask,bytheway,wherethespecialloveofGodtoelectpersonsdiscoversitselfbeforetheirconversion?Icannotassignanyplainor open discoveries of it, bywhich the electmay be known from othermen, since all outward things fall alike to all: “the heir, while a child,differs nothing from a servant, although he be lord of all,” by election,Galatians 4:1. And yet there are divers gracious operations of that lovetowards them, even in common providences, although they are notperceiveduntilafterwards:as,

1.Inkeepingalivetherootorstemtheyweretogrowfrom:this,perhaps,wasnottheleastcauseofaddingfifteenyearstoHezekiah’slife;namely,forJosiah’ssake,whowastocomeofhislineage;Manasseh,whowastobehisgrandfather,notbeingyetborn:sothosedaysof tribulationwereshortened, andmanyof the Jews, by special providence, kept alive, forthe elect’s sake that should be of their progeny, perhaps two thousandyearsafter.

2. In preserving the elect themselves from many a death they wereobnoxioustobeforetheirconversion,ashealsodidManasseh:andthiswasthecause,whenSatanhadtheminhisnet,andhaddraggedthemtothe brink of hell, that “the Lord sent from heaven, and saved them,”Psalm57:3.“Deliverhim;Ihavefoundaransom,”Job33:24.q.d.(?)Heismine,andIhavedesignedhimtoanotherend.

3.Inkeepingthemfromtheunpardonablesin.ThusPaul,beingachosenvessel, was kept without that knowledge of Christ which some of thePhariseeshad;forotherwisehispersecutingthechurchofGodhadbeenincapableofpardon,asappears from1Timothy1:3. “I obtainedmercy,becauseIdiditignorantly.”

4.Incastingthelotoftheirhabitationwherehehasplanted,orwillplant,the means of grace; or bringing them, providentially, where someeffectualwordshallbespokentothem:theoneisverified inthosewhodwelt atCorinth,wherePaulmust preach, andnot holdhis peace; for,saystheLord,“Ihavemuchpeopleinthiscity,”Acts18:9,10.theother,inthose who were come to Jerusalem at the feast of Pentecost, from allpartsoftheworld;whichgavethemtheopportunityofcomingtogether,and of hearing Peter’s sermon, by means whereof thousands wereconverted, chapter 2:5. It is further exemplified by the story of theeunuch,chapter8:27.asalsothatofZaccheus,whoseintentreachednohigherthantowhatmannerofpersonChristwas,beingsomuchtalkedof abroad; and being low of stature, he climbs into a tree, and theresalvationmeetsbothhimandhishouse,Luke19:2-9.

IV. Our last inquiry is, Of the way and manner of God’s dispensingspiritualblessings:andthatiseffectuallyandfreely.

First. Effectually. The soul is not turned to God by a twinethread; nordoththeLordcontenthimselfwithwishingandhopingthat itmightbeso,afterthemannerofmen,whoeitheraresomewhatindifferentaboutthe thing, or have not wherewith to effect their desires: normerely bypropounding, moving and striving, by moral suasions, instructions,threatenings, and the like (which are of little avail with a darkunderstanding, and fixed enmity, which every natural man is actuatedby;)butbytheputtingforthofapowerinvincible:apowerthatwillnotbesaidnay;butwhat itwills, that itwilldo;what itundertakes, itgoesthroughwith.Todoa thingeffectually, is todo itperfectly, thoroughly,successfully: so to use and apply the means, that the end designed issurely brought to pass; and this, notwithstanding all the weakness,averseness,andrepugnancyofthecarnalmindagainstit.

Imightproduceinstancesnotafew,touchingGod’seffectualworkingtobringaboutthingsoflessermoment.HowunwillingwasMosestobehismessenger toPharaoh!Exodus3and4: soopposite to it, thatwhenhehadnofartherpleanorexcusetomake,hecarriesitperverselytowardsthe Lord; “Send by the hand of him whom thou wilt send,” says he,chapter4:13.butGodhavingdesignedhimforthework,leaveshimnotuntilhehadwonhimtoit,verse18.SoPharaohresolvedhewouldnotletthepeoplego:but“Iwillstretchoutmyhand,saysGod,andheshallletyougo.”Muchmorewill hemakehis armbare for the salvation of hischosen,whomhelovedfromeverlasting:anditmustbesodone.

Argument 1. Because, otherwise, the elect should be in no betterconditionthanothermen;for,untilconversion,Satanhasasfastholdofthemasoftherest.Adam’sfallwasthedevil’smasterpiece:tobringmeninto his own condemnation, is the trophy he glories in; and being aprince,bothproud,subtle,andimperious,youmaynotthinkhewillbebaffledorcomplimentedoutofhishold:entreaties,menaces,andforceofarguments,areofnoweightwithhim;helaughsatyourstrongreasons,andcounts thembut rottenwood;Jesus Iknow,andhisSpirit I know,Acts19:15.butwhatare these?No; thiskindgoesnot forthbyconsent;nothingwillmovehim,but thatpowerwhichheavenandearthdobowunder:hethatmadehim(andheonly)cancausehisswordtoapproachtohim,andtakethepreyfromthisterribleone.Andforthisitwas,thatour Savior tells the apostles (when he sends them to “turn men fromSatan toGod,”) that “all power in heaven and earthwas committed tohim,”Matthew28:18,andthatinthispower“hewillbewiththemtotheend of the world,” Matthew 28:20. Luke 9:1. which was indeed butneedful; for they had surely gone on a sleeveless errand (a weak andfruitless design,) if Christ himself thus empowered had not gone withthem. And for the elect themselves, they are of themselves, no betterdisposedtothisworkthanthosethatnevershallbewroughton:theyareenemies in their minds, darkness, dead in sin, and children of wrath,evenas others: and this they arebynature: their state, therefore couldnotbechanged,ifapowerinvincible,andinvinciblyresolvedinwhatheundertakes,werenotengagedinit.Ephraim,thoughanelectvessel,yetwhileinnature,wasofsobadanature,thatallmoralendeavorswerelostonhim.Letmessengersbesenttohimearlyandlate,hepullsawaythe

shoulder: the Lord was wroth with him, smote him, hid his face fromhim;hestillwentonfrowardly:showhimhissickness;sothathecannotbutseeit;andhesendstokingJareb,takesanycourseratherthanturntohimthatsmotehim,Hosea5:13. takeoff theyoke fromhis jaw,givehim the scope of his will, and the first thing he takes to shall be theforbiddenfruit:laymeattohismouth,thatwhichismeatindeed,andhewill rather starve than eat;men left to their ownwill,will rather go tohell, than be beholden to free grace for salvation. But, says God, “IsEphraim my dear son?” one whom I bought with a price? “Is he apleasant child?” Jeremiah 31:20. whom I loved from everlasting; andshall I so losehim? shall itbe said, that I raisedupa creaturewhom Icannotruleandbringtomybent?or,thatImadehimforsuchanend,asthatanythingconducibletheretomaynotbedoneforhim?shallmywillbe forced rather than his? mine to destroy him, rather than his to besaved?No;Ihavenotdoneallthistolosehimatlast;norhaveIsufferedthose unworthy repulses, for want of power to prevent them, but thatEphraimmightseewhatwouldbecomeofhimiflefttotheconductofhisownwill;(freeindeedtonothingbuthisownruin!)andnowIwillhealhim:andthefirsteffectofthishealingwas,Ephraim’sapplyinghimselftoGod;“Turnthoume,andIshallbeturned,”chapter31:18.Thosecordsoflove,bywhichtheLorddrawsmentohimself,arenotloveandkindnessmerelypropounded,withfrustrablemotivestopersuadeacceptance,but“divineloveshedabroadintheheart,”Romans5:5.notwrittenwithink(athingofhumancomposition)butbytheSpiritandpowerofGod.Andhence it is that we find those imperial terms,” I will, and ye shall,” somuch in use about this matter. Thus the Lord began with the serpent(whichwasaleadingcasetoallthatfollows,“Itshallbruisethinehead;”in which compendious word, the destruction of Satan and sin iseffectuallyprovidedfor:andelsewherehespeaksasmuchforquickeningthesoul,“AnewheartalsowillIgiveyou,andIwillputmyspiritwithinyou,andcauseyoutowalk inmystatutes;yeshallbemypeople,andIwillbeyourGod,”Ezekiel36:26,27, 28. “They shall return tomewiththeirwholeheart,”Jeremiah24:7.withmanyothers.TheLordstilluttershimself in terms of omnipotency, as putting forth an almightiness ofpower;which,asitneedsnot,soitwillnot(yea,itcannotwithasalvotohis honor) admit the least dependence on created power to make itsuccessful:“hiswordshallnotreturntohimvoid;itshallaccomplishthat

whichhepleaseth,andprosperinthethingwheretohesendsit,”Isaiah55:11. “He thatwasdead, comes forth at hisword, thoughboundhandandfoot,”John.11:44.

Argument 2. Conversion is a creation work; which, though done bydegrees, must be gone through with, and that by him who laid thefoundation; or all the foregoing parts (as conviction) will molder andcometonothing.As,whenAdamwastobemade,theLordfirstpreparestheearth,thenmouldsitinsuchaform,andthen“breathesintohimthebreathoflife;”elsethatlumphadneverbeenalivingsoul.So,inthenewcreation,theLordworks,andgoesontowork,andleavesitnot,untilhehassetitgoing.Hedothnotonlycausethelighttoshine intodarkness,but gives, withal, a suitable understanding, 1 John 5:20. a facultyconnaturalwith the object, aswithoutwhich the darknesswould nevercomprehendit,John1:5.Ezekielmighthaveprophesiedtilldoom’sday,erethosedryboneswouldhavelived,iftheLordhimselfhadnotcausedbreath to enter into them; and, probably, he is called “the Father oflights,” James 1:17. (plural) to denote, that as well the lightcomprehending(orcapacitatingourcomprehension)isfromGod,asthattobecomprehended,2Corinthians4:6.“Inhislightweseelight,”Psalm36:9.

Argument3.God’seffectualworkinginthismatter,andthenecessityofhis so working, may also be argued from the common sense of thosealreadywroughton,andbroughtin;bywhoseprayersandconfessionsitis evident, that they still needed a powerful and effectual influence tocarryontheworkalreadybegun:“Turnthoume,andIshallbeturned,”Jeremiah 31:18. “Quicken us, and we will call on thee,” Psalm 80:18.“Drawme,wewillrunafterthee,”Cant.(thisshouldbeSongofSoloman)1:4. “Not thatwe are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing, but oursufficiencyisofGod,”2Corinthians3:5.“Ilive,yetnotI,butChristlivethinme,”etc.Galatians2:20.Henceitreadilyfollows,thatifthosealreadyturned,andmadepartakersofthedivinenature,whoseheartsarefixedin thegoodwaysofGod, andwhodesirenothingmore than towalk inthem,cannotyetkeepthemselvesgoing,withoutacontinuedefficaciousinfluxandspringfromabove;muchlesscanthenaturalman,withoutthelike supernatural and divine efficacy, effectually bend himself to a

compliancewiththem:for,“Itisanabominationtofoolstodepartfromevil,”Proverbs13:19.

Argument4.IftheLorddidnotworkeffectually,heshouldlosethehonorofhiswork.Iftheefficacyofgraceshoulddependonthehumanwill(thatis,ifgraceshouldberenderedeffectualbysomemotionoractofthewill,which grace isnot the author of,) thenwill nature assume thepriority;workswillgloryovergrace,andfreewillwillbesaidtobebetterthanfreegrace;for,thatthelessisblessedofthebetter, iswithoutcontradiction,Hebrews7:1,and;thatthatwhichsanctifies,isgreaterthanthatwhichissanctifiedbyit,issoobvious,thatChristappealsittothereasonoffoolsandblind,Matthewchapter23:19.If,therefore,youwillgrant,thatgraceisbetterthannature;followitmust,thatthewillisblessedandsanctifiedbygrace,namely,byitspowerfulandeffectualoperationonit.Andhere,indeed, lies the honor and efficacy of grace; not in a vincible moving,exciting, persuading, or threatening the will to a compliance; but intaking off its natural bias, and placing it, as itwere, on the other side;workingtheheartintoakindlyagreeablenesswiththedivinewill,whichbeforewassocontrarytoit:andthustheLorddoeth,andthushewilldo,where so ever he will be gracious; though ever so much against thepresentmindandnaturalpropensityof the subject: andyet there isnosuchthingasforcingthewill,asyewillseeafterwards.

Argument5.Thedoctrineofeffectualcalling is furtherconfirmed, fromtheofficeofChristasaRedeemer;whichwasnotonlytopurchase,buttoput us in actual possession of the good things he purchased for us.Redemption, forgiveness of sin, and reconciliation, are relatives,commensurate, and inseparable, Ephesians 1:7. chapter 2:13. 16. Heb2:17.Itisnotonlyareconcilablestatethatredemptionputsusinto,butastateofactualreconcilement,Romans5:8,9,10.Colossians1:20,21,22.it “abolishes the enmity,” Ephesians 2:15. “makes an end of sin, andbrings in everlasting righteousness,” Daniel 9:24. On this account ourSavior bears that glorious title, “Thou shall call his name Jesus; for heshallsavehispeople fromtheirsins,”Matthew1:21,and for “thiscausewas theSonofGodmanifested, thathemightdestroy theworksof thedevil,” 1 John 3:8. Now, of those works, blindness of mind is thefirstborn, and fostermother to all the rest, 2Corinthians4:4. it is that

keepsthesoulinunbelief,asunderlocksandbars;andthereforemustofnecessitybedispelled;whichcanonlybedonebycausingthetruelighttoshine effectually; as he did the light of this world in the first creation,which the scripture resembles it to, verse 8(?) 6.Hence those frequentmentionsofhisbeingsent“toopentheblindeyes,”Isaiah43:7. togivelight to them that sit in darkness, Luke 1:79, and to bring forth theprisonersfromtheprisonhouse,Isaiah49;9.whichmaynotbevaluedasthings in design, yet liable to obstruction; but to be as certainlyperformedasthatChristshoulddie.Inthe107thPsalmitisspokenofasdone, already; “He brought them out of darkness and the shadow ofdeath, and brake their bands in sunder,” Psalm 107:14, and that hespeaksitofredeemedones,appearsbyverse8(?)2.First,takethemasindarkness,andhei–so(?)togivethemlight,asto“guidetheirfeetintothewayof peace,”Luke 1:79. The story of the blindman inMark, is apertinentshadowofit;Christspitsonhiseyes,andputshishandonhim;asyethesawbutdarkly,“menastreeswalking;”butheputshishandsonhim again; and dismisses him not until he has made him see clearly,Mark8:23,24,25.Thentakethemasprisoners,andprisonersinthepit,Zechariah9:11,andhethatwilldeliverthemmustnotonlyopenthegate,butdisarmtheirguard,knockofftheirshackles,andbringthemforthastheangeldidPeter,even“whilethekeepersstoodbeforethedoor,”Acts12:6,7.He so callethhis sheep, thathe “leadeth themout,” John 10:3,andthishedothbythebloodofhiscovenant;itisthatmakesthoseinthepittobeprisonersofhope,Zechariah9:11,12.Andtheseeffectsasdulyflowfromredemption,aslightfromthesun;itisthereforeexpresslysaid,that“thebloodofJesusChristcleansethfromallsin,”1John1:7,andthat“wearesanctifiedthroughtheofferingofhisbodyonceforall,”Hebrews10:10. This gave the apostle to argue so positively in Rom 6. that “ifplanted together in his death, we shall be also in his resurrection,”Romans6:5,andtoputthatemphasisonit,that“ifreconciledtoGodbythedeathofhisSon,muchmoreshallwebesavedbyhis life,”Romans5:9,10.ThatsayingofChristismuchtoourpurpose;and“othersheepIhave,themalsomustIbring,andtheyshallhearmyvoice,”John10:16.Thismust, importsadutynot tobedispensedwith;hehad“receivedacommandmentforitfromtheFather,”verse8(?)18,andthisshall,thateffectual working, “whereby he subdues all things to himself;” andwhereby they are made to believe, Ephesians 1:19. The sheep, of

themselves, lie as cross to thiswork as othermen: “What have I to dowiththee?”criesthepossessedGadarene,Mark5:7.butbeinghissheep,hemustmakethemwilling,Peal.110:3.Butsupposetheystoptheirears;thenhe is toborethem;for“hereceivedgifts for therebellious,”Psalm68:18.Men’saversenessdoesnotloseChristhisright;norshallitrenderhiswork ineffectual. For this very endGod raised him up, namely, “toblesshispeople,inturningthemfromtheiriniquities,”Acts3:26,andtogivethemrepentance,andthatsuchashasforgivenessofsinsannexedtoit, chapter5:31.whichalsohedothasaprince; that is, asone investedwithpowertoremovewhatevermighthindertheeffectofhispurpose;tohimarecommitted“thekeysofhellandofdeath,”Revelation1:18.FromthesepremisesIconclude,thatwhatChrist,asaRedeemer,cametodo,that he doeth, and will do; and that none of his work shall fall to theground.Whathesaithinthe17thofJohn,ispropheticalofwhathewillsayat the latterday:“Ihavefinishedtheworkwhichthougavestmetodo;ofallthatthouhastgivenme,Ihavelostnothing;Ihavemanifestedthynametothemenwhichthougavestmeoutoftheworld;Ihavegiventhem the words which thou gavest me, and they have received them,”John17:4.6.8.Moremightbeadded;butbytheseIhopeit isevident,thatJesusChristwas not only aRedeemer to pay our ransom, but theofficerappointedofGodtosetusatliberty,eventhatgloriouslibertyofthe sons of God: and this is that pleasure of the Lord which shouldprosperinhishands,Isaiah49:10.asithasdone,anddoth,andforevershall:and it ismatterofgreatconsolationto themthat takeholdofhiscovenant.

Secondly.AllthatGoddoethformen,orgivestothem,inordertotheirsalvation, isgivenanddone freely.Now,a thing is thensaid tobe thusgivenordone,whenitproceedsfromthemeregoodwillandfavorofhimthatworketh,forgiveth;withoutrespecttoanythingdoneordeservedbythe receiver: it is a voluntary act supposing no obligation in him thatgives;noranyattractiveorobligingvirtue inhim that receives;noryetexpectationofrecompensefromhim.Muchneednotbesaidtoprovethefreegivingofthethingswearespeakingof,didwedulyconsider,1.Thesovereigngreatnessofhimthatgives:itisthe“MostHighGod,possessorof heaven and earth;” who is infinitely and independently blessed inhimself,andthereforecannotbeaddedto,norreceivefromanycreature.

Who can give to him that gives to all their life and breath? 2. Thesuperexcellent,unspeakableworthof the things thataregiven: the firstandchief isourLordJesusChrist;whosedignitywassuch,thatheavenandearthweretoolowapricetosetthemat,especiallytobegivenashewas;andinhimrighteousnessandstrength,adoptionandreconciliation,graceandglory.3.Thevanityandwretchednessof thoseonwhomtheyare bestowed: both scripture and experience speak nothing of them intheirnaturalstate,butwhatbespeaksaconditioneverywaydeplorable,andincapableofyieldingmotivesforsuchagift;asisshownbefore.Butbeing so greatly in love with ourselves, and fond of our ownimprovements, and stiffly bent to a covenant of works, to help us offthosedangerousshelves,letusdwellawhileonthefollowingarguments.

Argument 1. Is taken from the nature and import of the covenant ofgrace.ThiscovenantisthatwhichallprofessingChristiansprofesstobesavedby,howevertheydifferabouttheimportandlatitudeofit.Butifwereceive the scriptural notion (which needsmust be the right,) we shallfind,that it isoftheverynatureandsubstanceofthiscovenant, togivefreely andabsolutely;without conditioning for any thing to be donebymen,asthegroundormotivethereof.AllthatGoddoethforthosehewillsave, is forhisname’s sake;whichname is recordedinExodus34:5, 6.“TheLordGod,graciousandmerciful,”etc.Tobegracious,istodowellto one that deserves ill; and if otherwise, it would be but after thecovenantofworks,orfirstcovenant;whichyetwasnotfaultyordefectivein itself, for it gave a sufficiency to obtain the benefits proposed by it;whichiftheyhadusedandimprovedastheymight,therewouldnothaveneeded a second. But the Lord foreknowing the creature’s mutability,and, consequently,whatneed therewouldbe of another kind of powerandgracethanthatAdamwascreatedwith,didthereforedetermineofasecond;whichinscriptureiscalled“thehopeofeternallife,whichGod,whocannotlie,promisedbeforetheworldbegan,”Tit.1:2.Itiscalledthecovenant of grace, not only as designing the glory of his grace in thesavingofmen;butasgivingfreely,andofmeregraceandfavor,whatevermust bring about that salvation. For where else can lie the differencebetween the twocovenants? It cannotbe in respectof theeasinessanddifficultyofthedutiesenjoined;forfaithandrepentancearemuchmoreabovethecompassofnaturalpower,thantoforbeartheforbiddentree:

but the difference lies in this, that the new covenant consists in betterpromises; and this betterness, in the free, absolute, independentengagementofGod,toinvesthiscovenantoneswithallthingsconducingtotheblessednessheldforth;aswellthattobedoneontheirpart,asonhisownon theirdoing it.That is,plainly, togive to them,andwork inthem, whatever in this covenant he requires of them. The law showsmatter of duty, but gives notwherewith to perform it: the covenant ofgracedoesboth,bywritingthelawintheheart;andwithoutthis,itwouldstillhavebeenbutacovenantofworks,bethedutiesenjoinedwhatyouwill. It therefore runs not on conditional or fallible terms, “Iwill, if yewill;” but absolute and sovereign, “I will, and ye shall.” This covenantdoesnotonlygivelifeontermsofbelieving;butfaithalsoandholiness,as the necessary means of attaining that life: and this not on youringenious compliance, as some term it, or better improvement ofwhatyou have in common with other men, (such allegations the Lorddisallows,andoftencautionsagainst,)butofgrace,itisacovenantmadeup of promises; and promise, by scripture intendment, is always free:both freely made, and freely performed, without the desert orprocurementofmen.TakeIsaac for instance:Abraham’sbodywasnowdead,andforSarah,besideshernaturalbarrenness,“itceasedtobewithherafterthemannerofwomen,”andyetSarahshallhaveason,Genesis19:11.14.Buthow?Thepromisehadinit(thoughAbrahamandSarahhadnot)whatevermight tend to Isaac’s conception and birth; and for thiscausehewascalled“thesonofthepromise,”Galatians4:23,28.asalsobelieversare,Romans2:8Galatians3:29. theyarealsotermed“heirsofpromise;” Hebrews 6:17. And on this account Christ is called the“promisedseed;”andtheHolyGhostthe“Spiritofpromise;”namely,toshew the independent freeness of those divine gifts; the promise ofsendingthem,theiractualcoming,andeffectualoperations,areallfree,and free inall respects.This “dew from theLordwaitethnot formen,”Micah5:7.For further illustration, theJewsareapertinent instance,asyeread inJeremy,Jeremiah32:30—35.theyhaddonenothingbut evilfrom their youth up, and were a continual provocation; and whenscatteredamongthenations,werenowhitbettered;butcausedeventheheathen to blaspheme: and yet notwithstanding all this, the Lord willgatherthem,and“givethemanhearttofearhimforever,”verse8(?)37—44, and this, even while they were not moved “neither could they

blush,” chapter8:12. See alsowithwhat inexpressible freeness of gracethe Lord deals with them in the 43d of Isaiah, “I, even I am he thatblottethoutthytransgression,—andwillnotremember thysins,” Isaiah43:25.Butwhatistheintroductiontothissogreatapromise?seeitandwonderatit!“Thouhastnotcalleduponme,OJacob,butthouhastbeenwearyofme,O Israel: thouhastnotbroughtme thesmall cattleof thyburntofferings:thouhastboughtmenosweetcanewiththymoney. . .but hast made me to serve with thy sins, and wearied me with thineiniquities,” verses 22, 23, 24. “I, even I (whom thou hast dealt soungratefullywithanddisingenuously,evenI)amhethatblottethoutthytransgressions, formineownsake,” verse8(?)25.And thiswasagreatthing they lookednot for: as, indeed considering themselves, andwhattheir demeanor had been, they had no reason to look for it. From allwhichitisclear,thatgracerespectsnottheworthinessofmeninwhatitdoesforthem;nay,itmustrespecttheirunworthinessrather,asthatbywhichgraceismoreillustrated,andtheglorythereofmoreadvanced:inthat,“wheresinabounded,gracedidmuchmoreabound,”Romans5:20.AndPaulproclaimsitasverifiedonhimself:“Iwasablasphemer,andapersecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy; and the grace of ourLord was exceeding abundant,” 1 Timothy 1:13, and hereon he falls toadoring that grace; “Now, to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, theonlywiseGod,behonorandgloryforeverandever.Amen,”verse17.

The riches ofmercy ismade out by saving the chief of sinners, and inquickeningthemwhendead,Ephesians2:1.4,andit isveryobservable,that the apostles, whenever they mention the grace of God in saving,quickening, they give not the least intimation of men’s worthiness,preparedness, compliance, or any such thing, but dead in sins, andquickening,comeoneontheneckoftheother,aslightdoesondarkness,whichinnosortinducesthelight,orpreparesthedarkearthorairforit,asisabundantlyevidentinalltheirepistles.AndhowoftendoestheLorddeclare against all the pretensions of men, as to their activity in thismatter, in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Hosea? etc, and as a bar to thosepretensions, the holy people he calls, “A people sought out;” andproclaims,“Iamfoundofthemthatsoughtmenot.”ThisIshallendwithaveryobservableinstancewithinmyownmemory;andIbringitnotinfor proof, but illustration. I knew a man, who when he came under

convictions,endeavoredwithallhismighttostiflethem:hisconvictionsgrew stronger, and he hardened himself against them: he saw theirtendency:butwassooppositetoit,thatheresolved,inexpressterms,hewouldnotbeapuritan,whatevercameof it.Tothechurchhemustgo,hismasterwouldhave itso;but thiswashiswont, to lollover theseat,withhis fingers in bothhis ears: here general or conditional gracewassurelynonplussed.Butachosenvesselmustnotbesolost;nowstepsinelectinggrace,andbya casual slipofhiselbow,drewout the stoppers,andsentinawordfromthepulpit,which,likefirefromheaven,meltedhisheart,andcastitinanewmould.Surely,inthistheLorddidnotwaitfortheman’scomplianceorimprovements;hisworkwasnotoriginatedthence,nordependantthereon.

Argument 2. If all that pertains to salvation were not given freely,salvation itself would not be of grace, for “to him that worketh, is therewardnotreckonedofgrace,butofdebt,”Romans4:4.butsalvationisofgrace,Ephesians2:5.“Bygraceyearesaved.”Andagainverse8.“Bygrace ye are saved, through faith;” where also, lest the adding of faithshouldoccasionalesseningofthatorgrace,orseemtodetractfromthefreeness of it, he cautiously subjoins, that this faith is thework of thatgrace, “notof yourselves, it is thegift ofGod.”For if gracebeperfectlyfree in choosing, itmust be answerably free in giving and applying themeanstobringabouttheendithaschosenusto: for if theeffectofthemeans shoulddependon something tobedonebymen,whichgrace isnotthedoerof:thenworkswouldputinforashareinthegloryofmen’ssalvation; and so the grace of Godwould be dethroned, and be as if itwerenot;graceisnomoregrace,asisarguedinRomans11:16.

Argument3.Spiritualblessingsmustbegivenfreely,andofpuregrace,becausethenaturalmancannotperformanysuchactasmightbemotiveforsuchagift.Thingsmateriallygoodtheymaydo,asCaininofferingthefirstfruits;butnotacceptable,becausenotdoneinaduemanner;thatis,infaith;thewantofwhichmakesincenseitselfanabomination,Isa.1:13,14. If without faith it be impossible to please God, then it must beimpossibletodoaughtbeforeyoubelieve,thatmaymoveGodtogiveyoufaith.Salvationispromisedtofaith,remissionofsinstorepentance,theblessedvisiontopurityofheart:butwefindnotthesegracespromisedto

anyactorqualificationinferiorto,orgoingbeforethegracesthemselves;ourholycalling,andthewashingofregeneration,wearenotentitledtobyworksofourown,2Timothy1:9.Tit.3:15.

Argument 4. If any of the requisites to salvation should be given oncondition, reason would it should be that which in worth and virtuecontaineth all the rest, and without which the rest had never been, orbeenofnoneeffect,andthatisourLordJesusChrist;ofwhomitissaid,that“allthefullnessofthegodheaddwellsinhimbodily,”Colossians2:9..’andthat,outofhisfullnessallgraceisreceived,”John1:16.thegivingofwhomwasthemostsuperlativecommendationofGod’s lovetomen,Romans 5:8, and is therefore termed “the,” or “that gift of God,” John4:10. being such a gift as comprehends all others. And as touching thefreeandunconditionalgivingofChrist,seethatancientauthenticrecordinGenesis3:15.“Itshallbruisethyhead:”whereiscontainedanabsolutefreepromisetosendtheSonofGod,inhumanflesh,tobeaRedeemer.Andweevidentlyknow,thathisactualcomingandperformancethereof,was not suspended on any desert or worthiness of men: how could it,whenafterthe fall theydidnot,norcoulddoanythingbutwhatmightturnhisheartmoreagainst them?Forevidencehereof,weneednotgoout of the context: do but observe the first Adam’s carriage, and themannerofit,alittlebeforethepromisewasmade:first,theybelievetheserpentratherthanGod;thentheybreakthecommandmentoflife,whenthey had neither need nor occasion so to do. This done, and findingthemselves lost, they do not so much as seek after God for help, butrathertohidethemselves fromhim;so far fromconfessing themselvesfaulty, that they charge God foolishly, and shift the blame of theirmiscarriageonhim;“Thewomanwhomthougavest tobewithme,shegave me of the tree—and the serpent, which also is a creature of thymaking,beguiledme.”Hereisnothingintheirdeportmentthatlookslikethemotiveofsuchapromise.But,thoughtheyrunfromGod,hewillnotsopartwiththem;yea,hefollowsthem,findsthemout,and,foradoorofhope, freely pronounceth this gracious promise, of sending his Son todestroythis t Id(?)serpent, thedevil;and,consequently, theserpentinenature,thathadnowinstilledandmingleditselfwiththeirs.Itisthefirstpromulgation of the gospel, and speaks with as much absoluteness aswordscanexpress, “It shallbruise thyhead.”This I insist themoreon,

because it is the first thatwasmade in time, and that out ofwhich allfollowingpromisesareeduced.

The intent of this promise, was Adam’s recovery and comfort; who,doubtless, at this time, was in a very disconsolate condition; as lyingunderafreshsenseofthehappinesshehadlost,andthewoefulestatehewasnowplungedinto;andthereforeitwasnecessary,ifAdamshallhavecomfortbyit,thatthetermsthereofbealtogetherfreeandabsolute:for,supposethemtobeconditional,as,namely,ifAdamshallnowrepentandconverthimself; ifheshallbetter improveasecondstock,or rather thecankeredremnantofthathehadatfirst,mySonthenshallcomeintothislowerworld,tostillthatenemyandavenger:hislifeshallgoforthylife;Iwillbe friendswith thee,and restore thee to thy former state.AH(Ah!)this, andmore of this kind, had yielded but little comfort of hope to aguiltyanddefiledconscience,whofounditselfnotonlynaked,andwhollybereftofitsprimitiverighteousness,butatenmitywithitsCreator,andabondslavetoSatan: forsuchreasoningsas thesewouldhavebroken inlikeaflood,tobeardown,andstifleallhopesoffuturesuccess,especially,ifwhen Iwas in soblesseda state, andenduedwithpower tokeep thelaw,onsoslightatemptationIyieldedandfell;howshouldIrisenowIamdown,andmystrength isgone? Ifwhen Ihad freedomofwill, andstoodupright, Isoeasilywarped intocrookedpaths;howcanIhopetoreturn,anddobetter,nowmywillissopervertedandbenttoacontrarycourse?IfwhilstIhadeyesinmyhead,andsawthingswithclearnessIyet lostmyway, andwandered;howshould I think to recover it, beingnowbothsadlybewildered,andmyeyesputout?HowshouldIbring acleanthingoutofanunclean,whokeptnotmyheartcleanwhenitwasso?HowshouldIgainmorewithfewertalents,whoranmyselfoutofallwhenIhadabundantlymore?Grapeswillnotgrowonthorns,norfigsonthistles:nay,weremyprimitivestaterestoredtomeontheformerterms,Icouldnotexpecttokeepit,havingthiswoefulexperienceofsocauselessanddreadfulanapostasyetc.

Itwas therefore importantlynecessary, that this firstpromise,madeonso great and solemn an occasion, and bearing in it all the hopes andcomforts of God’s people to eternity, should be thoroughly free andabsolute,andnotdepend, inthe least,onanygoodthingtobedoneby

men as the condition of it. And if Christ be given freely, there is goodground of arguing thence, the free giving of lesser things: for, “he thatspared not his own Son, how shall he not with him freely give us allthings?”Romans8:32.“Isnotthelifemorethanmeat?”Matthew6:25.IsnotChristmorethanfaithandallgrace?HasGodgivenusthefleshofhisSon,whichismeatindeed;andwillhenotrestoreourwitheredhandtoreceiveit?Itcannotbe;especiallyconsidering,thatthismaybedonewithaword;andwithoutthis,theotherwouldbelost,andaswaterspiltintheground. But though this promise of Christ be virtually a promise of allgrace;yet,becauseofourslownessofhearttobelieve,andtowinusofffromourlegalizingnotions,theLordcondescendstogratifyhispeopleinwords,aswellassubstance:therefore,

Argument5.Tomakeitexpresslyevident,thatallspiritualblessingsareperfectly free, he has put them into absolute promises. Not that allpromises run in that tenor: many of them have conditions annexed;whichalso,intheirplace,haveaverysignificantusefulness:1.AsproofsofourwillingsubjectiontoGod,Genesis22:12.2.Asdirectivesbywhatmediumswemust get to the blessedness designed us, John 3:16. John14:6, and how qualified for the enjoyment of it, Matthew 5:8. 2Corinthians7:1.3.Asmarksandevidencesofourbeinginthewaytoit,andof those towhom itdothbelong,Mark15:16.Rom,8:1. John10:9.But this annexing of conditions does not imply a power in men toperform them; though performed theymust be, beforewe come to thepromisedreward;nordoestheeffectofthosepromisesdependonanyacttobedonebyus,whichsomeotherpromisedothnotprovideuswith.Butthatgreatfundamentalpromise,onwhichisfoundedourhopesofeternallife,wasabsolute;itwasgivenbeforetheworld,Tit.1:2.Thoughclearlyconditionaltohimwithwhomthecompactwasmade,yetperfectly freeand absolute to us; and, therefore, the adding of conditions to afterpromises, may not be taken as invalidating that first promise, or asdefiance to it. It is a scripture maxim, that “the covenant which wasbeforeconfirmedofGodinChrist,thelaw(whichwasfourhundredandthirty years after) cannot disannul, that it shouldmake the promise ofnone effect,”Galatians 3:17. The likemay be said of promisesmade intime, namely, that the conditionality of some does not make void theabsoluteness of others. As the law was to Christ, such are conditional

promisestotheabsolute; theyshowwhatweshouldbeanddo;and,byconsequence, that we can neither be nor do as we should; and thenceinfer tous, thenecessity of divine grace to undertake for us; and then,indeed, and not till then, is the freeness of grace adorable, whichpromiseth help in terms of an absolute tenor. And accordinglywe findthatwhatever is inonescripturemadetheconditionofacceptancewithGod, and eternal life, in other scriptures those very conditions arepromisedwithoutcondition;someofwhichwehaveaprospectofinthefollowingbalance,whichbeingthatofthesanctuary,maywellbeallowedto cast it:norwould itbeoncedebated, ifmenknew their interest; forinterestwillnotlie.

ConditionalPromises

PromisesoftheCondition

“Washyou,makeyouclean;putawaytheevilofyourdoingsfrombeforemineeyes;ceasetodoevil;Learntodowell;seekjudgment,relievetheoppressed,judgethefatherless,pleadforthewidow”Isaiah1:16,17,18

“ThenwillIsprinklecleanwateruponyou,andyeshallbeclean:fromallyourfilthiness,andfromallyouridols,willIcleanseyou.”Ezekiel36:25

“Repentandturn;soiniquityshallnotbeyourruin,”Ezekiel18:30.

“Makeyouanewheart,andanewspirit,”Ezekiel18:81.

“Hear,andyoursoulshalllive,”Isaiah55:3.

“IfthoushallseektheLordthyGod,thoushaltfindhim,ifthouseekhimwiththywholeheart,”Deuteronomy4:29.

“Thenshallweknow,ifwefollowontoknowtheLord,”Hosea6:3.

“Circumcise,therefore,theforeskinofyourheart,”Deuteronomy10:16.

“Return,Obackslidingchildren,”Jeremiah3:14.

“Ifyebewillingandobedient,yeshalleat thegoodof the land,” Isaiah

1:9.

“IwillyetforthisbeinquiredofbythehouseofIsrael,”Ezek.36:37.

“Hethatendurethtotheend,thesameshallbesaved,”Matthew24:13.

“forgiveyouriniquity;andyoursinIwillremembernomore”Jeremiah31:34.

“Iwillputanewspiritwithinyou,”Ezekiel11:19.“AnewheartalsowillIgiveyou,andanewspiritwillIputwithinyou,”Ezekiel36:26.

“Thoushaltreturn,andobeythevoiceoftheLord,”Deuteronomy30:8.“Theyshallreturntomewiththeirwholeheart,”Jeremiah24:7.

“Iamfoundofthemthatsoughtmenot,”Isaiah65:1.

“Thoushalt callme,MyFather,andshaltnot turn fromme,”Jeremiah3:19.

“TheLordthyGodwillcircumcisethineheart,”Deuteronomy30:6.

“Iwillhealtheirbackslidings,”Hosea14:4.

“Thypeopleshallbewilling,”Psalm110:3.“Iwillcauseyoutowalkinmystatutes,”Ezekiel36:27.Phil2:13.

“IwillpouronthehouseofDavid,theSpiritofgraceandsupplications,”Zechariah12:10.

“They shall not depart fromme,” Jeremiah 82:40. “Who shall confirmyoutotheend,”1Corinthians1:8.Jer”8:10.

Thesearesomeofthosemanyexceedinggreatandpreciouspromises,bywhichwearemadepartakersofthedivinenature,2Peter1:4,andifdulyconsidered would much conduce to establish the present truth, whichaffirms the absolute free giving of “all things pertaining to life andgodliness,”2Peter1:3,andthisnothingmoreplainlycontradicts,thantomake the dispensations of grace to depend on the wills and

improvements of naturalmen: to excludewhich is a principal scope ofabsolute promises, “that no flesh should glory in his presence,” 1CorinthiansI:29.sinceitisGodthatworkethallinall,bothtowillandtodo; and that of his own good pleasure, 1 Corinthians 12:6. Philippians2:13.Thereareyetdiversthingsallegedagainstthisdoctrine;whichtheholy scriptures, with reasons drawn from thence and sanctifiedexperience, do afford a plentiful bar(?) and answer to: and this servicetheyhavedoneus,tobringsomethingstomind(beforeomitted)whichmayprovetothefurtherclearingandconfirmationofthetruth.

Obj. Allmen universally, others as well as those you call the elect, areenduedwithmeanssufficientforsalvation.

Answer: It shall be far fromus to lessen themeans afforded to any; ortheirsininnotlivingtip(?)towhattheyhave:theyhaveallmeanstobebetterthantheyare;andyetwecannotassentthatallmennow(sincethefall)have thesufficiencyalleged; for,ofall therest, thenameofChrist,andfaithinhim,mustnotbeexcluded;buttheseallmenhavenot.Inagreatpartof theworldChrist isnotsomuchasnamed;and“howshallthey believe in himofwhom they have not heard?”Romans 11:14, andwhere the gospel is, “allmen ‘havenot faith,” 2Thessalonians3:2. Formen to believe (or fancy rather) that some excellent person hasinterposedanatonement,tokeepoffvengeancefromsinfulmen(assomespeak,)isnottobelieveonthenameoftheSonofGod,butrathertoerectanaltartoanunknowndeity,andtoworshiptheyknownotwhat.OurSaviortellstheJews(whoknewthatMessiahcometh,)“IfyebelievenotthatIamhe,yeshalldieinyoursins,”John8:24.Forotherreasonsalso,wecannotadmit theobjection. 1.Because it setsman in thesamestatenowasbeforethefall;then,indeedtheyhadasufficiencytoretaintheirpresentstate;buteversince,allarebornchildrenofwrath,andenemiesto God. 2. Because the objection, while it seems to magnify commongrace,nullifiesthespecial;asifGodnomoreregardedhisownelectthanothermen.3.Becauseitlaysafoundationforselfboasting;for,ifallhavebutthesamemeansgivenfromabove,thebetternessofanymustbefromthemselves;menmustmakethemselvestodiffer;whichiscontrarytoallreason, since the samemeans canhavebut the same effect on subjectsalike qualified. 4. Because the scripture speaks expressly the contrary;

andthatofthosewhohadthelikeliestsufficiencyofanyothers;andyetthey “could not believe,” John 12:39, and of believers themselves, that“they cannot think,” 2 Corinthians 3:5, and of Christ’s own disciples(who,ofallbelievers,hadthehighestmeans,)that“withouthimtheycando nothing,” John 15:5, and if such as these can neither do nor think,where is the sufficiency boasted of? You say they have the power tobelieve,iftheywill:notso,but if theywill, theyhavepower.Powerandwill,inthismatter,arethesamethingvariouslyexpressed:itiscommonto say,we cannot,whennothing iswantingbutwill.And, forpower towill(ifsuchathingcouldbe)withoutawilltoputthatpowerintoact,itwould signify no more than an arm without strength (which makes ashew,butcandonothing;) likethefeetandanklebonesofhimthatwasborn a cripple. But is not that a deplorable kind of sufficiency, whichleaves “without hope, and without God in the world?” Ephesians 2:12,and yet such is the state of a very great part ofmankind. Youwill say,perhaps, they had a sufficiency, but by misusage they lost it: and canthere be a more palpable instance of a thing’s insufficiency, than itsinability to preserve itself, and the general successfulness of it? Butmeansmaybeproper enough, and in their kind sufficient, towards theproductionofsuchanevent,andyetthateventneversucceed,forwantofsomethingelsewhichalsowasrequisitefor it.SomeoftheJews,bytheevident testimoniesofChrist’sdivinity,were convinced thathewas theMessiah,butitcamenotuptoaperfectwork;“theydidnotconfesshim,”John12:42,and this because “the arm of the Lordwas not revealed tothem,”Isaiah53:l.thatis,asMosesspeaks,“theLordhadnotgiventhemanheart tounderstand,”Deuteronomy 29:4. Planting andwatering areproper,andsufficientintheirkind,asmeansandsecondarycauses;butnothingas to increase,withoutablessing fromGod.Whocould reasonmorestronglythanPaul?orspeakmoreeloquentlythanApollos?andyetthe success of their ministry was “as God gave to every man,” 1Corinthians 3:5. it isGod thatworketh bothwill and deed, Philippians2:13. it is he that openeth the ear to discipline, Job 36:10, and sealethinstruction, chapter 33:16.when his hand is set to, then it is authenticandpowerful,andnotbefore.Ofthis,thoseancientJewsareadownrightinstance: they had means of being purged, and yet were not purged,Ezekiel24:13.butafterwards,theLordtakestheworkintohisownhand;“Iwillsprinkle cleanwateronyou,andye shallbeclean; fromall your

filthiness,andfromallyouridols,willIcleanseyou;anewheartalsowillIgiveyou,andcauseyoutowalkinmystatutes,”Ezekiel36:25—28.bywhich it appears, that the Lord will not only afford them means, asaforetime,andleavetheimprovementthereoftothemselves;forthathesaw would not do; but now he will take the whole on himself; not toexemptthemfromtheirduty,butenablethemforit;addingalsohisowndivinepowertomakethemeanseffectual;asisplainlyimpliedinthatofthe prophet Jeremiah, “I will bring it health and cure, and I will curethem,”Jeremiah33:6. that is, hewould give them an honest and goodheart,whichshallbringforthfruittoperfection,Luke8:15.Thesearethemeansproperandsufficientforsalvation,andlessthanthiswillnotdo.

Objection:Theyhaveas fullasufficiencyas ismeetand just forGodtogive.

Answer:1.Isitmeetandjusttodogood?Whynotthenthechiefestgoodthatmenarecapableof,whichis,tohavetheirheartsperfectlyturnedtoGod,andunitedtohimforever?2.Theobjectionattributesmoretoman,inthebusinessofhissalvation,thantoGod:for,ifallthatGodcanjustlyormeetlydoinordertheretowillnotsavehim,withoutsomethingdonebyhimself,whichGodisnotthedoerof,thenmanwillbereckonedchiefagent in the work; and so “the axe will boast itself against him thathandlesit,”Isaiah10:15.Supposeaplasterormedicinetobemadeupoftwentyingredients,andoneofthemtobeofsuchsovereignvirtueastoinfluenceall therest;allwhich, if thatbewanting,willbutulcerate thewound, or heighten the distemper; that one must be counted theprincipal. 3. It is not to be supposed that the great and onlywiseGodwouldsetupacreaturewhosewillhecannotjustlyandmeetlyoverrule,especiallyinthingsrequisitetotheveryendforwhichhewasmade:nor,thatheshouldmakehim for suchanend, as thatany thing conduciblethereto may not meetly and justly be done, in order to itsaccomplishment.4.ItwouldnotanswertheendofChrist’sreceivinggiftsformen;yea,fortherebellious,tobringinwhom,allpowerwasgiventohim.Supposeageneralshouldtake inthe lesser fortsofarevoltedcity,but leave the fort royal, which commands all the rest, in the enemy’shand;shallhetellhisprincetheywouldnotyield;andthat,beingmenofreason,hethoughtitnotfairtoforcethem?wouldthisbeafairaccount

ofhisexpedition?Iknownot;foritwouldbetosay,ineffect,thathedidnot reduce them,because theywere rebels.5. It cannotbe righteousormeetformentoaffirm,norforthehonorofsovereignmajesty,toadmit,that the creature’s will should limit, divert, or frustrate, the will andintentoftheCreator.Shallitbeatthewillofonepossessed,whetherorno the devil shall be cast out? shall every base and pitiful lust have anegativevotetothatwhichhaspassedtheTrinity’sfiat?Itwasreligiouslysaidofone,“IwillnothavehimformyGod,thathasnotpowerovermywill.”And,lastly.Supposeamancrazedinhishead,andyouintendhimanhonororoffice,whichheneverwillbecapableofwithoutthefulluseofhisreason;isitnotmeeter,anddothitnotargueanhigherdegreeoflove, prudence, and justice, to cure his distemper, though in a waycontrary to his present mind, than to wait his complying with yourprescriptions, which (as he is) he will never understand? And whathinders,butthatGodmaydosobyhispeople;evengivethemahearttoknowhim,andtofearhimforever,saveonlythatthisboggyprincipleofhumanlibertywillnotcomportwithit?

Objection: But if a sufficiency of means to repent and believe be notaffordedtoall,howshallGodbejustinpunishingforneglects?

(Tabà)Answer:ThejusticeofGodwillnotneedoursalving,especiallybyabalmofourmaking:whetherhe judgeor justify,he is just inwhathedoeth, thoughpurblindreasonseesnothow.His judgmentsareagreatdeep;nottobefathomedbyhumancomprehension.Insoundingatsea,willitfollowthatthereisnobottom,becauseyourlinewillnotreachit?Goddealtnotso(inrespectofmeans)withanynationaswithIsrael:andthemengoingwithPaultoDamascus,theLordwouldnotgivethemtoseehisface,nortohearhisvoice;bothwhichhevouchsafedtoPaul,andyetheneedsnovindicationorapologyforpunishingtheirunbelief:“Theythat, have sinnedwithout law, shall perishwithout law,”Romans 2:12.Besides,men are justly obnoxious to punishment for neglecting or notimproving themeans theyhave;although thosemeans,whenmade thebestof thatnature can,willnot save them: theyarepunishable fornotfeedingandnot clothing;andyetbydoing these,menarenot justified.The least transgression lays men open to wrath; and we cannot, bykeepingsomecommands,compensatethebreachofothers.

(Tabà)Objection:Where it is said, “Iwillwritemy law in their hearts;andcausethemtowalkinmystatutes,”etc.thereisnomoreintendedbyit,butthegivingofthingsormeanspropertosuchanend.

Answer: If one obliged to save your life should thus expound hisengagement,youwouldnotthinkitgoodpayment,northathehaddealtfaithfullywithyou.Thesenseobjectedcannotbe themindand limitofthatmost gracious promise: for, 1. The promisemust be as broad andlargeastheprecept: itwouldelsebetooshorttoreposeourconfidencein. If, then, the precept intends asmuch as thewords of it do literallyimport, thenalsodoth thepromise:but thepreceptnotonlyrequiresausingthemeansthattendtothedutyenjoined,buttheperfect,effectualperformanceofthedutyitself,bothastomatterandform;thereforedothlikewisethepromise:andthenitwillfollow,thattowritethelawintheheart, and cause us to walk, etc. ismore than ameans: it is the thingitself. 2. The doctrine is hardly bestead, and not much to be credited,which, for its support,mustput sucha construction in thehighest andmostabsolutepromisesthatGodhasmade,aswouldrenderthemweakandfruitlessthings.3.WhereGodhasabsolutelysaid,thatsuchathinghe will do for men to put in conditions or limitations, is to raze orinterline a record;which is a felonious act: and hope hewill deal withthose who add to, or take from, the words of his prophecy, you haverecorded in the last chapter of his book: (it is ill trifling with sacredthings.)4.Aphysicianthatundertakestocureamanofhisfrenzy,andtokeephim inhis rightmind, isnot said tohavedonehiswork,ormadegoodhisword,whatevermeanshavebeenappliedtohim, if thepatientcontinuehisformerdistraction,orrelapseintoit.5.ThereisnoneedorreasonwhytheLordshouldpromise,ormakeshewofpromising,morethanheintendstoperform,forthatwouldbeasabrokenstaff:orwhyheshouldexpresshimselfintermsofafullerormoreabsoluteengagementthanmightinallpointsconsistwithhiswisdom,justice,holiness,etc.6Lastly,Theobjectionisfurtherexceptedagainstandrejected,notonlyasitmakesman the chief agent in his own salvation, but as denying thatGoddoeth any thingmore for them that are saved, than for them thatperish.Ifmenmakethemselvestodiffer,thegospeldesignofmagnifyinggraceisdashedatonce.And,truly,itismatterbothofwonderandgrief,toseehowindustriouslywittysomemenaretoenervatethepromisesof

God;asif theycouldnotacceptofsalvation,unlesstheirownwillsmaystandpartnerswithhisgrace.

Objection:But is itnotsaid,“Tohimthathasshallbegiven?”Matthew25:29.thatis,hethatusescommongracewell,shallhavespecial.

(Tabà) Answer: 1. If that gracious promise, of writing the law in ourhearts, intendonly theaffordingofmeans,which isbutcommongrace,whereshallwefindapromiseofthespecial?Thewellusingofcommongrace is indeed a duty incumbent on all; but is in nowaymeriting, ormovingGodtobestowthespecial:heisaboveallhumanmotives;andisnotwroughtonbythem,asmenare.ThisisseenbyPaul,whomspecialgracetookholdon,evenwhilemisusingthatwhichiscommon:therewasnospaceoftimebetweenhisbeingapersecutor,andhisobtainingmercy,1Timothy1:3.withActs9:4,5,6.2.Whatproportionis there, invalue,between a handful of clay, and a talent of gold? Infinitely more is thedisproportionbetweenthegraceoffaith,andallthatanaturalmancandoforobtainingit:“theythatareinthefleshcannotpleaseGod,”Rom,8:8. 3. Whatsoever is not of faith is sin; but a man’s sin cannot be amotiveforhisgood:topleadyour improvements, is tomakeyourfilthyragsanargumentwhyGodshouldacceptyou.RemembertheconditionhewasinthatprofferedmoneyforthegiftoftheHolyGhost,Acts8:18,19. improvements for faith is no better. 4. It would not become thewisdom,power,orgraceofGod,tobuildonafoundationmadereadytohishand:heneedsitnot,norwillitsortwithhisdesign;whichistohavehisgraceacknowledgedthealphaandomegaofmen’ssalvation.Lastly,Awilltoimprove,isasmuchfromGodasthethingtobeimproved:“Amancan receivenothing except it be givenhim fromabove,” John3:27. thethinggiven,andpowertoreceiveandimproveit,arebothfromthence:andthingsfromabovearenotfetcheddownbymen;buttheycomedownwhen,andonwhom,theFatheroflightspleaseth,James1:17.

Objection:Menarecommandedtomakethemanewheart,Ezekiel18:31.whichmust imply an ability so to do: for how can it be just to requirethingsimpossible;andthatundersosevereapenalty?

Answer:Whateverisimpliedinthecommand,suchallegationsdosurelyimply that the framers of them are much unacquainted with the

scriptures, or extremely rash in drawing conclusions from them. Thereare reasons enough, and holy ends, which do justly warrant suchcommands,withoutsupposingthosetowhomtheyaregivenablenowtoperformthem:as,1.PerhapstheLordspeaksitironically;deridingtheirvainconfidence,asElijahdidthepriestsofBaal,whenhebidsthem“Cryaloud,forheisagod,”1Kings18:27.willyouhenceinfer,thatBaalwasagod?orthatidolscanshewthingstocome,becausetheLordbidsthemdoit,therebytoevidencetheirgodhead?Isaiah41:23.orthatAdamhadadvantaged himself by his fall, because the Lord says, “The man isbecome like one of us?” Genesis 3:22. The like form of speech issometimesusedconcerningBabylon;“Takebalmforherpain,ifsobeshemay be healed,” even then when “his device was to destroy her;”Jeremiah51:8.withchapter50.So,here,asupbraidingthosecarnalJewswiththeirfondopinionofself-sufficiency,freedomofwill,andpowertodo greatmatters; “Make you a new heart, for whywill ye die7”q. d.(?)“Youknowthattheendofthesethingsisdeath:youpretendtoanhighpitchof ability, thatmenmaybe good if theywill, and turnwhen theyplease,andyetyougooninanevilway:ifyecanmakeyouanewheart,doit;whywillye,byneglectingsoeasyamatter,fallunderasentenceofdeath?”2.To letmenknowGodhasnot losthis rightof commanding,thoughtheyhavelosttheirpowerofobeying:timewaswhentheyhadit,andpower tokeep it,but,having lost it,God isnotboundtorestore it,norunjustinpunishingthoseneglectswhicharisefromthewantofit.Itisman’sdutytoseekafterGod,thoughitbeaperadventurewhetherheshall findhimornot,Acts17:27.3.Hereby to convince themwhatwasthatonethingnecessary,namely,thechangeofheart;as,withoutwhich,alllaborisspentinvainonthem,asintheparableofthesower.Therootmust be holy before the fruit: grapes will not grow on thorns; nor thestony,thorny,orhighwaygroundbringforthtoperfection,Luke3:12—15.whenEphraimwas turned, thenhe repented, andnotbefore, Jeremiah31:19. 4. That being convinced of the necessity of such a change, andfindingtheirownendeavorswhollyineffectual,asPauldid,Romans7:8,9.23. theymight see also the necessity of free grace, and of the divinepower to do it for them; and so have their eyes turned oft.(?) fromthemselves,anddrawnthitherwardseventowardsthosehillsofstrength,whichthechurchhadaneyetowhentheyprayed,“Turnthoume,andIshallbe turned,”Jeremiah31:18.5.If the giving a command fromGod

infersinmenapowertoobey;thenitwillfollow,thatmenhaveapowertokeepthewholelaw,andthatwithoutturningasidetotherighthandorto the left; and to make themselves holy, as God is holy; for these hecommanded,Deuteronomy5:32,33.2Peter 1:15.But, 6.That theLordintendsnotsuchaconclusionshouldbemadeonhiscommand,appearsfromthe17thofJeremiahverse8(?)1.“ThesinofJudahiswrittenwithapenof iron,andwithapointofadiamondgravenon the tableof theirheart;”thatis,soasnottobeblottedoutbyhumanwitorstrength:andtherefore,7.Hetellsthemexpressly,itisasimpossibleforthemtomakethemselves a new heart, “as for the Ethiopian to change his skin,”Jeremiah13:23.“Forwhocanbringacleanthingoutofanunclean?”Job14:4 “They that sanctify themselves, and they that offer swine’s flesh,shallbothbeconsumedtogether,”Isaiah66:17.

Objection:Whythenaremenenjoinedattendanceonthemeans,iftherebesolittleinthem?

Answer:Iftherewerenootherreasonorend,thiswereenough,thatGodhadcommandedit;thatbindsustousethemeans,thoughnotthemeansto effect the thing it is used for: nor is the means so much to beconsidered,asGod’sinstitutionandappointment;northeusethereoftobe rested on, but the grace and power ofGod giving influence thereto;whohimself isnotboundtomeansormethod:originallyheis foundinhisownway,andoutofitwearenottolookforhim.

Objection:Buttowhatendisthegospelpreachedintermsuniversal,anduniversally to all, if some particular and determinate persons only canreceiveit?

Answer: The counsel ofGod concerning election is secret; theministerknows not who are the objects of it; and thereforemust preach to all,accordingtohiscommission.TheLorddeals inthis,as inthematteroflots:Saulwasforeappointedtobeking;yetallIsraelmustcometogether,and lots must be cast on the whole nation, as if the person were yetundesigned,1Samuel9:16.withchap:10:20,21.Thefallingofthelotwaswhollycontingent,astomen:anothermighthavebeentakenaswellashe it fell on: but the Lord disposed it, and cast it on the right person,Proverbs 16:33. So, touching the gospel, it is sent to a place where,

perhaps,butone,orveryfewelectpersons,are,andthoseonlyshallbetakenbyit,andyetitmustbepublishedtothewholecitypromiscuously:buttheHolyGhost, “whoknoweth thedeepthingsofGod,”brings it totheheartsofthosetowhomitisprepared;andthereitfixeth:whichthejailer,Lydia,andotherexamples,makeevident.

(Tabà) Objection: Man is a rational creature, and accordingly to beproceeded with: but this way and manner of conversion destroys allfreedomofwill;andmakesconversionacompulsorything.

Answer:Thewillcannotbeforced:themanmaybeforcedtoactagainsthiswill,butnottowillagainsthiswill:or,hemaywillthattoday,whichyesterday he willed not: but this change is so far from being aninfringement,thatitisratheraneffectanddemonstrationofhisfreedom.There are three sorts of compulsion, violent, natural, and rational. 1.Violent;whenamanisconstrainedtodothatwhichhiswill isoppositeto: thus the Israelites, to serve the Egyptians, and go into captivity: soalso Paul, and other saints, are led captive to that they would not,Romans 7:9. but the will in conversion comes not under this kind ofconstraint,norany thing like it. 2.There is anatural compulsion: thusmen,andothercreatures,arecompelledtoeat,drink,sleep,andbreathe;thereneednoviolenthandtoimposeit,norargumentstopersuadetoit;they do it by instinct, which God has endued themwith for their ownconservation:thiskindofcompulsionispropertothesoulconverted,inreference to a spiritual life and actions. 3. There is also a rationalcompulsion, which is nearest the case in hand: this is when theunderstandingandjudgmentareconvincedofthegoodness,necessity,orexpediencyofathing,whichbeforehejudgedotherwiseof.Forthis,seethe prodigal’s reasons for returning to his father, Luke 15:17, and thelepers’ for going to the Syrian’s camp, 2Kings 7:3. 4. their reason toldthem,itwasbettertogowheretherewashope,thantotarrywheretherewasnone.Seealsotheargumentsforthesaints’livingtoChrist;theloveofChristconstrainsthem;theycannotbutsojudge,namely,thatifChristdied for them, theyareboundto live tohim,2Corinthians5:14. yetnobreach of their liberty, although at other times they were otherwiseminded.

Thefirstofthese,namely,thatwhichisviolent,ourdoctrinehasnothing

todowith:itistrue,thereisadrawinginconversion;andtherewouldbeno conversion without it; “no man can come to Christ except he bedrawn,” John 6:44.which drawing implies an averseness, or at least adisability in him that is drawn, and, consequently, a kind of force, orextrinsicalpower,put forthonhim.But letmesay, it issucha forceastheenlightenedsoulmostgladlysubjectsitselfto,andwouldnotbefromunderthepowerandblessedinfluenceofforaworld.LetitthereforebeobservedhowtheFatherdraws:itisinthemostgenuineandkindlywaythat canbe conceived: he draws by teaching, John6:45. not asGideontaughttheoftenofSuccoth,Judges8:16.norasthetaskmastersdrewthepeopletotheirburdens,Exodus5:16.butasJacobwasdrawnintoEgypt;whoneednotbeforcedtodislodge,andremovehistent,whenhefoundhimselfsurroundedwithfamine,andheheardtherewascorninEgypt;thatthekinghadsentwagonsforhim,andprovisionsfortheway;tellinghim withal, that the good of all the land was before him; especiallyconsidering thathisbelovedJosephwas therealive,and in thegreatesthonor, ready to receive him,Genesis chapter 45. In likemanner,whenthesoulhasasightoftheholinessofGod,andofitsownvileness,ofthepurity, straightness, and just severity of the law; with its ownuncleanness,crookedness,guiltiness,anddisability,either tokeep it,orbearthevengeanceofit;thatinGodaloneisallitsblessedness;andthatyet it cannotpossibly comeathim,but asdried stubble to adevouringflame:andyetagain,ifhecomesnot,hediesintheplacewhereheis,andmust dwell with everlasting burnings; and withal hears of a Mediator,who came fromHeaven to save such as himself is; and who casts outnone that come tohim;andbywhomhemay come toGodboth safelyandacceptably;therewillneednoviolenthandonthewill;evenlovetohimself makes the soul wings. There is, indeed, a violent (or rather,almighty) constraint and casting out of him that did usury on thewill,andperverted it, “bydeluding theunderstandingwith falseglossesandcarnal reasonings;whichbeingdispelledby the true light’s shining, thewill falls inwith it, and followswithperfect freedom.Christ offered noviolencetothemanwhenhecastoutthelegion;buttherebyrestoredhimtohisproperfreedom:forwepresentlyfindhimat“Jesus’feet,clothed,and inhis rightmind,”Luke8:35. desiring now to dwellwith him, thesight of whom before was a torment to him; here homanwill say thepatientwaswronged,thoughhiswillwascrossed;ifanydo,thereiscause

to inquirewhetherhimselfbeyet inhis rightmind.When the facultiesareputinorderbyrenovation,theunderstandingisthespiritofthewill;whichthereforelooksfind(theremustbeabadwordheresomewhere?)goes the same way as of course, as the wheels did after the livingcreatures,Ezekiel1:19.without any foreign or violent constraint: it hasnowa,springwithinit,bywhichitismovedandguided(itselfbeingalsorenewedandsanctified)accordingtothisrenewedlight;asaneedlethatifrightlytouchedneedsnottobeforcedtolooktowardsthepole;itwilldo itbysympathy:“If theeyebesingle, thewholebody is fullof light,”Matthew6:22.

Butsupposethethingobjectedtobetrue,namely,thatinconversionthewill suffereth violence, it no way deserves to be styled cruel andtyrannical, as some, extremely intemperate in nature’s concerns! dopresumetospeak,norindeedtobecomplainedofintheleast,sincethetendency and issue thereof is an infinite good.What father would notcross the will of his child, rather than see him destroyed by hisfoolhardiness? Shall parents, as it were, force their children’s will fortheir good, and be blameless; and shall not much more the Father ofspirits,thatwemaylive?Hebrews12:9.WasitnotamercytoJeremiah,that ..thewordoftheLordwasasafireinhisbones,thathecouldnotforbearspeaking,”Jeremiah20:9.ratherthanbeconfoundedforholdinghispeace?Howmuchbetterisittoenterintolifehaltormaimed,thangointo hell with a whole skin! I hope there is none so much besidethemselves as to judge otherwise of it; or complain of their beingcompelledtogotoheaven,thoughitwerebyawhirlwindandchariotoffire.Atfirst,Igrantit ispurenecessitydrivestoChrist:butafterwards,his personal excellency and loveliness constrain to abide with him; asweetandblessedcompulsion!andnowyouwouldnotleavehimagain,althoughthefirstnecessityofyourgoingtohimwerequiteatanend:butstillwesay,asbefore,thatthewillisnotviolated,butchanged,andthatin a due and orderly way, by being made subject to an enlightenedunderstanding,thanwhichthereisnothingmorepleasantandnaturaltoit.

Inferences

TheinferencesfromthisdoctrineIreducetotwosorts?1.Cautionary,to

preventthemisusingsogreatatruth:2.Directive,todrawforthsomeofthe spirits of it into practice: and of these, intermixedly and briefly,though capable of much enlargement. In general, take notice, that thescopeanddesignofthedoctrine,isnottofosterremissnessinduty,norto countenance a stupid, or carnal quiet: but, to set forth the fullness,freeness, and prevalent efficacy of divine grace, with the creature’snothingness,astoanyconsiderableact,inthismatter.Moreparticularly:

Infer. 1. Presume not yourself interested in the promise of eternal life,untilyoufindinyourselfthosenecessaryevidentialqualificationsoffaithandregeneration:or,least,atrulyearnestandrestlesspursuitafterthem:“Iwillnotlettheego,exceptthoublessme,”Genesis32:26.

Infer. 2. Letnot themeansbedespised, or lightly regarded, because ofthemselvesnotsufficienttosave.Wherethemeansare,theLordexpectsthatmenshouldusethem;andwereadnotofanysavedwithout,wheretheymightbehad.

Infer.3.Letnomansitstillinthewillfulorcarelessneglectofhisduty,pretending, that if electedheshall surelybe saved; ifnot,allhecandowill not help him. Such a disposition argues a great height of pride, orsullennessofspirit,andenmityagainstGod:flyfromitasfromhell;foritis truly that deathwhich hell follows after: as, on the contrary, ye canhardly have a more hopeful symptom of your state, than a seriousattendance on God in his way. And, in seeking to know your election,beginattherightend;givealldiligencetomakeyourcallingsure;andthecertaintyofyourelectionwillfallinonit.

Infer.IV.Takenotice,fromtheimportandtenorofthecontrarydoctrine,what standing need and usefulness there is of those often repeatedcautions, to “try the spirits; search the scriptures; take heed how youhear;”andnotbeledby“fairshowsintheflesh.”Themoresmoothandpleasing notions are to the carnal ear, the more to be suspected, andthoroughly examined before they pass. Let the drift of the law and thetestimonydeterminethequestion;andthatwilltellyou,thosedoctrinesare not to be held guiltless, that cry tip(?) that excellent creatureman;with the strength and capacity of natural reason; the sufficiency offreewillgrace;powerofimprovement,andtrulyIknownotwhat,forthey

are not after the pattern of wholesome words; making these the greathingewhereonthedesign, thatgloriousdesign,ofgrace inelection, themediationofChrist,andtheHolyGhost’soperations,mustallhangandmove; yea, be frustrate too, and come to nothing, except the reason ofmanwilldethroneitself,andsubmittothatwhichitreckonsfoolishness.Godliness isamystery,1Timothy3:16,andagreatone, it is a spiritualmystery;whichitcouldnotbesaidtobe,ifreasoncouldcomprehendit.With all your care and circumspection, fly from that dangerousquicksand,whichtheJewssunkintoandperished,Romans9:31,32,andhowmanyinourdaysareindangerof it!Ithasslainitsthousands, forothers’ single tens. As preventive of this, I would put in a threefoldmemorial.

1.Thatthereisaspecificdifferencebetweenmoralvirtues,anddivine,orholinessoftruth.True‘holinesshasallmoralityinit;butallthatiscalledmoralmaybewithoutholiness,norwilleverrisetoit;sublimationdoesnotvarythekind;holinessmusthavearootofitsown:hethatbestknewthe nature of things, and what may be made of them, affirms it asirrationaltothinkotherwise,astoexpectfigsfromthistles,Matthew7:16.That theyproceed from several heads, appears from their several ends.What rises from the divine nature, directs its course towardsGod, andceasesnotuntilitarriveathim;andwhatrisesinitself,terminatesthere;as a circle, wheresoever it begins, there it ends, fetch it ever so far acompass. Paul was amoralist of no ordinary size; his often quoting it,showstheesteemhehadoncehadofit:butwhenitpleasedGodtorevealhisSoninhim,Galatians1:15.hecountsitallbutdung,Philippians3:8.Whichhewouldnothavedone,hadthenewcreaturesprungoutof theold: but thus far he was, when he knew better things from his formerfondness;andsoshallwe.Thinknot,therefore,tofindinyourselvesthematerials of gospel holiness, or to raise them out of the dust of yournatural endowments:which, thoughof gooduse in theirplace,will notbearoftherightkind,Matthew12:33.tillheadedbytheengraftedword,James 1. 21. He that thinks to draw saving graces out of naturalprinciples,doesbutspinoutofhisbowelstodieinhisownweb.

2.Youmaynotthinktoobtainspecialgraceonyourimprovementofthatwhichiscommon:hethatdoes,buildsonawrongfoundation,andisyet

underacovenantofworks;underwhichnomanwaseversaved,orshallbe,Galatians3:10.Thiswas the casewith thosewho followed after thelawofrighteousness,anddidnotattaintoit:whatwasitthathindered?“Theysought it (as itwere)by theworksof the law,”Romans9:31, 32,andyettheGentiles,whosoughtitnot,attainedit,Romans9:30.Wherenote,bytheway,thatthosewhodonotatallseekafterrighteousnessandlife,areaslikelytospeed,asthosewhoseekitunduly;thatis,byworksoftheir own. In vain is salvation looked for from the hills of naturalfreedom, free-will-grace, human improvements, or whatever else is ofhighestesteemwithmen:noneinsuchdangerofbeingbrokenoff, thatis, of losing that they profess and seem to have, as thosewho are highminded,whostandontheirterms,andwillnotyieldwithouttakingtheirbaggage with them: it was the very same with those carnal Jews, “WehaveAbrahamtoour father;werenever inbondage to anyman,” John8:33. “and arewe also blind?” John 9:40. If thy carnal heart has beenhankering that way, and is now bought off, bless the Lord for it;rememberthedangerthouhastescaped,andcomenomorethere;bearinthyheart,asafrontletbetweenthineeyes,thatgoodwordrecordedinJeremiah,whichshowsthedangerofmaking“fleshthinearm,”andtheblessednessof trustingonly in theLord, jcn 17:5, 6,7, and this, I verilythink,isthecausethatsome,whohavemadeafairprofession,dofalloffandwither;theymakethepromisesofgraceconditional,andtheefficacyof them to depend on their free will’s disposition, and treat themaccordingly.Suchfaithisbutofhumanextract;itisofmen,andthereforeit comes to nought; whereas, “if it were of God, it could not beoverthrown.”Acts5:38.

3.Humanwisdomisnocompetent judgeinthismatter.Yemayaswelltrymetalsonabrickbat,or judgeofcolorsbymoonlight,asofspiritualthingsbynaturalreason;theyareaboveit,thoughnotcontrarytoit:norwill the clearness of light without help in this case; high noon andmidnightarebothaliketoonethatwasbornblind;thelightofthesun,ifsevenfold,wouldbutmoredazzle theeight(?) that isnotadapted for it.Divine things are not visible but by an organ suitably disposed; in thewantofwhichthescriptureitselfistoooftenperverted;andtheletterofitsetuptoobliterateitsmeaning.TheverydisciplesofChristknewnotthescriptures,butasheopened theirunderstanding, 1 John5:20.with

John20:9,andLuke24:45,andshoneintoit:andenabledbythis,theylookedonandhandledthewordoflifeassuch,1John1:1.theybeheldhisglory, the glory as of the only begotten Son of the Father, John 1:14.when, at the same time, the learned scribes, with all their moral andliteraryendowment,sawnosuchthing;butcountedhimadeceiver,andonepossessed,John7:12.20.chapter10:20.“ThethingsofGodknowethnoman, but the Spirit of God,” and he to whom the Spirit will revealthem:“butthenaturalman,(whilesuch,)receivethnotthethingsoftheSpirit,” 1 Corinthians 2:14. “they are foolishness to him,” 1 Corinthians1:18,19,andHebrews l:5. “neither can he know them, because they arespiritually discerned,” and not otherwise. “But, he that is spiritual,enduedwithpowerfromonhigh,”Luke24:49.“judgethallthings,yethehimself is judged of no man,” 1 Corinthians 2:15. no unspiritual manunderstands him, nor his principles; it is a “new name, which nomanknows but he that has it,” Revelation 8:17. Hence they are calledunintelligiblenotions;and“whatwillthisbabblersay?whenhepreachedJesus,andtheresurrectionofthedead,”Acts17:18.Andforthiscausetheapostlestillpraysforthosehewritesto,“thatGodwouldgive themthespirit of wisdom and revelation, and enlighten the eyes of theirunderstanding,” Ephesians 1:17, 18. where note, that one of the greatthings theywere todiscern,was, the “exceedinggreatnessof thedivinepowerputforthinthemthatbelieve,”verse8(?)19,and,that“theymightabound in knowledge, and in all judgment; and this, that they mightapprovethingsthatareexcellent,”Philippians1:9,10.ortrythingsthatdiffer,asthemarginhasit.So,fortheColossians;“Heceasethnottoprayfor them, that theymightbe filledwith theknowledgeofhiswill, inallwisdom and spiritual understanding,” Colossians 1:9. Which scripturesplainly import, that there is not in everyman this knowledge; nor yetenoughinthebest:forwhyshouldhepraysosolemnlyforthatwhichiscommon, or easily obtained? so then, wisdom is the principal thing,Proverbs 4:7, and itmust be wisdom from above, James 3:17. withoutwhich the mind is not good, nor capable of right judgment, howevergarnishedwithhumanhabiliments:butenduedwiththis,thoseotherwillbeserviceablehandmaids:iftheeyebesingle,thewholebodyshallbefulloflight.Thoselesserlightsareyetofuse,andmayservetorulethenight,whichtheyweremadefor,butwhenthedaystarisup,theyvanish;thenthosewildbeastsofhumanabilities,liedownintheirdens,andmangoes

forth to his work, Psalm 104:22.with another kind of skill and powerthaneverhehadbefore,andwithbettersuccess.Thereforegetwisdom,and with all thy getting, get understanding,” Proverbs 4:7. “It is awellspring of life tohim that has it,” Proverbs 16:22. the image ofGodand eternal life begin here, Jon 17:?. (?)Colossians3:10. The first steptowardsit,isyoursenseofitswant:“hethatthinksheknowsanything,knowsnothingyetasheoughttoknow,”1Corinthians8:2.Themoreyeknowintruth,thedeepersenseshallyehaveofyourscantyattainments.“Hethatwillbewise,lethimbecomeafool(inhisownsight)thathemaybewise,”1Corinthians3:18.“WhomGodwillteachknowledge,andmaketo understand doctrine, he weans from the milk, and draws from thebreasts,”Isaiah28:9.oftheirmotherwitandcarnalunderstanding.Yournext step is, to seek wisdom where it is to be had, namely, at thefountainhead,“theFatheroflights,”James1:5.Hethatthinkstoobtainofhimself, a phrase toomuch inusewith some, goes to awrongdoor;andisbutaslikelytospeed,asabeggarthataskethanalmsofhimself:andhenceitis,thatinsomanyseekers,therearesofewthatfind.WhenSolomon,fromasenseofhischildhoodinknowledge,soughtwisdomofGod,heobtainedit;whenofhimself,thoughbetterstockedthanbefore,hefailed;“IsaidIwillbewise,butitwasfarfromme,”Ecclesiastes7:23.he seemed, at this turn, to be of the freewill persuasion, and he spedaccordingly.He therefore puts on this course amark of ignominy; “Hethattrustethtohisownheartisafool,”Proverbs28:26.Iheartilywishitmaynotbesaidtoanyamongus,“thywisdomandthyknowledgeithaspervertedthee,”Isaiah47:10.Andhavingoncegotthisspiritual faculty,preserveitlikefireonthealtar;letitnevergoout,Leviticus6:13,andforyourgrowthinit,liveuptowhatyouknow.“Hethatwilldohiswill,shallknowofhisdoctrine,”John7:17;2Peter1:5-8.

Infer. V. If the divine power be absolutely necessary; then rest not onmeansorministry,thoughthebest;usethorn(?)asmeans,butstillhaveyour eye towards that power and grace which alone can make themeffectual.ElishasmotethewaterswithElijah’smantlebutitwastheGodofElijahthatpartedthemhitherandthither,tomakeawayover,2Kings2:14.Menrolled thestone fromLazarus’sgrave;butChristwashewhobroughtLazarus forth,John11:41—44.so theminister preaches Christ;butitisGodonlythatgivesanunderstandingtoknowhim.Ourbusiness

is,tomindourduty,andtohaveourfaithinGod,astheprincipalpartofit:forheitis,whoisboththemakerofourplaster,andthelayerofiton;whoalsodothinfluenceandmanageitforus,fromfirsttolast;heisboththeauthorandfinisher,Hebrews12:2.“ItisGodthatworkethallinall,”1Corinthians12:6.

Infer.6.Inlookingovertheseveralpartsofthisgreatwork,andpartiesconcernedaboutit,letnotthegraceofJesusChristbeoverlooked;norletit be lightly considered, how little, indeed, less than nothing, you or Ihave done to induce or help it on. See how manifestly our Lord andRedeemerapproveshimselfthegoodshepherd:heisnotsatisfiedtosendhis servants, but he goes himself; and such is his care and love to oursouls,thatheleavesnoplaceunsearched;rangesthebriersandthickets;avoids neither mountains nor valleys; no, not even the valley of theshadowofdeath;nay,heknows,thatthereheismostlikelytomeetthem,and rests him not until he has found. He doth, as it were, forget theninetyandnineofhisverysheep,thatarealreadybroughtin,yetso,asnottoleavethemwithoutagoodguardian,andalltofetchinastraggler:whichhavingfound,hedothnotyetthinkitfound,tillhehaveitathomeinthefold.Itisnotenoughwithhimtomove,argue,persuade,threaten;and if theywillnot comply, let them take their course, and feedon thefruit of their doings: his mercies are not like our freewill mercies toourselves:toseethembutdeeperplunged,byallhehasdoneforthem,wouldnotbetoseeofthetravailofhissoulandbesatisfied.Butifallthiswillnotdo,andheknowsitwillnot,heapprehendshislostsheep,ashedidManasseh and Paul, or as an officer does a fugitive, lays it on hisshoulders, and brings it home; which plainly shows the sheep’saverseness to return: for, if it would either lead or drive, the shepherdwould not trouble himself to bear it on his back. O that the love andfaithfulnessofChristmighthare(?)itsweightonourhearts,tolovehimhighly,andourselvesonlyforhissake,whosavesusat firstagainstourwills, in saving us from selfwilledness: and somaking us willing to besavedindeed!

Infer.7.Ifallthatpertainstosalvationbegiveninrightofelection,thenlet every soul that seeks for spiritual gifts, andwouldbe sure to speed,apply himself to electing love: and let all your thankfulness for all that

youhaveorhopefor,bereferredtothatlove:forthatistherockoutofwhichtheyarehewn,thefountainandspringfromwhencetheyproceed.Seethebountyandnoblenessof it!electing lovenotonlyprovidesyourhome,butsendsyouwagonsandprovisionfortheway:regardnotyourstuff:whateveryouhaveofyourown,be it good,orbe itbad; for, “thegoodofall the landisyours.”Makementionofnothingthat isproperlythine,exceptthe“greatnessofthysins,”asDavid,Psalm25.11.thepowerofindwellingcorruption,asPaul,Romans7:thyinabilitytoservehim,asJoshuaandJeremiah,Josh.24:19.Jeremiah1:6. thatwithoutfaiththoucanstnotpleaseGod,norgiveglory tohim; thatwithoutholiness thoucanst not show forth his virtues, nor answer the end for which he haschosenthee:and, finally, thatthoucanstbesanctifiedby thatwillonly,whichwillsthysanctification,Hebrews10:10.WhenMoseswouldprevailforthegraciouspresenceofGodwiththatpeople,whatdoeshepleadforit?“Remember(sayshe)thisnationisthypeople;andwhereshall itbeknown, thatIandthypeoplehave foundgrace in thysight? Is itnot inthis,thatthougoestwithus?”Exodus33:13.16.Here,yousee,hemakesGod’s presencewith them an evidence of his having chosen them; andfromhis choosing them,hedraws an argumentwhyhe shouldbewiththem.Mosesdurstnotsay,“Theyareapeoplethatkeepthycommands;theyarepersonsofaveryhonest,ingenuousdisposition,(assomesay,)atractablesortofmen,thathavecompliedwiththee,andbetterimprovedthy favors than theirneighborshavedone; thereforeown them,andgowiththem:”no,but“consider,Ipraythee,thattheyarethypeople;thouhast chosen them above all people,”Deuteronomy 10:15, and thereforedealwiththemabovetherateofthydealingswithothermen.

Inlikemanner,havingreceivedanyspecialfavorfromGod,sacrificenottoyourbetterdeservings;butasDaniel,who, thoughamanofsingularwisdom,yet, sayshe,“Thissecret isnotrevealedtome foranywisdomthatIhavemorethananyliving,”Daniel2:30.ThusalsowefindDaviddeportinghimselfwhenNathanbroughthimthatgraciousmessagefromGod,howgreatthingshewoulddoforhim,andforhishouse;whatdoesDavid put on it? “Thou, Lord God, knowest thy servant;” that is, thouknowest that I have done nothing which might move thee to thismunificentbounty;but,“forthyword’ssake,andaccordingtothineownheart,thouhastdoneallthesegreatthings,”2Samuel7:20,21.thisisthe

voiceofthemanafterGod’sownheart.

Again,supposeyouhavedoneanysignalserviceforGod;retireintoself-abasement,andmagnifyGodthathewaspleased tovouchsafeyouthathonor. Thus also did David, when setting his affection to the house ofGod, he had gathered that huge incredible mass of treasure for thebuildingit:hewondersnotsomuchathishavinggottenit,thoughthatmightbewellwonderedat,asthathehadanheartsofreelytodevoteittothat sacred use: “Who am I (says he,) andwhat ismy people, that weshould be able to offer thus willingly? for all things are of thee,” 1Chronicles 29:14.He acknowledgeth their willingness to offer to be asmuch of God, as the offering itself. And Paul, having labored moreabundantlythanalltheapostles,putsfromhimselfthehonorofit:“NotI,butthegraceofGodwhichwaswithme,”1Corinthians15:10.

Three or four things, in seeking for spiritual blessings, be sure to keepstillinyourmind.

1.Thatyoumustbenothinginyourself.Newwineisnotforoldbottles;thebottlesmustbefirstundone,andmadeupanew;orelsethewinewillbe spilt, and the bottles perish, Matthew 9:17. All your imaginaryrighteousness,wisdom,strength,etc.mustbepartedfromyou;anditisasnecessary,astoleaveyourmadeground,tobuildonthefirmrock.

2.Thatspiritualblessingsareagift,andwillnotadmitofanypleawhichmayseemtomake themwages.Lazarus lovedChrist,yetwouldnothissisters use that as their argument; but, “Lord, hewhomThou lovest issick,”John11:3.WhatthescriptureholdsforthasamotivewithGod,thatyou may plead, and that in his name; and, indeed, nothing else ispleadableatthethroneofgrace.Esteemnotyourselfthebetterforwhatyoumaycarrywithyou:thinknottobeacceptedbecauseofyourpresent;it isnotyourmoney, Isaiah55:1.John7:37. nor your doublemoney inyour hand, that will fetch you corn from above;, though it may fromEgypt:silverandgold,yourownworksundworthiness,areofnovalueatthemintoffreegrace;butthereitis,andthenceyoumusthavewhatevermayrenderyouwelcomeatthecourtofheaven.

3. Be not over solicitous how you shall speed; nor think you shall fare

worse for coming in so tattered and pitiful a condition. Free grace iscompassionate,rich,bountiful:youarenotthelesswelcomebecauseyoubring nothing: the best qualification is to find yourself ill qualified,empty,hungry,poor,naked,blind,miserable.Electinglovehasprovidedenough, and more: not bread and water only (though these are verywelcometoanhungryandthirstysoul,)butwineandmilk,“wineonthelees,afeastoffatthings,”Isaiah25:6.Notapronsmadeof fig leaves,ormade of beasts’ skins; but “long robes of linen, finewhite,” Revelation19:8.notmoneymadeofleather,orbasemetal,thatburdenonetocarryamonth’sprovisionofit;butgold,andofthatthefinest,andtriedinthefire, Revelation 8:18. which has nothing of dross or cankering rustadheringtoit.Andifthouhavebutlittle,lookonthatlittleusanearnestofmore;“Tohimthathasshallbegiven:“althoughthoubebut“smokingflax, he will not quench thee,” Isaiah 42:3. But to make sure thisimportantwork,

4. Be sure you leave not out your Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ.Electinglovedoethallinhim,andsomustyou:askallinhisname,andthensay,“Lord,heisworthyforwhosesakethoushouldstdothis.”And,withal, take heed of patching; join not law and grace together, lest therent be made worse: the righteousness where you must appear beforeGodisnotmadeupofdiverssortsandpieces,partlyhis,andpartlyyourown; but a seamless vesture, wrought throughout of one kind ofsubstance,andbyonehand:inthisyoumayapproachwithboldness,andtouchthetopofthegoldenscepter.

Infer.8.Havingsofirmandimpregnablearocktofoundyourfaithon;why should the greatest of difficulties, even the power of inbredcorruption, discourage any soul from casting itself on electing love, asthat which is perfectly able; and the very design of it is, to subdueiniquity, as well as to pardon it? It chose us, not because we were, orwouldbeholy,butthatwemightbeso,Ephesians1:4,and,tothatend,undertakes thewholeofourwork forus. It isbetweenusandsin,as itwas between Israel and the Canaanites; until the Lord began to drive,theydidnotstir;theyweregiants,toobigforgrasshopperstodealwith;hadironchariots,andcitieswalleduptoheaven:andyetthatcompanyofgrasshoppers turned them out; and this, because the Lord, who gave

themthat land,wasat theheadof them;hewentbefore them,andcuttheirwayforthem;whilehedrove,theyweredriven;whenheceased,thework stood still, Psalm44:28.Exodus 23:28. nay, his own peoplewererouted,andputtotheworse,John7:4.AndweshallfindbothMosesandJoshua still using arguments fetched from the covenant that God hadmade with them, by which always they were supported. Let us dolikewise,makeelectionourall;ourbread,water,munitionsofrocks,andwhateverelsewecanbesupposedtowant:herewearesureofsupplyandsafety: it is a tower that is really walled up to heaven; a never to beemptiedcloudofmanna,andaJacob’swell that isneverdry: it isdeepindeed, and you have nothing (of your own) to draw with; yet be notdisheartened stay by it, and thewell itself shall rise up to you, Numb.21:17.ratherthanyoushallwant.

Infer.9.Havingdoneall youcan,and in themidstof yourdoing,walkhumbly, as living on another’s bounty. Assume not to yourself, butascribethewholeofyoursalvation,andofalltheconducementsthereto,toelectinggrace,andhangonthatrootalone:evenfaithitself,asitisthebeliever’sact,isnottoberestedin,nortoshareinthisglory.Wemaysayof faith, as he to Felix,whomCaesar set over them, “By theewe enjoymuch quietness;” but the honor chiefly belonged to Caesar, who gavethemthatgovernor.Givetofaithitsdue;“acceptalways,andinallplaces,thebenefitsyouhavebyit,withallthankfulness,”Acts24:2,3.foritdoesyoumanygoodoffices,andyoucannotindeedlivewithoutit;onlyinthethrone,letgracebeaboveit;forthatisthepotentatewhichputsfaithinthat capacity, andmaintains it there; and the truth is, true faith isbestpleasedwith itsownplace.Tothisend,theLordtellshispeople, itwasnottheirswordnortheirbowthatdroveouttheirenemies:but,saysome,itwastheswordandbowwhichGodputintotheirhands,andwhichtheymanfully employed: no, God will not have men arrogate so much tothemselves; but to acknowledge, “It is God that subdues our enemiesunderus,”Psalm60:12.ThepeoplewithGideonhereckonstoomanytogive the Midianites into their hands; why? Lest they should vauntthemselvesagainsthim,Judges7:2.Faith,andothergraces,are,mightyonlythroughGod:astheyarehisworkmanship,soitisheonlycankeepthemgoing(asawatch,orotherengine,cannotwindupitself.)Toframeaperpetualmotion,nomanhaseverattained:no,notintriflingmatters.

As thou hadst no hand in changing thy heart at first, so, neither, ofthyself,incarryingontheworkafterwards:alloursufficiencyisofGod;evenallthestrivingsofthesaintsare“accordingtotheworkingsofGodinthem,”Colossians1:29.Agoodtreewillbringforthgoodfruit;butnotwithoutsun,air,dew,andotherheavenlyinfluences;forifseparatefromthese, the tree itselfwill die: so,without a continual communication ofvirtuefromabove,Cant.4:16(?).thenewcreaturecanneitheractnorlive.Depend,therefore,onthatradicalgrace(thatis,ontheGodofallgrace,)forpreservingandactuatingthegracehehasgivenyou:restnotinthis,thatyouknowGod;but,rather,thatyouareknownofhim.

By this, I hope, the proposition ismade evident, with something of itsusefulness, namely, that whatever things are requisite to salvation, arefreelygivenofGodtoalltheelect,andwroughtinthemeffectuallybyhisdivinepower,asapartofthatsalvationtowhichtheyareappointed;andareallcontainedinthedecreeofelection.AndIcannotbutreckonitone(andthataprincipalpart)ofthoseworksofGodthatstandforever;andissoperfect,thatnothingcanbetakenfromit,noranythingaddedtoit;and is a good introduction into, yea, and argument for, the finalperseveranceofbelievers.

Chapter5:Perseverance

PERSEVERANCEORTHEINVINCIBLEPROGRESSOFBELIEVERSINFAITHANDHOLINESS

for the firmer support and comfort of his people (notwithstanding thepresentweaknessoftheirfaith,anddailyinfirmitiesoftheflesh,)asalsotoallureandbringinotherswhoarehankeringaboutthedoor,oryetinthehighways andhedges, it haspleased theholy andonlywiseGod toindulgeuswithplainandpositiveassuranceof thecertaincontinuance,andgoingon,ofallwhohaveoncebelievedandreceivedthegraceofGodintruth,notwithstandingmanyconcernedinthisassuranceattainnottoit.Thatfaithandholinessdoinseparablyfollowelection,isshewnbefore:our business now is to shew, that faith and holiness are of an abidingnature, and shall never be lost: and this is what we call perseverance;whichbeingthecrownandgloryofalltheformerpoints,andthatwhichsecurestousthecomfortsarisingthence,beingalsoasmuchimpugnedas any of those, the proof and confirmation thereof is apparentlynecessary,andtendingtoprofit.And,Itrust,itshallnotonlyappearthatthe doctrine is true, but also replete with arguments promotive ofholiness,bywhichthecontraryopinionwillbestbecontradicted:forsoitis, in thewisdomofGod, that every truthhas that in itwhichproperlytends to its own defense and establishment. It is the property of mentrulywise, to enterprise only attainable things, and thingsworthy theirwisdom,asalso,so to frameandmodel themeans,asnot tomiss theirintent:much more must it become, and be incumbent on him who iswisdomitselfsotodo.IfthentheultimateendofallthingsisthegloryofGod;andthesecondgreatendthesalvationofhischosen;itmaywellbeconcluded, that theproperestmeans forattainmentarepitchedon,andthose,suchaswillcompasshisend.Hencealsowemaybesatisfiedthatallintermediateoccurrences,howeverimproperintheirownnature,andcasual to us,were all foreappointed ofGod, and that by a decreemostwise and fixed; and consequently are, and shall be, so dispensed andoverruled as not to hinder, but help on, and bring about the thingprincipallydesigned;whichthereforeshallnot(cannot)miscarry,norbe

finallydefeated.However,therefore,menofcorruptmindsmaystumbleat theword, change the truthofGod into a lie, and turnhis grace intolasciviousness; and some others, not of design, but by mistake, andunacquaintednesswiththetruestateofthequestion,maydisapproveandobjectagainstit:yetmaynotthetruthbediscarded,noritsfriendsshytoown it; but strive the more industriously, by their sobriety,meekness,holiness,andallgoodfruits,tomaketheworldknow,that“tothepure,all things are pure;” while to othermen, through the impurity of theirownspirits,allthingsaredefiled,andturnedintosin;and,inparticular,that the doctrine of God’s unchangeable love to his chosen, and theirendless abiding therein, is noway an inlet or encouragement to sin, orremissnessinduty;butthemostpowerfulstrengtheneragainstapostasy,andmosteffectualquickenertogospelobedience.

ThesubstanceofwhatIintendliesinthisproposition:namely,

ThatallandeveryoneofGod’select,beingonceregenerateandbelieving,are, and shall be, invincibly carried on, to the perfect obtainment ofblessednessandglory.

Towardstheevidencingofthistruth,

1. Let us take in things of a lower consideration than that of eternalsalvation, and observe how those persons, Formerly instanced, beingdestined ofGod to eminent service in theworld,were carried through,and that completely, to the end of their work; notwithstanding thegreatestofdifficulties,andnaturalimpossibilities,whichstoodinthewaytoobstruct it:bywhichwillappearthecertaineffectofGod’spurposes;andwillcontributenotalittletoillustratethepointinhand.

1. I beginwith Abraham’s seed. InGenesis 12:7. the land of Canaan isgiven thembypromise: Isaac, inwhom this seed shouldbe called,wasnotyetborn;noryet,untilbothhisparentswerepastage,Genesis19:11.Tohelpthis,theLordbringsbackthesunmanydegrees;makesitanewspring timewith them,andgives themIsaac, chapter21:2.When Isaacwasmarried,hiswifeprovesbarren:aftertwentyyearswaiting,theLord,in answer to prayer, gives her conception, chapter 25:21. Now, twochildrentheyhad;theelderofwhichtheLordrejects,verse23,andthe

other,towhomthepromisebelonged,indangereverydaytobekilledbyhisbrother, and so the lineof thepromise indangerof failing, chapter27:41. Jacob, to save his life, flies to Padan Aram, chapter 28:2. thereLaban deals hardly with him, chapter 31:41, and when he madehomewards,followshimwithevilintent:buttheLord,inadream,takeshimoff,verse23,24.Nosoonerisheescapedfromhim,butEsaucomesagainsthimwithfourhundredmen,fullbenttorevengetheoldgrudge,chapter32:6.theLordturnshisheart inamoment,andmeltshimintobrotherlyaffection;that,insteadofdestroyingJacob,heproffershimselftobehisguardandconvoy,chapter33-4.12.

When Simeon and Levi had so highly provoked the Canaanites, that itwasathousandtoonebuttheywouldcomeandcutoffJacob’sfamilyatonce,chapter24:25.theLordcausesaterrortofallonthem,thattheydonotsomuchaslookafterthem,chapter35:5.Whenasevenyears’faminewas coming on the land, likely enough to eat up poor Jacob and hishouse, the Lord, by a strange providence, sends a harbinger to makeprovision for them in Egypt, chapter 37:28. with chapter 41:54.WhenoppressedbytheEgyptians,andallmeansusedtodestroythem,andthatbothwithcraftandcruelty,theLordsoordersthematter,thatthemoretheywereoppressed, the faster theygrew,Exodus1:12,and by an highhandbringsthemoutatlast.Inthewilderness,theycarrythemselvesasunworthilytowardsGodaseverpeopledid;doingallthatinthemlaytocutofftheentailofthatgoodland,bytheirunbelief,anddailyrepeatedrebellions;insomuchthattheLordthreatenstodispossessthem:but,forhispromise’ sakemadewithAbraham,withdrawshishand, and sparesthem.Imightinstancealsothegreatstraitsanddangerstheywereinatthe Red Sea, which the Lord divided for them: afterwards for want ofwater,whichhebringsthemoutofarock:thenforbread,whichalsohegives them from heaven: how they were denied passage by some, andwaylaidbyothers;andyetcarriedonanddelivered:andatlast,howtheLorddroveoutthosegiants,whomtheydespairedofovercoming,andsogavethemthe landinpossession,accordingtohispromisehundredsofyears before: “there failed not aught of any good thing the Lord hadpromised:itallcametopass,”Joshua21:45.

2.LittleJoseph isone theLordwillhonor;which in severaldreamshe

intimates to him,Genesis 37:7. 9. 11.His brethren therefore hate him:andtofrustratehisdreams,whichsignifiedtheirsubjectiontohim,theyconspiretokillhim,verse18,andhowshallJosephescape?theyaretento one, and he the least. Reuben, who, being the eldest, was mostconcerned, inpointofhonor, tohinder Joseph’s advancement, he shallrelentattheverymomentoftakinghimaway;and,outofrespecttohisfather, shall deliverhim, verse 22.Well, though theywill not presentlykill him, theywill cast him into a pit,where, in all likelihood, hemustperish: but, in the good providence of God, the Ishmaelite merchantspassbyintheveryinstant,ereanywildbeastshallhavefoundhim,orhisbrethrendeterminedworseagainsthim,verse24.28. to them they sellhim, and by them he is brought into Egypt (far enough out of Jacob’sinquiry,) and sold to the captain of Pharaoh’s guard, a person likelyenough todeal roughlywithhim.Buthere theLordownshim, and, tobringhimintofavor,makesallthathedoethtoprosper;whichhismasterobserving, puts the management of all his estate in Joseph’s hands,chapter39:3.4.Nowthereisfairhopesofhiscomingtohonor;buthowsoon is itdashed!Josephbeingagoodlyperson,his lasciviousmistresstempts him to folly; which the fear of God keeping him from, shemisreports him to his master, charging her own wickedness on him.HerebyPotiphar’s favor is lost,andJosephcast intoprison,and laid inirons,Genesis39:7.9.17.20.Psalm105:18.Nowallhopesofprefermentaregone,andwhatwillbecomeofhisdreams?yetstillthecounseloftheLord, that shall stand; and this downfall of Joseph shall prove anothersteptohisrising:andtomakewayforit,twoofPharaoh’sservantsshallfall under their lord’s displeasure, be put in prison, and committed toJoseph’skeeping:heretheyshalldream,Josephshall interpret,andtheeventshallanswerit.NowthedaybeginsagaintodawnonJoseph,and,bythechiefbutler’srestorement,somehopesofhisenlargement:butthisagain is soon overcast; for the butler forgot him, Genesis 40:23.notwithstanding all which, the providences of God do still pursue hisdecree, and ceasenotuntil Joseph is lordoverEgypt, andhis brethrenbowdownbeforehim,chapter41,andchapter42:6,andchapter50:18.

3.David.GodpromisedDavidtogivehimthekingdom,andanointshimtoit,1Samuel16:12.What,notwithstandingallpossibleinterveniencies?Yes,forthepromiseisabsolute:hastheLordsaidit,andshallhenotdo

it?If, therefore,Saul casta javelinathim(unsuspected,) tonailhim tothewall, a sharpness of eye, and agility of body, shall be given him todiscern and avoid it, chapter 18:11. If he determine evil against him,Jonathanshalladvertisehimofit,chapter19:7.IfhesendmessengerstoNaioth to apprehend him, they shall forget their errand, and fall aprophesying:andifhesendothers,andothersafterthem,theyshalldolikewise; yea, Saul himself shall turn prophet for a day and a nighttogether,thatDavidmayhavetimetoescape,verse20—24.Ifhebeinacitythatwillbetrayhim,andnotafriendamongthemtoadvisehimofit,the Lord himself will be his intelligencer, and send him out, chapter33:12.IfSaul’sarmyhaveencompassedhim,andnoway left toescape,thePhilistines shall invade the land, and tidings shall come in the veryinstant,andtakehimoff,verse26,27.Ifanhostdoencampagainsthim,he will not be afraid, Psalm 27:3. Why so? The Lord had made anabsolutepromise;and,therefore,ifnohelponearth,“heshallsendfromheaven, and saveme,”Psalm57:3. Yea,David’swavering at times, andtheweakness of his faith, shall not hinder it, and the reasonof allwasthis,theLordtookhimtoberuleroverhispeople,andthereforehewaswithhimwheresoeverhewent,1Chronicles17:7,8.

4.Josiah.“AchildshallbeborninthehouseofDavid,Josiahbyname,who shall offer the bones of Jereboam’s priests on his altar,” 1 Kings1,3:2.If,therefore,Athaliahdeterminetodestroyalltheseed-royal,Joashshallbestolenfromamongtherest,andpreserved,2Kings11:2,andbyhimDavid’slineshallbecontinued:andHezekiah,thoughsicktodeath,heshallnotdie,butbehealed,asitwere,byamiracle,andfifteenyearsadded for his life, rather than Manasseh, who must be Josiah’sgrandfather,shallbeunborn,chapter20:6.

5. Paul. Paul was a chosen vessel, appointed to preach Christ to theGentiles, andat last, tobearwitnessofhimatRome:and thismustbedone,althoughbonds,imprisonments,anddeathitself,doattendhimineveryplace.If,therefore,theylieinwaitforhimatDamascus,andwatchthegatesnightandday,tokillhim,heshallbeletdownbythewallinabasket,andsoescapethem,Acts9:2-25.IfallJerusalembeinanuproartokillhim; the chief captain shall comewithanarmy,and rescuehim,Acts 21:31,32. though no friend to Paul, nor to his cause. Ifmore than

fortymenbareboundthemselveswithanoath,thattheywillneithereatnordrinkuntiltheyhavekilledhim,hiskinsmanshallhearofitandbyhis means the chief captain shall be a friend again, and grant him asufficientconvoy,chapter23:14-23,andthisattemptshallbeanoccasionofsendinghimtoRome,wherehislasttestimonyistobegiven.IfJewsand Gentilesmake an assault together, to use him despitefully, and tostonehim, he shall be aware of it, andby fleeing save himself, chapter14:5,6, 7. by whichmeans also the gospel shall be further spread. Butsupposehebelostintheirhands,andtheysofarprevailastostonehim,anddraghimoutofthecity,verse19.then,sure,hisworkisatanend:no,allthisshallnothinder;deathitselfshallnorseparatePaulfromhiswork.Itisnothisbeingonceatoned,norhisthricesufferingshipwreck,norhisbeingindeathsoften,noranythingelse,thatshallmakevoidthepurpose of God for his bearing witness of Christ at Rome, as isabundantlyevidentbythestoriesofhim,andtheeventatlast.

Other instancesmight be produced to the same effect; but by thesewemaytakeanestimateofthethingunderproof,andrationallyinfer,thatifthe Lord be so exact and punctual, in performing his word, touchingtheselesserthings,carryingonhisworkthroughsuchapressofnaturaloppositions,muchmorewill he be, in securing and bringing about theeternalwelfare of his chosen: that ashedealt byhis people ofold; “heborethemoneagleswings,”Exodus19:4.abovethereachofdanger,and“keptthemastheappleofhiseye,”withallpossiblecareandtenderness,“until hehadbrought them tohimself,”Deuteronomy 32:10. sowill hecarry it towards his elect; for he values the world but little, save withrespecttothem.

2.Now for amoredirect proof of theproposition; though twoor threewitnessesmightsufficetoestablishit;yet,sincethescripturesdoaboundwith testimonies for it, thecollectionwhereofmaybeveryuseful tous,for thehelp of our faith, in a timeof temptation, as, also to fortify oursouls against the assaults of such as teach final apostasy, I shallsomewhat enlarge in reciting them, with some of those genuinedeductionsthatflowfromthem.IntheOldTestamentaremanypetitionsandresolvesmadebyholymen,whichimportthetruthofthisdoctrine,as,that,“theLordwillperfectthatwhichconcernsthem:thathewillnot

forsake the work of his own hands,” Psalm 138:8. “That he will guidethembyhiscounsel,andafterreceivethemtoglory,”Psalm73:24,andthatinthemeantime,”noneoftheirstepsshallslide,”Psalm37:31,andthis, because it isGod that “girdeth themwith strength, andwillmaketheirwayperfect,”Psalm18:32.withabundantlymore;asalso inPaul’sEpistles.Ineveryofwhichisimpliedapromiseofthethingprayedfor,orconcluded on; without such a promise, they could not have done it infaith,norjustlyhavegiventhemdownasmatterofinstructiontoothers.ButweknowtheyspakeastheyweremovedbytheHolyGhost,2Peter1:21.who knowing the deep things ofGod,what his decreeswere, andwhat was contained in the “promise of eternal life before the worldbegan,”Tit.1:2.drewouttheirheartstobelieve,andformedtheirprayersaccordingly.

But,besidesthese,wehavemanyexpresspromisesandaffirmationsofit.InthetenthofJohn,ourSaviorsays,“hissheepshallneverperish,”verse28.whichis,ineffect,theirfaithshallneverfail;for,safetheycannotbefromperishing,withoutthesecurementoftheirfaith.Again,speakingofthe Spirit of holiness which believers receive from him, John 4:14. hesaith expressly, “whosoever drinketh thereof, shall never thirst: but itshallbe inhimawellofwater, springingup toeverlasting life,” thenitshall not be dried up, Proverbs 10:30. “The righteous shall never beremoved,” that is, theyshallnever fallback into their formerstate;andthe reason is, because “theway of theLord is strength to the upright,”verse29.Whetherby“thewayoftheLord”bemeanthiswayormannerof dealing with upright persons, which is to increase their strength,accordingtoJob,17:9.or,ofthegenuinepropertyofGod’sways,whichistoaffordthatpeaceandsatisfactiontothosewhowalkinthem,thattheyare daily more habituated and connaturallzed to them, and estrangedfromallwayselse;theyarebothtothepurposeinhand,Proverbs24:19.“Ajustmanfallethseventimes,andrisethupagain;”hefallsnotsoastoliewhere he fell; he falleth not intomischief, as thewicked do; yea herathergets groundbyhis fall, as verse5, “Amanofwisdom increasethstrength,” from a sense of his own weakness, he is led to strengtheverlasting,aswasPaul,2Corinthians12:10.

Proverbs 12:21. “There shall no evil happen to the just,” then, not the

greatest and worst of evils, which is, to “depart from the living God:“verse3.“Therootoftherighteousshallnotberemoved;”hisfruitmaysometimesbeblighted,orblownoff,hisbranchestossedwithatempest;but still his root is where it was; his life is hid, and free from allcommotion, and shall therefore renewboth his fruit and branches; “hethat trusteth in theLord, shall not cease fromyielding fruit,” Jeremiah17:7,8.

Jeremiah 32:40. “I will putmy fear in their hearts, that they shall notdepartfromme.”This,saysome,isthepromiseofaffordingthemmeans,butnotofeffectingtheend; thereforeseechapter3:19.“Thoushaltcallme, My Father, and shalt not depart from me: “and this, because heworketheffectuallyinthemthatbelieve,1Thessalonians2:13..asatfirstin causing them tobelieve, sonow, inmaintaining andperfecting theirfaith.

Psalm84:11.“TheLordwithholdethnogoodthingfromthemthatwalkuprightly: “and if so, then continuing to walk uprightly shall not bewithheldfromthem;whichdeductionisalsowarrantedbythis;“thattherighteous shall hold on his way, and he that has clean hands, shall bestrongerandstronger,”Job17:9.asalsofromProverbs4;18.“Thepathof the just is as the shining light,which shinethmore andmore to theperfectday.”AndDavidfurtherbacksit,where,fromhispresentfaith,heconcludes his future progress, “I have trusted I shall not slide,” Psalm26:1,andthis,becausetheLordholdethhissoulinlife,andsufferethnothisfeettobemoved,Psalm66:9.

Mark 16:16. “He that believeth shall be saved: “and John 11:26.“Whosoeverlivethandbelievethinme(saysChrist)shallneverdie,”thatis,hethatoncehasfaithshallneverloseit(assomewouldgivethesense)had been a comfortless and empty notion, and injudicious way ofspeaking.ThisisyetfurtherconfirmedbyJohn5:24.“Hethatbelievethispassed from death to life, and shall not come into condemnation: “thereasonofwhichisthis,thattheirfaithisfoundedonarock;whichwindsand wavesmay beat and break themselves against; but never the rockitselfnorthatwhichisbuiltonit,Matthew7:25.“HethattrustethintheLord,isasmountZion,whichcannotberemoved,”Psalm125:1.no,notsomuchasoneofthestakesofthattabernacleshallberemoved,andthat

for ever, Isaiah 33:20. 1 Peter 2:6. “They shall not be ashamed norconfounded,worldwithoutend,”Isaiah45:17.

It would very much allay that superlative cause of rejoicing, that ournamesarewritteninheaven,ifpossiblytheymightbeblottedoutagain;sincewefindinourselvessogreatapronenesstorevolt,whicheveryoneacquaintedwithhisownheartmustacknowledge:butwearesureChrist,wouldnotpropoundtousafalliblegroundofrejoicing:forthatkindofdependence he is evermore calling us Romans. Believers are indeedsometimes foiled, but never overcome: though they fall, and thatseventimes in a day, (as was said,) as often do they rise again: and it is nodisparagementtotheirleader:nay,itisthegloryofageneral,togivehisenemyadvantages, and take themagain at his pleasure, tohis enemy’sgreater confusion and overthrow. Satan got nothing by his winnowingPeter:Peter lostsomeofhischaff,whichwellmightbespared,and thetempter lost many an after advantage; for the world of believers havebeen the warier ever since. To this I shall only add that of the holyapostle, in Romans 8: he was persuaded, that is, he was thoroughlyswayed inhis faith, tobelieve it forhimself, anddeliver it down to theagestocome,asatruthinfallible,that“neitherheight,nordepth,noranyothercreature,shallbeabletoseparatefromtheloveofGod,whichisinChrist Jesus our Lord,” verse 38, 39. He reckons up all that can benamed;and, lestany thingmighthaveslippedhim,hebrings inheightanddepth;asbeing those twoextremes that take inall, andmore thanmencanthink;andthenresolves,thateventheseshallnotbeabletodoit. And, surely, if the super celestial height of God’s holiness, nor theinfra-infernal depth of sinful sin, shall not separate from that day ofglory,which the sonsofGodwerepredestinated to, and forwhich theywere both made and redeemed, called into, and groan for, then arebelieversroundlysecuredagainstfinalapostasy.

III. A third sort of evidence for confirmation, are certain arguments orreasonswhythesaintsmustneedspersevereinfaithandholiness.

By needs must, I understand no other kind of necessity, than wellconsistswithperfectfreedom;suchaswasonPaultopreachthegospel,whichwasaworkherejoicedin;andsuchaswasonJesusChristtobringhomehissheep,andtolaydownhislifeforthem;he“mustneedssuffer,”

Acts17:3. “Yea,hewasstraitened till itwasaccomplished,”Luke 12:50.Thusitwaswritteninhisheart,wasnohindrancetothefreedomofhiswill.

Argument1.Thefirstargument,inproofofperseverance,isfoundedonthesaints’extractororiginal,“theyarebornofGod,”John1:13,andthishastheforceofadoubleargument.

1. As God is their father and eternal root. Our Savior holds forth thisrelationasthegroundofourfaithinprayer,Matthew6:9,andhebeginswith it himself,whenheprays for his own glory, and that his disciplesmightbepartakersofit,John17:1.tothesameend,hefrequentlyuseththatstyleofFatherinthegospelofJohn;astakingdelightinmentioningthat relation, “the Father himself loveth you,” chapter 16:27, and “IascendtomyFather,andyourFather,”chapter20:17.ItistostrengthenourfaithinGod,(throughhimself)ontheaccountofhisfatherhoodtous.“ThefatherloveththeSon,”chapter3:25,andheloveshisbelievers,asheloveth Christ himself, chapter 17:23. on which ground the apostleconcludes, that “he cannot but give us all things else,” Romans 8:32.Believers are the product of his love, both in respect of election andregeneration; and being so, he cannot but have a paternal affection forthem; to administer to them whatever tends to their sustentation andgrowth,andtokeepoffwhateverwouldinterceptorweakenhisgraciousinfluences towards them: “having once loved them, he loves them forever,” John 13:1. They may therefore be confident, that “what he hasbeguninthespirit,hewillnotletendintheflesh:“that“havingbegunagoodwork,hewillalsoperformit,”Philippians1:6.for,astheyhavetheirspiritualbeingfromhim,astheFatherofit;soitisasnaturaltohimtodiffusehisvirtuesintothemwithoutintermission,asforavinetosendupitssapintoitsownbranches,orthesuntocherishtheplantsofitsownproduction.Allthenaturalaffectionsthatare increaturestowardstheirown,arebutdropsofhisimmensefullness:amothermaypossiblyforgetthe child of her womb; but the Lord cannot forget his offspring; “thatnonemayhurtthem,(northeythemselves,)hewillkeepthemnightandday,andwater themeverymoment,” Isaiah27:3. they are bornbyhimfromthebelly,andcarriedfromthewomb;andeventotheiroldagehewillcarrythem,anddeliverthem,Isaiah46:3,4.

2.Thenewcreature,asitcomesfromGod,soitexistsinhim,andliveson him, and it is natural to it to seek its nourishmentwhere it had itsoriginal:nothingcansatisfyit,butthatgreatdeepfromwhenceitsprung:asanewbornchild,thathasnottheuseofreason,willhuntforthebreastbynaturalinstinct,andnotbequietwithoutit.AssoonaseverPaulwasconverted,“Beholdheprays,”Acts9:11.HavingoncereceivedtheSpiritofChrist,theycannotbutinclineafterhim,asElishadidtoElijah,onthecastingofhismantleonhim,1Kings19:19,20. it isnatural tothem,asfor sparks to fly upwards. They are said to be “baptizedwith fire;” notonlybecauseofitspurifyingnature,butinrespectofitsaspiringquality;it will be mounting, and not rest till it comes to its own element.Obstructionsmanyitmeetswithal;butstill itpressethonwards,andbydegrees bears down all before it, and carries that with it in which itdwells,totheplaceofitsbirth;asthedovecouldnotresttillshecametothe arkwhence she set out. This is set forth in a livelymanner by ourSavior,inJohn7:38.“Hethatbelievethinme,outofhisbellyshallflowriversoflivingwaters;”riversthatbeardownallopposition;andriversofliving waters, not land floods, which are of but short continuance; orstandingpools,subjecttodryingup;butrivers,andthosesuchashaveanimmortalhead.Weseehowall thingstendto theircenter:“Thewickedsleepnotunlesstheydoevil,”Proverbs4:16.Theycanbear thewantofthingsmostnecessarytotheirbeing,ratherthanceasefromsin:theyareof theserpent’sbrood,and“the lustsof their father theywilldo,”John8:44.Judaswasadevil,andthatcarriedhimheadlongtohisownplace,Acts1:25.Andifbeingbornof thedevil,habituatesmenwithsostrongandrestlessabenttodevilishlusts,thedivinenaturemustneedsworkasefficaciouslytowardsGod,andgodlikeactions:hisloveconstrainsthem,2Corinthians5:14.And if itwerenot so, theengraftedwordhadneverborneahumanstocktoheaven:thefirstfruitsoftheSpiritpossessthemwithanearnestexpectationandlongingfortheharvest,Romans8:23.Itis true, the remainders of the old man will be opposing the new, andmany contests there are between them: but grace (like him that isadvocate for theking)will everhave the lastword,andwillalsogooutvictor. Ye may see it in Jeremiah, the word of the Lord was made areproachtohim;hethereforeresolvestostifleit,andwillnomorespeakinhisname.Buthowsucceeds thiscarnal resolution?“Thewordof theLord was in his heart, as fire shut up in his bones, he was weary of

forbearing, he could not hold,” chapter 20:8, 9. And Jonas, when hethoughthimselfcutoff,andinthebellyofhell;“yet(saithhe,)willIlookagain towards thy holy temple,” Jonah 2:2.4. Psalm 84:6,7. (as theneedle, that is rightly touched, never rests, but in pointing towards thepole;)andwhenobstructedintheircourse,theycrythemoreearnestly,“O,whenshallIcomeandappearbeforeGod?”Psalm42:2.

Argument 2. Another argument is taken from the graces themselves,whicharethesubjectsofperseverance;namely,faithandholiness:which,let us consider first, as they are a gift, then in the genuine use andpropertyofthem.

1.Astheyareagift.Theyareofthosegoodandperfectgiftswhichcomedown from above, from the Father of lights, with whom is novariableness, nor shadow of turning,” James 1:17,18. This attribute ofGod’sunchangeablenessisfitlyandsignificantlyadded,toshow,thatasgoodandperfectgiftsarefromGod,andfromhimonly;sothatheneverchangethinhispurposeconcerningthosetowhomheoncegives them;theyareof thosegiftswhicharewithoutrepentance: asalso, that thesegiftsdopartakeofhisowninvariablenesstheycannotdie,norturntobeanyother thanwhat theywereat first, saveonly inpointofperfection.Therecanhappennoafterunworthinessinthosehegivesthemto,whichhedidnotforeseewhenhegavethem,(whichseemstobeimpliedinthefollowingwords,“Ofhisownwillbegatheus,”)andso,nocausewhyheshouldwithdrawthem,whichwouldnotaswellhavehinderedhisgivingthemat first.As thewordofGod isnotyeaandnay, soneitherarehisgifts.They are alsoGod’sworkmanship; and “weknow, saithSolomon,thatwhatsoeverGoddoeth,itshallbeforever,nothingcanbeputtoit,noranythingtakenfromit,”Ecclesiastes3:14.

2.Letfaithandholinessbeconsideredinthegenuineuseandpropertyofthem.Nothingsoendangersthesoulasselffullness;faith,therefore,wasordainedtonullifythat,anddevolvethesoulonanother,namely,Christ;whichthemoreitdoes,thesafer it is;andhavingoncedoneit, itneverundoesitagain.Faithalsoisanactivegrace,anddiligent,andthereforethriving;he thathas it, shall havemoreof it, Luke19:26. then sure heshallnotlosethathehas!itisalwaystravelingandnevertired;1.Becauseit travels in the strength of Omnipotence, “which never faints, nor is

weary,” Isaiah 40:28, and, 2. Because it works by love, Galatians 5:6.which is themost kindly and efficacious principle of service and greatacts.Loveisanendlessscrew:ithastrulyattainedtheperpetualmotion;itenablestoendureall things,andfailethnot,1Corinthians13:7,8.AllthatGoddoethforhispeopleisfromlove,John3:16,andallthattheydoforGodgrowsfromthesameroot;theylovehim,becausehelovedthemfirst,1John4:19.Loveisthatwhichrendersaworkbothpleasanttotheagent,andacceptabletotheobjectofit;faith,therefore,workingbylove,shallneverbewearyof itswork,norfailof itsend;“it isoffaith,that itmight be by grace,” and consequently sure, Romans 4:16. And as forholiness,(whichisadispositionaccordingtoGod,andcapacitatesfortheblessedvision.)alittleofit,intruth,isofinfinitevalue;theverysmokeofit shall not be quenched,Matthew 12:20, and it would be strange, if athing so precious should be liable to putrefaction; but it is not; yea, itchangeth other things, but is itself never changed. It is of a spreadingnature;comparedthereforeto leavenput intodough,andhid there, tillthewholelumpbeseasoned.Itisofanassimilatingproperty;thereisanheavenlytinctureinit,whichsanctifiesallthatittouches;“tothepureallthingsarepure,”Tit.1:15.ItalsomeetensforconversewithGod,anditdrawsandengagesthesoultohim;thereitisinitsproperelement,andoutofwhichitcannotlive;andbythisconverseitisbothincreasedandsublimated.

Anaturalbody,onceinbeing,canneverbereducedtonothing;howthenshouldthingsofdivinesubstance?Theyare“bornofincorruptibleseed,whichlivethandabidethforever,”1Peter1:33,andastheseedis,suchwill be the fruit; the older it grows, the firmer it is; “he that has cleanhandsshallbestrongerandstronger,”Job17:9.Theyaretheholyseed;and,therefore,thoughtheycasttheirleaves,attimes,“theirsubstanceisinthem,”Isaiah6:13.bywhichtheyarestillrenewed.Holinessistheseedofglory;andholypersonsareinglory,astoitskind,andthecertaintyoftheirobtainment;althoughithasnogloryatpresent,incomparisonwiththatwhich shall be, as the seed of the rose or lily, compared with theflowers theywill grew into, andwhich are virtually in them.Accordingwith this is that of our Savior, “He that believeth, has everlasting life,”John3:36. it argues the certainty of their perseverance, “the lawof hisGod is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide,” Psalm 37:31, and

thereforehesaith,“Destroyitnot,thereisablessinginit,”Isaiah65:5.8.

Argument3.Anotherproofarisesfromthenature,extent,anddesignofprovidence;orfromtheintentandpurposeofGod,inthatgreatvarietyofthingswhichbelieversareexercisedwithintheworld.Therearethreethingstobeconsideredtomakeoutthisargument.

1. That there is a divine providence which governs the world; as individingtothenationstheirinheritance,andboundingtheirhabitations,at first; so by continuing them in possession, or removing them, at hispleasure; and this, sometimes, by very unlikely means, and overrulingthingsaccordingly.SeirbeinggiventoEsau,andArtothechildrenofLot,andtheir termnotyetexpired, theLord inclines themto let Israelpassthrough,andtogive themmeat for theirmoney:whereastheAmorites,whowere destined to destruction, “he hardens their spirits, andmakesthemobstinate,”Deuteronomy2:29,sothattheydenythempassage,andcome out against them in battle. So, when he would translate theChaldeanmonarchytothePersians,heenfeeblestheone,butstirsuptheother’sspirits,and“girdsthemwithstrength,”Jeremiah15:11.Isaiah45:1—5.Howoftendoththescripturerepeat,“thattheLordreigneth:thatheputs down one, and sets up another,” Psalm 93:1. 97:1. 75:7. “that hedoeth according to his will in the armies of heaven, and amongst theinhabitantsoftheearth,”Daniel4:35.Howevidentis it inhishumblingofPharaoh,Nebuchadnezzar,andothers?Thisprovidencereachethtoallmannerofpersons,times,andthings,andcircumscribesthem:it leavesnot the least things to a contingency; even ravens, sparrows, and lilies;yea,andthehairsofyourheadareallnumbered,andundertheconductoftheprovidenceofGod,Matthew6:26.

2. That the design and course ofGod’s providence is to accomplishhispurpose.Asprovidencegoverns theworld, sopurpose is thedirectorofprovidence.Heisaprovidentmanthatordershisaffairsprudently; thatis,sothatnothingiswanting,noranythingspentinwaste.BoththeseareintheprovidenceofGodeminently:for,1.Itisallsufficient;suppliesallneeds;givesallthingspertainingtomeansandend.2.Itdoesnothinginvain, nothing superfluous or impertinent to his purpose. Things mostcasualtomenareleveledatasetandcertainend:“whattheLordspeakswithhismouth,hefulfilswithhishand,”1Kings8:24,andhisactshall

notvaryatittlefromhisdecree:for,knowntoGodareallhisworksfromthe beginning of theworld.Whencewas it thatEsau tarried so long athuntingthathewasoverfaint?thatJacobwasmakingpottagejust,whenEsaucamein,whichsethisappetiteonedgeafterit,butthatthepurposeof God, according to election, might stand? the elder must serve theyounger,whichsocametopass,bythesaleofhisbirthright?andthustheprovidenceofGodmakeseventheprofanenessofmensubservienttohisend. The Lord had determined to cast Judah and Jerusalem out of hissightfortheirobstinacy,andtothisend(thatis,tomakewayforit,)“Itcametopass,thatZedekiahrebelledagainstthekingofBabylon,”2Kings24:20.itwastofulfillthewordoftheLordbeforedeclared,2Chronicles86:21.thoughthatwasfarfromtherebel’sintent.SohegaveCyrusallthekingdomsoftheearth,thathemightbuildhistempleatJerusalem;anditwastofulfillhispurposebeforealsorecorded,asisevident,verse22,23.In like manner, Herod, Pilate, and the Jews, all conspire the death ofChrist,andeachpartyonaseveralaccount;not thinking in the least tofulfill thedeterminatecounselofGod:yet thatwas itwhich providenceintended, as is plain by Acts 2:23. As also the soldiers, in parting hisgarments, andpiercinghis side: itwas their barbarous rudenesswhichputthemonit;butprovidencedesignedtomakegoodaprophecy;“thesethings therefore the soldiers did,”John 19:24. All thatGod does in theworld,isthetranscriptorimpressionofhisancientdecrees.

3.ThattheprovidenceofGodneverfailsofitsend.Ifhewillwork,whoshallhinderit?for“ourGodisinheaven,anddoethwhatsoeverhewill,”Psalm 115:3. And what will he work? “the things that are coming, andshall come,” Isaiah 44:7. “he has both devised, and done it,” Jeremiah51:12.Hispurposeistopreservehispeople;and,therefore,“noweaponthat is formed against them shall prosper: whosoever gathers togetheragainst them shall fall for their sakes,” Isaiah 54:15:17. “for as he haspurposed, so it shall stand,” chapter 14:24.The scriptures aboundwithinstances of this kind: as, on the contrary, when the Lord will executejudgment, the thing shall be done, be the means ever so weak andimprobable;“thoughthearmyof theChaldeanswereallwoundedmen,yetshall theyburnJerusalemwithfire,”Jeremiah37:10.Shamgar shallkillsixhundredmenwithanoxgoad,Judg.3:13,andSamsonathousandwith the jawboneofanass,chapter15:15.These thingsconsidered,and

laid together (thoughmostly referring to temporal things,) do stronglyenforce the argument for things of spiritual concernment: inasmuch asthings of eternal moment are worthy of more peculiar regard andsecurity.

Now, all a believer’s exercises, which may seem to endanger him, areeither from the guilt of sins committed; from the power of indwellingcorruption;fromSatan’stemptation,orpersecutionfromtheworld:noneofwhichcomeonthemaccidentally,butasthingsforeappointedofGod,and foragood intent. It is “for theelect’s sake thatall thingselse havetheirbeing,”2Corinthians4:15.“andareallcausedtoworktogetherfortheirgood,”Romans8:28.as,namely, tohumble themforsin; toweanthemfromtheworld;toendearJesusChrist tothem;toshewthemtheUsefulness of ordinances; to exercise and try their graces; to purge outtheirdross;toenablethemtosuccorothers;todemonstratethewisdom,power,andfaithfulnessofGodtowardsthem;tomeetenthemforglory;andtomakethemgroanandlongtobeclothedonwiththeirhousefromheaven;asmightplentifullybemadeoutbythescriptures,andthevisibleeffectsthereofon thosewhohavebeenexercised thereby.To instanceafewparticulars:David,afterthatgreatmiscarriageinthematterofUriah,withhisbrokenboneson it,walkedthemorehumblyandwarilyallhisdays:hewasalsothemoreintentonthatgreatdutyof“teachingsinnersthewayofGod,”Psalm51:13.Peter, he also got groundby denyinghismaster; thereby he came to see his ownweakness, the need he had ofChrist’ssupport,andcontinualprayer forhim;andwehearnomoreofhis carnal confidence after that: butwhat a clamor and outcry does hemakeagainstouradversarythedevil!1Peter5:8. towarnothersbyhisown example, what danger they are in by a carnal confidence. And,doubtless,whateverthetemptergotbyPeter’sfall,helosttwiceasmuchby the after watchfullness of others; for that is the designed end, tostrengthen, establish, and settle them,verse 16.Luke22:31.Paul had amessengerofSatanletlooseonhim,tobuffethim;theendofwhichwas,tohumblehim,andtoshewhimthesufficiencyofthegraceofChrist.Itislikely, also, that he got as much by that thorn in his flesh, as by hisraptureandrevelation:tobesure,theydidwelltogether,andpoisedhimthe better for hiswork. The like effect on Job, Job 23:10.with chapter40:4,andchapter42:6.MaryMagdalene,theremembranceoftheseven

devilswhichoncepossessedher, andof that lovewhich cast them out;howdid it heightenher love toChrist, andkeepherheart in ameltingframe!“shelovedmuch,becausemuchwasforgivenher,”Luke7:47Thepeople’s forty years’ travel through that great and terrible wilderness,amongfieryserpentsandscorpions.itwastoprovethem,andtodothemgood in the latter end,Deuteronomy8:15, 16. Theywere also sent intocaptivityfortheirgood,Jeremiah24:5.thiswasallthefruitintended,totakeawaytheirsin,Isaiah27:9.tomakethempartakersofhisholiness,Hebrews12:10.Thesethings,indeed,atpresent,arephysic,whichnaturedesiresnot:yet theyareasneedful, in theirseason,asour food;and inveryfaithfulnesswemusthavethem;whichalsoisevidentbythescopeof the new covenant; as will appear afterwards. Now, these thingsconsidered and laid together, I think it may be well inferred, that “allthese things worketh Godwithman,” not to destroy him, but to bringbackhis soul from thepit,” Job33:29,30.they are allmade to turn totheirsalvation;theyhavealwaystriumphedover them,andbeen“morethanconquerors,throughhimthatlovedthem,”Romans8:37,andevershall.Andifthisbethefruitofallthatdothorcanbeabeliever,whileinthisworld,andthereisnomoreofevilordangerwhenthisisdone,thenwelcome let thembe,by thegraceofGod,asanotherdemonstrationoftheir invincible perseverance. “Whoso is wise, and will observe thesethings, even they shall understand the loving kindness of the Lord,”Psalm107:43.

Argument4.A fourthargument for thesaints’perseverance, isbuiltontheirunionwithChrist,whichisof that intimateness, thatthescripturesetsitforthbytermsofthenearestrelation,asfoundationandbuilding,vine andbranches, father and children, husband and spouse, head andmembers,yea,theyarebothcalled,interchangeably,bythesamename;he is called Jacob, and they are called Christ, Psalm 24:6. with 1Corinthians12:12.And,whichismore,ifmorecanbe,hecommunicatestothemthattitlewhichonewouldthinkincommunicable,namely,“TheLord our righteousness,” Jeremiah 23:6.with 33:16. And this union issuchascanneverbedissolved:theresothelikeonenessbetweenChristandthem,asbetweentheFatherandChrist,asisplainbythatpassageofhisprayerinthe17thofJohn,21.“Thattheyallmaybeone”(howone?)“asthouFatherartinme,andIinthee,thattheymaybeoneinus.”They

aresoneartohim,thattheyaresaidtobe“ofhisflesh,andofhisbones,”Ephesians5:30.as,also,thattheyare“onespirit,”1Corinthians6:17.HeandtheyareactuatedbythesameSpirit,astheheadandmembersofthesamebodyarebyonesoul.

And this is the reason why believers cannot walk after the flesh. “TheSpirit of life which is in Christ Jesus (as their root) rules in them,”Romans8:2.TheyarepreservedinChrist,Judeverse1.asNoahwasintheark;orasbranchesintheirownstock:forthisdifferenceisstilltobenoted, thatbelievershavenot this life in themselves, asChristhas;buttheyhaveitinhim,whichisbetterforthemthanifintheirownkeeping:for,beinginhimasinaroot,itisnaturaltohimtocommunicatetothem;andasnatural to them,byvirtueof thedivinenaturecommunicatedtothem, to derive from him: and, consequently, “because, and while helives, they shall live also,” John 14:19. “he that has the Son has life,” 1John5:12,andtheyhaveitinawayofright;ashethatispossessedofthesoilhasrighttoallthatgrowsonit.AllthatisChrist’sistheirs;thereisahappy commutation of interests; their debts, with the consequencesthereof, are devolved on him; and all that was his imputed andcommunicatedtothem.Andhiscareofthemissuch,thathewillbeableto say at the latter day, “Of all that thou hast given me, I have lostnothing,”John17:12.hewillnot leaveahoofbehind.Thesignetonhisright hand (men of shining outsides) may possibly be plucked thence.Jeremiah22:24.buttheleastjointofhisfingershallnot;nomanthatiscomposmentiswill suffer themeanest part of himself to gangrene andperish,ifitbeinhispowertohelpit;howthenshouldourLordChrist?who, besides the natural affection he has to those of his own body,Ephesians 5:25. has also received a commandment from the Father tokeep them safe, John 6:40, and is perfectly qualified in all respects tomake it good.On this account, aswell as others, they are “complete inhim,”Colossians2:10.BelieversaresoonewithChrist, thatwhatsoeverhedid, they are said todo itwithhim; circumcisedwithhim, verse 11.crucifiedwithhim,Romans6:6.buriedwithhim,verse4.risenwithhim,verse5.ascendedwithhim,Ephesians4:8,and they sit in heavenwithhim,chapter2:6.Itisnomorepossibleforbelieverstomiscarryfinally,thanforChristhimselftobeheldunderthepowerofthegrave;thereisonelawforthemboth:itisafaithfulsaying,“Ifwebedeadwithhim,we

shallalsolivewithhim,”2Timothy2:11.Ifwesufferwithhim,weshallbeglorifiedtogether,”Romans8:17.AsChristonceraised,diesnomore,chapter6:9. sononeof those raisedwithhim,shall returnanymore tocorruption: forhegavehimself for his church;not only to sanctify andcleanse it once, but once for all; and to “present it without spot orwrinkle,”atthelastday,Ephesians5:25,26,27.bythat“oneoffering,heperfected for ever them that are sanctified,” Hebrews 10:14. These arethose“suremerciesofDavid,”recordedinthefifty-fifthchapterofIsaiah,andexplainedinthethirteenthchapteroftheActs.

ItisnotfornothingthatourblessedLordandSaviorsooftenrepeatsthatgood word and promise concerning believers, which surely he did asbeinggreatlypleasedwith the thoughtsof it; “Iwill raisehimupat thelastday;”and“Iwillraisehimupatthelastday,”John6:39,40,44.54.q. d. “I will be with him to the end of the world, and see him safe inheaven;”andthismaybesaidofit,asbyJosephtoPharaoh,“thethingisdoubled, because it is established ofGod, andhewill bring it to pass,”(Jen.41:32.

Argument5.Anotherargumentforbelievers’invincibleperseverance,is,thatalltheattributesofGoddostandengagedforit.Virtueinvinciblehasundertakenit;thereforeitmustneedssucceed.

1.Power.InJeremiah32:27.God’ssovereignpoweroverall fleshis laiddownas the groundof their faith, touching their return from captivity,andhisgivingthemanewheart;andforhissokeepingthem,thatthey“should not depart from him any more,” as they had done, Jeremiah82:36—41. So,when hewould strengthen his fainting people, he styleshimself, “The everlastingGod, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of theearth,whofaintethnot,neitherisweary,”Isaiah40:28,andwhichisyetmore, his righthand, and the armofhis strength are engagedbyoath,chapter42:8, In2Timothy 1:12. the apostle argues the certainty of hissalvationfromthepowerofGod;whichhecouldnothavedonewithanygoodreasonorcomfort,hadnotthatpowerbeenengagedforit.“Iamnotashamed—forIknowinwhomIhavebelieved,andthatheisabletokeepthat I have committed to him against that day.” And he gives the likecounseltoothers,wherehepointsatthe“powerofGod,tomakeallgraceabound in them,” 2 Corinthians 9:8. The calling also of the Jews, and

grafting them into Christ, is laid on the same rock, for “God is able tografttheminagain,”Romans11:23.Colossians1:11.InEphesianschapter6.hetellsthemwhatkindofenemiestheyweretowrestlewith,namely,“principalities and powers, and spiritual wickednesses in high places,”Ephesians6:12.asortofadversariestoopotentforspiritshousedinclay:but, to harness them fit for the battle, he shows them a power that ishigherthanthose,and,indeed,muchmoreabovethem,thantheyaboveus;andwiththishewouldhavethemtoinvestthemselves.“Bestronginthe Lord, and in the power of his might,” verse 10. this is an armorcomplete;aptly termed, “thewholearmorofGod,”verse 11,and in thisstrong tower believers are safe. So likewise in Ephesians chapter 1. toconfirmthem,touchingthehopeofcalling,hebringsinthemightypowerofGod,even“thatexceedinggreatnessofhispower,bywhichheraisedJesusChristfromthedead,andsethimathisownrighthand,faraboveall principalities and powers, and putting all things under his feet,”chapter1:19—22.wherehesetsforthChristasapatternofwhatGodwilldo for believers; they shall be raised and set above all, as hewas. Andthough theysometimes fall, (“for there isnomanwhichsinnethnot,” 1Chronicles6:36.) let itmakethemmorewary,butnotdiscouragethem,“fortheyshallnotbeutterlycastdown,”Psalm37:24,andthis,because“the Lord upholdeth them with his hand.” The archers may shoot atthem,andsorelygrievethem;yetshalltheir“bowabideinstrength,andthearmsoftheirhandsbemadestrongbythehandsofthemightyGodofJacob,”Genesis49:23,24.Andwellitisforusthatthedivinepowerhasundertaken this difficult work, and that the scriptures do so clearlyavouchit;fornothinglesscouldbeabuttresssufficienttostayourfaithon, touching our holding out to the end; but because “he is strong inpower,notonefaileth,”Isaiah40:26.

2.Wisdom.Thisisanabilitytofitanddirectmeanstotheirproperend.Inmatters of less concern, we find the Lord so laying his work that itcannotmiscarry. If, therefore, it behis goodpleasure toordainmen tosalvation, his wisdom requires that it be in such a way as is sure tosucceed, and that all sorts of impediments be either prevented, or sooverruledasnot to interrupt,butbecomesubservient to thisgreatend.Having counted his cost, and paid it off, and also begun to build, itbehooves his wisdom to see that his work be done, and brought to

perfection, Luke 14:29, 30, and accordingly to provide suitableinstruments, such as he knows will do, and yet not overdo the thingintended;muchliketothehusbandmansortinghisseedtothenatureofthesoil,andthreshinginstrumentstothecapacityofhisgrain;hewillnotuse a wheel, where the rod will serve; nor a rod, where the wheel isneedful: and this he has from his God, “who instructeth him todiscretion,”Isaiah28:25.28.So,theLord“stayeththeroughwindinthedayoftheeastwind,”chapter27:8.hedoesnotonlydesigntheendofaman’s journey, but every step in it is of his ordering, Paul. 37:23. Job31:4.“theLordpreservethhisgoingout,andhiscomingin,”Psalm121:8.InIsaiah26:7. theLord is said“toweigh thepathof the just,”which isnot meant only of his observing their works, and dispensing to themaccordingly; but as prepondering what they are to do, and what isrequisitefortheirdoingofit,andapportioningtheirfaithandassistanceanswerably.Asatthemakingoftheworld“heweighedthemountainsinscales,andthehillsinabalance,”Isaiah40:12.thatitspartsmightbeofequalweight;or,asonethat istoruninarace,andmustcarryweightsabouthim,willbewisetohavethemequallypoised;sotheLordsetsonething against another in our souls’ concerns. Paul, therefore, brings inthiswisdomofGod,aswellashispower,tohelptheirfaithtouchingtheirestablishment,Romans16:25,27,andtheapostleJude,inthecloseofhisepistle,givesglorytoGod,“astheonlywiseGod,”ontheaccountof“hiskeeping them from falling; and presenting them faultless before thepresenceofhisglory,”Judeverse24,25.

3. Honor. The concernment of God’s honor, is also an importantargumentforproofofhisdoctrine:theLord’smannerofdealingwithhispeopleofold,andthereasonofit,isaninstanceabovecontradiction.ThepromiseofgivingthemCanaanwasnotmoreabsolutethanthepromiseof salvation to believers; nor was it less clogged with conditions,threatenings, and cautions, which were afterwards added; but, thepromise being once made absolute “To thy seed will I give this land,”Genesis 12:7. chapter 15:18 the Lord held himself obliged in honor tomake it good. How often did he seem to be pouring out his wrath todestroy them? first inEgypt, then in thewilderness, etc.Ezekiel20:8—40.Andwhatkept itoff,but the interestofhishonor? thisputhimonfinding out ways to deliver them; “I wrought (says he) for my name’s

sake,”verse14.TheLorddid,asitwere,labortosuppresshisrighteousfury, incensed by their intolerable provocations, his name and honorwereconcerned,andthatheldhishands;hehadoncemadeanabsolutepromise, which therefore must be made good; though they madethemselveseversounworthyofit.Welikewisefind,inthe48thofIsaiah,that they had dealt very treacherously, than which nothing is moreprovoking; but says the Lord, “For mine own sake will I defer mineanger:”andagain,“Formineownsake,evenformineownsake,willIdoit; forhowshouldmynamebepolluted?”Isaiah48:9.11.TheLordwilloverlook a thousand transgressions, rather than expose his name andhonortoreproach,asonceitwasbyatemporarysuspension;torecoverwhich,and thathisnamemightbe sanctified,hewillbring themhomeagain;yea,thoughitbeintheeyesofmenathing impossible;andtheythemselvesdothinksolikewise;for,“ourhopeislostandwearecutoff,”Ezekiel37:11,and,again,my“hopeisperishedfromtheLord,”Lam.3:18.Whetherathome,orabroad, theystillcausedhisnametobeprofaned;andforthishisholyname,hehadpityonthem,Ezekiel36:20.for ifheshouldhavecast themoff forever, itwouldhavebeensaid, thathedidnotforeseehowunworthyapeopletheywouldbe;or,hewasnotabletokeepthemintheirownland,nortobringthembackagain;orelse,thathewaschangeable inhispurposes,andnot true tohisword, etc.Somereflectionorothertheywouldcastonhim,whichhewouldnotbear.Allwhich, and much more of a like kind, is applicable to believers withrespecttotheirperseverance.

4.Justice,orRighteousness.Therecanhardlybefoundafirmersupport,or more full consolation to believers, than that the justice of God isengaged to save them; “for, the righteous Lord loveth righteousness,”Psalm11:7,and“cannotdenyhimself.”Hewouldnotjustifyany,no,nothisveryelect,butinawayconsistentwithhisjustice:forwhichcause,hesentforthhisSonapropitiationforsin.Surely,then,havingreceivedtheatonement,hewillnotexposehis justice tocensure,by leavingtheminany wise obnoxious to condemnation. Salvation now is their due, hisgracehasmadeitso,bybothgivingandacceptingsuchapriceforit,asengageth righteousness itself to save them; for, “who shall condemn,sinceitisChristthatdied?”Romans8:34.itisasrighteousathingwithGodtogiveresttohispeople,astribulationtothosethattroublethem,2

Thessalonians1:6,7.Paul thereforebuildshis expectationof the crownon this attribute, as well as any other; “henceforth is laid up forme acrownof righteousness,which theLord, the righteousJudge, shall givemeatthatday,”2Timothy4:8.TherighteousnessofGodsecurestothemtheirholdingout,“tofinishtheircourse,andtokeepthefaith,”aswellastherewardwhentheirworkisdone.“Godisnotunrighteoustoforgethispeople’s laborof love,”Hebrews6:10.much less Christ’s. This gave theapostle to be persuaded better things of those hewrites to, than to besubject to falling away, Hebrews 6:9. The blood of the everlastingcovenant,isengagedtomakethemperfectineverygoodwork,todohiswill, chapter 13:20,21.Yea, they shallbring forth fruit in theiroldage,Psalm 92:14, and this, to declare that the Lord is upright, and nounrighteousnessinhim,verse15.

5. The faithfulness, or truth of God, is also concerned in the finalperseverance of believers. For, having drawn them from all createdbottoms,toatotalrelianceonhimselfhecannotbutgivethemthattheyhavetrustedhimfor.TheLordwillnotbetohispeople,as thatbrokenstaffEgyptwastotheJews,tofailthemattheirgreatestneed;whichis,whentheyare lost,drivenaway,broken,andsick,andperhapshavenomind to return;asEphraim,who “wenton frowardly,” Isaiah57:17, 18.thenisthefittimeforthefaithfulnessofGodtodiscoveritself,byseekingthemout,bringingthemback,bindingthemup,healing,andcomfortingthem.Ezekiel34:1.6.Toheal theirbackslidings,as itshowsthefreenessofGod’s love, so his faithfulness. “The Lordwill not behold iniquity inJacob,”Numb.23:21.thatis,hewillnottakenoticeofit,soastorecedefrom his word; for he could not but see their perverseness andmurmurings;forwhichhepunishedthemseverely;andsometimesmadeas ifhewoulddisobeythem:butstillherememberedhiscovenant,andthat restrained it; the Lord had blessed, and therefore men could notreverse it; neither themselves, by their insufferable contumacy, norBalaam with his enchantments, verse 20. “The Lord loveth judgment”thatis,truthandfaithfulness,and“thereforeheforsakethnothissaints,theyarepreservedforever,”Psalm37:28.Thesaintsare in leaguewithGod,“theyhavemadeacovenantwithhimbysacrifice,”Psalm50:5,anditisaleagueofhisownpropounding,bywhichhehasobligedhimselftoprotectthem.Andthoughmenmaybreaktheircompacts,theholyOneof

Israelwillnot;“heisnotaman,thatheshouldlie,northesonofman,that he should repent,” Numb. 23:19. David having made God hisfortress, concludes from thence, that “thenameofGodwas engagedtolead, and to guide him,” Psalm 16:1. with Psalm 31:8, 4. ThoseCorinthianswereasliabletotemptations,asothermenwhofellbythem;for they had strong remainders of corruption, as appears by both theepistles,andasubtleadversarytoobserveanddrawitout;besides,theywerehighlygifted,andsothemorereadytothinkthemselvesabovetherankofordinaryChristians;thanwhichnothingcouldmoreexposethemtodanger:butnotwithstandingallthesedisadvantages,theyshallbekeptthefaithfulnessofGod,thatsecuresthem,and“shallconfirmthemtotheend,”1Corinthians1:8,9.for“Godisfaithful,(sayshe,)bywhomyewerecalled;”it isasifhehadsaid,GodwouldneverhavecalledyouintothefellowshipofhisSon,ifhehadnotresolvedtokeepyouthere.So,again,hetells them,“Godwillnot suffer themtobe temptedabovewhat theyareable,”1Corinthians10:13,andhebringsitinasaninferencefromthefaithfulnessofGod.Helikewise lays thestressofhisconfidence for theThessalonians’beingpreservedblamelesstothecomingofChrist,onthesame attribute; “Faithful is he that called you, who also will do it,” 1Thessalonians 5:23,24. And when he would move the Hebrews topurpose, to hold fast the profession of their faithwithoutwavering, heuses the same engine, “faithful is he that promised,” Hebrews 10:23.Peter,alsodirectsthesaintsto“committheirsoulstoGod,inwelldoing,astoafaithfulCreator,”1Pet,4:19.Now,thescripturealwayspropoundstous, suchattributes andmotives as areproper to thematter inhand;and,therefore,instylingGod,here,a“faithfulCreator,”itisasmuchasto say “he that has wrought you for this selfsame thing is God,” 2Corinthians5:5.whoisfaithfultohispurpose,orfirstintentofhiswork,and will therefore perfect it, notwithstanding the fiery trial you are topass under, 1 Peter 4:12. you may therefore build on it, and commityourselvestohimaccordingly;for“hisfaithfulnessshallnotfail,”Psalm89:33,and,consequently,notyours.

6. Mercy. This attribute also freely contributes to the saints’perseverance.Mercyrespectsmenindistress,tosupportandbringthemout,nothavingoftheirowntohelpthemselves:this,nonearesosensibleof as believers; them, therefore,willmercy especially provide for;Hos.

14:3.“Intheethefatherlessfindmercy.”Psalm59:10.“TheGodofmercyshallpreserveme.”MercyisthenameofGod,andhisglory,Exodus34:7.Mercyishisway,“andallthepathsoftheLordaremercy,”Psalm25:10,and it is his pleasantpath, called, therefore, his delight,Micah, 7:18. itpleasethhimaboveanything;yea,“hetakespleasureinthemthathopein hismercy,” Psalm 147:11.Wemay say, in a good sense, “his throne(thatis,hisgloryintheworld,)isupholdenbymercy,”Proverbs20:28.Itis mercy that makes men to fear him, Psalm 130:4. The 186th Psalmthroughout,isanencomiumofmercy,asthatwhichdoethallforus;andthis, because it “endureth forever.” In the 138th Psalm, the prophetgrounds his confidence, touching his perseverance, on this attributeexpressly, namely, that God would perfect that which concerned him,“becausehismercy,(whichbeganthework,)endurethforever.”Thegreatcovenantisfoundedinmercy,andisthereforestyled,“thesuremerciesofDavid,”Isaiah55:3.Ishallnotaddmoretouchingthisattribute:forifallthe rest be on our side, (as you see they are,) themercy of Godmustneedsbeforus;foritisthat,indeed,whichhasengagedandbroughtinalltherest.

Argument6.Thesaints’perseverancemayalsobearguedfromtheendsof their being, with the author of those ends: this the scripture putsweighton.TheirendsaretoglorifyGod,andtobeglorifiedwithhim;butneither of these can be attained without persevering; not the first; fornothingsodishonorsGodasapostasy:not the latter,becausesuchonlyasendureto theendshallbesaved.Theymust, therefore,persevere,orthose ends will be frustrated; which will not stand with the author’sinterestorauthority.That theseweretheendsof theirbeing isevident,Isaiah 43:21. “These people have I formed for myself;” and verse 7. “Icreated him formy glory.” The apostle also is very express for it, in 2Corinthians chapter 5. where, speaking of that divine building in theheavens,prepared forbelievers,he tellsus, “theywerewrought for thatselfsamething.”Themannerofexpressionisworthyofremark:itisnotbarelysaidthisendorthisthing,wearemadefor;butineffect,thisverything,andnothingelse,tobesurenothingless,wasthescopeandendofour creation, both old and new, even of all God’s workmanship on us.Andasevidentitis,thatGodhimselfistheauthorofthoseends,andthatthereforetheycannotmiscarry.OnthisgroundtheLordwouldhavehis

people to found an undauntable confidence; as may well be gatheredfromhis so frequent indicating of it. In Isaiah 43:1. thus fortifies themagainst the sorest of evils; “fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I havecalledthee;”andverse7.“Ihavecreatedhim;Ihaveformedhim;yea,Ihavemade him, I, even I the Lord,” verse 11, and chapter 41:10. “Fearthounot,forIamwiththee:Iwillstrengthenthee,Iwillhelpthee,yea,Iwillupholdthee:“theemphasis liesinthepersonactive,I,thatis,ItheLord,anoteofinfinitesignificancyandsecuritytobelievers!theapostlealsoin2Corinthians5.thatbelieversmightknowthemselvesinvinciblysecured,pointsus toGod, as thegreat authorof those important ends,andalmightyundertakerfortheiraccomplishment;“hethatwroughtusfortheselfsamethingisGod.”Itisasifhehadsaid;itisimpossibleweshouldlosethethingwewerewroughtfor,becauseitisGodthatwroughtit for us. It is not the designment of an idol; that is, of some ignorant,rash,fallible,ormutableagent,suchaoneasmaypossiblybesurprisedby unlooked for accidents, circumvented by a sublime understanding,overborne by a power above him, or recede from his purpose throughlevityandficklenessofhisnature,etc.ButitisGod,whois“wiseinheart,andmightyinstrength,”Job9:4.It ishefromwhomall thingsthatarehavetheirbeing,andareperfectlyunderhisruleandobeisance.Hehadeternity before him, to lay his design surely; and accordingly, “hedeclared the end from the beginning.” It is therefore as impossible forhimeithertodo,orneglecttodo,orsuffertobedone,anythingwherebyhis purpose might suffer disappointment; as it is impossible that Godshould lie. He would never have set up those ends as the sum andsubstanceofhisdesign,ifhehadnotdeterminedtoseethemmadegood.Andtherefore,assays theapostle, “Wearealwaysconfident, thatwhenabsentfromthebody,weshallbepresentwiththeLord,”2Corinthians5:6. 8. This is also further confirmed by that compendious promise,Jeremiah31:b3.“IwillbetheirGod,andtheyshallbemypeople:“everywordherehasapeculiaremphasis;1.ThathewillbeaGodtothem;2.TheirGod; and, 3. for ever: this Iwill, imports both a fixed resolution,andtimewithoutlimit.Itisasifhehadsaid,thoughotherlordshavehadtheruleoveryou,andyouhavestillapronenesstorevolttothem,itshallnotbe;Iwillnotbeexcludedanymore;Iwillhealyourbackslidings,andbeyourGodstill;Iwillcarryittowardsyou,asbecomesaGodtodo;andIwillmake you such apeople, as becomethGod to own: “Iwill not be

ashamedtobecalledyourGod,”Hebrews11:16.Itwouldindeedbebothadisparagement anddissatisfaction toGod, if his people should fail ofthathemadethemfor;whichcertainlycannotbe,becauseGodistheirs;and if God be theirs, all things are theirs, both this world and that tocome,1Corinthians3:22,23.

Argument 7. Lastly. For the final perseverance of believers, a principalargument is derived from the sovereign decree of election. I call itsovereign,partlybecauseitisthehighestmanifestationofGod’sabsolutedominionoverhiscreatures,inchoosingwhomhewould,andpassingbytherest:partly,also,becauseallsortsofthingswhatsoeveraresubjectedto it,andmadesubservient to its finalaccomplishment.And this I takeforaprincipalreasonwhyelectionissofrequentlyplacedineternity,orbeforethefoundationoftheworld,namely,toshow,thattheveryfabricoftheworldandalloccurrencestherein,weresocontrivedandframedinGod’sdecree,ashavingelectionfortheirprimaryscopeandend:thatthisfirst cause is the suprememoderator of all intermediate causes, and isitself subject to none. It was not any loveliness in elect persons whichmoved God to love them at first; so neither shall their unlovelybackslidingsdeprivethemof it, though itmaybeeclipsedby theirowndefault, to the breaking of their bones. The Lord chose them for thatblessed imageofhisown,whichhewouldafterwards imprinton them;andthishestillprosecutesthroughalldispensations.

ThatelectnationwastheJews;theyapostatizedfromGod,anddidworsethananyother;yetwouldnottheLordutterlycastthemoff.InSamuel’stime their wickedness was very great; yet, saith he (to stay them fromtotalapostasy,)“TheLordwillnotforsakeyou:“butwhatisthegroundofthathisconfidence,andgrandwarranty”Theverysamethatnowweareon: “The Lordwill not forsake you, because it has pleased the Lord tomake you his people: “not because they remembered their duty, andreturnedtoGod;butbecause“herememberedthemforhiscovenant”inpursuancewhereofhe longmaintainedtheir title,notwithstandingtheiroften repeated forfeitures; and, when in captivity, brought them homeagain.

And, indeed, there is nothing somelts the hearts of those in covenantwithGod,asthat“theLordshouldbepacifiedtowardsthemafteralltheir

abominations,” Ezekiel 16:63. The manner of God’s dealings with hispeopleisespeciallyinstructivetohelpthefaithofthespiritualelectiononalloccasions,asholding forth thespecial regard theLordhas for them,because of his covenant: that though he may and will punish theiriniquities,yethislovingkindnesshewillnottakefromthem.Andheputsitstillonhishavingoncechosenthem,asyehaveitinJeremiah41:9.“Ihave chosen thee, andnot cast thee away.” This latter clause, “andnotcasttheeaway,”seemsaddedtoshew,thathischoosingthemwasanactunrepeatable,q.d. Iknewbeforehandwhat thouwouldestdo,andhowthouwouldestprove;andifIhadmeantevertocasttheeoff;yea,ifIhadnot resolvedagainst it, Iwouldnothavechosen theeatall:but, sinceIhave,besureIwillstandbythee;“Iwillstrengthenthee;Iwillhelpthee;yea,Iwillupholdtheewiththerighthandofmyrighteousness.”Itistrue,thebodyofthatnation,fortheirunbelief,arenowbrokenoff;thereisasuspensionoftheoutwardpartofthecovenant:notthatGodintendsanutter rejectionof them: forsuchashavepart in thespecialelectionarealwayssaved,Romans11:7,andthetimewillcomewhenallIsraelshallbe saved; foras touching theelection, theyarebelovedstill, thoughyetunborn. For their sakes it was, that “those days of tribulation wereshortened,” Matthew 24:22. which answers to that in Isaiah 65:8.“Destroyitnot,thereisablessinginit.”TheLordwillnotsomuchregardwhat they have done 01 deserved, as what his covenant is concerningAbraham’s seed; which minding of his covenant, is from theunchangeableness of his purpose; and, therefore, though broken off atpresent,“theyshallbegraftedinagain,”verse24.thoughdrivenintoalllands;scattered intocorners;mingledwiththeheathen;andbecomesolikethem,asnottobeknownasunder;yetbeinghischosen,andwithinhiscovenant,hewillbringthemoutoftheirholes,andgatherthemonebyone,Isaiah27:12.hewilldo itsoaccurately,exactly,punctually, thatnoneshallbewanting, “thoughsiftedamongallnations, “notonegrainshallfalltotheearth,”Amos9:9.ThereservationmentionedinRomans11. was God’s omnipotent safeguarding his elect, when the rest of thenationfelltoidolatry:theyhadgoneall,aswellassome,hadnotelectionheld them hack; it is therefore said to be according to the election ofgrace:electionwasthepattern,andreservation thecopyof it.And thatthiswasnota single case,or restrained to thatpresent time, is evidentfrom Matthew 24. where our Savior foretells, that the subtlety of

deceivers,andtemptationsofthetimes,shallbesuch,andthetorrentrisetothatstrength,thatitwillbenexttoimpossiblenottobecarriedawaybyit;butfortheelect,theyaresafeguarded:how?Bythecominginofthefirst and sovereign cause, by the virtue of which, the whole force andinfluenceof those second causes shall eitherbeprevented, or removed,mitigated, inverted, shortened, or overruled, Matthew 24:22, and thefaithofhissealedonessoconfirmed,thattheyshallnotbehurtbythem,Ezekiel 9:6. Revelation 7:3. yea, and which is more, those very thingswhich are destructive to others shall work life in them. This turnedBalaam’s curse into a blessing to Israel,Deuteronomy 23:5, and Paul’safflictionstohissalvation,Phil,2:19.theyaretothemacauseof“liftingup the head,” Luke 21:28. And if it were not so, the apostle could notexhortusto“countitalljoywhenwefallintodiverstemptations,”James1:2. but that in themidst thereof “he keepeth the feet of his saints,” 1Samuel2:9.for,saysGod,“theyaremypeople;childrenthatwillnotlie,”Isaiah 63:8. q. d. They are of those I have chosen, and set apart formyself, and therefore they shall not frustrate my purpose in choosingthem;whichseemsimpliedinthewordso,“sohewastheirSavior;”Iwillsavethem,becauseIhavemadethemmypeople.

And,further,itisworthyyournotice,thatthissovereigndecreeisalwaysregnant;akingdomthatbearethruleoverall,andshallneverbebroken,Daniel2:44.Psalm89:

34.“MycovenantwillInotbreak,noralterthethingthatisgoneoutofmylips:mycovenantshallstandfastwithhim,”verse28.It.ismeantofthecovenantmadewithDavidandhishouse;orratherwithChristandhis spiritual seed, ofwhomDavidwas a type.And thuswemighthavestrong consolation, the Lord is pleased to bind itwith an oath; “once,”(that is, once for all, and once for ever; it was so full, perfect, andabsolute, that itneedednoalteration,amendment,or repetition,)“oncehaveIswornbymyholiness,thatIwillnotlietoDavid,”verse35.Andhow impossible itwas that this covenant shouldbe broken, appearsbyJeremiah,who,speakinginthenameoftheLord,deliversitthus;“Ifyoucan breakmy covenant of the day, andmy covenant of thenight, that,there should not be day and night in their season; then may also mycovenantbebrokenwithDavid,my servant,” Jeremiah33:20, 21.Here

note,bytheway,thatdayandnighttaketheirturns;butstillitisintheirseason. AndDavid himself says of it, that “it is a covenant everlasting,ordered inall things,andsure,”2Samuel23:5. that is,whatevermightpossibly fall in to interrupt it, there was that order observed in thecomposition of the covenant, and such a power laid up within it, asshould certainlyoverrunandbarreddown those impediments, triumphoverall,andholdonitsway;asallthetempestsandtumultsthathappeninthislowerworldcaninnowiseobstructthecourseandharmonyofthesuperiororbs.Hethereforedeclaresinhigh,yethumbleexpressions,thathe desires no other or better security for his salvation. And it is notunlikely thatDavid and Solomonwere both of them left to those greatandgrievousbackslidings,togiveproofofthesurenessofthiscovenant,whichindeedwassufficientlydonebythem,andtriedtotheuttermost:fortheybothbrokethecovenantontheirpart,andyetthecovenantwasnotnulled:nothankstothem,buttothatsovereigngrace,thathadlaidinprovision before to prevent it, bymaking it absolute and unrepealable.Yetwill not theLord connive at theirmiscarriages; but “if his childrenforsakemy law, and breakmy statutes, I will visit their transgressionswith the rod, and their iniquity with stripes: nevertheless, my lovingkindnesswill I not utterly take fromhim, nor suffermy faithfulness tofail,”Psalm89:31,32,33.Therewas,indeed,attimes,aseemingtomakevoidthiscovenantver,39,andgreatcomplaintsaremadeon it,aswellthere might; but it revives, and looks fresh again; joy comes in themorning;asisevidentbythecloseofthatPsalm,“BlessedbetheLordforevermore, Amen, and Amen!” Its return was themore welcome for itstemporary absence; and therefore he meets with a double gratulation,Amen,andAmen! Itwasbut in a littlewrath thathehidhis face fromthem,andthatbutforamomentoftime!“butwitheverlastingkindnesswillIhavemercyonthee,saiththeLord,thyRedeemer.Themountainsshalldepart,andthehillsberemoved;butmykindnessshallnotdepartfromthee,neithershallthecovenantofmypeaceberemoved,saiththeLord, that has mercy on thee,” Isaiah 54:8.10. In Jeremiah anotherimpossibility is instanced, to shew the eternal validity of this covenant;“Thus saith the Lord, if heaven above can be measured, and thefoundationsoftheearthsearchedoutbeneath,IwillalsocastoffalltheseedofIsrael,forallthattheyhavedone,saiththeLord,”Jeremiah31:37.the Lord, you see, hasmade himself both the alpha and omega of this

great sentence; to shew that both ends of the covenant are in his ownhands.

By these scriptures,withmany others, it is apparent, there shall be nofailureonGod’spart,andconsequentlynoneatall,becausehehastakenonhimselftheperformanceofthewhole;notsoastoexemptusfromourduty,buttoreduceustoit,andcarryusthroughit:believers, therefore,shallbeinvinciblysecuredtotheendoftheirfaith,thesalvationoftheirsouls.

Yetdothnotthisdoctrinegofreeofcontradiction;and,truly,consideringhowplainandpertinentthescriptureisforit,itmaywellbeconjectured,thatifthefirstimpugnersofperseverancehadnotfoundthemselvesinatoil,andnecessitatedtoopposeit,forthemaintenanceofotherprinciplesthey had before espoused, and which would not stand with this, theywouldneverhavesetthemselvesagainstit.Buterrors(liketruthsinthat)dohang together, or as links in a chain; the firstmover draws the restafter it:but I trust, throughhelp fromabove,all theobjections thatarelaidagainstthisdoctrineshall,byonehandorother,provetoitsfartherconfirmation.The chief thathaveoccurred tomeare these that follow;and if Ihadmetwith anymore considerable, I trust I shouldnot haveshunnedtheirtrial.

Objection: The doctrine of absolute perseverance deprives men of thesharpestbitwhichGodhasgiventhemtocurbtheunregeneratepartofthesoul;wemeanthefearanddreadofeternalfire.

Answer:Thelawisgood,iflawfullyused;soisfear,initstimeandplace;butoutof that. it is as aboneoutof joint.The lawworksby fear, as aschoolmaster to Christ: it is ordinarily the first occasion of ourmotiontowardsbelieving.Theheir,whilstachild,maybeunderthetutorageoffear:butwhenfaithisgrownup,thencastoutthebondwomanandherson;fearshallnotbeheirwithfaith;for,thoughitbeagoodservant,itisanillmaster.Forfeartopredominateoverfaith,isfor“servantstoride,whileprinceswalkontheearth,whichisanerrortheearthcannotbear,”Ecclesiastes10:5.7.withProverbs30:21,22.Believers,especiallysuchasknow themselves so to be, “receive not the spirit of bondage again tofear,” Romans 8:15. they are actuated now by another principle, as a

horsethatisthoroughlybrokeandwelltempered,isbettermanagedbyagentlehandthanabitingcurb.Faithworksby love: it isnothenceforththefearofwrath,butthesenseofChrist’slove,indeliveringfromwrath,that both curbs the unregenerate part, and carries to higher acts ofobediencethanfeariscapableof,although,attimes,allsortsofmotivesmaybeneedfultokeepusgoing;andtheLord,forexerciseofourgraces,andotherholyends,mayletthedearestofhischildrenlongconflictwiththeirfears,underwhichheyetsupportsthem,andbringsthemforthlikegoldatlast.

SeeEthan’s complaint, and the close hemakes, in the 89thPsalm: seealsothatexcellenttreatise,“AChildofLightwalkinginDarkness,”etc.byDr.Goodwin.

There are two sorts of fear; of God, and of the creature. Creature fearbelieversarestillcalledfrom,andwithgoodreason,asyewillfindafter.Godly fear isquiteanother thing; it is a graceof the largest import:nosavinggrace,butthis fear isput for it,or joinedwith it;whichjunctureshows its import in that place. It is sometimes put for faith, Genesis22:12.withHebrews11:17. sometimes for love, Psalm 130:4.with Luke7:47. for reverence also, Psalm 89:7. Lev. 19:3. Hebrews 12:28. forvigilance and circumspection, 2 Corinthians 7:11. for subjection, orobservance,Mal. 1:6. Holiness also is coupled with fear, 2 Corinthians7:1.Soismeekness,1Peter3:15.Soalsoisknowledge,wisdom,andgoodunderstanding, Proverbs 1:7. Psalm Ill: 12. Sometimes the whole ofreligiousworshipisintendedbyit,Judges6:10.Isaiah8:13.Job1:1,and8. This fear ariseth from the sight of God’s holiness, greatness, justseverity against sin, with the freeness of his grace, sureness of hiscovenant, fullness that is in Christ, and our interest in him,wherewiththatslavishfearofhellwillnotconsist.Onthisaccount,theLordourGodissaidtobea“fearfulname,”Deuteronomy28:59.that is, it is theonlyobject worthy of our faith, love, reverence, and religious worship: and,according to this sense of the word, “Blessed is the man that fearethalways.”But, touchingthefearofhell,assupposedthebesttocurbsin,and promoter of perseverance, it ought to be rejected. How far itmayinfluence an unregenerate person, as a curb to his lusts, is not thequestionhere;butifSaulandJudasranheadlongtohell,withthisbitin

their mouths, then the sharpest bit is not the most effectual curb.Argumentsagainstitareobvious;1.ThatbywhichGodpurifiestheheart,andwherebybelieversarestrengthenedtoaconcurrencewithhiminthatwork, is surely the properest curb to sin: that alsowhichweakens andtendstodestroytheroot,must,needsbemoreeffectualthanthatwhichonlyhinderssomeputtingsof it forth:butall this isdoneby faith; thislaystheaxetotheroot:“ByfaithGodpurifiestheheart,”Acts15:9,and“everyonethathasthishope,purifiethhimself,asheispure,”1John8:3.Thereisnosuchvirtueascribedtothefearofhell;but,plainly,thespiritof fear isopposed to the spiritof love,of faith,andofa soundmind,2Timothy1:7.2.ThatwhichhastheplaceofanendinChrist’sdeliveringfrom enemies, can be no let to perseverance; but, that wemight serveGod“withoutfear,”hastheplaceofanendinthatdeliverance,Luke1:74,75. 3. Thatwhich the scripture holds forth as an help to perseverance,cannot be an hindrance to it; but the scripture holds forth faith andconfidence in God as a principal help to perseverance, Rom, 6:12. 14.Hebrews 3:14. chapter 10:55. 4. That which irritates the unregeneratepart,cannotbesaidtocurbit:butthisdoesthefearofwrath;“Whenthecommandmentcame,sinrevived,”Romans7:9.that is, it tookoccasion,by the law’s restraint, to rise themore powerful against it; and so, the“law worketh wrath,” chapter 4:15. as a torrent stopped in its course,growsmore impetuous. Cain was an instance of this, Genesis 4:5, andeven Paul, in his unregeneracy, Romans 7:10, 11. when thoroughlyconvincedofsin,ifgracestepnotinasitsguardian,thesoulisundone.That scripture,Matthew10:28.gives the objectionno countenance; thefearthereintended,isthatwhichhasfaithandloveinit:“Fearnotthemwhich kill the body, but fear him that is able to destroy both soul andbodyinhell.”Thetwoobjectsoffearheputsinthebalance;toshewhowlittlereasonwehavetoshunourdutyforfearofmen,whosepowercanbutreachtoabodilydeath;andhowmuchmoretofearhim,thathasthekeysofdeathandofhell;thatis,whohaspowertocastintohell,mightjustlyhavedoneit,andyethassavedusfromit:andthisfearislove;asisevident byMatthew 10:37. where speaking of the same thing, namely,cleavingtoChrist,partingwithallforhim,itisexpresslycalledlove:“Hethatlovethfatherormothermorethanme,isnotworthyofme:“and,foraughtthatappearstothecontrary,itmightbethefearofhellthatmadetheslothfulservanttohidehistalent;“Iknewthee,thatthouartanhard

man;andIwasafraid,andwentandhidthytalentintheearth,”Matthew25:24, 25. It is also to be observed, that before the great tribunal, thefearful and unbelieving stand linked together, Revelation 21:8. Butwhateverinfluencethefearofhellmayhaveonpersonsunregenerate,asacurb to their lusts, thedoctrineofperseverancedeprivesnotof it, forthisconcernsonlybelievers.

Theobjectionisfurtherexceptedagainst,1.BecauseitputsanindignityonthewisdomofGod,asifhehadtakenfrombelieverssomeexpedienthelp to perseverance, by giving them absolute promises; whereas, weshould rather suspect our own understandings, and renounce thoseopinions,whichnecessitatesuchunnaturaldeductionstosupportthem:for, do but separate the promises from their absoluteness, and theirstrength is gone; they would prove, as the law, “weak, through theweakness of the flesh,” Romans 8:3.(removed italics) The Lord knowsthat believers have themost difficult work, and deepest sense of theirown insufficiency, and that nothing more weakens their hands, thandoubting and fears, and for that very cause has made his promisesabsolute.ThushearmedJoshuatothebattle;“Thereshallnotamanbeabletostandbeforetheeallthedaysofthylife:Iwillnotleavethee,norforsakethee;”andthencedrawshimanargument,tobe“strong,andofagood courage,” Josh. 1:5, 6. Thus also Samuel, in the place beforementioned, when the people were greatly perplexed because of God’sdispleasure towards them: to confirm them in their duty, he comfortsthemagainsttheirfears;“Fearnot,yehavedoneallthiswickedness,yetturnnotasidefromfollowingtheLord,”1Samuel12:20.Andwhatisthestrongreasonbywhichhefixesthem?“FortheLordwillnotforsakehispeople,”verse22.Paul,likewise,exhortingbelieverstothatgreatdutyofkeepingdownsin,thatitmightnotreign,becausethesharpnessandheatof the conflictmight otherwisemake them recoil, he gives them, as anhighcordial,assuranceofvictory;tellsthemexpressly,that“sinshallnothavedominionoverthem,”Romans6:14.Of the samemindwerePeterandJohn; theonedirects “togivealldiligence tomakeourcallingandelectionsure;”andthis,asaprincipalmeansto“keepusfromfalling,”2Peter1:10,andtheothermakesittheveryscopeofhiswholeepistle,thatbelieversmightknowtheyhaveeternallife,andthattheymight“gooninbelieving,” 1 John 5:13. “Which kind of arguments had been very

improper, and unduly applied, if giving them assurance, touching theevent, bad not been a strengthening of them in their duty, and muchmore,ifitwouldhaveprovedanindulgencetotheflesh.

2. Let fear be considered in its ordinary andnatural effects; and itwilleasilyappear,thatnothingislesspleasingtoGod,ormoreunaptfortheservice of perseverance. As a man’s principle is, such will be hisobedience; slavish observance is the best that slavish fear can produce,which isnowayacceptable toan ingenuousspirit:God lovesacheerfulgiver, not Samaritan worship, “for fear of lions,” 2 Kings 17:25. Suchservicewillalsobeweakandwavering;fornothingsounsettlesthemindasfear;itenervatesthesoul,andtakesawayitsstrength:“Nabal’sheartdiedwithinhimforfear,”1Samuel25:37,andthesoldiersthatkeptthesepulcher were as “dead men for fear,” Matthew 28:4. the obedience,therefore, which comes from thence can be but a dead obedience; theeffectcannotrisehigherthanthecause.PharaohletIsraelgobecauseoftheplagues,whichbeingalittleremoved,herepentshisobedience,andchides himself for it, Exodus 14:5, and those hypocrites, thoughfearfullnesshadsurprised them,remainedhypocritesstill, Isaiah33:14.This fear will also consist with the greatest impieties: those verySamaritans, who thus feared the Lord, did also worship their gravenimages,2Kings17:41.

3. Fear puts on using unlawfulmeans: Isaac to deny his wife, Genesis26:7.Davidtolie,andfeignhimselfmad,1Samuel21:13.Peter,andotherholy men, to dissemble, Galatians 2:12, 13. It sends men to Egypt forhelp,asitdidtheJews,Isaiah30:2.Hosea7:11.yea,tohell,asitdidSaul,1 Samuel 28:7. Therefore, both Satan and wicked men are stillendeavoring to put God’s people in fear, as they would Nehemiah,wherebyhisworkhadceased,Nehemiah6:13,14.19.AndSatanstoodatJoshua’srighthandtoresisthim,thatis,toaccusehim;andsotoputhiminfear,becauseofhis filthygarments, thereby todiscouragehim in theworkofhisoffice,Zee.3:1.

4.Letfearbecomparedwithitscontrary,whichisfaith,thisremovesthemountain, while fear fixes it, yea, makes it seem to be where no suchthingis.Fearmadetheunbelievingspiestobringupanevilreportofthegoodland,andtofancyimpossibilitiesofobtainingit,Numb.13:31.faith

madeCalebandJoshuamagnanimous;“Letusgoupatonce(saythey)andpossess it, forwearewellabletoovercomeit,”verse30.“yea, theyshallbebreadforus,”chapter14:9.Thesetwowhofearednomiscarriageunder an absolutepromise,were carried in; all that doubtedwere shutout. Peter, while confident, walked on the waves; when he began todoubt, he began to sink, Matthew 14:29, 30. It was faith made thoseworthiesvaliant to fight, enabledone to chasea thousand,Josh.23:10.When fear caused a thousand to flee at the rebuke of one, yea, at theshakingofaleaf,Lev.27:36.Ahandfulofobedience,springingfromfaithandconfidenceinGod,ismoreacceptabletohim,thansheavesandloadsarisingfromfearofwrath.IfPaul,forfearofhell,hadgivenhisbodytobe burned, it had been nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:3. but faith and loverendersmallthingsofvaluewithGod,eventhewidow’smite,andacupofcoldwater.Anditisworthyofremark,thatwhenthefruitsoftheSpiritare reckoned up, this fear is not so much as named among them,Galatians5:22,23.Andcertainitis,thatthemoresensibleandlivelyourlove is toGod,the lesswillbeourfearofhell; forperfect lovecastsoutfear.

5.Iffearweresuchaneffectualcurbtosin,orhelptoperseverance,therewouldnotbesuchpromisesofdeliveringGod’speoplefromtheir fears,norwouldtheysoaffectionatelyblessGodfortheirbeingdelivered,norso resolutely set themselves against it; neitherwould there be somanycommandsandinjunctionslaidonthem,nottobeafraid.

(1.)Forcommandsagainstfear.“Fearnotthou,OmyservantJacob,—forIwillsavethee:fearthounot,—Iwillcorrecttheeinmeasure,”Jeremiah46:27,28.thatis,meetlyandproportionally,accordingtothescopeofmycovenant, which is to save thee. The Lord would not have us thinkourselves in danger of being cashiered when we are chastened; whichseemstheimportofthatinIsaiah,“Ihavechosenthee,andnotcasttheeaway;fearthounot,”Isaiah41:9,10.So,totheHebrews,“Castnotawayyourconfidence,”Hebrews10:35,andChristtohisdisciples,Letnotyourheart be troubled, neither let it be afraid,” John 14:27. nothing bringssuchperturbationofmindasfear.And,“Fearnotlittleflock;”why?“Itisyour Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom,” Luke 12:32.InnumerablearetheinjunctionslaidonGod’speopleagainstfear,Isaiah

35:4. chapter 43:5. chapter 44:2. Jeremiah30:10. Joel 2:21. Ephesians3:16.Hag.2:5,chapter8:13.15.Matthew10:29.Acts27-24.Revelation1:17. etc. Therefore freedom from this fear is no impediment toperseverance.

(2).Promisesofdeliveringfromfears.“Jacobshallbeinquiet,andnoneshallmakehimafraid,” Jeremiah 30:10. “He shall not be afraid of eviltidings,”Psalm112:7.“Heshallbequietfromfearofevil,”Proverbs1:33.Thepromiseisnotmadetofearandfainting,buttofaithandconfidence;“Beofgoodcourageandheshallstrengthenthyheart,”Psalm27:14.IfithadbeenthemindofChrist,thatbelieversshouldstillbeunderthisfear,hewouldnothave told them, theyarepassed fromdeathunto life,andshall not come into condemnation, John 5:24. that they shall sit onthrones,Matthew19:28. that their inheritance isreserved inheavenforthem,andtheykeptforit;andthatbythemightypowerofGod,1Peter1:4,5.Theresultofallwhichis, that“havingthesepromises,weshouldcleanseourselvesfromallfilthinessoffleshandspirit;perfectingholinessinthefearofGod,”2Corinthians7:1.

(3.) Examples of Christian resolution not to fear. “Yea, though I walkthroughthevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,1willfearnoevil,”Psalm23:4.-Isaiah50:7.“Therefore(that is,becausetheLordGodhadpromisedtohelphim;therefore)haveIsetmyfaceasaflint,andIknowthatIshallnotbeconfounded,”Psalm56:4.“Iwillnotfearwhatfleshcandotome.”AndPsalm49:5.Wherefore should I fear in thedays “of evil,when theiniquityofmyheelsshallcompassmeabout?”These,ifanythingshouldhaveputhiminfear;buthisfaithresolvesagainstit,accordingtoIsaiah12:2.“Iwilltrust,andnotbeafraid,”thatis,hewouldnotwillinglyadmittheleastmixtureoffearwithhisfaith;andgoodreasonforit,since“thejoyoftheLordwashisstrength,”Nehemiah8:10.

(4.)Instancesofthankfulnessfordeliverancefromfears.“OmagnifytheLord with me, and let us exalt his name together.” But what is theoccasionofthisjoyfultriumph?“IsoughttheLord,andheheardme,anddeliveredmefromallmyfear?,”Psalm43:3,4,andthereforewillIofferin his tabernacle sacrifices of joy;” and the reason of it was, that “Godwould hide him in his own pavilion,” Psalm 27:5, 6. that is, he wouldsecurehimfromdanger,andsethimaboveallfears;whichhecouldnot,

withanygoodreason,haverejoicedin;norhaveprayedthatGodwould“restorehim to the joyofhis salvation,” if thedreadof eternal firehadbeen so good a friend to perseverance. Scripturesmight bemultiplied;but,besidesthese,itisevidentinexperience,thatnothingsoelevatesthespirit and courage of a man in great undertakings, as assurance ofsuccess: but while he is wavering, and doubtful how he shall speed,especially while he meditates terrors, and of them the dreadfulest, hishandsareenfeebled,norhashehiswitsabouthim(asweusetospeak)todiscern and improve them, as otherwise he might. That which tendsreally tomake aman “steadfast, immoveable, and always to abound intheworkoftheLord,”isnotthefearofmiscarrying,andlosingallatlast;but“faithandacertainknowledge thathis laborshallnotbe invain intheLord,”1Corinthians15:58.

Objection: If aman once believing cannot lose his faith,why is it said,“Lethimthatstandethtakeheedlesthefall?”and,“Looktoyourselves,thatyelosenotthethingswehavewrought?”Iftherebenopossibilityoflosing,whatneedofsuchcautionsandsuchgreatcircumspection?

Answer: The maker of this objection has elsewhere granted, that theobtaining of Canaan was sure to Abraham’s seed, so as theirunworthiness could not deprive them of it: and yet we find theirinduction and actual possession yoked, afterwards, with as manyconditions, cautions, and limitations, as the promise of salvation tobelievers any where is; and yet, nevertheless certain. But, for moreparticularanswer,

1.Thatarighteousmanmayfall, isevident;andasevidentitis,thathecannotfallfinally;forthoughhefallseventimesinaday,asoftendoesherise again, Proverbs 24:16, and this, because the “Lord upholdeth himwithhishand,”Psalm37:24,andagain,the“Lordupholdethallthatfall,”Psalm 145:14. that is, either he stays themwhen they are falling, or soordersandlimitsthematter,thattheyfallnotintomischief,asothersdo;andtobesurehewillsetthemontheirfeetagain.Theabsolutepromisecannot be nullified or made uncertain by cautionary words elsewheredelivered.Itcannot,thereforebemeantofatotalandfinalfallingaway,whichthescripturecurrentexpresslyrunsagainst.

2.Thereareconsiderationsofgreatweight tomakebelieversbewareoffalling,withoutsupposingtheirfinalapostasy,(asthedangerofbreakingaman’sbones,isgroundsufficientforcaution,thoughsurethathisneckshallbesafe,)thedishonordonetohisFather;theshamethatisputonChrist; grieving the Comforter; scandalizing the good ways of God;stumblingtheweak;strengtheningthewicked;unfittinghimforhisduty;interruptinghispeaceandcommunionwithGod,andsoforth:everyoneofwhichwillweighdeepwithasoulthatisbornofGod.

3.TheLorddoesordinarilybringabouthispurposesbymeans,ofwhichcautions are a part, and by which, as a means, he keeps off the evilcautionedagainst.In1John2:28.theapostleexhortsthemto“abide inChrist,” whom certain professors had relinquished, verse 19. And, aspurposely intending to obviate this objection, he tells them “that theyshallabideinhim,”verse27.wherebyhestrengthensthemtotheirduty.

Fortheotherplaceobjected,—namely,“Looktoyourselves,thatyoulosenot the thingswe have brought,”—it is one thing to lose for a time thesense and comfort of our state, as David, Heman, and others did, andanotherthingtolosethestateitself;whichabelievershallneverdo,asisshownbefore.Ofmuch like import is that in 2Peter I: 5—9.where heexhortsthemto“givealldiligencetoaddonegracetoanother;”and,tohelpthemintheirwork,hetellsthem,1.Whatadvantagetheyshallhavebysodoing:theyshallnotbeunfruitfulintheknowledgeofJesusChrist;that is, it shall evidence to them that theknowledge theyhave is a realknowledge,whichcannotbeknownfromthatwhich is formalonly,butbysuchaneffect.Thatalsobythismeansitshallbeincreased;theusingof thingswell, and to their proper end, being the readiestway to theirimprovement,accordingtoJohn7:17,“Hethatwilldomywillshallknowofmydoctrine.”2.Hethensetsbefore themthe loss theyshallhave incaseofneglect;theywillbecomeblind,unabletoseeafaroff,andforgetthat they were purged from their old sins; remissness will bringobscurity;thatwhichwasclearbefore,willnowbecomeclouded,andbeas if itwere not: itmay seem to them, that they are short of that rest,which yet is sure to them; and so theywill be put to begin their workanew;whereas,“iftheydothesethings,theyshallneverfall:”thatis,theyshall not fall from their steadfastness, nor lose that clear sight and

assurancewhich they nowhave, touching their good estate, namely, asbeing partakers of the divine nature, and purged from their old sins,whichthoseneglectsmightput out of their sight, and so lose them thesenseandcomfortofwhattheyhadwrought.

Objection:WereadinJohn6:66.thatmanyofChrist’sdisciplesforsookhim; in Timothy, of some who, as concerning the faith, had madeshipwreck;andofSimonMagus,whooncebelieved,andwasafterwardsfoundinthebondofiniquity.

Answer:Theobjectionhasananswersufficientmadereadytoitshand,in1John2:19.“Theywentout fromus,becausetheywerenotofus: for ifthey had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us.”Seeming faith may realty be lost, as theirs was; and real faith mayseeminglybelost,aswastheapostle’s,Luke24:21.Seemingfaith is lostreally,becauseitwasbutseeming;realfaithcannotbelost,becauseitisreal.Yetweshallfind,thatthatwhichisbutseeming,isfrequentlycalledbythenameofthat itseemstobe;as inMatthew13:12. it issaid,“thatwhichhehas:”inLuke8:18.(speakingofthesamething)itisrendered,“that he seemeth to have:” so those who forsook Christ, they weredisciples but in shew; theynever believed in truth; as appears by John6:64.“Jesusknewfromthebeginningwhotheywerethatbelievednot:”andthis(namely,becauseitwasbutaseemingfaiththeyhad,)hegivesasthereasonoftheirnowforsakinghim.AndforSimonMagus,theansweris,asclearconcerninghim:whereletusconsider,

1. That a man may be said to believe, and yet not be a believer; as arighteous man to sin, and yet not be a sinner, 1 John 5:18. To be abeliever, is to be thoroughpaced in faith, to believe all that is to bebelieved,andtohavetheheartunitedtoit:thusSimonbelievednot;andifhehad;couldnothavethoughttheHolyGhostvendibleformoney.

2. His faith seems to be only such a belief concerning Philip, as theSamaritanslatelyhadconcerningSimon,namely,thathewas“thegreatpowerofGod.”ForfindinghimselfovermatchedbyPhilip,whocastoutthe spirits, which he, perhaps, had possessed them with, he could notnow but give the precedency to Philip, as having a greater power thanhimself;and,therefore,he“continuedwithPhilip,wonderingatwhathe

did.”

3.Simon’sbelievingseemstobenomore thananoutwardprofessionalfaith,takenupforbyrespects,topreservehisinterestandreputeamongthepeople,whonowbegantofallfromhim,andtofollowPhilip,whosedisciplehehimselfwillprofess tobe, rather than tobequite cashiered.Besides, this profession of hismight, in his conceit, be a step towards“purchasingthegiftoftheHolyGhost,”which,ifhecouldobtain,hehadbeen again in as good a condition, both for reputation and profit, asbefore.

Ifanyshallsay,wereadnotofthisdistinctionoffaith,intotrueandfalse—I answer, the scripture frequently speaks of persons and thingsaccording to vulgar esteem, or what they professed themselves to be.Ahaz is said to “sacrifice to the gods of Damascus that smote him.” 2Chronicles28:23,andyetneitherweretheygods,nordidtheysmitehim;but it is spokenaccording tohis own superstitiousopinionof them.Sothose four hundred men, who prophesied before Ahab, are calledprophets,1Kings22:1.notthattheywereprophets indeed,butbecausethey so professed themselves, or because so reputed by Ahab find thepeople.AprophetisonethatisinspiredbytheHolyGhost;whichthosemenwerenot,butbyalyingspirit,verse22.Now,SimonMaguswasnomoreatruebeliever,thanthosetrueprophets;norhisfaithanymoreoftherightkind,thantheirpredictionstrueprophecies.Wealsofind,that,theScripturemakes the coming to pass of the thing foretold, to be theevidence of a true prophet: according to which rule, perseverance tosalvation must demonstrate the truth of faith; and wheresoever thisfollowsnot, there faithwasbutpretended; “Theyprofess to knowGod,butinworksdenyhim,”Tit.1:16.asoftheSamaritans,beforementioned,it is said, “They feared theLord;” andpresently after, that “they fearednottheLord,”2Kings17:3,34.theyfearedhiminshow,butnotintruth.

4. “The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lordknoweth themthatarehis,”2Timothy2:19.Hebrings it in to comfortbelievers, touching the sureness of their standing; when others, of asgloriousoutsides,makeshipwreckofthefaith:itsandssure,because“theLord knoweth them that are his: “he knows whom he has chosen; forwhomhehasreceivedtheatonement;whomhehascalled,andcausedto

“take hold of his covenant;” and these shall surely be kept,notwithstandingthewoefulbackslidingsofothers.

Objection: If one that believes not now,may have faith hereafter; thenonethatisnowabeliever,maylosehisfaith,andturnapostate.

Answer:Itfollowsnot,thatbecauseChristcanbindSatan,andcasthimout; therefore Satan can do so by Christ. He can come into the devil’snurserywhenhewill;takeacrabstock,andtransplantit,andgraftitwitha noble tree; but Satan cannot come into God’s vineyard, which is agardenenclosed,andtakethencewhathepleaseth.One,whoisnowdeadin sin,may be quickened; but, being once alive, can die nomore: it isChrist’sownassertion, “He that liveth,andbelieveth inme,shallneverdie,” John 11:26. which cannot be meant of any other but a spiritualdeath,whichisallonewithhislosinghisfaith.

Objection:Arighteousmanmayturnawayfromhisrighteousness;andthatso,thatheshalldieforit,Ezekiel18:24.

Answer: There is a twofold righteousness; 1. Moral; such as Paul hadbeforehisconversion;thisamanmaycontinueintothelast,andyetbenot saved, 2. There is a gospel righteousness; (1.) Imputed; this is therighteousnessofChrist,bywhichwearejustified.(2.)Infused;thisisthedivine nature communicated by the Spirit of Christ, whereby we aresanctified. These two go inseparably, and can never be lost. But therighteousnessspokenofintheplaceobjected,seemstobeoftheformersort;namely,moraloroutwardrighteousness;foroutwardconformitytothe law,was the conditionof theirpossessing the landofCanaan,withlonglifeandprosperityinit..This,ifretained,gavethemalegalrighttothosepromises;iftheyturnedfromit,theyranintoaforfeiture:andloseittheymight,fortheyhadnopromisethattheyshouldabideinit.Butthenewcovenantundertakesforthat,asisevident,bycomparingJeremiahchapter32:43.Butifanywillyetsupposetherighteousmanspokenofinthe18thofEzekiel,tobemeantofatruebeliever;thereis,Itrust,intheanswersforegoing,sufficienttosolveit.

Butsupposeabelieverbetakenaway inhissin,asperhapsJosiahwas,andhasnottimetorepentofit?1.Itcannotbeprovedthatthiswasthe

casewith Josiah: he had time sufficient betweenhiswounding and hisdeath. So is evident by the story, 2Chronicles35:23, 24. But, 2. Therewas that in him that would have repented, and God reckons of amanaccordingtowhathewoulddo.Itbeing inDavid’sheart tobuildhimahouse, itwasacceptedas ifhehaddone it.Therootof thematter is inevery regenerate person, which, if it had time, would set forth itself infruits: and therefore they shallnotbedealtwithasbarren trees,whichharenotthatsubstanceinthem.

Objection: The promise of perseverance is notmade to faith, that thatshallnotfail;butinreferencetothefavorofGod,namely,thatifmengoontobelieve,theyshallabideinhislove.

Ans.Thustogivethesenseofthepromise,istoenervateit,andmakeitspeakbutaccordingtothecovenantofworks:itbereavesitwhollyofthatsuperioritytheScriptureascribestoit,inHebrews8:6-10.Italsorender,thepromiseasspeakingfallaciously;makingshowofthatittendsnot:itwouldbeasifhehadsaidYoushallkeepthefavorofGod,ifyoudonotlose it. Besides, faith the soul’s coming to God; unbelief, its departingfrom him: the promise, therefore, that secures against departing fromGod, secures your continuance in beliving that undertakes you shall becrowned,dothvirtuallyundertakeforyourholdingouttotheendofyourrace.Objection:Others, again, in interpreting thepromises recorded inthe36thofEzekiel and32dof Jeremiah, touchingmen’snot departingfromGod,restrainthemtotheJewishnation,andtothelastdays.

Ans. To this I shall only say, that although some particular times andpersons are more immediately concerned in the promises of the OldTestament,especiallysuchasoffertemporalthings;yetistherenotonePromise,butinthespiritualityofit,belongstoeveryonethatbelongstoChrist;thatis,Jewsinspirit.Noscriptureisofprivateinterpretation;andthereforenot tobe confined to thoseparticular timesorpersons,whenandtowhomtheyweredelivered:theywerewrittenfortheuseofall,1Corinthians 10:11, and we find them accordingly applied in the NewTestament. The promise made to Joshua, touching the success of hiswarfareinCanaan,is,bytheapostle,appliedtobelieversingeneral,asanargument against overmuch carefulness in a married estate, and forcontentednesswithourpresentcondition,Josh.1:5.withHebrews13:5.

So,likewise,theprophecyofIsaiah,touchingthehypocritesofhistime,isbyChristappliedtothePharisees,Isaiahchapter19.withMatthew25:7,8,andthepromisesmadetotheJewsinIsaiah54:13areappliedtotheGentilesinJohn6:45.

Objection:. The doctrine of absolute perseverance lays the reins ofsecurityontheneckoftheflesh,andoftheoldman,inbelievers.

Answer:Foranswer,1.Thisobjection,is,ineffect,thesamewiththefirst,onlyitspeaksbroader;whichshows,thatthefarthermengoinopposingthetruth,theworselanguagetheygiveit.Thatmany,whodisbelievethedoctrineofperseverance,havegiven the flesh its full rangeand liberty,needsnoproof: but, that anybelieverhasmade that impious use of it,willneverbemadeout.2.Theobjectiondeservesnoquarter,becauseithighlyreproachesthegoodnessandfaithfulnessofGod,asifforafish,hehad given a scorpion; for so it would be, if his giving them absolutepromiseswouldproveanindulgencetotheflesh.3.Italsocontradictstheknown and constant way of holy men’s arguing and inferring fromabsolutepromises,andthehighestassurance:seeafewinstancesofthis:“WhenChristourlifeshallappear,thenshallyealsoappearwithhiminglory:”theresultofitis,“mortify,therefore,yourmemberswhichareontheearth,”Colossians3:4,5.Again,“weknowthatwhenheshallappear,weshallbelikehim:”andwhatisthefruitofthisknowledge?“Everymanthathasthishopeinhim,purifiethhimself,evenashe ispure,” 1John3:2,3. The like ye have in the Corinthians: “For we know, that if ourearthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building ofGod,anhousenotmadewithhands,eternalintheheavens.”Nowseetheeffect of this assurance; “Wherefore we labor, that whether present orabsent,wemay be accepted of him,” 2 Corinthians 4:5. 9. in the nextchapter, he repeats the sumof the new covenant; “Iwill be a father toyou,andyeshallbemysonsanddaughters,saiththeLordAlmighty,”2Corinthians6:18.Observenow theusehemakesof it, andall believershave the same mind: “Having, therefore, these promises, (absolutepromises,) letuscleanseourselvesfromall filthinessof fleshandspirit,perfecting holiness in the fear of God,” chapter 7:1. Job knew that hisRedeemerlived,andthatheshouldlivewithhim;andyet,astoholinessand integrity, not a man like Job in all the earth. And that holy man

Asaph,was fullyassuredofpersevering infallibly;“Thoushaltguidemebythycounsel,andafterwardsreceivemetoglory,”Psalm73:24.thisdidnot loosenthereins,butmadehimcleavecloser toGod,renouncingallbuthimandhisservice; “WhomhaveI inheavenbut thee?”And, “it isgoodformetodrawnightoGod,”verse25.28.ThelikeframeofspiritwefindinDavid,“Surely,goodnessandmercyshallfollowmeallthedaysofmy life: “his result also is “I will dwell in the house of God for ever,”Psalm23:6.And,thatthesewerenottemporaryfitsandflashes,butfromasettledprinciple, is further apparent by hismanner of reasoning; “Intimeoftrouble,heshallhidemeinhispavilion,(nosaferplaceonearthnorinheaven,)andnowshallmyheadbeliftedupabovemineenemiesround about me,” Psalm 27:5. But what follows on this mountedassurance?“Soul,takethineease,eat,drink,andbemerry?”O!no:but,“thereforewillIoffersacrificesofjoy;Iwillsing,yea,IwillsingpraisestotheLord!”Psalm27:6.hewasnowonhishighplaces,outofthereachofdanger; but did not grow remiss on it, restrain prayer, and give overcalling onGod; but falls themore fervently on that which shall be theobject of all in heaven: hewould rather have been remiss without thisassurance,ashehimselfpresentlyacknowledgeth:“Ihadfainted,unlessIhadbelieved to see the goodness of theLord in the land of the living,”verse15.SoPaul’sassuranceofobtainingwhatheranfor,wasamightystrengtheningtohiminhisrace:whosocrucifiedtotheworldasPaul?soabundantinallkindofservice,ormorereadytodieforChrist,thanhe?Who yet had the fullest assurance of holding out, and of receiving thecrown of righteousness at last; and that nothing should separate himfrom it. By these yemay gather, that believers are of a nobler extract,thantoloveGodtheless,becausehelovesthemsomuch;andthatitisnotrivial slander, to insinuate that believers, especially such as haveassurance,aremostexposedandgiventobacksliding;whichis,sure,anunnatural consequent of their being “sealed to the day of redemption.”Suchobjectionsdoalsoargue theauthorsof them,notwell acquaintedwith thegoodlywaysofGod,norwith that spiritualobliging sweetnessthat is found in them:which any one,who has tasted thereof in truth,wouldnotturnfrom,althoughhis futurehappinesswerenotconcernedin it. Nor do they consider the frame and nature of the new creature,which has spiritual senses, fitted to discern what makes for its ownpreservation, andwhat against it.Had you fifteen years added to your

life, and a certainty of it; would you therefore forsake your food, anddisuse theordinarymeansofpreserving life?TheJewshadanabsolutepromise, thatGodwould saveJerusalem from thekingofAssyria,whothenbesiegedit:didtheysetopentheirgates,anddrawofftheirguardson it?Sense and reasonwould teach themotherwise,which gracedoesnotdestroy,butperfect.It isasparkofthatheavenlyfire,whichcannotliveoutofitselement,norcanallthewatersunderheavenquenchit.Itisaparticipationofthedivinenature,andsolovesandhates,astheFatherofitdoth;anditwillcleavetohimineverystate:“Ifhesavemealive,Iwillservehim;ifhekillme,Iwillyettrustinhim;”inlife,andindeath,Iwillbe theLord’s.This is thenaturaldispositionof thenewcreature, itsavorsonlythethingswhichareofGod:andthehighertastedtheyarebyassurance, the more is he aloft, and above the lure of carnaldivertisements,nottobegovernedorledbythem.Therefore,letGodbetrue, and his prophets and apostles be reckoned for faithful witnesses,andeveryonethatspeaksOtherwisealiar.

Thenextthingincourseis,toconsiderwhatimprovementmaybemadeof this doctrine; which one would surely conclude of very greatusefulness, since the scriptures are so greatly concerned about it. Ingeneral, it affordsmatter of eminent support to believers; especially indifficultcases:italsoevincethmatterofdutyonthebeliever’spart;andfrom the examples forequoted, something of direction in reference toboth;whichIshallhereputintermixedly.

Infer.1.Standstill,andbeholdthesalvationoftheLord!andatthesightof thisgreat thing, say inyourhearts,withaholyastonishment,“WhathasGodwrought!”Letyoursoulsbefilledandenlargedwitheverlastingadmiringsofthatgrace(thatsovereigngrace)whichhassoimpregnablysecured the salvation of his chosen, that nomanner of thing, whetherwithinthemorwithoutthem,shallbeabletodefeatit,orhinderthemofit;“no,notthegatesofhell:“nay,notsomuchasoneofthestakesthereofshallberemoved,andthatforever.Shakenyoumaybe,andtossedwithatempest, but not overturned, because ye have an eternal root. Electingloveisofthatsovereignty,thatitrulesandoverrulesall,bothinheavenand in earth: Christ Jesus, our Savior and Lord, the Holy Ghost, oursanctifier,counselor,andcomforter,inalltheyhavedone,do,orwilldo,

do still pursue that scope. All ordinances, providences, temptations,afflictions,andwhatevercanbenamed,whethergoodorbadinitself,life,death,thingspresent,andthingstocome,areallmadesubservienttothedecree of election, and do all work together to bring about its mostgloriousdesignment. If thecourseandconductofcommonprovidenceswere livelydelineated, itwouldyieldan illustriousprospect:howmuchmoretheconduct,order,andend,ofthosespecialprovidences,whichareproperto,andconversantaboutelection!whenallthepiecesthereofshallbebroughttogether,andsetinorder,howbeautifulwillitbe!angelsandmenshallshoutforthegloryof it! thenitwillbeevidentGodhasdonenothing in vain, or impertinent to your blessedness: thatwhatever hasbefallenyouhere,howevercontrarytoyourpresentsenseandopinionofit,wasdispensedinveryfaithfulnesstoyou:thatifanyofthosemanifold,andseeminglycrossoccurrences,youhavebeenexercisedwith,hadbeenomitted, it would have been a blank in your story, a blot in yourescutcheon of honor.When you shall see what contrivances have beenagainstyou;whatart,subtlety,malice,andpower,thewereagitatedwith;howunableyouwere,of yourselves, to foresee.prevent, avoid, or repelthem;andhowalltheattributesofGodandhisprovidences,eachoneinits timeandplace,whichwas alwaysmost seasonable, came in to yourrescue, retorting on your adversaries, and safeguarding you; yea, howthatwhichwasdeathinitself,wasmadetoworklifeinyou;howamiableandadmirablewillthestoryofitbe!thatwhenyourfaithwasweak,theLord did not withdraw from you; that when it was at its height andstrength, he then did for you above all you could believe or think, andthrough an unspeakable press of difficulties and contradictions, hecarriedonhiswork in you; evenbearing youoneagles’wings,until hehadbroughtyoutohimself:howwillyoumagnifyhiswork,andadmireitthen!Beginitnow.

Infer.2.Letusstudymoretheknowledgeandcontentsofthisgreattruthofbelievers’ invincibleperseverance; therise,progress,andtendencyofit,andwhatadvantagesityieldstous;whichareindeedmany,andveryconsiderable.

1.Asitisapartofthedoctrineofelectionwhichteacheth,thatnothinginus,butgraceandloveinGod,wastheonlyoriginalcauseofoursalvation;

theknowledgewhereofwillwork in thesoulanholy ingenuityandlovetowardsGod,whomnothingoffendsbutsin.Simonansweredrightwhenhe said, “He that hadmost forgivenhim,would lovemost,” Luke 7:45.whenceitfollows,thathewhobelievesthefreeremissionofallhissins,from first to last, must Iove God more than he who believes only thepardonofthosethatarepast;andthatso,asthattheymayallbechargedonhimagain:orifnot,thatyethemaypossiblyperishforthosetocome,perhaps in the lastmomentofhis life: forhe isnotsure,nay, it isverydoubtful,ifdependantonhisownnaturalwill,thatfaithandrepentanceshallbehislastact.Nowthisgraceoflovebeingthestrongestandmostoperative principle, he that is led by it must act accordingly; that is,vigorously, and without weariness, as Paul did. And Joseph, havingreceivedlargetokensofGod’slovetohim,andexpectingmore,yetarguesagainst, and, with an holy disdain and slight, puts by the temptation:“HowcanIdothis,andsinagainstGod,”whohasdealt,andwilldeal,sobountifullywithme!Divineloveisofinfiniteefficacy.

2.AsitteacheththesoultodependonGodforitskeeping,ashavinghisalmighty power absolutely engaged for it. Whereas, if the efficacy andevent of all thatGod doeth forme, should depend on something to bedonebymyself,whoamafrailcreature,andpronetorevolt,Ishouldstillbeinfear,becausestillindangeroffalling,andlosingallatlast:andthisfearbeinganenfeeblingpassion,mustneedsrendermyresistance,andallmyendeavors,bothirregularandweak;whereasamagnanimousandfearlessspirit,whoseeshimselfclothedwithadivinepower, shallhavehiswits(aswesay)moreabouthim,todiscerndangersandadvantages,and,consequently,howtoeschewtheone,andimprovetheother.

3.Asitgivesassurance,“ourlaborshallnotbeinvain.”ThismadethesebelievingHebrews to “endure that great fight of afflictions, and to takejoyfullythespoilingoftheirgoods;becausetheyknewtheyhadinheavenabetterandmoreenduringsubstance.”Allmannerofaccomplishmentsput into one, and made your own, would not so invincibly steel yourforeheads, and strengthen your hearts, as to be sure of success, and tocome off conquerors at last: the apostle, therefore, brings it in as thehighest encouragement in our Christianwarfare,Romans 6:14. chapter8:37.AndourblessedLordhimself,who,of all others,had thehardest

tasktoperform, itmade“his faceasa flint,becauseheknewheshouldnotbeconfounded,”Isaiah50:7.

Infer.3.Make itone,andthatamainpartofyourbusiness, to foilanddisprove theobjections thatarebroughtagainst thisdoctrine;and yournearestwaytoitis,by“growingingrace,”2Peter3:18.withchapter1:5—10.1.Layaside,andcastawayeveryweight;especiallythesinthatdothmosteasilybesetyou;yourbesettingsin,whateveritbe;castthemtothemoles, and to the bats; they are not fit mates for daylight creatures, 1Thessalonians5:5. 6. It is a noble prize you run for; therefore clog notyourself with any thing that may hinder or retard your pace. 2. KeepyourselvesintheloveofGod;maintainaspiritualsenseofhislovetoyou,andalivelyanswerofholyaffectionstowardshim.Whatevermaytendtoobscure or lessen your sense of it, have nothing to do with it; keepyourselffromidols;letnothinghaveaninterestinyourlovebutGod,andall things else, but in subordination, and with respect to him only. 3.Watchagainst thebeginningandvery firstmotionsof sin;nip it in thebud; abstain from all appearance of evil; andwalk not on the brink ofyour liberty.It iseasiertokeepoutaninvader, thantoexpelhimwhenentered, to keep down a rebel, and prevent his rising, than to conquerhimwhen he is up. Great and black clouds have small beginnings; thebigness of your hand, at first, may rise and spread so as to cover thewhole heavens; therefore, keep off sin at staff’s end. 4. Be diligent andindustriousinit.Thinknot,becauseitisGodwhoperformethall thingsforyou, that thereforeyoumaysit still,orberemiss inyourduty;yourarms and armorwerenot provided to rust in your tent. Theremay be,indeed, such a juncture in providence, that it may be your duty, and,consequently, your strength, to sit still, as was theirs at the Red Sea,Exodus14:13.thisis,whenallfurthermotionisshutuptoyou;andthentheLordwilldohisworkwithoutyou:butusuallythereissomethingtobedoneonourpart.ThoughtheLordwouldgoforthbeforeDavid,andsmitethePhilistines,yetDavidmustbestirhimself,2Samuel5:24.Thisthingisconstantlytobeaffirmed,that“theywhohavebelievedinGod,becarefultomaintaingoodworks,”Tit.3:8,anddoittherather,to“cutoffoccasion from themwhich desire occasion; that where they glory, theymaybefoundevenaswe,”2Corinthians11:22.5.CleavetoJesusChrist,andtohimonly;andtrustnottoyourholdingofhim,buttohisholding

of you. This did David, when he says, “Thou holdest me by my righthand,” Psalm 73:23. Follow him, as men follow the court, whosedependenceisonit.Whilefollowinghim,youcannotdoamiss;norwantany good thing, whether for counsel, strength, or otherwise. 6. Forgetwhat is behind, and press on towards perfection; that, if possible, youmay attain to the resurrection of thedead, that is, to be perfectly holy.Thoughperfectness,intheperfectionofit,isnotattainablehere;yetthehigheryouaim, thehighershallyourattainmentbe,andthe fartherofffromlosingwhatyouhavegot.Keepthemarkstillinyoureye,andshunwhatevermightinterceptyoursightofit.Thesearesomeofthewaystomakeyourcallingandelection: sure:and if yedo these things, yeshallprove thisdoctrine tobe true;andeitherpreventor retort thosecarnalandgroundlesscalumniesthatarebroughtagainstit.

Infer.IV.Sincetherearesuchargumentsforbelievers’perseverance,letusallsodemeanourselves,thatwemayhavethemallstandonouraide,for proof and evidence that we are of that happy remnant, whom thegreatGodhassetapartforhimself,andwhomhehasmadeandwroughtfor this selfsame thing:andas itwashispurpose, so let itbeour spiritandpractice, to glorify the riches of his grace. 1. If born ofGod, let usshewforththevirtuesofourFather,andbearourselvesashischildren,bothtowardshim,andtowardstheworld.Letusliveonhim,andlivetohim;rejoicingalwaysbeforehim;first,forhisownblessedness,andthenforours,asderivedfromhis,andbyhimreservedinheavenforus;andall, as designing to honor him as our Father. 2. If we have faith, let itappear by our works. It must be some singular thing that mustdistinguish us from other men: it is not profession, nor words, noractionsneither (as to thematterof them,andso farasvisible tomen,)thatwill approveusbelievers;but the principlewhence they grow, andtheendtheydriveat:theresultofAbraham’sfaithwas,“togiveglorytoGod,”andsowillours,ifAbraham’sseed.3.Letuscarryourselves,underall dispensations, not only quietly, but thankfully, and so as to answerGod’send:walkhumbly;hatethethingthatisevil;havetheworldunderyour feet; esteem preciously of Christ; honor his ordinances; let everygracehaveitsperfectwork;andrejoice inhopesof thatglory,whichallthese things are preparatory to. 4. If one with Christ, and he ourMediator, then let uswalk as hewalked,who held his ownwill always

subjecttohisFather;reckoningit“hismeattodohiswill,andtofinishhiswork:” letusalsowaithisadviceandcounsel ineverybusiness,andfollow it; commit our cause to him, and interest him in all ourconcernments.5.ApplyyourselvestoeveryattributeofGod,accordingtothepresent occasion; anddwell on them, and leave themnotuntil youhavethegraceandhelpintendedbythem.Theyareallmadeovertotheheirsof salvation, to liveon: let itnotbe said, that in themidst of ourabundanceweareinstraits!6.IfmadeforthegloryofGod,makegoodyourend:heisgloriousinholiness,andbyholinessonlycanyouglorifyhim.Bear, therefore,on the foreheadofyourdesignsandconversation,thatroyal inscription,HolinesstotheLord:bythis,youwillset toyourseal,that“Godistrue,”andapproveyourselvestobe“childrenthatwillnotlie.”Itwillalsobeofsingularuseandservicetoyourselves,astothatotherendofyourbeing:thatyouhave“glorifiedGodontheearth,“willbeasubstantialargumentthathewillglorifyyou”intheworldtocome,John17:4.For, though yourpersonal righteousness benot your title totheheavenly inheritance, yet your constant progression inholinesswillbe your best evidence, next to the immediate witnessings of the spirit,thatyouhaveatitle,andthatyourtitleisgood.Since,therefore,weweremadefor,andexpectsuchthings,“whatmannerofpersonsoughtwetobe, inallholyconversationandgodliness?”2Peter3:11.7.Ifunder thecovenant of grace, let us reckon ourselves strengthenedwith allmight,and hold to it, as having all our salvation in it; both keeping, support,recovery,andsettlement,graceandglory:notmindingsomuchhowanything looks or feels at present, as the end it tends to; for if the end begood, themeans (as such) cannot be otherwise. And, truly, we cannothave a better evidence of our interest in this covenant, than a totaldevolvingandcastingourselvesonit,Isaiah56:4.6.

And well it is for us (who find in ourselves so great a proneness tobackslide,)thatoureternalconditiondothnotdependonourselves,buton that foundation of God mentioned in Timothy, where the apostle,speakingofsomewhohadmadeshipwreckofthefaith(lesttruebelieversshouldfaint in theirmindsat thesightandapprehensionof it,)hetellsthem,thatnevertheless(thatis,notwithstandingthiswoefulbackslidingof some, perhaps of eminent profession, yet) “the foundation of Godstandethsure;..q.d.Thattheywhoareonthisfoundationaresuretobe

kept:andheconfirmsitwiththisseal,“TheLordknoweththemthatarehis: “he knows whom he has chosen, and concerning whom he hascovenanted,that“theyshallnotdepartfromhim;”andthereforehewillnot let themgo; they shallbekeptas those seven thousandwere, frombowing the knee to Baal; adding this caution withal, “That every onewhich nameth the name of the Lord should depart from iniquity,” 2Timothy2:19.which,as it isameansofGod’sappointing, tokeepfromapostasy, so it shall be to them an evidence that they are of thatfoundation,andshallbekept.Foritbeinghisscopetocomfortbelieversagainsttheirmisgivings,whicharisefromasenseoftheirownweakness,andalikeaptnessinthemselvestorevolt,heneedsmustuseanargumentsuitabletosuchanend:and,therefore,insaying“thefoundationofGodstandeth sure,” he must intend, believers standing sure on it; for thestandingsureof the foundationwouldbesmall comfort tous, ifyetwemightbeblownoffit,orsinkbesidesit.DoesGodtakecareforsparrows?foroxen?forravens?muchmoreforbelievingsouls,whohavecommittedthemselves to his keeping. Let the fowler do all he can, not a sparrowshallfalltotheground:youwillsay,WithoutthewillofGodtheycannot:andthewillofGodis,thattheyshallnot.“Athousandmayfallathisside,and ten thousand at his right hand, but it shall not come nigh him,”Psalm91:7.Hethatdeterminedsuchasparrowshallnotfall,determinedalsotopreventthatwhichwouldcausehimtofall;and,therefore,eitherthefowlershallnotfindthebird,orthebirdshalldiscernhisapproach,orsmellthepowder,andbegone;orifheshoot,heshallmisshismark;orifhehit,itshalllightonthefeathers,thatwillgrowagain,oronsomefleshypart,thatmaybelickedwhole;or,perhaps,itshallopenanulcer,thatcouldnototherwisebecured:abeliever’sheelmaybebruised,buthisvitalpartsareoutofreach,andthereforesafe.

Infer. V. Let this doctrine, of believers’ invincible perseverance in faithandholiness,strengthenourheartsagainstallsortsofdoubtsandfearswhichmay arise from the presence of indwelling sin, with its frequentand sturdy insurrections; since “he thathasbegun,will alsoperfect hiswork with power,” Philippians 1:6. Judge righteous judgment ofourselves, indeed, we cannot think worse than we deserve, but of ourstatewemay:therefore,forhelpinthiscase,consider,

1.Thatthoughthenewnatureshallcertainlyexpungetheold,atlast,theworkisnotperfectedhere.Buttakethisforyourpresentrelief, thatthebestprincipleisstillpredominant,andgettingground,andtheoldpartyshallneverrecoveritswastingcondition:forthekingdomofGodonceintheheart,willsurelyworkandspreaditselftillthewholelumpissavoredbyit,Matthew13:31.33v“Tohimthathasshallbegiven,”chapter25:29.“He thathas life, shallhave itmoreabundantly,”John10:10.As itwasGod who girded you with strength, so he will make your way perfect,Psalm18:82.Though faith andholinessbe, at present, but as two littleflocks of kids, and sin, like the Syrian’s army, fills the country, be notdismayed; the king of Israel will clear the country of them; his “Spiritshall lift up a standard against them,” Isaiah 59:19. “And though theycomeinlikeaflood,byhimshalltheirproudwavesbestayed,”Job38:11.TheLordsaystoyouinthiscaseashedidtoJeremiah,“Ihavemadetheeadefencedcity,anironpillar,andbrazenwalls,againstthewholeland:they shall fight against thee, but they shall not prevail against thee,”Jeremiah 1:18, 19. or, as once to his people, concerning the giant Og,“Fear himnot, for Iwill deliver him and all his people into thy hand,”Deuteronomy3:2.

2.Thissicknessisnottodeath.Theconflictisnottoweakenordestroy,but for trial and improvement of your faith, and other graces; the verytrialwhereofisprecious,1Peter1:7,andshallbefoundsoatlast,bothtothegloryofhimthattriesyou,andyours,whoaretried.Abraham,David,Job,andothers,arepregnantexamplesofthis;theycameforthlikegold,more pure, solid, and flexible. David, indeed, though he held fast hisconfidenceagreatwhile,yetbeingstillpursuedandoverprest,everydayinvolvedindangeranew,andhavingonceadmittedcarnalreasonintohiscouncil,hebegantoflaginhisfaith;“Ishallonedayperish—andallmenare liars,” 1 Samuel 27:1. Psalm 106:11. but it was in his haste, notconsideringthesurenessofanabsolutepromise;and,therefore,whenhebadbetterweighedit,heconfesseshisfault,andrecoversfromit;andhisfaith was improved by his trial: for, being come again to himself, hecomfortablyconcludes,that“goodnessandmercyshallfollowhimallthedaysofhislife;and,notwithstandinghispresentexile,heshalldwell inthehouseoftheLordforever,”Psalm2!fc6.

3.Beitalwaysremembered,thatGodreckonsofamanaccordingtowhathismindis;andyououghtsoalsotoreckonofyourself.ThiswasPaul’scourse,inRomans7.wherehethusreasoneth;“NowifIdothatIwouldnot,itisnomoreIthatdoit,butsinthatdwellethinme,”Romans7:20.before conversion it was Saul, but now it is sin. Believers may be ledcaptive,attimes,evenaftertheyhaveswornfealtytotheirtrueLord:butstilltheyarehisintheirmind,andthatistheirmark.Itisthesamewiththat in John, “Whosoever is born of God doth net commit sin; and hecannotsin,becausehe isbornofGod,”1John3:9. that is,hedoesnot,norhecannotsin,asthedevil’schildrendo;fortheirwillsareinit,whichalso is theirmark, according to John8:44.“The lusts of your father yewilldo;”butaregenerateperson,“theevilhedoeth,heallowsnot.”Andthisisastayingconsideration,thatif“withourmindweservethelawofGod,” it shallnot ruinus, that “with oar fleshwe serve the lawof sin,”Romans7:25.buthowshallIknowit?Ifyoubeforced,youwillcryout;andifyoucry, it isarape,andshallnotbechargedtoyouraccount;yehavethe lawfor it, inDeut.22:25,26,27.So,hethatkillsamanagainsthiswillisnotreckonedamurderer,norworthyofdeath;althoughtheactitself be the same that anotherman,whosewillwas in it, shall die for,Exodus21:13.withDeuteronomy19:4.6.

4.Believersare“treesof righteousness,andof theLord’sownplanting;andthereforetheyshallnotfearwhenheatcometh,”Jeremiah17:8.Theyhave theirautumns indeed (toooften,)andblightingwinds (perhaps inthespringtimetoo;)andalsoluxuriantbranchesandsuckers,proceedingfromtheoldstock,whichrobthegoodonesoftheirsap,andmaketheirfruitless,bothinbulkandbeauty;butstilltheirsubstanceisinthem,andtherefore they revive, and flourish again. And while those suckers arenipped andpruned oft, the true branches are preserved and cherished,John 15:2. “They shall bring forth fruit in their old age,” Psalm 92:14.Theythatarenow(thatis,once,theythatareonce)thechildrenofGod,shallneverbeotherwise,saveonlyinagreaterlikenesstotheirFather,1John3:2.9.chapter2:27.2Johnverse2.Andthoughtheirlivingonhim,andtheirlikenesstohim,beveryweaklysometimes(asthenaturallifeofinfants is,) yet, beingborn, theymustbekept; and thewill and careoftheirFatheris,tonursethemuptoaperfectman,Ephesians4:13.

Youwillsay,perhaps,thatneverhadanysuchcauseofcomplaintasyou!andpossibly itmay be so; to be sure you knownot that they had; andthoseyoucompareyourselfwith,mayhavesaidasmuchofthemselves;andtheyhadthelikecause,foryourheartsarefashionedalike,onlyeachonebestknowstheplagueofhisown.Agur,amanofgreatwisdomandholiness, says of himself, that he was “more brutish than any man,”Proverbs30:2.Butsuppose itbe true, thatothers’corruptionshavenotbrokenoutasyourshavedone;yetmaynotthisputyourfaithtoastand,muchlessmakeyouweary,recoil,ortofaintinyourminds;forthesamegrace that prevented them, can pardon you, and will, if you castyourselvesonit.Yemay,indeed,beallowedtocomplainofyoursins,fornothing elsehave ye to complain of; therefore complain and cry out asloudasyouwill,“OwretchedmanthatIam!whoshalldelivermefromthisbodyofdeath?”Butwithal,betaketoyouthesamerefugethathedid,andabidebyit,“IthankGod,throughJesusChrist,ourLord!”Romans7:24,25.Hereyoumaytriumphoverall,bothcomplaintsandcausesofthem.

Itmustalwaysbegranted, that todealwithsin,combined,entrenched,fortifiedasitis,isagreatundertaking,andyetmaybeundertaken,andgone through with too; there is no retreat to be sounded, nor armorprovidedforyourback;everychildofAdammusteitherkillorbekilledinthiscombat;thereisnocompoundingthedifference,nordischargeinthiswarfare, until thedaybeperfectlywon:butwhat a recruit is therelevied, and always ready, as a Sure reserve, that though the conflict besharp,thesuccessissure!And,inorderthereto,amongstotherrulesandarticlesofwar,bearinmindthesefewfollowing.1.Entanglenotyourself,butshunandavoidwhatevermayproveaclog,orunfityouforduty.2.Exerciseyourselfinhandlingyourspiritualarms,especiallythatofyourfaith. 3. Stand on your guard watchfully, that ye be not surprised bysuddenexcursions,orunderpretenceoffriendship.4.Armyourselfwiththesamemindthatwas inChrist;setyour faceasa flint,andconcludethatyeshallnotbeconfounded.5.Submittotheplaceyourgeneralhassetyouin;itmusthavebeensomebody’slot,andwhynotyours?andthehotter it is, the more honorable; remembering withal, that whentemptationwasappointed, thenalsowasordainedawayofescape;andthis you are told of beforehand, that “youmight be able to bear it,” 1

Corinthians10:13.6.Lookthatyefightwithproperweapons,whichareonlytobehadatthecovenantofgrace,andcrossofChrist,andtheretheyareneverwanting;andbesureyougonotdowntothePhilistines,eithertoforgeorsharpen.7.Fightnotasonethatbeatstheair,butashaving,indeed, a sturdy adversary to deal with, whom yet you are sure toovercome. 8. Look still on your Captain, to observe what he says anddoes, and do likewise. To take up the cross, and endure hardship, arenecessary accoutrements for a soldier ofChrist. 9.Wait on theLord torenewyourstrength,whothenbestirshimselfmostwhenyourstrengthisgone; he then lays hold on shield and buckler, and stands up for yourhelp,Psalm85:2. 10. Lastly, and to influence all,mind the Lord of hiscovenant;eventhen,whenyouyourself,perhaps,thinkonitwithtrouble,asdoubtingyour interest in it.Praytohimtoremember it foryou,andwiththesamegoodwillwherewithhemadeit.Beseechhimtolookonhisbowinthecloud,whichhimselfhassetthere,asasuresignbetweenhimand you; that though the skies be red and lowering, the clouds returnafterrain,andthebillowsgooveryourhead,youshallnotbedelugedbythem; by this it is that ye are hedged about, andwalled up to heaven.Therefore stand not likemen in suspense, as unresolved to fall on, ordoubtfulhow to comeoff;buton,on; theday is yourown; theLordofhostspursuesthem,and“letallthesonsofGodshoutforjoy.”

Infer.6.Sincebelieversonlyareinterestedinthecovenant,andfaithisanecessary instrument, which the covenant will not work without, andwithoutwhichyoucannotworkwithit,lookwelltoyourfaith;first,thatitbeoftherightkind,suchasrenouncesselfandlivesongrace;andthen,having found it such, be sure you keep it well, and improve it to theutmost.Twouses, especially,are tobemadeof it: 1.Asyour shield,hesupplytheplaceofallotherpiecesofyourarmor,whenbrokenorloose,aswellastosafeguardthemwhentheyarewholeandtightaboutyou.Ifyourhelmetbeoutoftheway,andfierydartscomepouringdown,holdupyourfaithbetweenyourheadandthem:faithisthetruestquenchcoaltothefireofhell.Ifyourswordbeforgot,orlaidaside,orwantsanedge,andsoforth,yourshield,ifwellapplied,willretortyourenemy’sweaponsonhisownbead.2.Faithisyourspiritualoptic,whichshowsyouthingsof greatest moment, and not otherwise visible; even chariots andhorsemenof fire,arenotdiscerniblewithout it. If temptations fromthe

worlddoendangeryou,turnyourfaiththatway,andthroughitviewandconsider how shallow and short-lived the pleasures of it are, and howmomentaryyoursufferings.Thenlookattheworldtocome,thegloryofit,andyourinterestinit,andhowmuchyourcrownwillbebrightenedbythetrialsyouhavepassedunderhere,anddwellonthecontemplationofit.Bendnotyoureyesomuchontheperilandlengthofyourpassage,asonthelongedforshorethatliesbeyondit;andreckonthesurgesofthatdreadfulgulfwhichisyetbetweenyouandit,butassomanystrokestowaft you thither. This was the course thatMoses took,Hebrews 11:26,andChrist himself, chapter 12:2.Nothing so blunts the edge of Satan’stemptations,ortheworld’s,asthisfaithofGod’select.Therefore,seethatyouhold fast your faith; keep it as your life; keep that and itwill keepyou;andletitnotgountilyoudie.Then,indeed,itwillleaveyou,becausethenitwillhavedonealltheserviceitcan,eventhewholeofwhatitwasordainedfor.Butshallfaiththenbedissolvedandgotonothing?Iwouldratherexpressit,astheapostledoesthestateof thesaintsthatshallbefound alive at Christ’s coming, “they shall not die, but they shall bechanged,”1Corinthians15:51.Faithshall thenbeturnedintosight,andwe shall have the real presence, full possession, and perfect fruition ofthatblessednesswehavebelievedandhopedof.AndthenshallwesaytoourgloriousRedeemer,thouarttheGodthathastfedmeallmylifelong;thyfleshhasbeenmeatindeed,andthyblooddrinkindeed;manyagoodmealhaveIhadonitinthevalleyofBaca,evenfeastsoffatthings,andwineonthelees;otherbridegroomsandsaviourshavedoneworthily,butthouexcellestthemall;theysetforththeirbestatfirst,butthouhastkeptbackthegoodwineuntilnow!

Infer. V2. Gather hence both the reason and rationality of the saints’desires to be dissolved, Philippians 1:23. They knew, that when thisearthly tabernacle went down, they had a better and more capaciousbuilding in heaven, 2 Corinthians 5:1,2. They also found, that spirits,dwelling inflesh,aretoomuchstraitenedand infirm,either tobear theglorytheyweremadefor,ortoexpressananswerablethankfulnessforit;andforthistheygroaned;nottobeunclothed,aswearyoftheirpresentstate, but to be clothed on with their house from heaven, forver. TheywerenowthesonsofGod,1John3:2.butwhattheyshouldbe,andfainwould be, did not appear to them, nor could, until the veil was rent,

whichhung,asyet,betweenthemandtheholyofholies.ThefirstfruitsoftheSpirit,Rom.8:23.2Corinthians1:22.whichwerebothanearnestandforetaste of future glory, Ephesians 1:14. inspired them with ferventdesiresof liberty,thatgloriouslibertywhichbelongedtothem,asbeingthesonsofGod,Romans8:21.Theyhad,by faith, laidhold, oneternallife;thistheyhadstillintheireye,andearnestlypursued;andsointentwere they on it, that they forgot what was behind, Philippians 3:14.though verymemorable in its time. Themuch they had attained, theycounted fornothing, towhatwascoming;norreckoned foranycost, togainthatinestimablepearl,namely,theprizeofthehighcallingofGodinChrist, Philippians 3:13. This they knewwas a thing too big formortalsenses, though as highly refined and sublimated as capable of whilemortal, and therefore longed for that day, when immortality should betheirclothing.TheloveofGodshedabroadintheirhearts,Romans5:5.hadgivensuchadivinetincture,andsotransformedandwidenedtheirsouls, as nothing could satisfy, but that immense deep fromwhence itcame.Theyknew,thatwhenChrist,theirlife,shouldappear,theyshouldbe like him, and should see him as he is, Colossians 3:4. not undershadows,asofold;norinastateofhumiliation,aswhenonearth;nor,assince,undermemorialsandrepresentations;butinhisstateofglory,thesight of which would transform them into his image indeed, and untilthen they could not say, it is enough. They knew, that this veryquintessenceofheavenlybeatitudeconsistsinthevisionofGod,andthatheavenitself,withallthatinnumerablecompanyofangels,andspiritsofjust men made perfect, though a very glorious and desirable society,wouldnotsatisfyheavenbornsouls,iftheLordhimselfwerenotthereinhisglory;hence thoseholyexclamationsandoutcries, “whomhave I inheavenbutthee!”Psalm73:25,and“whenshallIcomeandappearbeforeGod,” Psalm 62:2. Good Jacob would go and see his beloved Josephbeforehedied;andthesewoulddie togoandsee theirs.Thusdoes thekingdom of heaven, as it were, suffer violence a second time from theheirsofsalvation;theyknowitistheirs,andthattheywerewroughtforthatselfsamething,and,beingtheirs,theymightlawfullytakeit,byforceonallcarnalimpediments,Matthew11:12.2Corinthians5:5.

Infer.V3.To closeall: youhave seenwhatPaul andothersdid; goyouanddolikewise;“hastentothedayofGod,”2Peter3:12,andwaitforit,

as they thatwatch for themorning. 1.Affectionately, as a thing greatlydesirable, especially after a dark and toilsome night. 2. Patiently, andwithquietness;notprecipitating,butasknowingitwillcome,andthatinthefittesttime.3.Attentively,asnotwillingtolosethesmallestsoundofyourmaster’sfeet.4.Withdiligencealso,andpreparedness;thatneitheroilnorlightingmaybetoseekwhenthecryismade.Bealwaysready,andthengroan:groan(Isay)forthatdayofglory,whenlifeandimmortalityshallbebroughttolightinperfection:whenyourself,withalltheelectofGod,meetinginthatgreatandgeneralassembly,the“churchofthefirstborn which are written in heaven” Hebrews 12:23. may be entirely,universally,andeverlastinglytakenupinadmiringelectinglovewhichsogloriously and happily shall have wrought all our works for us andbroughtustotheultimateenditdesignedusfor,whichwas, tobeeverwiththeLord;toseehimasheisandtoexperiencethesumofthatgreatpetitioninthe17thofJohn,“thattheymaybeinus,”John17:21,26.Andinyourway thither, carry thisassurance stillbeforeyou; that the samehandswhichlaidthefoundation,willalsolaythetopstone,andthatwithshoutings; and you shall lift up, to eternity, that loud and joyfulacclamation, “Grace, grace to it,” Zechariah 4:7, 9. “Happy art thou, OIsrael;whoisliketothee,OpeoplesavedbytheLord,theshieldofthinehelp,andtheswordofthineexcellency!allthineenemiesshallbefoundliars to thee; and thou shalt tread on their high places!” Deuteronomy33:29.2Samuel22:1.&c, andwhich ismore than angels andmen canutterbesides, “God shall be all in all!” 1Corinthians 15:28. to proclaimwhich,wastheendofthiswork.Amen.

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