Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 9:21

21. Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour ?

He Argueth from the Less to the Greater, That if a Potter hath power over his Clay, to Form it as he pleaseth, then God hath much more power over his Creatures, to Form them, or order them as He listeth. God's Authority over his Creature is Greater, than that of a Power over his Clay. The Potter made not his Clay; but both Clay and Potter are made by God. Here is something implied, that as there is no difference in the matter or lump, out of which the Potter frameth diversity of Vessels: So there is no difference in Man-kind; all Men are alike by Nature, and in the same corrupt State; both those who are Elected, and those who are Rejected, that are made vessels of mercy, or vessels or wrath. And here is this expressed, That as the Potter maketh vessels of honour or dishonour, of nobler or viler Use, out of the same lump, as he listeth; and is not bound to give a Reason of his so doing to his Pots. So God may chuse some, and reject others, and give no Account thereof unto his Creatures. The Potter takes nothing from the Clay, of what Form soever he makes it; and the Creator doth no Wrong to the Creature, however he doth dispose of it.

Marginal references: Je[illegible: 1 letter]. 18.[illegible: 2 letters]; 2 Tim. [illegible: 1 word]