IT is rashly asserted that |the matter of predestination, as it is opposed to reprobation, is man in common or absolutely, if regard be had to the foreordaining of the end; but if regard be had to the means for the end, it is man about to perish by and in himself and guilty in Adam.| (Trelcatii Institut., lib.2. On Predestination.) 2. With equal infelicity is it asserted that |one reprobation is negative or passive, another affirmative or active -- that the former is before all things and causes in things foreknown and considered, or that will arise from things; and that this act is respective of sin, and is called predamnation.| 3. It may become a subject of discussion in what manner the following things can be said agreeably to this doctrine: |The impulsive cause of this predestination is the benevolent inclination of the will of God in Christ; and predestination is an eternal act of God, by which he resolves to make in Christ some creatures partakers of his grace and glory.| 4. This is a stupid assertion: |The just desertion of God, by which he does not confer grace on a reprobate man, and which appertains to predestination and to its execution, is that of exploration or trial.| This also cannot be reconciled with the expressions in the preceding paragraph.