his_o creature_n his_o not_o decree_a of_o sin_n do_v not_o at_o all_o lessen_v his_o providence_n about_o sinful_a action_n 8._o a_o decree_n to_o permit_v sin_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o permit_v be_v not_o to_o act_n and_o not_o to_o act_n be_v nothing_o and_o of_o nothing_o there_o be_v no_o decree_n at_o least_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o decree_n no_o more_o be_v needful_a to_o a_o not-being_a than_o god_n not_o willing_a and_o not_o effect_v consequent_o there_o be_v no_o decree_n of_o the_o permission_n of_o sin_n at_o least_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o hold_v such_o a_o decree_n it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o a_o nonesse_a be_v the_o object_n of_o god_n will_n when_o he_o will_v that_o some_o evil_a action_n shall_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o answer_n be_v that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o thing_n that_o god_n proper_o will_v be_v his_o restrain_v and_o limit_v of_o man_n evil_a inclination_n and_o action_n and_o the_o nonesse_a of_o those_o action_n be_v say_v to_o be_v will_v by_o he_o but_o improper_o and_o reductive_o as_o be_v the_o consequent_a of_o that_o which_o he_o proper_o wi_n and_o his_o will_n be_v further_o terminate_v on_o the_o good_a consequence_n of_o his_o prevent_v the_o say_v evil_a action_n it_o may_v be_v likewise_o object_v if_o a_o man_n may_v right_o say_v i_o will_v or_o purpose_n to_o permit_v why_o may_v not_o god_n right_o say_v so_o the_o answer_n be_v that_o when_o a_o man_n make_v such_o a_o determination_n it_o common_o mean_v a_o purpose_n of_o restrain_v the_o inclination_n or_o will_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o he_o to_o hinder_v the_o thing_n and_o the_o say_a purpose_n be_v further_o terminate_v on_o the_o consequent_n of_o the_o permission_n and_o the_o order_n of_o they_o so_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o will_n or_o purpose_v a_o permission_n as_o he_o will_v or_o purpose_v the_o limit_v of_o his_o restrain_v agency_n and_o as_o this_o will_n and_o purpose_n be_v also_o terminate_v on_o the_o consequent_n of_o the_o thing_n permit_v and_o the_o disposal_n thereof_o by_o his_o providence_n 9_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v the_o object_n of_o god_n decree_n though_o god_n decree_v no_o man_n sin_n yet_o he_o may_v decree_v the_o effect_n which_o sinner_n cause_v by_o sin_n so_o god_n decree_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o passive_a constupration_n of_o david_n concubine_n but_o he_o decree_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o actor_n according_o such_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o seem_v to_o import_v god_n will_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n do_v indeed_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o will_v by_o he_o though_o sin_n have_v no_o good_a in_o it_o and_o work_v nothing_o good_a in_o itself_o and_o can_v be_v will_v of_o god_n as_o a_o thing_n convenient_a or_o conducible_a yet_o it_o may_v be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o great_a good_a and_o it_o may_v work_v a_o effect_n which_o though_o bad_a in_o itself_o i_o mean_v physical_o bad_a may_v be_v conducible_a to_o good_a and_o so_o far_o the_o effect_n may_v be_v will_v as_o convenient_a if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o a_o decree_n of_o the_o effect_n one_o will_v think_v do_v imply_v a_o decree_n of_o the_o cause_n the_o answer_n be_v 1._o that_o the_o mere_a decree_a of_o a_o thing_n include_v no_o more_o than_o a_o willing_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v join_v with_o a_o knowledge_n of_o its_o convenience_n and_o so_o a_o decree_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n do_v imply_v a_o foreknowledge_n of_o the_o conducibility_n of_o that_o effect_n to_o some_o good_a yet_o it_o no_o way_n imply_v a_o decree_n of_o the_o sin_n but_o only_o a_o foreknowledge_n of_o it_o 2._o though_o god_n do_v not_o decree_v man_n sin_n yet_o he_o decree_v his_o own_o concourse_n to_o the_o act_n in_o its_o general_a nature_n but_o not_o as_o moral_o specify_v he_o decree_v also_o the_o dispose_n and_o order_v of_o all_o concause_n and_o necessary_a antecedent_n of_o the_o effect_n which_o sinner_n accomplish_v and_o this_o with_o his_o foreknowledge_n of_o the_o sin_n itself_o suffice_v to_o a_o decree_n of_o such_o a_o effect_n 10._o of_o the_o futurition_n of_o sin_n from_o eternity_n that_o the_o futurition_n of_o sin_n be_v from_o eternity_n be_v no_o argument_n that_o god_n decree_n be_v the_o cause_n thereof_o for_o futurition_n in_o not_o a_o real_a be_v distinct_a from_o the_o thing_n future_a but_o it_o be_v mere_o a_o respect_n of_o reason_n or_o conception_n of_o the_o mind_n about_o it_o and_o it_o require_v no_o distinct_a cause_n from_o the_o future_a thing_n itself_o no_o real_a be_v be_v eternal_a but_o god_n and_o eternal_a futurition_n be_v but_o ens_fw-la rationis_fw-la and_o a_o extrinsic_a denomination_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n as_o conceive_v it_o the_o cause_n whereby_o a_o thing_n do_v exist_v in_o time_n be_v the_o cause_n whereby_o it_o be_v eternal_o future_a though_o the_o cause_n do_v not_o exist_v from_o eternity_n as_o the_o cause_n whereby_o a_o thing_n sometime_o be_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o thing_n past_o even_o to_o eternity_n though_o that_o cause_n do_v not_o exist_v to_o eternity_n 11._o of_o god_n eternal_a prescience_n of_o sin_n god_n do_v foresee_v whatsoever_o be_v future_a and_o of_o determinate_a verity_n by_o the_o mere_a infinity_o and_o eternity_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o no_o other_o cause_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v necessary_a to_o his_o foreknowledge_n of_o sin_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o futurity_n of_o a_o determinate_a verity_n the_o cause_n whereof_o be_v undeterminate_a must_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o asserter_n thereof_o that_o a_o thing_n will_v be_v suffice_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o futurity_n without_o consideration_n from_o what_o cause_n it_o will_v be_v and_o who_o can_v say_v that_o futurity_n be_v not_o by_o itself_o intelligible_a or_o that_o god_n can_v foreknow_v what_o a_o creature_n act_v free_o and_o contingent_o will_v do_v let_v it_o be_v note_v that_o the_o thing_n under_o consideration_n be_v what_o the_o infinity_o of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n can_v reach_v unto_o 12._o in_o what_o sense_n benefit_n be_v absolute_o decree_v of_o god_n in_o whatsoever_o order_n god_n do_v bring_v any_o thing_n to_o pass_v in_o time_n he_o decree_v from_o eternity_n to_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v in_o the_o very_a same_o order_n there_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d use_n of_o mean_n requisite_a to_o the_o bring_n to_o pâ—ss_n of_o that_o good_a which_o be_v decree_v and_o god_n will_v also_o that_o those_o condition_n shall_v be_v perform_v and_o those_o mean_v use_v and_o so_o in_o the_o issue_n he_o absolute_o will_v all_o those_o benefit_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o which_o god_n do_v not_o but_o upon_o condition_n he_o absolute_o decree_v to_o do_v and_o he_o absolute_o decree_v to_o do_v it_o upon_o such_o condition_n so_o that_o the_o decree_n be_v absolute_a though_o the_o thing_n decree_v be_v conditional_a 13._o punishment_n be_v not_o alike_o absolute_o decree_v yet_o in_o some_o sense_n absolute_o though_o the_o favour_n and_o benefit_n that_o be_v give_v conditional_o be_v absolute_o decree_v because_o the_o give_n of_o the_o condition_n be_v decree_v also_o yet_o the_o punishment_n that_o be_v inflict_v be_v not_o alike_o absolute_o decree_v because_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o condition_n or_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n thereof_o be_v not_o decree_v but_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n certain_a foreknowledge_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o merit_n the_o decree_v punishment_n the_o decree_n thereof_o do_v not_o hang_v in_o suspense_n and_o it_o may_v be_v right_o say_v that_o the_o punishment_n be_v so_o far_o absolute_o decree_v he_o that_o certain_o foresee_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o free_a event_n absolute_o will_v it_o though_o he_o will_v not_o the_o condition_n and_o so_o god_n omniscience_n prove_v that_o he_o have_v at_o no_o instant_a a_o will_v proper_o conditional_a that_o be_v suspend_v upon_o a_o condition_n as_o to_o the_o act_n itself_o though_o the_o event_n decree_v be_v so_o suspend_v 14._o of_o the_o diversity_n and_o order_n of_o god_n decree_n all_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n be_v one_o as_o in_o he_o but_o they_o have_v a_o formal_a diversity_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n and_o effect_n in_o which_o regard_n we_o must_v necessary_o think_v and_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o divers_a according_a to_o this_o diversity_n predestination_n include_v divers_a decree_n among_o which_o these_o be_v notable_a viz._n a_o decree_n of_o redemption_n a_o decree_n of_o the_o first_o save_v grace_n or_o conversion_n a_o decree_n of_o perseverance_n and_o a_o decree_n of_o glory_n all_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n be_v execute_v in_o certain_a order_n the_o
the_o soul_n but_o also_o of_o external_n mean_v and_o help_v and_o a_o equal_a felicity_n of_o concur_v circumstance_n which_o make_v for_o that_o good_a which_o be_v to_o be_v effect_v thereby_o yea_o that_o grace_n may_v be_v in_o every_o respect_n equal_a there_o must_v be_v a_o equality_n of_o need_n in_o the_o person_n receive_v it_o for_o where_o there_o be_v more_o need_n the_o same_o degree_n of_o divine_a help_n be_v a_o lesser_a degree_n of_o grace_n respective_o consider_v than_o where_o there_o be_v lesser_a need_n as_o the_o same_o sum_n of_o money_n give_v to_o one_o that_o be_v more_o in_o want_n be_v a_o lesser_a aid_n to_o he_o than_o to_o another_o that_o want_v less_o a_o lesser_a degree_n of_o divine_a grace_n in_o one_o kind_n may_v be_v make_v up_o by_o a_o great_a degree_n thereof_o in_o another_o kind_n and_o so_o he_o that_o receive_v less_o in_o one_o kind_n than_o what_o another_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o same_o may_v be_v equal_a in_o the_o receive_n of_o grace_n with_o that_o other_o by_o receive_v more_o than_o he_o in_o another_o kind_n it_o be_v not_o against_o the_o righteousness_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o vouchsafe_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o his_o gracious_a help_n to_o some_o more_o than_o to_o other_o who_o condition_n towards_o he_o antecedent_o and_o in_o themselves_o be_v equal_a god_n consider_v as_o a_o rector_n render_v equal_o to_o all_o that_o be_v of_o equal_a merit_n or_o condition_n but_o as_o a_o proprietor_n or_o lord_n of_o his_o own_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o equality_n for_o he_o may_v do_v with_o his_o own_o what_o he_o will_v and_o none_o can_v challenge_v he_o for_o do_v more_o for_o some_o than_o for_o other_o when_o he_o do_v for_o all_o as_o much_o as_o be_v meet_v for_o he_o to_o do_v and_o thereupon_o he_o give_v to_o some_o as_o he_o please_v such_o proportion_n of_o grace_n to_o which_o he_o give_v they_o no_o antecedent_n right_a by_o his_o law_n of_o grace_n or_o any_o promise_n 11._o of_o unequal_a proportion_n of_o grace_n in_o respect_n of_o outward_a mean_n to_o some_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o other_o it_o be_v not_o reveal_v and_o yet_o the_o condition_n of_o they_o both_o antecedent_n to_o gospel-revelation_n be_v the_o same_o of_o baptize_v child_n of_o christian_a parent_n under_o the_o turkish_a tyranny_n be_v of_o equal_a condition_n towards_o god_n some_o be_v educate_v under_o their_o parent_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o other_o be_v take_v from_o they_o in_o their_o childhood_n and_o educate_v in_o mahometan_a infidelity_n in_o a_o place_n where_o true_a religion_n be_v establish_v and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v teach_v two_o female_n of_o equal_a condition_n may_v in_o their_o first_o childhood_n be_v take_v the_o one_o into_o a_o most_o religious_a family_n and_o there_o educate_v the_o other_o into_o a_o house_n of_o common_a whoordom_n and_o there_o educate_v there_o be_v innumerable_a such_o instance_n of_o different_a grace_n towards_o those_o who_o condition_n towards_o god_n antecedent_o be_v not_o different_a 12._o of_o unequal_a proportion_n of_o grace_n in_o respect_n of_o divine_a influx_n on_o the_o soul_n if_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o unequal_a or_o special_a grace_n in_o respect_n of_o external_a mean_n be_v give_v in_o this_o manner_n what_o hinder_v but_o that_o special_a grace_n may_v be_v give_v in_o respect_n of_o divine_a influx_n on_o the_o soul_n and_o such_o secret_a distinguish_a providence_n as_o be_v past_o our_o find_v out_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o special_a divine_a grace_n towards_o some_o more_o than_o other_o under_o the_o same_o outward_a mean_n seem_v clear_o deducible_a from_o the_o scripture_n our_o saviour_n give_v this_o reason_n why_o some_o of_o his_o hearer_n do_v understand_v and_o receive_v his_o doctrine_n and_o other_o not_o because_o to_o some_o of_o they_o it_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o other_o it_o be_v not_o give_v mat._n 13._o of_o those_o that_o hear_v the_o same_o doctrine_n of_o salvation_n they_o only_o that_o obey_v the_o doctrine_n be_v say_v to_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o their_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n be_v set_v forth_o as_o the_o special_a reason_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o a_o peculiar_a benefit_n whereby_o they_o be_v discriminate_v from_o those_o that_o obey_v not_o joh._n 6._o there_o be_v therefore_o a_o special_a teach_n of_o they_o that_o obey_v different_a from_o the_o teach_n of_o they_o that_o do_v not_o obey_v though_o both_o have_v the_o same_o outward_a mean_n the_o father_n be_v draw_v of_o some_o to_o christ_n and_o not_o other_o of_o those_o that_o hear_v he_o preach_v joh._n 6._o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o divine_a grace_n vouchsafe_v to_o some_o as_o be_v not_o to_o other_o for_o our_o saviour_n render_v this_o reason_n of_o the_o different_a effect_n of_o the_o same_o word_n preach_v among_o his_o hearer_n that_o some_o be_v draw_v to_o he_o by_o the_o father_n and_o other_o not_o 13._o a_o stock_n of_o grace_n be_v ordinary_o give_v in_o unequal_a proportion_n and_o arbitrary_o though_o every_o one_o have_v some_o stock_n of_o divine_a grace_n to_o be_v improve_v yet_o i_o conceive_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinary_a way_n to_o give_v the_o same_o in_o unequal_a proportion_n and_o arbitrary_o according_a to_o that_o distribution_n of_o the_o talent_n in_o the_o parable_n mat._n 25._o without_o respect_n to_o antecedent_n different_a worthiness_n but_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v arbitrary_o distribute_v the_o talent_n so_o he_o do_v it_o according_a to_o discretion_n in_o like_a manner_n do_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n guide_v he_o in_o the_o free_a distribution_n of_o the_o different_a measure_n of_o his_o grace_n herein_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v wonderful_a his_o judment_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o there_o be_v unconditional_a favour_n and_o in_o the_o arbitrary_a bestow_n of_o they_o in_o unequal_a measure_n god_n proceed_v most_o agreeable_o to_o his_o own_o absolute_a dominion_n as_o also_o to_o the_o state_n of_o sinful_a man_n who_o can_v merit_v no_o such_o favour_n from_o he_o 14._o of_o the_o notion_n of_o effectual_a grace_n the_o denomination_n of_o effectual_a grace_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v mere_o from_o the_o event_n but_o from_o the_o state_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o grace_n itself_o now_o this_o term_n effectual_a thus_o take_v needs_o explication_n 1._o it_o may_v signify_v that_o which_o have_v sufficient_a power_n to_o effect_v for_o sufficiens_fw-la ad_fw-la esse_fw-la est_fw-la efficax_n ad_fw-la posse_fw-la in_o this_o sense_n sufficient_a and_o effectual_a grace_n be_v all_o one_o 2._o that_o which_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o effect_n as_o necessitate_v cause_n 3._o that_o which_o as_o such_o do_v infallible_o produce_v the_o effect_n and_o be_v never_o frustrate_v 15._o conversion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o grace_n qua_fw-la talis_fw-la effectual_a there_o be_v such_o divine_a grace_n and_o that_o consist_v not_o only_a in_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n and_o other_o external_n mean_v but_o also_o in_o the_o internal_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o be_v reject_v by_o man_n and_o become_v in_o vain_a to_o they_o there_o be_v also_o such_o grace_n as_o be_v qua_fw-la talis_fw-la effectual_a and_o do_v infallible_o produce_v the_o effect_n for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v and_o all_o moral_a good_a more_o especial_o man_n conversion_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o such_o grace_n be_v a_o operation_n of_o god_n proceed_v from_o a_o absolute_a will_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v void_a god_n say_v ezek._n 11._o 19_o i_o will_v put_v a_o new_a spirit_n within_o you_o and_o i_o will_v take_v the_o stony_a heart_n out_o of_o their_o flesh_n and_o give_v they_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n this_o promise_n signify_v that_o god_n will_v effect_v the_o change_n by_o a_o operation_n that_o shall_v not_o fail_v and_o which_o imply_v the_o remove_n of_o any_o obex_fw-la that_o man_n will_n lay_v against_o it_o st._n paul_n say_v phil._n 2._o 14._o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o you_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n these_o word_n of_o work_v to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n can_v import_v no_o less_o than_o his_o infallible_a produce_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o willing_a and_o do_v here_o note_n that_o for_o god_n to_o cause_v our_o act_n of_o willing_a and_o so_o of_o turn_v to_o he_o be_v to_o cause_v our_o faculty_n so_o to_o will_n by_o a_o gracious_a influx_n upon_o it_o which_o shall_v not_o fail_v our_o lord_n christ_n say_v joh._n
a_o humble_a endeavour_n of_o some_o plain_a and_o brief_a explication_n of_o the_o decree_n and_o operation_n of_o god_n about_o the_o free_a action_n of_o men_n more_o especial_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o divine_a grace._n write_a by_o mr._n john_n corbet_n late_a minister_n of_o chichester_n london_n print_v for_o tho._n parkhurst_n at_o the_o bible_n and_o three_o crown_n in_o cheapside_n near_o mercers-chappel_n 1683._o the_o preface_n the_o thing_n here_o discuss_v i_o have_v study_v many_o year_n and_o what_o by_o the_o write_n of_o learned_a man_n and_o by_o discourse_v with_o they_o and_o by_o my_o own_o ratiocination_n ground_v on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o have_v apprehend_v near_a the_o truth_n which_o i_o have_v be_v feel_v after_o i_o have_v collect_v in_o this_o narrow_a scantling_n i_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o this_o search_n not_o out_o of_o vain_a curiosity_n but_o a_o honest_a desire_n to_o gain_v as_o clear_v a_o knowledge_n in_o these_o point_n as_o i_o can_v reach_v to_o that_o i_o may_v be_v able_a with_o more_o assurance_n to_o unfold_v the_o same_o to_o other_o as_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o their_o edification_n though_o the_o counsel_n and_o way_n of_o god_n can_v be_v find_v out_o unto_o perfection_n yet_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o nature_n lead_v we_o to_o think_v and_o speak_v of_o they_o so_o as_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o so_o as_o his_o justice_n and_o truth_n may_v be_v clear_v and_o the_o freeness_n and_o largeness_n of_o his_o mercy_n magnify_v and_o that_o the_o glorious_a power_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o deplorable_a weakness_n of_o fallen_n man_n may_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o that_o penitent_a sinner_n may_v be_v sufficient_o encourage_v and_o that_o the_o impenitent_a may_v be_v evident_o self-condemned_n that_o which_o be_v set_v down_o in_o this_o enquiry_n be_v most_o in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_n and_o confirm_v of_o the_o principle_n here_o follow_v 1._o the_o help_n of_o divine_a grace_n be_v the_o prime_n and_o main_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o good_a that_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o that_o be_v do_v by_o we_o but_o our_o own_o will_n be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v do_v by_o we_o and_o of_o our_o abide_n in_o that_o evil_a state_n into_o which_o our_o nature_n be_v fall_v and_o god_n be_v no_o cause_n thereof_o at_o all_o 2._o god_n do_v decree_n to_o bring_v some_o to_o salvation_n by_o his_o free_a grace_n and_o love_n and_o he_o do_v not_o decree_v to_o damn_v any_o but_o for_o sin_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o damnation_n which_o sin_n he_o do_v not_o decree_n nor_o effect_n but_o foresee_v 3._o god_n do_v ascertain_v the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o his_o elect_n but_o he_o do_v not_o effect_v it_o without_o their_o own_o concurrence_n in_o a_o subordinate_a way_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o that_o attain_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n not_o of_o infant_n idiot_n and_o madman_n who_o case_n be_v of_o different_a and_o peculiar_a nature_n 4._o though_o election_n do_v infer_v a_o certainty_n that_o the_o elect_n shall_v attain_v to_o grace_n and_o glory_n yet_o nonelection_n do_v infer_v no_o necessity_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o damnation_n of_o the_o non-elect_a save_v only_o that_o which_o be_v call_v necessitas_fw-la consequentiae_fw-la or_o necessity_n in_o order_n of_o argumentation_n and_o be_v necessity_n but_o improper_o so_o call_v and_o imply_v no_o necessitation_n of_o the_o event_n 5._o though_o god_n do_v not_o simple_o will_v the_o event_n of_o the_o conversion_n and_o salvation_n of_o all_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v know_v yet_o he_o will_v it_o so_o far_o and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o do_v abundant_o declare_v his_o good_a will_n towards_o man_n and_o do_v assure_v the_o diligent_a of_o good_a success_n in_o their_o endeavour_n and_o do_v convict_v the_o negligent_a of_o be_v inexcusable_a despiser_n of_o his_o grace_n towards_o they_o 6._o god_n have_v give_v we_o all_o some_o help_n of_o grace_n more_o or_o less_o in_o order_n to_o our_o spiritual_a recovery_n the_o say_a help_n may_v be_v improve_v by_o we_o to_o the_o obtain_n of_o more_o and_o it_o be_v not_o god_n ordinary_a way_n to_o deny_v more_o help_n or_o to_o withdraw_v what_o be_v give_v but_o upon_o the_o abuse_n of_o what_o be_v give_v and_o the_o resist_n of_o what_o be_v offer_v and_o for_o our_o not_o do_v not_o only_o what_o we_o ought_v but_o what_o we_o may_v do_v according_a to_o these_o principle_n i_o have_v proceed_v my_o endeavour_n have_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o my_o own_o great_a defectiveness_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o i_o have_v do_v as_o i_o be_v able_a and_o be_o willing_a to_o know_v wherein_o soever_o i_o have_v err_v the_o perfect_a clear_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o solving_a of_o all_o doubt_n in_o these_o mysterious_a point_n may_v be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o mortal_a man_n the_o great_a apostle_n say_v we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n but_o truth_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o evidence_n may_v not_o be_v disbelieved_a or_o doubt_v of_o because_o we_o can_v solve_v all_o difficulty_n about_o lesser_a and_o obscure_a question_n relate_v to_o those_o grand_a truth_n part_n i._o of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n about_o the_o action_n of_o men._n 1._o what_o the_o divine_a decree_n of_o a_o event_n do_v import_v to_o decree_v a_o thing_n be_v to_o will_v and_o purpose_n its_o come_n to_o pass_v and_o it_o suppose_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v judge_v convenient_a if_o it_o be_v a_o sure_a decree_n it_o imply_v that_o the_o decreer_n can_v and_o will_v so_o provide_v that_o it_o shall_v infallible_o come_v to_o pass_v god_n decree_n of_o a_o event_n be_v a_o willing_a and_o purpose_v of_o it_o as_o convenient_a it_o be_v convenience_n he_o know_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o simple_a intelligence_n and_o be_v decree_v he_o know_v it_o as_o a_o future_a convenient_a by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o vision_n and_o be_v please_v with_o it_o as_o god_n efficience_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o event_n decree_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o event_n include_v the_o decree_n of_o the_o say_a efficience_n that_o whatsoever_o god_n do_v in_o time_n he_o have_v eternal_o decree_v to_o do_v i_o suppose_v be_v unquestionable_a and_o for_o as_o much_o as_o no_o humane_a act_n come_v to_o pass_v without_o his_o concourse_n he_o have_v undoubted_o decree_v the_o concourse_n that_o he_o yield_v to_o it_o and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o whatsoever_o on_o god_n part_n be_v antecedent_o necessary_a as_o the_o give_v of_o all_o necessary_a power_n preparative_n mean_n concause_n object_n all_o which_o be_v unquestionable_o decree_v of_o god_n 2._o the_o divine_a decree_n do_v not_o infer_v the_o necessitation_n of_o the_o event_n though_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o event_n depend_v upon_o god_n efficience_n yet_o something_o thereof_o he_o may_v put_v under_o the_o creature_n undetermined_a liberty_n under_o this_o liberty_n he_o may_v put_v the_o comparative_a determination_n of_o the_o will_v to_o act_v rather_o than_o not_o to_o act_v and_o to_o act_v towards_o such_o a_o object_n rather_o than_o another_o sure_o it_o be_v too_o high_a presumption_n for_o man_n to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v decree_v or_o firm_o will_v that_o humane_a act_n which_o be_v in_o part_n suspend_v on_o man_n will_n for_o instance_n to_o say_v god_n can_v not_o decree_v adam_n perseverance_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n if_o it_o be_v in_o any_o part_n leave_v to_o his_o own_o liberty_n to_o stand_v or_o fall_v now_o if_o such_o a_o assertion_n be_v a_o apparent_o presumptuous_a limitation_n of_o god_n beside_o other_o great_a inconvenience_n to_o be_v object_v against_o it_o than_o it_o may_v more_o safe_o and_o rational_o be_v hold_v that_o god_n decree_n of_o a_o humane_a act_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o leave_v of_o it_o in_o some_o part_n to_o the_o undetermined_a liberty_n of_o man_n will_n though_o to_o unfold_v the_o agreement_n be_v very_o difficult_a to_o humane_a understanding_n in_o short_a though_o the_o decree_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o contrary_a event_n yet_o it_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o so_o it_o do_v not_o in_o itself_o infer_v a_o necessitation_n of_o the_o thing_n decree_v 3._o the_o negation_n of_o the_o decree_n do_v not_o infer_v a_o impossibility_n of_o the_o event_n god_n decree_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o a_o event_n by_o way_n of_o causation_n consequent_o the_o negation_n of_o the_o decree_n be_v not_o a_o negation_n of_o what_o be_v causal_o necessary_a thereunto_o and_o so_o it_o do_v not_o infer_v a_o impossibility_n thereof_o as_o for_o
example_n the_o negation_n of_o god_n decree_n of_o the_o persevere_v obedience_n of_o some_o angel_n be_v not_o a_o negation_n of_o what_o be_v causal_o necessary_a thereunto_o for_o then_o their_o perseverance_n have_v be_v impossible_a which_o a_o sober_a judgement_n will_v not_o admit_v the_o nonexistence_n of_o a_o thing_n not_o decree_v follow_v the_o negation_n of_o the_o decree_n only_o by_o a_o necessity_n of_o logical_a illation_n but_o not_o of_o causal_a deficiency_n or_o by_o a_o negation_n of_o any_o necessary_a cause_n there_o be_v a_o power_n proper_o so_o call_v or_o a_o adequate_a power_n to_o a_o act_n wheresoever_o there_o be_v all_o the_o necessary_a causality_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n also_o the_o object_n and_o its_o necessary_a position_n and_o the_o capacity_n and_o necessary_a predisposition_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o a_o aptitude_n of_o the_o natural_a power_n and_o the_o necessary_a concurrence_n of_o all_o concause_n and_o all_o these_o necessary_a antecedent_n to_o a_o act_n may_v and_o common_o do_v meet_v where_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a decree_n of_o the_o act_n as_o be_v undeniable_a in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o lapse_v angel_n who_o perseverance_n be_v full_o possible_a yet_o certain_o not_o future_a as_o man_n have_v a_o power_n to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n foreknow_v he_o will_v not_o do_v so_o he_o have_v a_o power_n to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n have_v not_o decree_v that_o he_o shall_v do_v as_o it_o be_v right_o say_v that_o it_o can_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o any_o good_a will_v exist_v without_o the_o divine_a decree_n so_o it_o be_v as_o right_o say_v that_o it_o can_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o any_o good_a will_v exist_v without_o the_o divine_a prescience_n but_o the_o can_v in_o both_o instance_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o illation_n not_o of_o causation_n 4._o the_o indetermination_n of_o man_n will_n do_v not_o infer_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o god_n decree_n a_o thing_n may_v be_v certain_o future_a that_o be_v under_o the_o undetermined_a liberty_n of_o the_o will._n man_n power_n and_o liberty_n of_o do_v otherwise_o than_o god_n have_v decree_v do_v no_o more_o infer_v a_o possibility_n of_o the_o frustration_n of_o his_o decree_n than_o his_o power_n and_o liberty_n of_o do_v otherwise_o than_o god_n have_v foreknow_v he_o will_v do_v do_v infer_v a_o uncertainty_n of_o god_n foreknowledge_n now_o it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o god_n can_v certain_o foreknow_v that_o a_o man_n will_v do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v power_n not_o to_o do_v and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v power_n to_o do_v adam_n have_v power_n to_o resist_v the_o temptation_n which_o god_n foreknow_v he_o will_v yield_v to_o the_o power_n itself_o to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o as_o god_n have_v decree_v be_v foreknow_v and_o decree_v and_o it_o be_v also_o foreknown_a and_o decree_v that_o the_o say_a power_n shall_v not_o do_v otherwise_o god_n decree_n be_v according_a to_o his_o foreknowledge_n which_o be_v to_o we_o incomprehensible_a 5._o god_n decree_v all_o the_o good_a that_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n as_o god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o good_a as_o well_o moral_a as_o physical_a as_o well_o of_o common_a as_o of_o save_a grace_n and_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v to_o decree_n and_o procure_v that_o it_o be_v do_v as_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a intellect_n to_o understand_v all_o that_o be_v intelligible_a so_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n to_o choose_v all_o that_o be_v eligible_a or_o fit_a to_o be_v choose_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n providence_n that_o all_o the_o good_a that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v decree_v and_o infallible_o bring_v to_o pass_v by_o he_o as_o undoubted_o god_n do_v effect_v every_o good_a act_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o undoubted_o he_o do_v decree_v it_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a operation_n be_v also_o the_o object_n of_o divine_a volition_n every_o good_a act_n be_v a_o end_n or_o a_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n in_o the_o course_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v decree_v of_o he_o all_o the_o end_n of_o providence_n be_v determine_v and_o consequent_o the_o mean_n to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o same_o be_v likewise_o determine_v though_o i_o do_v not_o affirm_v that_o god_n foreknowledge_n and_o decree_n be_v of_o equal_a extent_n yet_o it_o seem_v not_o congruous_a that_o his_o foreknowledge_n shall_v be_v active_a and_o his_o purpose_n or_o will_v not_o active_a to_o any_o future_a good_n god_n foreknowledge_n of_o evil_n infer_v though_o not_o a_o decree_n of_o it_o yet_o a_o decree_n about_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o so_o dispose_v of_o for_o good_a so_o that_o by_o those_o who_o do_v what_o he_o will_v not_o he_o accomplish_v what_o he_o will_v 6._o god_n do_v not_o will_n or_o decree_n sin_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v hold_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n do_v he_o will_v to_o do_v and_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o agency_n he_o will_v the_o same_o consequent_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v about_o a_o sinful_a act_n he_o will_v to_o do_v it_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o agency_n about_o the_o say_a act_n he_o will_v the_o same_o now_o there_o be_v a_o concourse_n of_o god_n as_o the_o universal_a cause_n to_o every_o act_n and_o therefore_o to_o every_o sinful_a act_n as_o a_o act_n that_o be_v to_o so_o much_o as_o be_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o the_o say_a act_n and_o so_o much_o as_o this_o come_v to_o he_o will_v which_o be_v not_o sin_n but_o only_o the_o substratum_fw-la peccati_fw-la but_o as_o he_o do_v not_o concur_v to_o the_o sinful_a act_n as_o it_o be_v this_o act_n in_o specie_fw-la and_o not_o the_o contrary_a so_o he_o do_v not_o will_n and_o decree_v the_o act_n as_o such_o in_o specie_fw-la how_o the_o divine_a concourse_n be_v yield_v to_o sinful_a action_n shall_v be_v explain_v in_o it_o proper_a place_n under_o the_o head_n of_o god_n efficience_n god_n permit_v sin_n but_o to_o permit_v sin_n be_v not_o to_o will_v it_o but_o only_o not_o to_o prevent_v its_o come_n to_o pass_v god_n do_v not_o will_n the_o essence_n therefore_o he_o do_v not_o will_n the_o event_n or_o existence_n of_o sin_n for_o the_o existence_n of_o sin_n be_v but_o its_o essence_n extra_fw-la causas_fw-la or_o in_o actual_a be_v to_o say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o will_n the_o essence_n of_o sin_n but_o that_o the_o essence_n thereof_o exist_v be_v very_o odd_a and_o to_o i_o unintelligible_a the_o event_n or_o existence_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o object_n of_o god_n hatred_n therefore_o it_o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o will._n for_o the_o do_v not_o will_n what_o he_o hate_v if_o god_n will_v the_o existence_n of_o sin_n he_o will_v the_o commit_n of_o it_o and_o if_o he_o will_v the_o commit_n of_o sin_n than_o the_o commit_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o will_n and_o if_o it_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o will_n it_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o complacence_n and_o then_o he_o have_v complacence_n in_o the_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n sin_n have_v no_o good_a in_o it_o and_o it_o work_v no_o good_a it_o be_v not_o sin_n but_o the_o feel_a knowledge_n of_o sin_n that_o work_v humillation_n and_o repentance_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o god_n do_v not_o will_n whatsoever_o he_o do_v not_o will_v between_o volition_n and_o nolition_n there_o be_v a_o middle_a thing_n viz._n non-volition_a though_o god_n do_v not_o simple_o will_v the_o existence_n of_o sin_n yet_o he_o nill_v it_o so_o far_o as_o that_o he_o hate_v it_o and_o severe_o forbid_v it_o and_o give_v necessary_a power_n to_o avoid_v it_o 7._o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o hold_v that_o sin_n be_v decree_v of_o god_n if_o the_o aforesaid_a argument_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o decree_v sin_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o any_o one_o in_o order_n to_o the_o salve_v of_o god_n providence_n to_o hold_v that_o he_o do_v decree_v it_o the_o existence_n of_o sin_n foresee_v indeed_o but_o not_o decree_v god_n make_v advantage_n of_o for_o his_o holy_a end_n it_o be_v under_o his_o rule_v power_n he_o will_v the_o good_a occasion_v by_o sin_n but_o he_o will_v not_o sin_n as_o the_o occasion_n of_o good_n all_o the_o good_a that_o follow_v sin_n not_o as_o the_o end_n follow_v the_o mean_n but_o as_o health_n follow_v the_o disease_n be_v decree_v of_o god_n see_v god_n overrule_v all_o the_o inclination_n and_o action_n of_o
agency_n about_o humane_a action_n and_o the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o man_n will._n god_n part_v in_o all_o humane_a act_n be_v to_o we_o unsearchable_a but_o this_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o way_n of_o his_o operation_n on_o man_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n who_o be_v a_o free_a agent_n the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o the_o will_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a indifferency_n but_o a_o indetermination_n with_o a_o power_n of_o self-determining_a this_o self-determining_a power_n of_o the_o will_n make_v we_o capable_a subject_n of_o god_n moral_a government_n by_o law_n and_o its_o present_a indetermination_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v not_o a_o state_n absolute_o best_o but_o most_o suitable_a to_o a_o creature_n during_o his_o probation_n in_o order_n to_o a_o future_a confirmation_n 3._o the_o self-determining_a power_n of_o the_o will_n be_v no_o derogation_n from_o god_n that_o which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o creature_n do_v not_o always_o detract_v from_o the_o creator_n for_o much_o of_o his_o honour_n be_v in_o the_o nobleness_n of_o his_o creature_n it_o his_o honour_n to_o make_v a_o creature_n of_o so_o noble_a a_o faculty_n as_o be_v this_o of_o self-determination_n and_o the_o faculty_n and_o exercise_n of_o it_o exist_v no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o uphold_v and_o actuate_v by_o he_o the_o deny_v of_o this_o self-determining_a power_n in_o design_n of_o ascribe_v the_o more_o to_o god_n be_v clog_v with_o these_o incongruity_n 1._o of_o limit_v his_o power_n as_o not_o able_a to_o make_v a_o self-determining_a creature_n 2._o of_o overthrow_v his_o moral_a government_n by_o law_n notwithstanding_o this_o noble_a faculty_n man_n will_n be_v not_o independent_o free_a but_o god_n be_v still_o lord_n of_o it_o and_o dispose_v it_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o can_v do_v with_o it_o as_o he_o please_v by_o a_o sapiential_a government_n without_o a_o necessitating_a hand_n over_o it_o yet_o that_o there_o may_v be_v and_o sometime_o be_v a_o divine_a predetermination_n of_o it_o be_v not_o here_o deny_v 4._o of_o god_n physical_a and_o moral_a operation_n upon_o man_n will._n it_o be_v most_o congruous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o the_o general_a course_n of_o god_n government_n over_o they_o shall_v be_v by_o moral_a mean_n and_o it_o be_v also_o congruous_a that_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n the_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v shall_v have_v a_o inward_a and_o most_o intimate_a access_n to_o our_o spirit_n in_o his_o operation_n god_n act_n by_o his_o essence_n and_o not_o by_o a_o act_n that_o be_v a_o accident_n in_o he_o in_o his_o physical_a agency_n what_o there_o be_v between_o his_o essence_n and_o man_n act_n effect_v by_o the_o say_a agency_n may_v be_v above_o the_o understanding_n of_o mortal_n to_o apprehend_v some_o express_v it_o by_o a_o inward_a urgency_n to_o the_o act_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v more_o dispose_v to_o it_o than_o it_o be_v before_o all_o that_o i_o can_v speak_v of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o say_a urgency_n denote_v no_o act_n of_o god_n beside_o his_o essence_n but_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o so_o urge_v or_o influence_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n without_o any_o alteration_n in_o himself_o 5._o of_o commmon_a concourse_n and_o gracious_a operation_n it_o be_v most_o general_o and_o safe_o say_v by_o divine_n that_o god_n act_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o agent_n be_v all_o one_o and_o all_o eternal_a as_o be_v his_o essence_n and_o that_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o object_n and_o effect_n they_o be_v many_o and_o some_o of_o they_o new_a and_o temporary_a it_o be_v likewise_o wise_o and_o humble_o say_v that_o the_o comprehend_v of_o this_o pass_v the_o understanding_n of_o mortal_a man_n in_o a_o sinner_n turn_v to_o god_n and_o in_o every_o holy_a act_n there_o be_v beside_o a_o common_a concourse_n from_o god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o nature_n a_o special_a influence_n from_o he_o as_o the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n the_o diversity_n of_o the_o say_a concourse_n and_o influence_n be_v undiscernible_a by_o we_o in_o itself_o but_o in_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o we_o and_o that_o which_o on_o god_n part_n have_v no_o difference_n be_v diversify_v to_o we_o in_o the_o effect_n 6._o god_n do_v not_o operate_v to_o the_o uttermost_a god_n agency_n upon_o man_n will_n be_v not_o always_o in_o the_o same_o but_o general_o in_o very_o different_a degree_n for_o he_o do_v not_o operate_v to_o the_o uttermost_a or_o to_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o power_n in_o every_o effect_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n be_v infinite_a in_o power_n and_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o omnipotent_a facility_n but_o that_o his_o power_n be_v equal_o or_o always_o irresistible_o put_v forth_o in_o all_o his_o agency_n on_o the_o creature_n i_o apprehend_v not_o for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v come_v under_o the_o high_a necessitation_n 7._o god_n may_v so_o operate_v as_o to_o leave_v the_o effect_n in_o part_n to_o man_n will._n that_o in_o some_o case_n god_n shall_v irresistible_o predetermine_v the_o will_n to_o a_o good_a act_n be_v not_o against_o its_o essential_a liberty_n for_o such_o predetermination_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o self-determining_a power_n but_o only_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v subject_a to_o god_n omnipotence_n and_o it_o be_v to_o a_o good_a act_n it_o be_v a_o premotion_n perfective_a of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o its_o well-being_n and_o therefore_o not_o unbecoming_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n nevertheless_o the_o be_v of_o all_o moral_a good_a do_v not_o necessary_o require_v such_o predetermination_n but_o god_n may_v so_o operate_v as_o to_o leave_v the_o effect_n in_o part_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will._n otherwise_o a_o man_n can_v do_v no_o good_a to_o which_o he_o be_v not_o necessitate_v yet_o when_o man_n do_v his_o part_n he_o do_v it_o not_o independent_o on_o god_n but_o in_o a_o total_a subordination_n to_o he_o and_o by_o the_o power_n and_o liberty_n which_o god_n only_o give_v uphold_v and_o actuate_v 8._o how_o god_n be_v a_o total_a and_o not_o a_o partial_a cause_n and_o wherein_o a_o sole_a cause_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o partial_a cause_n be_v proper_o apply_v to_o that_o which_o be_v in_o coordination_n with_o other_o cause_n and_o therefore_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v apply_v to_o god_n to_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v whole_o subordinate_a and_o nothing_o coordinate_a yet_o see_v there_o be_v other_o cause_n evident_o in_o conjunction_n with_o he_o their_o own_o share_n in_o produce_v the_o effect_n may_v be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o without_o impeachment_n of_o his_o honour_n but_o it_o must_v be_v also_o consider_v that_o they_o have_v all_o their_o causation_n from_o he_o and_o in_o he_o god_n and_o nothing_o beside_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o own_o act_n and_o so_o far_o he_o be_v both_o a_o total_a and_o solitary_a cause_n but_o he_o be_v not_o the_o sole_a cause_n of_o man_n act_n because_o man_n himself_o be_v a_o cause_n thereof_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o yet_o he_o be_v a_o total_a cause_n of_o the_o act_n do_v by_o man_n as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v laudable_a in_o the_o act._n for_o none_o be_v coordinate_a with_o he_o or_o assistant_n to_o he_o in_o his_o agency_n and_o whatsoever_o man_n do_v be_v it_o that_o wherein_o his_o privilege_n be_v great_a viz._n the_o determine_n of_o his_o own_o will_n he_o do_v it_o altogether_o as_o therein_o uphold_v and_o actuate_v by_o god_n and_o dependent_a on_o he_o 9_o god_n agency_n be_v not_o determine_v or_o limit_v by_o the_o creature_n man_n do_v various_o receive_v god_n agency_n but_o they_o do_v not_o determine_v or_o limit_v it_o any_o otherwise_o than_o the_o various_a terminate_n of_o it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o determine_n or_o limit_v of_o it_o and_o the_o variation_n be_v not_o of_o god_n act_n absolute_o consider_v but_o as_o various_o terminate_v on_o man_n according_a to_o their_o various_a disposition_n god_n have_v enable_v man_n free_o and_o various_o to_o receive_v his_o influx_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o creature_n but_o god_n himself_o that_o determine_v his_o agency_n by_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o creature_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will._n and_o man_n do_v not_o limit_v god_n will_n but_o only_o the_o effect_n which_o god_n agency_n will_v produce_v if_o man_n will_n concur_v 10._o how_o god_n operation_n on_o man_n be_v never_o without_o effect_n if_o the_o good_a effect_n in_o man_n do_v not_o follow_v the_o operation_n of_o god_n that_o be_v
so_o high_a a_o degree_n or_o specialty_n of_o convenience_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a will_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o be_v simple_o incongruous_a but_o so_o far_o congruous_a as_o to_o be_v full_o so_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o sufficient_a to_o produce_v the_o effect_n though_o it_o follow_v not_o 21._o grace_n effectual_a and_o mere_o sufficient_a be_v various_o diversify_v though_o in_o effectual_a grace_n god_n so_o operate_v as_o that_o the_o effect_n shall_v follow_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v always_o a_o difference_n ex_fw-la parte_fw-la influxus_fw-la divini_fw-la between_o that_o which_o effect_n and_o that_o which_o effect_n not_o it_o may_v lie_v in_o the_o different_a congruity_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o circumstantial_a help_n and_o in_o the_o different_a receptivity_n of_o the_o person_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o say_v congruous_a mean_n circumstantial_a help_n and_o receptivity_n of_o the_o person_n be_v all_o of_o god_n own_o ordain_v and_o effect_v by_o receptivity_n here_o i_o mean_v not_o the_o soft_a heart_n opposite_a to_o the_o heart_n of_o stone_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o grace_n effectual_a and_o which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o conversion_n or_o the_o heart_n turn_v itself_o but_o a_o antecedaneous_a disposition_n which_o be_v also_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o may_v be_v a_o considerable_a while_n before_o conversion_n or_o only_o in_o the_o instant_n immediate_o forego_v it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o better_a disposedness_n to_o the_o use_n of_o divine_a help_v both_o internal_a and_o external_n 22._o of_o man_n ordinary_a preparedness_n for_o grace_n effectual_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o effectual_a grace_n may_v take_v hold_n of_o a_o less_o prepare_a subject_n i_o mean_v less_o prepare_v even_o in_o the_o instant_n immediate_o before_o conversion_n also_o that_o it_o may_v work_v by_o less_o suitable_a mean_n yet_o i_o believe_v that_o as_o in_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n so_o in_o the_o work_v of_o grace_n god_n do_v more_o ordinary_o work_v upon_o the_o more_o prepare_v subject_n and_o by_o the_o more_o congruous_a way_n and_o mean_n that_o scripture_n tit._n 3._o 5._o not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v but_o according_a to_o his_o mercy_n he_o save_v we_o express_o speak_v of_o salvation_n and_o not_o of_o the_o first_o conversion_n and_o it_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o exclude_v of_o faith_n repentance_n and_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n but_o the_o work_n of_o legal_a righteousness_n if_o the_o first_o conversion_n be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o salvation_n there_o speak_v of_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o intend_v the_o exclude_v of_o necessary_a preparedness_n but_o it_o may_v intend_v to_o exclude_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o work_n of_o natural_a righteousness_n and_o that_o kind_a of_o virtue_n that_o be_v in_o mere_a natural_a man_n and_o be_v find_v in_o many_o heathen_n as_o for_o paul_n conversion_n it_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a instance_n and_o may_v not_o be_v urge_v against_o what_o be_v do_v in_o god_n ordinary_a way_n towards_o unprepared_a soul_n sudden_o convert_v there_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o god_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o internal_a impress_n on_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a outward_a mean_n moreover_o none_o can_v disprove_v a_o more_o special_a preparedness_n in_o paul_n or_o manasse_n or_o other_o most_o heinous_a offender_n in_o some_o instant_n of_o time_n before_o the_o save_v change_n receptivity_n and_o congruity_n for_o grace_n do_v not_o always-lye_a in_o man_n fair_a carriage_n or_o more_o orderly_a behaviour_n or_o in_o be_v less_o notorious_a sinner_n our_o saviour_n say_v that_o publican_n and_o harlot_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n before_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n as_o have_v a_o great_a aptness_n than_o they_o to_o close_v with_o grace_n not_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a sinfulness_n but_o their_o conviction_n and_o humiliation_n occasion_v by_o the_o review_n thereof_o 23._o how_o the_o effect_n of_o grace_n leave_v in_o part_n to_o undetermined_a freewill_n can_v be_v ascertain_v whatsoever_o contingency_n be_v in_o the_o create_a will_n and_o uncertainty_n thereupon_o in_o the_o create_a intellect_n with_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o uncertainty_n no_o nor_o contingency_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o denote_v liberty_n to_o remove_v uncertainty_n about_o event_n from_o god_n i_o conceive_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o hold_v either_o a_o natural_o necessitate_v premotion_n or_o a_o insuperable_a moral_a operation_n upon_o free_a agent_n to_o all_o their_o acts._n all_o that_o i_o can_v say_v in_o this_o difficulty_n be_v that_o god_n can_v and_o do_v in_o a_o way_n past_o our_o understanding_n ascertain_v event_n leave_v in_o some_o part_n to_o man_n undetermined_a liberty_n it_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a as_o concern_v sin_n that_o though_o god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o ascertain_v it_o because_o he_o do_v not_o decree_v nor_o effect_v it_o yet_o he_o do_v certain_o foreknow_v it_o though_o man_n will_n do_v free_o and_o contingent_o determine_v itself_o to_o it_o sure_o the_o scantling_n of_o our_o narrow_a apprehension_n and_o our_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n be_v no_o rule_n or_o standard_n whereby_o we_o may_v confident_o determine_v of_o the_o way_n of_o his_o foreknowledge_n who_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n foreknow_v the_o fall_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o some_o angel_n which_o be_v contingent_a in_o itself_o and_o from_o no_o necessitating_a cause_n in_o respect_n of_o any_o creature_n or_o any_o divine_a decree_n or_o operation_n and_o if_o god_n have_v the_o foreknowledge_n of_o one_o future_a contingent_a by_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o have_v the_o foreknowledge_n of_o a_o world_n of_o they_o in_o this_o incomprehensible_a divine_a foreknowledge_n and_o ascertain_v of_o what_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o undetermined_a liberty_n of_o the_o will_n there_o be_v no_o repugnancy_n in_o reason_n nor_o do_v there_o follow_v from_o it_o any_o such_o inconvenience_n in_o god_n government_n as_o do_v evident_o follow_v either_o a_o necessitate_v or_o a_o insuperable_a premotion_n of_o the_o human_a will_n to_o all_o its_o acts._n 24._o man_n will_v do_v not_o that_o which_o be_v more_o and_o great_a than_o what_o divine_a grace_n do_v when_o the_o effect_n be_v in_o some_o part_n leave_v to_o it_o there_o be_v a_o objection_n which_o though_o somewhat_o curious_a must_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o act_n of_o repent_v and_o believe_v be_v something_o more_o and_o great_a than_o the_o ability_n or_o power_n to_o repent_v and_o believe_v and_o be_v more_o conduce_v to_o salvation_n now_o though_o the_o power_n of_o repent_v and_o believe_v be_v make_v the_o effect_n of_o grace_n yet_o the_o act_n themselves_o be_v make_v the_o effect_n of_o man_n will_n if_o they_o be_v leave_v in_o part_n to_o the_o undetermined_a liberty_n thereof_o to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v 1._o though_o the_o act_n of_o repent_v and_o believe_v be_v more_o and_o great_a than_o to_o have_v power_n to_o the_o say_a act_n yet_o to_o give_v the_o whole_a power_n which_o be_v god_n part_n be_v more_o and_o great_a than_o both_o the_o power_n and_o the_o consequent_a acts._n therefore_o though_o in_o actual_a repent_v and_o believe_v a_o man_n do_v more_o to_o salvation_n than_o in_o have_v the_o power_n yet_o god_n in_o give_v the_o power_n as_o a_o total_a cause_n thereof_o do_v that_o which_o be_v more_o and_o great_a in_o order_n to_o salvation_n than_o man_n himself_o do_v who_o receive_v the_o power_n and_o act_n according_a to_o it_o the_o glory_n and_o praise_n of_o a_o act_n be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n who_o as_o a_o total_a cause_n give_v the_o whole_a power_n to_o do_v it_o than_o to_o man_n that_o do_v it_o and_o so_o the_o glory_n of_o man_n salvation_n yea_o and_o of_o his_o conversion_n be_v infinite_o more_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n than_o to_o man_n 2._o in_o the_o present_a case_n the_o actual_a willing_a to_o repent_v and_o believe_v though_o it_o be_v of_o the_o will_v formal_o as_o its_o act_n yet_o it_o be_v of_o god_n effective_o as_o his_o work_n and_o so_o in_o every_o good_a act_n though_o man_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o willing_a and_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v god_n that_o work_v in_o man_n to_o will_n and_o to_o do._n i_o can_v comprehend_v what_o it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o work_v in_o we_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v more_o than_o to_o be_v the_o total_a cause_n of_o all_o that_o power_n by_o which_o we_o will_v and_o do_v and_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v any_o other_o immediate_a influence_n of_o god_n into_o the_o act_n itself_o than_o that_o which_o be_v into_o the_o agent_n power_n