Divines Predestination and Fore-Knowledg, Consistent With the Freedom of Man's Will: a Sermon Preach'd at Christ-Church, Dublin; May 15. 1709. Before His Excellency Thomas Earl of Wharton, Lord

Divines Predestination And Fore-Knowledg, Consistent With The Freedom Of Man's Will: A Sermon Preach’D At Christ-Church, Dublin; May 15. 1709. Before His Excellency Thomas Earl Of Wharton, Lord Lieutenant Of Ireland, And The Right Honourable The House Of Lords. By William, Lord Archbishop of Dublin. This sermon addresses the long-standing controversy over predestination, foreknowledge, election, and the decrees of God, arguing they are not literal attributes but analogies used to illustrate divine sovereignty. The author outlines five divine acts in the process of salvation—fore-knowing, predestinating, calling, justifying, and glorifying—and contends that human understanding cannot fully grasp God’s nature. Instead, Scripture and reason employ similitudes to convey essential truths, enabling believers to fear, love, obey, and trust God while maintaining moral responsibility. He defends the compatibility of divine sovereignty with human free will, urging humility in interpretation, restraint in polemics, and charity within the church. The tract advocates peace, prudent handling of doctrinal disputes, and emphasizes the practical aims of scripture: guiding believers toward holy living and eternal happiness.