Verf.5,6. the Epifhle to the Romans. chiefe matters. Amongfi the Fathers 429 Ireneus differed from Villar, ?inject us from Polycarpin, Chryfoffome from Epi phanus, Theophr/us from Cyriü, Auguftine from Hierum : yet they were all counted to be of one Church. At Rome,2bomifis and Scotifts, Dominicans and Francifcans, Priefts and Jefuites, be knowne to jarre, yet are they fti11 reckoned of one Re- ligion. T t M. What profit are we Chriftiant to make to our 'elves of this point ? S I L. Firft, it confureth the papifis, which make univerfality, multitudes, and vifbility, to be markes of the true Church, which may be, and often is in the world without thefe things: nay thefe markes belong to Paganilh, and impious prophane Popifh focieties. Se- condly, it affords a comfort to Gods people, when they are brought to a (mall contemptible number and eftate, having people, Prieft, Princes, and the whole world againft them; no new or ftrange matter, often fo heretofore. Thirdly, an admonition to warne us, that we do nor look ever to have fuch external] peace 'as now we enjoy, and fuch great companies to joyne with us in theprofefiion of Chrift and his Gof. pell, and by their examples and encou- ragements to whet us on. Laflly, that we do not thinke the worfe oldie truth and doarine of God; for the few fol- lowers of it; not any whit the better of Idolaters for their huge multitudes. Neither that we rafhly cenfure, nor ha- flily fend all to the devil] which are not known to us, nor appear to us to be the fervants of Chrift, Rom. r ç, 4. What art thou that condemneft another mans fervant: hee ftandeth or falleth to his owne mailer. DIALOGUE Iv. Verfes 5, 6. Even fo then at this peeled time, there is a remnant recording to tbc elellion of grace : and if by grace, then it is no more by workes, c. T i sorgnus. Hat dot!) this Text contain? S r L. An application of the former example unto the time wherein Paul hiutlelfe lived. Secondly, a conch, - lion, drawne cut oldie application, (to wit) that if ele &ion be free and come of grace, then trot ofworkes ; for merit is contrary untograce,which is not at all free,if it be not all and abfolutely free. T t M. What is the fumne of the ap- plication ? S t L. This r that as Elias was not a- Summe, lone in that corrupt efface ofIfrael, but even then when all Teemed to be gone from God, yet there were in fecret left (even thoufand true worfhippers : fo now, when Paul alone amongft all the Jewes feemed to profeffe Chrift (Phari- faifineraigning in Jury, and Paganifnie in all the world betides) yet no doubt but God had of his favour kept certaine beleevers which v ere not known to the world. Sheen us fomewhat particularly and Doubt. more plainly, wherein the times of Elias the Prophet, and of Paul the Apoftle were alike.: for it Deemed that this (build be no good Rea - jon,that it fhould be fo'inPauls,b:caufé it matio in Elias dayes. For there is no fuch neceffity as that which is once done by fingular and efpeciall example, the Jame ought to be dune in every time and age. So L. This example of Elias is very Solution. fitly applyed to the times of Paul, whe- ther we refpea the thing it fèlfe, or the circumfiances, or the caufes. Touching the thing it (elfe, as Elia thought him- felfe alone in Ifrael, and yet was not(for there were many more :) fo Pau! might take himfelfe of all the Jewes to be the onely profeffor of Chrift, whereas be- fides him there was aremnant. For cir_ cumfances they doe agree : Elias the Prophet was railed tip extraordinarily, fo was Paul miraculoufly called to be an Apoffle. Againe, as Elias alone was zealous for the worfhip of God, fo Paul alone of all the Jewes, was an ear- ned defender of the doarine of God and as very many refitted Elias, fo not a few perfecutcd Paul : and as in Ella time Graria rusllo modo grazia, aif o.fnni mcdo g,oso ta. Augu fì.
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