Page 26 - Absolute Predestination With Observations On The Divine Attributes

due, who putteth the difference between man and man by having compassion on
some and not on others.

THE DOCTRINE OF

ABSOLUTE PREDESTINATION

STATED AND ASSERTED.

CHAPTER I.

WHEREIN THE TERMS COMMONLY MADE USE OF
IN TREATING OF THIS SUBJECT ARE
DEFINED AND EXPLAINED.

HAVING considered the attributes of God as laid down in Scripture, and so far
cleared our way to the doctrine of predestination, I shall, before I enter further
on the subject, explain the principal terms generally made use of when treating

of it, and settle their true meaning. In discoursing on the Divine decrees,
mention is frequently made of God's love and hatred, of election and
reprobation, and of the Divine purpose, foreknowledge and predestination, each

of which we shall distinctly and briefly consider.

I.—When love is predicated of God, we do not mean that He is possessed of it
as a passion or affection. In us it is such, but if, considered in that sense, it

should be ascribed to the Deity, it would be utterly subversive of the simplicity,
perfection and independency of His being. Love, therefore, when attributed to
Him, signifies—

(l) His eternal benevolence, i.e., His everlasting will, purpose and determination