Page:An analytical exposition of both the epistles of the Apostle Peter, illustrated by doctrines out of every text .. (IA analyticalexposi00ames).pdf/12

 named that, as being more knowne and discernable, and so more properly belonging to that consolation and congratulation which he proposed to himselfe.

Reason 1. Because the counsels and decrees of God do not depend upon those things that are extra Deum, without God, but they depend upon Gods decrees: for the decrees are first, and they last. 2. Because otherwise all the glory of our election and salvation should not wholly be ascribed unto God, and consequently all praise and thanksgiving should not be due unto him alone. 3. Because if our election did depend upon our selves, who are weake and changeable every houre, our election also it selfe would be changeable and uncertaine, and so would afford us no sound consolation. Use 1. This may serve to refute those, that make Gods election to depend upon our faith and perseverance, as a cause or condition requisite. 2. To exhort us to acknowledge this wonderfull grace of God towards us, and to give him all the praise and glory of it, both in the inward desires of our hearts, and the joyfull profession of our tongues, and our lives answerable thereunto. Doct. 3. True sanctification is a certaine fruit of election.

This is gathered from these words; Elect to sanctification, Ephes.1.4.

Reason 1. Because sanctification is a certaine effect and signe of the singular love of Christ, Ephes.5.25,26. Now this singular love, which hath respect to spirituall blessings, doth nothing differ from election, as touching the thing it selfe.

2. Because sanctification is, as it were, actuall election: for as by the election of God, the heires of salvation are distinguished from others in God himselfe, or in his intention and counsell; so also by regeneration and sanctification are they distinguished from others in themselves. For to sanctifie, according to the generall signification of the word, is to set apart to some use.

3. Because sanctification, although it be imperfect, yet it is that salvation and life begun unto which we are elected.

Vse 1. This may serve to refute those men that make sancti