16 of the abufe andufe ofthedot nine unfearchable myftery ; which to go about by curious fearch or mere conjetures to pry into, is both extremely foolifh and wic- ked. Wemuff falwayes thereforehave re- courfe to the word revealed , the which when we believe and obey, we do fafely draw out from thence this comfortable conclufion dpofteriori, from the effeits,That weare Gods chofen children : But as long as weabide in infidelity and unconvertedit is folly to prefume weare elected, madneífe to conclude we are reprobated, whereas thewill ofGod hath as yet byno externall effect, evidently manifefted it felf unto us on either fide.Hithertoofthe abufes ofthis doctrine: Now let us proceed to thew theu- fes thereof. Here in the firf} place I premife this,That they are in no wife tobe hearkned untowho conceive that this do&rine of Election and Reprobation ought therefore to be quite buried in filence, becaufe profane andway- wardmen doabufe it either toprefumption and licentioufneffe or to defpair and rech- lefneffe. If the former cautions be obfer- ved,That we neither deliver it unfeafonably to thofe that are uncapable, nor immode- rately ftretch it to curious fpccùlations, nor propound it to thepeople by halves and de- fedively, then it is clear and evident that this dotrine ought tobe preached. Firít, becaufe
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=