of Predeftination andReprobation. becaufe Chrift and his Apofles taught it publickly, . notwithftanding thewickedneffe of carnali men : And it is farre fafer from theirexample to learnwhat is profitable to be taught and what not, then from humane reafonings. Secondly, becaufe Ele%ion is a fingularbenefit ofGod,and the foundation of all other gifts which tend to falvation : And it is the part of unthankfull men to defire to conceal fuch an efpeciall favour becaufe wicked and ungodly men are trou- bled to heare of it. Laftly, becaufe this very doetrine Both exceedingly encourage the . faithfull and godly to proceed in their courfe of faith and godlineffe, of who more regard ought to be had thenofpro- fanewretches who are wont to pervert ali things to their own deftrudion. For we ought not fo much to fear left thofe who have no mind to embrace the truth fhould be offended at our doBrine , as left while we conceal the truth of this my ftery fuch as both are able and willing profitably to lay hold on ir, fhould in the mean time be furprized with errour. But how let us ad- dreffe our felves to unfold the ufesofthis doctrine. In the firft place it ferveth to illuftrate ad manyof Gods Attributes, and exceedingly manifefteth thofe Divine properties which everyChkiftian ought rightly co know and Kk 2 ackno,w- 517
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