AND MOTIVE ther way for the discovery hereof, as we shall see after- wards. Sect. II.---(2.) God senda the gospel to men in pur- suit of his decree of election, and in order unto its ef- fectual accomplishment. 1 dispute not what other end it hash, or may have, in its indefinite proposal unto all. But this is the firstregulating principal endof it. Where- fore, in the preaching of it, ourapostle affirms, that he t, endured all things for the elect's sake, that they might ro obtain the salvation which is in Jesus Christ, with e- ternal glory," 2 'Pim. ii. 10. So God, before-hand, commanded him to stay and preach the gospel at Co- rinth, because he 7zad much people in that city, namely, in his purpose of grace, Acts. xviii. 10. See chap. ii, 47. chap. xiii. 48, Sect. 12. (3.) Wherever this gospel comes, it pro - poseth life and salvation by Jesus Christ, unto all that shall believe, repent, and yield obedience unto him. It plainly makes known unto men their duty, and plainly proposeth unto them their reward. In this state of things, no man, without the highest pride, and utmost effect of unbelief, can oppose the secret decree of God unto our known duty. Saith such a one, I will neither repent, nor believe, nor obey, unless I may first know whether I am elected or no, for all at last will depend thereon. If this be the resolution of anyman, he may go about his other occasions, the gospel path nothing-to say or offer unto him. Ifhe will admit of it on no other terms, but that he may set up his own will, and wis- -dom, and methods, in opposition unto and exclusion of those of God, he must, for ought I know, take his own course, whereof he may repent when it is too late. Sect. 13.--(4.) The sole way of God's appointment, whereby we may come to an apprehension of an interest in election, is by the fruits of it in our own souls: nor is it lawful for us to inquire into it, or after it any other way. The obligation which the gospel puts upon us to believe any thing, respects the order of the things them- selves to be believed, and the order of our obedience, as was before observed: for instance, when it is declar- ed, that Christ died for sinners, no man is immediately obliged to believe that Christ died for him in particular, but only that hedied to save sinners, to procure a way of salvation for them, among whom he finds himself to be. Hereon the gospel requires of men faith and obe- dience: this are they obliged to comply withal. Until UNTO HOLINESS. 353 this be done, noman is under an obligation to believe, that Christ died for him in particular. So is it in this matter of election: a man is obliged to believe the doc- trine of it upon the first promulgation of the gospel, be- cause it is therein plainly declared: but, as for his own personal election, he cannot believe it, nor is obliged to believe it any otherwise, but as God reveals it by its ef- fects. No man ought, no man can justly question his own election, doubt of it, or disbelieve it, until he be in such a condition as wherein it is impossible that the effects of election should ever be wrought in him; if such a condition there be in this world. For as a man, whilst he is unholy, can have no evidence that he is e- lected, so he can have none that he is not elected, whilst it is possible that ever be may be holy. Wherefore, whether men are elected or no, is not that which God calls any immediately to be conversant about. Faith, obedience, holiness, are the inseparable fruits, effects, and consequents of election, as hath been proved before. See Eph. i. 4. 2 'Phess. ii. 13. Titus i. i. Acts xiii. 48. In whomsoever these things are wrought, he is obliged, according to the methodof God and the gospel, to be- lieve his own election: and any believer may have the same assurance ofit as he bathof his calling, sanctifica- tion, orjustification; for these things are inseparable. And, by the exerciseof grace, are we obliged to secure our interest in election, 2 Peter i. 11. But, as for those who are as yet unbelieversand unholy, they can draw no conclusion that they are not elected, but from this supposition, that they are in a state and condition where- in it is impossible that ever they shouldhave either grace or holiness; which cannot be supposed concerning any man, but he that knows himself to have shined against the Holy Ghost. Wherefore, all the supposed strength of the objec- tion mentioned, lieth only in -the pride of men's minds and wills, refusing to submit themselves unto the or- der and method of God in the dispensation of his grace, and his prescription of their duty, where we must leave it. Sect. 14. To return unto our designed discourse: The doctrine of God's eternal election is every where in the scripture proposed for the encouragement and con- solation of believers, and to further them in their course of obedience and holiness. See Eph. i. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Rom. viii. 28, 29, 30, 31, -32, 33. As unto
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