and people in truth, that is, for them upon whom Salvation should be conferred, and to whom it should be soundly applied. So the Prophet telleth us, Christ died, that indeed and most certainely he might see his seed,Isa. 53.10. and bring many brethren unto God. And if Christ died not for his sheepe for this particular end, that by his speciall grace,Rom. 9.18. and that which is given to none others, they might injoy the fruit of his death,Joh. 10.15. we must confesse, that Christ in this saying doth give no particular comfort to his sheepe, and in that whole Chapter: which is absurd. And though sheepe and beleevers materially be the same, formally in this place they be not: for when Christ saith to the Pharisees, Yee beleeve not, for yee are not of my sheepe. Joh. 10.16. If to be a beleever and the sheep of Christ doe signifie the same thing, he should say, ye beleeve not, and that which followeth, My sheepe heare my voice, and follow me, Joh. 10.27. should be the same as if it had been said, the beleevers beleeve. So that sheepe and beleevers are reciprocall, but formally they are not made sheepe by faith, but by election.
Moreover the acquisition of righteousnesse by the death of Christ, and the application thereof, are things to be distinguished, but so inseperably conjoyned, that for whomsoever it is acquired, to them it is applied. By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justifie many: for he shall beare their iniquities, Isa. 53.11. He bare the sinne of many, and made intercession for the transgressours, Isa. 33.12. By his stripes are we healed, Isa. 53.5. Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised againe for our justification, Rom. 4.25. As by the offence of one, judgement came upon all men to condemnation: even so by the righteousnesse of one, the free gift, came upon all men unto justification of life, Rom. 5.18. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen againe, Rom. 8.34. I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more aboundantly, Joh. 10.10. In this was manifested the love of God towards us, because that God sent his only begotten Sonne into the world, that we might live through him, 1 Joh. 4.9. By the which will we are sanctified, through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all, Heb. 10.10. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified, vers. 14. The passages of Scripture are plentifull, which testifie application to be the end of Christs death; for he died to establish and ratifie the everlasting Covenant of grace, Heb. 9.15,16,17. to abolish him that had the power of death, that is, thedevill,
