(2.) "If this be the sense, it was fulfilled in the captivity as well as afterward, for you say the saints always persevere."
Ans. (1.) The typical part of it was not then accomplished. (2.) It is granted that as to the spiritual part of the covenant of grace, it was at all times fulfilled to them, which is now evidently promised to establish them in the assurance thereof. Wherefore it is, —
216 DOCTRINE OF THE SAINTS' PERSEVERANCE. [CHAP.
5, Argued, sect. 53, (1.) " That these Avords, ' I will give them one heart, that they shall not depart from me,' may be as well rendered, * That they may not depart from me;' and so it is said in the verse foregoing, ' That they may fear me for ever.'"
Ans. Suppose the words may be thus rendered, what inconveni- ence will ensue? Either way they evidently and beyond exception design out the end aimed at by God; and when God intends an end or event, so as to exert a real efficacy for the compassing of it, to say that it shall not be infallibly brought about is an assertion that many have not as yet had the boldness to venture on. But saitli he, —
(2.) "The words so read do not necessarily import the actual event or taking place of the effect intended of God in the promise, and his performance thereof, but only his intention itself in both these, and the sufficiency of the means allowed for producing such an effect: but it is of the same nature with that that our Saviour saith, John V. 84, 'These things I say unto you, that ye might be saved;' and that of God to Adam, Gen. iii. 10, 11." All which things were in like manner insisted on by the Remonstrants at the Hague colloquy.
Ans. It is not amiss that our contests about the sense of this place of Scri2:)ture are at length come to the state and issue here expressed. It is granted the thing promised, and that according to the intend- ment of God, is perseverance; but that there is any necessity that this promise of God should be fulfilled or his intention accomplished, that is denied. Were it not that I should prevent myself in what will be more seasonable to be handled when we come to the con- sideration of the promises of God, I should very willingly engage here into the proof of this assertion. When God purposeth or in- tendeth an event, and promiseth to do it, to that end putting forth and exercising an efficient real power, it shall certainly be accom- plished and brought to pass ; neither can this be denied without cast- ing the greatest reproach of mutability, impotency, and breach of word, upon the Most Holy, that is possible for any man to do. Neither do the Remonstrants nor Mr Goodwin acquit themselves from a participation in so high a crime by their instance of Gen. iii. 10, 11, where a command of God is only related to express his duty to whom it was given, not in the least asserting any intention of God about the event, or promise as to the means of its accomplishment. Nor doth that of John viii. 28 give them any more assistance in their sad undertaking to alleviate the truth of God. A means of salvation in its own nature and kind sufficient is exhibited, which asserts not an infallible necessity of event, as that doth which in this place is ascribed to God. But it is added, —
6. Sect. 54, " The continuance of external and civil prosperity to the Jewish nation may much more colourably be argued from hence than the certainty of their perseverance in grace; for these
IV.] THE COVENANT OF GRACE. 217
things are most expressly promised, verses 39, 40, and yet we find that, upon their non-performance of the condition, they are become the most contemptible and miserable nation under heaven. Certainly, then, the spiritual promises here must also depend on conditions, which if not fulfilled, they also may come short of performance."
Ans. 1. Rom. xi. 25-27. 2. These temporal promises were ful- filled unto them so far as they were made to them, — that is, as they were typical, — and what is behind of them shall be made good in due time. 8. All these promises are, and were, in their chiefest and most eminent concernments (even the spiritual things set forth by allusions to the good land wherein they lived), completely and absolutely fulfilled to them, all and every one, to whom they were properly and directly made, as the apostle abundantly proveth, Rom. ix.-xi. 4. Whereas there are two special spiritual promises here expressed, one of conversion, the other of jper severance, I desire to know on what condition their accomplishment is suspended? On what condition will God write his law in their hearts? " On condition they hear him and obey him, suffer his mercies and kindnesses to work kindly on them." That is, on condition his law be in their hearts, he will write it there! Thanks yet for that! On what con- dition doth God promise that they shall abide with him for ever? " Why, on the condition they depart not from him." Very good ! To what end doth God promise that which he will not effect, but only on condition that there is no need for him so to do ! But, saitli he, —