Ch.38. of the áce of Beleevers. 299 weak ílrength are mighty fiicklers for Armipians', or corvintss, Grevez choviu, Epifcopitbss, or any other in the Netherlands, o wn- in their fouleft calumny; but their honour may {land in their alle- gation of this text for perfevcrance of Saints, and Matter Gerees reputation not fall ; His interpretation and their application will well enoughftand together : The Apoftle there delivers an uni- verfall Propofition, and applies it, as Mailer Geree rightly inter- prets it,to fuch election , loTre, and gifts that belongs to bodies, or Nations ; yet it is a truth that equally holds, when it is applied to elec4ion, to falvation, and with juit warranty is applied by Di- vines for that purpofe, Chrift faies, Thofe whom God hack joyned to- gether, let no man put afunder,Matth. ig.6. And this general Propo- tition he applies to perlons joyned in marriage, yet this doth not hinder, but that I may apply it to the levering the Cup from the Bread in theLordsTable,AndCalvin(as I remember)doth fo apply it when be faits, that with wicked Sacriledge Papifts divide what Chrift bath joyned. Chrift faits, Meth. i 2.2 5. A Kingdonae di- vided again it fell cannot fiand, and applies it to evince the un- reafónablenefle of their charge, that he cafts out Devils by Beelze- bud the chief of Devils; and do they then mifapply it that thence reprove civil mutinies in Nation ? Abundance more might be na- med. So that Matter Gerees interpretation doth not enervate their argument. I heard a Profeflor of Divinity of an Univerlty of Scotland, urge this text for perfeverance of Saints (as Matter Tombes brings in others applying it) and adding thefe words, or to this purpofe; though it be meant of gifts and calling vouchfafed to the Nation of the Jewes, yet it is fitly applied to the gifts and calling vouchfafed to particular perlons. And whereas Mailer Tombes in his wonted way of confidence, faith, 1 make no quefli- on,but all Anti - Arminian that tinderfland the controverfie, will dif- claime Mailer Geree in this anf jeer, and accknowledge that tL a ele- Ilion, love, gifts, and calling meant, Rom.i 1. a8, 29. are by faith in- to falvation. He is much deceived Mailer Geree (when alive) was judged not to be MaflerTombes his inferiour, and yet he fees his interpretation. The Profeflor before mentioned underflood I fomewhat,and Diodate in his Annotations hath thefe words, God never recalls his grace, which by abfolute decree he will ecmmwnicate to fome perfon or Nation,to call them to him, and to have r ght to his Covenant ; Now the election of this people hath been [itch above all Q_q 2 others
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