with mans def$ruc` ion. of his own ruine : But the Scriptures teach not, That God by his abfolute will of pre- {-crying fume from ruine, and permitting o- thers to runne-on unto their own ruine, is the invincible caufe of any mans ruine. God bath given fom.e creatures fufficient means to preferve themfelves from ruine, whom notwithftanding by the decree of Reprobation he permitteth to procure and work their own ruine. It is contrary to Gods nature caufeleffely and cruelly to afid or deflroy his crea- ture : But it is not contrary to Gods nature to decree out of the riches of his mercy to beftow grace and glory infallibly upon force, and to decree out of the libertie of his will to permit others through their own voluntary default, byabufing fuch means of grace as are afforded them , to fall into e- ternall miferie. And this is all which the decree ofabfolute Ele&ion and Non- eledi- on doth involve. Of the grace or b°ne_fit of Predeftination S. Auguftine faith as much; ° Mee gratia pr,edeflinatos fecun- dúm propoftum vocatos ad glorificatio aem perducit. And for the deniall of this fpe- ciall grace, which we term Negative Re- probation,Profper confeffeth, That it is not the forefight of any iniquitie in men which caufeth this deniall : P Nulla flint tam dete- flandafacinora gu,e pofintgrati e arcere do anim. F 4 And itr o De Grat. ChrZF1.1. I x. pDe vor.tt. 1. I.C.17.
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