Thirdly, A seeming smile cast upon the opinion of universal redemption by many texts of Scripture, with the ambiguity of some words, which though in themselves either figurative or indefinite, yet seem to be of a universal extent, maketh the abettors of it exceedingly rejoice. Now, concerning this I shall only desire the reader not to be startled at the multitude of places of Scripture which he may find heaped up by some of late about this business (especially by Thomas More, in his " Universality of Free Grace"), as though they proved and confirmed that for which they are produced, but rather prepare himself to admire at the confidence of men, particularly of him now named, to make such a flourish with colours and drums, having indeed no soldiers at all; for, notAvithstanding all their pretences, it will appear that they hang the whole weight of their building on
1 " Natura sic apparet vitiata ut hoc majoris vitii sit non videre." — Aug. 2Laert. in Vit. Bpiraen. 3 Plato de Legib., lib. vii.
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three or four texts of Scripture, — namely, 1 Tim. ii. 5, 6 ; John iii. 16, 17 ; Heb. ii. 9; 1 John ii. 2, with some few others, — and the ambiguity of two or three words, which themselves cannot deny to be of exceeding various acceptations. All which are at large discussed in the ensuing treatise, no one place that hath with the least show or colour been brought forth by any of our adversaries, in their own defence, or for the opposing of the effectual redemption of the elect only, being omitted, the book of Thomas More being in all the strength thereof fully met withal and enervated.
Fourthly, Some men have, by I know not what misprision,^ entertained a per- suasion that the opinion of the TJniversalists serves exceedingly to set forth the love and free grace of God; yea, they make free gi'ace, that glorious expression, to be that alone which is couched in their persuasion, — namely, that " God loves all alike, gave Christ to die for all, and is ready to save all if they will lay hold on him ; " — under which notion how greedily the hook as well as the bait is swallowed by many we have daily experience, when the truth is, it is utterly destructive to the free distinguishing gi-ace of God in all the dispensations and workings thereof. It evidently opposeth God's free grace of election, as hath been declared, and therein that very love from which God sent his Son. His free distinguishing grace, also, of effectual calling must be made by it to give place to natiu-e's darling, free- will ; yea, and the whole covenant of grace made void, by holding it out no other- wise but as a general removing of the wrath which was due to the breach of the covenant of works : for what else can be imagined (though this certainly they have not, John iii. 36) to be gTanted to the most of those " all" with whom they affirm this covenant to be made? Yea, notwithstanding their flourish of free grace, as themselves are forced to grant, that after all that was effected by the death of Christ, it was possible that none should be saved, so I hope I have clearly proved that if he accomplished by his death no more than they ascribe unto it, it is utterly impossible that any one should be saved. " Quid dignum tanto?"
Fifthly, The opinion of universal redemption is not a little advantaged by pre- senting to convinced men a seeming ready way to extricate themselves out of all their doubts and perplexities, and to give them all the comfort the death of Christ can afford before they feel any power of that death working within them, or find any efficacy of free grace drawing their hearts to the embracing of Christ in the promise, or obtaining a particular interest in him ; which are tedious things to flesh and blood to attend unto and wait upon. Some boast that, by this persuasion, that hath been effected in an hour which they waited for before seven years with- out success. To dispel this poor empty flourish, I shall show, in the progress, that it is very ready and apt to deceive multitudes with a plausible delusion, but really undermines the very foundations of that strong unfailing consolation which God hath showed himself abundantly willing that the heirs of promise should receive.
These and the like are the general pretences wherewith the abettors of a general ransom do seek to commend themselves and opinion to the aftections of credulous souls; through them making an open and easy passage into their belief, for the swallowing and digesting of that bitter potion which lurks in the bottom of their cup. Of these I thought meet to give the reader a brief view in the entrance, to take off his mind from empty generals, that he might be the better prepared to weigh all tilings carefully in an equal balance, when he shall come to consider those particulars afterward insisted on, wherein the great strength of our adver- saries lies. It remaineth only that I give the Christian reader a brief account of my call unto, and undertaking in, this work, and so close this preface. First, then, I will assure thee it is not the least thirst in my affections to be drinking of the waters of Meribah, nor the least desire to have a share in Ishmael's portion,