of Predeftination'andReprob4tion. 507 theparticipation ofthekingdomeofheaven, it is as impoflible that he from the fenfeand perfwafion of his Predeíination fhould draw this wicked conclufion,as for wood to be cold in the middle of the fire, or theaire tobe dark when the fun-beams are diffufed through it. u Every man that bath this hope in himpurifceth himfelf, faith the Apofile. Therefore they that defile themfelves with all manner of lulls , come farce íhort of a true perfwafion of their being elected. Secondly, nothing is more foolifh then the forefaid inference. For as it is an argu- ment of wifdome to choofe and ufe fit and proper means for the obteining of theap- pointed end ; fo it is the height of folly, from the appointment of the end to inferre a refufing or negle t ofthe means. We will explain this by force fpeciall examples. God had decreed from eternitie, and more- over revealed unto Abraham , that in his feed all nations fhould be blefhed. Now fuppofe that Abraham prefuming upon this decree had refolved wholly to abftein from the company of Sarai his wife, and had thus reafoned withhimfelf, Whatfoever I do or not do, Godwill take carefor the accom- pÿifhment ofhis own decree; it would be hard to fay whether Bach reafoning were more guiltie of folly or of wickedneffe. In like manner , if Ezekiah, after notice of Gods decree u8 i. ?IN! 3.3- 2.
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