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A DOOR
O F
fS A LVA TI ON
OPENED
Unto all Men:
tA
SHORT°T REATlSE
T , „ , ^'{covering ■*>
Ihatallman-kindeas they arc confident $
under the fall of Adam, have an £u/l " *'
and a like refpeft with Almighty God, Z ' l
that by Jrfus Chrifthchath%rep ai ed
eternal Salvation for AlUndffi-
ed unto All, means fufficient to
bring them thereunto.
Sundry Ob,eftions GroundsofKeafon, andTexts of 1
Scnpture, for die contrary Opimon J l ^ I
aileadged and aiifwered.
i<3
♦*V
By R. B.
^AislS& fu,efmm K m,ne ■
London, Prinredfor Wil Lamm- ™a
vJ^ifedb
; fi£ «b *'::■■
>es£e: " yK&*L2&i. " SrSSri iei&*?& ^>£^ • ;«&&, *k$5k! " ^
-
R
T O
The Impartial
E A D E
R.
i S concerning what
Ihereprefent un-
to thee^ I am nei-
ther ignorant of
myfwerving therein from
the common Opinions of
the Times, nor yet infenfi-
ble of the many ceniiires I
A 3 fliaJI
The Ep/Jile to the Reader.
mall incurrc from feme by
reafon thereof; But He that
obferveth the winde, pall not
[owe : and he that regardeth
the clouds > jhall not reaf.
(Ecclef.i 1.4. ) The fcope
of Scriptures, and light of
reafon is the ground of my
belief y and my onely rule
in this: From which I have
not confcioufly erred in any
thing contained therein.
Notwithftanding confided
ing mine own 5 with the
common frailty of all men
now
The Epijiie to the Reader .
now living, I crave not thy
acceptance in any thing
more, than what after a
diligent perufall , with a
free and impartiall exa-
mination upon the fore-faid
Grounds, mail appear war-
rantable unto thee. All
which I humbly defire thee,
as well for thine own happi-
neffe (depending thereup-
on ) as for the good and be-
nefit of others, thankfully
and gladly to receive in the
love thereof, faithfully to
A 4 pra-
The Epiftle to the Reader.
pra&ice, and induftrioufly'
to promote in thy whole
Convention: And fb refer-
ring thee to theDifcourfeit
{elf; and the Grace of God
difcovered therein, I reft
Thine in all
Chriftianduty
R* B.
TABLE
Directing to fome of the
moil: principal Heads contained
in this TREATISE.
A IX men as they are considered in A-
dam have a like etfeem and rejpett
with Go d^ page 5,7,8.
Adam made mutable, and why^ pag.
Adams first offence incurred not the
damnation of hell, 58.
Chil.
The Table.
Children not dead in trefpajfef and
fins, nor liable to the damnation of hell
by births pag.57,58.
Chrift was fent into the world to be
a Saviour for all men, pag. l6 D 17,
18, 19.
Chrift hath redeemed all men from
death brought upon them by Adam s dife-
bedience^ 13,32,58,92.
Chrift hath prepared and opened a way
to eternal life for all men^ pag, 1 3 , 1 4,
47,48-
When the Covenant of Grace was gi-
ven, ¥-9h93*
That it is cxtendedunto all mm^ P.9C .
How works are required thereby to Sal-
vation, p.79,8c.
i Wherein it k mofi properly ditlinguif,-
ed^fom the Covenant/ work? ^£3$ 4 3
* 8)386,87,.
And
The Tabic.
And in what rejpeffs it is to be e$eem~
ed a Covenant ofGrace^ p.87 ,88 ,89.
None de&ed to Salvation as they are
considered in the ejiate of dif obedience^ p.
72,73,80.
Wherein, Faith confifteth, P-5**
tiorp it is begotten in men , ib.
That none are unavoidably enforced
#/jem/;^ 5 p.5 :> 6 D i6 D i7,i8,i9 !> 2o,2i 5 22,
23.
That ifF* ith were enforced none could
bcjufafiedOyit; ^44^5,4^4,5^
In what rejpett it is faid to be the gift
ofGod, P-5o,5is}*5M4-
That menntaypojfibly fall away from > it ,
p.l 1,12,14,101,102,1035104.
That
The Table.
G
That God requireth not more of any men
to their Salvation, then what by the im-
provement of the means they may perform
God neither hardeneth the hearts,
blindeth the eyes nor rvorkgth wickednes
in any men. P*3 t d3 2 *
H
That all vertue and vice proceedeth
from the hearts of men ^ p. 44,4 % 54^55^
5<5.j
That every mans judgement at the
laSi day Jfjall be according to the things
only that werefeely chofen andentertain-
ed therein , ibid
In
The Table.
M
In what refyeU it is f aid, That the na-
tural/man perceiveth not the things of the
Spirit of God, p.57358-,59,60,61.,62,63,
Bow men are taught of God, and drawn
untojefus Chriff, p.66,67,68,69.
How it is wrought in them to will and
todo&c. p.69,70,71.
How it is given unto them to repent, p.
77>7^79-
to believe in Chrijt, and to fuffer for
his fake, V-7^77*
And how God putteth his Lav?s 77zto
the mindes of men, p.9 5. to the end of
the Chapter.
That no man canbehved without the
grace of God> nor no man be faved there-
b
The Table.
by without his obedience unto it. p. 1 5,
16.
In what nature Salvation is given by
Cod unto men ? p. \ 5 , 1 6,49, 50.
Andwhat in general! is required of al/
wen for the obtaining t hereof \ p. 5 5, 5 6*
81,82.
T»
To the Reader.
Reader s
THrough want of opportunity to attend
the Prefle, feveral efcapes have been
made in the Printing hereof ( and fome of
themfuchas pervert the very fence of the
place where they are committed ) moft of
which ( in the two firft {heets ) I thought
good f more efpecially) to give thee notice
of, to the end that thou mighteft correct
them, as well as any other, which thou (halt
bbferve in the reading of the whole.
Errata.
PAge 4-lin.4. for from the enjoyment, read and the en-
joyment. p.i8.1.28.for other, i.greater. p.19- 1-i8«
for made in under ,r .made in him under. p.2o.l.2,.for dr
nyj.denieth. p.24.1.$.for tendrethj.rendreth. p.27.1.1?.
for rve,x>men. p.27.1.22. for imexer able, x -inveterate.^
SoJ-s-for magnified,x.imagined.p.^.\.i^.foi' eppofej.op-
foferi.p.62.1.3i.add which, p.^.l.i.for Ifrael, vEphrt-
im. p-^o.l.^.for and ha f pines »r. and of obtaining happi*
fie/.p-74.!.ii.for apprehended ,r. applied, p. 80J.24.for
iwi/;ri/.p.9$. 1.25. for he,\.I. p.ppA^.'dck from this
text.p.ico.L6.zddand. p.io5.Li.for thkfJtk. Poft-
fcripr, p. 2. 1.12. for iniernitj,r.jnfirmit). ibid-pJ.15.for
*&rtJ)X.tj[Qrflcd.
A DOO RE
SALVATION
OPENED
UNTO AL MEN.
The Introdn&ion.
Orafmuch as man-kinde commeth not
into this World alwaies to conti-
nue therein , but is appointed after
a fhorr fpace to leave the fame, and
reiuineto corruption: And foraf-
much as we are abundantly admo-
niftied by God in the Scriptures of
U| Reftaiuation from thence to an eltute of Im-
ortality in the Wcrld that is to come ; wherein eve-
man Ihall receive according to his deeds done in
i* life, and are thereupon often required to remem-
ber their latter end. Vent. 32. 20. (to wit) death and
idgeroent to come '■> to the intent that from the con-
ion thereof, they may be lead fo to paiTe the
i f their being here in feare, 1 Pet. 1. 17. t\>
well with them at that day ; It hiving orher-
B wife
A Doore ofsdvatitn
• been (according to die faying of Chiilt, rhougf:
here thev had gained the Dominion of the whole
Wcrid; good for them uut ihev had never been born-
Mat. id 2'5. In which regard,, there cannot poflibly
be any thing of greater concernment unto men, than
to be informed what it is that God uquiieth of them
in this Wcrid co thcafoieGfccl enc\Jkd how they may
WeihabJedlo the doing thereof \ becaufe that what a
man knoweth nor, or knowcth not how to perfornid
he can in no wife difpele or apply himfelfe to the per-
formance thereof.
ma yet thife is not* any thing wherein moft men arc;
more wanting, than in this fo neceilary^o^/e^eito the
great difquietneffe and perplexity of their mindes ail
their dayes, apprehending themfelves in the greateft
dangeryand not uncjerftanding how or by what meanes
they may avoid the fame j which mifcry (as may juftly
be fuppofed) happeneth unto them chiefly by reafojj
'of their dependence for information in the things of
this nature upon thofe perfons only, who unduely arn
rogarc unto themfelves to be the infallible teachers of
the Ignorant, and difpenfers of the Oracles of God-
appointed and fent into the World for all meatoiaskc
rounfel of,in their SpiVituallartaires. Whofe principal
aretuchasthefe.
fc'irft, That by Adam r tranfgreflion all ; men yffl
brought under the guilt of Temporally Spiritually aiK
ivternall death. The firft confifting in the mifeiiesoi
tHisl^fe, and the dilTolution of mans nature in the ei
thereof. The fecond in the depravation of the inw;
roan,whcrcby al men are di fabled from defcerningf
! ituall things, or chcofing the things that are goi
ordeinganythingpteafingor acceptable unto G
Tl
Opened unto all Men.
The third in the deftruftion and perdition of the
whole man body and Soul/ni hell fire,for ever and ever.
Secondly, That of man-kinde thus confideredGod #
in hi- eternal! counfcll was pleafed to choofe and elect
for his fons and daughters onely fome few perfons (in
coiiiparifcnof the whole ) whom alfo he decreed to
deliver from the fore- faid guilt , to.call them to rhe
knowledge cf himfelfe, to worke in them faith by the
etYeduall operation ©f his Spirited in the end to give
them ta!\ atic n ?;"But decreed ro leave till the reft of
man-kinde in that eftate wherein they were fallen jirnd
that although by thedo'ftrine of the Gofpel,he decreed
outwardly toad them to repent,believe,&oyec to the
intent thatthey might not efcape the damnnation of
hel,whereunto they were deftgn'd (by reafon of Adzms
tranfgrefTion)by anlwering his call, 8c giving obedience
thereunto,he further decreed, nor onely ro deny thcrii
the benefit of uidimeanes which he knew to be ne-
celfary to enable trjcrn'r'p repent 8r believe, &c. but he
alfo decreed to blinde their eyec, haj den their hearts.,
and to make their ears dul of hearing, leaft at any rime
rhey "ihonld fee with dieir eyes, hear with their eares>
and underhand with their heartSj&come unto him and
be hca!ed,or be converted and have tr>eir fins forgiven
them. By whicli opinions preffed 8c received as funda-
mental point- i!i Divinity, men pre generally brboghc
to pclieve, trfat as the damnation of fome perfons is
altogether impoffible,God having decreed foas of nc-
cefiity to. worke in tliem faith, &o and to bring them
to eternail life', fo On the con tray, That the falvacton
of thegreateftpartof men is as impoflible tobeob*
rained, God having denyed u?to them all necefiiry
Rear* for that pur pole.
B i TW
4 A Do'ore of Salvation
The evill of which belief fo neeeffarjly diverting
• ajid^ difab!ing # all men from the profecution and ob-
taining of thefe ends that (Wpropofeth unto them(to
. wit) an e>u:mpticn from cverlafting death, and from
the ejnioym^nt- of eternafl life; difcovercth unto us the
errour and tal(e-hood of thefe dodrines before reci-
ted, whereby thefe opiuions are begotten and foftrecl
iq them, in regard that it may not be conceived., that
God who is truth it felt, fhould require all men to be-
lieve his love and favour towards them, manifeftly im-
.plyed in his frequen^fervent and pathettcal exhortati-
ons unto them in the Scriptures,to hearken unto wife-
clome, to chpofe his feare, ta .choofe life, to worke
out their own falvation, withfeatf and trembling, &c.
When as in hiseternall counfell, for Adams offence
he hath utterly excluded them from his love, and irre-
coverably fealed them to ,everlafting deftru&ion.,
Andalfo (altlioughit be a moft certain e truth that
God before the World , did eleft and choofe fome
men unto falvation,& appoint others to be punifhed)
yet this may jufrly leade us to conceive, that neither
the one fort were ele&ed, nor the other reje&ed upon
the grounds that. thefe men pretend, or upon any other
rhan thofe grounds whereupon God in the Scriptures
promifedi unto men adoption arid falvation, and cte-
nouncethuntothem death and reprobation, or thofe
waVre-upon Chrift at the laft day will gracionfly re-
ward fome men with eternall liappineffe, and puni/h
ethers with everlafthig paincsy except we will fet the
toetan^ revealed nunde of Godat an irreconcilable
variance, or- fancy two mindes in God, oppoiitc eai i
tinto the other* one whereby he hateth and abhorreth
in t'me, thofe perfons whom he loved and elefted be-
bc-
Opened jtnto all Men.
fore rimci and the other whereby he loverh in time.
rhofe perfons whom he hated and abhorred.befajq
time : which may not be imagined-
And therefore originally, or a* men wexe confided
ed under the faftof Adam j we afc to concert diffl
God maketh no' dhference or diftinftion. betMQXt
them , but of hi< great arid abundant £i ace in Ch5ft
Jefus , maketh dad dpeneth unto thcrn all a-doore^T
jfclvation, excluding -fietie/whd' through' « heir ownjvii*
full and voluntary difobedtence au# : contempt ©fnHii
gtjodnes, exclude ndt themfeivej '•> ncrfaving any but
tftbfe who from a tharikiuU af>prehenfton of his rich
mercy revealed un*o them in Ins Word and workes, or
both, doe chearfulKV ane' willingly fabmit themfeive*
to the obedience ofhTs Xtffi, known and understood by
them-
For the Probation of whkh £W6#ttie?a4 heads Joint-
ly difcourfed, % the dereAion-ofthf contrary oprna-
orre,exhibited in fundry>biecV!on5 3 rcafon? and- fettts
of Scripture, the fumme of that which followed! is ap-
plyed^ beginning ivrrftrHe firft-
.
. . — . , —
CHAP I.
np :JJ>eaer offerfohs cmiuA chovfi
■.. man in hid difabedienee, aml/.jcU ano :.
ortnforce one wan to believe and not *«<rti ft
i
V that Cod fhould neceflitate rhe falvation of fome
men and not others,then he fhould be a refpefter ol
B 3 per-
A Door e of Salvation.
pcrfons contrary to the Scriptures- As will appeare by
feverall texts thereof. As ftrft by Mis 10. 54. where
Peter when he perceived j that God had received
nnto adaption Cornelius a Gentile as well as himlelfe,
and others that were Jewes,,he L thus exprefiedi hius-,
felfe. Now I perceive of a truth that there i< no re>
fped: of perfons With God;>bjK in every Nation he that
feareth him and. worked* righteoufnefie is eccepted of
him : Arguing plainly, that if God mould accept of
oneperfon wording righteoufneifc and not of anorher
as righteous andijuft as he j that therein God fhould. be
a refpeder of £ejrfons, r and d,*a^the reafonwliyGod
doth not acpep^f .one man working ) igjiteoufnefle,
andrejed: another,. i$ becaufe that he is no refpecier
ofperfons.
Secohdljf ^few^Apoftle in 1 .Ptttr 1.17. exhort-
ing Believers to take heed ^ud feareleait that rbcy
difobey^and diipjeafe G$d ? grpuupcrh his exhortaxi-
on upon the impartial irv or' Go^ proceeding towards
all men without refpect.of perfons> in which argument
there would be no force to difiwade them from difo-
bedience,if that God without rdpeft of penons could
difpence with one man in his difobedience, more
than widi another.
Again Paul in the Rom.24. to the 1 1. Admonilh-
eth all forts of men, Not to defpife .the riches^of tfc
goodnelfe of God leading them to repentance i bur.
through patience to continee in weWoing, and not
to obey urtrighteoufneiTe, far thi&reafon. That there
is 110 refpeft ofperfons with God- And upon the fame
.rea-foii Je ho (bafh at .char^eth the Judges whom he ha^
appointed to judge the people. To adminifter righte-
ous judgements Chron. ip .7 . And likewife Paul, up-
on
Opened unto all Men.
Son the lame ground inftruftetii fcrvanrs to ferve
mattery not with eye-fervice : bur in ffngfeptffi
heart as to fhe Lord, £; • . ;. ;-. C
IMiilcing) tfiac God being no rtfpecter of perforis, hec
cannot accept of one man and reject another in me
fanae eftare and condition, fan evil! iMiich he rt |
'tfayjdmyi : ., . CondfeBiBf/bR^n
otfej.ee, arid inorherunder rhefame i»tiilt :. But
co a!] men in one and the toe capacity equal ly
idnuniftretH Ws nierci< s reprcefs
'.arc? aH men 'is
id himldie in E^ek- W. 21,
plainly avowed in the wore, follow in';.
i wiU tkrne frmhtifiv
ami tr - . ihrt rfihic)
I
'irtfllvfo thM • h
imo font, ihhi
■
that the wicked fl - j
retprne j'vn hti waits atul !>i
UirnetbawA* \h. hf&ammhlethin!-
afid dith acibftirr to iFthki
' • \flhi
thtth? ' fhrJhiot be wn:-
..
■ i • ' I
God i^uo refpectef of pel Ions ,
•i* diipfeafure in an eqjsall |
jporcion a\.A 1 nre unro every man,
thereupon
' ir intli. UUteot naaiie whetein all men are
B 4
S A Doore of Salvation
concluded to be alike, every man hath a like efteeme
with hire, and receiveth alike from him.
And although that fometimes hee affordeth more
meanes of Inftruft ion unto fome people in the eftate
of nature, than he doth unto others \ as formerly hee
did to the Jewes, more than to the Gentiles- Yet if it
be confidered that where he giveth much, hee askerh
the more againe, Luke 12. 48- And that fuch meanes
doth not necefiarily enforce thofe perfons to whom it
is granted to the love and obedience of the giver
thereof *, nor that the want of thofe extraordinary
meanes, doth necefiarily hinder any men" from walk-
ing acceptably unto God ,- but thacasthe Scriptures
declare, the Gentiles who faithfully ferved God accor-
ding to the Law written in their hearts, il am. 2.15,16,
26. fac. found as good an acceptation with God , as
the ]cwes that ferved him according to the Letter of
the Law delivered unto themj Nothing can be inferred
from hence, to prove that God in the eftate of nature
loveth one man more than another, fo.as to neceftiute
his falvation rather than another
Ob)eZf- The Scriptures declare, Tito* z. 3- ^rf.v
2 Jim. 1. 9. That God calleth and.faveth fome men,
nqt according to their workes : but according to his
Grace which was given them before the world, but jbce
doth not fo call and fave all-, therefore he doth refpeit
the perfons of fome men above others ?
For Anfwer to this Objection, \ fhall only endea-
vour briefly to clear, the Scripture alleadged for the/
countenance thereof, the hrft of which is T/t.^
3. fyc wherein is declared, Firft, what the Crctiam
were, before the Grace of God in Chrift was made
kttowne unto them, (to wit) fpolifh> difobedient, fer-
ving
Opened unto ail Men.
ving divers lufts, fac verf. 3- Secondly, what they
became, after this Grace of God was revealed unto
them, (fi*.) they were regenerated and renewed by
the holy Ghoft. Thirdly, the benefit that did redound
unto them thereby, (yi^. J they were juftihed and
made heires according to the. hope of eremall iife.
The fumme whereof, I take to be this. That the love
andkindneffeofGodinChrilt towards men, appear-
ing unto them m theMiniftery of the Apoft!es,Yerf.<i.
They were thereby taught and perfwaded ( not ne-
ceflarily enforced by a power v/hich chey could not re-
fill) to deny all ungodiinetfe and worldy lufts (where-
in before they lived) and to live righteoufly, foherly,
and godly, in this prefent evil World. And hereupon
.much as the fame ApoftJe fheweth that godii-
ncne hath the prumifc of the World toiccme) rhey
obteined the hope and affurancecf eternal lrfe. Ac-
cording to Titus 2. 1 1, 12, i $. Which I take ro be the
m rural e^poficion of this text-
Audwhereavitis faid that they were renewed by
theKoly.Gbdft,:itrr,uft not be conceived that ihey
were irreflftably lb renewed thereby : Becaufe it is e-
nideiit tliat rheiSpirt* as it is vouchfafed for thefe ends
not fo operate in arw men- According to the
Hijptures the Spirit is communicated unto men, only
thefe two wayes*
Firft, Minifterially in the preaching of theGof-
pt;I,to inftruft men in the knowledge of the fafiiei and
< ; hence ra leade them to the unfeigned obedi-
ence thereof. In which refpeft jefus Chrift who fpa!:c
not of hitufelfc, but according as the Spirit of God
tliat wa? upon him , wherewith hee was Anointed to
preach the- Gospel, Luke 4. i8.tai'sh: him, what -lite
ftiould
I C A Dotoc of Salvation
Ihonld fay, and what bee fhould fpeake, John i
iairh, The words that I fpeak unto von they are Spirit,!
John 6. 64. So Rkewife the Miniftery of. the ApolrlesJ
•wherein they delivered nothing but what they hadl
heard ©r feen, 1 Jots ft iJ nor fpake otherwife thanl
according as rhc Spirit gave them utterance, AUs 2.4.)
Is caHed the miniftration of the Spirit, 2 Cor. 5.8. and I
mlike manner, in 1 Pet. 9. 17, 18. thefpirrt is faid to
preach repentance to the World in the dayes of Nvaft.
And thus the natu rail man is inftructed in the things
of the Spirit of God, iCor. 2. 13,-14*
Secondly, Actually to rhofe that have received and
mbjefted themfclves to the obedience of the Gofpel,
(the Spirits initmction.) Repent and be Bapt\zed,and
yje.fhal! receive the Holy Ghoft, Alls 2.3 3. Have ye re-
ceivedthe Holy Ghoft f;nce ve believed.' Atts if. 2.
In whom alto after that ye beJievedfyie were fealed
with that holy Spirit of promise, flpAr/v t\ 1 2, 13. For
ye are all the Sonnts of God by Faith m Chfift Jefu's,
(?44(t*'g.2^. And becaufe ye are Sons, God hath fen t
forth the Spii it of his Son into iy our hearts, Quint.
4. 6*
By the fir ft' of thefe wlierei ft the 'Spirit by doftriTie
with ftgnes and wonders, for the confirmation tiieniof,
Ikb. 2i 3, 4. Speaketh to thcxaresi'and'- eyes of Hpba,
graciouliy and lovingly driving thereby to convert
t^em from theiriCVB^^rfayes , Gen. 6r?. befecching
them -by all rhe meitiesof Godtoi pxfenr .themfclves
living iacri rices iiwftojhim, holy and!acceprablc , which-
is their reafbrubk device yRem. tdinn hee enforcefh
none in any fuch fort, but that poffibly risey may relilt
and rebel! agai nit him therein ; according as the if-
raelices a* e often charged. • Ye ftiff-deeked and uncir-
aimciftd
Opened unto all Men. 1 1
cnmcifed in hearts and eares(faith Sieitn flaking un-
to them) ye doe alwaies rchft the holy Ghoft, as your
fathers did, fe dee yee Alls 7.51.
They rebelled againft , and vexed his holy Spirit,
therefore he was turned to be their enemy,and fought
againft them\ l Efa\.' 63-10. Yea, To far may the wie-
kednefTe of men lkerin be extended, as not only w il-
fully and ftubbornly to relift and oppofe j but moft
malic ionfly to blafphemc hirn, and to attribute his spr
ry doctrines mid wonders to Beelzebub theprio.ee of
leconcj place 3 arc any of thofe who
are actually pbffefled with the holy Ghoft nete/i
ted therein' to the obedience thereof j as i:
. fi y implyed , firfiyin thofe many £%tiqrtatj 1
contained in the Scriptures • To walke in the Spirit-
■ 1 5. Not quench the Spirit. : i Nifr
Spiricwhereby yeaie feat'dto theday
tyfred< n £pk-4- 3P«
But 1 fcinore efpecfally In" thofe Scriptures
wherein it is cYsafly fuppofed(& by t!ie Apoftles of Je-
lusChiilt i'- I granted} that thofe. perfon^who
have be 11 : ; \ Ghoft, may fall
away 1 be$.ence of it, //• Joedefpite
unto it, .A\\d fo cietile their bodies the temp1<5
of if,as ' me foreti definition 8: condemnati-
on upon th( Kn Vie not
(faith xhe apoftle'rhat ye are rjic: temple of God ; and
that the fpirit of God dvveilcih in you'If any man defile
the Temple of Gcxi, himfhall G 1 Tor- 3.
I 7. compare hare wjtfi
And this more evidently niav ferye rodemonfhate
l hat ihc Spirit to the Miniftcry thereof doth not en-
force
j 2 a Doere of Salvation
*orce regent-ration ami purity inanyj for, if that; itl
Yhonld enforce purity in the uncleane, much" morel
fhould it preferve purity in thofe that are clean , and!
become temples thereunto.
And therefore when it isfaid, That the Cretians
were renewed by dfie holy Ghoft, ic rimft be ander-
ftq'cd, that they were renewed thereby no otherwife
than through their diligent hearkning unto '& receiv-
ing the bleffed doctrine thereof, revealed unto them
by tlie. Aroftles preaching. From whence it is/ that
the Apoftle Peter in his tirft Epiftle the fecond chap,
verfe -22, writing unto Believers, thus e >preiTeth him-
felf '■) Having purified ycrir own fouls in obeying' of the
truth through the Spirit' : Plainly intimating, that no
mail }s renewed by the Spirit any otherwife than
thresh their applying thernfelvcs unto the doctrine
£Jhd inftruftion thereof.
\k other Text is 2 fittui. 9. (die words. whereof
aretnefe) Who hath faved us and called us with au
holy calling, not according to our wo rkcs,but accord-
ing r G his own purpofe.aud grace that was given u,s in
iff before the world- Which wTU not prove tha.t.
feed doth necefHtate the v faith and falvation of any
feeing that that the grace, that was. given to the
nsheer fpoken of before tjie world, by whjch
.vtie called an4 faved, in verfe the io.is declared
t be none ether, than; the grace that was manifefted
by Chrift at his appearing, To' a] fo in Turn 1. i a 2, 8.)
ref re by rhc latter we are to meafure the fojf-
irerj'&by the grace iManifefTed,)udgeMetermine wliat
that .-race vasthat was given them before the world.
ci^racecf God towards mari-kinde,. mani-
I A by Chi ill at his appearance , is by Paul, in Ti~
tut
Opened unto all Men. 1 5
2.11,12 .(before cited)thus difcribed,The grace of
jo^(faichhe)thacbringethralvacion to all men, harh
ippeared reaching us, that denying ungodlineffe
md worldly lufts , &c. to looke'fer thebleflcd
lepe and glorious appearing of the great God and our
Saviour lefus Chrift, which gen erall defer ipt ion in o-
rher Scriptures Is unfoulded into thefe particulars
fvi^.J That God fo loved the world that he fenc his
Son to be a Saviour thereof. Joh. 5. 15,17. And on pur-
pofe by his death to deftroy death, Heb.2.14. and
herely deliver man from the curfe of the Law conOft-
ng therein. Gal. 5.13. of which all men ftood guilty.
Kom- 3.13. And by his refurre&ion to bringjife & im-
nortality to light. 2 I/m.i.io. And in that eftate to
Prepare maniions of glory and happ'mefle, to be pof-
efled of all thofe that repent, believe, <frc~ That is to
ay, That love God for his grace and raercie manifdi-
-d towards them, 1 John 4. i£. Which conilfteth in
keeping his commandments. 1 John 5. 3. Orinlo-
•'ingof Jefus Chrift being revealed unto them> and
seeping his precept!. John 15.10. And t\ut thus re-
lenting, believing, fac* men are required with con-
idenceto hope, and with patience to waiteforthe
^romired Salvation,i lobn 3. 19,20,21. £4.17. Titm
Thii then being the fubftance of the grace of God
tianrfefted by Chrift at his appearing j the grace thac
vas given to men before the world, is to be under-
took as followeth, ( vi^.) That God forth of his rich
pee, pity, and comp3ffion,confidering all mankiude
"alien from their firlt obitc , and Ixcome guilty of
A ing death ; refolvecfto lend his Son into the
«Voiid, to redeem th?m fro™ ttoeiicc, r ^ reftore them
again
14 A Doore of Salvation
again to immorality, to prepare for them therein I
heavenly Kingdome , to open unto shtfn a way there
into, to invite than to walke therein , and walkin
therein/m the end to give them rhe pofiefiion thereof
According -to which grace Paul and Timetby wer
called and faved, and net according to their workc
of i ighteoufnelVe by the Law j which is all that can ra
tionally be inferred from this Scripture.
And this is further .confirmed by that which follow
erh in the 13. • verfe, where Paul exhorteth Timothy
To hoJd faft the forme of found words which he ha$
heard of him in faith and love which is in Chrift Jefus
which exhortation feemeth to be grounded upon thj
turning away from the truth of many in Afl*> menti
oned vet fe 1 5. the which would be altogether inper
tinenc ( as alfo that caution which he givethnim,^'
Tim. i.ip-To hold faith and a good confeience where-
of fome had made ihipwrack ) If thaj before in the
9- verfe ( as it is pretended ) he had concluded th^t>
God in his eternall purpofc had decreed to neccfiitaw
•and enforce his faith and falvation \ for where it'*
known there is no danger of mifcarriage , there is rib
ground to exhort to beware, ox to admoniih him to
hold fait, when both the admonifhei and the admo-
nifheduaderitand that God hath decreed not to fatter
him to let goe his hold if that he would-
Ob'ytti. If that God doth not inforce men to believe, I
and fo inforce their falvation thereby j then man is th<*«
author of his owne falvation.
This confeqnence is badly colie&d : As well
might it be faid, that man is the author of his owne
(ubfjftance in this life, became the food wherewith his
life h main veyncd. and \ rekrrved is not brought unroll
his
Opened unto all Men. i 5
his hand, minced and violently put into his mouth by
|Jie immediate hand of God.
There are two things required to the Salvat jon of men
\ 1 /<.) Gods Grace in jefus Chrift,and mans obedience
thereunto ; as no man is faved by the former withouc
the later, fo neither can any man be laved by the later
[without the former- That no man can be laved with-
out the Grace of God in Chrift, appcares in this: That
no man is able to deliver himfclf from the curfe of the
Law, lahehimklfe from corruption to immortality,
^reate and let up that Glorious Fabrick of the World
to come, or that Heavenly Jerufalem which is to bee
pofleiTed therein, for thefe, as alio for his owne being,
ihe meanes of his Salvation, the promifes of Adopti-
on, Juftitication, fyc through Faith and obedience
every man muft acknowledge himfelfe to be infinitely
led to the unfpeakable mercy and goodnelfe of
i n Chrili. And that no man is faved by the Grace
pi God, without his obedience and conformity there-
into, appeared! from hence. That men are punifhed
•vitli damnation, for aiming the Grace of God into
wantonnelle, Jude 4. For negle&ing Salvation, Met.
2. 3. A-nd walking in oWkneite when light is come in-
fo the World, fikn 3. 19. Upon which ground it h>
:hac Paul to Timothv this exhorteth, 1 Tim- 4. io\
Take heed unto thy feiie, and to thy doctrine, comi-
iuc thei cm; for in fo doing thou fhalt both lave thy
and them that hear ihee- And yet notwkhh.
ng, forafmuchas we our icha, the meanes which is
uiptoved,and the end thereof which is Salvation ,isa!l
Dt God", we are by the Scriptures intruded ro
ittribute the honour and glory thereof wholly unto
lira. He giver h os(fakh-tfo Apoftle,)2 T\m. x . 17.
Speaking of die things of this life ptocurcd no other-
wife
1 6 A Dvore of Salvation
wife than .through a laborious induftry in the ufe 4)
meanes) richly all things to enjoy.
CHAP. II.
That it cannot ft and with \\>e love ofGodunti
■all) to enforce jomemento believe and ntr
all.
IF that God fhould neceflitate the Faith and Salva
tion of fame men and not others, it would argue ;
repugnancy in the Doftrine of his love to man-lunde
unto whom he hath exprefied an equall afteftion ,
giving his Son a Saviour for all, and m defiring the fal-
vationofall.
Filial, That God fent his Sonne into the World m
favc the World, appeareth by teverali plaine Texts
of .Scripture, as John 3. 17. God fent not his Sen inrc
the World to condemne the World j but that the
World through him might be faved, and John 6. 11,
I am, faith Chrift, the living Bread which came dowt
from Heaven > If any man eate of this Bread, he fhal
live for ever. And the bread that I fhall give is my
Flefli , which I will give for tlie life of the World
Agajne in John 12. 47. If any man, faith he, heare my
words and believe not, I judge him not,for I came not
into the world to judge the world , but to fave the
world. And in the 1 Tim* 2. $, <5. the Apoftle faith ,
There is one God , and one Mediator between God
and
Opened unto all men. 1 7
kJ men, the Man Chrift jefus j who gave himfelfe a
anfomeforall-
And whereas it is by fome objected, Tliat by the
trorld here fpcken of, is not to be underftood the
hole lumpe of man-kinde, but only the Eleft, a part
lereof j and that by this terme (all) is not meant e-
-ry particular man and woman in the world, but
nly fome of ail forts, &c. The Scripture as it were
5refeeingthis0bjecti.cn, addeth mHebr. 2. p. That
thrift tatted death for every man. And in the 2 Fet. 2.
.That as there were falfe prophets among ihepeo-
ie : even fo there fhall be folfe teachers amongft
ou,who privily fiiall bring in damnable herefies, even
enying the Lord that bought them ; and bring upon
lemfeives fwife deltrucTion. And Rom- 14. 15. De-
rcy not with thy meat him for whom Chrift dyed,
md iCor. 8. ii- Through thy knowledge fhall the
eake brother perifh for whom Chrift dyed. Plainly
itimating, that Chrift dyed not only for the Eleft (as
ley ufe to fay) but for every man , for thofe that deny
im are deftroyed, perifh, and are damned.
And furthermore, whereas it is objected, That the
erfons here fpcken of, were not really of the number
f thofe for whem Chrift dyed*, only in the judgement
f charity were fo reputed.
The Scriptures aflorderh unto us divers evident
rounds, to prove that Chrift came into the World to
cry ; articular pcrfon therein, without excepts
n. As Firft, theGofpel is declared to be glad tydings
all , Luke 2. 10. And Secondly, is commanded
ore to be preached unto all, Mattb. 28. ip.
[5. And Thirdly, all men to whom ir is
quired to believe it, Marke 16.
C
1 8 A Doorc of Salvation
Jifuttk. ii. 20. And Fourthly, Such as doe not be
lieve and give obedience unto it, are threatned witf
damnation, Mat. ic 4. Job. 3.8. And Fiftly , thofi
fhat have had it preached unto them , and refufed «
£ive obedience thcreunto,are declared to judge them
fclves unworthy o; eve rlaiung life, ^4#/ 13. 46. and tc
neglect Salvation, /frJr.2. 3"
Now forafinudi js die Gofpel in generall is none
other than the fruits otChril\sdeath,& that Salvation
in particular is othci wife altogether impoflible,it coulc
not in the nature thereof be glad ty dings unto all, noi
in equity or juftice be proclamed unto all > nor the
obedience thereof be required of all j nor difobedi-
ence thereunto be punilhable in all *, nor could it tru-
ly be faid,That thofe that are damned for their difobe-
dience unto it, have neglefted Salvacion> if thatChrifl
had not fhed his Bloud for all.
And furthermore, whereas it is replyed b*y fome.
That although Chrift dyed for ally yet his death was in-
tended only to fave the Eleft.
It is by God declared , that he fenr his
Son into the world forth of his love to man-kinde ". to
the end that thereby they might be faved, (for fo faith!
the Scripture) God fo loved the world, that he fenrj
his only begotten Son, foe John 3. i<5.
And for the further confirmation of all mens
Faith in this behalfe,he molt folemnly profeifeth, yea,]
and having no other to fwear by, he fweareth by Him-'
klfe, Thau he defireth nor only the Salvation of thofe
that are faved*, but cf thofe alfowho through con-
temp: of his goodneflfc, dye in their litis and perifh, as 1
we may reade in £^. 33. 11. As I live faith the!
Lord Gcd, I have no pleafure in the death of the
wicV .
Opened unto all Men. 19
wicked, but that the wicked tume from his way and
live : Tume ye, tume ye, from your evill wayes, for
why will ye dyeOHoufe of Ifrael ? And herewithall
accordeth the teftimonies of his fervants,in the 2 Tim.
2. g, 4. This is faith Faulygood and acceptable in the
light of God our Saviour (to wit) That we fhould pray
for all men, vert 1, 2. becaufe he would have all men
ro be faved, and come to the knowledge of the Truth.
And Peter in his Second Epiftle the 3. chap. 9. to the
fame ttXtA faith, The Lord is not flack concerning
his promife (as fome men count flacknefle) but is long
futiering to us wards, not willing that any fhould per-
ifh, but that all fhould come to repentance, and con-
fequently to Salvation, as the end thereof.
Now as there is nothing more oppofite than yea,
and nay, (which as the Apoftle informeth us in the
2 Cor. 1. 19, 20. Is not in Jefus Chiift or in the pro-
taiifes of God made in under the New Covenant : ) fo
can there be nothing more repugnant to the Doftrine
of Gods Love to mankinde espreffed, in fending his
Son into the Word, that the world through him might
be faved, and in his oath whereby he profefleth,that he
«vouId not have any thereof ro perifh, &c. Then this
Doctrine which kith, That God doth neceflarily en-
brce fome men to believe, to the end they may bee
aved: and denieth fufficient meanes unto others to en-
ible them to believe,to the end they may be damned.
The Rrit faich, That he loveth and defueth the Salva-
ion of all alike, and would have none to perifh. The
itter faith, That he defueth but the Salvation of a few
11 fpeciall, and willeth the damnation of many. The
irft faith, Thuyr rhrough the mercy of God vouchfafed
Chrilt, every man may pofiibly be faved. The
C 2 latter
A Do ore of Salvation
later faith, That no man can poiiibly obtaine Salvation
therein, without a fpeciall affiftance vouchsafed unto
him, to enable him to believe, Sec. and fo deny Jefus
Chrift to be the Doore and way to eternall life, andi
f.oncluderh man-kinde (whom he came into the world I
to fave) as incapable of obtaining die end of his com-
ming, as if he had not at all come into the world to be
their Saviour : And fo in a word maketh the Death of
Jefus Chrift in relation to the Salvation of man-kinde
ofnoneefteft: And the folemne Oath of Almighty
God, as toHching his defire of the Salvation of all, and
the death of none (with reverence be it fpoken)worfe
then jefuiticall deluiion and equivocation j which a-
lone may ferve as a fufficient evidence againft this
Opinion.
CHAP. III.
How the Doctrine of Gods enforcing men to bM
lieve ^ leadetb the Reprobates to Blajpbewj
againft God, and makpb them excu fable in
their condemnation.
F God fhould necefiitate the Salvation cf fome men*
^J and not others, it would fill the Reprobates with j
Blafphemy againft him, by reafon of their condemna-
riori contrary to the Scriptures. From this confidera- ;
tion, That in the point of Salvation he doth that for <
•theis, which he refufed to doe for them, and yet pro-
fcfltrh )
i
Opened unto all Men. 2 1
fefTcth that he hath done as much for them in that be-
haife as he could.
That God profeffeth, that he hath dene as
much for the Reprobates to make them fruitfiill to
Salvation, as he could : The words of the Prophet Ifay
in his 5. chap, doe plainly d'eckie, I will fingto my
wel-beloved (faith he) a Song of my beloved touching
his Vineyard : My wel-beloved hath a Vineyard in a
very fruitful! hill, and he fenced it, and gathered out
the Itones thereof, and planted it with the choifeft
Vine, and built a Tower in the midfc cf it, and alfo
nuAn a Wine-preffe dicrein ; and he looked diat \z
fhould bring forth Grapes, and it brought forth wilde
Grapes- And now,0 Inhabitants of JtntfafemyZnd men
oijudab, judge I pray you betwiy: me and my vine-
what cculd have been done more to my \
yard, that I have not done to it ? Wherefore when i
looked, that it fhould have brought forth Grapes, it
brought forth wilde Grapes : And now go to, I will
u what I will doe to my Vineyard, &c Under
[which fimilitude, the Prophet declareth unto the In-
| habitants of Iudah and Ierufdlem; whefe deftruction
for their unfruitfulnefie & difobedience towards God,
he denounceth in the following part of the chapter,
from the 2- v. ScoThat God to make them fruitfull un-
to all ^ood workes, to prevent their dtfiruftion , and
to bring rhem to eternall life, had vcuchfafc i
1 unto them all convenient .md ncceflary m
conducing to thole ends. Infpmuch that when
appealerh nnto them fi tit therein, before he
proceeded to pronounce his definitive fentence a-
jpinft them, the^ are left altogether fpecchlefle, not
[anything to reply unto Gcd in chd*
22 A Daore of Salvation
behalfe > whereas if their underftandings had been in-
formed that any necefiary meanes had been wanting
unto them, without which they could not pofiibly ren-
der unto God that which he requireth of them-, or that
he had not vouchfafed unto them as effeftuall meanes,
as he did unto others in the like cafe j their anfwer
might have been ready in words to this effeft.
(i Lord we are poore helpleffe Creatures (who alone
"byreafonof thy decree, in reference to Adams
€c tranfgreflion, which we could no wayes poflibly pre-
" vent) are made altogether uncapable by any fuch
" meanes as thou aifordeft unto us , to doe any thing
<c pleafing or acceptable in thy fight, no not fo much
<c as to thinke one good thought j and this Lord thou
u knoweft, and from the confideration thereof, thou
cc givelt unto fuch and fuch men and women, thy good
u Spirit ', whereby they are enabled to the doing of
<c thofe things that thou requireft of usjwithom which
<c Spirit, our intfifted condemnation is altogether un-
"avoydable. And therefore if that we muft peiifh,
cc it's only for thy wilJs fake, and neither for omitting
<c or mifdoing any thing that we were able rightly to .
« dee.
Whereas, therefore the Scriptures informeth hs,
that when die greateft enemies of Almighty God, fhal
take into their moft ftrift and fevereft examination,
all his fayings and proceedings againft them ; that
forth of their owne mouthes, like unto thofe wicked
Husband-men (in the Gofpel, Mattb. 21.40, 41. )rhey
fhall fully acquit and juftitle him in them all- Rom. 3.
4. And that we are thereby alfo plainely informed,
That if our confidences doe uot accufe andcondemne
us, we have peace with God, 1 Iohn 3-21. And fo
con-
Opened unto all Men. 23
:onfequencly that then he will noc condemne us ', we
ire hereby neceflarily led co this cendufion, That
-adonis not confer ed upon men through neceffiry ;
lor chat it is any o>herwife to be cbteined , than
hTOugh mens improvement of the rceanes granted i:n-
o them for that purpefe.
Objttf. Gods not doing fo much for the Reprobates
is he doth for others, is no dueftcaufe of Blafphemy
n them, in regard that he is not thereunto bound j fo
hat if they Blafpheme, it's without caufe on Gods
wrr.
Anfrv. Firft, Wherein any mans confidence aecuferh
lim not as touching fuch things whereof he is accufed
nd condemned by another, he is inevitably compelled
o contradift and gain fay in that refpeft : And fo
ikcwlfe, if that the Reprobates fnould be condemned
>y God for impenirency and the worker thereof, and
et in their owne confidences be infallibly afured that
epentance was altogether impofrible unto them, thty
iiould therein diredfy (n?l they will they) be inferred
ft and gaiufay in fuch their condemnation,
-hichinthe Scripture fenfc is none otherwife than
Jlafphemy, A&s 13. 45.
Secondly-, And therefore although that God as hee
\ Lord and Creator of all, cannot be bound un-:o any
f his creatures, yet confklering that he doth not pi e-
cendemneany cf them \ thereby to exertifc.
Dike a cruell tyrant) his power and prerogative 1
but only to punifh them for their voluntary and
'ilfiiU difobedience a^ainft him; for the Honour of
is Inftice he is abfolutely bound not tocondemne
hem for aiy fuch thing which is impofliblc unto
hem, becaufc that then his lattice canno: *\
C 4 bte
24 -A Doore of Salvation
bee acknowledged by them in their condemnation
as he hath declared it fhall.
CHAP. IV.
How the VoUrine of Gods enforcing men to believt
tendretb the exhortations of God to the licfro
bates) and bis lamentations for their damnation
hateful} and odious.
IF that Faith and Salvation were attainable only
through an neceffitating power, and not through
mens improvement of the meanest would render all
the invitations and exhortations df God to the Repro-
bates to heare his voyce and partake of Salvation by
Chrift contemptible and all his lamentations for their I
refufall thereof? and their deitruftion thereupon en- 1
fuing, hatefull a^d odious, becaufe thitfuch e^horta-I
tions, invitations and lamentations (if real) are alwaieil
moft infallible arguments of the itrongeft affedion,}
towards thofe perions in whofe behalfe they are made,
bat are not fucft towards them if that Repentance,)
Faith, &o be attainable only through neceflity, and|
not through their improvement of the meanes afford-
ed unto them, they otherwife being wholly uncapable
ofthemfelves, of obeying his exhortations, &c And 1
God unwilling to grant them that affiftance which hee
knew to be neceflary for the avoydkig of their
threatned deftruflion, nocwirhftianding fuch his la-
mentations That
Ofenedunto all Men.
That God exhorteth and inviteth the Reprobates,
to hear his voice,and partake of the falvation prepared
in Chrift, the Scriptures doe plentifully declare unto
ns, as in Prover bs i. 2 c, to the 24:. Wifdbnaejcryedi
without, fhe cttefeth her voyce in the ftreets, the cry-
erh in the chief place of die concourfe,m the opening
of the Gates in the City fhe tittereth her words,
ing, How long ye (implecnes, will ye love finiplieity,
and fcorners delight in their (corning, and fooles hate
knoy/iedf ;e ? Turne ye at my reproof, behold I will
pour out my Spirit (or minde) unto you (as 1
reade) I will n a ic known my words unto you- And
Frot/.p. 1. foe* Wifdome Iiath builded her a H«
Jfce hath lichen her out feveri Pillars, the had] killed
her Bcafts, flie hath mingled her Wine, (he hath alio
fhrnifhed her Tabic, I hhemtai-
denr, fhe cryeth upon the higlieft places of the Ciry,
who {o is fimple let him turne in hitherjzs for him that
vanteth undcrftanding* (he faith to him, come eat of
my bread and drinke of the Wine which I have ming-
led, forfake the fooliih, and live, and go in the way of
undeilianding. And Mztth- 22. 2. fcc- The Kingdom
of Heaven is like unto a certaine King, which made a
Marriage Tor his Sou, and lent forth his Servants to cal
thofe that were bidden to the Wedding, and they
made lightof it, and he fent forth other Servants, fay -
ing,TeIJ them which are bidden, behold I have prepa-
red niy dinner, my Oxen and my fadings are killed,
and all things arc ready, come unto t!\ , buc
they made lightof it.
And that the Lord doth cxpreffe him
of forrow and lamentation, fcr the difob
men to his loving invitations; e. .a:d their
punifh*
26 A Doorc of Salvation
punifhment following thereupon , is as manifeft as
the former. In Jer- i5-$>6« he thus fpeakethj Who
ftall vifite thee, Oh lerufalem ? Or who fhall bemone .
thee ? Or who ihall go afide to afke how thou doeft/
Thou haft forfaken me, faith the Lord, thou haft gone :
backward, therefore will I ftretch out my hand againft
thee, and dcftroytheej I am weary with repenting...
F Jaime 8 1.8-1 1-1 3 • Hear O my people and I will refti-
fy unro-theei O Ifrael, it thou wilt hearken unto me :
But my people would not hearken unto my voice, ,
and Ifrael would have none of me : O that my people
fad hearkned unto me , and Ifrael had walked in my
waies. E^eki 33»n-Turheye rurne ye, why will yee
dye O hcufe of Ifrael I Zzjk; 18.32. 1 have no pleafure
in the death of him that dyeth, faith the Lord God,
wherefore turtle your felvcs and \vcLuke 19.41. And
when he was come neer he behtH the City and wept
over it, faying, If thou haddeft known, even thou, at
lean: in this thy day , the things that belong unto thy
peace. Matth. 23.37- O lerufalem, lerufalem, that kil-
left the Prophets and ftoneftrhem that are fen tun to
thee, how often would I have gathered thy children
together even as a Hen gathereth her chicken, and ye
would not ? Hofeah 6. 5. Epraim, what ihall I doe
unto thee ? O Jade ah what mail 1 do unto thee ? For
your goodneffe is as the morning cloud, and as the
early dew it goeth away. 2 ckron.2 6.14, 1 5, 1 5. More- .
over all the chief of the Priefh and the people,
rranfgrefied very much after the abominations of the
Heathen; and the Lord God of their Fathers fent unto j
them by his Melfengers, riling up betimes, and fend-
ing, becaufe he had companion on his People, and on
his dwelling place 3 but they mccked the Melfengers
of
Opened unto all Men. 2 7
)f God, and defpifed his word, and mifufed his Pro-
bers, untill the wrath of the Lord arofe againft them
ill there was no remedy.
Now as nothing can poflibly be (Vid by God to ren-
ter him more gracious, loving, kinde and pitifull to-
wards miferable men, or more to endear and enfemc
leir atieftions towards him, than what is he re by him
xprefied, being understood according to thefe rules
'hich he hath given unto us to judge of his love and
oodnefle by j in regard that fuch expreffions dot
pundantly demonftrate that he unfainedly and
om his v( ( asit were ) dellreth that wee
1 fhould hear his voice , obey his counfelb P^ :
fthe benefits or "his Son, obtain falvati on thiv
m,and iliac there is no defect,nor any thing wan.
n his part that can be judged or any waits conceived
LCefiary or requifite to enable us thereunto, and
nfcquently toavoide andeicaye the wrath that is
) come : fo neither on the contrary is it poiTible,trr.t
le Almighty God fhculd prefent himielfe to his clea-
rs mere hateful & odious then by any blafphemy char
s molt inveterate and malicious enemies forth of
eir deepeft defpight and hatred againft him, can any
y waies imagine or foment, which would be by fuch
exhortations and lamentations , where the
xxiience and duty that he require th of men to their
vation, jnd the efcaping of perdition in the world
come are impofnble unto them: forasmuch as then
his love and arleftion, pity and companion therein
mifefted, could be cfteemed no other then rr.eerc
xkage, hipocrilie, delufionandciuelty in the high-
degree, becaufe that whileit he pretended), the
ateftlove ; he fhould beare the greater! hatred;
whilcft
28 A Dovre of Salvation.
whilefthe pretendeth to feeke rhcir falvation, h<
fhould fecrerly airne at and intend their damnation
whileft he pretendeth to lament their raifery , h<
fliould laugh thereat, rejoyce and delight there in, ha,
ving from eternity without any refpeft to their mifdo:
iags utterly excluded them cut cf his favour, fhut and
faft feaied them up under his wrath , hatred and forefl
indignation j and from thence denying unto them the
neceiiary meanes of their falvation, which being th<
true and naturall confequeace cf tint docTxine, whicj
afferteth falvation to be through neceiTity , and 1101
through mens voluntary improvement of the means
may admonHh all men that tender the glory and ho-
nour of God, to beware thereof.
0h]e3. The exhortations znd invitations of God tc
Reprobates to partake of good things prepared ir,
Chrift arc not contemptible ajnd odious , considering
that good things are prepared in Chrift, unto whicl
the Reprobates are invited, which retain their goot^
nes, though they be rejefted.
Anfxv. Its not the goodnes of the thing prepa-l
red in Chrift, that can free the exhortations of God tc J
Reprobates,to partake thereof from contempt : if thai]
God forth of his hatred againft them, fhould be con*]
eeived to exclude them from the participation olj
them', becaufe that thereby the Reprobates lhould be]
abufed with afpecious fhew of love towards rheni]
when 2s nothing but hatred is intended to therpll
which muft needs render fuch exhortations odious
unto thcai. Abfdoms good cheare rendrech his invittr
tions to Ammon to eate thereof far worfe than open
hatred. 2 Sam> ij. 2<5-28.
2. Therefore i further anfwer, That it is impoflibki
that
Opened unto all Men. 2 9
iat God who abhor reth nothing more than mens
rawing neare unto him with their mcuthes, and ho-
ouringhim with their lips ^ when their hearts are
ir from him, Jer.6.20. Ifay i-i^i^-Amor 5^3. And
'ho hath inftruScd all men not to eate the bread or
efire the dainty meates of him that hath an evill eye,
ut to contemne his invitations ( eareeate) when his
earc is not with them. Prov-2 3 6,7. Th.it he him-
'lfe mould fo praftife, doe the thing which hede-
?fteth , and exhort men to eate in the feme cafc,
herein he willeth them to abftain j he cannot lye,
ecaufe he is truth it felfe , Titus 1. 1. therefore as he
)eakethfohethinketh, and like as he pretendeth fo
emeaneth.
Ob. 2. Secondly, concerning the lamentations of
rod in refpeel: of thole that perifh, it is objected, That
ley ferve onely to expreiTe the reniedilefnes of their
lifery : And that he is not delighted with their pa-
ifhment as they are his creatures ; but with the glory
f his juftice which fhineth in their wicked n
An fo. The firft part of which objection (1 tr^J That
lie lamentations of God in the behalfe ofthofcthac
erifh, ferve only to exprcfie the remedilefnefs of
lieir mifery, rightly underftcod may be admitted}
ut I defire to know, whither their mifery be remedi-
i refpeftof thenifelvcs, ci in refpeft of God ?
whether ior want of meanes fufiicient vouchfafed bv
rod to prevent their mifery, or through their wilful 1
egleft and abufe thereof ? In the latter fenfe I r
I 'iection to be goodi For he th tt nepjefteth the
rf God in Chrift vouchfafed unto him in this
y what meanes fhall his mi ented in
ut which is to come, danwati :>n in hell being
pen
A Doore of Salvation
penalty thereof * From which there is neither re
demption nor Redeemer made known unto us. Bi
that their mifcry ihould be remedileffe for want c
:r.ercy fufficient vcuchtafed unto them in this life fo
the prevention thereof, may not be magnified, becaui
it's inconstant with the integrity of Gods pure naturi
(difcovered unto us in his Atributes of Truth , Lovt
Gocdnefie , Mercy andluftice )to make lamentation
hv the behalfe of his perilling creatures, when as thv
1 cafon thereof lyech limply and wholy in himfelfe-
Secondly, Whereas it is further fuggefted, Tha
thefe lamentations are intended to exprefie, Tha
God is not delighted with the punilhment of his crea
tores, but with the glory of his juftice, which Ihinetl
in their palpable wickedneGj its meft abfurd, Bccaufi
tliat if God ihould be delighted to have men wickec
as they are his creatures, he mnft needs much mor<
be delighted with their punifhment, as they are hit
creatures, the puni lament of wickeduefs being thi
moft proper excrtife of his juftice : And therefore il
the glory of his juftice againft the honour of his meR
cy, fhould engage him to deny his grace unto hf|
creatures, to the intent that they might be wicked, tt
moft needs much more engage him to punifh them
being wicked-
Betides, the Scriptures doe plainly informe us,That
God doth not onely lament the punifhment of hff
creatures, but their ingratitude and wickednefie alfo
as zh^ caufe thereof. In Ie r.2 . 2. <frc To the ingratcfr
fall Ifraeiites he thus fpeaketh.
I remember thee, the day of thy efpoufals, when
thou wenteft after me in the wildernefie in a Land that
was not fowne, veif. 5. What iniquities have your Fa-
thers
Opened unto all Men. 3 1
hers found in me, that they are gone far from me,and
ire walked after vanities and are become vaine? verf. 5.
Meidicr faid they where is the Lord that brought us Hp
)urof the Land of Eg)pt ? That led us through the
iffilderndie through a Land of Defarts and of Pits,
hrough a Land of drought, and of the ihaddow of
leath, through a Land that no man palled through,and
vhere no man dwelt, verf. 7. And I brought you into
t plentifull Country, to eate the fruit thereof, and the
»oodnefle thereof, but where ye entrcd ye defiled my
-and, and made mine Heritage an abomination. The
'rieft faith nor,wherc is the Lord, and they that hand-
ed the Law knew me nor, the Pallors alfo tranfgrelTed
tgainft me, fyc. verf. 12, 13. Be aftoniihed O Heavens
t this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very defolate
lith the Lord. For my people have committed two e-
ils, they have forfaken me,thefountaine of living wa-
ers, and hewen to themfelves broken Cifterns that ca»i
old no water, verf. 31. O Generation, fee the Word
f the Lord: have I been a WilderncfTe unto IfracI:' A
.and of darknelTe f Wherefore lay my people, We are
ords, we wil come no more unto thee ? Cai a Maidc
>rget her Ornaments, or a Bride her Attire ! Yet my
j?cplc have forgotten me dayes without number.//*/.
• 2. Hear O Heavens, and give ear O Earth , for the
ordhathfpoken, Ihave nourifhed and brought up
hildren, and they have rebelled againft me. The Oxe
lowerh his owner, and the AiTe his Matters cribbc :
it Ifrael doth not know, my people cloth nor confl-
;r. Ah!finfull Nation, a people laden with iniqury,
Iced of evill doers, Children that ai e corrupted, they
,vc forfaken the Lord, thty have provoked the holy
je of Ifrael uno Anger. Iercm. 1 3. 27. Woeuntq
thee
A Doorc of Salvation
thee O ]erufalem,wilt thou not be made clean ? When
fliall it once he/ How much more of this nature might
be added? Such as reade the Scriptures know. Now
that the goodneile of God fhould thus cauie him to la-
ment the wickedneflfc of men>ajid endeavour their re-
pentance y and yet the glory of his Juftice in oppofi-
tion thereunto, fhould c^ufe him to delight in their
wkkcdneiie,and from thence to deny them the means
of repentance, cannot be fuppef-d, becaufe that this
would quite invert the teiiimony of S- James, chap- 2.
13. And make judgement in God to glory and rejoyee
againft n;ercy;nor yet can it Viand any better with the
purity of God, to lament the wickednei:e of thofe
whom he delighterh ro have wicked s then for him to !
lament the damnation of thofe , whom from erernity
lie hath excluded from his favour, and appointed
thereunto. Butfecondly,! anfwer, That it is inconfi-
ttenc with the nature of Gods juftice, to delight in the
v/ickedneife of any man, becaufe that juftice it felre
can neither occafioii nor take delight in any thing
that is unjuft, or contrary to it felfe j as all fuch things
mufv needs be whic h are reprehended and punifhed
thereby, Rom. 2. 1, 3, 21, 22. £001,3.3, 6. Therefore
feeing that the juftice or God is declared to be angry
with, and provoked to wrath by the wickedneffe, hard-
nei^eof heart, and impenitency of men, Alarke 3. 5.
Mat. 22. 4, 5, 6 9 7- It cannot poflibly be pleafed or
delighted therein,or be any waies accelfary thereunto, I !
Either by woj king wickedneHe in mens mindes, Jam. ^
1 . 1 3. (As feme men too rafhly afnrme from tliefe and {■ ,&
fuch like Scriptures, Rom. 9. 1 8. AZh 4.28. /0A.12.49.HJ
cr by prohibiting meanes fufftcjenx for the jreveni
there- i.
01 ■
Opened unto all men. 3 5
Vfyeth God could have prevented both Angels and
en from falling, and could recover all and every one
F men, as well as any ; which arguedi that he would
ive fome to perifh.
.Anfw. What God as he is Almighty and Omni -
Dtent might have done , we will not difpute, nor is
neceifary to the prefent point: It is fuftkienc to
jr purpofe to prove , that God vouchfafed both to
len and Angels, means fufficient to prevent their fal-
ng j the which, 1 fuppofe no rationall man will deny,
eing thatwhacfoever God hath impofed upon his
rcacures, by the Law of nature and necefiity (as hun-
srr, drought, wearineffe , eating, drinking, fleeping,
jr.) are neither orYenfive, nor difpleafing to him \ ic
eing impoflible, that he fhould blame or hnde fault
ich what himfelfe doth, or necefntateth his Creatures
>rtodoe: fo that if the fall of Men or Angels 1
een unavoidable by them, by the Law of their Crea-
on, their falling had not been tinfull in diem, nor
lould they ever have incurred the difpleafure of God
1 any refpeft, by reaion thereof, no mere than we
>w do by our eating, drinking* &\ .
Gcd Geared horil Angels and men in a murable
ate, ftiSiciently able to doe whatfeever hb required
them 'j and furnifhcd tkeiH abundantly with argu-
cim of his love and goodn.el!c,ro endear and engage
cm to the perpetual] love and obedience ofhimfeii \
d yet withall (ubject, (or incident) through the want
deration of his goodneflc towards rheni, ro fail
ingratitude and difol ediencc agiinft him, 1
1 otherwife, neither tjie One nor the orhcr could
w been capable of manifehing then fidelity and
u/uuimeilc untg him their Lprd and Creator; |
D w**
3 2 A Boon of Salvation
Was moft necefiary they fhculd) for how fhould he
ex pr efie his (ubjecTiou and obedience* who cannot pof-
(ibly dilbbey i And how God conld have made a
creature in fuch an eftate, wherein: hib love and good*
neife towards hini, and fovcraignry over him, could
not thankfully be acknowledged by him , cannot
reafonably he. imagined. In which refpeft, it may
juftly be queftioned, Whether God could have done
any more to prevent the fall of angeJs and men, then
what he did? | I
c a- Whereas it is implied,That God hath not recover-*
ed by jefus Chrift,ali and every of men(as well as any)
from under the curfe of Adams tranfgrefiion, it is not
to be admitted, becaufe the Scriptures do informe us>
That as in Adam all die,fo in Chrift^U are made alive,
i Cor. 1 5.22. And that as by one mans offence, judge'
ment came upon all men to condemnation, even fo by
the righteoufnes of one,the free gift came upon al men 3
to the iuftification of life,7lom.5.i8.And that as the firfi
man Adam was made a living foul, fo the fecond man A*
dam is made a quickning fpirit,i(7o. 15.4$. But I fuppofe
that by thefe word* (God could recover all, and every
man, as well as any) is to be underftood only,That God
could ( if he were pleafed) enforce thefalvation of al!j
and every man,as well as fome:wherin that is taken for
granted, rthichSs denied (to wit) that God doth
neceflitate the falvation of fome particular men, and
ROt others ( which hath already, and fhall hereafter
be further difproved :) And although that it cannot
be denied, but. that fome men doe perifh, yet is it
not therefore to be conceived, that they fo perifh for
want of means fufticient to accomplifh their falvationi.
b«c by reafon of their contempt thereof. All the|
wait*
Opened unto all Men. 33
^waies of God being mercy and truth, the goodneife of
God is alwaies firft exercifed in providing means fuffi-
cient for the Salvation of membut when his goodnefie
therein is defpifed, and his Grace turned into
wantonnefie *, then, and not till then, doth his righte-
oufnefle and juftice call for judgement and vengeance
againft the defpifers and contemners of him, as the
Scriptures doe witneffe, Jud. 3, 4, 5, <5. Rom. 2. 4, 5.
aChron. 26. 14,15, 16. In which refpeft it is that God
is faid to be flow to anger, Nahum. 1..3. That he doth
not willingly afflift nor grieve the Children of Men,
Lament. 5.33. That mercy glorieth againft judgement,
Umes. 2. 15. And that his tender mercies are over all
his workc*, Pfal. 145. 9*
C HAP. V.
How the opinion of enforcing Faith and Re-
pentance in men> oftofetb the JVifdome of
God.
T¥ that Repentance, Faith, &c. were through neceflfi-
|_ ty, and nor attainable j only by the improrement
?f the means atfordedj (vi^-) the workes and Word of
"Jod, it would not ftand with the Wifdome of G©d, to
xpeft and wuit for the Repentance of men, as the
Scriptures declare he doth : Eecaufe that Ikjrein l>ee
ihould not locke for Figs of a Fig-Tree, according ro
•he \ rucikc of Chrifti But for Figs of Thorncs, and
D 2 Grapes
36 A Doore of Salvation
Grapes of Thirties, which is much below the wif-
dome of mem mid therefore much more of God.
That Gog doth e*Kpec% and wait for Repentance
from me:}, is plainly taught in the Scriptures, Ifai.<,.i>
2. My heloved(faith rhe Prophet/peaking of God)hath
a Vineyard in a very fruitful! hil} and he fenced it} and
gathered out the ftones thereof*, and planted it with,
rhe choiceft Vine,and built a Tower in the midft of it} '
anda'fomadea Wine-prene therein, and he looked
that it fliould bring forth Grapes, and it brought forth
wilde Grapes-
Lufy isf,i& And Jefus fpake alfo this parable :
AcertainemanhadaFig-Tree planted in his Vine-
yard, and he came and fought fruit thereon, and found
none} Then faid he to the drefier of the Vineyard, Be-
hold thefe three years I come feeking fruit on this Fig-
Tree, and finde none 5 cut it down, why cunibretb-.it
the ground. Jer. 13. 27. O Jerufa lens, wilt thou notbe
made cleane, when fhall it once be £
Now forafmdeh as wifdome doth prohibite jl
man to expeft the efteft v/ithout the caule, or more
from any caufe, then can be effected thereby, or to !
wait for a plentiful harveft in Summer,without plough-'
ing and fowing in the Winter} who can conceive that
Almighty God the fountaine of all wifdome, yea, who
is wifdome it felf, mould eypeft and wait for repent-
ance from men , without vouchsafing unto theri
'%ea*?sfiiffieient toanftver his expectation therein!
No man feeketh Figs of Thorns, or Grapes of Thirties*
and fhall God that maketh men wife, be conceived to
be fo far iriferiour unto him in wifdbme,as to leek and
CKpeft repentance of man, it beifig no lefte impofiibte
to.be found I Surely nothing can be leife imaginable i
An<
,i
Opened unto all Men. % 7
And yet for die further prevention of luch difhonour"*
able thoughts concerning the Gcd of all Wifdome,
the Scripnires before ci red, note unto us thefe two
things : Firft, the ground upon which Gcd doth ex-
pect repentance from me>n, demonft rated to us under
the fimilitude of a man planting his Vmeyard in a
fruitful! Hill, planting it with the chdiceft Vine, fen-
cing it, gathering out the (tones, foe- As alfo under
the fimilitude of a Husband-man, dreffing and digging
about his Fig-Tree. Secondly, the time in which God
! expefteth repents , which by Chrift \ in
Mat. 41.34. (in which I e alludeth to tfii.£i)
is declared to be nor untill cfie time of Vintage, and
the more plainly to declare, how farre he is from ex-
pecting from men that which is unreasonable: in Ufa
13. 7. he uferh theft: words, Thefe three years liave 1
come feeking fruit and finde none, fare* tinder which
formes of fpeech, the Lord doth inftrbft us, Thai
wifeHnsband-man do:h not expeft to receive fruit
from his Vineyard, without the ufe of all nece
means required thereunto, nor untill the fcafon of tfce
year wherein his expectation may beanfoete«d
neither doth he himfelf look for any thing mere from
men , then what he affbrdeth unto them fufficieut
means and opportunity to eflcft.
And feeing then that if repentance, &c were no
otherwiie attainable then through the irrefifiable
ration of the Spirit : that all impenixent wicked and
ungodly perfons from whona he cxpefteth repentance,
fhould neither have means nor any opportunity afford-
ed unto them for that |jnrpofe, (for it th.ir die means
of doenecefiarilyacccmpliftitht Gave* then all
hat means mull nee-d
D 2 re-
38 A Doore of Salvation
repentance thereby.) Therefore repentance muft be
acknowledged to be obtained only thorow the im-
provement of fuch means which God vouchfafeth unto i
all , and the nature thereof be acknowledged to be
fuch, that poffibly may be neglefted by thofe to whom
it is granted,and from whence ( repentance) the end
thereof is expefted, Reveli.n. I gave her fpace
(faith the fpirit)to repent, and fhe repented not.
CHAP. VI.
How the commands of God in Serif ture are of-
f o fed by tbe opinion of Gods enforcing Refent-
. ance^ Faith, &c.
THisdoftrine (to wit of Gods neceffitating re-
pen tance,^rc)oppofe the Commandments of God
given unto men, whereby he requireth them to re-
pent, believe in the name of his Sonne, work out
their own falvation with fear and trembling. Now for-
afmuch as God cannot oppofe himfelf, therefore that
which he requireth of men to doe, muft needs be pro- '
per and peculiar to them to perform .
That God requireth every man to repent, <&c. is e-
vident by the Scriptures, ^#.17.30. The times of
this ignorance God winked at, but now he command-
eth all men every where to repent, 1 /oft. 3. 2 3. And
this is his Commandment, thatwefhould beleeve in
the name of his Sonne IefusChrift, J?W/.2.i2. work
out your own falvation with fear and trembling
whereby repentance, &c. is by God made the pecu-
liar work and duty of man, through the improvement
of the means vouchfafed unto him for thofe ends, op-
pofite
Opened unto all Mm. 39
polt thereunto is the doctrine* which averreth re-
pentance,^rc to be the peculiar work of God,and no:
of men,That it is by God made the peculiar work of
jnan,tkrough the improvement of themeans,appeareth
from hence,thatGod threatneth condemnation to trnfe
perfons,who rhorow the ufeof fuch means,as heaftbrc-
cth unto them for that end>door did not repent. Mat*
n. 20,21, 22.Then began he(faith the texr,meaning k*
fus) to upbraid the Cities, wherein molt of his mighty
works were done,becanfe they repented not: Wo unto
thee Corarjn>\Xo unto tile-' Betbjaida'fct: if the mighty
works, which were doiiL- in you, had been done in
T) re and Sydon, they would have repented long agoe
in fack-cloih and afhes. But I lay unto you, ic mail be
more tolerable for T)re and S)don, in the day of judge-
ment then for you- For it cannot be fuppofed, that
God fhouM condemn men for not doing the thing
.vhichdoth not peculiarly appertain unto them to doe-
And that it is by the opinion of Gods neceflltating re-
pejiunce^rc. made the peculiar work of God k -
/ident, the opinion it feif plainly imtimating, Then
10 man by all his beft endeavours in the ufe of the
"neans, can poflibly attain thereunto 1 which oppoit-
ion cannot be applied unto God , as proceed-
i)g from him, becaufe tliat in the Scriptures it is to be
obferved, that he is fo far from requiring of men the
loing of fuch things, which peculiarly belong unto
limfelfro perform, that in all fuch cafes he requireth
hem to ftand ftill, and wait upon him for his help
md falvation. As we may rcade* EaoJ.14.13. where
>y his Almighty power he made it his work to give
he people palfage thoiow the red fea, he commanded
hem that they lhould not fear, but (land ft ili, and fee
D 4 h
4.0 A Dovre of Salvation
his falvation. As alfo in 2 54^.5.23. where having
before undertaken to difcomfit the lioaft of the Phili-
films in the behalf of the Ifraelhes, he commanded!
David that he fhould not move untill he heard the
found of a going in the tops of the Mulbery trees : as
alfo again, when he was pleafed to make it his peculi-
ar work to deliver the Jfraelites fordi of their captivity, 1
he commanded them only to wait upon him with con*,
t?dence for their delivery from thence. Hab.2. 3.
Secondly, Becaufe it is alfo to be obferved, That
when he ufeth the concurrence of man for the acconv
piifhing of any worke, he alwaies diftinguifheth the
work of man from that *hich bclongeth to himfelf to
perform therein : and whatfoever he requireth of
them in fuch cafes, that he will ruve to be performed!
.by them : and will not himfelf do it for them.
As riift, when he gave the people in die wildernes
water out of the rock, Numb* 20. 8. he precifely di-
ftinguifheth unto Mofesy the work that he required of
him thereunto. Take the rod (faith he) and gather
the AfTembly together, thou and Aaron thy brother*
and fpeak ye unto the reck before their eies, and it'
ftiall give forth his water-
Secondly, Likewife when hepromifed to deliver the
City of Jericho unto his people, for the over-throw
of the walls thereof, he plainly and evidenty declared^
what lie required of them to that end, Jo(b . 6. 3, 4,5.
Yefhalicon^ffetheCity (faith he) all ye men of
wafre, and goe about the City once j thus fbalt thou
doe the dales And feven Priefts (hall bear before the
Ark feven Trumpets of Rams-horns, and the feventji
day ye lball compare the City kven times, and the
Priefts fl jail blow with the Trumpets. And it fhaH
cdmj
Opened unto all Men. 41
eometopalfe, that when they make a long biaft with
the Rams-horns, and when ye hear the found of the
Trumpets,all the people fhall fhout with a great fhout,
and the wall of the City fhall fall.
Thirdly, And alfo when he made it his work to de-
ftroy the Catiaanites, and the other Nations, for their
gi eat and abominable wickedneife, and to give the
poifeffionoftheirLandto the children of lfraeU he
clearly roanifefted unto them,what he would have per-
formed on their part for the accomplilhment thereof}
They were to cb'fc r ve his Word, and to obey his
voice: Aswereade 5 Exod.2j&6&i>22'' and in par-
ticular to goe armed before the Lord unto battel, Num.
322c. And lie himfelf would caufe the hearts of their
enemies ro fail them for fear, and make them turn
their backs upon them, untill they were deftroyed,
Excel. 23-27.
And this he doth, Eecaufe that he will net give his
glory unto another, //i.42.2. which would necefl
ly follow upon his requiring of men, and aligning un-
to them the performance of rhofe things, which im-
mediately concerneth himfelf, or by his not diftin-
guiihingthe work of man from his own, in fuch acti-
on:, wherein his concurrence Is required* In regard
that no man can pofliblv afciibe unto hkn the honour
of that work, which is noc evidently difcovered to be
wrought by him.
Whereas therefore we finde that men are abfolurely
commanded to repent,^, and are no where required
to hand ftiil, 01 wait upon God, untill fuch time as
he fhall nectfrirare rhem thereunto, nor yet can finde
any diftinciion made therein, as that man Ihould doe
this or that, and that God will doc the reft 1 repent-
ance>
4 2 A Doore of Salvation
ance, as it isconfidered, whether in the difpofition of
the minde, or in the aclions, and exercife thereof y \
muft be concluded the peculiar work of men , by the
ufe and improvement of the means vouchfafed unto
them by God for that purpofe > the which will further
appear from thefe grounds.
i- Becaufe that the penitent ffcall rife up in judge-
ment againft the impenitent:, and condemn them ; as
appeareth by the words of Chrift, in 3ftfr.12.41. $The
men of Nineveh ( faith he) ihail rife up in judgement
againft this generation, and condemn them, becaufe
they repented at the preaching of Jonas, and behold
a greater then Jonas is here ', which could not be, if
that repentance were the peculiar work cf God, and
not of men, by the improvement of the means. For
where there is no difference in men, but that which is
enforced in them by God, the one can be no accufa-
tion againft the other, inrefpecl: of any fuch differ-
ence: for as he that did repent would not have re-
pented, if he had not been enforced; fo he that did
not repent, would have repented, ifthathehad been
enforced. And therefore the men of Nineveh, if they
were enforced to repent, can be no greater an accu-
sation againft the lews for their impenitency in the
day of judgement, then Benjamins brethren can be a-
gainft him, in refpeft of the cup that was put into his
lack, againft his will or procurement.
2. Becaufe the Scriptures doe plainly declare, That
God doth not require of men, beyond what he giveth,
unto them, means to attain unto, as we may perceive
in the Parable of the talents, inlM; *9 *$• where
none are called to give an account before Chrift at his
coming, tut thefe to whom before hand he had deli-
» vered
Opened unto all Men. 43
vered his money to be improved, nor nothing requi-
red of any of them, but proportionably to that which
was delivered to them, to whom he giveth much, he
askeththe more again, according to his faying, in
JLH^.12.48. And fo on the contrary? From whence it
doth follow, That feeing repentance is required of all
men, and that all men fhall be accountable to God
concerning the fame, Thar therefore all men have the
means of repentance voudifafed uuto them, & that re-
pentance by the improvement therof peculiarly apper-
tained! unto them,and is no otherwife to be obtained-
3. Becaufe that the unpenitent arc charged with re-
bellion a^aiiift Gcd in lcipeft of their impenirency,
plainly argueth, repentance not only to be the
peculiar work of man, but alfo within his power to be
'erfcrmed, rebellion being none other then a wilfull
:nd ltubbom refufall of that known duty which a man
bled to perform. And fo much the words of the
ex: do evidently declare, £^.12.2. Son of man
laith the Lord to the Prophet ) thou dwelleft in the
nidrt cf a rebellious houfe, That have eies to fee> and
ire not,they have ears to hear, and bear not. Their re-
•ellion being demonrtrarcd from this gronnd, That
hey have eies,and fee not,&-r .(j.c)they know and un-
crftand how to perform their duty, but they will not
o if, according to that in Cbs.p. 3$. 51-^2. He that
noweth to do well, and doth not, to him it is fin,
'*m.4 1 7' Whereas that which a man underftandeth
or, nor is any waics able to perform, is imputed to
is infirmity only, which God will never lav to hts
large, Heb.$.2. For we have an hioh-Pridt that can
ive compaffion on the ignorant, and of thofe that
c out of the way, I obtained rr.ercs becaufe I did it
uorantiy, I Tim. 113. CHAP.
44 A Do ore of Salvation.
CHAP. VII.
Tlat the opnion of enforcing Faith, and Ke^
feritance in men^ cannot Jiand with the na-
ture of the laft Judgement by Cbrift.
THis BocVme (namely of Gods neceffirattng re
pentancc, fyc. in men) is inconiiitent with the
laii fcntence of Chrift>(which as die Scriptures declare;
ihal be according ro every mans works v And therfon
forafamch ae al fuch things wherunto men are enforcec
by a power which they cannot reilft , are imputable
only unto that power whereby they are fo enforced
It muft follow that if that fome men fhould by God b«
liecefTKated to repentance,^*:, they could be no mop
justified according to the fentence of Chrift in relario
thereunto, then any other men could be condemn©
with reference to Inch evill aftions whereunto the
were enforced by a power which they could no wait
ppftibly refiibTo make this evident by the Scripture:
in Mat- 1 6. 27. it's declared by Chi ift himfelf, Th
when he commerh in the Glory of his Father with h
Angels? he will reward every man according to ti
workes. In like manner? Revel 22. 12. he faith, B<
hold I come quickly? and my reward is with me, t
give to every man according as his worke fhall be , ;
greeable unto which is the Tefiimony of the ApoftI
2 Cor. 5. 10. We muft all appear before the Judg
me
Opened unto all Mm* 4 5
rientSeacofChrift, that every oneinay receive the
iiings done in his baby, according to that be hath
ione, whether it be good or bad- Ace e< ding to which
rule (the Scriptures aforehanddelnibing unto us die
nanner of the laft "judgement, afs if it were already
paii) we rinde the fentence ofChrift denounced to-
wards all perfons, Mat. 25.34. with iceiv. 20.12,13.
Secondly, That all inch a&iom, fyc. whei eunto
perfons are enforced a^ain ft the choice and aflent of
iheir own wilt, are nor imputed unto them as, their
Dwn aftions,will plainly appears firft, by Deut. 22.25,
: 5. If a man faith the Text, rinde a betrothed DamfeU
irt the field, and force her j then the man only that
fenced her (hall die- But uaco the Damlell thou fnak
doe nothing, there is in the Damfell no fin worthy cf
death : for as when a man rifeth againft his neighbour,
and flayeth him, even fo is this matter. Likewife by
the words of the Apoflle, in Roviu 7-2. If I dee thai
i would nor, it is no more I that doe it, but fume thac
dwelleth in r^e j from which in the 24^ajst} 2*^ verier,
he concludeth, That God, would acquit him. And
thereupon in the i- yerfe of the 8. chapter, deckreth
ills That there i^ no condemnation belonging
Dntq men for fuch a&ons* The reafon hereof is, Be-
irut God looktth only at the heart
j Sun . coord in g to
what lie obfervcth thereto, whether it be gcod or bad;
. is wilkd snddctei mined therein, he nek.
i r as if it were don e, th >rot-
nicy or abiliry it ne\ er be eflefto whence it is
hcApoftJe declaj .rail rule,
1 .ilin£
..".. , :in n harh,
46 A Doorc of Salvation
and nor according to that he hath not j which we find*
verified unto us by a clear inftance, in the 1 King* 2
18. 19. of Gods kinde acceptation of Davids atfectiotv
to build him an Houfe, though that it was never built
by him, Whereas it was in thy heart (faith the Lord}
to build me ati houfe, thou didft well, that it was ii
thine heart ', nevertheles, thou fhak not build me the
Houfe, ^rc And we may alfo obferve that Solomon,
who by Gods appointmeut did build it, received net 1
greater reward for his aftion therein* then David did
for his arfecYion thereunto : And fo on the other fide,
Chrift informeth us, That the things that defile a man,
are only thofe that proceed from his heart, Gut of the
heart,faith he,Mat. 1 $.19,20. proceeded! evil thoughts
(hefpeaketh not of thofe that are fuggefted, or that at
unawares arife therein, and are forthwith quenched*
and fuppreffed, fcr thefe defile no man) but of thofe
that are conceived and harboured therein, which
when opportunity ferveth, break forth into murthers,
ad«ltcries,fornication5. 3 thefcs,faIfewitnes,blafphemies,
thefe defile the man; upon which ground it is, That
the Scriptures declareth David to be a man according
to Gods own heart, fave only in the matter of Vriah %
1 Kings 15.5. "Wherein deliberately and with purpofe
of heart (as mnft needs be conceived) he chofe the
thing which he knew to be etill, which in other cafe
(wherein his aftions much fwerved from the rules of
perfect juftice) he did not } and therefore is neither 1
blamed nor accufed for them.
Ob)t&. God doth not juftifie men for Faith, but by \
Faith : nor reward them for their workes, but accord- j
frig tQ tteif worked the reward of good workes being
Grace !
Opened unto all Men. 47
Grace belonging to Adopted Children, not to fervants
for the worke done.
Anfo. The diftinction betwixt jufiification by
Faith, and for Faith, is altogether vaine : feeing that
he that is juftined by Faith, cr by reafon thereof,
which is all one, is fo juftitied for Faith : Eecaufc that
Without Faith he cannot pleafeGod, Hebr. 11. $, 6.
nor obtain acceptation with him- Thy Faith, faith
Chrift to the woman, hath (aved thee, Luke 7. 5. The
like may be faid concerning the diftinctien betwixt
reward for workes, and according to workes; in regard
that he that is rewarded according to his workes, is fo
rewarded for his workes : as he that is rewarded accor-
ding as he hath fed y relieved, and feafted the poor,that
were not able to feaft him again , {as Chrift hath
promifed in Luke 14. 1 3,14.) or as he that is reward-
ed according as he hath given a cup of cold «water in
the name of Chrift, (having no better in his power to
give) he is fo rewarded for that he hath fo done, by
reafon that otherwife he mould have received no fuch
Reward-
And yet it is not to be denied but that Juftifica-
tion through Faith, and reward of good workes, ori-
ginally proceedeth from the meer Grace and fpectall
Favour of God in jefus Chrift, conOdering that by the
Law we can lav claim unto no Inch thing, but muft ac-
knowledge our felves, according to that Coven^t,
gniltyofeverlafting death, or the difiblution of our
natures for ever in the Grave \ and therefore whatfo-
ver we either doc or fiiall receive from G<xi more or
lefle than this, as our prefent being in this lifc,theen-
loymcnt of the Creatures, a time of repentance, wirh
-h* means there ^ .1 he cufft of
Ac
**mQmm*
48 A DoGre of Salvation
the Law, Refurre&ion to another life, Adoption and
Salvation through Fairh, rr conformity to the will of
God,known and underftood by us j muft be attributed I
to the alone Grace of God in Jefus Chrift, through
whom he hath obtained thefe things for us, and Cove-
nanted and granted to beftow them Upon us, Accord-
ing to which diiVmftionbenvixc tlie Covcnancs,is that
diftinftion which runneth through the Rodie of the
New-Teftament, betwixt righteouiVies and rigbteouf?
nes,workes*aud workes, reward and reward, to be unr
derfiood according to the firft covenant,There is none
that doth good, none righteaub, but all have finned
and are fallen, mor: of the Glory of God , accurfedi
dead and excluded from, all happineffe for ever. Bat
in relation to the fecend Covenant made with us in
Chrift, as we were confdered in this eftatej we are
through his death and refurre&ion redeemed from
death, made alive from the dead.uuder a Law of liber-
ty futable to our frailty, and capable of working
righteoufnefle thereby, under the pron>iies of Adopti-
on, of reward of good workes, and of raigning toge-
ther with God and Chrift for ever and ever. It doth
not therefore follow/That becaufe men obtain Juftiti-
cation and Adoption through Fairly and are rewarded
for their good workes, that therefore all thefe diings
are not obtained through Grace j feeing that it is from
the unfpeakabie Grace of God,:hat we who were dead
doe live, that we enjoy fuch precious promifes , and
upon fuch gracious termer, whereby we are or may be
made partakers oi them.
And yet although that Juftification and Salvation,
are thus founded upon the Grace of Gpd,yec hath eve-
ry m*a through the performance 01 thofe tilings
where-
Opened unto all ?;>en. 49
whereunco the fame is pr.omifcd.as j lift, a right and
dainie thereunto, as our firft Father Adam could have
had urrto life by obedience to the Law., as the words of
the Apoftle in Iiebr- 6. 10. dee plainly witneffe, God
is not unfaithfull (faith he) to forget your worke and
labour, of love, the righreoufnefle cf God is engaged
to performe whatfoever^ forth of his gcodneiTe he hath
promi fed.
And as for. the pretence of fome (gathered frcm
thefe and fach like Scriptures, 1 John 5. 10, 11. Luke
27-)That Salvation is freely bellowed upon men with-
jut any thing required on their part thereunro j their
niftake therein is dearly dilcovered from thele
yopunds.
r. That the A potties of Jtfus Chrift who handled
lot the Word of God deceitfully , but cemmendeef
hemfelves to every mans conicicnce, as in the fight of
od, 2 Cor- 4. 2. doe every where in Anfwer to the
Jueftion, What men fhould dee to be faved'j De-
lare,That men rouft repent and beiieve,A r // 2.37,38.
\lls 1 6. 30, 31.
2. From the praftkre of the Apoftles themfelves,
ho being fully intti lifted in the knowledge of the
race, of God, Aft; 2c 2;. yetttrove to ebrain the
rown of eternalllife, And not un-necefi n ity, as men
sating the Aire, I Cor. fl.25, 26 zlim.2.
.
3. From the tenure of the promifes, which all
Brie conditionally, 1 will give to him that is a thirft
the water of life freely, Rom. 20. 6. Ee rhuFaith-
11 unto death, and 1 will give thee a Crown of life,
11 hive fought a good fight, I have rinifh-
H»vc kcpttheFajthj heneef r h there
■
m^mmmm
50 A Doorc of Salvation
k laid up for me a Ciown of Fighrcoufnefie, which the
Lord the righteous Judge will give me at that day, and
not to me only, but unto all thofe that love liis ap-
pearing, 2 fink 4. 6, 7. Rev- 3,. 11. Rev. 3. 24.
4. And laftly, from hence that Salvation it felf is
intituled, The inheritance of reward, Col. 3. 24. For-
afiiuich as reward do'thalwaies prefuppofc fomething:
either dont or to be doae, in recoirpence whereof
rhe lame is given- Mofes chofe to fuffci with die peo-
ple •£ God,beca«fe he had refpeft to the recompence
of reward, i/e£r. 11.25, 2d
5- And although in 1 John $.10,1 1. It is faid that
God hath given- us eternall life j yet in verf- the 12. k
is alio faid,That this life is in hi$ Son, and that he that
hath it muft have the Son. And the fame Aportlein
his 2 Epift.v.p r plainly decFareth/Thatwhofoever rranf-
greffeth and abideth not in the doftrine of Chrift,hatft
neither the Father nor the Son > He is the author oh
Salvation to thole that obey him, Hebr. 5. £.
And as for Luke 1 • 77- where it is prophefled, That
John the-Baptiit lhouldgive knowledge of Salvation"
to the lewes, by the remhTion- of hnnes. The meaningi
thereof is beft interpreted by the tenour of his owin
peaching unto them '<> whereby they are taught not to
expect either remiffion of fins, or Salvation other wife
then through repentance, and amendment of life,L«^.
3. 5. Mat. 3. 8,9,10. Luke 5. 8. according to that m
Ails 3. y$.
Objefl. Faith being the gift of God, Efh. 2. 8.
Salvation in reference whereunro it is given, is the gift
oi God alfo-
Anfrr. Firft, It is not clear in this Text that die
Apoftlc doth intend Faith to b* the gift of God > but
rather
Opened unto all Men. 51
rather that falvation is the gift of God, and in what
nature Salatiwi is given by him, hath been fhewed
before.
2. But admit that Faith is the gift of God ', it doth
not therefore follow, that Faith whereunto Salvatioa
Is promifed is the gift of God; for Faith in the Scri-
ptures is diverfly taken : As iirft, it is taken for the
Doftrine of Faith j in which refpeft , they that have
preached the fame, are faid to preach the Faith, Oalat,
1.23. and thofe to whom it was preached, are faid to
ficai the Faith, (/<*/. 3$. and thofe that received and
fubjefted themfelves thereunto, are faid to be obedi-
ent to the Faith, Atts 6. 7. Secondly, it is taken for
he bare credence and belief of the Doftrine of Chrift;
hi which refpeft, The Rulers that loved the praife of
*ieh more tlian the praife of God, are faid to believe
in Chrift, John 12. 42,4$. And thus the Devils are
ilfo faid to believe and tremble, James 2. i$>. Thirdly
(t is taken for the knowledge, love and obedience of
:he Doftrine of Chrift j In which refpeft , thofe that
fiave departed from the love and obedience thereof,
jrefaid to make Shipwrack of Faith and a good con-
cience, 1 Tim. 1. 19. And laftly, it is taken for an
ifiured hope and expeftation of eternall life: begotten
n men through a confcientious privity of the truth of
heir repentance,finceiity of tlieir obedience, and the
gracious promifes of God made thereunto (according
sthe words of the Apoftle, in 2 Tim- 4. 7, 8. before
'ehearfed do declare.) Now although that Faith in the
irft and fecond acceptation j whereunto the Apoftle
n thefc words, (yi^.) (It is the gift of God) may have
efpeft) be acknowledged the gift cf God, and be after
• fort neceffarily impoied upon men (efpeciallv when
E 2
A Doore of Salvation
as the Do&rine of Chrift is clearly and evidently de-
monitratcd unto them (by the miraculous power of
God, as it was by the Miniftery of the Apoftles.) Yec
in the third 'acceptation, by which alone men are inti-
tuled ro Salvation, it cannot from hence be concluded
to be the gift of God \ it being begotten in men only
through a due and ferious confederation of the truth,
ceftatnty>wqrth, and excellency of the Doftrine ther-
eof di {covered unto them : For like as a foft anlwer
turneth away wrath, and a foft tongue breaketh the
bone, (according to Prev. 15. 1. and 2$. i$.) Even Cm
the unfpeakable love and goodnefle or God appearing
unto men, received into, and laid up in their hearts,-
(as it is required in Vm. 6. £,11, 18. Prev. 4. 4.) be-
getteth in them a love towards God, obedience to his
Word, crucifieth them to the world, calteth downe
imaginations and every high thing that exalteth it
felfagainft the knowledge of God, and bringeth into
captivity every thought, to the obedience of Chrift,
2 Cor. 10.4, 5. Epk. 6. id, 17. From whence it is
that thofe perfons who have had the mercy and good-
neiTe cf God demonft rated unto them (in a more a-
bundant mcafufe than others) and have not thereby
been fubdued to the love and obedience of him, are
charged with fcrge r ting God -heir Saviour and rruker,
with forgetting his worke, Pfalm- 100. 21, 15. Den*.
32. 18. With forgetting that th cry were purged from
their old imnes, 2 Pet. *.£. Are called forgetfull
hearers of the word, Jam. 1.25. and refembled to 4
man beholding his natural! face in a glafle, and ftraighc
way forge rteth what manner of man he was, J&m. 1.
25, 24. plainly arguing that the consideration of the
love and gcodneiTe of God towards men 7 is the only
and
Opened unto all Men. 5 5
and effectual means to becec the love and obedience
of God in them.
3. Etr let it be granted, That the Apoftle in theft
words doth conclude, that faith whereuhtp Salvation
1 1, is the gift of Gpd, yet it will not from the
follow, That i- r-bv him necei^irily begotten Or
forced in any men.
1. Becaufethacin the Scriptures* tliat is dec..
to be given,* whichls only ottered tc mens accepc:
to receive or rcfufe, is themselves bhall pleale : So
the neld of Machpelah, and
the Caved!:' <aham*> Gtn- 29V1W
Andthefoi! Chriit, gate him to
drink wine mingled with mynbe, but neither the one
nor the other of them, were thereby -pofiefled wirh
jhac which . t\ unto them, becaule they rciu *
led ro acce] :->. 12,13,17. Mai\
«?•
2. That in the Scriptures
untc men, which is no otherwifc obtained ,
through a free , ufe and improvement ov
fuch means, which he hathvouchfarld Unto them for
thofe ends- Thefe arc the children, faith J .nob, •
5.5- which Ov 1 huh jgricioftfty
vant, hep'r.e h food t<> all flefh rgd.ay* He
gave the Ifraefites their corn, and their wine, and
heir filvcr and their gold, //of.2.8. H
veth u: ( faith the Ay ity all things to en]
r T7/u.<j.i7. And thus God hath given eternal life to
all men in his Son , 1 Job. 5. 10,1 1. So God being
nen, when he only ariordeih
unto therrt the means thereof, jtff. 17.31. Thar faith
which is obtained by the ufe of that mean;, mult
E 3 need*
*4 A Doore of Salvation
n eeds be acknowledged to be his gift alio. And there-
fore as the Scriptures teftimony , that falvation is of
grace, and the gift of God, is no fufticient evidence
to prove, that therefore it is conferred upon men any
otherwife then in the nature of a reward and reconv
pence of their obedience, repentance, fac* So nei-
ther is the Scriptures evidence, That faith is the gift
of God, a fufticient ground to prove, that therefore it
is either infufed into mens hearts by the Spirit of
God, or intruded upon them by the irrefiftable ope-
ration thereof, or that it is any otherwife obtained by
them, then through the voluntary ufe and improve-
ment of the means that God hath vouchfafed untjo
them fcr that purpofe.
It is declared, That God gave the Israelites bread
from heaven, and fed them thereby, Pfal. 78.2$.
Joh*6.$i. Deut.2.3. Aud yet none will from thence
affirm, That he either infpired them therewith, or
enforced them to eat thereof, or that their fuftentati-
on thereby, did not wholly depend upon their own
voluntary gathering and applying the fame thereunto,
according as the Lord commanded, Exodus 16. i&
To conclude therefore this Argument feeing(as ic was
fliewed before) that God only regardeth the hearts
of men- And that his love and difpleafui e is direfied
towards them, accord-
' * Life and death U there- ing to that which he
firefaid to be in the power of obferveth to becho-
the tongue, Prov. 18.21. And fen or refufed thereto,
that by our words we (hall be vertue and vice, life
pftifedy and by aur words we and death proceeding
ffiaUbe condtmuedflltt 1 2.37, from thence, 4 " Pro- 4-
23.
Of cried unto all Aim. 55
23. If that faich and
repentance did not
proceed frcm the free
and voluntary choice
of mans will, as there-
by in thefighc of God
.hefticnld not be di-
'ftinguiflird fiorn the
•impenitent and difo-
[focdicnt \ fc neither
fhould he finde any
favour 01 acceptation
with God by rcafon
thereof, or receive a-
eward from him
at the lafr day for the
fame- If 1 doe this
becaufe that the longue k \
juftofed to be the infallible In -
te v preter of the hearty and tka
nothing it uttered by the one^
which U not fir ft cbofen, Ami
determined in the other, Mat-
12.34. which plain!) arguetk,
That all vertue and vice pro-
cecdethfiam thence y a::d that
every mans 'judgement in the
day ofCbrift, /ha!! be, not ac-
cording 10 fuel) thought* or a'
ttions whereunio they were en-
forced, but according to that
which wns ft eel) chofen, em-
braced and accepted by tlyem in
their own hearts.
thing willingly ( faith Paul J I have a reward, 1 (
if but orherwife not, as his words doe clearly
imply.
And therefore to the end that all men may obtain
eternal life , life and death being by Almighty God fet
before them, Df at. 30. 19.it ccnccrneth them ro heark-
en diligenrly to wifdoms voice, calling upon them to
choofe the fear of the Lord, Frov. 1 .29. And from a
jthankfull app/ehenfion of his gocdneile difcovered un-
ite them, wichuprightnefie of heart to apply them-
selves to the- obedience of him '■> and that vlutfoevev
they doe, to doe it willingly, and act grudgingly 1
nor of necefiity, knowing that he only loverh rlre
cheaifull giver : from whence the widdows miter be-
ing offered with aftccYi en, becometh a moft accepta-
ble facrifice unto him . He defireth not to reap,wbere
E 4 he
$6 A Doore of Salvation
he hath not firft fowed, yet he expefteth from us, ac-
cording to the talents delivered unto us, the which
therefore every man ought faithfully to improve- And
ill fo doing, when the Lord fhall return to take an
'account of his fervants, he may afiuredly conclude,
That he will gracioufly imbrace and receive him with
this heavenly Eulogy, Well done good and faithfnll
fervant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord, when the
wicked and ilotbfull fervant fhali be caft into* outer
darknefte.
C H A P. VI I L
Servetbfor the clearing of 'jucb Texts cf Scripture^
which feem to imfly a disability in men to im-
prove the means vouchsafed unto tbem for their t
falvation.
AGainft that which hath been faid there are two
main Objections , which require feme further
Anfwer to be given unto them 3 Tfe &"ft °f which h
grounded upon fuch Sciiptures-vvMch feem to imply a
difability in men to improve the means vouch&fed to
their falvation : The fecond is grounded upon fuch c-
rher Scriptures which feem to import repentance, faith,
fyc. to be neceffitated in men by the irrefiftable pow-
er ofGoct.
The Scriptures appertaining to the firft of thefe Ob-
jecYions are thefe and fuch like, Ephef-2. 1,2,3. iCor.
■2.14- John 5.44. 2 Cor. 3.5, which in order I mail
endea-
Opined unto all Men. 5 7
endeavour to clear, and fo proceed co thofe which be-
long co the fecond.
I- From the firft of thete Eph?f.2. 1,2,5. die words
whereof are as followeth ( And you hath he quickned
who were dead hi trefpafles and fins. Where in times
part ye walked , according co the courfe of
this world, according ro the prince of the power
Gftheair,£rc. fulfilling the lufts of the flefh, and of
the iincte, and were by nature the children of wrath)
Its conceived that a man deprived of his natural life, is
not more incapable oi ng the actions of living
men then a man in his natural condition, is of per-
forming any thing required of him to his -Salvation.
'Which \vi i ! appear very incredible, if that we doe but
confider, that the Scriptures doe evidently declare,
1 that God requireth net of any men, but according to
the talents delivered, unto them, he requireth not five*
where he giveth but two, nor two, where he giverh
but one, not' yet one, wheichehath not vouchsafed
If ye were blinde ' (faith Chriit) ye had not fin,
. •■-?•
2. Therefore fecondly, I arifwer, That although
'that this text doth declare, that the Ephefaiu were
in trefpafles and fins : Vet \t doth hot argtae that
'they were necdfarily dead therein, or that they n
hot have avoided the lame, for mens being bad is no
good ground to prove that they could not be good. If
that they were neceflarity fncli, it mult be either by
reafon that they were fuch by birth, or elfe through
.want of inltmcTion, but that they were fuch by birth,
car, nor be gathered from this text-
I. Becaufe that thofe fins and rrefpafies, wherein
'they arc faid robe c-caJ, arc declared to be fucb, as
relate
5^ A Doore of Salvation
relate to their convention, and time of ripe age,they
walked according to the courfe of this world, the
prince that mleth in the air, fulfilled the detires of the
minde, fyc. which is not incident to the eftate of in-
fancy.
2. [twasobferved before, That all fins have their
original in the wils cf men *, and then forafmuch as
children cannot diftinguifh betwixt good and evil,
DfNM.39. they cancoc poffibly choofe the thing that
is evil y and therefore cannot be guilty thereof, rcucl
lefle dead therein-
If it be objected, That they are faid to be the chil-
dren of wrath by nature-
Its anfwered, Tliat by nature in this place probably
may be underltood that flefnly, fenfuall cr devilnh
courfe of life, wherein they had their converfat'en
( for fo the word naturall in the 3. Chapter of lames
the i$.verfe, compared with the nmrgent, appear-
eth to be rendered ) in reference unto which, they
may here be faid, to be children of wrath : Bur if that
thereby we muft underftand their eftate by birth, then
in that refpeS are they to be efteemed none otherwife
the children of wra th, [
* By wrath in thU place tannot then as they were fub-
poffibly be underftood the con- jeci to the wrath or
demnatlon of hell, becaufe that curfe of mortality, in-
funifbment relates to the rcfur- herein to their na-
refrion, which could not have tures by their defcenc
been had not Chrift died and fiom Adam *. From
rofe again j and t fore fore the whence being ranfom-
curfe ef the fall ("of which on- ed by the death and
iy we are chargeable' by no,- refurre&ion of lefus
turej muft oftiecefftty end in Chnft , the more to
endear
. ^
Opened unto all Men. 5 9
c ndear them unto the grave , and the being of
Jiim for his goodnelfc fallen Adam, there ceafing, no
towards them there- funijbment be) end the fame can
in, the Apoftle in this be inflifted. And therefore
place may put them in the wrath or condemnation of
minde thereof. bell mufi ofnecejfity be proper
And as they were to the being that it to come,and
not dead in trefpaiTes the reward of difobedience in
and fins by birth : So thefecond Adam, and not of
'neither were they our fall in the firft Adam,
dead therein through wane of divine illumination
or demonftiation ( though that neither the Mofakal
Law r Doclrine of the Prophets, or of Chrift, were
delivered unto them) as appeareth by Atl-iq.iy.
where we reade that Paul and Barnabas having before
reproved the men ofLyflra, for walking after ftrange
gods, and facriricing unto them (to convince them,
and difcover to us, that k was not through want of
divine evidence that they fo walked) They declare,
that God did not leave himfelf without witneffe, that
he only ought to have been worfhipped by them, in
that he did them good, and gave them rain from hea-
ven, filling their hearts with food and gladnefte : and
the fame Apoftle further declareth , in Rom- 1. 19.
That that which may be known of God was manife-ft
unto them ( to wit the Gentiles J for God fhewed it
avothera: For the invifible things of him ffaith
lej from the Creation of the world, are clearly feen,
3eing understood by the things that are ntade, even his
tenia 1 power and Godhead.
And yet the more fully to evidence this truth,
nverfiiy it's plainly declared, that bv the afore-
aid means they did attain to the knowledge of God,
and
60 ADoore of Sdvation.
and of that worihip thafrhe required of them, when
they knew God, faith the text, they glorified him,
not .as God, neither were thankfull, $rc But know-
ing the judgement of God* that rhey which did com-
mit fuch thuigs, were, worthy of death, did not only
doe the fame, but took plcafure in thofe true did
them, vcrfez. And thereupon in Cbap.2-i,%. are
declared to be tfkhoat excufe, both in their difobedi-
enteand condemnation.
2.. This is yet more clearly demonftrated by the<
words of the ApcS13i in Cib^.^TajiS-^When tte
Gentiles fhnhhcj which have not the Law, doe
by nature die things contained in the Law : thefe hi
viag not the Law are a Law unto themfdves, which
lheweth the work of the Law written in their he
their conferences alfo bearing them witiicffe, and cheif
thoaghes in the mean while acceding and excufmg ob*
another in the day; when God fhall judge the fecreii
of men by IeiusXhrift. In which words thele twe
things are plainly declared; Firft, Tha" whatibever
was neceiforily required of them to their -falvation
fully known unto them. Secondly, That the think*
io known by them, was within their power to perform
and pra&ife. That tlieir duty was fully knowne
unco them , he demonftraterh from thefe two
grounds-
i. That feme of them did perforate' the fanraC
which according as he argued!, they, could not have
done, had they been ■ -ignorant thereof, when the
Gentiles ( faith he J dee by nature the things
contained m the Law, they fhew thereby,
that they have the. worke of the written in their
hearts.
j 4 Fiorr
Opened unto all Men. 6l
2. From hence (^i*.) iha: thole of them wiiich
id not per forme the things required of chetn ro their
alvation, had therein confciences accufins them a:
»refent (andfnould accufe them) by reatcu thereof in
he day when God fhal judpe the fearers of men by ]e-
js Chrift j the which ihould be impoifibie, were noc
he fame things known and underftood by them, as we
iay perceive by a very plain inftanee, in Gen. 20.
■'here we read, That Abimelech having raken unto him
ibrahims wife,upon his denying her to be his Wife,
nd of Gods threatning him with death, in caie that he
id not reftore her again unto him, he net being privy
o himfelf of any evil committed therein \ Id
trf. the 4. and 5- thus replierh in his own defence,
^ord wilt thcualfo Hay a righteous Nation? Said he
ioc unto me (he is my filter \ And the, even fhe her
elf faid,He is my brother', in the integrity of my heart
nd mnocency cf my hands I have done this > the
ihich grounds alfo ferve plainly to demoBl'irate the
ruth of the later portion, (t/7^.)
required of diem to their
lalvaticn, v/as within their pesver to be pet formed by
hem. For by the fame reaton that fomc perlormed
hem by nature - , others in the fame condition might
uvc done fo likewiie, i\\& cciifcjoufuelie tiut tney
rould not performe them, being known unto diem,
ivoulJ quiet their niindes both in this world , and ac
he day ofChriit, as much asconfaioufnefieoMiek ig-
1 the competence; of a man
n the cmiflion or mifdoing 01 his duty r.c: LMidcr-
iood, acquitteth him therein on. tii ground,
Fhjt the doing or right i*-i s utv
:o nim ; nor •idca-
■Lt vouis,
62 A Doore of Salvation
vours 7 the which ground of impoffibility, to performe
his duty will appeafe his confcience in the omifiion
thereof, in any other cafe whatfoever. And thus this
Objeftion with the ground thereof is taken away.
Thefecond text is, I Cor. 2. 14. the words whereof
are thcfe : But the naturall man perceiveth nor the
things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolifhnes un-
to him,neither can he know theni becaufe they areSpi-
ritually difcemed j from whence it is fuppofed that no
man in the eftate of nature, not endued with the Spi-
rit of God, can pofiibly underftand or doe any thing
required of him to his Salvation.
1. The groundlefneffc of this fuppofition was
clearly difproved before, by the testimony of the Apo-
ftle, concerning the Gentiles , their doing, by nature
the things required of them to their luftiftcation and
Salvation.
2. But yet die more fully to take away the ground
thereof. By the things of the Spirit in this place mult
needs be understood, either fach things which are pe-
culiar to the Spirits revelation to thofe which after
their believing have received the fame, according ta
hhn 1 5. 12. where Chrift telle th his Difciples , That
he had many things to fay unto them,whichthey could
not then (vfe before the Spirit was given unto them)
bear: How be it (faith he) the Spirit of Truth when
he is come, he will guide you into all Truth, and will
fhewyou things to come. Or elfe fecondty, By the
thingsof the Spirit muft be imderftood the Dodrinc
cftheGofpel in general 1, mentioned chap. 1. 17, 18.
21. 2. 4- $. By the wifdome of the World is accounted
foolifhnefie. If that the things of the Spirit be taken
ill Ae firft acceptation,^! may be conceived from the
12, and
Opened unto all Men. 6 %
12 , and 13, verfes, where the Apoftle intimateth, that
the things whereof he here fpeaketh, were none otheF
then what was revealed or taught unto himfelf and o-
thers> by the Spirit which they had received) then this
text pretendeth not at all to prove, thar men in the
eftate of nature cannot perceive or doe any thing re-
quired of them to their Salvation, but only that none
can undcrftand the myrteries or fecrets of die King-
dome of God, untill firft they believe the Gofpel,Mzr.
1 3 • 1 1 • and are Baptized wi th the H6ly Ghoft *, which
the World cannot receive, John 14. 17. Nor yet fe-
condly, If that by the things of the Spirit are under-
stood the Doftrine of the Gofpel in generakk will not
thereupon follow, that a man in the eftate of nature,
by the exercife of his underttanding, cannot perceive
or receive the knowledge thereof, when it is plainly
preached>and by the evidence of 1 he Spirit deraonftra-
ted unto him. Seeing it is manifeft by the Scripturer*
that the very worft of naturall men, The Ruler?,
Scribes and Pharifees, have attained :o the knowledge
of the moft fundamental! points of Chriltianhy; under
which the whole Doflrine therof is comprehended. As
1 They believed that there was a God. 2. They befiev-
that jefus Chrift was the Mefiias and Saviour of the
World, and fo confequently that his whole Doftrine
was none other theH the undoubted Oracles of God,
Iobn. 2.23,24,25. John 12. 42,42. And thirdly, They
believed the redirection of the juft and of the uniuft,
AR* 23. 7,9. A&f 24. 15. And rle Gofpel being
thus underftood by men, they are thereby fuhiciendy
enabled to the 1 obedience thereof , whence it is that
the Scriptures unto fuch perfons fpeaketh on this
wAi Receive not the grace of God in vain; having
thefc
64 A Doore of Salvation
thefe promifes, let us cleanfe our telves from all tikhi-
nefleoftiefhand fpirit, and pel fed holineffe in the
fear of God.He that knowerh todo wel,and doth no:,
or that knpweth his mailers v/il,and doth ir not^to him
it is fin,and lie fhall be beaten with many ftripefr ouch
manner of fpeech alwaies prefuppollngan ability in the
perfons ro whom it is directed to improve thofan.e to
rhe end thereof.
i Wherefore we are not to conceive (that becaufe ir
isfaid, Thenatundlmanpercciveth not the things of
the fpirit> nor can receive them ) that There-
fore no man deftitute
ofthe fpirit can poffi-
bly underhand or give
obedience to the Go-
fpel of Chrift, when
it if -evidently (in the
preaching thereof)
demonftrated unto'
them. But we are
thereby given co
Know, That? no man
whatfoever meafuring
the Gofpel of Grace,
teaching him to deny
al ungodlines &world-
ly iuii,& to live right-
eouily,foberly& godly
in this prefent world*
fydit. 2. ii,i2-J by
the natural, earthly 8c
fenfual principles and
wifcfoir* of rhe world *
( reaching
* -S.John in hk 1 }o\\.2.iy ex-
horting not to love the world,
nor the things that are \herein y
inver.id, teacheth m, what
he would have Hi to under [land
thereby fvi^J tie lujis of
ihefiefh, the luftsiof the eyes,
and the pride of life j whereby
we are affe taught to under-
ftandj&brreunlo the wifdome of
tbt world, fc often ffoken of in
thefirftyfecond and third Chap.
of the 1 Cor. k ta be confined
C\\l.J to the promoting and
accomflijhing the fore-faid
ends, becaufe that it cannot
extend beyond it felf, or direll
mtn unto any thing that is not
comprehended therein , the
which may ferve to admonijh
all men to beware of branding
Opened unto all Men. 65
'teaching him to de- the vertuout and juft princi-
iy all godl'metfe and pals , whether of the Hea-
>codnes in this world, then s> or any other ferfons
indto live according whatsoever ( 'though learned
o the lufts of the in the iookof Creation only J
lefh, the lofts of the with the odious infamy of
?yes, and pride of worldly wifdom : An evil too
ife, 1 Joh-i-iC. can ordinary in our times.
X)flibly receive the
ame, and become obedient thereunto, but mint re-
eft it as foolilhnerYe. God and the world, the wif-
JomeofGod, and the wifdome cf the world, being
3 direftly oppofite and contrary each unto other,
"hacwhofc ever will love the one, muft hare the o-
ler ', or that will embrace the one, muft reject the
ther- If any man, faith James , will be a friend
) the world, he muft be an enemy unto Gcd,
hmes 4.4.
Jofiua having put it to die Israelites choice, whe-
ier they would ferve the Lord, cr the gods tliac
*cir bathers had woifhipped, Chap. 24.1$. And they
living in* anfwer thereunto declared, Thar they
Ould ferve the Lord only, verf\ 8. He replieth unto
fern, Wf/'.io. in thefe words (Te cannot fe t v e toe
ord J wherein his meaning is not, that it was im-
oflible for them to ferve the Lord ( for then he
ould not have put it to their choice, whether they
fould ferve him or not ) but his meaning is, that ihey
puld not ferve him acceptably, unlefle they did
y cleave unto him, and rejeft Idols, verf. 14-1^.
etfife in this place, when the Apoftlcfairh,Thac
curalman cannot receive the things of the Spr
jod (that is to fay, approve and fubjeft him-
F b
66 A Doore of Salvation
:
CtJfto the wifdomeand inftru&ion of God, contained v
in the doctrine of the Gofpel) wc may not fuppofe
that thereby h^ concludeth it abfolutcly impoftible
for them fo Co do > but impoflible only fo long as they
retain and nouriih in themfelves the vicious vvifdome
of the world; whereby they are inftrufted to gain-
fay, ref.ft and oppofe all godlinefie, vertue and ho-
nefty.
The third Text, is, loh. 6*44.. The words whereof
are thefe, No man can come unto me, except the
Father that fent me dravy him. From whence it is or-
dinarily fuppofed, That no man can believe in Jefus
Chrift, except that he be neceflarily en forced there-
unto by an immediate exercife or operation of the
power of God upon his foul-
For anfwer whereunto, I defire that it may be ob-
ferved , that this word f draw J whereupon the
whole weight of this Obje&ion ftandeth, is diverfty
underftocd in the Scriptures, and is not alwaies ta
ken for a necefiary compulsion, as it is here fuppofed;
but ordinarily for an argumentative perfwafion only.
asappearethbyyl#.$.37. Where (fpeaking concern-
ing one Judas, afeducer of the people) it is laid-
That he drew away much people after him. As alfc
by the words of the Apoftle, in AU. 20.30. where Ik
declared! to the Church, That from amongft them-
felves men mould arife, fpeaking perverfe things, anc
fliould draw away Difciples after them. And tha
God only draweth merf to the love of himfelf, tin
Faith and Obedience of Chrift, by the difcovery,$ ;
his goodncfe towards them , and of the danger
their ingratitude towards him, doth evidently a]
by thefe following Scriptures, Hofea u. 3,4. when
(con
Opened unto all men. 6 7
' concerning backfliding Ifrael, \*hcfe goodneslike
he morning dew parTed away ) the Lord thus fpeak-
^th, I taught Ephraim alio to goe, taking them by
;heir arms, but they know that I heah d them, I drew
hem with cords of a man, with bands of love, and I
was ro them as one that taketh of the yoke on the jaws,
ind I laid meat unto them. And in /&&. 10.38,39.
rhe juft fhall live by faith i but if any man draw back
faith the Lord ) my foul fhall have no pleafure in
him. But we are not of thofe (faith the Apoftle)
.hat draw back to perdition, but of thofe that believe
to the faviri£ of their foul.
In which Scriptures aredifcovered(befjdes the means
thereby Gcd draweth men) thefe two things-
i . That God draweth all men, the backfiiding 5 and
:hofe that draw back to perdition, as well as thofe that:
believe to the faving of their fouls. And
2. That he fo draweth none, but that pofiibly I
may draw back to perdition (as Ephraim, and' th^fe
xhers fuppofed in -the later Text) it being other -
wife to no purpole, to prefcnt men, with the danger of
Irawing back, nor would it be any matter of commen-
dations, either in the Apoftle, or that number where-
with he joyneth himfelf, that they did not draw back,
is well as others : For what praife is it not to draw
sack, when as it is impoffible fo to do.
Secondly, The words of the Text, compared wich
he former, and following verfes, doeclearlv import,
That the drawing of the Father, whereof Chri ft i.
confiftcthonly in external means, and dec;
initroftion delivered imto men by his preaching In
jtrf.41. Chrift declaring himfelf to he the living bread
' Cfl)i ^fromheaven,whichgiv<tt
Fa i:r
hie
A Doore of Salvation
life unto the world, and that by eating thereof, a man
ftionld live for ever ( of which he had fpoken before,
verf. 55. 3> ) And tlje jews carnally weighing his*
words therein; and not connecting that he fpake not
unto them concerning material bread, wherewith
their natural lives ikould be fnftained- In verf-4i,42.
Murmur againfthim, faying, Is not tliis lefus the few
ofhfrpb, whole father and mother we know * How
then faith he, I came down from heaven ? Whereup-
on in verf.4$,44,4v Chrift that he might remove from
before them the occaiion of their ftumbling at him, by
leafoa of his parentage, and inftruft them by what
means they fhould attain to the Belief and Obedience
of his Doftrine j anfwereth them to this efteft, AW
though that my father and mother be known unto"
you, yet notwithftaodmg, murmur not againft me,be-
caufe I faid, I am the bread which came down from
heaven, to give life unto the world : For it is not my
bodies descending from heaven, but the promifed :
Grace of God touching your Redemption, Refun eftt- ;
on, and eternal Salvation thorow my Death, and Obe : f
dience to my doftrine, which I intend, when I k|
fpake unto you, the which you cannot receive^except^
s my Father which lent me, draw you, according as ici
is written in the Prophets, They fhall be all taught of
God i Every man therefore which hath heard and*
learned of the Father CyiKs received his inftruftion,
and fubmitred themfelves thereunto) cometh unto;
me. Arid then in verf.46. leaft that he fhould be mi-
Itaken in what he had here faid concerning the Fa-
thers drawing and teaching,and be thought thereby to
affirm,That none could believe him to be the bread of
life 8c Saviour of the world,except that the Fatherim-
me-
Opened Tinto all Men. 69
mediately in his own perfon,or by his fpirit fhculd in
(truer then? therein,& enforce them thereunto-He fub-
joyneth thefe words, Not that any man Iiath feen the
Father at any time,fave he that is of God,he hath feen
the Father i intimating thereby, That although that
the Father teacheth men, yet he teacheth them not
perfonally or immediate Iv, but mediately by the Mi-
niftery of his Sonne, who is God with us, Mat.i.zj*
and (exit into the world, to the cod? that we may te
taught of God by him, according to thefe plain
p cures, 7«/j.i.i3. heb-i.2- hhj*l6* lob. 12.49, so-
So that when it is Uid, That none can come onto
Chrift, except that he be drawn thereunto by the
teaching of the Father i The meaning thereof is only
this, That no man can receive jefusChiift to be the
Saviour of the world, and become obedient unto him>
except that he hear and rtara,be drawn and perfvvaded
thereto by the infuuetion of the Father , in the I
fiery of his Son.
iourth Text allcadged to prove men incapa-
ble of improving the means of falvaticn, is, 2 Ctn .
rhe words whereof are thefe, Not that we are fuffici-
cot of our felves to think any thing, as of our -felvo,
3iir our fufliciency is of God.
1. To which i aniwer, hift, That this Scripture b
leaft of all to the piupofe for which it is alleadged, fee-
ing that it is not pleaded, that of our felves, a* of our
Telves, or as we are men limply completed, without ci-
ther having the Law written in our hearts, or fome
diicovery made unto us of our deliverance from mor-
rality and happineifc in the world to came, to thinke
my good thought, either towaids God, or of reform-
ing our felves according to the rules of vcrtue or Chri-
V 3 ftianianicy*
70 A Doore of Salvation
ft ; anity. It being according to the teftimony of the
Apoftle, if that the dead were not raifed, and con-
fequently no felicity to be expe&ed after death, our
only wifdome to eat and drink, to free and ac-
quit our felves from all manner of troubles and fufter-
ings whatfoever in this world (as for confeience fake)'
1Or.15.32. with the 19. 31, 2,2. To fill our felves
with coftly wine 3nd ointments, and to let no flower
ofthefpringpafie by us, to crown our felves with
Rofe-buds, before they be withered, and to leave
tokens of our joyfulnefie in every place, it being our
portion and only lot, Wifd.2. 7,8,9. Its thorow Faith
only in the Refurreclion and eternal Salvation, that'
we overcome the world, iIobn<.4.> The crolle of
Chrift cruciiieth us to the world, Gal.6.14. The bloud
of Chrift, or the bloud of the Covenant fancYifieth" us ;
in the' world, Heb. 16.29. And we love God, and
keep his Commandments, becaufe he hath commend-
ed his love unto us. by fending his Son into the world,
that we might live thorow him,i Iob~i. ip.with v.o,ta.,
£ cap. 5.3.
But the intent of the Apoftle in this place doth ma*
nifeltly appear to be only this C^'iK.O That neither 4
hehimfelf, nor any other of the Apoftles were off
themfelves, fufheient to think or conceive that glorrl
ous Miniftery that was committed unto them. For hi-
ving in the %'Xttte declared, That the Corinthians:
were the Epiftle of Chrift miniftred by them, not-
written with inke, but with the Spirit of God, not in
rabies of ftone, but in tiefnly tables of their hearts,
leaft that they fhould think of them, above*
that which was meet , 1 Cor* 4. 6. And afcribe
honour of this miniftration unto them ; as if that rl
Opened unto all Men. 71
Radnor received it, 1 Cor .4. ft 7- In the fifth an<!
fixth verfes, he addeth thefe words, Not that we are
fnfficientofour felves to think any thing, as of our
felves, but onr fuftkiency is of God, who hath made
us able Minifters of the new Ttftament, not of the
letter, hjtof thefpirit. And therefore in 1 Cor.4.1,
defireth, that they fhould account of them only ^5 Mi-
nifters and Stewards of thefe things.
So that all that can rationally be inferr'd from
hence, is only this. That like as the Apcftles of them-
felves yvere not fufficient to conceive that Minifterie,
that was given unto them, nor to accompliih any fuch
things, as wereeffefteH m men thereby : So neither
are any men iufficienr of themielves to conceive or be-
lieve the things declared therein, or to purine their
hearts thereby, imleife that die fame be revealed unto
them : Faith herein (and file eftefts thereof) being
by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, Rem.
10-17.
1 Some other Scriptures there are of this nature, hue
the anfwers to thefe duly conlidered, may be fufficiefit
to enlighten any indifferent mans undemanding ther-
in. And therefore I fhall proceed to anfwer to the
fecond mamObjecTion,and to fuch principal Scriptures
which belong thereunto.
F 4 CHAP-
A Doore of Salvation
CHAP. IX.
Containing [everatf Anfwers for the clearing of
fuch Scriptures, which feem to import faith to
beneceptatedintnen by the irrefiffable power
cfGod.
THe Scriptures alleadged in favour of the fecond
main Objection, are fuch as thefe, Rom.2. 2%,2p,
30. Pbil.2.i$* tbil.1.19. 2T///1.2.25. A0m.11. 5, -
6. Jer.31.is.
1. From the firft of which, the words whereof are
thefe ( And we know that all things work together
for good to them that love God , to them who are
the chofen according to his purpofe j for whom
he did fore-know , lie alfo did predeftinate to
be conformed to the Image of his Sonne? Moreo-
ver whom he did predeit'inate , them he alfo cal-
led, and whom he called, them he juftified,&r. ) Its
conceived that of man-kindefo Hen in Adam, God in
that eftate before the world, chofe a certain number
thereof unto himfelf for his fons and dan jhters. And
that in reference thereunto in time begetteth them
to faith,in his Son juftifieth them,(£rc
1. To which I anfwer, firft, That none are chofen
to Adoption or Salvation before the world, otherwife
then in relation to their obedience to thofe duties
vhich God in the Scriptures by lefus Chrift , and his
Apoftles requirech of men unto thofe ends ; 2 77/tm •?• ;
with
Opened nnto all Men. 7 3
_ *
'with the 10. TzM.1,2. with die 3.
2. Secondly, The Scriptures doe pofitively declare,
That election is only in IefusChiih, Epbef. 1.5. with
the 2 Thejf.2.13. God hath chofen you to Salvation
from the beginning, through fan&itiea:ion and belief
cf the truth.
3. IfthatGodthonldchoofeniento Adoption and
Solution Before the world, otherwife then in relation
to their obedience to his will made known unto them,
Then the will of God in this refpeft, fhouid be two-
folJ, andcontradi&ionsinitfelfi The one whereby
he choofeth and accep I option and Solvation,
the wicked, difebeditf.: and impenitent: The other
whereby he will net choofe, nor receive to adoption
or Salvation, any other then the godly, Philip. 4. 3.
the rich in faith, Jcim.z.%. The penitent, 2 Cor, 6.
17,18. And obedient, Matth-z:. ; to the
fourteenth, which contradiction is impciuble to be
in God-
4. Nor doth'the words of the Text prove the con-
trary \ Wherein firft is laid down the happy eftare of
thofe that are called according to purpofe, ver.iZ.
And 2. the ground thereof, which in vet. 29. is de-
clared to be thib ( ii^. ) That all thofe whom God
fore- knew ( that is to fay before the world beheld in
his Sonne through obedience unto him, who arc there-
fore in verfe the i8. deiaibed to be fuch as love
God, leaft that we fhouid conceive that God knew the
workers of iniquity before time, whom he refufeth to
own or know in time, Ato.7.23.) thofe hepredefti-
nared, that they fhouid be conformable to the Image
of his Sonne in glory, Phil. 3. 21. For the accom-
pUihmen- whereof he udminiltrcth unto them the
ITV mean
74 A Doore of Salvation.
si
means for their calling, and upon their obedience
thereunto, receivcth them to juftiheation, and in the
end to glory.
The lecond text is, Phil. 2.13. the words are thefc:
For it is God that worketh in you both to will and to
doe cf his good pleafure. From whence it is concei-
ved, That whitfoever any man willeth or doth accept-
able unto God and tending to his Salvation, he is ne-
ceflarily enforced diereunto by God.
Anfw. For the removall whereof its to be obferved>
That in the Scriptures things are apprehended unto
God, as done by him upon feverall grounds : As
1. Such tilings are faid to be done by him, which
he only fuftereth, or permitted! to be done, Job 1.
12 21- whether by men or devils, 70^.1.15,1^,17^
21. 706.2.7. with the 10.
2. Such things are faid to be done by him, which
are no otherwife cftefted, or brought to pane, then by
the ufe and improvement of the means that he afford-
ed! for the doing thereof. Thus he giveth man day by
day his daily bread y and feedeth the young ravens that
cry, Pf. 147.5?.
3. Alfo fuch things are faid to be done by him*
which he aftorde^h fit and necelfary means unto men
for the doing of: Although that through their neglect
orabufe of thofe means the fame he never accompliih-
ed, E^ek: 24.13. becaufe I have purged thee, an
thou waft not purged; therefore thou'fhalt not b
purged from thy fikhines, untill I have ciufed my fu
to reft upon thee.
And that God in this fenfe only is feid to work
the Philippianr, to\villand to doe, plainly appearerh
by comparing the 12. verfe with the 13. where tfo
fill
Opened unto all Men. 7 5
feme perfons are required, to work out their own fal-
vation with fear and trembling , becaufe that God
worketh in then?, &c whereby his working in them,
to will and to doe, is neceftarily implied, to confift
only in providing and yropounding prompt and fit
means to induce and perfwade them to will, and to do
the things, that in the former verfe is required of
them, becaufe that otherwife the Argument which
the^pcftle ufeth to ftirre them up, to work out their
falvation with fear and trembling, fhould more fitly
ferve to perfwade them to fit ftil! and doe nothing,nor
take any thought or care at all for that purpofo For
if that God did work in them the will and the deed,
which is all that is neceliary to falvation , there fhould
then remain nothing at all on their part to be done
thereunto. So that the words cf the Apoftle in this
pLce> are to be underltood only j as if he fhould
havefaid, Be you di.
ligent and carefull *God wrought in the Pharifees
to performe the and Law\ ers, to will and to do>
tilings rhat God the things required of them to
requireth of you to their Salvation, by the Mini-
your Salvation * ', for firry of John : or elfe in reje-
he ( is not wanting , Iting the fame, they could not It
but ) aftorderh unto charged with fufkrating and
you alnectlTary means reletting the couvfd of God
to enable you there- within themfelves> Luke 7.50.
unto. with the margent.
3. And this may alfo ferve to enlighten us in the
underftanding of Phil. 1.29. ( which is the next Scri-
pture to be anfwered ) the words whereof are thefe :
For uato you it is given in the behalf of Chrift, nor
only
j 6 A Doore ofSahaticn
only to believe on him, but alfo to fufter for his fake •>
being delivered in the very fame nature as the former,
(i^.)us a ground toperfwade the Philippians to hand
faft in the Spirit with one minde, ltriving together for
tlie Faith of the Gofpel, and in nothing to be terrified,
by their adverfaries. Forafmuch as that which is made*
the ground of an exortation^muft not only admit,but
alfo with fome kinde of vehemency, ftirre up and pro-
voke to induftry and diligence for the obtaining of
whatsoever is from thence urged,prened or perfwaded
untc- And that the prefence and aftured poffefTiou of
a thing doth prohibit a man to feeke and endeavour
after the fame, and any other to exhort him therunto',
therefore the giving cf Faith and perfeverance in this
place muft not be conceived to contift in the actnall
conveiance thereof, but in the giving of fuch means
and helps, through the ufe and well improvement
whereof, they might be enabled to believe, and be-
lieving to perfevere therein, to the end,againft all op-
pofition whacfoever : becaufe that otherwise, the Apo-
ftle muft be underftood to exhort them to ftrive for
what they already have,or elfe to keep what they can-
not loofe, yea to ftrive for them, becaufe that they
have thefe things already and cannot loofe them,which
is moft abfurd, and not to be imagined : And there-
fore as God is faid to give food unto all iiefn,?/^/. 136.
2$. By affording unto them means for the ob-
taining thereof, Fyov. 10. 4. Frov. 20. 4.
And as he is faid to give affuiance (or faith) unto all
men (as touching the refurreftion and Judgement to
come by Jefus Chrift) by his rneer granting unto them
3 ground for their afliirance therein, Alls 17. 3. Even
fo in this place God is faid to give unto thePhilippiaus
to
!&*»&/ 'ft.
Opened unto all Men. yy
to believe in Chrift, and ro fuffer for his fake , by
affording unto them means, through the improvement
whereof, they were brought thereunto, and might be
fiirni filed with power and ftrength to perftvere therm,
againft ail the malice of their adverfaries.
4 • The fourth text is the 2 Tim .2.25. the words
arethefe, (17^.) In meekneffe inftrufting thofe that
oppofe themlefcs : if God peradventure will give
them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth ;
from whence it is conceived, chat repentance is not to
be obtained by the ufe of external! means, but is gi-
ven unto men, or wrought in them by the immediate
hand of God.
Anjw. To which I anfwer , That this inference
doth neither fuite with that which is exprcftinthe
1 3, and 2i,verfes, afore-going in the chapter : nor yet
with the text it felf.
For fiift, in the 1 8, verf. it is declared, that forne by
the errour of Hymemus and Phiktm (who raught,thac
the refurrecTion was pair already) had their faith over-
thrown, that is to fay, were thereby feduced to the be-
lief of that opinion ', and from the deniall of that, the
foundation of God and godlineife to Apoftates, from
all the duties of Chriftianity, and workes of repent-
ance, implved verfe ip, which muft needs be imputed
either to fon-ie change and alteration in God, or elfc
in themfelves; but unto God it cannot be imputed, for
hechangeth not, Mat. 5. 6. His foundation ftandeth
furej therefore it mult be imputed to themfelves : and
if lb, tlien it muft thcrupon needs fcllow,That repent-
ance in men is not any otherwife obtained, then
eh their own improvement of the means vouch -
fefoJ for that end j for if that it did not wholly de-
pend
y8 A Doore of Salvation
pend upon themfelves, then it ihoulcl be altogether
impofiible, either that any thing done or mif-done, o-
mitted or committed, fhould be prejudiciall unto
them in that refpeft.
And that this is fo, doth further appear by that in
the 21, verfe, the words whereof are as followeth : If
a man therefore PURGE HIMSELF from
thefe, he fhall be a veffell of honour, fanftined and
meet for his Mafters ufe, &c. Wherein is plainly <ie-
dared how, and by what means Sanftification (where- '
in repentance contifteth) is to be endeavoured and
obtained, (i#tO That every man by the Doftrine of
the RefurrecYion and Glory in the World to come,
through conformity to Chriit, vcrfe u, 12. DOE
PURGEHIMSELF from the forefaid opinions,
with all the evil confequences thereof. Flee youthfull
lufts, 2nd follow after righteoufnelfe, faith, charity*-
peace, with thofe that call on the Lord out of a pure
heart 5 the neglect whereof occalioned the falling a-
way of thofe afore-mentioned, as by the coherence of
thefe verfes doth manifeftly appear-
2. Nor doth it any better (bite with die Text it :
felf: wherein Timothy is required with meekneffe to
inftrucl: thofe that oppofe themfelves, the end where-
of, as alfo of Gods forbearance, being every where in
the Scriptures declared to be none other than mens
repentance > and therefore to whomfoever the fame is
vouchfafed, the potTibility of their repentance there-
by muft needs be fuppofed j becaufe ic doth not ftand
with the wifdome of God to propound an end, from
fuch means whereby it cannot poiTibly be eftefted.
And its frequently robe obferved in Chrift, that he
dircfteth his inftruftion only to thofe that have ears,
re
Opened unto all Men. j$
rp hear. Mat. n. 15, 15, 43. Revc 2. 7, 11, 17, 29,
/erfes, chapter $,6, 13, 22, verfes, Thereby doubtletfe
roinfoi mcus, that if men were abfoluteiy urxapable
af hearing andreceiving the Time, it fhould not at all
be preached imro them.
Eefides, It cannot be fuppofed, that God fhoirid
command his fervants, to caft holy things unto Swine
to be trampled under their feet,or to fpil the immor-
all and incorniptible Seed of his \Vcrd,as water upon
the ground, (the confequence of the contrary opini-
on) feeing that it is delivered by him for a general!
•ulc to be obferved by them*, That when men by their
^reaching unto them were fully enlightened in the
knowledge of his Grace, and of eternall Salvation
Drought unto them by jefus Chrift , and fhculd then
wilfully and ftubbornly reiefr the fame, put it from
rhem, and judge themfelves unworthy thereof, (there-
by declaring that no hopes of their repentance were
to be expefted from thence) that then they fhould
depart from them, and ceofe to preach any further un-
rothem,^/f 19. 45^^47-
And therefore it may not be imagined, that either
the perfons intended in the text, whom Timothy \va>
; equired to inftnict, or aiy other to whem the Gofpcl
au- fa\% to be preached, were altogether uncapable of
mproving the fame, to the end thereof.
Which confidertd, 1 he meaning of the Apofllein
this place, muft beunderftood only as if he fhould
have commanded Timothy to inftruft with meeknefie,
thofc that oppofe themfelves, becanic that parad
Hire at one time or other they Blight heaik<
to, lay it to heart, and impro- c the fame to their re-
nice, £c.
God
80 A Doore of Salvation
God being (aid (as was (hewed before) not only to
give unto us fuch tilings wherewith we are-immcdiatly
pofieffed by his nicer devotion, but all fuch things
likewife which are obtained by our laborious induftry,
and improvement of the means vouchfafed unto us for '
thofc m&%: He giveth unto us richly ail things to
enjoy, i 37m. 6. 17. Day by Day, he giveth unto us*
our daily bread.
$. The fifth text alleadgedj is Rom. 11. $, 6. The
words are thefe, Even fo at this prefent rime alfo there'.
is a remnant according to the Eleftion of Grace, and
ifhy Grace, then is it no more cf workes, othe^wrfe-
Grace is no more Grace : but if it be of workes, then
it is no more of Grace, other* ife woike is no more
worke*. From whence it is conceived that by the Co-
venant of Grace, all workes on mens part,either in re-
ference to their Eleftion or Salvation, are wholly ex-
cluded j and that there is not any thing required to be
done by them thereunto.
Anfw. To which I anfwer: firft, That it was the
td before in anfwer to Rom. 3. 28, 2p, 5c. Tliat Ele-v
ftion is not in the firft, but in the fecoHd Adam > not i
of the difobedient but of the repentant, godly, rich in I
Faith, fyc which with comparing the 4, verfewith the-
5, before alltadgcd, will receive further confirmation >
For when iw the 4, verf. the Apofile having declared.
That thofe whom Gcd referved to himfelf in the daies
of Elitts, were fuch only who in obedience unto him, J
refufed to bow the knee to the Image of Baal. In the
5, verfe he addeth, That even fo at this prefent time
alfo, there is a remnant according to the Eleftion of ,
Grace , which is as if he fhould have fa'-d, Whereas a
great number of the Ifraelites are rejected andcaft oft, |
from
Opened unto all Men. 81
from the favour of Gcd, yon are not to conceive them
to be fo rejected for an v other caufe, then for their
wilmll and ftubborn difobedience againft his word re-
vealed unto them, chap. 1.17. chap. ic. i3, 2 1. chap.
1 f . 20. For as in the dates of Eliai he referved to him-
feif, all thole that hearkened unto him, and refufed ro
bow to the Image of Baal: Even fo likewife at this
time he referveth to hirpfelf for his fonnes and daugh-
ters, all thofe that fubmit themfelves to his righteouf-
nefie, chap. 10. $. Harden not their hearts, Hebn 3. 8,
17, 18, ip. Nor judge themfelves unworthy of eter-
nall life, Alh 13. 46, 47. Nor yet doth he fo rejeft
any of them for their unbelief', but that he will readily
accept of them again, if due they doe not continue
therein, Rom. 11-25.
2. I anfwer, That when the Apoftle faith, That E-
leftion to Salvation ;s not of workes, but cf Grace* he
doth not thereby exclude all works in reference ther-
Linto, but the workes of perfection, according to the
law of innocency and creation',only from which eftate
man-kinde being fallen, Eccl.*j. Zf. their juftincation
ind Salvation thereby mult needs be altogether im-
poflible-
That Graced:th not exclude all Workes, doth evi-
dently appear from hence, (viz-*) That integrity and
lprightncs of hearcCwhich properly confifteth in a»ref-
ly and chcarfuli conformity to all the Command n
of God made known unto us, lb far forrh as opporruni-
:v and ability doth arford )is required of every ma
Vis Salvation, Gen. 17. 1, 2, 7. 1 Cijro 1 Wat, 6*
4.8. Mat. 19. if, 17,21.
In which refpect Chrift implieth the youog man,
1 9 2 1, 29 . (that rcfuftd to fell all that he had
G and
82 A Doore of Salvation
and give ro the poor, and to take up his Croffe anji
follow h<m, when it was required of hiribto be imper-
fect, and incapable of entring into eternall life. And
S. John denieth that man to have the love of God
dwelling in him, that
* Abrahams integrity engaged
him to offer up hit Son upon the
Altar -, when it was required of
him'-, and by offering of htm up,.
he u [aid to' fulfill the Scrip-
ture, which [aid that he belie-
ved, God, Jam. 2. 22,. Which
'plainly argueth that all knowne
duties, or works within a mans
power to be performed, are fo
effentiall to integrity and' faith,
that they cannot poffibly be di-
ftingui(l)ed: whence Abraham,
that one while U faidtobe'ju-
ftified by faith, Rom. 4. 0. U
ofherwhiles by S. James chap.
2.2 1. declared to be jujiifed
by worker.
feeth his brother ftand
in need, and fhutteth
up his bowels of coin-
pal Hon towards him,
1 John 5. 17. And
from hence it is, that
S. Jamc-s declareth,
That that faith which
obtaineth juftifkation
is made perfeft tho-
rough workes, lames
2. 21,22,22, *. For
where workes (fuch as
are within a mans
power) are wanting,
integrity is warning*
and where integrity is
wanting, faith is dca<J,
verfe 17, 26.
Unpro-
fitable, Gal 5. 6. And not to be diftinguifhed from
-that of the Devil, .fam.v ip.
And feeing then rhat all fuch workes which are
within qpeas power tc performe, are required of them
to theiF Salvation : It niuit needs be granted,^ hen the
A\ :-ftle faith, That it is not of workes, that his mean-
ing therin is none other, then that it is not of workes
ofpeiiccrJon according to the lav/ of our creation,
winch are impofliblc for any man to performe, fo as to
be
Opened unto all Men. 83
be juftifced thereby* Gal 2. i<5. And that the differ-
ence betwixt Workes, and Grace, or che Law, and
the Gofpel, ftandeth only in this, C V K- J That the
firft requireth unto life, that which is impoflible unto
men in their fallen eftate : the later no more then
what is pojfible unto them therein j and ft) c
quently,that life and Salvation which could no: be ob-
tained by any through the covenant of v. orkes, may be
obtained by all, through the covenant of Grace: which
will more evidently appear, if it be considered.
Firft, That rhe cniy and fpeciall reafon, why tlie
firft Covenant v>ai repealed, and the kcond vouch-
fafed, is declared to be this,f vi^.J That the tirft con!d
not give life unto men, (that k to fay, in their fallen
eftare, for in the eftate of innocency, jr mult needs be
acknowledged it could) If there had been a Law that
could have given life (faith the text, Ga!. 3-21.) veri-
ly riglueoufnefie had been by the Law, bur hi 1'egard
it could not, therefore . (as the words of the Apoftle
to Hebr. 8. 6,7. doe plainly intimate) the Lord found
Quit therewith,aboiiiked it, and gave unto men a more
excellent Covenant inftead thereof, (that is to fay, a
covenant wherby lalvation might be obtained by them
in their fallen eftate) for, (eeing that die goodnefle o.
3od, and h i Salvariou was fuch, as cau-
ed him lO abolilli the tirlx Covenant, becagfe it could
lot give life unto them: no realonable man can con-
xive, that his faidgoodneue and love towards them
vouldfurfer him togivc unto them a fecond Cove-
lant, asfaulcy and unable, to give life unto them, as
.ibolifhcd : and if not, Then foraimuch as by the
atcr woil.u aie required to be performed by men to
heir Salvation^ Well a* by the form** > dieexcellen-
G 2 cy
84 A Doore of Salvation
cy of the later above die former , muft needs be ac-
knowledged to confift only in this, (yi^.) That the
workes required thereby, and the conditions upon
which life is promifed therin, are performable by men
in their fallen eftate, whereas thofc required thereun-
to by the other were not. In which refpeft it is, that
in the <5, verfe, the Apoftle declareth , that the later
is eftablifhed upon better promifes, then the form-
er.
Secondly, That thefe that endeavoured to reduce
men from the Doctrine of the Gofpel, to the obferva-
tion of the Law, are by die Apoftles,j4#J" 15.10. char-
ged with tempting God, by putting a yojk upon the
necks of the Difciples, whkh they were not able to
bear. And to the Galathians which were perverted by
thofefalfe teachers,Pa«/in G<*/. 3.1,$* thuswriteth: O
foolifh Galathians, who hath bewitched yon, that ye
fhouldnot obey the truth J Are ye fo foolifh that ha-
ving begun in the Spirit, are ye made perfect by the
Law ? which plainly argueth, that the Doftrine of
the Gofpel which they preached was no fuch yoak,be*
caufe that then they themfelves in preaching the Go-
fpel, & turning men from Mofes toChrift, fhould have
bin liable to the fame reproof which they laid upon ci-
thers : And as foolifh fhould the Galathians have been,
m hearkening to them preaching the Gofpel: as they
were in hearkening to the falfe Apoftles preaching the
Law. For of two yoaks alike intolerable, wifdome di-
refteth a man to choofe the one as foon as the other,
and not to prefer the one before the other ; and tliere-
fore unleffe that we will fuppofe the A pottles to be
guilty of tempting God in the faqie nature, wherein
they accufe and cenfare others; (and thereby to make
them-
Opened unto all Men. 85
themfelves inexcufoble , both before God and men,
Rom. 2. 1.) we muft needs conclude that the yoak or
precepts of the Gofpel, which they endeavoured to
impofe upon men, were not intolierabie or grievous,
1 John 5. 3. Like unto thofe of the Law , but eafie
and light, Mat. 11. 30. and fo confequently, that righ-
teoufneffe, life and falvation impofiible by the former,
ispoffible, and may be attained by the later.
3. That Paul in the 2 Cor. 3. 7, 9. fpeaking of
the Law, callethit the Miniftration of death and of
condemnation. And contrariwife fpeaking of the Go-
fpel, or New Teftament, he calleth it the miniftration
of righteuufnefie 3 and in verfe the £, faith, That the firft
killcrh, but the later give th life : Now forafmuch as
the Law in it's own nature, is neither the miniftration
of death nor condemnation,being holy, jnft and good,
promifmg life, and would alfuredly bring us to the
polTeffion thereof, could we but obferve what it requi-
reth, or attain unto that cnginall innocency and puxi-
ty in which we were created ', therefore ic is (o called
on!y,in refpeft that in the neceffary confequence ther-
of (by reafon of our inability to fulfill the lame) it be-
commerh fuch unto us- And therefore if that the con-
ditions of the new Covenant were no more perform-
able then thofe of the Law : the Gofpel could noc
be called, the miniftration of righteoufnefle and life a-
ny more then the Law: becaufe it is the favour of death
unto death , unto all thofe that difobey it as
well as the Law, John 3. 1?. Hebr. 10. 28, 29. and
conferreth neither righteoufnes nor life unto any that
obferve it not, any more then the Law ; therefore
vrhereas it is called, the miniftration of righceoufnefle
Jud life, in oppotition to the Law, ic mult needs b<-
G 5
86 A Doore of Salvation
nnderftcod in this refpec^That rightcoufnevTe, life and
Salvation, impofllble by the Law, may be obtained by
it.
4. The fame Apoftle likewtfe difcourfmg of the
two Covenants, in the ninth and tenth chapters of the
Romans, and having hi the g2,vafe of the p. chapter,
after a large difcourfe concerning the fame, concluded
rightcoufnelfe not to be attainable by the Law: in the
8,verfe of the 10. chapter, he declareth,That the righ-
teoufneJTe that is by the Goipel, is nigh unto us (even
in our mouthes and in our hearts) then which nothing
can be more near unto us. And in Dent. 30. 11,12,1 3,
14. w hereunto he hath allufion, to prevent all objecti-
ons concerning this thing, Mofes thus fpeaketh : The
commandment that I command thee this day, it is
not hidden from thee, neither is k fane off : It is not
in Heaven that thou fhoirldft fay, who fhall go up for
us to Heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may tear
k and do it. Neither is it beyond the Sea, that thou
fhouldft fay^ who fhall goe over the Sea for us and
bring it unto us, that we may hear it and doe it ? But
the word is nigh unto thee, in thy mouth awd in. thy
heart, that ihou.rnaieft doe it , then which,what words
can poffibly be ufed more emphatically to fet forth to
our underftandings that righteoufnefTe which was im-
pofiible by the Law, is not only poflible, but eafie to
£e obtained by die Gofpel '■> it is not hidden from us
flor for off, but near unco us, in our mouthes, and k
our hearts, that we may doe it. Far from their opini-
on that afrkme, That God muft bow the.Heavens and
come down into our Souls, and mfufe into them fu-
pernarurali light faith, &c before that we can either
underffand or doe any thing Fequifite to our Salvation.
5.Euc
11
Opened unto all mat. 8 7
5. But to put this point cut of all difpute-Where-
as the Scriptures do inrorme us, that according to the
Law of worker There is none righteous} none that
doth good, no, not one, Rom. 9. ic, 12. and yet not-
withstanding doe alfo informe us. That Abel, Heb. 11.
4. Noah, Gen 7. 1. Abimelech, Gen. 20. 4. Lot. 2 Pet.
2,8. & Zechariah,Luke 1.6. were all of them righteous
men. That Jacob Mat. 1.19. Simeon, Lkh^e 2-2^. Cor-
nelius, were juft men, A8s ic 1, 22. That Jeb r chap.
1. 18. Afa, 1 Chron. 15. 17. and others, wereu' r righc
and perfect men, Phil. 3. 1$. That Akimaas the ibn
of Zadockj 2 Sam. 18.27 a »a Barnabas the fon ofcon-
folation, were both of them good men, Afts \\. 24.
It muft therefore neceffanly foliow,That what was im-
pofhble by the Law or covenant cf workes, is pcflible
by the GofpeL, or covenant of Grace : and (hat righte-
oufnefTe, juftice, goodnefs, and eternall Salvation,
w hich could not be obtained by the former, hath, and
may be obtained by the later.
And yet notwithstanding, although *hat the Cove-
nant of Grace (or the Gofpelj doth require to Salvati-
on, the performance cf all fuch good workes, which
are within our power :o pei forme j yet ought it, and
that eminently to be efteemed by us a Covenant of
Grace: and tha: for thefe refpefts-
Firft, In regard of the time, fftate, and condition,
wherein all man-kinde were) when this Covenant was
vcuchfafed unto them. That is to fay, When all n±\\-
kinde by rcafon of Adams tranfgreffon, were brought
under the grrtlt of condemoat'u n, and tve;
livion , having no eie to pity them, £7^
ibifity to deliver thenofclves from thence (but
1 of nectfliiy have perilhed therein
G 4
88 A Doore of Salvation
i Cor. \*>.\6, 17, 1 8.) That then Gcd the Father of
all pity and companion, commended his love nnto
them, Rom. i$. 8. and fonh ofhis "mfinite goodneffe,
was gracioufly pleated by the death of lV*s only begot-
ten Son, to pay the price of their redemption, to
ranfome them from that eftate, 2 Cor. 5. 14. 1 Cor.
15. 21,22. and to fay unto them, return from corrup-
tion, yepeiiihing fans of men, and live, and in relati-
on thereunto, to grantthis Covenant of life and Salva-
tion unto them.
2. That becaufe in this Covenant Gcd requireth
of us lefle than his due, and no more then what in our
fallen eftace we are fufficiently enabled to performe
and render unto him , we owed unto him perfect in-
nocency, being in creation made perfeft by him,£cc/.
7. 29. heaskethofusbut integrity coniiftent with
nocency and imperfeftion fo considered) as plainly
appeareth by that which is fpoken concerning David,
1 Kings 9. 4. Afa, 1 King* 15. 14. Simeon, Luke 2. 25.
Cornelius, Afts 10. 22. and divers others, declared to
be perfect, juft, and upright men, (notwithftanding
all -their frailties, fenfurable by the covenant of works)
and are by God approved and accepted, in reference
to his covenant of Grace-
3. In regard that although we have our lives of
Grace, and that he asketh of us fo little in comparifon
of what we are indebted unto him, he is fo bountiful,
as to grant us a reward of all our workes, Hebr* 11. 6.
ye fuch an exceeding great reward, that our light af-
flictions which are but for a moment, worketh for us.
a far more exceeding and eternal weight of Glory>
2 Cor. 4. 17.
That he fhould grant us any reward at all for any
fer-
Opened unto all Men: 8 9
fervice done unto him, (if we confider that it was no-
thing but his owne which we gave unto him, that wc
received it of him, and that we our felves likewife are
his, and that by a double debt) it muit needs accord-
ing to the humble confeffion of David, be acknowled-
ged great bounty in him, 1 Chro. 2$- 13, 14^ 15, 16.
but that he mould fo far regard cur bounden 2rlecTion>
as to reward us for our very meancft workes, even for
a cup of cold water given in his name j and to grant us
fo great a reward for fo fmalia worke : as a Prophets
reward (doubtles one of the greatest) for but receiving
a Prophet in the name of a Prophet, Mat. 10.41. muit
needs be acknowledged tranfcendent Grace, love thac
pafjethall knowledge.
The 6. Text is Jerem. 31. 31,32, 33, 54. the words
whereof are as followtth : Eehold the daies come,faith
the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the
houfe of lfraely and with the houfe of Judab : Not ac-
cording to the covenant that I made with their fathers
in the day that I tooke them by the hand, to bring
them out of the Land of Egypt j which covenant they
brake, although that I was a husband unto them- Bur
this (hall be the covenant thar I vill make with the
houfe of Ifrael : After thofe daies faith the Lord, I wii
put my Law in their inward pans,and write it in their
hearts, &c.
From whence it is ordinarily objected, That God
hath covenanted neceifarily arid unavoidably to in-
ftruft tome men in the knowledge ofhimfelf, and by
putting his Lawes intp their hearts, to worke in them
repentance, faith, fee. The which objection, as it fup-
pofeth fome men to be more accepted and beloved of
God, in the eftate of unbelief tl 'uth been
often
5?o A Doore of Salvation
often before difproved ; yet in regard that it hath fo
teeming a countenance cf truth put upon it by this
Scin mre , with fome others fpeaking in the fame
language, I fhall further anrW thereunto, de-
firing,
Firft, Thatitmaybeconfidered, that feeing there
are but two Covenants known at any time to be given
by God unto -men, the oi\e of works, the other of
Grce : ail man-kinde muft be concluded, either
to be under the firft, or under the later of
them.
i. But under the firft they are not, becaufe that
God find nig fault therewith hath repealed it, caufed it
to wax old, and tovanifh away, Heb^^"i^.
2. Secondly , H:.th redeemed all men from the
curfe and penalty therecf, death, G4/.3.13.
3. Thirdly, Hath prohibited all men from feeking
righreoufnefie thereby, A&s 15. 10. Romans 10.
5. And therefore all men mult be concluded to
be under the fecond. And not for thefe reafons only >
Eur. alfo,
4. Fourthly, Becaufe that the duties of the fecond
Covenant C V K-J Repentance,^, is required of all,
.i4#. 17.30- And
5. Fifthly, That Salvation the end thereof is
thereupon promifed unto all, whence thofe that
perifh arc charged with neglefting Salvation, Heb.
2. &
d. Andlaftly, Becaufe than the fecond death, Rev.
2-1 t. or condemnation inrlifted byChrift at the tart
day, is none other then the penalty of the breach of
the fecond Covenant. This is the condemnation of
the world ( faith S.John J Chap.g.ip. That light h
come
Opened unto all Mm. 9 1
come into the world, and men love darknt& ra
then light, becaufe their deeds are evil : Wl
reaibn received! confirmation fircm hence, Thit Chiiit
by a meft lively embleme in rhe Parable of rhe Taler.ts,
hath declared unto ns, That God at that day will ie-
quire nc more of any men, but according to rhe Ta-
lents of Grace delivered onto them by himfelf, the
Mediatour of the new Covenant, and will then con-
demn none, but for not well ufing what they hid, fo
received o( him. Whereupon it doth necefarily fel-
low, That all men being under the new Covenant,
whatfeever Grace neceflary to Salvation, is there- n r y
God promifed unto any (he being faithful! than hah
promifed, and the Covenant confirmed unto all man-
kindeby thebloud of Jefus Chrift ) the fame mtift
needs be acknowledged to be granted unto all- And
then forasmuch as we fee, that all men b&t not the
Law and Fear of God written in them (ctherwife
then was (hewed before concerning the Gentiles,/^.
2.14,15-) nor their ftony hearts taken out of their
liefh,^rr. we muft not therefore imj God
hath covenanted abfolutely to do thefe things for any
men.
But there are two things in this Tey.t, which tho-
row want of due confederation mi f- lead many men
from the right underftanding thereof.
Firft, Becaufe it is laid, Thar this Covenant which
God promifed ro make with the lews in the laft d
fhowld not be like unto the Covenant that he
With cheir fathers, wh< ightthem ou: of the
Land of JEgypt ( which C : lant they brake,
jfrc.) It is conceived, Th.
could not by any be kept, fothelatei v any
92 A Doore of Salvation
that arc comprehended therein be broken.
For the clearing of this niiftake, I delire that it may
be obferved,
That if by tliefe two Covenants here fpoken of, we
muft underhand the Law and the Gofpel, Works and
Grace ( which is much qaeiiioned by fame, who con
ceive them to be particular Covenants, prcpet and pe-
culiar to the lews only, and fo nothing at all to the
point in hand) than they were neither of them un-
made, untill the time that God broughc the Ifraelites
out of the Land of Mgypt. And therefore much lefle,
until the daies of the Prophet Jeremy, as this Texc
feemeth to import.
That the firft Covenant was given unto our firft pa-
rents in Paradife, appeareth from hence, That the
curfe thereof entered into the world by Adam, and
raigned over all men before the Law was given at
mount Sinai, Rom.5. 14. For where the curfe of the
Law is inflicted, there the breach of the Law muft
needs be imputed. And feeing (as the Apoftle teach-
eth, icom.^.ig. that fin is not imputed, where there
is no Law given, therefore the Law muft needs be ac-
knowledged to be given unto Adam, and in him to all
man-kinde, before the'punifhmenc thereof, death,
thorow his difobedience did enter into the world, and
raign therein. And like as the Law was given unto
Adam, before he incurred the punifhmenc thereof- 56
the Gofpel or fecond Covenant muft needs be 'granted
immediately to fucceed upon his tranfgreffion of the
firft : becaufe that otherwife the curfe of the Law,
mould forthwith, according as it was threatued, Oen.
2.17. ) have feized upon him to have deftroied him,
and in him all man-kinde then in his loins finning in
hrroi
Opened unto all Men. 9 3
him, the truth whereof is confirmed unto us from
hence-
1 . That the end of Gods patience and forbearance
towards linners, is none other then their Repentance
and Salvation, Rom. 2.4. Defpifeft thou (faith the A-
poftle fpeaking to the Gentiles) the riches of his
goodnelfe, and forbearance, and long-furlering, not
knowing that the goodneife of God leadeth thee to
Repentance- A^ain, 2 Pet. 3.9. Peter telleth thofe
thar fccrled at Gods forbearance towards them in their
wickednefie ( contrary as they fuppofed to his threats
denounced againft them) That God was not Hack con-
caning his Promife, as they counted flacknelTe, btk
Jong-fuflei ing , not willing that any fhouid perifh, bot
that all fnould come to Repentance. And Paul, m
Aft. 17. 26,27. plainly informeth us, That the end
why God made of one bloud (that is to fay of Adam J
^rions of men to dwell upon the face of the earth,
was, That they fhouid feek the Lord : Nov? forafmuch
as feeking of the Lord, Repentance and the obtaining
of Salvation dorh neceflarily prcfuppofe the granting
and exhibiting of the new Covenant : thefe ends be-
ing otherwife impoQible to be attained, it mufr needs
follow, That as God is declared to fpare and forlx-ar
Adam, and ail men,to the end they might repent, &c.
that in reference to thefe ends he vouchfafed unto
them the Covenant of his Grace, whereby they might
be enabled to attain thereunto.
2. Befides, If that God fhouid have fpared our fir ft
parents, and granted unto them the prccrearion of
feed, and not in order to the Grace of the new Cove-
nant, Redemption from death, the curfecf the Law,
S llvarion in the world to ccme, thorow Repent-
ance,
94 A Do ore of Salvation.
ance, then there fhoui4 have been no proportion be-
twixt the iimne of man-kinde in Adam, and rhe.pu-
nUhmenc thereof becaufe tinning hiit inpeteniia, they
iiiouid bepuniihed in aliu, which inequality of pio-
ccicii:ig i: by Gcdin £^^.i3. difclaimedj fo that if
.1 not prepared foi man-kinde another life after
deaih, and vouchsafed means to make them happy
therein, they liion'rd never perfonaliy have fuller ed
death/ but fuch as was their ftp* fuch (hould have been
their pL:ii'ihmenc.
3. Moreover, If that the Covenant of Grace had
not been from the beginning, then Salvation ihould
not have been from the beginning, feeing. tha r it is of
Grace only, and not or works, £f/;ef.2.8. whereas
therefore the Scnptures enformern us, That remifft-
onoffms, acceptation with God, and confequently
Salvation w^s preached unto Cain, Gen. 4. 6,7. And
that Abel, the third man on earth, obtained the fame>
Heb. 11.4. k mv.fi neer: ? be granted* That the Cove-
nant ofvjiac.-w;.. vouchfafed unto men from the be-
ginning, gffu i:o:n the very time that they ftood in
any need tht r, >cf.
Thefe t)vo Covenants of Works and Grace then be-
ing made and givqn fo long before the time,tmplied by
the Prophet ^rarn, his words cannot pofiibly be un-
derftooU.ro im rr :he time wherein either the fail
was, or thi ad be made with man-kinde, but
the trnie wherein the hi ft was, and the Jater fhould te
more cie.".; iy riia and demo nit rated both un^
to theksvsand urito 1 - en at any time from
the h( £ the woi Id 1 hey had been . In whjci
j-efpc Chrift ( (peaking unto his Djfcjples)
tiirh, blehedare yoar eyes, for they fee, and your
ears,
Opened unto all Men. 9 5
ears, for they hear \ for verily I fay unto yon, That:
many Prophets and righteous men, have delved to
fee thefe thin es which ye fee, and have not feen theRi,
and to hear thefe things which youheur* and have not
heard them, Mat. 13 10, 17. And hence are the
words of the Apoftle, in Ephef. 3. 8,£, ic, 1 1, Unto mc
whoamleiTeihen the leaflet all Saints, is this Grace
given, that I mould preach amongit the Gentiles, the
unfearch-ble riches of Chrift, and to make all men fee,
what is the fellowship of the myftery which from the
beginning of th. th been hid in God, who
fcd all thing! ft, to ;he intent that
now unto the principalities and p . hea-
venly places, m ght be known by the Church the
manifold wifdome of God, according to the eternall
piupofewhichhepurpofedin Chrift lefus our Lord.
And hereunto alio is the words of the fame Apoftle, in
Row- 16.25,26. to be applied-
Which centered, the emphafis contained in the
words of rhe gopher ( before rehearfed ) are to be
nnderltood only, as if the Lord mould have laid, I ex-
hibited unco your fathers the Covenant of works, wbta
he brought them out of the Land of ^grpt, not to the
intent that they mould leek righteoufndie and life by
ir,Gal.$.j-'i2 y Y\om.\o.3. but to ihew them their in-:-
purrty and weakneffe, Gal^.i^, Row. 7.7. Gal 3.22.
And that they mould feek Salvation only thorow the
promife preached unto Abraham their father four hun-
dred years before the Law was given, Gal. 3.17- The
which Covenant they brake, though that I was a huf-
band unto them. But the Covenant of my Grace
•preached unto you by all the Prophets fmce the world
began, Luke 1.70/ Aft. 43.26.22,23. and which in
the
9 6 A Dovre of Salvation
the later daies I will more clearly demonftrate unro
your children by the Miniftery of niv Son, is not like
unto that Covenanting eftablifhed upon better pro-
mifes,whcrby I (hall fo abundantly commend my love
unco them. That although poflibly they may defpife
the fame, and ruin my Grace therein manife-
fied unto them into wuntonnefTe, yet furely (or:
in all reafon ) they will not , but will reverence
my Sonne, when they fee him , receive my word
from him into their hearts, and become obedient
■Bto me.
For God having made men rationall ( in reference
w hereunto only he treateth with them , by arguments
different from all other his creatures; and naturally di-
fpofed to their own happinefie, whenfoever more
clearly then ordinary, he openeth unto them a way
thereunto, and uferh Arguments extraordinary to en-
dear them unto him for his goodneffe towards them
therein (in ;the Scriptures) lie olten taketh it for
granted? That then more efpecially they will be indu-
ced to the love and perpetual Obedience of him, as is
fliewed in If** 53.7,8,9 • where from the confideraticn
ofthescodnellethathehidvouchfafed to the houfe
oHfrael, the mercies and multitude of loving kinde-
- neiTes that he had teftowed upon them, in faving diem •
by the Angel of his pretence, redeeming them in his
love and pity , carrying them thorow the wilderacne,
and in all their affiiftions being afflifted with them,
(frcphe concludeth them to be his people,in fuch fore
^dat^hey would never deal untruly with him, becaufe
that (although pofTibly they might, asinverf. 10. it,
appearcth rhey were, yet) rationally they could not
fee unthankful! unto him, nor difobedicnt againft bifli
after
Opened unto all Men. 97
after fuch extraordinary mercies received from him.
From whence alfo it is that S- Paul ftileth thofe men
that refufed and oppofed the Gofpel of Salvation,when
it was preached unto them unreafonable men, 2 Thef.
3.2. degenerated from men into brute beafts, 1 Cor.
15-52. becaufe that rtafon cannot ov pofe i t felf- And
therefore feeing that it teacheth and direfteth all men
endued therewirh, to feek their own happinefie and
felicity, as it rauft needs prohibit them the reje&ion
thereof, and rhe abufe of the means leading thereun-
to : So on the contrary, it muft needs engage them to
fincerity oflove, and hearty affeftion towards God, by
how much the more he difcovereth himfelf in Love>
Mercy and GoodnelTe towards them in that na-
ture.
And hereupon it is, that God confidering how a-
bundantly the riches of his grace, Fatherly aftecYion,
and bow N els of compaffion towards all men, fhould by
rhe Miniftery of IefusChrift at his appearance be re-
pealed, and by figns and wonders, confirmed .beyond
ill contradiction ( to the lews efpecially, to whom
moft immediately he was fent, Joh.1.1 1. Mat. 15.24.)
more than at any time from the beginning of the
woxld it had been (infomuch that hearing and behold-
ing the fame, and not reje&ing reafon and humanity >
md judging themfelves unworthy of eveilaftiiig life,
tfiey could not poffibly but re Joyce therein, be hum-
bled for their former difobedience againft fo merciful a
Sod,receive with thankfulnes his holy inftruftions, de-
livered unto them,and ever afterwards become obedi-
ent unto him,he concludeth therefore that they would
be converted, and united unto him for ever , although
that through favage and brutifh folly (unto which
H rnen
ay A Daore of Salvation
men mav pcftibly degenerate, J fa- 46. 6, 7, Z.J they
both might, and did reject and defpifc his unfpeaka-
ble gotokefie towards them. All which is moft clear-
ly :.\ .d \ lainly deitiowftraterf by the wcrds of Chrifl
himfelf, in Mat'2\. from the 33. to the 39- Mark^io.
from the firft to the ninth. And Luke 20. from tht
9* to the 15.
Hear a Parable ( faith Chrift fpeaking to the lews
to whom the prcmife in ley. 2, 1. hath the moft efpecia.
relation) There was a certain houfholder which plant-
ed a Vineyard, and hedged it round about, and dig*
god a wine- preffe in it, and built a tower, and let it
out to hufbandmen, and went into a farre countrey;
and when the time of fruit drew near, hefent his fer-
vants, that he might receive from the huibandmen the
fruit of the vineyard, &r. But the hulbandman tooi
his fer-vantf,and beat one, and killed another, andfto-
ned another. Again he fent other fervants more
then the firft, and they did unto them likewife ;
2 Chrsn. 38. 1$, 16. A8s 7. $t, 52. Luke 9,
49> 5o.
Whereupcn ( to the end, that he mVght to the ad-
miration of all men and Angels, exprefle his patience
goodnefle, and hearty affection to the Salvation of the
very worft of men ) the Lord of the Vineyard ( faith
Luke J faid unto himfelf, What mall I doe * I wil
fend my beloved Sonne, my only and well-beloved
Sonne fMark 12. 6. J faying, THEY WILL,
(note) Reverence my Sonne, when they fee him,
Mar. 12. 6. Mat.21.3j. (But what followcth?) when the
hufbandmen fcw his Son, they reafoned among them-
felves> faying,This is the heir,come let us kill him,that
the inheritance may be onrs.* and they caft him out
Opened unto all Men.
of the vineyard, and killed him-
Secondly, The miftake concerning the fence of
this Scripture, is grounded upon the(e words fvi^J
1 will put my larvs into their mirides, and write them
in their hearts, <fyc From whence it is conceived,
that God hath promifed unavoidably, to beget the
Love, Fear, and Obedience of himfelf, in fome parti-
cular perfons, not in others-
i. For the clearing whereof, it is to be remeirf
bred, that the reafon why God promifed to write hi s
Iawb in the hearts of the Ifradites in the later daies, ra"
ther then in the former, was, becaufe that in the la-
ter daies (by theMiniftery of his Sonne) he would
more abundantly demonftrate his love an<£ goodnefle
onto them, then formerly he had done by the Mini-
jtery of any of his fervants •, The which although it did
moft powerfully tend to imprint his Love and Fear id
them,and to perfwade them to deny all ungodlines and
worldly lufts,and to ferve him in righteoufnes and true
hjlines all their daies,Lw. i. 74,7$.yec forafmuch as thac
means did not inevitably ertecx the fame in them, for
if it had, then they fhould all of them been converted
thereby*, therefore it cannot frcm hence be rightly
inferred from this text, That God hath promifed et-
feftually to beget the love and fear cf himfelf in any
one nun more then another-
2. It is alfo to be confidered, That when God ( in
the Scriptures^ faith, that he will doe rrrs or that, ic
do:h not alwaies imply, an abfolute and peremptory
refolution in him, necdfarily to enforce and bring the
(anic to palTe, but toadminilterfuch means, where-
knoweth, that men either by a dircft or in-
direct ufe thereof, will, or may be induced
H 2 to
IOO A Door of Salvation
to ihe doing of that which he faith, he wil
uoe.
In thelaterrefpefticisthathcfpeakcth, when he
faith, I wi II harden Pharaohs heart : becaufe that con-
fidering him to be a proud, covetous tyrant, ht
knsw that he would take occafion of obftinacy againfi
hm by reafon of his mercy towards the eppreffed //
raelites ( notwithftanding all his fignes and wonden
ihewed unto him, ppwerfclly tending to humble hin:
to the very earth before him J and refufe to he their,
depart out of his Land, as he was commanded.
And in the former refpeft, are the words of the
Apoftle , i Tim 2. 4. to be underftood > when ht
faith, That God would have all men to be faved. Auc
fo likewife are the words ofChrift, in John 12. 32. tc
betaken, where he faith. And I, if I were lifted up
from the earth, I WILL DRAW all men after.
me*, becanfe that by his Death and Refurreftion he
fhould further man i reft himfelf to all men to be the Sa-
viour of the world : For as when he atiordeth unto
men the mt.tr.s of repentance; he is faid thereby to
purge them from their filthindTe, though that they be
not aftwilly purged thereby (^as was ihewed before
in f^/^a.i^.J So ^according to thefe Scriptures^
when he difpenferh meanes extraordinary , tending
to kad men to Conversion and Salvation, Then more
efpecially it is faid,TIut he will put his Laws into their
hearts, will draw them to Chrift, and will have them
to be faved-
Thirdly, It is ro be coniidered, That like as God
faith, That he will write tin Laws in mens heart?, cir-
cumcife their hearts, make them new hearts and new
fpirirs, frr.31.33. pfiir.30.1d. frr-35,25. Evenfo
h<
Open:d unto all Men. icl
he alio requireth men to write his Laws in their
hearts, Erov.7.$. Circumcife their liearts, /er.4.4.
and make to themfei/es new hearrs and new fpirits,
£3^.19.31. Now as the Evangelical precepts are
not to be expounded againft the prcimfes, fo neither
are the promifes thereof ro be expounded againft the
precepts ; and if confidertd together, they are to be
underltood, as if Gcd fnould fay, I willgftcra means
unto you for thefe ends, do ycu improve them there-
unto.
Ifitbefaid, that rhefe precepts ferve only to ex-
prelTe unto men, that which God promifeth to work
hi them.
It is anfwered tint, That this is a very forraign ex-
pofition, and will neither be warranted by Scripture
or found reafbn : God being never known to require
of men that which he himfelf promifeth to doe for
them, and moft irrational! to conceive, that he lhould
not rather exprefie his goodnelfe towards men, in re-
quiring them to wait upon him for the things that he
purpefeth to beftow upon them, then to give them
precepts for the doing thereof, thereby to divert
their hopes and expectation, as from the promifes,
and to let them on work to beat the air, or to make
brick without ftraw.
But fecendly, feeing it is manifeft, that thefe pre-
cepts are unto all men, and as manifeft that all men
have not the things enjoyned therein eriefted in
them, ic cannot in any wife be fuppofed, that the
intent of God In them mould be ro exprctTe what he
himfelf would work in men, hue to enforme us tint
his promifes to pu: his Liws in mens mindes to write
them in their hear-o to nuke them new hearts frc.
H 3 conlirteih
I O I A Doore of Salvation
coniifteth only unto them in affording means ferving
for rhofe ends, which they themfe'ves are enjoyned
to improve for the effecting thereof.
4. Laftly, It is to be obferved, That thofe very
peribns the Ifraelites to whom this promife hath the
moft principal, unto whom the Apoftle moft direftly
applieth the fame, in the tenth Chapter to the He-
brews, are notwithftanding by him evidently decla-
ed to be mider a pcfiibiliry of finning wilfully againfi:
he knowledge of the truth, of trampling the Sonne
of God under their feet, and counting his bloud the
bloud of rhis Covenant wherewith they were fanfti ti-
ed an unholy thing, and of doing defpite unto the fpi-
rit of Grace, and thereby of incurring to themfelves
the foreft punifhmenr, judgement and fiery indigna-
tion, that which pofnbly could not be, if that God in
this Covenant had abfolutely promifed, or underta-
ken to put his laws in their hearts, and write them in
their mindes,^rc. as it is fuppofed, or any otherwife
then by adminiftring unto them means for thofe ends,
t which pofiibly might be neglefted and contemned by
lyhem. But becaufe that this Scripture lerveth fo clear-
to difcover the intent and nature of this Covenantee
fh all be rehearfed verbatim.
Heb.io.i<5. This tithe Covenant that 1 will make
■with them after thofe daies, faith the Lord : / will put
my laws into their hearts, and in their mindes will I
write them : And their finnes and iniquities will I re-
memher no more. Now where remifrion of thefe tijhere
U no more offering for fin- Having therefore, bret hren,
b oldneffeor liberty, to enter into the holieft by the bloud
of Jefw, By a new and living way which he hath confe-
ratedforns, through the vail, that ti to fa), hii flefl> *
And
r
Opened unto all men. 102
And having an high Prieft over the houfe of God : Let
w draw near with a true heart jn full ajfurance of faith,
having our hearts fprinkled from an evil confcience, and
cur bodies wafted with pure water. And let m consider
one another, to provoke unto love, and to goodworkes :
Kot forfakjng the ajfembling of our feh es tegether, as the
manner of fome U : but exhorting one another, and fo
much the more as)efee the day approaching. For if we
finne wilfull) after that we haie received the knowledge
of the truth, there remrinetb no more facrifice for finnes,
But a certain fear full looking for of judgement, and fiery
indignation, which (hail devour the adverfaries. He that
defpifed Mofes Law, died without mere) under two or
three witneffes. Of how much forer punifoment, fi
}e(hall he be thought worthy, who hath troden under foot
the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the (
nant, wherewith he was fanHif.ed, an unhol) thing, and
hath done defpite unto the Spirit of Grace ?
Now forafmuch as where God hath abfolurely pro-
mifed to doe all for men which is any waies necefiary
to be done, to bring them to an end , there remain-
ed) not any thing to be done by them for that pur-
pofe : and that not only all danger, but the very leaft
fuppofition cf mifcarriage, or pcffibility of failing
thereof, is thereby wholly taken away: fo neither can
there reafonably be any thing required cf them there-
unto, or any danger of falling be juftly fuggelted unco
thern^ (the power .ind truth of God being thereby di-
jeftly impeached of impotency and falfhood)and
therefore feeing that the Apoftle (who in ail fuch
things which dependeth altogether for tiieir aecom-
pMhment, upon the faith and omnipotence of God a-
lonc, as the refuneftion of the dead, and the reward
H 4 of
1 04 4 Door of Salvation
of Faith, withChrift in the world ro come inftruft-
ethmen (according to the example of Abraham,Rom*
4.) not toftagger at the promife of God through un-
belief, but againft hope to believe in hope, to be
firong in faith, giving glory to God, being hilly
perfwaded that whatfoever (in that nature) he hath
promifed,he is able, and will bring it to pafle, and that
ueither death nor life, nor Angels, nor principalities,
nor powers, nor things prefent, nor things to come,
nor heighth, nor depth, nor any other creature, fhall
be able to prevent or hinder the fame) doth notwith-
ftunding this covenant (or promife) of God made unto
the Hebrews (to put his Lawes in their hearts, and
write them in their mindes, &c.) fo earneitiy exhort
them to draw near unto God, in purity of heart, con-
fcience, and converficion verfe, 22, to hold faft the
profefiion of their faith without wavering, verfe 23,
and for that end not to forfake the afiembling them-
felves together : but to exhort, and provoke one ano-
ther unto love, and to good workes, verf. 24, 25. To
looke diligently that no man fail (or fall from the
Grace) of God, chap- 12. 15- And leaft there be in any
of them a heart of unbelief (hardened through the de-
ceitfulnes Of (in) in departing from the living God,
chap. 2. 12, 13.
And all this from the ground and confideration of
the danger of finning wilfully againft the truth, verfe
2<S, and falling into the hands of God by trampling his
Son under their feet, and counting his blond (the
bloud of the Covenant given unto chem, rehearfed in
verfe i£,T7. J whereby they were fanftified an unholy
thing, and doing defpite unto the Spirit, verfe 2£, 30.
(which witnefled and confirmed him unto them to be
the
Opened unto all Men. 105
the Son of God, and that the principles of this Do-
ftrine, C V *K*J repentance from dead workes, &c.
chapter 1. and chapter 6. 1. with chapter 2. 5, 4.
were of God,) muft of neceflity argue unto us, That
neither he nor yet the Hebrews themfelves, did under-
stand this Covenant (as now ordinarily it is taken) or
as in this Objeftion it is urged : For if they had then,
doubtles he would not (^having no reafon for the
fame) have exhorted and cautioned them in this man-
ner, but contrariwife would have encouraged them,
wholly to have refted themfelves upon the faith and
power of God, engaged unto them to do for them,and
work in them wliatfoever was neceffary to their Salva-
tion, & to prevent all fuch things that might any waies
poflibly hinder them thereof, nor would they them-
felves ever have regarded any thing, that he mould
have fpoken unto them to the contrary ,any more then
if he mould have exhorted them after death, to raife
themfelves from thence, upon the danger of perifhing
for ever and ever in the Grave. Which fhall ferve for
anfwer to this Objetfion.
Th
105 A Doore of Salvation
The Conclusion.
THe ccnfideration of this difcourfe, may ferve.
Firft, as a means to remove out of all mens
mindes, all prejudicial! and evil thoughts, as concern-
ing the decrees, and precepts of Almighty God: It
having been fhewed, That in his Eleftion he refped- J
ech not the perfons of any, nor prefereth one man be-
fore another therein : but eKtendeth and vouchfaferh
the fame freely and indifferently to every one who
doth not voluntarily, knowingly, and of malicious
wick ednes debar themfelves thereof: his decree of
Reprobation being grounded 6nly upon the known,
wilfull, and ftubborn difobedience againft his Com-
mandments, and means of Grace ufed and vouchfafed
for their repentance, and reformation, lerem. 6. go.
with the 28, 20. And his Commandments having
been fhewed not to be grievous, but eafie and light,
for every man to obferve and praftice.
2. It may ferve to admonilh every man to take
heed and beware of all kinde of difobedience againft
God, and that they doe not approve or allow them-
i^any or the leaft thing which they know to be
dHpleafingunto him, either forth of a conceit of their
Section, or of an opinion of impodibility of falling
away totally, and finally, forth of his love and favour,
g it appear eth that he only choofeth unto him-
fdf the mavi that is godly, the rich in faith. And that
he
Opened unto all Men. I c 6
he will not jiiftifie the righteous, in the day that he
tnrneth away from his unrighteoufnes , to commit
iniquity , nor necefTarily prevent him therein :
nor will know the works of iniquity in the day
of Account.
3. It may alfo adminifter found comfort and con-
folation to all iimple hearted, fincere and godly alien-
ed perfons, agauui: all their fcruples, fears, doubts,and
jealoufies, as concerning their ignorances, weaknefics,
and infirmities, wherewith their mindes are ordinari-
ly perplexed ', It having been fhewed that Gcd will
never lay any cftheie thirds to their charge, or any
whit the Idle efteem or them, by reafon thereof : but
doth and will alwaics behold and judge of them
(""through the riches of his grace in Jeiiis ChriftJ zc-
ccrding to the integrity, purpofe of heart, and finceri-
t/ of arfcftion, which he obferveth in them towards
his name.
4. And laftly, The confderation hereof, doth stf-
fo abundantly ferve to beget in all men an unfeigned
love, and obedience towards Gcd. I will love the
Lord ffaith David J becaufe he harh heard my voice,
fcc. Ffal ii<5. 1. And being but advanced, from the
fheepfold to an earthly Crown, and receiving a pro-
mife for the continuance thereof to his houfe, harh
his heart thereby exceedingly rilled with arteftiou
towards him*, how much more then may the conside-
ration of his goodnes TbeforeeyprefiedJ in advan-
cing us, not from a fheep-fold, but from death it felf,
the fold of Satan, Hebr. 2. 14- Nor to a rcrreftial and
corruptible crown, but to a gloiious eftate cf immor-
tality (even when we were his enemies, Rom- $8, 10.
and neither asked nor defired any fuch thing of himj
id vc
Ic8 A Doore of 'Salvation, &c.
ferve to kindle and inflame onr hcarrs with an unfain-
cdlove and fincere aftefton towards him j efpecially if
we confider what an heavenly City, immor ml crown,
and weight of Glory he hach therein prepared to be-
ftow upon us for an inheritance and crown of reward,
even for that love, fervice and obedience, which of
botifiden duty we owe unco him. -The conhderation
of this Grace, caufedS- John to love God, i Joh.4.19.
with the 9, 10. chap. 3. 16. And conftrained Paul to
the obedience of him, 2 Cor. 5. 14, 15.
FINIS.
Poftfcript.
Poftfcript.
BEcaufe 1 would not be mijfaken in my
meaning, concerning that which I
have jpoken in the favour of ignorance $
I thought it necejjary^ more clearly to dif-
cover 5 That my intention therein is not
to patronize any mans voluntary and
rv il full ignorance, (fitch as that mention-
ed by s. Peter in his 2 Epifi. chap 3.4,5.
or that of the Jews difcovered in John 9.
9. to the end of the chapter^) For for men
to refufe to know^ because they would not
obey^or wilfully to oppofe evident grounds
ofreafon^ and light appearing unto them^
(whether forth of a hatred again (I it^ or a
Uve to walke in ctarkneffe, John 3. 19.
A * . i
Poftfcript.
Andfom effeUto fay unto God^ Depart
from asfor we del, re not the knowledge of
thy waie^ Job 21. 14.) can be no more
excufable then Jlubbom rebellion 3 and
.disobedience againfi the truth , clearly
known and understood. But the ignorance
for which I "plead excufe is that only
which befalleth men ^ either through imbe-
cility in nature? or want of means. For as
it cannot be required of an ideot to under-
hand reafon nor of a childe to dijlin-
guijh betwixt good and evilly naturallin-
ternity having hidden thofe things from
their eies 5 and no talent given to them to
enable them thereunto : So neither (by the
like reafon) can the particular knowledge
and faith of the Gospel (or any thing elfe
whatfoever) be required of thofe to whom
the necejjary means thereof, is not offered ;
Vpon which ground Chrift declareth :
Tih at if he had not come and (poken unto
the]c\vs p and doneamongft them fuch
worl{j which did evidently demonjirtte
unto
Pofticript.
imhem the truth and excellency of his
dbfine^nd that he was the Mejjlas pro-
mj to come 3 they had not had (in> re-
je&g either him orit^ohn 15/22, 25.
vribht io^ 27. And therefore ignorance
W fs nature cannot be concluded any
gre**fn then Uriah his carrying of
the Ljer to take away his own life^
2 Sanp] 1 8. 14^ 1 5. which will never be
laid t Of charge.
-J-
"•ft*
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