QtiESTION X. n43 care that sucha glorious salvation should not beprovided and proposed in vain. VI. It is probable therefore that the grace or goodness of God in conjunction with his wisdom, would or did fix upon some persons among degenerate mankind, to whom he resolved this way of salvation which be has provided should be effectual : And for this end, either did or would place them in circa:pstances.of less temptation, or give themgreater advantages for the improve- ment of their minds, and by proper providences would awaken their natural consciences, or set before them the differences of virtue and vice, with all their consequences in a future state, in a stronger light, .aud with more powerful conviction ; and that all these persuasive methods might not miscarry, it is probable that he would give some divine touch totheir spirits if it were neces- sary, and would causethem to point toward himself, and a future happiness. VII. Nor is there just reason for any criminals to complain . against the goodness of God, for effectually leading some of their fellows into a certain and secure method of salvation, since they sustain no injury thereby. Why should their eyebe evil because God is good Let this matter be examined and scanned as far as it will by the powers of reason and present observation, and we shall find no such terrible consequences from the doctrine of God's choice, or appointment of particular persons to obtain this eternal salvation, as some learned men have imagined, provided that none of the rest are thereby prevented and hindered by any act of God. VIII. Our eyes see plainly, and our constant observation of mankind assures us, that far the greatest part of them are not pious and holy, but sinful and rebellious against their Maker, and are wilfully running on in the paths of sin and madness, to condemnation and punishment ; we must be convinced daily, that the bulk of mankind are by no means fit to be admitted into a heaven of happiness, which consists in the knowledge, love, and enjoyment of God ; nor are they at all inclined to repent and return to God ; but that they are rather rendering themselves daily fitterobject of divinedispleasure ; and to all appearance, the greatest part of themare like to be punished in another world, for sins committed in this. Now when the great and blessed God had provided a means of recovery sufficient for all these sinners, ,and yet foresaw them disinclined to accept of it, would it be unjust in him to resolve that some should certainly be recovered by it ? Might he not, in consistence with equity and justice, form a decree that all these vicious and wretched creatures should not be dtterly miserable : but that he would take certain and effectual care to save some of them from this madness and misery When he had provided such a way of recovery as Might secure
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