Right Worshipfull, among the manifold points of Christian Religion, the truth of the doctrine concerning Predestination is worthy serious and sober study for the sound understanding thereof. For first, it is something difficult and obscure. Secondly, because it is by some eagerly impugned, as a frivolous and forged invention of mans brain. Thirdly, divers opinions have passed from divers men diversly about this one point; whereas notwithstanding there is but one truth, and one definite and constant sentence to be found in holy writ concerning it. Fourthly, this one doctrine does give very good evidence, and an ample demonstration of Gods infinite mercy and exact justice. Fiftly, it affordeth some taste of his profound and impenetrable counsel. Sixtly, it does notably manifest his admirable wisdom and policy, and the incorruptible purity of his nature, who wisely disposeth all things, and uses even evils without injustice, and the least receipt or infusion of corruption; and all for the manifestation of the glory of his Name, and of the splendor of his renowned properties. Seventhly, it confoundeth the common cavil of many desperate and infatuated Atheists, who would make Gods predestination the pillar of their sensual security, and secure sensuality. Lastly, it ministreth exceeding comfort to those, who renouncing the kingdom of sin, do live like saints in the kingdom of grace. First, because it is not possible for any such to sin with full consent of heart. Secondly, because no personal merits are required of them. Thirdly, because the Spirit of God abideth in them, who is busy within the hive of their hearts as a Bee, and worketh them like wax. Fourthly, because God has eternally predestinated them to eternal joys, and those also incomprehensible and ineffable. Fiftly, because God has in abundance vouchsafed that to them being but a handful, which he has denied to whole heaps besides. Sixtly, for that they being elected, can in no wise perish, for the counsel of the Lord shall stand for ever (Psalm 33:11). And he loveth them with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 3:4). Though a Mother should forget her Child, yet he will not forget them, for he has graven them upon the palm of his hand (Isaiah 49:15-16). Therefore he will confirm them to the end (1 Corinthians 1:8), and by his power keep them to salvation (1 Peter 1:5). He will love them constantly, though he visit their transgressions with rods (Psalm 89:32-33). He will never turn away from them, though he take them by the neck (as Job speaketh) and beat them, though he cut their reins and break them, and though he poureth their gall upon the ground, and runneth upon them like a Giant. Joseph did affect his brethren entirely, though he spake roughly to them. He may also sometimes let them fall, as a loving Nurse may her child, but he will lift them up again; therefore however they may fall, yet they shall not fall away. Indeed they may leave their first love, as the Church of Ephesus did, but they shall never leave to love at all, if ever they loved truly. For (as Paul says) love does never fall away, it may be lessened, but it cannot be lost. In like manner, their faith may be covered, as the Sun with a dusky cloud in a gloomy day: or as the trees are with snow sometimes in winter; but yet it continueth firmly fixed (though now and then eclipsed) in the sphere of the heart, and keepeth sap in the root. For the righteous man is as a tree planted by the rivers of waters (Psalm 1:3), and is built by that great builder of heaven and earth upon a rock (Matthew 16:18). These comforts will this one doctrine afford, being throughly pondered and understood. And no doubt these and the like considerations moved that holy and learned man of blessed memory, to publish this present treatise for the benefit of the Church, and the same have also incited us to turn it out of the tongue wherein he wrote it, into the English, for their profit who are ignorant in the other; and the rather, because it is contrived and penned very plainly, soundly, and succinctly, as the subject will permit. The which (Right Worshipfull) assuring our selves of your unfeigned love to the truth, we do present and dedicate to you, in token of deserved gratitude for undeserved kindness, not doubting of your courteous and kind acceptance. And thus we humbly take our leaves, recommending you and all yours to the protection of Jehovah. Rochester, this 19. of February. 1605.
Your Worships in all duty, Francis Cacott, and Thomas Tuke.
