Page:A Treatise of the Covenant of Grace (John Ball).djvu/238

 226 doubt, whether he should believe or no? But that scruple is not removed by the contrary perswasion, that Christ died for all mankind in the common lapse: for so Christ died for many men, that neither can nor ought as such to believe: and he that questioneth whether he should believe, doth it in respect of former transgressions, abuse of grace, neglect of the meanes, and conscience of his owne unworthinesse, in which case it affords small comfort, and lesse resolution to informe him that Christ died for all men as sinners, but not as impenitent or unbelievers. But the direct way and course to comfort the distressed and doubting soule in that perplexity, is to informe him that his sins are pardonable, because in Christ forgivenesse is offered unto him; that he is particularly called being hungry, thirstie burdened, finding himselfe destitute both of grace and comfort, to come unto Christ for them both: and being graciously invited, he is without further dispute or delay to cast his soule upon the promises of mercy and come unto Christ, that he might be refreshed. But they are in vaine commanded to believe, if Christ died not for them, because they cannot believe. Is it then in vaine, that the obstinate and rebellious are commanded and invited to believe, who as such cannot believe? Was it in vaine, that God commanded PharoahPharaoh [sic] to let Israel goe? that our Saviour would have gathered Jerusalem, when the things concerning her peace, were hid from her eyes? Might not men argue by the same reason, that it was in vaine for God to intreate and perswade them to believe, when he did fore-know that by such invitation they would not be allured to come unto him? And if they cannot believe, it is not through the unreasonablenesse or absurdity of the thing commanded, which doth excuse, nor impotency of weaknesse, as if they would believe, but cannot, which is to be pitied; but impotency of wilfulnesse and prave affection, the more unable to believe, the more wilfull to refuse, which is inexcusable. And though I cannot say, God hath given to every man to believe if he will: Yet sure, God is not wanting to any man in that which either in justice or promise he is bound to give: and did men deny themselves, nourish the motions of Gods Spirit, and earnestly desire to believe, without question they should find the Lord gracious. If men believe it is of grace, not only that whereby they are inabled to believe, but whereby they are discerned from other men: if they believe not, it is of themselves, of their own