ticular persons, who never proceeded so farre, continued so long in these sins as this world had done, must we not of necessity acknowledgeJosh. 24.2.
Psal. 100.3.
Isa 43.8. & 65.1.
Ezek. 16.3. some free election or choice according to the good pleasure of God? Certainly, it cannot be concluded hence, that Christ did equally lay down his life for all men without exception, to purchase for them actuall reconciliation on Gods part. It is here objected, that this world doth comprehend many impenitent and unbelievers, that shall not be saved,Synod defens. sent Remonst. circ. Art. 2. pag. 301. and if Christ died for one that shall not be saved, it followeth à pari, that he died for all. And it is true, as many be externally in Covenant, and have all outward things common with the faithfull, who be not true members of Jesus Christ: so also this world opposed to the Jewish Nation, called of God, and admitted into Covenant, doth comprehend many, which in deed and truth be not lively members of Jesus Christ. In like manner many, indeed wicked men and ungodly, living in the visible Church, and under the externall Covenant, are called the chosen of God, the people of God, Saints by calling, and so Christ died for them, efficiently, and by way of application, as they be within the Covenant made in Christ, and doe partake of those fruits and benefits of his death, which of themselves tend to salvation, but are perverted of them to destruction through their owne default. But others comprehended under the world, be faithfull indeed, living members of Jesus Christ, sealed by the Spirit, and for these Christ died efficiently in a peculiar manner, scil. to bring them to life and happinesse, as already they are called savingly and effectually to faith and repentance.
The argument à pari is of no weight, manifestly confuted both by Scripture and experience it selfe. For to many that perish is the word of Salvation sent, they receive it, professe it, rejoyce in it, live under the Ordinances of grace, be partakers of sundry graces of the Spirit: all which be speciall fruits of Christs death, speciall to some, not common to all men: and in which respects Christ is said to die for them. But to affirme the same things of every particular man in the world, is to offend against common sence. If Christ had died for one wicked man that perished, because he had been wicked, or for that reason, there had been some truth in the argument: but some fruits of Christs death are imparted to some although they be wicked, not because they are wic-ked,
